Edited at https://subtitletools.com
Based on a Novel by OTSUICHI
Directed by TENGAN Daisuke
Waiting in the Dark
An express train will pass through this station.
Please keep well behind the yellow line.
“Michiru”
Let's eat now.
Yes, let’s.
Michiru.
Shall I bring you something?
No, I'm fine.
I'm leaving now.
Take care.
Daddy?
What was Mother like?
She used to wear white blouses.
So you don't intend to ever get a full-time job?
No way.
You know I'm far too greedy.
I couldn't possibly do the same thing all my life.
Are you sure?
But I'm always open to an offer of marriage, though.
Yes, you are too greedy.
What's wrong?
You don't really appear to be blind.
Don't. Why do you have to be so nasty?
Sorry. You're just so cute.
How's your Braille coming along?
I can read a little now.
I'm not very good, though. I'm still a beginner.
But you're a fast learner.
No, I'm not. I have to read with my fingers.
But you were always tenacious. You'll soon master it.
Kazue?
What's happening?
Just stay there.
Did you do anything today?
Not particularly. Same as always.
I'll go to the library tomorrow and get some Braille books for you.
Get some talking books, too.
I got it.
Good night.
I'm leaving now.
Take care.
I left you a card.
“Y”
“A"
“D"
“Y”
“TH”
”BIRH
“Y”
“PP”
”HA”
“PPYH
”BIRH
“TH”
“DAY”
It is 8:21 am.
Hello?
Yes, that‘s me.
What?
Daddy...
It is 6: 44 pm.
“Funeral Service"
Can you come for a moment?
What'll Michiru do from now on?
It was so unexpected.
What can we do?
We commiserate with your loss.
Michiru, come with me.
| just saw your mother standing outside.
She was holding an umbrella.
The first time for 20 years.
I didn't recognize her at first.
| asked her to come inside.
But she refused.
Naturally, it's understandable.
She told me not to tell anyone she was here.
I understand.
Are you sure, dear?
Michiru, come with me.
Over there.
Your mother's standing on the platform.
Mother.
Living here by yourself?
That's impossible.
Please understand. Our place is too small.
So we can't have you with us.
But there‘s a new facility for the disabled nearby.
Listen.
Even if totally blind,
many live alone and take care of themselves.
I have the insurance money from Father's death.
I'll be alright financially.
But still...
I'm legally an adult.
I know this house backwards.
Some dirt on your collar.
Thank you.
I'm sorry we can't do more.
Good night.
So, you are alive?
Kazue?
Let's go.
Where?
You need some sunshine.
It's a lovely day. Let's go out.
So how do you fill your time?
I sleep and I think about various things.
I couldn't stand that. Aren't you ever bored?
No, never.
We're boarding now.
It's getting colder.
Yes, it is.
This winter will be a cold one.
Really?
Don't you mind the cold?
I prefer it to the heat.
The exact opposite of me.
You're like a Sunflower.
What about you?
I'm more like a Sundew.
What's that?
Yes.
Since the accident, my sight has been failing.
Everything I see is in a dim light.
And it's getting darker and darker.
This room looks very dark to me now.
Doctor, will I be like this forever?
In the worst case,
you‘ll end up sensing only very strong light.
It is 9:05 am.
Who is it?
Who's there?
Anyone here?
It is 2:08 pm.
I'm from the police.
Excuse me.
Any other family here?
I live alone.
Notice any strange happenings recently?
Nothing in particular.
No suspicious people about?
Not that I've noticed.
| see.
If you do notice anything, call us at any time.
I'll be off, then.
Thank you, officer.
Don’t cheat us.
We’re the New Japs.
An accident happened at Oh ya Station earlier today.
Police suspect the man may have been pushed onto the track.
The deceased, Toshio Matsunaga, worked for a printing company.
A younger man was seen on the platform at the same time.
He evaded station staff and ran from the scene.
Police wish to question him regarding Matsunaga’s death.
A search is in progress.
An express train will pass through this station.
Please keep well behind the yellow line.
It is 1163 pm.
Good night.
