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TV & Film

Japan on Screen: Stories, Cinema & Shows Not to Miss

Japan’s influence on global screen culture is undeniable—from art-house cinema and classic samurai epics to binge-worthy dramas and Studio Ghibli masterpieces. Japanese TV and film offer a rich, emotional, and often philosophical storytelling experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

In our TV & Film section, we explore the evolving landscape of Japanese screen media. Find feature articles, reviews, retrospectives, and cultural commentary on iconic directors, must-watch series, anime adaptations, and the deeper themes that make Japanese storytelling so unique.

This is your front row seat to Japan’s cinematic universe—where folklore, futurism, and human drama meet in unforgettable ways.

My Neighbour Totoro Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, brought to life
on stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company
The family’s move to the countryside,
recreated live on stage
Soot sprites swarming live on stage,
just as you remember them from the film
Joe Hisaishi's iconic score,
performed by a live band and singer
Musicians play from treehouses
above the stage at every performance
Winner of six Olivier Awards
and five WhatsOnStage Awards
The beloved Totoro made real, with puppets
built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop
Totoro and the Catbus, live Satsuki and Mei, live in London The soot sprites are real Hisaishi's score, live nightly Musicians in the treehouses Award-winning, final months Six Olivier Awards Book your seats From screen to stage Choose your date Book tickets Book tickets Book tickets See Totoro live

More From Our TV & Film Archive

  • A central character sits among a crowd of students in a striking visual from Neo Sora’s debut feature film HAPPYEND.

    Why HAPPYEND Is a Must-Watch Japanese Film

    By Simon Martin

    17 September 2025

  • A collage cover for the CNN Seasons series featuring Hikari Mori city landscapes and Japanese artistic traditions to illustrate global cultural shifts.

    CNN’s Seasons: Japan’s Heritage and Innovation

    By Giulia Wilzewski

    14 September 2025

  • Rick Deckard reading a newspaper in front of vibrant pink and blue neon lights in Blade Runner showcasing the intersection of corporate life and Japanese visual influence.

    Ridley Scott’s Japan: A Path Forward

    By Santiago Campodonico

    15 May 2025

  • surreal dream scene from kagemusha by akira kurosawa showing a warrior figure in a colourful landscape symbolising power illusion and identity during the sengoku period.

    The Duality of Power & Illusion in Kurosawa’s Kagemusha

    By Simon Jenner

    25 February 2025

  • scene from seven samurai 1954 by akira kurosawa showing samurai warriors preparing for battle representing the golden age of japanese cinema.

    Golden Age of Japanese Cinema: Must-See Film Classics

    By Simon Martin

    20 February 2025

  • close up of young japanese couple in school uniforms sharing earphones and an intimate moment representing emotional love story themes in best japanese romance dramas and tv shows.

    Top 10 Romantic Japanese TV Shows to Binge Watch

    By Ayuko Suehiro

    7 February 2025

  • cartoon illustration promoting the dokkiri japanese prank show featuring a shocked character surrounded by scenes from funny japanese prank videos and variety show comedy moments.

    15 Japanese Prank Shows That’ll Bring You to Tears

    By Wayne Daniels

    27 January 2025

  • dramatic black and white scene from akira kurosawa film yojimbo showing ronin samurai confronting gang members in a town during the late edo period reflecting themes of samurai honor violence and justice.

    Yojimbo: Akira Kurosawa’s Samurai Swan Song

    By Simon Jenner

    22 January 2025

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My Neighbour Totoro Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, brought to life
on stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company
The family’s move to the countryside,
recreated live on stage
Soot sprites swarming live on stage,
just as you remember them from the film
Joe Hisaishi's iconic score,
performed by a live band and singer
Musicians play from treehouses
above the stage at every performance
Winner of six Olivier Awards
and five WhatsOnStage Awards
The beloved Totoro made real, with puppets
built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop
Totoro and the Catbus, live Satsuki and Mei, live in London The soot sprites are real Hisaishi's score, live nightly Musicians in the treehouses Award-winning, final months Six Olivier Awards Book your seats From screen to stage Choose your date Book tickets Book tickets Book tickets See Totoro live
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Rebellious Bodies Butoh Festival 2026
16 Oct to 22 Nov 2026
Three generations of butoh on one UK stage, for the first time
Mitsuyo Uesugi returns to The Place after 46 years
London · Bangor · Newcastle · Norway
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Final show 3 Jan 2027 My Neighbour Totoro Book tickets

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