Original subtitles

The surplus of seniors is draining the Japanese economy

and has a bad effect

on the younger generation.

Of course, the elderly do not want to be a burden in our life.

We Japanese have a long and proud history of sacrifice

to the benefit of the country.

I pray that my brave act

will spark a discussion

and lead to a brighter future

for this nation...

You are listening to the "Music Forest", hosted by Radio Japan.

And now the news.

Today, the government passed the bill "Plan 75"

to facilitate death for all citizens aged 75 years and over.

Following a hate crime against seniors in our country,

the community is demanding drastic action

to address critical issues regarding the elderly population.

"Plan 75" caused controversy since it was first proposed,

but the bill was passed in spite of protests.

This unprecedented solution for the dilemma of the elderly population in Japan

has captured the world's attention...

You are moaning.

What, me?

You keep moaning.

My goodness.

I didn't even notice.

- How do you feel? - Not great.

You should have a check-up.

The doctor scares me.

I'll take this out.

Alright.

Those apples look so delicious!

Thank you very much.

Oh, this one's a little bruised.

It will be like that anyways when you eat it.

- That's right. - Of course.

This is for you.

Go ahead, Ineko.

Ittadakimasu.

I'll take a piece, too.

Ittadakimasu.

[Quiz program on TV]

Ittadakimasu.

Is there anybody with the ticket number 5?

Do you have number 5 maybe?

I'm number 5.

Sorry to keep you waiting. This way please.

My knees are a little...

Just a moment.

So much trouble!

Just a short distance.

Let's use this.

- Thank you. - Not at all.

Thank you.

Like this?

Can you lift your leg, please?

- This one, too. - Alright.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I see you have done your homework.

I have many questions.

I will receive 1000 Dollars "preparation fund", right?

Right.

What can I use it for?

Good question. Basically it can be used for any purpose.

For traveling, or enjoying a meal out. However you like it, really.

Like a gift.

Some recipients use it for funeral expenses.

That's not very interesting, right?

And another question...

Yes.

The "group plan"...

What's that?

This is one of those packages offered for cremation and burial.

Members of the group plan to be cremated and buried together.

This service is completely free.

- No fees at all. - That's right.

The 1000 Dollar fund I mentioned is really yours to use.

Once I am dead, it makes no difference.

To be buried with others is no problem, right?

Some participants feel less lonely that way.

Is it... difficult to enrol?

No process or special requirement is needed.

No health inspection,

nor approval by a doctor or your family.

It is very straightforward.

That's right.

The simpler, the better.

- Would you like to register today? - Yes.

Good. I'll start the paperwork.

Exactly 30 minutes.

Right on time.

Your tea.

Here we go.

Your tea.

Bring your elbows forward.

And up, and turn your elbows back.

Once more...

I will lift your feet now.

Right.

It's cold today, isn't it?

That feels good.

A moment, please.

- Hello. - Hello.

May I do a check?

Please raise your arms.

[Tagalog] Hello, darling. How are you?

I really miss you.

How do you feel?

They gave you another injection?

That's right, they said it doesn't hurt.

You are such a brave girl.

Your toys will arrive soon.

Just be patient a little more, okay?

I'm lucky you are good girl.

Is dad there?

Can I talk to him?

How are you, honey?

Does the doctor say she needs surgery urgently?

Isn't it too early?

What is the success rate of the operation?

Number 40 to 50, please to the examination room.

This one?

The button above. The one that says "start".

This one.

It works.

It's difficult to keep your head up in a place like this.

Looks like we're holding on tight on life.

Right.

This announcement is for the patient examination of the elderly group .

Patients receiving cancer screening, please proceed to the second floor

after filling the questionnaire.

For our bright future...

Humans have no choice to be born or not,

but how good is it if we can choose

when it's time to die.

To be able to decide how my life will end

gives me peace of mind.

I have no doubt about that at all.

"She lived a good life,"

that's what people will say about me.

Plan 75 is available free for all citizens aged 75 years and over.

We offer friendly and personal support to all participants.

Feel free to contact today.

We are there for you until the end...

Plan 75.

Excuse me.

We have a reservation for four people at one o'clock.

- Welcome. Please fill this in.

78 years.

What's the time now?

It's just one o'clock.

Let's go.

"Tangled Hair". Number 25.

25...

Who goes first today? How about you, Michi?

I will sing later.

Go first for once. Sanae and I are always singing.

"Sake of Sorrow".

What number?

37.

"Under the shade of an old apple tree,"

"tomorrow, let's meet one more time."

"When the sun turns red"

"and sinks down in the west."

"Happily, cheek to cheek"

"with a whisper of love"

"love burns crimson,"

"like an apple, oh so red."

Look.

It's like a resort hotel.

I took some pamphlets.

One for you.

Here.

It's very expensive.

This is Plan 75 "Platinum".

They have everything.

Swimming pool, hot spring, even a beauty salon. And massage.

And a photo studio.

They do your makeup and... take beautiful portrait photos.

Like a keepsake photo.

It could also be a family photo.

It's called the "farewell... farewell photo".

Such private facilities are very special, that's obvious.

I told you so.

Nonetheless, I prefer to die at home.

I used to feel the same way.

But just look at this place.

You will change your mind, too.

With your family around you,

leaving with a smile on your face will be amazing.

Are you ready to go, then?

That day will come for all of us.

It's something I would do for my grandchildren.

If it's for my grandson, I will do it.

You should go on a tour.

Is it really free?

One night, two days – meals included.

What kind of food?

Super fancy menus.

How about this?

You like this, right?

- What else? - This is too greasy.

- That looks good. - Hijiki.

You want mackerel?

Let's give us a treat!

All in all, 19.23 Dollars.

My treat.

Oh, you shouldn't! You are my guest.

I'm the one who chose it.

- Here. - Thank you.

So, I'm grateful to receive it.

Ineko, do you have towels to dry off?

Don't worry.

It will dry.

Are you sure?

Sit down and drink tea.

If I stay too long I will miss my last bus home.

Just stay here.

I have many futons.

A tooth brush for you.

I have everything that you need. Pajamas, too.

In that case, alright.

Just stay tonight.

You didn't have any news from your daughter?

I've never seen my grandchildren.

Although I have children, I feel lonely.

We are all alone in life.

So true.

Is the light too bright?

It's fine.

Well, I have a bodyguard tonight.

A thief wouldn't dare enter.

Someone could certainly sleep here.

I have brought some supports of different heights. Please have a look.

Give me that one.

This is the highest model.

That's very high.

- Very high. - This is uncomfortable.

Some people sleep underneath.

- Below the bar? - Yes.

This is about the same height but a different material.

- It's cold. - It's made of iron.

This one hurts.

Yes, it hurts.

This version is slightly different.

A single piece.

There is this type, too.

Kids can't get stuck in it, so it might be safer.

- I'm sliding down. - Because of its shape.

This is good.

That's the outline of the Plan. Do you have any questions?

- No. - Good.

Here is the application form. Please fill it in.

Thank you very much.

Good night.

Thank you.

[Tagalog] Brothers and Sisters.

Brothers and Sisters!

I want to say something.

Before we eat, can everyone listen to me?

Maria worked as a governess here.

She helped senior citizens.

Now, she needs our help.

Because she is going through hard times.

Would you like to explain it yourself?

Hello, everybody.

This is my daughter in the Philippines.

She is only five years old. She was born with a heart condition.

Now she needs surgery.

What's her name?

Ruby.

What a beautiful child.

Her name is Ruby. Isn't she a pretty girl?

Now we will be circulate a donation box.

Let's all show our spirit of love and charity

to Maria and Ruby.

I appreciate it.

You can get past this. Rest assured.

I told you they would help.

Thank you very much.

How much do you earn?

About 1500 Dollars a month.

Please sit.

I know work that pays more.

What kind of a job?

With senior citizens.

But I don't know the details yet.

But I know they pay well.

How come?

Maybe due to the government.

Can I have your cell number?

Of course!

Excuse me.

Uncle!

Eh?

I'm Hiromu.

Takeo's son?

Yes.

You've grown.

It's been a long time.

This is my application.

What?

It's his birthday.

He is 75 years old today.

So he has...

That's a good spirit.

Are you close to him?

No. I haven't seen him for 20 years.

He didn't even come to my father's funeral.

Every family has one like that.

I guess so.

Are you ok to take care of the case?

- Found it!

Aunt and uncle are within three degrees...

You can't do this one.

All right, I will hand it over to Sakurai.

Yes, do that.

- Thank you, we learned so much from you. - Not at all. We thank you.

Mrs. Kakutani, thank you for your work.

- I thank you for everything. - And my thanks to you.

Mrs. Mimura, thank you for your work.

- Please take care of yourself. - Sure, thank you.

Can you please hold this for me?

So tacky. Who would choose a color like this?

So are you moving to your son?

Still not sure.

Living with his wife can be annoying, right?

Living alone is much easier.

How about you?

My eldest daughter said she would pay me to babysit her child.

But I don't want to do it.

Everything has its price though.

How about you, Michi?

As you know, I don't have anybody. I'll have to find a job.

Ineko left the hospital today, right?

If she only hadn't fainted on the workplace.

There is no-one at her home who can help her.

Yes, but why should we suffer?

- There was a written complaint. - About what?

They found it bad that the home is forcing seniors to work.

A pack of lies.

The company is just afraid.

If an elderly employee dies while working, it might damage their image.

Everyone will grow old...

Thank you.

"End-of-service Notice"

No one can accept your current phone call.

