The Great Passage
1995
Dictionary Department
Are you sure I can't stop you from quitting?
Yes...
I can't create the dictionary without you, Araki.
I'm sorry.
You see...
my wife is in poor health.
I've been thinking of taking care of her when I reach retirement age.
But everything will work out.
Nishioka over there will be your right-hand man and...
Hold on a second!
I'm doing this alone?
Nishioka.
Please define the word, "right".
Huh?
"Right", as in "right hand"?
Yes.
Well... wait...
Let's see...
For real? That's difficult.
Huh? Look how long my nails have grown!
Excuse me sir, I'll go cut my nails first.
Very well.
I'll make sure I find my replacement before I retire.
I can't imagine any editor replacing you.
No,
I'll search every nook and cranny to find my replacement!
Genbu Books
Take care of this.
Hey! You there!
Can you define the word "right"?
What?
"Right", as in left and right!
Sorry, I'm really busy right now.
Araki.
Oh, Mr. Murakoshi.
Done with your philosophical inquiry?
Director! I have a favor to ask.
What is it?
Is there anyone suited for the Dictionary Department...
We just need one! Can you spare somebody?
Someone to succeed you?
Yes...
Oh, no! We don't have anyone of your caliber here!
Come on, this is serious.
Please help us out.
I doubt we have anyone interested in making dictionaries.
Someone with such talent wouldn't make a very good employee here.
You're free to take anyone from any of our departments.
How did it go? Did you find anyone?
The Dictionary's unpopular for real.
Some of them were like, "We made dictionaries?"
Most employees here think the old building is used for storage.
Even those who knew about us said,
"It's too boring,"
and what else...
"Doesn't sound like a promising career path!"
It pissed me off, to be honest.
Did you give them an earful?
No, I couldn't come up with a retort.
Maakun, were you being scolded?
Keep your distance at work.
Come on, who cares?
Anyway, are you still looking for someone?
Yeah...
Hey, hey!
That guy, in the corner.
He's in our department, but isn't he totally a dictionary guy?
He looks nerdy.
Right?! He's a total weirdo.
I hear he has a graduate degree in linguistics.
But he's definitely not suited for sales.
Please take him to the Dictionary Department!
We're not a psych ward.
Um...
I told you, we can't make any space for it.
Okay?
Um...
Yes? What is it?
Please...
I told you, it's not happening!
Welcome home, Micchan.
I have just returned.
Um...
Is that the rent? Oh, thanks.
No, uh...
I have the entire home to myself.
That's appropriate...
No.
Tora-san?
I'm home.
Is that him?
Yes.
Hey, Serious Kid.
A minute, please?
Yes.
Someone just called him "Serious Kid"!
That's his nickname? How serious is he?
It takes someone serious to make a dictionary.
How was your bookstore round yesterday?
It didn't work out?
Didn't I tell you to close that deal?
Never mind. Get back to work.
I guess we can at least talk to him.
Yeah.
Oh, "Majime Mitsuya"!
"Majime", as in "serious". It's your real name.
Majime.
I hear you majored in linguistics at graduate school.
Yes.
Then can you define the word "right" to me?
Right...
No, that's not it.
Right hand... left hand...
When you're facing west...
the direction of north is...
...the right.
Also,
you call conservatives "the right".
No, that guy's hopeless.
He has zero communication skills.
...and so,
Majime Mitsuya will be joining us at the Dictionary Department starting today.
This is Mr. Matsumoto, the chief editor.
I'm Matsumoto. Nice to meet you.
My name is Sasaki. I'm here on a contract.
Nishioka here.
Let me know if you ever need any help.
Usage collection.
Right now, he's filling up a usage collection card.
It's where you record new words that you've learned, and their usage.
Archives
Dictionary creation begins by collecting words.
Over a million words are stored in the archive.
All collected by the chief and other employees here.
Do you like dictionaries, Majime?
What...
Y-Yes?
"In the beginning was the Word."
Don't worry.
Just learn to love words first.
Our topic today is Daitokai\fscx200}- which was approved few days ago.
This will be the first editorial meeting.
It will be a medium-sized dictionary like these,
and about 240,000 entries are scheduled to be listed.
The theme is "the dictionary of the moment".
Mr. Matsumoto,
could you please elaborate on that?
Oh, is that a PHS?!
When did you get it?
I bought it yesterday.
Sir, let me see!
Wow! This is the one I really wanted!
Personal Handy-phone System.
"PHS" is the acronym.
Is it really as convenient as they say?
I still haven't figured out how to use it.
Mobile phones and personal computers
are sure to become more prevalent in the coming years.
Our society will see drastic changes,
as countless new terms and concepts surface.
We will aggressively pursue such terms for The Great Passage.
What about modern slang?
"For real", "lame", "douche", and the like...
I would like to include as many abbreviations and jargon and slang as possible.
That's totally my forté.
Majime.
Yes?
What do you think of improper grammar in speech?
I... don't speak that way.
Me neither.
Although, seeing as how
"You see that?" and "You gonna?" are so commonly used among the youths today,
I would like to list them, even if we have to note that they are incorrect usages.
That would make it a unique dictionary.
Then... maybe words like "spaced out" too?
What's with "spaced out"?
Nishioka, make a spaced out expression.
You try it, Majime.
Hey! Your face hasn't changed at all!
Nishioka.
The true meaning of "spaced out" is stupefied, dazed and disoriented.
It means becoming emotionless from surprise or contemplation.
But in recent years, it has been used to describe someone who is high on drugs.
I never knew that.
I'm thinking of including such improper usages in The Great Passage.
First, we'll list the correct definition...
in other words, the accurate meaning first,
then we can also list the improper usages as well, as a note.
New words are born,
and some of them die out.
In addition, some words change over the course of your life.
To understand the true meaning of words,
is the same as wanting to understand the ideas and feelings of others with precision.
I believe it is the desire to be connected with others.
Therefore, we must make a dictionary for those who live the moment in the present-day.
The Great Passage's goal is to become "the dictionary of the moment".
The sea of words is vast beyond your imagination.
A dictionary is a boat floating in the great sea.
People cross the sea with a boat that is the dictionary,
and seek the appropriate word to describe their feelings.
I would call it the miracle of finding the one and only word.
For people who want to connect with others,
I offer them a dictionary to help navigate the great sea.
That is The Great Passage.
Man, can you believe how passionate he was?
Then again, he's still got the energy to change the world.
That's kind of impressive at his age.
Right?
A boat that is the dictionary...
Huh?
Dictionary of the moment.
Hey, Majime!
Live the moment.
Majime... Hey, Majime!
Are you buying them all?
Yes.
Welcome home, Micchan!
I have just returned.
You bought lots of book again.
Oh, look at that!
They're all dictionaries.
I'm going to make a dictionary at work.
You're making more, even though there are so many already?
No.
The Great Passage is different.
It's the dictionary of the moment.
Micchan.
You look a bit more like a real man now.
Look here.
Work Schedule
1. Usage collection (collect words)
2. Card screening / Entry selection
3. Formulate definition
4. Layout
5. Editing
We have to start collecting words,
and also select entries to put in the dictionary at the same time.
This is the Genbu Japanese Dictionary, which we revised two years ago.
Words found in it were double-circled,
and here's the completed list.
Approximately 60,000 terms here.
All to be included in The Great Passage.
However, the problem is the remaining words.
Check the remaining usage collection cards against these two dictionaries.
Add circle signs for words in both books,
and triangle signs for words present in only one.
Circles are very likely to be listed in The Great Passage,
whilst triangles are less likely.
On the other hand, words without signs are of utmost importance.
Our choice of words that are absent from other dictionaries...
determines the "personality" of The Great Passage.
Oh god!
When will this ever end?
This is your first time making a dictionary from scratch, huh?
Yes.
I've been doing nothing but revisions.
This one took 7 years from approval to completion.
For real?
Then...
how long is The Great Passage gonna take?
Sanseidou Book's Daijirin took 28 years to complete.
28 years?!
If that's the case...
You might be dead before it's published.
Listen.
That could very well be the case for you as well.
Whoa, there!
Why does that inspire you?
It won't be finished for another 20 years!
Oh, you came over?
Welcome home.
Your face is...
Hmm?
...pretty unusual, huh?
That's a compliment, right?
Thanks.
Don't show up on Friday, all right? I got a date.
Don't worry, I have a date on Friday too.
Oh, yeah?
Ow...
Tell me...
How's Majime? Is he useful at work?
I guess he's perfect for that kind of mundane work.
He's just so...
I don't know... young?
Eccentric?
Virgin?
He has to be a virgin, right?
Yeah, he probably wouldn't make a good partner for you.
He's definitely not the kind I want to be friends with.
Majime.
Yes?
You must be bored doing such tedious work.
No.
When you keep this up for years,
believe it or not, you actually lose your fingerprints.
All smooth...
Your fingertips touch the words.
I guess it's the joy of keeping in touch with the world.
The greatest joy of being a dictionary editor.
After you, sir.
Good morning.
We ran into each other in the lobby, right, sir?
You're taking long breaks, as usual!
I can't relax unless I use the restroom in the main building.
These are the ones I collected this week.
Wow, that's a lot more than usual!
Actually, I attended a group date last night.
What?!
Those are words that I've never heard before.
It was a very productive experience.
Majime, I bet you don't know these words.
Here. Study them.
...so I would like to find a profitable hobby of sorts after retirement,
to make sure I don't get senile.
Thank you so much for putting up with me for so long.
Congratulations on your retirement!
This is from everyone at the Dictionary Department.
Take good care of your wife, all right?
Thank you.
Congratulations, Araki.
Thank you for working with me all this time, Sasaki.
Congratulations!
Losing Araki...
is like losing a part of my body.
Isn't it absurd to work on nothing but dictionaries for 38 years?!
There had to be more interesting things to do.
What about you?
Do you have any hobbies?
Watch it.
Hey...
I've been wondering for a while now, but...
are you even listening to me?
You think I'm just a fool, don't you?
No.
Forget it. I'll go hit another bar.
Is that you, Majime?
The lights were on, so I...
Hold on.
They're nothing fancy, but...
please use them.
Majime.
Make your dictionary.
Micchan.
Wanna eat dinner with me tonight?
Okay.
Sou-un House
You looked depressed lately.
Have I?
Something must be bothering you.
Dictionary making is far more challenging than I had imagined.
Then are you gonna quit?
No.
I intend to devote my life to dictionaries.
It's just that...
I'm afraid.
Dictionary making doesn't look like something that I can do on my own.
Then you have to get along with your colleagues.
Yes.
But I'm... not very good at expressing myself.
We understand each other, though.
You're special, Ms. Take.
I've been living here for nearly a decade.
But that's not the case with others.
I can't express how I feel.
I don't understand how others feel either.
Huh?!
Of course you don't know how others feel!
Isn't that why you're interested in them?
Isn't that why you talk to them?
You have to use words to make a dictionary, right?
Then you have to use those words!
Force those words out of your mouth!
You've found your path in life while you're still young.
That's very fortunate for you,
so all that's left is to walk that path.
You can do it, Micchan!
Nishioka.
What the hell?
Good morning.
Oh... morning.
Nishioka.
What is it? You're really talkative today.
Wonderful weather today.
What are you talking about?
It's going to rain in the afternoon.
All right. Let's begin.
Okay.
We're still selecting terms to list in the dictionary,
but let's start adding definitions for double-circle words.
Can't we just reuse this to some extent?
No.
I want the definitions to be easier to understand.
We'll divide terms into those that will be outsourced and those written by ourselves.
The definitions will be written using this outline
and the sample document as reference.
Nishioka, you're in charge of outsourcing because you're such a smooth talker.
You can count on me for sure!
We'll send all the outsource requests together after we've sorted things out.
Let's begin with the entries to be written by the Dictionary Department.
Okay.
I'm coming in.
I'm here for you.
You're here for me?
Cute guy. What's the name?
M-Majime.
A serious cat? How strange.
No, uh...
The cute one... is the cat...
I'm the serious one, Majime...
Tora-san is the cat.
I'm Kaguya.
Nice to meet you.
Get away from me, we're almost there.
Come on! You're such a bummer.
Oh, it's Majime.
He's definitely a weirdo.
Lately, I feel he's staring at me all the time.
Maybe there's an element of love to it!
Not funny.
Majime!
Did you get a heart attack?
What's with that look?
It's morning and you already look so sleepy.
Whoa!
Hey, are you all right?
Hey... what?
Hey, Majime?
Majime. Are you all right?
Maybe he's lovesick?
Huh? What was that?
Did you develop affections for a lady?
What? Really?
What's she like? Is she human?
What was that? Take it out!
"Ms. Hayashi Kaguya"?
You usage collected her?
"Ms. Hayashi Kaguya, 27 years-old".
"Daughter of Ms. Take, the landlady."
"Due to Ms. Take's old age,"
"she began living with us from last month."
"She was previously training to become a sushi chef in Kyoto."
Where does she work in Tokyo?
A restaurant named The Plums in Yushima.
However,
you should not let it affect your ability to work.
Yeah, Majime!
You shouldn't let it affect your ability to work!
I'm sorry.
On the other hand,
the feeling of love cannot be stopped.
Love, huh?
I know.
Let's have Majime write the definition for "love".
I'm sure it will turn out to be a present-day definition.
So let us help you bring your love to fruition.
I made a reservation for 7 pm at The Plums.
Enjoy.
Here she comes!
Please excuse me.
Welcome. This is complimentary.
Grilled Nagano Matsutake and mustard spinach soup.
Are you ready to order?
Here, sir.
Let's see...
Is there anything you can't eat?
No, not really.
Please give us some more time.
Sure.
Do you work with Micchan?
Yes! Isn't that right, sir?
Yes, we do.
Please call me when you have decided.
Enjoy your stay.
She's a very beautiful lady.
Majime's nickname is "Micchan".
But guys must love girls like Kaguya!
You think?
How can she be so cute and have no boyfriend?
You think?
100% sure.
100%...
Ready.
Love.
Love...
Micchan, are you all right?
