OKKO’S INN: A Youthful & Endearing Look At Grief

Giving back is the greatest form of healing. This is what director Kitaro Kosaika charmingly illustrates in Okko’s Inn; we navigate loss and grief through the eyes of a child in this energetic and animated Japanese film. Considering I teared up a few times, it’s definitely something that everyone can enjoy.

Based on a series of Hiroko Reijo novels, “Waka Okami wa Shōgakusei!” (“The Young Innkeeper Is a Grade Schooler!”), Okko’s Inn evokes youthful whimsy to the fullest capacity; its lively rhythm, style, and characters blaze through the screen. These elements, at times, may seem to peel away at the heart of the film, but the right emotions and realizations later unfold that ultimately gratifies us and the characters.

Kosaika, who has worked as an animator on several of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, brings in a vibrant and lively animation. Like Miyazaki, Kosaika focuses on growth as a result of loss and ties it with the spiritual and fantasy world. His film doesn’t exude the same nuanced style and maturity that Miyazaki’s stories bring, but it’s certainly endearing to watch. Behind all the bubbliness lies thought and intention, bringing the film to where it needs to be.

Loss Brings On A New Journey

The film follows Okko (Seiran Kobayashi), a vivacious child who, after tragically losing her parents in a car accident, moves to the countryside to live with her grandmother, Mineko (Yôko Asagami). She has trouble adjusting but soon meets a friendly ghost, Uri-bô (Satsumi Matsuda), who urges her to help Mineko out at the inn, all the while helping her navigate her new environment. Being the only person who can see Uri-bô, Okko soon enough meets other local spirits who both help and hinder her new journey.

As the new junior innkeeper, she meets families and folks who have dealt with their own loss, through which she gains perspective. She meets a father and son who have lost their mother, a cool fortune teller who was recently dumped, and a family who is connected to Okko’s loss. Through meeting these folks, she learns to serve others with gratitude and empathy. Moreover, she learns to swallow her pride and ask for help.

Characters Who Pass Through Create Unique And Necessary Chapters for Okko’s Journey

Kindling Casper vibes, the story carries a lot of spirits, characters, and lessons, which isn’t surprising considering that it’s based on a novel series. Dealing with grief in Okko’s journey entails lessons that are rich with Japanese culture, yet reflect universal experiences. Okko learns the value of having a support system and giving back to gain. There are several characters that come and go throughout the film who each help her understand and move forward in a complicated world. Although they might feel redundant, they provide Okko with relevant and unique wisdom for her to move forward.

As she grows, realizations surface which entails parting and sadness. These moments are the heavy ones where she sees visions of her parents time to time and moments when she begins to realize that moving forward entails letting go. That the people around you can’t stay around forever. It’s these tender moments when the films slows down, and we feel the impact of all the preceding events.

Craftmanship of Kosaika

Having worked as key animators for classic animation films such as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, Kosaika weaves in similar Miyazaki themes into his tale, but also fleshes out his own style when it comes to crafting his animation. Stylistically, Okko’s Inn carries a vibrancy that runs first and foremost through the characters. They’re shrill and lively that makes certain moments a bit erratic yet humorous. With his rapid character movement and scene changes, Kosaika isn’t shy at jumping out at us. 

When placing Kosaika and Miyazaki side by side, there’s definitely a more reflective and melancholy nature in Miyazaki’s films. It’s like your grandpa telling you sweet tales with traces of old wisdom and tragic themes. As much as Kosaika’s story involves themes of death and grief, he approaches them with a more traditional, happy-go-lucky formula. And perhaps it’s because it’s more of a film invested in the lessons behind the story. We know Okko will be okay–it’s just a matter of how she gets to that point. Though her path is filled with sad and teachable moments, she carries them with vibrancy, optimism, and action that Miyazaki would most likely be more cautious of using. 

Influence of Miyazaki

There’s also similarities in which Kosaika envelopes his characters in gorgeous landscapes. Like Miyazaki, he’s a fan of nature, drawing out soft and luscious trees, skies, and water. Specifically, in Okko’s Inn, the soft landscapes mesh well with the vibrant characters. They overall, make the film refreshing and attractive to look at.

Not to mention, both filmmakers focus on young humans going through a difficult period in their lives, the use of strong female protagonists, and what compassion and courage entails. These open up to a fantastic world and a familiar one. We, as adults, can empathize, and younger viewers can learn.

Conclusion: Okko’s Inn Takes Us Where We Need To Be

There aren’t many complexities in Okko’s Inn, and it certainly doesn’t need them. With its vivacious characters and pace, the story bounces through various chapters of Okko’s new journey. As we follow a dear youngin’s life, we see familiar lessons and growing pains. We see elements that are part of the human experience through the eyes of a young girl’s life. And the feelings that are rooted in these experiences, give life to a colorful and hopeful world.

What are some of your favorite family movies about grief? Share your thoughts below.

Okko’s Inn was shown theatrically on April 22nd and 23rd. It’ll be released on Blue-ray, DVD, and digital download on July 2nd.