Because A Mortal Song is set in Japan, in the month leading up to the book’s release I wanted to celebrate some of the amazing media out there by Japanese creators. I’ll be highlighting my favorite books, TV shows, and films (as well as some snack box services—you need something to munch on while you’re doing all that watching and reading!). You can find a full list of my faves and other resources here on my website.

Live Action Film Rec – Summer Time Machine Blues

What it’s all about: When a group of friends in a college science-fiction club accidentally break their air conditioner’s remote control in the midst of a horrible heat wave, and then a time machine appears out of nowhere in their club room, they decide to go back in time to retrieve the still-functioning remote of the past. But as they hop back and forth in time, their mission becomes decidedly more complicated.

Why you should watch it: This light-hearted comedy offers lots of laughs while also stretching your brain as you try to guess how all the clues connect. It’s one of those time travel stories where every interference that the characters make in their past has technically already happened, but not always in ways or for reasons you’d guess the first time through. The actors completely commit to their roles and bring great charm to the silly premise. A perfect way to pass a summer afternoon!

What’s your favorite time travel story? Let me know in the comments.

Join me tomorrow for my next rec! You can read more about A Mortal Song in the meantime: