Original subtitles

The Little House

Well well.

Su Grandaunl Taki died alone.

I told her several times it'd be a bother if this happened, and that

she should move in.

She refused flat out, saying she'd rather live alone.

Takeshi found her?

She wouldn't answer the phone, so I sent him.

She was curled up like this in front of the kitchen sink.

With the TV still on.

When your father and I were kids,

she was so good to us.

I wanted to do something to repay her.

Was it New Year's last year?

I took her some money and tried to lighten the mood with a corny joke,

and she called me a silly tool.

I thought she'd never die, like a witch.

You silly fool.

Taki Nunomiya. My grandaunl.

ery didn ’I [Ire gods grant her peace in her final years?

She could be difficult, and a lltlle mean,

bul she had every right 10 have a happy ending.

What about this?

Dump it.

Takeshil

Yeah?

Come here.

It says it's for you.

Sir, what about this painting?

ltcan go.

What's it say?

I told you she was writing her autobiography.

She had nice handwriting.

She was talented.

I bet she got good grades for it.

Grandaunt Taki was a smart one.

Ma'am?

Yes?

'I graduated from elementary school and moved to Tokyo..."

'...in spring of 1935."

"Of my six siblings, the eldest tour became servants somewhere,"

"so naturally I lhoughtl would too."

"It was a time when country girls were sold into prostitution,“

"and geisha house scouts came to visit the prettiest ones in the village."

'But I was far from good-looking, so they never came for me."

"A relative found me a job as a maid."

Auntie, this is great. Really great!

Some spelling mistakes, but I'll fix them, so keep at it.

Flattery won't get you money.

I mean it!

Write 10 pages before next time. You're not busy.

It's bound to be a bestseller. You'll be rich.

Don't say such silly things.

What's good for dinner?

Sorry, I'm meeting some girls.

I'll pick up that pot later.

Yasuko said to take your medicine.

Takeshi?

Your motorbike key.

Call it you need help.

Like power or gas trouble.

I remember it well, the day / left my hometown.

At the age (#18, I wasn't as sad about leaving my parents

as l was excited about the strange new life that la y ahead of me.

Listen Taki,

the hardest thing will be gettin' rid of your accent.

Ya gots to learn how to talk like Tokyo folk as soon as ya can.

Ya hear me?

I hear ya.

When ya talk, ya gotta say "you“ and 'got to". Ya hear me?

I hear ya.

Start by not saying 'I hear ya.‘

l was just answerin' ya. You said "Ya hear me?',

so I said "I hear ya."

Are ya sure?

Didn't I say "Do you hear me?"

Ya didn‘t!

Are ya sure?

Hey, it's the postman!

I'd always wanted to go to Tokyo.

As a country girl, I was amazed when / first arrived,

Bicycles, horse-drawn carts, rlc/rsha ws.,.

Gleaming black automobiles...

Streetcars...

Tokyo was such a breathtaking metropolis back then.

No kidding.

You were a maid? That must've been tough.

You're too young to know,

but in the early Showa period, most Tokyo office workers had maids.

Wow, really?

Nowadays they're called "home helpers,"

but when I was young, itwas an upstanding job,

and training for married life.

Don't think of it as slavery.

But you never got married, right?

Why not? Were there reasons?

There must be, so write about them.

Eat it while it's hot.

Have it with salt.

Awesome!

Why are your pork cutlets better than Yasuko's?

She doesn't have the chops. Don't compare me to her.

I first worked as a maid

at the stately residence of novelist Mr. Konaka in Hongo.

There were already two older maids working there.

Hey! Somebody!

Yes sir!

Dispose of this for me.

This room's a mess, but it's full of important documents, so be careful.

Your name's Taki?

About four or five years ago,

I received a love letter from a geisha l was seeing.

l carelessly left it somewhere over there.

At that time, I had a very clever maid called Fumi.

Before my wife could find the letter,

she stealthily hid it in a drawer.

Most thoughtful, wouldn't you agree?

Being a maid is a very challenging profession.

Isn't that so?

It's up to you whether my marriage is happy or not.

What's so amusing?

Nothing.

We were just talking generally

about the key to being a maid.

That'll be all.

Was it really general?

Wasn't it personal?

It wasn't. Don't talk rubbish.

The next year, as cherry blossoms fell,

Mr. Konaka's wife introduced me to Mrs, Hiral',

Alright then, I'll call you "Taki dear."

I'm Tokiko.

Taki and Tokiko. It's got a ring to it!

Open that cupboard. The sugarcubes are in there.

ThafsiL

Two each, alright?

I'm surprised she decided to build a house.

Why's that?

Well, Tokyo burned to the ground in the Great Kanto Earthquake,

so she should know not to keep material possessions.

You're jealous of your own younger sister.

I‘m not, Auntie. I'm concerned about her.

Thank you for your gift.

You're welcome.

What a lovely house. It shows good sense.

Now the hard work starts.

What's that?

We took out a loan from the bank. A big one.

Tokiko, spend money on your son rather than the house.

It's too late though.

Why?

Do it while he's young, or no good schools for him.

My Masato's having a hard time.

Don't be silly. Kyoichi's still littlel

He'll be big soon.

True. Even you stopped wetting your bed!

Oh, you!

K yoichi, come here!

Corning!

Hello Kyoto/7i! You 've gro wn.

Kyoto/ii, say hello.

When I close my eyes, I can still picture those days clearly.

The house with the red tiled roof bull! in 7935

was such an adorable little home.

I loved that little house dearly.

Did you pee?

l pooed.

Did you wash your hands?

lt was all the talk at work.

The next Olympics might be in Tokyo!

How wonderful!

Our rival's Helsinki,

but Tokyo‘s much bigger, so we have the advantage.

ReaHy?

If we get the first Asian Olympics, they'll build stadiums.

Roads will be improved.

Foreigners will come and spend money.

My company's toys will sell big.

The economy'll be sound.

Nothing but good things!

Our company's hiring too.

ReaHy?

After all, these Kewpies are selling like hot cakes in America.

We've got to do business with the world. Toymakers too.

Ultimately, the war aborted Tokyo's Olympic bid,

but I love to remember how cheerful the Hirais were at that time,

l was just reading.

You must be mistaken.

Japanese can't have been this cheerful in 1936.

There was a coup attempt. This is dishonest.

Japan was at war with China.

The China Incident started in 1937.

The timeline you gave me says so.

It started with the Manchurian Incident in 1931. It's called the 15 Years War.

They say "incident," but it was a war.

The storm of militarism was rising in 1936.

There was no storm.

It was nice weather everyday.

l was having a good time.

You're being too subjective. Be more objective.

If you want to lecture me, I'm through.

Listen, just write the truth as it happened.

Don't romanticize it.

I'm not.

I admitted I wasn't good-looking.

That's not what I mean.

You're stubborn, Auntie.

The hot water's working.

Thanks.

Tokikol

Yes .7

Just take him, quickly!

My doctor in Nihonbashi said he'll be fine if you hurry. Go!

Taki dear!

Yes ma'am!

Go to the car!

Alright!

Ma‘am, the key!

I've got it!

Late that year, K yoichi ran a high fever and was bedridden fora week.

Then after it died down, he couldn't move his legs.

The doctor diagnosed him with polio, sending the Hirais into a panic.

Massage him?

It's absolutely vital. If we keep it up, he'll be cured.

Toes to ankles, and knees and thighs to buttocks.

Gently rubbing and kneading.

Doesn't it hurt him?

No, he seemed to enjoy it.

A massage once or twice a week?

Everyday!

Everyday?!

The doctor said every day counts.

So, I know it'll cost money, but...

Don't worry.

I'm due for a big bonus.

Even so, everyday?

Can you manage?

I don't have any choice!

Ma'am?

That's my job. I'll piggyback the young master.

Taki dear! You'll take him everyday?

It's in Nihonbashi. That's far. You'll have to switch trains.

Sir,

I used to walk four kilometers to elementary school, an hour each way.

Come rain, come snow. Sometimes carrying my little sister.

Going to Nihonbashi is a walk in the park to me.

I'll do my best to make the young master well.

That's so kind of you!

Please help us, Taki dear!

You can count on me!

Here.

Thank you.

Through wind and rain, / carried K yDichi to the clinic in Nihonbashi.

When I thought that my efforts would help him walk again,

it didn't tire me at all.

Hang in there son!

It hurts.

It'll do you good.

You know what to do now. Try imitating me.

Yes sir.

This heat!

You've done well over these six months.

He's much better.

l'll teach you massage, so you can do it at his home.

Yes sir.

TharsiL Focus on the knee joint more.

ThafsiL

You're good at this.

Lucky you've got such a good maid, kid.

I like when Taki dear does it.

Hear that?

Well I'll be!

He's asleep?

He'll be grateful to you for life.

Thank you so much.

Not at all. It's thanks to your attentive nursing, ma'am.

I can't do a thing.

I'd like to massage him instead of leaving it all up to you,

but he won't let me.

He says it tickles when I do it, so he prefers you.

The little brat.

What do I do wrong?

I don't know.

Taki dear, would you mind massaging my feet a little?

Just like you do with him!

I don't know if I can.

A different size, I know.

It's alright, have a try.

Please?

That tickles!

Ah, that's lovely!

They're warm.

Thafsiu Your hands are warmer than mine.

See? My hand's cold, isn't it?

No wonder Kyoichi won't let me.

Ah, that's lovely!

All that year,

I massaged the young master's legs.

He was to begin elementary school one year late,

but when Mrs. l-lirai’s sister heard, she came running.

You haven't chosen a school yet?

Not yet.

The local children all go to Miyamae Elementary.

So, he hasn't sat any entrance exams?

You're such a daydreamer.

Why?

You're tardy. Exams for the good schools have finished.

You think building a home's enough,

but if he enters a no-name school, forget about a first-rate junior high.

Ouch! Good lord!

Sorry ma'am!

What's so funny?

Starting a year late is unavoidable,

but I presumed you were preparing him for his exam.

But your Masato didn't sit one for elementary school, did he?

No, but I enrolled him well in advance.

The popular schools fill up quickly.

Seishi in Hongo, Seinan in Aoyama, Kojimachi and Bancho,

and Masato's Shirogane Elementary.

Anything less and his future's doomed.

Those schools are all far from here.

Don't be so complacent!

Masato's classmates commute by train from school zones faraway.

I wasn't aware of that until now!

My word.

Oh, Masaki's home?

Look at the time! I must be going!

Welcome home, sir.

A visitor?

Mrs. Hirai's sister.

Hello. I'll be going now.

Why don't you stay a while longer?

Not today. Some other time.

Did you hear? Nanking fell at last!

Oh my, is that so?

Our flag over the walled city! All Japan is celebrating!

Tokiko, there'll be department store sales! Let's go!

Excuse me.

If this keeps up, it'll be over by next March.

Then two years later, the Olympics!

Taki dear, things are heating up!

Daddy, piggyback.

Kyoichi, isn't it wonderful you can walk again? Hop on!

Let's go to the parade!

And the flower train! BanzaH

Banzah

News of Nan/ring's fall

created a celebratory mood as it seemed the war would soon end.

People flocked to department stores' victory sales.

Flower trains.

Ad balloons.

Thinking back no w, it was Tokyo '5 last trulyjoyous year's end.

It sounds like a nightmare. A bad dream,

Right? A massacre was going on in Nanking,

but in Tokyo it was all big sales and balloons,

and banners celebrating the fall of Nanking.

Did that really happen?

I'm writing the truth, as you asked.

Wow.

Enough about the war, write about your lovers. You had some, didn't you?

It was wartime, not a time for romance.

Auntie, you're lying to me.

You're always on my case, but what about you?

What about that pretty girl in the white kimono at archery club?

Going well?

It's already over.

You ruined New Year's for me.

Sorry about that.

A little sake, then rice cake soup.

Auntie, Happy New Year. Here's to many more.

Happy New Year.

Here‘s to you finding a girlfriend.

You just won't let it go.

The end of the year was a busy time.

Mrs. Hirai and I cleaned the house.

Every nook and crann y.

We even wiped from the back door to the trash can out on the street.

We set the tables in the parlor for New Year's guests.

A bonsai pine tree at the entrance.

A tray to collect business cards.

By New Year's Eve, everything was finally ready.

I said goodnight to Mr. and Mrs. Hirai,

returned to my room, and opened the bundle left for me.

Inside was sillr cloth, passed on by Mrs. Hirai.

It was on that New Year's holiday that the red-roofed house

was first visited by Shoji Itakura.

Happy New Year.

I'm Shoji Itakura.

One moment please.

Mr. Itakura's here.

0h!

Hey, you made it!

I couldn't resist.

This is Shoji Itakura. Joined our design division.

An outstanding arts graduate.

He'll do wonders for the company.

Please come in.

A belated Happy New Year.

The man who just came is lovely!

Not like Masaki's other workmates. Much nicer!

- Taki dear, go look! - Yes ma'am.

Anyhow, Japan is fine under Prime Minister Konoe.

He's better bred than most politicians.

And smarter.

He's smart alright.

He'll sort out China. Right, Mr. President?

Indeed.

Now ltakura's here, another toast.

To the future of the Great Japanese Empire! Cheers!

When China settles down, we can sell toys to children on the mainland.

The population there's huge. 400 million, I've heard!

That's a vast market. First, we'll need to build big factories.

It‘s riding on young people like you, Itakura. Work hard, kid.

Yes sir.

We can't compete with American toys,

but sir, please tell us about your last study tour.

America, huh.

Even their food's different.

Like that kabuki play says, we eat seaweed and fried tofu.

They eat steaks this thick, with butter sizzling on top.

And they're big people.

The women are gorgeous too. Legs up to here...

It's true!

What's so amusing?

We were discussing the prospects for China.

Mr. Yanagi!

What? I was serious!

Men are awful, talking about business and war at New Year's.

Are those the only topics?

You're a man too...

Yuck!

Taki dear, will it be snowing in your hometown?

It'll be piled up to the rafters, ma'am.

With the storm shutters closed,

all the smoke from the fireplace makes your eyes water.

My, you have it tough in the snow country. Really? To the rafters?

Excuse me.

Come in.

Oh, this is your son's room?

Yes.

l was giving myself a tour, with Mr. Hirai's permission.

May I come in?

Of course.

Please.

Gosh, what a splendid room.

Just between you and me, I can't stand war talk.

Oil painting's my specialty, but I once wanted to be an architect.

Your home has always interested me. A friend used to lodge nearby.

l yearned to know what kind of people lived

in the modern-looking house with the red roof on the hill.

Where do you hail from?

Hirosaki.

0h, up north! This girl's from Yamagata.

Is that so! It'll be snowing heavily.

Up to the rafters!

- Hey! - Yes dear?

Where's our sake?

Corning!

Please, relax.

You have so many toys.

No wonder, with your dad's job.

When I came to Tokyo for my entrance exams, l was amazed.

It was winter, but the sky was blue and the sun was out.

You too?

Yes! I was amazed.

Only us northern folk, don't ya think?

Yeah, only us folk!

Taki dear! Would you mind?

Yes ma'am!

Umm...

I'll stay with the boy.

Yes sir.

My name's Shoji Itakura. What's yours?

Kyoichi.

Kyoichi, huh. Hi there.

Hi there.

I wish I had a room like this.

Oh, "Kid's World." Who bought it for you?

My mommy.

So your pretty mother bought it.

- Want me to read it? - Yeah!

"S.0.S.! Ah, the Titanic!"

"The British steamship crashed into a mountainous iceberg!"

'With 2,223 people on board,

it sunk to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean."

Thank you for the feast! Let's do our best this year!

Hey, where's ltakura?

He got drunk and passed out!

Oh. What a fool. Madam, take care of him!

Yes, I will!

- Good night. - Thank you.

Is he still asleep? Better wake him.

Get him some food. I'm off to bed. Let him know.

Sure.

I'm beat.

Oh my!

Mr. ltakura?

Mr. ltakura?

Where's everyone?

They‘ve just left.

Oh no, what a blunder! Was Mr. Yanagi angry?

Yes.

Are you hungry? Taki's making rice cake soup.

That's fantastic. I'd love some.

This way.

Stokowski's the conductor.

You saw the film?

Deanna Durbin. "100 Men and a Girl".

It was so much fun.

The jobless orchestra is surprisingly good,

and Stokowski comes to like them.

When he conducts them free-hand, it's wonderful.

That's called "free-hand"?

Conducting without a baton was his style.

Like this, remember?

That's right!

In the film.

This record is probably free-hand too.

- Like this? - That's it.

Rice cake soup! You must be hungry.

Thank you. Rice cake soup... It's a new year at last.

Why's that?

I live alone, so there's no New Year's food for me.

Then you should‘ve come here!

Thank you.

Delicious.

Well done!

ltakura's lodgings were only two stations a way,

so he sometimes dropped by to listen to records.

Now and then, he even listened to them by himself when Mrs. Hirai was out.

Oh yes!

I'll eat out next Saturday. I've got a meeting.

Masaki, that's the concert date.

What? Concert?

Ah, I forgot! Mr. Yanagi gave us tickets.

Yes. Don't forget.

He has to entertain a client, so I‘m going to the meeting for him.

You had to go to a meeting last time too!

This one's for toy exporters.

The last one was for toy manufacturers.

It's virtually the same.

Don't be silly. It's not the same.

What about the tickets? We have two,

Too bad. We'll return them. Taki dear, they're by the altar.

Yes sir.

You'd return a gift?

Can't let them go to waste.

Oh really. I see.

You're being difficult. Am I wrong to return them?

No, of course not. If you want to return them, go ahead.

Why are you angry?

I'm not. Not in the slightest.

Yes you are. It's disgraceful, in front of the maid.

How's this? I'll return mine, and you go.

lcan't do that. If you won't go, I won't go.

Invite your sister or Mutsuko. Mr. Yanagi would prefer that.

I can't give away a personal gift. And the concert's only two days away.

You're such a nuisance. I'll return my ticket then.

Go by yourself!

That would be rude.

Come on, you want to go, don't you?

That isn't the point! Mr. Yanagi invited us, so I must go as your wife!

Don't raise your voice.

At any rate, I'll leave one here.

Why'd she have to ruin my morning...

Take care, sir!

Taki dear?

Yes ma'am?

Did I act oddly this morning?

That was the first time I've seen you so angry, ma'am.

Was I in the wrong?

Well...

Your husband told you to go by yourself,

so I thought that would be best.

ldon't know why, but I've been irritable lately.

Mommy, I'm going out to play with Ken.

- Bye, Mrs. Hirai. - Bye.

When Mr. Hirai came home from work that night,

he said Mr. Yanagi told him she could go to the concert alone.

”Alright, / will, ”she replied obligingly. l was relieved.

It's you!

I knew someone would come.

Mr. Yanagi gave me a ticket.

I'm glad I came.

Thank you.

I'm home!

Hello ma'am.

Sorry I'm late!

You saw the concert?

I did. It was wonderful!

By the way, I've got a special present for you.

Wow! "Tank Tankuro'! I wanted this!

It's from Mr. Itakura. He said you'd like it.

Oh, you saw Mr. ltakura?

We met by chance at the concert. Mr. Yanagi gave him Masaki's ticket.

Afterwards, we had coffee at Shiseido,

and he bought the comic at Kondo Bookstore on the way home.

He's so thoughtful.

A true gentleman.

Oh, it‘s your father!

Hello darling. I went to the concert.

I met Mr. Yanagi's wife there, and Mr. Itakura.

It was a lovely performance.

Really.

Bathtime.

Looking back on that time,

it must have been a difficult period for Mr. Hirai's company.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Hirai’s good mood continued for quite some time.

lt's Father!

Taki dear, it's me.

Ma‘am, Mr. ltakura's here!

Oh my! What's wrong?

Your husband went to Fujisawa?

Yes! He hasn‘t come home!

The storm stopped the trains, so he's stuck in Yokohama.

He called the office earlier. I wanted to tell you,

but the chaos at work made me late.

Thank you! That's such a relief.

A towel!

Please, come in!

You should secure the shutters upstairs first. They're flapping about.

The shutters?!

Taki dear, got a ladder?

Yes! Around the back.

What about boards and carpenter's tools?

I'll get them.

Get changed and come help me.

Yes sir!

You're going up? It's dangerous!

We have to do it now, before it gets worse past midnight.

You stay with your son.

Taki dear, see you out back!

Yes sir!

Be careful!

Here, a board!

Here you are.

I made it in a rush so you might not like it, but it'll warm you up.

Udon noodles? I'm touched.

I appreciate it.

Well?

Delicious.

I'm glad.

Kyoichi, sleep here with Mommy tonight.

Taki‘s room is close by, so we'll feel safer together.

I want Taki.

Should I lay your futon here?

No, |'|| snuggle up with Kyoichi.

- I want Taki. - Sure, sure.

Mr. ltakura can have the parlor sofa.

I'll go. Some trains must still be running.

You mustn't! Please stay here!

It's dangerous out there! Right, Taki dear?

Yes ma'am. Please stay, sir.

Oh boy.

A power cut! Taki dear, get the kitchen flashlight.

Ow!

I'm sorry!

So, you'll stay with us?

Alright, I will.

Thank goodness! I'm sure it'll be fine by morning.

Mr. ltakura?

Sorry to wake you.

The front door's odd.

It is?

Could you look?

The latch is broken.

Madam, here.

What'll you do?

This shoe closet...

That'll do it. The typhoon's dying down now.

You ought to call a carpenter tomorrow.

We're lucky that you stayed.

Now you can... sleep soundly.

Not in this storm. I'm not like you.

Was I fast asleep?

You looked adorable.

Finally, a boyfriend arrives. Shoji ltakura.

You liked him too.

A love triangle.

Then a sad farewell when he's drafted. Thrilling.

You're smart, but you've got a weak imagination.

I do. It's wrong to presume smarts and imagination are the same.

Like arrogant politicians on TV.

They went to the best universities, but they have zero imagination.

Fix the oil heater.

You should switch to an electric one.

Oil heaters are a hazard to the elderly.

Don't call the elderly "elderly" to their face.

You've got no delicacy.

People your age like licking pencils. Why? Do they write darker?

I'll make pork cutlets. Want some?

Pork cutlets? That's sparked my weak imagination.

l'll proofread in the meantime.

'Five years after leaving home, I received a proposal of marriage.‘

'It was from..."

It was from a junior high teacher back home.

He was a bona fide intellectual, but in his fifties,

Three children, and a grandchild. It would be his third marriage.

I'll take that.

Taki Nunomiya.

Taki dear, this is Mr, Hanawa and his aunt.

Hello there. Kazuo's my nephew.

Please, have a seat.

Which part of Yamagata are you from?

Oh, that'd be Shonai.

ln Yamagata, coastal and inland folks speak different dialects, ya know?

Miss Taki's from Yonezawa, am I right?

I heard from the lady here

that y'all ain't never gotten sick in Tokyo?

You's a sturdy gal. That's most important.

And having lots of babies.

Kazuo loves children. He says he wants loads more.

No no, having children is our duty as Japanese.

Then you better get a move on!

Yup.

Have some tea.

Much obliged.

Mighty fine tea!

Green tea round our way's fulla stalks this big.

Amen to that.

This big!

You don't like him.

I know. Of course you don't. What's there to like?

No need to worry. I'll decline for you.

But Mr. Hirai went to all the trouble ofarranging it...

It's alright. I never knew he was so old.

It was a shameless idea. Don't cry.

But, Mr. Hirai...

He said young men are soon drafted, so an older man would be better!

That's what he said!

Don‘t be silly!

Even if he won't get shot, a man that old won't last long!

Don't worry. My wish is for you to marry into a good family.

Alright, Taki dear?

Ma'am?

Yes?

I don't care if I don‘t get married.

I want to live in this room and care for you and your son all my life.

That won't do!

You'll marry a gallant young man,

and build a happy family.

Alright?

Good night.

As the China Incident dragged on, Japan suffered a shortage of metals.

Mr. Hirai's company stopped making metal toys,

and concentrated on using wood and paper.

Eventually they'll start collecting household metal items.

Steel benches, doors, pots, and chandeliers.

Who knew this would happen?

We were all so optimistic after the Fall of Nanking.

No one thought China would be so resilient.

They've got American backing.

So we're going to war? With them?

No, we shouldn't take on the Americans.

You'd know if you went there. Even their food's different.

We eat seaweed and tofu, they eat steaks this thick with butter.

It's up to PM. Konoe.

He thinks a lot like you, sir.

Yes, he's smart too.

The country's fate trumps our company's trivial problems.

Sorry for the wait.

Pretty as always, madam.

I should go.

Why not stay a while? Nobody's waiting for you.

Wait, you're still a bachelor?

Sadly.

That‘s no good! Find yourself a wife.

I'm fine.

You might think so, but society doesn‘t.

Good men are in short supply. It's a buyer's market!

Gorgeous graduates aching for marriage!

ls thatso.

Sit your army physical?

l have weak eyes and bronchi, so I'm unfit for war.

That's even better!

Get married soon and make lots of babies!

The empire needs them.

We must produce as many as we can for Japan's future.

Get married soon and have lots of kids!

Well, unlike women, we can still make babies when we're old!

I'll be going then.

You're sure?

l have to finish this blueprint.

While you do, I'll find you a wife.

Get married. That's an order!

I'll show him out.

You should be the matchmaker.

Goodbye, madam.

Will you do it?

No way.

Not on your life!

Tokiko! Sake, now!

Alright!

Right, Taki dear?

It's way too soon for Mr. ltakura to get married.

Yes, ma‘am.

Too soon. Way too soon! Too soon by far!

It's hot!

Hey, did you see?

One was a Imperial Aid Association bigwig's daughter,

and the other was related to a powerful government official.

Mr. Yanagi thinks one would be perfect for ltakura.

Mr. ltakura's bride?

Yeah.

Anyhow, young men are being sent off to war,

but marriage is being promoted for reproduction.

Families need grooms for their daughters.

Really.

ltakura is too feeble, so no war for him.

And as a working man under 30, he's the perfect catch.

If he marries one of those girls, it'll be a boon for the company.

Would you see to it?

See to it? Me?

Women are better at that kind ofthing.

I don't know...

You're no help. You two get along, right?

You must know what his type is.

We haven't talked about that.

His brother's in Hirosaki, and his parents passed away long ago.

As his boss, I'm like a father to him. And you're like his mother.

So take good care of him.

Wow, she's a Iooker.

Hello Daddy.

Hello.

Taki dear, I'm hungry!

Got it!

I'll call ltakura over next Sunday, so talk to him. 0K?

Sure.

Come here. I've got something for you.

The fol/o wing Sunday,

Mr. ltakura came on a sweltering afternoon with his sleeves rolled up.

- Taki dear! - Yes.

- Clean the hallway later. - Yes ma'am.

It's so sticky.

- Watch, Shoji! - Sure.

Mommy, Shoji gave me this!

Oh.

Fly!

Ah, I messed up again!

- Shoji, get it for me! - Sure.

- Listen, Mr. ltakura? - Yes.

I've been given photos of potential brides for you.

Kyoichi.

Its center of gravity's off. Here goes!

Wow, neat!

- Throw gently. - 0K!

Fly!

I'm not interested yet.

Don't say that. You need to.

Not yet.

Take a bride.

I did it! It flew!

I'm surprised you're asking me.

Well, Mr. Yanagi wanted me to.

Really? So if he wants me to, l have to take a bride?

Not only that. It's about time you did.

I never thought I'd hear that from you.

But you're at that age.

Not yet.

Take a bride.

Why are you saying that?

Yeah! I did it! Watch, Shoji!

Please look at these photos, and meet the girl you like best.

No. I don't want to.

Get it for me, Shoji.

Give it to me.

Cut it up! Quick!

No!

No, I said!

Germany's so strong. Nothing stands in its way.

Even if America joins the war, they'll support Britain first,

and won't bother with the Pacific.

They know very well not to get on Japan's bad side, Tokiko.

So there'll be no war?

There'll be peace in the end, according to Mr. Yanagi.

But I hear America's demanding that Japan pull out of China.

We can't do something so idiotic!

Watermelon's here!

Taki dear, get those photos.

Yes ma'am.

Did ltakura come?

He did.

So, which did he fancy?

Well...

He says he's not interested in marriage yet.

At his age? If Mr. Yanagi says so, he should just smile and do it.

He's being childish.

Our company's future is at stake, so we can't afford to waste time.

Hey, go to his place and lay down the law.

What an utter fool.

The following Sunday, Mrs. Hirai set off for Mr. ltakura's lodgings.

Excuse me!

Yes?

Does Mr. Shoji ltakura stay here?

Yes, he's here.

Mr. ltakura!

You've got visitors!

Hello. Sorry to turn up suddenly.

What a surprise!

What on earth is it?

I'd like to talk. About what we discussed.

Oh, I see.

Shall we talk in my room? It's messy though.

Alright, I will.

Taki dear, thank you. I'll return home on my own.

You're going?

Excuse me.

- Are you sure? - Go ahead.

Pretty lady.

Must be well off. She brought her maid.

Don't blow on me!

I beg your pardon.

Ma'am?

Yes?

Sorry, could you make tea?

Sure!

You're an executive's wife, can't you fix it?

It's outrageous of him to turn down two candidates I picked!

Why come home empty-handed?

But he says he's not interested at all.

I'm not his mother, so I'm powerless.

Your colleagues Tachibana and Akagi are both young, so why not ask them?

They've both been picked by the army.

ltakura's the last young man.

You've wasted my time.

Fine. I'll give him the photos and order him to get married.

Wait!

What?

How can you order him?

You can't force a person into marriage like that.

I'll give it one more try.

You'd better get a result this time.

lwill.

It's your responsibility!

Taki, bath!

Yes sir!

Taki dear?

Yes ma'am?

When you get up tomorrow, please send this postcard.

Yes ma'am.

It's hot in here.

Mr. Shoji ltakura

This story is becoming harder to tell.

Meet me on Sunday 3rd and tell me how you truly feel. Tokiko

Even so, I must tell it.

I've made up my mind to do so.

Bless you.

Luxury is treachery!

Mrs. Tokiko Hirai

/ want to be honest with you too, so please come. Shoji ltakura

The fol/o wing Sunday,

Mrs. Hirai told me she would head out by herself.

- These sandals? - Yes.

Alright, I'll be going.

Take care, ma'am.

Excuse me!

Oh madam, you're here! And on such a hot day!

Mr. ltakura, right?

Mr. ltakura!

Visitor for you!

Please, come up.

Who's she?

Our Iodger's you-know-what, I think.

Herface rings a bell.

Wait, is she one of my clients?

While our soldiers are sweating blood on the Chinese front,

they're up there having fun.

Let's report them for adultery.

Get off your high horse, nitwit.

Who is that woman?

Ma'am?

Yes?

We won't be needing tea.

Alright.

I'm back.

Hello ma'am.

I still remember it clearly.

The pattern on the back of Mrs, Hirai's kimono sash

was now upside down.

The hallway seems sticky.

Please clean it!

Yes ma'am!

Taki dear.I We 're out of soap.

What store still has it?

I'll ask the man at Juntendo.

Isn't it awful how everything is disappearing?

When I realized it wasn't the first time her sash was unraveled that day,

my heart skipped a beat.

It's so muggy.

Mrs. Hirai went to visit Mr. ltakura twice more after that,

Both times, she wore western clothes.

There are no sweets to buy lately.

Sorry, this is all.

It's fine. I love your pickled plums.

Mutsuko was Mrs. Hirai's close friend, and rather marlrlish.

Where did Tokiko go?

To see Mr. ltakura.

ls Mr. ltakura that young man from her husband's company?

Yes ma'am.

What's the matter? Something wrong?

Mrs. Hirai's been acting a little strangely.

Strangely how?

There's no way I could talk to Mr. Hirai about it.

If you can't tell him, is it alright to tell me?

| just don't know...

...what I should do.

What is it, Taki dear?

Is it something to do with Mr. ltakura?

...shouldn't say...

Shouldn't say what?

Oh.

So that's it.

Mr. ltakura is sweet on Tokiko, isn't he.

So it's like this.

Someone loves someone they shouldn‘t.

That's it!

When she was a student,

she was very pretty, Tokiko.

The prettiest girl I knew.

Everyone fell in love with her.

When she got engaged,

someone attempted suicide.

They couldn't stand the thought of her being married.

They wanted her for themselves. You understand, right?

It's tough on you too.

I know how you feel.

Even so,

what we've talked about stays between us. Tokiko must never know.

Yes ma'am.

She must never ever know.

Yes ma'am.

I'm back.

Oh, Mutsuko, you came?

Long time no see.

lcan't take it. Not any more.

This is going nowhere.

It's wrong. Totally wrong.

I told him it was the last time.

I told him I won't visit again!

What's going on, Tokiko? The last time for what?

Huh? What? I can't do this anymore.

It‘s impossible. It's decidedly wrong!

Impossible? What is?

Matchmaking, of course!

Mr. ltakura refuses to get married.

He wants to be stubborn? Fine. lsaid I won't visit again.

Oh. That's what it's about?

It is! That's exactly what it is!

It's hot!

Why's this tea so scalding?! Brew it properly!

Yes ma'am!

Poorgirl.

Over the next month, Mrs. Hirai grew visibly thinner.

One Saturday night in November,

Mr. ltakura came for the first time in ages.

You see, as the morning papers say, even men like me deemed unfit for war

are being called up.

This marriage talk arose because I wasn't going to war,

but that doesn't apply anymore.

Listen fella.

I'm sure they'll overlook that now.

Families can't afford to be picky now.

No, I'm the one who can't accept it.

I don't want my family to wait and cry.

I want to settle down

after I finish my serving my country.

Alright.

I admire your spirit.

I'll take the photos.

Now you're here,

have a drink with me.

Please do. We don't have much due to rationing though.

Thank you, but I still have work to do.

That's too bad.

Anyway, times are getting tougher.

We‘ve done all we can.

Since last year, the U.S. blocks iron and oil imports.

None of what comes in goes to toys.

Europe and the U.S. are boycotting Japanese imports too.

China has no purchasing power yet due to the war.

We're helpless.

Soon we'll be at war, with America!

Well, I must be going.

I see. It was good of you to come.

Goodbye Madam.

Right. Dinnertime!

Corning.

Before long, the day came when we found ourselves at war,

December 8th, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor,

Anyone home ?

The liquor store man?

Banzai! Banzai!

What's up, mister?

It's neither up nor down! The war with America's begun!

And about time too.

War?

Don 't you listen to the radio?

Not today. On my. That’s terrible.

Don 't go saying that now, Taki!

Gone With the Ill/ind

We oughta give those smug Yanks a thorough thrashing!

You wanted sweet sake, right?

I got my hands on some.

With all this rationing, nothing lasts long.

If you want something, I'll get it specially for you.

Thank you, mister.

Has Mrs. Hirai got a you-know-what in Nagahara?

She better be careful in these times.

It's lucky it was only me who saw her.

Got it, Taki dear?

Cheers!

Hey sonny! Japan socked it to 'em!

Yeah!

Banzah

Banzah

When I saw the rousing headlines in the morning paper,

/ thought, ”On, a new era has begun. "

War Declared Against U.S. and Britain

Today, when I recall the /o y I felt,

it fills me with bitterness.

You're writing your autobiography?

Takeshi told me he‘s read it up to Pearl Harbor.

He wants you to write more till he's out.

Will he be in hospital long?

About two weeks.

It's his fault. He rides his bike like a maniac.

It must‘ve hurt, Look at these bandages.

All alone in my ward. Takeshi

What's it say?

"All alone in my ward."

He's lonely?

He's lying!

All sorts of girls from university come to see him.

Bringing flowers and snacks.

The nurse complained he's bothering the other patients.

I knew he was a ladykiller.

He‘s so kind.

Don‘t be silly.

He's like me when I shop.

He dilly-dailies over which one to choose,

then grabs whatever junk's left!

You're mean to your little brother.

Bye Auntie.

Your car keys.

I left eggs, butter, and veggies.

I know.

You've got rice?

Call me if you need to.

Thanks.

What a pain in the rear.

By 1943, all daily goods were rationed,

'AII-Out War, " ”Battle to the End, "

and ”Win to Survive~ became mottos for neighborhood associations.

This nation began to transform drastically,

and big changes were also afoot in the little house.

Taki dear, what did I do last Friday?

On Friday, you said there was a margarine sale in Shinjuku.

That‘s right. I did go to Shinjuku.

Why do you ask, Sadako?

You had tea at Nakamuraya, didn't you.

Indeed I did.

You weren't alone.

Who says so?

That doesn 't matter.

Someone who knows you well.

There was a young man with you. An artist type.

No puttees, and wearing a necktie.

Mr. ltakura.

He works under Masaki,

An arts graduate. We met by chance.

Nothing wrong with that,

but sitting facing each other and whispering was.

Don't you know we're at war?

Thousands of soldiers are dying of hunger in Guadalcanal and New Guinea.

Oh, so you're Mrs. Flag-Waver now?

Oh my, aren't you witty.

Your brazen behavior is bringing shame upon me!

You'll be accused of being unpatriotic. You'll see.

I'm going home!

But the tea's ready.

You're too indulgent. We're at war!

Listen, you. Keep an eye on Tokiko everyday.

If she does anything strange, let me know.

M/S. Hirai's sister [alt/ed to Mr. Konaka,

and he called her to his residence in Hongo.

Sadako came here,

and asked me to give you a good telling-off.

But really, you weren't walking arm-in-arm,

and I don't see what's so scandalous about having tea.

Surely you're not sweet on that young man?

No, of course not!

He works under Masaki, and comes around sometimes.

I told her you bumped into him and had tea,

but she screamed "That‘s immoral!" and got all hysterical.

So just say, 'I was wrong," and apologize.

What a storm in a teacup.

I‘m sorry you got dragged into this, Uncle.

People are so narrow-minded lately.

Some even criticize harmless nobodies like me.

Everyone judges each other,

and those who shout banalities get their way.

These are horrible times.

Tokiko?

Yes?

Are you finished?

I've got something for you. Come with me.

You can stay.

Yes sir.

You've blossomed since I last saw you.

Wish I hadn't sent you to Tokiko.

A tread massage, sir?

Really?

That'd be great! Please do.

When you were here, we had three maids.

Now we only have one.

Your feet are warm and lovely.

My wife's are too cold. They chill me to the bone.

Oh, I know a place that has pork cutlets.

- Hey, Tokiko! - Yes.

l'll treat you to pork cutlets!

Pork cutlets!

How wonderful!

You couldn't eat pork cutlets then!

In late 1943,

there was that send-off rally near Meiji Shrine for student conscripts.

Marching in the rain.

Those were the times.

Weren't there food shortages everywhere?

You mustn't write lies.

There was the black market.

You entered shut shops from the back,

and they secretly fed regular customers.

Only the privileged, surely?

You really are stubborn.

If you call me names, I'm done.

Don't get mad! Come on.

Forget it.

Overall, it's very impressive.

Come on, please keep writing.

Hello .7

Yes?

It‘s Yuki. Come in!

Hello!

Hello.

Auntie, Yuki here will drive me home.

Treat her next time.

Try Auntie's pork cutlets.

And e ventually, that fateful day arrived.

Hello!

You came at this hour?

Masaki went to Fujisawa, so he's not home yet.

I know. I just came from work.

Oh, I see.

Use this.

Thanks.

Come to think of it, this happened before.

He couldn't make it home, so you came that stormy night.

ls tonight the same?

It's not.

Then what is it?

What's wrong?

The thing is, my call-up notice came.

I'll get you some hot tea.

When do you leave?

I'll join my hometown unit,

so I depart Ueno at night two days from now.

It's an overnightjourney to Hirosaki.

Then what happens?

I guess... I'll be sent off to war.

China or the Pacific, don't know which.

You're not cut out to be a soldier.

I think so too.

I came to your house,

and l hesitated.

Maybe I shouldn't see you. It would only make it more painful,

and leave me a wreck.

If you'd left without a word, lwould've...

...hated you.

Then perhaps it's good that I came.

What a night.

- Taki dear, a towel! - Yes sir,

Hello, sir.

This blackout is too much. It's pitch-dark.

A guest?

Mr. ltakura just arrived.

ltakura ?

Welcome home.

What brings you at this hour?

Masaki, Mr. ltakura received his call-up notice.

I see. So it came at last.

I think you'd serve Japan much better drawing pictures and comics.

Making you kill people is the worst possible use for you.

Still, that's irrelevant now.

Tokiko, let's make a toast. With our awful rationed sake.

Madam, don't bother.

I'd better leave now.

But...

No, don't bother.

I've got a lot to do.

Go get Kyoichi.

So, when do you go?

Two nights from now.

Tomorrow I'll pack my things, and the next day I'll stop by work.

We‘ll see you off at Ueno Station. "Banzail", waving flags...

Thank you.

Goodbye.

I'll say farewell at work the day after tomorrow.

Mr. Hirai, I'm indebted to you.

Mrs. Hirai,

Taki dear,

I'm sorry I've been unable to repay all your kindness to me.

You'll repay us on the battlefield.

lwill.

Kyoichi, study hard, and become a wise man.

Sure.

Goodbye.

Mind how you go. It's pitch-dark out there.

Got it.

Taki dear, give him this flashlight. We have another.

Mr. ltakura!

We did so much for him. He should've drank with us.

What a misfit.

Hey, is the bath ready?

Yes sir.

Bye, Taki dear.

I owe you.

I won't forget you.

If...l'm to die,

it's to defend Tokiko and you.

No! You mustn't die!

Farewell.

Taki dear, I'm going out.

Where to?

Not far.

Until what time?

Not long!

/ realized instantly what Mrs. Hirai was intending to do.

Confusion overcame me.

l was in two minds. One told me not to let her see him.

There was no telling what she might do.

The other said to let her see him for the last time, no matter what.

l was so confused.

Ma'am, I don't think you should go.

What are you saying?

You shouldn't meet Mr. ltakura.

- I've a parting gift... - If so,

I'll take it.

You're nasty today. Please move.

I won't!

You're commanding me? Who do you think you are?!

How about this?

Write a letter, and I'll deliver it right away.

"I want to see you. Come to my home past noon.“ Like that.

Why do I have to do that?

Mr. ltakura's landlord plays Go with the liquor store man.

He told me he's seen you at Mr. ltakura's lodgings.

Of course, I said he must've been mistaken,

but if your husband or sort find out, it would be bad.

There'd be nothing odd about Mr. ltakura coming here.

Please do as I ask! I beg you!

Tokiko Hirai

I've written it.

He can come with you, or on his own later.

I'll be waiting. Please tell him that!

Yes ma 'am. I'll go now.

However, on that day, Mr, ltakura never came.

Mrs. Hirai waited in desperation, but I didn 't dare approach her.

And thus,

the little house on the hill's secret romance came to an end.

Hey there.

Auntie?

What's wrong?

Why are you crying?

I've...

...lived too long!

For a time after that day,

Mrs. Hirai was in a daze, as ifshe’d lost the will to live.

The course of the war grew bleaker,

and the luxury of keeping a maid became objectionable.

/ had no choice but to return to my hometown in Yamagata.

Goodbye, Mrs. Hirai.

When the war ends, and all this is over,

and if you haven't found a husband, please come back to us.

Will the war really end someday?

Of course it will.

All that begins...

...must end.

Goodbye!

I'll be sure to return!

I'll be waiting.

On May 25th 1945,

l was back home when I learned of the bombing of Tokyo.

I had no way of knowing if the Hirais survived,

so all I could do was keep praying for their safety.

Take shelter! Take shelter!

Atomic bombs fell on Hiroshima on August 6th, and Nagasaki on the 9th.

Then, at a temple on the 15th, I heard the Emperor's radio broadcast.

”All that begins must end. " Just as Mrs. Hirai said,

the war finally drew to a close.

Late that year,

I obtained a ticket with the help of others, and returned to Tokyo.

The red-roofed house had burned to the ground.

In a shelter in the garden,

locked in an embrace, Mr. and Mrs. Hirai...

Locked in an embrace...

Mr. and Mrs. Hirai had passed a way...

This is where Auntie 's autobiography ends.

The pretty lady's Mrs. Hirai, and the boy's her son.

They say they didn't find his body, so he might still be alive.

Auntie never mentioned him?

Not atall.

She always wailed when talking about how the Hirais died,

so I never heard the rest.

What's that?

It's unopened.

Think of that box as a keepsake, and take good care of it.

OK, let's finish cleaning.

Birds don't foul the nests they leave.

It's getting cold.

/ graduated university the following year,

and found a job at a small construction firm in Tokyo.

The Little House

I first saw Virginia Lee Burton's picture book "The Little House”

when my girlfriend gave it to me.

Oool book, huh? A little present for you.

How come?

It's your birthday, Takeshi.

Oh yeah! I totally forgot.

It's a famous book. Don't you know it?

People like you who build buildings and condos should read books like this.

Please wrap this.

What's that?

Shoji ltakura Exhibition Commemorating 20 Years Since His Death

Oh, this poster! I love his picture books!

"Shoji ltakura"? I've heard that name...

Of course, he's famous!

That‘s it! My grandaunt. The one who made tasty pork cutlets.

Her lover, I mean, her employer's lover had the same name.

So it was him?

I doubt it. He went to war.

That doesn't mean he died. I'll look it up.

"Shoji ltakura."

"Drafted in 1944. stationed in New Guinea."

"Returned to Japan in 1946."

He lived!

Hometown?

Hirosaki in Aomori.

Then,..that's him!

The week after that, we visited the Shoji ltakura Museum.

How can I help?

Did this house actually exist?

It was the Hirai residence in Tokyo's Ota ward.

lt burned down in World War II.

It's dated after the war.

Yes. It was painted based on his memories.

He hung it in his bedroom, so it must've been special to him.

Did Shoji ltakura ever marry?

No, he was a lifelong bachelor. It‘s rather mysterious.

About three years ago we tracked down the Hirais' son and sent him a letter,

but he said he didn't remember much.

His son is alive?

He is.

Er, do you know his address?

I think he lives in Ishikawa.

One moment.

Which means, the young master's alive?

Is that so. Taki wrote her autobiography.

What a shame. Three years ago I could still see and walk well,

but now I can't anymore.

I've lived for such a longtime.

She wrote many things about your childhood.

Really. And my mother too?

She said she was pretty.

Stylish as well.

Actually, I‘d like you to see something. Or just hold it.

What's that?

A letter from Tokiko Hirai.

From my mother?

It's unopened and unaddressed. I should return it to the sender,

but she's deceased, so her family should have it.

What does it say?

I didn't feel right opening it.

You're conscientious for your age!

Her son says it's fine, so no problem. Let's open it and read it.

I'll use these scissors.

I'll begin.

It's beautiful handwriting.

"Please come to visit me after lunch today at around 1pm."

"I desperately, desperately want to see you."

"You absolutely must come."

"To Shoji ltakura,

from Tokiko Hirai."

What does it mean?

This is Mrs. Hirai's letter to Mr. ltakura before he left!

Auntie never took it!

Look. It says "On that day, Mr. ltakura never came,"

but that wasn't it. She kept them apart!

Your grandaunt held on to it all that time?!

Oh. Please let me explain, Mr. Hirai...

Oh boy.

After all these years,

I never thought I'd be told my mother had an affair.

Well, let bygones by bygones.

I'm so sorry.

Don't worry. I'm not blaming you.

After that, we chatted about many things.

Mr. Hirai remembered young Taki well.

We talked about why she didn't deliver the letter,

and all the pain it must have caused her.

Mr. Hirai constantly wiped tears from his eyes.

I wanted to live near the sea.

It was my dream since I was young.

What can you see right now?

Gentle waves.

The horizon's a little hazy.

Taki often took me to the seaside at Enoshima.

Mr. ltakura sometimes went with us.

I thought they were perfect for each other.

Shall we go?

So.

Taki never got married in the end.

I'm sure she missed you.

Years ago, I tried hard to find her.

But all I knew was that she was from Yamagata, so it was impossible!

I wish I could've seen her so I could tell her.

Tell her what?

Taki dear, you don't have to blame yourself so much.

Your tiny, tiny sin

was forgiven a long time ago.

If she'd heard that, I'm sure she would've cried.

As loud as she could.

Next, it was my turn to wipe a way tears.

Those were horrible times.

Every Japanese was forced to make an unwilling choice.

Well, some were unwilling, but others did so voluntarily.

They weren't aware of their own unwillingness.

Such a time actually existed.

/ remember this one time, in late autumn.

The way she was when / dropped by on my way home that day

is seared into my memory.

Why are you crying?

I've...

...lived too long!

What was the true reason why my grandaunt suffered so deeply?

Takako Matsu

Haru Kuroki

lsao Hashizume Kazuko Yoshiyuki

Shigeru Muroi Tomoko Nakajima

Aki Takejo Yoneko Matsukane Takashi Sasano

Lasalle lshii Shozo Hayashiya

Takataro Kataoka

Hidetaka Yoshioka

Satoshi Tsumabuki

Fumino Kimura Yui Natsukawa

Masakane Yonekura Nenji Kobayashi

Chieko Baisho

Executive Producer: Junichi Sakomoto Produced by: Tadashi Osumi Producer: Hiroshi Fukasawa Hiroyuki Saito

Original Story: Kyoko Nakajima Screenplay: Yoji Yamada Emlko Hiramatsu Music: Joe Hisaishi

Cinematography: Masashi Chikamori Production Design: Mitsuo Degawa Daisuke Sue

Lighting: Koichi Watanabe Editing: lwao lshii Sound Recording: Kazumi Kishida

Directed by Yoji Yamada