7 Recommendations for Japanese Movies Set in the Meiji Period, Not Just About Samurai

One of the must-watch Japanese films set in the Meiji era is the Meiji period UNFORGIVEN (2013). This film is set in the 1880s in Hokkaido. The story revolves around Jubei Kamata, a former assassin who chooses a peaceful life after the death of his wife. However, poverty forces Jubei to take up his sword again, leading him to face a profound moral dilemma.

RUROUNI KENSHIN (2021) is a Japanese film set in the Meiji era, adapted from the popular manga Samurai X. This film tells the story of Hitokiri Battosai, a cold-blooded killer who transforms into Himura Kenshin. He vows never to kill again after starting a new life in the Meiji Restoration era.

Another equally interesting Japanese film set in the Meiji era is THEY SAY NOTHING STAYS THE SAME (2019). This film tells the story of a solitary boat owner by the riverside in the early 20th century. His tranquil life changes after he discovers a young woman injured by the river.

HANJIRO (2010) is a Japanese film set during the Meiji period that tells the life journey of Nakamura Hanjiro, a low-ranking samurai who becomes a trusted confidant of Saigo Takamori. Set against the backdrop of the late Tokugawa shogunate, this film highlights Hanjiro's swordsmanship and his role in the Meiji Restoration. It also depicts an individual's struggle to cope with significant changes in Japan.

Set from the late Meiji era to post-World War II, WAROTENKA (2017) tells the story of Fujioka Ten, a woman who breaks social norms by turning comedy into a business. Together with her husband, she runs a vaudeville theater, transforming Osaka into the center of Japanese comedy. This story is inspired by the life of Yoshimoto Sei, an important figure in the entertainment industry.

MEIJI KAIKA: SHINJURO TANTEICHO (2020) tells the story of detective Shinjuro Yuki returning to Japan at the beginning of the Meiji era after living abroad. As a trusted figure of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, he solves various strange cases. In his investigation, he meets Rie, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, who shows interest in him. 

Finally, there is MEIJI TOKYO RENKA (2018). This film tells the story of Mei Ayazuki, a high school student who is taken to the Meiji era by a wizard. Mei sneaks into a party at the Rukomeikan and meets historical figures of Japan. Gradually, Mei begins to consider staying in the Meiji era after finding new meaning in her life. Find more interesting Japanese film recommendations at kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?