Film

Onde as Ondas Quebram | Where the Waves Break

Yuko Matsuki — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:44:44 +0000

Onde as Ondas Quebram | Where the Waves Break Yuko Matsuki Jul 28, 2025

September 11, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Event Category

Brazil is home to the largest Nikkei diaspora in the world — sharing similarities with other Japanese diasporas, with key differences. In the essay film “Where the Waves Break”, the Japanese Brazilian documentary filmmaker Inara Chayamiti investigates her fragmented identity by gluing together pieces of her family’s story and the Japanese Brazilian saga, marked by two diasporas between opposite sides of the world: Brazil and Japan.

In this first feature-length documentary directed by a Japanese-Brazilian woman, she builds generational and cultural bridges from an authentic point of view and a curious and affective quest. And by revisiting the past from erased angles, she tells invisible stories from her community. It is historical and current, personal and universal.

A virtual panel will take place directly after the film featuring two Japanese Latin American artists and academics in conversation, Dr. Monica Okamoto and Harumi Lopéz-Higa.

Don't miss this opportunity!

Tickets

SEE HER BE HER

Yuko Matsuki — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:59:37 +0000

SEE HER BE HER Yuko Matsuki Jun 26, 2025

September 18, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Event Category

Community Event

Film

Screening followed by a Meet and Greet with Ayami Sato！

The documentary follows the lives of seven women baseball stars from around the globe, showcasing their dedication and competition in the Women's Baseball World Cup including Japan’s Ayami Sato, star pitcher of the Toronto Maple Leafs professional men’s team.

The film explores the historical context of women's baseball and aims to raise awareness about the growth of women's baseball to inspire future generations of female athletes.

The film also includes support from baseball legends like Cal Ripken Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, and Billie Jean King, who recognize the importance of women in the game.

Admission: FREE (Pay What You Want)

Reserve Your Spot

HIROSHIMA PIANO / OKURIMONO

Yuko Matsuki — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:25:22 +0000

HIROSHIMA PIANO / OKURIMONO Yuko Matsuki Jun 2, 2025

August 10, 2025 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Event Category

Community Event

Film

Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 80th Anniversary Commemorative Screening

It’s been 80 years since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—moments that changed the course of history forever. Join us for a special film screening to honor the lives lost and reflect on what peace means today.

This August marks the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing hundreds of thousands of people and forever altering the lives of countless others. Eighty years later, the threat of nuclear weapons persists despite the efforts of peace advocates and hibakusha—survivors of the bombings—who have shared their stories in pursuit of nuclear disarmament. Honouring their voices and the legacy of peace movements is essential to building a safer future.

To mark the occasion, the JCCC will be screening two movies on Sunday August 10. Hiroshima Piano at 1:30pm. The film tells the story of a piano that survived the devastation and the man who restored and played it throughout Japan, bringing a moment of joy from the devastation. Okurimono will be screened at 4pm. The film follows Noriko, a child of Nagasaki, back to her hometown from Canada, and the discoveries she makes while there.

In addition to our film screenings, Echoes for the Future, a temporary exhibit about the devasting effects of nuclear weapons and the international movement for nuclear disarmament will be available in the Heritage Court until the end of August. This exhibit, created in collaboration with Anzu Hara, Setsuko Thurlow, and the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Day Coalition combines didactic panels with symbols of peace and hope for the future.

Ticket and more information:

HIROSHIMA PIANO / Sunday, August 10, at 1:30pm Tickets

OKURIMONO / Sunday, August 10, at 4:00pm Tickets

Fees:

General $10.62 +HST ($12)
JCCC Members $8.85 +HST ($10)
In Japanese with English subtitles.
*No exchange or refund

Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2025

Yuko Matsuki — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:58:25 +0000

Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2025 Yuko Matsuki Apr 14, 2025

June 12, 2025 7:00pm - June 26, 2025 9:00pm

Event Category

Film

Community Event

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s 14th annual Toronto Japanese Film Festival will be held from June 12th to 26th at the JCCC’s Kobayashi Hall. The festival has now grown into one of the largest film events of its kind in the world and is recognized by the Japanese film industry as a vital conduit for bringing Japanese film to the world.

TorontoJFF is programmed to reflect the rich diversity of the world 4th largest film industry and the 2025 edition will feature 24 films including an opening night screening of the Canadian Premiere of CELLS AT WORK 「はたらく細胞」 Director Hideki Takeuchi (Thermae Romae, Fly Me to Saitama) will attend the festival to introduce his film.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, May 7 at 10:00am. Five- and ten-film pass buyers receive a special gift from the festival’s founding sponsor, SHISEIDO CANADA. Go to Torontojff.com, call 416-441-2345 or simply come over to the JCCC for tickets and more information.

