Original subtitles

Kouwa International Co., Ltd. presents

Executive producer: Hikaru Suzuki

Based on the novel by Mariko Koike

Written by Sumio Omori Izumi Kawasaki

Theme music by Tomoyasu Hotel

Directed by Tetsuo Shinohara

Good evening, now it's time for the news on February the 8th.

First, more news about last night's fire in the Hotel New Japan.

Today a Special Committee was established to investigate the cause...

of the blaze and the responsibility of the management.

The investigation began around lunchtime today.

According to the police most casualties...

Once, just once,

I slept with a man in one of those rooms.

Maybe some kinds of desire transcend the physical...

I know that words can't describe what happened between us back then.

Thanks.

550 Yen please.

Here's your change.

Thanks.

If you found a candy in the middle of the parched desert...

you'd pick it up...

and lick it..

...the sweet, sweet candy.

...even if you knew you'd die of the thirst that followed.

That's the kind of desire I felt for him all those years ago.

DESIRE

14th of October, 1978

- I'd like to take this one out. - Okay.

Okay, that's fine.

I can't stand it.

I'm so in love with Asao's back.

The music sounds as if it's coming from the hollow of her back.

Don't be such a pervert!

You understand though, don't you, Ruiko?

What?

How sexy it is.

I think the whole world understands!

Pain or pleasure? Those are the only criteria that matter.

- That's very clear. - Absolutely clear.

I don't believe in any ideology.

I know it sounds arrogant but...

I don't believe in internal psychology, only in what I can observe.

A psychiatrist who doesn't believe in psychology?

That's what fuels my appetite to find a cure.

If I thought the human mind was so marvelous...

...I'd fall into despair and leave the profession.

Babies laugh or cry, depending on whether they feel pain or pleasure.

They do fine without “psychology”.

That's why I am capable of feeling such deep love for them.

It's the same with my troubled patients.

That's why I'm able to feel such deep love for them too.

Human minds are weak, vulnerable organs...

...shamelessly following their own irrational rules...

...just like that piano being played over there.

It's easy to describe my relationship with No-se.

...so easy I don't even need words.

No-se lives with his wife in Nishi-ikebukuro.

After we said goodbye outside the park...

...he'd be home on the freeway in no time at all.

Maybe that's why he chose that park.

Ruiko.

Someone you know?

Is it Ruiko?

Ruiko, it's really you!

What on earth are you doing here?

Asao?

There's someone I'd like to introduce to you.

This is Dr. Hakamada, my fiancé.

We're getting married next month.

Ruiko, so much has happened since I saw you last.

You've probably got a lot to talk about. Shall I wait in the car?

I'm so sorry. I haven't seen her for ages.

This is Ruiko Aota.

We were best friends in junior high school. We were really close.

You're still called Aota, right? You're not married?

Pleased to meet you.

I look forward to meeting you again on some future occasion.

He saved me, you know.

He's a psychiatrist...

When I had terrible insomnia... someone recommended him to me.

I don't mean he cured me of insomnia though.

I mean he saved me in a different way.

I suppose you could say he rescued me.

You wouldn't believe it, but he's 31 years older than me.

Better than being with someone 31 years younger.

Don't be silly! I'm not that old.

But he's a little bit difficult, you know.

Look at these clothes for one thing, I can't stand them.

He chose them for me.

He said I looked cheap and should watch what I wear.

You're not convinced though?

It's also part of the treatment.

Treatment?

He made me give up the piano too.

He's such a stickler about everything.

He says that music should only be listened to in concert halls...

...played by first-rate musicians.

Are you happy?

I can't complain.

If it wasn't for him I'd still be playing the piano...

in some lounge... wearing a pink satin dress...

singing “My Way” or “I left my heart in San Francisco.”

I'm sorry I couldn't invite you to the ceremony.

We're having a party at home in November. I'd love it if you could come.

What kind of party?

Just a little intimate party for our close friends.

It's not formal at all. You will come, won't you?

Congratulations Doctor.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Why do you think?

I've no idea.

How did you manage to hook such a young and beautiful wife?

It's quite beyond me.

The doctor always gets exactly what he wants.

I'm not criticizing him, really.

You're just a little jealous.

More than a little, I think.

Really!

Have you lost weight?

Yes, a little.

All my old friends have moved away...

If you hadn't come I'd have been all on my own today.

Don't you love your husband?

I can say that to other people...

but not to him. The words stick in my throat.

I'll be punished for my sins if I complain.

I have to sort myself out.

Mrs. Hakamada.

Yes.

The Doctor's calling you.

Okay.

I'll see you in a minute. You won't leave, will you?

Do you still read a lot, Ruiko?

He's got a big library in his study. Why don't you go and have a look at it?

Okay.

CULTURE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS

THEORIES OF CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY

PSYCHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSES

THE DECAY OF THE ANGEL

Akiba?

Yes.

Aota? Ruiko Aota?

Yes.

So the old gang's all here.

What are you doing here?

You'll never guess.

That looks like a leaf from one of my maples.

It started life in the mountains.

My father liked the look of it so he brought it home and took care of it.

You don't find maples like that anymore.

Do you mean you're working on the gardens here?

Yes.

So, you followed in your father's footsteps?

Exactly.

Do you think I'm a hunk?

Not really...

but you look tougher than before.

Yeah, I've toughened up, in lots of ways, toughened up...

You've changed too...

you got prettier.

You don't mean that!

I'm serious.

I haven't seen you since high school.

Yes.

But you wouldn't believe it, when I took the job...

I didn't know Asao lived here.

If I'd known I'd have asked my father to get someone else to do it.

But, since I found out...

I've been coming more often.

I really wanted to see her again.

I wasn't going to come today, you know, to this party.

But I really wanted to see Asao.

I really wanted to see her so badly.

You're supposed to burst out laughing at that!

What are you up to these days?

Do you mean work?

Yes.

I work in a library.

That's perfect for you.

It's a school library.

I'm a librarian.

You married?

Not yet.

Really?

Look at this.

NOVELS OF YUKIO MISHIMA

I thought of calling you. Several times.

Really?

But I didn't have the guts.

The guts?

I didn't have the guts to be hung up on by you.

I called you.

What? I didn't know. When?

You were out.

I'm sorry.

That's okay.

I just sort of felt like talking to you again.

So you found each other. Were you surprised?

Yes. Congratulations, by the way.

Thank you.

It was a Saturday.

My body normally responded without thinking.

But the memory of meeting Masami...

again somehow echoed deep inside me.

Ruiko.

Ruiko, I haven't seen you lately.

How is Masami?

He was really badly hurt.

He might even die he was so badly injured.

They say it's a miracle he survived.

He was knocked down by a truck that ran the lights.

Isn't it horrible?

Asao...

Anyone home?

Come in.

Thanks.

Hello.

Hit

Are you okay?

I'm okay...thanks for coming.

Here.

Thanks.

She dumped me.

Asao dumped me.

She told me the day before I got out of hospital.

Just like her. No bullshit.

What have you been reading recently?

Whatever I can get my hands on.

Kobo Abe, Yumiko Kurahashi,

Kenzaburo Oe, Kazumi Takahashi,

André Breton, Boris Vian,

Sagan and the likes...

What about Mishima?

Yukio Mishima. Yes, I read him.

I like him.

What about you?

The other day I read “Spring Snow.”

It gave me goosebumps.

SPRING SNOW

I love it too.

My favorite scene was the one...

where the hero kisses Satoko in the snow.

“The rickshaw was covered with a hood.”

“They sat together, blankets over their knees.”

“The rickshaw driver asked them where they wanted to go.”

“Anywhere, he replied, as far as you can go.”

“After the first kiss when they lifted the hood...”

“The falling snow covered them both in a gentle blanket.”

“And if they opened their mouths the snow flakes danced inside...”

“The snow's down here...”

“The snow's down here...”

Ruiko!

Don't!

Stop!

Stop!

Stop it! Let me go!

I can't do it. I can't do it anyway.

I'll never be able to do it.

Stop making fun of me!

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do this to you.

Get off me!

I can't do it.

I'll never be able to have sex.

It's because of the accident.

It doesn't work down there.

I've got no circulation in those parts.

Even an operation won't help.

I'm sorry.

I tried to imagine...

But I only understood it in my own way...

when I knew the pleasures of sex.

Then I knew for the first time.

Are you okay?

It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a meal so much.

My husband's so obsessed with table manners.

He says I don't use the knife or eat soup the right way...

Or that I eat too quickly.

That was very nice.

His housekeeper, Hatsue.

She hardly says a word when she's serving.

She's usually so reserved...

...but if he says something nice about her cooking...

...you should see how happy she looks.

She tries not to show it to me... tries to hide it...

Maybe you're jealous of her.

There's something strange about those two.

