Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission Matsuda Kenichi attended the opening night of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2025 at the Shangri-La Plaza Grand Atrium last September 18. Hosted by the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM), the event brought together notable guests, including JFM Director Suzuki Ben, Shangri-La Plaza Retail Operations Head Johnny Rios, and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Acting Executive Director Rachelle Villanueva.
In his welcome remarks, Minister Matsuda underscored cinema’s power to connect Japanese and Filipino cultures. He encouraged attendees to fully immerse themselves in the films, stating, “sa tawa man o sa luha, sama-sama nating ipagdiwang ang mahika ng sine (whether through laughter or tears, together let us celebrate the magic of cinema).”
The festival, previously known as EIGASAI, opened with the 4K restoration of the 1995 classic “Love Letter.” The lineup also features a diverse selection of films, from timeless cinematic works like “Seven Samurai” and animated features such as “Spirited Away” and “Ghost in the Shell,” to critically acclaimed hits like “Evil Does Not Exist” and “Cells at Work.”
The JFF is one of the country’s most anticipated film festivals, with free screenings in Manila, Baguio, Davao, Cebu, and Angeles. It runs until October 26 at partner cinemas nationwide. For more information and movie schedules, visit the JFF’s official website https://japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph
