Original subtitles

Star!

Rock!

"K"...?

"K"... kit!

Tomato!

Oats!

Saucer!

"R"...? "R"...

Aya!

Say this!

Oh... rice!

Think of it yourself!

Where are you off to?

Moon Field!

My home village of Yamakoshi...

gets great rice from terraced fields.

Elm!

Magic!

"C"...?

Ryota!

Carp!

You cheated, too!

Carp with many colors...

Is Grandpa OK?

He's fine!

The "last letter" game?

What's next?

"P".

"P"... "P"...?

Peritonitis.

What's that?!

Idiot!

Here, you can watch our brave bulls battle with their horns.

- "P" next? Puff. - Can't end in "F"! You lose!

Yes, Yamakoshi Village Hall.

Dad works at Yamakoshi Village Hall,

and says we'll soon become part of the next city, Nagaoka.

Tulip!

Pool!

"L"...?

Lock!

"K"...?

Kite!

"E"...?

Elastic!

"C"...? carrot!

Tart!

Teacup!

"P"...?

Puppy!

It's so cute!

Aya...

"Good home, please."

It's a stray.

What's your name?

We can't keep it.

You know that Dad doesn't like dogs.

Come on.

Let's go.

Let's go, Aya.

It's following.

Run!

Ryota!

It followed us! It followed!

It followed!

Good rice seedlings...

I'm back!

I'm back.

I'm going!

Aya?!

Yes...?

It seems odd...

Since when do you like milk?

Well...

Since now.

Since now?

Really?! Good girl!

I'll make your favorite dish for dinner!

OK... hamburger.

I'm not good at cooking hamburger.

There's flatfish, so I'll use that, with "daikon" radish...

Boiled spinach...?

Is it good?

I hope it's warm enough.

No problem, dogs can stand the cold.

Can we play a little bit?

Isn't that great!

Puppy, over here!

< A Tale of Mari and Three Puppies > - Phoipha -

"Mom, get well soon. From Ryota and Aya."

Ryota...

What is it?

Read it to me.

Again?

To Ryota and Aya.

Thanks for the lovely picture for my birthday.

I was so happy you visited the hospital yesterday.

When I saw Ryota enter the room holding Aya's hand,

I was surprised how he'd become such a big brother.

It made me feel so happy.

Ryota, from now on, no matter what,

please hold Aya's hand tightly and protect her.

Aya, you're too little to understand,

but please listen carefully to your brother and try to get along.

I really love you both.

I love you, love you, love you!

Even when we're apart, I'm always thinking of you both,

and will always be watching over you.

Come visit me again. From Mother.

Let's go to sleep.

Ryota...

Was Mom kind?

She was kind.

What was her voice like?

A pretty voice.

I wonder if that dog has a mom and dad?

If it's all alone... it would be sad.

Aya...

It'll be your birthday soon.

- Listen... - Yes?

The crowd's all excited about the much anticipated newcomers.

Both sides loosen their ropes.

Let's have one more big round of applause!

- Want one? - I love rice balls!

Your diet! Only one for you!

Here they come!

Good luck, Katsumaru! Yoshio!

Let's do it! Yeah!

You fool!

He always messes up!

Do it!

Go for it!

So, you found an apartment...

In Nagaoka.

But I didn't find a wife yet...

After joining Nagaoka, I hope to work for them. You?

I'd like that too, but...

I haven't talked to Dad yet.

Your father is so stubborn!

Mayor!

He opposed joining Nagaoka right until the end.

He almost hit me, saying, "The name Yamakoshi can just disappear?!"

Sorry about that!

Even if the name changes,

the mountains and rivers will never change.

Both sides loosen their ropes! Let's have a round of applause!

Way to go, Katsumaru!

I'll go to the washroom.

Grandpa!

What is it?

There's something I want for my next birthday.

Oh yeah! You'll soon be five.

I'll get you whatever you want.

Really?!

In the 70 years I've been in Yamakoshi,

I have not told a lie even once!

I did it! I did it!

It worked perfectly! It worked!

I can't do it.

You said you'd give me whatever I wanted...

You know your Dad can't stand dogs.

Seventy years,

and not one lie.

You're such a big help. The kids love your cooking.

It's like my elder sister's cooking.

It reminds them of how their mom's food tasted.

I suppose.

Maybe yours is better...

Stop!

We're back!

Welcome home!

