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SUBMITTED TO THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL '85

GOLDEN CHARYBDIS TAORMINA FILM FESTIVAL '85

PICTURE OF THE YEAR JAPAN ACADEMY PRIZE '84

BEST JAPANESE FILM '84 KINEMA JUNPO MAGAZINE

A NEW CENTURY PRODUCERS AND ITAMI PRODUCTIONS FILM

I grew up in this house in Kamome Hot Springs in Izu.

My wife and I lived here

until moving to Tokyo two years ago,

at which point it became a second home.

These days my in-laws live here,

enjoying their retirement.

That's my father-in-law coming down the driveway.

He's just back from Tokyo.

How did it go?

They said I'm fine.

He's in a good mood.

His annual physical at a major Tokyo hospital

showed nothing out of the ordinary.

Ham, avocados, grilled eel.

He was usually very frugal,

so this sudden extravagance surprised his wife.

Well, thank goodness.

- I feel great. - That's a relief.

But I can't get complacent.

I wanna live to 120 and get myself a young mistress.

Go right ahead. Anything you say.

A young lady of 19 or 20.

I'd give her a monthly allowance. She wouldn't have to do much.

Just an occasional dinner with sophisticated conversation.

Man, I'd love something like that.

Granny, what do you think?

You old fool.

Force a young girl to listen to your boasting and your war stories

and how you bought girls in Singapore?

Who'd listen to that crap?

That's what I'm looking for: a girl who would.

Not someone who talks back like you.

Fine.

Do as you please.

I feel great.

But something unexpected happened after dinner.

Kikue...

Kikue...

What is it?

I feel... terrible.

Wait a minute. I'm washing up.

What happened?

Are you in pain?

My chest... feels tight.

You're all sweaty!

I usually feel better

if I come out and look at the view.

But not this time.

Shall I take you to the doctor?

No.

Maybe I'll feel better if I lie down.

But the pain didn't go away.

Fortunately there was a psychiatrist living next door.

Hearing the symptoms, he called the hospital.

They called a taxi.

My father-in-law could still walk to the taxi

and get in by himself.

But he never came home again.

THE FUNERAL

THE FIRST DAY

It rained the next day.

My wife and I were shooting a TV commercial.

Let's do a test shot.

Quiet on the set!

Ready!

Quiet!

Action!

Look how easy it can be

To create A heartwarming work of art

Open the cap

And see what's inside!

It's like a magic tablet

More powerful day by day

Every day, without fail

You can show off your skill

May I pour you a cup?

Mrs. Amamiya!

Mrs. Chizuko Amamiya, phone call for you.

- I'm so sorry! - Not at all. Here.

He just stopped breathing?

Was he in much pain?

Of course.

At least it didn't go on too long.

Did he say anything?

Nothing at all?

I'll be done here soon.

Can you wait for us there?

See you. Be strong.

My father died.

So where will the funeral be?

Mikawa, I guess.

Not in Izu?

His brother and other family

are all in Mikawa.

Their house is there.

Mother wants it to be in Izu.

- At our house? - Yes.

She can't be serious! Never!

I don't want it held there!

Why does she want it there?

Won't the relatives object?

She says no.

And she hates the thought of imposing on them.

All right?

Please.

A funeral at our old house?

Come on. Please.

It's amazing.

He just died, and we're already discussing his funeral.

I know you don't like it, but it can't be helped.

After all, he's your father too. Your father-in-law.

Grandpa?

My father?

Of course! In society's eyes.

Um... I just heard the news from Mr. Sakuma

about your father passing away.

It was so sudden. I'm at a loss for words.

Please accept my condolences.

Come here. I have to talk to you two.

- Not another lecture! - Just sit down.

Listen to me carefully.

You grandpa died of a sudden illness.

It's a sad thing,

but we'll all die one day. We have to accept that.

Grandpa may have had a tough life,

but at the end he had two great grandkids like you.

I think that brought him some happiness.

Right now we need a coffin to get him from the hospital.

I'd like to order one.

I don't know. I've never bought a coffin over the phone.

Not too fancy, but not too plain either.

How about something a bit above average?

130,000 yen?

What's the step above that?

We'll take the one for 130,000.

Can you meet us at the hospital tonight?

See you there.

I'm the manager for Wabisuke Inoue and Chizuko Amamiya, the actors.

My last name's Satomi.

Yes. Thank you.

I ordered a coffin. It's 130,000 yen.

130,000 yen...

I have no idea if that's expensive or cheap.

If we have a wake tonight, we'll need food.

- Shall we order sushi? - For how many?

Maybe 20?

Isn't that too many?

It'd look pretty bad to run out of food.

True, but still...

Our funeral committee chief.

So we set out in the driving rain.

It was my first funeral.

I prayed that things would go smoothly.

At least he didn't suffer long.

Yes, at least he didn't suffer long.

He could have been bedridden for years. That would've been tough.

For your mother, I mean.

It's true.

She's suffered so much already.

After the war, they had to run that brothel in Kyushu to survive.

He made her do all the work...

while he sampled the merchandise.

Mother was in tears the whole time.

He even named me Chizuko after his first love.

Can you believe it?

Excuse me.

Park in there.

It's out of the rain.

This way you won't get wet.

I'm the local undertaker. The name's Ebihara.

Please accept my sympathies on your sudden loss.

- Thank you. - This way, please.

In the morgue, my wife's sister and her family,

and my now widowed mother-in-law, were already waiting.

- Sis, Wabisuke. - Ayako.

Osamu, Tetsu...

Kiichi...

Mother, are you all right?

- Are you all right? - Yes, I'm fine.

Dear, this is my uncle from Mikawa. He owns Amamiya Enterprises.

I'm his older brother.

I believe we met at your wedding.

It happened so suddenly. My condolences to us all.

Thank you.

There were seven of us siblings, but the others passed away one by one.

Shinkichi and I were the last ones left living.

Now that he's gone,

I'm the only one left.

Perhaps we should view the body.

He looks truly peaceful.

What a beautiful expression.

It really is.

It's true.

He looks so serene.

It's like he's sleeping.

But this ear's changing color.

How did it happen?

Well, you know...

it was around 4:00 a.m.

I realized we'd run out of tissues.

I asked him if I could go buy some.

He said all right.

I told him to ring the bell if he felt any pain.

I came back from the gift shop,

and people were bustling around him,

and his bed was surrounded by medical equipment.

I looked at him through the crowd,

and his face was ashen.

I caught a glimpse of him suddenly arching his back...

and that was the last time I saw him alive.

A nurse told me to wait outside.

Then the doctor called me in.

And then...

Keep going...

Wabisuke.

You got any money?

I want to pay the hospital bill.

How much?

I have no idea.

I have about 200,000.

That should be enough. I'll be right back.

The total is 33,560 yen.

- 33,000 and what? - 33,560.

Is something the matter?

That includes 3,000 for bathing the body

and 2,000 for copies of the death certificate.

You could have him transported tonight in a hearse,

let him spend one night in his own bed,

and place him in the coffin tomorrow.

Or you could place him in the coffin now.

We can place him in the coffin now?

Of course.

Many families do that.

But... it's so sad.

Mother, what do you think?

What do you suggest?

I think we should put him in now.

That's all right with me.

What about you, dear?

Now is probably best.

Putting him back in his own bed

when he's barely cold

would be hard to bear.

Let's do it now.

- Chizuko. - Yes?

- I'm not so sure. - Why?

If you place him in the coffin now,

how will it be transported?

In a van.

A van...

Then you'd take him out again and put him in his own bed?

No!

He'd stay in the coffin.

- Right, Mr. Ebihara? - Yes, that's right.

- You wouldn't put him in his bed? - No.

You mean...

you'd only take him out and place him in his bed

when the priest arrives?

No!

He'd stay in the coffin the whole time.

Didn't you say you'd place him in his bed?

Only if we took him home in a hearse.

Then we'd lay him out in his bed at home.

What about the coffin?

In that case, we'd deliver the coffin tomorrow

and place him in it at home.

Wabisuke, we should think carefully

about the best way to proceed.

Mother has just gotten over the first shock.

Putting him back in his bed would only make it harder.

Besides, it's pouring outside. We don't want him to get wet.

That's right. Let's just put him in now.

- Mother, is that all right? - Fine by me.

- Let's do that, please. - Very well.

This isn't how we do it in Mikawa.

Please proceed.

We're about to lay the deceased to rest in his coffin.

First, his wife and eldest daughter

should put the tabi on his feet.

His brother and younger daughter...

should put the zori on over the tabi.

Everyone else, please assist as best as possible.

The family will now lay the deceased in the coffin.

Everyone please lend a hand.

He's still warm!

It's true!

- That's impossible. - Just feel!

It's just the cloth that feels warm.

Now the dry ice.

You can open it here to view the face.

Anyone who wants to say goodbye can see him anytime.

Let's go.

We're very sorry we couldn't do more for him.

Please take good care of yourself.

Watch your step.

My hand's caught! Wait a second.

Lift the bottom end.

That's it. Keep going.

Higher in back!

Wait! Where's his head?

- Down here. - He's upside down!

He's on his head!

Go back down. We'll turn him around.

Hold on.

We're drenched!

Where shall we place the coffin?

At the front of the room.

Wabisuke.

I'm just wondering...

is this the right direction?

- The right direction? - His head should point north.

North?

It's the custom. His head must point north.

- West is that way. - And north?

It's actually right. North is that way.

So west is...

That way.

- And north is... - That way.

His head's pointing north.

We got it right!

Mrs. Hanamura! Setsuko! Good evening.

- We're here, kitty. - You brought the cat?

We had to. We might be here a while.

Our sincere condolences on your sudden loss.

Such a terrible pity.

We're so sorry.

We thought we might help in the kitchen.

Thank you.

- Grandma, it must be so hard on you. - And so sudden too.

He wasn't that old.

I was so shocked.

How could he pass away? He was so spry!

I still remember him walking up that hill with his gateball equipment.

Hello!

Sorry we're late with the sushi!

Fuku! And Kiyo too!

I love your matching raincoats!

Our sincere condolences.

We'd like to help. Right, dear?

Here's a picture we can use.

Wow! Where'd you get this?

I just had it.

It's perfect for the altar.

Absolutely. Just add a black ribbon.

He had it taken this spring.

He insisted on having a photograph of him wearing his medals.

He got his suit and medals in Mikawa and went to the photographer.

It's almost like he's sneering.

That's how he looked when he was happy.

He really thought of everything.

Not bad at all.

And the hospital only charged 33,560 yen.

That includes copies of the death certificate.

We should all be so lucky.

Wabisuke, let's go over the schedule again.

Tomorrow's the wake,

and the next day is the funeral.

There's no Shingon temple nearby,

so we called a priest from the Pure Land sect.

- No Shingon temple? - Afraid not.

What's this priest's story?

He's very distinguished.

A great source of spiritual guidance.

What about Father's posthumous Buddhist name?

We have to get it later from his family temple —

In the meantime, we'll hold the funeral

under his secular name, Shinkichi Amamiya.

Is that allowed?

Yes, it is.

What time should the priest arrive?

Well... how about 5:00?

All right.

What should we do when he arrives?

This is all new to us.

- First offer him some tea. - First some tea.

Just a minute. I'll get my wife.

Chizuko.

What is it?

We're talking about the priest.

- First we offer him tea. - Tea?

Yes, tea.

Then two sweet buns.

Any kind will do.

He won't eat them here. He'll take them with him.

What about the offering?

Mr. Ebihara, can you tell us how much we should give?

The offering. How much?

The offering?

Let me think.

The offering is voluntary...

so there's no fixed amount.

But there must be a going rate. It's common sense.

Well, it's a token of gratitude.

Maybe 100,000 or 200,000 yen.

That's not telling us much:

200,000 is twice as much as 100,000.

We'd be grateful if you'd provide a more exact figure.

Either would be fine.

But for a family like yours,

how does 200,000 sound?

200,000 it is.

I'll be going now.

See you tomorrow.

I'm exhausted.

- I think I'll turn in. - Good night.

We'll sleep here.

I have to keep the incense burning.

Shall we have a drink?

Don't get up! You're the chief mourner.

Okay.

THE SECOND DAY

Ah, Aoki, it's you.

What are you doing?

When did you get here? What time is it?

It's 9:00. I just got here.

Mr. Sakuma told me to come make myself useful.

I can run errands, help with reception — anything.

- So you brought your Scoopic 16 mm? - Yeah.

I figured we needed a record of it all.

- Just don't overdo it. - I won't.

Good morning. Did you sleep well?

Yes, the inn is very nice.