I'm going out shopping now.
Kazue called you around 3 o’clock.
Happy birthday to you.
“Akihiro”
Let's go out drinking tonight.
Sure, if you're paying.
Sure, I will.
Let's go then.
Hi, there.
What's wrong, Mr. Matsunaga?
A pain in my hips.
Too much screwing last night?
Just getting old, I guess.
Oishi, you want to join us for a drink?
I've got something on today.
No point asking him.
The Chinese are weird.
Is he Chinese?
He's mixed, he‘s got Japanese nationality.
But he grew up in China. Mentally, he's not Japanese.
Whatever, when you‘re in Japan, you've gotta act Japanese.
That's right.
Buy me some cigarettes, will you?
“Lark Mild" again?
Welcome.
- Shall I heat it for you? - Please.
You had a business in Italy, did you?
I sure did.
That is so cool!
Will you start a business here in Japan?
You'll be the last to know.
What kind of business?
It sure won't be what I'm doing here.
Good morning.
Bastard.
He‘s Chinese.
A train will arrive on platform 1
Please stand...
What are you after?
Some detergent.
It's behind you.
Thanks.
Use your eyes, idiot.
You got a problem?
Why don't you have a cell phone?
I don't like them.
Cell phones are big in China, too, right?
I'm beat.
This place is too harsh on the workers.
Wakagi, can you finish up there?
I'll have a smoke. You finish up.
Hey, wait a minute.
Please.
I'm not serious about her.
You have more than one?
The woman you choose defines your worth.
Any broad will do me.
Hey, Wakagi.
What?
We haven't finished our work.
You can smoke after we've finished.
Listen, Oishi.
You can handle it yourself.
Did you hear that? I'm still smoking.
Check this then take it to the production dept.
I'm leaving now.
What's with you?
C'mon, let's have that drink.
I can't. Oishi left work for me.
You hate him, too, don't you?
What?
”I‘m doing fine."
“The work is easy."
"Everyone is kind."
"Don't worry about me."
"How are you, Mother?"
“New year holiday?"
“I'm not sure if I can."
”I‘ll call you later."
Hey, Oishi.
Sales is fuming. You ruined this brokerage pamphlet.
I finished my bit then gave it to Wakagi.
He says he knows nothing about it.
That's not right.
You're more experienced. Take more pride in your work.
And try to communicate with your co-workers.
| always do my best.
You've got too much attitude. This is Japan, you know.
Now finish this properly, even if it takes all night.
See you.
Working back tonight? You Chinese are so hungry.
You should quit.
Or else you'll keep making the same mistakes,
over and over again.
What?
An express train will pass through this station.
Please stand well behind the yellow line.
What was Matsunaga like?
He was very good to us.
He wasn't the type of guy who held grudges.
Any problems with Oishi, the one who’s missing?
Well. ..
No idea. I didn't know him very well.
What’s your impression of Oishi?
He was rather gloomy.
Akihiro Oishi came to Japan when he was in junior high school
But he had problems adjusting to school here.
After an incident of Violence, he was expelled from his school.
The way / see it, it wasn’t a case of suicide.
If Oishi wasn’t involved, why did he run away?
Police consider Oishi a prime suspect in the case.
A large poisonous spider was found in Osaka.
Local people are in fear.
This large redback spider...
It is 3:07 pm.
Yes?
I found some washing blown away by the wind.
I think it's yours.
Yes, it's mine.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
Are you visually handicapped?
Yes, I am.
If you've a mind to,
you're very welcome at the “Melanzane” restaurant | work at.
Melanzane?
Yes, Italian restaurant. Good, wholesome food.
Certainly.
I'm Harumi Mishima.
I'm Michiru Honma.
Here we are.
What's it look like?
Very fashionable. It's surrounded by trees.
Watch the steps.
It's like a witch's house.
Welcome. I'll take your coats.
I'll take that.
We met yesterday.
Oh, hello.
- Hello. - This way please.
Over here.
There's the table.
Your chair.
I'll get a menu.
She's the one who found your washing?
Yes, Harumi Mishima. She lives near my place.
It's good to get to know your neighbors.
She's very beautiful.
I'll put your water here, Michiru.
Thank you.
Do you mind?
Not at all.
What's going on?
Taking a picture. I want to finish this roll.
Michiru, lean in closer, please.
Are you ready?
Thank you.
Can you take one of us all?
Thank you.
Join us, Harumi.
Are you sure?
- Sorry, Hiro. - Not at all.
Here I go. Make a funny face!
By the way, where were you when that accident happened?
What accident?
That man who fell into the path of a moving train.
They reckon someone pushed him.
I heard that. His co-worker, apparently.
It happened just near your place. Be careful.
That same day. a policeman came asking questions.
I thought as much.
Listen.
What?
I feel there‘s something in my house.
Not rats, I hope? It is an older building.
Let's get some rat poison.
It could be a ghost.
Don't be silly.
Hey, this is very nice.
Try it, Michiru.
This is delicious. I didn't know this restaurant.
We opened this summer. Are you long-time friends?
Yes, since primary school. It seems like forever.
Good night.
Is anybody here?
No, it‘s not possible.
Hello? Who is it?
Kazue? Don't scare me.
I'm on my way to work. Can I come in?
You keep it very clean.
You're just like a mother-in-Iaw.
You still play the piano?
Yes, sometimes.
This room...
It was your father's, wasn't it?
Remember we used to play in here?
Listen, Michiru.
You haven't really been out since your father died.
No, we went out shopping together, remember?
I don't mean that.
I meant taking a walk, or going to a concert.
Something to fill your days.
I don‘t need all that. I prefer being home alone.
Besides, I get scared going out using my cane.
It's just practice. I can help with that.
I hate being scared. I'd rather stay at home.
Then get a computer. There's so much software available now.
Then you can use e-mail.
I don't like all that. I'm better off as I am.
I have to go now.
0K. See you again.
Watch it! You're in the way.
Thank you.
“Michiru and Akihiro"
What a lovely scarf.
It'll go with your red cardigan.
What color is it?
Dark brown. Like a hippopotamus bathing.
I guess so.
That coat really doesn't suit you.
But it's my father's.
I'm hungry. Let's go eat there.
They've decorated it with lots of little animals.
Guess what this is?
A rabbit?
It has long ears.
I've been here a couple of times since then.
Have you?
Harumi is really very nice.
Everything going well for you recently?
Nothing special.
If you have any problems, call me anytime.
You live very near her, don't you?
Yes, just across from the postbox.
So close? You could run there in 30 seconds.
Less than that. l was an athlete.
Harumi is planning to get married next year.
How I envy her.
Getting married, having kids, buying a house.
I doubt I ever will.
Here you are.
It's a salmon and zucchini salad.
The salad's here.
Here's your fork.
What's your man like?
He's good at that “scooping dolls" game.
You look very happy. I'm so jealous.
This salad is great.
That's 250 yen change.
On the Christmas Eve,
I know you'll be busy, but if you have time,
can you drop by Michiru's place?
I'll make a cake, we can eat it together.
I will, if I have time.
We'll be waiting for you.
The food was great.
Thank you.
Do you want those photos from the other day?
Yes, sure.
Here.
Find someone who'll want to share such things with you.
You have time for tea?
Wait.
Let's practice going outside by yourself.
No need for that.
If you can't do that, you'll be in trouble.
I can't always be with you.
What if I got married and moved to a foreign country?
You plan to?
Just for example.
What if I died?
How would you buy your food?
How will you go outside alone without me?
I can get food delivered.
I'll never go out alone.
And besides...
going out by myself is dangerous.
That's why we should practice.
No.
If I go out alone, I'll be in everyone's way.
So you‘ll spend all your life in this house?
There's nothing good out there.
Yes, there is.
Like what?
Interesting things.
What's interesting for me?
Getting to know people and talking with them.
Don't you think it's interesting to meet different people?
You wanted to become a primary school teacher, didn't you?
You could still do that, you know.
Even if that's impossible, you could find something.
