Original subtitles

Japan's capital city, Tokyo, home to 13 million people.

These days, people believe

they can get any information they want if they look for it.

However, there's one thing they will never learn much about.

That is...

Who their neighbour is.

What do they think about? What do they worry about? What do they want?

No one has any interest or concern in such things.

[Sky Moving Centre]

[Sunny Park Square]

Though you feel that way, Nakagoshi Chikara has become your new neighbour.

Papa!

What are you doing, Chikara-kun?

Well... I know it's a little old,

but it's a nice place!

Don't you think, Airi?

23 apartments in all. Of those, 3 of them seem happy.

Do you think so?

- Papa! - What is it, Kotaro?

- I need to poop! - Huh?

Wait a minute! Where's the toilet?

Come on everyone! Let's finish moving in really fast!

Wait!

Are you okay?

There's a step here.

Huh?

Huh?

Found it.

Where should we put this?

Um...

- Over there, please. - Okay.

Ahh!

Actually, can you put it over here?

Ah... Yes.

Ahh! But maybe the first spot is better...

Hmm...

That's the 8th time Papa hasn't been able to make a decision.

- The 6th time the movers clicked have their tongues. - Maybe over here...

- Oh, please put that over there. - Okay!

I'm sorry.

That goes in that room.

Sorry. Thank you.

Are you still on that Chikara-kun?

We have to hurry up and sort out the kids' room!

Huh?

I'm leaving this here, Kotaro.

Papa. Do you know where my flags are?

Huh? Where did we pack them?

Oh, look. There they are.

Ooh! Thank you!

Hey! Do you know what I'm saying?

What? Hang on...

I don't know without looking at this.

First is "BA"...

BA...

Next is "LL"

LL...

Next is...

Hey, stop that! Why do you do stuff like that?

Why are you playing, Chikara-kun?

Never mind that, take out the rubbish from the entrance. It's in the way.

Huh?

Where's the rubbish collection?

Hello.

I'm Nakagoshi, I just moved into 403.

She ignored him.

"Well, that's how kids are these days," he thought and made to leave.

Chikara hesitates, trying to remove the piece of thread from her shoulder.

Looking more closely, it's not impossible that the clothes were designed that way.

And if he tells her that there's something on her,

he might hurt her feelings.

What's more, Chikara has been stuck in a similar situation before

where he was mistaken as a pervert, making the girl cry.

Oh dear, there's some fluff on you.

That girl is so gloomy.

She's always drawing and no one knows what she's thinking.

Oh. I haven't seen you around.

I'm Nakagoshi, I just moved into 403.

You're next door to me, then!

I'm Michio Yoriko from 404.

Hello.

Oh, I was going to come around to say hi later...

Don't worry about that! If there's anything you need to know, you can ask me.

Thank you. Then, where is the rubbish collection?

- Goodness, you... - Huh?

You have the facial features of "flood".

I do?

You don't look like you have any worries

but you might be at a crossroads in your life right now.

Say, what's your job?

- I guess I'd say I'm a writer... - Oh, you're a novelist?

That's amazing!

You know a lot about fortune-telling.

Please stop by any time if you have any worries.

This is my lucky colour today, by the way.

I see.

So... How about your family?

We don't need to talk about me.

The rubbish collection is at the back of the building manager's room.

Chikara realised her smile went away the moment he asked about her family, but...

It's pretty dark...

That's not where the burnables go.

You scared me!

I'm sorry. I'm Nakagoshi, I just moved in today.

Oh!

Pleasure.

I'm Hoshi, the building manager.

- It's over there. - Oh...

Well... Please teach me about the apartment building.

Sure thing.

Don't worry.

The residents here are all good people.

Is that so? That's good.

Oh, but...

Huh?

Maybe you should stay away from 601.

Why's that?

I can't say this in a loud voice, but... They say he's here.

Boy A.

Who's Boy A?

You know, from 10 years ago...

The serial murders of toddlers by a minor?

No way! The criminal from then?

But don't say you heard it from me.

The management company will be angry at me for violating the residents' privacy.

That can't be true.

That Boy A?

I was curious, so I went to pay a visit to 601.

It seemed like they were out so I was about to leave, but...

There was definitely someone in there.

What's with that? It's scary, cut it out.

And about 303, downstairs...

What? You went there too?

I didn't want to just take the box of cakes home...

And then...

3 young Southeast Asian women were there,

discussing something with serious looks on their faces.

Oh, excuse me.

I'm Nakagoshi, I just moved into 403.

Please accept this small gift.

Thank you, you're very polite.

Um... Is this 303?

Yes, that's right. You were the one on the phone?

- Yes! - Please, come in.

I wonder what they did in there after that...

- Maybe... - Stop!

Chikara-kun.

You remember the trouble we had with you prying into the neighbours' affairs before, don't you?

Yes...

Right now, you have to think of yourself instead of thinking about others.

I've been looking forward to you writing your own book

for so long now.

You're right. Okay.

What? Didn't Papa write all of those?

I told you before, those were celebrities' stories that Papa summed up neatly.

0 have Papa's ideas

and 0 have Papa's name on them.

That's not true!

Look.

Some of them have my name here. Look.

See?

Interview Cooperation Nakagoshi Chikara

I think if there was a singer that would surpass me,

I'd be happy to retire any time.

But I haven't found anyone like that.

See, all the hit singers these days were practically trained by me.

That's amazing.

While it may be his job,

continuously listening to someone's unbearable bragging is Chikara's talent. But...

We're professionals, you know!

But what can I say?

Chikara thinks.

Is it okay to tell this big name singer he has a sesame seed stuck in his teeth?

But on the off chance it was a cavity,

it would be bad to make him angry...

No, but...

That's definitely a sesame seed...

That's what makes the stage. That's the heart of it.

It would be best for the person from the publisher to say it,

but he just keeps looking at his phone...

Man, I'm exhausted...

In the end, he couldn't tell him about the sesame seed.

The big name singer realised himself and tore the editor to shreds,

saying "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ah... Please...

Chikara finds himself in a half-standing position again, trying to give up his seat.

Is she actually pregnant?

She's not using a maternity mark.

Or rather, he can't see clearly from here.

Oh, I'm sorry.

If that woman is just a bit plump,

giving up his seat might just make her angry.

And if he gives up his seat,

the high school student sitting in front of her

would be labelled a youth that doesn't give up his seat,

and it would make him feel ashamed.

Oh! Please have a seat.

Sorry, thank you so much.

I should have noticed earlier. I'm sorry.

Thank you.

What a relief! So she was pregnant.

And he properly apologised to her. What a nice young man.

Huh? He lives around here.

Hm? Does he live in the same building?

If so, I have to say hi. He thought.

Oh... Welcome home, Takuya.

What are you doing out here, Grandma?

I'm here because I thought you'd be coming home soon.

I told you not to come get me every time, didn't I?

- What if you get a cold? - Don't be so angry...

He was so gentle before...

Why is he so harsh to his grandmother?

Huh?

Hi, what's up, Akari-chan?

Sorry, Chikara-kun.

I tried to go home early but the area manager from the main office suddenly said they're coming for a meeting.

It must be hard to be the shop manager...

All you get is more work and responsibility!

So I'm really sorry, but...

Manager! Excuse me, do you have a moment?

Sorry, can you wait a bit?

So, Papa is going to be making dinner today.

Do you two have any requests?

- Curry. - Curry.

Really? Again?

You two like curry so much.

"Your other dishes aren't for eating!"

the children think,

but Chikara doesn't notice at all.

That's right, Airi...

How was the first day at your new school? Think you can make friends?

5 people came to talk to me.

0 that I want to talk to tomorrow.

I guess that's how it is on your first day.

And Kotaro? How was it?

- A lot of fun stuff happened? - Really? Like what?

Well the girls...

Hang on, I'm busy right now,

so can you say it with your mouth?

- I think it's better not to ask. - What? Why?

What was that?

That was next door, right?

No! Stay away!

Do you think a burglar got in?

I doubt it. Aren't they just messing around?

Didn't they seem too distressed for that?

I think I might go take a look.

Maybe you should stop? Mama will be mad at you again.

I'm hungry!

Oh... Yeah...

You're right.

Alright...

Help!

Stay away!

I'm going after all.

Since we haven't introduced ourselves yet either.

I'll be right back.

I won't take long.

Ouch!

Ouch!

Oh! I'm so sorry!

It's all good.

Um... I'm Nakagoshi, I moved in next door.

So... I heard a loud voice earlier...

I'm sorry...

Actually...

A big spider showed up in the bath and I didn't know what to do.

Oh! Is that what it was?

Both my daughter and I aren't fond of bugs.

Well, if it's not a bother to you, shall I handle it?

I might not look it, but bugs don't scare me.

Is that okay?

Yes.

This way.

Oh, hello! So we're neighbours!

You know of my daughter?

Yes, we met yesterday.

Uncle is here, it's all okay now!

Use this, if you'd like.

Thank you. I'll finish it off in no time.

Woah, it's super duper big!

Right? Are you okay?

I'm totally okay. I was just a bit surprised.

Wait, is it okay to kill the spider?

Do we have to catch it and release it outside?

Well if I remember correctly...

I heard you shouldn't in the morning.

So it's fine now?

- I'm not sure so I'll look it up. - Please do.

Alright...

Ahh, it came this way!

It's not venomous, is it?

Search...

Did you find it?

Yes, it says...

"It's considered lucky to see a spider in the morning,"

- What was that? - "but at night..."

Continuing on like this, he struggled for an hour.

- I caught it! - Wow!

- Where do I put it? - Over here!

Please open the door.

Okay.

Please, don't ever come back again!

- Okay, close it! - Yes!

Alright!

You should be fine for now.

Sorry for the trouble. Thank you so much!

Oh, no.

I'm glad to be of service.

You too, Yoshimi. Say thank you.

I'm sorry... She's a shy girl.

It's okay.

Your name's Yoshimi? Nice to meet you.

Who might you be?

Oh... Nice to meet you.

My name is Nakagoshi, I moved in next door yesterday.

There was a spider this big in the bathroom and the two of them seemed troubled, so I...

Oh... Is that it? I'm Kitsugi.

I'm sorry my wife and daughter caused trouble for you.

I'll make sure it never happens again.

It's okay! Please tell me if there's anything I can do.

I'll get going now.

Thank you.

- Sorry. - Sorry.

Huh?

Have we met somewhere before?

Where was it again?

Like... Somewhere with lots of people...

Don't you remember my face?

No, not at all.

Really?

I think I'll remember it soon...

Um... Where was it?

Excuse me.

I'm tired from work. Are you done?

Oh... Of course!

Sorry. I've stayed too long.

Hmm...

Where was it?

Man...

What are you doing?!

You neglected our family's dinner,

to take out the neighbour's spider? What's that about?

I came home from work exhausted

and still ended up making dinner in the end!

I'm sorry, really.

Isn't your deadline approaching?

It's not the time to be worrying about other people.

Do you understand?!

Yes...

Possibly because she uses English more at work lately,

- his wife speaks English when she gets angry these days. - Kotaro, it's on your face.

This side.

Itadakimasu.

You mix your curry with the rice, Kotaro?

I used to do that too until I was your age.

Stop trying to turn the conversation to me when Mama is angry.

That's not what I meant...

Oh, right. Airi, how was school?

I told you before.

You did...

Akari-chan.

You said someone from the main office was suddenly going to come. How did it go?

They only said what we already know, like how our sales are lower than other branches

and to manage inventory more properly.

If you have that kind of time, think about how it is at the shop more!

Even though when there's an unreasonable complaint from a customer,

all they do is run away saying "just handle it~"

Really? That must be hard.

While listening to his wife griping, Chikara remembered the neighbours.

Living in an apartment that looked like a model room, a charming father, a nice mother,

and a cute daughter.

They were like a family that would appear in a commercial.

But...

Chikara was curious.

About how when the husband came home,

the two of them leaned in close to each other.

Hey, are you listening?

Of course!

The next day, Chikara was looking for somewhere to work outside,

and came to the cafe opposite the apartment building.

Welcome.

Um...

Coffee, please. Hot.

Please wait a moment.

He thought he would be able to focus on his work here, but...

Oh?

Our apartment building is in plain sight!

Well, that's our home so...

Hm?

Is her lucky colour today red?

Unlike the other day, she looks down...

I wonder who she's talking to.

The three of them must live together.

But why is she crying?

Huh? That's a different man from before.

What exactly did he come for?

