The Japan Foundation Manila and Film Development Council of the Philippines team up this National Arts Month for Japan Film Week 2019. The three-day event, from February 19 to 21, is taking place at the Cinematheque Centre Manila and will feature several Japanese movies that you probably haven’t watched yet, but will definitely enjoy.

5 Centimeters Per Second by Makoto Shinkai

5 Centimeters Per Second is a Japanese animated film, told in three parts, and follows the story of Tono Takaki and Shinohara Akara, two close friends who eventually drift apart over time. Even though their families keep in touch through letters, their communication with each other disappears altogether. As the years go on, Takaki reflects on life and his relationships with the people around him, leading him to wonder if he would get the chance to meet Akari again.

Catch it on: Tuesday, February 19, 4:00 p.m.

Mumon: The Land of Stealth by Yoshihiro Nakamura

Based on a novel of the same name, Mumon: The Land of Stealth is set in 16th-century Japan and follows warlord Nobunaga Oda. He fears only the ninja warriors of Iga, the greatest of which is the lazy Mumon. Oda’s son Nobukatsu, despite his father’s orders, decides to go to the land of Iga. This sets off an epic battle between the ninjas and the samurais, forcing an unwilling Mumon to head to the battlefield.

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Catch it on: Tuesday, February 19, 6:30 p.m.

Shodo Girls by Ryûichi Inomata

The film Shodo Girls features Japanese actress Riko Narumi as a calligraphy teacher. It’s set in Shikokuchuo, a town that’s famous for its calligraphy paper, and tells the story of three high school girls who used a performance calligraphy competition to cure the town’s depression.

Catch it on: Wednesday, February 20, 3:30 p.m.

Your Name by Makoto Shinkai

This animated romantic fantasy drama Your Name centers on Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana. Mitsuha is a female high school student in a small, rural village. Meanwhile, Taki is a male high school student who’s living in Tokyo. As a comet is about to hit the earth for the first time in a millennium, the two strangers simultaneously dream that they switched bodies, only to find out that it actually happened. They realize this and begin to communicate through notes on their mobile phones.

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Catch it on: Wednesday, February 20, 6:00 p.m.

The Garden of Words by Makoto Shinkai

The Garden of Words is an anime drama film. It starts with Takao Akizuki, who dreams to be a shoemaker, and how he meets the beautiful yet mysterious Yukari Yukino at a garden. He offers to make her a pair of shoes and as they continue to meet, they begin to enjoy each other’s company and forget their worries when they’re together. However, as time passes, their relationship is put to the test as their problems come back to haunt them.

Catch it on: Thursday, February 21, 2:00 p.m.

Your Lie in April by Takehiko Shinj?

The romantic film Your Lie in April follows Kosei Arima, a young boy who has won numerous piano competitions under his mother’s strict guidance. However, since his mother died, Kosei has stopped playing the piano. He then meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited girl who plays the violin. Through her, Kosei is able to find his love for music and piano again. But, Kaori harbors a secret that could cause their relationship trouble.

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Catch it on: Thursday, February 21, 3:30 p.m.

Gintama by Yuichi Fukuda

Action comedy film Gintama is a story that’s filled with alien invaders and modern technology. It centers on the samurai Sakata Gintoki. He runs a freelancing business, Odd Jobs Gin-chan, with Shimura Shinpachi and an alien named Kagura. Gintoki has lived a peaceful life after the Joi War. However, his world is put into danger when the cursed sword Benizakura is stolen and his brother Takasugi Shinsuke sets his evil plans into motion. All of a sudden, Odd Jobs Gin-chan is thrust into a mission to save their world from destruction.

Catch it on: Thursday, February 21, 6:00 p.m.

Tickets are free on a first-come-first-served basis. Japan Film Week will also be held at Cinematheque Centre Davao from February 27 to March 2. For more information, visit Cinematheque Centre Manila's Facebook page.

