Original subtitles

I just heard you won the award!

Let's grab a bite soon.

And also...

I'm home!

It's just a client matter.

Yeah.

They want us to change it. Let's go over it tomorrow!

Anyway, congratulations! Bye.

Sayuri?

Why's there water?

Sayuri?

Hey!

Sayuri!

What happened?!

Sayuri! What happened?

What happened?! Wake up!

Answer me! Wake up!

Hey driver, it's green.

Were you asleep?

Nope.

Okay, just drop me off now.

I'm fine. Don't worry.

You can pull over there. Turn left and stop.

Please stop.

Keep the change.

What the hell?

Tonight's radio essay is by Yomotsu. The work won the special prize

at the Japan Radio Drama Awards.

Yomotsu was formerly a copywriter, and has a very unique worldview.

And he has now written a new work, "Afterglows."

The radio essay is a new frontier for him.

Please enjoy tonight's reading by Tomoyo Anzai.

That fleeting space between work’s end and the new day’s dawn

is the one time I can truly breathe.

Whereas in my working hours

I feel myself diving down into a deep, dark place where light does not reach,

where I hold my breath, alone.

The nature of my work brings me in contact with all sorts of people.

And yet, my days are filled with empty, meaningless encounters.

It suits me well to act as an unnamed contractor

to an unnamed client.

This wide array of unusual creatures,

who are utterly distant from me.

They meld together, blended into the background scenery.

Some are laughing.

Some are crying.

Some are submissive.

Some are acting proud.

I’m the only one holding my breath, so that none of them can find me.

Since you left, I’ve chosen to spend my days this way.

As loves fades from the world only suffering remains.

Perhaps it would be better to destroy it.

That was "If You Know" by Sayuri Komatsu.

This is FMC Presents Discovery Sound, broadcast on 36 national radio stations.

Today's feature is on Sayuri Komatsu...

Excuse me.

One year since the incident, her songs are still much loved.

Her album, LETTERS, came out today and features unreleased songs.

The fairest flowers soonest fade.

A loved one lost.

Let's follow up on her story.

Shortly after her debut, she wrote "I need"...

Can you change channels?

Why?

It's boring.

I only watch it for Yamanaka, the announcer.

A much-admired musician,

she found fame as an entertainer, but one event changed her life forever.

Magazines accused her of adultery with a known music producer...

She's beautiful.

You don't know Sayuri Komatsu?

I don't know much about music.

I bet you still know her song from that TV drama.

She was cute and popular.

Her death was huge news.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Hello?

It's been a while.

Tomorrow?

Yes.

It's been a long time.

You called me several times.

I'm sorry for my late reply.

Yesterday, I visited Sayuri's grave.

Is that so?

We're both busy. So, I'll get to the point.

I'm here to return this.

Eh?

I can't accept your money.

I haven't touched it.

Please take it back.

Why, Mother?

Don't...call me Mother.

May I take your order?

No, I'm fine. I'll be leaving soon.

Excuse me.

You can throw it away, but please take it.

I'm not sure what you're doing,

but you must have some intention, sending me this money regularly.

However...

this won't make her come back anyhow.

Mrs. Akiko, of course I feel the same way.

Don't throw your sadness at me.

Mrs. Akiko.

Well, I...

I have always...

devoted myself...

to her.

I always

supported her.

So...

My daughter told me it was stifling.

She even cried and said she felt so constrained.

Well...

She never told me that.

You don't understand anything at all.

Don't you ever try to be saved!

No.101, can you respond?

You've earned a lot lately.

This is amazing!

Well, it's best you work a lot while you still can.

You may be fine for now, but one day you won't be able to earn so much.

I used to be a tax accountant.

But my husband had a stroke...

Morishima.

- Good work. - Thanks.

You've done well lately. Keep it up.

Also, a customer called about a lost item.

I need you to deliver this.

Here.

To Sakurashinmachi. It's nearby.

Now?

That won't be a problem, right?

We know the owner, so it's easy.

Isn't there another driver?

Anyone free?

Nope.

You're the only one free. Here, take it.

I'm counting on you.

- Hey, Naka. - What's up?

You messed up again.

What do you mean?

Here.

Eh?

Yes?

Ah, my wallet....

Please.

That was kind of you.

Not at all. I'll close the door.

Here you go.

Thank you so much.

Alright...

Sayuri?

Eh?

Excuse me, could you sign this form and provide your contact details?

Ah, okay.

Here, thank you.

How much was it?

Ah, it's okay.

