If you're dreaming of visiting Japan, why not watch some Japanese films to get inspired for your next trip? Here's a round-up of 5 films to catch at this year's Japanese Film Festival in Australia.
1. Mio's Cookbook
Set in the Edo Period, "Mio's Cookbook" tells the story of two friends, Mio and Noe who grow up carefree in Osaka until the great flood of 1801. Orphaned Mio (Honoka Matsumoto) finds refuge with a kind restaurant owner and her Kansai cooking skills follow her to a new life in Edo, opening unexpected opportunities. Balancing the taste of home with the local palate, Mio’s story is a nourishing testament to the power of food in bringing people together.
Location spotlight
Mio's Cookbook was mainly filmed at Edo Wonderland in Nikko, an Edo Period themepark located just over 2 hours from Tokyo. Step back in time and stroll through a 17th century townscape dressed as a samurai, ninja or princess. Watch a play, taste Edo-infused cuisine or try your hand at shuriken ninja star throwing!
2. Hokusai
Featuring a star-studded cast, the film "Hokusai" depicts the frantic life of legendary Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, in all its glory and setbacks. The story begins at the end of the Edo Period, when popular culture was suppressed by the shogunate. Nonetheless, famous publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo discovers the talent of a young and immature Hokusai, and is determined to help him find his unique style.
Location spotlight
Fans of Hokusai's work should put the small scenic town of Obuse in Nagano Prefecture on their bucket list. Here you'll find the Hokusai Museum dedicated to his woodblock prints, including some of his rare three-dimensional works. Plus, nearby Ganshoin Temple features the ceiling painting 'Phoenix Glaring in All Directions' which Hokusai painted at the age of 89!
3. Sumodo: The Successors of Samurai
Moving and insightful, "Sumodo" offers an eye-opening look into the intimate workings of what it means to be a professional sumo wrestler in modern Japan. Considered to be the descendants of samurai, these ‘gentlemen of strength’ undergo years of grueling training in order to earn their place amongst the best of the best. The film follows two giants in the field, Goeido Gotaro and Ryuden Goshi, as they prepare to battle it out on the legendary stage of Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Location spotlight
Grand Sumo Tournaments are held six times a year in Tokyo (Ryogoku Kokugikan), Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium), Nagoya (Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium) and Fukuoka (Fukuoka Kokusai Center). Each tournament lasts around 2 weeks and tickets go on sale 1 month prior to the start of the tournament. Arena seats start at around 2,500 yen (A$30).
4. Liar x Liar
For years, university student Minato (Nana Mori) endures bullying from jealous girls thanks to her stepbrother Toru (Hokuto Matsumura), a notoriously handsome ladies man. Her life is turned upside down when she accidentally bumps into Toru while wearing a wig, high school uniform and gaudy makeup, making her completely unrecognisable. She pretends to be a younger student named Mina and her stepbrother falls in love instantly. "Liar x Liar" tells the story of a bizarre love triangle as Minato's simple prank becomes the biggest lie she's ever told!
Location spotlight
One of the main locations featured in Liar x Liar is none other than the hub for youth culture in Tokyo, Shibuya. From trendy cafes and world-class restaurants to sprawling shopping complexes and one of the world's largest pedestrian crossings, the dynamic and buzzing Shibuya is a must see!
5. The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window
Haunted by visions of the dead, timid Mikado is recruited by dashing supernatural investigator Hiyakawa in the film "The Night Beyond The Tricornered Window". Bonding their sixth senses, the duo look into a series of grisly murders, exorcising ghosts and unearthing clues. Based on a yaoi manga series, this occult mystery unleashes a consuming darkness, both human and otherworldly.
Location spotlight
Yokohama, Japan's 2nd largest city after Tokyo, features prominently in this film. A vibrant and cosmopolitan port city, Yokohama is an easy day trip from Tokyo by train, taking just 30 minutes. Don't miss a visit to Yokohama Chinatown, the largest in the country. There are over 300 shops and restaurants to explore, so bring your appetite and shopping bags!
