Love.
Is a strange thing.
Yet everyone yearns for it.
Love.
Something destructive.
The moment you realize it...
you'll get a taste of happiness.
In the end it's just man and woman in the world.
Who will have various encounters...
Many love stories will evolve.
Heartbreaking love.
Unrequited love.
Torrid love.
Predestined love!
It is the year 2000.
Everyone yearns for a
a wonderful love, so
we wander the streets of Tokyo again today.
So why tell a story
that goes against the flow of
time, about young people
who meet at an arranged marriage meeting?
This is a flight to the Happiness Airport...
Our flight time will be an eternity...
The weather in Happiness is fair,
and the temperature is hot and heavy.
The humidity is sticky as altitude
continues to climb.
Please be sure to fasten your seat belts and your bonds of love.
The woman particularly should be sure to tie their purse strings tightly.
We may hit stormy weather and turbulence along the way,
and pots, pans and knives may come flying,
but be assured that the
captain will not let anything get in the way of our safety.
We will be taking off very shortly, so if you turn
your attention to the screen in front, and give your couple
a hand as you watch their kissing scene.
Congratulations, for happy wedding, thank you.
In terms of endurance and performance,
this is one of our best products and
we can recommend it with confidence.
The head contains an excellent computer,
the heart is furnished with a heater to provide superior warmth and
it's equipped with the most intricate circuitry that reaches down to the very end.
We especially recommend this one product here...
Which is fully functional and in good form.
At first glance, it may seem compact to you, but we
can assure you that the rate of expansion is excellent.
Is it that young man that will be next...?
No, the one in the middle.
Ah, I see.
Congratulations!
You were something else when she tossed the bouquet.
I agree.
What do you mean by that?
Like a hawk after its prey.
Once you've got your teeth into it, you won't let it go.
Like you're announcing to the world that you're next.
That's not exactly how it was...
It's been a while since I've worn an uniform...
It's so tight I thought I'd faint.
Mika, thank you.
So, when are you getting married?
Hiroshi and I were thinking maybe sometime in June...
You want to be a June bride?
You should have seen her on her last flight.
Thank you!
Did you know this was an arranged marriage?
You're kidding!
She's been going to marriage meetings after she hit 30.
So how she ended up with that?
She probably didn't care who she married at this point. Even if he was bald or fat.
I wouldn't have arranged marriage even as a last resort.
It would really be bad if you can't even find yourself a man to marry in this day and age.
I might consider it if he was the son of a good family with an annual income of about 3 billion yen.
I'd think about it if he had 300 million yen a year. I'd get a divorce and go to a marriage meeting.
That's a fine thing for a married woman to say.
What is this? I thought it was heavy... It's a vase!
Yuck!
Just what you'd expect from an arranged marriage.
Hello. Ah, it just finished.
I'll meet you at the usual place then.
You're not going to the second party?
Today's Hiroshi's birthday.
Ah... Hiroshi, huh?
-"Here's your present... Me!" -Lewd!
Are you Ms. Nakatani?
Are you Nakatani Setsuko?
Yes, I am.
There sure were a lot of old men at today's second party.
How disgraceful! A drunk!
Hey! Setsu!
What happened, Setsu?
Are you okay?
No, I'm not.
Do you need anything? Medicine? Water?
You should at least drink some water...
I can't...
Oh, no... don't tell me it's morning sickness?
Are you pregnant?
Pregnant?
What's wrong?
Hey Setsu... Are you still alive? Setsu!
Please... don't mention that to me right now...
Just don't talk to me about babies right now.
What happened?
I'll never trust another man in my life.
You idiot!
Matsu Takako
Yuusuke Santamaria
Kubozuka Yosuke
Sato Tamao
Kawahara Ayako
Imai Masayuki
Arranged Marriage
Omiai Kekkon
Hirose, can you come here for a moment?
Okay.
Milan?
Yes.
They want us to send someone from our division over there this spring.
I'd like you to go. How about it?
I'd be happy to go. Thank you.
I'm going to Milan in the spring...?
Thank you very much. I...
By the way...
This has nothing to do with that, but...
Do you have a girlfriend?
Girlfriend? No... I don't.
I see... I see!
Here's to Milan!
It's buongiorno. Buongiorno.
You finally got caught in it.
What do you mean?
The marriage meeting hell.
You're kidding! Marriage meeting?
It couldn't be... Why?
You need a wife to go overseas...
It's policy for all European branch heads.
If you're single, you can't get an overseas position.
Ah! Is that so...
Listen carefully...
The boss' wife... the beautiful lady who was at the wedding reception...?
Her hobby is arranging marriages...
Her purpose in life is matchmaking.
She arranges marriages for anyone who's about to be
sent on an overseas assignment.
How scary!
You'd better hurry and do something, or you'll be in big trouble.
What do you want me to do about it?
I don't want to have an arranged marriage. Even if it is my boss who's suggesting it.
-Right? -That's right! You don't need an arranged marriage.
So I...
I'd rather marry you, Mayumi.
Really?
You'll really marry me?
Yes... that's right.
Will you take me to Milan?
Just leave it to me.
In exchange, will you throw in a freebie?
Sure!
Hey, wait! That's not fair.
We're getting married.
Hirose!
You're going to a marriage meeting this Sunday. Be sure you're free.
Yes, sir.
It can't be helped. All men are like that.
He was two-timing her all this time, and on top of that, the other girl's 8 months pregnant.
He's disgusting.
She was frantic and tried to call Hiroshi, but she couldn't get through.
So, she went to his office, but he'd already moved.
Come to think of it, he seemed like the type who would do that.
Did you think so, too?
-Setsu's terrible when it comes to choosing men. -Yeah, she is.
Is she depressed?
She's past that... She just sits there in a daze.
What is she going to do now? She quit her job.
It looks like the situation's getting even worse.
God's will?
It has to be...
Right, Dear?
Uh? Ah, it must be.
I couldn't sleep at night since your wedding plans fell through.
You're 24 years old, without a job or a boyfriend.
I felt so sorry for my unfortunate daughter...
When this wonderful offer came up...
I knew the gods hadn't abandoned you.
It's a sign that you belong with this man.
Look...
He's a good man... He looks very serious.
And what do you think his name is?
What is it?
Kotaro... the same name as our dog.
Don't you think this is fate?
That's so ridiculous!
I'll look for another job or something, so just leave me alone.
What are you saying? You'll never find another good offer like this again.
Right, Dear? Ah... She's right.
You've always been like this...
You never listen to what we say...
Look at your sister...
She listened to me, and married such a good man.
-You shouldn't do that, Iku. I'll carry that for you. -Ah, thank you!
I've never seen the two of them fight.
That's only because he's so weak.
Look at you...
You're a bad judge of character.
That guy you dated in high school... Nakayama. I'll admit he was good looking,
but he got that girl from another school pregnant and had to leave school.
And that other guy... the flashy one...
-Kawaguchi? -That's it!
He went to school in Canada, and got a girl over there pregnant before he came back.
And now, it's Hiroshi.
So you expect me to jump right in, and go to a marriage meeting?
That has nothing to do with this anyway, and besides...
No decent guy would have to resort to a marriage meeting to meet his wife.
He's a businessman.
No!
He's 27, and he's not the eldest son.
And this spring, he's going to be transferred to Milan.
I'm not interested!
Didn't you say you wanted a Hermes bag?
We'd be willing to... Wouldn't we, Dear?
Ah, sure!
What about a Cartier watch?
I don't want it.
-What about clothes? -You'll need something new.
-Setsuko... -Setsu...
I told you... No!
You can't bribe me with brand name goods!
January, 2000
Let me introduce you.
This is Hirose Kotaro from Kaisan Products Company.
This is Nakatani Setsuko.
Pleased to meet you.
It's nice to meet you.
It's my pleasure.
He's so average looking, and he looks tight-fisted, too.
She's a size 34A... no, B... Definitely a B.
That's such a lovely outfit, Setsuko.
