All language subtitles for Nagoriyuki - eng 02

This video is intended

to provide an enjoyable
original view of the film,

The video has been produced with
the following primary considerations in mind

First of all,
Is this circle correct?

If this circle is distorted,
the image is also distorted.

So first please
reproduce the correct circle.

The aspect ratio of this film is

1:1.66, the image is in
European Vista size,

So even if you expand
the frame to its full size

it will be distorted.
To the left and right on a 4:3 monitor,

and the top, bottom,
left and right on a 16:9 monitor,

some black areas will remain.

But that is the proper way
to appreciate this film.

So please take your time,
and enjoy this film.

Kyoko Obayashi Producer 2003 22nd
Fujimoto Award Special Prize Winner

In Oita Prefecture,
a peaceful, small town,

sleeps quietly against the backdrop
of the Kuju Mountain Range.

Nineteen or twenty years ago
this song was born.

Since then, through
Japan's turbulent years,

the people who wrote this song,
the people who sang it,

and the homes of many young people
who have continued to love it,

have all now equally
reached the age of 50.

Waiting for the train beside you,
I keep checking the time.

Unseasonable snow is falling.

In Tokyo, this is
the last snow you'll see,

you say sadly

Even the drifting snow
knows when to fall.

After the season of too much fun,

Now spring has come
and you have become beautiful,

Even more beautiful than last year.

As the train starts moving,
you press your face to the window.

You seem to want to say something.

Your lips move, saying goodbye,

Looking downwards,
I am scared and pretending not to notice.

As time passes,
you, who were once childish,

Grow up without even realizing it.

Now spring has come,
and you have become beautiful,

Even more beautiful than last year.

I watch the remaining snow
left behind by you,

falling and melting away.

Now spring has come,
and you have become beautiful,

Even more beautiful than last year.

2001, Early Autumn
Tokyo

I thought of writing
a suicide note in jest,

not seriously intending to die,
but feeling there was no point in living.

I was overwhelmed by such a feeling.

But then I suddenly realized,

to whom should I address this note?

I have no relatives,
no close friends,

and my wife left me.

That was this morning.

The word 'separation'
has a dramatic ring to it,

but in my case, she simply left me.

After 28 years together,

writing a suicide note to my wife,
would be pointless now.

When I think about it,
my life has always been half-hearted.

At that moment, the phone rang.

In retrospect,

this phone call felt
like a sort of divine prank.

That's how it feels.

Hello, this is Kajimura.

Hello?

- Is this Mr. Yusaku?
- Who is this?

It's me, um, Mizuta.

Mizuta, from where?

It's Mizuta,
Kenichiro Mizuta from Usuki.

Usuki?

Yes, Usuki.
Do you remember, Yusaku?

Have you forgotten Usuki?

Well, it's been 28 years since then.

Another 28 years have passed.

I found your address
in the university alumni directory.

Won't you come back to Usuki?

Um, After 28 years?

Why?

Because Yukiko is dying.

Yukiko? No...
What do you mean?

My wife is dying. This morning she had
a scooter accident and is in a coma.

She was taken to the emergency hospital,
but her condition is critical.

The doctor said if there was anyone to notify,
I should let them know.

So... that's why you called me?

I thought it might be a nuisance,

but after all,
I thought if I didn't tell you,

if Yukiko died without you knowing,
I thought you would regret it.

Of course, whether you come
or not is up to you.

But,

Kajimura,

Yusaku,

Won't you please come back?

I'm sure Yukiko would want that too.

I can tell what Yukiko wants.

So,

please,

don't make me regret this.

Please.

Of course, it's fine if your wife comes along.
She has met Yukiko too.

Yes, do that.

It would make it easier
for you to return to Usuki.

Of course, right.

Toshiko left me.

It was this morning as well.

I will have someone come
to pick up the luggage tomorrow.

This was the beginning of the story.

The next morning,
I boarded the bullet train.

Taking up the invitation
from an old friend I had forgotten.

Heading towards the distant hometown
I had almost forgotten as well.

It wasn't because I particularly wanted to.

A person about to commit suicide
has no reason to refuse.

I called work and told them
I was out with a cold.

High fever.
It'll take three or four days.

The reason I took the train
instead of flying

was to make it a ritual of returning
to Usuki, rather than just going there.

This rail line continues far,
all the way to Usuki.

I just wanted to confirm that distance.

28 years.

28 years ago, I often rode the train
like this to return to Usuki.

Mizuta and Yukiko would always be waiting
at the Usuki station when I arrived.

I wonder if I’ll meet her again today.

You know, that one girl.

That's her!

Lovely, isn't it, Yusaku?

What is it? Speak clearly.

Would you like something to eat or drink?

Without intending to,
I started to remember.

Hello?

Excuse me.

Which one is it? This one?

Here.

What are you going to do
with this, Yukiko?

Yeah, well, it's fine. Let's go.

Here, I'll take this.
But it's not for me, it's for her.

Her name is Yukiko Sonoda.

Senpai, are you the son
of this shop's owner?

Yes, I am.

Could you tell me your name?
And also your age and date of birth?

– Wait, stop!
– I want to ask for your sake!

Alright, I'm leaving.

Um, what is it?

Yes, 16.

February 23, 1954.

No, I meant the price...

Oh, it's 650 yen.

