Tokyo Godfathers
Movie Details:
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
| Genres | Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Drama |
| Release date | August 30, 2003 (Big Apple Anime Fest) November 8, 2003 (Japan) |
| Running time | 1hr 32min |
| Age rating | PG-13 |
| Starring | Yoshiaki Umegaki, Aya Okamoto, Toru Emori |
| Directed by | Satoshi Kon |
| Screenplay by | Keiko Nobumoto, Satoshi Kon |
| Story by | Satoshi Kon |
| Produced by | Shinichi Kobayashi, Masao Takiyama,Taro Maki |
| Cinematography by | Katsutoshi Sugai |
| Edited by | Takeshi Seyama, Kashiko Kimura |
| Music by | Keiichi Suzuki, Moonriders |
| Casting by | Stephanie Sheh |
| Art Direction by | Nobutaka Ike |
| Production Company | Madhouse |
| Distributor | Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan |
Voice Cast & Characters:
| Character | Japanese Voice Actor | English Voice Actor (Animax / Red Angel Media) | English Voice Actor (GKIDS / NYAV Post, 2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gin | Tooru Emori | Darren Pleavin | Jon Avner |
| Hana | Yoshiaki Umegaki | Russel Wait | Shakina Nayfack |
| Miyuki | Aya Okamoto | Candice Moore | Victoria Grace |
| Oota | Shouzou Iizuka | — | Jamieson Price |
| Mother | Seizou Katou | — | Kate Bornstein |
| Yasuo | Hiroya Ishimaru | — | Kirk Thornton |
| Homeless man | Ryuuji Saikachi | — | David Manis |
| Ishida | Yuusaku Yara | — | Crispin Freeman |
| Sachiko | Kyouko Terase | — | Larissa Gallagher |
| Gin’s daughter Kiyoko | Mamiko Noto | — | Erica Schroeder |
| Doctor | Akio Ootsuka | — | Jamieson Price |
| Arao | Rikiya Koyama | — | Michael Sinterniklaas |
| Kiyoko | Satomi Koorogi | — | Kari Wahlgren |
| Kurumizawa | Inuko Inuyama | — | Philece Sampler |
| Cat lady | Rie Shibata | — | Erica Schroeder |
| Taxi driver | Kouichi Yamadera | — | Marc Thompson |
| Yamanouchi | Kanako Yahara | — | Philece Sampler |
Storyline:
Middle-aged alcoholic Gin (Toru Emori), teenage runaway Miyuki (Aya Okamoto) and former drag queen Hana (Yoshiaki Umegaki) are a trio of homeless people surviving as a makeshift family on the streets of Tokyo. While rummaging in the trash for food on Christmas Eve, they stumble upon an abandoned newborn baby in a trash bin. With only a handful of clues to the baby’s identity, the three misfits search the streets of Tokyo for help in returning the baby to its parents.
About Tokyo Godfathers Movie:
Tokyo Godfathers is a Japanese animated Christmas tragicomedy adventure film written and directed by Satoshi Kon. The film features a unique blend of humor and drama, focusing on themes of family, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas. It stars voice actors Toru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki, and Aya Okamoto.
Plot Summary
Set on Christmas Eve in Tokyo, the story follows three homeless individuals: a young girl named Miyuki, a middle-aged man named Gin, and a transvestite named Hana. While rummaging through the trash, they discover an abandoned newborn baby. Hana, who has dreams of being a mother, convinces Gin and Miyuki to care for the baby overnight.
The trio embarks on an adventure to find the baby’s parents, using a key found with the infant as their only clue. Their journey leads them through various encounters with colorful characters and unexpected situations that reveal their pasts and challenge their perspectives on life. As they navigate the streets of Tokyo, they confront issues of poverty, loss, and the meaning of family.
Production Details
Tokyo Godfathers was inspired by the 1948 American film 3 Godfathers. Unlike many of Kon’s other works, this film is more grounded in realism while still incorporating his signature narrative style. The film was produced by Madhouse and was released in Japan on November 8, 2003, followed by its North American release on January 16, 2004.
Reception
The film received critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and animation quality. It won the Excellence Award at the 2003 Japan Media Arts Festival and Best Animation Film at the 58th Mainichi Film Awards. Critics praised its ability to balance humor with poignant moments, making it a touching holiday film that resonates with audiences.
Legacy
Tokyo Godfathers has been recognized as one of Satoshi Kon’s standout films and remains a beloved entry in both anime and Christmas cinema. Its exploration of urban life and social issues through a heartwarming narrative continues to attract viewers looking for a unique holiday experience. The film’s blend of comedy and tragedy offers a fresh perspective on the themes of hope and compassion during the festive season.
Budget & Box Office Collection:
| Budget | $2.4 million |
| Opening Day | $29,259 |
| Domestic Collection | $367,131 |
| International Collection | $110,571 |
| Worldwide Collection | $478,046 |