Toei Company, Ltd. Presents
FUKUI
Mrs. Shimizu. Mrs. Mizushima is here.
She brought you a gift. III leave it in your room.
Have a nice time.
Shes always so loud.
Hello.
Mother, you look good.
Its been a long time.
Three months and ten days.
Its very sunny today.
Dont you have a hat on to block the sunlight?
Yes.
What color is your hat?
What color is your dress?
My hat is a gray Casablanca.
My dress is gray and white.
So stylish as always.
I have another postcard from him.
With a picture of Borobudur.
You may think its too short as usual.
Dear Mother, how are you?
Urn in Bogor and busy everyday.
Are your eyes getting a little better?
lye sent money to Tae. Take care.
Norios postcard.
How many does this make?
Tae, thank you.
Fm still in Fukui.
III take the 17:35 limited express.
Ill be there tomorrow as usual.
Thanks a lot.
Seeing me off to the school trip,
Mom said sorry while looking down.
I then knew I could actually get over it.
That was written by Mr. Yokokawa, 55 years old.
The next one is by Mr. Narita, 28 years old.
Mom dont die.
Till I say its okay.
Till I fulfill my duties to you.
Fm quite moved by it since Fm an unfilial son.
Another one.
I wanted you to die when I was young.
Now I want to die for my remail.
By Ms. Yagi, 32 years old.
Its somehow really shocking.
It really is.
A Brief Message from the Heart was solicited by Maruoka-cho in Fukui.
Many letters have arrived from all over Japan.
The town is surprised by the great response.
They received 32,236 letters!
Our affection for our mothers is truly strong.
A Brief Message from the Heart
Pen to Paper Award
TOAKE Yukiyo
YUUKI Nae
HARADA Ryuji
SUZUKI Sawa
BESSHO Tetsuya
Directed by: SAWAI Shinichiro
Matsumoto
Makis letter won the contest.
Thats right.
We want to contact her about the award ceremony.
Please have her call us.
I see.
Can you fax the notice to us?
Inoue.
-Redo that part. -OK.
Maki. Its not yellow, but red.
Really?
These?
Watch out.
Theyre too high up.
Inoue, help her.
Thanks.
He should be running around, raising funds.
I hope we can get paid today.
This parlors also in trouble.
The owner is missing.
They may not pay us.
Is Mr. Sakata going to be okay?
Maki! You have a call.
Its your brother, Hiroshi.
Excuse me.
What is this?
Just read it.
Mom, are you happy with him?
Dad said nothing, and died quietly.
Your letter was chosen for A Brief Message from the Heart.
What are you talking about?
I didnt write it or send it.
You didnt write it?
It was on your computer when I borrowed it.
Under your letter of notice for Dads 49th day memorial.
Mom, are you happy with him? Dad said nothing and died quietly.
You sent it without asking me.
How could you.
Where are you going?
Back to Tokyo.
Youre on summer vacation.
Fm busy.
lye rested from my part-time job for five days.
I have to be back by evening.
Hiroshi, wait.
Are you attending the ceremony?
How much is the prize?
Dont be ridiculous.
That wasnt my intention when I wrote it.
Dont be shy.
You wrote it.
Mom may be delighted to hear it.
When are you coming back next? Do you have money?
See you.
Dont forget our 100th day memorial for Dad!
Dad said nothing and died quietly.
Well done.
May I pass?
Please.
Well...
Whats wrong?
Mr. Maehara.
Fm all right.
Dont won¡¯.
Lets go.
Arent you going to change?
Regarding that miai (arranged meeting)you had...
I turned it down for you.
Thats what you wanted, right?
Yes.
The best thing is...
for you to find a husband for yourself.
Thats best. Fm relieved...
Let me get changed.
Dad!
Whats the matter?
Dad!
Here you go.
Your pay.
Tomorrow, work on the arcade.
So you were able to raise the funds.
Theres only half in here!
Yours are fine. Only his.
III pay you the rest within a few days.
Gee.., my wife will be grouchy.
Fm sorry.
Youre good at apologizing like your dead brother.
He would profusely apologize to me like this.
Shall we go?
Good night!
Yours is OK.
What?
Thanks for your hard work. This is for this months pay.
Fm sorry for always working you so hard.
Its all right. I like my job.
Professor Saito of Shinshu University
will be restoring the cultural sites.
Fm thinking of recommending you to him.
The restoration of the historical sites?
You majored in fine arts.
lent that where your interests lie?
You took his seminar, didnt you?
Yes.
Its in your field and its a great opportunity.
Will I be able to manage?
Can you manage without me?
YouII do just fine.
You can utilize your talent better there, than at my place.
Hiroshi, lets eat.
Yes.
I didnt order a large portion.
You usually do.
III just eat it then.
You need to eat a lot oryoull get sick.
You hold your chopsticks funny.
What?
Will you go make a delivery?
Shes kind to you.
Yourfish is bigger than mine.
Whats going on?
Are you the owner?
Yes, I am.
Were looking for a girl...
named Yoshimura Yumiko from Kyushu.
We heard that shes working here.
Yes, shes here.
Where is she?
Making a delivery.
So, shell be back.
What did she do?
She disappeared from a bar where she owes two million yen.
We were asked to find her.
Drive safely!
Hey, you.
Where are you going?
Give me a ride.
I cant. Its the companys car.
Fm heading back to Setagaya, Tokyo.
Thats fine. Give me a ride.
Please.
No. I dont want trouble.
Drive away quickly. Please!
Oh, gosh.
So, you owe two million yen.
Thats not true.
I had a live-in job at a snack shop, and they
tried to charge me two million yen for the rent, clothes, and food.
They wanted me to return it through prostitution.
Thats terrible.
Why did you work there?
I was new in Tokyo.
I had just come out from Kyushu, looking for a live-in job.
It doesnt look like they will easily give up.
What are you going to do?
Do you have friends in Tokyo?
Are you going back to Kyushu?
No, Fm not going back.
Stop. Fm getting off.
What? Here?
Its ready.
Come and sleep here.
Where will you sleep?
Is that what you were worried about?
III stay at my friends.
Theres nothing to eat.
Do you have money on you?
Yes, I do.
Sure?
Yeah. Dont worry about me.
Make yourself at home.
Just find a place to live.
Leave the key in the mailbox.
See you.
You...
trust me?
Shouldnt I?
I trust you.
Thanks.
III look for a place tomorrow.
Sony about tonight.
Yeah.
Hiroshi?
Fm here.
Will you look at this?
This is for todays expenses.
And...
Dad left this for us.
Check it carefully.
We still have a lot of money left.
Not really.
You still have another year to go in college.
Its not a lot for our future.
We cant simply divide it.
Well need some money for your wedding, too.
Be serious.
You have to be more realistic about our financial matters.
We only have each other.
I know.
What are you going to do about your marriage?
Didnt Dad arrange a marriage meeting for you,
right before he died?
I only went to it because I was obligated...
He turned it down for me.
Dad! Whats the matter?
Dad!
I dont plan to get married yet.
I just found a job that I really enjoy.
Historical site restoration.
Sakata recommended me for it.
Dont put the emphasis on me.
Hiroshi, Dad was most worried about you.
I can imagine.
Unlike you, I neverfelt close to Dad.
We never talked intimately.
The only fond memory I have of him...
is when I was in junior high school...
and we went trout fishing.
We fished till it became pitch dark.
Do you remember the time two kittens wandered in here
and we fed them?
Yes, I remember.
Are those cats?
Yes.
Kittens?
Its OK.
Then the mother cat came to the gate...
and was watching intently.
The mother cat wouldnt eat our food.
She never came close.
Everyday, she would come and watch the kittens eat.
Then one day she stopped coming all of a sudden.
Its time to eat. Come.
Mama cat!
Where did she go?
lent she sad?
Yes, shes sad.
Why wouldnt she be, without her kittens?
But she saw you taking care of them.
So she felt assured.
Of course shes sad...
I think it was our mom he was actually talking about.
Maki, Fm hungry.
III make tea.
Do you know where Mom is?
Would her parents know?
Maybe I should find her and meet her.
Dont do that, Hiroshi.
Why do you say that on Dads memorial day?
My message wasnt for her.
Why did you send it without asking me first?
What are you thinking of?
You keep talking about her.
Dont you feel badly towards Dad?
These are tasty.
Hello, Mama.
Hello, Tae Mama.
Youre looking better.
Thank you for coming to see me.
This is an invitation to my get-well party.
I sent them out to all my customers.
Not even half are coming.
Business isnt looking good.
How is it at Daphne?
If youre not doing well, why would I...
Coffee please.
Yes, right away.
Howe your health?
My liver is so-so.
I havent been taking care of myself until now.
So Fm falling apart.
Youve been in this business for a long time, too.
Fm sure youre ill somewhere.
Maybe.
You should go see a doctor.
So it sounds hopeless...
Your source is reliable.
Kimura with Equity News said the stocks wont rise in this century.
This century? That long?
Oh, no. Ill be an old lady.
There are only five years left in this century.
Thats true.
Its not funny. I wont be able to last for five years.
Welcome.
Mama, you have a call.
Hello.
Its from Kawata-sensei.
Hes working in the hotel to meet his deadline.
Hello?
How can you not show up here when youre closeby?
Are you out of ideas?
Really?
Are you sure?
III be there later.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
What are you looking at?
Are you looking for a bar?
Fm looking for Daphne.
Thats us.
Youre kidding.
Fm not. Come.
Welcome.
Fm stepping out for a while.
See you later.
Is she the Mama?
Yes, thats right.
Come in.
What would you like?
A keep bottle?
lent this place expensive?
Of course.
Are you a student?
Yeah. Do you accept credit cards?
So youII buy a bottle.
Its open.
Its me. Can I come in?
Hi. Mama. Come in.
Is that for me? Pour me a glass.
Am I bothering you?
Howe your bar doing?
I must owe you a lot.
Yes. And were about to go out of business.
Are you doing that bad?
Actually, the business isnt my concern.
Fm feeling distressed.
Maybe I should be doing something different.
So I wanted to talk to you.
So youre finally showing some weakness.
Shall I seduce you again?
Youre just all talk.
What kind of story is it?
The usual.
A woman who cant get married or become a mistress.
But who cant live alone.
Shes too pretty so she becomes a victim to her looks.
Thats the gist of the story.
How old is she? Is she in the bar business?
Yeah.
Never mind that and have a drink, too.
I will.
The restaurants and clubs that the owner, Shimamura,
had bought in Singapore will be opening shortly.
So I heard.
He called me.
He wanted to meet me when he came back.
Thats probably what bee going to tell me.
I see.
By the way, Miyuki wants to quit.
Shes opening her own bar in Yotsuya.
Is that right?
Shes young and shrewd.
III find someone to replace her.
Good night.
Good evening.
Who are you?
Fm Hiroshi.
Maehara Hiroshi.
Hiroshi...
I went to your bar but you were out.
So I was waiting for you here.
What is it?
What do you want?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
Dont surprise me like this.
I cant see your face very well in this dark.
Come inside.
So you went to my bar.
How did you find it?
I called yourfamily in Fukui.
Hows your father?
He passed away.
He collapsed from a heart attack in April.
We held a 100th day memorial service for him recently.
I see.
So, is Maki doing fine?
What are you doing?
Fm a senior in college.
So youre in college...
Where do you live now?
Whats so funny?
I feel like Fm being interrogated by you.
But I guess it cant be helped.
Its like were meeting for the first time.
Can I ask you something?
Are you single now?
Are you living with someone?
lam.., alone.
You can drink, cant you?
As you can see, I am living here alone.
What did you expect?
So, its OK for me to be here.
Fm glad I came.
Are you leaving?
