Under the Open Sky

Masao Mikami, a middle-aged former yakuza, finds himself trying to navigate an unpredictable world outside the prison walls after serving a staggering 13 years for murder. His quest for redemption begins when he decides to send his inmate files along with his personal details to a television company, hoping that they can assist him in locating his long-lost mother. In this pursuit, he encounters a young TV director named Tsunoda, who takes a keen interest in Mikami’s past and starts to scrutinize the contents of his files.

Upon his release, Mikami reaches out to his lawyer and meets up with his wife, sharing a somewhat awkward dinner at their home. However, as he tries to reintegrate into society, he faces struggles at every turn. The very next day, he attempts to apply for welfare benefits, yet finds himself on the brink of emotional collapse when the case worker nearly refuses him due to his troubled history. This incident lands him in the hospital, where doctors remind him to take it easy, as his health is at significant risk due to potential heart issues and strokes.

As Tsunoda and Mikami begin to collaborate, Tsunoda interviews him about his tumultuous life, capturing the raw essence of a man grappling with the consequences of his choices. Despite his efforts to adapt to a normal routine, Mikami’s attempts at manual labor in his new apartment often lead him back to the hospital. When Tsunoda questions him about remorse for his past, Mikami stands firm in his denial, revealing a hardened exterior.

Mikami struggles to regain his driving license, which has been expired for ten years. His frustration boils over when he is informed by the licensing center that he must retake the tests. In the midst of this chaos, memories of his ex-wife, Kumiko, surface. He recalls the seasons of their lives intertwined during his trial—a flashback showcasing the tragic events that unfolded at the hostess bar they owned together, where Mikami had violently defended Kumiko against harassment, ultimately leading to a man’s death.

In the present, Mikami confronts Kumiko’s remarried life, illustrating the bittersweet nature of his journey. In a poignant moment, he meets his ex-wife’s daughter, only to realize, with a heavy heart, that the girl is not his own. The painful reminder of lost time strikes deep when he faces accusations of shoplifting at a grocery store, triggering another outburst. However, when the situation resolves, a seemingly simple act of kindness—receiving free food—offers a glimpse of the humanity left within him.

As he prepares for his driving test, Mikami’s efforts fall short, leading to yet another failure. Tsunoda and his boss invite him out to dinner, stating that they want to document his life story for their audience. Although Mikami grows skeptical, the hope remains that his journey could resonate and perhaps lead him back to his mother one day.

The story takes a wild turn when Mikami intervenes in a mugging, unleashing a primal rage that instills fear in both Tsunoda and himself. Tsunoda later questions the wisdom of showcasing Mikami’s violent tendencies on television, urging him to confront unresolved traumas from his past. This contentious meeting leads Mikami to reach out to Akimasa Shimoinaba, a figure from his former life, in search of solace or perhaps answers to his troubled state of mind.

As Mikami embarks on this unexpected journey, he finds himself amidst police outside Akimasa’s residence—his heart racing and anxiety overwhelming. Once reunited with Tsunoda, they travel to Mikami’s orphanage, but discover that all records of his past have vanished into thin air. During a vulnerable moment in the communal showers, Tsunoda, visibly affected, expresses his concern for Mikami, wishing for him to break free from his old patterns, to which Mikami can only silently agree.

Fortune shines upon Mikami when he is connected to a potential trainee position in a nursing home, a role that offers the possibility of a new beginning. Celebrating this small victory with friends, joy momentarily fills the air as they indulge in a cheerful dinner. However, Mikami’s struggle with anger resurfaces when he sees two boys taunting a disabled colleague, causing him to envision extreme retaliatory violence. Yet, instead of succumbing to his darker instincts, he chooses to reel in his emotions, demonstrating growth and self-control.

In a twist of fate, Mikami receives a phone call from Kumiko, inviting him for a date with her and her daughter, allowing a flood of memories to wash over him as they converse about his new beginning. Yet, in a tragic culmination of his struggles, Mikami’s journey comes to a heartbreaking end as he collapses while gripping a bouquet of flowers given to him earlier, his breath slipping away quietly.

Tsunoda’s frantic rush to Mikami’s side, only to be held back by first responders, underscores the depth of loss felt by all who crossed paths with him. As friends gather in mourning outside his home, the weight of Mikami’s life—filled with moments of hope, heartbreak, and ultimately tragedy—leaves an indelible mark on everyone, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of redemption and the quest for belonging.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 19:25