Original subtitles

ELEGY OF THE NORTH [BANKA]

Producers KAGA Jiro UCHIYAMA Yoshishige

Screenplay: YASUMI Toshio & YUKI Shigeko Based on the novel HARADA Yasuko

Photography: SEGAWA Junichi Directed by: GOSHO Heinosuke

Music: AKUTAGAWA Yasushi Art Direction:

Cast

KUGA Yoshiko

TAKAMINE Mieko MORI Masayuki

WATANABE Fumio ISHIHAMA Akira

NAKAMURA Zeko SAITO Tatsuo

It's already spring.

Yet the wind is still cold,

making my left elbow ache.

When I was young, I suffered a joint inflammation in my elbow.

And since, I have not been able to move it freely.

The scar of my elbow started hurting.

And my heart started aching too,

as my elbow.

Perhaps my heart has become stiff as well...

Now...

I am remembering of that person.

The person I met on the street by the hill.

- Neri, Neri. - No! Neri! Stop!

Hello, I'm very sorry...

Neri, the dog...

I would like you to do something about it.

Does it hurt?

Neri's never bitten anyone before.

Well, I've never been bitten by a dog either.

They tend to like me.

- Do you like dogs? - Yes.

Neri...

Neri, Neri.

For some reason,

I cannot forget...

that man's quiet, deep stare.

That man was called Mr. Katsuragi.

He belonged in an age group of men I had never dated before.

Mr. Katsuragi told me he would give me his dog's puppy,

and even told me where he lived.

But I didn't go.

I am okay being alone all the time...

Are you hungry?

Is there anything to eat?

I have saved a rice cake for you.

Where?

In the kitchen, by the shelves.

In this house, even if Ohigan comes,

there's no one who will go visit the mother's grave.

I feel...

...sorry for your mother.

Granny, did you go visit the grave?

I prayed to your mother and ancestors and asked them very well.

So that Nobuhiko will pass his university exam next year

and that your left hand will

- Go back to the way it used to be - Here we go again. Grandma's topic..

What happened?

Did you get injured?

It's not much.

When did it happen?

I didn't even notice it.

Ah, you shouldn't bandage it with such a dirty cloth.

You have to behave more lady-like. If you were a boy, it would be acceptable but...

For a young lady like yourself, there's something called destiny and chance, to meet people

If your mother was still alive...

Stop it! Don't talk about Mom.

If it were Mom, she wouldn't talk to me like that.

No.

You're surprisingly early today.

Dad.

Do you need something?

Sit down. Would you like one?

What's wrong?

It's nothing, really.

Reiko, how old are you now?

Ah, now I know.

You're trying to set me up with someone for marriage again.

- Where now? - A buddhist temple.

It's a person who...

...graduated Buddhist Religion University this year.

So cleaning long hallways in temples, washing asses of buddhist priests.

And cooking vegetarian meals?

I don't like it.

I don't like carrots and potatoes and deep-fried bean curds.

And I have to listen to okyo too, right?

But more than me, Dad, you should think about yourself

You're only 53-years-old.

You should take a wife.

What are you saying.

If it were me, I'd like a romantic older man.

Dad, you really should get one.

If we get a new mother, I'll get married, too.

And that's how you always change the subject.

See Dad...

If I had a normal body, you would leave me alone.

But because I can't use this hand freely,

you always bring up...

...marriage proposals.

Reiko,

you've grown up in a household with out a mother.

And you are becoming less and less lady-like.

That is what I am worried about.

It's okay. You can leave me alone.

You don't have to worry.

1: Mr. Ittsu, do you have an appointment? 2: do you have a lesson today? 3: Yes, I do

Ah, welcome.

- You're going to get busy, right, sir? - Yes.

But since I am already 25,

my mother cannot help but realize her own age.

Hey Reiko,

I'm going to go put up posters from now. Will you come with me?

Sure, I don't mind going

what happened to your hand?

This? Oh, there was just a little bit of trouble.

- Trouble? - It got burnt.

Grandma was in a rush and she flipped over a pan.

man, that's dangerous.

We're going to go.

The second floor of that building. That's Dad's office.

I realized then...

that I could ask Mr. Katsuragi...

to buy a Mimizukuza ticket...

But really,

the ticket was just an excuse

I had wanted to visit the hilltop Katsuragi household.

Well, Mr. Tatsumi...

Ms. Aiko.

Please,

go home tonight.

- Mr. Tatsumi. - No. I don't want to.

I'll meet Mr. Katsuragi, too.

To do such a thing!

Please, go back to your home.

Katsuragi Household

May I ask who it is?

Is Mr. Katusragi here?

Mr. Katsuragi is not here, but...

