Family Romance, LLC

Yuichi Ishii runs a unique rental family service named Family Romance. This agency provides individuals who temporarily fill social roles such as husbands, friends, or family members for people seeking companionship.

Yuichi begins fulfilling a contract where he pretends to be the father of 12-year-old Mahiro. Despite her initial shyness and uncertainty towards him, he slowly starts to earn her trust.

As Yuichi continues to interact with Mahiro, their relationship deepens, and she begins to open up to him. Mahiro’s mother grows curious about their conversations and what Mahiro is expressing.

Yuichi becomes protective of Mahiro and her secrets, advocating for her freedom in various aspects of her life. He navigates the delicate dynamics of their contract and his growing attachment to her.

In addition to his time with Mahiro, Yuichi actively manages his rental business. He takes on various jobs without judgment, showcasing his commitment to fulfilling the needs of his clients.

During his work, Yuichi visits a hotel staffed by robots, prompting him to ponder the differences between reality and artifice. His experiences push him to reflect on his life choices and the nature of his existence.

Yuichi confides in a friend about the troubling dreams he has been experiencing. His dreams involve actors portraying samurai committing ritual suicide, leading him to question deeper truths about his life and the characters he portrays.

Yuichi joins Mahiro’s mother on a trip to visit an oracle, where they discuss their lives and relationships. Throughout the trip, Mahiro’s mother expresses gratitude for Yuichi's friendship, which makes him feel uneasy.

After the trip, Yuichi visits a funeral home to inquire about hiring actors to portray deceased loved ones. This visit symbolizes his growing contemplation of life, death, and the roles people play in each other’s lives.

During a heartfelt visit, Mahiro confesses her love for Yuichi and expresses her desire to spend more time as his daughter. However, Yuichi feels overwhelmed by the seriousness of their relationship, compelling him to reconsider their contract.

Yuichi informs Mahiro's mother that their arrangement has become too intense and they must end their contract. Even after receiving an invitation to live with them, Yuichi politely refuses and suggests a funeral for Mahiro's imaginary father.

In a moment of vulnerability, Yuichi visits a friend who offers consolation and reassurance about the value of Family Romance. However, Yuichi grapples with doubts, questioning if his own family might be similarly fabricated.

The film concludes with Yuichi's return to his own home. As he approaches his door, he hears children’s voices and sees a small pair of hands on the frosted glass, but he chooses to hide instead of confronting the unknown.