Japan Cuts 2025 Unveils Star-Studded Lineup Featuring Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Tadanobu Asano

North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema returns to New York City from July 10–20, showcasing 30 films, including world and North American premieres, and honoring acclaimed filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa with the Cut Above Award.

The 18th edition of Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Film, presented by Japan Society and powered by title sponsor GU, is set to captivate audiences in New York City from July 10 to 20, 2025. This year’s festival boasts an impressive lineup of 30 films, encompassing two world premieres, nine North American premieres, and ten New York premieres, solidifying its status as North America’s premier showcase of contemporary Japanese cinema.

A highlight of the festival is the presentation of the 2025 Cut Above Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film to legendary director Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Renowned for his influential works such as “Tokyo Sonata,” “Cure,” and “Pulse,” Kurosawa will attend the festival for the premieres of his latest films: the psychological thriller “Cloud” and a reimagined version of his 1998 classic, “Serpent’s Path.” Additionally, the festival will feature a rare 35mm screening of his 1998 film “License to Live” and the international premiere of a new 4K restoration of the original “Serpent’s Path.”japansociety.org

Opening the festival is the New York premiere of “Ravens,” directed by Mark Gill and starring Tadanobu Asano. The biopic delves into the tumultuous life of radical postwar photographer Masahisa Fukase, offering a poignant exploration of art and personal struggle. Asano’s portrayal has garnered critical acclaim, adding to the film’s anticipation.m.imdb.com+6uk.news.yahoo.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6

Acclaimed actress Yuumi Kawai, recipient of this year’s Best Actress award at the Japan Academy Film Prize for her role in “A Girl Named Ann,” will attend the North American premiere of the film. Kawai will also be present for the U.S. premiere of “She Taught Me Serendipity,” directed by Japan Cuts favorite Akiko Ohku. The festival further features the New York premiere of “Teki Cometh,” which garnered top honors at the Tokyo International Film Festival, including Best Film, Director, and Actor.

“We’re deeply proud to celebrate Japanese film in the heart of New York City,” said Peter Tatara, Director of Film at Japan Society, who organized this year’s festival alongside Film Programmer Alexander Fee. “Each year, Japan Cuts presents a look into the contemporary Japanese cinema scene, spotlighting both major award-winners as well as rising stars.”

Festival highlights include pop culture hits such as “A Samurai in Time,” winner of Best Film at the Japan Academy Film Prize; “Blazing Fists” from genre icon Miike Takashi; “The Gesuidouz” by punk director Kenichi Ugana; and “The Real You,” based on a novel by Keiichiro Hirano. The world premiere of “Kowloon Generic Romance,” adapted from Jun Mayuzuki’s beloved manga, and “My Sunshine,” a film about an adolescent ice-dancing duo, add to the diverse lineup.

The festival’s programming is divided into four sections: Feature Slate, Next Generation, Classics, and Short Films. The Next Generation competition spotlights emerging directors vying for the Obayashi Prize, with entries including “Michiyuki – Voices of Time,” “See You Tomorrow,” “Promised Land,” and “So Beautiful, Wonderful and Lovely.”

The Classics section offers cinephiles a chance to experience restored masterpieces, including the international premiere of a new 4K restoration of Shunji Iwai’s “Love Letter” for its 30th anniversary. Additionally, a rare 35mm screening of Kurosawa Kiyoshi’s “License to Live” and the North American premiere of the original “Serpent’s Path” in 4K restoration will be showcased.

Anime enthusiasts can look forward to “Gridman Universe” from Studio Trigger, while comedy fans will enjoy “Kaiju Guy!” starring Japanese comedian Gumpy. Historical drama “Yasuko, Songs of Days Past” and documentaries “Japanese Avant-Garde Pioneers” and “What Should We Have Done?” further enrich the festival’s offerings.

Closing the festival is “The Spirit of Japan,” a documentary by Joseph Overbey that delves into the world of traditional shochu distillers. The screening will be followed by a reception featuring shochu from Yamatozakura Distillery, providing attendees with a taste of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Tickets for Japan Cuts 2025 are now available for Japan Society members, with general public sales commencing on June 10. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Japan Society website.

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