My name is Yusaku Kajimura.

600 and, uh, 50 yen. Exactly.

Certainly. Thank you very much.

What are you going to use this for?

It's surprising that the son of
a craft store owner doesn't know.

But you're not a shop clerk, are you?

Usually, it’s stuffed into pillows.

It's fluffy and makes a good cushion,
it's comfortable.

But mine is a bit different.
It's not just for that.

Different?

Oh, I'm Yukiko. Yukiko Sonoda.

Yes, I know.

Ah, Yukiko. It's a lovely name.

Is it written with the character for happiness?

No, it’s the kanji for snow,
the white snow that falls from the sky.

I see. It suits you well.
Are you a middle school student?

Yes, I’m a second-year student
at Nioji Girls' Academy.

I see, that's nice.

Well, I must be going.
Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Mom.

Why don't you bring a cute girlfriend
like that sometimes?

When I come this far,
the nostalgia starts flooding back.

The afternoons in Kyushu are red.

The bluer the sea, the redder
the landscape feels. I wonder why.

Well, from here on,
it’s a straight path to Usuki.

The distance keeps decreasing...

The past is strangely muddled.

But, now that a long time has passed,

it feels like a clear story emerges,
as if already written,

leaving only a single path.

I'm done.
I'm a bit tired. Let's call it a day.

You've improved a lot.

If we keep this up, we'll win the next match
against Sakanosaki High School,

We’ll win the doubles match together.

One more time.

She really has feelings for you,
hasn’t she?

No way.

But her smile just now was special.

She's the flower of Kazari High School.
Being liked by Yurie Shintani is really something.

Yusaku Kajimura, you're quite something too.

She’s better suited to Sugita.
They're both class representatives.

You still don't get it, do you?

In the real world, academic
excellence and athletic prowess

don't necessarily mean
they'll fall for each other.

You see it in movies and novels,

women like her often fall
for struggling artists or poor musicians,

men who are no good.

- Is that so?
- That's how it is.

So, Yusaku, you have
a good chance too.

Hey there, Senpai!

Let's go.

Hello.

Hello.

It was them after all. I knew it.

This girl has 20/20 vision.

She saw you from behind and said without
a doubt that it was Yusaku Kajimura-senpai.

Yes.

What's going on?

You two know each other?

Sorry for dragging you along
to my grandma's grave.

But I'm happy.

Hiromi Maki and Yukiko Sonoda.

But the name Yukiko
is rare in Kyushu, isn't it?

Were you perhaps born in Hokkaido?

No, it was my grandmother.

On the day I was born, it snowed
just a little bit here in Usuki.

They thought it was a sign of good luck.

Perhaps because of that, whenever
it snows, something good happens to me.

I find something I lost, or
I meet someone I wanted to see.

Then why don't you move
to Niigata, Aomori, or Hokkaido?

In winter, good things will happen every day.

That's true, but...

Hey, what do you think,
Kajimura-senpai?

I think it's nice because
it happens occasionally.

Yes, exactly.

Because it happens only occasionally.

A miracle.

Snow.

When was the last time it snowed here?

It feels like just yesterday,
those days.

But when it feels like "just yesterday"...

Why do people have to age for decades
to understand this saying?

Back then,

I never thought I would be
approaching the age of fifty.

I never imagined it.

But even back then,

time was slowly moving forward.

I never thought you'd
really move to Hokkaido, Hiromi.

Fate is a strange and mischievous thing.

But now, a lot of good things will come.

If only it would snow today, Yukki...

I could stay here forever...

Hiromi.

I'll write lots of letters.

You write too, Hiromi.
About snow, about the snow.

About the snow that falls and falls.

Goodbye. Take care.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

I hate it.

I hate it.

I hate it.

I hate parting.

Maybe the separation had already begun.

And only Yukiko had noticed it.

But neither Mizuta nor I
were aware of it.

Kajimura, can I talk to you?
Will you come with me?

Me?

Yes. Mizuta, too.
I want you both to hear.

Alright, this way.

In situations like this,
it's always the shrine grounds...

Why did you bring us here?
Are you planning something?

I don't know what's going on,
but don't get the wrong idea.

We're not here to fight. We need to talk.
Or rather... I need to consult with you.

Yeah, so what's this consultation about?

You know what it's about,
don't you? It's about Shintani-kun.

Yusaku, a consultation
about Yurie Shintani.

Exactly. Nothing yet, but
something will happen. I can sense it.

- What do you mean by that?
- Kajimura, you understand, right?

- Just look at Shintani-kun.
- I see. Then I understand too.

I want to prevent a mistake
before it happens.

A mistake before it happens.

Shintani-kun should love me.
Because I truly love Shintani-kun.

But Kajimura,
you don't feel that way, right?

That's true.

You can't make her happy.
Only I can make Shintani-kun happy.

But what about Yurie Shintani herself?

That's the problem.

It seems she likes you, Kajimura.

So, here's my request, Kajimura.

I want you to back off from her.

Back off?
But I haven't done anything.

Just declare that you dislike Shintani-kun.

I can't do that.

Why not?

Because I don't dislike Shintani-kun.

I can't lie.

I don't have any special feelings
for Shintani-kun,

but I don't dislike her either.

If I said I disliked her, it would
hurt her feelings, wouldn't it?

I don't want to hurt anyone.

