Original subtitles

(September of the 29th year of the Meiji era.)

Oh dear, are you awake?

Yes.

He's truly adorable.

Thank you.

Look at his expressive face.

A boy should be like this.

It's a girl.

I apologize.

We recently had a boy in our family.

"Giving birth to a boy..."

"Gave birth to a boy, radiant as jade."

Could it be the train collided with a wild boar?

No, my guess is a bear.

If it's a big bear,

Then we are struck for a while.

It's really nerve-wracking.

this…

May I ask what's going on?

We are investigating.

Um...

My child is born.

Please, start the train quickly.

It's a boy, radiant as jade.

Thank you.

Where is everyone?

Don't cry, please don't cry.

The head of the family...

What should we do?

So well-behaved...

The baby is the best...

Masajiro?

Dad.

I understand you're eager to see your son,

but what does it mean to enter the house without first coming to the shop and greeting me?

I'm sincerely sorry.

We've decided on the child's name.

What name did you choose?

Kenji.

Kenji?

Miyazawa Kenji.

It's a good name.

(Miyazawa Pawn Shop)

Hello.

It's really hot today.

Could you tell me how much this is worth?

Two yen.

Please, give a little more.

How about two yen and fifty sen?

At most, it's worth two yen.

By the way, Master Kenji,

he'll be starting elementary school next year, right?

Time flies.

Well, yes.

He'll surely be excellent.

We can’t say for sure what the future holds.

Don't be modest, Mr. Seijiro.

You are our Hanamaki's top scholar.

Like father, like son.

No, it's not that impressive.

Even if your young master becomes the top scholar in Morioka,

or even in Iwate, it wouldn't be surprising.

That's not true.

You just said the future is uncertain.

Indeed.

If it comes true, you will be very happy, right?

Probably.

Let's make it two yen and twenty sen.

Alright.

I appreciate it.

No…

I can only give you two yen at most.

Thank you in advance.

What's wrong?

Ken, I don't know what happened.

Not only did he have a high fever, but he also had bleeding.

Bleeding?

I saw there was blood when he went to the toilet.

I took him to the hospital, and the doctor said it's dysentery.

Bloody diarrhea?

Yes, decided to admit him immediately.

Head of the Family?

- Let me go. - what?

I'll take care of Kenji.

Don't talk nonsense.

How can the head of the Family go to the hospital to take care of a patient?

I will take good care of him.

You stay and manage the household.

What about the shop?

I will ask dad for help.

Please reconsider.

Let the head of the household go take care of the patient.

How can I face the neighbors in the future?

My son is sick.

What are you arguing about?

Um... the head of the household wants to go take care of Kenji.

Fool.

Taking care of a sick person is not something a man should do.

But if something happens to Kenji...

Don't worry, leave it to the doctor.

How can I leave it to the doctor?

Then who else can you leave it to?

Of course leave it to me.

Show some restraint.

The head of the Miyazawa family

shouldn't do something so embarrassing.

It's just a child being sick.

Dad, it's not just a child.

The one who's sick is our precious Kenji.

If Kenji dies, I won't be able to go on.

Kenji…

Next bed, the patient's name is Miyazawa Kenji.

I am his father, Masajiro.

Starting today, I'll be here temporarily.

Please take care of us.

Newly admitted patient, Miyazawa Kenji.

I am his father, Masajiro.

Starting today, I'll be here temporarily.

Please take care of us.

Newly admitted patient, Miyazawa Kenji.

I am his father, Masajiro.

Starting today, I'll be here temporarily.

Please take care of us.

Newly admitted patient, Miyazawa Kenji...

I heard a secret remedy from the nurse.

It's too hot?

How is it? Do you feel better?

Just say it.

It's lights-out time.

Go to sleep.

The doctor also said sleep is the most effective medicine.

Thank you,

Good night.

Good night.

What's wrong? Can't sleep?

Dad will sing a lullaby to help you sleep.

(Firewood, firewood)

(The water on that side is not good to drink)

(The water on this side is good to drink)

It sounds awful.

(Firewood, firewood)

What a fool, I told you earlier.

Taking care of patients should be left to nurses.

This is dysentery,

not contagious.

It's all the same.

You got sick because you went to take care of a patient.

Dad, I plan to

send Kenji to junior high in Morioka soon.

What education one needs run a pawn shop?

If he accidentally gets into literature or art,

it'll be worse than indulging in alcohol and women.

Dad...

What?

I am different from you.

I am a father in the civilized and enlightened new era...

I am a father of the Meiji era.

You little...

Masajiro.

What's wrong?

You...

Too fixated on the role of a father.

Father of the Milky Way Railroad.

(Taisho Year 3, March)

I'm Kenji, and I've returned from Morioka.

(Graduation certificate, Kenji Miyazawa) (Completed coursework in all subjects in middle school)

(Granted graduation, this certificate)

Ranked 60th out of 88 students.

Yes.

Now you understand that there are different levels of people and things beyond our understanding.

Yes, thanks to my father.

I've learned a lot about the vast world.

In any case, you've successfully graduated from Junior high school.

All thanks to my father.

Let’s celebrate first.

What would you like to eat?

Pears? Apples?

Or sushi?

I want to eat everything.

Alright.

Thank you.

Starting tomorrow, focus on studying the family business.

I don't want to.

What?

I don't want to run the pawnshop, Father.

After reading Emerson, Bergson, and Tolstoy,

I realized that the pawnshop is built on the exploitation of farmers.

In other words,

you are bullying the weak, aren't you?

It's not like that.

Listen, Kenji,

banks won't lend money to poor farmers.

Without pawnshops like ours,

more people would have to sell their daughters or resort to suicide for money.

We are not bullying the weak;

we are helping farmers.

That's just rhetoric, Father.

I've read Emerson, Bergson, Dostoevsky...

- Noisy, too verbose. - And Tolstoy's books...

Noisy, noisy.

You're just talking nonsense.

Anyway,

starting tomorrow, you'll work in the shop. Understand?

Okay.

(Miyazawa Pawnshop)

Can I come in?

No, you'll catch a cold.

Take this.

Thank you.

Are you the young master here?

Yes.

You've grown so much.

This sickle has always been precious to me.

Can you tell me how much it's worth?

Well, how about one yen?

One yen...

Give a little more.

Well, may I ask why you urgently need money?

My wife has gangrene.

Gangrene?

That's a serious illness.

Have you seen a doctor?

We don't have money for medical treatment.

Then... how about three yen?

We have two children at home who need milk.

Children need milk...

Okay, then... I'll give you two more yen.

Thank you.

Thank you so much…

Take care.

You idiot..

But Father, his wife has gangrene,

and two children need milk...

That guy doesn't have any children at all.

What?

The money you gave him,

he'll just use it for drinking and gambling.

He's lying about the gangrene.

Really, Father?

You don't understand the ways of the world.

That's a relief.

If it's a scam, then I'm fine with it.

What do you mean, fine?

You paid five yen for a sickle that's not even worth one yen.

Are you trying to make us bankrupt?

Let's end it here for today.

Brother!

- I knew you were here. - it's you.

Brother, look,

it's Andersen.

Yes, there are stories in it that I haven't read.

The sun, full of vitality,

shines warm sunlight.

The just-molted swan spreads its wings,

elongates its slender neck,

and sincerely says,

"I, who used to be an ugly duckling,

never thought I could feel such happiness."

it looks so happy.

The end.

It's really interesting.

Yeah, it's amazing.

Brother, you should be able to write like that too, right?

Didn't you say you wanted to be Japan's Andersen?

Silly boy.

That was when I was a child.

Why are you saying this now?

It's a shame I like your story so much

Didn't we make an appointment?

You promised to tell me more stories when I grow up.

That's all in the past.

Why say that?

Because...I've always been looking forward to it.

Why? Why won't you write, brother?

I'm sorry,

but I don't have the talent for writing.

So, are you still planning to inherit the pawnshop?

I don't have the talent for that either.

Do you want to continue your education?

Yes.

Don't talk nonsense.

With such poor grades, what do you want to study?

What else do you want to learn?

Father, I want to learn more,

become someone who can serve society.

please.

If you want to serve society,

then inherit this shop properly.

For the people of the town, working hard should be enough, right?

You are the eldest son in our family.

You must be like Grandfather and Father

guarding the entire family.

Take a moment to calm down and think carefully.

Right now, you're just too passionate,

getting influenced by those foreign books...

It's not just passion.

Even if I calmly reconsider, my decision won't change.

