The Zen Diary

'The Zen Diary' is a 2022 Japanese film based on the autobiographical novel by Mizukami Tsutomu and directed by Nakae Yûji, a writer and director known for titles such as 'Hotel Hibiscus', 'Pineapple Tours', and 'Nabbie's Love'. It is a drama about grief, loneliness, and the passage of time.

Tsutomu is an aging writer who moves to a country house in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, west of Tokyo, an area known for its beautiful mountain range. There he dedicates himself to writing essays, and his daily routine consists of preparing simple meals that he learned from a Zen monk in the monastery where he grew up, using vegetables he grows himself and wild plants he forages. At the same time, Tsutomu struggles with the idea of spreading his wife's ashes, who died 13 years ago.

Machiko is an editor from Tokyo who disrupts Tsutomu's routine by visiting him occasionally to talk with him and enjoy his cooking. 'The Zen Diary' explores how different lifestyles can be and questions what true wealth can look like without major possessions, but through the life of a man who spends his days loving nature, making food, and feeling grateful to be able to share it with someone else.

The film stars Sawada Kenji as Tsutomu, Dan Fumi as Fumiko, Matsu Takako as Machiko, Nishida Naomi as Mika, and Omi Toshinori as Ryû.