Original subtitles

From the novel 'Anoko wa Kizoku' by Mariko Yamauchi (Shueisha)

Mugi Kadowaki

Kiko Mizuhara

Shizuka Ishibashi Rio Yamashita

Kengo Kora

Written & Directed by Yukiko Sode

New Year's Day, 2016

From Kazuko

We're all here. Where are you?

Everyone's gone home for the holidays. There's hardly anyone in Tokyo.

I'm from a small town myself, as it happens.

You're from Tokyo, aren't you.

New Year's dinner at a hotel, huh? I'm jealous.

I bring lots of people here, but I've never been inside.

I came through the lobby.

People now don't dress up much for New Year's, do they.

You see some furs, but otherwise it's like in Uniqlo.

Do you shop there?

No.

Yes.

You used to wear a fur coat, Mother.

I don't any more.

Mayuko...

you can have it.

No, thanks.

No one dares wear furs now.

That's right.

In foreign countries, people throw paint on you.

Celebrities wearing them in Japan get into trouble, too.

They do? How barbaric!

Give it to Hanako, Grandma.

More hand-me-downs for Hanako.

Where is she, anyway?

I've texted her.

Here we are.

Wakasa tilefish!

Steamed this way. That's new.

Yes!

Excuse me.

The young lady is here.

I'm sorry I'm late.

Finally!

You sit by Grandma.

You're very late.

Where's your fiancé?

Um...

We broke up today.

Not just a lover's spat?

We talked, but he said he couldn't marry me.

Why?

What did he say?

The timing was bad, I could find someone better...

And you agreed?

That's not for you to say.

But she's...

You'll just have to find someone else.

What choice is there?

Well, there's not much we can do about it now.

He was a bit flamboyant for my taste, anyway.

It wouldn't have gone well.

I think...

this might be for the best.

Hanako, would you reconsider that plastic surgeon?

Hey, wait!

We were going to find Hanako someone other than a doctor.

Things are different now.

Kazuko's married.

And you're a dermatologist.

And divorced.

'Cosmetic dermatologist'.

Hanako...

a former student of Dr Fujisawa has just come back from America.

Right?

He's single, and Dr Fujisawa suggested he meet Hanako.

That sounds wonderful!

He could take over my clinic and bring in rehabilitation patients.

Um...

shouldn't we find out what Hanako thinks about this?

Even if he's a good man.

He won't be.

Mayuko!

He's a doctor, and he still needs to make an arranged marriage?

What kind of man do you want?

Just a normal one.

Every girl who can't get married wants a 'normal' guy.

They're hard to find.

May I?

We don't need an heir for our clinic.

But you're 27 now.

Can you wait until someone new proposes to you?

Will you still be young enough for children?

It has to be someone good for our family.

Unlike me.

You keep quiet.

Hanako, will you think about it?

You're OK with that?

Yes.

Then it's settled!

Let's eat.

Yes.

So what happened?

She'll have a marriage meeting.

Is that still a thing?

Everybody does it!

Real life isn't like the movies.

Hold that pose. Here goes.

Thank you.

Now I'll take the young lady.

You all look so nice!

Sit here, please.

If Hanako's married next year...

we might not be able to get together for photographs like this.

That's right.

I'll miss it.

Marriage within the next year might mean she had to.

Stop it!

Here goes.

I'll take one more.

And one more.

Here goes.

ARISTOCRATS

Chapter 1: Tokyo

(In particular, one class of people)

Hakamada, Daichi.'

Don't!

Why not?

Here he is.

He's in Hawaii.

'Hashtag power charge'?

Eww!

Why did he break up on that day?

If he meets the parents, it's too late.

Why propose in the first place?

I put a lot of pressure on him.

Maybe I shouldn't have quit my job.

You quit to make him propose?

Not exactly.

Anyway...

my father's arranging for me to meet a doctor.

That's next month.

That's fast.

That's best.

Here's Ayako.

She came!

Sorry I'm late.

Happy New Year.

Hi, Itsuko.

Been a while.

Hubby's baby-sitting?

For the afternoon. What about you?

My husband's there.

When do you go back to Germany?

End of the month.

After a meeting about a concert here this summer.

Great!

That's cool.

I told Mom Itsuko was a violinist. She wants to hear you.

That's nice to hear.

