Kaoru Kobayashi
Also Known As: 小林薫, 小林薰, こばやし かおる, کائورو کوبایاشی
Biography: Kaoru Kobayashi is a Japanese actor born in Kyoto. A multi-award winning thespian, he won best actor at the 30th Yokohama Film Festival and best-supporting actor at the 8th Yokohama Film Festival for Sorobanzuku.
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Kyōto, Kyōto Prefecture, Japan
Birthday: September 04, 1951
Adult: No
Gender: Male
TMDb-Id: 20332
IMDb-Id: nm0462006
Popularity:
Known For
Princess Mononoke
Overview: Ashitaka, a prince of the disappearing Emishi people, is cursed by a demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters San, a young human woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who is trying to destroy it. Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance to this conflict.
Genres: Adventure Fantasy Animation
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1997-07-12
Popularity:
A Crowd of Three
Overview: A Crowd of Three tells the story of two men, Kenta & Jun, who grew up as almost brothers at a children's facility. Kenta & Jun now works as part of a demolition crew but become fed up with their jobs. The friends then decide to take a road trip up north to visit Kenta's brother at the Abashiri prison.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-06-12
Popularity:
Tokyo Towers: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad
Overview: Adapted from the bestselling Japanese autobiography of the same title, this gentle coming-of-age drama concerns an adolescent boy, Boku - Masaya, torn between the inherited recklessness of his father Oton and the inherited responsibility, wisdom and emotional strength of his mother Okan. Following a period of intensely rebellious behavior, Boku learns that his mom has contracted cancer; suddenly, his mother comes to live with him in Tokyo the entire emotional landscape of his life is altered.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2007-04-14
Popularity:
The Funeral
Overview: When Wabisuke's father-in-law unexpectedly dies, the family goes through a series of random events and occurrences as the funeral unfolds over three days in their home.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1984-11-17
Popularity:
Tales from Earthsea
Overview: Something bizarre has come over the land. The kingdom is deteriorating. People are beginning to act strange... What's even more strange is that people are beginning to see dragons, which shouldn't enter the world of humans. Due to all these bizarre events, Ged, a wandering wizard, is investigating the cause. During his journey, he meets Prince Arren, a young distraught teenage boy. While Arren may look like a shy young teen, he has a severe dark side, which grants him strength, hatred, ruthlessness and has no mercy, especially when it comes to protecting Teru. For the witch Kumo this is a perfect opportunity. She can use the boy's "fears" against the very one who would help him, Ged.
Genres: Animation Fantasy Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2006-07-29
Popularity:
Kamui
Overview: A rebellious ninja in 17th century Japan takes refuge with a fisherman and his family.
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2009-09-19
Popularity:
Kubi
Overview: Lord Oda Nobunaga plans to control Japan where rival warlords battle by waging war against several clans. His vassal Araki Murashige stages a rebellion and promptly disappears.
Genres: History Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-11-23
Popularity:
Vacation
Overview: The prison guards working in penitentiaries where death row inmates are locked up are forced to spend their daily lives constantly facing death.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2008-06-07
Popularity:
Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog
Overview: A Labrador retriever named Quill begins specialized training as a guide dog from an early age, then the canine is paired with a blind man who is initially reluctant to rely on his new partner.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2004-03-13
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Boys on the Run
Overview: A socially awkward salesman for a toy-capsule company tries to change his nerdy ways when a slick rival moves in on the beautiful co-worker he loves.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-01-30
Popularity:
Secret
Overview: A man is shocked to find out that after a deadly car accident involving his wife and daughter, his wife died, but her mind somehow got transfered into their daughter's body.
Genres: Drama Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1999-09-15
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Haru's Journey
Overview: Stuck in a fishing village in Hokkaido, Tadao's grand-daughter Haru is desperate to visit Tokyo, a trip Tadao is reluctant to make.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-05-22
Popularity:
The Boy and the Heron
Overview: While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy's mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the "long-awaited one."
