Original subtitles

~ EVERGREEN LOVE ~ Shokubutsu Zukan / Illustrated Plant Book Mitsuki Takahata - Takanori Iwata

Lately I think God is unfair.

People are happy or not.

People have fun or not.

People dream or not.

- Good work, great. - Thanks! I'm happy.

I'm a "not" person.

Sorry!

They're not coming today either.

- Hi. - I'm back.

Kono...

Yes?

What happened?

You didn’t confirm the place to meet the client today.

I left a voicemail-

I was yelled at on the phone!

They're considering another agent.

You're slacking off.

Understand?

Kono...

Yes.

You always talk back to me.

Whose money lets us live?

It's the clients'.

[Mom]

I want to go home.

No family is waiting for me.

2-room apartment, 15 minutes from the station.

I live alone.

For now, it's my home.

Only one is left.

I had a dream.

I didn't really understand it.

Um, are you alright?

I'm so hungry, I can't go on.

Miss.

If it's OK, can you pick me up?

Huh?

I won't bite.

I'm a well-raised kid.

"Pick me up"...you're not a dog.

Go on.

I'll dig in.

They're hard.

Sure. You must wait 3 minutes.

3 minutes is too long.

You make it look yummy.

Thanks for the food.

You're welcome.

Oh, no-no.

Um...

- Want to take a shower? - Huh?

May I?

- You may. - May I?

Yes, go ahead.

My dream has an aroma.

What a great dream.

I could say...

it's happy and warms my heart.

A smell so delicious

is real?

Morning.

Morning.

- Remember last night? - Huh?

I guess so.

I used whatever you had to make breakfast.

It’s not ready, so wait a bit.

"A well-raised kid.."

Ooh wow!

Go ahead.

- I'll dig in. - I'll dig in.

It's yummy.

It’s just...I haven’t eaten home-made food in a long time.

It's like Mom’s cooking.

Home-made is an exaggeration.

Eat.

There were eggs?

Two almost expired ones.

How'd you make miso soup?

I used sprouted onions and dried wakame seaweed.

I had those...?

It was yummy.

Thanks for the meal.

My pleasure.

You took care of me.

Wait.

Where are you going?

- Uuh... - Ah...

So then...

I mean, you cook so well.

Huh?

No...

Eating home-made food healed me.

It's the first time I felt like this.

So then...

your making me breakfast

would be nice tomorrow and after.

So then...

if you've nowhere to go, stay here.

Can you?

Yeah?

You can! Put this down.

It's fine, fine, fine.

Sit, sit.

Don't hesitate.

I'll make you tea.

- Is green tea okay? - Yes.

Wait a bit.

Um...

My name is Itsuki.

Itsuki.

I don't like my family name, so it's a secret.

- I'm Sayaka. - Sayaka-san.

No, 'Sayaka' is fine.

Then, 'Itsuki' for me.

- Itsuki. - Like that.

My encounter with Itsuki

began our odd living arrangement,

changing my life and future.

~ Shokubutsu Zukan ~ Illustrated Plant Book

You needn't bother with that.

It's not that.

I can’t let it be.

Then let me help.

- I'm surprised. - Hm?

Sayaka.

Don't you hate this work?

I don't. I just avoid it.

But clearing it makes me feel better.

This... this weed.

It’s a pest and smells.

It’s called skunkvine.

Skunkvine?

Right, skunkvine.

It has a name.

No plant is named 'weed'. All plants have names.

Emperor Showa said that.

Let’s leave it.

- Leave it? Why? - It's fine.

Well, okay.

I'll get a bag.

- Um... - Hm?

If it’s alright..

may I stay 6 months?

Huh?

Too long?

It's long...

but it's fine.

In 6 months, it’s 15th August.

That's my birthday.

Oh, it is.

How old?

- 24. - Well.

How about you?

It's a secret.

Morning.

Morning.

What are you making?

Your lunch (bento).

Mine?

It looks good.

Good work today.

Good work today.

Sayaka.

Want to go eat?

- Sorry, I'm going home. - Huh?

Bye.

I'm back.

You're home.

The bento was good. Thanks.

Also, I went to the bank.

It's $500 (US).

$500?

For food expenses.

- It's too much. - Well..

How many meals in $100?

With all our rice,

3 meals a day for 10 days, including bento.

- Really? - Mm.

How much is your pay?

After rent, water, power and gas,

$1200 remains.

That's great.

This house is remodeled. It's 30 years old.

As a real estate agent, I was shown decent homes.

It looks good!

Well, is $300 for food and $100 expenses

fine for a month?

- It is. - If not, tell me.

- You need pocket money? - I got a job.

A 7-Eleven near the station.

I gave this address. Is that OK?

Mm, fine.

Oh, I must go.

- It's my first day. - Already?

I started rightaway.

It's night shift, so I'll only see you at this time.

I'll make breakfast and bento.

Mm, thanks.

I'm off.

See you.

- Sorry. Confirm this? - Okay.

- I'll go on break. - Sure.

I'll dig in.

Great looking bento.

Kono-san, you cook?

It gets you high points.

Sir, how about this one?

You'll get a great view.

It faces the West.

Did you listen to my conditions?

The direction can't be changed!

I'm so sorry

but for the price, facing South...

No excuses. Find it quickly!

Yes.

Ah, it's fine.

You're no good. Get your boss.

I'm sorry, I'm searching for you.

Hey.

Anyone else, help me.

Yes. I'm here.

I'm the manager, Yamazaki.

I'll do this. Go there.

I'm very sorry.

I'm terribly sorry.

You want a two-room unit facing South...

Oh, a unit came in yesterday.

Sayaka, hi.

Hi.

- You seem unwell. - Yeah.

- Here. - Hm?

Bath salts? What for?

Someone handed it to me.

Hang in there, Sayaka.

The bath salts say so.

What are we having?

Curry.

Oh, curry!

I can already taste it.

He did buy it for me.

Chamomile.

"To help you relax"

Great scent.

Sayaka.

Yes?

I'm going to use the sink. Careful with hot water.

- Sayaka! Come here! - Mm, coming!

What is it?

Look.

What's that?

My present, since I got a job.

Wow, it's a set!

Where are we going?

- A great place. - Huh?

A secret!

What "secret"? You're cruel.

Where, where?

You'll know when we get there.

You're too fast!

It feels great.

I've never been here.

It's so close.

- I didn't know about it. - Yeah.

Here we go.

Go for it!

Itsuki, wait! Too fast.

Here, here.

A camera?

You have an expensive one.

You like photography?

I guess.

What is it?

What do you think?

- Butterbur? - Correct.

You'll take some?

It's wild. We ought to take some.

A market bundle is $3.

- This is free. - I see.

Great thinking.

It's free.

- You're cheap. - I am cheap.

Gosh.

Hey, which do I pick?

Pick thick green stems.

Brown ones don't taste good.

And pull off the leaves.

Hey, aren't these Butterbur buds?

The ones in tempura.

Have you eaten bud tempura?

You shouldn't pick them.

But there are heaps of them...

What now?

After boiling and draining, peel them.

Huh?

It's fine, no hassle.

Peel from top to end.

Incredible.

Here. Try.

Peel a top bit.

- Grip one strand. - Grip one...

Pull in one go.

- Pull. - Like that.

- Did it! - Good. - I'm ace! - Mm.

Wait, I can do it.

- OK, do the rest. - All of it?

I'll do the next part.

What's this?

Where are my cute stems?

Oh please.

- Taste it. - Huh?

It'd be good with rice.

Bakke Miso.

- Bakke Miso? - Mm.

It's called that in Tohoku, but it's Butterbur.

- You can make it for me. - No, I can't cook.

No kidding.

Cooking is easy.

Put stems in the bowl.

How many?

- A handful. - A handful..

Add salt.

- How much? - Half a teaspoon.

Half a teaspoon...

Mix it, mix it.

Mix it...

- OK, put it into the rice. - Yep.

- I put it in. - Mix it.

OK, stop.

That's it?

Try it.

Yum.

Bittersweet, slightly salty, simple but good.

Let's eat quickly.

Butterbur simmered in soy sauce.

Boiled Water Parsley.

Bakke Miso.

Horsetail simmered in soy sauce.

Lastly, Butterbur bud tempura.

It's a feast.

- I'll dig in. - I'll dig in.

Yummy.

It's good after all.

Try the horsetail.

Yum.

Eat the tempura hot.

I said not to pick buds. They're bitter.

I'll be more careful.

But it’s amazing to eat what we picked.

Take me again.

Sure.

Yum.

I'm happy.

Great expression.

You eat too.

He's not my boyfriend, just my roommate.

I'll dig in.

I'll have some.

It's good.

What are you doing?

I'm going out.

You're mad? Sorry.

It's fine.

What is it, seriously..

"Countdown starts. 5 days till our next hunt!"

"Hunt"...

We'll go down here.

Here.

Hurry up.

Thanks.

- Careful. - So steep.

It's fine now.

- Do we pick it? - No.

We'll use this here.

It's like a tiny onion.

Don't cut this area.

What's it called?

Long-stamen chive.

Long-stamen chive.

Pasta?

Yeah. Long-stamen chive pasta.

- Check the plants soaking outside. - Mm.

- Is knotweed fine like this? - It's fine.

How will you use it?

I'll fry it.

And bracken fern?

I'll boil and season it.

Looks good.

Smells great.

It feels nice.

We're here.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Wow!

It's a carpet of flowers.

- Alright, we'll look for flowers. - Okay!

Follow me.

So steep.

Careful.

I might fall.

- Incredible. - Isn't it?

Dandelion.

I know that.

White clover.

I know.

- Red clover. - I didn't know.

- Isn't it pretty? - Mm.

Yellow shamrock.

Cute.

When I was little, I made flower crowns with these.

Such a girl.

How rude.

OK. Let's make flower crowns.

White clover stems are sturdiest.

Use them for the base.

Smile.

Why'd you take a photo?

You had a great expression now.

You needn't take photos.

Skip it. Come help.

It's fine.

This way.

That's good.

That hill was pretty.

Right?

That was the best.

Spring flowers are pretty.

They are!

But even in summer...

pretty flowers bloom.

Don't disappear.

Stay by me forever, Itsuki.

What's wrong?

Hurry.

Sorry, sorry.

Will you be here next spring, Itsuki?

I don't know your last name yet.

Are you hungry?

I'm hungry!

What are we having?

Since we picked mugwort...

The lighting is good, right?

Does this room meet your conditions?

It does.

I'll think about it.

I see.

But I'll go with a place you show me.

It's how people form bonds.

Thank you.

Come to dinner tonight.

I'll treat you.

Please stop.

Kono.

Yes?

Someone complained about you.

They said you spoke unkindly,

had a horrible attitude,

and mistreated a client.

Are you still a student?

How old are you?

When did you join society?

Why do you only make clients angry?

- Why? - Why what?

Why do you always make assumptions

before hearing my side.

Listen to my story properly.

I’m off to work.

Do well.

I'm going.

See you.

( Illustrated Plant Book )

Long-stamen chive.

It's so pretty.

- Can you cross? - I'm going.

Oh, wow.

Careful. It's slippery.

Sorry, sorry.

- Isn't this cress? - You know a lot.

I know that much.

- Ouch. - Are you okay?

Yeah. I'm okay.

You wrenched it?

No, I scraped it.

- Is it cold? - A bit.

Oh, that's right.

Your feet might get cold

so put this in your shoes.

What is it?

You have a brand-name hanky.

It's from a friend at work.

I'll go wash this.

I'll be off.

See you later.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Rest well.

Welcome.

- Kusakabe-kun. - Yes?

- Do you use the hanky? - I do.

- Like it? - Yes.

Kusakabe.

Wait, Sayaka!

Why are you here so late?

It's none of your business.

Go back to work.

Why are you like this?

That person knew your name.

That's a given!

We use family names at work!

Ride this home.

I don't need it.

I'll leave it here, so ride it.

Be careful going home.

If you don't go home, I can't go back to work.

I was forced to realize it.

I was only his roommate

and knew nothing about him.

Sayaka.

Are you drinking with us today?

Then get me after work.

Sorry for the wait.

Here are your omelettes and meatballs.

- Want meatballs? - Yep.

- It's really pretty. - Yeah?

It depends on opinion.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

What's wrong?

- It's a bit salty. - Huh?

It's the same as before.

It's the same.

It didn't change.

I'll walk you home.

- It's OK, I'm fine. - It isn't fine. It's unsafe.

- I'm not a child. - Come on.

- It's fine. - It's on my way.

Yours? You live in the opposite direction.

You're too drunk.

I mean...

Um, one of my college mates lives in your area.

I'll drink with him.

So no need to part here.

Hey, Kono-san.

- I'll walk you home. - My home?

It's far from here.

How'd you know?

Huh? You didn't tell me?

You did.

No, I don't think so.

Itsuki.

What are you doing?

Who's this?

My work senior.

He said a mate lives near me.

Who are you?

Kono-san's friend.

Is that so?

Where's your mate live?

Oh...um...it's definitely...

You can take a taxi.

Well, Kono-san. See you tomorrow.

You worked hard today.

- I'm surprised. - By what?

You're so sociable.

We see each other at work.

Sober, he's not bad.

Oh, is that so.

What's your attitude?

I can talk.

You can't talk after getting a woman's hanky.

- You can't talk. - I can.

I don't get you. Why?

I like you.

So, when you had a hanky I didn't give you, I felt frustrated.

I knew you got it from a woman.

Pardon me.

We're only roommates.

Sorry for that.

I'm drunk, so please forget it.

What are you saying?

You speak so easily.

Don't ignite a big fire, then say to forget it.

- Ignite? What? Which? - Don't you know my effort?

Effort?

How hard I hold back from feelings for you!

- Why? - Why what?

Why can't you have feelings for me?

I always...

What ignited it...

I don't know.

- Wait. - I won't wait.

You can't say we're only roommates.

Morning.

Morning.

- The chicken meatballs I had at Izakaya yesterday... - Mm.

were too salty.

I like your light flavoured dishes.

I really like your cooking.

My taste has changed.

It was worth it then.

- But... - Mm.

Do you like me

only for my cooking?

You already know.

Say it properly.

You say it.

I like you, Sayaka.

I like you too.

Wait, wait!

I'm off.

Sayaka.

- Here. - Thanks.

- See you later. - I'm off.

It'll be fine.

We'll spend summer together,

then autumn,

then spring again.

What is it?

Torai Ryumei.

Who? Is he famous?

You don't know? His ikebana is famous.

- Flower arranging? - Come with me?

- No. - Just a bit?

It's OK. Get to work.

Okay.

[Tickets for Torai Ryumei's exhibition tomorrow. Take one]

Itsuki.

This is an Ikebana artist.

We haven't really gone out. Want to go?

Sorry, pass.

I only like plants in the ground.

I see.

Sorry.

I'm off to work.

See you later.

I thought we'd go on an ordinary date.

Sayaka, Sayaka!

Come here a sec.

What, what?

Look.

- What flower is that? - Skunkvine.

- From before? - That's it.

How cute.

It bloomed.

It blooms in summer.

I see.

Look.

- It's smelly but beautiful. - You're right.

- Here. Sweet jelly from a client. - Thanks.

Isn't it a pity we're working on Obon Festival day?

When's your vacation?

Is the heat getting to you?

No...no...

Good work today.

If it's okay,

may I stay 6 months?

Itsuki?

Sayaka, happy birthday!

You remembered?

Of course.

You made it yourself?

Yeah.

Wow, you can make a cake!

It's my first cake.

Let's eat it with apple mint tea.

~Happy birthday to you

~Happy birthday to you

~Happy birthday, dear Sayaka

~Happy birthday to you

Best wishes, Sayaka.

Thank you.

Blow them out.

- What's this jam? - Wild raspberry.

- Pretty. - Right?

There.

Here.

A present.

- Even a present? - Mm.

Open it.

I wonder what it is.

[ Illustrated Plant Book ]

It's new.

It’s different from yours.

You knew?

Who taught you?

You should’ve told me.

It made me happy.

You seemed excited.

Of course.

But it's expensive.

It’s fine. It's a birthday.

Then for yours, I'll get something you like.

No need.

In that case, I'll choose.

Pretty! Looks good.

You made this?

Mm.

What? Really?

It's good.

I'm home.

( Thank you - Itsuki )

Itsuki?

Itsuki?!

( Butterbur Miso )

(Long-stamen Chive Pasta )

Itsuki!

Um...

Where's Kusakabe Itsuki-san?

Kusakabe-san?

Yes.

He quit.

When did he quit?

The day before yesterday.

And the long haired girl?

Long hair? Yurie-san?

- Is she here? - She quit last month.

- Can I have Yurie-san's contact info? - Huh?

- I want to contact her. - That's..

Please, please.

Please.

Impossible. I can't.

Kono-san, are you unwell?

You're back to eating with a look of dislike.

You quit making bento?

You’re eating store food.

It was a bother.

I want a break.

I see. Don’t force yourself.

You always ate store food.

You're back to old habits.

"Back to old habits.”

I want to go to the beach.

How about Okinawa?

I want to go to Okinawa.

That’s right.

I'm back to old habits.

I wake up alone

and take a packed train to work.

I return to an empty house.

Though all I did was return to this lifestyle,

I met Itsuki

and lived with him.

Thanks.

Because I found warm, happy days,

it's painful, so painful.

Hello?

Wow! Long time no talk!

How are things?

I see.

Let’s meet! I’m free whenever.

So, is next 7pm Wednesday okay?

Excuse me!

Excuse me, someone followed me.

I'm being followed.

It's that person.

What are you doing?

No, I’m doing nothing.

Did you follow her?

I didn't.

Wait. Wait.

Hey.. come on.

That woman said someone asked for her address at her old job.

She often sees you.

You still deny it?

Why'd you follow her?

To find someone.

Someone? Who? Name?

Kusakabe Itsuki.

If you can, please find him.

What’s his address?

I don’t know.

He used my address for work.

What's it about?

It's fine.

I thought she'd know something, but I misunderstood.

Misunderstood? Well, I don’t get it.

I’m telling you.

I don’t know where he is.

I sussed out his name.

I didn’t ask his birth date.

I know nothing...at all.

But I thought his work mates might know.

I spotted her and went to talk to her

but I thought she was on the phone to him. That's all.

I thought of our time together

and I wanted to see him one more time.

Calm down, okay?

Calm down.

I’ll only give you a warning

but don’t do these things again.

How about your parents?

They must collect you.

I'll notify your family.

It's not to do with them.

What? Think you’re in the right?

But...

No “but”. You only care about yourself?

Mom remarried.

I can’t trouble her new family.

I won’t do this again.

Sayaka.

Mom.

You live like this.

Sometimes. Not always.

I didn’t want to call you.

It’s usually cleaner than this.

- Sayaka. - It's fine.

- It's not fine. - It's fine.

It’s fine. I won’t worry you.

I said it’s fine.

Things got bothersome.

Everyone goes through it.

Time solves everything.

I have to pick myself up.

It’s not good worrying parents forever.

I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing?

Come over for New Year’s.

Thank you.

I'm here.

Hi.

The Shibuya Grand Building room is still vacant, right?

I can’t keep clients waiting.

- It's confirmed? - Yes.

- Good job! - I did it.

How's the gratin?

It’s good.

Kono-san, what do you like?

I mean food.

Bakke Miso.

Huh?

Butterbur Rice.

Horsetail simmered in soy sauce.

Long-stamen chive pasta.

Fried knotweed.

Bracken fern miso soup.

Sorry. I never tried those.

And birthday cake with wild raspberry jam.

Excuse me.

Thanks.

One more question?

Sure.

Are you dating anyone?

Not at the moment.

Then...

Will you go out with me?

I’m sorry.

I have someone I like.

I see.

Hey, why are you crying?

I should cry. Me, me!