- Coward!
- Coward?

You don't understand.

Leaving things as they are
would hurt her even more.

Fine. Then let's compete like men.

If you won't back off, I'll compete
with you. Fair and square.

Wait a minute.
What do you mean by "compete"?

If it's academics or sports,
the outcome is already clear...

Well, we have no choice.
Right, Yusaku?

If you wish.

Fine. I'll let you know the date.
See you then.

Okay, I'll be waiting.

Yurie... I'll defend you.

- He's watched too many youth dramas,
hasn't he? – What do we do, though?

Can't help it. We have
no choice, right? Life sometimes

throws things at us
like in the movies.

You need this kind
of excitement once in a while.

- Bring it on!
- Yeah!

Well done.
You did great.

Yuasku. Yurie Shintani
will fall for you even more.

- Rules are rules...
- What do you mean?

I lost. I lost the competition.

Are you giving up?
Is that really okay with you?

Let's go.

It seems like a fair outcome...

Good morning.

What are you doing?

I’m not an object, you know!

Don’t just fight over me
without my permission.

In the end, Yurie Shintani's punch
was the hardest hit.

Does this mean it’s over for you?

No, it’s not like that.

Come on, don't be so serious.

Hey, Yuko-san!

At the mountain station,
light and shadow intersect.

Ah, Usuki Station.

It hasn't changed at all
in 28 years. Not one bit.

- Welcome back.
- Yeah.

It's me, Mizuta.
Did you forget my face?

No, I remember well, especially
your face wrapped in bandages.

I often came here to see you off.

But when I said that,
Yukiko always denied it, saying

I was always the one being seen off.

Yusaku, I'm glad you came back.
Yukiko will be happy too.

Now it's Yukiko
who's wrapped in bandages...

Let's go.
We don't have much time.

This is it.

She was riding a scooter
and apparently fell.

Right after turning a corner.

Even though it's a road
she always takes.

The only witness was a three-year-old girl.
She said that she fell trying to avoid a cat.

At least, that's what she said.
Who knows what really happened.

I always thought it was dangerous.

Even if I had to be forceful,
I should have made her stop.

In this quiet town,
accidents are rare.

And if they do happen,
they rarely cause serious injuries.

Why did this have to happen?

We're heading to the hospital.

Sugita Clinic. Do you know it?

No.

Ryoichi Sugita.
Our star tennis player.

- He became a doctor?
- He was the son of a doctor.

We went to his father's hospital
for treatment after he knocked us out.

I didn't know that. Maybe
because we were in different classes.

That's why the doctor was always smiling.
No wonder he was so good to us.

Yeah.

And Yurie Shintani?

She's the wife of the former
director of the Sugita Hospital.

Really?

She prevented it before it happened.

The mistake, I mean.

28 years.

More than 30 years,
if you count from those days.

Life has its ups and downs.

Ah, we've arrived.

It's amazing, isn’t it?
This used to be Sugita General Hospital.

Sugita is the director now.
He doesn’t deal with people like us anymore.

I heard he's running
for prefectural assembly next.

His wife, Yurie, is the president
of Soroptimist International.

Anyway, let's go and see her.

Natsuho. My daughter.

This is Yusaku Kajimura.

He came all the way from Tokyo.

Nice to meet you.

This is Yukiko.

They say that if she can't
breathe on her own anymore,

it'll be the end.

Come on, say something to her.

Yukiko, Yukiko.

It's Yusaku. Yusaku Kajimura.

He's come back.

Look, it's nostalgic, isn't it?

I'm right here, Yusaku is here.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.
Yusaku...

I’m sorry for what happened to Yukiko.

I promised to protect her.

"I promised you that I would protect Yukiko..."

Yukiko on the scooter...
and Natsuho, her daughter...

Everything before me felt so distant.

Even Mizuta standing here now,

and Yukiko in bed.

Even myself.

I remembered the last day in Usuki...

It started to rain after all.

Yukiko didn't come.

But it's surely because
of yesterday's injury.

Yukiko would definitely have come
to see you off otherwise.

Yeah, but it's okay.

Don't worry. I'll protect Yukiko.

That's reassuring.

Will you really let me take care of her?

Yes, she's like a precious sister to me.

I see.

When will you be back next, Yusaku?

I don’t know.

I have this feeling.

Like you might never
come back to this town again.

I don’t know why.
I’ve seen you off many times here.

It’s the first time I feel this way.

Maybe it’s because
Yukiko isn't here this time.

Goodbye, Yusaku. Take care
of yourself, and Toshiko too.

Yukiko, stop it!

You shouldn’t do this!

No, don't! We can't!

Yukiko.

No! No!

Yusaku! Stop.

Don’t say anything.

Don’t ask anything.

You see?

That moment was
the last time I saw Yukiko.

The next morning... I left Usuki.

And just as Mizuta had predicted...
I never returned to Usuki again.

That year, I married Toshiko Sugai.

It was a young, rushed marriage,
and we were poor.

But youth itself is like a dream.

For me, life in Tokyo was everything.

I lived every day to the fullest,

and forgot about Usuki.

28 years have passed since then.

And now...

I am here.

At the age of 50...

It seems easier to believe
in death than in life.

No! No!

It's Takuyoi.

I’m truly sorry.

But I am glad you came.
I was happy to see you.

