Based on a novel by Kukiko Moto, Journey into Solitude (Tabi no Omosa) is a story about a 16 year old girl that goes on a trip on the island of Shikoku to seek freedom, and meaning of life.
The girl (Yoko Takahashi) leaves her mother (Kyoko Kishida) who's a painter leaving her a note "Mom, don't be surprised, and don't cry. I left on a journey. I'm not running away. I'm just going on a journey.". She travels around Shikoku meeting many people. Near cape Ashizuri she meets traveling performers and joins their band. She befriends Masako (Rie Yokoyama). With Masako she experiences lesbianism for the first time. She leaves the traveling performers, but soon gets sick. A middle aged man Kimura (Etsushi Takahashi) picks her up and nurses her back to life. Kimura is a fish salesman. The girl starts a life being his wife and sends her mother a letter saying "Mom, I'm satisfied with this life. This is my ideal life. There's love, loneliness, and meaning in this life.".
The movie is done beautifully with beautiful scenery of Shikoku as its back drop. The theme is very '70s. Girl journeys to find freedom and happiness.
The movie is debut for two of the most prolific actress in Japanese TV and cinema, Yoko Takahashi, and Kumiko Akiyoshi.
This is one of the outstanding movies to come out of Japan.
