The 48th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony took place on March 14, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo, showcasing the finest talents in Japanese cinema over the past year. The awards acknowledged films released between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, highlighting both established and rising stars in the industry.
This year's ceremony saw a notable presence of award-winning actors, including Takao Osawa, who won the Outstanding Supporting Actor Award for his performance in 'Kingdom: Return of the Great General.' Osawa was among the five nominees, which included notable actors such as Seiyo Uchino from 'Hakkenden', Masaki Okada from 'Last Mile', Jiro Sato from 'An's Thing', and Takayuki Yamada from 'The Body'.
In addition to Osawa's recognition, the ceremony celebrated a range of achievements across various categories. The Best Picture award went to 'Villain Time Tripper', while Michihito Fujii took home the Best Director award for 'The Body'. The Best Screenplay award was presented to Akiko Nogi for 'Last Mile.'
Among the top accolades, Yuumi Kawamura won the Best Actress award for her role in 'An's Thing', and Ryusei Yokohama received the Best Actor award for his performance in 'The Body'. Not to be overlooked was the Best Supporting Actress award, which went to Riho Yoshioka, also recognized for her role in 'The Body'.
The awards did not stop there—Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s 'Dear Family' won the Best Theme Song award, while Yuko Yakeo was honored with the Best Music award for the film 'Karaoke Going On!'. The technical awards also featured prominently, with recognition for Junichi Anada's editing in 'Villain Time Tripper', Kazushige Yokono's sound recording for 'Kingdom: Return of the Great General', Hiroki Kato’s lighting work in the same film, and Akio Saiko securing the Best Cinematography award.
Masami Mitsuura received accolades for Best Art Direction for 'Cells at Work!', while 'Look Back' took home the Best Animation award, and Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' won for Best Foreign Film. This honors the broad appeal and global recognition of Japanese cinema.
Among this year's newcomers, Masato Akaso, Rihito Itagaki, Takato Ooe, Asuka Saito, Yuzuna Saito, Jietsu Shibuya, Shintaro Morimoto, and Kanna Yamata were all acknowledged for their promising performances. The Newcomer of the Year award highlights the impact of these actors on the audience and the industry, with works spanning a variety of genres and stories.
Akaso notably starred in films such as 'Six Unlovable High School Students' and 'What If Ieyasu Tokugawa Became Prime Minister'. Similarly, Itagaki's roles in 'Hakkenden', 'Cells at Work!', and 'Onmyoji 0' showcased his range and skill. Each nominee has resonated with audiences, establishing themselves as noteworthy talents to watch for the future.
This year’s ceremony was also marked by a heartfelt moment when the audience witnessed clips of Aoi Ashida, who received the Outstanding Supporting Actress Award for her role in 'Cells at Work!'. Ashida, who previously received the Newcomer of the Year award at just six years old, now at 20, has evolved into a powerful presence in the industry. Viewers responded positively, remarking on her significant growth from childhood to her current status as a respected actress.
Notable attendees also included Kaya Kiyohara from 'Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction', Taiga Tsuchiya from 'Hakkenden', and Kanna Yamata from 'The Body', each representing the new generation of actors stepping into the limelight.
In a poignant moment during the ceremony, Riho Yoshioka, who could not attend in person due to her commitment to a play in the earthquake-affected Noto Theater in Ishikawa Prefecture, participated remotely from the venue, wearing her costume. Her presence highlighted the spirit of resilience within the industry.
The India Academy Film Prize continues to be a platform not just for celebration but also for recognition of the hard work and dedication of all involved in Japanese cinema. As the event concluded, one thing was clear: the future of the industry remains bright with the emergence of new talent alongside the established stars, merging creativity and storytelling in ways that excite and inspire audiences.
