The Garden Of Words

The story took place in Tokyo during the rainy season. Takao, a 15-year-old with a passion for shoemaking, skips his first class to find comfort in the peace of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. There, he comes across Yukino, a beautiful woman who has lost herself in her own world.

Takao finds himself attracted to Yukino. They begin to form an unexpected friendship, meeting only on rainy mornings in the garden. They share a few moments, drink coffee under a pavilion, and enjoy simple meals together. Yukino introduces Takao to the world of tanka, a form of classical Japanese poetry that expresses emotions through concise verses.

As their bond increases, Takao learns that Yukino is a 27-year-old literature teacher on leave from his very own high school. He also finds out that she was struggling with bullying from her students.

Takau goes to the garden and sees Yukino, but there is no rain that day. They interact, and then it rains violently, soaking them. Both of them visit Yukino’s residence to eat and drink coffee. Takau confesses his love for Yukino. Yukino rejected him and declared that she would return to her homeland permanently.

The film concludes with a sense of hope for their future, demonstrating the enduring power of connection discovered in an unexpected place.