Kenji.

you're just using this as an excuse to avoid inheriting the pawnshop.

Father,

what are your plans for Kenji's education?

What plans can there be...

Let Kenji inherit the family business

Let him continue his education first,

pursue knowledge to his heart's content, and then return.

What are you saying?

You are a father who envisions the future of the new era.

You know very well what the coming times require.

We, your children, take pride in you.

Let Kenji continue his education.

One day, it will bring pride to the Miyazawa family.

Continue your studies.

What about inheriting the family business?

Let's set that aside for now.

this…

I'm not that traditional and narrow-minded father.

I understand what the next era needs.

I am a father of the new era.

Yes…

After you pursue knowledge to your heart's content,

it's not too late to inherit the family business.

On the other hand, after you graduate,

you must inherit the family business.

Yes.

I'm done.

Alright.

This morning, I have an important announcement.

What?

Father agreed to let my brother continue his education.

Really? That's fantastic, brother.

Which school are you going to?

where? where are you going?

Well,

Tokyo High School or Sendai Second High School

might be a bit far-fetched.

You're right.

But if it's Waseda or Keio...

I want to attend Morioka Higher Agricultural and Forestry School.

you…

Morioka Higher Agricultural and Forestry School?

Isn't that a school for farming?

Exactly, that's it.

Why go to a school like that?

I want to help farmers, live with them.

Stop talking nonsense.

- You have no idea how the world works. - Father, didn't you say?

I never said that.

You clearly did.

You said the pawnshop helps farmers.

I want to try in my own way.

I'm back.

Come.

Thank you, Mother.

How long will you stay this time, Ken?

About a month or so.

I have to go back as soon as summer vacation ends.

Father,

thank you.

Thanks to you, I can continue my education,

which has given me more ideas.

Just as you said,

accompanying farmers in their lives is not easy.

Well...

I am indeed the son of a businessman

I want to apply the knowledge I gained in school

Start a business

for the prosperity of the Mizusawa family

and the people of Hanamaki.

Start a business?

Yes.

I plan to manufacture synthetic gemstones.

Synthetic gemstones?

Yes.

I want to use ordinary minerals

to synthesize rubies or diamonds.

They'll look authentic and be affordable,

sure to sell well.

I intend to invest a couple of hundred yen initially,

starting with the grinding business to build up strength.

Then, I'll move on to making jewelry,

selling tie clips or cufflinks with gemstones.

While developing synthetic gemstones,

once there's progress in research,

I can invest more capital.

Buy furnaces, machinery, and various chemicals.

Eventually, successfully develop synthetic gemstones.

Wait a moment?

Yes.

So, about the very beginning...

Please, go on.

Where do you plan to get the two or three hundred yen in funding?

Father, mother,

as long as the research is successful, whether it's the Mizusawa family

or the people of Hanamaki,

everyone will find happiness.

I'm counting on you.

Are you going to support our virtuous son?

Where would I get so much money?

That's true.

Really,

that kid always talks about unrealistic dreams.

Head of the family,

our virtuous son...

What?

That kid…

probably just wants to be praised by you.

Praised by me?

You're really hardworking, keep it up.

Thank you.

Ah, Sis.

Yes?

Mother, sister is back.

I'm back.

Welcome back, Toshi.

Father, I'm back.

Welcome back.

Welcome back, sister.

Welcome back.

I'm back.

Sister, how is the girls' school in Tokyo?

Did you go to Ueno Zoo?

Have you seen John the Elephant and Donkey?

Not yet.

Let's go see it together next time.

- Is everyone doing well? - All good.

Did you go up Asakusa Twelve Floors?

Have you ever taken the elevator?

Not yet, studying keeps me busy enough.

Brother, I'm back.

Welcome back, Toshi.

Ichi…

- I'll be right there. - Ichi...

Grandfather's condition is getting worse.

- Stay calm, please stay calm. - Don't touch me.

- Please calm down first. - Dad.

- Mom, are you okay? - Dad.

You guys are so noisy.

- Please don't, Grandpa. - Watch me hit you...

I'll really do it.

Hit you.

Grandpa.

Grandpa.

Where is this?

I...

Die with a bit more dignity.

It's okay, Grandpa.

There's really nothing to fear.

Everyone will face death,

whether they're young

or old,

even children.

