Original subtitles

A SHOCHIKU PRESENTATION

Would you take care of this for me?

Take care of it? You mean, this cat?

It's unbelievable. It got used to you so quickly.

- But this... - There's a park ahead, right?

- I found it there. - A stray cat?

But it's so cute, isn't it?

Well, it's certainly cute, but...

I guess it's not bad... this cat...

- What is this? - A teardrop urn.

A teardrop urn?

It's Persian or Turkish, I forgot which one.

After a soldier went to the battlefield,

his wife would use that jar to store her tears of sorrow.

So, when he returned, she would show him how much she had cried?

That's right.

- Did she do it like this? - No.

- Like this? - It suits you.

Really?

This isn't anyone's picture, is it?

Oh... it's something the son of the furniture store owner

across the street drew during high school.

It's interesting, having such a picture displayed here.

You don't usually see this kind of thing in regular antique shops, right?

Is that so?

This is a pop antique shop, where you sell things

that different people used in different eras.

Pop?

You're not selling items, but eras.

Hey...

Shouldn't you call it an "Era Shop"?

An "Era Shop" that sells various eras, right?

Isn't it interesting?

- What's this cat's name? - Absinthe.

Absinthe?

I came up with it while walking on the pedestrian bridge.

That cat...

It was abandoned, and its voice got hoarse from meowing too much.

Meow!

You know, like those barroom women who drink too much absinthe,

and their voices are all husky... They often appear in foreign films.

So, absinthe, right?

- Hey, let's decide. - Decide what?

The cat's name.

All right, let's decide. Absinthe it is.

I'm so glad!

I wanted to give it a name along with someone as a witness.

- Oh, the second floor is a storage room. - Can I take a look?

Wow! It's like a movie.

It's lovely living in a place like this, isn't it?

Did you find something you like?

I like everything!

For me... this is what I like the most.

You're naughty...

Do you think you could let me stay here for a while, too?

Like Absinthe.

What's your name?

- Mayumi. - What's your last name?

Where are you from?

- How old are you? - If it's about me,

you should know by now, right?

Not delving any further is the etiquette of the city.

Is that not acceptable?

It's fine...

Six Months Later

TIME AND TIDE

Original Novel: Tomomi Muramatsu

Written by: Haruhiko Arai Keiji Nagao, Azuma Morisaki

Tsunehiko Watase

Masako Natsume

Hiroyuki Okita, Kimiko Nakayama Mitsuru Hirata

Shiro Osaka, Kotoei Hatsui Masahiko Tsugawa

Directed by: Azuma Morisaki

Can I borrow a lighter?

- No, you have a Dunhill. - Please, lend it to me.

It's quite sturdy, isn't it?

What's her shoe size?

What? You don't know?

She said, "I'm embarrassed by my big feet".

That's just pitiful. It's like she's your wife.

- She's not my wife. - She's just like your wife.

I'll be away for a while.

Don't forget the food for Absinthe.

You did a good thing, Yasu.

Me, I've never even bought shoes for my wife, not even once.

- It's the same for me. - But I did buy you some!

That was before we got together.

Dad was a passionate fan, after all.

Was it Great Komatsu? Your ring name.

- Right. - Where did you find that, old man?

- Where, you ask? - You were quite brave.

Even now, I'm still...

- Are you still brave? - I still get beaten up!

A family is just right

when the wife is a little bit bossy.

- Is that how things are? - That's how things are.

A single person wouldn't understand what it's like to be in a relationship.

Master, I closed up the cafe.

- These are today's earnings. - Thank you.

Would you like to have a cocktail?

Today, I absolutely want to take a bath...

You can take a bath with me at the hotel.

You pervert.

That girl is quite unusual.

I feel like she needs more than just a young man.

Despite appearances, she's actually quite passive.

She's passive, you say?

When a person stops having fun, it's all over.

Becoming serious is a sign of a person's decline.

Yasu, pardon me, but I'm going home.

What's wrong? All of a sudden?

I'm going to be a little less serious.

Hmm, that's a wild boar for you.

What do you mean?

That guy is a mystery.

He just can't seem to settle down.

Maybe it's because he grew up in the black market.

I can't see any signs of her settling down either.

Who?

You're not married yet, right?

Why don't you just propose to her?

But, you see, she just casually showed up six months ago,

and moved in like a stray cat.

Even stray cats probably want a collar and a bell, you know?

Have you never asked where she's been or what she's been doing all this time?

She might have been someone's pet from somewhere.

Yasu, you're probably afraid to ask, right?

We like it when we don't say anything, when we don't ask each other anything.

Isn't that a contest of endurance?

