One Million Yen Girl

A 21-year-old who struggles to secure full-time work and gradually moves from place to place in search of stability. Her impulsive kindness—exemplified by rescuing a kitten—contrasts with the harsh judgments she faces after a misstep that leads to legal trouble. She clings to a personal rule of saving one million yen as a measure of freedom, yet she risks becoming defined by that goal rather than by who she is. Her resilience and vulnerability drive the film’s emotional core.

A university student who becomes Suzuko’s steady for support and later her romantic interest. He is portrayed as reliable and approachable, offering emotional warmth even as money and trust complicate their relationship. His actions—lending money and then pursuing a deeper connection—trigger tensions and growth for Suzuko. He embodies a hopeful, if imperfect, partner dynamic within a precarious life stage.

Suzuko’s fellow part-time coworker who proposes sharing an apartment and introduces the unpredictable arrangement with Takeshi. She embodies practical pragmatism and a sometimes blunt approach to relationships and living situations. Though not always sympathetic, she acts as a catalyst that accelerates Suzuko’s search for independence. Her actions reflect the complexity of urban living and friendship bonds.

Riko’s boyfriend who moves in with Suzuko and Takeshi, then reveals tensions that contribute to the fracturing of their living arrangement. His behavior—including the conflict over belongings—highlights volatility and the fragility of domestic harmony in a shared space. His presence acts as a foil to Suzuko’s efforts to carve out independence.

A fellow university peer who joins the gardening team and becomes close to Ryohei. Her presence adds another layer to Suzuko’s social circle and the budding dynamics at the workplace. She helps illustrate the varied social landscapes Suzuko navigates, from friendships to romantic entanglements. Her role reinforces the theme of communal support and competition within the same generation.

A regular customer who flirts with Suzuko, representing a moment of attention and temptation that complicates her plans for independence. His presence underscores the persistence of external social pressures and the allure of transient connections. He serves as a counterpoint to the more meaningful relationships Suzuko seeks.