Japanese Film Festival 2022 Program Booklet

ABOUT

Welcome to the 26th Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia!

After reconnecting with in-person audiences in 2021, we at JFF were reminded of what we love so much about film. There’s nothing quite like the communal experience of going to the movies and being surrounded by likeminded people! Once again, we’re excited to offer fans of Japanese culture across the country the unique opportunity to come together and celebrate the finest in Japanese cinema.

The JFF 2022 program explores a spectrum of emotions, with stories that challenge old truths and portray the diversity of the human experience. This year when you meet us at the cinema, you might join forces with an unlikely team, who work to uncover the secrets that lie behind the first map of Japan. You may even meet a quirky pair of teenage assassins learning to cohabitate and adjust to the facade of ‘normal life’, or four elite chefs in Tokyo who work tirelessly to perfect their craft. Featuring the latest box office hits alongside rare 35mm film screenings of master filmmaker Mikio Naruse’s works, there’s bound to be something for everyone in this year’s line-up.

The JFF is presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney and tours five major cities across Australia.

Thank you to our delightful audiences, generous sponsors, and wonderful volunteers for 26 years of celebrating Japanese cinema!

JFF Director Yurika Sugie

JFF Programmers Susan Bui, Simonne Goran, Chiara Pallini & Manisay Oudomvilay

© 2022 “Dreaming of the Meridian Arc” Film Partners

Dreaming of the Meridian Arc

大河への道

Director: Kenji Nakanishi 2022 112min

UNCL: All ages (contains mild themes including suicide)

The witty historical drama rewriting Japanese history!

In present-day Japan, Katori City’s Chief of General Affairs, Ikemoto (Kiichi Nakai), is assigned by the Head of Tourism (Keiko Kitagawa) to oversee development. In an attempt to attract visitors to the city, Ikemoto decides to sponsor a historical TV drama about Tadataka Inō, the cartographer renowned for being the first to complete a map of Japan in 1821. But during the process of creating the series with the help of his colleague Kinoshita (Kenichi Matsuyama), the pair uncover a startling truth—that the map was not actually made by Tadataka!

Back in the Edo period, Tadataka dies without seeing the completion of his lengthy enterprise. To honour his vision, Tadataka’s dedicated band of disciples decide to conceal his death and carry out a convoluted secret operation to finish their master’s life’s work.

Inspired by Shinosuke Tatekawa’s original rakugo story, director Kenji Nakanishi wisely selects a starstudded cast to portray both the past and present in this entertaining comedy, unveiling a surprising truth that’s evaded textbooks.

© 2022 “Dreaming of the Meridian Arc” Film Partners

OPENING FILM SCREENING DETAILS

JFF 2022 will open with the Australian premiere of Dreaming of the Meridian Arc, the humorous jidaigeki unveiling the real story behind Japan’s first map!

Canberra Palace Electric

Wednesday 16 November, 20:00

Perth Palace Raine Square

Monday 21 November, 20:00

Brisbane Palace Barracks

Wednesday 23 November, 19:30

Melbourne The Kino Wednesday 30 November, 20:00

Sydney Palace Norton St Wednesday 7 December, 20:00

© 2022 “Dreaming of the Meridian Arc” Film Partners

ANIME

Director: K

hei Yoshino

128min

UNCL: All ages

mild sexual references)

Delightful story about people pouring their passion into anime production

Hitomi works at an anime production company and finally gets to make her directorial debut. But she struggles endlessly with a demanding producer and gaining the cooperation she needs from the production staff. Moreover, Hitomi’s anime occupies the same time slot as the hotly anticipated new anime from genius director Chiharu. Sparks fly as they head for a showdown!

This exciting drama is a live-action movie, and yet it amply captures the fascination of anime through unique anime story worlds. Don’t miss this duel between popular stars Riho Yoshioka and Tomoya Nakamura.

