Perfect Days

Hirayama keeps a simple, ordered life cleaning public toilets in Tokyo, and he finds comfort in routine. Outside work he collects cassette tapes, reads steadily, photographs trees, and savors quiet moments that others might overlook. Occasional meetings with strangers, former acquaintances and younger co-workers puncture the rhythm of his days and prompt small, reflective shifts in how he sees the city and his own habits. The film follows these understated interactions and sensory details, showing how modest pleasures and steady practice shape a person, without relying on dramatic plot twists or grand declarations. Wenders treats mundane tasks with reverence, lingering on daily rhythms and the textures of urban life, while Yakusho brings a calm, attentive presence to Hirayama throughout quietly.

Perfect Days was directed by Wim Wenders and is based on a concept by Takuma Takasaki. Released in 2023, the film stars Koji Yakusho alongside Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano, Aoi Yamada and Yumi Aso, showcasing quiet observational filmmaking and restraint.

Box office totals for Perfect Days vary by territory and are not widely publicized, reflecting a limited theatrical run and strong festival presence rather than blockbuster returns. Reported grosses are modest compared to mainstream releases and generally underreported by media.

Perfect Days drew attention for its patient pacing and its focus on everyday rituals, prompting discussions about the value of slow, observational cinema. Images of Hirayama cleaning toilets, listening to tapes and photographing trees became emblematic for fans who appreciated films that honor small routines and human steadiness with care.

Critics generally praised Koji Yakusho's quiet performance and Wim Wenders' restrained direction, reflected in a strong vote average from audiences. Reviewers noted themes of solitude, dignity in mundane work, and the sensory pleasures of urban life, with many highlighting the film's ability to slow perception and reward patient viewers alike.