Original subtitles

So many bad things have happened.

I don't know what to do anymore.

I don't know why

but I feel so unmotivated.

I'm sorry.

What do you do?

Insurance. But I was laid off 6 months ago.

A restructuring?

That's more or less what happened.

Why are you still wearing a suit?

I don't know.

I haven't told my wife yet.

So I put on my suit every day

and spend the whole day killing time at the park.

There was a time when I tried to find another job,

what I'm working for.

Why can't you tell your wife?

Welcome.

Jupiter Pachinko Parlor.

Hello? It's me.

Oh, Mitsuko!

You never answer when we call you.

Dad! It's Mitsuko!

How are you?

I'm fine.

When are you coming home to Japan?

One of these days.

Hello. How-are-you?

Hello. I'm-fine, thank-you.

You're an American already!

Winter in California is hot, eh?

I guess.

Yeah.

I knew it.

Anyways, how's business? I know times are hard in Japan.

We're hanging in there.

Okay, that's good. Bye, then.

She hung up.

Your baby's back in a breech position.

It keeps wanting to turn around.

Okay, we're done.

You're in your ninth month

and still suffering from nausea?

An unstable pregnancy.

It happens in rare cases.

Your delivery may not be easy.

I'll be fine.

Mitsuko Hara...

Will you be able to pay your clinic fees this month?

After deducting your Childbirth Allowance

it will come out to 100,000 yen or so.

Hello.

Did you just move in today?

I'm Mitsuko Hara. Nice to meet you.

Would you like to try some delicious pickles?

It may be on the salty side.

Why are you barging in like this?

You can barge into my house, too.

Because I have a bun in the oven.

That's why I like things salty...

- Have some! - No thanks!

Why?

By the way, I'm having a boy.

You can tell by ultrasound nowadays.

I'm not interested. Please leave!

- Have some! - No thanks!

Hara

That's the last of it.

We're done.

Most of the items have no value

so there'll be a disposal fee instead.

You owe us...

5,810yen.

Not bad.

Thank you.

That will be out of 6,000yen.

Keep the change.

Sorry, we can't.

Your change is 190yen.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

It's really good...

When the wind's not blowing your way,

take a nap.

Don't panic or be impatient.

Wearing a sour face isn't "cool"

Everything's fine.

When the wind blows your way, just go with it.

See? The wind's changing direction.

Okay. I'm going.

See ya!

Where to?

The same direction that cloud is blowing.

Okay, let's go.

It'll be okay...

MITSUKO DELIVERS

I've never seen anything like this place in Tokyo.

I've been driving a taxi for 20 years now,

but nothing like this.

There's nowhere like it in California, either.

Hey, lady! The fare!

Lady!

Who are you?

Are you... Mitsuko?

It's been 15 years.

This place looks rundown.

Times are hard. I understand, I really do.

For all of us.

Never mind that.

Why did you come back?

Because I followed the clouds...

Go ask the wind, if you really must know.

First things first...

I need some money.

Thank you.

That's too much.

One liver and chives special.

Okay. Large serving, on the house.

Thank you.

At least the food's always good here.

Yoichi, is it her...?

You're soaking wet.

If the wind blows, you get windblown. If it rains, you get wet.

Come over here...

What?

What's this?

A baby.

I know that. Whose is it?

Jack's.

Jack?

Jack Hudson.

Who's Jack?

An American...

or an African.

I'm not sure, but he was kinda big and really black.

Jack was struggling in Japan so I helped him out.

I thought it was the "cool" thing to do.

I ended up going with him to America then I ended up pregnant.

And I ended up getting dumped, but I'm not crying.

The wind carried me back to Japan, but...

Humans are all more or less the same.

Drifting along wherever the wind blows, right?

Never mind the details.

That's no detail.

It is, actually. It depends how you look at it.

So what are you going to do?

I'm going to have him right here.

I know I'll be imposing on you...

But that's okay because you can impose on me, too.

That's "cool"

Stop categorizing everything as "cool" or "uncool"

Tokyo - 15 years ago

Mitsuko, this is no time to be staring at the clouds.

