"OFFICIAL ENTRY 1960 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS" "A SHOCHIKU FILM" "LATE AUTUMN" "Based on a Novel by TON SATOMI" "Screenplay by KOGO NODA and YASUJIRO OZU" "Produced by SHIZUO YAMAUCHI" "Cinematography by YUHARU ATSUTA" "Art Direction by TATSUO HAMADA" "Music by TAKANOBU SAITO Sound by YOSHISABURO SENOO" "Lighting by KENZO ISHIWATA Edited by YOSHIYASU HAMAMURA" "Starring" "SETSUKO HARA" "YOKO TSUKASA" "MARIKO OKADA" "KEIJI SADA" "MIYUKI KUWANO" "SHINICHIRO MIKAMI" "SHIN SABURI" "CHISHU RYU NOBUO NAKAMURA" "KUNIKO MIYAKE SADAKO SAWAMURA" "RYUJI KITA FUMIO WATANABE" "KAKUKO CHINO YURIKO TASHIRO, FUJIO SUGA" "TO YO TAKAHASHI MUTSUKO SAKURA, HISAO TOAKE" "YOSHIE MINAMI SHIMA IWASHITA, TSUSAI SUGAWARA" "MASAHIKO SHIMAZU" "Directed by YASUJIRO OZU" "Really?" "That sounds delicious." "What does?" "We were talking about steak." "He knows a good place." "Where?" "You know the Honmokutei in Ueno?" "It's near there." "It's run by an old couple." "I'll have to try it." "I often go to the cutlet place behind Matsuzakaya." "You too, right?" "Yeah, it was just a stall when I started going." "We were poor, hungry students back then." "But with our late friend, we'd scrape together the money." "Really?" "So you and Mr. Miwa were old friends." "Yes." "We lived in the same dorm in high school." "My goodness." "Mr. Miwa did so much for me." "He was a great manager." "A gentle man." "Seven years already." "Time flies." "How long has it been for you?" "What?" "Since your wife passed away." "Four, nearly five years." "Look!" "The tea stalks stood on end." "Is that so?" "That's a good sign." "We're in a temple." "It might mean your wife is coming for you." "Cut it out." "I'm not ready to die." "Uncle's very late." "Yes, I wonder what's keeping him." "Here he is." "I'm sorry I'm late." "I'm Shuzo Miwa's older brother." "Thank you all for coming." "Living in the country, I don't know my way around here, and I took a wrong turn." "Mr. Hirayama." "Mr. Taguchi." "It's been a long time." "Did you arrive in Tokyo today?" "No, I came in yesterday for other business." "Oh, yes." "Thanks for looking after my boy." "Don't mention it." "It was nothing." "What happened?" "My kid took his friends ice skating on Lake Haruna this winter and stayed at his inn." "And thanks for the gift you sent along." "Don't mention it." "Did you like them?" "We pickled them the previous spring." "Nothing too fancy, but they've been a specialty of the region for a long time." "They were delicious." "Oh, the pickled bracken?" "They were great!" "The older one gets, the more one enjoys such food." "That's true." "Hijiki and carrots, shiitake and dried radish, fresh tofu and deep-fried tofu." "What about beefsteak and pork cutlets?" "Is everyone present?" "We're ready to proceed." "Come to the main temple, please." "After you." "You're late." "Yes, a bit." " It just started." " Then I'm too early." " The chanting went on forever." " Yes, it was long." "You should talk!" "You came in late!" "It really was trying, wasn't it?" "They should keep it brief and just chant the most moving sutras." "That's what Mr. Taguchi said, and that's what I asked the priest to do." "Didn't I?" "Yes, the monks went a little overboard." "Did you make a large offering this year?" "Don't be silly!" "I'd never give that much." "At least the weather was cool today." "It was so hot the day of the funeral." "It was terrible!" "And me in a winter coat!" "How old were you then, Ayako?" "Eighteen." " And now?" " Twenty-four." "Time to get married, eh?" "Yes." "Please let us know of any suitable prospects." "I'm sure there are plenty." "Ayako's very beautiful." "What type do you like?" "Don't just smile." "Tell us." "What if he were like me?" "I'd like him." "What about me?" "I like your type too." "Well, that tells us nothing." "They're completely different." "What about me?" "You'd do too." " Just "You'd do." You're out." " I'm out?" "That'll teach you to butt in." "I knew you'd have to ask." "But seriously, I do have a nice boy in mind." "Please introduce him." " Are you serious?" " I am." "Ayako, are you really ready to marry?" "She can't put if off any longer." "When you married Miwa, you were... " "I was 20." "Hear that, Aya?" "It's time you got married too." "I agree." "Absolutely." "Aya, he's a fine young man." "I believe he's 29." "Architecture major." "Works for the Obayashi Group." "An interesting man." "He sounds promising." "I think he's a good prospect." "Please do us the honor." "Aya, it's about that time." "Will you please excuse us?" "You're really leaving already?" "Yes, I'm afraid so." "Sorry to trouble you all today." "Thank you for everything." "I'm sorry for speaking my mind so freely." "Not at all." "It was a pleasant time." "Please excuse us." " See you next time." " Good-bye." "Thank you." "Thanks for your hospitality." "Aya, will you think it over?" "She really is beautiful." "I love talking to girls of that age." "And the daughter's not bad either." "Ah, you meant her mother?" "Hasn't changed a bit." "Truly beautiful." "Yes, she is." "But her daughter's nice too." "Sure, she's nice." "On the other hand, Akiko is past 40 already." "If given a choice, I'd take the mother." "A fine woman." "Yes, she is." " Are you serious?" " Absolutely." "It's true what they say about men with beautiful wives dying young." "Miwa paid a steep price for his good