Original subtitles

Toho Co., Ltd.

Produced by "A Bolt From The Blue" Production Committee

I wonder when it was... that I stopped believing I was special.

Although, when I was young, I sure thought I was something special.

Here, Like this...

Like a King and Ace.

That's how I use to think about myself.

Well sure, my school record was bad...

and I wasn't popular with girls.

But, on the other hand...

Is that anything special?

Honestly, I just made fun of those other guys.

They had ordinary jobs, and ordinary families, after all.

They were the kind of guys that could only walk that normal kind of life.

But, I don't know anymore.

To tell you the truth, having that kind of ordinary life is incredibly difficult.

It takes an extreme amount of effort and hardship.

In some ordinary way, they manage.

Like this.

I can't say much about that.

I suppose...

I'm more like this.

And you?

Well...

Like this?

Well, that's good enough.

Did you see my cards?

My cards are...

No, that's not it. What we have in store for you today is...

We've invited an incredible person for you today.

What?! Who? Who?

It's the Femme-Magician, Ms. Sawada!

Hello!

It's nice to meet you!

How creepy!

Well, well... Look here!

Attention!

Now, now... We're already paying attention.

First, check these spoons.

- Is there something to them? - What about them?

Okay then! Here...

Attention!!

- Bend! - Huh?

- Bend you bastard! - What?

Look, here, here here!

It's bending. It's bending!

There, there, there! Oh, no!

It's gone limp!

（芸人）やかまし・・・

Pathetic...

（ホステス）お待ちしてますー

Magic Bar Nobukichi

Here goes!

ぐるぐるぐる！ ぐるぐるぐる！

ぐるぐるぐる！

バア！

No stealing!

We we're not going to!

You sure have become famous Sawada.

Your gay character is so good.

No, this is just the beginning.

Ah, this is producer Saito, who is in charge of the program.

Ah, It's a real pleasure!

Well, I am...

I am, voila!, Bar Manager Nobukichi.

Well, isn't that something...

Unfortunately, I can only do it normally.

Mr. Sawada has always been good to us.

My name is Saito.

Thank you.

- Hello. - Hey.

Haruo, it's been a while.

Ah, Sawada... Yeah.

You came.

I didn't even realize.

How are you?

I'm fine... yeah.

And how are you lately?

What do you mean "how"? He's really famous now. He's even on TV.

Wow... Is that so?

I don't really watch TV at all.

Wouldn't it be nice if Haruo was on TV too?

Oh! Without a doubt!

What kind of material do you do?

Huh?

Well, not relly...

Hey, show him.

Well, then...

Give me a second...

Then, with this...

Okay...

The usual! No way...

Are you an amateur now?

What's that? Who's the senior here?

I can't tell since you are both so casual to eachother.

Have I been here a bit longer?

No, you've been here a lot longer.

Hasn't it already been about 20 years?

- Yeah, that's right... - I'm still only on my 8th year.

Ah, that's right.

Sure, that's about right.

Yeah, but he's not normally a good talker.

Well, I would be happy too if I could chat as easily as that.

Yeah.

Honestly, you just get nervous, right?

"Asshole!"

or doing something like that to your face seems a bit odd.

フン

Grapefruit Sour please.

Squeezed.

Yes, right away.

What was that?

Sawada finally introduced you to someone from broadcasting.

Couldn't you have been a bit more thoughtful with your words?

You've said so yourself.

That "magic is only one part hand, but three parts mouth."

It's not just the ones in Asakusa, but all Magicians.

You can't live as a Magician, If you can't make them smile by talking.

This reeks.

What did that guy eat?

Probably something really nice, with that TV show money.

Okay... here!

（林のため息）

I sure would like to make it...

What brought that on?

Nothing...

Lately my Mom has been nagging.

"Hurry up and do it right."

That's how it is, huh?

How about you? Your mom doesn't say anything?

I've never had a mom to begin with.

Ah, is that right?

Well, why not?

What?

I heard my old man got another woman, and left her after I was born.

