Original subtitles

This video is intended

to provide an enjoyable original view of the film,

The video has been produced with the following primary considerations in mind

First of all, Is this circle correct?

If this circle is distorted, the image is also distorted.

So first please reproduce the correct circle.

The aspect ratio of this film is

1:1.66, the image is in European Vista size,

So even if you expand the frame to its full size

it will be distorted. To the left and right on a 4:3 monitor,

and the top, bottom, left and right on a 16:9 monitor,

some black areas will remain.

But that is the proper way to appreciate this film.

So please take your time, and enjoy this film.

Kyoko Obayashi Producer 2003 22nd Fujimoto Award Special Prize Winner

In Oita Prefecture, a peaceful, small town,

sleeps quietly against the backdrop of the Kuju Mountain Range.

Nineteen or twenty years ago this song was born.

Since then, through Japan's turbulent years,

the people who wrote this song, the people who sang it,

and the homes of many young people who have continued to love it,

have all now equally reached the age of 50.

Waiting for the train beside you, I keep checking the time.

Unseasonable snow is falling.

In Tokyo, this is the last snow you'll see,

you say sadly

Even the drifting snow knows when to fall.

After the season of too much fun,

Now spring has come and you have become beautiful,

Even more beautiful than last year.

As the train starts moving, you press your face to the window.

You seem to want to say something.

Your lips move, saying goodbye,

Looking downwards, I am scared and pretending not to notice.

As time passes, you, who were once childish,

Grow up without even realizing it.

Now spring has come, and you have become beautiful,

Even more beautiful than last year.

I watch the remaining snow left behind by you,

falling and melting away.

Now spring has come, and you have become beautiful,

Even more beautiful than last year.

2001, Early Autumn Tokyo

I thought of writing a suicide note in jest,

not seriously intending to die, but feeling there was no point in living.

I was overwhelmed by such a feeling.

But then I suddenly realized,

to whom should I address this note?

I have no relatives, no close friends,

and my wife left me.

That was this morning.

The word 'separation' has a dramatic ring to it,

but in my case, she simply left me.

After 28 years together,

writing a suicide note to my wife, would be pointless now.

When I think about it, my life has always been half-hearted.

At that moment, the phone rang.

In retrospect,

this phone call felt like a sort of divine prank.

That's how it feels.

Hello, this is Kajimura.

Hello?

- Is this Mr. Yusaku? - Who is this?

It's me, um, Mizuta.

Mizuta, from where?

It's Mizuta, Kenichiro Mizuta from Usuki.

Usuki?

Yes, Usuki. Do you remember, Yusaku?

Have you forgotten Usuki?

Well, it's been 28 years since then.

Another 28 years have passed.

I found your address in the university alumni directory.

Won't you come back to Usuki?

Um, After 28 years?

Why?

Because Yukiko is dying.

Yukiko? No... What do you mean?

My wife is dying. This morning she had a scooter accident and is in a coma.

She was taken to the emergency hospital, but her condition is critical.

The doctor said if there was anyone to notify, I should let them know.

So... that's why you called me?

I thought it might be a nuisance,

but after all, I thought if I didn't tell you,

if Yukiko died without you knowing, I thought you would regret it.

Of course, whether you come or not is up to you.

But,

Kajimura,

Yusaku,

Won't you please come back?

I'm sure Yukiko would want that too.

I can tell what Yukiko wants.

So,

please,

don't make me regret this.

Please.

Of course, it's fine if your wife comes along. She has met Yukiko too.

Yes, do that.

It would make it easier for you to return to Usuki.

Of course, right.

Toshiko left me.

It was this morning as well.

I will have someone come to pick up the luggage tomorrow.

This was the beginning of the story.

The next morning, I boarded the bullet train.

Taking up the invitation from an old friend I had forgotten.

Heading towards the distant hometown I had almost forgotten as well.

It wasn't because I particularly wanted to.

A person about to commit suicide has no reason to refuse.

I called work and told them I was out with a cold.

High fever. It'll take three or four days.

The reason I took the train instead of flying

was to make it a ritual of returning to Usuki, rather than just going there.

This rail line continues far, all the way to Usuki.

I just wanted to confirm that distance.

28 years.

28 years ago, I often rode the train like this to return to Usuki.

Mizuta and Yukiko would always be waiting at the Usuki station when I arrived.

I wonder if I’ll meet her again today.

You know, that one girl.

That's her!

Lovely, isn't it, Yusaku?

What is it? Speak clearly.

Would you like something to eat or drink?

Without intending to, I started to remember.

Hello?

Excuse me.

Which one is it? This one?

Here.

What are you going to do with this, Yukiko?

Yeah, well, it's fine. Let's go.

Here, I'll take this. But it's not for me, it's for her.

Her name is Yukiko Sonoda.

Senpai, are you the son of this shop's owner?

Yes, I am.

Could you tell me your name? And also your age and date of birth?

– Wait, stop! – I want to ask for your sake!

Alright, I'm leaving.

Um, what is it?

Yes, 16.

February 23, 1954.

No, I meant the price...

Oh, it's 650 yen.

My name is Yusaku Kajimura.

600 and, uh, 50 yen. Exactly.

Certainly. Thank you very much.

What are you going to use this for?

It's surprising that the son of a craft store owner doesn't know.

But you're not a shop clerk, are you?

Usually, it’s stuffed into pillows.

It's fluffy and makes a good cushion, it's comfortable.

But mine is a bit different. It's not just for that.

Different?

Oh, I'm Yukiko. Yukiko Sonoda.

Yes, I know.

Ah, Yukiko. It's a lovely name.

Is it written with the character for happiness?

No, it’s the kanji for snow, the white snow that falls from the sky.

I see. It suits you well. Are you a middle school student?

Yes, I’m a second-year student at Nioji Girls' Academy.

I see, that's nice.

Well, I must be going. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Mom.

Why don't you bring a cute girlfriend like that sometimes?

When I come this far, the nostalgia starts flooding back.

The afternoons in Kyushu are red.

The bluer the sea, the redder the landscape feels. I wonder why.

Well, from here on, it’s a straight path to Usuki.

The distance keeps decreasing...

The past is strangely muddled.

But, now that a long time has passed,

it feels like a clear story emerges, as if already written,

leaving only a single path.

I'm done. I'm a bit tired. Let's call it a day.

You've improved a lot.

If we keep this up, we'll win the next match against Sakanosaki High School,

We’ll win the doubles match together.

One more time.

She really has feelings for you, hasn’t she?

No way.

But her smile just now was special.

She's the flower of Kazari High School. Being liked by Yurie Shintani is really something.

Yusaku Kajimura, you're quite something too.

She’s better suited to Sugita. They're both class representatives.

You still don't get it, do you?

In the real world, academic excellence and athletic prowess

don't necessarily mean they'll fall for each other.

You see it in movies and novels,

women like her often fall for struggling artists or poor musicians,

men who are no good.

- Is that so? - That's how it is.

So, Yusaku, you have a good chance too.

Hey there, Senpai!

Let's go.

Hello.

Hello.

It was them after all. I knew it.

This girl has 20/20 vision.

She saw you from behind and said without a doubt that it was Yusaku Kajimura-senpai.

Yes.

What's going on?

You two know each other?

Sorry for dragging you along to my grandma's grave.

But I'm happy.

Hiromi Maki and Yukiko Sonoda.

But the name Yukiko is rare in Kyushu, isn't it?

Were you perhaps born in Hokkaido?

No, it was my grandmother.

On the day I was born, it snowed just a little bit here in Usuki.

They thought it was a sign of good luck.

Perhaps because of that, whenever it snows, something good happens to me.

I find something I lost, or I meet someone I wanted to see.

Then why don't you move to Niigata, Aomori, or Hokkaido?

In winter, good things will happen every day.

That's true, but...

Hey, what do you think, Kajimura-senpai?

I think it's nice because it happens occasionally.

Yes, exactly.

Because it happens only occasionally.

A miracle.

Snow.

When was the last time it snowed here?

It feels like just yesterday, those days.

But when it feels like "just yesterday"...

Why do people have to age for decades to understand this saying?

Back then,

I never thought I would be approaching the age of fifty.

I never imagined it.

But even back then,

time was slowly moving forward.

I never thought you'd really move to Hokkaido, Hiromi.

Fate is a strange and mischievous thing.

But now, a lot of good things will come.

If only it would snow today, Yukki...

I could stay here forever...

Hiromi.

I'll write lots of letters.

You write too, Hiromi. About snow, about the snow.

About the snow that falls and falls.

Goodbye. Take care.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

I hate it.

I hate it.

I hate it.

I hate parting.

Maybe the separation had already begun.

And only Yukiko had noticed it.

But neither Mizuta nor I were aware of it.

Kajimura, can I talk to you? Will you come with me?

Me?

Yes. Mizuta, too. I want you both to hear.

Alright, this way.

In situations like this, it's always the shrine grounds...

Why did you bring us here? Are you planning something?

I don't know what's going on, but don't get the wrong idea.

We're not here to fight. We need to talk. Or rather... I need to consult with you.

Yeah, so what's this consultation about?

You know what it's about, don't you? It's about Shintani-kun.

Yusaku, a consultation about Yurie Shintani.

Exactly. Nothing yet, but something will happen. I can sense it.

- What do you mean by that? - Kajimura, you understand, right?

- Just look at Shintani-kun. - I see. Then I understand too.

I want to prevent a mistake before it happens.

A mistake before it happens.

Shintani-kun should love me. Because I truly love Shintani-kun.

But Kajimura, you don't feel that way, right?

That's true.

You can't make her happy. Only I can make Shintani-kun happy.

But what about Yurie Shintani herself?

That's the problem.

It seems she likes you, Kajimura.

So, here's my request, Kajimura.

I want you to back off from her.

Back off? But I haven't done anything.

Just declare that you dislike Shintani-kun.

I can't do that.

Why not?

Because I don't dislike Shintani-kun.

I can't lie.

I don't have any special feelings for Shintani-kun,

but I don't dislike her either.

If I said I disliked her, it would hurt her feelings, wouldn't it?

I don't want to hurt anyone.

