Kyoto is a city with its own proud traditions and customs, something Tokyo-based writer Madoka learns all too well when she starts a comic article celebrating the city.

Interviewing her new in-laws and locals, she soon finds her straightforward honesty and enthusiasm for the city fall foul of Kyoto’s distinct culture of ‘honne’ (one’s true feelings) and ‘tatemae’ (one’s outward opinions). As miscommunication mounts, things turn to outright havoc when an estate agent attempts to buy the family’s traditional townhouse.

A laugh-out-loud comedy of desperate cultural misunderstandings!

PLEASE NOTE: Films without BBFC certification can only be screened to over 18s. However, this does not necessarily mean that the films contain adult content.

Screening as part of The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026.

Image credit: © 2025 “Strangers in Kyoto” Film Partners