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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T163000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240516T225044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240523T233923Z
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SUMMARY:Doors Open Toronto 2024: Timeless Japan
DESCRIPTION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto is back for the city’s annual Doors Open event! We will be opening our doors on Saturday\, May 25 and Sunday\, May 26\, along with more than 100 other buildings and sites across Toronto. This year’s Doors Open Toronto the theme is “Hidden Histories\,” and we are pleased present our all-ages programming under the banner of Timeless Japan for everyone to enjoy. \nWe will be open from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM on both days. Drop-ins are more than welcome! \nJoin us for a special weekend filled with animated films\, Japanese ceramics\, library games\, and fun for the whole family! \nStay updated with us by following us on social media (Instagram\, Facebook\, Twitter) and subscribe to our weekly newsletter. \nFull Details Here  \n\n \n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/doorsopen2024/2024-05-25/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening,Library,Other JFT Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240525T203000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240507T204613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031432Z
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SUMMARY:Hotel Hibiscus (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Hotel Hibiscus \nSaturday\, May 25\, 6:30PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by NAKAE Yuji • 2002 • Comedy / Family • 90 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nHotel Hibiscus has only one guest room. At the hotel\, 9-year-old Mieko (HONAMI Kurashita) lives happily with her father (MASAO Teruya)\, her mother (KIMIKO Yo)\, her grandmother (TOMI Taira) and half brother and sister. On her way home from school\, Mieko saves a teenage boy named Notojima (TOSHIHIRO Wada) and he becomes the hotel’s sole guest. Along with her classmates\, Mieko spends her days trying to find Kijimuna—the Forest Fairy. One day\, her mother and half sister depart for America to meet her sister’s real father\, leaving Mieko very busy with all the cooking and cleaning chores at the hotel. She delivers a letter to her father\, who’s working at a pineapple orchard\, and meets a strange old man who calls himself Old Man Kijimuna. She also runs into a girl that looks identical to herself. Mieko’s summer holiday is filled with all sorts of experiences.  \nHotel Hibiscus director NAKAE Yuji will be in attendance for a Q&A conversation following the screening. \nThis screening is a part of our ongoing Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series\, in celebration of Okinawan stories\, culture\, and history. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nNAKAE Yuji (中江裕司)\, born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1960\, moved to Okinawa shortly after beginning his studies of agricultural science at Ryukyu University. As a student\, he began filming with 8 mm. After graduating\, he founded the film production company Panali Pictures in 1988. He was one of the directors of the omnibus film Pineapple Tours (1992)\, which was shown at the Berlin International Film Festival. His feature-length films Nabbie’s Love (1999)\, Hotel Hibiscus (2002) and The Zen Diary (2022) were internationally successful. Apart from directing feature films\, he is also active in the field of documentary films and theater. —Nippon Connection \n\n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/hotel-hibiscus/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240604T200000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240517T170126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031748Z
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SUMMARY:A Handful of Salt (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:(c) Hitonigiri Film Partners \nA Handful of Salt\nひとにぎりの塩\nTuesday\, June 4\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by ISHII Kaori • 2011 • Documentary • 90 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Free Admission • Trailer \nA Handful of Salt focuses on the craftspeople who continue to make salt with a technique called “Agehama-shiki” that has been passed down since ancient times\, and the lush natural environment of the northernmost tip of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is also the feature-length debut of director ISHII Kaori. The process of making salt by collecting sea water and boiling it in a hiragama cauldron temporarily died out during the period of Japan’s rapid economic growth following World War II\, but one family’s efforts to keep it alive has miraculously ensured its continuation. Salt is a vital element of people’s lives. The salt-making artisans who perpetuate their traditions represent a way forward for those of us living in this modern age. \nA Handful of Salt director ISHII Kaori will join us virtually for a livestreamed Q&A session in our event hall after the screening. \nThis screening is a part of our Cinema Umami food film series. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nThe Japan Foundation\, Toronto is hosting this film screening to honour everyone affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1\, 2024. For information on how to support recovery and relief efforts in the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture\, please refer to donation details in this PDF. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nISHII Kaori graduated with a degree in philosophy from the University of the Sacred Heart. While working at the Ministry of Education\, Culture\, Science\, Sports and Technology (MEXT) she studied at the Film School of Tokyo after work. \nHer first documentary film\, Sorry Grandma (2005) won the first prize at the Osaka Abeno Human Documentary Film Festival. Her next one\, Chain of Life – The Artistry of Mokuhanzome Kimono (2006)\, depicted Japan’s oldest dyeing technique and was screened in many festivals around the world. She also worked as an assistant to HANEDA Sumiko\, who is one of the most famous documentary filmmakers in Japan. Ishii went on to direct for television before producing her next film\, A Handful of Salt (2011) which received the Best Cinematography prize at Cebu International Documentary Film Festival. \nThe films and programs she directs and produces are on the theme of traditional culture and craftsmanship\, some of which have screened in Japan and abroad. Since 2009\, Ishii has been a regular visitor to the Noto Peninsula and was invited to direct this sake-themed documentary The Genealogy of Sake which has screened at the Milan International Expo 2015 & Hawaii International Film Festival 2016. She was also involved in developing the charm of the region and people of Noto\, many whom she met through the film\, from various perspectives such as food events\, brewery tours\, and workshops.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/handful-of-salt/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240621T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240623T235900
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240517T152848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240619T201934Z
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SUMMARY:Katabui\, in the Heart of Okinawa (virtual film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Katabui\, in the Heart of Okinawa\nカタブイ 沖縄に生きる\nKatabui\, au cœur d’Okinawa \nFriday\, June 21\, 5:59PM (ET) – Sunday\, June 23\, 11:59PM (ET)\nVirtual Film Screening | Free Admission | Canada-wide \nDirected by Daniel López • 2016 • Documentary • 80 minutes • Presented in Japanese & French with English subtitles • Trailer \n“Katabui” means “squall” in the Okinawan dialect. \nDaniel López knew very little about Okinawa. Seduced by these southern Japanese islands\, once an independent kingdom\, he left Switzerland to settle there. Ten years later\, he shares his fondness for Okinawa but also reflects on the archipelago’s identity\, threatened by the U.S. military presence and excessive urban development.  \nDuring their struggle against the U.S. military bases\, the Okinawan people have found the ability to peacefully resist. They have been able to maintain an indomitable identity\, which fascinates even the mainland Japanese. To understand this peaceful resistance\, Daniel López takes us on a journey into the heart of Okinawa to discover a local belief with inspirational scope. \nThis screening is a part of our ongoing Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series\, celebrating Okinawan stories\, culture\, and history. \nFree to Stream. Register below. \n*After registration\, a streaming link will be sent to you on June 21. You will be able to watch the film anytime between June 21\, 5:59 (ET) to June 23\, 11:59 (ET) regardless of which date option you select in the registration form below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nDaniel López was born in Switzerland in 1970 and moved to Okinawa in 2003. In 2010\, he graduated from the University of Arts in Okinawa. He then worked as a photographer\, publisher and TV presenter. In 2015\, he made his first feature-length documentary Katabui\, in the Heart of Okinawa. His film Umui – Guardians of Traditions (2022) was awarded the Grand Prix for Best Anthropological-Ethnographic Film at the 2022 Tokyo Documentary Film Festival. \n\n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/katabui/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240627T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240627T203000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240613T220925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T220925Z
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SUMMARY:Hula Girls (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Hula Girls \nThursday\, June 27\, 6:30PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Burlington Public Library – Central Branch \nDirected by LEE Sang-il • 2006 • Comedy / Drama • 120 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nIn 1965\, desperate to reverse their economic fortunes\, the elders of Iwaki\, a small Japanese coal-mining town\, decide to create a Hawaiian center tourist attraction. They hire Madoka (MATSUYUKI Yasuko)\, a professional dancer from Tokyo\, to recruit and train hula dancers. The group includes hulking Sayuri (YAMASAKI Shizuyo) and the hesitant Kimiko (AOI Yû). Things seem hopeless at first\, but with encouragement from Kimiko’s brother\, Yojiro (TOYOKAWA Etsushi)\, Madoka redoubles her efforts to make things work. \nBased on real life events\, Hula Girls premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win five major awards at the 2007 Japan Academy Film Prize\, including Best Film\, Best Director\, Best Screenplay\, Best Supporting Actress\, and Most Popular Film. It was also chosen for Japan’s entry for the 79th Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film. \nCo-presented with the City of Burlington’s Mundialization Committee. \nFree admission. Register here (Burlington Public Library).