Don't let anyone see us!

Here they come!

Welcome!

Welcome them properly.

Come in, come in.

You slept with her, didn't you?

- I did not. - Liar.

I was drunk last night and I went into the wrong room. It was dark.

And then?

So you went in...

I have some delicious rice. Wanna trade with your potatoes?

Okay. It's a deal. So you'll give me some rice?

But it was pitch black...

We did it.

- But it was dark. - But we did it.

Wait!

It felt good.

What does that mean?

Shut up! Shut up!

What does that mean?

Neighbourly interaction!

What kind of interaction is that?

Let's all be friends.

Wait a moment. Just wait a bit.

How long is that!?

What kind of place is this?

We have to get out of here quick...

I know.

Dad, we have to reopen the pachinko parlor.

I know!

We have to get some money first!

See this?

How do you like my husband?

Handsome, right?

Just because you're the landlady, you can't just barge in...

From Shinkichi's fish store.

He's a bit shy so I brought it over on his behalf.

Thank him later.

- Yes... - What?.!

Yes, ma'am.

You guys skipped town, right?

You're not the only ones hurting in this crappy economy.

More than ever, we have to help each other.

Don't hole yourselves up and fester.

Be "cool" Give 'em hell!

Am I right?

If you ain't got money

the least you can do is to try to live a "cool" life. Am I right?

You! Go outside and chat with the other ladies.

And you!

Go pick a fight or sumo wrestle or something.

- But... - Be a man!

Fine. Maybe later.

Excuse me...

What about me?

You're just a kid.

Go run around naked.

Mitsuko!

Thank you very much.

You could cook it or grill it, but sashimi is best.

You bastard!

Go for it!

This tenement is the only place that survived the air raids.

Some unexploded shells are still smoldering under the floorboards.

It's ironic. While the rest of Tokyo was redeveloped,

That's why all the residents look like they're from another time, right?

But life isn't about winning or losing.

Am I right?

In reality,

I was supposed to die in the air raids

and join my husband who died in the war.

So I'm waiting for the unexploded shell to go off any day now...

Right, dear?

Then we'll be together at last.

No one told us about unexploded shells under our floorboards...

This man here

went off to war as soon as we got married.

We never had a honeymoon period.

We haven't even done anything nasty.

About those unexploded shells?

It's only a small one! Like this!

God! Can't a woman revel in her memories for a moment?

Anyways! All we poor folks have left is our humanity and living "cool"

It gets nippy in here.

Don't catch a cold.

Mitsuko.

Mitsuko.

Mitsuko!

Hurry up and lock the door!

Like this!

It's broken.

Someone broke it.

Oh my god.

The landlady is batty.

It's not supposed to be like this.

What are we going to do? This shouldn't have happened.

Shut up! We have unexploded shells to worry about first!

If only you had taken things more seriously...

You really need to shut up.

Times have changed.

Before I knew it, all the residents were gone.

I guess they didn't like me barging into their house.

As soon as they got a little cash, they scurried off to buy condos.

When I asked them why, they blamed it on the unexploded shells.

Give me a break.

We can't help it if those bombshells were left behind.

The Americans dropped them.

Yet they act like, "What are bombshells doing here?."

Just the kind of people who will start another war.

Forget it. Humanity is extinct.

There's no such thing as "cool" left in Japan already.

It's sad.

My legs are no good. I can't even stand.

I'm just waiting to die and join my husband.

I'm getting hungry again.

I guess I'm eating for two.

Were you even listening?

Got anything to eat?

Yoichi, about the shopping list...

Carrots, burdock root, cabbage...

Were you even listening?

Welcome! Welcome!

Welcome!

Hey, Yoichi.

I'm leaving this place to you when you're old enough.

So don't force yourself to act like a fool on my account.

That ain't "cool"

Where's my special?

Shut up, you idiot!

I'm having a heart-to-heart with my nephew.

Sorry...

I'll take 50 yen off your bill, so wait a minute, will ya?

Bank Passbook: Jiro Kodama

This is my life's savings.

Use it when you need it.

