18th JAPAN CUTS Brings the Pulse of Japanese Cinema to New York

This July, New York City will once again become a global hub for film lovers as the 18th edition of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film returns with an action-packed programme celebrating creativity, cultural exchange, and cinematic excellence.

Presented by Japan Society, JAPAN CUTS has earned its place as North America’s largest showcase of contemporary Japanese film, and this year’s edition—running from July 10 to 20, 2025—offers thoughtfully curated premieres that reflect the evolving landscape of Japanese cinema.

The 2025 lineup features 30 films, including regional and world premieres, introducing audiences to a diverse mix of genres, voices, and visions. For the first time, Japanese fashion brand GU joins as the festival’s title sponsor, bringing fresh energy and cultural flair to the event.

Over the 10-day celebration, notable directors, actors, and special guests will fly in from Japan to engage with audiences and take part in vibrant festival parties. Opening Night kicks off with ChaO, an animated cyberpunk take on an Andersen fairy tale, directed by Yasuhiro Aoki. 

Other major highlights include Cloud and Serpent’s Path, psychological thrillers by acclaimed filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa. In addition to the premiere of his bold reimagining of his 1998 original, the festival will present a rare 35mm revival of License to Live and a 4K restoration of the original Serpent’s Path—a rare retrospective that showcases the breadth of Kurosawa’s impact on Japanese cinema.

Joining the guest lineup is acclaimed actress Yuumi Kawai, this year’s Japan Academy Film Prize Best Actress winner, honored for her searing performance in A Girl Named Ann. Kawai will attend its North American premiere, as well as the U.S. premiere of She Taught Me Serendipity, directed by JAPAN CUTS favorite Akiko Ohku.

The festival closes on a high note with the world premiere of The Spirit of Japan, followed by a shochu reception featuring traditional Japanese distillers—offering a cultural taste to accompany the cinematic finale.

“We’re deeply proud to celebrate Japanese film in the heart of New York City,” said Peter Tatara, Director of Film at Japan Society. “Each year, JAPAN CUTS presents a look into the contemporary Japanese cinema scene, spotlighting both major award-winners as well as rising stars. We hope this festival helps build bridges between film lovers in New York and filmmakers in Japan—and more broadly, between our two countries—with film as a tremendous snapshot of modern Japan’s culture, values, and soul.”