Really?

Nice guy, huh?

Yeah, pretty great.

And, the old man's job was cleaning a love hotel.

Impressive.

And now?

I don't know.

I haven't seen him since I graduated high school.

（林）ふ-ん I see.

Shotaro Todoroki, you say?

- Is this the right spelling? - Yeah.

When was the last that you talked to Mr. Todoroki?

He's spread out, battered and smells. Looks like it was sudden.

Yes, that's how it seems.

Yeah.

Mr. Yabe.

Yes?

The ID checks out.

I see.

Good.

Then there won't be too many coming to see him.

All right, proceed for now.

- Okay. - Write the necessary documents, and meet me after you're done.

Understood.

It's a bargain. How about it?

It's a real bargain.

Please have a look.

It's a bargain. How about it?

Help yourself.

Ah, that's half off right now.

- Ah, really? - How about it?

Either one seems fine...

I'll go with this.

It's a bargain.

Help yourself.

（水がしたたる音）

What are you doing about this?

I've called the repairman.

Give me a break already!

Mr. Todoroki. It's awful.

It looks like a water pipe has broken somewhere upstairs.

I'm so sorry. This place is already so old...

（溜息）

（携帯電話）

Yes?

Is this Haruo Todoroki?

Yes.

I'm from the Arakawa East Police Station.

You would be Shotaro Todoroki's son?

Yes

I regret to inform you, but...

Shotaro Todoroki has passed away.

Your father has passed away.

Ah... yes.

Well then, if you would please sign here.

And I'll return your identification card.

Then, wait here just a moment, please.

Okay.

He was found on the underside of the railroad overpass.

The autopsy result was that of a stroke, so we are dropping the investigation.

I'm glad that we managed to contact his family.

It was thanks to where we found his body.

Why would you treasure such a thing?

Father.

It's tough being alive, isn't it?

Every day is miserable.

I...

I don't even know why I'm still alive anymore.

I even don't know what I should do.

Why am I...

Why am I alive?

A Bolt From the Blue

To receive an unexpected shock, or a sudden unpredicted event, likened to the echo of a lightning bolt from a clear blue sky. Idiom derived from Chinese literature.

Hey, let's go already.

I said, it's fine.

Is he dead?

Don't be so scared.

He's alive!

Run!

October 5th (Friday)

Showa 48 (1973)

Transportation War Eradication Campaign

Excuse me...

ちょっ・・・

What's the matter?

Well...

It looks like I'm a little lost.

Do you need directions?

Directions...

I don't know how to get back.

Where do you want to return to?

Where..?

That's....

I don't really have anywhere to return to...

Huh?

Nevermind...

Rather, I don't want to go back.

What's this?

Huh?

Oh, sorry.

How much did you say?

30 Yen.

ああ

Then, here.

You're a magician?

Huh?

You're a magician?

Yeah, you might say.

Wow.

Where do you appear?

Appear?

Do you know a place that does magic?

Yup! Want to go?

Here, hurry!

Here!

Asakusa Thunder Gate Hall

- It's a color TV. - That's right, a color TV.

It suddenly turns black and white into color.

Wow, it was a total shock.

After all, it's like, "woah, did you know pandas were that color?"

Enough about black and white, it's color that we've waited for.

Yeah, but pandas are so cute.

- They sure are. - Mr. Peckers.

You can't call it that!

Today, there is a line in Ueno Zoo to see Mr. Peckers.

What an awful punch line. No one is laughing.

So then, who's place have you come from?

Who's?

You're teacher.

あ・・・

No one.

Leave.

This isn't a place for an amateur to just come in and stand on stage.

Huh?

Shouldn't you at least give him a chance manager?

Please.

Okay.

Then...

There.

Anything else?

To appear on the stage with just that would be a problem.

Something else?

Well...

Let me borrow this.

That kind of thing.

Try it again.

It's the first time I've seen that.

Do you know Uri Geller?

Not Yuri Toru?

No...

Nevermind.

