Japanese Film Festival 2026 returns for 22nd edition with a bridge of culture and cinema

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Japanese Film Festival 2026 returns for 22nd edition with a bridge of culture and cinema

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Writer: Ann Tan

The Japanese Film Festival 2026 is launched

10 Sep - The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns for its 22nd edition in Malaysia, once again bringing another exciting showcase of Japanese cinema. Organised by the Japan Foundation (JF), JFF in Malaysia has grown into one of the most anticipated international film events.

The Japanese Film Festival 2026 will take place at the following GSC cinemas in West and East Malaysia:

Klang Valley (GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama, GSC MyTOWN): 10 - 16 September
Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza): 17 - 20 September
Johor Bahru (GSC Paradigm Mall JB): 24 - 27 September
Kuching (GSC CityONE Megamall): 8 - 11 October
Kota Kinabalu (GSC Suria Sabah): 15 - 18 October

This year, JFF will be screening a total of 14 carefully curated Japanese films spanning diverse genres, including anime, kabuki-related films, suspense, comedy, heartfelt dramas alongside 4K remasters.

The festival was officially launched at an opening ceremony on 8 September, where the "Tokyo Taxi" screening kicked off the event.

FINAS CEO Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib

FINAS Chief Executive Officer Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib spoke of cinema's power to bridge cultures. "The Japanese Film Festival is not merely a film showcase; it is an important bridge of culture, understanding and friendship between our two nations," he said, adding that this year's programme, featuring works tied to Yamada Yoji and Kurosawa Akira, shows how deeply human stories can speak to audiences everywhere.

Japan's Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Shikata Noriyuki, likened the start of the festival to the beginning of a journey. "There is always a sense of excitement when the lights go down and a new story begins," he said, noting that since its founding in 2004, JFF has grown into a highly anticipated fixture on Malaysia's cultural calendar, now in its 22nd edition.

HE Mr Shikata Noriyuki

Representing exhibition partner GSC, Head of Exhibition Mr Pan Vui Shang said this year's line-up reflects universal experiences audiences can relate to regardless of background. "This year's Japanese films explore universal themes of family, relationships, love, loss and everyday life - stories that remind us how much we have in common across cultures," he said, thanking Japanese film fans, including those travelling from across the country, for their continued support.

(from left) GSC, Head of Exhibition Mr Pan Vui Shang, FINAS CEO Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Japan's Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Shikata Noriyuki and Mr Tsukamoto Norihisa, Director, The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur

Representatives of the official partners and partners of the JFF 2026

JFF 2026 opened with a screening of "Tokyo Taxi", the latest film by contemporary Japanese master filmmaker, director Yamada Yoji, as part of a special retrospective honouring the filmmaker's remarkable legacy. Turning 95 this year, Yamada has dedicated more than six decades shaping Japanese cinema through his humanistic storytelling and memorable portrayals of everyday life. Widely regarded as one of Japan's most influential directors, his works continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to join the JFF Stamp Rally and collect stamps throughout the festival to redeem exclusive goodies and prizes.

All films will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets are priced at RM10.00, except for KOKUHO, which will be screened on a free-admission basis with prior booking required via JFKL's CloudJoi platform.

Cinema Online is the official Media Partner of the Japanese Film Festival 2026 and are pleased that we have limited complimentary passes to give away! To redeem your JFF 2026 complimentary pass, go to Cinema Online's Japanese Film Festival 2026 page HERE!

For JFF 2026 movie synopsis, showtimes and information, more details are available on Cinema Online's Japanese Film Festival 2026 page HERE!

Cinema Online, 10 September 2026

Bring Him Down To A Portable Size (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Chimney Town: Frozen In Time (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Fujiko (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Hula Girls - 4K Remastered- (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

One Last love Letter (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Purehearted (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Renjishi (The Father And Son Shishi Lions) (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026)

Samurai Vengeance (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Suzuki=Bakudan (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Throne Of Blood (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Tokyo Taxi (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]

Tora-San's Many Splintered Love (JFF) (Japanese) (09 Sep 2026) [Showtimes]