Josee, the Tiger and the Fish 2020

Animation

Drama

Romance

Box Office

$384K

Runtime

98 mins

Language

Japanese

Directed by

Kotaro Tamura

Made by

BONES

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Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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.

Their relationship deepens through simple, intimate moments. They spend long hours by the beach, sharing stories and silences, and Josee slowly allows Tsuneo to glimpse the world she keeps at arm’s length. Josee later lands a job at the library, thanks to a friend, Kana Kishimoto, Lynn, and Tsuneo’s world widens as he receives a scholarship and an offer to study in Mexico, though he keeps this future from Josee. The quiet, ongoing struggle between desire for independence and the need for companionship becomes a central thread, weaving through their days together and testing their commitment to one another.

After Chizu’s sudden death from a heart attack, Josee finds herself told she will be leaving the house for a time. Mai Ninomiya, [Yume Miyamoto], a coworker, pushes Josee to “redeem herself and set Tsuneo free,” and the story ominously pivots toward changes that will force both characters to redefine their paths. In the months that follow, Josee shifts from pursuing art to taking on an office job, while Tsuneo earnsestly pursues his own hopes. A harsh blow arrives when Tsuneo suffers a serious car accident, fracturing his right leg and spending two months in the hospital. The professor, Kanji Obana, informs him that another student will replace him for the school and the trip, prompting Tsuneo to question his future and to momentarily retreat from the dreams they once shared. Mai’s visit to Josee—urging her not to waste what she and Tsuneo have—adds a wrinkle of emotional pressure, and the pair feel the weight of choices that could pull them apart.

As Tsuneo begins rehabilitation, Josee returns to her artistic roots, and a glimmer of hope appears. A friend, Hayato Matsūra, [Kazuyuki Okitsu], helps escort Tsuneo from the hospital to the library, where Josee reads a story she has drawn called “The Mermaid and the Radiant Wings.” The tale becomes a deep, allegorical reflection of their own relationship, inspiring Tsuneo to rededicate himself to physical therapy, working with renewed determination to walk again. When Tsuneo asks Josee to be there before his discharge, she answers in a way that makes clear her love, even as she warns that the road ahead will be complicated. He leaves the hospital to return to an empty house, only to discover that Josee has vanished.

The pursuit crystallizes in a stark, wintery moment: Tsuneo follows the snow-tracked signs of Josee’s movements, from the zoo where she once watched a tiger to a snowy road where a careless stranger topples her wheelchair. Josee is saved by Tsuneo once again, the moment echoing their first meeting and sealing a renewed confession of deep feeling. They speak of a future together—Josee longs to become a storybook illustrator, and Tsuneo asserts that he will stay by her side. When Josee asks about Mexico, Tsuneo makes a simple, decisive promise to return home for both of them. He travels to Mexico, while Josee leaves the house to make room for demolition, and the following year sees Tsuneo return to Japan to continue building a life with her.

redeem herself and set Tsuneo free

Together, they navigate the uncertainties of distance, illness, and the pressures of personal ambition, choosing to hold fast to the bond that began with a rescue and matured into shared dreams. The story closes with a quiet, hopeful sense that their partnership can endure the test of time, that art and love can coexist, and that they can find a future built on mutual care and unwavering commitment.

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Rescue and caretaker bond begins

Tsuneo Suzukawa, a university student and part-time store employee in Osaka, rescues the disabled Josee when she accidentally pushes her wheelchair down a steep road. Impressed by his care, Josee’s grandmother Chizu invites him to stay the night, and he becomes Josee’s caretaker. This chance encounter marks the beginning of a relationship that will deepen over time.

Beginning of story Osaka, Chizu's home

Caregiver role solidifies and first outings

With Josee under his care, Tsuneo grows closer to her and learns to see past her initial sulkiness. They spend time together around the house and on small outings, building trust and a sense of companionship. The dynamic shifts from obligation to mutual support.

Soon after rescue Chizu's home, Osaka

Beach day strengthens their connection

Tsuneo and Josee spend a day at the beach, where they share personal stories and quiet moments of connection. The seaside setting allows Josee to open up and dream a little, while Tsuneo provides steady encouragement. The outing becomes a turning point in how they relate to one another.

Shortly after rescue Beaches near Osaka

Josee lands a library job

One of Josee's friends, Kana Kishimoto, helps her secure a library job, giving her structure and a creative outlet. The library becomes a social hub and a source of purpose for Josee. Tsuneo remains supportive as she begins this new chapter.

Some time after the beach Library

Scholarship and Mexico offer loom

Tsuneo receives a scholarship and an invitation to study in Mexico, signaling a possible future apart from Josee. He does not tell Josee about the offer right away, keeping the news to himself. The looming distance creates a quiet tension that colors their interactions.

