Lost Girls & Love Hotels

Margaret, an American expatriate, navigates the neon-lit streets of Tokyo with a dual existence - by day, she instructs prospective flight attendants at a Japanese academy in the nuances of English, while by night, she indulges in the city's underbelly, seeking fleeting connections and submission in love hotels. Her nocturnal escapades often leave her disheveled and dazed, prompting concern from her manager, Nakamura, who sees in Margaret a younger version of herself and offers sympathetic understanding.

As Margaret's life becomes increasingly fragmented, she crosses paths with Kazu, a Yakuza enforcer whose imposing presence belies a complex inner world. Despite his impending marriage being more a duty than a passion, Kazu finds himself drawn to Margaret, who is initially hesitant but eventually succumbs to the allure of their tumultuous relationship. Through conversations and shared experiences, Margaret confides in Kazu about her troubled past - the abandonment by her father, the loss of her mother to cancer, and the struggles with her schizophrenic brother - revealing her reason for fleeing to Japan: a desperate quest for solitude.

On the day of her students' graduation at the flight academy, Kazu surprises Margaret with an unexpected invitation to spend the entire day exploring Kyoto together. Initially hesitant, she agrees when he promises it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and they embark on a whirlwind adventure that takes them to the revered Kiyomizu-dera temple. As Kazu guides her through the labyrinthine tunnel, illuminating the "Buddha's womb" with an otherworldly glow, he imparts the symbolism of rebirth - a poignant reminder for Margaret to confront her demons and let go of the trauma that has haunted her. However, as she awakens on the train ride back to Tokyo, she finds herself abandoned by Kazu, leaving her feeling bereft and adrift.

When she returns to work, Margaret is met with the shocking news: she has been dismissed and replaced, a harsh reality that serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of her existence in Japan.

As Ines announces her departure from Japan, Margaret's world begins to unravel further. Her existence becomes a series of hollow sexual encounters, devoid of emotional connection or fulfillment. However, when she stumbles upon Kazu with his family at a love hotel, she seizes the opportunity to follow him into a momentary escape from her desolate reality. Kazu rebuffs Margaret's advances, firmly rejecting any possibility of a relationship. Despite this, Margaret persists in professing her love for him, and they engage in one final, fleeting encounter before he sends her away, leaving her feeling battered and confused.

As she returns to her apartment, Margaret is met with the harsh reality of an eviction notice, effectively terminating her last shred of stability. In a desperate attempt to salvage what's left of her life, Margaret takes on a job as a hostess at a bar, catering to rowdy businessmen. However, she finds herself unable to participate in the revelry, and ultimately leaves without receiving payment.

At rock bottom, Margaret is found wandering the streets by Louise, Liam's girlfriend. The news that Liam has been deported serves as a harsh reminder of her own isolation. As she shares a drink with Louise, Margaret becomes drunk and embarks on a aimless journey through Tokyo's nighttime landscape. It's here that she begins to notice a strange figure following her, prompting her to seek out a love hotel. With a newfound desire for submission, she strips naked and lies down, surrendering to the mysterious stranger's demands. As he ties her hands and feet to the bed, he suggests that he could kill her, but Margaret, desperate for release, begs him to do so.

Just as all hope seems lost, Kazu bursts into the room, having followed Margaret, and rescues her from this precarious situation. Grateful for his intervention, Margaret decides to start anew by leaving Tokyo behind. On the plane, she's surprised to find Tamiko, a former student of hers, working as a flight attendant. As Tamiko demonstrates safety procedures before takeoff, Margaret can't help but smile at the familiar face. It's on this journey that Margaret finally begins to understand the symbolism of the "Buddha's womb," and with it, she experiences a profound sense of rebirth. With a newfound appreciation for life, she bids farewell to Kazu, leaving her past behind.