Original subtitles

Nikkatsu Presents

If you cross the Arakawa Bridge on the northern edge...

of Tokyo, now the largest city in the world,

you will reach Kawaguchi of Saitama Prefecture.

Life in Kawaguchi is so different from Tokyo,

just a river apart.

500 foundries.

Special chimneys called cupolas.

From Edo times,

this is the town of iron, fire and sweat. And metal craftsmen.

FOUNDRY TOWN

Produced by Kano Otsuka

Based on the novel by Chiyo Hanafune

Written by Shohei Imamura, Kirio Urayama

Photographed by Shinsaku Himeda

Now!

Music by Toshiro Mayuzumi

Edited by Mutsuo Tanji

Starring

Sayuri Yoshinaga

Mitsuo Hamada

Eijiro Tono Tokuko Sugiyama

Koshiro Ichikawa Mitsuko Suzuki

Hideki Morisaka Jun Hamamura

Kin Sugai Taiji Tonoyama

Takeshi Kato Junko Hiyoshi

Shoichi Ozawa Kazuko Yoshiyuki

NOW!

What?

Marusan will take over here.

Really

Then who will be fired?

- Me, Tomi and... - Who?

Tatsugoro.

Directed by Kirio Urayama

Thanks.

- Bye. - Bye.

- You're back. - I'm back.

I'm home.

Mom, what's wrong?

Mom.

Jun. It's coming.

Water's broken.

It's...

But not right now.

Hang on.

Takayuki!

Jun, Supper?

No! A baby

- Baby? - Oh!

So early!

Go and tell Dad.

Wait until this ends. It's getting interesting.

No! Go now!

It'd be too late!

You should tell us first!

None of your business!

It's your fault that this factory has to be sold.

Then you wipe your ass by firing us.

Where's your sense of chivalry?

I don't need a lecture on chivalry!

Who wants to employ these sick men or cripples!

Who do they get sick for?

Tatsugoro got hurt because you won't have that crane fixed!

When business is good, you get a new house, mistress and car!

Katsumi! Don't say this!

Shut up! Come here!

What's wrong with him getting a mistress?

If a boss can't afford that, he's no good!

What do you know, useless young man!

- You're old-fashioned... - What!

Boss and I are old friends since you were just a kid!

Tatsugoro. Teach him want it means to be a craftsman.

I'll think of something for you.

- Wait! I'm not finished! - Fool! Stay here!

It's OK. Thanks for your help.

If Marusan won't buy here, it's even worse.

In such good times, I can work freelance anywhere.

Am I right?

Dad.

Come.

What are you here for?

Mom is giving birth, and...

What!

Dad's so late.

He may not be able to come.

The factory is in a mess.

For what?

You're in pain?

Mom, hang on!

Takayuki, what are you doing?

Katsumi, what happened?

It's a mess thanks to your Dad.

Has he gone to the hospital?

He went for a drink.

Oh my!

- You're bringing this to the hospital? - Yes.

What are you doing now?

It's not the time to play

Come.

There.

How is it?

It's born?

Foul ball.

Finish her off!

She's on!

She'll do well on such times. Someone's on 3rd base.

It's on!

A goodbye hit! She's great!

Mr. Konishi, your view?

How may I put it?

She hit it.

It's a great hit!

You go first.

- Going home, Yoshie? - Yes.

- You're good. - Just lucky

There's something...

What?

You're really working at the pachinko parlour?

- Who told you? - Risu.

I want to work there.

- You? - Yes.

Part-time. Don't tell anyone.

Jun!

- What, Risu? - Superman wants you.

- What for? - I don't know.

- His mood is bad. - Why?

He knew that I went out with a high school boy

Please ask for me.

- What is it? - Nothing.

- Mr. Noda. - Oh.

Why didn't you go to the extra class this week?

Yes?

My mom just gave birth.

Oh, I see.

You want to go to...

- Prefectural 1st High. - Yes.

Your mock exam results...

you can make it.

Does your father know?

Yes.

Your mom's opinion?

Shall I talk to her?

- No thanks. - Really?

- Come to me if you have troubles. - Yes.

Why are there babies?

We don't have any

Stupid.

You have no father.

- A father! - But it's mom that has kids.

You really don't know?

You don't know!

Tell me how. Don't be mean.

- He's no good. - Tsuku, you're shameful.

' No! ' What!

- Hey! - You!

What's your problem!

You do Kaori.

Go!

You first.

That's low! Perverts!

