Original subtitles

Mermaids?

What do we do now?

Hey, Sogo!

Come back!

Ikuto, shut up!

Stop bothering me!

Yes, I can send it today. I'll send you a photo.

Thank you. Bye.

Ikuto.

Mizuho!

Hurry, get ready before Grandma gets here.

Ikuto, turn off the water!

Mummy.

I'll take you to this place.

I found it yesterday. It's so pretty.

I'll show you! - Yeah,

we'll go there one of these days.

Ikuto, go get changed or you're not going swimming.

Mizuho, help me. Go that way.

Got it!

Ikuto, wait!

Ikuto!

Catch him! Good!

I want to go with you, Mum!

Grandma's going with you.

It's so cute!

Thanks!

Mizuho, Wakaba, let's go!

OK!

~ The House Where The Mermaid Sleeps ~ OCR by ch4nk-san from HBO Twitter: @ch4nk_san

Mum says she's stopping by on her way home from the pool.

Come have dinner, Sis.

I'll take care of the kids till you come.

I'll be there. I owe you one.

'Hey, aren't you meeting him today?

Enough of the separation just get a divorce already.

Get a big settlement for his infidelity find yourself a good man

and remarry.

See you later.

I'll call you when I'm done.

The subject injured his spine in an accident

and can only move his head slightly.

There is no damage to his brain

so we use the signals

sent to move his hands to control the robotic arm's movements.

Our next challenge is sensing touch.

Sending feedback of touch from the robotic arm to the brain.

Yes.

Integrating brain and machine

will greatly improve the lives of the disabled.

This technology will become

our company's core business.

Let's make it so.

Yes, sir.

Wakaba, Grandma's here.

Grandma!

They're so cute.

But they really need to start early.

To learn how to breathe.

Let's go again!

Mr and Mrs Inoue? This way.

Thanks.

Entrance exam successes

Have it ready by the next conference,

That's all.

Sorry, I'm late.

You didn't shave.

Make sure you shave before the actual interview.

Did you practise?

Reasons for applying to this school and whatnot.

Sort of.

We're supposed to bow for 7.5 seconds, right?

You promised to play Dad until the kids' exams are over.

That's why we're here.

I know that.

Mr Harima, how do you spend your days off?

I don't see my children much on weekdays

so my days off are devoted to my family.

We do morning exercises together in the garden

then my daughter and I make breakfast.

Excuse me.

Hey.

I'll switch it off for the actual interview.

I'm sorry.

Hello?

What?

Which hospital?

All right.

Kaoruko!

Where's Mizuho?

Still in ICU.

They haven't told me anything.

I'm so sorry!

I'm so sorry!

I should've kept an eye on her...

What happened?

I'm not sure!

Somebody started screaming about a girl stuck underwater...

Mizuho...

stuck her finger into the drain in the pool

and got stuck...

When they got her out of the pool..

she didn't have a heartbeat...

I'm so sorry!

I wish it were me who's dead.

Mum!

Mizuho's still fighting for her life.

'I'm Shindo from Neurosurgery.

Before you see your daughter

allow me to explain the situation.

We got her heart beating again

but her brain was deprived of oxygen

for a long period of time causing considerable brain damage.

We're currently unable to detect any brain activity.

No brain waves either.

'Is there any way you can treat her?

There must be something you can do.

I'm sorry.

Your daughter...

is very likely brain dead.

May I touch her?

Of course.

She's grown so much...

Even her swimsuit...

We had to...

buy her a new one this year.

In such cases

for adults, the heart usually stops beating within days.

Children can hold out for months

but none has ever recovered.

I'm sorry to be bringing this up now

but does your daughter

have an organ donor card?

Have you ever discussed organ transplants or donations with her?

Of course we haven't.

She's only six.

In that case if she is declared brain dead

would you consent to organ donation?

You want to use Mizuho's organs?

No, I'm only confirming consent.

This is part of the protocol in brain death cases.

You can choose to decline.

What happens if we decline?

Nothing.

She will remain on life support.

And if we consent?

There'll be a brain death diagnosis.

A brain death diagnosis?

They'll officially determine if she's brain dead or not.

If she isn't, they can't remove her organs.

Is that correct?

Yes.

Wait.

That's only if her heart stops, right?

No.

Once she is declared brain dead

her organs will be removed.

But you just said...

she could hold out for months in her current state.

You're saying you'd kill Mizuho and remove her organs?

'If she is confirmed to be brain dead she'll be declared deceased so we wouldn't be killing her.

Even though her heart is still beating

she will be considered dead.

"Considered dead"?

So check if she's brain dead first.

We can talk about organ donation after that.

No.

'If you don't give consent for an organ donation

we're not legally allowed to perform a brain death diagnosis.

Japan is different like that.

Everywhere else, a person is declared dead once they're brain dead.

In Japan,

without an organ donation consent a person

is only declared dead when the heart stops beating.

To put it bluntly

you can choose

brain death or clinical death

as the criterion to declare your daughter dead.

You're saying either way...

Mizuho...

won't ever...

I'm sorry.

( What Is Organ Donation? )

Jump! - Another jump?

Here we go!

Daddy... Daddy!

I see.

So you're saying

Mizuho's heart is still beating but she's dead.

She's no longer with us.

Is that what you mean?

What would you do in my place, Dad?

Organ donation?

At a time like this?

If the donor's wish is unknown

it's up to the family to decide.

That's what the current law says.

I've got no say in this.

You're the only ones who can decide,

It's a cruel situation.

'I would gladly let them have my organs

if this could save her.

A while back at the park

Mizuho found a four-leaf clover.

I told her they bring happiness

so why not take it home?

Do you know what she said?

"I'm already happy, so I don't need it."

"I'll leave it for somebody else."

That's Mizuho for you.

If we could ask her what she wants...

I'm sure...

she'd want to help somebody...

She was such a sweet girl.

I'm... so sorry...

Ikuto.

Let's say goodbye...

to your big sister.

Mizuho...

The transplant coordinator's here.

My daughter...

My daughter...

she's still alive.

You felt it too, right?

Mizuho's not dead!

Applying device.

Switching on.

Applying again.

It's not going well?

I'm a little frustrated.

I can get the robotic arm to work, but...

But what you really want to accomplish

is for your patients to control their own limbs instead of prosthetics, right?

We all want to be able

to eat and walk on our own.

Yes, definitely.

I definitely...

want to eat this with my own two hands.

Right?

The tricky part is in replicating reflexes.

Say, you touch something hot

you need to pull back instantly or else you'll get hurt.

But that's not the only issue...

Hey...

Will you help me celebrate

my birthday next year?

Sure, but why are you bringing this up now?

I mean, at a place of our own.

First, turn it on. - OK.

Be sure to check the suction force before applying suction.

'If it's too strong, it might hurt her throat.

What about blockages?

Use mist from this nebuliser

to loosen the phlegm.

Hello!

Mizuho, I'm back!

Hi, there.

Thanks for coming every day, Wakaba.

Isn't this great?

I thought she'd never get out of the ICU.

Mizuho's doing her best, like always.

What a good girl!

Hey, cute pyjamas!

I'm thinking of taking Mizuho home.

It's been a month and she's stable now.

But...

is it possible?

She's on a ventilator.

I've talked with her paediatrician.

Based on her current condition I think you can take care of her at home.

However...

are you aware of the Lazarus phenomenon?

Spinal reflexes that trigger

physical movements in those who are brain dead.

Are you saying that's why our daughter moved?

I won't jump to conclusions.

Brain death in children is still a medical grey area.

And it's true that there are some phenomena we can't explain.

Even so...

I must say that

'my opinion as a neurosurgeon

remains unchanged.

Her ventilator goes into

her mouth right now

but for home care

they'll insert a tracheostomy tube.

Insert?

They'll cut into her throat?

I feel sorry for her...

but Mizuho's not alone.

They say there are many other brain dead children in Japan.

Some have gone on living for years

without a brain death diagnosis.

In the last month

I've watched her survive every crisis.

She's fighting to live.

You can do it, Mizuho!

She wants to live.

You work in cutting-edge technology

so maybe you think I'm a fool

to believe she's not brain dead.

I think you're strong.

Huh?

I never even considered bringing Mizuho home.

But you never doubted that you could do it.

Of course, I want to believe Mizuho can pull through.

I need to ask you a favour.

Could we...

stop the divorce proceedings?

I'll have to stop working

and I want to focus everything on her.

I'm the one who asked for a divorce

so I know I'm being selfish...

You're not being selfish.

I understand.

Let's do that.

This patient is mute

and can't breathe on his own.

To improve the quality of life in serious cases like his...

Wait a minute.

He can't breathe on his own?

No.

Then how is he breathing?

He's not using a ventilator.

Well,

that's because he had a special operation done...

A special operation? What was done?

I'm sorry, I don't know the details...

May I speak?

Sure.

I'm Hoshino from Unit Three.

The subject has an extremely rare diaphragm pacemaker in his body.

'It electrically stimulates his diaphragm

like how a pacemaker would stimulate the heart.

It's very rare and expensive.

Very few people in Japan have it.

'I see.

You're very knowledgeable.

I conduct research

into electrical stimulation on the body

so it was of interest to me.

I see.

I remember your presentation,

You're working to move a patient's body through electrical stimulation.

Where did you get the idea?

It's simple.

Patients would get more out of life

using their own limbs instead of prosthetics.

Not that I have anything against robotics....

Sorry.

Hoshino.

Yes.

You were talking earlier

about diaphragm pacemakers.

Can they be used

on comatose patients as well?

( Diaphragm pacemakers )

( Success stories )

( Keimei University Hospital )

The operation went well.

The device is working.

She looks better without the ventilator tube.

We'll put on an oxygen mask for now.

You can remove it once her muscles strengthen.

She's breathing on her own!

Yes.

I have to get her new sweaters.

She's off the ventilator now.

She can wear clothes that go over her head again.

T-shirts...

and sweatshirts too.

Why? Why?

Oh no!

She's so cold!

I told you to keep the living room warm!

- Did you forget? - I'm sorry!

'I wanted her to see the snow...

You should've made sure she's warmly dressed.

The slightest cold could be fatal for her!

Mizuho?

Are you all right?

I'll get you warmed up right away.

Mizuho?

Are you all right?

Mizuho!

Hello.

How is she doing?

I couldn't dislodge the phlegm even with the nebuliser.

- You tried using it more? - I did.

'Has she been eating and peeing?

Lesser than last week.

I'll check her chest.

Mizuho,

is everything OK? - Stop right there.

How many times have I told you

you have to support the tube with your left hand?

Mizuho.

Wow, Mizuho. That was a good poop.

I didn't even need to massage her abdomen.

'I bet you feel a lot lighter now.

Does that feel good?

Thank you.

Mum, get the pump from the bath.

Mizuho, let's put the monitor back on

Thank you.

Mum!

Mum!

Mum!

Do you like that?

I'm so sorry.

This is all my fault.

I'm sure you hate me

but let me take care of you.

I'm your grandma.

I'll do anything for you.

I'll devote the rest of my life

to taking care of you.

Mizuho, good night.

Wake up soon.

Good night.

Pull the covers up when you sleep.

OK

We'll switch at 5.00am.

Mum...

I'm sorry.

I know I've been very hard on you.

Don't worry.

You have to be.

I don't want to cause another tragedy.

Good night.

( Turn a diaper into a cushion )

Mummy,

I'll take you to this place.

I found it yesterday.

It's so pretty.

I'll show you!

Mizuho's blood test result was great.

Her chest X-ray's super clear too.

Really? I'm glad to hear that.

'It might be thanks to her pacemaker.

Huh?

Her body is consuming energy to move her diaphragm.

'It's improving her metabolism.

That's why she's doing better.

She has been moving more too.

I think moving more would do her good.

Hello? Can you hear me?

Leave it to me.

I'll change the sensor channel.

When the doctor said she could be brain dead

'I thought I had lost my daughter.

But then...

Theard her breathing while she slept.

There are still things I can do for her.

Would you be willing to help me?

For my research

I send brain signals directly to the body

instead of through machines

to move the body.

-To move the body? - Yes.

My goal is for patients to control their own body without relying on machines.

This technology is called ANC.

Artificial neural connection,

'It's amazing what you can do now.

Why don't we use this technology

to help Mizuho exercise?

You gave me the idea the other day.

