What a Wonderful Family! 2 (2017)
Yoji Yamada's warm and witty sequel reunites the chaotic Hirata family for another round of laughter, love, and life's harder questions.
What a Wonderful Family! 2 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 家族はつらいよ2
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Yoji Yamada
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 20, 2017 (Japan), May 12, 2017 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Verano de una familia de Tokio (ES), What a Wonderful Family! 2 (US), Kazoku wa tsuraiyo 2 (JP), What a Wonderful Family II (CN)
- Production Companies: Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, GYAO, Sumitomo Corporation, TV Asahi, Kinoshita Group, Shochiku Tokyo Studio, Shochiku Broadcasting, THE YOMIURI-SHIMBUN, Hakuhodo, Asahi Broadcasting Corporation, Nippan Group Holdings, Nagoya Broadcasting Network, Kodansha, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting, Hokkaido Television Broadcasting, Shochiku
- Production Countries: Japan
What a Wonderful Family! 2 - Plot
Several years after Shuzo settled his wife's birthday-surprise divorce proposal (What a Wonderful Family, 40th), the Hirata family faces new problems. Ignoring his family's worry that he is too old to drive, Shuzo takes his old schoolmate for a spin after carousing. Soon, a new disturbance arises for the Hirata family. Veteran director Yamada Yoji continues his comedy about the "perfect" Japanese family turned upside down in chaos, laughters and understanding. This time, with an additional taste of death.
What a Wonderful Family! 2 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Hirata family's next adventure unfold:
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What a Wonderful Family! 2 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yoji Yamada
Main Cast
- Isao Hashizume
- Kazuko Yoshiyuki
- Masahiko Nishimura
- Yu Aoi
- Yui Natsukawa
- Tomoko Nakajima
- Hayashiya Shōzō IX
- Satoshi Tsumabuki
- Jun Fubuki
- Nenji Kobayashi
Writers
- Yoji Yamada
- Emiko Hiramatsu
Producers
- Hideaki Miyoshi
- Hiroshi Fukazawa
What a Wonderful Family! 2 - FAQs
Do you need to watch the first film first?
While What a Wonderful Family! 2 follows the same Hirata family from the first film, it works well as a standalone watch. The sequel introduces its own fresh conflicts, so newcomers can jump right in and enjoy the comedy without feeling lost.
What is What a Wonderful Family! 2 about?
The Hirata family is back in a new round of domestic chaos. This time, patriarch Shuzo ignores his family's worries about his age and takes an old friend for a drive, sparking fresh trouble. Director Yoji Yamada blends warm humor with unexpected reflections on aging and mortality.
Who are the main actors in What a Wonderful Family! 2?
The ensemble cast is led by Isao Hashizume as stubborn patriarch Shuzo and Kazuko Yoshiyuki as his wife Tomiko. They're joined by Satoshi Tsumabuki, Yu Aoi, Yui Natsukawa, Masahiko Nishimura, Tomoko Nakajima, Hayashiya Shōzō IX, Jun Fubuki, and Nenji Kobayashi.
Does What a Wonderful Family! 2 deal with death?
Yes, and it's one of the sequel's most distinctive touches. While the film remains a warm, funny family comedy, it weaves in an honest look at mortality — how families confront aging and loss together. It adds emotional depth without ever losing its light, affectionate tone.
Who directed What a Wonderful Family! 2?
Veteran Japanese filmmaker Yoji Yamada directed the film. Best known for the beloved Tora-san series and critically acclaimed works like Twilight Samurai, Yamada brings his signature warmth and sharp observational humor to this affectionate portrait of a multigenerational Japanese family.
When was What a Wonderful Family! 2 released?
What a Wonderful Family! 2 opened in Japan on April 20, 2017, followed by a Spanish release on May 12, 2017. The film is a direct sequel to the 2016 original and continues Yoji Yamada's comedic exploration of the Hirata family's wonderfully messy domestic life.
How long is What a Wonderful Family! 2?
The film runs for 1 hour and 53 minutes — a comfortable length that gives the ensemble cast plenty of room to breathe and the family dynamics time to unfold naturally, without ever overstaying its welcome.
What are similar movies to What a Wonderful Family! 2?
If you enjoy this film, you might also love Parenthood (1989), The Family Stone (2005), Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2021), and Family Affairs (2022). For more Japanese family comedy, Pompo the Cinephile (2021) and Doctor on Call (2021) are worth exploring too.
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