Original subtitles

December 1933

People always described me as being so distracted.

Hey!

Where are you heading to?

I'm delivering seaweed to Futaba in Nakajima Honmachi.

This is usually my brother's job, but he has a cold so...

I must fu... fulfill...

It's okay. You don't have to be so formal.

Don't mind the gravel on the floor.

After I'm done,

I'm buying treats for my brother and sister.

I see.

Look. We're almost there.

Hey, stop gazing off into space!

"Year's End Market"

Chocolate, 10 sen.

Box of caramels, 10 sen.

Small box, 5 sen.

Yo-yo, 10 sen.

I want the red one.

Business is still busy.

Thank you for coming. Take care.

The sky's brilliance

Flows into my heart

Today again, I gaze far away

And tears trickle down

White clouds keep drifting past

While dreams entangle about

Wavering, fleeting

Sadness enveloping

It pains me to ponder

This emptiness evermore

Will salvation ever come?

In This Corner of the World

Then I got lost,

and I met an old man.

Suzu,

what is that?

A monster.

At least that's what he said.

He lent me his telescope and told me to find my way.

Wow! I can see really well!

Then I fell into his basket and met an older boy.

He's a kidnapper and we're being kidnapped.

What? Oh, no...

I have to feed the chicken before it gets dark.

I have to ride the train back home with my dad.

Me too, me too.

I have to go home before night fall or else...

Or else what happens?

You'll see soon enough.

- Hey mister. - Oh! Ouch!

What is that? Take a look!

Let me see.

He falls asleep when it gets dark.

Too bad he'll miss supper.

Thanks, Suzu Urano!

How do you know my name?

"Thanks, Suzu Urano!"

Hey! Keep it down!

I'm so distracted at times.

I'm sure I was daydreaming again

August 1935

The sea was just here last night,

but now it's all gone with the spring tide.

Crossing the sea all on our own! First time ever! This is fun!

I'll greet our uncle, aunt and grandma in Kusatsu first.

I'll say "Our parents will join us later."

"Please have this watermelon".

I wanna hold the watermelon!

Quiet!

Hey! There's no time to play around!

My brother was quite the stern type.

Good morning...

Our parents will...

Please...

Please have this... watermelon.

Thanks, our ancestors will appreciate it.

You look so pretty.

Our grandma sews us a new kimono every year.

Our parents joined us after shopping

and we visited our family grave.

How's business?

It's tough.

Is that so?

There are ups and downs,

but it's not all bad, being young.

I think it lets me see different things.

H... hello.

Excuse me...

Would you like some more?

Grandma.

Wake up. The tide is pulling out.

Get ready.

Sumi, you too.

Come on.

Leave it there, she will have it later.

So if I leave my kimono there,

Will she wear it, too?

You're so kind, Suzu.

"Must've been a zashiki-warashi, a house spirit.

Teacher told me about them."

My brother explained to me later.

That dusk, everything looked hazy but gentle.

You left your kimono in Kusatsu? Swim back and get it right now!

Stupid!

"My ogre brother"

I forgot how scary my ogre of a brother could be.

February 1938

Suzu, put it lower. The wind could blow it away.

Mom, can you give me 2 sen? I lost my pencil.

Wait for your allowance.

You need to stop doodling.

- Sumi, let's trade pencils. - No.

Suzu, is Tetsu Mizuhara going to school every day?

Um, I think so.

What a cold day.

Oh, you're cold!

Oh.

It's so short!

I hope it'll last the week.

Don't lose it again, ok?

"Reading"

"Math "

"Science"

Draw anything you want today. You may leave after you hand it in.

"Art"

Yes, sir!

What should we draw?

Nice job, Urano.

Very impressive.

I wish I could draw like you.

I'm home.

I'll gather some pine needles for kindling.

Thank you dear.

Umm...Mizuhara?

You won't be able to go home until you finish drawing.

I don't want to go home.

My parents drink all day instead of working with seaweed.

I hate the ocean.

I won't draw it.

Urano, give me your hand.

Take it.

But I can't.

It's my brother's, I have plenty more.

The rabbits are hopping about today.

The sea was like this when a ship capsized at New Year's.

If you want to draw, then draw this stupid ocean

Mizuhara, what did you mean earlier?

Oh, the white waves look like rabbits hopping.

Hey, Mizuhara, can I give my brother to you?

No way.

All the guys run when they see him coming.

But still better than the idiot who joined the Navy and drowned.

You're right,

they look like white rabbits.

I'm done.

Here you go.

Oh, thanks...

You shouldn't have bothered.

Now I have to go home. And with a drawing like this,

I can't hate the ocean anymore.

March 1940

Imperial Navy Forces conducting

operations in the Eastern Pacific have...

December 1941

Hurray! Hurray!

April 1943

Pick the seaweeds over here.

December 1943

Yes.

Oh,

Lovely decisive combat battledress.

That's cold!

You've gotten quite good. We'll have lunch when you're ready.

Okay!

That's far!

You're going far away to get married.

I am?

Sumi, you're staying near.

They say girls who hold their chopsticks up top wed far away.

Really?

Where did you come from, Grandma?

I came from Furue.

That's just one village over.

Women who end up in Manchuria must be using tongs.

Says Sumi, as she shifts her grip on her chopsticks.

But marrying close to home isn't very exciting.

Suzu, run back home! I just got a call...

A boy all the way from Kure is here

asking for your hand in marriage.

Kure?

Suzu, how old are you?

I'm about 19... Well actually, 18.

You can always turn him down, but at least go and meet him.

Suzu, come here a bit.

I want you to have this. I made it for the day you wed.

I hope it'll work out for you.

Thank you.

The wedding will be in their house in Kure.

On your wedding night,

he'll ask, "Did you bring an umbrella?"

You'll answer, "I brought a brand new one."

Then he will ask, "Can I open it?"

You must say "Yes", okay?

But why?

Because you have to.

I guess I'm becoming an adult.

Kure...

There's a naval port there, and it's full of sailors, I think...

Eh? Mizuhara?

It's been a while.

Hurry home.

Your mom made such a fuss, everybody already knows.

Oh, gosh!

I thought you were the suitor!

Don't be silly!

I just came home for my brother's memorial.

You don't know who your suitor is?

