Metzler supports Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection

From May 27 to June 1, 2025, Frankfurt will once again become the capital of Japanese cinema. The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the world’s largest platform for Japanese film culture and is celebrating its 25th edition this year. Over the course of six festival days, around 100 current feature and short films will be presented – including numerous German, European, and international premieres. In addition, Nippon Connection offers a wide range of cultural events for all generations, from tea ceremonies and cooking classes to workshops, performances, exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions, concerts, and children's programs.

For the 20th time, Metzler is supporting the Japanese film festival as one of its main sponsors – a small anniversary of its own. On the festival’s final day, the audience award NIPPON CINEMA AWARD, donated by Metzler, will be presented. Gerhard Wiesheu, CEO of Metzler, is once again looking forward to the traditional Metzler reception held at the end of the festival, bringing together friends of the bank. “Nippon Connection has become an integral part of Frankfurt’s cultural landscape. Every year, this unique event helps build bridges and foster mutual understanding and respect between cultures. My heartfelt thanks go to the entire team of Nippon Connection e.V., who are making this extraordinary event possible for the 25th time. Our long-standing and excellent cooperation with the Nippon Connection team shows that Metzler’s commitment to Japan is long-term – both in business and cultural terms,” says Wiesheu.

Metzler and Japan have always maintained close ties: Since 2001, the bank has been represented in Tokyo with Metzler Asset Management (Japan) Ltd. The team has established itself as a recognized asset management partner for institutional clients in Japan. The connection goes back even further: In 1893, Moritz von Metzler visited the country and took part in the cherry blossom celebration hosted by Emperor Meiji.

The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the world’s largest showcase of Japanese cinema and is held every year over six days in early summer at various locations throughout Frankfurt. The unique film and cultural program offers Japan with all senses – from tradition to modernity. In 2024, more than 19,000 visitors attended the festival. Nippon Connection was founded in 2000 and is organized largely on a voluntary basis by the non-profit association Nippon Connection e.V. The patrons of the 2025 edition include the Hessian Minister for Science and Research, Art and Culture, Timon Gremmels, the Mayor of Frankfurt, Mike Josef, and the Consulate General of Japan in Frankfurt.