Perfect timing.
Sit there.
The clock's gone!
The one that was there?
Grandpa's delivering it today.
Did he sell it?
It was here being fixed.
I wanted to see it again.
It took three years. He finished it the day you forgot your lunch.
That lunch!
I know it wasn't yours.
Look into the cat's eyes.
Quick. before the light goes.
Engelzimmer... 'angel' s room'.
The artisan accidentally scratched it with a cloth.
It's beautiful.
The Bar on won't go. He's a treasure.
A treasure?
It means something to him. He won't say what, though.
Look as long as you like. I'll be downstairs.
Turn on the light if you want.
It's weird. I feel as if I've known you for years.
Sometimes I really want to see you...
You look sad today, somehow...
Had enough?
Yeah. Thanks.
Are you making a violin?
Uh, yeah.
Can I see?
It fits like this.
You made all that? By hand?
Sure!
Amazing!
The shape hasn't changed in 300 years.
The sound comes from the craftsman's skill.
You made all those?
No way! There's a violin-making class here.
But one of them is yours?
Yeah.
Which one?
That one.
This one?
Wow! You made this? It's like magic!
How can you talk like that with a straight face?
Why? It's what I think.
Anyone can do that.
I've got a long way to go.
You can play, can't you?
A little.
Play for me, OK? Please!
Listen...
Please please please!
You have to sing, too.
Me? I'm tone-deaf!
Perfect!
Sing. You know this song.
'Had a dream of living on my own...
'...with no f ear of being all alone.
'Pushed my sadness down inside of me...
'...and pretended I was strong as I could be.
'Country road. this old road...
'lf you go right to the end...
'Got a feeling it'll take me...
'...to that town, country road.'
'It doesn' t matter to me how sad I might be...
'I will never ever let a tear show in my eye...
'lf my feet are moving faster that's because I only want to...
'... push away memories...
'Country road. this old road...
'...could go right to my home town...
'I won't go there, I can't go there...
'...can't go down that country road.
'Country road, when tomorrow comes...
'I'll be like I always am...
'Want to go back there, can't go back there...
'Fare thee well...
'... country road.'
That was fun!
I'm Tsukishima Shizuku. We met the other day.
I was hoping you'd come back again.
These are my musical friends.
Nice singing. You're the lucky one who was there when he fixed the clock...
Seiji has some pretty friends.
'Seiji'? Are you Amasawa Seiji?
Yeah...didn't I tell you my name?
No! It says 'Nishi' outside.
That's Grandpa's name. I'm Amasawa.
Oh, no! First I was buried alive, and now the sky's fallen in!
What difference does it make what my name is?
A lot! You've been calling me by my full name!
You never asked me mine!
I never had the chance!
My image of Amasawa Seiji...
What?
...was someone quiet and gentle.
You read too many books.
So do you!
That was fun. They're nice people.
Come back. They'll like that.
Just to listen. Singing's too hard.
But you're a good violinist. Is that what you want to do?
There's lots as good as me.
What I want to do is make violins.
Yeah... you're good at that.
There's a school for it in Cremona, Italy.
I want to go there.
And not go to high school?
My parents are dead against it. Grandpa's my only ally.
It must be great to know what you want to do.
I've got no idea at all. I just go from one day to the next.
I don't know if I can go or not. I fight with my parents every day.
Even if I go, I won't know if I have the talent until I try.
I'll see you home.
No, it' s not far. See you.
Tsukishima...
Yeah?
You've got a talent for poetry.
What you sang back there was fine, but I liked 'Concrete Roads', too.
You told me to forget that!
Did I say that?
Yes!
I did?
Thanks for everything. Good night.
Don't fall asleep with the light on again.
When did you decide on your future?
What?
Your future!
Isn't yours Suginomiya High?
I don't mean that!
I'm at university finding that out.
Good night.
Mom's class is canceled so now she sleeps in!
Morning!
Run faster!
You go ahead!
Hour 1. Spare Period
Great!
Shizuku!
You look awful!
You sure got better fast!
I hear you were out with a boy last night.
Who told you that?!
A little bird... who said you were like lovers.
We are not!
Harada... I'll tell my friend the answer's no. Sorry.
I'm sorry, too.
That's OK.
Did you see Sasuke on TV last night? It was great!
This formula will be on the mid-term, so remember it!
That' s all!
Is Tsukishima here?
Amasawa? What do you want?
Is Tsukishima in this class?
Tsukishima? Yeah, she's here.
Tsukishima! You've got a visitor!
A male!
There she is.
Seiji?
Can I talk to you?
Yes!