No idea.

Maybe he has me confused with Sumi.

Sumi is prettier than me.

I don't think so.

My son took a shine to your daughter on his way to school.

It wasn't easy to find your house.

We lost the seaweed business

to land reclamation three years ago.

She should be home any minute.

I can't tell if marrying would be good.

I wonder, why did I taste caramel in my mouth...

It's so cold...

What should I do?

They say I could turn him down,

but I don't even know if I like him or not.

Excuse me.

Yes?

We lost our way.

Where is the train station?

- This way. - Thank you.

A nice sailor showed us the way, but...

Oh, him? He's an odd one, you see.

They said an odd woman in the woods showed them the way.

February 1944

Am I so distracted that I lose track of what's going on?

How did this all happen so quickly?

"Hiroshima"

"Kaitaichi"

"Yano"

"Saka"

"Koyaura"

Please close the blinds facing the ocean.

Someone left a window open...

Next stop, Kure.

The Naval battery must be doing drills.

Sorry.

The wood gas bus couldn't get up the hill, could it?

Hello, Mrs. Kobayashi.

Thank you for having us.

I'm glad the weather is nice.

While I am lacking in my ways, I am honored to join your family.

I'm Kobayashi, Shusaku's aunt. I'll be your matchmaker today.

You do know your husband-to-be's last name, right?

Definitely lacking in many ways.

We've climbed so high!

They live on the far corner here.

Here we are.

"Houjo"

They're here!

My apologies for such a simple wedding.

Simple suits our girl just fine.

Oh no!

My beautiful kimono is all covered up.

Suzu!

What on earth are you doing!

What a feast.

I'm sorry her brother couldn't come.

This is impressive.

Well, you provided us with the ingredients.

This includes supper as well so make sure to eat up.

This stew is delicious.

He seems very reserved. You're lucky.

No one would be noisy at a wedding.

Except for you.

See you when you come home to visit!

See you then!

I'll see you around.

Wait... who was that, again?

Now that she's here,

you can rest and have her take over.

I will.

Mom, Dad, it's an honor to be part of your family.

The honor is ours.

I have a bad leg so,

I'm counting on you, Suzu.

Of course.

Thank you.

Keiko always burns the pot.

Right! She's the daughter who got married.

Naval ships are doing search light drills.

Where have I ended up?

Thank you for setting out the futons.

Sure.

Oh, Suzu?

Yes?

Did you bring an umbrella?

Yes, I have.

It's brand new.

Can I borrow it?

Here.

You must be hungry.

Were the dried persimmons too bitter?

You didn't eat at the wedding.

I'm glad you can eat with your mouth.

Yes, don't worry. I even swallowed the seed.

With my mouth.

Have we met before?

We have. Don't you remember?

I'm sorry.

I tend to be distracted and unaware of my surroundings.

You haven't changed at all.

I also remember your beauty mark.

We share the neighborhood well.

"To Yoichi Urano"

"Houjo..."

"Suzu Houjo"

Excuse me.

What might be the address of this house?

"Kami-Naganoki cho 808"

Of course!

We're off.

Have a nice day.

Everyone around here seems to work for the Navy.

Mrs. Houjo?

Mrs. Houjo?

Ah, yes!

"Rationing duty"?

Remember, these two are always at it.

Nice to meet you.

- I'm Chita. - I'm Kariya.

There you go again!

I'm measuring properly

You're eyeballing it!

- No I'm not. - It's unfair!

It is not!

- Unbelievable. - What is?

You and your ways.

What ways?

Haha, I'm young, don't worry!

It's gonna fall!

Oops!

Ouch...

I'm so sorry.

That possibility cannot be ruled out.

If incendiary bombs come down,

first you must timely counter and neutralize...

Come closer! It's so chilly in here.

This has become my daily life.

March 1944

That's Keiko's dress from when she was younger.

It goes in the storage.

She wore that on dates with her husband.

They'd go to the cinema, fancy restaurants, and exhibits.

She was quite the modern lady.

Those were the days.

When Shusaku was in the fourth grade,

the "disarmament for peace"

treaty shut down warship production.

My husband and neighbors lost their jobs. It was a hard blow.

But Keiko found a job and a husband all on her own.

Well! I'll work just as hard!

We thought those times were tough.

How I miss those days now.

Hello.

I'm home.

Welcome back.

Humdrum...

Humdrum? How? Rice is such a luxury now!

I'm talking about you!

I expected a sophisticated city girl from Hiroshima.

What's that rag you're wearing?

Are you roasting beans?

Hello Harumi.

Mommy is mad about everything lately.

So I stay quiet.

I'm sorry, it's all I've got...

Then make one right now.

Also, that rice isn't a gift, it's for me and Harumi.

Keiko...

But, Mom!

Oh, dear. What should I do?

Ouch!

Not again, not like that!

No one will marry you if you don't do it right.

That's fine. Then I won't marry.

What's it like at the waist...?

I see.

I undo the seams and cut. Put them together and sew.

Put in a waistband and I'm done!

I'm Harumi Kuromura.

I'm Suzu Houjo.

Can I have some string?

Will this do?

Oops.

Are you going shopping?

Yes, to get rations.

I'll go. Hand me your ration coupon and wallet.

Are you sure? Thank you.

Welcome home.

Stop. I'll do it.

Hey, Mom!

I'm coming. What is it, dear?

What should we do for soup?

Just the two of you?

Welcome home, Dad.

Make yourself at home, Keiko.

What a surprise. My big sis didn't burn the rice.

Shusaku!

Excuse me.

Thank you, I was able to fix my kimono.

My pleasure.

Our mother has a bad leg,

and we brought someone like you to a place you don't know.

If only I could've stayed.

Suzu. Why don't you go home to Hiroshima?

What?

That's a good idea.

"Hiroshima Castle, Suzu Urano"

I'm home.

I'm so tired.

Welcome home.

It's eight already.

That's quite a pile.

These are all thousand-person-stitch sashes?

Yes. Sumi, make sure to stitch each one.

Okay.

Suzu! Enough sleeping! Get up!

Y... yes!

It's time for dinner.

Oh gosh. I dreamt I married a man in Kure.

Are you awake now?

My sister-in-law said

I should think about going back to Hiroshima.

I was puzzled at first.

Oh, to visit my family!

Then my in-laws apologized

for not letting me come visit sooner.

They told me to relax for a couple of days.

Uh, if that's what you want, isn't that nice?

Did you write to Yoichi?

I did.

I haven't heard from him, though.

- You too? - Nothing.

He's stationed far away.

And he doesn't write much.

Suzu might've written the wrong address, too.

Bath time!

How's the volunteer corps?

I'm getting used to it. Don't I smell like machine oil?

It must be a dangerous job.

It's not as cold as harvesting seaweed.

There are good things about it.

A handsome high-ranking officer slips me his meal tickets.

Oh my!

I think I just accidentally learned some Army secret!

How about you? Do you like Kure?

I don't know yet. There's so much to learn.

Maybe I did just tell you a Navy secret!

- What? - Good night!

Suzu?

Yeah?

You're getting a bald spot.

Bye Suzu! I'm off to work.

Emergency policies start next month.

Even short travels will be restricted.

Take care.

I will.

Time for me to go to the women's association.

What? You're leaving, too?

"Railroads fight too"

Dad gave me an allowance.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Hiroshima.

"Tickets Sold Out"

What?

That's why you came back?

I feel bad for the Houjo family.

I'm home.

April 1944

Keiko stayed all along.

Mommy, can I borrow the ink?

What for?

I wanna use it.

Suzu?

What did you tell Harumi?

Can I take care of the community notices?

Sure.

I'll go now, then.

She's been a bit off since coming back from Hiroshima.

Let her be. She's still a child.

Thank you for your time.

- Please! - I said no!

Lend me the ink brush.

You don't need it.

Welcome home.

Picking herbs?

Yes. For tonight's supper.

I see.

Dandelions here are white.

Are they different in Eba?

Here's a yellow one.

What?

It might've traveled far.

You seem sad. Are you homesick?

No, I'm not.

Look, over there.

They're aircraft carriers. Maybe it's the Hiyo and the Junyo.

They're so big.

Those little ones are destroyers.

There's a U-boat from Germany.

That ship is a submarine tender.

Look, there's a white-eye.

Over there.

I can see.

Shusaku, what is that?

Is that a ship?

That's the Yamato,

the world's greatest warship,

born from the Orient's greatest shipyard.

There's people on it, too?

Yes.

About 2,700 people.

Two thousand...

and seven hundred?

That's right. Let's welcome them to Kure.

They cook for 2,700 people on that boat every day?

- And do laundry? - Hey, Suzu.

I'm sorry. Are you all right?

Yes.

Are you hurt?

Suzu, stress will only make you lose more hair.

So you knew...

Can I borrow the ink brush? I want to paint Suzu's head.

I said no!

You'll stain everything black.

Soon, Keiko left and went back to her late husband's family,

so I thought--

All right! now it's my turn to cook!

But by then, rationing became much worse.

May 1944 "Sold Out: Next Delivery Unknown"

Four dried sardines for three meals for a family of four.

It's still better then just being given vegetable leafs,

and maybe I can buy some soy pulp.

I see.

Violets,

stellaria, field horsetail.

Dandelions, dried sardines, and soy pulp.

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, flour and pickled plum pits.

Cut and steam a sweet potato.

Boil and chop some field horsetails.

Mix them with flour and form a flat disk.

And lunch is ready!

It's so quiet without Keiko.

Dry the leftovers for another day.

Moving on...

Use extra water for thin rice porridge.

Add potatoes and let it simmer for ten minutes.

Then add chopped stellaria.

Cook daikon rinds and dandelion roots with soy sauce and sugar.

Add dandelion leaves and soy pulp then let it simmer.

Finely slice and salt daikon, then add yellow wood sorrel.

Boil pickled plum pits in water.

Add the dried sardines and stew while basting.

Finish it off with salt.

Mrs. Kariya taught you this recipe?

Rice rations were halved so I made sweet potato porridge.

Good job.

I'll do better tomorrow.

The loyal samurai Kusunoki devised

the "food increase recipe" during a siege.

First, toast and brown some rice.

Add triple the amount of water and gently simmer the rice.

Saving rice and energy must go hand in hand.

Leave it to the fireless stove of the Great Empire of Japan!

Let it sit overnight.

Add miso and violets to yesterday's sardine stew.

Reheat rice on the stove.

Samurai Kusunoki's special, "Nanko Meshi" is served!

This one is for Father-in-law.

We have lots of rice today. The grains are so puffy.

I've never seen rice cooked this way.

- Yes. - Let's eat.

- We're off. - I'm so sorry.

Lord Kusunoki must have been quite bold and remarkable

to enjoy meals like that.

Yes, I agree.

June 1944

Air raid warning!

Air raid alert!

There's nothing on the radio. Is Shusaku off to work already?

Yes.

Estimates of the enemy's range

puts only Kyushu in danger for now.

No need to run to the mountains yet.

It's only a blackout.

Don't fall now.

They are removing buildings.

They need firebreaks.

I see.

Not around here, but in the city.

That's terrible. I hope they can find a place to live.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I have plenty of firewood. My house was torn down.

Oh no.

The family will move to Shimonoseki.

So I left my husband's family.

What?

Don't worry. I'll find a job and work.

There will be more of us now.

Like this?

Yes!

July 1944

I heard them over Mt. Haigamine.

Big guns even up there?

Things are getting more precarious.

Thank you for helping us.

What a fine bomb shelter.

It is.

So admirable of him to build this shelter

even with all that overtime.

The pillars and tatami mats from Keiko's house were a godsend.

Shusaku. Did you place this here?

It's nothing.

Let's clean up out here.

Can I have some of this dirt for our field?

Sure, take it. Just be careful.

So this is where you've been.

Yes. I'm looking at ships.

There's a lot of ships today.

I see two Yamato ships.

One of them is Musashi.

I see lots of warships, but no aircraft carriers.

I see.

That's the Tone. She has no rear turrets.

She's an aircraft cruiser.

Really?

That's amazing. You know so much.

Yeah, he taught me.

I see. I also learned a thing or two.

That's a destroyer.

I see small ones.

That's a motor launch.

I'll teach you something too.

Look at that big cloud.

It's an anvil cloud.

