Original subtitles

[sentimental music playing]

[Sakiko] I want it to end.

I want it to end.

I want it to end.

["Higher" playing]

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Keep on going higher ♪

♪ Burning with desire ♪

♪ Everything is brighter ♪

♪ Whenever you're around ♪

♪ Whenever we get down, going higher ♪

♪ Feelings like a tiger ♪

♪ Everything is lighter ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

I know it was a little boy that I spoke to on the phone.

He sounded excited.

I guess Dad's back with her, then.

You know, with that lady, Tomoko Tsuchiya.

That's all right. Don't you think it's good for Dad?

I can't forgive him just yet. Not as easily as you did, anyway.

Well, Takao-san is the reason you feel that way, right?

No, that's not the reason at all.

Anyway, since we're on the subject,

isn't that woman seeing two different guys now?

It's not so unusual

when it's a man doing something like that, though.

Yes, but… how could she even do that?

Keep your mind out of the gutter. It could just be entirely innocent.

Like a quick visit for a cup of hot tea.

Or should a jar get stuck, then he can open the lid for her.

Pretty tough jar lid, huh?

Well, before, my son would open all the jars.

But then when he left, I was

stuck asking whoever came by for deliveries to help me.

And every single time, they'd all give me this look.

A look?

"It's just her."

[Makiko] "Just her"?

No guys around.

[Makiko] Ah, I get it.

It's too awkward to handle.

It'll make sense once you're a widow.

No, he can't die just yet.

The mortgage loans aren't even close to being paid off.

[Tsunako] It's better to have a cheater than no husband at all.

[scoffs]

She's here.

Let's not tell.

[Makiko] Of course not. Takiko is so straight-laced.

She'll just make a fuss again if she finds out.

[Takiko panting]

I left without an envelope.

Wait, you still forgot it after I told you we needed one?

So I had to get one on the way over.

When you need a mail shop, they all just disappear, don't they?

Mm-hmm, true, yeah.

[Takiko sighs]

-Here it is. -Pretty huge envelope you got there!

-You can fit a million yen inside. -We're sisters.

Instead of getting a fancy one like that, why not just get an ordinary one?

-You should've. -Yeah.

You don't get to complain when you didn't do it yourself.

-Want some tea? -No, thanks.

Oh, okay.

Let's see it.

[Takiko] Here.

-Oh. -[Makiko] Just set it here.

-Here, let her wipe it first. -[Makiko] Okay, okay.

-So, the money… -Money, right.

-Yes, money, money, money… -Hey, how's 10,000 each?

That sounds fine, yeah.

Are you guys sure?

-[Makiko] You hand it over, Tsunako. Yeah. -Oh, sure. I can.

[Takiko] Oh, our names.

We'll say it's us three. We don't need those.

Well, the last time we did this for Sakiko,

she thought it was from Tsunako alone and didn't thank us.

Hang on. I'd told her all three of us got it for her jointly.

Not loud enough.

-Okay. Names, then. Got a pen? -[Makiko] No, it's fine.

-I got one. Here. -I can put us all on here.

-[Makiko] You're so ready. -You had that ready to go?

[Takiko] Yes, I did.

I guess it's good to be the thorough type.

I'm glad we're doing it all together, right?

I wouldn't want to go in alone. It's hard.

-Write it lower. -Huh?

-[Takiko] This'll go over the top. See? -What?

-[Takiko] It'll cover the names. -Oh.

I already wrote them all. That's too bad.

How can you think I caused it?

[Hide's mom] You just loved going all out, didn't you?

When have I ever gone all out?

[Hide's mom] You've got your fur coats, diamond rings, and all that.

But Hide-chan's the one who got that for me all on his own.

[Hide's mom] It's because you--

I didn't ask him to get any of those things.

Hoarding his earnings wasn't his style.

[Hide's mom] Well, dead men tell no tales.

Nobody can contradict you.

I'm sorry. Did I mishear?

What did you say?

Huh? I'm serious. How could you?

Your son's still breathing. He's still with us.

How could you ever say something so cruel and thoughtless.

You're the one he wanted to satisfy anyway.

So you'd live in luxury.

He said, "Nothing good has ever happened to my mother."

"My dad died young,

and she had to support all of us kids on her own."

"She never ate a meal out, never spent any time relaxing."

"So I wanna win these fights

and earn enough to spoil her for a change."

[crying] I never wanted my son to earn his money getting knocked around

so I could live that kind of life. [sobs]

You really believe that's true?

You'd always brag in the prayer group, didn't you?

-[Hide's mom] Not as much as you did. -Oh, really? When, huh?

You were showing off to your sisters, weren't you?

That was only because I knew he'd want to impress everyone

since my sisters couldn't imagine that he'd win.

Your son became a champion, so… so I only proved they had it wrong!

[sighs]

[Hide's mom] If he'd quit back then, none of this would've happened.

If he'd quit when, exactly?

Hmm? Quit when?

You… you saw things weren't right with Hide, didn't you?

You knew all along, right?

You knew, and you kept pushing him.

You sure are a terrifying woman. You know that?

If Hide had never met a woman like you, he wouldn't have ended up like this.

[knock at door]

-Yes? -[door opens]

Oh! [chuckles]

Welcome in, guys! You're all here. Look at that.

Yes, it's your three best buddies.

Ah. Hello, Miss.

[Hide's mom] Oh, thanks for taking the time to come.

Can you get us some hot water?

[Hide's mom] Oh, uh, sure.

-Oh, don't bother serving tea. -Really, it's fine.

We can at least have some tea together.

-Thank you. -[Hide's mom] Of course.

-Oh, excuse me. -[Makiko] Oh, thank you.

Thank you, miss.

[door closes]

[Sakiko] Hmm? Oh…

-It's a present from all your sisters. -Jeez.

A gesture of sympathy with a card, huh?

-Thank you all so much. -You're welcome.

And I thought you might need some coins, so I brought you some change.

You always were a show-off, huh?

[Takiko] That's why I really can't stand you sometimes, Makiko.

-Always trying to make yourself look good. -Hey! That's not true!

It's a big help. I always need change at the hospital, so thanks.

[chuckles]

[Takiko] You look well.

Mm-hmm, yeah, great.

I'm better than ever, actually. Really. [chuckles]

Hide-chan, all three sisters are here to see you.

[girls] He understands?

Mm-hmm, he reacts to voices now and then.

-Oh! Please, sit down. Sit. -[Tsunako] Hmm.

[Sakiko] Here!

-[Takiko] Oh. -Ah, thank you.

See, I heard that we're all quite mysterious, us humans.

Even the best doctors can't accurately predict

whether or not a patient will turn out okay.

For now, he's just lying here…

Oh, it's today's paper.

Oh, well.

But then one day, he could wake up, and he'll be fine.

It's true. No one can say otherwise.

It's just astounding, you know?

He's lying here, but his nails keep on growing.

So does his beard and hair.

They both grow faster than before.

He isn't using nutrients in the rest of his body.

-That's why his beard and nails grow-- -Tsunako, don't.

His nails are clean. No big deal.

-[Takiko] Ah… Oh, no, I didn't mean-- -Plus, I wash him every day.

-[Takiko] I wasn't-- -They aren't from a dead man.

He's alive, just sleeping.

-Saki-chan, it wasn't that-- -Takiko was always a clean freak.

You know that.

[Makiko] When she was a kid, she screamed every time she found

hair or nail clippings on the floor.

[Tsunako] She was always screaming.

It's like a crab claw, you know?

A crab claw, what do you mean?

[Sakiko] Well, there are ones that are

really packed up with meat, not scrawny ones. [chuckles]

And that's about how I'm feeling.

Somehow, we're a real couple in a way I don't think we ever were until now.

I think it's all because he won't be leaving my side.

Now he's not able to go anywhere.

A crab filled with meat, huh? Well, it seems nice.

Are you filled… with meat as well?

-You know I'm full of meat. -[Sakiko] Hmm?

-Oh… -Sure, I have plenty.

[Sakiko] You, Taki-chan?

-I'm sure you're filled with meat. -Oh…

-You guys are newlyweds. -Don't…

Her long legs are worth about five K, like king crab.

Aren't hers kind of frozen?

[Makiko] It doesn't matter once you cook them up.

[all laugh]

[Sakiko] Mom,

if you ever feel sad, I'll make sure

that you laugh again.

[Fuji chuckles]

If you're hurting, I'll comfort you.

If anyone bullies you at all,

I swear that they'll regret it.

Okay?

[Fuji] Hmm.

Thank you.

Honey,

I wonder if I'll live long enough

to see you become a mother.

[Hide] Sakiko…

[machine whirring]

[woman] Oh, Jinnai-san!

Can we talk?

Thanks for your hard work.

[woman] Have you paid off the hospital bill?

No, I'm sorry. I'll do it tomorrow.

We may have a slot in a shared room available.

I'm sorry?

If he's going to stay here for long,

a room with a few other patients really costs a lot less, see?

And it's more cheerful.

Thanks.

KNIT COFFEE

[Shoji] Hey, don't pull on it!

-I made you laugh. -[Kotaro] No, I didn't laugh.

[Shoji] You did! I saw you!