I'm fine.
Are you okay?
I'm okay.
Sharpening knives calms me down.
It empties my mind...
or should I say, it resets everything.
Do you want to touch it?
This side.
It's bumpy on that side, right?
They're called "exo-blades".
You sharpen the knife until they form across the blade,
then sharpen the other side until the exo-blades disappear.
Maintain the same angle against the whetstone
without using too much force.
After that, you switch to a finishing-touch whetstone...
Hello, Sou-un House here.
Is it for me?
I just want to continue working.
Never mind. Don't call me again.
Good-bye.
Do you have a minute?
Yes.
I'm sorry you had to answer that awkward phone call.
The word "cut" has many different usages.
"Cut", as in physically severing an object with a knife.
"Cut through the wind"...
to describe things moving really fast in air.
"Cut down the time"...
It can be used for time.
"Cut the ribbon" can be used to describe the start of something new.
Oh, "cut" has a special usage in regards to cards, meaning "shuffle".
In addition...
"Cut ties"...
"Cut him off"...
You're a funny guy.
I didn't think you were this talkative.
In any case...
Thanks.
Majime C3C3C3&} Kaguya
Stop toying with Majime!
Yes, ma'am!
Come on, forget everything and just ask her out on a date if you like her that much.
He's depressed because he can't.
Then come straight out and tell her how you feel?
Why don't you put it in writing? A love letter.
Dear madam.
Autumn is a wonderful season with fair weather and good harvest.
I wish for your continued success in career.
This is the first time I write a...
I'm sure you may find this surprising, but...
What are you doing?
You're cooped up in your room on a Sunday when it's so nice outside!
Here, Kaguya cooked this stew.
Would you like to have a taste?
Here.
Thank you.
I think it could use some more seasoning.
It's delicious.
Kaguya! Micchan says it's delicious!
W-Wait...
Ms. Take...
Why were you yelling?
You said you wanted to shop in Kappabashi, right?
There are many kinds of Japanese knifes.
These are "eel knives", and these are "carving knives".
"Carving knives" are used for fish or chicken, where you have to cut bones.
And these are "willow knives" for sashimi.
There are two ways to make these knives.
"Full" and "hazed".
Full knives are made of pure steel.
Hazed knives are made from a mix of steel and iron,
so the steel part becomes a stiff and sharp blade.
Apparently, the name comes from the haziness of the beautiful intersection
between the steel and iron.
Sorry to drag you along.
Micchan, do you always collect words like that?
Y-Yes.
Oh...
Huh?
Wanna go to the amusement park?
What?
Okay?
I wonder who invented the observation wheel.
You don't have to check.
Observation wheels are fun, but they make you feel lonesome.
Is it strange for women to be sushi chefs?
Not at all.
I... like your cooking.
More than anything.
And that's it?
You're so lame.
That was the perfect chance to tell her how you feel.
What's this?
The love letter.
What? I can read it?
You're good at expressing yourself to others.
Please help me out.
Yeah! You're finally starting to understand me, Serious Kid.
Communication is all about one person telling another...
What's this?
What do you think?
What do I think?
What's the point if I can't even read it?
Why did you choose to use a brush?
You're not a general in medieval times!
Geez!
Didn't I tell you not to call me at work?
Someone told me that The Great Passage might get shelved.
What?
Apparently that's what people are saying.
What? Where did you get that information?
Oh, someone I know.
Well, you know...
It is indeed a tough era for paper dictionaries.
Electronic dictionaries are selling pretty well now.
Let's say The Great Passage takes another decade to complete...
It'll be 2005.
It would hardly be a surprise if electronic and paper dictionary sales are reversed by then.
I guess we can't blame them if it's not profitable.
Majime?
Hey, Majime.
I don't care about the era.
I want to make The Great Passage.
Uh... well, okay.
All right.
I'll go find some more reliable sources of information.
Weren't we supposed to maintain our distance at work?
Who's the source for what you told me earlier?
Huh?
Oh, my manager said Director Murakoshi was talking about it.
That guy, huh?
You look so upset!
Why are you getting all worked up?
Wouldn't your job be easier if The Great Passage was shelved?
Shut up.
So how was it?
Can you believe it?
Director Murakoshi is involved.
Well, don't worry.
I have an idea.
Some words would definitely make the print, right?
Yes.
We'll establish a fait accompli by outsourcing those definitions!
What?
If we can spread the word that The Great Passage is being compiled,
higher-ups would have hard time shelving it.
It'd affect the company's reputation.
It'll work out, Majime!
Don't worry.
We are planning a new project called The Great Passage...
Yes, then...
Yes.
I will see you...
Just give me 10 minutes...
A complete resource...
Would you be interested in knowing the theme...
Thank you.
Did you make any appointments?
I'm off!
Please, Professor...
