Japanese cinema, renowned for its depth and emotional resonance, boasts a collection of feel-good films that are sure to uplift the spirit. These films, characterized by their charming narratives and relatable characters, offer an escape from the mundanity of daily life, transporting viewers into a world of joy, laughter, and love. From whimsical adventures and touching narratives of personal growth to endearing tales of friendship and community, these films not only entertain but also uplift and inspire. They showcase the simplicity of everyday life, the beauty of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit in ways that resonate universally. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best Japanese feel-good films of all time.
10. Sweet Bean – Naomi Kawase (2015)
Set in the serene ambiance of a small-town dorayaki shop, “Sweet Bean” introduces us to the world of Sentaro, a man burdened by the shadows of his past and resigned to a life that seems devoid of color and excitement. His existence takes a turn towards the unexpected when Tokue, an elderly woman with a skill for making exquisite sweet bean paste, enters his life. As the story unfolds, the bond between Sentaro and Tokue deepens significantly, blossoming into a unique friendship as they share life stories, with Tokue’s revelations about her past bringing unforeseen changes and challenging Sentaro’s perspective on life. The film explores a variety of themes, including the resilience of friendship, the path to redemption, and the understated joy found in life’s simple, everyday pleasures.
Under Naomi Kawase’s thoughtful direction, the film captures the subtle beauty present in ordinary moments and interactions. The performances, with a special emphasis on Kirin Kiki’s portrayal of Tokue, are profoundly moving, filled with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth that makes the characters come alive on screen. “Sweet Bean” stands as a celebration of the human spirit, highlighting its resilience and capacity for connection through its focus on the small, often unnoticed details of daily existence. It stands as a powerful testament to the idea of finding beauty, warmth, and meaningful connections in the most unassuming and unexpected places.
9. Little Forest: Summer/Autumn – Junichi Mori (2014)
“Little Forest: Summer/Autumn” guides us through the life of Ichiko, a young woman who makes a conscious choice to return to her rural hometown, seeking refuge from the overwhelming pace and noise of city life. This beautifully crafted film takes place over the course of two distinct and visually stunning seasons, summer and autumn, showcasing Ichiko’s journey of self-discovery that she embarks upon through the simple acts of cooking and farming. As we follow her journey, the film highlights her deepening relationship with nature and the invaluable, life-affirming lessons she learns from working the land. The narrative unfolds at a leisurely, thoughtful pace, perfectly mirroring the tranquil rhythms of rural life and the depth of Ichiko’s introspection and personal growth.
Director Junichi Mori’s creation is a heartfelt celebration of the beauty and simplicity of rural life, underscored by its exquisite cinematography that masterfully captures the lush, vibrant landscapes and the changes of the seasons. The narrative, soothing and almost meditative in its pace and tone, focuses on Ichiko’s journey of personal growth, emphasizing her reconnection with her roots and the fundamental values of life. The film’s charm is rooted in its unassuming simplicity and the quiet, profound joy of living in harmony with the natural world, making it one of the best Japanese feel-good films of all time. “Little Forest: Summer/Autumn” serves as a serene, visually captivating reminder of the tranquility and peace that can be found in slower paced life.
8. Our Little Sister – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2015)
“Our Little Sister,” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, portrays the tender story of three sisters, residing in a charming, traditional house in the coastal town of Kamakura. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they encounter their youthful half-sister at their estranged father’s funeral. Despite the complex emotions and unresolved feelings associated with their father’s past actions, the sisters open their hearts and their home, inviting the shy eenager to join their close-knit household. As the four sisters commence their life together under one roof, they embark on an emotional journey, navigating through their feelings about their family’s past. The film is a heartening exploration of sisterhood, the enduring bonds of family, and the restorative power of togetherness in the face of life’s challenges.
Under the thoughtful direction of Hirokazu Kore-eda, the film emerges as a masterful portrayal of the subtle yet profound dynamics within a family. The narrative is gracefully filled with moments of everyday life, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the world of the sisters. The performances, characterized by their understated yet powerful delivery, capture the fine nuances and complexities of the sisters’ relationships with remarkable sensitivity. “Our Little Sister” stands as a heartwarming and contemplative film that celebrates the resilience, warmth, and unconditional love that family members can extend to one another, triumphing over past adversities and hardships.
7. Linda Linda Linda – Nobuhiro Yamashita (2005)
“Linda Linda Linda,” directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita, centers on the vibrant and dynamic world of a high school rock band, who are in the midst of preparations for a much-anticipated performance at their school’s cultural festival. The plot takes an unexpected twist when their lead singer suffers an injury, prompting the remaining band members to desperately recruit a Korean exchange student, who is a relative stranger to them. The film chronicles their collective struggles and notable triumphs as they engage in a race against time to master a particularly challenging song. It becomes a compelling narrative that celebrates themes of friendship, the unwavering spirit of perseverance, and the transcendent, universal language of music that connects diverse individuals.
