The Japan Academy Film Prize, often referred to as the Japanese equivalent of the Oscars, is an esteemed annual event recognizing excellence in Japanese cinema. Established in 1978, the awards celebrate outstanding achievements in twenty categories including:

• Best picture
• Best director
• Best screenplay
• Best actor in a leading role
• Best actress in a leading role
• Best actor in a supporting role
• Best actress in a supporting role
• Best music
• Best cinematography
• Best lighting direction
• Best art direction
• Best sound recording
• Best film editing
• Best foreign language film
• Best newcomer
• Popularity award
• Special award of honour from the Association
• Special award from the Chairman
• Special award from the Association

In this article, we are going to highlight best Japanese films that won the Best Picture Award from 2011 to 2023.

Best Picture 2023

ゴジラ-1.0 (Godzilla Minus One)

Set in the aftermath of World War II, “Godzilla Minus One” follows the harrowing journey of Kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima as he grapples with survivor’s guilt and seeks redemption in the face of the looming threat of Godzilla, a monstrous creature mutated by nuclear tests. Haunted by his inability to act during an initial encounter with Godzilla, Shikishima forms a bond with Noriko Ōishi, a woman who lost her parents in the Tokyo bombing, and an orphaned baby, Akiko. As Godzilla wreaks havoc across Japan, Shikishima and a crew of naval veterans devise a daring plan to destroy the beast.

Best Picture 2022

ある男 (A Man)

In Miyazaki Prefecture, Rie Takemoto’s life takes a turn when she meets and falls in love with Daisuke Taniguchi, whom she soon marries. Their blissful family life shatters when Daisuke dies in an accident. A year later, a revelation shakes Rie to her core: the man in Daisuke’s funeral photo wasn’t him. Distraught, Rie enlists the help of Akira Kido, an old friend and lawyer, to uncover the truth about her late husband’s identity. As they delve deeper, shocking secrets emerge, testing their relationships with their loved ones and unraveling the mysteries of the past.

Best Picture 2021

ドライブ・マイ・カー (Drive My Car)

The film is based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. It follows the story of Yusuke Kafuku, a stage actor and director, who is grieving the loss of his wife. To cope with his grief, Yusuke takes on the task of directing a multilingual production of Anton Chekhov’s play “Uncle Vanya.” As he immerses himself in the world of theater, Yusuke forms unexpected connections with the people around him, including his chauffeur. Through the act of driving his car, Yusuke confronts his past, his emotions, and the complexities of human relationships. “Drive My Car” is a meditative exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of art. It delves deep into the nuances of human emotions and the ways in which individuals navigate their inner landscapes amidst the external world.

Best Picture 2020

ミッドナイトスワン (Midnight Swan)

Nagisa, a transgender woman, endures prejudice and social exclusion while growing up as a man in Hiroshima. Seeking refuge from societal judgment, she relocates to Tokyo, where she earns a living as a nightclub dancer. Meanwhile, her estranged niece, Ichika, finds herself neglected by her mother and eventually leaves her home. Seeking solace and shelter, Ichika seeks refuge with Nagisa in Tokyo. Though initially hesitant, Nagisa gradually embraces her role as a caregiver to Ichika, and unexpectedly begins to experience feelings for her niece for the first time.

Best Picture 2019

新聞記者 (The Journalist)

Erika Yoshioka, a young journalist, is employed at Tokyo Metropolitan News, the same workplace where her father tragically took his own life amidst accusations of news fabrication. Assigned by her boss, Mr. Jinya, Erika delves into an inquiry regarding a mysterious proposal for a new university, delivered anonymously via fax. Her investigation leads her to Mr. Kanzaki, a government official, whose subsequent suicide only deepens the mystery. Determined to unearth the truth, Erika teams up with Takumi Sugihara, a conscientious member of the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office. Despite grappling with uncertainties surrounding Kanzaki’s demise, Sugihara joins forces with Erika in a bid to uncover a scandal that could jeopardize their careers.

Best Picture 2018

万引き家族 (Shoplifters)

“Shoplifters” is a Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. It tells the story of a makeshift family living in Tokyo, who rely on shoplifting to make ends meet. Osamu and his wife, Nobuyo, take in a neglected girl named Yuri, whom they find one cold night. Despite their precarious lifestyle, the family finds happiness in their close bond and unconventional way of life. However, as authorities begin to investigate their actions and the truth about their relationships emerges, the family is forced to confront difficult choices about loyalty, love, and survival. “Shoplifters” explores themes of poverty, family, and morality, offering a nuanced portrayal of individuals struggling to find connection and purpose in a society that often marginalizes them.

