"In the beginning, God created man"
"But seeing him so feeble, he gave him the dog"
Alphonse Toussenel, French writer
Hakodate City, Hokkaido
This is the town where I grew up with my dog, Socks
Let me tell you about the ten magical years I spent with her
((10 Promises To My Dog»
This is me ten years ago
Look that way!
You're hopelessly obedient
Look this way
Look!
Come here! Good boy
He's so cute!
Don't you like dogs, Hoshi?
I do, but mom says to protect my fingers
You're going to be a guitarist
I'm very sorry
He's never run up to a stranger before
Here
Thank you
How nice
Shall we eat? Your father will be late
Again? His patients are more important than me
Let's start, then
Well... okay
Sit down
Looks great
Here
Thank you
Happy birthday!
No candles?
Your father's bringing them
I'll run to the store
I'll go, too
Sounds like a plan
Evening
Find them?
Let's go
That'll be 295 yen
Just like this?
Yes
Happy?
- A birthday? - Akari's
Oh, congratulations
Thank you
Let's go
What time is it?
10:10 p.m.
What?
That late?
I missed it
I'm back
Welcome home
I'm too late, aren't I? Here
I shouldn't have asked you
Akari's asleep, huh?
Was she angry?
A little
Can't blame her
Can't you make a little more time for her?
Believe me, I feel bad for leaving it all to you
I'm not scolding you
This is a critical stage in my career as a doctor
Akari wants a dog
Replaced by a dog, huh?
She's pretty lonely
I'm home!
Mom?
A dog?
Here PUPPY
Come on
Wait! Come back!
Here PUPPY
There you are
Don't run away
That's funny
Wait up!
Little PUPPY
Hello?
Akari?
Dad?
Your mother's in the hospital
She fainted. She was brought here
Nothing to worry about
But she'll be here for a few days
I'll be right there
She's asleep now. You'd better come tomorrow
How about you?
I'll be there soon
Hurry home
Sorry. I woke you
What do I have?
It's bad, isn't it?
No, it isn't
I know when you lie
You play with your hair
It may take some time, but you'll get better
Hi
Did you eat?
Yeah
How's mom?
She'll be fine
Don't worry
Really?
Really
Look that way!
Stop that
There was a puppy in our yard yesterday
What? Really?
But it ran away
Oh, too bad
I wish it stayed
We could visit the pet shop
I want that puppy
There's a lot about the house I need to tell you
Let the water drip just a bit so it doesn't freeze
When are you coming home?
Summer maybe
That far off?
The doctor says I'm to take things slowly
Medicine with Heart
You called for me?
Oh, Dr. Saito
Take a seat
I felt it necessary to tell your wife she has cancer
What?
I knew how hard it would be for you
But she's not a strong person
You've a big operation today
Representative Fukushima came all the way from Tokyo. He's counting on you
HEY
How long you been there?
Just a second
What're you playing?
Pachelbel's Canon
It's pretty
Want to hear more?
Sit down
Do you ever play stuff like this?
No way
How about singing?
Not in classic guitar
You ever feel like singing?
No
Next time, sing
I can%
It would wreck my concentration
Plus, I'm not allowed to
Who says?
My dad and mom
You sure are obedient
Look that way!
See?
How about if you play, and I sing
Classical is all I know
You sing in English?
My mom sings this song a lot
Well?
It's perfect
I should learn to cook
Store bought food is fine
I've got a conference in Sapporo. Will you be okay?
I'm used to it now
But isn't Mom lonely?
She seems used to it, too
Whenever I visit, she asks me to stay ten more minutes
She does, huh?
Akari?
What's in the yard?
Don't scare me
Here PUPPY!
Come on
Don't run away. Come here
Wait!
Get back here!
Come on. Don't run away!
Wait!
No! Shoo!
Do something!
It's in the house!
Get it out!
Akari, the dog's inside!
Hey doggy!
You scared of dogs, Dad?
Hi, Mom!
- Morning, dear - Morning
You look happy. What's up?
Ta-dum!
I'm keeping her
Really?
Is that okay?
I'll convince your father
Did you know he's afraid of dogs?
Mom, what should we name her?
Judging by her markings, how about Socks?
That's perfect!
Now you've got a name. Socks
Akari?
