The 8-Year Engagement

Set in contemporary Japan, the story unfolds over several years—from the initial courtship to a prolonged engagement after Mai falls ill. It spans the hospitalization, years of rehabilitation, and a reaffirmed commitment that culminates in their marriage on the same date they first met. The passage of time emphasizes memory, perseverance, and the endurance of vows.

The narrative is anchored in Okayama, where Hisashi and Mai begin their relationship, and later follows Mai's hospitalization. Shodo Island becomes a recurring retreat that frames their long-distance endurance and Mai's eventual return. The settings contrast everyday life with the hospital and rehabilitation spaces, highlighting the couple's routine and the slow rebuild of Mai's independence.

❤️ Love

The central thread is a deep, enduring love that carries a couple through illness, memory loss, and the test of time. The film explores the promises made before, during, and after Mai's coma, and how devotion persists even when circumstances strip away memories. Love motivates daily care, patience, and the willingness to wait for recovery.

🩺 Caregiving

Caregiving is depicted as a long-term, collaborative effort among Mai's family and Hisashi. Hospital rooms, rehabilitation, and daily visits reveal the emotional and physical toll, while also showing how consistent support helps Mai relearn movements and speech. The narrative emphasizes resilience, sacrifice, and the boundaries of personal life in service of another's recovery.

🧠 Memory

Memory is a fragile force that shapes identity and relationships. Mai wakes with no memory of Hisashi, forcing both characters to rebuild their connection from the ground up. The constant search for past moments—places they visited, passwords, and shared jokes—drives emotional tension and eventual reconciliation. The story highlights how memory, even when imperfect, can anchor a renewed bond.