They Give Me a Day I Will Never Forget (2023)

Koto, a freelance sound designer, awaits for her former lover Shoichi at the airport when he temporarily returns from the Philippines. Their romantic relationship has practically ended ever since Shoichi went abroad, but Shoichi ends up staying at their former apartment complex where Koto now lives alone. This does not bring them back together, and Koto continues with her daily life... This is the first feature film by IWASAKI Kanshi, who studied directing under MANDA Kunitoshi at THE FILM SCHOOL OF TOKYO and has worked as an assistant director and sound recordist on films by MIYAZAKI Daisuke and KIYOHARA Yui. The subtle camerawork and attention to sound are superb, but what is most impressive is the lead actress MURAKAMI Yukino who plays Koto - her presence supports the backbone of the story that does not have any special incidents. Although the film depicts an everyday domestic world around us, it is interesting to see a glimpse of Japanese society through Koto's work.