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 cafe?

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 28 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 - Goodnight

Goodnight

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

Goodnight

- Is he staying over? - Yes

How marvellous. 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

- Goodnight - 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 got 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!

- Goodbye - Goodnight

And thank you. Thank you

- Welcome back - Thanks for last night

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

- Well, goodnight - Goodnight

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