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A Shochiku Film

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

The trick is to fry them crispy.

Restaurant cutlets and those made at home are different.

The secret of frying technique is what we learned today.

Will you show us how to fry them?

Very well.

News Flash

Torajiro Kuruma Wins This Year's Nobel Prize for Medicine

Kuruma General Hospital

He's coming.

Congratulations!

What's the fuss?

You won the Nobel Prize!

Congratulations!

Oh, that...

The doctor's tired.

We'll hold a press conference later.

Today's schedule. Doctor.

A meeting at the Swedish Embassy.

Dinner at the Prime Minister's residence.

An interview with Kayoko Kishimoto.

When can I take a rest?

Can't be helped.

You belong to everyone now.

You're internationally famous.

Rest at the summer house after the award ceremony.

Yes, do that.

Yes.

Dr. Kuruma! Please save my son's life!

A Nobel Prize Winner can't bother with poor people.

See some other quack.

Step aside!

You're...?

Torajiro!

Such a long time!

Try to understand.

To save my father's hospital I must marry another.

You mean the hospital's more important than me?

Torajiro...

Why can't you understand?

Because I can't. I don't understand such things.

Goodbye.

Please become a fine doctor.

Don't worry.

I'll save his life. I promise it.

Thank you.

Prepare for an operation now.

What about the press?

Fool!

Which is more important, the prize or a child's life?

Can't you even tell that?

Let's begin.

Blood pressure.

Scalpel!

Scalpel...

Fork!

Mister... Mister!

Can I clear the table?

Sure.

Thanks.

How much?

490 yen.

Keep the change.

Thank you.

Nobel Game Center

Tora-san's Promise

I was born and raised in Shibamata, Katsushika…

I was born and raised in Shibamata, Katsushika… Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora

Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora

Kuruma is my family name… Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora And my given name is Torajiro…

But people call me Tora, the street peddler…

Chieko Baisho as Sakura

Mikiko Otonashi as Mitsue

Masami Shimojo as Uncle

Chieko Misaki as Aunty

Gin Maeda as Hiroshi

Hisao Dazai as President

Gajiro Sato as Genko

Hidetaka Yoshioka as Mitsuo

Chishu Ryu as the High Priest

Shoichi Ozawa as Tsunesaburo

Kayoko Kishimoto as Aiko

Producers: Kiyoshi Shimazu Tetsuo Sasho

Planned by Shun'ichi Kobayashi

Written by Yoji Yamada Yoshitaka Asama

Cinematography: Tetsuo Takaba

Art Direction: Mitsuo Degawa

Music: Naozumi Yamamoto

Sound Recording: Isao Suzuki

Sound Mixing: Ryuji Matsumoto

Lighting: Yoshifumi Aoki

Editing: Iwao Ishii

Original Story and Directed by Yoji Yamada

Hi, there.

Is it fun?

Thank you.

Nice day. Already autumn.

The equinox.

It's getting cooler.

Thanks for the treat.

Are you eating cake, President?

It's fattening.

Leave it if you don't like it.

What are you doing?

Computer games.

Who from?

The President.

I didn't buy them.

My friend owned a toy factory.

He went bust and gave me his inventory.

Bankrupt?

All good stuff. It sold well at first.

He couldn't compete with big business. They ruined him.

What about these?

Just get rid of them.

Guys like Tora peddle them on the street.

Stuff like this wound up there.

Even Toys have a sad story behind them.

I wonder what Tora's doing.

Peddling toys somewhere?

Sakura, what about this?

What is it?

Tora's alumni reunion notice.

When is it?

The 22nd?

Today!

Too late to reply.

I doubt they expect Tora anyway.

Old newspapers and magazines exchange for toilet paper!

Brother!

Howdy!

Tora!

Everyone here?

Welcome back.

How are you, Uncle?

Busy talking about you.

Gossiping about me again?

A present for you.

Thank you.

How's business, President?

Lousy.

Mitsuo here, too?

Welcome back.

Been good? Here's something for you.

How do you like it?

What is it?

A paper balloon.

It's nice.

Use it like this.

Drug store PR. You got away cheap.

Never mind him.

This is a real toy. I miss the days when I was a kid.

It's fun.

Is that all?

Would you like some tea?

Or are you hungry?

Don't bother. I'm leaving.

What? You just came home.

Nothing good will happen if I stay.

That's not true. At least stay the night.

For your alumni reunion.

Alumni reunion?

Your grade school.

Where is the card?

Wait a moment.

You got back in time. It's today.

Mr. Torajiro Kuruma...

From the Shibamata Grade School graduates...

I forgot.

I graduated from that place, too.

Mitsuo, he's your senior.

I'm his senior, huh?

Sure.

You graduated, right?

Of course.

I studied hard the final year.

It was a trial for me.

Mitsuo, study hard or you won't graduate.

Don't play all the time.

Play hard, no studying?

Anybody can graduate from grade school.

What's that?

Not exactly. Ordinary people graduate easily.

But it wasn't easy for Tora, with his brains.

Consider that.

Right. Stupid!

So study well.

It's hard to persuade you.

Ordinary people get tired of studying.

Excuse me.

Welcome.

Some sweets?

Going to the reunion?

They invited me. Guess I have to.

Then rest until then?

Sure, why not?

Shibamata Grade School? I miss it.

They're all big now.

"What great obligations we have toward our teachers..."

Say, Sakura.

What?

All his classmates have grown children and decent jobs.

I guess so...

I'll visit my tutor.

All right.

Take care.

Shibamata Grade School Alumni Reunion

Yanagi!

Shigeru?

It's been years!

You haven't changed.

Hi, Yasuo!

Yanagi!

You're Sumi, right?

The dregs of beauty.

How many came?

About fifty.

Big party, huh?

Torajiro Kuruma...

I remember him.

He was a real bully.

Is he coming?

Hope not.

He still a peddler?

- Sure. - He's never home.

Good. Just thinking about his square face sickens me.

He bullied you, too?

Sure. I skipped school to avoid him.

If he comes, I'll leave.

No joke, I don't want him around.

Write your name.

I can't stomach him.

He's here!

There you are!

Shigeru, are you still swiping wood?

Hi, Otter!

It's me, Tora. Tora, Otter. Remember me?

I remember you.

Don't act stuffy.

Sumiko, are you still single?

Lice Monkey!

Wearing a suit? Still got lice?

Is the party over there?

Pay admission first.

Pay?

Otter, I haven't got change. Pay it for me.

This way?

Howdy, gang!

You're Ofumi of that fancy goods store?

How wrinkled you are!

All I see is a bunch of hags.

A hag party, huh?

Good night!

Bye.

Welcome home.

Overtime?

Is Tora still at the reunion?

I phoned the restaurant. They said everybody left an hour ago.

What's keeping him?

He's out drinking.

I suppose so.

I hope he behaves well.

I have a bad hunch...

That he's so drunk he's ruining the alumni reunion.

I see. That's possible.

Hey, Yasuo, where are we?

You know, to the last place.

Am I going?

Not that way.

Over here!

I want to drink more.

I know.

Here.

We're gonna drink here?

What a pig sty!

I'm sorry for this.

Don't be. Brother...

You startled me.

This is my own place.

Why bring me here?

You've had enough.

Hello. My name is Yasuo. I run a laundry.

I was his classmate.

Sorry to cause you trouble.

More sake!

Lice Monkey...

All right.

You're a great guy.

You're the only one...

Who remembers his obligations and keeps me company.

I owe you a lot.

Look at the rest!

They're all stuck up!

They avoid me, making all sorts of sick excuses.

Some classmates!

They're busy.

Idiot!

I know what they really think.

They think I'm scum. They all avoided me.

They planned it and acted dumb. The jerks!

Welcome back.

Have a drink.

I'll be going.

Go where?

My home.

Let's drink all night.

Brother.

Stay here.

I have my work.

Forget it.

I can't. I run a laundry.

Tora, he's busy.

Please go.

Who cares about laundry?

Stupid laundry!

Would the world care if your pig sty went bankrupt?

What a thing to say!

That's rude!

I'm sorry. Please don't get mad. He's a fool.

Never mind. I'm used to how he talks.

You make me want to talk this way.

I can say a lot more.

But it was a bit too much.

What? Got any beefs?

I'm sorry.

He's drunk.

Let me say it.

As you say, my shop is very small.

And business is slow.

I often thought of closing down.

But each time I mention it, my wife and daughter...

Tell me to hang on.

They say to keep the shop I got from my father.

They encourage me.

That's what kept me going until today.

Tonight just drink.

Hear me out!

Remember what you said?

"Would the world care if your pig sty went bankrupt?"

I have my customers.

