Original subtitles

Shochiku Films

EARLY SUMMER

Participant in the 1951 Arts Festival

Written by Kogo Noda & Yasujiro Ozu

Produced by Takeshi Yamamoto

Cinematography by Yuharu Atsuta

Art Direction by Tatsuo Hamada

Cast:

Setsuko Hara as Noriko Mamiya

Chishu Ryu as Koichi Mamiya

Chikage Awashima as Aya Tamura

Kuniko Miyake as Fumiko Mamiya, Ichiro Sugai as Shukichi Mamiya

Chieko Higashiyama as Shige Mamiya, Haruko Sugimura as Tami Yabe

Hiroshi Nihonyanagi as Kenkichi Yabe

Shuji Sano as Sotaro Satake

Directed by Yasujiro Ozu

- Breakfast, Grandpa. - Morning.

- Come on. - I'll be right there

I told him.

Take this with you.

- Some pickles. - Thanks.

Where's Isamu?

Isamu!

- Looks delicious. - Isamu!

Isamu!

- Have you washed your face? - Yes.

No, you haven't. Your face is still dirty.

Hurry up, Isamu.

- Done already? - I washed my face!

If you don't believe me, check the wet towel.

All right.

You sure?

- Here. - Thank you.

- We've started. - Will you post this for me?

Chew your food well.

- You're off early. - I've got a very sick patient.

- I'll bring Uncle back with me. - I appreciate it.

- See you later. - Bye.

Bye!

Hurry, Brother! You only have seven minutes.

Are you coming? Where will we meet?

Noriko and I have decided on a place.

See you later.

Thanks for breakfast!

Hurry up, Isamu.

What kind of food does Uncle like?

You don't have to cook anything special, but he likes beans.

- Me too! - Just be quiet and eat.

You're slow, Isamu.

Thanks for breakfast.

- I'll be off. - Have a good day.

- See you at 5:30. - All right. See you later.

You'll be late for school.

Don't forget father's post.

Thanks. Bye for now.

See you later.

What are you doing?

- Bye! - Have a good day.

- You've got everything? - Yes!

Bye!

- Morning. - Morning. Where's your brother?

- He caught the earlier train. - I see.

- So there's a very sick patient? - Yes, I was there till 11:00 last night.

- I'm enjoying Les Thibault. - Where are you up to?

- Halfway through the fourth volume. - I see.

Now your toes are all neat and clean.

Here's a treat for you.

Here. You love your grandpa?

Very much?

- Very much. - Really? Here.

I love you.

- Here. - I love you.

That's enough.

- I hate you. - Hey!

- I hate you very much! - Stop it!

An order's come in for our new product.

- What about Asahi Processing? - That's still pending.

Know a good café?

Well, I'd recommend the Luna in West Ginza.

- It's a tiny place, though. - Luna?

Did you give that stuff to the director?

Yes, why?

That's fine.

Yes?

- Hello. - Ah, here comes the debt collector.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Are you busy? - Very busy.

It must mean the business is going well.

Thank you.

What happened the other night?

It was very entertaining. Mr. Yada started singing again.

What a shame.

It made mother's heart act up again.

Don't worry, the old bag's not about to die yet.

Did you hear? Chako's getting married.

I didn't know. To whom?

- Mr. Tsumura. Don't you know him? - Mr. Tsumura?

He played basketball for Waseda University.

I don't know him. Is it a love match?

She's had a crush on him forever.

You're a sad sight, like two jealous old maids!

Here, I hope it doesn't bounce.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

- I'm going out. - Where to?

Mr. Robert's hotel. If he calls, I'll be there at 2:00.

Could you give me a lift?

- It's out of your way. - I'll continue home from there.

- Will you come by later? - I can't today.

- All right. Bye. - Bye.

SHIKIKAWA'S

Sorry to keep you waiting. Thank you.

What's this?

- Some sort of seafood. - Squills.

- Some more? - I've had enough.

- You certainly can drink, can't you? - It tastes good.

- Won't you have a bit more? - Maybe just a drop.

I'm not wasting it. You don't need to drink just to keep up.

- What's funny? - That's so typical of him.

- He's always like that. - Like what?

You have a habit of offering something and then taking it back.

She said she'd had enough.

- You have no sense of etiquette. - What do you mean?

- Is the tempura good, sis? - Really good.

You're always bringing up etiquette at every turn...

...expecting men to be kind to women by law or something.

But you're mistaken.

Men and women should have respect for each other.

That's what etiquette really means.

So you do know. That's good.

- I didn't think he did. - Idiot!

- Noriko, do you want some rice? - Yes, please.

It's been deplorable since the war.

Women have become so forward, taking advantage of etiquette.

That's not true. We've just taken our natural place.

- Men have been too forward till now. - Hear, hear!

That's why you can't get married.

It's not "can't", it's "won't"! I could any time, if I wanted to.

Lies!

- Just don't marry a doctor. - Never!

What? You two are impossible.

We should hurry if you still want to go to Ginza.

Really?

He's coming on the 9:45 train. We have plenty of time.

When was the last time Uncle visited?

A year after the war ended. The station was so crowded.

That's right. I was still wearing those wartime trousers.

He's kept in good health through it all.

This rice tastes good.

I remember that scroll from the house in Yamato.

What happened to the other one that was shaped like a fan?

- The one shaped like a fan... - Oh, I sold it.

Really?

