Fests and festivities are an inseparable part of the culture and its people. They tell you so much about the country and its history. Film-making is the easiest way to understand and showcase the influence of the cultural phenomenon over its people and the place. Japan is a place with such movies that have portrayed its feasts, festivities, and culture really well.
1. Gion Matsuri
Gion Matsuri is a Japan-based film that got released in 1968. Daisuke Ito and Tetsuya Yamanouchi directed the film, and it starred Kinnosuke Nakamura, Toshiro Mifune, Shima Iwashita, Yunosuke Ito, etc. The film’s story revolves around a peasant. He is working as a cloth dryer. He has a dream of reviving the long-banned custom of the Kyoto Gion Festival in Japan amidst the civil war outbreak.
2. The Hidden Fortress
The Hidden Fortress is a Japan-based film that got released in 1958. Akira Kurosawa directed the film series, and it starred Toshiro Mifune, Misa Uehara, Minoru Chiaki, etc. The film perfectly depicts the cultural background of Japan and its festivities.
3. Tampopo
Tampopo is a Japanese film that got released in 1985. Juzo Itami directed the film. And it starred Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Koji, Yakusho, Ken Watanabe,etc. The film portrays the importance and diversity of Japanese cuisine and the essential part the traditional food plays in the country’s food fests and other festivities.
4. Tokyo Story
Tokyo Story is a Japan-based film that got released in 1953. Yasujiro Ozu directed the film, and it starred Setsuko Hara, Chishu Ryu, Kyoko Kagawa, Haruko Sugimura ,etc. The film’s story revolves around the old couple who travel to the city of Tokyo to meet their children, who are all grown up and settled. The film also has a scene where the family can be seen enjoying the festivals together.
5. 13 Assassins
13 Assassins is a Japan-based film that got released in 2011. Takashi Miike directed the film, and it starred Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro In agaki,etc. The film is an action-packed thriller drama, and it portrays the historical background of Japan. It depicts the culture, festivities, and fests of Japan.
6. We Are X
We are X is a Japanese film that got released in 2016. Stephen Kijak directed the film, and it starred Yoshiki, Toshi, Pata, Heath, Sugizo, etc. The film perfectly depicts the musical culture in Japan and the importance of music in their festivities and day- to-day life.
7. Late Spring
Late Spring is a Japan-origin movie that got released in 1949. Yasujiro Ozu directed the film, and its story revolves around an unmarried daughter and her widowed father. The film talks about the concept of remarriages and the reality of settling down. The film has beautifully portrayed Japanese culture and its fests and festivities.
8. Ikiru
Ikiru is a Japanese film that got released in 1952. Akira Kurosawa directed the film,and it starred Takashi Shimura, Miki Odagiri, Kyoko Seki, etc. The film’s story revolves around an old man. He suffers from terminal cancer. He wants to make hisfinal days memorable and meaningful, for which he creates a playground in the slummy neighborhood. In his last days, he remembers the joyful time he spent with his family and son.
9. Hana-Bi
Hana-Bi is a Japanese film that got released in 1997. Takeshi Kitano directed the series, and it starred Ren Osugi, Kayoko Kishimoto, Susumu Terajima, Hakuryu, etc.The film’s plot revolves around a former police detective and his mystical cases. The series showed the essence of Japanese culture and the measure of security they have to impose during the time of fests and festivals.
10. Nobody Knows
Nobody Knows is a Japanese-origin film that got released in 2004. HirokazuKoreeda directed the show, and it starred Yuya Yagira, Kitaura Ayu, Hiei Kimura, etc. The film’s story revolves around a young boy and his siblings.