Oh, don't worry about the fare.

- Really? - Yes.

Thanks very much.

Mister, I actually need to go to Ebisu.

Could you give me a ride?

No problem.

Thank you.

To the east or west exit?

West exit, near the rotary.

Certainly.

Leaving now.

Please.

I believed that my love would endure, so long as I held tight to it.

I let my emotions flow free. And maybe my devotion

is what opened my eyes to the misery and the enveloping void.

These days people are cheap with their love,

wasting it on meaningless pursuits.

As if to act like good men and women, is the only destiny they strive for.

Once again, I may have lost my only connection with you.

There’s no helping it.

It seems I may have lost that one path that led to you.

In the deep light where there is no right or left,

perhaps there never was a path for me to take at all.

The deviating course is baffling.

Is there a right answer?

When I seek happiness, it is unhappiness that visits.

Accepting loneliness seems easier than love.

Are you just a coincidence?

Or is it all a trick?

Regardless, I still believe that this is our destiny.

Is it okay to turn right here?

Yes.

Your change is 380 yen.

Thank you.

The receipt?

No, I'm fine.

Be sure not to leave anything.

Yes, thank you. I really appreciate it.

Not at all.

I've got to go now.

Thank you.

Please check your name here.

Ah, yes.

Could you please sign here.

Here.

Thank you.

Here's your package.

Should I bring up?

Just leave it there.

I'm doing alright. It's so cold tonight!

What about you?

I saw that on Instagram.

That sounds good! Let's go out soon.

Why not?

Welcome.

Excuse me.

Yup?

A barley shochu.

Got it.

Especially for us,

you gotta give me a break, right?

Yeah, I guess.

Why the hell do those singers and entertainers push their luck?

Once they're famous, they all end up doing speed and...

Can I sit here?

Go ahead.

Beer, please.

Anything else?

And a...

tripe stew.

Tripe stew. Got it.

Do you come here often?

You come to this bar often?

No, I just ended up here.

Right. Well, me too.

I just moved in nearby.

There weren't many bars like this where I used to live.

They were for students,

not for us old guys.

The atmosphere here is better. Just right.

I thought it would be busy, but it's actually so calm.

Here you go.

Thanks.

It's so cozy here.

We'd better not come too often.

Hello?

Yeah.

Tomorrow, right?

I thought we could go out for a bit.

Again?

Couldn't you say no?

Well, it is your day off...

You couldn't make it last month.

Alright.

I'm not mad.

Yeah, but...

You just make excuses.

Don't say that over the phone.

Yeah.

Yeah, bye.

Thank you.

That will be 2,760 yen.

Okay, here's 3,000 yen.

Your change is 240 yen.

Thank you.

Please check your belongings.

Thank you.

I have to go.

Those who die will inevitably be reborn.

Even were this to be true, I doubt anyone would realise it.

But now I am convinced of the arrival of light.

The white eyes of strange creatures

that have lost their eyesight in deep darkness,

are wholly different from yours.

Somehow, yours had a colour I knew.

Having witnessed the return, a future free from these days of suffering

is almost upon us.

I am so certain. It was you.

The gentle humility of your behaviour.

That innocent playfulness and noble bearing

are exactly who you are.

In a world where I was no longer permitted to love,

I see the chance to earn that happiness again.

I may be able to regain those days when I could shine.

I believe it.

Mister, I can't have this.

Shut up! Just get it done!

Shut up?! What the hell, get out!

Damn!

Really?

You're kidding me.

She committed suicide at her home in Tokyo.

A bugging device was later found...

She won't come back.

No, no, I'm more like...

Welcome!

Hey.

You're a bit early today.

A barley shochu, please.

Bit early for a taxi driver, isn't it?

Well...

I can't work today.

I didn't know you drove taxis.

Can I get another glass?

Yup.

Please.

- No, I'm fine. - Come on.

Just one glass.

You seem busy, huh?

Cheers! To both of you.

Here's your appetizer.

Have you driven anyone famous?

There he goes again.

I heard Abe lives near here.

Me too.

Right? From the Giants.

Yeah! I heard that.

Have you driven anyone like that?

Where are my manners?

It's a bad habit.

Yes, it is.

My name is Hakamada.

I'm Morishima.

Nice to meet you, Morishima.

The time is now 10 o'clock.

It's very cold tonight.

We now have a special program

about Sayuri Komatsu, who passed a year ago.

Her album, LETTERS, came out last week with unreleased songs.

We'll play a song tonight.

Sayuri Komatsu.

That singer, right?

What? You've heard of her?

Just common knowledge.

The one accused of cheating?

She was bugged, huh?

Same again.

That was awful.

Surely, it led to her breakdown.

No one actually cares about scandals or exposes. Leave them be.

It's like murder.

Exactly.

Something must've happened.

Like what?

Well, she was stunning.

She was.

Right?

No one left her alone.

Even people in entertainment

are still human.

No man can leave a beautiful woman alone.

We wanna get close.

I guess so.

What would you know about people?

Well...

Something happened.

Maybe, but it's such a shame.

It really is.

Her music was so pure and beautiful.

It was too sad.

What a shock.

Why did she commit suicide?

No sense of responsibility!

No one cares.

It's business.

It's so shady.

Was it stress?

That's why she died.

Killing yourself won't do much.

You know nothing. Shut the fuck up!

What do you think?

Eh? About what?

Did Sayuri Komatsu cheat?

He's not interested.

Ah, I tried that restaurant you recommended.

- The hot pot one. - Yeah?

How was it?

Great seafood.

That's good.

They mention me?

Well, he said...

You bring the fish that you caught.

Yea, I do!

- They were all bad. - Another one.

Weekly Tabloid: Truth behind Sayuri's death

Sayuri's been murdered

Exclusive: 10 secrets hidden from the media

Hey.

What will you do if I'm gone?

What's going on with you?

The movie we saw yesterday.

Like in that story, what will you do if I'm suddenly gone?

So, you did like that movie.

Impossible.

I don't think you could.

Well, you may be the only one who thinks that.

I'll find you.

How?

I'll quit my job,

then go everywhere I can think of.

Where was it?

That you wanted to go?

You'll be there... Where was it?

Let's go home. It's getting cold.

Hey.

Do you have a reason to be gone?

Thanks for the ride.

The train would've been too tiring.

It's just too far to the airport.

I can never stand that.

You really saved me today. It's great!

"I am..."

or "I'm"?

"I'm here for sightseeing."

By the way...

Can you pick me up on arrival?

Sure.

Saving me again!

I'll get you a souvenir.

"How much..."

"is this?"

"Please discount!"

See you again!

Have a nice trip.

No. 101, can you respond?

Occupied

Sorry I'm late. Work was busy.

No problem. I expected it, so I came a little late too.

I just pushed you a bit.

That wasn't a bit.

Yes, it was.

I tumbled down in front of someone I'd just met.

I was mortified.

My bad.

No, it was fun after all.

It was all fun.

So, Announcer Nanako Yamanaka, how are you doing?

Honestly, I want to get on more shows.

I did the special feature on Sayuri Komatsu.

I saw! Weren't you nervous?

Totally. I was dripping with sweat under my shirt.

It wasn't the show. More about how hard it was to get cast on TV.

Here.

By the way.

Do you listen to Sayuri Komatsu?

Not really, but I know a few songs.

I listened to her while doing the show.

Her music's great.

I like "One by One."

It's really good.

I'll listen to it at home.

You're leaving?

No, I don't mean...

We've just started.

But...

If you crash at my place again...

I won't.

- Really? - Yep.

You had a habit of hiding your weaknesses to comfort me.

I chose to listen directly to your heart to comfort you.

What I heard, faintly,

was a distant sound, echoing in reality.

I remember waking suddenly and looking to the balcony,

relieved to see you there with a blanket on your back.

Did the daily sense of security

cloud my judgment, little by little?

A selfish ideal was born, from among the churning masses,

morphing, one day, from cheers to conflicts and constraints.

We can’t repeat the same mistake.

Following the path we drew together to guide our love,

we go in the direction of the light.

Is it alright?

Yes, tomorrow is fine.

Okay, that's good.

Sorry, I'll call you back later.

Eh?

What's wrong?

I thought it was weird.

Your proceeds.

Hold up, Naka.

I'll have a little chat.

Little chat? Nonsense!

You thought we wouldn't figure it out?

Eh?

About your proceeds.

You add your own money, don't you?

I thought you'd done well lately.

The camera's on, so we worked it out.

I'm sorry.

Why did you do such a thing?

We have no idea what's going on.

Can you explain?

No, there's not much reason for it.

Then what?

Go easy, Naka.

You can't question him like that.

Your GPS shows that you just circled around the same area...

What were you doing?

Well.

Perhaps, I was just bit tired.

Anyway...

Please stop with this nonsense.

Understood.