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/hula-girls-burlington/
LOCATION:Burlington Public Library – Central Branch\, 2331 New Street\, Burlington\, Ontario\, L7R 1J4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240709T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240709T193000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240615T182540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240709T223310Z
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SUMMARY:Tales from Okinawa (short film program)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nTales from Okinawa \nTuesday\, July 9\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Short Film Program | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nTales from Okinawa is a short film program spotlighting emerging indie filmmakers from the Okinawa Islands. \nFrom agriculture\, bullfighting\, and coffee cultivation\, these three films will take you across Okinawa through the lens of their uplifting characters and their connection with nature. \nExtended introduction and photo presentation by Victoria Davis\, a member of the Toronto Kyuyokai トロント球陽会 (Okinawan Kenjinkai). Victoria will speak about her personal connections with locations and landmarks in Okinawa that are featured in the films. \nMany thanks to the Okinawa Film Office for their support in providing us with these films. \n  \nThis screening is a part of our ongoing Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series\, celebrating Okinawan stories\, culture\, and history. \nFree admission. This event is now fully booked and registration is closed. \n\n \nBullfight Girl\n闘牛女子 \nDirected by MAEHIRA Hitoshi • 2021 • Drama • 19 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles \nTomomi\, the protagonist of the film\, has lived with cows since her parent’s generation. She is fascinated by cows and is struggling to appeal to the bullfighting town. Yoshiki\, who aims to become a farrier (craftspeople who trims and shoes horse hooves) by living with Tomomi\, asks questions about her relationship with cows. Based on the true story of KUDAKA Yukie\, a photographer who published the photo book “Bullfighting Girls.” \n  \n \nSuch A Night of Chrysanthemum Lights\nこんな、菊灯りの夜に \nDirected by MATSUDA Sho • 2021 • Comedy / Drama • 20 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles \nSet in the light-bulb illuminated chrysanthemum fields of Sunset Farm Okinawa in Yomitan Village\, Such A Night of Chrysanthemum Lights is a comedy that focuses on the story of a young man Teppei who is engaged in agriculture\, and his childhood friend Satsuki who has returned to his hometown. \n  \n \nDAWN\n陽いづる \nDirected by MATSUI Ryo • 2023 • Drama • 19 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles \nMocha\, who works on a coffee plantation\, has been deaf since birth. The villagers calmly support Mocha in her daily life. \nThrough the nature and people of Higashi Village\, as well as the daily life of a deaf-mute woman\, DAWN depicts the beauty of living in a village that is unaffected by a world that demands change. \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/tales-from-okinawa/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240723T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240723T193000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240705T183615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240723T141931Z
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SUMMARY:Jiro Dreams of Sushi (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Jiro Dreams of Sushi\n二郎は鮨の夢を見る \nTuesday\, July 23\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by David Gelb • 2011 • Documentary • 82 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nJiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of 85 year-old ONO Jiro\, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro\, a 10-seat\, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances\, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious 3 star Michelin review\, and sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage\, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar. \nFor most of his life\, Jiro has been mastering the art of making sushi\, but even at his age he sees himself still striving for perfection\, working from sunrise to well beyond sunset to taste every piece of fish; meticulously train his employees; and carefully mold and finesse the impeccable presentation of each sushi creation. At the heart of this story is Jiro’s relationship with his eldest son Yoshikazu\, the worthy heir to Jiro’s legacy\, who is unable to live up to his full potential in his father’s shadow. \nThe feature film debut of director David Gelb\, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a thoughtful and elegant meditation on work\, family\, and the art of perfection\, chronicling Jiro’s life as both an unparalleled success in the culinary world\, and a loving yet complicated father. \nThis is the final screening in our food film series\, Cinema Umami. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nOriginally from New York City\, David Gelb currently works and lives in Los Angeles. After graduating from USC’s film production program\, David worked on various music videos\, short films\, and documentaries. Most notably\, he directed A Vision of Blindness\, an extensive behind the scenes look at Fernando Meirelles’s film Blindness\, which enjoyed a run on the Sundance Channel. David has been a sushi aficionado since his childhood. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is his first full-length feature film. \nSince the success of Jiro Dreams of Sushi\, David continued his journey of capturing culinary artistry and helmed the acclaimed Netflix series Chef’s Table\, Street Food\, and Disney+ documentary Wolfgang.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/jiro-dreams-of-sushi/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240730T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240730T201500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240718T160041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240729T170611Z
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SUMMARY:Remembering the Island of the Gods: Izaihō in Film\, Memory\, and History
DESCRIPTION:Reservations are now closed. Thank you for your interest. We will have a rush line before the event\, and will start to release unclaimed seats 10 minutes before the event. \n \nRemembering the Island of the Gods: Izaihō in Film\, Memory\, and History \nTuesday\, July 30\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening & Lecture Event | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nNOMURA Gakuya’s film Izaihō vividly captures the rhythms of everyday life on Kudaka Island\, as well as the planning and performance of one of the final Izaihō. The experience of watching the film is so fascinating that we might not give much thought to its historical context. And yet\, in 1968\, the main island of Okinawa\, only a few kilometers to the west\, was in the midst of significant social and political turmoil. Ordinary people still struggled to come to grips with the consequences of the Battle of Okinawa\, only two decades earlier\, in which 150\,000 Okinawan civilians were killed\, and most cities and villages destroyed. Unlike mainland Japan\, Okinawa remained under American military occupation. Rebuilding homes and businesses was difficult\, and the future was unclear. Charged debates over independence\, continued subordination to the United States\, or return to Japanese rule took place everywhere\, from public meetings to the kitchen table. Citizens took to the streets to protest economic disparity\, the use of Okinawan bases to fight the war in Vietnam\, and their lack of political self-determination. How does an understanding of this context shape our understanding of Nomura’s film? How can the film help us to have a more complex understanding of that moment in time? \n\nSpeaker Profile: \n \nChristopher T. Nelson is a cultural anthropologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For nearly three decades\, he has done ethnographic fieldwork in Okinawa\, Japan. His work focuses on the relationship between history and memory\, and he has a deep interest in storytelling\, ritual and performance. \nHis new book\, When the Bones Speak: The Living\, the Dead\, and the Sacrifice of Okinawa\, an ethnography of laborers\, artists\, ethnologists\, political activists\, shaman and the dead in Japan\, will be published by Duke University Press in the spring of 2025. \n\nAbout the film: \n \nIzaihō \nDirected by NOMURA Gakuya • 1967 • Documentary • 49 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nKudaka Island is a half-agricultural and half-fishing remote island where the men run the fishing industry and the women do the agriculture. Life on the small island is not easy. They share the scarce water and share the land fairly with an allotment system. When the boys become men\, they all go out the sea. The women come together around the rituals\, praying for the safety of the journeying men and protection of the island. The men are fishermen and travelers\, and the women are priestesses who protect them. Kudaka Island has long been known as the “island of the gods\,” and 30 yearly rituals embedded into island life are solemnly passed down by the islanders even to this day. Held once every 12 years on the year of the horse\, Izaihō is Kudaka Island’s greatest ritual. During Izaihō\, women from the ages of 30 to 41 who were born on and live on the island become gods.  \nThis film captures the Izaihō performed in 1966. The ritual was held once more in 1978 and then vanished — an unusual occurrence. While many of Japan’s festivals and rituals are becoming mere charades as they transform into tourist attractions in order to survive\, Izaihō disappeared while it was still in practice and remained representative of the spirit of the people of Kudaka Island. \n\nThis is the final event of our Keep Dancin’\, Okinawa! film series\, in celebration of Okinawan stories\, culture\, and history. \nFree admission. Register below.
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/izaiho/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening,Lecture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240928T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240928T170000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20240905T041032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240927T211339Z
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SUMMARY:Before the Coffee Gets Cold (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nBefore the Coffee Gets Cold\nコーヒーが冷めないうちに\nCafé Funiculi Funicula\n \nSaturday\, September 28\, 3:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 2:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Ave.) | Free Admission \nDirected by TSUKAHARA Ayuko • 2018 • Drama / Fantasy / Sci-Fi • 116 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nUrban legend has it that you can return to your chosen point in the past at Café Funiculi Funicula\, the coffee shop where TOKITA Kazu works. But\, several rules must be obeyed in order to travel back to the past. One’s time travelling is limited to the period by which the coffee gets cold. \nAdapted from the global book sensation of the same name by author KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu\, who is a featured guest at the 2024 Toronto International Festival of Authors. \n  \nFree admission. Register below. \n \n\nRelated Programming: \nCurtain Up to a New Chapter: KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu’s journey of storytelling across genres \nSaturday\, September 28\, 3:00PM (ET) \nMr. Kawaguchi will converse with Mr. Bruce Pitkin at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto about his unique journey of being a playwright turned novelist. The pair will discuss theatre\, writing\, and translation\, making it suitable for enthusiasts of all three to join in. Venturing into the challenges and opportunities the writer has faced in his journey\, audience can expect to learn more about the author’s storytelling\, which spans genres\, as well as hear all about how the café that lets you visit your past came into being. \nDetails Here \n\nCo-Presented by: \n \n  \nFood & Beverage Partner: \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/beforethecoffeegetscold/
LOCATION:Innis Town Hall\, 2 Sussex Ave.\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5S 1J5
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241017T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241017T201000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241008T163250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031317Z
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SUMMARY:Ringu (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Ringu\nリング\nThe Ring \nThursday\, October 17\, 6:30PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by NAKATA Hideo • 1998 • Horror / Thriller • 96 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nContent Warning: This film contains intense and frightening scenes\, along with depictions of violence and gore. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. \nThe film that launched the craze for J-Horror in the West\, director NAKATA Hideo’s (Dark Water\, L: Change the World) international sensation melded traditional Japanese folklore with contemporary anxieties about the spread of technology for a chilling experience unlike anything that had come before.  \nA group of teenage friends are found dead\, their bodies grotesquely contorted\, their faces twisted in terror. Reiko\, a journalist and the aunt of one of the victims\, sets out to investigate the shocking phenomenon\, and in the process uncovers a creepy urban legend about a supposedly cursed videotape\, the contents of which cause anyone who views it to die within a week—unless they can persuade someone else to watch it\, and\, in so doing\, pass on the curse.\n—Criterion Channel \nStarring MATSUSHIMA Nanako and SANADA Hiroyuki\, who recently won two Emmy Awards for his work on the record-breaking Shōgun series. \nThis is screening a part of our CURSED BODIES Halloween film series. \nFree admission. Register below. \n  \n\n\nRelated Programming: \n \nYokai Netsuke Exhibition \nOctober 17\, 2024 – January 25\, 2025 \nExperience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures\, which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions\, from flat images to three dimensional sculptures\, and from monochrome to colour. \nRegister Here \n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/ringu/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241022T201000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241008T163326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031304Z
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SUMMARY:Before We Vanish (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Before We Vanish\n散歩する侵略者\n \nTuesday\, October 22\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by KUROAWA Kiyoshi • 2017 • Sci-Fi  / Thriller • 129 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nIn his twentieth film\, acclaimed horror director KUROSAWA Kiyoshi (Cure\, Pulse\, Tokyo Sonata) reinvents the alien movie as a unique and profoundly human tale of love and mystery.  \nAfter going missing for several days\, Shinji (MATSUA Ryuhei) mysteriously reappears\, acting nothing like his former self. His relationship with his wife Narumi (NAGASAWA Masami) had been on the rocks\, but now Shinji is calmer than before\, which only serves to exasperate Narumi further. Shinji also has a bizarre new daily routine of strolling around the neighborhood and engaging strangers in deep\, conceptual conversations with no apparent purpose. Elsewhere in town\, a family is brutally murdered\, and journalist Sakurai (HASEGAWA Hiroki) begins to investigate the odd circumstances of the killing. As an ominous mood spreads over an otherwise ordinary town\, Sakurai and Narumi each try to understand what lies behind the spiraling chaos.  \nEqually hilarious\, thrilling\, and profound\, Before We Vanish reminds audiences of the continued strength of one of Japanese cinema’s most unique auteurs\, and the value of the human spirit. \nThis is screening a part of our CURSED BODIES Halloween film series. \nFree admission. Register below. \n  \n\n\nRelated Programming: \n \nYokai Netsuke Exhibition \nOctober 17\, 2024 – January 25\, 2025 \nExperience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures\, which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions\, from flat images to three dimensional sculptures\, and from monochrome to colour. \nRegister Here
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/before-we-vanish/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241030T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241030T193000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241008T163355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031235Z
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SUMMARY:Goké\, Body Snatcher from Hell (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Goké\, Body Snatcher from Hell\n吸血鬼ゴケミドロ \nWednesday\, October 30\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by SATO Hajime • 1968 • Horror / Sci-Fi • 84 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nContent Warning: This film contains frightening scenes\, along with depictions of violence and gore. Viewer discretion is advised. \nAfter an airplane is forced to crash-land in a remote area\, its passengers find themselves face-to-face with an alien force that wants to possess them body and soul\, and perhaps take over the entire human race. \nFilled with creatively repulsive effects\, including a very invasive bloblike life-form\, SATO Hajime’s GOKÉ\, BODY SNATCHER FROM HELL is a pulpy\, apocalyptic gross-out. \n  \nThis is screening a part of our CURSED BODIES Halloween film series. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\n\nRelated Programming: \n \nYokai Netsuke Exhibition \nOctober 17\, 2024 – January 25\, 2025 \nExperience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures\, which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions\, from flat images to three dimensional sculptures\, and from monochrome to colour. \nRegister Here
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/goke-body-snatcher-from-hell/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241108T175900
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241110T235900
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241024T162543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T000721Z
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SUMMARY:One Summer Story (virtual film screening)
DESCRIPTION:One Summer Story 子供はわかってあげない \nFriday\, November 8\, 5:59PM (ET) – Sunday\, November 10\, 11:59PM (ET) Virtual Film Screening | Free to Stream | Canada-wide \nDirected by OKITA Shuichi • 2020 • Comedy / Drama • 139 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nBetween competitive swim team practice and cramming for classes\, the anime “Buffalo Koteko is the Magical Plasterer” is Minami’s only respite from her hectic life. So\, it feels a lot like fate when she discovers that her classmate Shohei\, an aspiring manga artist and the son of a calligraphy instructor\, shares her obsession—and that his sibling is an amateur detective. It seems Minami has finally found the perfect team to help her unravel a big mystery of her own\, following a recent trail of clues that just might lead to her long lost father. The timing couldn’t be better when an out-of-town swim competition presents itself as the perfect alibi\, and she sneaks off to the Japanese coast to discover a whole new side of herself in this bold and charming story of anime\, friendship\, family\, and the life aquatic. \nBased on the manga Kodomo wa Wakatteagenai by TAJIMA Rettou\, originally serialized in the weekly MORNING magazine published by KODANSHA Ltd. \nCo-presented with JETAA Ottawa and the Embassy of Japan in Canada. In support of JET Programme Canada. \nFree to Stream. Register below. \n*Reminder: After registration\, the streaming link will be sent to you on November 8. You will be able to watch the film anytime between November 8\, 5:59PM (ET) to November 10\, 11:59PM (ET) regardless of which date option you select in the registration form below. Once you start watching\, you have 24 hours to finish the film. \n\nAnnual JET Film Screenings: \nFor the third consecutive year\, we are hosting a Canada-wide virtual film screening in early November to highlight inaka (田舎\, countryside) life in Japan\, in support of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Canada. Many JET participants are assigned to small towns and rural areas across the Japanese countryside to teach at schools or work at local government offices. We carefully curate films that reflect this experience. In 2022\, we screened A Gentle Breeze in the Village\, and last year in 2023\, we screened Restaurant from the Sky. \n\n JET Programme Canada\n\n \nApplication Deadline: November 14\, 3:00PM (ET) \nApply Here \nBe a part of the JET Story! Gain valuable overseas work experience\, learn about Japanese culture\, and meet people from around the world\, while contributing to language education and international understanding. The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme seeks to enhance internationalisation and enhance foreign language education at the local level through the fostering of ties between Japanese youth and foreign youth alike. \n\nDirector Profile: \n OKITA Shuichi is an acclaimed filmmaker both at home in Japan and overseas. His films\, Mori\, the Artist’s Habitat (2018)\, The Mohican Comes Home (2016)\, and Ecotherapy Getaway Holiday (2014) were invited to Shanghai International Film Festival and Udine Far East Film Festival. The Story of Yonosuke (2013) was invited to the Tokyo International Film Festival and Nippon Connection Film Festival in Frankfurt. His 2012 The Woodsman and the Rain won the Special Jury Prize at the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival and won triple honors at Dubai International Film Festival with Best Actor\, Best Editor and Best Scriptwriter awards. His second feature The Chef of South Polar (2009) had both domestic and international acclaim. His first feature was What a Wonderful World (2006). Prior to his feature film career\, Okita made short films\, including Pots and Friend (2002)\, which was invited to the 7th Mito Short Film Festival Grand Prix\, and he also wrote and directed TV dramas. Okita was born in 1977 in Saitama and graduated from Nihon University\, College of Art\, Department of Cinema. His latest films are 0.5 Man (2023)\, Because We Forget Everything (2022)\, and The Fish Tale (2022). \n\n
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/one-summer-story/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241112T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241112T200000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241105T175439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031216Z
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SUMMARY:A Letter to Momo (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:A Letter to Momo\nももへの手紙 \nTuesday\, November 12\, 6:00 PM (ET)\nDoors Open 5:30 PM | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission | Registration Required \nDirected by OKIURA Hiroyuki • 2011 • Anime / Fantasy • 120 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nFrom the creators of Ghost in the Shell comes a wonderfully expressive and beautifully hand-drawn animated tale that combines bursts of whimsy and kinetic humor with deeply felt emotion and drama. \nThe last time Momo saw her father they had a fight – and now all she has left to remember him by is an incomplete letter\, a blank piece of paper penned with the words “Dear Momo\,” but nothing more. Moving with her mother to the remote Japanese island of Shio\, Momo soon discovers three yōkai living in her attic\, a trio of mischievous spirit creatures that only she can see and who create mayhem in the tiny seaside community as she tries desperately to keep them hidden. But these funny monsters have a serious side and may hold the key to helping Momo discover what her father had been trying to tell her. \nA Letter to Momo was seven years in the making\, and the handmade animation is superb\, from the painstakingly rendered serenity of the island’s Shinto shrines to the climactic finale – a frantic chase featuring thousands of squirming\, morphing ghosts and spirits that is the best cinematic flight of supernatural fancy in years. \nRegister below \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nOKIURA Hiroyuki (沖浦 啓之\, born October 13\, 1966 in Katano\, Osaka) is a Japanese animation director and animator working for Production I.G. \nOkiura left high school at the age of 16 and went into the animation industry as a member of the studio Anime R. He is known for his detailed animation effects intricately shown in the chopper attack scene in Patlabor 2: The Movie\, and his highly realistic character animation in the opening credits of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie and several Production I.G features. Okiura’s feature directorial debut was Jin-Roh\, released in 1998\, was the recipient of the Minami Toshiko Award at the 11th Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival in February 2000. \nOkiura’s next feature film was A Letter to Momo\, in which he wrote and directed\, premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival\, about 11 years after his first film. It was in development for seven years. \n\nRelated Programming: \n \nYōkai Netsuke Exhibition \nOpen until January 25\, 2025 \nExperience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures\, which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions\, from flat images to three dimensional sculptures\, and from monochrome to colour. \nRegister Here \n  \n  \n\n\n \nUnveil the Mysteries of Yōkai and the Craftsmanship of Netsuke Figures with JFT Library’s Curated Collection! \nAre you planning to visit or have already been fascinated by the JFT Gallery’s Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition? To enrich your cultural journey\, we have curated library item lists on yōkai and netsuke/figures\, including physical and electronic books\, manga/anime\, films\, and more! \nWhether you enjoy manga/anime featuring yōkai characters\, seek engaging reads for young readers\, or are curious to learn about the rich history and artistry behind these enigmatic figures\, our collection has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Japanese monsters\, and explore the craftsmanship behind netsuke or miniature figures that tell fascinating cultural stories. These curated library items are currently on display in our library\, located right next to the gallery. \nApply for a new library card or renew your expired card here. \n\nLibrary Item List on Yōkai    Library Item List on Netsuke/Figures \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n  \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – Yōkai\nThursday\, November 21\, 6:30 pm – 8:00 PM (ET) \nInspired by the JFT Gallery’s current exhibition\, our upcoming book club meeting will explore the mysterious realm of yōkai!  \nJoin us in person or virtually to enjoy yōkai-related books in any languages and engage in optional discussion to share your discoveries with fellow participants. Whether you are fascinated by the yōkai-inspired artworks\, love yōkai characters in manga/anime\, or are curious to learn about the traditional folklore\, uncover the hidden stories behind these enigmatic beings!  \n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/a-letter-to-momo/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241203T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241203T193000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241113T212630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031156Z
UID:99169-1733248800-1733254200@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Yōkai Monsters: 100 Monsters (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Yōkai Monsters: 100 Monsters\n妖怪百物語 \nTuesday\, December 3\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by YASUDA Kimiyoshi • 1968 • Fantasy / Horror • 80 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nA fantastic world unlike anything you have ever seen! \nA greedy developer\, in league with a corrupt Shrine Magistrate\, brutally tries to drive people out of a tenement building and destroy the shrine in back. But he makes the fatal mistake of hosting a 100 Ghost Stories ceremony without the closing cleansing ritual\, opening the door for the Yōkai Monsters to punish the wicked. \nPresented in conjunction with the Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition\, currently on display in the JFT Gallery. \nThis screening is a part of our Yōkai Monsters trilogy series. Watch Yōkai Monsters: Along with Ghosts on December 10 and Yōkai Monsters: Spook Warfare on January 9\, 2025. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/yokai-monsters-100monsters/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241210T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241210T193000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241113T212642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T175237Z
UID:99171-1733853600-1733859000@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Yōkai Monsters: Along with Ghosts (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Yōkai Monsters: Along with Ghosts\n東海道お化け道中 \nTuesday\, December 10\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by KURODA Yoshiyuki and YASUDA Kimiyoshi • 1969 • Fantasy / Horror • 78 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nThe most spectacular spectres the world has ever seen! \nIn feudal Japan\, gangsters chase a young girl who might testify against their boss. When the gangsters murder the girl’s grandfather on sacred ground\, the door is opened for the Yōkai Monsters to step in. \nPresented in conjunction with the Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition\, currently on display in the JFT Gallery. \nThis screening is a part of our Yōkai Monsters trilogy series. Watch Yōkai Monsters: Spook Warfare on January 9\, 2025. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/yokai-monsters-alongwithghosts/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241217T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241217T200500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241204T205158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031039Z
UID:99175-1734458400-1734465900@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Shoplifters (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Shoplifters\n万引き家族 \nTuesday\, December 17\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by KORE-EDA Hirokazu • 2018 • Drama / Family • 121 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nSometimes you choose your family. \nAfter one of their shoplifting sessions\, Osamu (Lily Franky) and his son (KAIRA Jyo) come across a little girl (MIYU Sasaki) in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl\, Osamu’s wife\, Nobuyo (ANDO Sakura)\, agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor\, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime\, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets\, testing the bonds that unite them. Also starring KIRIN Kiki and MAYU Matsuoka. \nJoin us for this year-end winter film screening at The Japan Foundation\, Toronto. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nBorn in Tokyo\, Japan\, KORE-EDA Hirokazu (是枝 裕和) graduated from Waseda University in 1987. His directorial debuts\, Maborosi (1995) and After Life (1998) brought him international acclaim. Into the new millennium\, Director Kore-eda’s films were frequently selected at the Cannes Film Festival\, including Distance (2001)\, Nobody Knows (2004\, Best Actor Award for YUYA Yagira\, Cannes’ youngest recipient)\, Air Doll (2009)\, Like Father\, Like Son (Jury Prize\, 2013)\, Our little Sister (2015) and After the Storm (2016). In 2018\, Shoplifters won the Cannes’ highest honour\, the Palme d’or\, as well as being nominated for the 91st Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In recent years\, he reached a turning point in international co-productions with The Truth (2019) in France\, and Broker (2022\, Cannes Festival Best Actor Award for Song Kang-ho) in Korea. In 2023\, his latest feature Monster won Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. \nIn Japan\, Director Kore-eda has won the Best Director and Best Film awards at the Japan Academy Film Prize for Our Little Sister\, The Third Murder\, and Shoplifters\, as well as Best Screenplay for The Third Murder and Shoplifters. \n\n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/shoplifters/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250109T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250109T193000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241113T212650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T031124Z
