Madoka, what is it? Did it go next door?
Excuse me.
Good afternoon.
I'm Takeuchi, I just moved in.
Ah, is that so? I'm Kajima.
Leo. No. Stay.
OK, down...down...down...
OK, good dog. I'm sorry for scaring you.
It's OK, It's a big dog isn't it.
She doesn't usually bark at people.
What is it? Are you excited by the new garden.
Off you go and explore.
Sorry about the Taketonba.
I didn't realize it had gone over.
We'll be careful from now on.
A taketonba, it takes me back.
Here you go. Thank you.
You're welcome.
But it's really nice around here isn't it.
I immediately liked it.
There are various things to touch up in the garden.
Pests. They're a nuisance. Their life force is too strong.
I'm Takeuchi. I've come to introduce myself.
Thank you so much
for taking the time to do so. Please come inside.
Excuse me, sorry for the intrusion.
Welcome. Hello.
Ah hello, Good evening.
Madoka, you've already met, haven't you. Yes.
Good evening. I'm Takeuchi.
I'm sorry for Leo's behaviour earlier today.
It's fine, I'm sorry too for overreacting.
Welcome in.
My husband hasn't come home yet today.
He is teaching at the university.
The university? Yes.
That's excellent.
Well, what a wonderful family, I'm envious.
For now on please treat me kindly. Us too.
This is only a small thing as a mark of our acquaintance.
A while ago I went on a trip to
Shinshuu Togakushi's soba shop, this is just something I ordered.
And this is a local speciality meat from Hokkaido.
Setozaki's preserved food assortment.
Strawberries ordered from Kyushu.
This is a teddy for Madoka-chan
Madoka-chan, Madoka-chan.
Here you go. Thank you.
And then this is,
my favourite Shizuoka dashi,
as the lady of the house, please give it a try.
Thank you so much.
Lastly, this is Baumkuchen, actually, I made it myself.
Really?! It's made from scratch.
That's amazing. I definitely couldn't do that.
Thank you so much. We all really
love sweet things, I'm so pleased.
Thank goodness. I'm really glad.
I'm home. Welcome back.
Darling. This is our neighbour, Takeuchi-San.
My husband.
Kajima Sensei.
Huh? What? You know him? Takeuchi-San.
Kajima Sensei. I'm indebted to you.
You've moved next door?
So this is Kajima Sensei's house.
I guess this kind of coincidence happens. What a surprise.
But I feel very reassured. You're my saviour.
Our new neighbour gave us all of this just as a greeting?!
Indeed. Madoka, it's good isn't it.
You like baumkuchen, don't you? Yes.
Father, is he someone you knew from work?
What is it?
He was the defendant in the last trial I was responsible for.
What?
It was three years ago. A case where three family members were killed.
The death penalty was being asked for.
In the case in question, the defendant is found innocent.
Innocent!
The main reason being, the assertion by the defendant that
due to the injuries he sustained he is one of the victims
Huh?! Why?!
I'll go. It's OK, I'll do it.
Yes, yes.
Light bulbs, light bulbs.
Didn't you change it a little while ago.
Yes but she's saying it feels like it's got darker.
Well that's strange. Madoka.
I thought they were here.
Why don't you just pretend to change it.
I'll get caught out. She's got a keen eye for that kind of thing.
I wonder if it's in the back room upstairs. I'll go take a look.
Ah mother. Yes?
What do you think of Takeuchi-San?
What... In what way? Somehow...
It will be her incontinence pads.
Madam.
Good morning. Good morning.
The weather is unusual today.
Leo, likes to sunbathe so he is in a bad mood.
Is that right.
Madam, you look a little pale.
Really?
Um, er.
Thank you so much for all the things you gave us yesterday.
It's not a problem.
Was the baumkuchen OK?
I had a feeling it might have been a little dried out.
What, no, no. It was delicious.
I'm sorry, I'm wondering if your husband, told you about me.
Yes.
After the incident, I made a baumkuchen for a
lady I knew well in the neighbourhood, but she said it tasted bad.
Even though I'm innocent people still treat me as a criminal.
I started to keep Leo to use as a guard dog.
At my old house, there were times when reporters would come into my garden.
Is that why you moved? Yes.
I feel like it's fate to have moved in next door to Kajima sensei.
But although I'm happy, it is, on the other hand scary too.
What should I do if Sensei's family
look at me critically.
But you believe me don't you.
Family murder case. The parents and 6 year old son tragically killed.
Stabbed multiple times with a knife.
The defendant Takeuchi denies the charges.
Defendant in the family murder case found innocent.
What are you doing?
You eat some too.
No way, what if there's poison in it.
Toshiro!
I'm joking, and anyway I ate some yesterday.
Thanks for the food.
Thank you very much.
Mother, you had lunch a little earlier right?
Hey, hey. Wasn't the home made baumkuchen amazing.
Did he make it at home? Was it tasty?
What, I didn't eat it. Why not?
You know, because...
Is that bad?
It's being prejudiced right, prejudiced. I know but...
But don't you think it's kind of weird. Why would a man
father has judged, move in next-door.
Do coincidences like this really happen.
They do, don't they? If it's not a coincidence, then what?
Welcome.
Is lunch already finished? No, it's fine, come in.
Eh?
What a surprise!
Is this where you work? What a coincidence.
Just kidding, actually Kajima-sensei's wife told me that
the family come here often, and the food here is delicious.
Ah, is that right.
Is it the baumkuchen guy?
I'm Kajima-san's new next-door neighbour, Takeuchi.
I'm Sasaki Kotone. Welcome, welcome.
Well then, what would you recommend?
Did you have a good play? Yes.
Yep.
Erm, err
Are you Kajima-san? Yes.
Do you know who I am? Huh?
Your husband's father
is the judge Mr Kajima Isao, isn't he?
Have you heard about your new neighbour, Takeuchi?
Excuse me, but who are you?
A reporter? Takeuchi was
the suspect in the Motoba family murder case.
What has your father said
about the case?
I'm late.
That guy was the killer.
Your father made a mistake.
That guy wasn't innocent, he was guilty.
Sensei.
Is that right. So the mass-media have come here too.
It seems they also know that I was the judge.
I'm sorry. I will take responsibility
for dealing with this, and make sure it doesn't cause you any trouble.
Do you still work in imports? Yes.
But even six months after the appeal trial,
I was stilll being hounded by the mass-media.
For a while I wasn't able to do anything.
All I wanted to do was live quietly.
My parents passed away and thanks to the inheritance
I was saved and able to live my life without worry.
It was all my fault from the start.
Because I cracked under the police interrogation and confessed.
But because of you, I was able to summon up my courage at the trial and overturn it.
I feel that being reunited again with you, my saviour,
is a gift from god.
You and your family welcomed me so warmly,
and gave me the courage to make a new start with my life.
I will help you in any way I can.
Madoka, I'm going in the house.
Be careful. Don't go on the road.
I'm home. Yep.
Did the response to your application come?
They said they couldn't offer me an interview at this time.
Oh, that's too bad. For now, I'm defeated.
It's OK. I'll find something good before long.
Next time, make sure it's a proper company okay.
If you don't have an income coming in
it's us it comes down on. I know that.
You have to pull yourself together.
Madoka is already 5. It's not inconceivable that Miyuki-San
is thinking about number 2.
Right?
Yes.
Madoka?
It's yummy! Isn't it! It's freshly made.
Madoka.
I was worried as Madoka was alone outside.
Thank you.
But I was keeping a proper eye on her, so this isn't necessary.
Can I have this too?
Of course. You've already had enough, haven't you.
What? I'll eat it.
Have it next time,
you haven't had your dinner yet.
Yes.
I gave Madoka-chan some baumkuchen earlier,
it looked like she really liked it.
I think she'll want some more again soon.
Thank you so much again.
I'll give it to her when she wakes from her afternoon nap.
Thank you. It's fine.
My mother in-law is bedridden. Is that so.
Ok, see you later, thank you for this.
No worries.
You're welcome.
It looks tasty, Yummy.
He came especially to bring this over.
Toshiro. What?
Later, we need to express our thanks.
Ah, But, he's a very attentive person isn't he.
I wonder if he'll bring meat for us next time. What are you saying.
Next time it's your father's turn.
Mother, are you well?
Do you understand who I am?
Makiko of course. Were you waiting for me.
I've stopped by for a little while this afternoon after work.
Is Hiroe-san looking after you properly?
Tell me straight away if there is something you don't like.
Is that ok? Thank you.
How's my mother been recently?
Well, there has been no change but she doesn't have much of an appetite.
You must persist in getting her to eat.
After all eating is the basis for everything.
Yes.
Mother's covers look a little worn out.
Do you air them out properly? Yes.
I dried them the day before yesterday. Oh, the day before yesterday.
I'm sorry. I'll put the tea on.
Oh don't worry, don't worry, Don't mind about me.
Hiroe-san, are you going through the change? What?
You're sweating, it happened to me at around the same age as you.
Take proper care of your health. It would be awful
if you were to collapse. Yes.
I'm home. Welcome back.
Mother's calling.
Darling, would you take me to the hospital.
What's wrong?
I've no energy, and my body isn't responding to me.
I understand. I'll go get the car.
What does she want?
She's a bit constipated.
She wants to have an enema.
Would should I do?
I'll go to the hospital another time.
She should just hurry up and die...
Takeuchi-san, thank you for taking the trouble to come.
I was shocked to hear, you'd been hospitalized.
It's not a big deal. I'm sorry.
So what are the results of the tests?
It's just a bit of overwork.
It's the change. I've not been able to get enough rest.
This is pomegranate juice,
I've heard it's very effective in countering menopause symptoms.
Ah, ok but I must give you some money for it.
I won't hear of it, it's home made.
If it continues, I'll make it again for you whenever you want.
Thank you very much.
Yuki, left it here for me.
I don't want to bother her.
But it's a bit of a difficult situation with mother,
there isn't anyone else really.
Aren't you at your limit, dealing with things by yourself.
Because I'm a housewife, it's down to me to do it.
That's how my in-laws think it should be.
I'm the only one who can do it.
Even when it's my time to die,
I wouldn't be able to as I have to take care
of all her needs.
Because I'm looking after her,
I wasn't even able to nurse my own mother.
I wasn't excused to take care of her and
I can still remember sitting on the train, crying, not being sure
if I was going to make it in time for my own mother's vigil.
I wasn't able to do it for my own mother but,
I want to care for my mother-in-law perfectly.
So perfectly that no-one will have any complaints.
I'm not sure why, it's probably stupid stubbornness, but it's important to me.
I want to send her off, on her final journey
with no sense of obligation or indebtedness.
At the end, even if it's grudgingly, I want to make her thank me.
But you don't get rewarded like that in life do you.
I'm sorry, Takeuchi-san, for putting this on you.
But somehow I feel refreshed.
Takeuchi-san?
Madam, I understand how you feel to a painful degree.
I understand all too well.
Welcome back.
Err. Welcome back.
From today, Takeuchi-san, is going to be here as
mother's nursing helper. What?!
Takeuchi-san, kindly suggested it.
It's only for a few hours in the afternoon, until I recover.
At first I refused, but he said that he would do it no matter what.
But Takeuchi-san you don't have to go so far as to do the cleaning.
If Grandma doesn't need anything, I don't have anything to do so,
it's an opportunity.
Madam
Thank you.
Please go and rest.
Mother, I can help with Grandma’s nursing too.
I appreciate your feelings
but you have plenty to do with your part-time job and Madoka,
I don't want to burden you.
Takeuchi-san even changes her pads with ease,
and he's getting along well with her.
Neighbours often used to help each other
back in the olden days didn't they.
Having someone around who likes to help is a blessing.
But going so far as to do the cleaning... You feel like he's taking your work away?
Your husband is out of work too, are you feeling ashamed?
Thinking like that, is just like you but
you should take advantage of your parents
while you can.
You see, I ended up divorced, and living back at home.
But the labour costs of the restaurant decreased and they get to see their grandchild every day.
The flowers will be blooming soon.
Huh? Where?
Madoka. Huh!? What?
Won't you listen to what I have to say?
Takeuchi is at your house today isn't he.
Hold on a minute. What is he doing?
Kajima-San, tell me. Hey! Hold on!
What are you doing? She doesn't like it does she!
I just want to talk...
She doesn't want to hear it, that's why she's ignoring you!
Can't you tell by looking? Anyway...
Who are you? Thank you Kotone. Let's go.
Let's go.
I...
I just came to warn you. What is this?
Just because you're a reporter you think it's okay to do this?
You don't understand the danger that's closing in on you all right now.
Once you realise, it will be to late.
Before your family is pulled apart,
please listen to what I have to say.
He's weird. Next time he appears, I'm calling the police.
It's probably the same guy that was outside
Takeuchi's house before.
It's outrageous isn't it. Calling someone found innocent
a murderer.
What is it?
He said that our family is going to be pulled apart.
What does he mean by that?
Are you really taking what that weird guy said seriously!
