Original subtitles

Kouwa International Production

Produced by Hikaru Suzuki

A Film by Yoshimitsu Morita

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Hayami Noboru

Haru

HARU

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Hoshi

(Nichigeki) : "Third Love" was great!

(Bingo) : You watched it already?

(Typhoon) : It's getting good word-of-mouth.

(Nichigeki) : It's been a while since I last felt such bliss. I felt so refreshed.

(Hoshi) : It's a story of pure love, right?

(Nichigeki) : Yeah, but the way they made it felt fresh.

(Bingo) : Hope it's exciting, otherwise, I'll just be like - (?O?)

(Typhoon) : You're not fired up already? @Bingo

(Haru): Hello!

(Nichigeki): Hi! @Haru

(Typhoon): Oh, hello! @Haru

(Hoshi): Hi! @Haru

(Haru): Hi, everyone. This is my first time.

(Nichigeki): What kind of movies do you like, Haru?

Welcome to the cinema forum.

(Typhoon): Which actress do you like? @Haru

(Haru): I don't really know.

(Nichigeki): You mean you don't remember the name? @Haru

(Hoshi): Which Japanese actress do you like?

(Bingo): What's wrong? @Haru

(Haru): The one from the bank commercial.

(Bingo): Can you maybe remember her name or something?

(Haru): She's not the main actress in the commercial.

(Hoshi): You mean the person in the back that looks like an employee? @Haru

(Haru): That's right.

(Bingo): Do you have any recent movie experiences to share? @Haru

(Haru): Watched a foreign movie with subtitles. It was a strange experience.

(Typhoon): Can you understand them without reading subtitles? @Haru

(Haru): No way! Don't all the characters look the same?

(Nichigeki): I dunno. Let's talk about movies!

(Hoshi): Isn't that what we're doing?

(Nichigeki): "Beach Symphony" was just the worst.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "First E-mail"

Nice to meet you... It's Hoshi from the film forum.

I liked your comment on subtitles earlier, it was quite interesting.

Looks like you're still new to online chatting.

At the beginning, there may be some things that take getting used to...

...like selfish people saying nasty things.

But I think it's best if you put up with it for now.

Being exposed to other people's way of thinking was a learning experience for me.

Not knowing how they look like or anything about them makes me feel at ease.

There's this new movie, "Beach...

- Hm... Beach... - "Beach Symphony"?

- Yeah. Did you see it? - I saw an advance screening..

You wanted to see it with me?

Yeah.

How come you know about that movie?

I've been watching a lot of movies these days.

Please input your user name.

Haru

1. (Haru) Subject: "Something I don't understand"

Thank you for your e-mail. It was encouraging.

By the way, there's something I wanted to ask before -

What are those face-like symbols that occasionally appear during conversation?

(Nichigeki): "Lost Baggage" had some funny lines...

(Typhoon): I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

(Haru): Me too, I was like this (???) (???)

(Hoshi): Me too (???)

(Bingo): Was it really that funny?

(Nichigeki): I was gonna lose it at the ending.

(Bingo): Cry your eyes out, Marx brothers.

(Nichigeki): Marx brothers, are they in that movie?

(Haru): (???) (???) (???)

(Nichigeki): Are you laughing because you know the answer, or what? @Haru

(Hoshi): (???)

(Typhoon): Hoshi and Haru are just being weird.

Menu: Beef stew, seaweed salad, rice, clam miso soup.

I'm Hayami from Yuki Trading.

I'm Hirabayashi

- Let's go to the store. - Please, lead the way.

1. (Haru) Subject: "All our movie talk"

Lately, my girlfriend's been getting sick of me constantly talking about movies.

She's impressed with whoever taught me all these things.

Are you eating your vegetables?

Yeah... I'm drinking tomato juice.

You can't just drink tomato juice.

I'm also taking some American vitamins.

Why don't you try spinach?

Spinach?

Cheer up!

I'm fine.

Say... Why don't you try going to the acupuncturist my dad told you about?

He's a real Chinese expert.

Acupuncture?

Just try something.

You can't just quit on American football...

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "About me"

Unlike you, I have no girlfriend...

So the only way for me to experience love is through watching movies.

I'm so pathetic.

Every workday is the same, and I have no real connections with any of my colleagues.

Sending you these selfish e-mails is the only thing helping me unwind.

1. (Haru) Subject: "You need to have more confidence"

You can't talk like that, Hoshi. Have more faith in yourself.

There is certainly someone out there who understands you and cares for you.

Take a closer look at your surroundings. There must be someone watching over you.

You should have made some connections in the environment you chose for yourself.

- Excuse me. - Yes?

- Tobe... - Why didn't you contact me?

We can't talk about that here...

Then let's talk tonight.

Please... I'm working..

I'll be waiting for you at this place.

No matter how long.

1. (Haru) Subject: "About sports"

I have a relative that plays American Football for a company called VAN.

This is probably what influenced me to start playing myself.

Is there maybe a sport you enjoy?

When I think about it, thanks to football, I was admitted to college and got a job...

...I even met my girlfriend on a party after a match.

But now, I can no longer play due to my health.

With that, I feel like I've no worthwhile goal in life anymore.

While we played football, we all all felt confident about our careers.

We were promoting the company by playing.

But when the other guys started overtaking me, I found myself jealously thinking:

"Maybe I should just quit football altogether?"

It's scary how my true feelings got reflected in my body and health.

- Good job. - Thanks.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Talk to me"

You seem a bit down these days.

I didn't think a person as lively as you could exist in this modern day and age.

I'm honestly relieved to have met you.

I'm currently working in a department store.

There are many girls working there, so I try my best to be nice.

Maybe you can tell me how best to make friends with women?

I don't want to make any enemies...

(Speaking in Chinese)

What?

Is it fine?

What do you mean?

Are you fine?

Oh... yeah.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "I quit my job"

I quit my job at the department store.

I used to think I could stick to a single job my whole life,

but that's no longer the case.

I want to try my hand at all sorts of jobs while I'm still young.

I like taking on different jobs, it's like playing different parts in a movie.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Let's go for a drink"

I hate not being able to fully devote myself to sports.

I wouldn't make the cut if I tried to turn pro.

Moreover, if I left the company, I lack the courage or ability to do anything else.

Can't we change this label from "Tomuyamu-kun" to "Tomuyamu-chan"?

By the way, even though we've been exchanging these e-mails,

I still don't know a whole lot about movies...

Does this frustrate you?

Oh, nevermind. At least it makes for good typing practice for you.

How about going out for a drink one of these days?

Welcome!

Is that you Mitsue? What are you doing here?

I didn't tell you. I work here now.

Really? Jiro used to love the bread here.

Right.

- When did you start working? - Just recently.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "I watched 'Semi-Tough'"

Even though I love to talk to you about all sorts of things...

...I'm afraid you won't like me if we actually met.

I'm the kind of guy who'll never have a girlfriend.

Can you give a softie computer nerd like me some space?

By the way, I saw "Semi-Tough" in the Gold Theater in Ginza.

It's a movie about American football, in the vein of "Longest Yard".

I guess you saw it, too?

I just love spending my time in the Gold Theater, sitting on the brown sofas and sipping milkshake.

I just love spending my time in the Gold Theater, sitting on the brown sofas and sipping milkshake.

Sorry to keep you waiting. What's the matter?

Nothing.

That last scene... It was kind of saccharine.

- Why're you saying that? - Wasn't it?

- I thought it was fine. - Really?

-Haru- Subject: "That's strange"

That's strange... There are no brown sofas or milkshakes at the Gold Theater.

Maybe you're just teasing me all this time?

Maybe you never even watched a movie there? Oh, nevermind...

There's no use in us trying to take each other too seriously, apparently.

I'll keep that in mind.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "About me..."

I'm so sorry, I must've made you very uncomfortable.

As you can probably guess by now, I don't really go to movie theaters.

I haven't been in Tokyo in three years.

That's when I went to the "Gold Theater". Must've changed since then...

I live in the outskirts of Morioka.

That's why it's hard for me to see all the movies I want.

I get all my information from film magazines and CNN.

I pretend to live in Tokyo and actually get to see all these movies.

I really enjoy chatting with people on the forum about them.

Even you took an interest in me because of this lie.

While I'm still being honest, I have to tell you one more thing - I'm a woman.

(feels strange to admit it)

Though you must promise me not to tell this to any of our online friends.

Let's keep it a secret between the two of us.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to handle the flood of e-mails.

It's not unusual for people to harass you as soon as they find out you're a woman.

Please keep this a secret from now on.

I trust our relationship won't change because of this.

I trust our relationship won't change because of this.

You have one unread e-mail.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Me too?"

I was really shocked when you said you were a woman.

To be honest, I'm ALSO a woman.

You must be really surprised now.

Did you ever try to imagine how I look? I do that for you sometimes...

I'm just kidding... I'm really a man.

You never having a girlfriend now makes perfect sense!

What about a boyfriend?

If you have one, we can talk about our partners or complain about them.

If ever I seem to not understand your feelings as a woman, feel free to tell me.

In any case, I don't care whether you're a man or a woman.

After all, you're my only online friend. Let's keep talking.

Welco...

- Why are you... - Because we didn't talk it over properly.

I searched for you all over like a detective.

I couldn't even work.

Please, let's just talk it over.

Please...

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Working in a bakery"

Hello, Haru. Hoshi here, the girl in disguise.

No, I don't have a boyfriend.

Having a partner is a hassle.

What do you do every day when we're not talking?

I like to believe that you spend some time thinking about me.

It's kind of a selfish fantasy of mine.

I work in a bakery now.

I like customers who instantly know what bread they want to buy when I ask them.

I also love being able to help them right away when they have any questions.

Are you ok?

Yeah, it's ok.

It can't be helped... Let's go on.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Going to Maebashi tomorrow"

Hello, Hoshi! Having a boyfriend would probably boost your confidence.

