Jointly produced by Toei Co., Ltd. and Nippon Television Network Corp.
TOEI COMPANY, LTD. PRESENTS
Rentaro Taki...
I'll always remember when we first met.
He suddenly appeared in the piano room at
Music School in Ueno soon after enrolling.
So this is it... a piano.
We only had an organ in Takeda.
I've never seen a piano.
Excuse me.
I see.
One day during the summer of 1895
was the first time I saw him.
I was a witness when the prominent musician, Taki,
first encountered the piano.
Bloom in the Moonlight "The Story of Rentaro Taki"
Produced by: Tan TAKAIWA Yasuharu URUSHIDO
Planning: Masao SATO Toshio OGIWARA
Screenplay: Shinichiro ASAI Ryoji ITO Akira MIYAZAKI
Photography: Taisaku KIMURA
Tohru KAZAMA
sake WASHIO
Isako WASHIO Ryo AMAMIYA Miki FIJITANI
Ryo AMAMIYA Miki FIJITANI
Yuko ASANO
Fumi DAN
Kyohei SHIBATA Takaaki ENOKI
Shiho FUJI M U RA
Go KATO
Director: Shinichiro SAWAI
Improvisation creates a cannon style.
Handel "Piano Suite No. 5 in A Minor".
Yuki, play it.
Yes, sir.
Excuse me...
Would you mind a freshman?
Enter.
Yuki, continue.
Who is she?
She's great.
Who is she?
Yuki Nakano of the Koda family.
She's the niece of Professor Nobu Koda
who's now in Europe and Rohan, who wrote "Five Story Pagoda."
Hmmm.. What is this music?
Beethoven's harmony is clear, yet the effect is very strong...
Keep quiet.
Thank you.
Another unexpected encounter which continued.
Each of our encounters became an important memory a few years later...
Mr. Suzuki, I'm Taki.
A freshman.
Let's go together.
Do you have time to talk more about music?
I'm going to a choir group.
To Sarugaku in Kanda, to teach basic music to the kids.
Really.
Before enrolling, I studied for six months with the
Shiba Choir Group with Professor Koyama.
Where is Sarugaku?
To the right of the gate.
It's the opposite direction.
I'm going to Erishin in Hirokoji.
It's a collar shop for women.
My mother asked me to buy a half-collar.
I'm from Takeda in Oita.
Now I'm staying with my cousins in Hongo Nishikata.
What about you?
I'm from Kakegawa, Shizuoka.
Mr. Suzuki, I'm coming with you.
I'll do my enands tomorrow.
Ready?
"The water wheel tums
"The water flows
"We take a rest
"but they never stop."
Mr. Aihara.
Lend me three more yen.
No. You still owe me money, Mr. Sakaguchi.
Pay me back, then I'll lend it to you.
You should draw ads for bars.
How much money?
Sakaguchi, will you draw it?
No, I won't be deceived by Mephistopheles.
Lend me only two yen.
No.
Mr. Suzuki.
Thank you so much.
Your pay for this month.
Thank you.
Minus your debt of 2.5 yen.
Sakaguchi... see... Don't count on me.
He's a freshman, Taki.
A student at Fine Arts School.
He's Sakaguchi. I live with him.
I'm Taki.
You drink fast for a novice.
Most Kyushu men are strong drinkers.
It tastes awful.
Yeah... awful...
Who do you admire most?
Well...
You had notes on Beethoven.
Do you like him?
Yes. Beethoven represents German music.
European music after the 18th century is
representative of architectural forms of music.
He is typical.
Architectural forms in music...
Can you apply such concepts to music?
What do you mean?
The method to deal with the subject.
Theoretically perfect, yet strong effects are generated.
Haydn is skillful but Beethoven is more intense.
From the score we can imagine a symphony.
They're truly wonderful.
What about you?
I'm interested in Schumann.
I see... Schumann...?
I find his life fascinating.
He started as a pianist late in life...
Like me.
He strained and mined his third finger.
He was through as a pianist.
Then, he focused on composing.
Must one study piano from childhood?
Yeah.
Here they are!
Charge it to this table!