What are you saying?

Takayuki. The pigeon's back?

- Pay me as you promised. - OK.

Don't tell anyone about this.

Sure.

Hi.

- Hi. - You did...

4, so 800 yen.

- One more. - That's not the deal!

I need a raise.

I have other buyers.

My father just got fired. Please.

You win.

One more. It's my pigeon.

Cross it now.

One bad thing after the other. No milk from my breasts.

Buying milk will cost 5,000.

It's so tough...

Dad still haven't got his severance pay yet.

Can't rely on him.

He can't do temp work in such a state of health.

I feel weak, too.

- Red bean cakes. - Don't waste money!

Just once...

Hey Mom.

Takayuki? Let's call him.

Don't.

- 3 children. - Thanks!

Don't mention it. Let's go.

Tetsuharu, wash your hands.

- Freeze! - Freeze!

Stop it!

Buy me a pair of sports pants.

You forgot again?

Liar.

I hate you.

- Who's a liar? - You.

You said you'll buy them.

You were busy with the baby last month.

So you forgot?

- I have things to do! - I have things to do, too!

I won't go to school if you don't.

Idiot! Buy it with your money!

I don't have any money!

Liar!

How about those 150 yen?

150 yen?

In the pocket of your trousers!

It's not mine! It's someone else's money

Someone else's money?

You stole the PTA money again?

I'm keeping it for him.

- Give it back! - Stop lying!

Stealing this money will make you a delinquent!

Ask my teacher if you don't believe me, idiot!

- Idiot? - This kid!

What a joke!

It's Matsunaga's money

Bad boy! Shut up!

I won't feed a thief in this house!

- Listen to him first, Dad! - Let go!

I don't need the sports pants! I'm leaving!

- Go to the boys' home! - Stop it! Dad!

Takayuki!

Takayuki!

What's up?

I argued with Dad and left home.

I see. Are you hungry?

OK. Don't worry

Let's go to Mom's.

Boss, eat.

- Miyo, have one. - I'll have that.

You shouldn't run away Go home.

Of course not. We kids have our will too.

Don't be silly

But Mom, please come home.

Talk it over with Dad. He said he'll stop gambling.

Will he?

When we're back to North Korea, he can't gamble for sure.

You're really going?

It's getting more likely

You may not know,

but I'm not missing him.

I know. He's tough.

Miyo, saké.

Yes!

How to say this...

your dad or my dad, all dads are bad dads.

And?

So noisy! Stop it!

Matsunaga's son said Takayuki was telling the truth.

For the pigeons.

Oh.

He's not lying.

- Will he come home? - He will,

to see his pigeons.

If it's late I'll go to Yoshie's to look for him.

- Yoshie? - Sankichi's sister.

Those Koreans? It's dangerous there.

He makes friends with Koreans? Useless boy!

What's so bad about Koreans?

What?

Your head is filled with prejudice.

How ignorant!

The worst thing...

is to beat him without knowing anything.

- You're so biased! - Idiot!

Talking back to your dad!

- You're my dad but you're wrong! - Jun! You're a girl!

Hi.

Tatsugoro, let's talk.

Welcome.

This is from everybody

to bid you farewell.

Really?

Thanks a lot.

I talked with the union leader of Marusan.

Your injury 2 years ago...

was due to improper facilities. They will take on the matter.

Your severance pay...

should be at least 1 month's pay according to the law.

Then, you'll get 20,000?

Great! I can pay the hospital bills.

To find out more about you,

please visit the union leader tomorrow.

- Take it back. - Honey!

Thank you.

I'm grateful. Thank you.

But I don't like this union thing.

I'm a craftsman.

If I'm helped by commies, others will laugh at me.

No!

Unions are commies? This is laughable.

This is what you are entitled to.

This is written in the law.

You didn't even get your severance pay yet!

Shut up, woman!

Katsumi, it's all over. Just forget this.

It's time to leave.

I'm sorry but no more of this.

- Honey! - Get off me!

It's raining?

I'll look for Takayuki.

I love that tempura rice!

To the side!

My dad. He's drunk?

Disgusting!

- Did he see us? - No. He's drunk.

- No light? - Just wait.

Here.

It's cold.

Sleep on this.

- Not very cold tonight. - Yes.

- Done. - Thanks.

Nice place.

Tomorrow is Sunday

Dad is home, I can't go home to eat.

Go to my mom's place again.

But...

your mom won't go to North Korea?

She won't.

She's Japanese?

