The Ephemeral Life: “Ending Notes - Death of A Japanese Salesman,” “Departures,” & “Daireikai: Shindara dou naru”

Today, we will present three Japanese movies. All these films approach a chapter in life that every one of us will need to face – and that is death. Let us first explore the 2011 documentary “Ending Note: Death of a Japanese Salesman.” The film introduces us to Mr. Tomoaki Sunada, at the age of 67, he finally retires. Just as he begins to enjoy his new freedom and spending more time with his family, Tomoaki Sunada learns that he has cancer…. In our next movie, “Departures,” Daigo Kobayashi has to give up his career in Tokyo as a cellist when the orchestra Daigo Kobayashi works for is dissolved, he decides to move back to his hometown Yamagata. He then finds out that his new job is working in a mortuary. Our final movie presentation is called “Daireikai: Shindara dou naru.” In the film, we are shown that after we die, our status or position, wealth—whatever material possessions we had on Earth—all are no longer important. The only thing that matters is merit gained in life. Three though-provoking films highlighting the ephemeral nature of life. Through their beautiful stories, they underline the strong connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, and inspire us to cherish our precious time on Earth.