Kota Kinabalu: The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns to Kota Kinabalu for the final leg of its tour from Oct 15 to 18 at GSC Suria Sabah.
This year’s festival will screen 13 Japanese films spanning anime, suspense, comedy, kabuki-inspired films, heartfelt dramas and digital remasters.
Now in its 21st year in Malaysia, JFF has become one of the country’s most anticipated international film events, with more than 10,000 attendees last year.
In conjunction with JFF 2026, organiser Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) is offering Daily Express readers 100 promotional redemptions using the code JFFDEK0008HL9, with each redemption valid for one movie ticket per transaction.
The code can be redeemed via the GSC website, mobile app or the E-Kiosk at GSC Suria Sabah, and is valid until Oct 18.
The festival opened with Tokyo Taxi, the latest film by acclaimed Japanese director Yamada Yoji. His 91st feature explores memory, loss and fleeting connections between strangers.
The film is part of a special Yamada Yoji retrospective in honour of his legacy, which also features A Distant Cry From Spring and Tora-san’s Many Splintered Love.
JFF 2026 also presents a “Girl Power” line-up featuring female protagonists and their journeys of resilience, self-discovery and determination, with Fujiko, Purehearted and a 4K remastered edition of Hula Girls.
Additionally, the festival’s line-up includes Akira Kurosawa’s classic Throne of Blood, offering audiences a chance to rediscover Japanese cinema in restored quality.
Festival-goers can also participate in the JFF Stamp Rally, collecting stamps throughout the festival to redeem exclusive prizes.
Tickets are priced at RM10 and are available through GSC channels.
All films will be screened in Japanese with English subtitles. For film synopses, showtimes and further information, visit the official JFF 2026 website.