- Auntie Saeko! - Welcome!

Welcome back!

I'm home.

Father...

Yes?

What are you trying to hide?

Another expensive "bonsai" plant? Be honest.

What do you mean?

So, what on earth is it this time?

You want to know?

I want to know.

It's better if you don't look...

What are you talking about?!

Why did you agree to this?!

I couldn't resist such cute grandkids asking for it.

Who'll look after it?

Everyone will help out.

Everyone?

Everyone except you.

We can't look after it here. You're busy with the kids.

And I'm doing the paperwork for joining Nagaoka.

Shall I help?

No thanks!

You're so selfish, hiding things from me.

You're the one who's keeping secrets.

Like what?!

Like moving to Nagaoka!

It's you who is the selfish one!

I'd tell you after finding a barrier free apartment.

Your leg's weak, you need a hospital nearby.

I'm not so old!

You're plenty old! First I lose my wife, and now I gain a dog!

It doesn't involve the dog!

It does so!

Mom died,

so I can't have a dog?

No, Aya...

Aya!

Aya...

See you.

Take care.

What will you do about the dog?

I'll accept it.

Aya is rather lonely.

That's true.

Why didn't they find a cat?!

Enough! See you later.

Bye.

Dad!

What is it?

Aya and the puppy are gone!

Aya!

- Hey, Aya! - Aya!

Saeko, go that way! I'll go this way.

Aya!

What is it?

Dad...

She may be at Moon Field.

Moon Field?!

We found that dog there.

Really? Let's go check!

Dad!

Is she there?!

Dad...

Aya said...

this dog would be sad if it's all alone.

It doesn't have a mom and dad,

and must be so sad.

I see...

I see.

I'm off!

I'm off!

"Mari."

Mari, this way.

Come here, Mari!

It's your ball, Mari.

"Mari."

It's over there.

Wait!

Police doggy is at a loss. Woof Woof...

Stop... stop!

Watch out!

Your ball's here.

Here's your ball.

Where you going? Give me the ball.

Give me the ball. Wait!

Autumn 2004.

One year later, our family got bigger.

"Mari. Goo, choki, Paw."

Goo! Choki! Paw!

That's right, Mari became a mom.

Grandpa!

What is it?

I'll take Mari for a walk.

Be careful.

Grandpa...

You still can't go with us?

Well... I'll go when I get better.

You'll get better, right?

Oh, of course I will!

Good. I'm off!

How about this one?

Which one?

Mari, let me have it.

Perfect!

Mari, you did it!

"Tranquility Nursing Home."

Grandpa!

A birthday present!

For my birthday?

Mari found it.

"Magic cane"?

I see!

Walking will be easier with this.

Thank you!

With this, you can walk Mari with us.

I'm sure I can!

We did it!

Mari, it's great!

A nursing home?

He's so passive now that his leg is weak.

I kind of miss him yelling he'll stay in Yamakoshi.

Saeko...

Maybe I was wrong.

In Nagaoka, Dad can have a hospital nearby,

no roof snow with an apartment,

and a school close by for Aya and Ryota...

I thought those things were important.

Maybe I should have thought about it more carefully.

About what really matters the most.

You weren't wrong.

You thought about making your whole family happy.

I'm sure that's what she thinks.

Big sister Sachiko.

See!

Wait up!

I forgot we stay late at school tonight to study stars!

Oh yeah, on our rice field path...

piles of earthworms appeared!

Creepy crawly! Look!

That's awful!

Let's go.

Actually, around that time strange things happened here and there.

Come here!

But no one imagined what would happen next in Yamakoshi Village.

"In the saucer sea..."

Wonder what's wrong?

Grandpa!

Hide under the desks!

Watch out!

It stopped.

Are you OK?

Careful!

Make way for the ambulance!

It's bad! No one answers!

You can't go any further!

We're from Yamakoshi Village. My kids are there!

- Mudslide, you can't go! - Please!

Wait!

Out of my way!

Aftershock!

Watch out!

Saeko! Yuichi!

Watch out, live wires!

Road's blocked!

All the roads are a mess!

Go to city Hall and gather info.

- Alright! - Be careful!

Hurry! Hurry!

Is anyone injured?

Aya?

Are you OK?

Grandpa, you're bleeding.

I'll be fine.

Aya, does it hurt?

Now... I'm going to...

Grandpa, Mari is...

She's OK.

Mari will be OK.

Be careful!

Students, stay with me.

Get down!

Grandpa!

Aya, are you OK?

Is brother...

alright?

Dad and Auntie Saeko...

Are they OK?

They're fine.

Everyone is just fine.

Aya, are you OK?

Mari!

Mari, you are OK.

Mari hurt her feet.

Mari, you're trying to...

Mari...

Yuichi!

How was it?

Ojiya and Kawaguchi are bad.

Just "landlocked islands"!

It's the same here. I can't contact the village.

Yuichi!

Where'll you go?!

No choice but to walk there!

You forgot?!

All the roads are closed!

Settle down!

Damn! Can't we do something?!

Teacher...

It's OK.

Everything is OK.

Daisuke?!

Where you going?

To Grandpa and Aya!

Grandpa has a bad leg!

This is the local emergency shelter.

Grandpa will come here when the tremors stop.

So just stay here. Understand?

Good rice seedlings...

Good rice fields...

And in autumn...

I'm sorry, Aya.

I think I won't make it...

Sachiko,

please watch over Aya.

It doesn't matter about me.

Dear God,

at least this child...

at least this child... should not be taken yet.

I understand...

I can't give up.

For Aya's sake,

I can't give up.

Yamakoshi got hit hard.

Let's circle around.

"O2O", this is Sergeant Yasuda, scouting squad.

Heading for Yamakoshi.

Maintain altitude to avoid mountains.

There may be survivors.

Even in this...

Mayor!

Wait a minute!

Ryota, your Dad.

Ryota?

Are you OK?

Yeah.

But Aya and Grandpa are home!

I see...

You're not injured?

I'm OK.

Can I talk to the Mayor?

Yuichi, Yamakoshi has to be completely evacuated.

Completely evacuated?!

It's been totally cut off.

We have to evacuate everyone for their safety.

Nagaoka will prepare shelter,

and you need to prepare at your end.

Mari?

Grandpa?

Get down!

Base to "O2O", over.

"O2O" over.

"O2O" understood!

Child and old man missing, Takezawa.

Hurry!

Here it comes!

Listen,

priority to families with children, elderly or injured.

Understood?

Are you OK?

My Dad is missing, too.

Don't worry. Self-Defense Forces are searching.

They'll find them.

Is anyone here?!

Is anyone here?!

On to the next!

Sorry, no time to play.

Stop that.

- Stop! - Wait...

Your owners?

Is that it?

You go that way!

OK!

Is anyone here?!

Is anyone here?!

Found them! Sergeant, I found them!

Sergeant!

Are you OK?

We'll help you!

Are you OK?

Ishikawa? Ishikawa, Ryota? Are you here?

Here!

We heard on the radio,

Aya and Grandpa were found.

Is it true?!

That's great!

We're closest, so we'll pick them up.

Thank you!

How is he?

Heavy bleeding. If we don't hurry...

Grandpa!

They're coming!

"O2O" to chopper, can you see us? Over.

Chopper sees you. Making descent.

Aya! Grandpa!

Can you go lower?

I'll give it a try.

Turbulence! Ascending.

Hold on!

Grandpa!

Heavy bleeding. Hurry!

Roger! Descending 10 feet.

Please...

Hard to hover in this turbulence!

Hurry!

Lower hoist.

Right. Left.

Right. Left.

Are you OK?

Look after her.

Ready, lift!

Damn wind!

- Grandpa! - He's fine.

Grandpa!

Lower hoist!

Right. Right. Left.

Right. Right.

OK, you're next.

Close your eyes tightly.

What about Mari?

Mari will go too, right?

Are you OK?

Sergeant! Hurry!

Sergeant!

What about Mari?

Sergeant! Quickly!

Bleeding won't stop! We've got to go!

What about Mari?!

It's impossible right now.

To get you...

and rescue your Grandpa is our mission.

Hoist her up!

Hoisting!

Take her!

We've got her!

Aya...

He needs blood! Hurry!

Roger, climbing.

Patient needs urgent transfusion. Prepare to receive.

Father!

Danger, stay back!

Dad!

Ryota!

Dad!

Aya! Aya!

Ryota.

Aya.

Ryota.

Do you want my portion?

How's Grandpa?

He'll be OK.

I'll put this here, eat when you're hungry.

Dad...

I'm sorry.

About what?

I couldn't go and rescue Aya and Grandpa.

And also...

Mari.

I saw from the helicopter.

Mari watched us until the helicopter was gone.

I see...

But I was just the same.

I couldn't go and rescue all of you.

But Ryota,

sometimes you'll experience even worse things.

Times when you can't do anything, things that can't be helped.

Life is about getting through those things one by one.

That's what I believe.

Hard to understand?

No.

Really...

We're going to be busy from tomorrow.

Everyone from Yamakoshi somehow has to live here.

Ryota...

When the tremors stop, we'll go and rescue Mari.

Now, go to sleep. Sleep!

Try to get some rest.

Yes, thank you.

The wards are full, try to put up with this.

Mari...

tried to rescue Aya and I.

Her paw was covered in blood...

from digging out rubble.

Even so,

we just left her behind.

When can we go home?

Nobody knows.

It's not up to us.

I have to go save the carp!

My mother and I depend on them, I have to go back.

Don't be unreasonable.

My life depends on living things, yours doesn't!

What?! My life depends on caring for rice seedlings!

- Stop it! - I didn't say...

Enough of that!

We're all well and safe here.

Isn't that enough?

Sorry.

How did it come to this?

How did it...?

Grandma, are you OK?

As soon as we know something,

we will tell all of you.

They say Kazuo didn't make it.

Buried in his car in a mudslide...

Aya!

Auntie Saeko...

Look! Volunteers brought clothes.

I thought this would suit you. How about it?

Thank you.

Auntie...

I wonder if Mari has food?

Are Goo and the rest OK?

They're OK, because Mari's a mother.

A mother can do whatever her babies need her to do.

I'm sure she'll try hard.

So Mari will definitely be OK too.

Really?

Really!

Was my Mom also like that?

Of course!

She was so kind, and so strong.

She loved you the most.

I'm sure she's watching over you even now.

Is it good?

Hello.

Hello.

Thank you for the other day.

Your name's Aya, right?

I'm sorry that I couldn't rescue Mari.

Mari is a mother.

That means...

she's strong and will be OK.

I see...

That's true!

All contact has been lost,

and Yamakoshi is a "landlocked island" at risk of...

being submerged as rain swells rivers blocked by mudslides.

"The Animals Left Behind."

Submerged?!

How can it be submerged?!

It's all over... this is the end!

Dear...

Ryota!

Mari?!

More rain may destroy Yamakoshi!

If that happens, Mari will die.

I've had enough of dying!

I don't want her to die,

just like our Mom did!

Alright.

I'll go there.

I'll go and rescue Mari and her pups.

So you...

just wait here.

I'm going with you!

Aya...

I'm going with you!

Ryota!

Where you going?

To Yamakoshi.

What?!

Don't tell anyone.

We'll take the old road.

Where can they be?

Do you know where Aya and Ryota are?

I see... I wonder where they went?

Are you OK?

Find them?

No, I couldn't.

Where did they go?!

It can't be...

Sir...

Nao...

What's wrong?

What's wrong?!

Will you be OK?

They're kids, can't have gone far.

I don't want to bother everyone.

I'll call when I find them.

We may lose contact, so you stay here.

OK.

Aya, hold tight.

Children?

I didn't see any.

Alright. Thank you.

The old road...?

Are you OK?

Let's go.

Ouch!

What's wrong?

I'm OK.

I'm OK!

Aya...

Hold on tight.

Are you cold?

Let's rest a bit.

Mari...

Will we find her?

Yeah.

I'm sure we'll find her.

Ryota...

Thank you.

Your hands...

Aya?

A high fever!

What will I do? What...?

Ryota!

Aya!

I haven't seen Yuichi for a while.

Or Ryota and Aya either.

What's going on?

Aya!

Ryota!

Dad!

Ryota!

Are you OK? No injuries?

Dad, Aya is...

What is it?

- Fever. - Fever?

She does feel hot.

Aya, be strong. I'll carry you.

Ryota, help me.

Let's go!

What is it?

I'll...

I'll search for Mari.

What?!

I can still walk, so...

Don't talk nonsense! You'd die doing that!

I'm going anyway!

Ryota...

Dad...

You said there would be worse things ahead.

You said there would be many things that can't be helped.

But... I...

But I won't accept that!

I don't want them to die like Mom!

I don't want to feel like that.

I can't stand that.

So I'm going! I'm going!

- Ryota! - Let go!

- You can't! - Let go!

You can't!

I said you can't go!

Damn!

Listen, Ryota,

you and Aya are most important to me!

Most important in the world, more than anyone or anything.

So for you and Aya,

I'll be there to protect you no matter what happens.

Understand?

No matter what!

Dad!

The main road?

It's blocked off.

Then I'll take the old road.

Yuichi?

Aya?

- Ryota... - Ryota.

I'm sorry to have troubled all of you.

I'm sorry.

As long as you're all OK.

Yuichi, we'll take Aya.

Thanks so much.

How is she?

Sleeping from the medicine.

How's Ryota?

He's taking a shower.

How's Aya?

Sorry to worry you, she's OK.

But it's too bad Mari couldn't be rescued.

Aya and Ryota dared to go so far.

I'm really sorry for this trouble.

Never mind...

It's kind of heartwarming.

I hope Mari is alive.

She is alive.

Definitely.

It's been quite a while...

since we slept side by side.

What's wrong?

My muscles will hurt tomorrow!

I'm sorry, Dad.

No... I'm the one that has to apologize.

After your Mom died,

I was at a loss.

I had you look after Aya, since you're her brother.

I always relied on you.

You had a tough time too, like Aya.

No, that's not so.

I remember playing with Mom,

going to the sea and other things like that,

but Aya has no memories.

Also, I made a promise to Mom.

I was so happy...

you visited the hospital yesterday.

When I saw Ryota enter the room holding Aya's hand,

I was surprised how he'd become such a big brother.

It made me feel so happy.

Ryota,

from now on, no matter what,

please hold Aya's hand tightly and protect her.

You knew about that letter?!

You can hear everything in that little house,

even with my bad memory I'll never forget it.

Thank you, Ryota.

That's from...

your Mom.

Let's go to sleep!

Come here! Closer!

Our life in the gym continued.

Nobody talked about it,

but we believed we'd return to Yamakoshi someday.

Aya didn't mention Mari after that,

but I knew that she was always thinking of her.

Aya continues to believe Mari and her pups are fine.

Aya...

Better hold my hand.

But, I'm afraid that...

Grandpa!

Aya, Ryota!

Are you well?

Grandpa, you'll be released soon.

So we brought you a present.

A present?!

"Magic cane Number 2."

Number 2?

With this, can you walk by yourself?

I can walk! I can!

We did it!

Aya, Ryota...

Yes?

I owe thanks to you both.

Thanks?

You two gave me courage.

You taught me how important it is to believe without losing heart.

We taught you?!

That's why I won't give up.

Thank you.

Here it comes! It's coming!

For this visit home,

we'll take only one member per family.

It's only to look at the situation, so we'll return in two hours.

The village is in terrible condition.

Prepare yourself for that.

Those from Mushigame, please board.

Who'll represent the Ishikawa family?

I will, of course.

But you'll be going as a member of city hall...

Yes...?

Can you be the rep?

That's not right! Instead of Aya, someone else...

Your wife can go with you.

No, it'll be too sad to see.

What about you?

My husband will be enough.

Will you go?

Aya?

May I?!

Dad?

Let's have faith.

Be strong, Aya.

Hey, Ryota!

Go with Aya, in my place.

Go and find Mari.

I can see it!

Two hours only!

You must meet here in two hours!

OK!

What's wrong?

Thank you.

Good girl.

Wait!

Careful, Ryota.

"Mari's House."

Wait! It's dangerous!

Let's go.

Mari...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Mari.

Aya...

It's Goo!

- Choki! - Paw!

Goo, where's mom?

It's Mari...

It's Mari!

Dad...

Mari is amazing.

As all moms are.

Let's go.

Father...

Let's not move to Nagaoka.

I don't know when it'll be,

but let's return to Yamakoshi.

And it will include...

everyone in our family.

I see...

After that, spring came once again.

Spring 2005.

"S"... song!

Groundhog!

Welcome back.

We're back!

Grasshopper!

Rose!

Elephant!

Tank!

Kid!

Dart!

Tea!

Attic!

"C"... crow!

"W"...?

Woof!

Woof!

Can't end in "F"! You lose!

We're back!

Let's go!

- I'm back! - I'm back!

I'm back.

We'll say those words when we move back to Yamakoshi!

- Fictional film based on reality. -

- Scenes may not be realistic. -

- Many rescue personnel did provide aid to animals in distress. -

- We pray for a rapid recovery from the sufferings of calamity. -