The 2016 Toronto Japanese Film Festival presented the North American premiere for Tomoaki Akune’s film “Hana’s Miso Soup”. It’s a true story that was based off Shingo Yasutake’s novel of the same name.
The film focused on young music graduate, Chie (Ryoko Hirose), and her journey against breast cancer. Before she discovered the unsettling news, Chie met Shingo Yasutake (Kenichi Takito). He was a reporter that she wanted to write an article about her school’s upcoming concert. For a divorced Shingo, it was love at first sight the moment he saw Chie.
Unfortunately for the couple, they had hit a rough patch in their relationship when Chie discovered that she had breast cancer. Not wavering in his love for Chie, Shingo stuck by her side throughout her chemotherapy. He married her after she entered remission, despite the news that she could never bear any children because of the chemotherapy.
The newlyweds got an unexpected surprise when Chie discovered that she was pregnant. Shingo was ecstatic at the possibility of being a father while Chie was distraught. If Chie continued with her pregnancy, it would increase her chances of her cancer returning. Chie decided to continue the pregnancy after her ill father, Kazunori Matsunaga (Sei Hiraizumi), told her it was fine to take a risk if it meant creating life.
Soon after, Chie and Shingo welcomed their little baby Hana to their family. Despite the happiness they experienced, Chie soon learned that her cancer had returned. Desperate for a cure, Shingo got the name of Genju Ito (Ikko Furuya), a country doctor who had the reputation of curing the unthinkable. One lesson that Chie took away from Genju Ito was to change her lifestyle, starting with more Japanese cuisine into her diet. For years, Chie battled against her cancer with varied success.
It wasn’t until Hana was four years old did Chie start to prepare her daughter for a life without her. One of the lessons that Chie instilled into Hana was to eat well and to cook well, starting with miso soup. Knowing first hand that the right diet could make the difference for her health, Chie started teaching little Hana how to cook the traditional Japanese dish. With the addition to the lessons, the family continued to struggle with the possible fate that awaited Chie.
A special thing about this film was the alternating narrations from Chie and Shingo, which provided perspectives from both sides of the situation. Both perspectives provide a needed understanding and by doing so, it brought out a deep emotional response as viewers were exposed to all emotions involved. This film was a deeply moving piece that shone its light on a heartbreaking story.
Throughout the film, Chie was a woman that was wise beyond her years as she looked upon life with happiness as she tried to put a positive spin on all occurrences in her life. Chie showed true strength through it all, though her moments of weakness conveyed the true depth of her own turmoil. Despite the hardships and the losses, Chie continued forward and she took advantage of what life had to offer her. Ryoko Hirose’s depiction of Chie was done splendidly and her performance was heartbreakingly beautiful.
Then there is Shingo, who brought comedic relief through his clumsy awkwardness and his intense reactions. Despite his tendency to embarrass himself, Shingo’s actions were always ruled by his passionate emotions. Ecstatic or sorrowful, Shingo would emote from the very depths of his being, having it resonate with anyone who witnessed it. Kenichi Takito’s depiction of Shingo held the perfect balance with his comedic timing and his expressive delivery. Takito truly brought Shingo to life as the endearing and devoted husband of Chie.
Then there is little Hana (Emina Akamatsu), who learned how to cook miso soup so young. At four-years-old, Hana displayed a great level of maturity that would break anyone’s heart as they saw her experience such turmoil while so young. Despite the great maturity, Hana also showed a great level of innocence that would make anyone laugh because of all the child-like comments she would spout off in glee. Seeing Hana smile would make anyone smile. Emina Akamatsu truly made you fall in love with her depiction of Chie’s endearing little girl.
While the film focused on Chie’s journey as a breast cancer patient, a newlywed and as a mother, the film also featured the delicious Japanese cuisine, especially the miso soup dish. The preparation in this iconic Japanese dish demonstrated the care and time needed to create such a delicacy yet it proved that anyone could make miso soup and make it their own…just like Hana learned how to do.
Original Title: Hanachan no misoshiru
Director: Tomoaki Akune
Writer: Chie, Hana & Shingo Yasutake (book)
Screenplay: Tomoaki Akune
Country of Origin: Japan
Language: Japanese
Length: 118 minutes
Original Release: March 17, 2016
IMDb | Official Website | Official Trailer
Publication Note:
This was published for AsianWave Magazine.
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