View Larger Plot Line
Kanji Watanabe is a middle-aged man who has worked in the same monotonous bureaucratic position for thirty years. After learning he has stomach cancer and less than a year to live, he attempts to come to terms with his impending death.
He tries to find escape in the pleasures of Tokyo’s nighlife, but after one night realizes this is not the solution. The following day, a chance encounter with one of his former subordinates leads him to pursue a different course. Watanabe is attracted to her joyous love of life and enthusiasm. He opens up to her by saying he just wants to live one day in such a carefree, youthful way as she does. She reveals that her happiness comes from her new job making toys, which makes her feel like she is playing with all the children of Japan.
Inspired by her example, Watanabe dedicates his remaining time to accomplishing one worthwhile achievement before his life ends; through his persistent efforts, he is able to overcome the inertia of bureaucracy and turn a mosquito-infested cesspool into a children’s playground. In the last few moments of his life, he sits on a swing at the park he built. As the snow falls, he gazes lovingly over the playground, at peace with himself and the world. He begins singing “Gondola no Uta”, a ballad encouraging young women to find love while they are still young and beautiful, for life is short.