Suzuki, why don't you buy us drinks?
They found us.
Waitress, bring us five more.
Shut up.
You students supported by parents...
How can you drink sake!
Shut up!
What? Idiot!
Sakaguchi, sit down, okay...
Okay, drink!
Mr. Suzuki, must one study piano from childhood?
You're still talking about music even here.
It's all right.
I think so.
Yuki Nakano has been with Professor Mason since childhood.
He indoctrinated her with Biehl.
Prodigy instruction.
Here you are.
Oh it's here!!
Pass it to us!
Another order?
No, we don't need more. Pour the sake.
Do it yourself.
Let's toast!
HEY, keep quiet!
What!
What's that!
You call that music! It's nonsense.
What!
Mr. Suzuki, stop it!
Mr. Suzuki!
Please stop.
Taki, let's get out of here.
What about Mr. Sakaguchi?
Never mind. They like to fight.
Mr. Suzuki, I want to be a pianist.
Really?
I will be.
I've made up my mind.
You play Beethoven very well.
You've improved so much.
I'm proud of you, a former member of the Shiba Choir.
It's snowing outside.
Let's finish for today.
Yes, but I'd like to practice a bit more.
Well, then I'll accompany you.
Since your father was demoted to Naoiri country chief,
he seems depressed.
He has trouble with the new governor.
He refuses to curry favor.
He really isn't the type.
Sony you had to wait.
I have family obligations as the successor, but
I entered music school and disappointed him.
Don't worry about it now.
Rentaro, you eat less than before.
Quite a bit less.
I'm wonted.
You never finish your rice in the morning.
You seem thinner.
Have some. It makes dinner more tasty.
No...
Nothing': wrong with me. It's okay.
By the way, your school makes you study so hard
from early morning until late at night.
Liszt "Consolation No. 3 in Db Major"
Hello...
Taki.
Oh, I fell asleep.
Let's go out tonight.
Thank you.
It wasn't me... She did it.
I've taken up your practice time.
It's all right.
Let's go.
Here.
Thank you very much.
Goodbye.
What's wrong?
I feel like I'm imitating Seiki Kuroda.
Imitating is different than being influenced.
But mine's only an imitation.
You're too self-critical.
That's why you don't progress.
Just like Suzuki.
You fool. I'm not yours anymore.
Who are you with now? Suzuki?
I belong to nobody...
You still depend on women. You coward.
Art can prosper only when there is time and money.
Teikoku Bungaku critique says so,
but I disagree.
It's a fact, of course.
If that's true, all of us have time, but no money.
What's wrong?
We're failed artists.
Mr. Taki.
You haven't drank at all.
Get drunk and forget yourself.
I drink, therefore I am.
Let's drink!
Drink more!
Taki, have you ever fallen in love?
Have you ever made love?
Never.
Why not?
Suzuki used to frequent the red light district.
Hasn't he asked you to go?
Misako, stop it.
Even musicians are allowed to make love to women.
Can you play the piano not knowing?
Please stop it.
Stop it!
Slop!
Hot hands... he must have a fever.
He became hot being held by you.
Taki, you look awful. Are you sure you're not ill?
You've lost so much weight. Let's see the doctor.
I don't want to.
You're too intense. You'll destroy yourself.
I realize it.
Why are you in such a hurry?
Why live long without intensity?
I started piano late.
I must hurry, or never...
Let's go to the hospital... Let's go.
Takeda, Oita Prefecture
Rentaro is ill.
I've warned you.
That's why I opposed his going.
Iku, Iku, bring a towel for Father.
Yes.
Father.
Oh, thank you.
Father...
Let's go.
He says it's pleura pneumonia.
It's almost school break. Get him back.
Bad air aggravates his illness.
It may be contagious for the children.
So, he can't stay here.
So terrible for him...
Your hometown has a spa.
Can't he find a place there?
I'll ask.
Anyway, take good care of him.
He is preoccupied by such things as music.
It's made his body weaker.
Wear this one. I made it for you.
Yes, Mother. This medicine is different.
You're recovering. That's why.
Also, you only need to see the doctor twice a week,
instead of three times...
That's good.
You're not as pale as you were, too.
Of course. I was just a little tired.
Father must still be angry.
Since I was a child, I've always gone against his wish.
But, Rentaro...
You've been pursuing what you love.
It's all right.
I know. I have no complaint.
I've brought tea.
Fumi, now is most critical for him.
Take good care of him.
Yes.
Fumi, where are my sisters?
They're on the river bank.
They came to see me.
It's sad... I can't play with them because of my illness.
Hey... Iku... Tomi!
Is the water cold?
Wait, I'll give you some sweets.
Fumi, please take this to them.
Yes.
The girl, Fumi, takes good care of you.
It's a pity. The matron said that she's all alone.
She lost her only sister this spring.
Please eat it all tonight.
Hmmm... Mail this tomorrow.
All this? Must I eat so much?
I can't... It's too much.
But I've promised. Many who want to can't even eat.
To Tokyo?
Yes, to my friends.
I said I want to return soon.
It's bad to hurry.
Hurry... I am in a hurry!
I must play the piano!
Piano?
If you don't practice, you'll lose your ability soon.
Ah... you haven't seen a piano.
No, but I've seen an organ.
Really?
The school annex near here. I'll ask for you.
Bach "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."
This is a vintage organ.
It's nice to play.
Shall I play something for you?
I know nothing difficult... like music.
Mr. Rentaro, you study such things at school in Tokyo.
Yeah... sort of.
After graduation, you'll become a music teacher.
A teacher...
But rather than a teacher, I want to be a student forever.
To study real music, one must go to Europe or Germany.
Once I graduate, I want to go abroad to continue studying music.
That's my dream.
The county chiefs son's illness isn't beriberi.
He has a lung disease.
Is it true?
That's what I heard. Didn't they tell you anything?
Be careful. It could be very dangerous.
No, I won't get it. It's beriberi.
What's wrong with her?
Shall I kill you?
Thank you for coming.
I sent a letter to you.
Yeah. I was with Sakaguchi on a sketch trip until two days ago.
We were in Okayama.
I'm relieved. You've recovered.
Your color's much better. And your weight, too.
I brought flowers. Where shall I put them?
Hi... Nice flowers.
Wild pink.
Put it on the desk.
Yes.
This is my best friend, Mr. Suzuki.
Fix us something good to eat tonight.
Yes. Make yourself at home.
Thanks.
Let me do that.
Many well-dressed girls came to the concert.
Yuki Nakano was with Professor Kabei.
She was stunning.
Yuki's very pretty-
Even you think so.
How are the others in Tokyo?
Kume Yuhi started a singing movement to
introduce colloquial and familiar children songs.
I hesitated to join, but Kume insisted.
Everyone is busy.
I'm the only one left in such a place.
It's nice. And you've got a cute girl.
Cute girl? You mean Fumi.
She's devoted to you.
Devoted?
Must be in love with you.
Love? She's just a child.
Now my world is music.
You never change.
The beauty of flowers and her feelings...
You never understand...
Isn't she devoted?
Show her your gratitude.
Well... I'll buy her a present.
Nobu Koda will return from Europe.
A concert will be held in October.
I hope you can come back by then.
Of course I'll come sooner.
Ah... Here comes the cute girl!
You forgot your hat.
Please wear it.
Thank you.
You, too, Mr. Suzuki.
It feels cool.
Thank you, Fumi.
Don't walk too much in the sun.
Yes, we know.
Give her your gift.
Right now?
Yes, now.
Fumi!
This is for you.
For me...
Fumi, let him put it on.
No... I can't.
It's all right. Why not let him do it?
Hey... Taki!
Yes.
Fumi.
It's nice. Isn't it, Taki?
Nobu Koda Welcome Concert
Schumann Carnival (Opus 9) "March des Davidsbundler contre les Philistine."
My aunt, Nobu, the first overseas music student
held a welcome concert in October this year.
Not having seen Taki for some time, he looked well.
Are you ready?
A toast!
Your Schumann was wonderful.
The real thing sounds different.
Can you tell?
You're teasing...