"Please wash my sheets." "Please press my shirts."

They ask for my personal work.

That's how business should be.

Don't you agree?

Absolutely.

A jerk like you would never understand that.

Excuse me.

What? He's stupid, yet he's philosophical.

Hiroshi, let's drink.

Let's go, Hiroshi.

Yes.

Get ready, Mitsuo.

More sake!

You look happy, Tora. How was the reunion?

Shut up! What's it to you?

Hiroshi Suwa

Aunty? Good morning.

How's Brother?

I see. Already left?

When?

Early this morning.

He'd folded the blanket I put on him.

I see...

Hello?

We were talking about him…

Iguess he felt miserable at the alumni reunion…

We shouldn 't have let him go…

Forget it. It's over.

That's true…

Sorry to have phoned so early.

Has Tora gone?

Yes. He left early.

I'll get the paper.

Good morning.

Have a nice day.

Look! Shove it and it whistles.

The latest computer games.

When you were small, you played cat's cradle.

And bouncing balls.

Now, kids play computer games.

Buy one for your grandchild.

It works with batteries?

You know, huh?

They call a battery "computer" in English.

Even your grandchildren know that.

Yoake lnn

Excuse me.

Sorry to trouble you, but will you share your room?

Share?

All our other rooms are occupied by a group tour.

I'll give you a special rate.

I don't want some strange guy.

It's a young woman.

A woman?

Does she know I'm a man?

She said she doesn't mind.

We're the only inn around.

The last bus has gone.

Is she waiting?

I'll go see her.

He's the one.

Sorry to intrude.

Please go in.

Excuse me.

Mister, be nice to her.

I'll prepare your meal, miss.

Let's make it clear.

We're strangers even if we share a room.

Don't talk to me.

And I'm the decent type.

I see.

Some man gave you the hard time.

Keep quiet! I'm depressed.

I see.

Very well.

But there are plenty of men and women in the world.

We just happen to be together for tonight.

We should at least know our names.

I'm Torajiro Kuruma, from Shibamata, Tokyo.

People call me Drifter Tora. Nice to meet you.

Listen.

What?

Why Drifter?

Because I left home.

You left your wife and kids?

I never had such additions.

You're different from what I first thought.

Why did you become a drifter?

Lost your job?

Lost your love?

Family trouble?

Let's leave the past alone.

That's how I think, too.

I hate people who meddle.

They shouldn't concern themselves with us.

You're interesting.

Yeah?

What are you thinking?

The same as you are.

How awful!

Oh, no!

Madame, will you come here?

It's awful.

Just be quiet.

Your things are showing.

What happened?

Can I sleep here?

She's so noisy I can't sleep.

Please.

Sorry about that.

That's okay. If she comes, tell her I'm not here.

Tora!

Where are you?

Pissing?

In the can?

Hey, Tora.

Miss...

So your mom went and got herself a lover.

But that's no reason to leave home, right?

She became lonely after your father died.

She's fifty.

She's still young.

Got any brothers?

I have a half-brother.

He works on a fishing ship. He's home only twice a year.

Only twice a year?

He's a nice guy.

He's far out at sea now, probably.

He's worried about you.

Don't you think so?

Let's go.

Where do you live?

In Yaizu.

Shizuoka Prefecture?

That's the station. Go to Hakata first.

Then take the Bullet train.

Got money?

What about you?

I go anywhere, whenever I feel like it.

Goodbye.

Tora.

What's wrong?

Can't we be together longer?

Didn't I tell you to go home?

I don't feel like it.

But you must.

No! You can't order me around!

He makes me mad!

Why are you here?

I'll come with you.

I said to go home.

I'm hungry. Let's eat.

Let's eat something.

Take a good look.

Yotsuya, Akasaka... I peddle there.

A tofu maker's daughter is as square as a tofu.

She has a fair skin but is cold...

Only 400 yen each. Buy one.

Buy one.

I'll take one.

It's a bargain.

It really is.

Maybe I'll take two.

I'll take this.

You too? 400 yen is hardly money.

Okay. Just this once.

Come and buy one.

Thank you.

That one?

Yes. 400 yen?

It's delicious! It's fresh!

Have some tea.

Sorry.

Finish your lunch.

Mister, thanks for the tea.

Have some pickles.

I made them.

Thanks. Looks good.

You're Tora, from Shibamata?

Yeah, who are you?

