Pro gram Canberra Brisbane Perth Adelaide
17–21 Oct 24–28 Oct 31 Oct–04 Nov 09–11 Nov
About Welcome to the 22nd Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia! The world of cinema is more dynamic than ever before. There is even greater demand for interesting stories and there is no shortage of filmmaking talent. Recent events have also led to a push for diverse content and representation on the big screen. Every year, the JFF team showcases the best of Japanese cinema, combining international film festival favourites, huge Japanese box office hits and little-known indie gems. However, this year, we’re also featuring our most diverse program yet. When you sit down in the cinema, maybe you’ll spend the next few hours with a half-Japanese man piecing together his cultural identity, a Korean-Japanese family weathering life’s challenges in postwar Japan, or an actress-turnedhousewife who finds her second chance at acting, thanks to a zombie film. No matter which film you pick, you’re sure to meet interesting characters at JFF 2018!
Partners Presented by
Premium Partners
Major Partners
Cultural Partners
Government Partners
Japanese Film Festival Programmers Ayusa Koshi, Jessica Chow, Alison Groves and Margarett Cortez Assisted by
Embassy of Japan in Australia Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne Consulate-General of Japan in Perth Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney
Venue Partners
Susan Bui, Aurora Newton and Ellen Reiter
JFF is part of the Japanese Film Festival Asia Pacific Gateway.
Media Partners
@japanesefilmfest @japanfilmfest #jffau2018 japanesefilmfestival.net Local Partners Design kevinvo.com.au
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A-Z Guide to JFF 2018 Films Chihayafuru Musubi
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Color Me True
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ちはやふる 結び Chihaya and her friends are determined to win the National Karuta Championships, but they also have to live their youth like every other high schooler.
今夜、ロマンス劇場で From the director of Thermae Romae comes a charming love story set in the magical world of 60s filmmaking. Starring Ayase Haruka and Kentaro Sakaguchi.
DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura
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DESTINY 鎌倉ものがたり
Akiko’s bizarre newly-wed life begins in a Kamakura she never knew existed—a vibrant town where humans live alongside friendly ghosts, goblins and other magical creatures.
Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter
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名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌 Whiz kid detective, Conan, races against time to solve crime at a karuta card tournament in this explosive adventure anime.
MIXED DOUBLES
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ミックス。 They say that sports is a good distraction for the brokenhearted but not if you’re a table tennis prodigy—sports is the best form of revenge! Starring Yui Aragaki, Eita, and Ryoko Hirosue.
友罪 A slow burn thriller told through the lens of a juvenile murder case, this powerful human drama paints a portrait of society and its implicit biases against granting atonement.
My Friend ‘A’
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孤狼の血 This stylish cop thriller is set in 1980s Hiroshima at the brink of a bloody turf war between three yakuza families. Starring a powerhouse cast led by Koji Yakusho and Tori Matsuzaka.
The Blood of Wolves
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One Cut of the Dead
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カメラを止めるな！ Forget serious, world-ending zombie films and trust us, this genre-defying comedy is the most fun you’ll have at the cinemas.
The Crimes That Bind
祈りの幕が下りる時 Hiroshi Abe and Nanako Matsushima star in an adaptation of mystery writer Keigo Higashino’s novel of the same title.
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Rainbow Days
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
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We Make Antiques!
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Yakiniku Dragon
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虹色デイズ Discover the charms of Japanese high school life in this perfect mix of daydreams, reality and coming of age drama.
Ramen Shop
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09
ラーメン・テー Directed by Eric Khoo, travel with ramen chef Masato from Japan to Singapore as he pieces together his memories— and family—through food.
Tampopo
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タンポポ The universally loved ramen western returns to the big screen in digitally remastered 4k. A must see film for foodies and classic cinema fans alike.
The 8-Year Engagement
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8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話 A refreshingly honest love story that is equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Based on the true story of Mai and Hisashi Nakahara.
旅猫リポート A touching story about the bonds between a cat and his human. Based on the international best-selling novel by Hiro Arikawa.
嘘八百 An honest antique dealer and jaded ceramicist join forces to pull off the greatest swindle in the world of Japanese antiques.
焼肉ドラゴン From their ramshackle yakiniku restaurant, a Korean family endures the hardships of their migrant experience in 1970s Japan.
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Opening Film
DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura
MIXED DOUBLES
DESTINY 鎌倉ものがたり
ミックス。
Director: Takashi Yamazaki 2017 129mins Screening: All cities
Director: Junichi Ishikawa 2017 119mins Screening: All cities
Suitable for ages 12+
Suitable for ages 12+
Akiko’s bizarre newly-wed life begins in magical Kamakura
There are no losers in the game of life
Unbeknownst to outsiders, Kamakura is a magical town where fantastical creatures live alongside humans. Akiko is a cheerful publishing assistant who moves into the neighbourhood to live with her new husband, mystery writer Masakazu. After several surprising incidences, Akiko begins to embrace the new curiosities surrounding her. However, a trifling incident sweeps her spirit out of her body and into the underworld!
© 2017 “Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura” Film Partners
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Closing Film
FANTASY
After a childhood spent rigorously training for table tennis, Tamako is set free to live a normal life. She graduates from school, joins the workforce and finds “marriage-material boyfriend”, Eijima, the hottest table tennis player in Japan. Eijima doesn’t know of her past as a star athlete and only sees her as a dutiful girlfriend. But romance is a game that Tamako hasn’t mastered and Ejima ends up cheating on her. What’s an ex-table tennis prodigy to do? Easy! Assemble her own team of ace players and destroy Ejima at the national championships.
© 2017 “MIXED DOUBLES” Film Partners
COMEDY
One Cut of the Dead
We Make Antiques!
カメラを止めるな！
嘘八百
Director: Shinichiro Ueda 2017 96mins Screening: Brisbane, Perth
Director: Masaharu Take 2018 105mins Screening: Brisbane, Canberra, Perth
Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult
Suitable for ages 12+
A zombie film gone wrong in all the right ways
An antique dealer and a ceramicist walk into a sushi bar...
It all starts in an abandoned warehouse where a film crew are shooting a zombie film. Before they could even get a good take, real zombies descend on them and cause bloody chaos! This may sound like a clichéd zombie film, but One Cut of the Dead is something completely different. Starting off with a one-take 37-minute opening shot, the film completely switches direction and turns into a charming, sometimes side-splittingly hilarious comedy!
Antique dealer Norio has seen the worst, from badly-made fakes to cleverly fabricated documents. Some may call him an opportunist, but he’s just a man trying to make an honest living in the shady world of antiques. When he meets a talented ceramicist named Sasuke, it occurs to him that combining their skills can lead to greater things. Maybe, just maybe, they can pull off the greatest swindle in the world of Japanese antiques.
20 th Udine Far East Film Festival Official Selection 22nd Fantasia International Film Festival - Special Jury Award © Enbu Seminar
COMEDY
37th Hawaii International Film Festival Spring Showcase
© 2018 “We Make Antiques!” Film Partners
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Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter
My Friend ‘A’
名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌
友罪
Director: Kobun Shizuno 2017 112mins Screening: All cities
Director: Takahisa Zeze 2018 129mins Screening: Brisbane
Suitable for ages 12+
Strictly 18+
Race against Conan to find the culprit in the new instalment of this well-loved anime franchise
A slow burn thriller that tells a powerful story of regret and redemption
An explosion brings down a broadcasting station during the filming of the Satsuki Cup, a tournament featuring the competitive traditional card game karuta. Caught in the bombing, young detective Conan helps childhood sweethearts Heiji and Kazuha make a narrow escape. Meanwhile, the reigning Satsuki Cup champion has been found murdered in his Kyoto residence. As if there wasn’t enough happening, karuta player Momiji appears unannounced and declares that Heiji is her fiancé?!
© 2017 GOSHO AOYAMA/ DETECTIVE CONAN COMMITTEE All Rights Reserved
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ANIME
Journalist Masuda (Toma Ikuta) quits when a scandalous exposé he wrote causes a fatality. Escaping his unwanted past, he starts anew in a small, nondescript town and befriends the quiet Suzuki who reminds him of his childhood best friend. However, Masuda’s intuition tells him that Suzuki is hiding a darker past. When a juvenile murder case springs up nearby, Masuda’s journalistic instinct kicks in and he starts investigating. But all clues lead to his new friend, Suzuki. 21st Shanghai International Film Festival - Official Selection 54th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival - Official Selection © Gaku Yakumaru/SHUEISHA © 2018 “My Friend ‘A’” Film Partners
CRIME & SUSPENSE
The Blood of Wolves
The Crimes That Bind
孤狼の血
祈りの幕が下りる時
Director: Kazuya Shiraishi 2018 126mins Screening: Brisbane, Canberra, Perth
Director: Katsuo Fukuzawa 2018 119mins Screening: Canberra, Brisbane, Perth
Strictly 18+
Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult
A stylish cop thriller set in 1980s Hiroshima at the brink of a yakuza turf war
Hiroshi Abe stars in an adaptation of mystery writer Keigo Higashino’s novel of the same title
Detective Ogami (Koji Yakusho) is an old school cop notorious for cutting deals with yakuza to solve cases. His rookie partner, Hioka, has his reservations—an elite grad from the Police Academy, he’s a straight arrow who would rather arrest gangsters than befriend them. Dragged from one yakuza lair to another, Hioka realises that Ogami is deftly navigating a complex ecosystem that could explode into a fullblown turf war at any time. 65th Sydney Film Festival Official Selection 17th New York Asian Film Festival Official Selection © 2018 THE BLOOD OF WOLVES Production Committee
CRIME & SUSPENSE
A woman from Shiga prefecture is found strangled to death in a Tokyo apartment belonging to a labourer named Mutsuo Koshikawa. However, police investigations hit a brick wall when they fail to find any links between the two. Enter Kyoichiro Kaga, a peculiar detective called on to solve mysterious cases. His investigation leads him to Hiromi Asai, a celebrity theatre director whose glamourous world seems far removed from the case. Just how strongly can a slim thread bind people’s fates together?
© 2018 The Crimes That Bind Film Production Committee © Keigo Higashino/KODANSHA All Rights Reserved.
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The Travelling Cat Chronicles
Yakiniku Dragon
旅猫リポート
焼肉ドラゴン
Director: Koichiro Miki 2018 118mins Screening: Brisbane
Director: Wishing Chong 2018 126mins Screening: All cities
Suitable for ages 12+ (Contains mild themes of death)
Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult
A touching story about the bonds between a cat and his human
Charred by the outside world, tender at heart
Aloof and often cynical, Nana used to live the rough life of a stray cat. After an almost fatal accident, he is rescued by a kindhearted young man, Satoru. Nana starts living with his new cat servant, but the good times don’t last and they must find a new home for him. They travel around Japan to find a new home for Nana, reconnecting with Satoru’s old friends and learning about his past along the way. Adapted from Hiro Arikawa’s international best-selling novel.
From their ramshackle yakiniku restaurant, a Korean family endure the hardships of their migrant experience in 1970s Japan. The industrious and resilient spirit of immigrant parents, the romantic rivalry and companionship of three sisters, and the struggle of their bullied younger brother, tells a complex story of acceptance and identity set in postwar Japan. Originally an award-winning stage play by Wishing Chong, Yakiniku Dragon’s film adaptation features Yoko Maki, Mao Inoue, Kim Sang-Ho and Yo Oizumi. 19 th Jeonju International Film Festival - Opening Film
© “The Travelling Cat Chronicles” Film Partners ©A/K
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DRAMA
© 2018 “YAKINIKU DRAGON” Film Partners
PERIOD DRAMA
Ramen Shop
Tampopo
ラーメン・テー
タンポポ
Director: Eric Khoo 2018 90mins Screening: Brisbane, Perth
Director: Juzo Itami 1985 115mins Screening: All cities
Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult
M
From Japan to Singapore, connecting memories—and family—through food
The universally loved ramen western returns to the big screen in digitally remastered 4k
Masato, a ramen chef from Takasaki, was born to a Japanese father and a Singaporean mother. Prompted by his emotionally-distant father’s death, he embarks on a culinary journey to Singapore to piece together his family’s story. Armed with vague childhood memories and his late mother’s diary, can he uncover more than just delicious recipes?
An enigmatic ramen connoisseur helps a ramen-making widow, Tampopo, on her quest for the perfect recipe. But this much loved film steps beyond being just a foodie’s film, it’s about everything—culture, politics, social order, and family and belonging. It serves up a savoury broth of culinary adventure, seasoned with offbeat comedy and sensuous romance. Sweet, sexy, surreal, and mouthwatering—Tampopo is about living life to the fullest.
In Japanese, English, Mandarin, Cantonese with English subtitles. 68th Berlin International Film Festival - Official Selection
© Zhao Wei Films, Wild Orange Artists, Version Originale, Comme des Cinémas
FOODIE
© 1985 Itami Productions
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Color Me True
The 8-Year Engagement
今夜、ロマンス劇場で
8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話
Director: Hideki Takeuchi 2018 108mins Screening: All cities
Director: Takahisa Zeze 2017 119mins Screening: All cities
A charming love story set in the magical world of 60s filmmaking
An against all-odds romance based on the true story of Mai and Hisashi Nakahara
Aspiring director Kenji (Kentaro Sakaguchi) is smitten with the star of his favourite retro film, a beautiful but stubborn heroine called Princess Miyuki (Haruka Ayase). He yearns for the princess from the bygone era of black and white cinema, and spends his evenings replaying the film just to see her face. Through a strange twist of fate, Miyuki bursts forth from the silver screen and joins a bewildered Kenji in his world filled with colour—and she’s even feistier off-screen!
This beautiful love story starts when Mai and Hisashi (Takeru Sato) meet at a gokon (group blind date). Polar opposites, Mai is bubbly and headstrong, while Hisashi is quiet and considerate. But opposites do attract—they naturally fall in love and eventually get engaged. However, Mai is suddenly struck down with a rare disease that sends her into a coma. Despite her slim chances of survival, Hisashi refuses to leave her side.
Suitable for all ages
Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult
20 th Udine Far East Film Festival Official Selection
© 2018 “COLOR ME TRUE” Film Partners
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ROMANCE
© 2017 “The 8-Year Engagement” Film Partners
Chihayafuru Musubi
Rainbow Days
ちはやふる 結び
虹色デイズ
Director: Norihiro Koizumi 2018 127mins Screening: All cities
Director: Ken Iizuka 2018 109mins Screening: Brisbane, Perth
Suitable for all ages
Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult
Not just a game, karuta contains the answers to life’s greatest questions
Youth only comes around once
Chihaya and her friends are in their final year of high school, which means they have one last chance to win the nationa karuta championships, a fastpaced and physically demanding card game based on classic poetry. Just because they’re busy training for the games, they’re not excused from real life. Like other teens, they have to deal with homeworks, exams, friendships and the occasional heartbreak.
© 2018 “Chihayafuru” Film Partners © Yuki Suetsugu / KODANSHA LTD.
YOUTH
Discover the charms of Japanese high school life in this perfect mix of daydreams, reality and coming of age drama. Rainbow Days follows the lives of four high school friends—Natchan, the hopeless romantic; Mattsun, the narcissistic playboy; Tsuyopon, the studious otaku; and Kei-chan, the cheerful one with questionable hobbies. Homeworks and exams aside, they’re determined to live the best years of their lives.
© 2018 “Rainbow Days” Film Partners © Minami Mizuno/Shueisha.
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Venues and Ticketing Festival Dates and Venues Canberra
Brisbane
Perth
Adelaide
17–21 October
24–28 October
31 October – 04 November
9–11 November
Dendy, Canberra Centre
Event Cinemas Brisbane City
Event Cinemas Innaloo
GU Filmhouse Adelaide
148 Bunda St Box office open 9:30am-10pm (02) 6221 8900
Level 3 Myer Centre Elizabeth St
Box office open 10am-10pm (07) 3027 9999
Ticket Prices $18.50 $16.50
Concession
$75
†
Group Bookings (10+)
†
$14
Box office open 1pm-9.30pm (08) 8210 6000
Save money when you book 5 tickets in one transaction. Share with friends or mix and match film sessions for yourself.* †
Excludes Opening Film and Special Events. Available only via box office and all sessions/ tickets must be purchased in one transaction.
Buy your tickets
Festival enquiries
Online japanesefilmfestival.net
The Japan Foundation, Sydney (02) 8239 0055
(Booking fees apply)
Box Office
Please call the box office first to confirm if tickets are on sale
The JFF also tours:
Sydney 15-25 November Melbourne 22 November - 2 December
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Box office open 10am-10pm (08) 9446 8222
128 Hindley St
Save with a 5 Film pass!
Adult 5 Film Pass*
57 Liege St Innaloo
Dendy, Canberra Centre
Canberra 17–21 October Date
Time
English Title
Japanese Title
Genre
17 Oct
Wed 18:15
DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura
DESTINY 鎌倉ものがたり
FANTASY
18 Oct
Thu 18:30
The Crimes That Bind
祈りの幕が下りる時
CRIME & SUSPENSE
19 Oct
Fri
The 8-Year Engagement
8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話
18:00 21:00
The Blood of Wolves
孤狼の血
20 Oct
Sat 12:00
Chihayafuru Musubi
ちはやふる 結び
20 Oct
Sat 18:00
Color Me True
今夜、ロマンス劇場で
19 Oct
20 Oct 20 Oct
Fri
Sat 14:30 Sat 20:00
21 Oct
Sun 12:00
21 Oct
Sun 18:00
21 Oct
Sun 14:15
We Make Antiques! Tampopo
Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter
Yakiniku Dragon
MIXED DOUBLES
ROMANCE CRIME & SUSPENSE
YOUTH
嘘八百
COMEDY
タンポポ
FOODIE
名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌
ROMANCE
ANIME
焼肉ドラゴン
PERIOD DRAMA
ミックス。
COMEDY
GU Filmhouse Hindley St
Adelaide 9–11 November Date
Time
English Title
Japanese Title
Genre
09 Nov
Fri 18:30
DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura
DESTINY 鎌倉ものがたり
FANTASY
10 Nov
Sat 13:00
Chihayafuru Musubi The 8-Year Engagement
ちはやふる 結び
YOUTH
10 Nov
Sat 15:30 Sat 18:00
Tampopo
焼肉ドラゴン
Sat 20:45
Yakiniku Dragon
PERIOD DRAMA
10 Nov 10 Nov 11 Nov
Sun 14:00
11 Nov
Sun 18:45
11 Nov
Sun 16:15
OPENING / CLOSING
Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter
Color Me True
MIXED DOUBLES
8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話 タンポポ
ROMANCE
FOODIE
名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌
ANIME
ミックス。
COMEDY
今夜、ロマンス劇場で
ROMANCE
All films are in Japanese with English subtitles.
