"Dareka ga Watashi ni Kisu wo Shita" DVD released Sept 2010 (Somebody Kissed Me/Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac)
Let me tell you first up that this tale is a love story.
And like most love stories, there are coincidences, lost loves and slight head injuries.
Thanks.
- Mirai Hasegawa? - Yes.
It all began with a coin toss.
It turned out tails, but I'd bet on heads.
If I hadn't bet that, this tale probably wouldn't have been created.
Girls ought to cry...
I'm Miwa Yuji who contacted you. I was the only one who saw the accident occur, so I want to ride along with her.
I'm her boyfriend.
Hey, dear... welcome back.
- How long was she unconscious for? - 21 minutes.
There is a long, stone staircase on the ground level of our school.
Just as she was about to come down those stairs, she fell head-first.
Um... is it odd for me not to remember that?
No, it's common to lose memories of the incident itself.
Could you tell me your name?
Sukuse Naomi.
- Where do you live? - In Setagaya.
- Right, what year is it now. - It's 2005, isn't it?
Well, she's a little confused.
- There's no need to worry. - That's right. Don't be too worried.
- She's had concussion, so we'll keep her in overnight. Inform her parents. - Okay.
In the ambulance you said you were my boyfriend, didn't you?
You heard me?
No. I said I was your boyfriend before they loaded you into the ambulance. I didn't want you to go alone.
- So you're just my friend? - No, I'm not your friend either.
So... can I ask you what you were thinking earlier?
You really want to know?
Tell me. Because I'll probably die anyway.
I never thought you'd use that technique.
I get it! I'll tell you! But that was pretty mean of you.
I'd been hoping that you'd think of me as your boyfriend from now on.
And I wanted you to kiss me. I thought you might if you thought of me as your boyfriend.
But I changed my mind after realizing that was wrong.
I didn't want things to get complicated later.
- You already have a boyfriend. - Do I?
His name's Ace. Well, who cares about him. I just didn't want to hurt you or make you regret anything.
If we kiss, I want it to be something we both accept.
- You're... - Naomi!
- Naomi... are you okay? - Mm.
How do you do? I'm Miwa Yuji.
I go to TAS (Tokyo American School) with Naomi.
- Thanks. - Is everything okay? - Yes.
- Move her. Are you ready? - Yes, go ahead. - Naomi, are you okay?
I know! We'll make a list of the things you can't remember.
- Right, go ahead. - Papa, how am I supposed to a make a list of things I can't remember?!
I guess you're right.
Your brain's still working well.
Right, if there's anything you don't remember, let me know.
- "Things Naomi has forgotten #1." Okay. - Um, where's mama?
Where is she?
You don't remember?
How should I explain it? Um...
- Um... well... - She's at work?
No...
Um... this is a story from when you were young...
Oh my, but the doctors had said that it was only the last 4 years of memories that you'd lost.
- I was joking! I remember that mom died. - Oh...
I see.
- It's not something to joke about. - Sorry.
But papa, you haven't remarried have you?
I haven't. Who would marry someone with a face like mine?
- Don't worry. - That's not what I meant...
Sukuse, thanks for waiting. Okay, I'll move you now.
Ishibashi, if you don't stand at the front, you'll get hidden.
Oh, sorry, sorry. Let me through. Yay~~!
- Nice catch, Chief! - Eh?
The camera for the yearbook.
Falling down the stairs just for the sake of this camera really is the sign of a true cameraman.
- I guess you must be Ace? - As if!
Ace is 15 cm taller than me AND he's your boyfriend!
This is bad, but I can't help but be glad that you don't remember him.
He's they type who won't come to visit you in here.
I'm Hasegawa Mirai.
I'm in your class and we're both co-editors of the yearbook.
I heard from your dad that you'd forgotten some things, but I didn't think it was possible for you to have forgotten me.
So you're saying you're a person I shouldn't have forgotten?
- Maybe. - And humble!
- I'm your best friend, if you hadn't worked it out already. - For real?
My best friend is the type to wear a jacket like that?!
This is my sarcastic way of amusing you while you're lying here bored in hospital.
It's a bit hard to get.
But seriously, feel free to ask me anything. I swear I know everything about you, Chief.
Well... do you know Miwa Yuji?
Ah. I spoke to him for the first time when he brought this camera to me this morning.
He just moved to this school. I heard he was expelled from his old school, but he seems more polite than I'd expected.
- He's the opposite type from Zuckerman. - He's a delinquent?
- Who knows. Where are your headphones? - Headphones?
You always have them with you, Chief. Where's your bag?
In there.
- Right, go ahead. - May I open it?
Mm, because it doesn't really feel like it's my bag.
Okay.
There you go.
I thought a nice way to help you remember things is to listen to this playlist I made.
For example, this first song is from when we first met.
- I burned them onto a CD too, so listen to it properly later. - Thanks.
- Anyhow, when are you getting out of hospital? - In about a week's time probably.
Apparently I may get my memory back or I may not.
I only seem to be able to remember silly things.
But apparently going back to normal life is good for memory loss.
I see.
Right, take care getting in.
Are you okay?
Take care.
- Your face still looks a bit pale. - Of course it does after losing 4 years worth of memories.
Yes, hello?
Yeah, mm. Yeah.
Yes, ah, yeah. Me too. Okay.
Hm?
No, everything's fine.
What are you talking about? I'm alone!
- Who's it from? - Sh, sh, sh, sh! Work, work.
Mm, I'll call you back. Okay, bye.
Papa, where are we?
Ah, we moved house. I should've told you sooner. I'll add it to the list when we get home.
What do you think of our home?
Ah... it's quite nice. It's a beige house.
"This page is reserved by Hasegawa Mirai!!"
Hello. I'm Naomi.
Hey, homie!
No, but I know who you are. You're my...
Yes. My boyfriend.
Sorry!
It's fine.
I know that.
Oh!
Thanks.
I... it's fine. The thing is, Ace...
The thing is... I have a... a headache?
Um, hey, you always come through the window?
Of course!
You think you'll be alright?
No...
Oh, thanks.
Are we friends?
Sorry, my name is...
It's probably best to stop by the bathroom. The class schedule has rubbed off onto your face.
Different, how?
Now I'm pissed. If I'd known you were coming back today, I could have helped.
I don't know. Made a mix (of songs) at least.
I'll see you after school, okay?
What's after school?
You're shivering.
I can't seem to shake the feeling of being cold.
It has something in it.
Keys, yen, bills and medicine.
So nothing unusual.
Depending on what these keys are for!
This is my house key.
This is the projection room key. And this one is for decoration.
This is my motorbike key, but it's being fixed now.
- There you go. Put this on under the jacket. - But I'm not cold.
I have another shirt in my locker.
You'll be late.
Um, hey, do you know where this classroom is?
I'll walk you there.
Off we go.
My jacket...
I have another shirt in my locker. You should've dressed warmer too.
Where are you now? I'll come and get you.
Hm, really? I'll wait for you in the girls bathroom then.
Eh? For real?!
I'm joking!
Oh... Well, I'll meet you in the yearbook office then.
- A shot of you fighting. - It's you again!
Hey, how often do the yearbook committee meet?
What are you talking about? Every day! And on weekends sometimes too.
- That often?! - Mm.
Mrs. Hasegawa [teacher]... Oh? Hasegawa...?
So she's your mother?!
Um, hey, hey, hey, why do we like the yearbook so much?
Sorry for asking such a difficult question.
No, this is stupid, but I'd been waiting and hoping that you'd remember the answer to that for yourself, Chief.
You may think editing the yearbook is boring, but at the very least, we're doing it with conviction.
You were the one who'd thought of the title for this year's yearbook, Chief.
- What is it again? - Futurama.
It fuses "future" and "camera" to mean a view to the future.
Why would an album with pictures of the past be titled "a view to the future?"
That's the main point. The yearbook has tales of that year for each student that was there.
It's because of our precious pasts that we can soar in the future. That's why the front cover is plain white.
That was my idea.
What a great production.
The yearbook isn't just a collection of photos. It's different from a graduation album.
I believe a good yearbook can create a good school.
It could even create good students, a good world and a good planet!
Hey, it wraps up a year in our lives. Don't you think that's a huge responsibility?
Mrs. Hasegawa, would you mind stopping the car?
Yuji, do you want a ride?
You're still cold?
A little.
I thought I'd give you back your shirt after it's been washed. Is that okay?
Hi, Miwa. Thanks for bringing the camera back to me.
I'll be off.
- Hang on! At least let us give you a lift. - He doesn't want that.
It's not raining so badly.
Yuji, let us give you a lift.
No, thanks.
- But it's pouring down! - Miwa...
Naomi won't give up and we're wasting gas waiting like this. Hurry up and get in.
Thanks.
- Where to? - To Jiyugaoka, please.
Where's that ring from?
- My older brother. - Why are you wearing his ring?
It's started already.
Sorry.
That was years ago.
Hey, I've been thinking about this, but you didn't come to visit me in hospital at all.
Oh...
I was going to, but I don't like hospitals much.
I'd been waiting for you. You could've at least come to my house.
Does it still hurt?
- Not much. - Have you remembered anything?
Naomi doesn't remember anything after sixth grade.
That's not true! I remember the math and biology. It's just the other stuff I don't recall at all...
Well, basically it's a blank page.
- Lucky. - What's lucky about that?
Aren't there any things you'd like to forget?
No. But if I were in Naomi's position, I think I'd take it easy.
- You want to take it easy? - Not really. Because I can't do anything about it.
I can understand that. I would just get mad at myself for not being able to do anything about it.
I'd been thinking how it would be great to run in to you again.
I would've panicked if you hadn't been there back then, but I never got to tell you that.
I'm glad to have been a help.
I wanted to call you, but I don't know your phone number.
So, um...
Thanks.
Thank you for being so polite.
He's weird.
What do you mean?
Even though he's transfered to our school, he's still madly in love with a girl from his old school. Apparently he's a stalker who threated her!
I heard she needed to get a restraining order from the courts.
Do you want to know his nickname from his old school?
Crazy Yuji.
Are you stupid? But that's just an adjective added to his name. That's not a nickname or anything.
I bet you made up that story about his nickname, right, Mirai?
As if! No!
Perhaps.
But the rest of it is all true.
Say cheese after I count to three.
Ace?
Ace!
Cheers!
This is Hasegawa. Please leave a message for Mirai.
Mirai...?