Did you learn this from someone?

No one. I thought of it myself.

That's amazing!

All right! I'll look after you.

Really?

Uhm... Actually, I don't have any money, and I don't have anywhere to stay.

Then you can live here like the other guys in the troupe. Just use whatever you like.

- Thank you. - You...

How is your dialogue?

Huh?

On an Asakusa stage, among the magicians and acrobats, only the ones that can make them laugh should eat.

Talking isn't my strength.

You leave me no choice then.

Then, I'll write you a script.

Come to think of it...

We'll go with Pepe for your name.

Pepe?

Good morning.

Hey!

Hey!

Oh, Etsuko. How did it go?

I couldn't reach him after all.

I see...

Then how about being this guy's assistant?

Huh?

He's going to be on our stage from here on out as Pepe the magician.

I thought I would sell him as a mysterious Indian.

Indian?

Your face looks Indian after all.

へへっ

Etsuko was Chin's assistant, who left us.

Chin disappeared on us.

That sure works out, doesn't it?

Then, get to it.

It's a pleasure.

Same here.

Isn't that great?

Yeah.

I want to be on stage soon too!

You want to be a magician?

Yeah, I have a real great gag too!

Watch, watch!

ぐるぐるぐる！ぐるぐるぐる！

That's great!

バア！

You're...

No stealing! Bye.

Bye.

- Yo! - Yo!

Pepe, Magician

Hello, and thanks for coming.

Today, if we exclude the empty seats, we have a full house.

Well then, to replace Mr. Chin from now on, we have a magician who crossed the ocean from India.

Please cheer. It's Mr. Pepe.

Namaste! I'm Pepe, from India.

What do you think?

It's good, isn't it?

Well...

Today, I'll show you a miracle from India.

The object please.

Yes.

Okay, watch the spoon carefully.

There is no trick or gadget. It's a normal spoon.

Here goes.

アイ！

Amazing!

The spoon broke!

Now that's how it should be.

The Whaling Ship

Here, thank you for waiting.

- It's fine! - Don't take a picture.

- It's fine! - Why? Don't take it!

- Relax. - Take mine.

I'm not taking yours.

Here.

Oh, thanks.

It's the first time I've seen the customers get so excited.

Oh, sorry for not doing that myself.

Oops.

Here, have some too.

Okay.

In the future Pepe will be the man that carries Asakusa on his shoulders.

Though, you're still lacking the laughter part.

あ・・・ ハハ・・・

Hey, eat before it gets cold.

Eat Gei and become great yourself.

Gei?

It's written as "whale," but it's read as Gei.

This is whale?

Drop it! Drop it!

Ah, the championship is going to be tough this year.

You idiot.

- Don't take baseball players lightly. - Ouch!

- Here, water. - I have this, it's fine.

It sure would be nice to have more spoon bending.

Oh, there will be.

A guy called Uri Geller will come, and there will be a spoon bending boom!

Yuri...?

Uri Geller!

Uri Geller!

How would anyone know whether or not a boom was coming?

That's because I can see the future!

What?

That's it!

Don't give up! Aim for V9!

V9 They can do it. 9 consecutive series.

I've heard about this.

Amazing!

Excuse me, Japanese Sake please.

Pepe?

- Oh... - Are you okay?

I'm sorry.

I guess I had too much fun.

It's only natural that you had fun after all that excitement.

I've finally become that Ace and King.

Ace and King?

Ah, nevermind.

So, what now?

Huh?

Well, I could go home, or there's that other thing...

Is your place close?

Ah... yeah, sort of.

Ah... I see...

Should we, I wonder...

What?

Well, that was meant to be a joke.

Ah... So what now?

Should I go...

Is your close place, close?

- Look. - Yes?

Can you really see it? - What?

You said before that you could see the future.

About that "Uri Geller."

No.

- It was a joke. - Oh.

No one can see the future.

- You're right. - Yeah.

So...

Is your place close?

Good morning.

Hi.

Hey Pepe.

