Original subtitles

The months and days are the travellers of eternity.

The years that come and go are also voyagers.

Departing Osaka Station at 0:00

Hi girl, what are you doing up so late?

Want to go and have some fun?

Cash in the hand. Here.

May you give me a hand?

Well, I see.

Look, I can pay you up front. You won't run off with it.

Look, 30,000 yen.

Here, take it.

Hey. What the hell!

What is she thinking about?

Osaka Station

Hurry. We'll miss it.

Wait!

- Are you boarding, Miss? - It will depart soon.

Where for?

The actual destination is unspecified.

What d'you mean?

At midnight, on the 3rd Friday of even numbered months,

it departs for unspecified destinations to give passengers.

A glimpse of travel as it once was.

It proceeds to places of Western Japan

about the return trip

You have one month to complete your return journey.

How much is it?

Round trip is 9,800 yen.

Here you are.

200 yen change.

Keep it.

I'm afraid I can't.

The train makes one stop on the way.

You're free to disembark there.

Preparing to depart. All aboard, please.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking this train.

We have departed Osaka station on schedule.

As for our destination, we beg your indulgence.

Enjoy your night train excursion.

Unspecified destination...

That's exactly what I need right now.

Departing Osaka Station at 0:00

Where d'you reckon we're headed for?

Departing at 0:00

It's just so romantic. I feel like Cinderella.

Excuse me, but I prefer to be alone.

Alright then. Probably got a broken heart.

They're so loud.

Hey, you want to join us?

Leave her be.

Called away on sudden business trip...

Thank you.

Excuse me.

How very nostalgic.

A night train to nowhere, how wondrous.

Traveling alone, sir?

Yes, I suppose that I am.

Chief. It's from Shinmei Advertising.

Hello, Sawatari speaking.

Yes, I looked at it. It's not quite what we discussed.

Of course. Impact is important.

But this lotion is high-impact and high-class.

Can you fix it?

Looking forward to our trip to Hawaii.

Meet you airport, 9pm. Junichi

I'm not cheating on you.

Departs Osaka, Destination Unknown

Why?

Why couldn't they wait another 10 minutes?

Mom, I'm with Mina and Yuki.

How do you spell Mina?

Staying overnight.

Call if you need to. Hanako

Does she believe I really have friends?

Sorry to interrupt. I won't be long.

By all accounts, that's the Sea of Japan.

We will soon arrive at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring.

Please exit on the right.

Next stop, Tamatsukuri Hot Spring.

Get your lunch boxes here.

I just love a hot spring.

A lunch box and green tea, please.

Certainly.

How much?

That's 1,150 yen.

Still not there? I'm getting a pain in my butt

Are you on your own, too?

You would be. It's school holidays. How I envy you.

I'm traveling on my own, too.

I'm always alone.

Thank you and sorry to keep you all waiting.

We arrive at the Kazamachi, terminal in 5 minutes.

Great!

We pray that you may all discover something meaningful

as you undertake this journey.

Please ensure you leave nothing on the train.

This sure isn't any Cinderella story.

It's the middle of nowhere.

I should go straight back.

Are you by yourself, too?

Ridiculous. I can't believe this.

Next train is at 6:30.

And it's the last one.

What'll we do?

It hurts, for Christ's sake.

Oh, darn...

Damn it.

If I'd wanted rural drab, I could've stayed home.

Damn it.

A funeral, what a bad omen.

Hey! What the hell?

It's a blister. They're not a good fit.

Let go, pervert!

Pervert?

Change your shoes.

Get lost.

Excuse me. Where can I find an inn?

Inn? There's Kimura's place...

Where's that?

Go down here till you see the movie theater.

Turn there. After the watchmaker...

Thank you.

Shall I show you?

Not a chance.

Hello, there. Are you off the train?

Yes, I am.

I'm the welcoming committee.

Is anyone still at the station?

They've all left.

I'm late with the funeral,

and an express letter to deliver.

Who are you?

Sorry, forgive me. I'm the local postmaster.

And Miss, how long will you stay?

I'll take the 6:30 train this evening.

So soon? How regrettable.

But there's still time.

I'll show you around the town.

Look, really, no need.

No bother. Let's go.