Their nationality is different, but a couple is a couple.

I think she should go, too.

I see.

Why do the two Koreas hate each other?

They are both Koreans.

They are two worlds. Just like West and East Germany

Will there be a war?

Don't go to North Korea!

If there is a war, Japan will be in it too.

An H-Bomb will destroy Kawaguchi.

If the end is the same, Koreans should live in Korea.

We're poor anyway

You won't get any poorer.

Stop it, Takayuki. You'll be scolded.

Don't be afraid. Get in.

Hurry!

Just do it.

Now we will stop at the water gate. Tonight we go out to Arakawa.

Don't do this. And you haven't been to school for 2 days.

You just go to school for the girls! Hurry!

Come here.

The other way

Let's go.

Cheer up!

Takayuki!

Oh no.

Come up now!

- No! - Now!

OK.

School doesn't allow you to sell pigeons.

Is that so? From when?

Stop pretending! Your teacher said so.

It hurts!

Where were you?

- Korogi Island. - Shut up!

What?

I'll give him a lesson. Get in.

- Up! - What!

Oh.

Baby Hello hello!

Your hands are dirty!

Don't nag me.

Takayuki. Top of the drawers.

Wow! Sports pants!

Wow! 580 yen?

I'm so glad.

Mom bought it.

Whatever the reason, don't make others worry

I know.

- Very glad! - I'm going to my classmates.

- Don't argue with Dad. - OK.

It's great!

I look cool!

Grey Sesame!

This way!

That cat!

Bastard!

Bastard!

Stop crying-

Don't cry!

Aren't you sad?

Fool!

I won't cry

But I took the money...

Jun.

Look

Risu's brother.

He looks bad.

- Risu doesn't come to school. - Her mother is bad.

- No balls for no. 10! - Yes!

Will you go on the school trip?

I can't.

No job for Dad yet.

- No. 18! - Yes!

I can't either.

No. 63!

Hey! No. 63!

No balls!

They are stuck!

- Ouch! - You OK?

My first day and you saw me. Don't tell anyone.

How much can you earn?

About 3,000.

So 9,000 yen by December.

Then I can pay my school fee.

You have time for the exams?

Now I'm going to half of the extra classes.

There is still time before February

You're fabulous.

Can your health support that?

I can lose weight then.

I play softball.

Then work hard.

I won't lose to those who can go to high school without studying hard.

I see.

I can't go to high school, so I earn less.

After joining the union, I found out I know nothing.

I wished I had tried hard and gone to high school.

- Here it is. - Thanks.

Hei, how about that...

You said you don't want to be a boy

But...

just 1 day in every 4 days is not enough.

Ask Uchiyama at Kanesho.

They are big, they may have something for you.

Let's discuss the pocket money for the school trip.

It was 500 yen last year,

let's start from there.

Imamura.

Prices have gone up a lot this year.

500 yen was not enough even last year.

We need more.

Who agrees?

It's passed.

Then how much?

1,000 yen.

Some will bring 5,000 along.

Where do they get this money?

Jun!

- Nobuko, what is it? - I need a favour. Come to my place.

- About what? - We will talk there.

OK then. Bye.

Sorry

Bye, Noriko.

- Bye. - Bye.

My sister!

- 8:30 tonight. Understand? - OK!

AD = BD, so this and that are equal.

The proportion is the same.

So the three are equal.

Simple as that.

Who is it?

Dad.

You are here?

- Hello. - Welcome.

Jun is helping me study

Thanks a lot.

Throw me that blueprint on the bookshelf.

- This? - Yes.

Catch.

- Thanks. Take your time. - Yes.

Bye.

He forgets things when he is busy

He's nice. Good for you.

But he's terrible when he's angry Please.

My dad can't compare with yours.

Since that injury 2 years ago, he became very bad.

He can't work like the others. I understand.

But the company should be responsible. How about the union?

It's just a small factory Lots of them in Kawaguchi.

I see.

As we learn at school, this is a town of small businesses.

It's hot.

It feels so nice. Come.

- My brother's stereo. - Oh.

Wait for me.

Here's a gift for you. Sit down.

Here.

A lipstick!

My granny bought this abroad.

- Put it on. - It's strange...

Do it!

Close your eyes.

You look nice. Look!

It looks strange.

You'll get used to it.

Why do adults like this?

Why say so? You're an adult, too.

Not yet.

- Not yet. - My mom was like that, too.

Oh.

Thanks for this.

- OK. Don't tell anyone. - Of course!