So, Grandpa,

Please…

find peace within yourself.

It's fine.

Everyone loves Grandpa the most.

I...

I should go home.

child…

My eldest son is born.

dad.

Daddy.

- No problem. - Okay.

I'll help you with your usual medicine.

Thank you.

Still eating porridge in the summer?

Yes, or else I'll get a stomachache again.

It was Kenji who gave me dysentery.

No choice, I had to learn to live with it.

Speaking of which, Kenji returned to Hanamaki?

Yes, he's on summer vacation.

I see.

I happened to see him last time,

with a troubled expression on his face. I wonder what's going on.

Yeah,

he hasn't been interested in tea or food lately,

can't sleep at night.

Don't know if he's going through a breakup in Morioka.

Oh, I see.

Then there's nothing to worry about.

I've had that experience too.

Ah, the vigor of youth.

What did the doctor say?

same as usual.

Ichi.

Yes.

How's Keiji doing?

He's been locked in his room since morning.

What's he doing?

He's crying.

Maybe we should get a doctor to check on him.

It's okay.

but…

That guy's soul is too fragile.

As long as he has a strong heart

and lives a regular life,

There's nothing to worry about.

Father, I want to talk to you about something

I want to take a break from school.

Take a break from school?

Didn't you beg me to let you study back then?

Yes, I'm truly sorry.

I've been questioning myself,

wondering what I can do for others

and who I really am,

but I still can't find an answer.

At this rate,

I'll become a demon.

A demon?

I won't be able to continue living as a human.

What's wrong? Kenji

What are you talking about?

Father, I've decided to live for my faith.

Faith?

Yes, I follow Nichiren Buddhism.

Nichiren Buddhism?

It's the only way I can live.

What nonsense are you talking about?

Our family has followed Jodo Shinshu for generations.

Jodo Shinshu is the true path.

What?

Just reciting "Namu Amida Butsu"

can lead to the paradise.

Such teachings only lead to the degradation of humanity,

utter foolishness.

After synthetic gemstones, now it's Nichiren?

You rascal,

what trouble are you causing tomorrow?

I won't change my goal anymore.

I'll follow the teachings of Nichiren...

Instead of talking nonsense here,

why not inherit the family business and have children?

I can't do that.

Why not?

Do you intend to ruin the Miyazawa family?

If you can't fulfill the duties of the eldest son,

what's the point of talking about faith?

Father, please stop.

Brother, too.

I can't do it.

I can't do anything anymore.

Both of you, calm down.

Kenji.

I can't do it.

This fool...

- Can't do it. I can't do anything anymore. - Brother...

- Kenji, you promised me back then. - I can't do it.

Brother...

I can't do anything anymore.

I can't do it, I can't do anything anymore.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo...

Young master.

Kenji.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo...

What's happening?

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo...

Mr. Masajiro, something's wrong.

What's wrong?

Keiji has gone insane.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo...

Kenji.

Kenji.

I'm sorry, I'm really sorry.

Kenji.

Keiji, please stop.

Kenji.

I'm really sorry.

Leave, Keiji.

I'm sorry.

Please stop.

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo...

Please stop.

Please stop.

Kenji.

Father, I've staked my life on this.

What?

I have to live for what I believe in.

If I can't live for my faith, I'd rather die.

This fool hasn't seriously lived yet.

Stop talking about life and death.

Father,

"I'd rather die"?

What nonsense are you talking about?

I absolutely won't allow it... Listen carefully.

I, your father, absolutely won't allow it.

You fool.

Father, don't be like this.

- Fool. - Stay calm, head of the household.

Leave him alone, father.

-Father -Fool... you fool...

Father…

(Tokyo, Kokushikan Hall)

Can I stay here?

This is quite sudden.

I'm willing to do anything.

Please let me stay at Kokushikan Hall.

Special Lecture, Study of Japan's National Body) (Lecturer Tomogaku Tanaka)

My mind and body are dedicated to Nichiren.

Did your parents agree?

It has nothing to do with my parents.

I came here on my own.

This isn't a shelter, you know.

Don't know if it's been raining in Tokyo all this time.

Who knows?

Don't know how Keiji is doing.

I wonder if he is safe and sound?

Send money,

he returns it without opening.

Feels like Keiji is so far away from us.

Are you going to the bank?

No, I won't go anymore.

(Namu Myoho Renge Kyo)

Hi, Dafu.

Hello, Mr. Miyazawa, there's a telegram for you

Mr. Miyazawa.

Yes?

Is it Mr. Miyazawa?

Yes.

Ah Toshi.

(Toshi is seriously ill, return home quickly)

- Um... sorry. - Welcome.

I want this. I'll buy this.

Sure, how much?

All of it. I want everything.

At that moment, suddenly... a gust of wind blew.

The grass on the riverbank swayed like waves.

On the playground...

I'm back.

Kenji, why are you back so late?

What have you been up to?

Welcome back, brother.

Where's Toshi?

She fainted while teaching,

and she vomited blood...

What about the doctor? What did the doctor say?

She has tuberculosis.

Toshi is afraid of infecting everyone,

so she's staying at Grandfather's cottage.

At Sakura House?

Toshi.

Keiji...

Big brother,

you finally came back.

Sorry, I am late.

But, Toshi...

Look.

Thank you.

Kaze Matasaburo.

Thud, thud, thud...

Bringing back the green walnuts.

And blew away the sour plums

Thud, thud, thud...

On the banks of the Tani River, there's a small school.

This school has only one classroom.

It lacks only third-grade students;

besides that, from first to second grade

and fourth to sixth grade, there are students.

On the playground...

"No,

That guy is definitely Kaze Matasaburo.”

Kasuke shouted loudly.

From the dormitory comes a knocking sound.

The teacher, holding a red folding fan,

Rush over.

The two fall into silence,

as if probing each other's thoughts,

standing face to face.

The wind continues to blow,

the raindrops blur the glass windows,

and they creak again.

End.

What's wrong?

It was truly magnificent.

Toshi,

thank you, big brother.

Transformed into…

A neat and majestic military song...

Dah da da…

The army of utility poles...

Gazes sideways at the boy and passes by.

The buzzing becomes even louder.

At this moment, it completely transforms into an old-fashioned, majestic military song.

Dong, da da...

The army of utility poles...

Unparalleled speed.

Dong, da da...

The army of utility poles...

Discipline No. 1 in the world.

Dah da da…

What are you murmuring?

This is a magic spell.

The utility poles hum quietly.

The signals rise in one breath.

The moon once again disappears into the convective clouds.

Then, the train seems to have entered the station.

End.

Read it again for me, big brother.

Let's eat.

You must be hungry.

Her appetite has improved lately.

But don't force yourself too much; it's not good for your health.

It's okay.

As long as I listen to big brother's stories,

I feel energetic.

That's good.

Here.

I'm starting.

Toshi.

Toshi.

Did I wake you up?

No, it's okay.

Do you want to eat something?

No need.

Do you want water?

No need.

Thank you, Father.

Is there anything else you need?

I'm sorry.

Silly child...

There's nothing to apologize for.

You'll get better soon

and return to the podium to teach.

Toshi, is this cigarette yours?

I asked big brother to buy it for me.

Because I heard nicotine can kill tuberculosis bacteria.

Really…

But I've been coughing, and I can't inhale it at all.

Father,

I…

In my next life...

Definitely...

I definitely want a stronger body

for…

to live for the happiness of others.

In my next life, I absolutely want a stronger body.

Don't tell mother.

I don't want to make her sad.

You're amazing, Toshi.

For both me and your mother,

you're a daughter we're proud of.

Here.

It's hot.

my throat…

Toshi.

Yuki...

Help me pour a bowl of Snow, please.

Toshi...

Don't go, Toshi.

Toshi.

I picked it from the yard.

It's so refreshing.

It's so refreshing.

I feel like...

I've entered the forest.

Toshi?

Toshi

Toshi?

Toshi?

Toshi.

Toshi.

Toshi.

Toshi.

(Crematorium is under maintenance, unable to use)

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo...

- Keiji? - It's okay.

- But he recited the scripture wrong, Keiji. - It's okay, let him be..

Namu Myoho Renge Kyo...

What's wrong? Kenji?

Pull yourself together.

With the heart of your faith,

guide Toshi on her journey.

Make sure to send her to the Heaven.

I can't do it anymore, Father.

I have no strength left.

I can't send Toshi on her way.

Kenji,

the story you wrote is the dawn that guides Toshi.

so…

you must use your words to guide her.

