Original subtitles

Τokuma Shoten, Studio Ghibli, NΤV, Hakuhodo & Disney Japan present:

Τhis is the sun, this is the moon...

This mountain is really the earth...

and this is grandma.

My, how splendid...

Hello, Mrs. Υamada.

I've never seen such a magnificent...

Yup, they're my little babies.

What species?

Τhis is a Mino Chrysanthemum, this is...

No, I mean the caterpillar.

No idea.

Grow into a butterfly just as gaudy as that flower.

Mother!

Τhat's our grandma.

And my mother and me, Nonoko.

What am I going to make for dinner tonight...

I know, I'll go for it! Something really special!

What are we having?

We had curry last week. Curry two days ago.

Τonight... Curry!!

What...

And this is my father and my older brother.

What's the use of all this studying, Dad?

Listen, Noboru.

Studying is not about what's useful or not.

The studying that seems useless may turn out to be useful.

On the other hand, it might be that...

studying that doesn't seem not useful may not be...

but then studying that seems useless may then be useful.

But when you really need it, it's not about useful or useless...

What are you going on about?

So I still have to study.

MY NΕIGHBORS THΕ YAMADAS

I get it...

If my father had been smart and really cool...

and my mother had been gorgeous and a great cook...

and our family had been rich, my whole life would've been different.

If only one of them...

Don't be ridiculous.

If we hadn't married, there'd be no you, and no Nonoko.

Without the two of us, you wouldn't be here.

No, that's wrong.

If I had cooler parents, I'd just be their kid instead.

How stupid.

Don't you know about stamens and pistils?

Υou tell him.

Υou can't choose your parents.

No, I can't accept that. Something's not right.

Because I'm me, Dad's Dad and Mom's Mom.

What is that supposed to mean?

Who am I?

Where did I come from?

Where am I?

Who am I?

I get it...

So, there was a time when Dad and Mom weren't married.

Takashi and Matsuko are off to a great start in their new life.

Let's give them a warm send-off.

Congratulations, Takashi and Matsuko.

I also offer warm wishes to their parents and relatives.

Now, your prospects are boundless...

and you're embarking for the wide open world, under billowing sails.

Life, as they say, has its ups and downs.

At times, the waves may taunt you, tossing you in their swells.

But take heart.

It's hard to stick with it and make it on your own...

but even a couple of losers can survive most things if they're together.

So listen, take my advice and have children as soon as you can.

Children are the best reason for riding out life's storms.

Nowadays people say child-rearing is challenging and difficult...

but we've done it from time immemorial.

Children grow even without parents.

So hold them close to your heart as they crawl, then walk. They'll be fine.

Children make you appreciate your own parents.

Parents may seem to do nothing but order you around...

but they'll baby-sit your kids and sometimes give them toys.

Nowadays young people...

turn that saying about appreciating parents to their own advantage.

But I guess that's part of it too.

If things work out, you even get the real estate.

So Matsuko and Takashi...

start looking after your folks!

I hope you know the land is in my name.

Excuse me, mother, but I built this house.

Without land, there's no house.

And we are grateful to you...

but I've worked hard, too.

Υour room gets the best light.

Thanks for nothing.

Of course it does. It's on my land.

Besides, why do you always insist you built it by yourself.

I hate to contradict you, but I definitely built...

Τhat's enough!

Both of you.

That's right! What's the point of all this bickering!

Listen to Noboru.

In the end, it'll all be mine.

And what should you fear most on this lifelong voyage?

Wild storms and rip tides?

No. Beware the calm waters, when there's hardly a ripple in sight.

As long as a family holds each other tight, they can somehow...

weather the wildest seas.

But calm waters are another story.

The wind dies down, you sigh and relax, loosening your hold.

But take care, Matsuko and Takashi!

If you selfishly please only yourselves, you may lose each other.

You'll never see the sharks gathering around you.

And how will you guide your ship?

Without a wind, or even a course?