Could you play at my wedding?

Sure.

Yeah?

Thanks!

What'll I play?

I'll be nervous.

Why?

You'll be her fault.

Your career seems to be going well.

Not really.

To play there, I need to work here.

You don't need to rush.

It's like a whole invasion of people getting married.

What's the hurry? You're still in your 20s.

But that's how we were raised.

I guess so.

Of all our primary school friends, we're the last ones still single.

Can I set you up?

No.

I'm doing an arranged marriage. I can't say no now.

It's not that easy.

Ayako and the others took years to find the right guy.

There's not much chance you'll find him just meeting someone once.

I'd like to introduce...

my student, Mr Watanabe. And this is...

Hanako, the third daughter of my old friend Dr Haibara.

I hope today you'll both relax and enjoy yourselves.

I'm delighted that we're all here today.

Well?

Nice.

Um...

Do you like photography?

I told you!

You want a high earner who's fooled around and wants to settle down.

He won't have weird fantasies.

Good evening.

A reservation under the name 'Kamei'?

Yes. Right over there.

How do you know him?

I drink with him.

He's bright, very talented.

You're going abroad again?

That's rough.

No, I want to go.

More than the work, I have more time there for golf.

Golf?

Maybe I should set up a clinic there.

You play golf?

I just started.

To find rich old men.

Invite me along.

Sure. One of these days.

Thank you.

Sorry.

Hello?

So what do you do for a living?

I, uh, 'help out at home.'

Help out at home?

What does that involve?

I take classes, and I go to concerts.

Mainly classical, but I've been here several times.

You listen to jazz?

Yes.

Because your ex-boyfriend did?

No, I've studied piano since I was a girl.

Most women like jazz because of a man.

And at home all they have are weird J-Pop CDs.

He'd be better for you, wouldn't he?

A guy like that would never choose me.

Why a playboy? Don't you know anyone normal?

It's you who said that's hard to find.

Yes, but it's not good to aim too high.

Is the guy dependable? Will he do the everyday things?

He doesn't have to save the world. He has to take out the garbage...

and change diapers.

Do you make Shin take out the garbage?

Of course!

So how did last week's marriage meeting go?

Excuse me.

It's all right.

Just leave it.

Then you find someone.

I'm home.

Hi.

Can I have some?

OK.

Want one?

I don't like those.

If she turns down that doctor, she's going to be too old.

That's right.

If she does too many, people will talk.

It's all right.

There's someone right for you. You just haven't met him yet.

Or maybe there isn't.

Maybe 'the right guy' is aiming too high.

Hello. Did you get the bean paste?

They only had it with shiso leaf.

I prefer the ones without.

They sold out of those this morning.

Is that my fault?

It's not, is it.

Bring the tea.

I know people who've found someone...

with an app called 'Marries'.

Like a dating site?

More serious.

No one who needs a place goes looking for a 'room for rent' signs.

A real-estate agent's more efficient.

These are agents who match you up with love and marriage.

But while you're judging him, he's judging you. You get tired of that.

You'll be with this person every day.

So more than income, surely you want someone who's easy to be with.

That's right!

Shall I...

introduce someone?

Hello? It's Haibara. I'm out front.

I'll come out.

Ms Haibara?

Over here.

Here we are.

You're late. Did you jog here?

Ms Haibara?

Yes.

You're gorgeous!

Sit down, sit down.

Amazing! You always know someone.

I do good work.

Another draft, please!

You're beautiful!

I'll take that.

I'm not done.

I'll eat it. It looks great.

Then eat.

What'll you have? A draft?

A girl this cute doesn't drink draft.

Latte, right?

What?

Latte?

Fresh juice?

A smoothie?

I drink those.

Who cares?

Every morning.

Go for a run.

I hate running.

Banana juice?

Banana juice?

Let her choose!

Excuse me...

Could I have a hand towel?

Certainly.

That was your fault.

Why was it mine?

You left the top loose.

It was loose already!

It's all right.

I'll go to the washroom.

It's in the back.

That was your fault.

Why?!

Excuse me!

To Shoto.

Haibara

Hanako?

What is it?

Aren't you ready yet?

What do you mean?

Are you going like that?

Shouldn't I?

He's someone I know. There's no need to dress up.

Right?

I'll look too eager.

Like you're not used to this.

