Wood Job!

Wood Job!

Year: 2014

Runtime: 116 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Shinobu Yaguchi

ComedyDrama

After failing his university entrance exam, Yuki Hirano decides to pursue a forestry trainee position. During his training, he frequently questions his choice, but ultimately succeeds in the course. He is then assigned to Kamusari Village for a year of work experience, where he gradually connects with the stunning natural surroundings and the welcoming community.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Wood Job! (2014)

Trace every key event in Wood Job! (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Failed exams push him toward forestry

Yuki Hirano fails his university entrance exams and is dumped by his girlfriend, leaving him at a crossroads. He notices an attractive model in a forestry training pamphlet and decides to enroll, hoping the program will offer purpose. This initial decision sets him on a path into a rural forest life.

Pre-program City
2

Harsh start and the model's deception

The program proves immediately tough for Yuki, with demanding physical tasks and a grueling pace. He learns the pamphlet model is not real; she is only a promotional image. Many classmates drop out, and Yuki contemplates quitting but hesitates.

First days Forestry training site
3

A spark with Naoki

Just before quitting, Yuki sees the woman from the leaflet nearby and realizes she actually lives in the area. He feels drawn to her, which reignites his commitment to the work. She initially seems disinterested as he admits he joined for her.

Early days Village
4

A tough mentor guides him

Under the strict supervision of Yoki Iida, Yuki begins to improve at forest work. The mentor's hard-working ethos pushes him through rough days and mistakes. Yuki slowly gains confidence and basic skills.

Weeks into program Forestry camp
5

Naoki's part-time job and shared moments

Naoki works at a school; Yuki visits, and they end up playing with students. Their interactions bring them closer and deepen Yuki's feelings. This bond gives him a personal stake beyond the forest work.

During early weeks School
6

Town comes around

Many townsfolk are skeptical of the outsider, and some elders oppose him attending the Onbashira festival. Yoki insists on his place among the villagers and defends him. The community gradually accepts him as one of their own.

Pre-festival Village meeting hall
7

Missing student and growing care

Yuki finds one of Naoki's students missing in the forest, triggering worry and determination. Naoki begins to care deeply for the student as well, and Yuki's commitment to the village deepens. This incident tightens their bond with Naoki and the community.

Mid-program Forest
8

Onbashira festival approaches

A town meeting occurs as the Onbashira festival nears, with elders wary about letting a newcomer participate. Yoki insists that Yuki be allowed to take part, demonstrating trust and mentorship. The town agrees, setting the stage for the climactic ritual.

Before festival Village
9

The mountain ritual and the rope incident

During the ritual, the log-cutting ceremony requires climbers to edge down the mountain. Yuki's leg gets caught on a rope, and he is forced to ride the enormous tree down to the bottom. He applies the techniques learned to keep himself safe, and the crowd celebrates his survival.

Festival day Mountaintop to village bottom
10

Farewell day and the train home

The program ends, and Yuki tearfully bids farewell to Yoki and the family who housed him. He boards a train back to his city, but Naoki appears to say goodbye just in time. He hesitates to knock on his own parents' door, choosing instead to live with the memory of the forest.

End of program Village and train station
11

A solitary moment and homecoming within wood

On his way home, Yuki wanders the streets and cannot bring himself to greet his parents. He is drawn to a construction site where the scent of wood reminds him of the forest life he loves. This moment marks his realization that the forest is where he belongs.

After departure City streets and construction site
12

Return to the mountains

A train carries him toward the mountains as he commits to returning to the forest village. He smiles, feeling that the forest is his true home.

After decision Train to mountains
13

Post-credits: the promo shows a seasoned Yuki

In the post-credits scene, a new forestry pamphlet depicts Yuki as an experienced, skilled worker, signaling his successful integration into village life. The image hints at his enduring connection to the forest. The scene serves as a hopeful coda to his journey.

Post-credits Promo pamphlet

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 13:07

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Movies like Wood Job! where characters find purpose in a rural community

Characters who find meaning and belonging by moving to a simpler, natural life.If you liked Wood Job!, you'll enjoy these movies about people finding their calling. This collection features stories similar to Wood Job!, where characters leave the city for rural life, discovering purpose, friendship, and a sense of belonging through hard work and community connection.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a protagonist feeling lost or facing a failure in their current life. A move to a rural area presents physical and cultural challenges, but through perseverance and the guidance of a welcoming community, they undergo significant personal growth, ultimately finding a true home and a renewed sense of self.

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These films are grouped together because they share a core narrative of personal reinvention through rural immersion. They balance light-hearted 'fish-out-of-water' humor with a sincere, hopeful tone, celebrating the transformative power of community, nature, and manual labor.

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Narrative Summary

Stories follow a straightforward, character-driven arc where a likable but uncertain young person faces a challenge or failure. Through a combination of mentorship, new experiences, and their own developing resilience, they navigate obstacles in a low-stakes environment, culminating in a happy ending that affirms their growth and new-found direction.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their consistently hopeful tone, light emotional weight, and satisfying, straightforward narratives. They provide a comforting and uplifting viewing experience focused on positive character development without heavy drama or complex plot twists.

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Wood Job! Summary

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Wood Job! Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wood Job!

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Wood Job!

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More About Wood Job!

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