Bento Harassment (2019 Film)

Bento Harassment (Japanese: Kyo mo Iyagarase Bento) is a 2019 Japanese drama film directed by Renpei Tsukamoto. The film explores the strained relationship between a single mother and her high-school-aged daughter through the lens of daily communication.

Background and Production

The film is based on the essay collection Kyo mo Iyagarase Bento by the author known as Ttkk, which was published by Sansai Books on January 28, 2015. Production for the film adaptation commenced in late March 2018, with filming locations including Hachijo-jima, Japan.

Plot

The story follows Kaori, a single mother living with her daughter, Futaba. As Futaba enters a rebellious phase, she becomes increasingly distant and ignores her mother. Seeking a way to bridge the communication gap and express her frustration, Kaori begins crafting elaborate bento meals for her daughter that feature messages or designs intended to provoke a reaction, effectively using the lunches as a form of non-verbal communication.

Cast

• Ryoko Shinohara as Kaori
• Kyoko Yoshine as Futaba
• Rena Matsui
• Kanta Sato
• Ryuta Sato
• Yoshinori Okada