Cinema of Japan

Japanese cinema, known domestically as eiga, is one of the most influential film industries in the world. It has a long history of creativity and technical skill. As of 2022, Japan was the fourth largest producer of feature films, creating 634 movies in that year alone. The industry is also a massive commercial force. It ranked as the third largest in terms of box office revenue, earning approximately $1.5 billion.

The way movies were experienced in Japan changed significantly over time. In the early silent era, viewers did not watch movies in total silence. Instead, they listened to benshi, who were professional storytellers. These narrators sat next to the screen to explain the plot and characters. The benshi came from a deep tradition of oral storytelling, such as kōdan and kabuki jōruri. They could even be accompanied by live music. However, when sound technology arrived in the early 1930s, the role of the benshi gradually declined.

The roots of Japanese film are tied to both new technology and old traditions. The kinetoscope was first shown in Japan in November 1896. Later, in early 1897, the Vitascope and the Lumière Brothers' Cinematograph arrived. Businessmen like Inabata Katsutaro helped introduce these devices. Moving pictures were not entirely foreign to the Japanese people. They already had a rich tradition of pre-cinematic devices called gentō, or magic lanterns. The first successful Japanese film was made in late 1897 and showed scenes of Tokyo.

As the industry grew, new movements changed how films were made. In the 1910s, critics began to argue that films should be more cinematic. They felt many early movies were too much like traditional theater, such as kabuki. This led to the Pure Film Movement. Writers in magazines like Kinema Record called for better use of film techniques. Directors like Norimasa Kaeriyama and Masao Inoue began using new tools. They introduced the close-up and the cut back to tell stories more effectively.

The 1950s is celebrated as the "Golden Age of Japanese cinema." During this time, Japanese directors gained massive international respect. Akira Kurosawa became world-renowned for his jidaigeki, which are period dramas. His film Seven Samurai topped a 2018 survey of the greatest foreign-language films. Another great director, Yasujirō Ozu, made Tokyo Story, which was ranked third in a 2012 Sight & Sound poll. Ishirō Honda also gained fame for his science fiction films involving kaiju, or giant monsters.

In recent decades, anime has become a global phenomenon. Anime refers to Japanese animation, and it grew significantly in popularity during the 1980s. Many anime films are based on popular television series or manga. Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous names in this field. They produced high-grossing hits like Spirited Away, Ponyo, and The Boy and the Heron. The impact of anime on the market is enormous. As of 2025, the top 16 highest-grossing Japanese films worldwide are all anime.

Japanese cinema also has a strong presence in the horror genre. While horror films have existed since the post-war era began in 1945, they saw a massive boom in the late 1990s. Movies like Ringu and Ju-On: The Grudge achieved great commercial success. Today, the industry is supported by major studios known as the "Big Four." These are Toho, Toei, Shochiku, and Kadokawa. They are the only members of the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan. The industry is also honored by the Japan Academy Film Prize, which is the Japanese version of the Academy Awards.