The baths and toilets are clean, and the breakfast was excellent.

- Mother, how are you today? - I'm fine.

His face hasn't changed at all.

Is that fog?

Good morning.

The undertaker arrives at 11:00. I'll register the death before that.

Could you withdraw some money at the bank too?

How much?

Two million should do. Just a minute.

Here's my seal and bankbook.

Don't lose them.

Okay, I'm off.

Could you buy the sweet buns for the priest too?

It's true.

Your face hasn't changed much.

Maybe I should put your glasses on you.

Did you put his glasses on him?

Yeah, he looks better that way.

It's like he's still alive.

Now he can see his way across the Sanzu River into the afterlife.

Well, I'm off to Tokyo.

You're leaving?

- I have some urgent business. - But...

I'll be back before the priest arrives.

Really?

Rather than going home first to put on mourning dress,

we recommend you come as you are

to give the impression you came in a great hurry.

ETIQUETTE AND RITUAL

Then greet the bereaved with the following words:

"This came as a terrible shock."

Or...

"What a terrible pity. Please accept my condolences."

Those are some of the phrases you might use.

Even when you know the right words to say,

it can be difficult to say them fluently.

But eloquence is not needed.

That's true.

When the bereaved says...

"We invite you now to view the body..."

...you respond...

"With your permission."

Stand up quietly, without creating a disturbance,

and follow the bereaved.

You'll have to lead them.

Stop at the head of the coffin...

and contemplate the deceased's face

through the opening for a few seconds.

"Contemplate"?

Bow deeply with palms together.

Then return to the bereaved...

"If there's anything I can do..."

Who cares about their lines? I want to know ours.

- ... and say... - Oh, right. Just a minute.

- If the mourner says... - Here it is.

"Please accept my condolences..."

...an appropriate response would be something like...

"It's very kind of you to come despite your busy schedule.

I dare say the deceased would be glad you're here."

...you can respond as above.

If the mourner was a close friend of the deceased,

you can add...

"Thank you for all you did for him while he was alive,

and heartfelt thanks for the many visits

you paid while he was ill.

We thank you kindly on his behalf."

Such expressions of gratitude put you above reproach.

I see...

Now, let's repeat together.

I'll say the mourners' lines,

while you read the responses from the cue card. Ready?

"This came as a terrible shock. Please accept my condolences."

And you reply...

"It's very kind of you to come despite your busy schedule.

I dare say the deceased would be glad you're here.

Thank you for all you did for him while he was alive.

We thank you kindly on his behalf."

It's quite common for the loss of a loved one

to be so overwhelming

that it's impossible to utter an appropriate reply.

A brief response such as...

"I humbly thank you for your sympathy..."

...if expressed politely, is acceptable in such cases.

That's good!

Nice and simple. I'll use that one.

"I humbly thank you for your sympathy."

Oh, no.

What is it?

No!

What?

There have to be speeches, before the procession and the meal.

Who makes them?

"The chief mourner or a representative of the family."

Mother? She can't do that!

Which leaves...

Damn it!

I can ask his brother to do the first one,

but I'll have to do the other one.

What a pain!

I'm sorry. Just the kind of thing you hate.

You'll do fine. You always come through in a pinch.

Damn it.

Now I'm really bummed out.

Who's that?

This is Ms. Saito. Mr. Sakuma asked her to come.

Yoshiko Saito.

My sincere condolences on the death of your father.

Mr. Sakuma asked me to come and assist in any way possible.

Please let me know what I can do.

We humbly thank you for your sympathy.

Just let us know.

What a peaceful expression!

This way, please.

Our sincere thanks for your help that night.

You know...

I'm just a psychiatrist, but I wish I could have done more.

Setsuko and I were talking just yesterday

about whether I made the best choice with Central Hospital.

Perhaps the National Hospital would have been better.

We were wondering about that.

How was the hospital, ma'am?

Well, the doctor gave him a cardiac massage like this.

I wonder if it helped...

He must have done that for over 30 minutes.

I understand it's usually only 15.

But by then his heart had already stopped.

When the doctor would press down,

there'd be zigzag lines on the monitor.

But whenever he stopped, it was just a flat line.

He said,

"You can see what happens whenever I stop.

What would you like me to do?"

I just couldn't ask him to continue.

