Ikiru (1952) - full transcript
Kanji Watanabe is a civil servant. He has worked in the same department for 30 years. His life is pretty boring and monotonous, though he once used to have passion and drive. Then one day he discovers that he has stomach cancer and has less than a year to live. After the initial depression he sets about living for the first time in over 20 years. Then he realises that his limited time left is not just for living life to the full but to leave something meaningful behind...
TOHO CO., LTD.
A TOHO
20TH ANNIVERSARY FILM
A 1952 ARTS FESTIVAL
SELECTION
IKIRU
(To Live)
Produced by
SOJIRO MOTOKI
Screenplay by AKIRA KUROSAWA
SHINOBU HASHIMOTO, HIDEO OGUNI
Cinematography by
ASAKAZU NAKAI
Art Director
TAKASHI MATSUYAMA
Music by
FUMIO HAYASAKA
Edited by
KOICHI IWASHITA
Starring
TAKASHI SHIMURA
SHINICHI HIMORI, HARUO TANAKA
MINORU CHIAKI, MIKI ODAGIRI
BOKUZEN HIDARI, MINOSUKE
YAMADA, KAMATARI FUJIWARA
MAKOTO KOBORI
NOBUO KANEKO
NOBUO NAKAMURA
ATSUSHI WATANABE
ISAO KIMURA, MASAO SHIMIZU
YUNOSUKE ITO
KUMEKO URABE, EIKO MIYOSHI
NORIKO HOMMA, YATSUKO TANAMI
KIN SUGAI, YOSHIE MINAMI
KYOKO SEKI
KUSUO ABE
TOMOO NAGAI
SEIJI MIYAGUCHI
DAISUKE KATO
Directed by
AKIRA KUROSAWA
This stomach belongs
to the protagonist of our story.
Signs of cancer
are already present,
but he doesn't know that yet.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
SECTION CHIEF
The water gives
my child rashes.
WHERE CITIZENS
AND CITY HALL MEET
PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO SUBMIT
And it breeds mosquitoes.
YOUR COMPLAINTS
AND REQUESTS HERE
Can't you do something?
It would make a great playground
if you filled it in.
Just a moment, please.
Sir, they've come to complain
about open sewage.
Send them to Public Works.
Here's our protagonist.
But what a bore it would be
to describe his life now.
Why?
Because
he's only killing time.
He's never actually lived.
You can't call this living.
Miss Odagiri...
how dare you,
during business hours?
It's just so funny!
What is?
The “Liar's Club.”
Someone sent it around.
Read it to us.
“So you've never taken
a vacation?”
“That's right.”
“Because City Hall
can't run without you?”
“No, because everyone
would realize
City Hall doesn't
need me at all.”
This isn't even worth watching.
He might as well be a corpse.
In fact, he's been dead
for some 20 years now.
Before that,
he had some life in him.
He even tried
to do a little real work.
PROPOSAL FOR INCREASING
DEPARTMENTAL EFFICIENCY
SUBMITTED 11/7/1930
BY KANJI WATANABE
But there's nothing left
of that will or passion.
They've been completely
worn down
by the minutia
of the bureaucratic machine
and the meaningless
busyness it breeds.
Busy... so terribly busy.
But in reality,
he does nothing at all
besides protecting
his own position.
The best way to protect
your place in this world
is to do nothing at all.
But is this enough?
Is this really enough?
For him to start
thinking seriously about this,
his stomach
will have to get a lot worse,
and he'll have to rack up
a lot more wasted time.
But any proposal
for creating a park
must go
to the Parks Department.
This seems to be more
a matter of sanitation.
Talk to your
district health center.
See the Sanitation Department.
See Environmental Sanitation.
Preventive Sanitation.
Disease Control.
Lots of mosquitoes?
That's a job for Pest Control.
The problem is seeping waste,
which means...
it's a problem for
the Sewage Department at City Hall.
That was originally a culvert.
That is,
it had a road over it.
You'll need the okay
of the Roads Department.
City Planning doesn't have
a policy for such cases.
Go to Zoning.
The Fire Department objected
to filling that cesspool.
They need it because
water pressure is bad there.
Are you kidding?
What we need is water,
not sewage that breeds mosquitoes
and causes rashes.
Imagine cleaning that sewage
out of our hoses!
If there were a kiddie pool there,
that'd be great for us too.
What about
your local school district?
They should have
a Child Welfare section.
But this problem
doesn't only affect children.
Rebuilding all the schools
has exhausted our resources.
A problem this big
should be handled
by your city councilman.
Sure, I'll write an introduction
to the deputy mayor.
Take my business card.
He'll see you right away.
Please have a seat.
Thank you
for all your efforts.
There's really nothing
we welcome more
than folks like you
who bring grievances like this
directly to our attention.
It's precisely
for people like you
that we established
our new Public Affairs section.
Don't hesitate
to tell them all about it!
Show these nice folks
to the Public Affairs desk.
You'll need to talk
to Public Works. Desk 8.
How dare you!
Stop giving us the runaround!
Why did you even put up
that sign?
So we'd waste our time?
We're not idlers
like all of you!
We just want something done
about that stinking cesspool!