My lecture is about to start.
Are you at least interested?
We would definitely like you to...
Allow me to inform you of our concept for the Japanese history section...
Thank you very much.
Someone named Nishioka will visit you later.
- We will fax you later.
Could you make an exception?
We would very much appreciate it if you can write for us.
Classical Theater Professor Takinogawa, who I just called,
heard rumors of The Great Passage yesterday.
Great! Everyone's talking about it!
All right.
I guess I'll go see the director.
I'll go with you.
Okay.
We have already requested all these professors to write the definitions.
If we stop now,
people will suspect Genbu Books to be in financial trouble.
That may be true,
but if you still call yourself an employee,
then wouldn't you want to earn your own salary?
A dictionary consumes money without ever making a profit.
The Great Passage will focus more on modern terms compared to existing dictionaries.
That's an important selling point.
Once it's published, Genbu Books will be profitable for at least 20 years.
You're talking about 20 years ahead in this day and age?
Are you telling me this publishing company doesn't even look 20 years ahead?
Why are we in the printing business?
It's to preserve our knowledge for decades and centuries ahead, right?
Very well.
The passion of our two young employees has made realize
that we should continue making a new dictionary.
Thank you so much!
On one condition.
The Dictionary Department will compile anything remotely close to a dictionary.
Huh?
Fashion dictionary for teen girls,
Cooking dictionary for housewives,
Medical encyclopedia for seniors would be nice too.
Also...
Monster encyclopedia for kids might be profitable as well.
That's too much for us...
Then no new dictionary either.
We'll do it.
Then please at least earn your own salary.
Hey.
Yes?
I need to talk to you.
Oh, you're still here?
How are you?
What did you talk about?
He gave me an earful.
"Can't sell", "waste of money",
"change the way you operate", and all that.
I'm sorry.
It's nothing you should apologize about.
Still, we ended up accepting such annoying tasks.
We have to make sacrifices for The Great Passage.
She definitely can't read this.
I'll rewrite it.
No, no, no!
Just give it to her.
It'll make a huge impression.
If Kaguya is really interested in you,
then she'll find a way to read it.
If she doesn't read it, then it was never meant to be.
Don't sound like such a wimp!
It'll be fine.
Your feelings will reach her.
I'm making some konnyaku, so could you taste it for me?
Yes...
Does it need more flavor?
No, it's delicious.
Delicious...
My mentor is taking me to the Tsukiji fish market starting tomorrow.
So I'll only have one drink tonight.
Thank you for the food.
Please read this.
Hi.
Hi there.
Welcome home.
I stopped by a hostess club.
Yeah?
I'm just messing with you.
Hey...
Remi, let me see your face.
The Great Passage is back on track.
Oh, good for you!
Well, it was good for Majime.
Huh? What about you?
Me?
I'm transferring to the PR Department.
What?
I'm just so...
lame, huh?
Is Maa...
Is Mr. Nishioka doing well?
Do you think he's good at his job?
We can't make The Great Passage without him.
I really dislike paperwork, but he handled it again for me today.
I see.
Maakun is...
going to quit the Dictionary Department.
You really are a serious guy, Majime.
Tell me why.
We can only continue making The Great Passage
if one of us leaves.
Then why does it have to be you, Nishioka?
Are you saying you can leave the project?
I can't do it alone.
Don't sweat it!
I know you can do it.
What were you thinking?
Huh?
Did you actually think I could read it?
Uh, um...
Your penmanship is impressive.
I'm sure it is.
Well, it's my fault for not being as cultured as you.
No...
But ordinary people can't read it, right?
They would think it's some kind of a joke, right?
I don't know if I'm ordinary,
but I can't read it.
Do I look like I can read it? No, right?
Because I can't...
I-I'll rewrite it.
Forget it.
I read it.
What?
I felt awful because I couldn't read it...
I got my mentor to read it for me after work today.
That's why I'm home later than usual.
You waited, right?
No, uh... Not at all.
I'm sorry.
Don't be...
But it was embarrassing.
These are things that you want to keep to yourself, right?
I don't think you would want others to see it.
The head chef kept asking me to reconsider,
but I was curious and I had no other way of reading it.
I'm so sorry.
I want to hear your words, not through a letter.
Huh?
Micchan, I want to hear it from your lips. Now.
Now...
Now?
Yes, "now". Why don't you check the dictionary?
I was being sarcastic!
Sorry...
You're such a blockhead.
Sorry...
Make it loud and clear.
Okay...
I love you.
Me too.
Really?
【Love】
An emotional state where you feel affection for someone,
and you can't get that person out of your mind, day in and day out,
affecting your ability to focus on other things,
and makes you want to squirm inside.
When fulfilled,
it feels like you're on top of the world.
I'm done.
Double circle: 62,017.
Circle: 138,356.
Triangle: 80,504.
Unmarked: 730,109.
Let's begin the selection process.
Okay.
Sasaki, please print only the list of double circle terms for now.
Okay.
Um...
Sir,
Can I speak to you for minute?
What is it?
It doesn't have to be all of them,
but why don't we have Nishioka write definitions for modern slang?
Huh?
I'm transferring in the spring.
Nishioka is the expert in modern slang.
Yeah, maybe terms like "lame" would be perfect for him.
Hey!
That's mean, Sasaki.
Sounds like a wicked idea.
You too, sir?
I would definitely love to read your definition of "lame".
Majime, you...
Fine!
The lame guy will write the definition for "lame".
Actually,
kids these days use the word "mad" for approval.
They would eat something delicious and say, "Man, that's mad good!"
For real?
Oh, stop! You're using modern slang already!
It's all thanks to your guidance.
You're a quick learner.
Hold on, hold on.
Hey, I told you to never call me at work.
Well, I'm not at work, but...
What is it?
Whoa, hey!
Is this Ms. Miyoshi?
It's Majime.
I bet you can really drink!
Thank you.
Thanks.
Drink up!
Thank you.
All right.
You're all young, so drink until you throw up!
Let's drink.
Thank you so much!
- Drink, drink.
Drink up!
Thank you.
Is that Take?
She's a party animal, huh?
Let's drink.
A toast for the bright future and...
prosperity of Genbu Books Dictionary Department?
Cheers.
But Maakun, you're transferring to the PR Department soon, right?
It doesn't matter.
I'll help out The Great Passage no matter where I am.
I think... Nishioka's transfer...
is a great loss to our department.
A living dictionary can't be created solely by bookworms.
You're the one who taught me that.
Sheesh, Majime...
Don't make me cry!
You...
You're so stupid, man!
Sorry, Maakun is a crybaby.
Majime! I'm gonna marry her!
Remi...
Let's get married.
Maakun...
Majime!
I'm home.
Welcome back.
What's wrong?
I'm going to sleep next door.
I'm in charge of simmered food, starting today.
Like to try some?
Sure thing.
Let's eat upstairs.
Okay.
12 Years Later
2008
Let's eat.
Take care.
See you.
Chief. Editor-in-chief Majime.
Yes?
I have been transferred here today.
I'm Kishima Midori.
I was with the Northern Black magazine before.
Here.
"Denim reviews."
Denim is the fabric used for jeans, correct?
Denim fabrics.
These days, people just call jeans "denims".
Oh, I see.
Usage collection.
Far Side of the Moon
Starting this month, Mr. Araki will be joining us
on some days to help us out part-time.
We are very glad to have you.
Oh,
I'm very glad to be here.
My wife passed away and now that I'm all alone...
I can't find things to do.
Kishibe, are you much of a drinker?
Uh... beer is a no-go for me.
Have this, then.
That's even more no-go for me.
I can only drink champagne.
Champagne, huh?
Um...
When will The Great Passage be complete?
We would like to finish by end of next year.
Isn't that right, Majime?
I'll try.
The project was approved when...
It was when I... so...
13 years ago, I presume?
13 years ago?!
What have you been doing for 13 years?
We have been working on it the whole time.
And it's still incomplete?
A lot has happened.
As a token of my appreciation...
Congratulations for joining the Dictionary Department
Looks delicious.
Thank you.
Kaguya is Majime's better half.
Better half...
What?!
These are proofs of last year's revision of the Genbu Japanese Dictionary.
Third to fifth proofs are here,
so file and organize them.
You proofread five times?
For magazines, we only proofread once unless something went wrong.
Kishibe, what would you think if there were errors in a dictionary?
I would lose faith in that dictionary.
Right?
Um...
we're going to proofread The Great Passage five times too?
Of course.
By the way, what is everyone doing now?
For The Great Passage we're still seeking new words,
selecting terms to list,
writing definitions,
and proofreading for the third time.
You are suited for dictionary making.
How?
Organizational skill is necessary for a dictionary editor.
Right...
Please check fashion-related terms and their definitions when you are done.
Okay.
These fashion terms are so outdated.
Sorry to interrupt.
I'm Miyamoto, from Akebono Papers.
I have brought sample paper for The Great Passage.
Please come in.
We developed this paper just for you.
Its thickness is 50 micron,
and weight is only 45 grams per square meter.
In addition, it's so thin, yet...
barely any ink soaking through.
Please look at the color as well.
The paper is yellowish, but there's a hint of red as well.
Majime wanted a sense of warmth in the...
It's missing the "stickiness".
You see how it sticks to my fingers when I flip the pages?
Excuse me.
Yet, the papers won't stick together
and make you flip multiple pages at once.
You're right, you can flip pages by simply sliding your finger.
This is the stickiness.