Oh, good morning.

You're on stage by yourself today?

What?

Nevermind. It's impossible, I know.

What about Etsuko?

She called in earlier and said she wasn't feeling well.

- Is that so? - Yeah.

Then I should probably go check on her.

No, she said it wasn't such a big deal, so you don't have to.

I see.

Then, I'll be back in a bit.

Etsuko?

Oh, Pepe.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

Do you want a banana?

No.

I need to go.

Where?

To the police.

Huh?

Sho.. I mean Chin has been arrested.

Oh

Chin? Your old partner?

Yes.

He left 2 weeks ago.

Just when I thought something happened to him, I got a call from the police...

The police? What happened?

Anyway, I have to go.

That's impossible.

But...

Then...

I'll go.

He's representing Etsuko Hanamura.

Okay. Then, let's continue.

Hey, he's here.

What do you mean Etsuko's "representative"?

Etsuko is not feeling well.

And you are?

I'm a magician from Thunder Gate Hall.

Oh, a magician?

Come here a second.

I showed a customer how to turn a ¥1000 bill into a ¥500 bill with magic.

And then they called it defamation, and fraud, and stuff.

So, this is about exchanging a customer's ¥1000 bill for a ¥500 bill?

Yeah, that's right.

It was magic. They really don't get the joke.

I got the criminal treatment.

You're one fine criminal.

It's not my fault the Police were deceived.

Don't get defiant attitude.

There's no way the police would accept it as a joke and walk away.

What?

Why do I have to listen to this from some punk I just met?

So you don't die like a loser!

I'm not dead!

Yes, you are!

Then what am I right now?!

Do you have a minute?

Etsuko?

Hey.

Hey, I heard you're sick.

It's fine. Lay down.

I give up. Basically, the police were deceived.

There was no avoiding...

What's with you?

We have a guest...

Well, you seem to be feeling better...

I get it! I get it!

I'm sorry!

I thought about a lot when I was alone.

I was so surprised when you told me you were pregnant all the sudden.

Are you okay? Lie down.

Should we go to the hospital?

I'm fine since I'm sitting.

I see.

Want a banana?

No thanks.

Hey, look.

I can do it now.

May 10th?

Huh?

That's my birthday.

So? Do you want a present?

Half a year later, on May 10th...

I'm...

born from her.

What happened? I almost pissed myself, I fumed.

I lack gas, money and a woman.

- What happened? I almost pissed myself... - What do you mean?

I'm having the 2 of you work together.

Honestly, you're no good by yourselves.

But manager...

From my point of view, you can't just be getting free meals.

But with this guy?

Pepe is right about that. Chin should use Etsuko's dialogue.

Wait a minute. Wouldn't that make me his assistant?

I suppose it would.

Why me?

Welcome.

Pepe and Chin, Magicians

Okay, let me introduce you to my new assistant.

From all the way from China, Mr. Chin!

I'm Mr. Chin! I'm finally back in Asakusa!

Did you miss me?

Someone say something you fools!

Hey, Chin is just doing what he wants.

It looks like it.

Okay, today we'll show you a miracle from India.

Assistant...

Mr. Chin!

Huh?

The object...

Shouldn't you get it yourself?

It's right there!

Handing things over is the assistant's job.

Oops...

It slipped!

It's because my hands are so slippery.

It slipped right out!

How careless...

- What are you doing? - Huh?

- What are you doing? - What?

- What are you thinking? - Huh?

Why won't you hand it over?

- What? I can't hear you! - Why won't you hand it over?

I don't understand what you're saying.

- You haven't changed at all since then. - Huh, since when?

You haven't changed at a bit!

What was that?

You saw that? What was that?

Why would you do such a thing?

Don't you push me that hard.

Don't you push me that hard!

Don't screw with me!

What?

You did it first!

Don't you screw with me!

- What's with you?! - You started it!

- Chin, Chin! - Pepe!

Oh, boy.

Hmm, I see...