Dont you want something from me?
Tell me.
No, theres nothing.
I just wanted to see your face, Mama.
Mama? Thats not nice.
I see.
Good night, Mom.
What? Oh. Good night.
Mom... youre very pretty.
That makes me happy.
See you again.
He called me Mom.
Oh, God...
The images need to be fixed.
There are patterns here. Use the infrared ray camera.
Maki. Bring the camera.
Here you go.
Be careful.
Japans culture involves mainly wood and paper.
Unlike stones and metals, they are fragile.
The repairs are crucial to preserving them...
for thousands of years.
Will you give us examples?
Horyu-ji Temple.
The picture scroll of the Tale of Genji.
Theyre in better condition than we expected.
I wonder if Sakata can help.
Hes been busy with his company.
Isnt that right, Maki?
Yes.
His specialty is in the Kamakura period arts.
Have him look at this.
Maki.
Take this to him.
Sakata Exterior Company.
Yes.
Mr. Sakata is out at the moment.
He isnt pretending to be out. He really is out.
I see. Please call again later.
Thanks. Yuji had asked me to answer the calls.
The person said hell call back later.
Hello, Emi.
Hello.
Professor Saito asked me to give this to Mr. Sakata.
He wants Mr. Sakatas help.
Thanks.
Yuji is out with Inoue on business.
After my husband died. Yuji quit his teaching job at the
university to help me out with this company.
But Fm sure hed want to go back to it.
Thanks.
Maki, do you want to come with us?
Our high school buddies are getting together at Torus.
Join us.
I still have work to do.
Work? Youre so diligent.
You must not have a lover.
Thats none of your business.
You can call me anytime.
Please wait while your messages are retrieved.
Maki.
I need money right away.
Please deposit 200,000 yen into my account tomorrow.
Oh, brother...
What did you get yourself into now. Hiroshi?
He needs 200,000 yen by tomonow?
Hiroko?
Its me.
I was about to cook dinner, but I didnt feel like eating alone.
Would you like to go out? Ill treat.
We can go to a nice restaurant.
How about French?
You have a date?
What?
It was just the other day that you said you didnt
need any men in your life and that youd live for work.
Never mind.
Please leave a message.
Damn it!
Yes?
Good morning. Wheres Mama?
She just went out with a young man.
She went to Sarahe.
A young man?
Is he her new lover?
Well, she seemed a bit preoccupied.
So, you siblings only have each other.
How are you doing with your finances?
It costs money to go to college.
Well be fine.
Dad left us some money.
And I have a part-time job.
Maki has a job, too.
But you must be tapping into the money he left.
It must be tough.
What are you going to do after you graduate?
Dad used to ask me that often, too.
I have no idea.
I worry as you mom.
Would you like another cup?
No, thanks.
By the way, Mom... Would you like to go out?
III drive.
Where are we going?
lye an appointment today.
Wait a second.
Shimamura wants to see me on the Singapore matter.
The owner wants to see you?
I see.
I brought last months books.
But that must not be all.
How much was the loss last month?
Were 44¡ãIo in the red from the budget.
Welcome.
III have coffee.
What time is the appointment?
I should be going already.
Who is he?
Him?
My son.
Are you surprised?
Yes, I am.
Will you do me a favor?
Will you go alone to see Shimamura?
I dont feel like discussing business today.
Where are we going?
We can go anywhere you want.
Where do you want to go?
III let you decide.
Did you buy this car?
I bought it with my pay from my part-time job.
Its a cheap, used car.
Do you drive this car around with your girlfriend?
Come on.
Dont you have a girlfriend?
You look like the popular type.
I can only remember Maki when she was seven.
Is she pretty?
I think shes so-so.
Does she know that youre seeing me?
No.
Shed be angry if she knew.
Where are we?
You dont smoke, do you?
Fm Sony for smoking.
The weather is nice.
I havent felt so good in a long time.
Is that right?
Fm so happy and relaxed...
You can go to sleep.
Are you sure? Fm really going to sleep.