UID:99172-1736445600-1736451000@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Yōkai Monsters: Spook Warfare (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Yōkai Monsters: Spook Warfare\n妖怪大戦争 \nThursday\, January 9\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall | Free Admission \nDirected by KURODA Yoshiyuki • 1968 • Fantasy / Horror • 79 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nThe most bizarre monsters the world has ever seen! \nWhen a Babylonian vampire comes to old Japan\, an army of Japanese Yōkai gather to battle him. \nPresented in conjunction with the Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition\, currently on display in the JFT Gallery. \nThis screening is a part of our Yōkai Monsters trilogy series. Watch Yōkai Monsters: Along with Ghosts on December 10. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\n  \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/yokai-monsters-spookwarfare/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T125500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241216T182715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T222302Z
UID:99570-1737802800-1737809700@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Children of the Sea (KOTATSU screenings)
DESCRIPTION:Registrations are now full. We will have a rush line before the screening\, and will start to release unclaimed seats 10 minutes before showtime. Thank you for your interest and understanding. \n \nChildren of the Sea\n海獣の子供 \nSaturday\, January 25\, 11:00AM (ET) \nLineup starts 10:30AM | Doors open 10:45AM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall \nDirected by WATANABE Ayumu • 2019 • Anime/ Fantasy • 111 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nWhen Ruka was younger\, she saw a ghost in the water at the aquarium where her father works. Now she feels drawn towards the aquarium and the two mysterious boys she meets there\, Umi and Sora. They were raised by dugongs and hear the same strange calls from the sea as she does. Ruka’s dad and the other adults who work at the aquarium are only distantly aware of what the children are experiencing as they get caught up in the mystery of the worldwide disappearance of the oceans’ fish. \nDirected by WATANABE Ayumu (Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko) and scored by longtime Studio Ghibli composer Joe HISAISHI (My Neighbor Totoro\, Spirited Away\, How’s Moving Castle)\, Children of the Sea is adapted from the manga of the same name by author and manga artist IGARASHI Daisuke\, which won the Excellence Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival. \nThis is a family-friendly screening and is a part of our annual winter film showcase\, KOTATSU 2025: Japanese Cinema at Innis Town Hall. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nBorn in 1966\, WATANABE Ayumu joined Studio Mates in 1986 and debuted his first original picture with the same studio. In 1988 he moved to Shinei Videos and was active in a wide range of roles including key animator\, animation director\, and director. Watanabe directed the short theatrical release Obachan no Omoide (2000)\, and the feature film Doraemon: Nobita’s Dragon 2006 (2006) and became a free agent in 2011. After that time\, he tirelessly built up his directing portfolio with projects such as the TV series Mysterious Girlfriend X (2012)\, Danchi Tomoo (2012-15)\, If Her Flag Breaks (2014)\, Space Brothers (2012-14)\, and Ace Attorney (2016). Three TV series directed by Watanabe aired in 2018\, including After the Rain\, Gurazeni\, and Major 2nd. Children of the Sea is his fourth time directing a full-length theatrical release. \n\nAuthor Profile: \n \nBorn in 1969\, IGARASHI Daisuke made his debut in 1993 when he received the Shiki Award from Gekkan Afternoon (Kodansha). He is known for Witches\, which won the Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Category Award\, and SARU (Shogakukan)\, which he created in collaboration with novelist ISAKA Kotaro. His series Little Forest (Kodansha)\, which ran from 2002 to 2005\, was made into a live-action films in Japan and Korea. In 2009\, Igarashi received the Japan Cartoonists Association Award for his first long-form work\, Children of the Sea. His most recent work is Designs (Kodansha). \n\nCommunity Partners: \n \n  \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/children-of-the-sea-kotatsu/
LOCATION:Innis Town Hall\, Innis College\, University of Toronto\, 2 Sussex Avenue\, Toronto\, ON\, M5S 1JS\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6655699;-79.3996052
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T132500
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T151500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241216T182647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T222329Z
UID:99572-1737811500-1737818100@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:I Am What I Am (KOTATSU screenings)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nI Am What I Am\nそばかす \nSaturday\, January 25\, 1:25PM (ET) \nLineup starts 12:55PM | Doors open 1:10PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall \nDirected by TAMADA Shinya • 2022 • Drama / LGBTQIA+ • 104 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \n“I don’t want to fall in love\, I don’t have those feelings. So I can live alone – that’s me.”—SOBATA Kasumi \nKasumi (MIURA Tōko\, Drive My Car) has always lived her life aromantically and asexually\, without having romantic feelings for people. It’s not that she doesn’t like men\, nor does she like women. She is unable to see other people sexually. \nOn the other hand\, for Kasumi\, who lives with her family in a provincial town by the sea and is now 30 years old\, marriage is a topic that always comes up. Her mother is always talking about marriage. Her younger sister is already married and pregnant. People around her\, without regard to Kasumi’s thoughts or feelings\, continue to insist that it is natural for women to get married. \nOne day\, Kasumi’s mother surprises her with a matchmaking session. Kasumi wants to leave\, but when she talks with Sho (IZIMA Kuu)\, she discovers he’s not interested in romance either. Unexpectedly\, they feel a sense of closeness and become friends. \nThis screening is a part of our annual winter film showcase\, KOTATSU 2025: Japanese Cinema at Innis Town Hall. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nBorn in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1986\, SHINYA Tamada is a director\, screenwriter and playwright who has worked in film\, television\, and stage\, and is a member of the directing department of the Japanese theater company Seinendan. His feature film debut Lust In A Karaoke Bar (2018) was based on the play of the same title that he wrote for his own theater troupe\, Kikaku Tamada. In his films The Girl I Like (2020) and I Am What I Am (2022)\, he takes a critical look at romantic stereotypes. \n\nCommunity Partners: \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/i-am-what-i-am-kotatsu/
LOCATION:Innis Town Hall\, Innis College\, University of Toronto\, 2 Sussex Avenue\, Toronto\, ON\, M5S 1JS\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6655699;-79.3996052
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Innis Town Hall Innis College University of Toronto 2 Sussex Avenue Toronto ON M5S 1JS Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Sussex Avenue:geo:-79.3996052,43.6655699
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T170500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241216T182607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T222357Z
UID:99574-1737819900-1737824700@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Jesus (KOTATSU screenings)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nJesus\n僕はイエス様が嫌い \nSaturday\, January 25\, 3:45PM (ET) \nLineup starts 3:15PM | Doors open 3:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall \nDirected by OKUYAMA Hiroshi • 2018 • Comedy / Drama • 78 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nYura is a young boy whose family leaves Tokyo to live with his grandmother in the snowy countryside. Not only must he fit in at a new school\, but it’s a Christian one. At first he is puzzled when his class are called to “worship\,” but he gradually adjusts to his new environment. One day\, in the middle of a prayer\, he sees a miniature Jesus appear before him. Each wish Yura makes to Jesus comes true\, and he starts to have faith in the power of the Lord. \nThis screening is a part of our annual winter film showcase\, KOTATSU 2025: Japanese Cinema at Innis Town Hall. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nOKUYAMA Hiroshi (born in 1996) is a Japanese filmmaker\, cinematographer\, screenwriter\, and editor. He began his career as a filmmaker when he was still in high school. He first received critical acclaim in 2014 for his music video GRADUATION PARTY!!!!!\, which premiered at the Kyoto International Film Festival. From 2017\, he focused on cinematography which led him to being nominated for various film festivals. In 2018\, Director Okuyama’s short film\, Tokyo 21st October\, was selected for Shorts Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2018 and other renowned film festivals such as Busan International Film Festival. In the same year\, he directed his first feature film\, Jesus\, which won Kutxabank-New Directors Award at 66th San Sebastian Film Festival. His most recent feature film\, My Sunshine\, was celebrated at many international festivals\, most notably the 2024 Cannes Film Festival where it was nominated for the “Un Certain Regard” and “Queer Palm” awards.\n \n\nCommunity Partners: \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/jesus-kotatsu/
LOCATION:Innis Town Hall\, Innis College\, University of Toronto\, 2 Sussex Avenue\, Toronto\, ON\, M5S 1JS\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6655699;-79.3996052