Isn't indulging in various fantasies wonderful?

When my business goes smoothly, I have more confidence in my relationship.

Though you can't help doubting if you're the unpopular sort (which I am).

There are all sorts of people, but I'm the meek type.

I'm going to a supermarket in Maebashi tomorrow to sell canned goods.

I'm thankful for what you did back then.

You seem like you always look forward, without fussing over the past

That's right.

But, from where I'm standing...

...it doesn't look like you really do.

Look at these...

...you seem so lonely here.

(Nichigeki): "Whispers at Midnight" was a pretty sexy suspense movie.

(Bingo): Is it "Basic Instinct"-tier?

(Nichigeki): It was better written than that.

(Nichigeki): The twins were especially really well written.

(Typhoon): I like the twins, they're gorgeous...

...even though they are kinda annoying.

(Bingo): Why annoying?

(Haru): Hello, everyone!

(Nichigeki): Hey, what's up? @Haru

(Haru): I'm actually going to see "Whispers at Midnight" this Sunday.

(Bingo): It's gonna be crowded, for sure!

(Haru): I reserved the seats in advance.

(Rose): Bring me too! @Haru

(Haru): Nice to meet you @Rose

(Rose): I feel like wearing purple panties today, kind of like a prostitute.

(Haru): What's with this person?

1. (Haru) Subject: "Back to the forum"

I went back to the forum to find out about a movie I'm going to watch with my girlfriend.

Nichigeki, Typhoon and Bingo were all their old selves...

...there was also this girl though (probably a man) who kept saying nasty things.

I'm really looking forward to seeing my girlfriend again, come this Sunday.

Hi, everyone.

Thank you all for coming today.

The death anniversary went smoothly thanks to all of you.

It's really great you came.

Are you busy at work?

This might be the last time we get to watch a movie together in Tokyo.

What?

Let's take a last photo together, as a memento

I'm moving to Australia because of my father's work.

For a long time?

Very long, probably.

Why don't you stay?

Because...

What?

I want to learn English.

If I asked her to marry me, would she have gone anyway?

I'm sure she would.

Do you want to save this message? 1. YES 2. NO

2. NO

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "What happened?"

I haven't been hearing from you lately, did anything happen?

You were happy about spending time with your girlfriend...

...did you have a fight or something?

Please talk to me if you're down or depressed.

Or maybe you're ill?

Please, talk to me whenever you're having any problems.

I can cheer you on better than anyone else. Go! Go! Go!

1. (Haru) Subject: "I've been down"

Sorry for disappearing on you.

These days, it's been one bad thing after another...

Although I hate to whine, I'll take you up on your offer and list my recent problems.

6. I visited my hometown on my parents' request...

All they could talk about was my big brother...

5. My favourite milk was out of stock in the convenience store.

4. My senior lost some money on stocks, so he's taking it out on me.

3. I mistook a party invitation for a spam e-mail, so I deleted it.

2. I saw a computer that's cheaper and better than the one I ended up buying.

1. Compared to the horrible news I hear every day, my troubles seem insignificant.

You have one unread e-mail.

1. (Rose) Subject: "About me"

Hi! I'm 20 years old.

Breast 83/Waist 57/Hips 84, 164cm 48kg.

They tell me my face is pretty sexy.

I prefer men that are well-built.

You played American football, you must be very confident?

Why do you call yourself "Haru"?

I might get to like you if you have a nice body.

Anyways, please reply to this e-mail.

I'm not a bad girl.

If you think I'm lying, just come and meet me.

1. (Rose) Subject: "What will be the signal?"

How about holding an English language newspaper? Will that be good?

I'm so happy we get to meet this soon!

Say... what's the first thing you do when you're trying to pleasure a woman?

Why would you ask me something like that while we're shopping?

Do you always get what you want?

We just met. Why ask me this?

It wouldn't be strange if I came to sell sex.

Is that what you're doing right now?

How much money did you bring?

Around 30.000 yen.

Why do you ask?

Why bring so much money? You must be loaded.

- What do you plan to spend it on? - I don't have anything special in mind...

I have 6.000 yen.

Let's play a shopping game with 3.000 yen.

Shopping game?

190 yen.

100 yen.

100 yen.

160 yen.

160 yen.

1. (Rose) Subject: "My breasts are swelling"

My breasts have been swelling today.

I think my period should start one of these days...

You're so lucky not to have these problems.

The second day after it starts is the peak period.

I'd love it if you could ring me up or send me an e-mail during this time.

I have two phones, one for the computer, and one for ordinary use.

It's just common sense, right?

I have a free telephone even while I'm chatting. It's reassuring.

Do you do that too? Why don't you try?

We could exchange naughty messages all day long!

Don't be late to karaoke!

You have one unread e-mail.

1. (Tobe) Subject: "Don't be surprised"

It's Tobe. You must be surprised to see this.

I've been checking up on you.

I know about your online habits.

Why did you ignore me during the death anniversary?

Can't you even so much as greet me?

I wanted to be there for you after he died.

Why would you avoid me?

I want to give you just as much love as he did.

The three of us had some great times together, didn't we?

Anyway, let's restore our friendship.

Thankfully, we can communicate here.

I'm generally useless with computers.

Should give you an idea of how badly I want to speak to you if I'm willing to get over that.

1. (Haru) Subject: "After my break-up"

I finally managed to crawl out of my hopelessness.

Online women have started going on the offensive recently.

A guy needs to be prepared these days.

You have one unread e-mail.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Changed my ID"

Haru, due to certain events, I had to change my ID number.

I want to ask you something.

Can we agree on a time to have a private chat, just the two of us?

You haven't eaten yet? Please go ahead.

(Hoshi): I can't even count the blunders I've made when I was in Tokyo.

Please don't laugh!

(Haru): I'm already laughing. (???)

(Hoshi): I constantly bumped into other people on the pedestrian crossings.

(Haru): Went during the rush?

(Hoshi): Of course, I'm inexperienced.

(Haru): If I were a woman, I'd try to go later.

(Hoshi): Tokyo is just the worst.

(Haru): I want to show the people who constantly say that around the city.

(Hoshi): I'll think about it.

(Haru): It's not as dangerous as they say.

(Hoshi): Say, what's the view like from your window?

(Haru): Ok, just give me a sec.

Hello, it's Rose.

Are you really out?

You're not replying to my messages.

(Hoshi): What's wrong?

(Haru): I see an apartment building.

(Hoshi): Just a building?

(Haru): Yeah... Right now a light came on somewhere in the middle of the 5th floor.

(Hoshi): You can see into other people's lives...

(Haru): Just now a woman came out of an apartment with flashy curtains.

(Hoshi): Really?

(Haru): She went out on the balcony stark naked.

(Hoshi): ***

(Haru): I'm just kidding... It's noisy outside, but it's a pretty boring view

(Hoshi): It's just like Hitchcock's "Rear Window".

(Haru): What? What do you mean?

(Hoshi): I want to watch people's lives from afar like that.

(Haru): That's why you call yourself "Star" (Hoshi).

(Hoshi): Too bad I'll never be able to turn into one for real...

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "I'm a hostess now"

Changed my job again. I'm now a hostess.

Now I often get to see powerful people,

...like Rotary Club members, or people from the Chamber of commerce.

Why do all men at parties have the same look about them?

Maybe it's because they all look so confident in their work.

You come here often?

- This is the first time. - First time?

Why ask me to come, then?

Wanted my first time here to be with my new friend.

How come you don't have a girlfriend?

How come?

It's not something I want talk about here.

Did you ever have sex outdoors?

- Hello! - Hi!

1. (Rose) Subject: "So aroused!"

I felt so aroused last time.

While we were doing it, I could see the clouds in the sky...

...and feel the earth moving beneath my feet.

You looked so cute in your underwear after we finished.

My panties still smell like the mountain.

Let's do it again outside.

Take me to the beach next time.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Your fantasies"

I'm ok with you writing about imaginary things if it helps you unwind.

But isn't there something else you can think about?

If it makes you happy, I guess we can leave it at that.

It's like you're trying to escape by saying all these dumb things.

It's ok, I get it, write whatever you like.

Do you want to dance?

No, I can't.

C'mon, dance with me.

No, sorry...

Don't worry... Let's dance.

Come on.

1. (Haru) Subject: "I made it!"

I closed a great deal today at the Chiba supermarket, it's wonderful!

It's really not that big of a deal, but I feel happy about it.

I wanted to share it with you.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Cold ramen"

I'm so glad for you Haru, you sound happy.

I also have to cheer up.

Today I just sat in front of the TV and flipped channels aimlessly.

It's been a while since I did that.

There are many commercials for Cold Ramen and Pachinko parlors on our local stations.

I kept seeing the same commercials over and over...

...because I was constantly flipping through channels.

Have you ever eaten cold ramen in Morioka?

The noodles are so chewy and delicious.

People from Tokyo are always shocked when they try it.

I tried cold ramen in Tokyo, but I was disappointed.

It wasn't very good.

How do you like the cold ramen?

Tokyo noodles are nothing special.

I heard that they are delicious in Morioka.

They're great! You know your stuff!

Ever been there?

It's where I'm from.

Cold ramen.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Cold ramen?"

Hoshi, what's wrong? Did something happen?

Why don't you tell me if you're having any problems? You're so distant...

Though we are just online usernames to each other. No faces or bodies...

But that's precisely why we should be able to talk openly with each other.

Let's talk more.

Even if it's just about how tasty the Morioka cold ramen is.

Did you change your job just to get rid of me?

It's just that I want to work in all sorts of different fields.

It's also important to finish what you start.

To tell you the truth, I...

I got transferred to Asahikawa in Hokkaido.

It's further away than Hakodate.

I don't like it, but I can't do anything about it...

I just want to finish one last thing.

- Good luck! - What do you mean?

I can't focus on my work, because I think about you all the time.

For me too...

It's hard to focus on work, because I still think of him.