- A fighting performance? - No, I mean, doing magic while quarreling.

How about "Fight Magic?"

That's the first I've heard of it...

- You two were certainly a good laugh today. - Then why?

Not to be laughed at, but to make them laugh... with your quarreling!

I'm not so sure about that...

Hey, that's a good idea!

I've never seen someone do magic while fighting before.

- Yeah. Really! - Do you get it?

Do it! Give it a try!

No, do it for real! Really fight!

Right? It'll be a hit!

Hey!

Just wait a minute!

Walk straight already!

Ouch...

- Hey! - What?

Get a grip, man!

Don't get irritable, you!

Walk straight!

Thank you.

It's nothing.

Was Sho much trouble?

He's always been causing trouble...

I suppose so.

I'm sorry.

I'll give it to him, first thing in the morning.

But, in his own way, he's been doing his best for our child.

So, please look after him.

You sure have a way with words.

Huh?

It's true that he's a worthless guy...

At least, I...

It would have been nice if the child followed in his footsteps.

Thanks for the water.

Huh? Oh...

Look here! There's nothing inside, right?

There's nothing at all!

But if I say "hocus-pocus" to it, what do you think will come out?

What could it be?

A dove would be pretty expected, wouldn't it?

So, it couldn't be a dove...

So, everyone understands that it has to be something else, right?

I have no idea. What will come out? I really don't know!

Right, a dove...

A dove?

It's hard to make things appear!

You make me look like an idiot when you say "it can't be a dove," and then a dove comes out!

From the get-go, everyone way saying "dove, dove," and then it was a dove! How could anyone be surprised?!

The 9th consecutive championships are at hand. Pitcher Horiuchi has given up the 6th ball.

It's hit! It's really high in left field!

Center fielder Shibada, is putting it on the line, and is prepared! Tanaka is caught!

And the match is over!

The Giants have 9 consecutive victories!

Welcome.

Okay, are you ready?

I'm tying it right around my neck...

Okay, here goes! * "Pepe & Chin" are now higher on the talent list. *

1, 2, 3!

There! And it's completely untied, just like that.

Woah!

- Amazing! - How about it?

I can do it just by pulling it tight?

Anyone can! It just comes loose.

1, 2, 3!

There!

Stronger! Pull it tight!

That's strange...

Pull it firmly.

Let go!

It won't come loose?

No, it won't at all!

You're just too weak!

For repaying our debts...

It's cold.

One Taiyaki, please.

That's 50 Yen.

Make that 2.

Then it's 100 Yen.

With the rope gag, I'd like it to be more interactive.

Oh.

Then how about letting a guest pull on it?

I see. Then I'll do it one time first, and then you'll give it a try...

"but I'm too afraid!"

Then, "would a guest like to try?"

- "A guest?" - "That's right."

- "That's not scary, right?" - "No, it's not."

- Would a guest like to... * "Pepe & Chin" are even higher on the list of talent.*

Isn't it pretty?

I just don't like it.

You guys should give it more effort.

I can't bear it.

Instead this 2 person comedy, they should smile at the magic.

But, it's pretty impressive.

Even we have to learn from this.

Don't talk so big!

Ouch!

I've yet to see you make someone smile, not once!

It's only been half a year, and there's no one in Asakusa that doesn't know Pepe and Chin.

- That's amazing. - What's with that hair?

- I'm your guru. - Is that right?

- Yeah, that's right. - Oh, I see.

But, we sure are planted firmly here...

Also with a baby on the way. Right? - Right.

Shall we have a fight of it?

Huh?

We shouldn't be satisfied with the several hundred customers in Asakusa.

Millons more...

With several million customers, that would be hundreds of millions in income.

Shall we give it a shot?

What's with you?

On TV!

- Woah! - TV?

- Woah! - That's great!

That's a great idea!

Whatever, just fly on away from Thunder Gate Hall.

I won't even mention your contract...

Hey, manager! You just did!

Okay then, I'll take responsibility and do the management of it all.