Even with a handicap, you don't have to give up everything.
I‘m not like you, Kazue.
Listen, Michiru.
Your father is gone.
You have nothing here in this house.
I'm not capable like you are, Kazue.
Goodbye.
You're on your own.
Farewell.
Want to join us?
Listen, Oishi.
I bet you've got no friends
in Japan or in China.
You're such a secretive loner.
You're pitiful.
I can live alone.
I'll be fine by myself.
I can do it.
I'll be fine.
Hello .7
Kazue?
Sorry about yesterday.
I need to talk to you.
No, please. Just hear me out.
Sorry.
Thanks. Thanks so much.
What was that?
Just some kids.
Yes, of course.
This is my friend's house.
I know you're not a bad man.
You must be cold like that.
Wear this, I'll borrow something from Kazue.
Thanks.
When I feel your sleeve like that,
it reminds me of my father's sweater.
Wait for me at my place.
The door is not locked.
Kazue will be with me when I get back.
Even if she's not, I'll be OK.
Yes?
Oh, Michiru.
I have to talk to you.
Come on in.
How did you get here?
I walked.
Someone helped me get here.
Who was it?
I got to know him a little while ago.
He supports me when I need help.
I don't think I could get here on my own.
I‘d have died at least 3 times on the way.
You didn't get lost?
No.
Maybe I would have, if I'd been alone.
But from now on...
|'|I practice going outside a little at a time.
That's the opposite of what you said earlier.
I know.
Because you were so concerned,
I thought I'd try and do it for you.
Michiru?
Kazue...
I really enjoyed going out.
Thanks, Kazue. I'm OK from here.
Are you sure?
I'll come with the cake tomorrow.
You live just in front, don't you?
Do you know me?
I've been here for quite a while.
I know most people by sight now.
Can you tell me about the accident the other day?
I live next door, but I know nothing about it.
Yes, of course.
It wasn‘t an accident, it was a murder.
Murder?
Yoshikawa.
Come here.
He witnessed it.
Tell her what you saw.
I saw it only briefly.
Please tell me.
That morning,
the deceased arrived just after the 7:10 train passed.
He was Toshio Matsunaga, a regular commuter.
A litter later, another man came.
That was Akihiro Oishi, he worked at the same printing plant.
Then the 7:23 express passed through the station.
Hey.
Wait!
At first I thought it was an accident.
He should have known he can't run forever.
So you saw this Akihiro Oishi
actually push him?
No. I saw Mr. Matsunaga on the tracks.
Did the driver see anything?
No, not until he hit him.
No one else was on the platform?
No, only those two passed through the gate.
Window.
”Yes, still in the same town."
“Mother."
“Please calm down. I didn't do it."
“I saw the person who did."
“I'm the only witness."
“Yes, but...”
”I don't know who she is."
"The police will never believe me."
”I‘m their only suspect."
“Plus I'm half Chinese."
“Sorry. "
“It‘s not your fault."
“I thought I'd maybe see her again."
“So I've been hiding, watching the platform."
"Do you believe me?"
“Thanks Mom.”
That's her!
Hey!
No.
No, it wasn't me!
Come back!
It's as if you're not really blind.
I've been cooking since I was a girl.
That's one thing you do better than me.
Anything else?
The capacity to do nothing for days on end.
That's hardly a merit.
You're actually strong and wise.
Far more so than me.
I wonder.
How about some crackers?
Do you like them?
Those ones with the crunchy sound?
I really love them. I love the smell, too.
I'll go get some.
If I can't get them nearby, I'll go to the supermarket.
It is 4:01 pm.
Who's there?
I didn't know what to say.
Mr. Oishi?
So you know my name?
I thought you'd gone.
I did plan to.
I snuck into your house
and I stayed on.
I'm sorry.
Is that all you have to say?
I'll be back to apologize.
But there's something I must do first.
I am...
...I'm innocent.
A woman did it.
So that's why
you kept looking out of the window?
I thought she‘d come back, but she never did.
But...
I saw her in a picture with you.
It was in your coat pocket.
