CAMBRIDGE JAPAN FEST FEB – MAR 2026
The 2026 edition will again be presented throughout February and March in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, Film@Jesus, Jesus College, and Cambridge Festival.
Events will be held in West Court, Jesus College, and will feature as part of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026 under the banner ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You: The True Self in Japanese Cinema’.
The full line-up includes nine regional (Cambridge) premieres and award-winning films such as the Tokyo Grand Prix for Best Film 2024 winner ‘Teki Cometh’.
Films have featured in festivals such as IFFR, Tokyo International Film Festival, CAMERA JAPAN, and now Cambridge.
Passes for these one-off screenings are available below. Tickets to individual screenings can be purchased via the main events listings page.
SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY
PETALS AND MEMORIES 花まんま 2025, 118 mins (PG)
Directed by: MAEDA Testu
Starring: SUZUKI Ryohei, ARIMURA Kasumi, SUZUKA Oji, First Summer Uika
Date: 14 February @ 12pm (West Court, Jesus College)
Bound by a promise to his parents, Toshiki (SUZUKI Ryohei) sets out on a journey to reconcile with his sister Fumiko (ARIMURA Kasumi), whilst she clings on to the memory of another life.
THE HOTEL OF MY DREAM 私にふさわしいホテル 2024, 98 mins (PG)
Directed by: TSUTSUMI Yukihiko
Starring: Non, TANAKA Kei, TAKITO Kenichi
Date: 14 February @ 5pm (West Court, Jesus College)
A semi-autobiographical story about the author of the UK best-selling book, BUTTER, this charming and comical film explores the brutal reality of becoming a notable novelist.
THE MAN WHO FAILED TO DIE 死に損なった男 2024, 109 mins (12A)
Directed by: TANAKA Seiji
Starring: MIZUKAWA Katamari, MASANA Bokuzo, KARATA Erika, KYAN Yutaka
Date: 14 February @ 7pm (West Court, Jesus College)
Blending dry humour with the supernatural, TANAKA Seiji delivers a uniquely entertaining film where the living and the dead find unlikely common ground.
Note: on the 14th Feb at 3pm, there will also be a performance and workshop by the SOAS Min’yo group. Day passes for the 14th Feb below will also include access to this event.
SUNDAY 1 MARCH
I AM WHAT I AM そばかす 2022, 104 mins (PG)
Directed by: TAMADA Shinya
Starring: MIURA Toko, MAEDA Atsuko, KITAMURA Takumi, ITO Marika
Date: 1 March @ 2pm (West Court, Jesus College)
A liberating celebration of a woman who faces herself and chooses to live against Japan’s social norms.
URA AKA: L’AVENTURE 裏アカ 2020, 101 mins (18)
Directed by: KATO Takuya
Starring: TAKIUCHI Kumi, KAMIO Fuju, ICHIKAWA Tomohiro, MATSUBARA Sumire
Date: 1 March @ 4pm (West Court, Jesus College)
How far can you escape yourself before the mask slips?
TEKI COMETH 敵 2023, 108 mins (12A)
Directed by: YOSHIDA Daihach
Starring: NAGATSUKA Kyozo, TAKIUCHI Kumi, KUROSAWA Asuka, KAWAI Yumi
Date: 1 March @ 6pm (West Court, Jesus College)
Old age, a quiet life… and then came the voice from the north. Who is the enemy?
SUNDAY 22 MARCH
STRANGERS IN KYOTO ぶぶ漬けどうどす 2025, 96 mins (PG)
Directed by: TOMINAGA Masanori
Starring: FUKAGAWA Mai, OTOMO Ritsu, ONODERA Zuru, MUROI Shigeru
Date: 22 March @ 2pm (West Court, Jesus College)
Kyoto is famous not only as a beautiful ancient city, but also for its double-sided language!
SILENCE OF THE SEA 海の沈黙 2024, 112 mins (12A)
Directed by: WAKAMATSU Setsuro
Starring: MOTOKI Masahiro, KOIZUMI Kyoko, ISHIZAKA Koji
Date: 22 March @ 4pm (West Court, Jesus College)
The line between imitation and authenticity is thin, and so is the line that determines the value of art. Where does the truth about ourselves lie?
GHOST KILLER ゴーストキラー 2024, 104 mins (12A)
Directed by: SONOMURA Kensuke
Starring: TAKAISHI Akari, MIMOTO Masanori, KUROBA Mario
Date: 22 March @ 6pm (West Court, Jesus College)
Haunted by a yakuza killer, an ordinary girl’s life — and sense of self — are reluctantly transformed.
SATURDAY 28 MARCH
SHE TAUGHT ME SERENDIPITY 今日の空が一番好き、とまだ言えない僕は 2025, 127 mins (12A)
Directed by: OKU Akiko
Starring: HAGIWARA Riku, KAWAI Yuumi, ITO Aoi, KUROSAKI Kodai
Date: 28 March @ 7pm (West Court, Jesus College)
Sometimes, it takes a miracle to help you see the sky — and yourself — anew.
FINDING THE VENUE
Events will take place in West Court, Jesus College. The pedestrian entrance can be accessed from Jesus Lane. Please see the detailed map below for further information.
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE JAPAN FOUNDATION
MAJOR SUPPORTERS
SUPPORTED BY
WITH THANKS TO
Hosting this festival in Cambridge has been made possible through Panorama’s partnership with Jesus College, Cambridge. Global Cultures at Jesus College is produced by Panorama and led by Director Matthew Webb. Its goal is to contribute to Cambridge city beyond our walls, offering unique cultural moments with world-class figures through its regular events, which are open to all. In the last year alone, we have featured master craftspeople, Noh theatre mask makers, National Geographic photographers, and film directors, producers and talent. Monthly events throughout the year will provide many opportunities for you to participate.
PHOTO CREDITS
© 2025 “She Taught Me Serendipity” Film Partners
© 2024 “The Hotel of my Dream“ Film Partners
© 2024 Eiga “Umi no Chinmoku” INUP Co.,Ltd
© 2025 “Strangers in Kyoto” Film Partners
© 2022 “I am what I am” film partners
© 2020 Ura-Aka: L’Aventure Production Committee