Genres: Animation Adventure Fantasy Family Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-07-14
Popularity:
Yes, I Can't Swim
Overview: Yuji Takanashi is a university philosophy professor who can't swim. Making awkward justifications to himself about the relationship between water and people, still he decides on the spur of the moment to enroll in a swimming class. There he encounters the teacher Shizuka Usuhara, who ignores his last-minute hesitation and enrolls him.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2022-06-10
Popularity:
And Then
Overview: Daisuke is supposed to be out looking for a respectable job and equally respectable wife. He is 30 years old and devotes his attention to music and literature; his family is wealthy and can support his interests. When his friend Hiraoka returns with his wife Michiyo, problems arise.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1985-11-09
Popularity:
Coquille
Overview: Thirty years after graduation, a man and a woman meet again at an alumni reunion. They are no longer young, but the moment she sees him, memories of her first love are revived. Her love for him has never faded even though she married another man and bore his child. What has kept her going is a white shell the boy gave her and a phrase of Jean Cocteau's poem, "My ears are shells, fondly hearing the sound of the sea..." She gets a divorce, returns to her hometown and opens a bar named "Coquille," which means "shell." Without their knowing, an unexpected turn of events awaits the two...
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1999-03-27
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The Great Passage
Overview: Majime, an eccentric man in publishing company, who has unique ability of words, joins the team that will compile a new dictionary, The Great Passage. In the eclectic team, he becomes immersed in the world of dictionaries. But the team is overwhelmed with problems.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-04-13
Popularity:
The Blossoming of Etsuko Kamiya
Overview: In Kagoshima, in the final days of World War II, an offer of marriage comes to Etsuko Kamiya, who lives with her brother and his wife. The offer comes from Nagayo, but Etsuko is attracted to his friend, Akashi.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2006-08-11
Popularity:
Ballad of Orin
Overview: A blind traveling musician is abused and oppressed wherever she goes, even as the modern world imposes change around her.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1977-11-19
Popularity:
The End of Summer
Overview: The story, set in the heady post-war 50s into the early 60s , revolves around a love triangle between Tomoko, long playing the mistress to married older writer Shitto and the new stud who comes into her life, Ryota Kinoshita. Tomoko is sick and tired of her relationship with writer Shingo, who is married and has children. Shingo is a talented writer, but has yet to be recognized by the public. Tomoko then enters into a sexual relationship with younger man Ryota Kinoshita, but Tomoko is not satisfied.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-08-31
Popularity:
Leaving on the 15th Spring
Overview: Junior high school student Yuna lives with her father Toshiharu. Her mother Akemi moved to Naha when her older sister entered high school, and Yuna is worried about her father's life after she leaves.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-04-25
Popularity:
Baian the Assassin, M.D.: Part 2
Overview: The main character, Baian Fujieda, is a dark hero who has two faces: one as a skilled acupuncturist who saves lives, and the other as a criminal who buries evil that cannot be kept alive for the sake of others. Popular writer Shotaro Ikenami's historical novel series of the same title, on which the film "BAIAN The Assassin, M.D." is based, is a blockbuster bestseller with a total of over 6 million copies in print and has been made into a timeless entertainment film many times in Japan. Many famous actors have played the role of Baian, including Ken Watanabe. The year 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Shotaro Ikenami's birth. In the anniversary year of 2023, a new "BAIAN The Assassin, M.D." is born.
Genres: Action Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-04-07
Popularity:
For Business
Overview: Two TV salarymen uphold their duty by taking on a rival talent agency during the late-'80s bubble economy.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1986-08-22
Popularity:
Bakayaro! I'm Plenty Mad
Overview: Anthology film. "What's Wrong with Eating?" Numayama Kazuki is always complaining about his wife's, Atsugi Shizuka, body shape. Because of that Shizuka tries her best to restrict her diet and please Kazuki. "It's So Far Away!" Karuma Sae is an office lady who works in the city center but lives with her family in a house far away from her work. Because she is always rushing to catch the last train, she can never enjoy a decent date with her boyfriend, Oishi Mamoru. Her father is also always interfering in her life, so she can't appreciate the city life and isn't happy. "Get Ready to Drive!" Masuko is a new taxi driver in Tokyo who is very stressed from dealing with the behavior of some passengers. One night he drives a very beautiful drunk hostess home. "What Is English?" Kosaka Shigeru, a businessman, was transferred to a Chicago branch factory. He tried hard to learn English, practicing day and night, but couldn't improve as much as he expected.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1988-09-15
Popularity:
Winter Rose
Overview: Jun Wataguchi lives a lazy, half-hearted life, not going to school, hanging out with half-witted delinquents, and begging money from his friends. His parents, who run a shipping business transporting earth and sand for reclamation by boat, manage to get by, despite the dwindling number of jobs and lack of successors over time. Jun showed no interest in his parents' business, and the father and son hardly ever spoke to each other. One day, one of Jun's friends is attacked by someone and an unexpected person emerges as the culprit.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2022-06-03
Popularity:
The Last U-Boat
Overview: Near the end of WWII a lone U-Boat is sent from Germany to Japan carrying plutonium needed for a Japanese A-Bomb. During the long journey, news arrives on the radio that Hitler killed himself and Germany has surrendered. This causes a rift in the crew, the Nazi Party members wanting to continue to Japan since they are still at war, while the others just want to surrender or return home.
Genres: TV Movie Drama War
Original Language: de
Release Date: 1993-01-02
Popularity:
Untamagiru
Overview: A magical realist story of the legendary Okinawan hero Untamagiru participating in efforts to form an independent Okinawa before the island was returned to Japan in 1972.
Genres: Drama Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1989-04-01
Popularity:
The Washing Machine
Overview: Kizaki, who moved to Tokyo from the Kansai region to become a manga artist, is assigned to work at a used electrical appliance store where he works part-time as a store keeper and repairman. One day, a woman comes to the store drenched from the rain. She is Setsuko, the only daughter of the store's president and a returnee. Since then, Setsuko often comes to the store. Kizaki becomes concerned about Setsuko, but Setsuko has something to do with Oshi, a senior who used to work at the store...
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1999-04-24
Popularity:
Trapped Balloon
Overview: A woman who has not seen her father for several years and does not have a good relationship with him. An unsociable man who lives near her father's house. Slowly the relationship between the woman, her father, and the man changes.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-01-06
Popularity:
The Yin Yang Master Zero
Overview: During the Heian period, Abe no Seimei trains in magic but lacks interest, until a collaboration with Minamoto no Hiromasa arises to solve a strange phenomenon.
Genres: Fantasy History Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2024-04-19
Popularity:
Dr. Coto's Clinic
Overview: In this drama set on Shikina Island, a far-flung island of the Japanese archipelago located more than six hours from the Japanese main islands, the young physician Kensuke Goto arrives at the island and has to deal with the island's inhabitants, not eager to accept him, at a clinic lacking sufficient medical equipment. Here's a human drama showing how Dr. Coto values the dignity of human life while unflinchingly facing disease with a serious attitude.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2022-12-16
Popularity:
The Egoists
Overview: Kazu attacks a bar in Kabukicho, a Tokyo red-light district, and flees to his hometown with abducts Machiko, a pole dancer he's been stuck on. They begin living together, but their happiness is short lived as their pasts torment them both.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2011-06-04
Popularity:
Climbing to Spring
Overview: Toru grew up in alpine countryside around Mount Tate. As a child, he resented the yearly trek up the mountain with his father to prepare their mountain hut for the summer season of climbers. When Toru grows up, he leaves his hometown and enters the working world as a stock trader. One day, Toru receives word that his father has passed away. He returns to Mount Tate once again, and becomes conscious of a new calling. But, does Toru have what it takes to follow in his father footsteps?
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2014-06-14
Popularity:
Female
Overview: 'Female' is comprised of five short films adapted from five novels by female authors. Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, Tetsuo Shinohara, Ryuichi Hiroki, Miwa Nishikawa, and Suzuki Matsuo.