I'm Mitsue, Tsunesaburo's wife.

Tsunesaburo?

You mean Tsune, the crow?

I see. You're his wife.

He often boasted about you.

You're his wife, huh?

Please to meet you.

Tsune makes you work while he gets drunk?

No. He's sick.

Sick?

Is it bad?

He's been in the hospital for three months.

When did I last meet him?

In the spring this year?

He often talks about you.

I feel like I know you.

I'll visit him.

Thanks.

He'll be glad.

Bye, now.

Where is Tsune living?

Akizuki, in Fukuoka.

Sure. He said Akizuki.

Goodbye.

She has a nice air about her.

Different from other wives.

Shut up. Customers!

Welcome!

Made in France. 500 yen each.

What are you thinking?

The same as you.

About the woman at the festival?

Not at all.

You're blushing, I was right.

I have keen intuition.

She's married, right?

Yours is an immoral love.

Be quiet, girl.

I'm tired of walking.

There? Thanks.

Tsunesaburo Kuratomi

Why...

So you live here?

You really did come.

I was nearby, so I dropped in.

Where's the hospital?

He left it last week. He's home.

What? He's home now?

Good.

He'll be glad.

Come in. It's a bit messy.

Tsune!

Listen, Tsune!

This is a real hick town.

No gambling halls around no bars...

It's good for you.

I'll buy some cake.

Silly, Tora never eats cake. Buy some sake.

That's all right. Don't bother.

I'll be back soon.

She's strict. Like a spy for the hospital.

She was a restaurant waitress?

Who told you that?

Ken from Kokura.

We fought over her.

I spent so much money for her.

She's worth it, your wife.

She's kind. Sexy, too.

Too good for you.

Will you do me a favor?

Sure. Just name it.

You're still single, huh?

Just in case...

If I die...

Will you marry her?

Don't talk stupid.

You've just left the hospital.

That's why I said just in case.

I'm imploring you. Just make the promise.

When I think of her being laid by someone else after I die,

I can't sleep.

What a guy!

Okay. I promise. So...

Don't let your ghost hang around after you die.

I can't promise that.

Having a young wife isn't easy, huh?

Can't be helped.

I'm tired. Can I lie down?

Sure.

Make yourself at home.

I miss Yamato, where I was born… … …

Where clouds rise and the south wind blows… … …

My husband went to that junior high.

Such a good school?

If he'd studied more, he could've been a great man.

It's the same with me, though.

Were you born here, too?

No, I'm from Tokyo.

Tokyo, huh?

Things happened.

Write to me at Shibamata if you need help.

I go there sometimes.

Thank you.

Take care of yourself.

When he gets better, he'll work hard for you.

He really loves you.

Go back, now.

He might get jealous again.

A gift for you.

Thanks.

I'm glad you came.

Bye, now.

Tora...

I thought I'd never tell anyone this, but...

What is it?

Actually...

My husband won't live long.

He left the hospital because the doctors gave up.

He insisted on coming home.

They said to let him do as he pleases.

How long will he live?

They say he won't last out the month.

He doesn't look it.

But doctors are often right.

So...

You're... probably the last friend to visit him.

Thank you for coming.

Okiyoshi lnn

Have some tea.

Thanks.

A present?

What were you doing today?

When I was killing time in my room,

the innkeeper invited me to go mudskipper fishing.

I went and got muddy.

Mudskippers look funny.

They have big eyes and a square jaw.

Like your eyes stuck on my face, huh?

Pretty good!

What's wrong?

Why?

You look blue.

What are you thinking?

About... life.

Is it funny?

You aren't the type to think about it.

Excuse me.

Will you eat supper here?

Yes.

Miss...

Shall we drink?

Sure. I feel like drinking tonight.

I'll go and order.

Aren't you under age?

I'm eighteen.

I'm a fisherman's daughter. I'm used to drinking.

Bring us some whiskey. Make it a bottle.

Some ice, too.

Make sure it's a whole bottle.

"Thanks for everything.

"I enjoyed the trip with you.

"But we can't go on forever.

"Go home to Yaizu.

"I'm going home, too. Goodbye.

"To Aiko, from Torajiro."

Tora!

You're mean, leaving me behind!

Bring the creel.

Where did it go?

Got gobies?

Look!

They're so small.

They look funny.

They look like you.

Brat!

I'm home.

We brought food for supper.

Gobies.

Brother's back.

Is he okay?