Nobuhiro Yamashita’s direction brings to life a film that expertly balances the exuberant joy of youth with a deep, resonating love for music. The film captures the raw energy and infectious enthusiasm characteristic of high school life, presenting characters that are incredibly relatable and filled with genuine emotions, making it one of the best Japanese feel-good films ever made. “Linda Linda Linda” is an inspiring and uplifting film, striking a chord with anyone who has ever harbored the dream of being part of a band. It showcases the remarkable power of music to unite people from varied backgrounds and to create unforgettable memories that will be cherished forever.
6. The Story of Yonosuke – Shuichi Okita (2013)
“The Story of Yonosuke,” directed by Shuichi Okita, centers around the life of Yonosuke, a naive and exceptionally good-natured young man hailing from Nagasaki, who embarks on a new chapter of his life by moving to Tokyo for college. Throughout the film, audiences are treated to a series of Yonosuke’s endearing encounters and the meaningful friendships he forges, most notably with Shoko, a girl whose sophistication contrasts sharply with his own simplicity. The narrative reveals the subtle yet remarkably profound impact that Yonosuke, with his unassuming nature, has on the lives of those he touches. The film gracefully navigates through his college days, an era brimming with laughter, young love, and the bittersweet trials that are a quintessential part of youth.
Directed with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, Shuichi Okita’s film captures the vibrant essence of youth and the transient nature of time. The storytelling is filled with warmth and humor, offering audiences a nostalgic and reflective look at the late 1980s, a period rife with its own unique charm and challenges. The cast, with their genuine performances, bring a remarkable depth and authenticity to their characters, making them relatable and memorable. “The Story of Yonosuke” stands as an uplifting and heartening tale, a cinematic tribute that showcases the significant impact of joy, the power of kindness, and the lasting imprint of seemingly ordinary moments in shaping our lives.
5. Kikujiro – Takeshi Kitano (1999)
“Kikujiro,” directed by Takeshi Kitano, is a heartwarming and evocative story centered around a young boy named Masao, who embarks on a quest to find his mother during a summer break, a journey filled with hope and longing. Accompanying Masao is Kikujiro, a character with a tough exterior, portrayed with remarkable depth and nuance by Takeshi Kitano himself. Together, they traverse a path full of unexpected adventures and misadventures, leading them through a series of events that are both hilariously comical and deeply touching. The film poetically blends moments of humor with tender, heartfelt scenes, showcasing the growth and deepening of the unlikely bond between the young Masao and the gruff Kikujiro.
Directed with Takeshi Kitano’s signature style, which combines elements of dry humor and profound emotional depth, the film presents a striking contrast between the innocence and wonder of childhood and the more jaded, cynical perspective of adulthood. This contrast is brought to life through the film’s unique and compelling characters. The cinematography of “Kikujiro” is a visual feast, capturing the diverse and picturesque landscapes of Japan, helping to make it one of the best Japanese feel-good films of all time. “Kikujiro” is more than just a literal journey, as it delves into the characters’ complex inner worlds and emotions. This exploration results in a film that is not only entertaining but also deeply moving, resonating with audiences on multiple levels.
4. Swing Girls – Shinobu Yaguchi (2004)
“Swing Girls,” directed by Shinobu Yaguchi, is a dynamic and spirited film that follows the journey of a group of high school girls who, through a series of unexpected events, find themselves coming together to form a jazz band. Initially, their sole motivation is to find an amusing and clever way to escape their summer math class, but as they explore the world of swing music, they discover a newfound and genuine passion for it. The film humorously and inspirationally charts their journey as they confront and overcome a multitude of challenges in their quest to master their chosen musical instruments. This story is a vibrant testament to the themes of determination, the power of friendship, and the profoundly transformative influence of music on the human spirit.
Under Shinobu Yaguchi’s direction, the film radiates with an infectious energy, a sharp sense of humor, and an uplifting feel-good spirit that resonates with its audience. The young and talented cast deliver performances that are full of life and authenticity, perfectly capturing the initial awkwardness and the growing excitement that comes with learning something entirely new and challenging. “Swing Girls” stands out as a delightful and inspiring film, one that celebrates the exhilaration of discovering new passions and the incredible unifying power of music. It leaves its viewers filled with a sense of joy, upliftment, and an appreciation for the cheer and camaraderie that music can bring into our lives.