You look like something's happened.

I bet even you have times when you get irritated, right?

- Of course there are. - What do you do in those moments?

I do a Cobra Twist on my husband.

I apply all those moves that I know like the Full Nelson and Headlock.

- You have it hard, old man! - Huh?

It's a bit weird, isn't it? But I like it...

I'll be away for a while.

Don't forget the food for Absinthe.

Oh, did you come to greet me?

- Good morning! - Good morning.

Here's your food.

Here's your food. Is it good?

You shouldn't drink so much.

Toothbrushes should be used vertically, right?

You still never ask about anything, as usual.

You quiet pervert.

Yasu!

The shoes fit perfectly! Thank you!

♪ Both flowers and storms...

Era Shop Open For Business

Here...

Please take this, no matter how much!

- What's wrong with this? - I felt it would be a waste to throw it away.

Wow, what a nice trunk!

My husband used to use it a long time ago.

But, these days,

carrying such an old-fashioned trunk around isn't practical.

I think this is from the Taisho era.

- Ma'am, let me make some tea. - I don't want any tea.

I'm in a hurry, so I can't take my time like that.

Holding onto something that's been around for decades...

I feel a bit uneasy about that.

- How about 3,000 yen for it? - But that's...

Lately, these kinds of trunks are selling well.

It's called antique fashion, and it's popular.

- Is that so? - Well, in that case...

- Excuse me. - Welcome.

Here. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Welcome.

Your father suddenly fell ill.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Now, he's in a coma.

But they say it's critical...

I see.

You'll come to visit him, won't you?

I apologize, but...

He's going to die.

I sent him a telegram when my mother was at death's door,

but he didn't come.

Please take care of him yourself.

Is your father in critical condition?

- Aren't you going to see him? - I won't.

Yasu, I wonder where your personality comes from...

Will you be able to wait for that?

No, that's why I'm making a request like this...

I'm counting on you.

I'm counting on you. I apologize for any inconvenience.

- Won't you stop? - "Won't you stop?"

- II'll end up getting angry. - "I'll end up getting angry."

Speaking of which, what happened to that thing we discussed the other day?

No, the one with the red dress.

Congratulations.

- Yasu, did you really rape her? - What?!

That's what Mayumi told me the other day.

Did she really say that?

But isn't it lovely? A rape marriage...

From 16 to 46, all women are like wives.

Hey, welcome! No, you can't just walk by!

Hey, welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

Madam, what do you think? How about monkfish hot pot tonight?

100 grams for 250 yen.

- I wonder... - Yasu loves this!

- Really? - Yeah.

- Well then, I'll take it. - All right!

Here you go, thank you very much.

Hey...

- Yasu. - Yes?

- It's ready now! - Yes, yes.

- Please, try it. - Yes.

"Assistance... Ministry of Railways"?

"Tokyo, Shinagawa, Ueno, Third Class, 10 Sen."

"11-2-26."

- What's that? - An old ticket.

Why would something like this be inside?

I have no clue...

- Someone bought it, but never used it, huh? - Yeah, that's right.

February 26, Year 11... Is this the Showa or Taisho calendar?

If it's Showa, it's the day of the February 26 Incident.

Really? Then, I suppose there are people who might want this.

Oh, if you take this to market, it could fetch a significant price.

Hey, it seems like no matter what we look at,

we view it through the eyes of an antique dealer.

I wonder if we're kind people.

Or maybe we're cruel people...

What do you mean?

Well, you see, we're taking things that were quietly dying,

and we force them back to life,

so that they can be used by people once more.

That's one way to think about it.

Here you go.

Haven't you ever thought about it that way, Yasu?

No, I just like old goods, that's all.

But you reanimate something on the brink of death and treat it gently, right?

I've never really thought about it that way.

Maybe you're the kind one, and I'm the one who's cruel?

Or maybe you're cruel without even realizing it, Yasu?

Absinthe... Absinthe!

I'll be right back.

Today's weather will be sunny, today's weather will be sunny.

I'm currently testing the tape recorder.

Is it working?

This is my idea.

I'll be right back. That's right, could you please get some food for Absinthe?

This was her first time...

And she didn't come back for four days.

I'll be out for a bit. Could you please get some food for Absinthe?

This was her second time.

And she returned four days later.

I'll be right back. Don't forget about Absinthe's food.

This was her third time.

She returned this morning.

Absinthe, what do you think will happen next time?

It's a sudden question, but is it true that women are primarily attracted to a man's body?

A man's body?

In other words, things like the size of a man's "equipment" or his technique?

Isn't that irrelevant?

Do you think it is?

Public Bath

What should we do with this?

Should we just take it?

Let's take it.

Mayumi, you...

- We're being watched. - No way!

Tears are so foolish, aren't they?

I wonder if they intend

to return to their original place inside the heart through the ear canal?

Era Shop

Are the pants ready?

No, they'll be ready this evening.

I see.

Where are you planning to go, wearing those well-tailored pants?

I'm not going anywhere... I'm here for this.

Oh, I see, I see. That's a rare ticket.

Your wife brought a trunk yesterday, and it was inside it.

A trunk?!

I don't have any use for an old thing like that.

Come on, don't say that.

Since I went to the trouble of bringing it, please accept it.

Well then, I guess I'll take it back.

Because it would be wrong to bring it to your past self.

That's a bit too much, isn't it?

Your dentures are making noise.

You have a tendency to notice unpleasant things, don't you?

Hey, what's this about you taking my trunk to the antique shop?

Oh?

That's all you have to say?

Why do you go and do things like that without telling me?

- How about it? - It's delicious.

It definitely tastes different from the coffee I make.

I can't compete with you.

Watanabe.

Sometimes, youth can get in the way, you know?

It depends on the time and the situation, though.

It's all about experience, isn't it?

Well, not exactly, but it's fine.

Here's your month's pay, up until today.

It's not much, but it comes from my heart.

You're closing the cafe?

Thanks for your hard work.

Yasu!

Yes?

Speaking of that trunk... It hasn't been sold yet, has it?

Well, it's still there.

Ah, here it is!

Can you sell this to me?

No, 3,000 yen is fine. That's what I paid for it.

I thought I'd buy it at the selling price because otherwise it would be selfish of me.

No, 3,000 yen is fine.

- But that would be unfair. - No, not at all.

Is that so? All right, if you say so...

- One, two, three, there you go. - Okay, it's all yours.

I'm sorry about this.

- Is the trunk that important to you? - Huh?

No, it's not that important.

I just decided that I didn't want to part with it.

Well, since the store's open, I guess I'll be going now.

Thank you!

Yasu, try not to drink too much.

Goodbye.

Hey, what's wrong?

Oh, nothing... the shop is closed!

What? You closed the shop?

We're closing up shop, too.

It's all because of debt.

I've been unable to move freely since the end of last year.

It's a sorry state of affairs.

Is that so?

I'm not cut out for business, I should've known that.

- Your "Era Shop"... - Yes?

- How many years has it been open? - Eight years.

Why did you start it?

Just like a child who loves books dreams of becoming a bookseller,

a child who loves old things became an antique dealer. That's all.

What did you really want to do?

- Well, you see... - You must have had other dreams...

I'm different from you.

Me?

What were you doing when you were my age?

Chasing after girls' asses.

What about when you were younger?

Still, chasing after girls' asses.

I've always been just a pop antique dealer.

But that "pop" image was really Mayumi's idea, right?

Mayumi is the one who really embodies the spirit of your "Era Shop".

It would be tough if Mayumi weren't around.

It would be tough indeed.

Huh?

I feel like she won't return this time.

She left again?

Well, that's no good...

- Can I have a beer? - Sure.

Oh, by the way,

Why don't we go to Yuki's place together?

We can get drunk and sleep together, like a big slumber party!

No, I'll pass today.

Well then, here, take this...

Let's take it easy and have a drink at Tonkichi tomorrow.

Sure.

- See you, then. - Yes.

Master, you never do anything that can't be undone, right?

You got that right.

No matter what I do, you always have a calm expression.

I wished you had thrown a big stone instead of a pebble.

I intended my feelings to be like a big stone.

But, you know, breaking the window wouldn't be good, right?

That's adult self-control for you.

Are we already finished?

There's no such thing as an endless game.

I didn't consider it a game.

It's just like thumb wrestling.

If you keep holding it, you'll lose.

Have you ever noticed how happy a cat looks when it's basking in the sunlight?

There's nothing quite like that look of contentment.

♪ When Takeo moves to the boat

♪ Namiko raises her red sash

♪ All the way up to her navel

♪ I wonder if she had any regrets about it

All right...

♪ When Namiko moves to the boat

♪ Takeo lowers his navy pants

♪ All the way down to his knees

♪ I wonder if he had any regrets about it

Imai Cleaning

He seemed so enthusiastic when he left.

- To make a delivery? - Yes.

Yes, he went to Miki's house, beyond the railroad crossing.

He said he had some errands in that direction, so it was on his way.

It's not like him to start making deliveries at his age, though.

Once he got the trunk back, he suddenly got excited.

Does that trunk hold some special meaning for him?

- He eloped. - Mr. Imai eloped?

