Why would successful women from the world’s second largest economic power choose to start their lives over in New York City? Mothers’ Way, Daughters’ Choice explores how several Japanese women struggle to reconcile their traditional upbringing with their desire to create independent lives. To elucidate these struggles, director Kyoko Gasha shares the deep, powerful influences of Japanese culture on her own life while simultaneously uncovering stories of other Japanese women in New York City, weaving parallel tales of guilt, denial, sacrifice, success, and joy.

Gasha’s own story illustrates the difficulties associated with being a traditional Japanese wife and mother while pursuing a demanding career. Gasha moved to New York to work as a successful broadcast journalist for the world’s largest news organization while actively raising her daughter. The film similarly chronicles the lives of Kyoko, a banker; Akiko, a corporate lawyer; Sumie, a travel agent; and Noriko, director of a non-government organization. Each describes the deeply ingrained influences of her heritage and the ultimate need to distance herself physically in order to acquire their desired autonomy. Beautifully crafted, this film tells a universal story of the influences of mothers on their daughters and how growth can be a simultaneously painful and rewarding experience.

Audience Award, New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, 2010
Women’s International Film Festival Miami, 2010
Front Page Award, 2010 (Newswomen’s Club of New York)
22nd Tokyo Independent Women’s Film Festival, 2009