Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers: A Short Film Set in Okinawa

Watch Online for Free with English Subtitles

“Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers” is a short film based on the story with the same title by Kumiko Takahashi. The story is set in Okinawa and draws inspiration from local legends about a celestial maiden that ends up living among the humans after her robe of feathers got stolen by a fisherman.

The short film was directed by Kazuhiro Taira and had its premiere at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2022. Created in the frame of a project run by SSFF & ASIA and Japan Cultural Expo, “Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers” was released worldwide on May 15, 2022, on the anniversary of 50 years since the return of Okinawa to mainland Japan in 1972.

This short film can be watched online for free with English subtitles. Read on to learn about some of the highlights of this work.

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Highlights of the Short Film “Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers”

Picture courtesy of Pacific Voice, Inc.

Ruri, the main character in “Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers” is a high school student who is unsure what path to follow after graduation. One day she finds out about her mother's old dream of going to France to learn patisserie.

She starts to believe that it was her father's fault that her mother wasn't able to chase her dream, just like in the legend about the celestial maiden whose feather robe was stolen. This legend inspired the kumiodori dance performance called “Mekarushi,” which is very loved in Okinawa.

Ruri takes it into her hands to change the course of the story.

Insights of Okinawan Legends and Island Life

Picture courtesy of Pacific Voice, Inc.

The short film features a scene from “Mekarushi,” the kumiodori dance that inspired the original story. This scene offers a glimpse into Okinawa's traditional performing arts.

Moreover, the film offers insights into everyday life on an island in Okinawa, including how living on the island feels to the locals, with the bright sides and the less bright aspects of it.

A Heartwarming Story About Parents and Children

Picture courtesy of Pacific Voice, Inc.

Does becoming a parent mean the end of one's own dreams? This question torments many young people, and not only in Japan.

Legends and folk tales reiterate the dilemma through the centuries but the answer lies in the hands of each of us－this seems to be the message of the original story by author Kumiko Takahashi. The short film brings this positive and hopeful message to life on screen.

Excellent Cast and Beautiful Visuals

Picture courtesy of Pacific Voice, Inc.

You might recognize the actors appearing in “Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers” from previous productions.

Ruri is played by Misaki Hattori, winner of the 44th Japan Academy Award for Best New Actor for her lead role in “Midnight Swan” (2020). Ruri's mother is played by Machiko Ono, known for her role in “The Mourning Forest,” which won the Grand Prix at the 60th Cannes International Film Festival. Gori, a member of the comedic duo Garage Sale, plays the role of Ruri's father.

Each member of the cast appears in evocative scenes that bring out their individual talents and strengths; the result is a story with truly memorable characters that will stay with you.

Watch “Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers” Online!

Other Projects in the SSFF Program

There are various other projects born from the collaboration between SSFF & ASIA and Japan Cultural Expo. “Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers” is the second short film to be created based on a short story after “The Old Woman Skin” released in 2021.

The creation of stories all around Japan is a project that encourages young contemporary authors to write short stories inspired by local legends from various regions in Japan. These stories are translated to English and introduced to a worldwide audience.

Check out the official website of SSFF & ASIA and Japan Cultural Expo for new updates on projects introducing Japanese culture to the world.

Watch “Mom's Celestial Robe of Feathers” Online!

Sponsored by The Committee for ShortShorts