A Japanese film that everyone who works should see
I love movies, but I mostly watch American or European films.
I do enjoy Japanese cinema as well, but in terms of sheer number of truly interesting works, Japanese films unfortunately lag far behind those from overseas.
Budgets in the Japanese film industry are limited, and there are only a handful of directors and technicians with truly outstanding talent.
Even so, the Japanese film I want to strongly recommend this time is PERFECT DAYS. (No spoilers)
Director & Screenplay: Wim Wenders (co-written with Takuma Takasaki)
Starring: Kōji Yakusho (as Hirayama)
Setting: Public restrooms in Shibuya, Tokyo, particularly those renovated as part of THE TOKYO TOILET project
Release: Premiered in 2023. Official selection in competition at the 76th Cannes Film Festival,
where Kōji Yakusho became the second Japanese actor in 19 years to win the Best Actor Award
Granted, since the director is Wim Wenders—famous for Paris, Texas—this may not count as a purely “Japanese” film, but I hope you’ll allow me to make the case.
It was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, so some of you may already know it, but if you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you to do so.
Synopsis
The protagonist, Hirayama, lives a quiet life working as a toilet cleaner.
His daily routine is filled with small joys—drinking canned coffee, photographing sunlight filtering through the trees, reading secondhand books.
One day, an unexpected reunion with his niece stirs faint echoes of his past.
The film is characterized by extremely sparse dialogue, instead unfolding through images, expressions, and landscapes.
A Quiet and Beautiful Drama That Doesn’t Tell You Everything
I watched this film in the theater, and I was immediately drawn into it.
Though the story seems like a repetition of the same daily cycle, the quiet, meandering scenes flow at a steady pace, never becoming dull.
On the contrary, it felt soothing—I thought I could happily watch Hirayama’s life continue on like this forever.
The Enigmatic Hirayama
This film paints a portrait of Hirayama as a person.
His sincerity, kindness, and humanity are deeply appealing.
Yet the film offers no explanations about his past or why he works cleaning toilets.
So much is left unsaid, and imagining or reflecting on those silences is part of the enjoyment.
Daily Life Is Not Just Repetition
Hirayama lives each day to the fullest, savoring and enjoying it.
Through his eyes, we see how even ordinary daily life brims with change and discovery, giving us important insights into our own lives.
Alongside Oldies Music
Hirayama loves oldies, and throughout the film a variety of songs flow from cassette tapes in his car.
These nostalgic tunes add a wonderful layer of texture to the film.
Overseas Reception and Reviews
- Associated Press (AP): Praised the film as “minimalist and slow, but with a soul-cleansing beauty.”
They noted how Kōji Yakusho’s performance brings profound resonance to quiet daily life. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature and received four stars. - The Guardian: Called it a “Zen drama,” highlighting its beauty, simplicity, and sense of fulfillment.
They praised the lead actor’s subtle, expressive performance, comparing it to the films of Yasujirō Ozu, and even described the film as less a movie and more a manifesto for a new way of living. - Wikipedia (English): Reported that FIPRESCI described the film as “the masterpiece of Wim Wenders’ career,” while Wendy Ide of The Guardian called it “his most significant work.”
In addition, in the 2025 100 Best Films of the 21st Century: Readers’ Choice list, it ranked at #83. - Personal Impressions Overseas:
A note.com contributor living in Australia wrote that the film made them appreciate the Japanese way of conveying emotions quietly and helped them develop a respect for diversity of cultures and expression. - On Reddit, one user frankly described it as “one of the most depressing films I’ve seen,” while another compared the experience to “listening to music at sunset that resonates with your soul.”
In Closing
The cinematography is also stunning.
The film shows glimpses of Japanese culture through Tokyo’s old neighborhoods, traditional apartments, bars, and public bathhouses.
I believe I am not alone in feeling admiration for a way of life like Hirayama’s.
His performance was truly outstanding, worthy of the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
The final scene is one that divides opinion.
I have never experienced another film that stirred my heart so powerfully in such a quiet way.
If you are interested in Japanese culture, or if you are tired of the monotony of daily life, I highly recommend this film!
Be sure to watch all the way through to the very end of the credits.
Thanks for reading!