Usuki Food Film Festival 2026: Discover Japan’s Culinary Culture Through Cinema

From January 23rd to 25th, 2026, the quiet charm of Usuki City in Oita Prefecture came alive with the fourth annual Usuki Food Film Festival, held at the Notsu Central Community Center. Over three days, visitors gathered to explore the deep connections between food, nature, and everyday life—through the lens of cinema.

This year also marked a meaningful milestone: five years since Usuki joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Gastronomy. The designation reflects the city’s long-standing respect for food culture and its commitment to nurturing a sustainable future.

That spirit is woven into daily life in Usuki. Known as an ‘Organic Village,’ the city places soil at the heart of its agricultural practices, nurturing healthy, living soil as the foundation for safe, flavorful vegetables. This dedication extends to the next generation as well—local organic produce is increasingly incorporated into school lunches, giving children the chance to grow up with the taste of nourishing ingredients.　

The Usuki Food Film Festival was created to share this passion for food with both residents and visitors. Now in its fourth year, the festival has become a warm, communal space where people can rediscover the richness of Usuki’s culinary traditions and reflect on how food connects us—to the land, to each other, and to the stories we tell.

Five Films That Explore Food, Nature, and Community

The festival featured five thought-provoking films, each delving into a different facet of food and sustainability:

• “Life Is Fruity” – A gentle documentary capturing the daily rhythms of a 90- and 87-year-old architect couple living in harmony with nature and their forest garden.

  

• “I Am Here, I Am Alive: Guided by the Vanishing Seaweed Forest” – A poetic exploration of marine desertification and the evolving relationship between humans and the sea.

  

• “Gohan” – A lively and heartfelt look at the realities of rice farming in Japan, blending entertainment with agricultural insight.

  

• “Living in the Village” – A moving portrait of a father and son committed to sustainable livestock farming in a rural community.

  

• “Food, Inc.: Post-COVID” – A sobering yet urgent documentary examining the global industrial food system—its relevance not just in the U.S., but in Japan as well.

  

  
  

Each screening was followed by engaging talk sessions with directors, farmers, dairy producers, and marine experts, sparking meaningful dialogue between creators, locals, and visitors alike.

Taste Local Flavors: Organic Markets and Chef-Crafted Lunches

Beyond the screen, the festival invited guests to experience Usuki’s flavors firsthand. Local restaurants crafted special lunches using seasonal ingredients, while nearby stalls offered organic vegetables and artisanal foods grown and made in the region.

Usuki Belongs on Every Culinary Traveler’s Map

The Usuki Food Film Festival is more than an event—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and connect. Whether you're a film enthusiast, a culinary traveler, or a curious soul seeking authentic experiences, Usuki offers a unique blend of storytelling, sustainability, and soul-nourishing cuisine.