A Shochiku Film
Tokyo Twilight
Screenplay: Kogo Noda Yasujiro Ozu
Producer: Shizuo Yamanouchi
Cinematography: Yuharu Atsuta
Production design: Tatsuo Hamada
Sound recording: Yoshisaburo Senoo
Music: Takanobu Saito
Editing: Yoshiyasu Hamamura
Cast:
Setsuko Hara
Ineko Arima
Chishu Ryu
Isuzu Yamada
Teiji Takahashi
Masami Taura
Haruko Sugimura
So Yamamura
Directed by Yasujiro Ozu
Oh, what a surprise! Good to see you.
It's been a while.
It's so cold lately.
Yes, quite chilly.
Do you make it back here much?
Occasionally.
The new branch manager often brings his staff here.
He does? Okabe likes a tipple too.
You've got good timing.
We've got some konowata today.
Oh? That is good timing. Heat some up for me.
Hey lady, me too.
- What? - Konowata.
And some sake. Warmed up.
All my regulars from your company
eventually get transferred to head office.
Indeed.
But that's a promotion, so it can't be helped.
Where's Akemi today?
Gone skiing, with her friends.
Out past the Shimizu Tunnel. I forget the name.
I hear they get 350 kilometers of snow.
I doubt that.
350 kilometers would reach Nagoya. You mean centimeters.
Is that right? How embarrassing...
Has your daughter gone skiing too?
She hasn't yet. She will soon enough.
How about some oysters? They're from Matoya in Mie.
That'd be great.
Any preference?
Rice porridge perhaps.
Hey lady, oysters for me too. Vinegared. Rice porridge later.
Vinegared for me too.
You'll have some?
- It's getting colder. - Sure is.
Wow, this is swell. Smells great.
You from Shima, in Mie?
Yes, from Anori.
Really? That takes me back.
You know, my little sister's husband is from Nakiri.
Mister, do you know it?
No, I'm afraid I don't, but I've been to Kashikojima Island.
That's a swell place too. You in the pearl trade?
Actually, I...
...work for a bank. Kashikojima's pretty. The sea's so blue.
You said it, pal. And deep.
I've been all the way around it on a steamship.
As for the pearls, from what I heard,
they only grow naturally in a place like that.
He passed away, but that Mr. Mikimoto sure was a shrewd fella, right?
Indeed.
Hey sir.
The other night, just past midnight, Mr. Numata stopped by.
He did? Alone?
No, with two of his students.
He was quite drunk already.
Oh?
It seems his students were in the middle of taking him home.
What a nuisance.
It wasn't. It wasn't, really.
He drops in regularly?
No, not lately.
He forgot his hat.
He'll be back for it eventually.
Mister, fancy a drink?
Well, I can't say no.
I'm home.
Hello Father.
- Oh, you came. - You must be cold.
Ms. Tomizawa?
I sent her home.
Michiko's fast asleep.
What time did you get here?
Past noon. Have you eaten?
Just did.
Oh.
Here.
Seen my socks?
Where are they?
Can't find them?
Ms. Tomizawa must've washed them. The bottom drawer?
Found them.
Is Numata well?
He is.
I read that magazine article of his. “Resistance for Liberty."
Any good?
Rather interesting.
Does he get many requests?
Things seem to be good.
With what?
His work.
Care for some tea?
Come sit with me.
Isn't it late for you?
No, it's fine.
Numata came home late?
When?
He was drunk.
When was that? It happens a lot.
He drinks a lot?
Yes. Nowadays.
Something must be bothering him, I suppose.
Like what?
Hello.
Oh, you were home, Akiko?
Takako, I made your bed.
Thanks.
Akiko, want some tea?
I'm fine.
You won't go home?
No.
Why not?
Did something happen again? What is it?
You fought with Numata again?
That's too bad.
Father, shall I make our beds?
It's my lot.
Hey. Come here. Sit.
What's wrong?
It's alright. Just forget it.
But...
It's alright. That's his way.
What's his way?
He's sick. He gets like that at times. Irritable.
He picks on Michiko, even when she's good.
When his friends do well, or he has a bad day teaching...
- Even so... - It's the truth.
He's neurotic.
I'll talk to him.
It won't help. He'll just make you angry.
That's his way.
“Bank”
It's troublesome, but please do your best.
- You have a visitor. - Oh?
- Hello. - Hey there.
What's up?
I came to see Mr. Hiraki.
Had lunch yet, Shukichi?
No. Not yet.
Say...
Come in.
The funeral is the day after tomorrow, at I p.m.
I p.m.? At Seishoji Temple?
Have you been to that place, Brother?
Where?
It's tasty, and pretty.
What is it?
An eel place. Want to go?
You're free now?
I am. Let's go there. My treat.
Alright then.
Come in.
Ms. Kobayashi, I'll be back by 2. Take a message if anyone calls.
Hey girl.
Bathroom?
Corridor on the right, at the end.
“Eel cuisine”
Thank you sir.
I'll have the medium with soup.
Fancy a drink?
Not at lunch.
Go on. One bottle please.
And grilled guts. For one.
Let me use your phone.
Oh, hello.
Hello? Chu?
I'm at Gofukubashi. My favorite eel place.
Right. Put the director on.
Mr. Shinoda? It's me.
My bank meeting went well, so please go ahead with it.
Yes, that's right. Please do.
Thank you.
Oh yes... No, never mind.
What a pain!
Business is such a burden.
It seems to be booming.
Not quite, but when you run your own...
Father's 13th memorial is soon.
What should we do?
We don't have to go.
I'll send something.
Would you?
I will.
1,000 yen will do.
Yes, that's plenty.
How's Akiko?
Why ask?
Well, the other day, she came to ask for a loan.
When?
A few days ago.
That's right. I was heading out to Utena. Yes, it was Tuesday.
What was it for?
She wouldn't say. She told me not to ask. 5,000 yen.
Did you give it to her?
I'm not such a pushover.
So Shukichi, you should make sure she finds a good man soon.
Thank you for waiting.
Excuse me.
Pickles please.
Good?
She should've explained. What could it be?
That's unlike her. What would she need it for? It's odd.
So, what did she say?
She gave up and left.
She didn't tell me.
I'll bet. Young people these days are impossible to figure out.
You should marry her off soon.
You're right.
I'll try to find her a suitor.
It'll be easy. She's pretty.
Fancy another?
“Aioi Apartments"
Yeah? Who is it?
Oh, it's only you.
Your timing's awful. Look. I had a great hand. A killer.
Sorry to interrupt.
No, your timing's great. You saved me.
Whatever. Come in.
Say, do you know where Ken is?
He's not here? School, I guess.
He wouldn't go on such a fine day.
Or if it rained either.
You two deadbeats. I pity your fathers back home.
Hey, lock the door.
Good hand. I'm the dealer? Forget it, I'm out.
Why? It's just us now?
Okay, let's go.
Non, any idea where he might be?
Who? Ken?
Listen, Aki. Don't wear Ken out.
What?
He's gotten skinny.
What do you like about him? Huh? Well?
Beats me.
Don't play coy. Come on.
What? What do you like? Well?
Don't badger me.
I know already.
I know.
Hey Aki. There's a lady who knows you.
Who?
Oh, darn. I see.
Who?
- At a mahjong joint. - Where?
- Gotanda. - What's it called?
What's it called?
- What? - The mahjong joint.
Kotobuki, I think.
I've never been there.
But she asked a lot about you.
I don't know her. She must be confused.
- Still, she knows you. - I don't know her.
Game over.
It's all mine.
Rm going.
Oh. What a pity.
You can lock it.
Leave your cigarettes.
Goodbye.
Sorry I can't offer you much.
Please.
How about this? Too hard for you, sir?
Are you busy at work?
Well, more or less.
I'd be fine if I had translation work,
but there's too much competition.
Maruzen got this a few days ago,
but somebody's already translating it.
It's hopeless.
Listen, about Takako...
Oh, right.
Sorry about that. ls Michiko bothering you?
No, not at all.
Like they say, grandchildren are the cutest. ls that true?
What do you think, sir? I'm not sure I'd agree.
Well...
I mean, I suppose it's possible.
But I wouldn't call that real love.
Anyway, love is... How can I put it?
I'd never favor a grandchild over my own child.
That would be a tragedy.
I think of love between a parent and a child
as a primitive animal instinct.
About Takako...
Oh, of course.
Where do you stand?
Did she say something to you?
Nothing in particular.
Two nights ago, we had a little disagreement,
and she said she needed time to think.
When I woke, she was gone.
It was late, as I'd been working all night.
More, sir?
No, none for me.
Japanese whisky has really improved.
It's snowing, sir.
I didn't think it would.
I'm home.
Hello. Did you get caught?
It might pile up. I wasn't prepared.
You're soaking wet.
I went to see Numata.
Oh?
Where's Michiko?
In bed. She didn't have a nap today.
I see.
It's chilly.
Hey, about Numata...
Not now.
Hey.
Hey!
Father, wasn't it uncomfortable?
What?
Meeting him.
Of course it wasn't.
But...
Even so, he's changed. He wasn't like that before.
He was a cheerful fellow.
I thought about it on the train, and I feel like I've done you wrong.
Why? You haven't.
All things considered, Sato would've been better for you.
You thought he was alright too.
Forget it, Father. Forget it.
But I urged you to choose Numata.
I'll check the bath.
I'm home.
Hey.
- What? - Come here.
What?
You asked your aunt for a loan?
I did.
Why didn't you tell me?
Why did you need it?
Forget it. It's over now.
Hey.
Come here.
What was it for?
A friend was in trouble.
Then why didn't you tell me?
It was sudden.
What was sudden?
I had no choice. You were out, and I didn't know where.
Forget it.
Father, have your bath. The cover's off.
Is Aki alright?
Well...
She's a worry.
“Kotobuki " (Jubilee)
This one's dangerous.
This one too. Fine.
Very good.
Mentanpin, 9-6. I'll take that.
You're on fire, Yakko.
We're just revving up.
I'm hopeless. Today's not my day.
Hey mister, order some ramen.
Sure. Just one?
Anyone else?
Hello.
Wow. You're on a roll.
No way. I'm bleeding money.
- Whose turn? - South wind.
Non, don't interfere. No coaching.
Who's winning?
Yakko. She's unbeatable.
Oh, this one.
Non!
Sir, Mr. Kanematsu's here.
Sir?
Alright, alright.
- What is it? - Ryanpin.
Ryanpin, huh?
Sir, Mr. Kanematsu's in a hurry.
Rm going.
Pon.
I lost that.
This one?
No, this one.
Of course. Okay then.
No coaching.
Hello.
You're back.
Hey ma'am.
She's that girl.
Hello.
Hey, your turn.
Ready hand.
Again? You're so quick.
There it is.
One dora, three-color, pinfu.
That's huge! A 5-7-6!
So much for going home.
You're fine. Hey, let's switch.
I'm not doing well.
Don't worry, it's nothing.
So, did you find Ken?
No, he hasn't come back.
Akiko, come sit here.
Come, sit here.
Ma'am, how do you know me?
You lived in Higashigokencho, in Ushigome?
Yes, when I was little. I don't remember much.
I lived near you.
You did?
Is your family well?
- Yes. - Your big sister too?
- Yes. - Children?
A girl.
Is that so? How old?
Two.
Oh? She must be cute.
And your big brother?
He died.
Oh dear. What happened?
He fell. On Mount Tanigawa.
When?
The summer of '51.
Is that so?
Your ramen's coming.
Mister, could you order dry curry? From Ponchi-Ken?
Sure.
Soma hasn't come yet?
Not yet.
Pon.
Come in, I'll make tea.
Let's go in. Let's go inside.
Where do you live?
Zoshigaya.
Oh?
And are you working?
No. I'm studying English stenography.
Oh? Do you come here often?
No. Only occasionally.
I see. That's for the best.
Hey, I'm done.
Who won?
Don't ask that. No class, right?
You taught me a lesson. Now I really can't go home.
Ken's rather late.
I'm home.
Hello. Lock the door, would you?
Hello.
Hello. Have you eaten?
I have.
You're up late.
I was waiting.
Now I can sleep.
Father's worried.
About what?
I hear you often come home late.
Why is that?
Stenography is difficult,
so I practice at a friend's place.
I told Father that.
You should come home earlier. He worries.
Say, Takako.
I met a strange woman who knows us well.
Who?
She says she lived near us when we were in Higashigokencho.
What does she do?
She runs a mahjong joint.
You go there?
No, I was invited.
That woman knows you well.
I wonder why?
She knew our brother too.
What was she like?
Hard to say.
How old?
She looked young, but I'm not sure. She's pretty.
Oh?
She runs it alone?
No, with a man.
Was he tall?
Not so much, but he's funny and sprightly.
Oh...
You know, I got the feeling she could be our mother.
Why's that?
No reason. Just a feeling.
She's not Mother. She's someone else.
It couldn't be her.
I guess so.
I was only three when...
Exactly.
“Chinchin -Ken”
Hello.
Table for one?
Mister, have you seen Ken?
Oh, Mr. Kimura? I haven't lately.
Oh. You haven't?
I haven't.
Hey! When did we last deliver to Mr. Kimura at Aioi?
Two nights ago.
Oh...
I'll be back.
Who was that?
She comes a lot, with Mr. Kimura. She's a wild one.
- The briquette's lit. - Okay.
Hey! Shut that bottom hole.
Please close it, dear.
' Morning.
Hey. You're early.
Early shift.
- ' Morning. - ' Morning.
Hello.
Hey. What's up?
Please, do you know where he is?
You still don't know?
