Japanese cinema in 2026 offers a rich blend of masterful auteur works, thrilling anime adaptations, family-friendly animations, and genre-spanning live-action stories. From Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest drama to high-profile anime features and horror chills, these films highlight Japan’s diverse filmmaking talent. This list of the top 10 most anticipated Japanese movies releasing in 2026 is curated based on critical buzz, director prestige, franchise popularity, and early festival anticipation. Release dates are current as of late 2025 and subject to change.
1. The Lamb in the Box (Hitsuji no Ki / Sheep in the Box)
- Release Date: First half of 2026 (TBD)
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Key Cast: Haruka Ayase, Daigo
- Blurb: Palme d’Or-winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda explores delicate human emotions in this intimate drama. As creator, director, screenwriter, and editor, Kore-eda delivers a poignant story of family ties and quiet revelations, continuing his legacy of films like Monster and Shoplifters.
2. Look Back (Live-Action Adaptation)
- Release Date: 2026 (TBD, possibly bundled or separate from above)
- Genre: Drama, Coming-of-Age
- Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda (rumored involvement in adaptation)
- Key Cast: TBD
- Blurb: A live-action take on Tatsuki Fujime’s acclaimed manga about two young girls bonded by their passion for drawing. This emotional tale of friendship, ambition, and loss promises Kore-eda’s signature sensitivity to youth and creativity.
3. Doraemon: Nobita and the New Castle of the Undersea Devil
- Release Date: March 2026 (Japan typical slot)
- Genre: Animated, Adventure, Family
- Director: TBD
- Key Cast: Wasabi Mizuta (Doraemon), Megumi Ôhara, Yumi Kakazu, Subaru Kimura
- Blurb: Nobita and friends dive into an underwater adventure facing mysterious devils and ancient castles. The beloved long-running franchise delivers whimsical gadgets, heartfelt friendships, and exciting exploration for all ages.
4. Golden Kamuy: Assault on Abashiri Prison
- Release Date: 2026 (TBD)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Director: TBD
- Key Cast: Kento Yamazaki, Anna Yamada, Gordon Maeda, Yûma Yamoto
- Blurb: The live-action adaptation continues with intense battles in harsh Hokkaido settings. Treasure hunters and survivors clash in this thrilling finale arc, blending historical Ainu culture, survival action, and high-stakes drama.
5. Cosmic Princess Kaguya
- Release Date: January 22, 2026 (Netflix global)
- Genre: Animated Musical, Fantasy
- Director: Shingo Yamashita
- Key Cast: Vocaloid artists and voice talent (TBD)
- Blurb: A modern reimagining of Japan’s ancient folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter as a cosmic musical adventure. Stunning animation and Vocaloid-inspired songs create a visually spectacular journey of wonder and emotion.
6. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Tears of the Assembly (Gekijou-ban Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken: Soukai no Namida-hen)
- Release Date: 2026 (TBD)
- Genre: Animated, Fantasy, Action
- Director: TBD
- Key Cast: Takuya Eguchi, Makoto Furukawa, Anzu Haruno
- Blurb: Rimuru and allies face new threats in this feature continuation of the popular isekai series. Epic battles, nation-building, and emotional depth make it a must for fantasy fans.
7. The Convenience Store
- Release Date: 2026 (TBD)
- Genre: Horror, Thriller
- Director: TBD
- Key Cast: Kotona Minami
- Blurb: A chilling tale set in an everyday convenience store that turns sinister. Building tension through isolation and supernatural elements, it promises J-horror scares with modern twists.
8. Kuchi ni Kansuru Enquete (Survey on the Mouth)
- Release Date: 2026 (TBD)
- Genre: Horror
- Director: Takashi Shimizu (The Grudge director)
- Blurb: From the master of J-horror, this new film delves into terrifying mysteries surrounding the human mouth. Expect atmospheric dread and innovative scares in Shimizu’s signature style.
9. Onino Hanayome (The Demon’s Bride)
- Release Date: 2026 (TBD)
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance
- Director: TBD
- Key Cast: Ren Nagase (King & Prince), Ai Yoshikawa
- Blurb: A neglected college student is chosen as bride by a powerful demon clan heir in this and-style romantic fantasy. Blending supernatural allure and heartfelt love, it offers lavish visuals and emotional stakes.
10. Specials (The Specials)
- Release Date: 2026 (TBD)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Dance
- Director: Eichii Uchida
- Key Cast: Daisuke Sakuma (Snow Man), Kohei Shiina, Yuta Nakamoto (NCT)
- Blurb: Mismatched professional assassins form a dance team in this wild action-entertainment hybrid. High-energy choreography meets violent thrills for a unique, fun ride.
2026 promises another strong year for Japanese films, balancing introspective dramas with crowd-pleasing anime and genre excitement. Whether you’re drawn to Kore-eda’s humanism or anime spectacles, these titles showcase Japan’s cinematic innovation. Which one has you most hyped? Drop your picks in the comments, and keep an eye on trailers as they emerge!
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