Memories of His Scent

High school girl Hinoki has a keen sense of smell. Perhaps it has something to do with her father, who ran a coffee bean roasting store. This sets the quiet and contemplative girl apart from others. When she reads a notebook left behind by her late father, she discovers that he had written his impressions of the films he had seen at mini-theatres across Japan. However, one mini theatre, the location of which is unmarked, has notes on smells and impressions. Inspired to find it (and without telling her mother), Hinoki decides to venture forth and visit the cinemas her father had visited, handing out coffee beans to people she meets, all while searching for her father’s fading scent. As she does so, over the course of her laidback and slightly melancholy adventure she becomes a little more mature.

Directed by Kahori Higashi, Memories of His Scent leans on a strong ensemble — Reira Ikeda, Shun Aoi, Mary Sara — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2024.