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Innis Town Hall Innis College University of Toronto 2 Sussex Avenue Toronto ON M5S 1JS Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Sussex Avenue:geo:-79.3996052,43.6655699
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T173500
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T192000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241216T182557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T222435Z
UID:99576-1737826500-1737832800@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Japanese Girls Never Die (KOTATSU screenings)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nJapanese Girls Never Die\nアズミ・ハルコは行方不明 \nSaturday\, January 25\, 5:35PM (ET) \nLineup starts 5:05PM | Doors open 5:20PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall \nDirected by MATSUI Daigo • 2016 • Comedy / Drama • 101 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nContent Warning: This film contains scenes of violence and depictions of sex. Viewer discretion is advised. \nIt’s just another suburban town until two events gradually begin to change everything. First\, a rash of graffiti appears\, featuring a local girl\, Azumi Haruko\, in a series of spray-painted “Missing Girl” posters plastered on the town’s walls. The second\, more sinister event is the rise of a gang of vicious high school girls carrying out random attacks on men. The local press covers the story\, the graffiti goes viral on the internet\, and the entire affair becomes one of the hottest topics on Twitter. Upon closer examination\, a connection emerges: it seems the girl gang may have been inspired by the “Haruko is Missing” posters\, taking revenge on men as part of their mission. \nThis pop-art and surrealist tale delves into the daily lives of Japanese women across various age groups: teenage high school girls\, young women in their 20s just beginning their careers\, and working women in their 30s\, often labeled by societal norms as being “past their peak.” \nThis screening is a part of our annual winter film showcase\, KOTATSU 2025: Japanese Cinema at Innis Town Hall. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nA Fukuoka native\, MATSUI Daigo was born in 1985. He runs the theatre company GOJIGEN\, where he writes\, directs and acts in all of the company’s productions. In 2009\, he made his debut as the youngest screenwriter in NHK with Twin Spica. His feature directorial debut was Afro Tanaka starring MATSUDA Shota in 2012. It was followed by How Selfish I Am! and Wonderful World End; the latter premiered in the Berlin International Film Festival. He was awarded the New Director’s Award in TAMA Movie Awards for Our Huff and Puff Journey. He also directs music videos and writes columns. Japanese Girls Never Die gave him the opportunity to direct the short film a flower in a vase based on ISHIAZKI Huwie’s song\, which won the Best Short Award in the Music Video Competition at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia.\n \n\nCommunity Partners: \n \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/japanese-girls-never-die-kotatsu/
LOCATION:Innis Town Hall\, Innis College\, University of Toronto\, 2 Sussex Avenue\, Toronto\, ON\, M5S 1JS\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6655699;-79.3996052
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Innis Town Hall Innis College University of Toronto 2 Sussex Avenue Toronto ON M5S 1JS Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Sussex Avenue:geo:-79.3996052,43.6655699
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T195000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250125T213500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20241216T182548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T222453Z
UID:99578-1737834600-1737840900@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Inu-Oh (KOTATSU screenings)
DESCRIPTION:Registrations are now full. We will have a rush line before the screening\, and will start to release unclaimed seats 10 minutes before showtime. Thank you for your interest and understanding. \n \nInu-Oh\n犬王 \nSaturday\, January 25\, 7:50PM (ET) \nLineup starts 7:20PM | Doors open 7:35PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall \nDirected by YUASA Masaaki • 2021 • Anime / Fantasy / Musical • 99 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nContent Warning: This film contains scenes of strong violence\, gore\, and bloody images. Viewer discretion is advised. \nBorn to an esteemed family\, Inu-oh is afflicted with an ancient curse that has left him on the margins of society. When he meets the blind musician Tomona\, a young biwa priest haunted by his past\, Inu-oh discovers a captivating ability to dance. The pair quickly become business partners and inseparable friends as crowds flock to their electric\, larger-than-life concerts. But when those in power threaten to break up the band\, Inu-oh and Tomona must dance and sing to uncover the truth behind their creative gifts. \nFrom visionary director YUASA Masaaki comes a revisionist rock opera about a 14th-century superstar whose dance moves take Japan by storm. Featuring character creation by MATSUMOTO Taiyo (Tekkonkinkreet\, Ping Pong: The Animation) and awe-inspiring vocals by Avu-chan (Queen Bee) and MORIYAMA Mirai\, INU-OH is a glam-rock ode to the power of music and a forceful statement on artistic freedom from one of animation’s singular talents. \nThis screening is a part of our annual winter film showcase\, KOTATSU 2025: Japanese Cinema at Innis Town Hall. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nAfter graduating from the Department of Fine Arts at Kyushu Sangyo University\, YUASA Masaaki joined Ajia-do Animation Works and studied under SHIBAYAMA Tsutomu. Later he worked as a freelancer. \nDirector Yuasa was one of the primary staff for the TV series Chibi Maruko-chan and Crayon Shin-chan. His directorial debut\, Mind Game (2004)\, won numerous awards including Best Film\, Best Director\, and Best Script at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival. He has also received many awards for television shows he directed\, such as The Tatami Galaxy (2010) and Ping Pong: The Animation (2014). \nIn 2017\, he released two of his feature films\, Night is Short\, Walk On Girl and Lu Over The Wall in theatres. Night is Short\, Walk On Girl won not only the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year\, but was also the first film directed by a Japanese director to win the Grand Prize for Best Animated Feature at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. His first original feature film\, Lu Over The Wall\, won the Cristal for Best Feature Film at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. \nFollowing the worldwide distribution of his two anime series\, DEVILMAN Crybaby (2018) and Japan Sinks 2020 (2020)\, which won the Jury Award for a TV Series at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival\, Yuasa’s works have become wildly popular not only in Japan but around the world. One of his most beloved shows adapted from ŌWARA Sumito’s manga of the same title\, Keep Your Hands Off of Eizouken!\, was named “one of the best TV shows of the year” by the New York Times. Additionally\, his 2020 film Ride Your Wave won Best Animated Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival\, as well as many national and international awards\, including the Best Animated Feature Film at the Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia. \nIn INU-OH\, his fifth full-length feature film\, he took on the difficult task of creating a musical movie set in Muromachi-era Japan for the first time\, as his love for challenges knows no bounds. The film debuted and earned Yuasa his first invitation to both the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. His unbridled imagination and dynamic drawing style have attracted attention both inside and outside the animation industry. \n\nCommunity Partners:
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/inu-oh-kotatsu/
LOCATION:Innis Town Hall\, Innis College\, University of Toronto\, 2 Sussex Avenue\, Toronto\, ON\, M5S 1JS\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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GEO:43.6655699;-79.3996052
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250211T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250211T194500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20250124T165645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T160924Z
UID:100166-1739296800-1739303100@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:The Nighthawk’s First Love (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:The Nighthawk’s First Love\nよだかの片想い \nTuesday\, February 11\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by YASUKAWA Yuka • 2021 • Drama / Romance • 98 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nContent Advisory: This film includes scenes of a sexual nature. Viewer discretion is advised.  \nAiko (MATSUI Rena)\, a graduate science student\, has always had low-self esteem and has been teased since childhood because of a birthmark on the left side of her face. At school she is devoted to her research\, but her situation changes dramatically when she is interviewed for a book about people with birthmarks or injuries on their face. The book is to be adapted into a movie and Aiko is introduced to the director\, Tobisaka (NAKAJIMA Ayumu)\, by her friend Marie (ODA Risa). Aiko’s feelings for Tobisaka grows\, which causes her to come face to face with her own complex. \nAdapted from the novel of the same name by acclaimed romance author SHIMAMOTO Rio (島本 理生). \nPresented in conjunction with our Valentine’s event series spotlighting SHIMAMOTO Rio. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \nYASUKAWA Yuka (安川有果) was born in 1986 in Nara prefecture. In 2012\, she was selected by Cineastes Organization Osaka (CO2) to direct Dressing Up\, which won the Grand Prize and the Award for Best Actress at TAMA NEW WAVE\, and the New Director Award at the Japanese Professional Movie Awards. After participating in omnibus films and stage productions\, she directed her second feature film\, The Nighthawk’s First Love (2021)\, which was selected for the Tokyo International Film Festival’s “Future of Asia” section.\n \n\nRelated Programming: \n \nJFT Book Club (Hybrid): First Love by SHIMAMOTO Rio \nSaturday\, February 8\, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (ET) \nThis Valentine’s season\, we invite you to delve into the intricacies of love through Japanese literature! Join us in person or virtually to discuss SHIMAMOTO Rio’s First Love (島本理生著『ファーストラヴ』)\, a Naoki-award-winning mystery novel that will leave you reflecting on the complexities of love\, family\, and hidden truths. This hybrid book club is perfect for anyone intrigued by Japanese literature\, romance novels\, or mysteries. \nRegister Here \n  \n \nFirst Love and Beyond: Author SHIMAMOTO Rio on Japanese Romance Fiction \nWednesday\, February 12\, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (ET) \nDive into the world of romance and storytelling with celebrated Japanese author SHIMAMOTO Rio! This exclusive online talk event will dig into the creation of her Naoki award-winning novel First Love\, gain unique insights into her writing process and explore the allure of Japanese romance fiction. \nDetails Here \n  \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/the-nighthawks-first-love/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Japan Foundation Toronto 2 Bloor St. East 3rd Floor Toronto ON M4W 1A8 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor:geo:-79.3857432,43.6710659
