Festival Profile

The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the world's largest platform for Japanese cinema and takes place annually over six days in early summer at various 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 25th Nippon Connection Film Festival takes place from May 27 to June 1, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main.

In 2024, more than 19,000 visitors attended the festival events. The festival was founded in 2000 and is organized mainly on a voluntary basis by the non-profit Nippon Connection registered association. In 2024, the festival was under the patronage of the Hessian Minister for Science, Research, Art and Culture, the 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 shorts and documentaries to animated and feature films, including many German, European, international and world premieres.

Numerous directors, actors, and producers attend the festival each year, to present their films in person.

The festival presents six awards: Nippon Rising Star Award, Nippon Cinema Award, Nippon Visions Jury Award, Nippon Visions Audience Award, Nippon Docs Award and Nippon Storytelling Award.
 

The Supporting Program

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

Nippon Food & More

Culinary needs are also catered to, with a variety of bars and food stands offering Japanese drinks, sushi, ramen and other delicacies. Merchandising booths invite visitors to browse through books, movies, and arts and crafts. In 2024, over 40 restaurateurs and exhibitors were represented at the main festival venues Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm and Produktionshaus NAXOS.
 

Press Quotes
 

»What's the best place on the planet for catching up on the entire range of contemporary Japanese cinema, from experimental shorts to commercial hits? My candidate is Nippon Connection.« Japan Times

»As the best visited festival within the Rhein-Main area, Nippon Connection breaks attendance records every year.« Strandgut – Das Kulturmagazin

»An absolute highlight of the year for fans of film and Japan.« Japan Digest

»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.« Frankfurter Rundschau

»The definitive “place to be” for all who want to discover Japanese culture and especially exciting updates from Japanese cinema.« Deadline

»More than a film festival: in Frankfurt, it’s about all facets of Japanese culture.« Intro

»The shift in our perception of Japan and its culture is due to the Frankfurt-based festival Nippon Connection, entirely dedicated to Japanese film.« Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

»After ten films, you feel like you can already pronounce at least individual words perfectly, and the desire to travel to Japan and explore the country in person and not just on screen is limitless.« ray Filmmagazin