Original subtitles

Downloaded from YTS.MX

A Shochiku Film

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

If winter comes, spring cannot be far behind…

A late spring has finally come here in the north…

Many young people about to leave home for the big city…

Are seen at this country station…

Take care of yourself.

You too, Mom.

Don't work too hard.

A gift from your teacher.

Were you hired as a group?

What kind of work are you going to do?

A toy factory in Tokyo.

You must be worried.

Tokyo?

I haven't gone home for a while.

"Send a dear child on a journey, " they say…

But they are too young to experience hardships…

It is fresh of a drifter like me but this is what I said:

"Don 't hate your folks…

"They didn 't choose to be poor… "

If you get terribly homesick when you're in Tokyo...

There's Toraya, an old sweets shop in Shibamata, Katsushika.

Go straight there.

My uncle, aunty and my only sister live there.

They're all kind and gentle.

They'll treat you like family.

If my sister asks about Torajiro...

That's me.

Tell her even if Torajiro Kuruma is far away...

His heart is with you in Shibamata.

Good luck. Work hard.

Good luck!

Do good work!

Oh, no! That's my train!

Hey, wait!

Tora-san, the Good Samaritan

I was born and raised in Shibamata, Katsushika…

Kuruma is my family name… And my given name is Torajiro…

Kuruma is my family name… Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora And my given name is Torajiro…

Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora

But people call me Tora, Kiyoshi Atsumi as Tora the street peddler…

But people call me Tora, the street peddler…

But people call me Tora, Chieko Baisho as Sakura the street peddler…

Chieko Baisho as Sakura

Rumi Sakakibara as Hanako

Sachiko Mitsumoto as Fuyuko

Chocho Miyako as Tora's Mother

Kunie Tanaka as Teacher Fukushi

Hiroshi Inuzuka as the policeman

Kosan Yanagiya as the noodle shop owner

Gin Maeda as Hiroshi

Chieko Misaki as Aunty

Hisao Dazai as Umetaro

Gajiro Sato as Genko

Shin Morikawa as Uncle

Chishu Ryu as the High Priest

Producer: Tsuguo Saito

Planned by Yukio Takashima Shun'ichi Kobayashi

Written by Yoji Yamada Yoshitaka Asama

Cinematography: Tetsuo Takaba

Art Direction: Kiminobu Sato

Music: Naozumi Yamamoto

Sound Recording: Hiroshi Nakamura

Sound Mixing: Sachio Obi

Lighting: Yoshio Uchida

Editing: Iwao Ishii

Original Story and Directed by Yoji Yamada

Thank you. Come for me at five.

Hello.

Welcome.

Such a long time. You must be Ryuzo's wife.

It's me, Okiku.

Tora's mother!

Why, Okiku!

Okiku!

Ryuzo.

My, my! It's really you.

We've all grown old.

You look so young.

It's just the dress.

You're fine?

Yes, thank you.

I returned and looked around.

I realized how I miss Shibamata.

But didn't Tora's mother die a long time ago?

No. That was Sakura's mother.

Her father played around.

And had a son by Okiku. She was a geisha then.

It's Tora.

I heard she's living in Kansai.

Okiku came back?

The truth is...

Tora wrote to me a year ago.

Getting married, so he asked me to come.

I see.

He's no good, yet he tried to make me happy.

I wanted to write, but he didn't give me his address.

I thought you'd know.

I was very busy then.

My inn's not very decent.

Tax and health offices, the police, even gangsters...

They pester me.

I'm at my wit's end.

Hard to run a business now, isn't it?

What is Tora's wife like? Here?

No, you see...

Hello.

You came?

A guest?

Welcome.

You're Tora's wife?

Then he's my grandson?

My grandson? Come to your grandma.

My grandchild!

No, Okiku...

Listen...

She's not Tora's wife.

She's Tora's mother.

She's his sister.

Tora's sister? I'm sorry.

It's all right.

I'm Sakura, his sister.

I'm Okiku, Tora's mother.

Rather funny, isn't it?

Come to think about it, we're not related at all.

Funny, isn't it?

I thought it funny, too. You're too pretty to marry him.

I'm such a scatterbrain.

I'm very sorry.

And where's Tora's wife?

My brother's wife?

He wrote to her that he was getting married.

When?

A year ago.

Setsuko of Urayasu?

Maybe so.

That was last summer.

A year ago. It's Miss Akiko.

I see.

Natsuko, too, a year ago.

No, she was before that.

The priest's daughter...?

More than a year ago.

Yes, more than a year ago.

There were so many.

So many? What about now?

So you see, he's still single.

Is that right?

So I'm back.

Thank you.

I'll have him phone if he comes back.

I'm in Room 615 at the Imperial Hotel.

Remember, the Imperial Hotel.

Does it cost 5,000 yen a day there?

Isn't it about 10,000 yen?

Expensive.

She must be rich. Coming in a big car.

I doubt if she can really afford it.

She had to show us she's well-off now.

I feel sorry for her.

You could be right.

Poor mother and son.

What's my brother doing now?

Let's welcome him warmly.

We always do.

We hurt his feelings last time.

Something always happens to cause trouble.

What'll we do?

It's simple. Just smile and welcome him home.

Simple? But things always go wrong.

That's right.

I wonder why, when it's so simple.

Where are you going?

I'll practice.

Suppose I'm Tora.

I come with a cheap gift.

Don't be foolish.

It's all right.

A gift. Then?

I'll start now.

Looking stupid as usual...

He says, "Hi! Uncle, Aunty, you okay?"

You two stand up.

"Why, Tora! Glad you're back."

Slap him on the shoulder.

And Tora, the fool, will be overjoyed.

It's that simple. Why can't we do it...?

What?

Don't scare me.

I'm sorry. You're back?

What "fool" would be overjoyed?

No, no. You've got it all wrong.

I said not to.

Listen...

Never mind. I know.

When I'm away, I know you badmouth me.

I'm a fool all right, so I come back worrying about you.

That's not it.

I didn't know you were like them.

Even if everybody in Japan betrayed me.

I expected my only sister wouldn't...

Never mind. I won't gripe. I'll never come back again.

Wait. Your mother's here.

My mother?

Yes. She wants to see you.

At the Imperial Hotel. Phone her.

I don't have a mother.

But she is! What're you saying?

Stop joking.

Maybe that old bag did have me.

But how can she be my mother, when she deserted me?

My mother is... you, Aunty.

My dad is... you, Uncle.

Yet you'd do these cruel things to me.

Don't take us wrong.

Never mind. I'm never coming back.

Where're you going?

The swallow that always returns in summer...

If something happens it may never come back.

So long.

Tora!

Call me?

Miss!

It's been ages, Tora.

You're looking well.

Thanks.

You saw your mother? Isn't that nice?

Yes... Well... How did it go, Sakura?

He missed seeing her, but she's still in Tokyo.

That's it.

I see. You miss her?

Yes, very much.

I found a taxi.

I see. I'm in a hurry, so... goodbye.

Thank you. The best of luck.

She seems very well and has a baby now, hasn't she?

Yes.

Right, Aunty?

Right.

Right, Sakura?

Isn't it nice, Gen?

Don't stand in the doorway of a shop.

Keep him away.

Here, Sakura. Open this and let's have some tea.

Make it darker.

Buns and milk.

Fill up and then work a little longer.

I'm sorry it's Saturday.

Laborers. Doing overtime work again? Too bad.

Never mind.

Fooled by lousy food and made to work like slaves.

Pathetic.

Don't. There's not enough.

Stop it. The men are working hard.

Your wife's awful.

What?

Siding with the old couple and griping.

She made me mad, so I gave it to her.

You fought?

Yeah. She's crying now.

She is? What did you do to her?

Nothing. Don't ask me.

Go and check.

Stop it. We're short of buns.

What happened?

I'll never let him step in here again.

Isn't it about his mother?

Yes! She's in Tokyo. Why won't he see her?

Okiku's lonely.

He refuses to see her?

