So, as the winter evenings in December unfold at Lamakaan, audiences will journey through Takita’s cinematic universe—where humor, history, and humanity converge. Each Wednesday promises not just a film screening, but an immersion into the delicate art of storytelling that made Yōjirō Takita a legend.

About the Director: Yōjirō Takita, born on December 4, 1955. Known worldwide for his Academy Award-winning masterpiece Departures (2008), Takita’s journey from comic pink films to historical epics and deeply human dramas reflects a rare versatility. His works resonate because they transform intimate Japanese traditions into universal stories, inviting audiences to reflect on life, death, and the quiet dignity of human connection. Takita’s style is marked by emotional subtlety and cultural depth, weaving humor, ritual, and tenderness into cinematic experiences that linger long after the screen fades. His impact lies in bridging tradition with modern storytelling, proving that local narratives can achieve global acclaim.

Film Title: DEPARTURES | 2008 | 130 Mins | Japan | Japanese Language with English Subtitles

About the film: The film follows Daigo Kobayashi, a cellist who loses his job and reluctantly takes work as a nokanshi—a traditional mortician who prepares bodies for burial. Initially ashamed of his new profession, Daigo gradually comes to appreciate its profound dignity and emotional resonance, finding meaning in death rituals and reconciliation in his own life. Blending gentle humor with poignant reflection, Departures became a global triumph, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and is celebrated for its tender portrayal of mortality, love, and the quiet beauty of human connection.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!