Tsukishima's got a boyfriend!
No, I don't!
What is it?
I'm going to Italy.
What?
Come with me.
- Where are we going? - The roof!
Wow!
We can't talk with all those people around.
Sorry. I wanted to tell you first.
Let them think what they want.
My dad finally gave in. On one condition.
What's that?
I apprentice in a workshop there for two months.
Apprentice?
The guy who runs it's very strict. He'll see if I have talent or not.
Also if I have the patience to stick it out.
Otherwise I go to high school.
I hate that they're leaving an escape route...
...but it's a good chance.
When do you go?
As soon as I get my passport. Dad's talking to the school today.
Soon, then...
Great! Your dream's coming true.
Well, I'll do the best I can.
- Um... - Well...
The rain's stopping.
Yeah...
Look over there.
There might be a rainbow...
What's Cremona like? I hope it's nice.
It's an old town, with lots of violin makers.
It's great. You're on your way.
I feel like a fool.
I was hoping we'd go to the same high school...
What a stupid thing to think...
I saw your name on the library cards a long time ago.
We passed each other in the library.
I even sat beside you there.
I read all kinds of books so my name would be on the cards before yours.
I...
I'll sing your song to myself in Italy.
Me, too.
Don't push!
Hey!
Look out, she's mad!
Run!
- Here. - Thanks.
Excuse me.
Finished already?
I'm meeting Yuko.
If you're by the station, get some milk.
You're the one who drinks it all!
She's slacking off these days.
- Did I make you skip cram school? - lt's OK.
My head's in a whirl.
Hello, Shizuku.
Hello.
Hi.
Hello.
I'll make some tea.
Dad and I aren't speaking.
Boys are so lucky!
When he comes back to graduate, he goes again for ten years!
That's like forever!
But it's like fate brought you together! Cool!
It's too good to last. Two people read the same books...
...except one's going forward while the other stays behind.
Yeah...
Kinuyo was in his class for a year.
She said he was hard to get to know, but good-looking and smart.
Don't tell me that, will you!
I just feel worse!
Why? He likes you, doesn't he? He told you!
Now I'm not so sure...
I don't get it. I'd write every day... we'd encourage each other...
You can't say 'go for it' to someone more ambitious than you.
Maybe...
But I don't understand what you want.
Can't you be in love without your future planned out?
You have talent.
All the juniors liked your translation of 'Country Roads'.
You can express yourself, too... unlike me.
'There's lots as good as me'.
That's what he said.
He's going to find out if he has talent. Well, so will I!
I'll write a story!
There's one I want to write. If he can do it, so can I.
But it's exam time...
I don't care. Thanks, Yuko. I feel empowered.
- You going? - Yeah.
Good night.
Tell your mother hello.
You go for it, too.
Sugimura will realize.
'Bye.
It's so easy! I just have to do something. too!
Moon?
Muta?
Mom! Muta' s gone again!
Muta!
'Muta' ...
'Whisper of the Heart': Listen to the voice of the woods...
The Baron as the hero?
Would you mind?
I ask because Seiji says the doll is a treasure of yours...
You didn't have to ask!
Of course you can. But on one condition.
Yes?
That you let me be the first person to read your story.
Um...
All right?
Do I have to? I don't know if I can write it or not...
It's the same for a craftsman.
Don't expect perfection at first.
Here, let me show you something.
This.
Look at it.
It's called 'mica slate'.
Look at the seam.
Like that...
It's beautiful!
It's called 'beryl'. You find it in emerald ore.
Emerald? The jewel?
Yes.
You and Seiji are like this stone.
Rough, unpolished, still natural.
I like stones that way.
But making violins, or writing stories, is different.
The rough stone is inside you. You have to find it and then polish it.
It takes time and effort.
You see the ore that makes up most of that stone?
Yes.
You could polish that, but what you'd get would be worthless.
The smaller part inside is purer.
There might even be a better stone deep inside where we can't see.
I'm sorry. Old people like to preach.
I'm scared. What if there isn't a beautiful crystal in me?
But I want to write. And you'll be the first one to see it.
Thank you. I'll look forward to it.
A rough stone... lapis lazuli...
Let us go forth together...
...in search of the treasure of lapis lazuli!
Have no fear. Space is deformed on the night of the new moon.
Far away things loom large, nearby things look small.
Fly! We will rise on the updraft.
Make haste! The planetoids converge!
Good! We're riding the wind!
Straight up to that castle!
It's so high!
It's not so high once you're there!
When the air currents mingle in the afternoon, you can touch the stars!
Huh?
That's rare! Shizuku looking at non-fiction...