May I ask who you are?

We're acquaintances.

But Mrs. Katsuragi has just returned.

- No, but really, it's nothing important. - But please, wait a moment.

Mother,

- there's a visitor. - A visitor?

- She says she'd like to speak to Mr. Katsuragi. - Oh, alright

Would you like to come in?

It's not a problem.

No one is here.

How strange.

I wonder if she went home...

- What kind of a person was it? - It was a young lady.

Yes?

Hello.

Well, come on in.

How is your hand?

It's better now.

I had been waiting for you.

But there was no visit,

so I gave away the puppy to another home.

That's fine. I was quite busy.

Today I came to my father's office.

To your father's office?

Yes, Hyoudou Suisan office.

So you're Mr. Hyodou's daughter.

So mister, you can drive the jeep.

I saw you the other day.

You did? Well, I used to drive trucks...

as a Koheitai (combat engineer).

Did you go to war?

Men around my age, it's more rare not to have gone to war.

Where did you go to?

Hutuin. Malay, Burma,

It must have been scary.

There were things that were fun, too.

Like what kind of things?

My best memory...

...was in Cambodia.

I secretly went to...

What's Angkor Wat?

A long time ago, when the Kumel people were in power...

The priests there built a temple.

It´s one of the main ancient oriental architectures.

Well, you build buildings too, don´t you?

Perhaps not temples, but...

But we don't build houses to last thousands of years.

Houses need to be constructed so the people who live in them can live happily

- That´s what I think. - So did you design your own house?

So in that house of yours... you, Kumiko...

...and your wife live happily?

There´s another, my niece.

That's not what I'm asking.

Do you enjoy it? That's what I'm asking.

Well...

You're cruel.

Why won't you tell me?

I can show you pictures of Angkor Wat.

I wasn´t able to see your wife.

I went to your house the other night.

Oh, you did?

I didn´t know at all.

I had wanted you to buy some of our play tickets for Mimizukuza.

- Mimizukuza? - It´s an amature theatrical company.

- Are you an artist, Reiko? - Far from it.

I just paint things in the background.

Alright. Maybe I can take some then.

Even if I can´t go, I could give some to people in the company.

Five then!

It's 350 yen.

You should come with your wife.

I would like to meet your wife once.

It said it in the newspaper, too, but...

...do you think we had that few audience come in to the show?

We're in the red. That's why everyone's singing, trying to take their mind off of it.

But it still seems like a lot of fun.

I guess so.

- Alright. Well, look after things for me while I´m gone, will you? - Yes, sir.

Close, but Not Enough. The production has a catch, but the show is a failure.

Welcome.

Two coffees.

- Let me help you. - Oh, thank you.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Here are your drinks.

Shall I put some in?

Yes.

- Thank you for coming. Please come again. - Here you go.

Hey Reiko, can you come for a second?

I'll go in a bit.

Oh, Mr. Furuse.

Hello.

I heard you're doing well.

I saw the last Mimizukuza production.

- I thought you´d been taking some time off from school? - I was hurt. - Did you have an injury?

It was nothing serious.

So, what about the university?

- I think I will try again. - Alright. Well, give it your best. Good luck.

See you later.

Thank you for coming.

Micchan, who is that?

He's my senior from my high school.

He's a medicine student from Tokyo.

And his name is Furuse?

His name is...Tatsumi Furuse.

I bet he's lying about taking time off of school due to an injury

He even comes out to drink a coffee.

Welcome back! Kumiko,

there's your father!

Daddy! Welcome home!

Let's all eat dinner together tonight...

...and let's play together afterwards. What do you think about that?

Really, Daddy? Will you play with me?

What should we do?

Where's your mom?

She went out.

Kumiko, you're so lucky.

Here we go!

Go home now.

Back to Tokyo.

Aren't you graduating next year?

You are...

taking too much time off school.

Just that thought alone makes my heart hurt.

Ms. Aiko,

I'm the one who is in more pain.

We can't keep repeating this over and over again.

You really should go back home to Tokyo.

If you come with me.

You say such things.

What has Mr. Katsuragi said about me?

It pains me more.

Keeping quiet.

He probably doesn't even consider me a rival.

He must find it funny.

Let's go somewhere far away... together.

- Somewhere far away? - Yes.

Anywhere is ok.

I don't care whatever happens to me.

Mr. Tatsumi, don't think like that...

...we need to say good-bye now.

- I know the name of this bar. - Why?

- "AGAIN" means to see each other again, doesn't it? - Welcome.

Here's your drinks.

- What do you want? - A highball.

I'll have whisky.

- Reiko, you're a bit strange lately - Why?

