All language subtitles for Intimacies.2012.Ryûsuke.Hamaguchi.Part.2.en

I'm Etsuko Shiomi.

I'm finally an office lady.

Some people look at me now

and need to make jokes.

More ón that later.

Mr. Toyama's invite has
brought me back on stage

I'm quite-nervous.

Northern Poets is
a fantastic name.

It' came about from-our
use oflthe North Hall.

It's beautiful.

I'd like to share my-own
heartfelt words in poem

But my absence has
given me writer's block.

So I'll share an older poem
of mine entitled, "Question.'

This highly praised poem garnered
me various invites during high school.

The poem-uplifted_me,

but also startedto
bring me-sorrow..

I_don't-intend to
drag you down

ShallI begin?

Question.

If everyone in the world
would answer one question,

what would you ask?

What do you do
when love sours?

What do you do when
you are longing for death?

How do you make
unreasonable choices?

Why are you alive?

Why shouldn't you murder?

What is justice?

What color is love?

What is real kindness?

Where do you come and go?

What's your first memory?

Can you tell me the
miracles you've seen?

Can you tell me
what you're worth?

Am I cool?

Do you like me?

What do you think of me?

Can you love me more?

This is like a question, but it's not.

No requests.

Therefore,

are you not in fact me?

Am I not you?

No, I am not.

Well who are you?

I am you to you.

Why so definitive?

Our bodies are obviously split.

Why not hold my hand?

We will separate.

Why not have sex?

That's the same.

Can we connect not physically?

I withhold.

Why did you withhold?

I'm more than my body.

In what way?

I can't say.

Don't you know?

Not precisely.

There are things
you don't know?

Of course.

There is much I don't.

Then...

I'm just like you.

Then...

a little of you may be me.

What's the next question?

Mamoru Noguchi.

I usually work at
a baking factory.

My poems don't articulate that.

I'll start.

Fireworks.

I have no words
to approach you.

My soul fades like
fireworks into the night.

Each time my words
do not soar in you,

my soul-fades even further.

Words are-tumbling everywhere.

At a late-night diner.

At a sleepy train station.

Up in the blue sky.

By a light pole soaked in dog urine.

My unignitable words are
oxidized by the surrounding sky.

Oxidized words tumble
down to the ground.

I blame you for not igniting.

I bathe you in my cold words.

I hate my words
extinguishing you.

I refuse your warmth.

ignore your words.

My words piled on the ground
are ignited by your sparkler.

Unlike beautiful fireworks,
blue, red, and gold in color,

it was like an initial explosion.

The explosion was small,

yet it still resonates in my body.

My soul is suddenly ignited.

This way

Coffee.

Latte.
Thank you.

That's everything.

Make sure.

It's fine.

Here's yours.

I think that's everything.

A dryer, underwear, pajamas,
better not check here.

IHoaned you this?

Sorry for stuff like this
Better Explanations" book.

I kinda see now.

I'm shocked.

I know.

You've never been this
decisive in the past.

Maybe.

You were different in Thailand.

Sorry

But...

You know...

There's something I don't get.

Why so sudden?

It hasn't really sunken in.

I treated you well.

Didn't I?

You were kind.

Okay.

Good.

I'm still wondering why.

It's not your fault.

My fault..

Don't say that.

Can you change that fast?

Are you a different person now?

Our relationship has changed.

That's quite stubborn.

Couldn't we just take a break?

My mind's made up.

Hold on.

That's one-sided.

Do you get to decide everything?

No second chance?

I'm not good with words.

I like that about you.

I know I speak too frankly,

even though I shouldn't.

Ipreferred touching you.

Oh...

It was wrong of me.

I'm sorry.

That doesn't mean you're wrong

I can't explain.

- I'm sorry.
- I love you

I thought with you,

we could grow old and
still be happy together.

Can't we?

Why not?

I don't get it.

Tell me.

Because of America?

I'm going next year.
That's not it!

At least give me some kind
of advice for the future.

Is there someone else?

No.

That feels...

like you're blaming
me as a person.

Blame...

You're not?

You don't seem to
hate me right now.

Because I don't.

Well, then.

guess you just don't
love me anymore.

That's a bit rough.

And sudden.

It's not sudden.

Things may seem like
they're black or white,

but for me, there were
shades of gray.

Oh

You're saying I didn't notice?

You didn't.

I didn't?

Quit being condescending

That's selfish.

I'm gonna go.

Finish your latte.

I'm leaving

Can I still call you?

Sure,

but I may not answer.

Right...

Don't feel bad if I don't.

Bye.

Mamoru.

Usually late Sis?

I was getting flowers.

Sorry.

It's okay, Dad'll like these.

Zoshigaya Cemetery
is big for Tokyo.

Almost there.

Do you read Soseki?

Is it the gigantic one?

That's Soseki's grave.

Have you read him?

The last half of "Kokoro."

Why?

My textbook had it.

"Sanshiro" is good.

Mineko's the protagonist.

The novel shows that men
have never understood women.

Why would I enjoy that?

- You came.
- Absolutely.

You came too.

I guess.

I'm his sister Yukie Noguchi.

Hello.

This is Kayoko Kanamori.

Call me Kayoko.

You came to visit our Dad's grave?

Yes.

The same flowers..

You didn't tell her

Why didn't you?

It's family stuff.

How old's your Mom?

She's young

Too old to be pregnant.

Not that old.

I laughed when she
called us to the table

and told us, "I'm pregnant."

My legs shook in shock.

I couldn't talk.

Ifound out how that feels.

She was embarrassed,
saying she's gonna have it.

That's cute.

It was crazy.

I was thrilled.

He's asking what the guy thinks,

like he's her father.

He would.

It's important.

Dad's been dead 6 years.

We knew when Mom dated,
it'd be weird if she didn't.

It was great.

But this is too fast.

That's love.

It is.

That's impossible.

She told us about birth control
when I first started dating.

How old were you?

9th grade.

Oh, wow...

Even then, it's still too late.

Most Moms worry about
9th graders' entrance exams.

Dad dying was the
hardest time for her.

You never told me.

I'm why my Mom had
a shotgun wedding.

We're actually not
related by blood.

I know, I heard.

Well, she didn't want
it happening to me.

I used to worry that I was
some kind of big mistake.

What'd I do in 20 years if I
did the same thing as her?

Sorry about your flowers.

We didn't waste it.

Soseki's probably turning
in his grave happily.

Soseki in the grass fits.

Because he wrote
"The Grass Pillow?"

Exactly.

Dating him's gotta be boring.

I wouldn't know yet.

Nice flirty eyes.

How long?

You are dating?

A month.

I had no idea.

You guys are cute.

Such aura.

I'm glad.

How'd you meet if we're
in the same college?

I've known him.

You're younger?

5 years

1 older than me.

Can I get class notes?

You're literature?

Whatever I have,
but I'm economics.

Yukie's dating a
younger student.

Why're you spouting old news?

Again.
I'm single.

You're like an older sister.

I was an only child until
his Dad married my Mom.

He's like the older brother.

You guys are so close.

I'm jealous.

He was so dark at first,
I've put in a lot of work.

I strived to make sure
the house stayed bright.

You're an only child?

Hometown?
Kobe.

You don't have an accent.

It's been 3 years.

Ah, Shin!

Why's Shinnosuke calling you?

Because I called him.

She's cute.

She's nice

She's a bit slutty though.

You're awful.

So, you went to college with her?

You never asked.

I wouldn't have figured it out.

Should we tell her about us?

It's a pain.

Everything's a pain.

Imissed my chance

Shin's gonna come by.

He's Mamoru's roommate.

Shin?

We were postmates.

Postmates?

Post office job.

Don't get involved with him.

What does that mean?

What's going on?

Anniversary of Dad's death.

I don't know what to say..

But it's fine.

This is Kayoko, Shin.

I'm Shinnosuke.

Kayoko.

I work at the post office.

I'm a year ahead of
Yukie at our college.

Acquaintances?

Coincidence.

Have you been to Mamoru's place?

- No.
-Let's go.

A 10 minute walk.

Is it okay?

Then, let's go.

I'lI go clean up.

Weird.

Is he hiding something?

Probably.

Lie rather than agree!

They're a new couple.

I had no idea.

I don't know much
about his love life.

Never came up?

Sometimes mine does.

He was single for a while
as far asI know.

You've got someone?

Enough about me.

If I ask about Mamoru,
I'll step on a landmine.

Then step.
- Really?

So what's Mamoru like?

Asking me?

don't know him well.

I don't really either.

He's a serious guy

He struggles sometimes.

He should let things
go but he can't.

If you know that,
you will be fine.

He's really a good guy.

He can be a pain,
but he's all right.

I'm glad, but I knew that already.

You knew?

You would.

You wanted something new?

I didn't expect much.

Here's a secret you don't know.

He's a poet.

The Darjeeling's a pot?

Yes.

Darjeeling for me.

I'll have.

hot chocolate.

Thanks.

You don't like it?

Talking about Mamoru.

Do I seem that way.

Your face says it's
not working out.

I don't see him much.

What an ass.

I don't contact
him much either.

You're both even-keeled.

The spark's still there.

Sweet.

I'm out job hunting too.

Lonely?

I enjoy being alone.

I'm not not lonely.

You wanna go hear
Mamoru's poetry?

He'd turn so red.

You too.
Did he invite you?

Nah, he's too bashful

Next Sunday at the North Hall.

- He invited you?
- No, Shin did.

Flirting?

He's mature and easy-going.

He seems that way.

I don't have many friends.

Really?

Especially girls.

Oh.

I've done some things.

You're my first girl
friend in a while.

I'm glad.

I hope we'll be friends
even if you break up.

f course.

I'm so happy.

Shin's also an older guy friend
but he's the first in a long while.

As usual though,
he's a friend of Mamoru'sS...

You and Mamoru are close.

Well, we met when I was in
5th grade and he was in 10th.

I'm the one who made the effort.

We've gotten along since then.

So

what'd you think of Shin?

What'd I think?

I trust your intuition.

He's nice and a good listener.

Yukie.

You really like him.

You think so?
- I do.

I guess I do like him.

You do.

It's a problem if I do.

Why?

I've told him.

About your ex's?

I didn't mention all of them,
but he may think I'm really easy.

You can be great
friends and awful lovers.

Really?

I was once full of myself
crashing into cliques.

It happens.

You know how it goes
keeping the peace.

I have an idea.

Thinking back on it,
I've always been this way

I can never tell the difference
between friends and lovers?

There were times
when I just did it.

I learned a thing or two.

Yeah.

But I can't this time.

Better to wait.

Yeah, you're right.

What am I supposed to do?

Hmm...

What do you think?

Ask him on a date.

We've gone out 6 or 7 times.

We've gone different places
something should've happened.

I can't make the move.

Why?

I wouldn't be comfortable together
if I really told him how I feel now.

Shin's not like that,

but I don't want to seem easy.

I'd hate ending that way.

You want his love.

- Yeah.
- I know.

Greedy.

- Really?
- Sure.

You're right.

Can I give advice
as an older woman?

Please!

I don't have much experience.

When I like a guy
I get them to like me.

You're amazing.

There's a trick.

What?

Jealousy.

Jealousy?

They've gotta feel like what
happened, she liked me so much.

The feeling at the moment
their passion ignites.

So like coupling arms with

another guy?

Not that aggressive.

Some people get the
wrong idea about me.

The important thing is to show
him that he's your favorite.

But you said you've
done that already.

Time to use some jealousy

You're so sneaky.

I just noticed how passionate
things got in the relationship.

I couldn't have planned it.

Was it my brother?

No, before him.

I stole him too.

Wait, wait, hold on.

Hold on, but, but..

Would Shin think I'm easy?

Just act like you're friends,
but flirt with him a little.

Absolutely amazing.

Could I do it?

You can and will.

Maybe.

The moment of truth.

Sunday?

Hello.

I'm Etsuko.

Some people may
think I'm Etsuo.

It's a terrible name.

It means "happy man".

Just awful.

I officially changed my name.

It was a hard decision.

I already had a pen name
which I could've just used.

My parents named me.

Did I need another one
after changing my body?

Isn't it just a label?

I believed an orange
could be a tangerine.

Regardless of whether
we think it's an orange,

people buy tangerines
displayed as tangerines.

Which is very sad even
though it's not intended.

But it didn't fit me,

So I changed my name

I've recently written
something new.

I'll read that poem today.

I'll start.

The Rational Soul

The sea of the soul
is forever lonely.

Loneliness is the
nature of the soul.

Even though the soul
despises loneliness,

a single sea of the soul is
a star of absolute loneliness.

The soul becomes a tiny
vessel without any reason.

In the smallest form it has been,
the soul weeps with all its strength.

The soul later comes to know

this vessel is named a body.

The soul still unsure
of its own name,

it then thinks,

I've lost my only security.

Whose hand filled the vessel?

The soul feels trapped by the body

because a lonely soul is always free.

The body resents a selfish soul.

However,

the two become connected,
sharing the knowledge of pain.

The soul is terrified,

remembering the
pain of separation.

The soul desires escape from
the body yet also wants to stay.

The soul changes the
moment it knows love.

Love is the soul trying
to jump out of the body.

This resembles death,

a longing for another's touch,

wanting again to unite.

For a soul with these desires,

wanting to love and wanting
to be loved are the same.

However,

dragging a soul
out of another body

resembles violence.

Love makes the soul
and body compromise,

allowing the body to
touch another body.

The interaction equal because
body and soul are connected.

Gently trace the skin.

Play together with fingers.

Thinking deeper,
love uses words.

Words are the hands
that can touch the soul.

When words fondle the soul,

the soul reaches sweet climax.

Promises most likely are

several souls connected by words.

However,

souls are extremely fragile,
and words are very harsh.

Eventually there is violence,

like vaginas and penises.

A smile is necessary.

Slightly curling the mouth

to express unintrusive
friendship and bliss.

The soul finally decides to
borrow the body's strength.

The soul smiles and
approaches the body.

The smile returned
by the body is so natural,

deeply astonishing the soul.

A thought now forms.

Is the hand cupping the sea

not that of the soul's?

A soul that hates loneliness
more than anything.

I'm Mamoru Noguchi.

I work at a baking factory.

You know,

I've started to feel I may
never have my own stories.

I have nothing myself.

Or maybe I do but
people don't expect it.

I just hate pitying myself.

I think unique sorrow isn't
really sorrow or shouldn't be.

I want to write poetry that
isn't related to my identity.

I've said too much.
Let me start.

Violence & Choice

I've often pondered
what violence is.

I may have finally
uncovered the answer.

Forced to believe you haven't
been given a choice,

therefore robbing the basic
freedom of choice, is violence.

This definition can explain more
than just physical violence.

There are two reasons to
oppose physical violence.

It brings people closer to death,
the irreversible loss of choice,

limiting as well as crushing
future chances of choice.

However, this is only
one form of violence.

Violence is not allowing or
preventing belief in choice.

Violence is not just physical,
it can be verbal or psychological.

Violence is not simply the act of
aggression thrown into the world.

Incomplete acts of
violence loom in the air

as spores exploding out constantly
in search for the chance to fertilize.

We have two choices.

Hold these spores inside so
they don't explode outward,

or keep them from being fertilized.

Striking someone is not always
the true essence of violence.

Violence is only completed when
people think they are unjust victims.

This explains how physical punishment
and fights are not always violence.

But an act is violence if it results in
death and robs freedom of choice.

Striking a person expels spores,

which may fertilize if
there is malicious intent.

However, this is not yet violence
because it has not robbed choice.

Violence is in fact completed by
those who think they are victims.

Would they be surprised to know this?

Would they object by saying that
they are purely victims of violence?

They may claim, "I can't choose
because I was struck and insulted."

"I'm the one who is hurt."

However, violence is not dependent
on someone hurting or being hurt.

People can make any choice but
cannot lose the choice to choose.

"People cannot lose
the choice to choose."

This is not a problem of
tautology as it may seem.

People cultivate violence by
deciding not to choose.

They are unknowingly committing
acts of violence against themselves.

These acts not only
affect themselves,

But they strike out
against all of humanity.

The spores then take root
and contaminate the land.

People must keep
making choices because

making choices is
the act of providing.

Always aimed at the future,
it is synonymous with believing.

Believing in something uncertain
provides the strength for the future.

If people meet with uncertainty
but choose to stay together,

they can give each other strength
by always believing in one another.

However, violence and its
spores will never disappear.

Thus we choose never
to make that choice.

Cheers.

Sorry I'm intruding.

I wanted your feedback.

How was it?

I'd come again.

Please do, thank you.

What'd you think?

It wasn't as bad as
I thought it'd be.

Good, very good.

Really?

How about you?

I honestly liked yours.

It was really good.

Thanks.

didn't dislike Mamoru's,

but it felt a bit preachy.

Like listening to
a Buddhist sutra.

It kinda went over my head.

It probably was worthwhile
so I really shouldn't compare,

but Etsuko's made more sense to me.

I'm sure it did.

Youth makes one speak frankly.

Whatever.

I loved Mamoru's last one.

So what I wanted to write

was a kind of answer song.

That's why I wanted to talk.

Mamoru's girlfriend,

his sister

and boyfriend?

No, no...

- He's a friend.
- Just a friend.

A friend.

And...

We met last time.

That's right.

I enjoyed both.

Thank you.

First time for everyone else?

Yep.

What's your name again?

Kayoko Kanamori.

Pretty name.

Really?

I like how it sounds.

I hadn't noticed.

What's wrong?

Oh, nothing.

"Etsuo" doesn't sound good.

No offense to other Etsuos.

It really was a hard
name to live with.

I wasn't a "happy man.

When did you know?

What?

When did you feel different?

Probably since elementary school.

I knew something was off.

When were you certain?

Watching Kinpachi.

With Aya Ueto?

Yeah, I learned about GID
watching her on that show.

What... GI Joe?

Wait, what's that?

It's from Kochikame.

Okay.

GID is Gender Identity Disorder.

I saw myself in Aya's character.

I was totally confused about
whether I was a him or a her.

Now it doesn't bother me.

I'm fine with transsexual
or even drag queen.

I think I get it.

Just because I knew
doesn't mean I felt normal

When I wrote a poem spilling
these feelings in high school,

My teacher Mr. Toyama saw talent.

He invited me here.

So many people called me Etsuo
because that's the name I used.

I hated the name
and just left Japan.

I traveled abroad 3 years.

To study?

Just roaming around.

In America, Europe, and finally
Southeast Asia to have surgery.

What about money?

I worked reading palms.

What, no way.

I was never a wrist cutter,

but I needed a way
to relieve my suffering.

So I carved my palm,
a sorta self study.

That's crazy.

made a name for myself
and earned enough money.

When I saved up enough,
I got the surgery.

That's impressive.

Please read mine.

- Sure.
- Really?

I'lI be very honest though.

No problem.

Both hands please.

Astonishing, look at this.
Simian lines on both hands.

What kinda name's that?

The line of greatness.

Tokugawa leyasu had them.

Amazing Yukie.

It means that you can be
anything you want.

I don't know what I want to be

Please read mine too.

Sure.

What's funny?

Nothing, just an inside joke.

Girls hold hands in junior high,
but guys don't touch each other.

Other than athletes, at least.

That's why I love the soft
feeling of guys' palms.

You have really soft hands.

- Really?
Yeah.

Let me take a look.

You're really attentive to people.

His hands are extremely wrinkly.

Maybe you worry too much.

Your life line's real short.

Is it really?

You're important to many people.

Wait, will I die young?

Palms can change.

It's not absolute
like decided fate.

So, don't worry.

You'll live longer if you
stop worrying about others.

Quit being so humble.

Live life.

I'm really not over doing it.

I love your hands.

- May I hold'em?
- Sure.

I don't want Shin to die.

He'll die eventually.

Did I say something wrong?

Why?

I was just stating the obvious.

I don't want Shinnosuke to die

But you shouldn't refuse
to acknowledge that he will.

This is what's wrong with you.

Oh, okay.

I'll go now.

Show me your hand before you go.

Why?

I don't usually ask, but
I'd like to read yours.

No.

You can't go around
touching people.

Or can queers?

Stop it.

Don't say that.

She wasn't wrong.

She asked.

I apologize.

I'll go.

Thank you all for coming.

Strange party.

Why...

Why'd you meet me?

I felt responsible.

Responsible?

Never mind.

I chose the wrong words.

Sorry.

The wrong words are fine.

Talk to me.

Words are scary.

What're you thinking?

Please just tell me that.

Please.

Are you sure?

Yes.

From deep in my heart.

I was thinking...

if I threw this water,

what would happen?

On me?

Sorry.

Are you angry?

I don't know why you'd be.

Did I do something?

mean that.

It was just a thought.

The difference between
throwing the water or not.

The thought simply came to me.

There's something subconscious

if that's what you're thinking

Why do you need
a reason for everything?

Everything?

Maybe you're right.

Seeing that guy yesterday
showed me why you left me.

What guy?

The poet.

Anyway,

I know you didn't cheat on me.

What then?
It's just...

Just that..

Your feelings moved to him.

It's not that.

Then what?

It's only been 2 months.

That kind of girl, huh?

Fine.

How long have you known Yukie?

We were in the same
English club at school.

Be careful.

Of what?

Keep your distance.

Why?

She does anyone.

I know.

Did you?

Why do you care?

Right...

Do you have any
right to be jealous?

Jealous? Me?

I guess that happens.

when people get possessive.

Why are you with him?

He's the worst.

Don't say that.

I'm leaving.

How can you say that?

He's my brother.

Separated at...

I wonder...

What'll happen?

Nothing

I'm outta here.

By the way,

Ive already slept with Yukie.

3 times in 2 years.

How long to heal?

It's just a jammed finger.

What about him?

No response to my email,
I'm sure everything's fine.

What did you like about him?

His eyes.

Nose and fingers.

Everything.

You really liked him.

Yeah, are you disappointed?

Why?

For my bad taste in men.

Do you believe that?

No, I don't.

Good.

Are you disappointed?

About what?

Do you regret meeting me?

I'm not the brother you expected.

Would you rather not have met?

I'm quite different.

I wanna hold you.

Can I?

We shouldn't.

Right.

Sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

I have a habit of wondering about
the people and things in front of me.

I'm not sure of what to do.

Or I know what to do
but not what's right.

That's absurd.

No, no.

If you know what to do,
you should just do it.

Because I don't know.

I hurt people I don't intend to.

You didn't hurt me.

Not now.

Maybe I'm a slut.

What?

Even if I don't do it,
the urge is still there.

More than Yukie.

Ijust feel like melting away.

Is it wrong to love everyone?

You're smart.

What?

What is love?

Not sure, maybe a feeling
that bubbles inside.

Something different from lust?

They're mixed.

That's true.

Do you split them?

What?

Love and lust.

I probably do.

There's no lust in families.

Do you think so?

They're ambiguous.

I wonder if it's wrong of me
to think like this in our society.

In your letter to me,
you wrote that

you were really worried about me.

Why were you worried?

I told you I didn't know.

I wrote it quick one
morning and sent it.

Okay.

Are you worried about me?

I've never worried about you.

Right.

That doesn't mean I don't care.

I'm fine with whoever you are.

That doesn't mean
I'm not interested.

I know.

I was happy you were
who you were when we met.

So I haven't changed?

That's not it.

You have changed.

I didn't know you at all.

I see.

But I was happy.

Just that.

Thank you.

What...

That gives me a way to go on.

I work at the baking
factory 4 days a week.

For 2 years now.

People say Yamazaki Baking
is one of the most grueling jobs.

I've heard

Real mind-numbing work.

A lot of people quit
after 3 or 4 days.

Only a few haven't.

I'm one.

It's easy for me.

12-hour days with an hour break.

11 hours doing the same thing.

Putting sesame on sweet buns,

adding cherry blossom petals.

I don't mind it.

Everyone looks dead
finishing their shift.

But there are a few who stay on.

They look like zombies.

Do you think you're like that?

You're different than that.

I could even work
another day a week.

I've done it before.

I make 240,000 yen a month.

I'd make 300,000 yen, great right?

It's not bad money,
it's just that...

I'm scared.

It's not like I planned to
work in a baking factory.

But what if it's my dream job.

What's wrong if it is?

Nothing.

It's not that.

Really.

Sorry.

It's my fault.

What I meant to say is

I wanted to meet you.

I'm being honest.

I thought now was
the right time to meet.

I didn't expect my life
to get better or worse.

I just wanted you
to be proud of me...

as your brother, I mean.

I hoped you'd naturally want to
go around bragging about me.

That was my wish.

Proud of you...

I was surprised
that I felt that way.

That's all.

I felt ashamed.

Not about what you really think.

Sorry, that's not right.

I'd want to bring my close
friends to your poetry group.

Don't.

I wouldn't if you minded.

But you don't.

You're just scared people will
be bored hearing you read.

Sorry.

Why apologize?

I'm sorry.

I know I'm glad I met you.

So am I.

Then why did you
bring up disappointment?

I've never felt that way.

I just wanted to see you.

I wanted to know
more about you.

I really did.

Maybe I was desperate.

I see.

I really loved Noboru.

He's smart and knows
how to go with the flow.

I admired that.

It actually helped me find direction.

Find direction isn't right.

I guess live...

It made me think about
how one lives in society

That's why things went south.

The problem was simply
a difference in values.

Maybe it sounds more like
a difference in perspectives.

The world isn't information, is it?

Being smart and having the
ability to process information

may be vital to living life

Maybe, I should've stuck it out.

But I started thinking

what if I'm simply
information to him

Something that just
needs processing.

Some problem to solve.

couldn't stop thinking about it.

Did you tell him that?

That I'm not information?

That I'm not a pet, I'm a person?

That I have thoughts and
feelings even if I look dumb?

Should I have to
say those things?

Everything would end.

don't need to be admired
just respected.

Saying those words
just makes it harder.

Probably true.

That's why I'm glad I met you.

You're not like that.

You know the world
is not information.

You're what I expected.

I longed to meet you.

That's why I was so happy.

know now it was far
from disappointment.

Ouch.

Oh, sorry.

It still hurts.

Sorry.

They're late.

Huh, what?

I'll get some pickles.

What?

I ran out, so I made some.

No way.
- They're good.

Bring'em out sooner.

I wanted them to marinate.

These...

are sour!

Bad?

Nah, they're good.

Perfect with beer.

Probably European beer.

Really? Great.

They're good, Shin.

These are perfect for
cherry blossom season.

Great, I'll send some.

Don't send them, we'll go to
Harima-zaka like last year.

Cherry blossoms.

I'm moving to Hyogo next month

I've only sent Mamoru an email.

What'll I do?

Wanna live here?

You quitting your job?

Nope.

They're shipping you
to the countryside?

I'm going to assist the Post Master.

After 3 to 5 years,
I can come back

and become a Post Master.

That sucks.

You'll miss me?

Send me New Year's
and summer greetings.

I will too.

That doesn't solve
my lonely problem.

Such a sweet thing to say.

Where'd you go?

Convenience store by the station.

Thanks for getting these.

I've got a night shift.

Really?

Someone cut their finger off.

I've gotta go in.

See you.

Be careful.

You're drunk

See you.

Did we take too long?

Were we-too-soon?

What'd you say?

She's asleep...

Have some pickles.

What?

These pickles I-made.

Thanks.

I'm transferring to Hyogo.

Whereabouts?
Akashi branch.

Near my hometown.

Come and visit when you're back.

I'll send letters.

You write?

To people I like.

Delicious.

Kayoko.

Yeah.

Answer some questions?

Depends on the questions.

What do you like?

Eating and sleeping

Why?

I like satisfying cravings.

What makes you happy?

When someone shows me love.

That's for sure.

What about you?

- "When someone shows me love."
- Besides that.

Okay.

Someone showing gratitude.

Who do you admire?

My Mom.

Why?

She gave me life
and raised me.

And your Dad?

I don't dislike him.

don't admire him either,
I just have to pay him respect.

- Or did.
- Did?

Think they're the same?

Me?

Admiration and respect.

I have no idea.

Sure.

I never considered it.

think admiration

is earned by someone
who's different from you.

They dazzle you.

Respect, on the other hand,

is given to someone
who's similar to you.

Did I pass?

What is "similar"?

What I don't like having done to me,
you won't like having done to you.

That's basis of respect.

Good point.

What if I don't mind those
things that you don't like.

There's no way to
know without asking.

Is that why you ask?

I don't know you yet.

Do you ask everyone?

Maybe.

Are you always like that?

Keeping things fresh?

That's hard to do.

lit shocks me when people
I know show their true colors.

I hate people who think they
know me and say they respect me.

Harsh.

I am.

That's when I'm most alive.

When everyone's alive?

Yeah, that's it.

When I realize how little
I really know about the world.

What're you.

thinking now?

I'm wondering why this guy's
asking me these questions.

Seriously?

I asked because I wanted
to know what you thought.

Iwas thinking about
what you were thinking

And you were thinking
about what I was thinking.

Talking in circles.

Guess so.

Very true.

Yeah.

Sleepy?

I drank too much.

Go to bed.

Should I set your alarm?

7 please.

Shin.

Coward.

You're back.

You're leaving early.

I get coffee with the paper.

Because you got promoted?

You got my email.

Could've told me sooner.

I'll ask Yukie about moving in.

How about Kayoko?

Too complicated.

I'm falling for Kayoko.

She's falling for me too.

Oh, okay.

I didn't ask her,
but it's obvious.

I know.

Nothing's happened, but...

Whatever, don't worry about me.

It's fine.

Sorry.

It's fine, go.

See you.

I wanna die.

Don't say that.

Forget it.

About Kayoko, it's no big deal.

It's better.

Don't die.

Why not?

I'd miss you.

Am I living for you?

Not just me, but all of our
friends would miss you.

So selfish.

I've got nothing left.

I've lost my words.

I'm completely empty.

Wait 5 years.

What'll happen then?

I'll come support you.

You can do whatever you want.

Are you serious?

Become what you want.

I'll be the Post Master.

Alright?

I'll be back.

Get going.

I'm home.

Welcome back.

I drank too much.

Sorry, I had to go.

Put the key in the mailbox if you
leave before Mamoru's back.

There's coffee.

Eggs and bread are in the fridge.

Take what you like.

Shinnosuke.

Did he tell you?

About Hyogo?

And this place?

Do you want to move in?

I'm not leaving home.

Got-it.

Do you have any other friends?

Shinnosuke's leaving you.

I've got Kayoko.

Until she gets a job.

Shin.

I've got a crush on Shin.

What'll I do?

Forget about him.

Why?

Shinnosuke is too good for you.

Why would you say that?

Shinnosuke's a nice guy.

Not just to you.

You got the wrong idea.

Why are you talking down to me?

I'm worried about you.

You can't be supportive?

Supportive?

What would change?

Kayoko's too good.

She's far too good

to be with a guy like you.

I think so too.

Why don't you disagree?

You're right.

You have no right to love.

Love...

Why're you together?

What do you mean?

Don't you love her?

I can't express it with words.

You're a failed poet.

Words have their limitations.

Are we done? I'm tired.

Tell me how it started?

How what started?

Between you and Kayoko.

She sent me a letter.

What kind of letter?

Asking to meet.

- How long...
- Great letter.

I was so moved,
I went to see her.

I'm going to bed.

You prefer letters?

Rather than email?

I think I do.

Night.

Good night.

Do you have...

paper and an envelope?

What's wrong?

I wrote a letter.

A letter?

To Shin.

I thought I'd leave it
here at my brother's.

Could you listen to it?

I'm really embarrassed
by what I've written.

Is it something I should hear?

There's no one else I can ask.

If you're sure.

Okay, I'll start.

Dear Shinnosuke Tada,

Good morning, good afternoon,

good evening, welcome home.

Forgive my greetings, I don't
know when you're reading this.

I'm bashful addressing you this way.

Please understand that
this uncharacteristic letter

with uncharacteristic words
is not from the usual me.

I'm sure you already know,

I'm falling for you.

I-don't know what I should say

Nothing comes to mind.

Do you have to fall for me
because I have fallen for you?

Obviously, you do not.

There is nothing I
can do to influence

how you feel.

I believe I understand
how you feel about me.

I know you do not
feel the same way.

If this letter is not
from the usual me

I thought your feelings
for me could change.

If I am not who you think I am,

maybe my love will find a chance.

That's my hope in writing you.

But the thought of you
thinking I'm an easy girl,

makes me want to
tear this letter up.

I don't want to think that way.

I just...

realized something.

I simply want you to love me.

All of these written words
encompass that feeling.

Does that scare you?

Jumping from like to love,

I'm finding myself a bit lost.

I'm being honest.

All of my words and
actions toward you

yearn for your love.

I must first love
before I can be loved.

That's what the Nuns taught me

at my missionary school.

I don't feel I ever have.

Without being loved,

or being taught how to love,

I don't think I could
ever love someone.

As I write this,

I'm starting to realize just how
unreasonable this love letter is.

But we shouldn't give
up on these feelings

even if we don't
know how to love.

There's a feeling in me
that I want to call love.

For now at least

Do you feel the same?

I'm sure you do.

Maybe you feel it for someone else.

But you can't nurture
this feeling by yourself.

I know from experience.

If only you would direct
that feeling toward me,

it would keep growing bigger.

Then I'm sure that feeling would
become neither yours nor mine.

Even if it ends up being for
someone else in the future,

it's worth the time to
nurture and grow it.

But I want you to be the one
I nurture this feeling with.

What you need,

I can give you.

I've rambled on here but
these are my true feelings.

Good night.

See you.

But not goodbye.

I await your reply.

Yours truly, Yukie.

Wonderful letter.

Really?

It really is.

Hello.

Hey.

Your place is empty.

Yeah.

Are you gonna live alone?

I'm looking for a roommate.

Do you have any friends?

It's just a roommate
I don't need a friend.

Shinnosuke and I
weren't friends at first

It's easier.

I'll choose whoever is
convenient at the time.

If they have the money.

What's your rent?

85,000 yen.

Koenji's expensive.

Nice of your mother.

I work too.

Where?

I'm not telling.

Why?

I told you.

Did you?

You should remember.

How about 70,000 yen?

What?

Wanna live together?

What will you tell Yukie?

You're my sister.

If she asks why
you kept it secret?

I'll say it was complicated.

My Mom got hospitalized

so I might go back.

When?

Last Sunday

What's wrong?

Ovarian cancer.

They found it early.

She'll be there about a month.

Can you afford it?

Probably not.

I'll give up my place.

In Tokyo?

I don't approve.

Why?

You can't just quit college
after going for 3 years.

It's a waste of money.

I won't quit.

Taking a leave?

I only have one year of
compulsory tests left.

Commuting from Kobe is cheaper.

It'd help if I can stay here.

I thought it'd be better
to look for work out there.

These things happen.

What about your life?

If she dies, you're alone

What?

It'll be expensive
even for 1 year.

You'll live in two places,

and have no time with work.

I can give up this apartment.

We'll find a cheaper place.

You'll be better off
working in Tokyo.

I just want to be
close to my Mom.

Who knows when she'll die.

Is she dying?

How old is she?

Could l...

borrow money?

How much?

500,000 yen.

I can give you about half now.

Sorry.

Can you wait 2 months?

I'lI have to ask the hospital

I can start working 6 days a week.

No consumer loans.

I know.

Thanks.

No problem.

Will you meet her?

She's not dying.

She will someday.

I can't go in and out of a family?

She's not family?

Didn't time ensure she isn't?

Us too?

Do you blame Mom?

Do you blame Dad?

I know things were complicated,

but he did terrible things to her.

I think it was mutual.

Dad's doing great with
my_step mom here.

So it wasn't all his fault.
some aren't compatible

Same here.

Good to know.

For some people,
separating is the answer.

Maybe...

But which is the right choice?

If you want to stay together,
but you have to separate?

I wouldn't know.

Yeah you do.

Well it's simple.

How so?

Whatever you choose is right.

Yeah.

Things work out for the best.

So simple.

Sometimes.

That's true.

What's that?

What's wrong?

"Dear Shin'

Ah, Yukie.

A love letter.

What?

Yukie has a new boyfriend.

Didn't you hear?

No.

She can't keep
doing this anymore.

Please throw this out.

That's private.

So you've been writing.

It's old.

Where've you been recently?

None of your business.

What'll you do?

About what?

Are you moving in or not?

Is it okay?

This won't happen again.

Do you regret it?

Doesn't matter.

This just won't happen again.

We'd be nothing
more than roommates.

What's the rent?

70,000 yen.

Any other rules?

Not really.

I'd like to move in.

When?

Next month, April 1st.

You better not be fooling me.

Don't worry, no jokes.

I'm hungry.

Wanna go out?

Can I shower?

Sure.

Get me something?
Okay.

Where're you going?

Kobeya near the station.

Something sweet.

Got it.

There's the Yurakucho Line
and lots of convenient stores.

It's accommodating.

It's official then.

Thank you.

I'm Etsuko.

This is my first tweet.

I've always lurked around.

I am sure most of my
followers already know,

I write-poetry outside my day job.

Although slowly,

-am-writing more now.

The reason I wrote on
my-blog and not Twitter

was the fear of how
the-words would flow.

The 140-character limit
may-benefit my writing.

But there are no line breaks.

It's a bit different from
what-I wanted to do.

But today,Id like to tweet
a poem as an experiment.

This may be the first and last.

should note, this poem
was not penned by me.

But-it's a-poem I really enjoy.

I'm putting it out without
the author's permission.

I believe this is the
intent of this poem.

Even if it's not the author's.

Each tweet will be
one line from the poem.

I'm sorry if this
floods your timeline.

Please spread the
poem if you like it.

If possible, in its entirety.

We might be in for a major
flood in all of our timelines.

Let's start.

Love Letter

One night,
Ms. Noguchi wrote a letter.

The letter was brief
and undemanding,

with words of love that
move people's hearts.

But people's thoughts are
not always communicated.

In a world filled with
undelivered messages,

Ms. Noguchi's letter and
thoughts were also undelivered.

Her friend Ms. Kanamori
was pained to learn this.

Camels carried many
letters in the past.

Gulls have replaced them
to fulfill that role today.

Ever-changing thoughts can
only be known by the words.

Where do these
undelivered thoughts go?

In parentheses:
They go nowhere of course.

I could not stop
thinking about this.

One night, every clock in the world
showed the same time.

Ms. Noguchi anticipated this and
debuted as a radio DJ that night.

She called for faxes with undelivered
words of love from around the world.

The entire world listened
to her late night program.

On this one night only,

Ms. Noguchi read
countless faxes of love.

Some reached its respective
listener while others did not.

All these undelivered thoughts pained
every "Ms. Kanamori" around the world.

Ms. Noguchi closed her program
with the following words.

Dawn has come,
let us say goodbye.

My words of love
belong to only one.

Even so,

they reach the hearts of all.

On that note,

Goodbye everyone.

Thank you all for coming today.

If you'd like to meet the cast,
they will be available in the lobby.

Thank you very much.

Two years later

-

-

Coloskin.

Coloskin.

Coloskin.

Coloskin.

Coloskin.

Coloskin.

Getting off?

What's wrong?

I'll get the next one.

Why?

I'll call you.

I apologize.

Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

Hey!

So much make-up.

Shut up.

"I'll take the next one."

You snot.

You're a butt-head.

Why the uniform?

Women love it.

Women love that?

Yeah, girls love uniforms.

I don't.

What're you doing?

The bandmaster wants to
hit on girls while in Japan.

Don't blame him.

I strike out in Seoul.

'Cause I'm Japanese.

I'm always ignored.

Why're you back?

Korea's New Year is
the beginning of February.

I didn't know.

Well, it is.

Every soldier in Korea tries to
take as much leave as they can.

We're off before and after.

So the flirting.

You come home just for girls?

And why shouldn't I?

Did you call your parents?

Why would I?

I can't see them.

You should.

Why?

Because I might die?

I'll be fine.
I'm in the marching band.

What's that?

We do parades on the front line with
the American and Korean militaries.

So not out front?

I said we're at the front.

We're rearranged
immediately if attacked.

You want that?

Want what?

Music during war.

Music proved to be necessary.

What're you up to?

I edit a theater magazine.

Give me a break.

Don't say it like that.

You should perform.

Especially now.

Do it.

It's not that easy.

Most things are easy.

Do it.

Are you in Japan?

No, I'm not.

Why hide such a great gig?

Is it great?

Isn't it?

Why'd you join?

The military?

A private police force isn't military.

The duties are the same.

I haven't killed anyone.

That's worse.

So I should kill?

You're playing it safe.

What's that mean?

So nobody can blame you.

Avoiding responsibility.

Don't say it like that.

You got the same cell?

If I do?

No, forget it.

I'm sorry.

I am sorry too.

Don't you go off and die.

I won't die.

Avoid killing if possible.

That's a big request.

You're always difficult.

See you.

JR

JR

JR

JR

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WESTEND STUDIO

WESTEND STUDIO

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