This one's really nice.

Prices have gone up, times are hard.

You're working on Sunday?

Yes. Shall I bring back some treats for Uncle?

But he can't chew anything hard.

All right, then I'll be going.

See you later.

Bye!

Noriko, take this up to Uncle.

Is that all, sis?

Here's some tea for you, Uncle.

How old are you now, Noriko?

Twenty-eight.

- She's twenty-eight now. - Is that right?

About time to get married.

Some women don't want to get married.

You're not one of them, are you?

- Here's my share, 570 yen. - I have change.

- Don't bother. - No, I insist. I've got some.

- Here. - Thanks.

We could've cooked that same meal for a third of the price.

- Not nearly as delicious, though. - But the whole family could've eaten.

I almost forgot. How much was the coffee in Ginza?

That's my treat.

- No, how much? - It was my treat.

Are you sure? Thank you.

- Auntie. - What?

What is it?

- What? - Is Uncle deaf?

Not at all.

But he can't hear me.

Yes he can.

Idiot.

Speak louder!

- Aren't you tired, Uncle? - Maybe...

How old are you now?

Twenty-eight.

Well, it's about time you got married, isn't it?

Do you know any good men in Yamato?

Someone rich...

...who can make me happy and give me a very easy life?

What a lovely day!

- Good afternoon. - Afternoon.

Taking a walk with grandma, Mitsuko? Where are you off to?

The weather's too nice to stay in.

- Is your father home? - No, he's with your brother.

At the conference?

I hope he's a help and not a hindrance to your brother.

Quite the opposite, I'm sure.

Your dress is so pretty.

- I hear you have a guest. - He's here with me.

Is that so?

Isamu, give Uncle some sweets.

Here.

Eh? He eats the paper too.

He must be enjoying this.

I hope he can hear the show.

We got him a seat right near the front.

Takako's taking a long time in her bath.

- Why did she leave home? - Well...

When I got home from downtown, she was here crying.

Then she asked me to let her stay the night.

- She had a fight with her husband. - But they're such a happy couple.

Maybe too happy.

Ah, Noriko's here.

Thanks for the bath.

- When did you get here? - Not long ago.

Why are you staring at me?

- You were too happy. - What?

- In your marriage. - Not at all.

- What were you fighting about? - Nothing at all.

- It wasn't "nothing at all"! - What happened?

- You know our dog? - What dog?

My pet dog Chibi.

It chewed his pipe.

He left it lying around, so of course the dog chewed it.

It's a nice pipe from London or somewhere.

He blamed me, so I served him carrots every day out of spite.

- The dog hates carrots? - Not the dog, my husband!

- A horse would have loved them. - Idiot!

Anyhow, he blew his top this morning.

- Over something so trivial? - It was really upsetting.

You just have to be patient with him.

- You're a married woman. - So what?

You have to put up with it. Doesn't she?

It's only natural, isn't it?

All husbands are selfish like that.

That's why we won't get married.

That's right, isn't it?

What? You know nothing about married life.

- Married life? - Only married people understand.

Once you're hitched, it's too late to understand.

I'm going home.

Yes, you should.

It's for the best.

He'll still be eating carrots.

Then I'm staying.

- Not going home? - No.

- Then spend the night here. - No.

- So you'll go? - No.

Make up your mind!

Takako, your husband's on the phone.

Oh, really? Thank you.

- Aya, shall I bring it up? - What?

You know. Should I ask Noriko about it?

- About what? - This.

Your heart?

She wants your brother to examine her.

- Do you think he'd see her? - You?

Yes. I feel sick whenever I drink a few tiny cups of sake.

- Then stop drinking! - In my business I have to drink.

My heart starts racing.

Someone recommended moxa treatment...

...so I went to this place in Yokohama.

- I've heard this already. - I'm talking to Noriko, not you.

- I'll explain it to Noriko later. Right? - Of course.

I hope you will. Thank you.

Oh, by the way, your boss is upstairs.

- Alone? - He just got here.

- I should go and say hello. - What?

I still have time.

- Are you staying, Noriko? - Are you going home?

Yes, I'm going. Thanks for everything.

Why? Sit down and relax.

I can't. He's waiting for me in Ginza.

Who? Mr. Carrot?

Yes. Sorry.

Go on, then.

You're going to Chako's wedding, aren't you?

No, I'm not going.

Excuse me.

Oh, you're here? Come and sit down.

Hill Enterprises called after you left.

- And? - I did as you said.

Thank you.

Have a drink.

Thank you.

Oh, I'm glad you came. I wanted to talk to you.

- Are you...? - Yes?

Why don't you get married?

It's about time.

I have a good prospect.

A man from my old university, a little older than me.

He lived in Calcutta for a long time.

His name's Manabe. A good man.

He's never been married. I'm not sure if he's still a virgin.

I have some photos of him.

They're not that clear. This is him.

Have a look.

This one, too.

He's a better golfer than me, and better looking.

- Sorry, but... - What?

I have to go and meet someone.

- Are you trying to escape? - No, but my parents are at Kabuki.

Really? Then take my car.

- If you don't mind, it's to Shinbashi. - Fine.

Thank you.

Take these with you.

Ask your folks their opinion.

Come on, take them.

All right, thank you.

- Sorry to keep you waiting. - Thanks.

Aren't you sleepy, Uncle?

Brother, you must be tired.

No.

