Japan - the land of tradition and innovation - is a country whose depictions on film and TV have been loved by people around the world. Be it samurai epics or slice-of-life drama, cinema and television ventures into universal themes, offering an insightful perspective on Japanese culture.
In this guide, we'll take a glimpse at the richness of the Japanese countryside, human emotions, and age-old traditions that a film could give us. Here are five fascinating lessons films teach us about Japanese culture and how this resilient nation is viewed through the lens of cinema and television.
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5 Fascinating Lessons Films Teach Us About Japanese Culture
by Rob Dyer
Tokyo Story - The obligations of the Japanese family
We begin with one of my favourite Japanese films and one that's widely considered one of the best films of all time - Tokyo Story directed by Yasujirô Ozu, released in 1953.
This beautiful film portrays parents Shūkichi and Tomi, a senior couple who visit Tokyo, hoping to refresh their bonds with their grown children. But rather than the close-knit family reunion they imagined, they discover their children are too preoccupied with their busy lives to give them much attention.
Yet, when they go to visit their widowed daughter-in-law, Noriko, it becomes different. Though she was not of their very own blood, flesh, and bone, Noriko made it a point to be truly kind, taking time off from work just to be with them.
It’s a beautiful reflection of Japanese cultural values like giri (duty) and ninjo (compassion), which dictates deep respect for elders even beyond blood ties. But above all, this instance reminds one of family obligations, perhaps one of modern Japanese society's core values.
A genuine masterpiece of Japanese cinema, Tokyo Story is utterly timeless, and one of my most rewatched Japanese films. Indeed, for me, its themes become increasingly true and more pertinent the decades pass. One to watch and rewatch throughout your life.
SEE ALSO: Tokyo Story: anatomy of a classic (BFI)
Pachinko - Modernity and ancient traditions coexisting
Pachinko is a TV series created by Soo Hugh in 2022. The title is taken from a popular gambling game in Japan that is very similar to slots. It’s a mechanical game, and like slots, are originally played on a machine. And similar to slots, today, many people may play the game online on different gaming platforms.
People who play a game of slots or similar games like pachinko, may notice the idea of chance and luck depicted in the series, reflecting the unpredictability of life and different circumstances. However, slots and other games are a means of entertainment and fun, but life stories are more serious especially when they include personal drama, and Pachinko is one of those stories.
A tale of sacrifice and survival, this Apple TV+ series is a multi-generational saga about the family of Sunja, who migrated from a Korean village to Japan during its occupation of Korea. Adapted from the popular novel by Min Jin Lee, the series also hints at a detailed representation of stunning natural scenery in Japan, symbolising the characters' emotions.
After getting married to Isak, Sunja moves to Osaka to find peace. The city depicted is one of the hot spots where modernity and ancient traditions coexist perfectly. One such scene depicts Sunja's amazement when she first comes to the city and sees the crowded markets, neon-coloured lights, and the strong smell of food and spices.
This scene clearly illustrates the modernity and history of Osaka while also depicting Sunja's struggle to adapt to a new world that is completely different from her own.
You can experience the fascinating world of pachinko for yourself by booking a private expert pachinko guide who will walk you through the culture surrounding the machines and how to get the best out of playing the games.
SEE ALSO: Gambling In Japan – A Beginner’s Guide
Spirited Away - Harmony between humans and the natural environment
Spirited Away, directed by anime legend Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2001, is a highly acclaimed Japanese folk-inspired anime that highlights Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage. Made by Japan’s most successful anime company Studio Ghibli, the title itself, in its original language, "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi", shows the implication of a concept deeply inspired by Shinto beliefs.
According to Japanese folklore, "kamikakushi" means being "spirited away" into some sort of otherworldly dimension by the gods and spirits called kami, which populate the world.
In the film, Chihiro's parents greedily eating the food offered to the kami upsets these spirits, and they turn them into pigs as a form of punishment for the lack of respect. This reflects again on the importance of showing reverence to nature and the spirits in Japanese culture.
From the radish spirit to the river spirits, Chihiro encounters many forms of kami upon entering this spirit world. Though their appearance seems intimidating, they guide and help her through various tasks in such a way that shows the kami are very protective and very benevolent when treated with respect.