It was a failed attempt, so he was caught alone.

- When was that? - About 46 years ago.

Well, then...

If I recall correctly, I believe he was around 15 or 16 at that time.

So, that happened before you two were married?

Of course.

You see, they were both from the same hometown.

He fell for a woman who used her charms on him.

She had both a husband and kids.

How courageous of him!

It's not about being courageous at all. It was a pitiable situation...

He was the only one who got caught and was brought back from the station.

Extra! Extra! Extra! Extra!

- Koichi. - Oh! Dad...

Please, catch him!

- What have you done, you scoundrel? - I'm sorry...

Koichi, let's go home. Let's go! The woman is not coming!

Memories can get you carried away, memories can also make you feel jealous...

Getting old is no good...

See you, then...

Hey! Sorry for making you come to pick it up.

No problem, it's on my way.

♪ The twilight blooms and falls Under the Ginza willows

♪ Waiting, you're alone, you're alone If we meet...

- Oh, excuse me, where is block 2... - Yes?

Never mind.

How is he?

When waking up from a coma,

re-bleeding often occurs.

- How long has he got? - Maybe 2 or 3 days...

But they say he could pass at any moment.

I see.

Your father was quite a terrible man, you know.

He wasn't terrible towards me,

but he was to your mother.

Towards his legal wife...

He was a heartless man.

Maybe so.

And you're just like him.

It's heartless of you to come all the way here and not even enter his room.

So, I guess you're even.

It has to be like this, that's how men are.

What about women?

Women don't matter at all.

This is what saved my grandfather when he had diphtheria.

They say garlic juice works really well.

I'll give it a try, too, so you know it's okay.

Are you okay? I've heard a loud noise.

I think he's better now. He seems to have calmed down.

Matsue, now you'll be alone, too.

Why didn't you have any children?

When I got together with your father,

I made sure I couldn't have children.

I like you more than your father.

Your father is aware of that, too.

I'm going home.

You're heartless just like him, after all.

She's left again? Isn't this her third time?

- Isn't this the fourth time? - No, it was her third time.

At any rate, Yasu,

aren't you being too calm about it?

- There's no use getting worked up. - What are you waiting for?

All I can do is wait.

You must be seeing another woman!

- You must be joking. - I'm just giving my opinion.

If such a rumor were to spread, then she might definitely not return.

So, you had no involvement with another girl?

- Don't talk like you're my parent. - But you and my son have the same age!

It's a matter of concern...

- Maybe the opposite happened. - Huh?

Maybe Mayumi found a man?

I'm just speculating, but maybe that happened.

Ah, you never know,

maybe Mayumi kept her true identity secret, even from Yasu?

- Ah, that's a possibility. - No way!

She had an air of being a sheltered girl.

Well, there is a mysterious aspect to her.

Hm, could she possibly be that infamous E.T. character?

"E.T. Phone Home..."

- Give me a refill. - Sure! Here you go.

Right away!

- Imai, another round for you, too? - No, I'm fine like this.

- Are you feeling bad? - Oh, no, I'm fine.

Has it been a year since the last time you had sex?

It's been three years!

Was he serious about that?

- Welcome. - Welcome.

- What would you like? - Beer.

All right, one beer.

- Would you like something to eat? - Chicken gizzards...

I wonder how men who have been abandoned by their wives are seen by women?

Is it because they're not attractive enough?

- I think there might be a pattern. - A pattern?

For example, if a man is violent, a pervert, or if he hates his job...

If he's running away from loan sharks, or... maybe he's just too serious?

Oh, that must be it. You're too serious...

I think there's also a pattern for vanishing wives.

- What kind of pattern, then? - Let me see...

At the top, it's probably an abnormal love for sex, isn't it?

So, they run away with a younger man?

It depends on the person, you know,

but usually it happens when they meet a younger and stronger man.

And what about the other ones?

The other ones secretly borrow money from loan sharks behind their husband's backs,

and fearing being discovered and killed, they vanish, leaving their children behind.

Yes, that's a classic case.

But, you know, when women vanish,

they never do it alone, right?

Whether it's to escape from loan sharks or violence,

there's always a man with them when they disappear.

And, in the end, they end up being discarded by the man.

Or perhaps they're the ones who discard him.

You wouldn't happen to be someone who's currently vanished, would you?

Unfortunately not!

But I'd like to try it at least once, too.

- Why would you do that? - Isn't it romantic, to vanish?

- Where are you going? - The toilet's over there.

- I fancy this type of woman. - That's right!

You fall in love with anyone.

I think that woman is good in many ways.

Anyway, someone else has already had their hands on her...