It's not that I'm taking it seriously, it's just you know...
Having someone outside of the family taking care of the house work is...
Why? It's no bad thing
to have good relations with the neighbours, is it?
Father also said that if Takeuchi-san
we're ever to need anything.
We would help him out too. Yes.
It's fine if mum gets to relax.
Today we are having stew.
I cut up the vegetables finely before adding them.
I think it will be easy to eat.
What is it?
She choke's easily, so be careful.
I understand.
Takeuchi-San, I'll do that.
I'm not busy so I might as well.
Yes.
I'll go.
He's reading books about care for the elderly
Will he come again tomorrow?
You don't often come across people as nice as him do you.
Here you go.
What is it? I thought you'd be ok with it,
but you're concerned about it? Well certainly
him doing all that for us is a bit...
Do you think that, because it's Takeuchi-san?
Is it possible that you too are
prejudiced against him?
What are you saying! That is certainly not true.
Very well, it's fine. I'll think of a way to thank him.
To be honest when I first heard of it
I was like 'what, him nursing? What's that all about!'
I didn't think you'd be considerate enough to itch those hard to reach places.
But Mother says she like you.
Because I work I can only come at the weekends so...
It's tough. Yes.
I have to go say hello to Mother.
I'll put the kettle on.
Mother, what do you want for supper?
I'll make it for you. Look forward to it.
Thank you, Maki-chan You're welcome.
Excuse me, I've got the laundry to do.
I have something to ask of you.
Will you hear it?
My mother often told me.
'Be a good child.
If you do so everyone will pamper you.'
I've taken those words to heart, and live by them.
I'm happy if, by devoting myself to someone, I can see them smile.
I want to devote myself again.
Other people's happiness makes life worth living.
Hiroe-san also wants to see you smile.
She devoted her whole self to you. So please,
could you say thank you to Hiroe-San for me.
When someone is devotes themselves to another, those words can save them.
You're welcome.
Yuki-San, don't you think it must
tiring for mother if an outsider continues to nurse her.
Seriously, what do you think? Leaving the nursing to your neighbour.
And talking that way,
isn't he a bit meddlesome.
Who knows.
That looks good. I think she will be pleased.
Why has she asked as all to gather together?
We're all here mother.
I'm going to have to go soon.
Grandma has something she wants to talk to everyone about.
Mother, is it ok to read the letter out?
What, you want Hiroe-san to read it? Yes. What is it?
I Kajima Youko, according to my last will and testament,
hereby bequest as follows. It's a will?
To Madoka Kajima 300,000 Yen.
To Yuki Kajima 500,000 Yen.
To Toshiro Kajima 500,000 Yen.
Even Madoka? Thanks.
To Isao Kajima 1,500,000 Yen. Thank you.
To Makiko Aida 1,500,000.
To Kajima Hiroe...
30,000 Yen.
Mother's being very quiet. Maybe she's asleep.
Mother, mother.
What's the matter? She's not moving. She has something stuck in her throat.
I've brought a spoon,
get it of her mouth. What is it?
Call for an ambulance. Mother, spit it up.
Mother!
Looking good.
Madam, how is grandma?
I'm afraid she's passed. Is that so?
The body will stay at the hospital tonight.
I'll talk to you about the vigil later,
I just wanted to let you know as quickly as possible.
Thank you for going out of your way.
Madam?
Even though I thought I wanted her to hurry up and die.
But now this has happened.
It's almost like someone heard my wish.
Not really. But it's strange isn't it.
There's an odd loneliness.
Even at the bitter end I couldn't get her to accept me.
I think that god is punishing me for saying
hurry up and die.
It's not a punishment.
Madam, you fought splendidly.
Even if she didn't accept you,
and even if, for example, your family didn't accept you,
I know very well how hard you have struggled.
Please be proud Madam, you carried it through to the end.
Thank you Takeuchi-San.
Thank you so much.
Excuse me Takeuchi-San? Yes.
Did you go into Grandma’s room
before you left yesterday? Pardon?
I saw you coming from her room.
I always go and give my regards to her before I leave.
At that time was there anything different with her?
It's just Aunt Makiko was a bit concerned.
As it was the food she made that got stuck in Grandma’s throat.
I wonder when it happened?
She was ok when I left her. Is that so.
God was watching no doubt.
Mum! Mum!
Madoka! Madoka!
Madoka! Run!
Leo! What are you doing! What is this!
Leo! Leo!