- Coward! - Coward?

You don't understand.

Leaving things as they are would hurt her even more.

Fine. Then let's compete like men.

If you won't back off, I'll compete with you. Fair and square.

Wait a minute. What do you mean by "compete"?

If it's academics or sports, the outcome is already clear...

Well, we have no choice. Right, Yusaku?

If you wish.

Fine. I'll let you know the date. See you then.

Okay, I'll be waiting.

Yurie... I'll defend you.

- He's watched too many youth dramas, hasn't he? – What do we do, though?

Can't help it. We have no choice, right? Life sometimes

throws things at us like in the movies.

You need this kind of excitement once in a while.

- Bring it on! - Yeah!

Well done. You did great.

Yuasku. Yurie Shintani will fall for you even more.

- Rules are rules... - What do you mean?

I lost. I lost the competition.

Are you giving up? Is that really okay with you?

Let's go.

It seems like a fair outcome...

Good morning.

What are you doing?

I’m not an object, you know!

Don’t just fight over me without my permission.

In the end, Yurie Shintani's punch was the hardest hit.

Does this mean it’s over for you?

No, it’s not like that.

Come on, don't be so serious.

Hey, Yuko-san!

At the mountain station, light and shadow intersect.

Ah, Usuki Station.

It hasn't changed at all in 28 years. Not one bit.

- Welcome back. - Yeah.

It's me, Mizuta. Did you forget my face?

No, I remember well, especially your face wrapped in bandages.

I often came here to see you off.

But when I said that, Yukiko always denied it, saying

I was always the one being seen off.

Yusaku, I'm glad you came back. Yukiko will be happy too.

Now it's Yukiko who's wrapped in bandages...

Let's go. We don't have much time.

This is it.

She was riding a scooter and apparently fell.

Right after turning a corner.

Even though it's a road she always takes.

The only witness was a three-year-old girl. She said that she fell trying to avoid a cat.

At least, that's what she said. Who knows what really happened.

I always thought it was dangerous.

Even if I had to be forceful, I should have made her stop.

In this quiet town, accidents are rare.

And if they do happen, they rarely cause serious injuries.

Why did this have to happen?

We're heading to the hospital.

Sugita Clinic. Do you know it?

No.

Ryoichi Sugita. Our star tennis player.

- He became a doctor? - He was the son of a doctor.

We went to his father's hospital for treatment after he knocked us out.

I didn't know that. Maybe because we were in different classes.

That's why the doctor was always smiling. No wonder he was so good to us.

Yeah.

And Yurie Shintani?

She's the wife of the former director of the Sugita Hospital.

Really?

She prevented it before it happened.

The mistake, I mean.

28 years.

More than 30 years, if you count from those days.

Life has its ups and downs.

Ah, we've arrived.

It's amazing, isn’t it? This used to be Sugita General Hospital.

Sugita is the director now. He doesn’t deal with people like us anymore.

I heard he's running for prefectural assembly next.

His wife, Yurie, is the president of Soroptimist International.

Anyway, let's go and see her.

Natsuho. My daughter.

This is Yusaku Kajimura.

He came all the way from Tokyo.

Nice to meet you.

This is Yukiko.

They say that if she can't breathe on her own anymore,

it'll be the end.

Come on, say something to her.

Yukiko, Yukiko.

It's Yusaku. Yusaku Kajimura.

He's come back.

Look, it's nostalgic, isn't it?

I'm right here, Yusaku is here.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry. Yusaku...

I’m sorry for what happened to Yukiko.

I promised to protect her.

"I promised you that I would protect Yukiko..."

Yukiko on the scooter... and Natsuho, her daughter...

Everything before me felt so distant.

Even Mizuta standing here now,

and Yukiko in bed.

Even myself.

I remembered the last day in Usuki...

It started to rain after all.

Yukiko didn't come.

But it's surely because of yesterday's injury.

Yukiko would definitely have come to see you off otherwise.

Yeah, but it's okay.

Don't worry. I'll protect Yukiko.

That's reassuring.

Will you really let me take care of her?

Yes, she's like a precious sister to me.

I see.

When will you be back next, Yusaku?

I don’t know.

I have this feeling.

Like you might never come back to this town again.

I don’t know why. I’ve seen you off many times here.

It’s the first time I feel this way.

Maybe it’s because Yukiko isn't here this time.

Goodbye, Yusaku. Take care of yourself, and Toshiko too.

Yukiko, stop it!

You shouldn’t do this!

No, don't! We can't!

Yukiko.

No! No!

Yusaku! Stop.

Don’t say anything.

Don’t ask anything.

You see?

That moment was the last time I saw Yukiko.

The next morning... I left Usuki.

And just as Mizuta had predicted... I never returned to Usuki again.

That year, I married Toshiko Sugai.

It was a young, rushed marriage, and we were poor.

But youth itself is like a dream.

For me, life in Tokyo was everything.

I lived every day to the fullest,

and forgot about Usuki.

28 years have passed since then.

And now...

I am here.

At the age of 50...

It seems easier to believe in death than in life.

No! No!

It's Takuyoi.

I’m truly sorry.

But I am glad you came. I was happy to see you.