Why don't you go to bed? You have an early train tomorrow.

I really enjoyed the play today.

The young actors were so good.

Really admirable.

Really? I'll have to see it.

I'm glad you liked it.

- I'm off to bed. - All right.

Come and see me in Yamato.

I will, after Noriko's been sorted out.

You must come. Shige, as well.

Yamato is the best place to live.

Leave this house to the youngsters!

I agree. Koichi's independent now.

I'd love to visit you.

Right, I'm going to bed.

- 'Night all. - Good night.

Good night.

Mr. Satake was talking to me about marriage.

Uncle was talking about the same thing, too.

Really? I'm suddenly very popular!

- So what did your boss say? - I didn't have time to listen.

- May I take this hot water? - Of course.

- A visitor for Dr. Mamiya. - Who is it?

It's a Mrs. Tamura from Tsukiji.

All right, I'll see her.

- Any test results yet? - Not yet.

That's odd.

How do you do? I'm Dr. Mamiya.

Pleased to meet you. I'm Aya's mother.

- Have a seat. - Thank you.

Your sister Noriko is such a good friend to my daughter.

So, I hear you're concerned about your heart.

I wanted to ask you to examine me, Doctor.

If I can be of any help.

I'm sure you can, but I'm sorry to bother you when you're so busy.

Not at all.

Thank you.

By the way, congratulations about Noriko.

Aya and I are very happy for her.

- What do you mean? - Mr. Satake found a man for her.

Is that right?

He seems like a fine man.

He's the young director of a company with a very good reputation.

- And he's very smart. - I see.

He's from a very old family from Zentsuji in Shikoku.

They keep up their manor in the best traditional style.

I see...

- Well, shall we begin? - Yes.

- This way. - Thank you for making time for me.

I'm home.

Welcome home. You're early today.

- Is Noriko home yet? - No.

- She's at her friend's wedding. - Which one?

Chako. You don't know her.

- The bath's ready. - Good.

Your father's taking his now.

That woman from Tsukiji came in today.

Oh, Aya's mother?

She's really something.

Does she have a bad heart?

It's her nose, not her heart.

How's the bath, Father?

Very nice. Just right.

Good.

Mr. Satake's friend sounds like a good match for Noriko.

You know about that?

That woman from Tsukiji told me.

- She said he's a company director. - Really?

He looks like a good man.

- You've seen him? - I saw his photograph.

- Noriko's got a picture of him? - Yes.

Isamu, go to your room.

- What's he like? - It was a golfing picture, not very clear.

Go to your room!

Sounds good.

- I think so, too. - Shall I ask around about him?

Yes. I have the feeling that he could be a good match.

Go away, Isamu!

- He sounds promising. - I agree.

...six, seven, eight, nine, ninety.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, one hundred!

That was 200.

20 yen!

For that, I should get more.

Isamu, give grandma a little extra massage.

Is Isamu going to massage me now?

Thank you.

With this 20 yen, I'll have saved 300 yen, Grandma.

Very good. But what are you saving for?

A model train track.

But you already have some.

I need more to make a really long track. Right, Isamu?

I see.

The bath was good. Just right.

Father...

- Noriko has received a proposal. - Really?

- It seems very promising. - That's good to hear.

- It's about time she got married. - She's 28 already.

That's right. I hope it's a good match.

I think so. I'll ask around about him.

Yes, do that. And right away.

- It's not fair to say that. - You don't think so?

- Any bride would be like that. - But I've never seen her like that.

Yes, putting on airs, looking all prim.

- Where was your honeymoon? - Chuzenji.

We went to Atami.

It started raining that very day. We couldn't go out for three days.

It rained solidly every day. We didn't know what to do with ourselves.

Mari, why are you telling us this?

Just a documentary report.

We asked a hotel employee for a top.

- A top? - Yes, you know?

A spinning top painted with flags.

- We passed the time playing with it. - Oh, really?

- My husband's very good at it... - Really? Oh, really?

You shouldn't flaunt it in front of the single girls.

How silly! We don't play with spinning tops, do we?

We're not children, are we?

Single girls just don't understand, do they?

- No, they don't. - You have to feel sorry for them.

Takako! How can you say that?

- What is it? - She has no right.

Right, I'm leaving.

Single people don't know what real happiness is.

They have no right to talk.

Look who's talking, Mrs. Carrot!

Single people have no say!

You always go on about happiness, but it's just anticipation.

Like before you go to the races, planning which horse to bet on.

Then dreaming about how you'll spend your winnings.

You're wrong. You don't know.

You don't know.

- You too? - Don't back down!

- I'm leaving, too. - Leave, you dreamers!

Shall we go to Kamakura, to Noriko's?

Please do. It's a beautiful season.

How about Sunday after next?

Sounds good. How about you, Aya?

I can go anytime, because I'm not married. Right?

She's at it again!

I'm home!

Noriko?

- Shall I lock the door? - Yes.

- Finally home! - Welcome.

- How was Chako? - She looked so lovely.

The reception was magnificent.

- Was she in Western dress? - No, a kimono.

Would you like to try a bit?

What is it?

Shortcake! It looks delicious.

I went to the Ginza with some friends.

They're coming to Kamakura next Sunday.

Really? I'll cook something special.

Please have some.

- You don't want any? - I've had enough.

Thank you.

My friends are funny. We always split into two groups...

...the married and the single.

- Aya got all worked up again. - How come?