Genres: Drama Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2005-05-14
Popularity:
Midnight Diner
Overview: A restaurant opens at midnight. Both the menu offerings and personality of the owner draw a series of flawed patrons including Tamako, whose boyfriend has passed away, live-in worker Michiru, and ruckus-raising Kenzo.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2014-11-01
Popularity:
The Way of Osaka Financing 1
Overview: A special drama starring Masahiro Nakai of SMAP, which was aired on Fuji TV six times from 1996 to 2005. The original is a comic of the same name by Yuji Aoki. The script was written by Ryoichi Kimizuka of "Bayside Shakedown", and it is a comical and fast-paced work. Tatsuyuki Haibara (Masahiro Nakai), a young man who joined Naniwa's financial company, Imperial Finance, is "the best financial company in Osaka" while witnessing the sadness, thickness, and warmth of human beings who are at the mercy of money. It is impressive to follow the figure of aiming for. By arranging attractive female guests, themes that tend to be raw, such as debt and debt collection, can be made to look friendly and gorgeous. His senior who leads Haibara, Kuwata (Kaoru Kobayashi), and other astringent men are also a must-see.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1996-02-16
Popularity:
Sketches of Kaitan City
Overview: The bittersweet events in the lives of people in Hakodate, a regional city connected by a streetcar network. A laid-off man and his younger sister go up a mountain to see the first sunrise of the year. Meanwhile, Haruo has inherited his family's gas business, but things aren't going well in his new endeavor and he becomes increasingly frustrated.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-12-18
Popularity:
Hagetaka
Overview: During turbulent economic times in Japan, Masahiko Washizu (Go Ayano) appears. He leads a foreign investment fund and he is criticized for being a vulture. Masahiko Washizu challenges to buy a bank with insolvent bonds and a company that is experiencing financial depression.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2018-07-19
Popularity:
Paradise View
Overview: Go Takamine's first theatrical feature is a pioneering work of Okinawan cinema, filmed almost entirely in Okinawan dialect. Taking place shortly before the resumption of Japanese sovereignty over Okinawa, Takamine’s film tacitly addresses the island prefecture's complicated history of occupation and feelings of dislocation through the story of a small community and its preparations for a wedding between a local girl and a Japanese teacher. On the periphery of these events is Reishu (Kaoru Kobayashi), who quits his job on a US military base and uses the extra time to catch snakes and play with ants – and get the bride-to-be pregnant. Takamine’s leisurely-paced film is full of uniquely Okinawan touches that mix in aspects of the island's folklore, accompanied by Haruomi Hosono’s spare and evocative score.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1985-04-13
Popularity:
Tsugaru Lacquer Girl
Overview: Keiko Tsuruoka’s film is at once traditional and contemporary: it gently mixes present-day gender and sexuality politics with the old-fashioned Japanese domestic drama. Traditional lacquerwork kitchenware is the Aoki family’s legacy, handed down to patriarch Seishiro (Kaoru Kobayashi) by his now-ailing father (Masayuki Suzuki). Seishiro expects to pass it in turn to his son Yu (Ryota Bando), but Yu has no interest in the craft—quite unlike daughter Miyako (Mayu Hotta), who loves it dearly. The stage is set for conflict, as established cultural traditions collide with modern mores…
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2023-10-18
Popularity:
Promised Land
Overview: Matagi is a group of hunters who lives in the mountains and targets wild animals including bears, but now more and more bear hunting is forbidden by the government. This is a story of two young matagi who struggle in their dying culture.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2024-06-14
Popularity:
Botchan
Overview: Botchan (Kazunari Ninomiya) has sense of strong justice and does not lie. He is offered a teaching job at a middle in a small village far away from his hometown of Tokyo. Botchan accepts the position and begins to work as a math teacher. The assistant principle there wields absolute power. Botchan has a hard time dealing with his fellow teachers and the students.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-01-03
Popularity:
Kiseki: Sobito of That Day
Overview: Based on the true story of 4 member Japanese pop group "GreeeeN.” Jin is the producer of “GreeeeN” and his younger brother Hide is the lead member for the group. Their song "Kiseki" is released as their 7th single and becomes a huge hit. Hide and the other 3 members have others jobs including working as a dentist.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-01-28
Popularity:
Call from Darkness
Overview: Keiko Inagawa (Asami Kobayashi) pays a visit to neurologist Aizawa about her fiancé Tatsuo Tamura (Kaoru Kobayashi). A mysterious case involving the disappearance of Tatsuo’s three brothers, one after the other, is yet to be resolved and now Tatsuo, seized with the idea that he too may disappear, has had a nervous breakdown. Aizawa suggests that Tatsuo recount his dreams as a means of solving the mystery, since human beings have an instinct that foretells the near future in the form of a dream. Keiko and Tatsuo eventually discover that the three disappearances have a strange connection…
Genres: Thriller Drama Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1981-09-26
Popularity:
Hear the Wind Sing
Overview: A student travels back to Kobe for the summer. Once there, he meets his friend Rat, hangs on the usual place, listening to the Beach Boys and meets a mysterious twin girl.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1981-12-19
Popularity:
Midnight Diner 2
Overview: The Master’s late-night diner welcomes a woman troubled by funeral fans, an elderly scam victim, and a noodle delivery man struggling with love.
