Japanese Film Festival 2026 Celebrates 20 Years of Japanese Cinema This October
Japanese cinema returns to the big screen this October as the Japanese Film Festival (JFF), popularly known as Eigasai, celebrates its 20th anniversary in the Philippines. From October 1 to November 29, 2026, the festival will bring Japanese films to audiences across the country, offering an opportunity to discover Japan’s culture, traditions, and storytelling through cinema.
IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival, Philippines’ Facebook page
Organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila, the 2026 edition also marks two significant milestones: the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines and the 30th anniversary of the Japan Foundation, Manila.
With the theme “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.,” this year’s festival celebrates the films, traditions, memories, and shared human experiences that connect people across generations and borders. Since its launch in 1997, Eigasai has introduced Filipino audiences to a wide range of Japanese films, from drama and romance to animation and mystery.
The festival will take place across six cities and eight venues nationwide, with screenings in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, the festival aims to bring Japanese cinema to more audiences across the Philippines.
IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival, Philippines’ Facebook page
This year’s selection features 16 films, bringing together contemporary Japanese cinema, beloved classics, animation, and traditional performing arts.
Opening the festival is Kokuho (National Treasure), directed by Lee Sang-il. Set in the world of Kabuki, the film explores ambition, friendship, rivalry, family, and sacrifice. Following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film received multiple honors at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize, including Picture of the Year and Director of the Year.
IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival, Philippines’ Facebook page
The lineup also includes Lee Sang-il’s Hula Girls, Akira Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood, Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Under Ninja starring Kento Yamazaki, and Yoji Yamada’s Tokyo Taxi. Audiences can also look forward to Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence 4K Restoration, offering an opportunity to experience Japanese animation on the big screen.
Beyond its film screenings, JFF 2026 will introduce audiences to the world of Kabuki through Cinema Kabuki, which brings traditional Japanese theater performances to cinemas.
The festival’s opening weekend will feature Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions), alongside a Kabuki Costume Dressing Demonstration on October 2 and a Kumadori Body-Painting Experience on October 3.
IMAGE from Japanese Film Festival, Philippines’ Facebook page
Another highlight is Nausicaä Day on November 28, featuring a special screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, followed by a two-part Cinema Kabuki adaptation of the story. The presentation offers audiences a chance to experience the world of Nausicaä through both animation and traditional Japanese stage performance.
Meanwhile, the special program “Journey through Japan on Screen in Manila 2026,” scheduled for November 21–22, will showcase international co-production films, including Jaime Pacena II’s Kono Basho and Chie Hayakawa’s Renoir, alongside School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno and the anime film You, Fireworks, and Our Promise.
Selected screenings will also feature talkback sessions with directors and producers, giving audiences an opportunity to learn more about the creative process behind the films. Festivalgoers can also participate in special activities and promotional campaigns for a chance to receive freebies and exclusive JFF 2026 merchandise.
For the complete screening schedules, participating venues, ticketing guidelines, and details on special events, visit the official Japanese Film Festival Philippines website or follow the festival’s official Facebook page.
