Original subtitles

Translated by Chuks Edited by chokubi QC by hubby_b and Chuks

Final Episode

Mom.

When are you coming to pick me up?

Mom.

I wanna see you.

I wanna see you, Mom.

Please...

kidnap me again.

Please...

kidnap me again.

Tsugumi...

Tsugumi.

I would...

like to see you too, but...

-Who were you calling at this hour? -The weather information.

You can't use the phone without asking, you know.

If I'm not able to finish this, take it over from me, okay?

All right.

Want me to get you a book or something?

You must be bored at night.

Heard of a Soumato before?

A Soumato?

It's said when a person dies,

their life flashes before their eyes.

Just like the way a Soumato* spins.

Revolving lantern

I'm looking forward to it.

Don't say that.

Like during the time I ran away with you, for instance.

From Toyama...

to Nagoya.

Nagoya to Yaizu.

Yaizu to Maebashi.

And lastly to Utsunomiya.

I held your hands...

and we fled by taking one train after another.

I don't remember.

Nothing went the way I wanted.

I felt helpless and scared.

But...

But...

Just between you and me...

I had fun.

I had fun running away with you.

That's why, I'm looking forward to it.

It feels like having a ticket to my favorite play.

Let's...

go back home.

But that'll give the doctor trouble.

Her time may be up in a matter of days.

She may not even last till tomorrow, or the day after.

Aren't these great, Rena?

Katsuko sent you more goodies from Chiba again.

I'll share them with you.

Girls, come help me with dinner preparations.

Okay!

I'll bring them to you later.

We're having curry tonight.

You too, Rena.

Okay.

To Rena

Money given to children by adult relatives as part of the Otoshidama custom over the New Year.

You've made the place look so nice.

I heard from the shop owners.

That you'd go see them often.

But...

I'll help you take care of them.

Welcome to my house.

You interrogated her?

Her husband was an awful man.

He would get drunk and hit her.

Did her 15-year sentence mean that it was a crime of passion?

Her testimony was very consistent.

She said she set her house on fire in a fit of rage,

and ran away with her daughter for six months.

But she doesn't look like she's capable of killing somebody.

You never know.

It is said that there are three kinds of humans.

A man, a woman... and a mother.

We'll never understand the last one.

Wasn't the washing machine hard to use?

The rice cooker too.

I can figure them out, so you just lie down.

I feel better today.

Lie down.

Make sure you push the "fluff" button, okay?

All right already.

Mom!

Mom.

Tsugumi?

Who did you think it was?

Why... are you here?!

I took a bus from Kamishiro.

I got off at the library, took a blue train at East Muroran station, got off again at Hakodate...

then I took a night train to Tokyo.

-Did you... come here alone? -Yup, by myself.

-Without telling anybody? -And then I took a silver train from Shinjuku station...

Mom, the towels will get dirty.

Why did you do such a dangerous thing!

-You shouldn't have traveled that far... -But I did!

I memorized the route a long time ago.

I bought tickets with the money Katsuko gave.

What... what happened here?

This is from the stairs at Hakodate Station, and this is from Shinjuku Station where...

What if you had gotten seriously injured?

-If something had happened to you... -Mom!

Aren't you...

happy to see me?

I really...

wanted to see you.

Tsugumi.

Mom!

I wanted to see you too.

Mrs. Forgetful!

Tsugumi?

It's almost noon, you know.

Why are you still sleeping?

Birdies!

Come here! Come here!

I'll consult Mr. Fujiyoshi.

I wonder how the last train drivers go back home.

Maybe they are living on the train.

Why don't you ask them next time?

Are you all right?

The udon* looks good.

Thick noodle

You're doing a good job there.

Why did she stay in bed for so long?

It's... nothing.

She's sick.

She's not doing too well.

Kono yuzu wa yuzu ri masen. (I will not give away this citron.)

They are rhyming.

Your turn, Mom.

Let's see...

Kono kare wa karee. (This curry is spicy.)

15 points.

Only 15 points?

Your turn, Mrs. Forgetful.

Chiagaaru ga tachia gaaru. (The cheerleader stands up.)

80 points!

Yay!

Ie ni tsuita zo, Ie. (We're home, yay...)

Mom, you're up.

Kono suika wa oisui ka. (Is this watermelon good?)

23 points.

Mrs. Forgetful.

Masukatto wo tabe tara, ma sukatto shita. (I felt better after eating muscat grapes.)

