“Tokyo Story,” directed by Yasujirō Ozu and released on November 3, 1953, deeply explores family relationships and the gaps between generations. The story centers on an elderly couple, Shukichi and Tomi Hirayama, who journey from their small town to visit their grown children in Tokyo. Once they arrive, they discover that their children, especially their son who is a doctor and their daughter who is a hairdresser, are too busy with their own lives to fully care for their parents.
Tokyo Story - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
| Movie: | Tokyo Story |
| Genre: | Drama, Family |
| Language: | Japanese |
| Director: | Yasujirō Ozu |
| Main Cast: | Chishū Ryū as Shūkichi Hirayama - Chieko Higashiyama as Tomi Hirayama - Setsuko Hara as Noriko Hirayama |
| Release Date: | November 3, 1953 (Japan) |
| Banner: | Shochiku Co., Ltd. |
| Music: | Not available |
| Budget: | $140,000 USD |
| Runtime: | 2h 16m |
Feeling overlooked and lonely, the couple reflects on the growing distance within their family. As Tomi’s health worsens, they think more about the connections, love, and responsibilities that bind them. Ozu’s calm directing style, marked by still camera shots and simple dialogue, heightens the story’s emotional impact.
“Tokyo Story” is praised for its relatable themes and the subdued performances of Chishū Ryū and Chieko Higashiyama as the Hirayama couple. The film is considered one of the best in cinema history, influencing filmmakers around the world and sparking conversations about changing family dynamics in post-war Japan. Its themes remain relevant and continue to touch audiences today.
Tokyo Story Screenshot