I thought about finding a place to stay,

but I wanted to take the time to talk with you, leisurely like this.

It’s a messy house, but... Make yourself at home.

But, would it be better to stay at the hospital?

Even if we're not there, if anything happens, Natsuho will let us know.

She takes after her mother and is very responsible.

I’ll go back again soon.

How old is your daughter?

She’s 13. The same age when we met Yukiko.

- She's the third generation. - Huh?

Yukiko brought her in.

We never had children ourselves.

Toshiko worked away from home all the time.

You realize your own age through your child’s age.

That's what they say.

When did we get so old?

Yukiko too. She’s already 45.

Next spring, she’ll be 46.

Yukiko always looked forward to spring.

By the end of summer, she was already thinking about the next spring.

What was that all about?

Your wife,

Yukiko,

She loved snow... I thought she loved winters when it snowed.

Well then... Cheers.

Cheers.

We should toast to Hiromi too.

Cheers.

I envy you.

You know, they say in Hokkaido it still snows in March.

How about Tokyo?

Tokyo is far from Usuki, so it might snow there too.

Yeah, I wonder.

It’s far, but it's east, not north.

I see.

But I want to go there.

But, my birthday,

and celebrating my high school admission with everyone,

it's wonderful that it coincides with Yusaku's university acceptance celebration.

I'm very happy.

I'm very happy. Congratulations on your admission.

Well, well, thank you.

Yukiko, you're so kind.

So, once again happy 15th birthday, Yukiko,

and congratulations on becoming a high school student.

It's old, but this is an album I've cherished.

Fill it with good photos.

Thank you.

Please write me lots of letters.

Congratulations, Yukki. This is from Yusaku and me.

It’s a flower called "nagoriyuki" (lingering snow).

How pretty.

And Yusaku, this is a book my father gave me.

Read it when you're feeling despondent in Tokyo.

Thank you.

- Congratulations, Yukiko. - Thank you.

Congratulations.

Ah, so nice.

So many "congratulations" and "thank yous".

Really.

I’ve thought many times about going to Tokyo with Yusaku.

But unlike Yusaku, I’m destined to take over my father’s business.

And I don't have the ability to pass university exams anyway.

If I'm going to be a sake brewer, it's better to start learning early.

It’s nice. Having your life planned out so far ahead.

You can study anything with peace of mind.

I wonder what kind of fate awaits me?

Get married, have good children, and be happy.

No, that's too simple.

Just because you get married doesn't mean you'll be happy, right?

Thank you so much for today.

But don’t leave just yet. I have a request.

Look, over there. Just wait there for a moment.

What? What is it? What’s happening?

Just do as I say, please.

Yukki.

Snow! Hey, look. Snow!

Today was a good day,

it was like a miracle.

It's snowing!

Look, it's snowing!

Look, snow!

Our snow!

Thank you!

Yukki.

Yukiko.

Take care. Don't eat or drink anything strange,

or you'll get sick. You know that.

Study hard and come back successful. I'll be waiting.

I won’t say goodbye because it's not farewell.

But seeing off Yusaku like this feels strange. So come back soon.

You’ll be back for summer break, right?

July or August? I'll come back as soon as I can.

No need for souvenirs, just bring back lots of fun stories.

Sure.

Okay.

Take care.

Alright, I should head back to the hospital.

I need to put Natsuho to bed.

Isn't "Natsuho" an interesting name?

Yukiko chose it.

Even though she was born in the middle of winter.

She wanted her to grow up as lively as the summer sun.

Snow doesn't fall in summer, though.

Yeah.

Mizuta.

There's one thing I want to ask you.

Back then,

Yukiko was shouting "No, no."

What did that mean?

What exactly happened in that room back then?

I've always thought you knew best. About what happened.

Yukiko never spoke a word about it after that. Never mentioned it again.

I've always thought you knew the reason.

That I know the reason?

Sorry, I need to go to the hospital.

My mother will show you to your room. Rest well upstairs.

I hope you can come to the hospital again tomorrow.

No!

That summer, everything was shining.

I went to Tokyo, and living in the city made me grow up a bit.

I started to feel more confident in myself.

In my hometown Usuki, my mother was waiting for me with high hopes, as were my friends.

Most importantly, Yukiko eagerly awaited my return.

I couldn't wait to show them the new, more mature me.

It was just four months, but that absence made me more aware of my own existence.

A shadow fell on the platform.

A small sense of unease crossed my mind.

Your mother is waiting at the shop.

She said walking outside in this heat makes her dizzy.

So, let's hurry, hurry.

We're home.

Mother.

Welcome back.

Here, have some cold cider.

I'm going to change clothes.

- Drink up, Mizuta. - Thank you.

Tokyo and Usuki.

The distance seemed to change something.

At that moment, I looked at my hometown and its people

with the eyes of a curious traveler.

She was a really good wife.

She was too good for me.

Both my father and her parents have passed away,

and the kids have grown up and left.

In that regard, there is nothing to regret.

Nothing to regret, you say?

Yukiko still...

If she has any regrets, what could they be? I thought about it.

Yukiko's album.

Actually, I brought it from home last night, thinking I'd show it to you.

