Japan House London is delighted to present two free screenings of Tokyo Story, Ozu Yasujirō’s best known film from 1953, widely regarded as one of the greatest films in the history of cinema.

The plot follows an elderly couple’s trip to visit their grown-up children in the capital. Their offspring, preoccupied with their own daily and professional lives, ignore the visitors’ presence and needs. Only the couple’s daughter-in-law, Noriko, widowed after their son was killed during the war, has any time and emotional capacity for them.

Tokyo Story is painful in its honest depiction of family bonds compromised by the demands of modern society, while the old couple’s sightseeing excursions in the reconstructed capital and Noriko’s story recall the tragedy of the war.

This deeply melancholic film provides a great starting point for exploration of the works of one of the most cherished film directors in Japanese cinematography. To allow for even better understanding and appreciation of Ozu Yasujirō’s work the screening on Sunday, 19 February will be preceded by an introductory talk by film critic Jasper Sharp. Booking for this talk is coming soon.

The screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles.

Guests who are booked to attend the screening can also enjoy 10% off drinks at The Stand on their way in.