COVERCHORD CULTURE
The Creators’ Choice
What to Watch This Holiday Season
2025 - 2026
2025 – 2026
COVERCHORD’s annual year-end feature.
Creators across different fields share their viewing picks.
The year-end holidays are a time when everything slows down, just a little.
What you choose to watch can shape those moments in unexpected ways.
In this feature, creators from different fields share the films and series they’re drawn to this season.
Each selection reflects not just a recommendation, but a way of seeing.
As you look back on the year or prepare for the next, we hope this feature gives you a reason to press play.
Actor
Tadanobu Asano
Lady Oscar
2025, Japan
Director: Ai Yoshimura
Incredibly moving. I found myself fully empathizing with Oscar and ended up in tears.
The dazzling animation grips you from start to finish, pulling you deeply into its world.
Then You Try Making It!
2025, Japan
Directors: Yoshihiro Ito, Ryosuke Fukuda, Katsuhiro Omoto
Ryoma Takeuchi’s portrayal of Katsuo Ebihara was absolutely brilliant and genuinely funny.
Watching his character grow through love was surprisingly insightful, and the final episode was especially satisfying.
Violet Evergarden
2018 - 2025, Japan
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Simply outstanding. There’s nothing more to say. Just thinking about it again makes my heart feel full.
Tadanobu Asano
Actor
Asano made his acting debut in 1988. His recent works include Kubi (2024, directed by Takeshi Kitano), The Women in the Lakes (2024, Tatsushi Omori), The Box Man (2024, Gakuryu Ishii), and Ravens (2025, Mark Gill). He gained international attention last year for his role in SHOGUN (Disney+), becoming the first Japanese actor to win Best Supporting Actor in a Television Drama at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. In addition to acting, he is also active in painting and music.
Instagram_@tadanobu_asano
2025, Japan
Director: Ai Yoshimura
Incredibly moving. I found myself fully empathizing with Oscar and ended up in tears.
The dazzling animation grips you from start to finish, pulling you deeply into its world.
Then You Try Making It!
2025, Japan
Directors: Yoshihiro Ito, Ryosuke Fukuda, Katsuhiro Omoto
Ryoma Takeuchi’s portrayal of Katsuo Ebihara was absolutely brilliant and genuinely funny.
Watching his character grow through love was surprisingly insightful, and the final episode was especially satisfying.
Violet Evergarden
2018 - 2025, Japan
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Simply outstanding. There’s nothing more to say. Just thinking about it again makes my heart feel full.
Tadanobu Asano
Actor
Asano made his acting debut in 1988. His recent works include Kubi (2024, directed by Takeshi Kitano), The Women in the Lakes (2024, Tatsushi Omori), The Box Man (2024, Gakuryu Ishii), and Ravens (2025, Mark Gill). He gained international attention last year for his role in SHOGUN (Disney+), becoming the first Japanese actor to win Best Supporting Actor in a Television Drama at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. In addition to acting, he is also active in painting and music.
Instagram_@tadanobu_asano
TEMBEA
Atsushi Hayasaki
Pompo: The Cinéphile
2021, Japan
Director: Takayuki Hirao
正直に言うと、タイトルと絵のタッチが軽く、その先入観で観ていなかった作品。実際の内容は映画の編集の話で、いい意味でかなり裏切られました。
映画プロデューサーのポンポさんの元で制作アシスタントをしているジーンが、新作の監督に指名され映画作りが進んでいきます。
As someone who creates things for a living, there were many moments I deeply related to. The film’s affirmation of minority voices and its quiet tribute to those who pursue their dreams really stayed with me.
Pompo’s words throughout the film have become both an answer and a guide for myself.
Perfect Days
2023, Japan / Germany
Director: Wim Wenders
I never imagined a day would come when I’d watch a film directed by Wim Wenders starring Koji Yakusho.
The film depicts the everyday life of Hirayama, a toilet cleaner played by Yakusho.
The subtle shifts within his calm, repetitive routine are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity, and Yakusho’s presence and performance are truly powerful.