And I spent the whole night looking at it.

Open it.

I hadn't seen it in a long time, maybe over ten years.

Time flies, doesn't it?

Looking at it again, I realized something.

All the pictures with you in them had been removed.

Since when, I wonder?

It feels like it's always been that way.

When people get married, they often do that.

But looking at this,

those missing pictures...

seem to represent Yukiko's regrets.

Mizuta.

The reason I called you this time,

honestly, I didn't really understand it myself at first.

But gradually, it's become clear to me.

I'm sorry for being so stubborn.

I've been unwell lately, and my patience has worn thin.

But about Toshiko, to be honest,

that's the one thing I can't forgive you for.

Toshiko...

What was that all about?

I thought of studying hard and going to Tokyo.

Chasing after Yusaku as a university student in Tokyo.

You'll be fine, Yukiko. You'll definitely get in.

To a better university than me, for sure.

But no, my mon and dad are such worriers.

There's no way they'd let me go to Tokyo alone. It's impossible.

Tokyo and Usuki... where did the truth lie for me back then?

So, should I do as Mizuta says, get married, and have kids?

But you're going to Tokyo,

so it's impossible.

I wonder if Mizuta-san would marry me.

But it's strange. This is the first time we've walked together, just the two of us.

That's why it feels strange. Because it was always the three of us, with Mizuta-san.

Yeah.

Ah, I want to go far away.

I want to go too. To ride the train and not always just see people off.

I really hate it.

It's so hot.

Ah, hello.

Hang in there.

It was tough.

I told my parents that I was going out with a group of friends.

Because of you, I'm becoming a bad girl who's good at lying.

But when I see these wild lights,

it feels like everything is forgiven, and I'm becoming a good girl again.

Because being with you like this is a good thing, right? Isn't it?

Yeah.

Today, there's one more old, important story from the past

that I want to tell you.

A story about my grandmother, the one who named me.

Yukiko's grandmother?

My grandmother...

She was was married twice.

Twice? Married twice?

Her first husband was was drafted right after they got married.

You know what a draft is, right?

It's the government's order to go to war.

He was suddenly drafted and sent to China,

and died in the war.

Right after they got married?

Yes.

And then, what happened was,

my grandmother was made to marry his younger brother.

That was my grandfather.

Really.

In the old days,

such things were common to protect the family.

But even after marrying my grandfather,

she could never forget her first husband.

They parted on a snowy day. He made her a promise.

“I will definitely come back for I love Usuki.”

By "Usuki," of course, he meant my grandmother.

She lived her life with my grandfather holding on to that promise.

Grandma used to say,

"Be with the person you love the most, and let your love grow."

She said that's what the name "Yukiko" means.

Maybe Grandma and Grandpa had a hard life,

but thanks to them, I’m here today.

So to Grandma and Grandpa,

I have to say thank you.

Sorry for talking about this.

But when I look at this Buddha statue...

I understand.

Beautiful.

Do you also like it, Yusaku?

I mean, the snow.

Yeah, I love it.

Good.

Then I have to say thank you.

So, it's time to say goodbye.

Not to you, but to summer.

I... I never thought the end of summer would come so quickly.

I never thought about it before.

I'm always the one seeing people off.

I... I want...

Just once, I want you to see me off, Yusaku.

Next year, I’ll go to Tokyo.

I don’t need to go to university.

I’ll come to see you.

Don't worry, I won't interrupt your studies.

Just for three days, only three days.

On the first day, you’ll take me to your university.

Because I want to see where you spend your days.

We don’t need to go to Ginza or Shinjuku.

We’ll eat at the soba shop near the university where you sometimes go.

On the second day, I'll cook for you.

From the morning, I'll clean your apartment, cook a delicious meal,

and wait for you to come home.

Then we'll eat it together, sitting across the tea table.

And on the third day,

I'll have to go home.

But you'll see me off at the station.

School?

It's okay, just for today. For Yukiko, just this once.

And then I'll get on the train.

You'll be on the platform, checking the time.

At that moment, it seemed like Yukiko's lips

mouthed "Goodbye,"

and it scared me,

so I suddenly look away.

I’m sure it will snow at that moment.

That's why I'll come in winter.

Someday, on a winter’s day, I will go to Tokyo.

But that will be our last goodbye.

So the snow we see in Tokyo, will be the last.

Hey, take care. Work hard.

But Yukiko's wish did not come true.

It remained as one of her childhood dreams, forgotten in reality.

That winter,

I did not return to Usuki.

Even in the following spring, I ignored my mother's plea to come home soon,

using the excuse of preparing for a new seminar.

Life in Tokyo was so exciting for a young person like me,

and every day passed in a flash.

I didn't realize how quickly time flew by.

I did something irreversible.

That's how I feel.

No, that's not true.

Let me put it this way.

I am grateful to you.

But what about Yukiko?

The following summer, I returned to Usuki for the first time in a year.

As usual, Yukiko and Mizuta came to greet me,

but this time, I was not alone.

Welcome home.

This is Toshiko Sugai.

She's studying the same major as me at university.