In return, 20% of the return for me, and 20% for you.

Hey, you just said you wouldn't talk about contracts!

You bastard! I'm the manager, damn it!

- Manager? - Yeah!

This guy's our manager?

Don't you look down on me!

You look too strange for that.

What's that? What on earth are you wearing?

What's wrong with it?

Good afternoon.

Ah, Etsuko, you sure have gotten big.

I've been doing nothing but eating.

Look! I bent it!

Oh no, a spoon isn't something to play with.

It's great! I'll be like Uri Geller!

Sure you will...

Look for a second. It's bent.

I saw it already. Stop saying such nonsense, and give me a hand.

Did you do your homework?

I did half of it.

Why just half? You have to do it all.

- He said it's okay to just do half. - Theres no teacher that would say that.

Shine!! Battle of the Stars - Now, introduce yourself.

Shine!! Battle of the Stars - I'm Johnny.

- It's a pleasure. - It sure is.

I'm so happy! There are so many people here.

Johnny, look around. There are so many pretty ladies.

Pepe and Chin, stand by please.

Yes.

Let's go.

Hi there!

Hi!

How is everyone?!

One more time!

Okay, stop already! What are you doing?

That hurts!

My partner will die like that!

Obviously it's all tight!

You have to put some muscle into it.

- Do it quickly. - It's fine then?

Sorry, just one more time.

I'm sorry everyone, just give us one more chance please.

Pull! Pull!

Pull over there! Like this...

We were right to change the rope gage after all.

Yeah.

The judges were laughing and clapping.

Chin!

Etsuko collapsed and she's been taken to the hospital!

What?

Placental Separation?

Yes, ordinarily a placenta is like this, and after child birth the uterus is like this...

It's separated, but in your wife's case...

The placenta is already in that separated state.

I don't really understand.

Well, I'd like to have her admitted for the time being.

Then she'll be fine eventually, right?

Ah...

Is that what she told you?

Is she wrong?

Well, I haven't quite told her yet...

It's nice that it wasn't anything serious, and the baby is all right.

- I'm sorry for worrying you. - Don't be.

Have a healthy baby.

I will. Thanks.

Thanks for waiting.

What's the deal? Hospital rooms sure are dreary.

What did the doctor say?

Hmm?

It looks like you'll be hospitalized until the delivery.

Until then?

Yeah, that's what he said.

Hospital food sure is bad.

Here.

I wanted to buy you the real thing, but I haven't gotten this month's salary yet.

Heh, all right already.

Sorry about that.

It's okay. Thank you.

Man, I'm hungry.

Manager, treat us to something.

- OK, let's go. - What are we going to eat?

Oh, you're going too?

Was that all?

Huh?

The doctor didn't say anything else?

No, not really.

Then, rice curry!

Let's go then!

- Okay, let's go. - Sho.

I'm sorry, but I have to talk to Sho.

Ah, okay.

Come on let's go!

OK. Bye!

Bye.

What will we name the kid...

I have a few ideas...

Sho.

Yeah?

Don't you have somthing to tell me?

No, not really.

Sit.

Why?

Sit.

Okay, I'm sitting.

Look at me.

What's with you?

Over here.

Okay, I'm looking.

You're hiding something... Aren't you?

No.

I said no.

Sho.

I said there was nothing...

Tell me the truth.

Now, on my signal, pull!

Here goes! 1, 2,3!

Pull!

Harder! Pull harder!

It's not coming off! Pull more!

More! More!

Wait...

Chin, are you okay? Eveyone's worried...

And there he goes...

So, welcome my new assistant, Ms. Chan!

Hey!

What was that?

What were you doing?

Did you think that would be fun?

That wouldn't make them laugh.

Are you even trying?

No.

What?

What do you mean, "no?" What are you saying?

I told you, I don't feel like it!

I'm quitting the duo.

- What? - I have a kid on the way, so I don't have time to be dreaming.

I'm going to get a more dependable job.

Don't blame your kid for being wishy-washy.

Shut up!