Please leave a message after the beep.

Ineko?

This is Michi.

Maybe you're sleeping.

Hello?

I'm just calling to know how you are.

I will call again.

Look after yourself.

Hello. This is Wakabayashi.

Do you have a minute?

I wonder if you might be able to help me.

I have a female customer, 78 years old. Not employed.

Without family.

I know. Yes...

Is there a way you could accommodate her? We are already the fifth agency that she tried.

Right.

I understand.

A moment.

He says he will rent out to the elderly if they pay two years in advance.

Hello? That will be difficult...

That's right.

I understand.

No problem. We'll talk again. Thank you.

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

If I can't get a job, I guess there's little chance.

Right, this is really very difficult.

By the way, have you considered social assistance?

There are properties for less fortunate people. Maybe you have a better chance there.

I'm not ready for that option yet.

Oh, I see.

So, I'm afraid we can't help you. I am sorry.

Sorry.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

78 years...

Then...

Finished.

Again?

Excuse me?

Yes.

I don't think this is working. I keep getting zero results.

It works fine.

Miss Oshima?

Yes?

How can it be this way?

We don't have anything for you.

Sorry.

I couldn't find any house.

It's because of my age, they say.

So, the reason I called...

Remember you said about babysitting your grandson?

I wanted to ask if I can do it.

Yes, me.

Oh, I see.

Or maybe your daughter's friend.

Oh, of course!

Sorry to call at dinner time.

Okay, I'll hang up.

See you then.

This is a special unit for people with no family.

We take care of the cremation for them. All together.

First, two people work together for one patient.

No chatting. That's manners. Okay?

[Tagalog] How is it?

It runs well.

When the girls were little,

I used to ride with one kid in front, one in the back, and the baby tied to me.

Three kids? Isn't that difficult?

Well, I'm tough. Just kidding. You know, we moms

draw strength from our children.

Of course.

Even if the road is uphill, you will manage.

- No problem at all. - Really?

By the way, you can remove these two seats.

You want to go up?

I want to go up!

- Just a moment. So, is it okay? - Of course.

This one's heavy.

No one can accept your current phone call.

What's this?

Oh, blood donation cards.

You have been in Nagasaki?

Nagasaki?

Oh, for the bridge.

Bridge?

Tunnels, highways, dams... I used to build anything.

- You did? - Yes.

All over Japan. No attachment.

Hiroshima...

Sendai...

Nagoya.

Hokkaido!

That's a lot of blood.

That's right.

Now it has been changed to this.

- A bland plastic card. - Right.

- You throw it away? - Yes.

You keep them outside?

So they stay cold.

How's your mother?

She has remarried.

When?

When was it ...

A long time ago.

Before your father died?

Yes.

Father became very mellow after he got sick.

He used to be really tough before.

There is only one.

I will eat from the pot.

It's been three years since the launch of Plan 75.

It has given birth to various private sector businesses

that generate an income of about 10 billion Dollars.

The government is considering

to lower the eligibility age to 65 years for the next ten years.

Experts see this as a positive development for Japan,

the country with the fastest aging population in the world.

"Department of Social Assistance"

"Welfare Consultation Counter Closed Today"

Doors closing.

Going down.

Thank you very much.

Good evening.

Would you like some soup?

Thank you.

Hello?

Hello. I'm sorry to bother you.

This is Yoko Narimiya of Plan 75.

Am I speaking with Mrs. Michi Kakutani?

Yes, that's correct.

Thank you for signing up to Plan 75.

I'm glad I have been assigned to help you.

I am very grateful.

I will be in touch periodically

but if you are feeling uncomfortable,

our call center operates 24 hours a day,

so feel free to call.

I will do that. Thank you very much.

You.

Me? No, thank you.

Dead people. No more use.

You use, no garbage.

Everyone good.

Remember...

dead people.

My first marriage, ... it was arranged.

I couldn't refuse.

A family run business. I was ordered around from morning to night.

It was a tough life.

All the time, I was just thinking about running away.

An did you run away?

I had a child.

But...

the umbilical cord was wrapped around the neck and it died.

Small hospital can't do anything to help such newborns.

Are my 15 minutes up?

Time flies when I talk to you.

I'll call you again on Friday.

Friday. I'm looking forward to it.

Good night.

Good night.

Hmm, hello?

Ma'am?

Yes?

I'd like to ask you something.

- Sorry to keep you waiting. - Thank you.

Sorry, I forced it on you like this.

It's okay, if no one knows.

Why are we not allowed to meet?

Maybe so that people are not tied down emotionally and reconsider.

You're different than on the phone.

- Are you disappointed? - No! Thank you for coming.

Oh, before I forget.

No, I can't.

A little something. For spending time with me.

I received 1000 Dollars, right? But I have no use for it.

I have no grandchildren.

Take it.

Thank you...