She loves Rentaro Taki's "Moon over the Ruined Castle,"

and wanted to visit Takeda. So I brought her here.

Nice to meet you. I'm Toshiko Sugai.

Pleased to meet you.

This is Mizuta, and this is Yukiko.

Nice to meet you.

I've heard a lot about you two. Kajimura talks about you a lot.

I'm from Tokyo, born and raised, so I've always envied people who have a hometown.

I always thought it was great.

Well, shall we go?

Lovely. I love this countryside station.

I love it! I'm so glad I came along with Kajimura.

Really glad.

Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.

Thank you.

I will be in your care for a while.

Thank you for coming all this way to the countryside.

I hope this suits your taste.

No, it's fine.

Delicious! The taste of summer in the countryside.

Well, I have to get back to my deliveries.

Yusaku, wait a minute.

Toshiko.

Do you want to change your clothes? We have a shower, too, if you'd like.

Oh dear, I need to book a place to stay.

If you had told me in advance, I would have prepared something proper. I'm sorry.

No, Toshiko can stay upstairs.

I'll sleep here with Mom.

I'll clear out my room.

Yusaku... Are you sure it's okay to let her stay in such a cramped place?

It's fine, mother.

I came here excited to spend a proper countryside summer vacation with Kajimura.

So I'm looking forward to it.

Is that so?

Well, see you, Yusaku.

Yukki.

I thought I understood Yukiko's feelings.

But Yukiko needed to grow up more.

That's what I thought at the time.

Of course, Mizuta as well. And myself too.

People from the past were amazing.

To think they transported such large stones, and stacked them like this.

In that sense, we modern humans might have devolved.

I get exhausted just lifting a few boxes of sake.

I'm already out of breath.

This castle was built in the Heian period.

It was known as an impregnable fortress during the Sengoku period,

but it was demolished by the government in the Meiji era.

The Abolition of the Han system, right?

Yes, that's right. Whenever I come here,

I wish I could see the castle that people from the past spent over 200 years to build.

Humans have the power to create, so why do we destroy things?

When Rentaro Taki's father was transferred to Takeda, it was the 45th year of the Meiji era.

He was in the second grade of elementary school. He loved playing here.

Playing tag, gathering at night for tests of courage.

The sunlight that illuminates the castle, the moonlight that remains unchanged.

What have they been illuminating all this time?

That's what he thought about when he composed "The Moon Over the Ruined Castle."

Why didn't you come back in winter or spring?

I was busy with a lot of things.

University life is more demanding than I thought.

There are so many things. A lot to do.

So you didn't even have time to write a letter?

Did you read mine?

Yes, I read them.

I was relieved to see you were always doing well.

But your mother seemed lonely...

Amazing, the power of nature.

Every time I see this tree, I feel like I need to be strong too, and it gives me courage.

As for me, unlike Yusaku or Toshiko,

I don't have the chance to grow tall and reach high,

but I aim to grow strong roots in the ground instead.

Well, that's the philosophy of a country bumpkin.

The end of the world is coming to an end.

The light of the past is gone.

Why did you do that?

Since that summer, Yukki changed a little.

I was so worried that I kept watching her all the time.

I thought she was just growing up a bit from a girl to a woman.

That's what I believed.

It was love.

Love?

Don't tell me you didn't notice.

Yusaku, you must have known too.

Yukiko's love.

I understood it well.

Because... I was in love, too. I was in love with her.

Yukiko loved you, and I loved her from behind.

But it wasn't reciprocated. It was a hopeless love.

Yukiko never loved me in her lifetime.

But she stayed with me until the end.

It wasn't love, but she liked me in her own way.

So that's why I called you here.

It's a token of my gratitude to my wife.

I wanted Yukiko to meet you again while she was still alive.

Yukiko, look, it's Yusaku.

Yusaku is here now.

Can you see him? Can you recognize him, Yukiko?

Your voice, your voice, he's here now.

To be honest, I didn't want you to come here, uncle.

I didn't want you to see my father like that,

and I didn't want you to see my mother like that either.

I understand.

But life is complicated, isn't it?

What's right and what's wrong.

Both of you have been thinking about many things.

Even with these small heads, we're doing our best.

When you knew my mother, she was about my age, wasn't she?

Yes, Yukiko was between 13 and 16 years old then.

It's strange, isn't it? I don't know that version of my mother.

Hey uncle, do I resemble her?

Like my mother from back then?

The name "Natsuho" means

a sailboat running in the summer wind.

Yes.

Natsuho, sorry, but do you mind?

There's something I want to show Mr. Kajimura.

Yes.

This Kuroshima Island is the first place in Japan where an Englishman arrived.

William Adams.

Later, he was favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu and given the name Miura Anjin,

and he lived in Japan for the rest of his life.

Anjin's ship, the Liefde, drifted ashore on Kuroshima in 1600.

The same year as the Battle of Sekigahara.

Anjin...

left his wife and children in England.

Why do you think he did that?

Even though he might never be able to return...

Anjin...

What kind of feelings did he have when he left his homeland?

The people who saw him off...

Those people...

What did they think when they saw him off,

knowing they might never see him again?

Ah, this way.

See you later.

Ah, see you later.