We're fine with you continuing, same as before.

Okay.

Chief, this conversation doesn't mean anything.

Hey, you have to explain!

Anyway, Morishima.

Keep it sharp.

Yes, excuse me.

Hey, hold up!

Hello?

Hey.

I'm waiting in the parking lot. What's going on?

Huh?

Well, I've been waiting so long. I'm just checking where you are.

I'm at the bar already.

Like I said, I'm at the bar.

You're already back?

I've been here half a day.

What?

That is ridiculous.

How was Cebu Island?

What?

Eh?

Didn't you just ditch the pick up?

But...

Aren't you supposed to come back today?

On Tuesday, right?

Are you seriously saying that?

Today is Saturday!

Maybe you were too busy?

I waited for you, but you didn't show.

Well, these things happen. Bye.

Your teeth!

I had them fixed.

How come?

Well, I fell off my bike.

Hey.

Good evening.

Hakamada?

You seem quite busy, so thanks for coming.

It's on me tonight. Eat anything you like.

That's good.

Here.

What's your first name?

Mine is Toshihiko. Toshihiko Hakamada.

Mine is Akira.

Akira, yeah?

Well.

Cheers.

Please.

Help yourself.

How is it?

Delicious.

That's good.

I'm taking my kids to a theme park soon.

I didn't know you had kids.

Older one's eleven. Younger one must be almost eight.

Not so easy to remember if you have two?

I haven't seen them in a year.

Oh, sorry.

No need.

Are you married?

I was married.

I see.

I haven't got kids.

What was your ex-wife like?

My ex was...

like...

a nagging one.

I'm actually a photographer.

Amazing.

But something happened and...

my life was taken away.

It finished everything.

I remember her face was so frightening.

What happened?

An unforgivable thing.

Unforgivable?

It's insane, really.

I was blameless, but it ruined everything.

And I'm still in trouble.

How did you...

find a way to get over it?

Maybe since I stopped wanting anything.

It may have gotten better after all.

But also, my life's worth is faded.

And that is another hardship.

Always stretching my patience.

I'm barely standing on the ground.

I know exactly how you feel.

Is that so?

But in my case, fortunately,

I may get relief soon.

Things could turn out well.

So, I can still hold on.

Excuse me.

Thanks.

Enjoy the meal.

This is also good. Help yourself.

So, if...

Thank you.

If I can help you in any way,

please let me know.

Really?

Thank you.

That'd be helpful.

Thank you.

Thanks for the ride home.

It's the least I can do.

No, really. Thank you.

Can you open the window?

Thanks.

I guess I drunk too much.

I feel sick.

Eh?

Are you alright?

I'm fine, I'm fine.

Can you hit that convenience store?

Sure.

The car is jolting.

I'll get water.

Actually, yeah. Could you grab me one?

I'll open the door in case you throw up.

Really sorry about this.

Hakamada?

Hakamada?

Open the door.

- Excuse me, I'm... - Baba! Takadanobaba.

I'm off duty.

It's just there.

Let my brother in. Open the door.

Excuse me, please fasten your seatbelt.

It'll be fine.

Go.

By law, you need to...

I know that, you fuck.

Takadanobaba, please.

Hurry, go.

That punk, pissed me off. Don't you think?

And he's younger too.

So arrogant.

Right?

Totally.

I'll fuckin' murder that punk.

Let's get another drink.

At Baba?

Yeah, there should be a bar.

- Hey, what? - Are we there?

Please fasten your seatbelt.

That's your business!

I'm sorry, but...

Please face forward.

You fuckin' kidding?

Also, Mister...

I haven't done anything, have I?

Mocking me, aren't you?

It's filming!

I don't give a fuck!

I'll call the cops!

Go ahead.

Hey, hold him!

I'll call the cops!

You're on the camera!

I don't give a fuck!

Mr. Morishima? Are you awake?

How do you feel?

Can you tell me your full name?

Hello?

Sorry...

I haven't made it back yet.

I'll bring my proceeds soon.

That's not the issue.

Police are at the office.

Yeah.

Does anything come to mind?

Like what?

The police say one of our taxis has been stalking a customer.

The license plate shows it's you.

Nope.

I don't know anything.

Come to the office now.

And explain to the police...

I'm exhausted, really.

I can't take it anymore.

Why does everyone want me to be perfect?

It would be better to go...

while everyone still likes me.

That voice calls to me from far away.

Do you resent a person like me?

Your love just kills me.

You...

You make me miserable.

I...