"Nothing to talk about," he says.

So I said, "Nothing at all?"

Just say, "Mother." That's enough.

She'd weep with joy.

Parents are like that.

I see.

It's nothing to cry about.

It's not that.

When we were talking seriously...

He... he farted!

Yes. The worst thing to do.

You still fussing?

You're to blame.

You shouldn't have farted.

I couldn't help it.

Fool! Learn to control yourself.

You have to hold it!

Let's not get excited.

How can I help it?

We're worried about Tora.

Leave me alone.

Mind your own business.

Because business is slow, you pick on my fart.

Don't talk like that.

Let's not fight over a simple fart.

There's nothing simple about it?

Never mind, you weren't even here.

It almost knocked me over.

Brother!

I've had it. Outside!

Crying over such a little thing!

A lot of trouble over nothing.

Do I have to kill myself if I defecate?

Farting is not the issue!

It's your mother!

You're noisy! Be quiet!

What's that?

Looking like a constipated pigeon.

Looking like that...

You're dragging me to see my mother against my will.

Come in.

I'm sorry we're late.

Well, well.

Brother.

Some room! How much do they charge?

Come on in.

Where can I take a leak? Outside?

Right there.

No answer.

Thank you for yesterday.

Excuse me for bothering you.

Thanks for bringing him today.

A gift.

Thank you.

Please sit down.

He hasn't changed at all.

I mean Tora.

We met in Kyoto two years ago.

Too busy to talk then.

He hasn't changed. I was hoping he had.

The toilet is really something.

I turned the knob to flush the toilet.

Then hot water gushed out, like a flood.

Hot water?

Where did you pee?

There's a large tub this size.

I could get in it.

Want to see? Why not take a look?

And there was a big mirror, too.

I was ashamed to see myself.

I looked as ugly and terrible as a toad.

There was a thing this high with a cover.

There was water in it. Was that a wash basin?

That's enough.

What's the matter, Mom?

Crying?

Don't cry. You know it's been a long time.

You missed me so much?

Yes. I missed you. I missed you.

I missed you like crazy.

Do you remember him when he was little?

How can I forget?

A funny face now, but he was real cute when he was a kid.

He'd smile when I held him.

He was attached to me.

I still dream of the time we parted.

My breasts hurt.

Because I couldn't nurse him. I cried every night.

Very trying, wasn't it?

Yes. Words can't explain it.

It was during the depression.

I was broke and money seemed like an enemy.

Money's not everything.

It's only good for the young.

If I had married and had a family even if I had been poor...

I'd be happy now with grandchildren to pamper.

My life was...

Tora!

What?

Your mother's talking. You're rude.

I'll talk to him.

You're really pathetic.

I was so sad I couldn't sleep last night.

What's so pathetic about me?

I've heard what you've been doing.

The priest's daughter, a girl who had a boyfriend.

And... who else?

The married woman?

Yes.

Falling in love and being turned down by everybody.

You're almost forty. Are you weak in the head?

What's that?

Look at yourself in the mirror.

You should know it already.

If any girl's willing to marry a weak head like you...

Weep with joy even if she's a moron or lacks a couple of fingers.

That's a cruel thing to say.

I'm weak in the head? Who sired me anyway?

You were born normal.

Oh, yeah? And no wonder.

You had me and left me.

Exposed to rain and wind, I lost my brains.

It's all your fault.

Saying that to your own mother?

Mother? Who asked you to have me?

Telling me off!

Some day, I'll bring a beautiful bride and surprise you.

Fine! I'd be happy enough to die then.

That does it.

Don't keel over with surprise!

Brother!

Never mind. There's no use going after him.

Mother.

I think you went too far.

No wonder he's angry.

He may lack brains but he's your son.

And he's my only brother.

Please don't say such cruel things.

Sakura, thank you. Thank you very much.

Loving a good-for-nothing like him.

Thank you. Thank you.

I asked where he was going.

"To find a bride", he said and walked off.

On a trip again?

I guess so.

He didn't stay long.

Only one night.

It got all fouled up.

See? They're very fine geta.

You can't get them this cheap.

Just between us.

A big store had to sell them to pay the tax.

Cost 5... or 600 yen in stores.

But not here.

It's suicide.

How's 400 yen, 300 yen?

I can't make it any cheaper.

My rock-bottom price.

Okay, 250 yen! Take it away!

You're interfering with my business.

And I'm minding mine.

And taking my customers.

This is a public street.

Here's your order.

Paying?

It's 80 yen.

No small change?

What a bother.

Just a minute.

Where's the station?

Excuse me?

Station.

Go straight and turn right at the pinball shop.

End of the street.

Here.

Change, 920 yen. Don't lose it.

Mister...

She's a bit funny in the head, isn't she?

Is she?

Can't you tell?

Rather sweet at a glance.

But taking a close look, her eyes seem funny.

I bet she ran away from a spinning mill.

Workers are scarce. So personnel chiefs go to the country.

They round up who they want, weak heads or not.

But they can't do proper work.

Scolded all the time, they run away.

And get caught by bad guys.

First, it's bars and cabarets.

Then, they're sold as striptease dancers.

Poor girl.

Got a father?

Say something.

Answer me.

You're not a baby. Speak up.

What is it?

Where's the station?

Station? In front of you.

Oh, I see.

It's always been there?

Of course.

Crying won't help. Your name?

I give up. At least, tell me your name.

Not so loud, officer.

She's not normal.

But you shout, so she's trembling with fear.

Who're you?

What's the matter? Don't cry.

Here, wipe your tears.

Your name?

Hanako Ota.

See? She answers.

Your address?

Your home?

Todoroki, Ajigasawa-machi, Aomori Pref.

Aomori? That's very far away.

Going home?

You're going home?

Yes.

I see. A long way.

Like some tea?

Tea for her, please.

I see. From Aomori?

For me too. Tea for two.

Move along.

I asked her.

She was made to work in a bar.

I thought as much.

So I brought her here.

He was right.

Don't be scared of him.

He's kind. Look at his face. He's a kind man.

Like she says, isn't it best to send her home?

Let's see. Put her on a train?

Train schedule?

You got money?

Is that all?

How much to Aomori?

About 3,000 yen.

Officer, hurry or she'll miss the train.

Is that all you have?

Before payday. 2,420 yen in all.

Okay.

Use this.

No, I can't.

What? This is an emergency.

Before my payday, too.

Okay, okay.

1,000, 2,000, 3,500 yen.

I guess it'll do.

A ticket for Hirosaki. And an express ticket.

Your change. 400 yen.

Your tickets. Don't lose them.

See her off.

Yes. Let's go, Hanako.

Drop by again for tea.

Stay on until the last stop, Tokyo.

Then go to Ueno.

Ask where to get the train for Aomori.

Ask only station clerks or the police.

All other guys are bad.

Understand?

I'm worried.

I'd take you, but I've no train fare.

Let's go.

Wait a minute.

If you get lost in Tokyo...

Go to Shibamata to a sweets shop called Toraya.

Do you get it?

Shibamata, Katsushika...

Repeat it.

Shimabata... Kashitsuka. Tora...

No! No!

If you get lost, show this to a policeman and go to this store.

Say Tora sent you, and they'll be kind to you.

Tora...?

Yes. That's my name.

Now, go...

Mister! My notebook!

Hey!

Don't talk to any fishy guys. Understand?

Go.

Hurry up!

Now, dance, dance!

CLOSED EMPLOYEE RECREATION DAY

Be careful, Mitsuo.

Sakura.

My conscience pricks me the way Tora left.

I was harsh with him.

I want to be kinder to him next time.

But he won't be back for a while.

He won't. He was just here a while ago.

Mitsuo!

Some child...

Tora!

Is Tora here?

Is Tora in, Mister?

No, he's not.

Who are you?

Hanako Ota.

Forget the police.

Why not?

If Tora conned her, that'd make him a kidnapper.

How dare you!

Just an example.

Why did he send her here?

He's tired of her.

She's sweet but feeble-minded. So he shoved her off on you.