Is it so weird if I say I want a high ball?

No, it's not that.

- I'd wanted to ask from before. - About what?

You don't have to worry about me.

Here you go.

There's someone I know. I'm going to go say hello.

- You've gotten better with alcohol recently, haven't you Mr. Katsuragi? - Do you think so?

Good evening.

Oh, it's you.

Did you build this place, too?

So you build this kind of place,

so men can forget about their households and have a good time drinking, don't you?

- Please, sit down. - Thank you. Just for one minute.

This lady here...

...secretly took a peek into my office the other day.

I thought it was a bit rare to have a female robber.

But does't your father get upset when you come to places like this?

Don't worry about little things.

Would you like something to drink?

Good bye. You're with a friend, so I'll go.

Micchan, do you have anything to write with?

To write with?

And a pencil.

There is no one to scold me,

I am a free daughter.

How about you go home to your house?

Although, I would assume that your wife is not very lonely.

From the robber who took a peek into your life.

Let's go.

- Thank you. - I'm going to make a phone call...

Who is that man?

Like I said, someone I know.

- Ah, I'm tired. - Did you decide to leave, too?

When did you peek in to my life?

Bad hobbies can lead to injuries.

Are you lecturing me? Why is it a bad hobby?

I wrote that letter out of kindness.

- Weren't you laughing when you wrote it? - So are you going to dismiss my kind action?

It won't be my fault if you regret it.

So, can I tell you a lovely story?

Don't you want to hear it?

Red and black. Do you know Madam Denar?

There was always a cute boy.

She could see from her bedroom window.

I wonder how Madam Denar's husband felt?

C-o-c-u. Cocu.

You know about it!

Don't be mad about it! I just meant to...

Go home.

Are you afraid of going home alone?

Dear,

- I made you some tea. - Ok.

Akiko,

Dear,

why won't you say anything?

- Dear.... - Yes?

What I desire...

...is that in this house, the three of us, our family...

lives quietly without impurity.

It's that kind of life which I want.

Regardless of what happens between us,

isn't it unfair to Kumiko?

I'm sorry.

It's not that I am blaming you.

I would rather have you blame me. It actually gives me a sense of relief.

I am trying to forget about what has already happened in the past.

No. You will not forget. I know this...

Akiko,

you are not the only one who is suffering.

Mr. Katsuragi.

Could you please show me a picture?

A picture?

Of Angkor Wat.

I'm working.

I'll be leaving now. See you later.

You're busy. Always.

I'll almost be done.

Did you forget about last night?

I couldn't sleep last night.

I actually came here to apologize.

You must hate me.

Hate?

I was thinking of...

...taking you out tonight.

If you didn't come, I was planning on looking everywhere in town to find and catch you.

Why?

I would take you away in my jeep.

What about you?

I won't force you. We may not come back tonight.

Decide for yourself whether you want to come with me or not.

I can't go when you say something like that, so suddenly...

What did we come here for?

- To play. -What are we going to play?

You must be tired. You should go to sleep before me.

No! I don't want to.

You should go to bed first.

I'll stay up, all night long.

Don't say something ridiculous.

I'm not ridiculous.

You should know if you've thought.

I'm a daughter, too.

It's quite an incident for a daughter to stay out an entire night.

What did you take me out here for?

I know why. It's because of your wife.

It's because of your wife. Because of your wife, you wanted to bring back any young girl.

It's not even an affair.

Aren't I right?

Do you understand why I'm asking you?

Don't!

In your heart you only have your wife. You're not even thinking about me!

You should't say something like that.

Please,

it can be just now, just now, only think about me.

Forget about everything else.

Please, I beg of you...

Good morning.

Welcome back.

I called work now and talked to your father to settle things.

What? What did you say?

I told him that you won't be going home tonight.

You told him...

...that I'm here with you?

Yes. He must be worried...

He can stay worried.

I'll peel that for you.

I don't want to think about home right now.

Don't say that.

- You're hungry, right? - No.

What's wrong?

It won't move freely...

It's frozen...

- It's not that big of a deal. - It doesn't surprise you?

Most things don't surprise me.

It's convenient nowadays.

There are many electric appliances, there's mixers

vacum cleaners, electric washing machines.

Don't feel pity for me!

Electic washing machines? They have nothing to do with me.

We shouldn't be talking about things like this. You promised me.

Then what should we talk about?

- About Baku. - Baku?

It eats dreams.

Well, we will have to make sure he marries you.

The man who took you out.

Oh Grandma, there's really no point in talking.

The more you worry about me,

- the faster you'll end up being taken away by death. - Oh dear...

Hello?

Yes, this is the Hyoudo household.

Oh, Reiko?

