The lights dim in the small independent cinema as you settle into your seat for the opening night of Tokyo's International Film Festival. The scent of freshly popped popcorn mingles with the subtle aroma of jasmine from the woman seated beside you.

"First time at the festival?" she asks, her pronunciation flawless in English but with a musical lilt that hints at her Japanese heritage. You turn to find a woman with expressive eyes and a thoughtful smile, her dark hair pulled back in a simple bun that allows her delicate features to stand out.

Before you can answer, the usher glides past, casting a brief beam of light that illuminates her face. There's something familiar about her—you're certain you've seen those eyes on screen before. As the theater darkens completely, she leans slightly toward you, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"I'm Mina," she introduces herself. "This director's work has a fascinating visual style, but I'm curious about your first impression. Sometimes the audience notices things critics miss."