'If moving her diaphragm alone has made her better

proper exercise would build muscle

and improve her health even more.

But don't you need brain signals for that?

Mizuho is...

Brain signals can be created artificially.

For example, when you want to walk

all your brain does is send out the signal.

Your spine is the part that gets the body moving.

Mizuho's spine isn't damaged

so by sending an artificial signal to it

we could move her muscles.

But no one has ever tried

this technology before, right?

That's right.

It's true ANC isn't in practical use.

But that's only because the reflex actions

haven't been worked out yet.

If we're just talking about moving the body the technology is available.

Of course, we need to ensure

it's tailored to Mizuho's needs....

but this can be done. but this can be done.

There's no reason it couldn't be.

Shall we give it a try?

Wow!

So your CEO approves of your research?

What did he ask you to do?

I can't say.

It's the CEO's direct request and extremely confidential.

A secret mission?

All I can say is this is groundbreaking.

Opportunities like this are rare.

This is a magnetic stimulator.

This device signals the spine to move the body.

The strength and timing of the signal can be adjusted?

Yes.

The signal frequency...

can be freely adjusted.

The strength is controlled here.

Got it.

Is it really safe?

It uses electricity, right?

Won't it be bad for her health?

I'm scared.

Just let him explain it.

OK... let's begin.

All right.

Hoshino!

- Hello. - Hello.

Good to see you.

Excuse me.

Well, her physiotherapist said

her muscle tone has improved slightly.

And her bones are straightening out.

It's unbelievable.

It has only been a month.

By changing the signals and target areas

we can create very different responses

but the controls are tricky.

The human body is far more complicated than machines.

It's worth the effort.

We're delighted Mizuho is growing stronger.

Thank you.

Science and technology can save lives.

Thanks to you,

I know that for sure now.

You poor guy. The CEO's working you hard.

Our business is about helping the disabled,

What's the point in stimulating the body of a brain dead girl?

The subject is clearly improving physically.

But she'll never wake up.

Jumping to conclusions is the most foolish thing a scientist can do.

I feel sorry for the CEO too.

But I'll just say this.

Research on moving the limbs

of a subject with no future won't help anyone.

I'll keep that in mind.

Erm...

Hoshino?

Yes?

While exercising Mizuho yesterday

something odd happened.

I was making her lift her legs

and then while I was doing something else...

her leg lifted up all on its own.

It was probably an echo.

An echo?

We're using magnetic stimulation

which can remain in the nerves.

Even the smallest stimulation

can create repetition.

I see...

For a second, I thought Mizuho might've been doing it on her own.

I told you not to operate the machine alone.

Yes.

I'm sorry.

I couldn't resist.

All right. We'll increase her training,

to once every two days.

I'll come at night, after work.

I'd like more time with Mizuho too.

Is that all right?

Thank you.

Isn't that great, Mizuho?

Lately, her temperature has been stable

even without us warming her up.

She doesn't need hormone therapy anymore.

Her doctor was amazed too.

And that's not all.

Her doctor suggest a gastrostomy...

Good morning.

-Working on weekends too?

Yes.

Hang in there.

Thank you.

Hello?

Yuya? Where are you?

Will you be long?

We're all ready for you.

Sorry, it's today?

Huh?

You forgot?

Where are you now?

Sorry, I'm at work.

You're working so hard

I hardly see you anymore.

Sorry.

Can you come?

You don't have to if you can't.

'Well... maybe we can set another date?

OK. You work then.

We have all the science guys here today.

Now ladies, self-introductions, please.

First up, Sara.

Go for it.

I'm Tanuma Sara.

I work as an administrator at a clinic.

Nice to meet you.

Next, Mao the nurse.

I'm a vet's assistant.

I'm Kawashima Mao.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

Erm...

May I ask if you've ever participated in spinal operations for animals?

'I research human spinal injuries.

I'd like to hear your experiences.

Did the paralysed dog walk again?

'Is that a common procedure?

I think being able to touch our food

makes the food more delicious.

Eating meals with family

not only cheers up the patient

but also the family.

Here she is!

You look lovely!

You look great without the nasal tube.

You look so grown-up in a school uniform.

We've enrolled her in a special needs school.