It looks so nice on you.
It's like having a beautiful flower blossom in here...
-Don't you agree, Mr. Hirose? -Yes.
You really think so?
Is this what you call "praise to death"?
Setsuko quit her job as a stewardess, and she's learning how to be a good housewife, isn't she?
Yes... yes, she is.
I don't think so...
Mr. Hirose works under my husband, and he has a very promising future.
Isn't that what you said, Dear?
Yeah. He's worked very hard.
He graduated with honors from the Koma-sen University.
Don't exaggerate...
That was my last resort on my list of universities.
You don't have to be so nervous...
You can talk about anything you want.
That's right Hirose. This is your chance to find out about her.
-Mm... -Ah...
Go ahead.
No... you first.
I heard that you liked to watch movies...
Yes... I used to go to the movie theater often in the past,
but lately, I've been watching video tapes.
What kind of movies to you like?
Let me see... Luchino Visconti...
Actually, adult videos... sorry.
Which one of Visconti's movies?
Mm...
Visconti.
What are you interested in?
Well I...
She's been taking flower arrangement and tea ceremony since she was little.
That's right.
And slot machines, too.
Such a traditional and well-bred young lady.
Not at all
That's just on my resume.
Kotaro,
There's still a lot I haven't taught you from that book you borrowed from me...
I forgot... He went to a marriage meeting today.
She's exquisite. Let's have a look...
A stewardess? Unbelievable.
What would you like to drink?
How about... coffee?
Ah... Right away, sir.
Do you go out drinking with your friends?
Yes, once in a while.
All year long.
You prefer wine?
And a little beer with some Japanese food.
Sorry, but I smoke, too.
Do you drink?
I usually go to the pubs with the guys.
I also go to cabaret clubs a lot... Right, Boss?
I'm sorry, please excuse me.
-Hello? -Hi! It's me!
-Ah? -It's Mayumi from Club New York.
You can have me!
Hello? Kotaro? Are you listening?
You haven't called, so I decided to call you.
About your promise...
Promise?
Yeah. To marry me!
Excuse me! Mayu... Mr. Mayuzumi from New York?
I'm in the middle of something right now.
I'll call you back later.
Thank you.
From New York?
We're living in an age of international communication.
The cellular phone really has become convenient, hasn't it?
It has, hasn't it?
Turn your cellular phone off.
Please excuse me.
-Hello! -Hello? It's me... Hiroshi.
It's been a while.
You sound so formal.
I'm sorry about the other day. I never thought she'd go see you.
Yes...
It's all my fault. You must think I'm such a coward.
Yes, I do.
You sound so cold. All right. I understand.
If that's the way you feel, I won't say anything more.
Actually, I thought we could see each other once more and talk it over, but...
I guess this is goodbye forever then. Bye.
Wait! Good bye? How can you say that?
How did the marriage...?
Welcome back, mother...
What is wrong with you two?
Didn't it work out?
It was going just fine. Setsu was smiling all the time.
You didn't expect me to look unhappy, did you? That would have been childish.
Smiling used to be a part of my job.
So you didn't like him? You're being too picky.
Be sure you turn him down.
And you can have all of this back. I know you wanted these for yourself anyway.
What are you saying? He was a nice man.
What's so nice about him?
Well...
He's very secure...
You're such a bad judge of character...
Let me tell you just one thing...
If you're going to spend the rest of your life with someone, an average person is the best.
Look at your dad... our marriage works because he doesn't have anything going for him.
Yeah, that's right...
If he was really handsome, it would have been terrible.
It's because he's so average that I don't have to worry about other women...
Average men make the best husbands.
It doesn't matter who you marry, they're all the same.
Wait a minute...
There was someone other than your father that I wanted to marry.
What?
It was the same for me...
There was someone I would have given my life to be together with,
but that's not reality...
I listened to your grandmother, and married your father even if I didn't love him.
And it worked out okay!
Setsuko!
Do you understand?
Damn!
What are you doing?
What about you?
I went over to your place, and no one was home.
What was he like?
