One photograph one treasured memory one chance to go back . . . In Mr Hirasaka's cosy
photography studio in the mountains between this world and the next someone is waking up as if
from a dream. There is a stack of photos on their lap one for every day of their life and
now they must choose the pictures that capture their most treasured memories which will be
placed in a beautiful lantern. Once completed it will be set spinning and their cherished
moments will flash before their eyes guiding them to another world. But like our most
thumbed-over photographs our favourite memories fade with age. So each visitor to the studio
has the chance to choose one day to return to and photograph afresh. Each has a treasured story
to tell from the old woman rebuilding a community in Tokyo after a disaster to the flawed
Yakuza man who remembers a time when he was kind and a strong child who is fighting to
survive. Extraordinarily moving and wise The Lantern of Lost Memories is a beautiful
Japanese tale about the people that make us and the moments that change us.
