Lost Man Found (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 4 - Episode #1.4 - full transcript
Why do they all say no?
That girl ain't for you!
You're lucky she turned you down.
What's wrong with her?
Her blood type's AB, right?
That, again?
How many times do I gotta tell ya?
Two people with AB blood type
make excellent friends,
but as lovers, they're a match from hell.
That's my philosophy.
Philosophy?
Keep your philosophy
out of my love life, will ya?
-Put it on my tab!
-What?
THE YEAR 2002
It makes no sense, right?
It's a load of crap!
Why can't two people
with AB blood pair up?
Then again, if it's true that
Ms. Yamashita is type AB,
maybe it really is a bad match for me.
I'm AB too, you know.
For real?
For real.
Should I disappear?
Yeah. If you don't mind.
I'm kidding, of course.
Seriously? That's a bit of a shock.
No good! I've lost the urge
to go to my audition today.
Wow!
What do you mean "wow"?
Well, an audition is when they pick
one person from 5,000, right?
-I'm impressed.
-Well…
The ones I take aren't like that.
Probably one person from 30, at most.
Sounds fun. I want to try an audition too.
But you have to be able to dance, right?
What makes you think that?
Don't you dance and sing?
That almost never happens!
First, you introduce yourself…
Oh, but it's no typical self-introduction.
After you give your name,
you have to say something funny.
Sounds easy.
Oh, now you've said it. I heard that!
Let's see you give it a try, then.
I'm Yui Higa! I'm from Okinawa!
Right. Do you have anything to say?
Well…
Oh! Since I came to Tokyo,
I've had a lot more boogers.
Kidding.
So, what brought you to Tokyo, Ms. Higa?
This is a secret,
so please don't tell anyone.
I won't. I promise.
I ran away from my boyfriend…
-What?
-and stayed with a friend in Tokyo…
-Yes?
-But my boyfriend followed me…
-What?
-And now…
we've sort of patched things up
and are living together.
You have a boyfriend?
Yes. Oh, is that okay? Did I pass?
-You failed.
-Oh, no…
Still, that's impressive, Matsudo.
It really is hard.
Not at all. Not impressive at all.
-It is!
-It isn't!
To prove just how unimpressive it was…
Is that so?
Understood. Thank you for your time.
Oh, but if another opportunity arises…
Right! I look forward to hearing from you.
Goodbye.
Another role that's not meant to…
Hey! How many advances does that make?
Try passing some auditions first!
Sorry.
Unbelievable…
Okay. I counted 50,000 yen.
The only thing first-rate
about you is your audacity!
GO AGAINST THE GRAIN
The Daikanyama and Nakameguro stores
are both promoting
western or Korean dramas, right?
So I thought our store, at least,
could be a Galapagos Island
and promote Haruhiko…
-I mean promote Japanese movies.
-After three years in Tokyo…
I hadn't landed a single acting job.
This is the story of a lost man
who is destined to be found
again and again.
It's a TV drama,
based on one hell of a true story,
but the names of characters
and organizations who appear
have mostly been changed.
I'm home!
"Roppongi City Heights Hotel…"
Oh! You startled me!
When did you get home?
Working hard, I see.
Well, uh…
So what's this one about?
This one?
It's actually a first.
My first attempt at a love story,
you could say. After all…
my path has crossed with Haruka Igawa now…
So I'd better write something for real…
It's not my usual style, but…
I want it to be like Pretty Woman,
but I can't help
throwing in a little Carax.
-That would make a weird Pretty Woman.
-Right?
Sometimes I even scare myself.
Oh, but then…
If I manage to finish it,
I'm thinking of entering it
in a contest this time.
The deadline's pretty soon!
Plus, that day happens to be my birthday.
What? Seriously?
-Yup.
-In that case…
let's have a double celebration,
like a good meal or something.
Well, it's worth a shot.
The prize and the movie.
And if you win, Tsukamoto…
You'll be a director.
You'll be the new "Director Tsukamoto"!
What are you listening to?
Oh, uh, sorry!
Excuse me, I… just now…
there was something in my eyes.
-What's up?
-Oh, nothing.
What were you listening to?
Oh! This.
-You like hip hop?
-Oh no, I…
When my boyfriend trains
for boxing matches…
Your boyfriend's a boxer?
Oh, not anymore.
A boxer, huh?
Oh, now that you mention it…
I may not look like it…
but I used to DJ when I was in Osaka.
What?
That's awesome!
You really are amazing, Matsudo.
You do everything!
-I wouldn't say "everything."
-Sounds fun…
I'd like to try DJing myself.
There you go again! You want
to try everything, don't you, Higa?
Well, I've come all the way to Tokyo.
Shouldn't I try new things?
I mean, look at you! You're an actor!
Yeah, but… that's what I came here to do.
Do I sound dumb?
No.
I wouldn't call you "dumb."
It costs a lot, you know.
A turntable and mixer
would run you at least 100,000 yen.
-What, 100,000?
-Yeah.
You need money before you DJ.
Well, you know…
I've got some money saved.
In that case…
shall we go window shopping?
Have a look before you consider.
