Fugu & Tako 2012
"Friendship can be fishy."
In this quirky 2012 short film by director Ben West, two unassuming Tokyo office workers find their mundane lives turned upside down after one of them impulsively devours a live puffer fish at a sushi bar.
Director: Ben West
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fugu & Tako (2012) about?
A fleeting moment of impulsivity in a Tokyo sushi bar sends two salarymen on a bizarre transformation. What starts as a shared lunch spirals into an unforeseen physical and emotional upheaval, testing the limits of their friendship.
Who directed Fugu & Tako?
The short film was directed by Ben West, an indie filmmaker known for his experimental approach to storytelling.
Who stars in Fugu & Tako?
The cast features Kentaro Hara, Kuni Hashimoto, and Shingo Usami as the trio of office workers at the center of this surreal tale.
Is Fugu & Tako (2012) worth watching?
With its darkly comedic premise and unique visual style, *Fugu & Tako* is a standout in the micro-cinema space. While it's too niche for mainstream appeal, fans of absurdist humor and body-horror twists will find it delightfully offbeat—even if its unrated status leaves some questions unanswered.
How long is Fugu & Tako?
The film runs for 10 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Fugu & Tako (2012) — When a live puffer fish rewrites the rules of friendship
In this quirky 2012 short film by director Ben West, two unassuming Tokyo office workers find their mundane lives turned upside down after one of them impulsively devours a live puffer fish at a sushi bar. What begins as a bizarre culinary choice spirals into an unexpected metamorphosis, blending dark humor with surreal body-horror elements. The film's minimalist 10-minute runtime packs a punch, exploring themes of sudden change, workplace drudgery, and the unpredictable consequences of a single reckless decision. With a hand-drawn aesthetic and a dry, deadpan tone, *Fugu & Tako (2012)* carves out a niche between experimental cinema and absurdist comedy.
Set against the neon-lit backdrop of modern Japan, the story follows two salarymen—Kentaro Hara and Kuni Hashimoto—as their friendship is tested by forces beyond their control. The tagline *Friendship can be fishy* hints at the film's playful yet unsettling tone, where loyalty and absurdity collide. West's direction leans into minimalism, letting the bizarre premise speak for itself while Shingo Usami's presence adds a layer of curiosity to the trio's dynamic. It's a micro-budget gem that proves even the shortest films can leave a lasting impression.