Japanese Film Festival returns to India with anime and drama

The Japan Foundation is bringing the Japanese Film Festival 2025–26 to eight Indian cities, showcasing a diverse lineup of classic and contemporary Japanese films from December through January. The festival kicks off on December 12 in Hyderabad and Pune, then moves to Mumbai and Bengaluru on December 19-21, followed by Kochi and Ahmedabad on January 9-11, Noida on January 17-19, and concludes in Kolkata on January 23-25.

The festival’s nine-film lineup spans multiple genres and generations, including the iconic 1988 anime classic “AKIRA,” which has earned over $80 million worldwide in home video sales. Recent releases are also featured, such as the romantic drama “366 Days,” the thriller “SHOWTIME 7,” and “Teasing Master Takagi-san,” a live-action adaptation of a beloved manga that grossed 590 million yen at the Japanese box office. Other films include fantasy drama “Petals and Memories,” post-earthquake story “The Boy and the Dog,” and crime thriller “Angry Squad: The Civil Servant and the Seven Swindlers.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Japanese Film Festival has served as a cultural bridge between Japan and India, bringing contemporary releases and cult favourites to various cities across India. In 2022, the event celebrated 70 years of Japan-India diplomatic relations with films by acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai and live RADWIMPS concerts. The 2024 festival included collaborations with anime festivals such as 'Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!!' in Delhi, highlighting India’s growing passion for Japanese animation.

The festival offers an immersive experience into Japan’s rich cinematic culture, appealing to fans of anime, drama, action, and thrillers alike. Tickets and schedules are available city-wise as the event prepares to captivate audiences across the country with a unique blend of tradition and modern storytelling from Japan.