COME BACK ANYTIME

A window into the lives of self-taught Japanese ramen master Masamoto Ueda and his wife Kazuko, who have run their tiny Tokyo ramen shop, Bizentei for more than 40 years.

Scores of devoted customers have joined them in creating an intimate place of community. On the weekends, they venture together across the Japanese countryside, harvesting pears, bamboo shoots, and wild mountain yams. Acknowledging that nothing lasts forever and that the master must retire someday, everyone resolves to make the best of what time remains — to truly appreciate this special place, this uniquely delicious and soul-nourishing food, and this special community of friends before it is gone forever.

Screening with Short Film

KOTO: THE LAST SERVICE

Canada, 2021, 15 min, Director Joella Cabalu

After nearly 40 years in operation, the family-run Koto Japanese Restaurant is closing down. Over the course of its final service, the small Vancouver Island community bids farewell.