Japanese Film Festival 2026

The Japanese Film Festival 2026, organized by The Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the large shopping mall chain SM Supermalls and the cinema SM Cinema, is a large-scale cultural festival. The screenings in the Baguio area will be held daily from October 9 to October 18, 2026, at SM City Baguio cinema. Marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, the festival carries the theme "Shared Treasure, Shared Stories," conveying a cultural bond that people of all generations can relate to. The main films being screened on the big screen include 16 films across a variety of genres, such as Throne of Blood, a classic by the legendary director Akira Kurosawa; Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, a masterpiece animated film from Studio Ghibli; TOKYO TAXI, directed by Yoji Yamada; and UNDER NINJA, starring popular actor Kento Yamazaki. Moviegoers can watch all the films for free without any separate ticket purchase, and seats will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. During the screening period, official souvenirs will also be given away free of charge to visitors who take part in the promotional booths at the festival venue, and the organizers aim to foster artistic communication between audiences and film directors. Residents and visitors who wish to watch movies can check the screening schedule for each session and visit the venue with plenty of time to spare for a comfortable viewing experience. This is a special cultural and arts festival that offers deep emotional impact for both family audiences and film enthusiasts alike.