Movies
The Last Samurai (2003)
Japan, 1876: Rebellious samurai attempt to resist Japan’s westernization, while American support is sent to suppress them. American soldier Nathan Algren is captured during a skirmish with the samurai and, while in their village, becomes immersed in Japanese culture and philosophy. This ultimately leads him to switch sides, opposing the American advance in Japan. The movie is loosely based on the historical Satsuma Rebellion.
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video; Apple TV, Google Play Movies
Hachiko: A Dog’s Story (1987)
This film is also based on true events: Hachiko tells the story of Professor Ueno and his loyal Akita dog, Hachiko, who continued to wait at Shibuya Station even after the professor’s death. Today, Hachiko symbolizes unwavering loyalty, with statues dedicated to him in Akita and at Shibuya Station.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Joyn, Apple TV
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Based on Arthur Golden’s novel of the same name, this movie follows the young Chiyo and her life as a geisha in early 20th-century Kyoto. Despite criticism for casting Chinese actors in the lead roles, the movie offers a captivating glimpse into the enigmatic world of maikos, geikos, and geishas—an essential part of Japanese culture.
Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Spirited Away (2001)
This classic from Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki follows 10-year-old Chihiro, who accidentally enters a mysterious spirit world with her parents. To save herself and her parents, she works in a bathhouse for Shinto gods under the witch Yubaba’s rule. The movie incorporates Shinto deities and figures from Japanese mythology.
Streaming: Netflix
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli set the standard for Japanese animated movies, gaining worldwide acclaim. Castle in the Sky, the studio’s first feature movie, tells the story of orphaned children Sheeta and Paku as they search for the legendary floating city of Laputa.
Streaming: Netflix, Apple TV
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Another Studio Ghibli production by Hayao Miyazaki, Kiki’s Delivery Service is based on a Japanese children’s book by Eiko Kadono. The movie follows young witch Kiki as she ventures into the world, building her delivery service to prove herself as a proper witch.
Streaming: Netflix, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
Your Name (2016)
Makoto Shinkai, one of Japan’s most celebrated directors, achieved international acclaim with Your Name. The story follows a girl from the small town of Itomori and a boy from Tokyo who mysteriously wake up in each other’s bodies. Through this experience, they connect and fall in love. The movie beautifully portrays the harmony between Japan’s traditions and modernity.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
Series
Takeshi’s Castle (2023)
A castle to conquer and a variety of challenges to overcome in pursuit of victory. In 2023, Amazon Prime Video has relaunched this Japanese classic series, not only reviving old obstacles, but also presenting the international participants with new tasks.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Those Snow White Notes (2021)
The animated series is entirely dedicated to music, more precisely to an instrument: the shamisen, a traditional Japanese string instrument often associated with geisha performances. However, in the series, it is presented as an instrument integrated into the modern age, which is also played by young people in competitions.
Streaming option: Crunchyroll
Sanctuary (2023)
Sumo is one of Japan’s most popular and well-known martial arts. The traditional Japanese wrestling match is always a spectacle not only for the spectators, but also for the wrestlers. The series provides a look behind the scenes of the popular sport by accompanying a young sumo wrestler on his way to becoming a professional sumo.
Streaming: Netflix
For more recommendations read our article on the world of Anime, another integral part of Japanese culture.