We don't care
if it's Public Works, Sanitation,
Public Health, or whoever!
That's for Public Affairs
to sort out!
Fine!
We're done with you jerks!
All you do is laugh at us!
You call this democracy?
Let's go.
Please wait a moment.
I'm afraid our section chief
is out today.
It would be best
if you could put it in writing.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
SECTION CHIEF
What do you think?
The section chief
never takes time off.
Yeah. And he's been
listless recently.
But what'll we do
if he's out for a long time?
Exactly.
He wouldn't take a day off
just for a cold.
And nothing moves here
without his seal.
That's right.
I must say,
it's a terrible shame.
One more month
and he'd have set a record
of 30 years
without a single absence.
Some people are glad
he isn't here.
Bureaucrats always wonder
who'll take the boss's place
if he steps out.
He's been taking a lot of medicine.
What for?
His stomach.
He used to slurp
his noodles to the bottom,
but lately
he barely touches them.
Plain udon noodles in soup.
Yet another record.
I've never seen him eat
anything else.
Assuming the worst,
who'll replace him?
What's your rush?
A lot of guys have to die
before it's your turn!
X-RAY ROOM
- Mr. Hiraoka!
- Yes.
Your stomach?
My stomach's bad too.
They say it's chronic.
These days I hardly feel alive
unless my stomach hurts.
Mr. Ko Suzuki.
That man who just went in -
His doctor told him
he has an ulcer,
but I'm sure
it's stomach cancer.
Has to be.
And stomach cancer
is practically a death sentence.
The doc usually says
it's just a mild ulcer
and that there's
no need to operate.
That you can eat
whatever you want
as long as
it's easy to digest.
If that's what he tells you,
you've got a year at most.
But with some symptoms,
you won't even last a year:
first...
a dull, heavy pain.
Frequent unpleasant burping.
A dry tongue.
You can't seem to get
enough water and tea.
And then
there's the diarrhea.
And if it isn't diarrhea,
it's constipation.
Your bowel movements
turn black.
And then...
the meat you used to love
seems totally inedible.
Whatever you eat
you throw up half an hour later.
And then you start
throwing up food
you ate a week before.
At that point, you've got
three months at most...
Mr. Kanji Watanabe.
Mr. Kanji Watanabe.
Yes.
Have a seat.
Now, then... it looks like
you have a mild ulcer.
Please...
tell me...
the honest truth.
Tell me it's stomach cancer.
- No.
As I just said,
it's a mild ulcer.
What about surgery?
Can't you operate?
No need for surgery.
It can be treated medically.
What about my diet?
Well, let's see.
Use common sense.
If it's easy to digest,
you can eat whatever you like.
Has he got a year?
No, no more than six months.
- Six months?
- Yeah.
What would you do
if you only had
six months left to live?
Miss Aihara,
what about you?
See the Veronal
in the cabinet?
Is there a blackout?
The street lights are on,
and the neighbors' lights.
Strange.
I wonder if Father is out.
Where's the key?
- In your handbag.
Did Mrs. Hayashi
leave it unlocked?
She's so irresponsible.
That's the problem
with a part-time maid.
Having her live in
wouldn't cost much,
but a burglary sure would.
That's Dad's mentality.
Typical petty bureaucrat.
It's freezing.
Just as bad inside as out.
That's why I hate
Japanese houses.
It's such a drag
coming home to this.
I'd like a modern house.
Honey...
a house of our own would cost
around 500,000 yen, right?
Could we use your dad's
retirement bonus as collateral?
It must be worth
700,000 by now,
plus a monthly pension
of 13,000 yen...
and another 100,000
in savings.
But you think he'd agree?
If he doesn't,
we'll say we're moving out.
That'll clinch it.
Even Dad doesn't want to take
that much money to the grave.
Dad, what's the matter?
Nothing.
Nothing at all.
Somethings not right.
Listen...
this is awful.
- What is?
He heard everything.
He's awful.
It may be his house,
but this is our room.
I can't believe he snuck in here
while we were out.
If he needed to talk to us,
he should have said so.
He's too old
to be sulking around.
Stop making that face.
Enough about your dad.
He has his life.
We have ours.
Hold me.
How sad.
She was so young.
And to leave
such a sweet little boy behind.
She must have died
filled with regret.
Would you stop?
You're like a broken record.
Hurry!
Mommy's getting away!
Whenever
remarriage comes up,
you always
use the boy as an excuse.
When Mitsuo grows up,
he won't care about you
as much as you think.
And when he gets married,
they'll push you aside.
You have to think
about your own future.
I'm telling you:
Find a good wife now.
Even my old lady says so.
She imagines
how filthy it must be
with an oily-skinned man like you
living as a widower.
Dad.
Mitsuo.
Good night.
Please lock the front door.
Mitsuo!
How about that?
Great hit, huh?
That batter is my -
Mitsuo...
Stupid idiot!
What was he thinking?
Mitsuo.
Mitsuo, be brave.
It's just your appendix.
It's no worse
than pulling a tooth.
Can't you stay
for the operation, Dad?
I've got...
some other things to do.
Banzai! Banzai!
Banzai! Banzai!
Dad!
Mitsuo...
CERTIFICATE
OF COMMENDATION
FOR 25 YEARS
OF DISTINGUISHED CIVIL SERVICE
Mr. Watanabe left for work
at his usual time.
What?
But nobody has seen him.
It's been five days now.
And he hasn't called in sick.
The subsection chief asked me
to check in on him.
Ma'am.
What? Impossible!
Bu! ifs true.
The man from his office said so.
What could he be up to?
It seems unbelievable,
but it's true.
The people at his house
looked baffled.
That puts me in a fix.
Why? I can stamp
any paperwork while he's out.
But he has to approve
any resignations, right?
Why?
Are you looking to quit?
I don't belong here.
Uncle, he even withdrew
50,000 yen.
That miser?
I wonder
if he's got a woman.
That would
really be something.
- Now, dear.
- I'm sure it's not that.
There's no telling
when it comes to love.
The ones you least expect
are the most susceptible.
If you ask me,
he's actually a real lecher.
A lecher
with a solemn veneer.
But he's stayed widowed
these 20 years for you.
It makes sense that
he'd eventually snap, right?
Nonsense. He's lost
a lot of weight recently,
and his oily skin
has gotten rough and dry.
There must be
another explanation.
You saw him recently?
Four days ago.
He showed up in the morning.
I thought there was definitely
something wrong.
But your uncle here
blurted out,
“Why so glum? If you've come
for a loan, forget it.”
How could I suspect
a love affair
when he looked like that?
Hush! You see...
my husband thinks all men
are as debauched as he is.
Mitsuo, did anything
happen at home?
Nothing in particular.
HEY -.
Deliver this to my place.
A guy from the magazine
is waiting there.
And get some cyclobarbital
at the pharmacy.
Just give them my name.
But sir, the pharmacy's
already closed.
Is it that late?
In this neighborhood
folks go to bed after dinner.
That stinks.
I can't sleep unless
I chase it down with whisky.
Pardon me for butting in...
but I happen to have some.
Much obliged.
May I pay you
the official price?
No, no.
I was planning
to throw it away.
- But -
- No, really.
Really?
Then let me
pick up your tab.
Oh, no.
You can hold
your liquor, right?
Drink up.
You hardly seem tipsy.
Thank you.
Even if I drink,
I'll just throw it up.
You see...
I have stomach cancer.
- Stomach cancer?
- Yes.
I don't know what to say.
In that case,
what you're doing is crazy.
Yes, I'm ashamed to admit.
I mean...
drinking when you have
stomach cancer is suicide.
The thing is...
I can't go through with it.
“Go ahead and kill yourself,”
I think.
And yet...
I just can't do it.
I mean...
I can't bring myself
to make it final.
But what have I been...
living for all these years?
You don't have children?
Does your stomach hurt?
No, it's not my stomach.
There seems to be
a deeper issue here.
No.
It's just...
that I've been such a fool.
I'm just...
so mad at myself.
Until just a few days ago...
I had never even
bought myself a drink.
It's only now
that I don't know
how much longer
I have to live...
that I've finally begun -
I understand.
I understand.
But drinking now
is plain crazy.
Besides,
does it even taste good?
No, it doesn't.
But for a little while
I can forget my cancer
and all the other
painful things.
This...
this expensive sake...
is like drinking poison...
to get back at myself.
I mean...
that is... it's kind of...
a painful feeling...
I understand.
Sorry to be
telling you all this.
Listen...
I have 50,000 yen on me
that I'd like to spend
all at once.
But I'm ashamed to admit
that I'm not even sure
how to go about it.
What I'm trying to say is -
You want me to show you
how to spend it?
Yes.
I realize
it's terribly forward of me.
But...
This money -
It took me decades
to save up this money.
All the more reason now to -
I understand.
But please put
your money away.
Tonight's on me.
But that's not -
Just leave things to me.
It's fascinating.
I realize it's rude
to call you fascinating,
but you're
an extremely rare individual.
I'm just a slacker
who writes second-rate fiction.
You've really
started me thinking.
They say there's
something noble about suffering,
and it's true.
Misfortune
teaches us the truth.
Your cancer has opened
your eyes to your own life.
People are fickle
and shallow.
We only realize
how beautiful life is
when we face death.
And even then,
few of us realize it.
The worst among us know
nothing of life until they die.
You're amazing! Rebelling
against your past self at this age!
That rebellious spirit moves me.
You were a slave
to your own life.
Now you'll become
its master.
It's our human duty
to enjoy life.
Wasting it is desecrating
God's great gift.
We have to be greedy for life.
They say greed is a vice,
but that's outdated.
Greed is a virtue,
especially greed for enjoying life.
Come on.
Let's go reclaim
the life you've wasted.
Tonight it will be
my pleasure
to act
as your Mephistopheles,
but a beneficent one
who won't ask for your soul.
How perfect!
There's even a black dog.
Lead the way!
Listen.
These silver balls are you.
They're your life itself.
People strangle themselves
in their daily lives.
This machine sets them free.
It's a vending machine
for dreams and aspirations.
No, don't!
You wouldn't know it,
but these women are
the greediest of all mammals.
