Erika Karata

Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s intimate and immersive Happy Hour is one of the best films of the past decade. Equally devoted to the innermost feelings of its characters is his follow-up, Asako I & II, an entrancing, Vertigo-inspired romance mystery, featuring a lively soundtrack by J-Pop star Tofubeats.

A kind-hearted girl transforms into a bloodthirsty pro wrestler who thrives in chaotic brawls, turning an entire nation against her.

Four strangers' lives intersect over three decades as they confront grief and hope after the 1995 Kobe and 2011 Tohoku quakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

An aspiring drummer suddenly loses her spot in the band. But when a brilliant musician recruits her for his new band, her life takes a passionate turn.