It causes heavy rain.

Shusaku!

Take everything into the shelter.

Thanks.

No, I can do it.

So you like warships?

Did you teach Harumi about warships?

I didn't teach Harumi. Hi-bo taught her.

He?

Yeah, Hi-bo loves battleships.

You'll meet him one day.

Is his name Hisao, as etched here?

Yes.

I can't believe I'm here, doing this with him.

Good.

Let's go while it's only a drizzle.

Father...

You're a married couple. It's nice that you get along.

Isn't that nice. Two couples getting along so well.

Keiko...

They used to measure their heights together as a family.

Wait, did Keiko's husband...

He was too frail to be drafted. I guess he was way too skinny...

When my father was rehired by the Navy Arsenal,

Keiko went to buy a watch for him, that's where they met.

"Kuromura Watchmaker"

They got married and they renewed the store.

But Keiko, with her temper,

didn't get along with his family.

When her husband died,

they fought over the business. But in the end...

The building removal took everything away.

Hisao is the heir of the Kuromura family.

Her son was taken to Shimonoseki.

Even for Keiko, that was hard on her.

I wish we could all live happily.

Me too...

I need to check on the garden.

It took several months for me to find that out about her.

That's how distracted I can be...

That's Yamato.

That's Tone.

Sir. I was... just...

"Military Police"

I just wanted to send a drawing to my nephew...

Does this girl live here?

The military police?

She was sketching shorelines and ships.

That's espionage!

She may look innocent,

but who knows what nefarious plots she is scheming!

Her husband is a two-bit clerk

at the navy court-martial office.

Has she attempted to access military secrets?

Has she sent coded transmissions?

Does she have a random number table?

Is there anything suspicious regarding her background? Well?

We will not arrest her today, but keep a close eye on her.

After all, a daughter-in-law was a stranger before!

I'm home.

The laundry is still outside.

Shusaku...

The military police investigated Suzu and...

Suzu, come with me.

It's so small, you won't be able to draw the shoreline.

Suzu, since you love to draw, can you draw me sometime?

I don't know if I can draw you well...

Suzu involved in espionage...?

Shusaku, you were lucky...

We couldn't be rude to the MPs...

We had to hold back our laughter.

Which only made it funnier.

This girl forgets everything when she's focused on something.

Acting humble made her look cunning and what not.

She's so clueless, she thought I work as a store clerk.

Suzu a spy? Those Army MPs are idiots!

I don't understand, but it sounds funny!

I wish we could all live happily.

Me too...

I'm home.

Dad's home! Let's tell him, too!

Am I the only one who doesn't find it funny?

August 1944

Even in war, cicadas cry and butterflies fly.

"Sugar rations end in August"

No more sugar?

We thought the war would hit home soon

when all the air raids happened in June...

Wonder where it is now?

Ouch.

I'm sorry, Harumi.

I'm okay. I was looking at the ants.

I wonder where they're going...

Sugar is precious right now!

We need to hide it from the ants.

But where?

What's wrong?

We thought putting it

in the water would keep the ants from it.

Here, buy some at the black market.

Roads I usually don't travel.

Eat up!

We're supposed to be low on everything.

What are all these people doing here?

What?

This is a fine rice from Taiwan.

I could get some Japanese rice, too.

I thought we were not supposed to grow watermelons now.

They have everything here.

It's like summer breaks before the war.

Sugar is 20 yen.

That's fifty times the ration price!

The price will only go up now.

With mother's money and this month's budget,

I only have 25 yen.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe...

"Buy or Not Buy"

Will sugar cost about 150 yen in the future?

A box of caramel could cost more than 100 yen.

Maybe three pairs of socks will cost 1,000 yen.

How will we survive in a country like that?

Wha...?

Where am I?

Naganoki? The naval cemetery?

Wait, that's Nagasako.

Isn't it over there?

It's that way.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Watermelon?

Yes.

Caramel?

Yes.

You're lost?

Yes.

Even though you're a grown-up?

Where did you come from?

Naganoki.

Miss, no one will give me directions

and everyone smells very nice.

Am I in a fairy tale palace?

For Naganoki,

you turn that corner and go down to the post office...

Wait here.

Madam, I have a question.

Go straight and turn right when you pass the post office.

Thank you so much.

People around here are not well informed.

Most of us aren't locals and we stay within these gates.

Are you also from South Hiroshima? Near the ocean?

I am. But how did you...?

Your accent...

Are you from Eba?

From Kusatsu.

Kusatsu!

I had watermelon at my grandma's every summer.

We were poor, so I always ate the rinds people left behind.

I met a kind person once though,

so I finally could have the red flesh.

It was a long time ago.

You draw very well.

Looking at them... can you...

Sure! I'll draw whatever you want.

Mint candy and bracken dumpling!

Mint candy.

And ice cream with wafers on top.

Wafer?

What? You've never been to a cafe?

Rin!

Stop playing around so much.

Sorry, I have to go.

I'll come back another time with more drawings.

Don't.

You shouldn't come back here.

You'll get lost again.

What took you so long?

Did you get lost or something?

Keiko, what is an ice cream with wafers in a cafe?

You don't know?

Well. It's sweet and cold.

You eat it with a crispy cracker.

Ah, wonderful...

Wait...

Thinking about desserts makes water taste sweet.

September 1944

It's still very hot.

Mrs. Houjo,

you got a phone call.

Yes? A phone call for me?

Ah, this is what he wants.

The heat is not letting up.

You'll embarrass Shusaku dressed like that!

Still some time, let's take a walk.

How goes it with the GKF?

Things are quite laid back.

Good! Let's have a cold beer, then.

"Kure Navy Court-Martial Office"

Shusaku, I've brought your notebook.

What?

Suzu? You're very pale, are you okay?

I guess I look funny, right?

No. I'm happy if you're okay.

Let's go then.

Go? What about work?

I used the excuse that

you needed to bring me that notebook.

You had fun shopping in the city, right?

What's the matter? Are you ill?

I don't want you seeing me smiling ear to ear!

I wanted to take you to the cinema, but...

I guess a big ship is back in port.

Sailors need their break.

We'll go another time.

Suzu?

A classmate of mine from elementary school

became a sailor.

What if I bump into him?

