Japanese Story

Sandy Edwards (played by Toni Collette) is a director in a company that designs geological software in Perth, Western Australia. Her business partner manipulates her into agreeing to act as a guide for a Japanese businessman visiting mines in the Pilbara desert, hoping that he will purchase the software. When Hiromitsu Tachibana (Gotaro Tsunashima [ja]) arrives, he treats Sandy like a chauffeur, and he seems more intent on self-discovery in the wilderness than on buying computer software. At first, Sandy is angered by his reserved, demanding demeanor. On their first journey into the desert, Hiromitsu, feeling insecure, talks more on his phone with friends in Japan than he does to Sandy. He also insists that she drive further than planned. The terrain proves too much for the pair's vehicle, which becomes stuck in the sand. After a series of desperate attempts to free the vehicle, including digging a dead man anchor, their winch burns out. Sandy wants to use Hiromitsu's phone to call people who can rescue them, but Hiromitsu refuses. This forces them to spend the night stranded together. The next day, Hiromitsu, conscious that his refusal had placed them in danger, wakes up much earlier than Sandy and builds a track of sticks over which they can drive out of the sand; the manoeuvre is successful. Now that they are on the road again, they become more social and a friendship starts between them which, in isolated surroundings uninterrupted by their work, grows quickly and honestly. Later, at a motel, they have sex. Only after does Sandy learn that Hiromitsu has a wife and children in Japan.

On another journey to scenic spots, Hiromitsu and Sandy share a quiet moment and kiss each other, eventually having sex again. Afterwards, Sandy runs into a swimming hole nearby. Hiromitsu follows her, diving into the shallow water before she can warn him, and disappears. Sandy frantically calls for him and, after a moment, his lifeless body resurfaces. In shock at his sudden death, Sandy struggles to deal with the situation, dragging his body into their vehicle and carefully washing it before driving for hours to the nearest town. Back in Perth, Sandy cannot comprehend the violent end to her journey. Reality intrudes in the form of Hiromitsu's grieving widow, Yukiko, and Sandy tries to understand how Hiromitsu's life had ended before she had understood his place in hers.

• Toni Collette – Sandy Edwards
• Gotaro Tsunashima [ja] (綱島郷太郎 Tsunashima Gōtarō) – Hiromitsu Tachibana
• Matthew Dyktynski – Bill Baird
• Lynette Curran – Mum
• Yumiko Tanaka (田中由美子 Tanaka Yumiko) – Yukiko Tachibana
• Kate Atkinson – Jackie
• Bill Young – Jimmy Smithers
• Reg Evans – Bloke in Row Boat
• George Shevtsov – James
• Justine Clarke – Jane
• Igor Sas – Fraser
• Mike Frencham – Blake
• John Howard – Richards
• Phil Bennett^[4] – Barman
• Heath Bergersen – Petrol Bloke
• Peter Heather - Police Officer 1
• Ray Curren - Police Officer 2
• Peter Lester - Chef

Japanese Story grossed $4,520,000 at the box office in Australia.^[5]

Japanese Story received generally positive reviews, currently holding an approval rating of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert awarded the film 3 and a half out of 4 stars and wrote, "This is that rare sort of film that is not about what happens, but about what happens then."^[6] Similarly, writing for BBC.com, critic Nev Pierce, praised uniqueness of the story, arguing, "Most movies take you to a pre-ordained end: you know the guy will get the girl, the hero defeat the villain, the 'right' win through might. But this genre-blending picture is as unpredictable as real-life, taking you on an emotional journey where the departure point never suggests the final destination. It's wrong-footing and refreshing, you really are being told a story, not just seeing an on-screen echo of your expectations."^[7]

A modern day review by James Croot writing for Stuff NZ, praised the film, stating, "A far deeper tale.... Japanese Story is an emotional rollercoaster of a movie.".^[8]

• Cinema of Australia