Tee: The True Spirit of Okinawan Karate

Koi(ja)

There's no definitive separation as long as there is memory'. Since the Tsunami hit the northern part of Japan's coast in 2011, more than 20 thousand people lost their lives, and many others are still missing. As time went by the families of the victims abandoned all hope and stopped looking for their loved ones. However, this is the story of two men that are still fully committed to their respective searching activities. Even though their backgrounds are extremely different, both share a strong force of will and firmly wish to keep alive the memories of the ones that went missing. Perseverance is what pushed an ex-convict to look for redemption by helping the victims' families to find the remains of their loved ones, and perseverance is what brought a bus driver to start to dive in order to search for his wife.

Kung Fu Killers(en)

Australian stuntman Grant Page travels to Hong Kong to find Bruce Lee's successor and looks at the cultural phenomenon that Asian martial arts has become in the West. He talks to actors such as Angela Mao, Stuart Whitman and George Lazenby - who were all making movies in Hong Kong at the time - and fights Carter Wong twice.

Dirty Gold: The Disappearance of the Japanese war booty(en)

From 1937 to 1948 gold, silver, platinum and diamonds were looted by the Imperial Japanese Army during its campaigns throughout Asia-a treasure trove worth billions whose location has remained unclear until today. Rumor had it that hundreds of tones of gold were buried in the Philippines. In an exciting investigation of the 20th century history, director Egmont R. Koch embarks on the trail of Japan’s stolen gold, a journey that takes him to the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan. He discovers documents that prove that the disappeared loot was used to finance the Cold War in Asia and to corrupt nationalist Japanese politicians.

Green Jail(ja)

The film follows the last 4 years life of Grandma Hashima, the last existent from colonial Taiwan, who knows the secrets of "Green Jail," the notorious coal mine before World War II on Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan.

MOONRIDERS THE MOVIE: PASSION MANIACS(ja)

30 years of the band, 30 years of Japanese rock. The story of passion toward the band and music.

Fugu - A Taste to Die For(de)

It's the most dangerous delicacy in the world. Despite incidents of poisoning year after year, the popularity of this exotic dish in Japan remains unbroken. The Japanese blowfish fugu contains one of the deadliest poisons known to man, 1250 times more potent than cyanide. If the cook isn't skilled in the use of a filet knife, the gourmet meal could become a death sentence for the restaurant guest.

The Longsword by Johannes Liechtenauer Part I(en)

Learn the ancient and noble art of fighting with the long- or "hand-and-a-half" sword according to the teachings of the medieval fencing master Johannes Liechtenauer! Reconstructed from 14th - 16th c manuscripts and illuminations, the highly effective fighting techniques and principles of this elegant and deadly martial art are now available for everyone. A valuable treasure trove for everyone interested in historical swordsmanship, by respected martial artists Hans Heim and Alex Kiermayer.

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness(ja)

Follows the behind-the-scenes work of Studio Ghibli, focusing on the notable figures Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki.

Half-Life in Fukushima(fr)

In the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a Japanese farmer ekes out a solitary existence within the radiation red zone.

Tokio - Generalprobe für das Reich der Alten(de)

The Tea Coffee Experiment(it)

A group of friends come up with the brilliant idea of testing the non-existent drink known as "Tea Coffee".

Zen for Nothing(de)

Hidden in the wooded mountains on the west coast of Japan lies the small Zen monastery Antaiji. A young woman sets off to immerse herself through autumn, winter and spring in the adventures of monastic life. The young woman is Sabine Timoteo from Switzerland. The abbot of the monastery is Muho Noelke, born in Berlin. An interplay between the philosophy of the Japanese Zen master Kodo Sawaki and the surprises brought forth by everyday life.

Elephant Food Is for the Strongest Teeth(en)

In Kano City, Northern Nigeria, crowds gather to watch local heroes face off in the ancient Hausa martial art of Dambe. Part battle, part dance, part live mythology, it’s a cultural tradition that has survived and thrived in the region, despite invasion, famine, British colonialism and attacks by Boko Haram. In Dambe’s lightning-fast bouts, against a hypnotic soundtrack of live drumming and improvised praise songs, conflicts erupt, rivalries are formed and legends are made.

Ah-So Graham Norton(en)

This one-off TV special follows the exploits of camp comic Graham Norton on a visit to Tokyo. Staying with a Japanese family, he explores the city's seedy side, visits the home of a famous Japanese make-up artist, and has an embarrassing experience with an electronic toilet/bidet.

Black Samurai(it)

In Tanzania there is a growing clandestine market for albino skin, bones and hair as ingredients in potions that promise to make people rich. As a result people with albinism live in fear of being abducted or maimed. Jerome, a young karate master, has made teaching kids with albinism to defend themselves his life's mission. Now he’s determined to take one of them to a world championship in Japan.

toe: DOKU-EN-KAI(en)

At the twenty-year apex of their career, the Japanese quartet add another captivating live release to their extensive catalog. Shot ‘in the round’ at le Poisson Rouge in NYC, DOKU-EN-KAI delivers the band completely absorbed by their element in a kinetic, impassioned and frenzied set that brings toe's renown and allure into sharp, unmistakable focus.

The Past is Always New, the Future is Always Nostalgic: Photographer Daido Moriyama(ja)

This documentary follows the legendary Japanese photographer as he continues to find new ways of seeing the visual assault of Tokyo’s streets and reminisces about his life and work.

Last Room(fr)

Raise Your Arms and Twist - Documentary of NMB48(ja)

Launched in 2011 as a sister group to girl band behemoth AKB48, the Osaka-based NMB48 has become a musical force itself. With a string of No.1 hit singles and albums, not to mention sell-out performances, NMB48 continues Japan’s pop-music phenomena. Director Funahashi Atsushi, whose documentary work has previously chronicled such harrowing events as the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, pulls back the curtain on the life and struggles of the band members and the workings of the idol-making industry.

Tohoku Tomo(en)

A documentary film telling the story of true friendship and commitment to Japan’s recovery by the international community following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Many of these people dropped what they were doing and dedicated themselves to Japan’s recovery. Many of these them even took it upon themselves to establish non-profit organizations aimed at connecting with and rebuilding Tohoku and its communities.