I suppose he's taking an entrance exam this year.

Don't they have any other family?

That's the room that Boy A supposedly lives in.

Is no one home, as expected?

Huh? It looked like something moved...

Thank you for waiting.

Oh, thank you.

Huh?

It's ridiculously good!

I've found a good cafe!

Alright.

Huh? Yoshimi-chan?

What is she doing in this cold weather?

Don't tell me it's a punishment...

Now that I think about it, she did seem scared of something...

No. What am I doing?

This makes it look like I came to peep, not to work.

Oh... I was thinking too much.

Ah...

Ah, excuse me!

Ah...

I'm Nakagoshi, I just moved into 403.

I'm Kamijo from 601.

Which means... he's Boy A?

Chikara unconsciously shivers.

Somehow, it feels like the temperature just dropped by about 3 degrees.

And when he secretly tried to look at his face,

he couldn't read his expression at all.

Um...

I'd like to pay you a visit, since I just moved in.

Is it okay if I come by later?

Ah.. Uh... Wait!

Kamijo-san? It's Nakagoshi.

- Hey, what do you want to eat today? - Maybe Italian...

- Hello. - Oh, hello!

Huh?

Oh, hello.

Can I sit next to you?

It's okay if you don't want me to.

Oh!

You're good at drawing!

Is that your mum and dad?

You must really love your mum and dad, huh?

Earlier, I caught a glimpse of you on the balcony, but...

Was there something bothering you?

If there's something Uncle can do, I'll do it.

You don't have to hold back, you can ask me anything.

Nakagoshi-san.

Oh... Hello, manager.

Sorry... Can I have a minute?

Huh?

What kind of complaints?

Well I don't think it's true either,

but there are bad rumours going around.

They say that you're kind of suspicious.

What's suspicious?

They say you laze around on weekdays

and wander around the apartment building, snooping.

That wasn't my intention...

But even just now, you were talking to Kitsugi-san from 402's daughter, weren't you?

That's because I was a bit worried...

- Oh, welcome back. - Hello.

These days,

an invasion of privacy is the worst.

Please stop doing things that will make the other tenants misunderstand you.

Right...

Chikara-kun, I told you before.

You fold t-shirts like this.

Oh... I see.

The expert is really on a different level.

What? You're still bothered by what the manager said?

I mean...

That's why I've been telling you.

Stop being so concerned about other people.

I know that, but...

Also, Chikara-kun...

Your socks.

Huh?

I messed up again.

You're so perceptive of other people

but so dense when it comes to yourself.

Sorry...

I wasn't saying that's a bad thing.

I just want you to look after yourself a bit more.

For the kids' sakes.

I know.

Thank you.

Shall we have dinner now then?

Ooh!

We're having karaage today!

- Itadakimasu! - Itadakimasu!

Mmm!

Mama's karaage is the best, isn't it!

Yeah!

You can only have 2 more, got it?

The other day you ate 10 between the two of you so there wasn't enough for me!

You don't have to worry about it, I made a lot today.

Come over here!

What was that?

That was next door, right?

Maybe it's another spider?

Just hurry up!

Do you think so?

Doesn't it seem dangerous?

Forget it, Chikara-kun.

But if it's abuse...

Then what?

What can we do?

Will you stop him with force?

Well...

Or will you report it to the police?

If the police or the children's welfare centre intervene,

it's also possible that they'll suffer even more instead.

Have you considered that, Chikara-kun?

You're right, Akari-chan.

Okay, let's eat.

Get over here!

No!!!

That one just now was definitely dangerous, right?

What do I do...?

No!!! Don't do it!

Here, take this!

Huh?

Sorry to visit so suddenly, Kitsugi-san.

Do you need something?

I brought this. My wife made a lot, so I wanted to share, if you'd like.

Oh, I see.

Thank you.

Karaage is the one thing my wife is good at making.

Please don't tell her, though.

She'll be angry.

Alright.

Wait, excuse me!

Is there something else?

I heard a loud noise earlier so I was wondering if something happened.

Oh...

We were just playing as a family

and my daughter got too excited and made a loud sound.

Oh, is that right?

Then, Chikara saw...

Water dripping down from Kitsugi's arm.

Ow!

Huh?

That's right. Do you have any lemons?

What?