"Me, me"? What's that...

It’s February.

No plant is named 'weed'.

All plants have names.

Emperor Showa said that.

It’s here.

Pick thick green stems.

Brown ones don't taste good.

And pull off the leaves.

Bakke Miso.

It's called that in Tohoku, but it's Butterbur.

Bittersweet, slightly salty, simple but good.

- Alright, we'll look for flowers. - Okay!

Itsuki, where are you?

I'm here.

One day,

we'll meet again, right?

This was a Fujiyouji Aquarium broadcast.

Let's go to the Weather.

Today's weather, August 15, in Kanto region...

Okay!

Package delivery.

- Please sign here. - Sure.

Thank you.

Thanks.

( Kusakabe Itsuki )

(Encylopedia of Plants...)

(Encylopedia of Plants REAL PHOTO SERIES)

Book Release Celebration Party...

( Yokohama Bay Hotel, Tokyo )

2 PM...

Taxi!

That's true, indeed.

They don't listen to parents.

Sensei, you’re right.

Kusakabe Itsuki seems to be Torai Ryumei's son.

- He didn’t take his dad's path. - Exactly.

Sensei, welcome.

Thank you for coming.

This is his road in life.

Everyone, thanks for waiting.

Photographer, Kusakabe Itsuki, will greet us now.

Kusakabe-san, please go ahead.

Nice to meet you. I'm Kusakabe Itsuki.

Some of you may know my father is a famed Ikebana artist.

As a child, I was told to follow his path.

I considered doing that.

However, deep inside I felt

it’s not what I wanted.

So I left home

with no destination or intent of going home.

While working part-time,

I thought I'd find my own path.

I took photos of many plants in various places.

Thinking back,

I feel the days I spent

opened my present and future road.

To stand here as a photographer

was something I couldn’t imagine.

But now, I have confidence.

I want to live believing in myself.

About the photos...

Skunkvine.

If you break up with a man,

learn a flower's name.

It will bloom every year.

Kawabata Yasunari said that.

The rest of my life,

when I see skunkvine,

butterburs,

butterbur buds,

horsetail,

or long-stamen chives,

will I feel this way?

What are you doing?

Where'd you go?

That's my line.

Do you still have the bikes?

I came here alone to hunt.

I made Bakke Miso and long-stamen chive pasta.

And Butterbur bud tempura?

I didn't, it’s bitter.

I thought not.

Congratulations, Itsuki.

I’m glad you're successful.

Though we can’t be together...

you were shining and very cool.

You came to the party?

We got distant in one year.

Did you listen till the end?

The end?

Finally...

as a photographer, I can go forward.

I want to thank you all.

And also...

to the person who ignited a change in me,

I express my gratitude.

Meeting that person transformed me.

I spent 6 months away from home with that person.

Miss.

If it's OK, can you pick me up?

That person was really pure,

earnest,

and cheerful.

I’m happy.

Great expression.

But she's also a crybaby.

Being with her was happy and fun.

My heart became more honest.

While spending time with that person,

I hated facing the 'me' who left things half-done.

The more I was with her,

the more I wanted to be with her,

I didn't feel good enough.

So I faced the past 'me'

and chose my path.

Not following a famed Ikebana artist...

but becoming a man who loves weeds...

to the extreme.

I decided that.

So, Sayaka.

Let me stay beside you

as a man who loves weeds.

No plant is named “weed”.

Together.

I want to live with you.

Kono-san, you’re a great cook.

My husband made this.

If you eat some, she gets mad.

Who'll make me bento tomorrow?

Takezawa, you make one.

Me?

"Work well. 5 days till our next hunt!"

I’m home.

Welcome home.

What are we having?

Miso soup with bracken fern.

Sayaka.

- Make Butterbur rice. - Got it.

"I'm home."

“Welcome home.”

“I'll dig in.”

“Thanks for the meal.”

It’s hot.

Forever, let's say them together.

- Mm! - Okay?

Yum! Try some.

Hot.

Shokubutsu Zukan / Evergreen Love Translated and Timed by Eurie (@stormychu) Retimed and edited by Premamaris