The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s 12th annual Toronto Japanese Film Festival will be presented in person from June 8 to 22 at the JCCC’s Kobayashi Hall. The festival has now grown into one of the largest film events of its kind in the world and is recognized by the Japanese film industry as a vital conduit for bringing Japanese film to the world.
TJFF is programmed to reflect the rich diversity of the world’s 4th largest film industry. The festival opens with the International Premiere of Izuri Narushima’s FATHER OF THE MILKY WAY RAILROAD, a star-studded historical biopic of the beloved children’s author Kenji Miyazawa. The festival closes with the North American premiere of Tetsu Maeda’s screwball samurai comedy WE’RE BROKE, MY LORD!
North American and Canadian premieres include Kei Ishikawa’s A MAN, winner of the Japanese Academy Award for Best Film, Lee Sung-Il’s controversial love story WANDERING, Yuji Nakae’s foodie drama THE ZEN DIARY, Ryohei Kitamura’s fantasy THE THREE SISTERS OF TENMASOU INN, Norihiro Koizumi’s Sumi-e brush-painting drama THE LINES THAT DEFINE ME, Masayuki Suzuki’s hilarious love letter to the rituals of the Japanese bath, YUDO. In Takahisa Zeze’s FRAGMENT OF THE LAST WILL, a Japanese POW tries to escape across Siberia to fulfill a sacred promise to his family; Ayuko Tsukahara’s AS LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE combines fantasy, action, and romance in a highly stylized 19th Century Tokyo; Sho Miyake’s award-winning SMALL, SLOW BUT STEADY follows a young female boxer as she trains and fights her way through the pandemic era. In Shunsukle Kariyama’s charming BL METAMORPHOSIS, two women, one 17 years old, the other 78, bond over their love of ”boy’s love” manga.
Anime fans will find much to enjoy in the live-action drama about the anime industry ANIME SUPREMACY; the Canadian premiere of the newest by master Keiichi Hara: LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR and a 4K rerelease of the classic 1993 Japan-India coproduction RAMAYANA: THE LEGEND OF PRINCE RAMA.
Other screenings include Kazuya Shiraishi’s shocking portrait of a mass murderer, LESSON IN MURDER; Shuichi Okita’s quirky comedy THE FISH TALE, Hiroshi Nishitani’s hit crime thriller SILENT PARADE; Eiji Uchida’s comic caper flick OFFBEAT COPS. Japan’s favourite fine arts conmen are back in WE MAKE ANTIQUES! OSAKA DREAMS and actor Teruyuki Kagawa give a bravura central performance as a man with no memories in the artful mystery ROLELESS. TIFF favourite Chie Hayakawa’s tender and devastating inquiry into how we value our seniors, PLAN 75, returns for an encore screening.
As always, the festival includes visiting filmmakers, musical performances, art exhibitions, and great Japanese food.
Tickets go on sale on May 10 at 10:00 am. Five- and ten-film pass buyers receive a special gift from the festival’s founding sponsor, SHISEIDO CANADA. Go to Torontojff.com, call 416-441-2345, or simply come over to the JCCC for tickets and more information.
SINGLE TICKETS: JCCC Members: $11.50 +HST / Non-member $13.27 +HST
5 FILM PASS (100 passes are available): JCCC Members $48.67 +HST / Non-members: $61.95 +HST
10 FILM PASS (100 passes are available): JCCC members: $97.35 +HST / Non-member: $123.89 +HST
Address: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court, Toronto, ON M3C 1Z5
Source: TJFF, jccc.on.ca/films
Film Line-Up:
Opening Film – Father Of The Milky Way Railroad – Synopsis
Born in 1896, novelist and poet of children’s literature Kenji Miyazawa is now one of Japan’s most read and best-loved authors. It was not until after his death at only 33 that his work became widely recognized.
