The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 3, 2025, Japan time, showcased numerous talents and creations from around the globe, placing the spotlight on poignant topics through cinematic storytelling. Though no awards found their way to Japan this year, the nominations of three significant works underscored the country’s growing presence and narrative depth on the world stage.
Among the nominees, Japan saw representation with three remarkable films: ‘Black Box Diaries,’ directed by Shiori Ito, competed in the Long Documentary category. Meanwhile, ‘ Instruments of a Beaten Heart,’ directed by Emma Yamazaki, was nominated for Best Short Documentary, alongside ‘Amedama,’ directed by Daisuke Nishio, competing in the Short Animation category. Even without taking home awards, the significance of these nominations was palpable.
‘Black Box Diaries’ holds the distinction of being the first-ever Japanese film nominated for the Long Documentary category. This work is particularly close to Ito, as it chronicles her own investigation of sexual violence. The documentary has previously graced many international film festivals, stirring conversation and challenging societal norms. Despite its acclaim abroad, the film faces hurdles domestically; it utilizes some footage for which permission has not been granted, leading to questions about its release timeline within Japan.
Echoing similar sentiments was Emma Yamazaki’s ‘ Instruments of a Beaten Heart,’ inspired by the director’s own educational experiences. Yamazaki captures the essence of Japan’s public elementary school system by following first-grade student Ayame as she explores her musical interests. This project stems from Yamazaki’s belief—reinforced by the educational differences between Japan and the West—that Japan's focus on community and cooperation are foundational qualities often overlooked. The work, which has garnered over 2 million views on YouTube, has also been featured on the New York Times’ Op-Docs platform, showcasing its popularity among audiences.
“I noticed how surprising it is for people to see the difference between education systems—Japan’s emphasis on circles and collaboration versus the Western focus on individuality,” Yamazaki stated. “I felt the world would be interested if I highlighted this educational approach, especially when pointed out against the backdrop of societal divisions we see today.” The film runs with minimal narration, focusing instead on delivering the essence of the experiences directly.
Yamazaki has dedicated over ten years to this project, which resonates deeply with her. “Documentary filmmaking reflects trends of the time—styles and concepts are updated daily,” she noted. “This year’s nominated documentaries are particularly timely as they tackle universal issues like war and sexual violence.” Surrounded by such challenging themes, Yamazaki expressed her gratitude for the recognition: “To be nominated among these works is truly an honor. I aspire to help create more opportunities for sharing Japanese stories globally.”
While Japanese films did not bring home Academy Awards, the nominations alone signal significant growth and representation on the international stage. This year may mark the beginning of increased global awareness and dialogue about societal issues through the lens of Japanese cinema. The filmmakers exemplify resilience and creativity, and their narratives shed light on pressing social issues, fostering broader discussions within both domestic and international communities.
With its captivating themes and poignant storytelling, Japanese cinema is on the rise, and as more filmmakers step forward with innovative narratives, the hope for future nominations—and perhaps wins—at prestigious awards like the Academy Awards continues to grow.