Original subtitles

Okay, raise your hand.

Cross. Cross.

Single file line.

Okay quickly, single file.

Alright.

Yeah, that's why I told you not to worry, it's fine.

Yeah. That's right.

Huh? No way.

Hang on a second.

No, it's not raining. Nope.

Yeah.

I told you, it's not raining.

Right.

Hey.

No, it's not gonna be canceled.

Hey, you!

Old lady!

What old lady?

You're crossing the line.

The lane!

You see it, right?

I'm sorry.

One more thing!

Don't just stick your hand out like that, it's dangerous.

When did I do that?

You stuck it out, like this.

I did no such thing. I was on the phone the whole time.

You did! You were saying "It's not raining" or whatever.

Oh, the rain! Right.

My friend was asking if it's gonna rain, they're watching a soccer match.

Who cares! Go ask a weatherman.

What are you trying to say?

Look, you stuck out your hand, so now I…

Hey. Hey!

Wait a minute.

-What? -What are you doing here?

I have some business here.

You sure don't seem like the type who reads.

Neither do you.

Hey, wait a second!

What?

This.

-Could you park it a little further away? -Why?

I can't get out if it's there.

What are you talking about? There's plenty of room to get out.

Just move it already, I can't get out.

What a pain.

Thank you.

What's this woman's problem?

My second car.

Oh, hey!

We have to organize the bookshelves this weekend.

Okay.

You need to press down here.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Do you have books on sodium hydroxide?

-Sodium hydroxide… -Yes, sodium hydroxide.

-This library does not have such books. -I'm asking her, not you.

Sodium hydroxide, right?

-Yes. -Don't bother, he's just messing with you.

-Please, wait here. -Yes, of course.

You seem like a dangerous person.

-Are you making a bomb or something? -Yes, I am.

Are you gonna blow up parliament?

What?

That's already been blown up.

What do you mean?

That perm is really something.

-Okay, thank you for waiting. -Thank you.

Go down there,

turn at the third shelf,

and there'll be a chemistry corner arranged in order.

If you go to those computers over there, and look under "s" for "sodium"--

Got it, thank you.

-Here, take this. -No, I'm all right.

Turn at the third shelf, and…

-"S." -"S."

Hey!

-Yes? -That guy's gonna make a bomb.

Sodium hydroxide…

Silicon…

Silicon, Selenium…

Sodium hydroxide.

LIBRARY RECEPTION

What do you want?

I'm gonna borrow this.

HOW TO USE SODIUM HYDROXIDE

I'm terribly sorry, but we can't let you take this book out of the library.

-What? -You may only read it within the library.

-Well, do you have a copier anywhere? -You may wait in queue over there.

What?

A copier?

I'm sorry.

Final exams are coming up for Aoyama Gakuin, so…

What?

It's fine.

-Just bring it over there. -Hey, Sachi!

This book hasn't been borrowed since 1984.

That's 16 years.

Borrowing it for a few days won't hurt anybody.

Rules are rules.

-You don't follow road rules. -What?

Anyway, just line up like everyone else.

I don't have time.

All right, how about you copy it down here?

Funny!

-Well… -No, it's all right, I'll come back later.

Thank you.

And he's gone.

-I wonder if he'll come back. -He won't.

Why do you say that?

-I wonder what he's doing. -I told you, he's making a bomb.

You can't make a bomb with sodium hydroxide, you know.

You can't?

I was a science major in college, you know.

Okay. I'll call you later, all right?

-Thank you, bye. -Thanks, see you.

Hey!

Hey, check this out.

Look, look.

Awesome, right?

Not your best work, let's try harder.

Your change is 3 million yen.

Masao, I heard your arranged marriage didn't go too well, again.

My mom told you?

Yes, she did.

Don't lose faith.

It's fine, I just wasn't very interested in her.

Now's my chance to steal you!

MACHIDA LIQUOR SHOP

Well, cheer up, okay?

And there it is!

-Mom! -She's out with Dad. Town hall meeting.

Oh, okay. What about dinner?

-I already ate. -That was mine!

There's some oden in the kitchen.

Again?

-We had that yesterday too. -They're leftovers from yesterday.

-Hey. -What?

Why are you eating crackers after dinner?

-Dessert. -What are you talking about?

Hey, bro.

You're never gonna find a bride if you say "Your change is 3 million yen."

Why?

All right!

Matsushima… what again?

Nanako.

-A cute girl like that being my bride… -Never gonna happen.

I know that. Matsushima's never happening. But I don't want her…

I want this… atmosphere.

-A kind of fluffy feeling. -Not a chance.

You've got rice crackers on you.

You're one to talk. You can't get a boyfriend.

-I don't need one. -Not cute.

Hey…

There's nothing to do.

Nothing to do and we can't take a nap. This is torture.

-Hey. -Yeah?

Can I say something that's been on my mind?

Go for it.

That perm looks weird on you.

I know that.

Okay, that's fine then.

My brother took me to the barbershop, he always does.

I was just gonna get my usual haircut.

But there was this new guy.

He'd just learned how to do a perm, he said I could have one for 2,000 yen.

A 2,000 yen perm…

A 2,000 yen barbershop perm.

A 2,000 yen barbershop perm…

That's pretty rare these days, you know.

The clientele of that place is just old guys.

Did you get a shave too?

I don't shave.

Hello!

Hello.

Wow, you changed your hair.

It looks wonderful.

I'm not so sure about that.

It suits you.

So, how about it, Ms. Kyoko? Have you made up your mind?

What?

The dance party next Sunday.

We'll dance together.

Have courage!

I don't know. Me, dancing?

Don't worry! Just leave it to me.

Last time was at Maebashi, before that at Mito.

It's held in a lot of different places.

Everyone would love to have a person like you there.

What do you mean, "A person like you"?

I am me. I am the only me.

You won't find another person like me anywhere else.

-Oh, no-- -Why do I have to dance in a wheelchair?

Do you think that dancing in a wheelchair is fun? I'll just get dizzy.

No, I didn't…

So-called volunteers like you, how shall I put it…

Helping people who are less fortunate, makes you feel good.

You're just pushing your goodwill onto others.

Um…

-In that case… -Yes?

…how about a movie?

I can go to the movies by myself!

Oh… You can, can't you…

Sorry to bother you. Have a good day.

Kyoko…

What? A guy like him won't understand unless I put it like that.

Don't you think you went a little far?

-What? You're gonna give me a sermon? -No. Not at all.

When did you get here?

I think it was around the time he said "have courage."

That guy wasn't trying to peddle good intentions. He was hitting on you.

-What? -He likes you. He was asking you out.

-There's no way! -He had tickets to the movies.

-Two of them. -No way.

-You didn't see it? -No way.

-I saw it too. -See?

Don't be stupid.

I don't mean to brag… I've been hit on by guys in wheelchairs before,

but never a normal person.

So naive.

Hey, what are you doing at the library at this time of day?

What's your job?

What?

You're young. You dress like that.

You've come to the library in the middle of a work day.

Oh, I know! You got laid off.

There's been a lot of people like that at the library recently.

If it's not that, you've got nothing to do and you're just chasing girls.

-Hey. -What?

-You said something weird earlier. -What?

"I am me. I am the only me."

Why treat him like that just for being a volunteer?

-Well, I… -I feel bad for him.

Being told he's peddling his good will.

People don't normally say that.

Aren't you saying that because you feel sorry for yourself?

You're saying I feel sorry for myself?

Not cute. That's seriously not cute.

-Hey, what are you even doing right now? -What?

Just picking out some books to borrow.

I can't take any of these out? What's up with this place?

Hey, wait! What am I supposed to do with these!

Hey! You're abusing a disabled person!

What disabled person?

Just like a spring desert mouse. We're in a library, be quiet.

Spring desert mouse?

I also know this girl.

She's a sweet, kind girl.

Sorry, lady. I think I'm good.

I can't be thinking about marriage right now.

-There are things I want to do. -What do you mean things you want to do?

Well, to start, refurbish this table as Italian design…

Desert mouse, mouse family, length approximately 15cm…

Wow, they're big.

An animal that moves about nonstop during the night and can't relax.

She just won't drop it!

That's gone off, it's yesterday's.

Tell me that before I eat it.

What are you reading?

Wow, you've got a lot of these.

Is this pretty?

Pretty? It's just a mouse.

Is it cute?

Well, that's a matter of taste.

A matter of taste…

Why?

No reason.

Make some tea.

Okay.

Brother…

A weird person came to the library today.

-Miyama the volunteer? -He's weird, but not as weird as this one.

Normally, when people see someone in a wheelchair,

they're confused and then they kind of look at you.

Not in a bad way like they have disdain for me,

in an awkwardly kind way.

With this person, there's none of that. And the attitude…

Maybe this person is used to people in wheelchairs.

I didn't get that feeling at all. Maybe this person has a full open heart.

Like it's accessible.

This person, it's a man, right?

Why?

So it's a man!

-You're flustered. -I am not!

-Pathetic! -Shut up.

-You're so easy to read. -Stop!

Enough!

-Mind your own business! -Look at yourself!

MIYANOMORI LIBRARY

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

SHUJI OKISHIMA

-So his name is Okishima Shuji, huh? -So what?

Oh, look, he has to return the book today!

He'll be here again today. What you take, you must return.

-That's what's nice about the library. -What are you even saying.

You're waiting for him, aren't you?

Who would ever wait for that sodium hydroxide dork?

He never came.

Who?

Idiot.

I'm going home.

Make sure to close up.

There's still five minutes, he could make it.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Hey, it's finally been returned. Chibi Maruko-chan.

Oh, yeah. So, what happened yesterday? Did he come?

That could be from someone else.

No, it's the book. The Characteristics of Sodium Hydroxide.

He put it in the return slot last night. Avoiding the enemy.

-Thank you for waiting. -Welcome!

Welcome.

-Welcome. -May I ask your name?

Thank you for coming.

Thank you for waiting, right this way.

How do you want your bangs?

Could we play around with it?

Welcome.

Cute, right?

And… there we are!

It depends on my mood.

Sure, is it okay to cut it? Won't give you trouble with the company?

It's fine, the drama already finished.

Oh, I saw that one, it was so good!

-Thank you. -This is fabulous.

Don't get too wild, we'll go with the usual.

Looks like you get along, like you're friends.

You're really shining!

-Am I? -Of course, you are!

All right, we're done.

Excuse me, I'd like to have this cut a little shorter.

I think it's more balanced this way.

-Takumi, shampoo. -Yes, sir.

Follow me, please.

-Hey, get me a coffee. -Right this way.

-Satoru has been coming in a lot lately. -You're keeping your customer waiting.

When you're free, the boss wants to see you.

Really?

-Sorry to keep you waiting. -Oh, I'm sorry!

-Sorry! -No, excuse me.

Sodium hydroxide, development of a non-alkali perm.

I've read this.

A perm that doesn't harm the hair. It would be amazing.

Must be tough on you too.

Being around a star.

Oh, you mean Satoru?

That guy's a total idiot, his head is empty.

He wouldn't understand a paper like that. But as far as charm goes, he's number one.

There's been another customer complaint.

Oh, that? You don't listen to what they want.

Well, whatever.

This magazine wants an interview. Hot Lip's new winter style.

Satoru usually does it, but this time, you're gonna do it too.

Whichever does better gets printed.

And that's not my decision.

It's the editor's.

I think it's a good gig.

What about that one?

It's cold again today.

Oh, man look at that one!

Shu, that one, hurry.

-What are you talking about? -That one. The one in the shorts.

-Forget it, it'll never work. -Just look at her legs, they're amazing.

-You're kidding. -I'm for real.

Oh, I'm not trying to pick up girls.

It's just… a hobby.

Oh! You're Shuji.

And Takumi.

Everyone's here, even the boss.

-What the hell are you doing? -Looking for models.

Don't bother, there aren't any.

I checked too.

Satoru, have you decided who your next model's gonna be?

Yeah, kind of. I got along with the girl from that magazine.

Wait, what was her name again?

Yoko.

Yoko? Isn't she a really popular model? That's so cool.

She's a friend, she's doing this as a favor.

Let's not stand here jabbering away all day.

It's been a long time since we all got together.

You wanna have a drink with us?

No, sorry, I'm looking for models.

Let's go.

