Japan has not remained untouched by the current wave of enthusiasm for movies, anime, theatrical releases, and streaming content. And it is evident in the shift in its film industry over the past few years. Alongside massive box office success driven by homegrown blockbusters, the country has strengthened both its commercial and cultural footprint. 

Now, with an impressive presence at the Berlin Film Festival, Japan appears to be entering a bold new chapter.

Japan is bringing one of its most powerful lineups in years to the Berlin International Film Festival, with seven notable film selections. Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s animated debut, A New Dawn, is competing for the Golden Bear, while Yusuke Iwasaki’s AnyMart and Nao Yoshigai’s documentary Masayume in Forum and Takuya Uchiyama’s Numb in Panorama.

Restored versions of the films The Pornographers (1966) and Ninja Scroll (1993) will be shown in Classics, while the animated movie Chimney Town: Frozen in Time will appear in the Generation section for younger audiences. This is quite a huge and impactful presence that Japan has made in recent years. If anything, this is followed by Japan’s best performance at the box office.

Its theatrical revenue reached JPY274.45 billion ($1.79 billion), easily surpassing the previous 2019 record. And domestic projects Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba — The Movie: Infinity Castle — Part 1, which grossed $255 million, as well as Kokuho with $127 million, played a large role in influencing it. 

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And it seems the country will carry the same momentum this year, with major projects such as Godzilla Minus Zero lined up.

Godzilla Minus One was a huge hit, and its sequel is officially on its way and already has a confirmed release date. Titled Godzilla Minus Zero, the film is set to arrive on November 6, with distribution handled by GKIDS. In Japan, the movie will debut slightly earlier on November 3. 

The first installment was a huge success and grossed $113 million worldwide. And it also secured the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. As for the sequel, Takashi Yamazaki will once again return to direct the project. After much appreciation from critics and fans alike, the expectations for the sequel are notably high. If the shift in the nation’s entire film industry is any indication, the sequel appears to be heading in the right direction.

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What do you think about this shift in Japan's film industry? Let us know in the comments.