No.
I saw him earlier.
You did? I went to look.
You're hot on his tail. What's up?
A personal matter.
Don't overdo it. The sheets'll catch fire.
Why?
Well, that's for me to know.
Water please.
Water?
Goodbye.
Going already?
Cool your jets.
Hey Aki, you lucked out.
We need to talk.
About what?
Come with me.
I'm busy though.
I'll be quick.
Hey Ken. Humor her.
Come on.
Where did you go with the madam last night?
Nowhere.
I saw you get in a car at Sukiyabashi.
You did? I saw you too, getting in a car with Kon.
Oh please. He hasn't got the nerve.
This is bad. ls it even possible?
What?
But really...
Are you serious?
Do you seriously think I'm lying?
Do you think I could?
No I don't, but...
This is bad.
I'm the one who's worried. Much more than you.
Start taking it seriously. Don't be so thoughtless.
I'm not thoughtless. I've thought a lot since you told me.
But you've been avoiding me all this time.
I didn't avoid you.
You did. You avoided me.
So, what should we do?
But...is it really mine?
Whose could it be?!
Well? Whose do you think it is?
You doubt me that much?!
I don't doubt you.
Then what should we do? What will you do?
What on earth can I do?!
Hey. Hey.
Quit crying, okay?
Let's think together.
This is bad...
I've got to go.
I have to be at Professor Otsuka's by 6:30.
Wait for me at Etoile, okay?
I'll be there by 9:30, so do as I say. Alright?
Okay, I'm going. Wait for me, won't you?
So, what's wrong? Well?
Come on, tell me.
Hello.
Hey.
Thank you.
And what did you say?
Nothing.
Like hell.
It's pretty late.
What brings you here?
What's on your mind?
Something worrying you?
Waiting for someone?
Is that a problem?
No problem at all. You've been here a while.
Where do you live?
Who cares?
Where do you live?
Who cares?
I care. Where?
Who are you?
I've seen you around.
Where do you live?
Come on. Spit it out.
This is a regular thing for you.
No sirree!
A guy your age stealing petticoats. What for?
You got a wife?
No sirree!
Hey you. You must be cold. Come here.
Yeah? Hello?
That's right.
No, I haven't heard anything.
Aha. Aha. Understood.
Excuse me, I'm Akiko Sugiyama's sister.
Oh, thanks for coming. Wada, she's here.
Right. Please come in.
Sorry to call you here.
You're her older sister? Takako, correct?
Please, sit down.
My father had other commitments.
I see. I'm sure he's surprised.
She hasn't committed any crime,
but young people these days are trouble-prone.
You need to be strict with her.
Whatever the reason, she shouldn't be out so late.
I'm so sorry.
Hey. Hey you. Come over here.
She's a stubborn one.
What happened? Aki?
What happened?
I won't go in.
It's alright. Father doesn't know.
Please, come in.
Hey. Hey!
Father, you're up?
I am. Come here.
Akiko! You too.
Father, it's late...
Come here, I said.
Come here, Akiko.
Where were you?
I got a call soon after you left.
Not from Numata, the police.
Why didn't you say?
Why hide it?
Akiko, why were you with the police?
Sit.
Father, it's late, so let's talk tomorrow.
Akiko, what happened?
Why did they bring you in?
What did you do?
Hey, why won't you talk?
Why the police?
I didn't raise you to be a criminal.
Please Father, don't...
Aki was...
Stay out of this.
Akiko, what happened?
It's nothing important.
She was waiting for a friend at a cafe.
Why were you waiting at such a late hour?
Akiko, why were you waiting?
Can't tell me? You're no daughter of mine.
Father, don't...
Father, it really is late. Please get some sleep.
Let's talk tomorrow.
Aki, you hurry upstairs too. Go on.
Hey.
Father, leave her.
That foolish girl.
Why'd she turn out that way?
So foolish.
Aki's lonely, I'm sure of it.
Father, please be more gentle with her.
Since she was little, she grew up without a mother.
So she's lonely.
Even so, I've done my best to make sure she wasn't lonely.
Still, without a mother...
I've given her as much affection as I could.
So much so, I feared you'd be jealous.
Now this has happened, I wonder if I was mistaken.
You know, raising children...
...isn't easy.
Father, please get some sleep.
Has Numata tried to contact you?
No.
Oh...
Good night.
Sun up?
Come on, go to sleep.
Takako...
I'm a burden, aren't I?
Why do you say that?
Like mother, like daughter.
I wish I'd never been born.
Hold this.
Hello! Are you in, Shukichi?
Oh, Auntie. Hello.
Is your father in?
- He is. - Good.
Hello. I rushed here to catch you.
I'll go in after lunch. What's up?
- Have a seat. - I'll be fine.
Michiko, what a good girl you are.
What's this?
Shukichi, about our talk...
About what?
Takako? Takako? Come here.
Shukichi, you too.
What is it?
Where's Akiko?
Gone to school.
Oh? Perfect.
- Is Numata well? - Yes.
Oh? That's good.
Shukichi, about our talk.
Try this cream. Our new product. On sale soon.
Thank you.
- How about these? - What?
For Akiko. Either one.
Oh, that's the long-faced one.
Remember that stroke victim a few years ago?
The famous politician. He's his second son.
He's long-faced alright.
He is!
I prefer the other one.
He's the second son of a client, a wholesaler in Horidome.
He works there now. He's a Rikkyo grad.
And handsome, like Kinnosuke Yorozuya.
Well?
Oh. By the way.
Amazingly, I bumped into her.
Who?
Two days ago, at Daimaru store, I took the escalator up.
I recognized her from behind.
I checked, and it was her.
Who?
Kikuko.
Mother?
Right. She repatriated two years ago.
It was her...
Did you know?
I didn't.
So, Kikuko was with a man, and in a hurry.
I took her to the cafeteria to find out more.
She's had it tough.
Takako, you listen too.
Mr. Yamazaki was a POW in Amur Oblast, and died.
So Kikuko... Where was it? Not Koshigoe, Blago...
Yes, Blagoveshchensk.
She heard it there, then went to Nakhodka.
Now she runs a mahjong place in Gotanda.
She wouldn't say if she's single,
but she seems to have a husband.
Met him in Nakhodka.
Auntie...
What?
What's he like?
Messy hair, and cheerful.
Strange, isn't it? We'd never have met but for that escalator.
It's amazing.
So, which one is best?
I wonder.
“This way to Kotobuki"
Hello.
Mother?
It's Takako.
Taka dear?
Please, please! Come in.
Please, come in.
Come on in. Please.
I'm fine.
Say, what's wrong? Please, come in.
Please.
I'm so glad you came.
I hear you're a mother now too. A girl?
Yes.
I bet she's cute.
What's your husband like? Working?
For you.
Mother, I came to ask you something.
What is it? Ask me anything.
I don't want you to tell Aki that you're her mother.
Aki doesn't remember anything about you.
Your photos burned in the war. She won't recognize you.
It's too late for you to tell her you're her mother.
Why? Why shouldn't I?
It would hurt Father. Don't you think?
Please do as I ask. I'll go now.
Hello.
Who was that leaving?
Hello dear.
She's pretty. Who is she?
The sister of that girl who came with Mr. Matsushita.
She came for her.
Oh. She's a beauty.
Say, about Soma's offer. He can't wait.
He's genuinely worried about us. I'd like to go.
Muroran is way better than Jiamusi.
Manchurian winters are freezing.
So, how about it? Don't want to go?
It'll be a good job, working in sales.
You go if you want.
You don't want to?
I don't want to go alone.
It's too cold in Muroran to sleep by myself.
Please, come with me. Let's go together.
“Kasahara Gynecology Clinic”
Get some rest, and don't strain yourself.
Can't have any more bleeding.
How much?
200 yen this time.
Thank you.
Take care.
Alright, who's next?
Have a seat.
I remember you. What's your name?
Sugiyama.
Miss Sugiyama.
What'll it be? What's your decision?
Well... I think I should...
I see. That's for the best. You look frail to me.
Here.
Where do you work? Shinjuku? Shibuya?
I get a lot of girls like you here.
Sometimes they're even from well-to-do families.
Without a good reason, I refuse.
- Well... - What?
Do I have to stay?
Just a few hours till the anesthetic wears off.
Then get some rest at home.
Thermometer please.
No fever then.
How about today?
Yes...please.
I see.
I charge 3,000 yen. Do you have it?
I do.
You do? Often, once it's over,
many girls say they can't afford it.
You won't?
No.
Not now.
After's fine. That'll be fine.
Okay, come here.
In there.
Michiko, what a clever girl.
Who's there?
Oh. It's you.
Hello.
Something wrong? You look pale.
My head hurts.
A cold, maybe?
What is it? Somethings not right.
I'll make your bed. Wait a second.
You alright?
Yes.
Come on, get changed.
I'm fine, Takako.
It's no big deal. Don't worry.
But...
I just need some rest.
Some medicine?
No, I don't need any.
You're not feverish.
Are you cold?
No.
After you left, Aunt Shigeko came.
She was restless as always, and I wondered why.
She'd found suitors for you, and brought photos.
It was so funny. One has a horsey face.
The other is Auntie's favorite...
I won't get married.
I can't.
Why not?
I don't want to.
Of course you don't. You might end up like me.
Even so Aki, there are many happily married couples.
We're an exception.
You're young, with a bright future.
Who knows what joys await you?
Don't let me discourage you.
Your future's bright. The world is waiting.
- You don't know... - Takako.
What?
Let me sleep.
Oh, you're sleepy?
Then you should sleep. You're not cold?
Call if you need me.
I'll leave the light off.
Come in.
Is the president in?
Yes, he's meeting with Tajima Shipbuilding.
I see. That'll take a while.
I'll head out. Contact me when he's done.
Yes sir.
Mr. Sugiyama loves it.
- What? - Pachinko.
He told me he only aims for the top-scoring holes.
- That's so like him. - True.
He's the only auditor who reads the dailies.
Hey, the balls are jammed on number 70.
Yes sir, one moment.
Well, fancy meeting you here.
Oh, it's you.
Your staff told me you're here.
What's up?
Hey, it's jammed again.
Say, did you know Hasebe's back?
Yeah, I read about it.
He had a tough time over there.
We should have a class reunion, for our teacher too.
Would you come?
Sure, why not?
I have to go to Osaka for a few days,
so could you contact everyone?
So that's it.
Help me out here. I'm busy.
Yeah? Fair enough.
Hey, want a go? Take these.
This is tricky.
It's not golf. It's all in the fingers.
You don't say.
Where will we hold it?
Anywhere not too expensive. There are a lot of us.
Right.
A few days ago, your Aki came to my place to ask for a loan.
Did she tell you?
No...
My wife lent her the money without asking why. What was it for?
Oh, I forgot. I'll pay you back.
No need.
Well, she needed it quickly, to give to a friend.
5,000 yen?
Right. Forget about it.
Until the reunion.
She left right after I did.
Tell your wife I'm sorry.
“Kotobuki”
Seen my boss?
Not today.
Where did he go?
Hey. He's not in?
No.
He loves it too.
He was here till 2 a.m. two nights ago, winning.
That's rare. He's capable of winning?
He's quite an enthusiast.
He's a philanthropist, always donating to us.
You said it.
I might as well say he bought this for me.
He's a generous gent.
Our own Red Cross.
That's it. 1-2-8, everybody.
1-2-8?
Hello.
Ken's not with you?
He was. He went to Shinjuku.
Around when?
Don't chase him. You only just saw him.
Hey Aki, you don't look well.
Hey. Something wrong?
Hurry up, Non.
Yeah yeah.
Hello.
You've got a pretty sister.
Sister? Mine?
Yeah.
How do you know her?
- She came here. - Here?
Yeah. Looking for you.
When?
Let me see... When was it? A few days ago.
Really...
Hey, you're going?
Goodbye.
What's up with her? She's impatient.
Why does Ken avoid her?
There's a significant reason for that. An important matter.
What is it?
The responsibility is totally Tomita's.
He's a nasty individual.
Not funny. It ain't me. They hooked up themselves.
I heard the opposite.
Hey, knock it off.
You're playing coy, and you play it well.
Oh please.
Once upon a time,
there were two enviably pure-hearted junior college students.
A young and attractive boy and girl,
who were beautiful friends beyond reproach.
The boy shared an apartment with a despicable rogue.
The rogue influenced the boy, and the boy and girl...
Well, how should I put it?
They soon became intimately involved.
Really, Tomi?
Indeed, indeed. They surely did, impressively so.
And surprisingly.
Hey, knock it off.
Be that as it may...
Pon.
Once that pure-hearted girl
graduated college to study English stenography...
Well, as they say, “Lie with dogs, get fleas.”
She became morally lax, and began associating with the rogue.
As is commonplace in the lucky seventh inning.
Now the girl is chasing the boy.
And the story just keeps getting better.
In English, I believe it's called “a bun in the oven."
Her bun must be rather conspicuous now.
Really, Non?
Really?
I cannot be sure. Nevertheless,
it is certainly an intriguing development, is it not?
Really? That girl? That is a surprise.
So it is, so it is. Quite a surprise indeed.
A rare surprise by any measure.
What is it now?
It's West.
That doesn't help.
Pon.
Pon?
Now that's a surprise.
Who is it?
Oh, it's you.
We need to talk. Come upstairs.
What's come over you?
What is it?
Why did you go to that mahjong place in Gotanda?
Why did you 90?
Why did you go there?
Well? Why did you go?
But...
Why didn't you tell me?
But, if I had...
How did you find it?
Who told you?
But, Aunt Shigeko...
How does she know it?
Well? How does she know?
Come on, tell me straight.
Come on, tell me.
Auntie met her.
Who?
Our mother.
I see... So that woman is our mother.
Why didn't you tell me sooner? Why did you lie?
I thought she'd never come back.
I thought she'd never come back to Tokyo.
Why couldn't she?
Well? Why?
Stop being evasive and tell me the truth.
Why did she leave Father?
Well? Why?
Back then, Father worked at the Seoul Branch.
We were in Higashigokencho.
One of his staff, Yamazaki, often came to visit.
He did a lot for us.
He was tall and funny. You and I both liked him too.
I was also too young to realize, but maybe that made it worse.
So he and Mother...
Aki, don't talk about that around Father.
I still remember it well.
Soon after Father returned from Seoul, he took us to the zoo.
It was a fine day. You were so happy.
You toddled around, here and there.
On the train home that night, you fell asleep.
Father piggybacked you.
When we got home, the front door was closed.
That was the day Mother left us.
But Aki, you mustn't mention this around Father.
He's tried so hard to forget it, to this day.
Takako?
Yes?
Maybe I'm not his child.
Don't be silly. How can you say that?
I'm sure.
I only take after Mother. I'm nothing like Father.
I only have Mother's tainted blood.
That's not true! Don't say that! How can you think it?
I know it! I'm not his child!
Aki!
I'm home.
It's Father.
I'll go ask him.
Aki!
You wouldn't understand!
Aki!
Father.
What?
Father, am I really...
Aki!
What?
What's wrong?
“Kotobuki”
“Anti-Prostitution Law Enacted.” You don't say...
Where is she?
Oh, hello. Hey Kikuko.
Oh.
Hello. You're alone?
Ma'am, I need to ask you something.
What's that?
Come with me.
Heading out?
Yes, briefly.
What? What is it?
I want to talk with you in private.
You do? Where should we go?
Follow me.
Hello.
Could we borrow a room?
Sure. It's kinda messy.
Don't worry, it's fine.
I'm Shorthanded.
Go right ahead. Sing out if you need me.
Please. It's not very clean though.
What do you want to ask?
Ma'am, whose child am I?
Whose child?
Aren't you my mother?
Who told you?
Who told you that?
My sister.
Oh, Taka did?
Mother, whose child am I?
Well? Whose child am I?
I'm sorry, Aki.
I never forgot you and Taka.
Wherever I went, I always worried about you.
Your brother too. I always presumed Kazuo was still alive.
- I don't... - It's true.
I always worried.
Even if I apologize to you now,
I'm sure you won't forgive me...
I don't care. That's not what I want to hear.
Well, Mother? Whose child am I?
Whose child? You're my child.
Stop it!
Am I Father's child?
If he's not your father, who is?
You doubt me that much? You don't trust me?
He is your father.
That is the one thing I can say proudly.
Listen, Aki. Trust me on that, at least.
Please trust me! Please.
Please!
Will you believe me? Will you?
You'll believe me?
Thank you.
Aki, one of my customers was talking about you.
Are you unwell?
Are you? Are You Pregnant?
You are? Really?
I won't have a child.
I never will!
Why not?
Even if I do, I won't abandon it like you did!
I'll cherish it! With all my heart!
Aki!
I hate you!
Hey, where'd she go? Well?
I don't know.
Quit bluffing. Come on, tell me.
I honestly don't.
Liar. You're acting fishy.
Hey, don't run away.
Come on, enough moping.
Forget about him.
Find a more solid guy. There are plenty around.
What's so great about him? Well?
Leave it. I'm going.
Hey. Who was that girl?
She's pretty.
Who, her?
A delinquent.
I like delinquents. Two thumbs up.
You can't go wrong with a delinquent.
Is that so?
You know it.
Another one.
“Chinchin-Ken”
Hello.
I need a drink.
It's gotten cold. Could mean snow.
Mr. Kimura's moving? Found a good place?
He said last night he'd look in Kamata today.
How'd he do? Found anything?
Here you go.
Apartments are popular now. Hope they're not all rented out.
New ones are pricey too. It ain't easy.
Mister, another.
You sure? Seems like you've had a few.
I'm fine.
Sure you are, but...
Huh. You were here?
I looked all over, but I couldn't find you.
You're on your own.
I know you're worried, I can't sleep either.
It's true. I lost weight, see?
What the?! Don't hit me!
That's unlike her. What's wrong?
I spilt some.
Girls these days are headstrong.
You'd better watch yourself.
Huh? What was that about?
I'll go take a look.
Hey! What happened?
Still running high?
Same as earlier.
You got dragged into this.
I had no choice. She's a customer.
Mr. Kimura's heartless. He wouldn't come.
Yeah?
This way.
Come in.
What happened, Akiko?
Thank you.
Man, she's lucky she's alive.
Talk about a shock. I heard the train's horn,
dashed outside, and found her.
She'd just left.
There are lots of accidents at that crossing.
Even the papers call it “cursed."
There hadn't been any lately, until this.
That's too bad.
The watchman was taking a leak.
Then a train came, so he quickly lowered the barrier.
Bad luck. He was too late.
She'd already got hit.
The poor fella was all shaken up.
The cops have him now.
Oh yeah. A cop was just here.
He had to go back, so he told me to get you to stay.
Anyway, it's such a shame. A darn shame.
Thank you for everything.
It's nothing. I'll be going now.
Oh? I'm sorry for the inconvenience...
No, it's nothing.
Father, his name...
I run that diner close by. Yoshihira Shimomura.
People call me Gihei, but it's Yoshihira.
I see. Allow me to repay you in future.
No no, there's no need.
Right, I'll be going.
Thank you so much.
Still working? I'm going now. Good night.
I forgot to say my place is Chinchin-Ken. Let them know, okay?
Chinchin-Ken. Got it?
Hey, Akiko.
Aki!
What happened? Well?
What happened, Aki?!
I don't want to die...
You won't. Don't worry. You won't.
Aki! Be strong!
Takako... I...
I don't want to die...
Don't worry! You won't! Don't worry!
Father...
What is it? Well? What is it?
I...want to start over... from the beginning...
From the beginning... I want to...start over...
Akiko! Akiko!
I don't want to die...
Stop it. You won't. Don't worry. Don't worry.
“This way to Kotobuki"
Mother.
Oh...hello.
Aki died.
What?! When?! Why?!
Why did Aki die?!
Because of you.
Taka dear!
“Taka dear, Taka dear," huh?
Pon.
Oh, hello.
A bottle, please.
Did the Paloma guy come about the hydrant?
They want to put a new one where the alley dips.
Mr. Wakana got mad, and now he says he ain't gonna pay.
Here you go. It's a tad lukewarm.
Hey, Why'd you leave like that?
Hey.
What's wrong?
Say, what happened with Soma's offer?
What happened? Nothing.
I...don't want to live in Tokyo anymore.
Why not?
I mean, I'd love it if you came with me...
Will you come?
I will.
Really? I appreciate it.
Alright, I'll tell Soma I accept.
I can't take ramen and curry orders at a mahjong joint all my life.
Anyway, let's drink to it.
We can handle the cold.
Wherever we go together, it'll always be warm.
So, you'll go with me.
I appreciate it.
Hello?
Yes?
Thank you for taking my call.
I'm leaving for Hokkaido tonight on a 9:30 train.
I...wanted to make an offering for Aki.
It's not possible?
Very well. Take these.
I don't know if we'll meet again, but please take care of yourself.
I'll go now.
Alright, goodbye.
The 9:30 p.m. Tsugaru Express bound for Aomori
will soon depart on Track 12.
This train will stop at
Omiya, Oyama, Utsunomiya, Nishinasuno...
Lucky we got here early. Our seats are close to the bathroom.
She's not coming. Give up already.
She wouldn't come.
Fancy a drink?
Hey, you'll spill it.
Give up.
It's cold.
She won't come, I tell you.
Hey, have another.
No more.
We'll be riding till tomorrow afternoon. Sore butts, here we come.
Ah, we should've brought a blanket.
We should've.
Hey, aren't you going?
You can still make it.
Don't worry about me.
Say, Father.
I think I'll go home.
Home where?
I don't want Michiko to go through what Aki did.
A child needs the love of both parents.
No matter how hard you tried, Aki was still lonely.
She wanted her mother.
Maybe you're right.
I did my best to care for her, but I couldn't be her mother.
Maybe there were things she couldn't talk to me about.
Do you think you can get along with Numata?
I think I want to try.
Even if I can't get along with him, I have to try.
Michiko's growing up.
I see. So you'll go home?
I will.
This time, I'll do my best not to make you worry.
You will?
I've got a selfish streak myself.
Everybody has one.
Well, give it a try. There's nothing you can't do.
Yes, I'll try.
But Father,
when I go home, how will you cope?
Never mind me.
Aki's gone now.
Oh, I'll get by. I can ask Ms. Tomizawa to come.
Well then...
When will you return?
As early as I can.
What about dinner?
Oh... Just cook some rice. I might not eat it though.
Go home when you're done. I've got my key.
Sir, which shoes?
Oh, the black ones.
The End