A Story of Yonosuke (2012): remembering my university days

I first came across A Story of Yonosuke in 2013, when I was still at university, living away from home and working part-time. The film really grabbed me because it was so relatable to that phase of my life.

Yonosuke's story, full of spirit and innocence, tied in closely with my own experiences. Watching it, I felt the warmth and joy in every step Yonosuke takes in the middle of his busy life.

One of the things that stood out most for me was how authentic the Japanese atmosphere feels. Ever since, I've dreamed of having a boarding room like Yonosuke's, especially one with that distinctly Japanese vibe. The film inspired me to dig deeper into Japanese culture and try to feel the everyday life that A Story of Yonosuke tells so beautifully.

Overall, this film isn't just a captivating story, it's also a kind of personal journey that brings back old memories and dreams. For me, A Story of Yonosuke isn't just something to watch, it's also a reflection of my own life back then, which makes it such a precious experience.

The story

A Story of Yonosuke follows the life of a Japanese man named Yonosuke Yokomichi. The story is beautifully built, set in Tokyo in the early 1980s. Yonosuke, who has a unique and cheerful personality, begins his journey by starting university.

The story brilliantly explores social relationships and friendship through a mix of characters. Yonosuke quickly connects with the people around him: university friends, co-workers, and even people he meets by chance. His sincere, optimistic presence adds its own colour to their lives.

The story peaks when Yonosuke meets a mysterious woman who changes the course of his life. The intrigue and surprises bring warmth and cheer, but they also touch your emotional side. The story moves at just the right pace, giving the characters room to grow and form an emotional bond with the audience.

The film doesn't just show Yonosuke's everyday life, it also shows how his character develops over time. The story is so well woven that you feel emotionally connected to Yonosuke's journey, which makes watching it such a deep and memorable experience.

Overall, A Story of Yonosuke isn't just an entertaining life story, it's also a captivating emotional journey. The colourful story and strong characters make it an amazing cinematic experience.

Fun fact

There's one thing I noticed in A Story of Yonosuke. Every character who meets Yonosuke turns into a completely different person later on, a full 180 degrees.

Kuramochi starts out as a prankster who doesn't really get, what's the word, "manners". He makes Yui cry the first time they meet. A few years later, Kuramochi becomes a dignified father who really looks after his child.

Yui bawls her eyes out the first time we see her, in the middle of the welcome festival for new students. Over the film, we see Yui become a really strong woman. When she finds out she's pregnant, she wants to keep the baby. When she's about to give birth, she's strong enough to make it down the stairs.

Kato is really quiet and very cold at first. But a few years later, he's more expressive, laughing when he hears the name Yokomichi. Then there's Chiharu, a high-class call girl who later becomes a radio host.

And finally there's Shoko, who at first seems really spoiled and clingy. She then becomes an independent woman who works helping other people.

Such a shame we never find out what happens to Yonosuke as an adult. We only sort of know that he seems to become a successful photographer. And even his passing came from helping someone else.