Natsumi, an art school graduate, struggles to find her place in a design company and currently works part-time at an ice cream shop. She becomes captivated by a regular customer, the writer Saho Hashimoto, feeling a sense of destiny in their connection that she can’t shake.

Natsumi’s younger co-worker, Takako, watches her with complex emotions. Meanwhile, Yu, who lives near the ice cream shop, is surprised when her estranged niece, Miwa, suddenly comes to live with her. Miwa explains that she’s searching for her estranged father, who left home years ago. Yu is taken aback by this sudden change in her life… and her niece’s appearance draws her back to her long-lost painful memory.

Based on the short story Ice Cream Netsu by Akutagawa Prize-winning author Mieko Kawakami, this is an intricate compilation of stories of the human relations of multiple female singletons of different ages who live and work in Tokyo now. Tetsuya Chihara, a versatile art director known for his work in advertising and fashion, makes his directorial debut with this work which features a wealth of interesting cinematography and vivid colours which all add a stylish tone to this film. Simply fun to watch.

Passes are available allowing entry to multiple Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme screenings at a reduced rate. Visit this page to purchase a pass.

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