Sleeping in Tokyo's Metro
A charming short film that captures one of Japan's most compelling facets!
A charming short film that captures one of Japan's most compelling facets! "Tokyo Dreams" is a short film featuring passengers on the Tokyo metro drifting into sleep, often overwhelmed by exhaustion and relentless work rhythms. British filmmaker Nicholas Barker spent 12 hours a day over 2 weeks observing the vulnerability of these commuters, wondering whether they would wake in time to get off at their station!
Frequently asked questions
'Tokyo Dreams' is a short film directed by British filmmaker Nicholas Barker, shot aboard the Tokyo metro. The director filmed for 12 hours a day over 2 weeks, capturing dozing passengers and illustrating the intense fatigue linked to the demanding work rhythms of Japanese life.
Japanese workers are known for their long working hours. The phenomenon of falling asleep on public transport, sometimes called 'inemuri', is culturally accepted in Japan and reflects an intensely demanding pace of life. This behavior is so widespread that it has inspired artistic works like 'Tokyo Dreams'.
The Tokyo metro is one of the world's densest and most punctual transport networks. It comprises multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei. It serves the entire city from 5 a.m. until around midnight, with trains sometimes running just seconds apart during peak hours.
Nicholas Barker is a British filmmaker and documentarian known for his original works that observe human behavior in everyday contexts. His film 'Tokyo Dreams' exemplifies his gift for finding poetry and vulnerability in ordinary scenes of daily life.