We'll go make improvements!
Thank you.
It feels good, doesn't it?
Yes.
Midori.
We haven't seen you for so long!
Hello.
How's dictionary creation?
It's sort of...
exhausting.
They're all weirdos.
Duh, only weirdos would make dictionaries.
But don't worry.
You're pretty weird yourself!
How?
Are you going to be working late?
I'm not even close to being done.
Uh...
Please make sure to lock the door and turn off the heat when you're done.
Good night.
Ah! Geez!
Stickiness?
Okay, I guess it does feels good.
Oh? You finished brushing your teeth?
Not by yourself?
What? You brushed on your own?
Didn't you go "Ugh"?!
Oh, you choked a little?
Oh, I see.
Then it's time to get to bed.
Vampires are outside.
Yeah, vampires are gonna suck your blood!
It's sweepy time, 'kay?
Okay. Bye.
Huh? Where's Majime?
Did he go home?
Are you new here?
Um... who are you?
Huh? I'm Nishioka.
I used to work here,
and I heard they finally got a new employee, so I came to check you out.
You have a funny face.
What were you doing?
Term definition check, huh?
Can I take a look?
Yes.
Just like old times.
Man, it's still there.
They left it just to embarrass me.
Is there a problem?
Did you read "lame"?
Not yet.
Take a look.
Lame.
Out of fashion.
Rustic.
Irritating.
Embarrassingly mainstream.
To put it simply, uncool.
Usage:
Proposing when you're drunk is lame, for real.
What do you think?
Too draggy.
You're listing so many things, but they all mean uncool, right?
But the usage is hilarious.
I mean, proposing when you're drunk is lame, for real.
Um...
So cliché.
New girl in town, I agree with your criticism...
but I wrote this.
The usage is also my real life experience.
No way...
Majime!
Good morning!
Good morning...
You know Asou, the actress?
Let's just book someone like her and go for it.
Her huge presence is perfect for the cover of The Great Passage.
No way.
Is it BL?
Yeah! BL!
It's mad good.
BL?
I would rather read shoujo manga.
Sir,
what does "BL" mean?
It appears to be abbreviation for "Boys Love".
I know what you mean.
Hey, are they staring at us?
Creepers.
I take it "creepers" has been collected already?
Of course.
To make page turning easier,
we would like to drop its stiffness.
So you mean we can increase pressure settings?
Yes.
We don't mind if it becomes smoother,
so it's almost like increasing flexibility...
How about this design?
The concept is of a boat crossing the sea.
It's simple, but gentle.
But it makes a big impression, right?
Yes.
That was our aim.
Right...
"Right:"
"The north direction when facing west."
"North":
"The direction to your right when facing west."
Yeah, you're going in circles trying to find the definition.
What do other dictionaries say about it?
Shinmeikai's "right" is...
I think it was "when facing an analog clock,
'right' is the side of 1 to 5."
Iwanami Japanese dictionary states,
"when you open and read this dictionary,
it is the side of even numbered pages."
It's an epic definition.
That sounds great.
Let's use that for The Great Passage.
Plagiarism is unacceptable.
Oh... sorry.
In the number 10, the zero is located on the right.
Oh, I see!
The Next Year
2009
3rd Proof
Remove
I heard him outside.
He looks like Tora-san.
It may be his grandson.
Torajirou.
I would like us to begin the fourth proof starting next month.
We're getting close to the final stage,
so we will increase the number of editors and student part-timers,
and finish up with a few dozen staff.
Even the tiniest errors cannot be tolerated from now on,
so let's start paying close attention.
Cheers.
You have no problem drinking beer now?
Right, I can drink anything now.
Thank you.
Mount Aino's altitude is 3,189m...
Aconcagua in Argentina, 6,959m...
Mount Akaishi...
Mount Akaushi...
Hey, you're distracting me. Can you go over there?
Why don't you move?
Kishibe.
Yes?
Here.
Why did you trim out this line?
I wanted to insert an illustration here.
It's fine to trim down,
but a term's explanation must still make sense.
Not to mention, if inserting an illustration results in an incomplete definition,
it defeats the whole purpose.
Okay. I'm sorry.
Everyone.
The Great Passage is set to be released in March next year.
Here you go.
The fourth proof is likely to be completed by the end of the month.
We'll finalize the fifth proof before the end of the year,
and start printing by the beginning of next year.
Right on schedule.
Would you like an assorted white-meat sashimi?
I'll have to turn down the sashimi.
Instead,
I would like something soft, like sesame tofu or egg custard.
Coming right up.
You haven't recovered yet?
I'm only affected by the summer heat.
I'll be fine.
What about yours?
Mine's missing too.
Should we report it?
Um...
Yes?
Can you take a look at this?
What is it?
"Chishio" for "spraying blood" is missing.
