Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is a 2020 animated drama directed by Kotaro Tamura, starring Taishi Nakagawa as Tsuneo Suzukawa (voice), Kaya Kiyohara and Chiemi Matsutera. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $384,212 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 90/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- Kotaro Tamura
- Original language
-
Japanese
- Studio
- BONES
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Josee, the Tiger and the Fish About?
The premise of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Tsuneo, a university student, works as an assistant to Josee, a vibrant and imaginative young artist who uses a wheelchair. Dreaming of studying marine biology abroad, Tsuneo hopes the job will help fund his ambitions. As they spend time together, their bond deepens, and they encourage each other to pursue their dreams. Through their shared experiences, they discover unexpected depths within themselves and find a love that transcends boundaries, inspiring them to reach for possibilities they never imagined.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Themes & Keywords
· 42 tags- anime remake of live action
- anime animation
- male female relationship
- disabled woman
- student
- girl
- house
- young
- animal in title
- based on a collection of short stories
- two protagonists
- coming of age drama
+30 more Show fewer
- primarily adult cast
- adult cast
- disabled person
- disability
- visual arts
- drawing
- coming of age
- heterosexual
- literature on screen
- romantic comedy
- female protagonist
- tsundere
- male protagonist
- japanese literature on screen
- scuba diving
- coastal
- wheelchair
- cgi
- college
- first love
- slice of life anime animation
- aquatic sport
- university
- school life
- slice of life
- love triangle
- painting
- woman in wheelchair
- hand drawn animation
- based on novel
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Cast & Characters
Taishi Nakagawa leads the cast as Tsuneo Suzukawa (voice), with Kaya Kiyohara as Kumiko 'Josee' Yamamura (voice) and Chiemi Matsutera as Chizu Yamamura (voice). Directed by Kotaro Tamura; 29 actors are credited in all.
- Director Kotaro Tamura
- Taishi Nakagawa as Tsuneo Suzukawa (voice)
- Kaya Kiyohara as Kumiko 'Josee' Yamamura (voice)
- Chiemi Matsutera as Chizu Yamamura (voice)
- Lynn as Kana Kishimoto (voice)
Also Starring in Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
· 25 more- Yume Miyamoto Mai Ninomiya (voice)
- Kanji Obana Professor Kondo (voice)
- Kazuyuki Okitsu Hayato Matsuura (voice)
- Masaki Terasoma Doctor (voice)
- Kengo Kawanishi Yukichi (voice)
- Nico
- Kenji Hamada
- Lily Train Station Attendant (voice)
- Jin Urayama Fujita (voice)
- Yuuya Uchida Mizushima (voice)
- Masaya Takatsuka
- Shuhei Sakaguchi
- Masaaki Ihara
- Yui Nakajima
- Sanae Nakata
- Ayako Takeuchi
Show all 29 cast members Show fewer cast members
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 90/100, strongest in sensory experience (94) and weakest in story & flow (80).
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Echo Score Breakdown
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish excels in its artistic presentation, delivering a visually rich and meticulously crafted anime experience. Critics and viewers consistently note the beautiful, detailed animation, harmonious color palette, and fluid motion that elevate the narrative. The film’s direction and editing maintain a steady rhythm that supports emotional beats without drawing attention to itself. Overall, the production values form a strong foundation that greatly enhances the film’s appeal.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
In terms of art and craft, the film showcases exceptional animation quality and thoughtful visual design. Reviewers highlight the blend of traditional anime aesthetics with detailed digital techniques, creating an immersive world that feels both magical and grounded. The direction and editing sustain visual coherence, allowing the story to flow smoothly. This high level of craftsmanship contributes significantly to the film’s overall impact.
- Character & Emotion 88
When evaluating character and emotion, the movie delivers nuanced performances that resonate with audiences. Critics praise the voice acting and the believable chemistry between leads, noting that the characters display authentic dreams, flaws, and growth. Emotional moments are supported by well‑crafted arcs, creating a lasting connection. The depth of character work anchors the romantic narrative and enriches viewer engagement.