There's something between them, I'm sure.

That's ridiculous!

Anyone can see there's no comparison.

That's not what I mean.

Some people would still understand if he preferred her to me.

Do you remember Kimichan, my family's maid?

I think so.

My brother was sleeping with her, but when he refused to marry her...

She slept with my father as revenge.

That's what broke up the family.

That's got nothing to do with your husband's housekeeper.

Why, because she's frigid?

What?

I've just realized something.

What?

I should have married Masami.

Don't you think so Ruiko? We should never have broken up.

We should have got married straight after high school.

I can't believe you're saying that now.

You dumped me while I was still in bandages.

I was too young to realize.

Why did I do it?

Why did I split up with you?

I really liked you, Masami.

Why on earth did we split up?

I can't remember at all.

My husband's completely useless.

We've only had sex once...

since we got married.

I want to have children as quickly as possible...

...but you can't have children if you only have sex once.

It's not because he's too old.

He says he can't sleep with me because I get too turned on.

That's what he told me. Isn't that awful?

That's why I'm sure he's fucking the housekeeper behind my back.

Why would he do that?

He likes frigid women.

He says he can't sleep with women who moan and groan in bed.

It's even worse if the woman takes the initiative.

Hey, Masami...

If I was with you I'd get pregnant straight away.

I want children.

I want a lot of children.

You're a little drunk.

Masami.

I'll take care of her.

She had a bit too much to drink. I'm sorry.

Thanks for coming out of your way. Won't you come in and have a coffee.

No thanks. It's already quite late.

You're very well-mannered.

Thank you, I'm sorry we kept her out so late.

Mr. Akiba.

You're a very good-looking young man,

but unfortunately you seem to want to waste your own good looks.

I'm sorry, I don't get you.

I just meant you're a good looking young man, that's all.

Thank you, I guess...

Some women take offence if you complement them just for their beauty.

I didn't think you were like that, though.

It's simple psychology.

Maybe this is a bit rude but...

It seems as if your delicate personality is killing your good looks.

If you peer into sick minds all the time it warps you a little.

Anyway, I don't want to make you feel bad.

Good night.

It's really late. I'll drive you home.

I really need a cigarette.

I didn't know you smoked.

Only sometimes, when I feel in a laid back mood.

Okay, I know.

It's so beautiful

How did you find this place?

I was working late in Mr. Hakamada's garden last summer, so...

I tried to take a short cut home...

and ended up here by mistake.

I was thinking about Asao. I guess that's why I got lost.

So, you must have found it again, because you were with me tonight.

I come here a lot on my own.

I wasn't going to tell anyone about it.

Not even Asao?

There wouldn't be much point in coming here with her.

What do you mean?

Even if we got into the mood and I slipped my hand up her skirt...

...what would I do next?

I don't want her to make fun of me.

I don't even want her to know about it.

I wonder why I always tell you everything.

Maybe I think you'll get a kick out of my sick ways.

Or maybe you seem like the type who'll listen to confessions.

I don't care about what happened you know.

I haven't seen you since, but I haven't forgotten...

...don't get me wrong though.

I wasn't upset about it,

just the opposite really...

After that...

I gave up on the idea of sleeping with a woman...

...but that didn't stop me from feeling desire.

It seemed to be growing inside me more and more, out of control...

I thought my whole body would be eaten away by desire.

But then I decided that if I conquered my desire that wouldn't happen.

If I managed to tame myself I could quell the desire too.

That's probably why...

I'm not desperate to be with a woman anymore.

Instead I just collect my desires...

like butterflies in a jar.

These hands...

touched her, just a little while ago.

That's my height of passion.

Did you hear?

Mr. No-se's wife had her second baby yesterday.

No, really?

Was it a boy or a girl?

Another boy.

Really?

He said he really wanted to have a girl this time.

These are so good.

I'm glad you like them.

It's strange when you think about it.

What is?

That the three of us should end up here like this.

Well, if you hadn't called this morning we wouldn't be here now.

That's not what | mean, silly...

Ruiko Aota, Masami Akiba, Asao Ando...

If our names hadn't all begun with an “A”...

...and the seating plan in school wasn't alphabetical...

...we'd never have become friends...

...and we wouldn't be here today.

That's true.

You've got a point there.

Now that I'm Hakamada I feel far away from both of you.

What are you talking about?

You're the one who brought us back together again.

I'm sorry, Ruiko.

What are you apologizing for?

Hatsue, he's back.

