The festival’s SJ60 edition began at Shaw Lido on 1 October, celebrating 60 years of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations.
The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2026 opened on 1 October at Shaw Theatres Lido with the Singapore premiere of The Keeper of the Camphor Tree, an animated film based on the novel by the late Higashino Keigo. The author died in July at the age of 68.
According to JFF Singapore, the opening welcomed more than 100 guests from diplomatic missions, including ambassadors, as well as the local film industry and film enthusiasts. A reception before the screening featured the Ambassador’s chef, Mr Tsunoda Takeshi, demonstrating sushi-making with ingredients from Japan.
This year’s edition, branded SJ60, marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan, with special programming that includes co-productions from both countries. Opening speeches were delivered by Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi and Mr Kenneth Tan, Chairman of the Singapore Film Society. Mr Au Chun Long of Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was Guest-of-Honour, and guests watched a video message from Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo, the festival’s first Festival Ambassador.
Director Ito Tomohiko travelled from Japan for the premiere and joined a Q&A moderated by Mr Tan after the screening, discussing his animation choices and his interactions with Higashino.
Screenings at Shaw Lido run to 11 October, while extended programmes by the Asian Film Archive and Filmhouse continue to 18 October.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore
