Producers: UPLINK Co., Digital Site Corporation.
THE KLOCKWORX Co., Ltd. Yomiuri Telecasting Corp.
I've always had lots of dreams when I sleep.
The dreams have always been about the future.
The future in my dreams was always bright.
A future brimming
with hope and peace.
So I've always loved to sleep.
That is, until just recently...
You were moaning in your sleep.
Oh, really?
You were dreaming, right?
I wonder.
What was happening?
I forget.
Fried chicken box.
There you are.
The chicken pieces are too small.
I said, the fried chicken's too small.
Next, please.
The fried chicken's too small.
Who'd you fight with?
I don't know.
You're hopeless.
Hey, can I feed it?
Yeah, sure. Be careful.
It's not eating.
Hey, what are you doing! Watch out, watch it.
You're mocking the jellyfish's venom.
It's really dangerous.
But you've never touched it either, Mamoru-san.
'Cause I don't want to die.
You've gotta watch out, man.
I think I'll go home, now.
Sure.
Don't go crazy, OK, Nimura.
Yeah.
Just be cool.
I know.
Right now, I think that's best.
I said I know.
Arita... and Nimura, too. Listen.
My daughter's new desk is outside.
Could you guys deliver it the house? My back's out.
Sure.
Oh, watch out for the bannister.
Sorry.
Look, honey, you can lock the drawer.
And you can adjust the chair.
It'll last until college.
Isn't it better by the window?
You think?
It's not great...
I still like it better by the window.
What's your hobby, Arita?
I don't really have any.
I see. And you, Nimura?
Music appreciation.
What kind of music?
Anything.
Anything? Like what?
Any kind.
Any kind, huh?
Did you notice?
The roast pork's home made.
I spice it differently from the store-bought kind.
Can I borrow one?
A CD, one that you like.
Yeah, sure.
Come back, OK?
I enjoyed myself today.
Feel like I have a sense of you now.
Thanks for dinner.
Thanks.
Bye.
We've been sensed.
What?
A storm might be coming.
What?
Just a hunch.
I'm going to pay you a special bonus.
Who, me?
Yeah, you and Arita.
Three months' pay, for now.
Thank you.
And I'd like to sign you guys on as full-time employees.
Think it over.
Yes.
Oh, and that CD.
What?
The one I wanted.
Oh.
Got one on you now?
Yeah, I do.
Your employment contract. Look it over.
Your seal.
What are you going to do?
Haven't decided yet.
We'll get a raise... what should I do?
Decide for yourself.
Nothing changes if we become employees, right?
I hope not.
Maybe I'll sign on.
What've you been dreaming lately?
What?
Nothing.
Better trust your dreams.
I'm telling you I don't have any.
Maybe that's just as well.
You're late.
Oh, hi.
You look like a slob, brother. I told you to dress nice.
Shut up.
Shall we go, brother?
Ken, stop calling my brother "brother."
You're the same age. Just call him Yuji.
But... You know...
Call me anything.
Welcome. A party of 3?
Yes. You take Visa?
Yes, we do. Follow me.
You've got to eat your vegetables, brother.
Shut up.
Let's go get some coffee.
Yeah, let's.
Is there a coffee place around here?
Let's go to an arcade instead.
Forget it.
It's pretty fun.
An arcade?
My treat, this time. Let's go.
C'mon, we're going.
I won.
Let's play again.
Sorry. I'm pretty good at this stuff.
Why are you so pissed off? What an idiot. Let's go.
Yeah.
Cut it out. That thing can really kill you.
Nimura, here's the plan.
When I do this, it means Wait.
And this means Go ahead.
OK?
What's that?
It's a signal.
You're always getting confused.
And then you don't have a clue which way you're going.
So I'll signal you.
Forget it.
Cut it out.
No, let's give it a try.
This is Wait, and this is Go ahead. It's good.
I think it's pretty good.
Don't bug me.
Oh, hello.
Good timing. You're both here.
Yes.
Thought you'd like some sushi.
Thanks.
Say guys, listen.
I just happen to be 55, now.
How old are you guys?
I'm 27 and Nimura's 24.
You're so young.
But you just happen to be that age, right?
I really wish you guys could've met him...
Me, as a 25 year-old.
I was really something else.
Back in the early '70s.
I sure had guts back then.
Everyone did, back then.
Goals, that what you call 'em?
We all had clear goals back then.
Of course now it seems ridiculous.
Oh, no.
The thing is...
I can't remember.
What was it?
Well, it was no big deal even back then.
I've clean forgotten it.
