Original subtitles

Please accept this.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT - KOZO'S SON

I don't need this.

Please don't come and see me again.

You came all this way, but…

We will never meet again.

Please leave.

KOZO'S SECRETARY

In 2015,

Royal Hope, who narrowly finished second in the Japan Derby,

ran in the Kikuka Sho that same year, and also in the long-awaited Arima Kinen,

raising the hopes of many horse racing fans,

but was unable to secure a victory in any of them.

You did well.

We'll win next time.

Then, in 2016,

he ran in the Spring Tenno Sho, the Takarazuka Kinen,

and his second Arima Kinen,

but all ended without a win.

The following year, 2017, he entered the Spring Tenno Sho,

the Japan Cup, and his third Arima Kinen,

all G1 races, without a win.

Hope was always one step away from victory,

gaining him more and more fans each year who wished for him to win, at least once.

They are all calling your name.

It's a shame.

We've got to come back next year.

Kurisu,

have you ever entered a racecourse early in the morning?

No, I have not.

They once humored me and allowed me to see

the Nakayama Racecourse one winter morning.

Because of the frost, the entire turf looked frozen,

and then a soft, orange light streamed across it.

The entire course then began to glow as if it were slowly melting.

When I see that view,

I feel like humanity has become more honest.

When I need to have an important conversation with someone,

I'd like to take them there if I can.

Understood.

For your important conversations, I'll get you a morning racecourse.

I'm counting on you.

After next year's Arima,

we'll retire.

Both Hope and I…

We have one year left.

The Arima Kinen.

A Grade I race where the horses are selected based on fan voting

and their performance that year.

The horses carry the fans' massive expectations

as they run in this glamorous year-end race.

The course is 2,500 meters long on the inner track,

with many corners and steep changes in elevation.

Therefore, the outcome relies heavily on

not only the horse's ability but the entire team's race plan.

IMAGINE DRAGON

What?

I will step down as Chairman.

The rest is up to you.

Yutaro, you're the new president.

ROYAL HUMAN HR DIRECTOR

What are you planning?

You wanted me to step down so badly, but now that I am, you're sad about it?

Just promise me this.

Don't abandon people.

No matter what happens,

please protect our employees.

I'll do all I can.

And also,

the Horse Racing Division you all despise…

I'll set up a new company and manage the horses there.

I'll do it by myself.

I won't buy new horses either.

No more complaints, right?

And one more thing.

You look like a man who's been left completely speechless.

No response.

You're probably thinking, "I should have quit sooner."

Hey, when your boss tells a joke, you're supposed to laugh.

Sorry, sir.

It didn't sound like a joke to me.

All that's left to handle is him.

You mean Koichi?

Are you still in touch with him?

For the past two years, I've sent him seasonal greetings,

but he has not had a change of heart.

Here's your crab.

Excuse me.

Even so, I'll make sure he accepts my aid.

For that,

Hope has to earn more prize money too.

Why are you retiring, President?

I still can't accept it.

I can understand Hope's retirement.

No, I think even Hope can still race more.

Even if Hope retires,

don't you have the obligation of furthering his bloodline?

Please.

Give me a convincing reason.

I have cancer.

They don't know how long I have.

Right now, only my family knows.

I'll tell everyone when I feel it's time.

Accounting…

After the Horse Racing Division goes independent,

I hope you'll stay in the Accounting Division.

Well…

We should talk about his illness first.

He ran amok all over the place, and now he just announces this.

I wish he would consider how I feel too.

Good grief.

Keeping you in the company is my father's wish.

And one more thing,

let Kurisu stay with the company.

I can't drag him into this any further.

Please consider this offer.

FIGHT - IZANA

Excuse me.

What is it?

I've come to help.

There's nothing for you to help with.

I heard from Yutaro.

You even worried about my employment.

Thank you very much.

I told him not to say anything!

Be honest. You wanted to work for the Accounting Division, right?

Aren't you glad your wish came true?

I must refuse.

I am a member of the Horse Racing Division.

It's going to disappear, you know.

You'll be fired.

-Just move to Accounting, okay? -I'm afraid I cannot betray you.

-I made you that promise. -I'm telling you that I don't need you.

It wouldn't be a betrayal.

But what about my dream?

The dream of winning the Arima Kinen with you, President.

Are you planning to…

succumb before the Arima Kinen?

Do you have so little faith in yourself?

What?

If the owner is so weak-willed,

I feel pity for the horse that has to run.

I've decided.

I will absolutely not quit being your secretary.

If you want to fire me,

please wait until after the next Arima Kinen.

That's the responsibility of a man who talks about dreams!

So insolent.

I bet there will be a generation change this year.

I think Valshare still has it.

-Well, that one's a separate case. -What about Royal Hope?

Hope just can't win G1 races. It's probably impossible now.

-Nakajo. -What?

Someone is looking at us.

Where?

Do you know him?

I've told you many times.

I don't need any aid.

I have the savings my mother left me,

I can manage until graduation.

Then at least, your father…

I mean, our company's Kozo Sanno… Can you meet and talk--

Talk about what?

There's nothing to talk about.

How about horse talk?

Talk about Royal Hope.

You're in the Horse Racing Research Club. Perhaps you can give us some ideas.

Did my mother tell you?

I apologize.

I just feel like it was meant to be.

You mean, like father, like son?

Quit it with your fantasies.

I just like horse racing, that's all.

Are we done?

Excuse me.

The first race of that year…

Yes, I saw it!

He won, didn't he? I was surprised.

Royal Hope was entered into an overseas race

at Kozo Sanno's suggestion, and brilliantly won the Dubai Gold Cup.

Afterwards, in the Summer Sapporo Kinen and the Fall Tenno Sho,

he won second place.

Although the dream of a G1 win remained out of reach,

he was steadily increasing his chances of entering the Arima Kinen.

I think you're the one in fine form.

It's all about skill.

The next one.

All right.

Is Hope doing well?

Yes. As planned, he'll run in next month's Japan Cup.

At this point, he's thriving, both mentally and physically.

I knew running him in Dubai was the right call.

A change of environment seems to wake Hope up instantly.

It's the same for my son.

He's admirable.

THE NEW LEADER'S VISION

I've never done anything for him.

How is Koichi?

I've been contacting him every month, but…

-Are you okay? -Yes.

I'll call for the nurse.

No, I'm fine!

Dad?

Dad, are you all right?

Are you okay?

He's not responding well to the treatment.

I've never seen him like this.

I…

It's all right.

He'll make it. I'm sure of it.

Mr. Kurisu!

Hello.

He's not here today either?

He's acting strong,

but the treatment is draining his stamina somewhat.

Actually…

The article I promised to write about the President and Hope.

I stopped writing it after last year's Arima.

I believe the only thing missing, the one thing…

is the moment he wins Arima.

Mr. Kurisu.

He'll make it to the goal, right?

Yes.

Come on, Mr. Taira…

SORYU CO. CEO

SHIINA'S SECRETARY

I've decided to retire Valshare and Imagine Dragon

at the end of this year.

But they are the two strongest horses this year!

Both can still run.

They have the power to create history!

They'll keep contributing as stud horses.

I want to meet him at this year's Arima Kinen.

Please tell your boss that.

In the final stretch, Imagine Dragon is in the lead,

with a three-length, four-length lead.

The lead isn't shrinking. The pace isn't slowing.

Imagine Dragon, after a perfect race, crosses the finish line first!

In first place, Imagine Dragon. In second place, Royal Hope.

Hope also missed the win here,

but he secured second place in the Japan Cup,

which all but guaranteed his fourth entry into the Arima Kinen.

Hey!

-President! -Have a seat.

-President! -Hey there.

I've realized that I love horses, but I love the racecourse too.

That massive, jostling crowd, the great roar like an earthquake…

That's what makes horse racing.

Sit down.

If I were just watching from afar,

I probably wouldn't have gotten this absorbed in it.

Then please see the Arima in person, sir.

He's not in yet.

It's basically a given.

Everyone loves him.

-You mean my dad? -No, Hope.

I mean, the President is…

Don't trip me up like that!

Well, for now, should we have a toast?

-Who put you in charge? -Because no one else was going to!

You can drink today.

We'll win the Arima.

Then Hope will retire.

I'll quit too.

I'm sorry.

I was agonizing over when to tell you all.

And the moment ended up being now.

Thank you so much for bringing Hope this far.

I'm glad I could tell you directly.

It's you, President.

The man who brought us this far is you.

If you hadn't believed in us back then,

I don't think Hope would have been able to run this far.

That's certainly true.

Kanako.

I'm truly glad you were here.

Hironaka,

Sumire, Daichi,

Grandpa Nozaki,

Ryujiro,

and you, Reporter.

Everyone, thank you.

Oh, actually, Shohei also wanted to join us,

but he had school today.

Shohei, it's the President.

Good evening.

How is the Horseracing School?

Well, it's so-so.

I'll definitely go to see the Arima, so please do your best, everyone.

He's so well-mannered now.

Stop! It'll go to his head!

See you, Shohei. Keep up the good work.

Excuse me.

What we need to do is the same as before.

All of us will bring Royal Hope to victory.

-Cheers! -Cheers!

If…

It's just an "if."

If Hope wins the Arima Kinen…

will you marry me?

The President is retiring,

and now I'm in a position where I can't see the future at all,

but precisely because of that, I think I can do anything,

and create any future.

I'm serious.

I want to marry you.

No, I don't want that.

-What? You don't want to? -Of course not.

What the heck? Did you think I would say yes to that?

Well… Sorry?

My whole life has been dictated by horses.

Since childhood, it's all been horses.

Even my only son was taken by horses, and now what?

You want to gamble my happiness on the result of a horse race? No!

Let me decide my own life.

I see.

That's true.

So…

This has nothing to do with Hope.

I'll decide everything. Including marriage.

Meaning?

Meaning…

-I won't marry you. -You won't?

Not right now.

For now, I don't want to take you away.

Don't be distracted by love.

Focus on staying with the President until the end.

I can wait

ten years or even twenty.

Thank you.

All right, let's write one of those.

Sure.

KOZO SANNO'S RECOVERY VICTORY AT ARIMA

Okay.

Seriously?

What?

TO LIVE HAPPILY WITH EIJI

I'm not sure things will work out between us.

-Come on. Both are correct! -Right.

-Please let me marry Yuriko. -What?

What is it?

Nothing. Pardon me.

Please.

Young folks never fail to surprise me.

What do you say, Dad?

If I win the Arima, please let us get married.

-Sorry. -What's up with you?

My apologies.

Did you ask her?

Do you mean Mom?

I'll ask her later.

I'll tell you now.

Some people hate horses, you know.

Really?

Yeah.

Make sure to get results.

It will be fine.

Mom just hates horses,

but otherwise, she's a very sensible person.

Wait. That sounds the least advantageous to me.

It's fine. You relax too.

I'm okay.

I thought he'd be against it.

That was easy.

But he remembers promises.

So if you don't win, who knows what will happen.

Right.

Wait. Really?

Oh, this year's Arima is going to be amazing.

-I know. -Right.

-Should we go see this one? -It's their last.

I'm not sure…

I apologize for calling you here.

Hope is retiring, isn't he?

Yes.

Thanks to that, he's even featured in the sports newspapers.

That's a pity.

I thought Hope was a horse that genuinely loved to run.

I knew it.

You truly understand.

No, stop that kind of talk.

You keep trying to pull me into your world.

I apologize.

Thank you for waiting.

Enjoy.

So? What is this about?

It's about the President's health.

Given his age, his doctor says remission is unlikely.

Along with Hope,

the President will also retire.

Please.

Could you possibly meet with the President?

I will prepare a special place for the two of you.

-Nakayama in the morning? -Yes.

I begged the staff,

and they agreed to open it two days before the Arima.

So I'll have Koichi join you at 6:00 a.m.

Before 7:00 a.m., the two of you can watch the sunrise from the course.

You are a man who goes to extremes.

All thanks to your guidance, President.

But, Kurisu, I am like this now.

What could I say to him?

What can I do for him right now?

Just meet him.

Meet him and watch the sunrise together.

Isn't that enough?

As for what comes after,

I believe Koichi can decide that.

President, congratulations on the confirmed entry!

Congratulations!

Hope, who has yet to win a G1, should get a grand send-off.

This desire from the fans made his Arima Kinen entry possible.

He can tell!

-You know, don't you? Hope! -Can you see him, President?

Hey, Hope. Smile.

Hey, smile.

He might be in his best form now.

He's calm. He's matured.

He probably realizes it too. That this is the last.

This will be his fourth Arima Kinen. Are there any differences this time?

Winning the Arima Kinen is the owner's…

Our dream.

We want Hope to retire with a win.

That's all.

-Mr. Kurisu. -How is the President?

He was in pain all of a sudden,

lost consciousness, and is now in the treatment room.

Madam.

Madam.

Are you all right by yourself?

Yes, I'm fine.

When's the next race?

The Arima Kinen is two days from now.

He often used to say…

that winning the Arima Kinen would be the best feeling.

At the end of his life, he wants to win and then wrap it all up.

Yes. But life doesn't always go to plan.

NAKAYAMA RACECOURSE

Please.

Could you possibly meet with the President?

Sorry. I'm here by myself.

Could you walk along the outside boundary?

We don't want to damage the inside turf.

Sure.

Today's sunrise will be before 7:00 a.m.

Yes.

They once allowed me to see the Nakayama Racecourse

on a winter morning.

Because of the frost, the entire turf looked frozen,

and then a soft, orange light streamed across it.

The entire course then began to glow as if it were slowly melting.

It'd be nice if he won.

Royal Hope, I mean.

What?

You see, I'm a fan.

An employee of JRA shouldn't be saying this,

so I'm just talking to myself.

That horse's competitive spirit…

My gosh.

I love it.

The last race.

I have high hopes for him.

Yes.

Thank you.

It's the final adjustments.

Take your time and enjoy this.

Yes!

IMAGINE DRAGON, VALSHARE, ROYAL HOPE A GLORIOUS LAST RUN

The forecast says it'll rain.

A race in the rain, huh?

What is Shohei even doing?

-Oh, Shohei! -'Sup!

Wow! You look all grown up!

-You haven't caught a cold, have you? -Shut up, Mom.

Good. We can watch it all together.

Do you want to go to the paddock too? To see Ryujiro?

I'll pass.

He's not my idol anymore.

He's my rival.

Well said.

That's unfortunate.

I wanted to see their last race along with him.

May I ask you one thing?

What is it?

Why do you still respect our President so much?

I've always wondered.

It's because he carries a lot on his shoulders.

I like people who take on the dreams of many others.

People like that are rare.

Also, he always seemed to be enjoying himself.

I apologize.

My horse is running, you see, and I want to watch it on the big screen.

Seeing someone truly enjoying something makes me happy as well.

I respect that person.

When I talk to him,

I feel like it soothes my loneliness.

Let's have a race without regrets.

Yes.

Definitely.

BECOME A LEGEND, ROYAL HOPE

Any orders?

The President had only one order.

"Win."

Roger that.

Good luck.

I'll do my best.

Everyone.

Thank you so much for everything.

Until the very end,

please keep supporting us.

Stop!

Hope.

Let's do this.

-Okay, let's go. -Yes.

All right!

Thank you for bringing me this far.

If I hadn't met you, President, I wouldn't have become a manager.

And I'll never be a manager under anyone else but you.

Therefore,

along with you, I'll also step away from this world.

Thank you for all this time.

The last run.

Let's all pray together.

Over here!

The horses for the eighth day

of the Fifth Nakayama Race, the 63rd Arima Kinen…

Dad!

-Yuriko, it's starting. -Hold on a minute.

426 kg.

NAKAYAMA RACECOURSE

TO KOICHI NAKAJO

2018 ARIMA KINEN SPECIAL TICKET

NAKAYAMA RACECOURSE

ARIMA KINEN

You can do it!

Is the rain that's starting to fall a farewell rain,

mourning the great horses who are retiring?

Or is it a divine prank, imposing an ordeal on their final race?

Nakayama Racecourse, turf, 2,500 meters.

The odd-numbered horses have settled into the gates,

and the even-numbered horses are steadily heading toward them.

Will victory smile upon fan-favorite Royal Hope?

Japan Cup winner Imagine Dragon?

Or the Derby horse, Valshare? The dreams of all racing fans are gathered…

Hope.

…here at the Nakayama Racecourse!

Finally, Number 16, Valshare, enters the gate.

Hope.

The boss is watching.

It's 2018, the final Arima Kinen of the Heisei era.

Which horse will close out this chaotic year and usher in a new era?

It's the 63rd Grand Prix Arima Kinen, and they are off!

Taking the lead first is Royal Hope!

Royal Hope is the leader!

-Did he get carried away? -What?

-Did they mess up? -Or is this Ryujiro Saki's strategy?

-The leader is Royal Hope. -Hope…

Following him are Number six, South Knight,

and Number Nine, Horai Estate.

In fourth is Number 16, Valshare.

In the middle is Number Four, Imagine Dragon.

They are between corners.

-Two lengths behind is Number 12, Arti. -Hope won't keep this up.

Another three lengths back is Number Two, Michael Columbia.

Third from last is Number 11…

Go. Do your best.

Number 14, Love Panther is running last.

They passed the winning post.

Number 15, Royal Hope, pulling away from the inside rail,

maintains a five-length lead.

The first 1,000 meters were run at a fast pace…

He won't last till the end like this.

Number 13, Binan, Number 16, Valshare, are approaching the first corner.

Royal Hope is in the lead.

From the first to the second corner, they have formed a long line!

It's your debut too.

I'm also trying again.

Shall we run together?

But I'm captivated by Hope's true strength.

In his refusal to yield,

I feel a power and fighting spirit.

Do you have the will to win?

It's all I want.

Then please, I beg you!

My father's dream

is the dream of everyone in Hidaka.

See you, Hope.

Do your best!

Do your best!

Do your best!

ROYAL HOPE

Now, Number 16, Valshare, passes Number 13, Binan into second place.

-Yes! Go! -The gap is three to four lengths.

The leader is nearing the halfway point of the backstretch.

The three horses about to retire after this Arima dash down the backstretch.

Number 13, Binan, is in third.

Behind him is Number Two, Michael Columbia, by a gap of nearly ten lengths.

Now, all the horses are starting to increase their pace!

The leader is still Number 15, Royal Hope.

Number 16, Valshare, in second, is closing the gap furiously!

Between the third and fourth corners, Valshare is alongside Royal Hope!

And now, Number Four, Imagine Dragon, is moving up from the middle of the pack!

-Hope! Dad! -Royal Hope and Valshare.

The two rivals from the Derby are side-by-side!

Now, the Nakayama straight is short!

Imagine Dragon is coming up on the far outside!

A three-way battle of the top horses this year!

Want to come over to my place?

They are not giving an inch! Royal Hope won't yield!

-We did it! -It's just one win!

Now, Valshare has taken the lead!

From the outside, Imagine Dragon! Has Royal Hope run out of steam?

Promise me one thing.

You must never betray me.

Never.

It's a duel between Valshare and Imagine Dragon!

Go.

Go!

Go!

Go!

Go!

No! It's Royal Hope!

Royal Hope is back!

-Royal Hope is pouncing… -Hope!

-Hope! -Go!

-Hope! -Hang in there!

-Go! -Go!

Go!

Imagine Dragon is…

-Hang in there! -Go!

-Hope! -Go!

Go!

Royal Hope! Three horses reach the goal together!

Which horse won? It's impossible to tell the three apart!

-Valshare? Imagine Dragon? -Dad!

Or Royal Hope?

-Are you okay? -Nakayama Racecourse. Race 11.

-He made it. -Please wait a moment.

Nakayama Racecourse. Race 11.

The first, second, and third places are as follows…

In first place, Number Four.

-Yes! -In second place, Number 15.

In third place, Number 16.

Damn it.

Royal Hope! Thank you!

-Thank you Hope! -Hope!

Hope!

Hope! Thank you!

Hope!

Listen to them.

Hope, it's all for you!

Hope!

Let's go.

Hope!

Hope, thank you!

PRESIDENT

Hello?

What the heck was that email?

-What? -You make it sound like I'm about to die!

Lately, aren't you talking as if my death is a certainty?

-Well… -Come on! Don't kill me off yet!

Go to the tempura place now!

-Dad! -What?

It's not the time for tempura…

Shut up! How can I die when I'm losing?

I still have to find a bride for Hope.

There's no time to rest.

You're right.

You're right!

Mr. Kurisu, I apologize for not coming the other day.

I'd like to meet you sometime.

I'd rather talk to you first, before I talk to my father.

Koichi Nakajo.

Hope's foal?

I will assist fully with the inheritance.

Can you be there for them when they really need you?

Enough already.

Subtitle translation by: Nix S.