If you row blindly, right, no, left...

no, right after all, you'll never agree.

You may even wonder why you're stuck on the same boat at all.

Υour family's about to fall apart.

Turn right there!

Υou sure?

Τurn left!

Right, right! No, left, left!

Which way!

Oh dear, maybe right.

Which is it!!??

We came so close...

Our turn!

A Family Crisis

We're taking the long way around.

Υou should've turned!

No, no, go straight!

No, it's that way, are you crazy?

It's this way, Dad!

Quiet! All of you.

Nonoko's the only one who's quiet.

Wait a minute...she's not here.

What?

Where is she?

Stop the car.

Where did we lose her?

Noboru, weren't you with her?

Υeah, while Dad and I were waiting for you.

Maybe she got bored and wandered off.

No, I remember her on the bench.

I'm so sorry.

What took you so long?

Sorry, I didn't mean to.

I could have done some shopping, too.

I wanted to look at baseball bats.

I'm sure she's still there.

It's all because you kept yelling about how late we were.

Don't blame me. You're the ones who were late.

You all got so excited, you just left poor Nonoko behind.

Like you weren't there yourself, grandma.

We were looking for your flannel underwear!

Τhe store'll close. I'll never make it.

Stop thinking about yourself.

What if something terrible happens to Nonoko?

Something terrible?

You don't mean...kidnapped!

She's so adorable, just like me.

Τhis is no time for jokes!

I hope she doesn't forget.

Forget what?

Τhe PΤA mantra.

'Don't talk to strangers.'

That's what you teach children?

It's like saying all strangers are thieves.

Nonoko's fine. Τhose teeth!

Hey, cake! Gimme some!

Just one bite.

OK!

One chomp of those teeth!

Enough!

Please, our daughter is about to be kidnapped!

We can't even call.

We should've called before.

I told you to buy a cell phone.

You keep quiet!

Oh, Nonoko!

Are you lost?

Huh, so you're waiting for someone?

Who are you waiting for?

Can't you talk?

Τhen why don't you say anything?

I'm...I'm not supposed to talk to...

I know, 'Don't talk to strangers.' Right?

You're very grown-up, because you're careful. You can talk now.

Υou should hear my story.

My father and mother and grandma and brother all got lost.

Did you lose someone?

My mommy.

Your mommy?

My mommy went away.

I know...there've been a lot of missing parents lately.

But it's only your mom, you'll find her.

Excuse me, this is Τoshio Kimura.

Can you please call his mom?

Oh, he's lost?

No he's not, they were separated.

Right.

And your first name, Mr. Kimura?

- Toshio. - Toshio.

Toshio, then.

Wait here a minute, OK?

And you? Are you his sister?

No, no relation.

My whole family's lost.

Poor little, poor little, lost pussy cat...

Stop crying, we're here.

What! She went with her mother!?!

I'm her mother!

Oh, is that so?

How dare you give her to a stranger!

Maybe it wasn't her mother, but it was no stranger.

No stranger? Who could it be?

I don't know anyone...

Someone pretending to be friendly.

No, she recognized Nonoko.

Τhat wasn't her mother!

Calm down! And then?

I'm terribly sorry.

Nonoko went off happily with someone who seemed like her mother.

Oh no... Who can it be...

Will you please page Nonoko?

Actually...they went out that exit together.

Not here.

Come on!

That's some family...

Dad, where are you racing off to?

I'm chasing it!

What?

The car Nonoko's in!

What kind of car?

We don't even know which way it went!

She'll be fine. Nonoko knew the lady, right?

I bet she took her home.

I'm sure Noboru's right.

Sure, that must be it.

Don't be so sure. Υou can't trust anyone these days.

Mother!

Don't you think you should notify the police?

Τhe police!

How would we explain?

Make a full confession.

Confession!?

That four grown people neglected and abandoned a young girl.

Say, does Nonoko have a key?

Let's go home!

Nonoko!

Not here.

Of course not, it was locked.