So full of beans, granddad!

What's with the mourning suit?

He has hit a low ball high.

The wind will take it further.

He's been caught, that's three out.

And now for the news.

Early this morning, in Kobe district,

four bodies were discovered in a parked vehicle.

According to police,

a villager stumbled upon the vehicle.

Peering inside, he saw four bodies. At that point, he called the police.

The two men and two women appear to be in their 20's.

Police are confirming their identities.

The cause of death was CO2 poisoning.

The car windows were all sealed with tape. A charcoal briquette appears to have been used.

Ajoint testament was also found.

Police believe it was an internet-inspired suicide pact.

We now return you to the game.

Well hit! Will this be a home run?

Good day.

Good day.

Good day, again.

I was just here! What's going on?

No sense of direction.

I'm taking a walk.

Is that right? Let me show you.

What a woman she is!

So obstinate.

Invitation - Final Journey

I'm very impressed at how

the city folk enjoy themselves while they're here.

Doing nothing is a waste of time.

We're just unlucky.

This is the old red-light district. Do you know what that is?

Tea houses?

Yes, they're also called whorehouses.

Do you know that word? Like "prostitute", isn't it?

Is that what you call them now?

Yes, prostitutes.

What an absolutely superb old building.

How old are you?

I'm almost 80 years old.

You could have retired ages ago.

But the town still needs me.

I can understand that.

But a mourning suit, that's weird.

Yes, you're right.

Mr Postmaster. Care for some chilled peaches?

Join us.

Does that mean us, too?

You're very welcome.

Thank you very much.

For display? Yes, it is.

Excuse me.

Sorry, but you'll have to share.

That's fine.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Make yourself at home.

Thanks for your kindness.

Hey, buddy.

Are you a train nerd, too?

Train nerd?

What's that?

You know, a train-spotter.

So you're not here to see the carriage?

What's that?

The observation car.

The best car on the Fuji super-express back in 1938.

A glassed-in observation car.

It was only ever used by royalty

and peers of the realm before the war.

At one stage it was retired to a rail museum.

But it was restored back in 1987.

And you know...

Oh, sorry. I almost forgot.

I have to make a call.

What's with him?

That really hurts.

Listen. Don't be so obstinate.

Leave me be. Stop. How dare you!

Mr Postmaster?

Out fishing again? Bad timing.

It's not your house?

No need to worry, though.

Have some mandarins.

What's that?

It'll cool you down.

That really hurts.

Just at first. Try to be patient.

I should have treated you much earlier.

Painful, isn't it?

The people here are quite weird.

Why is that?

I ran into a funeral.

Everyone looked so happy.

Is that a bad thing?

It certainly is.

Wouldn't the deceased prefer them to be happy?

Yes, but still...

Damn it.

I have to go visit a patient in Shirahama.

A patient?

Please wear these sandals.

The inn is behind here.

So you're a doctor?

Yes, I am.

Watch those feet.

What if the owner comes home?

Don't worry. He's a good man.

I can't stay here.

Don't. Wait!

Have some mandarins.

Yes?

Well? And who might you be?

Well, I...

How many times must I tell you?

Stop following me.

That's nasty.

So you're here, too?

Well, you got me.

In a place as tiny as this little town,

there's not much else to see, is there?

Are you?

...on your own?

Lost yourjob?

Is your life happy?

Being happy or not depends on one's spirit...

Listen.

What?

Will you die...

...with me?

Sorry, with the train and all, we're full.

Do you mind sharing?

Not at all.

Excuse me.

Can she share your room?

No, it's already full.

And it's so hot, anyway.

What a cheek.

Thank you anyway.

These sandals...

What's wrong?

You're off the train, aren't you?

You're welcome to stay with us.

No, thank you.

Don't be so formal.

I've already got other passengers.

But...

No need for that.

Dear, another guest for us.

Welcome, welcome.

Come on in.

Another one?

Not you, too?

I was going back, but I ended up staying.

One more girl, too.

Which one?

That cheeky one. She's in the bath.

Come on. Sit down.

Thank you.

Here, let me pour for you.

Thank you.

Enough.

Don't get all excited and force the poor girls to drink.

Good. Your turn.