Yeah!
Oh… let's go then!
-Yeah!
-Okay!
Let's see…
My next day off…
is the 7th, but… oh, wait!
-The 7th. That's my birthday.
-Huh?
It's my birthday that day!
It's my birthday that day!
Is that how you want to
spend your birthday?
TAKESHI MATSUDO
Oh, excuse me a second…
Hello? What's up?
My birthday?
You remembered?
I thought I'd take you out to eat.
It's been a while, after all.
What?
You know, just before you called…
my schedule got packed.
Yes. That's right.
Oh, but I'm free in the evening!
Yes. Right.
See you then.
Okay. Bye.
Sounds like you have someone
to celebrate with.
No, it's not like that.
-That was Ms. Haruko.
-Who's that?
-Haruka Igawa.
-Haruka Igawa…
Wait…
-That Haruka Igawa?
-Probably that Haruka Igawa.
What?
Amazing! Man…
You really are amazing, Matsudo!
No, it's just Tokyo.
Just Tokyo?
Haruka Igawa's everywhere in Tokyo.
DECEMBER 7: ME TURNING 27.
And then…
the longest birthday of my life began.
DEADLINE FOR SCREENPLAY CONTEST
No, it's okay. Don't rush.
You'll fall and hurt yourself again.
You'll feel pretty silly
if you fall twice in one day!
Whoa, hey!
Here! Over here!
I told you not to rush!
I'm really sorry! I, uh…
As I was leaving, I fell down the stairs.
Are you okay?
You look like a boxer.
Sorry. Did that hurt?
-Shall we go?
-Sure.
USED - 48,700 YEN
USED - 54,470 YEN.
They really are expensive.
Having second thoughts?
You shouldn't rush into buying.
Think it over first.
-Can I try this out?
-Go ahead.
Whoa!
That's it. I'm buying them.
Oh?
Oh, uh, that's the apartment over there!
Here is fine.
-Over there?
-Yeah!
-Oh…
-Sorry about those.
Whoa, hold on.
I'll carry them up.
Huh? Oh, but…
Your boyfriend?
Sorry again!
-They're heavy.
-I've got them.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
-Let me.
-I'm sorry!
-Okay, I'll take it up for you.
Sorry.
-Come on in.
-Sorry for the intrusion…
Hey…
It doesn't look like
there's a guy living here.
It's totally a girl's room…
My boyfriend just showed up one day.
Oh, where do we put them?
He'll be home from work soon.
Oh, right.
Let's see…
Let's see…
When my boyfriend trains for
boxing matches, he often plays hip hop.
Your boyfriend's a boxer?
Where shall we put them?
Um… over here, maybe?
Will you be able to…
-move all this stuff?
-Sure! No problem!
Okay, then.
Your boyfriend's pretty handsome.
Oh, sorry.
Huh? What's this hole?
Oh, I hit my head there by accident!
That one sure hurt!
Is something wrong?
No…
There.
I think this should be okay.
Wanna try a record?
Your boyfriend will be home soon.
Right.
One of my boyfriend's.
Your boyfriend, huh?
-Higa.
-Yes?
Oh, you'd better go, right?
Haruko Igawa's…
Do you want to grab a bite to eat?
What?
-Okay! Here you go!
-Thanks!
Wow, this looks good! Looks good, right?
Before I knew it, I had invited her out.
Thank you.
-I'll divide it up.
-Thanks.
I'm really sorry. Your…
We're supposed to celebrate
your birthday, but I've got no cash on me.
Don't worry about it!
I'm sure Ms. Haruko
will treat me somewhere expensive.
I see.
Sorry, I'm so poor.
That's… not what I meant.
Oh, but I really am poor.
Actually…
I'm getting a little scared.
Can I really afford that expensive stuff?
Until now, the most expensive
thing I've ever bought…
was probably my cell phone.
Pretty embarrassing, right?
Just how poor is this girl, right?
Thank you for the meal.
Matsudo…
What?
Um, your phone.
Oh, right!
TAKESHI MATSUDO
What? Is it okay? Isn't that Haruka Igawa?
Oh, it's fine! It's just my brother.
Bathroom break…
Oh, sure.
-Higa.
-Yeah?
Sorry, bathroom break.
Oh, sure.
What's happening?
What the hell am I doing?
Hello?
What's going on?
The sushi's gonna dry up.
I'm really sorry!
It's important…
I'm in the middle of one
of the most important moments of my life.
Probably…
What do you mean, "probably"?
Oh, an audition?
More important…
than an audition, maybe.
A little longer! Just a little longer!
Sorry. Bye.
Sorry about that.
Oh, I have some medicine for diarrhea.
What?
I have a sensitive stomach too.
Oh…
Thanks.
There.
Same number as your age!
Happy birthday!
Thanks.
-It's not too much?
-Nope.
Wait! You can't wash them down with beer!
-Oh… really?
-Yeah.
Whoa, that's harsh!
Wow.
You really are…
You really are amazing, Matsudo!
Pills like those with no water…
I feel nothing but respect.
It's about time I did something
with my life too.
Oh, does your stomach hurt again?