I love you the best

and I trust you the most. Okay?

Yoichi,

I sewed up your pants.

Jiro!

Pay me this month's rent!

But I know you're poor so I'll give you a break.

That's "cool" of you. Thanks.

For what? We gotta help each other out.

You'd better not eat that rice. It's old.

Why? I'm eating it.

So what?

I'm ready for anything.

Bring it on.

What are you doing?

Watching the clouds.

Is it fun?

I feel sorry for them, drifting so aimlessly.

Just like people, including you. God, you're dumb.

Really?

I've been meaning to ask you, what's "cool?."

Cool? " I don't really know.

When Japanese people

are moved by the way someone lives his life, we say, that's "cool"

- Why? - Why not?

It's the Japanese aesthetic.

I don't get it. See ya.

Shut up, you idiot.

But I forgot my textbook.

The teacher will get mad at me.

I see. I forgot mine, too.

I found this one. You can use it.

But that's yours...

Stop crying and study hard.

That's "cool"...?

Mama.

Did you think about it?

No...

I can't wait anymore.

I'll make you happy.

I know you will, but...

He should just tell her he loves her.

What?

Pregnant ladies have a keen sense of smell.

The smell of rice makes me sick, actually.

You sure are eating a lot of it.

I feel so heavy.

You want some, granny?

Nah, I'm not hungry.

Oh...

I smell poop.

It ain't me.

Pregnant ladies can smell these things.

See?

Let's change your diaper.

No... Never mind.

I'll be changing the baby's diapers soon, anyways.

You can impose on me.

It's totally fine.

Please! Don't touch me.

Are you really leaving us?

You were right.

I'm drifting, just like the clouds.

If you keep on drifting

you'll end up here again someday.

God, you're dumb.

Come on, Mitsuko, we're going home.

Our pachinko parlor's reopening. We're going to be happy again.

Hurry up, Mitsuko.

Come on, dad. Let's go.

Did you finish work?

No, I snuck out.

What?

When we're older...

How should I say this?

Well...

Marry me.

What are you talking about? Why?

Because...

I love you the best.

Let's call it a day.

Yoichi, what's wrong?

You okay?

Bank Passbook: Yoichi Kodama

Granny Duty

I'm on duty today.

I'll be going.

I'll leave your food here.

Shall I clean today?

How about laundry?

What?

Have you been taking care of her all this time?

My uncle and I take turns.

That's "cool"

Humanity is extinct?

I doubt it.

I keep telling him to leave me alone.

I just want to hurry up and die.

Cheeky old lady.

That's not "cool" Not at all.

Let me know if you need anything.

I'll help you.

You're the one that needs help.

Take it.

I'll take care of the kid.

I don't know the details, but it's irrelevant.

15 years ago

I told you that I loved you.

I'm taking responsibility.

That's "cool"

The word "love" is spoken so lightly nowadays!

I see you guys are struggling, too.

This isn't enough to raise a minnow let alone a kid.

No wonder. Your shop is dirty and the staff is rude.

I'll fix that.

It'll be okay. We're all struggling. Every one of us!

Okay. I'm going to sleep.

It's raining anyways.

We'll give it a go when it stops raining.

There'll be clear skies ahead.

Definitely. I think.

Good night.

Come in, Ms. Hara.

- You don't need to do that yet. - No, it's fine.

It's fine.

The baby's finally head down,

but your delivery won't be easy.

Take it easy.

You still have nausea.

Your pregnancy never did stabilize.

Most women stabilize in their sixth month or so.

Not now, not ever.

Stability is not in the cards for me.

But that's fine.

I have confidence.

Welcome.

Liver and chives special, please.

One liver and chives.

Welcome.

Don't move around so much. You're pregnant.

Stay still.

That's not "cool"

You're going to be born and raised in this tenement.

I'm on duty today. I'm going.

Yoichi...

Don't worry about me.

I know you've been waiting for her for a longtime.

If you love her,

marry her.

Closing as of January Thank you for your patronage

18 years...

You're the only one that's been a loyal customer

since we opened.

Mama... uh...

What?

Mum, what's for dinner?

I'll make it right now.

Will you join us, Jiro?

Jiro...

We may not be here the next time you come.

My mum back home is sick. I have to leave right away.

I told you so many times!

Aren't you going to stop me?

Is it okay with you if we leave?

Let's put them back.

He'll come again.

Jiro...

Leave me alone.

I just want to hurry up and die

and join my husband...

I decided to take care of you.

You took care of me all this time.

That's about all I can do.

Can't you just let a man have his way for once?

Dear...

Please let that shell explode...

Granny...

Why do you say such a thing?

Why do you say such a thing?

Ouch.

You're not very "cool"

I smell coffee.

Pregnant ladies can smell these things.

And about the unexploded bombshell.

Life goes on whether it goes off or not!

Fried noodles, please.

Ginger pork for me.

I see.

I see.

How about work?

I got fired, of course.

I see.

Mr. Saito, Mr. Saito.

You have a comrade.

Mitsuko, I did the right thing.

I filed a complaint about the dishonest activities of the company.

So why?

In the eyes of the company, your actions may not have been right.

I guess...

Okay. Forget it already.

Right or not right...

Every thing's all screwed up nowadays anyway.

There's plenty of unpleasant things in life.

Plenty.

Liver and chives on the house.

You can pay me back when you have the money.

Thank you.

Mitsuko...

I'll never forget your kindness!

Thank you.

- It's okay. - Thank you!

No, really.

Hard times...

Thank you...

for this food.

Everything on the house!

Banks are tightening credit. It's getting tough.

We may not make it.

I'll be fine.

As long as I'm with you, I don't mind fleeing again.

I'll go wherever.

I'm confident that we can get away.

Even to California where Mitsuko is?

Even to California.

Sanae...

I love you.

I love you, too.

Hold-me-tight.

You're totally American.

Closed today

It gets a lot of sun!

Same here.

It's almost too big for me.

Maybe I'll clean up this yard.

Oh, hello!

I just moved in today.

See you.

We moved in, too.

Mitsuko, what are you doing?

Nothing...

Nothing? Just stay still.

I can't do that.

Look at my belly. Isn't it obvious?

I am looking at your belly. So just stay still!

For the baby's sake.

For the baby, for the baby.

If the mum isn't "cool", the baby won't want to be born into this world.

If the mum isn't strong, there's not much she can do for the baby.

Am I right?

What's wrong?

He moved again.

Really?

Yeah. Wanna feel?

What?

Is it okay?

It's fine.

Mitsuko...

I didn't get a chance to say it the other day...

But for the past 15 years...

I've never stopped...

stopped... loving...

No.

No, no, no, no, no!

First things first. Let's take a nap.

You nap, too.

- Why? - Just do it.

You...

tried to kiss me just now, didn't you?

No, I didn't...

That's not "cool"

There are certain steps that need to be taken beforehand.

There are measures.

I never tried to...

Don't panic or be impatient.

Just take a nap and wait until the wind blows your way.

Just go with it.

I think you know

that I was abandoned as a kid.

My uncle raised me.

He did the best job that he could.

He never took care of himself

and he never got married.

That's why...

I can't just go ahead and marry you.

But don't worry.

I'll take care of your kid.

That's "cool"

But you want to get married, right?

I'll let you get married, then.

You're the one...

I see. I get it.

I guess that means I'm gonna get married, then.

I got it.

The wind's changing direction.

That's life.

I just have to...

put my mind to it.

Mitsuko... I just told you I can't marry you...

Let's go.

To where?

Give me your keys.

Oops, sorry.

We have a lot more customers, thanks to you.

No need to thank me.

Profits haven't increased, though.

The wind feels good today.

I see...

So you came out from Fukushima and saved enough money to open this shop.

You got married and divorced

and raised Takashi all on your own. Poor thing.

I see.

How is your mum back in Fukushima?

She's living alone and she's sick. I have to...

You're right. You should go back.

If I were sick and he didn't come see me right away, I'd be sad.

I know, but...

I understand.

Uncle Jiro's holding you back, right?