Now that she's your responsibility, you have to make her the "Ten Promises"
The "Ten Promises"?
Promises I want you to keep and never forget
Like what?
You have to think like a dog
These are her words
1) Listen patiently to what I have to say
Okay
2) Trust me. For I am always on your side
Really?
3) Play with me a lot
4) Don't forget that I have feelings, too
5) Let's never fight
'Cause someday, I'll be big enough to win
We'll see about that
6) If I don't obey you, I have a good reason
7) You have school, and friends
But as for me...
I only have you
Only me?
That's right. You're her whole world
8) Stay my best friend even when I'm old
9) I'll only live about ten years
Is that true?
So let's make every moment count
In ten years
I'll be 24
A long time from now
That's 9 promises... And the last one
10) I'll never forget our life together
So when my time comes, please be by my side
Don't talk like that
Mother left the hospital ahead of schedule
What do the lyrics mean?
It's about a broken heart
But my favorite part is...
"If you're lost you can look"
"And you will find me"In other words, I'll be there
You will, huh?
Socks, too
You sure?
That reminds me
Put this on Socks
How cute!
Socks Saito
It's got our phone number, too
If Socks ever gets lost, go find her, okay?
I will
Let's go, Socks!
Wait, not so fast!
I smell your scent, Mom
That's so you know I'm never far away... l guess
You're like the wind
Okay! Time for a photo. Gather round!
Okay!
Oh, hello
Hello
Would you mind taking our picture?
Not at all
Strike a pose, Socks
Ready?
Say "Maltese"!
Hold still
Well? Can you hear now?
I could always hear you
Well, you never listen to me
Socks, look! Cherry blossoms!
Some doctor I am
I never noticed you were sick
I can't hear you
You're such a girl!
Looks good on you
Look after Akari, okay?
The next time my mother was hospitalized...
she didn't come home
Breakfast's ready, Akari
Not hungry
You need your energy
You've been in bed for two days
I am completely lost
Morning
What's wrong?
My neck
It's from lying in bed on her stomach for so long
Is it serious?
Oh, her spine is all right
It's her state of mind that'll take time to heal
You have no mother too, huh?
But you've got me
Right?
She's gotten big
You know her?
Your mother said she wanted a dog
So I gave her one of my puppies
I didn't know
Want to see your mom?
You can go
Dad?
This isn't soy sauce
Not too good at housekeeping, eh Dad?
I let your mom do everything
Don't worry. Go ahead and pet her
See? No problem
No, Socks. Bad dog!
You feel like playing?
Look that way!
Not easily fooled
I can't move my neck
Look...
that way!
Hey!
I'm fixed!
You did it!
I'm home
Look, Dad!
But how?
Socks cured me
Even a doctor couldn't do it
Socks
A rainbow
Wow, amazing
So pretty
Can I see Mr. Yoshida's chart?
Mr. Yoshida... Mr. Yoshida...
- Here it is - Thanks
Your hair's worse than usual
I need a maid
Don't worry. You'll survive
I've never done a day of house work in my life
I don't know how I'm going to raise a daughter
I lost my mom in junior high. It was me, my dad and my brother
Really?
We couldn't do anything, either. But we managed
The house was a mess, we ate microwave food
No one could iron
But we're all alive... and normal
I'm not sure if that cheered me up
Stop that!
Dr. Saito!
Congratulations on your promotional transfer
You all knew?
It's a very coveted post. Make us proud
You carry with the hopes and dreams...
of all the "little people" you leave behind
Right?
Yes
It starts with finding a sick animal
And that requires a keen eye
Here's zoo vet, Dr. Nakano
It seems like a tough job
But what do you find most interesting about veterinary work?
It's strange but sometimes I confuse animals with humans
Or conversely, understanding how animals feel...
can often lead you to discover more about human behavior as well
Welcome home
I've something to tell you
I'm been transferred to a university hospital
Where?
Um. well... Sapporo
I have to change schools?
I'm sorry
I'll be looking for a place to live
Until then, we'll be living in the faculty dormitory
And?
And so...
we can't take her
No pets allowed
I'm sorry
I'll try to find a house quickly
Will you be okay without me, Socks?
I know I won't be
I'll come visit
What're you writing?
My new phone number
Take care of Socks
I'll come for you soon
Akari...
Sapporo
Saito residence
Akari? It's me, Dad
You'll be late again?