Before Chizu's death Osaka; Mexico offer

Chizu dies

Chizu dies of a heart attack, leaving the household in shock and Josee feeling suddenly more isolated. The loss intensifies Josee's dependence on Tsuneo and marks a turning point for both of them. The family home becomes a place filled with memories and unresolved dreams.

Shortly after Chizu's death Chizu's house

Josee told she will leave; Mai's warning

Two men inform Josee that she will leave the house for a few months, signaling an impending separation. Mai Ninomiya, a coworker of Tsuneo, urges Josee to redeem herself and set Tsuneo free, urging her to change her life path. The exchange pushes Josee toward decisions about her future.

Soon after Chizu's death Chizu's house; workplace

Josee shifts to office work

Josee moves from pursuing art to taking an office job, a pragmatic response shaped by circumstance and external input. The new routine creates distance from Tsuneo's original dreams, yet he remains supportive. The change marks a pivot in their shared future.

After the decision to leave the house Office setting

Beach argument and wheelchair accident

An argument at the beach leads to Josee's wheelchair getting stuck in the road, leaving her exposed to danger. The moment underscores the fragility of their world and foreshadows future challenges. It heightens the stakes of their relationship and personal aspirations.

During the beach incident Beach

Tsuneo is struck by a car and hospitalized

Tsuneo is hit by a car and sustains a fracture to his right leg, resulting in a two-month hospital stay. The accident disrupts their routines and compels them to reexamine what they want from life. Recovery becomes a test of perseverance for both of them.

Two months after the beach incident Hospital

Reconsidering futures; Mai's intervention

In the hospital, the professor informs Tsuneo that another student will replace him, prompting a reconsideration of his dreams. Mai visits Josee and argues that she deserves Tsuneo more, urging Josee to support his recovery. These conversations push both toward a shared decision about their future.

During hospitalization Hospital

Rehabilitation and storytelling

During rehabilitation, Josee resumes painting and regains her artistic voice. Hayato Matsūra escorts Tsuneo from the hospital to the library, where Josee reads a self-drawn story to children about The Mermaid and the Radiant Wings, an allegory for their relationship. The tale inspires Tsuneo to persevere and stay engaged with his own recovery.

During rehab Hospital to library; children's library

Discharge and snowy reunion begins

After discharge, Tsuneo returns to an empty house as Josee is no longer there. Friends search the city for Josee, and Tsuneo follows the snow-covered wheelchair tracks from the zoo, where Josee had gone to see the tiger. He saves her again when a stranger nudges her wheelchair into a snowy road, reigniting their connection.

Right after discharge City; Zoo; Snowy road

Confession and Mexico plan

The two finally confess their love and discuss their future: Josee wants to be a storybook illustrator, and Tsuneo promises to stay by her side. Josee asks about Mexico, and Tsuneo says he will go but will return home because he loves her. They embrace, choosing to face whatever comes next together.

During the confession City

Mexico trip and next year’s return

Tsuneo travels to Mexico to pursue his opportunities, while Josee remains in Japan and decides to demolish the house rather than cling to the past. The following year, Tsuneo returns to Japan and continues spending time with Josee, their bond strengthened by distance and shared dreams.

Mexico trip; next year return Mexico; Japan

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Characters

Explore all characters from Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Tsuneo Suzukawa (Taishi Nakagawa)

A university student and part-time worker in Osaka who rescues Josee and becomes her caretaker. He is practical and compassionate, balancing school ambitions with caring for Josee. His arc centers on choosing love and shared dreams over solitary success, including the risk of a long-distance future in Mexico.

🎓 Student 💪 Determination 💞 Romance

Josee Yamamura (Kaya Kiyohara)

A wheelchair-using artist who begins guarded and self-centered but grows to trust and depend on Tsuneo. Her art helps her communicate and envision a future beyond the limitations others place on her. She pursues becoming a storybook illustrator and learns what love requires when faced with separation.

🎨 Artist ♿ Disability 💖 Romance

Chizu Yamamura (Chiemi Matsutera)

Josee's grandmother, a warm, practical mentor who invites Tsuneo into her home and becomes part of his new family. Her health is fragile, and her passing becomes a turning point that tests Josee's sense of belonging. She embodies care and everyday resilience in the face of loss.

👵 Grandmother 🕊️ Caring 🏠 Family

Kana Kishimoto (Lynn)

A friend and library colleague who hires Josee, helping her find purpose through work and storytelling. She represents social connection and the support system that enables Josee to grow. Her presence anchors Josee in the community beyond their private relationship.