He always smelled of coffee.

I knew something was up.

I'm so glad. Thank god

that I'm pregnant and can smell these things.

But Jiro has his own life to lead.

That's irrelevant.

What is he waiting for?

So "uncool" not "cool" at all.

Can't he just make up his mind and go to Fukushima with you?

Huh?

You're bored, right?

No...

Let's play catch.

Mitsuko.

No thanks.

Don't underestimate me just because I'm kinda having a baby.

I can throw a fastball.

I had an American boyfriend.

He was kinda big and really black.

It's an American sport, you know?

The Major Leagues?

Let's go then.

Mitsuko?

To where?

- To Fukushima. - Mitsuko!

Mitsuko, but your baby...

No problem. I drove today.

Mitsuko!

Thanks. Sorry for troubling you.

What are you talking about? We'd do anything for you!

Shall we start then? This way.

If you don't make her happy, I'll kill you.

I'll kill you, too.

I know!

Mitsuko, this is too much. Please!

I'm fine.

But wait a minute. Can I make a stop?

I need to stop by the hospital and have this baby.

Mitsuko!

And after that, we'll go pick up Uncle Jiro.

Mitsuko, no way!

No.

You're right.

If I'm not "cool this baby won't want to be born, right?

Sorry. Okay. Let's go!

No Mitsuko! You're way off!

Mitsuko, no! Go to the hospital.

Don't worry about me. Let's just go!

To the hospital.

That is not "cool"

I'm fine!

Everything is fine. Almost.

Looks like they have some vacancies.

I wonder if that landlady is still alive.

Excuse us...

Granny...

Can't you just let a man have his way for once?

Uncle Jiro? Are you here?

We're going to Fukushima. Hurry!

Mitsuko... what are you doing here?

I thought you were in America!

And you're pregnant!

Okay... Just ask the wind.

But your stomach...

I haven't asked you anything, Dad! Like what you're doing here.

Asking this and that isn't "cool"

Ask the clouds why they drift here and there.

They'll say, "Go ask the wind" So why don't you go ask the wind?

We don't want to ask the wind. We want to ask you.

I thought it was "cool" not to explain. Sorry.

Sorry?! I will not let this end with an apology!

Then mum and dad, get in the car. We'll all go to Fukushima.

Fukushima? What about California?

I'll tell you later.

Mama-San needs to get to Fukushima right away.

You know she has a sick mother back home!

I'm going to Fukushima with her.

We have to hurry!

Aren't you going to regret being left behind?

But Mitsuko, I'm...

Just a minute, Mitsuko!

You need to get to the hospital right away!

Let's go to the hospital.

Mama-San! Please stop trying to complicate things!

Uncle. Let's go!

Mitsuko, I...

No more excuses! A good wind is blowing Fukushima's way.

Just shut up and go with it!

Okay!

Stand up, granny! If you get better,

then Uncle can go to Fukushima!

Just stand up!

I can't!

I said I can't stand!

Okay! Let's do this.

Why are you getting involved?

It's fine. Leave it to me.

I'll marry you, Mama-San!

I'll take care of Takashi!

Idiot!

What about Mitsuko? She's going to have a baby!

She's having labor pains! She needs to go to the hospital!

You have Mitsuko to think about! What are you talking about?

I am! I've been thinking about her forever!

I've loved her for 15 years! I've been waiting!

Then take her to the hospital!

I know!

What are you going to do, Uncle?

I want you to be happy, too! That's why I'm doing this!

Mama-San! Marry me!

What is your problem? Don't confuse her any further!

You're confusing me, too!

Mitsuko! What's going on?

Is this scoundrel the father?

What scoundrel?

You're calling my precious nephew a scoundrel!

Mitsuko! Say something!

Yoichi! I'm never getting married! I've decided!

I decided to take care of you.

Jiro...

Okay! I get it!

Stop! Stop! Stop!

Okay. First things first. Let's take a nap.

Mitsuko said take a nap! Lie down!

Let's wait until a good wind blows.

When the wind blows your way,

just go with it.

But Mitsuko, your baby...

