My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) - full transcript
The Yamadas are a typical middle class Japanese family in urban Tokyo and this film shows us a variety of episodes of their lives. With tales that range from the humourous to the heartbreaking, we see this family cope with life's little conflicts, problems and joys in their own way.
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This is the sun, this is the moon.
This mountain is really the earth.
And this is grandma.
My, how splendid.
Hello, Mrs. Yamada.
I've never seen such a magnificent...
Yup, they're my little babies.
What species?
This is a Mino Chrysanthemum,
this is...
No, I mean the caterpillar.
No idea.
Grow into a butterfly
just as gaudy as that flower.
Mother!
That's our grandma.
And my mother and me, Nonoko.
What am I going to make
for dinner tonight?
I know, I'll go for it!
Something really special!
What are we having?
We had curry last week,
curry two days ago,
tonight... curry!
What?
And this is my father
and my older brother.
What's the use
of all this studying, Dad?
Listen, Noboru,
studying is not about
what's useful or not.
The studying that seems useless
may turn out to be useful.
On the other hand, it might be that.
studying that doesn't seem
not useful may not be,
but then, studying that seems useless
may then be useful.
But when you really need it,
it's not about useful or useless.
What are you going on about?
So I still have to study.
I get it.
If my father had been smart
and really cool
and my mother had been gorgeous
and a great cook
and our family had been rich,
my whole life would've been different.
If only one of them...
Don't be ridiculous.
If we hadn't married,
there'd be no you and no Nonoko.
Without the two of us,
you wouldn't be here.
No, that's wrong.
If I had cooler parents,
I'd just be their kid instead.
How stupid.
Don't you know about
stamens and pistils?
You tell him.
You can't choose your parents.
No, I can't accept that.
Something's not right.
Because I'm me, Dad's Dad
and Mom's Mom.
What is that supposed to mean?
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Where am I?
Who am I?
I get it.
So, there was a time
when Dad and Mom weren't married.
Takashi and Matsuko are off
to a great start in their new life.
Let's give them a warm send-off.
Congratulations, Takashi and Matsuko.
I also offer warm wishes
to their parents and relatives.
Now, your prospects are boundless,
and you're embarking for the wide
open world under billowing sails.
Life, as they say, has its ups and downs.
At times, the waves may taunt you,
tossing you in their swells.
But take heart.
It's hard to stick with it
and make it on your own,
but even a couple of losers can survive
most things if they're together.
So listen, take my advice,
and have children as soon as you can.
Children are the best reason
for riding out life's storms.
Nowadays people say child-rearing
is challenging and difficult,
but we've done it from time immemorial.
Children grow even without parents.
So hold them close to your heart
as they crawl, then walk.
They'll be fine.
Children make you
appreciate your own parents.
Parents may seem to do nothing
but order you around,
but they'll baby-sit your kids
and sometimes give them toys.
Nowadays young people
turn that saying about appreciating
parents to their own advantage.
But I guess that's part of it too.
If things work out,
you even get the real estate.
So, Matsuko and Takashi,
start looking after your folks!
I hope you know the land is in my name.
Excuse me, Mother, but I built this house.
Without land, there's no house.
And we are grateful to you,
but I've worked hard, too.
Your room gets the best light.
Thanks for nothing.
Of course, it does. It's on my land.
Besides, why do you always insist
you built it by yourself?
I hate to contradict you,
but I definitely built...
That's enough!
Both of you.
That's right! What's the point
of all this bickering?
Listen to Noboru.
In the end, it'll all be mine.
And what should you fear most
on this lifelong voyage?
Wild storms and rip tides?
No. Beware the calm waters
when there's hardly a ripple in sight.
As long as a family holds
each other tight, they can somehow
weather the wildest seas.
But calm waters are another story.
The wind dies down,
you sigh and relax,
loosening your hold.
But take care, Matsuko and Takashi!
If you selfishly please only yourselves,
you may lose each other.
You'll never see the sharks
gathering around you.
And how will you guide your ship?
Without a wind or even a course?
If you row blindly, right, no, left...
No, right after all, you'll never agree.
You may even wonder why
you're stuck on the same boat at all.
Your family's about to fall apart.
Turn right there!
Are you sure?
Turn left!
Right, right! No, left, left!
Which way?
Oh dear, maybe right.
Which is it?
We came so close.
Our turn!
A FAMILY CRISIS
We're taking the long way around.
You should've turned!
No, no, go straight!
No, it's that way. Are you crazy?
It's this way, Dad!
Quiet! All of you.
Nonoko's the only one who's quiet.
Wait a minute... She's not here.
What?
Where is she?
Stop the car.
Where did we lose her?
Noboru, weren't you with her?
Yeah, while Dad and I
were waiting for you.
Maybe she got bored and wandered off.
No, I remember her on the bench.
I'm so sorry.
What took you so long?
Sorry, I didn't mean to.
I could have done some shopping, too.
I wanted to look at baseball bats.
I'm sure she's still there.
It's all because you kept yelling about
how late we were.
Don't blame me.
You're the ones who were late.
You all got so excited,
you just left poor Nonoko behind.
Like you weren't there yourself, Grandma.
We were looking for
your flannel underwear!
The store will close. I'll never make it.
Stop thinking about yourself.
What if something terrible
happens to Nonoko?
Something terrible?
You don't mean... kidnapped?
She's so adorable, just like me.
This is no time for jokes!
I hope she doesn't forget.
Forget what?
The PTA mantra.
"Don't talk to strangers."
That's what you teach children?
It's like saying
all strangers are thieves.
Nonoko's fine. Those teeth!
Hey, cake! Gimme some!
Just one bite.
OK!
One chomp of those teeth!
Enough!
Please, our daughter
is about to be kidnapped!
We can't even call.
We should've called before.
I told you to buy a cellphone.
You keep quiet!
Oh, Nonoko!
Are you lost?
Huh? So, you're waiting for someone?
Who are you waiting for?
Can't you talk?
Then why don't you say anything?
I'm... I'm not supposed to talk to...
I know, "Don't talk to strangers," right?
You're very grown-up because
you're careful. You can talk now.
You should hear my story.
My father and mother
and grandma and brother all got lost.
Did you lose someone?
My mommy.
Your mommy?
My mommy went away.
I know. There've been
a lot of missing parents lately.
But it's only your mom, you'll find her.
Excuse me, this is Toshio Kimura.
Can you please call his mom?
Oh, he's lost?
No, he's not, they were separated.
Right.
And your first name, Mr. Kimura?
-Toshio.
-Toshio.
Toshio, then.
Wait here a minute, OK?
And you? Are you his sister?
No, no relation.
My whole family's lost.
Poor little, poor little lost pussy cat
Stop crying, we're here.
What? She went with her mother?
I'm her mother!
Oh, is that so?
How dare you give her to a stranger!
Maybe it wasn't her mother,
but it was no stranger.
No stranger? Who could it be?
I don't know anyone...
Someone pretending to be friendly.
No, she recognized Nonoko.
That wasn't her mother!
Calm down! And then?
I'm terribly sorry.
Nonoko went off happily with someone
who seemed like her mother.
Oh no! Who can it be?
Will you please page Nonoko?
Actually... they went out
that exit together.
Not here.
Come on!
That's some family.
Dad, where are you racing off to?
-I'm chasing it!
-What?
The car Nonoko's in!
What kind of car?
We don't even know which way it went!
She'll be fine.
Nonoko knew the lady, right?
I bet she took her home.
I'm sure Noboru's right.
Sure, that must be it.
Don't be so sure.
You can't trust anyone these days.
Mother!
Don't you think
you should notify the police?
The police!
How would we explain?
Make a full confession.
Confession?
That four grown people neglected
and abandoned a young girl.
Say, does Nonoko have a key?
Let's go home!
Nonoko!
Nonoko!
Nonoko!