Genres: Drama Family
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-11-05
Popularity:
The Black House
Overview: A meek agent at the Showa Life Insurance company receives a phone call from a customer who says that she's planning to commit suicide and wants to know if her policy will pay out. Concerned about her safety, the agent visits her house only to find that her young son has hanged himself. As he investigates further, more and more people connected with this family start having "accidents," and if he's not careful, he might be next.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1999-11-13
Popularity:
Love and Action in Osaka
Overview: Despite his efforts of living a normal life as a banker, the life of Toru, the only son of the Yubari Family, becomes disrupted by trouble brought on by his father. When his father’s battle against his rival group the Miike Family ignites, Toru becomes more involved in the turf war than he wished for.
Genres: Crime Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1988-12-10
Popularity:
Fueled: The Man They Called "Pirate"
Overview: In a time when the main source of energy was still coal, there was a man who saw the future in oil. Young Tetsuzo Kunioka who hails from Moji, Kitakyushu, rides out into the oil business, but is faced with numerous challenges and competitors who stand in his way, including domestic suppliers and major western oil companies, or the "oil majors". But Tetsuzo never gave up, however despairing the situation was. He always found a way and paved a new road with his unconventional ideas, eccentric actions, and most of all, his caring heart toward his own men. That style of Tetsuzo's was not something that would ever change, even when the tides were against him in a war-lost Japan.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-12-11
Popularity:
Natsumi's Firefly
Overview: Natsumi wants to become a photographer. She takes a bike which her late father left behind and goes to a forest to find a firefly she saw with her father. In the forest, Natsumi meets old mother Yasu and old son Jizo. They run a general store. Natsumi learns how to live in nature from them. She has happy summer days there. One day, Jizo tells her that he became estranged from his son in the past.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-06-11
Popularity:
An Emblem Dedicated To You
Overview: Kazuya Takajo was a promising soccer player. At the age of 23, he was selected for the national A football team and he bought a house to live with his fiancé Miki Nakagawa. One day, Kazuya Takajo gets into a car accident and becomes paralyzed and falls into deep despair. Kazuya goes through rehab on the strength of his wife's love. Yet, he becomes frustrated by those opposed to his marriage with Miki and others who give him pity looks. He also can't find anything to replace soccer in his life. Kazuya then witnesses a wheelchair basketball game at a gym.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-01-03
Popularity:
Abraxas
Overview: Former punk rocker Jonen, now a Buddhist priest, seems to have lost the meaning of his life. His manic depression handicaps him further. Music seems to be the only solution for him to exorcise his demons, against all obstacles and sound volume controllers.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2010-10-09
Popularity:
Lear on the Shore
Overview: Kuwahata Chokichi used to be a famous actor, but now he's suspected to be suffering from dementia. He is betrayed by his older daughter, Yukiko, her husband-cum-his-former-disciple, Ikuo, and Yukiko's lover, a mysterious driver, and gets sent to a high-class old folks' home. One day, Choukichi runs away from the home and wanders to the beach where he meets his younger daughter, Nobuko, who he had with his lover. Although he had thrown Nobuko out in the past, he begins to imagine seeing her as the image of Cordelia, who is the beloved daughter of King Lear, after talking to her. Gradually, his past memories start to come back to him, and Choukichi heads towards the world of insanity.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-06-03
Popularity:
Mukoku
Overview: Kengo was gifted in Kendo (Japanese martial art) but he quits after a tragic incident. He works as a security guard and spends his days drinking. One day, he encounters a high school student Toru, who has a natural ability in Kendo. Toru revives the spirit of the sport in Kengo and he resumes practice again.
