VWB Blog Are you preparing to travel to Japan?
Japan is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. As a result, viewing Japanese movies is your next best alternative. Japanese films can help you understand the nation, culture, and people nicely.
Japanese cinema may be a great way to improve your vacation. We will look at the top ten popular Japanese films to watch while traveling to provide a memorable cinematic experience. Be ready for an enthralling journey through the world of Japanese cinema.
Continue reading to learn more about the best Japanese movies while traveling.
1. Spirited Away
It is a captivating animated picture that has won international recognition. The film Spirited Away was directed by Hayao Miyazaki Chihiro, who enters a magical realm inhabited by ghosts when her parents experience an inexplicable metamorphosis. Spirited Away has dazzling graphics and a compelling story.
It also exemplifies Studio Ghibli’s creativity and imagination. Along the way, she encounters challenges and learns the value of friendship, courage, and kindness. Film reviewers have hailed Spirited Away as a work of art for its unique depiction of themes present in Japanese mythology.
It is considered one of the top ten most famous Japanese films with veteran Japanese directors to watch while traveling.
2. Seven Samurai
Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai is an epic samurai movie that is considered a masterpiece. It has affected many films ever since it was released. The story centers on a troop of samurai hired to protect a community against bandits who lack masters.
It is a genuine cinematic masterpiece. It has engaging characters, great action scenes, and a study of relevant topics. The film depicts the different issues that samurai encounter in safeguarding the town.
It shows a heavy emphasis on themes of self-sacrifice and bravery. The film deals with conflict and brutality. It also touches on themes of friendship and honor.
It is still an excellent example of classic Japanese filmmaking in the modern era. The thrilling story of The Seven Samurai remains the go-to movie for many tourists.
3. Rashomon
It is another well-known movie by Akira Kurosawa. It challenges the idea of objective reality by telling the tale of a crime from several points of view. Rashomon won the renowned Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for its innovative narrative structure, spectacular cinematography, and outstanding performances.
This film also helped to establish Japanese cinema on a global scale. The contrast between brilliant natural vistas and somber interiors in the film’s visual style serves to share the characters’ emotions. It also illustrates the story’s themes of truth and believability.
The Rashomon Gate’s varied interpretations frame the story and add to the mystery. It is a classic that will provide an excellent insight into Japanese culture and history.
4. Your Name
The gorgeous anime movie Your Name by Makoto Shinkai became a worldwide phenomenon. Two teens who switch bodies and set out on a search to locate one another are at the center of the narrative. Your Name explored love, fate, and identity through poignant storytelling.
It also has stunning animation and universal appeal, and it became the all-time highest-grossing anime movie. You can view all of them online and take advantage of this movie experience with the help of a VPN. It’s crucial to pick a trustworthy VPN firm and become familiar with their terms of service and privacy policy before using VPN in Japan.
Even if utilizing a VPN is permitted, be mindful of this. It is still prohibited to take part in illegal activity or transgress the terms of service of a certain service provider. Using VPN in Japan is a legal process.
Enable access to geo-restricted material outside of Japan, it is still advisable to use a VPN.
5. Tokyo Story
Tokyo Story was directed by Yasujiro Ozu. It is a moving look at family relationships and societal changes in postwar Japan. The story follows an elderly couple who travel to Tokyo to meet their adult children and discover a growing estrangement and lack of appreciation.
The pace of Tokyo Story, its realistic representation of human interactions, and Ozu’s characteristic “pillow shots” elevate it to a cinematic classic.
6. Battle Royale
Battle Royale is based on the controversial novel by Koushun Takami. It takes spectators on an exciting and unsettling journey. The film is set in a dystopian fiction and follows a group of junior high kids who are forced to battle to death on a barren island.
Battle Royale dives into themes of survival, morality, and the evil side of human nature, providing the player with a sense of accomplishment.
7. Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke is an epic fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It depicts the battle between human civilization and the natural world. Princess Mononoke exemplifies Miyazaki’s ability to craft fascinating storylines.
It engages viewers of all ages with its gorgeous animation. It also has a nuanced character and thought-provoking issues.
8. Departures
Departures, winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, is a moving film about the skill of Japanese traditional funeral labor. The plot revolves around a cellist who loses his orchestra job. It also finds new significance in his work as an engraver.
Departures delve into life, death, and the value of savoring every moment.
9. Akira
Akira is a cyberpunk sci-fi film set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo. It is regarded as a classic in Japanese animation. Katsuhiro Otomo directed the movie. It portrays a member of a motorcycle gang who gains psychic powers.
It also becomes involved in a government plot. Akira’s spectacular graphics, complicated story, and conceptual depth have earned it cult status.
10. Hara-Kiri: Samurai’s Death
It is a stunning historical drama directed by Takashi Miike that addresses honor, devotion, and the samurai code. It portrays the narrative of a poor samurai who attempts to redeem his family’s dignity. Hara-Kiri immerses audiences in the spirit of Japanese samurai culture through its rigorous attention to detail.
It also included great acting and a heartbreaking narrative.
An Exploration of Award-Winning Japanese Movies for Travelers
The stories in the top ten most popular Japanese movies range from dramatic to hilarious, and they are varied and captivating. It can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind way to appreciate Japan. The journey of exploration will be worthwhile, regardless of the Japanese entertainment you watch.
The possibilities are endless. Attempt one today and begin your true-to-life venture!
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!