360 km east of the main island of Okinawa
are remote islands, long known as the Great East islands.
Minami Daito island has no high school
so all the children leave
in the spring of their 15th year.
Yes, at last!
Borojino Girls!
"Borojino Girls Graduation Concert"
From the Naha sky, by plane,
everyone has come. Welcome all
The island drums invite you
Humanity overflows, stay for a while
Borojino Island is an island of dreams
A Pacific Ocean paradise
Good evening.
Here, Akio.
Ruriko, too.
Thanks.
Will Fumika go by herself?
Yes, I'd love to go with her, but...
This one's still young.
It's for the best.
Toshiharu.
Thanks for today.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Too tight? Ok?
It's fine.
Good luck, Fumika.
Thanks.
Fumi.
Tomorrow, you'll be Borojino Girls' leader, Yuna.
Be strong.
Ever since I was little
I've lived here
But for my future
I must leave this island
Goodbye
All the best, Yuna.
Good luck.
Hey, Sakura!
Takeshi!
Thanks.
Is Sakura's mum going too?
Yes, Masaru couldn't stop her.
Look after yourself, Mum.
Study hard.
Good luck.
Bye-bye.
Take care!
How many will return?
Come on! Quickly.
All together now!
Fumi.
Fumika.
See you.
LEAVING ON THE 15TH SPRING
Look at our locomotive
Carrying its sugarcane
Troubled choo-choo, troubled choo-choo
Good morning.
A year seems long but it flies by.
Here.
Especially this year, your last on the island.
Wake up.
Why are you sleeping?
The main island has lots of high schools.
Normal ones, agricultural, trade, industrial ones...
Number ones!
Idiot!
Interviews are next week
so talk it over with your family, ok?
Ok!
Right, textbooks out.
"Living arrangements for the main island"
Not fu chanpuru again?
Tiny portions.
Let's eat.
Yuna.
What?
Can I skip practice today?
Why?
A great TV show's on at 7.
The AKB one?
A K-Pop special.
Get Koshin to record it.
Sure, for a 100 yen.
Tightwad.
Don't skip the practice.
Idiot.
Me?
I'll go to Itoman, like my brother, or a trade school.
Will you live with your brother?
Dad says I can't live by myself.
I bet he'd call every day.
Probably.
Will you live with your Mum?
She's still on the main island, right?
Yes, in Naha.
Cool, I'd like to live there.
Look at our locomotive
Carrying its sugarcane
Troubled choo-choo, troubled choo-choo
Minami Daito is a sugarcane island
With a sweet gentle breeze
Right, let's try.
Yes.
Remember the part you always get wrong.
Here we go.
Sit properly. Yu, too.
Here, Yuna.
I restrung it.
How long have you had it?
7 years.
Only 7?
Mum gave it to me 7 years ago. She used it before that.
It's a good one.
But it needs a new skin.
Want dinner?
Not today. Sis is coming home.
Ok. Send her our best.
This'll do for now.
Ours too.
How long are you staying?
Haven't decided.
For a while then?
Yes.
This is too heavy.
Dad, buy a new one. A lighter one.
Where did you buy that top?
OPA. Cute, isn't it?
That's what I want.
Serve the rice, Yuna.
Hey, Mina!
Come here.
It's your Mum.
Let's eat.
Thanks for this food.
Next week is career consultation.
Where will you go?
Can I go to East High? From Mum's house?
It's an hour away.
That's tough.
How long from yours?
About 20-30 minutes.
I wouldn't mind.
If I'm there.
Yuna, choose the school you wanna go to.
Ok.
Mina, you're back?
Ah, Aunt Ruri. It's been ages.
Yuna.
Can I come in?
Wait a sec.
Ok.
Lend me the dryer.
Sure.
Thanks.
How's our brother?
Busy with work.
He's upset he's being outsold by his junior.
Will he come back for Obon?
Not sure.
And Mum?
When did you see her last?
Last spring.
Ah, when you came to see Mei?
Why won't she come back?
She isn't from here.
Island life doesn't suit her.
Will she leave Dad?
Why?
She doesn't call anymore.
Mum's staying on the main island 'cos your coming next year.
When you graduate and are independent,
she'll probably return here.
Don't worry yourself, just study hard.
Mina.
What's happened with Katsuya?
Nothing, it's fine.
Good night.
Riko!
What?
Play with Rin.
Ok.
Is the baby cute?
Very.
Do you fancy anyone?
What? Among this lot?
Chiro?
What about that boy from Kita-Daito.
You said he was cute.
No, I never.
You did.
I didn't.
Do you like anyone?
You do!
Who is it?
I'll never tell.
Why?
Never.
Hey, tell me.
Put those over there.
Ouch!
Oops. Didn't see you!
Yuna and Chiro in the back.
That goes over there.
Koshin, behave!
Thank you very much!
I declare the 51st
North-South Friendship Games has begun.
First, some words from Minami Daito's mayor.
At last this day has come.
This year, let's gain our revenge
and restore Minami Daito's pride!
Thank you. And next...
Kita-Daito will fight to the last to crush you!
Victory is ours!
Your boyfriend's grown.
Huh?
He's the tallest.
Stop it.
Yuna, quick!
Sir. How is it?
How's it going?
Terrible, we're getting thrashed.
Koshin boasted he'd throw a shutout.
Last year we won easily.
It's due to him.
He's playing baseball this year...
Unbelievable.
Kento! Kento! Kento!
Again.
Every time.
Softball 18-17, Kita-Daito.
Okinawan sumo, 3-2, Kita-Daito...
Smells great, looks yummy.
We lost the tennis?
We have to fight back.
You 2 should do the sumo.
Yes, lets.
Can I have some sauce?
Yuna, where's Mina?
Home. Mei had a fever.
Oh well, next time.
We'll show her.
What is it?
Photos of suitors?
Did Mina divorce?
Who said that?
Tell Mina to come to my house.
Ok.
Yuna, Yuna!
Quick, quick.
What?
Stop it.
Have fun!
Hi.
I've seen you with Borojino Girls many times.
Um, can we do names?
Ah,...mine?
I know yours, mine.
Sure.
I'm Kento Isa.
I'm Yuna Nakazato.
Do you have a...boyfriend?
No.
Eh?
No, I don't.
Well, if you'd like,
we could...um...
Hey, you lot!
Nice couple!
Get married!
Riko! Chiro!
Minami Daito.
It's a tie.
5-5?
Right, we've got to win the next one!
Come on, Toshi. It's down to you.
You can win this one.
Come on!
Here.
My address.
Maybe you could write to me.
For your left hand.
Thanks.
What's the score?
5-5.
Come on, Dad!
Come on.
Who won?
Kita-Daito!
Ouch.
No work for you tomorrow.
I wanted to make you proud.
You've got to remember your age.
No more next year.
Next year...
I won't be here.
There, a sunfish!
See it?
Yes.
You're here, Sis?
You need to tell her.
Get divorced and live on the island.
I can get her work.
Thanks for your concern, but...
Work?
Mr. Nagamine said he'd think about it.
He said that a month ago.
Aunt Ruri.
We're off to nursery.
Toshiharu.
What are you thinking?
About what?
Everyone's gossiping.
And then there's Akemi.
What's happening there?
That topic again?
When will she come back? It's been over 2 years.
When Yuna leaves high school.
Listen, you're this family's eldest son.
It doesn't look good, for your wife
to be absent for so long.
You're shaming your ancestors.
It's not just me whose wife and kids have left them.
Surely they can come back for Obon.
Where's Yuna?
Doing island PR.
Eh?
You can see Kita-Daito
Brother islands holding hands
Saasa, ojari yare, ojari yare, to Daito
Great.
Thank you.
That was Borojino Girls.
Please come forward
First, the group leader, Yuna Nakazato.
What does ~ojari yare' mean?
It's a Hachijojima word for welcome.
Like ~mensore' then.
I see. Daito people originally came from Hachijojima.
It's a mix of Ryukyu and Yamato cultures.
All stirred up together. What about Borojino?
It was the name of the Russian ship that discovered the Daito islands, long ago...
I need a wee.
Ah, right...
Let's take a break.
Sorry.
Everyone take a break.
Next, all the way from Minami Daito. Please introduce yourself.
I'm Shigeo Tamaki!
Applause, please.
He's very nervous.
Sis!
Long time, no see.
Where's Fumi?
She's got a cold and can't come today.
Really?!
Excuse me, Borojino Girls, you're on.
Ok.
Next, it's Borojino Girls.
Come on!
Let's go.
Bye-bye.
Good luck.
Relax.
They're starting already.
Hurry, Mum.
Ok.
The island sky where I was born
How well do I know it?
The shining stars and the floating clouds
I don't know their names
But I know them better than anyone
In sad times and happy times
I've looked up at this sky so much
Books can't teach you everything
About what's important there
It's an islander's treasure
Yuna!
Big Brother!
Long time, no see!
Brilliant show.
Really?
Really. I nearly cried.
You've got good at the sanshin.
Thanks.
It was great.
Thanks.
Sorry, Yuna.
A job's come up. I've got to go to the office.
What about dinner?
I'll take you out Saturday or Sunday for steak.
Call Dad some time.
I've got nothing to say to him.
Sorry, I'm on my way.
Later, Mum.
Right, let's go.
Ok.
Thanks.
Still using my sanshin, then.
How old is it?
It was my mum's.
About 100 years?
Maybe.
I was happy to get your call.
Really happy.
I'll carry it.
It's fine.
Come in.
It's hot.
Your room's here.
Ok.
It's a new futon.
Thanks.
Mina studied at this desk.
I'll make dinner.
Is hamburger ok?
Yes.
Is Mina doing the cooking?
I help too.
What can Mei say?
Mama and Granpop.
She's very fond of Dad.
Eh.
Do you have a boyfriend?
What?
You do.
Just a pen-pal.
An island boy?
From Kita-Daito.
A long distance relationship.
We might go to the same high school.
You've decided?
No.
How exciting.
Expecting someone?
Yes.
Who?
Someone I want you to meet.
I first met him at my work.
Mr. Kinjo. He's started his own company,
I'm helping him out.
It uses metal detectors for finding unexploded shells
before construction starts, and for disasters to help...
Is he your boyfriend?
Yuna, listen...
Sorry, I'm late.
I mailed you we'd start eating.
Really? I didn't have time to check.
Nice to meet you. I'm Kinjo.
Wash your hands.
Of course.
Hamburger? Looks delicious.
How was the concert?
Great.
Wish I'd been there.
But I had to work.
Yuna?
Sorry, Mum. I promised I'd stay at someone's.
Wait.
Dad asked if you'd be back...
for Obon.
Work's so busy.
Whose house?
Fumi's.
You know the address?
Here, take a taxi.
Is that ok?
No.
It's not ok at all.
Thank you.
Hurry up.
Are you even listening?
Yes, chocolate?
Not chocolate, strawberry or cream, which one?
You choose your favorite.
But I like both.
Masao!
Yuna, you've come today too?
Any letters?
Letters? Let's hope so.
Here, give this to your sister.
"Mrs. Mina Fujiwara"
I'm sorry.
"Katsuya Fujiwara"
I'm back.
Aren't you going to practice?
Just about to.
It was cold.
Hello, Mei. Oh, she's wet.
Could you change her?
You've got a letter.
Who from?
Katsuya.
Where is it?
In your room.
Right.
Let's change your nappy.
If you make me 19 again
Look at the old tree in the garden
Let's talk.
What?
You're planning on going to the same high school as Kento?
What about it?
He said he'd stay on his island after junior high.
Didn't he tell you?
Don't be stupid.
He'll work on his dad's boat.
My father heard about it at the fishermen's meeting.
Kento.
Phone.
Help Dad.
Let's play.
Later.
He said, "Later."
Hi.
Hi. It's been a while.
Hello.
Sorry, I've been busy...
Are you free on Sunday?
Kento, play with her.
In a minute.
Come here.
I'm free in the day. How will you come?
Dad.
Can you drop me at the supermarket?
Got to get some milk in.
Hi.
Yuna.
Where were you?
Let's go. While Mei's asleep.
It's good the typhoon's over.
Yes, last year was terrible.
I lived on cup ramens.
Hello.
What time is the boat?
Tomorrow at 10.
Tomorrow?
Yes, it's running a day late.
Takeshi!
How'll you get back?
By plane!
What an expensive date!
I'll take you back. Be here around 4.
Really?
Save you some money.
Thanks.
Hey...
Don't tell my Dad.
Our little secret?
Cool.
Thanks.
Hi.
Your body looks bigger.
I'm working on the boat.
My Dad's always struggled,
his back...
He can't do it alone...
You're going to be a fisherman?
I was going to come back anyway.
I can't abandon my family.
Did you make up with your mum?
Not yet.
Won't you live together?
I don't know.
From here,
it's 360 km to Naha.
How far is that?
Very far.
I see.
We may not be able to see each other any more.
Why?
Why do you say that?
I don't mind waiting.
I think it's admirable that you'd help your family...
So, even if we're apart...
Forever?
I'll live here forever, until I die.
I'm not admirable.
Every day I wish my parents
and siblings would disappear.
Then I could go to school with you.
I'm not admirable at all.
Stop.
Why? Don't you like me?
I do, but not like this.
Stop, let go of me!
Ouch.
I...
I can't do it.
I can't wait.
I fell in love with you
In the spring when I was 19
If you say we have to part
- Make me 19 again - Thanks very much.
No problem. You owe me a drink.
Get in.