It’s a film that gently asks what a fulfilling life really means. The music is beautiful as well.
CODA
2021, USA / France / Canada
Director: Sian Heder
The story of Ruby, a girl raised by deaf parents, who discovers her talent for singing and begins chasing her dream of becoming a singer.
Rather than portraying her family as tragic or special, the film presents them as ordinary, flawed, and sometimes crude people, with humor woven throughout. That approach makes the struggles faced by a CODA feel deeply real and relatable.
A moving film about the tension between family love and personal dreams.
Atsushi Hayasaki
Representative of TORSO, Designer of TEMBEA
Hayasaki founded the bag brand TEMBEA in 2004. His approach begins with clearly defining what goes inside and how each bag is used, creating bags as everyday tools that naturally fit into daily life.
TEMBEA currently operates directly managed stores in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Website_torso-design.com
Instagram_＠tembea_torso_design
2021, Japan
Director: Takayuki Hirao
As someone who creates things for a living, there were many moments I deeply related to. The film’s affirmation of minority voices and its quiet tribute to those who pursue their dreams really stayed with me.
Pompo’s words throughout the film have become both an answer and a guide for myself.
Perfect Days
2023, Japan / Germany
Director: Wim Wenders
I never imagined a day would come when I’d watch a film directed by Wim Wenders starring Koji Yakusho.
The film depicts the everyday life of Hirayama, a toilet cleaner played by Yakusho.
The subtle shifts within his calm, repetitive routine are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity, and Yakusho’s presence and performance are truly powerful.
It’s a film that gently asks what a fulfilling life really means. The music is beautiful as well.
CODA
2021, USA / France / Canada
Director: Sian Heder
The story of Ruby, a girl raised by deaf parents, who discovers her talent for singing and begins chasing her dream of becoming a singer.
Rather than portraying her family as tragic or special, the film presents them as ordinary, flawed, and sometimes crude people, with humor woven throughout. That approach makes the struggles faced by a CODA feel deeply real and relatable.
A moving film about the tension between family love and personal dreams.
Atsushi Hayasaki
Representative of TORSO, Designer of TEMBEA
Hayasaki founded the bag brand TEMBEA in 2004. His approach begins with clearly defining what goes inside and how each bag is used, creating bags as everyday tools that naturally fit into daily life.
TEMBEA currently operates directly managed stores in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Website_torso-design.com
Instagram_＠tembea_torso_design
ADI / Chiyaba / jiunu
Kanchan Adhikari
Slumdog Millionaire
2008, UK / USA
Director: Danny Boyle
The story of a young man from the slums of India whose life experiences unexpectedly lead him to success on a quiz show. While the film does not shy away from harsh realities,
it carries an overall sense of optimism and energy, leaving you with a warm, uplifting feeling by the end.
It’s a reminder that intuition, not just logic, can open new paths in life. A film that gives me motivation at the start of a new year and one I feel deeply connected to.
Like Stars on Earth
2007, India
Director: Aamir Khan
The story of an imaginative eight-year-old boy labeled a “problem child,” who begins to face his own talents through an encounter with an understanding art teacher.
The film gently teaches the importance of not forcing children into fixed molds, and how the way we look at others can change their lives.
A warm, encouraging film that feels perfect for the beginning of a new year.
Kung Fu Hustle
2004, China / Hong Kong
Director: Stephen Chow
A laugh-out-loud action comedy packed with homages to 1970s kung fu films.
Set in a poor housing complex where seemingly ordinary residents are all secretly kung fu masters, the film is fast-paced, wildly creative, and full of energy.
A great choice to enjoy with family during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Kanchan Adhikari
Co-Founder of jiunu Inc.Owner of the restaurants ADI and ADICURRY, and the tea house Chiyaba
After graduating from university in Tokyo and working for a Japanese company, Adhikari entered the restaurant business, experiencing both success and failure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his wife Asumi opened the modern Nepalese restaurant ADI.
He later launched the Nepalese tea brand Chiyaba and the curry restaurant ADICURRY, developing businesses centered on food and culture.