fortune." "She's grown even more attractive recently." "You noticed too?" "How could I not?" "You gotta be dense not to feel it." "I feel it." "Just not as much as you guys." "What's so funny?" "Is there any sake left?" " Yes." "I trust your husband's well, ma'am?" "He's fine, thank you." "Of course." "He'll probably live to a ripe old age." "Who knows what makes for happiness in this world?" "Right, ma'am?" " What's all this about?" " Nothing." "A long time ago, when we were goofing off at college... there was a drug store in Hongo." "It's now a fruit shop." "There was a pretty girl there." "Taguchi had a crush on her." "He was always buying bandages." "Stop kidding around." "You kept buying cold medicine, even when you didn't have a cold." "You even bought Antifebrin." "Hakari brand?" "The woman who left earlier was that girl." "Oh, I thought those two were sisters." "They're mother and daughter?" "She's really beautiful." "What happened after that?" " A sad story." " A tragic ending." "It'll bring tears to your eyes." " Do you remember Mr. Miwa?" " Not really." "He came here once or twice." "To make a long story short, he married her." "Oh, dear." "You men should've bought aphrodisiacs, not cold medicine." "That's true." "We didn't know about such things." "Unlike youngsters today, we were pure and naïve." "I wonder." "Any sake left, Mr. Hirayama?" " Yes." "Would you bring me a soda?" "Sure." "I'll be right back." "Any husband of hers would live a long time." "What was that?" "Nothing, just guy talk." "What about that soda?" "Right away." "Then again, a man married to her might die young." "Her body's so sturdy!" " Like a pro wrestler." "If she got him in a head scissors... " "He'd never survive!" "His head would be crushed!" "Want some more?" " Welcome back." " Hello." "You're home early." " I thought you'd be back late." " Why?" "Weren't you with Mr. Mamiya and Mr. Hirayama?" "Akiko and Ayako came too." "I see." " What's this?" " It's Yoko's." " She's here again?" " Yes, just got in." " Is Hidaka away on business?" " No." "It seems they had another argument." "Problems with the mother-in-law again." " Did she quarrel with her?" " No, that's not it." "But still... young people should have a place of their own." "I've always felt that way." " What a nuisance." "She'll probably stay four or five days." "Her suitcase is larger than usual." "I wonder if they're all right." "We're in trouble if they're not." "Weren't you like that too?" "I guess I was." "In marriage, you eventually just give up." "That's true for both sides." "Yoko needs to learn some patience." "Marriage is really tedious when you think about it." "You can't ask for too much." "There'll be no end to it." " Would you like some tea over rice?" " No, I'm full." "Papa!" "Welcome home." " What happened?" " Another fight." "You're always quarrelling." "What was it this time?" "It's not easy to explain the daily frustration." "Frustration?" "You said you loved him." "That's what makes it so annoying!" "What?" "Papa, no more questions." "I'm going to teach him a lesson." "You're the one who needs a lesson." "You have no patience." "That's enough now." "Papa, the bath's gotten cold." "I'll heat it up for you." "She's hopeless." "Hey, listen." "What was that boy's name?" " Who?" "Who works for the Obayashi Group." "Your friend's brother." " Shige Inoue?" " That's the one." "You said his father owns a factory in Kamisuwa." "Yes." "What about him?" "I think he'd make a good husband for Ayako." "Forget it." "He's taken." " You mean engaged?" "Yes." "I have to find a present." "Too bad." "It's my job to find someone." "Why?" "I thought he'd be perfect." "What a disappointment." "Any other possibilities?" "How about that Ikeda boy?" "No, he's a snob." "So he's out." "Any others?" "Forget about other people's daughters." "Worry about your own." "But Ayako's such a beautiful girl." "I don't want to see her with some oddball." "I see." "She's a fine girl." "So innocent." "Oh?" "Is she like Akiko was at her age?" "Hard to say." "They have different temperaments." "Mamiya said Akiko was better." " What do you say?" " Me?" "Which would you choose?" "Akiko, right?" "I know all about it." " What?" "The drug store." "You always bought your bandages there, right?" "I didn't buy bandages." "Mamiya did." " Then what did you buy?" " Antifebrin." "Liar!" "I remember very clearly." "It was you." " Who told you that?" " You did." "I said that?" "When?" "When you were drunk, celebrating Yoko's birth." "Really?" "I said that?" "I used to be so honest." "Yes, more than now." "Mom, I'm hungry." "Is there anything to eat?" "Papa, your bath's gotten super hot." " Did you turn off the gas?" " No, it's still lit." "What's wrong with you?" "You have to turn it off." "You're all hopeless." "Is there something to eat?" "Nothing but trouble." "Please go in." "Welcome." "Thank you so much for the other day." "I know how busy you are." "Not at all." "Please have a seat." "I just stopped by to thank you." "That's kind of you." "Please sit down." "I also called on Mr. Hirayama and Mr. Taguchi." "I see." "Did Taguchi have any news regarding Ayako?" "I'm afraid he was too late." " He's already taken?" " Yes." "That's just like him." "He's always been like that." "Miwa used to complain that Taguchi was always late for appointments." "But then I was the late one the other day." "I'm sure having