[Kotaro] Oh, see? I told you. Look at that.

Mmm, it's good.

Is that

a drawing?

Hmm? Here. Let's see.

"My…"

"My papa."

Won't your new papa's feelings get hurt…

that he's not in the drawing?

What's wrong?

Hmm?

What's wrong? Hmm?

Well, I don't really have a new papa.

[Kotaro] Huh? What's that?

There's no new papa. It's still just you.

[Kotaro] Huh?

[Shoji] But Mama told me that I had to keep it a secret from you.

[somber music playing]

WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATION MATCH

NOTICE OF CLOSURE

[grunts]

[background chatter]

[woman] Good job! Gosh, it's cold today too!

Uh, it's open, so…

Ah, it's hanging open?

What?

Oh… [chuckles] Oh, excuse me.

[man] Not your mouth, your purse.

Hmm?

Oh.

[laughs]

Oh God! What was I doing?

[man chuckles]

[laughing]

[crying]

[man] Uh, are you all right?

Uh…

Oh.

Are you okay? Uh…

[jazz music playing]

[bartender] Evening, sir.

[man] Talking about it can make you feel better.

I keep telling that to all my students, anyway.

[Sakiko] Students?

So you're a teacher?

-[man] Yes. -[Sakiko chuckles]

At a high school?

-[man] Nah. -Junior high?

[man chuckles]

College?

Or an elementary school?

♪ Every time I fly my little kite… ♪

[chuckles]

[man] Once upon a time, as the story goes,

there lived a young man by the name of Gengoro.

Gengoro-san had a very strange and unique drum he'd pound on.

He could hit one side, and for instance, say,

"I want your nose to grow longer," to anyone nearby, and then,

all of a sudden, their nose got bigger.

♪ I always… ♪

[man] But, as luck would have it,

the drum Gengoro had could only be used

for the purpose of bringing happiness to the people around him.

♪ Always get a little more… ♪

Now, a few questions.

So what kind of drum did our musician have?

♪ Aim my arrows at the sun… ♪

He had a… unique drum that he'd pound on.

What was unique about the drum that Gengoro pounded on?

If he hit one side,

then Gengoro would say,

"A longer nose," and it'd grow.

Yes, that's exactly right.

[chuckles]

[both chuckle]

So it's better to say things out loud, huh?

[man] Sure.

Mmm.

To go, please. Two orders.

-It's so fresh too. -Two more orders of sushi to go, got it.

He really is.

[chef] Your wife likes egg and conger eel. Isn't that right?

Right.

I'll make some extra for her.

Thanks.

[Takiko sighs]

Dad hasn't looked close to this cheerful

for some time now.

I know that your dad's father

was absent when he was young, wasn't he?

So now he sort of sees himself in that kid.

So what? Should I just…

just forgive Dad?

Hey, yarn.

Th… that's not what I was saying.

Taking my dad's side, I guess, huh?

Well, it…

-It's not like it's gonna hurt you to try. -I know that, yes. It's just…

Then why are you still angry, even now?

The look he has lately.

He doesn't look that way at home.

Did he show our mother that look?

I'd guess he didn't.

Is that just what all men act like?

No, I wouldn't

act that way, so here's my very best smile for you.

[chuckles]

[laughs]

How's the smile, good?

Or is it bad?

[laughing]

-[door slides] -[Katsumata] Is that your dad?

[sighs]

[Katsumata] Coming!

We've only been to sushi train places lately.

Huh.

The toppings dry out fast, right?

True, they do.

I always make sure to check out the tuna before I take it off the train.

I really look it over at different angles to make sure.

All right, guys, come on. Let's eat.

Wait. Aren't you eating?

[Kotaro] Oh, no, I'm good. I already ate.

-[Katsumata] Well, thanks for the meal. -Of course.

[Katsumata] Itadakimasu.

[Takiko] This… isn't from Matsu-zushi, is it?

Uh-uh.

"Ougi-zushi."

-Where do I start? -It's in Hiroo?

-Better try the white fish piece, huh? -[Kotaro] Yeah.

Mom loved this restaurant, didn't she?

-[Katsumata] Mmm! -You ate with someone?

That's delicious.

Well, I didn't eat with an animal, that's for sure.

[Katsumata] Is this… flounder?

[coughs]

Look out. He might be choking.

No.

[laughs]

[Katsumata] I just…

I thought you were gonna throw it.

[Takiko] No, I won't throw it.

[Kotaro chuckles]

You know, Dad…

[Kotaro] What?

I still haven't forgiven what you did.

Takiko-san.

Eat sushi with anybody you like.

Just try to act decently so that our mother can rest well.