No. 3!

- Balls! - Yes!

- Jun. - You're late.

Matsunaga asked Takayuki to steal things for him,

to pay for the pigeons. Sankichi told me.

Give it to me.

Is he asleep?

- OK. - Now take that.

What are you doing?

- Stupid! - Sorry

Takayuki!

Come out. I know it.

Tsuku. It's late, go home.

Bye.

Matsunaga.

Even if he owes you money you shouldn't make him steal for you.

Then give me back the money

- 1,100 yen. - Just 900!

The interests.

Matsunaga. The pigeons. It's not an accident?

Wait until the next pigeons are born.

Impossible.

It's not up to me.

Then I'll pay for them.

I'll pay in installments. 3 months.

No.

I'm OK but...

my brother doesn't know.

He's in Hirakida Gang.

Really?

Then take me to them.

- Where is it? - You... really?

You said it's not up to you! Take me there!

Go!

2-5.

Matsunaga. Did it go well? That kid?

A girl. A strange girl.

Risu's brother?

You know her?

At school.

What's the matter?

Matsunaga asked my brother to steal things.

He's just a kid!

We didn't!

Shut up.

He can't pay back the pigeon money

- The pigeons are dead. - That's why we should talk!

I can pay in installments.

You said you'd be scolded.

Idiot!

I don't know about this.

This pigeon thing.

Yes.

She said she'll pay it's OK then.

Are you OK with it?

Yes. Bye.

You forgot something.

- What? - A greeting.

Fool!

What are you doing!

Bastard!

Let's go!

Youngsters, Grow Up Brightly

KAWAGUCHI CITY HALL

Hurry

You OK?

- Sorry - It's OK.

Just stay away from them.

Shall we tell Katsumi about the money?

Stupid! Don't.

Don't go outwith them, only go with Katsumi.

OK.

But the money... Jun?

- OK. - Sorry

Come.

Your face is dirty!

It must be tough to have a brother like me.

- What? - I mean it.

You can't go to high school?

There's a baby

Dad only has temp jobs.

I will go no matter what.

It's yours.

May I?

He'll find something. We must have hope.

Times are good for foundries.

Good things will come.

Exactly!

If you're willing to work, then it'll be OK.

Hello.

- Shaomai, 2 plates. - Yes!

Your dad is unlucky

Jun, keep your spirits.

Don't give up.

Here you are.

- Eat. - Thank you!

Be ambitious!

Have hope.

I got the winners! Banzai!

Race 9 is coming! Will there be a sleeper?

The race is about to start! Buy before it's too late!

Buy from me! You'll win!

You must study at your friend's?

Yes.

We have the baby and Dad is noisy

I know, but...

Hei was here.

He said there's a job for me at night. Better than this one.

What is it?

Watching shop, something like that.

So I want you to look after the baby

No.

I can't study

Study study!

Think of your family!

It's more important than high school!

Dad is so self-centered!

I don't want to sacrifice myself!

Superman!

Teacher!

What are you doing?

Hey you!

Tsukamoto? You scared me!

It's tough to be a teacher. Playing pachinko looks bad on your report.

No! I'm working!

A student is in there.

Jun?

You know her?

She's your neighbour.

Let's talk about her.

Japan's youngsters! Work hard!

Youngsters! Fight!

Jun.

You're a good girl.

You drank?

With Superman. His treat.

Great!

He praised you.

You drank again!

A bit.

What is "generation"?

Different times, or different ages.

The younger generation...

that's me and you?

Katsumi, stop this bullshit!

Shut up, older generation!

I'm not a Westerner!

You jerk!

Youngsters these days...

dallying with girls!

- What's wrong, Tatsugoro? - Dad, you're drunk again!

How about the severance pay?

Honey!

Shut up! Where's Takayuki?

He's sleeping!

Shut up! I'll send him to the boys' home!

What's wrong with him?

He borrowed money from Matsunaga's useless son!

They deducted it from my pay!

- How much? - 1,000!

That brat belongs to the boys' home!

How could they?

We have a deal.

Is this all?

Wake up! Where's the rest?

Why gave them?

What will we eat tomorrow?

What should we do?

Hello.

Ishiguro!

Hello?

- Who is it? - It's me, Jun.

- What happened? - There's a job for your dad.

My dad will come soon. I can't wait to tell you.

- Really? - A job?

- Saitama Foundry - Wow!

Saitama Foundry!

Thanks, Nobuko!

Thank you very much!

Saitama Foundry! It's great!

Fool! Your 1,000 yen!

Sorry

Wake him up.

Tidy up the place a bit.

- Coming. - One.

- Two! - Three!

Nice strike!

Ishiguro! Come over!

Yes! Take my place.

Hey! This is mine!

- I'll pay on pay day - Mr. Noda, pay day

- Mr. Noda. - Oh.

You can't go on the school trip?

Is it bad not to go?

If you have your reasons...

but if it's just money don't worry

A subsidy from the city government.

For hotel and transport. Return it any time you like.

So take it.

Tomorrow, the homeroom will get more money

Thanks.

Here's the receipt.

Ask you parents to sign it.

"2500 yen for Jun Ishiguro"

We're all automated here.

Physical strength is not essential.

Use your head and concentrate.

But electric bellows behave differently each day

Now, everything comes out in this meter.

Sand molding is automated, too. Very quick.

I'm leaving now.

Thanks.

I know you're not used to this.

Please bear it for Jun's sake.

Thanks.

Bye.

- Where are we? - Here.

Oh no!

Yoshie!

Wait! Yoshie!

I forgot to tell you.

Tell them I'll quit the pachinko job.

- Oh? - Dad found a job.

Please get what they owe me.

OK.

- I'll quit soon, too. - Why?

North Korea. Next month.

Oh? That's great.

Sorry Bye!

Let's go.

Really?

You're really going?

Your mom?

She won't, even if Dad kept mumbling. She's not convinced.

That's bad for you, Sankichi. We'll give you a feast!

Instead of that, boss,

I need a favour.

What? Tell me.

Before I leave, I want to, just once...

I want to play the lead in the drama group.

I see! This!

You're right!

I got it! Dear gods!

- Can he? - What's this?

It must be Kaori, the female lead...

of the drama group.

Sankichi loves Kaori!

Shut up!

I'm tired.

Let's be lazy when Mom's not here.

Kaori!

- Yes! - Here you are!

Mom.

Strange.

I'm the new maid from the country

You're pretty What's your name?

Annette. How are you?

Annette? I'm Carrot.

- Carrot? - My hair is red.

Madam dyed it.

Sankichi!

Korean carrot!

Korean carrot!

Bastard!

Sankichi! Sankichi!

"Let's be friends."

Bastard!

Stop!

Bastard!

What Korean carrot?

Is this an election?

You dirty bastard!

Bastard!

Wait!

You like this?

Don't forget to buy gifts!

- Shut up. - Why?

Even if we're poor, she can go on a school trip.

He has to get up now.

He has a hangover. He'll be angry

Honey

Wake up.

- Stop that... - You'll be late for work.

Stop that. I won't go to work.

No time for a joke. Get up!

It's not a joke.

I quit today! Saitama Foundry!

What?

You got fired again?

No one is getting fired.

I quit.

Tetsuharu, water!

People younger than me order me around.

It's always my fault.

A real craftsman can't stay there, not even a day

How could you?

Nobuko's dad is so kind to you.

I held on for half a month.

That guy!

He's just a engineer. He knows nothing.

Telling me to push the buttons. Am la day labourer? Fool!

I'm a craftsman!

Honey!

What's wrong with day labourers?

- What's so great with craftsman? - Shut up!

This is a man's work!

I said I quit! I quit!

Dad.

I'll go to high school.

I'll go to high school. Put me through that.

What?

Who say you can? Bastard!

You like to talk back and play Will I feed you?

A goby sharks son is a goby shark!

After middle school, you'll work at the foundry!

Work?

Factories now are automated.

Old craftsmen like you are useless!

Stupid fool!

If Kawaguchi's here, there will be metal craftsmen.

When there's another war,

the foundries will work day and night!

War?

You want a war so much? You're so selfish!

You're so wrong!

- You're self-centered! - What?

Self-centered!

Fool! Fool!

Honey! Honey! Whatever... just don't quit.

I beg you!

She can go to high school, she's happy now.

I don't have a daughter!

Honey

Honey

Stupid fool!

I beg you!

Fool!

You're so wrong!

Don't bully her!

- Wrong! - Fool!

This kid! Hey Takayuki!

You won't go to high school,

but the boys' home!

You can wash your shirt and ass there!

It's time.

Go.

Be careful.

Mr. Noda.

- Jun is not here. - What?

- Has she left home? - Yes, they said so.

You go in first. I'll wait here.

A goby shark's son is a goby shark!

After middle school, work at the foundries!

A goby shark's son is a goby shark!

Urawara, 1 ticket.

SAITAMA 1st PREFECTURAL HIGH SCHOOL

Raise your arms.

Bend your knees. Gallop.

Watch your position, centre.

Don't lower your wrists. Be spirited.

Look well, Grey Sesame. This is a canary

Noisy!

The snow. The rocks.

That's where we sleep.

We can't live...

in our town anymore.

We can't live in our town anymore.

URAWARA BOYS' HOME

URAWARA BOYS' HOME We can't live in our town anymore.

URAWARA BOYS' HOME

URAWARA BOYS' HOME The pipe's smoke removes the seal.

The pipes smoke removes the seal.

Spring wind blowing on the ridge.

Spring wind blowing on the ridge.

Hey you.

- What? - You!

What are you watching?

- Your friend is in here? - No.

I'm...

letting my pigeon fly.

I train it, and I'm letting it fly

It's true.

Grey Sesame, go!

Do it well.

I'll be waiting for you.

Grey Sesame!

Hurry! Go home!

Are you OK?

I'll come again!

INN

Jun?

Risu.

What is it? You didn't go on the trip?

I gave it up.

Boring.

Yes. Only children love it.

You want to have fun? Come with me.

What is it? What happened?

Hey.

Nothing. Let's go!

Ishiguro! Telegram!

Dad and Mom isn't home.

- Oh. - Where is this from?

Kyoto.

For Jun Ishiguro.

- Can you pass it on? - Yes.

Thanks.

"Inform School Why..."

"You Quit Trip. Noda."

Hi.

- Fool! - Switch it off!

Stop!

Let go!

Stop! Let go!

Where's Jun?

Where's Jun?

Where's the girl?

Inside.

Go!

Stop! Stop!

Let her go!

She's my friend!

Cops are here.

Shit!

Let's go.

Hurry

What is it?

You OK?

Sorry Jun.

I'll get my brother. Be right back.

Stop here!

Bastards!

Jun!

Jun!

Jun!

This way

No one saw us.

Hey!

So you're the one!

Run!

- Boss! - Stop!

- Damn! - This way!

- Boss! Help! - You bastard!

- Bastard! - Damn!

Ouch! It hurts!

Help! Boss!

Get up!

The boat!

Bastards!

Bye!

Jerk.

Cheers!

- Damn! - Damn you!

You think this is funny

But I...

have to work because my mom is sick.

Because of you...

Bastards!

He's serious! Sankichi!

Row!

Because of you...

my pay is deducted!

I work for free!

I can't buy medicine! Bastards!

We'll pay you! OK?

Don't be stingy!

Bastards!

Pay me? Have you no shame?

I feel so bad.

- Why? - He's so pitiful.

What for? You did this first!

- You told me to! - What?

You always give the order.

Now you say this!

- It's not funny - Yes, it's not funny

Bye.

Return the boat, or we'll be scolded!

I'm busy You return it.

Damn you!

Go back to North Korea!

I am! You go to the boys' home!

What! You Korean!

What?

Punk! Jailbird!

You don't come to school because of that?

Studying is useless.

Silly

Cut that crap!

One doesn't study for the admission exams!

High school or not, you must study

Tea.

Jun! Face your teacher!

Jun.

No matter if you work or not,

have a grasp of what you do.

Have your opinion.

This is what studying means.

If you must work at day go to night school.

If you can't, then study by correspondence.

If you want to study you can study no matter how.

First, come to school from tomorrow on.

If you don't, it's more difficult later on.

OK?

Goodbye.

Thank you very much.

You're lucky

To have such a nice teacher is like winning the lottery!

You won't understand how I feel.

You, you won't understand how I feel.

Enjoying yourself at the tavern! Disgusting!

You're so cheap!

Take this!

Jun.

I hate you! I hate all of you!

I hate you!

DECEMBER 10th

ESSAY WRITING "LOOKING BACK AT THIS YEAR"

There are so many things I don't understand.

First,

why you can't go to high school if you're poor.

In Japan nowadays, if you only go to middle school,

you will stay at the bottom of society for your whole life.

At the bottom, you stay poor,

you get into fights, you drink,

you gamble.

You have a short temper, your sights are low.

You only think about this day.

We're all weak humans.

Just because we're weak,

we fall into poverty?

Or...

You became weak humans because you're poor?

I don't know which.

JOBS

Jun.

Did you know Yoshie is leaving for North Korea tonight?

- Oh? - Let's see her off.

She's so worried about you.

Oh.

- What time? - 7:30.

They'll go to Ueno tonight, then take the special to Niigata tomorrow.

Oh.

(North Korean National Anthem)

Sankichi!

- You came, boss! - Of course!

You're going faraway Of course I have to see you off.

For you, Sankichi.

Marbles!

Our gift for you.

Thanks, boss!

North Korea is still developing, they don't have marbles.

- You'd be cool if you do. - Yes!

Thanks, Tsuku!

Now this.

- Grey Sesame? - No.

Release them on the train.

1st one at West Kawaguchi. Then Omiya.

OK.

Sankichi, your mom?

She won't see you off?

I think she will...

- Jun, let's talk. - What?

- Excuse us. - OK.

Will you take this?

We were good friends while we worked.

But it's a bit old.

Thanks, Yoshie!

- I'll treasure it. - Really? Good.

I'm so worried about you.

You didn't come to school.

Please be happy again.

It's not like you...

to be so down.

Mom!

Mom, don't go to them!

You promised not to come here!

I did, but...

No! We're ready to start a new life.

If they see you, they won't go!

How could you?

Mom! Keep your promise!

I'm keeping it...

but I just...

want to give this to Sankichi.

No.

I know it's tough, but please bear it.

Sankichi and Dad are kind and weak.

If Sankichi sees you,

he may not want to go.

Long live North Korea!

Hey!

Hey!

Yoshie, come!

It's time.

Sorry

Mom.

- Write to us. - Take care.

Work hard!

Don't forget us.

I nearly forget.

Give this to the milk boy For what we drank.

OK.

I'll apologize to him.

- And... - Yes.

If you see my mom...

Send your regards.

Thanks.

- In hard days, don't lose heart. - Yes!

- Work hard! - Yes!

- Take care. - Yes.

Yoshie.

There's so much I want to tell you.

Tough things and others.

Me too.

Bye.

I'm going. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

- Thank you. Sankichi, come. - Goodbye!

Goodbye!

Work hard, Yoshie!

Goodbye!

Sankichi!

Tetsuharu!

- Takayuki. - Is Grey Sesame back?

- Yes. With a letter from Sankichi. - Oh?

Show me.

2 letters!

No, this is from Yoshie to Jun.

Sent from Ueno.

What about?

As I thought! His mom?

What is it?

Wait for the next pigeon.

I'm going to Sankichi's mom.

Sankichi!

Sankichi!

Why are you here?

Mom is not here.

She's gone.

Getting married, they say

Getting married?

But first,

why have you come back?

Stop crying!

Why?

Sankichi.

Sankichi.

Tell me.

After we passed West Kawaguchi,

I released a pigeon.

Then...

it flied towards Kawaguchi.

Mom.

Suddenly...

I felt so sorry for Mom,

who's on her own.

I couldn't help but cry.

Dad and Yoshie...

tried to calm me down.

"I want to go back to Kawaguchi!"

I cried out.

Mom!

Find Mr. Sai if you have nowhere to go, then take the next boat.

If you can, take Mom with you.

Or come any time you want.

I'll work and settle down first.

Goodbye!

Dad and Yoshie, goodbye!

Take care!

Goodbye!

Dad was smiling,

but I can see he lost a lot of weight.

I wish...

I didn't come back.

Don't be such a girl.

Sankichi, let's think about what to do next.

Cheer up.

Bastard!

The days when...

I worked at the pachinko parlour, those were tough days.

But you were with me. To me they were the happiest days.

I wish we could've...

talked about our tough days back then.

But I felt shameful.

You were not worrying on your own.

Everyone's doing the same.

It's better to share it with others.

Sorry that I'm not there,

but there must be a lot of such people.

HITACHI MUSASHI FACTORY

- Sorry for waiting. - Good afternoon.

This is a machine to check the parts of a radio.

This is the assembly line.

- Here. - Thanks.

- Can you follow all that? - Yes.

But to work and study at the same time...

No.

School is fun.

Lots of different people.

We help each other.

This factory has good health facilities.

- So convenient. - Yes.

So clean.

In tough days, look for this.

Look inside your tired hands.

It's not just you who's having a hard time.

Everybody's having a hard time.

Talk with each other Tell them your troubles.

Don't keep them in your heart.

2nd verse! Happier!

She's funny right?

She's older than me.

She's starting night school this year.

Oh.

Laugh and find it, everybody.

Look inside your sweaty hands.

You can do nothing on your own.

Join hands with everybody.

Talk with each other Tell them your troubles.

Don't keep them in your heart.

In sad days, look for this.

Look inside your callused hands.

You're not crying alone.

Bear with it some more.

See you tomorrow, brother.

Bye, boss.

- Bye. - Bye.

Takayuki!

Jun.

What are you doing?

You found out...

Oh no!

Sankichi?

You're joking.

Dear sister, I'm busy Bye!

Takayuki! Cut that crap!

Why are you dressing like thieves?

Not thieves. Just don't want to be seen.

He came back for his mother.

- Did he see her? - No.

She left to get married.

Oh.

How terrible.

Now?

At Mr. Sai's, waiting for January's boat back.

Before that, he's going to the Koreans' school.

He doesn't want to be taken care of.

So he's working.

- You're so kind! - It's nothing.

I must think for myself now.

Dad is useless.

Don't sit there and waste your time.

Stupid! I'm not wasting my time!

Really? That's good.

Cheeky boy! Don't mess up your deliveries!

Place your trust on me!

Good boy! Go!

- Work hard! - OK!

- Don't tell Dad! - I won't!

- I'm home. - You're home.

We're waiting for you.

Thank you, thank you!

Leaving the harbour!

What happened?

You sea monster!

Jun! Pour me some saké!

Katsumi's company is opening a new factory in West Kawaguchi.

Not enough workers, so Dad is going back to the old place in January

Good Pay!

Really?

Happy?

I spoke so many bad things.

The saké.

I've been up and down.

This time is the worst.

Jun! Thank Katsumi!

Not me.

It's the union.

Get everybody

and things can be done.

Union is such a good thing!

And I said such bad things.

After you get back, you'll join us.

As a metal worker!

Let me tell you,

I don't like to be a "worker".

I'm a craftsman!

Don't think like that.

It's useless.

He's so old-fashioned.

Don't laugh at your father.

How about you?

Now you can go to Prefectural 1st High.

He's waiting to tell you this.

Not just Prefectural 1st High,

women's university too!

Study hard and don't lose to the rich kids!

You're blabbing again!

Of course not!

- He's still a young man! - Oh you!

It's been a long time.

Such nice saké.

The first time my daughter pours me a drink.

I won't go to Prefectural 1st High.

What?

Night school.

I'll work and support myself.

But you wanted to go to that school!

Now Dad is...

What's wrong with you?

Going against me?

I'm not. I've made my decision. I won't change it.

I don't want you to ruin your health.

Who knows what would happen?

So,

I don't want to rely on you.

But he won't be the same anymore.

He's now one of us.

He won't get fired like last time.

Go to a normal high school.

It's great to work for your family

you can't really study at night.

Even if it's the same school, it's different.

There are people who can study at night.

Also,

I'm doing it for myself, not my family

Even if there's little time to study

working is a kind of studying.

This and that.

The society

Not just to live day by day I want to plan for the years to come.

I see.

You win!

I lose.

She's so fabulous.

- Oh yes... - Yes!

You really know what you're doing.

- You thought about it, right? - Not really

People taught me things.

Everybody

Bye!

Big companies ask about your families. Trouble.

Yes. Bad if I have no dad.

I'm OK then.

Do you...

really want to take this exam?

Why not?

I worked in a tavern, so you lost hope?

Of course not!

Really?

But you're smart,

you should go to Prefectural 1st High.

You'll be happy there.

That's OK.

Superman told me this.

Rather than 10 steps for 1 person,

it's better for 10 persons to take 1 step forward.

- Understand? - What?

I'll explain later.

I won't be a goby shark. Don't worry

Bye.

Takayuki!

Jun, hurry!

It's coming! Hurry!

- Which one? - The 9th car.

He's there!

Boss, goodbye!

- Goodbye! - Goodbye!

- Goodbye! - Goodbye!

This way! Hurry!

Sankichi, work hard!

Goodbye!

My regards to Tsuku!

Tell Yoshie to work hard!

Work hard, Grey Sesame!

I'll work hard!

Goodbye!

Goodbye!

Boss, goodbye!

Sankichi, goodbye!

Goodbye!

Grey Sesame will become a Korean pigeon.

How cool!

Yes.

See me off to the station.

Will he get off again?

But I'm starving!

Your sister is on a trip!

Am I an escort?

OK then. Run!

Yes!

- Wait for me! - I won't!

- I'm after you! - I won't lose!

THE END