She's fine. Drink up, girl.

Well done, young lady.

You have one, too.

There don't seem to be many young people in town.

Back then, there were many young folk here.

But these days, the town has turned into a relic.

A relic?

Back in the old days it was very prosperous.

The cinema was always full.

And our festival was a grand occasion.

But young people today all move to the cities.

The town has become desolate.

There's only...

...old granddads and grannies here now.

How long will she stay in the bath?

Not you?

You know her?

Not really.

Where are my clothes?

They were dirty, I washed them.

You washed them?

Without asking?

I'm sorry. Are you offended?

Listen up, girl.

And these pajamas!

Sorry, but you didn't have a change.

And we only ever had sons.

So no girl's clothing.

Stop complaining.

You don't like it, wear your own.

Or sleep in your underwear.

I partake.

Eat your fill.

What a feast!

That is so good.

Absolutely delicious.

The very best raw fish.

You think so? I was worried it was only local food.

Don't. You can't get this quality in the cities.

Really!

He says they eat with the seasons here.

Come on, girl. Stop that and eat.

Hanako. Yes?

My name is Hanako.

Hanako, is it? What a pretty name.

Come here, lass.

What now?

That fish eye!

The eyes?

It's discusting.

Now listen here...

City girls these days are so funny.

Yuck!

What now?

It's still alive.

You can't get seafood as fresh as this in the city.

Will you die... with me?

Give me your phone.

Send a text when you're ready.

Let's die together. See you.

I am dead serious. Hanako

Dear, we're out of butter.

Good morning, Maya?

You stink.

Wakabayashi, come here.

Yes.

You went to a good university.

Oh, you're good. - Nah, not that well.

You mean it's your boss' fault 'cause he's not treating you well.

They fired me. What'll I tell my wife?

I want Teppan-Yakki!

Maybe some dumplings.

Isn't that your dad, Maya?

No, it's not him. Let's go.

A True Mystery Journey.

A train with an unknow destination.

Be quiet.

I'm sorry.

Did you decide? I wait your reply. Hanako

You use the very best lotion.

Really? Are you sure?

Did you lose your love?

Why ask that?

I thought so on the train.

That's why you're alone, right?

I knew it.

Under a mosquito net, when I was little,

I felt like a fairy tale princess. Didn't you?

Like a canopy, you mean?

For once we agree on something.

Sorry. This is my first ever mosquito net.

I see. So you're a city girl, eh?

You do have that confident air.

You're really into texting.

You never stop.

Lots of boyfriends?

Well, excuse me. I'm going to sleep.

Still haven't decided. Need more time.

I see.

Say hello for me. From Mom

Mom.

I never get up this early in Osaka.

Yuka, why not come with us?

We're just picking out what we'll eat tonight.

It's good to work outdoors.

No thank you.

Don't waste your breathe.

She's not the outdoors type.

Let's go.

We'll see you later.

I'm still sleepy.

Yuka, where are you? We need to talk.

This is not like you. Junichi

You scared me walking in like that.

I came by to look at your blister.

I didn't finish it yesterday.

Don'tjust walk in unannounced.

That's very rude.

Okay, hello then.

Were you born here?

No, I wasn't. Why?

That's a Tokyo accent.

I've been here three years now.

But I still can't get the accent.

When I try, the locals all laugh.

Okay, it's done.

Flex your ankle.

Do you know her?

Just on the same train, that's all.

Is she on her own?

Apparently so.

At high school?

Probably on summer holidays.

She's sleeping quite late.

She was up all night doing e-mail.

Why are kids today so into e-mail?

It helps you express your true feelings.

Face to face is better.

These days it's notjust the kids who are busy.

Adults are, too.

That's just an excuse.

They run away from what's important.

Like you? Look how far you've run.

You're a harsh woman.

You should try running away sometime.

It can be good for you.

I noticed you walk very fast.

You don't look around, you just keep walking.

You know nothing about me!

No more high heels for a while.

What's with them?

Wear them instead of your high heels.

Try to walk slowly.

Notjust for the blister.

Take it easy, get a look at the world.

Mind your own business.

The sky is so vast here!

Is that right?

In Osaka you can only see a tiny little bit of the sky.