He acts odd.

How?

He said "I'm sorry to worry you all the time."

A proper greeting.

That's why it's odd.

Where is he?

Praying at the altar.

Welcome home.

Hiroshi, you got some gobies? Thanks.

I'm grateful. I appreciate your kindness to Sakura.

What happened?

Tora got decency.

Really?

Really!

Maybe I'm dumb, but I thought about many things...

While on the road.

What do you mean?

At my age, I realize it only now:

I've been a terrible burden to you people.

To Sakura, I'm just a no-good brother.

I'm the family black sheep.

That's enough.

Just stay as you are.

I can't!

Because you spoil me, I can't lead a straight life.

Going out?

To the temple to pray.

Thank you very much.

The check?

Good evening. Tora's back, huh?

Welcome back.

Welcome, sir.

Thanks for your kindness to my family.

Not at all.

What's going on, Sakura?

We heard his story.

He visited a friend who's sick.

In a town called Akizuki.

He looked well, but...

His wife said he won't live long.

The doctors gave up.

So, she told him.

That happens.

She said Tora was the last friend to visit him.

He was shocked to hear it.

Right, Brother?

Life can be so brief.

How true!

For example...

After going to bed tonight, I might wake up tomorrow morning dead.

The dead don't wake up.

Go and study!

What happened to the friend?

Did he die?

They held his funeral soon after.

They said so on the phone.

Poor guy!

Was he like Tora? No health insurance?

And the hospital payment.

Think about that, Tora.

Right.

If I get sick...

I'll end up causing trouble for everybody here.

We'll take care of you.

Thank you.

It's easier to die.

It's hard on his family.

Yes. I feel sorry for his widow.

How old is she?

A little over thirty.

She's still young.

I bet she's pretty.

There's an old stone bridge in the village.

She walked me as far as there.

We said goodbye, and she said:

"My husband won't live long.

"You're the last friend to visit him.

"Thank you for coming."

She went home, hiding her tears.

She looked so forlorn.

The sun was setting.

A distant temple bell tolled.

Just then...

I heard the melancholy strains of a flute.

A flute?

I was mistaken.

Actually, she was crying.

Trudging along an empty road.

She was weeping aloud... that man's wife.

The strains of a flute?

Isn't it tragic?

When a pretty girl weeps, it sounds like a flute.

When Aunty cries it sounds like a bugle.

Touche!

That's horrible!

I'm sorry.

It's too much.

He's joking.

I'll never take care of you again.

Stop crying.

I'm sorry.

The shop's closed for today.

Come again.

Well!

Be still!

Tora!

Aiko!

You were mean, leaving me behind.

You came after me?

You didn't explain!

I wanted to come sooner but I was broke.

I worked in Osaka to get money, I borrowed, too.

So I finally could come.

I'm sorry about that.

Will you get her some food?

Who's she?

Aiko. I met her in Kyusyu.

The widow we were talking about?

My condolences.

Not her.

Who do you mean?

That one.

That one?

You're stupid.

Dry your tears. I bet you're hungry.

Give her some food, Sakura.

We're out of rice. I'll cook some.

What a mill!

Aiko, how about some noodles?

It sounds good.

Order us some noodles. Make it snappy.

Uncle. Aunty.

I met her in Kyushu.

Forget that, but hurry.

What's up?

Aunty said to eat these.

Thanks.

Hi!

Is this where Hiroshi works?

Nice place, huh?

I'll be going.

Young girls are great, huh?

Why don't we hire one?

With what?

I'd rather have robots to cut personnel.

I'll quit.

I was only kidding.

Where did Tora go?

He's working.

He said he'd buy clothes for Aiko.

She likes him, and I know why he's kind to her, but...

She's a stranger, so we can't let her stay forever.

I wonder what her mother's doing.

When I phoned her.

She just asked us to look after her. She's indifferent.

She has a brother, right?

He's a fisherman. He seldom comes home.

Excuse me.

Welcome.

What are you doing?

Disgusting.

Octopus is mad.

Who's Octopus?

Our boss.

Old baldy.

He looks it!

What odd clothes!

Overalls.

Where's Toraya?

To the left.

Moron!

What reckless driving!

What's wrong?

Going so fast on such a narrow street...

What are you doing?

Aiko around?

Aiko? Yes, she is. She's inside.

Aiko!

Wait a minute!

How rude! Who are you?

Her brother.

Brother! When did you get back?