His father Masajiro wants Kenji to take over his pawnshop business but Kenji refuses. Wishing to go his own way by exploring agriculture and Buddhism among other things. Masajiro tries to be a strict father but ends up being supportive. When Toshi, Kenji’s younger sister and the one who understands him the best, becomes ill, Kenji starts to devote himself to writing. Based on the Naoki Prize-winning novel, the film movingly depicts the ultimate love between father and son and the life of a literary genius through the eyes of his father—a powerful and ultimately heartwarming biopic with an all-star cast.
Movie: Father Of The Milky Way Railroad
Length: 128 mins.
Director: Izuru Narushima
Cast: Koji Yakusho, Masaki Suda, Nana Mori
Screening Date: June 8, 2023
Wandering – Synopsis
On a rainy evening, 19-year-old university student Fumi happens across a soaking wet 9-year-old Sarasa in the park. She is separated from her parents and lives with her aunt, but she tells Fumi that she doesn’t want to go home. Fumi offers an umbrella and invites Sarasa to his apartment, where they live together for the next two months. The two lonely souls seem to have finally found a place in the world together until the police arrest him as her kidnapper and presumed abuser. Fifteen years later, the two meet again. However, they both have shouldered too much pain, guilt, and suffering from being labeled a ‘poor victim’ and a ‘dangerous pedophile,’ respectively. The truth of their unconventional relationship that slowly emerges is both shocking and heartbreaking.
Based on Yu Nagira’s best-selling novel, nominated for six Japanese Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
Movie: Wandering
Length: 150 mins.
Director: Sang-il Lee
Cast: Tori Matsuzaka, Suzu Hirose, Ryusei Yokohama, Mikako Tabe
Screening Date: June 9, 2023
As Long As We Both Shall Live – Synopsis
In this fantasy that takes place in a highly-stylized 19th-century restoration era, Miyo is the first daughter of a prestigious family. Her mother dies, her father remarries, and she is raised by an abusive stepmother. When Miyo finally reaches marriageable age, though, her hopes of being whisked away to a better life are dashed as she discovers her fiancé’s identity: Kiyoka, a military commander apparently so cold that his previous would-be brides all fled within days of their engagements. Contrary to her expectations, her new husband is kind-hearted. As romance begins to blossom, mysterious attacks are launched on the capital, and Kiyoka must fight for the city and the woman he loves.
A sumptuous mix of fantasy, action, and romance based on the popular novel, manga, and soon-to-be-released anime film.
Movie: As Long As We Both Shall Live
Length: 115 mins.
Director: Ayuko Tsukahara
Cast: Ren Meguro, Mio Imada
Screening Date: June 10, 2023
Anime Supremacy! – Synopsis
After quitting her job to join an animation production company, Hitomi spends years working her way up the ladder until she finally gets to direct an anime series. However, she has to win the cooperation of stubborn craftsman-like staff to create an anime to her satisfaction. At the same time, the producer is focused on the bottom line and cuts no slack for newbie Hitomi. To add to her troubles, Hitomi’s anime occupies the same time slot as the hotly anticipated new anime from genius director Chiharu. Hitomi feels crushed by the pressure, but the seemingly confident Chiharu also feels the weight of everyone’s expectations. Sparks fly as they head for a showdown! This heartfelt and hilarious comedy-drama about pursuing your dream without compromise provides great insights into how things actually get done in the competitive world of anime.
Movie: Anime Supremacy!
Length: 128 mins.
Director: Kohei Yoshino
Cast: Riho Yoshioka, Tomoya Nakamura, Tasuku Emoto, Machiko Ono
Screening Date: June 10, 2023
Fragment Of The Last Will – Synopsis
It is 1945. The Second World War is approaching its conclusion. Hatao Yamamoto is a linguist stationed in Manchuria with wife Mojimi and their four children. As Soviet forces close in on the city, he decides to send them on the long journey back to Japan, promising to return himself. Hatao is soon captured, and his vow becomes his main source of sustenance as he endures the rigors of life in a Soviet prisoner-of-war camp. Fluent in Russian, Yamamoto is often called on to act as an interpreter., “Don’t give up hope; the day will come when we can go back to Japan.” he constantly encourages his fellow prisoners who are touched by Yamamoto’s selflessness and step up to support him at his time of need. A heart-warming testament to the strength of the human spirit and the love between a husband and wife. Based on a true story. Bring your handkerchiefs.
