Captivating tales of personal drama told in a sort of understated way. A common thread is a sense of struggle coming from post-war Japanese culture coming to terms with new forms of wealth, an altered somewhat bewildering socio-economic landscape, and Western/American influence, all this mixed together with a mysterious sexual energy. The stories and characters feel supremely real and relatable, and yet it also feels like you are contending with a whole new culture and point in time. Strongly recommended!