Her teachers will visit a few days a week.

'Wakaba, give her your present.

Mizuho.

Congratulations on your new school.

Isn't that nice, Mizuho?

Thanks for always coming to see her.

It's so cute.

I'm going to catch you!

Wakaba!

My shoe came off!

Wait!

At the hospital, they call her the miracle girl.

Thad thought we were just doing this for own sakes.

Making her breathe...

and exercising her.

You're the one keeping Mizuho alive.

You're...

our saviour.

Then the cat panicked when its owner came

and scratched my boss up real bad.

Hey, how's that patient doing?

Any progress since then?

I don't know, a colleague has him now.

I see.

( Mizuho is doing well today )

( We're both waiting for you! )

How about your CEO's project?

Going well?

I told you I can't talk about it.

You can't even tell me if it's going well?

I mean... you used to tell me about your work.

Things have changed.

Let's finish this and go.

Let's go to our favourite bar after this.

I wonder if it's busy...

Sorry.

I've got work to do.

I'll call you.

Good luck with work.

Follow that car.

Hurry. That one in front.

-OK.

He's cheating on you?

That scumbag.

I won't let him slip away!

'Hoshino never mentioned a girlfriend.

Come in.

Thank you.

But he's wonderful, so I'm not surprised.

Come in.

This is where he works.

May I?

My daughter.

Her name is Mizuho.

She was in a swimming pool accident and she's been asleep since.

'We're told she'll never wake up.

She looks like she will wake up any moment.

Thanks to Hoshino.

What does he do here?

I'll give you a small demonstration.

She can greet you.

I used the technology Hoshino is working on

to move her arm.

Such training

has restored my daughter's health.

Even if the world says she'll never wake up...

I'll keep believing in miracles.

Hoshino... is her second father.

'We're getting married soon.

Today's my birthday.

We're pushing back the date

but he promised we'll get married.

I see.

Congratulations.

Sorry, I forgot to serve you tea.

I'll be right back.

Hoshino used to say...

that his work would give hope

to people with disabilities

and help them to enjoy life.

His work will allow them to retain their dignity.

The same applies to his current research.

Keeping those who suffer brain trauma healthy

helps retain their dignity.

Does it?

It's beyond my understanding.

Even so...

I love his enthusiasm.

Food tastes better when he's there chattering about his work.

Please give him back to me.

If that's what he's working to protect..

what's the future in it?

Let us light the paper lanterns

Let us place the peach blossoms

A quartet with flutes and drums

Today is the Doll Festival

Kazumasa hasn't been home for a while.

I'm sure he's busy.

OK, all done.

Come and get it.

I'm hungry!

Sit down and eat.

Please, have a seat too.

Thank you.

- I'll serve it. - I'm tucking in.

Ikuto, that's bad manners.

Wait for everyone else.

Here you go.

Thank you.

That's all for today, but...

Boss, may I say something?

About Hoshino's current assignment...

we urgently need to actualise

our Brain-Machine Interface (BMI).

This is not the time

to have our researchers

focusing on side projects.

As I've explained before

his current work is relevant

'It will definitely come in useful in BMI research in the future.

That may be so

but how long do you intend to continue?

Putting one of our researchers on a personal project indefinitely

could be seen as

misappropriating company resources I doubt our shareholders would approve

What would our founder say?

I'll answer to the shareholders myself at the annual general meeting,

This is legitimate company research

I'd like you all to look at the bigger picture.

I hear you put your foot down.

Word travels fast.

Yes.

I built that company after all.

There won't be any problems.

I'm paying for anything related to Mizuho.

It's actually good research for our BMI project.

Cutting-edge technology always faces opposition.

It's always controversial.

You're sounding pretty defensive.

It's ready.

People are all driven by their ego.

We cherish and we nurture in order to eat and survive.

That's life.

Human desire is what drives human progress.

But even so...

there's a line beyond which the use of technology is unacceptable

You've already... crossed that line.

Oh, hello.

I dropped by.

That's good of you.

Ikuto. This is a little early, but congratulations.

Thanks!

Wow! A baseball glove!

Isn't that great, Ikuto?

It's cool.

This... is for Mizuho.

A souvenir?

Wait a second.

Here.