Guess that's what it means to be young.
What?
Excuse me.
What's wrong, man?
Right now, it's this.
He OK?
Yes, he's fine.
Oh, look at the time. You got satellite TV?
Yeah, I do.
Let's see.
This it?
Yeah, this is it.
Great.
Come cheer with me.
You can really get into it.
Go, go, Japan.
You really do get into it.
Oh, look at the time.
Hey.
That a tropical fish?
It's a jellyfish. A Red Jellyfish.
Wow.
It won't sting, will it?
Hey, that's danger...
C'mere, c'mere.
Hello. Hey, Nimura, it's me.
No, no, I was just thinking.
How would you like to have the jellyfish?
That's right.
Who, me? No, I think it's time I was moving on.
Keep it under water, and pour the whole body out.
In the water?
That's right.
Here's the thermometer.
Right.
Take a cup of saltwater out every day,
and replace it with fresh water.
This guy's special, so don't forget, OK?
Promise, OK?
Sure.
Go Ahead.
Wait.
Go Ahead, Go Ahead.
It never reacts at all.
That's just its nature.
I'm sure you two will get along fine.
When I looked up that jellyfish,
I found out it was poisonous.
But he never let on.
He was going to let it kill me.
When I called him on it, he quit.
I don't have a clue what he was thinking.
You in it with him?
Come to my office. I'll give you that bonus, in cash.
Bowling Alley Closed.
That's right.
He's got it. Gotta go get it back.
How was he?
Well, I just had a visit with Mamoru.
I must admit, his confession seems unimpeachable.
Which means his chances of acquittal are slim.
You do understand?
Yes.
Of course I'll do everything I can,
but I think you should prepare yourself, in a way.
Yes.
Are you OK?
I'm sorry.
Oh, no.
As far as "preparing myself, in a way."
Just which way should I do it? I'm not sure I...
Yes, I understand.
In any event, leave the legal end of things to me.
The most important thing you can do is to gather information.
Because your son may tell you
things he would never think to mention to me.
Oh, yes.
Are you in touch with your wife?
More or less.
Then, please let her know.
Yes.
So, when do you plan to visit him?
What?
Your son? When shall I arrange a visit for?
Right.
It's too late today, but what about tomorrow afternoon?
Yes.
In that case...
Don't worry. I won't accompany you.
Oh?
I think it's better not to discuss the incident at first.
Oh, boy.
What?
What should I talk about, then?
Just try to act normal.
It's just that, you see. You see.
Yes?
I haven't seen my son in 5 years.
So the thing is,
I'll be fine, but I'm not sure...
Whether he'll really want to see me. That's what I'm...
Arita-san, how can you say that?
Did I say something wrong?
Yes, you did.
You have to visit him. He's your son.
It's your duty.
Yes.
It doesn't have to be tomorrow, but as soon as you can, OK?
Yes.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Arita-san, have you seen him?
Talk to us.
Um... They're all gone.
I have a cell phone.
Oh, it's me, Arita. Thanks for meeting with me.
Tomorrow... I've decided to visit him tomorrow.
Can you arrange it?
Shocked? Of course, you're shocked, right?
I just kind of did it. And look at me now.
Cops are scary.
I was back at home, farting around, and the cops came right away.
I wonder who reported it.
Don't tell me it was you...
Just kidding.
I guess it's a relief to get caught right away,
instead of running yourself ragged trying to escape.
You OK?
How could I be?
Got a point.
Why didn't you tell me?
Sorry.
I went, too, right after.
To get my CD back.
I should've killed 'em first.
Shut up!
When I say Wait, you wait. Did you forget?
So, it's Wait.
Sorry.
Hey, how's that jellyfish doing?
What? Dunno.
Dunno's not good enough.
He's still a baby. He won't make it without you.
Yeah.
You take good care of him, now.
Yeah.
I'm counting on you.
I know.
Remember that kid, Yoshida?
He's getting married.
His bride's just a clerk,
but he's lucky he found anyone.
Oh, that's right, remember,
your aunt in Iwate?
She's selling her fields to build apartments.
It's the middle of nowhere, so they won't be very impressive.
Wonder if she'll pull it off.
And then...
Don't bother.
Right.
I think I'll be here another 5 or 10 years,
so come and visit sometimes.
Yeah, yeah.
Thanks for coming today.
I'm glad I got to see you.
Yeah.
"The red-eyed scorpion.
"The spread-winged eagle.
"The blue-eyed puppy.
"The coiled-up snake..."
5 to 10 years is out of the question.
