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Asian cinema: Japanese films

Asian cinema: Japanese films
From Akira Kurosawa to Yasujiro Ozu, from Takeshi Kitano to Hirokazu Koreeda, from samurai to yakuza to the Japanese New Wave, and from anime to J-horror to pink films, this is the place to go for reviews, interviews and features about movies both classic and new from Japan.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM
Tai On Coffee and Tea Shop, in Hong Kong's Yau Ma Tei district, has harnessed the power of social media to attract young diners. Photo: Alexander Mak

Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng cafes thrive globally as Gen-Z embraces nostalgic dining

Cha chaan teng were built on reinvention and resourcefulness. Now, as a new generation claims them for the digital age, PostMag finds everyone hungry for more.

Reading Time:4 minutes
At 5am, it’s still dark at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, as fishermen and workers go about offloading the morning’s catch. Photo: Alexander Mak

Discover Aberdeen’s fish market secrets with Hong Kong’s top chefs

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The swimming pool at Andaz One Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: courtesy Andaz One Bangkok

Asia’s new hotels: from Kyoto to Bangkok, luxury awaits

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An attendee poses for photos with Godzilla during Comic-Con International in San Diego, California, on July 26, 2025. Photo: AFP

Inaugural Hong Kong Comic Con unites global fandoms with star-studded line-up

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World-champion pizzaiolo Vincenzo Capuano brings his signature Nuvola dough to Wan Chai, featuring cloud-like crusts sliced with golden scissors. Photo: courtesy Vincenzo Capuano

Hong Kong’s hottest new openings, from Manteigaria to Avalon

Reading Time:2 minutes
The pre-Chinese New Year rush at the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminal in Hung Hom, in 1978. Photo: SCMP Archives

In pictures: crossing the Hong Kong-mainland China border through the decades

Reading Time:1 minute
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Virginie Efira in a still from All of a Sudden – one of the highlights of the Cannes Film Festival – directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
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The actress is back for the fifth and final season of the Amazon Prime Video series also starring Karl Urban, Erin Moriarty and Antony Starr.

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Karen Fukuhara plays Kimiko Miyashiro, aka The Female, in Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys. Photos: Getty Images via AFP; IMDB
Asian cinema

Review | All of a Sudden: Ryusuke Hamaguchi wows with Paris-set drama

Starring Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto, the three-hour movie on caregiving and capitalism is anchored by a profound bilingual conversation.

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Review | Nagi Notes: Koji Fukada ponders the meaning of art in wartime

Featuring nuanced performances and beautiful camerawork, Nagi Notes asks what art should mean in the chaotic world we live in.

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Asian cinema

Review | Milky Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is a riotous sci-fi anime ride

A 47-minute compilation of Yohei Kameyama’s animated series, Milky Subway provides more laughs and surprises than many feature-length films.

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A still from the animated film Milky Subway: The Galactic Limited Express (category IIA; Japanese), directed by Yohei Kameyama.
Asian cinema

Best movies to watch at the Hong Kong International Film Festival 2026

Silent Friend, Sirat, Good Boy and Pillion are among our top picks at this year’s festival, which is celebrating its 50th edition.

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Gripping samurai exhibition explores Japan’s warrior class, cuts through myths

From armour to art, ‘Samurai’ at the British Museum traces the Japanese elite class’ evolution and cultural impact, from anime to Star Wars.

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Who is Hikari, the Japanese director behind Beef and Rental Family?

The filmmaker talks about her journey from Osaka to Hollywood and how her new film with Fraser as a fake dad was inspired by her childhood.

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Hikari at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on February 21, 2026. The Japanese director shares her story and mission to “leave people feeling inspired”. Photo: AFP
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How Pokemon took over the world as the beloved franchise turns 30

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Pokemon fans take part in the Pokemon Go City Safari event in Hong Kong in December 2024, a two-day event that saw players able to “catch” the virtual creatures at the city’s landmarks. Photo: Dickson Lee
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Review | A New Dawn: climate crisis meets fireworks in confusing Japanese anime

Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s beautiful debut feature is sure to excite fans of Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki, even if a muddled plot lets it down.

