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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

  • hiroyuki sanada holding a samurai sword in dramatic scene showcasing japanese actor performance in film and historical action roles.

    Top 10 Best Hiroyuki Sanada Movies

    By Jaime De Guzman

    18 April 2024

  • massive godzilla kaiju unleashing destruction in city with glowing blue atomic breath representing postwar trauma and chaos in godzilla minus one film.

    Godzilla Minus One: A Movie Review

    By Simon Martin

    17 January 2024

  • bob and charlotte from lost in translation standing together against bold patterned background reflecting emotional disconnection loneliness and search for connection in tokyo nightlife.

    Representing Tokyo in ‘Lost in Translation’

    By Simon Martin

    17 October 2023

  • black and white scene from akira kurosawa film the hidden fortress showing samurai adventure characters in classic japanese cinema that inspired star wars and george lucas.

    The Hidden Fortress: Star Wars with Samurai

    By Simon Jenner

    20 February 2023

  • Takeuchi hides among flowers wearing reflective sunglasses in High and Low, symbolising surveillance, tension, and class resentment.

    High and Low: Heaven and Hell

    By Simon Jenner

    30 January 2023

  • Black and white scene from the Japanese film Forever a Woman directed by Kinuyo Tanaka showing the character Fumiko Shimojo reflecting on her life inspired by poet Nakajo Fumiko and themes of illness creativity and female identity.

    Forever a Woman: A Tribute to Womankind

    By Keltie Mechalski

    20 September 2022

  • 10 Signs You’re Watching a Takeshi Kitano Film

    By Santiago Campodonico

    20 July 2022

  • scene from tokyo vice showing journalist jake adelstein and detective katagiri investigating the tokyo crime world and yakuza influence in japan.

    Tokyo Vice: A Refreshing Neo-noir take on the Yakuza

    By Paul Converce

    19 May 2022

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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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Final show 3 Jan 2027 My Neighbour Totoro Book tickets

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