Toyama Prison
It sounds nice.
But we'll need to take it down in the fall.
Nothing's sadder than wind bells out-of-season.
What's the use of looking ahead?
DEAREST
Morning, sir.
Left, left, right.
Left, left, left, right.
All's well.
Roll call!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...
- Requesting guidance. - Granted.
What is it?
- This piece won't fit right. - Let me see.
You need to shave this area better.
Kurashima, you should be on your condolence leave.
You have a visitor.
The Will Support Society
They have something from your late wife.
Your wife, Yoko Kurashima, gave us two letters...
addressed to you, Eiji Kurashima.
She asked that we deliver this one to you directly.
The other she asked to have mailed and held at the post office indicated.
- In Nagasaki? - Yes.
Can't I just receive it now?
I'm afraid we have to honor her wish and mail it out today.
You'll need to pick it up in Nagasaki within 10 days.
Why would she arrange it like this?
We don't know.
Frankly, we've never been asked to do anything like this before.
- Thank you. - Goodbye. - This way.
Dearest, please return my ashes to the seas of my hometown.
I'll get rid of the back seats and turn it into a cabin.
And...
look.
- Wow, a kitchen, too? - Yup.
We can cook some simple meals, -
and save on hotels and meals.
We can drive around...
and you can go painting.
It'd be lovely.
So many places I'd love to go...
We can go anywhere.
But first, I need you to get well, you hear?
Say, this thing...
Find a place for it, okay?
Okay.
But please, get well.
It was Yoko who taught me to cook this dish.
Thanks, as always.
It's nothing.
Here.
Say...
About the burial plot we were discussing...
Mind if I think about it some more?
Is this related to that letter from your wife?
Hope you try this and see how it tastes.
She wants me to return her ashes to the seas of her hometown.
And will you?
I'd like to go there at least once.
Oh, I forgot Yoko's drink.
That's right, sorry about that.
Where's Yoko's hometown, again?
Usuka in Hirado, Nagasaki
- You've never been there? - No.
Thank you.
- Should we drink to her? - Oh, right, we should.
To Yoko.
What a smile!
I can see how a square like you fell for her.
When'd you marry, again?
15 years ago.
Frankly, I pictured you being single for life, -
so I was shocked to hear you were getting married.
And that it was to the singer who used to perform at the prison.
See the red eye of the scorpion, -
the spread wings of the eagle, -
the blue eyes of the little dog, -
and the coils of the shiny snake.
The Orion sings high above, -
leaving dew and frost below.
Andromeda's clouds are shaped...
like the mouths of fish.
With the Great Bear's paw to the North, -
five stars south, -
set in the forehead of the Little Bear...
is the target of our flight through the skies.
Toyama Prison Correctional Exhibit
Um, excuse me...
You're Ide, who used to perform here, right?
I noticed you haven't been coming lately.
That song about stars you always sing at the end...
Listening to it, I used to picture the stars in my hometown.
I'm sorry I stopped you.
I'll walk you out.
Please.
The bus will be here soon. Goodbye.
I'm sorry.
I wasn't performing for everyone...
I was singing for one inmate only, -
but he died two years ago.
I'd been deceiving you all.
I'm sorry, please forgive me.
- What happened? - He collapsed in the wood shop.
- Is he conscious? - No.
It was a blow to the woodworkers, losing one of their guys.
Oh, his lawyer periodically brought those in.
Maybe they were from a partner, or a close friend.
He had no family or relatives.
He used to feed sparrows.
It's forbidden, but we turned a blind eye.
May you stay healthy as the seasons change
Letter of Resignation
Kurashima...
You can't just quit like this.
I know it's selfish of me, but figured I should settle things.
But we need you here. As the warden, I can't accept this.
Let's call it a vacation.
In any case, -
are you really going to Nagasaki in this thing?
It's 1,200-1,300km from here.
I'd promised her that we'd take a trip in this...
So, off we go.
- I'll be a while, so go ahead. - Oh, no, no. - No, please.
Please, I have time.
Thank you.
Oh, it's you again!
Thank you for earlier.
Wow, you did this all yourself?
It's amateur work.
Really, it's impressive.
I just bought mine ready-made.
I just wandered over here from Saitama.
And you're...
from Toyama?
You're planning to sleep in your car tonight?
Yes, I was thinking...
of sleeping in a parking lot at a supermarket, or something.
Figure parking one car should be fine, right?
In reality, a lot of places won't let you.
They insist it's to prevent crimes and such.
No freedom to even park a camper and sleep in it.
It's so Japanese.
But there's an RV park by a lake up ahead, if you're interested.
I made this coffee with the water from earlier.
- Is that right? - Try it. - Thank you.
This is delicious!
"Sun setting along the way. How delicious is the water here."
A poem by Santoka Taneda. Are you familiar with him?
Well, just that...
he's a poet who drifted around and wrote verses.
That's about what most people know.
You see, I used to teach literature up until March.
My wife died.
We didn't have any kids, -
but we spoke of traveling Japan together once I retired.
Know the difference between a drifter and a traveler?
No.
Whether or not there's a destination.
For instance, Basho was a traveler.
Santoka, on the other hand, was a drifter.
"Further and further in. Still endless green mountains."
Santoka wandered around as freely as he pleased, -
and wrote what came to mind.
I imagine that's why his works speak to so many people.
Oh, I'm sorry, I...
I tend to get pedantic, having been a teacher.
- No worries. - Where are you headed?
I'm hoping to get to Hirado, in Nagasaki.
A long journey, then.
I have another definition for traveling.
That you have somewhere to go home to.
Am I blabbering too much?
My wife used to complain that I talked and never listened.
Even now, you served me fine coffee and all I do is blabber on.
My way of avoiding the issue.
It's delicious.
Hey, how about that one?
Feels great to the touch.
Feel it.
Right?
It's from years of being polished by the waves.
You can't achieve this by hand.
Can't wait to see it finished.
How about that one?
This one...
Hey, hey, hey...
Anyway, what do you think about living by the sea?
- Why so suddenly? - Well...
I'm thinking of quitting being a part-time instructor next year.
It's been one transfer after another.
It'd be nice to settle down somewhere.
Right?
Our last home, then.
Poems by Santoka A companion for your travels.
"...as the late autumn rain falls."
"In the morning calm I cross from island to island."
Yes?
Do you have any battery cables?
Cables?
It's not working.
Probably not the battery.
Shoot, I'm going to be late!
- Where are you headed? - To Osaka.
Maybe I can give you a lift.
Really? You're a lifesaver!
Can you open the hatch, then?
The back, the back.
I appreciate it.
Oh, thank you.
See, I knew this van would be just perfect.
This is great!
Just need to load these in.
Man, you really saved me!
I'm Tamiya, from Abe Foods in Hokkaido.
Thanks.
We sell squid rice meals.
You tour all over Japan like this?
90% of our sales are at food shows and events, rather than at stores.
Anyway, you saved me!
My assistant had to go home due to a family misfortune.
I need to prep the meals for tomorrow's show.
And you conveniently found me.
I work with customers, so I have an eye for people.
I knew you would help me.
Good morning.
- This way. - Good morning. - Good morning.
Wow, this is something.
So much work goes into preparing these meals.
Nothing like a hot and fresh meal to make customers smile.
Anything I can help with?
I'm glad you asked, thank you.
- Do you have a sales goal? - 2,000 meals per day.
So, where are you headed?
I'm headed south.
A carefree trip on your own, huh?
I've been all over Japan, but never gone sightseeing.
Do you have any family?
Right now, it's just me.
And you?
I have a wife and a daughter in first grade.
- They must miss you. - They're used to it.
Sometimes I even feel like going home is a drag.
Good morning.
- Boss, sorry I'm late. - You're here. This is Nanbara.
This is Kurashima. He's been helping.
- Nice to meet you. - My pleasure.
He was giving me a ride, and one thing led to another.
Oh, I can do that.
Okay.
With the three of us we'll finish in no time.
Thanks for the good work.
That hits the spot.
What did you use to do for work?
Civil service.
Civil service? I guess you do look the type.
- Have you two done this long? - 10 years.
Four years for me.
I'm his boss, but we haven't toured together in a while.
Have you ever gone sightseeing in your spare time?
No, never had time for it.
Kurashima is traveling in his camper, lucky man.
I see.
What's your favorite place so far?
Actually, it's only been two nights since I left Toyama.
I'm headed for Hirado, in Nagasaki.
Sorry, did I side-track you?
It's okay.
Excuse me.
It's my wife.
Hello?
Where in Hirado?
A port town called Usuka.
I see... It's quite a ways from here.
Why did you give him a ride?
I couldn't resist his pushiness.
Yet he's impossible to hate.
If you didn't show up, -
I would've had to clean 2,000 squid by myself.
He would've roped you into sales, too.
You saved me.
Hitting it off, huh?
You had a keen eye in choosing him.
Well, thanks to you, I had a great experience today.
Then you should come see our smiling customers tomorrow.
You should! Right?
- How many? - Two, please. - Two.
SOLD OUT! Thank you for your custom
We can handle the rest. Thank you so much... Here.
Oh no, I can't.
- Please, use it for gas at least. - Really, it's fine.
- So you sold out. - Today was amazing.
The day after next we'll be in Moji in Kyushu, so come visit us.
- Thanks. - No, thank you.
Today was amazing.
You want it?
You were practically drooling.
It's a nice tool, but too expensive.
Don't worry, let's get it as your retirement gift.
You can still use it in your part-time role.
Thanks.
But I don't deserve it.
One more out! One more out!
One more strike! One more strike!
"Thanks, but..." - it's your favorite phrase.
I realized something earlier.
We've led a life of deferring to each other.
We didn't have kids because I didn't want any.
Thanks for everything.
You don't have to say that. You're my wife.
C'mon, we're champs! Champs!
Hooray! Hooray!
Should've gone to the tofu place instead.
What an amazing victory!
Takeda Station
See the red eye of the scorpion, -
the spread wings of the eagle, -
the blue eyes of the little dog, -
and the coils of the shiny snake.
The Orion sings high above, -
leaving dew and frost below.
Music Festival in the Sky
Andromeda's clouds are shaped...
like the mouths of fish.
With the Great Bear's paw to the North, -
five stars south, -
set in the forehead of the Little Bear...
is the target of our flight through the skies.
You came all this way, yet I couldn't sing well.
As of today, I'm quitting singing.
You're quitting?
I tarnished my song with deception.
I should sing before you all one last time, -
but I haven't the courage.
Seems we never see how precious something is until it's gone.
Prison is a place where time stops flowing.
I think it's okay to forget.
Otherwise, -
your time will stop flowing, too.
To help me forget, -
will you allow me to tell you about him?
Here.
Thanks.
Well, it's harder than I imagined.
Working on the car is all fine, but don't forget to eat, okay?
Can you get that?
- This? - No, not that...
- That one. - This?
I wrote down some easy recipes.
Can't keep asking Tsukamoto to cook.
Don't worry.
Braised seaweed?
I'll give it a shot, so don't worry, alright?
Oh, brother...
It's a bit dangerous here, so can you move away?
Sorry, kids.
Kids grow up in the blink of an eye.
Time really does keep flowing.
And it's nice reuniting with people.
Transferring isn't so bad.
You're being nice.
This place emphasizes career guidance.
Maybe I'll get an instructor's license.
Quitting the prison?
No.
Same workplace...
but I can be an instructor...
and work with those guys in the wood shop.
- I think it'll suit you. - Yeah?
Toyama Mikoshi Shrine
Can we carry this, to test its strength?
- Just no yelling. - Good.
More energy. We're testing this.
Good!
Nice shot
Not bad, I suppose.
Wait, when did you take these?
I look horrible in them!
On the invoice for your wife's death insurance pay-out, -
we're missing a signature from you.
Are you there? Sir?
Uh, I'm on a trip right now, so I'll have to call you back.
Yes, but if the paperwork is late, -
please be aware that the pay-out will be late as well.
It was a malignant Lymphoma.
It metastasized quickly, and the treatment was too late.
It must've been hard on both you and your wife.
Mine died from a cerebral hemorrhage.
Gone, just like that.
She hated how I talked so much, -
so maybe it took her out of her misery.
The difference between a traveler and a drifter...
is whether or not you have a home, you said.
Did I say that?
You're on your own now.
You can always find another place to go home to.
Those of us who survive need to keep living on.
Thanks, again.
"I cross one mountain, only to find another."
Did you read it yet?
Target vehicle identified.
Hello.
Would this camper happen to be yours?
- Um... it's mine. - Oh, it's yours?
You're wanted by Fukuoka police for car break-ins and burglary.
As I drifted along, I got lost on the way.
We need you to come, just in case.
Thank you for waiting.
We contacted Toyama Prison.
The warden, Tsukamoto, sends you his regards.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Quite a crook you befriended, though.
He's been traveling Japan, breaking into cars everywhere.
He told me he was a middle school teacher.
Is that the story he told you?
Oh, and he said this book belongs to you.
Can you?
Tsukamoto speaking.
Kurashima! I heard about your ordeal.
I'm sorry for making you worry.
You weren't harmed?
No, I'm fine. If anything, he helped me.
A thief helped you?
Yeah, he'd lost his wife and was traveling, just like me.
Oh, by the way, we got another order for an omikoshi (portable shrine).
We'll need your skills, once you get back.
So please, take care of yourself, okay?
I know, talk to you later.
He says he's fine, thank goodness!
She told me to keep it a secret, -
but at Yoko's request, I sent those letters to that group.
What? Why?
I couldn't bring myself to ask, -
but she was laughing like a child.
- I'd never want that. - Want what?
My ashes scattered like that. How sad, not to have a grave.
Sure, but...
I hope he manages to return her ashes...
Hello, Kurashima?
Where are you now?
Still in Shimonoseki?
You sound awfully tired.
Yeah, it was an eventful day.
Why don't you stay at a hotel in Moji tonight?
I'll get you a discount at our hotel.
Let's have a drink again.
Thanks.
We sold 3,000 meals the next day.
3,000? That's incredible.
Here's your squid sashimi.
Did you order this, boss?
Between us, squid is better as sashimi, no?
- A toast to squid sashimi. - Cheers.
- Welcome. - It's me. - Oh, hello. Second floor.
Boss, let's call it a night.
Kurashima is tired, too.
Stay and drink with me...
Maybe even help me tomorrow.
- Sorry, I can't tomorrow. - Boss, let's go.
It would just be lonely.
Business hotel rooms look the same everywhere.
Sometimes I wake up and have no idea where I am...
That's when it gets unbearably lonely.
Don't you ever feel like that?
If you can't accept that, you should quit this lifestyle.
I want to quit, but I can't.
My wife is having an affair...
But I'm afraid of confronting her about it...
So I have to keep doing this.
You'll listen to me, right?
I knew when I met you that you'd listen to me...
because I saw loneliness in your eyes, too.
Enough, that's rude to him.
Actually...
I lost my wife.
According to her will, -
I have to return her ashes to her hometown sea.
Tomorrow's my deadline to pick up a letter from her.
But for tonight, I can drink with you.
Here's tomorrow's forecast:
The powerful typhoon 25 is approaching western Kyushu.
It's currently 120km north of Okinawa...
- Here we are. - Thanks. - Thank you.
Be careful.
Here you go.
You drank a lot.
Well, I was having a great time.
You're...
glowing in me.
Coming.
Sorry about my boss earlier.
He can be pushy, but he's an honest man.
He's wide open, like a child, -
which I envy sometimes.
- Come in. - Actually...
do you have a boat arranged in Usuka?
No...
I'll charter one when I get there.
If you have any trouble getting a boat there, -
call this man.
You've been there?
Well, uh... I've been fishing there before.
Good night.
Goro Ohura
Goodbye
- Make sure it's tight! - Got it!
- Check on the other boat! - I'm about to!
Charter a boat? In this rain?
The storm's coming. There's no way.
I need to charter a boat to return some ashes.
Can you refer me to someone who can help?
- Return ashes? You mean, in the ocean? - Yes.
We've got corves and nets down there. You can't just scatter ashes.
Well, I can do this somewhere that won't affect you at all.
- Well, I'll go ask the union chief, then. - I appreciate it
The Koelmaru isn't back yet!
Can't have a shipwreck like seven years ago!
- Don't worry, it's at Taira Port. - Oh, I'm glad to hear that!
- Sorry. - No problem. - Thank you.
Sorry, but the union can't help you with this matter.
I see. Thanks for your time.
Mine are all booked.
Besides, for the open sea you'll need a bigger vessel.
Sir, I've brought money for the charter...
It's not about the money. It's just that...
I could get in trouble. I really can't help you.
I understand.
This typhoon is as powerful as the typhoon seven years ago, -
which wrought significant damage.
It may hit Nagasaki sometime tonight...
They say it's as strong as when Dad was shipwrecked.
- Welcome! - Welcome! - Hello.
- Please. - Thank you.
- Thank you for earlier. - Oh, it was nothing.
I recommend the boiled fish.
I'll have that, then.
Boiled fish dinner.
Actually, we're trying to get rid of them, but they're good!
Brought enough for tomorrow, too.
If only you'd be as attentive with everything else!
Is the car out front yours?
Yes, is it in the way?
No, it's just rare to see a Toyama license plate here.
Out of the way!
Tea, sir.
- So you came from Toyama? - Yes.
You're looking for a boat to return some ashes?
- That's right. - Why the Usuka seas?
My wife was from this town.
Oh, I see.
Say...
Would you happen to know a 'Goro Ohura'?
He's my grandfather.
You see, I was told to find him if I had trouble getting a boat.
By whom?
Nanbara.
Said he'd fished here before.
Fishing? Maybe a friend of Grandpa?
If he was referred here, we should get him a boat.
The union chief said no without even listening.
He'll think Usuka fishermen are heartless!
- I have nothing to do with... - Shouldn't you help him?
Sure, but I need to check with Grandpa first.
- Well then, go do it! - Alright.
We're getting married next month.
Is that right? Congratulations.
But we're fighting right now. This way.
I'm sorry, but you'll have to find someone else.
Why, Grandpa?
They're my boats, it's my decision. Now ask him to leave.
He came all the way from Toyama.
He was referred by someone you know: Nanbara.
They'll think Usuka fishermen are heartless.
I've never heard of him...
And this man should know whether I'm heartless or not.
Sorry to bother you.
Boats can't go out tomorrow anyway, so I'll ask him again later.
If push comes to shove, I'll secretly...
No, you shouldn't... Thank you anyway.
Yes?
Mom suggests you stay with us tonight.
- No, I'm fine here. - Just accept our hospitality.
You could die out here!
- I appreciate it. - Here you go.
Sorry he couldn't follow up on his promise.
I'll kick his butt tomorrow!
No, it was my fault for not asking in the proper way.
- The room's ready upstairs. - No, no...
- I'm fine down here, really. - But...
Really, this is more than enough. Thank you.
Sorry, I can't sleep. Mind drinking with me for a bit?
This one...
How old was your wife?
She was 53.
'Till when was she here?
- She told me she left when she was 13. - I see.
I'm actually from Matsuura, but...
my husband is two years younger, so maybe he knew her.
Seven years ago, he went to sea on a day like this and never returned.
With shipwrecks, if a body never turns up, -
they pronounce him dead after three months.
So my husband's grave doesn't contain his remains.
How do you know the man who referred you to Goro Ohura?
I met him while traveling.
- Do you know him? - No.
We've had guests coming to fish, so I was just curious.
I'll ask tomorrow myself, too.
I think Ohura...
probably sees that I still have some... second thoughts.
After my wife died, I received this.
Why...
didn't she tell me when she was alive?
What was I to her?
That's what's been on my mind.
Being married doesn't mean you know everything about the other person.
Does it really matter why she didn't tell you?
This letter has brought you all the way here, that's enough.
I'm sorry, I've said too much.
Look...
The winds have died down a bit.
You should be able to return your wife to the sea here.
This is the Hirado City Hall.
Starting at 1pm today, -
there will be a mobile clinic at Usuka Community Hall.
Anyone who has been injured or has become ill...
should head to the community hall.
- Hello. - Hello.
Tominaga Photo Studio
Thanks.
Ohura...
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I'm here to ask you once more.
Will you put out a boat...
so I can return my wife's ashes?
By tomorrow, the sea should be calmer.
Thank you.
I told Naoko we're helping you. She was ecstatic.
Thanks to you, we'll make up.
I owe this to you two, thank you.
You know, I really want to make her happy.
Seven years ago, when she was in high school, -
her father was shipwrecked.
His body never turned up, and she...
waited for the search boat every day.
I'll never forget the way she looked back then.
And still, she says she loves the sea.
She's willing to marry me, a fisherman.
Looks like you're marrying a kind person.
That's right.
Thanks for waiting.
- Here you go. - Naoko, here's the mail.
- Thank you. - Naoko.
Two ginger pork, and two mixed noodles.
- Two ginger pork, two mixed noodles. - OK!
Some tea, please.
There you go.
Good evening.
You haven't eaten, right?
Glad you got your boat.
Thanks to you all.
I'm sure the sea will be calm tomorrow.
Here you go.
I appreciate it.
Enjoy.
If only my husband had only have fished...
in calm waters like this.
He got into debt on some shady scheme, -
and was desperate to pay it back.
His insurance pay-out paid off the debt.
With the rest I turned the fishing boat business into a restaurant.
He was an idiot.
He exchanged his life for a little restaurant.
I have a favor to ask.
I want my husband to see this.
Would you please drop it in the sea tomorrow?
Then maybe it'll reach him somehow.
Sure.
I appreciate it.
This is from Mom and me.
Thanks.
- Be careful, Taku. - Don't worry.
Okay, let's go!
Cast off!
Let's stop here.
You won't infringe on anyone here.
Both of his parents rest in these seas, too.
I apologize for my rudeness before.
It's okay.
The sea is kind today.
Her spirit must be happy, returning to these waters.
Ohura...
Thank you for this.
- Hey, just take enough to cover fuel. - Will do.
It's been long since I've seen the sea so beautiful.
Let's drink with Kurashima.
Give him his space. You need to be more sensitive.
Sounds nice...
But we'll need to take it down in the fall.
Nothing's sadder than wind bells out-of-season.
To: Tsukamoto Letter of Resignation
Okay.
- Boss, can I step away? - Sure.
I'll be back by opening.
Kurashima.
I returned her ashes yesterday on board Goro Ohura's boat.
- It's thanks to you. Thank you so much. - Glad to hear that.
Actually, -
on the last letter from my wife...
- Only "Goodbye"? - Yes.
So I was extremely torn.
That's when the woman at the restaurant in town told me...
that it's only natural to have second thoughts.
Thanks to her words...
I felt like I finally understood... what my wife's will really meant.
"Your own time needs to keep flowing."
That must be what she meant.
That woman also gave me a photo...
to drop into the sea.
Then maybe...
it'll reach her husband.
The Usuka port was awfully small, wasn't it?
I was born and raised there, -
and then I married her and had Naoko.
Heading out from the small port and fishing everyday...
That should've been enough.
I never should've yearned for more.
That day, -
drifting on that wrecked boat, -
I started wondering...
"What if I just went missing?"
It's been...
seven years since I became the man known as Nanbara.
And yet...
she's still living there.
Kurashima.
For many years, -
I was a prison officer.
When inmates use "messengers" to send information to the outside, -
we call it "sending doves".
Today...
I became a dove.
- Two, please. - Two, got it.
Thank you.
- Two, please. - That'll be 1,000 yen.
- Two. - Two, got it.
Thank you.
"There is no path but this one. I drift alone." - Santoka Taneda
Ken Takakura
Yuko Tanaka
Koichi Sato
Tsuyoshi Kusanagi
Kimiko Yo
Haruka Ayase
Takahiro Miura
Hideji Otaki
Kyozo Nagatsuka
Mieko Harada
Tadanobu Asano
'Beat' Takeshi
Screenplay by Takeshi Aoshima
Directed by Yasuo Furuhata