Isn't dealing with those kinds of secondhand items your business?

- Antiques and women are different. - I think she's the exception here.

♪ Stop being wishy-washy

♪ Whether to marry me or not

♪ Stop being wishy-washy

♪ Just forget it, it doesn't matter

♪ Not at all special, a girl next door

♪ That's what I am

♪ Girl A!

♪ Girl A!

Oh, here I go! Come on, stop...

Be careful, Mr. Yasu.

Oh, by the way, what was your name again?

- You mean me? - Yeah...

♪ I am just Auntie A!

You idiot!

So, you're also following the city's etiquette, huh?

City etiquette can go to hell!

Oh my, pink-colored light bulbs!

It looks like a lighthouse or something!

- A lighthouse? - Right!

A tired little boat returns, guided by the lights of the harbor.

Even a battered heart can find solace in kindness.

- Hey, Mr. Yasu. - What?

Could you also hold onto me for a little while?

Ugh, it's so cold...!

Come on, that's no good. You have to sleep properly!

♪ Stop being wishy-washy

♪ Whether to marry me or not

♪ Stop being...

Come on!

Ouch... it hurts! It hurts!

- I think he's coming up. - What?

W-what should we do?

Don't worry, it'll be fine...

Wait a moment...

- Good evening. - You're pretty drunk, aren't you?

Here, a gift for you.

Hang in there, Watanabe!

Hey, why don't you stay here tonight?

I appreciate the offer, but let's do it another time.

Cheers! Cheers!

Good night.

♪ Stop being wishy-washy

♪ Whether to marry me or not

Misato Sasaki, 24 years old.

Working at a cosmetics company in general affairs.

Six years of service, high school graduate.

Take-home salary: 90,000 yen.

Lives alone in a one bedroom apartment with bus service. Rent is 43,000 yen.

Hobbies: traveling, watching movies.

Love experience...

Mayumi, water... Give me water...

Misato!

That's my name.

Do you want water?

Uh, just bring me the kettle on top of that stove...

- Here. - Thank you.

No way, you went to Morioka?

You know, Morioka is my hometown.

Really?

Mr. Yasu, you had an outburst...

An outburst?

I thought it might be uncomfortable to sleep in your clothes,

so I tried to take off your pants.

but then, you suddenly started thrashing around.

It felt like I was raping someone. It made me so sad.

You're an idiot.

I... may be an idiot.

But I have no regrets.

Anyway, I'm heading back to the countryside tomorrow.

I won't cause you any trouble.

Since it's my last night in Tokyo!

It's freezing!

You don't think I'm a weird woman, do you?

It's not about getting married or not,

but if you feel that way at a certain moment, it's fine, right?

It's not something that needs to be taken so seriously, right?

Are you thinking about Mayumi?

No.

Can you get up for a moment?

What's the matter?

I'm going to do the laundry.

- There's no need... - Ah, the coin laundry.

- I'll go with you, then. -You don't have to, it's embarrassing.

Well, it's a shared responsibility, right?

Oh gosh...

I have a favor to ask.

Can you see me off tomorrow?

Sure.

- And also... - What?

I want you to cry, wave your hand, and run to the end of the platform.

I want to be sent off that way.

Even if it's a lie...

Hello? Huh?

Hey, is that you, Mayumi?

What's going on? Where are you now?

Phone call? No, I don't mind.

A contraption?

You're selling peeping tom contraptions?

If you put it that way, I don't understand.

And then, where are you, and what are you... Hello?

Platform 1 is for trains bound for Shinagawa, Tokyo, Ueno, and Omiya.

I'm getting married in one week.

I…

What's going on with that outfit?

I ran away this morning.

Do you have a plan?

My friend from the black market days

has turned an old warehouse into a café in Otaru.

I'm thinking of getting a job there.

If he says he doesn't need me, I'll have to think about it then,

but I don't think that'll happen.

Otaru, huh?

I got a call last night from Mayumi.

She said, "I can sell you a peepshow contraption".

Then, she said, "He'll understand if you say it", but what kind of code is that?

They used to make tasty lunchboxes.

If I can save money on lunch, it'll help with the train fare.

Those with urgent business, please contact Hirano Inn in Morioka

Last night, it finally worked.

Is it still hurting?

I might die one of these days.

I'm so sorry.

I don't really hate it...

That's because you love it!

Oh, it's the dry cleaner's wife.

He didn't do the delivery because he had other business to attend to.

Thank you very much.

This morning, he got a call and left immediately soon after.

Even though I was still sleeping.

Due to a dam construction,

they're gathering all the relatives,

because they need to relocate our ancestral graves.