It'll cost you a dozen hats
to get that old one back.
Besides,
you're a new man now.
Time to buy a new hat!
Welcome.
Welcome.
It's been a long time!
The same for your friend?
What are you laughing at?
It's the honest truth.
He really does have cancer.
- Then why's he drinking?
- Idiot!
That's why
you'll never understand.
Ecce homo.
“Behold the man.”
This man bears
a cross called cancer.
He's Christ.
If you were diagnosed with cancer,
you'd start dying right away.
But not this fellow.
That's when he started living.
Isn't that right?
Hey, don't stare like that.
It's rude.
This way.
Anyone want
to request a favorite?
“Life is Brief.”
What?
“Life is Brief.”
Fall in love, maidens
That love song
from the nineteen teens? Okay!
Life is brief
Fall in love, maidens
Before the crimson bloom
Fades from your lips
Before the tides of passion
Cool within you
For those of you
Who know no tomorrow
Life is brief
Fall in love, maidens
Before the raven tresses
Begin to fade
Before the flames in your hearts
Flicker and die
For those to whom
Today will never return
That's it!
That's the spirit!
Life is brief
Striptease.
It isn't... an art.
It's more than art.
It's more direct.
That female body
gently undulating
up there is a juicy steak,
a glass of liquor,
an injection of camphor,
testosterone,
streptomycin, uranium -
Stop, please.
Hey, stop the car.
Wha... do we have a flat?
I think he's throwing up.
Let's sing something.
I hate feeling blue.
Section Chief!
I thought it was you!
I hardly recognized you
in that new hat.
I'm glad I ran into you.
I was looking for your place.
Are you off to work?
No, I'm -
Do you have your seal?
No, it's back at home.
I want to quit City Hall.
I'm in a rush.
I've found a new job.
Then... come to my house.
- Why are you quitting?
- I'm bored.
It's killing me.
Every day is like the one before.
Nothing new ever happens.
I've put up with it
for a year and half,
but the only novel thing
that's happened
was that you took
five days off...
and now
this new hat of yours.
That's it.
Listen, don't say anything
when Dad gets back.
I have nothing to say.
I'm saying don't take
that carping attitude.
If you hadn't brought up
his retirement bonus -
How self-serving,
blaming it all on me!
You're the one
who brought up his savings
and how even he wouldn't
take it all to the grave.
But I still can't figure out
why that was enough
to make him act like this.
He's never once
stayed out all night.
Let's drop it.
We have no idea
what he's doing,
much less
whether it's our fault.
I'll wait here.
Please come in for a bit.
Honey!
Thirty years.
It kills me to think
of 30 years in that place.
I'm sorry.
No, it's just that...
recently...
every time
I see that award,
it reminds me
of that joke you read to us.
I mean,
it really rang true.
All these 30 years...
what have I been
doing there?
I can't remember
no matter how I try.
All I remember...
is just being busy...
and even then I was bored.
I had you all wrong, sir.
You really do understand!
What a surprise!
That's crazy.
Whatever Uncle says,
I know Dad best.
But -
It's unimaginable,
Dad with such a young girl.
It's not in the right format.
Are you going
to the office?
Yes, I have to submit this.
Could you turn in
my sick-leave form?
Why are you taking
so much time off?
Everyone's talking about it.
They're calling it your “mutation.”
I just...
Are you really sick?
You do look kind of pale.
I just meant -
I didn't think so.
So where do you go
when you pretend
you're going to work?
Don't try to hide it.
But don't you know
that Mr. Sakai came here yesterday
and told them everything?
Who cares, right?
After 30 years
without an absence,
you deserve
at least six months off.
Besides, I'll cover for you.
I'm not like Carp Windsock.
- Carp Windsock?
Yes, Mr. Sakai
is a human carp windsock.
His lips are always flapping,
but he's just hot air inside.
Plus he always acts
like such a big shot.
He makes 200 yen more
a month than I do,
so he looks down on me.
Bye, then.
Listen, I'll go with you.
Ma'am?
Ma'am!
You're so lucky.
I wish I could live
in a house like yours.
At our place,
three families share two rooms.
It's like
the Warring States period.
And you have
a wonderful son, right?
Tell me, where do they sell
women's stockings?
You want to buy some?
Western clothing stores
carry them.
For your daughter-in-law, right?
I've heard she's very pretty.
That's according
to Carp Windsock's report.
- Are you all right?
- I'm just so excited!
- They make you that -
- I'm so happy!
To buy them myself,
I'd have to have sardines
for lunch for three months.
But why did you buy them
for me?
Well, yours
had holes in them.
Do the holes in my stockings
make your feet cold?
Don't get me wrong -
I was just kidding.
I know you did it
out of kindness,
but I feel awkward
at times like this.
That's why I made a bad joke.
Forgive me.
Want to hear something good?
Something good?
I got so bored that I gave
everyone at work nicknames.
Wanna hear them?
Sea Slug.
- Sea Slug?
Can you guess?
Someone who's slippery
and evasive.
Mr. Ono,
the subsection chief.
Sea Slug...
Gutter Cover. Someone who's
damp and gloomy all year round.