If you plan to abandon me
Hurry up and let me know
While I'm still young
Don't leave me with regrets
There's nothing like a good bath.
Don't say that.
Don't you want to see Mei, Katsuya?
What's wrong, Mei?
"Divorce papers"
"Sugarcane supports the islands, the islands support the mainland"
If we agree to TPP, cheap sugar imports will flood in,
we'll be in big trouble.
It'll destroy our livelihood. We have to do something.
Wait, we always finish by saying that.
We need a specific plan of action, right?
Right, a protest against the TPP negotiations.
Wait, have we finished the minutes?
Yes.
Stop wasting time, we've got to act fast.
Let's decide a timetable.
Agreed.
How about next week?
Agreed.
"A 48 Million Years Old Island, Populated for 100 Years"
If sugarcane is finished, so is Daito.
Not just Daito.
Everyone will leave the small islands.
We'd be letting down our ancestors.
Here, Toshiharu.
This is where our children come back to.
Right.
Hey, Gima!
Come here.
Yeah, yeah...
When's Masashi coming back?
No idea.
Shigeo!
Our future leader, where were you?
An Islands Assembly meeting at City Hall.
Can I have a word?
I heard something in Naha...
About Akemi.
No problem.
Mum, too.
Not back yet.
At sanshin.
Ok, I'll tell her.
Bye-bye.
Tell me what?
That she called.
That's all?
Just the usual stuff.
Are you never going to speak to Mum?
She's been looking forward to living with you
when you go to school.
Don't you care?
You've forgiven her?
It's just the way it is.
What about Dad?
He...
wasn't there when she needed him.
Mum...
wanted Dad to move there, with you.
Never happen.
He belongs here.
Naha's far away.
It's tough living apart.
Family should be together.
I'm back.
Dad!
Not again!
Dad!
Happy New Year.
I'll carry that.
Thanks.
It's lovely weather, Mei.
Feels great.
Have you grown again?
I think you've shrunk.
Maybe.
Masashi and Mum...
didn't come home then.
You'll soon see them over there.
Right.
Katsuya.
Help him.
Let me.
I'm fine.
I'll get cups.
Thank you.
Drink.
Thank you.
Children...
can't choose their parents.
Parents have to do right by them.
Mina.
Please get the bowls.
Ok.
I'm going back with him.
Sorry for all the trouble.
Sorry for everything.
Why?
It was all because of me.
Why Mum left...
and stayed in Naha.
Sorry.
Dinner's nearly ready.
Call Katsuya and Mei in.
Please take care of Mina.
Eh?
Don't ever leave her.
Please.
Yes.
Dinner's nearly ready.
Ok.
Knock, knock, excuse me.
Rattle, rattle.
I'm Chihiro Higa from Minami Daito Junior High.
Please sit down.
Thank you.
Why do you want to come here?
Um...
Don't say "Um."
Once more, this time I'll get it.
Hey,
what are you playing at?
Can I have a word, Yuna.
Yes.
Sorry.
Write that you'll live with your Mum.
Can I think about it?
They'll ask in the interview.
I'll decide by then.
Not ready?
Serve the rice.
Not much here.
Let's eat.
How's your studying?
I told you, it's just an interview.
Oh, right.
Yuna, from ~choncomenu' means
since I was little,
and ~yama'
means field.
A ~magama' is a sickle.
Memorise it.
What's ~shinasaki'?
Love.
Your parents' love.
You mustn't cry when you sing this song.
Be strong.
Yes.
Don't worry your parents when you leave the island.
Sing it without crying.
Yes.
Mutsumi.
Ah, Toshiharu.
Brown sugarcane? Thank you.
Looks yummy.
Brown sugarcane, everyone.
Thank you.
Toshi, watch for a bit.
Sing Abayoi.
Ok.
Children and students,
it's 6 o'clock.
Hurry home and do your studies and chores.
Thank you.
I found this the other day. Have it.
Ever since I was little
I've lived here
Has it changed much?
The building's nicer
and they've flattened out this ground.
Do you miss it?
They called me Mr. Daito at school.
Really?
I was the only one from Daito.
Huh.
Let's go.
Should I come with you tomorrow?
No, I'll be fine.
We're all meeting at 7?
You know the restaurant?
Yes. Better go.
Take care.
Yuna?
Akemi went home after noon.
Come in.
Here.
Thank you.
School interview?
Tomorrow.
Good luck.
Thanks.
My Mum...
You and my Mum...
We split up last year.
Why?
Not sure why.
We both couldn't handle it.
I'm divorced with children of my own.
She's still a valued work colleague.
Relieved?
Yes.
Sorry.
Enough, Yuna?
Yes, thanks.
Still avoiding them.
This is delicious.
Told you it was all good.
Thanks.
Got a girlfriend?
Do you?
I'd have brought her if I did.
Don't sigh, Dad.
Why are you smiling?
I've missed this.
This?
Being a family.
Worried about the interview?
No, I've practiced.
East High's a long way from Mum's flat.
True.
I...
want to live by myself.
Why?
I'll move closer to the school.
I want my independence.
I'll be fine on my own.
Go back to the island, Mum.
Your Mum and I
are divorcing.
Eh?
We've given it a lot of thought.
Why?
I like my job,
and life here.
I can't go back.
What if Dad left the island?
We can all live here.
Move to a big house,
all together, even Mei and Katsuya,
everyone.
Yuna Nakazato.
Yes.
This way.
I'm good at music.
I've played the sanshin since I was 7.
Do we have anyone from Minami Daito?
One 3rd year is from Kita-Daito.
Do you like your island?
I love it.
What part?
The smell of sugarcane,
and everyone is like one big family.
Are you worried about leaving your family?
A little.
Do you have siblings here?
My brother, sister and mum.
Your dad will be all alone?
Yes.
That's why I'm worried.
What about?
If he'll eat properly,
not drink too much,
and sleep on his futon.
You're very fond of your Dad.
We've always been together.
Thinking about him,
living by himself...
Sorry.
It's only natural.
I'm ok.
But Dad, his family,
leaving one by one.
My mum, now me...
Left all alone.
I wish we...
could all be together, but we can't.
You'll check on her when she moves here, right?
We're all she has, after all.
Yes.
How was it?
Ok, I guess.
My parents' love is
Something you never forget
Congratulations.
Thanks.
Hey.
Hey, stop it!
All done?
Yes.
See you.
Bye-bye.
"Hoshino Limestone Cave"
I'm looking forward to 5 years from now.
You'll have to live a long time.
True.
Bath's free.
Good night.
Need a wee?
No, you?
I'm fine. Thanks.
"Borojino Girls Graduation Concert"
It needs a little more miso.
Gone out again.
Exciting, isn't it, Mayor?
Get back to work.
Of course.
Everyone's invited to come to
Borojino Girls' graduation concert.
Look.
Akemi.
Sorry I'm late.
Akemi.
Is this where you should really be?
Come on!
Do your best.
Right, let's go!
Ok.
Bye-bye, Yuna.
Bye, see you later.
Quick, quick!
See you later, Yuna!
Break a leg.
Riko!
From tomorrow, you're the leader.
Be strong.
Don't cry.
Good luck, get going.
From the Naha sky, by plane,
Everyone has come. Welcome all
Mum!
Can I help?
Yes.
Yuna...
I'm sorry.
Thanks...
for coming.
At last!
Good luck, Yuna!
Go on, Yuna!
Ever since I was little
I've lived here
But for my future
I must leave this island
Goodbye, goodbye
This island is engraved in my heart
My dad and I in the fields
Cutting with our sickles
Fond memories of it
come flooding back
Goodbye, goodbye
This island is engraved in my heart
Even though I was raised here
And am just a country girl
Don't worry about me, Mum
Please watch over me
Goodbye, goodbye
This island is engraved in my heart
My parents' love is
something I'll never forget
I'll study hard
and never forget my duty to my parents
Goodbye, goodbye
This island is engraved in my heart
Yuna!
Take care.
Good luck.
Thanks.
All the best.
Don't cry.
Thanks, bye-bye.
Thanks Shigeo.
Phone us.
Of course.
Bye, Takeshi.
Take care, Yuna.
Thanks.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Hurry up.
Take care.
I will.
All together now!
Dad!
Cast
Ayaka MIYOSHI as Yuna
Saori as Mina
Ryoko TATEISHI as Ruriko
Shinobu OTAKE as Akemi
Kaoru KOBAYASHI as Toshiharu
Crew
Producer: Yasuhiro MASAOKA Hiroshi HIGA
Director of Photography: Shinya KIMURA
Second Camera: Takeshi NAKASONE
Lighting: Kazuma OSHIRO
Set Design: Koji KOZUMI
Recording: Masahiro YOKOZAWA
Editing: Masaki MURAKAMI
Music: Shunsuke KIDA
1st Assistant Director: Takashi MATSUO
Production Coordinator: Kenji OKAMOTO Kazue TORIKOSHI
Costume: Kazumi HOSHINO
Hair & Make-up: Misa KOIDE
Written and Directed by Yasuhiro YOSHIDA