And there's no color in it.

I hate it.

To tell the truth, I was brought up in the country.

But I hated it, so I went off to the city.

But honestly, being here makes me so relaxed.

I could tell you were countrified.

Is that right?

I thought I looked like the perfect city girl.

Why did he have to be so nasty?

Yuka...

You idiot!

Idiot!

Idiot!

Idiot!

No one knows me.

No one sees me.

I have no one.

I am always alone.

No one knows me.

No one sees me.

I have no one.

I am always alone.

No one knows me.

No one sees me.

I have no one.

I am always alone.

Let's do it before things get any worse.

Final Event participants, we do it at Mt Rokko.

I have sleeping pills and a car.

Count me in.

Count me in.

We welcome you.

Let's do it together.

Details to be forwarded.

We welcome you.

Good day.

These days, the town has turned into a relic.

It seems like time has somehow stopped.

Good day.

Good day.

May I ask who's the woman in the photo?

I'm rather embarrassed, but she was my wife.

She passed away last year.

It's good you're still traveling together even after her death.

That's so sweet.

In actual fact, we rarely went away together.

I always worked very hard. I took few holidays.

That was back in the boom times.

I never gave much thought to my family.

Back then, working hard was the ultimate virtue.

Then, finally, I retired. We had long, slow trip all planned out,

but then she...

...when I travel now, I always regret

that I didn't take the time to savor our life together.

Take time?

Okay, let's do it. Let's die together. Hanako

I went to a good university.

I've worked very hard.

What is he thing about?

This breakwater was built in the Edo era.

It's very impressive.

Yes, indeed.

Ships sat in the harbor waiting for wind and tide.

It made the town very prosperous.

The townsfolk took great care to be warm and friendly.

It's a warm-hearted town.

As they say,

"Good company makes for short miles. "

All chance meetings are decreed by destiny.

I must say you look like

Dr Choncho when he first got here.

Dr Choncho?

Look, there he is.

How's the leg?

Better since you treated it.

Today is the anniversary of my wife's passing.

Your wife?

Dr Choncho suddenly turned up here three years ago.

He was a traveler, like you.

Is that right?

Just about then, my wife suffered a heart attack.

But we had no resident doctor in the town.

Even an ambulance takes an hour to get here.

So he treated her, did he?

Yes, but it was too late to save her.

He was deeply depressed.

I had a talk with him. I told him

a doctor has little bearing on when one dies.

What do you mean by that?

Just that medicine has little influence when death is inevitable.

That's a good way to put it.

He came back for her 49th day memorial ceremony.

And he reopened the previously closed clinic.

He had quit the university hospital where he worked.

I was quite surprised.

There are not many like him these days.

That's how he ended up here?

Grandpa, what are you doing?

I'm making a miniature boat for you.

For me?

I'm thrilled.

We used to put lanterns with our wishes written on them.

Then set them adrift.

Really? How romantic.

E's so excited you're here. He was a professional shipwright.

That's enough.

Alright.

You want me to show you the gymnastics trick?

You've got to pay me.

Silly! I was only kidding.

Your family name is very rare. How is it written?

Choncho means butterfly in local dialect.

Butterfly?

It's a regional thing. I'm always fluttering about.

So they call me Dr Butterfly.

Dr Butterfly, is that right? It suits you.

Don't be nasty.

Listen, Doctor...

Sorry, I forgot I have to visit a patient.

Who's that handsome guy?

Listen.

It's time to make final arrangements.

I'm downstairs. Hanako

Can you keep going like that?

It seems not happy at all.

Dr Taichi Ochi is a single man.

So his real name is Ochi?

You didn't know?

This could be your big chance.

I pass. He's far too rude and abrupt.

So a career woman like you only likes city boys?

Stop that now.

Did I step on a land mine?

Yuka, he really is such a nice man.

He says true doctoring is avoiding illness.

That's why he's always checking on our health.

Because of him, we're all healthy here.

Mr Postmaster.

Look.

A sea bream. It's so big.

It sure is. Let's have a party and cook it for our guests.

- Good idea. - I leave it to you.

No problem.

Such a fat sea bream!

I'll show you how to cook it over rice, girls.