Movie: Fragment Of The Last Will
Length: 134 mins.
Director: Takahisa Zeze
Cast: Kazunari Ninomiya, Keiko Kitagawa, Tori Matsuzaka, Kento Nakajima, Akira Terao, Kenta Kiritani, Ken Yasuda
Screening Date: June 10, 2023
Lonely Castle In The Mirror – Synopsis
Kokoro is a junior high school girl who is ostracized at school and holes up in her room. The mirror in her room begins to glow, and inside, a fairytale castle unfolds, where she meets six other students. In this new sanctuary, they are confronted with clues leading to a hidden room where one will be granted a wish. More importantly, the castle becomes their safe space where they can go to escape their problems through their newfound friendships and begin to heal from their personal traumas. As time passes, a devastating truth emerges: only those brave enough to share their stories will be saved.
A touching, compelling story adapted from Tsujimura Mizuki’s bestselling Young Adult novel.
Movie: Lonely Castle In The Mirror
Length: 116 mins.
Director:Keiichi Hara
Cast: Voiced by Ami Touma, Takumi Kitamura
Screening Date: June 11, 2023
The Lines That Define Me – Synopsis
Sousuke Aoyama is a university student. His parents died in an accident and he remains unable to overcome his despair over their deaths. While working his part-time job at an exhibition gallery, he encounters sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) and is fascinated by their power and delicate beauty. Standing nearby, sumi-e master Kozan Shinoda notices Sousuke’s fascination with the works and suggests Sousuke become his pupil to learn the art himself. However, Kozan’s niece is dismissive of Sousuke and declares her intention to compete with Sousuke for the “Kozan Award.” Although Sousuke seemed uninterested in painting at first, he gradually becomes drawn to it with each stroke he draws…
A fast-paced and engaging love letter to the art of sumi-e, based on the novel “Sen wa, Boku o Egaku” by Hiromasa Togami.
Movie: The Lines That Define Me
Length: 106 mins.
Director: Norihiro Koizumi
Cast: Ryusei Yokohama, Kaya Kiyohara, Tomokazu Miura, Yosuke Eguchi
Screening Date: June 11, 2023
BL Metamorphosis – Synopsis
This heartwarming film adaptation of Tsurutani Kaori’s popular manga warmly depicts the friendship between two women fifty-eight years apart in age. Urara is a socially awkward 17-year-old high school student who doesn’t have any friends or a boyfriend. Her only enjoyment is secretly reading “boy’s love” manga. She works part-time as a cashier at a bookstore where she meets 78-year-old widow Yuki. Yuki happens to buy a BL manga due to its eye pleasing cover and is soon a fan of the manga genre. Based on their common interest, a friendship between Urara and Yuki blossoms and they decide to take on a challenge. A charming and lighthearted tale of a unique female friendship.
Movie: BL Metamorphosis
Length: 118 mins.
Director: Shunsuke Kariyama
Cast: Mana Ashida, Nobuko Miyamoto, Kyohei Takahashi, Kotone Furukawa
Screening Date: June 11, 2023
Offbeat Cops – Synopsis
Naruse, a workaholic detective working on homicide cases, is strict with his subordinates and violent in his detection. Having pushed his bosses too far too many times, he finds himself shunted off to the PR department’s struggling brass band, which is on the brink of closure. Though reluctant at first, Naruse discovers the joy of making music with his workmates and starts to inspire them to do a better performances. He soon finds his own beat – as a drummer – and a chance for professional redemption.
