Original subtitles

ORIGINAL STORY BY MAYU HINASE

The mast made of white clouds

Is being pushed by the wind…

Who's there?

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is our world

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Is our world

All right. That's it for today.

Today was the best yet.

Tonosaki wasn't singing.

Again?

She doesn’t even answer during roll call either.

Why won’t you say anything?

Okay, everyone. Let’s rearrange the desks.

Okay.

Can everyone do it?

Let's do it.

Your mom is picking you up today, right?

Bye.

Mai, what do you want for dinner?

Stew or Salisbury steak?

Stew.

Hey. Why won’t you talk at school?

Sorry for raising my voice.

But the teacher was worried too.

Is there a reason why you don’t want to speak?

Did something happen at school?

Did someone say something to you?

We won’t know unless you speak up.

Back when the school year started,

she went home instead of coming to school.

Ever since then, her mom drops her off at school.

I see.

There are many first-year students

who are shy and have a hard time making friends.

That’s why I thought Tonosaki

would come out of her shell once time passed.

She seems to be fine at home.

She just speaks softly.

Dad! I did it.

You did so well!

Mai is a daddy’s girl.

You’re just worrying too much.

- Wow, you drew this? What is this? A ship? - Yeah.

Everyone's on the ship?

- That's you, Dad. - This is me?

- I look so cool! - Come with me.

- It looks like me. - Hey.

Come with me.

What's the matter?

Aren't you worried?

She doesn’t say a single word!

But she’s speaking at home.

Then, why won’t she speak when she leaves the house?

Why can’t she speak with her classmates?

If she can't talk, she can’t express her feelings.

That’s true, but…

I drop off and pick her up every day from school,

and I talk with the teachers too.

But I’m getting more and more confused.

You’re only seeing a fraction of who she really is.

The star lights up like a lamp

A tiny, tiny dream

Is chasing after

The shooting star

Tomorrow is coming soon

An exciting and lively

Morning

You're so good at dancing and singing.

I'm in a good mood this morning

Kapi, Kapi, Kapi

An exciting and lively morning

You sure love that song.

Oh, what about that song for the music recital?

Mai?

I like the Kapita song better.

I see.

It's happening today,

in the first, second, and third period.

Mai?

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning, Tonosaki.

I'm so sorry.

She was singing and dancing this morning,

and she was playing with her dad yesterday too.

Right, Mai?

Why can’t you speak like you were doing a while ago?

You can do it, right?

What is it?

Oh, Dr. Makino.

Mrs. Tonosaki, this is the school nurse…

I mean, the school doctor, Dr. Makino.

You’re a doctor?

Are you feeling unwell?

I don’t know.

She won’t speak when she leaves the house.

An exciting and lively morning

Kapita!

What's your name?

Mai Tonosaki.

Which class are you in?

Class 1-2.

Look.

The grown-ups are troubled because of you.

What?

Judging by the tests and the way she acts at home,

there is no problem with her speech and understanding.

If this has been continuing for over three months,

it’s most likely selective mutism.

Selective mutism?

She can speak normally at home,

but her voice won’t come out in social settings, such as school.

It’s one of the anxiety disorders seen in children.

It usually occurs from early childhood to when they begin elementary school.

When they feel anxious

about speaking in front of people or being seen by others,

they become unable to speak, no matter how hard they try.

It’s believed that this condition is caused

by the overreaction of the amygdala, which is a part of the brain

that senses danger.

That causes the body to take action to protect itself.

The brain?

She’s predisposed to a heightened sense of anxiety compared to others.

When they are silent, they temporarily

escape any nervousness or anxiety,

so it doesn't show on their expressions.

Which makes them appear normal to the people around them.

Does this mean that she won’t ever speak

while she’s in school?

For children with selective mutism, the school

is a place that gives them anxiety all day long.

No matter how much they try, their voice won’t come out.

Sometimes this may continue until they’re in high school.

But even when they do start speaking,

their lack of experience in communication with others

will result in stunted social skills,

which may lead to secondary issues,

like skipping schools and so forth.

How can that be…

Hey, Kapita. Why is Mom crying?

I got it. I'll try saying it a lot louder this time.

Mom! Don't cry!

It's useless.

They can't hear your voice, Mai.

Dr. Makino,

can I take Tonosaki to class now?

Sure.

But sitting in the back of the classroom will make her feel more comfortable.

Don’t force her to speak,

and only ask questions that she can answer with a "yes" or a "no".

Okay.

It’s also important to explain this to her classmates.

I understand.

Tonosaki, let’s go to class together.

Um…

Is this our fault as parents?

There is no connection between

selective mutism and parental attitudes.

It’s said that one in 500 kids have selective mutism,

but it’s not well-known, and it often causes misunderstandings.

It’s a good thing we were able to detect it early on.

Right now, you're the only person who can hear Mai Tonosaki’s voice.

Please try to understand her

and let her know that she can feel secure and at peace when she’s with her mother.

Yes.

As for her treatment,

may I go to your house?

My house?

Yes.

SEAT REARRANGEMENT

MAI TONOSAKI

This is where you'll be sitting, Tonosaki.

Did everyone find their new seat?

Yes.

Hey there.

She’s ignoring us again.

Listen up, everyone.

Tonosaki wants to speak with everyone,

but she’s a little shy, so it’s hard for her to speak up.

Okay.

But she’s replying to everyone silently.

Right now, Misa said, "Hey there,"

so you also said, "Hey there," back to her, right?

Hey there.

I guess I can’t speak

because I'm shy.

Then, I wonder

if I will be able to speak once I get stronger.

I wonder.

What?

How can you get stronger when you're all alone?

Please come in.

Thank you.

Let's slowly build her confidence,

starting with her house, where she doesn't feel much anxiety.

You like to draw?

Here.

Exchange diary?

To be used between her

and me.

What should she write?

It can be anything.

The point is to communicate through writing.

Write whatever you want.

Why are you scared in your own home?

I’m sorry to say this, but…

I think Mai is scared of people like you, Dr. Makino.

You really started the exchange diary?

EXCHANGE DIARY

How old-school.

Can I look at it?

Oh, you haven’t started yet?

No.

- Please sit. - Okay.

This treatment is effective with the cooperation of the parents,

school, and experts supporting every aspect of her life.

We start by placing her

in an environment with people who she feels most comfortable with,

so that she can speak naturally without being conscious of it.

She seems to be speaking at home with her mom and dad.

First,

we’ll try to have her speak with someone

over the intercom while she sits next to her mom.

Or maybe even go shopping.

Once she clears that, someone else, like me,

will go to their house,

and the three of us will play a game together.

Once she clears that, the next step is the school?

Yes.

But we’ll have her come with her mom when no one is here.

Baby steps.

We will find what works for Tonosaki

and slowly but surely produce results.

Is there anything I can do for her during class?

Does Tonosaki have friends?

I don’t think so…

It would be great if she has even one friend.

Then, you should start by being her friend, Dr. Makino.

What?

An exchange diary is done between friends, after all.

I bet Tonosaki

is confused right now because some grumpy man

handed her a random notebook.

Ms. Shinoya.

I'm sorry.

I'm going to borrow this for a second.

CLASS 1-2

Ouch!

What's wrong with them?

What are you drawing?

Let’s write in the diary today during lunch break.

I look forward to it.

Dr. Makino,

you can speak with Mai?

Today I said "good morning" to her,

but she didn’t say anything.

Even though she nodded her head at me yesterday.

Then, let’s all tell her to start talking to us.

- Hey. - What is it?

Did you already forget what your teacher told you yesterday?

Mai is shy, but she can actually speak, right?

That's right.

You guys have a hard time speaking

in front of strangers or when you’re nervous, right?

- I don’t. - I do.

She’s saying both "good morning" and "thank you"

inside her heart.

She gets sad when she’s ignored

and embarrassed when laughed at.

She can’t speak even more when people tell her to speak.

So, don’t ever say that to her.

Sorry.

We all know what makes us happy or sad.

You can understand those feelings,

even if she doesn’t respond with words, right?

Yeah.

HIGASHITAMA DAIHACHI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

EXCHANGE DIARY

Done.

DID YOU HAVE FUN IN CLASS?

Cut me some slack. It's my first time drawing this.

Oh, don't get me wrong.

I'm not mad.

Let's take it slow.

It's okay if you can't do this.

MUSIC

Let's go to class.

It started.

Let's board the ship and sail away

To our island…

Let's skip class.

Let's board the ship and be on our way

To our island

I think Mai is scared of people like you, Dr. Makino.

It’s just the two of us, but do you want to play hide-and-seek?

There’s nobody here, so no need to be nervous--

This song…

The mast made of

White clouds

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Is our world, tomorrow

Tomorrow…

Are you trying to play hide-and-seek?

Is our world

Looking for something?

Hey.

Is this what you were looking for?

DID YOU HAVE FUN IN CLASS?

What is that?

A bear?

Did you draw that, Mai?

Then, who?

DR. MAKINO

I see.

Do you want to look at my journal too?

Okay, let's gather before we leave.

Take your seats, everyone.

Okay.

Mai, please show me your journal next time.

Mai.

What's the matter?

I have some good news today.

EXCHANGE DIARY

This is…

Dr. Makino drew this…

I think it's a raccoon?

And this is the grasshopper that Mai drew.

When she was playing with Dr. Makino,

she saw a grasshopper and was so surprised that she jumped up on him.

I was thinking

that I should take her out of the musical recital.

Since she might feel more terrified than ever

to have a bunch of strangers staring at her.

I thought she might end up feeling too scared to go to school.

But…

maybe she'll be okay.

Let's make a change.

What?

Let's make this school and the music recital

a place where Mai can enjoy.

Mornings are scary.

It's the start of another day at the loathsome school.

You were having

nightmares about it.

It's okay even if you can't make any friends.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow

Is our world

DR. MAKINO

- How cute. - You scared me.

You got a response from her.

You did it.

You're really not going to be part of the staff band?

I already refused.

There's a rumor

that the sound of the triangle can be heard from the infirmary.

They must've misheard.

Is that right?

Dr. Makino. I need your advice on something.

Well, thank you for joining the band.

I said I won't!

- You need advice? - Yes.

Tonosaki's mom

said that she was thinking about taking Mai out of the music recital.

I blurted out that we will make the school and the music recital

a place where Mai can enjoy.

Did I jump the gun?

Kind of.

The program

for the music recital is already done?

Yes.

EXCHANGE DIARY

Is there anything that requires artwork?

Artwork?

You're going to have Tonosaki draw?

There are lots of ways for her to participate even if she can't sing.

Please let her feel a sense of accomplishment.

Okay.

Oh yeah, I heard from your mom

you went shopping by yourself yesterday?

You bought a pencil, right?

That's amazing.

Can you show it to me later?

It was almost a whisper, but she said, "I'd like this, please."

And then she paid for it.

- She was able to say that? I'm glad. - Yes.

Then, let's change the setting and environment

and have her speak out on her own again.

Okay.

But please don't force her to speak.

Excessive praise can lead to anxiety, so please be careful.

There's still a long way to go before she can handle things at school.

The music recital is coming up, so I find myself rushing.

What Mai is feeling right now

and what she wants to do…

I haven't heard it directly from Mai in her own words.

I want to find out…

what Mai is feeling.

Why are you staring at your pencil?

Yu, were you trying to take Mai's pencil?

No, I tried to touch it, but she pushed it away.

- Liar. - I'm not lying.

I didn't try to take it.

You were trying to take it.

Let's begin our class.

- Yes. - Take your seats.

Get ready, everyone.

Mai, I know you didn't push it away.

Did everyone write it down?

We're going to continue with our additions and subtractions.

Okay.

Dr. Makino.

Oh? Where's Mrs. Tonosaki?

The truth is…

she's missing.

What?

Tonosaki, she headed to your class to pick you up,

but she disappeared.

I have a bad feeling.

She might've been spirited away.

School exploration?

Yeah.

I guess playing and walking around the school when no one is around

will help her to feel more comfortable here.

Wouldn't she feel scared to think that her mom was spirited away?

According to her mom,

Tonosaki has a strong sense of curiosity.

I see.

I'm done.

That's cute.

I'm done too.

It's cute.

Apparently,

wearing masks can help ease her anxiety.

I'm so glad Dr. Makino is here to help us.

HOME ECONOMICS

Where could she be?

She's not here either.

Where…

What?

Mai.

Wait. Where's Dr. Makino?

It's okay. I'm the only one here.

He's lost?

I want to find out…

what Mai is feeling.

Feelings.

The truth is…

Found you.

You were here?

She said that you were lost.

Lost?

Hey, I'm the one that was looking for you.

She's asking, "Dr. Makino, were you lonely?"

Of course I wasn't.

I'm glad we found him.

You're writing in the diary?

I EXPLORED THE SCHOOL TODAY

While you're at it,

why don't you write down how you're feeling?

I bet it'll make Dr. Makino really happy.

What should I write?

Maybe you can write, "I had fun today."

Or, "Let's play again."

You can write whatever you want to say.

Can I say

thank you

to Misa too?

Yeah, of course, you can.

Let's write it.

You have lots and lots of things you want to say, right?

Dear Misa,

thank you for picking up my pencil yesterday.

Let's play together next time. Sincerely, Mai.

Yes!

Good morning.

All right.

Today, we will have our final music recital practice at the auditorium.

So, everyone, let's go to the auditorium.

Okay!

Let's all take our position.

Everyone, stand in your assigned position.

Watanabe, you're over here.

Come down one step, please.

Very good.

Let's draw on the blue sky

A big, big ship

Let's board the ship and sail away

To our island

Tomorrow

I've heard her singing before.

What?

Well, she was singing something…

- The mast - …so as not to be heard by anyone.

Made of white clouds

I think

she wants to sing.

I'm glad to find out

what Mai is feeling, but the truth hurts.

But all we can do is support her,

so that she can overcome this on her own.

Don't underestimate your support.

The support everyone gives her

will give her lots of strength.

Mai.

You seem to be down.

The teacher was praising you for doing so well today.

I couldn't…

What?

I wanted to sing,

so I tried hard to sing out loud.

But my throat closed up,

and my voice wouldn't come out.

I couldn't sing.

I couldn't wave my hands either.

Good for you, Mai.

You were able to express your feelings.

I'm so happy.

You're feeling frustrated because you've gotten stronger.

There's nothing you can't do, Mai.

You went shopping, found Dr. Makino,

and wrote a letter to Misa all on your own.

You're very good at drawing too.

There are so many things you can do.

You'll be able to do even more from now on.

Really?

Yeah.

You did your best, so pat yourself on the back.

Tell yourself that you did a good job.

Tell yourself that you're amazing.

Mai, you're amazing.

Look at this.

MUSIC RECITAL

Mai helped out with this.

What?

Mai is a genius.

She's so good. It's so cute.

It's almost time, everyone. Is everyone ready?

Yes.

Sing your heart out.

Okay.

I thought you didn't need me anymore.

I practiced a lot.

So, please watch me perform, Kapita.

Okay.

I understand you

the most, Mai.

Mai.

LET'S DO OUR BEST WHEN SHOULD WE PLAY TOGETHER?

PLEASE GIVE ME A REPLY SINCERELY, MISA

Let's go, everyone.

Okay!

Let's go inside.

All the students

worked together and practiced for this performance.

MUSIC RECITAL

The first song

will be performed by Class 1-2.

"Let's Draw on the Blue Sky".

It's Mai.

She looks a little gloomy.

Let's draw on the blue sky

A big, big ship

Let's board the ship and sail away

To our island

Tomorrow, yeah

Tomorrow, yeah

Tomorrow is our world

Tomorrow, yeah

Tomorrow is our world

The mast made of white clouds

Is being pushed by the wind

Steer the ship on the contrail

To our island

Tomorrow, yeah

Tomorrow is our world

Tomorrow, yeah

It's our world

The star lights up like a lamp

A tiny, tiny dream

Is chasing after the shooting star

Tomorrow is coming soon

It's our, yeah

We've arrived at our world

It's our, yeah

We've arrived at our world

It's our, yeah

We've arrived at our world

It's our, yeah

We've arrived at our world

Yeah!

Dr. Makino.

- Mai… - Yes.

Even if she only opened her mouth, that's one big step forward.

Thanks to Misa holding her hand and the addition of the minor

choreography that allowed her to participate without singing,

she was able to contain her anxiety.

And she looked like she was having fun.

Yes.

I was so scared when I first realized that Mai couldn't speak.

I even doubted if all

the projects we were working on would lead to anything.

But I was wrong.

Mai was moving forward with her own strength.

Mai is a strong girl.

A lot stronger than I give her credit for.

That's why

I will protect her strength.

Please do.

I'm sure

it will reap good results.

Let's all line up and go inside.

Okay.

Tonosaki, your mom is here.

Let's go back inside.

Dr. Makino. There you are.

You're up next.

Why are you running away?

You got better at playing the triangle, right?

- I'm not going. - Please hurry.

Please change.

- Let's go. - I'm not going!

Why do I…

PREVIEW OF NEXT EPISODE

…have to have surgery?

THIS DRAMA IS A FICTION

Subtitle translation by: Lili Morita