Professor... Toson Shimazaki, the poet.
I'm Shimazaki.
Thank you for the fabulous music.
In appreciation, my latest poem collection, "Wakanashu."
Thank you.
You're such a gentleman, unlike my brother.
"A girl with bangs standing under an apple tree
"Conjures up your image with combs in your hair."
I know why young girls love it.
Me, too.I love it also.
Schubert would compose beautiful music.
The music for Goethe and Heine's poems is wonderful.
Here comes, Rohan!
Everyone, Rohan is coming!
We've been waiting for you.
Here, let's toast!
Cheers!
You don't come for the concert, but you'll come just to drink.
I know little of Western music.
Even your brother can't snore.
Of course not.
That's how you play.
Like a cafe dancer.
Everyone, you heard what he said... I should go and change.
Excuse me. Yuki, help me.
Taki, excuse me.
I'll get the score.
Please.
Are you also a music student?
Yes. I'm Rentaro Taki.
Taki... You look like someone.
Baiko, a female role actor. Hasn't anyone told you?
I have no idea about actors.
He's a great actor.
That was a compliment.
These crowds bore me. Let's drink.
Yes.
Borrow Schumann's scores?
Just to look. He was so impressed.
Impossible! No.
He's waiting.
Don't forget!
Scores are irreplaceable.
That's six years of achievement in Europe.
I don't want to even show them to you.
Absolutely not!
Scores are irreplaceable?
It's natural for Nobu Koda to think of it that way.
That's ready to eat.
Mr. Suzuki, isn't your music finished?
Show it to me.
Soon, in the future.
Taki, I'm afraid I lack talent.
It's not possible. You have talent.
Don't struggle alone. Show me.
I may have an idea.
Your idea?
To my own music.
Don't be ridiculous, Taki!
Waitress!
Oh, both of you are here.
Five bottles of sake and three beef pots.
We're over there. Join us?
Not me.
You're unsociable... Let's go!
Taki, you go!
Come on.
Taki, I'll introduce my fiancé.
Is it okay?
Never mind. He is a proud loner.
Yes.
Your music must be almost completed.
Hmm... I'm editing it.
Your standard is high. I expect good results.
Everyone, a guest.
Oh, Taki.
Evening.
- Hello. - Please sit.
Mr. Taki... Motokichi Azuma my fiancé.
- I'm Azuma. - I'm Taki.
Taki, you know our singing movement?
Yes, from Mr. Suzuki.
Will you join?
Perhaps four seasons in Japan.
Four seasons, what's that?
I compose each season's song...
A suite.
Wow, it's a great idea.
Taki, please do it.
No good!
Why can't I do it!
Suzuki!
Letter for you.
Thank you.
I didn't tell you... Your father has palsy.
Most of the laborers have left.
Tenryu River work doesn't progress.
Come back once. Your mother.
Return to attend family affairs.
Damn!
However, most songs are to promote music in
school and few are of a higher standard than that.
Sony, I'm late.
We regret the situation, and our own songs are presented hereby.
How does it sound?
Our purpose is clear. It's good.
The old school will resist time.
Depends on our songs.
Still, Suzuki is late.
Let's play our songs while we wait.
Excellent foreword. You're great.
Mr. Taki, our songs. Please play them.
Sure.
Is this yours?
Female chorus in two parts.
"At the zenith of spring time on the Sumida River,
"Passengers on boats are going up and down the river."
Wonderful! Isn't it wonderful?
"At the zenith of spring time on the Sumida River,
"Passengers on boats are going up and down the river.
"The oars splash and spread the water
"like flower petals.
"The scenery is of incomparable beauty."
Remarkable, a two-part chorus.
So talented.
I can never do this.
"Have you seen the cherry blossoms
"talking to you covered with early morning dew?
"Have you seen the green willow tree in the dusk
"inviting you and standing its branches like
"welcoming hands?
"On the long river banks trimmed with golden leaves,
"a hazy moon rises when I come.
"Every moment is precious.
"The scenery is of incomparable beauty."
"The Four Seasons Suite" including "Flower," was
the first lyrics set to music in Japan.