Genres: Action Drama Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-06-03
Popularity:
The Dropout
Overview: Detective Seiji Otaki is determined to find the psychopathic killer of a young woman who was ostensibly a student but in reality a high-priced prostitute. Even though he has been taken off the case for beating up a suspect, he refuses to let it go and recruits his mistress to act as a decoy for the killer. Her involvement turns out to be a fatal mistake, and when her husband gets out of prison, Detective Otaki is in worse trouble than ever.
Genres: Thriller Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1982-10-02
Popularity:
The Miracles of the Namiya General Store
Overview: In 2012, Atsuya and his 2 childhood friends do something bad and run into an old general store. They decide to stay there until the morning. Late into the night, Atsuya sees a letter in the mailbox. The letter is addressed to the Namiya General Store and the letter was written by someone to consult about worries. Incredibly, the letter was written 32 years ago. The mailbox is somehow connected to the year 1980. Atsuya and his friends decide to write a reply and place their letter in the mailbox.
Genres: Fantasy Drama Mystery Family
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2017-09-23
Popularity:
The Tomb & the Divorce
Overview: Yoshinori sells plots of land in a cemetery, and is involved in a stale ten-year-old marriage with bored housewife Atsuko. When Atsuko makes a male friend at her leather-working class, Yoshinori has a fit. This is on top of the myriad of odd clients that he must appease.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1993-07-31
Popularity:
Chibusa
Overview: Based on the novel of the same name by Shizuka Ijûin. Played as a double feature with Crepe (1993).
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1993-10-09
Popularity:
Eighteen Years, to the Sea
Overview: Kei and Atsuo were both enrolled in summer school. Kei was an honor student, and Atsuo was the polar opposite - but opposites attract. After school, the two head to the beach, where they find another student from their school competing against a local gang member, to see who is able to hold his breath longer under water. Overwhelmed by the excitement, Kei and Atsuo decide to try themselves.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1979-08-18
Popularity:
Twilight of the Cockroaches
Overview: The cockroaches of Saito's apartment live in peace with their human host, who gives them lots of space to breed and plenty of leftovers to munch on. In the midst of these high living times, Naomi and Ichiro plan to get married and start a family. But when a hard-bitten stranger roach named Hans appears with news of war with the humans across the lawn, it foretells disruption-not only of Naomi and Ichiro's relationship, but of the hive's entire way of life.
Genres: Fantasy Drama Science Fiction Romance Family Animation
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1987-11-21
Popularity:
His Lost Name
Overview: Middle-aged widower Tetsuro finds an unconscious, homeless young man on the riverbank in his small seaside town. Offering him room in his home, Tetsuro and the man who calls himself Shinichi develop a father-son dynamic, despite the secrets that linger between them.
Genres: Drama Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2019-01-18
Popularity:
The Wangan Highway
Overview: Based on the novel of the same name by Yoshio Kataoka.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1984-09-29
Popularity:
The Island of Cats
Overview: Daikichi is a 70-year-old man and lives on a small island. Since his wife died, he has lived with his cat Tama. Daikichi was born and raised on the small island and enjoys relaxing days with his childhood friends including Iwao and his cat Tama. Daikichi has a son Tsuyoshi who lives in Tokyo. Tsuyoshi worries a bit about his father living alone on the island, but Daikichi is content with his life. After his close friend passes away, Daikichi worries about his physical condition. His daily life begins to change. Based on manga series "Neko to Jiichan"
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2019-02-22
Popularity:
Kyokuhoku Rhapsody
Overview: Set in Kyokuhoku Citizen Hospital in Hokkaido, Japan. "Kyokuhoku Rhapsody" follows the life of a young doctor for a one year period. Yoshio Imanaka works at the Kyokuhoku Hospital that is losing staff members and facing bankruptcy. During this difficult time, Yoshio Imanaka meets hairdresser Kozue Namiki and falls in love.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2013-03-19
Popularity:
Love Letter
Overview: A drama depicting the conflict between a man that ran to an old lover suffering from advanced leukemia, his wife and child that were left behind, and the friendship that develops between his wife and his former lover.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1985-10-05
Popularity:
Hong Kong Paradise
Overview: Set in decadent, chaotic Hong Kong and Tokyo, the film tells the story of a young woman caught up in a mysterious turn of events. A young tour guide, 23-year-old Mamiko who's had her heart set on Paris, finds herself swept off to booming Hong Kong where she is thrown into the midst of a high-profile burglary case.
