Nippon Connection – The Festival

The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the biggest platform for Japanese cinema worldwide and takes place annually on six days in early summer at Künstlerhaus Mousonturm, Theater Willy Praml in der Naxoshalle, and other locations in Frankfurt am Main. The unique film and cultural program covers a wide range of events, including both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture. The 22nd Nippon Connection Film Festival takes place from May 24 to 29, 2022 in Frankfurt am Main.

In 2019, more than 17,000 visitors and around 300 accredited professional visitors attended the festival events.  In 2020 the festival took place online for the first time and reached more than 25,400 viewers from 40 countries. The festival itself was founded in 2000 and is mainly organized on a voluntary basis by the non-profit Nippon Connection registered association. In 2020, the festival was under the patronage of Angela Dorn, Hessian Minister for Science and Art, Peter Feldmann, Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, and the Consulate General of Japan in Frankfurt am Main.

The Film Program

Japan is one of the most innovative and diverse film countries in the world. Every year, the Nippon Connection Festival presents a cross section of current Japanese film production with around 100 films, from short films and documentaries to animated and feature films, including many German, European, and international premieres.

Numerous directors, actors, and producers attend the festival every year, introducing their films in person.

The festival presents five awards: the Nippon Honor Award, the Nippon Cinema Award, the Nippon Visions Jury Award, the Nippon Visions Audience Award, and the Nippon Docs Award.

The Supporting Program

At the Nippon Connection Festival, one can get to know Japanese culture in all its facets. The Nippon Culture section offers more than 50 events, from tea ceremony, cooking classes, shiatsu massage, performances, and exhibitions to workshops, lectures, panel discussions, concerts, karaoke, and a special kids’ program.

Culinary delights are also included: At several bars and snack stands, the visitors can try Japanese drinks, sushi, ramen, and other delicacies. Moreover, merchandising stands offer a wide variety of books, films, and craftwork.

Press Comments

“The most important overview show of Japanese cinema outside Japan has long been one of the most important German festivals. On a list of the hundred most important international film events published by the London Raindance Festival, there are only three German festivals at all: Instead of Munich or Hamburg, they recommend the Frankfurt Japan Festival, which every year succeeds in reflecting the enormous range of this unique film country.” Daniel Kothenschulte, Frankfurter Rundschau, June 13, 2020

“As the film festival with the highest attendance in the Rhein-Main region, Nippon Connection sets new records every year.” Claus Wecker, Strandgut - Das Kulturmagazin, May 2018

“The definitive ’place to be‘ for everyone who wants to discover Japanese culture and especially exciting updates from Japanese cinema.” Deadline, May 11, 2017

“What’s the best place on the planet for catching up on the entire range of contemporary Japanese cinema, form experimental shorts to commercial hits? My candidate is Nippon Connection (...)” Mark Schilling, The Japan Times, May 18, 2016