That's why I'm worried about you.

As his friend.

However...

I met a nice guy who helps me forget about him.

Really?

Really.

A lie can be the best of weapons.

A new release - "Tomuyamu-kun" soup. It's spicy and delicious.

It's a new soup called "Tomoyamu-kun". Please try it.

Please try it. It's the new soup "Tomuyamu kun".

It's great, very hot and spicy.

Did you like it?

Finally, it's just the two of us.

- Am I at the right place? - Yeah.

Where is everyone?

I asked them to come later.

Don't worry, I'm not one of those guys.

What do you want with me?

I'm Yamagami from Morioka Projects.

I'm single.

There was someone I wanted to marry, but she died in an accident.

Since then, I've never fallen in love.

That's how much I loved her.

Even now, I treasure memories of her.

I live with those memories.

But, I must get married.

I can't take over my father's business unless I start a family.

And I can no longer bother with things like dating and matchmaking.

I want to live in peace, with someone who thinks like me.

That's marriage to me.

The two of us should get along fine.

Please marry me.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "I was proposed"

1. (Haru) Subject: "Relationship without love"

What's up with that guy?

He's fine with a marriage without sexual relations or affection.

He won't make you leave your job or do housework.

Don't tell me you turned him down right away?

Does he have any feelings for you at all?

Whatever you do, I trust you'll make a wise decision and not do anything rash.

It's easy to see you were a football player, you look very strong.

Thanks.

However, there's more to a man than his body.

Yeah.

If we get married, let's spend our free time like this.

Please don't bring up the marriage proposal.

I still haven't thought about it.

For someone who dislikes me, you don't seem to mind going boxing and fishing with me.

I like you just fine.

Don't say that so casually!

Your late boyfriend might be listening.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Scenes of a man and a woman"

I know you are worried, but I'm still seeing the guy who proposed to me.

We do stuff together like fishing, boxing and swimming.

I don't find him very attractive, so it's very easy for me to relax with him.

Come here, dance with us.

1. (Haru) Subject: "A girlfriend?"

I'm also going out with a girl who's not really my girlfriend.

Actually, we met online, so it was very easy to break the ice.

She's from Tokyo and very sociable. We stayed at a hotel on our first meeting.

Her name is Rose.

We have casual sex. No talk of marriage or love, it's almost like sports.

We feel invigorated afterwards, like we just ran 3000m.

When I'm with her, I forget about my ex. She's still on my mind when I'm alone in my room, though...

Sorry for not telling you about this earlier.

Even though it started as physical attraction, now I find we can talk with her about all sorts of things.

I guess a good friendship can start with sex, too.

Why do you always have these lewd comments...

And yet won't make love to me?

You want to?

Yes.

It's a game. I want to see close I can come to being naked just using words.

How long do you plan to play this game?

Anyway, I can't do it with you.

Sex would ruin our relationship.

I like where we are now. Like brother and sister.

Someone who's not sexually attracted to me.

I always wanted a brother, but I only have a sister.

I wanted a sister.

Right? I had a feeling you'd make a good brother.

Then what kind of person would you marry?

You ought to start thinking about that now, before it's too late.

I want to work in a restaurant.

A small restaurant, with good food and many customers.

If only I had a good partner...

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "That's awful"

You're the worst, Haru.

And here I was, constantly worrying about your breakup.

But I won't be angry about it, I myself lied about being a man before.

Rose is a beautiful name. Be careful, though. A beautiful rose has thorns.

As for me, I'm carefully nurturing my own love.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Just like you"

Anyway, I think there's no use in spending time with a man who doesn't love you.

You should have a cooler head and make a careful decision about this.

(Hoshi) I wonder what you think of me?

We thought we could live together...

...because the two of us share the same burden.

I think we made a mistake.

Why do you say that? I think our distance is the best part of our relationship.

I want to be with a man who will help me bury my memories.

Bury your memories? I could never do something as cruel as that.

That's why... we should stop seeing each other.

Did you find someone you love?

I couldn't find anyone, since I was going out with you.

That's too bad.

Again, I'm left with my burden.

Good luck with your job. I wish you all the best.

It's such a shame.

- Put this in today's returns. - Understood.

Shop manager!

Why was "Tomuyamu-kun" replaced with coconut milk?

It's not your fault. There are various reasons.

Don't be discouraged.

- Manager, you have a call. - Oh? See you later...

- We're leaving. - Have a nice evening.

Weather: Tokyo, rain. Sapporo, cloudy.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Keio Line"

Shinjuku - Sasazuka - Daitabashi - Meidaimae - Shimo-Takaido - Sakurajosui

- Chitose-Karasuyama - Tsutsujigaoka

- Shibasaki - Keio-Hachioji.

Do you travel with the Keio line?

I know the names of 4 more stations. Impressive, right?

Looked them up today on my computer.

By the way, I changed jobs again. I'm working in a library now.

Menu: Seafood curry, Wakame leaves salad, Radish miso soup, fish paste.

(Speaking Chinese)

One more time.