You don't want to seem used to it.

Would you please stop that kicking!

The taxi's here.

Get ready.

You've got a loose thread.

Wait a second.

I'm fine, thanks.

In front?

I'm fine. I'll see you.

Comb your hair, all right?

Sorry.

Thank you.

Let's go.

Shall we take a taxi?

Good evening.

A reservation in the name of 'Aoki'?

He's here.

I'll take that.

This way, please.

Mind the steps.

Right here.

Ms Haibara?

Hanako Haibara. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Not at all. I'm Koichiro Aoki.

Put your purse here.

Will you begin with drinks?

Do you drink?

A little.

Then I'll have a beer.

The same.

Certainly.

Awkward, isn't it.

Did Mr Okanoue tell you anything about me?

You're a legal advisor?

Yes.

I just became one last year, so we haven't known each other long.

Mr Okanoue is your elder sister's husband?

Yes.

She's 10 years older than me...

so I've known him since I was in primary school.

So he's like a real elder brother to you.

Excuse me.

I had a late lunch. All I need is something light.

Is that all right with you?

Yes, I'm starving!

Then let's get something to fill you up.

Your hair's wet.

I'm a rain man. It always rains on my big days.

Thank you.

When she opens her eyes, she's back in Kansas.

That's not how I remember it.

No? I love that movie. I watch it every year.

Then I'll have to watch it again.

Do that.

Um..

will I see you again?

Will you meet me again?

Of course.

Whereabouts in Shoto?

Does this really happen?

I'd think so.

From downtown, a lawyer, Keio grad, post-grad at Tokyo.

And good-looking, damn him.

Where does he take you?

The usual. Movies, dinner...

Usually at places his family's gone to for years.

We're going up to their cottage.

A long way from those blind dates.

His sister studied violin. Maybe you know her.

Would he be Reiko Aoki's younger brother?

If so, that's quite the family.

Called “the maritime king", the first Aoki was a shipping magnate...

'in the 19th century.'

There's a lot about them here.

They're way above our class.

They are?

There was a guy like that in our year. Really rich.

They've been politicians, too.

Koichiro might even become one.

Really?

Politicians' families often name their kids 'first son' and 'second son', right?

Koichiro' has 'first son' in it.

Thanks.

No problem.

But it's great.

I always thought you'd need a guy from Tokyo.

Why?

How can I put it?

Shoto's a part of Tokyo where it's hard for outsiders to move into.

People who come to Tokyo to make it are different from us.

I never thought about it.

Tokyo's compartmentalized.

You only meet people from your class.

What amazing photographs.

This was my grandmother.

That's the old company building.

What sort of business was it?

Distribution, I guess. They rent out warehouses.

A relative runs it now. My father helps out a bit.

Your father?

You look just like him.

I wish I didn't.

These are my uncle's daughters.

All my cousins are girls, so the cottage is boring.

I'm pouting in all the pictures.

My family always spends the summer at Karuizawa, too.

My sisters are older, so I always felt left out.

I always felt depressed up here.

So...

the night we met?

That night...

came meaning to meet someone I could marry.

What about you?

I had much the same idea.

Then will you marry me?

No?

This was my mother's engagement ring.

It's a bit big.

We'll get it fitted.

Did you take my charger with you?

Tokioka, Miki

Chapter 2: The Outside

(A girl from a small town)

New Year's Day 2017

Uozu. Thank you for riding with us.

Thank you.

Miki!

Happy New Year.

Another new car?

Bought it from a friend.

Did you pay Mom back?

Ages ago.

The town's still dead.

When do you go back?

In two days.

Shall we stop at Apita? A girl I sleep with works there.

What?! No thanks!

I'm home.

I'll take this upstairs.

I'm back.

Hi, Miki.

Where's Dad?

Playing pachinko?

Keio University

2003 Entrance Ceremony

Get in the picture!

Come on.

Move to your left.

Miki!

Smile, will you?

Sorry.

Say 'cheese'?

Did you see that huge silver ball in the station?

That's the 'Gintama'.

And the area outside is 'Hiyo-ura'.

How do you know all this?

That's nothing compared to our entrance exam.

That's the in-crowd.

'In-crowd’?

From the Keio school system.

They started in kindergarten. Their dads are politicians...

or they're really rich.

So what do they call us?

The 'out-crowd'.

