Original subtitles

A love story jointly presented by Shochiku, Ritsumeikan University

who share a passion for the renaissance of film. - Yoji Yamada

Heading west down Sanjo Street, Kyoto, you soon pass

the Koryuji Temple, renowned for its status of Bodhisattva,

before arriving at Uzumasa.

Once this town was called the "Hollywood of the Orient."

There were many film studios back then.

Daiei Shopping Street

Many great Japanese films, including Kurosawa's Rashomon

and Mizoguchi's Ugetsu, were shot at the Daiei Studios.

Machiko Kyo, the female lead of Rashomon and Ugetsu.

Daiei Studios used to be around here.

The studio no longer exists.

But its name still remains, as does the pride of the local people.

Morning at the Daiei Shopping Street.

The story begins at the Higashide Laundry.

Good morning, Kyoko.

Good morning.

It's getting cooler.

Let's eat.

I'm done.

Chie, finish your meal.

I'm off.

She spilled her miso soup.

I used to work around the clock.

Kotaro Higashide Higashide Laundry. late at night and early in the mornings.

Kotaro Higashide Higashide Laundry

Kotaro Higashide Higashide Laundry I had to pay off my debts.

I had to pay off my debts.

I had a family, children, a business to look after.

I had no choice.

I didn't get much sleep back then.

- I'm off. - Take care.

- Dad, I'm leaving. - Take care.

How's your husband?

He's still recovering, but he'll keep smoking.

Same with my dad.

I wish he'd quit.

I like my job, so I've been able to keep it up.

We get by.

Have you eaten?

Yes, I have.

Mom, I'm off.

Do you have lunch money?

Yes, of course.

Good morning.

See you.

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled...

Where are you going so early?

I have an audition in Osaka.

Where's the peck of pickled poppers Peter Piper picked?

Do you have lunch money?

You sound like Mom. She just asked me that.

Good luck.

Kota!

Don't forget your lucky gesture.

Executive Producer: Yoji Yamada

Produced by: Toyomi Nagata Suketsugu Noda

Screenplay: Yoji Yamada Tomoaki Sasae

Producer: Ichiro Yamamoto

Cinematography: Masashi Chikamori Recording: Kazumi Kishida

Art Director: Takashi Nishimura Lighting: Masato Tsuchiyama

Music: Harumi Fuuki Assistant Director: Yasataka Maehara

Costume: Kazuo Matsuda Sound Effects: Yukio Hokari

Kyoto Story

Directed by: Yoji Yamada Tsutomu Abe

Mr. Enoki, here you are.

Ancient Chinese Instructions Vol. 7 and 8 are both out now.

When are they due back?

February 15th next year.

Next year?

No way!

I'm a visiting scholar and have only 4 weeks to go.

Can you call and ask for them back?

I can't do that.

Why not?

Because that's "private information."

Can't you do anything?

I'll finish them within a week.

Then, why don't you use library "recall?"

They'll be temporarily returned, then we can lend them to you.

Please. You should have said so earlier.

Only a few at this university could read this book.

If you give me the name, I'll ask him myself.

Is it Prof. Takemoto?

That's private information.

Private information?

Alright. I see.

The books are valuable, so procedures are complicated.

Sorry for any trouble.

Not at all. It's not your fault.

Sorry I was impolite.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

Please return the cart later.

Thank you very much.

He left this shoe.

Your shoe.

May I ask your name?

No, that's private information, right?

It's private information.

I've loved books since I was little.

Becoming a librarian was my dream.

I want to work at the library all my life if possible.

But I'm just a part-timer now.

My father must have wanted a son.

I appreciate my parents for raising me.

Boyfriend?

That's private information.

Hello. Mr. Yoshida.

Hi there. What's up?

Audition for a TV show.

Good luck.

Thank you.

The Soy Beans, you're on.

Hello, everyone. We are The Soy Beans.

We're stand-up comics now, but I really wanted be a musician.

I want to be a rapper.

- Oh, a KAPPA? - No, KAPPA is a monster.

I said "rapper," a musician, you know?

I wanted to be a rapper, too.

- Can you rap? - Of course.

Okay, let's rap against each other.

Are you sure?

What are you doing?

I'm just rapping, you know.

Come on. Just join in.

- Okay. - Here we go!

Cool! That's great!

Let's give a hot one!

All my pals are bangers Go for fighting anytime

My girl is sexy as dynamite Go for kissing any time

Idiot! Not that kind of "hot"!

The lyrics have to somehow criticize society.

- I got it. - Really?

