In Tomoko's Case

Tomoko Tamura, a second-year high school student living in a detached house in Miyahara-chō, Omiya City, Saitama Prefecture (now Kita Ward, Saitama City), goes on an overnight hot spring trip to Izu with eight of her classmates, four boys and four girls, to enjoy her last summer before their entrance exams. However, Tomoko cleverly gets off at a station along the way to buy some ekiben (boxed lunches), which causes her to miss the train and get separated from her friends. From there, a series of tragedies unfolds in this coming-of-age comedy. Based on the comic by Minako Fujino. Screening alongside the film is That's Cheating! The Biggest Plan in History? (starring Tatsuya Yamaguchi and Namie Amuro, directed by Hiroshi Sugawara) as a double feature theatrical release.

Directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro, In Tomoko's Case leans on a strong ensemble — Rie Tomosaka, Chika Fujimura, Chiharu Niiyama — 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 comedy titles of 1996.