"Temperature check." "Mr Terada, go outside to use your cell phone" "I'll put it over there." "Walk inside." "They take lunch money from our wages" "We should at least get a hot meal." "An e-mail from Terada." "I got it, too." ""Those without the courage to kill themselves often kill others."" ""Now even that is denied me."" "Farewell." "It's a suicide note." "Hey, wait up" "It was sent 3 hours ago." "...is out of range or unavailable." "He called last spring." "He'd entered a school for guide dog instructors." "He sounded unusually cheerful." "It was a welfare designated position so the entire course was free." "He said it was tough, but he got in." "Why did he lie to me?" "How could he tell you the truth?" "The cold-storage we work in gets down to minus 30 degrees." "We only make 6700 yen a day." "Do I work to live or live to work?" "That's why my boy killed himself?" "He must have been in despair." "I can understand." "I wonder." "He could have gone onto welfare." "He'd never have to work again." "Are they our only choices?" "Being poor or disabled?" "What's up?" "I'm kind of busy." "Dad got fired?" "Yasuyuki needs money?" "You're cleaning motels?" "You only make 650 yen an hour?" "I have no money..." "I start that new course today." "As a guide dog trainer" "No fees to pay, but I need money to support myself." "I have rent, too." "Please wait another 2 years." "Out of 156 applicants, you eight were selected." "You have every right to be pleased and confident." "But you're wrong." "I'm often asked what's my standard when judging applicants." "I always give the same answer." "You need an active imagination and observation skills." "The most important thing a guide dog trainer can do is to carefully observe the dogs." "And envisage what needs to be done in each situation." "These skills are not confirmed to working with dogs." "To become a qualified guide dog trainer is to be a fully-fledged member of society with common sense and knowledge." "Understand?" "You, young man." "You were asked this question at the interview." "Why do you want to be a guide dog trainer?" "Well..." "I wanted to help blind and visually-impaired people go wherever and whenever they have a mind to." "I'm Yusuke Yoshii, 25 years old." "I worked as a salesman after graduating university." "But I wanted to do something for society." "Originally I was interested in welfare-related work." "Then I saw a TV documentary which really moved me" "I've always loved dogs but could never have one" "Then I heard about this course." "I'm Ayumi Kamikura 18 years old." "My uncle became blind because of diabetes." "But there aren't enough guide dogs for those who need them." "So I decided to do my bit and learn to train dogs." "I'm Go Osanai, 19 years old." "Well..." "No need." "We've already heard it." "I want to hear him." "And I want the truth." "I neither love nor hate dogs" "But I want some sort of formal qualification." "How on earth did I select you?" "I thought I had good judgment." "I'm starting to worry." "Me, too." "Partners" "When a dog wags its tail, what does that say?" "Anyone?" "The dog is happy." "That's right." "The dog is happy." "You're very good." "Try to look happy." "Or the dog won't obey you." "Mr Go Osanai." "Congratulations." "Mom, Daddy's really going." "Unfortunately I'm busy." "Why does he have to move out?" "He says he can't take good photos here at home." "How come?" "He finds it hard to switch from work to home." "Big brother, Daddy's leaving." "I'm busy." "You liar." "Will you leave your favourite photos here?" "Yes, they're mementoes from my younger days." "You can pack them away" "Can I have them?" "Sure." "Great" "Is Yuto making plastic models?" "Tell him he's making weapons to kill people." "Shall I go get him?" "Maybe next time." "Will you come next Saturday?" "Smile" "I can't." "It's for my new apartment." "If destiny really exists" "I want to believe it's destiny that I met you" "It blew away the clouds deep in my heart" "You're shining in my sky" "Makoto." "What's with the audio guy?" "Too much feedback." "Aren't you pissed?" "He's just testing the volume." "Don't get so mad." "Signing to a major label has sure mellowed you." "You used to blow your stack first." "I grew up, that's why." "Hel!" "O, Mr Nakajima." "Pleased to meet you." "These good folks are volunteer breeders" "Hello." "How do you do." "How is she?" "She's showing signs she'll soon