Female-led films help challenge conventional portrayals of Japanese women on screen

Although women have long been underrepresented in filmmaking, recently, the 21st century has brought an era when more women are stepping behind the camera as directors and screenwriters. In Japan, women have carved out a space for art films, animated movies, documentaries and other visual works that present fresh perspectives on Japanese lifestyle and culture. In the following sections, we take a look at a few female film directors and screenwriters taking the lead in Japan.

Mika Ninagawa

A world-renowned art photographer and director, Mika Ninagawa’s visually stunning work is instantly recognizable for its explosive use of color. She made her directorial debut with "Sakuran" (2007). This film, which was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival, was praised for its dazzling visuals. In addition, known for framing portraits of powerful women surrounded by highly saturated florals, Ninagawa creates worlds in which reality and dream intertwine.

Ninagawa continued to explore her larger-than-life aesthetic in films like "Diner" (2019). This film is a crime thriller filled with theatrical sets and a riot of color. In "Diner," a woman stumbles into a restaurant that serves professional hitmen. Ninagawa’s direction piles on vibrant imagery, from an abundance of flowers to outrageous, decadent meals.

Yui Kiyohara

Yui Kiyohara is one of Japan’s promising young filmmakers. She focuses on quiet, introspective storytelling. Notably, her debut feature, "Our House" (2017), won the Grand Prize at the Pia Film Festival. As a result, it made waves internationally for its delicate portrayal of human relationships. With an understated, lyrical style, Kiyohara shines a light on ordinary women.

Similarly, Kiyohara’s latest work, "Remembering Every Night" (2022), gently peers into the lives of three women whose paths intersect on a summer day in Tama New Town, a Tokyo suburb. In essence, the film is a meditation on memory. It captures the fleeting moments of daily life with long, meandering shots that immerse viewers in the flow of time. Ultimately, Kiyohara’s exploration of hidden emotions and forgotten memories invites viewers to reflect on their own lives.

Naomi Kawase

Naomi Kawase is one of the most internationally recognized Japanese directors. Her work is often rooted in the landscapes of Nara, where she was born. Kawase is frequently described as an auteur—a director whose personal vision is so integral to their film that they are seen as its author. Beginning her career with experimental documentaries, Kawase’s early films explored the intersection of nature, tradition and family, at times blurring the lines between fiction and autobiography. Kawase gained early recognition with her documentary "Embracing" (1992). She then went on to become the youngest filmmaker to win Cannes’ Camera d’Or with "Suzaku" (1997).

In "True Mothers" (2020), Kawase adapts a novel about an adoptive couple confronted by their child’s birth mother. The film, grounded in the intimacy of familial relationships, is imbued with her signature style — tender visuals, serene landscapes and an ever-present sense of reflection. Moreover, Kawase’s ability to evoke a character’s sense of purpose and meaning in life has made her a leading voice in contemporary Japanese cinema.

Miwa Nishikawa

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