Title: "Perfect Days" - Wim Wenders' Affection for Japan's Quiet Beauty
Wim Wenders' new creation, "Perfect Days," features a man who appears content with life, cleaning toilets and appreciating simple pleasures. Koji Yakusho, who portrays these humble, contented character, won the Best Actor award at Cannes. Set in Tokyo, the film is a serene and touching narrative, aided by compelling performances.
The plot revolves around the character Hirayama (Koji Yakusho), who lives a life of solitude, engrossed in reading and music. Tokyo's streets serve as his backdrop, and we travel alongside Hirayama, witnessing his work in the city's exquisitely designed toilets, made possible by "The Tokyo Toilet" project in which top architects contributed.
Wenders was captivated by these elaborately created, tranquil restrooms, noting, "It's impossible to imagine something more beautiful than these little havens of peace in the middle of the city."
Hirayama's past is gradually unveiled, and his privileged family background contrasts with his current occupation. Wenders observes a distinct attitude towards service and community in Japan. He notes, "The common good meant everything in Japan, especially amidst the pandemic. While pandemic-recovered societies fought for scarce resources, Japan emphasized unity and shared experience."
The joy and dedication from Tokyo's visitors in cleaning their restrooms ignited Wenders' inspiration. He felt the genuine desire prompted him to express the beauty of the shared good through this film.
Additional Insights
- Wenders drew inspiration from his passion for Japanese cinema and its philosophical underscores, notably Yasujirō Ozu's works, known for their stillness, long takes, and minimal actions, requiring the audience to immerse within the world and its characters. "Perfect Days" is reflected in Ozu's virtues, including meticulous lifestyles, respect for tradition, and the value of solitude.
- "Perfect Days" highlights the Japanese cultural values of attention to detail, respect for tradition, the significance of solitude, and the importance of human connection. Through Hirayama's routine, Wenders emphasizes valuing each moment and the fleeting nature of life (mono no aware). Hirayama's isolation allows him to discover joy in the world, whereas human interaction in quiet moments lends depth to relationships.