Believing in the power of culture, he continues to create spaces that connect people and society.
Website_jiunu.co
Instagram_@kanchanadhikari
2008, UK / USA
Director: Danny Boyle
The story of a young man from the slums of India whose life experiences unexpectedly lead him to success on a quiz show. While the film does not shy away from harsh realities,
it carries an overall sense of optimism and energy, leaving you with a warm, uplifting feeling by the end.
It’s a reminder that intuition, not just logic, can open new paths in life. A film that gives me motivation at the start of a new year and one I feel deeply connected to.
Like Stars on Earth
2007, India
Director: Aamir Khan
The story of an imaginative eight-year-old boy labeled a “problem child,” who begins to face his own talents through an encounter with an understanding art teacher.
The film gently teaches the importance of not forcing children into fixed molds, and how the way we look at others can change their lives.
A warm, encouraging film that feels perfect for the beginning of a new year.
Kung Fu Hustle
2004, China / Hong Kong
Director: Stephen Chow
A laugh-out-loud action comedy packed with homages to 1970s kung fu films.
Set in a poor housing complex where seemingly ordinary residents are all secretly kung fu masters, the film is fast-paced, wildly creative, and full of energy.
A great choice to enjoy with family during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Kanchan Adhikari
Co-Founder of jiunu Inc.Owner of the restaurants ADI and ADICURRY, and the tea house Chiyaba
After graduating from university in Tokyo and working for a Japanese company, Adhikari entered the restaurant business, experiencing both success and failure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his wife Asumi opened the modern Nepalese restaurant ADI.
He later launched the Nepalese tea brand Chiyaba and the curry restaurant ADICURRY, developing businesses centered on food and culture.
Believing in the power of culture, he continues to create spaces that connect people and society.
Website_jiunu.co
Instagram_@kanchanadhikari
EUCHRONIA
Momoka Sato
Frances Ha
2012, USA
Director: Noah Baumbach
A light and honest portrait of Frances, a woman drifting through unstable work and friendships, still unsure how to fully become an adult.
Shot in black and white with an energetic rhythm, the film quietly captures feelings of impatience and loneliness in a very real way. Watching Frances stumble, hesitate, and eventually begin to move forward on her own terms, I can’t help but see myself in her. It’s the kind of film that reminds you it’s okay to be late, to get lost, and still keep going. A perfect encouragement for the year ahead.
The Sacrifice
1986, Sweden, UK, France
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Set against the looming end of the world, this film follows a man who chooses to sacrifice everything. As Tarkovsky’s final work, it may sound heavy, but if you approach it without expectations, it surprisingly fits the reflective mood of the year’s end.
At this time, I often find myself wondering what the next year will bring, or what truly matters. This film doesn’t give answers, but its quiet images and sense of time allow those thoughts to simply exist. Rather than a dramatic impact, it gently leaves your mind feeling a little more settled.
The Science of Sleep
2006, France, Italy
Director: Michel Gondry
A slightly strange and humorous romantic comedy where reality and dreams blur together, and the protagonist’s imagination and misunderstandings spiral out of control.
Gondry’s signature handmade sets and analog visual effects are delightful to watch and spark a sense of childlike excitement.
The earnest yet awkward conversations and constantly misfiring actions are full of moments that make you smile.
By the time you finish watching, you realize that laughing along has quietly lifted your mood as well.
Momoka Sato
Designer at EUCHRONIA
Momoka Sato runs the brand EUCHRONIA together with her friend Kaoru Miyazaki.
Their work explores product-making that links memory with lace.
Website_euchronia.com
Instagram_＠euchronia_official
2012, USA
Director: Noah Baumbach
A light and honest portrait of Frances, a woman drifting through unstable work and friendships, still unsure how to fully become an adult.
Shot in black and white with an energetic rhythm, the film quietly captures feelings of impatience and loneliness in a very real way. Watching Frances stumble, hesitate, and eventually begin to move forward on her own terms, I can’t help but see myself in her. It’s the kind of film that reminds you it’s okay to be late, to get lost, and still keep going. A perfect encouragement for the year ahead.
