Ordinary life repeats itself every day. The succession of moments that we repeat over and over again is never the same, and everything changes and wavers. The moment we touch something, our consciousness can go to a place that does not exist anywhere in the past, nor in the future. In an uncertain and fluctuating world, only the feeling of the body touching something, which exists only in this present reality, can be recognized as “now”. That moment is lovely. 

(Source: YouTube description) 

Note: Premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2025

Directed by Japanese filmmaker Ryo Orikasa, the animated short Miserable Miracle was inspired by Henri Michaux’s book of poetry and drawings of the same name, about his experiences with mescaline. The film explores the limits of language and perception, creating connections between sound, meaning, shapes and movement. 
 
(Source: NFB)

One summer in the third grade, a quiet boy named Tsubasa meets Kyotaro, a boy everyone in the class looked up to, and the two become close friends. Within their small world, they share irreplaceable moments—until a small incident suddenly tears them apart. Spanning more than thirty years, this gentle, contemplative story invites the audience to reflect on the meaning of life through the paths their lives take. 

(Source: NOTHING NEW)

“Daisy's Life” follows the emotional journey of a six-year-old girl named Daisy, who loses her mother in a tragic accident and struggles to adapt to life with her aunt. One sleepless night, she encounters a mysterious girl named Dahlia at her window. Their days together begin to transcend time and space, bringing a cosmic perspective to Daisy's modest life in a downtown yakisoba restaurant. 
(Source: Variety)

The Obinata Fireworks Shop factory is getting prepared for an administrative action for confiscation tomorrow. It has been six years since Keitaro has been holed up in a closed-down factory creating fireworks by himself, chasing after an illusion of his father who vanished. It is a story about three young people who overcome the extreme weather conditions, disasters and environmental problems imposed on them and establish their own identities.
 
(Source: Marché du Film Festival de Cannes)
 
*The film was selected for the 77th Cannes Film Festival’s 2024 Annecy Animation Showcase.
 *Note: Initially slated for a 2025 release, on May 20th of the same year the movie was delayed to 2026.

Short movie made in memory of filmmaker Sadao Yamanaka.
 
When Edo is shrouded in darkness at night, a man appears rustling in the attic. He is Nezumi Kozō Jirokichi, a chivalrous thief who takes wealth from a wealthy man and gives it to the poor. 
The characters that add colour to the human drama that unfolds in the streets of Edo are Suzu, a merchant who has lost her husband and lives a hard life with her small child; Bonji, Yasugoro and Chogoro, who try to use Suzu to expose Nezumi Kozou’s true identity; and the two other characters, Kan’emon, an experienced detective who hate the sin but love people… this is what Film director Sadao Yamanaka dreams up. 
(Source: Niigata International Animation Film Festival) 
Note: Premiered at the 1st Niigata International Anime Festival on March 20th, 2023.

Precocious tween Karin finds herself abandoned by her father in rural Japan. Living in a temple with her grandfather, she meets Anzu, a giant “ghost cat” and notorious layabout tasked with looking after her. Distrustful of her new guardian, Karin sabotages Anzu’s odd jobs for the townsfolk and befriends the eccentric local forest spirits. In an effort to win Karin over, Anzu accidentally makes a deal with the devil, and all Hell breaks loose. 
(Source: GKIDS)

A group of children dances to music, being observed by their teacher. A girl tries to interfere. Short film by Atsushi Wada.

Miyu Productions