The 99th Kinema Junpo Best Ten Awards (2026 edition, covering films released in 2025) took place in Tokyo, Japan, with results announced in late January 2026 and the official ceremony held in February 2026.
The top prize for Best Japanese Film went to Two Seasons, Two Strangers (旅と日々 / Tabi to Hibi), which ranked first in the Japanese Film Best Ten and became the central highlight of the edition
One of the most notable aspects of this edition was the clear split in dominance between Kokuho, in direction, screenplay, and male acting categories, while Two Seasons, Two Strangers secured Best Film and Best Actress.
Major Winners
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | — | Two Seasons, Two Strangers |
| Best Director | Sang-il Lee | National Treasure |
| Best Screenplay | Satoko Okudera | National Treasure |
| Best Actor | Ryo Yoshizawa | National Treasure |
| Best Actress | Shim Eun-kyung | Two Seasons, Two Strangers |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jiro Sato | Bakudan |
| Best Supporting Actress | Aoi Ito | She Taught Me Serendipity |
| Best New Actor | Kodai Kurosaki | Miharashi Sedai |
| Best New Actress | Yui Suzuki | Renoir |
Two Seasons, Two Strangers won Best Film
Two Seasons, Two Strangers (Tabi to Hibi) emerged as the standout winner of the 99th Kinema Junpo Best Ten (2026 edition), earning the prestigious Best Film award and firmly establishing itself as one of the most critically acclaimed Japanese films of the year.
A key highlight of the film’s recognition was the presence of a powerful supporting cast, including Yuumi Kawai, Yôichirô Saitô, Shinichi Tsutsumi, Tomomitsu Adachi, Shirō Sano, whose performances added nuance and intensity to the film’s narrative landscape.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film | — | Two Seasons, Two Strangers |
| Best Actress | Shim Eun-kyung | Two Seasons, Two Strangers |
Newcomer Awards of the Year Winners
Actors and actresses at the beginning of their careers or who had a breakthrough role during 2024. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the person’s first film.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best New Actor | Kodai Kurosaki | Miharashi Sedai |
| Best New Actress | Yui Suzuki | Renoir |
Films Reviewed here That Won Japan Academy Awards
Here you will find reviews of award-winning Japanese films and my impressions of Japanese culture as portrayed in these films.
A mysterious detainee claims he can foresee terrorist attacks. As bombs begin exploding across Tokyo, a veteran detective is forced into a dangerous battle of wits to uncover the truth.
Bound by brotherhood and rivalry, two aspiring kabuki actors devote decades to their craft, each striving to become a living national treasure of Japanese theater.
Actors Featured here Who Won Awards
Here you will find other reviewed Japanese films that the winning actors of The 98th Kinema Junpo Best Ten Awards participated in.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actor | Ryo Yoshizawa | National Treasure |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jiro Sato | Bomb |
| Best New Actor | Kodai Kurosaki | Miharashi Sedai |
| Best New Actress | Yui Suzuki | Renoir |
Among interesting points, the win by Shim Eun-kyung, a Korean actress, stood out as a significant cross-border recognition within Japanese cinema criticism awards.