The festival opens with the Canadian premiere of Asahara Yuzo’s A TALE OF SAMURAI COOKING to celebrate UNESCO’s addition of Japanese cuisine to their Intangible Cultural Heritage List.The romantic comedy-drama takes a light-hearted and delicious look at the world of samurai chefs and stars the popular Ueto Aya and Kora Kengo.
The North American premiere of Nakamura Yoshihiro’s fast paced thriller THE SNOW WHITE MURDER CASE, one of the most anticipated movies of 2014, starring Inoue Mao and Ayano Go. Director Nakamura will be joining us at the festival to introduce his film and meet his Toronto fans.
The North American premiere of Yamazaki Takashi's (Always: Sunset of 3rd Street) THE ETERNAL ZERO, still in Japanese theatres and one of 10 most popular films in Japanese cinema history! Starring OkadaJun’ichi and Inoue Mao.
The Canadian premiere of the latest from Takashi Miike: THE MOLE SONG: UNDERCOVER AGENT REIJI - a surreal, comical adaptation of the popular Yakuza manga with IkutaToma ,Naka Riisa, Yamada Takayuki and Tsutsumi Shinichi.
The Canadian premiere of Togashi Shin's OSHIN, the new film version the beloved NHK drama
The North America premiere of Furuhata Yasuo's SHONEN H based on the huge best seller and nominated for the Japanese Academy award for Best Film of the Year
The North American premiere of Takahiro Miki's romantic fantasy GIRL IN THE SUNNY PLACE starring Arashi's Matsumoto Jun and Ueno Juri.
The Canadian premiere of Yoji Yamada's THE LITTLE HOUSE, winner of the Berlin Silver Bear for best performance by actress Kuroki Haru.
The North American premiere of the charming family anime film, MAGICAL SISTERS YOYO AND NENE
The North America premiere of Nagai Satoshi's hilarious advertising industry comedy JUDGE! starring Tsumabuki Satsoshi and Kitagawa Keiko.
The Toronto premiere of Tanada Yuki's deeply moving family drama MOURNING RECIPE starring Nagasaku Hiromi and Nikaido Fumi.
The Toronto premiere of Mitani Koki's samurai satire THE KIYOSU CONFERNCE starring a who's who of Japan's top stars including Yakusho Koji, Oizumi Yo, Kohinata Fumiyo, Sato Koichi, Tsumabuki Satoshi, Asano Tadano, Suzuki Kyoka, Nakatani Miki.
The Canadian premiere of the film Kinema Jumpo and Eiga Geijutsu magazines both called the best film of 2103: PRECOROSS' MOTHER AND HER DAYS; a gentle drama with Iwamatsu Ryo and Akagi Harue.
A TIFF encore presentation of the Sono Sion's insane yakuza comedy WHY DON'T YOU PLAY IN HELL?, winner of TIFF's Midnight Madness Award
The Toronto premiere of Mizuta Nobu's (Maiko Haaaan!) wild comedy on Japanese manners, THE APOLOGY KING with Abe Sadao and Inoue Mao.
The Toronto premiere of Omori Tatsushi's searing drama THE RAVINE OF GOODBYE, winnerof the Jury Prize at the 35th Moscow International Film Festival and featuring Maki Yoko's unforgettable Japanese Academy Award winning performance.