Japanese cinema holds a special place in the hearts of movie buffs everywhere, and the anticipation for upcoming Japanese films in 2024 is palpable.
Two highly anticipated releases, “City Hunter” and “Evil Does Not Exist,” are on the radar of eager fans. “City Hunter” promises action-packed entertainment, featuring a beloved protagonist who has left a lasting impression since his portrayal by Jackie Chan in a Hong Kong classic.
On the other hand, “Evil Does Not Exist” has garnered critical acclaim on the festival circuit, generating excitement among cinephiles.
One notable aspect of the Japanese film industry is its prolific production of anime content. Anime movies consistently rank among the highest-grossing domestic films in Japan, reflecting the audience’s preference for animated storytelling.
While anime dominates the box office, a few live-action films like “Kingdom 3: The Flame of Destiny” and “Godzilla Minus One” make their mark, showcasing the industry’s diversity.
1) City Hunter
In “City Hunter,” Ryo Saeba, a renowned private eye with unparalleled marksmanship and a reputation as a playboy, finds himself entangled in a thrilling mystery when his partner dies under suspicious circumstances.
Teaming up with his partner’s determined sister, Kaori Makimura, Ryo steps into the dark secrets surrounding his partner’s death.
Directed by Yūichi Satō and featuring a talented cast including Ryohei Suzuki, Misato Morita, Masanobu Ando, and Fumino Kimura, this Japanese Netflix adaptation brings Tsukasa Hojo’s iconic manga to life in a blend of action and intrigue, marking the first live-action rendition of “City Hunter” in Japan.
2) Mononoke: The Movie
In the upcoming film, “Mononoke,” directed by Kenji Nakamura, viewers will be transported to the Edo period in Japan to witness the wonderful exploits of the Medicine Seller, voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya.
Alongside a talented voice cast including Tomoyo Kurosawa, Aoi Yūki, and Mami Koyama, the Medicine Seller travels through demons and malevolent entities, using his unique abilities to exorcise evil forces and aid those in need.
Based on the beloved anime series from 2007, “Mononoke” enthralled audiences with its distinctive artistic style and discovery of societal divides during the Edo period. With the first trailer revealed in August 2023, fans eagerly anticipate the film’s release on July 26th, eager to experience the continuation of this tale.
3) My Oni Girl
In the upcoming Netflix anime film “My Oni Girl,” directed by Tomotaka Shibayama, viewers will experience an extraordinary journey alongside Hiiragi Yatsuse, voiced by Kensho Ono, and the Oni girl Tsumugi, voiced by Miyu Tomita.
Despite his struggles with loneliness, Hiiragi’s life takes a thrilling turn when he encounters Tsumugi, who enlists his help in her quest to find her mother among humans.
As they set out on this adventure together, Hiiragi finds himself immersed in magic and mystery, changing his perspective on life. Produced by Studio Colorido, renowned for their work on the acclaimed anime film “A Whisker Away” (2020), “My Oni Girl” promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Scheduled for simultaneous release in Japanese theaters and on Netflix in all regions on May 24th, this film is set to charm audiences with its enchanting tale of friendship and discovery.
4) Look Back
In the anime film “Look Back,” directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, viewers are introduced to Fujino and Kyomoto, voiced by Yūmi Kawai and Mizuki Yoshida, respectively. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two classmates find common ground in their shared passion for drawing manga panels.
As they head on a journey of self-discovery together, their bond deepens, revealing the transformative power of art.
Based on the one-shot manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of the widely acclaimed “Chainsaw Man” series, “Look Back” talks about themes of friendship, creativity, and personal growth.
Winner of the inaugural Rakuten Kobo E-book Awards in 2023, this film promises to charm audiences with its heartfelt story and visually stunning animation. Don’t miss the debut voice-acting performances of Kawai and Yoshida in this highly anticipated cinematic adaptation, set to be released on June 28th.
5) Confession
In the film directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita, “Confession,” viewers are drawn into a gripping tale of friendship and guilt set against the backdrop of a mountain climbing expedition.
Starring Toma Ikuta as Keisuke Asai and Yang Ik-june as Ryu Ji-Yong, the story unfolds as a tragic accident leads one of them to confess to a long-buried murder.
However, when they seek refuge in a nearby hut, tensions escalate between the confessor and his sole witness, leading to a night filled with suspense and dread.
Adapted from the acclaimed 1998 manga by Nobuyuki Fukumoto and Kaiji Kawaguchi, this marks the first live-action portrayal of the compelling narrative.
Notably, the film introduces a notable change from the source material by featuring one character as Korean, adding a new layer of complexity to the dynamic between the protagonists. Scheduled for release on May 31st, “Confession” promises to grip audiences with its riveting storyline and powerful performances.
6) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
“Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom” catapults viewers into a riveting sequel set in a futuristic universe torn by conflict and political upheaval, following the events of “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” and “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.”
Directed by Mitsuo Fukuda and brought to life by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Sunrise Animation Studio, this action-packed Japanese animated film unfolds one year after the tumultuous events of SEED Destiny.
Against the backdrop of independence movements and the relentless Blue Cosmos invasion, a beacon of hope emerges with the establishment of the peace monitoring organization Compass, spearheaded by Lacus Clyne.
Joining the ranks of Compass are seasoned soldiers like Kira Yamato and his comrades, who head on perilous missions to intervene in conflicts across the globe.
As tensions escalate, the Emerging Countries Foundation proposes a daring joint operation with Compass to confront the formidable Blue Cosmos headquarters, setting the stage for an epic showdown blending themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace.
7) Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie
Directed by Rikiya Imaizumi and starring Mei Nagano, Fumiya Takahashi, and Yōsuke Eguchi, the film set to release on May 31st follows Takagi, now a grown-up, as she reunites with Nishikata, who is now a PE teacher at their school, around 10 years after their middle school adventures.
Takagi, taking on the role of a new trainer, resumes her playful teasing of Nishikata. This movie serves as a continuation of the 2024 live-action series adapted from Sōichirō Yamamoto’s manga of the same name, with Rui Tsukishima and Sōya Kurokawa originally portraying Takagi and Nishikata, respectively.
8) Given: Hiiragi Mix
“Given Hiiragi’s Mix” is a Japanese animated film produced by Lerche and directed by Hikaru Yamaguchi. Based on Natsuki Kizu’s manga “Given,” it continues the story after the events of the first movie, focusing primarily on the relationship between Hiiragi and Shizusumi.
The movie is divided into two parts, with the first part releasing on January 27, 2024, in Japan. Featuring the original cast and staff from the anime adaptation, the film’s theme song, “Super Ultra I Love You,” is performed by Centimilimental.
9) Fureru
“Fureru” is an upcoming Japanese animated film crafted by CloverWorks under the direction of Tatsuyuki Nagai and the penmanship of Mari Okada. Slated for release in Q4 2024, the film talks about the coming-of-age narrative within present-day Tokyo.
It follows a trio of childhood friends who encounter a mysterious creature possessing unusual abilities, catalyzing their journey to unearth the deep-seated bonds intertwining their lives.
In the global arena, Japanese films continue to capture attention. “Godzilla Minus One” shattered box office records in every region, while Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, “The Boy and the Heron,” swept major awards, including the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award for Best Animated Film.