This reflects the larger Shinto view that everything in nature is possessed of spirits and thus provides for harmony between humans and the natural environment.
If you're a Studio Ghibli fan already, or want to discover their magical worlds, there are some Studio Ghibli-related tours and experiences on the Viator website so you can get a real-world feel for those animated ones.
Departures - Respect for the dead
Yôjirô Takita's 2008 film Departures narrates the story of Daigo Kobayashi, a cellist who lost his job and then took on the position of a nōkanshi, who is a traditional Japanese mortician.
Mika, his wife, considered the job undignified. However, a massive shift occurs when they are at the encoffining ceremony for Mrs. Yamashita, a local bathhouse owner they both knew. In an encoffining ritual a professional nōkansha ritually dresses and prepares the body, placing it in the coffin.
Daigo's gentle and dignified care of the body deeply affects Mika and the family of Yamashita during the ceremony. This moment is a strong example of how much respect Japanese people have for honouring the dead. It shows that through the traditional funeral rituals, the families get closure and comfort, thus, giving dignity to the profession.
Being a spectator to Daigo's talent and the tranquillity it brings to others, Mika's attitude shifts. She learns that his job is not only the honour paid to the deceased but also to the living who receive comfort from the rituals.
The movie perfectly symbolises the Japanese values of respect for the dead and teaches us that these cultural traditions are closely connected with respect, family, and closure.
Seven Samurai - Lessons on duty and honour
Set in the 16th century, Seven Samurai directed by Akira Kurosawa, released in 1954, follows a group of poor farmers who hire seven rōnin to defend them from bandits, highlighting themes of honour, sacrifice, and class dynamics. This epic from one of Japan’s biggest names in cinema, Akira Kurosawa, was famously remade in the USA as a western as The Magnificent Seven in 1960.
A key moment in the film that concisely encapsulates the samurai code is when Kambei, the main character, shaves his head to make himself look like a monk and save a child from a bandit.
This act displays selflessness and fearlessness as the main principle of bushidō that teaches the value of duty, honour, and selflessness. Kambei's readiness to lower his status for the sake of the common good is a perfect example of the samurai's function in protecting the weak.
This scene establishes the groundwork for the samurai's interaction with the villagers which is based on mutual respect and ethical principles. The film efficiently displays the historical and cultural values that moulded Japanese society, making it an enduring lesson on duty and honour.
SEE ALSO: Feel the Spirit of the Samurai Sword in Kyoto
Conclusion - thoughts on these examples
These four films and one television show entertain but also offer us a glimpse into the rich complexities of Japanese culture, each highlighting different aspects that make Japan truly unique:
- Tokyo Story poignantly reflects on family obligations and the evolving dynamics of modern Japanese families.
- Pachinko shows us how modernity and ancient traditions coexist harmoniously in Japan's urban landscapes.
- Spirited Away beautifully illustrates the deep-rooted Shinto beliefs and the importance of respecting nature and spirits.
- Departures teaches us about the profound respect for the dead in Japanese society and the dignity found in traditional funeral rituals.
- Seven Samurai exemplifies the enduring values of duty, honor, and selflessness that have shaped Japanese society for centuries.
These productions do more than entertain; they serve as windows into the soul of Japan, offering valuable insights into its customs, beliefs, and societal norms. They remind us that film can be a powerful tool for cultural understanding and appreciation.
Have you watched any of these or others that have taught you something about Japanese culture? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your insights could inspire fellow readers to embark on their own cinematic journey of cultural discovery.
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About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
Resources
Further Related Reading
9 Highest Rated Unforgettable Day Trips in Japan
Feel the Spirit of the Samurai Sword in Kyoto
Gambling In Japan – A Beginner’s Guide
Meeting an Itako - Spiritual Medium in Japan
Visiting The Magical Studio Ghibli Museum
The Films/TV Series Featured in This Guide
Departures (2008, Yôjirô Takita)
Seven Samuari (1954, Akira Kurosawa)
Spirited Away (2001, Hayao Miyazaki)
Tokyo Story (1953, Yasujirô Ozu)
More Great Experience Ideas
My List of Recommended Japan Travel Resources
Recommended Japan Travel Resources
My Japan Travel Store
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