Then you just say hi.

I might wake from this dream if I met someone from my past.

Dream?

Changing my name and moving was hard for me,

but you're so kind to me. And I've made friends.

I don't want to wake up because I'm happy to be who I am today.

I see.

The past and the paths we did not choose,

they're like a dream.

Suzu, choosing to marry you,

was the best decision of my life.

I'm worried that you've lost weight.

I suppose I've lost my appetite lately.

Here. Eat for two people!

"Clinic"

You had a lot for breakfast. This should be enough.

Eating for only one after all.

Ready port entry. Slow ahead. Reduce 2 knots.

December 1944

Aye, sir. Slow ahead. Reduce 2 knots.

Aye-aye, sir.

I'll go ask for you.

Thanks.

Hello?

A real sailor!

We bumped into each other at the well.

I'm Tetsu Mizuhara, an Aoba crewmember.

Isn't Aoba a Class A cruiser?

Stop, Harumi.

You're tanned even in winter.

So you're here to take a bath?

"Bath shore leave" means free time,

and I had nowhere to go.

So I thought of Suzu, a friend from back home.

Thank you for taking care of Suzu.

Suzu was only good at drawing and making seaweed.

She must be quite useless here.

I'll take her off your hands anytime!

Stop being so cocky! And don't call me by my first name!

What? I can't call you Urano anymore.

What?

Suzu, you can't hit a sailor.

What's so funny?

You. You're so normal.

This is delicious!

It's nothing special.

This is heaven.

Suzu, come join me!

Are you crazy?

Suzu, where's the lamp?

I think it's in the shelter.

Right...

I'm gonna be a sailor when I grow up.

That's great.

Thank you.

What do you say?

Good night.

Good night.

There's nothing like being on dry land.

I'm going to bed.

How is Aoba?

We came back from Manila with the wounded.

It's a great ship,

but it's without victory or defeat, again.

Feeling left behind, alive,

while others have already died...

Makes me feel anxious...

Mr. Mizuhara, with my father away on duty,

I'm the head of this family.

I'm sorry, but I can't let you sleep in this house.

What?

I asked him to sleep in the storeroom.

That was quite a sight.

I can't remember ever seeing you being so assertive.

I readied the bed warmer. Take it to him.

Talk to him. It may be the last time you see him.

I'm sorry about the room.

It's heaven compared to a hammock.

We have lots to talk about. Come.

Okay.

Here. This is for you.

Really?

Are you making a pen?

There...

It works.

It looked like a heron, but I saw it in the South.

I didn't know they migrated.

Me neither.

Back in Eba, they just stood in the river.

There were lots in Eba.

No, I can't draw it very well.

That's hard to believe.

Wait. You haven't drawn in a while?

Well...

That drawing of white rabbit waves...

Yes, I remember.

It caused a lot of trouble.

Really?

You forgot?

Our teacher entered it into a contest.

Everyone loved that drawing, and I didn't know what to do.

They all thought I drew it, when actually the real artist...

Was you.

Suzu, you are so warm,

Suzu, you are so soft,

and sweet.

Mizuhara...

I've been waiting for this moment forever.

You coming for me...

You finally being here... But I...

I'm so angry at him! It boils my blood!

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.

I understand.

You love him.

I do.

You're surprisingly normal.

I'm sorry.

You still get angry and apologize for ordinary things.

You want to stay?

I thought you were forced to get married and needed help.

No...

Then it's all good.

Is he four years older?

Shusaku?

He's the same age as my brother.

Our family was poor, so he chose a tuition-free naval academy.

But when my brother died, I signed up to join the Navy.

They were ordinary choices,

but somewhere along the way, I derailed from the ordinary.

That's why...

I'm relieved to see that you haven't changed.

So don't revere me when I'm gone.

Smile when you think of me.

I want you to stay ordinary and sane in this world

until the end.

Suzu.

You're beautiful.

You idiot!

Since childhood,

I've never been able to tell you how I really feel.

"Tetsu, thank you for staying alive."

"Army Private First Class Yoichi Urano"

February 1945

Welcome home.

They sent us a single rock instead of his bones.

This perplexed Sumi, so...

Is this Yoichi's brain?

Was her guess.

What was he like?

They called us up in the cold for this?

There's no way Yoichi is dead.

People are gone just like that.

Our voices can't reach those no longer with us.

Shusaku.

I wanted to thank you.

For giving me the time to talk to Mizuhara.

It's nothing.

But doesn't marriage mean more to you?

I forced you to marry me.

And yet you've never shown your angry face to me.

I'm showing it to you now.

Oh, so now you're mad?

You need to pay attention!

Oh yeah?

Why did you have to wear socks with holes today?

The one you sewed last night were too tight.

Wear something else!

Could you sort out that argument at home?

You're going the wrong way again.

I know.

Our house is toward Mt. Haigamine.

I said, I know!

It snowed a lot that winter.

I couldn't wait for spring to come.

More vivid than indigo

March 19th, 1945

The big blue sky

Opens right up

With white roses adorning everywhere

Like wallpaper, going on forever.

Don't worry.

No teacher will scold a well-behaved child like you.

Really? School isn't scary?

It's not. You'll make friends, too.

I didn't know anyone here at first,

but now everyone is my friend.

My mommy, too?

Well...

What?

Watch your head!

Harumi!

If only I had paint and paper with me...

Damn it, what am I thinking!

Hey!

What are you doing?

Stand back! Take cover!

Welcome home!

That air raid alert is way too late. Watch out for shrapnel.

Ouch!

Can you hear that?

Our 2,000 horsepower engines sound wonderful.

That's why we work day and night at the factory,

to improve their efficiency.

We've come a long way from the Type 91500 horsepower engines.

We strive to improve our skills,

a light of hope for world peace.

A unified determination and goal...

What about their engines?

What's their horsepower?

Mr. Houjo?

Air raid all clear!

I know you worked all night,

but how could you fall asleep during an air raid?

There, there.

I was so scared.

We caught many fish in Kure that day.

It's tiny.

It'll be big if you draw it bigger.

04:50 hours, March 29th, 1945

Air raid alert! Ready air raid gear!

Put out all fires! Remove sliding doors!

Grab survival kits and head to bomb shelters!

