Mellow (2020)
A quietly moving Japanese romance about a florist, a ramen shop, and the small moments that bring two people together.
Mellow - Movie Information
- Original Title: mellow
- Release Year: 2020
- Directed by: Rikiya Imaizumi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 17, 2020 (Japan - G)
- Alternative Titles: メロウ (JP)
- Production Companies: Kansai Television, Pony Canyon, Tristone Entertainment, TEN CARAT, T-TRIBE ENTERTAINMENT, Aeon Entertainment, DUB
- Production Countries: Japan
Mellow - Plot
Seiichi is the owner of a flower shop. He enjoys his peaceful single life. Kiho runs the ramen restaurant left to her by her father, but she's thinking of closing it.
Mellow - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for Mellow's gentle, unhurried world:
Where to Watch Mellow
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Mellow - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rikiya Imaizumi
Main Cast
- Kei Tanaka
- Sae Okazaki
- Sara Shida
- Elena Matsuki
- Tamaki Shiratori
- Sumire
- Kenjirô Yamashita
- Rie Tomosaka
- Mantaro Koichi
- Yoichiro Saito
Writers
- Rikiya Imaizumi
Producers
- TAGUCHI Yusuke
- Takako Oki
- Yasushi Utagawa
Mellow - FAQs
What is Mellow about?
Mellow centers on Seiichi, a florist who enjoys his calm, solitary life, and Kiho, a woman running the ramen restaurant her late father left behind — though she's close to shutting it down. Their quiet, everyday worlds begin to overlap in tender, understated ways, making for a gentle Japanese romance about connection and small moments.
Does Mellow have a happy ending?
Mellow leans into a bittersweet, quietly hopeful tone rather than a grand romantic resolution. The film favors emotional honesty over tidy conclusions, leaving viewers with a warm sense of possibility. It's the kind of ending that lingers — understated but deeply felt, very much in keeping with the film's gentle spirit.
Where can you watch Mellow online?
You can check all current streaming and rental options for Mellow on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so JustWatch is the easiest way to find where it's currently showing.
Who are the main actors in Mellow?
The film stars Kei Tanaka as Seiichi, the easygoing florist at the heart of the story, and Sae Okazaki as Kiho, the ramen shop owner weighing a big life decision. The supporting cast includes Sara Shida, Elena Matsuki, Sumire, and Rie Tomosaka, among others.
Is Mellow based on a true story?
No, Mellow is an original story. The screenplay was written by director Rikiya Imaizumi himself, drawing on his signature style of quiet, character-driven romance. While the situations feel grounded and true to life, the characters and plot are entirely fictional.
Who directed Mellow and what else has he made?
Mellow was directed and written by Rikiya Imaizumi, a Japanese filmmaker known for his delicate, slice-of-life romantic dramas. He also wrote the screenplay here, maintaining full creative control. His work consistently explores everyday emotions and interpersonal relationships with a soft, observational touch.
What are some movies similar to Mellow?
If Mellow resonated with you, try We Made a Beautiful Bouquet (2021) for another Japanese floral romance, or After the Rain (2018) for a similarly quiet, emotionally nuanced story. Imagine Me & You (2006) and Bread and Tulips (2000) also share that gentle, character-focused warmth.
When and where was Mellow released?
Mellow opened in Japan on January 17, 2020, with a G rating — meaning it's suitable for all audiences. It's a Japanese production distributed through Pony Canyon and Aeon Entertainment, among others, and was primarily a domestic theatrical release in Japan.
More About Mellow
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