the 1990s paradoxically saw the release of what was at the time Japan's highest-grossing domestic hit ever, Princess Mononoke (1997), and its biggest success in North America, Shall We Dance? (1996). New markets and co-production possibilities opened up, particularly in neighbouring Asian countries, and a new generation of auteurs, including Takeshi Kitano, Shinji Aoyama, Naomi Kawase and Hirokazu Kore-eda (whose Maborosi is re-released in the UK on 26 April), began winning awards at major international festivals. Most of these filmmakers are still going strong to this day.
Here is a selection of 10 great works from this exciting and overlooked era of transition, ambition, invention and creative ferment. Most screened in the UK at the time, although regrettably few subsequently made it to home video during the noughties obsession with anime, J-horror and Asia Extreme. Alas, as ever, 10 is never enough…