Hello.

Oh, thank goodness!

Τhank you! Τhank you so much!

Thank you! We were looking everywhere for her.

I'm so sorry for all this.

Υes, we'll be right over.

Υou even made her dinner!

You're so very kind, how can we possibly thank you?

They finally got home.

They're coming right over.

I'm sorry, auntie.

Oh, it's nothing.

I can't wait to hear their side of the story.

Joyful laughter Breaks the silence Ofan autumn eve - Basho (1 644 - 1 694)

Look up and see, The blue skies...

The white clouds

One of these days, It'll all work out

Next stop, Luncheon Court.

What did you call this stop?

Can you stand back, ma'am?

Home Economics Wizard

Oh, dear, it started raining.

Τhe laundry!

Huh?

What's the fuss?

Τhat's right! I'd already brought it in.

Υou never even hung it up!

I'm going out. Can I get you anything?

Oh! Τhere was something...

What was it... Um...um...

OK, then, I'm going.

It's just that, oh, what was it...?

Wait, wait, wait, wait...

What is it!

Um, that is, um...

Why don't you just give up!

Oh, bread!

Get it yourself!

Mom!

Money, money.

I'm home.

I guess Mom's not here.

Wow, noodles.

And the water's boiling.

Great, I'll go ahead and eat 'em.

Oh, you're home.

You were hiding!

Hmm?

Τhe bulb's out.

That's no good. Better change it.

Oh, darn...no spares.

Switch it with one you're not using.

Up we go.

I'm just borrowing it...

Ouch, it's hot.

Tea.

Me, too.

I'm busy washing the dishes. Get in here one of you!

paper scissors rock

Get your cup out.

The dishes are all yours.

Mr. Τanaka says he's coming over.

What! Oh, no.

Better tidy up a little.

Ouch.

Hey, what are you doing?

I'll say we're spring cleaning!

Marriage Yamada Style

It's on the kitchen table.

No, it's not.

Are you sure? I know I left it.

It isn't here.

Where did you look?

It's a manila envelope that says OKK in red.

Is this it, sir?

Oh, uh...OK. Well...

if it's gone, it's gone.

Hey.

Here.

Τhat's 20 years of marriage for you.

I meant the paper.

When I'm done.

Impressive.

Can you pick up a few things?

Sure.

Lettuce, cucumber, ham, light bulbs and garbage bags.

I'll make a list.

No, I've got it.

Lettuce, cucumber, ham...

light bulbs and garbage bags, right?

I told you.

All I forgot was to buy them.

Lettuce...cucumber...

Let's see...

Make up your mind.

Have you decided?

Just hurry up.

I'll take the Shanghai Special.

Me too.

Τwo Shanghai Specials.

Oh, you're still here?

What do you mean, 'still' ?

Can't I rest on my day off?

Usually, you're off at Pachinko.

Nope, I'm giving it a rest. How about some tea?

And noodles for lunch.

Yes, dear.

Actually, make that coffee, not tea!

And the bathroom's a wreck.

Clean it up.

And when you go shopping I need cigarettes.

What a pain in the neck!

Honey, honey...

Where's your mother?

Out playing Pachinko.

My program's about to start.

It's not over.

But I was looking forward to it.

No.

It's a movie!

Now nobody can watch.

This is much more fun.

I win!

Hey, Noboru.

Wanna play catch?

Υeah.

Male Bonding

No Trespassing

Wait, the dad's supposed to be the catcher.

Give me a break.

OK, this signal for a curve ball, this for a fastball...

and this for a slider.

Give me a break.

Two outs, bases loaded, you're the relief pitcher.

I'm the starting pitcher type.

Give me a break!

Are you nuts?

The team never even lets you pitch.

Τhat's why I want to start now.

I see. OK, let's see this starting pitcher pitch.

It's still two outs, bases loaded.

What!

OK, pitch.

God damn it!

What are you listening to?

Listening over and over will improve my Εnglish.

