thanks--i hadn't thought of the time as element in tampopo, but then, every time i watch, it i see things i missed the last time.my sister lives in Japan, and i slowly gain insight to elements of japanese culture from her, (and from reading). i have visited there once, but spent more time visiting family than sight seeing (but i did do a fair amount of sightseeing --considering i don't speak any japanese!

i don't know about the happiness machine in Dandelion Wine --but the song Dandelion Wine does deal with memories, and times past (is there something special about dandeleon wine and nostalgia?--never had any)

it does seem like we travel backwards through life.. hindsight is 20/20, but we are blind to the future.