He's making a violin in his cell...
Seiji!
I thought you'd gone!
Grandpa said I might find you here.
I leave tomorrow.
Tomorrow...
Don't worry. I'll wait here till you're done.
Sorry I can't walk you home.
That's OK. I'm glad you came.
I can't come to the airport, but I'll wait f or you.
Yeah. It's only two months.
I'm sorry I'm always so depressing. I'll do my best while you're gone.
I'll see you, then.
Have a good trip!
I and Luisa, my betrothed, were born in a distant land.
In that town, magic still lived...
...and in the veins of its artisans flowed the blood of sorcerers.
It was a poor doll-maker' s apprentice who fashioned us...
...but Luisa and I were happy...
...because he had made us so we could love others.
But then...
Shizuku!
What's going on? Tsukishima!
I'm sorry. I wasn't listening.
Pay attention! This is important!
Sorry, sir.
Harada, you read.
You were up until 4 again?!
It's OK. I'm not sleepy at all.
But you're spaced out all the time! Like just now...
I was thinking. I' ve got to organize what I want to write.
I'm not hungry.
Shizuku? So you are home...
Turn on the lights!
At least you could bring in the laundry!
Shizuku! Come here!
Shizuku's here, isn't she?
She's not hungry.
- Sorry to keep you waiting. - Sorry to trouble you.
This way... is anyone in the guidance office?
Please.
I'm back!
Hello.
You're home early, Shiho.
I'm beat!
Want some coffee?
Yes, please.
Mom, can I talk to you?
What?
I'm thinking of moving out.
I've found a place.
But can you afford it?
I've saved from my job.
I found another one at a cram school. I'll get by.
I guess I've made you help me out too much around here.
I'll talk to your father.
You will? Great!
Money's tight till I graduate in the spring and get working...
...but I' II help you out then.
Sounds good.
Sorry to go during your master's thesis...
Thanks.
You helped enough just with sorting out data.
And Shizuku can concentrate in her own room. She' s acting weird.
You think so too?
The school called me. Look at this.
What is it?
She's gone down a hundred places!
She's at her desk all the time... what's she doing?
Good evening.
Hello.
Excuse me.
What high school will take you with marks like this?!
I'm not going to high school!
Use your head! What can you do with a middle-school education?
I can decide my own future!
Watch your mouth!
Face the facts! The school makes its report on you after the second term!
You're a fine one to talk!
You don't study! You just work part-time!
I do what I have to!
You're the one who isn't doing that! Don't you understand?
I've got something more important to do!
Like what? Tell me.
Shiho, Shizuku...that's enough.
But Dad... listen to this girl!
Both of you come out here and tell me about it.
Shizuku, change out of your uniform.
Come on.
I see. Is it true what Shiho says?
I do so care about my marks!
You just said you weren't going to high school.
You said I wouldn't get into one!
Shiho... can Shizuku and I talk alone for a bit?
Yes.
Where's your mother?
At the Tanakas.
I'm back.
Hi, Mom.
Is your dad back?
Could you come here, Asako? I've been hearing about Shizuku.
Coming.
All right, Shizuku...
Is what you're doing now more important than studying?
Can you tell me what it is?
When it's time.
Is this something you have to do right away?
I' ve only got thr ee weeks lef t to do it!
I'm testing myself.
I have to.
Testing yourself? How?
How will we know if you don't say?
Is it something you can't even tell us?
Seiya!
Oh... sorry.
Whatever you're doing at the library, I admire how hard you're working.
Let's let her do what she wants.
Not everyone has to be the same.
I should know that if anyone does...
OK, Shizuku, do what you believe in.
But it's not easy when you walk your own road.
You' ve only got yourself to blame.
And join us at mealtimes, all right?
Yeah. We're a f amily.
Yes.
Call Shiho.
I'll make some tea.
Shizuku...
I know what Dad said, but what he really wants is for you to study.
I know. It's written on his face.
I'm moving out next Sunday.
You'll have your own room.
You're leaving home?
Yep. So smarten up!
Hurry!
Only the one is real.
Which is the real one?!
Hurry!
Luisa... you've finally come... but I've grown so old...
Shizuku...
Come in... I was fast asleep.
I'm sorry to bother you. I've brought my story.
It's finished?
You promised you'd be the first to read it.
It's a novel!
'Whisper of the Heart'
Can you read it now? I'll wait as long as it takes.
But you've worked so hard on it... shouldn't I take my time?
You can stop if you don't like it. I hate to ask, but...
My heart's pounding...
I see. I'll read it right now.
Come sit by the fire. It's cold.
Now we won't be bothered.