I'm here now, but I really don't understand a thing.
I'd been hoping you could come and pick me up, but you can't if you don't answer.
Well, see you. Bye-bye.
What's up?
I feel sick.
You silly thing! Have you been drinking?
Just a little bit. Really.
I just had a little bit. Just a little bit...
- I don't know who anyone is. - Mm, I get it. I'll come and pick you up.
Hm... you're awake?
- Papa, weren't you going out with the Yamadas? - Hm?
She's not Mrs. Yamada.
That's right. I'm not Yamada. I'm not Suzuki either.
Who are you?
Naomi, this is my friend, Arisa Risa.
You'd said you were going out with the Yamadas, so why aren't you with them?
More importantly, you're still underage.
And you ended up this bad. Hm?
Ah, I feel sick.
- I'm never going to drink again. - That's wise.
Who was she?
Oh, Arisa Risa? She's a tango dancer.
She smelt of roses.
None of my friends smell of roses.
Nope, I don't have any friends at all.
That's not true.
That was Ace. He was worried since you'd disappeared.
- Right? - Anyhow, he said to scold you.
Papa...
- Answer it, Papa... - Hm? May I?
- Oh, it's Mirai. - Tell him I'm fine.
Hello?
Mm, my princess is fine. But she's grounded for all of next week.
Eh~!
Where'd you go?
What is it?
Who?
Oriko-san?
No.
Homecoming?
Sure, I guess.
- Good morning! - Shhh.... my head hurts.
About last night... do you remember the lady in the car?
- I remember her. She was the lady with a rose in her hair, right? - We were on a date.
- Did Mrs. Yamada introduce her to you? - No.
Anyhow, did you even see the Yamadas yesterday?
- Nope. - How unbelievable! You'd been hiding that from me since I got out of hospital!
It wasn't like that. I'd been planning on telling you gradually.
But you had enough on your hands.
- I didn't want to add more to your plate. - But that doesn't change the fact that you lied.
Why would I not like you having a girlfriend, Papa?
She's not just a normal girlfriend.
What do you mean?
She's a dancer.
- What kind of dancer? - Tango.
She won awards herself that professional tango dancers participate in. In the future she'll...
So... did I like her or not?
It was probably rather complicated because of Mama.
- And other things. - Anyhow, what was her name again?
Ah, sorry. Let's see... Yu and Eri.
E... Eri? Anyhow, she has twin daughters. They're university students now.
How old is she?
I'm 46. Excuse me.
Thank you. Let's have some tea.
That photo is my ex-husband. He was my dance partner for 15 years.
Papa said I didn't used to get along with you very well.
Is that so?
But I was optimistic.
I knew we'd become friends someday.
- It was a certain feeling that I had. - What would you know about how I feel?!
Hey, what kind of girl were you? Were you happy?
Or were you just smiling because you were told to?
Ace?
Jesus! I thought Zackerman was cheating on you, Chief.
- It's like you did it to change yourself. - How did you know? That was it.
It looks really nice.
Thanks.
Sure. Why not?
- You like that, don't you? - Uh-huh. Mirai's idea was great.
- It's better than just a group photo. - Mm.
How about having all the foreign language clubs do that? The French club could wear berets or bonnets.
- While eating French toast! - Or French fries. They could choose which of the two and do it nonchalantly.
Anyhow, how come you were late?
- Mr. Weir stopped me. - About the photo project. - Yeah.
But not just that. I'll be going to therapy after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Papa said I have to. So on those days I won't be able to make it here until about 5 PM.
I see.
That guy is bad. He's like Alice's type.
- How about having Yuji for her? - No way. It's Alice's choice.
We have boyfriends, but she's looking for a guy.
I already know her. But her hairstyle has changed from when I last saw her.
Could you not take my words to mean something bad?
It looks nicer as it is now.
- You have someone to take to homecoming, right? - Mm.
- I'm going with Ace. - Ah, that macho guy.
- Where's your part-time job? - Tokyo Foreign Language University.
I'm an projectionist in lessons aimed at adults.
The money is good and I get to see work I wouldn't normally get to.
For instance?
For instance, Fassbinder. He's a German movie director.
Fassbinder? I've never seen a single movie of his.
You want to come and see a movie? I'll let you in if you ask. With your macho boyfriend too if you like.
What's that supposed to mean?
Different hair.
Taking photos from that far away will make everyone look like ants.
I'm gonna go say something.
Hey, I bet you can take great shots from up there. Let me have it.
- I thought you wouldn't come. - I wasn't going to. I'm bad at this kind of thing.
But I had to come since Sato had gotten sick.
- That dress... - Is that same as last year, right? I know that.
Let me finish my sentences. I was going to say, "That dress suits your short hair." It looks refreshing and nice.
Thanks. Your jacket's nice too.
It's an old one. Did you take some good homecoming photos?
Well, I guess like a drama series - whether they're good or bad, they're dramatic.
But I saw you earlier looking to be enjoying the seafood on the tables a lot.
Just yearbook business.
Yeah~! How are you surely going to preserve your growing years, Zuckerman?
I don't like dancing much.
No.
Don't break it. I need to put it back on.
Oh, Ace...
I'm not having sex with you.
It's not the dog.
I just don't know. The truth is I don't even know you.
I don't know what we have in common.
Tell me then. I'd really like to know!