Higa…
Yeah?
I like…
Yeah?
L…
I like…
H…
Higa, I…
have feelings for you.
-I think.
-You think?
No, I…
I like you.
Wha…
I'm sorry! Sorry!
I upset you, didn't I?
You have a boyfriend…
No.
That's not it.
That's not it.
W-What are you crying for?
What?
Well, then.
Sorry about earlier.
Springing that on you…
What the…
It's snowing!
I've never seen snow before.
Oh, man!
I feel some more tears coming,
so I'll be going.
Good night!
Hello? Yes! That's right! I'm sorry!
"No matter what you do…
I'll still love you."
"I'm nothing but a loser…"
"Happy endings are…"
Sorry to bother you so late!
It's me, Igawa!
What?
Whoa there!
My bag! Get it off me first!
What got into you, Matsudo?
Who knows? When we met up,
he was already like this.
What?
He said there was something
more important than an audition.
What could that be?
Today's his birthday, and…
And?
Oh, nothing.
Until next time.
Excuse me…
Well…
If… I…
found myself in the position
to make a movie…
would you really… make an appearance?
Of course!
Oh, better finish it today.
Huh?
The cake. Make sure to eat it.
Oh…
Bye, now.
You're quitting?
Yup.
I've been there long enough.
Could it be eight years?
At one video store…
Does that mean
you're ready to shoot your movie?
No way. If I were gonna shoot…
I could work in the meantime.
Then why quit?
The family business.
My family maintains a temple.
Time to eat.
What?
The movie… What about your movie?
I've given up.
You know how it is. I've got no siblings.
Someone has to take over.
But didn't you say…
I couldn't finish it.
Again.
I couldn't write the script.
If I can't write,
even with Haruka Igawa secured…
Then honestly…
I've lost faith in myself.
Hold it.
You can't lose faith. Just keep writing!
I'm happy to share some ideas--
It's not about ideas.
There's nothing I want to write about.
Even with the perfect charm
of Haruka Igawa at my disposal,
I couldn't take the final step!
What am I supposed to do now?
On my own…
Personally, I hope that
you'll keep at it, Matsudo.
It was only because Tsukamoto was with me…
that this carefree lifestyle
had lasted so long.
HIGA: ABSENT
On top of that…
Oh, are you worried about Higa?
Me too. She's been absent for a while.
Is she sick or something?
One week had passed
since the night of my birthday.
Matsudo?
Sorry, I came.
Don't give me that crap!
I can't take my eyes off you for a second!
No stalking!
Sorry. I didn't mean to worry you.
-Not at all.
-Are you feeling better now?
Oh, yes. Much better.
In that case, you should leave.
Hold on a second!
I still have some catching up to do!
It's only been a week!
Tsukamoto's quitting the store.
Right. I heard from Ms. Yamashita.
But then, I thought it was cool.
Abandoning his dreams…
must mean that Tsukamoto
is getting serious about his future.
Not that I would know.
But I want to get serious too.
Welcome!
Hiroshi…
What? Who's this?
It's my boyfriend.
Let's talk.
M-me?
I get that he's your boyfriend…
but who are the other two?
I've never seen them before,
but they're probably coworkers
from his part-time job… at a bar.
I'm really sorry.
I feel cold.
You…
Not that I want to involve myself
in a lovers' quarrel…
but you can't just send a text.
You too. Do you realize what you've done?
W-What did I do?
Don't give me that!
I know everything!
Yui's been cheating with you.
What? Cheating?
Th-this is more serious than I thought.
-Yoshimira, shut up.
-Okay.
It's true that our Matsudo here…
falls for girls way too easily.
But to make sure nothing strange happened…
I've been monitoring him.
Not near enough, it seems.
Forgive me, but…
shouldn't we really be monitoring you?
You seem to have done
your share of awful things.
To Higa.
Huh? What did you say?
Who's the awful one here?
Are you looking to die tonight?
What the hell is with you?
-You want some?
-Hiroshi!
-Hey!
-If a boxer hits someone, his life's over.
I've been through my share
of love battles, you know.
But there are rules!
What do you mean "rules"?
I haven't laid a finger on her!
We haven't even begun yet!
You're itching to "begin," is that it?
-No, that's not what I meant!
-Get back here!
D-Don't hit me!
I'll run straight to the police!
You seduced her, didn't you?
Stop it!
Stop.
This has nothing to do with them.
Sure it does. With him, at least.
It doesn't.
I said it doesn't!
Um, everyone, please… leave.
I'll settle this properly.
That…
I can't do that.
I can't do that.
And it does involve me!
I feel cold.
In that case, wait in my room.
Please wait for me.
You go too. You'll catch a cold.
What about you, Hisako?
Situations like these… require a mediator.
I want to…
I want to do this right.
-Let's go.
-But…
You shouldn't… be here for this.
I doubt they'll double-team her.
Believe in Higa's judgment.
Well, that older girl…
reminds me of a young Junko Miyashita,
and I think we can trust her.
I'll warn you now.
Once Hisako gets mad,
she can't be stopped.
Come on!
I feel cold.
Well, Mr. Matsudo.