- Would that be Obara?
- Bingo!
Next: Flypaper.
- Flypaper?
- You know - sticks to everything.
You guessed, right?
Mr. Noguchi!
Next is the floor supervisor,
Mr. Saito.
Can you guess his nickname?
Mr. Saito.
Let's see...
His distinguishing feature
is that he has none.
I don't really know...
Set Menu.
- Set Menu?
- At the cafeteria.
And what about Kimura?
Jelly Noodles.
Timid and quivering.
I had a nickname
for you too.
But I'm not going to tell,
'cause I had you all wrong.
No, I don't mind.
Tell me.
Now I've put my foot in it.
No, it would be worse
if you didn't tell me.
Okay, then:
The Mummy.
Forgive me.
It's all right.
So you mean I'm -
I'll say good-bye here.
Thank you so much.
Do you really have to submit
your resignation today?
If you could
make it tomorrow,
we could spend today...
You're not eating anything.
It's just...
You look so tired.
No, today
was really a lot of fun.
But you snored through
the best part of the movie.
It's just that...
I overdid it a bit last night.
Mr. Kimura...
This is something...
I can't tell anyone.
It's too embarrassing.
You see, the reason...
We worked...
like a mummy
these last 30 years -
Oh, no!
It's not that I mind you
calling me a mummy...
because that's exactly right.
I don't blame you at all.
It's just that the reason
I turned myself
into a mummy -
What I mean is
that I did it all...
for my son's sake.
But as it turns out,
my son...
couldn't care in the least.
But you can't blame it all
on your son.
Isn't that right?
Not unless he asked you
to become a mummy.
Parents are all the same.
My morn gives me
the same line sometimes.
“All the trouble
you've put me through!”
I'm grateful she had me,
but babies don't ask
to be born.
But what happened to make you
bad-mouth your son to me?
It's just...
I knew it!
You still adore him!
No end in sight
for the electricity shortage.
Is that right?
This heat is due to the warmest
ocean currents in 30 years.
Is that a fact?
Actually,
there's something...
I'd like to tell you.
I know I should have
told you sooner,
but it's not
very pleasant business.
Father, I already know.
You see, I discussed it
with Uncle today.
We must address practical matters
to avoid complications later.
For instance, although
we have rights as your heirs,
you need to make those clear
to avoid disputes.
She's taken you for 50,000 yen
in just a few days.
Young girls these days -
- What are you...?
Father! We respect
your free will, all right?
We even accept
your debauchery!
But it's common sense
to set some conditions.
Think of Kazue,
or at least
of her family back home.
How dare you bring home
a woman like that!
And holding hands
with her in your room!
I could hardly face Mrs. Hayashi
when she told me!
Two weeks have passed
since our protagonist
abandoned his post.
During that time,
various rumors
and endless speculation
about Mr. Watanabe
have made the rounds.
The rumors and speculation
all agree on one thing:
Whatever Mr. Watanabe
is doing,
it is very frivolous indeed.
But in point of fact,
Watanabe
had never been this earnest
about anything
in his entire life.
This isn't City Hall,
where you can waste
a whole day on an hour's work!
I just -
Every second I waste here
costs me money.
Then what about tonight?
I'm pooped at night.
I'd rather sleep than go out.
Besides, why are you
always taking me out?
It's just -
Let's stop doing this.
It doesn't feel right.
Just one last time tonight.
No, or it'll never end!
Now, excuse me.
Tonight's the last time, okay?
Shall we go for a stroll?
I've had enough.
Next it'll be a sweets shop,
then a sushi or noodle joint.
What's the point
of these endless rounds?
I feel bad saying this
when you pay for everything,
but I've had enough.
We've run out of things
to talk about.
There's that face again.
The truth is
you give me the creeps.
What's going on? Why do you
chase me around like this?
- It's just -
- It's just what?
It's just -
I enjoy spending time
with you this way.
A May-December romance?
Forget it.
No, no!
It's just that I -
Just spit it out
instead of sputtering like that.
- Are you mad?
- No.
I don't even know myself...
why I keep
following you around.
All I know is -
Listen:
I'm going to die soon.
I've got stomach cancer.
It's right here.
Do you see?
No matter how I struggle,
I've only got six months
to a year left.
When I found out,
I suddenly... in here -
Now I remember:
I nearly drowned in a pond once
when I was a child.
I felt exactly
the same way then.
Everything's going black.
I writhe and thrash around,
but there's nothing
to hold on to...
except you.
- What about your son?
Don't talk to me about him!
I have no son.
I'm all alone.
- But -
No, you don't understand.
My son
is somewhere far away.
Just as my morn and pop were
when I was drowning
in that pond.
Remembering it now,
it's even more painful
than it was then.
But why someone like me?
It's just that...
when I look at you,
I get a warm feeling...
right here.
Even an old mummy like me.
What I mean is,
you've been really kind to me.
No, that's not it.
You're young and healthy,
and that's why -
No.
I mean...
what makes you so lively?
You're just so full of life.
That's why I -
That's why this mummy
envies you!
Before I die,
even if only for one day,
I want to be like that.
Until I've done that,
I can't let myself die.
You see, I just...
I just want something to -
I want to do something.
I just don't know what.
But you know.
No, maybe you don't, but -
But I don't!
Tell me,
how can I be like you?
- But all I do is work and eat!
- What else?
That's all!
It's true.
All I do is make
these little things.
Just making these
is so much fun.
I feel like I'm making friends
with every baby in Japan.
Why don't you try
making something too?
What could I possibly make
at that office?
Yeah, it's hopeless there.
You should quit
and go somewhere...
It's too late.
No... it's not too late.
It's not hopeless.
Even there,
there's something I can do.
I just have to find the will.
There's something I can do.
It's only a matter of time
before he resigns.
His son came by yesterday
about his retirement bonus.
Which means
you'll finally be section chief.
Well, you never know.
Good morning.
Section Chief.
Ono, take care of this.
PETITION TO REPAIR
AND FILL IN CULVERT
KUROE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
TO BE ASSIGNED
TO PUBLIC WORKS
Is this really a job
for Public Works?
Actually, this is
precisely the kind of job
that Public Affairs
should oversee.
Public Works
can't do it alone.
Parks and Sewage
must also take action.
Get me a car, will you?
I'm going out
to survey the site.
Put together a report today.
Sir, I'm not sure
that's possible.
It is if you set your mind to it.
Five months later.
The protagonist
of our story has died.
Let us see the deputy mayor.
He must be here.
Just five minutes, please.
Reporters.
What should I tell them?
- Your suspicions are groundless.
- Are they?
Our claim is based
on thorough research.
Sir, the official story
is that the Parks Department
and local councilman
built that park
with your backing,
but wasn't it really
Mr. Watanabe?
That's the word.
Mr. Watanabe
was chief of Public Affairs.
Building parks is
the Park Department's job.
We understand that.
But the plan almost
fizzled out several times.
We're talking about the man
who saw it to completion.
Local residents believe that
that was Mr. Watanabe.
They're deeply concerned
about the fact
that he died
in the park he built.
What's that supposed
to mean?
Well, they were suspicious
even before that happened.
For example, in your speech
at the park's opening ceremony,
you never mentioned
Mr. Watanabe once.
They say it wasn't
a congratulatory address.
Then what was it?
A campaign speech.
Furthermore...
he was completely ignored
during the ceremony
and seated
in the back corner.
In short, people feel
a lot of sympathy for the guy.
So the fact that
he died in the park
has led to some
interesting speculation.
It's seen
as an act of silent protest
against top city officials.
So you're saying
Watanabe committed suicide
or at least let himself
freeze to death?
More or less.
I see.
Don't forget it was also
snowing last night.
Sounds like a scene
right out of a play.
However...
an autopsy
has clearly established
the cause
of Watanabe's death.
He certainly didn't commit suicide.
Nor did he freeze to death.
He died of stomach cancer.
- Stomach cancer?
That's right.
Internal hemorrhaging.
Watanabe died suddenly,
without warning.
If you have any doubts -
Ono, give them
the name of the hospital.
It's just not right.
The way these reporters think,
and their tactlessness -
Actually...
it applies
to the general public too.
They just don't understand
how government works.
They're woefully ignorant
of how we function.
Take that little park in Kuroe.
Some seem to believe
that Watanabe built it,
but that's ridiculous.
Maybe I shouldn't say this
here at his wake,
in front of his son
and relatives...
but I'll go ahead,
because I think Watanabe
would agree with me.
Certainly, Watanabe
went to great pains
to get that park built.
I take my hat off
to his enthusiasm.
But his efforts were part
of his official duties.
The idea he went beyond
the scope of his office
to facilitate citizens' desires
and actually built
the park himself
is nonsense to those
who understand our bureaucracy.
Watanabe himself
would grimace at the idea.
However...
we may be partly to blame
for the fact
people are saying such things.
All eyes were on
that epoch-making project
as it was rushed
to completion.
Maybe we should have
singled out someone's service.
For instance...
the chief
of the Parks Department.
Or his superior...
the chief of Public Works.
If you say so,
Mr. Deputy Mayor,
but here's what I think.
The head
of the Parks Department and I
only fulfilled the duties
of our offices.
But when I think
how difficult it was
to navigate the intricate politics
of the city council
and realize
the park's construction,
it is you, Deputy Mayor,
who should be singled out.
Now, now...
Some people
have even criticized
my speech
at the opening ceremony.
Isn't that right, Ono?
They called it
a campaign speech!
Excuse me.
The residents of Kuroe
are here asking to burn incense
for the deceased.
Kiichi, come.
You too, Mitsuo.
It sure is cold.
May I pour one for you?
I'll get some warm sake.
What do you say?
Why don't you all move
closer down here?
Why not?
- Over here, please.
- Thanks.
Mr. Hayashi.
Mr. Ono.
Did all the big shots
go off to a meeting?
Yes.
No, they just couldn't stand
to stay here.
I don't care
what anyone says.
It was Mr. Watanabe
who built that park.
The deputy mayor
and his people know it.
That's going too far.
As the deputy mayor said -
That's right.
I'm not saying this because
I'm in the Parks Department,
but we drew up the plans
and oversaw construction.
- That's not what I meant.
- Now, now...
I understand
how you feel, but -
The point is
he was in Public Affairs.
Did he think
he could just build a park?
We have to respect
each other's turf or -
If I had to say
how that park got built,
I'd say it was coincidence.
Hear me out.
If a looming election hadn't put
pressure on the local councilman,
and if profiteers hadn't lobbied
to build
a red-light district there,
that reclamation work
wouldn't have proceeded so quickly.
That's right.
Exactly right.
There's one thing
I can't figure out.
Why would
someone like him
suddenly change like that?
What could it have been?
I agree.
It's a complete mystery.
It really is.
I mean...
with the benefit of hindsight,
it would seem he knew
he had stomach cancer,
and that's why -
We were just discussing
whether your father knew
he had stomach cancer.
Well, I think he would have
told me if he did.
Indeed.
I believe my father
was fortunate to die
without realizing
he had cancer.
A diagnosis like that
is a death sentence.
I see.
Well, that rules out
Saito's theory.
What theory is that?
Well, five months ago he went
through a sudden transformation.
That's for sure.
And none of us has
any clue what caused it.
Well, that was
a woman's doing.
With a young mistress,
the hormonal effect can temporarily
rejuvenate an old man.
Happens all the time.
It suddenly put a sheen
back on his cheeks.
Actually...
we heard rumors
at that time of a romance.
That explains
the rakish hat.
Sure does.
That surprised
the hell out of me.
Sir, I'm not sure
that's possible.
It is if you set your mind to it.
But wait.
In any case,
his enthusiasm
was a bit over the top.
Yes. That's very true.
I don't mean to argue,
but a woman alone
can't account for -
- But -
- Dear.
The thing is...
it just doesn't make sense.
Not to change the subject,
but there were times
when his extraordinary zeal
threatened to derail it all.
That's city hall for you.
Gotta guard your turf.
That's right.
The biggest mystery to me
is how a 30-year veteran
could suddenly forget the rules.
It's because he -
In any event...
pushing his plan
on all the other departments
ensured that everyone
would dig in their heels.
My boss was
none too happy about it.
Building parks is
the Parks Department's job.
We have our own proposals
for new parks.
Couldn't you reconsider?
This site is really terrible.
But building a park
isn't as simple
as you outline
in your proposal.
No, this proposal is just -
I understand.
Tell you what:
I'll study
your proposal thoroughly.
But you know,
in the end
even the parks chief caved in
to Watanabe's tenacity -
You've got a point there.
He really didn't know
what to do.
He really was something.
He would wait days
for the answer he wanted.
Our section chief
would sneak away
the second
he saw Watanabe's face.
That's right.
Section Chief!
He even pleaded
with underlings like me.
It was unbelievable!
Won't you please...?
Isn't there some way...?
Finally we couldn't
stand by any longer.
That's right.
We took pity on him too.
But you guys
in General Affairs
were the worst of all.
Wait a minute!
I went around with him,
so I know.
You made us beg for two weeks.
I won't forget that.
Sorry about that.
However...
remember
the most surprising thing?
- Oh, right.
- That was a shocker.
DEPUTY MAYOR'S OFFICE
But you know
what was even more surprising?
The incident
in the deputy mayor's office?
- I heard about that!
- That was something!
A section chief openly
defying the deputy mayor -
unprecedented
at City Hall!
Listen,
about that new park...
it's one thing
to show initiative,
but you don't want people
thinking you're a publicity hound.
And the city council's
got problems of its own.
I think it's best
just to let the proposal die.
Last night there was
a banquet at Nakagawa.
I tell you, geisha
these days are appalling.
One of them
spent the evening sulking
and didn't say a word.
The proprietress said she was
a student working part-time!
That's a good one!
Couldn't you please...
reconsider the proposal?
What did you just say?
I mean...
about that park...
won't you reconsider
your decision?
But the thing is,
when you look at the results,
was it worth taking it that far?
No, it was crazy!
Everyone at City Hall
is guarding his own turf.
But didn't the deputy mayor
end up reconsidering?
That's because
the councilman needled him.
It was just coincidence.
You're attributing everything
to Watanabe's “zeal.”
Don't be so sentimental!
Sentimental!
Is that so?
I don't see it that way.
If all of you can't
understand his dedication,
the world's
a dark place indeed.
It is a dark place.
From just looking
at Mr. Watanabe you could tell
that only his work
was keeping him alive.
Didn't it look
that way to you?
Sometimes it even
gave me chills.
When was it?
I was...
That reminds me
of when I'd see him
at the construction site.
That look in his eyes!
As if he were watching
his child or grandchild,
the apple of his eye.
Of course.
He nurtured that park
like you would a child.
So what are you saying?
Like I said before:
Whatever anyone says,
Mr. Watanabe built that park -
But if the councilman
and deputy mayor
hadn't been facing
reelection,
the plan wouldn't
have become a reality.
Watanabe had no role
in what was going on higher up.
That's not actually true.
Really?
The folks who wanted
that red-light district
definitely thought Watanabe was
blocking their way. Listen to this:
Section Chief.
