If cats disappeared from the world,
what would change?
If I were to suddenly disappear,
who on earth would grieve for me?
You may not believe it,
but these are the questions I'm facing right now.
The truth is
I'm about to die.
This is the first and last letter I'll ever send you,
so these will be my parting words.
Here's your mail, Mrs. Yamada.
Ah, good afternoon.
Thank you very much.
Three letters today.
Take care.
Are you eating well?
Yes, don't worry. Bye.
-Good afternoon. -Good afternoon.
If Miyada can't come to work, you're going to have to find someone to replace him.
So go find someone— Ah, see ya.
Hey, Tsutaya,
I'm returning this.
Name's Tatsuya.
Whatever. Here's today's movie.
It's a little more challenging than usual.
Don't think.
Just feel.
Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon.
Thank you.
Doesn't that routine get boring?
Listen, Mika, honey—
Just "Mika".
I got movie tickets.
Not interested.
My life had been a happy one.
The past stretched forward to a boundless future.
Not that I ever thought about the future.
I just took each new morning for granted.
Brewed some coffee, fed the cat, grabbed breakfast and then headed to work.
I simply assumed every morning would continue like this.
It's a brain tumor.
It's close to the brain stem and quite enlarged.
We won't know until further tests but I'd assume it's malignant.
Am I going to die?
It's a serious situation,
and it's quite tricky to operate.
How much longer do I have?
It could turn nasty at any point.
A rupture would result in a fatal cerebral hemorrhage.
You need to get to the hospital for intensive testin—
Are you okay?
Yes.
That was all in my imagination.
What were we talking about?
At that point, I realized something:
When people lose all hope, they don't actually break down.
I just wondered how many more films would I get to see,
How many more books do I get to read?
What a shame that I'd just stocked up on shampoo.
Or that I'd nearly gotten another credit on my dry cleaner loyalty card.
My head was full of these kinds of thoughts.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Jeez, what the hell?!
People always react like that.
Take a seat, let's talk.
What is this? You look just like me.
May I have your name?
May I have your guess?
Are you Death?
Not really.
The Devil?
Uh, okay I'll go with that; I'm the Devil.
Wait wha—
No time for explanations. What're you gonna do?
What am I going to do?
You're going to die pretty soon.
Tomorrow, actually.
Tomorrow?
Yup. You're dying tomorrow.
How do you know that?
Anyways, I'm here to tell you tomorrow's the day.
A great shame, of course.
Eh?
You're happy to die like this?
I don't want to die.
Right, so there's one way to avoid dying.
A way to not die?
Yes.
Can I ask? W—
What are you?
I'm the damn Devil. Concentrate for Christ's sake!
Here comes the pain again.
Eh?
It gets stronger each time.
Not much time left.
Do you really mean it? There's a way to avoid death?
Agree to one thing and I will prolong your life. Piece of cake.
What do you mean?
I erase something from this world and you get another day of life.
Those are the terms.
Erase?
Erase what?
Come on, there's tons of stuff we can get rid of.
The world's full of unnecessary garbage.
Playing cards are useless.
Do we really need Rubik's cubes?
I understand.
You decided? Good boy.
In that case, parsley.
Huh?
Please get rid of that.
How dare you, are you asking me for a favor?
Huh?
Idiot. I decide what we lose.
That's not fair—
Then just die!
You have to lose something in order to gain something.
Those are the rules of this world.
Well then, what should it be?
Let me see; what should it be?
Holy— That scared me.
Sorry!
Hi.
Actually, sir, tomorrow's not good.
I'm sorry.
Actually, may I take the week off?
No, I'm just not feeling well.
Yes. My apologies.
Thank you so much.
That's it.
That's unnecessary.
A'ight, no more phones.
No phones?
I see a look of relief on your face,
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind—"
Not at all.
Obviously. Checking that thing 24/7 is more of a pain than a help, right?
If phones are vanishing—
No ifs, it's happening.
Don't get me worked up like this.
Sorry.
You won't call anyone? This is your last chance.
I will.
So many contacts and yet no one to call?
Of course there is.
Oh yeah? Anyway,
one more day in return for the phones.
Enjoy your last day with a phone.
You just thought, "This is all a bad dream", right?
S E A G U L L
W A T C H S H O P
Just let him stay one night.
Take him back.
I fixed it.
Thank you.
He's a cute one, isn't he?
But, I'm allergic to cats.
Eh?
Okay, shall we give it a try?
Really?
We should give him a name.
How about lettuce?
Eh?
Okay, Lettuce!
All right! It's decided!
Lettuce, come here.
Lettuce, come to me.
Come here.