3. Kiki’s Delivery Service – Hayao Miyazaki (1989)
“Kiki’s Delivery Service,” directed by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, tells the enchanting and captivating story of Kiki, a spirited young witch. In line with witch tradition, Kiki embarks on a journey to live independently for a year, choosing a picturesque seaside town as her new home. Accompanied by her witty and talkative cat, Jiji, Kiki stars a unique delivery service, employing her flying broom as the primary mode of transportation to deliver various goods. The film beautifully captures her many adventures and the various challenges she encounters along the way, including a struggle with self-doubt. The narrative portrays a heartwarming tale, emphasizing themes of personal growth, developing independence, and the crucial importance of fostering and maintaining belief in oneself.
Thanks to Miyazaki’s expert storytelling, the film brims with a warmth and whimsy that creates an inviting and magical world, appealing to audiences of all ages. The animation is nothing short of breathtaking, featuring exquisitely detailed landscapes and carefully designed characters that bring the story and its magical world to life. More than just an entertaining film, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” offers profound and valuable lessons about resilience, the kindness of the human spirit, and the challenging yet rewarding journey to find one’s unique place in the world. Standing as one of the best Japanese feel-good films ever made, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” continues to inspire and delight audiences worldwide with its enduring charm and its uplifting, positive message.
2. My Neighbor Totoro – Hayao Miyazaki (1988)
“My Neighbor Totoro,” another entry directed by Hayao Miyazaki, gently takes place in the lush countryside of post-war Japan. The narrative centers on the heartwarming tale of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who, along with their father, relocate to a quaint and rustic new house nestled in the countryside, a move made in the hope of being closer to their mother who is recovering in a nearby hospital. In the midst of their new, nature-surrounded environment, they encounter the mysterious and endearing forest spirit, Totoro. The film charmingly follows their enchanting and magical adventures with Totoro and a host of other fantastical beings, masterfully capturing the boundless wonder of childhood and the striking beauty of the natural world.
Directed with a profound sense of creativity and wonder, Miyazaki’s film stands as a celebration of the power of imagination and the untainted innocence inherent in childhood. Its animation is visually stunning, characterized by both vivid colors and tender portrayals, that brings to life the captivating world of Totoro and its inhabitants with unparalleled charm and whimsy. The pacing of the film is relaxed, inviting audiences to fully immerse themselves in the magical and tranquil atmosphere it creates. “My Neighbor Totoro” endures as a beloved Studio Ghibli classic, cherished not only for its engaging story and memorable characters but also for its remarkable ability to evoke nostalgia and foster a deep, resonant connection to the simplicity of childhood.
1. Tampopo – Jūzō Itami (1985)
“Tampopo,” directed by Jūzō Itami, presents a delightful and humor-laden narrative that revolves around the art of making ramen, a culinary staple in Japanese culture. The plot centers on Tampopo, a vivacious and resilient widow who operates a modest, somewhat unremarkable noodle shop. Her ambitious quest to create the ultimate bowl of ramen, rich in flavor and perfection, forms the crux of the story. Along this journey, Tampopo is joined by a colorful cast of diverse and eccentric characters, including a charismatic truck driver and his amusing sidekick, each of whom contributes their own unique wisdom and experience to her culinary quest. The film skillfully combines its main narrative with a series of whimsical and charming scenarios, all of which are thematically tied together by a shared love for food.
This film emerges as a remarkable blend of comedy, heartfelt drama, and a deep appreciation for food, standing out in its genre for its originality and charm. Jūzō Itami’s direction is both intelligent and inventive, seamlessly combining various storytelling styles to create a cinematic experience that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The characters, each strongly developed and relatable, add their own distinctive flavors and nuances to the story, helping to make this one of the best Japanese feel-good films of all time. “Tampopo” is not just a film about food, it celebrates the sheer joy, the communal spirit, and the cultural significance that cooking and eating hold, making it a heartwarming and truly unforgettable cinematic feast.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Japanese feel-good films of all time:
- Sweet Bean – Naomi Kawase (2015)
- Little Forest: Summer/Autumn – Junichi Mori (2014)
- Our Little Sister – Hirokazu Kore-eda (2015)
- Linda Linda Linda – Nobuhiro Yamashita (2005)
- The Story of Yonosuke – Shuichi Okita (2013)
- Kikujiro – Takeshi Kitano (1999)
- Swing Girls – Shinobu Yaguchi (2004)
- Kiki’s Delivery Service – Hayao Miyazaki (1989)
- My Neighbor Totoro – Hayao Miyazaki (1988)
- Tampopo – Jūzō Itami (1985)
