Broken Heart of the 56th Year (2020)
A tender Japanese drama-fantasy about a young chef who travels back to 1964 Tokyo and discovers a love that endures across 56 years.
Broken Heart of the 56th Year - Movie Information
Broken Heart of the 56th Year - Plot
Apprentice chef Saori Nakagawa suddenly travels to Tokyo in 1964 to meet Ryuichi Kikuchi, a cook. From Kikuchi who devotes himself to cooking, Saori learns what is really important. The love of two people over 56 years.
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Broken Heart of the 56th Year - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yukihiro Toda
Main Cast
- Ayami Nakajo
- Kanata Hongo
- Kenji Iwaya
- Kenji Mizuhashi
- Masahiro Toda
- Sara Shida
- Tōru Shinagawa
- Miyoko Akaza
- Mayumi Ozora
- Karin Ono
Writers
- Yukihiro Toda
Producers
- Takashi Tanimiya
- Tomohisa Ishii
Broken Heart of the 56th Year - FAQs
What is Broken Heart of the 56th Year about?
Broken Heart of the 56th Year follows Saori Nakagawa, a young apprentice chef who mysteriously travels back to 1964 Tokyo, where she meets a devoted cook named Ryuichi Kikuchi. Through their connection, she learns what truly matters in life, and their bond unfolds across 56 years.
Does the film involve time travel to the 1964 Olympics?
Yes — Saori's journey takes her to Tokyo in 1964, the year Japan hosted the Summer Olympics. That era of post-war optimism and national transformation forms a vivid backdrop for the story, giving the romance a richly historical and emotionally resonant setting.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The film stars Ayami Nakajo as apprentice chef Saori Nakagawa and Kanata Hongo as the passionate cook Ryuichi Kikuchi. The supporting cast includes Kenji Iwaya, Kenji Mizuhashi, Sara Shida, Tōru Shinagawa, Miyoko Akaza, Mayumi Ozora, and Masahiro Toda.
Who directed Broken Heart of the 56th Year?
Broken Heart of the 56th Year was directed by Yukihiro Toda, who also wrote the screenplay. Toda brings a gentle, contemplative touch to this time-crossing love story, balancing the warmth of culinary passion with the bittersweet ache of a romance stretched across decades.
What role does cooking play in the story?
Cooking is central to the film's emotional core. Both Saori and Ryuichi are chefs, and their shared devotion to the craft becomes the language through which they connect. Food here is more than sustenance — it's a metaphor for care, dedication, and the things we pass down through time.
What genre is Broken Heart of the 56th Year?
The film blends Drama and Fantasy, weaving a heartfelt romantic story with a time-travel premise. It's the kind of quietly magical film that uses its fantastical element not for spectacle, but to explore love, loss, and the passage of time in a deeply human way.
How long is Broken Heart of the 56th Year?
The film runs for 89 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a compact, beautifully paced story that doesn't overstay its welcome, making it an ideal watch for an evening when you're in the mood for something tender and quietly moving.
What are similar films to Broken Heart of the 56th Year?
If you enjoyed this film, you might also love Secret (2007), Click (2006), or Kitchen Stories (2003) for their blend of romance and time-bending storytelling. Chariots of Fire (1981) shares the 1960s period atmosphere, while Time Travel Is Dangerous! (2025) echoes the playful fantasy premise.
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