Who are you telling to "shut up?"

Etsuko might die!

What?

He said it's not a normal pregnancy.

And, she could die after giving birth.

But I can't...

I can't very well ask her to have it.

What?

What are you saying?!

That's not what I've heard.

What do you mean?

You abandoned mom, didn't you?

What?

What's going on?

That's no good.

That's no good at all!

I had a worthless father!

And my mother deserted me!

That's why my life has been miserable!

Right?

I can't believe it...

She risked her own life so that she could give birth...

It doesn't make any sense!

I told you, I don't know what you're talking about.

Give it up.

What?

He'll just be a worthless child anyway.

It's not fair that she would die for that kid.

So, give it up.

Okay?

Have an abortion.

Please.

No one will blame you.

Okay?

Just give it up already.

Just let it go...

What's with you?

Ow...

It hurts...

A canary song

Sleep. Sleep.

Go to sleep.

Above the cradle

The evergreen fruits sway

Sleep. Sleep

I wish for a healthy baby. - Etsuko

Our stupid owner. All he does is play pachinko and sleep in the women's dorm, where he's not welcome.

Ouch...

Oh, I'll manage it.

Okay, then I'll leave it to you.

Thanks.

Sure.

I went for a massage, but it didn't do a bit of good.

Oh...

How did you?

Did something happen?

Nothing.

So then, there's another face card in the deck?

There wouldn't be one.

Since that card is one of a kind...

No other exists like it.

Thank you.

I see you still kept it.

What?

Oh, that?

Yeah.

I've come to like it.

Why's that?

It's plain and simple, but it does it's best to pretend.

It seems like you're talking about yourself.

Sho said the same thing yesterday.

Really?

But it's pretty.

It may be made out of paper, but in it's own special way, it's blooming to the best of it's ability.

It's really pretty.

Can you see?

Huh?

The future...

My future?

My child's future?

No...

No one can see the future.

But, the Giants and Uri Geller...

Well...

So you can't?

Well...

Then just a little bit...

Okay.

Really, I'll just do a bit.

Ust a bit.

Let's see...

Well...

He won't be too great in school.

Then sports?

Not really...

He won't be popular like that.

He probably gets that from his father.

I guess so.

Despite that...

In fourth grade, he will do magic in front of everyone.

Magic?

Yes.

Although, it's just simple coin magic that Chin taught him.

And then...

All at once, everyone in the class will gather around.

That's amazing!

And on Valentines that year he will receive his first chocolate from a girl.

He'll store it safely in the refrigerator...

and Chin will eat it all on his own.

That sounds like him.

Well, he's always been like that.

He never really felt like a father, I suppose.

What about me?

What kind of a mother would I be, from the child's perspective?

For the child...

You're...

His reason for living.

No matter what he does it doesn't turn out very well.

And...

Sometimes he thinks that he should just give up already.

But...

He knows...

The extent...

That his mother...

That she has such great expectations of him.

And...

Later...

She taught him...

That...

How precious life is.

So...

Etsuko is...

His reason for living.

He's glad...

He's glad to be born from that kind of a mother.

That's what I think.

I'm glad.

Thank you.

I love you.

Oh... It kicked.

Did you hear me?

He did.

Want to feel?

No, it's okay...

Here!

He really is.

Oh, look.

It's cleared up.

Hey.

Hey.

I suppose tomorrow's the last audition.

Yeah.

I have a lot to work on.

What?

You're doing it by yourself?

Well, I can't succeed if I don't try.

Boy, I really wanted to see you fail, but I don't have the time.

About your job...

Why a love hotel?

Surely there are other places.

Huh?

Well, they are flexible with me there.

Just in case...

It's possible that I'll end up by myself, with a kid to take care of.

Well, I can't succeed if I don't try.

What if...

What if that's what happens?

What will you tell the kid about Etsuko?

Let's see...

It wouldn't be right to tell the kid, "she died giving birth to you," I suppose.

Maybe along the lines of "I found another woman?"

Do something more believable!

That's laughable!

He'll get use to it.

Look here...

Then, this should be inside the deck.

And then, the top most card is...

Huh? Hold on a second...

It looks like he's not ready for the stage just yet.

Let me see...

Etsuko?

Ah! Is it time?

Hey!

Hey! Someone! The baby is coming!

Doctor!

Excuse me.

We're moving you. Come this way.

Okay, face me please.

How do you feel? Are you nauseous?

I'm going to feel your stomach.

- Nurse - Yes?

It must hurt. It will be all right.

Breathe slowly.

One big breath!

- And breathe. - You're doing fine.

Slowly, slowly.

Just a bit longer.

Prepare the Methergine.

- Sho. - Yeah.

It's okay. He seems like a great doctor.

Just calm down...

I've slapped you a lot, haven't I?

I'm counting on it.

Have you thought of a name?

Hmm?

It's Haruko.

Why's that?

Because it has cleared up outside.

And if it's a boy?

Then...

It would be Haruo.

Sho.

Don't...

Don't eat all the chocolate yourself.

Okay.

Okay, sure.

We're moving her now.

Let's go.

Etsuko! Hang in there!

Next is entry number 8.

Haruo Todoroki.

Push... Now relax.

Hang in there!

Breathe slowly... Don't stop breathing.

Okay, breathe...

You're almost there.

Now relax.

Relax... Push!

Okay, now push!

Hang in there Ms. Hanamura.

Yes?

I'm the person before, from the Arakawa East Police Station.

From before?

The one that delivered the remains.

Oh...

I'm terribly sorry, but we would like you to return the urn.

Huh?

Actually, it turns out that the remains were of someone else.

What?

That strange homeless man lied to us.

He was saying something we couldn't understand, something about wanting to find his son.

We'll give you a full report when you get here.

Yeah.

Okay.

Yo!

Ha! It's you.

After looking for a while, you started looking familiar.

What do you mean by that?

It wouldn't be strange if I kicked the bucket too without anyone noticing.

Before that happened I wanted to talk to you about your mom.

That's not the normal way of going about it.

I can't help it if the police were deceived.

Now I wish I never said anything...

Ahh.. I give up.

Huh? What's that?

Look...

What?

Actually, a while ago...

In other words...

I probably should have said it earlier...

Thanks.

Yo Oizumi

Kou Shibasaki

Gekidan Hitori

Tasuku Emoto, Shisei Koishi, Masato Irie

Shuhei Takahashi, Hideto Iwai, Tomoya Maeno

Ryuga Suda, Daisuke Kuroda, Ikuji Nakamura

Takashi Sasano

Morio Kazama

Producer: Minami Ichikawa

Original Story: Gekidan Hitori "A Bolt From the Blue" [Gentosha Library]

Script: Atsuko Hashibe & Gekidan Hitori

"Release" by Mr. Children

Translator: Brian Lewis

Directed and Supervised by Gekidan Hitori

MUSIC

閉じ込められてた 気持ちが

今静かに 放たれていく

重たく冷たい 扉を開けて

微かな光を感じる

あきらめかけた いくつかの

夢 希望 憧れ 幸せ

朝顔が空に 伸びるみたいに

その光を たぐり寄せる

右へ左へ 迷いながら

その度に蔓を巻き

陽のあたる場所に登りたい

あなたも そこに来て

もう一度 その温もりに

その優しさに 包まれて生きたい

払い落としても 消えない愛が

ひとるあるの

それで強くいられる

あるときは もっと滅茶苦茶に

自分を傷つけたい衝動に

かられてしまう 誰のせいにも

出来ない不運を目の前に

だけどたった今 分かったのは

誰もが 「生きる奇跡」

生まれてきた ただそれだけで

愛されてる証

もう二度と その温もりに

その優しさに 触れないとしても

いつまでも 消えない愛が

ひとつあるの

それで強くなれる

だからもう 恐れることは

何もないの

心は空に

いまそっと放たれる