-Yeah, I'll do my best. -[Takiko] It's your house.

-I don't have a right to say much. -[Katsumata] Taki-chan!

[Takiko] I'll still call out things I don't like.

[Kotaro] Sure.

Mmm!

Hmm?

Marinated?

Medium-fatty tuna.

-[Katsumata] Mmm, medium-fatty tuna. -[chuckles]

[Takiko] You used too much soy sauce, huh?

[Katsumata] Yeah, I guess so.

So that's 148 yen… -He sure is late, isn't he?

-What's keeping Dad so long, anyway? -For a bunch.

And then, it's…

Yes, that's right. We need to get 60-watt bulbs…

Hey, does he really have to stay this late for meetings and stuff?

You need to quit chattering away like that, all right?

I can't concentrate.

All right, so we need the 60-watt ones for…

Where was it?

-Oh, 190 yen for two. -Dad's just so late, though.

One hundred ninety…

So the "D" in "Dad" should stand for "delayed at work."

And then what your "M" stands for is "missing the signs."

[Makiko scoffs]

And in your case, I would say

Yoko's "Y" is "you think way too much."

-You're bad at this. -[scoffs]

I was never that good at that sort of word joke thing, anyway.

And for gas, we owe…

Hey, I wish there was a way

to invent some kind of machine

that lets you peek at what someone's doing somewhere else.

Huh?

Like, let me

see what's happening with Dad right now.

[Hiroo] ♪ Pudding. Pudding. Pudding… ♪

He's either at work or a bar if I were taking a wild guess.

Hmm, it doesn't seem like it.

And he isn't alone…

Of course not.

[Hiroo] ♪ Pudding. Pudding… ♪

Doesn't look like it's a guy he's meeting with.

Actually, I think I know who the person is.

Just cut it out.

-But why? -Because I told you to cut it out.

You don't get to decide what I see.

-Oh! [chuckles] -[Makiko grunts]

We can travel to the stars,

so why couldn't we invent a thing that'll let us do that?

[Hiroo] You're stupid, aren't you?

How's that?

'Cause if you can see them from this side, then obviously they can see you too.

Oh, you're right.

[Hiroo] What if someone peeked at you while you were in the bath?

That's disgusting.

[Hiroo] See?

Your brother's the smart one out of the two of you, I guess, huh?

Well, yeah.

[Yoko] He still gets bad grades, though.

-Hey, that's mine! -[Makiko scoffs]

-[Yoko] Stay back, it's mine now! -[Hiroo] I said wait!

-[Yoko] There's another in the fridge! -[Hiroo] No, there isn't. Don't lie!

-[Yoko] Hey, don't come any closer! -[Hiro] No! No! No! Ah!

[Yoko] Mmm, it's so good.

[Hiroo] Damn it! You're the worst.

Fine, you can have it.

You're lucky I'm your big brother, so I'm nice to you.

-[Yoko] Thank you. Mmm, it's so yummy! -[Hiroo] Kidding, give me a bite.

-[Yoko] No way, not a chance! -[Hiroo] What?

[man] And then, when he looked way, way down below,

he could see a beautiful, bright blue lake.

"Ah!" he cried, and Gengoro-san was

so taken aback that he began to fall.

[Sakiko sighs]

So just like that, head-over-heels…

Gengoro-san started his long dive,

all the way down from the bridge of Heaven.

[machines whirring]

Sorry! Pardon me. Hello?

[background chatter]

[Tsunako] I'm sorry. Excuse me?

Ah… is, uh…

-Do you know if Takezawa is here today? -[woman] Takezawa-san?

-Takezawa-san, visitors! -Yes?

-[Kotaro] Oh. -Oh.

[Kotaro] What's up?

-We were both nearby and came to visit! -Mmm.

Can you sneak out quick?

Huh?

We thought you might want to come see Sakiko.

Oh.

I… I already went there once.

Yeah, but she's really down. Seeing you will be good for her.

We should go, for her sake.

Hmm.

Or will they mind if you…

No, they won't mind. It's fine.

Nothing urgent. I can leave whenever.

Mmm.

-Well, let's go, then. -Mmm.

[Kotaro grunts]

-[sighs] -[Tsunako] Ah.

HE-NO-HE-NO-MO-HE-JI

[Tsunako] He-no-he-no-mo-he-ji…

What? What is that?

-Who wrote that? -[Sakiko] Oh, you're here.

What are you doing sneaking around? You scared us.

-[Makiko] What's that on his feet? -[Tsunako] Oh…

Oh, a charm, yeah.

-[Makiko and Tsunako] It's a charm? -Mm-hmm. A nurse here showed us how.