Blue

And So The Baton Is Passed

Moving drama about the lies and secrets of a girl with a complex upbringing and her family

Miitan was raised by her stepmother Rika, and Yūko lives with her stepfather who expresses his love through cooking. The relationships in the two families are completely different but are tethered by a huge secret…

Director: Tetsu Maeda

137min

UNCL: All ages

mild themes)

This drama intertwines the process of Yūko and Miitan’s maturation with the mysterious Rika’s story to deliver a deeply moving denouement. The story is based on a bestseller that won the grand prize selected by Japan’s booksellers. Mei Nagano (Yūko) and Satomi Ishihara (Rika) are among Japan’s most popular actors.

Director: Keisuke Yoshida

107min

UNCL: 15+

mild sexual references, violence and mature themes)

Human drama that carefully examines the inner lives of boxers

Urita has a profound love of boxing but lacks talent. Kazuki is his underling who has a shot at the title match, and Chika is Urita’s childhood friend who is dating Kazuki. Their emotions remain hidden away as the big fight approaches…

This drama uses the unforgiving sport of boxing to cast a kind gaze on human life that has no clear winner. Keisuke Yoshida’s splendid direction exudes emotions that are kept hidden, and audiences will undoubtedly be profoundly moved by Urita’s emotional state as portrayed by the famed young actor Kenichi Matsuyama.

Blue Thermal ブルーサーマル

Director: Masaki Tachibana 2022 103min

UNCL: All ages (contains mild language)

Refreshing animation about college students devoted to competitive gliding

College student Tamaki unexpectedly becomes enthralled by competitive gliding and displays surprising talent. Can she lead her university to victory in the upcoming competition? And will her relationship with the older teammate she admires move forward?

This coming-of-age animation portrays college students wrapped up by the world of gliding and ascension. Audiences relate to the heroine as she matures while struggling with relationships. Blue Thermal is notable for visuals saturated with beauty and openness that enable viewers to share with the protagonists the thrills and pleasures of flying.

JFF SURVEY X

&

GIVEAWAY

Keen to sharpen up your cooking skills, or sample a wide selection of sake?

Enjoy a film at JFF and complete the post-film survey for the chance to win a prize pack from Chef’s Armoury and Sakeshop! One lucky winner will win a Yanagiba sashimi knife worth $400, along with a $200 voucher to use at Sakeshop. We also have $500 worth of Sakeshop vouchers up for grabs for lucky runners-up!

Scan to find out more!

Co., Ltd.

Mikio Naruse A Glimpse of Japan’s Unsung Master

JFF Special Series returns to cinemas in 2022 and proudly presents the work of a master in Japanese filmmaking, Mikio Naruse.

Naruse’s career in film spanned 1930 to 1967, during which time he made close to ninety films primarily of the shōshimin-eiga genre (dramas about the common people). His consistent direction of nuanced bodily movement, subtle gesture and prolonged side glances to express human feeling is punctuated by the superb performances of recurring actors, above all Hideko Takamine, with whom Naruse worked with on seventeen films. He focused primarily on domestic dramas and the intersection of traditional and modern culture, depicting the human struggle through an honest and sensitive lens.

While his films have rarely been shown in Australia, Naruse is considered one of the masters of Japanese cinema alongside canonical greats Yasujirō Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi and Akira Kurosawa. In 2005, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, Naruse’s films were showcased in Japan and internationally, earning him renewed recognition throughout the world. Naruse’s specialties offer realist and melodramatic examinations of the everyday lives of ordinary people, with a particular focus on disillusioned female protagonists yearning to take control of their circumstances.

The four films featured in this program shine a light on Naruse’s poignant observation of the growing tension surrounding familial and societal conformities in a changing, post-war era of Japan—a theme that pervades the director’s remarkably crafted body of work.

This free Special Series program is made possible by The Japan Foundation Film Library.

Floating Clouds

浮雲

1955 124min

UNCL: All ages (contains mild violence, sexual violence and themes)

“If I can’t live with you, I will wait for you my whole life.”

Floating Clouds follows the love affair between Kengo (Masayuki Mori) and Yukiko (Hideko Takamine) since their first encounter during World War II in occupied Vietnam. Fondly remembering her lover’s vow to leave his wife, Yukiko returns to Japan only to find him re-established with his family and uninterested in fulfilling his idle wartime promises. But unable to remain apart, the two lovers end up caught in a relentless cycle—the bittersweet relationship between a lonely woman trying to find purpose in a long-lost passion and a man who can appreciate the value of her devotion only when it is irretrievably lost.

