Ako Sugie | Naoko Ogami's "Kamome Diner"
This article celebrates the 20th-anniversary revival screening of the film "Kamome Diner" and reflects on its impact.Summary
The film "Kamome Diner" (Kamome Shokudō), which is credited with sparking the ongoing Nordic design boom in Japan, is receiving a limited national revival screening for its 20th anniversary starting April 10, 2026. The author notes that this enduring popularity proves Nordic design has become firmly established in Japan. The movie centers on a Japanese woman running a diner in Helsinki, Finland, detailing the warm interactions she has with her customers, creating an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Its appeal is amplified by the appearance of iconic Finnish brands like Iittala, Arabia, and Marimekko used in the set design and costumes, contrasted with the comforting Japanese menu items like onigiri and set meals, styled by popular food stylist Nami Iijima. The film's depiction of a simple, warm Nordic lifestyle captivated fans two decades ago, and the author looks forward to experiencing this timeless masterpiece in theaters again.
(Source：artscape)