Hey, how about a drink once you're finished?

You can come over to my place.

Sorry.

Hey, Shu,

I won't comment on female relationships, however,

you should have a drink with the boss once in a while and build a relationship.

-Just as a career-- -You sound like a salary man.

Are we not the same thing?

I just don't want Satoru to get the edge over you.

That guy is spontaneous by nature.

I don't know, he seems kind of calculating to me.

But Yoko? I wonder… It's kind of scary.

She's got impact. He could win with just one shot of her.

I know that! Why do you think I'm out here looking?

Don't be like that.

I know-- Oh, I'm sorry!

Please excuse me.

Now she would have a strong impact.

Oh. Well, maybe not.

Oh, man, what are we gonna do?

Her!

Who?

You'll see.

A PERSIMMON TREE ON MY HEAD

Finished it.

Hey.

You look like you've seen a ghost.

-What do you want? -What?

-Wanna do something about that hair? -What?

It's quite the perm.

I like it, that's why I did it, leave me alone.

-How about I cut it for you? -What?

Would you be my haircut model?

What?

Are you a hair stylist?

Pretty much, yeah.

I see! No wonder you dress so fashionably.

No, not at all.

Which salon do you work at?

Where?

-Where. -Aoyama.

Oh, Aoyama, that's close. So that's why you come to this library.

Which salon in Aoyama?

Hot Lip.

Hot Lip? I know it!

-Really? -It's always in magazines. Would I do?

-Well, the length… -I guess no, huh.

Celebrities go there, right?

Yeah, sometimes. I don't cut their hair, though.

Kyoko, we saw it in An An magazine. You said you wanted to go.

-Did I? -You did!

But you said it's not barrier-free, so you'd need your brother--

Don't talk about unnecessary things.

Sorry.

What do you mean, barrier-free?

What's barrier-free?

Well…

if there's a step or something, a wheelchair can't get inside, right?

You'd need a slope to get in and enough space inside the shop.

I see.

Okay, I'll make it barrier-free for you.

Good work today.

You passed it. It's here.

-Look. -Oh.

Welcome.

What? Are you closed today?

Today is special.

-Special? -Right over here.

-So remove this? -Yes

-If you can. -Yes.

-Excuse me. -Is the height okay?

-Hey… -What?

Well…

Who are these people?

They're from a publishing company.

-Publishing company? -It's for an article.

If the cut is good, it'll be put in magazines.

You didn't tell me that part.

Well, you wouldn't have come if I did.

You're right, I wouldn't have. I'm going home.

Wait, wait, hold on. I'm sorry.

They won't just suddenly take the photo. They have to like the cut.

It's actually…

A competition. Against that guy.

-Competition? -They'll print whoever looks better.

-You're sure, right? -I've seen that person before, on TV.

-He's famous, right? -We were classmates.

I'm not as good as him, though.

That's why…

This time…

it's my chance to get back.

Will you help me?

Fine, how about this?

I'll have a go at cutting your hair.

If you don't like it, we won't take any photos.

But if you like it, and you give us permission,

then we'll take photos.

How about it?

Okay.

First, we'll lose the perm.

-Shampoo her, please. -Yes, sir.

-Careful with her. -Yes, sir.

I love it, it's wonderful.

Thank you.

Right this way.

This place is amazing.

It's different from the one near my place.

You don't have enka music playing.

-It's all very fashionable-- -Sorry, could you be quiet?

What do you wanna do with it?

You have preferences, right? Like if it goes this way or that way.

It's up to you.

What?

I trust you. It's up to you.

Okay.

Ta-da!

Quit messing around!

-That sound means I'm done. -That's really something.

-How is it? -How is it?

Just look forward, like that.

So pretty.

It's nice, right?

Look at how nice your face looks.

Good.

It's done.

What?

It is finished.

So?

Can I tell you what I think?

That sounds scary.

Pretty.

-You're laughing. -People don't just compliment themselves.

But it's so pretty.

It's like it's not even me.

You like it?

I like it, a lot.

I'm glad.

Do you have a minute? I'd like to speak with you.

Okay. Just wait here a second.

You did great.

-Thank you very much. -Of course.

Sorry.

If it's okay, they'd like to take the photos outside.

