5 movies that portray Japanese culture

Cinema is one of the best ways to get to know a country’s culture. It portrays history, habits, traditions, music, cuisine, clothing, and much more.

Japanese cinematography is extremely rich and has won all the major awards in the seventh art. There are four Oscars for Best Foreign Film and four Palme d’Ors at the Cannes Film Festival, in addition to several other prestigious accolades. Moreover, stories about Japanese culture have been told in various productions from other countries, especially the United States.

Want to learn more about Japanese culture through cinema? Then stay tuned for our recommendations!

Ugetsu (1953)

We start with a film that depicts ancient tales from Japanese folklore. “Ugetsu”, an extremely poetic work by the great director Kenji Mizoguchi, is based on a series of famous stories from the medieval era.

This is an ideal work for those who wish to know a different Japan with its legends and ghostly stories. Beautiful, it is considered one of the best films of all time.

After the Storm (2016)

Director Hirokazu Kore-eda won the most recent Japanese Palme d’Or with “Shoplifters” in 2018. His previous film, “After the Storm”, is perfect for those who want to learn more about family relationships in Japan.

“After the Storm” is a film that shows how affection and respect function in relationships between relatives in Japan. Hirokazu Kore-eda always has a very sensitive approach and is capable of bringing out the best in family narratives.

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

“Memoirs of a Geisha” is one of the many American films that portray Japanese culture. Although the story is altered to generate more interest from the American audience, there are valuable characteristics in aspects such as settings and costumes.

According to the platform Late Night Streaming, “Memoirs of a Geisha” is available for rent on Google Play and Claro Vídeos.

Tampopo (1985)

Cuisine is one of the most valued aspects of Japanese culture. How about watching a film entirely dedicated to it that teaches you how to prepare the perfect ramen?

“Tampopo”, directed by Juzo Itami, is a hilarious comedy that showcases various traditions of Japanese cuisine. In addition to its value for those who enjoy a good ramen, it guarantees many laughs.

Harakiri (1962)

The concept of honor in Japanese culture is different from what we know here. “Harakiri – The Death of a Samurai”, directed by Masaki Kobayashi and winner of the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, portrays exactly this issue.

In addition to helping us better understand how the Japanese deal with certain factors, “Harakiri” is essential for those who want to learn more details about the era of the samurai and its decline.

With a filmography as rich as the Japanese one, you will always have several options for films, series, and anime to watch. If you wish to delve even deeper into the cinema of the land of the rising sun, getting to know directors like Mizoguchi, Kobayashi, Kore-eda, Akira Kurosawa, and Yasujiro Ozu is ideal.