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250223T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250223T210000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20251106T175343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T175343Z
UID:109216-1740315600-1740344400@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Cinema Kabuki 2025 Toronto
DESCRIPTION:Presented by The Japan Foundation In association with the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCINEMA KABUKI: In High Definition on the Big Screen ‒ Direct from Japan ‒ English subtitled. Kabuki Theatre filmed with high-resolution cameras for cinemas in High-Definition digital projection and six-channel sound. A handsome love couple at the pleasure quarters in Kuruwabunshō\, the scandalous secret love and downfall of Princess Sakurahime \, and a ferocious Shishi and a court maiden both conveyed by a single dancer in Lion Dance.  https://tr.jpf.go.jp/cinema-kabuki-2025-toronto/ \n\n\n\nAdvanced tickets on sale now. Telephone: 416-599-2033 (TIFF Lightbox box office) Tickets can also be purchased in-person at the TIFF Lightbox box office. Admission Fee for each screening: $24.80 including Tax and handling charge. All seats are assigned. \n\n\n\nTIFF Lightbox\, 350 King Street West\, Toronto\, Cinema 3 Piers Handling Cinema \n\n\n\nCinema Kabuki 2025 Toronto Time Table: Sunday\, February 23 at 1:00 p.m. Kuruwa Bunshō Sunday\, February 23 at 3:45 p.m. Princess Sakurahime Part I Sunday\, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. Lion Dance\, Kagamjishi \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKuruwa Bunshō\, Yoshida-ya\n\n\n\nLove Letters from the Pleasure Quarters Sunday\, February 23 at 1:00 p.m. 吉田屋『廓文章』 【くるわ ぶんしょう】 Premiered in 1793 as a puppet theatre play Premiered as Kabuki in 1808 Recorded live at Kabuki-za Theatre\, Tokyo\, April 2009 97 minutes\, includes an introductory 23-minute documentary\, English subtitled © 2020 Shochiku Co.\, Ltd. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8-chzGpNJY&t=2s \n\n\n\nIzaemon and Yugiri are an idealized couple originating in CHIKAMATSU Monzaemon’s puppet play in 1712\, from which a huge number of variations were created. Kuruwa Bunshō was one of these. A young\, sophisticated\, sensitive man going through hardship has been a tradition in traditional narratives since medieval times in Japan. This “abandoned-prince” tradition was mixed with an abundance of urban culture in the Edo period. The character of Izaemon is a typical urban consumer in the middle of Osaka\, the economic capital. Although neither physically nor financially powerful\, Izaemon is such a charmer and one of the most popular visitors to the pleasure quarter\, being sensitive\, childlike\, funny\, and handsome. Nizaemon\, a Living National Treasure\, realizes this character through his specialty\, the Kamigata Kyoto/Osaka Kabuki acting style. To complete the beauty of Kabuki’s most beautiful couple\, Tamasaburo\, who has been the collaborator of Nizaemon for more than half a century\, and another Living National Treasure of Japan\, joins him as Yugiri\, his gorgeous courtesan lover. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrincess Sakurahime Part I \n\n\n\nSunday\, February 23 at 3:45 p.m. 桜姫東文章 【さくらひめ あずまぶんしょう】 \n\n\n\nPremiered in Bunka 14 (1817) at Kawarazaki-za Theatre\, Edo\, Tokyo Written by TSURUYA Nanboku Recorded live at Kabuki-za Theatre\, Tokyo\, 2021 124 minutes\, English subtitled © 2022 Shochiku Co.\, Ltd. Sakurahime Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=381-GX_0GN8&t=2s \n\n\n\nSweet child and monk\, esteemed princess and thief— two unusual couples whose fates are linked by karma. A high-ranking monk is convinced that Princess Sakura is the reincarnation of his dead male lover and falls madly for her. Sakura\, however\, is obsessed with finding the unknown villain who raped her and left her pregnant. Described by critics and historians describe as one of the most scandalous Kabuki plays ever written\, this story of the secret love and downfall of Princess Sakurahime still has the power to shock contemporary audience. The playwright TSURUYA Nanboku was at the apex of the overripe culture of Edo in the Bunka-Bunsei period (1804-1830). Nanboku’s masterpiece has been brought to the live stage in the most ideal manner by Kabuki’s golden pair Nizaemon and Tamasaburo who started their collaboration in their twenties. This Cinema Kabuki presentation is a precious record of their reunion in their most successful repertoire first time in 36 years. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLion Dance\, Kagamijishi \n\n\n\nSunday\, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. 春興鏡獅子【しゅんきょう かがみじし】 Premiered in 1893 at Kabuki-za Theatre\, Tokyo Written by FUKUCHI Ōchi Recorded live at Kabuki-za Theatre\, Tokyo\, 2009 70 minutes\, includes an introductory 10-minute documentary\, English subtitled © 2013 Shochiku Co.\, Ltd. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdPjLAYMbzI \n\n\n\nFor the late Kanzaburo XVIII (1955-2012) “Lion Dance” was the most precious gem of his family tradition. Danjuro XI\, who created the piece\, was the mentor of Knazaburo’s grandfather\, Kikugoro XI. Four generations of the best Kabuki actors of their eras nurtured “Kagamijishi” and developed it into one of the best examples of the dance repertoire in Kabuki theatre. A single dancer conjures up a stunning contrast of two images: A young maiden in the Shogun’s castle is transformed by the spirit of the majestic Shishi\, a mythical animal. The healthy\, sophisticated eroticism of a young woman is conveyed by the dancer in the first part. Shi is noble\, sensitive\, yet coquetosh at times. But when the spirit of the ferocious Shishi takes over her body\, the animal stamps the earth\, and swings his mane in the air\, celebrating the prosperity and glory of life. \n\n\n\n\n\nRelated Programming: \n\n\n\n\n\n\nKabuki Talk Series 2025\n\n\n\nFebruary 10\, 15 & 19 \n\n\n\nJoin us for a special three-part talk series in conjunction with Cinema Kabuki 2025 Toronto\, where we will dive deep into different aspects of Kabuki Theatre. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or just curious to learn more\, these sessions promise to offer fascinating insights. \n\n\n\n\nDetails & Registration
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/cinema-kabuki-2025-toronto/
LOCATION:TIFF Lightbox\, 350 King Street West\, Toronto\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6466182;-79.3902373
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=TIFF Lightbox 350 King Street West Toronto Ontario Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=350 King Street West:geo:-79.3902373,43.6466182
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250311T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250311T200000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20250211T183226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T202127Z
UID:100992-1741716000-1741723200@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Tremble All You Want (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Tremble All You Want\n勝手にふるえてろ \nTuesday\, March 11\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | “White Day” Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by OHKU Akiko • 2017 • Comedy/ Romance • 117 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nYoshika (MATSUOKA Mayu)\, a 24-year old office clerk\, is in her tenth year of unrequited love for Ichimiya (“Ichi”\, or “One”)\, a fellow student from middle school. Now “Two”\, a persistent co-worker\, asks her out. As no one has ever done this before\, she is pleased\, but their relationship does not seem to catch fire. This cannot be said for the futon in her apartment\, which bursts into flame from contact with an electric heater. The fire is extinguished\, but her brush with death makes her determined to see Ichi again\, and she sets to work organizing a reunion of classmates who\, by and large\, don’t remember her at all. Obsessed with her imaginary “One”\, and timid with regard to the real “Two”\, Yoshika struggles to find herself\, torn between fantasy and reality\, and between what she really wants and what she really doesn’t. Vivacious in her own mind\, drab to the outside world\, Yoshika is the heroine of a true romantic comedy for the present day. \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \nAfter graduating from university and spending the early part of her as a comedian and TV personality\, OHKU Akiko started her career as a filmmaker. Her directorial debut was Igai to Shinanai\, and is well known for subsequent films\, Tokyo Serendipity\, Tokyo Nameless Girl’s Story\, Tadaima\, Jacqueline\, Monster\, Fantastic Girls Deeree Girls. Tremble All You Want is her third collaboration with MATSUOKA Mayu (Shoplifters\, A Silent Voice).\n \n\nWhat is White Day? \nIn Japan\, White Day is celebrated on March 14\, one month after Valentine’s Day. It was popularized in the 1980s as a “reply day\,” when men would reciprocate the presents they had received from women a month earlier\, usually chocolates and other confectionary. In recent years\, there are those who continue to practice Valentine’s and White Day traditions\, while there have also been cultural shifts around gender norms\, societal expectations\, and even financial viability surrounding these practices. White Day is also observed in China\, South Korea\, Taiwan\, and Vietnam. \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/tremble-all-you-want/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250318T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250318T200000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20250306T213940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T181037Z