Why?
What about my hair?!
Say what you mean, Ace!
Okay...
I think we should take some time off.
Give my hair time to grow.
Okay, here goes.
Say cheese.
- Naomi? - Bailey...
I didn't know you were acting. That's great.
It's only a small role, so I didn't want to say anything.
Is that so? Well, see you at the yearbook later.
Ah, darn...
Mirai, you want to go home together? There's something I want to talk to you about.
I'm going to be in a play.
I don't really know why I hid that from you.
It feels like it'll be good therapy. Right?
Weird, right?
I don't really understand either. I feel like I'm not the Naomi I used to be. Or that's what everyone seems to think.
Sorry.
What's so funny?
Honestly I'd worried that you were going to quit.
I heard you've broken up with Zuckerman.
- Mm. - How come?
My haircut.
- I'd always thought he was a dick. - A dick?!
- You deserve someone better than a dick, Chief. - Ace isn't a bad person either.
Anyhow, Chief... is there another guy you like now?
No, I need a bit of time dealing with my own life by myself.
Liar.
You can believe what you like.
Hey, I call you "Chief," Naomi.
- Haven't you wondered what you called me? - It wasn't "Mirai?"
No, it used to be different.
As the coach of the co-editing committee, you called me Coach.
Try using that name again. Just call me that whenever you feel like it.
Coach? Hm...
It suits you perfectly, Mirai.
Anything you want to know, just ask.
Mirai!
Congratulations. You were great.
Very cool. Here you go.
Thanks.
How funny!
Hi, Hamlet.
- You're late. - There was no fruit juice left.
I'd been thinking to say this to you before, but the footage you took was so beautiful, Yuji.
Would you let me say that too.
I thought so.
Anyhow, your acting was great, Naomi.
Hey, Yuji, let's dance.
I'd come to see Sukuse.
- Do you remember that movie class I talked to you about? Fass... - Fassbinder.
- Ah, sorry for joking about it. - On Tuesday evening they're showing a movie by Fassbinder.
You want to come and see it? You can bring your boyfriend along.
Do you have anything to write a memo on?
What do you think?
It's lovely.
It's kind of weird, but interesting.
It makes you think. It is moving.
Mama liked these kinds of things. Mama was...
I won't talk about that.
- Being tied to the past. Right? - Mm.
The past was so uncertain.
Hey...
Do you remember what you asked me at the hospital? The thing you asked before Papa turned up.
You said you wanted to kiss me only after I accepted it.
Mm, I remember that.
Even though I wouldn't have minded...
... back then.
Or now either.
Even now?
Hey, Sukuse, there's something I seriously want to ask you.
What is it?
What happened to my shirt?
Naomi!
- Papa, I'm home! - You'd gone out?
Ah, I have something to return to a friend.
- Won't he get mad at you? - It's fine. Even though I broke Papa's rule, I can blame it on my amnesia.
I wish I had that excuse too.
- What for? - Many things.
For things I'd done in the past. I could use it for anything.
- Things like that. - Mm, things like that.
Are you dating him?
Strictly speaking, I'm not.
He's handsome. He's older than you are too.
Well, he's not really the type I like as your Papa.
But if that's what you like. Anyhow, about my wedding...
Would you be the cameraman for the bride?
- It was Arisa Risa's request too. - Papa!
- I hardly know that person at all! - But this is a request from me as your Papa too.
I have to answer that.
At least give it some thought. Okay?
- Hello? - Is something up? Your voice seems... I can't really explain it well.
Sorry.
- It's because of Yuji? - Maybe.
He is... ah, whatever. He seems more interesting than Zuckerman was.
- So what did you call for? - I've forgotten. I'll hang up now. Bye.
- You knew it was my birthday? - Nope, I didn't.
But happy birthday. This is something of songs.
A CD of songs your friend had mixed together?
Aren't you interested in where we're headed?
Nope, because I trust you.
How did you know that I'm a person who can be trusted?
I don't think there are any reasons for me not to trust you.
If I said we're heading to the airport to fly to California, would you come along with me?
- Of course. - We're just going out to eat.
And to school. If I'd known it was your birthday, I would've planned something more.
Why California?
It has the best waves. I surf, but there aren't any good waves in Tokyo.
My dad's a surfer too. He lives in LA now.
So you're from LA?
I'm not really from anywhere. Do you understand what I mean?
I feel like I understand.
I wonder if the school stairs are snowed under? They might be slippery.
That was where we met. Right?
It's the place where a girl slipped down those stairs to allow us to meet.
- I wish we had a sled. - Ah! I have the key to the yearbook room.
Sit in the middle and lean your weight forward then....
Lean your weight further forward.
Are you alright?
You look like an angel when you do that.
There are many rumors about you.
Mm. For example?
That you did drugs.
And that you're in love with a girl from your old school. And that you were sent to hospital after attempting suicide.
Things like that.
They're all true.
But the correct information is that the drugs were prescription ones. They caused me to become suicidal.
But all the others were true.
You're concerned about that?
You'll get the answer if you think about it. Just being concerned is enough.
Did you get the disc?
- Nope. - For your birthday.
Ah, but I haven't listened to it yet.
How rude. It took me quite a while to make it.
But Mr. Weir, I thought our grade was based on the one big project.