give birth" "Each delivery involves risk." "All the puppies she's borne are guide dogs." "Soon." "Good girl." "Sukiyaki?" "What's the special occasion?" "I thought we only had it when Dad's here." "I thought he'd stay for dinner." "So no more Sukiyaki ever again?" "How about we get a dog?" "You mean it?" "No, we can't." "Why not?" "You're too young to remember." "When our last dog died, you, Mom and Dad all cried." "Didn't you?" "He did." "All the next day." "So we decided, no more dogs." "You're doing great" "Here girl." "Can't you sing without a drink?" "Your recent songs are so full of sweet words." "I can't sing them when I'm sober." "I'll do Kiyoshiro's song." "The engine broke down because of the rain" "My old wreck has croaked its last" "What's wrong?" "Hey hey baby" "The battery is still in perfect condition" "Let's do it like always" "Let's burn up the road" "Yeah." "Once h was a bad driver" "Look what I found." "Dogs you keep only while they're puppies" "They never die on you." "Puppy Walkers, volunteers to care for would-be guide dogs." "Even Yuto will go for that." "Diamonds spread through a break in the clouds" "How sad, I can't drive my car on such a wonderful night" "The car radio has great reception" "It has perfect sound and it goes on forever" "What's wrong?" "Hey hey baby" "The battery is still in perfect condition" "Here they come." "How sweet!" "These puppies were born on April 18." "This is their mother, Milky." "The breeders will now entrust the puppies to the designated puppy walkers." "First, the Hasegawa family." "We've asked you to give them names beginning with C." "So what's this one's name?" "Chie." "Chie?" "That's a good name." "Here." "Thank you." "How cute" "This one is the runt." "So take her mother's blanket." "Let her sniff it if she frets." "Sure." "Thank you." "Next, the Kimura family" "The more you love them, the better they become." "Please take care of them for the next 10 months" "Certainly." "You won't see her again." "Say goodbye." "My eyes are open, aren't they?" "No going outside until she gets vaccinated." "She stays home" "Listen, Chie." "Here." "This smells of your Mom." "Your Mom is here You're okay." "In you go" "Here." "10 months from now it'll break Miu's heart." "Good morning, Chie." "Ouch." "Don't bite." "I took your picture." "Scoot down." "I'm a good judge of character after a" "Really?" "But technique isn't everything." "Sooner or later, you'll hit a wall you can't get over." "You mean it?" "Yes, I surely do." "Hi there." "Hi." "No, Chie!" "What have you done?" "Don't get mad!" "Be gentle." "Look what she did." "Sorry, I'll fix it." "But forgive her" "Keep her outside." "Make her a kennel instead of making models." "Makoto, Hiroya's here" "Is it okay?" "Come on in" "Why is it so dark in here?" "It's fine outside." "It sure is." "Let's open the curtains." "Doesn't matter to me what the weather's like." "I can't see anything anyway." "In that case, why not open them?" "Leave them be." "Good It's like you can still see." "You missed." "Hiroya, will you have coffee or tea?" "A beer." "I'll have one, too." "Do you know what it's like to be blind?" "No, I don't." "But even if you're blind, you can still sing." "Look at Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder." "And Jose Feliciano." "They all play the piano or guitar." "I can't play anything" "Why not?" "Didn't you used to play the piano?" "The band won't need me anymore." "We still need you." "You need a vocalist, not me." "Go find someone else who isn't blind, someone perky." "You really mean that?" "Yes." "A new girl, too." "Will you become a masseur?" "Don't come back" "Look this way." "Are you ready?" " Hello." " Hello." "Good girl." "My dog's name is Kinshiro." "Mine is Chie" "Chie?" "Labrador retriever, isn't she?" "Yes, she's a guide dog candidate." "We have her until she grows up." "When will that be?" "Another 6 months" "Only 6 months?" "It'll be very hard for you to give her up." "I hope I live just one day longer than my dog." "No one will look after him once I'm dead." "Poor little thing, isn't he?" "So cute" "You need training." "The fork is at 3 o'clock." "Delicious." "Can I handle curry or fried rice?" "I think I can use a spoon." "You can hand!" "E noodles, too." "Try to use chopsticks" "I'm sorry." "I can't do it." "Okay, use a fork." "Makoto!" "Welcome home." "Hi Mom" "Listen Miu." "They want Chie back." "Farewell Ceremony for Puppy Walkers" "One month to go" "Sir, it's ready" "What setting?" "Eleven, sir." "Wait up." "The noodles will go soft." "Make more." "How are you?" "You have a request?" "Are you ready?" "One plus one equals?" "Two!" "Now you." "I'll do it." "We're Puppy Walkers." "Let's get us all." "Use the self-timer." "Get my tripod from the car." "Staying for dinner?" "It's Sukiyaki tonight." "Your photos of Chie are all close-ups." "Because we'll soon lose her." "Dad, your tripod" "She never responds." "To all Puppy Walkers thank you for your 10 months of devotion." "You've nurtured them with your love." "Now that duty falls to us instead." "To make them into qualified guide dogs" "We'll train them with our heart and soul." "I know it's hard, but we must take them now." "Please pray that they will become qualified guide dogs." "Chie, hang in there." "Thank you." "Come on, Miu." "Bye, Chie." "Take care." "Let's go." "Say something to her." "Chie never even looked back at me." "She thinks she's there to play with the other dogs." "She trusts you'll come to take her back home." "That's why she didn't look back." "Think about it." "We know what today means but the dogs don't." "So she'll always be waiting for you to come back." "And she'll cry for the first time." "She'll cry for you" "Don't make her a guide dog!" "If she fails to make it, she can be my pet." "Even she fails she can't come back." "And besides if they fail, they don't always become pets." "Failing doesn't mean they're stupid, or no good." "They're just not suited to be guide dogs" "But I want Chie to become qualified." "I want her to be strong for those who need her." "Good, but more forcefully" "Just a moment." "Keep practicing." "Where are you going?" "Final!" "Y ready to go out?" "I can't stand that racket" "I need some rock 'n' roll." "Are you alright on your own?" "Of course not." "Sorry, I have to take her to the park." "Sure." "Sorry about that" "Is she okay out there?" "She'd better get used to it." "I'm sorry." "Let's begin" "Excuse me." "My woodcarving teacher has a guide dog." "She says that having a guide dog means she can go whenever and wherever she wants." "Please sit here." "Having a guide dog is great" "You can go wherever you want." "I'm totally blind." "Everywhere is the same and besides !" "'ve no place to go." "You're wallowing in self-pity as if no one understands." "Listen, no one can understand how another feels" "It doesn't matter if you're blind or not." "That's just natural" "Men don't understand women." "Children never appreciate their parents." "That's why we all keep fighting and reconciling." "This is my work." "I'm visually-impaired, but I can do it." "How can you carve?" "I use a magnifying glass." "Careful Watch the knife." "But I don't think I can keep on doing it." "I cut myself the other day." "And soon I'll be totally blind." "And I wonder what I'll do once that happens." "I envy you." "How come?" "Your mother said you were a singer" "Even if you're blind you can still sing" "Here it is." "Teacher." "Teach me, but!" "Can't pay." "Certainly." "C'mon Chie." "Good girl." "Maybe I'm not cut out for this." "Or this dog just isn't suitable" "I hate myself for blaming the dog" "What happened?" "I don't understand the dog." "I watch carefully and try to imagine what I should do." "But there's no understanding between us." "We can't understand a dog's feelings." "So there's no point in trying" "How do you deal with Chie?" "I stole Nakajima's technique." " What?" " His skills." "I watch how he deals with them, then I steal his skills." "You steal his skills?" "Sounds like a thief." "Yes, I guess I am." "But I'm no criminal." "It's not like robbing someone." "You mean like stealing someone's heart?" "What's up, Chie?" "What's wrong?" "Chie defied your commands?" "Sorry to bother you." "We saw Miu here yesterday." "You encouraged Ayumi to steal my skills, didn't you?" "Listen up." "Somme barriers can't be beaten by skill alone." "Poor Chie." "I understand, girl." "But Miu isn't coming, no matter how long you wait." "I understand how you feel." "You must be hungry, too." "Let's go back." "What obstacle can't I beat with skill?" "Think about it." "Hey, Miu." "Hello." "Miu, stop!" "I'm sorry." "You've got it wrong." "That hurt." "Are you okay?" "I didn't come to make you apologize." "Since Chie saw you back there, she refuses to go past that point." "She