Based on a Novel by OTSUICHI
Directed by TENGAN Daisuke
Waiting in the Dark
An express train will pass through this station.
Please keep well behind the yellow line.
"Michiru"
Let's eat now.
Yes, let's.
Michiru.
Shall I bring you something?
No, I'm fine.
I'm leaving now.
Take care.
Daddy?
What was Mother like?
She used to wear white blouses.
So you don't intend to ever get a full-time job?
No way.
You know I'm far too greedy.
I couldn't possibly do the same thing all my life.
Are you sure?
But I'm always open to an offer of marriage, though.
Yes, you are too greedy.
What's wrong?
You don't really appear to be blind.
Don't. Why do you have to be so nasty?
Sorry. You're just so cute.
How's your Braille coming along?
I can read a little now.
I'm not very good, though. I'm still a beginner.
But you're a fast learner.
No, I'm not. I have to read with my fingers.
But you were always tenacious. You'll soon master it.
Kazue?
What's happening?
Just stay there.
Did you do anything today?
Not particularly. Same as always.
I'll go to the library tomorrow and get some Braille books for you.
Get some talking books, too.
I got it.
Good night.
I'm leaving now.
Take care.
I left you a card.
"Y"
"A"
"D"
"Y"
"TH"
"BIR"
"Y"
"PP"
"HA"
"PPY"
"BIR"
"TH"
"DAY"
It is 8:21 a.m.
Hello?
Yes, that's me.
What?
Daddy...
It is 6:44 p.m.
"Funeral Service"
Can you come for a moment?
What'll Michiru do from now on?
It was so unexpected.
What can we do?
We commiserate with your loss.
Michiru, come with me.
I just saw your mother standing outside.
She was holding an umbrella.
The first time for 20 years.
I didn't recognize her at first.
I asked her to come inside.
But she refused.
Naturally, it's understandable.
She told me not to tell anyone she was here.
I understand.
Are you sure, dear?
Michiru, come with me.
Over there.
Your mother's standing on the platform.
Mother.
Living here by yourself?
That's impossible.
Please understand. Our place is too small.
So we can't have you with us.
But there's a new facility for the disabled nearby.
Listen.
Even if totally blind,
many live alone and take care of themselves.
I have the insurance money from Father's death.
I'll be alright financially.
But still...
I'm legally an adult.
I know this house backwards.
Some dirt on your collar.
Thank you.
I'm sorry we can't do more.
Good night.
So, you are alive?
Kazue?
Let's go.
Where?
You need some sunshine.
It's a lovely day. Let's go out.
So how do you fill your time?
I sleep and I think about various things.
I couldn't stand that. Aren't you ever bored?
No, never.
We're boarding now.
It's getting colder.
Yes, it is.
This winter will be a cold one.
Really?
Don't you mind the cold?
I prefer it to the heat.
The exact opposite of me.
You're like a Sunflower.
What about you?
I'm more like a Sundew.
What's that?
Yes.
Since the accident, my sight has been failing.
Everything I see is in a dim light.
And it's getting darker and darker.
This room looks very dark to me now.
Doctor, will I be like this forever?
In the worst case,
you'll end up sensing only very strong light.
It is 9:05 a.m.
Who is it?
Who's there?
Anyone here?
It is 2:08 p.m.
I'm from the police.
Excuse me.
Any other family here?
I live alone.
Notice any strange happenings recently?
Nothing in particular.
No suspicious people about?
Not that I've noticed.
I see.
If you do notice anything, call us at any time.
I'll be off, then.
Thank you, officer.
Don't cheat us.
We're the New Japs.
An accident happened at Ohya Station earlier today.
Police suspect the man may have been pushed onto the track.
The deceased, Toshio Matsunaga, worked for a printing company.
A younger man was seen on the platform at the same time.
He evaded station staff and ran from the scene.
Police wish to question him regarding Matsunaga's death.
A search is in progress.
An express train will pass through this station.
Please keep well behind the yellow line.
It is 11:53 p.m.
Good night.
I'm going out shopping now.
Kazue called you around 3 o'clock.
Happy birthday to you.
"Akihiro"
Let's go out drinking tonight.
Sure, if you're paying.
Sure, I will.
Let's go then.
Hi, there.
