Sunrise and sunset hold a special significance in Japanese cinematography. They are commonly used as symbols to convey a range of emotions and themes. Sunrise represents new beginnings, hope, and positivity. On the other hand, sunset signifies the end, death, and nostalgia. The cinematographers use these two natural phenomena to create a mood, set a tone, and build a character arc.
Japanese filmmakers extensively use sunrises to signify the start of a new day, a new journey, and a fresh start. For instance, in the movie “Departures,” directed by Yojiro Takita, sunrise is used as a metaphor for life and death. The protagonist, Daigo, starts his new journey as a mortician, and the opening scene shows him watching the sunrise. It sets the tone for the movie and signifies the start of a new chapter in Daigo’s life.
Similarly, the movie “Tokyo Story” directed by Yasujiro Ozu, depicts sunrise as a symbol of hope and rejuvenation. The movie is about an aging couple visiting their adult children in Tokyo, who are too busy to spend time with them. The film ends with the couple watching the sunrise, which symbolizes a new day and a new beginning.
On the other hand, sunsets are used to depict the end of an era, nostalgia, and longing. The movie “Ikiru,” directed by Akira Kurosawa, uses sunset to signify the end of the protagonist’s life. The character, Kanji Watanabe, is diagnosed with stomach cancer and has only a few months to live. In the final scene, he sits on a swing in a park, watching the sunset, and reminiscing about his life.
Similarly, in the movie “Still Walking,” directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, sunset is used to depict the end of a family gathering and the end of a relationship. The movie is about a family gathering to commemorate the death of the eldest son who died years ago. The movie ends with the family watching the sunset, signifying the end of their gathering and the end of their relationship.
In conclusion, sunrise and sunset hold a special significance in Japanese cinematography. They are commonly used to convey a range of emotions and themes, from hope and new beginnings to the end and nostalgia. The filmmakers use them as powerful symbols to create a mood, set a tone, and build a character arc. The use of sunrise and sunset in Japanese cinema is a unique way to connect with the audience and convey the message.
