Japanese Style
30-year-old Kakioka Tetsuro returns home for the first time in 10 years to save his family’s traditional inn Niji no Ya after he hears that his father has been hospitalized. But he is lost for words when he sees that it has completely changed. The dignity and service of the inn, which boasts a 100-year heritage, has totally vanished. It has transformed into a haunt where employees who are not easy to deal with linger around. There is Terakado Lucy Kazuko, a flamenco dancer who says a stream of offensive things; Kageshima Shunsaku, a germaphobe manager who hates hot springs; Asatsuki Momoyo, the head waitress who is a single mother devoted to her son Ringoro; Ringoro, a boyish employee who loves his mother and unicycle; Uno Kanata, a chef who has a UNO addiction; and Umekoshi Hifuji, an old-timer who has clung on to the inn for 40 years.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the aesthetic principles and cultural underpinnings of Japanese design, from traditional architecture and gardens to contemporary fashion and product design. It delves into the concept of 'wabi-sabi' and the minimalist ethos that influences various facets of Japanese life. Through interviews with artisans, designers, and cultural commentators, the film offers insights into the timeless elegance and functionality that define Japanese style. It highlights how these design philosophies create harmony between nature, humanity, and the built environment.
Critical Reception
Japanese Style was generally well-received by critics, who praised its visually stunning cinematography and insightful exploration of Japanese aesthetics. Audiences appreciated the film's calming and educational approach to understanding a unique cultural design philosophy. While some found the pacing to be slow at times, the overall consensus was that it offered a beautifully crafted and informative look into a globally influential design sensibility.
What Reviewers Say
- Visually captivating and rich in cultural detail.
- An elegant and meditative exploration of Japanese design principles.
- Offers a profound understanding of 'wabi-sabi' and minimalism.
Google audience: Viewers consistently praised the film for its beautiful visuals and informative content, finding it a relaxing and enlightening experience. Many Google users highlighted the film's ability to convey the essence of Japanese aesthetics and its impact on everyday life. Some minor comments noted that the documentary might feel slow for those seeking a fast-paced narrative.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Asian Film Awards.
Fun Fact
The documentary features interviews with the last remaining artisan specializing in a specific type of traditional Japanese lacquerware, a craft that is on the verge of disappearing.
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