Youre so kind.
Dont kind guys lose out?
What?
But thanks to that, we got to meet.
Hiroshi, thank you.
Buy it for me.
Thats enough!
I want it.
Mom.
Lets eat.
lent this Lake Suwa?
We came so far.
Yeah.
Have some.
Hiroshi.
What a funny way to hold the chopsticks...
You used to hold them like that as a child, too.
This is the proper way.
Someone told me the same thing recently.
Who?
The noodles here are tasty.
Arent you going to eat?
Fm full.
Fm all choked up.
You brought me all the way here.
And you made me remember the past...
Do you want to see Maki?
Maki?
But she doesnt know that were seeing each other.
Thats why.
Mom, are you happy with him?
Father said...
What is this?
A Brief Message from the Heart.
She wrote it.
Lets go to see her.
So, Maki wrote this...
Why did you leave home?
You didnt get along with Dad?
I know how Dad was, since I lived with him for 22 years.
Was he too set in his ways?
No. He was a nice man.
He was a very nice man.
Anything I say will sound like an excuse.
But our marriage wasnt right from the start.
When we met, I had a lover...
that I had just broken up with.
Your dad knew that when we got married.
We had Maki and you.
But I started seeing my lover again.
So I finally left home.
I had abandoned all of you.
I can never make it up.
What is your lover doing now?
He worked for a trading finn.
He would often go abroad for business.
And I had a small business of my own.
We didnt live together for very long.
He died three years ago...
in a car accident in Jakarta.
lye lived alone like this, ever since.
This place has changed a lot.
But the sky is the same.
And the castle.
Would you like to come in?
No, I cant.
Why not?
I have something to pick up from home.
Its this way. Go straight.
Turn right at the third corner.
Thanks.
I found out where Maki works.
That mans name is Sakata. What do you think of him?
Maki was working for his company until recently.
She seems to be in love with him.
Oh, my. I shouldve taken a better look at him.
That one. The back side of the pillar.
Hold it right there.
Its very dark.
Whats going on?
Is this it?
The mark is terrible.
Inject some there!
Ms. Maehara.
We need more parchment.
III get it.
Maki.
Take the ink to the front.
Yes.
III bring it right away.
Hello.
Mom! I was looking all overfor you.
Did you see Maki?
Yes.
Did you talk to her?
I couldnt.
III call her.
Talk to her.
No, Hiroshi.
Lets go.
Why?
You came all the way here. How disappointing.
Thanks.
I want to take it slowly.
This is enough for today.
Mama. Where are you now?
Matsumoto?
Yes... thats right.
The owner wanted to talk to you about Singapore.
Fm going to decline it.
Fm not going to Singapore.
I see.
But he wants to see you tonight to talk about it.
OK. Anyway, III go and see him.
Whats up?
Are you in a rush to go back?
Yes. III go back by train.
I need some time alone to think things over.
Sony.
You have a hard job.
Its hard to earn money.
You should know it... you work.
Maybe III ask you for a favor the next time.
What is it about?
A job for a girl.
Can you help her find a job?
Who is she? Your girlfriend?
No, she isnt. Oh, never mind.
Hi, Maki.
Are you alone? Wheres Inoue and the others?
At Misuzu Street. I can manage alone, here.
Hiroshi came by today with a lady.
He was with a lady?
She was very pretty.
What is he doing?
Id better go to Tokyo and check on him.
III do that.
Thanks. III be working on the other side.
Yes.
Go away.
Show us the nude.
If anything, wed rather see you nude.
Please show it to us quickly.
Get lost!
How scary!
Lets go.
This isnt a peep show.
You startled me.
For you to shout like that... You must be tired.
Of course, Fm tired.
Then go home.
Mr. Sakata.
How long do you plan to continue this?
Fm doing it to earn a living.
But you shouldnt sacrifice yourself for it.
You should cherish yourself more.
I agree, but...
I think youre hungry.
Yes, Fm hungry.
Arent you hungry, too?