If the face on He-no-he-no-mo-he-ji changes at all,

it means that his leg moved, see?

So now I want to see this face smile soon.

-For you? -Mmm! Thank you!

Dad, you keep on fighting too.

[Kotaro] What?

Once a man gets like this, it's much too late.

So you shouldn't let them tell you how to live your life.

[Sakiko chuckles]

-Oh, is that so? -Oh.

Hmm.

[phone ringing]

[Makiko] Oh.

I'll get it!

Yes, I'm coming!

Ugh. Where was I going?

[sighs]

How may I help you? This is Makiko Satomi.

[woman] Oh, I, uh… this is… I'm, uh, Tsunako Mitamura's neighbor.

Are you her younger sister?

Yes, I am. That's right.

[woman] Oh, your sister, she tried to commit a love suicide.

-[panting] By gas. By gas! -Love suicide?

-With the man who's always visiting. -[man] Got it.

[panting] I'm so sorry.

I actually kind of smelled it, and… I'm just glad I noticed it. Oh.

[indistinct chatter]

-[man] Got it. -[man 2] A love suicide?

[indistinct chatter]

Excuse me.

I'm Tsunako Mitamura's sister.

-Is she… -She's in there.

Oh, thank you.

[Makiko] Hey, sis.

[Tsunako] A love suicide? Please stop talking nonsense.

The gas pipe just came loose.

[Makiko] Okay, I got it.

[Tsunako] Just an accident.

Oh. [laughs]

-[Tsunako] It's funny, isn't it? -[laughs]

[Tsunako] Go ahead. Laugh.

No, it's not that. No.

HE-NO-HE-NO-MO-HE-JI

[Makiko] Your feet.

What?

[Makiko] Your feet.

It's on your feet.

[Tsunako] Oh.

On my…

[both chuckle]

I was running a little experiment after we saw Sakiko the other day.

Still have the heart of a young girl, I guess.

I never thought this would happen to me, though.

I would guess the EMTs were surprised to see

He-no-he-no-mo-he-ji written on the soles of your feet like that!

[laughs]

He's not hurt, right?

[door slides open]

So there you are.

[man] Ah, I think I caught a cold.

Caught a cold?

[man] My head's just pounding, and I've got chills too.

[Toyoko] You must have a fever.

[man] Ah. No, no, no, no, that's okay.

Taking my temp won't help with the fever.

Well, then at least take some medicine.

[man] No, I'll be fine if I get some sleep.

Careful! [gasps]

[man] It's okay. I'm fine.

[grunts]

[laughs]

[man] Huh?

When you go out, don't wear your socks inside out, okay?

Huh?

[Toyoko] Just look at your socks.

Ah.

Wherever you took your socks off, you've got one turned inside out. [laughs]

Hey, just stop it, okay? Let go.

Huh? What're you doing? Hey!

[grunts]

[gasps]

-[man grunting] -[Toyoko grunting]

HE-NO-HE-NO-MO-HE-JI

What charm is this, then?

No, no. It's nothing.

[chuckles]

-Ah! -What charm is it? Just say it!

[man] No!

[coughs] It's nothing! It's nothing.

Hey, it's not a charm. It really isn't!

-[Toyoko scoffs] -[man] I know.

I think some girl drew it on there when…

when I was drunk,

and I… I guess I just laid down and dozed off.

[Toyoko laughs]

In Ginza, the bars hire younger women to lure in a few more clients.

[man] What?

And young girls these days don't doodle these faces.

I think whoever drew it

was on the older side, wasn't she?

I'd like a… hot tea.

And medicine for the fever?

[man] Okay.

[sighs] Just a little.

[panting]

I'm so cold.

-[Toyoko chuckles] -My head hurts too.

-Ah, I need some sleep. -[laughing]

[man] What the…

Jeez, what's going on?

I need rest to get better.

We'll both go?

-Mm-hmm. -To visit her?

Well, I haven't gone there yet, not even once.

I know that. It's just,

after what happened, it feels…

Well, yeah, but…

So now I kind of wonder if…

with things…

all sort of

turned upside down like this,

how will Sakiko

feel about us visiting?

That's got nothing to do with it.

We're family now, aren't we?

He's my… brother-in-law, right?

[emotional music playing]

You're right.

Then let's do it.

Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

For what?

It's nothing.

[phone ringing]

[sighs]

Hello? May I help you?

[man] Is this Mr. Jinnai's residence?

It's the Jinnai household, yes. Who's calling, please?

[man] Good evening.

[sighs] Good evening. Who's calling, please?

[man] So this must be the voice of Mrs. Jinnai, right?

About the other night, thank you.

Uh, the other night? What?

