Original subtitles

19 July 1997

Morning, Dad.

Do you want to give me a hand today?

I'm going out.

All right...

Morning. You're up early.

Yeah. I'm going to Shibuya.

To buy a swim suit, right?

Have you seen sis?

She's already up. I saw her packing her stuff.

Morning, sis.

Morning.

Ready to move out?

Almost.

Are you? We're going to miss you.

It'll be a relief.

Shall I give you some money, just in case?

Just give me the change later.

I'm fine, Mum.

I made French toast. Do you want some?

Yeah.

What's wrong? You're looking bothered by something.

Maybe, because I had a weird dream.

What was it like?

... I can't remember.

- Are you going now? - Yes.

Are you racing today?

On Masters' level. 50m breaststroke and 25m butterfly.

- Good luck! - Thanks.

- No cramp in the leg this time! - Not to worry! Now I'm off!

See you.

- Darling! - Yeah?

- I'm off. - Are you? Good luck.

Hiromi's dream dreamed earlier today.

A fat man, who I'd never met before, was picking mushrooms under supervision,

on a path, halfway up a very high mountain.

It seemed, half training and half punishment.

The mushrooms were unusually shaped, like dumplings,

and looked very dry, full of powder.

Having worked at 2 spots, the man saw a scorpion on a rock.

A small scorpion in red and green.

"Stop this, or we'll be stung and dead" the man said to his supervisor in navy blue uniform.

He ignored the fat man, pretending not to have heard anything.

"LOVE AND POP"

There are sometimes sudden changes in life.

For men and women, adults and children.

For some, there are changes even to who their fathers are.

People alive, one day, turn to those in photos or graves.

Shapes once visible disappear, before we know it.

Things shaped in mind change too.

They all fade away, and are completely gone eventually.

Even the unchangeable. They might just come to an end, before a change occurs.

Will I change? Will I be able to change?

I realised it was impossible to think out the answer.

There is always an end to anything in life.

Even to people's feelings,

and to friendships at junior high school.

But for me, the new school life brought new friends.

Maybe, life is about repeating things over and over.

But I wish to capture 'the present' of things changing and disappearing.

That's why I got a camera.

- See you later. - See you.

A train brings you from one fixed place to another at a fixed time.

It gives me a passive sense of 'being taken away'.

Everyday is just repetition of yesterday.

I can't see tomorrow will be any different.

So, I have yet to know either a big misfortune or a big happiness.

That's all right. It doesn't have to be a holiday abroad or nice foods at a posh restaurant.

You're right.

It's only now that we can eat out or have fun together.

It is.

Still, we always want some nice foods.

- I agree! - Do you?

- Let's eat! - Some Takoyaki, please!

We don't waste our time doing something that we could do later in life.

By the way, you are in Shibuya, once you get out of the tunnel on Inogashira Line.

We hang out there , maybe because we like that releasing sense of 'get out'.

Well, probably not.

What school year are you? Aren't you free?

Going anywhere? Fancy some tea?

I've got a car over there.

Do you know 'Honda LSX'?

It's not produced without an order. Look at the colour!

Hey! Wait!

Let's go for tea!

Just for half an hour!

Hey! Come on!

A year ago,

I first got into a chat line, after breaking up with my first boyfriend.

The client's room is really tiny, I hear.

'It is. It's got a chair, TV, table, phone and box of tissues.'

'Oops. Forget the tissues.'

What is your job?

'Suppose I'm a writer.'

A writer?

'I write scripts for TV shows. Sometimes for dramas.'

Are you part of the TV industry?

'You could say so.'

'I was here initially for writing materials.'

Were you?

'Fancy to meet up?'

'Of course you don't...'

Um..., all right.

- 'Sure?' - Yep.

'Great. I'll be wearing a Cicago Bulls cap.'

'At Takarazuka Building. The Central District entrance.'

'Seen the cap before?'

'Red with an angry bull on the front.'

Did you go and meet him, then?

No. Got too scared.

I still get frightened at a man with a red cap on.

You take so many photos. Will your money last?

No. I'm running out.

- Are you? - Yeah.

You're pretty. Cheese.

Ah, don't pull a face.

Hi. Will you have lunch with me?

I'll give you 10,000 yen each.

Could you show us your business card?

Cautious you are.

All right.

This sauce is the best for Shabu-Shabu.

Go on. Have some.

What school year are you?

2nd in high school.

A year older than my daughter.

- You've got a daughter. - Yes.

She goes to Seishin Girls School.

That's a top school.

She must be smart.

She won the 2nd in the school contest of English speech.

- Wow. - That's great.

Like me, she's good-looking. She's said to be a 'Hiromatsu' look-alike in school.

You know that actress, don't you?

- I like this sauce. - Nice, isn't it?

She sometimes cooks dinner for me.

It's so delicious!

Excuse me. 2 Oolong teas, please.

You! You don't do well, because you don't listen!

There there. Some more beer.

We're no good, you reckon?

You are! Your lives depend on how you do at your age!

Get serious and think about your futures!

Otherwise, you'll end up with a hopeless university,

a hopeless job,

and a hopeless marriage!

What he said wasn't absolute rubbish.

But I didn't want to hear it from him.

19 July, 10:00 AM

Same day, 10:03 AM

Morning.

Not again! I don't know what to do!

What's in your hand?

- This? A strange man lent it to me. - A strange man?

I was stopped and asked to use it as I like,

What's that?

and to return it to him by evening. Odd, isn't it?

Yeah.

He wants me to leave messages in the dial-up message service,

so that many boys of my age will respond.

He must be gay.

Should I go and give it back?

- Leave it. - You think so?

It's his and he pays the bill. Let's make lots of free calls.

The hot weather brings out some weirdos.

Am I too approachable??

Nao is a lovely girl, always willing to help out others.

She got hooked on a computer.

Another thing she is mad about is...

dieting.

But I like her the way she is now.

No. I need to get rid of more fat.

Really?

- Yep. I've been trying out a few things. - Like what?

Eating less or nothing at night,

or going jogging sometimes...

I've actually lost 7 kilos.

- 7 kilos! - But it's not enough.

- After all your efforts! - Yeah.

- I'm impressed. -But it's not over yet.

That's enough.

You yourself are always slim. Do you not put on any weight?

No.

I wish I were you.

But I'm told I'm too skinny to be sexy.

- By who? - My boyfriend.

- Oh... - Only my finger joints are fat.

That's because you always crack them.

My fingers look like a crab's legs.

God! Did he say that as well?

- No, my sister. - Oh, dear. What a laugh!

What's so funny? You're laughing too much.

Hey! You're on your way home from school?

Ha, ha, ha! It's obvious, isn't it? Isn't it?

Hey, hey, hey. Want some pocket money?

Oh! This is not the way to ask.

Hey, can you help me as a part-time job?

You just need to have dinner with me.

In my apartment nearby. I'll be cooking.

Apartment?

- Just dinner together? - Yeeees, yes, yes, yes!

All I do is cook. I'll be a cook . You'll be guests.

Ugh. I'm quoting from something old.

You'll get 5,000 yen each!!!

How about 6,000 yen?

7,000 yen?

Can you turn off the fan? It's cool enough.

Switch on!

Power on!

I am washing my hands...

Um..., would you like a hand?

I'm okay. Just sit and relax.

Done.

Sorry for the wait.

Here you go!

Mouth-watering!

You cooked all these just now?

No. I started last night.

Minestrone tastes better, if left overnight.

Here! This Mozzarella & Tomato!

It's usually drizzled with olive oil and wine vinegar.

But instead, I use chopped walnuts, rice vinegar and a dash of soy sauce!

Tomatos and nuts go very wel.

Just help yourself.

Thanks.

The bits on Mozzarella. They are walnuts. Umm..., a great idea.

This sauce has egg yolks in, and is for this meat dish.

But I used a fish instead. I wasn't sure of using raw meat in this hot weather.

Let's see if the fish goes well with the sauce, too.

Is it nice?

Gorgeous.

Excellent!

I throw a party like this now and then.

I cook, and guests bring in a bottle of wine.

But I can't do it all the time.

Besides, I don't want them to think, "His party again?"

So, I do it every few months.

Sometimes, I have an urge for a serious cooking.

I go and get this high quality beef to cook in a special way.

But, it's bad for me, if I'm on my own!

The better I cook, the worse.

Why do you think?

When I see my dishes sitting and getting cold on the table, I...

... just want to kill myself.

Parties are good.

They give me good memories of socializing.

You too will be in my memory.

'Here, Hiromi was eating minestrone, ...'

What happened to your diet?

'and there, Nao was having spaghetti.'

All the memories make me forget my loneliness.

Don't gobble it all up. There are other dishes here.

Disposable cameras aren't economical, if you take many photos.

That's why I bought a proper one,

with some of the money from 'compensated dating'.

But Nao's computer...

I had to use up all my money for it. Not nice, is it?

I'm 16-year-old schoolgirl, free today,

looking for someone to hang out with.

(19 July, 10:12 AM) - Waiting for your response.

- Is this all right? - I think so.

Now, it's your turn. Here.

- If I press '0'...? - Yep.

I'm 16. Skinny with no trace of breasts

If you're odd enough to fancy such a girl,

leave me a message. Thank you.

Chie is here.

- Morning, Chie! - Morning.

It's so hot today.

I'm gonna get burnt!

Sachi rang and told me that she'd be late.

Why grinning?

A homosexual left his mobile to Nao.

He wanted her to attract many boys using the message service.

A weird man.

You try, as well. Press '0' and leave a message.

Hello. I'm 17 and a schoolgirl.

I feel down, after splitting up with my boyfriend.

I've nothing to do at the mo. Someone stay with me. Thanks.

It's difficult.

I can't paint evenly.

Go to a nail salon.

It's expensive, isn't it?

Go once to learn how they do.

Want me to tell you the one I used?

Please.

It's recommended by "JJ" magazine. It's good.

Thanks.

So, how are you getting on with your man?

I'll probably finish with him soon.

Why? He was rated high.

He wasn't like this before, but...

now he always asks for sex, and gives me bite marks.

Look at this.

When I want to hear his voice, ...

'Please leave your message...'

When I don't want to, ...

So, your phone was taken away?

How was your boyfriend about it?

He laughed.

A terrible man!

He was, wasn't he?

You haven't tried compensated dating, one to one?

No. Never.

I've gone in the final stage some times.

Uh-huh...

She probably haven't told it to Nao and Sachi.

So, it'll remain a secret between us.

Nao has a small secret, too.

That's a fake, isn't it?

Fake or not, I'll be in trouble if my parents find out.

- Hold it. - No! Stop it!

I'll have a real one in the future.

Am I weird?

Oh well, never mind.

Sachi must have a secret, too.

Come on! We're gonna be late!

Come on! Quick!

Did you not try the nail salon?

No. I was meaning to, but...

The intention didn't stay in me long.

Sachi started taking dance lessons,

getting bored with our clubbing.

Hey! Sachi! Do you listen to the beat?

Get it right, okay?

Use your whole body!

Get serious!

She said she'd get sick of it soon.

6 months after, she still keeps at it.

I'm leaving school after this term.

What?

You're joking!

What are you going to do?

I'm becoming a dancer.

I passed an audition, and will be with an agency.

That's out of the blue.

No. I'd been thinking about this for long.

Pro dancers need lucks and all, as well.

No point of worrying about such a thing.

What about your parents?

Mum said a lot. Dad's always silent anyway.

Besides, I come to school, just to see you all.

You like dancing. So, I think it's all right.

You could do it after graduation.

A prompt decision is better for this type of thing.

I panicked while I didn't have anything in my life.

I wondered what I could do for a long term.

I thought, "This is it!", when I came across dancing.

Over a year later, I don't think I'll be as passionate.

I often get indecisive, and I hate it.

So, I've got to grab this chance.

"Exactly," I thought.

Your cherished thoughts could become nothing to you tomorrow.

In the past, I saw a TV documentary on "The Diary of Anne Frank."

I was terrified, but also deeply moved to tears.

- Good, wasn't it? - Yes.

It's actually a great thing to be able to go outdoors freely.

In bed, I thought,

"Was it this 'Anne' they were talking about before?"

or "Maybe, I should go to Holland one day."

My mind got muddled up with thoughts like these.

But next morning, they were all gone.

I didn't like this strange feeling that something ended in my mind.

Cool!

Me too!

Probably, Sachi became a dancer, not to let her passion end,

while the decision ended other things of hers.

Dumped?

Yep.

Chie was also finishing her relationship.

He was quite nice.

Yeah. I thought so, too.

He found out I was 17, and that was it.

He only wants a woman between 20 and 36.

I wouldn't want a man who's fussy about age.

I know...

I know, but...

You've always tried to be mature, for your mum's sake.

Don't push yourself any more.

Of course, I can't feel her pain.

We are still friends, not because we can talk everything,

We ask about what any of us doesn't want to answer.

We're always there to talk, when any of us needs it.

That's why we're friends.

Whatever hardship we have,

the term-end exam is here for us all.

We should go to a beach in this summer holiday.

We should,

since Sachi's leaving school.

Next year, we'll be busy with a university entrance exam.

This will be the last summer to enjoy.

The last summer.

Shall we go to a beach?

- Let's go. - Umm...

Let's go!

Why not buy ourselves new swim suits?

Sounds good.

Seashells might suit Hiromi.

Like Venus?

You like it, do you?

Where do you put them on?

Toe rings are useless on the beach.

I know.

They get covered in the sand.

They don't show up.

A watch or a ring would be more remarkable.

Something on the wrist or finger!

A ring...

Would it suit my finger?

Time always brings things to an end.

The term-end exam finished.

The school term finished.

Sachi's school life finished.

Yeah. I'm going in.

I'm sorry, but we are closed.

It's all right. Welcome to our salon.

For nail care?

Also colouring.

This way, please.

How would you like them?

Er..., this is my first time.

My nails are too bad-shaped for me to paint well.

- So, I want them to look better... - Excuse me.

No problem. They can be filed.

I'd recommend oval shape to a young lady.

Is it that roundish shape?

Yes. It'd be the best for you.

Please go ahead.

How do you like it?

Beautiful! As if they weren't mine!

You came here the other day, but left straightaway.

Yes. You saw and remembered me.

Are you going away in summer holiday?

Yes. To a beach with my friends.

19 July, 10:39 AM

Here she comes.

Shall we just observe her for a minute?

How nasty.

Looks lonely on her own.

Hey! You left me wandering in the heat!

The weather is fine in Tokyo, due to the high pressure from the north.

Temperature: 29C°. Humidity: 46%.

Wind: East south-east, 5.5 meter per hour.

- Nice and cool here! - Refreshing!

This is nice.

Rings. Many of them.

Get a swim suit, and have a look.

So many men in here.

Hunting schoolgirls at this time of the day!

- Like, 'Facts Behind School Uniforms'? - Yeah, yeah.

No.., no..., no...

Thank you for your purchase.

Got yours already?

I already knew what I wanted.

What do you think of this?

It's all right, I think.

Really?

I think.

Don't know what to do.

Are you after a triangle one?

Yeah, but I want something more revealing!

But then, my hair's too thick and dark.

That bikini would cover it all right.

But anything scantier, a heavy wave could...

That's how I take ages to pick one.

Get that one, then.

I feel I'm being told, "only this one for thickly-haired."

By who?

Er... By a god or the like.

Where's Hiromi gone?

To the jewellery section.

I see. Unusual.

Hey. How do I look?

Ah, good, good.

Come on! Look properly!

This is the one!

May I help you?

This ring here?

Yes.

- Would you like to try it on? - Yes, please.

Chief! Would you unlock the showcase?

Thank you for your visit.

This topaz ring in here.

One moment, please.

Excuse me.

Here you go.

My heart is beating.

My heart is beating.

Like the moment I closed my eyes on my first kiss.

Like the time I saw my boyfriend naked for the first time.

My heart is beating.

- Hiromi? - Where's she?

Where are you?

There she is!

What are you looking?

Let's see.

Found anything good?

Beautiful.

Perfect on you.

- It's lovely. - Let me see it.

- Looks like a different world. - Can I see it?

Wonderful.

May I...?

There's no price tag on it.

Because it's on sale at a reduced price.

The current price is 128,000 yen.

- What time are you closed? - 9:00 at night.

You want it right now, do you?

I wonder if that man's still here.

Huh?

Ah, yeah, .....what man?

I saw this dressy man downstairs.

He was trying to get 2 girls eat out with him

for 50,000 yen each.

Not here.

I found him! Downstairs.

- Excuse me. - Yes?

You were offering 50,000 yen for eating with you.

Yes.

What about 120,000 for karaoke with us 4?

That's fine.

Would you show us that you do have the money?

Let's go, ... shall we?

Let's go, then.

Do you know where to go?

Yes. There's a good place nearby.

Oh, one thing. I have a favour to ask you all.

Can I ask what?

I'd rather tell you in a karaoke room.

It'll NOT be 'Let me feel your bodies,'

or 'Show me your breasts.'

No, no! It won't be like that. No.

I'll tell you later.

I know why Chie and Sachi are doing this.

I appreciate their goodwill.

But, something's not right.

"I felt I could, cunningly or honestly, go on living."

"One day, right at this place, I wish to come across you again."

Can I ask your name?

Sure. I'm Kakegawa. It writes like this.....

- Mr Kakegawa? - Right.

Mr Kakegawa, sing songs you really like.

What do you mean?

Ones loved by your generation.

I know quite a few latest ones, don't I?

We know a lot of older ones.

What ones?

Ones by 'ALFEE', 'Tulip', or...

- You know 'Tulip'? - I do.

You should try your favourites. Shouldn't he?

- All right. I'll pick some. - Go on.

Chie just wants to get the job done.

Yeah.

It must have been peaceful in his days,

since a song like that could become a big hit.

Must have been good times.

For us, this is just super ultra very bad and boring to death.

"When I was young, I wasn't afraid of anything."

"Anything except your affection."

What have you been listening?

That message service. I wondered what other girls' messages are like.

Some are extreme.

This'll be my go. Hold this for me.

- Excuse me. - Yes?

You said you had a favour to ask.

Yes, I do.

What is it?

Not now. We're having a good time at the moment.

I don't like to interrupt a good time.

'Next message...'

'Hello. I'm 17, female, seeking a man for compensated dating,

age 30 to 50, about 50,000 yen.

Please reply with your contact details.'

'...16, wanting compensated dating...'

'End of message.'

'Office girl, 28, ...hight 158 cm, weight 43 kg,

seeking a married man over 38.'

'I'm 16-year-old schoolgirl, free today,

looking for someone to hang out with.

Waiting for your message back. Is this all right?'

'...seeking a sugar daddy...

...Sex OK...' 'Next message.'

'I'm 16. Skinny with no trace of breasts

If you're odd enough to fancy such a girl,

leave me a message. Thank you.' 'End of message.'

'My name is Sayaka, and I want...'

'19 July, 10:12 AM. Next message.'

'Hello. I'm 17 and a schoolgirl.

I feel down, after splitting up with my boyfriend.

I've nothing to do at the mo. Someone stay with me. Thanks.'

'End of message.'

'Next message.'

What's up?

Hiromi! Your go!

Now then.

What's this?

They're grapes.

Give me your hand.

Chew it a couple of times, and spit it out back in your hand.

Don't chew so many times as to ruin the shape.

Now, you first.

Tell me your name. Doesn't have to be your real one.

Think of one, and tell it to me.

Namie Touno.

A little gift for you.

Your turn.

The name of your school, too. Just think of one.

Tomomi Yanagisawa, Aoyama High School.

Think of a believable name. Nothing too unusuall or too simple.

Miyuki Itou, Jissen Girls School.

It's your own name, if you think of it for yourself. Understand?

It's the name of another 'you' inside you.

None of us mentioned him afterwards.

Neither because we set a rule not to,

nor because we were trying to forget having compensated dating.

We just couldn't figure him out, and didn't want to.

So, we didn't want to talk about him.

But the fact remains that there is a man who'd be willing

to pay 120,000 yen for grapes chewed up by schoolgirls.

Here's the money.

Share this among us.

Anything wrong?

Hiromi wants...

to share the money.

Why?

Don't know.

No idea.

Do you not want that ring?

Then, take the money.

Well...

Well what?

What's the matter?

Tell me. I won't go mad.

Hiromi?

I can't explain well, but...

....but, ... We earned this together.

So, we should share it.

I really appreciate...

...your kindness.

But...

...I want to stay friends with you.

You are all very important to me.

But...

...but, I can't find...

...the right word.

I think...

I think I understand...

what she means.

Later on, I found the word, 'I want to stay even with you.'

Can't give up, can you?

It suited you so much.

That ring.

Maybe in the future.

I will buy it.

Today.

I see.

- I know what! ... - This!

Use this phone.

Are you serious? That's borrowed.

What happened to your rule, "What's borrowed should be returned"?

It's all right. This is an exception.

Here.

The owner was well dressed and carried a laptop.

He said he'd be in front of Hachiko Statue,

but if you don't see him, just leave it somewhere around.

Thank you.

The only way to earn for the ring is...

Do page me, if anything goes wrong.

Some men want to take photos of girls,

so, watch out for what they carry.

Got it?

Yes.

- See you. - See you.

Good luck!

The only way to earn for the ring is

compensated dating, as all of us know.

If you want something, try to get it straightaway.

Otherwise, the desire will disappear before long.

Hello?

Hello. Er..., is that Nao? Hello?

- Yes. - Are you Nao?

- No. I'm her friend. - Where's Nao?

- We just left each other. - And you are...?

- Hiromi. - Hiromi. You're her friend?

- Yes. Um... - Well, did she tell you?

Ah, yes.

Have there been any other calls?

No.

Right... Have you already left many messages to attract young boys?

Yes.

Good. Now, I'm stuck here with some trivial business.

So, I won't be back in Shibuya until late.

Can you keep that phone a bit longer?

You can use it as you like.

- Are you sure? - Absolutely.

Another thing. There might be a call from a guy called Yoshio.

- Tell him that I'm in the office, waiting for him. - I will.

He hasn't come to me long.

- Really? - What are you doing now, Nao?

- Well, I'm... - Sorry. Hitomi. What are you doing?

Just a thing...

All right. Thanks for the help.

Hey!

Phone!

Not even listening to me.

Damn!

Current time: 3:17 PM Time Left: 5h 43min I have: 44,560 yen The Ring Costs: 128,000 yen I Need: 83,440 yen

Thank you for using our service.

To chat with a nice guy, press 1

To exchange messages, press 2.

This is the message service. To leave a message, press 0.

To repeat a message, press 1.

To go back one message, press 2.

To skip one message, press #

The first message.

'I'm 28, and lives in Tokyo.

Well..., 20,000 yen for just sex.

40,000 yen if you're wearing your school uniform.'

'Hello. Anyone up for an obscene phone sex? ...Er..., That's all.'

'I'm 34 and self-employed.

I'm looking for a model for my photos.

Nude preferred.'

'I want compensated dating...

...and I need more messages. Thanks.'

'A girl with a smooth p_ssy. Please be my friend.'

'Looking for a girl to go to a convenience store with.

She would be young and pretty.

She would attract men's attention.

I'm available until 7:00 before my night shift.

I'm not dodgy. I willl pay 50,000 yen, if you're really pretty.'

'I'm a company worker in my late 20's,

wanting compensated dating.

A girl under 15 with a cute p_ssy would be nice.'

'Hello? Ah, I can leave a message now.

To introduce myself, I'm 24 and a salesman.

I'd like a sexy lady with big breasts, and...'

Hello. I'm 'Captain E_'. I'm looking for a date. Hey. I say, ...

'Captain _O' will surely pay, right?

'Fu_zball' and I will be waiting for you! See you!

I'm single in my late 30's.

I am cofident of giving a nice sex...

and of getting it hard tens of times.

If interested, please contact me.

'Looking for a girl to go to a convenience store with.

She would be young and pretty.

She would draw men's attention.

I'm available until 7:00 before my night shift.

Ah, I'm not dodgy. I willl pay 50,000 yen, if you're really pretty.'

I'm..., my name's Hiromi..., my name is Hiromi.

I am a 16-year-old...

'Please start your message after the tone.

Press #, when finished.'

Hello. My name is Hiromi. I am a 16-year-old schoolgirl.

I heard your message and would like to come with you.

I'm on my mobile. Please ring me.

But not too late, because I'm a bit in a rush.

I'm 160 cm and skinny.

Looking forward to your call.

Hello?

- Is that Hiromi? - Yes.

- I put in that message. - Hello.

- Where are you now? - In Shibuya.

- What are you wearing? - My school uniform.

- Um..., well, it's okay.

Will it really be just going to a convenience store together?

Could be a rental video shop. Maybe both. Would it be okay?

What would we be doing in a rental video shop?

Arm in arm, browse and discuss which video to borrow.

I wouldn't have time to watch a video.

No, no. You wouldn't have to.

As long as you're attractive, you'll have the money.

- Can you come over now? - Where are you?

- In work. Alongside Yamanote Line. Take a taxi. - I will.

Get a receipt. Oh, are you child-looking?

A bit.

I want us to look like a couple, not brother and sister.

I'll put on some more lipstick.

I might have to turn you down, if you look unsuitable.

But I'll still pay for the taxi.

Oh, you haven't told me your name.

Uehara.

Current Time: 4:51 PM Time Left: 4h 9min Expenses: 500 yen (Iced tea) I Have: 44,060 yen The Ring Costs: 128,000 yen I need: 83,940 yen

(Car radio) "That's what schoolgirls are like these days!"...

..., some men might grumble. Especially aging grumpy type.

In all times, there have always been such...

Hello.

Hello?

I think I got a wrong number...

I borrowed this phone.

- What? - I borrowed this.

- Borrowed? - Yes.

- Are you Kobayashi's daughter? - Sorry?

He said he has a daughter.

Who's Kobayashi?

- You borrowed the phone from him, right? - My friend did.

- Did you... - Yes?

- Did you steal it? - No! My friend borrowed it!

- What's the name? - Sorry?

- The name of your friend. - Nao.

- Oh, that girl who's a DJ at Club Ice? - Yes.

- So, that girl, then? - No.

Yes or no, which?

We're schoolgirls.

- Schoolgirls? Which school? - That's private.

What the hell... I don't understand at all.

- Where are you, then? - In a taxi.

You cheeky... Want a beating?

Ah, doesn't matter. Tell Kobayashi that it's over.

Tell him that it's all over.

You're meeting him, right? To give the phone back.

He said he was in the office.

- Who said it? - Mr Kobayashi.

- When? - Not long ago.

Doesn't matter. I'm not going anyway.

- Also, tell him that the cat is ill. - Cat?

His kitten. It was lying weak. Green juice was running out of its eyes.

I left it alone, because I didn't know what to do.

It might be critical.

Here we are.

Can I have a receipt?

Hi... Hiromi?

I'm... Uehara.

Hello.

Er..., there's a convenience store nearby...

...And a rental video shop. Can you come with me to both?

The video shop's near here, too.

Shall we go there, then? It's hot here.

Ah, sorry. I didn't think. I'm not used to this type of thing.

It's been long since I last spoke with a woman.

I can manage on the phone. But being... face to face... like this...

I'm sorry...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Don't worry about it.

I don't feel like it any more.

I don't need it.

The money, as promised. That's it.

What do you mean?

You can go now.

Somehow I'm not bothered any more.

Okay, then.

Um..., wait a second!

Actually, can you just walk with me?

Just a walk.

This is a disease.

- Not a habit? - My doctor said it was a disease

A nervous disease. Very difficult to cure.

A sort of tic, he said.

What's 'tic'?

You know, those things like eye twitching,

neck jerking,

or tutting unconsciously.

But mine is a rare case, I was told.

You were fine on the phone.

I was simply covering the mouthpiece.

To tell you the truth, ...I long hadn't seen...

...a girl like you smile at me like you did. Yeah.

About 5 years. Yeah, 5 years.

People don't really like this habit, ...I mean, disease. Well, that's understandable.

I smell, ... don't I?

I sweat a lot.

I work night shift as a builder. No time to have a wash.

I mean, ...it's not nice to sweat after a wash.

After work, I just drink and go to sleep.

So, I smell and no one comes near me.

Well, ...it's not nice to smell, is it?

I hardly go out. Only to the convenience store and the video shop, out of necessity.

They hate me. The police was called in once.

- What for? - Causing a nuisance maybe.

I explained I had a disease and never actually spat.

They said I didn't even apologize.

So, now I do spit sometimes.

They wispered I shoudn't possibly have any girlfriend.

That's why I put in that message.

- You were the first to reply to it. - Is that true?

When you smiled at me, I thought, "Doesn't matter.

I can't ask her all the time anyway. She smiled at me, and that's enough."

What causes the disease?

I taste the office in my mouth.

- What taste is it? - Like shit.

- Oh, you came by taxi, right? How much was it? - 860 yen.

- I haven't got change. - It's all right.

I promised to pay. I'll rent some videos and get some change.

That's the shop assistant who hates me.

He wouldn't look at me at the counter, but...

he's always watching me.

Hiromi, let's talk arm in arm.

- In here...? - Look! I need to make him believe you're my girlfriend.

He's looking at us.

No, he's not.

"Sundays and Cybele".

(ADULT)

Hiromi. Which one shall we watch?

Go on. Take your pick.

- I'm not watching... - Just pretending!

So many choices. Take your time to pick.

- Me? - Yeah. You pick.

Look thoroughly.

Try all the shelves, top to bottom, side to side.

Then, pick three.

We'll rent and watch them.

- That's not... - Only joking.

Take your time.

Yes. I must keep the promise.

We'll rent videos and that's it.

'Forbidden Lust', 'Gulping Cheerleaders', 'Nice bodies', .............

I'm sorry!

What's the hell!

(Automatic door) Thank you for your custom.

Why? Just answer when I call!

Don't know what to do. Don't know what to do.

Hello.

- Hiromi? - Yes.

- Did Yoshio ring? - Yes.

- Did you tell him that I'm here in the office? - Yes.

- What did he say? - The cat might be ill.

- Pardon? - Your kitten.

- Ill? - It might be critical.

He said that? Of course, it'd be only him.

He was in the apartment, then...

What else? Did he say anything else?

Yes. He said, "It's over".

"It's over"? What's over?

- His relationship with me? - I'm not sure.

Hello?

Hello?

Sorry.

- I was just too shocked. - Did I do something wrong?

No, it's not that. Don't worry.

- What about your phone? - Are you finished with it?

- Are you? - Er..., can I keep it a bit longer?

- Yes. Please use it. - I'm asking too much.

No. It suits me better, because...

I can now go straight to my apartment,

to take 'Prie' to the vet before anything else.

'Prie' is my kitten. Her name is Primavera. A beautiful name, isn't it?

And then, ...let's see..., do you know 'Hatfield'?

- Yes. - On the first floor. At 8 o'clock. Is that all right?

- I'll be there. - You could be a bit late. I like being there anyway.

Yoshio might be with me. ...Maybe not.

- Well... - Yes?

- I hope your cat will be all right. - Thank you.

See you later.

Time: 5:44 PM Time Left: 3h 16min

Money Earned: 50,000 yen

Money in Hand: 93,400 yen The Ring Costs: 128,000 yen I need: 34,600 yen

Hello. I'm 'Captain E_'. I'm looking for a date. Hey. I say, ...

'Captain _O' will surely pay, right?

'Fu_zball' and I will be waiting for you! See you!

'Please start your message after the tone.

Press #, when finished.'

Hello. My name is Hiromi. I also...

Hello?

- Hello, it's Captain E_. - Hello, it's Hiromi.

- Fu_zball is asking if you're a schoolgirl. - Yes.

Do you know how to get to Namiki Flyover? Fuz_ball's asking.

- I do. - Can you say that to Fu_zball as well?

- I do, dear. - Fu_zball, isn't that great?

Then, you know the way from there to Sarugaku Flyover, don't you?

- Sarugaku Flyover? - Yeah.

Do you?

What?

Captain E_ will be waiting under the flyover,

wearing a black hat and a blue jacket and carrying a yellow bag.

Yes? Right, dear.

I'm wearing a school uniform, and carrying a black rucksack.

How cute! Do you go to Seishin Girls School?

No.

Fu_zball is worried that you mightn't come.

Um..., I will.

- Thanks. I'll be waiting. - Okay.

Time: 6:37 PM Time Left: 2h 23min

'Are you Hiromi?'

'Yes, I am.'

'How did you learn sign language?'

'Fom my mum. She's a voluntary carer.'

I see. Let's get above and meet up.

I want to go to a 'hotel'.

To a love hotel.

Time: 6:53 PM Time Left: 2h 07min

- Do you like a girl from Seishin Girls School? - Seishin?

You asked if I was one.

It's just that I had a bad experience with one.

At night, she was standing outside my place, holding a petrol tank.

She tried to strangle me with stockings.

That's extreme.

Seishin schoolgirl, blood type A, Pisces, from west Japan, and a youngest child.

- Can I let Fu_zball out? - Go ahead.

Fu_zball, sorry. Were you scared in the dark? You won't be now.

- Can I take his photos? - Yeah.

- Fu_zball has a real name. - He's not Fu_zball, then?

That's the one sitting on Michael Jack_on's shoulder.

- He's got a different name. - What is it?

I can't tell you.

A name shouldn't be given away easily. Like 'Sundays and Cybele', Fu_zball's favourite.

Why can this man show me his strange behaviour of talking to his toy?

Because he won't see you again.

That's true. He doesn't care, if the date is just one-off.

Like 'no shame on a trip in a strange land'.

Yes. We'll be back strangers in an hour or so.

I've realised I am a woman bought just for now.

- Can I ask you a question? - What is it?

Fu_zball, she's got a question to ask.

When did you meet your little one?

Maybe 10 years ago. It was the year before my parents' divorce. Over 10 years.

3 of us went on holiday. To Walt Disn_y World in Florida.

It was my first and last holiday with Dad.

'Captain E_' had just come out there. Not anywhere else.

I went to the show for 3 days. Watched the film more than 10 times.

I met Fu_zball in the gift shop.

Dad bought him for me, the moment I said I wanted him.

That was the only film we saw together.

Dad looked bored. I think it's entertaining even to adults.

Still, he saw the film with me over 10 times.

Fu_zball's real name was given by Dad.

Only Dad and I know it. No one else.

- The hotel is just ahead. - Well, how much...

'How much am I paid?'

'How much do you want?'

'40,000 yen or so.'

OK. I'll pay when we're finished.

When finished.

'Thank you for your visit. Please choose a room from the photo menu...'

Short stay. Room 403.

- I've only got an hour and a bit left. - That's long enough.

- Are you hungry? - No. I'm fine.

That's probably the menu. Order something.

I need to see someone at 8:30.

- 75 minutes left. Plenty of time. - I'll pay for this by myself.

Don't worry. ...74 minutes left.

Chicken pilaf, then.

Do you often go for compensated dating?

- This sort is my first time. - This sort?

- Go to a hotel and have sex. - Why did you not before?

- Never felt like it. - Why now?

- I want to buy something. - What is it?

- Well... - A Gucci's handbag?

No.

I know it. A ring.

Is it?

- It is, then. - How did you...?

- Because your fingers are beautiful. - You think so? I'm glad.

Fu_zball should know this, too.

Fu_zball,...

Hiromi is going to buy a ring.

What...? Are you all right?

I'll mend him.

- Have you got a sewing kit? - Yes.

Here comes the food.

Oh, excuse me.

Eat your food.

After he's cured.

- Is the food cold? - A bit. But it's nice.

- You make me feel like just talking to you. - Many people say so.

- Fu_zball, will we ask her that question? - What's that?

If a god was here to grant you one wish, what would it be?

- A wish? - Anything. Just one.

- Could be a million yen. - I wouldn't want money.

- Ah, you wanted a ring. - Not a ring, either.

- Then, what? - Will you not laugh?

- I won't. Tell me. - Bigger breasts.

- Breasts? - Mine are tiny.

That's the only part of my body I don't like.

Yeah, I'd ask for bigger breasts.

You could wish to be the world best brain, or something.

Be the world best brain?

I think it'd be a hard life.

- Is that how schoolgirls think? - Probably.

What about you, Captain E_?

- Me? - What would be your wish?

No idea.

I've never come up with an answer. Right, Fu_zball?

Those white stuff, ...

...in between 'women's lips' down there.

I don't like them. Do wash them off.

Come here.

Fu_zball! Shouldn't she listen to me?

Otherwise, she could be killed, right?

Come on.

Do as I say.

I won't kill you, so do as I say.

Hey!

Hey, be good!

Huh?

They're not tiny.

Did you get rid of the white stuff?

You did!

You're naked, huh? I'm dressed.

Don't do this.

Don't strip up for a stranger.

Everyone has at least one person who cares for them. Hear me?

There's someone who feels sorrow and pain for you.

He suffers to death for you.

How would he feel, if his beloved girl was naked for another guy?

You have no idea at all.

You think no one cares about you, when getting undressed.

Do you?

Wrong! Someone's feeling deeply sad for you, while you're naked for someone else.

Hear me?

Do you understand really?

Hey.

I was going to make you unconscious,

to feel as if sleeping with a dead body,

and to run away with your money.

But I'll let you go.

You're nice to talk with, and fixed Fu_zball.

I'll pay you a fee,

at a special rate.

Just over 1 hour. Make it 2 hours as a bonus.

Stop fooling around.

- Where are you going? - I've nowhere to go.

- What are you going to do? - I don't want to do anything.

- Do you not want someone? - No. I can't tell this to anybody.

'What do you want, then?'

I need to return the mobile.

(Department store) Thank you very much for shopping with us.

We are closing very shortly.

We look forward to your next visit.

'The current price is 128,000 yen.'

'What about 120,000 for karaoke with us 4?'

'Can't give up, can you?'

'It suited you so much.'

'I will buy it. Today.'

'Good luck!'

9:00 PM Closed

Hello. May I help you?

Are you Hiromi?

Have a seat.

Hiromi. Did you cry?

I've got to tell you that 'Prie' made it.

My cat was saved.

She hasn't been well since a while ago.

Pedigreed cats aren't really tough.

The same as dogs. Mongrels are stronger.

- Do you like cats? - I prefer dogs. But I like cats, too.

Strange, but a cat type person likes dogs,

and vice versa.

- 'A cat type'? - Yeah. Meant to be selfish.

A dog type - loyal. I'm a typical dog type.

Yoshio rang me, after we spoke.

Maybe, his last call. And we had our last fight.

It's useless to say, but he's only young.

In my youth, I wasn't thinking anything, either.

Well, I'm only a writer now. I can't really talk big to him.

A writer?

Yeah. I write scripts for TV shows. Sometimes for dramas.

Are you part of the TV industry?

You could say so.

- Well... - Yes?

I heard this from somewhere. Someone said,

"Someone's feeling deeply sad for you, while you're naked for someone else."

- What does it mean? - Whoever said it must be warm-hearted.

Does it not mean, "Don't cheapen yourself. ...

...You're much more than that"?

Your body, or exsistance means so much to that someone...

...that the person has to feel deeply sad for you.

- Hi. - What's up?

I'm just tired.

Did you find a nice swim suit?

Yes.

Mum did very well in the gala. 12th and 14th.

Great improvement from 'the withdrawal due to the cramped leg'.

Look here! The realisation of a man's dream!

Satisfied now? You've shown this to Hiromi.

- Fun's over. Please clear it away by tomorrow. - I know.

Ahhh, the realised dream lasted only for an hour.

- I'll help you. - It's all right.

- No dinner? - I had some.

- What did you eat? - Pilaf.

Pilaf? I see.

I'm tired. I'll go to bed now.

Good night.

- Good night. - Off to bed now? All right.

Good night.

Of course, there is no ring.

Of course.

The family's softness is annoying, isn't it?

Yeah. But it's not their fault.

I'm the bad one, I think.

What about the ring?

I don't want to give up.

But I'm not confident.

Of trying for something you've failed to get before?

You wanted to take dance lessons with Sachi, after she started.

But she had progressed too far.

You felt bad about your envy towards Nao, when she bought a PC all by herself.

I felt a pricking pain in my heart.

You felt left behind, when Chie told she had become a 'woman'.

Unable to say anything, I felt sad.

It's hard to enjoy with your friends, while you feel you have less.

It's because such a feeling makes you feel isolated from them.

As time goes by, my desire for that ring will slowly disappear.

It's difficult to keep your desire for something,

because it comes with a sense of inability that you don't have that 'something'.

I can't get that ring.

"I'll tell the secret just to you. Fu_zball's real name: MR LOVE & POP."

Hiromi's dream dreamed tonight.

I was groping my way on a dark narrow corridor underground.

At the end, there was a big old fridge.

The door felt heavy, because of rust.

When opened, it made a harsh noise.

Inside, there were some frozen dogs.

Dogs frozen in various positions.

I hugged the one in front.

It thawed out in my arm, wagged its tail,

and started yelping happily.

"Since we swore to love at the risk of our lives,

we had shared such sweet memories."

"If we saw a flower, we agreed on its beauty."

"But now, our hearts are all apart."

"Our wonderful love once again."

"Our wonderful love once again."

(A cover version of 70's folk, sung by the leading actress)