Japan gay movie

Close-Knit depicts the story of a young girl, Tomo (Rinka Kakihara). It is based on a loose adaptation of Oedipus Rex in which a gay son kills his mother and sleeps with his father.

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Like Grains of Sand (1995)

Director: Ryosuke Hashiguchi

In this coming-of-age story, Shuji, a Japanese teen, falls in love with his friend Hiroyuki.

Through Rinko’s apathetic (yet somewhat optimistic) character, Ogigami’s Close-Knit encapsulates the irrational fear and resentment against LGBTQ minorities in modern Japan. For those seeking a poignant and beautifully crafted film, this masterpiece by Hirokazu Kore-eda should not be missed. The film became a cult of indie queer movies thanks to its photography.

Takeshi was honored with a fully-funded scholarship from the UK government, prompting their return to SOAS University of London to research Japanese queer culture. The country now offers a wide array of fascinating narratives on the queer and LGBT+ community, especially in cinema.

Cinema has always been a means of sharing the untold stories of minorities and understanding the ever-changing generations.

Its inclusion of LGBT themes adds depth and relevance, making it a thought-provoking viewing experience. Momoko Ando’s first feature, the film represents her first step towards becoming a prominent female storyteller in independent Japanese cinema. Blue

2002, Hiroshi Ando

Blue tells the story of two high school girls whose friendship grows into something more.

US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best. 

While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.

Close-Knit (2017)

Close-Knit is a remarkable film directed by Naoko Ogigami, a Japanese filmmaker known for her sensitive portrayals of human relationships.

Each meal Shiro prepares becomes a quiet act of care, anchoring their relationship amid the noise of city life.

Watch now onAmazon

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Three Stories of Love (2015)

Director: Ryosuke Hashiguchi

Known for his groundbreaking projects centered around LGBTQ issues, award-winning director Ryosuke Hashiguchi spent eight months perfecting his script for Three Stories of Love (Koibitotachi in Japanese).

This experimental tale is a coming-of-age film for young adults, and it does not revolve much about sexuality, but more about understanding ourselves and our perception of love.

Kakera explores toxic relationships and our approach to our values. Their tender love story unfolds against a backdrop of societal expectations and prejudices, offering a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by individuals who defy conventional norms.

What sets Like Grains of Sand apart is its ability to authentically depict the setting of Kanazawa.