Yes?
You fell for her, didn't you?
Forgive me. But…
That girl’s got a lot to deal with.
I interviewed her when she applied.
Not only does she send money home
to her family…
I guess I'm too much like my mother.
I've been letting my boyfriend
mooch off of me.
What? She said that?
I get it…
I'm the same.
I feel cold.
Higa really…
respects us.
Everyone at the store.
She really respects us.
She thinks
we're all working toward something.
Especially you.
She has tremendous respect for you.
"Matsudo is amazing."
Every time she opens her mouth…
If she only knew!
Of course, I'm not one to talk.
Me neither…
but when it comes to you,
she's got it wrong.
That's why…
I apologize for always
being so condescending, but…
Are you really ready for this?
That girl is struggling
with all her might!
I'm… tired of this.
I want to get my life together.
I want to speak my mind
when something bothers me.
Or to better put it…
I'm tired of the way I talk!
I'm tired of it!
Of lying to myself,
and smiling passively…
I never used to talk like this!
What's wrong with you?
You're not making any sense.
-Who the hell do you think you are?
-Hiroshi!
Hiroshi…
I want to end this right.
To date a girl living with all her might…
you've got to be mightily prepared!
I'm sorry if this sounds sexist…
but men love nothing more
than to hold back women like her.
I was held back!
What did you put
all your might into, Ms. Yamashita?
Pro wrestling…
Forget it.
But anyway…
are you up to this, Mr. Matsudo?
Are you ready to shoulder her struggles?
I feel cold.
What?
Man…
I'm moved.
That won't do, you know.
You can't be moved by stuff like this.
Thanks.
I…
At this point in my life…
I don't think I've ever put
all my might into anything.
As you said…
I may be someone who holds others back.
Even now…
with Tsukamoto ready to head home,
I'm desperate to hold him back!
I'm scared of being alone.
I take advantage that way.
But…
When I'm with her…
When I'm with Higa…
I feel the need to straighten myself out.
It's like…
when I'm with her…
well, this might sound
condescending too, but…
I feel like I want to protect her.
But then…
though I want to protect her…
I often feel like
I'm the one being protected.
I can't help myself!
I want to be with her.
I want to be with her!
So you're serious, then.
Me too.
Higa?
Are you okay?
When did you get back?
In time to hear "I want to be with her."
I see…
The last part?
Well…
Will you… do it right?
Please tell it… to me directly…
the right way.
-What you just--
-I want…
to be with you.
Me too.
I want to be with you.
I want to be with you, Matsudo.
I want to be with you.
Thank you.
Thank you!
I…
I…
I'll live with all my might!
Please be by my side!
Please be with me too!
I'm crying.
I don't think I've cried
since I saw Time and Tide.
I don't think I have
since I saw Atsushi Onita wrestle!
I feel cold.
How many have I seen?
You kids who quit with broken dreams…
Maybe you should just
study under Haruhiko Arai.
Sounds terrifying.
"Old soldiers never die,
they simply fade away."
AGAINST THE GRAIN
I'd like to return this.
-Welcome!
-Welcome!
Welcome!
Okay.
It's three days overdue.
That'll be 600 yen.
You know,
I never even found the time to watch it.
Thank you very much!
Thanks.
-Thank you very much!
-Thank you very much!
Thanks.
The real Director Tsukamoto!
BOY MEETS WOMAN
Tsukamoto…
left Tokyo behind.
He really was a bad writer.
-Okay, better hurry!
-Right.
Higa liked things clean.
She took care of all the built-up dust,
and cleaned the dirty spots
throughout the apartment.
It was as if she was scraping away
all traces of laziness.
Don't just stand there. Help me.
Luck won't come where it's dirty.
Talking like that suits you much better.
I wanted us both to be happy together.
Yes! Thank you very much!
We're happy to accept! Yes!
To repay your faith,
he'll devote himself entirely to the role.
Right! Thank you very much!
Yes! Goodbye!
It's finally meant to be!
Obviously!
From the way you sounded just now!
You still get on my nerves.
This is your first named role, right?
-My first!
-Good for you!
Good for you!
-Good for me!
-Good for you!
Congratulations.
Any way you look at it, he's a stalker!
We… We can't allow this!
-We should catch the stalker.
-Here comes my scene!
-Now?
-Hurry!
Hurry up!
-Wow!
-Doesn't that sound a bit dangerous?
What are you saying?
Daiya's in trouble!
Aren't we supposed to be his friends?
Calm down, Gaina!
-All right. I get it.
-I'd made it at last.
A regular role in a popular TV drama!
And at that very moment…
my father stood in my way
doing his best Bunshi Katsura impression!
But that's a story for another time.
Irasshai!
Matsun!
You call him Matsun?
Matsun!
That's so cute!
Not me!
Do you even know what it's like
to risk dying for a woman?
I do know!
I love you.
You're having doubts?
I can't take this anymore.
Ouch!
That hurts!
Ow!
You're giving me a headache!
It won't get any easier.
You're not really thinking of
running away, are you?
Oh man, oh man…
I'm thinking of making this my last try.
Matsun!