This heartwarming comedic caper and a chronicle of failure and second chances centers on a charismatic performance from Hiroshi Abe.
Movie: Offbeat Cops
Length: 119 mins.
Director: Eiji Uchida
Cast: Hiroshi Abe, Nana Seino, Hayato Isomura, Mitsuko Baisho
Screening Date: June 12, 2023
Small, Slow But Steady – Synopsis
Keiko, a hearing-impaired young woman, has big dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Driven more by passion than ability, she trains at an aging boxing gym threatened with the prospect of closure. She looks up to the ailing gym owner as a father figure, who is a key pillar of support for her. Immersed in a routine of training and her work as a cleaner in a hotel, the subdued Keiko gently rides the rhythms of life inside and outside the boxing ring. After winning two difficult matches, she faces her third with growing unease as her world gradually dissolves around her. Keiko must understand the true nature of her strength and will to fight in order to carry on. A gentle, meditative exploration of human fragility and solitude built around a career-best performance from Kishii. Inspired by Keiko Ogasawara’s autobiography and Winner of the Kinema Junpo Awards for Best Film and Best Female Performance.
Movie: Small, Slow But Steady
Length: 99 mins.
Director: Sho Miyake
Cast: Yukino Kishii, Tomokazu Miura, Masaki Miura, Shinichiro Matsuura
Screening Date: June 13, 2023
Silent Parade – Synopsis
Yukawa is a brilliant physicist who helps the police crack unsolved cold cases using his scientific theories and unique methods of deduction. Returning to Japan from America, he meets Detective Utsumi to discuss the case of a high school girl who has been missing for several years when her body is discovered. Detective Utsumi identifies the primary suspect as a man previously acquitted of murdering a young girl in a case led by Professor Yukawa’s best friend, Senior Detective Kusanagi. The suspect maintains his silence and is released due to insufficient evidence. To exacerbate matters, the suspect returns to the high school girl’s hometown, creating an air of unease among its residents. On the day of the summer festival, another incident occurs, presenting yet another challenging case… A box-office smash based on Keigo Higashino’s popular series of novels featuring a stellar cast.
Movie: Silent Parade
Length: 130 mins.
Director: Hiroshi Nishitani
Cast: Masaharu Fukuyama, Ko Shibasaki, Kazuki Kitamura
Screening Date: June 14, 2023
A Man – Synopsis
Adapted from Keiichiro Hirano’s novel, this searing investigation into the themes of identity and the nature of happiness won the Japanese Academy Awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Actress.
After a divorce and the death of her youngest child, Rie moves to rural Japan and remains cautious about the possibility of another relationship until she meets the gentle Daisuke. But Rie’s second chance at happiness is abruptly interrupted when Daisuke dies in an accident. At the memorial service, Daisuke’s estranged brother Kyoichi enters, sees a photo of the deceased, and declares, “This is not Daisuke.” Rie contacts attorney Kido to pursue of the identity of the man who had lived his life as a different person. Kido’s investigation leads to a shocking truth.
Movie: A Man
Length: 121 mins.
Director: Kei Ishikawa
Cast: Satoshi Tsumabuki, Sakura Ando, Masataka Kubota, Nana Seino
Screening Date: June 15, 2023
Yudo – Synopsis
In this light-hearted celebration of Japanese bathing culture, two estranged brothers inherit Marukin Hot Springs, a small-town bathhouse. Goro sees it as an homage to their late father; the other – struggling architect Shiro – envisions a lucrative real estate opportunity for a condo project. When Goro is hospitalized after an accident at the bathhouse, Shiro has to take the operation over temporarily. There he meets an eclectic collection of townsfolk who impart the value of the o-furo. They include an early morning songstress, the gaijin who must prove worthy to his father-in-law, a snobbish onsen critic, and an eccentric “bath hermit” whose wild beard and eyebrows hide a deeper knowledge of the way of the bath. Funny, heartfelt and occasionally surreal, it proves we are all equal in the bath!
