Every Day a Good Day (2018) is a beautifully introspective Japanese film that explores the delicate art of tea ceremony and its deeper connection to life, mindfulness, and personal growth. Directed by Tatsushi Omori, the film is a quiet, meditative journey that reflects on how simple practices and everyday moments can bring clarity, peace, and healing in the midst of life’s challenges.
The story follows Noriko, a young woman who is struggling to find meaning in her life. She becomes involved in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony under the guidance of her teacher, Mrs. Saito. Initially, Noriko approaches the practice with skepticism, questioning its relevance to her modern life. However, as she becomes more immersed in the art of tea-making, she begins to uncover not just the meticulous beauty of the ceremony, but also its deeper lessons about patience, gratitude, and living in the present moment.
Throughout the film, tea becomes a metaphor for the quiet contemplation that Noriko needs to bring order and peace to her chaotic, uncertain emotions. As she learns to prepare and serve tea, she gradually discovers the importance of slowing down and finding joy in the ordinary. The film gently portrays her emotional growth as she navigates personal struggles—relationships, work, and the lingering pain of past experiences.
What sets Every Day a Good Day apart is its subtle approach to storytelling. There are no grand revelations or dramatic confrontations; instead, the film finds its power in small, everyday moments—the thoughtful preparation of a cup of tea, the shared silence between teacher and student, the calm that comes from simply being present. These moments are an invitation for viewers to reflect on their own lives and the quiet practices that can help us reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
Ultimately, Every Day a Good Day is a gentle reminder that even the smallest of rituals can offer profound insights and that true contentment often lies in the simplicity of the present moment. Through Noriko’s journey, the film encourages us to find peace not in achieving some distant goal, but in the practice of mindfulness and appreciation of the now.