Ocean Waves

The story unfolds across the final years of high school, with a later segment at a class reunion. It moves from the local schooldays to a seaside city, then to Tokyo, capturing the progression of relationships over time.

The film opens in Kōchi, a regional setting in Japan, grounding the characters in a small-town high school atmosphere. A school trip to Hawaii introduces a brighter backdrop and a pivotal money loan. Later, Tokyo serves as the stage for the consequences of Rikako's actions and the reunion years later, showing how different places shape the characters' desires and choices.

💔 Love and longing

Taku's unrequited feelings for Rikako drive the narrative, mixing hope with heartbreak as their relationship evolves. Rikako's charm masks self-interest, testing trust and loyalty. The film traces how longing and miscommunication shape the characters' choices and growth.

🤝 Friendship & rivalry

Taku, Yutaka, and Rikako's dynamics shift from tentative friendship to rivalry driven by jealousy and affection. Misunderstandings and competing desires strain their bonds, especially during school events and the Tokyo encounters. The later reunion reframes these early tensions as lasting memories.

🎭 Deceit and consequences

Rikako's manipulation—telling lies, breaking promises, and orchestrating plans—sets in motion events that ripple through friends and reputations. The autumn festival and the Tokyo aftermath reveal the real cost of deception. The story shows how lies can linger long after the moment of action.