Let's do it.

Gotta beat the spoiled politicians with our rap.

I ate a spoiled egg ended up getting diarrhea.

Hey!

Sorry, forgot a line.

I really messed up.

Forget it. Let's go have ramen.

I was hopeless.

Cheer up.

More fried tofu, please.

I'll give you a special one at the same price.

Thank you.

- I'm home. - Welcome back.

How was the audition?

Why don't you answer?

He must have failed.

I inherited my father's tofu shop 25 years ago.

Kazuhito Yanase Hiromi Yanase I inherited my father's tofu shop 25 years ago.

Kazuhito Yanase Hiromi Yanase

Kazuhito Yanase Hiromi Yanase I have no regrets about life as a shopkeeper.

I have no regrets about life as a shopkeeper.

But I want my son to have his own life.

If he can make a living out of it,

I think he should live as he wishes.

It'll be very sad if we have to close the shop

because our son won't inherit it.

But I won't force him into taking up the mantle.

That's entirely up to him.

I agree with my husband.

But I'd be very happy if he did.

My dad said that?

Kota Yanase I've been thinking about my future.

I've been thinking about my future.

I've known I should talk to my father for a long time.

But it's hard to bring it up.

The words are on the tip of his tongue.

But he's never had the courage to speak out.

I see. So my father said that.

Here you are. You did well.

I'm back.

Kyoko is here.

Kota came to see you.

I wonder why.

Mom, I'll have dinner later.

Wow, looks delicious!

Does Kota still want to become a comedian?

Mom, entertainers are more respected than you think.

Comics are very popular nowadays.

Famous actresses marry them.

The president of USA was an actor.

Schwarzenegger!

Or was it Bush?

That was Reagan.

What's wrong?

Nabe wants to break up our comedy duo.

Really?

He's going back to help his father's business.

He promised his dad he would if he failed the audition.

He told me nothing, that idiot.

Ha betrayed me.

Damn it.

No point in blaming him.

Much better you concentrate on your future.

Why don't you try a solo act?

Solo?

You always used to make people laugh on your own.

How?

You imitated Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.

That was hilarious. You had us laughing in pain.

- Really? - Yes, sure.

The more I drink, the stronger I get.

Back then, I enjoyed singing and dancing.

I simply wanted to make people laugh.

And it's different now?

I want to be good, famous and popular.

I feel pressured by such thoughts.

You've identified the problem, so you can start over again.

It's not that simple. Don't talk like my mom.

Becoming a successful comedian is harder than getting into a top university.

You have millions of rivals.

You'll be fine. I'm sure you can do it.

You mean that?

Let's go somewhere we can be alone.

- No. - Why not?

Do you really love me?

You know I do.

You only ever talk about yourself, you show no interest in me.

Don't you love me?

It's not like that. I didn't mean that.

I want to talk about us.

The noodles have dried up. Do you want another one?

Shall I bring fresh noodles?

No, thank you.

I wake up at 5 every morning.

Even earlier when I make lunch for the film crew.

That's my routine.

Take care.

I got married and started in business when I was 23.

I used to deliver to the studios every day.

Kazuko Yamamoto Tsutaya Restaurant I'd run around taking orders from all the cast and crew.

I'd run around taking orders from all the cast and crew.

There were no other restaurants around here.

We were so busy back in those days.

Even when it snowed, I was sweating buckets.

All that running around all the time.

Those were the good old days.

Everyone in the studio was like family.

They were very good to me.

Catch him!

What's for lunch?

How about noodles?

I'll hang up the shirts.

Be careful.

Hello.

You're from the library.

This is my home.

Is that right?

I've used your services here several limes.

Thank you very much.

I apologize for what I said the other day.

Not at all.

Actually, your two books are ready to be picked up.

Come get them anytime.

1,400 yen please.

I got permission from your father.

You startled me.

This looks like hard work.

I'm used to it.

I carry stacks of books all day.

I used to be an athlete in high school.

What sports?

Track and field. Short track and high jump.

High jump?

I wasn't much good. My best jump was only 1.5m.

But I was the fastest at Uzumasa junior high.

"Uzumasa" is hard to read, don't you think?

Not many people can recognize it.

The word consists of two Chinese characters.

Do you know the origins of it?

At school they said it's from the Chronicles of Japan.

The leader of the Hata clan presented silk.

That's right. That's where it comes from.

I'm very impressed..

Do you know why they chose these characters?

I assume it stands for "the great Hata."

Why do you think they use this particular element?

I've never thought about it.

Why is that?

There were two characters, both with the same meaning.

But they chose this one with a dot in the center.

The dot emphasizes the "greatness."

They chose the character to give an aura of respect.

I see.

I never thought about the importance of dots in characters.

You study Chinese characters?

It's not just a study of Chinese characters.

It's understanding the minds of their creators 3000 years ago.

It's learning at its grandest.

Prof Shirakawa of Ritsumeikan University was a pioneer.

When reading books donated by him I often find comments in the margins.

It thrills me.

It's as if he is standing in front of me.

Mom says the tea is ready.

We're coming.

How do you do.

Uncool!

She's rude.

While my wife was upstairs nursing the baby, I was at work.

We didn't have any sort of alarm system.

We just hung the clothes here, without any security.

We have scores of items hanging out here.

I was out visiting some customers.

When my wife came down, the clothes were all gone.

A total of 23 items.

I was both shocked and depressed.

I paid for all losses.

Slop crying. Apologize to them.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry that my son stole from you.

You disappointed me.

What's up?

Thai kid shoplifted today.

Get down on your knees.

Don't make your mother cry.

I bet that guy with the beard today fancies you.

Should I tell Kota you're cheating on him?

Don't be silly.

He's an intellectual studying a very difficult subject.

Aren't all academics perverts?

From someone who doesn't even know who's president of USA.

I do, it's Bush.

Tatsuya Nakagawa Nakagawa Electric Shop In my 30s, I was unsure about my job.

In my 30s, I was unsure about my job.

But by my 40s and 50s my body knew what to do.

Everything became easy.

My job isn't just a job. It's become a part of my life.

I want my son to feel that way if he takes over the business.

That's what I pray for.

I think we must rediscover the fact that

the film industry is very important for local business.

I hope that many people who work in film industry

will live in this area and shop at our Street.

That's my wish and I hope it will come true.

Motoo Mitachi Tanuki Book Store The golden age for local stores was in the 1950s-60s.

The golden age for local stores was in the 1950s-60s.

The rise and fall of the film industry mirrors that of the local stores.

Books will never perish.

The thing is how we go about doing business.

Buy this for me.

How much is this?

Long time no see.

How have you been?

Not so good My legs still ache.

Hello.

I'll be right with you.

Are you on medication?

How's your blood pressure?

It's okay as long as I take the pills.

You drink too much coffee.

It wakes me up in the mornings.

Better go now, or you'll be late.

Are you leaving?

- Hi there. - Hello.

Hello, Kasumi. You're all grown up.

Good luck.

Kota, you haven't been to our barber lately.

Are you going someplace else?

I'll drop by soon.

Sill trying to be a comedian?

Hang in there.

Do you still visit here sometimes?

Yes, I do.

Kiyoko Taniguchi ex-Daiei Studios employee Yes, I do.

How do you feel?

Actually, it's quite nostalgic.

I spent my youth there.

I have many fond memories.

Do you remember when Rashomon won the big prize at Venice?

Cast and crew of Akira Kurosawa's film Rashomon

Studio boss, Mr. Nagata, assemble the crew once a month.

When we heard the news, everyone danced for joy.

It's sad that the Daiei Studios no longer exists.

Hello Mr. Enoki.

You'll catch cold sleeping outside.

Your suit is ready for pickup. Drop by any time.

Thank you.

My thoughts

You startled me.

Here are the Ancient Chinese Inscriptions Vol 7 and 8.

You've read them already?

I read as fast as I could.

I'm impressed.

Please remove the labels before returning any books.

Sorry, I didn't realize.

- I'll do it for you. - Thank you.

Not at all.

What's this?

Good evening.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Sorry to drop by so late.

Suits, right?

Oh, I kept something for you.

You left a note in the book you returned.

I thought it may be important.

Such complex, difficult characters.

Can you read them?

Of course. It's a poem I wrote.

Really? Please read it for me.

What does it mean?

My precious one did not appear in the end

In other words, my loved one.

Really?

By the shores I stand. In sorrow, grieving

Rivers and mountains between, they keep us apart

Ah, though it may well be reckless of me

I shall make my way, against the flow

On horseback, those obstacles, shall I overcome

To be with you my love, my dearest.

This is dedicated to you.

No. I already have someone.

I don't care, I just want you to know I love you.

This is all too sudden.

So what? If this is a sin, let them find me, kill me.

So I shall, if that is what you wish for.

Stop! I don't want to hear anymore. Get out.

Kyoko.

Excuse me. Good night.

Why was he here?

To pick up his suit.

So why is it still here?

You forgot this.

I said something terrible to Kyoko.

I was confused. I hardly remember what I said.

Please give my apologies to her.

I feel sorry for that academic.

In Ancient China they believed that

the universe was made up of a dome-shaped sky,

with a flat earth beneath the dome.

Because a turtle has a round shell and a flat stomach,

they considered it to be a symbol of the universe.

Prof. Shirakawa pioneered a study of inscriptions on ancient oracle bones.

Conventional analysis of "king" saw it as representing

"sky," "land," and "man."

The fast stroke in the center means "king who rules the world."

However, the professor noted the arch on the 3rd stroke to represent

the shape of the blade of an ax.

Why is that?

Back then, a large ax was placed in front of the throne

to represent the power of the king.

It was symbol of the king.

He reasoned that was the original meaning of the character.

As you can see...

As you can see...

To interpret private info...

When you interpret ancient characters,

you must fully understand the social, cultural,

and religious background of its origins.

You need to think like the ancients did if you want to

decipher the relics they left.

I'll go do the 11 o'clock security check, sir.

Checkmate.

What's going on?

Just looking at the mannequin, I'll get back to work.

Did you work last night?

You're off to work, while I go to bed.

You're like a mole.

What time will you be home?

Same as always.

Let's have dinner together.

Good morning.

Mom, I'm starving.

We're busy. Fix something yourself.

Grow up.

That's all?

You came to hear my lecture, didn't you?

Are you still angry about what I said the other day?

If I was, I wouldn't have attended your lecture.

Yes, or course.

Yes.

Looking for anything in particular?

If not, I'll ask you to leave.

You need permission to be here.

My project finishes soon so I'll have to return to Tokyo.

I see.

This character shows a man standing and looking back.

In the center is a heart-shaped character.

So the man is leaving, but his heart wishes to stay.

That's "love."

This is the form of the character 3000 years ago.

After a 1000 years its form changed.

And it became the "love" that is used today.

I can empathize with the ancients who expressed love with this character.

Kyoko, will you have dinner with me tonight?

No, I can't.

What are you doing here?

He came to see me.

You can't enter without permission. Please leave.

I'm sorry.

What are these?

It must be "love."

These too?

Good evening.

Hi, Kyoko.

Is Kota home?

Yes, wait a minute.

Kota, Kyoko's here.

What's up?

You forgot? You asked me out for dinner tonight.

You're right.

He's really hopeless.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Can we eat over there?

Sure.

Are you studying, Kasumi?

What will you have?

I'll have a rice with fried tofu. You, too?

Why bother eating our store's tofu here?

Why not? I think your mother's is the best in all Kyoto.

Pork cutlet on rice.

You don't know how good it is.

Pork cutlets bring me luck.

What do you need luck for?

I got a call from Ritsumeikan University today.

I've been asked to perform at their school festival.

That's great.

My first solo ever. Will you come?

Library's closed for the festival, so I'll be there for sure.

Is the show ready?

I've got a couple ideas. Do you want to see them?

Come and see.

Welcome everyone.

The most popular things to when in Kyoto. No. 3...

Visiting the shrines.

No. 2, visiting the temples.

The most popular thing of to do in Kyoto, is...

...visiting temples and shrines to meet cute tourists.

Thank you.

Am I in time?

Kota's next.

I made this for him.

"Go for it, Kota!"

Next we have an alumni of our own Ritsumeikan University.

Working mainly in the Kansai area as a popular new comic.

This is his very first solo debut.

I'm so excited.

Now welcome The Soy Beans, or, Kota Yanase.

A big round of applause, please.

Go for it, Kota!

Welcome everyone. My name is Kota Yanase.

Making excuses with dancing.

When you're late for a date and your girl gets mad.

Sorry. I got a call just before I left.

Don't get mad. I'll buy you dinner tonight.

Hey, wait up.

Don't go.

Let's talk.

Don't go.

Wait.

Don't go.

Let's go see a movie.

I don't think he'll make it as a solo act.

Hey, you're crap.

Come on, make us laugh.

Sorry. Guess that's why I'm not a star yet.

Just hold on. It'll get better.

When you forget your wallet.

No!

Higashide Laundry?

This is Enoki from the university.

Is Kyoko home?

She's at the university.

Her cell phone number? One moment.

It's something I've been thinking about.

Don't get mad at what I say.

Go ahead. Say it.

The reason why your act isn't funny, is...

How, can I put it?

Because you're trying too hard to make your audience laugh.