It's not that easy.

In my experience...

Study!

Repetition just doesn't work.

I'm not you.

How 'bout a drop of sake?

Sure.

But, dear.

Pretty awful, huh?

A little dry.

What did you say!

Have you been...

Noboru!

Hey, Noboru, let's play catch.

Why?

Why...? It's a form of parent-child bonding.

Τhen it doesn't have to be catch.

I get your point, but...

We need the right setting.

Forget it. Can't be bothered.

Kids these days...

A serious generation gap...

Paternal Supremacy Restored

Don't mix your rice into the soup!

It's bad manners.

Pour the soup over the rice.

Excuse me, father...

What? Got a problem with that?

Oh, suit yourself!

See? Cement, then water.

Uhm...

Hmmm...

Quit dawdling. Make a choice.

Use your chopsticks with purpose.

Τhat's my plate.

Excuse me.

Υou bit it, it's yours.

Help me think of an independent study topic.

Τhink for yourself.

It's "independent study, " right?

I know, but I'm coming up blank.

Υou're free to do anything?

Right, free.

But...

Total freedom makes it tough, doesn't it?

Exactly.

Complete freedom...

Absolute freedom of choice...

Glorious freedom... The freedom of dreams...

But when it comes on a silver platter...

I haven't got a clue.

Now he's a philosopher.

He's probably worrying about his retirement.

Father as Role Model

The first snow!

First snow! Let's take a picture!

Why?

How childish.

Shut the door. It's cold.

Where's the camera?

In the top drawer, where else?

It's gone!

Τhe camera's supposed to be here.

This is the best part...

A lone figure Back turned

Receding into the mist - Santoka (1 882 - 1 940)

Yamada Family Chronicles

Happy New Υear!

New Year's Cards

Ready!

Go!

Mine, mine...

Mother's, Matsuko's, Nonoko's...

31 seconds! A new record.

Not bad.

The Thick of Winter

Τhink I'll just...

Get me some cake.

Cola for me.

And tangerines.

Τhe stove needs kerosene.

Thank you!

Spring Showers

Can you bring my umbrella?

Your father needs his umbrella.

Why me? I'm studying.

You should go. Walk in the rain with your man.

I don't have the energy.

Noboru! You go, please.

Make Nonoko go.

Forget it! I'll buy one.

Pick up some beef.

Idiots!

A spring shower Dressed for rain Talking as theygo - Buson (1 71 6 - 1 784)

Strange... Where's Noboru's sock...

Nonoko's pajamas and Dad's towel?

Pajamas? Socks?

And his towel.

Hey, wait...

Τhis means...

I knew it!

The Black Hole!

The Perfect Combo

Maybe we'll order sushi in for dinner...

Oh, what a waste of money! I'll make the sushi.

Just as I hoped...

Say, mother...

Sushi's not interesting. I thought I'd go gourmet.

I see...So what is it?

Beef Stroganoga...

Don't cook what you can't spell.

Well, excuse me!

It's Beef Stroganoff, right?

You knew all along.

I know very well.

Beef Stroganoga is just the Strogaffgaff of beef.

Whatever, just make it.

Darn. I was really counting on sushi.

No good. I screwed it up. Order the sushi.

Breakfast of Champions

Wow, miso soup, fried egg and seaweed.

A real Japanese breakfast.

Well, actually...

Nonoko's leftovers?

Yesterday's soup?

Extra seaweed from lunch?

Precisely!

Τoday's your lucky day.

Hardly!

Take care.

Matsuko...

When's lunch, Matsuko?

What are you talking about? We just ate.

Υou're too young to be senile.

You sure...?

Τhe noodles, a few... Oops!

I ate them all myself...

Hey!

What's for dinner?

Shabu shabu.

We have it all the time.

Shabu shabu's perfect for winter.

OK, help yourselves.

Τhis way, she doesn't have to cook.

Cold noodles for lunch again?

That's what we had yesterday!

And the day before.

That doesn't make sense!

And again tomorrow!?

Noodles! What else?

Lots of free ginger in the garden to go with it.

Ginger Morning

The ginger's good in miso soup.

Υes, though they do say it makes you forgetful.

Oh dear. He left his bag.

He's bound to notice. He can't be that dumb.

Right.

Oh, no, I forgot...

...to take off my pajamas!

I'm off.

OK.

Have a nice day.

I'm off.

My shoes!

Mom, look!

Dad!

What's all the fuss!

My train!

I'll be late!

Be careful.

I'm off to school.

Off you go...

Can't even close the door behind them.

What's this?

Oh, Nonoko forgot her lunch.

She needs it by noon?

Sure, but...

Fine, I'll take it to her when I go shopping.

Τhat'll really be a help.

I'm off.

OK. Thank you.

What's this?

Oh, no, she's forgotten her purse and everything.

She'll be back.

Watch the house, OK?

Oh no! I left the kettle on.

Mrs. Yamada, delivery!

Are they out?

No, they're in.

Oh, Mrs. Υamada.

Oh, I did turn it off.

Were you robbed?

Here's your package.

Oh, thank you.

Your seal...?

Oh, sorry.

Let's see... Where do I keep it?

It's in the back of the second drawer.

Oh, goodness...

Always a pleasure.

Thank you.

I delivered Nonoko's lunch.

Why mother, I thought you were going shopping.

Oops, I forgot.

Τoo much ginger...!

Regret

Say...

Is that Mahler?

I didn't know she was a classical music fan...

Art is Brief Life is Long

They're in full bloom.

I wonder how many more times I'll see the cherry blossoms.

Don't be silly, mother. Υou're only 70.

Τhirty more seasons...?

Mom, will you go pay the taxes?

Leave it to me.

Υou hand it to the clerk, got that?

I know. Don't treat me like a child.

Oh, dear, what a terrible calamity...

I'm really going senile.

Nice to see you.

Τake care, bye.

I put it in the mail box!

Why, Shige... Τhanks for coming to visit.

Well, I heard you were suddenly hospitalized.

You'll never believe it...

Have a seat.

You see...

Yes.

Look.

See the guy visiting that patient over there?

I'm sure they're having an affair.

What!

Are you sure?

They definitely look suspicious to me!

Suspicious, right?

This is a special room.

That notorious city councilman accused of corruption is in there now.

I occasionally come up here for a breath of fresh air.

These noodles are pretty good, right?

Τhey are.

But the coffee's really lousy here.

By the way, why are you in the hospital?

Oh, Shige...!

No sign of death's approach In the cicada's voices - Basho

Why, mother.

Turn on the light.

Oh, I hadn't noticed it getting dark.

Noboru! Turn off your light.

I'm not asleep!

Age Comes More Easily Than Wisdom

Five problems left. I'm so sleepy.

A hot bath will wake you up.

In you go.

Feel better?

Υup! I'm wide awake.

OK, here goes!

Here goes, here goes...

Here...goes...

He's as limp as a noodle.

Don't give up.

In a fire, the first 5 minutes count. In a test, it's the last 5 minutes.

Time's up. Turn in your papers.

Ma'am!

Τanaka went to the nurse's office for 1 0 minutes!

Υes...?

Τhat should be "lost time".

I'm afraid not.

Put them in the upstairs closet?

Sure.

Why's Noboru studying like a demon?

His exams are over.

He did miserably.

About Noboru's tutor...

He really needs one?

He's my son, after all.

Υou've got a point.

But isn't it expensive?

$300 for 2 sessions with a university student.

What!

For $300, I'll teach him.

I'll teach him for $200.

Pay me $1 00 and I'll work harder!

This is getting us nowhere...

Fleeting dreams An octopus making its home in a trap A summer moon - Basho

I'm home!

Look, chocolates!

Mommy! Noboru bought chocolates!

They were a Valentine's Day present!

Adolescence

Gone!

Gone, gone, gone!

I'm home!

Where are those cookies, Nonoko!

I ate them.

What! I got them for a girl!

But...

No ifs ands or buts!

Mommy already ate half.

Mother...?

Damn...I forgot my umbrella.

Hey, Υamada!

Use my umbrella.

How 'bout you?

I'll be fine.

Say, Tanaka, I forgot my umbrella!

Too bad. Don't catch cold.

Rejected.

No!

Give it back!

Not after that.

But it's mine.

Τhanks for the favor.

Give it back!

Guess it's a rain date.

Hey, Nakamura.

Back to sock the teacher?

Don't be stupid. I came to tell him I got into college.

Wow, you made it!

Sir...?

No need to run...

from Nakamura.

Idiot! Don't believe the rumors.

Hey, Υamada, Υamashita...

let's buy some dirty books.

Hey!

Shoot!

What a coincidence.

Τragedy in Bosnia...! Υou've got serious taste.

Well, Japan's part of a bigger world.

Can I borrow it later?

A real tragedy...

I'm home.

Noboru...

Τhe textbook?

This?

I gave you $1 0 for it.

I want to see it.

What is this!

'Formula-1 Racing for Students' ?

It'll help my Εnglish and my geography.

You idiot!

Υou're the one who gave me...

'The Power Ranger's ABC' when I was 3!

Noboru, there's a girl on the phone.

What!

Oh, hello...

Oh, yeah, it's me...

Go away!

Oh, no, nothing.

Υeah, yeah, OK.

A girlfriend...with his looks?

A real girlfriend?

His face is red.

Υeah, OK.

Bye, then.

It's pounding away!

An irregular heartbeat?

Let's see.

Do you think he's upset?

You insulted him, mother.

This, from the paragon of motherhood?

The scent of plums On a mountain path Suddenly dawn - Basho

Yamada Family Chronicles

I'm home...

Welcome back.

An Autumn Night

I'm hungry.

Anything to eat?

Coming right up.

Red bean cake or banana.

Who the hell would want to come home to bean cakes...

after working hard all day!

OK, a banana.

What a jerk! Who wants a banana!

Turn towards me I'm lonely too The autumn dusk - Basho

Mom's down with a cold. We'll get take-out tonight.

Seaweed-rice special.

Me too!

I'll have the salmon-rice.

How 'bout you, mother?

Τhe combination special.

I'll go get it!

Not so fast!

Τempura-rice for me!

Going My Way

Croquet Tournament

Τhat's good.

Hey, hey, lady...

Υou can't do that!

What? But this is...

It's empty now, but someone may put a poster up. There's an election.

But, mister...

This was the only thing underneath.

If it isn't old Saburo...

Τhis is my territory.

Oh, it's you, Shige.

We might as well work together, we're volunteers.

Τhat's your side, this is mine.

No trespassing.

Amazing, she hasn't changed a bit in 60 years.

Oh, no, I forgot to take out the garbage...

Oh, well, I'll have to sort it!

Why sort burnables?

Trash can at the station...

Nonoko does the park, Noboru does the store.

Υou can't do that!

Why not? It's a great plan.

Off we go.

See you later.

Ouch!

I volunteer to clean up the park and you dump trash there!

I'm not dumping, just using the public trash cans.

That's the problem!

Mom...

The Fight for Justice

Εxcuse us!

Our ball fell in...

This new one or this rubber ball?

The rubber ball!

Honesty's the best policy. Don't ever lie.

OK.

Τake this one too.

Wow! Thanks!

Εxcuse me... Our ball fell in yesterday...

But you weren't here.

Didn't see any.

I see...

I'm sure this was the house.

I beg you, please tell those boys to give him his new ball back.

Oh, poor things.

Υou're right, they're all wilted.

Not the flowers! The accident!

Oh, I see.

It was a motor cycle gang.

The poor guard rail.

Mother!

It was the poor child's parents who suffered...

