Every Day a Good Day (日日是好日 nichi nichi korekoujitsu) is both a book and a film adaptation that quietly explores the world of Japanese tea ceremony through the eyes of a young woman, Noriko. Interestingly, her journey begins with a childhood memory of watching Fellini’s La Strada with her father, a film she couldn’t understand at the time, but one that later resonates deeply with her life.
At the age of twenty, Noriko reluctantly joins a tea ceremony class at her mother’s suggestion, accompanied by her cousin Michiko. The two cousins, different in temperament yet close in bond, step into a world filled with unfamiliar tools, rituals, and rules. What initially feels confusing slowly transforms into a source of fascination.
Through years of practice, Noriko learns that tea is not about intellectual understanding but about letting the body move naturally. She finds joy in the simple, flowing movements of making tea, surrounded by the calligraphy scrolls, seasonal sweets, flowers in the garden, and the quiet sounds of nature.
One day, Noriko revisits La Strada and realizes how beautiful it truly is, just as her long journey in tea has shifted from confusion to deep appreciation. This metaphor connects her personal growth with the path of tea. When her father passes away, her grief mirrors a poignant scene from the film, underscoring the depth of her transformation.
My Impression
This is not a film of dramatic twists or intense action. Rather, it is calm, quiet, and contemplative. Some viewers may find it too slow or even “sleepy,” but I believe this very stillness reflects the essence of tea itself. Life, like the tea ceremony, is made up of small, ordinary moments: the change of seasons, the sounds of daily life, the details we often overlook.
Watching this film reminded me of the importance of cherishing these little things. Even without grand events, there is beauty in the everyday. Sadly, I couldn’t find an English-subtitled or translated version. If you know of one, please let me know!
On a side note, the tea teacher in the film was played by the late actress Kirin Kiki, who had never practiced tea before. Remarkably, she mastered the movements simply by observing a few demonstrations right before filming. With her quiet presence, gentle smile, and words full of weight, she embodied the role with a dignity and warmth that reflected her own life philosophy.
Who I Recommend This Film To
I especially recommend Every Day a Good Day to anyone studying or practicing the tea ceremony. Even if you don’t understand Japanese, I believe you will feel something deeply through the film’s atmosphere, gestures, and silences.
For those who are new to tea, this film is also a wonderful introduction. It offers a realistic glimpse into the tea room and the practice of lessons—the subtle details, the seasonal rituals, even the humorous “real-life” moments, like when guests politely insist on giving up the honored seat (shōkyaku).🤭
Anyone with an interest in Japanese culture can appreciate its authenticity.
*Image source: Amazon