The 48th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony took place on March 14, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa's International Hall Pamir, celebrating outstanding achievements within the Japanese film industry. This prestigious event featured various categories, honoring everyone from seasoned performers to promising newcomers.
Among the highlights of the night was the recognition of exceptional talent with the Newcomer of the Year award. Notable recipients included Saito-Asuka for her role in "Oshi no Ko -The Final Act-", Yamada Anna for "Golden Kamuy", Akaso Eiji for both "Rokunin no Uso Tsuki na Daigakusei" and "Moshimo Tokugawa Ieyasu ga Sori Daijin ni Nattara", and Itagaki Rihito who starred in "Hakkenden" and "Hataraku Saibo." Each of the awardees delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches, reflecting on their journeys, the artistic community, and the importance of collaboration.
Saito-Asuka expressed her feelings of honor and fear, stating, "I believe awards are special because not everyone can receive them, even if they want to. I am filled with both pride and fear. I am convinced I have been immensely lucky to have formed bonds with wonderful productions, actors, and staff. I will not forget my gratitude and will strive to keep my heart open to new opportunities coming my way as I diligently pursue my craft." Her words reflected both humility and ambition, capturing the spirit of many artists present.
Yamada Anna echoed similar sentiments, stating her happiness and gratitude, emphasizing her dedication to the craft of acting. "I was originally engaged as an idol, but through experiencing acting I was drawn to its depth," she noted. "I hope to value each opportunity and continue to challenge myself naively as I pursue my many dreams." Her ambition shone through, hinting at her continuous struggle to improve and embrace new challenges.
Akaso Eiji, another recipient of the Newcomer of the Year award, shared his feelings of fortune and determination: "I realize I have been blessed by great connections and look forward to returning to this place once more, wanting to improve even more so all efforts matter." His words encapsulated the sentiment of his fellow newcomers, highlighting their resolve to make meaningful contributions to cinema.
Along with the newcomer awards, the night saw exciting performances, including the newly established Theme Song Award won by the band Mrs. GREEN APPLE for their emotional theme song "Dear" from the film "Dear Family." The movie itself is based on the true story of the birth of the IABP balloon catheter, which saved millions of lives, underlining the film's impactful narrative. Da Mori Motoki, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music for "Dear," expressed his gratitude during the acceptance speech: "I am deeply honored to have received this wonderful award. I intend for my song to act as a bridge between the film and the audience, brought to life with everyone’s cooperation."
During their live performance, Mrs. GREEN APPLE evoked strong emotions from the audience, and their energy-filled rendition of "Dear" encapsulated the film's essence. The emotional backdrop of the movie, combined with the awarded song, truly captured the audience's hearts.
This year's ceremony also stood out for celebrating individuality and creativity, marked by unique fashion choices made by actors. Female actors opted for elegant outfits showcasing décolletage, often using traditional materials like velvet and satin. Details like gathers and frills were common, enhancing their glamorous yet personal looks. The male actors too made statements with their attire, moving away from the formally rigid expectations and introducing styles reflecting more modern sensibilities.
With characters showcased during the award speeches and the grand fashion displays, the ceremony was not only about the recognition of acting skills but also underscored the rich artistic expression prevalent within the Japanese film industry.
The Best Actor award went to Yokohama Ryusei for his performance combining understated elegance with modern flair, wearing an all-black suit with asymmetrical detailing. Other nominees included Ayano Go and Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, the latter presenting once again the versatility of modern costume design.
The Best Supporting Actress award was awarded to Yoshika Rihoka, who, due to work commitments, surprised everyone with her remote appearance. She expressed her gratitude to the "Sei-i" team, explaining how the project has significant importance to her life: "When everyone on the team united to create something great, we tapped immense power. I wish to be still involved with films like these throughout my life," signaling her commitment to the craft.
Overall, as the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize ceremony concluded, it highlighted not only the tremendous talent present across generations but also the collaborative spirit within the Japanese cinema scene. This sense of unity and creative energy is expected to drive future projects, continuing to inspire artists and audiences alike.