Yes, she's here. Please wait a moment.

Hey Reiko! It's another phone call for you!

Tell him I'm not home!

I don't think you're supposed to do that.

Hello?

Oh...she's not home?

I understand.

Thank you.

Let's drop by for a moment?

Yes, but...

Not today.

Another day, I will properly visit.

You always do refrain.

Well,

I would like to meet Reiko and the others at a proper moment.

- Welcome home. - Yes.

Hey.

Reiko, I have something to tell you.

What?

That's a very nice necktie, Dad. Did you buy it?

- Yes. - That's a lie. It's a gift, isn't it? From that madam/lady.

I just saw the two of you, walking back together, getting along well.

She seems very nice.

That lady...

Her name is Ms. Tanioka.

She has a dressmaking shop in Shitadori.

She is a nice person.

Oh, so she likes you.

I noticed something before.

I'm right, aren't I? And you like her, too.

So that's why you don't get mad at me.

Well, when there isn't a mother, daughters do become strange things

Dad!

Reiko,

today I met Mr. Katsuragi.

Where?

He came to visit my office.

Apparently you don't answer the phone, how ever many times he calls.

He even told you that?

- Yes. - What else did you two talk about?

With his work,

he's going to be moving to Sapporo.

- To Sapporo? - Yes.

He said he will be leaving on the 4 o'clock train.

He's going to be away for about a month.

- It's going to take that long? - That's what he said.

What else did you talk about?

Well...he told me to give you that.

Dad, you're supposed to say things like that earlier. You're supposed to give it to me in the beginning

Mister, would you like to take a bath now?

Sapporo-shi, Chuo-ku, Kita 2 Jonishi 3 Chome Sumitomo Kensetsu

You feel pity for me...

...because I'm incomplete. Is that why?

It that's the case, I don't want it.

What I want is real love.

I want to know your heart.

But I'm scared.

That's why I'm running away...

...if I don't see you, I won't know your heart

Reiko!

What?

You said you wanted to do something at 4 o'clock?

It's nothing. I just didn't want to be alone at 4.

- Why? - There's no reason.

At four...

- You don't look too well. - It's just because I didn't sleep well.

Welcome.

I'm sorry.

I have to leave right away.

Then why did you come here, as promised?

I...

absolutely want you to return to Tokyo.

I don't want to.

So, Reiko,

I was thinking we should do a presentation soon.

I've been thinking about a lot of these.

Can you be a model next time?

Sure, it's not nude, right?

Of course not.

Give me a coffee.

What's wrong with you today?

The lady who's with Mr. Furuse is so pretty that I couldn't help staring

Thank you.

Sir, here's your change.

You forgot something.

Oh, why thank you for bringing it all the way here.

My name is Reiko.

I'm a fan of yours.

Because you're so beautiful. I noticed your gloves right away because of that.

I actually have a favor to ask.

- To me? - Yes.

There's someone who absolutely would love to draw you.

- Draw me? - Yes. Just to capture the image.

The person who was there earlier.

Mr. Tsuruse's junior in school.

His name is Fusada Mikio.

Well...I don't know.

- Can I do it? - Please!

Just one hour of your time, in your home?

But...where is your house, madam?

Merci, Madam.

I'm sure I will visit.

Yes...

Mr. Tatsumi, I am going to go home.

Ms. Akiko!

Good bye madam!

The bus will now leave.

Good bye!

Is it fine if I move this much?

Yes. Please, do as you please.

I will be here drawing regardless.

Mrs. is the room next door your husband's?

Yes.

I would like to see it. Would that be a problem?

Reiko...!

No, it's not a problem. Go ahead.

See Mikio! It's not a problem. In that case, let's see...

So, is your marriage with your husband a love marriage?

I'm not sure.

I was just talking to Mrs. about Furenkou, about the swans.

Are there really that many swans there?

Yes, there's a hundred, if not two-hundred.

They come in November and go back home to Siberia in April.

The sight is rough,

but it has a wild beauty to it.

The lake is white, the birds are white...

It must be beautiful.

Mrs. would you like to go, perhaps with Mr. Tatsumi?

Reiko!

I'm sorry.

I'd like to make Mrs. a swan. I bet she would look beautiful floating in a lake.

graceful, elegant, and beautiful

You would be the swan queen

I'm sure I would be lost in admiration, I would probably want to catch you.

- I would run away - If you ran away, I'd kill you.

I'm a hunter, a swan hunter.

A professional. If I have my eye on something, I won't miss it.

Please excuse me for a moment.

Reiko, don't be so spiteful towards that madam.

Don't say that.

I'm just being friendly.

You can't do such a thing.

