Only Yesterday

Directed by Isao Takahata, this animated film follows the introspective journey of Taeko, a 27-year-old office worker from Tokyo, as she travels to the countryside for a vacation. Through a series of flashbacks, the narrative weaves between her present and her memories of childhood, exploring themes of self-discovery and the passage of time. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of everyday life and its innovative use of animation to convey complex emotions. While it did not receive major awards, it remains a beloved classic in Studio Ghibli’s repertoire. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.