📚 Librarian 🌟 Supportive 🤝 Friend

Mai Ninomiya (Yume Miyamoto)

Josee's coworker who encourages her to redeem herself and pursue personal happiness. Mai's tough-love advice pushes Josee to confront her own role and Tsuneo's importance in her life. She acts as a catalyst for the couple's decision-making and growth.

🗒️ Colleague 🌈 Encourager ✨ Insightful

Hayato Matsuura (Kazuyuki Okitsu)

A friend who supports Tsuneo during his rehabilitation and helps him navigate the return to the library. He is practical and loyal, providing companionship during tough times. His presence highlights the importance of friendship in the protagonists' journey.

👦 Friend 🏃 Supportive 🤝 Loyal

Professor Kondo (Kanji Obana)

A professor who frames Tsuneo's future and encourages balance between study and life. He offers a broader perspective on dreams and responsibilities. His role underscores the film's theme of education and future plans.

👨‍🏫 Professor 📚 Mentor 🎯 Future

Doctor (Masaki Terasoma)

A medical figure in Tsuneo's rehabilitation, symbolizing healing, progress, and the fragility of the human body. The doctor guides Tsuneo through recovery and anchors the film's physical stakes. His presence marks the turning point toward hope.

💊 Doctor 🏥 Healer 🧭 Guidance

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Settings

Learn where and when Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Location

Osaka, Japan, Josee's grandmother's house, Beach, Library, Hospital, Zoo, Mexico

Set mostly in Osaka, Japan, with scenes at Josee's grandmother's house, a seaside beach, a city library, a hospital, and a zoo. The story also tracks a move to Mexico as Tsuneo pursues study abroad and Josee faces major life changes. Key moments anchor the locations: a rescue on a steep road, the hospital rehabilitation, and a quiet return to each other in winter snow. The settings frame a contemporary urban romance across home, community spaces, and travel.

🗺️ Urban 🌊 Coastal 🏥 Hospital 📚 Library 🐯 Zoo ✈️ Mexico

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Themes

Discover the main themes in Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💖

Romance

Love evolves from rescue and care into a deep, reciprocal partnership. The relationship navigates boundaries, fears of the future, and the push-pull of dependence and independence. Small acts of devotion—like shared stories and promises—bind the couple. The romance becomes a catalyst for personal growth for both characters.

💪

Resilience

Both protagonists confront physical and emotional obstacles. Josee battles isolation and the limits of her mobility while pursuing her art. Tsuneo endures a severe injury and a long road to recovery, testing his determination and loyalty. Their perseverance under pressure drives the narrative forward and brings them closer.

🎨

Art & Dreams

Josee's illustration work becomes the emotional core of their bond, translating feelings into pictures. Her dream of becoming a storybook illustrator shapes her choices and identity. The tale she creates within the world—'The Mermaid and the Radiant Wings'—parallels their relationship and growth. Dreams give both characters a shared direction and hope for the future.

🕊️

Growth

The story explores personal growth through letting go and choosing what truly matters. Mai Ninomiya's counsel pushes Josee to reflect on her relationship and path forward. Tsuneo's decision to pursue commitment over convenience emphasizes staying true to meaningful bonds. The ending suggests growth comes through honest choices and steadfast support.

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Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In bustling Osaka, a young university student named Tsuneo balances his studies with a part‑time job that places him in an unexpected world of quiet creativity. He is assigned to assist Josee, a vibrant, imaginative young artist who navigates life from a wheelchair. Their first meetings are marked by gentle curiosity, as Tsuneo is drawn to the color and wonder that Josee brings to everyday moments, while she finds in him a steady, supportive presence.

The film unfolds with a warm, lyrical tone that blends the ordinary rhythm of city life with the extraordinary inner landscapes of its characters. Tsuneo carries a quiet ambition of studying marine biology abroad, dreaming of oceans far beyond his hometown. Josee, meanwhile, nurtures her artistic spirit, sketching stories that reflect both her personal yearning and an inventive mind that refuses to be limited by circumstance. Their contrasting aspirations create a delicate dance of encouragement, each becoming a catalyst for the other’s hopes.

As they spend time together, the simple acts of sharing meals, walking through streets, and exchanging ideas become a tender exploration of connection. Their bond deepens not through grand gestures but through the steady, reassuring rhythm of everyday support. The film invites the audience to feel the subtle push‑and‑pull of dreams confronting reality, asking what it means to inspire and be inspired in return.

The story rests on the promise that two strangers, each carrying their own quiet longing, can discover unexpected depths within themselves simply by walking side by side. Through humor, quiet moments, and a heartfelt sense of possibility, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish paints a portrait of love that transcends boundaries and beckons both characters toward a future they never imagined.

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