Otherwise, she won't reach the Heaven.

I can't do it anymore, Father.

I can't write anymore without Toshi.

I can't write anything anymore

I'm really...

so powerless.

I'm sorry...

you fool.

Being a literary figure the only talent you have, Miyazawa Kenji.

Just because of this, are you going to give up?

You foolish child.

Since Toshi is not here anymore,

let me be the one to listen to your stories in the future.

I will become Miyazawa Keiji's number one reader.

So, go ahead and write.

Tell your story, Keiji.

Toshi.

(Spring and Shura, Sketch of the Mind) (Miyazawa Kenji)

Father, please take a look.

Spring and Shura…

This is the book I wrote.

(Spring and Shura, Sketch of the Mind) (Miyazawa Kenji)

On this morning of farewell,

Just today

heading to a distant place,

my dear sister.

Outside, snow and rain are falling, the scenery strangely vivid.

"Could you pour me a bowl of snow and rain?"

Head of the household, I'll go to sleep now.

Alright, goodnight.

Snow and rain fall gently from the increasingly gloomy thin red clouds.

"Could you pour me a bowl of snow and rain?"

(Mr. Miyazawa Masahiro)

(Respectfully presented by Keiji)

(Densho-do Bookstore)

Here it is.

"A debut collection of intensely emotional poems and fairy tales,

a pleasantly surprising new talent on the modern literary scene."

(New book arrival, works by Miyazawa Keiji)

("Spring and Shura," "The Restaurant with Many Demands")

Excuse me, may I ask...

It's here.

welcome.

Seeing so many displayed at the storefront,

are his books selling well?

What?

I'm on a business trip to Tokyo

and wanted to do some sightseeing.

With so many of his books displayed in bookstores in Kanda, Tokyo,

they should be selling well, right?

No…

These books are from the publisher, a mix of sale and giveaway.

So we're quite troubled.

Who's the one messing up this arrangement...

(Mega sale, half price, 80 cents)

Look at that.

Half price?

The publisher probably doesn't have much confidence.

Books from unknown authors in the countryside don't sell well.

Do the cold Tokyo residents

even understand Kenji Miyazawa?

I'll buy all the Kenji Miyazawa books in your store.

All of them?

That's right.

I heard there are over two hundred more in the publisher's warehouse.

If left unattended,

they plan to burn them.

So you bought them all?

No choice.

Originally, I self-published these books at my own expense.

But the reviews are good.

Yes, the reviews are quite favorable

Even the senior members at the publisher acknowledge it.

Tokyo Asahi Shimbun also introduced me as an active newcomer.

So insiders can still understand it, right?

But that's all

Just keep writing.

Father, I want to move out from home.

Focus on writing at Sakura House.

Are you going alone?

Yes.

Then, I'll hire a maid for you.

No need.

You'll cook for yourself?

Yes.

And do the laundry too?

Father, I want to live in the house where Toshi lived before,

writing stories while living life.

Alright,

I understand.

(Three years later, Showa 3rd year)

(Earth-colored illustration) (Rainfall, transpiration, evaporation, absorption) Japan is rainy.

Nutrients in the soil are easily washed away,

leading to soil acidification.

When facing soil acidification,

just sprinkle lime.

In the past, people mostly used wood ash,

but lime has a higher calcium content

and is less soluble in water.

(Roshoji People's Association)

Ro...

How do you pronounce this?

Roshoji People's Association.

Roshoji People's Association, huh.

Father, look.

Any issues so far?

May I ask

How do you know if your soil is acidified?

You can tell just by looking.

Acidic soil tends to grow bittercress and common sowthistle.

When you see that, sprinkle lime

to neutralize the soil's acidity.

The golden rice fileds are beautiful, aren't they, Father?

This year, there's plenty of sunshine,

and it seems we might have a bountiful harvest after several years of scarcity.

let's hope we don't encounter any typhoons.

Yes,

everyone is happy.

That's great.

Thanks to your mention of fertilizers earlier.

If only things continue this way.

Are you still writing stories?

Yes, I'm in the middle of one.

Kenji.

yes?

I came today

to discuss something important with you.

Go ahead.

Can you come back and inherit the pawnshop?

What?

Just kidding.

You scared me.

The pawnshop is closing down.

Why?