He kept writing, including a minuet, and songs for
the piano and children.
In a short time, he composed many great songs one after another.
Yuki...
Sony to bother you.
What can I do?
Here it is.
Schumann's "Carnival".
Sony for the other day.
My aunt gave me many scores.
Mr. Taki.
I have many others.
If it's okay, come to my home.
Is it all right?
Please.
Here you are.
Oh... Thank you.
Whose is it?
A fugue by Schumann.
I'm cunning and mean.
My aunt refused the other night.
Truly, I was relieved.
I wanted to monopolize them... It makes a difference.
Especially towards you.
Me... Why?
"Consolation," by Liszt.
You play such difficult pieces better than me.
It was the first threat to me.
Threat? That's ridiculous.
May I play this music?
Go ahead.
Miss Nobu is back.
Welcome back.
I thought it was you.
Don't stop because I'm back.
Continue.
Bring my tea in here.
Please continue.
Yes.
Wait!
Schumann must have written a comment.
Don't ignore the composer's instruction.
Also, play with your fingers deeper in the keys.
It gives a full, rich sound.
Move your fingers deeper. Go ahead.
Yes.
All of your books and scores are valuable.
Hoffman and Campe of Germany is indeed a great publisher.
I'll offer you ten yen.
A little more please.
My father is ill and I need money.
Well... how about this?
Fumi! Aren't you Fumi?
I thought it was you.
Who is this man?
Do you know Fumi?
I'm Suzuki, a student.
Can't you prevent her from becoming a concubine?
I've already been paid.
Don't you pity Fumi?
Here you go.
Son-y, you spent money.
Fumi, go ahead and eat.
She's not becoming a prostitute.
She'll serve just her master.
There's a difference in age, but he's rich and kind.
His wife has been ill a long time. It's a good deal for her.
Which tram?
Night... leaves at six.
Fumi, come meet Taki.
How is Rentaro? Is he well?
Yes, he is well.
You want to see him?
No... someone like me...
Hey! What're you saying to her?
We'll be back by six.
Fumi, let's go.
Hey, you. Hey.
Seeing a man from a different class will get her nowhere.
Fumi, I can't find him anywhere.
It's okay. You've done enough.
Someone like me shouldn't meet Rentaro.
Please, give him my best regards.
Fumi, wait a moment.
Fumi, wait here.
Taki!
Oh, Mr. Suzuki.
Someone wants to see you. It's Fumi.
Fumi?
Well, I'm leaving...
She's going to Ojiya, Niigata to become a concubine.
Concubine?
The six o'clock train from Ueno. We have no time.
See her now.
But, Mr. Suzuki, what can I do?
She wears your comb like a treasure.
At least say goodbye.
Fumi.
She's not here.
Idiot! She must be nearby.
You study music but don't understand women!
Look for her! Find her!
Yes.
Fumi!
Ms. Adachi, where will you teach?
Daiichi Women's High School.
And you, Chika?
I have offers in Tokyo and Kobe.
I'm not sure.
Choose Kobe. I'll visit.
You can't. You'll be overseas.
I'll get married soon.
Germany? America?
It's for the professors and the Ministry of Education to decide.
No one knows who's going.
If not you, who? Mr. Taki?
In June, Meiji 32 (1899)...
Alter a long hiatus, the government reactivated
its overseas study program.
Without choice, Mr. Taki and I were involved in this.
Officials realized the importance of
music education. It's good for them.
After the Nisshin War, the military envied
foreign band music and supported it.
That's one reason.
But, military music and ours have little in common.
But a student will be sent abroad again,
so their ignorance may be beneficial.
Yuki Nakano seems the logical choice.
I prefer a male student.
Nobu was the first... Next should be Taki.
Me? What about me?
About who will be sent abroad.
It should be Yuki. Who else!
You'll be sent abroad. I'll take care of it.
What about Mr. Taki?
Don't be distracted by other matters.
Prepare for German and your farewell concert.
Okay, Taki will be the representative student player.
A competition between you two.
Yuki Nakano Farewell Concert
Schumann "Fugue No. 1 in A Major."
I can't...