SPECIAL EVENT SCREENING DETAILS

Mikio Naruse: The unrivalled ethnographer of women’s life stories during The Golden Era of Japanese Cinema

Join us for a special post-fillm talk event with Dr Mats Karlsson, who will discuss Floating Clouds in the context of Naruse’s filmography.

Sydney The Chauvel Wednesday 14 December

Screening: 18:00 - 20:15

Post-film talk: 20:15 - 20:45

Sound of the Mountain

山の音

1954 95min

UNCL: All ages (contains mild themes)

Emotions stirring under the surface of societal norms

Shingo (Sō Yamamura), the family patriarch, sadly observes the marriage between his son Shūichi (Ken Uehara) and daughter-in-law Kikuko (Setsuko Hara) fall apart due to Shūichi’s clandestine affairs. Enacting the archetype of the long-suffering, stoic Japanese woman, Kikuko is unsure whether she has the right to escape her miserable marriage and seek a happier future. Through slow interchanges and meaningful silences, Naruse’s adaptation of Yasunari Kawabata’s original novel poetically depicts a true disconnection between generations, forcing Shingo to reflect on paternal failures occurring at both national and personal level.

SPECIAL SERIES

Yearning

乱れる

1964 98min

UNCL: All ages (contains mild themes including suicide)

The tragic catharsis of forbidden love

Released in Naruse’s later years, Yearning is essential viewing for fans of the filmmaker’s brand of tragic melodrama. Long after losing her husband in the war, widower Reiko Morita (Hideko Takamine) continues to operate her mother-in-law’s grocery store out of love. But when a new supermarket chain threatens to squeeze them out of business, Reiko faces pressure to move on and sell the store. Matters are made even more complicated when she learns of her younger brother-in-law Koji’s (Yūzō Kayama) repressed love for her…

SPECIAL SERIES

When a Woman Ascends the Stairs

A Ginza hostess’ search for independence in a man’s world

Considered to be Naruse’s magnum opus, When a Woman Ascends the Stairs is a female-driven touching tale about social injustice and emotional turbulence during post-war Japan. Keiko (Hideko Takamine), more commonly known as Mama, is an ageing hostess working in the glamorous Ginza entertainment district. She faces the choice of whether to seek marriage, stay in a career that will vanish with her youth, or pursue a business of her own. Resourceful yet trapped, Mama tries to overcome the everyday conflicts and struggles of a woman longing to establish her independence in a male-dominated society.

© 1960 Toho Co., Ltd.

The Pursuit of Perfection

The Pursuit of Perfection

Director: Toshimichi Saitō

2021 79min

UNCL: All ages

Four chefs on a quest for culinary excellence

Four highly decorated chefs—Takemasa Shinohara, Natsuko Shōji, Yōsuke Suga and Takaaki Sugita—invite you on a journey through their respective beginnings, inspirations and aesthetic creativity. From kaiseki (traditional Japanese cuisine) and French-inspired dishes to fashion-influenced desserts and Edomae-style sushi; each chef’s specialty reveals a dedication to the art of cooking that is arguably unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Throughout the documentary, the chefs’ stories are contextualised by comments from international legendary gastronomists and world-renowned food critics.

The Pursuit of Perfection is a must-watch for international foodies, providing a mouthwatering behind-the-scenes look at some of Tokyo’s most exclusive restaurants.

© 2021 AOI Pro./TY Limited

Intolerance

Director: Keisuke Yoshida

2021 107min

UNCL: 18+ (contains gore, coarse language, strong themes and suicide)

Lives upended by a girl’s sudden accidental death

A junior high school student is suspected of shoplifting and flees the store, but gets hit by a car and tragically dies. Her short-tempered father is outraged and terrorises the school and grocery store manager. Soon, everyone involved in the accident is pushed to the edge.

Intolerance captivates viewers with surprising plot developments and intricate portrayals of the behaviour and psychology of people caught in extreme situations. This unique drama deals with questions of absolution and spiritual restitution. Popular stage actor Arata Furuta and leading young actor Tori Matsuzaka deliver outstanding performances.

