“Aishiteru” – that’s how you say “I love you” in Japanese, a phrase that resonates deeply within the enchanting world of Japanese romantic movies. These films, often a blend of poignant narratives and whimsical love tales, invite viewers into intimate journeys of affection, heartbreak, and the tender details of a Japanese love story. Moreover, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of rural Japan, these stories unfold, capturing the essence of romance through the unique lens of Japanese culture.
In addition, whether it’s the delicate portrayal of first loves or the complex web of emotions in mature relationships, romantic Japanese movies navigate the many facets of love with grace and sensitivity. After all, they are not just films; they are heartfelt experiences that stay with you, making your heart flutter with their authenticity and emotional depth. Consequently, as we delve into this cinematic realm, we find ourselves enchanted by the raw beauty and the poetic storytelling that these movies masterfully present.
Thus, let us embark on a cinematic journey that celebrates love in its many forms, as we go through our favorite Japanese romantic movies list that promises to stir your soul and whisper to your heart the timeless words – “Aishiteru.”
Live Action Japanese Romantic Movies
Similarly, just like their anime counterpart, live-action Japanese romantic movies have also been crowd favorites for their touching narratives, heartfelt themes, and flawless acting. Whether it’s a Japanese rom-com or a heart-wrenching Japanese love story, here are must-watch Japanese romantic films you don’t want to miss!
From Me To You: Kimi No Todoke (2010)
PG, Romance, Drama, School
Starring: Mikako Tabe, Haruma Miura, Misako Renbutsu
From Me to You is the Kimi No Todoke live action film that is inspired by the manga where we follow Sawako Kuronoma, a shy and misunderstood girl who yearns for friendship and connection. Eventually, she meets Shoto Kazehaya, her kind and big-hearted classmate who helps her open up to the world of love and connection. However, the two face insecurities and misunderstandings in their relationship, encapsulating what it means to a heartfelt school romance.
Watch From Me to You: Kimi no Todoke on Netflix and Apple TV.
See Hear Love (2023)
PG-13, Romance, Drama
Starring: Yamashita Tomohisa, Araki Yuko, Takasugi Mahiro, Yamamoto Maika
She’s deaf. He’s going blind. The See Hear Love Japanese movie tells a unique love story of a deaf woman and a man going blind. At first, their meetup takes place on an unusual location – a rooftop where he’s about to commit suicide. At its core, however, the movie tells an achingly romantic tale of two people who find each other exactly when they need it most.
Watch See Hear Love on Prime Video.
The Legend & Butterfly (2023)
PG-13, Romance, Historical, War
Starring: Takuya Kimura, Haruka Ayase, Hideaki Ito, Miki Nakatani, Takumi Saitoh
In the heart of Japanese romantic movies, “The Legend & Butterfly” unfolds a tale of an arranged marriage set to unite two realms in harmony. Yet, the main characters’ journey to love is a slow burn, ignited only when the brink of war looms, threatening to shatter their world. Eventually, as they join forces in an unexpected alliance, they navigate the deep themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Overall, this cinematic masterpiece is a timeless epic, steeped in historical grandeur.
You can find The Legend & Butterfly full movie on Prime Video.
We Made a Beautiful Bouquet (2021)
PG-13, Romance, Drama
Starring: Masaki Suda, Kasumi Arimura, Kaya Kirohara
“We Made a Beautiful Bouquet” is the original title of a Japanese movie released in 2021, also known as “I Fell in Love Like a Flower Bouquet” and “Loved Like a Flower Bouquet” in English. In the heartwarming landscape of Japanese romance movies, “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet” emerges as a poignant narrative of love’s journey. The film, directed by Nobuhiro Doi and penned by the acclaimed screenwriter Yuji Sakamoto, weaves a tale of luck and the enduring nature of affection.
The story unfolds with two strangers, played by the talented Kotaro Daigo and Nana Mori, who find themselves connected after missing the last train home. Furthermore, the encounter blossoms into a beautiful relationship spanning five years, capturing the essence of romance and drama that fans of the genre cherish. Additionally, Tsubasa Honda adds depth to the cast, bringing to life the complexities of modern love.
Find where to watch We Made a Beautiful Bouquet on Disney+.