Did you tell my wife I was coming back?

I'm afraid not.

Get rid of the smoke.

That's mine.

Hello again.

We were just leaving.

It's so hot today, isn't it. The slightest exertion makes one sweat.

Is my wife here?

She's gone to change.

I bet she was in jeans again wasn't she? She's really very stubborn.

She looks good, whatever she wears, I think.

That was inconsiderate of me.

I wasn't referring to you at all.

I just believe there's a time and a place for everything.

That's okay. I know what you meant.

Sometimes we invite guests over for a meal.

And sometimes the guests can be quite formal.

This way please.

We have to dress up and...

rise to their level sometimes.

Then probably Asao was just sinking to our level.

What's funny?

The way you answered. He was speechless!

He was so annoyed with me... I guess I should have bit my tongue.

Everything he does is an act.

An act?

What do you mean?

He likes everything to be in order I guess.

I think he's all messed up inside too.

So he's invented this image of Dr. Hakamada.

...but the real person inside doesn't actually exist.

That sounds like you.

What?

Nothing.

Good night.

It was a Saturday.

I could have invited him over for dinner.

I wanted to talk to Masami more than ever.

But the more I wanted to be with Masami, the more...

...part of me just wanted to go to bed with No-se.

In the end that part of me won out.

What's wrong?

Who is he?

What?

I saw you sneaking around behind my back.

What the hell are you talking about?

That blue Volkswagen! It's too bloody shiny!

Tell me what you were doing with him. Tell me the truth!

It's...

Tell me the truth.

If you tell me the truth I'll forgive you.

I don't want to ask twice.

He's an old friend from junior high.

I ran into him and he gave me a lift home.

You've been strange lately.

No, I haven't.

Yes, you have.

There's something going on isn't there?

What are you talking about?

I'm just talking, that's all.

I know I should ignore it.

I know that.

I didn't mean to come here at all tonight.

What's got into you?

Okay, I'm leaving.

Stop it!

What do you think?

It's impressive, don't you think?

I had no idea.

How many books are there?

About 80,000.

It's the biggest school library in the country.

Not many people taking out Mishima's works.

Looks like no one's even opened them.

The students don't like him so much.

They say Mishima's too difficult.

Suddenly I felt somehow completely vulnerable.

He looked so beautiful to me I wanted to be part of him.

These thoughts flashed through my mind.

But his flesh would always be unattainable.

We could never really melt into each other.

Your Gin Fizz.

Which do you prefer...

Asao's hair or her neck...

her breasts, her legs or her behind?

Which do you think is more sexy?

None of them.

I bet it's her back, isn't it?

Why do you say that?

You used to have a thing about her back. Don't you remember?

Yes...

but I can't fuck her back.

If we're talking about sexy... If I had to choose I'd say the vagina.

The vagina?

Don't you think that's an ugly word?

I don't think so.

Take Asao's vagina...

Don't you think it's sexy?

Have you seen it?

No, only in my imagination.

If you've never seen it, how can you imagine it?

I can picture it.

It looks like a ripe, juicy fig, just ready to be eaten.

I can almost touch the succulent, sweet flesh...

If you peel it open you want to gobble it up.

Underneath her stockings and her skirt...

It throbs away like a little heart.

Pulsing all the time uncontrollably.

When I think of that part of her...

Nothing else exists.

We really get into some pretty weird conversations.

Do you despise me?

No.

Words are all I have left now.

If I didn't have words and ideas...

I'd be dead.

Talk some more.

I want to get to know you better.

What's the matter?

Ruiko...

I love you. I love you so much.

I've always loved you.

That's not true.

Really! Honestly.

You're the only person I feel close to.

I wanted to be able to love you.

Please try then.

I want you to try.

If there's something in me that stirs desire in you...

I want you to use me...

to find it before you lose it.

I'm sorry. I'm like a schoolboy.

I'm so embarrassed.

Don't be! Don't think...

Just let yourself go!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

What did I do to you?

I'm sorry.

I love you.

All I can think about is you.

Ruiko, when I think of you lying naked on that bed,

I blush.

I don't expect miracles to happen.

I know they can't.

But maybe, just maybe, I thought...

When I'm with you nothing else matters.

Sometimes I think...

I'm a living human being, but...

...I'm missing some essential spark.

I lost it when I was sixteen years old.

I like to drown myself in literature and philosophy...

The pleasures of the mind saved me...

If only temporarily.

