Michiko Kuwano

Hiroshi Shimizu's endearing road movie follows the long and winding route of a sweet-natured bus driver, nicknamed Mr. Thank You for his constant exclamation to pedestrians who kindly step out of his way, traveling from rural Izu to Tokyo. Romance and comedy occur, and tragedy threatens his passengers, a virtual microcosm of depression-era Japan.

When a modern, liberal-minded young woman visits her meek uncle and domineering aunt, it’s not long before she begins to meddle in their relationship.