Mom, it's supposed to be my cat, but it's like he's yours.
That's because you don't take care of him.
Right, Lettuce?
Hey, you've stopped sneezing.
Now that you mention it...
He's mine, give him here!
No, he's mine! Mine! Mine!
Minato Theaters
Long time, no see.
Yeah, it's been a while.
Sorry to bother you...
Not at all,
but why the unexpected call?
It's just that phones—
What about them?
I just wanted to call you.
Why?
Well, let's say you'd die unless phones ceased to exist.
I was wondering who'd be my last call.
Still need to make up stories to face your issues, huh?
Is that why you called?
Something like that, yeah.
Isn't there someone else you should be calling?
Mom...
It's fixed— your watch.
What the hell are you doing?
How come you never came to see her?
What is wrong with you?
Things better with your dad?
Nope.
I see.
Your mother often said she wished you got along.
I never heard that.
I kept seeing her even after we broke up.
Really?
She taught me to cook, we got our hair done together...
Your hair?
I had no idea.
So, why meet up with an ex-girlfriend?
Sorry, I don't really know why.
I just felt like calling.
What's up with your mouth?
A crown fell out this morning. Sorry.
There's no need to apologize.
Where were we?
I said I felt like calling.
A phone call...
That takes us back, huh?
Yeah.
Hello?
Hello? Is this
the Seki residence?
No, it's not.
Oh, sorry.
Is that Metropolis?
Are you watching Fritz Lang's Metropolis?
Yeah, I am.
You're near the end, aren't you?
They're about to drown, but don't worry, they escape last minute.
Sorry, I ruined it, forgive me.
Oh, no, it's okay!
I was worried that it'd be a sad ending.
Now I can just relax and enjoy it.
Do you like movies?
Yeah, but I don't really know much about them.
I have a friend who's an expert, though.
He's teaching me about films. His name's Tsutaya.
What a coincidence that was.
What are the chances a wrong number was coming from a fellow student?
Yeah, true.
But even when we began dating we never talked properly like this.
Yup.
It was great to see it again.
Winona Ryder looks so different as a blonde.
Agreed.
Do you prefer her with dark hair?
I guess.
Did you even notice?
But, when you were on the phone, you got so chatty.
I got nervous face to face.
That's why I loved our phone conversations.
Especially when we got home from a date.
Did you get home yet?
Yeah, I'm home now.
I meant to tell you, I found this great band on the internet.
I'll send you the YouTube link.
What're they called?
Some Russian band I think.
Stupid chitchat about cooks and music,
yet you'd go on as if it was earth-shattering.
We were only a 20 minute walk apart, yet we'd talk for hours.
It would've been faster if we'd met up instead.
We'd talk until morning, then fall asleep on the train the next day.
We'd miss our stops all the time.
It was as if we dated just to call each other.
It was fun.
Then why
did we go our separate ways?
It's not like we grew to dislike each another.
Sometimes, it just happens.
Where are you going?
To the bathroom.
Do you still live here?
Couldn't be better for work.
For sure.
I'll say goodbye then.
Hey, get that tooth fixed soon, okay?
Thanks for coming to see me today.
About what you said earlier,
I don't want phones to vanish.
Without them, we'd never have met.
I guess you're right, but
the thing is
I'll be dead soon.
A terminal brain tumor.
I'm so sorry, I had no idea.
Enjoyed your last date?
Isn't it wonderful to be alive?
All those phones...
I guess we're done with them now, huh?
I don't want phones to vanish.
Without them, we'd never have met.
No way.
What the heck?
Who are you?
I'm sorry.
So, what's next?
You want to keep living, right?
What did you do to her?
What? When something is gone,
all associations with it go, too: thoughts, relationships, all of it.
At least you got another day to live.
So, on to the next thing I'm deleting:
this stuff.
Let's get rid of movies in return for one more day.
Sacrificing things as I go,
how long can I survive?
Shall we go get lunch?
Excuse me.
You like movies, don't you?
Do you?
Sure, I've been going to the local theater since I was a kid.
Minato Theaters?
Yeah.
Did you see Underground?
Yes, I did.
Lucky.
I missed Kusturica's masterpiece.
I'll never forgive my appendix!
Your appendix?
I was in the hospital getting it removed.
I'll always regretted missing that on the big screen.
Oh, okay.
How was it?
What do you mean?
Your thoughts!
The wedding scene is now part of film history:
when that island floats off down the Danube.
That truly deserves a proper viewing.
I'm sorry, I didn't quite get it.
What kind of films do you like?
Well, uh—
"Life's a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in the long run."
Charlie Chaplin's words.
A movie like your life. Not too intense, no huge conflict.