Can I wait downstairs?
It's OK. I'm not cold at all.
Of course... but...
You're asleep here?
Shizuku... I'm finished.
Thank you. It's very good.
It's not!
Say what you really think! I couldn't write what I wanted!
The last half doesn't make sense. I know that!
Yes... it's rough. blunt, unfinished...
...just like Seiji' s violin.
You've shown me the rough stone you've just cut out of the rock.
You've worked hard. You're wonderful.
There's no need to rush now. Take your time and polish it.
It's cold out here. Come inside.
Now...
...now I've written it I know.
Wanting isn't enough.
I have to learn more...
... but Seiji's getting further and further ahead.
I felt that I had to force myself to write, and I was so scared...
You like Seiji, do you?
How is it?
It's very good.
When Seiji finished his first violin, we had ramen noodles.
Jumbo size.
Thank you.
Now, where was I?
You found the Bar on in a coffee-shop...
Yes, in Germany...
I was a student. He looked so melancholic...
I asked the owner to sell him to me.
But he wouldn't.
The Bar on had a lover, and he wouldn't separate them.
He was waiting for her to come back from being repaired...
...at the doll-maker's shop.
Just like in my story!
Yes... quite the coincidence!
I had to come home, so I'd just about given up.
Then a lady friend of mine...
...said when the other doll came back she would take it...
...and bring the two dolls together.
So the owner gave in.
So I ended up leaving Germany with just the Baron.
I promised her I'd come back, and asked her to keep the other doll.
The day the dolls met again...
...would be the day we did.
But then the war started, and I couldn't keep my promise.
When I was finally able to go back, I looked all over for her.
But there was no trace of her, or the Baron's lover.
She must have been very important to you...
Your story brought the Baron out of my memory and back to life.
Oh. yes...
Hold out your hand.
But...
That stone suits you perfectly. I'll give it to you.
Now. finish up your story.
Yes.
Thank you!
Goodbye!
I'm home.
Hi.
Where's Dad?
In the bath. Where have you been till this hour?
I'm sorry I worried you. Today I return to studying for my entrance exams.
So your trials are over?
For now.
Did you eat? There's curry...
I'm fine!
'For now' ...
Shizuku, the bath's open.
Ah, a soldier at ease.
No!
Wait there!
It's a miracle! You're here!
We're not dreaming?
I got an earlier plane. Hop on.
Wait... you'll be cold.
Climb on.
I'll get a coat.
No time! Get on.
Hang on tight.
I was out there calling you in my head.
'Shizuku!'
And then you appeared!
What a team!
Me, too... it's like I'm still dreaming!
How was Cremona?
A lot different than I thought. But I'm going to do it.
It's getting light!
Shall I get off?
It's OK.
I made up my mind I was going to ride you up this hill!
That's not fair!
I'm no man's burden!
I want to be of use!
OK! Push!
Almost there!
Shizuku! Jump on!
We made it!
- I'll hold the coat. - It's OK.
Here...
Wow! In the mist it looks just like the sea!
This is my secret place. It's almost time.
I wanted you to see this.
Grandpa told me everything.
I didn't do anything to help... I was just thinking of myself.
No... you were the reason I did it.
I'm glad I pushed myself. I understand myself better now.
I'm going to study hard and go on to high school.
Listen, Shizuku...
... I can't say how soon it'll be, but...
...would you marry me?
I'm going to be a violin maker... and then...
You mean it?
That's exactly what I wanted.
Yeah? Great!
Wait...it's cold...
Shizuku...I love you!
VOICES
Shizuku HONNA Yoko Seiji TAKAHASHI Issei
Shizuku's father TACHIBANA Takashi Shizuku's mother MUROI Shigeru
Baron TSUYUGUCHI Shigeru
"World Emporium" Proprietor KOBA YASHI Keiju
Chief Executive Producer TOKUMA Yasuyoshi
Executive Producers UJIIE Seiichiro & SHOJI Takashi
Based on the Comic by HIIRAGI Aoi (Published by Shueisha)
Screenplay & Storyboard by MIYAZAKI Hayao
Producer SUZUKI Toshio
Original Music by NOMI Yuji
Theme Song "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
Original Lyrics and Music by Bill DANOFF, Taffy NIVERT
and John DENVER
English Translation by Ian MACDOUGALL
English subtitles by Aura & Nippon Cine Arts
Produced by Tokuma Shoten
Nippon Television Network
Hakuhodo
and Studio Ghibli
General Producer MIYAZAKI Hayao
Directed by KONDO Yoshifumi
Subtitles split and adjusted by eljuliano