you all there must have pleased my husband." "Say, have you had lunch?" "No, but I'm fine." "Shall we have lunch?" "Though the food's just so-so..." " I'm afraid at 2:00... " " What?" "These days I'm helping out at my friend's dressmaking school." "French embroidery and such." "You teach that?" "Yes, though I'm not very good at it." "That must be hard." "Well, in that case, I can take you there in my car." "Shall we go?" "I'm going out." "Have the car ready." "THE EEL" " A little more?" " No, thank you." "You're sure?" "Did you notice the fellow who greeted me at the elevator?" "No, I'm afraid I didn't." "About my height, with hair hanging over like this?" "No, I really didn't notice." "Well, he doesn't exactly stand out in a crowd." "He's a fine man, a hard worker." "When we were talking about Ayako, he immediately came to mind." "But Taguchi was so certain he had a sure thing." "Mr. Taguchi is very amusing." "Too amusing!" "Everything he touches turns into a farce." "He's a lot of fun to have around." "Anyway, I don't remember where the young man graduated from." "He joined our firm four or five years ago." "He doesn't look that athletic, but he's captain of our basketball team." "What do you think?" "Sounds very good." "Should I arrange a meeting?" "Or shall I send you his picture and resumé?" "Yes, maybe that's best." "Sorry to keep you waiting." "Here you are." " I'll send them soon." " Thank you." "Could you spare a picture of Ayako?" "Do you always smoke a pipe?" "Both a pipe and cigarettes." "My husband was fond of his pipes." "I still have a few at home." "You're welcome to them." "I'd like that very much." "I can't say how good they are, but he bought them in England." "I'm sure they must be very good." "He was picky about such things." "Then I'll send them over." "Thank you so much." "Please help yourself." "Thank you." "Coming!" "Here you are, Father." "I think it's a good choice." " What?" "Mr. Goto is really swell." "You think so?" "Of course." "I'd marry him in a minute." "Where did he graduate from?" "Waseda." "Political economy." "Below azure skies..." "Where's he from?" "Fushimi." "Son of a sake brewer." "Could you please be quiet?" " Leave us now." " Why?" "Go on." "You go upstairs too." "Go on now." "Waseda, Waseda" "Goto is the best candidate, isn't he?" "I think so too." "Let's invite him over." "You talk with him and get his picture and resumé." "All right." "But if Ayako gets married, Akiko will be left all alone." "She'll get by somehow." "She'll have no choice." "Is Akiko as beautiful as ever?" "Yes, very beautiful." "But I like Ayako more." "She's so pure." "Oh, really?" "Taguchi still prefers Akiko." "But so do you." "Who?" "Akiko." "Nonsense." "Taguchi's the one who likes her." "He's always liked her." "Really?" "And you haven't?" "Not particularly." "Oh?" "Then why'd you buy all that medicine?" " What?" " All that medicine." "Who?" "You." "Was it bandages or Antifebrin?" "Who told you all this nonsense?" "Taguchi's wife?" "Now I know why you never catch cold." "All that medicine still has an effect." "I'm home." "Welcome home." "Mother, have you had dinner?" "My boss took me out." " I waited a while." " Did you?" "I bought a cake on the way home." " Will you have some now?" " Maybe later." "I'm exhausted." "I ran around all day." "Oh, about Mr. Taguchi's prospect... - it fell through." "Really?" "Why?" "The man's spoken for." "Mr. Taguchi's always doing things like that." "It's true." "But there's someone else." "A replacement so soon?" "Who is it this time?" "A nice young man who works for Mr. Mamiya's firm." "I see." "He's sending us a picture and resumé." "I'll heat some water." "Mr. Mamiya spoke very highly of him." "Seems like a capable young man." "He was going to mention him at the memorial service." "He'd like a picture of you." "Mother." "What?" "Please decline the offer." "Why?" "It'll be harder to refuse once we get his picture." "And don't give him mine." "Black tea?" " Fine." "Is there someone else?" "Absolutely not!" "Then why not consider him?" "They're all so concerned about you." "You should be grateful." "I know, but I'm fine just as I am." "But... " "Don't worry." "I'm just not ready to marry." "Not ready to marry?" "Come sit down." "What?" " I want the truth." " What?" "Are you sure there isn't someone else?" "I'd tell you if there were." "Why would I hide it?" "Well, in that case... " "I'm fine as I am for now." "You must decline their offer." " Are you sure?" "I'm sure." "It's all right." "Let's shake on it." "The water's boiling." "If I really love someone, I'll marry him." "The longer we have together, the better." "KUWATA DRESSMAKING SCHOOL" "Just a minute." "Like that." "That will be all for today." "If you have any questions, please come see me anytime." "Is class over?" "Do you have a moment?" "Thank you for everything." "Please have a seat." "Have you said anything?" " Not yet." " Then please ask her." " Why don't you do it?" "Very well." "I will." "Akiko." "What about him?" "Who is he?" "We thought he might be a suitable match for your daughter." "Isn't his nose a bit crooked?" "That's just the light in that picture." "Well..." "What?" "I appreciate it, but Ayako doesn't want to marry yet." "He's no good anyway." "But he's from a good family." "Like I told you, it's the man, not the family." "What a pity!" "Not at all." "He never had a chance, right?" "I