Starting this May, JFF Theater presents a special program: “Japan’s Local Wonders in Films”
Enjoy six films set in stunning locations across Japan, along with eight short videos introducing the unique culture of each region✨This time, we’re excited to introduce the six featured films!
Feature 1. Aomori - Threads Across Time
Shamisen, art, and heritage—threads of tradition and innovation connecting Aomori’s past and future.
“Ito” (2021)
Director: YOKOHAMA Satoko / Cast: KOMAI Ren, TOYOKAWA Etsushi, KUROKAWA Mei / Drama
A shy country girl chooses a part-time job at a "maid cafe" where she serves customers while dressed up as a maid. A unique and touching coming-of-age drama.Feature 2. Ishikawa - Hands that Ferment History
Sake, salt, and puppet theater—echoes of craft and devotion shaped by Ishikawa’s land and people.
“The Genealogy of Sake” (2015)
Director: ISHII Kaori / Documentary
A document of sake craftspeople known as "Noto Toji" and their skills that have been passed down through generations, set amidst the beautiful landscapes of Noto Peninsula before the recent earthquake.“A Handful of Salt” (2011)
Director: ISHII Kaori / Documentary
A document of the Agehama-style salt fields (a style of sun-drying sea water that is scattered on a cleared beach) in Okunoto, which were devastated by a recent earthquake. The film reveals a way of life in harmony with nature and leads us to wonder about the beginnings of human activity.Feature 3. Kagoshima – Where Festivals Strengthen Bonds
Festivals, family, and love – powerful dramas unfold in majestic nature.
“Love and the Grand Tug-of-war” (2021)
Director: SASABE Kiyoshi / Cast: MIURA Takahiro, Jiyoung, HIGA Manami / Drama, Romance
A drama of family bonds, friendships and the various human relationships revolving around the Sendai Grand Tug of War—a spectacular event held in Satsumasendai City that has a tradition of over four centuries.“Three Sisters” (2014)
Director: SASABE Kiyoshi / Cast: FUKIISHI Kazue, TOKUNAGA Eri, YOSHIDA Yoh / Drama
Set amidst the soft light that emanates from Kagoshima's Rokugatsu-doh summer lantern festival, is a story of three sisters and their family as they struggle to revive their confectionery shop.Feature 4. Okinawa – Soul-Stirring Sounds and Dances
Sanshin, dance and soul - carving rhythms that resonate with timeless hearts.
“Nabbie's Love” (1999)
Director: NAKAE Yuji / Cast: NISHIDA Naomi, MURAKAMI Jun, TAIRA Tomi,NOBORIKAWA Seijin, TAIRA Susumu / Drama, Romance
Chaos ensues when an old woman's love is rekindled after 60 years. A nostalgic tale on a remote island in Okinawa, set to the tunes by legendary folk musicians.
🌟Easy 3-Step Sign-Up🌟／
From the JFF Theater homepage "Create your account here!“:
✅ Step 1: Enter your details and click "Provisional Registration."
✅ Step 2: Check your email and click the verification link.
✅ Step 3: Click " Create your account " on the linked page—done!
🚩All the titles are available on JFF Theater until August 1, 2025, at 11:00AM (JST). Don’t miss out!
*Due to licensing restrictions, some films are not available in certain countries and regions.
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