Air raid alarm all clear.

It's still raw...

Poor Mrs. Kariya,

March 31st, 1945

She lost her husband in the war.

Now her 17-year-old is being drafted.

Congratulations...

22:10 hours, April 1st

Ready air raid gear! Remove sliding doors!

Survival kits...

I can't see anything.

Oops! Sorry!

Whose cat is that?

23:45 hours, April 5th

I'm tired of sirens.

Never seen that before...

April 6th, 1945

17 large enemy aircraft

currently above Mt. Tsuburayama.

May 5th, 1945

Engagement ongoing. 30 aircraft approaching from southeast.

Heading towards Kure.

Air raid alarm all clear.

May 5th morning -- Air raid. 125 large enemy aircraft attacked.

Damage to Hiro Naval Arsenal

and Air Arsenal No. 11 was very limited.

I'm home.

Good. You're safe, Shusaku.

Where's Father?

- Not home... yet. - I see.

Suzu, it's boiling over.

You're so small.

You're small even when you stand.

What is it?

Nothing, You're small. That's all.

Your father will come home safely.

My military uniform arrived.

What?

It's wrapped up there.

From the 15th, I'll be a Chief Petty Officer.

I'll go to Navy training and won't be back for 3 months.

Will you come back after training?

I think so.

But you'll be okay, Suzu.

You're small,

but you can protect this house all on your own.

I can't! That's impossible.

I'm sorry. I lied.

I'm so fond of you.

But I might forget your face after 3 months without you.

Suzu...

That's why I'll wait for you here.

Because I don't know if I could find you otherwise.

Sunday, May 6th

Tuesday, May 8th

May 10th: One air-raid alert.

May 11th: Two alerts.

May 12th: No warnings.

May 13th: Three air raid warnings only.

May 14th

Will you not forget me if you draw me?

It was a figure of speech.

With you, it's possible.

Let me see. Am I handsome?

I can't show you. It's top secret!

May 15th

I'm off.

Take care.

I'll walk you half way.

Thanks.

Military uniforms are so handsome!

The house suddenly feels larger.

June 21st

For the Houjo's.

I thought he would've been admitted to a hospital nearby.

No wonder we couldn't find him.

He's hurt but he'll be discharged soon.

Dad asked me to repair his watch.

It's a good chance to visit the Kuromura family tomorrow.

Where my brother is?

I'll get ready.

Can I come?

- What about school? - Don't worry.

All you do is dig stuff and physical training.

The hands of girls

can also work for our country.

We are all...

This will take forever.

I'll get the tickets. Can you take Harumi to Dad?

All right. Let's go.

Can we visit the Navy?

Sure.

Don't worry.

Push comes to shove, use your bamboo spear!

You idiot! I'm not scared of ex-in-laws!

You seemed worried so...

Bamboo spears won't be useful anyhow.

Is Shimonoseki far?

Yes.

Farther than Hiroshima?

Way farther.

Over there?

You have to stay quiet okay?

Is this enemy's music?

I'm sorry I got you worried.

I've been unconscious. I hear it's June already.

I'm glad you're alive.

We're gonna ride the train and see my brother.

Is that so? The sooner the better.

What ship were you in?

Auxiliary minesweeper No.16.

I've heard many things here.

Hiro Arsenal closed down

and there are rumors that we'll be merged with the Army.

Did you know that Yamato sunk?

Yamato?

Backed into a corner, she went out with her guns blazing.

The Seto Inland Sea is no longer ours.

Which means the white rabbit are...

- What? - Nothing.

That's why I suggested,

that Harumi should go live with the Kuromuras. It's safer.

So that's why Keiko was...

Suzu, can we go over there?

I want to tell my brother which ships I saw here.

Not sure if we can see them from there.

Just a peek!

We can't see anything.

What should we do? Can't go home...

Need to find a public bomb shelter.

Are they really coming?

We've had series of false alarms.

0923 hours, enemy aircraft sighted southeast of Tokuyama.

About 20 large aircraft heading to Kure

They're coming,

Can you let us in?

Come quickly.

Evacuate! Run!

I'm scared.

We'll be okay. Look.

That's Mommy.

And who's this?

Me...

Your mommy is always with you.

You're not from around here, right?

We're visiting from Naganoki.

Bad luck, huh?

Cover your ears! Open your mouth!

Or else your eyes will pop out!

It's so hot...

Hang on...

Excuse me. Can we have some water?

Thank you very much.

Did we miss the train?

Maybe the train is waiting for people.

Okay.

I can't see.

Are you all right?

We're fine!

Dud bombs may actually have delayed fuses.

Evacuate now!

Yes! Thank you for your hard work!

Hey Suzu?

Will you draw my brother some time?

Craters of unexploded bombs are small...

According to latest reports, the enemy uses these bombs...

Watch out, Harumi!

Not again, not like that!

No one will marry you if you don't do it right.

She warned me many times, but somehow I did marry...

Watermelon.

Bracken-dumplings.

Mint candy.

I wish there had been a ditch to jump into.

I held my bag with my left hand.

I held Harumi with my right hand.

If only I had it the other way around.

If I had at least run barefoot,

We may have made it over the hill... What was there anyway?

That's the Tone and that's the Hyuga.

Look, Mommy. It's the Yamato.

She...

She looks so much like Shusaku.

You were there with her.

How could you let this happen?

I'm so sorry, Harumi.

I'm so sorry, Keiko.

Murderer.

You killed her!

- Give her back. - Stop, Keiko!

It's time for the tofu rations.

She's not herself right now. She didn't mean what she said.

We're glad at least you survived.

Really?

You can't lose your place in this world so easily.

Rin?

Where was my place in that moment?

Those fences should've had some gaps.

If we had jumped through...

To the other side, to the other side...

June 28th

Not again.

Ignore the siren. They won't come.

This house survived just fine?

Yes. Don't worry.

I'm glad.

I lied.

I wonder...

Was it easier for her to leave? With her house all destroyed.

Don't strain yourself.

July 1st

I'll take a break at work if necessary.

Be safe.

The sun is out.

I'll hang the bandages to dry.

23:50. Chugoku air raid information.

Enemy aircraft in Hiroshima Bay.

Can you get up?

Yes.

23:58 hours. Enemy aircraft circling Kure and Hiroshima.

23:58 hours. Enemy aircraft circling Kure and Hiroshima.

There's so many of them, but can't see anything.

Are those parachute flares?

Hurry, Suzu!

Eighth squad, move!

Suzu, what are you doing? Hurry!

Suzu? Suzu?

One dropped here?

Water! We need more water!

Okay.

Ready...

Be careful.

A formation is northbound via Hiroshima Bay.

Another northbound via Bungo Channel.

Three are confirmed in the seas south of Ashizuri.

This is JOFK, Hiroshima Broadcasting.

Hang on, people of Kure!

Persevere, people of Kure!

Anyone suffering hardship...

Please grab rice balls delivered from Hiroshima!

Come get them at Nikou Park.

Where can I file a damage report?

Is City Hall still standing?

My house burned down.

Avoiding the shelter saved us.

May I?

Yes. Go ahead.

Eat one while it's still warm.

It cooked well as my house burned down.

Thank you.

Keiko...?

I've had enough of this heat.

Is there anyone from Shinonome?

The red-light district burned to the ground.

I see.

Suzu!

You're hurt.

- Your training? - Cancelled.

I'm glad that you're alive.

As I faded away...

Suzu!

I heard myself say, "Find Rin."

I'm glad, anyhow...

I'm glad you're feeling better.

I'm glad it was a dud.

I'm glad it was put out.

I'm glad you're getting better.

I'm glad.

I'm glad... I'm glad...

I don't know what I should be glad about.

My right hand that held Harumi's hand in June.

My right hand that drew Shusaku's face in May.

My right hand that held Teru's lip balm in April.

My right hand that held my brother's brain in February.

My right hand that failed to pattern

Keiko's kimono last November.

My right hand that drew candy for Rin last August.

My right hand that cooked Lord Kusunoki's rice...

My right hand that drew...

My right hand that drew my hometown last February.

My hand that loved to cook...

My right hand that drew many rabbits seven years ago.

Your sister is here!

What a disaster, Suzu.

Sumi, thanks for coming.

The army officer gave me a lift on the relief truck.

What is that?

It's not new, but it's pure cotton.

Not rayon?

No, so it's strong.

Thank you.

These are loquats from Mt. Eba.

Are you sure?

I need to exercise. Let me walk you half-way.

I'm meeting him at the fire station.

It's near the scaffold by the river,

or did that burn down, too?

It's still there. The army officer showed it to me.

He's young but very kind.

He's been giving me his meal tickets and other things.

He remembered that I have a sister who moved to Kure.

You like him?

Oh please, Suzu.

Ouch.

This is horrible.

It's so sad that Kure keeps being targeted.

You must find it hard to be here not being able to do housework.

Suzu, why don't you come home to Hiroshima?

The bombings aren't as bad.

With our brother gone, no one will pick on you.

I suppose...

I know. I'll come back if your officer friend is handsome.

Why, that's so improper!

I'm kidding! See you again!

Something is distorted...

It'd be great if you came.

Come home for the festival next month.

Thanks, Sumi.

I was glad my brother was dead.

I'm distorted, like a drawing using my left hand.

"Record of air raid alerts: July 3rd to 12th"

"July 13th to 16th"

"July 17th "

"July 24th to 26th"

"July 27th "

07:00 hours, July 28th

Here we go again.

It's going to be a long day. Pack everything.

Suzu, come!

Don't come here.

You can't be here.

Yes! Fly away as far as you can,

over the mountain, to Hiroshima!

Do you want to die?

I'm sorry. I saw a white heron flying.

Oh, it fled from the beach.

Shusaku, I'm going home to Hiroshima.

You intend to stay there? Is this about your hand?

The air raids?

Harumi?

Yes, it's all of those things.

I can't hear you.

It's none of that!

Tell me why, then!

Suzu, I really enjoyed these 18 months we've spent together.

I loved coming home to you,

I loved walking with you and listening to you talk.

You don't feel the same? Am I still a stranger to you?

I can't hear you.

I can't hear a thing,

I'm going home to Hiroshima!

Fine.

Do as you please!

No enemy aircraft over the Chugoku military district.

Nine days later

07:31 hours, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Air raid warning lifted.

Great timing.

We're off.

Take care.

Ouch.

That's the spot.

What a hot morning.

We're going to miss you, Suzu.

So what time is your doctor's appointment?

About 10 o'clock.

You need to change.

Here.

Excuse me...

I guess we won't need to wash this.

Isn't your hometown's festival today?

Yes. I was going to go home last weekend,

but I couldn't get an appointment until today.

Don't look!

I'm sorry.

You'll never make it today. Doctors are busy too, you know.

You'll need a referral as well.

Train tickets are usually sold out anyway.

Here, I've fixed your sister's kimono.

I added rubber straps so you can wear it easily.

They're all I could scrap together.

Thank you very much...

I'm sorry I blamed you for Harumi's death.

It's okay.

"Kuromura Clockwork"

The man I loved died young.

My shop was destroyed.

I can't see my children anymore.

But my own choices led me here.

You had no choice, though. You were brought here.

You did what you were told.

What a boring life this must've been.

You're welcome to stay here or go anywhere you choose.

Stop worrying and choose for yourself.

Keiko. Did you see that flash?

I did!

Could it be lightning in this weather?

I... changed my mind...

Can you wash this, please?

And please, would you let me stay?

Yes, now let me go. It's too hot for that!

What was that?

The JOFK isn't coming in.

The other stations?

Hey!

Come over here and look.

What is that cloud?

Cloud?

Look at that big cloud. It's an anvil cloud.

This is Okayama Broadcasting. Hiroshima, do you read me?

I found a flyer from all the way from Hiroshima on the street.

Anyone available, please come to the settlement house.

Chita, aren't you a nurse?

Yes, but I've never made sandals.

No one around here has.

Is this okay?

It's frustrating with one hand.

Now you're just gloating...

What are these sandals for?

They're for Hiroshima.

That flash melted the roads so shoes are no good.

Can I come too?

The wounded must stay.

My son is a soldier in Hiroshima.

You can join us tomorrow.

Hiroshima helped us before, now it's our turn to help them.

My hair won't get in the way now. Take me, please.

