The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl 2018

The movie chronicles the adventurous night of two university students: an unnamed woman known as Kōhai (後輩, “Junior”), and an unnamed man referred to as Senpai (先輩, “Senior”). Throughout the film, the Senpai is intent on confessing his romantic feelings to the Kōhai during their outing, but unexpected events keep them apart for most of the evening.

As fate unfolds, the Kōhai encounters a lecherous individual named Tōdō in a bar, and she bravely defends herself by striking him when he makes an unwanted advance. This act earns her the admiration of two patrons: Higuchi Shishô and Hanuki-san. They entice her into crashing various strangers’ parties, where she indulges in a remarkable amount of alcohol. The night becomes even more thrilling when she engages in a drinking game with Rihaku, a supernatural entity, and emerges victorious.

Simultaneously, the Senpai and Kōhai attend a used book festival, both searching for a cherished picture book from the Kōhai’s childhood. There, Rihaku commands a spicy food challenge, drawing in book lovers eager to win selections from his rare collection. The Senpai soon spots the elusive picture book and decides to compete for it. Despite his success, the contest is suddenly interrupted by the God of Used Book Festivals, aided by the Kōhai, who ensures the books are returned to fair pricing for attendees.

Once in possession of the cherished book, both characters head to their school’s festival. Here, the Senpai discovers that the Kōhai is cast in a major role for a guerilla theatre production’s final act. Eager to support her, he attempts to take on the male lead role but ultimately faces defeat. Unfortunately, he succumbs to a cold, leading him to retreat home.

In the interim, the Kōhai attends to her newfound friends, all of whom have similarly caught the cold from the Senpai, nursing them back to health out of kindness. Her final stop is to visit the Senpai, where he gifts her a copy of Ratatatam and proposes a trip to a used bookstore together. The Kōhai, thrilled by the idea, readily agrees. The film concludes with the two enjoying a coffee together, a prelude to their bookstore adventure.