The 49th Japan Catholic Film Award goes to “Samurai Time Slipper”
SIGNIS JAPAN has selected the feature film “Samurai Time Slipper” (Directed by Junichi Yasuda, 131 minutes, distributed by GAGA) for the 49th Japan Catholic Film Award. The award ceremony, film screening, and a talk between Director Junichi Yasuda and Fr. Masahide Haresaku, Advisory Priest, SIGNIS JAPAN, will take place on Saturday, July 12 in Tokyo.
This year’s award-winning film, “Samurai Time Slipper” tells an extraordinary story of a samurai from the late Edo period (1860s) who time-travels to a modern-day period drama film set, where he reinvents himself as an “extra” who is slain in sword fight scenes. The film has been highly praised for its exceptional entertainment value and its universal message. It is a story that inspires admiration for the samurai’s selfless and honorable way of life, encouraging audiences to applaud from the heart. (https://www.samutai.net)
A Film of “True Commitment”
Fr. Masahide Haresaku, Advisory Priest of SIGNIS JAPAN
This film can be summed up in one word: Cool! And that, in cinema, is one of the highest compliments a movie can receive. It is a film brimming with “coolness”—a film that brings joy and happiness to its audience.
Who would have thought that being truly committed to something could be so incredibly cool? And who would have thought that a film could so beautifully capture the essence of a person who lives with such sincerity?
The protagonist’s upright posture, his honest swordplay, and his unwavering way of life are, of course, commendable. But even more inspiring is the director’s unwavering determination to bring this film to life—dreaming passionately of making such a movie, undeterred by financial constraints, and ultimately creating a work that makes us laugh, weep, and deeply move our hearts. That dedication itself is truly cool.
Ah, yes—movies exist to bring joy to people. To be serious about making others happy, and to make sacrifices for that purpose—this is the very foundation of human connection. I am grateful to this film for reminding me of this pure truth.
The protagonist’s selfless commitment to justice, even at the risk of his own life, embodies the spirit of bushido (the way of the samurai) and even echoes the path of Christ, who gave his life for others. Watching this film cleanses the soul.
Emotion is the driving force of life. In today’s Japan, where we see uninspiring politicians and lackluster corporate executives, this film restores our spirit. That is why we absolutely had to recognize this brilliantly earnest and engaging film.
At the film’s breathtaking final scene, I found myself holding my breath. When I finally took a deep breath again after the credits rolled, I unconsciously straightened my back, thinking, Maybe I, too, can live a little more courageously.
As an aside, I must say that the Japan Catholic Film Award itself—recognizing the “coolness” of this film—might just be pretty cool, too.
P.S. On 14 March, we rejoiced with the news that “Samurai Time Slipper” has won the Best Film Award of the 48th Japan Academy Award.
Also published in: https://www.signis.world/top3/25-03-2025/the-49th-japan-catholic-film-award-goes-to-samurai-time-slipper/