UID:101515-1742320800-1742328000@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Still Walking (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Still Walking\n歩いても 歩いても \nTuesday\, March 18\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by KORE-EDA Hirokazu • 2008 • Family / Drama • 114 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer \nThe lyrical\, profoundly moving Still Walking is KORE-EDA Hirokazu’s most personal work to date. Created as a tribute to his late mother\, the film depicts one summer day in the life of the Yokoyama family\, gathered together for a commemorative ritual whose nature only gradually becomes clear.  \nRather than focus on big dramatic moments\, Kore-eda relies on simple gestures and domestic routines (especially cooking) to evoke a family’s entire life\, its deep regrets and its daily joys. Featuring vivid\, heartrending performances (ABE Hiroshi\, KIKI Kirin\, NATSUKAWA Yui) and a gentle naturalism that harks back to the director’s earlier\, documentary work\, Still Walking is an extraordinary portrayal of the ties that bind us. \nStill Walking is the “Summer” film of our Seasonal Impressions series. \nThis event is now fully booked and registration is closed. We will have a rush line before the event to release available seats on a first-come\, first-served basis. Admission is not guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding! \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nAfter graduating from the Literature Department of Waseda University\, KORE-EDA Hirokazu (是枝 裕和) joined TV Man Union\, a large\, independent television production company\, where he has directed many prize-winning documentaries. \nHis directorial debuts\, Maborosi (1995) and After Life (1998) brought him international acclaim. Into the new millennium\, Director Kore-eda’s films were frequently selected at the Cannes Film Festival\, including Distance (2001)\, Nobody Knows (2004\, Best Actor Award for YUYA Yagira\, Cannes’ youngest recipient)\, Air Doll (2009)\, Like Father\, Like Son (Jury Prize\, 2013)\, Our little Sister (2015) and After the Storm (2016). In 2018\, his film Shoplifters was awarded Cannes’ highest honour\, the Palme d’or\, as well as being nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Award. In recent years\, he reached a turning point in international co-productions with The Truth (2019) in France\, and Broker (2022\, Cannes Festival Best Actor Award for Song Kang-ho) in South Korea. In 2023\, his latest feature Monster won Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. \nIn Japan\, Director Kore-eda has won the Best Director and Best Film awards at the Japan Academy Film Prize for Our Little Sister\, The Third Murder\, and Shoplifters\, as well as Best Screenplay for The Third Murder and Shoplifters.\n \n\n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/still-walking/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250325T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250325T201500
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20250313T204342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T192908Z
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SUMMARY:Perfect Days (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Perfect Days \nTuesday\, March 25\, 6:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by Wim Wenders • 2023 • Drama / • 124 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer\n \nIn a world of fleeting moments\, find the beauty that lasts. \nA perfect song that hits at just the right moment\, the play of sunlight through leaves\, a fleeting moment of human connection in a vast metropolis: the wonders of everyday life come into breath­taking focus in this profoundly moving film by Wim Wenders.  \nIn a radiant\, Cannes-award-winning performance of few words but extraordinary expressiveness\, YAKUSHO Kōji plays a public-toilet cleaner in Tokyo whose rich inner world is gradually revealed through his small exchanges with those around him and with the city itself. Channeling his idol OZU Yasujiro\, Wenders crafts a serenely minimalist ode to the miracle that is the here and now. \nPerfect Days is the “Autumn” film of our Seasonal Impressions series. \nThis event is now fully booked and registration is closed. We will have a rush line before the event to release available seats on a first-come\, first-served basis. Admission is not guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding! \nFree admission. Register below. \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nWim Wenders (born 1945) came to international prominence as one of the pioneers of German Cinema during the 1970’s and is now considered one of the most important figures in contemporary film. In addition to his many prize-winning feature films\, his work as a scriptwriter\, director\, producer\, photographer and author also encompasses an abundance of innovative documentary films. \nHis career as a filmmaker began in 1967 when Wenders enrolled at the newly founded University of Television and Film Munich (HFF Munich). Parallel to his studies\, he also worked as a film critic for a number of years. Upon graduating from the academy in 1971\, he founded\, together with fifteen other directors and authors\, the Filmverlag der Autoren\, a film distribution company for German auteur films\, which organized the production\, rights administration and distribution of their own independent films. \n \n\n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/perfect-days/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6710659;-79.3857432
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250327T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250327T203000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20250318T142756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T133229Z
UID:101519-1743100200-1743107400@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:Love Letter (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:Love Letter \nThursday\, March 27\, 6:30PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:00PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall \nDirected by IWAI Shunji • 1995 • Romance / Drama • 117 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer\n \nHiroko (NAKAYAMA Miho) attends the memorial service of her fiancé\, FUJII Itsuki\, who died in a mountain-climbing incident. Although Itsuki’s mother says that their old house is gone\, Hiroko finds the address listed under his name and sends him a letter. Surprisingly\, she receives a reply\, and discovers it came from his old classmate\, a girl who also happens to also be called FUJII Itsuki. \nWith impeccable visual direction highlighting a snow-filled Hokkaido and an unforgettable performance from NAKAYAMA Miho playing dual leading roles\, this 1990s spectacle remains a winter classic that has stood the test of time. \nThis screening marks the 30th anniversary of IWAI Shunji’s feature directorial debut\, and but it also serves as a heartfelt tribute to NAKAYAMA Miho\, who tragically passed away late last year. We celebrate her career and legacy as an actor and singer\, forever immortalized by her astounding work in Love Letter\, and beyond \nLove Letter is the “Winter” film of our Seasonal Impressions series. \nFree admission. Register below. \nThis event is now fully booked and registration is closed. We will have a rush line before the event to release available seats on a first-come\, first-served basis. Admission is not guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding! \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nIWAI Shunji was born on January 24\, 1963\, in Miyagi Prefecture\, Japan. Ever since 1988\, Iwai has been an avid creator in a variety of visual fields including TV dramas and music videos\, and his unique and outstanding visual style has become to be known as “Iwai Aesthetic” – attracting much attention. In 1995\, Iwai made his feature film directorial debut with Love Letter. His representative works include Swallowtail Butterfly (1996)\, April Story (1998)\, All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001)\, Vampire (2011)\, and Last Letter (2018). In 2012\, Iwai wrote the lyrics for “Flowers Will Bloom\,” the theme song to support the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. In October 2023\, his latest feature film\, Kyrie\, was released. Iwai continues to work across diverse genres both domestically and internationally\, maintaining a borderless creative presence.  \n\n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/love-letter/
LOCATION:The Japan Foundation\, Toronto\, 2 Bloor St. East\, 3rd Floor\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 1A8\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250406T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250406T210000
DTSTAMP:20260928T184857
CREATED:20250318T142805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T221124Z
UID:101521-1743966000-1743973200@tr.jpf.go.jp
SUMMARY:April Story (film screening)
DESCRIPTION:April Story\n四月物語 \nSunday\, April 6\, 7:00PM (ET) \nDoors open 6:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue\, University of Toronto) \nDirected by IWAI Shunji • 1998 • Romance / Drama • 67 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer\n \n Uzuki (MATSU Takako)\, a shy girl from the countryside of northern Hokkaidō\, leaves her family for university in Tokyo to follow the local boy she fell in love with. Just as the cherry blossoms are falling\, Uzuki discovers that it can feel lonely even in the big city. \nLead by an enchanting performance from MATSU Takako amidst the fairy tale backdrop of Tokyo cherry blossoms and raindrop confessions\, IWAI Shunji paints an unforgettable and nostalgic tale of independence with April Story\, an ultimate springtime classic. \nApril Story director IWAI Shunji will be in attendance via video call for a virtual Q&A session following the screening. \nApril Story is the “Spring” film and final screening of our Seasonal Impressions series. \nFree admission. Register below. \nThis event is now fully booked and registration is closed. We will have a rush line before the event to release available seats on a first-come\, first-served basis. Admission is not guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding! \n\nDirector Profile: \n \nIWAI Shunji was born on January 24\, 1963\, in Miyagi Prefecture\, Japan. Ever since 1988\, Iwai has been an avid creator in a variety of visual fields including TV dramas and music videos\, and his unique and outstanding visual style has become to be known as “Iwai Aesthetic” – attracting much attention. In 1995\, Iwai made his feature film directorial debut with Love Letter. His representative works include Swallowtail Butterfly (1996)\, April Story (1998)\, All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001)\, Vampire (2011)\, and Last Letter (2018). In 2012\, Iwai wrote the lyrics for “Flowers Will Bloom\,” the theme song to support the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. In October 2023\, his latest feature film\, Kyrie\, was released. Iwai continues to work across diverse genres both domestically and internationally\, maintaining a borderless creative presence.  \n\n  \n \n 
URL:https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/april-story/
LOCATION:Innis Town Hall\, 2 Sussex Ave.\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5S 1J5
CATEGORIES:Film Screening
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Japan Foundation%2C Toronto":MAILTO:info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
GEO:43.6654332;-79.3990226
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END:VCALENDAR