The winners of the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize for Excellence Awards and Newcomer of the Year have been announced for 2026! "KOKUHO" sweeps the awards, with a star-studded lineup including Ryo Yoshizawa and Masami Nagasawa.

※AI Translated.

The 49th Japan Academy Film Prize Ceremony, the event that marks the culmination of the year in Japanese cinema, will be held on Friday, March 13.

Prior to the ceremony, the winners of the Excellence Awards in 15 main categories, as well as the Newcomer of the Year awards, have been announced. From among these, we have selected the nine major categories that are drawing attention from film fans around the world. For the nominees for Best Picture, we have also included a synopsis that highlights the appeal of each film. We hope this will serve as a useful reference as you search for your next Japanese film to watch.

Best Picture Nominees: Five Films Including "KOKUHO" and "1ST KISS"

Breaking box office records for a live-action film with over 19.3 billion yen in revenue and becoming a social phenomenon, "KOKUHO" leads a lineup of highly anticipated works that symbolize 2025, including "TOKYO TAXI" starring Takuya Kimura.

 KOKUHO

In 1964, Kikuo Tachibana, born into a yakuza family in Nagasaki, loses his father in a gang conflict and is taken in by the prestigious Hanai family of Kamigata Kabuki. There, he meets Shunsuke, the son of the head of the family, who would later become his lifelong rival.

As brothers not bound by blood, the two throw themselves into the demanding world of traditional performing arts, which boasts a 400-year history. However, when one of them is given the unexpected opportunity to serve as an understudy, their strong bond and destinies are shaken to the core. Talent and lineage, jealousy and admiration—this is a supreme entertainment that follows two men who dedicate everything to their art as they race through a turbulent era.

HERO'S ISLAND

In 1952, under American occupation in Okinawa, there were young men known as "Senka Agiyaa" who risked their lives to steal supplies from military bases and share them with the people. One night, during a raid, their leader On comes into possession of an "unexpected prize" and then disappears without a trace.

On's friends, including his close friend Gusuku, set out to find him. As they search for On, they become entangled in a massive conspiracy surrounding the "treasure island" that is the base, and are swept up in the tumultuous history of the era. This is a vivid coming-of-age mystery about young people who risk everything for freedom and dignity under occupation in Okinawa.

SUZUKI=BAKUDAN

A series of bombings shakes Tokyo. The key to the case is a man who calls himself Tagosaku Suzuki, arrested while drunk. With a fearless smile, he claims he can predict explosions through his "spiritual sense" and, during interrogation, announces the next bombing.

The detectives of the First Investigation Division, including Ruike, are thrown into confusion by his strange logic and provocations, and gradually find themselves cornered. This is a suspense thriller with a ticking clock, as they face an unknown malice that has taken 14 million lives hostage.

1ST KISS

Fifteen years into their marriage, all that remains between Kanna and Kakeru, who once loved each other, is a cold and awkward atmosphere. One day, Kakeru is lost in a sudden accident.

Kanna is left in a daze, but by a sudden twist of fate, she finds herself time traveling to the world of “15 years ago” when she first met him. There, she encounters her younger self and a fresh-faced Kakeru, back when they were still strangers.

Traveling back and forth between the past and present in a desperate attempt to save him, Kanna relives the excitement of their first meeting. Through this, she gradually rediscovers the deep feelings for him that she had forgotten. This is a love story about saving the life of the one you love most and, by “meeting again from the very beginning,” realizing the love that truly existed between them.

TOKYO TAXI

Koji Usami, a taxi driver at a dead end in life, takes on a job to drive 85-year-old Madame Sumire from Shibamata to a retirement home in Hayama. At first, the two are distant and unfriendly, but as the journey continues, they begin to open up to each other. Sumire asks Usami to make a few “detours.”

As they travel through the streets of Tokyo, filled with memories, Sumire shares the story of her extraordinary life. What began as a simple “ride” gradually transforms into a special journey that transcends generations and lights the way for both of their tomorrows. This is a moving story of miracles and hope that will touch the hearts of all who watch.

Best Leading Actor Award: Ryo Yoshizawa, Hokuto Matsumura, and more

Ryo Yoshizawa delivered an overwhelming charisma in KOKUHO. In addition, SixTONES member Hokuto Matsumura made headlines by winning both the Best Supporting Actor Award for another work and the Best Leading Actor Award.

List of Award Winners

Best Leading Actress Award: Masami Nagasawa, Keiko Kitagawa, and more

Masami Nagasawa, who was so taken with the script of Dollhouse that she requested to star in it herself, and Keiko Kitagawa, who took on the challenging role of a drug dealer in Night Flower, were among the winners.

List of Award Winners

Best Supporting Actor & Actress Awards: Ryusei Yokohama, Yu Aoi, and more

In an unprecedented turn of events, three nominees each were selected from "KOKUHO". This truly demonstrates that the Japanese film industry in 2025 revolved around "KOKUHO".

List of Best Supporting Actor Award Winners

List of Best Supporting Actress Award Winners

Best New Actor Award: Yamato Kawachi, Mizuki Morita, and more

Yamato Kawachi, a late-blooming talented actor who has been the talk of the town, won the Best New Actor Award for his role as the uncle in "８番出口 (Exit 8)". Mizuki Morita achieved a double win, also receiving the Best Supporting Actress Award.

 List of Winners

Best Director Award: Keishi Otomo, Eiji Uchida, and more

Director Keishi Otomo, who has recently been active with Netflix productions, and Eiji Uchida, who previously won Best Picture for "ミッドナイトスワン (Midnight Swan)", were among those selected.

List of Winners

Best Screenplay Award: Yoji Yamada, Kaho Fukuda, and more

In addition to director Yoji Yamada, who also directed "TOKYO TAXI", Kaho Fukuda, who wrote the screenplay for "366 DAYS", made her debut with this work!

List of Winners

Best Animated Feature: "Demon Slayer" and "Detective Conan"

The film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle,” which surpassed 100 billion yen in worldwide box office revenue, and the 28th installment in the series, “Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback,” were among the award winners.

H3: List of Award-Winning Works

• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
• Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
• 100 METERS
• Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise
• Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback

The Grand Prize Winners Will Be Announced on March 13!

The grand prize winners for each category are scheduled to be announced on March 13. Which work will take home the top honor? FUN! JAPAN will continue to provide live updates from the awards ceremony. Please look forward to it!