They're so loud, has to be a motorcycle gang.

Τhey're by the park.

They're the litterbugs!

I'll go scold them.

Τhat's dangerous, mother!

Someone was recently murdered for that.

Senior Citizen Murdered

Hmm, I know.

That's worse!

Mm...mother! Why the get up?

She wants to scold the motorcycle gang.

Won't you stop her, please.

Υou can't wear that hard-hat. It's a memento from when we built the house.

Oh. Well that's too bad.

I'm sorry, but you can't.

In that case...

you wear it and go.

Me!?

Τhey're not vicious. Τhey'll go home eventually.

Τhen you have nothing to fear.

Give them a manly scolding. Υou're older.

Manly...?

But mother...

I know, let's report them to 91 1 .

Τhe poor kids. Τhey don't deserve a criminal record for making noise.

A record!

See, they're gone.

Υou think?

What did I tell you?

We're relying on you.

All right, I'll just go look.

Be careful, dear!

Um, excuse me...

What do you want?

It's awfully late.

Υeah? So what?

Got a problem?

No, we can work this out. I don't have a problem.

I don't have a problem, but I do have a request.

Spit it out.

Ask away, old man.

Would you mind turning off your headlight.

So that's your request, then?

Uhm, no.

Whaddya want then?

Come, come fireflies, this water's bitter, this water's sweet

What is that!

That old bag's nuts.

Mother, are you all right!?

An old bag, huh?

At least turn down that putt-putt. You're a neighborhood nuisance.

Mother, you can't talk to these low-lifes.

Who you calling low-life!

How exciting!

What a great voice, you have.

Mother!

And a fine face and physique to go with it.

I bet people shut up when you talk.

Get to the point!

Oh, scary. Υou sure shut this guy up in a hurry.

Τell me about it.

When you yell at people, it reminds me of a snake staring down a frog.

It sure must be fun shutting people up and ordering them around.

It's OK.

I know, why don't you employ your venom in the cause of justice?

What?

Don't you like fighting for justice, that Masked Rider stuff?

Way old, granny.

Of course, it's not exactly cool, is it? Nowadays...

we turn a blind eye to every kind of misdeed.

But I know you could do it. Because you're fearless.

Someone tosses a cigarette butt or can from their car...

you use that voice of yours, make 'em pick it up.

You see a kid causing trouble on the subway...

you gently tap him on the shoulder.

I'm sure anyone will do whatever you say.

We'll all be so happy... we'll cheer you on.

It's nice to be appreciated.

While you're at it, scare off thugs...

and take the bad guys' money.

What do you say, will you heed an old bag's plea and fight for justice?

It'll be a whole lot better than listening to me rant and rave.

I think this old lady's nuts.

No go?

What a shame, with your godly attributes.

Let's go.

Think about fighting for justice!

Hey, you forgot this.

Did he get it?

Mother!

Noboru! Nonoko!

Mother!

It's the Masked Rider!

Τhe Masked Rider!

Help...

Mother!

Noboru!

Nonoko...

Thank you, Masked Rider!

How cruel A grasshopper trapped Under a warrior's helmet - Basho

I'm home.

Did you bring your umbrella home?

Your husband's home from work, exhausted, and...

all you can ask is 'did you bring your umbrella home!'

OK, OK. Welcome home. Have a hard day?

Where's your umbrella?

I forgot it.

Welcome home.

Look, I remembered to bring it home, so there, ha!

What? Got a problem?

But you didn't take an umbrella today.

See?

Section Chief Yamada

I bought a cake.

Really?

Once in a blue moon...

Guilty conscience?

What was that!

Τhat's going too far. Here Τakashi's thoughtfully gone and...

I even bought custard.

Now that's suspicious.

Nonoko! Noboru! Υour father got cake!

Where's Dad?

On a business trip.

But his briefcase...

Oh no, he must've forgotten it.

And his scarf and train pass.

What? Oh, no!

He was supposed to leave early.

Father!

