Filmfestival

26. Nippon Connection Filmfestival

(Un)real Japan: Between Truth and Fiction
Nippon Connection
The image is a striking, modern festival graphic for the “Nippon Connection” Japanese Film Festival 2026 in Frankfurt am Main (June 2–7), designed in bold shades of pink, red, and white. At the center, there is a stylized face shown in profile. A hand is pulling a white mask away from the face. Beneath the mask, instead of a normal face, a bright pink surface appears, filled with many circular bubbles or dots, creating an abstract, almost organic impression. The face and mask have a smooth, minimalistic look, resembling a blend of a theatrical mask and a digital illustration. The hair is depicted as a large, solid red shape.
Street scene in front of the event venue. A large banner reading “Nippon Connection – Japanese Film Festival” stretches across the street. Numerous visitors walk underneath it toward the festival grounds, surrounded by residential and industrial buildings.
© Jumpei Tainaka / NC25
Interior of a large industrial-style event hall (Naxoshalle). Many people stand at a bar or move through the space. Hanging lamps and colorful lights create a warm, lively atmosphere. Stalls and a menu board can be seen in the background.
© Jumpei Tainaka / NC25
Interior of a large industrial-style event hall (Naxoshalle). Many people move through the space and along a red carpet laid out on the floor. Colorful lights and signs create a warm, vibrant atmosphere.
© Jumpei Tainaka / NC25
In front of a long brick building with large windows, a vertical sign reads “NAXOS.” A large crowd gathers outside on a street or courtyard. Many visitors stand in groups, chatting or waiting. White parasols and stalls suggest a festival setting. Pink banners reading “Nippon Connection” hang on the facade. The atmosphere appears lively and sociable.
© Eileen Burkard / NC25
Several musicians stand side by side in front of a brick building, looking toward the audience. Some hold instruments such as a violin and a cello. One person is clapping while others smile. More visitors stand in the background, some watching the scene. Microphones, chairs, and speakers are set up. A pink sign reading “Festival Center” is mounted on the wall. The scene conveys the end of a performance or applause after an outdoor concert.
© Leopold Lenzgeiger / NC25
The image shows a small street music scene in front of a brick building with large, old windows. Above an entrance, the word “NAXOS” is clearly visible. Under two white parasols, two musicians are performing: one person stands playing the violin, while another sits on a chair playing the guitar. Microphones, speakers, and cables are set up, and instrument cases lie on the ground nearby. An audience has gathered in front of the improvised stage. People of different ages stand close together; some take photos or record videos with their smartphones, while others simply listen. Parked cars can be seen on the left, while more visitors and the industrial building (Naxoshalle) appear on the right and in the background.
© Leopold Lenzgeiger / NC25

Events

Tuesday
02. June 26, 17:00 Uhr
Tickets
Wednesday
03. June 26, 13:00 Uhr
Tickets
Thursday
04. June 26, 11:00 Uhr
Tickets
Friday
05. June 26, 11:00 Uhr
Tickets
Saturday
06. June 26, 11:00 Uhr
Tickets
Sunday
07. June 26, 11:00 Uhr
Tickets

Nippon Connection is getting ready for its 26th edition! From June 2 to 7, 2026, the world’s largest Japanese film festival will once again open its doors in Frankfurt am Main to transport its visitors into the fascinating world of Japanese film. With over 100 short and feature films, audiences can expect an extensive program that celebrates the diversity of contemporary Japanese cinema and offers a home to all those looking to discover stories beyond their usual viewing preferences. From visually stunning blockbusters and existential animated films to progressive independent films, Nippon Connection offers a diverse selection – including numerous German, European, and international premieres in the presence of the filmmakers. The festival also features a packed culture program, which includes fascinating lectures, informative workshops, and rousing concerts. At the two festival centers, Produktionshaus NAXOS and Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm, a large Japanese market invites visitors to browse various market stalls and eat delicious treats.

More information and full program: www.nipponconnection.com

Festival Centers
Produktionshaus NAXOS und Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm