A Shochiku Production
Shiawase no Kiiroi Hankachi (The Yellow Handkerchief)
Stupid Shinko!
Who'd want a dumb broad like you?
Dumb!
Dumb broad!
Based on a story by Pete Hamill
Screenplay: Yoji Yamada Yoshitaka Asama
Photography: Tetsuo Takaba
I had enough of this! I quit!
I'm never coming back!
Music: Masaru Sato
Art director: Mitsuo Ogawa
I got it.
The gears feel a bit stiff.
It might take a while to get used to it.
Will you fix everything?
Of course.
You quit your job?
Yes, I quit.
What will you do now?
I'll be right back!
He did it!
Spent all of his savings.
Stop banging on it!
Let's go to Hokkaido!
That's stupid.
The ferry leaves at 11:00 p.m.
Why don't you come to Hokkaido with me?
Ask Shinko. It's a great chance to make out.
She turned him down.
- Really? - That's not true!
She told me about it.
What'd she say?
"Kinya's not a bad guy, but his legs are too short."
You think you're handsome?
Stop it!
You're not so handsome either!
Get out of here!
Idiot!
Go get an icicle in Hokkaido!
Thank you for using the Yusen Ferry.
Kushiro Station
It gets cold up here, doesn't it?
What about this color?
I don't like red.
How about a white one?
White? It makes me look like a hick.
Don't you have anything else?
Darling, aren't you feeling cold now?
I'm so cold, my body's turned to ice.
A heavy jacket, knowing you'd never wear it...
I still bought it at Kushiro Port...
Ken Takakura as Yusaku Shima
Chieko Baisho as Mitsue Shima
Kaori Momoi as Akemi Ogawa Tetsuya Takeda as Kinya Hanada
Oh, man!
Don't slow down, hick!
Have fun, you two!
Kiyoshi Atsumi as the Police Chief
Directed by Yoji Yamada
Hey! Where are you girls going?
I can give you a ride!
- No, thanks! - Come on!
Couple of farm girls.
Welcome!
May I take your order?
Beer.
Yes, sir.
Shoyu ramen and katsu-don.
Yes, sir.
One shoyu ramen, one katsu-don, please!
Where are you from?
Tokyo.
So am I! Did you ride the train from Sapporo?
You must be tired.
Sightseeing?
All alone?
Ouch!
Where are you going?
To tour the prison.
So am I.
How far is it?
About 10 minutes.
That's real close... I can take you there.
The bus service is terrible.
- Shoyu ramen, please. - Coffee for me.
Here you are.
Don't be shy, get in.
I just got off the ferry, and drove all around Shiretoko...
Is this a new car?
I traded in my old one for this.
The color stinks.
Look out! What are you doing?
Is this your first time in Hokkaido?
It's colder than Tokyo.
You don't talk much. Are you shy?
Yes... People say I am.
Please excuse me.
Your leg's in the way.
Please let us through.
- Sandwiches and coffee. - Excuse me.
Coffee and sandwiches.
What kind of food do you like?
Ramen, I guess.
Ramen is expensive these days.
I ate some at Ueno, it was awful... And was 500 yen at that.
Terrible miso ramen.
I don't like miso ramen.
Me too. It has to be shoyu ramen.
It's a lie! That's a lie!
But your boyfriend told me he slept with Chako.
I told him...
that he cheated on you, and then he said...
Akemi?
We're still working... Get a hold of yourself, Akemi.
Koshimizu Flower Garden
Don't bother going up there... There's nothing to see.
Poor guy... He's stuck with the ugly one.
Thinks he's living it up.
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Oops!
You know, I thought you looked familiar.
Don't people ever tell you that you look like
Sue of the Candies?
Their costumes are something else!
Showing everything they've got.
Lately, it seems that all those singing groups do that.
What's wrong? Feeling bad?
Car sick?
You know...
Can we stop somewhere and rest?
A hotel?
No hotels around here. Maybe an inn?
Stop the car!
You mean right here?
Please stop!
Where are you going?
Pee-pee.
She really had to go.
I'd better go, too.
Can I help you?
How much for a post card?
20 yen.
When will it get to Yubari by special delivery?
By tomorrow afternoon.
Tomorrow? Thank you.
Dear Mitsue...
A girl alone should always make reservations ahead of time.
They think she might commit suicide.
Last night, they had a lot of empty rooms,
but they refused to rent one to me.
It's because you look strange traveling alone.
Is that right?
Why don't you stay with me tonight.
No, that's not what I meant to say.
I mean, they'll rent a room to a couple.
Beautiful!
This is Otsuku!
It's always been my dream to see the Sea of Otsuku!
Shall we take a picture?
Excuse me, can you take our picture?
Press here?
It's very simple.
Like me.
- One more? - Please.
Thank you.
- Thanks. - On your honeymoon?
I just met her at the station and offered her a ride.
Sightseeing?
But there's nothing to see out here.
Even the prison tour wasn't much.
- You sightseeing? - No.
The water's cold!
Don't get wet!
Girls are sure dumb.
I'm going to take your picture!
One more now!
Now, a close-up!
Last one!
Ouch!
To the station?
Yes.
Where are you going?
I haven't decided. And you?
The onsen at Lake Akan.
Onsen? That sounds nice...
Do you want to come along? You can.
You really mean it?
Sure, why not?
But...
Don't worry... I'm also bumming a ride.
One more person makes no difference.
Biboro Pass
Put your hands on your waist.
Pretty cute! Real cute!
Good one!
Here, your turn.
Wait a minute.
Sir!
Let's take a picture together. Come on...
Wait a minute!
Now!
Take one more!
That hotel looks nice!
It looks too expensive for us.
You think so?
Ma'am! Are you crowded?
No. Not at all...
The weather's still too cold, I guess.
Yes...
Here's your room.
This one?
Not bad.
And this is yours.
Okay.
See you in the morning.
Go on in... It's not that bad.
Look! It looks real nice...
Go on in... Go on in...
There's even a stove in here...
It's nice and warm...
So, this is Hokkaido... Maybe we can see the lake from here.
Sit down. Go on, sit down.
Do you regret it?
What?
Staying in the same room with me.
But there weren't any other rooms.
Don't worry. We'II put a table between us...
and sleep on either side.
I won't do anything.
Honest.
I promise, I won't.
Excuse me.
Please sign the register.
Would you like to have dinner before a bath?
Do I only write my name?
No, you must register both names.
Is that right?
Wife (same address)...
There.
Welcome home.
Huh? This is a co-ed bath?
Excuse me.
Small pack of tissue, please.
30 yen.
And I need some of those condoms.
Condoms?
Which one? 1,000 or 2,000 yen?
The 1,000 yen one.
What's wrong?
On our honeymoon... I forgot them.
I added more coal.
It's going to got very cold tonight. Rest well.
You're home.
I didn't hear you come in.
Welcome home.
It's not so difficult to drive in Hokkaido...
as there are not many traffic lights here.
- Well... - Huh?
I'm tired.
Shall we go to sleep?
It's been a long day...
Don't look now.
I won't look. I won't. I promise. Look at that!
Don't look!
I said I wouldn't look.
Wow.
Beautiful moon.
The moon over Lake Akan.
Are you asleep?
I'll come over.
No, please don't.
Don't be a prude...
You promised you wouldn't do anything.
It was fate that brought us together.
How about it? Just one little kiss.
Just a kiss, then.
Only one, okay?
Let me touch your breasts.
No... Please, No.
No... Stop!
Don't play around! I'm not a virgin.
Neither am I!
Stop it!
Your breasts, that's all. Just your breasts!
- I'm sorry. - It hurts.
You didn't have to bite me.
Come on.
What?
What's wrong now?
Don't cry...
Please...
People will hear you...
Don't cry so loud, please...
Will you stop? Please?
Who is it?
What do you want?
That's enough. There are other guests staying here.
If you want to argue, go outside.
Thanks for everything.
Try to get along.
- Wait! I'm getting off, too. - What?
You're leaving?
Are you still mad about what happened last night?
I apologized.
It's only natural what happened. A boy and a girl staying in the same room.
I can't help hating myself.
You should find another girl.
One who's easier than me.
Was that the kind of guy you took me for?
Hey!
Changed your mind?
No, but what's your name?
My name? Kinya Hanada.
Kinya? They must call you Kin-chan?
I'm Akemi Ogawa.
Bye, now.
Bye.
You didn't even know his name?
I just met him yesterday.
Amazing...
What's wrong? That has nothing to do with you.
Oh, no! We've got to wait two hours.
I should have stayed with him.
Where are you going, old man?
I don't know.
What are you here for? Sightseeing? Business?
Don't call me old.
I've had a hard life. I'm younger than I look.
What's your name?
Yusaku Shima.
Two hours to kill. What will I do now?
It's too late for regrets.
Do you want some ramen?
Your man's coming back.
What now, chief?
It's lunch time, so I bought some crabs.
You must have spent a lot of money.
A little...
But they're real fresh.
It's good!
- It's full of meat. - Delicious!
I'm finished with this one. Any more?
Hold it! That's the best part.
Don't throw that part away.
There's more meat inside!
Here in the shell. Use your finger to dig it out.
- There's more meat in there? - Yeah.
Were you born in Hokkaido?
No, I was born in Kyushu.
From Kyushu?
Just like you.
How can you tell?
By your accent. I'm from Iizuka.
Iizuka? That's a coal mining town. I'm from Hakata.
Spoiled Hakata kid.
You're probably a naughty boy from Nakasu.
I wasn't that bad.
You were a delinquent, right!
At least, I graduated from high school.
I bet you smoked cigarettes and all that.
Everybody did, and played pachinko, too.
And punks would bother us.
- At pachinko parlors? - Sure.
I'd be playing, and someone would tap me on the back.
A mean looking guy with a loud necktie...
"Aren't you a student?", he'd ask.
And he would drag me out into the street.
"Gimme your money!"
I'd get so scared that I'd give him all of it.
I wanted to get even with him, so I joined the Judo club...
And practiced every day for about two years.
Then I suddenly realized...
My body was now out of proportion...
Short arms and legs.
Wide shoulders, bowed legs...
I looked in the mirror, and saw a gorilla staring back at me.
Going out?
You'll never run dry.
Ride with me, to Obihiro...
Nah, I'll take the train.
But I'm going there anyway...
It's no fun driving all alone.
What about him?
He's old enough to find his own way.
That's not fair.
He's got nothing to do with us.
You're jealous.
That's stupid. Why should I?
Ow! Ouch! It's stuck!
- I'll take those. - Sure thing.
- How much? - 280 yen, please.
Thank you!
You're home!
What should I cook for supper? What do you feel like eating?
Hey! It's too boring on the train, so I'm going with him.
Thanks for everything.
What are you going to do?
Why don't you come with us?
He's going the other way.
Which way is that?
Kachi-kari Pass to Obihiro.
- You mean Kari-kachi Pass? - Kari-kachi?
Come ride with us.
Or do you want to ride on that stupid train?
Let me see...
Why are you angry?
You forced him to come.
So what? It doesn't hurt to be kind.
But we're total strangers.
What about us?
You're different.
Then, tell him to get out at Obihiro and I'll get out, too.
Don't start that again, we've come a long way together.
That's super!
No class. A Hokkaido hick!
You're a Kyushu hick!
My family has a long background.
What's wrong?
Got to take a piss!
What do you do for a living?
I work on a train selling bentos.
Eh...
that must be exhausting.
What do you do?
Me? I'm a coal miner.
Coal miner?
That's really hard work, right?
You've got a wife, too, haven't you?
No, I don't.
Why not?
Because I don't.
Hey!
What's wrong?
Quick, in the back seat... The box of tissues. Bring it!
Listen to him. Who does he think we are?
Tell him to wash his hands.
Thanks!
Got the runs?
It was the crab. It didn't agree with me.
You're allergic?
Must be...
You sure don't look it.
Are you okay?
Do you want to stop somewhere?
I'm all right.
Gotta stop!
Look! Over there!
Wait here.
Are you okay?
Excuse me! Where is your toilet?
It's on the left by the front door.
Thanks.
Why are you single? I bet women like you.
Or is it because you're too fussy?
Fussy guys don't get married for a long time.
Being single, you can play around.
Are you like that?
You're awful nosy.
I was married once, but now I'm divorced.
You didn't get along?
Did one of you have an affair?
Thank goodness!
Really!
I'll move it right away.
Can you drive?
Sure... I went to driving school.
I quit because it got too expensive.
What the hell? What happened?
I'm sorry!
That big tractor wanted to pass.
I tried to move it. Sorry.
We'll never get it out!
The three of us can get it out.
Look! The bumper's dented!
My brand new car!
All of this happened because of the way you parked.
But why did you have to move it?
Now we've got to get a tow truck.
Shit! I've got to go again!
What's so funny? Idiot! Stop laughing!
Stop laughing...
I can't take this anymore!
Here we go!
Again!
Push harder! More!
Hold it!
- Chief! - What?
Let the girl drive. We need both of us back here.
- Let's switch. - But...
Don't worry... I can do this.
Put it in low gear and start slow.
- I know. - Slow!
I said "I know."
Here we go. One, two, push!
The tires are slipping.
- We did it. - Yeah.
Hey!
Stop! Stop the car!
Step on the brakes!
I am!
That's the accelerator!
Ow!
Stop. Please stop!
Are you all right?
Why didn't you step on the brakes!
I did, but it wouldn't stop.
You were stepping on the accelerator.
How should I know about these things!
If you didn't know, why did you drive the car?
I thought it would all work out. Why do you always blame me?
You stopped the car to go to the toilet.
You idiot!
I know it's a lot of trouble.
It's across from the house.
On the path that leads to the river.
Thanks again.
Tomorrow, at about 10 o'clock, a friend will bring a tractor.
He can pull the car out.
It's all I can do for now.
Thank you. It's very kind of you.
How are you planning to spend the night?
We'll probably go to town and find an inn.
Walk to town?
But the nearest towns are Shihoro or Ashoro...
It's my turn!
Knock it off, you two!
Here you go.
Those three are in trouble because of their car.
They can't move it...
Tired?
Starving.
You're good.
Did you learn to do that when you were a kid?
And I used to catch crayfish, too.
Where were you born?
Factory district of Kawasaki.
Your parents still live there?
Only the old man. Mom died when I was in junior high school.
Sorry.
And within a year, a woman came to live with us...
she worked at a bar.
All we did was fight.
After junior high school, I ran away.
You've been lonely, huh?
Yeah.
Akemi!
Just a kiss.
Yes!
One more?
No!
- Just one more! - No.
- You can't. - Please!
You're hurting me!
- We're lonely souls... - It hurts!
Oh! Anything happened?
You two are really impossible...
It's his fault.
Let's go! They'll put us up for the night.
Ouch.
Move your legs.
Ouch! My head.
The bath was great.
Thank you for letting me bathe first.
Hey.
Kids, time for bed.
You heard your mom. Time for bed.
Time out!
I can't take this anymore.
I'm beat!
What is she doing?
The bath was great.
Are you in love with her?
What's that?
If you are in love, try a better approach.
There's no set way to falling in love.
It's just a game, understand? Just a game.
I thought I knew what she wanted, but she keeps resisting.
She's not that pretty. But, I'm not that handsome, either.
Idiot!
You're really from Kyushu?
From Kyushu or not...
Shut up and listen! Sit up!
Akemi is a woman, right?
Listen.
Women are fragile.
Like a flower, fragile and can easily be destroyed.
Something men must protect, and care for.
- Are you listening? - Yes.
Just think about today.
Picking on her, shouting, fighting and arguing.
Acting like a stray dog in heat.
Is that a way for a Kyushu man to act?
We call guys like you a third rate ballplayer. Understand?
No.
He never scores.
I'll get out at Obihiro, and take the train.
Really? But we'll take you wherever you want to go.
Where're you going?
Yubari.
Then you were working in the Yubari coal mine.
Let's drive to Yubari, then.
Don't bother.
I'll get off.
Here's Abashiri, then Akan.
- We stayed around here last night. - Right.
This road goes to Obihiro. Then?
Kachi-kari Pass, Ashibetsu, and then Sapporo.
Where's Yubari?
Yubari? Around here.
Ah, right there.
Let's have coffee when we get to Obihiro.
It's a long way to Yubari.
Are you really going to Yubari?
What?
I think you're hiding something from us.
Some people don't know how to park.
Such a bad parking job.
Farmers!
There's a coffee shop on the corner. Wait for me.
Okay!
This big scratch.
- You did this, right? - Sorry.
But your car was in the way and...
- I apologize. - Shut up.
I'm sorry.
- Ow! - Sorry isn't enough.
Enough!
Who the hell are you?
He apologized.
Are you kidding me?
Here. Look at the damage.
So, how are you going to fix this?
That scratch really upsets you?
Wanna fight? You fool.
Get in the car!
Ow! That hurts!
- Come on! - One second.
Come back!
That was fantastic!
He showed that bum.
If you can drive, why didn't you when I had the runs?
Ow...
I knew Yusaku would be tough.
That was just like the movies!
This is Furano Road
Then Ashibetsu, Akahira and Iwamizawa.
Straight ahead is Sapporo, and Yubari is on the left.
Here you go, Kin-chan.
Thanks.
Let's go to Yubari.
Yusaku missed the train because of you.
- Okay? - Yeah.
I'll go to Sapporo with you.
I don't have to go to Yubari.
I thought you worked there.
I quit.
But Yubari's your home.
It's not?
Come on. Tell me.
A road block!
It was on TV this morning, there was a robbery around here.
They're after me! I gotta run!
You have Tokyo license plates.
Your driver's license, please.
What happened, officer?
Just some trouble.
Your license.
What's wrong?
Show it to him.
Did you hear what I said?
Yes, I did.
Let me see it.
I don't have one.
Get out please.
You have no driver's license?
I used to, but it expired.
- When? - Four years ago.
You been driving without a license for four years?
I couldn't renew it.
Why?
What's the reason?
I was in prison.
A murder charge.
I served six years and three months. I was released two days ago.
You'll have to come with me.
Shintoku Police Station
You said murder?
You served six years and...
This is Shintoku Police Station.
Yes, hold on.
- Abashiri Prison. - Hello.
Thanks for calling back. Yes, go ahead.
- Delivery for the Detective Bureau. - Who?
I didn't ask for his name.
What is it?
Fried liver with garlic and rice.
Must be Nabe-san's.
Sgt. Watanabe!
Did you order fried liver with garlic?
Yep, I did.
- Put it over there. - Sure.
Is that you, Shima?
- How's it going? - Well...
I just got released the day before yesterday.
Thank you for your help back then.
So, you've been released. Congratulations.
It's been six years, huh?
Were you transferred here?
I was in Rumoi, then transferred to Iwamizawa,
then to this town...
I thought about you many times.
How's your wife?
Actually, we're divorced.
Is that so?
Sorry to hear that.
What're you doing here?
What's going on?
So, a while ago...
I was in Yubari at the time of the crime.
- I know this man. - I see.
So, earlier today...
Hold on... Let me pay the girl.
360 yen, right?
No, it's 400 yen.
What? You guys raised the price again?
- Here you go. - I'll be back with the change.
- Excuse me, sir. - You, again?
They won't even talk to me.
Well, will you...?
I told you the police cannot handle civil cases like yours.
That's the law.
What should I do, then?
- Calm down. - Stop crying.
Sorry they brought you here. You know how police are.
Thank you for helping me.
The mountains are beautiful at this time of the year.
Mr. Watanabe, thank you.
Listen.
I know it's not all that easy for you,
but be patient and try your best.
Good things will happen.
Take care, Mr. Watanabe.
I'm at the end of my promotions.
But my son's a lot smarter.
So, things will work out one way or another.
Mister, here's your change.
Thank you.
Tell your owner if he raises the price again,
I won't eat at his place.
I'll tell him!
If you have any trouble, come see me.
Good-bye.
You guys waited for me.
I'll take the train from here on.
Thanks for everything.
If he wants to, he can ride with us.
Really?
Yusaku!
I'd been in jail before.
First time for fighting.
I was only 22 then, and living a rough life.
Prison didn't mean that much to me.
I thought I got street cred, you know?
After getting out, I felt important among the thugs.
In a small town in Kyushu,
I thought I was somebody.
When I made 30, I finally started to grow up.
I started to hate my life.
I realized l needed to change.
Otherwise, my life would be ruined.
I decided that l needed a fresh start.
Then, the mine shut down.
So, I came to Hokkaido.
I wanted to start my life over.
But when I got to Yubari,
the winters were freezing, and I had no friends.
The work was hard. There was nothing to live for.
If I hadn't met that woman, I'd have given up in five years.
1,230 yen, please.
Harumi, will you go get more bags?
- Here you go. - Thank you.
Hi there.
980 yen, please.
Thank you.
I haven't seen you in a while...
I thought, "She's the one for me."
"If I can't marry her, I'll never be happy."
I felt that way the first time I saw her.
It took me six months to speak to her.
1,280 yen, please.
Is this your day off?
No, I'm working nights, and going home to sleep now.
Is your wife ill?
What?
You always do the shopping.
I'm single.
Oh, I see.
Sorry.
Here you go.
Excuse me.
Are you married?
No.
Well, I'll be seeing you.
That's enough.
I slipped.
Being clumsy and shy,
I couldn't tell her my feelings, I could only pray and wait.
I...
I was married once.
Do you...
If you still want me... It's okay.
Look! It's done!
I never thought of her feelings.
It's perfect for a wash-line pole.
I almost forced her into marriage.
Have a good day.
When we have a child,
I'll tie a big carp streamer on that pole.
Were you really happy with her?
Yes. The next year, she got pregnant.
I have to see the doctor today.
Do you have a fever or something?
No.
Then, what's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Why see the doctor, then?
If you don't feel bad, why?
Mitsue.
You mean, a baby?
You're pregnant?
- Mitsue. - Yes.
We've got to celebrate tonight.
I'll buy some sake.
It's not definite yet. The doctor might say I'm wrong.
Then, I'll call the doctor.
Maybe not.
You call the mine office.
No?
How can I find out?
How's this?
If I'm pregnant, I'll put up some kind of sign.
What sign?
Let's see.
How about a yellow handkerchief?
You can see it from the bath house.
If you see a yellow handkerchief, buy some sake.
Got it.
Don't you forget, okay?
Have a nice day!
My father died in the war.
I grew up without knowing him.
when I found myself becoming a father...
I didn't know what to say, I felt like I was floating.
But you know...
she kept working hard, even though I begged her not to.
I did tell her not to work so hard.
How do you feel?
I see you're feeling better.
- I think you can go home. - Thank you.
Are you the husband?
I'm sorry this happened.
There will always be another time.
When was your last miscarriage?
This isn't the first, is it?
Five years ago.
If you are not careful,
miscarriages can very easily happen again.
Be extra careful next time.
I'm really sorry.
Do you want dinner?
I'm going to lie down.
Next time, I'll be very careful.
We'll have a baby the next time.
Will you forgive me?
What's the matter?
Are you angry because I had a miscarriage before?
Is that it?
I hate women who keep secrets!
You never asked anything about me.
I thought I didn't have to tell you.
Wasn't that right?
You must be hiding other secrets?
Do you have a child somewhere?
Masa, let's go.
Hey!
You!
I'm talking to you.
What the hell?
Beat him up!
Who do you think you are? Stupid!
Let's get out of here.
Masa!
Masa, answer me.
He's... He's dead!
Three of you? I only have one room available.
It's a room for four. It's pretty big, you'll like it.
We have a girl here, so we'd like two rooms.
All the other rooms are occupied.
Okay, then.
All right?
Kiku! We've got more guests!
How about supper?
it's too late for that. You have to get some food delivered from outside.
For the three of you, it will be 6,600 yen.
Baths are open until 10 p.m.
Until 10?
Kiku! What're you doing?
She's impossible.
Hello. Another room just opened up.
- One of you can sleep there. - Thanks.
It's right down the hall.
Now they have another room...
Baths are open till 10.
A real busybody.
So annoying.
Can I ask you one more question?
Go ahead.
Why did you divorce your wife?
Why couldn't she wait for you?
Don't ask that.
That's real personal.
She should have been more patient.
Yusaku really loves her.
I'd have waited for years.
That's easy for you to say.
I'd have definitely waited.
I really mean it.
I think she's cold.
You're being rude.
No, it's not that.
I forced her to divorce me.
I also forced her to get married.
I thought it was the only way.
I won't change my mind.
You're still young.
If you want, you can find a good man.
When you do, marry him and raise a family.
Understand?
You'll do it?
Next to my name, print your name, and sign it.
Take it to City Hall and have it recorded.
Then, we'll mean nothing to each other.
You are...
You really are selfish, aren't you?
You forced me to marry you. And now this.
So your wife went along with it.
I think she was relieved.
She never visited me in prison.
After a while, I got the letter.
Along with the divorce papers.
She signed it.
We need your verification.
Sit down.
Here's the letter.
Just a piece of paper.
Man and wife are now strangers.
One piece of paper destroyed it all.
Poor woman.
I understand how you felt, but...
don't you feel guilty about what you did to her?
But...
That was the least I could do for her.
What else could I have done?
I'm a murderer.
I don't even know how all this happened.
Was I born to live a life like a criminal?
That won't change until I die.
What a life.
Well.
Tomorrow, we'll go to Sapporo.
Then, that will be our good-bye.
What will you do then?
Look for work.
If I don't find anything in Sapporo, I'll go to Tokyo.
Good night.
Finding work won't be easy for him.
What's wrong? You haven't said a word.
Didn't you feel anything after listening to his story?
Are you crying?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Your shirt's still wet, Kinya, so I put it in a plastic bag.
Dry it in Sapporo.
Here. I washed your socks.
Thank you.
Cute little cancan girl.
wearing a red blouse and red sandals.
wonder whom she's waiting for on the Ginza.
Looking up at the clock now and then.
Oh, she's a Ginza cancan girl.
Sing with us!
Next stop, Sapporo!
Yusaku, let's go.
Come on.
What's wrong?
Sorry, I'll take the train from Bibai.
Why?
Sapporo's close.
No, I'm going to Yubari.
Yubari?
What'll you do in Yubari? Look for a job?
That's not it.
To see my house, that's all.
But you divorced your wife.
It's sounds pathetic, but...
I sent her a postcard the day l was released.
I said I'd come to Yubari.
And if...
If she was still there, and if she was waiting for me...
Well, there's a high pole in front of the house.
People before us put it up, to hang carp streamers.
I wrote her...
if she wants me back, tie a yellow handkerchief on it.
If there's no handkerchief,
I'll leave Yubari and go far away and never return.
I want to go there and check.
- Let's go to Yubari! - Yes!
Yubari's to the left.
Yubari 20 km
Stop here.
Stop the car.
What's wrong?
Let's head back. This is a waste of time.
It's only a short way now.
You can see your wife again.
Please do as I ask.
Thinking about it,
there's no way she's still alone after all these years.
She's a good woman.
She would make a good wife for any man.
That's it... She must be living with someone else now.
Let's go back.
You're a coward.
Let's just go and find out for sure.
See if the handkerchief's there.
He's right.
It's a waste of time.
We're almost there. stop being chicken.
You gave me a lecture about women.
Don't you understand? Go back!
Fine! I'll go back!
Waste of gasoline!
- Stop the car. - Toilet?
Not that, silly.
Things might turn out like you think.
And they might not.
Suppose your wife's been living alone all these years,
waiting for you.
If you're too scared, I'll go and take a look.
If there's no yellow handkerchief,
we'll keep on driving to Sapporo.
What do you say?
Okay?
Kinya, let's go.
Wanted: Experienced Coal Miners
We're going over a bridge.
There's a photo shop.
We just passed a ramen shop, do we go straight?
The road splits. Which way?
Left...
We crossed the tracks... Do we go straight?
Take a left by the police box...
And then continue up the hill...
This is it... Go left.
What's wrong?
- Maybe... - What?
Maybe she moved away.
Sure... It's possible that she did.
We're by the candy shop.
Go left at the next crossroad, there's a bath house.
You're right, though.
If she's moved, it's over...
- Is that the bath house? - It is.
Yusaku! we're in front of the bath house, but...
Hold on.
What is it?
Oh! Look at that!
This is great! This is wonderful!
Yusaku! Come out and look!
Yusaku, come on!
Do you see them?
All the handkerchiefs!
She put them there!
Let's go.
Yo! Go get a room!
Kin-chan.
Akemi.
THE END