At minimum he'll get Life,
if he doesn't get Death.
I think your son knows this, all too well.
Arita-san,
When I talked about "preparing yourself, in a way,"
this is what I was getting at.
Um, I'm thinking about quitting.
Frankly, there's no future in this line of work.
Sorry.
Recycling and Repairs.
Mom's not coming, after all. She called.
Welcome.
How 'bout a beer, Fuyuki?
No thanks. I'll take a coffee.
Sorry to drag you here suddenly.
How's work? Busy?
No...
I read about my brother in the paper.
TV reporters bugging you?
Just once.
They're a pain, a real pain.
Yeah.
So, what's up?
What's up?
Oh, the thing is,
I thought maybe we should all get together, once.
Huh.
Not like a Family Council or anything,
but we should talk about the future and such.
Listen, you talk about the future,
but your future and mine are different.
Yes, I know that.
Besides, I'm not an Arita anymore.
Right... You took your mother's name...
You need money for the lawyer...
No, no... I can manage his legal expenses.
Hmm, so you're rich, now?
Of course not.
Lucky you. I'm envious.
Are you hard up for cash?
Of course I am.
I want all kinds of stuff, but there's no money.
Here you are.
Fuyuki,
it's hardly my place to say this,
but you can talk to me about things.
About anything, OK?
I'll do the best I can for you.
Loan me 10 million yen, then?
10 million?
I'm gonna buy an apartment. The down payment.
10 million, huh... That'll take me a while.
I need it now.
That's impossible.
But I'll manage.
You will?
Well, I'm not sure...
Forget it, then. I don't need it.
Frankly, money's tight for me, too.
Then don't say you'll do the best you can.
That it?
That's all you wanted?
I'm off, then.
No, I'll get it.
Really?
Wow, I should've ordered cake.
I'll be right back.
What?
Fuyuki.
Just what kind of person was Mamoru?
How should I know? Ask him.
Well, you've got a point.
Figure things out for yourself.
You're only giving it brine shrimp?
Yeah.
I told you that's no good.
Every third feeding has to be chopped fish or whitebait.
Yeah.
And the brine shrimp.
They're only good for 12 hours after they hatch, so don't wait.
Oh, and also mysis. You can buy mysis at a pet shop.
Give it those, too, if you can.
Mysis?
And in 4 or 5 days,
let's try reducing the salinity to 1.015.
You sure you're alive?
You sure you're not dead?
Really? So the salinity's down to 1.01.
Excellent.
Let's decrease the water temperature to 15 degrees centigrade.
Try doing it gradually, over 3 or 4 days.
Wow, that jellyfish is adapting to fresh water.
You're my only hope.
You've got to monitor it carefully.
I'm counting on you.
Sure.
What's wrong?
Sick of it?
No.
Then what is it?
I've decided to Wait, after all.
10 years, or even 20. I'm going to wait for you.
After that,
we can do all this stuff together.
It won't be too late, will it?
You're the one who knows all about the future.
You mean, my dreams? Forget them.
I've made up my mind. I'll wait 20 years for you.
No matter what, my mind's made up.
Then it's all over. Do whatever you want.
Don't come here anymore.
If you do, I won't even see you.
We're finished. I'm disappointed in you.
Do whatever the hell you want. Count me out.
Hey, hey, wait.
Just wait.
Mamoru-san, wait.
Hey, wait!
Wait!
What's going on?
It's your fault.
Hey.
I didn't come for any special reason today.
Guess I wanted to see your face.
You're looking well. I'm relieved.
But spending day after day in this place,
must be pretty boring.
What do you do every day?
Think.
About what?
What do you think?
What?
About my execution.
I'm sorry.
Tell 'em to get it over with.
Submit a petition or something.
You're the one who asked me what I think about.
I just told you what I think about.
See you.
Wow!
Actually, it was really me they should've caught.
Mamoru-san went ahead and did it,
so I couldn't. That's what I think.
I see.
But he never said anything
about why he did it.
I see. But you know,
he went away, leaving his mystery behind.
But something tells me he's on the other side,
getting a total kick out of how he stumped us.
All right. See you somewhere, Nimura, I'm off.
Nimura,
I wanted to ask you.
What do you think this means?
They say Mamoru died like this.
Another mystery, huh?
That's just the kind of guy he was.
Let's see.
First we take products apart here.
If necessary, we clean them outside.
And then we reassemble them inside.
It's hardly big enough to call a factory,
but it's what I've always done.
Getting any picture?
No.
Try changing channels.
Now?
No, nothing.
