The 2025 lineup for Japan Cuts includes Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Teki Cometh, and others.

      The past ten years in cinema have solidified Kiyoshi Kurosawa as Japan's leading filmmaker. This realization strikes me as I review the schedule for Japan Society’s 2025 edition of Japan Cuts, presented by GU, which will run from July 10 to 20. This major showcase for Japanese cinema in North America features four of Kurosawa’s films—two new and two repertory, including one titled Serpent’s Path, accompanied by a rare 35mm print. The festival will host the New York premieres of Cloud and the yet-to-be-distributed 2024 Serpent's Path, with the director attending. Additionally, 1998’s License to Live and a restored 4K version of Serpent will be screened, both distributed by Janus Films, and included in Japan Cuts’ Classics section, which also features a 4K restoration of Shunji Iwai’s Love Letter.

      In terms of newer films, I highly recommend Saki Michimoto’s debut feature See You Tomorrow, which is both formally innovative and emotionally resonant. Furthermore, Daihachi Yoshida’s Teki Cometh was undoubtedly the standout film from last year's Tokyo International Film Festival, and I’ve eagerly anticipated its local premiere for almost a year. Japan Cuts offers ample opportunity for exploration, and I welcome the chance to learn about what I don’t yet know.

      You can view the complete lineup here.