Japan Society celebrates culture and cinema with film festival in New York

Nearly 30 contemporary Japanese films are being showcased at the Japan Society as it hosts its 18th 'Japan Cuts' festival in New York this week. The event is expected to draw around 5,000 attendees and international guests, highlighting cultural exchange through cinema.

The event is North America’s largest festival dedicated to contemporary Japanese cinema and offers audiences a curated selection of recent Japanese films ranging from major studio releases to independent projects and debut works.

Peter Tatara, Director of Film, Culture & Community at the Japan Society, the goal of the event is to reflect the variety and complexity of modern Japanese life through cinema.

“Film is a window into culture,” Tatara said. “Through Japan Cuts, we aim to present multiple sides of Japan and bring audiences closer to its evolving stories.”

Japan Cuts has built a reputation not only for screening award-winning films but also for introducing global audiences to new talent.

One of this year’s most anticipated premieres was “A Girl Named Ann", which had its North American debut as part of the festival. The film stars Yuumi Kawai, who won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress in 2025 for her performance.

Kawai made a two-day visit to New York to attend the screening, marking her first appearance at the festival. She expressed surprise at the warm reception and noted the growing recognition of her work outside Japan.

“Everyone was taking pictures of me on their cell phones, and I was really surprised that they knew me and were looking forward to seeing me,” Kawai said.

"I wasn't really sure how well-known I was outside of Japan," she added. "So it's only when I come to a place like this that I really realize that so many people know of my existence and so many people come to see my films.”

In a brief statement, she said she hoped to take on more diverse roles in the future and expressed interest in working on international productions.

Antonio Herring attended the event and said seeing international films are a great way to get to know a country.

“I think it's a very great way to connect people from America to Japan," said Antonio. "It's great to knock down barriers, destroy stereotypes and really connect cultures.”

Another film fan was Kenneth Smith who said he tries to come every year.

“This is my third year coming. The first year I went to three films. Last year I went to seven and I decided I just wanted to see all of them this year.”

Organisers say that audiences can expect a broad range of genres and themes from social dramas and documentaries to comedies each contributing to a wider understanding of Japanese cinema and society.

With sold-out screenings and strong interest from both local and out-of-state attendees, Japan Cuts remains a key platform for cultural exchange and cinematic discovery in New York.

The event runs from the 10th to 20th of July.

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