The Iconic Character Hirayama's Cassette Collection in the Movie Perfect Days Could Include These Songs

Hirayama, the protagonist of Perfect Days, is a man of simplicity, content in his routine as a janitor in Tokyo. His days revolve around cleaning public toilets, enjoying rock music, and taking photographs of the natural beauty around him. Despite the mundanity of his life, there are hints of a more complex past, including a strained relationship with his family and possible personal trauma.

Hirayama's joy comes from the small moments—nature, solitude, and music. His peaceful demeanor masks deeper emotions revealed subtly through his interactions with others​. In the end, his laughter and tears suggest that while he's found contentment in his current life, there's still unresolved pain from his past. His journey in the film is not just about routine but about finding solace in simplicity amidst emotional scars.

I will be sharing with you some songs that I think could be in the iconic character Hirayama's cassette collection from the movie Perfect Days. These songs remind me of the overall vibe of the film, and I believe Hirayama would have loved them... I don’t think I’ve ever felt this peaceful while watching a movie before. The film's music, in particular, filled me with a great sense of joy, which is why I’ve been thinking a lot about Hirayama lately...

You can find the link to the Spotify playlist with these songs below.

Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce

I can imagine our main character Hirayama setting off for his short morning commute to work, just like every other day, while listening to this song.

The Good Mr. Square - The Pretty Things

The reason I chose The Good Mr. Square was that the lyrics reminded me of Hirayama’s character. Mr. Square has no obsessions; he just goes through his days, observing other people and their lives. As for Hirayama, I’m not sure we can say he’s without obsessions but the song still reminded me of the overall atmosphere of the film. I wouldn’t have been surprised to hear it playing in the background.

Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

I think this song perfectly suits Hirayama’s taste. He would enjoy listening to it. And it reminds me of the brief interaction between the man diagnosed with cancer and Hirayama in the last scenes of the movie. The line in the song that says that we are slaves to money and this is how our lives pass by and we find ourselves dying, reminded me of the man with cancer in the movie saying that there is so much more I don't know, this is how life ends.

People Are Strange - The Doors

I chose songs that not only fit Hirayama's musical taste but also evoke the film and his character. This particular song reminded me of how Hirayama is seen as "different" and "odd" by those around him (even by his own sister). The lyrics resonate with his quiet detachment and the way he moves through life in a way that others might not fully understand.

The world is made up of many worlds; some are connected, and some are not. (Hirayama)

Get It While You Can - Janis Joplin

I dedicate this song to Hirayama and his unspoken love in the film. Hopefully,  in the part of the story we don’t see, he has the courage to take a step towards that woman.

Gotta Get Up - Harry Nilsson

This song reminds me of a morning of hurried preparation and fear of being late for work or school. Although Hirayama goes about his day in a very calm manner, I remember sensing a rush in some of his movements.

Source D'espoir - Miharu Koshi

We continue with the first Japanese song on the list. I can imagine Hirayama listening to this song and looking out the window of his house, looking at the trees and enjoying the view, with a smile in his eyes... Unfortunately, I couldn't find a translation of the song anywhere, but we don't really need words to lose ourselves in the universal language of music, do we?

Back to the Old House - The Smiths

Even though 'Back to the Old House' is about an old love and it doesn't seem to have much to do with the movie, it was a song that reminded me of the general mood of the movie and I liked it.

4:00A.M - Taeko Onuki

We continue with our second Japanese song. 

"When I wake up before dawn, the darkness quiets down, silence corners me." This part reminded me of Hirayama quietly getting ready for work every morning.

Time - Pink Floyd This song reminded me of that lateness.

I don't know if it's because Hirayama is an older character or is it because of the crying scene at the end or because he has traumas from his past, but sometimes it felt to me that he was late for something in his life, even though he lived a very calm and peaceful life, even though he enjoyed the little things and managed to stay in the moment, I remember feeling sad inside. As if it wasn't exactly the life he wanted and there was a different kind of life that was lingering somewhere inside him... This song reminded me of that lateness and what-ifs.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2AdV0RJcNddfyb21BAks80?si=21d87a19096441d7