POCHI
Nonoko!
Not here.
Of course not, it was locked.
Hello.
Oh, thank goodness!
Thank you! Thank you so much!
Thank you!
We were looking everywhere for her.
I'm so sorry for all this.
Yes, we'll be right over.
You even made her dinner!
You're so very kind.
How can we possibly thank you?
They finally got home.
They're coming right over.
I'm sorry, auntie.
Oh, it's nothing.
I can't wait to hear
their side of the story.
Joyful laughter breaks the silence
of an autumn eve.
Basho.
Look up and see the blue skies
The white clouds
One of these days
It'll all work out
Next stop, Luncheon Court.
Stopping.
What did you call this stop?
Can you stand back, ma'am?
HOME ECONOMICS WIZARD
Oh, dear, it started raining.
The laundry!
Huh?
What's the fuss?
That's right! I'd already brought it in.
You never even hung it up!
I'm going out. Can I get you anything?
Oh! There was something.
What was it? Uhm... Uhm...
OK, then, I'm going.
It's just that... Oh, what was it?
Wait, wait, wait, wait...
What is it?
Uhm... That is... Uhm...
Why don't you just give up?
Oh! Bread!
Get it yourself!
Mom!
Money, money.
I'm home.
I guess Mom's not here.
Wow, noodles.
And the water's boiling.
Great, I'll go ahead and eat them.
Oh, you're home.
You were hiding!
Hm?
The bulb's out.
That's no good. Better change it.
Oh, darn... no spares.
Switch it with one you're not using.
Up we go.
I'm just borrowing it.
Ouch, it's hot.
Tea.
-Me, too.
-Me, too.
Me, too.
I'm busy washing the dishes.
Get in here, one of you!
Rock paper scissors.
Get your cup out.
The dishes are all yours.
Mr. Tanaka says he's coming over.
What? Oh, no.
Better tidy up a little.
Ouch.
Hey, what are you doing?
I'll say we're spring cleaning!
MARRIAGE YAMADA STYLE
It's on the kitchen table.
No, it's not.
Are you sure? I know I left it.
It isn't here.
Where did you look?
It's a manila envelope
that says OKK in red.
Is this it, sir?
Oh, uh... OK. Well...
if it's gone, it's gone.
-Hey.
-Here.
That's 20 years of marriage for you.
I meant the paper.
When I'm done.
Impressive.
POCHI
Can you pick up a few things?
Sure.
Lettuce, cucumber, ham,
light bulbs, and garbage bags.
I'll make a list.
No, I've got it.
Lettuce, cucumber, ham...
light bulbs, and garbage bags, right?
I told you.
All I forgot was to buy them.
Lettuce, cucumber...
Let's see...
Make up your mind.
Have you decided?
Just hurry up.
I'll take the Shanghai Special.
Me too.
Two Shanghai Specials.
Oh, you're still here?
What do you mean, "still"?
Can't I rest on my day off?
Usually, you're off at Pachinko.
Nope, I'm giving it a rest.
How about some tea?
And noodles for lunch.
Yes, dear.
Actually, make that coffee, not tea!
And the bathroom's a wreck.
Clean it up.
And when you go shopping,
I need cigarettes.
What a pain in the neck!
Honey! Honey!
Where's your mother?
Out playing Pachinko.
...only one sacrifice fly
in the fifth inning.
Kuwata has pitched.
And he hits it. Right where he wants it.
But he's there to catch it.
And he catches it with ease.
That's the third out.
The Giants will move to
the offense in the bottom
of the eighth inning with one out.
Tonight's program will be extended...
My program's about to start.
In the top of the eighth inning,
Kuwata really showed his skills.
As a pitcher,
he is a brilliant defense player.
He really is.
It's not over.
But I was looking forward to it.
No.
It's a movie!
Now nobody can watch.
This is much more fun.
I win!
Hey, Noboru.
Wanna play catch?
Yeah.
MALE BONDING
NO TRESPASSING
Wait, the dad's supposed to be
the catcher.
Give me a break.
OK, this signal is for a curveball,
this is for a fastball,
and this is for a slider.
Give me a break.
Two outs, bases loaded,
you're the relief pitcher.
I'm the starting pitcher type.
Give me a break!
Are you nuts?
The team never even lets you pitch.
That's why I want to start now.
I see. OK, let's see
this starting pitcher pitch.
It's still two outs, bases loaded.
What?
OK, pitch.
Goddammit!
What are you listening to?
Listening over and over
will improve my English.
It's not that easy.
In my experience...
Study!
Study!
Study!
Repetition just doesn't work.
I'm not you.
How about a drop of sake?
-Sure.
-But, dear...
Pretty awful, huh?
A little dry.
-What did you say?
-Have you been...?
Noboru!
Noboru!
Hey, Noboru, let's play catch.
Why?
Why? It's a form of parent-child bonding.
Then it doesn't have to be catch.
I get your point, but...
We need the right setting.
Forget it. Can't be bothered.
Kids these days.
A serious generation gap.
PATERNAL SUPREMACY RESTORED
Don't mix your rice into the soup!
It's bad manners.
Pour the soup over the rice.
Excuse me, Father...
What? Got a problem with that?
Oh, suit yourself!
See? Cement, then water.
Uhm...
Hmm...
Quit dawdling. Make a choice.
Use your chopsticks with purpose.
That's my plate.
Excuse me.
You bit it, it's yours.
Help me think of
an independent study topic.
Think for yourself.
It's "independent study," right?
I know, but I'm coming up blank.
You're free to do anything?
Right, free.
But...
Total freedom makes it tough, doesn't it?
Exactly.
Complete freedom...
Absolute freedom of choice...
Glorious freedom...
The freedom of dreams...
But when it comes on a silver platter...
I haven't got a clue.
Now he's a philosopher.
He's probably worrying about
his retirement.
FATHER AS ROLE MODEL
The first snow!
POCHI
First snow! Let's take a picture!
Why?
How childish.
Shut the door. It's cold.
Where's the camera?
In the top drawer, where else?
It's gone!
The camera's supposed to be here.
This is the best part.
A lone figure, back turned,
receding into the mist.
Santoka.
YAMADA FAMILY CHRONICLES
YAMADA TAKASHI
Happy New Year!
New Year's Cards.
Ready!
-Go!
-Mine, mine,
Mother's, Matsuko's, Nonoko's,
Mother's, Matsuko's, Nonoko's,
Mother's, Matsuko's, Nonoko's...
Thirty-one seconds! A new record.
Not bad.
The Thick of Winter.
Think I'll just...
Get me some cake.
Cola for me.
And tangerines.
The stove needs kerosene.
Thank you!
Spring Showers.
Can you bring my umbrella?
Your father needs his umbrella.
Why me? I'm studying.
You should go.
Walk in the rain with your man.
I don't have the energy.
Noboru! You go, please.
Make Nonoko go.
Forget it! I'll buy one.
Pick up some pork.
Idiots!
A spring shower, dressed for rain,
talking as they go.
Buson.
Strange... Where's Noboru's sock?
Nonoko's pajamas and Dad's towel?
Pajamas? Socks?
And his towel.
Hey, wait...
This means...
I knew it!
The Black Hole!
THE PERFECT COMBO
Maybe we'll order sushi in for dinner.
Oh, what a waste of money!
I'll make the sushi.
Just as I hoped.
Say, Mother...
Sushi's not interesting.
I thought I'd go gourmet.
I see. So, what is it?
Beef Stroganoga...
Don't cook what you can't spell.
Well, excuse me!
It's Beef Stroganoff, right?
You knew all along.
I know very well.
Beef Stroganoga is just
the Strogaffgaff of beef.
Whatever, just make it.
Darn. I was really counting on sushi.
No good. I screwed it up. Order the sushi.
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
Wow, miso soup, fried egg, and seaweed.
A real Japanese breakfast.
Well, actually...