wouldn't say that." "Ayako also declined to meet Mr. Mamiya's candidate." "Why?" "She says she's not ready." "Really?" "Or do you just want to keep her around?" "It's not that." "She ought to marry." "The men get worse the longer you wait." "I married late... - but I still did okay." " Yes?" " A call for Mrs. Miwa." "Please put it through." " I'm sorry." " Not at all." "Hello?" "Ayako?" "Yes, it's me." "Yes, I can meet you." "What time?" "That's fine." "Let's meet in front of the Wako department store." "I'll stop by and see Mr. Mamiya first." "All right." "Mr. Ishii can't get the day off either, and he bought a map already." "Why?" "His boss is mean." " So now we're down to seven people?" " Right." "I want to buy some shoes." "Come with me?" "I can't today." "I have an appointment." "A date?" "Do you actually date?" "No, I'm meeting my mother." "Is that all?" "Sounds boring." "Please go in." "Thanks for coming." "Hello." "I brought you the pipe." "The pipe?" "Ah, yes." "Thanks a lot." "What is it?" "Here you are." "This will do fine." "Could you bring me the file?" "Wait a moment." "This is the young lady who turned you down." "I see." "Ayako, this is the man I had in mind." "My name's Goto." "Excuse me." "Mr. Mamiya, how could you?" "What?" "That was so mean." "It was the truth." "But..." "So are you willing to reconsider?" "No." "Here's the pipe." "Ayako, wait." "I hear you work at Toko Trading." "Do you know Sugiyama in accounting?" "We were classmates." "Please give him my best." "Excuse me." "WAKAMATSU RESTAURANT" "Thank you for waiting." "I'm so full!" "Is there any beer left?" "Oh, yes." "I guess we shouldn't waste it." "It's empty after all." "Thank you for waiting!" "You know... we won't get chances like this once you're married." "Don't worry." "I'm not getting married... not for a while." "But you will eventually." "Meanwhile, let's eat out at different restaurants at least once a month." "That was delicious." "Yes, let's, even if only once every two months." "Well, maybe every three months." "Let me pay tonight." "That's all right." "You need money for your hiking trip." "You bought so much already." "Don't worry about that." "I worked out my budget." "How nice for them to have a hiking trip instead of a wedding shower... - unthinkable in my day." "They both like climbing." "I'll bet it was Yuriko's idea." "Careful you don't fall off a cliff like in the movie we saw." "There aren't any cliffs." "It's very safe." "I hope so." "You wanted to do some shopping." "Shall we go?" "You need needles, right?" "And one of the seven Ts." "What?" "Ah, you mean tarako cod roe." "Check, please." "Mother, really, I'll pay tonight." "That's all right." "You can pay next time." "Tired, Mother?" "Yes, but it was fun." " Oh, I forgot." " What?" "Bouillon cubes." "It's okay." "Somebody else will bring some." "Are we all out?" "Only three left." "You're just like your father!" "How so?" "You like to be fully equipped wherever you go." "Your father even took pumice stones to the hot springs." "To scrape the soles of his feet... - I remember that." "Let's go to the hot springs again." "Do you remember when we went to Shuzenji Temple, and all the carp in the pond at the inn?" "They gobbled up all the peanuts I threw in." "The next morning those carp were dead... - puffy and white." "That really scared me, but Father just laughed." "That was our last trip with him." "The maple leaves were so beautiful." " Shall we save up for a trip?" " To where?" "All over." "We'll buy an excursion pass." "We can even visit Uncle in Ikaho." "Yes, let's do that." "Once you get married, we won't get the chance." "That again!" "Are you that anxious to marry me off?" "No, but you have to marry eventually." "No, I don't." "I'm happy just as I am." "But Mother, if I did find someone, what would you do?" "What do you mean?" "Would you be lonely?" "I'd miss you, but it can't be helped." "I'd have to make do." "It was the same with my mother." "That's how it is with parents and children." "Mother, shall we turn in for the night?" "Yes." "You've got an early day tomorrow." "I really enjoyed myself today." " Pon." " Already?" "Ah, I'm getting close." "Reach!" "Reach!" "That was fast." " Did you discard this?" " Yes." " Then I discard this." " That's it!" "On the nose." "With two doubles... that's 384." "How can you clean out the bridegroom like that?" "Don't worry." "I already gave them my gift." "Why'd I lug these mahjong tiles here?" "Madam, your husband-to-be is in tears." "Don't make him cry too much." "Spoken like a true wife." "What's the ideogram for "refreshing"?" "Your fiancé's not refreshing, he's depressing." "It's written..." "I just wrote it phonetically." "Miss Miwa, I hear you turned down Goto." "What?" "Goto of Sanwa Trading." "I ran into him in Shinjuku." "He said you turned him down." "That's just not true." "He's a nice guy." "Give him a chance." "You've got it wrong." "I never rejected him." "What are you talking about?" "Nothing." "You just keep an eye on your husband." "Why'd you reject such a nice guy?" "Shall I set you two up again?" "That's all right." "I'll introduce you." "Don't be shy." "It's almost time." "There must be lots of newlyweds on the trains." "It's an auspicious date." "I wonder how she feels." "Will they be seated face-to-face or side by side?" "However they please, the lucky stiffs!" "Here it comes." "What's