You really quit school?

I didn't quit. I got expelled.

Why did you leave home?

I had to. Mom didn't want me around.

Always blaming others! Don't spoil yourself!

Shouting won't make me obey you!

Then I'll make you understand.

No violence!

Stop it!

Keep out of this. It's between us.

Aiko.

What?

You haven't written me in six months.

I didn't get any letters at Singapore or Colombo.

It worried me so I came home.

Then I heard you'd left school and gone away.

What's wrong with you?

You said you wanted to go to high school.

So I paid your tuition.

I quit drinking to pay all your expenses.

But you wound up to be a drifter. Pay me back!

All right. I will!

I'll hook a man and squeeze him dry!

I'll kill you.

Do it!

Stop it!

I'll call the police!

Kill me!

Why can't you understand how I feel?

You were never home when I needed you! Never!

This isn't a show.

A tuna I caught. Please take it.

You can make lots of sashimi with it.

I'll put it here.

Dry your tears.

It stinks of fish!

A fisherman's kid shouldn't complain.

Drink some water.

Thanks.

She cried her fill and felt better.

When her brother said, "Let's go!"

She didn't argue. She left with him in his car.

Her brother seems to be a nice man.

He is...

I was scared when I first saw him, though.

I'm glad she has him for a brother.

Being brother and sister is nice.

You have a brother, too.

That's true.

Did he say anything about Aiko?

He seemed relieved.

Good evening.

Thanks for the tuna. It was delicious.

Is that so?

I made this.

Thanks. Looks good.

Genko.

What are you thinking?

About noodles. I'm hungry.

I'm drooling.

Hopeless!

Mail for you.

How rare! A postcard for Tora.

Who from?

Mitsue Kuratomi, a woman.

Who's she?

C/o Shobunkan inn, Hongo...

Read it. Who cares?

"Dear Tora, it's been a month since my husband died.

"How are you?

"I'm working at an inn in Hongo.

"I'll come to thank you after I'm settled. Mitsue."

She's the woman.

It's really going to be something.

Is the shop still solvent?

I'm famished!

A postcard for you.

Who from?

Mitsue Kuratomi.

You read it?

No.

I'm going out.

Sorry.

Shobunkan lnn

Hello.

A guest is here!

Why, Tora!

Came to see me?

I got your postcard so I came.

If you're busy, I'll leave.

Just a moment.

Madame, may I go out?

Wait for me outside.

I was surprised you came so soon.

I guess you were busy with the funeral.

I held a simple one.

This may not be a right place, but...

Take this. It was my husband's.

What is it?

His wallet.

He really liked it.

It'll remind me of him.

Hardly sweet memories.

Is the job difficult?

No.

I'm used to hard work.

You must be tired after caring for him. Don't overdo it.

Why not come to my place and rest?

It's a pigpen but my family's nice.

Thank you.

You're the only one who talks to me like that.

Better go back now.

Sorry I can't talk longer.

When's your day off?

The 15th.

Come visit then.

Thank you.

Don't forget.

I won't. Bye.

Take care.

Good evening. Ready to eat?

President, can you come back later?

Why?

We're having an important discussion. It's a family affair.

Don't say that. I'm like one of the family.

It's strictly private. Leave us alone. I'll call you later.

I'm sorry.

Sure. I'm just some nobody.

Sorry.

I'm sorry.

Lock the door?

Sure. What is it you wanted to discuss?

Any more strangers here?

Of course not.

A cat's watching.

That?

It's an ornament.

You don't want to hear it?

Cover your ears. You talk too much.

Hurry, or the food will be overcooked.

Tell us.

It's strictly between us.

I may start a family.

When?

Who with?

Which woman?

What's "family"?

Quiet!

I can't answer everybody.

One should speak for everybody. One.

I'll do it.

With who?

I can't tell you now. You'll soon know.

When will you marry her?

Next spring.

No, the end of next year.

No. After two years, no, five years.

Maybe ten years.

I may never marry her.

Cut it out. We're hungry.

I'll give it to you straight. So answer straight.

All right.

You're getting married? What should we do?

What must I do to prepare?

Buy household goods.

Chopsticks and bowls.

Two teacups, for my wife and me.

Pots and pans.

A rice cooker.

Rice scoop, knives, chopping board...

Something to mash potatoes.

We'll help you with that.

Thanks.

Something more basic...

Basic?

I know. You mean a house.