(Speaking Chinese)

(Speaking Chinese)

That's right.

(Speaking Chinese)

This here means "please". Now repeat after me.

(Speaking Chinese)

Go ahead.

Beef curry, please.

Excuse me. Can you please call the proprietor?

1. (Haru) Subject: "Station names"

Changed jobs again? I'm jealous I must say.

It sounds like an easy job, but does it suit you?

By the way, how is it going with him?

Must be going fine, since you aren't writing about it?

That's why I'm not writing about mine either.

Thanks for the Keio line stations. In return, I looked up your own station names.

Just checking the Shinkansen would have been boring.

So I started with the Tohoku main line.

Kurikoma-Kogen -- Connection - Mizusawa-Esashi - Kitakami - Murasakino - Hanamaki -

Hanamaki-Kuko - Ishidoriya - Hizume - Furudate - Yahaba - Iwate-Iioka - Senbokucho - Morioka.

It's a strange feeling...

Writing these stations out like this makes me feel like I'm traveling towards you.

Long time no see.

Why do you like me in white uniforms?

Is it because you want to soil them?

Would you get excited if I wore black panties?

Hey, Haru, what are you doing there all by yourself?

Is this the only way you can start a conversation?

Are you embarrassed? I thought you were an urban type?

You have a boyfriend?

You can tell?

I can tell by the way you talk.

Isn't it time you got up?

Yes.

I'm sorry.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Another me"

One's profession is a curious thing.

When I was a hostess, I got to talk to all sorts of famous and powerful people every day.

But, even though I almost never talk to anyone in the library...

...I feel like the books tell me their own stories.

There are many different professions, and I want to experience as many different types as I can.

That's why I don't like to fool around when it comes to men.

(Though you could say I fool around with companies).

When it comes to love, I feel like I look for another me in the men I date.

I want to become this other me, and I come to love it.

I fall in love with people who remind me of myself.

I broke up with my boyfriend.

I thought his view of marriage was interesting, but I didn't want to turn him into myself.

How did you meet?

We met online.

I praised his restaurant. We started having small talk. I talked to him about dentistry

Before I knew it, it was past closing time, and I was still there. I didn't waste a second.

Did you do it?

We're not there yet.

Really?

Why are you so relieved? We'll do it eventually. I'm marrying him.

I'm like your brother anyway.

- You wanted to turn him into yourself. - What's that?

What do you mean, turn him into myself?

Sorry to keep you waiting.

- Hello, nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

Try this please, it's very good.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Broke up"

To be honest, I also broke up with Rose.

She's getting married...

Even though I never expected her to marry me, I still feel lonely.

But, when she introduced me to him, I felt strangely reassured.

I felt that marrying him would make her truly happy.

Now I really want to meet the new lover of my ex. I feel it will help me move on.

It can be very stressful, thinking about how insignificant we all are.

But maybe I'm wrong in believing that...

There's a luxurious residential area in Tokyo called Den-en-chofu.

I sometimes go there for a walk, but not everyone I see seems happy.

I was happiest when I played football...

But now, I try to convince myself that it was nothing special.

- Hi! - Hello!

Dad!

Are you home?

- You're back? - I'm back.

- Is that man with you? - What man?

- I shouldn't ask? - No.

Hey! Come out.

Good evening, nice to meet you!

I'm Yuko Marihana.

Nice to meet you. I'm Mitsue.

Mitsue... There's something I'd like to talk to you about tonight.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "About my parents"

It's midnight now. I really enjoy mailing you at this hour.

I can't sleep at all. I never wrote you much about my parents until now.

My mother died of an illness when I was in high school.

My father makes garden stones for a living.

It was very lonely growing up for me and my sister.

Mother was dead, and father didn't pay too much attention to us.

He has a girlfriend.

These days, he often went to work from her home.

However, that's no longer the case, since she's having some problems.

That means I can't live in this house for the time being.

I can't despise my father for this, but I can't be happy about it either.

I decided to move out.

It's just the way it is, I'll have to try and live alone.

I'll start looking for apartments during work tomorrow.

Please don't worry too much about me.

Thank you for reading this. It really helps me calm down.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Apartment searching"

How's your apartment hunting going?

The first time I lived alone was during college.

However, I had one condition - the apartment had to be next to a river.

I find it relaxing.

I first lived in Horkiri, on the Tobu line.

Though it somehow I didn't feel like I was parting with my home in Kan'onji.

People who come to Tokyo from the north usually choose to live in Ueno or Ikebukuro.

Those who come from the south generally go to Shibuya or Shinagawa.

Same for me, this is why I settled where I am now.

P.S. Your father really owes you some gratitude for all of this.

(Speaking Chinese)

Together.

(Speaking Chinese)

Going to lunch together --

(Speaking Chinese)

And finally: How are you ---

(Speaking Chinese)

(Speaking Chinese)

(Speaking Chinese)

- Would you treat me to lunch? - Sure.

I'm glad.

1. (Rose) Subject: "Don't get off by yourself"

Hi, Haru, how are you? Don't get off by yourself!