Because the married ones look down on us for being single.

Why not get married, then?

- You're on their side? - Of course.

Oh, dear!

I'll think about it, then.

You should. How about the man Mr. Satake suggested?

He sounds nice.

Mr. Satake speaks very highly of him.

Oh! You scared me!

Were you awake all this time?

She doesn't seem against the idea.

I know. I think it's a possibility.

She may accept. Try and ask her.

This cake tastes really good.

Is it?

- I'll buy more next time. - Please do.

Noriko can be stubborn, so be tactful.

I know. Leave it to me.

Tell her that her father approves, but don't press her too much.

Don't worry.

Do your best, all right?

Hello?

- Hello? - Who is it?

Hello. Long time no see.

Ah, Aunt Tami. Come in.

Very well. Thank you.

Sorry I haven't seen you for such a long time.

Where's Koichi's wife?

She went shopping. Please make your self comfortable.

Here's something for you from my hometown.

I hope you like it. It arrived this morning.

You're always very kind.

Oh, it's nothing.

We had a strange visitor this morning.

Oh? Who was it?

I'd never seen him before.

A man with parted hair, glasses and a black bag.

At first, I thought he was from the tax office.

- But I was wrong. - Who was he?

He was from one of those reference agencies.

He asked me questions about Noriko.

Did he really?

Then I realised that it must be about her marriage.

They're doing a background check.

- I asked him who was interested. - Did you?

He just scratched his head and tried to laugh it off.

I got so annoyed, I told him he'd never find a better girl.

I gave him what for!

Oh, my!

Turns out, that horrible little man knew quite a lot.

He even knew that both our sons were classmates...

Oh, hello.

Welcome.

Thank you for being so kind to Kenkichi.

And how are you?

I'm fine, thank you.

Your son has become a fine doctor.

Thank you, but all he does since his wife died is read books.

- It's been two years, hasn't it? - Yes. How time flies.

- What about your son Shoji? - He won't be coming back.

Some people have returned recently from the south.

I've given up hope.

There you go.

My wife still thinks he's alive somewhere.

I know how it is. You can't help it.

Every day, she listens to the Missing Persons Hour on the radio.

It's funny how our memories work.

I forget about recent things...

...yet I remember everything about Shoji so vividly.

He won't be coming home.

PHYSICIAN

You were stationed in Zentsuji, right?

That's right.

Ever hear of a man called Manabe?

No. Who is he?

Never mind.

- Sakaguchi was at Zentsuji. - Was he really?

He might know him. He knows a lot of people.

That's a stalemate position.

- Was this here? - No, it was there.

There are so many kids around here now.

It's extra noisy on Sundays.

My house is filled with them today.

I can't stay in that position.

Watch your legs! Careful!

There it goes!

More speed.

Here it comes!

- Coming! - Almost!

- Is this ready? - Yes, take it in.

What a crowd!

Lunch, everyone.

Sandwiches for lunch!

Sandwiches! Let's eat on the terrace.

Don't step on the tracks!

Here, take this.

Buy me some more track, Mum.

You have enough.

It belongs to my friends. I only have eight pieces.

- Buy me some more. - Why not use your pocket money?

It's not enough. I want to make it longer. Right, Isamu?

- Buy me more, Mum. - I'll ask Father.

Ask him, then.

Tell him it's 32mm-gauge. Don't forget!

- You're so crafty. - Shut up!

- Will you buy me some? - No way.

Hello?

- Welcome. - Hello.

- Mari called to say she can't come. - Really?

- Has Takako come yet? - No.

Oh, what a crowd!

Just look at that!

Just go away!

- Hello. - Welcome. Please come in.

How lovely.

- A little something for your mother. - Thank you very much.

The sky's so beautiful here.

I can't even see the sky where I live!

- Where's your father? - The museum with my mother.

What did Mari say?

Her husband's going away on business. She really wanted to come.

I see...

How inconvenient. If I were her, I'd have come.

It's not that simple for her.

She could have come. She has a maid to help her.

Maybe a wife has other worries.

- We single women wouldn't know. - Right!

Help yourself.

Kamakura is such a nice place.

I wish I could live here.

Noriko, phone call for you!

- From Oiso. - Is it?

Hello? Takako? What is it?

Really?

I see...

Takako just called. She's in Oiso.

Oiso?

Her father's sick.

That's not true. He's on a trip, I read it in the newspaper.

Is that so?

This party was her idea as well

I wonder why she didn't come.

We've been dumped.

Because we're fussy, right?

We were such close friends in school.

Now we're slowly drifting apart.

Can't be helped. That's how it is, it seems

I can't bear it.

Shall we go to the beach later?

Yes, shall we?

- Have something to eat. - Let's eat.

Pass me the juice.

This may be the happiest time for our family.

We'll be sad when Noriko leaves us to get married.

You're right.

What do you think of Mr. Satake's plan?

I hope it works out. It's time she got married.

How time flies.

Koichi got married, our grandchildren were born...

...and now Noriko's getting married.

This may be the happiest time of our lives.

You think so?

But we'll still have happy times.

We mustn't ask for too much.

I've really enjoyed today.

Look.

Some child somewhere must be crying.

Remember how Koichi cried when he lost his balloon?

Hello? Hello. Yes, it is.

- It's from home. - Oh, thanks.

Hello? Fumiko? It's me.