Then go to dinner with me!
Well... Where...
Sony. I have to meet my sister-in-law tonight.
I knew it.
Shes pretty, isnt she?
Maki. Wait.
Next time. For sure.
A Brief Message from the Heart.
Mom, are you happy with him?.
Dad said nothing and died quietly.
How old are you?
Twenty-one.
Why arent you going back to Kyushu?
Your parents must be worried.
My dad died a while back.
My mom remanied.
I couldnt get along with my newfather and his children.
So I have no home to return to.
So your mom remarried...
What are you good at?
Nothing.
There must be something. Think hard.
Theres nothing.
In high school, I entered a swimming competition.
Mom, can you hire her as a bar hostess then?
Hiroshi, dont get the wrong idea.
Thats no way to get a job for someone.
Take it more seriously, Yumiko.
Yes.
So youre good in sports.
Do your best.
Yeah.
Fm only swimming.
She has a nice form.
She can learn about the job today and meet the boss tomorrow.
Please do that.
Mom, thanks.
Its nothing.
I actually want to do more for you.
Its OK.
My car is over there.
Fm free today.
Can I see your apartment?
What? Now?
Yes.
No, Mom.
You have to tell me in advance.
Fm going.
I guess I have no choice.
Heres my key. Fm in Room#3 on the second floor.
Ill go park my car, so wait for me in my room.
Who are you?
You are...
Maki.
Youre Maki.
Show me your face.
I knew Id see you someday.
But I wasnt expecting to see you now...
How many years has it been?
Eighteen years.
Youve grown into a fine adult.
You look pretty.
Wheres Hiroshi?
Why are you here?
Hell be here shortly.
Fm...
Since when have you been seeing Hiroshi?
How did it turn to this?
We met only recently.
He came to see me.
He gave me a ride.
We visited your dads grave.
You did?
You went to Dads grave?
That isnt all.
We went to the house.
We looked for you.
And we went to your workplace.
What are you trying to do?
Youre the one who left us.
You forgot about us for the past 18 years.
Yes, I had forgotten about you.
Thats only because that was easier.
Rather than suffer.
Thats just an excuse.
Now that youve met Hiroshi...
You want to live with us.
Thats just too selfish of you.
No.
I wasnt thinking that.
Mom...
Youre here, too.
What was that for?
Hiroshi!
How could you!
Dont you feel badly towards Dad?
Who do you think raised us?
It was Dad!
When we were in grade school and junior high school...
No matter how busy he was...
Hed cook for us everyday and do our laundry.
That is why we are here today.
Only Dad, you, and I shared a life together.
This person wasnt part of our family.
This person? Shes our mom.
Maki, whats the matter?
Stop it, Hiroshi.
Makis right.
Shes right.
I was so excited to see you.
When I had no right to be.
I got carried away.
Maki.
Hiroshi.
Forgive me.
Mom.
Dont come after me.
Maki.
Where are you?
Tokyo?
Hello?
Whats wrong?
Hello?
What happened?
Mr. Sakata...
Am I a headstrong and disagreeable woman?
You must dislike me.
Tae.
I heard you were looking for me. Whats up?
About that Singapore offer that I turned down...
Did you find someone else for it already?
Yes.
As for Daphne and the Akasaka bars...
Fm going to have someone young be in charge.
Whats the matter? Did you have something to tell me?
Will you offer it to me again?
Really?
The last time...
you said you had it with the bar business.
What happened?
Were more than acquaintances.
III think about it.
Have some.
Thanks.
You seem to be in a foul mood.
Its not good for you to drink so recklessly.
Leave me alone.
I dont want to live long.
Those are the very ones who live long...
and complain that the kids dont care about them.
Not me.
I wont ask my kids for anything.
Good.
I mean it.
Sensei...
What happened to the woman who cant get married...
nor live by herself?
I dont know.
I havent decided yet.
What will happen to her in the end?
Will she die?
I dont know.
I want to know.
Then let her die.
Is my mom out?
Its terrible.