What's wrong, Mr. Matsunaga?
A pain in my hips.
Too much screwing last night?
Just getting old, I guess.
Oishi, you want to join us for a drink?
I've got something on today.
No point asking him.
The Chinese are weird.
Is he Chinese?
He's mixed, he's got Japanese nationality.
But he grew up in China. Mentally, he's not Japanese.
Whatever, when you're in Japan, you've gotta act Japanese.
That's right.
Buy me some cigarettes, will you?
"Lark Mild" again?
Welcome.
- Shall I heat it for you? - Please.
You had a business in Italy, did you?
I sure did.
That is so cool!
Will you start a business here in Japan?
You'll be the last to know.
What kind of business?
It sure won't be what I'm doing here.
Good morning.
Bastard.
He's Chinese.
A train will arrive on platform 1.
Please stand...
What are you after?
Some detergent.
It's behind you.
Thanks.
Use your eyes, idiot.
You got a problem?
Why don't you have a cellphone?
I don't like them.
Cellphones are big in China, too, right?
I'm beat.
This place is too harsh on the workers.
Wakagi, can you finish up there?
I'll have a smoke. You finish up.
Hey, wait a minute.
Please.
I'm not serious about her.
You have more than one?
The woman you choose defines your worth.
Any broad will do me.
Hey, Wakagi.
What?
We haven't finished our work.
You can smoke after we've finished.
Listen, Oishi.
You can handle it yourself.
Did you hear that? I'm still smoking.
Check this then take it to the production dept.
I'm leaving now.
What's with you?
C'mon, let's have that drink.
I can't. Oishi left work for me.
You hate him, too, don't you?
What?
"I'm doing fine."
"The work is easy."
"Everyone is kind."
"Don't worry about me."
"How are you, Mother?"
"New year holiday?"
"I'm not sure if I can."
"I'll call you later."
Hey, Oishi.
Sales is fuming. You ruined this brokerage pamphlet.
I finished my bit then gave it to Wakagi.
He says he knows nothing about it.
That's not right.
You're more experienced. Take more pride in your work.
And try to communicate with your co-workers.
I always do my best.
You've got too much attitude. This is Japan, you know.
Now finish this properly, even if it takes all night.
See you.
Working back tonight? You Chinese are so hungry.
You should quit.
Or else you'll keep making the same mistakes,
over and over again.
What?
An express train will pass through this station.
Please stand well behind the yellow line.
What was Matsunaga like?
He was very good to us.
He wasn't the type of guy who held grudges.
Any problems with Oishi, the one who's missing?
Well...
No idea. I didn't know him very well.
What's your impression of Oishi?
He was rather gloomy.
Akihiro Oishi came to Japan when he was in junior high school.
But he had problems adjusting to school here.
After an incident of violence, he was expelled from his school.
The way I see it, it wasn't a case of suicide.
If Oishi wasn't involved, why did he run away?
Police consider Oishi a prime suspect in the case.
A large poisonous spider was found in Osaka.
Local people are in fear.
This large redback spider...
It is 3:07 p.m.
Yes?
I found some washing blown away by the wind.
I think it's yours.
Yes. it's mine.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
Are you visually handicapped?
Yes, I am.
If you've a mind to,
you're very welcome at the "Melanzane" restaurant I work at.
Melanzane?
Yes, Italian restaurant. Good, wholesome food.
Certainly.
I'm Harumi Mishima.
I'm Michiru Honma.
Here we are.
What's it look like?
Very fashionable. It's surrounded by trees.
Watch the steps.
It's like a witch's house.
Welcome. I'll take your coats.
I'll take that.
We met yesterday.
Oh. hello.
- Hello. - This way please.
Over here.
There's the table.
Your chair.
I'll get a menu.
She's the one who found your washing?
Yes, Harumi Mishima. She lives near my place.
It's good to get to know your neighbors.
She's very beautiful.
I'll put your water here, Michiru.
Thank you.
Do you mind?
Not at all.
What's going on?
Taking a picture. I want to finish this roll.
Michiru, lean in closer, please.
Are you ready?
Thank you.
Can you take one of us all?
Thank you.
Join us, Harumi.
Are you sure?
- Sorry, Hiro. - Not at all.
Here I go. Make a funny face!