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Japan is not only famous for its anime with profound human values touching the hearts of audiences but also for its deeply romantic films that rival those of South Korea. Below are the best Japanese romantic movies of all time.
1. Love Letter – The Love Letter (1995)
Itsuki Fujii – the husband of Hiroko Watanabe, tragically met with an accident and passed away while mountain climbing. Since his departure, she has cherished memories of their time together, often reminiscing through a high school yearbook. It is from this yearbook that she discovers his previous address in Otaru, Hokkaido. Hiroko writes a letter to that address in hopes of easing her longing for her beloved. Thinking the letter would go unanswered, she is surprised to receive a reply from a classmate with the same name as her late husband.
2. My Tomorrow Your Yesterday – A Love Story Across Time (2016)
A tale of gentle, heartwarming love between a young student and an enigmatic girl. Takatoshi and Emi lead ordinary lives but inhabit parallel worlds, with time flowing in opposite directions for each. Their fateful encounter at age 20 on a destined train journey may alter their pasts and futures forever.
3. Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World – The Call of Love Amidst the Heart of the World (2004)
The story of Sakutaro and Aki's first love at 17. For 17 years since Aki's departure due to leukemia, Sakutaro has been haunted, cherishing every memory of her. Despite finding a woman who loves him deeply, his love for Aki remains undiminished. A chance discovery of Aki's voice recording before her death helps him break free from the past, cherishing the present while never forgetting her.
4. Your Lie in April – April's Deceptive Melody (2016)
Kosei, a piano prodigy, loses his ability to hear after his mother's death, closing the door on his promising career. Two years later, he meets Kaori Miyazono, whose persuasion reignites his passion for the piano.
5. Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu – Coming Home to You (2004)
Before her passing, Ami promised her son Yuji, 'When the rains come, I will return to you.' Though seemingly a comforting notion, it becomes a reality when Yuji and his father encounter a girl resembling Ami in the nearby forest during the rainy season. However, the girl suffers from amnesia, leaving uncertainty about whether she is truly Yuji's departed mother.
6. The Liar and His Lover – Deceiver and Beloved (2013)
Aki, a musical genius idolized throughout Japan, feels disillusioned despite his fame and fortune. Music is his passion, not a means to make money. One day, he meets Riko, a high school student who understands his emotions through her songs. They quickly fall in love, but Riko's past and her debut as a singer under Aki's company complicate their relationship.
7. Heroine Shikkaku – No Longer the Leading Lady (2015)
Teenage love is genuine and sometimes makes people do foolish things. Hatori Matsuzaki secretly loves her childhood friend, believing he feels the same. However, he suddenly declares his affection for a peculiar girl named Adachi, shaking Hatori's confidence. She immediately devises a plan to win him back.
8. Let Me Eat Your Pancreas – I Want to Taste Your Pancreas (2018)
Takumi Kitamura narrates the story. In high school, he finds the diary of his classmate Sakura Yamauchi in the hospital. Through it, he learns she's terminally ill with pancreatic disease. Despite their contrasting personalities, he chooses to spend Sakura's last months by her side.
9. Say Hello for Me – Deliver My Greetings to Them (2007)
The film revolves around Karin, Satoshi, and Yuuji, childhood friends. Karin and Satoshi have feelings for each other but never confess. Even when Satoshi moves away, he doesn't express his love for Karin. Their childish love persists into adulthood. After 13 years apart, Karin sees a newspaper article about Satoshi's shop and decides to find her childhood friend. Will Satoshi recognize his childhood friend? Will they end up together?
10. Tears for You – Tears Shed for You (2006)
After losing his mother and abandoned by his father, Yatoro shoulders the responsibility of caring for his non-blood-related younger sister. His dream of opening a shop and sending his sister to university drives him to great efforts. Meanwhile, Kaoru discovers they're not blood-related, leading to romantic feelings for Yatoro. The film delivers sweet, heartwarming moments but also brings tears to the viewers' eyes.
Here are the top romantic Japanese films that Mytour wants to share with you. If you're passionate about romantic movies, don't miss out on these cinematic masterpieces!
