DAVAO CITY – The Japanese Film Festival 2025 formally kicked off on Friday night, Feb. 21, at SM City Davao here, celebrating Japanese cinema and its growing influence in the Philippines.
TICKETS to the Japanese Film Festival 2025 beginning Friday, Feb. 21, at SM City Davao in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)
Organized by the Japan Foundation-Manila, this year’s film festival attracted over 100 enthusiastic moviegoers, including important people (VIPs) and film aficionados.
Consul General Ishikawa Yoshihisa of the Japan Embassy-Davao, Davao City Council Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture head Councilor Pilar Braga, and mall manager Leah Delarmente welcomed people at the opening.
With the theme “Satori or Awakening,” which means “enlightenment,” Braga said the JFF fosters cultural connection and deeper understanding and showcases Japan’s rich storytelling tradition.
“The festival is more than just a showcase of cinematic brilliance,” the councilor said in a message read by her representative, Karina Lazaraga.
Braga thanked the Japan Foundation Manila, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines for making JFF possible. She hoped the event would awaken new perspectives and strengthen the cultural ties between Japan and the Philippines.
Yoshihisa, who thanked Japan Foundation Manila and Davao City, said this year’s lineup of films promises to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.
“I believe that movies can change somebody’s life,” Yoshihisa said. He encouraged everyone to relax and see a good movie through JFF free.
Yoshihisa said he hopes the films will further strengthen the bond between Japan and the Philippines, fostering friendship, collaboration, and mutual understanding. He added that film enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse selection of Japanese films in the JFF.
Japan Foundation Manila Deputy Director and JFF Director Yojiro Tanaka said that this year’s theme is inspired by the Zen Buddhist concept of "satori," meaning a sudden awakening.
"We hope the films will not only entertain but also spark something new in the audience," Tanaka said as he thanked SM for their contributions to the festival and the audience for their support.
The festival officially opened with the Academy Award-winning film Godzilla Minus One (2023), directed by Takashi Yamazaki. Praised as the best Godzilla movies of all time, the film delivers a mix of poignant storytelling and breathtaking visuals that are best experienced on the big screen.
Another highly anticipated feature is Sand Land (2023), based on the manga by Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of Dragon Ball.
Following Toriyama’s passing in 2024, Sand Land served as a tribute to his legacy, delivering a fun adventure with humor, unique machines, and memorable characters.
Other must-watch films include Perfect Days (2023), Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (2024), Akira (1988), Let’s Go Karaoke! (2024), Matched (2024), Dito (2024), Our Secret Diary (2023), Imaginary (2023), Monster (2023), and Under the Open Sky (2021).
JFF 2025 began its nationwide tour in Manila on Jan. 30 before expanding to regional screenings in Baguio (Feb. 7), Iloilo (Feb. 14), and Cebu (Feb. 14).
The final leg runs simultaneously in Davao City and Manila (SM City North EDSA) starting Feb. 21. Admission is free, but online ticket reservations may include a convenience fee.