The other "chishio" is there, but...
But this one is...
What's wrong?
We checked from the first proof to the third,
but it was missing.
Sasaki.
Do you see the term "chishio" in the index?
Yes. The definition has been written as well.
I'm sorry, I am responsible for this.
No, we missed it too.
If one word is missing, then it is possible that other words are missing too.
Everyone,
please stop what you are doing right now.
We'll check the fourth proof against the index again,
and see if any other words are missing.
But we'll miss the March deadline.
We're barely on schedule now.
We can't release a dictionary with holes in it.
So...
Please,
can you stay over and work starting today?
I'll do it.
Yeah.
I'll bring my lab partners here too.
We've come this far, let's finish it.
Thank you so much.
Why are you back home so early?
We've encountered a problem at work.
I'll probably have to sleep in the office for a couple of days.
Do you want to eat something? It won't take long to make.
No, thanks.
Hello, this is Majime.
What?
Which hospital?
Excuse me.
Oh, Kaguya!
It's been a long time.
I heard he was hospitalized, so I came as soon as I could.
He's fine.
He's just hospitalized for examinations.
Where is he?
Oh, sit down.
They're doing a CT scan and other things.
He's very old now, so he's worn out everywhere.
I've been told it was exhaustion from summer heat...
I'm sorry for making you worry.
Oh, no...
Is Majime doing well?
Yes.
He seems to be busy.
He came home earlier in the day,
but he left again in a hurry.
Everyone's so busy, aren't they?
Coming through.
You can sleep better in the second floor storage room.
Hi, I'm back.
Hi.
Ah! Geez!
Gasoline, gasoline...
Sleep if you're sleepy.
You'll only make things harder later if you push yourself too much now.
Okay.
Adrenaline is kicking in.
Shut up, shut up.
What's up?
Just shut up, dude.
You promised to release by March.
Of course.
I'm looking forward to it.
Drink these.
Here.
Thank you.
As you see in the marketing material,
with the help of bookstores and wholesalers,
we will engage in an integrated marketing campaign.
Pre-order forms will be distributed to bookstores by the end of the year,
and flyers will be printed for the final push.
No problems here.
Finished.
Good work, everyone!
We did it!
Thank you for visiting us.
Hello.
Sorry you had to come all the way here.
I'm fine.
There's a great view of the sea on the way to the station, right?
It glows on sunny days. The sunlight is actually blinding.
Sometimes I still go outside to see the crashing waves.
It turns out that I have cancer of the esophagus.
Have a drink.
Forget about me.
Is The Great Passage going well?
Yes.
Araki.
We must hurry.
Yeah.
Fifth proof
This word?
Usage collection?
Micchan, do you want some mochi soup?
It's bad for your health if you don't eat something.
I'm coming in.
Micchan.
Sorry for interrupting you.
You have to eat something.
Kaguya.
Thanks for always looking after me.
No running in the hospital.
Did I keep you waiting?
No.
Thank you for the meal.
I didn't make it in time.
...a boat crossing the sea of words.
This is the birth of a new Japanese dictionary in the 21st century.
I believe this great day would not have come without all your hard work.
I am truly grateful.
I would like to conclude the greetings from the publisher.
Thank you very much.
That was a message from Mr. Murakoshi Kouji,
the executive managing director at Genbu Books.
Please enjoy the rest of the party.
See you again.
Majime, Majime, Majime.
I have a few people who want to talk to you.
Let me introduce you to them later.
All right.
This is great.
I'll talk to you later.
Majime.
You've made such a nice dictionary.
I'm sure my husband is smiling in heaven.
I really appreciate that.
It seems he was prepared for it
from the first time he was hospitalized.
Mr. Kinoshita is here as well.
I'll see you again.
I'm disgusted by my incompetence.
Read this.
Dear Araki Kouhei
From Matsumoto Tomosuke
I apologize for failing to fulfill my responsibility as the editor-in-chief to the end.
Araki.
I once said, "I can't imagine any editor replacing you."
But I was mistaken.
Thanks to you, and Majime, who you enlisted,
my life has become more fulfilling than I could've ever hoped.
I'm truly glad to have met you two.
I'm so glad we made a dictionary together.
I don't know if there is a word to mean more grateful than the word "grateful",
but if there is an afterlife...
then I intend to find that word for my usage collection.
Thank you.
Majime.
15 years, huh?
It sure was a long time.
It felt rather short to me.
Anyway, Araki.
I've been busy lately, and I have quite a bit stocked up.
We have to begin the revision work starting tomorrow.
Would you like something to drink?
Let's go grab something.
I could always use some company.
Please come see me again.
Thank you for having us.
Good-bye.
Excuse me,
could you stop the car for a while?
Kaguya.
Yes?
Please continue to look after me.
You really are a funny guy.