Rental Family

Phillip is introduced to Shinji's Rental Family agency and learns the company hires actors to fill emotional roles in other people's lives. He initially resists, fearing the deception involved. After a reminder of how his toothpaste commercial once made people happy, he decides to join the agency.

On Yoshie's wedding day, Phillip's absence nearly derails the ceremony. Aiko urges him to go through with it or risk hurting Yoshie's family plans. He performs the ceremony, only to learn later that Yoshie needed the façade to move to Canada with her real wife, Jun; Phillip finds the experience surprisingly rewarding.

Phillip is asked to act as the long-lost father of Mia Kawasaki, a mixed-race girl. Initially wary of abandoning her, he commits to staying after Mia's anger and demands that he not leave. He grows emotionally invested as he promises to be there for her as she pursues opportunities.

Phillip accompanies former actor Kikuo Hasegawa for an interview while Kikuo is kept under watch by his daughter Masami. The encounter reveals Kikuo's dementia and the strain it places on his family. Kikuo urges Phillip to spend as much time as possible with his 'daughter,' but Phillip ultimately refuses to help with a dangerous jailbreak.

Aiko pretends to be the other woman to confront a husband about his wife, a setup that exposes the fragile line between their work and real emotions. The wives react with anger, often slapping Aiko and leaving her bruised. The scene underscores the physical and emotional costs of the Rental Family model.

Phillip attends a Parents Day at Mia's school and attempts to connect with her peers. He senses the difficulty of bridging his role as a pretend father with real affection. Mia begins to see him as someone who cares, strengthening their bond.

During Parents Day, Mia spots another classmate whose parents didn't show up and asks Phillip to stand in as that child's father. He agrees, extending his growing role in her life beyond their original assignment. The moment deepens Mia's trust in him.

Phillip helps Kikuo escape at night to visit his old childhood home, where buried memories surface and Masami's absence weighs heavily on him. Kikuo expresses regret over the time lost with Masami and breaks down emotionally. Phillip grows more protective of Kikuo, even as masking his own fear for Kikuo's safety.

Phillip and Mia attend a Monster Cat Festival, where they paint faces and share a playful, bonding moment. Mia gives Phillip her phone number so they can keep in contact when he isn't home. The festival helps cement their friendship beyond professional obligation.

Phillip receives a phone call about a coveted role in a detective series that would shoot in South Korea, but he declines. He chooses to stay close to Mia and continue building their relationship. The decision signals a shift from commodity to genuine connection.

Hitomi warns Phillip not to get too close to Mia because he is not her real father. During Mia's admissions interview, the administrators are touched by Phillip's dedication to Mia's growth. Afterward, Hitomi forces Phillip to tell Mia that he will have to return to the United States indefinitely.

Phillip is arrested and faces deportation if his innocence isn't proven within 48 hours. Aiko and Kota disguise themselves as lawyers to intervene, and Kikuo convinces Masami to drop the charges. Phillip is released, but the episode exposes the fragile legality of Rental Family work.

Kikuo dies in his sleep after the earlier turmoil. Phillip attends his funeral, which shows real grief from Masami and others, marking a stark contrast to the earlier fake funeral they had attended. Phillip pays his final respects to his friend.

Mia begins at her new school, and Phillip seeks Hitomi's permission to see her. He reveals his real name and that he is an actor. Mia forgives him, and they agree to continue a meaningful relationship despite not being blood relations.

Shinji reveals his loneliness, noting that his wife and son are also Rental Family actors. The Rental Family business continues while they retire the 'apology services' clause, acknowledging the emotional toll on all involved. Phillip visits a shrine with Kikuo's memory, ending the film on a quiet, hopeful note.