Original subtitles

An arranged marriage meeting?!

Whose?

Whose..? My daughter's!

What a surprise that was!

Whose did you think it was? Mine? Surely not mine!

Enough, everyone! Keiko will do you.

You have a daughter that old?

Don't tell me you're over 40!

Never ask a woman her age!

Pardon me.

But Risa is only 22, right? Isn't this rushing things?

What's the man like?

He was on my husband's staff when he was here in Tokyo.

Maybe I should have my hair a little flashy too.

The mother mustn't outshine the daughter!

Anyway, Yuko's going to a wedding reception, right? - That's right.

But, you know, if not for events like this,

my husband would never come home.

How long has he been in Fukuoka?

Almost exactly three years.

Don't you go visit him?

No, she doesn't. Such a cold woman she is!

Even if I go, he still doesn't come home from work till late!

And I finish the cleaning in no time.

Sometimes, at night, I stare out the window at the Sea of Genkai,

and I'm flooded with loneliness. I wonder what I'm living for.

Isn't that asking for trouble?

Me? No, I can handle it.

No! I mean your husband!

You leave a man alone too long, who knows what he'll be up to!

An affair? No way, no way! Absolutely not my husband!

How can you say that with such confidence?

No way a girl's gonna look at such a middle-aged man!

I wonder sometimes why I got married.

My husband was once pretty good-looking.

The guy you chased till you caught him?

How did you know?!

Ichiro told, me in the supermarket the other day.

That big mouth!

You chased him? Was he a rock singer or something?

An actor.

No wonder! He always speaks so loudly!

But it's a shame he had to quit.

Actually, he's still acting. He just isn't selling.

Hello!

Speak of the devil...

Psst! Get out!! Get outta here!

But married couples are such a mystery!

Why is it that they lose the passion for each other?

It just slowly disappears into the air!

Basically we're just roommates now.

Roommates?

Meaning a "platonic" relationship.

Meaning they don't do "it" anymore.

That's right! Not for a million years.

Boy, we're at least as platonic as you two are!

One woman sitting here looking so smug!

Your husband is pretty cute, isn't he, Yuko?

Not really. Since our kids were born, we're just Mom and Pop.

Even having no kids, it's like we forgot all about it!

Doesn't concern us now!

Ah, Yuko! Let's do your nails!

You can't go around with such ugly nails!

But my kids don't like it when I get a manicure.

But you're out with your husband tonight! Pretend you're lovers.

Keiko! A manicure for Yuko!

Yes!

Hey.

Have you moved into the new house yet?

Yes, at the end of last week.

Astonishing that you can build a house at such a young age.

But our mortgage is for 35 years! And it's his folks land.

Impressive!

I'd love to see it. And I'd love to meet your handsome hubby!

Come over any time! But haven't you met him before?

I don't think so. Even when you were teaching us English.

English lessons!

Oh, start them again, Prof. Yuko! - That's right!

Oh, stop! I only went with my husband to London for a year.

It's nothing much.

But when Risa and I went to Hawaii, it came in very handy!

Like "taxi"! Getting that "see" sound right is hard!

You and Risa are so close, you do everything together.

Right? Traveling, even shopping.

Yes.

You're like Siamese twins! What if she really likes this guy?

Won't it make you sad?

Who knows?

How nice to be Risa's age! Only 22.

She'll have lots of chances at love.

Yeah. I wish I could be her age again.

Love...I wish!

How long has it been since love?

A million years.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Don't mess up your hair! Go slow!

Bye!

Excuse me!

It's autumn, so shall we go a little darker?

Men-chan! Bring the color samples!

- Let's see what color you want. - Excuse me.

- What about one of these? - Very nice.

Quite natural, don't you think?

Hello!

I'm home!

Momoko! Kenta!

How many times do I have to tell you! Arrange your shoes!

See what happens when I'm not here! What about your drills?

You're to do them before you go to Grandma's.

I did 'em already.

Really?

Wow! Look at what you did.

Never mind. I'm going out tonight.