I have to stay tonight to keep watch on a patient.

Is Noriko home? I see.

Her prospects seem very good. Sakaguchi told me.

I'll tell you when I get home.

All right. I understand.

What? Oh, I see.

Good night.

- Is he staying over? - Yes.

How marvelous. It looks delicious.

- How much was it? - 900 yen.

- 900 yen? That? - Yes.

For that? That's so expensive!

- Is it their usual price? - Yes

I've lost my appetite.

Come on, pass me the plates.

I shouldn't have asked you.

The plates, the plates!

I feel terrible. I shouldn't have asked you to buy it.

Will you pay for half of it?

Me? Forget it.

- I will, I will! - You're serious?

Here.

- It's so expensive, though. - But this bakery is the best.

It costs as much as half a pound of wool.

But it's a rare occasion, I suppose.

- Good evening! - Who is it?

It's Yabe.

- Welcome. - Tonight your brother...

- He just called, he's staying overnight. - I see.

- Please come in. - Thank you.

Good evening.

Here you are.

- Thank you for stopping by. - Not at all.

- Where are your parents? - Gone to bed.

Please.

My timing was good. You don't mind me having this?

Please do.

- Are you celebrating something? - Why?

Do you eat cake like this often?

Not that often.

I wish I could.

- May I? - Please.

It must've cost a lot.

It was quite reasonable, right?

It was cheap, so don't worry.

It's good.

Noriko, I believe congratulations are in order.

Really?

So I've heard.

Really? How wonderful. What's the occasion?

I'm right, aren't I?

Maybe...

- And you too, I hear. - Me?

- Your mother said so. - That's just an idea in her head.

I think you should remarry. Shouldn't he?

Yes, it would be good for little Mitsuko, too.

- I heard the lady's really nice. - Mother's just getting all excited.

Are you not going to eat that? If not, I will.

- I certainly am! - Are you sure? Too bad.

It's so good.

Hide the cake.

What is it?

Evening, Minoru.

I'm home.

Hi, Dad.

Great!

Look, Mum! Great!

Welcome home.

Isamu, dad bought us some track!

This is great!

Great!

Hands off and wait!

Dad's great! Let's see.

What's this?

- Bread. - Shut up!

Idiot!

- Where's mother? - In the bathroom?

Mother?

My belt...

The proposal for Noriko seems very promising.

That's very good.

Sakaguchi says the man is from a very good family in Zentsuji.

- He is the second son. - Really?

He's in the social register and seems to be a fine businessman.

I see. How nice. And how old is he?

He was born in the 43rd year of the Meiji Era, so he's... 42.

- 42? - That's about right.

- Forties, huh? - He's that much older than Noriko?

Age doesn't matter!

- But that's too old for Noriko. - That's right.

So what age is good?

Noriko's not so young herself.

She can't be too choosy or she'll never get married.

As long as he's respectable, we shouldn't be picky.

I just feel sorry for her.

Sorry for her? Why?

What do you mean?

With that kind of attitude, you'll spoil things for Noriko.

- I wonder... - Yes, you will.

Aren't you asking for too much? You always do this.

- Yes, but... - But what?

What does Noriko think?

- You said she'd accept. - Yes, but...

Didn't you tell me that?

- You said so. - But it was you who...

Idiot! Stop twisting things around!

Am I asking for too much?

What's wrong?

He scolded me.

It's all right.

We're all just concerned for Noriko.

Don't worry about it.

Liar! Liar!

I wanted train track, not that!

Stop that!

This stupid thing!

Stop that!

Why did you do that? You do not kick food around!

Liar!

That's a bad thing to do!

- You understand? - Let me go!

Isamu, come here!

I'm home!

Where are you going? Have you been scolded?

- Where are you going? - I don't know.

I'm home.

Did you scold them again?

You're in a bad mood.

You shouldn't scold them when you're angry.

- I feel sorry for them. - Why?

- They've grown scared of you. - Don't lecture me.

I'm not lecturing you. You're always...

Just mind your own business.

Very well.

- I'm home. - Welcome back.

He's in a bad mood, isn't he?

Idiot! Idiot!

Isamu! Come on!

Where can they be?

Where, indeed? They'll be getting hungry now.

Yes, they will be. Poor things.

Aren't they back yet?

Not yet. Where could they have got to?

It's getting late.

I'll go and have another look.

- But, Father... - No, I'm going.

Good evening. Anybody in?

- Is that you, Noriko? - Yes.

Did our boys come here?

- No. - They didn't?

No. What's wrong?

They've been out all day and still aren't back.

Really? Where can they be?

What's up?

- Will you help her find the boys? - All right.

- Let's go. - Thank you.

- Those sandals have got holes in. - They're fine.

It's dark out, be careful!

Check the road that goes towards Hase.

And don't forget to check the train station.

And the back lanes, too!

- Your turn. - Is it?

Why did you get so angry with them?

Don't be too harsh on them. Children are sensitive.

You shouldn't lose your temper.

I know I shouldn't.

- It's not easy. - Right, it's not easy.

Hello? Yes?

Ah, Mrs. Mamiya? How are you?

Yes, he's here.

- For me? - Yes, your wife.

Hello? It's me.

Really? They're home?

That's good.

I see. I'll be home soon.

- They're home. - Thank goodness.

They were starving and just sitting in the train station.

- Poor boys. - They're such a bother.

- I'll be off. - Yes, you'd better.