- Story & Flow 80
Regarding story and flow, the narrative balances sweetness with occasional cliché tropes, yet execution keeps the plot engaging. Reviewers commend the measured pacing, especially in the film’s climax, and the satisfying resolution that reinforces themes of freedom and aspiration. While some view the love‑triangle as padding, most find the overall structure coherent and emotionally rewarding.
- Sensory Experience 94
The sensory experience stands out through a memorable score and cohesive sound design. Critics repeatedly cite Evan Call’s music as a key emotional driver, complementing the visual style. The soundtrack underscores dramatic moments without overwhelming the narrative, while the visual cohesion ties together the film’s aesthetic. This blend of audio and visual elements creates an immersive viewing atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 85
The rewatch factor is high, with many viewers expressing a desire to revisit the film for its charming romance and artistic beauty. Its gentle pacing and layered emotional moments reward multiple viewings, revealing new details each time. The lasting appeal of the characters and the film’s uplifting tone encourage audiences to return, making it a repeatable, feel‑good experience.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Plot Summary
What happens in Josee, the Tiger and the Fish from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Tsuneo Suzukawa, Taishi Nakagawa, a university student who also works part-time at a shop in Osaka, finds himself stepping into the life of Josee, Kaya Kiyohara, a wheelchair-using young woman with a fierce, guarded personality. When Josee accidentally sends her chair rolling down a steep road, Tsuneo acts quickly and, at the invitation of her grandmother, Chizu Yamamura, Chiemi Matsutera, spends the night at her house and becomes her caretaker. What begins as a rescue gradually unfolds into a tentative companionship, as the two push past the barriers of fear and independence to discover a quiet, shared rhythm. The early days are filled with small discoveries and mutual protection, and the bond that forms is both tender and transformative for both of them.
Full summary
The whole story of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, scene by scene
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Box Office
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish grossed $384,212 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$384.2K
- International
- $384.2K
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Josee, the Tiger and the Fish | Offical Anime Trailer (Eng Sub)
How Well Do You Know Josee, the Tiger and the Fish?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the university student who rescues Josee?
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Also Known As
35 alternative titles, including “Josée” and “Le Tigre et Les Poissons.”.
- Also known as
-
- Josée
- Le Tigre et Les Poissons.
- Joze to Tora to Sakana-tachi
- Josee to Tora to Sakanatachi
- Её заветное желание
- Джози
- Тигр и Рыба
- 乔西与虎与鱼
- โจเซ่ กับเสือและหมู่ปลา
- Жозе, тигр і риба
- Josie, der Tiger und die Fische.
- Josee, el Tigre y los Peces
+23 more Show fewer
- 喬瑟與虎與魚群
- Joze to tora to sakanatachi
- ジョゼと虎と魚たち
- Josee, el Tigre y el Pez
- 乔西的虎与鱼
- Її завітна мрія
- 조제
- 호랑이 그리고 물고기들
- Josée, le tigre et les poissons
- Josee, o Tigre e o Peixe
- 喬瑟與虎與魚群動畫版
- Josie, der Tiger und die Fische
- Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi
- ג'וסי
- הנמר והדג
- Josée, la tigre e i pesci
- Tigar i Riba
- Khi Nàng Thơ Yêu
- Josee, el tigre i els peixos
- Josee to tora to sakana-tači
- جوسي، النمر والسمكة
- 猶瑟與虎魚們
- Žoze, tigras ir žuvis
Seen Josee, the Tiger and the Fish?
Movies Like Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, Call Me Chihiro and My Happy Marriage.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Josee, the Tiger and the Fish?
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was Josee, the Tiger and the Fish released?
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish was released on October 30, 2020.
Who directed Josee, the Tiger and the Fish?
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish was directed by Kotaro Tamura.
Who is in the cast of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish?
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish stars Taishi Nakagawa as Tsuneo Suzukawa (voice), Kaya Kiyohara as Kumiko 'Josee' Yamamura (voice) and Chiemi Matsutera as Chizu Yamamura (voice), among 29 credited actors.
How much did Josee, the Tiger and the Fish make at the box office?
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish grossed $384,212 worldwide.
Does Josee, the Tiger and the Fish have a post-credit scene?
No. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Josee, the Tiger and the Fish in?
The original language of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is Japanese.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
