Departures - Characters & Cast

Initially, Daigo's motivation is purely financial; he is desperate for a job with a high salary after his orchestra is disbanded. This practical need forces him into a profession he would never have chosen. However, his motivation evolves as he witnesses the profound impact of his work. He becomes driven by a desire to provide dignity to the deceased and comfort to the living, finding an artistic and spiritual fulfillment that his music career no longer offered.

Daigo begins the film as a man defined by a failed dream, feeling lost and inadequate. His journey is one of profound self-discovery. Initially repulsed and ashamed by his job as an encoffiner, he gradually finds an unexpected calling. Through the tutelage of his mentor and his experiences with grieving families, he moves from shame to pride, finding a deep sense of purpose and humanity in his work. His arc culminates in confronting his deepest wound—the abandonment by his father. By performing the final rites for him, Daigo transitions from a resentful son to an empathetic, forgiving man, ready to become a father himself.

Sasaki is motivated by a profound respect for life's final ritual. Having encoffined his own wife, he deeply understands the importance of a beautiful and dignified farewell. He runs his business not just as a job, but as a solemn duty. He is also motivated to pass on his knowledge and finds a worthy successor in Daigo, whom he guides with a firm but gentle hand, acting as the father figure Daigo never had.

Sasaki is a largely static character who has already found his peace and purpose, allowing him to serve as the stable anchor for Daigo's development. He is presented as a master of his craft, treating his work with solemn dignity and quiet wisdom. His own backstory is revealed subtly; he began this work after his wife died, and his dedication is rooted in that personal experience. His arc is not one of change, but of imparting his philosophy to a new generation, ensuring the traditions and, more importantly, the respect for life and death, are passed on.

Mika's initial motivation is her love for Daigo and her desire for a normal, respectable life together. Her rejection of his job stems from a deeply ingrained social taboo and concern for their reputation. Ultimately, her core motivation is their relationship and burgeoning family. She returns to Daigo because she loves him and is pregnant, forcing a resolution. Her final motivation becomes supporting her husband in the calling he has found, once she understands its true worth.

Mika begins as a cheerful, supportive wife who follows Daigo's lead. Her arc is one of evolving understanding and acceptance. When she discovers the true nature of Daigo's job, her reaction is shaped by societal prejudice; she is horrified and ashamed, eventually leaving him. Her turning point comes when she witnesses Daigo perform the encoffining ceremony for the local bathhouse owner, a woman they both knew. Seeing the beauty, grace, and importance of his work firsthand, her disgust transforms into admiration and love. Her pregnancy acts as a catalyst, pushing the conflict to a crisis but ultimately cementing their reconciliation and future.