Tokyo Olympiad
Directed by Kon Ichikawa, this film documents the 1964 Summer Olympic Games, which took place after Japan had finished rebuilding Tokyo's damaged infrastructure. It was the first time the world was able to see a post-World War II Japan in all its glory.
Spirited Away
Famous director Hayao Miyazaki tells the story of Chihiro and her parents, who are turned into pigs when they encounter a witch in an abandoned amusement park. Chihiro must work to save herself and her parents, meeting an array of characters along the way.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi
This 2011 documentary film showcases the work of chef Jiro Ono, who was made famous through his Michelin star restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro. Sushi lovers beware: This will make you hungry.
Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift
The 2006 installment of Fast & Furious introduces viewers to the world of drifting as it follows Tokyo newcomer Sean Boswell (Lucas Boswell). While this was before the crew went to space, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker make an appearance in the movie.
Lost in Translation
Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray form an unlikely bond in this Sofia Coppola movie, which is set in the bustling city of Tokyo.
The Ramen Girl
Brittany Murphy shines in this romantic comedy about an American woman who is determined to learn to make ramen after a local chef cooks her a meal.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Quentin Tarantino's bloody movie follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge on the team of assassins who put her in a coma. Along the way, she stops in Japan where she intends to kill former friend O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu), who is the leader of the Japan's infamous criminal organization yakuza.
The Grudge
Sarah Michelle Gellar portrays a care worker who is confronted with a curse when hired by an American family. Though the horror movie centers on Americans, the story of Kayako is based on the Japanese legend of the onryo, a vengeful spirit. According to Screenrant, the most popular story of the onryo is Yotsuya Kaidan, which tells the tale of a woman who came back from the dead to kill the husband who murdered her.
Giri/Haji
Giri/Haji is a Netflix and BBC series that deserves an honorable mention in this story, as creator Joe Barton tells a story of a Japanese detective who travels to London in search of his brother, who is accused of killing the nephew of one of the yakuza's members. The show travels back and forth between the two nations, thus illustrating the differences and similarities in their cultures.