I don't want to go back to the yearbook.
- Then don't go. - Not just today. Forever.
- Then do that. - It's not that easy to quit it.
- People are relying on me. - It's just a yearbook.
Yearbooks are just photos bound into a book. I've been to three high schools, but they all had similar yearbooks.
- I've decided. - What?
Mirai...
- Sorry... - It's fine. You're not so late.
No. I want to quit the yearbook.
Sorry.
I'm not keeping up with my classes. I'm close to failing the photography class.
Mirai, all it means is that you will have to do the editing by yourself from now on.
And honestly yearbooks are the same, no matter who makes them.
They're just photos bound into a book.
You're not being serious, are you? Unbelievable! You're quitting because of Yuji?
- No. It's my problem. - Terrible. What's so good about him? Tell me!
- He's the dark character in a daytime drama. - Huh?
You heard me! What's so cool about his dark atmosphere and unwieldy hairstyle? Why's he so depressed?
- This is none of your business, Mirai, but Yuji lost a family member. - I know that! Should I cheer Yuji up too?
- Many people have lost their families. But they're not as depressed as Yuji is! - That's a terrible thing to say!
- You really like him? So it wasn't just your memory you lost in that accident. - What do you want to say?
You seem like a complete idiot now.
The Naomi I know would see something through to the end.
- Then remember this! I'm not the Naomi you used to know. That Naomi doesn't exist anymore! - Cut it out!
- When did you become so selfish? - I hate you, Mirai!
Ah, is that so? I also hat...
I've had enough!
Hang on!
If you're serious about quitting, give me back the key. We don't want anything stolen.
I haven't accepted Sukuse as a drug.
If I don't keep taking my medicine, I can't cope.
But Sukuse being the opposite of me makes me feel uncertain.
That's why I selected you.
I don't have the confidence to face anyone right now.
Okay?
If I start heading the wrong way, I want you to break up with me straight away.
I'll accept that quietly. I promise.
I can't do that.
If you can't, then I can't be with you!
If I go crazy again, I don't want you to try to see me.
I want you to stop thinking about me too.
I want you to forget that we even met.
You're staring too much.
So?
- You too? - Mm.
The black one is Sid. The orange one is Nancy.
Call me when you get back from LA.
I don't want to leave you.
Thanks for the goldfish.
You're welcome.
Thanks for the tree.
You're welcome too.
Merry Christmas.
Thanks for being with me.
Thanks for existing.
What do you mean?
Please... don't run away.
You're so silly.
I was so stupid back then.
I heard from mom that you've lost the last 4 years of memories.
- Wow, that sucks. - Yu...! - But it was just those 4 years of memories, right?
It's probably the worst period. Do you remember it, Yu?
Those times during the first year of junior high? What were you thinking, mom?
Did you think how we'd feel being the Afro Twins?
I don't want to recall those days.
Anyhow, have we met before?
Yes. But we didn't like each other much.
You were at that "annoying high school kid" age.
That's not a nice way to put it.
But you seem grown-up now.
What is that?
They're for a photo projector.
Miwa...! Stop making her do such stupid things. And without a helmet on.
- A helmet? - For the sake of her head. What if she injured herself again?
No, it's none of my business. See you.
It's lucky he didn't see all of what we were doing. But you would've looked cute in a helmet.
- Ah... ah, the camera! - Ah!
- Chief is tails. - Why do you choose?
- Would you rather be heads? - Letting the other person choose is polite.
Heads or tails?
- Heads. - Okay.
- You should have chosen tails, Chief. - Yeah, whatever.
It wasn't that I slipped or that I fell. It was just an accident.
I consciously chose to take the dive.
Diving is a way to miraculously cheat gravity.
I'd chosen to do that myself. I was heading toward something.
Or maybe I was trying to escape from something.
I decided not to tell anyone that I'd remembered it.
In a way it didn't matter.
Because nothing had changed anyway.
- Yes... that's what I told myself. - Are you alright?
This is like what happened to me. It was meant to be kind of Jackson Pollock-y, I guess.
More about the process than the pictures.
Wait up!
Long time, no see.
How was your winter vacation?
- Not bad. And yours? - Mm, mine wasn't bad either.
- It felt good to take a break. - Yeah.
See you. Since you're not coming back to the yearbook, I have to pull the weight of two people.
Sorry. I'm really...
You're doing well?
Mm.
I was just thinking about you, Mirai. I am...
Hi, Winnie.
- I... I should go. See you, Mirai. - See you.
Yuji! Yuji~!
I found this in your locker, Yuji, when I was looking for my textbooks.
If you'd like, I'll open it for you.
- You're that afraid of not getting in? - Leave me alone.
Sorry.
Congratulations! It's the university you wanted to get into!
I hadn't planned on it.
You? Don't flatter yourself. I just don't want to play tennis anymore.
Don't go near her!
Yuji! We were just talking!
Stop it, you guys! You're just hurting Naomi!
Naomi, are you alright?
Why would they have done such a thing?
Hey!
There are a truckload of things I should be doing.
I have to decide on photos for all the clubs.
I also have to decide who will be the campaigners for the yearbook.
As you know, we're short of people.
Everybody has things they have to do.
Hm~ you too?
Your schedule is full of dates with your emotionally unstable boyfriend.
- He's been suspended from school. - You reap what you sow.