I said no!

Silly girl. I'll trim your hair when we get home.

My husband is going to Hiroshima soon.

I hear it was a new type of bomb.

Oh no.

Suzu, your family...

Mum!

The navy base sent a relief party.

You came from Hiroshima, too?

He died sitting here.

He walked all the way from Hiroshima.

But we couldn't tell who he was...

Because his face and clothes had melted...

Let's not tell Mrs. Houjo.

I can't face her. I feel so bad.

I picked eucalyptus leaves to keep mosquitoes away.

Thank you. Stay strong, okay?

I will. Their names are, Juro, Kiseno and Sumi Urano.

Understood.

And also Ito, Marina and Chizuko Morita.

I want to stay strong. Kind but strong.

Like the people of Kure.

Ah, this rubbish again...

We'll never surrender to violence.

August 9th

Please let me stay.

Forever.

You had me worried. You dummy.

Dummy, dummy...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I missed all of them.

I'd never hear the end of it if the Navy knew...

Suzu, this is US propaganda.

It should be handed to the authorities.

They'll burn it anyway.

So I gather them to use them as toilet paper.

I see, then we can't let people use our toilet for a while.

Our battle is to survive with whatever we have.

I suppose.

Please, come in.

August 15th

Hello.

We are keenly aware of the innermost feelings of all of you,

Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of

time and fate that

We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace

for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and

suffering what is insufferable.

Thus ends the His Majesty the Emperor's honorable broadcast.

Oh well. It's finally over.

So, this means...

We lost the war?

Why?

They dropped those new bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Soviets have declared war. We couldn't possibly win.

They knew what we were getting into, didn't they?

They said we would fight to the end!

There's five of us still here!

I still have my left arm and both legs.

Harumi.

Harumi...

Everything we've done slips away.

Everything we've come to terms with.

The reasons why we've endured it all.

Rice and soybeans grown overseas, that's what my body is made of.

So we surrender to violence?

If only I could stay distracted and oblivious until I die.

I stocked this for our last meal.

So let's enjoy white rice tonight.

But not all of it.

There's still a tomorrow and the day after that.

August 15th and 16th...

and 17th.

September.

October, November and next year.

A year later, 10 years later.

Forever and ever.

Look, it's a glorious white!

We only have rice.

Not to worry. Where's Shusaku?

Not home, yet.

I suppose it's the legal office's job

to keep order in times like this.

Let's start eating.

No more bombs, so no more floating fish.

I remember that time, yes.

What are we doing? I can't see my beautiful white rice.

October 6th

They'll be landing soon. I'll be stationed in Ootake.

As long as our navy stands, it's our obligation to keep order.

In times like this...

I wish I had both hands, so I could hold his to comfort him.

It's so quiet.

Everything's ready.

Thank you. Here is fine.

Go back home quickly.

Goodbye.

I'll be back! I'll come home to you!

Yes!

"Rice rations postponed"

We haven't had salt or soy sauce for quite a while.

November 1945

Keiko!

Hi Suzu, do you know what this queue is for?

No idea, but I'll take anything gladly.

We're short on everything.

Well, that's true.

The city has changed.

I wonder if Hisao begs for chocolate too.

Would Harumi have done the same?

It's leftovers of the occupation army.

Paper waste?

So... delicious!

This one's flavorless.

I gave the Americans directions and they gave me chocolate.

With that hair style, they thought you were a child.

You exchanged so many clothes.

It's all right.

Didn't you hear?

The dead soldier found next to the settlement house was my son.

I couldn't recognize my own son.

You lost Harumi in front of your eyes.

Yes. It was awful.

Suzu.

Suzu.

Smile, when you think of me.

I want you to stay ordinary and sane.

Suzu.

Harumi. I can see the ship now.

It's the Aoba.

Tetsu, I just saw it in your smile...

The sea with white rabbits, the sky with white herons...

Harumi always laughed, so I'll laugh whenever I think of her.

From now on, this body will be here to smile.

That's right. It'd be a waste to cry all the time.

It's a waste of salt.

Thank heavens for the salty seas!

Grandma! Auntie! Chizuko!

January 1946

Suzu!

Sumi?

Suzu! You cut your hair.

Don't get up. Are you ill?

I'm a little dizzy.

What a shame big sister.

I can't help with work outside on this cold bitter day.

I suppose you must rest easy for now.

If only I had my hand,

I'd draw "Yoichi's Adventures in the South Seas."

What would the story be about?

Yoichi's troop transport gets shipwrecked.

So he builds a house with palm leaves on an island.

He grows a beard and marries a crocodile.

A crocodile for a bride.

I wish Yoichi could come back to Eba.

And Mom, too.

What?

On the morning of the festival, Mom went shopping in the city.

Dad and I looked everywhere, but couldn't find her.

Dad fell ill in October and died soon after.

He was cremated along with others at school.

I should have told you sooner.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner.

I'm glad you didn't.

Suzu, look at me.

Will I get better?

Yes, of course you will!

Sachiko!

Sorry.

Kiyoko! Aren't you Kiyoko?

Everyone lost someone, and they're still looking.

I think I saw Rin a few times, too.

Suzu.

You're back.

The Navy was disbanded at the end of November.

I've been let go.

Suzu, this is the bridge where I first met you.

We can't go back in time.

We'll keep changing, this city and us.

But I will always tell you apart.

I'll find this beauty mark right away.

Thank you, for finding me in this Corner of the World.

Please never leave, and always be by my side.

Huh?

- Oh... - Let it be.

I'm glad I found a job in Hiroshima.

Me, too.

The commute will be difficult.

I... what?

Thank you. But you can have it.

We could leave Kure and start over here.

For your family's sake.

No, I can commute.

I'm worried about Hiroshima

but Kure is the town I chose to live in.

Oh?

It's okay.

Next stop, Kure.

Kure?

That's right. This is Kure.

"Kure" means we are protected by nine mountains.

On your right is Mt. Yasumi, to the left is Mt. Hachimaki.

And in the center is Mt. Haigamine.

That's where our home is.

This child...

She's covered in lice!

Hurry, we have to boil all of our clothes!

We should start with a bath.

She should go in last.

I'll start the fire.

I wonder if Harumi's clothes would be too small.