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Although Korean movies have made a mark for their emotional portrayal of love in the past few years, there are plenty of well-made romantic Japanese films boasting swoon-worthy romance that fans of the genre will enjoy.
The biggest highlight of romantic Japanese movies is that they usually explore the more complicated aspects of falling in love, which makes them more relatable and realistic.
Japanese filmmakers have a knack for exploring complex emotions associated with relationships, like confusion, angst, loyalty, fidelity, and more. Unlike their Korean counterparts, romantic Japanese movies don't always have happy endings, but that doesn't mean that they are worth watching.
Also, given Japan's fascination with manga, it is not surprising that many romantic Japanese movies are based on popular romance manga that have found success among readers. Even though plenty of romantic Japanese movies are released each year, some fare better in terms of heartwarming narratives and endearing performances, making them deserving of a spot on every fan's watchlist.
Norwegian Wood, Your Name, and 4 other romantic Japanese movies that redefine love and relationships
1) Norwegian Wood (2010)
Fans can rest assured that a romantic Japanese movie is worth their time when it is based on Haruki Murakami's book. He has a certain flair for writing thought-provoking stories that stay etched in readers' minds, and Norwegian Wood is no different.
The central character is Toru Watanabe (Kenichi Matsuyama), who is dealing with the loss of his best friend, Kizuki. Eventually, he starts to fall for Kizuki's ex-girlfriend, Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi).
Even though they grow closer, Naoko continues to mourn Kizuki. When she is away seeking treatment, Toru meets the charismatic Midori (Kiko Mizuhara), who is poles apart from Naoko, and Toru is unable to decide who his heart truly wants.
Poetic and bittersweet, this romantic Japanese movie delves into romance, but it also explores loss and depression. Viewers should consider reading the book before watching the movie, as the little nuances in the film will become clearer then.
2) Evergreen Love (2016)
This romantic Japanese movie stars Mitsuki Takahata and Takanori Iwata in the lead. The story revolves around a young officer worker named Sayaka, who never feels competent enough at work or outside of it.
She then happens to find a passed-out stranger in front of her house. After she brings him home, they somehow end up as roommates. Spending time with him helps her learn to love herself.
It is a touching young romance wherein the characters help each other overcome their shortcomings. Viewers looking for a feel-good romance that doesn't lean too heavily on complex drama will enjoy this one.
3) My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday (2016)
Japan has a fascination with narratives that have fantasy or supernatural elements, and many films play into this concept, including this romantic Japanese movie.
The story revolves around Takatoshi Minamiyama (Sota Fukushi), who first comes across Emi Fukuju (Nana Komatsu) on a train. He falls head-over-heels at first sight, and it seems like she feels the same way. However, it is soon revealed that Emi is from a world where time runs backward.
The interesting premise is the biggest draw of the narrative. It's wonderful to see how the two met by chance at different points in their lives. The chemistry between Fukushi and Komatsu also helps keep the viewer invested in their one-of-a-kind relationship.
4) Your Name (2016)
Makoto Shinkai is adept at telling heartwarming stories that make viewers smile and reach for the tissues, and anime lovers are well-acquainted with his work. However, even those who are new to the genre will find this romantic Japanese movie worth watching.
The story revolves around two high school students, Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu. Even though the two have never met, they mysteriously start to switch bodies, which leads to chaos and confusion. The well-developed characters and eloquently written dialogues add to the intriguing premise and keep the viewer hooked from the get-go.
5) His (2020)
This heartwarming romantic Japanese movie centers around the love story between Shun (Hio Miyazawa) and Nagisa (Kisetsu Fujiwara). Nagisa breaks Shun's heart and moves on to live a life that society deems acceptable.
Shun tries his best to make a life for himself but has a hard time getting over Nagisa. So, when he arrives at Shun's doorstep years later with his daughter in tow, things start to get complicated.
The film explores the prejudice and hardships of pursuing a same-s*x relationship in Japan, where it is still considered taboo among many. The lead actors do a great job portraying the complex characters as they struggle to stay true to themselves and their feelings for one another. Bittersweet and heartwarming, this one will surely connect with romance fans.
6) Your Eyes Tell (2020)
Starring Yuriko Yoshitaka and Ryusei Yokohama in the lead, this romantic Japanese movie centers around the unlikely bond between the blind but lively Akari and the distant Rui, who is harboring dark secrets. As they spend more time together, Rui comes to realize that he is connected to the accident that led to Akari's blindness and tries to make amends.
Emotional and tear-jerking, it will have viewers reaching for the tissues. One of the best things about the film is the chemistry between the leads, who are quite different in terms of personality but still complement each other in the best of ways.
Viewers who are in the mood for some heartwarming stories should definitely check out these romantic Japanese movies that offer the perfect combination of swoon-worthy stories and endearing characters.