Neither heavy, nor lightweight.
The dialog stays with you long after.
Thanks.
I'll get the next movie ready for you.
You're just like that Tsutaya DVD service.
My name's Tatsuya.
Thank you for this.
This one's for today.
Thank you.
This is for today.
I forgot.
This is for today.
Thanks.
Movies are limitless.
Our exchange can go on forever.
Yeah, true.
To continue our discussion:
Lazlo Kovacs was the cinematographer...
G'morning, Tsutaya.
My name's Tatsuya.
Right.
What's wrong? You look pretty pale.
Worse than usual.
How was the last movie?
Listen—
It wasn't as tricky as you thought, huh?
The title makes it sound worse
If, hypothetically,
before you die,
you could pick one last movie to watch.
Get me that one.
"When I buy a new book, I read the last page first."
"So, in case I die before I finish, I know how it ends."
Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally.
I couldn't choose just one.
I'd be dead before I could decide.
Anyway,
Movies are going to vanish. All of them. Gone forever.
But, we can still have time to watch one more.
So, please, choose my last movie for me.
"You're never really done for as long as you've got a good story and someone to tell it to."
There's no such thing as a last film.
There's no end to them.
Movies and our friendship will last forever.
That's what I was hoping,
but it's coming to an end.
What do you mean?
What's going on?
I can't find it.
What are you looking for?
It's no use; it's not here.
I'll help you. What's the title?
The guy's dying.
Which guy's dying?
It's always been my job to choose his films.
But now I can't find it.
I've been looking all day.
I looked everywhere.
I just can't find it.
Thank you very much.
Not seeing one last movie?
Did you have to choose movies?
What?
Why—
Movies are no big deal, right? Nobody's life depends on them.
Well, yeah, but
there are things that only music and movies can do.
They're a definitive part of our culture.
Are you saying that culture is more important for your survival than food and water?
Life comes first, right?
Well, you're right but—
Then let's get rid of them.
Please, just wait a bit longer!
And, they're gone.
Films are limitless.
Our exchange can go on forever.
Tsutaya...
Looking for anything in particular?
Shall we go get lunch?
If you want to stay, pay your rent.
I'm not a charity! Give me cash!
All right, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I understand.
¡Hola!
Welcome back, love birds.
Thanks, Tom.
The steak was great, just like you said.
Right?
Did you like it, too?
Yes, I liked it.
Let's get drunk!
Or would you two rather be alone?
We would, but we'll join you.
Although we'd rather not.
Alone together it is!
This one is very sweet.
That one is dry. Tastes a little sweet.
Shit, the bus is coming!
Hurry! It's here.
In Argentina, the location of your grave tells people your social class.
This place, for example, is, like, a really posh area.
That bridge over there was in Happy Together.
Happy Together?
The Japanese release was called Buenos Aires.
Oh, I remember now!
Why are you traveling around the world?
I guess I'm running away from time.
Time?
Humans are the only ones who trap themselves by allocating life into hours and minutes.
With our clocks everywhere: on their walls, in every room,
even strapped to our wrists.
My father repairs watches for a living.
Shit, sorry 'bout that.
I'm going to live my life!
Live it for all it's worth!
When you travel,
you learn that much in the world is cruel.
But, at the same time,
you realize an equal number of beautiful things exist.
I envy you.
Like meeting you guys.
Are you ever going to go back to Japan?
I spent 18 years there; that's plenty, right?
Let's say, hypothetically,
if you knew you were going to die soon,
and you'd have to decide where to spend your final days,
would you still not go back to Japan?
Would I go back?
Never really thought about it.
Well, I guess this is it.
It's time to say goodbye.
Our paths may cross again if fate smiles.
Hey, your eyes are watering, Tom!
I always hated goodbyes!
I'll be on my way, then!
Be good to each other, okay?
Adios
So long.
Take care of yourself.
I don't feel like going home now.
Same.
It's a whole nother way of life.
I guess it is.
Nothing changed.
Tom died, but the world kept spinning.
It's like he never even existed.
How's that possible? We were so close.
I'm not sure if I'm sad or not.
If I were to die, would anyone cry for me?
Or would this world
go on as if nothing had happened?
I'm going to live my life!
Live it for all it's worth!
I'm going to live my life!
If I were to suddenly disappear,
who on earth would grieve for me?
Would you cry for me?
Clocks are gone now, you know?
You just had to do that, didn't you?
It gave you another day.
What a relief, huh?
Hang on.
You look fed up.
Tough to lose a connection with someone you love?
Your own life comes first, though, right?
In order to gain something,
you have to lose something.
So I've decided what we'll lose next:
Let's rid the world of cats.