Kenta! You're allowed only 30 minutes a day of video games!

Mama!

Your hair is all curly and cute!

Hello! I'm here to pick up the kids!

Coming!

- You be good kids, now. - Yes!

We should be home by 10:00. And could you give them dinner?

Don't worry about it! Just go have fun.

But how nice for young people nowadays!

In my time, a housewife going out, and without her kids,

was unthinkable!

Well, it's all thanks to you.

Grandma! Hurry up!

Okay, okay!

Thank you very much!

He forgot it again!

Hello?

Hello?

Ah, Yuko?

Is that you, Papa?

Great! That's where it is.

I wondered where I'd left it!

I kept calling, but no one answered.

You always forget it! You should hang it around your neck.

You didn't just call, did you?

No... Anyway, you know where the place is tonight?

Yes.

I might be a bit late.

Is that so?

We're having a bit of trouble at work.

Konishi. I need to talk to you.

Sure. I'll see you later. Bring the phone with you.

Yes?

I want next quarters sales figures before the weekend.

But the accounts for this quarter are taking all my time...

Are you in a position to whine?

The economy being so bad is no reason for excuses!

Yes, sir.

Risa? This is Mama.

I was wondering which dress you like better on me:

the one-piece with polka dots or the pink two-piece?

Why are you so nervous? It's not you looking for a husband.

Well, I thought I'd try to match your style a little bit...

Well, personally I like the polka dots.

Yeah? Okay, yeah. I'll do that one.

Yes.

And I found the most beautiful necklace at the jewelry store!

Impulse buying again?

But it was so lovely! Okay, see you at 7:30...

Yes.

And I think the pink lipstick is the loveliest on you.

Okay, okay. See you later.

See you later.

I thought it was you!

Reiko!

How long it's been!

Boy, he sure caught himself a young bride!

How old is she?

I heard 22.

Really?!

Even men can be consumed with jealousy.

Marrying someone 13 years younger should be a crime.

A crime?

Just being young doesn't make it. Oh, that's delicious!

I was so busy at work today, I missed lunch!

Hello, Ms. Sakaguchi!

Hello! How are you!

I look forward to working with you.

So, where's your husband?

He's going to be a little late.

That devil of a boss of his?

Maybe. He seems awfully busy.

But being made Section Chief puts him at the top of his class!

More than half the others

have been sent to subsidiary companies.

Oh, really?

Aren't you interested?

I don't understand much talk about business.

That's not true! If you had kept up with your job...

You said we'd work together and then you go and get married!

- Ms. Sakaguchi. Hello. - Hello.

This is a newcomer to our company.

- I'm Hashimoto. - I'm Sakaguchi.

- Nice to meet you. - Likewise.

Excuse us.

- Can I have one? - Sure.

Wow! Development Manager! How cool!

Not that cool. It's hard work.

But you bought yourself a condo, right? I heard from my husband.

Your husband!

So, how old?

I'm 35.

I'm not asking your age! You and I are the same age! Your kids!

Oh, I see. Seven and eight.

Yuko, you look so settled down.

Oh, dear! Does that mean I look old?

No! It means you look relaxed. Compared to long ago...

when you had that long-distance love affair in Hokkaido.

Dear me! Why do you have to remember that!

Well, your husband bent my ear looking for advice!

Like, "what's going on with Yuko and that guy?"

Enough of that old topic!

There he is!

Thanks for the other day! You really saved me.

- Here. - Thank you.

Something I needed for work.

Did you find the place all right?

Of course I did.

No, she didn't. She was lost.

I thought so!

You shouldn't lock your wife up at home!

Yes.

Boy, his bride is really young!

- That again! - Ow!

I'll go say hello.

That necktie, whose taste is that?

That...was his.

So he buys stuff like that for himself...?

Watch out. That type might be headed for trouble.

What?

The ring on the fourth finger.

Your husband's!

Girls are drawn to men who wear them.

Is that so?

They look like stable, mature men to young girls.

A message from my husband?

He just telephoned to say something important has come up,

and he won't be able to come.

What?

I-I see.

Your guest has already arrived.

I'm sorry I'm late. I'm Mr. Horikawa's wife.

Mrs. Horikawa.

I'm Sawamura. Your husband has been very good to me.

No, not at all.

I understand he won't be able to come this evening...

Yes, I'm dreadfully sorry... Is my daughter here?

Not yet...I don't think. I'm sorry, I don't know her face at all.

That's true.

- I was so startled. - Yes?

That my former boss had such a lovely wife...

Oh, please!

No, I mean it.

I'm sorry. Shall we sit down?

Yes, let's.

Thank you.

Well, see, a customer at the shop I was working at

invited me and I didn't want to go!

It was just a little country theater,

but I hadn't been to see a play since high school!

Anyway, he said he'd take me out drinking afterwards.

So, he was playing Hamlet. When I saw him come on stage,

suddenly I saw stars before my eyes!

Hard to imagine!

What does that mean?!

I'm sorry!

Anyway, for twelve days thereafter, I went to the theater.

Twelve days?!

- Every day? - Right.

Right. And on wrap day...know what that means? The last day.

Anyway, it was pouring rain, but I waited at the stage door.

For your husband?

- Of course! - Sorry.

Anyway! He comes out, and when our eyes met, I said: Thank you!

And he just sort of nodded at me and left.

I got sad thinking the play was all over on that day.

Then he comes back! Running! And he said,

"Thanks for coming to see me every day!"

He had remembered me!

And that's how we met.

How romantic!

And he's had lots of chances since then, like big show auditions,

but somehow he never makes the final cut.

But with each part he loses, his cooking gets better!

It's hard to tell who's the husband and who's the wife!

That's not really true!

- Can't stand that! - Right!

My throat is dry.

Master! Another beer!

I'm so sorry! I have no idea where she is!

I'm sorry. And she doesn't answer her phone! I'm really awfully sorry.

Please stop that.

All you've said tonight is "I'm sorry".

I'm sor...

Um...Do you come here often?

Oh, no! I saw it featured in a magazine and it looked nice.

I thought I'd like to try it just once.

Really?

Well, one can't come unless there's an occasion like this.

That's not so.

It sure is! This place is expensive!

Oh, dear. Did I say something funny?

No, not really.

Then what?

Please don't get angry.

I won't.

I thought you were awfully sweet.

I'm sorry. That was rude.

No.

Oh...your necktie!

No, it's all right!

No, it isn't.

Really...

29, 30, 31, 32...33!

I'm home. Oh, I've had too much to drink!

What's wrong with you?

You just don't understand!

Eh?!

I make dinner and sit and wait for a wife who doesn't come home!

You have no idea how it feels!

Sorry, sorry! I was going to phone and I forgot. I'm so tired!

Ah, I'm tired.

You think just saying sorry makes up for it?

I phone your shop and no one answers!

I phone your cell and get the answering machine!

Where on earth were you?!

Are you listening?

I'm listening, I'm listening.

Then don't pretend you're reading the paper!

I'm really reading the paper. Quit bothering me!

Then you're not listening.

Oh, that's good. I love the tea you make!

You try to make up like that...

Oh! Tongue stew! Maybe I'll have a bite...

Eating late at night will make you fat!

Why on earth can't you come home early and eat?!

After work, when I'm so tired, I feel like having a beer!

Especially on busy days like today!

You can have a beer at home!

It tastes better when it's not at home!

Before going home, I'd like a little break!

Service industries are really hard on the nerves!

That's not what we're talking about!

Just leave me alone! I'm going to take a bath.

And now you're not going to eat?!

Really!

It's so late. Maybe we should call your mother.

You should have arranged for the kids to stay over.

I can't do that.

I'd think she'd be happy to take them.

It'd still make me look bad.

Why?

Like I leave my kids with someone, leave the house...

You're making too much of stuff.

She wouldn't say anything old-fashioned like that.

It's been ages since we've been alone together.

Yeah. Sure has.

Say...

Oh!

Today I went to Mayumi's and Momo picked up on it right off!

Isn't that nice?

For the living room.

It's beautiful.

It's been bothering me.

We have this new house and all the old furniture from the condo.

That's true.

It's your cell phone!

It's the office.

Sorry, I have to go right back.

- At this hour? - Yes.

It's the trouble I was telling you about.

Can you make it home by yourself?

What shall I do if some strange man accosts me?

Don't put the chain on!

You're gonna be that late?

See you! Work hard!

Hello?

Yeah...

I guess... I can be there in ten minutes.

Yeah.

It's busy. I wonder if she's still out. Thank you very much.

I guess she's dumping me.

What?

Your daughter. She must not have liked the idea.

That's not possible! Such a fine young man!

I'll drop you off! It's on my way, isn't it?

No, I can still catch the train.

Please don't stand on ceremony.

No, really. I'm fine.

You're sure?

Well, I'm really sorry about today. Good night, then.

- Excuse me... - Yes?

I had a good time tonight. Thank you.

No, I should thank you.

That...

Yes?

It looks very nice on you.

I just bought it today!

Itchan? Are you angry?

You are angry!

Risa?

She's still not home...

Welcome home.

I'm back...

Oh, dear. She's not here. Whatever happened to her?

Dear Reiko. It was so nice to talk to you tonight after so long.

How many years has it been...

since you visited me in the hospital

when Momoko was born...?

Since then, I have been completely taken up with child-rearing.

Now that my youngest is in grade school,

I finally have some time to myself. And it's only a few hours.

Tonight was the first time in ages I've been out at night.

Good night...

Today I felt a little envious of you.

You really felt like a professional woman, very alive...

I got to thinking what would have happened if I had kept working.

My husband, Ryohei, hasn't come home yet.

After the reception, he had to go back to his office.

Working is really very hard.

Working is...

Yuko! Yuko!

Hello!

She skipped out on her arranged marriage meeting

and came home at dawn?!

- Yeah. I waited all night, but fell asleep.

It looks like she came home in the morning and went to work.

Boy, girls these days are something!

Don't say that! I'm really worried.

Mine, too! Last night.

After the party, my husband went back to work,

and came home after dawn.

Really?

I've never been through this...

Well, there's a time difference, so whenever there's a problem,

this is what happens.

Trading companies really have it rough.

I wonder if she didn't like it...

Maybe she's got somebody she likes already.

Somebody she likes?

She love's someone.

So she doesn't want an arranged marriage.

No, no. She's only attended girls schools, so no boyfriends!

In fact, thats why my husband suggested this,

so she doesn't get strung along by some strange man.

But she's only 22. Maybe she doesn't want to be married.

But I was married at 20 by an arrangement.

Is that right?

I thought you married after a passionate love affair!

Me, too! You were so young!

No. My husband decided after three dates.

Three?

He was determined to marry me.

I'm embarrassed to admit this,

but I've had almost no experience, actually no experience with love.

I thought you had guys all over the place!

And you're so beautiful!

No, not at all. Never once have I been crazy in love.

You all have, haven't you?

Ms. Mayumi.

- Ms. Mayumi! You have a customer. - Yes?

- Well, I have to go. - You're leaving?

Kenta's got swimming.

Be careful on the way.

- I'm going now. Bye. - Thank you! Thank you for coming!

They both have!

Hurry! You're gonna miss the bus!

You have your bathing suit?

Yes!

I don't want to have to bring it to you like last time.

What's wrong, Momoko?

I don't have my membership card.

Always the same thing! Where did you put it?

I found it!

Reallly!

- Hurry now! Bye-bye! - Bye!

Be careful!

