YAMADA YOJI RETROSPECTIVE

In commemoration of the director’s 95th year, JFF2026 presents a special retrospective of YAMADA Yoji, one of Japan’s most influential filmmakers whose career spans more than six decades.

Renowned for his people-centred narratives, director YAMADA has captivated audiences with films that find extraordinary meaning in ordinary day-to-day lives.

The YAMADA Yoji Retrospective at JFF2026 showcases four works reflecting the many chapters of his filmmaking journey: TOKYO TAXI, A DISTANT CRY FROM SPRING, TORA-SAN'S MANY SPLINTERED LOVE, and a limited screening of the Cinema Kabuki production of Renjishi (The Father and Son’s Shishi Lions).

Together, these films offer tribute to the master filmmaker whose works continue to capture the humour, beauty, and emotional depth of everyday life.

JFF2026 SPECIAL SCREENINGS

JFF 2026 Limited Screening: Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions) by dir. YAMADA Yoji

The Cinema Kabuki "Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions)", which showcases Japanese traditional Kabuki Theatre, is a part of JFF 2026 YAMADA Yoji retrospective, and presented on 12 & 16 September 2026 at GSC Mid Valley and GSC MyTOWN respectively.

JFF 2026 Special Screening: KOKUHO by dir. LEE Sang-il

The film KOKUHO (dir. LEE Sang-il), one of Japan's top acclaimed and successful films of 2025, was showcased as part of JFF2026’s Special Screening at GSC Mid Valley and GSC MyTOWN on 9 September 2026.

Bookings for "KOKUHO" are done via JFKL's CloudJoi.
Admission is FREE with prior booking.

FEATURE: GIRL POWER

From pursuing dreams against the odds to discovering strength in unexpected places, these films place unforgettable women at the heart of the story. Through each journey of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery, Hula Girls - 4K Remastered -, FUJIKO, and PUREHEARTED offer moving and inspiring portraits of women navigating life's challenges with courage, determination, and grit.

THE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2026 FILMMAKING WORKSHOP WITH TEAM IMAGINUR

A collaborative effort between The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), Canon Malaysia, and Multimedia University’s Faculty of Cinematic Arts brings together Malaysian filmmakers, Nik Amir Mustapha (Director), Idham Mad Din (Cinematographer), and Johan Arif Mazlan (Editor), whose work has earned recognition both locally and internationally.

The workshop for aspiring film students from five different local film schools took place from the 31st July to 2nd August 2026, with a total of more than 25 eager participants who were challenged to create original trailers for JFF2026. Showcased during the festival's Opening Ceremony, the completed works stand as a testament to the creativity and passion of Malaysia's emerging filmmaking talents.