Original subtitles

Ten years?

Yeah.

I plan to train overseas to be a cellist.

Then while you're in Italy...

I'll keep working hard writing stories.

1998

"Ms. Shizuku Tsukishima"

♪ If now ♪

♪ I could grant my wish ♪

♪ I'd wish to have those wings ♪

♪ Those wings just like the birds ♪

♪ That fly up in the air ♪

♪ So high up in the air ♪

♪ With feathers bright and fair ♪

Seiji!

♪ No wealth nor power can make ♪

Were you at it again yesterday?

Yeah. Grieg's third movement is still a little bit off.

♪ My heart filled with such joy ♪

Come on.

The more you look back at the sheet music and practice, the more new discoveries you will make.

♪ No more sadness no more pain ♪ ♪ No more anger no more hate ♪

♪ How I dream to have those wings ♪ ♪ And fly into the sky ♪

WHISPER OF THE HEART

"Tsukishima"

Let's eat.

It's nice they gave you days off.

What's Sis up to?

She's been busy with Koichi's transfer.

Oh, right.

What's the occasion?

For taking time off.

With Yuko getting married, I need to find a new place to live.

Even Yuko's tying the knot?

Yeah, everyone I know seems to be going that route.

So what about you?

Who, me?

It's way too early for that.

"Entry rejected: 32nd Children's Book Award for New Writers"

"Give me Wings by Shizuku Tsukishima"

"Blue Moon and Lake"

"The Angel and the Silver Heart"

"Loretta Behind a Star"

"Lucia and the Secret City"

"Checked out by: S. Amasawa 5/14 S. Tsukishima 8/19"

I wonder who this Seiji Amasawa is.

He always beats me to these books.

I bet he's wonderful.

Why is it so hot today?

Ms. Kosaka!

What's up, Shizuku?

Do me a huge favor!

It better not be something weird.

"School Library"

You really are a bookworm, Shizuku.

Bring it quickly.

Here you go.

This one, please.

Only one person has checked out this book so far.

It's a precious book.

"5/14 Seiji Amasawa"

Ms. Kosaka!

Do you know this person?

Amasawa?

Yeah, he's a bit of an "odd" one.

Odd?

Shizuku! You promised to meet me out front at 11!

I stood there for 15 minutes! I'll get freckles!

Sorry, Yuko.

Easy, Yuko. And stop worrying about freckles.

Shouldn't I be?

Fine, whatever. Sign the card.

I take freckles very seriously, Teacher.

We know.

The truth is... I received a love letter.

A love letter!?

Not so loud.

From who?

Yamazaki in Class I.

No way, from the Kendo club?

Yeah.

What will you do now?

I don't really know.

Do you like anyone?

You do, huh?

I wouldn't say "like", but there's someone I'm curious about.

Who?

You go first. Do you like anyone?

Who, me? Let me see...

You do!

Who is it? Confess!

Well..

What?

Hey Tsukishima!

Throw that ball to me!

Why should I? Benchwarmer!

I'll make starter soon.

I'll believe it when I see it.

Try to catch this, Tatsuya?

Wait, Yuko!

What's wrong?

So Tatsuya is the one you like, eh?

Yeah.

You'd make a good pair.

Relly?

Yeah, you have my support.

Thanks, but...

Oh no! I forgot my book. Go on ahead!

Excuse me.

That book.

Oh, so this is yours?

Here you go, Shizuku Tsukishima.

A little juvenile, don't you think?

A fairy falls in love with a human, but gives up her dream in the end.

Don't spoil it for me!

"S. Amasawa S. Tsukishima"

I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!

I hate him.

Shizuku, can you help me?

Coming!

Your father forgot his lunch.

Again?

Bento, bento, bento.

You by yourself, Kitty?

Where are you going?

What do you see?

Something interesting?

Wait!

Where'd he disappear to?

Here Kitty!

There you are! Wait up!

Where in the world are you going?

"Earth Shop?"

You can't be the cat I followed, can you?

Welcome.

Can I help you find something?

No, but this cat was alive moments ago.

This cat...

is called "Baron."

Baron?

"Suginomiya Central Library"

Found it!

I beat you, Seiji Amasawa.

"The Magic Forest"

Very interesting.

What?

Fairies are bad, but wizards are okay, huh?

Magic has a scientific basis. Fairies don't.

You're wrong.

Fairies can exist if wizards can.

No, they can't.

Yes, they can.

Quiet.

You like fairytales.

Don't be stupid. I don't.

Then why do you read them?

Mr. Librarian?

Sorry I'm late.

Sorry for the trouble.

Here's your lunch.

Why don't you join me?

The flavor's changed.

Yeah, new cook.

I preferred it before. Tastier broth.

Are you still writing...

stories?

Yeah, but they're terrible.

We get a lot of your company's books.

Really? We're a small publisher.

You could commute from home.

Instead of finding a new apartment.

Come back any time.

Thanks.

Hello?

Baron, long time no see.

Miss Shizuku.

Hello.

It's been a while.

I've come back.

I see. You've tried entering contests.

I don't have any illusions about winning.

I think it's wonderful.

You've continued to nurture your dream.

But I've been writing for ten years.

Only ten years, you mean.

You're right.

If Seiji can keep chasing his dream in Italy...

so can I.

Long ago when I looked at Baron, it's like I heard something brilliant.

A sound you might bury deep inside you and forget about.

Could that be your heart talking to you?

Hmm, I'm not so sure.

It felt more like an illusion.

Perhaps it wasn't an illusion.

I mean, it's brought you back here now, hasn't it?

I can't deny that.

I'm home.

Welcome back.

What're you doing?

I'm going through nostalgic old things.

Really? Like what?

Remember this exchange diary you and I kept?

Don't, it's embarrassing!

We fought over who was the cooler "Touch" character, Kazuya or Tatsuya.

You even took up rhythmic gymnastics.

Which I soon quit.

Good evening!

Tatsuya makes his entrance.

This looks like fun.

Only the name is the same.

Come again?

It's fine. You're my Tatsuya.

Ice-cream for my melting heart.

Don't be sappy.

What's that?

No way, Tatsuya.

Come on.

Ow, ow, ow.

Get a room, you two.

Very funny. What news?

Well, it's about my wedding tuxedo.

I thought we decided.

I know, but I kind of prefer the light gray.

I can't believe you two are marrying.

Way to go.

Yuko.

Ta... Tatsuya.

I was wondering...

if you had a spare moment.

Yeah.

Yuko?

Yeah?

You got a letter from Yamazaki, right?

He's hoping for an answer.

Why are YOU asking me this?

Wait!

Did I say something wrong?

Listen, Tatsuya.

Yuko seemed upset that you asked her that, right?

That's right.

In other words, she didn't want to hear it coming from you.

Do you get it?

No, I don't.

God, you're so slow.

It's because Yuko likes you!

What? Me?

No way.

That's a problem.

Cause I... I happen to like you!

Very funny, Tatsuya. Stop kidding around.

I'm not!

You're the one I like.

No, you can't.

Do you like someone?

I'm sorry!

Wait!

I like you too, Tatsuya.

But not the way you like me.

You and I have been friends for so long.

I want it to stay that way.

Forever?

Forever.

Okay.

What'll you do, Shizuku?

What do you mean?

You're not marrying Seiji?

Marry?

Nice going, Tatsuya.

Sorry he's so insensitive.

You two have been in love for ten years.

While you played the field.

You don't know that. Seiji might have a hot, Italian girlfriend.

He's not like that.

That's right. He's nothing like you.

Don't be so sure.

Bach, on the music sheet it says "agitato," right?

All you're playing is "pianissiomo."

You must be more passionate.

You think so?

I'm starving.

Schumann, listen to Sara more, and don't run off by yourself.

Okay, got it. I will.

Sara, in the staccato your articulation should be more crisp and clear.

Okay, I'll try.

Guys, take another look at the sheet music,

take a ten-minute break, then we'll take it from the top.

He's always such a perfectionist.

Seiji is very loyal to the score.

He is so Japanese.

"Tonton's Big Trip by Makoto Sonomura"

As good as always.

Tsukishima, a word!

Yes!

I've made changes to Sonomura's text.

It's total garbage.

Kids these days don't want pure fluff.

It needs a little more realism.

You think so?

Of course I do! It's lacking passion! Passion!

What's important is love. Love!

He's parroting commercials again.

Or thinks we make graphic comics.

He started in comics.

Boys' Boom, right?

I don't sense you in those, either.

Should you be taking paid holidays?

Forgive me.

Don't apologize. Okay, I'm done.

Are we not supposed to use our paid holidays?

It looks that way.

I've never once used them in my life.

Use them anyway and do what you want.

You're right.

But be prepared to quit.

Seriously?

The editorial desk would like to request these changes.

I see. I understand.

Thank you.

What did you think, Ms. Tsukishima?

As the editor of my work.

I thought...

that various input might better accentuate...

what makes your work so interesting.

It's for the greater enjoyment of the reader.

Boilerplate response.

I'll consider these.

Great. Thank you.

I'm back.

Nice work.

How was Mr. Sonomura?

He'll consider it.

That's a relief.

Are you okay with that, Tsukishima?

You must trust your own instincts.

Like being in love, a writer knows if your heart is in it.

I'm off.

Good luck.

What does she know? She's not even in a relationship.

She's seen Titanic too many times.

She has?

I'm with you, Miss Tsukishima.

There are times when personal feelings are not enough.

Every firm's got old men who hanker for the bubbly past.

He gets on some high horse about more love and passion...

but we make children's books. We're delivering dreams!

We don't have people willing to fight windmills anymore.

I really hate having to bend my principles to keep my job.

I want a world where I can be true to my feelings.

That reminds me. How was the contest?

I see.

But I admire you for clinging to your dreams.

I'm really not.

No, you are. Look around and most people have given up.

I guess so.

Not just with your writing, but with Seiji, too.

Ten years is a long time.

But if anyone can do it, it's you.

So true!

Gotta hang in there.

Gotta hang in there.

Hey, Kitty?

What brings you here, Tsukishima?

Um... a cat!

Oh, that's Moon.

Moon.

Why are you here?

This is my grandpa's shop.

Really? I had no idea.

So why are you here?

No, really. Moon brought me. I'm serious.

You're pretty good on that cello.

My grandpa was a cellist.

We used to have such fun playing together.

Is there something you love to do?

No, nothing like that.

But you're always reading fairytales and fantasy books.

So are you.

Yeah, well...

when I read, I can hear the cello playing.

Sometimes happy, sometimes sad.

Sometimes thrilling.

Wow, really?

I also like how reading makes me feel things, from bored to floored.

When I do, I hear sounds.

What sounds?

Um...

it's really hard to explain but something like...

water dropping in a pool.

Really? So the sounds we hear are different, but we're very similar.

My dream is to become a pro cellist.

It is?

But my dad wants me to be a doctor, so I practice in secret.

But it's great that you have a dream.

How about you? Don't you have one?

A dream?

I'm not sure if I do or not.

But recently, I can't hear the sound I used to from reading.

It's as if just reading a lot is no longer enough.

Then why don't you try writing?

What?

Try writing your own stories.

It's no use.

Engels Zimmer.

Baron's sparkle comes from a scratch made by the doll maker.

Called Engels Zimmer.

Engels Zimmer.

My grandpa found it in Germany as a young man.

He begged to have it sold to him.

But he had to return to Japan before a partner doll could be made.

He asked for it to be sent when ready but it never arrived.

Once war broke out, it became impossible to unite them.

My grandpa says he sits in this shop waiting for his love.

Why are you crying?

I don't know.

I just am.

"In the sky above Cat Station..."

"Dear Shizuku, how are you?"

"This year, I formed a string quartet based in Rome."

"I perform solo or do chamber music, and hope to release an album."

"Your letter calling for both of us to keep at it encouraged me."

"I pictured you under a distant sky giving it your all."

"That alone gave me the will to keep at it come what may."

"So thank you."

In this story, Pee and Poo are heroes.

"Hang in there, Shizuku."

Thanks for your quick revisions.

I wasn't sure what was needed, so could you take a look at it?

Yes, with pleasure.

Thank you, Mr. Sonomura.

How was it? I changed it just as you asked.

I think it's really wonderful.

You do?

Yes, I'll take it back now.

What's your opinion?

Which version do you like better?

The one now, or the one before.

I think...

I like...

Which do you like?

Ms. Tsukishima.

I'd like a new editor.

I need...

someone who listens to their heart.

Wait a minute.

Sorry guys.

Let's take a break.

What have you done, Tsukishima?

I've done nothing.

But he wants you removed as editor?

It's because I wasn't straight with him.

You're a writer, aren't you?

Yet you can't grasp the mind of one?

If you also suck as an editor, how will you ever write anything good?

Is your heart in it?

Oh, forget it. Go home!

I'm sorry.

You okay?

Yeah, sorry.

Mr. Sonomura's hard to please. I can't possibly be his editor.

No, you're very competent. You'll be fine.

I think you should ask him for a second chance.

You can't have it both ways.

Dreams are nice, but sometimes you need a reality check.

You treat editing as a side job.

No, I don't.

You get paid to be a professional. So be one.

Ms. Tsuda.

Isn't that a wee bit harsh?

Who asked you?

Sorry.

Mr. Isono can't attend.

Then add another friend.

I can't just do that.

I'm back.

Welcome home!

Let's turn this into a pizza party. There's plenty.

I already ate.

How about a drink?

No, thanks. I've still got work to do.

Oh, got it.

Enjoy yourselves.

You don't have to tell me. Maybe I'll crash here.

You really suck at reading a room.

Shizuku's clearly upset.

She is?

God, you're slow.

Short on sleep?

A little.

You look it.

What is it, Shizuku?

What's going on?

Can I help you, Tsukishima?

Pardon me!

I think they call that "love."

Are you sure?

You found out Amasawa's not a creep.

But I distinctly recall hating him.

That's before you saw his virtues.

Seems unfair to say, "I changed after seeing your good side."

Just be honest with your feelings.

I've decided to tell Tatsuya exactly that... my true feelings.

I tried being friends.

But it was no use. He just kept growing inside my heart.

I don't care if he rejects me. I have to tell him how I feel.

I am listening.

What did I say?

Tamagotchi, right?

No! See? Not listening.

Yes, I am.

Hey Tsukishima!

There's a boy to see you.

Yo.

Oh my God.

Shizuku, that's Amasawa of Class 3. Since when?

No, it's not like that!

Tsukishima has a boyfriend!

No, it's nothing like that!

Don't call me out in front of the class.

Don't be so self-conscious.

Why?

Isn't it weirder to lurk outside your classroom?

So... what do you want?

You've been acting strange.

The other day in the hall, you avoided me.

You stopped coming to see Baron.

Are you writing your story?

Well that's...

When you finish, let me read it first.

What? No way!

Stories are meant for people to read, aren't they?

Let me be your first reader.

Shizuku Tsukishima's story.

Ha ha ha. I'll have to think about it.

Finally, a smile.

That's more like it.

It's not a show!

"The End"

I did it.

Hello!

Hi, come on in.

Tsukishima?

I know that song!

Yeah. "Wings to Fly."

We sang it in chorus!

I like it, so I made my own arrangement.

I like it, too.

That's what I thought.

Why?

Because we're a lot alike.

No, we're not!

What's the occasion?

I finished writing.

What, your story?

"Baron's Tale by Shizuku Tsukishima"

Yeah.

Thanks. So I'm to be its very first reader, huh?

It's okay if you think it's no good. Tell me if it's boring.

Don't worry. I'll read it seriously.

The first step toward your dream.

Don't exaggerate.

You can sing, right?

Wings to Fly. You sing, I'll play.

First step celebration. You ready?

Good morning.

I'm back again.

Hello, Miss Shizuku.

Good morning.

Good morning.

That must have been vexing.

I really started to hate myself.

May I?

Yes, please.

The real world puts a lot of constraints on a person.

It sure does.

So do you think you can get back the whisper in your heart?

I really don't know.

Miss Shizuku.

Imagine yourself having saved up a pool of water inside your heart.

Water?

As a child, the water is very clear, still and pure.

But as you grow, it sprays this way and that, and changes shape.

With knowledge and experience, it even takes on different colors.

When you become an adult, the outside world interferes.

It presses down on you with all of its demands.

That's when that water of the soul hardens.

The sound that was once so clear can no longer be heard.

How do I melt that hardened water?

By listening to your heart's whispers.

Your heart is a mirror that reflects you.

If you are struggling to know what to do...

ask your heart, and it will answer you.

My heart's whispers?

Prick up your ears like this.

Prick up my ears.

Do that and you'll feel that hard lump begin to melt...

and your heart's voice will come through.

Or so they say.

Wait, what?

It's just an allegory.

Don't tease me.

But I'll tell you that from long ago...

people have said to put your hand to your heart, right?

That's because the answer lies within.

All the millions of people that have lived their lives thinking that...

can't possibly be wrong, can they?

No, they can't.

How about Salisbury steak?

You want to make that?

Yeah. I'd like to try.

Is it easy?

Yeah, I think so.

You don't sound confident.

Amasawa?

Tsukishima.

Here, I read it.

It stunk, right?

I already know it's childish and poorly written.

It was wonderful.

It may need polish, but I could feel your honesty.

You're kidding.

I mean it.

I loved when the girl appeared to the lonely Baron.

Thanks.

You've got talent. Keep writing!

I believe you've got more stories.

In fact, you motivated me to speak to my dad...

about playing the cello.

And what did he say?

"If you're set on it, see it through."

That's great!

Yeah. I'll be going to Italy from next year.

My grandpa knows a top cellist.

I'm hoping he'll agree to teach me.

Where's your umbrella?

I forgot it.

I'll take you to the station.

It's okay.

I'll wait for the rain to stop.

It won't.

It will.

Okay. See you later.

Did he really just leave?

Okay, here goes.

Say it if you mean it.

Hey, that's mine.

At least say thanks.

Thanks.

I'll hold it.

Never mind.

Welcome home!

You're drenched, Shizuku.

I forgot my umbrella.

Go warm up in a bath first.

Cheers!

Nothing beats drinking with friends.

Or hotpot in winter.

Thanks. Let's eat.

Mm, that's good.

Where'd you go today?

My hometown.

And the Earth Shop?

Uh, yeah.

Back for a bit of creative spark? I admire that drive.

I guess.

For Shizuku, it's her roots.

Roots, right. The place you have memories of Seiji?

It's not just that, right?

What else is there?

You needn't know.

Why not?

There's a cat doll named Baron who starred in my very first story.

Ah, so it's the place where Shizuku's dream was born.

Something like that.

Okay, hold on. What's bothering you?

I've just been wondering whether I should keep pursuing that dream.

Do what feels right to you.

Yeah, but I'm 25. Perhaps it's time to face up to reality a bit.

Plus, you two are marrying.

That's true, but you can't abandon your dream.

I can if I don't have the talent.

Don't say that.

If it's painful, quitting is an option.

What? I grew up admiring you and Seiji for having purpose.

Seiji and I are different cases.

Dreams are dreams. Don't throw in the towel so easily.

I don't even know what my dream is anymore.

We're taught to persevere but ten years is a long time!

Ten years with nothing to show for it...

but failed work and no way to see the one person that might help.

It's been this way for a decade.

I have no idea where to go from here.

All I get at the Earth Shop are past memories.

I know it's up to me to break the impasse.

I know that but I still can't figure out what to do!

The answers don't come easily for work or love.

I think you have the answer.

You're going to see Seiji.

Yeah.

That's the best choice.

I agree.

Pronto.

Hello?

Shizuku?

What's up?

Nothing.

I'm visiting Italy.

Really? For work?

No.

I want to see you.

Can you take off work?

Yeah.

What day?

I'm not sure yet.

Okay. Call me when you know.

I can't wait.

Me, neither.

Later then.

Good night.

Good night.

Who was it?

My girlfriend.

She's coming here from Japan next week.

If she the girl in the photo?

Yeah.

It's Shizuku, right?

You remembered.

Yes, Shizuku Tsukishima.

My most important person.

Right, then.

You're using your paid holidays?

I need to time for self-reflection.

Self-reflection, huh?

Are you planning to quit the firm?

No, but I'm aware of the consequences.

I can't permit it.

You're kidding.

We're already a skeleton crew. Think of the others.

It's self-centered and self-serving.

Look around before you self reflect.

In that case...

I have no choice but...

Chief!

What?

I can handle Miss Tsukishima's work. Please approve her vacation.

How long have you worked here?

It's my first year.

Remind me that you have such ability.

I don't, but I'll do my best.

Listen carefully.

Chief.

Treat it as absence for bereavement.

She had a death in the family.

What are you saying, Tsuda?

Who'll suffer most if we lose someone in this already tiny section?

Having a subordinate quit would harm our evaluation.

I suppose you have a point.

That would cause trouble at home as well as work.

Fine, then.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Don't forget what you said, Takagi!

Yes, Sir!

I'm sorry.

Don't worry about it.

Thanks.

No problem.

Thank you so much.

You'd best brief Takagi on your work.

Of course.

DiCaprio in Titanic.

"Life is a gift. I don't intend on wasting it."

Here's your chance to give your life a good look.

Okay. Thank you very much.

Seiji.

I'm wanna go

Bye.

See you.

Shizuku.

Welcome back, Seiji.

Thanks.

You made it.

Here I am.

Is that all you got?

Back at the hotel.

Of course.

Did you eat?

Not yet.

Grab a bite?

Just give me a second.

How are you, Seiji?

Good, thanks.

Enjoy.

What would you like?

You choose.

Yeah? Okay.

Seiji, what can I get you?

Let me see.

The usual for two.

To drink?

House wine.

You got it.

Thank you.

Come here often?

With bandmates, yeah.

Bandmates, huh?

You've become a full-fledged Italian.

Well, it has been ten years.

It has been ten years.

Bravo!

It's all so wonderful, Seiji.

What's this about?

I never seem to be able to catch up.

That's not true.

No, it is!

Pardon me. Your red wine.

And for Madame.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Thank you.

Bon appetit.

Here goes.

Mm! Delicious!

I'm glad.

Thank you.

Any plans tomorrow?

Nothing definite.

I see.

Well, we're performing. Would you like to come?

I would!

Can you come to the Trastevere piazza by 12:30?

Sure. I'II figure it out.

Ah, now I can't wait.

It's been so long since I saw you play.

Shizuku.

Can you come over after this?

Yeah.

Come in.

Excuse me.

What a story.

It was all my fault to be honest.

Sit anywhere.

This writer, Sonomura...

sounds like he trusts you.

What? No, it's the opposite.

But he got angry.

That's because I failed to give him a straight answer.

Right, he had high expectations.

He wouldn't have been upset unless he valued your judgment.

I wonder.

Here you go.

Thanks.

I've decided...

to stop writing stories.

Another contest rejected me.

I'm sorry.

Reality hasn't gone easy on me.

Enough dreaming, I think.

I've stopped...

hearing the sound myself.

I used to hear sounds in my head when I read.

Since coming here for music...

I've lost that hearing.

Me, too.

That figures.

In fact, I told that to your grandpa.

He told me to listen to my heart.

Like this.

Listen to your heart?

I believe that dreams can change shape.

First, I loved the cello and wanted to become a pro.

Then I met you and you gave me the courage I sought.

I came all this way.

And actually became a cellist.

The composer Vivaldi...

said, "You measure life by how much you can laugh."

So when I play, I try to make as many people smile as I possibly can.

That's my current dream.

I see.

Even if you quit writing, your work as editor...

could bring smiles to the people and authors you work with...

not to mention all the people who encounter those books.

Yeah, you're right.

But I don't want you to stop dreaming.

Personally, I want you to keep writing stories.

Wait, which is it?

Which one do you think?

What do you mean?

I don't know.

Listen closely.

"It's okay to quit?"

"Please do not quit."

"You are a fool?"

Wrong!

Be that way.

Sing.

No way.

It might reveal an answer.

It's so late.

The place is soundproofed.

Here we go.

♪ If now, I could grant my wish ♪

♪ I'd wish to have those wings ♪

♪ Those wings just like the birds ♪

♪ That fly up in the air ♪

♪ So high up in the air ♪

♪ With feathers bright and fair ♪

♪ No wealth nor power can make ♪

♪ My heart filled with such joy ♪

♪ Want to spread my wings and fly Away into the sky ♪

♪ How I dream to be so free ♪

♪ No more sadness no more pain No more anger no more hate ♪

♪ How I dream to have those wings And fly into the sky ♪

♪ So high up in the air ♪

♪ With feathers bright and fair ♪

♪ No wealth nor power can make ♪

♪ My heart filled with such joy ♪

♪ Want to spread my wings and fly Away into the sky ♪

♪ How I dream to be so free ♪

♪ No more sadness no more pain No more anger no more hate ♪

♪ How I dream to have those wings ♪

♪ Want to spread my wings and fly Away into the sky ♪

♪ How I dream to be so free ♪

♪ No more sadness no more pain No more anger no more hate ♪

♪ How I dream to have those wings And fly into the sky ♪

That was so exhilarating!

First fun I've had in a while.

Tell me something.

What?

Should I...

be waiting for you, Seiji?

Shizuku.

Excuse me.

What are you doing here?

Hi.

Sorry to show up like this,

Did something happen?

Shizuku's here, right?

She is.

Can I have a word with her?

Why?

Sara!

Good evening.

Good evening.

This is Sara of my quartet.

Hello.

Shizuku, do you love Seiji?

What are you talking about, Sara?

Because I love Seiji.

What's going on?!

There's no way a long-distance relationship can last for 10 years.

Do you really love him?

Maybe it's that you just don't want to give up.

I mean, you live in completely different worlds.

Sara!

I love him. I truly do.

Sara,

you've made your point. Now, please go.

I'm sorry.

No, Seiji, I should leave.

No.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Wait!

No!

Don't go Seiji, please.

There you are.

I figured only you'd find me here.

You haven't changed even after ten years.

Seiji!

We have to get going.

I know.

Okay.

You live in completely different worlds.

Don't be such a wimp, Tatsuya.

You have too much stuff.

So that's the limit of your love, huh?

Of course not.

You can still back out.

I'm dying here.

Shizuku!

I'm back.

How did it go?

Great. I feel refreshed.

Yeah? That's good to hear.

Long-distance relationships are too hard.

We broke it off.

What?

Let me get that!

No, I'm fine, thanks.

What's going on?

Thanks for giving me time off.

Ready to embrace work anew?

I am.

I have a request.

Already?

I'd like to go apologize to Mr. Sonomura.

Good idea.

Is it okay?

Of course it is. Go apologize properly.

Takagi, make an appointment with him.

Yes, Sir!

Thank you.

Congrats, Ms. Tsukishima!

Life is a gift. DiCaprio taught me that.

You met him in Italy?

I'll try not to waste it.

Here.

Thank you.

Thank you for taking the time to see us.

Sure.

I plead your forgiveness for my improper behavior the other day.

Please get up.

Would you give me another chance as your editor?

Please!

Get off the floor.

Takagi, make her stop.

Certainly!

Ms. Tsukishima.

Get off your knees, Ms. Tsukishima.

Please sit.

Yes.

Ms. Tsukishima.

My editor is Takagi right now.

Yes.

So I cannot return you as my editor.

But do you...

remember the first time we met?

You read my manuscript.

Forgive me but this won't do.

What's wrong with it?

You have Big Bernie dying in the end. It's too sad.

You gave me your honest opinion.

I thought, "Now here's a person I can trust."

That's who you are at heart, I believe.

So please keep doing what you do.

I will.

Right, Takagi?

Yes!

Are you still writing, Ms. Tsukishima?

I was writing up until very recently.

But I plan to stop now.

Why?

I found myself so caught up with having to write...

I forgot the importance of wanting to write.

I see.

You made me realize it.

To be more honest with myself.

Knowing you, Ms. Tsukishima...

I firmly believe you'll write a wonderful story someday.

Keep at it.

Thank you.

You found yourself.

Seiji was a big help in that, too.

Are you sure you're done?

Going to Italy brought clarity.

Seiji is living his dream and it sparkles.

It's a world separate from mine.

And ten years apart was hard to take.

I was stubbornly fooling myself, straining to keep it alive.

I get it.

You're moving back home, then?

Yes, in a week.

I will miss this house.

You're sad to leave?

Of course I am.

Uh, what about me?

Shizuku, thanks for 3 great years!

Same here!

Our door is always open to you.

I'll be there.

We're lifelong friends, right?

That depends.

On what?

Cheat on me and out you go.

I wouldn't cheat.

You mean it?

Of course I do.

But seriously, I feel we're being watched over by someone.

What do you mean?

I mean that all the choices in our lives to this point...

whether big or small, have produced the results...

leading us to this current moment.

Suddenly, he's a philosopher.

I mean here we are with Shizuku having split with Seiji.

Nobody knows what the future holds.

Yeah, you could patch things up.

I doubt that.

But it's exciting to think our choices are creating our future selves.

Good morning.

Good morning.

We have an album now, right?

Yes.

I think it's perfect for our music.

Check it out!

Yeah, yeah, it's great!

What kind of album shall we make next?

I want to make music about the scenery of Japan.

What do you think?

The scenery of Japan? That's crazy.

You're right. It's crazy.

You take care.

Thanks.

See you soon.

You bet.

See you!

Drive safely!

Will do!

"Dear Shizuku."

"I'm so sorry you came all this way for how it ended."

"I never got to answer your question."

"So I will write in this letter everything I couldn't tell you."

"The first time I saw you was in the Central Library."

"I was intrigued when I saw that you checked out the same book I did."

"With every change in expression you showed as you read..."

"I found myself drawn to you."

"Before long, I was able to guess what books you might check out next."

"By the first time we talked..."

"I was already madly in love with you."

Excuse me.

That book.

Ah, so this is yours.

"But..."

I hate him.

"I was too proud to let my feelings show."

"But the more time we spent together..."

"the more my heart melted."

"Then there was the day I finally told you."

Wow, it's beautiful.

I wanted to see this together with you.

Amasawa?

I have to...

tell you something.

Tsukishima.

I like you, Shizuku.

I swore to myself I'd tell you today.

I like you, Shizuku.

I wanted to say...

me too. I like you, too, Seiji.

The thing is it'll take me ten years to become a true cellist.

Ten years?

I'm going to study abroad and turn pro.

Then while you're in Italy...

I'll keep practicing writing... stories.

We can achieve our dreams together.

Okay, let's promise.

Promise.

"The promise we made that day..."

"has led us to where we are now."

"When we sang "Wings to Fly" the other day..."

That was so exhilarating!

First fun I've had in a while.

"it felt like you'd melted my heart all over again."

"I'd been so single-minded here..."

"and focused on technique that I forgot to enjoy the music."

"You're like the Sun to me, Shizuku."

"That's why I don't want you to give up on your dream."

"That is the most fervent wish.."

"of writer Shizuku Tsukishima's first reader..."

"Seiji Amasawa."

"Dear Seiji, thank you for the letter."

"Thanks to you, I can hear the sound of my heart again."

"I won't give up on my dream."

"I want to give writing another go."

"Though I don't know how long it'll take."

We should make it smaller.

You got it.

Tsukishima, come here.

"I'm moving forward a little at a time."

Manuscript done!

Thank you!

"It's just like you said, dreams don't die, they just change shape."

"Now I pray that the story I'm writing..."

"will someday reach into someone's heart."

"And so I write by listening to my heart as best as I can."

Shizuku?

Hang in there.

Thanks.

"And when the story's finished..."

See you tonight.

Have a good day.

"I'd be happy if you would read it first."

Okay.

"Baron had watched over everything."

"And Midori couldn't help but keep running."

"For she knew that up ahead lay the answer."

It's done.

Seiji?

Why?

Good morning.

Good morning... but why?

A miracle. We meet again.

At this hour.

Let's go then.

Gotta keep our promise, right?

Here, hop on.

Here we go.

How'd you find my house?

A class list. I really wanted to see you, and I did.

Must be destiny.

Let's promise.

I promise.

I don't know when it'll be, but let's return here.

Okay.

This is tough.

I can hop off.

No, I'll make it.

I'm still the same weight as back then.

Liar.

We made it.

This is why you picked now.

Well, that's one reason.

My music told me what I needed.

What was that?

That I needed to come home.

I can aim for the world from Japan.

I see.

It took me ten years...

to realize I need you after all.

I want you by my side.

I want to make new dreams with you, Shizuku.

Shizuku Tsukishima...

will you marry me, please?

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, I will!

I love you.

Me, too.

I love you.

"Whisper of the Heart by Shizuku Tsukishima"

Nana SEINO

Tori MATSUZAKA

Based on the manga "Whisper of the Heart" by Aoi HIIRAGI (Shueisha Bunko)

Theme Song "Wings to Fly" by Anne

Written and directed by Yuichiro HIRAKAWA