Nonoko's leftovers?
Yesterday's soup?
Extra seaweed from lunch?
Precisely!
Today's your lucky day.
Hardly!
Take care.
Matsuko.
When's lunch, Matsuko?
What are you talking about? We just ate.
You're too young to be senile.
Are you sure?
The noodles, a few... Oops!
I ate them all myself.
Hey!
-What's for dinner?
-Shabu shabu.
We have it all the time.
Shabu shabu's perfect for winter.
OK, help yourselves.
This way, she doesn't have to cook.
Cold noodles for lunch again?
That's what we had yesterday!
And the day before.
That doesn't make sense!
And again tomorrow!?
Noodles! What else?
Lots of free ginger
in the garden to go with it.
GINGER MORNING
The ginger's good in miso soup.
Yes, though they do say
it makes you forgetful.
Oh, dear. He left his bag.
He's bound to notice.
He can't be that dumb.
-Right.
-Oh, no, I forgot...
to take off my pajamas!
I'm off.
OK.
Have a nice day.
I'm off.
My shoes!
Mom, look!
Dad!
What's all the fuss?
My train!
I'll be late!
Be careful.
I'm off to school.
Off you go.
Can't even close the door behind them.
What's this?
Oh, Nonoko forgot her lunch.
She needs it by noon?
Sure, but...
Fine, I'll take it to her
when I go shopping.
That'll really be a help.
I'm off.
OK. Thank you.
What's this?
Oh, no, she's forgotten
her purse and everything.
She'll be back.
Watch the house, OK?
Oh no! I left the kettle on.
POCHI
Mrs. Yamada, delivery!
Are they out?
No, they're in.
Oh, Mrs. Yamada.
Oh, I did turn it off.
Were you robbed?
Here's your package.
Oh, thank you.
Your seal?
Oh, sorry.
Let's see... Where do I keep it?
It's in the back of the second drawer.
Oh, goodness.
Always a pleasure.
Thank you.
I delivered Nonoko's lunch.
Why, Mother, I thought
you were going shopping.
Oops, I forgot.
Too much ginger!
REGRET
Say...
Is that Mahler?
I didn't know she was
a classical music fan.
ART IS BRIEF LIFE IS LONG
They're in full bloom.
I wonder how many more times
I'll see the cherry blossoms.
Don't be silly, Mother. You're only 70.
Thirty more seasons?
Mom, will you go pay the taxes?
Leave it to me.
You hand it to the clerk, got that?
I know. Don't treat me like a child.
Oh, dear, what a terrible calamity.
POST OFFICE
I'm really going senile.
Nice to see you.
Take care, bye.
I put it in the mail box!
Why, Shige.
Thanks for coming to visit.
Well, I heard you were
suddenly hospitalized.
You'll never believe it.
Have a seat.
You see...
Yes.
Look.
See the guy visiting
that patient over there?
I'm sure they're having an affair.
What?
Are you sure?
They definitely look suspicious to me!
Suspicious, right?
This is a special room.
That notorious city councilman
accused of corruption is in there now.
I occasionally come up here
for a breath of fresh air.
These noodles are pretty good, right?
They are.
But the coffee's really lousy here.
By the way, why are you in the hospital?
Oh, Shige!
No sign of death's approach
in the cicada's voices.
Basho.
Why, Mother.
Turn on the light.
Oh, I hadn't noticed it getting dark.
Noboru! Turn off your light.
I'm not asleep!
AGE COMES MORE EASILY THAN WISDOM
Five problems left. I'm so sleepy.
A hot bath will wake you up.
In you go.
-Feel better?
-Yup! I'm wide awake.
OK, here goes!
Here goes. Here goes.
Here goes...
He's as limp as a noodle.
Don't give up.
In a fire, the first five minutes count.
In a test, it's the last five minutes.
Time's up. Turn in your papers.
MIDTERM EXAM
Ma'am!
Tanaka went to
the nurse's office for ten minutes!
Yes?
That should be "lost time".
I'm afraid not.
Put them in the upstairs closet?
Sure.
Why's Noboru studying like a demon?
His exams are over.
He did miserably.
About Noboru's tutor...
He really needs one?
He's my son, after all.
You've got a point.
But isn't it expensive?
Three hundred dollars for two sessions
with a university student.
What?
For $300, I'll teach him.
I'll teach him for $200.
Pay me $100, and I'll work harder!
This is getting us nowhere.
Fleeting dreams.
An octopus making its home in a trap,
a summer moon.
Basho.
I'm home!
POCHI
Look, chocolates!
Mommy!
Noboru bought chocolates!
They were a Valentine's Day present!
ADOLESCENCE
Gone!
Gone, gone, gone!
I'm home!
Where are those cookies, Nonoko?
I ate them.
What? I got them for a girl!
But...
No ifs, ands, or buts!
Mommy already ate half.
Mother?
Damn... I forgot my umbrella.
Hey, Yamada!
Use my umbrella.
How about you?
I'll be fine.
Say, Tanaka, I forgot my umbrella!
Too bad. Don't catch a cold.
Rejected.
No!
Give it back!
Not after that.
But it's mine.
Thanks for the favor.
-Give it back!
-I said no!
Guess it's a rain date.
Hey, Nakamura.
Back to sock the teacher?
Don't be stupid. I came to tell him
I got into college.
Wow, you made it!
Sir?
No need to run
from Nakamura.
Idiot! Don't believe the rumors.
Hey, Yamada, Yamashita,
let's buy some dirty books.
HITOMI
DREAMING GIRL
PHOTO BOOK
Hey!
Shoot!
What a coincidence.
Tragedy in Bosnia!
You've got serious taste.
Well, Japan's part of a bigger world.
Can I borrow it later?
A real tragedy.
I'm home.
Noboru.
The textbook?
This?
I gave you $10 for it.
I want to see it.
F1 FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
What is this?
Formula-1 Racing for Students?
It'll help my English and my geography.
You idiot!
You're the one who gave me
The Power Ranger's ABC when I was three!
Noboru, there's a girl on the phone.
What?
Oh, hello.
Oh, yeah, it's me.
Go away!
Oh, no, nothing.
Yeah, yeah, OK.
A girlfriend... with his looks?
A real girlfriend?
His face is red.
Yeah, OK.
Bye, then.
It's pounding away!
An irregular heartbeat?
Let's see.
Do you think he's upset?
You insulted him, Mother.
This, from the paragon of motherhood?
MARCH
The scent of plums on a mountain path.
Suddenly, dawn.
Basho.
YAMADA FAMILY CHRONICLES
I'm home.
Welcome back.
An Autumn Night.
I'm hungry.
Anything to eat?
Coming right up.
Red bean cake or banana.
Who the hell would want
to come home to bean cakes
after working hard all day?
OK, a banana.
What a jerk! Who wants a banana?
Turn towards me, I'm lonely too.
The Autumn dusk.
Basho.
Mom's down with a cold.
We'll get take-out tonight.
Seaweed-rice special.
Me too!
I'll have the salmon-rice.
How about you, Mother?
The combination special.
I'll go get it!
Not so fast!
Tempura-rice for me!
GOING MY WAY
CROQUET TOURNAMENT
That's good.
GATEBALL COMPETITION
Hey, hey, lady.
You can't do that!
What? But this is...
GATEBALL COMPETITION
JULY 22ND
It's empty now, but someone may
put a poster up. There's an election.
But, mister...
AWA YOICHIRO
This was the only thing underneath.
If it isn't old Saburo.
This is my territory.
Oh, it's you, Shige.
We might as well work together,
we're volunteers.
That's your side, this is mine.
No trespassing.
Amazing, she hasn't changed
a bit in 60 years.
Oh, no, I forgot to take out the garbage.
Oh, well, I'll have to sort it!
Why sort burnables?
Trash can at the station,
Nonoko does the park,
Noboru does the store.
