Japanese Film Festival 2026 – Preview
Yes, the Japanese Film Festival has kicked off for another year, with a variety of new and old Japanese films showing around the country.
Here are some of the best films on during the festival.
How Dare You?
Mipo O, 2026 (96m)
Elementary school pupil Yuishi is immediately smitten by his classmate Kokoa when she stands up in class to give an impassioned speech about the environment. The pair start spending more time together and are soon joined by mischievous Haruto.
Transcending Dimensions
Toshiaki Toyoda, 2025 (97m)
When Monk Rosuke disappears, his girlfriend Nonoka hires hitman Shinno to investigate. Shinno’s search leads him to a mountain temple overseen by Rosuke’s mysterious, sinister teacher – Master Hanzo.
Rewrite
Daigo Matsui, 2026 (127m)
High school student Miyuki falls for new transfer student Yasuhiko. Yasuhiko isn’t your typical teenager, however – he’s actually time travelled from 300 years in the future
Exit 8
Genki Kawamura, 2026 (95m)
During his subway commute, a man receives some unexpected news from his ex-girlfriend. Overcome with panic and uncertainty, the man wanders away from the crowds and winds up in a strange underground corridor.
No More Workhorse 
Nice preview. I like that you highlighted a mix of titles instead of only the obvious picks. Festivals like this are great for discovering films that usually get missed outside the major headlines. “Rewrite” and “Transcending Dimensions” sound especially interesting from this lineup.