Don't worry. You can live upstairs.

Thanks. We'll live upstairs until we find a house.

Hey, there's no toilet upstairs.

We'll have to use the one downstairs.

I'd do it in the garden.

But Mitsue can't do that.

Why not build a toilet upstairs?

A bathroom, too. It needn't be elaborate.

But I want a wooden bathtub.

Why wood?

Because plastic tubs are slippery.

Separate kitchen, too.

What for?

While you're fixing cheap potatoes.

We'll be grilling steak. It'd embarrass us all.

We'll have separate lives under the same roof.

But after supper we'll all sit in a happy circle.

"My, it's so late. Let's go to bed."

"Of course. Please do."

The old couple trudge to their beds.

The young couple gaily go upstairs.

By the way, we'll need our own entrance.

Or that Octopus will come barging in.

I can have one, huh?

Sure. Whatever you want.

That settles it.

Let's eat.

Yes, let's...

I'll call the Octopus.

President!

We're through. Come in.

No thanks. I'm just a stranger.

Don't say that. We miss you.

High Priest!

Hello, Tora.

I'd like to ask you a question.

What about?

When a woman remarries after her first husband dies...

Should she wait at least a year after his death?

Or should she wait two years?

What do the sutras say about it?

The sutras mention nothing about it.

But, in my opinion...

Yes, I want your opinion.

If she's really a faithful wife...

She should never marry anyone else.

She should serve Buddha.

She should pray for her late husband.

Goodbye!

Merciful Buddha...

He's old-fashioned.

Adulterer!

Adulterer?

Just serve Buddha!

Tora's late.

Working?

I doubt it.

He borrowed Uncle's shirt and necktie.

He took them after lunch.

Shoes too?

No, he was wearing sandals as usual.

What an odd style!

It's embarrassing. I'm ashamed.

Business is rough. They won't pay for nothing.

Do a good job.

Sorry, I'm late.

Welcome back. Where have you been?

Hiroshi, I took an employment exam.

An employment exam? Really?

I'd forgotten one thing:

I need a steady job to get married.

That's true, but...

Did you find a suitable job?

It's hard for people to appreciate my ability.

I bought these for the "help wanted" ads.

It took an hour to check them.

I picked this one.

Sales Division, Rising Sun Trading Co.

A salesman?

Sure. I'm an expert at sales.

Did you meet them?

Sure. The president's a nice guy.

I told jokes. Made him laugh.

So how did it go?

They'll write me in a few days.

They'll hire anybody right now.

But I'll have to work hard to be a regular employee.

I'll need some business cards... square ones.

Is the President at the shop?

I guess so.

Good evening, workers. Getting in some overtime?

Don't complain.

Be glad you have a job.

Unemployment is growing.

"Over 180 thousand yen salary...

"Employee benefits, free transportation..."

What kind of woman is making him feel that way?

Excuse me.

Welcome. Would you like some sweets?

No thanks. My name is Mitsue Kuratomi.

Is Tora here?

You're the one?

Pleased to meet you.

Me too.

I'm glad you could come. What'll I do?

Yes! Tora!

He'll be at the temple. I'll get him.

Please wait. I'll be right back.

Thank you.

I'm back.

Welcome home.

Are you Tora's relative?

He's my no-good uncle.

You came at last?

I've been waiting since morning.

Sorry to be late. It wasn't easy to get away.

Really? Come in.

Out of the way!

Are you all right? I'm sorry.

What's the big idea?

Look what he's doing.

Brother.

What are you doing?

Come here.

I'm coming.

A customer!

He's shy because a beauty's here.

I'm not.

Welcome. May I help you?

Thanks to Tora, we can see lots of beauties here.

What are you saying?

I think Tora's very popular.

Far from it.

Always jilted.

Gabbing about me?

Not at all.

You can't stay overnight?

Are you leaving?

She's busy. She has to get back to the inn by six.

We even bought meat for sukiyaki, right?

She's busy. Can't be helped.

Did you eat all that? Was it good?

I'm full. I'm so happy.

You are...?

It must have been tough looking after him.

You can take home the leftovers.

Got a box, Sakura?

There's one over there.

This one, too.

Will this do?

It's no good. The sauce will leak.

Tora's a nice person, isn't he?

He never lies. He's simple, that's all.

Of all my husband's friends I've met, Tora is special.

Some were awful.

Was your husband in the same line as Tora?

He was like a gangster. He drank and gambled.

God punished him.

I don't think so.

I mean it. Tora knows well.

Tora, my husband was no good, right?

In a way.

I'll do that. Go in and talk.

Come in. What's wrong?

Hey, I've got to pay the President for my cards.

Be right back.

Some sweets...

Welcome!

Tora has nice relatives. I envy him.

What about your family?

I barely remember my parents. There was some trouble.

I went from one relative to the next and became a truant.

In short, a juvenile delinquent.

But as I grew older...

I realized I should get married and go straight.

And then I ended up marrying a man like a gangster.

It's time to go.

Already?

Thanks for everything.

Tora, she's leaving.

Really?

Tora...

A doggy bag.

Wrap it.

Never mind.

Leaving so soon?

Thanks a lot.

You've been so nice to me. I'm glad.

That's good.

Your next day-off...?

Not until New Year's.

Come then. We'll celebrate.

Good idea.

Tell us if you need anything.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Be sure to come for New Year's. We'll be waiting.

Goodbye.

Go partway with her.

Sure. Let's go.

Keep well and do your best.

I'll stay here a while and think about you.

Thank you.

Listen.

You came to see my husband.

Didn't he say something strange then?

I don't remember.

Three or four days before he died...

He said this to me:

"If I die, marry Tora.

"I already told Tora."

Oh, that?

Did you really make such a promise?

No, I just tried to please him because he was ill.

Really?

It's true.

I'm glad to hear that.

You couldn't have made such a promise.

Sorry if I sounded rude.

I got mad at him for it.

He talked as if I was a pet dog or cat.

I can understand that.

He was a fool after all, till the day he died.

Yeah, I guess he was.

I'm glad to know how you feel.

I'm not bothered by what he said.

Goodbye, then.

Take care.

What about New Year's?

I hate the cold. I'll go to Izu or Suruga.

I see. Good luck.

Welcome back.

She's such a nice woman.

We all praised her.

She's kind. She didn't suffer in vain.

I'm glad to hear it.

Welcome back.

Will you answer it?

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Toraya speaking.

Bingoya? Thank you for your patronage.

New Year's rice cakes?

Five? When shall we deliver them?

On the 28th?

Thank you very much.

It's near the end of the year. We're busy.

Take care, Uncle.

What's wrong?

I'll take a trip.

But...

Watch your health, Aunty.

Wait a minute.

Weren't you supposed to get a regular job and marry?

That was just a dream.

Brother...

Some trouble with Mitsue?

No, nothing.

My best to Hiroshi.

Special delivery.

Thanks.

It's for you!

Who from?

Rising Sun Trading.

Tora took an exam there.

They accepted you.

A good chance to start a new life.

Right.

Anyway we'll open it.

I'll read it for you.

No matter what happened between you and Mitsue.

Why not work there for a while?

A new world might open up before you.

Isn't that right, Uncle?

What's wrong?

When am I supposed to start work?

I can't read, my eyes...

How dull. Show me.

"We appreciate your interest. But..."

I can't read it either.

What are you doing?

You've got bad eyes, too?

I'm sorry. They turned you down.

What a farce!

Well...

I'll go, cold as it is.

My line of work isn't easy.

Brother!

Thank you.

Two plates of sweets?

From where?

It says Suruga.

Where's Suruga?

In Shizuoka.

He should join us for New Year's.

For him, New Year's is the business time.

He must be working at a shrine now,

peddling things, shouting loudly.

With a head band.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Happy New Year!

Meet my boss.

She's the widow of Tora's friend.

I remember. She's the one?

Glad to meet you.

"The strains of a flute..."

What are you doing?

I'll help you.

Don't bother.

I'm used to it. I'm a good barker.

Step right in!

Try our delicious sweets!

Toraya's sweets are famous!

"Happy New Year!

"Sorry I caused you trouble last year.

"I'm ashamed to remember it.

"I spend my days regretting.

"I hope this year will be good for you.

Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture

"To people of Toraya - from Torajiro Kuruma."

Write me when you get my letters!

Brother!

Tora!

What brings you?

I came to see how you're doing.

Liar!

Is your brother aboard? Which one is he?

The handsome guy with the yellow head band.

Brother! He's Tora!

Catch lots of tuna!

Don't buy foreign whores with the money!

Don't drink! Don't gamble!

Your sister's waiting for you!

Brother!

Brother!

The End