Japanese movies are making a strong showing at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Koreda Hirokazu’s “Nobody Knows”, the first movie shown of the 19 works contending for the prestigious Palme d’Or, received a resounding ovation from the audience yesterday. It has a good chance of becoming the first Japanese movie to take the top prize since 1997’s “Unagi”. Leading actress You (photo, 39) – a veteran TV personality but in her first real dramatic role – said tearfully, “It was the longest round of applause I’ve ever heard!” The Ishii Katsuhito-directed “The Taste of Tea” was the first Japanese movie to be chosen to open the Director’s Week at the event. The film stars Asano Tadahito (30) and includes a special appearance by SMAP member Kusanagi Tsuyoshi (29). Fellow SMAPer Kimura Takuya (31) stars in the Wong Kar Wai flick “2046”, also showing at the festival.