A welcoming party for me
Enjoy yourself, Professor Saito
Ready, Assistant Professor?
We're going to sing tonight!
Can't sleep?
I'll stay with you until you do
Well? Nice tune, huh?
Don't like it?
How about this one?
I know, Socks. You're Akari's mom
He's playing pop music
I'll talk to him
I'll go
No popular music
Until you have your fundamentals
Son
Congratulations
For what?
You've been accepted to a music school in Paris
Really?
Take a look
Work hard
- How cute! - Hi
Socks, are you well?
Really?
I miss you so much!
Two Months Later
"I'm leaving for Paris tomorrow"
Tomorrow?
I'm home
Welcome back
Dad!
You're up pretty late, Akari Saito
Hoshi's going to Paris tomorrow
He's studying abroad, huh?
I promised to see him off
Okay. I'm off tomorrow, anyway
Road trip?
Really?
Dr. Saito?
I'm so glad I caught you
I really need to ask a favor of you
I'm afraid I can't help
Please, it's an emergency! It's Ms. Enoki
I really can't today. Dr. Ichikawa can operate
Impossible
You know how difficult Ms. Enoki can be
She's asked for you specifically
All right. I'll be on my way
Why?
I can't refuse over the phone
Akari... forgive me
No way! I'm seeing Hoshi off
Go ahead
Hold this a second, Dad
Akari, I waited for you, But I had to go - Hoshi
How's my wife?
She's fine
Oh, what a relief!
She's really all right?
Dr. Saito's our top surgeon
He gave up his holiday for this
Thank you so much
We can talk in my office
Dr. Saito will brief you there
Mr. Dean, Sir
May I speak with you?
Excuse us
You'll worry them. What is it?
This
I'm resigning today
What?
I hurt my family over such a simple operation
Shush, they'll hear you
Anything wrong with my wife?!
For Rent
What's a dog doing in here?
Shoo, shoo!
Akari?
I'm sorry. I really am
You didn't deserve this. I'm sorry
Again?
Hello?
Yes, sure
Understood
Akari, we're going
To see Socks
Huh?
Evening
Yes?
I'm Saito. You called
Mr. Saito?
About a golden retriever?
Oh, the dog!
Am I glad to see you!
I'm glad I noticed the phone number
Me, too. Thank you
Not at all
How I've missed you
Good morning
Hello
Good morning!
Good morning
- Off to work? - Yes
Socks is no pet
She's family
All together again
I didn't find out Dad had quit his job until days later
We moved back into our old house and Dad got domestic...
trading his scalpel for a kitchen knife
But he's no natural at it
So he renovated the place and opened his own clinic
Join us, Tomo
Ready?
Here we go
Seven years passed
I entered veterinary school
Let me kiss you, Jiro
Dad became much better around the house
With his surgeon hands, he could cook like a pro now
Taste was another matter
Dad... Akari
There's a blossom on your nose
Socks was her usual self
Jiro, look at you!
Don't make me laugh!
You're so stylish! Look, Socks!
How cute!
Look that way!
Everybody loved Socks
She was famous for never losing at "Look that way"
She brought in clients
Look that way!
You're amazingly good at this!
Try her against this dog, Akari
Okay?
Dog versus dog?
It might work
Here's a tough rival, Socks
Your best challenger yet
Look that way!
Socks is still champ!
How'd you teach her that?
Look that way!
Something wrong?
I was just remembering an old friend
And old flame? What sparked that?
Hey, that suits you
What's Socks doing?
She's admiring herself
What a narcissist
She's fond of finding photos of herself, too
Stop that, Jiro!
You're of high pedigree. Don't embarrass yourself
Silly dog
A new image?
Hey, a rainbow!
How old are you now, Socks?
We've been together so long I didn't notice you're growing old
Have you gotten smaller, too?
Maybe I've grown bigger
We've grown up together
No way!
What is it?
My old friend I told you about
Wow, he turned professional!
Let's go backstage
After the concert
What if he sees you in the audience?
It could throw him off, and he'd hate you
Susumu Hoshi
Let's go
Yes?
Hoshi?
Akari?
What a surprise!
How've you been?
Congratulations
Thanks
Sit down
You've really changed
I have?
I see myself every day so I wouldn't know
Your own recital! How amazing!