with her?" "She promised to wave her bouquet." "Did she forget?" "No, she promised so many times." "Maybe she felt awkward." "And why weren't we invited to her reception?" "We should have been." "She's probably forgotten us." "We all joined the company at the same time." "We were so close." "Yes, but people grow apart over time." "Then marriage is the worst." "Are men like that too?" "I don't know." "If our friendship ended because one of us got married," "I'd be miserable." "Marriage is the worst." "You're right." "Making fools of us!" "Sorry to keep you waiting." "It looks like it will be a nice day tomorrow." "I sure hope so." "See you." "Thanks for coming in." "Welcome." "Welcome." "Some water and a cup of coffee." "Fancy meeting you here." "Ayako, where did you two go?" "The movies." "The movies, eh?" "Will you join me?" " But... " " Is he with you?" " The thing is... " " Got somewhere else to go?" "No, I was just going home." "I'll be going now." "Good night." "Ayako, you're not going with him?" "No, I'm not." "Then please sit down." "Thanks for waiting." " Something to drink?" " No, thanks." "So what's going on?" "What do you mean?" "You and Goto." "I just met him today." "A mutual friend introduced us." "Didn't I introduce you?" "I was first." " But... " " But what?" "A man in my office named Sugiyama is also a friend of Goto's, so he... " "Forget about Sugiyama." "How do you feel?" " About what?" " About Goto." "I just met him today." "You already said that." "I hate it when you tease me like this!" "I'm not teasing." "I'm serious." "Well?" "Goto's a good man, isn't he?" "You like him, don't you?" "I don't know." "You don't know?" "Really?" "I don't know!" "Don't know, eh?" "You're not making this easy." "But I think we can agree he's nice, right?" "Say you decide you like him." "What would you do?" "Seems simple enough." "What?" "Marriage." "No." "No?" "I see." "Anyway, hypothetically speaking, even if I did fall in love, there might be reasons why I couldn't marry him." "Really?" "What kind of reasons?" "Financial reasons, for example?" " Possibly." " What else?" "In my case, I'm still living with Mother." "So what?" "If that's your reason, you'll never get married." "That's fine by me." "Nonsense." "Women need... " "For me, love and marriage don't necessarily go hand in hand." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Well, that means... " "You're for having affairs?" "That's not what I mean!" "Really?" "I'm sorry." "It would be ideal if love and marriage always went together, but even if not, life is still worthwhile." "In fact, cases where they don't aren't rare." "I suppose." "But won't you be lonely?" "I don't think so." "It's not like when you were young." "That's true." "I enjoy being with Mother." "I'm quite happy like this." "You must really love your mother." "I guess I do." "We still quarrel a lot." "That's proof of your love." "Parents and children who aren't close can't even squabble." "You think so?" "Of course." "She's a fine mother, and you're quite a good daughter." "Young women are straightforward these days, though a few are pretty odd." "But I can see her side." "How so?" "About love and marriage being separate." "That makes for a cold world." "Does Ayako seem to be falling for the boy?" "Looks like it to me." "She claimed they only met once, but I'll bet it was their second or third date." "Who's this Sugiyama who introduced them?" "He's not in the picture." "So her mother's really the main issue?" "That's right." " Then it's simple!" " How so?" " Get the mother to remarry." " Remarry?" "That's right." "And then marry off the daughter." "Kill two birds with one stone." " Will that work?" "Sure!" "It's just a matter of tact." "That's so crazy it just might work." "That would be perfect, if we could pull it off." "We'll pull it off." "Akiko's still a beautiful woman." "She could have her pick." "Then you go sound her out." "See how she feels about it." "Me?" "Of course." "It was your idea!" "You're the man for the job." "Come on." "Give it a try." "I guess I could try." "Do that." "But we don't a have a groom." "What about Hirayama?" "Me?" "Yeah, that's so crazy it just might work." "Stop kidding around." "I'm not ready for that kind of thing." "She's the widow of an old friend!" "Don't be so straightlaced." "Forget it!" "Out of the question." "It's downright immoral." "What's so immoral?" "You're a widower." "She's a widow." "Maybe so, but I still won't do it." "Count me out." "So much for that." " Find out how she feels anyway." " All right." "Don't mention my name, you hear?" "What a waste!" "What's the point of being a widower if you let a chance like this slip by?" "Yeah, what I'd give to be in your shoes." "Same here... same here." " Welcome home." " Hello." " Welcome back." " You're here too?" " Have you eaten, sir?" " Yes." "What about you?" "I couldn't wait all night, so I went ahead." "I see." "How did you do?" "Did you win?" "Just so-so." " What's the matter?" " Why?" "You seem a little down." "What happened?" " Nothing in particular." " What do you think?" " About what?" "There was some talk of marriage, but I refused." " For me?" " No, for me." "You?" "Who's the lady?" "That's beside the point." "How would you feel about it?" "Depends on the bride." "Do I know her?" "Who is she?" "Tell me." "Stop hiding it." " I'm not hiding it." "Then who is she?" "You