-But they took them over there before. -They wanna take them in both places.

I see…

Oh, that's right.

What do you want to do?

You haven't given your permission yet to take photos.

Are you sure it's okay? Someone like me…

Of course.

-Is makeup okay? -Makeup?

Let's try and smile a little more, all right?

Nice and relaxed.

I'm gonna change the lens.

-You're fine, don't worry. -Really?

-You cold? Are you all right? -Yes, yes.

You look nervous.

It's all okay, don't worry. What a beauty we got here.

Perfect, much better.

-Sorry, coming in frame now. -Okay.

You're like a beautician.

-You're just like a model. -Stop it!

I told you not to move.

Okay, let's continue.

All right, yup, that's great, yes.

Perfect, yes.

Good work, everyone!

-Good work! -Good work!

Good job, guys.

Well done.

That was nerve-racking.

Why? You were magnificent.

Really?

-Wow, so pretty. -What?

The sunset.

You're right.

The view is nice from here.

Right?

I was wondering how it looks from where you are.

It looks different.

You know, in a wheelchair,

your view is always about a meter off the ground.

The world looks different from here.

You're weird.

Who? Me?

Yes, you. I've never heard someone say something like that before.

Really?

It's usually just, "You got it tough, hang in there."

"You can ask me anything, I'll do anything for you."

The world I see…

I've never thought about it before.

-What do you wanna do? -What?

Are you hungry?

Yeah.

Yeah?

-Yeah. -I'll buy you some dinner then.

Excuse us, model coming through!

Whoa, watch out!

This is more fun than my bike.

Sorry to have bothered you.

-Where do we go? -Where do we go.

Okay, yes, thank you.

How was it?

Isn't it terrible?

They said no.

-I see. -I can't believe it.

It is what it is. Most restaurants don't let you bring a wheelchair in.

There are stairs and it's too narrow inside.

Hey!

-I've got a great idea. -What?

Hold on a second.

-Okay. -What?

Piggyback ride. They gotta let us in if we do this.

-But-- -It's fine. What are you waiting for?

-We can't. -Why?

I know I don't look it, but I'm strong enough, it's fine.

No, forget it, I'm fine.

-I'm cold, let's go already. -I said I'm fine.

-Here we go, we're going. -I told you, I'm fine.

I said I'm fine, didn't I?

Sorry.

I'm sorry we have to eat out here.

-Delicious. -It's good, right?

-Sorry to have to seat you out here. -You overheard?

Of course I did, I hear everything.

Everything but orders.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Should you be drinking?

It's fine. Anything is fine.

I'm just in a wheelchair.

Okay.

About earlier…

No, about earlier…

Yes?

It's not that I didn't want you to give me a piggyback.

I'm skin and bones.

Look, my legs don't work, right?

If you don't move your legs, they get to be like sticks.

Skin and bones.

I was too embarrassed for you to find out.

Even though you made the upper half of me so pretty.

May I ask?

Was it an accident?

No, a disease. I could walk until I was 17. I was quite pretty.

You still are.

I knew you'd say that.

What do you mean?

These bamboo shoots are delicious, I love bamboo shoots.

-Here. -No way!

-Lucky… -Give me an egg in exchange.

Hey, wait!

Seriously? Again? You've gotta be kidding me.

Refusal to accept passengers.

-What? -Two out of three will refuse.

They don't wanna load a wheelchair.

That's not the problem, is it?

It's a good chance to talk to you about something. Until the next car comes.

Talk about what?

I'm a bit drunk.

So you wanna ask me some questions?

-No, not that. -Then what?

Don't look at me.

Oh, right.

I had fun today.

I don't really meet and hang out with new people that much, so…

I had a really good time.

They took way more photos of Satoru's, so,

-I'm not sure you'll get in the magazine. -I don't care if I get in.

I… had a lot of fun.

That was the first time I've laughed in front of a camera

since my legs went bad.

Really?

Yes.

I…

I had a good time too.

I forgot it was work…

I just got in the zone.

Oh, it's here.

Thank you.

Are you okay?

-You're okay? -Yeah.

-Thank you so much. -Sure. Where to?

-Um, Shin-Koiwa, right? -Yes.

