Australian company Madman Entertainment have joined forces with the Japan Foundation (in Sydney, Australia) to bring us the hilarious Japanese film “THE HAPPY FAMILY PLAN”.

The film introduces us to a Japanese game show named “Happy Family Plan” which sees fathers participate in challenges, like memorising breeds of dogs or playing musical instruments in order to win prizes for their family.

Here we meet Fujio. He lost his job in the 1990s economic downturn in Japan, and relocates his wife and kids to to his father-in-law’s home in Yokohama. His wife, Yuko, opens her own business and the kids settle in to their new lives, which leaves Fujio to try and figure out what to do with himself.

Yuko and Fujio’s son secretly enters the family as contestants on the “Happy Family Plan” show. Having lost money in a failed business venture, Fujio agrees to take up the challenge – he needs to learn how to play Home Sweet Home’ on the piano and play it on live TV in 7 days time. That shouldn’t be too hard. If only he had played piano before!

The 2-disc DVD release not only showcases the film, but also has educational material included in the extras:

• Japanese Language Resource Kit – with fun video lessons and games.
• Expert commentary on Japanese society – featuring interviews with academics on Japanese social issues portrayed in the film.
• Interview with Director Tsutomu Abe
• Theatrical Trailer
• 8-Page booklet with more information about the film.

THE HAPPY FAMILY PLAN is now available from your local retailers or from Madman’s website for $29.95AUD.

You can find out more about the film and grab yourself some extra goodies (including language learning worksheets, interactive games and discussion boards) from the films website – happyfamilyplan.com.

Also, if you would like to find out more about the Japan Foundation in Sydney, you can visit them online or make a trip to their gallery and library that is open to the public, free of charge. You can find them located at Shop 23, Level 1 Chifley Plaza, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney.