Original subtitles

I came to kiss.

Yeah?

I came to kiss you, Sena.

Okay.

Hey, Miss, wake up. Hey.

-Hey! -Sena. It's Sena…

No, not that!

Shinji is home.

-Hey… No way. Do something. -Hey.

Hold on…

Hey.

All clear. Hurry.

-Welcome back. -Oh, hey.

Sorry, did I wake you?

It's okay. It's hot, so I thought I'd get a drink.

Yes, it's hot.

Can I take a shower?

Yes, go ahead.

-It's hot, huh? -Yeah, it is.

All clear now. Hurry.

Hurry up! Come on, this way.

Hey, hurry!

I know the way. I only just moved out.

What's wrong? I mean… Sorry about that.

The shampoo.

I forgot the shampoo.

Right… Oh, then you can use this. It's mine, if you don't mind.

-You sure? Really? -Yeah.

-Thank you. -No problem.

Hurry up!

That seriously scared me.

-Oh, hey! -What?

This…

It's not shampoo, it's conditioner.

No it's… What?

No, well, it's fine. You can still wash with this.

For real. Your hair will be super smooth.

-Thanks. -Take your time now.

Quickly, hurry…

What?

Everything okay up there?

Yes, he's taking a shower.

That really shocked me.

My heart was pounding.

Guess I'll go home.

I'll keep you company.

You have to get a taxi, right?

Oh, I'll be fine on my own.

No, I'll keep you company.

For how long?

Until you get a taxi.

Okay then.

What is it?

Nothing. Let's just go.

It's already summer, huh?

What?

It's summer.

I've heard that somewhere before.

Oh really? I forgot--

I came by car.

It's right there.

It's Momo's.

Will you be okay?

Yeah.

-You know… -What?

Never mind.

-Hey… -Yes?

Nothing.

What?

Are you serious?

Really?

Really.

I see.

Good for you, Minami.

I'm not sure about that.

Why not?

You've been in love with him forever, no? That's why you slept with him, right?

It felt like something I've wanted to do forever.

But I also never wanted to have that kind of relationship with him.

So you wanted to remain good friends forever?

He's seven years younger too.

Yes, and?

He says he's a pianist…

Yes, so?

That guy has no concept of reality.

That guy…

The relationship between me and him somehow also doesn't feel realistic.

Maybe a guy like him…

was like a dream to me.

After having slept with him, how do you feel?

I was happy…

but it began to hurt.

I'm in love with him too much.

This is my business card.

Thank you…

He heard you play at the qualifying round,

and he wants to market you as a pianist.

-One more, please. -Okay.

All right, good work!

-Thank you! -Good work!

Could you disassemble that?

Good work, everyone!

-Good work. -Oh, thank you.

-Okay, good work. -You too.

What's up?

Well…

I want to talk to you about something.

Talk?

Can we talk today?

Well, I have a meeting with a sponsor now.

I don't know when I'll be free.

All right then. It's okay. Some other time.

Really?

-Later then. -Good work today!

I think it's a good proposal for you, Sena.

Of course, if you do it,

you'll have to give up the Otowado Competition.

It will be a black mark on you if you fail.

By the way, why me?

Well, your performance at the competition was fantastic.

And, this is banal, so I apologize, but…

Sena…

you're very good-looking.

For starters, we want to market you domestically

and extensively, as "Japan's Kissin."

No, but, I…

Sena.

I'll give you my honest opinion from what I've seen so far.

I believe Ryoko Okusawa will win the Otowado Competition.

For you to perform better than her and win the competition would be a near miracle.

There's almost no difference between you both in piano technique.

But what can be seen beyond the sound is quite different.

Okusawa projects a vision both warm and sincere.

But in your case…

it's just not the same…

Well, it's like a cloud comes over the sound, or a haze muddies it.

Technique is not the problem here.

Odajima didn't say that just to hurt your feelings.

I know.

I know I encouraged you to apply for the competition, but…

I've seen many wonderfully skilled pianists end up just not making it.

-Professor. -Yes?

Do you think that…

I just can't make the cut?

When I…

When I first heard you play,

I was surprised.

The sound…

You really emitted a pure sound, with a childlike innocence.

It was the sound

of a tall, transparent tree, reaching for the heavens.

Anyone can create a strong, intense sound.

But…

only a chosen few can play those high notes

that reach towards heaven.

Like Lipatti,

Paderewski, and Gould.

However, even for them,

it was only a fleeting moment of brilliance.

I…

wanted to hear you sound like that

one more time.

But…

within the competition's system

that requires you to compete with other people,

your naivety may not be suitable.

There's a lot of girls around.

There.

I've brought you a lovely cocktail.

Find another woman to pick up.

Oh, that furrow between your brows…

Is your pained expression because of lovesickness?

-Yikes, disgusting! -Idiot! Come on!

By the way, I saw your sandals at the apartment.

What?

Come on, you're more careful than that. What's your deal?

One of those lusty flings before marriage?

No, it's not like that.

Sis, you really have tunnel vision.

Sis, how old do you think you are? You're 31!

I know!

-Sena is 24! He's the same age as me! -I know that!

You know,

since you left the apartment, Sena has been lonely.

You said you might get married. So that's why he…

did… that…

did it… Ouch!

Maybe he did it,

but that's different from this.

That's different from this?

It is! For a man.

-Is that what Sena said? -No, but…

Anyway,

I'm saying you shouldn't rush into making a decision.

I've made a decision.

What? You're going to break up with little Sugi?

Anyway, I've already made a decision. That's why I went to Sena's apartment.

That was a decision made by you alone.

It's not a decision made by both you and Sena, is it?

Hello.

Oh. Here for Minami?

She's not home?

It looks like she's out right now.

Oh, I see…

See you.

Um…

What?

Are you getting married?

Yes, we're heading in that direction.

Oh, I see…

Well, excuse me then.

Yo!

Sugisaki…

Hey,

you said you had something to tell me. I'm curious.

Great timing.

Let's go eat.

Okay?

Wait…

Um…

What I needed to talk to you about is…

What is it?

I'm sorry.

I…

I can't marry you, Sugisaki.

I love someone else.

Sena?

Yes.

I'm sorry.

I'm really…

sorry.

I think it's true love.

I think it just happened.

So they just happened to sleep together?

Just going by the flow, I guess.

Otherwise, they must have known I would be coming home.

You don't know that.

They just couldn't control their feelings anymore.

"Oh, I can't stand it anymore!"

Momo?

Right…

Maybe not quite that.

"I love you. I love you."

"Me too…"

"I've wanted to do this with you for a long time."

"Me too." "Me too."

"Me too." "Me too."

Isn't that what going by the flow is?

What? Really?

Momo, you've experienced a lot of relationships, right?

Were my many true loves,

which I believed to be predestined,

just considered to be "by the flow" to the other party?

Well…

it's not unusual, is it?

What a shock.

I'm going to ask my da when I get home.

CLUB THEATRON

What are you spaced out for?

What?

What are you spaced out for?

Well, my sister… Never mind.

-What is it? What? -No, forget it. It's nothing.

What is it?

Ryoko!

Ryoko…

Shinji, you still like Rumiko, don't you?

No, I don't.

It's true.

Ryoko!

Shinji, you never intended to give anything up

even when you started dating me.

What do you mean?

Do I have to give up something to date?

If you asked me not to compete in the competition, I would've done so!

Don't say things you don't mean!

No, really, I…

I don't believe in giving something up just because you love someone.

I'm going home.

Hi, this is Minami. I'm not at home right now,

so please leave a--

What happened?

The finals are in three days.

Right.

I'm feeling a little anxious.

Even while I'm playing the piano,

if I feel it's no good,

like absolutely no good, it makes me anxious.

I thought seeing Shinji would calm me down.

So I went to Theatron.

And you got into a fight.

You had a feeling about this.

You encouraged us,

but things just won't go well

with me and Shinji.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

I'm becoming an uglier person.

I've become jealous.

What is it with men?

I'm a woman,

so I feel I'll never understand men.

What's wrong with that?

What?

I guess…

I also feel like I'll never understand women, ever.

Sena, why do you play the piano?

What?

Why do I…

Let's see…

Because I like it?

I love the sound of the piano.

And I love to play it.

Does it ever make you suffer?

Of course it does.

It's difficult to continue playing.

It's like a battle.

But, look, if you quit, that's the end of everything.

You know, one time,

I tried to quit the piano, remember?

But…

if you really

like it…

If you really love it,

you have to keep it up, even during the painful times.

Like…

a relationship between two people, right?

Yeah…

But, you know, I'm just speaking for myself.

I've just been

preaching to you this whole time.

Oh shoot.

Yes, thanks.

Good evening.

Good evening!

Sena, I'm going home.

Thank you for everything.

-Take care. -I will.

Bye.

Bye.

Is a beer okay?

Oh, sure.

All right…

Here.

Oh, thank you.

What is this "Sony Classical" thing?

Oh, that…

Remember the Otowado Competition prelims?

That person was a spectator,

and he asked me to sign a contract.

A contract?

It seems he wants to produce a CD

and even hold recitals.

And the pay is, well, not bad.

Then you won't have to go to Boston.

I mean, you know…

Well… No, I mean, that's great.

I wonder which one is better? This isn't a bad deal either, though.

Hang on.

Terrible. Sorry.

Why did it…

-Oh, I'll do it. -How's your hand?

It's okay. Leave it, I'll do it.

-You're wet. Your hand. Here. -I'll do it. Sit down, it's okay.

How did this happen?

I'm soaked. It stained too.

Oh, did you get wet too?

It's okay.

Did you shake it?

You did it on purpose!

When I wasn't looking.

-You shook it like this in the fridge. -I didn't.

-You definitely did! -No, I didn't.

-I might have before, but… -You did.

But, you did it.

No, I didn't.

Well…

It's no good.

I can't joke around that well anymore.

Yikes… A, b, c, d, e, f, g…

Why can't things just go naturally?

Oh, I can't do this anymore!

I unconditionally surrender! I raise my white flag!

What are you saying?

Hey, tell me.

What?

Why did you sleep with me?

What were you feeling?

Well, of course, it's--

It feels like I'm crossing a collapsing bridge.

But I guess--

Hey, you know, I had been thinking about you, Sena, for a long time.

It's just like that saying.

Do you know, "Today feels like a thousand years."

The words for "one day" is read as "today."

Can you write that in kanji characters?

-Yes. -Liar.

I went to your place yesterday.

No way.

Then, I met Sugisaki there.

He didn't tell you?

No, he didn't.

I didn't tell him anything, of course.

I thought

it would be a bad idea.

He didn't tell you, huh…

I understand your wedding plans are moving along well, right?

I actually have something to ask you myself.

What…

are your intentions for…

My intentions?

I would like to ask that myself.

Ask what?

Well…

Ryoko was just here.

I… I just remembered something.

What Rumiko was saying.

"Sena…

you're kind to everyone,

but you're slowly hurting people."

But, you know, isn't that better

than falling in love with everyone and playing with them?

I'm in love with…

only one person.

You don't have to sweet-talk me like that.

I'm not sweet-talking you or anything.

Then how should I say it? What should I say about me and Sugisaki?

I mean, up till now…

I've seen everything.

Seen what?

You meeting Sugisaki.

You on cloud nine, making a fuss, and falling in love.

You didn't even come home one night.

I've seen all of that.

I've seen things too, you know.

You were always clinging to this telephone.

"Ryoko, how about going out to eat this Sunday?" or whatever.

This whole time I've watched over your joys and sorrows with Ryoko.

Oh, that's right. I drove you to Ryoko's place

when she called you in the middle of the night.

And you were just with her earlier too.

Why didn't you tell Sugisaki the truth?

About what?

About us.

Why should I tell him?

That's something you're supposed to tell him yourself.

You don't trust me.

You're the one who doesn't trust me.

-That's why you're saying that-- -That's not right!

Why are you saying all this stuff?

If it's just going to be like this, we should've just remained friends!

I agree.

Yes, I agree.

Go to Boston or wherever.

Man…

"Don't worry, be happy."

Sena was a source of comfort for me because…

we were looking in different directions.

We're standing together in a line,

but I'm over here,

and he's over here.

What do you mean?

You know, the moment a man and a woman

seriously face each other…

it becomes such an ordeal.

You fight,

get jealous,

hurt each other…

Because there's nowhere to escape.

But you fight because you love each other.

More and more, you want the other person to understand you.

And you want them to love you more and more.

You want to understand more and more,

and get more and more close.

You're actually really happy,

but you might act angrily.

You may actually be sad…

but pretend to be fine.

It's scary.

Minami?

It's really

scary.

I end up wondering

whether he likes me as much as I thought, and all.

Or if he wins the competition,

whether he might go to Boston without me.

He's someone who'll eventually go out into the world.

But when he does, I'm not sure…

that I'll be able to forget him.

I'm getting ahead of myself

and giving up, right?

I know what you mean.

We get ahead of ourselves, don't we?

Minami.

We…

wear fashionable, trendy clothes,

push up our boobs,

work and become independent.

In short, we're adult women, aren't we?

We are, we are.

Yet deep inside, we're still little girls.

Sometimes, it feels like I'm wearing shoes that are too big for me.

It really does, doesn't it?

Do you want…

to change?

No, I don't want to change.

If I get married, I wonder if I'll change?

You might change if you have a child.

Or I may remain the same.

Maybe.

I guess an ending…

happens gradually, doesn't it?

An ending, huh?

I don't want to fight anymore.

I wanted to meet you,

I really, really

really… wanted to meet you.

But even when I meet you, we end up fighting.

Then I say all these unpleasant things.

I…

want to end this already.

Shinji, because you're kind and won't say it yourself,

I'll be the one to say goodbye first.

I…

I…

I couldn't end it with Rumiko.

I mean…

Well…

It's cause I didn't quit working at Theatron.

I'm sorry.

You've been apologizing, ever since we met.

Sorry.

I'll try to fall in love again, going forward.

And when I do…

I'll forget about you, Shinji.

Oh, really?

Don't make that face.

That was a lie.

I'll…

I'll remember you forever.

Thank you.

Piano.

Bye.

Please come listen to me at the competition.

With Rumiko.

Sure.

Okay.

You got this.

Oh, come in.

I think…

her life here was comfortable.

Things didn't work out with her fiancé.

And while she was waiting for him,

she might have given her heart to you.

However…

I think

that's not the same thing

as her loving you.

Here.

I'm capable

of providing her with a new apartment and a new life…

No, I intend to do that.

If…

you're not serious…

can you leave her alone?

Are you serious?

I am.

I'm going to prove that now.

Not just with words…

but definitively.

You're turning it down?

Yes.

I should have made myself clearer the other day.

But regarding the Otowado Competition finals…

I'm going to enter.

You don't understand, do you?

Didn't I tell you it would be a near miracle if you won?

Miracles…

happen.

Have you ever witnessed one?

Yes.

Are you really sure?

Yes.

I've…

continued playing the piano

for the competition.

I would like to settle things

with this competition.

And…

I want to play

my style of piano at the concert hall.

Remember how you mentioned… the wall?

Yes.

I believe I can knock down that wall

at the competition.

I understand. I'm…

quite a believer in miracles.

Please show me one.

I'll do my best.

Well then…

Bye.

Welcome.

-Hi! -Hello.

Hey.

You call me for the first time in a while, and it's to come here.

I mean… I'll have the usual, large gyoza.

Okay.

I never met a woman ordering "the usual large gyoza"

after not having met in a while.

But Mankin's famous for their whole garlic gyoza. Right, boss?

-Thank you. Here's some water. -Thank you.

-So? -What?

Oh, right.

Come watch me.

It's the final round

of the Otowado Competition.

Make sure you come.

What about that record company?

I turned them down.

Really…

So if you win, you'll go to Boston.

If you fail, you'll be a loafer.

Polar opposites.

But, you know…

the vacation…

is over.

The long vacation…

is now

over.

I'm already 25, too.

I have to make a decision.

You've matured a lot in the time I haven't seen you.

Anyway, I've handed it to you.

-The ticket. -Uh-huh.

19TH OTOWADO CLASSICAL COMPETITION

Sena.

Hey.

Let's both do our best.

I see.

Your feelings won't change?

No.

What will you do now?

I'll send my resume

to some photo studios.

Do you want me to introduce you?

Oh, I have to at least do that on my own.

You were kind enough to teach me photography,

so I would like to continue.

Really?

Yes.

You can do photography no matter where you go.

Really…

Thank you for everything.

Minami…

You're like a stray cat. You come into people's laps,

then disappear in the blink of an eye.

I'm sorry.

But I'm not trying to put on a front

when I say I'm really glad I met you.

You made me really happy.

Minami.

Look over here.

Will you

be all right on your own now?

I've lived 30 years by myself, so…

So I'll just do my best for the next 10 or 20 years

with my old hag power.

Hey…

Don't act so tough, okay?

Just be sincere,

and be happy, okay?

Come on, smile!

Don't forget that smile.

I won't.

Oh, hey… Professor!

It has been a while.

How are you?

You came?

Yes, to support Sena.

-Hey, Shin… -Yes?

Was it really okay for me to come here?

Ryoko wanted me to bring you along.

Oh, it's here.

Here, go ahead.

Now,

the final round of the 19th Otowado Classical Competition

shall begin.

Ryoko Okusawa.

A Rachmaninoff composition.

"Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini."

THE 19TH OTOWADO CLASSICAL COMPETITION

Hidetoshi Sena.

"Hinata Rhapsody No. 1."

"B-flat minor, Opus 38."

Thank you.

I've never played for…

for someone else's sake.

This song that you played, Sena…

It saved me.

A lot of different sounds…

They felt so comforting back then.

I just remembered that…

When I was listening to you playing the piano, in my dream.

Sena.

Please,

remove that wall.

Weren't you a great teacher?

The best.

I'm thinking of quitting the piano.

I was thinking maybe it's time to move on.

But I love…

your piano playing.

So miracles don't happen?

I believe they do.

Why are you doing this?

You can't quit the piano.

You're the one who doesn't trust me.

-That's why you're saying that-- -That's not right!

Why are you saying all this stuff?

If it's just going to be like this, we should've just remained friends!

Bravo!

Bravo!

-Bravo! -Bravo!

Thank you…

Here we have the prize winners

of the 19th Otowado Classical Competition.

Please give them a big round of applause.

I cried.

Now, Sena will be going to Boston.

Yes, that's right.

Congratulations.

You've recommended a wonderful performer.

Thank you.

We're very grateful.

I'm truly shocked as well.

I'm sure he'll be a world-class pianist. He's got what it takes.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

It was truly wonderful.

Thank you very much.

How should I put it, the music…

it soared to an incredibly high level.

And that wall…

it was blown away beyond the stratosphere.

No…

-Was it? -You were so good.

What happened?

-Probably… -Yes?

-I think that… -Yes?

-A certain person changed me. -Oh, excuse me…

So today…

I played for that person.

Thank you for the wonderful miracle.

-It was truly wonderful. -We would like to call upon the winner.

Hidetoshi Sena, a word, please.

Give this to him.

-What? -Here.

Sis!

Thank you very much for today.

I'll do my best moving forward.

Please watch over me.

Thank you very much.

What are you doing dressed like that?

It's better than a bridal gown.

Minami!

Yes?

Minami…

Yes?

Miss Minami.

Yes, yes?

Minami.

Yes.

Minami!

Sena!

Minami.

Sena.

-Minami! -Sena!

Let's go to Boston together.

I think it will be

a lot more fun there.

So, let's…

go to Boston together.

Where's the "yes"?

If you don't say "yes," I'll kiss you.

SUMMER 1997

They're late.

It has been 30 minutes.

Have you ever heard the story of a woman

whose groom ran away on the day of the wedding?

No… not really.

Right?

You don't mean… again?

We came all the way here from Japan.

How about we do some shopping and go back?

They're really late, aren't they?

Well, how about we just wait a little more, okay?

So many buttons!

-Hurry, we don't have time! -The thread is frayed!

Let's take a taxi!

I don't have any money with me!

You're joking! I'll go get it then!

Forget it! Hurry up!

-Everyone is waiting! -Geez!

You turned off the alarm, didn't you?

Cause I don't remember turning it off!

Hey!

Excuse me!

It's easier running in this than the Japanese dress!

Obviously! Come on!

Hurry up!

This way!

Let's go!

Yes, dearest.

I'll go first!

Subtitle translation by: Maslin F.