That's strange, this should be the way but there's no entrance.

Yeah,.

it's like a maze.

I wonder if those two found the way.

I'll go back and check, you keep looking.

Kajimura!

No, this is the girls' side. The boys' side is next door.

But I'll let it slide for you, Kajimura.

So, how did I look? Was I beautiful?

Ah, this feels so good.

The summer in Kyushu is nice.

Hey, Kajimura, winter skiing camps are great,

but so is your countryside in the middle of summer.

From now on, let's spend both winter and summer like this every year.

What's this about skiing in the snow?

Do you know Shiga Park? In the mountains of Shinjuku,

there's a lake, a white birch forest, and hot springs.

In winter, it gets covered in pure white snow. You ski through it.

The falling snow hits your face, it's cold but feels refreshing.

On New Year's Eve, sitting by the fireplace,

watching the snow fall outside the window, it's so romantic and wonderful.

Right, Kajimura?

Yukki.

What's wrong?

Did I... say something wrong?

Looking at you two like this, you really do seem like close siblings.

I'm envious. I'm an only child.

Well then, I won't intrude on the beautiful siblings' farewell.

I'll take my leave.

I'll give up on the winter vacation.

After all, I'll be at the ski camp in the highlands.

It's important for my university life.

But please, come back in the spring.

I'll be 17 this March.

I promise you,

I may not look pretty now, but by next spring,

I'll become really beautiful and surprise you.

So come back.

Next time, when we meet on this station platform,

you'll surely say,

"Spring has come, and you've become beautiful."

"Even more beautiful than last year."

Take care.

Goodbye, Toshiko.

Yes, thank you.

When the sun comes out, clouds race across the mountains.

It often rains, but it doesn't snow.

What was Yukiko's life like, bound to this town?

It feels nice, doesn't it?

It looks like it's going to start raining again.

– Should I stop by the store and get the car? – No, it's fine.

I see.

Nothing changes in Usuki, does it?

While it's nice to see things change, it's also nice to see things stay the same.

It might sound like stubbornness, but I prefer it this way.

So, where are you taking me?

Shouldn't you stay with Yukiko?

I'm sure she would want you to see this too.

Hmm?

Here it is. Michiko.

Michiko... It's still here?

It's your mother's store. We can't let it go under, can we?

Actually, it was Yukiko's idea. She arranged to buy it from you.

It was an anonymous transaction.

I never thought it was you.

I was embarrassed. I couldn't possibly reveal my name.

No wonder it sold for a good price.

It really helped a lot with tuition and living expenses in Tokyo.

It even covered the wedding expenses.

I could save face with the in-laws.

I see...

Yukiko... spent a lot of time here making these.

If you put small, fluffy beads inside,

it makes a very comfortable cushion.

I've tried it myself, and indeed, it's very comfortable and helps me sleep well.

- Foam beads? - Oh, you know about them?

I've never seen them inside, though.

But you have.

Look. Here.

Remember we celebrated Yukiko's birthday and my university acceptance here?

And we took her back home afterward.

That's right. I remember now.

That night, Yukiko made it snow from the window.

Yes, she did. It was rare for it to snow in Usuki.

It was amazing!

That snow is what's inside this pillow.

Really? So that's what it was.

So that's why, when you sleep on this pillow,

you have happy dreams.

Pillow of Happiness and Snow

A snow pillow?

I didn't realize it was called that.

Even after living together for 28 years,

there are still things we don't know about each other.

Come to think of it, Yukiko once told me a story like this.

It was when Yukiko was just a child.

She was playing around with a big pillow they had at home.

Suddenly, the pillow tore open, and its stuffing flew all over the place.

The stuffing was white and fluffy, like feathers. It was like snow.

It was like a dream, surrounded by a snowstorm.

She was happy and felt blessed.

That winter, when Yukiko had given up on me returning,

I suddenly went back home

because I received a telegram saying my mother was critically ill.

It was from Mizuta.

He said she had collapsed unexpectedly while working in the shop.

Yukiko came to the shop and found her lying on the floor.

Yes, the wake is tomorrow,

and the funeral will be the day after at Tokufuji Temple. Yes, thank you.

Yusaku...

I was too late.

She was lying on the futon with a white cloth over her face.

Say something.

Say something to her, Yusaku.

Why do you always go silent at important moments?

The wake was the next day.

The funeral was held the day after at Tokufuji Temple.

Toshiko came all the way from Tokyo for the funeral.

So many people came.

There were many people I didn't know.

Yusaku's mother was a good person.

So this store should have been more prosperous.

Yusaku, business is like that.

Don't say things that would sadden your mother.

Toshiko, thank you for coming.

You were supposed to be on a ski trip, right?

But it wouldn't be fun without Yusaku.

Besides, your mother was important to me too.

I see.

Yukki, let's go. It’s getting late, and your parents might worry.

I'll walk you home.

I'll come too. I feel like walking a bit.

Then I'll join you too.

Come on, Yukki, let's go.

We walked in silence.

Yukki would occasionally stop, look up at the night sky, and sigh softly.

The winter sky was dark, and only our footsteps echoed in the night’s stillness.

