6 Most Popular Japanese Films About Friendship, from Personal Growth Stories - Loyalty

Kapanlagi.com - Friendship is one of the themes often portrayed in various art forms, including films. Japanese films have produced many works about the dynamics of friendship in a profound and touching way, like the following Japanese films about friendship.

From nostalgic school stories to complex adult life dramas, these films offer fresh and authentic perspectives on human connections. In this article, Kapanlagi provides some recommendations for the best Japanese films about friendship.

What are these films? Here is a list of Japanese films about deep friendship that highlight the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and personal growth through close friendships. Check it out, KLovers!

1. ENOSHIMA PRISM (2013)

Enoshima Prism film (credit: mydramalist.com)

A Japanese film about first friendship is a film titled ENOSHIMA PRISM. This film tells the story of Shuta, Saku, and Michiru who have been friends since childhood. Until, suddenly Saku dies in 2010.

This causes Shuta and Michiru to drift apart. Two years later, Shuta suddenly returns to 2010. He tries to change the past to save Saku, even though he is confused by this time travel.

2. CHERRY BLOSSOM MEMORIES (2016)

Film Cherry Blossom Memories (credit: mydramalist.com)

This Japanese film about friendship is titled CHERRY BLOSSOM MEMORIES. The film tells the story of Miku, a talented high school student who leads the soprano group in her school's choir club with great dedication. She has a beautiful voice and strong leadership skills.

This makes Miku an inspirational figure and respected by her peers. However, behind her achievements, Miku harbors special feelings for Haru, the club president. Her closeness to Haru causes her feelings to grow, creating an interesting dynamic between them.

3. HIGH&LOW (2016 - 2022)

Film HiGH&LOW (credit: mydramalist.com)

This is the most popular film in Japan and widely watched, this time there is a Japanese film about friendship titled HIGH&LOW. The film begins after the dissolution of the city "Mugen", where five rival organizations compete to dominate the Sanno Association, such as White Rascals, Rude Boys, Oya High School, and Daruma Hooligans.

They are involved in fierce battles risking their pride for dominance. However, the storyline takes a drastic turn with the sudden appearance of a mysterious group called "Mighty Warriors", adding complexity to the power struggle. It has become one of the most popular and exciting films in Japan for you to follow.

4. TO EACH HIS OWN (2017)

Film To Each His Own (credit: mydramalist.com)

In 2017, there is a Japanese film about friendship titled TO EACH HIS OWN. This 2017 film tells the story of Aoyama, a salesman who is stressed out working at an exploitative company. He is frustrated with the mistreatment and attempts to commit suicide.

However, he is saved by Yamamoto, who claims to be his childhood friend. Yamamoto brings positive change to Aoyama's life. However, as Aoyama investigates Yamamoto's identity, he discovers that this friend harbors his own mystery.

5. AI UTA: MY PROMISE TO NAKUHITO (2019)

Film Ai Uta: My Promise to Nakuhito (credit: mydramalist.com)

Next, there is a Japanese film about friendship titled AI UTA: MY PROMISE TO NAKUHITO. This film tells the story of Nomiya, an adult man who has lived without daring to open his heart, experiencing a major change after an unexpected reunion with Sato Takuya.

Sato is a former friend and band member. This meeting opens his eyes to the beauty of love and courage. Nomiya begins to reflect on his life, confronts past fears, and gradually learns to open himself to the possibility of loving and being loved.

6. MY BROKEN MARIKO (2022)

Film My Broken Mariko (credit: mydramalist.com)

And in 2022, there is a Japanese film about friendship titled MY BROKEN MARIKO. This film tells the story of Tomoyo, who always supports her friend, Mariko, through various life difficulties. Their friendship becomes the only certain thing in both of their lives.

However, Tomoyo is shaken by the news of Mariko's death. Feeling like she failed to save her friend during her life, Tomoyo is determined to take one last journey with Mariko's ashes to free her friend's soul that was hurt during her life.

These are some of the most popular Japanese films about friendship that you can watch. These films showcase the beauty of friendship, teaching us about loyalty, understanding, and growing together.

(kpl/dhm)