Come on.

So what's your major?

Mama says take French.

That won't help you get a job.

You're right.

Why English Literature, Miki?

I thought I might like to work abroad someday.

Oh?

Rie?

My dad runs a company.

He insists I take Econom...

Excuse me.

The afternoon tea set.

It's been a while.

Here?

Last time was the Mandarin.

Did they have Ceylon tea before?

It's seasonal.

Miki...

Don't look so shocked.

They're aristocrats.

I had some in Hong Kong.

It smelled wonderful.

Like vanilla.

Very sweet.

You can find it Japan, too.

Hey...

did you take notes today?

Can I borrow them?

To copy them.

Thanks. I'll give them back next class.

You're home?

Yeah. This is for you.

Sorry. I fell asleep.

That's fine. You must be tired. Everything's ready.

Mom, have you seen my car-keys?

Did you look in your jacket pocket?

Are you going out?

New Year's at home is boring.

All the best for the New Year.

These taros are good.

They're from Sanae.

Do you want to take some back?

No, thanks.

We've got lots. They don't take long to cook.

No, thanks. I don't cook.

You're a woman. You should cook.

What about Dad? Can't he find a job?

He goes to the Unemployment Office, but he can't find anything.

We might have to ask you to start thinking about this.

You mean quit school?

Not right away.

Do you realize how hard I had to study to get in here?

I'm not leaving because Dad won't find a job!

Stop thinking only of yourself.

We're just managing to make ends meet!

Yeah, but still...

Forget it. I'll support myself.

The other night...

we were at the same table.

The guy keeps messaging me.

He says you can understand people by their fingernails.

That can't be true.

Why you are all dressed up?

High-school reunion.

Do you have a ride?

Daisuke's driving me there. I'll get a taxi back.

Get your mom to pick you up. The taxis will be busy with New Year's.

Happy New Year!

Was everything OK?

Yes, it was fine.

Like a drink?

Sure.

Be right back.

Miki?

It's been years.

Sorry I lost touch.

No problem at all.

You're working there? That's a big company!

For around here.

I thought you'd work for your dad.

My brother's taking it over. He doesn't need a smart girl there.

Yeah.

I don't care. I'll start my own business.

When I'm in Tokyo I make connections.

Good for you.

I'd change careers, but there's nothing.

So I'll do it on my own.

Marriage has passed me by.

Same with me.

I wasn't getting married, so my dad gave me ¥10,000 to buy a swimsuit...

to go to the beach and catch some guy!

He's crazy!

No way!

Can you believe his one regret in life is that his daughter isn't married?

I'm more worried about surviving.

How did you get your job?

I quit school and worked as a hostess.

I stayed there and moved up in the rankings.

When I was 25, a customer got me in with the company.

You had it rough.

Part-time work won't pay tuition.

It's starting to look like school.

That fool runs his granddad's construction firm.

The sticks are a dark world.

Having fun?

You've changed, Ms Tokioka.

You were the student-council type. Now you're pure Tokyo.

I've got a room in this hotel.

It'd be cheaper than a taxi home.

Well?

It's an invitation.

Aren't you married, Ishii?

Yes, I am. Two kids.

I'm honest. That's unusual.

No. There's a lot like you.

Excuse me.

Aoki, Koichiro: Party next week?

Sure.

Happy New Year.

Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter

What a great house!

That was my great-grandfather's.

My uncle and aunt live over there, and my parents beside them.

Grandpa, I've brought my fiancée.

I'm Hanako Haibara.

Thank you for inviting me.

Come in.

Sit there.

My father, my mother...

and my aunt.

You'll meet my uncle next time.

Have you always lived at your parents' home?

Yes. Our home is in Shoto.

Your father is a general practitioner?

Who will take over his practice?

No one as yet.

He'll probably bring in another doctor, and just manage the clinic himself.

I see.

Have you studied abroad?

In high school I studied in Canada for a short time.

Do you speak English?

A little.

Only that?

Then you'll have to study more.

Enough interrogation.

Oh, dear! We were just talking.

Weren't we?

Ask my aunt if you have any questions. She knows everything about the family.

All our children have been girls.

My husband took Koichiro everywhere with him.

As a Diet Member he's very busy, but he's always had time for Koichiro.

Has Koichiro told you that?

No. We haven't talked about anything like that yet.

Oh?

Well, he will.

Miss...

I've taken the liberty of looking into your background.

Yes?

And I am very pleased that Koichiro has chosen you...

to be his wife.

Koichiro...

I have no objection to your proceeding in this.

I hope that you will do well by him.

Task for your continued favor.

Um...

how exactly did he look into my background?

A detective, probably.

He had me investigated?

It's normal. We have politicians in the family.

Are those good?

Yes, they are.

You were performing just now, weren't you.

Yes. I'm Itsuko Sagara.

Miki Tokioka.

My job is organizing parties. Perhaps you could play at one?

I'd love to.

Here's my card.

Can I have one of your cards?

Please.

Allow me.

Your playing...

was wonderful.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Here you are.

Thank you.

Is this your fiancé?

Aoki, Ichiro Tokioka, Miki

Your party has arrived.

Hello. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Not at all.

Coffee, please.

I get lost in this part of town.

I'm sorry to drag you here.

It's nice to get out of the office.

And I like places like this.

You said someone else is coming?

I'm afraid this isn't going to be a pleasant conversation.

Did you know that Koichiro Aoki was engaged to be married?

Then he screamed, 'Agh!'

And then he said, 'My son's at Keio.'

I wasn't!

You were!

We're boring.

It's fascinating.

Drink.

The same.

Didn't I lend you some notes once?

Having failed to win the 2016 Olympics, Tokyo will now bid for the 2020 Games.

Are you sure I never gave them back?

You've asked that seven times.

What a thing to do!

Yeah. You're a jerk.

But I dropped out.

I guess if they helped someone pass a course...

You sound like you don't care.

Well, doing what I do now wasn't my idea.

Same with me.

What? It's not the same at all.

Yes, it is.

Don't lump me in with you.

Ow!

I've never seen a woman cutting her nails.

Doesn't your mother?

I'm sure she does, but not where I can see it.

A weird family.

It always rains when we go somewhere, doesn't it.

You're right.

I'm unlucky that way, so I never tell anyone.

But rain always relaxes me somehow.

Where I grew up, it's always raining.

That's why you called me here?

What's the big idea?

Don't get me wrong.

I don't want to set you at each other or blame you somehow.

Before Hanako met Koichiro...

she was driving herself crazy with blind dates and marriage meetings.

Then she met Koichiro, and the marriage was decided very quickly.

But there's a lot of guys like that, isn't there... 'problematic'.

I guess so.

I shouldn't say this...

but my father has played around. He's got women and children all over.

But for reasons of face, and money, my mother doesn't leave him.

I want to be independent, economically and spiritually...

so if I get married I can still leave whenever I want.

That would be nice.

Right?

How long have you been involved with Koichiro?

We met up again ten years ago.

Ten?

But we weren't 'involved.

I had boyfriends...

and he viewed me as a certain type of woman.

What type?

One who comes when you call?

I was only at that party as a kind of hostess.

To smile and nod and make things circulate.

Women are seen as 'circulators'.

So you don't blame me.

That's not for me to say.

And Japanese values let society stereotype women.

Older and single women are laughed at, young mothers are called back-biting...

Society is against women uniting.

I hate that.

There's no need to beat women down, or attack their self-confidence.

That's true.

She's here.

Hello.

How do you do.

I'll bring another spoon.

Earl Grey tea.

This is Hanako Haibara, Koichiro Aoki's fiancée.

This is Miki Tokioka, who was with Koichiro at the party.

This is from my mother.

What is it?

A 'Festival Dolls' ticket.

My mother suggested see the exhibit while I was here.

But if you'd like to...

Festival Dolls?

The Mitsui Family dolls go on show for Girls' Day every spring.

I've gone with my mother, too, but I'm not very interested.

You and your mother go to art shows?

Yes.

We do.

I don't go out with my mother.

We stopped putting out dolls after primary school.

Really?

My mother and grandmother still put them out.

I have two sisters. My mother puts three sets out every year.

You each have your own dolls?

Yes.

Wow!

We don't even do New Year's or the Festival of the Dead.

Not even Christmas?

We got presents when we were kids, but we've never put up a tree.

That's incredible.

Oh?

Excuse me.

Would you like more coffee?

I'm fine, thanks.

So...

you're engaged to Koichiro.

Yes.

We're not a 'couple', and we won't be meeting in secret, so don't worry.

I'm sorry.

Not at all.

Is there anything you want to ask?

Um...

what's Koichiro really like?

That's a strange question.

I've only known him six months.

I just wondered how you see him.

Hmm...

He's not that bad a guy.

Sorry?

I don't know him that well.

I've never met his family or friends.

He doesn't know where I'm from.

Let's stop seeing each other.

Hungry?

Is something wrong?

Not that concerns you.

That can't be true.

Yes, it can

A goodbye present. A souvenir of where I'm from.

'Goodbye'?

It's a sad time.

For ten years...

you've been my best friend.

There.

You didn't know where I'm from.

Mint?

There's three.

Can I borrow something to sleep in?

Sure.

Is it hard to start a business?

Without connections, yes.

I was only here for four years of school.

l'd introduce you, but I just shut down my biggest pipeline.

That's OK.

You were brave to do that.

Maybe.

I understand.

got involved with a married guy when I was looking for work.

You did?

When I think of him now, there wasn't much to him.

At that age an older guy can play you for a sucker.

I guess so.

Country girls come here and get exploited.

It's like Tokyo feeds on us.

I'll take the subway and wait for you.

Want to two-bum?

Sure.

I haven't heard 'two-bum' for 'riding double' in years.

That's so old!

It's easy when you're behind.

Chapter 4: Marriage

This way, please.

We will now take the photographs.

All right?

The young gentleman...

Thank you.

I will now take the photograph.

Here goes.

Thank you.

I'm not pregnant.

There's no rush.

But your grandfather is hoping.

He wouldn't even know now.

I've got friends coming over later. Do you mind?

It's a baby shower for Hisako.

Say hello to everyone.

So Hanako, are you next?

We're enjoying life as a couple for a while.

That just leaves Itsuko, doesn't it.

Any sign from her?

I think she has a boyfriend in Germany.

Maybe she doesn't care.

But can she make a living?

No. That's why she came back.

She can't live forever on that.

Would a husband let her stay home?

My husband was after me to work right up until I got pregnant.

He didn't want people thinking you're spoiled.

But forget a career.

Right. My job can't interfere with my housekeeping.

Dad...

Hey, what's the matter?

You're crying!

Mom...

They're exposing themselves!

You're right. Someone should file a charge.

And my stupid brother loves it.

A candy key-chain!

You're good with kids.

A single woman can't afford to look like she hates kids.

If we're not going to have kids, we should get our pubic hair removed.

What?!

When we get old and we're in care, it won't hurt when they wash there.

Let's use our own money for a beautiful old age.

Old age already?

Yes!

Our old age starts with hair removal.

If you like.

Like two high-school girls dying their hair in summer vacation.

Right.

The adult version.

I see.

Anyway, to the subject at hand...

How'd you like to work with me?

I've gotten everything ready myself.

But there's lots we could do with the knowhow you have.

I can't guarantee...

Sure.

What? You're kidding!

Seriously? Why?

I was hoping you'd ask.

You were?

Great!

Feel like a drink?

Do they have beer?

I doubt it.

Hello?

Do you have beer?

Yes.

Two, please.

Don't shout!

Kotaro Aoki Funeral

Thank you for coming.

How dare she come here!

That woman is Cousin Yasunobu's former wife.

She walked out on a small child.

She left the child?

This family wouldn't have let her take the child with her.

I'm sure she wasn't happy about it...

but anyone would understand.

The nerve!

Her upbringing was different from ours.

It should be an equal split.

Why does Yasunobu get 20 percent?

That's right.

You're the one who took care of him.

What can we do? That's what he wanted.

If you'd agreed to succeed him...

Yasunobu wouldn't have taken over the company.

Can we have the will ruled invalid?

We could file suit, but I don't think we'd win.

Unless we could prove he was senile when he wrote it.

How do you prove that?

That's not my field. I'll ask around.

What happens to the estate if it ends up in court?

You've made some preparations, haven't you?

But you'll need an election fund.

We'll need even more if Koichiro runs.

How dare Yasunobu take it all for himself!

Run for what?

It won't happen right away. First I'll be my uncle's secretary.

Meaning what?

We'll talk.

Chapter 5: The Wandering

When are you coming back to Japan?

Mother-in-law

About the fertility clinic.

I'll make an appointment. How is next week?

Hello.

Thank you for coming.

The timing was perfect.

You found it OK?

With a map.

Excuse me.

Darjeeling tea, with milk.

Certainly.

So what's up?

Nothing important. I thought I might try working.

Is there anything you can think of I could do?

Does Koichiro know?

He's never home. And when he is, he falls asleep.

He works for a politician.

And his mother keeps saying 'no grandchild yet?'

Well, I'm sure you're expected to produce an heir.

Koichiro's been destined for politics since the day he was born.

What?

The same with your baby, if it's a boy.

About work...

you should discuss that with Koichiro, see what his family thinks.

Grandfather's nephew's ex-wife came to the wake.

She did?

That's what Mother said.

Everyone kept away from her, but I thought she was quite elegant.

She had to leave her child when she divorced.

With that family, yes.

Really?

Of course.

This world revolves around those people.

What a fool. All she had to do was wait till her mother-in-law died.

Just close your eyes to some things, and get along.

Welcome home.

Earth.

It smells good.

I thought I'd try to grow something. I've never done it before.

It's a good time of year for tomatoes.

Buying them's faster.

I guess so.

But I want to.

Tell me if there's something I can do.

Marrying me was enough.

But I want you to tell me.

Anything.

Things that trouble you...

Dreams for the future...

Do you have dreams, Hanako?

I just want my family to carry on.

I wouldn't call that a dream. That's just how I was brought up.

The same reason you married me.

Let's go in.

Here's fine.

I'll do some shopping.

Make sure you keep yourself warm.

Miki!

Slippers...

There.

Come in.

Thank you.

Here.

Thank you.

The mug?

We all got one in high school. Silly, but I'm used to it.

I never really liked it, but it never breaks.

Do you have things like that?

Ah...

Not really?

Um...

could I look around?

Go ahead.

Pretty shabby, huh?

No.

It looks very lived-in.

That's easy when it's small.

I don't mean that.

This is all yours.

Oh, that.

I'm quitting my job and going into business with a friend.

We'll work with local companies on PR and branding.

Things like new souvenir lines, and events.

That sounds great.

If it works out.

Want one?

Thank you.

I was born in Tokyo, but I've never seen this skyline before.

People live where they belong.

Where I'm from is full of people just following their parents' path.

Your city's like my small town.

I don't know your story.

But wherever you're from...

you have great days, and days that make you cry.

But on those days, you'll be OK if you have someone to talk to.

A husband, or a friend.

Those people are rare.

You're home.

You're home.

I'm tired.

But I had fun.

Were your eyelashes always that long?

Did you see that movie we talked about?

When?

The night we met.

No.

I didn't think you would.

Hey! Tomoko, stop that.

Come on.

Sit down.

We won't fight the divorce...

or take anything to court.

Please leave now.

Say 'cheese'.

How's that?

Good. Thank you.

I'll take one of you, too.

No!

Just let me.

Miki!

Smile, will you?

OK.

Say 'cheese'.

That looks OK.

Twenty more minutes.

They've made changes.

Is this person coming?

Yes, but that one cancelled.

OK.

Isn't that where we had tea once with those in-crowd girls?

Yes!

Let's have tea' for ¥5,000! What a rip-off!

But it's fun for a country girl to go somewhere so obviously Tokyo.

For an outsider, it fits the image of what Tokyo really is.

The vision of Tokyo we all aspire to.

One year later

The Little Parent-child Music Festival

Let us play!

Sure.

Here.

Can I borrow this?

Sure.

Thanks!

This is fun!

Careful!

Help!

You're heavy!

Hanako!

What brings you here?

This is my district.

Oh, that's right.

Are you well?

I'm Itsuko's manager now.

Manager? You?

Sir? It's time.

Can I see you after?

Sure.

I'd like to thank you all for participating in this...

5th annual 'Little Music Festival' for parents and children.

This festival is made possible by the warm support...

of the citizens of this community.

And now let's bring on our performers.

Please welcome The Twilight Quartet.

Hanako Mugi Kadowaki

Miki Kiko Mizuhara

Koichiro Kengo Kora

Itsuko Shizuka Ishibashi

Rie Rio Yamashita

Written & Directed by Yukiko Sode

Subtitles lan MacDougall