Will you come over here, Nimura? And hold these,
here and here.
Yes.
Keep your fingers clear. You'll get a big shock.
Yes.
See anything?
Nope.
Nimura. Can you come back, tomorrow?
Yeah. Sure.
These three.
Will you hold them down 'til the next stop?
Yes.
What?
There's a jellyfish.
A jellyfish?
Yes, somewhere.
You mean a jellyfish, jellyfish?
Nimura, about that jellyfish you mentioned,
what was that about?
I inherited Mamoru's pet jellyfish.
But I let it escape.
I know it's somewhere, here in Tokyo.
Don't jellyfish need saltwater?
We acclimated it to fresh water so it could survive in Tokyo.
I see...
You don't believe me, do you?
It's not that I don't believe you.
I just don't get why it matters.
That's because you've never seen this jellyfish.
No, I haven't.
Mamoru never used to care about them, either.
And there was nothing about it among his things.
And that's all I really know.
We're here.
See you.
Thanks.
'Morning.
Good morning.
What's that?
Brine shrimp.
What?
Jellyfish food.
I'm borrowing this.
Listen. Is this really what Mamoru
was up to?
Yes.
Plastic containers.
You'd better stay out of the way.
That one, too, please.
But listen, Nimura. Doesn't this...
What?
It gives me a strange feeling, like I'm doing something wrong.
How can you say that?
Let's go.
Time to go, now.
Let's take cover and eat.
Duck in there.
Rain's letting up.
What are you doing?
It's here, in here.
Let's go.
It's stopped raining.
Have a bad dream?
What's wrong?
Sometimes,
I can see the future in my dreams.
I've always been that way.
I don't know why.
But for a while, now,
I've hardly dreamt at all.
And when I did, it was just darkness.
Then today, I had a clear one.
I wonder where I was.
I don't know where I was,
but I'm walking in a forest or a desert.
A ferocious wind is blowing.
The road goes on,
but I can't see where I'm going.
I'm all alone.
Everyone else
seems to have left.
The wind's so intense,
I can't open my eyes,
and I have to lean into it.
I wonder where I'm going.
I'll make a pot of coffee.
It'll wake you right up.
What's wrong?
It's broken.
The shrimp are dead.
You're right.
Hey, did you do something?
Me? Why would I do anything?
I have to start over.
Please lend me some money.
Hey, Nimura.
I need money. Can't you see that?
200,000, even 100,000 yen would do.
Calm down and think it through.
How do you open it?!
Stop it! That's enough!
Nimura.
In this world, there are things
you can do and things you can't.
You're all wrong if you think you can do anything you want.
I saw the jellyfish, I really did. It was beautiful.
But what's going to come of it? Will it change reality?
Will it help you get what you want?
How should I know? Leave me alone.
What'll happen to you if I leave you alone?
Leave me alone!
I can't. Not anymore.
You really piss me off. Why don't you try
looking at what's right in front of you? Huh?
Why can't you try facing this reality?
Because it's scruffy and filthy?
Well, that's insulting.
Because this reality also happens to be my reality.
You have no right to treat it with such contempt, you fool!
You're going to run? Run, then.
But where can you run to?
Nimura, where can you run?
You'll only end up in one of two places if you run.
Either inside your dreams, or inside a prison.
Got that?
Isn't it about time you figured that out?
I was too harsh. I didn't mean it.
Nimura, please wait.
Nimura.
It was just a dream...
Hey, brother. What's this mess?
You never answer your phone.
C'mon.
Look out for him?
Yeah.
I'll never forgive you if you pull one of your stunts.
Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate it.
Say, brother.
Can you make 2 copies of each of these documents?
Over here.
You open this
and I told you 2 copies, so you press 2 and then start.
You can handle it, right?
Wow, this one's really old.
Yes.
How much is it?
About 5,000 yen.
That cheap?
It still works fine.
Looks brand new.
All this old stuff has such a great feeling.
I really love it, Arita.
You do great work.
I think this field's got great prospects.
All the new stuff's crap.
You're contributing to the economy.
And it's got great social significance, too.
I think this work is useless.
Listen, boss. Old stuff is just garbage.
Hey, who is this? This is our spot.
You can't just sit there.
Move.
What's with him?
Let me.
You're an idiot.
What's that?
Walkie-talkies. Let us talk to each other.
For real? Show me.
Just who are you?
I don't know.
You don't know? You sure you're not crazy?
I am.
So, you're crazy.
So you're just like us.
Brother, time to call it a day.
Yes.
Wow!
