7 Recommendations for Japanese Films about Mothers, Full of Meaning Even if Not All are Touching

The Japanese film about mothers MOM, IS THAT YOU?! (2023) tells the story of Akio Kizaki, a department head who is facing a major crisis in his life. He is confronted with the threat of divorce and a strained relationship with his daughter. Akio tries to find peace by returning to his parents' home in Tokyo, but the past and conflicts with his mother begin to reveal bitter truths.

The story of the Japanese film about mothers TRUE MOTHERS (2020) begins with an incident at school that shakes the lives of the parents of an adopted child. This film focuses on a couple who decides to adopt a child, revealing the emotional and moral challenges they face. The story shows the true meaning of parenthood and how family bonds can develop.

TOKYO SONATA (2008) is also a Japanese film about mothers. Although it does not fully focus on the figure of the mother, TOKYO SONATA depicts the complicated family dynamics amidst Japan's economic crisis. When the father loses his job, he becomes depressed and withdrawn, affecting his relationship with his wife who manages the household. The film shows how the roles of mothers and families are tested during difficult times.

TO MOM, WITH LOVE (2024) is a Japanese film about mothers that features the story of three sisters facing the complexities of their lives. They invite their mother on a vacation to a hot spring, but during this time, personal conflicts begin to arise. Tensions escalate when one sister's boyfriend appears, triggering secrets and new tensions that change their family dynamics.

MOTHERHOOD (2020) tells the story of a teacher named Sayaka who must confront her childhood trauma. Despite having a husband and a mother who seem to care, Sayaka feels emotionally empty due to her strained relationship with her mother, Rumiko. The film depicts how a mother's love can be very different from what her child expects.

The story in A MOTHER'S TOUCH (2022) focuses on the relationship between Reiko, a mother who is the world's first deaf-blind professor, and her son, Satoshi. When Satoshi loses his sight, Reiko remains faithfully by his side, teaching him to communicate using "Finger Braille." This story teaches about a mother's love and resilience in facing difficulties together with her child.

Japanese films about mothers are not always heartwarming. In fact, MOTHER (2020) raises a very strong theme of toxic parenting, with Akiko as a single mother struggling with her addiction. Akiko's dependence on her son, Shuhei, to handle household chores and her uncontrolled emotions creates a dangerous mother-child relationship. Find more interesting Japanese film recommendations only at kaanlagi.com. If not now, when?