Best Picture 2017

三度目の殺人 (The Third Murder)

“The Third Murder” is a Japanese legal drama directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The film follows the story of Shigemori, a defense attorney who is assigned to represent Misumi, a man accused of murdering his boss. As Shigemori delves deeper into the case, he uncovers layers of complexity and ambiguity surrounding Misumi’s motives and the circumstances of the crime. The narrative explores themes of truth, justice, and the human condition as Shigemori grapples with his own moral dilemmas and confronts the flaws and limitations of the legal system. Through its thought-provoking storyline and intricate character dynamics, “The Third Murder” offers a compelling exploration of morality and the nature of guilt and innocence.

Best Picture 2016

シン・ゴジラ (Shin Godzilla)

“Shin Godzilla” is a Japanese science fiction film directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. It serves as a reboot of the iconic Godzilla franchise and presents a modern retelling of the classic monster’s origins. The film follows the emergence of Godzilla, a colossal and terrifying creature that wreaks havoc on Tokyo, causing widespread destruction and panic. As the government scrambles to contain the threat and mitigate the disaster, a team of experts, including politicians and scientists, must devise a strategy to confront Godzilla and save humanity from annihilation. “Shin Godzilla” is renowned for its political allegory, social commentary, and innovative approach to the iconic monster, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the enduring Godzilla mythos.

Best Picture 2015

海街diary (Our Little Sister)

Residing in their grandparents’ home in Kamakura, three sisters—Sachi Kōda, Yoshino Kōda, and Chika Kōda—navigate life in the aftermath of their parents’ divorce. Their secluded world is disrupted by news of their estranged father’s passing after fifteen years of absence. At the funeral, they encounter their fourteen-year-old half-sister, Suzu Asano, who resides with her stepmother and stepbrother. Observing the stepmother’s reluctance to fulfill her duties, Sachi intuits that Suzu was the one caring for their father in his final days. Moved by compassion, Sachi spontaneously invites Suzu to live with them, and as their bond deepens, Suzu finds solace and acceptance among her newfound family.

Best Picture 2014

永遠の0 (The Eternal Zero)

“The Eternal Zero” (永遠の0) is a Japanese war drama film directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The story revolves around a young man named Kentarō Saeki, a grandson of a World War II Zero fighter pilot who died in battle. Kentarō becomes determined to uncover the truth about his grandfather’s wartime experiences, particularly his involvement with the Kamikaze Special Attack Force. Through his investigation, Kentarō seeks to understand the motivations behind his grandfather’s actions and the sacrifices made by the Kamikaze pilots. As he delves deeper into the past, Kentarō confronts the complexities of heroism, loyalty, and the human cost of war.

Best Picture 2013

舟を編む (The Great Passage)

Mitsuya Majime, portrayed by Ryuhei Matsuda, is an unassuming and introverted sales representative in the publishing industry. Despite his lack of success, his passion for literature and his academic background in linguistics catch the attention of Masashi Nishioka and Kouhei Araki, both dictionary editors at his company. Araki, dealing with personal matters due to his wife’s illness, seeks a replacement, leading to Majime’s inclusion on the editing team. Together, they embark on the ambitious project of creating a groundbreaking dictionary titled “Daitokai” (The Great Passage/大渡海), aiming to bridge the gap between language and human experience. Amidst his professional endeavors, Majime encounters Kaguya Hayashi, the granddaughter of his landlady, whose return from culinary school leaves him captivated by her charm. Their interactions prompt the chief editor, Matsumoto, to task Majime with the challenging assignment of defining the word “Love.”

Best Picture 2012

桐島、部活やめるってよ (The Kirishima Thing)

The Kirishima Thing is a Japanese drama film directed by Daihachi Yoshida. The story revolves around the aftermath of an event that disrupts the social dynamics of a high school in Kirishima City. When the star volleyball player, Kirishima, suddenly quits the team, it creates a ripple effect that impacts various students’ lives. The film explores the interconnectedness of different social groups within the school, including athletes, musicians, and outcasts, as they navigate the changes triggered by Kirishima’s decision. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, “The Kirishima Thing” delves into themes of adolescence, identity, and the complexities of social hierarchy in high school life.

Best Picture 2011

八日目の蝉 (Rebirth)

Kiwako kidnaps a baby from a man with whom she had an affair. Over the course of four years, Kiwako raises the child, Erina, as her own until she is apprehended. Subsequently, Erina is returned to her biological parents, but struggles to find solace. Years later, as an adult Erina engages in an extramarital affair and becomes pregnant. Seeking closure, Erina journeys to Shodoshima, where she spent her childhood with Kiwako. There, Erina uncovers a startling revelation and must make a life-altering decision to confront her past.

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