You make the same impression as your voice.

Really?

I always thought you had a good sound.

My second husband complimented my voice when we first met.

I'm pleased to hear it.

Do you have sweet memories of coming here with your husband?

I don't think this place has changed much.

This hasn't changed one bit.

Melon soda.

Cream Soda.

Looks delicious.

- Want to try? - I?

- Can you hold it? - Yes.

Like this?

With both hands.

You start there.

And now?

Take three steps and throw.

One, two, three...

Almost.

Once again?

OK, I'll try.

- Right in the middle. - Yes.

Extraordinary!

Thank you.

"No permanent address needed for registration."

The problem is not with the facilities but with the break-down in the crematorium.

That's right.

We are very sorry about this.

We are contacting those who have an appointment tomorrow to reschedule.

Yes. We apologize for this situation. I will contact you soon.

Thank you for your understanding.

Goodbye.

A day or two late is OK.

Any longer than that would be a problem.

What's this company listed here?

Which one?

This is the only place that I haven't contacted yet.

I'll take care of it.

- I can do it. - It's fine.

Get me some coffee.

Alright.

See you tomorrow.

Good night.

"TPA Services Inc. - Industrial Waste Disposal"

"Accepted Material - Rubber, Metal, Paper..."

"Related solid waste such as carcasses, dead animals..."

"Cremation ashes"

I feel like I have to go shopping royally today.

I ordered sushi for delivery.

When I called, they said I can't order it.

But when I explained my situation, they changed their attitude.

They offered me various luxury options.

That sounds great.

First-class sushi is really something.

I've never tried first-class sushi.

I should have ordered a set for you, too.

I need to tell you about a few things before the call ends.

May I?

Yes.

I've already explained this to you in the beginning,

but it's important, so I will do it again.

Alright.

Plan 75 provides services

according to the wishes of the participants.

If you change your mind, you can opt out at any time.

Yes.

Tomorrow morning...

when you leave, please leave your door unlocked.

A member of our staff

will visit to make end arrangements with your landlord.

I appreciate your concern to the end.

That's all my explanation.

Do you have any questions?

I have really been very happy...

each time when I could chat with you.

I will always be grateful to you...

for talking to this old lady...

Just...

that's all.

Goodbye...

Most of our callers are in their 70s or 80s.

The elderly often are lonely people.

Of course they appreciate someone to talk to.

Your job is to support them

and be a good listener.

In fact, there are many participants who want to stop in the course of the process.

Please guide each one of them well and make sure that doesn't happen.

They esperience anxiety and fear. It's normal.

Nobody thinks it's fun to die.

Aligning ourselves with their feelings is the key.

And above all,

give them the courage to make their last journey in peace,

without any final regrets.

That's our role.

Okay, let's look at real case studies...

Turn to page eight of your manual.

Sorry about this.

I don't know what's wrong with me today.

I usually wake up at 4 am.

Uncle, your seat belt.

[Weather report on the radio]

Good afternoon.

Cold today, isn't it?

Let's see... I will order...

- Oyakodon, please. - One Oyakodon.

Would you like sake?

- What? - Sake.

Great idea.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Sake, please.

For one person?

Yes.

One glass of sake.

Here.

Are you okay?

Do you want to cancel?

Was your father very angry with me?

He always missed you.

You sound like him.

So do you.

Of course.

Brothers are brothers.

Can you give me your left arm, please?

This is against nausea.

Can I put it in your hand?

And water.

Have you swallowed it?

Yes.

Alright, just give it to me.

I will put the water here.

And your right hand, please.

Please lie down and relax.

- Excuse me. - Thank you.

The medicine will be effective soon. Please continue breathing slowly.

You will start to feel sleepy. Just relax and let yourself fall asleep.

Yes?

OK, I see.

Maybe it's broken.

Have you contacted the manufacturer?

What did they say?

Yes.

Oh, really?

Well, I'll head there now.

I'll be there in a minute.

Uncle?

Uncle!

It's OK. It's OK.

Bye, sir.

Cremation service only, right?

Right.

Have you arranged a hearse?

No, I use my own vehicle.

Do you have a coffin ?

No.

That can be arranged by us.

Yes, please.

I'll check what we have. Please hold.

Yes.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

We are very busy now. The earliest I can enter you

is Friday between 3 and 4 pm.

Four days from now?

We have one place today at 4 o'clock.

Police. You were over the speed limit.

Sorry.

May I see your license?

Your name is Hiromu Okabe?

Yes.

No change in address?

No.

Who's that?

My uncle.

Wait a moment please.

Yokohama 132 to inquiry centre.

This is inquiry centre.

Request for a license check.

Name, Hiromu Okabe.

License number, 45100326...

In the shade...

of an old apple tree

tomorrow...

let's meet

one more time

when the sun

dark red

sinks down in

the west...