Translated by Bradley Plumb
That girl ain't for you!
You're lucky she turned you down.
What's wrong with her?
Her blood type's AB, right?
That, again?
How many times do I gotta tell ya?
Two people with AB blood type
make excellent friends,
but as lovers, they're a match from hell.
That's my philosophy.
Philosophy?
Keep your philosophy
out of my love life, will ya?
-Put it on my tab!
-What?
THE YEAR 2002
It makes no sense, right?
It's a load of crap!
Why can't two people
with AB blood pair up?
Then again, if it's true that
Ms. Yamashita is type AB,
maybe it really is a bad match for me.
I'm AB too, you know.
For real?
For real.
Should I disappear?
Yeah. If you don't mind.
I'm kidding, of course.
Seriously? That's a bit of a shock.
No good! I've lost the urge
to go to my audition today.
Wow!
What do you mean "wow"?
Well, an audition is when they pick
one person from 5,000, right?
-I'm impressed.
-Well…
The ones I take aren't like that.
Probably one person from 30, at most.
Sounds fun. I want to try an audition too.
But you have to be able to dance, right?
What makes you think that?
Don't you dance and sing?
That almost never happens!
First, you introduce yourself…
Oh, but it's no typical self-introduction.
After you give your name,
you have to say something funny.
Sounds easy.
Oh, now you've said it. I heard that!
Let's see you give it a try, then.
I'm Yui Higa! I'm from Okinawa!
Right. Do you have anything to say?
Well…
Oh! Since I came to Tokyo,
I've had a lot more boogers.
Kidding.
So, what brought you to Tokyo, Ms. Higa?
This is a secret,
so please don't tell anyone.
I won't. I promise.
I ran away from my boyfriend…
-What?
-and stayed with a friend in Tokyo…
-Yes?
-But my boyfriend followed me…
-What?
-And now…
we've sort of patched things up
and are living together.
You have a boyfriend?
Yes. Oh, is that okay? Did I pass?
-You failed.
-Oh, no…
Still, that's impressive, Matsudo.
It really is hard.
Not at all. Not impressive at all.
-It is!
-It isn't!
To prove just how unimpressive it was…
Is that so?
Understood. Thank you for your time.
Oh, but if another opportunity arises…
Right! I look forward to hearing from you.
Goodbye.
Another role that's not meant to…
Hey! How many advances does that make?
Try passing some auditions first!
Sorry.
Unbelievable…
Okay. I counted 50,000 yen.
The only thing first-rate
about you is your audacity!
GO AGAINST THE GRAIN
The Daikanyama and Nakameguro stores
are both promoting
western or Korean dramas, right?
So I thought our store, at least,
could be a Galapagos Island
and promote Haruhiko…
-I mean promote Japanese movies.
-After three years in Tokyo…
I hadn't landed a single acting job.
This is the story of a lost man
who is destined to be found
again and again.
It's a TV drama,
based on one hell of a true story,
but the names of characters
and organizations who appear
have mostly been changed.
I'm home!
"Roppongi City Heights Hotel…"
Oh! You startled me!
When did you get home?
Working hard, I see.
Well, uh…
So what's this one about?
This one?
It's actually a first.
My first attempt at a love story,
you could say. After all…
my path has crossed with Haruka Igawa now…
So I'd better write something for real…
It's not my usual style, but…
I want it to be like Pretty Woman,
but I can't help
throwing in a little Carax.
-That would make a weird Pretty Woman.
-Right?
Sometimes I even scare myself.
Oh, but then…
If I manage to finish it,
I'm thinking of entering it
in a contest this time.
The deadline's pretty soon!
Plus, that day happens to be my birthday.
What? Seriously?
-Yup.
-In that case…
let's have a double celebration,
like a good meal or something.
Well, it's worth a shot.
The prize and the movie.
And if you win, Tsukamoto…
You'll be a director.
You'll be the new "Director Tsukamoto"!
What are you listening to?
Oh, uh, sorry!
Excuse me, I… just now…
there was something in my eyes.
-What's up?
-Oh, nothing.
What were you listening to?
Oh! This.
-You like hip hop?
-Oh no, I…
When my boyfriend trains
for boxing matches…
Your boyfriend's a boxer?
Oh, not anymore.
A boxer, huh?
Oh, now that you mention it…
I may not look like it…
but I used to DJ when I was in Osaka.
What?
That's awesome!
You really are amazing, Matsudo.
You do everything!
-I wouldn't say "everything."
-Sounds fun…
I'd like to try DJing myself.
There you go again! You want
to try everything, don't you, Higa?
Well, I've come all the way to Tokyo.
Shouldn't I try new things?
I mean, look at you! You're an actor!
Yeah, but… that's what I came here to do.
Do I sound dumb?
No.
I wouldn't call you "dumb."
It costs a lot, you know.
A turntable and mixer
would run you at least 100,000 yen.
-What, 100,000?
-Yeah.
You need money before you DJ.
Well, you know…
I've got some money saved.
In that case…
shall we go window shopping?
Have a look before you consider.
Yeah!
Oh… let's go then!
-Yeah!
-Okay!
Let's see…
My next day off…
is the 7th, but… oh, wait!
-The 7th. That's my birthday.
-Huh?
It's my birthday that day!
It's my birthday that day!
Is that how you want to
spend your birthday?
TAKESHI MATSUDO
Oh, excuse me a second…
Hello? What's up?
My birthday?
You remembered?
I thought I'd take you out to eat.
It's been a while, after all.
What?
You know, just before you called…
my schedule got packed.
Yes. That's right.
Oh, but I'm free in the evening!
Yes. Right.
See you then.
Okay. Bye.
Sounds like you have someone
to celebrate with.
No, it's not like that.
-That was Ms. Haruko.
-Who's that?
-Haruka Igawa.
-Haruka Igawa…
Wait…
-That Haruka Igawa?
-Probably that Haruka Igawa.
What?
Amazing! Man…
You really are amazing, Matsudo!
No, it's just Tokyo.
Just Tokyo?
Haruka Igawa's everywhere in Tokyo.
DECEMBER 7: ME TURNING 27.
And then…
the longest birthday of my life began.
DEADLINE FOR SCREENPLAY CONTEST
No, it's okay. Don't rush.
You'll fall and hurt yourself again.
You'll feel pretty silly
if you fall twice in one day!
Whoa, hey!
Here! Over here!
I told you not to rush!
I'm really sorry! I, uh…
As I was leaving, I fell down the stairs.
Are you okay?
You look like a boxer.
Sorry. Did that hurt?
-Shall we go?
-Sure.
USED - 48,700 YEN
USED - 54,470 YEN.
They really are expensive.
Having second thoughts?
You shouldn't rush into buying.
Think it over first.
-Can I try this out?
-Go ahead.
Whoa!
That's it. I'm buying them.
Oh?
Oh, uh, that's the apartment over there!
Here is fine.
-Over there?
-Yeah!
-Oh…
-Sorry about those.
Whoa, hold on.
I'll carry them up.
Huh? Oh, but…
Your boyfriend?
Sorry again!
-They're heavy.
-I've got them.
-Are you okay?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
-Let me.
-I'm sorry!
-Okay, I'll take it up for you.
Sorry.
-Come on in.
-Sorry for the intrusion…
Hey…
It doesn't look like
there's a guy living here.
It's totally a girl's room…
My boyfriend just showed up one day.
Oh, where do we put them?
He'll be home from work soon.
Oh, right.
Let's see…
Let's see…
When my boyfriend trains for
boxing matches, he often plays hip hop.
Your boyfriend's a boxer?
Where shall we put them?
Um… over here, maybe?
Will you be able to…
-move all this stuff?
-Sure! No problem!
Okay, then.
Your boyfriend's pretty handsome.
Oh, sorry.
Huh? What's this hole?
Oh, I hit my head there by accident!
That one sure hurt!
Is something wrong?
No…
There.
I think this should be okay.
Wanna try a record?
Your boyfriend will be home soon.
Right.
One of my boyfriend's.
Your boyfriend, huh?
-Higa.
-Yes?
Oh, you'd better go, right?
Haruko Igawa's…
Do you want to grab a bite to eat?
What?
-Okay! Here you go!
-Thanks!
Wow, this looks good! Looks good, right?
Before I knew it, I had invited her out.
Thank you.
-I'll divide it up.
-Thanks.
I'm really sorry. Your…
We're supposed to celebrate
your birthday, but I've got no cash on me.
Don't worry about it!
I'm sure Ms. Haruko
will treat me somewhere expensive.
I see.
Sorry, I'm so poor.
That's… not what I meant.
Oh, but I really am poor.
Actually…
I'm getting a little scared.
Can I really afford that expensive stuff?
Until now, the most expensive
thing I've ever bought…
was probably my cell phone.
Pretty embarrassing, right?
Just how poor is this girl, right?
Thank you for the meal.
Matsudo…
What?
Um, your phone.
Oh, right!
TAKESHI MATSUDO
What? Is it okay? Isn't that Haruka Igawa?
Oh, it's fine! It's just my brother.
Bathroom break…
Oh, sure.
-Higa.
-Yeah?
Sorry, bathroom break.
Oh, sure.
What's happening?
What the hell am I doing?
Hello?
What's going on?
The sushi's gonna dry up.
I'm really sorry!
It's important…
I'm in the middle of one
of the most important moments of my life.
Probably…
What do you mean, "probably"?
Oh, an audition?
More important…
than an audition, maybe.
A little longer! Just a little longer!
Sorry. Bye.
Sorry about that.
Oh, I have some medicine for diarrhea.
What?
I have a sensitive stomach too.
Oh…
Thanks.
There.
Same number as your age!
Happy birthday!
Thanks.
-It's not too much?
-Nope.
Wait! You can't wash them down with beer!
-Oh… really?
-Yeah.
Whoa, that's harsh!
Wow.
You really are…
You really are amazing, Matsudo!
Pills like those with no water…
I feel nothing but respect.
It's about time I did something
with my life too.
Oh, does your stomach hurt again?
Higa…
Yeah?
I like…
Yeah?
L…
I like…
H…
Higa, I…
have feelings for you.
-I think.
-You think?
No, I…
I like you.
Wha…
I'm sorry! Sorry!
I upset you, didn't I?
You have a boyfriend…
No.
That's not it.
That's not it.
W-What are you crying for?
What?
Well, then.
Sorry about earlier.
Springing that on you…
What the…
It's snowing!
I've never seen snow before.
Oh, man!
I feel some more tears coming,
so I'll be going.
Good night!
Hello? Yes! That's right! I'm sorry!
"No matter what you do…
I'll still love you."
"I'm nothing but a loser…"
"Happy endings are…"
Sorry to bother you so late!
It's me, Igawa!
What?
Whoa there!
My bag! Get it off me first!
What got into you, Matsudo?
Who knows? When we met up,
he was already like this.
What?
He said there was something
more important than an audition.
What could that be?
Today's his birthday, and…
And?
Oh, nothing.
Until next time.
Excuse me…
Well…
If… I…
found myself in the position
to make a movie…
would you really… make an appearance?
Of course!
Oh, better finish it today.
Huh?
The cake. Make sure to eat it.
Oh…
Bye, now.
You're quitting?
Yup.
I've been there long enough.
Could it be eight years?
At one video store…
Does that mean
you're ready to shoot your movie?
No way. If I were gonna shoot…
I could work in the meantime.
Then why quit?
The family business.
My family maintains a temple.
Time to eat.
What?
The movie… What about your movie?
I've given up.
You know how it is. I've got no siblings.
Someone has to take over.
But didn't you say…
I couldn't finish it.
Again.
I couldn't write the script.
If I can't write,
even with Haruka Igawa secured…
Then honestly…
I've lost faith in myself.
Hold it.
You can't lose faith. Just keep writing!
I'm happy to share some ideas--
It's not about ideas.
There's nothing I want to write about.
Even with the perfect charm
of Haruka Igawa at my disposal,
I couldn't take the final step!
What am I supposed to do now?
On my own…
Personally, I hope that
you'll keep at it, Matsudo.
It was only because Tsukamoto was with me…
that this carefree lifestyle
had lasted so long.
HIGA: ABSENT
On top of that…
Oh, are you worried about Higa?
Me too. She's been absent for a while.
Is she sick or something?
One week had passed
since the night of my birthday.
Matsudo?
Sorry, I came.
Don't give me that crap!
I can't take my eyes off you for a second!
No stalking!
Sorry. I didn't mean to worry you.
-Not at all.
-Are you feeling better now?
Oh, yes. Much better.
In that case, you should leave.
Hold on a second!
I still have some catching up to do!
It's only been a week!
Tsukamoto's quitting the store.
Right. I heard from Ms. Yamashita.
But then, I thought it was cool.
Abandoning his dreams…
must mean that Tsukamoto
is getting serious about his future.
Not that I would know.
But I want to get serious too.
Welcome!
Hiroshi…
What? Who's this?
It's my boyfriend.
Let's talk.
M-me?
I get that he's your boyfriend…
but who are the other two?
I've never seen them before,
but they're probably coworkers
from his part-time job… at a bar.
I'm really sorry.
I feel cold.
You…
Not that I want to involve myself
in a lovers' quarrel…
but you can't just send a text.
You too. Do you realize what you've done?
W-What did I do?
Don't give me that!
I know everything!
Yui's been cheating with you.
What? Cheating?
Th-this is more serious than I thought.
-Yoshimira, shut up.
-Okay.
It's true that our Matsudo here…
falls for girls way too easily.
But to make sure nothing strange happened…
I've been monitoring him.
Not near enough, it seems.
Forgive me, but…
shouldn't we really be monitoring you?
You seem to have done
your share of awful things.
To Higa.
Huh? What did you say?
Who's the awful one here?
Are you looking to die tonight?
What the hell is with you?
-You want some?
-Hiroshi!
-Hey!
-If a boxer hits someone, his life's over.
I've been through my share
of love battles, you know.
But there are rules!
What do you mean "rules"?
I haven't laid a finger on her!
We haven't even begun yet!
You're itching to "begin," is that it?
-No, that's not what I meant!
-Get back here!
D-Don't hit me!
I'll run straight to the police!
You seduced her, didn't you?
Stop it!
Stop.
This has nothing to do with them.
Sure it does. With him, at least.
It doesn't.
I said it doesn't!
Um, everyone, please… leave.
I'll settle this properly.
That…
I can't do that.
I can't do that.
And it does involve me!
I feel cold.
In that case, wait in my room.
Please wait for me.
You go too. You'll catch a cold.
What about you, Hisako?
Situations like these… require a mediator.
I want to…
I want to do this right.
-Let's go.
-But…
You shouldn't… be here for this.
I doubt they'll double-team her.
Believe in Higa's judgment.
Well, that older girl…
reminds me of a young Junko Miyashita,
and I think we can trust her.
I'll warn you now.
Once Hisako gets mad,
she can't be stopped.
Come on!
I feel cold.
Well, Mr. Matsudo.
Yes?