I thought about finding a place to stay,

but I wanted to take the time
to talk with you, leisurely like this.

It’s a messy house, but...
Make yourself at home.

But, would it be better
to stay at the hospital?

Even if we're not there, if anything
happens, Natsuho will let us know.

She takes after her mother
and is very responsible.

I’ll go back again soon.

How old is your daughter?

She’s 13. The same age
when we met Yukiko.

- She's the third generation.
- Huh?

Yukiko brought her in.

We never had children ourselves.

Toshiko worked away
from home all the time.

You realize your own age
through your child’s age.

That's what they say.

When did we get so old?

Yukiko too. She’s already 45.

Next spring, she’ll be 46.

Yukiko always looked forward to spring.

By the end of summer, she was
already thinking about the next spring.

What was that all about?

Your wife,

Yukiko,

She loved snow... I thought
she loved winters when it snowed.

Well then...
Cheers.

Cheers.

We should toast to Hiromi too.

Cheers.

I envy you.

You know, they say in Hokkaido
it still snows in March.

How about Tokyo?

Tokyo is far from Usuki,
so it might snow there too.

Yeah, I wonder.

It’s far, but it's east, not north.

I see.

But I want to go there.

But, my birthday,

and celebrating my high
school admission with everyone,

it's wonderful that it coincides with
Yusaku's university acceptance celebration.

I'm very happy.

I'm very happy.
Congratulations on your admission.

Well, well, thank you.

Yukiko, you're so kind.

So, once again happy 15th birthday, Yukiko,

and congratulations on
becoming a high school student.

It's old, but this is an album
I've cherished.

Fill it with good photos.

Thank you.

Please write me lots of letters.

Congratulations, Yukki.
This is from Yusaku and me.

It’s a flower called
"nagoriyuki" (lingering snow).

How pretty.

And Yusaku, this is a book
my father gave me.

Read it when you're
feeling despondent in Tokyo.

Thank you.

- Congratulations, Yukiko.
- Thank you.

Congratulations.

Ah, so nice.

So many "congratulations"
and "thank yous".

Really.

I’ve thought many times
about going to Tokyo with Yusaku.

But unlike Yusaku, I’m destined
to take over my father’s business.

And I don't have the ability
to pass university exams anyway.

If I'm going to be a sake brewer,
it's better to start learning early.

It’s nice. Having your life
planned out so far ahead.

You can study anything
with peace of mind.

I wonder what kind of fate awaits me?

Get married, have good children,
and be happy.

No, that's too simple.

Just because you get married
doesn't mean you'll be happy, right?

Thank you so much for today.

But don’t leave just yet.
I have a request.

Look, over there.
Just wait there for a moment.

What? What is it?
What’s happening?

Just do as I say, please.

Yukki.

Snow! Hey, look. Snow!

Today was a good day,

it was like a miracle.

It's snowing!

Look, it's snowing!

Look, snow!

Our snow!

Thank you!

Yukki.

Yukiko.

Take care. Don't eat
or drink anything strange,

or you'll get sick. You know that.

Study hard and come
back successful. I'll be waiting.

I won’t say goodbye
because it's not farewell.

But seeing off Yusaku like this
feels strange. So come back soon.

You’ll be back for summer break, right?

July or August?
I'll come back as soon as I can.

No need for souvenirs,
just bring back lots of fun stories.

Sure.

Okay.

Take care.

Alright, I should head back to the hospital.

I need to put Natsuho to bed.

Isn't "Natsuho" an interesting name?

Yukiko chose it.

Even though she was
born in the middle of winter.

She wanted her to grow up
as lively as the summer sun.

Snow doesn't fall in summer, though.

Yeah.

Mizuta.

There's one thing I want to ask you.

Back then,

Yukiko was shouting "No, no."

What did that mean?

What exactly happened
in that room back then?

I've always thought you knew best.
About what happened.

Yukiko never spoke a word about it
after that. Never mentioned it again.

I've always thought
you knew the reason.

That I know the reason?

Sorry, I need to go to the hospital.

My mother will show you
to your room. Rest well upstairs.

I hope you can come
to the hospital again tomorrow.

No!

That summer, everything was shining.

I went to Tokyo, and living
in the city made me grow up a bit.

I started to feel
more confident in myself.

In my hometown Usuki, my mother was waiting
for me with high hopes, as were my friends.

Most importantly, Yukiko
eagerly awaited my return.

I couldn't wait to show them
the new, more mature me.

It was just four months, but that absence
made me more aware of my own existence.

A shadow fell on the platform.

A small sense
of unease crossed my mind.

Your mother is waiting at the shop.

She said walking outside
in this heat makes her dizzy.

So, let's hurry, hurry.

We're home.

Mother.

Welcome back.

Here, have some cold cider.

I'm going to change clothes.

- Drink up, Mizuta.
- Thank you.

Tokyo and Usuki.

The distance
seemed to change something.

At that moment, I looked
at my hometown and its people

with the eyes of a curious traveler.

She was a really good wife.

She was too good for me.

Both my father and
her parents have passed away,

and the kids have grown up and left.

In that regard,
there is nothing to regret.

Nothing to regret, you say?

Yukiko still...

If she has any regrets, what could
they be? I thought about it.

Yukiko's album.

Actually, I brought it from home
last night, thinking I'd show it to you.

