The OFUKU movies trace the real life of Takashi Hasegawa, a.k.a. OFUKU. Since suddenly losing his beloved mother at the age of six, Hasegawa has always lived pursuing the lingering image of his mother. That is exactly what OFUKU’s story is. He continues to search for something to fill himself but is never satisfied.
In the film, OFUKU forgets to die because of her obsession with her mother’s last words. She has continued to live since her mother passed away in the Edo Period (Samurai Era). Everyone is born from a mother, and lives on until one’s time comes carrying the lingering image of one’s mother in mind. The story of OFUKU is an endless journey towards Mother.
Another truth about OFUKU is that she overcomes everything with laughter. In her view, whatever hardship and despair you have, you can overcome it, as long as you keep the world of laughter with you. You pull through without giving up, until you are able to laugh again.
Takashi Hasegawa and his father worked hard to keep their family business going after his mother’s death. When the financial bubble broke in Japan, they found themselves to be 2 billion Yen ($18 million USD) in debt. But Hasegawa was lucky and had an indomitable spirit. One day, Hasegawa found himself dressed as OFUKU, wandering around Ginza. Everyone laughed at him - which was an unknown experience for him.