In this day and age

it's silly to panic or be impatient.

If you wait patiently,

a good wind will blow your way.

See? The wind changed direction.

Okay, let's go with it!

Sorry, I was out of line, uncle.

Never mind, Yoichi.

Are you all right, granny?

Never mind. What about Mitsuko?

Yoichi, you should be worried about Mitsuko, you idiot!

Jiro, take over the wheel!

That's right. Sorry, Mitsuko...

I'm fine.

He's not ready to come out yet.

He's a very considerate baby.

This is the money I owe you.

Thank you.

Mama-San!

We're here.

Are you okay, Mitsuko?

Let's go, Takashi.

Mama!

Mum! Mum!

What is it?

This is...

a formal proposal.

Please marry me!

I'm going to catch a little breeze.

I know I was drifting...

I may have caused you trouble.

I'll cause you even more trouble going forward.

But so what?

You can cause me trouble, too.

Okay?

I'm ready for you!

Let's do this!

Granny!

What are you doing, Mitsuko?

I'm having the baby!

Are you crazy?

I don't know what to do.

I haven't delivered a baby in years.

I've never had a baby myself.

My husband went off to war as soon as we got married!

We haven't even done anything nasty.

Granny...

Me, either!

Uncle...

Me either!

Whatever!

That's creepy!

Can you do anything?

Yes.

Mitsuko! You can do it!

You can do it, Mitsuko!

Mama!

Mama's had a baby before!

Mama knows everything!

Mama's the ideal woman!

Okay, go call her!

Uncle!

Uncle! Uncle!

This is my wedding present to you.

Yoichi, I love you.

Me, too.

But stay by Mitsuko's side from now on.

Thank you for everything.

Dad...

I'm not your dad. I'm your uncle.

Sorry.

But you can call me dad, Yoichi.

Do that later!

Mama!

Mitsuko needs your help!

Okay!

Takashi, c-c-c-call the ambulance!

Then call the police!

Okay!

Mama, about what I said earlier!

Where is she?

Over there!

Mama, please! Give me your answer!

It's damned too late! But of course, my answer is "Yes!"

Never mind! Hurry!

Wait! Is your mum upstairs?

Yes.

Granny! Granny!

You can overcome illness with sheer will!

I did it.

You can, too! I'll be back!

Are you okay?

I'm fine!

Mitsuko, leave everything to me!

Like what?

Everything!

Come on out!

What's everything?

There's going to be hard times ahead.

People will make fun of you or look down on you.

But I'll tell them, "Shut up, you assholes!"

I'll protect you!

You're struggling, aren't you?

I'll protect you!

It's fine. Don't worry, okay?

Why, Mitsuko?

You don't know what you're doing!

Leave it to Mama!

My doctor did everything, so what do I know?

But I'll do my best!

Mum, it's fine! I called a midwife!

Mitsuko.

You can do it, Mitsuko.

It's so...

beautiful.

It really hurts.

I'm glad.

I'm so glad

that I'm not alone.

He's crowning! Push!

Hey, you!

There's nothing to worry about!

Every thing's going to be fine!

Or at least...

that's what your mummy thinks!

Riisa Naka

Aoi Nakamura

Miyoko Inagawa

Shiro Namiki

Miyako Takeuchi

Keiko Saito

Ryo Ishibashi

Lighting by Shuji Sugimoto

Sound by Hirokazu Kato

Production Design by Tomoyuki Maruo

Edited by Naoichiro Sagara

Music by Takashi Watanabe

Executive Producers Masahiko Mizuguchi, Koichi Yamazaki, Koji Hyakutake,

Kazumi Satake, Kunihiko Kodama, Kazuo Hayashi,

Hiroaki Kitano, Michiomi Fukita, Osamu Naito, Keiichi Hosoji

Producers Sachiko Sone, Hiroshi Kogure, Yuichi Shibahara

Associate Producers Kazunari Okuma, Yasushi Utagawa

A "MITSUKO DELIVERS" Film Partners Presentation

Written & Directed byYuya Ishii

© 2011 "MITSUKO DELIVERS" Film Partners