Dear Tomorrow

Ministry of Loneliness, artificial intelligence chatbots, and pet owls are all part of Japan’s unique approach to dealing with the epidemic of loneliness.

Around 38 million people live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, yet many of them feel so lonely that this state poses a threat to their mental health and sometimes even the will to live. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, the Japanese government created the Ministry of Loneliness, whereas a local NGO launched a special helpline for people who feel they are in hopeless isolation. Desperately wanting to find a sense of belonging in today’s alienating modern society, the film’s protagonists find the strength to seek help, be it chats with AI bots, consultations with psychologists, new hobbies or pet owls. A heart-warming story about the universal need for human connection.

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