Shes been experiencing great pain since morning.
What?
Mom. Whats wrong?
Wheres the pain?
I bought you medicine. III get you some water now.
Lets go to the hospital.
Its OK, Hiroshi.
Go home.
No, lets go.
Wait, Hiroshi. I have to change.
Are you OK?
Lean on me.
Youve been pushing yourself too hard.
Its more than gastritis.
You can sit up now.
Is the painkiller working?
Yes.., thank you.
You need to get a complete exam.
It could be ulcers. Your liver is swollen.
You shouldnt have waited this long.
A complete exam?
Thats what the doctor said.
Please fill this out.
Mom. How do you feel?
Thanks. I feel better.
You need a complete exam.
You have to fill this out.
Wait. What are you going to do about this?
I dont need it.
Fm going home.
Mom.
Did you get the job?
Yes. Thanks.
Do you want something to drink?
Well lets see.
Please have something hot.
III have tea, then.
Thats the least I can do.
We found you.
You sure gave us a lot of trouble! Pay up!
Leave her alone.
Who are you? A pimp?
Stop it!
What are you doing?
Take your hands off
Who are you? Get lost!
Fm her guardian. Leave her alone.
Guardian?
That works out for us.
She owes two million yen.
Pay up.
Thats not true.
What?
Who should I pay?
Your boss?
If what you say is true, III meet him and pay him back.
Hes busy.
Besides, who would trust you?
Oh, really?
I operate a bar in Ginza.
This is my business card.
I wont run or hide.
If thats not enough, we can go to the police.
Theres a police station nearby.
All right.
Well contact you here.
Fine. Well save your face today.
Are you all right?
Thanks, Mom.
Youre tough.
Its time for you to go to work.
Cheer up.
Do your best.
Will you move aside?
We want to give this kitty some water.
Its cute.
Mom, lye been thinking.
Lets live together.
You can keep working.
Lets live together.
I cant do that.
Why not?
Because of Maki?
Its not that.
Kids need their mothers most when they are small.
And to be there for them, is the mothers role.
What can a mother do, after they grow up into adults?
I didnt do anything for you two when you needed me.
So I cant live with you now to lead an easier life.
Thats being too selfish.
No one will think that you are selfish.
Youre my mom.
Who cares.
Why are you and Maki so stubborn?
Thats all I can do now.
Otherwise, Id be miserable.
Dont say anymore.
When Fm with you...
I forget reality.
Because youre so gentle.
Hiroshi, thank you for everything.
Be kind to Maki.
Mom, wait.
Wait.
Dont go out on the street.
My kitty... is over there.
Its going to get run over.
Wait here.
Hiroshi!
Get an ambulance!
Ambulance!
Hiroshi.
The kitty...
Howe the kitty?
Doctor.
Will he be OK?
He needs a blood transfusion.
Well operate after that.
Use my blood.
Fm his mother.
Calm down.
Well do our best.
Maki...
Hiroshi!
How did this happen?
He needs rest.
Please wait outside.
Maki...
What happened?
Why did this happen?
Its my fault.
I couldnt help him...
He was with you again.
Will he be OK?
What am I going to do if he dies?
We only have each other.
Please.
Please rest there.
Well be here.
How kind of you.
III get you a blanket.
Its OK.
Fm all right.
Thank you so much.
Mr. Maehara.
Can you hear me?
Youve come to.
Youve made it through.
Hes awake. You can talk to him briefly.
Hiroshi.
Maki...
You had me worried.
What happened?
The kitty...
Maki.
It was a kitty.
Mom.
Fm glad.
Fm really glad.
Mom... Its ironic, isnt it?
Fm in the hospital now, instead of you.
Hiroshi.
Maki, Fm sorry.
I wont bother you again, dont worry.
Mr. Sakata, please look after her.
Yes, of course.
Maki, goodbye.
Maki, whats the matter?
Are you going to let it go at that?
You must go after her.
OryouII regret it.
Mom, wait.
Maki...
Mom!
