In parallel with the tea demonstrations held monthly at Japan House London, we would like to invite guests to explore other perspectives and contemporary takes of the centuries-old tradition of Tea or chanoyu, the Japanese way of tea, through a free screening of Every Day a Good Day (2018).

Directed by Ōmori Tatsushi (whose The Ravine of Goodbye won the jury prize at the 2013 Moscow International Film Festival), Every Day a Good Day is a rite of passage drama which, through its emphasis on the five senses and the subtle changing seasons, sees the protagonist making sense of her life through the practice of Tea.

Confused college student Noriko (Kuroki Haru, Silver Bear winner at Berlin for The Little House) reluctantly takes interest in the way of tea at her mother’s insistence, accompanied by her glamorous and confident cousin Michiko (Tabe Mikako). After starting lessons with extraordinary teacher Takeda-sensei (Kirin Kiki), Noriko takes the audience with her on a journey of self-exploration, growing from her first uncertain steps to a gradual discovery of freedom within the tight rules of Tea, which becomes the only constant of her life.

The film is adapted from the widely admired collection of essays by Morishita Noriko about her 25 years as a student of Tea within Omotesenke, one of the major tea schools in Japan. To ensure the accuracy of the practice, the author of the book supervised the motions and gestures of the actresses, along with the choice of cakes, bowls, and utensils shown.

It also marks the last appearance on screen of renowned actress Kirin Kiki before her passing in September 2018. A well-loved figure in Japanese contemporary cinema, Kirin had a decade-long collaboration with acclaimed director Koreeda Hirokazu, starring in many of his films such as the 2018 Palm d’Or winner Shoplifters as well as in the titles currently being screened at Japan House London (I Wish; Like Father, Like Son; Our Little Sister).

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

This event is co-presented with the Japan Foundation.

Booking Essential | Admission Free