They take after me more and more.

But only my bad side, unfortunately.

That's just how it goes.

- Don't forget our conversation. - What?

They want that position at Akita Hospital filled right away.

I'll ask him tomorrow.

- See you. - All right.

- Good night. - Let me know.

I'm home.

Mitsuko, my good little girl.

You mustn't go outside.

You're early. Are you hungry?

- There's fried rice. - Fine.

- Mother? - What?

- I have something to tell you. - What is it?

Come and sit down.

What is it?

- I'm thinking of going to Akita. - Akita? On a business trip?

They've asked me to run the internal medicine department at Akita Hospital.

- They asked you? - Yes.

The offer came through Mr. Mamiya.

He told me I'd be called back to Tokyo in a few years.

What do you think?

I'd like to go. But I can always go on my own.

- You can't do that! - Will you come with me then?

- How about it? - Well...

It's far away.

Not keen? I'd get a big raise.

Can't you find a job like that in Tokyo?

No, posts like that are only in the provinces.

Listen, Mother, it's a great opportunity for me

I know that, but...

And I can do my research on local problems there.

They promised I could return to Tokyo in three or four years.

I don't know when I might get another opportunity like this.

What do you think, Mother?

I'll accept, all right?

You have a bad habit of going quiet when you're angry, Mother.

Yes?

- Hello. - Hello. What is it today?

- I was just in the neighbourhood. - Well, have a seat.

- Where's Noriko? - She's out.

- Mr. Manabe came by last night. - Did he say anything?

Not much.

- What about Noriko? - What about her?

- Marrying Mr. Manabe. - She hasn't said anything yet

I see...

- Will you ask her about it? - Me?

- I don't understand her. - What do you mean?

- Is she interested in men? - What do you think?

Sometimes she seems to be, and sometimes she doesn't.

- Has she always been like that? - Yes.

- Has she ever been in love? - I don't think so.

But she used to have an album of Katharine Hepburn photos this thick.

Who's Hepburn?

- The American actress. - A woman?

- Yes. - Is she queer?

No way!

You can never know. She's very strange, in any case.

- Why don't you teach her? - About what?

- Everything. - What do you mean, everything?

Don't try to be coy.

Don't talk to me like that!

- That's rude! - Sorry.

Bring some tea.

Or some coffee?

Nothing, thank you.

Noriko's late.

She might not be back today. She's seeing her brother.

That was mean of you. You could've told me sooner.

- How about going out for some sushi? - All right.

- What is your favourite sushi? - Tuna.

- Tuna? How about an open clam? - Sure.

- And a rice roll? - No way.

You're a strange one, too.

Shoji and I often used to come here when we were students.

- Did you? - We always sat at this table.

- Really? - That painting was there, too.

Time flies, doesn't it?

It does.

We quarrelled a lot, but I loved my brother very much.

I still have a letter from him.

It came through the military post. He'd enclosed a wheat stalk.

At that time, I was reading Wheat and Soldiers.

- Could you let me have it? - Of course. I'd like you to have it.

Thank you. Oh, there he is.

- Been waiting long? - Not too long.

- Shall we go? What shall we eat? - I'll eat anything.

It's your farewell dinner, make him treat you.

Of course. But nothing too expensive.

- Stingy! - Expensive dishes aren't always good.

Shall we go?

- Good evening. - Who is it?

- It's me. - Ah, Noriko?

Welcome. Please come in.

Thanks.

- Mitsuko's fast asleep. - Yes.

You're packing?

I'm not making much headway, though.

This is a little farewell gift from my family.

Oh, you shouldn't have. You're very kind.

Thank you very much.

Where's Kenkichi?

Still at his farewell party even though he's off tomorrow.

When will you join him?

As soon as I finish cleaning this place up.

It must be hard work.

Thanks for all your kindness over the years.

- Is this your first trip to Akita? - Yes.

The furthest north I've been is Utsunomiya.

I see.

You'll be back in a few years.

That's what Kenkichi says, too.

- It's true. - I hope he's right.

I wanted him to get remarried...

...and then we could live the rest of our lives here.

Actually...

I hope you won't be offended, and please don't tell Kenkichi.

- What is it? - Well...

I know it's an impossible dream...

...but I just wish Kenkichi had gotten married to someone like you.

- That's what I thought. - Really?

I'm sorry. It's just a wish in my heart.

Please don't be angry with me.

- Do you mean it? - What?

Do you really feel that way about me?

Forgive me, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

You wouldn't mind an old maid like me?

Then I accept.

- Really? - Yes.

- You mean it? - Yes.

Are you sure? You really mean it?

How happy I am! You really mean it?

This is so wonderful.

Thank you so much!

Thank goodness I mentioned it, or this would never have happened.

See? Sometimes it's good that I talk so much.

Oh, I am so happy!

I feel so relieved.

Noriko, let's have some red-bean buns.

No, thank you. I ought to go now.

Why?

Please wait a little. Kenkichi will be home soon.

But it's already so late.

Very well.

- Can I really believe it? - Yes.

- You promise? Are you sure? - Yes.

How happy I am!

- Good-bye. - Good night.

And thank you. Thank you.

- Welcome back. - Thanks for last night.

- When's your train tomorrow? - It's the 8:45 to Aomori.

- Well, good night. - Good night

I'm home.

Did you see Noriko?

Did she say anything?

Nothing in particular.