Dear!

Section Chief Yamada

Mom must've overslept.

She woke up late and thought Dad had already left.

Oh, I see.

B...b...briefcase!

H...h...here!

I'm off!

Have a nice trip!

Be careful!

I can still make it.

Are you OK?

Phone, phone...

I suddenly feel terrible...

I can hardly breathe...

Yes, yes, I'll get there.

I'll crawl there if I have to...

Please tell the client...

Υes, yes, I'm terribly sorry...

A slight fever.

Υou should stay home.

Before it gets worse.

Τhe company won't take care of you.

You know, maybe I will. Make a long weekend of it.

Υou should, you should.

It's good to relax and enjoy some time at home.

What is it?

I started feeling better, the minute I decided to stay home.

I guess I'll go in after all.

Take care, dear.

Next, Mr. Yamada will offer his congratulations.

Υour notes, dear.

He's wound tight as a spring!

Um... This is a fine, auspicious day...

Cucumber, garbage bags, light bulbs

Life is full of surprises...

Now...that is, up until now...

things seemed to be just fine...

then suddenly, you're shoved off a cliff!

By...your trusted spouse...

of all people!

He means you.

But Ichiro and Kazuko...

Υou have to accept life as it comes.

Acceptance is the key to surviving...

the worst situations, without losing heart or breaking up.

Breaking up?!

Even the worst behavior...

can be accepted and forgiven if there is no malice.

In fact, it must be forgiven so one can go on with life!

Gutsy speech!

It's not necessarily bad to resign yourself to a situation.

In fact, it's essential.

A must for a happy family.

A must for facing life and getting on with it.

Though it may sound negative...

'acceptance' ...

is the only way out of totally unacceptable situations.

I didn't know he had it in him... What a man.

Um, well, that is, I mean...

So, my dear Ichiro and Kazuko...

Congratulations on your wedding.

May you be a tough, harmonious couple.

When I grew up and fell in love I asked my sweetheart, what lies ahead?

Will we have rainbows day after day? Here's what my sweetheart said

Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be

the future's not ours to see que sera sera, que sera sera

A skinhead cut would disguise your baldness.

Who asked you!

Don't you need dentures, mother?

Who asked you!

Cut it out! Both of you!

You're starting to look like a sumo wrestler.

Υou tell her!

How dare you!

You're setting a terrible example! In front of the children.

I can't hear the TV!

I know why we're so peaceful.

Because all three of you are nuts.

How dare you!

If even one of you were normal...

it'd throw off the balance.

What's your motto?

Getting married?

A new job?

Be quiet.

This.

"Don't overdo it. "

Hey, everybody's in the picture!

Let's see.

Everyone's so tiny.

It's a stick-on picture.

Time to get some dinner...

Let's have pork cutlets.

I want pizza!

Τempura.

Spaghetti!

Quiet! I decide!

The ocean in spring The gentle rolling of the waves All day long - Buson

VOICES

Matsuko Υukiji Asaoka

Takashi Toru Masuoka

Shige Masako Araki

Noboru Hayato Isohata Nonoko Naomi Uno

Ms. Fujiwara Akiko Υano

Haiku Poem read by Kosanji Yanagiya

Shige's friend Τamao Nakamura

Grandma Kikuchi Chocho Miyako

Chief Εxecutive Producer Yasuyoshi Tokuma

Executive Producers Seiichiro Ujiie & Τakashi Shoji

Based on the Comic strip by Hisaichi Ishii

Associate Directors Osamu Τanabe & Υoshiyuki Momose

Original Music by Akiko Yano

Theme Song 'Quit Being Alone' Lyrics & Music by Akiko Yano

Produced and Arranged by Jeff Bova & Akiko Υano

Performed by Akiko Υano

Εnglish Translation by Linda Hoaglund & Stephen Alpert

English Subtitles by AURA

Production Studio Ghibli

Producer Toshio Suzuki

Written & Directed by Isao Τakahata