How to grab free tickets to Japanese Film Festival 2026 in KL, Penang, JB

You Are The Film. Photos: Handout

For over two decades, the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) has been bringing the best of Japanese cinema to Malaysian audiences.

It is an annual affair that movie fans look forward to, offering audiences a window into Japan through its films.

This year’s festival, its 22nd iteration, kicks off on Sept 8 in the Klang Valley, before travelling to four other states, namely Penang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak, until Oct 18, bringing another diverse selection of Japanese films to local cinephiles.

In his opening speech at this year’s JFF, Norihisa Tsukamoto – the director of The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur – acknowledged the popularity of the annual film festival.

He said: “Films go beyond the screens; beyond the cinema halls. Every year JFF leaves a long-lasting impression on its audiences.

“In fact, it has touched ­­so many people that some ­­have been asking about it as early as March this year.”

In his opening speech at this year’s JFF, Norihisa Tsukamoto – the director of The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur – acknowledged the popularity of the annual film festival. Photo: Handout

He went on to add that the film festival is an important project for The Japan Foundation as it highlights the strong ties and similarities between Japan and Malaysia.

“It has also allowed us to reflect more about ourselves. These values are especially important in these unpredictable times,” Tsukamoto noted.

This year’s festival opens with Tokyo Taxi , the latest film by acclaimed auteur Yoji Yamada, as part of a special retrospective celebrating his six-decade career.

Yamada, who turns 96 on Sept 13, is renowned for his humanistic storytelling and portrayals of everyday life.

The retrospective also features his other classics such as A Distant Cry From Spring (1980) and Toro-San’s Many Splintered Love (1981).

“Yoji Yamada has directed over 92 films, focusing on humanity. His works are beloved by many, including the late (Malaysian director) Yasmin Ahmad,” Tsukamoto said.

“As the world becomes more divided day by day with global conflicts and uncertainty, we believe that the works of Yamada should be introduced to a wide audience, to remind ourselves of our humanity,” he added.

Another interesting theme JFF is showcasing this year is “Girl Power” through films such as Fujiko, Purehearted and Hula Girls (4K Remastered) that feature strong female protagonists and their journeys of resilience, self-discovery and determination.

JFF 2026 will showcase 14 films spanning a diverse range of genres, from anime and kabuki-related films to suspense, comedy and drama, offering something for every movie fan.

JFF 2026 will be held in Klang Valley (GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama, GSC MyTown) from Sept 10-16; Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza) from Sept 17-20; Johor Baru (GSC Paradigm JB) from Sept 24-27; Kuching (GSC CityOne Megamall) from Oct 8-11; and Kota Kinabalu (GSC Suria Sabah) from Oct 15-18.

Tickets are priced at RM10 and are available through GSC channels.

All films will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

For a complete listing of film synopsis, showtimes, and additional information, go to JFKL’s social media platforms and gsc.com.my.

Here are some exciting titles to look out for:

A remake of the 2022 French film Driving Madeleine and revered director Yamada’s 91st feature. It tells the story of a taxi driver and an 85-year-old woman on a day-long journey through Tokyo that changes their lives as she tells him about her past.

Is Suzuki a psychic, a terrorist or something else entirely? He successfully predicted a bomb that just went off in Tokyo. As more bombs explode across the city, the investigators are drawn to his deadly game.

One Last Love Letter

Released this year, this film – inspired by a true story – follows Nazuna, who writes a letter to a boy she secretly admired in her youth. Her letter reaches the family of the boy, who tragically died in a subway disaster.

Chimney Town: Frozen In Time

For those who like animation, this should be on your list. Lubicchi enters a strange world where the clock tower has malfunctioned and is stuck at 11.59. He must get it working again and rediscover faith to find his way back home.

This sci-fi comedy is about two struggling artists in Tokyo who discover they are trapped inside each other’s movie.

Get a free ticket for the Japanese Film Festival in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Baru, with the following promo codes:

Klang Valley: JFFTSK000TE2A

Penang: JFFTSP000GT88

Johor Baru: JFFTSJ000AO15

Redemption can be made via GSC e-payment (gsc.com.my and GSC mobile app) and GSC e-kiosk, on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to use your promo code:

> The promo code must be redeemed at the “Payment Mode” page.

> After choosing your payment mode (online banking, e-wallet or PayPal), check the “Do You Have A Promo Code?” box.

> Enter your promo code and click “Submit” to redeem.

> The promo code is not exchangeable for cash, and is not valid with any ongoing GSC promotions, vouchers or privilege cards.

> Promo code is inclusive of RM0.50 booking fee per ticket for online transaction

> GSC will not be held responsible for any loss/damage of the promo code.

Terms and conditions:

> The promo code entitles the holder to redeem one movie ticket per booking for JFF 2026.

> Redemption for Klang Valley starts on Sept 3, Penang on Sept 10 and Johor Baru on Sept 17.

> Redemption is on a first-come, first-served basis. A total of 200 redemptions are available for Klang Valley, 200 for Penang and 100 for Johor Baru.

> Redemption for JFF 2026 is subject to seat availability.

Thank you for your report!

你就是电影。照片：资料图

二十多年来，日本电影节（JFF）一直致力于将日本电影的精华带给马来西亚观众。

这是影迷们翘首以盼的年度盛事，它通过电影为观众打开了一扇了解日本的窗口。

今年的电影节是第 22 届，将于 9 月 8 日在巴生谷拉开帷幕，之后将巡回至槟城、柔佛、沙巴和砂拉越四个州，直至 10 月 18 日，为当地影迷带来更多精彩纷呈的日本电影。

在今年的日本电影节开幕致辞中，吉隆坡日本基金会主任冢本纪久对一年一度的电影节的受欢迎程度表示肯定。

他说：“电影的影响力超越了银幕，超越了电影院。每年，牙买加电影节都会给观众留下深刻的印象。”

“事实上，它感动了很多人，以至于早在今年三月就有人开始询问此事。”

在今年的日本电影节开幕致辞中，吉隆坡日本国际交流基金会主任冢本纪久对该年度电影节的受欢迎程度表示赞赏。（图片：主办方提供）

他还补充说，电影节是日本国际交流基金会的一个重要项目，因为它突显了日本和马来西亚之间的紧密联系和相似之处。

“这也让我们有机会更多地反思自身。在如今这个充满变数的时代，这些价值观尤为重要，”冢本指出。

今年的电影节以著名导演山田洋次的最新电影《东京出租车》拉开帷幕，这是为庆祝他六十年职业生涯而举办的特别回顾展的一部分。

山田将于9月13日迎来96岁生日，他以充满人文情怀的叙事风格和对日常生活的刻画而闻名。

此次回顾展还包括他的其他经典作品，如《来自春天的遥远呼唤》（1980 年）和《托罗桑的许多破碎的爱》（1981 年）。

“山田洋次执导过92部电影，作品聚焦人性。他的作品深受许多人喜爱，包括已故的（马来西亚导演）雅斯敏·艾哈迈德，”冢本说道。

“随着全球冲突和不确定性日益加剧，世界变得越来越分裂，我们认为应该将山田的作品介绍给更广泛的受众，以提醒我们自身的人性，”他补充道。

今年 JFF 还展示了另一个有趣的主题——“女孩力量”，通过《藤子》、《纯心》和《草裙舞女孩》（4K 修复版）等影片，展现了坚强的女性主角以及她们的韧性、自我发现和决心之旅。

2026 年日本电影节将展映 14 部电影，涵盖动画、歌舞伎相关电影、悬疑片、喜剧片和剧情片等多种类型，为每位影迷提供选择。

2026 年 JFF 电影节将于 9 月 10 日至 16 日在巴生谷（GSC Mid Valley、GSC 1 Utama、GSC MyTown）举行；9 月 17 日至 20 日在槟城（GSC Gurney Plaza）举行；9 月 24 日至 27 日在新山（GSC Paradigm JB）举行；10 月 8 日至 11 日在古晋（GSC CityOne Megamall）举行；10 月 15 日至 18 日在亚庇（GSC Suria Sabah）举行。

门票售价为10令吉，可通过GSC渠道购买。

所有影片均以日语原声放映，并配有英文字幕。

如需查看完整的电影简介、放映时间和更多信息，请访问 JFKL 的社交媒体平台和 gsc.com.my。

以下是一些值得关注的精彩影片：

这部电影翻拍自2022年的法国电影《为玛德琳开车》，也是备受尊敬的导演山田君的第91部作品。影片讲述了一位出租车司机和一位85岁的老妇人在东京的一天旅程中，老妇人向他讲述了自己的过去，这段旅程改变了他们的人生。

铃木究竟是通灵者、恐怖分子，还是另有隐情？他成功预言了刚刚在东京爆炸的炸弹。随着更多炸弹在城市各处爆炸，调查人员也被卷入了他精心策划的致命游戏。

最后一封情书

这部今年上映的电影根据真实故事改编，讲述了娜祖娜写信给年轻时暗恋的男孩的故事。她的信寄到了男孩的家人手中，但男孩却不幸在地铁事故中丧生。

烟囱镇：时间冻结

如果你喜欢动画，这部作品绝对值得一看。卢比奇进入了一个奇异的世界，那里的钟楼出了故障，指针停在了11点59分。他必须修好钟楼，重拾信仰，才能找到回家的路。

这部科幻喜剧讲述的是两个在东京苦苦挣扎的艺术家发现他们被困在了对方的电影里。

使用以下优惠码，即可免费获得巴生谷、槟城和新山日本电影节的门票：

巴生谷：JFFTSK000TE2A

槟城：JFFTSP000GT88

新山：JFFTSJ000AO15

可通过 GSC 电子支付（gsc.com.my 和 GSC 手机应用程序）和 GSC 电子自助终端进行兑换，先到先得。

如何使用您的优惠码：

> 促销代码必须在“付款方式”页面兑换。

选择付款方式（网上银行、电子钱包或 PayPal）后，勾选“您有促销代码吗？”框。

输入您的促销代码并点击“提交”进行兑换。

> 此促销代码不可兑换现金，且不能与任何正在进行的 GSC 促销活动、优惠券或会员卡同时使用。

> 优惠码包含每张票0.50令吉的在线交易预订费

GSC不对促销码的任何丢失/损坏承担责任。

条款和条件：

> 优惠码持有者每次预订可兑换一张 2026 年 JFF 电影票。

巴生谷地区的兑换活动将于 9 月 3 日开始，槟城地区将于 9 月 10 日开始，新山地区将于 9 月 17 日开始。

兑换名额有限，先到先得。巴生谷地区共有200个兑换名额，槟城地区200个，新山地区100个。

> 兑换 2026 年 JFF 电影节门票需视座位供应情况而定。

感谢您的报告！