It tastes even better with lemon.

But there's a trick to squeezing the lemon so I'll do it. Excuse me!

Hold it, you!

Excuse me, I'm coming in.

Look... Can you please be reasonable?

Um... Where's Yoshimi-chan?

Hey! Hey, what are you doing without permission?

Yoshimi-chan! Are you okay?

Kitsugi-san...

What is this about?

I told you, we were just playing.

Right, Tatsuyo?

...Yes.

I told her not to,

but she always plays with water here.

Plays with water?

You never know what kids of this age are thinking, it's really troublesome.

Come on, over here.

Let's see.

Look at you.

Even in this situation, he doesn't lose his good father attitude.

But this is definitely abuse...

You don't need to worry. Oh!

Please give my thanks to your wife.

Let's go.

- Come on, let's go. - Okay...

Tatsuyo, get a chair.

What do I do? Can I only leave it alone?

But what can I do?

Even if I call the police,

that man seems like he'd be able to cover it up.

Someone, tell me!

What should I do at a time like this?

Ahh! I remembered!

We really have met before!

Huh?

Didn't you buy this stuffed toy for Yoshimi-chan's birthday

at a department store in Shinjuku?

A few years ago.

At the time, you didn't know what she liked,

so you tried your best to describe Yoshimi-chan to the shop assistant and asked for advice, didn't you?

I do the same thing when I pick out presents for the kids, so I can remember it.

Seeing you check out all the stuffed toys in the shop and worrying made me think.

This man must adore his daughter so much.

As a father and a husband,

and even at work, I'm a half-hearted, hopeless person,

but at that time, I found a little bit of courage.

That even just by desperately wondering how to make my family happy, like you,

maybe I could fulfil my duty as a father, a little bit.

That if I kept doing things like that,

one day my love would reach them!

That's why I'm really happy to meet you again like this.

Moving in next door to you

must be a miracle... no, it's fate!

So please keep me in your favour for years to come!

Tatsuyo-san and Yoshimi-chan too, please get along with me and my family.

Please!

So... I'll come again.

Sorry for the intrusion.

Oh, please do eat the karaage.

He's one of those guys.

Someone who doesn't do any respectable work but always wants to express their thoughts.

Don't tell me... You made eyes at him?

That nosy guy.

Of course not.

Hmm...

Enough. I'm going to bed.

No no no no no, it's too cold!

Ahh! What are you doing, Chikara-kun?!

That definitely wasn't them playing with water.

Alright, alright. Dry yourself off!

Your 8th sneeze.

Thank you.

Don't catch a cold, okay?

Yeah.

But...

I never expected there to be abuse right next door to my own home.

I know.

Maybe the only thing we can do is call the police, after all?

Or the children's welfare centre first?

But if we do that, maybe they'll just think we're being a nuisance...

In the end... Is there nothing we can do?

Oh, but I feel like there should be something

that we can do because we're neighbours...

It's time for you two to get ready for bed.

So, what is Papa doing?

He must be waiting for a good idea to come down to him.

Well, it's a bit like a lightning rod​.

Chikara-kun, that's all well and good, but...

Why don't you worry about your own home a little?

Huh? Worry about...?

About how I come home from work exhausted every day,

or why Airi is always counting,

or why Kotaro only says dirty words with his semaphore​ flags.

But you know, even when work is tough,

you don't complain that easily.

And Airi and Kotaro are good kids, regardless of what we might say.

Because they're your kids.

Good night.

It's no use. I can't think of any good ideas.

About work or about the neighbours...

It's quiet today.

I'm home!

Welcome home!

Hey Papa, do you know what this means?

Again?

This is "b", this is "u" and this is "m"!

- Bum? - That's right!

Hey, Kotaro.

Why did you start using semaphores so much?

Because Mama told me not to use dirty or crude words.

But if it's with these, she won't understand, right?

Chikara felt nostalgic,

remembering a phase he too had long ago, when he excessively wanted to say those words.

Okay this time, I'll give you this so try to guess. It's 3 characters.

Huh?

This is it.

No, it's not that! Watch carefully!

This is it!

Can I sit next to you?

Wait... I hope you can hear me out for a little while.

I promise I won't do anything strange.

Please sit.

Okay...

I'm going to sit. Is that okay?

So this picture was actually Yoshimi-chan's wish.

Sorry to bother you so suddenly.

Actually... I wanted to give these to you.

Ah...

Do you know the cafe over there?

Uncle is usually working there from noon until evening,

so if you're in trouble, I want you to send me signs with these.

This is "H".

This is "E".

This is "L".

And this is "P"... okay?

H...

E...

L...

P.

Then just like the other day,

Uncle will come running to you.

If there are other things you want to say,

use this to practice.

It's okay. Other people won't understand.

I'm sorry.

It might be nosy of me,

and I can't do anything that great,

but...

I can at least be by your side.

I can at least listen to you for hours.

I might not be able to do anything else,

but I can at least promise you that.

I'll keep my promise. I won't ever break it.

What are you doing?

Ah...

Why is my daughter crying?

What exactly did you do to her?

I thought you two were suffering, so...

Cut it out already!

Please just leave us alone!

If you keep following us,

I'll report you to the police as a stalker!

That's too...

We're going, Yoshimi!

What? A stalker?!

I was thinking of you two!

So what's with that?! You big dummy!

I hope you hit your heads on a block of tofu and...

I shouldn't.

What am I doing...?

It seems Chikara becomes a child when he sulks.

Ah...

Huh? What's that?

It's not "help"...

What... What is she saying?

Papa.

Mama says dinner is ready.

Ohh, good timing Kotaro!

Come on, what is Yoshimi-chan saying?

Dunno.

Huh? Why not?

Because it's not a dirty word.

What's with that?

Aww, what do I do?

I can understand if I look at this, though.

T... Then look it up for me. Quickly, quickly!

- Um... First is... - First is...?

- "TH" - "TH"

Next is is "A".

"A".

Oh no! Come on, hurry up!

- "NK" - "NK"

- "YO" - "YO"

- "U" - "U"!

Thank you?

Yup!

Yoshimi-chan opened her heart to him a little bit.

Chikara's back loosens out of relief.

Yum.

Don't get too excited just because it went a little bit well, Chikara-kun.

The fundamental problem hasn't been solved at all.

You're right.

- Can I have some too? - Yeah.

But...

Why do some fathers do that to their own children?

Our kids are sleeping soundly without any worries.

But Yoshimi-chan...

might be having another sleepless night.

And it's not just Yoshimi-chan,

there are lots of kids like that in the world...

Sorry. I'll stop now.

Well...

I don't want that part of you to change, though.

Huh? Really?

Because everyone else these days only thinks about themselves

but you worry over the neighbours' problems as if they're your own

and wish for the happiness of everyone in the world.

No one else is that strange.

I think the way you act like that

is really amazing and I respect you for it.

Thank you, Akari-chan.

And one more thing.

Huh? What is it?

Your sweater has been back to front the whole time.

Oh!

I knew something was off.

I'm going to take a bath.

Huh?

Akari-chan?

Huh? You're going? Wait...

In the eyes of others, Chikara is an indecisive and incompetent man.

He can't solve problems brilliantly like the protagonist of a drama.

But he can hear small SOS signals that normal people would miss

and take people struggling to a little bit of a sunnier place.

Ah.

Maybe you have already noticed,

but the one speaking, to tell the truth, is none other than myself.

Chikara-kun, make dinner for the kids tonight, okay?

Okay, copy that.

Papa, don't forget to buy me new flags!

Alright, I know.

That's your 10th grin today, Papa.

Say, Airi...

What?

Why do you always count things these days?

Is there anything difficult going on?

Not really. It's just that numbers don't lie.

Oh. So that's it.

What do I do?!

Huh? What was that?

What?

Well... Didn't you hear a voice?

I think it was your imagination.

Help!

That came from upstairs, didn't it?

Someone, help!

What should I do...?

You'll just go again, anyway.

What do I do? What do I do?

What's wrong?

Oh!

There's somebody I don't know in my home!

It must be a robbery!

A robbery?!

Please! Help me!

Oh, I got it...

Please stay here.

Um... What's this about a robber?

What are you doing? Quickly, call the police!

This is him! The robber!

Huh?

- Hang on... - Hurry!

Wait... What?

Hurry... Hurry!

Huh?

Hold on a minute...

Tonari no Chikara subs by mottofreaky