Movie: Yudo
Length: 126 mins.
Director: Masayuki Suzuki
Cast: Toma Ikuta, Gaku Hamada, Kanna Hashimoto, Fumiyo Kohinata, Akira Emoto
Screening Date: June 16, 2023
The Three Sisters Of Tenmasou – Synopsis
Tenmasou is a long-established traditional-style inn atop a mountain overlooking the sea, in a town called Mitsuse. It exists as a way station between earth and heaven where guests decide whether to return to the world of the living, where they are in a coma from an accident or illness, or move on to the next realm, where they will be reborn. The inn is run by Nozomi, her younger sister Kanae and their mother Keiko, the inn’s elderly proprietress, who is still resentful of her ex-husband, who deserted the family. One day, their half-sister Tamae’s soul comes to stay and this exceptional young woman changes the lives of the family and guests at the inn.
Based on a popular manga by Tsutomu Takahashi and featuring a stellar cast, the film is a huge swooning fantasy on the nature of love and loss.
Movie: The Three Sisters Of Tenmasou
Length: 150 mins.
Director: Ryohei Kitamura
Cast: Non, Mugi Kadowaki, Yuko Oshima, Shinobu Terajima, Kengo Kora, Masatoshi Nagase, Ko Shibasaki
Screening Date: June 17, 2023
Roleless – Synopsis
Miyamatsu divides his modest life between jobs as a cable car operator and an extra in Japanese gangster and samurai films. With no family, friends, or memories of the past, he sleepwalks through life. Through a chance meeting, he is confronted with a different life – his own. His true name is Yamashita. He has a sister and a history he decides to investigate.
A quiet, consistently surprising and artful film with a superb central performance from Kagawa.
Movie: Roleless
Length: 85 mins.
Director: Masahiko Sato, Yutaro Seki, Kentaro Hirase
Cast: Teruyuki Kagawa, Kanji Tsuda, Noriko Nakagoshi
Screening Date: June 17, 2023
The Zen Diary – Synopsis
Tsutomu lives alone in the mountains, writing essays and cooking food with fruits and vegetables he grows and mushrooms he picks in the hills. His routine is happily disturbed when Machiko, his editor/love interest, occasionally visits. She loves to eat, and he loves to cook for her. Tsutomu seems content with his daily life; however, he remains unable to bury his dead wife’s ashes in a grave. His wife died 13 years ago…
Adapted from Tsutomu Mizukami’s book, this gentle, thoughtful drama considers the importance of aligning one’s life with the natural world’s flavors and rhythms.
Movie: The Zen Diary
Length: 111 mins.
Director: Yuji Nakae
Cast: Kenji Sawada, Takako Matsu
Screening Date: June 17, 2023
Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama – Synopsis
This legendary Japan-India co-production tells the epic tale of the Hindu god Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
The film follows the journey of Rama, his brother Lakshmana, and the monkey warrior Hanuman as they battle powerful demons and face difficult challenges in order to save Sita and restore peace to the world. With stunning visuals and a captivating story that has been cherished for generations, this new 4K Digital re-master of the timeless tale will enchant audiences of all ages—winner of the Best Animation Feature at Santa Clarita International Film Festival 2020.
Movie: Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama
Length: 135 mins.
Director: Yugo Sako, Kouichi Sasaki, Ram Mohan
Cast: Jane Alan、Catherine Battistone、Richard Cansino
Screening Date: June 18, 2023
We Make Antiques! Osaka Dreams – Synopsis
Japan’s favourite fine-arts conmen – antique dealer Norio and potter Sasuke – are back so get ready to laugh! Legend tells us there is a set of seven lucky charms that encouraged the success of Hideyoshi, the 16th century ruler of Japan in Osaka. Norio is asked to find the last missing charm, the tea bowl named Houou. But it is also being pursued by another dubious art foundation that is making a fortune with an artist TAIKOH and his spiritual arts. Norio, Sasuke and their close-knit team of skilled forgers team up again to bring the dream treasure into reality and outwit the villains.