Are you still drunk?

I'm sober.

What'll we do?

A hard question.

Her mean folks may come here.

What if they demand ten million yen in damages?

Why must you look on the dark side only?

A grudge against us?

Joking? I'm being objective.

I'm just a third party.

Third party? Balloon face!

Stop it. Stop it!

Here's a toy. Be a good boy.

Let's write the City Hall in Aomori to find her folks.

That's all we can do for now.

And my brother may come back.

Tora?

I've got an unpleasant hunch.

I feel a headache coming on.

Get my pillow, Sakura.

What is it?

He's back.

He has a mustache.

Thinks he's disguised.

Stupid. How can he hide his square face?

A real fool. I feel sick.

Here he comes.

How silly!

Wait!

Why?

He thinks he's disguised.

Yes. He'd get mad if we knew.

What, then?

What?

What'll we do, Ryuzo?

Hello? Is this Toraya?

I'd like to ask you...

Sakura?

It's me.

I'm on a little trip.

What're you doing? Come home.

Did somebody come?

Never mind if anybody came. It's nothing.

I just wondered how you were.

Oh, well... Huh?

What? She's there? Why didn't you say so sooner?

Who is she?

He hung up.

Where is she?

Hanako!

Hanako!

I'm scared. Help!

Hanako! Hey!

Look.

It's me.

It's me.

It's Tora.

Tora!

So you came here?

I'm glad.

You didn't lose your ticket?

No bad men talked to you?

Showed the paper to a policeman?

Good. Good.

Are the folks here kind to you?

I see. That's fine.

I was worried about you. I'm glad you're safe.

Don't cry.

Your nose...

Hanako.

Your night gown. One of Sakura's old ones.

You may have not noticed but take a good look at her.

Especially her eyes. Look closely.

Off her rocker, a little bit.

Her head's not quite normal.

Don't you agree?

What? Yes.

Everybody's a bit funny if you look long enough.

Hiroshi, you're funny, too.

Am I?

Yeah. Nobody's noticed it, that's all.

But she's different.

She's not normal.

I've seen so many people, I can tell.

Letting her stay here?

She'd be happy working where we can keep an eye on her.

Won't her folks worry?

She'd be too much even for her folks.

Farmers are very poor.

Not only farmers.

Yeah. This shop's poor, too.

Tora?

Yes?

Sakura's old one? Good. Good.

Let's go upstairs.

Oh, yes, go with her.

Good night.

Surrounded by good people, she's a lucky girl.

The work's easy... just serving tea.

A girl wearing a red dress will brighten up the place.

Let me introduce you...

Come here, everybody.

Say, guys...

This is Miss Hanako Ota. She'll work here starting today.

They all work here.

Not very handsome, but all nice men.

How was it?

Can she do the work?

Aunty...

How does that president next door act toward women?

He fooled around once.

But he's too busy now.

He fooled once?

Hooked a bar hostess. His wife wept about it.

Octopus!

I saw you! Making Hanako massage you!

Cruel! I'll sue you.

Am I cruel?

Shut up! I'm taking her with me.

Figure out today's pay and bring it over.

Come, Hanako.

Can't trust him.

She can sell lucky charms.

What?

Good idea!

She wears a red skirt, white kimono and has her hair long?

Fool. That's at a Shinto shrine. Not here.

Leave it to me.

I don't need to worry if you take her under your wing.

I'll come for you when work's over.

Excuse me.

"Lecher!"

Hanako.

Please forget about it.

Where to?

Even though he's a priest, he's still a man.

Clean up here.

Bring it over.

This is 200 yen. That's 200 yen. 100 yen change.

Say, "Thank you."

There's a customer. Say, Welcome!

Welcome.

I told you. She's happy working.

That's a relief.

People come because we have a cute girl.

I should've known sooner.

There's an old saying:

"A beacon doesn't shine on its own base."

I haven't seen her before.

Our new girl. Cute, isn't she?

Where from?

Aomori.

Where in Aomori?

Tell me.

Talking to Hanako!

Stop it!