Are you Section Chief
of Public Affairs?
Yes.
Just the man
I wanted to see.
Old man, you'd better
mind your own business.
Just what
are you trying to -
Don't play dumb!
No hard feelings.
Just shut up and back off.
Say something!
You value your life?
This is Watanabe.
I just don't get it.
Why would
someone like him -
I just don't...
get it.
No, I'm sure Mr. Watanabe knew
he had stomach cancer.
But -
I just suddenly
remembered something.
This is too much!
We've been at this
for two weeks.
We've explained it
to them 20 times.
They could at least tell us
if there are funds.
General Affairs is just being sadistic.
It's not like it's their personal money.
Why can't they be
more agreeable?
Well, you know -
Doesn't it make you furious
to be treated
with such contempt?
No.
I can't afford to hate people.
I haven't got
that kind of time.
You mean -
Wait!
Now that you mention it...
that reminds me...
of something.
How beautiful!
Truly beautiful.
A sunset.
I don't think I've really
looked at one in 30 years.
But I haven't got time
for this now.
He knew!
He knew he didn't have
long left to live -
It makes everything
clear as day.
There's no other explanation.
That explains
his extraordinary passion
and his strange behavior.
Now what he did
makes perfect sense!
Absolutely.
We'd have done the same.
But any of us
could die at any moment.
Listen...
Subsection Chief.
I mean you...
the new Section Chief
of Public Affairs.
Section Chief!
Are you listening?
I haven't been promoted yet.
See here!
Ono!
- Cut it out.
What did you say
a minute ago?
“We'd have done the same.”
Don't make me laugh.
Hey, that's enough now.
You think you could have done
what Mr. Watanabe did?
Don't make me laugh.
Listen, Ohara...
the thing is -
I may look dumb, but -
Don't you think...
Okay, I only went
to night school...
so I'll never make section chief!
- Watanabe was a great man!
No, great's not the right word.
- But you, Ono?
- What's the right word?
- Don't make me laugh.
- Compared to him -
Compared to Mr. Watanabe,
the rest of us -
We're worthless scum!
Including you!
That's going too far.
We may be scum...
but some of us start out
at City Hall as good people.
But the longer you stay -
I didn't used to be -
You're not supposed to do
anything at City Hall.
Doing anything
is considered radical!
We have to act like we're doing
something while doing nothing.
- That's right.
- In our department too!
The thing is,
just to get a garbage can
somewhere emptied out,
you need enough paperwork
to fill another garbage can.
That's exactly right!
Seal after seal after seal!
That's just an excuse.
We waste people's
valuable time.
The public is upset by bribes
and 40,000 cars and so on,
but those are just farts
next to this invisible,
colossal waste of time!
Listen here.
I often have
the same concerns.
But in that labyrinthine machine,
you can't do a thing!
All that meaningless busywork
and not a moment to think!
Idiots!
But the thing is,
Mr. Ohara,
even within a system
where you can't get
a thing done,
and battling
stomach cancer at that,
Mr. Watanabe managed
to accomplish so much.
That's it!
That's what I wanted to say!
That's why I get so angry!
That's what I'm saying!
Mr. Watanabe
expected no reward!
That's right!
When you imagine how he must
have felt, his life on the line -
Anyone who tries to take
the credit isn't human!
The deputy mayor.
Just say it!
That's going too far...
Listen.
How do you think he felt...
dying all alone in that park?
Just thinking about it...
A policeman brought this by.
He found it in the park.
And he'd like to light incense
for the deceased.
Thank you for taking the trouble.
Come in.
Won't you stay a bit
and have a drink?
We appreciate
your coming out of your way.
Please sit down.
To tell you the truth...
last night I was...
on patrol...
in the new park...
when I came across him.
It was 10:00 - no.
Nearly 11:00.
He was on the swing...
even though it was snowing.
I just assumed
he was some drunk.
I was derelict in my duty.
If I'd followed my first inclination
and taken him in,
this wouldn't have happened.
What I did was unforgivable.
But he seemed to be...
so perfectly happy.
I can't explain it.
He poured his whole heart
into that song of his...
with a haunting voice...
that filled...
the depths of my soul.
Life is brief
Fall in love, maidens
Before the crimson bloom
Fades from your lips
Before the tides of passion
Cool within you
For those of you
Who know no tomorrow
Listen, last night...
under the stairs,
I found a pouch
with my name on it.
Inside were
Dad's bankbook and seal,
along with forms for claiming
his retirement bonus.
So he left it
before he went to the park?
It was so cruel of him...
not to tell us he had cancer.
If I'd known sooner -
Hey, why didn't
his girlfriend show up?
I wonder if she really was
his girlfriend after all.
I'll do my best!
I swear it!
- We must carry on his work!
We can't let
his death be in vain!
I'll be like a man reborn!
We'll sacrifice ourselves
in the service of the people!
Never forget this feeling!
I'm going to do my best!
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
SECTION CHIEF
Sir...
the sewage main break in Kisaki
is overflowing into Takao.
Public Works.
Please go to Public Works.
Desk 8.
Kenbo! Yoko!
Come in for dinner!
THE END