Who started it?
Yuji is a bit of a worry.
Here goes!
Yuji...
What's with all of this?
My mom said I should go to the USC freshman orientation.
But I don't know what to do. I don't know if I want to go to my first choice of schools.
- Why not? - Like, my emotions don't seem to be so stable.
I get into fights and get suspended.
My mom's worried.
Sukuse, you seem different too. I can see that bruise on your eye from the fight.
People have looked at me that way before.
I'm just concerned about you, Yuji. But my feelings for you haven't changed.
If you get depressed at USC, I'll fly over there to cheer you up. I promise.
- Your dad won't let you. - I'll make up some excuse. Let me think of one now.
I could say it's for taking photos for the yearbook or something.
- For my sake. - What are you talking about, Yuji?
I... fell down those stairs just so I could meet you, right?
I get it. Please keep your promise.
The yearbook campaign!
- How are you feeling? - There's a flight out of Narita tomorrow morning.
I'll pay for the airfare.
I want you to come over here.
Please fasten your seat belts for landing.
This is Miwa Yuji.
Hadn't we planned on meeting two hours ago?
I was caught in a traffic jam. This is LA, right?
I'm so glad you came!
Hop in.
- Right, I suppose we'll go to your university first. - Is that what you want?
Well, I've never been to USC before.
- You came here for that as well, right, Yuji? - Yeah, but wouldn't you rather go to the beach?
I've always wanted to take you surfing, Naomi. Let's go to the university tomorrow, okay?
That's fine.
- Oh, darn. - What's wrong?
- I need to bring my surfboard. - It's fine. Let's just relax here for a while. I feel a bit sick.
I'll go get a board from dad's house. Wait here.
No! Stay here with me!
I'll be back within an hour.
They got cold, so I threw the old ones away and bought some new ones.
Sorry, I called you, but your phone was off, Sukuse.
I'd left it in the car.
I see.
Are you angry?
- Please don't be angry. - I'm not that angry.
- But I was worried. - Sorry.
I'm terrible.
No, you're not.
I'm terrible.
Terrible... terrible...
Don't say that. Yuji...
Look at me.
What happened?
I went to get the surfboard...
I'd gotten in the car to head to dad's house.
But then I realized that I was alone in a graveyard.
Marilyn Monroe was right in front of me.
I wonder why I'd gone to visit her grave?
I don't really understand it myself either.
Quite a bit of time passed and then I worked out what made it different from the other graves.
It was the color. The color.
Many people had kissed it and touched it, so the gravestone had turned pink.
I realized that and...
I felt deathly depressed.
Nobody kissed my brother's grave or touched it. Nobody even thinks about him anymore!
Because he's just a kid who died.
So I thought I should change his grave's color. I'm the only one he has.
But... for starters, I'd forgotten where his grave even is.
So I wandered round in circles in the graveyard.
My brother's grave is right away on the far side.
Even though I knew it wouldn't change anything, I stupidly searched endlessly for his grave!
Yuji...
I love you.
I can't stop thinking about things.
I thought you'd say the same thing once your remembered something.
Yuji, you love me.
I love you.
Let's leave.
Dad's away on a business trip.
You've been here alone the whole time?
Let's go to bed.
Wait. It's okay not to talk, but stay with me a bit longer.
- I want to sleep. I haven't slept properly for many days. - Can't I be beside you?
Naomi...
Naomi, I want to be with you too, but...
I'm too depressed. Good night.
Is that you, Naomi? Are you in LA now?
Mm.
I talked to Yuji's mother on the phone. We'll book the first flight out tomorrow, so come back straight away.
Make sure you go back to school.
Papa found it from my room.
Songs for a Teenage Amnesiac
The Naomi that Naomi has forgotten
The Naomi that Naomi remembers
- Hello? - Hello. This is Naomi.
What do you want?
I'm in the airport now. My phone's battery is dead.
Is it?
Earlier I watched the birthday present that you gave me, Mirai.
It was really moving.
I wanted to tell you that.
Yeah...
- Thanks. - Yeah.
That's good.
- And I am... - Um, hey...
I'm about to meet Winnie for a date.
Oh, are you? Sorry.
And? Was there anything else you wanted?
- Bye, Coach. - Bye.
Hand over your phone.
- The battery is dead on it. - And let's leave it that way.
You're grounded.
What should I do about you?! Going off to LA by yourself! You never would've done such a thing in the past!
What is up with you, Naomi?
- I was worried about Yuji. - So why didn't you talk to me about that?
It wasn't just Yuji. It was me too.
I.... remember.
- Remember what? - Everything!
Since when? Why did you keep it quiet?
Because... I finally found out who I was.
I couldn't even consider doing everything all over again or going back to who I was.
- And I was afraid of losing Yuji. - Why would you have lost him?
You may not get this, but the one thing we have in common is that we have no past.
That's probably why Yuji likes me.
I'm sure it's more than just that.
- Yes, hello. This is Miwa. - Um, is Yuji there?
- Naomi? He's in hospital now. - How come?
What do you want?
Um, Coach... I'd like you to come to Nagano with me tomorrow.
Why would I have to do that for you?
You're right. Sorry.
Bye.
Hey, Naomi...
Don't you think it would be much more fun to be with me than it would be with your crazy boyfriend?