waits there for you" "I'm sorry." "No need to apologize." "Apparently Chie loves you more than she loves me." "I just want you to tell me how to make Chie love me like she loves you." "I've never thought about how to make her do that" "I only ever gave her love." "And she loved me because I loved her." "So I need to love her...?" "I've never loved anybody." "No girlfriends?" "No." "You're a 'herbivorous male.'" "I do love meat, though." "Hello." "Step ahead" "I went to the Guide Dog Association for an interview." "They'll call when they have a suitable dog" "I brought some cakes." "Thank you." "Please sit down." "What happened here?" "There was a follow-up on Lindy's guide dog abilities." "She didn't stop where she was supposed to." "They say she needs to retire." "What happens if they retire her?" "Either one of the volunteers takes her, or she spends her days at the kennel" "Can't you keep her?" "If I didn't need another dog I'd keep Lindy forever." "But if I get a new one, I can't keep her." "She'd only get jealous of the new dog." "And it's stressful on the new dog if I give my affection to Lindy." "So I can't keep both." "If you pass this test, you'll become a guide dog." "Do your best, Chie." "Let's begin" "Scoot down." "Retired dogs lead a peaceful life." "They play together and sit in the sun." "Hi there." "Hello." "We'll take good care of her." "Lindy, you did great job." "Lindy." "I removed her harness, she thinks I'm playing." "Listen, girl." "You changed my life." "Thank you." "I'll never forget you." "She's in good hands." "I'm going now." "Get along with the other dogs." "Keila, this is Lindy." "How do you do." "Be good to her." "Bart, this is Lindy." "How do you do." "Hi, Lassie." "This is Lindy." "Be friends." "Step ahead" "You'll be here at the center for a total of 4 weeks." "Both you and the dogs will undergo one-on-one training" "At this first training session, you'll meet your guide dogs for the first time." "You'll spend time getting to know each other." "After your training you'll be able to get about with your guide dogs, without our assistances" "I hope all of you can manage to take your dog home" "Let's give it our best shot." "Now we'll introduce your guide dogs to you." "Ms Hoshino, this is Chie, your partner." "She's a female with yellow fur." "I hope you get on." "Please call her name." "I'm Go Osanai, your instructor." "I'll support you during the training." "How do you do." "Now I'll take you to the dormitory." "Hey" "Can I change her name?" "Anything wrong?" "The girl who stole my boyfriend had that name." "My dog's name is Chie..." "It's a bad sign." "We give instructions to dogs in English." "Because Japanese is such a nuanced language it confuses the animals" "This is a harness." "With the harness on, the dogs know they are working." "Now put the harness over her head." "Be more gentle." "Yes, that's right." "No, not that way." "To the front" "Now put thread the belt between her front legs." "That's right." "No, not there" "Look, I'm blind." "How about you give me more detail?" "Take me by the hand, demonstrate each step" "Have you never held a woman's hand?" "No, I haven't." "Really?" "Come on, I'll take your cherry." "Well..." "Pull this belt through to her belly." "Let's take a walk" "So soon?" "You'll be fine." "I'm with you." "Give her an order." "Chie, let's go" "In English." "Louder." "Too fast." "Say "stop."" "Stop." "In English." "Say what?" ""Stop."" "Are you okay?" "Of course not!" "Wait until she moves." "Are you alright?" "You must be aware when she stops" "She stopped at the curb." "Praise her." "Remember, you lead her." "She guides you." "Work as one." "Who the hell do you think you are?" "You're so bossy Chie thinks you're her master." "You don't show her enough affection." "Affection?" "What would you know about love?" "I give up." "I've had enough." "You're free, go." "I became a trainer purely for the money." "I don't like dogs, nor do I want to he!" "P the disabled." "One of my pals at the cold storage facility got injured." "He was hospitalized" "He killed himself just before he was discharged" "He lied to his mother." "He said he was training to be a guide dog trainer." "But you have to be under 30" "So he couldn't get in, anyway." "Maybe he dreamed of leading another life" "Maybe he killed himself wanting a new start." "Then I heard that the school didn't charge fees." "Before I