In the Wake

Director: Takahisa Zeze

2021 135min

UNCL: 15+

moderate violence, mature themes and coarse language)

Drama about the victims of the 3.11 earthquake and their grievous fate

After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, a young man, a girl and an elderly woman befriend each other at an evacuation centre and form a makeshift family. Years later, a detective who survived the disaster is handling a murder investigation. Fate soon brings them together…

In the Wake is not only a mystery about a murder investigation but also a social drama that is furiously critical of society. Popular and respected actors Takeru Satoh and Hiroshi Abe throw themselves wholeheartedly into their roles.

Lesson in Murder

Director: Kazuya Shiraishi 2022 128min

UNCL: 18+ (contains strong violence, gore, mature themes and coarse language)

Psychological thriller about a young man upended by a serial killer’s claim

A serial killer acknowledges his crimes but claims one of the murders was not his own and asks college student Masaya to investigate. In this shocking thriller, a young man who can’t turn a blind eye on a killer uncovers even bigger riddles.

Sadawo Abe performs the murderous fiend with versatility that spans comedy to serious drama and Kenshi Okada is a rising star. Director Kazuya Shiraishi is acclaimed for his unflinching portrayals of emotional darkness.

Assassins

When the hitman is kawaii

Teenage professional assassins Chisato (Akari Takaishi) and Mahiro (Saori Izawa) are suddenly ordered by their boss to become ordinary members of society and move in together to disguise their true identities. Their already unreasonable lives are now tangled up in tedious official business, absurd job interviews and roommate clashes. Tension starts to rise when Chisato easily adapts to more conventional channels of employment, while Mahiro remains unable to cope with interpersonal relations. But when Chisato gets into trouble with the yakuza, setting off a battle with the clan and its eccentric members, the duo will need to set their differences aside and join forces to defeat the gangsters.

VENUES, DATES AND BOOKING INFORMATION

Canberra

05 – 20 November

Palace Electric 2 Phillip Law Street Canberra ACT Box office open 11am-8pm (02) 6222 4900

National Film & Sound Archive of Australia McCoy Circuit Acton ACT Box office open 10am-4pm (02) 6248 2000

Sydney

07 – 14 December

Palace Norton Street 99 Norton Street Leichhardt NSW Box office open 11am-8pm (02) 9564 5620

Perth 21 – 27 November

Palace Raine Square 300 Murray Street Perth WA Box office open 11am-8pm (08) 6165 4960

Brisbane 11 – 27 November

Palace Barracks 61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane City QLD Box office open 11am-8pm (07) 3367 1356

Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art Whale Mall South Brisbane QLD Walk ins only 10am-5pm visit qagoma.qld.gov.au

Melbourne 30 November–04 December

The Kino

45 Collins Street Melbourne VIC

Box office open 11am-8pm (03) 9650 2100

ACMI

Federation Square Flinders Street Melbourne VIC Box office open 12pm-5pm (03) 8663 2200

Palace Verona 17 Oxford Street Paddington NSW Box office open 11am-8pm (02) 9360 6099

The Chauvel 249 Oxford Street Paddington NSW Box office open 11am-8pm (02) 9361 5398

BUY YOUR TICKETS

FESTIVAL ENQUIRIES

The Japan Foundation, Sydney (02) 8239 0055 japanesefilmfestival@jpf.org.au

COVID-19 Safety

The JFF is committed to the wellbeing and safety of all attendees. Please make sure to follow the latest updates on COVID-19 safety guidelines for your city and venue.

National Film & Sound

SCHEDULE

Perth 21 – 27 November

Palace Raine Square

Time English Title

Nov Mon 19:30

of the Meridian

Nov Tue 18:00 And So The Baton

Nov Wed 18:00

Nov Thu 18:00 Blue Thermal

Passed

Nov Thu 20:30 ANIME SUPREMACY!

Nov Fri 18:00 Blue

Nov Fri 20:30 Lesson in Murder

Nov Sat 11:00 Blue Thermal

Nov Sat 13:15 And So The Baton Is Passed

Nov Sat 15:50 Lesson in Murder

Nov Sat 18:30 Baby Assassins

Nov Sat 20:30 In the Wake

Nov Sun 13:00 ANIME SUPREMACY!