Thanks
What's it been? Ten years?
Sorry I didn't make it to see you off
I was waiting
I found your note
So you did come?
Not in time, though
You angry?
Of course not
Good
I'd completely forgotten
Can I see you afterwards?
What, the hug?
Foreign style
He's handsome
You think so?
For my last piece...
I'd like to play Pachelbel's Canon, a favorite from childhood
How you been, girl?
Great to see you
She's a beauty
Really?
Look that way!
I won!
She lost!
Just like old times, isn't it?
Yeah
Recognize this?
It was Mom's
How's it look?
SOCKS, supper!
Come and get it!
Today's our graduation
Dad will walk you, okay?
I'm all dirty!
I'm going to cry
To the cleaners?
No time
Socks, you bad dog!
Sometimes she's such a pain!
Did you miss me?
You two are inseparable
You even took Jiro to your job interview?
He's "Shohei" now
Shohei?
Stop naming him after your boyfriends. Poor thing
You don't mind, right?
Maybe I didn't train Socks right
She's a good, honest dog
Always climbing into my bed
Who? Hoshi?
Socks!
I can't travel anywhere
Did Hoshi invite you somewhere?
Yeah. To his CD recording in Tokyo
And?
Dad's going to a conference. I have to house sit
That explains your mood
Having a dog is confining
Same with family
But at least they can talk
I'm home
Welcome back
Why's she inside?
She looked sad
Stop spoiling her
Back to your house
What's wrong? Are you mad at Socks?
Look at this
Socks did that
That's no big deal
Sure it is
All she has is you
I've sacrificed a lot for her
I'm the one wearing a collar!
Hello, Hoshi? How're you doing?
I'm great. So how was the recording?
I always knew you had talent!
I graduated from veterinary school
And landed a great job at the Asahikawa Zoo
I had to leave home, though
Here, Socks
I'll see ya
Take care, Socks
Look after Dad, okay?
Well, I'm off
Bye
They're losing their habitat by global warming
In 50 years, we may not be able to see them like this
Glucosamine should help fight arthritis
We'll put it in these dumplings
See if that works
Make sure to separate the servings
I was told to first get to know the animals
I'm Akari. How do you do?
But that'll take some time
You missed. That tiger would've eaten you
Look closely
That's how it's done
Work was hard, but it was fun being surrounded by animals
I was so occupied with them that I forgot the time
I thought of Socks less and less
That was pathetic
Keep practicing
Akari's not coming home again
A daughter in her prime is a busy creature
Let's go get a drink
Here. Snacks
It's ironic, isn't it?
I used to be the workaholic neglecting you and Akari
Now it's the reverse
We're the ones being forgotten
We're a lonely pair
I'm sorry
We used to come here for a beer often
This is Hoshi. I can't come to the phone right now. Please leave a message
Hello? This is Saito
I haven't been able to get a hold of Susumu
I'd rather you didn't. He needs to concentrate
I'm home
That's strange
You said you weren't coming home
I changed my mind
Hi, Socks!
Bugs will get in so I'm closing this
You seem down recently
Hoshi hasn't called
On tour again?
I don't know
His cell phone's off. And he doesn't return my email
If I try him at home, his mother tells me not to call
Really? How rude!
Want me to go tell her off?
Don't make things worse
I would just go see him in person
You're right
Is that burdock?
- Chop some cabbage, will you? - OK
Have you seen Hoshi lately?
What's that got to do with cabbage?
An ex-colleague of mine examined him
A medical exam?
He asked for my advice
About what?
You didn't hear about the accident?
What?
He was in a minor traffic accident
His physical injuries have healed but...
But what?
His finger motor skills haven't
It could be psychological
Dad?
Could you take over?
- Hello! - Hello!
Yes?
Hoshi?
Sorry to barge in
I tried to call. You okay?
I injured my neck
And I've lost agility in my fingers
My folks say they just need rehabilitation. But I know better
I've trained these fingers to work a certain way all my life
Rehab won't restore them
Just forget the guitar for a while
A change of pace. I'll help you
I don't think I can do that
I just don't know what to do
All I've ever done is play the guitar
Sorry, but can I be alone?
What should I do?
Too bad you can't help me, Socks
But without you, I'd probably have spent my life being uptight
Please, Socks...
help me again
Yes?