Who're you?

Cut it out! Who're you?

Me? I'm Tora. I'm famous in Katsushika.

Any complaints? Outside!

Stop it!

Get familiar with her and this will happen to you, too.

Come, Hanako.

It makes me sick and tired.

What's the matter?

Did I do something bad?

No, you didn't.

The world's full of bad people.

But don't worry. Leave it all to me.

My husband says it's best to keep her away from Tora.

What do you think?

It's best to send her home.

I feel it's best, too.

No answer from Aomori yet?

No, not yet.

I don't know what to do.

I shudder every time Tora calls her name.

What's that?

Hanako, you're a good singer.

Tora.

Do you know Iwaki?

Iwaki? Who's he?

Not a man. It's a mountain.

Mt. Iwaki in Tsugaru? Yes, I do.

Do you know Fukushi too?

Fukushi?

Not a mountain. He's my teacher.

A school teacher?

Yes, I do.

He told me to sing to Mt. Iwaki at sunset.

He said I'm a good singer, so it would please Mt. Iwaki.

You like Teacher Fukushi?

Want to see him?

Yes, I do.

Want to marry him?

What is it?

You're crazy.

Why?

He already has a wife.

She'd scold me if I married him.

I see. She would, wouldn't she?

Tora, do you have a wife?

No, I don't.

Really?

Yes, really.

Shall I become your bride?

What?

What are you saying?

Stop teasing me.

It makes me laugh.

An innocent girl like you saying you'll become my bride...

But thanks just the same.

Your words are enough for me.

Don't go away, Hanako.

Don't go home.

Stay here always.

I'll look after you all your life.

Okay, Hanako?

How much is this place?

The rent? It's 15,000 yen.

Even small places are expensive.

You came to borrow money?

Idiot! Who'd come for that?

How much was that sewing machine? Bought on credit?

Asking me to sew something?

Would I come all the way for that?

Why, then?

How much does it cost for you to get along these days?

Living expenses?

Prices have gone up, so...

Brother.

You planning to marry?

Well, I guess you could say that.

Never mind. I'll come again.

Wait.

I do mind. Who's the girl?

Girl? Do I have one?

You can't marry without one.

Is that how it works?

Tell us frankly. Who are you going to marry?

Don't glare at me.

You know, don't you?

"Something new, something green... getting hitched."

Something green?

Don't you know?

"Something old, something borrowed."

It's an old saying. It seems to apply to our case.

Understand?

He means "Marriages are made in Heaven."

Brother.

Chances are...

You mean Hanako?

Let's talk about it next time.

I'll come again.

I know how you feel.

You're most concerned about Tora.

Hanako's not a normal girl.

But...

Let me finish.

Tora's not normal, either.

If two not quite normal people marry...

Think of their children.

I don't mean the face.

But his wife needs good brains.

But Hanako's so fond of him.

We know that.

Does it matter about children?

I've never seen my brother so happy.

Wait. You're only thinking of him.

Why?

Will Hanako be happy with Tora?

We know nothing about her.

Frankly speaking...

We hope they'll work it out.

But still...

Hiroshi told me. Trouble's brewing?

What'll you do?

What can we do?

High Priest.

I just heard about it and came over.

Thank you.

You must be worried.

Thank you.

I should express my good wishes. But I don't know...

270 thousand yen?

You have a beautiful skin. Please sit down.

Hey, Miss...

Is this free?

Of course.

It'll take a little time. Please wait.

A beautiful skin without hardly any makeup.

Will you please wait over there?

Next, eye shadow.

Don't push.

We'll make the eyes look bigger.

Every try false eyelashes?

No.

Let's use them today.

Close your eyes lightly.

It's very easy.

Phoning from Kyoto?

My brother's mother? Excuse me.

The other day, you were so kind...

Tora phoned me a while ago.

He said he's getting married. Is it true?

Yes, it seems so.

I see.

What is his future bride like?

Even if she's a little feeble-minded...

Any girl's all right.

Only a gentle girl would marry him.

I'm so happy, so very happy.

Welcome.