Go on, let her hold it.

Well? She has improved, hasn't she?

Isn't this nice, Mizuho?

Do you see her smile?

Isn't she lovely?

I've read your latest report.

It's a singular achievement

in muscular stimulation technology,

Impressive work.

Thank you.

So... I think we should quit while we're ahead.

You've accomplished what you set out to do.

My wife can take over.

You can resume your BMI research.

But the programme isn't perfect yet...

I'm grateful to you.

I know the company has issues with...

That's not why I'm saying this.

You can't keep working on this forever.

I believe... my current research is worthwhile.

Then answer me this.

Are you truly treating Mizuho as a living human being?

Of course I am!

Mizuho's body is functioning and growing.

Without hormone therapy

or artificial thermoregulation, thanks to ANC!

Mizuho's unconscious!

Why are you manipulating her body

and making her smile?

What's that for?

No...

Forgive me.

Are you...

jealous of me?

I'm raising your daughter with your wife

and sharing that joy.

I'm the one... your wife and daughter need.

When you wake up

you'll be able to walk like before.

Wake up whenever you like.

Until you do I'll take care of your body, and make sure you're healthy.

Yukino needs to have a heart operation in the US.

Please help us save her.

Eto Yukino is struggling with a heart disease.

Please help. - Thank you.

Yukino needs 260 million yen for her heart operation in the US.

Harima?

Hey! It is you!

Long time no see.

Kadowaki?

Long time no see.

She's my friend's daughter.

She has dilated cardiomyopathy

and it's looking bad.

Help save a precious life

Dad!

Did you wait long?

Where's Mum?

There she is!

Sorry, we're late.

Why?

It's warmer now and her doctor said she can go outside.

But why here?

What's wrong with her being here for her brother's first day of school?

Ikuto!

Kento!

-好久不见 -一年级 -一年级

Hello there!

Hello, I'm Ikuto's mother.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

This is his sister, Mizuho.

An accident left her unconscious.

She looks as if she could wake up anytime.

It must be very hard on you.

No, not at all.

All children are angels when they sleep.

And she's always asleep.

Hello.

Hello.

I'm not sure

if I should be telling you this, but...

She's feeling good today.

I have no problems going downhill

but it can be tiring going uphill.

She takes Mizuho out every day.

What's gotten into her?

I can't understand what she's doing.

Isn't this nice?

Here are the results.

The total sum we raised online and on the street today

is 148,350,627 yen.

Mr Eto, we're nearly there!

Thank you...

Thank you...

I'm Yukino's father.

I heard you donated one million yen.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

I'm sorry for asking you to come all this way.

'I wanted to thank you in person.

It's a shame...that a donor couldn't be found in Japan.

Someone I know...

has... a child who's brain dead.

Even though the doctors say she won't recover she's undergoing special treatment

to keep her body functioning.

Physically, she's doing well.

Well enough to give her mother false hopes.

Sorry. That just came out.

Well, my wife and I discussed this.

Even if we raise enough money for a transplant overseas

we won't pray for a donor to turn up.

Taking this too far would only inflict pain

on families with children that are brain dead. We don't want that.

I understand why a parent would want to

keep a brain dead child on life support.

To the parents, their child is still alive.

That life is precious.

The other day

we all went to Izu to pick strawberries.

You should come next time.

Ikuto! Wakaba and her mum are here.

Ikuto!

He has been rebellious lately.

He won't even say hello to Hoshino anymore.

He's started school.

He's growing up.

Hey, Ikuto.

-There you are.

-Hello.

Hi.

Let's play upstairs.

Play here.

They're here to see Mizuho.

Forget it then.

- lkuto!

It's OK.

No, it's not.

What's wrong with you?

It's all a lie.

What's a lie?

The truth is

Mizuho died a long time ago, didn't she?

You just pretend she's alive.

You can't say that, Ikuto!

- Wakaba!-

Don't be silly.

Mizuho's alive!

Look, she's... - The machine's doing it!

She's dead...

but you brought her along on my first day of school.

Everybody at school says...

it's creepy.

Don't let what he said get to you.

Ikuto just needs to process his feelings.

Wakaba... What did you mean

when you told Ikuto "you can't say that"?

-Sis...–

Did your mum tell you

Mizuho's dead but you're not supposed to

- Say that in front of me?

- I didn't! - Liar!

Then why did Wakaba say that?

Why did you shush her up?

Why are you fighting?

Wakaba, let's go.

See you, Mum.

What's going on?

You should go home too.

What are you saying?

Mizuho's accident wasn't your fault.

You don't have to help because you feel responsible.

I'm not just here because of that.

I...

I want Mizuho to open her eyes.

"Go to hell, Grandma."

"I'll never forgive you for what you did."

I want to hear her say that.

That's my dream.

My reason for living.

I'm a mother, just like you.

'I want the same thing you do.

He grabbed the kazefuki plant

and it came right out of the ground.

"I pulled it out!"

Just then, the fox's body became shrouded in smoke

and the spell was broken.

"The spell's broken..."

Hello, Harima residence.

What?

I couldn't reach your husband

so his company gave me this number.

I'm calling... with regards to tonight's meeting. It has been postponed.

She's the daughter of one of my university mates' friend.

I bumped into him the other day.

They really needed help.

Her condition's critical.

That's not why.

- What?

That's not why you gave them money.

What do you mean?

The truth is..

you think we should've donated Mizuho's organs,

You did it to ease your guilt.

That's why you were so secretive about it.

Using one million yen to clear your conscience.

Of course not.

That's ridiculous.

I'm a father myself, I empathise with his plight.

Really?

So you do know you're a father.

Then why haven't you come to see Mizuho at all?

You thought I wouldn't notice?

You would meet with Ikuto outside

but you've been avoiding Mizuho.

I'll be honest then.

You've been acting strangely.

Showing off Mizuho to strangers.

What's wrong with that?

You know what's wrong.

I don't, so tell me.

She's not an exhibit.

I know how you feel

but what really matters is that...

we know Mizuho's alive.

There's no need to go around convincing everyone of that.

So you're saying

Mizuho's only alive at home

and outside she's an exhibit?

That's not it...

Stop acting like you understand!

You always do that.

Do you know why I wanted a divorce?

Not because you cheated on me

but because you didn't even try to make excuses when I found out!

You wouldn't change your mind even if I did.

Making excuses is...

-Pathetic, right?

But I wanted you to at least try.

To not give up so easily.

To grovel and say...

you didn't want to lose us.

I wanted to see your desperation.

But you've never once lost your composure.

Not back then, and not now.

You're the one who suggested trying ANC.

But now you think...

You think Mizuho's dead.

Hello?

I see.

OK.

The girl's condition took a turn for the worse.

She...

passed away just now.

His friends will be here soon.

Have a seat.

We're not staying.

We're just here to give Ikuto his present.

I see.

'Hoshino,

could you bring Mizuho in?

Sure.

Bring her here?

Of course. It's Ikuto's birthday.

'Ikuto, your friends are late.

Call them.

Ikuto said...

he didn't ask his friends to come,

But he told me six of them would be coming....

You lied to me?

Because you said you wanted them to meet Mizuho.

So?

I told them she's dead.

I had to or I'd get bullied in school!

After I said she was dead

they stopped saying things about me!

Kaoruko!

Apologise!

Apologise to your sister!

Stop! Calm down!

Think of Ikuto!

I am!

This party is for him!

His friends will understand she's alive when they see her!

That's what this is for?

That will never work.

She sits there unmoving with her eyes closed.

Any child would think she's dead!

What if she moves?

What if she moves her hand

when they speak to her?

That's just deceiving them... - I'm not deceiving them!

It's to let them know! 'I won't allow anyone to say Mizuho's dead!

Call your friends.

Get them to come to your party!

Call them right now!

Call them! Call them!

That's enough!

Boss!

Pull yourself together!

I know... you can't accept Mizuho's death.

Iunderstand that.

But let's stop this.

You were right.

I've tried, but I can no longer convince myself Mizuho's still alive.

Our technology is keeping her body functioning

but medically speaking...

Mizuho... is dead.

It's all a sham! - ANC isn't a sham!

We're not talking about the technology! Stay out of this!

What are you doing?

Kaoruko!

What is she doing?

What are you doing?

Please come immediately.

She's waving a knife around. She's out of control.

Can you explain what's going on here?

This girl... is my daughter.

I'm going to stab her.

If her heart stops, will be arrested?

Of course, you will be.

'If your daughter dies, you'll be a murderer.

But her doctor at the hospital says

she's most likely brain dead.

If she's already dead

how could it be murder?

Your doctor said it's a possibility

not a certainty, right?

So we have to presume she's alive.

'If we send her for an official diagnosis

she'd most likely be declared brain dead.

In that case... am I the one who killed her?

Kaoruko...

Back off!

Ma'am...

Please don't be unreasonable.

I can't engage in conjecture.

So, please...

put down the knife for now.

Yes, just put down the knife.

I see.

Conjecture's not enough.

No!

It's Mizuho!

She's your daughter!

Mizuho's alive!

We've both felt that!

I can't...

let her be a living corpse anymore.

Is she alive, or is she dead?

I'll let our law... and our country decide.

If Mizuho's already dead

and this technology is only maintaining the illusion of life it won't be murder.

If she's alive, it'll be murder.

Even so... I'd gladly accept any punishment.

It would be affirmation...

that Mizuho was indeed alive.

Mum!

Why are you stopping me?

You think Mizuho's dead, don't you!

So why?

No one... can die twice!

This is my fault.

I started this.

I gave you...

false hope.

But please don't kill her!

I'm begging you!

Please don't kill Mizuho!

Kaoruko!

It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks! You're her mother.

It's your duty to protect her.

Stay back!

Get out of my way!

Kaoruko, enough...

Aunt, please stop! - Wakaba!

Wakaba, stay back. -Go back.

Wakaba! - It's dangerous!

I want Mizuho to live!

'It's my fault Mizuho drowned!

After I grow up I'll help you to take care of her!

I'm sorry... I'm sorry!

I'm sorry... I'm sorry!

I'm sorry... I'm sorry!

Ikuto...

I'll tell everybody at school... that Mizuho's alive.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

See you. Bye.

I want...

to apologise.

Welcome back.

24 plus 24 equals...

How's Mizuho?

Same as always.

Iced tea for you?

Why don't we go for a walk?

With Mizuho.

But if we go outside people will stare.

It'll be fine. You haven't been out much.

This feels good.

I haven't been here in ages.

You've been here before?

A long time ago. With Mizuho.

An athletic course!

Will you watch her for me?

What is it?

This is the place.

It was the last thing... that Mizuho told me about.

The last thing?

That day, before going to the pool.

She said she wanted to show me someplace pretty.

But I... didn't really pay attention to her.

I regretted that.

So after Mizuho's condition stabilised

I brought her around looking for it.

Hello.

She couldn't have gone far

so I knew the place had to be close.

I finally found it.

Thanks to you.

It's a heart!

Mizuho?

Do you recognise me?

Mummy...

Thank you.

For everything.

Thank you.

You're... leaving?

Mummy...

I was happy.

You made me happy.

You've made me happy too.

To put it in simple terms

Mizuho's body lost its integrity

returning her to her post-accident state.

We could start antidiuretic hormone treatment

to help her retain water.

We'll keep her under observation

and continue her treatment accordingly.

No.

We're... taking her off life support.

She left us...

this morning.

Dr Shindo.

She has been comatose for a long time.

'Is it still possible to donate her organs?

You'll allow a brain death diagnosis?

I think... it's what Mizuho would want.

Mizuho...

Make lots of friends in heaven, OK?

Mizuho... I love you.

Thank you for coming.

( Died on August 30, 2018 )

( Born on July 2, 2010 )

'It says here she died on August 30th?

That was the day she said goodbye to my wife.

She says Mizuho died that day

not when she was declared brain dead.

Mizuho...

What's your opinion?

Is brain death really death?

To be honest... I still don't know.

But I knew for sure

Thad lost her when her heart stopped beating.

In that case...

you didn't lose your daughter.

Huh?

Somewhere out there...

her heart is still beating.

You're right.

Where are you going?

You just got out of hospital!

There's somewhere I have to go.

You mustn't run!

He's thrilled to be home again at last.

I never thought I'd see him

so full of energy again.

( Good Luck with your heart transplant! )