Do you have high school student staying here, a girl?

Good evening.

Thanks for spending time with our Shota.

Thank you.

I hope this shows my appreciation.

He's my grandson. And his dad...

He left Shota with us, and didn't come back.

I'm afraid he's deep in debt.

He promised he'd return

by the time Shota had mastered a gymnastic trick.

I feel so sorry for the poor boy.

He always goes out alone with his baseball and glove.

But he's getting depressed and now he rarely even speaks.

I'm far too old to play ball with him.

But yesterday, the first time for ages, he was quite happy.

He said you had shown him how to do a gymnastic trick.

He was so happy. Thank you. I really appreciate your kindness.

I'd prefer not to get involved.

Let the party begin on 9th.

Let's have fun till the morning.

It's over.

Come and join us for a drink.

Let me pour for you.

You, too, my dear.

Just leave all that to Tae. Come and have a drink.

Come on, girl. Get over here and eat.

Why are there only men here?

I asked everyone to come, but only the men turned up.

Are you sure about that?

That's right, isn't it Postmaster?

Have a drink.

So many here, aren't there? You can eat here, dear.

Thank you.

Thanks for your help earlier.

What? Did I do something for you?

Sorry I'm late.

Doctor, we've waited for you.

Welcome.

Have a drink.

Cheers.

Let me pour for you.

That's plenty.

Cheers.

Again?

Don't drink too much.

The doctorjust left.

Sorry about what I said earlier.

I know I'm too rude sometimes. And I always regret it afterwards.

I'm so stupid, I never learn.

Never mind. What you said was true.

I was thrilled that a younger man said he loved me.

I lost my sanity.

I don't know what I am doing.

But I still think you're really cool.

You're very much the career woman.

Not at all.

I was ready to quit if I found someone to marry.

Naturally, I've had several lovers.

I don't think I'm too demanding.

It's just the way it turned out. I'm still single.

I envy you. You're still so young.

I dreamed of a Cinderella experience.

I wanted to become a star, so I came to Osaka.

Really?

I auditioned for every part I possibly could. But not one of them worked out.

Finally, I ended up being a bar hostess.

Hanako. Is the bath too hot?

It's fine.

I'm very grateful for what you did for Shota.

It's really nothing. Not much I could do.

You're really a very kind and caring girl.

Thank you very much.

Thank you for everything. I enjoyed the food.

Where's the station?

This way. Go straight and turn left. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Come again please.

Hey. Cheer up. Things will get better for you.

Aren't they even slightly worried about me?

Aren't we a family?

It's your turn.

No, wait.

This is the 3rd time.

No, it's not that.

You're our only guest now.

How long do you plan to stay?

Thank you for everything. From Wakabayashi

Waiting for me?

It's ripe. Please take it.

Thank you very much. Take care.

Be careful, Grandpa.

Look what I scored. Let's have some.

I envy you. You found people who really need you.

I always believed

there's someone, somewhere, waiting just for me.

But now I'm not so sure.

I wonder if there really is anyone?

How sad to have had such a groundless belief.

But I know why.

I was always in such a big hurry.

If I'd stopped to look around, I would've found my someone.

I'm on a journey, just like you are.

How is that?

I'm still traveling. I don't know if I'll stay forever,

or leave if and when things change.

I haven't decided yet.

But you are really needed by everyone in town.

But I still don't belong here, not yet.

Why not?

I don't know. But after three years,

I still feel out of place here.

Dr Choncho.

I need to talk.

I've finally decided to do it.

Will wait at the cliffs until noon.

Go for it.

Though I sent it after a long thought.

It's not the will.

You thought too much.

Hopefully, he'll be wrong.

Look over there.

Oh, no!

Mr Wakabayashi.

Hanako.

You did come. I'm so glad.

Let's die together. How will we do it?

Let's hold hands.

Listen. I can't die.

What?

Not now.

Why say that now? You encouraged me.

I'm very serious.

I've already written farewell to my family.

I'm sorry. I just can't go through with it now.

Mr Wakabayashi

Stay back!

Mr Wakabayashi, what's going on?

Hanako?

Let's do it.

Remember. Someone's waiting for you.

There's no one waiting for me.