The Sacrifice
1986, Sweden, UK, France
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Set against the looming end of the world, this film follows a man who chooses to sacrifice everything. As Tarkovsky’s final work, it may sound heavy, but if you approach it without expectations, it surprisingly fits the reflective mood of the year’s end.
At this time, I often find myself wondering what the next year will bring, or what truly matters. This film doesn’t give answers, but its quiet images and sense of time allow those thoughts to simply exist. Rather than a dramatic impact, it gently leaves your mind feeling a little more settled.
The Science of Sleep
2006, France, Italy
Director: Michel Gondry
A slightly strange and humorous romantic comedy where reality and dreams blur together, and the protagonist’s imagination and misunderstandings spiral out of control.
Gondry’s signature handmade sets and analog visual effects are delightful to watch and spark a sense of childlike excitement.
The earnest yet awkward conversations and constantly misfiring actions are full of moments that make you smile.
By the time you finish watching, you realize that laughing along has quietly lifted your mood as well.
Momoka Sato
Designer at EUCHRONIA
Momoka Sato runs the brand EUCHRONIA together with her friend Kaoru Miyazaki.
Their work explores product-making that links memory with lace.
Website_euchronia.com
Instagram_＠euchronia_official
OCTBR / HOW TO WRAP_
Koji Yamamoto
From the North Country
1981, Japan
Director: Shigemichi Sugita
I watch From the North Country at least once every year, from the original TV series to the later specials.
Since buying a home in Kirigamine, Nagano, and spending more time surrounded by nature, I’ve found myself returning to it even more often.
Set against post–high-growth Japan, the drama portrays a family living earnestly within nature. Even now, its words and scenes still feel strikingly relevant.
Someday, I’d like to welcome the new year the way I once heard an antique dealer does, by finishing the entire series on New Year’s Eve.
First Love
2022, Japan
Director: Yuri Kanchiku
This year, I happened to work with several people involved in this drama, which prompted me to rewatch it.
Around the same time, I also unexpectedly met Hikari Mitsushima, and it felt like the right moment.
The visuals are beautiful, the performances exceptional, and it’s a series I revisit often.
It’s best watched in winter. It also made me want to visit Iceland.
Second to Last Love
2012, Japan
Director: Rieko Miyamoto
I started watching this series after a friend recommended it and ended up watching all the sequels in one go.
What I love most are the dining table scenes, filmed in long, quiet takes that simply capture everyday life.
At a time when families gather less often, the drama’s gentle focus on ordinary moments feels especially resonant. It’s a fitting watch for the year-end holidays.
Koji Yamamoto
Founder of OCTBR
After graduating from university, Koji Yamamoto began his career in 2002 at an interior shop specializing in vintage and original products. He later worked in imported furniture trading and for an international furniture brand, before becoming independent in 2024.
He is a founding member of the Japan-based design journal Ilmm and works across shop merchandising and interior project coordination. Alongside this, he is also active as a sculptural artist through HOW TO WRAP_ and TENSEGRITYLAB.
Instagram_@ynmo
1981, Japan
Director: Shigemichi Sugita
I watch From the North Country at least once every year, from the original TV series to the later specials.
Since buying a home in Kirigamine, Nagano, and spending more time surrounded by nature, I’ve found myself returning to it even more often.
Set against post–high-growth Japan, the drama portrays a family living earnestly within nature. Even now, its words and scenes still feel strikingly relevant.
Someday, I’d like to welcome the new year the way I once heard an antique dealer does, by finishing the entire series on New Year’s Eve.
First Love
2022, Japan
Director: Yuri Kanchiku
This year, I happened to work with several people involved in this drama, which prompted me to rewatch it.
Around the same time, I also unexpectedly met Hikari Mitsushima, and it felt like the right moment.
The visuals are beautiful, the performances exceptional, and it’s a series I revisit often.
It’s best watched in winter. It also made me want to visit Iceland.