You can't do that!
Why not? It's a great plan.
Off we go.
See you later.
Ouch!
I volunteer to clean up the park,
and you dump trash there!
I'm not dumping,
just using the public trash cans.
That's the problem!
Mom!
THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
Excuse us!
Our ball fell in.
This new one or this rubber ball?
The rubber ball!
Honesty's the best policy. Don't ever lie.
OK.
Take this one too.
Wow! Thanks!
Excuse me. Our ball fell in yesterday.
But you weren't here.
Didn't see any.
I see...
I'm sure this was the house.
I beg you, please tell those boys
to give him his new ball back.
Oh, poor things.
You're right, they're all wilted.
Not the flowers! The accident!
Oh, I see.
It was a motorcycle gang.
The poor guard rail.
Mother!
It was the poor child's parents
who suffered.
They're so loud,
it has to be a motorcycle gang.
They're by the park.
They're the litterbugs!
I'll go scold them.
That's dangerous, Mother!
Someone was recently murdered for that.
SENIOR CITIZEN MURDERED
Hmm, I know.
That's worse!
M-mother! Why the get-up?
She wants to scold the motorcycle gang.
Won't you stop her, please?
You can't wear that hard-hat. It's
a memento from when we built the house.
Oh. Well, that's too bad.
I'm sorry, but you can't.
In that case...
you wear it, and go.
Me?
They're not vicious.
They'll go home eventually.
Then you have nothing to fear.
Give them a manly scolding. You're older.
Manly...?
But, Mother...
I know, let's report them to 911.
The poor kids. They don't deserve
a criminal record for making noise.
A record!
See, they're gone.
You think?
What did I tell you?
We're relying on you.
All right, I'll just go look.
Be careful, dear!
Uhm, excuse me.
What do you want?
It's awfully late.
Yeah? So what?
Got a problem?
No, we can work this out.
I don't have a problem.
I don't have a problem,
-but I do have a request.
-Spit it out.
Ask away, old man.
Would you mind turning off your headlight?
So that's your request, then?
Uhm, no.
What do you want then?
Come, come fireflies
This water's bitter, this water's sweet
What is that?
That water's sweet
Come, fireflies
That old bag's nuts.
Mother, are you all right?
An old bag, huh?
At least turn down that putt-putt.
You're a neighborhood nuisance.
Mother, you can't talk to these low-lifes.
Who you calling low-life?
How exciting!
What a great voice you have.
Mother!
And a fine face and physique
to go with it.
I bet people shut up when you talk.
Get to the point!
Oh, scary. You sure
shut this guy up in a hurry.
Tell me about it.
When you yell at people, it reminds me
of a snake staring down a frog.
It sure must be fun shutting people up
and ordering them around.
It's OK.
I know, why don't you employ
your venom in the cause of justice?
What?
Don't you like fighting for justice,
that Masked Rider stuff?
Way old, Granny.
Of course, it's not exactly cool,
is it? Nowadays
we turn a blind eye
to every kind of misdeed.
But I know you could do it
because you're fearless.
Someone tosses a cigarette butt
or can from their car,
you use that voice of yours,
make them pick it up.
You see a kid causing trouble
on the subway,
you gently tap him on the shoulder.
I'm sure anyone will do whatever you say.
We'll all be so happy,
we'll cheer you on.
It's nice to be appreciated.
While you're at it, scare off thugs,
and take the bad guys' money.
What do you say, will you heed
an old bag's plea and fight for justice?
It'll be a whole lot better
than listening to me rant and rave.
I think this old lady's nuts.
No go?
What a shame, with your godly attributes.
Let's go.
Think about fighting for justice!
Hey, you forgot this.
Did he get it?
Mother!
Noboru! Nonoko!
Mother!
It's the Masked Rider!
SCHOOL ZONE
The Masked Rider!
Help!
Mother!
Noboru!
Nonoko!
Thank you, Masked Rider!
How cruel: a grasshopper trapped
under a warrior's helmet.
I'm home.
Did you bring your umbrella home?
Your husband's home
from work, exhausted,
and all you can ask is, "Did you
bring your umbrella home?"
OK, OK. Welcome home. Have a hard day?
Where's your umbrella?
I forgot it.
POCHI
Welcome home.
Look, I remembered
to bring it home, so there, ha!
What? Got a problem?
But you didn't take an umbrella today.
See?
SECTION CHIEF YAMADA
I bought a cake.
Really?
Once in a blue moon.
Guilty conscience?
What was that?
That's going too far.
Here, Takashi's thoughtfully gone and
and I even bought custard.
Now that's suspicious.
Nonoko! Noboru! Your father got cake!
Where's Dad?
On a business trip.
But his briefcase...
Oh no, he must've forgotten it.
And his scarf and train pass.
What? Oh no!
He was supposed to leave early.
Father!
Dear!
SECTION CHIEF YAMADA
Mom must've overslept.
She woke up late
and thought Dad had already left.
Oh, I see.
I need this too.
B-b-briefcase!
H-h-here!
I'm off!
Have a nice trip!
Be careful!
I can still make it.
GOTO LIQUOR SHOP
Are you OK?
Phone, phone.
I suddenly feel terrible.
I can hardly breathe.
Yes, yes, I'll get there.
I'll crawl there if I have to.
Please tell the client...
Yes, yes, I'm terribly sorry.
A slight fever.
You should stay home.
Before it gets worse.
The company won't take care of you.
You know, maybe I will.
Make a long weekend of it.
You should, you should.
It's good to relax
and enjoy some time at home.
What is it?
I started feeling better
the minute I decided to stay home.
I guess I'll go in after all.
Take care, dear.
Next, Mr. Yamada
will offer his congratulations.
Your notes, dear.
He's wound tight as a spring!
Uhm... This is a fine, auspicious day...
CUCUMBER, GARBAGE BAGS, LIGHT BULBS
Life is full of surprises...
Now... that is, up until now...
things seemed to be just fine...
then suddenly,
you're shoved off a cliff...
By... your trusted spouse...
of all people!
He means you.
But Ichiro and Kazuko,
you have to accept life as it comes.
Acceptance is the key to surviving
the worst situations
without losing heart or breaking up.
Breaking up?
Even the worst behavior
can be accepted and forgiven
if there is no malice.
In fact, it must be forgiven
so one can go on with life!
Gutsy speech!
It's not necessarily bad
to resign yourself to a situation.
In fact, it's essential.
A must for a happy family.
A must for facing life
and getting on with it.
Though it may sound negative,
"acceptance"
is the only way out of totally
unacceptable situations.
I didn't know he had it in him.
What a man.
Um, well, that is, I mean...
So, my dear Ichiro and Kazuko,
congratulations on your wedding.
May you be a tough, harmonious couple.
When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my sweetheart, what lies ahead?
Will we have rainbows day after day?
Here's what my sweetheart said
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
A skinhead cut
would disguise your baldness.
Who asked you?
-Don't you need dentures, Mother?
-Who asked you?
Cut it out! Both of you!
You're starting to look like
a sumo wrestler.
-You tell her!
-How dare you?
You're setting a terrible example
in front of the children.
I can't hear the TV!
I know why we're so peaceful.
Because all three of you are nuts.
-How dare you?
-How dare you?
If even one of you were normal,
it'd throw off the balance.
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
THIS YEAR'S RESOLUTION
MAKE FRIENDS, STUDY, HEALTH
What's your motto?
Getting married?
A new job?
Be quiet.
This.
"Don't overdo it."
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother what will I be
Will I be handsome? Will I be rich?
I tell them tenderly
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Que sera, sera
Hey, everybody's in the picture!
Let's see.
Everyone's so tiny.
It's a stick-on picture.
Time to get some dinner.
Let's have pork cutlets.
I want pizza!
-Tempura.
-Spaghetti!
Quiet! I decide!
