On October 1, the Japan Foundation, Manila welcomed Filipino cinephiles to the Japanese Film Festival 2026 with a screening of Lee Sang-il's critically acclaimed film Kokuho (2025) at SM Megamall.

Esteemed guests attended the opening reception, including Minister-Counselor Hamada Maya, Director Lee Sang-il, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Director Jose Javier Reyes, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Kitchie Limoanco, and JFM (Japan Foundation, Manila) Director Ben Suzuki.

In her remarks, Minister-Counselor Hamada highlighted cinema’s ability to bring peoples and cultures closer together through the arts.

She also lauded the JFM for their dedication towards introducing Japanese culture and art to Filipino audiences through creative exchanges and opportunities like the annual JFF.

Filipino filmgoers were also treated to a special appearance by Director Lee Sang-il, who came all the way from Japan to join this year’s JFF.

JFF 2026 features a diverse line-up of cinematic gems everyone is sure to enjoy. The roster includes enduring classics like Throne of Blood (1957) and a 4K restoration of Hula Girls (2006), film festival hits Renoir (2025) and Kono Basho (2024), and animated pictures Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004) among countless others.

This year’s edition is also opening its doors to more Japanese film fans across the Philippines, with screening venues in SM Megamall, SM City Manila, SM City North EDSA, SM City Baguio, SM City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM Lanang, and SM CDO Downtown Premiere.

Admission is free for all moviegoers! Check out the official website for more details on the schedule and line-up: https://japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph/. Embassy of Japan in the Philippines