Second to Last Love
2012, Japan
Director: Rieko Miyamoto
I started watching this series after a friend recommended it and ended up watching all the sequels in one go.
What I love most are the dining table scenes, filmed in long, quiet takes that simply capture everyday life.
At a time when families gather less often, the drama’s gentle focus on ordinary moments feels especially resonant. It’s a fitting watch for the year-end holidays.
Koji Yamamoto
Founder of OCTBR
After graduating from university, Koji Yamamoto began his career in 2002 at an interior shop specializing in vintage and original products. He later worked in imported furniture trading and for an international furniture brand, before becoming independent in 2024.
He is a founding member of the Japan-based design journal Ilmm and works across shop merchandising and interior project coordination. Alongside this, he is also active as a sculptural artist through HOW TO WRAP_ and TENSEGRITYLAB.
Instagram_@ynmo
Actor
Yuriko Ono
Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window
2023, Japan
Original Story: Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
Director: Shinnosuke Yakuwa
When thinking of a film to enjoy over the year-end holidays, whether alone or with family, this one came to mind immediately.
Based on the true story of Totto-chan (Tetsuko Kuroyanagi), the film captivated my six-year-old daughter, who was completely absorbed in Totto-chan’s every move.
It’s the kind of film that makes you want to talk to someone after watching.
Yesterday’s Curry, Tomorrow’s Bread
2014, Japan
Original Story & Screenplay: Izumi Kisara
If I could spend the holidays watching without worrying about time, I’d love to binge-watch this series again.
Izumi Kisara’s writing is filled with lines that sink deep into you, and I feel that what resonates changes depending on where you are in life. The cast is incredibly strong, which is another highlight. And yes, I also appear in the series.
Children of Paradise
1945, France
Director: Marcel Carné
I can’t promise this will be an absolute recommendation (laughs), but it’s a film I discovered years ago while browsing a bargain DVD shelf. I remember thinking it was long at first, only to finish it feeling deeply moved and glad I watched it. That experience has stayed with me ever since.
It’s available on streaming now, and I’d like to revisit it to see how it feels today.
Yuriko Ono
Actor
Born in Tokyo in 1989, Yuriko Ono began her career as a model in 2008 before transitioning to acting in 2009. She has appeared widely in TV dramas, films, stage productions, and commercials, gaining recognition for her composed presence.
In recent years, she has continued to expand her work both as an actor and a model, further strengthening her distinctive presence.
Website_noraweb.jp
Instagram_@yurikoono_official
2023, Japan
Original Story: Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
Director: Shinnosuke Yakuwa
When thinking of a film to enjoy over the year-end holidays, whether alone or with family, this one came to mind immediately.
Based on the true story of Totto-chan (Tetsuko Kuroyanagi), the film captivated my six-year-old daughter, who was completely absorbed in Totto-chan’s every move.
It’s the kind of film that makes you want to talk to someone after watching.
Yesterday’s Curry, Tomorrow’s Bread
2014, Japan
Original Story & Screenplay: Izumi Kisara
If I could spend the holidays watching without worrying about time, I’d love to binge-watch this series again.
Izumi Kisara’s writing is filled with lines that sink deep into you, and I feel that what resonates changes depending on where you are in life. The cast is incredibly strong, which is another highlight. And yes, I also appear in the series.
Children of Paradise
1945, France
Director: Marcel Carné
I can’t promise this will be an absolute recommendation (laughs), but it’s a film I discovered years ago while browsing a bargain DVD shelf. I remember thinking it was long at first, only to finish it feeling deeply moved and glad I watched it. That experience has stayed with me ever since.
It’s available on streaming now, and I’d like to revisit it to see how it feels today.
Yuriko Ono
Actor
Born in Tokyo in 1989, Yuriko Ono began her career as a model in 2008 before transitioning to acting in 2009. She has appeared widely in TV dramas, films, stage productions, and commercials, gaining recognition for her composed presence.
In recent years, she has continued to expand her work both as an actor and a model, further strengthening her distinctive presence.
Website_noraweb.jp
Instagram_@yurikoono_official