You fell for her, didn't you?
Forgive me. But…
That girl’s got a lot to deal with.
I interviewed her when she applied.
Not only does she send money home
to her family…
I guess I'm too much like my mother.
I've been letting my boyfriend
mooch off of me.
What? She said that?
I get it…
I'm the same.
I feel cold.
Higa really…
respects us.
Everyone at the store.
She really respects us.
She thinks
we're all working toward something.
Especially you.
She has tremendous respect for you.
"Matsudo is amazing."
Every time she opens her mouth…
If she only knew!
Of course, I'm not one to talk.
Me neither…
but when it comes to you,
she's got it wrong.
That's why…
I apologize for always
being so condescending, but…
Are you really ready for this?
That girl is struggling
with all her might!
I'm… tired of this.
I want to get my life together.
I want to speak my mind
when something bothers me.
Or to better put it…
I'm tired of the way I talk!
I'm tired of it!
Of lying to myself,
and smiling passively…
I never used to talk like this!
What's wrong with you?
You're not making any sense.
-Who the hell do you think you are?
-Hiroshi!
Hiroshi…
I want to end this right.
To date a girl living with all her might…
you've got to be mightily prepared!
I'm sorry if this sounds sexist…
but men love nothing more
than to hold back women like her.
I was held back!
What did you put
all your might into, Ms. Yamashita?
Pro wrestling…
Forget it.
But anyway…
are you up to this, Mr. Matsudo?
Are you ready to shoulder her struggles?
I feel cold.
What?
Man…
I'm moved.
That won't do, you know.
You can't be moved by stuff like this.
Thanks.
I…
At this point in my life…
I don't think I've ever put
all my might into anything.
As you said…
I may be someone who holds others back.
Even now…
with Tsukamoto ready to head home,
I'm desperate to hold him back!
I'm scared of being alone.
I take advantage that way.
But…
When I'm with her…
When I'm with Higa…
I feel the need to straighten myself out.
It's like…
when I'm with her…
well, this might sound
condescending too, but…
I feel like I want to protect her.
But then…
though I want to protect her…
I often feel like
I'm the one being protected.
I can't help myself!
I want to be with her.
I want to be with her!
So you're serious, then.
Me too.
Higa?
Are you okay?
When did you get back?
In time to hear "I want to be with her."
I see…
The last part?
Well…
Will you… do it right?
Please tell it… to me directly…
the right way.
-What you just--
-I want…
to be with you.
Me too.
I want to be with you.
I want to be with you, Matsudo.
I want to be with you.
Thank you.
Thank you!
I…
I…
I'll live with all my might!
Please be by my side!
Please be with me too!
I'm crying.
I don't think I've cried
since I saw Time and Tide.
I don't think I have
since I saw Atsushi Onita wrestle!
I feel cold.
How many have I seen?
You kids who quit with broken dreams…
Maybe you should just
study under Haruhiko Arai.
Sounds terrifying.
"Old soldiers never die,
they simply fade away."
AGAINST THE GRAIN
I'd like to return this.
-Welcome!
-Welcome!
Welcome!
Okay.
It's three days overdue.
That'll be 600 yen.
You know,
I never even found the time to watch it.
Thank you very much!
Thanks.
-Thank you very much!
-Thank you very much!
Thanks.
The real Director Tsukamoto!
BOY MEETS WOMAN
Tsukamoto…
left Tokyo behind.
He really was a bad writer.
-Okay, better hurry!
-Right.
Higa liked things clean.
She took care of all the built-up dust,
and cleaned the dirty spots
throughout the apartment.
It was as if she was scraping away
all traces of laziness.
Don't just stand there. Help me.
Luck won't come where it's dirty.
Talking like that suits you much better.
I wanted us both to be happy together.
Yes! Thank you very much!
We're happy to accept! Yes!
To repay your faith,
he'll devote himself entirely to the role.
Right! Thank you very much!
Yes! Goodbye!
It's finally meant to be!
Obviously!
From the way you sounded just now!
You still get on my nerves.
This is your first named role, right?
-My first!
-Good for you!
Good for you!
-Good for me!
-Good for you!
Congratulations.
Any way you look at it, he's a stalker!
We… We can't allow this!
-We should catch the stalker.
-Here comes my scene!
-Now?
-Hurry!
Hurry up!
-Wow!
-Doesn't that sound a bit dangerous?
What are you saying?
Daiya's in trouble!
Aren't we supposed to be his friends?
Calm down, Gaina!
-All right. I get it.
-I'd made it at last.
A regular role in a popular TV drama!
And at that very moment…
my father stood in my way
doing his best Bunshi Katsura impression!
But that's a story for another time.
Irasshai!
Matsun!
You call him Matsun?
Matsun!
That's so cute!
Not me!
Do you even know what it's like
to risk dying for a woman?
I do know!
I love you.
You're having doubts?
I can't take this anymore.
Ouch!
That hurts!
Ow!
You're giving me a headache!
It won't get any easier.
You're not really thinking of
running away, are you?
Oh man, oh man…
I'm thinking of making this my last try.
Matsun!
Translated by Bradley Plumb