Nakai and Sasaki bring their great comic timing to another great yarn about the Japanese art world.
Movie: We Make Antiques! Osaka Dreams
Length: 122 mins.
Director: Masaharu Take
Cast: Kiichi Nakai, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Shota Yasuda, Yuri Nakamura
Screening Date: June 18, 2023
Lesson In Murder – Synopsis
A seductive thriller about a diabolical serial killer on death row who contacts a young law student for help. Former baker Haimura has been sentenced to die for nine horrific murders over a seven-year period, yet refuses to confess to the ninth murder, the sole adult victim and the only one who nearly got away. Accepting Haimura’s request to find the true killer, Masaya begins to investigate the last of the murders. As he dives deep into the criminal mind, a shocking truth is revealed, which proves to be nauseating. Filled with shocking twists, unbearable tension, and an unforgettably chilling lead performance from Abe.
Movie: Lesson In Murder
Length: 128 mins.
Director: Kazuya Shiraishi
Cast: Sadao Abe, Kenshi Okada, Takanori Iwata, Miho Nakayama
Screening Date: June 18, 2023
The Fish Tale – Synopsis
Meebo has a life-long obsession with sea creatures, spending school days reading a fish encyclopedia, visiting the local aquarium octopus, and drawing detailed crustaceans instead of paying attention in class. Meebo dedicates his life to becoming a “fish expert” and drifts from failed job to failed job (at a sea park, at a sushi bar), struggling to figure out how to build a career around his passion. Meebo has an incredibly life-affirming spirit and is ready to share his optimism.
Loosely based on the life of celebrity marine biologist Sakana-kun, this gentle fish-a-holic comedy-drama is “an instant cult favorite. It’s sure to charm the pants off just about everybody who encounters it” – thereelbits.com. Non was nominated for the Japanese Academy Award for her role.
Movie: The Fish Tale
Length: 139 mins.
Director: Shuichi Okita
Cast: Non, Yuya Yagira, Kaho, Hayato Isomura, Amane Okayama
Screening Date: June 19, 2023
Plan 75 – Synopsis
With nearly one-third of Japan’s population over the age of 65 and the lowest birth rates in the world, the country faces a historic economic and healthcare crisis. In response, the government created Plan 75, where senior citizens over 75 are encouraged to voluntarily euthanize themselves for the benefit of younger generations. Soon government facilities are crowded with seniors like Michi, a 78-year-old cleaning lady with a precarious living situation who, for ¥100,000, will be put to death. Bureaucrats like Hiromu and immigrant worker Maria both benefit professionally from the system, but beneath the surface, everyone is left questioning the morality of it all. This thoughtful, beautifully acted inquiry into how we value our seniors won Caméra d’Or Special Mention Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Movie: Plan 75
Length: 112 mins.
Director: Chie Hayakawa
Cast: Chieko Baisho, Hayato Isomura, Stefanie Arianne, Yuumi Kawai, Taka Takao
Screening Date: June 20, 2023
We’re Broke, My Lord! – Synopsis
Based on Jiro Asada’s seminal historical fiction novel Daimyo Tousan, this samurai comedy-drama follows a peaceful young man and his salmon-dealing father. But the son’s life is turned upside-down when he discovers he is the descendant of a shogun and heir to what appears to be a fortune. However, he is faced with a costly dilemma on discovering the title comes with a debt of ¥10 billion. Can he raise the money? Can he declare bankruptcy? Will he be forced to commit hara-kiri?
A light-hearted, fast-paced slice of screw-ball samurai entertainment with sumptuous costuming and an all-star cast.
Movie: We’re Broke, My Lord!
Length: 120 mins.
Director: Tetsu Maeda
Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Hana Sugisaki, Kenichi Matsuyama
Screening Date: June 22, 2023