Socks?
Lonely? Call me
Akari put you up to this
Right?
Hello
I'm Saito
Akari?
Long time, no see
Nice to see you again
How can I help you?
Well... could I leave Socks with you again?
What?
She can heal people's spirits. She's done it for me
You mean a "therapy dog"?
Yes. I know she can help Susumu
Truth is...
I debated sending him abroad to study
And making guitar his life
Now he's suffering
I share his pain
For me, it wasn't a traffic accident
It was talent
I didn't have enough
To be honest, Susumu loved taking care of Socks
You'd let him keep her as before?
Yes, please
Hi, Dad
Join me for a drink?
I think I will
Okay. Just for you, Socks
Come here
That's amazing, Socks
You remember this
There are words to this song, too
Listen
He's singing
Socks, what is it?
Thank you
You are such a reliable friend
So strong and mature
You're already older than mom was
Forgive me
I'm sorry, Socks
I've only been able to think about myself lately
And I've treated you coldly
I won't do that again
Let's go in
Can't climb up?
You Okay?
Socks was beginning to grow frail
Asahikawa
Chow time!
It's festering. Could be cirrhosis
We'd better take a sample
Give her some ampicillin
Prepare five days' worth
Happy Birthday! To a decade of friendship!? Hoshi
I'll only live about ten years
So let's make every moment count
Hi, Dad, it's me. How's Socks doing?
Well. you know...
she's been sleeping a lot
Let me hear her voice
Okay. Hold on
Akari's on the line
Socks, can you hear me? It's Akari
Are you well?
I'll come see you real soon, okay?
We'll be waiting. Take care
Dad?
You never call my cell. What's up?
It seems Socks can no longer get up
I know you're busy but can you come home?
Is it bad?
I can't say
I have an operation. I can't get away
Find a way. You promised, remember?
I know I did! You're a doctor. You should understand!
You're right
I do understand
All too well
Come when you can. I'll look after Socks, don't worry
Good luck in surgery
Saito...
you can go home
But...
You'll just get in the way
There'll be another chance. Now go!
You'll be seeing Akari soon
Hang in there
Thanks to you...
Akari was never alone. She grew up happy and strong
Thank you
I'm here!
Come
Akari...
do you remember your ten promises to Socks?
Is this Mom's?
"Listen patiently to what I have to say"
Did I do that?
"Trust me. For I am always on your side"
You truly have been
"Play with me a lot"
Now that I did
"Don't forget that I have feelings, too"
"Let's never fight"
"If I don't obey you, I have a good reason"
"You have school, and friends"
"But as for me, I only have you"
"Stay my best friend, even when I'm old"
Forgive me, Socks
"I'll only live about ten years"
"So let's make every moment count"
"I'll never forget our life together"
"When my time comes, please be by my side"
Akari...
Don't! Don't go, Socks!
Don't leave me!
There's still so much I want to tell you!
I never thought ten years would feel this short!
You were just a puppy not long ago!
Don't make it hard for her
If I stop talking to her, she'll leave!
Socks! Don't go!
Thank you, Socks
For being by my side
Thank you
Socks
Akari?
What's this?
Socks loved photos of herself
I wondered where these went
HEY
It's a letter
Addressed to you
"How are you, Akari?"
"While Socks is alive, think of her as my replacement"
"I know she'll look after you"
"You realize that she cannot live as long as you"
"So when she goes, I will really become the wind"
"Remember when you called me that?"
"Next time a mischievous wind blows, think of it as me by your side"
"With eternal love, Mom"
Hoshi is studying to be a composer
Nope. Absolutely not
I'm not making a speech at your wedding
You don't have to worry
But...
can I ask you something?
What?
It's bothered me for some time
But I kind of prevented you from doing what you wanted, didn't I?
I'm sorry
You quit your job because I was lonely
That was a prestigious university
But I made your life much smaller
Akari...
my life hasn't been the least bit "small"
You're a vet so you know...
you're not a doctor if you spend your life in the lab
I'm so glad I chose to be with you, instead
I learned to cook an omelet
I learned to listen to my patients
By doing those things...
I turned into a real doctor for the first time
And into a real person
You really think that?
Can I talk like a bride now?
Please don't
Thank you for everything
The pleasure's been all mine
Be Happy!
Mom