A SHOCHIKU FILM
EARLY SUMMER
FROM THE 1951 ARTS FESTIVAL
Written by KOGO NODA and YASUJIRO OZU
Producer TAKESHI YAMAMOTO
Cinematography by YUHARU ATSUTA
Art Direction by TATSUO HAMADA
Recording by YOSHISABURO SENO
Lighting by ITSUO TAKASHITA
Film Developed by RYUJI HAYASHI
Editing by YOSHIYASU HAMAMURA
Music by SENJI ITO
Cast:
SETSUKO HARA
CHISHU RYU
CHIKAGE AWASHIMA
KUNIKO MIYAKE
ICHIRO SUGAI
CHIEKO HIGASHIYAMA
HARUKO SUGIMURA
HIROSHI NIHONYANAGI
KUNIKO IGAWA
TOYOKO TAKAHASHI
KOKUTEN KODO
SEIJI MIYAGUCHI
SHUJI SANG
Directed by YASUJIRO OZU
Breakfast, Grandpa.
Come on. - I'll be right there.
I told him.
Put this on the table.
- Some pickles. - Thanks.
Where's lsamu?
- Did you wash your face? - Yes.
No, you didn't. Your face is dirty.
Hurry up.
Did you wash?
Yes.
The towel's wet. Go and see.
You sure?
Thank you.
We've started already.
Will you mail this?
Chew your food well.
You're off early.
I've got a very sick patient.
- I'll bring Great-uncle back with me. - I appreciate it.
- Good-bye. - Bye.
Hurry. You only have seven minutes.
Are you coming? Where will we meet?
Noriko and I have decided on a place.
Good-bye.
I'm done.
Hurry up, lsamu.
What foods does Uncle like?
You needn't bother, but he likes beans.
Me too.
Hurry up and eat.
You're slow.
Thanks for breakfast.
- I'll be going. - Good-bye.
- See you at 5:30. - All right.
You'll be late.
Don't forget Father's mail.
Thanks. Good-bye now.
What are you doing?
Good-bye.
Have you got everything?
Good-bye.
Good morning.
Where's your brother?
- He caught an earlier train. - I see.
- So there's a very sick patient? - Yes. I stayed late last night.
This book's good. - How far along are you?
Chapter four.
Now your toes are all neat and clean.
Here's a treat for you.
You love Grandpa?
Very much?
Yes, very much.
I love you.
That's all.
- I hate you. - Hey!
- I hate you. - Listen here!
We've got an order.
What about Asahi?
Still pending.
You know a good coffee shop?
I'd recommend the Luna in Ginza. But it's a tiny place.
Did you see the company president?
Yes. Why?
No reason.
Hello.
Here comes the bill collector.
Hi.
Busy?
As always.
Must mean business is good.
Thank you.
So what happened the other night?
Very interesting. Mr. Yada sang again.
What a shame.
It made Mother's heart act up again.
Don't worry. The old hag won't die.
Did you hear? Chako is getting married.
I didn't know. To whom?
Mr. Tsumura. You know him?
Played basketball for Waseda.
I don't know him. Are they in love?
Yes. She's had a crush on him forever.
You're like two jealous old maids - a sad sight.
Here. I hope it won't bounce.
Thank you.
I'm going out.
Where to?
Mr. Robert's hotel. If he calls, say I'll be there at 2:00.
Could you give me a ride?
- But it's out of your way. - I'll continue home from there.
Coming by later?
- I can't today. - Okay. See you.
SHIKIKAWA
Here's your order.
What's this?
- Some sort of seafood. - Squillas.
- Some more? - I've had enough.
- You drink quite a bit, Noriko. - I like beer. Have some more.
Maybe just a little.
Don't. No need to drink just to be a good sport.
What's funny?
That's so typical.
- He's always like that. - Like what?
You have a habit of offering something and then taking it back.
She said she'd had enough.
You have no sense of etiquette.
What do you mean?
- Is the tempura good? - Yes, very good.
You're always bringing up etiquette at every turn,
expecting men to be kind to women.
But you're mistaken.
Men and women should both respect each other.
That's what etiquette means.
So you do know. That's good.
- I didn't think you did. - Don't be silly.
- Want some rice? - Yes, please.
It's deplorable, what's happened since the war.
Women have become so forward, taking advantage of 'etiquette.'
That's not true.
We've just taken our natural place. Men were too forward up to now.
Hear, hear!
That's why you can't get married.
It's not that I can't. I could in a minute if I wanted.
So you say.
Just don't marry a doctor.
Never.
You two are impossible.
We should hurry if you still want to go to Ginza.
He's coming on the 9:45 train. We still have time.
When was the last time Uncle visited?
A year after the war ended. The station was so crowded.
I was still wearing those pants we wore during the war.
Uncle's kept in good health through it all.
This is good rice.
I remember that scroll from the house in Yamato.
What happened to the other one that was shaped like a fan?
The smaller one.
I sold it.
Really?
This one is quite nice.
Prices have gone up. Times are bad.
You're working on Sunday?
Yes. Shall I bring back some treats for Uncle?
Just remember he can't chew anything hard.
All right, then. I'll be going.
Good-bye.
Bye.
Noriko, take this up to Uncle.
Is that okay with you?
Some tea for you, Uncle.
How old are you now, Noriko?
Twenty-eight.
- She's 28 now. - ls that right?
About time to marry.
Some women don't want to get married.
Are you one of them?
Here's my share.
- I've got change. - Don't bother.
I insist.
We could have cooked that same meal for much less.
- It wouldn't have been nearly as delicious. - But the whole family could've eaten.
I almost forgot. How much was the coffee in Ginza?
That's all right.
- No, how much? - It was my treat.
Thank you.
Auntie.
What is it?
Is Great-uncle deaf?
Not at all.
He can't hear me.
Yes, he can.
Idiot.
Speak louder!
Aren't you tired, Uncle?
I see.
How old are you now?
Twenty-eight.
It's about time you got married.
Do you know any good men?
Someone rich
who can make me happy and give me a very easy life?
Yes, it's a fine day.
Good afternoon.
Hello, Mitsuko. Taking a walk with Grandma?
The weather's so nice.
- Is your father home? - No, he's with your brother.
At the conference?
I hope he's not a burden on your brother.
Quite the opposite, I'm sure.
Your dress is so pretty.
I hear you have a guest.
He's here with me now.
Is that right?
Give him some candy.
He eats the paper too!
He must be enjoying this.
I hope he can hear the show.
Sure, we got him a seat near the front.
Taka is taking a long time with her bath.
What's the trouble?
I don't know.
When I got home from downtown,
she was here crying and asked me to let her stay the night.
She had a fight with her husband.
But they're so sweet with each other.
Maybe too sweet.
Ah, Noriko!
Thanks for the bath.
Did you just get here? - Yes.
Why are you staring at me?
You were too sweet with him.
Too sweet.
Not at all.
What was the trouble?
- Nothing at all. - It wasn't nothing.
What happened?
- It's the dog. - What dog?
My pet dog.
It chewed on his pipe.
He was rather careless, leaving it lying around.
It's a nice pipe from London.
He blamed me. So I served him carrots, out of spite.
To whom? The dog?
Not the dog. My husband.
- A horse would've liked the carrots. - Silly!
Anyhow, he exploded this morning.
Over a trivial thing like that?
It was really upsetting.
You should be patient. That's nothing.
- You're a married woman. - So?
You have to put up with it. Doesn't she?
It's only natural, isn't it?
Husbands are all like that.
That's why we don't marry.
That's right, isn't it?
You don't know anything about married life.
- Married life? - Only married people understand.
Once you're married, it's too late to understand.
I'm going home.
Yes, you should.
It's for the best.
For Mr. Carrot, too.
Then I'm staying.
- Not going home? - No.
- Then spend the night. - No.
- So you're leaving? - No.
Make up your mind.
Your husband's on the phone.
Really? Thank you.
- May I bring it up? - What?
You know, that subject. Should I ask Noriko about it?
- About what? - This.
Your heart?
She wants your brother to examine her.
Do you think he'd see her? - Really?
I feel sick whenever I drink a few cups of sake.
Then stop drinking.
In my business I have to.
My heart reacts badly.
Someone recommended moxa treatment, so I went to this place -
I know that already.
I'm talking to Noriko.
I'll explain to her. She'll help you.
Of course.
I hope you will. Thank you.
Your boss is upstairs.
- Alone? - He just got here.
- I should go say hello. - What?
I have some time.
Are you staying?
And you?
I'm sorry, but I have to go.
Why? Sit down and relax.
He's waiting for me in Ginza.
Who? Mr. Carrot?
That's right. Sorry.
Go on, then.
Are you going to Chako's wedding?
No, I'm not.
Excuse me.
Oh, you're here? Come and sit.
Hill Enterprises called after you left.
- And? - I did as you said.
Thank you.
Have a drink.
Thank you.
I'm glad you came.
I wanted to talk to you.
Yes?
Why don't you get married?
It's about time.
I have a prospect.
A classmate from the university, a little older than me.
Lived in Calcutta for a long time.
His name's Manabe. A good man.
He's never been married. Not sure if he's still a virgin.
I have some pictures.
This is him.
Have a look.
This one too.
A better golfer than me, and better-looking.
I'm sorry...
I have to go now.
Don't try to escape.
I'm not. But I have to meet my parents.
Really? Then take my car.
- If you don't mind. - No problem.
Thank you.
Take the pictures.
Show them to your folks and ask their opinion.
All right. Thank you.
Tea's ready.
Aren't you sleepy, Uncle?
Uncle, you must be tired.
Why don't you go to bed? You have an early train tomorrow.
I really enjoyed the play.
The young actors were so good.
Really admirable.
Then I'll have to go see it too.
I'm glad you liked it.
Let's go to bed.
All right.
Come see me in Yamato.
I will, after Noriko's married.
The two of you should come live there.
Yamato is the best place to live.
Leave this house to the young people.
I agree. Koichi's independent now.
I for one would be happy to.
I'm going to bed.
Good night.
Mr. Satake asked if I was thinking about getting married.
Uncle was asking the same thing.
Seems I'm suddenly popular.
- So what did your boss have to say? - I didn't have time to listen.
May I take this? - Yes.
- A visitor for Dr. Mamiya. - Who is it?
A Mrs. Tamura.
Good. I'll see her.
Any test results yet? - No, not yet.
That's odd.
How do you do? I'm Dr. Mamiya.
I'm Aya's mother.
- Have a seat. - Thank you.
Your sister's such a good friend to my daughter.
I hear you're concerned about your heart.
I wanted to ask you to examine me, Doctor.
If I can be of any help.
I'm sure you can, but I'm sorry to bother you.
It's all right.
Thank you.
By the way, congratulations about Noriko.
Aya and I are happy for her.
- What do you mean? - Mr. Satake found a man for her.
Is that right?
He's a really fine man.
The young director of a company with a good reputation.
He's from a very good family in Zentsuji.
They keep up their home there in the best traditional style.
I see.
Well, shall we begin?
Thank you for making time for me.
I'm home.
Welcome home. You're early today.
- Is Noriko home yet? - No.
She's at her friend's wedding. - Which one?
Chako. You don't know her.
The bath's ready.
Father's taking his now.
Mrs. Tamura came to the hospital.
Aya's mother?
She's really something.
How is she?
It's her nose, not her heart.
How's the bath, Father?
Very nice.
Mr. Satake's friend sounds like a good man for Noriko.
You know about that?
Mrs. Tamura told me. He's a director of a firm.
- He looks like a good man. - You've seen him?
I saw his picture.
She has a picture of him?
lsamu, go to your room.
What's he like?
In the pictures he's playing golf. His face isn't very clear.
Go to your room!
Sounds good.
I think so too.
- Shall I ask around? - I think this could be a good match.
Go, lsamu!
Sounds promising.
I agree.
186, 187, 188, 189, 190...
That was 200.
Twenty yen.
For that much money I should get more.
lsamu, give Grandma a little extra massage.
Oh, you're going to massage me now?
Thank you.
With these 20 yen, I'll have saved 300 yen, Grandma.
Good, but what are you saving for?
Model train track.
But you already have some.
I want more to make a really long track. Right, lsamu?
The bath was nice. Just right.
Father.
Noriko has received a proposal. - Really?
It seems good.
Good.
It's about time she got married.
She's 28 already.
That's right. I hope it's a good match.
I think so. I'll ask around about him.
Yes, do that, and right away.
- That's not fair to say. - You don't think so?
- Any bride would be like that. - But I've never seen her act like that.
Yes, she was putting on airs, looking all prim.
- Where did you go on your honeymoon? - Shuzenji.
We went to Atami.
It started raining that very day. We couldn't go out for three days.
We had to stay in the hotel and didn't know what to do with ourselves.
Mali, why are you telling us this?
Just a documentary report.
We asked a hotel employee for a top.
A top?
A spinning top. We passed the time with it.
My husband is very good at it. - Oh, really?
You shouldn't flaunt it in front of the single girls.
Silly! We don't play with tops, do we?
That's for children, isn't it?
Single girls don't understand, do they?
You have to pity them.
How can you say that?
What is it?
She has no right.
I'm leaving.
Single people don't know what real happiness is.
They have no right to talk.
Shut up, Mrs. Carrot!
Single people have no say!
You go on about happiness, but it's no more
than the anticipation you feel before going to the races,
planning what horse to bet on and how you'll spend your winnings.
You're wrong. You don't know.
- You too? - Don't back down!
- I'm leaving too. - Leave, dreamers!
Shall we go visit Noriko one of these days?
You're all welcome.
Next Sunday?
Sounds good. Can you come too, Aya?
I can - anytime - because I'm not married.
She's at it again!
I'm home.
Is that you, Noriko?
Shall I lock the door?
- Finally home! - Welcome.
How did the bride look? - Lovely.
The reception was magnificent.
Was she in a dress?
No, a kimono.
Here's some cake for you.
What is it?
Shortcake. How nice.
I went to Ginza with some friends.
They're coming by next Sunday.
Really? I'll cook something special.
You don't want any? - It's for you.
Thank you.
My group of friends is funny.
We always split in two.
The married and the single. Aya got all worked up again.
How come?
Because the married ones look down on us for being single.
Why not get married?
- You take their side? - Of course.
I see.
Then I guess I'll think about it.
How about the man Mr. Satake suggested?
Mr. Satake spoke very well of him.
You scared me!
Were you awake all this time?
She doesn't seem opposed.
No.
There's some hope.
She may accept. Try and ask her.
This cake is really good.
I'll buy more next time.
She's stubborn. Be tactful.
Leave it to me.
Tell her that Father approves, but don't press her too much.
All right.
Do your best.
Hello!
Who is it?
Hello. It's good to see you again.
Ah, Tami. Come in.
Thank you.
How have you been?
Where's Koichi's wife?
She went shopping. Please make yourself comfortable.
Here's some fish from my hometown.
I hope you like it.
You're always very kind.
Oh, it's nothing.
We had a strange visitor this morning.
Who was it?
I'd never seen him before.
A man with parted hair, glasses and a black bag.
I thought he was from the tax office,
but he wasn't.
Who was he?
He was from a detective agency.
He asked me about Noriko.
I realized it was about her marriage.
I asked him who was interested.
He just scratched his head and tried to laugh it off.
I was annoyed and told him he'd never find a better girl.
That horrible man knew quite a lot.
He even knew that our sons were classmates.
Oh, hello.
Welcome.
Thank you for being so kind to Kenkichi.
How are you?
I'm fine, thanks.
Your son has become a good doctor.
Thank you, but all he does since his wife died is read books.
Has it been two years?
Yes. How time flies.
And your son Shoji?
He won't be coming back.
Some people have returned recently.
I've given up hope.
My wife still thinks he's alive somewhere.
I know how it is. You can't help it.
She listens to the Missing Persons Hour on the radio.
It's funny how our memories work.
I forget about recent things.
Yet I remember everything about Shoji vividly.
There's no hope now.
INTERNAL MEDICINE
You were stationed in Zentsuji, right?
That's right.
You know a man named Manabe?
No. Who is he?
Never mind.
Ask Sakaguchi.
Really? Was he in Zentsuji?
He might know him. He knows a lot of people.
This piece -
Was this here? - No, it was over here.
So many kids around now.
Sunday means noise.
My house's filled with them today.
I couldn't stay there.
Watch your legs.
There it goes!
Faster.
Here it comes again.
Is this ready?
Yes, take it in.
What a crowd!
Have some sandwiches, everyone.
Let's eat.
Don't step on the tracks!
Can you take this?
Mother, buy me more track.
You have enough.
Most of it belongs to my friends. I only have eight pieces.
You have the money.
Not enough. I want to make a really long course. Right, lsamu?
Please buy me more.
I'll ask Father.
Please do.
Tell him it's 32mm-gauge. Don't forget!
- You're very crafty! - Shut up!
Will you buy me some? - No.
Stingy!
Hello.
Welcome.
Mali called. She can't make it today.
Has Taka come yet? - No.
Oh, what a crowd!
Just look at that!
Go away!
Hello.
Hello. Go on upstairs.
It's beautiful.
This is for your mother. - Thank you.
The sky's beautiful from here.
The sky isn't like this where I live.
Your parents? - They've gone out.
What about Mali?
Her husband's going on a business trip. She really wanted to come.
If I were her, I would have came.
It's probably not that simple.
She could have come. She has a maid to help her.
Maybe a wife has other worries.
We just wouldn't know.
That's right.
Help yourself.
Kamakura is a nice place.
I wish I could live here.
Noriko, phone call for you.
From Oiso.
Hello? Taka? What is it?
Taka just called from Oiso.
Her father's sick.
That's not true. I know he's on a trip.
This party was her idea.
Why didn't she come?
We've been dumped.
Because we argued with them.
We were such close friends in school.
Now we're drifting apart.
Can't be helped. That's how it is, it seems.
I don't like it.
Shall we go to the beach later?
Yes.
Have something to eat first.
Pass me the drinks.
This may be the happiest time for our family.
We'll be losing Noriko soon, which will be a bit sad.
You're right.
What do you think of Satake's plan?
I hope it works out. It's time she got married.
How time flies.
Koichi married with children.
And now Noriko's getting married.
This may be the happiest time of our lives.
You think so?
We could be happier.
We mustn't want too much.
I've really enjoyed today.
Look.
Some child must be crying.
Remember how Koichi cried when he lost his balloon?
Hello? Yes, it is.
It's your wife.
Thanks.
Fumiko? It's me.
I have to stay tonight to keep watch on a patient.
Is Noriko home?
Her prospects seem good.
Sakaguchi told me.
I'll tell you when I get home.
All right. I understand.
Good night.
Night duty?
That looks good.
How much? - Nine hundred yen.
That much?
For that? That's so expensive!
I had no idea.
I've lost my appetite.
Come on. Pass me the plates.
I shouldn't have asked you to buy it.
The plates, please.
I feel sick. Why did I ask you to buy it?
Will you pay half?
Me? Forget it.
All right, I will!
You're serious?
It's so expensive.
But this bakery is the best.
It costs as much as half a pound of wool.
But we so rarely eat cake.
Good evening.
- Who is it? - Yabe.
Welcome.
Tonight Koichi is -
He just called to say he's working tonight.
Please come in.
Good evening.
- Thank you for stopping by. - Not at all.
Your parents? - Gone to bed.
I guess my timing was good. You don't mind my having this?
Please.
- Are you celebrating something? - Why?
Do you eat cake like this often?
Not that often.
I wish I could.
May I start?
It must have cost a lot.
No, it was quite reasonable.
Eat it and don't worry.
It's good.
May I congratulate you?
Me?
I heard.
Really? What's the occasion?
Noriko's getting married, right?
Maybe.
And you too, I hear. - Am I?
Your mother said so.
That's just an idea in her head.
I think you should remarry. Shouldn't he?
Yes, it'd be good for Mitsuko, too. I heard she's really nice.
My mother's just getting herself all excited.
If you're not going to eat it, I will.
I certainly am!
Are you sure? Too bad.
It's so good.
Hide the cake.
What is it now?
Good evening.
I'm home.
Hi, Dad.
Great!
Look! I'm so happy!
Dad bought us some track!
This is great! I'm so excited.
Wait. Hands off!
Dad's great! Let's see.
What's this?
Bread.
Shut up!
Stupid!
- Where's Mother? - Washing some things.
Mother.
The proposal for Noriko seems very promising.
That's very good.
The man is the second son of a good family in Zentsuji.
He's in the social register and seems to be a fine businessman.
How nice. And how old is he?
He was born in 1910, so that makes him about 40.
- Forty? - Yes, about 40.
Forty, huh?
Much older than Noriko.
Age doesn't matter.
- But that's too old for Noriko. - That's right.
Then how old is good?
She isn't so young herself.
She can't be too choosy or she'll never get married.
As long as he's respectable, we shouldn't be picky.
I just feel bad for her.
Feel bad for her?
Why? What do you mean?
With that kind of attitude,
you'll spoil things.
I wonder...
Yes, you will.
Aren't you asking for too much? You always do this.
But...
But what?
What does Noriko think?
You said she would accept.
Didn't you tell me that?
You said so.
It was you who -
It wasn't me! Stop twisting things around!
Am I asking for too much?
What's wrong?
Koichi scolded me.
Don't worry about it.
We're all concerned about Noriko.
Don't take it personally.
Liar! Liar!
I want train track.
Not that!
Stop that!
Stupid bread!
Stop that!
Why did you do that? You're not to kick food around!
Liar!
That's a bad thing to do!
You understand? - Let me go!
lsamu, come here!
I'm home.
Where are you going? Did you get scolded?
Where are you going?
I don't know.
I'm home.
Did you scoId them again?
You're in a bad mood.
You shouldn't scoId them like that.
I feel sorry for them.
Why?
They've grown tired of you.
Don't lecture me.
I'm not lecturing. You're always like this.
Mind your own business.
Very well.
- I'm home. - Welcome back.
He's in a bad mood.
Idiot!
lsamu! Come on!
Where can they be?
I'm worried.
They must be getting hungry.
Yes, they must.
Poor things.
Aren't they back yet?
Not yet. Where could they be?
It's getting late.
I'll go look again.
But, Father -
No, I'm going.
Good evening. Tami?
Is that you, Noriko?
Did our boys come here?
No.
- They didn't? - No.
What's wrong?
They aren't home yet.
Really? Where can they be?
What's up?
Help her find the boys.
All right.
Let's go.
- Put on your other shoes. - These are fine.
It's dark out. Be careful.
Check the street that goes towards Hase.
And don't forget to check the train station.
And the back lanes too.
- It's your turn. - ls it?
Why did you scold them like that?
Children are sensitive. You mustn't scold them too harshly.
You shouldn't lose your temper.
You're right. I shouldn't.
It's not easy.
Right. It's not easy.
Hello? Yes?
Ah, Mrs. Mamiya?
Yes, he's here.
- For me? - Yes.
Hello.
Really? They're home?
That's good.
I see.
I'll be home soon.
They're home.
Thank goodness.
They were starving, just sitting in the train station.
Poor boys.
They're a bother.
I guess I'll be going. - Yeah, you better.
They take after me more and more.
But only my bad side. It's a pity.
That's just how it goes.
By the way, don't forget. - What?
They want that position at Akita Hospital filled right away.
All right.
I'll ask him tomorrow.
Good night.
I'm home.
There's my good little girl.
Stay indoors now.
You're early. Are you hungry?
There's some fried rice. - Fine.
Mother.
I have something to tell you. - Oh?
Sit down.
What is it?
I'm going to Akita.
On a business trip?
They asked me to run internal medicine at Akita Hospital.
They did?
The offer came through Mr. Mamiya.
He told me I'd be called back to Tokyo in a few years.
What do you think?
Did you accept?
I'd like to. If you wish, you can stay here.
You can't go alone!
Will you come with me then?
Well?
Well...
Akita's a long way away.
You don't like the idea? It would mean a considerable raise.
Can't you find a job like that in Tokyo?
No, they only offer posts like that in the provinces.
This is a great opportunity for me.
I know, but...
And I can do my research on local problems there.
They promised I could return to Tokyo in a few years.
I can't let this opportunity go by.
What do you think?
I'll accept, okay?
You have a bad habit of getting quiet when you're angry, Mother.
Hello.
What is it today?
I just stopped by.
I see. Have a seat.
- Where's Noriko? - She's out.
Mr. Manabe came by last night.
Did he say anything?
Nothing in particular.
What about Noriko? - What about her?
About marrying him.
She hasn't said anything yet.
Will you ask her?
Me?
- I don't understand her. - What do you mean?
Is she interested in men?
What do you think?
Sometimes she seems to be, and sometimes she doesn't.
Has she always been like that? - Yes.
- Has she ever been in love? - I don't think so.
But she has an album of Audrey Hepburn photos this thick.
Who's Audrey Hepburn?
- An American actress. - A woman?
So she goes for women? - No!
You can never know. She's very strange, in any case.
Why don't you teach her? - About what?
Everything.
What do you mean, everything?
Don't try to be coy.
Don't talk to me like that!
That was rude!
Was it? Sorry.
Bring in some tea.
Or some coffee?
Nothing, thank you.
Noriko's like.
She might not be back today. She's seeing her brother.
That was mean of you.
You might've told me sooner.
- You want to go out for some sushi? - All right.
What do you like?
Tuna.
- How about an open clam? - Sure.
- And a nice long rice roll? - No, thank you!
You're strange too.
Shoji and I came here often when we were in school.
Really?
We always sat at this table.
That painting was there too.
It's been a long time.
Yes, it has.
We quarreled a lot, but I loved my brother very much.
I still have a letter from him.
It came through the military mail. He enclosed a wheat stalk.
I was reading Wheat and Soldiers at the time.
Could you let me have it?
Of course. I'd like you to have it.
Thank you.
There he is.
- Been waiting long? - Not too long.
Shall we go? What shall we eat?
Anything you'd like.
It's a farewell dinner in your honor. Make him order a lot.
Of course it's my treat. But nothing too expensive.
Stingy!
Expensive dishes aren't necessarily good.
Let's go.
Good evening.
Who is it?
It's me.
Ah, Noriko.
Come in. I'm glad you came.
Thanks.
- Mitsuko's fast asleep. - Yes.
You're packing?
I'm not making much progress.
This is a farewell gift from my family.
You shouldn't have. You're very kind.
Thank you very much.
Where's Kenkichi?
He's still at his farewell party,
even though he leaves tomorrow morning.
And when will you join him?
As soon as I finish cleaning this place up.
It must be difficult.
Thanks for everything all these years.
Is this your first trip to Akita?
Yes.
The furthest north I've been is Utsunomiyu.
You'll come back in a few years.
Kenkichi says so too.
He means it.
I hope he's right.
I wanted him to remarry,
and we'd all live here the rest of my life.
Listen...
I hope you won't be offended, and please don't tell Kenkichi.
What is it?
Well...
I know it's an impossible dream.
I just wish Kenkichi had gotten remarried to someone like you.
I so hoped it would come true. - Really?
Please don't be angry. It's just a wish in my heart.
Just a dream of mine.
Do you mean it?
What?
Do you really feel that way about me?
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
You wouldn't mind an old maid like me?
Then I accept.
Really?
You mean it?
Are you sure? Can I really believe you?
How happy I am! You really mean it?
This is so wonderful!
Thank you so much!
Thank God I mentioned it, or this would've never happened.
See? Sometimes it's good that I talk so much.
Oh, am I happy! I feel so relieved.
Let's have some red-bean buns.
No, thank you.
I must go now.
Why?
Please wait until Kenkichi comes home.
It's already late.
Very well.
Can I really believe it?
You promise?
How happy I am!
Good night, and thank you again.
Good evening.
Thanks for last night.
- When's your train tomorrow? - It's the 8:45 to Aomori.
Well, good night.
I'm home.
Did you see Noriko?
Did she say anything?
No, nothing in particular.
Kenkichi, she said she'd join our family.
She promised she would!
You see, I told her what's been on my mind.
It was good that I did. I didn't think she'd accept.
What is this about?
- She accepted. - Accepted what?
She agreed to marry you.
To become your wife!
My wife?
Yes.
Isn't it wonderful? I'm so happy for you.
I'm crazy with joy.
You must be happy too. I'm really glad for you.
Then stop crying.
I can't help it.
If you're happy, then show it.
You are happy, aren't you?
Yes, I'm happy.
Then show it. You don't have to hold back.
What an odd boy you are.
Is Noriko back?
I heard her come in a few minutes ago.
Father.
You too, Mother.
Please come downstairs.
What is it?
Please sit down.
Well?
Noriko wants to marry Yabe.
Kenkichi?
She says she promised his mother just now.
But he's leaving for Akita tomorrow morning.
That's why I decided.
This is an important matter. Have you given it careful consideration?
He has a child.
We've all been concerned about getting you married.
You know that.
Why didn't you at least talk to Father and Mother?
Have you thought this through?
You acted rashly.
I don't know about Father and Mother, but I don't like this match.
But I-
When his mother talked to me, I didn't feel a moment's hesitation.
I suddenly felt I'd be happy with him. That's why I accepted.
Are you sure you won't be sorry later?
I don't think so.
Are you sure? You won't regret this later?
I am sure.
You're positive? You won't regret it?
No, I won't.
Don't you feel chilly, dear?
Let's go back upstairs.
Let's go to bed.
It was thoughtless of her to decide on her own.
She acts like she grew up all by herself.
What should we do?
Should we let her?
Why not? It's her own decision.
Maybe something can still be done.
What could we do now? She's made up her mind.
You know how she is.
Yes?
A Mrs. Yabe wants to see you.
All right.
Thank you for seeing him off.
- So he found himself a seat. - Yes, he was lucky.
He couldn't have stood all the way to Akita.
What brings you here?
It was too crowded to talk at the station.
About what?
With all those people around, I couldn't possibly ask you.
But I kept thinking after we parted.
What is this about?
About last night. I still can't believe it's true.
It feels like it was all a dream.
Did your parents approve?
- Yes. - And your brother?
Don't worry.
Really? They approved?
I feel so relieved!
What does Kenkichi think?
Who? Kenkichi?
He's overjoyed. He didn't sleep last night.
We ate again in the middle of the night!
Really?
With my worries over, I'll live a nice long life, thanks to you.
Well, I'll be going now. I'm so happy!
This is the way out.
Oh, is it?
I'm so happy!
Can you pull it from that end?
I wonder if she did right deciding on her own.
I wonder too.
She didn't have to marry someone who already has a child.
That's right.
Maybe she doesn't mind,
but it's a pity there wasn't anything we could do.
I thought...
ever since she graduated from high school,
every time I heard people complement her,
I wondered what kind of family she would marry into.
You know Mrs. Shinoda in Den'en-chofu?
Whenever I visited her beautiful house,
I dreamed Noriko would be a wife in a house like that one day.
I am Sure.
Now I think Mr. Satake's man might have been a better choice.
I agree.
I don't understand young people's thinking these days.
Are you going out?
Just to buy some seed for the birds.
I'll see him out.
You want me to get anything else?
No.
Good-bye.
So have you already decided?
This was all so sudden. When's your wedding?
When he returns in a few months.
You've taken a big step.
I thought you were the type who could never leave Tokyo.
Why?
I imagined you'd live Western-style, with a flower garden,
listening to Chopin.
In your tiled kitchen, you'd have a refrigerator filled with Coca-Cola.
I thought you'd be a housewife in a house like that.
When I'd visit, you'd meet me on a covered porch,
wearing a white sweater, with a terrier in tow,
and you'd greet me over a picket fence, 'Hello, how are you?'
Not at all.
I couldn't imagine otherwise.
Akita is farm country.
Will you wear farmer's clothes?
Sure, I will.
'Well, howdy. How's it goin', missus?
Right nice day, ain't it? Nice weather we been havin'.
Can you speak like that?
Well, shucks, I reckon. It ain't so hard.
Well, I'm plumb surprised.
Ya come up here from the big city, and already ya talk our dialect.
Ya don't look it, but ya talk like the locals.
I figure to live in Akita when me and my man get hitched.
I reckon I better learn me the dialect!
You speak it well!
There was a girl from Akita in our school, remember?
That's right!
Do you remember...
before your brother left for the front,
we went hiking with him and his friend.
Is he the man?
I don't remember whether he was with us.
Did you already love him then?
No, I had no particular feeling for him.
When did it start?
I don't know. It happened gradually.
Really? I had no idea.
Of course not. I never imagined myself marrying him.
So what happened?
- Nothing really. - Nothing?
Well, that's not entirely true. How can I explain it?
It's like when you look for something all over the place,
and then you find it was right in front of you all along.
Mother's always looking for her glasses when they're right on her nose.
- That's how it was. - How so?
He was so close at hand, I didn't realize he was the one.
So you did love him.
No, it wasn't like I was in love with him.
I'd known him well since childhood, and I knew I could trust him.
That means you love him.
No, I just feel I can trust him with all my heart and be happy.
Don't you understand?
If that's not being in love, what is?
- No, it's not. - Yes, it is.
You're in love. You've fallen in love with him.
Have I?
Yes, you have. Don't make me hit you!
- You better not. I know how you hit. - Here I come.
- Grab her, Mother! - What's going on here?
Aya, where is that thing?
The thing I brought up the other day. About this big, and yellow.
I was sure I left it here somewhere.
- Madam, you're wanted. - Oh, all right.
What was she looking for?
I don't know.
She's always like that. She'll be back, anyway.
I wonder if she's getting senile.
I can't leave home to get married with her like that.
Wouldn't your husband live here with you?
Out of the question. No real man would live with his wife's family.
See? And she usually comes back once more.
I'm happy for you. You're lucky you found a man you love.
But I'm sure our new life together won't be easy.
There will be a lot of difficulties and inconvenience to deal with.
I'll have to scrimp and work really hard.
What about your boss's plan?
I declined this morning.
What did he say?
He laughed and said I was old-fashioned for a modern girl.
That's funny. He's upstairs right now.
With Mr. Manabe.
Why not look at him? Take a peek from the next room.
No, thanks.
Come on, it'll be fun. He's quite good-looking.
No, thanks.
Come on. Why not? It'll be all right.
No, I'd rather not. I don't need any more husbands.
Don't worry. Come on.
I may marry whoever's left. Let's go.
- We shouldn't. - It'll be fine.
- Let's not. - Come on.
I wonder if we should give her our permission.
She's impossible.
I just don't know.
I feel sorry for her.
Let's talk to her again and make sure she knows what she's doing.
Maybe we should.
She said she's decided, but she might have changed her mind.
I'm home. Sorry I'm late.
I was with Aya.
Have you eaten?
Not yet. I'll fix myself something. Don't bother.
I'll help myself. - There are some leftover croquettes.
Good. Excuse me.
Are you worried because I'm marrying a man with a child?
That's one reason.
Please don't be worried. I'm not.
But Mother feels sorry for you.
I saw her crying in the kitchen last night.
But I love children.
Father and Mother don't see it the same way you do.
Mitsuko will grow up, and when you have a child of your own -
It'll be fine. I've given it a lot of thought.
It'll be all right.
It's not that unusual a situation. I'm sure I can manage.
But...
Don't worry.
I'm confident I can do it.
Is that so?
Maybe I'm an optimist.
Poverty doesn't worry me like it does other people.
I'm not afraid of it.
Are you sure?
Then I'll stop worrying.
Frankly, I felt I couldn't trust a man
who was still unattached and drifting around at 40.
I think a man with a child is more trustworthy.
I admire you, Noriko.
Why?
I knew nothing about marriage when I got married.
But what'll become of the family when I leave home?
You needn't worry about that.
Father and Mother only want you to be happy.
So don't worry.
But it'll be harder for you without my salary to count on.
It's okay. You and I will compete.
At what?
Economizing. And I don't intend to lose.
Neither do I.
You'll have to stop eating shortcake.
Of course. It's too expensive.
But if someone gives us some, I'll eat it.
Come on. It's nice down here!
I'm glad you came.
Congratulations.
Thank you for everything all these years.
No, I should thank you.
Shall we call Aya and go out for dinner?
Thank you for asking, but I must be going.
I see.
Well, stop by if you ever come up to Tokyo.
And take good care of your husband.
Manabe will be disappointed. Tough luck.
If I were younger and single and proposed to you, would you accept?
You'd probably turn me down too.
Come and take a good look at Tokyo.
Tokyo's not so bad.
- Putting it back on? - I can't decide.
Leave it off.
Please look at the camera.
Keep still, lsamu.
Madam, chin down, please.
Ready, everyone?
Could you take a picture of my parents alone?
- Good idea. - Really? All right.
You look wonderful together.
Don't make fun of us.
It's been years since the last time.
- I'm done. - Me too.
You had good appetites.
Where are you going?
Poop.
Now that you're marrying Yabe, I wish I hadn't sent him to Akita.
But knowing he was leaving made me realize how I felt.
You'll return in no time.
Yes, time flies.
We've lived here 16 years already.
That's right.
It was spring and Noriko had just turned 12.
She was just a little older than Minoru is now.
She used to wear a ribbon in her hair, and she was always singing.
She was so cute.
Children grow up so quickly.
And what will you do now?
I'll start a practice here.
And the hospital?
I plan to keep working there evenings.
I see.
We're parting ways, but we'll be together again.
I wish we could live together forever, but that's impossible.
Father and Mother, please come visit us now and then from Yamato.
I'm sorry. I've broken up the family.
It's not your fault. It was inevitable.
Noriko, please take care of yourself.
I hear Akita is very cold.
Yes, be sure to take care and keep healthy.
Then we'll be sure to meet again.
Look there.
A bride is passing by.
I wonder what sort of family she's marrying into.
I wonder how Noriko is.
Our family has been scattered.
But we've done better than average.
We've experienced a lot in our years together.
We shouldn't ask for too much.
We've been really happy.