That's why they think it's boring.

They get turned off by too much effort.

I'm a comic. What's wrong with trying to make them laugh?

You know Mr. Kakutani from the bookstore?

He's so reserved and serious, but that makes him so funny.

I don't see that kind of humor in your performance.

So I'm not funny enough to be a comic?

Are you saying I should quit?

Then what? Become a tofu maker?

Do you realize what you're saying?

How can you be so disrespectful your father's work?

You know how hard he worked to raise you.

My father works in a laundry, I know how tough that is.

It takes time and skill to become a good tofu maker.

You've known that since you were a boy.

How dare you say that to me?

A tofu maker's son must become a tofu maker?

What about you?

You'll marry a guy so he'll take over your father's laundry?

That's not what I means.

What a boring day!

Get out of my way!

Mr. Enoki, what are you doing here?

I was on my way to your place.

Aren't your pants still wet?

It doesn't matter.

I'm going back to Tokyo tomorrow.

Tomorrow? I didn't know that.

Back to university in Tokyo?

No, I'm off to Beijing University next month.

- Another short visit? - No, for 2 years.

I'll be setting down in China to work on my studies.

So you're going to Beijing?

In that case...

...will you come with me?

What did you say?

I want to be with you.

I can't continue my studies without you.

What are you saying?

NIGARI solidifies soy milk into tofu.

To me, you are NIGARI.

Without you, my research can't form. I need you.

Leave Kyoto with me tomorrow.

I can't do that.

You're being ridiculous.

You're crazy.

Yes, you're right. I'm crazy for you.

I'm sorry.

Kyoko.

Wait.

Please take a cab.

This is a train ticket for tomorrow.

I'll be waiting on the platform.

Take this lady to Daiei Street in Uzumasa.

Shinkansen bullet train ticket Kyoto to Tokyo

Attend to any fires.

Attend to any fires.

Good evening. Working late again?

Is Kyoko home?

Kyoko.

Who's there?

Hi, Kota. I'll get her now.

Kyoko.

Kyoko?

What are you doing here? Kota wants to see you.

Tell him I'm sick and I'm already in bed.

Alright.

Don't stay there you'll catch cold.

Kyoko doesn't feel well and she's already asleep.

Do you want to talk to her?

We had a fight today. I came to apologize.

It's no big deal.

He's brought some sweets.

Great. Dad, let's take a break.

Mr. Higashide inherited his father's job?

No, he didn't.

Why ask?

When my father was young he had his dreams.

He inhered the tofu shop from Grandpa when he was 30.

I didn't know that until recently.

That's right.

When did Mr. Higashide start working here?

When he was 27.

Twenty seven...

How old are you?

Shut up.

Tell Kyoko I hope she gets well.

- How old are you? - Oh, shut up.

Good night.

Will you go to Tokyo?

I saw a ticket in your diary.

Tomorrow morning at 6:53. Why so early?

You read my diary? That's appalling.

You're hiding something, aren't you?

Something you can't tell Kota.

I don't think you'll spend the rest of your life in this boring town.

If I were you, I'd leave for sure.

Is it something that you can't even tell Mom and Dad?

Leave it all to me. Tell me everything.

Thank you for using the Shinkansen bullet train.

The Nozomi No. 20, departing at 6:53 for Tokyo,

will soon arrive on Platform 11.

I'll be late for school.

Chie.

Where's your sister?

She went to work early today, it was still dark outside.

Really?

Let's eat.

Hello? Is this Kyoko?

It's me. Enoki.

Are you listening to me?

The train will arrive shortly.

I was expecting you to come until the last moment.

But now I've given up.

Farewell, Kyoko.

Please remember there was a man who was crazy for you.

Kyoko.

Are you listening?

Please let me hear your voice, just one last time.

Kyoko.

Hello?

Hello, Kota. You're early today.

Good morning.

Hi, Kota.

Are you taking the train today?

My bike has a flat tire.

Where are you going?

To Osaka. I have an audition.

Listen, Kyoko. I had a talk with my father last night.

If I still haven't made it by the time I reach 30,

I'll take over my father's shop.

He said he'll wait for a year and a half.

I'm happy for you.

Listen, Kyoko.

If I inherit my father's business, will you be a tofu maker's wife?

I'd love to. We'll make delicious tofu together.

Fantastic! That's the way to go.

Good luck at your audition.

The maple trees in Uzumasa will soon shed their leaves.

Before long, the tough winter will come upon Kyoto.

This is the end of a love story in Kyoto Uzumasa.