You're a handsome man, after all!

Even though my opening is less flashy than usual, I still got it.

How about this?

- Cardamam. - This is cardamom.

Then... What about this?

- What's that? - That's coriander.

Coriander!

My boyfriend finished his treatment for caries.

So I took the opportunity to leave my job at the dentist's.

I got scolded by the doctor for being selfish, but I don't care.

It's not him I'm going to marry, anyway.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Sound of a different room"

When I open the window, I can hear music coming from the neighboring apartment.

I'm so happy!

Tomorrow's weather forecast: sunny, and occasionally cloudy.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Coming near you"

Hoshi, I'll be going to Aomori for a business trip. That's near Morioka.

Since I'll be coming near you, I want to ask you something.

Right now, I'm supposed to go by plane.

However, if I were to take the bullet train, maybe we could see each other?

I just want to see you, even for a little while. I hope that's okay?

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Waving a handkerchief"

Haru, I'm very happy to hear that. Though I'm also a bit scared...

I'm not trying to avoid you, it's just that I'm not in Morioka during that time.

I have some business to take care of in my parent's home.

However, if you take the bullet train, I want to at least wave a handkerchief at you as you go by.

I want you to see me in the flesh, as a human and a woman.

1. "Haru" Subject: "Waving a handkerchief"

I'm very excited about our first meeting. I'm bringing an 8mm camcorder.

I'll be looking through the viewfinder from the 12th car, also waving a handkerchief.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Woman in red"

Tomorrow is finally the day we get to meet. It's almost like a festival day.

I'll be coming in a red dress. Look for a woman in a red dress with a white car.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "I can see you!"

I can see you in the video I took.

You wore a grey suit, right? You look tall. Though I couldn't make out your face.

I was so relieved you were actually there on the train.

After exchanging countless e-mails with me, you passed through my place of birth at 200 km/h.

I will treasure this video.

Whenever I'm lonely or in pain, I'll take a look at you rushing by.

I couldn't see you face clearly, but in my imagination, you look real nice.

(Please don't get angry at this comment).

1. (Haru) Subject: "Your appearance"

I never expected to actually see you while we were chatting.

Finally seeing the person who shared all those things with me over e-mail...

Though I couldn't see clearly, the red coat seemed to suit you well.

In any case, it's a wonderful feeling.

It was like seeing an old elementary school classmate after a long time...

Even though it was just the first time we met.

I will also treasure this video greatly.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "Real name"

Thank you! I never would have thought I would be so happy to be seen by a man.

My real name is Mitsue Fujima. Born 5/9/1972 (Virgo). Blood group O.

I just wanted to go out with it. Please don't be concerned.

Just call me "Hoshi" as always.

It's tasty.

You like it?

(Speaking Chinese)

1. (Haru) Subject: "My real name"

My real name is Noboru Hayami. Born 15/1/1969 (Capricorn). Blood group B.

You can continue call me "Haru".

You look great, Yuka.

- I see my sister still hasn't changed. - Really?

- Was the train crowded? - Not really.

- How much do you pay for this? - 48.000 yen.

That's cheap!

At least compared to Tokyo.

Why don't you go visit father?

Is he still with that woman?

I'll go over tomorrow and make a scene.

Your computer has a built-in modem? I like it.

You also use a computer?

You have one unread e-mail.

I met my boyfriend online.

You work fast.

Why didn't you tell me you were using a computer?

You know me...

I always keep anything I do from you until I know I'm better than you at it.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Went to karaoke"

"Went to karaoke"

- "My business partners took me to karaoke..." - Stop it!

I wonder if it's the same Haru.

You know him? He's from the movie forum.

Yeah, I know him.

- What was your username there? - Rose.

How come he's talking to you?

1. (Haru) Subject: "What's wrong?"

What's going on? I'm not getting any e-mails from you these days, it's strange.

Of course, you don't need to feel obligated to send me e-mails every day.

However, I'm worrying if anything happened to you. Are you sick?

Please answer me something, even if it's just "I'm sick".

I'll send you a funny message to encourage you.

Or maybe you suddenly found a boyfriend and can't e-mail me anymore?

Is that it?

If it is, please don't worry about me. I like to hear about other people's happiness.

My heart is strong too, just like my body.

Please write to me, I'll be waiting.

You have no e-mails.

[Listing through e-mails from Hoshi]

You have no e-mails.

You have no e-mails.

Hello! Are you home?

I just came back from a trip with my fiancee.

Anyway, I was so surprised when I went to visit my hometown before the trip.

You were exchanging e-mails with my sister.

- Hello? What did you say? - You're home?

What's that about your sister?

Why did you tell her you were having sex with me?

Isn't that how it is with e-mails?

Since I didn't have anything going for me, I made stuff up about me having sex.

But...

that was my sister...

- What were you thinking? - I didn't know that!

How could I know? If I did, I wouldn't have done that.

What did you two write about?

About everyday things, our problems, things like that...

Then there's no problem.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Excuses"

I was shocked to find out Rose was your sister all along.

