Lost in Translation is the story of two wanderers meeting to regain purpose in their lives. It begins in Tokyo's International Airport as Bob Harris, a past-his-prime movie star, leaves and goes to his hotel. He arrives at the hotel to a big welcome and receives a note from his wife that he forgot his son's birthday.

In Bob's room, he sits quietly on his bed and watches television before going out for dinner. A couple of guys recognize Bob, and they begin talking to him. In his bed, Bob lays there exhausted until his fax machine begins printing, and he receives a message asking for help putting together a bookcase.

In the next room, two newlyweds enjoy themselves. The girl, Charlotte, is awake, so she gets up. Bob wakes up soon after and showers. Charlotte's husband gets a call and goes to work...