Mr. Tatsumi, you shouldn't do that... you can't. Do you understand?

Micchan, do you like that madam now?

Reiko...

Did you think that I only drew that lady?

It seemed like you would never become my model.

So I sketched you, too.

Micchan...

Kumiko,

- Let's have a snack. - Ok!

Please don't mind us.

Please take one

Kumiko, come here

Mommy, there's a postcard!

Oh, it's from your father.

Mommy, what does it say?

It says...that Daddy can't come home yet because he hasn't finished his work.

So it says to listen to your mother well

and to not get ill.

See, this is where your father is now. It's a picture of Sapporo.

The madam is home.

And there are snacks, too.

Information must travel fast. So you must know.

Know what?

That Tomoko is in Tokyo,

and that Mr. Katsuragi won't be returing yet for some time.

You shouldn't be having an affair in daylight.

Hey you!

Hey!

What are you?

What do you mean?

What is your reason for hanging around Ms. Akiko?

Ms. Akiko...you mean madam Katsuragi?

Your lover.

What?

Because I like her.

Do you mean, homosexually?

I don't care what it is.

I can't help but think that you have some kind of objective

from the first time I met you.

- The first? - It's strange.

You brought us coffee at Dasune.

Oh, so you remember.

That's when I started liking the madam.

I'm not going to let you go until you tell the truth.

Then I'll tell you the truth.

I like her, too, so I despise you.

Tonight, it is raining quietly.

I somehow feel like I am not in the place where I grew up,

but instead in a new place,

as a traveler, speaking to someone from far away, meaning, you...

chatting in a fun manner.

My days consist of a staring contest between me and blue picture and tracing paper,

but my life here is halfway through.

As soon as I return home, I'd like to see you.

if I told you I want to talk,

you would most likely raise an eyebrow

Please, try not to catch a cold.

What I want is not kindness.

What I want is a heart that falls in love with me the same way I mine falls for him.

I know that you will love me more than your wife.

But your wife is so beautiful

and nice, that sometimes

I feel envy that makes me feel miserable.

Her deep, insightful smile...

When I see it,

I find myself being drawn in...

Welcome.

- A highball, please. - Ok.

Here's your drink.

The light was turned on in that office

and I couldn't help but think: "What if Mr. Katsuragi was here..."

If the doors of that cold building would open,

and if he would come out...

Right now,

more than any other time

I want to see Mr. Katsuragi.

He would hold me and pet my head,

but...

...we can't meet each other like that anymore.

Ms. Reiko!

Mom, I'm feeling pain! Please give me water.

Ms. Reiko, what happened?

Let's go.

Mom...water...

I drank alcohol...

You drank alcohol?

Oh, you shouldn't have

Water...please give me water...

Yes, yes. I'll give you water. Let's go to the room first, though

Here. Take a rest here.

No. I don't want to sleep here!

Don't say that.

This is the only room where you can rest.

Tomorrow I'll take you to your home.

No! Please, let me go home, Mom!

Don't act like a little child...

I'll bring water for you now.

Mom, mom...

I want to see your face...

Ok, we'll talk later.

I'm going to bring the water now.

So, how is Reiko doing recently?

I haven't seen here in a while.

She's not feeling well so she's in bed now.

Apparently it's a light pneumonia.

Ah, well that's not good.

I went and visited her,

and gave her the sketch she said she wanted.

Ah, oh really.

When I see you two, sometimes I feel a bit of frustration.

Mr. Sada, you're a man,

so couldn't you, say, pursue her stronger? Hold her tight?

It's better to be careful with Reichan.

Reiko.

She has come to visit you again.

Mrs. Katsuragi.

She brought some gifts.

Make sure you thank her well.

She saved your life.

It wasn't that big of a deal.

Mrs. Katsuragi, please come in.

How are you feeling, Ms. Reiko?

Oh, well look how adorable you are, miss. Welcome.

Reiko mama, how is your cold?

Thank you Kumikochan,

I'm feeling better now.

You look much better now. The tone of your skin, your face,

Oh, really?

Mommy, it's a pretty flower.

It really is.

Miss, let's go play over over there together.

What should we do?

Thank you.

That grandma is your fan, too.

Everyone who meets you, madam, becomes your fan.

No, no, that isn't the case.

But why are you so kind to me?

I suppose it's because... you have something that I do not.

Youth.

But even for youth, there is good youth and bad youth.

Your youth has it's energetic bursts,

but I would say it's a good one.

So...what is Kumiko's father like?

I can tell...

...he must be someone serious and kind and quiet.

Tell me, Mrs., who do you love more? Your husband or Mr. Tatsumi?

I'm sorry, mom.

that I asked you such a strange question.