ended up like him," "I wanted to escape from a life of poverty." "That's why..." "Smart move." "But I've lost all my friends who are working poor." "Now you're rich?" "I'm still poor." "So who cares?" "But still..." "Still what?" "Chie wouldn't obey my orders." "I was told that skill alone is not enough." "So I went to see the girl who raised Chie." "And?" "She said if I loved Chie she'd love me" "So now you're in love with a dog?" "I guess so." "Next time, ask someone how to get along with people." "Who can I ask that?" "Hey!" "Can I come over?" "Listen." "I've never said this to a boy, so just say something." "Even if you don't, I'll still go." "You're so soft and warm." "Come sit down here." "Thank you very much" "But we're in the middle of her final exam." "Please let her do it." "Of course." "Yes!" "Everything is in order." "No problems." "I'll prescribe your usual" "Thank you." "Take care." "Chie?" "That's Chie." "Isn't it?" "Get in!" "Miu, you remember the dog named Kinshiro?" "Yes." "Her owner recognized Chie at the hospital today." "She fell and broke her leg." "After I was admitted, there was no one to take care of him." "My son took him to the local animal shelter." "I need you to identify him for me." "Is he there?" "Did you see him?" "He isn't here." "The dog you're looking for has already been..." "You killed him?" "Please understand, we don't do it for fun." "Owners bring in 70%% of the dogs here." "The rest are caught by the dog-catcher." "All because of human selfishness." "299,000 animals were put down in 2007." "How do you put them down?" "We gas them." "Don't they suffer?" "Yes, because they choke to death" "Injections are more humane, but they're expensive." "What's a dog's happiness worth?" "What makes people happy?" "Staying alive." "Even if you're poor, or blind?" "Even when you're poor or blind." "Well..." "May I touch your face?" "Sure." "First one without fur for quite a while." "Comparing me to Chie?" "We humans have lost our body hair." "By contrast, the beasts have kept their fur." "They say we evolved from beasts into humans." "How did we lose our body hair?" "Humans, among all animals, were never active at night." "One distant ancestor began rubbing his partner's body while they were lying in the darkness." "Males and females held tight to each other" "For generations, we kept rubbing against each other's bodies." "That's how we lost our body hair." "Is that true?" "Men still have hairy chests because females didn't rub as much as men did." "I see." "Understand?" "Sort of." "They also say that the truest love of all, is love at first sight." "First, we are attracted to someone's looks." "We think we know everything about them." "Then reality kicks in and passion starts to fade." "But sometimes, we don't lose that initial passion" "And that becomes love at first sight forever." "Love at first sight forever." "I can never have that now." "I fell in love at first sight" "Who taught you to flatter like that?" "No one" "Well, you still deserve a reward." "Like what?" "You can kiss me." "Please." "I shut my eyes." "I see nothing, but I still shut them." "Here's the lead." "Thank you." "Goodnight" "Goodnight." "I'll perform live." "Please come." "What is it, sir?" "The Sendai branch has a vacancy." "You go" "Why me?" "Go in my place." "Do you think I can replace you?" "I'm sure you can." "So take it" "Can I think it over?" "I'll lift it up." "Use separate spots for Chie and I." "Sure." "Will she move or bark onstage?" "Don't worry." "As long as she has her harness she'll stay still." "Is this enough?" "Damn it!" "Are you okay?" "You?" "Watch out." "I'm sorry." "'Sorry' doesn't cut it, kid." "C'mon, she's blind" "Isn't the dog supposed to stop crap like this?" "Useless bloody mutt!" "It wasn't her fault." "It was me." "I shouldn't have worn high heels" "That's enough." "Enough what?" "You're a good doggie, aren't you?" "You want some chocolate, do you?" "Excuse me, please don't feed her." "Why not?" "It's only chocolate." "Anything like that can become a distraction." "Being preoccupied by food when she's working increases the risk to me." "What's with her?" "Pain in the ass." "Your risk?" "You went and put us at risk" "I'm sorry." "Not so fast" "What the hell!" "Damn dog!" "Surgery, I'm afraid" "How is she?" "Critical, she has a lacerated spleen." "I'll start operating now." "What happened?" "Chie barked when Makoto was