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Young adulthood is a journey filled with memories of the past, as much as it is filled with feelings of the present, and predictions of the future. Discovering the Film Only Yesterday, has left a long lasting impression on me. In my own life I have found myself at the crossroads of what Ill make of my college experience, and where that will lead me in life. This film is the pause in our young adulthood where we take our younger selves with us on our journey.  Only Yesterday  focuses on the complexity of interpersonal relationships. A scene where Taeko feels unfufilled comparerd to her friends. She is bored and wants more as she sits in the sun for hours frolicking in her mind with ideas. The only trip that summer being a day at the bathhouse with her grandmother which was cut short. This experience travels with Taeko as shes heading to the countryside

Taeko’s first interaction with one of the people she’d be staying with in the country side occurs in this scene. She has spent much of the film thus far by herself reflecting on memories of her past. Now, her journey has been interrupted by some intimacy between her adult self and Toshio, who farms the lands shes visiting. As a young child she had a strong desire to be connected to the countryside, and now in her adulthood is fulfilling those dreams.

In the scene,  Taekos preconceived notions about the countryside and nature are disarmed by her new friend, Toshio who works in agricutlrtuere. This is a big moment for Taeko as she has held these beliefs about the country since her childhood. As an adult, she learns the meanings of these things that she has such a fascination with, and it answers some of her looming questions. 

The film explores romantic relationships in this scene, where Taeko encounters the awkward situation of young love. Taeko is caught off guard by these facsinations and feelings, which stay present with her even into her adulthood. She recognises these parts of herself as an adult when she falls for Toshio towards the end of the film

In this scene, Taeko reflects on her upbringing during a conversation with one of the younger girls she is staying with in the country side. She connects her story of the past to an issue the girl is facing. Taeko recalls a time when she was upset that a handbag her sister owned would not be given to her. During her tantrum, she ran outside with no shoes and was slapped as punishment by her father. This scene carried real emotional weight in the film. This was the only time Taeko was ever hit, which she emphasized. Taeko speaking with a young girl who reminds her of herself is an interesting bridge between Taeko’s past and the present. It in a sense is a multi layered interaction of wistfulness. 

Taekos trip on the surface may have been a train ride to the country side. However at a deeper level carried more luggage than expected. Only yesterday captured the regrets, sorrows, and hopes that we carry as young adults. There is no way to venture into the future, without bringing those along who reside in the past, including ourselves.