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Ponyo exhibition invites visitors into Hayao ⁠Miyazaki’s ocean world

The ‘Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo’ exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles includes rare artwork and production sketches.

Asian cinema

What is it like to win the lottery? These 10 Asian movies have the answers

Winning the lottery can change your life forever, for good or bad. These 10 films from across Asia explore luck, wealth and greed.

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Bill Tung and Lydia Sum (first and second from right) play the heads of a materialistic Hong Kong family in the Lunar New Year comedy It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World (1987). Photo: D & B Films Co
Asian cinema

Review | Tokyo Taxi: Takuya Kimura and Chieko Baisho lead moving Yoji Yamada drama

Tokyo Taxi is an utterly captivating ride that sees an elderly woman bond with her taxi driver while reminiscing about her eventful life.

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Takuya Kimura and Chieko Baisho in a still from Tokyo Taxi (category: IIA, Japanese), directed by Yoji Yamada.
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Review | All You Need Is Kill: Japanese novel behind Edge of Tomorrow gets animated

A young recruit is stuck in a time loop amid an alien invasion in All You Need Is Kill, an animated sci-fi thriller based on a light novel.

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Loved Back to the Past? 10 Asian time travel gems you may also enjoy

After the success of Louis Koo’s Back to the Past, here are 10 other Asian time-travelling movies that are well worth checking out.

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The 12 best Asian films of 2025: Ne Zha 2, Kokuho and more

Our pick of the best Asian films of the past year includes a record-breaking animation and a movie that is nothing short of breathtaking.

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Ryo Yoshizawa in a still from Kokuho, one of the Post’s best Asian films of the past year. Photo: Shuichi Yoshida/ASP
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How mega-hit Kokuho could make Japanese live-action films global contenders

Kokuho, Japan’s record-breaking cinematic triumph, is helping to redefine global perceptions of Japanese live-action film for modern viewers.

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Review | Two Seasons, Two Strangers: a hypnotic ode to writing and travel

Starring Shim Eun-kyung and Yuumi Kawai, Japanese drama Two Seasons, Two Strangers is both fascinating and beautiful.

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Asian cinema

Hong Kong abruptly cancels 3 Japanese film screenings amid diplomatic row

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has dropped Kamome Diner, Tampopo and An from its upcoming film programme.

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A still from Tampopo (1985). The film is among three Japanese films that have had their screenings in the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s “Food for Thought - A Cinematic Feast” programme cancelled amid a diplomatic spat between Beijing and Tokyo. Photo: SCMP
Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Review | Road to Vendetta: Jeffrey Ngai plays an assassin in his first lead role

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Jeffrey Ngai in a still from Road to Vendetta (category IIB; Cantonese, Japanese, English, Mandarin), directed by Njo Kui-ying. Sara Minami co-stars.
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China-Japan relations

Japanese concerts cancelled in China as diplomatic row takes cultural toll

Fans of Kokia and JO1 left disappointed as diplomatic dust-up over Sanae Takaichi’s comments ripples out into the economy.

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Review | Kokuho: kabuki epic with Ryo Yoshizawa is the best Japanese film of the year

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Ryo Yoshizawa in a still from Kokuho. Photo: Shuichi Yoshida/ASP
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A screen grab from Soul, starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, one of 10 animated films focusing on the afterlife. Photo: Disney/Pixar
Asian cinema

Review | Black Showman: Masaharu Fukuyama leads boring murder mystery adaptation

Fukuyama fails to conjure excitement as a magician-turned-sleuth alongside Kasumi Arimura in this screen version of Keigo Higashino’s novel.

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Asian cinema

12 of the best movies at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 2025

Highlights of the 22nd HKAFF include local film Another World, Japanese period epic Kokuho and South Korea’s The World of Love.

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