About Only Yesterday

"Only Yesterday" (1991) is a heartwarming animated drama movie directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of a single 27-year-old woman named Taeko Okajima, who has lived all her life in Tokyo. She decides to take a trip to the countryside to take a break from city life and during her journey, Taeko starts remembering her childhood memories which intermingles with her present experiences.

Making / Production

Directed by Isao Takahata, best known for Grave of the Fireflies, and produced by the acclaimed Studio Ghibli, "Only Yesterday" is a beautifully animated masterpiece reflecting on the nostalgia and nuances of growing up. Takahata used watercolor-like aesthetics for the flashback scenes to evoke the sense of memory and past.

Actors

• Miki Imai as Taeko Okajima: Imai brought Taeko to life with an empathetic and emotive voice acting.
• Toshiro Yanagiba as Toshio: Yanagiba played the role of Toshio, bringing out the character's charm and wisdom perfectly onto screen.
• Yoko Honna as Young Taeko: Honna captured the innocence and eagerness of Young Taeko brilliantly.
• Masahiro Ito as Father: Masahiro Ito powerfully voiced the character of Taeko's strict yet caring father.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film juxtaposes the life of Taeko as an adult and as a 5th grade student, with the past and present scenes intermingled throughout the movie.
• "Only Yesterday" is a rare example of a Studio Ghibli film not primarily set in a fantasy world, but in a realistic setting.

Awards

"Only Yesterday" was voted the fourth-best Best Animated Feature of 2016 by IndieWire.

Quotes

• "Isn't it amazing how you can take one false step, and end up straying so far from the path." - Taeko
• "I see. A kind of baptism." - Toshio
• "I've been awful silly thinking that fairies lived in the hedge." - Taeko

• Opening Theme: "The Rose" by Amanda McBroom
• "Ai Wa Hana, Kimi Wa Sono Tane" by Harumi Miyako
• Ending Theme: "Only Yesterday" by Harumi Miyako