Perfect Days 2023

In Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, Hirayama toils away as a meticulous public toilet cleaner, his daily routine a testament to his dedication and precision. His modest home lies on the other side of the Sumida River, a world away from the upscale district he serves. Every morning, Hirayama rises with the sun to embark on his structured day, punctuated by his passion for music cassettes, which he listens to in his van as he commutes to work. He devours books by esteemed authors like William Faulkner and Patricia Highsmith, and delves into the philosophical essays of Aya Kōda, seeking solace in their words. As the day draws to a close, Hirayama’s dreams are woven into impressionistic sequences, a glimpse into his inner world.

In his free time, Hirayama tends to his beloved trees, photographing their intricate branches and leaves, as well as the fleeting beauty of ‘Komorebi’ (木漏れ日) - reflected sunlight. His reverence for these natural wonders is palpable in the precision with which he cultivates them. Meanwhile, his young assistant Takashi often finds himself late, loud, and lacking in thoroughness, much to Hirayama’s dismay. One day, a chance encounter between Takashi and a young woman named Aya at the public toilet leads to a series of events that will upend Hirayama’s life.

Takashi’s tardiness forces him to rush through his work, and he finds himself hurrying to complete his tasks before Aya departs. In a moment of desperation, he convinces Hirayama to lend him his van, unaware that the consequences of this decision will be far-reaching. When Takashi discovers the true value of Hirayama’s cherished music cassettes, he urges his employer to sell them, but Hirayama is resolute in his refusal. As the days pass, Hirayama finds himself at a crossroads, forced to confront the reality of his situation.

In the midst of these challenges, Hirayama strikes up an unlikely game of tic-tac-toe with a stranger, the outcome uncertain as they continue to play out their strategy over the course of the film. As he navigates this new terrain, Hirayama can’t help but exchange fleeting glances with a mysterious woman who sits just beyond his reach, her presence a tantalizing reminder that there is more to life than the carefully constructed routine he has built for himself.

As Aya hands the Patti Smith cassette back to Hirayama (played by), she asks for one final spin in his van, her gratitude manifesting in a gentle cheek-kiss that leaves him visibly agitated. In the days that follow, Hirayama embarks on a solitary routine of self-care, laundry day giving way to film development, flat tidying, and a new book purchase. He caps off his free time with dinner at a restaurant where the proprietor regales him with juicy gossip, her warm demeanor a stark contrast to the stormy emotions brewing within Hirayama.

Unannounced, Niko (Hirayama’s niece) appears on his doorstep, having fled her estranged sister Keiko’s opulent home. Hirayama takes Niko under his wing, allowing her to accompany him to work over the next two days as they capture the beauty of the park’s trees and ride bikes together, their shared experiences forging an unbreakable bond.

As their time together draws to a close, Keiko arrives in a chauffeur-driven car, her somber expression revealing the true nature of her visit: their father’s dementia has taken a devastating turn, rendering him unable to recognize or respond as he once did. Hirayama is torn apart by the news, his sorrow and helplessness manifesting in uncontrollable tears.

The next day, Takashi quits without warning, leaving Hirayama to pick up the slack, his world already reeling from the emotional blow. As he seeks solace at his favorite restaurant, Hirayama opens the door to a surprise that shatters his sense of normalcy: the proprietor embracing a man she had not seen in seven years. Hirayama beats a hasty retreat, purchasing cigarettes and canned drinks as he heads to the riverbank to drown his sorrows.

As he sits alone, a figure approaches, seeking solace in a cigarette shared by Hirayama. The stranger reveals that the proprietor is his ex-wife, who had opened her restaurant after their divorce seven years prior. He implores Hirayama to look after her, as his own mortality looms large due to an impending cancer diagnosis. As they part ways, Hirayama finds a fleeting sense of peace in offering the stranger a drink and inviting him to play shadow tag.

The next morning, Hirayama begins another arduous workweek, Nina Simone’s soulful rendition of “Feeling Good” washing over him like a balm for his troubled soul. As he drives through the city streets, his face a map of emotions - grief, sorrow, and regret all vying for dominance - it becomes clear that Hirayama’s world is poised on the precipice of a profound reckoning, one that will force him to confront the depths of his own humanity.