I know...

what you've been doing...

Watching the house...

andbugging me.

I knew that.

Now, even you doubt me.

There's no place for me to be alone.

It hurts that you don't trust me enough.

When having you near me was natural, I entirely forgot where I was.

The breath I’d been holding rushed free.

And I drew it back quickly so that no one would find out.

I still made the best choice I could at the time.

Are you blameless?

Was anything wrong back then?

Are you truly so arrogant?

Can you say beyond doubt that you’ve done nothing wrong?

How can you cast blame on others while you star in your own deluded tragedy?

All of your lies spew from your face.

A self-satisfied glow.

Oblivious to how others see you.

Who is the perpetrator?

Are you the victim?

If she knew it all beforehand.

I chose to listen directly to your heart.

And what I heard, faintly, was a distant sound, echoing in reality.

Shut up!

- Hakamada? What? - Can I come in?

Not now!

I'm busy right now!

Excuse me.

What the hell?

Let's just talk.

Get out, Hakamada.

My ex-wife would say,

each time we fought,

"You think you know me, but don't even know yourself."

Not now! Please!

I was so obsessed with work that I left my family behind.

But isn't self-awareness the hardest part?

Unable to see you're not fine.

That's because you have hope.

The only way to see reality is to hope for nothing.

If you wish for anything, it gets you blinded.

Damn! I told you not now!

I didn't realize it then.

But it's too late for regret. I can't go back anyway.

We're cursed by limited time

and suffer due to the past and future.

You insane?

In my case,

my family left me and I lost my job because of a false charge.

I don't give a shit!

I was a news reporter.

So fuckin' what!?

I was one of the reporters who got the scoop on your wife.

See? I look good holding a camera.

What kind of fuckin' face is that?!

Think you were right?

She couldn't stand being with you.

Now's your chance to consider what you did.

You won't be able to stay quiet.

You bugged her, right?!

I looked into it last time, in your taxi.

It was you who bugged your wife.

The marriage was a laughable farce.

You were so worried about her.

But your love fucked it all up.

Incorrect.

I thought something weird was going on.

The way she looked on the balcony.

I found out.

There was nowhere for her.

The apartment was stifling.

She always escaped to that tiny balcony

to be free from the bug!

Incorrect.

I pitied her.

She was afraid of what you'd do next.

A happy married couple is such a joke.

It's all your fault!

I was fired because I led the story, and they assumed I bugged her.

My family was broken.

You caused her death.

She died because of you!

My story will be published next week and you'll be finished.

Hold up!

Where are you going?

I haven't finished.

It's all your fault!

You fucked up my whole life!

Get up.

Hey, stop! Please!

Do you want anything?

Eh?

Let me think.

Anything?

What's going on with you?

Never mind.

You're laughing...

It's nothing.

You're doing your best.

It's not your fault.

Thanks.

I'm the only one who truly knows you.

That's right.

You're the only one.

I will protect you.

I'm coming to get you.

En Route to Customer

You got a minute?

What are you doing here?

Eh?

What the hell are you doing?

Isn't it obvious? I'm waiting.

For a customer.

Yeah, can you get out the car please?

What for?

You're stalking Chisayo, right?

- Get out! - I don't...

Shut up. Get out the car!

That won't do.

Relax or I'll call the cops.

Huh? I know you're the stalker.

I'm calling.

No, I'll call them.

You just wait there.

Hello?

The stalker I reported the other day is here now.

Can you send me any support?

Yea.

I can send you the location.

I've already reported this.

A taxi driver is stalking her for a while.

Listen, okay...

Yea, can you hurry up?

He's there right now!

As I said, you must come here quick.

Don't you ever get close to my Sayuri.

Morning, Sayuri.

Have you ever had a lover?

Yes.

Was the person precious to you?

Yes.

Was she dazzling?

Yes.

Was she beautiful?

Yes.

Were you suffering?

Yes.

Did you ask for help?

No.

Did anyone ask you for help?

Yes.

Were you appreciated?

Did you want to get close to her?

Yes.

Did you use a shortcut?

Yes.

Did you get close to her?

No.

Did you get what you wished for?

No.

Tomorrow has been missing.

Yes.

You held her back.

Yes.

And you ended up alone.

Yes.

You didn't understand who I was.

Did you understand who I was?

Do you know where you are?

Were you happy?

Yes.

Your answer hasn't changed.

Yes.

Do you want to see me?

Yes.

Are you comfortable here?

Yes.

Isn't that enough?

Yes.