The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026
Experience Japan Through Cinema
Knowing Me, Knowing You
The True Self in Japanese Cinema
6 February – 31 March 2026
The UK’s largest festival of Japanese cinema, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme (JFTFP), is back again. This is the place where cinema comes alive!
Knowing others — let alone ourselves — is not easy, as we behave differently depending on the relationship, environment, or even intention. In an age of advanced digital technology, where imagery can be readily manipulated, it is even harder to define who we, or others, truly are. This notion of identifying the self has been repeatedly explored in cinematic narratives in various ways. However, is it really possible to know our true selves? And if so, would such revelations lead to happiness and freedom, or might they instead bring disastrous and harsh consequences? With these questions in mind, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026 showcases some of the most unmissable Japanese films nationwide across the UK. From powerful social crime dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to gender-defining films, fantasy, and horror, the programme offers something for everyone.
Co-presented by the Japan Foundation.
About the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme.
Since 2004, the Japan Foundation, London has been organising an annual Japanese film programme in close partnership with distinguished film venues and programme advisors in the UK. Each year, from recently released contemporary films to classics and anime, the Japanese films which we believe are worth showing but do not necessarily have an opportunity to be screened in this country are curated under a carefully chosen theme to highlight trends in Japanese cinema and showcase the versatility and uniqueness displayed by its filmmakers.
The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026 is supported by:
Sponsorship in kind:
What’s On
The Hotel of my Dreams
© 2012 Asako Yuzuki/Shinchosha © 2024 “The Hotel of my Dream” Film Partners
Nemurbaka: Hypnic Jerks
© Masakazu Ishiguro, Tokuma Shoten/Nemurubaka Film Production Committee
Like Asura
© 2003 TOHO CO., LTD. HAKUHODO INC. THE MAINICHI NEWSPAPERS. NIPPON SHUPPAN HANBAI INC.
The Last Blossom
Adabana
© 2024 ADABANA FILM PARTNERS / DISSIDENZ
Events in this season
The Hotel of My Dream
Nemurbaka: Hypnic Jerks