Nov Sun 16:00 In the Wake

Nov Sun 19:00 The Pursuit of Perfection

ANIME

THRILLER

ACTION

THRILLER

! DRAMA

THRILLER

Pursuit of Perfection DOCO

Brisbane 11 – 27 November

Palace Barracks

Date Time English Title Japanese Title Genre

23 Nov Wed 19:30 Dreaming of the Meridian Arc 大河への道 PERIOD

24 Nov Thu 18:00 Baby Assassins ベイビーわるきゅーれ ACTION

24 Nov Thu 20:00 ANIME SUPREMACY! ハケンアニメ ! DRAMA

25 Nov Fri 18:00 Blue Thermal ブルーサーマル ANIME

25 Nov Fri 20:15 Lesson in Murder 死刑にいたる病 THRILLER

26 Nov Sat 12:00 Intolerance 空白 THRILLER

26 Nov Sat 13:30 Blue Thermal ブルーサーマル ANIME

26 Nov Sat 14:15 ANIME SUPREMACY! ハケンアニメ ! DRAMA

26 Nov Sat 16:00 The Pursuit of Perfection The Pursuit of Perfection DOCO

26 Nov Sat 17:00 And So The Baton Is Passed そして、バトンは渡された DRAMA

26 Nov Sat 18:00 In the Wake 護られなかった者たちへ THRILLER

26 Nov Sat 19:45 Blue BLUE/ブルー DRAMA

26 Nov Sat 20:40 Baby Assassins ベイビーわるきゅーれ ACTION

27 Nov Sun 12:00 Blue BLUE/ブルー DRAMA

27 Nov Sun 13:30 In the Wake

Nov Sun 14:15 And So The Baton

Nov Sun 16:15

Nov Sun 17:00

Nov Sun 18:30

Nov Sun 19:15

the Meridian

Murder

Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art

THRILLER

SCHEDULE

Melbourne 30 November – 04 December

The Kino

Date Time English Title

30 Nov Wed 20:00 Dreaming of the Meridian Arc

01 Dec Thu 18:00 Baby Assassins

01 Dec Thu 20:00 ANIME SUPREMACY!

Dec Fri 18:00 Blue Thermal

Dec Fri 20:15 Intolerance

Japanese Title Genre

PERIOD

ACTION

! DRAMA

ANIME

THRILLER

03 Dec Sat 12:00 Blue BLUE/ブルー DRAMA

Dec Sat 13:30 ANIME SUPREMACY! ハケンアニメ ! DRAMA

03 Dec Sat 14:15 In the Wake

03 Dec Sat 16:00 The Pursuit of Perfection

THRILLER

Pursuit of Perfection DOCO

03 Dec Sat 17:00 And So The Baton Is Passed そして、バトンは渡された DRAMA

03 Dec Sat 18:00 Blue Thermal ブルーサーマル ANIME

03 Dec Sat 19:45 Lesson in Murder

THRILLER

03 Dec Sat 20:30 Baby Assassins ベイビーわるきゅーれ ACTION

04 Dec Sun 12:00 Blue BLUE/ブルー DRAMA

04 Dec Sun 13:15 Lesson in Murder 死刑にいたる病 THRILLER

04 Dec Sun 14:15 And So The Baton Is Passed そして、バトンは渡された DRAMA

04 Dec Sun 16:00 Dreaming of the Meridian Arc 大河への道 PERIOD

04 Dec Sun 17:00 Intolerance 空白 THRILLER

04 Dec Sun 18:20 In the Wake 護られなかった者たちへ THRILLER

04 Dec Sun 19:15 The Pursuit of Perfection

Pursuit of Perfection DOCO

OPENING Special Guest All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. Schedules may be subject to change. For the most updated schedule, visit japanesefilmfestival.net

Sydney

Palace Norton St

– 11 December

English

Dec Wed

Dec Thu

Dec Thu

Dec Fri

Dec

Dec Sat 14:00

Dec Sat

Dec Sat 20:00

Dec Sun

Dec Sun 18:00

Palace Verona

Date Time English Title

Dec Thu 18:00

Dec Thu 20:00

Dec Fri 18:00

Dec Fri 20:30

Pursuit

Genre