He was a heavy man, and he was dripping sweat by then...

from all the exertion.

I just couldn't ask him to keep going.

So I said, "That's enough."

He stopped, and...

It sounds like he did all he could.

Yes, he really did.

Our sincere thanks again for all you did.

The undertaker's blue-and-white panels added a bright touch.

Aoki captured it all with his camera.

RECORD OF A FUNERAL

MOURNING

INCENSE PRACTICE

USE EITHER ONE OR THREE STICKS

NEVER BLOW THEM OUT

FAN THEM OUT

STICK THEM IN UPRIGHT

"NOW YOU BOYS TRY IT."

"THE BABY MOVED!"

"COME OUT SOON!"

COMMEMORATIVE PHOTOS

PREPARATIONS FOR THE WAKE

EVERYTHING'S READY

"YOU EAT A LOT!"

"I'M SO HUNGRY!"

"ISN'T IT GOOD TO EAT?"

"THIS SANDWICH IS GOOD"

THE END

Welcome back! And you brought Auntie!

I met her at the Kamome station.

Kikue, how could this happen?

I don't understand.

I heard it was his heart. Did Shinkichi have heart trouble?

Not that we knew of. It was a complete surprise.

About tomorrow's box lunches...

Please have a seat.

What lunch boxes?

Well, the funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m.,

and we'll go to the crematory at 12:00.

The cremation takes

approximately 90 minutes.

- So we'll have lunch while we wait. - We won't have eaten yet.

That's right. It will be light fare.

It's often hard for the grieving family to eat,

so I've spent years developing a special lunch for the occasion.

Please try a bit.

It's mainly wild vegetables.

Boiled rice, shiitake, bracken, bamboo shoots,

plus thin omelet strips and minced sea bream.

- It's good. - Isn't it?

Very good.

That's good.

I don't want to!

No!

About the lunches... how many do we need?

Only relatives go to the crematorium.

With Mother, two groups of four... 15 people.

Let's make it 20.

What did you say?

Go to hell!

What's wrong with those two?

I'll take care of this.

What's going on here?

What the hell are you two doing?

Aoki, get your car and wait for me over there.

Okay.

This may take a while.

I'll wait.

Hey!

Wait a minute!

I said wait!

Where are you going?

Don't forget where you are. This is a funeral!

Say something!

Why won't you talk to me?

The day will turn into night...

What's that got to do with anything?

Well, it doesn't matter. At least you're talking.

Try not to cause any trouble, okay?

Have I ever caused you any trouble?

No, you haven't. I'm sorry.

Don't be like that.

You know there's nothing I can say.

Come on, now. Go back with Aoki.

Why stay? I have a funeral to see to.

Do you love me?

I do.

So go on home now.

Tomorrow —

No, the day after tomorrow I'll call you for sure.

Aoki, sorry for the trouble.

No problem.

Try to cheer up. I'll call soon.

You're not getting in?

You know I can't.

Then I'm not going either.

Wait!

Wait!

Please!

Please stop!

They'll hear you.

Quiet!

You only care what other people think!

You don't really love me!

How can you say that? I do love you!

Then take me home. Take me back to Tokyo!

You know I can't!

Then take me here. Right now.

Stop it. Someone will see.

Stop it.

Stop it!

Poor little man.

I'm going back now.

I lost my barrette.

What?

What's the big deal? I'll find it later.

No, I need it now.

All right, fine. What's it look like?

It's a clip for my hair.

This long, with a gold stripe.

I must have dropped it near this tree.

It's not here.

It's no use.

I'll look for it later, but for now —

There it is!

Go get it.

THE AMAMIYAS

What happened to you, dear?

I fell down.

Are you all right?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Hey! The priest's here!

Please watch your step.

This way, please.

Welcome.

Your husband's covered in mud.

The head priest of Daisho Temple.

Such a sudden passing. It must be hard on you all.

It is.

Especially since he took such good care of himself.

He was diabetic,

but we didn't know about his heart.

How old was he?

Sixty-nine.

That's 70 by our counting.

The transition from one decade to the next

is often a dangerous time.

But if you make it through,

you're safe until the end of the next decade.

You reckon age the traditional way?

That's right.

That means we start counting

from the time of conception.

I'll now begin chanting the sutra.

Our offering.

Thank you. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

And I thank you.