Genres: Action Adventure Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1990-04-28
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The Second Love
Overview: Kazumi - whose sensitivity does not undermine her strength when she handles her second husband's emotional conflicts with the wisdom of an adult. Kazumi's younger and more inexperienced husband Hideo is continually suspicious of her fidelity.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1983-04-08
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Then Summer Came
Overview: A humorous wedding story fueled by a rather no-good father and son, disguised as the old and new “good guys.” The father Nobuo, and his son Tamio, are unable to mature, unable to break the parent-child roles, have no sense of responsibility, and keep holding on to the past. The pair is overwhelmed by all the colorful characters around them telling them what to do. They go to strenuous and humorous efforts to make Tamio’s wedding an event to remember.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2008-07-19
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Uneasy Encounters
Overview: A five-part comedy and horror anthology
Genres: Comedy Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1994-04-23
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The Sea of Genkai
Overview: Two yakuza, one of whom frequently reflects on an uncomfortable past taking advantage of Korean women, meet a stowaway on Japanese soil from across the Genkai Sea.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1976-05-29
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Shimanto River
Overview: A young boy, Atsu, grows up along the banks of the Shimanto River in rural southern Shikoku. He comes to grips with the unfairness of life and the emotional pain involved in the loss of innocence. The film is based on an autobiographical novel written by Kyuzo Sasayama.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1991-12-07
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Ghiblies: Episode 2
Overview: Ghiblies (pronounced with a hard "g" as in "gallop") is a short film aired during a TV special about Ghibli. It's about a fictional animation studio named "Ghibli" and the people who work there. This rare Ghibli Comedy is a look into who the people making the films are. Plotlines run from office jokes to Nonaka's first love, bringing together a short feature of random events.
Genres: Animation Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2002-07-19
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We Made a Beautiful Bouquet
Overview: Two people meet each other after missing the last train home, leading to a beautiful relationship over five years.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2021-01-29
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Arc
Overview: Set in the near future, Rina lives a wandering life and she meets Ema. Ema becomes a mentor for Rina and Rina begins to work for Ema. Her job is called body works, which is to plasticize dead bodies for people who lost loved ones. Meanwhile, Ema’s younger brother Amane develops technology that is finally able to achieve immortality. Rina becomes the first recipient of the technology. She can now live forever, while having a 30-year-old appearance, but ...
Genres: Science Fiction Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2021-06-25
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Double Trouble
Overview: Chief Iizuka, who works at the Cultural Center, misunderstands two chorus groups with similar names and double-books the concert hall on New Year's Eve. Although they talk to each other, neither of them gives up a step and develops into a big problem. Iizuka, who has lived his life with a "no-nonsense" attitude, finds himself in the middle of two groups and at a loss for words.
Genres: Drama Comedy Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2008-02-02
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Like Asura
Overview: The four Takezawa sisters discover that their father has an illegitimate child so they hire a private detective to investigate.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2003-11-08
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The Miracle of Crybaby Shottan
Overview: Shoji Segawa was a quiet and inconspicuous boy, but, for the first time, he is recognized by people after winning the National Middle School Shogi Tournament. At the age of 26, his dream of becoming a professional shogi player collapses due to an age restriction. After he quits playing shogi, he becomes desperate. With the support of his peers, including Yuya Suzuki, and his love of shogi, Shoji Segawa begins to play shogi again. A miracle happens to him.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2018-09-07
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Oboe no Nai Satsujin
Overview: An ex-cop suffering from dementia is marked by detectives pursuing a murder case. It is a case that he does not remember at all, but he has a strong motive for committing the crime... Is he really the murderer?
Genres: TV Movie Mystery Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2025-02-22
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