[baby crying]

[man] Afterward, I thought I knew your face from somewhere.

I looked in a sports paper

and saw an article about the champion Hidemitsu Jinnai.

Who is this? Please.

[man] Come on, now. You remember the other night.

I don't understand what you're getting at here.

-What do you want exactly? -[baby continues crying]

[man] Could you spare me just a little cash?

One million yen's good.

[baby continues crying]

Hey!

Toyoko?

Toyoko!

Ugh!

Damn it. [grunts]

[door slides open]

[man] Where the hell have you been?

I went to get some air.

It's nippy out there.

Still, it's a nice day, you know. Really fresh.

Is that a marker?

[mysterious music playing]

HE-NO-HE-NO-MO-HE-JI

[both chuckle]

[Takao] I'm just relieved it was nothing serious.

Otherwise, I'd be working out funeral details,

like how many tiers of altars we'd need and what religion we'd use.

[Masaki] I think we should live together, Mom.

Together? Here? [chuckles]

Well, I thought I'd rent a place after my wedding day.

But for now, I think we should live together.

Oh, yeah. I got you something. Hold on a second.

Hmm.

Makiko's favorite treat! Surprise! [chuckles]

It wasn't open, so the gas didn't get in.

[chuckles]

[Masaki] I'm worried about the future.

If that's what Masaki-kun wants, then I think

why not allow him to live with you here, huh?

I'm glad that you're willing to,

but let's wait ten years or so.

[Masaki and Makiko] Ten years?

I'm not an old lady just yet. I'm hurt you'd think that.

Your mother's fine living on her own.

I have a job still, and I support myself easily.

You don't think I can?

[Makiko] It's not that we think you can't, but…

[Masaki] Hmm…

-No, but I… -Oh, what if I get a new electric stove?

Okay?

Huh?

All right! Settled! [chuckles]

Itadakimasu!

Mmm.

Mmm! Amazing, really! [chuckles]

Come on. Dig in!

[curious accordion music playing]

The bus sure is running behind.

Yeah, it's three minutes late already, huh?

[sighs]

Thank you for today.

I was just glad that no one got seriously hurt.

Yes, but still, you didn't need to bring Takao-san.

I feel silly now he's seen me like that.

Well, he just insisted on coming.

You know he likes to take charge of things.

And anyway,

he likes you a lot, you know?

Oh! Does he now?

Hey, you know that he does. [chuckles]

See, I was never his type, really, and I could tell on our first date.

Well, I, for one, really like your face. Seriously, it's wonderful.

Goodness, I'm so flattered. Wow! [chuckles]

The one person by the hospital bed at my side was…

was you, the night it happened.

Sorry, that it wasn't your

jar-opening hero at your side instead.

You got it wrong.

I saw it was you, and I was so relieved.

Is that so?

It's true.

-You didn't… -Hmm?

…plan to hurt yourself?

[scoffs]

Ah, for goodness' sake.

The bus still isn't coming.

[Makiko] Wanna walk to the station?

Mm-mmm. Nah.

It should get here soon.

And it doesn't

bother me to wait a little longer.

[background chatter]

-[man] Welcome in. -Mama?

Let's go.

Papa's not here?

Papa… won't visit again. He says he can't.

Mmm…

[Tomoko sighs]

[chuckles softly]

ASHITA NO JOE

[door opens]

[Makiko] Hey, I'm home!

[door closes]

[Hiroo] Hey, Mom.

[Makiko] What is it?

-[Hiroo] Someone called you. -[Makiko] Who called?

They said to call them back as soon as you got home.

[Makiko] Hmm?

Yaguchi's Book Store?

They didn't say what they want?

[Hiroo] Mm-mmm.

[Makiko] Hmm?

[sighs]

[panting]

Oh, I'm so terribly sorry, sir!

I'm happy to pay for the book.

I know that won't make it right, but please, sir…

Ma'am, it's all right. I don't want to make it a big thing.

I'm so sorry, sir.

I promise that she's never stolen something before now.

I've worked here a lot of years.

I can tell she's not a habitual offender, just an impulsive kid.

[Makiko] Ah.

I won't let it happen again, sir.

[man chuckles]

[emotional music playing]

You've grown a bit taller, huh?

[Yoko] Mm-hmm.

Soon, I'll be taller than you, Mom.

Guess you didn't notice.

I'm sorry.

I was just so worried over your dad that I missed it.

So what's going on?

Why did you try to steal?

You have no idea?

What?

If I tell you, will you talk about things too?

Huh?

You know, talk?

Talk to who? Say what?

Say anything.

Talk to me.

I can't just do that, honey. Sorry.

[Yoko] I don't want you to keep it all to yourself.

