Reach the other side of the world, at least in your imagination. Here is a roundup of films and TV series set in Tokyo, from classics to blockbusters, to the latest offerings from Netflix and Amazon Prime, showcasing the most famous landmarks and lesser-known corners of Japan’s capital through the captivating stories of their protagonists.
Lost in Translation: the birth of a friendship between the two souls of the metropolis
This film, which earned Sofia Coppola the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 2014, is a must-see for those who love unconventional love and friendship stories, like the one starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. The film explores the theme of loneliness and miscommunication, telling the story of two lost souls who discover each other during a moment of great vulnerability. The bright lights of a hectic Tokyo, filled with neon signs and colors, contrast with the inner world of the characters, who find their ideal environment in the relaxed setting of the Park Hyatt Tokyo Hotel and its New York Bar, the restaurant with panoramic views located on the 52nd floor of the building in the heart of Shinjuku, the lively financial and entertainment district. It is here that the two protagonists meet for the first time and deepen their friendship, often discussing the differences between Tokyo’s lifestyle and the Western world.
The Fast and the Furious – Tokyo Drift: Tokyo’s adrenaline-filled side
For those who prefer action-packed films that keep you on the edge of your seat, the third installment of the famous Fast & Furious saga, released in 2006 and currently available on Netflix, allows viewers to race through the streets of Tokyo with thrilling cinematography and breathtaking cityscapes. As the protagonists delve into the underground world of drifting, competing in adrenaline-pumping illegal street races, audiences are given a glimpse of the “tougher” side of the capital. Between screeching tires and spectacular maneuvers, the film captures the city’s electrifying atmosphere, culminating in the famous chase scene at Shibuya Crossing, known as one of the busiest intersections in the world and a must-see destination for every traveler.
The Ramen Girl: a lighthearted look at Japanese cuisine and culture
For lovers of Eastern cuisine, especially Japanese culinary specialties, this delightful 2008 film is a must-see. The protagonist is a young American student, played by Brittany Murphy, who, after being left by her boyfriend, finds herself alone and unmotivated in Tokyo. She takes refuge in the ramen shop below her apartment and begins a long effort to convince the grumpy owner to teach her the ancient art of making this dish. The film, with its lighthearted and carefree tone, highlights the core values of Japanese culture—passion, patience, and dedication to one’s work—offering a unique perspective on Japanese customs and traditions while making you crave an authentic bowl of ramen from the city’s traditional eateries.
Godzilla (1954) and Godzilla Resurgence (2016): sci-fi among the buildings of Kabukichō
Tokyo is placed in a decidedly more surreal setting in the series of Japanese blockbusters dedicated to Godzilla, which have become global classics. While the 1950s film marks the beginning of the kaijū saga, introducing the mysterious monster from Japanese tradition and launching the genre, the more recent remake (available on Prime Video under its original name Shin Godzilla) dazzles with incredible special effects that make the scenes even more realistic. Fun fact: the films have become so popular in Japanese culture that they have become a tourist attraction in Tokyo; in the Kabukichō district of Shinjuku, you can spot the Godzilla Head, a giant sculpture of the monster’s head peeking out between buildings.
Your Name.: Tokyo’s most fascinating spots in anime form
No roundup would be complete without an anime: Your Name. achieved enormous success even among those unfamiliar with the genre, becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film worldwide. This animated gem from 2016, available on Netflix, faithfully recreates locations in Tokyo, which serve as the backdrop for the surreal story of two teenagers divided between a small mountain town near Tokyo and the heart of the metropolis. From the Nishi Shinjuku intersection surrounded by skyscrapers, to the Shinjuku Kabukicho Yunika Building, and the Suga Shinto Shrine, a central location in the story, viewers are taken on a journey through Tokyo’s most beloved spots, all depicted in vivid detail through the visionary lens of director Makoto Shinkai.
Midnight Diner – Tokyo Stories: city tales in Tokyo’s nighttime atmosphere
For an immersion into Tokyo’s nightlife and the stories of its inhabitants, this Japanese-produced TV series, recently available on Netflix—based on the manga Shinya Shokudo—depicts the urban reality of the metropolis, seen through the eyes of the owner of a small izakaya restaurant. Open from midnight until dawn, this seemingly ordinary eatery becomes a theater of encounters with occasional customers, developing deep relationships through the sharing of dishes. A story of contrasts, where the intimate setting of the restaurant opposes the dynamic and chaotic Shinjuku district, which serves as the backdrop for the events.
Tokyo Girl: a female perspective on life in Japan’s capital
For those who enjoy deeper storylines, Tokyo Girl is available on Prime Video. The series sets the Japanese capital as the backdrop to a story of personal growth, offering a female perspective on Japanese culture and life in the metropolis. Spanning several years, the story follows Aya, a young girl from the countryside who moves to Tokyo and tries to adapt to big city life, learning life lessons through career, love, and personal ambitions. The series features many districts, including Ebisu, Ginza, and Yoyogi Uehara.
Tokyo è immersa in uno scenario decisamente più irreale nella serie di kolossal giapponesi dedicati a Godzilla, divenuti ormai dei classici in tutto il mondo. Se il film degli anni Cinquanta dà inizio alla saga del kaijū, il mostro misterioso della tradizione giapponese, segnando le origini del genere cinematografico, il più recente remake (disponibile su Prime Video con il nome originale “Shin Godzilla”) stupisce con i suoi incredibili effetti speciali, che rendono le scene più che realistiche. Una curiosità: i film sono diventati così popolari nella cultura giapponese da diventare a una delle attrazioni turistiche di Tokyo; nel quartiere di Kabukichō, Shinjuku si può scorgere la Godzilla Head, una gigante scultura della testa del mostro che fa capolino tra i palazzi.
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