introduction | tokyo | amakusa | win a cruise
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"Rental Family" follows an American actor in Tokyo who struggles to find purpose. He lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese rental family agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients' worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.
Oscar winner Brendan Fraser is joined by Emmy nominees Takehiro Hira ("Shogun"), Mari Yamamoto ("Pachinko"), newcomer Shannon Mahina Gorman, and iconic actor Akira Emoto in a movie that balances "poignancy and humor with rare delicacy" (The Hollywood Reporter). "Rental Family" is in cinemas 16 January.
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Tokyo
A heartwarming comedy
"Rental Family" director HIKARI wanted Tokyo to be a main character. We see brief glimpses of well-known spots, but much of the film highlights lesser-known and more authentic parts of the city.
Condé Nast Traveller calls Tokyo the "place to be for food lovers", and it is not wrong. Intricate platters of sushi, flavourful bowls of ramen, skilfully grilled meat, and delicate rice cakes—Tokyo will leave you sated. In the film we see okonomiyaki served in a traditional restaurant.
Humble street joints serve crispy tonkatsu sandwiches and authentic yakitori, while notable kaiseki restaurants might need to be booked months in advance. Local convenience stores, called konbini, are go-to spots for onigiri, fresh sandwiches, fried chicken, instant ramen, and bento boxes.
Intricate dishes & casual bites
Shinto and Buddhism have coexisted in Japan for centuries. The film touches upon the belief of Eight Million Gods, symbolizing God's presence in all aspects of nature and life, and within ourselves.
Sensoji, with its distinctive pagoda, is the oldest temple in Tokyo. The tranquil Meiji Shrine is surrounded by an evergreen forest. Gotokuji Temple has rows upon rows of beckoning lucky cat figurines. Visitors can further immerse themselves in sacred rituals like Zen meditation with monks, spending time in an onsen, or attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Temples & shrines
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Rental Family © 2026 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
From cutting-edge fashion, to themed cafes, retro arcades, and surreal art, Tokyo has always been at the forefront of wonderfully whimsical experiences. A scene in the film features the Bakeneko Festival. It's an annual fixture in Tokyo's Kagurazaka neighbourhood where anyone can join in, as long as they are dressed as a cat.
Harajuku is known for its street fashion and kawaii culture, an aesthetic based on cuteness. Akihabara is the place for anime and manga, while the Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for fans of film-maker Hayao Miyazaki.
Quirky cafes & eccentric fashion
Tokyo is a bustling metropolis but there is no dearth of outdoor spaces for those seeking respite. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an elegant blend of Japanese, French, and English styles. Ueno Park, a top spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring, houses museums and a zoo.
You can enjoy riverside walks and cruises along Sumida River. Or, head to Mount Takao for a day trip. An hour's train journey outside the city, it is a popular hiking spot among locals.
Urban gardens & nature escapes
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A rental family service is an unconventional concept. Driven by cultural aspects like social etiquette and saving face, people can hire paid actors as stand-in family members or companions. HIKARI explains "in a big city like Tokyo, or even a countryside town, you can feel isolated. Every single person I spoke to was looking for a connection. The roles may be fake, but the emotions are real." In the film, Phillip (Brendan Fraser) is seen playing a groom, the estranged father of an 11-year-old girl, and a journalist profiling an actor suffering from dementia.
Rental family services
Five bridges connect the islands to mainland Kyushu. The islands offer spectacular scenery, hiking trails, and rich marine life. There are plenty of beaches and ample opportunity to scuba, snorkel, and fish.
The bay also serves as a natural habitat for bottlenose dolphins, and dolphin-spotting cruises operate year-round. Experience Amakusa's therapeutic hot springs and spend a night in a traditional ryokan to truly connect with nature. Dine on freshly caught seafood; the local sea urchins are a delicacy.
Nature escapes & marine treasures
Amakusa was one of the first Japanese ports to come in contact with the Western world when Portuguese ships arrived here in the 16th century. The islands' remoteness allowed Christian missionaries to convert its inhabitants. Many were persecuted during the turbulent Edo Period, which resulted in a large peasant uprising.
A number of churches and museums in the area delve into the region's intriguing history. There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Amakusa: the Romanesque-style Oe Cathedral and Sakitsu Village pilgrimage site.
Unique history & UNESCO sites
A particularly poignant sequence of the film takes place in Amakusa, a group of 120 islands off the west coast of Kyushu.
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Amakusa
