Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story is primarily set in Osaka, Japan, a contemporary urban environment that serves as the backdrop for the protagonists' daily lives and relationship. Key locations include Josee's grandmother's house, a city library where they work, a hospital, and a beach. The narrative also follows Tsuneo's move to Mexico for his studies, expanding the setting beyond Japan.

• osaka
• japan
• setting
• locations
• japan anime

The film explores four core themes: Romance, which shows how love evolves from initial rescue into a deep, reciprocal partnership; Resilience, as both protagonists face physical and emotional obstacles that test their determination; Art & Dreams, centering on Josee's pursuit of becoming a storybook illustrator and how her creative work becomes an emotional anchor; and Growth, depicting how personal development comes through honest choices and letting go of what no longer serves them.

• themes
• romance
• resilience
• art
• dreams
• growth
• message
• meaning

Josee Yamamura is a wheelchair-using artist who starts the film as guarded and self-centered but grows to trust and depend on Tsuneo. Her dream is to become a storybook illustrator, and she uses her art to communicate feelings she cannot express verbally. Her character represents the theme of overcoming physical limitations through creative expression and learning to accept love and support.

• josee
• character
• artist
• illustrator
• wheelchair
• role

Tsuneo Suzukawa is a university student working as Josee's caretaker in Osaka. His primary motivation is pursuing his dream of studying marine biology abroad in Mexico, which he hopes will fund his future ambitions. However, his arc centers on choosing love and shared dreams over solitary success, ultimately deciding to commit to his relationship with Josee despite the challenges of a long-distance future.

• tsuneo
• character
• marine biology
• motivation
• caretaker

Josee's grandmother Chizu Yamamura is a warm, practical mentor who welcomes Tsuneo into her home and becomes part of his new family. Her health is fragile throughout the film, and her passing becomes a pivotal turning point that deeply tests Josee's sense of belonging and forces her to confront what truly matters in her life.

• grandmother
• chizu
• family
• death
• passing

Yes, Tsuneo endures a severe injury during the story, leading to a long and difficult road to rehabilitation. His recovery becomes a central challenge that tests his determination and loyalty. The doctor guiding his rehabilitation symbolizes healing and progress, marking a turning point toward hope in the narrative.

• tsuneo
• injury
• rehabilitation
• recovery
• hospital

Josee's dream is to become a storybook illustrator, and her illustration work becomes the emotional core of her bond with Tsuneo. The tale she creates within the story, called 'The Mermaid and the Radiant Wings,' directly parallels their relationship and mutual growth. Her art helps her communicate feelings, envision a future beyond perceived limitations, and gives both characters a shared direction and hope.

• josee
• art
• illustration
• dream
• illustrator
• book
• mermaid

Tsuneo decides to pursue his dream of studying marine biology abroad in Mexico. This move creates significant tension in the relationship because it represents both his individual ambitions and the challenge of maintaining their bond across distance. The Mexico setting underscores the film's theme of balancing personal dreams with committed relationships.

• mexico
• study abroad
• marine biology
• tsuneo
• distance

Key supporting characters include Kana Kishimoto, a library colleague who helps Josee find purpose through work; Mai Ninomiya, a coworker who provides tough-love advice that pushes Josee to confront her own issues; Hayato Matsuura, Tsuneo's friend who supports him during rehabilitation; and Professor Kondo, who encourages Tsuneo to balance studies with life. Together, they represent the support system that enables both protagonists to grow.

• supporting characters
• kana
• mai
• hayato
• professor kondou
• friends

The film maintains a hopeful tone despite dealing with serious events like the grandmother's death and Tsuneo's accident. The dominant mood is uplifting, centered on pursuing dreams and the resilience of the protagonists' bond. The ending is bittersweet, they commit to a future together but face temporary separation due to Tsuneo's studies abroad, blending happiness with the sadness of distance.

• tone
• emotional
• hopeful
• bittersweet
• mood
• ending