The Boston Japan Film Festival is aimed at introducing cinema and other elements of Japanese culture to audiences in New England. Its mission is to strengthen cultural understanding through the provocative nature of film, and help sustain the ongoing and dynamic relationship between Japan and the City of Boston.
The single-day festival screens a collection of Japan-related shorts and features that uncover various aspects of Japanese culture to be discussed among audience members and the Japanese community in Boston.
The history between Japan and Boston predates that of any other part of the United States as Massachusetts became one of the earliest states in the nation to establish extensive ties with Japan. Today, these ties are reflected in the high level of Japanese studies in some of Massachusetts' finest colleges and universities and the strong economic relations with Japan.
On the cultural front, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is said to have one of the world's finest collections of Japanese art, while the Children's Museum has a very strong Japan program, including a life-size replica of a traditional Kyoto town house constructed as a reminder of Boston's sister-city relationship with Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital.
BJFF began its programming in 2011 when Eastern Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake and tsunami leaving thousands dead and many more homeless. In order to draw attention to the severity of the situation and raise funds for supporting those in need, the Japanese community in Boston came together to start the film festival. BJFF has partnered with various organizations and continues its mission of bringing high quality Japanese cinema and culture to those in the Greater Boston Area.
Let's meet those involved behind the scenes!
- Director -
八代江津子
伝えきれない多くのことを映像を通して伝えそして一緒に考えていけるーーそんな映画祭を続けていきたい。
Etsuko Yashiro
I want to propagate ideas through movies that is difficult to tell. I also would like to discuss and review the movie, and make a place where we can think together.
- Director -
クリス
ボストン日本映画祭を通して日本をもっと知って、近く感じていただきたいと思います。
Chris Pilcavage
See Japan through the lens of cinema. We hope you enjoy the Boston Japan Film Festival.
- Creative Director -
河野洋
ボストン日本映画祭を通して、総合芸術である映画を通して、日本を発見し、文化を学び、人を繋ぎ、考える力をみなさんと一緒に育んでいきたいと思います。
Hiroshi Kono
I would like to nurture the ability to think, discover Japan, learn the culture, and connect with people through the complete art form (FILM) at the Boston Japan Film Festival.
オーウェンズ美穂
ボストンでは、この映画祭でしか観れない数々の素晴らしい日本に関連した映画を多く紹介していきたい。
Miho Owens
For those who live in Boston, I would like to introduce a number of wonderful Japanese-related films that can only be seen at this festival.
松本やすこ
映画祭をきっかけに、日本を知り日本にふれる機会を持って頂きたい。そこから何かが始まるといいなと願っています。
Yasuko Matsumoto
I hope this festival will provide a good opportunity to learn some things about Japan. Hopefully, you will be inspired to extend your learning into the future.
富田知英
他国を知り、自国を見つめ直す。
この映画祭を通してみなさまに新しい風が吹くことを願っています。
Chie Tomita
I hope this festival will be a breath of fresh air in your life by knowing another country and reconsidering own country.
小川仁美
観て、考えて、話し合う。この映画祭が、皆様に何かきっかけを与えられるものになればと思います。
Hitomi Ogawa
To watch, think, and talk. I hope this film festival will provide a good opportunity.
鬼頭美帆
映画を通じて、リフレクションや対話がうまれる場づくりのお手伝いができたらと思っています。
Miho Kito
I would like to help to create an inviting forum where personal reflections and a generative dialogue can develop from watching movies.