I'm is getting old,

and one should know when to retire gracefully.

But Father, you can still continue working, right?

I plan to give the shop to Seiro.

It seems he has plans for a new business.

Back in the days, we argued a lot about inheriting the pawnshop.

I'm truly sorry about that.

It's okay, Father.

It's okay.

Father?

Actually, I...

I always wanted to become like you.

You want to be like me?

That's right.

But I still couldn't do it.

no matter what i do,

I can't become like you.

So,

I can only give birth to more stories,

treating them as my children.

I see.

No wonder I love your stories so much.

Your children are my grandchildren,

Of course I love them.

Yes.

"The Song of Wandering Stars"

(The Scorpio gleams with red eyes)

(The Eagle soars in the sky)

(The Little Dog blinks with blue eyes)

(The coiled giant snake emits light)

(The Hunter in the sky sings a high song)

(Frost and dew roll across the ground)

You two brothers really resemble each other.

How so?

Kenji used to talk about selling artificial gems.

yes.

And now you want to sell iron products.

Isn't that like artificial minerals?

Head of the family,

please confirm the goods received at the ironworks.

Let me check.

Seiroku is now the head of the house.

yes,

Kenji has finally found his true calling.

Now, I'm finally free.

(Miyazawa Trading Company)

I wonder what kind of evaluation I'll receive in this lifetime.

Don't say such things.

I'll go visit my brother again tomorrow.

Is there anything you need?

How is he doing lately?

Very healthy.

even saw him smoking last time.

Smoking?

The head of the family…

Kenji.

Are you there?

Kenji.

Father?

I shouldn't have dozed off while smoking.

It could accidentally cause a fire.

Kenji.

Don't hide it from me.

Is that blood?

Are you coughing up blood?

Like Toshi,

Is it tuberculosis? doctor?

Yes, Kenji.

Unfortunately.

Okay, I understand.

Dr. Sato.

that…

Is it possible that it's just a misdiagnosis?

Maybe it's not tuberculosis

but just a cold or something?

Mr. Miyazawa, I understand your feelings...

No…

Doctor, you should know as well.

Since childhood, that boy has been frail and sickly.

But he always recovered.

When his sister Toshi

had tuberculosis and passed away,

he took care of her,

yet he remained uninfected.

He was perfectly fine.

Mr. Miyazawa, I'm very sorry.

Doctor need to see the next patient.

Kenji went through a lot...

It's not easy to control him...

He was just about to live his own life.

Please, think of a way

to let him rest properly.

In order to provide for you, Shigure,

I rushed like a twisted bullet

towards this dark, drizzling world.

Run away

I initially wanted to endure a bit longer,.

but now I can't face Toshi anymore.

Even though I promised her

to become Japan's Hans Christian Andersen,

Aren't you already a literary figure?

You're a writer, Kenji Miyazawa.

Stop saying that.

you also know,

hardly anyone reads what I write.

Perhaps that's the case now,

but people will read your stories in the future.

How is that possible? It's impossible.

It's Toshi's wish,

so it will come true.

Kenji Miyazawa's stories .

are truly excellent.

Father, you're quite obsessed with your son.

Think about it, telling stories to Toshi on the other side,

will take a long time.

Before that,

you have to tell more stories to this father.

Your own stories.

Come home, Kenji.

Come home and eat the healthy food your mother prepared.

Take good care of yourself.

You'll definitely recover.

Don't worry.

It's not over yet.

It's not over yet

I'm sorry, father,

for always causing you trouble.

It's not a matter of just a day or two.

Too

It's okay.

With Dad taking care of you,

you don't have to worry about anything.

Wasn't it the same back then?

Do you remember that jellyfish?

It felt comfortable lying on it, right?

No…

Actually, it was too hot,

I could only endure it desperately.

What are you talking about? Don't make things up.

(Fire gold, fire gold)

(The water over there isn't drinkable)

(The water here is good to drink)

You really can't sing in tune.

You're far worse than me.

What?

(During the day, hiding behind dew-dampened leaves)

(Night is like carrying lanterns)

(Illuminating faint lights)

(Will you please come with me...)

"Do not fear wind and rain."

(Year 8 of Showa, September)

Um... there's a visitor.

Who is it? It's so late.

It's... someone looking for Kenii.

He came before asking about fertilizer.

Wants to consult with Kenji again.

