The 48th Japan Academy Awards celebrated remarkable achievements in Japanese cinema on March 14, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo. This prestigious event recognized performances from films released in Japan from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, culminating in an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and artistic excellence.
Star-studded red carpet appearances set the tone as nominees and winners proudly displayed their fashion choices. Leading actress Satomi Ishihara, awarded for her role in "Missing," graced the event alongside fellow nominees including Moka Kamishiraishi from "Yoake no Subete," Yumi Kawai from "Ano Ko no Koto," Mitsuko Kusabue from "Kyujukyu-sai. Nani ga Medetai," and Hikari Mitsushima from "Last Mile." Kawai ultimately claimed the Best Leading Actress Award from this talented pool, solidifying her status as a key player in the industry.
Ishihara donned a stunning wine-red long dress, elegantly highlighting her second pregnancy. Kamishiraishi and Mitsushima opted for traditional kimonos, while Kawai's choice of a halter-neck dress showed off her shoulders, adding to the night's visual variety. Ninety-one-year-old Kusabue, accompanied by the handsome Best Supporting Actor winner, Seiichi Uchino, wowed the audience in a dazzling white gown, proving that elegance knows no age.
The awards night also saw a diverse array of winners across multiple categories. The Best Picture Award was awarded to "Glide Time Tripper," while Michihito Fujii took home the Best Director Award for "Shotai." The quality of writing was recognized with Akiko Nogi's win for Best Screenplay for "Last Mile." In a fitting tribute to cinematic storytelling, the Best Leading Actor Award went to Ryusei Yokohama for his captivating performance in "Shotai."
Other notable winners included Rihona Yoshioka, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Shotai," and Takao Osawa, who earned the Best Supporting Actor accolade for "Kingdom Daishogun no Kikan." The theme song, performed by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, "Dia Family," captured audiences’ hearts and won the Theme Song Award. In the technical arena, Yuko Seki won Best Music for "Karaoke Iko!" alongside Junichi Ananda's accolade for Best Editing for "Glide Time Tripper." The cinematic artistry was also recognized, with Kazuo Yokono winning Best Sound Recording, Hiroki Kato awarded Best Lighting, and Akira Sako taking home the Best Cinematography award, all for their work in "Kingdom Daishogun no Kikan."
Acclaimed for its depth and creativity, "Hataraku Saibo" won Best Art Direction, while "Look Back" earned the Best Animation Award. The prestigious Best Foreign Film honor went to "Oppenheimer," reflecting the Academy's acknowledgment of international cinematic impact. The evening further celebrated new talent, with the Newcomer Award recognizing rising stars such as Eiji Akaso, Rihito Itagaki, Takato Koshiyama, and Kanna Yamada.
In a special highlight, Kenta Morimoto from "Shotai" received the Topic Award in the Actor category, while "Kaettekita! Abunai Deka" won the Topic Award in the Work category. These awards draw attention to films and performances that resonate widely with audiences, adding an extra layer of appreciation to the night.
Yoshika Rihona, the talented star from "Shotai," participated remotely from Ishikawa Prefecture. She was engaged in a performance at Noto Performing Arts Hall, which had been significantly impacted by the recent earthquake. Her commitment to artistry was felt even from afar during the ceremony, further emphasizing the resilience and passion of those within the industry.
The 48th Japan Academy Awards not only celebrated established talents but also captivated audiences with its dedication to recognizing both innovative storytelling and technical mastery within Japanese cinema. As the event drew to a close, attendees left with a sense of admiration for the works highlighted and a renewed excitement for the future of film in Japan.
