Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2011

Reminiscent of Zawa Zawa Shimokitazawa (2000), this flick is also a kind of love story set in a bohemian section of Tokyo with a sly, offbeat atmosphere. Directed by Shoichi Kato, and based on the novel by Eichi Nakata, the work follows the life of Asahina (Renn Kiriyama from the Kamen Rider TV series), a freeta twenty-something. Asahina is the shy and sensitive type who has an affinity for the arts (fiction, theater and film). One day in a café he’s caught in a random fight between a couple he doesn’t know, so the waitress, Maya (Mari Hoshino), comes to his aid. Previously smitten, he starts a friendship with her and a fortuitous further meeting leads them to start hanging out. Maya, however, is married with a three-year-old daughter and takes it all as platonic fun. Or does she? Mainly shot cinéma vérité-style with a handheld camera, the flick builds an intimate atmosphere, both between the principle characters and with the picturesque Kichijoji neighborhood, which is used to great effect. A charming and perceptive portrait, this is the kind of film we wish Japan would make more of. (91 min)