Not my wife, nor my daughter, my workmates...

Mr Wakabayashi.

No one needs me any more.

What's the point in living?

Didn't you say that, too?

Didn't you ask me to join you in a suicide pact?

I believed it.

I thought, at last, you were the one person who needed me.

Mr Wakabayashi.

Go away. Leave, I said!

Mr Wakabayashi.

No, don't! No closer.

Just calm down!

Calm down.

Every single one of us is loved by someone.

What do you know about me? How can you understand how unwanted I am?

No!

Stop it!

Don't.

Hanako!

Will I get left behind again?

All on my own again?

Hanako!

Shota...

He's worried that he'll lose you.

He's trying his best to stop you.

He needs you so much.

How I envy you.

I have no one. No one...

That's not true.

Didn't I come here just to stop you?

You're the only one who believed in me, you trusted me.

But Hanako...

I needed you, I really did.

I mean it.

Believe me.

I can't even do it!

But it's so good to be needed by someone.

I don't want to die now!

Mr Wakabayashi!

Hanako.

Hanako.

I'm so relieved, Hanako.

What about him?

Mr Wakabayashi.

I'm fine.

Mr Wakabayashi!

It hurts.

I'm so useless.

I'm so glad. I'm really glad to see you.

Forgive me. I'm really sorry.

We're happy for you.

You'll soon be okay.

Thank you.

Great! It's so great!

In the end, Shota saved them both.

I'm not a very good doctor.

A doctor has little bearing on when one dies.

Isn't that why you came here?

Anyway, I think the Postmaster put it very well.

Yes, he did.

But that's a line from an old movie.

Is it really?

But I never realized Hanako and Shota got on so well.

That's because...

In the country, you have time to look around.

And it makes you more gentle.

Now you get it.

This trip and this town have changed Hanako.

And notjust Hanako.

Hello. Is that you Maya?

I'm so sorry for everything. I'll soon be home.

Good, we're waiting for you.

A burglar broke into the house next door yesterday. We're scared, we really need you here.

I understand.

She's waiting for me. What a good feeling.

Almost there. Try again. One, two, three.

Once more. One, two, three.

You can do it! Again.

Great! You did it.

Great!

Now your father will come back.

Good day. - Good day.

I don't want to go back.

But all journeys must end.

I wish we will have lots more visitors

Next. Me?

Happy family life

To my beloved Shizue

I wish my dad comes back soon

Shota, give it to me.

A long life to my new Grandpa and Grandma

I pray I can come back one day

That's way too obvious to me.

Dr Choncho...

Thank you Kazamachi

Still wearing those shoes?

Yes, I'm getting used to them.

There's one thing I've wanted to ask you.

Why did you board that train?

Not my style?

No, not really.

It was the third prize.

Third prize? Some sort of lottery?

Yes, when I was out shopping with my boyfriend.

But in the end, I know I really won first prize.

He was no good at all. But because of him,

I ended up here.

I lost my love,

but it wasn't all in vain.

Set it adrift when I tell you.

Ready? One, two, go.

So beautiful.

Ocean fireflies. It's rare to actually see them.

There's a legend that your wishes reach God

if you see fireflies when you set a boat adrift.

What a wonderful trip...

Good company makes for short miles.

Isn't travel such a wonderful thing?

Thank you for everything.

Thank you.

Wakabayashi, just a moment.

Your letter.

Thank you. That's wonderful. I really appreciate it.

Hanako, Michiru and Yuka. Come again any time.

You're always welcome.

Thank you.

Thank you for everything.

Don't be shy. It's not like you.

Thank you very much. See you.

What's wrong? Aren't you coming?

I think I'll stay a while longer.

I have plenty of time.

Don't worry. I'll stay well clear of Dr Choncho.

I didn't mean that.

By the way, where is he?

Doing his rounds.

Does he think that's cool?

Farewell.

Come again.

Don't pull such a long face.

You know very well that I'll soon be back.

Be good.

Thanks.

After all, we're best friends, aren't we?

Good bye. Good bye.

Dr Choncho.

You really should have seen her off.

All journeys must end.

All travelers return whence they came.

Now for your blood pressure.

Thank you for taking this train.

Did you all find something of importance to you?