From my husband's hometown.

Where is his hometown located?

In the mountains of Obi Village, way out in Miyazaki Prefecture.

He's only been back once for his conscription examination.

At first he said, "What's this?! That's not my damn grave!"

"Why should I have to go there during such a busy season?"

He was saying all those bold things.

Suddenly, my husband's face turned pale.

And then, when I thought he had suddenly turned bright red,

he jumped up with a "boing"!

With a "boing"?!

As soon as he heard the news that she was still alive back in his hometown...

Why would they say something so ridiculous like that?

- They're so annoying, really. - But who was alive?

- Huh? - Who was alive, then?

Can't you see? She's the person who he tried to elope with 46 years ago!

A peepshow contraption, huh?

Excuse me! I'm sorry...

Auntie, we have a visitor!

Yes, I'll be right there.

Tomorrow, we got the horse market,

and the kids really wanted to go, so I brought them there myself, on horseback.

Indeed, parting with a horse you've raised is tough, isn't it?

Huh?

I mean, it's nice to get money for selling them,

but I know they'll end up as horse meat.

Horse meat?

Tomorrow, they'll be turned into mince meat,

and sausages, just like all the others.

Are you folks from the Kansai region?

No, we're from Tokyo.

What're you Tokyo folks doing here? If you need an inn, there's one nearby.

I heard that the warehouse was destroyed about six months ago,

so I came here to buy antiques. I also stayed here at that time.

Oh, you're into antiques, huh?

At that time, there was a splendid Nambu iron kettle hanging on this hook,

and the owner said, "I'll never sell it no matter who comes".

Did you end up selling it?

Well, you see...

Unfortunately, my mother recently passed away.

She was a heavy drinker and quite lecherous, my mother was.

♪ Namiko... red... red...

- A red sash... - I know, I know. Come on!

♪ Raises her red sash

♪ All the way up to her navel

Yasu!

♪ I wonder if she had any regrets about it

There was a young female guest who asked about the peeping machine.

Yes, did that happen yesterday, too?

Yesterday, you say?

When I arrived this morning,

there weren't any female guests staying here.

Auntie! Were there female guests staying here yesterday?

Oh, yes, there were.

Did that person ask about the peepshow contraption?

Hmm? What do you mean?

Uhm... did she ask if the peeping tom mechanism was up for sale or not?

Oh, yes, she did mention something like that, I think.

She stayed here last night, didn't she?

Yeah, she said, "I'd like to stay by the fireplace".

So, we prepared a futon for her.

Was that guest traveling alone, or was she with someone?

Huh?

The female guest who asked about the peeping automaton,

was she alone or with someone?

She was with someone.

Was she... with a man?

Yes, it was a man, a young man at that.

He was just around your age.

Auntie, try to remember properly.

Was that woman really with a man, just the two of them?

I'm pretty sure of myself.

They were singing the peeping song together and taking a bath.

They seemed like an interesting pair.

Oh, the bath is ready for anyone who wants to use it.

Did you folks come all the way from Tokyo to search for that woman?

- No... - Actually...

we came here to buy this peeping tom mechanism.

Oh, really? You came all this way just to buy an item?

- What do you intend to do with it? - To sell it.

I'm an antique dealer, you see.

Will it really sell?

Oh, well, there are certainly interesting people in the world, aren't there?

There are people who buy memories.

Well, I suppose so.

All right, then, as a bonus for the person buying memories,

I'll perform the peeping tom song from memory for you.

♪ Ah, back in those days, in Hongo 2-chome

♪ The famous greengrocer, Kyubei...

♪ Along with his two children, hey

♪ He and his parents and his children

♪ They all temporarily lived in the temple called Kisshoin in Komagome

♪ Yoshizo, a temple servant, who had pursued his studies

♪ Yoshizo stopped studying and listened

Hey, pour me a cup.

♪ Listen without asking

Thank you.

♪ Now that the construction is completed

♪ I'm heading to the main hall

It's our first meeting! You're the owner of "Era Shop", right?

- Uhm, we... - No, I can tell from the car outside.

My name is... My name is Kenichi Suzuki!

I just wanted to meet you in person and say a few words.

My wife has been indebted to you for various things.

Thank you very much.

So, the fact that the two of them stayed here last night...

Could it be that you're Mayumi's husband?

No, I'm not anyone's husband, really.

She can be a troublesome woman at times, and I'm sure she caused you trouble.

Actually, I came here to apologize...

No, no need to apologize.

Please, come and sit by the fire. Please, come in.

Oh, right, a teacup.

That's Mayumi's husband!

He found out she called Tokyo last night, and now he's in a jealous rage!