And I spent the whole night looking at it.

Open it.

I hadn't seen it in a long time,
maybe over ten years.

Time flies, doesn't it?

Looking at it again,
I realized something.

All the pictures with you
in them had been removed.

Since when, I wonder?

It feels like it's always been that way.

When people get married,
they often do that.

But looking at this,

those missing pictures...

seem to represent Yukiko's regrets.

Mizuta.

The reason I called you this time,

honestly, I didn't really
understand it myself at first.

But gradually, it's become clear to me.

I'm sorry for being so stubborn.

I've been unwell lately,
and my patience has worn thin.

But about Toshiko, to be honest,

that's the one thing
I can't forgive you for.

Toshiko...

What was that all about?

I thought of studying hard
and going to Tokyo.

Chasing after Yusaku
as a university student in Tokyo.

You'll be fine, Yukiko.
You'll definitely get in.

To a better university than me, for sure.

But no, my mon and dad
are such worriers.

There's no way they'd let me go
to Tokyo alone. It's impossible.

Tokyo and Usuki... where did
the truth lie for me back then?

So, should I do as Mizuta says,
get married, and have kids?

But you're going to Tokyo,

so it's impossible.

I wonder if Mizuta-san
would marry me.

But it's strange. This is the first time
we've walked together, just the two of us.

That's why it feels strange. Because it was
always the three of us, with Mizuta-san.

Yeah.

Ah, I want to go far away.

I want to go too. To ride the train
and not always just see people off.

I really hate it.

It's so hot.

Ah, hello.

Hang in there.

It was tough.

I told my parents that I was
going out with a group of friends.

Because of you, I'm becoming
a bad girl who's good at lying.

But when I see these wild lights,

it feels like everything is forgiven,
and I'm becoming a good girl again.

Because being with you like this
is a good thing, right? Isn't it?

Yeah.

Today, there's one more old,
important story from the past

that I want to tell you.

A story about my grandmother,
the one who named me.

Yukiko's grandmother?

My grandmother...

She was was married twice.

Twice? Married twice?

Her first husband was was drafted
right after they got married.

You know what a draft is, right?

It's the government's
order to go to war.

He was suddenly drafted
and sent to China,

and died in the war.

Right after they got married?

Yes.

And then, what happened was,

my grandmother was made
to marry his younger brother.

That was my grandfather.

Really.

In the old days,

such things were common
to protect the family.

But even after marrying my grandfather,

she could never forget
her first husband.

They parted on a snowy day.
He made her a promise.

“I will definitely come back
for I love Usuki.”

By "Usuki," of course,
he meant my grandmother.

She lived her life with my grandfather
holding on to that promise.

Grandma used to say,

"Be with the person you love the most,
and let your love grow."

She said that's what
the name "Yukiko" means.

Maybe Grandma
and Grandpa had a hard life,

but thanks to them,
I’m here today.

So to Grandma and Grandpa,

I have to say thank you.

Sorry for talking about this.

But when I look at this Buddha statue...

I understand.

Beautiful.

Do you also like it, Yusaku?

I mean, the snow.

Yeah, I love it.

Good.

Then I have to say thank you.

So, it's time to say goodbye.

Not to you, but to summer.

I... I never thought the end of summer
would come so quickly.

I never thought about it before.

I'm always the one seeing people off.

I... I want...

Just once, I want you
to see me off, Yusaku.

Next year, I’ll go to Tokyo.

I don’t need to go to university.

I’ll come to see you.

Don't worry,
I won't interrupt your studies.

Just for three days, only three days.

On the first day,
you’ll take me to your university.

Because I want to see
where you spend your days.

We don’t need to go
to Ginza or Shinjuku.

We’ll eat at the soba shop near
the university where you sometimes go.

On the second day, I'll cook for you.

From the morning, I'll clean
your apartment, cook a delicious meal,

and wait for you to come home.

Then we'll eat it together,
sitting across the tea table.

And on the third day,

I'll have to go home.

But you'll see me off at the station.

School?

It's okay, just for today.
For Yukiko, just this once.

And then I'll get on the train.

You'll be on the platform,
checking the time.

At that moment,
it seemed like Yukiko's lips

mouthed "Goodbye,"

and it scared me,

so I suddenly look away.

I’m sure it will snow at that moment.

That's why I'll come in winter.

Someday, on a winter’s day,
I will go to Tokyo.

But that will be our last goodbye.

So the snow we see in Tokyo,
will be the last.

Hey, take care.
Work hard.

But Yukiko's wish did not come true.

It remained as one of her
childhood dreams, forgotten in reality.

That winter,

I did not return to Usuki.

Even in the following spring, I ignored
my mother's plea to come home soon,

using the excuse
of preparing for a new seminar.

Life in Tokyo was so exciting
for a young person like me,

and every day passed in a flash.

I didn't realize how quickly time flew by.

I did something irreversible.

That's how I feel.

No, that's not true.

Let me put it this way.

I am grateful to you.

But what about Yukiko?

The following summer, I returned
to Usuki for the first time in a year.

As usual, Yukiko and Mizuta
came to greet me,

but this time, I was not alone.

Welcome home.

This is Toshiko Sugai.

She's studying the same
major as me at university.

She loves Rentaro Taki's
"Moon over the Ruined Castle,"

and wanted to visit Takeda.
So I brought her here.

