About Nippon Connection

The Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection is the biggest platform for Japanese cinema worldwide and takes place at Künstlerhaus Mousonturm, Theater Willy Praml in der Naxoshalle and further locations in Frankfurt am Main. The unique film and supporting program offers a varied experience of Japan from tradition to modernity.

In 2018, more than 16,500 visitors and around 300 accredited professionals came to the events. Since the year 2000, the festival has been organized by the non-profit organization Nippon Connection e.V. The patrons are the consulate general of Japan in Frankfurt am Main and Peter Feldman, mayor of the city of Frankfurt am Main.

The Film Program

Japan has one of the most innovative and diverse film scenes worldwide. With around 100 films, the Nippon Connection festival presents a cross section of current Japanese cinema: from shorts and documentaries to anime and feature films, most of them shown at the festival as German, European or international premieres. Over 60 directors, actors, and producers present their film personally and communicate with the audience in Q&A sessions, talks, and discussions.

Four awards will be presented at the festival: Nippon Honor Award, Nippon Cinema Award, Nippon Visions Jury Award, Nippon Visions Audience Award.

The Supporting Program

Nippon Connection offers the chance to get to know many facts of Japanese culture. The Nippon Culture section includes more than 50 events: from tea ceremony, cooking classes, shiatsu massage, performances, and exhibitions to workshops, lectures, panel discussions, concerts, karaoke, and the Kids’ Program.

Culinary needs are also catered to: a variety of bars and food stands offer Japanese drinks, sushi, ramen, and other delicacies. Merchandising stands invite you to browse through books, films, and artisanry.

Reactions from the Press

“What’s the best place on the planet for catching up on the entire range of contemporary Japanese cinema, form experimental shorts to commercial hits? My candidate is Nippon Connection.” Japan Times 5/18/2016

“As the best visited festival within the Rhein-Main area, Nippon Connection breaks attendance records every year.” - Strandgut - Das Kulturmagazin, 5/2018

“The definitve “place to be” for all who want to discover Japanese culture and especially exciting updates from Japanese cinema.” Deadline 5/2017

“The shift in our perception of Japan and its culture is due to the Frankfurt-based festival Nippon Connection, entirely dedicated to Japanese film.” F.A.Z. 6/5/2015