The 48th Japan Academy Awards ceremony unfolded on the evening of March 14, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, Tokyo. This prestigious event celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals and filmmakers within the Japanese film industry, marking another significant year for the nation's cinema.
Kaho Kawakita took home the Best Actress award for her poignant performance as Kyoka Kagawa, a young girl grappling with challenges in the movie "Ano Ko no, Zukyun," which was directed by Yutaka Irie. This film is inspired by real-life events, having been drawn from a newspaper article published in June 2020. Kawakita expressed her deep gratitude during her acceptance speech, stating, "I feel truly fortunate to have stepped foot in the world of film."
Kyoka's character is depicted as having faced significant adversity; at only 12 years old, she began selling her body under difficult circumstances. Living with her mother, who works as a hostess, and her grandmother, who has difficulty walking, showcases the tough realities of her life. Throughout the film, Kyoka evolves from these challenging beginnings, encouraged by the supportive characters around her, particularly the compassionate detective Tata Sumio and journalist Kashiwano, who help her search for stability and new beginnings.
Before winning the award, Kawakita shared her thoughts on co-starring with veteran actors Sato Jiro and Indaki Goro, stating, "I felt like I was supported by the sunny energy of both of them, especially during tough scenes." Her bond with Sato deepened when she requested to hold his hand before shooting emotionally charged scenes, underscoring the collaborative nature of their work.
Each awardee was encouraged to reflect on their personal journeys. Kawakita expressed the transformative nature of her experience, saying, "I didn’t think I would find myself standing here among so many respected seniors. This film holds an unexplainable specialness for me".
The night also highlighted the immense talent across various awards. Junichi Anjaku's "Itai Mushiba no Shippai" earned the Best Picture award, captivating audiences with its growth from showing at a single theater to grossing over 1 billion yen. Anjaku addressed the audience with emotion, thanking those who supported him, stating, "Everything I am, I owe to my father, who taught me to never give up."
Masato Fujii's film "Seitai" pulled off extraordinary successes by securing three major awards, including Best Director, Best Actor for Ryusei Yokohama, and Best Supporting Actress for Rio Yoshika. Yokohama, reflecting on his decade-long collaboration with Fujii, shared, "Being here together holds significant meaning for me after ten years. I truly put my all and every bit of my soul on the line for this work."
Takao Osawa secured the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in "Kingdom: Daishogun no Kikan". His emotional acceptance speech highlighted the importance of teamwork, as he reflected on the contribution of his cast and crew, stating, "My co-stars and the staff supported me throughout this process, and I want to thank everyone who attended."
Yoshika, participating remotely from her performance at the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Reconstruction Support Prayer Stage, expressed her elation at winning the Best Supporting Actress award for her work on "Seitai." She stated, "This film has become incredibly important to my life, and I want to give back the energy I’ve received from it."
The ceremony shone brightly as it reiterated the resilience and creativity within the Japanese film industry. The collaborative spirit echoed through the winners' speeches, highlighting their personal anecdotes and expressions of gratitude, ensuring each individual felt celebrated for their remarkable contributions to film and storytelling.
With Kaho Kawakita’s victory marking a significant step forward for her career and the strong performances from her peers, the night underscored the richness of narrative and talent flourishing within this creative field. Such celebrations inspire up-and-coming talents and reinforce the importance of perseverance and collaboration within the cinematic arts. The 48th Japan Academy Awards not only marked the recognition of personal achievements but also the collective strength of the industry, anticipated to grow and flourish significantly moving forward.