Mm.
I have to finish off the yearbook and do it all by myself.
- I know that. - And I have a girlfriend too.
That's right.
But I just want you to be aware that my life doesn't revolve around you.
Nice touch.
They're all artists who are crazy or committed suicide.
There's Ozaki Yutaka, Jeff Buckley, Elliot Smith and Nick Drake.
There are love songs on it too, but they're ones about how they're in pain.
Thanks.
I'll wait out here.
- I wanted you to come in with me. - Why?
Because Yuji may not want to see me.
So I want to use your name, Mirai, to ask him to see us.
He's doesn't know that you're coming today, Naomi?
Nope.
That is quite a battle order you may have set up for yourself.
I'm Hasegawa Mirai. I'd like to speak with Miwa Yuji.
Just a moment, please. I'll tell Miwa you're here.
Hasegawa, has something happened to Sukuse?
So?
You once said that if I remember everything, I should leave you, didn't you, Yuji?
Because you're full of bad parts.
Being with you wouldn't be a waste of my time.
Right?
Yes.
I remembered everything.
Two months ago I did.
But I still like Yuji though.
It's not because of gratitude or amnesia. I just like you as is.
I know that Yuji is a little crazy.
But everyone is that way. I don't care about that.
- You'd lied? - Unbelievable.
Why hadn't you said anything?
I don't know.
I'm sorry.
- Really. - I'll be waiting outside.
Let's go outside too.
Just like always, you're so cold.
Sometimes I was so envious of your amnesia, Sukuse.
I'd kept wanting to forget my past.
I'd been so busy thinking of that, so I couldn't move forward.
I'm older now than my brother was when he passed away.
I have to live the life my brother didn't get to.
I think this is the best timing ever for me to stand up and face everything.
I wanted to meet you at a different timing, Sukuse.
When I was more grown-up.
When I was able to process various things.
I used to be like that too, before things got all mixed-up.
I'll keep that aside until you get out of here. Yuji.
I promise.
- When do you think you'll be released? - I don't know.
At the very least, I want it to be in time for graduation, but I'm not sure yet.
I'm glad you came.
But it's embarrassing too.
I hadn't wanted you to see me here. I'd wanted you to think I was perfect.
Even I know that you're not perfect, Yuji.
Yeah.
I know, but... I'd wished you'd think I was.
You'd promised to buy me dinner.
So... when you said you're remembered everything, had you?
- Mm. - Really? Everything and anything?
Mm.
About that day...
Normally I would've gone to get the camera. I wouldn't have left it up to a coin toss.
Our relationship had changed, but I didn't like to pressure you, Naomi.
You were overly aware that we should just be friends.
It wasn't your fault I fell, Mirai.
On that day I was really depressed.
It had seemed like meeting at the planetarium the day before meant nothing to you, Naomi.
Of course it had meant something. You're my best friend, Mirai.
I thought I should've said something on those stairs.
But when that chance came, you forgot everything. Even my existence. Everything.
Then you met Yuji. And you quit the yearbook.
I was too slow with everything.
But the worst part was after you'd broken up with Zuckerman.
Even thought that should've been my chance, I didn't say anything to you.
But I don't love you, Naomi. Even now.
Mirai...
I don't love you... Not that much.
Mirai and are I just friends and barely that.
You're not wearing a coat.
Wear this.
It's really over.
Yeah.
I'm so uncool.
- That's not true. - I'm terrible.
Chief... you're great.
Go ahead!
Yeah.
Ah, okay.
What about our fight and everything?
Like?
I'm warning you - I'm totally out of practice.
Okay. Why not?
Ace! Notice anything special about me?
Shut up, Ace!
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry too.
Things hadn't been good for a while, had they? Even before my accident, I mean.
Male porcupines hear the screams that proclaim the start of the breeding season.
The female hears their return sounds, but pretends not to hear them if they don't want to accept them.
The females that accept the sounds will face the male stomach to stomach and eye to eye.
Go ahead and answer it.
No, why?
Ah, excuse me, I'd like to know Hasegawa Mirai's condition.
Are you his parent or guardian?
Aren't you the patient who injured your head in September?
I never forget a patient's face. How have you been?
I've been well. But one of my friends may be dying.
- Could you tell me how Hasegawa Mirai is? - Hasegawa isn't dying.
He just has pneumonia. It's a bad case. His lungs aren't functioning. He's sleeping now. But don't say I told you.
Ah, that's lucky.
- Ah, I'd like to leave a memo saying that we visited. - Ah, sure.
Thanks.
Dear Coach, I'll come again tomorrow. I hope you'll see me then. From Chief.
- Visiting hours are from 11 o'clock. - Okay.
Well?
I hadn't been feeling well recently, but I'd ignored it thinking it was just stress or a simple cold.
Then yesterday I suddenly collapsed. They were surprised that I'd been able to put up with it for so long.
My lungs are full of bacteria and aren't working.
- That's shocking! - Right?
Apparently it's more complicated than normal pneumonia.
Not being straight forward is very Mirai-like.
I'd like to talk to you seriously.
Ah... um... about the memo I'd left.
- I... - I want to ask you something very important. Naomi?
- Leave it to me. I'll bring you your homework or other things. - Nope, I've asked Winnie to do that.
