Knowing Me, Knowing You: The True Self in Japanese Cinema

Comedy sketch writer Sekiya Ippei (Mizukawa Katamari), weary of society’s harshness and a life without reward, decides to end it all by jumping from a train platform. Just as he is about to do so, a fatal accident occurs at the neighbouring station, forcing him to reconsider. After looking into it, Ippei discovers that the man who died was named Moriguchi Tomohiro (Masana Bokuzo) and decides to sneak into his funeral. When he returns home, however, he is confronted by Tomohiro’s ghost.

Forcing Ippei to feel grateful for his survival, the ghost Tomohiro makes a shocking request: to kill his daughter Aya’s (Karata Erika) abusive ex-husband, Wakamatsu Katsutoshi (Kyan Yutaka). Defeated by Tomohiro’s persistence, Ippei begins to investigate Katsutoshi. Along the way, a strange bond between Ippei and Tomohiro is formed, and soon Ippei comes to understand the true reason behind Tomohiro’s abrupt death.

Blending dry humour with the supernatural, Tanaka Seiji — who made a sensational international debut with Melancholic (2018) — delivers a uniquely entertaining film that moves effortlessly between comedy, mystery, and unexpected warmth.

Screening as part of The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026. Passes are available allowing entry to multiple films in this programme at a significant discount. Visit this page to purchase a pass.