THE OCEAN IN SPRING THE GENTLE ROLLING
OF THE WAVES ALL DAY LONG.
BUSON.
www.mytotal.tv THE BEST TV APP
This is the sun, this is the moon.
This mountain is really the earth.
And this is grandma.
My, how splendid.
Hello, Mrs. Yamada.
I've never seen such a magnificent...
Yup, they're my little babies.
What species?
This is a Mino Chrysanthemum,
this is...
No, I mean the caterpillar.
No idea.
Grow into a butterfly
just as gaudy as that flower.
Mother!
That's our grandma.
And my mother and me, Nonoko.
What am I going to make
for dinner tonight?
I know, I'll go for it!
Something really special!
What are we having?
We had curry last week,
curry two days ago,
tonight... curry!
What?
And this is my father
and my older brother.
What's the use
of all this studying, Dad?
Listen, Noboru,
studying is not about
what's useful or not.
The studying that seems useless
may turn out to be useful.
On the other hand, it might be that.
studying that doesn't seem
not useful may not be,
but then, studying that seems useless
may then be useful.
But when you really need it,
it's not about useful or useless.
What are you going on about?
So I still have to study.
I get it.
If my father had been smart
and really cool
and my mother had been gorgeous
and a great cook
and our family had been rich,
my whole life would've been different.
If only one of them...
Don't be ridiculous.
If we hadn't married,
there'd be no you and no Nonoko.
Without the two of us,
you wouldn't be here.
No, that's wrong.
If I had cooler parents,
I'd just be their kid instead.
How stupid.
Don't you know about
stamens and pistils?
You tell him.
You can't choose your parents.
No, I can't accept that.
Something's not right.
Because I'm me, Dad's Dad
and Mom's Mom.
What is that supposed to mean?
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Where am I?
Who am I?
I get it.
So, there was a time
when Dad and Mom weren't married.
Takashi and Matsuko are off
to a great start in their new life.
Let's give them a warm send-off.
Congratulations, Takashi and Matsuko.
I also offer warm wishes
to their parents and relatives.
Now, your prospects are boundless,
and you're embarking for the wide
open world under billowing sails.
Life, as they say, has its ups and downs.
At times, the waves may taunt you,
tossing you in their swells.
But take heart.
It's hard to stick with it
and make it on your own,
but even a couple of losers can survive
most things if they're together.
So listen, take my advice,
and have children as soon as you can.
Children are the best reason
for riding out life's storms.
Nowadays people say child-rearing
is challenging and difficult,
but we've done it from time immemorial.
Children grow even without parents.
So hold them close to your heart
as they crawl, then walk.
They'll be fine.
Children make you
appreciate your own parents.
Parents may seem to do nothing
but order you around,
but they'll baby-sit your kids
and sometimes give them toys.
Nowadays young people
turn that saying about appreciating
parents to their own advantage.
But I guess that's part of it too.
If things work out,
you even get the real estate.
So, Matsuko and Takashi,
start looking after your folks!
I hope you know the land is in my name.
Excuse me, Mother, but I built this house.
Without land, there's no house.
And we are grateful to you,
but I've worked hard, too.
Your room gets the best light.
Thanks for nothing.
Of course, it does. It's on my land.
Besides, why do you always insist
you built it by yourself?
I hate to contradict you,
but I definitely built...
That's enough!
Both of you.
That's right! What's the point
of all this bickering?
Listen to Noboru.
In the end, it'll all be mine.
And what should you fear most
on this lifelong voyage?
Wild storms and rip tides?
No. Beware the calm waters
when there's hardly a ripple in sight.
As long as a family holds
each other tight, they can somehow
weather the wildest seas.
But calm waters are another story.
The wind dies down,
you sigh and relax,
loosening your hold.
But take care, Matsuko and Takashi!
If you selfishly please only yourselves,
you may lose each other.
You'll never see the sharks
gathering around you.
And how will you guide your ship?
Without a wind or even a course?
If you row blindly, right, no, left...
No, right after all, you'll never agree.
You may even wonder why
you're stuck on the same boat at all.
Your family's about to fall apart.
Turn right there!
Are you sure?
Turn left!
Right, right! No, left, left!
Which way?
Oh dear, maybe right.
Which is it?
We came so close.
Our turn!
A FAMILY CRISIS
We're taking the long way around.
You should've turned!
No, no, go straight!
No, it's that way. Are you crazy?
It's this way, Dad!
Quiet! All of you.
Nonoko's the only one who's quiet.
Wait a minute... She's not here.
What?
Where is she?
Stop the car.
Where did we lose her?
Noboru, weren't you with her?
Yeah, while Dad and I
were waiting for you.
Maybe she got bored and wandered off.
No, I remember her on the bench.
I'm so sorry.
What took you so long?
Sorry, I didn't mean to.
I could have done some shopping, too.
I wanted to look at baseball bats.
I'm sure she's still there.
It's all because you kept yelling about
how late we were.
Don't blame me.
You're the ones who were late.
You all got so excited,
you just left poor Nonoko behind.
Like you weren't there yourself, Grandma.
We were looking for
your flannel underwear!
The store will close. I'll never make it.
Stop thinking about yourself.
What if something terrible
happens to Nonoko?
Something terrible?
You don't mean... kidnapped?
She's so adorable, just like me.
This is no time for jokes!
I hope she doesn't forget.
Forget what?
The PTA mantra.
"Don't talk to strangers."
That's what you teach children?
It's like saying
all strangers are thieves.
Nonoko's fine. Those teeth!
Hey, cake! Gimme some!
Just one bite.
OK!
One chomp of those teeth!
Enough!
Please, our daughter
is about to be kidnapped!
We can't even call.
We should've called before.
I told you to buy a cellphone.
You keep quiet!
Oh, Nonoko!
Are you lost?
Huh? So, you're waiting for someone?
Who are you waiting for?
Can't you talk?
Then why don't you say anything?
I'm... I'm not supposed to talk to...
I know, "Don't talk to strangers," right?
You're very grown-up because
you're careful. You can talk now.
You should hear my story.
My father and mother
and grandma and brother all got lost.
Did you lose someone?
My mommy.
Your mommy?
My mommy went away.
I know. There've been
a lot of missing parents lately.
But it's only your mom, you'll find her.
Excuse me, this is Toshio Kimura.
Can you please call his mom?
Oh, he's lost?
No, he's not, they were separated.
Right.
And your first name, Mr. Kimura?
-Toshio.
-Toshio.
Toshio, then.
Wait here a minute, OK?
And you? Are you his sister?
No, no relation.
My whole family's lost.
Poor little, poor little lost pussy cat
Stop crying, we're here.
What? She went with her mother?
I'm her mother!
Oh, is that so?
How dare you give her to a stranger!
Maybe it wasn't her mother,
but it was no stranger.
No stranger? Who could it be?
I don't know anyone...
Someone pretending to be friendly.
No, she recognized Nonoko.
That wasn't her mother!
Calm down! And then?
I'm terribly sorry.
Nonoko went off happily with someone
who seemed like her mother.
Oh no! Who can it be?
Will you please page Nonoko?
Actually... they went out
that exit together.
Not here.
Come on!
That's some family.
Dad, where are you racing off to?
-I'm chasing it!
-What?
The car Nonoko's in!
What kind of car?
We don't even know which way it went!
She'll be fine.
Nonoko knew the lady, right?
I bet she took her home.
I'm sure Noboru's right.
Sure, that must be it.
Don't be so sure.
You can't trust anyone these days.
Mother!
Don't you think
you should notify the police?
The police!
How would we explain?
Make a full confession.
Confession?
That four grown people neglected
and abandoned a young girl.
Say, does Nonoko have a key?
Let's go home!
Nonoko!
Nonoko!
Nonoko!
POCHI
Nonoko!
Not here.
Of course not, it was locked.
Hello.
Oh, thank goodness!
