10 Japanese Films About Dogs That Change the Way We See Loyalty and Love

SHOW ME THE WAY TO THE STATION (2019): It tells the story of Sayaka, a little girl who loses her parents, and her friendship with an old man named Hasu. Through Hasu and his little dog, Sayaka learns about love, loss, and the courage to move on with life.

SHONEN TO INU (2020): After the Sendai earthquake, a young man named Kazumasa meets a dog named Tamon, who has lost its owner. Tamon accompanies Kazumasa through difficult times, but one day he disappears to keep a promise to a child who has passed away.

HAW (2023): This film follows Haw, a puppy born without the ability to howl, and his shy young owner. The two grow up together, complementing each other's shortcomings until they find courage in life.

STAR WATCHING DOG (2011): This story follows an old man who is found dead in his car alongside an Akita dog that remained loyal by his side until death. A city employee investigating their story discovers the profound meaning of an animal's loyalty.

A TALE OF MARI AND THREE PUPPIES (2007): This film is based on the true story of the 2004 Niigata earthquake. A dog named Mari, along with her three puppies, struggles to save her owner from the rubble. This story depicts the bravery and protective instinct of a dog towards the human it loves.

DINER (2019): Although not a main film about dogs, Diner features the story of Kanako Oba, who is trapped in a mysterious restaurant where hitmen gather. A small dog appears as a symbol of empathy and humanity in the midst of that cruel world.

SAKURA (2020): Sakura tells the story of a family with three children: Hajime, Kaoru, and Miki. After Hajime has an accident, the family falls into despair, but their dog named Sakura becomes a source of strength during dark times. Sakura's presence teaches the meaning of acceptance and the courage to face loss.

10 PROMISES TO MY DOG (2008): It tells the story of Akari, a 12-year-old girl who finds a puppy and names it Socks. The two are inseparable, but as they grow older, Akari begins to drift away. When she becomes an adult, she remembers the 10 promises made with Socks and her mother, which remind her of the importance of responsibility.

SHE TAUGHT ME SERENDIPITY (2024): Toru, a student who returns to Kyoto University after a long absence, attracts attention with his habit of carrying an umbrella. He works part-time with Sacchan, known as a cheerful girl, but his heart is set on Sakurada Hana, a quiet girl. Their farewell moment becomes an emotional turning point. Behind it all, his dog is always by his side.

INUBU (2021): Tells the story of Hanai Sota, a veterinary medicine student who establishes the Inubu club to rescue dogs that are victims of experiments. However, 16 years later, he is arrested on charges related to the rescue actions. Come on, read articles about other Japanese film recommendations at Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when, KapanLagi?