I don't know what's going on in your mind.

So you want to take a peek in like this to find out? Is that it?

[Yoko] Yeah.

Don't become like Grandma in the end, okay?

[Makiko] You're right.

I can't understand if you don't talk.

[Makiko] All right, I get it.

So don't do any more of this, okay?

[Yoko] Okay.

[Yoko chuckles]

[Makiko] We're back. Hey.

Who's here? Is it a guest?

[Hiroo] Yeah, that lady.

[Akagi] Oh, hello.

-Who is it? -[Yoko] Welcome.

[Hiroo] The tennis player.

[Makiko] Would you prefer coffee or black tea instead?

[Akagi] No, green tea is fine.

All I want here is to… tell you I'm engaged.

-Wait, really? -[Akagi] Yes.

To whom?

[Akagi] He's someone you've never met before.

And does your boss know?

He hasn't been told, no. Only you so far.

I see.

I'd like if you

could help guide us.

Guide you?

I know that, for a while now, you have… suspected me.

It's strange to have to blatantly say I'm not the one.

I'm just not a woman who wants to be suspected

after I quit working.

So it's true, then, right? You're really getting married?

Do you think that's another lie?

If you could just take the offer to help guide us through this, you'd trust it.

I'd always just

thought that you were the one cheating with my idiot husband.

Was I wrong?

Very much so.

You say that he wasn't cheating with you, huh?

Then who's behind it?

[Akagi chuckles]

It's like a crime drama.

It sure is.

You should be asking your husband that question directly.

I wonder if he really does have someone like that?

[Takao sighs]

[keys clatter]

[Takao] Hey, I'm home.

[Makiko] Oh, welcome back.

[Takao] The newspaper was still out there.

[Makiko] You're home late again, as usual.

Hey.

I found this down on… on the floor over there.

-Just leave it over there. -[Takao] Okay.

[Takao sighs]

Tell me where you were tonight, then.

Were you with a woman?

What's the woman's name?

-And what is she like? -Hey.

-[Makiko] I know you've got someone. -I--

[Makiko] At least tell me the woman's name.

-Hey, don't try-- -[Makiko] I can't stop thinking about it.

You know what? I even shoplifted at the market.

Shoplifted? You did?

I hardly realized it at the time. I was stealing canned goods.

Peaches or something.

[Takao] Which market was it?

[Makiko] Hibari.

Two of the employees questioned me.

I said, "I had to leave the house."

"My husband's gone a lot because he has another woman,

and I can't stand it."

-Then they let me go. -[sighs]

-I swear there's no one. -Liar.

[Takao] If you think I'm lying, then ask Katsumata-kun

or whoever to investigate.

[Makiko] I've always hated having to dig deeper into things…

[faucet running]

[faucet stops]

She was here earlier, you know.

Who's she?

Who was here?

Guess who it was?

Who was it?

You have so many you started losing track? Is that it?

Please stop that. That's not what I said.

Miss Keiko Akagi was here.

Okay.

For what?

Ah.

Sakiko!

The nurse said that you were out here.

Hey, are… are you okay?

I think I ruined things.

I don't know how to fix anything now.

Always keep your true feelings secret.

Don't share them with someone you just met.

Why didn't I stick to that instead of trusting a stranger?

What made me think it was okay?

Later, I tried explaining all of it away, justifying it.

I was always trying to come off…

as tough around you guys.

The truth is…

[sniffles]

…the whole time I was crushed…

and just wanted to cry.

I tried too hard to show only the good side.

[sniffles]

I'd get angry about it, seeing him there like he was dead.

[sniffles] I'd think, "Why are you just lying there?"

[sniffles]

"This can't be what you want, right?"

I guess I wanted to tell him,

"You know, I'm doing an awful thing."

It's pathetic, really.

It's all just excuses in the end.

[sighs]

Truthfully, I…

I must've been…

just so empty too.

[sniffles]

I somehow wanted to fill it.

[Takiko] You don't have to say anything else, okay?

[Sakiko crying]

-Oh… -[Takiko] I can take care of it.

What?

[Takiko] It's not your problem anymore.

Huh.

Please, it has to end with this one.

Yeah, I know. It will.

[man] Hey, who are you?

[machine whirring]

-[chuckles] Sorry, I'll just go. -[Katsumata] No.

-You should listen to her. Just listen. -W… w… what is it? [grunts]

Hey, what are you gonna do? Hey! Hey, don't!

There's nothing to be scared of.

He was a champion, you know.

Well, before… Now he's like a corpse, almost.

-Hey! -Please, I…

And my little sister,

she holds his… his hand nice and tight,

and she talks so cheerfully,

like she used to before her husband got hurt.