No, you shouldn't! Don't get involved. Let me handle the situation.

Mayumi, she's a married woman who ran away from an abusive husband.

Don't come out.

Please, stay as you are.

- You're the owner of "Era Shop", right? - Yes...

I am a man by the name of Suzuki.

I'm actually a distant relative of former Prime Minister Suzuki.

My wife has received tremendous help from you.

I just wanted to offer a few words of gratitude.

I've been quite impolite.

Wait, Mr. Suzuki!

It didn't go well...

It didn't go well, that's for sure...

When I was about to leave, I thought I should at least say a few words...

I am a teacher!

I'm a middle school physical education teacher.

Like a true sportsman, I came here prepared to gracefully accept whatever happens...

But I... I...

No matter what I do, I can't stand you!

My apologies!

Stop it! I don't want to see that thing!

Get down! I don't want to see it!

I don't want to see it! I don't want to see anything like that!

I don't want to see! I absolutely don't want to see it!

I understand, I really do.

How many times have I cried with the same feelings?

This must be some kind of fate, too. Let me pour you a drink.

I don't know why, but I might be starting to like you.

That's good to hear. Come on, let's make room for a true sportsman.

Well done! You're indeed the nephew of Prime Minister Suzuki.

Yasu, a toast to reconciliation.

Let's drink in good spirits. By the way, did you also hear my confession?

Well, you see, Mr. Suzuki... Yasu also heard it.

Well, it's no secret. I've fallen for Mayumi, too.

Where did you say you fell for her?

There's a small mole under her breast, you know.

Wait a minute, I did nothing. I just looked!

- Her mole is on her butt. - Her butt?

I don't know anything about Mayumi's behind!

Who's Mayumi? You've been saying "Mayumi, Mayumi" all along.

Did she introduce herself as Mayumi in Tokyo?

Is your wife's name not Mayumi?

My wife's name is Misato!

We haven't had a wedding ceremony yet, but she's practically my wife.

- Misato? - Yasu, do you know her?

- You see... - Oh, the girl with the tightly curled hair!

- Tightly curled hair? - Uhm...

She should have arrived at her hometown on the Tohoku Shinkansen by now.

But she called, saying she won't come back.

She has fallen for someone, and wants to make it work no matter what.

She doesn't feel like...

She doesn't feel like getting married!

When I asked, "Who is this person?"

She said, "I'm supposed to stay at the Hirano Inn tonight, so meet me there."

- Why would she do that? - I have no clue!

I know why Misato doesn't like me.

I have a tendency to resort to violence.

I forcibly pressured her for premarital sex.

But... But, I...

Don't kill him! Don't kill him! If you do it...

I told you to not kill him! Don't do it!

Can't you understand that?!

♪ A mild fragrance

♪ - Underneath the belly button. ♪ - White lilies...

♪ It's wet, isn't it?

♪ Underneath the belly button

Don't sing that song!

- ♪ What I recall is... - Don't scar my youth!

This song is about me and Misato on the Yugao-se Bridge.

Misato!

Even though you know my heart... All right! I'll show you!

- ♪ A gentle scent from below the navel... - ♪ Long ago, beneath the navel...

What have I done? I'm sorry, Misato!

Why did this happen? Why?!

- ♪ Long ago, beneath the navel... - ♪ Indeed, it was below the navel...

- ♪ Oh, what sweet memories! - ♪ The scent... below the navel...

- ♪ Indeed, it was below the navel... - ♪ Below the princess's navel!

You want to know, don't you?

What?

- You must want to know it. - Know what?

About her mole.

When and where I saw it.

I happened to see Mayumi doing a hand-stand.

As soon as I saw it, I don't know why, but my heart raced.

9, 10, 11...

13, 14...

I can't go on.

But that's all there was to it, really.

I used to think that men and women should always remain on casual terms.

I thought I only wanted one-night stands, and I didn't want anything serious.

But your feelings for Mayumi got heavier than you expected.

Did I end up develop feelings for a stray cat?

In the end, men are just helpless creatures.

Well, you can do as you please.

- Hey... - Thank you.

Since it's just an old piece of junk, you can have it for half price.

Really, I was amazed at auntie's memory...

But she mistook yesterday for six months ago.

What?

Last night, she said the woman that asked about

the peeping machine was with a man.

In fact, they were actually here six months ago, last summer!

- So, you mean...? - The man she was with...

was actually you, who came with her six months ago!

Two days ago, that woman came alone on a solo trip.

♪ Lying in the grass by Kozukata castle

♪ My fifteen-year-old heart absorbed by the sky

A middle-aged man's heart won't be absorbed by the sky!

