What Japanese movies do you know? Seven Samurai? Godzilla? Spirited Away?
This movie is a Japanese masterpiece that almost only Japanese people know.
In Japan, director Shunji Iwai is a household name. Thanks to the success of his film Love Letter, he also gained recognition across Asia. However, in Western countries, many people may still be unfamiliar with his work.
Released in 1996, Swallowtail Butterfly is one of Iwai’s most striking films. Set in a fictional Japanese city called Yen Town, the story unfolds in a multicultural, borderless world where multiple languages and diverse characters collide.
The film stars Hiroshi Mikami, CHARA, and Ayumi Itō, and its theme song Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~, released under the name YEN TOWN BAND, became a huge hit in Japan.
This film is, without a doubt, my favorite among all Japanese movies. When I first watched it as a teenager, it left a deep impression on me, and even now I continue to revisit it regularly.
What kind of movie is it? (Spoiler-free)
For its time, Swallowtail Butterfly was considered a major production, featuring a star-studded cast and a relatively large budget by Japanese standards. Although it had limited screenings in parts of Asia and even in San Francisco, its international release remained quite restricted.
Because of its sometimes violent themes, the film was given an R rating in Japan (restricted to ages 15 and up).
It’s hard to fully capture what makes this film unique, but if I had to describe it in one phrase, I would say: The strange fate of those who chased the Japanese Dream, all tied together by a single cassette tape.
Highlights of the Film
The story is set during a time when the Japanese yen was strong on the global stage.
In the fictional city of Yen Town, people of all races gather, each chasing after yen in hopes of striking it rich. This unique setting alone makes the film fascinating.
The main character, Ageha, gradually comes of age as she navigates life in Yen Town.
The live performances and music featured throughout the film are exceptional—you’ll find yourself wanting to track down the soundtrack after watching.
The intertwining of the Japanese Dream, crime, and the fate of the brothers is truly remarkable.
Every role feels vividly alive, almost as if the characters have stepped straight out of a manga.
The cinematography by the late Noboru Shinoda, a cameraman admired by many filmmakers, is breathtakingly beautiful.
Though the setting is fictional, the film offers a glimpse into Japan’s underground world, making it all the more captivating.
One of my favorite aspects of Swallowtail Butterfly is how seamlessly Japanese, Chinese, and English are interwoven throughout the dialogue. Unfortunately, when watching with English subtitles, that multilingual atmosphere can’t be fully experienced, which is a real shame.
For me, the most powerful moment is the final scene. After watching this film, I’m always left with a complex mix of emotions—happiness, sadness, nostalgia, and something in between that’s hard to put into words. Yet that indescribable feeling is exactly what defines this movie.
In today’s world, where countless films explore similar themes, Swallowtail Butterfly still stands apart as truly one of a kind. I’ve never seen another film quite like it.
Other Works by Shunji Iwai
Director Shunji Iwai has created many other remarkable films, and he has a strong following overseas as well. Some of his notable works include:
- All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001)
- Hana and Alice (2004)
- A Bride for Rip Van Winkle (2016)
- Kyrie (2023)
If you’re curious, I highly recommend checking them out!
Where Can You Watch Swallowtail Butterfly?
Unfortunately, Swallowtail Butterfly is currently not available on international streaming platforms. In Japan, you can still find it on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but access outside Japan is limited.
So, if you’d like to watch it, there are two main options:
- Stream it while you’re in Japan, using Netflix or other local services.
- Purchase a Blu-ray or DVD from Amazon—if you can find one in stock!
I’m 41 now, and I think I’ve watched Swallowtail Butterfly more than twenty times. Back when I was a teenager, I mostly watched Hollywood films and thought Japanese movies were boring. This film completely changed my perspective—it showed me that Japanese cinema could be just as exciting and powerful. It also turned me into a lifelong fan of Shunji Iwai.
Among Iwai’s works, I consider Swallowtail Butterfly to be his most ambitious and accessible film. Many of his other movies tend to be more delicate, abstract, and dreamlike in tone.
Of course, watching it today you might feel its era, but it remains a film I truly want everyone to experience. I can only hope that one day it will finally become available for streaming worldwide.
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