Nothing special.
Come on... tell me.
I don't want to even think about it. It was a nightmare.
Was he that bad? Was he fat? Bald?
He had hair.
Isn't this enough?
There's no need to rush into marriage.
That's not what you said earlier.
My husband and I were so in love when we got married, and now there's no romance at all.
Mm... Is that so?
Every night when my husband comes home,
I see these two little black lumps on the floor.
What?
His socks. The dirty socks he's been wearing all day long.
Ah....
I'm beginning to wonder
why in the world I have to pick his socks off the floor every single night.
So, the only enjoyment I have in life is to come over and visit you two every so often.
Are you sure you're not going to get in trouble with your mother-in-law by coming over here?
Don't worry about it.
I told her my mother hasn't been feeling well, so I need to go home to help her out once in a while.
Amazing.
Isn't there something fun that we can do? Something that will make my heart race.
Good idea! I want to meet a great guy.
What did you just hide?
Nothing. I didn't hide anything.
-Let me see that. -No!
Don't keep it to yourself. You need to share your happiness.
I didn't meet anyone spectacular on my flight.
Sure you did.
Don't just drop in on me like this... I just got back from a business trip.
This is more relaxing than staying at the dorm.
You're so lucky. Thanks to your dad you get to live in a nice place like this.
If you're going to get sarcastic... Go home.
It's Yumi... Call me when you get back from your business trip.
Don't be so cold. You're so popular with girls...
I'm so tired.
Ho did the marriage meeting go?
Listen to this... She was an elegant beauty in a kimono. And she used to be a stewardess, too.
I don't understand what you don't like about her.
I didn't say I didn't like her.
She's cute. She's cute and elegant...
Her interests are tea ceremony and flower arrangement... She graduated from Keishin Women's College.
She's the ideal candidate for a wife.
You've really fallen for her, haven't you?
It's not like that...
I'm not sure if it's right to make a decision after just one meeting.
But you sold your soul in exchange for a marriage meeting...
you chose your career over love.
So get married! Take responsibility.
What do you mean by that?
I've only met her once. We've never even held hands or kissed. How can I marry her?
But when you went to the meeting and saw that beauty in front of you, I'm sure the thought crossed your mind.
No... you were probably thinking something more dirty.
I was not!
But she used to be a stewardess.
What does that have to do with it?
She used to wear an uniform... She must still have one at home.
Haven't you two forgotten one important thing?
Her feelings about this. If she says no, then that's it, isn't it?
-That's true. -That's true.
If you want to meet a stewardess so badly, I'll introduce you to one.
What are you saying? I never said I wanted you to introduce me one!
That's right. You're younger than us, and you're acting as if you know it all.
I was going to ask the stewardess I met today
for a group date.
It's all my fault. You must think I'm such a coward.
That's right... you coward.
She's late. She's really late.
Let's go already.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
What's wrong?
Aren't you dressed to kill tonight?
What are you saying? This is my everyday outfit.
Are you sure you can stay out again tonight?
No problem. I told her that my mother took a turn for the worse, and I might be late.
So... where's the place?
It's been a while since I've been on a group date.
Hey, don't tell anyone that I'm married.
-Mr. Ohata! -Hello! Good evening!
He's the one.
He's cute.
Are you the stewardess?
I'm Tanuma Kensuke.
Ah, hello!
This is Mika.
Nice to meet you.
Him, too?
Go on.
Let me lead the toast. Nice to meet you all.
-Cheers! -Cheers!
-Mind if I smoke? -Go ahead
Did you have a flight today?
Not today.
You're late, Kotaro.
Sorry.
Don't just stand there.
Sit down. Sit!
I changed my mind...
This is Mr. Hirose.
This is Mika... Setsuko...
Kyoko.
...and Kyoko.
Sit down!
Another draft beer, please.
This is weird...
Have me met before?
Stop it!
That's so old. It's outdated.
Outdated? But I really...
Does that mean you're interested in Setsu?
No... I...!
Actually I like...
But I know I've seen you...
What's wrong? You're so quiet today...