Reverend, excuse me a moment.

Could you step outside?

Just look at these tiles.

Aren't they wonderful?

Are these tiles from France?

Yes, they were left over from our kitchen renovation.

I had them made into a table.

Who would have thought?

I should have done this with my garden table.

May I ask where you bought them?

In Aoyama in Tokyo.

We still have lots downstairs. Would you like them?

No, I really couldn't... something this costly.

Not at all. They're just lying around.

You'd be doing us a favor.

- Are you sure? - Positive.

Then I thank you very much.

How fortunate!

Yes, a wonderful surprise!

Please follow me.

Day turned to night.

My wife's cousins hurried from Mikawa,

and the neighbors came over as well,

making for a large, cheerful wake.

Akira, Shigeru, did you try the sushi?

Yes.

Sushi out here by the sea is unbelievably good.

Chizuko, your kids are so well-behaved.

Especially Jiro. He sat up straight and put his hands together.

A lot different from your grandkids.

Shige, there you go again!

AMAMIYA TOURS, AMAMIYA TRUST AMAMIYA ENTERTAINMENT

You have a lot of businesses.

Could you tell me about them?

Sure.

Amamiya Trust is the core business and deals with finance.

What's Amamiya Entertainment?

A handful of cinemas, but they don't make any money.

I wanted to turn them into supermarkets,

but now I'm considering parking lots.

Amamiya Tours...

is a travel agency.

Amamiya Enterprises is a trading company.

He founded all those businesses

to keep his kids' hands off his money.

Shige, you're at it again!

Mr. Satomi, how much money you think the old man has?

I don't know. A couple hundred million?

Way off! He has billions of yen.

Please have another.

Thank you.

How was he in your Seniors' Club?

I have to say...

he was a real gentleman. Right?

Mr. Amamiya was a gentleman.

A gentleman, yes.

And so mild-mannered.

Yes, mild-mannered.

He hated confrontation.

And he was dapper.

There's no one else around here like him.

He was always smiling.

He was always smiling.

Yes, always smiling.

He talked about you all the time.

And about Kichi the Cat.

Yeah, he bragged about Kichi.

Yeah, he bragged a lot.

He said Kichi didn't mind the car rides between Izu and Tokyo.

Kichi never once complained!

He couldn't complain: He's a cat.

What a nice group you make.

Playing gateball with all of you made him so happy.

And he was very good at it!

He was a natural. He picked it up real quick.

Right?

He really helped me improve my game.

I'm Mrs. Iwakiri.

I wonder if I might have one last look at him.

Excuse us, please.

The Seniors' Club wants to see Father.

Mr. Amamiya!

We'll never play gateball together again!

Now, that's how to cry!

He was popular with the ladies.

Who are those men?

Mr. Sakakibara, Mr. Kurosaki,

and the developer, Mr. Okumura.

The infamous "Three Crows"!

It's so unfortunate.

One's health really is the most important thing.

Want to hear how I stay in good health?

It's fascinating.

Most people are surprised when they hear it.

He's a good man, but he can't stop once he gets going.

I've got high blood pressure, but I like my sake.

And I love greasy food too.

But my doctor strictly forbids both.

So I put a little oil in a frying pan,

throw in some cabbage and bean sprouts,

and stir-fry it.

Then I eat it all. I do that every day.

That's the secret to my health.

Isn't that right, ma'am?

Ma'am, is there any sake left?

- I'm all out too. - I'll get more.

Mother, don't get up.

- I'm sorry. - Not at all. There's more coming.

This sure is great sake.

You enjoy sake?

Oh, yes. I never drink anything else.

Really? Then hold on.

I have something for you to try.

- Chizuko. - Yes?

- Where's my Hinodezakari sake? - In the basement.

Dear, don't let them stay too late.

- Shigeru wants to say farewell to Dad. - Okay.

No end in sight. Shall I get their attention?

I could honk our car horn.

I can't say anything.

- Those three sure stick together! - They never know when to stop.

How about asking your husband?

Good idea!

Excuse me, but I think we'll be leaving now.

I should be going too.

Guess it's time for us too.

- Yasutaro, what do you say? - Yeah, off we go.

Okay, let's go.

Thank you for coming.

This sake is from Fushimi. The brewer is a friend of mine.

I'd like you all to try a cup.

Here you go!