Learn more

You may find the film line-up from here, and ticket information here.

Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2024

Samphors Say — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 02:54:58 +0000

Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2024 Samphors Say Apr 29, 2024

June 6, 2024 7:00pm - June 20, 2024 9:00pm

Event Category

Community Event

Film

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s 13th annual Toronto Japanese Film Festival will be presented from June 6 to 22 at the JCCC’s Kobayashi Hall. The festival has now grown into one of the largest film events of its kind in the world and is recognized by the Japanese film industry as a vital conduit for bringing Japanese film to the world.

TorontoJFF is programmed to reflect the rich diversity of the world's 4th largest film industry. The festival opens with the North American premiere of Hayato Kawai’s DON’T LOSE YOUR HEAD!, a lavish comic retelling of the famous tale of the 47 Ronin featuring a star-studded cast. The screening is preceded by a reception with light refreshments and a Japanese sake and whiskey bar. The festival closes with the Canadian premiere of Mitsuhiro Mihara’s heart-warming foodie flick TAKANO TOFU; The screening is preceded by a taiko performance by the JCCC’s Kyowa Taiko and followed by a closing reception with lots of Japanese sweets.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, May 8 at 10:00am. Five- and ten-film pass buyers receive a special gift from the festival’s founding sponsor, SHISEIDO CANADA. Go to Torontojff.com, call 416-441-2345 or simply come over to the JCCC for tickets and more information.

Learn More

You may find the film line-up from here, and ticket information here.

Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2023

Yayoi — Tue, 09 May 2023 14:39:29 +0000

Toronto Japanese Film Festival 2023 Yayoi May 9, 2023

June 8, 2023 7:00pm - June 22, 2023 9:00pm

Event Category

Community Event

Film

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s 12th annual Toronto Japanese Film Festival will be presented in person from June 8 to 22 at the JCCC’s Kobayashi Hall. The festival has now grown into one of the largest film events of its kind in the world and is recognized by the Japanese film industry as a vital conduit for bringing Japanese film to the world.

TorontoJFF is programmed to reflect the rich diversity of the world's 4th largest film industry. The festival opens with the International Premiere of Izuri Narushima’s FATHER OF THE MILKY WAY RAILROAD, a star-studded historical biopic of the beloved children’s author Kenji Miyazawa. The festival closes with the North American premiere of Tetsu Maeda’s screwball samurai comedy WE’RE BROKE, MY LORD!

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, May 10 at 10:00am. Five- and ten-film pass buyers receive a special gift from the festival’s founding sponsor, SHISEIDO CANADA. Go to Torontojff.com, call 416-441-2345 or simply come over to the JCCC for tickets and more information.

Learn More

You may find film line-up from here, and ticket information from here.

KOKUHO

Yuko Matsuki — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:56:50 +0000

KOKUHO Yuko Matsuki Oct 29, 2025

January 23, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Event Category

Film

Community Event

SOLD OUT

KOKUHO (国宝) is a 2025 Japanese drama film directed by Lee Sang-il and written by Satoko Okudera, based on the novel of the same name by Shuichi Yoshida. The film stars Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, Min Tanaka, and Ken Watanabe.

The story follows Kikuo Tachibana, the son of a yakuza boss who is murdered by a rival gang. At fifteen, Kikuo is taken in as an apprentice by kabuki actor Hanai Hanjiro. Although kabuki tradition prizes family lineage, Kikuo’s extraordinary natural talent propels him to fame and artistic success.

The film had its world premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 18, followed by a North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025. It was released theatrically in Japan by Toho on June 6, becoming both a critical and commercial success, and was selected as Japan’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. KOKUHO has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan with audiences returning for multiple viewings. It is now the second highest grossing live-action film in Japanese cinema history.

Schedule & Vendors

To celebrate this beautiful film, we’ll have food and drink vendors on site (including alcohol) before the screening.

We encourage you to come early and enjoy the atmosphere.

🍣 Food & Drinks (Available for Purchase)

Food will be provided by Kingyo Restaurant, featuring:

Inari sushi
Maki sushi
And more!

Sushi from Kingyo

Handroll from Kingyo

We’re also delighted to welcome Ozawa Canada, who will be offering a selection of Japanese alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including:

Orion Beer
Hitachino Non-Ale
CHOYA High Ball
Nihonsakari Nama Genshu Junmai Daiginjo
Tsukasabotan Yamayuzu Sake
Sho Chiku Bai Kyoto Junmai

Orion Beer from Ozawa Canada

Sho Chiku Bai Kyoto Junmai

Tsukasa Botan Yamayuzu

🕠 Food and drink vendors will be ready from 5:30 PM
🎬 Film screening begins at 7:00 PM