Please don't be mad.

I won't get mad.

Ms. Reiko, are you okay?

Let's see...

Ms. Reiko,

when are you going to get married?

With the person who drew those pictures.

Micchan?

Is that how it looked?

If there's anything I can help with,

let me know. If it's something I can help you with.

Thank you, Mom.

See, your hair is easier to manage this way, isn't it?

I left to travel without telling anyone. Without telling my father, Mom, or Mikio Sada.

Tomorrow I will probably meet Mr. Katsuragi

somewhere in a city called Sapporo that I don't know

But he reason for meeting him, isn't only because I'm lonely. There are other reasons.

The more Mom, who doesn't know anything, acts kindly towards me,

the more painful it is for me.

It's you.

You surprised me.

Did you arrive this morning?

And to your home?

Without telling them?

What am I going to do with you?

Write your father a telegram now.

No, I don't want to.

I came all the way to see you, and you're going to lecture me?

If you don't want to send him one, I will.

I'll be done with work right away, so wait there.

I'm right by the television tower.

Would you like to drink some tea?

In two, three days, my parents will come home.

- I'd like you to meet them. - I don't want to.

I'll go home right away.

Here we go again. Your habit.

So...

- Did you think of me? - Yes.

As much as I thought of you?

- How are you feeling? Is your body okay? - I'm fine.

Would there be a problem if there was a change to my body?

It would just mean that you would become a mom.

- I've been thinking and...I am feeling bad for what I've done to you. - Why?

It's not my first marriage.

And I have Kumiko, too.

I haven't said that I would get married. Don't just decide things.

I'm not going to let you go.

I'm fine with the way things are now.

You should live with Mom and Kumiko the way you have been.

Please.

When I finish my work here and return, I am planning on telling Akiko about you.

No!

It's something you don't have to worry about.

No! You can't do that. Never.

You absolutely cannot do that.

If you tell Mom about me... I won't ever see you again.

I mean it.

What's wrong?

You're just tired.

You didn't sleep in the train last night, right?

You might have a fever, too...

You have to sleep.

No, I don't want that.

Please, please promise me.

Make me your ami...a friend lover .

Just make me your ami.

It seems like you're feeling well today.

It's because this is our first time to walk together like this.

I might...

...be going to Tokyo soon.

Please, don't talk about the future.

Today, this one day, I want to spend it happily without thinking about anything.

Here, this is a souvenir for you, Mom.

For me, too?

- Is it really okay if I take this? - Of course.

Isn't it pretty?

Mine is a kitty.

Thank you, Reiko Mom.

- You're welcome. - Aren't you so lucky, Kumiko?

- Thank you very much. - You've helped me so much.

But I plan on being demanding in the future, too, so beware.

Go right on ahead. You should have told me if you were going to Sapporo.

- Daddy was still there, wasn't he? - Is your husband coming back soon? - Yes.

Once your husband is back, I won't be able to come here.

Why not?

Because...

if he knew you were spending time with a bad girl like me, he'd get upset with you.

No! Don't worry. It won't be a problem.

But, still, I think it's better I don't come.

You really don't have to worry. You can visit.

The house would be more fun then, Katsuragi should be happy, too.

Really? Are you sure, Mom?

Yes.

It's not like yourself to act so reserved, Reiko.

Once Mr. Katsuragi is back, apologize to him.

Stop talking about that.

There's a letter from him.

He apologized for you going to visit him in Sapporo.

Of course, I know that you went on your own.

You always do such things that make me feel embarassed.

- How are you planning on living your life? - Stop it.

I feel like I'm going to get pneumonia again.

I thought of telling...

...Mr. Katsuragi that I had been spending time with Mom beforehand.

If he knew about that...

...he shouldn't be able to ask me to marry him.

Plus, there should be a way to avoid telling Mom about Mr. Katsuragi and I.

Perhaps more than one way.

It's an express delivery.

- For Mrs. Akiko Katsuragi. - Thank you.

Kumiko, Reiko Mom is here.

Reiko Mom!

- Hello - Welcome, we've been waiting for you.

I just got here.

Come on in.

You look very well dressed.

I shouldn't have come.

Oh, don't say that.

I should have dressed up, too.

You're young, you look beautiful just the way you are.

You're just saying that to be nice. I don't want to be disliked by Mr. Katsuragi.

Reiko, you'll be fine. I was just preparing some salad. You can try some later.

Kumiko, be a good girl.

Is that how you prepare the salad?

Yes.

I can't help with anything, since I've never done it before.

You're the guest. You don't have to do anything.

- Mom, teach me how to cook sometime. - Sure.

- Mommy, it's Daddy! - Yes, it is.