It'll grant us long life.

May I speak to you a minute, dear?

It's time they left.

Past this point the wake is meant for family only.

What's my clueless husband doing now?

Sweetie...

We have to leave the family in peace.

- Can't Fuku stay? - He wants Fuku to stay.

- Then I'll stay. - No!

Get them all out of here, now!

I guess we should all be going.

You must all be very tired.

Thank you for taking the time to come today.

Okay, let's go.

- I gotta pee. - The bathroom's this way.

Ma'am, thank you so much.

Granny, keep your chin up!

Thank you very much for coming today.

Let's not be so formal. We're neighbors, after all.

Neighbors have to look after each other.

If you need anything, let us know.

Hey, come on!

What are you doing?

- That's odd. - What is?

Have you seen my father?

He must have left already.

He might still be in the tatami room!

The tatami room?

Grandpa, we're so sorry we left you sitting in the dark.

We left you in the dark.

It's all the same to me.

- Father, let's go home. - Go home?

Please accept my apologies.

My condolences to you.

We'll all miss him dearly.

Excuse us.

Yasutaro, let's go to my place.

Hiroshi, you come too.

Shige, let's go.

I'm not going with him. I'll sleep here.

You'll sleep here?

It's fine. You take him to the inn.

Shige, you're too much!

The stars are out.

- We'll be going too. - Goodbye.

See you tomorrow.

They finally left!

What a relief!

Chizuko, where's your husband?

He was tired. He went to bed.

Oh, yeah?

Then let's have a drink, just the three of us.

Mother.

To your health.

Uncle is such a selfish bastard!

I can't stand him.

He may have money,

but he doesn't understand people's feelings. I hate him!

Your father hated him too.

That's why he never went back to Mikawa

these last five or six years.

I think I'll have a look at Uncle Shinkichi now.

Uncle Shinkichi...

Well, let's get some sleep.

- We'll have to sleep on the floor. - That's fine.

Let's have another drink first.

We got all mopey. Father would have hated that.

He always said he wanted a cheerful wake.

Let's sing something. A song he liked.

- By Chiyoko Shimakura. - "Mama, This Is Tokyo."

He spent hours learning that song from some geisha

when he went to Miyazu with his tour group.

Mother, let's sing.

How long has it been

Since we last walked hand in hand?

Mother and child together

As happy as can be

Memories of when I was little

Come flooding back to me

This here, this here

Is Nijubashi Bridge

Let's have our picture taken

As a souvenir

"Mother, that's the Nijubashi Bridge over there."

I was still awake as they sang.

I was engrossed in that videotape,

preparing my speech for the next day.

THE THIRD DAY

Thank you very much.

Before we seal the coffin,

please say your final farewells,

and each of you please place a flower in the coffin.

Ma'am, if you'd begin...

Hold it! Don't move.

I'll get a picture.

Akira, you get one from the other side.

Kikue, could you move in closer?

Try to look more bereaved.

A bit closer.

Good!

How about touching his face?

Perfect!

Ready? Here we go.

Something's missing...

Everyone put your palms together.

And kneel down.

That's it. Ready?

Got it. Now face this way.

Ready?

Got it.

We'll now nail the coffin shut.

This is only a ritual,

so please just tap once lightly with the stone.

Ma'am, please.

Hey, just a light tap.

This is the final farewell.

We're ready for your eulogy.

I am Shinkichi Amamiya's older brother,

Shokichi Amamiya.

With your permission I'd like to say a few words.

I extend my sincere thanks to all of you for coming here

to honor my brother today.

Thank you as well for your generous offerings,

for which my brother's spirit is no doubt grateful,

and by which I'm sure his spirit is deeply moved.

The deceased was born in Hokkaido,

but during the harsh postwar years all of us siblings lived in Mikawa,

where we weathered the storm arm in arm.

Fate led him to spend his final years

here in Kamome Hot Springs.

Thanks to all of you,

those final years were happy ones indeed.

However, he was stricken suddenly and could not be saved.

We gather here today to say farewell

alongside the many friends and neighbors

who did so much for him.

On his behalf I'd like to extend

our warmest thanks to all of you, who showed him such kindness.

At the same time, we, the bereaved family,

hope that you will continue

to favor us with your warm friendship.

With these simple words,

I offer my humble gratitude.