I'm trying to escape from a self that doesn't really exist...

...but what I really want to drown in...

...is your soft skin, Ruiko.

I'm sorry. I'm always apologizing to you.

I want to return this.

Okay.

Can you get that?

Hello.

I wanted to apologize.

I'm sorry, Ruiko.

Can I come over tonight?

I'll come tonight. I promise.

I... I've met someone I like.

Someone I really love. It's serious.

It's the guy from the blue Volkswagen, isn't it?

I thought so.

I knew something was wrong.

We had a good time.

A really good time.

Thank you.

You're right, we had a good time.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

Can we have a few more bottles of beer?

You'll have some, won't you Asao?

Excuse me.

Coming.

Please come in.

My name is Ruiko Aota. Is Mrs. Sawaki here?

Yes, I'll go and get her straight away.

Please wait inside.

Well, well. I'm sorry for the sudden phone call.

My name is Sawaki.

I'm Ruiko Aota. I'm looking for Asao...

She's sleeping in the back room.

I couldn't contact Dr. Hakamada or Mr. Mizuno.

Asao was adamant the only person she wanted was Ruiko.

I see. What about everyone else?

There was a party after the service but then everyone left.

I think Asao has had a little bit too much to drink.

She suddenly felt unwell.

Well, I live on my own, you know... so I don't have to rush home, but...

...I've got a darling little cat at home you see.

So I just can't stay out till all hours.

That's okay. We'll look after her. We're used to it.

You're here too, Masami! I'm so happy to see you.

Hey. Don't be an idiot. We'll crash.

Where are we going?

We're taking you home of course.

I've had enough. I'm sick of it. I'm not going back to that house.

Masami, take me somewhere.

What's got into you?

Pull over.

Pull over now!

Hakamada's first wife was called Kayo.

Kayo?

She got pregnant three times before she died.

Three times she had miscarriages.

She was one of his patients too.

He told me she didn't like to have sex.

She hated sex so much and was so afraid of him doing it to her...

...that she had her own bedroom.

But, that's the kind of woman he really likes.

He loved to sneak in and force himself on her.

That's why she got pregnant three times.

He can't do that with me.

I'm not frigid. I like doing it. I enjoy it.

I thought he was impotent at first.

But that wasn't the problem at all.

I want to have children. I really want children.

I don't need to have sex.

All I want is to have kids.

Masami. Please make me pregnant.

Stop it!

Please, give me a child!

If I did that Dr. Hakamada would kill me.

You like me, don't you?

Why don't you answer?

I asked you a question.

Of course I like you. I always have.

Okay...

Come to my place.

You can stay with me tonight.

Are you sure?

If that's what you really want, it's okay.

I was just joking.

It was enough to hear you say it.

Let's go home!

Ah, Ruiko.

How are you?

Fine.

OBSCENITY AND PERVERSITY IN SYMBOLIST ART

I see, it's the launch party for his book.

Asao just told me it was a picture book. I wondered what she meant.

Well, it is a book with pictures.

Masami, Ruiko!

Hakamada took me to Hawaii.

After all the fuss you made... and off you go to Hawaii.

Did you have a nice time?

It was okay.

I thought things over.

Even if I really don't like him, I have to put up with things.

That's right, isn't it? After all, he was the one who saved me.

Come with me. I want to show you something.

What?

It just came today.

Hey, that's a great color!

Isn't it pretty?

Yes. It really suits you.

Really?

Wow, an MG! Do you mind if I try it out?

Okay.

Thanks.

Where is Asao?

She went to look at the car with Ms. Aota.

Again?

Shall I call her for you, sir?

No, that's alright.

It looks as if I've lost my wife to a car.

Well, you've only got yourself to blame.

You drove her into her lover's arms.

But, joking aside. Your wife is very beautiful.

I'd be worried.

I'm not worried at all. She's devoted to me.

I'm so jealous...

Step on the clutch.

I know.

Not again.

How long did you think you could hide it?

You're pregnant again, aren't you?

Go to the hospital tomorrow and put an end to it.

Hatsue.

Yes.

There's not a single bottle of beer left. Dr. Hakamada's blaming me.

If you don't bring some beer straight away there'll be hell to pay.

I'm really sorry, but there's no beer left.

Really? That's even worse!

Ruiko, you heard, didn't you.

I'm so sorry. Could you drink something else?

It's alright.

Hatsue, why don't you come with me to buy some beer.

Here.

Thanks.

Where's Asao?

Excuse me, everybody.

I have to apologize. I know you've come here today for my sake.

But I'm afraid I have to leave you now...

and go to the hospital.

Apparently, my wife has crashed her car.

She was with the wife of my secretary, Mr. Mizuno.

Apparently neither of them...

survived the crash...

True believers who sincerely entrust their souls to the Lord...

...do not enter a realm of darkness and uncertainty when they die...

...but are relieved of the burdens of this world by Jesus Christ our Savior...

and enters a realm of light and happiness...

...and will dwell in the house of our Lord forever.

Even in darkness and suffering we receive comfort from the Holy Bible.

Let us pray...

Dear Lord, please grant eternal rest to Asao Hakamada,

bless her with your light and comfort her.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

My wife couldn't have children.

She was pregnant but she couldn't give birth because of her heart condition.

I'm so sorry.

I tried to be careful.

I should have treated her better.

I wanted to hear her play the piano again.

Me too.

She didn't really care who'd written the piece she was playing...

...or about musical history.

She didn't care about those things at all. She just bashed away at the keys.

I thought she had talent.

But it was a completely natural, unspoiled talent.

As long as she could play in her way, she didn't care what people thought.

Hakamada forced her to be something she's not. That's twisted.

I was afraid of the silence that followed.

For me, Asao and Masami were two sides of the same coin.

It was the first time I'd been scared by the silence of a man I was with.

Hey,

let's go away somewhere together.

Anywhere's fine by me, as long as we're together.

You mean sleep in the same room together?

Yes. What would be wrong with that?

We can hold each other and fall asleep.

That would be enough, wouldn't it?

Yes, that would be enough.

I'm back.

Hit

It's so nice here.

It is.

In the city everyone fold me what to be...

But you fold me to hang on to myself.

Those were the days, those were the days...

They seem so young and innocent.

Shall we dance?

Really?

Come on, let's dance!

You've sunburned a little.

Really,

I was trying to be careful.

That tickles!

You're tickling me.

Open your legs.

No, come on,

let's get into bed.

Masami!

It's okay. Don't think about me.

Did you come?

Yes, I came.

What?

No.

Nothing.

I don't know why I'm so happy when I'm with you.

Are you glad we came?

Yes, I am, very glad.

But the time's gone so quickly.

I can't believe we've got to go back tomorrow.

I want to stay here forever.

...side by side with you, just looking at the sea.

I want to stay here with you here so long that...

...our eyes turn the same color as the sea.

Me too.

I'm going for a swim.

You've just eaten. It's bad for you.

Don't worry.

Mummy, daddy...

look at that man. He's swimming out too far.

Masami!

Masami!

Masami!

Where are you going? Come back!

Masami!

Not

But what I really want to drown in... is your soft skin, Ruiko.

Twelve years have passed since Masami disappeared in the ocean.

Three years after Asao died...

Dr. Hakamada's house burned down.

Then, one day,

I saw a small ad in one of the literary magazines.

SEEKING COMPANION TO READ ALOUD.

It's you. I thought your family name was different.

It's nice to see you again.

I'm married. My last name is Kijima now.

I should have told you on the phone. I'm sorry.

The Doctor's expecting a lady called Kijima...

So it's not a lie really.

Please come in.

It's been a while.

I never thought I'd meet you again like this.

I'm sorry but could you read this to him?

DECAY OF THE ANGEL by YUKIO MISHIMA

Please open it to the last page.

It's the very, very last page.

Have you found the passage?

The young monk says something about the cuckoos singing.

“The cuckoos have been singing all day said the young monk.” Is that the part?

Yes, that's it.

Please read until the end.

Certainly.

“Maples grew in the grove beyond the lawn.”

“A little gate led to the hills.”

“Some of the maples were already turning red,”

“like flames against the green.”

“Among the stepping stones on the lawn wild carnations bloomed.”

“In a corner to the left were a small well and a water wheel.”

“A ceramic stool in the centre of the lawn...”

“Seemed hot enough to burn anyone who sat on it.”

“Summer clouds towered over the green hills.”

Is something the matter?

No.

“It was a bright, quiet,”

“ordinary sort of garden.”

“The cicadas insistent shrilling sounded like...”

“Dry rosary beads being rubbed together.”

“There was no other sound.”

“The garden was empty.”

“Honda realized he had arrived...”

“At a place without memories.”

“The summer sun froze the garden in eternal stillness.”

“THE SEA OF FERTILITY.”

“THE END”