Not after Taki.
You're weak!
To be a professional.
It's just the start.
It's always a challenge.
I can't... Taki's too good.
Why? You give up easily.
You must love Taki.
Then, fight that feeling for fame and love.
Now go ahead.
Liszt Concert Etude No. 3 in D-flat Major "Unsospiro."
Schumann is very sensitive and hard to control.
You played it well.
But that's not enough.
Schumann is full of torment and sorrow.
You don't convey that.
Really?
I wish I understood.
But I'm also confused and have sorrow.
You are? That's good.
But, self pity is not agony.
Understand?
Mr. Taki, I'm sorry.
You'd better go abroad first. I truly think so.
I don't agree.
Today, you played beautifully.
Really?
Yes, honestly.
But, frankly speaking, while listening to you
play I was thinking again that I wanted to go to
Germany badly to study music.
I became so jealous that you can go to Germany.
I feel really bad about it.
You should go this year, and I can go next year.
Next year isn't guaranteed.
Then, I won't go.
That's silly! You can't.
Today, Professor Nobu pointed out that my music doesn't
convey torment and sorrow.
I was dismayed.
Because it concerned me lately.
I'm confused about how to understand music,
play the piano and compose.
Sony, I became so excited that I talked nonsense.
Today is to celebrate your farewell.
Then, I can really go?
Of course.
Yuki, someone must be the forerunner.
Otherwise, we'll never reach Western standards.
Yuki, do your best.
Come next year. I'll wait for you.
Yes. I'll be there.
Two weeks later, as the second one to be sent abroad,
I left for Germany ahead of Mr. Taki.
Taki, thanks for your letters.
How are you? How's your health?
I'm a day laborer now.
I won't return to school.
I won't see you again.
I appreciate your lasting friendship.
Do your best.
Welcome.
Don't stare... It's me.
Misako...
Please... will you change seats?
- Okay. - Thank you.
Mr. Taki, you look older.
Rice? Right away.
I left Tokyo without a word.
She appeared here suddenly.
I was surprised.
She's prettier now.
She likes the difficult life here.
Maybe she's pretending.
Please come back to school.
If it's money, then my scores are selling, so
I can help a little.
No, don't bother.
I'm the eldest son... I can't abandon my family.
I'm also the eldest.
I'm lucky compared to you.
Thank you.
Taki... his food. He eats quickly.
Have some.
Misa, we're still hungry.
Right away.
Mr. Suzuki.
Rather than my music,
I question my life.
Is that so?
To love and separate, I haven't experienced anything.
I finally started to realize what you said.
Yeah... now you understand...
Maybe I pretended to be serious.
The master is calling you.
Yes, I'm coming.
I expect great things from you.
I'm writing music on this trip.
"Moon on the Castle Ruin."
Bansui Tsuchii's.
"Bloom in the Moonlight."
Take care and compose something original.
Yes. Sony, no time.
Never mind.
I'm leaving.
Be careful.
When I followed him here he cried when he saw me.
He cried so much. Isn't it funny?
Have more.
By March of Meiji 34 (1901), Taki completed songs such as
"Bloom in the Moonlight" and "Hakone Hachiri" and
acappella including "Araiso."
In April, his life-time dream to study in Germany finally came.
Rentaro Taki Farewell Concert
"The cherry blossom viewing party on the castle tower
"where sake cups were passed around,
"the petals reflect on the surface.
"Stately pine trees grew.
"Whither the glory gone...
"The same moonbeams always cast shadows
"But man's life changes by ebb and flow...
"Is the cool moon shadow trying to reflect the past?
"Moonlight blooms in midnight on the castle ruin..."
To study abroad is a government mission.
I'm even prepared to sacrifice my own life.
I'll complete the mission and want to return your favor to me.
Taki, you should relax more.
Yuki, too.
Pressure to complete such a mission
may overwhelm you.
Forget about the government.
I have high hopes for you.
Yes.
Rentaro, please take care of yourself.
I'll eat a lot everyday.
Please.
Your father also worries.
Yes.
One month to Berlin is long.
Oh, Mr. Suzuki.
Mr. Suzuki.
