Japan is a place that can appear confusing to outsiders because of its contrasts. One of the best ways to get educated about something is through a film. That is why we bring you some of the most significant Japanese films that will not only entertain you but also make you learn something new. These movies are based on Japanese culture tound erstand Japan a little better. These films will teach you a few things about Japan that most textbooks can’t, from the history to food and culture. Take a look at the top ten Educational Movies of Japanese.
1. Always: Sunset On Third Street
The film is set in imperial Japan, the Showa period 1926-89. You can witness the rebirth of a nation in modern times with this film. The film gives glimpses of the poverty that people lived in through the post-world war period. The film is set in late 1950s Tokyo when Japan’s Economy and renaissance were growing.
2. Bubble Fiction: Boom Or Bust
The movie depicts Japan’s “Bubble era” really well. In the illusion era of discos, the time people of Japan lived as if there was no tomorrow. The plot is centered around a time travel story from 2006 to the 1990s. The movie travels back only a decade, but the differences were massive because of Japan’s Bubble inflation in the former era.
3. Abacus And Sword
The film is set in the final years of the Edo period. The film explores the transformation during the first western-style modernization through the eyes of a samurai and his wife as the mathematician loses his wealth and stature at the dawn of a new period. The film is based on a novel of the same name.
4. Tokyo Story
Tokyo Story is a film directed by Yasujirō Ozu and released in 1953.
Tokyo Story is regarded as one of the greatest Japanese films ever made. Japan is famous for the polite nature of its people and civilized living but there is loneliness looming behind. The story of an elderly couple visiting their children living in the city.
5. Tampopo
Tampopo is based on the story of truck drivers who help a struggling single mother to become the greatest ramen chef in Tokyo. The film goes to lengths if you want to know about Japanese Food and Culture. Tampopo is one of the best movies from Juzo Itami. Perhaps the funniest movie to learn about Japan.
6. Flying Colors
Flying Colors is an exploration of Japan’s incredible competition for
university exams and in the field of academics. The story revolves around a high school girl with poorer grades than elementary school students. The girl meets an outstanding teacher at the cram school and makes it into a highly esteemed Keio University.
7. Mumon
Mumon is set in 16th-century Japan, centered around clashes between the samurai and ninja clans. The film gives glimpses of pre-nationalistic and isolationist Japan. The period where the regional powers of Japan were involved into frequents wars with each other. The story revolves around Mumon, the best shinobi from Iga Province.
8. Honnouji Hotel
The film revolves around the story of a modern woman who accidentally time travels 435 years back in 1582 and meets a warlord who is trying to unify Japan. The film explores the complexity of Japanese culture and society from the 16th century to the modern age. The film also gives glimpses of late 16th-century Kyoto.
9. Tetsuo: The Iron Man
Tetsuo: The Iron Man is a horror film released in 1989. The film explores the merger of sexuality and technology, which has been a dominant topic of conversation in Japan. The movie revolves around the story of a metalfetish hit by a car and turns into a half-human and half-metal monster.
10. Jiro Dreams Of Sushi
Jiro Dreams Of Sushi is a documentary about Japanese chef Jiro Ono, by David Gelb. The film revolves around Jiro Ono, who is considered one of the greatest Sushi chefs in the world. He runs a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant located in a subway station in Tokyo. The film captures food and hard work as the two greatest Japanese Obsessions.
