#Japan #Tokyo #AEON #Hao Chinese Academy #Ryo Takeuchi

AEON and Hao Chinese Academy Collaborate on the China Documentary Film Festival

In a remarkable initiative, AEON Corporation, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced its collaboration with the Hao Chinese Academy to support the upcoming China Documentary Film Festival titled "Real China Is Here." The festival is scheduled to take place from November 7 to November 20, 2025, across multiple venues including the Kadokawa Cinema in Yurakucho and the Japan-China Friendship Center.

The purpose of this film festival is to provide a deeper understanding of contemporary China through the lens of documentary filmmaking. Organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Japan and WANOYUME Co., the festival aims to reaffirm the value of long-term journalism and foster cultural exchanges between Japan and China. Inviting experts and cultural professionals, the festival will also serve as a platform for shared experiences and discussions related to Chinese culture.

For language learners, this festival presents a unique opportunity to engage with authentic conversations and cultural contexts that enhance the understanding of the Chinese language. The Hao Chinese Academy is dedicated to promoting exchanges with China and supporting its students in this exciting venture by offering special ticket pricing for select screenings. For instance, the Academy offered exclusive tickets for the screenings of Beijing Women’s Marriage War directed by Dong Xueying on November 8, and Unnamed Child directed by Ryo Takeuchi on November 16, with seating limited to 20 students per screening. Please note that this special ticket offer has now closed.

Ryo Takeuchi, the director and chairperson of the festival, previously shared insights at a Mid-Autumn Festival event hosted by Hao Chinese Academy in 2024. Based in Nanjing, Takeuchi is revered in China as a Japanese director and has garnered a significant following for his documentaries, such as Hello, Wuhan and Goodbye Yangtze which vividly portray the lives and society of China. Attendees at the festival will have the exclusive chance to see his latest work, Unnamed Child, before its theatrical release.

Hao Chinese Academy not only focuses on language learning but also emphasizes educating students about China's rich history and culture through various specialized courses and cultural exchange programs. This initiative supports learners in enhancing their Chinese language skills and deepening their cultural understanding.

Details of the China's Documentary Film Festival: "Real China Is Here"

Event Duration:

November 7 (Friday) - November 20 (Thursday), 2025

Venue Locations:

• - Main Venue: Kadokawa Cinema Yurakucho

1-11-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, 100-0006

• - Secondary Venue: Japan-China Friendship Center

1-1-5-3 Kouraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo, 112-0004

Featured Films:

Main Venue:

• - Unnamed Child (Director: Ryo Takeuchi)
• - Beijing Women’s Marriage War (Director: Dong Xueying)
• - Plus three additional films

Secondary Venue (Specially Recommended Films):

• - Red-crowned Crane (Director: Sun Ning)
• - Daliang Mountain (Director: Ryo Takeuchi)
• - Plus three more films

For further details regarding the festival and its programming, please visit the official website here.

About Hao Chinese Academy

Hao Chinese Academy has been dedicated to providing high-quality Chinese language education since its establishment in 2004. The institution mission is to contribute to the development of Chinese language education in Japan through 'high-quality Chinese lessons' and 'sincere service.' Adapting to the diverse needs of students, the Academy offers e-learning, online lessons, and in-person classes that cover beginner to business Chinese, preparation for various Chinese language proficiency tests, and training for national interpreter/guide examinations. Continuing this progress, Hao Academy is committed to further innovations in Chinese education in Japan.

About AEON

Founded in 1973, AEON has been enriching lives through language education, striving to eliminate linguistic barriers and empowering individuals to engage globally. With over 50 years of expertise, AEON offers English and Chinese lessons for all ages, combining knowledge acquisition with practical training to enhance communication skills for everyday and business contexts. Acquired by the KDDI Group in 2018, AEON leverages EdTech innovations to enrich the educational experience by offering various methods tailored to student needs, including in-person, online, and AI-supported learning.