Highlights from the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize Ceremony in Tokyo

Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General

The 48th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony took place on March 14, 2025, at the prestigious Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo. This event stands as a cornerstone in the Japanese film industry, celebrating remarkable achievements in film and honoring the creative talents that shape cinema in Japan. Hosted by well-known announcer Shinichi Hatori and renowned actress Sakura Ando, the gathering united stars, filmmakers, and fans in recognition of cinematic excellence.

The energy in the room was palpable, with nominees filled with anticipation as the evening unfolded. This year's ceremony was particularly special, not just because of its star-studded roster but also for the impactful films that resonated throughout the year.

Major Award Winners

The evening kicked off with the highly coveted Best Film award, which went to A Samurai in Time, a compelling tale that captivated both audiences and critics. With a unique plot centered around a time-traveling samurai, the film generated buzz, achieving a box office of approximately 1.5 billion yen. Its engaging narrative and impressive performances also contributed to it receiving a 92% approval rating on aggregate review sites.

In the Best Animation Film category, Look Back emerged victorious. This heartwarming animated feature drew in over 800,000 viewers within its opening weekend, showcasing its broad appeal. The film's combination of stunning visuals and rich storytelling allowed it to capture the hearts of animation lovers.

The Best Director award was awarded to Michihito Fujii for his work on Faceless. Leading the nominations with an impressive 13 nods, the film made a significant impact with its innovative approach to storytelling, which left audiences reflecting on the complexity of identity.

For screenwriting, Akiko Nogi claimed the Best Screenplay award for Last Mile. Her ability to weave intricate narratives covering the challenges of modern relationships was highlighted in this award-winning film, which also earned a 78% audience score.

In the acting categories, Ryusei Yokohama received Best Actor for his powerful portrayal in Faceless. His emotional performance was a driving force of the film. Meanwhile, Yuumi Kawai clinched the Best Actress award for her role in A Girl Named Ann, a film that delicately explores the journey of self-discovery, achieving over 500,000 views within the first month.

The award for Best Supporting Actor went to Takao Osawa for Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General, while Riho Yoshioka was recognized as Best Supporting Actress for her standout performance in the same film.

Technical and Other Categories

The technical categories of the Japan Academy Film Prize are essential for highlighting the craftsmanship behind filmmaking. Hiroko Sebu received the award for Best Music for her captivating score in Let's Go Karaoke! This soundtrack significantly enhanced the film's immersive atmosphere, contributing to its $10 million earnings at the box office.

Best Cinematography was awarded to Akira Sako for his exceptional work on Kingdom 4, known for its breathtaking landscape shots and action sequences that enriched the viewing experience. Also, Hiroyuki Kase was honored for Best Lighting Direction in the same film, effectively pulling viewers deeper into its vibrant world.

In art direction, Masumi Miura’s contributions to Cells at Work! earned him the Best Art Direction award, showcasing innovative designs that brought the film's creative concept to life. Additionally, Kazushiko Yokono’s expertise in sound recording for Kingdom 4 earned him recognition, underlining sound's vital role in cinematic storytelling.

Jun'ichi Yasuda took home the award for Best Film Editing for A Samurai in Time, whose pacing and structure kept audiences engaged throughout the film's duration.

Special Awards

Beyond the major and technical categories, several special awards recognized outstanding contributions to the film industry. The Special Award of Honour was presented to actor Toshiyuki Nishida, whose decades of work have profoundly impacted Japanese cinema.

The Award for Distinguished Service went to several esteemed figures including Sō Kuramoto, Daisaku Kimura, Kōtarō Satomi, and Misako Watanabe. Their unwavering dedication has significantly uplifted the industry and inspired countless filmmakers.

Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General emerged as a standout performer, claiming four awards and proving to be both a critical and commercial success. Meanwhile, Faceless demonstrated the competitive spirit of the night by securing recognition despite leading with nominations.

Celebrating the Art of Film

The 48th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony marked a vibrant celebration of cinematic talent and storytelling. With outstanding films like A Samurai in Time, Faceless, and Kingdom 4 at the forefront, this year's winners highlighted the rich diversity and creativity inherent in Japanese cinema.

As the event concluded, the shared passion for film among attendees was clear. The excitement for current and future projects brought an inspiring energy that night, motivating the community to continue exploring new narratives that connect with audiences in Japan and beyond.

In recognizing these achievements, the Japan Academy Film Prize plays a crucial role in promoting the vibrancy of Japanese cinema, fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation for future generations.