No, reject him.

It's too selfish to refuse.

Father.

What's wrong? Kenji.

What are you doing, Kenji?

Tell him to leave quickly.

Daring to come at this time.

Don't you understand social etiquette?

Exactly because of this...

What?

He would choose this time.

There must be an urgent matter.

Mother, sorry.

Please let me change clothes.

(Miyazawa Trading Company)

Teacher, Mr. Miyazawa.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Miyazawa.

Teacher, this year is strange.

We've encountered rice blast disease.

I followed your instructions.

Tried all methods, but it's not working.

If this continues,

I might have to sell my daughter.

My wife has already left.

I don't know what to do alone.

Oh, I see. You've been through a lot.

Seiro, you can go rest for now.

Thank you.

We can only survive on grass roots now.

If we can't figure something out,

we might have to hang ourselves together.

Without my wife and daughter,

I'll go crazy.

Mr. Heita, please calm down.

Mr. Heita.

If the rice isn't growing well, there must be a reason.

It's because we don't know the reason

that I've come to you.

Even if I break my head thinking,

I can't come up with anything.

I've already lost my wife...

Kenji is not doing well.

Please, go and ask him to leave.

Teacher, do you understand my feelings?

It might be a problem with continuous cropping.

Please help store water in the fields.

The head of the household? Hurry up.

Kenji.

Kenji.

Call Seiro over.

yes.

Kenji…

Father.

Thank you.

Thank you for what?

Thank you...

Let me finish my words.

to the end

Silly child.

Seiro,

bring that to me.

Okay.

The manuscript, right?

Any small publishing house will do.

If anyone is willing to help publish,

Just give them the manuscript.

Okay.

But...

If no one is willing to publish,

then let's dispose of the manuscript.

Father.

I understand.

Sorry, I sweated a bit.

Can you help me wipe my body?

Sure.

Wait for me.

Head of the household,

let me do it.

What?

Please let me do it.

At least let me wipe you one last time.

I…

I'm also Kenji's mother.

That's nice...

Feels so comfortable...

Mother.

Thank you.

Don't thank me, it's nothing.

For everything until now...

Really...

Thank you very much.

It's nothing.

Kenji?

Brother.

Kenji?

"Do not fear rain,

do not fear wind,

do not fear frost, do not fear summer heat.

Maintain a healthy body,

free from greed

and anger.

Stay calm, smile often.

Eat four bowls of brown rice a day

with miso and a little vegetables.

Never think only of your own benefit.

Listen and understand carefully.

Keep in mind and never forget.

Dwell in the wild pine forest,

in a small hut under the tree shade.

If there's a sick child to the east,

Just go take care of his illness.

If there's a weary mother to the west,

help her carry rice bundles.

If someone to the south is about to die,

comfort them so they're not afraid.

If there's a dispute or conflict to the north,

tell them not to engage in such pointless matters.

Worry about tears in times of drought,

be uneasy in the cold days of summer.

Called useless by people,

neither praised nor troublesome.

I want to become such a person.

Isn't that right, Kenji?

It's truly a beautiful poem.

You wrote a wonderful poem, Kenji.

Finally I…

received praise from father.

Thank you.

Father.

Ken.

Kenji.

I've always praised you, haven't I?

Don't I always praise you?

The first time you stood up,

the first time you learned to walk,

when you stopped wetting the bed,

when you wrote stories,

when you published a book,

even recently,

when you eat a slice of pear,

didn't I always praise you?

Kenji, haven't I praised you often?

Kenji…

Kenji…

Kenji…

Kenji

(Two years later, in the year 10 of Showa)

("Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales")

Mr. Miyazawa,

Mr. Miyazawa, there's a package for you.

It just so happens I'm the only one at home.

Please take it.

Thank you.

Is the printing done?

("Complete Works of Miyazawa Kenji")

"Night on the Galactic Railroad")

Are the girl and the young man from earlier

still kneeling on the white sandbank?

Or have they already gone to the unknown paradise?

All scenes are so hazy and hard to identify.

Giovanni sighed deeply.

"Campanella,

it's just the two of us now.

No matter how far, we'll go together."

Sorry.

May I sit here?

Sure, please sit.

Where are you two headed?

We're going to the ends of the earth.

Great.

Thank you.

I sincerely appreciate it.