In Wim Wenders’ 2023 film ‘Perfect Days’, the carefully selected music and deliberate omissions give voice to the quiet protagonist, shaping the film’s thematic richness
Hirayama, the protagonist, leads a simple life filled with routine and contentment, finding joy in small pleasures like savoring the view of sunlight through leaves, immersing himself in literature, and relishing old pop music cassettes in his car. As a toilet cleaner in Shibuya, Tokyo, he cherishes quiet moments in the parks where he works.
Musical Clues to Hirayama’s Past
Though Hirayama does not say much, a closer look at the film’s music selection unveils a theme of addiction and loss. Hirayama’s introduction is accompanied by the song “House of The Rising Sun,” hinting at a past marked by addiction. Also, the theme music, “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed, is suggested to be about the use of drugs, supporting the idea that Hirayama was once a heavy drinker and maybe even used drugs. Hirayama’s abstinence, visible in his choice of iced water with every meal, contrasts with the soundtrack, suggesting a transformative journey.
Other music in the film focuses on loss, reminiscence, and the complexities of relationships, suggesting that Hirayama had a different life. His love for music and literature (he reads books by William Faulkner, Patricia Highsmith, and Aya Koda) hints at a possible affluent upbringing and past success. This view gains further strength when Hirayama reunites with his sister, who appears affluent and expresses surprise at his modest living conditions and his current job as a toilet cleaner.
The Layers of Hirayama’s Past Through Encounters
Highlighting Hirayama’s compassionate nature, brief encounters also raise the possibility of alcohol-related struggles. In the instance with the lost boy, whom Hirayama discovers crying in a park toilet and later reunites with his mother, a park sign cautions visitors against throwing objects into the pond. The sign depicts a small boy crying in the pool, surrounded by drink bottles and a beer can. Could this scene symbolize Hirayama’s past, lost during a period of alcohol consumption? Another involves a series of short interactions with a homeless man who appears sober and communicative in one moment, and seemingly intoxicated and while moving like he is a tree in the next. Hirayama appears concerned about the homeless man with possible drug use issues, evident in his heightened worry when he discovers the “tree man” is missing from his usual spot.
The film highlights key moments that shed light on Hirayama’s character, involving Aya (his co-worker’s love interest), his sister Keiko and niece Nico, and Mama’s ex-husband. Nico’s visit underlines the contrast between Hirayama’s simple life and his sister’s wealth. After saying goodbye to his sister, worrying about a homeless man, and a taxing day of two jobs, Hirayama witnesses bartender Mama embracing another man at his usual spot. Overwhelmed, he turns to beers and cigarettes for solace. Mama’s ex-husband, revealed to be terminally ill, engages in a conversation with Hirayama, discussing life’s challenges and contemplating whether shadows get darker when they overlap — an analogy for how life’s difficulties can pile up, making the overall experience more daunting.
Musical Conclusion
The final music, Feeling Good by Nina Simone, is about feeling good and looking forward to new beginnings with optimism, even though he said goodbye to a past life and even recent difficulties. This choice reinforces the theme of embracing new beginnings and finding joy in the present moment, aligning with the overarching message of the film.
Unveiling Hirayama’s Life
To summarize, ‘Perfect Days’ explores the life of Hirayama, a simple man with a past marked by addiction and loss, as depicted through carefully chosen music and a clear absence of alcohol. The film portrays his daily routine, encounters, and reflections on a life that seems to have taken a different turn. The interplay between the soundtrack and narrative omissions serves to shape the emotional and thematic dimensions of the story.
What we can learn from Hirayama is to enjoy the little things. Hirayama’s life revolves around finding joy in simple pleasures, such as observing the play of light through leaves, caring for young maple trees, and cherishing brief interactions at his favorite diners. His ability to live in the moment and appreciate the mundane reflects a philosophy of savoring life’s small joys. This sentiment is encapsulated in his teaching moment with his niece, emphasizing the importance of living in the present.
A Positive Psychology Exercise You Can Practice Too
In the coming 14 days, feel free to consider trying out the “Two Weeks of Savoring” exercise. Simply pick two everyday activities you might usually rush through or multitask, like sipping your morning coffee, taking a brief walk, or observing sunlight through leaves. Take a moment to be fully present in these experiences by turning off distractions and tuning into your senses — what you see, smell, hear, feel, and taste. At the end of the day, write down these positive moments and briefly reflect on how they made you feel. No need for detailed descriptions; a quick capture of the essence will do. If you are comfortable, think about sharing your reflections with others; it might add a positive touch to your mood.
References
Perfect Days. (2023). Directed by Wim Wenders. Japan: Master Mind Limited (Japan) and Spoon Inc. (Japan) in collaboration with Wenders Images (Germany)
Quoidbach, J., Berry, E., Hansenne, M., & Mikolajczak, M. (2010). Positive emotion regulation and well-being: Comparing the impact of eight savoring and dampening strategies. Personality and Individual Differences, 49, 368–373. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PAID.2010.03.048.
Hurley, D., & Kwon, P. (2012). Results of a Study to Increase Savoring the Moment: Differential Impact on Positive and Negative Outcomes. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13, 579–588. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10902-011-9280-8.
Jose, P., Lim, B., & Bryant, F. (2012). Does savoring increase happiness? A daily diary study. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 7, 176–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2012.671345.
Playlist in order of appearance
- House Of The Rising Sun — Written by Alan Price, Performed by The Animals
- Pale Blue Eyes — Written by Lou Reed, Performed by The Velvet Underground
- (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay — Written by Otis Redding, Steve Cropper, Performed by Otis Redding
- Redondo Beach — Written by Patti Smith, Leonard J. Kaye, Richard A. Sohl, Performed by Patti Smith (and repeated after Aoi Sakana)
- Walkin’ Thru The Sleepy City — Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Performed by The Rolling Stones
- Aoi Sakana — Written and performed by Sachiko Kanenobu
- Perfect Day — Written and performed by Lou Reed
- Sunny Afternoon — Written by Ray Davies, Performed by The Kinks
- The House of the Rising Sun — Japanese Version — Written by Maki Asakawa
- Brown Eyed Girl — Written and performed by Van Morrison
- Feeling Good — Written by Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley, Performed by Nina Simone
- Perfect Day — Written by Lou Reed, Performed by Patrick Watson