I'm home.
Lettuce won't eat a thing.
Really?
You don't have to copy me, Lettuce.
What do you mean?
Sorry.
The thing is...
What are you going to do?
Do? There's nothing we can do.
Lettuce?
Let him sleep.
He's going somewhere beyond the pain.
It was hard, wasn't it?
Sorry I couldn't help you,
but it's okay now.
No more suffering.
Come here.
I'm home.
Where'd that come from?
I wonder.
He's so cute.
Looks just like Lettuce.
"Cabbage" this time, huh?
That's settled then.
He's got his name.
Welcome,
Cabbage.
I'm sorry, but all our rooms are taken.
That's impossible.
Don't worry about it,
it was my last minute idea to come.
But—
No excuses.
Fully booked?
Yeah, sorry.
Thank you, anyway.
It's quite a nice room.
I think it's awful.
Shall we eat, then?
It's delicious.
Thank you.
Here, I want you to have this.
What?
For when I'm gone.
Stop it!
No farewell letters yet.
I'm going to go take a bath.
Cabbage?
Where are you, Cabbage?
Cabbage?
Cabbage?!
Cabbage!
Can you hear me?
Please relax.
Prepare a strong dose of sedatives.
No!
Calm down, you're in a hospital.
Cabbage!
Mother...
As I sit and write this letter,
I know I'll soon be gone from this world.
I've been thinking about what I'd like to do
before I go;
I want to eat delicious food.
I want to travel a little more.
I want to dress up a little more.
As I was thinking about this, I realized something:
All the things I'd like to do before I die
are things that I want to do for you.
Sadly,
there's nothing I can do for you anymore.
So, I decided to write down all the lovely things about you.
What makes you so special is
that you're always on my side,
that when somebody's happy or sad, you're always there for them,
your lovely face when you sleep,
your unruly hair,
your habit of touching your nose,
the fact that you worry so much about everyone.
Ever since you were born, my life has been truly wonderful.
I can't even begin to explain how much you've changed my life.
Isn't this lovely?
It really is.
The day you were born
was just like today.
Really?
What?
When you were born,
your father thanked you.
"Thank you for coming into this world", he said,
speaking to a newborn baby.
Silly man.
I'm full of regrets now.
On your birthdays, I should've given you flowers,
or at least shown my gratitude.
You know, mom,
did you ever have time for yourself?
For what you wanted? For your dreams?
You always put me first.
You always went shopping for me.
Never bought stuff for yourself.
You're still such a crybaby.
I'll be gone soon, you know?
Be strong.
Right, Cabbage?
You know what?
It's not that people keep cats,
it's that cats allow us to keep them.
Take care of cabbage, okay?
I understand.
Maybe I should rephrase that.
Cabbage, take care of him, okay?
You always worry way too much,
but after all that fussing,
you always find the right answer.
These are the beautiful things about you.
Please stay this way forever.
That way, you'll find happiness,
and I have no doubt you'll make others happy, too.
I hope your uniqueness
will stay with you forever.
Photo time.
Thank you.
Why thank me?
Thanks to you,
I realized the world is made up of so many beautiful things.
Which means
there's no need to get rid of cats.
Of course, I'm scared to die,
but now I know my lifespan,
and I can calmly accept my death.
I figure this is a happy place to be.
You're me, right?
Another me hidden deep inside.
I've been talking to myself all along?
The me who couldn't accept death.
I see.
Being thankful isn't a bad state to die in.
His hands are shaking.
Morning, Cabbage.
It's our last morning together.
Was it you who posted mom's letter?
I held onto it for her.
She told me to send you it when things get bad.
I tried to refuse, but
she said just having the thought of someone having it ready
put her mind at ease.
Really?
I'm so glad we met.
What am I supposed to say?
"You're never really done for, as long as"
"you've got a good story and someone to tell it to."
From The Legend of 1900.
I'm so glad
that I loved movies.
Movies gave me
a best friend.
Dear father,
If cats disappeared from the world, what would change?
If I were to suddenly vanish,
who on earth would grieve for me?
Let's go, Cabbage.
If I am to disappear from this world,
I'll leave behind unfulfilled dreams,
things I never got to do...
I'll only leave behind regrets.
But, I want to believe in that difference
between the world with and without me.
It could be something tiny,
but even that would be proof of my existence.
I'm going to live my life!
I'm going to live my life.
Proof that I struggled, suffered and lived.
Keep it a secret from your mom.
Looks just like Lettuce.
"Cabbage" this time, huh?
Welcome.
Cabbage.
I'm home.
You didn't visit me once.
I fixed it.
Look...
Thank you
for coming into this world.
Thank you.