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| Standing Ovations & Star Power: Japanese Cinema Shines in Our Cannes 2025 Recap |
The 78th Cannes Film Festival came and went with its usual splash of glamour, cinema, and a whole lotta red carpet moments — but this year, Japanese cinema truly made waves. From hard-hitting drama to arthouse marvels and midnight thrills, Japan’s presence across multiple sections of the festival drew eyes, applause, and some seriously long standing ovations. Here’s everything that went down with the Japanese films that hit the Croisette.
Kicking Things Off with a Quiet Masterpiece: A Pale View of Hills
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📅 Premiere: 15 May | Section: Un Certain Regard
The early buzz began with Toi Yamanami no Hikari — English title: A Pale View of Hills — premiering in the Un Certain Regard section. Directed by Kei Ishikawa, this slow-burning psychological drama stunned audiences with its emotional nuance and striking cinematography.
On the carpet, Suzu Hirose, Yoshida Yo, Matsushita Kohei, and Camilla Aiko turned heads, but it was the post-screening that got people talking — five full minutes of standing ovation. Not too shabby for a festival debut, eh?
Going for Gold: Renoir Chasing the Palme d’Or
📅 Premiere: 17 May | Section: In Competition
Japan’s only entry in the main competition this year, Renoir, arrived with a bang. Directed by Hayakawa Chie, the film blends historical fiction and intimate storytelling, following a painter's moral reckoning during wartime.
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On the red carpet were Suzuki Yui, Lily Franky, and Ishida Hikari — all serving serious Cannes glamour. And the audience? Six minutes of solid applause when the credits rolled. Critics called it “quietly devastating” and tipped it as a potential dark horse for the Palme.
Double Feature Mayhem: Directors’ Fortnight Gets a Dose of Japan
📅 Premiere: 18 May | Section: Directors’ Fortnight
This day was a double bill of Japanese gems. First, Kokuho — the latest from Lee Sang Il — stormed onto the scene with its emotional intensity and powerhouse performances from Yoshizawa Ryo, Yokohama Ryusei, and Watanabe Ken. Another six-minute standing ovation had the cast grinning from ear to ear.
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Just a few hours later, Miwarashi Sedai premiered to similar acclaim. This one, a more delicate coming-of-age tale directed by Danzuki Yuiga, drew a softer crowd but still earned a generous seven minutes of applause. Stars Kurosaki Kodai and Kiryu Mai were present and visibly emotional as they took it all in.
Midnight Madness: Exit 8 Sends Cannes Wild
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📅 Premiere: 18 May | Section: Midnight Screenings
Now this was the sleeper hit — Exit 8 (original title: 8-Ban Deguchi) showed up in the Midnight Screenings slot and blew the roof off. A psychological thriller led by Ninomiya Kazunari and Komatsu Nana, this dark rollercoaster left the crowd breathless.
Director Kawamura Genki and screenwriter Hirase Kentaro joined the stars for a post-film reception — but the biggest buzz came from the sheer noise in the theatre: a thundering eight-minute standing ovation. Cannes doesn’t dish those out lightly.
Heartfelt and Humble: Renai Saiban Premieres
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📅 Premiere: 21 May | Section: Special Screening
On a quieter note, Renai Saiban had its world premiere later in the week. Starring Saito Kyoko and helmed by Cannes regular Fukada Koji, this slow-burn relationship drama resonated deeply with audiences. The screening ended with another heartfelt ovation — not timed, but definitely felt. A gentle reminder that not all buzz needs fireworks.
Student Power: Ginger Boy Scores Big for Japan
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And let’s not forget the underdogs. Ginger Boy, a student short from Japan, came in third in the prestigious La Cinef competition — not an easy feat, considering there were 2,679 entries from 646 schools worldwide. The team received €7,500 and massive industry nods for their surreal yet tender coming-of-age narrative. One to watch, for sure.
From standing ovations to global praise, Japan showed up and showed out at Cannes 2025. Whether it's haunting drama, high-stakes thrillers, or emotionally rich stories, Japanese cinema proved once again it can hold its own — and then some — on the world’s glitziest film stage.
Now the big question? Who’s getting global distribution next, and will we see one of these make it to the Oscar race? Cannes may be over, but the buzz is just beginning.