Such a strange turn of events...

I want to make it clear, I didn't have any sexual relations with Rose.

I know it sounds like I'm making excuses.

What I wrote in the e-mails was a lie.

I think I just wanted to write something exciting or provocative.

Since you had a boyfriend during that time...

I felt like I might be able to understand your real intentions by doing that.

I know you might think I'm lying again, but please contact me.

Why am I not sending e-mails to you, Haru?

Maybe it's to painful to write someone who might be dating your sister?

I don't know how to feel about my sister right now.

You e-mails just keep coming.

While I was getting to know you little by little through our correspondence...

...my sister used the same methods to get you immediately.

All those e-mails now seem like wasted time...

You're not my boyfriend, and I shouldn't care what you do with my sister...

So why do I feel this way?

Why can't I gather up the courage to write to you?

Save this e-mail? 1. Yes, 2.No

2. No

Mm, it's great!

With food this nice, I'll never run away from you!~~

I wouldn't let you!~~

1. (Rose) Subject: "I'm sorry"

Hello! It's your sister Yuka!

Sorry for not getting in touch earlier, I went on a trip to Java with my man.

Thank you treating me the last time I visited.

If you find yourself without a job, you can always come and work at our place.

By the way, about Haru - we didn't have sex at all, we didn't even kiss.

He's really like a brother to me.

I talked to him about you as soon as I got back from the trip.

He was really surprised when I told him about you, he felt like he really messed up.

Because he told you he slept with me.

But, still, I think you're acting funny.

Even if what he said was true, you're being immature.

The two of you are not in a relationship.

Didn't you ever lie to someone over e-mail?

"May I ask who's calling?"

(Speaking Chinese)

(Speaking Chinese)

1. (Haru) Subject: "I've been thinking"

Looking at the video I took from the train, I can't really make out what you look like.

However, during our correspondence, I built my own image of you with my imagination.

Maybe not all of the e-mails were 100 percent true.

But still, I really enjoyed those times.

No matter if they were true or false, I was happy as long as I had e-mails from you.

You and your e-mails gave me support in my daily life.

We even told each other about our love lives.

So is it really so bad that I was friends with your sister?

I think I'll stop writing you for a while.

Maybe then you'll understand how I feel.

You have no e-mails.

You have no e-mails.

[Reading through Haru's e-mails]

You have one unread e-mail.

1. (Haru) Subject: "Even if it's just me"

To be honest, when I stopped writing e-mails, there were some changes with me.

I quit my job.

I was very lonely, but I also sometimes felt hopeful.

I work in a Chinese trading company now.

Everything feels fresh, and I can make use of my Chinese language lessons.

I've been showing Chinese kids American football.

When I see their smiling faces, I'm happy I played football.

I think this change will help me a lot.

Writing you like this, makes me feel good. I feel like I opened up.

From now on, I'll continue sending you e-mails.

I'll pretend like you're far away and cannot reply to my them.

Writing these is my daily activity.

Looking at our mailing history, I can see how I've changed.

Hoshi, thank you for everything. I'll keep on writing to you.

You have one unread e-mail.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "I'm sorry"

I'm real sorry for the long silence.

I was really shocked to find out about the whole Rose thing.

Memories of our e-mail exchanges, of our short meeting...

During this whole time, such memories have been piling up.

It has me feeling empty...

I know we were only exchanging e-mails, but doing that with you felt very special.

I'll be honest here.

My high school boyfriend was named Jiro Haruma.

When I saw your username on the forum, it reminded me of his name.

I was so happy.

Jiro Haruma died in a car accident.

I couldn't forget him. I kept asking myself: "Why go on living?"

I wanted to go on living for the sake of his memory.

I won't marry or fall in love.

And even if I happened to marry, I was ok with it being someone I don't love.

To get over him, I tried to change myself -

by challenging myself at work, or forging connections online.

That way, I wanted to build my new way of life in my own way.

I also went back to read our old e-mails.

I think that reading and writing these e-mails helped me recover, little by little.

Haru, I want to thank you, too.

To me, "Haru" has no longer anything to do with Haruma Jiro.

You are the one that I want to understand me and how I feel everyday.

I'll be writing you from now on! I need you too, Haru.

1. (Hoshi) Subject: "I'm coming to Tokyo"

I want to know you. I want to get to know you better.

I feel like confirming your existence would help change me greatly.

I'm coming to Tokyo. Please meet me.

I'll be on the Yamabiko train no. 42... Will be in Tokyo Station at 15:44.

My seat is 7-A in the seventh car.

I'll be carrying a floppy disk in one hand.

It would be great if you could carry a floppy disk too.

Hello, it's Rose.

You'll certainly like my sister, so don't try to rush things.

She might hate you if you start saying nasty things.

1. (Haru) Subject: "In front of the first platform"

When you arrive to the station, please walk to the spot in front of the first platform.

I'll be standing there waiting, holding a floppy disk, of course.

Nice to meet you.

Translation: NN Revisions: sotoo