Her Love Boils Bathwater

Azumi is Futaba’s teenage daughter who endures bullying at school. She is introspective and stubborn, grappling with her mother’s illness while trying to protect her sister and keep the family together. Her experiences drive her to stand up for herself and grow through adversity.

Futaba is a single mother diagnosed with terminal cancer, deciding to spend her remaining months improving her family’s life. She orchestrates the reopening of the family bathhouse and seeks to strengthen bonds, while guiding her daughters through a period of uncertainty. Her illness becomes a catalyst for love, resilience, and connection.

Kazuhiro is Futaba’s husband, who left the family years earlier and returns to reconnect. He faces his past mistakes with a desire to rebuild trust, and his presence challenges the family to forgive and redefine their future together.

Ayuko is a 9-year-old daughter from a prior relationship who comes to live with the family. Her arrival adds emotional complexity and tests the acceptance within the revived household, ultimately highlighting themes of belonging and care.

Tarō is a private investigator hired to locate Kazuhiro. He becomes a catalyst in the story, facilitating the reunion while navigating the delicate dynamics of trust and truth within a fragile family setting.

Takumi is a young man hitchhiking who claims to be escaping a wealthy, unloving family. His presence on the road trip prompts reflection on life choices and personal growth, and he interacts with the family in a way that challenges their perspectives.

Kimie is Azumi’s biological mother, who is deaf. She gave birth to Azumi at 19 and later reconnects with her daughter through sign language. The reunion introduces elements of misunderstanding and eventual communication that deepen the family’s emotional landscape.

Mukoda Miyako is a family member who participates in the story’s familial dynamics, contributing warmth and support to the group as they navigate changes and challenges.

Rumi is Futaba’s other daughter, present as the family unfolds its plans and reactions to illness and reconciliation. Her presence adds to the emotional texture and emphasizes the theme of family continuity.

Mr. Aso is a male figure who appears within the community network surrounding the family, contributing to the story’s social context and support system.

Shuhei Eto appears in a supporting capacity within the story, adding depth to the ensemble cast without being central to the main conflict.

Iku Arai appears in a supporting role, contributing to the film’s broader social world and the family’s experiences during pivotal moments.