Reiko, let's go. Come with me.

Mom...

I'm not very good with people I meet for the first time.

I become very nervous and my throat gets caught and...

- Please introduce him to me later. - I understand.

- Mommy! - Yes!

Daddy.

Kumiko, have you been a good girl while I've been away?

- Here, this is a souvenir for you. - Wow, it's a doll.

Mommy, look, it's a souviner.

How lucky you are.

What is it?

There's a guest here.

Who is it?

She's a beautiful and bright girl. She's become quite close with Kumiko while you've been away as well.

Really?

I would like you to meet her.

Please come, I will introduce you to him.

Reiko Mom.

This is Reiko Hyodou.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

This is yours, Daddy.

Reiko, please take a seat.

And this is Reiko Mom's.

Dear...

I'll go make some tea.

Tea!

You understand now, don't you?

I'm just a friend.

Are you reading the newspaper?

It's incredible that you see the words.

What news is on?

A riot in some country, a murder, a car accident, a speech by the American president.

And what else? A missle test?

- Behave yourself. - Then kiss me.

Kiss me. Hurry!

Behave yourself.

Thank you for the stay.

What happened?

He doesn't like me.

I can't come here again.

- Kumiko, Kumiko! - Yes, Daddy!

Reiko!

My husband is tired.

I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing?

It's not your fault.

He just doesn't like me.

No, it's my...

Good bye, Mom.

Where are you going?

Oh...

The homosexual girl.

The husband came back today.

- I know. - So now instead of express deliveries,

with some help from alcohol, are you just going to go see her?

You should give up on trying to get Mom. Let her husband have her back.

It's none of your business.

She'd run away from you, I bet.

You know...

She was running away from me from the very beginning.

Well, that's unfortunate.

Didn't Mom love you?

Love?

I think she tried to change her mistake to love.

- Mistake? - Yeah.

In a cheap hotel called Lotte Yashiki.

- Would you like to come with me, too? - Stop it!

It's a phone call. From a man.

Just tell him I'm not here.

I already said you were here.

Why...

It's from the man who made you bad, isn't it?

I know his name, too.

- He said he was Mr. Katsuragi. - Mr. Katsuragi?

Well then, that would be from your favorite lady's husband.

- What, that lady's husband? - Yes.

- Well in that case, you must answer. - Just tell him I'm not here.

My head hurts.

You really are very selfish.

In that case, I must find a polite way to say no...

Yes, this is Jappone.

Yes? Oh, yes. She is here. There's a phone call for you.

Hello?

I'm impressed that you figured out I'm here.

Why are you calling?

There shouldn't be anything to talk about.

Come over here.

I heard that the fog is very thick.

Your hair is very wet.

You said you wanted to talk to me.

Aren't you going to get mad at me for what I did?

Do you really want to be scolded that badly?

There's no point in getting mad.

So you're so astounded that you don't even have the energy to scold me?

Calm down.

Why?

It's strange that you aren't getting mad.

Mr. Katsuragi is a master of hiding his emotions.

It's an impressive amount of pride you have.

- I don't want you to do things that are so absurd. - And what else?

That's all.

Really?

You were in pain, weren't you?

That's why you got close to Akiko.

I should have told you something before I left for Sapporo.

Why are you saying this?

Now I understand...

- ...why you aren't getting mad - What is it?

Because you're only feeling guilt and responsibility.

To me.

To this arm.

It's because you don't like me.

If you liked me, you should definitely be upset.

Here we go again.

That has to be the case.

Then shall I scold you?

Don't talk to me as if you were talking to a child.

I'll tell you the reason why I came to like you.

I wanted to feel your wound.

It's extremely attractive when a person has a wound.

Is the reason why you say that because of your arm!?

It's my hobby. The genuine truth.

I don't have anything else to say.

- Don't go home! - Why? Do you still have something to say?

Be quiet and follow me!

So this is Lotte Yashiki?

You know this place, don't you?

No, I don't want to, in a place like this.

Aren't you going to drink?

Don't try to fool me with alcohol. I won't do it.

Please stop...

From today...

You are an ami.

Like you said, an ami.

Welcome home.

Where did you go from last night?

- Mr. Katsuragi's wife has been here since a while ago. - Oh, is that so.

I've been trying my best to keep her here even though she said she must go.

So hurry, go on now.

Welcome, Mom.

I was just on my way to buy some things so...

You haven't come to visit at all recently.

That one time, my husband was very tired, so...

Please come visit us again.

Reiko...

What is it with the weather? It seems so indecisive everyday.

Please, really, you don't have to do anything.

No, no, you've done so much for Reiko.

Mrs. Katsuragi, if there are any good stories for Reiko...

- ...for getting married... - Grandma!

Please, come with your husband, too.

It seems that your husband has been taking care of Reiko as well.

Last time when he called...

...Reiko told me to say she wasn't home.

She is quite a selfish one.

But please do take care of her.

And please, stay here as long as you please.

Mom, you recognize this, don't you?

Mr. Katsuragi took very good care of it.

He gave it to me.

Is that so...

Reiko...

I must be going now.

Are you going home already?

Yes.

Farewell.

Mom, did you understand?

What is it? Why are you so calm and smiling?

I'll tell you.

I went to Sapporo to see him, too.

Oh, really.

Where do you think we went last night?

Lotte Yashiki, the hotel where you have some memories.

Isn't there something you want to say?

Mr. Katsuragi is a good man.

And yet I...

Yes, you betrayed him.

But Mom, I don't desire anything.

Don't you trust that I like you?

I won't see Mr. Katsuragi again.

I won't.

So please, act the way you did before! Let's be friends.

Mom, I really like you, truly.

You cannot say that,

that you like me.

You...

...must take care of yourself.

Now is the most important time.

People are coming.

- Are you going out? - Yes.

From now?

Yes.

There's been a call from Sumitomo Construction.

There's a work that needs to be finished tonight.

Dear...

Reiko is a nice person.

Please take good care of her.

Did you know about it?

If it's Reiko, Kumiko will be alright too.

Akiko...

I can't handle her anymore.

- No, you shouldn't... - No.

There's nothing I can do.

It's all my fault.

Akiko...

You don't have to say it like that.

Yes.

You need to think more about yourself than others, too.

It's alright. No one has to worry about me.

...Alright?

You...

must take care of yourself.

Now is the most important time.

She isn't answering?

No, she isn't.

What's the emergency? It's so early.

Reiko is here. Why?

She said she didn't want to go home and won't move from there since last night.

Maybe something happened?

Mikio.

What happened Reiko?

- Did you just hear an ambulance's siren? - Yeah,

somebody got hurt in the train station.

Here is a good morning coffee.

- "Good morning!" - Oh, thank you.

Thanks to you, I couldn't sleep all night either.

I'm sorry.

Reiko sometimes does some absurd things.

Seyama and the guys want to do a puppet play next. They're really excited about it.

There's a plan of doing a theater tour with a truck, too.

They were saying that they really wanted to ask you for some advice.

May I help you?

I'll leave.

Reiko!

Where are you going?

It's a bit far.

Take me with you.

I know it. It's about Mom, isn't it?

I recieved the news this morning.

Let him join us.

Mr. Tatsumi...

So you knew...

That person didn't know anything and called the house this morning.

Aren't you going to ride with us?

No, thank you.

I know you all have been working hard since this morning...

- Are you Mr. Katsuragi? - Yes.

Was there a will?

No, there wasn't.

Right now's the season,

that's why we discovered it so quickly.

Oh, and by season, I mean fishing season.

Mrs. Katsuragi's funeral was done...

...on the hill top of the Katsuragi household.

In no way was it possible for me to go there.

With no will and nothing to go by, no one knew the reason of Mrs. Katsuragi's death.

However, to me...

I couldn't help but feel in my heart...

...that it was because of my betrayal.

For 20 days after Mom's death...

...I did not meet anyone.

And lived like a doll who lost its soul.

But one day, as though I was being called, I found myself at the Katsuragi household.

Neri.

Have you been getting food?

Mom, please let me borrow it.

Mom, I'm sorry.

The salad you prepared that one day was very good.

I have come home thinking that you will be here waiting for me,

but you are not here.

I can understand your feeling that you don't want to see me,

but you have to forget the things that have already happened.

I hope that tonight you will wait for me.

From tomorrow, I will be going to Tokyo for a business trip.

Even after I am finished with the work, I do not plan to live in this city.

I will be sending Neri to Sappori tomorrow to where Kumiko is.

So I would really like to see you tonight.

Reiko.

Where are you?

Reiko!

Reiko!

Wait, please! Can you please stop the truck, Mr. Seyama?

Please, can you stop it?

Alright! Stop, stop!

What happened, Miss Hyodou? What's wrong, Reiko?

I'm feeling a little bit dizzy.

What happened?

She's feeling dizzy.

Ah, she must've gotten carsick from the truck

- Here's some water. Does someone have a handkerchief? - Here, I have one.

Is she okay?

- We're really close. - I know.

Alright! Well, while we're at it, here's a magic spell.

The magic spell worked.

What? It worked?

Are you really ok?

Alright, let's go then!

- We are ready for departure! - Let's move!

THE END