5 Japanese Romance Films to be Released in 2023, Guaranteed to Make You Smile While Watching

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Nurulia Januaristy Putri

Want to watch something that will make your heart race and feel the sensation of butterflies in your stomach? Romance films are the answer!

Even though spring has passed, KLovers can still feel the blooming love through Japanese romance films. Sweet, touching, and unforgettable stories always manage to melt the heart.

In addition, Japanese romance films also tempt with the chemistry of the cast. Through adaptations of novels or manga, they certainly become a solace for KLovers who crave romantic love stories.

Let's check out the Japanese romance films that can make KLovers enthralled below!

1. ‘MIZU WA UMI NI MUKATTE NAGARERU’

Poster of Film MIZU WA UMI NI MUKATTE NAGARERU (Credit: asianwiki.com/The_Water_Flows_to_the_Sea)

Kumazawa Naotatsu, who will enter high school, lives in his uncle's house, Utagawa Shigemichi. One day, during heavy rain, Naotatsu arrived at a station near his uncle's house and met Sakaki Chika who was waiting for him. It turned out that his uncle's house was a boarding house inhabited by three other people with different backgrounds. Since living together, Naotatsu has developed feelings for Chisa, but Chisa does not want a romantic relationship. Apparently, they have an unexpected relationship in the past.

To be released on June 9, 2023, this film features Hirose Suzu and Ohnishi Riku. The story is adapted from a manga by Tajima Retto with the same title.

2. 'ICHIBYOU SAKI NO KARE'

Poster Film ICHIBYOU SAKI NO KARE (Credit: asianwiki.com/My_Missing_Valentine_(Japanese_Movie))

Hajime is a handsome young man who is usually faster than others and always straightforward. He works at the post office in Kyoto, Japan. Whereas Reikan is the opposite of Hajime, he is one step slower than others. On Valentine's Day, Hajime, who woke up from his sleep, cannot remember what happened that day.

The film starring Okada Masaki and Kiyohara Kaya is a remake of the Taiwanese film, MY MISSING VALENTINE (2020). Produced by Yamashita Nobuhiro, ICHIBYOU SAKI NO KARE is scheduled for release on July 7, 2023.

3. 'KOUKAN USO NIKKI'

Poster Film KOUKAN USO NIKKI (Credit: asianwiki.com/Our_Secret_Diary)

One day, Kuroda Nozome finds a letter with the word "like" on her desk. The person who wrote the letter is the most popular boy in school, Setoyama Jun. Feeling embarrassed, Nozomi leaves a reply in the shoe locker and it becomes the beginning of their secret diary exchange. However, Nozomi soon finds out that the letter was actually for her friend. Nozomi, who is already interested in Jun, who is free to express himself, cannot tell the truth about the diary.

The film starring Takahashi Fumiya and Sakurada Hiyori is an adaptation of the novel by Iiyo Sakura with the same title. KOUKAN USO NIKKI is also scheduled to be released on July 7, 2023.

4. 'YORU GA AKETARA, ICHIBAN NI KIMI NI AI NI IKU'

Poster Film YORU GA AKETARA, ICHIBAN NI KIMI NI AI NI IKU (Credit: mydramalist.com/749711-yoru-ga-aketara-ichiban-ni-kimi-ni-ai-ni-iku)

Niwa Akane is a high-achieving student in her class who has a firm, serious, and seemingly unable to leave her comfort zone. If there is one person she hates in the world, it is Seiji Fukagawa. Unlike Akane, Seiji is a free-spirited artist. However, over the time they spend together gradually changes Akane's feelings from hatred to something different.

This film, planned to be released on September 1, 2023, stars Kumada Rinka and JO1 member, Shiroiwa Ruki. This colorful love story film is adapted from a novel by Shiomi Natsue with the same title.

5. ‘ANO HANA GA SAKU OKA DE, KIMI TO MATA DEAETARA’

Poster Film ANO HANA GA SAKU OKA DE, KIMI TO MATA DEAETARA (Credit: asianwiki.com/I_Wish_I_Could_Meet_You_Again_on_the_Hill_Where_That_Flower_Blooms)

Yuri is a modern high school girl who is not happy with her home or school life. When she argues with her mother, Yuri runs away and suddenly when she opens her eyes she is in 1945. Yuri meets Akira, a military pilot for the kamikaze unit.

Adapted from the novel with the same title by Shiomi Natsue, this film stars Fukuhara Haruka and Mizukami Koshi. This film is planned to be released on December 8, 2023, directed by Narita Yoichi.

So, those are five Japanese romance film recommendations that will make butterflies in your stomach for KLovers. So, which film are you most looking forward to?

(kpl/njp)