Song: Yumi Arai - Good Luck and Good Bye

natsukashii ano hito ni hitogomi no naka de atta I meet someone who used to be dear to me in the crowd

hohoemu kao ga sukoshi hanikamu no His smile is a little bashful

mukashi no mama da wa Just like it used to be

kizutsuita koi nanoni mou atokata mo nai no yo Though love hurt me, no traces are left of it anymore

guuzen' aetara nakidashichau to If we'd meet by chance, I'd burst into tears

omotte ita noni That's what I thought

SHOU WIN'DOU wo yokome de mireba Casting a sideways glance at the show window

machiawase shita koro wo omou kedo I think about when we first met

ima wa mou betsubetsu no koibito ga matsu basho he to Now we're both waiting for different lovers

furidashita ame ni oitaterarete Overtaken by the rain that begins to fall

Yuko, you look so settled down.

Oh, dear! Does that mean I look old?

No! It means you look relaxed. Compared to long ago...

when you had that long-distance love affair in Hokkaido.

That surprised me!

What are you doing?

Welcome home... This, uh... that I lent you? You can use it.

Shall I make you dinner?

I ate already. Sorry but can you leave me alone. I'm sleepy.

Risa. Do you have somebody that you like?

What?

Last night... Why did you just not show up?

That's not the reason at all!

Yesterday, a girl at work wanted my advice.

Advice?

She's having trouble with her boyfriend.

She suddenly started crying and I thought I better talk to her,

or who knows what she would have done. I stayed till morning.

Then you should call. I was worried

Will you meet him? Mr. Sawamura? He's a very nice man.

If you feel you'd like to, I'll ask him to dinner again.

Okay.

Mama?

I'm sorry I worried you.

A dog!

- Don't run, Ken-chan! - Hey, Kenta!

Hello!

Well, well! Hello!

Hello.

Hello.

Hello!

Hey!

You going out?

Yes, my husband wants to look at furniture.

Isn't that nice! He's really terrific, your husband!

You think so?

Playing dumb again!

- Well, see you! - Bye!

- Mama! - I'm coming!

Let's go shopping together!

- I want to shop, too? - You want to shop?

It's so big!

- Miss Mayumi!

- Please! - Yes.

Welcome.

It is nice, isn't it!

It is, but it's a little...

We can afford this much!

But it's not just the table! You have buy the chairs, too!

And we haven't even started paying the mortgage yet.

But this is something you keep all your lives.

You said you liked it the other night.

- Mama!

Ken-chan, stop that. No, no impulse buying!

It was he same with the car! If you like something, you buy it.

Are you looking for a table?

Yes, that's right! This one is very nice!

If you like, we can match the design and size to your home.

Really? That's great.

Is it a house?

Yes, newly built.

About how big is your living room?

About 30 square meters.

Then you can put in quite a large piece.

Wait a minute, Papa. We have to think this over.

Ah, welcome back!

Welcome.

Are you looking for something?

Ah, yes. A table.

If you wish, we can go upstairs and discuss it.

I see. Want to?

Yes.

Mama, are we going yet?

I'll leave it to you.

I'll take the kids out for a soft drink.

Yeah?

Mama, hurry!

- I really want to eat. - You want to eat? You're hungry?

- I'm hungry! - You, too?

Hey, Kenta!

OWNER: SHIMA KENICHI, BORN 1968

AFTER GRADUATION WENT TO ASAHIKAWA IN HOKKAIDO TO SPECIALIZE IN WOODWORKING.

Mama! Mama!

What is it?

Papa's still not coming?

Can we go meet him?

Um... okay...

Watch out for cars!

Your mom will be right out, so just a little longer!

What good girls!

- Please. - Yes!

- What good girls! - Aren't they, though!

Which is the older one?

- On the right. - The right? The right?

No, I mean the left.

Gee, pull yourself together, Mom!

I'm sorry I kept you waiting!

"A Long Poem to a Short Love"

The shortest poem in the world is written

with one single word: Love.

The longest poem in, the world is written

with the same single word, but written one million times.

Before one is finished writing the poem, one grows old,

but that is not the fault of the poem.

Life is always a little shorter than poetry.

Yuko. Happy birthday! Kenichi

Hello?

Is this the Konishi house?

My name is Shima. I'm from the store you visited recently.