Thank you! Thank you so much!
Thank you!
We were looking everywhere for her.
I'm so sorry for all this.
Yes, we'll be right over.
You even made her dinner!
You're so very kind.
How can we possibly thank you?
They finally got home.
They're coming right over.
I'm sorry, auntie.
Oh, it's nothing.
I can't wait to hear
their side of the story.
Joyful laughter breaks the silence
of an autumn eve.
Basho.
Look up and see the blue skies
The white clouds
One of these days
It'll all work out
Next stop, Luncheon Court.
Stopping.
What did you call this stop?
Can you stand back, ma'am?
HOME ECONOMICS WIZARD
Oh, dear, it started raining.
The laundry!
Huh?
What's the fuss?
That's right! I'd already brought it in.
You never even hung it up!
I'm going out. Can I get you anything?
Oh! There was something.
What was it? Uhm... Uhm...
OK, then, I'm going.
It's just that... Oh, what was it?
Wait, wait, wait, wait...
What is it?
Uhm... That is... Uhm...
Why don't you just give up?
Oh! Bread!
Get it yourself!
Mom!
Money, money.
I'm home.
I guess Mom's not here.
Wow, noodles.
And the water's boiling.
Great, I'll go ahead and eat them.
Oh, you're home.
You were hiding!
Hm?
The bulb's out.
That's no good. Better change it.
Oh, darn... no spares.
Switch it with one you're not using.
Up we go.
I'm just borrowing it.
Ouch, it's hot.
Tea.
-Me, too.
-Me, too.
Me, too.
I'm busy washing the dishes.
Get in here, one of you!
Rock paper scissors.
Get your cup out.
The dishes are all yours.
Mr. Tanaka says he's coming over.
What? Oh, no.
Better tidy up a little.
Ouch.
Hey, what are you doing?
I'll say we're spring cleaning!
MARRIAGE YAMADA STYLE
It's on the kitchen table.
No, it's not.
Are you sure? I know I left it.
It isn't here.
Where did you look?
It's a manila envelope
that says OKK in red.
Is this it, sir?
Oh, uh... OK. Well...
if it's gone, it's gone.
-Hey.
-Here.
That's 20 years of marriage for you.
I meant the paper.
When I'm done.
Impressive.
POCHI
Can you pick up a few things?
Sure.
Lettuce, cucumber, ham,
light bulbs, and garbage bags.
I'll make a list.
No, I've got it.
Lettuce, cucumber, ham...
light bulbs, and garbage bags, right?
I told you.
All I forgot was to buy them.
Lettuce, cucumber...
Let's see...
Make up your mind.
Have you decided?
Just hurry up.
I'll take the Shanghai Special.
Me too.
Two Shanghai Specials.
Oh, you're still here?
What do you mean, "still"?
Can't I rest on my day off?
Usually, you're off at Pachinko.
Nope, I'm giving it a rest.
How about some tea?
And noodles for lunch.
Yes, dear.
Actually, make that coffee, not tea!
And the bathroom's a wreck.
Clean it up.
And when you go shopping,
I need cigarettes.
What a pain in the neck!
Honey! Honey!
Where's your mother?
Out playing Pachinko.
...only one sacrifice fly
in the fifth inning.
Kuwata has pitched.
And he hits it. Right where he wants it.
But he's there to catch it.
And he catches it with ease.
That's the third out.
The Giants will move to
the offense in the bottom
of the eighth inning with one out.
Tonight's program will be extended...
My program's about to start.
In the top of the eighth inning,
Kuwata really showed his skills.
As a pitcher,
he is a brilliant defense player.
He really is.
It's not over.
But I was looking forward to it.
No.
It's a movie!
Now nobody can watch.
This is much more fun.
I win!
Hey, Noboru.
Wanna play catch?
Yeah.
MALE BONDING
NO TRESPASSING
Wait, the dad's supposed to be
the catcher.
Give me a break.
OK, this signal is for a curveball,
this is for a fastball,
and this is for a slider.
Give me a break.
Two outs, bases loaded,
you're the relief pitcher.
I'm the starting pitcher type.
Give me a break!
Are you nuts?
The team never even lets you pitch.
That's why I want to start now.
I see. OK, let's see
this starting pitcher pitch.
It's still two outs, bases loaded.
What?
OK, pitch.
Goddammit!
What are you listening to?
Listening over and over
will improve my English.
It's not that easy.
In my experience...
Study!
Study!
Study!
Repetition just doesn't work.
I'm not you.
How about a drop of sake?
-Sure.
-But, dear...
Pretty awful, huh?
A little dry.
-What did you say?
-Have you been...?
Noboru!
Noboru!
Hey, Noboru, let's play catch.
Why?
Why? It's a form of parent-child bonding.
Then it doesn't have to be catch.
I get your point, but...
We need the right setting.
Forget it. Can't be bothered.
Kids these days.
A serious generation gap.
PATERNAL SUPREMACY RESTORED
Don't mix your rice into the soup!
It's bad manners.
Pour the soup over the rice.
Excuse me, Father...
What? Got a problem with that?
Oh, suit yourself!
See? Cement, then water.
Uhm...
Hmm...
Quit dawdling. Make a choice.
Use your chopsticks with purpose.
That's my plate.
Excuse me.
You bit it, it's yours.
Help me think of
an independent study topic.
Think for yourself.
It's "independent study," right?
I know, but I'm coming up blank.
You're free to do anything?
Right, free.
But...
Total freedom makes it tough, doesn't it?
Exactly.
Complete freedom...
Absolute freedom of choice...
Glorious freedom...
The freedom of dreams...
But when it comes on a silver platter...
I haven't got a clue.
Now he's a philosopher.
He's probably worrying about
his retirement.
FATHER AS ROLE MODEL
The first snow!
POCHI
First snow! Let's take a picture!
Why?
How childish.
Shut the door. It's cold.
Where's the camera?
In the top drawer, where else?
It's gone!
The camera's supposed to be here.
This is the best part.
A lone figure, back turned,
receding into the mist.
Santoka.
YAMADA FAMILY CHRONICLES
YAMADA TAKASHI
Happy New Year!
New Year's Cards.
Ready!
-Go!
-Mine, mine,
Mother's, Matsuko's, Nonoko's,
Mother's, Matsuko's, Nonoko's,
Mother's, Matsuko's, Nonoko's...
Thirty-one seconds! A new record.
Not bad.
The Thick of Winter.
Think I'll just...
Get me some cake.
Cola for me.
And tangerines.
The stove needs kerosene.
Thank you!
Spring Showers.
Can you bring my umbrella?
Your father needs his umbrella.
Why me? I'm studying.
You should go.
Walk in the rain with your man.
I don't have the energy.
Noboru! You go, please.
Make Nonoko go.
Forget it! I'll buy one.
Pick up some pork.
Idiots!
A spring shower, dressed for rain,
talking as they go.
Buson.
Strange... Where's Noboru's sock?
Nonoko's pajamas and Dad's towel?
Pajamas? Socks?
And his towel.
Hey, wait...
This means...
I knew it!
The Black Hole!
THE PERFECT COMBO
Maybe we'll order sushi in for dinner.
Oh, what a waste of money!
I'll make the sushi.
Just as I hoped.
Say, Mother...
Sushi's not interesting.
I thought I'd go gourmet.
I see. So, what is it?
Beef Stroganoga...
Don't cook what you can't spell.
Well, excuse me!
It's Beef Stroganoff, right?
You knew all along.
I know very well.
Beef Stroganoga is just
the Strogaffgaff of beef.
Whatever, just make it.
Darn. I was really counting on sushi.
No good. I screwed it up. Order the sushi.
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
Wow, miso soup, fried egg, and seaweed.
A real Japanese breakfast.
Well, actually...
Nonoko's leftovers?
Yesterday's soup?
Extra seaweed from lunch?
Precisely!
Today's your lucky day.
Hardly!
Take care.
Matsuko.
When's lunch, Matsuko?
What are you talking about? We just ate.
You're too young to be senile.
Are you sure?
The noodles, a few... Oops!
I ate them all myself.
Hey!
-What's for dinner?
-Shabu shabu.
We have it all the time.
Shabu shabu's perfect for winter.
OK, help yourselves.
This way, she doesn't have to cook.
Cold noodles for lunch again?
That's what we had yesterday!
And the day before.
That doesn't make sense!
And again tomorrow!?
Noodles! What else?
Lots of free ginger
in the garden to go with it.
GINGER MORNING
The ginger's good in miso soup.
Yes, though they do say
it makes you forgetful.
Oh, dear. He left his bag.
He's bound to notice.
He can't be that dumb.
-Right.
-Oh, no, I forgot...
to take off my pajamas!
I'm off.
OK.
Have a nice day.
I'm off.
My shoes!
Mom, look!
Dad!
What's all the fuss?
My train!
I'll be late!
Be careful.
I'm off to school.
Off you go.
Can't even close the door behind them.
What's this?
Oh, Nonoko forgot her lunch.
She needs it by noon?
Sure, but...
Fine, I'll take it to her
when I go shopping.
That'll really be a help.
I'm off.
OK. Thank you.
What's this?
Oh, no, she's forgotten
her purse and everything.
She'll be back.
Watch the house, OK?
Oh no! I left the kettle on.
POCHI
Mrs. Yamada, delivery!
Are they out?
No, they're in.
Oh, Mrs. Yamada.
Oh, I did turn it off.
Were you robbed?
Here's your package.
Oh, thank you.
Your seal?
Oh, sorry.
Let's see... Where do I keep it?
It's in the back of the second drawer.
Oh, goodness.
Always a pleasure.
Thank you.
I delivered Nonoko's lunch.
Why, Mother, I thought
you were going shopping.
Oops, I forgot.
Too much ginger!
REGRET
Say...
Is that Mahler?
I didn't know she was
a classical music fan.
ART IS BRIEF LIFE IS LONG
They're in full bloom.
I wonder how many more times
I'll see the cherry blossoms.
Don't be silly, Mother. You're only 70.
Thirty more seasons?
Mom, will you go pay the taxes?
Leave it to me.
You hand it to the clerk, got that?
I know. Don't treat me like a child.
Oh, dear, what a terrible calamity.
POST OFFICE
I'm really going senile.
Nice to see you.
Take care, bye.
I put it in the mail box!
Why, Shige.
Thanks for coming to visit.
Well, I heard you were
suddenly hospitalized.
You'll never believe it.
Have a seat.
You see...
Yes.
Look.
See the guy visiting
that patient over there?
I'm sure they're having an affair.
What?
Are you sure?
They definitely look suspicious to me!
Suspicious, right?
This is a special room.
That notorious city councilman
accused of corruption is in there now.
I occasionally come up here
for a breath of fresh air.
These noodles are pretty good, right?
They are.
But the coffee's really lousy here.
By the way, why are you in the hospital?
Oh, Shige!
No sign of death's approach
in the cicada's voices.
Basho.
Why, Mother.
Turn on the light.
Oh, I hadn't noticed it getting dark.
Noboru! Turn off your light.
I'm not asleep!
AGE COMES MORE EASILY THAN WISDOM
Five problems left. I'm so sleepy.
A hot bath will wake you up.
In you go.
-Feel better?
-Yup! I'm wide awake.
OK, here goes!
Here goes. Here goes.
Here goes...
He's as limp as a noodle.
Don't give up.
In a fire, the first five minutes count.
In a test, it's the last five minutes.
Time's up. Turn in your papers.
MIDTERM EXAM
Ma'am!
Tanaka went to
the nurse's office for ten minutes!
Yes?
That should be "lost time".
I'm afraid not.
Put them in the upstairs closet?
Sure.
Why's Noboru studying like a demon?
His exams are over.
He did miserably.
About Noboru's tutor...
He really needs one?
He's my son, after all.
You've got a point.
But isn't it expensive?
Three hundred dollars for two sessions
with a university student.
What?
For $300, I'll teach him.
I'll teach him for $200.
Pay me $100, and I'll work harder!
This is getting us nowhere.
Fleeting dreams.
An octopus making its home in a trap,
a summer moon.
Basho.
I'm home!
POCHI
Look, chocolates!
Mommy!
Noboru bought chocolates!
They were a Valentine's Day present!
ADOLESCENCE
Gone!
Gone, gone, gone!
I'm home!
Where are those cookies, Nonoko?
I ate them.
What? I got them for a girl!
But...
No ifs, ands, or buts!
Mommy already ate half.
Mother?
Damn... I forgot my umbrella.
Hey, Yamada!
Use my umbrella.
How about you?
I'll be fine.
Say, Tanaka, I forgot my umbrella!
Too bad. Don't catch a cold.
Rejected.
No!
Give it back!
Not after that.
But it's mine.
Thanks for the favor.
-Give it back!
-I said no!
Guess it's a rain date.
Hey, Nakamura.
Back to sock the teacher?
Don't be stupid. I came to tell him
I got into college.
Wow, you made it!
Sir?
No need to run
from Nakamura.
Idiot! Don't believe the rumors.
Hey, Yamada, Yamashita,
let's buy some dirty books.
HITOMI
DREAMING GIRL
PHOTO BOOK
Hey!
Shoot!
What a coincidence.
Tragedy in Bosnia!
You've got serious taste.
Well, Japan's part of a bigger world.
Can I borrow it later?
A real tragedy.
I'm home.
Noboru.
The textbook?
This?
I gave you $10 for it.
I want to see it.
F1 FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
What is this?
Formula-1 Racing for Students?
It'll help my English and my geography.
You idiot!
You're the one who gave me
The Power Ranger's ABC when I was three!
Noboru, there's a girl on the phone.
What?
Oh, hello.
Oh, yeah, it's me.
Go away!
Oh, no, nothing.
Yeah, yeah, OK.
A girlfriend... with his looks?
A real girlfriend?
His face is red.
Yeah, OK.
Bye, then.
It's pounding away!
An irregular heartbeat?
Let's see.
Do you think he's upset?
You insulted him, Mother.
This, from the paragon of motherhood?
MARCH
The scent of plums on a mountain path.
Suddenly, dawn.
Basho.
YAMADA FAMILY CHRONICLES
I'm home.
Welcome back.
An Autumn Night.
I'm hungry.
Anything to eat?
Coming right up.
Red bean cake or banana.
Who the hell would want
to come home to bean cakes
after working hard all day?
OK, a banana.
What a jerk! Who wants a banana?
Turn towards me, I'm lonely too.
The Autumn dusk.
Basho.
Mom's down with a cold.
We'll get take-out tonight.
Seaweed-rice special.
Me too!
I'll have the salmon-rice.
How about you, Mother?
The combination special.
I'll go get it!
Not so fast!
Tempura-rice for me!
GOING MY WAY
CROQUET TOURNAMENT
That's good.
GATEBALL COMPETITION
Hey, hey, lady.
You can't do that!
What? But this is...
GATEBALL COMPETITION
JULY 22ND
It's empty now, but someone may
put a poster up. There's an election.
But, mister...
AWA YOICHIRO
This was the only thing underneath.
If it isn't old Saburo.
This is my territory.
Oh, it's you, Shige.
We might as well work together,
we're volunteers.
That's your side, this is mine.
No trespassing.
Amazing, she hasn't changed
a bit in 60 years.
Oh, no, I forgot to take out the garbage.
Oh, well, I'll have to sort it!
Why sort burnables?
Trash can at the station,
Nonoko does the park,
Noboru does the store.
You can't do that!
Why not? It's a great plan.
Off we go.
See you later.
Ouch!