She says if she keeps talking, he'll understand.

-Look at him! Just look! -[man] No, I… Wait!

She says if it smiles,

then she'll know that his feet have moved.

She's been saying that to us.

It… it would actually be easier if he just died.

There'd be some hope, then, no matter how much she'd cry.

This man is alive, though.

And he could be kept alive for many long years.

Seems cruel, doesn't it?

If I'd been walking on the street

and a nice guy offered to talk, then I'd…

I'd have gone too!

Then I'd have gone, too, like she did!

How could you threaten anyone who's as sad as her?

How could you try to extort anyone drowning in debt like her?

You're disgusting for going after anyone who is

struggling to just hang on and is on the verge of breaking!

[door opens]

[door closes]

[Sakiko] Taki-chan! Taki-chan!

[Takiko sniffles]

Hey, do it higher.

Mom would toss the salt on it from even higher, you know?

What? Like this?

Wait. That's not it, no.

[baby babbling]

Like this.

That's not it either. You gotta shake.

-Huh? Are you sure? -Yeah, from way up.

Sakiko! Hey, come on.

I can't. I always get itchy from the salt.

[Tsunako scoffs] Please.

Fine, fine.

Kelp too. It always tastes better like that.

Yeah, that's true.

-Do I add one? -I think one more, okay?

Do one.

-[Katsumata] Your tea's ready. -Oh, thank you!

-[Sakiko] Here, use this. -Three more.

-Three more? -Three more.

-Taki-chan. -Huh?

Why not take a break?

It's not good for the baby.

Don't worry, I'm fine. It's good for me to move a little.

Looking at you, I'd guess a son.

You can't tell through a kimono. No way!

Hey, you shouldn't ignore us. We all know it.

-That's just an old wives' tale, though. -It's true.

[Makiko chuckles]

[Tsunako] It's really not just an old wives' tale, you know.

-[Katsumata] Here's your tea. -Oh.

[Takao] Thank you.

You look like your mother when you do that.

Oh, come on. I'm just dressed like her.

-This is… her kimono after all. -You really look like her.

-And I'd say sort of, like, wholesome. -Like a homemaker.

-Sakiko! Really? -That was Tsunako who said that one.

If you're happy, that's all that matters in the end.

He's kind, isn't he, your Katsumata-san?

Isn't he?

True enough.

He cooks breakfast and dinner for us every day.

Well, I'd like a guy like that. How nice!

Yeah, but you know what?

I've heard that men will act sweet at home

if they did anything outside they feel guilty over.

Is that what it is?

I'm not a man like that at all, so don't worry.

[Tsunako] Katsumata-san would never. He's great!

He'd buy a coat just for you.

[Takiko] And he buys me sushi a lot too.

-[Kotaro] Mmm. -[phone ringing]

Oh, hey.

Yes, hello?

Oh.

What's up? How are you?

-Good… [chuckles] -[Tsunako] Hmm.

[Kotaro] Good.

Does the cabbage go in there now too?

-You need more salt in there still. -Oh, salt! More?

[Tsunako] Mm-hmm.

It might spoil if you don't use enough.

[Katsumata] You know, it's hard to tell if these four get along or not.

Uh-huh.

[Tsunako] Watch me.

Like Asura, aren't they?

Huh?

Girls are Asura, you know.

Uh, Asura?

An Asura is an Indian God.

Outwardly, they have virtues like justice, wisdom, and courtesy.

Though, they really love to slander.

Uh…

[all] What are you guys saying?

-No, no, no, no. No. -[Makiko] Huh?

-Nothing much. -[Tsunako] He said, "Asura."

-Nothing much. -[Sakiko] What's that?

-[Takiko] It's like a kind of god. -So look out, okay?

[curious music playing]

-Hey, what now? -What are you two saying?

They were trash-talking, right?

[curious music playing]

Look at this.

Come here! It's a smile!

Come quick!

Look!

You see? [gasps]

It really changed. [gasps]

-Oh, it changed! -Hide-chan…

-He really did it! He really did it! -Just look at that!

-[laughs] -Right there.

It's really smiling! You see that?

You really did it! [laughs]

Oh. [chuckles]

-[Makiko] You really look beautiful. -Oh, thank you so much. [chuckles]

-[applause] -[woman] Keiko-chan! Congratulations!

[man] And now, the new couple will symbolize their love

with the lighting of a candle before their loved ones.

They'll be going around to each table to start the candlelight service.

Hun, that thing we were discussing the other day…

You know, about the woman you're cheating with…

I didn't honestly think there was any truth to it.

[chuckles softly]

[closing theme music playing]

[upbeat, action music playing]