Tarako wo tabe tara hatara kou. (Let's get to work after we eat cod roe.)

Mayuge kara ma yuge ga deta. (Steam came out from the eyebrows.)

Oh.

That one wasn't funny?

Mrs. Forgetful.

You will... get better, right?

You will, right?

Yes.

I will.

Seeing you again...

has made me feel better, see?

Believe me.

I'll get better soon.

Really?

She will?

They've filed for a search request last night.

With Michiki Hitomi still being detained,

the police will come here and the Suzuhara's sooner or later.

Now is the last chance to notify them.

I'll let her stay for the night and accompany her tomorrow to...

Are you sure you can?

Are you sure you won't repeat the same thing over?

I'll call you if things get blown out of proportion.

In any case, you only have a day at most before the police come.

Okay.

Does Ms. Suzuhara know?

-I called her earlier. -Grandma!

Oh, Tsugumi!

I'll go say hi.

Your tummy got bigger.

Yup, it's coming out soon.

Did you grow taller?

I will... take her back tomorrow.

How's Hana?

I heard it was carried out haphazardly.

By setting it on fire, didn't you realize that you were endangering your daughter?

I lost my temper.

No.

You're not the kind of mother who would let your child slip out of your mind.

I forgot since it was a long time ago.

I have a theory.

Though I have no intention to tell you, or anyone else...

I just... want to ask one question.

You had something you wanted to protect.

That's why, you've kept your mouth shut. Am I right?

What lies beneath this incident is...

is a strong bond between mother and daughter, isn't it?

That's just...

men's illusion.

Seeing me off?

It's uncomfortable up there.

Pardon us for being noisy.

It feels like New Year's Day.

-There are only girls here. -Yeah.

Did you just count yourself as a girl?

I did.

-You did too, right? -Yes, I did.

-Girls don't bring anmitsu* as gifts, though. -Yup, too old-fashioned.

Traditional Japanese dessert

Snacks don't ever get old-fashioned, even if it's anmitsu.

I used to eat this when I was dating in high school.

Nao, your mother's sharing her dating experiences now.

I was too embarrassed to spit out the cherry seeds.

Me too, I would just swallow it.

Yeah, that's what puppy love is like.

But the '70s was a long time ago.

What are you talking about, the 70s was pretty recent.

Tsugumi, what year were you born in?

2002!

2002?!

She said 2002!

Do you have a boy you like?

Don't ask her such a question.

I have many.

Look, Nao.

You should see her as an example.

Yeah, yeah.

She is such a beauty, but I never even seen her with a guy.

You never dated?

I wouldn't say I had never.

So you have dated before.

I'm not answering that.

Are you in love right now?

Stop asking me. Leave me alone.

Hey, let's take a picture!

That's a good idea!

Let's gather around Hana.

Let's take a picture. Gather over here.

Kohei, come up here with a camera!

Thank you.

Mom.

Thank you.

Mom.

Thank you for giving birth to us.

Why, all of a sudden...

Nao looked happy.

Seeing her makes me wanna be a mother.

I'm sure you'll make a good mother.

I want three kids.

Three sounds good.

A boy, a girl...

and a big kid.

Are you saying...

I promise I'll find a good job for us.

Mei?

-What's wrong? -Get a taxi.

-Taxi... go find one! -Okay.

You'll be all right. Relax.

How do you feel?

Tsugumi.

Would you like me to cut your hair?

Yup!

Mom, you should get your hair cut too.

Every mother would cut their children's hair back in the day.

I used to cut Nao's hair.

And my mother would cut my hair too.

You had a mother too?

Yes, I did.

Everybody has a mother.

What was she like?

This is your mother.

That's right, she's my mother.

And the cycle continues.

That's right.

All done.

Wonder if I look better in a skirt.

She's becoming a lady, huh.

Yeah.

Mom.

I wonder...

if I can really let her go.

I haven't...

really done anything for her.

We met again.

You and me, you know.

It took us thirty years but we could meet again.

And I'm cutting your hair right now...

like I used to.

I still remember those days like it was just yesterday.

As if...

today is one of those days when I was happy.

I wonder if...

such a day would come for Tsugumi and myself.

Your life with Tsugumi has just begun.

It just started.

You won't know it yet if you have done anything for her.

When she grows up into an adult, you will.

What about you and me?

We'll be together forever.

Mom...

Mom.

You know what...

Yeah?

Yeah?

I just...

remembered your face.

Farmers' market will be held at the shrine tomorrow morning.

There'll be street vendors selling anything from cotton candies to yo-yos.

Shall we go tomorrow morning?

I wonder if I can find Ramune*.

A carbonated soft drink that comes specifically in a glass bottle sealed with a marble.

Ramune? I would think so.

You know, the marble inside Ramune bottle...

Yeah.

How do they put it in the bottle?

Do you know?

I have no idea.

Why don't we ask the Ramune seller tomorrow?

Sure.

Is she asleep?

Yeah.

Then, I'm going to bed too.

Okay.

I will too. After I finish something.

Okay.

Mom,

someday I want to hear the story of when we were on a run.

It will take three days.

Then I will listen for three days.

It's almost done.

Looks like I'll be able to finish it.

Make her a sweater next time.

Good night.

Good night.

I wonder how they do it.

The Ramune bottle's marble.

I wonder how they put it inside.

Mother

Nao...

I know...

you did it for me.

But forget that it happened.

You didn't do anything.

I was the one who did it.

Okay?

Forget about it.

Where are we going?

Let's see...

Where shall we go?

'Morning, mom.

'Morning.

Go wash your face and brush your teeth.

Mrs. Forgetful is still sleeping.

Let her sleep.

-But we're going to the shrine, right? -Then, let's wake her up.

Try poking her cheeks gently.

Okay, I will!

Poke, poke.

Mrs. Forgetful!

Poke, poke. Poke, poke.

Mrs. Forgetful!

Poke, poke. Poke, poke.

Mrs. Forgetful?

Hello, Nao? Sorry to call you this early.

Mei had a baby boy.

But we can't hold him until after the surgery is done. Hello?

I see.

I have to go, but Kaho will be here soon.

Okay.

Is something wrong?

Hana has...

passed away.

Life sure is amazing.

That's how the circle of life continues.

I'm glad I decided to have him.

He'll grow up strong.

I am...

his...

mother.

Mrs. Forgetful

Tsugumi.

Your grandma is coming here soon.

Then we'll pack your things and leave here.

Where are we going?

Muroran.

You're going back to the institution.

I will...

bring you as close as I can.

I have to give the birdies some water.

Mom...

You don't...

like me anymore?

I do.

Are you tired with me?

Of course not.

Then...

why don't you wanna be my mom anymore?

Come here.

Do you remember...

the morning we went to see migrant birds in Muroran?

Remember when I said I would become your mother?

I told you to lie that I'm your mother since it's April Fool's Day.

This time, it's not a lie anymore.

I am your mother.

I'll never quit being your mom.

I'm still your mom even if we're far apart.

I'll be always your mother.

We'll be able to meet again.

Just like I was able to meet my mother,

we'll meet again.

When?

When...

you grow up.

I can't wait that long.

I might not recognize you when I grow up.

We might pass by each other without knowing.

I will recognize you then.

But what if you won't?

I will.

I will look different.

I will be taller too.

I'll still recognize you.

I know I'll recognize you.

I promise that I'll find you.

I will find you.

Mom!

Don't cry.

I can't help it.

You're crying too.

I think it'll look good on you.

I'll take care of the rest.

Let's go say farewell to Mrs. Forgetful.

Mom.

I will go take Tsugumi back.

I will take the birdies.

Mrs. Forgetful.

Take care.

The lady sitting in front us was dozed off, wasn't she?

Yeah, she looked comfortable.

Which way?

That way.

Shall we... walk slow?

Yeah, let's walk slow.

I'll carry it.

Cho-co-la-te*.

Rock, paper, scissors!

Rock=Gu-ri-ko (3 steps) Paper=Pa-i-na-tsu-pu-ru (Pineapple, 6 steps) Scissors=Chi-yo-ko-re-i-to (Chocolate, 6 steps) [Number of steps taken according to the winning gesture.]

Pi-ne-app-le.

You're weak!

I'll win next time!

-Rock, paper... -Rena!

Rena!

Why didn't you come to school yesterday?

Well...

Everybody is worried about you.

Okay...

We'll walk you part of the way home.

Let's go!

Let's go.

Let's go.

Hungry?

We'll be home soon.

I'll give you names when we get there.

Tsugumi.

Shall we stay a little longer...

and talk?

Let's say goodbye with a smile...

not with a sad face.

Mom,

See me off.

See me off.

I will go back alone.

I can go back alone.

You're right.

I'm sure you can.

But...

I'm not sure...

if I'll be able to see you off.

Are you sad?

I'm happy.

You're crying even though you're happy?

Yes, I'm crying even though I'm happy.

Sometimes people cry when they are happy.

I'm sorry.

-I should be stronger... -Then Mom...

let's talk about our favorite things.

We'll be happy if we talk about our favorite things.

That's right.

A swimming pool at night.

The umbrella ghost.

August 31st*.

Last day of Japanese Summer Holidays.

A person sleeping in the train.

The giraffe's...

Giraffe?

The fact that giraffes belong to the cattle family.

Really?

Yeah.

Sharing an umbrella with somebody.

Rain boots sticking out of a shoe rack.

The roaring sounds of a typhoon!

The morning sunshine.

Your eyebrows.

The way you walk.

When you hang the laundry out to dry.

When you do the pee pee dance.

Your voice.

Your handwriting.

Tsugumi.

Mom.

Read this when you turn 20.

Okay.

I'll be...

seeing you off from here.

Okay.

I won't...

look away.

Okay.

Dear Tsugumi.

I'm sure you're using the name Rena by now,

but please let me call you Tsugumi.

I'm writing this letter to you, in twelve years from now.

I'm writing this to you...

hoping you would read it when you've matured into a 20-year-old.

Tsugumi.

Do you remember Mrs. Forgetful?

She was my mother...

whom we encountered along our journey. Her name was Mochizuki Hana.

Had I not decide to become your mother,

I would never have met her again.

Since I became your mother,

I was able to love and be there for her during her last moments.

It felt like it was fated to happen.

Do you know...

how migrant birds reach their destination without losing their way?

They use the constellation as one of their navigation methods.

Centering on the North Star, Ursa Major,

"Holy Mother"

Truth on the Muroran student kidnapping case

Ursa Minor and Cassiopeia.

Birds fly north using the stars as their guide.

They memorize the constellations while they are still young.

The star locations then becomes their guide for as long as they live.

Tomorrow, I will have to say goodbye to you,

and take you to Muroran.

We are not allowed to see each other.

We are not allowed to acknowledge each other as mother and daughter.

But I still believe...

we'll be able to see each other again someday,

and I'll be able to hold your hands.

Just like my mother and I could meet again after thirty years,

as long as the memory of me holding your little hands remains,

it will be our guide,

and bring us together again.

I wonder what you'll be like...

when you become 20 years old.

I wonder what kind of lady you'll become.

You were only 104cm when we met,

but you'll be wearing fashionable clothes.

Your shoe size was only 16.5cm when we met,

but you'll be wearing high heels.

As you walk towards me...

and we pass by each other...

how should I call out to you?

What should I say to you?

What question should I start with?

"Do you recognize me?"

"How tall are you?"

"Are you in love?"

"Do you have a best friend?"

"Do you still like light blue?"

"Do you still avoid shiitake mushrooms?"

"Can you still do the back hip circle?"

"Do you still like cream soda?"

"Would you like to have one with me?"

"How are you, Tsugumi?"

My heart races whenever I think about seeing you when you're 20 years old...

and it puts a big smile on my face.

I'll be looking forward to the future with you.

I'm glad to have met you.

I'm glad to have become your mother.

The days I've spent with you...

The days I've spent as your mother...

Those days mean everything to me.

And waiting for the day I would meet you again...

is like waiting to open my treasure box.

I love you.

From your mother.

P.S.

Cream soda is...

a drink.

Screenwriter Sakamoto Yuji

Suzuhara Nao Matsuyuki Yasuko

Fujiyoshi Shunsuke Yamamoto Koji

Suzuhara Mei Sakai Wakana

Suzuhara Kaho Kurashina Kana

Michiki Rena / Suzuhara Tsugumi Ashida Mana

Michiki Hitomi Ono Machiko

Kimata Kohei Kawamura Yosuke

Uragami Masato Ayano Go

Yuzukawa Tamami Ichikawa Miwako

Customer Takahashi Masaya

Suzuhara Toko Takahata Atsuko

Mochizuki Hana Tanaka Yuko

Music REMEDIOS

Theme song 「Nakigao Smile」 hinaco

Chief producer Tanaka Yoshiki

Producers Tsugiya Hisashi, Chiba Yukitoshi

Director Mizuta Nobuo