We Couldn’t Become Adults (2021)
PG-13, Romance, Drama
Starring: Mirai Moriyama, Sairi Ito, Masahiro Higashide
A movie for a slightly older crowd, We Couldn’t Become Adults tells the story of a 42-year-old man who gets a friend request from an old flame on social media. Before he knows it, he’s thrown into a whirlwind of memories from the ’90s and beyond, making him confront the fact that he’s not who he’d planned to be when he was young, free, and in love.
Stream the We Couldn’t Become Adults movie on Netflix.
Drive My Car (2021)
PG-13, Drama, Mystery, Romance
Starring: Hidetoshi Nishijima, Toko Miura, Reika Kirishima
Drive My Car is a captivating and character-driven movie that’s only partly about romance. In fact, movies like Drive My Car invite viewers to explore the deep layers of human connection. The main character is a man who lost his wife to mysterious circumstances several years ago. While being driven around for work by a seemingly cold-hearted female chauffeur, he’s forced to confront the memories of his past and the unanswered questions that his wife left behind. You can read more about Drive my Car here.
Fun fact: The screenplay is based on a short story written by famous Japanese author Haruki Murakami.
My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday (2016)
PG-13, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Starring: Sota Fukushi, Nana Komatsu, Masahiro Higashide
The story of the My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday movie revolves around the budding relationship between art student Takatoshi Minamiyama and the mysterious Emi Fujuku. However, in a sick twist of fate, Takatoshi discovers that Emi’s timeline flows in reverse, meaning each day spent together brings them closer to a parting they cannot control.
Despite this circumstance, the two continue to choose each other, making the most of their time together in love. Ultimately, this film explores the themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the fleeting nature of love – making it one of the best Japanese romance movies to watch now.
Watch My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday on Apple TV.
Love Letter (1995)
PG, Romance, Drama
Starring: Miho Nakayama, Etsushi Toyokawa, Bunjaku Han
If you’re thinking of classic Japanese romance films, then Love Letter must be one of them. This Japanese film tells the story of Hiroko Watanabe, a woman mourning the loss of her fiancé, Itsuki Fujii. One day, she discovers that a woman, with the same name as her late fiancé, lives in his old address after Hiroko sends a letter. Consequently, this unexpected discovery leads to a series of intriguing events.
What secrets could Hiroko possibly uncover? As a result, Love Letter is considered as one of the most iconic Japanese romance movies of all time, Love Letter gives you a glimpse of yearning, loss, and second chances.
Watch Love Letter on Apple TV.
Romantic Anime Movies Just For You
In addition to live-action films, Japanese romance dramas aren’t just found there, but in anime movies too! Indeed, Japan boasts a series of romantic anime movies that have made a significant impact in the animated film industry, producing anime films that are sure to tug at your heartstrings. For this reason, here are some of the best romantic anime movies for you and your friends.
Your Name (2016)
PG, Romance, Animation, Fantasy
Starring: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi
Perhaps you might have heard of the anime movie Your Name, also known as Kimi no Nawa in Japanese. The plot follows two high schoolers who live in different parts of the country. One day, they start switching bodies, and slowly start to fall in love as they live through each other’s lives. However, things are never what they seem in such a fantastical setting…
Without a doubt, the beauty of the Kimi no Nawa movie lies in how they’re able to beautifully connect the themes of memory, loss, and connection across time and space. At the same time, this goes hand-in-hand with its breathtaking animation by renowned Japanese filmmaker Makoto Shinkai and the mesmerizing soundtrack composed by RADWIMPS. It’s the third highest-grossing film in Japanese history and a modern classic in terms of story, animation, and more.
Undeniably, Your Name has become a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts of audiences far beyond Japan. It has inspired fan theories, fan art and merchandise, plus even a potential Hollywood live-action adaptation. Tourists even fulfill their real-life anime fantasies by visiting the iconic Kimi no Nawa stairs in Suga Shrine, Tokyo – an important location in the film!
Stream Your Name on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Weathering With You (2019)
PG-13, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Starring: Kotaro Daigo, Nana Mori, Tsubasa Honda
In the realm of Japanese romantic movies, “Weathering With You” stands out as a whimsical animated tale. Firstly, we encounter a high school boy, weary of his secluded island life, who escapes to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Then, amidst the struggle to survive, he encounters a remarkable girl with the magical ability to manipulate the weather, casting sunlight across his once gloomy existence.