We arranged this all for you.
No... What are you saying?
She said she hasn't met anybody worthwhile lately, so she wanted us to introduce her to a nice man.
She looks like such a sweet young lady,
but she's the toughest one among us when it comes to liquor.
Her hobby is playing with slot machines.
She smokes two packs of cigarettes a day.
Two packs?
Her favorite food is yakiniku.
Stop it.
It doesn't bother her to go on a flight right after she eats yakiniku either.
-That's very bold. -That's very bold.
Isn't the garlic a bit smelly? It probably bothered the passengers.
She's a little different than the stewardess you had the marriage meeting with, isn't she?
A marriage meeting?
Mr. Hirose had a marriage meeting... Didn't you?
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with you...
You're just two different people.
Ah! You are the same one!
You're the kimono-clad beauty in the marriage meeting photo!
-We'll leave you two alone. -Stop that!
We'll finish our group date.
Good luck, Setsu!
-Good luck, Kotaro! -Good luck to me, too.
I'll let the boss in on this.
Boss?
He's the go-between.
Let's have fun, shall we?
Yeah!
Let's have a toast.
Cheers!
I won't forget this.
Thank you for seeing me home.
It's out of your way, isn't it? It's okay.
I wonder what's going to happen with Setsu and Mr. Hirose?
I don't know...
Are you interested in marriage?
Me?
I'm not interested in marriage... anymore.
-Eh? -No, nothing...
Ah! I almost forgot.
This is my e-mail address and my cellphone number.
Give me a call whenever you're free.
Okay.
I never expected to be taking you home like this. It must be fate.
I wonder...
It must be. I thought that all through our little party...
Our eyes were always meeting...
No... you were just staring at me all the time.
I don't mean to sound corny,
but I think the reason I'm still single is so that I could meet you.
No... that's wrong...
A man shouldn't say things like that lightly... Love is...
I'm sorry about tonight. It must be a bother.
No... It's my fault for going along with the group date.
No... it's the same to me.
That's true.
So...
What shall we do?
Uh?
What do we do now?
Ah...
I'd like to hear how you feel about me.
Can I tell you something strange?
Sure...
Let's say if I live to be 75 or 80 years old...
Mm.
I'm 24 right now.
Because of certain circumstances, I quit my job.
But...
If I live for another 50 years, I'd like to be able to say
that I made it on my own.
I don't want to take a path that someone's set before me.
I want to make my own path in life...
That's why I can't even consider marrying someone I met through a marriage meeting.
I'm sorry, but I can't decide on the person I'm going to marry
like I'm picking out a radish from the supermarket.
That's right. I feel the same way.
I...
I can't pick out the woman I marry like I would pick out
a hostess in a cabaret club.
She's going to be someone I care about that I can spend the rest of my life with.
It might sound strange coming from someone who went to a marriage meeting...
But, if I'm going to get married,
I want to be sure we love and understand each other first.
I'm glad that you feel the same way I do.
I'm relieved that you turned me down.
I'd better go...
Shall I take you home? It's pretty late.
No, thanks.
I can get home on my own.
Goodbye.
She called me a radish in a supermarket...
He compared me with a hostess at a cabaret club.
I don't believe this.
This is Nakatani. I'm not home right now. Please leave a message.
Setsuko. I know you're there. Pick up the phone. Are you still asleep?
What do you want so early in the morning?
I heard... He's going to pick you up at your place for
your next date on Sunday.
Who?
Mr. Hirose, of course.
I just got a call from Mrs. Sakuraba. She said that Mr. Hirose really liked you.
What did you say?
Setsuko wants to see you again.
I don't believe it! There must be some mistake!
I heard you two went on a group date...
How did you find out about that?
Mr. Ohata called my husband.
What? For a drive?
But I don't...
You can't do that to me!
I can't...
Don't say that... Go and enjoy yourselves.
Don't forget... this coming Sunday...
Wait!
Wait a minute!
Damn!
Are you ready, Setsu?
Setsu! Take a look at this, Setsu!
What is it?