Nice to meet you.
I'm Toshiko Sugai.

Pleased to meet you.

This is Mizuta, and this is Yukiko.

Nice to meet you.

I've heard a lot about you two.
Kajimura talks about you a lot.

I'm from Tokyo, born and raised, so I've
always envied people who have a hometown.

I always thought it was great.

Well, shall we go?

Lovely.
I love this countryside station.

I love it!
I'm so glad I came along with Kajimura.

Really glad.

Thank you so much
for your thoughtfulness.

Thank you.

I will be in your care for a while.

Thank you for coming
all this way to the countryside.

I hope this suits your taste.

No, it's fine.

Delicious! The taste
of summer in the countryside.

Well, I have to get back
to my deliveries.

Yusaku, wait a minute.

Toshiko.

Do you want to change your clothes?
We have a shower, too, if you'd like.

Oh dear, I need
to book a place to stay.

If you had told me in advance, I would have
prepared something proper. I'm sorry.

No, Toshiko can stay upstairs.

I'll sleep here with Mom.

I'll clear out my room.

Yusaku... Are you sure it's okay
to let her stay in such a cramped place?

It's fine, mother.

I came here excited to spend a proper
countryside summer vacation with Kajimura.

So I'm looking forward to it.

Is that so?

Well, see you, Yusaku.

Yukki.

I thought I understood Yukiko's feelings.

But Yukiko needed to grow up more.

That's what I thought at the time.

Of course, Mizuta as well.
And myself too.

People from the past were amazing.

To think they transported such large stones,
and stacked them like this.

In that sense, we modern humans
might have devolved.

I get exhausted
just lifting a few boxes of sake.

I'm already out of breath.

This castle was built
in the Heian period.

It was known as an impregnable fortress
during the Sengoku period,

but it was demolished by
the government in the Meiji era.

The Abolition of the Han system, right?

Yes, that's right.
Whenever I come here,

I wish I could see the castle that people
from the past spent over 200 years to build.

Humans have the power to create,
so why do we destroy things?

When Rentaro Taki's father was transferred to
Takeda, it was the 45th year of the Meiji era.

He was in the second grade of
elementary school. He loved playing here.

Playing tag, gathering
at night for tests of courage.

The sunlight that illuminates the castle,
the moonlight that remains unchanged.

What have they been
illuminating all this time?

That's what he thought about when he composed
"The Moon Over the Ruined Castle."

Why didn't you come back in winter or spring?

I was busy with a lot of things.

University life is
more demanding than I thought.

There are so many things. A lot to do.

So you didn't even
have time to write a letter?

Did you read mine?

Yes, I read them.

I was relieved to see
you were always doing well.

But your mother seemed lonely...

Amazing, the power of nature.

Every time I see this tree, I feel like I need
to be strong too, and it gives me courage.

As for me, unlike Yusaku or Toshiko,

I don't have the chance
to grow tall and reach high,

but I aim to grow strong roots
in the ground instead.

Well, that's the philosophy
of a country bumpkin.

The end of the world is coming to an end.

The light of the past is gone.

Why did you do that?

Since that summer,
Yukki changed a little.

I was so worried that I kept
watching her all the time.

I thought she was just growing up
a bit from a girl to a woman.

That's what I believed.

It was love.

Love?

Don't tell me you didn't notice.

Yusaku, you must have known too.

Yukiko's love.

I understood it well.

Because... I was in love, too.
I was in love with her.

Yukiko loved you,
and I loved her from behind.

But it wasn't reciprocated.
It was a hopeless love.

Yukiko never loved me in her lifetime.

But she stayed with me until the end.

It wasn't love,
but she liked me in her own way.

So that's why I called you here.

It's a token of my gratitude to my wife.

I wanted Yukiko to meet you again
while she was still alive.

Yukiko, look, it's Yusaku.

Yusaku is here now.

Can you see him?
Can you recognize him, Yukiko?

Your voice, your voice,
he's here now.

To be honest, I didn't want you
to come here, uncle.

I didn't want you
to see my father like that,

and I didn't want you
to see my mother like that either.

I understand.

But life is complicated, isn't it?

What's right and what's wrong.

Both of you have been
thinking about many things.

Even with these small heads,
we're doing our best.

When you knew my mother,
she was about my age, wasn't she?

Yes, Yukiko was
between 13 and 16 years old then.

It's strange, isn't it?
I don't know that version of my mother.

Hey uncle, do I resemble her?

Like my mother from back then?

The name "Natsuho" means

a sailboat running in the summer wind.

Yes.

Natsuho, sorry, but do you mind?

There's something
I want to show Mr. Kajimura.

Yes.

This Kuroshima Island is the first place
in Japan where an Englishman arrived.

William Adams.

Later, he was favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu
and given the name Miura Anjin,

and he lived in Japan
for the rest of his life.

Anjin's ship, the Liefde,
drifted ashore on Kuroshima in 1600.

The same year as the Battle of Sekigahara.

Anjin...

left his wife and children in England.

Why do you think he did that?

Even though he might
never be able to return...

Anjin...

What kind of feelings did he have
when he left his homeland?

The people who saw him off...

Those people...

What did they think when they saw him off,

knowing they might never see him again?

Ah, this way.

See you later.

Ah, see you later.