Congratulations!
You made it to Germany!
Yes, finally... How's your family, Mr. Suzuki?
Father died and everything is gone.
I'm getting married to Misako.
Also, I've decided to pursue music as you are.
I'm going to teach music at a grade school in Hamamatsu...
It's near my home.
That's great. I'm glad.
Thank you.
I'm grateful to you.
I owe what I am today to you.
Don't be ridiculous!
Thank you!
Thank you...
Leipzig
Leipzig Imperial Music Academy
Relax. Not so much weight on your arm! Try it.
Let's see. No tension in your thumb.
Elbow also. All must move freely.
Use your thumb so. You see.
Yes, sir.
Try it again.
Beethoven "Fourth Movement" from Symphony No. 5 in C Minor
I'm adjusting to the food.
I've been sent by Japan.
I'm studying hard to fulfill all expectations.
Please don't worry.
Dear Father from Rentaro.
Suzuki, I'm overwhelmed by the tradition and culture
of Germany which we can never achieve.
I feel forlorn by my helplessness.
Schumann "Piano Concerto in A Minor"
Technique, interpretation and philosophy...
All surpass imagination.
It may be more than culture and tradition.
It's talent...
My own talent...
Someone like me... Sent to study here.
What can I bring back to Japan?
However, my mission is to take something back to Japan.
I'll find something even if it means my life.
Do your best, Taki.
Around then, while Taki was staying in Leipzig,
I was far away in Berlin.
...I was also suffering...
Berlin National Institute of Music
Yuki!
You must practice!
I can't...
I don't want to even look at a piano.
I've asked the Duchess. Go to the castle.
I have no confidence. My fingers are useless.
I miss Taki.
I want to see him badly.
That's all I could think of.
Kume wrote to me.
She had a baby... a girl.
Kume is already a mother.
She also wrote about you.
After I left, you composed wonderful songs.
"Bloom in the Moonlight," "Hakone Hachiri..."
But I can't match German art songs.
Not true.
Everyone sings them now in Japan.
Tonight, let's have a good meal.
There's a nice restaurant downtown.
I heard the Eiswein is good.
The Duchess recommended it.
Duchess?
Why are you here?
There's a final competition coming up soon.
I'm practicing here.
Competition?
Beautiful room...
It's good for practicing.
When is the competition?
In four days.
Four days? What music?
Beethoven's "Appasionata."
But I probably won't be there.
No? Why?
No confidence... I'm afraid of the piano.
Afraid?
You wouldn't understand how I'm feeling now.
You came to play a sonata in the competition and
a concerto with full orchestra.
That's why you're here.
I'm nobody here.
If you don't play now, you'll never play again.
Is that what you want?
It's all right. I don't care about music.
I'm ready to forget about it.
You're trying to escape.
Running away won't help.
Let's play-
I can't! I knew it!
It's not true! You can.
No!
What's wrong? You were doing fine.
No, I wasn't!
It's true. Let's continue.
Delicious! Now I remember.
I haven't eaten for a while.
Have some.
Shall I peel it?
Sour...
You should play this sforzando here more forcefully.
But, it occurs many times, so it might be too persistent.
But occasional persistence is characteristic of Beethoven.
Yes... I'm feeling weak lately, so
it's better to play it more forcefully.
I don't agree with that.
What's wrong?
Beethoven's instructions.
It's crescendo... decrescendo.
Yours is flat.
That's the climax of this difficult part.
Don't ignore it.
Then you DWI'-!
It's no use for me to play...
I got it. Thank you.
Yuki, you made it.
Taki...
I did it!
Yes, you did it.
Taki, thank you.
You helped me to regain my confidence.
Me, too.
Yuki, I also lost myself in Germany.
But, because I struggled with you to play the
"Appasionata," I also found myself.
You, too, Taki? Is it true?
Yes. But it's all right now.
Taki, please compose...
Write wonderful piano music...
Piano music?
I'd like to play it.
I see. I'll write a song for you.
For me? Truly?
I promise.
I'm happy-
Oh, I've found something cute...
Just like you and me.
Us?
Yes.