Maki.
Mom, Fm sorry.
I couldnt open up to you.
I blamed you.
Forgive me.
What is there to forgive?
Fm the one that needs to be forgiven.
I abandoned you and didnt do anything for you.
I left you when you were so small and innocent.
Never mind about that...
But Maki, please believe this much...
I never forgot about you two.
There wasnt a day I didnt think about you two.
I would keep track of your age...
What grade you were in school...
Your health...
And each time...
I really wanted to come see you.
But when I thought of your fathers feelings... I couldnt..
Mom...
He single-handedly...
raised the two of you into fine adults.
I cant thank him enough for it.
I owe him an apology...
I had no idea how you felt.
I resented you all these years.
You have every right to resent me...
You should direct your 18 years of anger at me.
Let it all out.
And tell me about all your sadness and loneliness.
I waited so long for this moment.
Me, too.
I really missed you.
Maki!
Mom!
So theres no postcard from Norio today.
Not today.
Are you going away?
Somewhere far away?
You dont have to tell me.
Tae.
Didnt you write all these postcards from Norio?
I knew about it.
He died three years ago.
But you didnt tell me.
Why did you hide it?
I couldnt even give him a burial as his mother.
There was a time I held a grudge against you.
Mother...
But you were just trying to be considerate...
since Fm old and blind.
Thank you very much.
Fm Sony for lying to you.
I guess this will be farewell.
Life is full of farewells.
The older you get, the better you are at handling it.
Thats true.
Wherever you go, please write to me.
Yes, I will. I promise.
Youre not kicking your legs right.
Its OK.
I was never good at swimming, anyway.
I talked to my mom on the phone...
and she said shell come to Matsumoto next week.
Theyre going to throw a get-well party for me.
Can you come?
Is it OK for me to go?
Dont you want to monopolize your pretty and nice mother?
Yes, I do.
Hey!
Maki.
Did you eat lunch?
Yes.
Good. Youre grouchy when youre hungry.
What is it?
My mom is coming to our house next week.
Can you come, too?
Your mom?
Of course, III come.
III go with you.
You dont have to come.
I want to help you.
Uncle!
Emi, stop. Dont bother them.
Why?
Not that Fm trying to change your mind, but...
Howe your health?
Fm OK.
I dont think Singapore is for the desperate.
My mind is clear and I feel better.
Call me over, after you settle down.
Please.
What are you saying?
You can make it in Tokyo.
Thanks for the thought.
Hiroshi, Fm downstairs.
III be waiting.
Mom, youre early.
Listen.
I have to take care of some urgent business.
I dont have time. I must leave now.
Thats too bad.
Maki was looking forward to seeing you.
Ill call her to apologize.
When can I see you next?
I cant make any promises now.
Sorry, Hiroshi.
To Yumiko, too.
Its OK. Will you promise to see me again?
Yes. Ill see you again.
Youve fully recovered.
Whats all that about?
Dont be bashful.
Maehara Hiroshi, 22 years old.
My son.
Youve been so kind to me, so its my way of thanking you.
Drive off.
Hello?
Mom?
You cant make it?
Fm really sorry.
lye already told Hiroshi.
Fm sorry I have no time to see you.
That is why I called.
Where are you calling from?
When can I see you again?
Is that business going to take long?
Fm afraid so.
Mom...
Where are you going?
Mom.
Are you leaving us to go somewhere?
Maki, whats wrong?
You make it sound as if well never meet again.
Lets stop crying.
I couldnt do anything for you until now.
So I want to change things.
That is why Fm going.
Meeting you two recently...
has brought me tears and smiles.
Those memories, alone, will keep me going.
Mom...
I dont have much time left.
I must go.
Mr. Sakata is a nice man.
He was so kind to me at the hospital.
When I asked him to look after you,
he said, Yes, of course.
Hes a very nice person.
I feel relieved.
Bye, Maki.
Dad...
Mom said she cant make it.
Mom, are you happy with him?
Dad said nothing and died quietly.
The End