being hassled by a drunk." "Guide dogs mustn't bark at people." "It's my fault" "No, it's my fault." "I fell, I was wearing heels" "How come?" "You're blind." "High heels?" "You idiot!" "You were about to hit me, weren't you?" "Go on" "How did you find out?" "Miu sent me a text." "How's Chie?" "She's in surgery" "I see." "Shall I take Miu home?" "She has school tomorrow." "Don't pop up and try to be a good father." "You don't know how deeply she cherishes Chie." "What's wrong with being a good father?" "It's no time to fight." "I've done all I can." "Tonight will be crucial for her." "We'll keep her in the!" "CU" "She'll be okay." "Don't worry." "Chie, hang in there." "Did you hear the story?" "How Miu named her Chie." "This is Mr Osanai, a trainer." "During training, Chie wouldn't obey my commands." "So I went and asked Miu for advice." "She told me the reason." "Her dad's a cameraman but he puts photos of Robert Capa and Che Guevara on the wall, not his own pictures." "So when she heard the dog's name must start with C, she thought of Capa, or Che." "'Che' means 'Hey' or 'You' in Argentine dialect" "But to Japanese, 'Che' sounds like 'tut tut." "So she named her Chie" "Makoto, you're suppose to perform tonight." "Leave Chie to us." "I'll sing so that Chie can hear me" "I'll be your guide." "Makoto, you're on." "How's the audience?" "It's a full house tonight." "Doctor!" "Prepare for a tracheotomy." "Is that news about Chie?" "Tell me." "I'll still sing, no matter what." "She's starting to fail." "Let's go." "To the hospital?" "No, the stage." "Actually, I was planning to appear with my guide dog." "But she got hurt after trying to protect me." "She's at the hospital." "Her name is Chie." "Chie is actually 'Che.'" "Che means 'You in Argentine dialect." "Since I lost my eyesight, she became my eyes and has constantly been with me." "And we'll keep on walking, together, forever" ""For You"" "When I met you for the first time" "I sensed a familiar atmosphere around me" "I fell deeply in love with you" "I lost all control of myself" "Now I wonder if you love me as much as I love you" "I love everything about you" "I never forget you, even for a moment" "I will sing for you" "I want you to be with me" "I will sing for you" "I want you to love only me" "Once we sat on the banks of the Tama River" "And we talked about breaking up" "Although, what I wanted" "And what you wanted were the same" "Now, no matter what happens" "We will never be apart" "My love and your love forever entwined" "As we sleep in each other's arms" "I will sing for you" "A love song I dedicate to you" "I will sing for you" "Please keep on being mine alone" "Chie pulled through!" "With your gentle words" "With sweet kisses and lithe fingers" "You turn me on" "You lift my spirits up high" "The joy of living" "We share the joy of living together" "This brimming love of mine" "Please accept my love in kind" "I will sing for you" "Please, never change your mind" "I will sing for you" "And be with you forever" "What's up?" "I've something to tell you." "Mr Osanai?" "The guy they sent to our Sendai branch quit." "He loved dogs." "But he had enough of dog shit." "Now they want me to work there." "Will you join me?" "Are you proposing?" "Yes." "Are you sure?" "You have no experience with girls." "You'll be my first and my last." "I'm flattered, but..." "I don't want marriage." "I can't be a good wife." "Doesn't matter." "Now I can look after myself without anyone's help." "I can go anywhere, anytime I want." "Like I was a baby suddenly and grew up again." "All thanks to Chie" "And everyone who trained her including you" "Best you keep on turning out good guide dogs." "I'll keep singing with Chie." "These days I want to sing." "And keep on singing." "I'm sorry." "No, that's okay." "Now I've decided to go to Sendai." "That was sudden." "I didn't know what to do" "I'll go." "I'll go and sing wherever you live." "I've kissed that girl." "Yosuke Asari" "Chihiro Otsuka" "Takehiro Murata" "Maiko Kawakami" "Reo Yoshitake" "Risa Kondo" "Mami Kumagai" "Toshie Negishi" "Takuzo Kadono" "Isao Natsuyagi" "Produced by Tamami Fujino" "Producers:" "Jiro Shindo Kumio Ishizaka, Chiyoko Ochiai" "Screenplay by Haruhiko Ara Junichi Inoue" "Cinematography Tsuyoshi Hamada (JSC)" "Directed by Masaru Shimomura" "Dedicated to the dogs for their unlimited, selfless love and service" "Tamami Fujino, Gekidan Tohai"