Ah, Mirai? I don't have much time to talk because things are about to get crazy. - I know.
- I thought of going to help. - Ah, you mustn't!
I gave up on the idea. Even if I went there, you'd probably kill me.
- So how does it look? - Really wonderful, Mirai. I'll bring you a copy as soon as we've handed them out to everyone.
I'm glad you helped out, Naomi.
Hey, aren't you glad you were a co-editor?
Even when you injured your head, as your partner I took over, Naomi.
Even after my lungs stopped working, as my partner you were able to cover things.
It really was a perfect system to have.
Ah, Mirai, should I get Winnie to bring a yearbook to you? I'm sure she can visit you sooner.
No, I want you to bring it, Chief.
I could get Mrs. Hasegawa to take you it, but Robert or Ben might be able to take it instead.
I want you to do it, Naomi.
Okay.
It's mainly Mirai.
I will.
Thanks for coming again. Could you leave by 9 o'clock to give him time to rest?
- Sure. - You seem tired too.
The presentation ceremony!
Here you go.
We only just got this page done on time.
I'd wanted to edit this page.
- There was nothing to do. - Yeah.
- How about this one? - Ah, it's not brilliant. - Yeah.
Well, it's fine since we're all laughing.
- But don't you think it being plain white was a good choice? - Mm, really good. Everyone at school complimented it.
On Friday I'll take the day off school to go to Izoshima for Papa and Arisa Risa's wedding.
- I see. Time's really flown by. - Yeah.
- Why didn't you invite me, Chief? - Because you've been sick. Mrs. Hasegawa wouldn't let me invite you.
That's probably true.
Besides, you're with Winnie.
Ah. Winnie, yeah.
She dumped me. Hadn't you heard?
I hadn't heard it from her, so I'd been ignoring what I'd heard.
- I'm not a good boyfriend. - No way.
- You'd treated Winnie so well. - No, it's not like that.
- I never forget people's birthdays and I always keep my promises. You know that, right? - Mm.
She accused me of being in love with someone else.
What a terrible scandal.
Hey, Mirai, every year you always reserve a huge space in my yearbook. Why do you always do that?
There's so much I want to say, but I could never find the right words. So I just chose the perfect songs to express that instead.
How's Yuji?
I don't really see him anymore.
Yeah. These things happen.
But when you get to my age, there are many things that you forget.
For starters you forget what you studied at school.
Especially things you studied in algebra class. I've forgotten all of that.
I've forgotten the names of all but one or two of my teachers.
I'll probably forget their names soon too.
I've forgotten what happened in classes, my grades and when my friends' birthdays were.
I've forgotten the lyrics of songs I've heard hundreds of times.
- Like, I've forgotten, um, um, what's it called again? - What? - Um... you know. You know...
Ah, like Simon & Garfunkel songs.
And slowly, very slowly, you also forget the tastes of things and things that really hurt.
Even things I thought I would never ever forget slowly faded into lost memories.
Guys from the past, guys that were awkward, girls who were cute, girls who were smart,
who went to what university, whose parties were great, you end up forgetting all of that stuff.
People you said you loved...
People you truly loved...
Even the people who you think you'll remember till the very end.
Mm, but that's why the waves of memories get thinner.
It's because it's possible to forget those things that it makes it possible for us to love someone else in the future.
Papa...
Congratulations. I mean it.
How was the wedding?
How can I explain it? There's so much love between them that it's hard to explain.
- When are you going home? - About 9 o'clock.
I'd really missed you this weekend. I guess I'd gotten used to seeing you every day again.
I sound stupid, right?
I'd missed you too. I wish I could've gone too.
Naomi?
Could I take a photo of you?
Yuji, put your arm around Naomi's shoulders.
- No, thanks. - Smile. It's a sunny day. Okay, say cheese.
Ah! Is this that camera from that day?
How sentimental.
Pose.
Congratulations on graduating, Yuji.
Thanks.
Your hands are cold.
Just as always. But it's May already!
Are you in the club room now?
Mm, but I'm just locking up now.
- Come by here later. - Mm.
Hey! Why didn't you come up to the club room?
You have my key, so I thought I'd wait out here.
That is just a pathetic excuse.
Long ago I used to be a student here.
And I was the editor of the yearbook.
Hm. I don't remember that.
I heard rumors that these stairs were a real danger.
- I can go down them by myself. - No, hold onto my arm since you've had such a year of ups and downs.
- What if you fell down them again, Naomi? - I didn't fall, I dove. - Yes, yes, you dove. Whatever.
It doesn't matter which it was, but I don't think I could cope with you forgetting me again.
Hold my arm, Naomi. I'd like to carry your bag for you, but I imagine you'd refuse to let me.
I can't remember which of us said it first anymore.
But at the end one of us said this:
We did a coin toss several months ago.
It was just because we didn't want to have to go up these stairs again.
And then the other one of us answered:
It would be fine it if was even longer than it is. As long as we can walk these stairs like we are now.
After then neither of us said anything for a long time.
I wasn't used to Mirai's silence, but it didn't worry me.
I know everything about Mirai and he knows everything about me.
That's why the silence between us sounded like a melody.
Without even knowing what song it was or who sang it, it seemed like a song we could hum along to.
It was like a song that we'd known for years with a nostalgic melody.
Hurry up! Hurry up! Come on!