Schedules may be subject to change. For the most updated schedule, visit japanesefilmfestival.net
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Event Cinemas Brisbane City Myer Centre
Brisbane 24–28 October Date
Time
English Title
Japanese Title
Genre FANTASY
24 Oct
Wed 19:00
DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura
DESTINY 鎌倉ものがたり
25 Oct
Thu
18:00
The Crimes That Bind
祈りの幕が下りる時
20:30
Color Me True
今夜、ロマンス劇場で
26 Oct
Fri
18:00
Chihayafuru Musubi The 8-Year Engagement
Fri
20:45
The Blood of Wolves
8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話
26 Oct
20:30
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
25 Oct
26 Oct
Thu
Fri
ちはやふる 結び 孤狼の血
CRIME & SUSPENSE
ROMANCE YOUTH
ROMANCE CRIME & SUSPENSE
27 Oct
Sat
11:15
旅猫リポート
DRAMA
13:45
Rainbow Days
虹色デイズ
Sat
16:00 16:15
Chihayafuru Musubi
Tampopo
ちはやふる 結び
YOUTH
27 Oct
タンポポ
27 Oct
Sat
18:30
27 Oct
27 Oct 27 Oct
Sat Sat
YOUTH
FOODIE
Color Me True
今夜、ロマンス劇場で
18:30
Sat
20:30
One Cut of the Dead My Friend ‘A’
カメラを止めるな！ 友罪
28 Oct
Sun
10:30
The 8-Year Engagement
12:15
Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter
8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話
ROMANCE
Sun
28 Oct
Sun
12:50
We Make Antiques!
嘘八百
COMEDY
28 Oct
Sun
15:00
Ramen Shop
ラーメン・テー
Sun
19:00
Yakiniku Dragon
焼肉ドラゴン
28 Oct
16:50
27 Oct
28 Oct
28 Oct
14
Sat
Sun
MIXED DOUBLES
名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌
ミックス。
ROMANCE COMEDY
CRIME & SUSPENSE
ANIME
FOODIE
PERIOD DRAMA COMEDY
Event Cinemas Innaloo
Perth 31 October–04 November Date
Time
English Title
Japanese Title
Genre
31 Nov
Wed 18:45
DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura
DESTINY 鎌倉ものがたり
FANTASY
01 Nov 01 Nov
Thu 18:00 Thu 18:30
The 8-Year Engagement The Crimes That Bind
8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話 祈りの幕が下りる時
ROMANCE
02 Nov
Fri
18:00
Chihayafuru Musubi The 8-Year Engagement
8年越しの花嫁 奇跡の実話
02 Nov
Fri
02 Nov
ちはやふる 結び
Fri
18:20
20:30
One Cut of the Dead
カメラを止めるな！
03 Nov
Sat
12:00 14:15
Rainbow Days
虹色デイズ
03 Nov
Sat
15:30
Chihayafuru Musubi
ちはやふる 結び
16:20
Tampopo
タンポポ
18:00
Color Me True
今夜、ロマンス劇場で
03 Nov
Sat
03 Nov
Sat
03 Nov
Sat
03 Nov
Sat
04 Nov
Sun 12:00
04 Nov
Ramen Shop
ラーメン・テー
CRIME & SUSPENSE
YOUTH
ROMANCE COMEDY COMEDY FOODIE
YOUTH
FOODIE
ROMANCE
The Blood of Wolves
孤狼の血
CRIME & SUSPENSE
Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter
名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌
ANIME
Sun 14:15
We Make Antiques!
嘘八百
COMEDY
04 Nov
Sun 16:30
Yakiniku Dragon
焼肉ドラゴン
PERIOD DRAMA
05 Nov
Sun 19:00
MIXED DOUBLES
ミックス。
COMEDY
20:30
OPENING / CLOSING
Includes Lucky Door Prize
All films are in Japanese with English subtitles.
Schedules may be subject to change. For the most updated schedule, visit japanesefilmfestival.net
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Creating homes and communities that improve with time and last for generations.
Celebrating 10,000 homes in Australia.
sekisuihouse.com.au