JAPAN CUTS, Festival of New Japanese Film is officially making its highly anticipated return to New York City. Powered by global technology brand Canon as its first-time title sponsor, this year’s summer extravaganza promises to bridge cultures and toast a cinematic renaissance right in the heart of Manhattan, according to festival promotors.
This summer extravaganza promises to bridge cultures and toast a cinematic renaissance in the heart of Manhattan.
WHO?
• The Host: Japan Society, a 119-year-old nonprofit cultural organization.
• The Talent: Star-studded guest appearances headlined by breakthrough actress Suzu Hirose (receiving the 2026 CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film) and legendary, Oscar-nominated director Hirokazu Kore-eda.
• The Audience: Thousands of passionate local filmgoers, critics, and industry professionals.
WHAT?
• The Core Event: The largest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema in North America.
• The Lineup: A massive, meticulously curated slate of over 30 films.
• The Variety: An eclectic mix spanning massive commercial hits, indie darlings, experimental avant-garde pieces, documentaries, anime, and beautifully restored 4K classics.
• The Program Highlights: Opening night kicks off with Tokyo Taxi by 94-year-old master Yoji Yamada, the center-slate features A Pale View of Hills, and the festival closes with Kore-eda’s Cannes official selection, Sheep in the Box
WHERE?
• The Location: Japan Society headquarters, located at 333 East 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues) in Manhattan, New York City. Screenings will take center stage inside the society’s premier, 260-seat Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium.
WHEN?
• The Dates: Running from Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday, July 19, 2026.
• The Duration: A thrilling 12-day takeover packed with consecutive block screenings, live Q&As, and exclusive networking after parties.
Centerpiece: Actress Suzu Hirose receives the 2026 CUT ABOVE Award and appears in person for the New York premiere of A Pale View of Hills, director Kei Ishikawa’s acclaimed adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s debut novel. She’ll also introduce a special screening of Our Little Sister, the Hirokazu Koreeda film that launched her career.
Closing Night: Hirokazu Koreeda in person for the North American premiere of Sheep in the Box, his thought-provoking new science-fiction drama, fresh from its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Opening Night: Veteran filmmaker Yoji Yamada opens the festival with Tokyo Taxi, his 91st feature film and an East Coast premiere.
More than 30 films over 11 days, including world, international, North American, U.S., East Coast, and New York premieres spanning narrative features, documentaries, animation, restored classics, and emerging filmmakers. Animation highlights include The Last Blossom from Odd Taxi director Baku Kinoshita, Cocoon, produced by a studio founded by Studio Ghibli alum Hitomi Tateno, and the wildly inventive stop-motion feature JUNK WORLD.
Baseball & culture collide with the New York premiere of Diamond Diplomacy, featuring Major League Baseball legend Masanori “Mashi” Murakami, the first Japanese player in MLB, appearing in person alongside the filmmaker. All screenings take place at Japan Society (333 E. 47th Street) with filmmaker Q&As, special guest appearances, receptions and events throughout the festival.
thewordreview Gregg W. Morris