Still Walking

The Yokoyama family gathers annually to honor Junpei, their eldest son who tragically drowned while saving another boy twelve years ago. This poignant event serves as a bittersweet reminder of their loss and the enduring bonds of family.

Kyohei, Junpei's father and a retired doctor, remains deeply affected by his son's death. His ongoing grief is compounded by resentment towards Ryota, who chose a career in art restoration rather than following in his father's medical footsteps.

As Ryota marries Yukari, a widow, he takes on the role of stepfather to her son Atsushi. This new family dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationships among the family members during the reunion.

Kyohei and Toshiko initially harbor resentment towards Yukari due to superstitions surrounding their son's marriage to a widow. Over time, however, they begin to recognize her kindness and make efforts to bond with Atsushi.

Throughout the reunion, the family shares stories about their lives and careers, engaging in both laughter and sorrow. Ryota struggles internally, feeling the weight of expectations and inadequacies in his chosen career path.

Tension escalates when Ryota discovers that Kyohei is encouraging Atsushi to pursue a career in medicine. Feeling frustrated and dismissed, Ryota attempts to confront his father about the pressure that comes from his expectations.

An unexpected guest arrives: Yoshio, the boy who Junpei saved. The family's reaction is mixed, with many harboring resentment towards him as they grapple with their unresolved feelings about Junpei's death.

Toshiko insists on keeping Yoshio in their lives, believing that blaming him helps her cope with Junpei's loss. Ryota, however, pleads with her to stop this cycle of blame, realizing it only exacerbates the family's sorrow.

As Chinami and her family depart, remaining members gather for dinner. During this meal, Yukari's inquiries into Kyohei and Toshiko's marriage reveal long-buried resentments, highlighting the tensions in their relationships.

In a tender moment, Toshiko shares their romantic song, *Blue Light Yokohama*, which stirs memories of jealousy and vulnerability. This revelation illustrates the depth of their relationship struggles over the years.

That night, a butterfly enters the home and lands on Junpei’s photograph, prompting Toshiko to view it as a symbol of her lost son. Skeptical, Ryota captures and releases the butterfly as a tribute, symbolizing hope and remembrance.

Toshiko encourages Ryota to start a family with Yukari, believing that a child could strengthen their bond and provide solace against possible future divorce. This advice emanates from her desire to see her family thrive despite past tragedies.

As Ryota, Yukari, and Atsushi bid farewell the next morning, Kyohei and Toshiko express eagerness to see them again. However, privately, Ryota and Yukari resolve to skip the New Year visit, leaving an air of unresolved tension.

In a voiceover, Ryota reflects on the loss of Kyohei and Toshiko in the years following the reunion. Their family dynamics shift dramatically without them, as Ryota struggles with the unfulfilled promises he made during this poignant gathering.

The film concludes with Ryota's family, now including a young daughter, visiting the Yokoyama family graves. This moment embodies the rituals and traditions he learned from his mother, symbolizing the enduring legacy of their family bonds and memories.