I volunteer to clean up the park,
and you dump trash there!
I'm not dumping,
just using the public trash cans.
That's the problem!
Mom!
THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
Excuse us!
Our ball fell in.
This new one or this rubber ball?
The rubber ball!
Honesty's the best policy. Don't ever lie.
OK.
Take this one too.
Wow! Thanks!
Excuse me. Our ball fell in yesterday.
But you weren't here.
Didn't see any.
I see...
I'm sure this was the house.
I beg you, please tell those boys
to give him his new ball back.
Oh, poor things.
You're right, they're all wilted.
Not the flowers! The accident!
Oh, I see.
It was a motorcycle gang.
The poor guard rail.
Mother!
It was the poor child's parents
who suffered.
They're so loud,
it has to be a motorcycle gang.
They're by the park.
They're the litterbugs!
I'll go scold them.
That's dangerous, Mother!
Someone was recently murdered for that.
SENIOR CITIZEN MURDERED
Hmm, I know.
That's worse!
M-mother! Why the get-up?
She wants to scold the motorcycle gang.
Won't you stop her, please?
You can't wear that hard-hat. It's
a memento from when we built the house.
Oh. Well, that's too bad.
I'm sorry, but you can't.
In that case...
you wear it, and go.
Me?
They're not vicious.
They'll go home eventually.
Then you have nothing to fear.
Give them a manly scolding. You're older.
Manly...?
But, Mother...
I know, let's report them to 911.
The poor kids. They don't deserve
a criminal record for making noise.
A record!
See, they're gone.
You think?
What did I tell you?
We're relying on you.
All right, I'll just go look.
Be careful, dear!
Uhm, excuse me.
What do you want?
It's awfully late.
Yeah? So what?
Got a problem?
No, we can work this out.
I don't have a problem.
I don't have a problem,
-but I do have a request.
-Spit it out.
Ask away, old man.
Would you mind turning off your headlight?
So that's your request, then?
Uhm, no.
What do you want then?
Come, come fireflies
This water's bitter, this water's sweet
What is that?
That water's sweet
Come, fireflies
That old bag's nuts.
Mother, are you all right?
An old bag, huh?
At least turn down that putt-putt.
You're a neighborhood nuisance.
Mother, you can't talk to these low-lifes.
Who you calling low-life?
How exciting!
What a great voice you have.
Mother!
And a fine face and physique
to go with it.
I bet people shut up when you talk.
Get to the point!
Oh, scary. You sure
shut this guy up in a hurry.
Tell me about it.
When you yell at people, it reminds me
of a snake staring down a frog.
It sure must be fun shutting people up
and ordering them around.
It's OK.
I know, why don't you employ
your venom in the cause of justice?
What?
Don't you like fighting for justice,
that Masked Rider stuff?
Way old, Granny.
Of course, it's not exactly cool,
is it? Nowadays
we turn a blind eye
to every kind of misdeed.
But I know you could do it
because you're fearless.
Someone tosses a cigarette butt
or can from their car,
you use that voice of yours,
make them pick it up.
You see a kid causing trouble
on the subway,
you gently tap him on the shoulder.
I'm sure anyone will do whatever you say.
We'll all be so happy,
we'll cheer you on.
It's nice to be appreciated.
While you're at it, scare off thugs,
and take the bad guys' money.
What do you say, will you heed
an old bag's plea and fight for justice?
It'll be a whole lot better
than listening to me rant and rave.
I think this old lady's nuts.
No go?
What a shame, with your godly attributes.
Let's go.
Think about fighting for justice!
Hey, you forgot this.
Did he get it?
Mother!
Noboru! Nonoko!
Mother!
It's the Masked Rider!
SCHOOL ZONE
The Masked Rider!
Help!
Mother!
Noboru!
Nonoko!
Thank you, Masked Rider!
How cruel: a grasshopper trapped
under a warrior's helmet.
I'm home.
Did you bring your umbrella home?
Your husband's home
from work, exhausted,
and all you can ask is, "Did you
bring your umbrella home?"
OK, OK. Welcome home. Have a hard day?
Where's your umbrella?
I forgot it.
POCHI
Welcome home.
Look, I remembered
to bring it home, so there, ha!
What? Got a problem?
But you didn't take an umbrella today.
See?
SECTION CHIEF YAMADA
I bought a cake.
Really?
Once in a blue moon.
Guilty conscience?
What was that?
That's going too far.
Here, Takashi's thoughtfully gone and
and I even bought custard.
Now that's suspicious.
Nonoko! Noboru! Your father got cake!
Where's Dad?
On a business trip.
But his briefcase...
Oh no, he must've forgotten it.
And his scarf and train pass.
What? Oh no!
He was supposed to leave early.
Father!
Dear!
SECTION CHIEF YAMADA
Mom must've overslept.
She woke up late
and thought Dad had already left.
Oh, I see.
I need this too.
B-b-briefcase!
H-h-here!
I'm off!
Have a nice trip!
Be careful!
I can still make it.
GOTO LIQUOR SHOP
Are you OK?
Phone, phone.
I suddenly feel terrible.
I can hardly breathe.
Yes, yes, I'll get there.
I'll crawl there if I have to.
Please tell the client...
Yes, yes, I'm terribly sorry.
A slight fever.
You should stay home.
Before it gets worse.
The company won't take care of you.
You know, maybe I will.
Make a long weekend of it.
You should, you should.
It's good to relax
and enjoy some time at home.
What is it?
I started feeling better
the minute I decided to stay home.
I guess I'll go in after all.
Take care, dear.
Next, Mr. Yamada
will offer his congratulations.
Your notes, dear.
He's wound tight as a spring!
Uhm... This is a fine, auspicious day...
CUCUMBER, GARBAGE BAGS, LIGHT BULBS
Life is full of surprises...
Now... that is, up until now...
things seemed to be just fine...
then suddenly,
you're shoved off a cliff...
By... your trusted spouse...
of all people!
He means you.
But Ichiro and Kazuko,
you have to accept life as it comes.
Acceptance is the key to surviving
the worst situations
without losing heart or breaking up.
Breaking up?
Even the worst behavior
can be accepted and forgiven
if there is no malice.
In fact, it must be forgiven
so one can go on with life!
Gutsy speech!
It's not necessarily bad
to resign yourself to a situation.
In fact, it's essential.
A must for a happy family.
A must for facing life
and getting on with it.
Though it may sound negative,
"acceptance"
is the only way out of totally
unacceptable situations.
I didn't know he had it in him.
What a man.
Um, well, that is, I mean...
So, my dear Ichiro and Kazuko,
congratulations on your wedding.
May you be a tough, harmonious couple.
When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my sweetheart, what lies ahead?
Will we have rainbows day after day?
Here's what my sweetheart said
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
A skinhead cut
would disguise your baldness.
Who asked you?
-Don't you need dentures, Mother?
-Who asked you?
Cut it out! Both of you!
You're starting to look like
a sumo wrestler.
-You tell her!
-How dare you?
You're setting a terrible example
in front of the children.
I can't hear the TV!
I know why we're so peaceful.
Because all three of you are nuts.
-How dare you?
-How dare you?
If even one of you were normal,
it'd throw off the balance.
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
THIS YEAR'S RESOLUTION
MAKE FRIENDS, STUDY, HEALTH
What's your motto?
Getting married?
A new job?
Be quiet.
This.
"Don't overdo it."
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother what will I be
Will I be handsome? Will I be rich?
I tell them tenderly
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Que sera, sera
Hey, everybody's in the picture!
Let's see.
Everyone's so tiny.
It's a stick-on picture.
Time to get some dinner.
Let's have pork cutlets.
I want pizza!
-Tempura.
-Spaghetti!
Quiet! I decide!
THE OCEAN IN SPRING THE GENTLE ROLLING
OF THE WAVES ALL DAY LONG.
BUSON.