Two documentaries about Japan have been nominated for the Oscars in 2025. Although they focus on different topics of Japanese society and culture, both explore the unspoken facets of contemporary Japan.

Instruments of a Beating Heart

“Instruments of a Beating Heart,” directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, introduces the educational and cultural landscape of a Japanese public elementary school. This film is a condensed version of Yamazaki’s 2023 feature documentary, “The Making of a Japanese,” which was featured at JAPAN CUTS in 2024.

“Instruments of a Beating Heart” follows Ayame, a young schoolgirl, as she navigates the challenges of participating in a group performance of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” to welcome new first graders. Ayame’s journey is marked by her initial enthusiasm, subsequent setbacks, and ultimately her growth through perseverance and the support of her classmates and teachers. The film highlights the importance of harmony, diligence, and collective effort—themes that are deeply ingrained in Japanese educational culture.

Reviews of these documentaries and Ema Ryan Yamazaki can be found in this New York Times article (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/05/world/asia/japan-documentary-films-ema-ryan-yamazaki.html). “Instruments of a Beating Heart” is available in the NYT’s Op-Doc series. “The Making of a Japanese” is not currently distributed in the U.S.

Black Box Diaries

“Black Box Diaries,” directed by Japanese journalist and filmmaker Shiori Ito, is a controversial documentary that features Ito’s personal and professional struggle against sexual assault and the antiquated judicial and societal systems in Japan. The film is an extension of Ito’s memoir, “Black Box,” published in 2017, about her experience of being raped by a prominent journalist, Noriyuki Yamaguchi. Shiori Ito’s case is widely considered to represent the “Me Too” movement in Japan. The documentary is not currently distributed in Japan, but it is available on Hulu in the U.S.