Don't go that way.
Don't go that way!
"The red-eyed scorpion.
"The spread-winged eagle.
"The blue-eyed puppy.
"The coiled-up snake.
"Orion sings high.
"spilling dew and labor."
I can stay here, right?
Nowhere to go?
You sure you want to stay here?
In that case, stay here forever.
Forgive me.
I forgive you.
I forgive
all of you for everything.
Pull the plug.
Make sure it's perpendicular. Or that pile of screws will collapse...
Why don't you call it a day?
I'm almost finished. You go ahead and turn in.
'Night.
Good night.
After the announcement of new election dates for the Lower House,
consumer goods distributors are bracing for a sales downturn,
in an already dismal season.
Immediately prior to elections,
corporations traditionally limit gift purchases.
Experts anticipate that with elections scheduled for this...
Nimura.
Yes.
This one's next, when you're ready. I'm stepping out.
Yes.
With corporate spending already low,
some predict a less significant downturn.
Yet given the continuing slump in retail sales,
insiders worry about further barriers to spending
and the negative effect of elections.
Now, for our next story.
There have been a rash of jellyfish attacks all over Tokyo.
Around 2PM on the 16th, Aki Tanuma,
the seven year-old daughter of a work man living in the Taito Ward
was playing in a canal near the Sumida River,
when she fainted from shock.
At the hospital, Aki was listed in critical condition,
but now, she has regained consciousness and is out of danger.
A report from the Tokyo Marine Biology Lab revealed
that Aki had been stung by a venomous Red Jellyfish.
Red Jellyfish are marine animals, and normally, it is inconceivable to find them in Tokyo's canals,
but reports of similar injuries have been pouring in this month.
Tokyo's Health Dept. has begun a city-wide extermination campaign.
Excuse me.
Yes.
I wanted to find out about adult adoption procedures.
Adoption procedures? All right,
this packet explains all of the steps and conditions.
Please start with that.
I'm sorry.
I'll fix it later.
Oh, no rush.
What were you doing up there?
I was looking at the far distance.
The far distance?
What about it?
Arita-san, have you ever been up there?
No.
I see. You can't see anything from up there.
That's what I discovered.
Nimura.
No, forget it.
What have I been doing?
I got my Go ahead a long time ago.
Here's some coffee.
Yeah.
Time to go?
Yes.
Not again. This thing keeps getting stuck.
I wonder how it's doing?
What?
The jellyfish.
Wonder if it's doing well, somewhere in Tokyo.
I wonder.
There oughta be lots of them by now. It's been a while.
Yes.
I'd like to see it again.
What is it?
Nothing.
What is it?
It's nothing. Let's go.
It's the jellyfish!
We did it! We did it!
Nimura, Mamoru's dream finally came true, amazing.
Amazing.
You guys are amazing!
Just amazing!
Amazing.
Arita-san.
Let's leave them alone.
Why?
They're headed out to sea.
To sea? Why?
They're escaping Tokyo.
Escaping Tokyo? Hey guys, wait.
Hey, wait, wait guys!
They're gone.
Have they
abandoned us?
No.
I'm sure
they'll come back someday.
That's what I believe.
Someday? Like when?
I don't know.
In 10 years? In 20?
I can't wait that long.
I won't live that long.
Watch out! Don't touch it!
Nimura!
You can stay here forever.
Any fun ideas?
Fun ideas?
None.
Go find some.
Speaking of which, that guy from the other day...
The guy who saw the future in his dreams.
Wonder what he's up to.
Dunno.
He was a real whacko.
Yeah, that was a real mess.
But I had a lot of fun.
Me, too.
I kinda got into it.
Hey!
What?
Wrong.
I thought it was him for a second,
but I was wrong.
Bright Future
I found the lost song in my heart
Though someday, we'll all disappear
Our feelings accumulate like white powdered snow
It was a tiny revolution
You touched my shoulder
I held you and loved you
That was everything
Even borders seem to dissolve
as the snow-flowers blossom
A soap bubble flew by
It burst and disappeared
But let's keep blowing soap bubbles to reach the sky
Leaping over a thousand nights
We breathe together
Now the world is endless
And the future is bright
Odagiri Joe
Asano Tadanobu
Fuji Tatsuya
Cinematographer: Shibanushi Takahide
Production Designer: Harada Yasuaki
Wardrobe Designer: Kitamura Michiko
Sound: Kohri Hiromichi
Producer: Asai Takashi
Writer, Editor, Director: Kurosawa Kiyoshi
English Subtitles: Linda Hoaglund