Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki) is an aspiring cellist newly hired by a symphony in Tokyo. No sooner than
Daigo’s first performance with the orchestra he receives the devastating news that the orchestra will be disbanded.
Daigo made the fateful decision to mortgage his future by purchasing a cello that cost well over $100,000. Now he
has to break the news to his faithful wife (Ryoko Hirosue). When she asks Daigo what his plans are now, he suggests
they move back to his rural hometown Yamagata and start over again. Daigo’s wife smiles and agrees to follow him to
Yamagata.
After the couple settles into their new home, Daigo looks for a job. He finds a listing in the newspaper
advertising a position that requires little hours, no experience, and centers around helping out others on their
journeys. Daigo assumes the position is for a travel agent, but when he arrives at the office, he realizes the job
is for an “encoffineer” (Nokanshi) – similar to an embalmer in the U.S., but requires the encoffineer to work in
front of the deceased in a ceremony steeped in tradition. The job of an “encoffineer” is not a popular one in Japan
and people often look down on the job as dirty. Daigo tries to keep his job secret, but soon rumors spreads around
the small town. When Daigo’s wife learns of his new job, she gives him the ultimatum to quit his job or she’ll
leave him.
Trailer
Title: Departures Also Known As: おくりびと / Okuribito / Good & Bye Country: Japan Language: Japanese Subtitle: English Year: 2008 Genre: Drama
Cast:
Masahiro Motoki - Daigo Kobayashi
Ryoko Hirosue - Mika Kobayashi
Kazuko Yoshiyuki - Tsuyako Yamashita
Kimiko Yo - Yuriko Uemura
Takashi Sasano - Shyokichi Uehara
Tsutomu Yamazaki - Sasaki Namaei
Tatsuo Yamada
Tetta Sugimoto
Yuuki Ogoe
Toru Minegishi
Yukiko Tachibana
Tatsuhito Okuda
Hiroyuki Kishi
Mari Hayashida
Production Credits
Director: Yojiro Takita Writer: Kundo Koyama Producer(s): Yasuhiro Mase