Hello, everyone in the neighborhood, this is the "Era Shop".

If you have any unwanted antiques or old items at home,

please feel free to bring them to us.

We will do our best to purchase them at a fair price.

We are the "Era Shop".

Grandmothers and grandfathers,

please come forward and bring us your items.

♪ While wandering, I was able to hum a love song

♪ Even on painful days, I want to go visit... One more time...

♪ The evening sun that blurs into the carriage road

♪ Sweeps away the dress of sorrow for me

♪ In the warmth called "you"

♪ I can now be spoiled innocently

♪ As if softly descending to an old station

♪ Holding back hot tears in my heart

- Railroad crossing? - Yes.

You see...

It's because the first time I met her was at a railroad crossing.

On the way back from the crematorium.

- Crematorium? - Yes.

It was the day we cremated my mom, who had died of cancer.

She said, "I've never seen such sad eyes before in my life."

Yeah, well... that's what she said afterwards...

"Afterwards"?

I thought she was a married prostitute from the nearby housing complex.

Therefore... Therefore I gave her 3,000 yen.

Did she... did she take it?

I think she probably took the money because she was worried about me.

But I just couldn't help wanting to see her again.

So, I searched near the housing complexes while exchanging small ads,

but I couldn't find her.

Until I met her at the fish market in Oimachi.

Here you go, 100 grams for 250 yen.

Thanks a lot.

Please, come and watch!

- Watch what? - The moment that I die!

It's so petty, isn't it? That's what I thought, too.

But, the next day, she came to see me.

She spent the whole day wandering around,

and, in the end, she met me at the railroad crossing.

What happened at the railroad crossing?

What the hell, you idiot?!

Get out of the way!

At that moment, I thought, "This woman is in trouble, too."

"She can't really be in love with someone like me," I thought.

And then?

- We had ramen together and parted ways. - Where did she go?

- I don't know. - Tell me?

She said, "I'll go on a journey by myself,"

"and then return to my original home."

Where is her original home?

Well, it's probably the housing complex.

Ouch.

Why are you looking at me like that?

When did it happen?

Yesterday.

Gihei Yasui - Glasswork Artist Died on February 24th, 8:20 am

Now that this has happened, you have no family left...

It means I'm getting old.

Hey, you're still alone, right?

You used to say this often, didn't you?

"I hate watermelons,"

"I hate kotatsu, and I hate family gatherings."

Say, did that teardrop urn get sold?

No...

You know, that thing was a fake.

I said it was a Persian antique, but I made it myself.

- You made it? - Yeah.

It was when I used to help your father with glasswork.

I thought that someday you might use it.

So, you wanted me to cry...

One thing about women is...

When they part ways with a man and see that he's hurt for their sake,

they feel like they've won.

What happened to the lady who was here the other day?

It looks like your poster got a few scribbles at least.

I'm going back to Morioka after all. Goodbye.

Misato

Oh my, pink-colored light bulbs!

It looks like a lighthouse or something!

A tired little boat returns, guided by the lights of the harbor.

Mr. Yasu, could you also hold onto me for a little while?

- Thanks for coming. - Thank you, as always.

Welcome.

- What's wrong with Imai? - You see...

He's been like that ever since he returned from Kyushu.

- Kyushu? - Yes.

When he arrived at his hometown station,

she was standing with a cane at the end of the platform.

Who was she?

An old lady with completely white hair and a bent back.

As soon as Mr. Imai saw her, he got back on the train.

I miss that old man... It's lonely without him.

Yeah.

- What happened after that? - Huh?

I bet she said, "If you wait, I'll come back," just as nonchalantly as always.

- It's not going to be like that this time. - Why is that?

Absinthe also ran away from home.

Here you go.

Etiquette Toothpaste

Toothbrushes should be used vertically, right?

You still never ask about anything, as usual.

You quiet pervert.

Absinthe?

20,000 yen! Do I hear 30,000 yen?

- Any takers? How much? - 40,000 yen!

Yes, 40,000 yen! Do I hear 50,000? 50,000 yen!

- 50,000 yen! - I've got 50,000!

We're called "Sunset". Nice to meet you. We opened today.

We're "Sunset". Please, come and visit us!

Hey, stop the car! Hey, Mr. Yasu!

Drink some coffee, will you?

- What's going on? - I'm the owner here.

The president on the second floor asked me if I wanted to run this with the existing setup.

Today is the grand opening.

Watanabe, bring that over here.

He's the new master. Right?

Please, visit us.

We'll be waiting!

Please, be sure to visit!

Absinthe?

Hey, Yasu!

Directed by: Azuma Morisaki

THE END