How about adding a Japanese touch to your Valentine's Day? Better than a dinner out, opt for a movie night at home and choose from our list of Japanese animated films to watch (or rewatch)! And to complete the atmosphere…« Valentine's Day (バレンタインデー) Japanese style«"Don't forget the chocolates!"
Whisper of the Heart (1995) by Yoshifumi Kondo
In this feature film from Studio Ghibli, we follow Shizuku, a young teenager passionate about literature who one day notices that the books she borrows are also borrowed by someone named Seiji…
This animated film portrays teenage love with great tenderness. It is (unfortunately) the one and only film by the late Yoshifumi Kondo, the one who should have become the heir to the master Hayao Miyazaki.
Howl's Moving Castle (2003) by Hayao Miyazaki
A classic from Studio Ghibli, Howl's Moving Castle tells the epic story of 18-year-old Sophie and the charming wizard Howl. A misunderstanding leads the wicked Witch of the Waste to cast a spell on young Sophie, transforming her into an old woman. Fate will have her taking refuge in Howl's fabulous moving castle. Will she succeed in breaking the curse?
This film has everything to make you smile! A beautiful story blending humor, adventure and romance, stunning animation and sublime music – what more could you ask for?!
The garden of words (2013) by Makoto Shinkai
This short film (approximately 45 minutes) tells the story of a troubled teenager who, seeking refuge from his problems, takes refuge in a Tokyo park. There, he meets an older woman disillusioned with life. A unique relationship develops through their encounters in the park.
This bittersweet story is – literally – worth watching! The animation quality is exceptional: prepare to be blown away!
Your Name (2016) by Makoto Shinkai
We follow the story of two students, Mitsuha, who lives in the Japanese countryside, and Taki, who lives in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo. Each dreams of a life diametrically opposed to the one they feel trapped in. One morning, they wake up in each other's bodies. Beyond space and time, they will do everything to find each other…
This is THE romance that has captivated the world: this animation is simply one of the top 3 most popular Japanese animated films of all time (along with Spirited Away and, more recently, Demon Slayer)!
Far from me, close to you (2020) by Jun'ichi Satô, Tomotaka Shibayama
If you're a bit of a romantic, this film is for you! Miyo Sasaki is in love with one of her classmates, Kento Hinode. He completely ignores her despite her efforts to get her attention. One day, she finds a mask that allows her to transform into a cat. Against all odds, it's in this form that she finally manages to get closer to the object of her affection. But beware, the more she uses this mask, the more she risks losing her ability to become human again…
Even if the plot is merely a gentle purr, "cat" is worth giving a try!
