Upcoming Japanese Films' Preview

Since dramas seem to be getting their fair share of news, how about turning to some films instead? I know that many people out there appreciate their share of films like myself. Here’s a quick glimpse about some of the upcoming Japanese films. Let me first warn you that most of them won’t be available until next year (or even after). Are you still in? If yes, then scroll down for more information.

Clover

Let’s start with a simple romantic comedy, shall we?

Plot: Clover is about an office romance between an ordinary employee and her cold-blooded boss. Will he ever notice her feelings?

The Interesting side: It’s a feel good romantic comedy. Plus, Takei Emi and Okura Tadayoshi shared a pretty good chemistry in Otenki Onee-san so it should be worth the try.

Trailer:

Release Date: November 1, 2014.

Parasyte Part 1

This film is a Sci-Fi. You know those types of films about aliens (or parasites), saving the world and the rest of the somewhat gross elements.

Plot: The story takes place in a world where alien beings called Parasites come to Earth and start taking over humans by entering in through their noses and ears and attaching themselves to their brains. One alien called ‘Migi’ is only able to take over high school student Izumi Shinichi’s (Sometani Shota) right arm, and is unable to control Shinichi completely. Migi and Shinichi learn to co-exist, and the two battle other Parasites who see humans only as food.

Fukatsu Eri plays Tamiya Ryoko, Shinichi’s teacher who has a Parasite take over her body, and Hashimoto Ai plays Murano Satomi, Shinichi’s classmate and childhood friend.

The interesting side: Sci-Fi films made in Japan are usually very intriguing to follow. Although this may not appeal to most people but it’s worth the try for the remarkable production value. Let’s not forget that a veteran actor like Asano Tadanobu will be in this while the main leads Sometani Shota and Hashimoto Ai are very promising young Japanese actors. There’s also a Part two that will be released in 2015.

Trailer:

Release Date: November 29, 2014.

Joker Game

Plot: Set along a backdrop of a fictitious second world war at an international city in Asia. In Japan, Lieutenant Colonel Yuki recommends the creation of spy training school "D Kikan". Meanwhile, Kato (Kazuya Kamenashi) is facing capital punishment for his refusal to follow a superior's order. Kato is then scouted by "D Kikan". He goes through a harsh training regimen and faces his first mission as a spy. In order to seize American Ambassador Graham's confidential documents "Black Note." Kato infiltrates into an international city. A battle to gain possession of the "Black Note" ensues between Kato, a mysterious woman named Rin (Kyoko Fukada), the British Spy Agency, the Soviet Spy Agency and the radical army in Japan.

The interesting side: While Japan doesn’t make many thrillers (especially not spy films) but when they do, they will make it sound very irresistible. Plus, Kazuya Kamenashi is picking some very interesting films’ roles these last few years and it’s always a pleasure to watch Iseya Yusuke.

Teaser:

Release Date: January 31, 2015.

Omoi no Koshi

Plot: Gajirou Honda is a self-centered man who only cares about money and women. When he’s involved in a car accident, he encounters the ghosts of the deceased occupants of the other car, including the driver and three pole dancers. The four ghosts promise him a large sum of money in exchange for his help fulfilling their last wishes, thus allowing their spirits to pass over to the afterlife. The tasks Gajirou is required to complete for the ghosts include pole dancing, wearing a white wedding dress, becoming a heroic firefighter, and making a passionate confession to a high school boy.

The interesting side: The pairing of Okada Masaki and Hirosue Ryoko can be really interesting. Moreover, this will be a fantasy with lots of comedy so let’s hope it will be a good type of humor.

Trailer:

Release Date: November 22, 2014.

Ao Haru Ride

Back to some romantic comedy but this time around, it’s school romance style.

Plot: Yoshioka Futaba has a few reasons why she wants to "reset" her image & life as a new high school student. Because she's cute, she was ostracized by her female friends in junior high, and because of a misunderstanding, she couldn't get her feeling across to the only boy she has ever liked, Tanaka-kun. Now in high school, she is determined to be as unladylike as possible so that her friends won't be jealous of her. While living her life this way contentedly, she meets Tanaka-kun again, but he now goes under the name of Mabuchi Kou. He tells her that he felt the same way as she did when they were younger, but now that is the thing of the past. Will Futaba be able to continue her love that never even started from three years ago?

The interesting side: It could be another feel good romantic comedy especially for those who like school romance. And the pairing of Honda Tsubasa and Higashide Masahiro sound like a very good treat. The anime version is currently airing in case you want to check it out.

Teaser:

Release Date: December 13, 2014.

As the Gods Will

Plot: A 2nd-year high school student named Shun Takawata lives an ordinary teenage life until one day he’s suddenly forced to participate in a series of children’s games such as “Daruma-san ga Koronda” with death as the penalty for losing. With no knowledge of who’s behind the games, he’s left with no other choice but to keep winning as his only means of protecting himself and his childhood friend, Ichika. Meanwhile, a troubled classmate named Takeru seems to actually be relishing the opportunity to get other students killed.

The interesting side: None other than the genius Takashi Miike is the director. When you’re looking for a good gory film then Miike’s pieces will do the trick for you. Moreover, some of us like these types of twisted students’ killings, right? Please tell me I am not the only one.

Teasers:

Release Date: November 13, 2014.

Kinkyori Renai

Plot: Yuni Kururugi (Nana Komatsu) is a smart high school student. She excels in all subjects except for English. A new English teacher begins work at Yuni's high school. His name is Haruka Sakurai (Tomohisa Yamashita) and he is very handsome. Yuni begins to receive one-on-one tutoring from Mr. Haruka Sakurai. Soon, Yuni develops feelings for her teacher and she realizes that she is now in love. Yuni then confesses to her teacher.

The interesting side: Teacher-student relationship is bound to appeal to many people out there. This can be your type of film and hey it’s Yamapi! Episode zero of this film: Kinkyori Renai ~ Season Zero ~ is a currently airing drama.

Trailer:

Release Date: October 11, 2014.

The article has come to an end. Which are the films that caught your interest?

Let me know if you want part two about other upcoming Japanese films. I can also write about upcoming Korean, Hong Kong and Chinese films if you’re interested.

Until next time!