That's strange, this should be the way
but there's no entrance.

Yeah,.

it's like a maze.

I wonder if those two found the way.

I'll go back and check,
you keep looking.

Kajimura!

No, this is the girls' side.
The boys' side is next door.

But I'll let it slide for you, Kajimura.

So, how did I look?
Was I beautiful?

Ah, this feels so good.

The summer in Kyushu is nice.

Hey, Kajimura,
winter skiing camps are great,

but so is your countryside
in the middle of summer.

From now on, let's spend both
winter and summer like this every year.

What's this about skiing in the snow?

Do you know Shiga Park?
In the mountains of Shinjuku,

there's a lake, a white birch forest,
and hot springs.

In winter, it gets covered
in pure white snow. You ski through it.

The falling snow hits your face, it's cold but feels refreshing.

On New Year's Eve,
sitting by the fireplace,

watching the snow fall outside the window,
it's so romantic and wonderful.

Right, Kajimura?

Yukki.

What's wrong?

Did I... say something wrong?

Looking at you two like this,
you really do seem like close siblings.

I'm envious. I'm an only child.

Well then, I won't intrude
on the beautiful siblings' farewell.

I'll take my leave.

I'll give up on the winter vacation.

After all, I'll be at
the ski camp in the highlands.

It's important for my university life.

But please, come back in the spring.

I'll be 17 this March.

I promise you,

I may not look pretty now,
but by next spring,

I'll become really
beautiful and surprise you.

So come back.

Next time, when
we meet on this station platform,

you'll surely say,

"Spring has come,
and you've become beautiful."

"Even more beautiful than last year."

Take care.

Goodbye, Toshiko.

Yes, thank you.

When the sun comes out,
clouds race across the mountains.

It often rains, but it doesn't snow.

What was Yukiko's life like,
bound to this town?

It feels nice, doesn't it?

It looks like it's
going to start raining again.

– Should I stop by the store and get the car?
– No, it's fine.

I see.

Nothing changes in Usuki, does it?

While it's nice to see things change,
it's also nice to see things stay the same.

It might sound like stubbornness,
but I prefer it this way.

So, where are you taking me?

Shouldn't you stay with Yukiko?

I'm sure she would
want you to see this too.

Hmm?

Here it is. Michiko.

Michiko... It's still here?

It's your mother's store.
We can't let it go under, can we?

Actually, it was Yukiko's idea.
She arranged to buy it from you.

It was an anonymous transaction.

I never thought it was you.

I was embarrassed.
I couldn't possibly reveal my name.

No wonder it sold for a good price.

It really helped a lot with tuition
and living expenses in Tokyo.

It even covered the wedding expenses.

I could save face with the in-laws.

I see...

Yukiko... spent a lot of time here
making these.

If you put small, fluffy beads inside,

it makes a very comfortable cushion.

I've tried it myself, and indeed,
it's very comfortable and helps me sleep well.

- Foam beads?
- Oh, you know about them?

I've never seen them inside, though.

But you have.

Look. Here.

Remember we celebrated Yukiko's birthday
and my university acceptance here?

And we took her back home afterward.

That's right. I remember now.

That night, Yukiko made it snow
from the window.

Yes, she did. It was rare
for it to snow in Usuki.

It was amazing!

That snow is what's inside this pillow.

Really? So that's what it was.

So that's why,
when you sleep on this pillow,

you have happy dreams.

Pillow of Happiness and Snow

A snow pillow?

I didn't realize it was called that.

Even after living together for 28 years,

there are still things
we don't know about each other.

Come to think of it,
Yukiko once told me a story like this.

It was when Yukiko was just a child.

She was playing around
with a big pillow they had at home.

Suddenly, the pillow tore open,
and its stuffing flew all over the place.

The stuffing was white and fluffy,
like feathers. It was like snow.

It was like a dream,
surrounded by a snowstorm.

She was happy and felt blessed.

That winter, when Yukiko
had given up on me returning,

I suddenly went back home

because I received a telegram
saying my mother was critically ill.

It was from Mizuta.

He said she had collapsed unexpectedly
while working in the shop.

Yukiko came to the shop
and found her lying on the floor.

Yes, the wake is tomorrow,

and the funeral will be the day after
at Tokufuji Temple. Yes, thank you.

Yusaku...

I was too late.

She was lying on the futon
with a white cloth over her face.

Say something.

Say something to her, Yusaku.

Why do you always go silent
at important moments?

The wake was the next day.

The funeral was held the day
after at Tokufuji Temple.

Toshiko came all the way
from Tokyo for the funeral.

So many people came.

There were many people I didn't know.

Yusaku's mother was a good person.

So this store should
have been more prosperous.

Yusaku, business is like that.

Don't say things that
would sadden your mother.

Toshiko, thank you for coming.

You were supposed
to be on a ski trip, right?

But it wouldn't be fun without Yusaku.

Besides, your mother
was important to me too.

I see.

Yukki, let's go. It’s getting late,
and your parents might worry.

I'll walk you home.

I'll come too.
I feel like walking a bit.

Then I'll join you too.

Come on, Yukki, let's go.

We walked in silence.

Yukki would occasionally stop, look up
at the night sky, and sigh softly.

The winter sky was dark, and only
our footsteps echoed in the night’s stillness.

I was worried,
deeply worried about Yukiko.

She seemed so sad.

So sad that I feared she might
just die from the sorrow.

Good night then. Thank you for everything.

Take care.

Bye.

My heart pounded like a drum.

My head was throbbing.

I was in a daze.

I didn't even know what I was doing.

Past where Yukki made it snow.
She walked under this window

and entered the garden.

Here it is.

The door to the room was open.

I looked inside without thinking.

Yukki, no, stop it!

You can't do this!

No!

No! No!

Don't say anything.
Don't ask anything.

You see?

Yukiko's parents noticed.

It caused quite a commotion later.

The door to the room was left open,

There was blood on the pillow,
and their daughter was gone.

Yukiko returned
the next day around noon,

soaking wet from the rain.

I secretly knew.

She must have seen you off somewhere
on your train back to Tokyo.

Of course, she didn't come.

But surely, it must be
because of yesterday’s injury.

There's no way Yukiko
would miss coming to see you off.

But it's alright.

Don't worry. I'll protect Yukiko.

That's reassuring.

Will you really let me
take care of her?

Yes.

She's like a precious sister to me.

But for the past 28 years,
I’ve never talked about

what happened back then.

That matter is...

untouchable.

Even if I want to ask,

sometimes not asking
is also part of marriage.

Yukiko has been diligently
making pillows ever since then.

The morning before yesterday,

on her way here on a scooter,

she had the accident.

That night,

after leaving this Michiko,

at the entrance there,
Yukiko looked up at the sky.

It was a dark sky.

I clearly remember her sorrowful look,
as if she was wishing for something.

Ah, I remember that face well.

She was beautiful.

She was truly a beautiful person.

You know,

at that moment, I think
Yukiko wanted it to snow.

To snow?

Like in the story you told me
about her childhood,

ripping up the pillow.

With the razor?

I think she wanted to make it snow.

On that dark night,

lots and lots,
of pure white snow.

Yes, that's right.

Because it's winter,
the sky is dark and lonely.

Wouldn't it be wonderful
if white snow danced in the sky?

Your mother would surely be happy...

and Mr. Mizuta is kind.

And you,

and Toshiko-san too.

Even if we can't go to Shiga Park,
you can see snow here in Usuki.

Then, maybe even I will receive some kind
of reward, something good might happen.

But unfortunately,
my snow is still inside the pillow.

So, like when I was a child,

I thought I would tear open
the pillow and let it snow.

Let's make lots and lots of snow
fall on the town of Usuki.

It's Natsuho, from the hospital.

Father...

We didn't make it in time.

Father and others
were always with Mother.

Mother might
have already been dead

when she had the accident.

But she waited.

She waited
until we could meet her true self.

That's what I believe.

Forgive me.

Both Father and Uncle,

only think about themselves,
like all adults.

She's my mother.

The one dying here now,

is my mother.

Father.

Look.

Mother is crying.

Mother!

I wasn't surprised by Yukiko's death.

It was as it it had been predetermined,
like watching a scene from a movie

where the heroine's death
was already promised.

At that moment,

I thought about the days Yukiko had lived,
stripped away from this story.

It was the first time I ever really
thought about the life of another person.

It gave me a fresh surprise.

And I thought,

Yukiko is now in a dream,
with snow piling up everywhere.

She is in a dream...

Whether my imagination
is correct or not,

I don't know anymore.

As Natsuho says,

living is complicated...

And surely, selfish too.

What I understand now,

is that Yukiko lived her life
in Usuki to the fullest.

Compared to that,
how shallow my life has been.

If I were to speak of suicide,
God should scold me.

Yukiko...

In the life I have ahead,

will I be able to love someone?

Can I truly love someone
and live my life?

The last day

had a sunset that seemed unreal,
unlike any I'd seen before.

I am returning to Tokyo.

Goodbye.

Thank you.

Yukiko would have been happy.

When will we meet again?

Even if we promise,

it will probably be
another 28 years in no time.

Yusaku...

What should I do from now on?

Both you and I,

we just have to keep living.

If possible,
earnestly with all our might.

Earnestly, huh.

Giving it your all at 50 feels hopeless,

but still, we must try our best.

I am alone like this,
but you have Natsuho.

Mizuta, have you noticed?

Natsuho looks just like
Yukiko did back then.

Really?

- You think so?
- Yes, I think so.

Mizuta,

you know,

that summer,

the summer 28 years ago,

at this station,

I made a promise to Yukiko.

A promise?

That I would surely
come back next spring.

And when...
I met Yukiko here,

I would surely say,

"Now that spring has come,
you have become more beautiful."

"Even more beautiful
than last year."

Your love has become
much more beautiful than last year.

Next to you, waiting for the train,
I am checking my watch.

Unseasonable snow in Tokyo,
this will be the last snow we see.

Looking lonely, you murmured.

Even the farewell breath
remembers old times.

After a season of too much fun,

Now spring has come,
and you have become beautiful.

Even more beautiful than last year.

With your face against
the window of the moving train,

you are trying to say something.

Your lips moving to say goodbye,

I am scared
and pretending not to notice.

As time goes by,
without realizing it,

you, who were so young,
have become an adult.

Watching the melting snow
left behind where you had been,

I see you have become beautiful.

Now spring has come,
and you have become beautiful.

Even more beautiful than last year.