Perfect Days

Perfect Days is a poignant and contemplative film that follows the life of Hirayama, a humble toilet cleaner living in Tokyo. On the surface, his life appears to be mundane and uneventful, governed by a strict routine that ensures a sense of order in an otherwise chaotic city. Hirayama's days are filled with the monotonous task of cleaning toilets, a job that requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Despite the simplicity of his work, Hirayama is content with his life, finding solace in the small pleasures he has cultivated along the way. One of the main sources of enjoyment in Hirayama's life is music. He has a vast collection of cassette tapes that he cherishes greatly, often listening to them during his free time. The tactile nature of cassette tapes – the tactile pleasures of running one's fingers over the scratches, creases, and dust that accumulate on the cassettes – seems to bring Hirayama a sense of comfort. His affinity for music also extends to the emotional resonance he derives from it; each song seems to evoke a particular memory or feeling that has become linked to the melody. Hirayama's love for literature is another aspect of his life that brings him peace and satisfaction. He has an extensive collection of books, often reading them during his breaks or after work. His love for literature is not limited to fiction; he also enjoys poetry, which he finds particularly evocative and beautiful. His affection for words is evident in the notes he keeps in his journal, filled with quotes and musings about the world around him. In addition to his love for music and literature, Hirayama also has a keen eye for photography. His camera is always by his side, and he often takes photos of trees during his lunch breaks or after work. He finds solace in nature, often wandering through parks or along riverbanks, and the act of taking photos becomes a way for him to connect with the world around him. The tree, with its rugged bark, weathered limbs, and unique texture, is a source of fascination for Hirayama, representing a connection to the ever-changing world. Throughout the film, Hirayama's encounters with strangers become pivotal moments in his life. These chance meetings often happen in Tokyo's crowded streets, where people are constantly rushing to and fro. While these meetings can seem fleeting or inconsequential at first, they often bring Hirayama a new perspective on his life and the world around him. One of the most significant encounters Hirayama has is with a young woman, who sits beside him on a bus and begins to tell him about her dreams and aspirations. Her words are met with a sense of longing and wistfulness, and Hirayama finds himself torn between his desire to help her and his own limitations as a toilet cleaner. This meeting highlights the contrasts between their lives, as he struggles to understand her ambition and zeal for life. His experiences also bring out the realization that life's simple pleasures, such as his love for music and literature, and simple nature walks, also bring both happiness and peace. Despite his appreciation for life's small pleasures, Hirayama is also aware of the impermanence of things. He recognizes that his cassettes will eventually wear out, that his books will become dog-eared and worn, and that the trees he photographs will continue to grow and change. His encounters with strangers serve as a reminder of the transience of life, and he finds himself constantly reflecting on the fleeting nature of existence. Ultimately, Perfect Days is a film that celebrates the beauty in everyday life. It's a testament to the power of human connection and the capacity for joy to be found in the most unexpected places. Through Hirayama's story, we see that even in a busy, crowded city like Tokyo, it's possible to find moments of beauty and meaning in the simplest of things – a song on tape, a well-crafted phrase, or a solitary tree standing tall in the urban jungle. The film's ending, where Hirayama continues on with his daily routine blissfully, smiling, as the camera pan out, leaving the viewer pondering over the introspect of it, adds beauty to its overall meaning and understanding.