In the Japanese film *Perfect Days* (2023), directed by Wim Wenders, the main character, Hirayama (played by Koji Yakusho), reads several books throughout the film. These include:

 1. “The Three-Cornered World” – written by Natsume Soseki. explores themes of personal growth, cultural dislocation, and the search for identity through the experiences of its protagonist, Sanshirō. If this book influences Hideo’s character in *Perfect Days*, it could provide him with valuable perspectives on navigating his own sense of alienation and self-discovery.

The novel’s portrayal of a young man’s journey through the complexities of modern life and his struggle to reconcile traditional values with contemporary challenges might resonate with Hideo’s own experiences of feeling out of place and searching for meaning. Sanshirō’s encounters with different cultural and social environments could help Hideo reflect on his own identity and place in the world.

Additionally, the introspective and philosophical nature of Sōseki’s narrative could inspire Hideo to delve deeper into his own internal conflicts and emotional struggles. The book’s exploration of personal growth and the quest for understanding might encourage Hideo to embrace his own journey of self-discovery and find clarity amidst his feelings of disconnection and confusion.

2. “The Little Prince” – written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. explores themes of innocence, love, and the search for meaning, often through a lens of simplicity and emotional depth. If this book influences Hideo’s character in *Perfect Days*, it could encourage him to reconnect with his emotions and reflect on the deeper meanings of life beyond the mundane routines.

In *The Little Prince*, the protagonist learns the value of human connections, emotional vulnerability, and seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Similarly, Hideo might be inspired to look beyond the surface of his daily life and rediscover a sense of wonder, empathy, and openness to others. The book’s focus on the importance of love and the intangible aspects of life could help Hideo question his own emotional barriers and seek more profound, authentic relationships.

The simplicity and honesty of *The Little Prince* may also guide Hideo in understanding the significance of small moments and connections, helping him to re-evaluate his own life and find beauty in the ordinary, much like the lessons the Little Prince learns on his journey.

3. “The Wasteland” – written by T.S. Eliot. is a complex and profound poem that delves into themes of alienation, despair, and the existential crisis of the modern world. If this book influences Hideo’s character in *Perfect Days*, it may resonate with his sense of isolation and emptiness. 

In *The Waste Land*, characters experience a deep sense of disconnection and purposelessness, mirroring what Hideo might feel in his own life. The poem’s references to societal and cultural breakdown could prompt Hideo to reflect on his own place in the world, and his sense of detachment from the people and surroundings around him.

The fragmented narrative and chaotic structure of *The Waste Land* might parallel Hideo’s internal struggle to find meaning, making the poem an apt metaphor for his search for purpose in a seemingly disordered and impersonal world. As Eliot’s characters seek meaning in a spiritually desolate landscape, Hideo might also be inspired to confront his own inner desolation and search for meaning beyond his current emotional state.

4. “ The Wild Palms“ – written by William Faulkner  is a novel that explores themes of love, suffering, and moral ambiguity through its intertwined narratives. If this book influences Hideo’s character in *Perfect Days*, it could resonate deeply with his emotional and existential struggles.

Faulkner’s portrayal of complex relationships and the consequences of personal choices may mirror Hideo’s own conflicts. The novel’s exploration of intense and often troubled human emotions might encourage Hideo to confront his own feelings of despair and isolation. The moral and emotional dilemmas faced by Faulkner’s characters could prompt Hideo to reflect on his own decisions and their impact on his life.

Additionally, the novel’s dark, lyrical style and its focus on the clash between personal desires and societal expectations might help Hideo understand and articulate his own internal conflicts, leading him to seek clarity and resolution in his personal journey. The emotional depth and moral complexity in *The Wild Palms* can offer Hideo a framework for examining his own struggles and finding a path forward through his personal challenges

5. “The Old Man and the Sea“ by Ernest Hemingway: This short novel tells the story of an old fisherman’s struggle with a giant fish and his physical and spiritual challenges. As a classic symbol of perseverance and resilience, it can inspire Hideo and help him confront his own difficulties and dissatisfaction.

6. “Norwegian Wood“ by Haruki Murakami: This novel is one of Murakami’s most famous works, exploring themes of love, loss, and youthful crises. Set in 1960s Japan, it delves into deep psychological and emotional issues. Its melancholic and contemplative tone resonates with Hideo’s own inner struggles

7. “The Sound of Things Falling” by Juan Gabriel Vásquez: into themes of trauma, memory, and the lasting impact of past events on the present. If this book influences Hideo’s character in *Perfect Days*, it could offer him insights into how his own past experiences shape his current reality.

The novel’s focus on the reverberations of violence and personal loss might help Hideo confront and process his own emotional scars. The way the book explores the connection between historical events and personal lives could mirror Hideo’s struggle to understand how past events have influenced his current sense of isolation and existential questioning.

Additionally, the narrative’s examination of fear and the search for meaning amidst chaos might inspire Hideo to confront his own fears and seek a deeper understanding of his life’s purpose. The book’s portrayal of the long-lasting effects of trauma could encourage Hideo to reflect on how he can reconcile with his past and find a path toward healing and self-discovery

8. “The Book of Tea“ by Kakuzo Okakura: This philosophical work examines the cultural and spiritual effects of the Japanese tea ceremony, connecting with themes of tranquility and life.

9. “Kafka on the Shore” by Haruki Murakami: Another novel by Murakami, this story features a complex narrative and parallel worlds, addressing emotional and psychological issues faced by the characters.

10. “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse: This book, exploring the journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment, aligns with the introspective themes present in Hideo’s character arc.

11. “The Master and Margarita“ by Mikhail Bulgakov: This novel combines fantasy, romance, and political satire, and its exploration of dual realities and existential questions resonates with the film’s thematic depth.

12. “Trees” by Aiya Koda might have a profound impact on Hideo’s character in *Perfect Days*. The book’s themes of nature, growth, and introspection could resonate deeply with Hideo, reflecting his own struggles with isolation and the search for meaning. The natural imagery and philosophical reflections in the book may offer Hideo a sense of connection and insight, helping him to explore his own emotions and thoughts more deeply. By engaging with the book’s contemplations on nature and existence, Hideo might find parallels to his own experiences and gain a new perspective on his life.

These books play a significant role in enriching the character and deepening the understanding of the protagonist.

What else you found?