I was worried, deeply worried about Yukiko.

She seemed so sad.

So sad that I feared she might just die from the sorrow.

Good night then. Thank you for everything.

Take care.

Bye.

My heart pounded like a drum.

My head was throbbing.

I was in a daze.

I didn't even know what I was doing.

Past where Yukki made it snow. She walked under this window

and entered the garden.

Here it is.

The door to the room was open.

I looked inside without thinking.

Yukki, no, stop it!

You can't do this!

No!

No! No!

Don't say anything. Don't ask anything.

You see?

Yukiko's parents noticed.

It caused quite a commotion later.

The door to the room was left open,

There was blood on the pillow, and their daughter was gone.

Yukiko returned the next day around noon,

soaking wet from the rain.

I secretly knew.

She must have seen you off somewhere on your train back to Tokyo.

Of course, she didn't come.

But surely, it must be because of yesterday’s injury.

There's no way Yukiko would miss coming to see you off.

But it's alright.

Don't worry. I'll protect Yukiko.

That's reassuring.

Will you really let me take care of her?

Yes.

She's like a precious sister to me.

But for the past 28 years, I’ve never talked about

what happened back then.

That matter is...

untouchable.

Even if I want to ask,

sometimes not asking is also part of marriage.

Yukiko has been diligently making pillows ever since then.

The morning before yesterday,

on her way here on a scooter,

she had the accident.

That night,

after leaving this Michiko,

at the entrance there, Yukiko looked up at the sky.

It was a dark sky.

I clearly remember her sorrowful look, as if she was wishing for something.

Ah, I remember that face well.

She was beautiful.

She was truly a beautiful person.

You know,

at that moment, I think Yukiko wanted it to snow.

To snow?

Like in the story you told me about her childhood,

ripping up the pillow.

With the razor?

I think she wanted to make it snow.

On that dark night,

lots and lots, of pure white snow.

Yes, that's right.

Because it's winter, the sky is dark and lonely.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if white snow danced in the sky?

Your mother would surely be happy...

and Mr. Mizuta is kind.

And you,

and Toshiko-san too.

Even if we can't go to Shiga Park, you can see snow here in Usuki.

Then, maybe even I will receive some kind of reward, something good might happen.

But unfortunately, my snow is still inside the pillow.

So, like when I was a child,

I thought I would tear open the pillow and let it snow.

Let's make lots and lots of snow fall on the town of Usuki.

It's Natsuho, from the hospital.

Father...

We didn't make it in time.

Father and others were always with Mother.

Mother might have already been dead

when she had the accident.

But she waited.

She waited until we could meet her true self.

That's what I believe.

Forgive me.

Both Father and Uncle,

only think about themselves, like all adults.

She's my mother.

The one dying here now,

is my mother.

Father.

Look.

Mother is crying.

Mother!

I wasn't surprised by Yukiko's death.

It was as it it had been predetermined, like watching a scene from a movie

where the heroine's death was already promised.

At that moment,

I thought about the days Yukiko had lived, stripped away from this story.

It was the first time I ever really thought about the life of another person.

It gave me a fresh surprise.

And I thought,

Yukiko is now in a dream, with snow piling up everywhere.

She is in a dream...

Whether my imagination is correct or not,

I don't know anymore.

As Natsuho says,

living is complicated...

And surely, selfish too.

What I understand now,

is that Yukiko lived her life in Usuki to the fullest.

Compared to that, how shallow my life has been.

If I were to speak of suicide, God should scold me.

Yukiko...

In the life I have ahead,

will I be able to love someone?

Can I truly love someone and live my life?

The last day

had a sunset that seemed unreal, unlike any I'd seen before.

I am returning to Tokyo.

Goodbye.

Thank you.

Yukiko would have been happy.

When will we meet again?

Even if we promise,

it will probably be another 28 years in no time.

Yusaku...

What should I do from now on?

Both you and I,

we just have to keep living.

If possible, earnestly with all our might.

Earnestly, huh.

Giving it your all at 50 feels hopeless,

but still, we must try our best.

I am alone like this, but you have Natsuho.

Mizuta, have you noticed?

Natsuho looks just like Yukiko did back then.

Really?

- You think so? - Yes, I think so.

Mizuta,

you know,

that summer,

the summer 28 years ago,

at this station,

I made a promise to Yukiko.

A promise?

That I would surely come back next spring.

And when... I met Yukiko here,

I would surely say,

"Now that spring has come, you have become more beautiful."

"Even more beautiful than last year."

Your love has become much more beautiful than last year.

Next to you, waiting for the train, I am checking my watch.

Unseasonable snow in Tokyo, this will be the last snow we see.

Looking lonely, you murmured.

Even the farewell breath remembers old times.

After a season of too much fun,

Now spring has come, and you have become beautiful.

Even more beautiful than last year.

With your face against the window of the moving train,

you are trying to say something.

Your lips moving to say goodbye,

I am scared and pretending not to notice.

As time goes by, without realizing it,

you, who were so young, have become an adult.

Watching the melting snow left behind where you had been,

I see you have become beautiful.

Now spring has come, and you have become beautiful.

Even more beautiful than last year.