Listen, she said she'd join our family.

She promised she would.

You see, I told her what's been on my mind.

It was good that I did. I didn't think she'd accept.

- What's this about? - She'll join our family.

- What for? - What do you mean, "what for"?

She's agreed to marry you, to become your wife.

- My wife? - Yes!

Isn't it wonderful? I'm so happy for you.

I'm absolutely overjoyed!

You must be happy too. I'm really glad for you.

- Then stop crying. - I can't help it.

If you're happy, then show it.

You are happy, aren't you?

- Yes, I'm happy. - Then don't hold back. Show it!

What an odd boy you are!

Is Noriko back yet?

I heard her come in a few minutes ago.

- Father. - What is it?

- You too, Mother. - What?

Please come downstairs.

- What is it? - Please sit down.

- Well? - Noriko wants to marry Yabe.

Kenkichi?

Yes. She says she promised his mother just now.

But he's leaving for Akita tomorrow morning.

That's why I decided.

This is important. Have you given it careful consideration?

He has a child, too.

We've all been concerned about you getting married.

You must've known that.

Why didn't you at least talk to father and mother?

Have you thought this through?

You acted rashly.

I don't know about father and mother, but I don't like this match.

But I...

When his mother talked to me, I didn't feel a moment's hesitation.

I suddenly felt that I'd be happy with him.

That's why I accepted.

Are you sure you won't be sorry later?

I don't think so.

Are you positive you won't regret this later?

- I'm sure. - You're sure? Absolutely sure?

I'm sure.

Don't you feel chilly, dear?

Shall we go back to bed?

Let's go back to sleep.

It was thoughtless of her to decide on her own.

She acts like she grew up all by herself.

What should we do?

Should we let her?

Why not? It's her own decision.

Maybe something can still be done.

What could we do now? She's made up her mind.

You know how she is.

Yes?

There's a visitor for you in reception.

All right.

- Thanks for seeing him off. - I'm glad that he got a seat.

He couldn't have stood all the way to Akita.

- He's lucky. - What brings you here?

- The station was too crowded to talk. - About what?

I couldn't possibly ask you with all those people around...

...but I kept thinking about it after we parted.

- What is this about? - About last night.

I still can't believe it. It feels like it was a dream.

Did your parents approve?

- Yes. - And your brother?

- Don't worry. - Really? They approved?

Wonderful, wonderful.

But what does Kenkichi think?

Kenkichi?

He's overjoyed. He didn't sleep a wink last night.

We ate again in the middle of the night.

Really?

I'll live a nice long life, thanks to you

I feel so relieved now.

Well, I'll be going now. I'm so happy!

- This is the way out. - Oh, is it?

Oh, I'm so happy!

Fumi, can you pull it from that end?

I wonder if she did the right thing, deciding on her own.

I wonder too.

She didn't have to marry someone with a child.

You're right.

Maybe she doesn't mind...

...but it's a pity there was nothing we could do.

I always thought...

...ever since she left school...

...every time I heard people compliment her...

...I wondered what kind of family she'd marry into.

You know Mrs. Shinoda from Denen-Chofu?

Yes.

Whenever I visited her beautiful home...

...I dreamed Noriko would be a wife in such a smart house one day.

I'm sure.

Now I think Mr. Satake's man might've been a better choice.

I agree.

I don't understand young people nowadays.

Are you going out?

To buy some seed for the canaries.

I'll see him out.

- Do you want me to get anything else? - No.

See you later.

So you've already decided?

It was all very sudden. When's your wedding?

We'll discuss it when he returns from Akita in a few months.

You've taken a big step.

I didn't think you were the type who could ever leave Tokyo.

Why?

I imagined you'd live Western-style, with a flower garden...

...listening to Chopin.

And in your tiled kitchen, you'd have a refrigerator filled with Coca-Cola.

I thought you'd be a wife in a house like that.

And when I'd visit, you'd meet me on a covered porch...

...wearing a white sweater, playing with a Scottish terrier...

...and you'd greet me over a hedge, "Hello, how are you?"

- Not at all. - I couldn't imagine otherwise.

Akita is farm country, right?

- Will you wear farmer's clothes? - Of course.

"A wright my luvva?"

"Proper nice weather we been havin', eh?"

Can you talk like that?

"Reckon I can a wright. Tis easy."

"Well, I be!

"You come up 'ere from the big city and already talk our dialect."

"You don't look local, but you talk local."

"If I's gonna live in Akita when me man an' I tie the knot...

..."then reckon I shud learn the dialect."

You speak it so well!

A girl from Akita went to our school.

So that's why!

Do you remember...

...before your brother Shoji left for the front...

...we went hiking with him and a friend?

Is he the man?

I don't remember if he was with us.

Did you like him then?

I had no particular feelings for him.

- When did it start? - I don't know. It happened gradually.

Really? I had no idea.

Of course not. I never imagined myself marrying him.

So what happened?

- It was just by accident. - Accident?

Well, that's not entirely true. How can I explain it?

It's like when you look for something all over the place...

...and then you find it was right in front of you all along.

My mother always looks for her glasses when they're on her nose.

- That's how it was. - How so?

He was so close at hand, I didn't realise he was the one.

So you did love him.

No, it wasn't like I was in love with him.

I'd known him well since childhood, and I knew I could trust him.

That means you love him.

No, it's different. It's the feeling of being totally at ease with him.

Don't you understand?

If that's not being in love, what is?

- No, it's not. - Yes, it is.

You've fallen in love with him.

- You're in love. - Am I?

Yes, you are. Don't make me hit you!

- You better not. I know how you hit. - Right!

- Grab her, Mother! - What's going on here?

- Aya, where's that thing? - What thing?

The thing I brought up the other day. It's about this big, and yellow.

I was sure I'd left it here somewhere.

- Madam, you're wanted. - Oh, all right.

- What's she looking for? - I don't know.

She's always like that. She'll be back, anyway.

I wonder if she's getting senile.

I can't leave home to get married with her like that.

Wouldn't your husband live here with you?

No way. No real man would live with his wife's family.

See? And she usually comes back once more.

Really?

I'm happy for you. You're lucky you found a man you love.

I'm sure our new life together won't be easy.

There will be a lot of difficulties and inconveniences to deal with.

I'll have to scrimp and work really hard.

- And what about your boss's plan? - I declined this morning.

What did he say?

He laughed that I was old-fashioned for a modern girl.

That's funny. He's upstairs right now.

And Mr. Manabe's with him.

Why not take a peek from the next room?

- No. - Come on, it'll be fun.

- He's quite good-looking. - No.

Come on. Why not? It'll be all right.

No, I'd rather not. I don't need any more husbands.

Don't worry. Come on.

I may marry whoever's left. Let's go!

- We shouldn't. - It's fine!

- Let's not. - Come on!

I wonder if we should give her our blessing.

She's impossible.

I just don't know.

I feel sorry for her.

Let's talk to her again and make sure.

Maybe we should.

She said she's decided, but she might have second thoughts.

I'm back!

- I'm home. Sorry I'm late. - Welcome home.

- I went to see Aya. - Did you?

Have you eaten?

I'll fix myself something. Don't bother. I'll help myself.

- There are some leftover croquettes. - Good. Thanks.

Thanks for the food.

Are you worried because I'm marrying a man with a child?

- That's one reason. - Please don't be worried.

- I'm not worried. - But mother feels sorry for you.

I saw her crying in the kitchen last night.

But I love children.

Father and mother don't see it the same way as you do.

Mitsuko will grow up, and what happens when you have your own child?

It'll be fine. I've given it a lot of thought.

It'll be all right.

The situation's not that unusual. I'm sure I can manage.

- But... - Don't you worry, Sister.

- I'm confident I can do it. - Is that so? That's all right, then.

Maybe I'm an optimist.

Being without money doesn't worry me like it does other people.

I'm fine with it.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

I'll stop worrying, then.

Frankly, I felt I couldn't trust a man...

...who was still unattached and drifting around at 40.

I think a man with a child is more trustworthy.

- I admire you, Noriko. - Why?

I knew nothing about marriage when I got married.

But what will become of the family when I leave home?

You needn't worry about that.

Your father and mother only want you to be happy.

So don't worry.

But it'll be harder for you without me.

It'll be fine. You and I can compete from now on.

- At what? - Economising.

- And I don't intend to lose. - Neither do I.

You'll have to stop eating shortcake.

Of course! It's too expensive.

But if we're given some, I'll eat it.

Come on, it's lovely down here!

I'm glad you came.

Congratulations.

Thank you for everything over all these years.

No, I should thank you.

Shall we call Aya and go out for dinner?

Well, thank you for asking, but I really must be going.

I see.

Well, do stop by if you ever come up to Tokyo.

Thank you very much.

And take good care of your husband.

Manabe will probably be disappointed, but tough luck.

If I were younger and single and proposed to you, would you accept?

You'd turn me down too?

Hey, come and take a good look at Tokyo.

Tokyo's not so bad.

Putting it back on?

- I can't decide. - Leave it off.

Please look towards me.

Keep still, Isamu.

Madam, chin down a little, please.

Ready, everyone?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Could you take one more picture of my mother and father?

- Good idea. - Really? All right.

Very well.

You look wonderful together.

- Don't make fun of us. - It's been years since the last time.

- I'm finished. - Me too.

You've eaten everything up!

Where are you going, Isamu?

To poo.

Thanks for the meal.

Now you're marrying Yabe, I wish I hadn't sent him to Akita.

But knowing he was leaving made me realise how I felt about him.

Three or four years will pass in no time.

Yes, it'll go quickly.

We've lived in this house for 16 years already.

That's right.

It was spring and Noriko had just left primary school.

That's right. She was just a little older than Minoru is now.

She used to wear a ribbon in her hair...

...and she was always singing.

She was so cute.

Children grow up so quickly.

- What will you do now, Koichi? - I'm going to start a practice here.

- Really? - And what about your hospital post?

I'll keep working there in the evenings.

I see...

Well... we're parting ways, but we'll be together again.

I wish we could live together forever...

...but that's impossible.

Father and Mother, you must visit us now and then from Yamato.

I'm sorry, it's all my doing.

No, it's not your fault. It was inevitable.

Noriko, please take good care of your health.

I hear Akita's very cold.

Yes, you must take care and keep healthy.

Then we'll be sure to get together again.

Hey, look there.

A bride is passing by.

I wonder what sort of family she's marrying into.

I wonder how Noriko is.

Our family's been scattered.

But you and I, we've done quite well.

We've experienced a lot in our years together.

We shouldn't ask for too much.

We've been so happy.

THE END