Movies like Weathering With You create an intricate blend of fantasy and romance, adorned with the delightful and fantastical elements synonymous with a Japanese romance, captivating audiences with its blend of youthful love and mystical adventure.
Watch Weathering With You on Rakuten TV and Apple TV.
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
PG-13, Romance, Drama, Coming-of-Age
Starring: Mahiro Takasugi, Lynn, Yukiyo Fujii
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas is a bittersweet movie following the story of an introverted high school boy who stumbles upon the diary of his terminally ill classmate, Sakura Yamauchi. Despite their differences in personality, they develop an unlikely bond that takes them on a journey of love, loss, and personal growth.
Furthermore, it’s a movie that explores the beauty and tragedy of life, as well as what it means to experience human connection. With its emotional narrative and vibrant animation, this Japanese love story is guaranteed to move your heart.
Watch the I Want to Eat Your Pancreas anime movie on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
A Silent Voice (2016)
PG-13, Romance, Drama, Coming-of-Age
Starring: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yūki
One of the most notable Japanese romance dramas in modern anime is A Silent Voice, a movie that tackles the concepts of self-worth, reconciliation, and the human desire for connection. It features Shoya Ishida, a young boy with a bad reputation for bullying his deaf classmate Shoko Nihimiya. As soon as Shoyo grows older, he realizes his mistake and decides to make amends with Shoko, reconnecting with her in high school. What happens as their relationship deepens? This movie is the perfect film to explore empathy and forgiveness.
To The Forest of Firefly Lights (2011)
PG, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Starring: Koki Uchiyama, Ayane Sakura, Shinpachi Tsuji
Looking for an animated Japanese love story that blends the elements of fantasy and romance perfectly? Then, To The Forest of Firefly Lights is the answer you’re looking for! This film is set in a mystical forest inhabited by spirits where we meet a young girl named Hotaru. Later, she meets a mysterious boy named Gin, who is bound by a curse that prevents him from being touched by humans.
However, this does not stop them from developing a friendship that blossoms into a gentle love. As each encounter brings them closer to an unavoidable and bittersweet farewell, Hotaru and Gin remind the viewers of the beautiful tragedy of love and loss.
Where to Watch To The Forest of Firefly Lights: Crunchyroll and Apple TV.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
PG-13, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Starring: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa
In a landscape scarred by conflict, we first meet Sophie, a young hatmaker transformed into an elderly woman by a spiteful witch’s spell. Sooner or later, her path crosses with the mysterious wizard Howl, whose living castle roams the hillsides. Next, their adventure is marked by magical encounters and a curse that deepens their connection, thus crafting a narrative that intertwines the whimsical with complexity.
Moreover, crafted by the visionary Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, this film stands as a celebration of enduring affection and tenacity. In particular, its stunning visuals and heartfelt plot make movies like “Howl’s Moving Castle” a cherished piece in the realm of Japanese romantic movies, which, besides echoing themes of youthful liberation.
Watch Howl’s Moving Castle on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
G, Romance, Animation
Starring: Yoko Honna, Issei Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana, Shigeru Muroi
While lesser-known, Whisper of the Heart is one of the romantic Japanese movies from Studio Ghibli, the powerhouse behind other classic Japanese films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. However, it’s a hidden gem that deserves just as many accolades as Hayao Miyazaki’s other work. Ultimately, it is a cute, charming, and thoroughly vintage film, following the story of a junior high student who loves writing and falls for a boy who works at an antique shop.
Watch the full Whisper of the Heart movie on Netflix.
Embrace Love With These Must-Watch Japanese Romantic Films!
Whether you’ve been following popular Japanese romantic movies or are just discovering them now, these romantic Japanese movies are guaranteed to move your hearts, touch your souls, and embrace your feelings. From live-action to anime, these Japanese romantic movies beautifully capture the complexity of what it means to love and be loved as human beings.
Ready to satisfy your inner hopeless romantic? Grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these Japanese romance dramas transport you to a world where love knows no bounds.
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