October 23, 2025

NOW SHOWING: Japanese Film Festival 2025 Manila and Clark Run

The Japan Foundation, Manila proudly announces the return of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2025, also known as EIGASAI, bringing the best of Japanese cinema to audiences across the Philippines.

This year’s festival has already captivated moviegoers in parts of Manila, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao, and is currently delighting audiences in SM City Manila and Clark, Pampanga, celebrating the artistry, diversity, and storytelling excellence of Japanese film.

IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival, Philippines’ Facebook page

Now showing at SM City Manila and SM City Clark from October 17 to October 26, 2025, the festival presents 12 curated films, ranging from beloved classics to critically acclaimed new releases. Best of all, admission is FREE for all screenings.

IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival’s Website

Audiences can step into the human body in a fun and educational way through Cells at Work!, before moving to the energy and spectacle of SHOWTIME 7. Heartwarming drama takes the spotlight in The Boy and the Dog, while lighthearted romance fills the screen with Teasing Master Takagi-san.

IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival’s Website

Anime fans will also rejoice with the return of the sci-fi classic Ghost in the Shell, and lovers of timeless cinema can rediscover Akira Kurosawa’s epic masterpiece Seven Samurai. Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away adds a touch of magical wonder, balanced by the thrilling mecha action of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.

IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival’s Website

Blending history and fantasy, A Samurai in Time brings a unique narrative twist, while Evil Does Not Exist reflects on morality and the complexities of human nature. Nostalgia and reflection take center stage in 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days, and the festival closes with the poignant romance of Love Letter, a film that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. This seamless collection of classics, anime favorites, and new releases ensures that JFF 2025 has something for every film enthusiast.

IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival’s Website

Screening schedules are now up at SM City Manila and SM City Clark! Get ready to catch these Japanese films on the big screen, whether you’re in the heart of the city or up north in Pampanga. Check out the schedules, grab your free tickets, and enjoy an exceptional cinema experience at your nearest SM Cinema!

SM City Manila Screening Schedule / IMAGE from Japan Foundation Manila’s Instagram account

SM City Clark Screening Schedule / IMAGE from Japan Foundation Manila’s Instagram account

Running since 1997, JFF has become one of the country’s most anticipated cultural events, drawing around 40,000 attendees annually with genres spanning drama, anime, romance, mystery, and recent hits.

The Japan Foundation, established in 1972, has championed cultural exchange through arts, language, and dialogue, with the Manila office active for over 29 years, holding fast to its mission of fostering friendship and mutual understanding since 1996.