Wearing a waitresses' uniform.
...I saw her do it.
I know that she was
Toshio Matsunaga's lover.
Why did she do it?
Is she your friend?
Since when?
Later.
I'll take you to her restaurant.
But first, my friend is coming.
Just give me some time.
OK, I'll wait.
Where's Kazue?
She's gone out. Let's eat the cake when she's back.
I'm uncomfortable doing nothing.
You're my guest. You always took good care of me.
Listen, Harumi.
Can I ask you some questions?
Sure. What do you want to know?
About your lover. You have a boyfriend, don't you?
What's his occupation?
He works at a printing company, but he'll start his own soon.
What was he like?
He's very funny. He's a very good talker.
I always enjoy being with him.
You won't see him today?
He has a meeting.
Last Christmas Eve, we went to Karaoke together.
We sang all night. We really had a fun.
Michiru? Are you ill?
That man who died at the station recently,
he also worked at a printing company.
I saw it on the news.
Do you commute from that station?
No, I rarely use it.
Some young man was seen running away, wasn‘t he?
Akihiro Oishi was his name.
Harumi.
Tell me your lover's name.
No, it‘s too embarrassing.
I'll tell you after we're engaged.
Listen, Harumi.
The man you loved
is already dead, isn't he?
You brought me my washing that very day.
But it wasn't blown off by the wind.
You wanted an excuse to visit me.
So you took it off my washing line.
Why do you say that?
When you pushed him
into the path of the train,
you saw me standing at the window.
You wanted to escape all suspicion.
When you knew the police were after Oishi, you worried about me.
I'm sorry.
But...
...I can't think of any other reason why you came.
Mother!
Are you OK?
Michiru?
What happened?
Who are you?
Are you OK?
I'm fine.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
We all suspected you.
But you're innocent, after all.
So you don't have to quit.
But I will, anyway.
Thank you for everything.
I'm about to get kicked out of my apartment.
Everyone still believes
I actually killed him.
Over there.
You can live there.
Listen.
I was going to kill him.
But my hands were trembling, my heart was racing.
| just couldn't do it.
But if she hadn't done it,
maybe I would have.
So...
...I‘m as bad as she is.
You know...
...both in Japan and China,
at school and at work,
I've been always searching for my place.
But I could never find it.
There's no place for me in all the world.
That's what I used to believe.
But...
...I thought it over while I sat there.
And it finally came to me.
What I really need is not a place to stay.
But...
...someone who wants me to stay.
Sorry, I can't put it into the right words.
Kazue asked me to come over and cheer you up.
But I can't.
I'm leaving.
Is it fine out today?
Is it nice and sunny?
Yes, it's beautiful.
Will you come for a walk with me?
Listen.
Like the flowers and buds sprout in the Spring.
Even if it‘s gradual,
I wish all of us...
and everything would come into bloom.
So...
And so...
Thank you.
Now |' m confident
that I can come into bloom.
I'm sure of it.
Thank you.
TANAKA Rena
CHEN Bo-Iin
IGAWA Haruka
MIYAJI Mao
KISHIBE Ittoku
SATO Koichi
Produced by KUMAZAWA Yoshinori, KAMEYAMA Keiji, MATSUBARA Morimichi, KOBAYASHI Eitaro, ANNO Toshiaki, KONISHI Keisuke
Executive Producers: TOHYA Nobuyuki, UMEZAWA Michihiko
Co-Executive Producer: SATAN! Hidemi
Producers: OANA Katsuyuki, KOGA Shunsuke
Based on the Novel "Kuraitokoro de Machiawase" by OTSUICHI
Director of Photography: FURUYA Takumi
Lighting Director: KONNO Takeshi
Production Designer: INAGAKI Hisao
Sound Mixer/Editor: YANO Masahito
Film Editor: ABE Hirohide
Music: Meyna Co.
Production in Association with Rumble Fish
A SeP and SUPLEX production
GENEON ENTERTAINMENT, tv asahi, AD-GEAR, c-style, SeP, PHANTOM FILM present
Written and Directed by TENGAN Daisuke