Come in.
These.
Wait... I need some water.
Taki...
Taki?
Taki.
Wait! Where are you going?
Come back!
Taki!
Taki! Come back, please!
Why? Tell me why?
I never saw Taki again.
It was our destiny not to meet again.
December, Meiji 34 (1901) hospitalized at the Leipzig University Hospital
Next, we'll discuss the status of Rentaro Taki
who is currently studying in Germany.
The Ministry of Education recently informed us his
health has deteriorated, and we accept his request
to leave school and return to Japan.
Sir...
Affidavit...
Akataro Shimazaki...
We bestow this mission of being the fourth student
to be sent abroad to study music by the Ministry.
To Germany...
To study piano and composition.
March 10 Meiji 35 (1902)...
Dairo Kikuchi, Minister of Education...
Shimazaki is thirty-two.
His dedication has finally been recognized.
He must be very pleased.
Let's have a fine party for him.
Yuki is doing very well in Germany.
It seems so. I heard Vienna is next.
A concert in Vienna. Marvelous.
Because she's Japanese.
In any case, it's great.
Yuki is really our best student.
Not only in school, but the pride of Japan.
Haven't we forgotten Taki?
Taki was also talented.
Japan and we drove him to the limit.
I warned him not to crack under pressure.
"The mountains of Hakone are very steep,
"much steeper than Hanguguan.
"High mountains find deep valleys surround us."
Dear Taki, how is your health lately?
Today, our school got a piano.
I wish you were here to see how happy my
students are singing your songs.
"The winding mountain roads are slippery
"with moss. No one has been here before.
"A brave warrior who had been traveling
"carrying a big sword marches while striding
"over huge rocks. That's how warriors once were."
Rentaro is...
Rentaro. What's this?
Father, I want to return to Tokyo.
I must finish something there.
But your health?
You're sick, so no one will associate with you.
You'd better recover first.
Father... Mother...
I can't stand being idle in Takeda.
If I stay here, it means my time in Germany was wasted.
People will quickly forget me.
Regardless of my health, I must go again.
I want people to know I exist. Forgive me.
Absolutely not!
Mother...
Rentaro, I beg you. Don't go.
Rentaro, you'll encounter hardship in Tokyo.
You'll be miserable. Are you prepared?
Yes.
Please.
Don't stop him.
You should go to Tokyo.
Hey! Stu?-
Slop!
Young man, do you need a doctor?
It's okay. Take me to the port.
I must go to Tokyo.
This is terrible.
You must see a doctor. Let's go.
Yuki...
It's rehearsal time.
Please, send this letter.
Rentaro Taki. who's that?
I want to return to Japan.
Alter the concert season.
That's too late. My beloved is
very sick. Let me go back.
Yuki, compose yourself.
Tchaikovsky "Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor"
"Dear Taki, when I recall our sudden parting that day
"it causes me great sorrow.
"Why did you leave me alone?
"I was distraught trying to understand.
"Later, I was surprised to discover you were sick
"and returned to Japan.
"Now I know it was your kind consideration of me.
"Taki, please regain your health quickly.
"After this season, I'll return to Japan immediately
"to meet you. Then we'll come back to Europe.
"And finally be happy together."
Your room is ready at the inn.
You can use the school annex organ.
Father got approval.
Yes.
You're so thin...
Mother...
Don't cry.
I'm leaving.
Father, thank you for your help with the organ.
Now we're leaving.
Rentaro isn't ours, after all.
He belongs to music.
That's how you feel.
No. Rentaro is ours, after all.
Chopin "Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor"
You were wonderful.
This is a parcel for you.
Yoshihiro Taki...?
Last June 29, my son Rentaro passed away.
Just before Rentaro died, he asked me to send you the enclosed item.
"By the time you read this, I'll no longer be alive.
"I wanted to return to Germany to study
"music with you. Here is the music
"I promised to write for you.
"It's incomplete, but I'm sending it.
"The truth is, I wanted to complete it and
"wanted to hear you play it."
June 29 Meiji 36 (1903) Rentaro Taki passed away
at the age of twenty-three years and ten months.
THE END