Guests!

So would you put in a good word for him?

And arrange everything?

I'll come soon to see the bride.

Yes. Thank you.

Yes. Good night.

In life, we may find a wonderful love.

But we meet only to part.

Between your eyebrows...

A radiant light here assures you of a marvelous love.

But life is unpredictable.

Sad to say, we can't predict the future.

You may think I'm talking nonsense.

And you're right.

But I've been doing this a long time for a living.

I'm right occasionally.

Hanako.

Don't you really want to go home?

Yes. But Tora says not to.

Be careful, Mitsuo.

Excuse me.

Is this Mr. Kuruma's home?

Yes, it is.

I couldn't find your place and walked all around.

Tokyo's very warm, isn't it?

I'm Fukushi, a teacher in Aomori.

Are you Hanako's teacher?

Yes. You've been very kind to her.

The city office gave me your letter yesterday.

I got to Tokyo early. But I didn't know which train to take.

First, I went to Chiba.

I turned back, then found myself in Ochanomizu.

I wasted a lot of time.

I see. That was too bad.

Please sit down.

A gift.

Thank you very much.

Sakura, that one...

A cold drink?

Yes. Bring it.

Please don't bother.

Hanako...?

She's out picking herbs. She'll be back soon.

I see. Is she all right?

Yes. She didn't even catch cold.

I see. Thank you.

She's been under my special guidance since she was a child.

She's mentally handicapped.

I always treat her normally to give her confidence.

I think children like her need a very careful education.

I was against her working in a spinning mill handling machines.

But there were family reasons, so...

About six months ago, she disappeared.

We were very worried.

Thank you.

What does she do here?

She works here and is a great help to my uncle.

She's really a gentle girl.

Yes, and very dependable.

Is that so?

She loves to sing.

She has a nice voice.

I know. She sings here, too?

She does? Is that so?

I picked a lot.

Hanako, I came for you.

Teacher!

You came for me?

Good. You're fine.

You'll never know how worried I was about you.

Had a hard time?

Don't cry, Hanako. Don't cry.

It's all my fault.

Your grandma was worried sick about you.

I didn't know that.

When is Brother coming back?

In the evening. What'll happen then?

Anyway, it's best for her to go home.

Isn't it so?

Yes, it is.

Tora will get mad. Don't blame me.

Is Grandma sick?

She has neuralgia.

If she sees you, she'll get better.

Teacher.

You haven't shaved. You look awful.

So worried about you, I had no time to shave.

"How I miss my home village.

"My dear old grandparents..."

Here he comes. He's singing.

The trouble's come at last.

Your big crisis. Count me out.

Take over.

I can't. You tell him.

Not a thing like this...

Never mind. Talk plainly.

A bit cruel but good for him.

Uncle! Aunty! I'm back.

Hanako.

Hanako!

Where's Hanako, Hiroshi?

Don't you know?

Uncle, don't you know?

I mean Hanako.

Well... It's... isn't she around somewhere?

In the garden?

You're no good.

Fools! You're cowards. "Don't you know?"

Hanako. Hanako.

Octopus. Know where she went?

No, I don't.

Where is Hanako?

Why are you silent? Where did she go?

Listen.

Good evening.

Why, Miss.

Are you well?

You came home?

Yes. My husband's on a trip.

Please deliver ten boxes of sweets tomorrow.

Very well, thank you.

Please come in.

Have some tea.

Good night, Tora.

I forgot something.

A message from my father...

There's a congregation meeting tomorrow. Please come.

With pleasure.

Good night.

Tora. Drop in if you have time.

Thank you very much.

Where's Hanako?

Sit down.

Stupid! Where did Hanako go?

Listen.

Yes?

Hanako went home.

What?

A school teacher came from Aomori and took her home.

We tried to keep them here until you came back.

But the teacher had to return on tonight's train.

On a sleeper.

Hanako wanted to see you very much.

She said she'd write.

Mr. Fukushi...

The teacher who came for her...

He asked to be remembered to you.

A very nice teacher.

We can feel easy. Can't we?

You guys...

You forced her to go home, right?

You're wrong.

She was very happy to go.

But I promised to stay with her all her life.

I don't believe you.

Maybe you did promise...

But she's not a normal girl.

I get it. I know now.

More than staying with me...

She'd be happier in the country with the teacher?

Is that what you're saying? Is that it?

Speak up.

Sakura!

Am I right?

Yes.

You're right.

Where are you going?

Where?

I dreamed about him last night.

Bad dreams every night. That bothers me.

Don't worry.

But after what happened...

I wonder where he is.

He didn't mention it?

Once he leaves, he's like a runaway kite.

Who knows? He might show up any time.

With a mustache?

Wasn't he funny?

With a small mustache and big glasses.

Special delivery mail.

"I'm sorry I hit you.

"I'm such a big fool.

"Such a fool doesn't deserve to live.

"Hanako's okay.

"So, no one needs me now.

"Forget about me and live happily. Goodbye."

Where did he send it from?

Nishi Tsugaru.

He went to see her.

Sounds like a will.

My hunch was true?

Better go right away.

Yes. He just might...

I'll ask Hiroshi.

"Hanako's okay.

"So no one needs me now."

Is Todoroki before Ajigasawa?

No, it isn't.

Beyond it?

Yes, it is.

Go straight on for about 50m.

It's the house on the right.

Thank you.

I'll ask them.

Excuse me.

Is Hanako in?

No, she's not.

Where did she go?

To school.

She says, at the grade school.

I see.

She came from Tokyo to see Hanako.

From Tokyo?

Is Hanako your daughter?

No, the third one's...

Your sister's daughter?

That's the school.

I have to leave now.

Thank you very much.

Hanako, the lunch car's here. Hanako!

What's for today?

Pork soup.

How nice!

Take the milk.

Don't spill it.

Carry it right.

It's heavy.

Well, how are you?

Hanako told me about your brother.

He's very kind, isn't he?

I hope he didn't bother you.

Not in the least.

He was very happy to see Hanako doing well.

He stayed with us one night.

We couldn't do much.

But plenty of fresh fish, and we drank a lot.

Don't peek!

Shoji!

Your brother's very interesting.

He became drunk and sang.

Causing you trouble.

Not at all.

We asked him to stay a few days.

A busy man, he left the next day.

A traveling salesman? It's hard for him, isn't it?

I'm very glad you came.

Hanako, don't stand there. Come here.

Hi.

The same food as the children.

Thank you.

She's helping out here.

A small school, we can't hire a clerk.

So it's sort of part-time work.

Hanako likes to cook. Don't you?

A chatterbox but tongue-tied before guests.

What is it?

We'd like to experiment.

Yes. The same when your brother came.

He might be disappointed?

Get ready.

You seem very well. Glad to be home?

Isn't it time, Hanako?

Teacher's always bossy.

I heard you.

Don't be rough.

Stop it.

He stayed one night and left.

Hanako's well, so he was relieved.

I don't know where to look for him, so I'm coming home.

Don't be silly. He wouldn't kill himself.

Don't worry. He's alive.

I'm hanging up.

Yes, yes. Goodbye.

The next stop is Senjojiki…

Anyone getting off?

Passing the next stop…

What's that? Firemen?

The police too.

Pulling up a body.

Too many people drown themselves here.

When was the last one?

Dake Hot Springs… Anyone getting off?

Going to Hirosaki… Get on, please…

This is your vehicle.

Please wait your turn to get on.

Go ahead. Be careful.

No, get on, get on.

You aboard, old lady?

Miss Mitsuko Saito? We're leaving.

Thank you for taking this bus.

Sakura!

What're you doing here?

Me? Bathing in the hot springs.

Wasn't I?

What? What's this card then?

Oh, that? It got to you?

Yes, it did.

I felt that way. I was hungry and broke.

Staying in a run-down inn... freezing.

You thought I died?

Stop joking!

I wouldn't die, would I?

I had fun every day with this old lady.

Real innocent.

Fine as a cat with its fur full of catnip...

The End