The small crematory in the mountains was almost deserted.

My father-in-law was apparently the only one

to be cremated that day.

You look worried.

Thinking about your speech?

No, it's not that.

You'll be fine.

You always come through.

These are cherry trees.

Spring must be nice here.

I'm going to die in springtime.

I want cherry blossoms swirling in the wind as I'm cremated.

That would be nice.

There isn't much smoke.

We saw Grandpapa

Saw his bones and ash

What's going on?

Seems the attendant let them look into the furnace.

I'll go see.

Wabisuke, come here.

Chizuko, come here. Hurry!

Over here.

Sorry for crowding in like this.

See there?

He's really burning.

Is that his head?

There's his rib cage.

Thank you.

I must say, this seems like emotionally exhausting work.

It certainly is.

Lighting the furnace is the worst part.

How so?

There's always the worry they might still be alive.

- Has that ever happened? - No, never.

They've usually been dead for two or three days.

We know that...

but it's still terrifying to think they might come back to life.

I even have dreams about it:

I light the furnace,

and the deceased suddenly sits up.

I try to turn off the gas...

but I can't move.

The deceased, engulfed in flames...

stares fiercely into my eyes.

- Are there different heat settings? - Yes.

You see, a healthy person burns more easily.

For babies,

we use a lower setting, or no bones would be left.

It's a weaker flame.

We have to cremate them gently.

So that's how it is.

It was a bit frightening, but I'm glad I looked.

- Right? - Yes, I agree.

- You want to see? - No, not me.

We're back!

- Ma'am, the salt! - Right away.

- Stop! - Stay out!

Well, it's over.

It looks delicious!

And only 5,000 yen.

That's a bargain!

Before we eat...

Mr. Wabisuke Inoue will say a few words.

Mr. Inoue.

Excuse me.

I'd like to say —

Mother, you're free to just sit and listen.

You're the chief mourner!

Exactly.

That's why I think I should say a few words of gratitude.

That's a fine idea.

Mother should have the last word.

It's only right.

I beg your pardon.

Mrs. Kikue Amamiya, widow of the deceased,

will now say a few words.

Thank you all for coming today.

You took time from your busy schedules,

and thanks to all your kind assistance...

we were able to have a fine funeral.

I'm sure my husband would be very pleased.

I thank you wholeheartedly.

I have just one regret.

When he was dying...

I wasn't allowed in his room.

They were giving him emergency treatment...

so I had to wait outside.

And while I waited outside...

he died in there, all alone.

I wish...

I really wish I could have been there...

to hold his hand...

and walk that path with him.

I don't mean I wanted to die with him.

But it would have been nice to share...

his last moments with him.

I still regret that.

He died alone...

and I'm sure he felt very lonely.

But your being here today

has filled my heart with happiness.

And now...

I have the feeling...

that even in death...

he has...

come back to me.

And now...

my husband, in death...

and I, still living...

will...

begin...

a new life together.

That's...

how...

I feel.

So I want to thank you again...

from the bottom of my heart...

for all the kindness...

that you showed him...

during his life.

To all of you...

thank you so very much.

Written and Directed by JUZO ITAMI

Cinematography by YONEZO MAEDA

Production Design by HIROSHI TOKUDA

Music by JOJI YUASA

Edited by AKIRA SUZUKI

Executive Producer SHOGO HOSOGOSHI

Produced by YASUSHI TAMAOKI and YUTAKA OKADA

Starring

TSUTOMU YAMAZAKI

NOBUKO MIYAMOTO

KIN SUGAI

HIDEJI OTAKI

ICHIRO ZAITSU NEKOHACHI EDOYA

KOEN OKUMURA, CHIKAKO YURI ISAO BITO, ITTOKU KISHIBE

TAKASHI TSUMURA MICHIYO YOKOYAMA

HIKARU NISHIKAWA MIDORI EBINA

MITSUKO YOSHIKAWA KAMATARI FUJIWARA

HARUO TANAKA RYOSUKE KAGAWA

ASAO SANO KOJI SEKIYAMA

IPPEI SODA AKIO KANEDA

YOSUI INOUE KIYOSHI KUROSAWA

HIROKO SEKI

MASAHIKO TSUGAWA

KAORU KOBAYASHI HARUNA TAKASE

Featuring CHISHU RYU