-Shin-koiwa. -Okay, Shin-koiwa.

Oh, wait.

I nearly forgot.

What?

Thanks for today.

Thanks for making me pretty.

I'm really happy.

Yeah.

I…

Do I have talent?

How do I put it…

Do I have any talent as a hair stylist?

You do. I'm sure you do.

Hey, if it gets in the magazine, you wanna go celebrate?

-Celebrate? -Yes.

-That's a no, huh. -No, no.

-Let's celebrate. -Really?

Could we get going?

Hold on. How about the ramen place?

There?

After work, about 8:00 p.m., is that too late?

Okay.

-Promise? -Okay, I'm going.

-Oh, right. -Promise.

Promise…

Miss, you need something?

Do you have L'aman?

L'aman?

Oh, it's over here.

That please.

SPECIAL EDITION "THIS HAIRSTYLE IS IN"

EVEN IN A WHEELCHAIR, I CAN GO TO A STYLISH SALON

EVEN IF I'M DISABLED, I CAN BE PRETTY

"Even in a wheelchair."

"Stylish salon."

Shuji! Look, look!

Look at the size of this spread.

I knew you had good taste.

-Oh, look at this, it's awesome-- -Enough of that.

Cool as ever, are we?

It's bigger than Satoru's!

-I can hear you. -Oh. He's here too.

I don't have to spell this out for you, right?

Spell what?

What do you mean what? I mean why your spread is bigger than mine.

It's because she's in a wheelchair.

That was your plan from the start, right?

A thing like that has got impact.

You got yourself some attention.

Please, don't be so rude.

If you had any confidence in your ability, you'd have chosen a normal girl.

You don't know a thing.

-Shuji would never do such a thing. -Stop it.

No wonder he chose Kyoko.

If she weren't in a wheelchair, they never would've put her in print.

That's why he wouldn't pick you, Sachi.

You're right.

That's the only reason he asked me to do it.

Well…

Good evening. Where is she?

She's been at the mobile library since this afternoon.

Mobile library?

It went to some institutions, and she read books to kids.

She said she'd go straight home afterward.

I see.

Hey, wait.

Was Kyoko just a tool for you?

Smells good, are you cooking?

Yeah, we're having hot pot tonight.

Yes, this is Machida Liquor Shop.

Yes? Oh, yes, please wait a moment.

-Kyoko, phone! -Okay!

It's a man named Mr. Okishima.

Yes?

Hi… It's Shuji…

Yes.

"Yes"?

What do you want?

Well…

Did you see the magazine?

-Nope. -I know you've seen it.

Sachi?

Yeah… I got your number from her too.

I'm sorry, I didn't know they would write the article like that.

I wonder.

What?

You really didn't know?

What do you mean?

You thought that if you used me they'd definitely put it in the magazine.

"Not a normal person, in a wheelchair…" You knew it'd make an impact, right?

So that's…

That's why you asked me to do it,

even though there were so many other girls.

Hey… say something.

Maybe you're right.

When I went looking for models, nobody…

No one caught my eye.

That's when I remembered you…

And I thought, "I got it!"

And if you asked me if the wheelchair influenced my decision at all…

I have no self-confidence.

And I thought it would have impact.

I would say that.

See?

"See"?

I was just your tool. You used me. Can I hang up now?

Hey, wait, I…

But…

When I saw the magazine…

I kind of…

felt disappointed.

You're doing just fine.

Could we talk about this in person?

There's nothing to talk about.

No, I wanna talk…

I'll be waiting at the spot from the other night.

The other day…

The place where we ate ramen, I'll be waiting there.

What's there to celebrate now?

Why would I ever celebrate with you?

What? You got dumped?

No, not really.

Looks like rain.

I guess I'll close up shop.

Here, take this.

Rain…

Hey!

Hey.

Hey!

I forgot to tell you on the phone.

The Characteristics of Sodium Hydroxide just came in.

Can I borrow it?

Sure.

Bring an umbrella.

Hey, Shuji. This world was beautiful.

The world, 100cm off the ground…

it was beautiful.

Meeting you, these last few months,

my life,

it sparkled, as if sprinkled with stardust…

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

Subtitle translation by: Maslin Friedman