Based on the autobiography of Sakana-kun, a Japanese TV personality well-known for his extensive knowledge of fish, The Fish Tale tells the story of Meebo (Non), an endearing and eccentric individual with a life-long passion for fish. First introduced to the creatures during a visit to an aquarium, Meebo is immediately captivated by them, nurturing, drawing, and reading about fish, fish, nothing but fish! This passion, however, has some unfortunate downsides: Meebo is shunned and ostracised at school, and continues to struggle as an adult, falling in and out of work in a world that seems to demand “normality.”

Combining quirky humour with a heartfelt and human coming-of-age story, The Fish Tale is a heart-warming celebration of individuality directed by Okita Shuichi, whose previous works A Story of Yonosuke (2013) and Ora, Ora Be Goin’ Alone (2020) were both screened as part of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme.