Carmen Comes Home

12A

Just after the Second World War, the arrival of a city girl (TAKAMINE Hideko) and her friend (KOBAYASHI Toshiko) attracts curiosity from the residents of a rural mountain village. The girl’s name is Okin, and although she once called this very village home, she now claims to have become an artistic dancer in Tokyo under the stage name of Carmen.

The principal of the village school (RYU Chishu), a self-professed champion of the arts, is overjoyed to learn that his tiny village has produced such an esteemed artist, but when he witnesses Carmen and her friend’s dress sense and behaviour, he and the other villagers are confused and even upset. One day, determined to decorate her hometown with the brocade she prides herself on, Carmen agrees to showcase her dancing skills for the villagers…

Screening as part of The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2025.

©1951/2012 Shochiku Co., Ltd.