Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

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THE ANCIENT CITY

This one?

There.

Perhaps here.

This is great!

Fabulous handiwork.

1954

Mr. Sada, let us sell them!

Sir, the department store is putting in

a lot of effort for the next ancient cloth exhibition,

so if we could ask one--

Shut up.

Thank you for coming,

but these are my family heirloom,

I'm not allowed to sell them.

Excuse me, tea is ready.

Mom, I'll do it.

Oh?

- You will? - Yes.

Mr. Sada, please think it over.

Please!

How was it?

Please take your time.

Produced by Takeo Hori & Hideo Sasai

Based on the Novel by Yasunari Kawabata

Screenplay by Shinya Hidaka & Kon Ichikawa

Photographed by Kiyoshi Hasegawa

Edited by Chizuko Osada

Music by Shinichi Tanabe

Starring

Momoe Yamaguchi

Tomokazu Miura

Masaya Oki

Enjaku Jitsukawa

Keiko Kishi

Directed by Kon Ichikawa

One may cross the river by walking on those stones.

I wish could carry you across, Chieko.

Do it, if you could.

Gion Festival is coming up.

How old were you...

when you rode on the festival float?

Hmm...

seven.

I've never seen a festival boy as cute as you were then.

You make me so embarrassed!

Come on!

Do you remember when you rode on the float...

I followed it?

I do, you're a very small girl...

following it on the side.

I'll never forget that occasion.

We both couldn't return to that time.

Don't say such silly things.

Shinichi, you haven't changed much.

Oh...

I'm a 3rd year university student.

You just keep on remembering the kid I was then.

Shinichi.

I was a foundling.

Foundling?

Yes.

Foundling.

You've been talking strange things today!

- What's wrong? - Don't touch a foundling!

What?

It's not a joke?

Why would I lie about such things?

Buy why tell me that all of a sudden?

I can't talk to anyone else.

I only...

want you to know.

Do you have any proof?

I was left on the store lattice window.

It's an old lattice window.

When I started going to middle school, Dad said...

I wasn't really his daughter.

- Were you sad? - No.

When I told him I wished to have a degree,

he said, "You'll be my heiress, you don't need a degree."

"I want to you to start learning about the business."

I got a little bit sad when I heard that.

- Successor? - Successor.

So you...

don't know who are your real parents?

I no longer want to find them.

- Hey. - Yes?

- Toilet again? - Yes.

It's too noisy! Tell them to lower their voices!

A customer from Osaka.

He asks if we have something flashier.

Tell him to take it or leave it.

Go somewhere else.

He's been a loyal customer.

Kimonos are selected with eyes.

Those who do it with mouths have no eyes.

Yes.

Are you going home?

I'm staying over.

- Chieko isn't home yet. - Where did she go?

Shinichi Mizuki asked her out.

Could they be...?

The Mizukis are also kimono sellers.

And they do it on a big scale.

Just like a department store!

Chieko hanged them up as curtains?

Hmm.

- Java saraca? - Hmm.

This is Persian.

Both are precious.

And rare.

She's back.

- Welcome home. - I'm home.

You wore this?

Yes.

Too plain.

You always wear those patterns

designed by your father.

It's just because I like them.

Too plain, even for me.

Don't say that.

Taste this for me.

- This is alright. - OK.

But Mom, this is also Dad's design.

Yes, but I'm old.

You say you're old, but how old are you?

Dad, I'm home.

Look at your daughter's sash.

Isn't it miserable?

This is unsold stuff, right? Don't make it a duty to wear it.

Duty? I didn't think like that.

Honey, why don't you make her...

something flashier, more appealing to others?

Flashier?

Don't worry. Even with this, people said I look good.

You need a better sash.

Chieko, scissors.

Yes.

Use this as your sash, OK?

Dad...

Miss Chieko.

Phone call for you.

Chieko speaking.

Oh, Masako?

Kosanji Temple? Why?

You want to see moss?

When did you begin to be interested in that?

Hey!

Stop crying.

They'll hear you.

Such a fine cloth and you cut it up like that!

I want them to hear me cry!

Come on, this is nothing serious.

You cherished it so much.

What a waste.

Such a bad habit...

I thought you've finally become mature, for a change.

Stop nagging.

- I'm what? - I...

After this sash for Chieko,

I'm thinking of designing something flashy for her.

Don't worry.

You said don't worry,

- but for me... - Something's burning.

Oh, the casserole.

Not again.

These are... returns?

Yes, that's the style that the master likes.

He keeps on designing the same pattern, hardly any changes.

Very hard to sell.

To run a wholesale kimono store,

the most important thing is to sell stuff.

Doesn't he get fed up?

Yes?

Yes.

Fool!

Badmouthing your master will make your lips split!

Yes.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon!

Hello, Mr. Sada.

Nice to see you.

- Same here. - Thank you for your business.

How I miss this. The noise of the weaving machine.

It's so noisy!

We're so busy these days.

Please come in.

Bring some tea.

Yes.

Please weave this for me.

- Please take a look. - Yes.

Oh?

Your design?

- Why ask? - It's not your style.

Very new and flashy.

Who tempted you to draw this?

Oh no, it's for my daughter.

I see.

Well then, I'll do my best.

But...

I think Hideo will do a better job.

He's a better weaver than me.

Hideo.

Hideo!

Your three sons...

work at your workshop, it's a rare thing.

It's not for fun,

but very serious work.

Hello.

You must be very busy these days.

Sash for formal wear. Boring work.

Mr. Sada designed this for his daughter.

He wants it weaved.

Let's do it for him.

Your daughter is very dear to you,

I heard.

Who do you want to do this one?

You, of course.

Why don't you just make up your mind and do it?

A father's heart.

Looks like Mr. Sada is preparing

his daughter's trousseau.

It's not really settled.

So you've found somebody for her?

You won't say no?

Don't want to?

Answer him! Don't be rude!

This is no ordinary job.

A sash for Chieko, right?

Never mind, so it's bad?

I didn't say so.

Tell me your opinion.

Yes...

Ouch!

Stop this nonsense!

Don't...

I think the design is good.

What are you saying?

Then why didn't you say so?

But...

it's not good for Chieko.

Mr. Sada, I'm so sorry!

It's just because he works day and night,

and the machine noise makes him lose his mind.

No, never mind.

I did put in a lot of effort,

but maybe he's right.

Oh... tea...

Masako, we've just been to...

Kosanji Temple, why go further?

The cedar trees of Mt. Kitayama...

grow in neat straight lines.

My heart feels relieved looking at them.

Just by growing, they become works of art.

Some trimming has to be done from time to time.

Trimming?

Cutting off some small branches.

The trimmers use ladders,

but they jump from trees to trees like monkeys.

So dangerous!

The people of this village...

live by this cedar trade.

Deep inside the mountains,

women process the logs.

They first scrape off the bark coarsely,

then rub the logs...

with Bodai sand to make a smooth surface.

It's also done by women.

Human girls should...

also grow up upright and neat like these cedars.

If we're also brought up that strictly,

we'll become like this.

Hey.

That girl looks like you.

Exactly like you!

The last one.

She has a scarf, I can't see her well.

No, I saw her.

She really looks like you.

Sorry I was too late today and didn't help prepare supper.

That's OK.

Today is your Dad's favourite dish,

but he isn't back yet.

- Here? - Yes.

Put a little yuba tofu and mitsuba parsley in the soup.

The Kitayama cedars? They grow so straight.

You went so far to see them!

Mom, they aren't that far away.

Really? I didn't know.

Goodbye. I'm calling it a day.

- Bye. - Bye.

We're busy! You're eating?

- Sorry. - Finish your meal and clean up.

Go to bed early.

You go home now.

Just like every day.

Good night.

Tonight we'll have sea bream...

with the Hyomasa bamboo leaf sushi that the Shimamuras sent us.

The Hyomasa sushi is Dad's favourite.

Welcome home.

- Welcome home. - Welcome home.

We've started having supper.

- It's been raining. - Raining?

That's right. It's festival time.

Chieko, open up the store.

- A customer? - Yes.

On my way in, I saw him walking around.

- Who is it? - Hideo.

Who's that?

- Mr. Otomo's son? - Right.

- Who's that? - A handsome man.

Yes.

- I'm done. - I'm done.

You ate so little?

Don't mind what the manager said.

Yes! I'll have some more.

You memorized the design.

How is it?

I thought it'd turn out blurry,

- but this is good. - Really?

So will you take it?

Of course.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

- Have some tea. - Thanks.

Wow! It's beautiful!

Who ordered this?

It's for you!

What?

Yes, I had it made for you.

Your father came to us and asked to have this weaved.

I was so irritated that day,

and said rude things to Mr. Sada...

that even my father was offended.

But you told me to tell you my opinion, right?

I've always wanted to weave a sash for someone like Chieko.

And I have ideas of my own.

But when I tried to think of a design,

I realized Mr. Sada's design is the most suitable one.

So I gave all my heart into weaving this sash.

Sorry I've been talking so much nonsense.

Sorry.

I usually wouldn't talk so much.

That's OK, you're spot on.

So that's how it happened.

A sash for me.

Thank you!

Thank your father.

I just helped out.

You did it very well.

I'm glad you like it.

Well then, goodbye.

Oh.

Umbrella...

I don't need one. I have this.

Bye.

- I'm done. - I'm done.

He's gone?

Yes.

He said some great things.

Simply because he praised your design?

- The sash? - Yes.

His craft is so-so.

But just then...

He's still young.

I think he's interested in you.

What?

Shige, what do you...

think of Hideo?

What do you mean?

To marry into our family.

What? You surprised me!

Chieko is our only daughter.

Won't you be sad if she gets married and leaves us?

You should ask her opinion. Such a thing can't be forced.

You also need his family's consent.

Hideo has two younger brothers.

He would agree to this.

You plan to leave them the store?

It's too early to say!

- It's possible... - So you're admitting it!

You've always mentioned that.

After all, the store has been doing badly.

It's an incorporated company in name.

But the running is sloppy.

The live-in staff aren't doing a diligent job.

And we aren't good managing them.

How about closing the store once and for all?

- How ridiculous! - Chieko also said the same.

- Chieko? - Yes.

We could move to a small house.

You could then think of some new sash designs.

I'm not really talented. And could you bear poverty?

Poverty? I'm not worried.

She's right.

Chieko has been of great help to the store.

For so long.

Of course.

She could get married anytime she wants.

Why did you bring up this topic?

It's nothing serious.

We'll be happy...

if you have a happy life.

After all, we selfishly took you away from your real parents.

Don't say that. Chieko is our daughter.

For more than 20 years.

Let's eat.

Where did you pick me up?

So... I'm really a foundling?

No! That's not true!

Under the evening cherry blossoms of Gion.

I told you.

On the bench under the cherry tree,

we found you as a baby.

You were like a smiling flower.

So I held you in my arms.

Once I held you,

I didn't want to put you down.

Then you dad said, "Shige."

"Let's steal her."

I thought the same.

I said, "What?" Then he said, "Take her and run."

"Now!"

We lost our mind.

The baby's mother...

simply walked away for a moment. She must have loved you.

Dad, when I asked you,

you said you picked me up by the River Kamo.

Did you really say so?

Oh...

my memory failed me.

I thought I was so miserable,

being abandoned by the lattice window.

This is so...

This doesn't really matter!

Where...

was I born?

Chieko, you were born in this home.

I didn't give birth to you, but you were born in this home.

What should we do?

Chieko.

Chieko!

Chieko?

You had a nightmare?

Oh! You sweated a lot!

Loosen it up a bit.

Armpit.

Thanks Mom.

A scary nightmare?

I dreamed I fell from a high place.

I kept falling and falling. It was all green around me.

There's no bottom.

Something happened in Kitayama?

- No. - Well then.

Sleep now. Don't catch a cold.

Yes.

Do you want me to sleep beside you?

I'm alright. Don't worry.

Really?

That you became our daughter,

was it good or bad for you? I can't say.

I'm coming in.

You've grown up.

Now you don't want to sleep with me, right?

- Enjoy. - Thanks.

- Your husband has gone out? - Yes, he's with his friends.

I don't know where they are.

Hello.

Chieko, you aren't going to the night festival?

Right, there are more and more people these years.

- My foot got stepped on. - Right.

- Enjoy. - Thanks. - Thanks.

Hurry!

Hello!

- Looking for Chieko? - Is she in?

No.

She said she wasn't going to the night festival, but...

She's out?

She told us she'd be home tonight.

She suddenly went out.

What did you pray for?

All of a sudden... I wanted to pray.

And you?

What did you pray for?

That I find my older sister.

It's you!

Thank god I found you.

I have no siblings.

No sisters!

Ah.

Miss, I'm sorry.

I've been thinking about my older sister...

ever since I was small.

What a big mistake!

They said I have a twin sister.

But I don't know if she's older or younger than me.

Oh?

Twins?

Excuse me.

- Where are you going? - Home.

Miss, where were you born?

A wholesale store nearby.

I see.

Tell me about your father.

Long time ago,

when he was cutting the cedar branches,

he fell and died.

And your mother?

She too...

I was born in my mother's village farther back...

in the mountains than the cedar village.

She's also...

Sorry I asked too much.

Oh no!

- Miss. - What?

I can see you have a good life.

Yes.

I'm happy!

What's your name?

- Naeko. - Naeko?

I'm Chieko Sada.

Hello.

What's the kanji characters of your name?

Thousand-Accumlate.

I'm now working,

but when you come, ask for Naeko and they'll show you the way.

Come visit me sometime.

That's too rash of me. Sorry.

I swear I won't tell anyone what happened today.

Only the gods of the Gion Shrine will know.

Bye.

- Miss. - Bye.

Miss!

Chieko!

Chieko.

You're coming to the night festival? Alone?

What a coincidence.

Have you tried it on?

The sash. Have you tried it on?

Yes.

You like it?

Yes.

I plan to weave a sash for you, just one.

Thank you.

I'm in a hurry. Bye.

Bye... may I weave it for you?

Yes?

- Maple leaves pattern is perfect for you. - Bye.

Hello. Mizuki Store.

Listen. 30 rolls of white cloth. To Tokyo.

20 rolls of yukata cloth. Also to Tokyo.

16 rolls of linings.

Cloth for long-sleeved kimonos. To Fukuoka.

It's all written down.

But always check.

I don't hear you well. Hello?

Oh. What's up? You're not well?

Chieko, you're strange today.

Let's go now!

Oh? You really mean it?

That's OK...

yes.

Shinichi. From your school?

No.

We're very busy here. Help out a bit.

Don't lose this.

Make it snappy!

He scolded you again?

Yes, he's strict.

Look at Chieko's bowl! She just ate half of the rice!

She doesn't look well.

It's because the weather has changed?

She fell in love?

- Do you have any idea, then? - No.

I know - that's what it is!

What?

She made a big fuss when we went to Kitayama,

talking about found children, stolen children and whatnot.

That's all ancient history now!

She's been acting strange since the night festival.

Yes! It must be!

Ah.

I'm worried about you. What is it?

You're not yourself.

How so?

During the night festival, you walked with a young man.

- What? - I was surprised.

I wanted to say hi but didn't do so.

- You saw it? - Who's he?

None of your business.

Sorry but I want you to leave now.

Sorry and goodbye.

OK. I'll talk to her now.

The Kitayama cedars village.

You just went there for the first time?

Yes.

The cedars are so straight and neat.

I wish people's hearts could be like that.

- How about yours? - Bent and twisted.

Why not?

No matter how gentle a person is, deep inside he has ideas.

Even if it's bent and twisted,

it has grown up, so I think it's OK.

I tell you what I've been thinking.

It's about the foundling thing.

- What? - Bringing this matter up...

makes you so troubled. I'm sorry.

Oh no. I haven't been troubling myself over it.

I know.

Sorry I made you worried.

In fact, it's just as you think.

We were then married for 8 years,

but still without a child.

After a night out, I came home in the morning,

I saw a baby.

It was right in front of our lattice window.

- Look at this. - What is it?

- A baby. - What?

Honey! How bad are you!

Your baby with a geisha?

No! I found it on my way back.

I don't believe you!

Oh come on!

Look at the baby's clothes.

Do they look like from a geisha?

Don't say such things.

- Let me hold it. - Can you?

Cute baby.

- What should we do with it? - I don't know.

I have no idea.

Think.

- Let's go to the police. - The police?

If we do so, we could be in trouble.

Don't think of it.

Sorry.

I followed you.

When I saw you go out,

I decided to talk to you outside.

Mom.

I...

- have a younger sister. - What?

She was right here during the night festival.

I didn't know if I should tell you and Dad...

or not.

That's what I've been thinking these days.

How did you know she's your sister?

Her looks and build are exactly like mine.

What?

- We're twins. - What?

Twins?

I found it hard to believe.

She's that alike?

But still, it's not impossible...

that people look alike.

Yes.

To have someone tell you that she's your sister,

you must be shocked.

Well... if...

if it's true,

what about your parents?

Naeko...

oh... that's her name, Naeko.

said...

they're already dead.

I see.

- Sorry. - Don't be sorry.

So this is what happened.

Chieko, you haven't been to a teahouse before?

Right.

I've always thought of taking you somewhere.

So this place came to my mind.

I like this place a lot.

Your sister...

me and your mom talked about her.

Oh.

So...

I'll tell you what I think.

This happened a long time ago,

and in the countryside.

It might have been shameful to give birth to you twins.

And they might be unable to raise you both.

Plus some extra difficulties,

so it ended up this way.

Do you really believe...

that she's your sister?

I can't really say why,

but yes.

May I come in?

Come in.

Coming in.

- Welcome. - Yes.

- Is this your daughter? - Yes.

Nice to meet you!

I'm the proprietress.

You haven't come for a while.

We miss you.

I meant to come,

but I couldn't get a lot of friends to come with me.

Really?

Thanks.

Welcome.

Such a cute girl.

Can she serve well?

She's from nearby,

and wants some practice to become a geisha.

How old are you?

First year of middle school.

- Mom? - Come in.

Welcome.

- Go now, Chi-chan. - Yes.

You may go now. Thanks.

Goodbye.

See you.

I'm so happy!

I love pretty girls more than boys do.

Naughty girl.

She'll be an apprentice geisha?

It's not allowed unless she's finished middle school.

Now in this area, there isn't one apprentice geisha.

I'm glad to have her.

She'll be an excellent apprentice no matter where she goes.

Now I remember!

She bit someone's tongue!

You still remember?

Now I've heard her voice,

I remember!

What happened?

I shouldn't be telling you.

When she just made her debut, she was showing...

a client the way to the toilet, but he suddenly kissed her.

So she bit his tongue.

What a rude client!

- Did he bleed? - Yes, he did!

He asked for money to get it treated. He was furious.

I cried and there was some minor disturbance.

Do you still bite?

Show me your tongue.

My daughter's here.

What?

I don't bite now.

You're now so depraved.

Me? Depraved?

Seisaku, so early today?

Oh.

I just went up,

I'm off now.

Need a hand?

You're so nice to her!

- Oh yes! - Don't say so!

Naeko isn't like you,

she has to work extra.

Not just the work here,

she has more to do at home.

Well then,

tell the mistress I need more time to finish this.

OK.

I'd like you to get started on logging the eastern area as soon as possible.

It's too early.

Even if we start now, preparing the gaps between the trunks would take 2 to 3 years.

I know. Let's start cutting next year.

Already?

It's just 30 years old!

I know.

Should wait until it's 40 years old.

The buyers said 30 years is enough.

I can't refuse.

They have the say.

Let me read it.

The woodcutters working diligently probably

won't understand, but we'll have them stop their work.

With lumber, there's a time to cut, and a time to sell.

Naeko was bit by a snake!

What? Let's go now!

It came out of nowhere and bit her.

I'll take a look.

You know this job well, why so careless?

Thinking about that?

About Chieko?

What's in her mind?

What?

I was thinking of that.

If you're thinking about her that much,

go see her.

I won't. You don't understand.

Doctor, how is she?

The flu. I gave her a shot.

- Thanks. - Take care of her.

Thanks.

Sir.

- What? - A visitor for Ms. Chieko.

For her?

I'm her father.

- Who are you? - I'm Seisaku.

- I just came from Kitayama. - Kitayama?

Don't stand here.

- Go upstairs. - Yes.

Kitayama...

Do you know...

Naeko of Kitayama?

I've only heard about her.

Please sit down.

Are you...

a relative of Naeko?

No.

I'm...

something like her co-worker.

Naeko asked you to come?

No.

Oh, I see.

I heard that you have a wholesale store in Kyoto,

so I came here and asked around.

Naeko...

would be happy if Chieko visit her,

but Naeko refuses to come and visit her.

Why?

Social status.

She's afraid to cause trouble.

I don't agree,

but she got hurt...

thinking of Chieko.

She got hurt?

- When was it? - Yesterday.

- What is it? - Nothing.

Thanks for coming, but Chieko has a fever and she's sleeping.

But her cold isn't serious.

Well then, I'm going.

Hey.

Do you know about Naeko's home village?

Yes. I heard it's a small village...

in Wakasawan, Fukui.

Brothers and sisters?

No.

Chieko is her only family.

I see.

Goodbye.

I'll tell Chieko that you came.

- Thanks. - Thanks.

Oh! I'm sorry.

Never mind.

Come again.

A customer?

I heard it.

Oh! You scared me!

I better look it up.

- Oh yes. - But...

how to do it?

Oh...

We mustn't let the manager or others know this.

I know!

- Something incredible happened. - What?

Chieko got hurt yesterday?

You're talking about she cut her finger...

- when she prepared supper? - Yes.

- So? - He just said...

Naeko got hurt yesterday.

Yes.

I see.

Feeling better?

Yes, I'm going to get up in the evening.

No! You haven't got well yet.

Rest now. Rest.

I'm so sorry!

Today is our day off.

I'll be visiting your store tomorrow at 3.

I'm so surprised that you came.

Thanks.

I came to apologize.

For what?

Don't stand here.

At the night festival, the one you met...

wasn't me.

- What? - You made a mistake.

Really?

Yes.

Then who's that girl?

My sister.

That night,

I met her for the first time.

Her name is Naeko.

I don't really understand...

is that so?

I made a huge promise to her.

- Of what? - Oh...

I promised to design and weave a sash for her.

- A sash? - Yes.

I'm done drawing them. Here they are.

Oh.

- Two? - Yes.

Nice cedar.

By chance,

she works on the Kitayama cedar grove.

Well, you may laugh at me,

but a promise is a promise. I'll give them to her.

But...

you're so alike!

We're sisters.

Yes but...

the looks and build are identical!

If she isn't you,

then I must have talked to...

- your phantom? - My phantom?

Phantom.

All clear.

Chieko?

Yes.

I'm Seisaku.

Wow.

So alike.

You came and visited me?

Yes.

When I got back, Naeko scolded me.

Thanks for coming.

Where's Naeko?

It's a small village. She doesn't want people to know,

so she's waiting for you up there.

Follow me.

Bye.

Miss.

Thanks for coming.

I'm very very happy.

Are you...

- busy now? - It's OK.

I asked for the rest of the day off.

I told a small lie.

- Sit down. - Thanks.

No one will see us here.

Thanks for coming, really.

Have you received my letter?

Yes.

Beautiful cedars.

They're planted by humans.

They must be at least 40 years old?

They'll be cut and made into bridges or other things.

If they aren't cut,

they'll get to be 1000 years old, and wide like this.

But I...

prefer virgin forests.

Humans are scary.

Naeko, you've always thought so?

Yes, sometimes.

Naeko, you hate humans?

No, I love humans.

But...

it there hadn't been humans, what would the world be like?

This came to my mind when I took a nap up here.

I was wondering if I was too harsh...

to you at the night festival.

No, of course not!

I think I did wrong that night.

I approached you out of the blue.

Although I knew I have a twin sister and been looking for you,

but you knew nothing about it. No wonder you'd be shocked.

I should apologize.

Still,

I'm happy you believe me.

I want to live with you, Naeko.

I'll ask my parents if you can come live with us.

They agreed that I come visit you today.

Thanks.

I thank you with all my heart.

But...

I won't come.

Why?

If I come over to you...

it'll cause problems and gossip about you,

I'd rather die.

I think my father's death...

was his punishment for abandoning you.

After their deaths,

I should take over their punishment.

That's why, much as I want to meet you,

I didn't dare.

If you...

have a happy life,

I may be spared from the punishment.

An evening shower.

There's no place to run.

I'm scared!

Bend your knees,

crouch into a ball.

I'll go on top of you.

What's that shiny thing on you?

I forgot.

It's a scythe for cutting branches.

How careless.

Naeko, we'll get struck!

It may strike the ground,

but it won't strike us.

It won't.

I think you can get up now.

Let's stay like this a bit longer.

The raindrops left on the leaves are still falling.

We...

must have been like this...

in our mother's womb?

Yes. We must have been...

pushing and kicking each other?

You got a little wet.

Thanks.

But you're soaking!

Doesn't matter. It's my work clothes.

Aren't you cold?

I'm so happy...

that I feel warm.

Oops.

I have an umbrella.

It's for sunshine.

Right.

Naeko.

When you were mistaken for me that night, you didn't know what to do?

You knew?

Yes. I saw you.

Oh you!

Who is he?

The weaver Hideo.

He promised you a sash.

He mistook me for you?

Hideo found out it was you,

but he'd still fulfill the promise.

So...

I'll be your substitute?

If you run into a trouble like just then,

I'll protect you even if I die.

But...

I'll hate to accept a gift on your behalf.

It'd be...

shameful.

Even if I offer it to you, you won't take it?

I'll take it.

Miss.

I'm sorry for what I just said.

That's OK with me.

It's a high-class sash?

But I won't have the occasion to wear it.

No one can tell what lies ahead.

So hardworking.

This is good.

A rare pattern. Whose is it?

- For the Sadas. - Chieko?

Hideo.

We owe so much to Mr. Sada.

I know.

You're very interested in Chieko but you didn't think carefully.

She's an only child.

But you're to be my heir.

I know!

Leave me alone.

So she finally found you.

I haven't thought there's someone like Naeko.

She's that alike?

I think even you'll be mistaken.

Oh?

But that was at night.

So you won't be mistaken at daytime?

- Right. - Why?

Even if you're twins,

she's a mountain girl.

But you live in the city, in a good family.

It'd be strange to mistake you two.

Not so.

We're so alike, impossibly so.

Shinichi.

Ryusuke. Why are you here?

I can't go to the exhibition with you.

They told me you're here.

Who is she?

Chieko Sada. He's my brother.

I'm Ryusuke.

I saw you once when you were at primary school.

What a beauty!

Sit down.

- Ryusuke, you're strange. - No.

Everybody changes.

I graduated with a medicine degree, worked for 4 years as an intern,

I gave it up and took over the family business.

Now kimonos are back in fashion.

Yes. Coffee.

You can't talk about kimonos without mentioning Kyogofuku.

I'm fine with anything though - no difference, really.

I see.

How about your family store?

- Our store? - Yes.

- I don't really know. - You don't?

I see. Because your dad's running it.

Lately he's letting the manager to run the store.

All I hear nowadays is Kyogofuku this, Kyogofuku that.

It's like a regular grocery store.

And they're thinking that'll move them up in the world.

Isn't it boring leaving things to others?

That's enough.

- You have things to do, right? - Shut up.

Chieko.

Help out more at home.

- Me? - Do so for your father.

I can give you advice.

You've talking rubbish.

Shut up.

Oh you!

- Chieko is asleep? - Yes.

She's been very busy lately.

What's up with her?

Chieko wants to live with Naeko.

She said so?

Yes.

What's your answer?

She's her sister.

It's reasonable for Chieko to want this.

They're twins, after all.

And Naeko has gone through some rough days,

so Chieko wants her to come.

You're getting carried away again.

Naeko said she didn't want to come,

Chieko told me frankly.

I'm back.

- Welcome. - Leave us alone.

Yes.

Hey!

This way.

I'm tired of ordering you around.

So you take stock every month?

We don't do it this way.

But this has to do with resupplying your goods.

You don't take stock.

Isn't this strange?

Everything is recorded in the books.

So you just do it in lump sums?

- Lump sums? - Ryusuke.

- You're too rude as an outsider. - No, it should...

Excuse me. Tea is ready.

Thanks.

If you don't hold on to old-time customers...

and serve them well, it won't do.

I don't get you.

I think Dad is coming home soon.

Come in.

For example, listing the wholesale prices.

So you want me to stick a price tag to everything?

No.

Do it when you sell some small stuff in bulk.

I just use that example...

as a way to greet the customers.

Let them know that the store runs on that method.

That's my opinion.

Coming.

I see.

Nicely said.

Sorry we came to bother you.

He called me up and said he really wanted to visit you.

Yes. I want to visit an old store like yours.

I heard yours is the 4th generation.

- Yes. - Oh.

There's a old style gate.

Your father likes to look at such things?

Yes, sometimes for a whole day.

That's incredible.

There aren't many like him now.

He's stubborn?

Ours too.

Chieko, you obey your parents no matter what?

Yes, absolutely.

Even your marriage?

Yes.

It's about time.

But to be yourself, you'll have your own feelings.

Having too many is no good.

So you want to suppress them, kill them?

No.

- I'm not killing them. - Chieko.

Have you made up your mind to run the store?

I've just looked at the mountain scenery.

I was busy, did you wait long?

Sorry to bother you. My name is Hideo Otomo.

That night I made a big mistake.

I'm Naeko.

I owe you an apology.

You really do look alike.

Even now, I can't tell who's who.

I work here.

I see.

The sash I promised you.

It's done and here it is.

- May I show you? - Yes.

The mistress is out,

but that's OK.

Since it's a mistake, you don't have to fulfill it.

Chieko wants you to have it.

So please take it.

It's beautiful!

This is the bow.

This is supposed to be the front.

This is too good for me.

What a nice sash.

Thank you very much.

Naeko.

I need a favour.

Please let me design and weave...

a sash specially for you.

No, I just...

want to look at a sash, once.

But I want to.

You take me and Chieko as the same person.

No. I know you are you. Chieko is Chieko.

I know...

I want to weave a sash for you, Naeko.

Don't say that.

You put me in a fix.

Oh.

Thanks.

I do the make-up for cedars,

but not for myself.

And I have no ornaments.

Please understand this.

What a pity.

I'm really sorry.

Nothing really. Please think it over.

Well then, please take it.

Thanks.

I have to work, but I'll walk you out.

Oh.

I'll put this somewhere.

- Just a minute. - OK.

Sorry.

It's OK.

Thanks for walking me out.

It's OK. This is the shortcut.

Naeko.

Will you change your mind?

I won't confuse you two again.

Let's meet again.

I'll...

stay on this mountain.

Sorry.

I'll treasure your sash for the rest of my life.

- Your friend is here. - Ah!

Sorry I'm late. Thanks for agreeing to come.

Mr. Sada, don't sit there. Over there.

- Oh no... - Please sit there.

- Please. - Is it OK?

Please.

- Thank you. - Please.

I invited you all of a sudden. Thanks for coming.

Thank you so much.

Lately I don't see you at the guild meetings.

I got lazy.

But you're so hardworking, Mr. Mizuki.

Just fuzzing around.

- What is it? - Yes... - Close the door!

Well then. Enjoy.

- You met my sons recently? - Yes.

Your first time meeting Ryusuke.

- Not long ago. - Ryusuke is a go-getter.

When he's decided there's no stopping him.

You were like that when you were young.

Mr. Sada.

It's about Ryusuke.

Would you like to take him...

to your store?

- What for? - Ryusuke is attracted...

by your daughter!

Ryusuke and Chieko?

What?

Chieko has been friends with...

Shinichi all along.

But Shinichi...

told me Ryusuke has a crush on Chieko.

I asked Ryusuke, he said it's true.

- Really? - If...

you and Chieko...

consider Ryusuke a good match,

I'm shy to say this,

would you take Ryusuke as your adopted son?

Adopted son?

But he's...

to be your heir?

Win some, lose some.

I still have another son.

Thank you for your offer.

I don't have any idea.

I'd rather the young folks decide for themselves.

OK.

But... Mr. Mizuki.

- Yes? - Chieko...

- is a foundling. - Foundling? So what?

I ask you again.

Are you OK to let Ryusuke...

to come over and help you?

- Yes. - Thank you so much!

I finally got it off my chest!

This calls for a celebration.

Why are you looking at the books?

I want to know how the store is doing.

Why do you get interested in it now?

Just a bit interested.

Really?

- I'm going to bed. - Yes.

Hello. Sada residence.

Yes. I'm Chieko.

Naeko!

How I miss you!

Thanks for calling.

I'm so glad.

But it's not easy for you to call here.

What happened? I'm worried.

What?

Hideo?

Oh.

He did? I'm sorry.

It's that cold now over there?

It's chilly here too.

Naeko.

Please come visit me. Please.

Yes, I understand.

Don't worry.

Well then, you come after we've all gone to bed.

Spend the night here.

How does Chieko feel...

about Ryusuke Mizuki?

But we don't really know what Ryusuke thinks.

If it's Shinichi, it won't be too difficult to consider.

Well that...

- A phone call? - Yes.

From Naeko.

What was it about?

Dad. Mom.

For just one night,

please let her spend the night here.

Please.

Of course.

- She asked for that? - No.

I invited her.

She finally said yes.

That's great.

You're so considerate.

She's your sister, of course we're glad to have her.

- Thanks. - You don't have to say that.

Perhaps she's...

worried if she'd affect my future.

Time to sleep. I'm going to bed.

Have you checked on that girl?

Weren't you going to do it?

You said you would.

Not again! Following people!

- Here. - Thanks.

She's our daughter. We don't need to check, right?

We'll plant the new grove as we planned.

The next delivery date is next March.

The preparation has to be done by February.

- Let's do it. - Yes.

After the cedars are cut, the workers can start planting.

Take a tea break now.

Naeko, come here. Let's talk.

Yes.

We'd be busy cutting and planting.

I won't employ more workers.

So please take care of it.

I meant to choose the people most used to this mountain.

Can I do the white cedar saplings?

No, we should do Shibahara. They choose the white cedars halfway through.

Thanks for your hard work.

Taking this job,

you won't be getting away from the mountains.

Right!

- We're going to Tadasunomori, right? - Yes.

You're very nervous.

I know.

Huh?

- Been waiting? - Not really.

Shinichi gave me a ride.

I'm the Gion festival boy, after all.

But that's OK.

I asked you out...

to ask you, have you heard about me from your father?

Yes.

I didn't ask my father,

but he went and talked to your father anyway.

- What? - But what he said is true.

I mean, well...

he spoke my mind.

I'm sorry.

So I asked you out today, to apologize.

Oh my.

My dad treats everything like business,

he wants to fix a deal quickly.

My dad...

said he wished he could be...

half as decisive as your father.

But Chieko,

what do you think of this?

- Yes... - So you mean...

I can come?

Well...

I know someone who's quite similar to you.

To me?

That's very rare.

Shinichi told me...

that you were a foundling and have a twin sister.

Shinichi has always treated you like family.

I think so too.

- He's like a playmate. - Playmate?

I see. A playmate is someone who won't hate others.

The one that Shinichi saw at the night festival,

was your sister?

She's been living on the mountains?

She doesn't have an easy life.

So that means,

the baby not abandoned...

has to suffer.

I don't know much but,

in the past, woodcutting on the Kitayama mountains...

was even tougher than today.

About me.

About life.

About kids.

So many things to worry about.

It's tough.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Her...

her father...

had an unhappy life and died.

He was the main support of the family.

Naeko's mother, who was young then,

must have been in a fix.

The mother...

died soon after.

So Naeko became an orphan?

I wish I could...

share my happiness with Naeko.

Madam, I'm going now.

Yes.

Take care.

But you...

You aren't wearing that sash?

- Right. - Why?

I get it.

The substitute thing.

When will you be back?

Just one night.

I brought my pyjamas.

Then have a safe trip.

- Don't let me worry. - Yes.

Naeko.

Happy?

So you're going there.

You're stopping me?

No.

I'll walk you to the bus stop.

This.

Still awake?

I told you many times that you have to wake up early.

Sorry!

I hope you've both been to the lavatory. It's noisy going down the stairs at night.

Yes!

Switch off the lights before you get in your beddings.

- You hear me? - Yes!

Chieko, does this look alright on me?

Huh?

Yes.

Don't dress too formal.

Still, it's our first meeting.

Those kids didn't really want to sleep tonight.

Naughty.

- Have they gone to bed now? - Yes.

Chieko, stop doing the dishes!

This can wait until tomorrow.

I'm almost done.

Does she really know the way?

It's her first time here.

I told her earlier.

Would she come on an empty stomach?

It's quite late now. She'd have eaten.

I know, but what if?

Naeko.

- Hello. - You're here at last!

Your hands are cold!

Come in.

- Give me that. - Thanks.

Chieko.

How should I greet your parents?

I've talked to them. Just say "I'm Naeko."

Dad! Mom!

Naeko is here.

I'm Naeko.

How alike!

I can't tell you apart.

Hello. Thanks for coming.

Greetings.

It's now quite cold on the mountains, right?

Yes.

It's snowing day and night.

Come up. Don't be shy.

Treat this as your home.

Thanks.

Have you eaten?

Yes. Thank you.

I see.

Don't just sit here.

- Bring tea. - I know. Chieko.

Bring her upstairs and talk all you want.

Yes.

- Naeko, let's go up. - Yes.

I'll take this away.

Naeko. Come here.

We're really the very images of each other.

Wow.

Because we're twins.

What would happen if everyone had twins?

There will be mistakes and troubles every day.

Right, we won't be free then.

- Miss. - We're sisters.

Call me Chieko.

OK. Chieko.

Your parents are nice.

They are.

How old were you when you...

started working at that house?

They took me in when I was 8.

The master and the mistress are good people.

They're nice to me.

Naeko!

You really can't come and live with us?

Dad and Mom said yes.

I feel so lonely on my own!

Chieko.

Our lives are so different.

We also see things differently.

I really can't live...

in a city store.

Just once.

Just this once.

I won't come anymore.

Naeko.

Crybaby.

Yes.

I'm so proud,

I work twice as hard.

But I'm a crybaby.

It's so quiet upstairs.

Of course. They aren't kids.

Even the room is too small for both,

Chieko must be very happy.

If you like, then take her in.

No need to check her up.

Huh?

It's scary,

they look so alike.

It's like seeing double.

It's started.

Winter rain? Sleet?

Or both?

I think it's really snowing.

- Snow? - It's quiet.

Perhaps not?

So it's really snowing.

Yes.

I feel so blessed tonight.

Naeko, have you thought of getting married?

Yes, I do.

I'm getting married.

Huh?

The son of a kimono store.

It's getting cold. Get in the bedding.

Naeko, you're so warm.

Of course. We have different occupations.

And different homes.

It's the other way around.

What is?

I seem to be the younger one.

Actually you can't really say which twin is older.

It's just decided by...

who got out of the womb first.

Dad and Mom have gone to sleep.

Chieko, this bedding is now warm.

I'll go to the other one.

This will be a cold night, I guess.

It's snowing hard.

And it hasn't stopped.

Snowing hard.

Tonight.

Chieko.

I'll never forget how happy we were last night.

I'm now leaving, before they see me.

It may snow again.

I made this myself.

Take it.

My pleasure.

Miss.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Please...

come again.

THE END