I will say up front, I am not an aficionado of Japanese films so I did not know what to expect, but definitely not something so modern. So much of the film and its story could be set in the US during that same period. The degree of woman's subjugation to the family differs in degree, but not all that much. Some of the characters are quirky but I was interested in all of them. There is a good deal of humor if you can identify with them and some sadness as well. My guess is that this film provoked some controversy in Japan at the time of its screening. Oh, I forgot to mention that this story fits in perfectly with the Mad Men series, but not as dark.

Please read the comment below for my "invalid review":

This is a generational study of Japanese society. There is the older generation who lived during the war, and the young people who are their children. Do the children marry, or should they stay home to care for their aging parents. Hirayama, a mid-level executive in a local business, lives at home with his daughter, Michiko. His wife has passed away and the caretaker duties now fall to the daughter. His other son is married and increasingly concerned with material objects like a new refrigerator or a new set of golf clubs. A younger son still lives at home but his prospects for leaving are greater than that of his sister. During the film, Hirayama must examine certain fears. Does he want his daughter to stay at home to provide care for him as he gets older, even at the expense of her personal happiness? Is he afraid of growing old alone? His circle of friends include a man who has married someone half his age, and another friend who encourages him to find a suitable spouse for his daughter before it is too late. His worst fears seem to be realized when he sees his one-time teacher, now a cook in a restaurant, who drinks to forget his unhappiness. A gem of a movie.....