know Mrs. Miwa?" "Oh, her?" "She'd be great!" "I approve." "You do?" "You bet!" "Did you say no?" "Well, yes." "That was stupid!" "Why'd you do that?" " Really?" " Absolutely." " Then you approve?" " Of course." "I've been hoping for a while now that you'd remarry." "Why?" "If I get married, you'll be alone, and you'll probably want to live with us." "You'll get in the way, and it'll be tough on my wife." "Why, you..." "And you wouldn't be happy either." "So marry Mrs. Miwa." "It's your big chance." "My big chance?" " But is she willing?" " I don't know yet." "You don't know yet?" "You need some self-confidence!" "You really approve?" "Sure!" "I'm all for it." "I see." "Dad, you seem to have cheered up." "Please." "What is it?" "Nothing special." "Nice weather again today, eh?" "Yes, it's been holding up." "Yes, very nicely." "Did you feel the earthquake last night?" "Was there one?" "I didn't feel it." "Yes, there was." "But just a small one." "What's on your mind today?" "What we spoke about last time." " What?" " At the golf club." "The job for that student?" "No, in the clubhouse." "Remind me." "About Mrs. Miwa remarrying." "Did you find a suitable candidate?" "Well..." "I've been thinking it over." " Thinking what over?" " Well... what you said that day." "My son is in favor too." "And what was that?" "You know." "I don't have the foggiest." "Stop playing dumb." "Seriously, has Taguchi gone to see her yet?" "I don't know." "You didn't seem too willing the other day." "That's true." "But it's quite inconvenient living alone." "Inconvenient?" "You have your housekeeper." "That's true." "Still, there are certain things..." "You mean..." "an itch you can't scratch?" "Yeah, you might say that." "So you suddenly started to itch?" "I guess." "So this itch you're feeling... - what do you mean to do about it?" "Well, in other words..." "I mean, you..." "I guess..." "tell her..." "Isn't Taguchi a better choice?" "No, he's a blabbermouth." "I'd like you to do it." " Me?" "Yes, if you wouldn't mind." "I see." "Get me Mr. Taguchi of Nitto Electric." "You sure he's the best choice?" "Don't worry." "Besides, he's already going." " But everything he touches... " " Falls to pieces?" "What's that?" "He's gone out?" " He wasn't in." " I see." " I'll tell him." " Please do it soon." "Is the itch that bad?" "Well, even at our age, it's a bit embarrassing." " Where are you going?" " To the washroom." "Welcome." "Welcome." " Well?" " Where's Hirayama?" "Not here yet." "Did you see her?" "How'd it go?" "Things have taken a strange turn." "Whiskey for me too, please." "With water." "I'd like a refill." "What "strange turn"?" "It's utterly hopeless." "She has no interest in remarrying." "All she did was talk about her dead husband." "Did you mention Ayako and Goto?" "I did." "And?" "She just said, "Oh, really?" and smiled." "Really?" "Did you talk about Hirayama?" "How could I?" "She kept raving about Miwa." "Even got a little weepy on me." " So you didn't mention Hirayama?" " No." "Sorry to keep you waiting." "But Hirayama's serious." "You know, she'd be wasted on him." "She's so beautiful." "You should have seen her on the verge of tears." "Really?" "Like a delicate flower battered by a rainstorm." "She peeled an apple for me with those lovely white hands." "Did you eat it?" "Yes." "It was delicious." "And she gave me this." " Why did you really go see her?" " What do you mean?" "What about Hirayama?" "It's no use." "Let's give up for now." " But he's in a hurry." " What am I supposed to do?" "Have him use some Mentholatum on that itch of his." "There's nothing we can do." "In that case, let's give up for now." "Yes, let's give up." "Welcome." "Here he comes." "I'm a little late." "What'll you have?" "Oh, anything." "I see." "Take these too." "Taguchi, did you go see her?" "Yes, I went." " Did you speak to her for me?" " Yes, I did." "How'd it go?" "Well... you shouldn't rush things." "You shouldn't rush things." "Really?" "Poor Mr. Hirayama." "Those two are having fun at his expense." "Our husbands are cads." "Your husband's all right." "Mine asked me the other day, "Would you remarry if I died?"" "I said no." "But he said, "I would."" "I asked whom, and he brazenly replied, "Akiko, of course."" " My husband would too." " Beauty is an asset." "Yes." "I rather envy her." "Suddenly bringing up remarriage with her... " "Of course she can't show interest." "Neither could I in her place." "Neither could I, even if I was interested." "Right." "They were tactless." " That's right!" " I'm going out, Mother." " A date, Michiko?" "Yes, an evening baseball game." "You two can talk." " See you later." " Be careful." " Kids these days..." " Mine are terrible." "We were better at that age." "Girls' Opera was as crazy as we got." "That's right." "Mon Paris and When Violets Bloom Again." "Now it's all rockabilly and Elvis Presley." "No wonder girls arrange flowers in painted tin cans now." "That's right." " Good afternoon." " Hello." "We were talking about Akiko's daughter." "We think Ayako should marry first." "No need to worry about getting Akiko married again." "But that was your husband's idea." "Really?" "He said it was yours." "No, it was Taguchi's." " Just whose idea was it?" " Taguchi's." "He said that you said Akiko looked beautiful when she cried." "He told you that?" "What a jerk." "He changed it all around." "I suppose he told you that I ate the apple." "Yes." "You said it was delicious." "Cut it out!" "Well, I'll do as you say and see to getting Ayako married first." "That's as it should be." "Right?" "Right!" "I've had enough of your nagging." "Welcome." "Is there a Mr. Mamiya here?" "He's waiting for you." "Ayako, in here." "Come on in." "Sorry I'm late." " Did you find it all right?" " Yes." "Have a seat." "Make yourself comfortable." "My lunch break is short, so I'll get straight to the point." "It's about getting you married." "What about Goto?" "What about him?" "Do you like him or not?" "I want a direct answer." "I don't dislike him." "So you like him." "Goto feels the same." "That settles it." "I'll arrange it for you, okay?" " But... " " What?" "I'm not thinking about getting married yet." "You said that last time too." "So I can't really give you an answer right away." "If you like him, why not marry him?" "But what would become of Mother if I got married?" "Your mother?" "We've thought of that too." "We'll see that she's happy." "Just what do you mean by that?" "Well, for instance... what would you say if she remarried?" "Remarried?" "Has she had proposals?" "Well... in a way." "What do you say?" "Sorry to keep you waiting." "What's wrong?" "You seem lost in thought." "Eat your lunch." "Has this all been decided?" "Your mother's marriage?" "Who is it?" "The groom?" "A man you've both known for a long time." "What do you think about Hirayama?" "Mr. Hirayama?" "What do you think?" "Do you approve?" "Of course, nothing's definite yet." "What do you think?" "Welcome home." "Are you hungry?" "There's nothing to eat today." "I planned to shop, but I got in late too." "What is it?" "Is something wrong?" "What's the matter?" "What is it?" "I ran into an old friend today." "On the train." "Do you remember her?" "She used to sell us black-market rice after the war." "She was dressed so nicely that I didn't recognize her." "Mother!" "What?" "Are you hiding something from me?" "Like what?" "I saw Mr. Mamiya today." "He told me all about it." "About what?" "Mother, are you getting married again?" "What?" "Getting married again?" "Stop pretending!" "What are you talking about?" " I know!" " What do you know?" "What's this about?" "I'm completely lost." "Stop pretending!" "It's an affront to Father's memory!" "Mr. Hirayama was Father's friend!" "What's he got to do with this?" "Still pretending not to know?" "Why are you hiding it?" "Hiding what?" "Fine!" "Just forget it!" "And to think I trusted you!" "I hate you!" "What are you saying?" "It's disgusting!" "I can't stand it!" "Ayako, where are you going?" "Where are you going?" "Leave me alone!" "I hate you!" "Thanks for waiting." " Squid, please." " And for the lady?" " More tea." " Coming up." "Welcome." "Welcome." "Is Yuriko in?" "Yes, she is." "Yuriko!" "Miss Miwa's here." " Coming." "Just a moment." "Hi there." "Come on up, but it's a mess." "Here you are." "More clams, sir?" "Yes, please." "You must love clams." "Yeah, clams are the best." "I'm addicted to 'em." "Tastiest of all seafood." " You want octopus?" " No, I've had enough octopus." "Clams for me!" "More tender clams." "And red shellfish." "And what did you say?" "I said I hated the idea." "Besides, he's my father's friend." "It's filthy." "That's why you walked out?" "It's just so dirty." "That's what this is about?" "I still remember Father very vividly, but Mother seems to have forgotten him." "I'll never be able to forgive that." "I understand how you feel, but aren't you being a little selfish?" "What?" "Try to see her point of view." "What do you mean?" "After all, she's a woman too." "Try to understand." "What do you mean?" "You have someone you like." "Why can't she?" "Isn't that selfish?" "If it were me, I'd just ignore it." "It wouldn't bother you?" "Why should it?" "She's still your mother." "But it's not happening to you." "You're wrong." "I was fine when Father remarried." "That doesn't mean I've forgotten Mother." "I can still see her clearly if I close my eyes." "Sure, my dad's kind of an animal." "But who cares?" "He's still my father." "I can't think that way." "It'll happen whether you do or not." "The world isn't as pure as you think." "You're acting like a baby." "Yuriko, this is for you." "Thank you." "Would you like some?" "Come on." "I'm going home." "Weren't you going to stay the night?" "I'm going home." "Eat a bit first." "No, thanks." "You're really leaving?" "Then go, you big baby!" "Fine!" "Where have you been?" "Leaving so suddenly like that... - I was worried sick." "Where did you go?" "What are you so angry about?" "There must be some mistake." "What did Mr. Mamiya tell you?" "What do you think I'm hiding from you?" "I have nothing to conceal." "You're the one keeping secrets." "Like what?" "About Mr. Goto." "You didn't tell me." "You have a boyfriend." "I've been waiting for you to tell me." "I heard he's a nice young man." "I was secretly happy for you." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Good morning." "See you later." "Good morning." "Did you work things out with your mother last night?" "Are you still angry?" "Fine, be that way!" "Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow..." "Thank you." "You mustn't quarrel with your mother." "I lost my mother when I was young." "I look back on the fights we had and feel badly." "It's painful to remember them." "Back home in Fushimi, we had these traditional lucky clay figures." "We'd line them up on the kitchen shelf... " "Something wrong?" "I was in my third year of junior high." "I'd get angry over the stupidest things." "Once, in a fit of anger, I broke all the figures." "I still remember the look on her face." "It was nothing serious... but when I got home later that day, she didn't prepare dinner for me." "She died that autumn." "Really?" "So you'd do better not to quarrel." "It's not good." "You're right." "Who's there?" "Good evening." "Oh, hello." "Is Ayako home?" "Not yet." "But do come in." "Please have a seat." "Where do you think she went?" "No idea." "I think I might know." "She told me a lot last night." "So she was at your place?" "Yes." "She told me you're going to remarry." "Not you too!" "I called her a baby for getting so upset." "I'm sure you have your reasons." "I suppose I do." "She's being unfair." "She just thinks about herself, then criticizes you." "I told her so." "She wouldn't even talk to me at work today." "That's why I've come." "To tell you the truth, I think she's crazy." "Why?" "If I were her, I'd be eager to see you remarry." "Really?" "Why?" "I know it sounds bad, but then I could marry without worrying about you." "Maybe you're right." "Sure!" "Who wouldn't think the same thing?" "Only Ayako." "She's so overly sentimental." "So you mean..." "I'm a burden?" "Of course not." "Well, maybe just a bit." "Tell me, would you feel lonely?" "That can't be helped." "I'd endure it just to see her happy." "I'm impressed!" "You're so much easier to talk to." "But you have to remarry, or Ayako won't marry either." " You think so?" " I do." "She said as much." "If you get married, I think she will too." "She's such trouble." "She really is." "What's she all upset about?" "Isn't it perfect?" "What?" "Mr. Hirayama's a college professor." "What more could you want?" "And a friend of your husband... - he knows you so well." "Yuriko, you're mistaken." "No, I'm not, and I think it's great." "What's great?" "There's some misunderstanding." "I know nothing of any proposal." "Come on." "No need to be shy." "I'm not being shy." "I haven't heard a thing." "Really?" "How could this be?" "So you really didn't know?" "That's right." "No one said a word to me." "This is awful!" "How did such a rumor ever get started?" "You really didn't know?" "That's right." "Really?" "Someone's making fools of us." " Welcome home." " Where have you been?" "Are you still angry?" "I was so worried I came to check up on you." "Mind your own business." "Go home!" "I will." "Yuriko, why don't you spend the night?" "No, Mother." "I won't have her sleeping here." "No!" "Ask her to leave!" "I'm leaving, so there!" "Good night, Mrs. Miwa." "You're really leaving?" "I'm very sorry." "Go ahead and sulk!" "Good-bye." "I'm so sorry." "It doesn't matter." "She's a problem child." "Mr. Hirayama is here to see you." "What is it?" "Strange things have been happening!" "Like what?" "Curious things." "What?" "Can you come meet someone?" "Who?" "She's waiting in the guest lounge." "Taguchi's there too." "Who is it?" "What's going on?" "Good question." "This young lady is a friend of Ayako's." "My name is Yuriko Sasaki." "I'm Mr. Mamiya." "Please sit down." "Please sit down." "I have to know:" "Why are you making things up?" "What?" "About Mrs. Miwa remarrying." "Oh, that." ""Oh, that"?" "Even Mrs. Miwa didn't know about it." "Why did you tell Ayako that?" "Why did you have to stir things up like that?" "It's got Ayako very upset." "Why throw such a quiet family into upheaval?" "That's why I've come." "Please answer me." "No answer?" "What could possibly be so amusing about your little stunt?" "We weren't trying to be amusing." "Then what?" "You say your name is Yuriko?" "Please sit down." "I'm fine standing." "But... " " Please be seated." " No." "Good thing you have a guest lounge." "She yelled at me in front of everyone at the university." "Listen, Yuri-chan... " "Call me Yuriko." "I'm sorry." "I tried to explain." "I wasn't asking you." "I see." "Miss Yuriko, are you saying you're against Mrs. Miwa remarrying?" "No, but that's beside the point." "No, it's not." "You must realize how difficult Ayako is." "She won't get married unless her mother does first." "Then you should have discussed it with Mrs. Miwa." "She knew nothing about his proposal." "The young lady told me the same thing." "What on earth happened?" "Didn't you mention me to Akiko?" "Just be quiet for a minute." "But... " "Hold on." "I admit that we blundered." "But we wanted to marry off Mrs. Miwa so Aya could marry without worrying." "Can you understand that?" " Yes." "But why did you... " "I apologize deeply for our mistakes." "I apologize as well." " Now please sit down." " Please." "The big question is whether Mrs. Miwa wants to remarry." "She does." "I asked her myself." " She does?" " Yes." "You're in luck." "You've been a great help." "So first we'll set up Mrs. Miwa, and then we'll see about Ayako." "Okay?" "Yes, fair enough." "Yes, that sounds reasonable." "I see you've perked up again." "But are you sure this is the man for Mrs. Miwa?" "Well... nothing's definite at this stage." "You don't think he would do?" "On the contrary." "I think he'd do just fine." " You do?" " He's peachy." "Peachy?" "Hirayama, this calls for a toast." "You realize you're treating us, right?" "Me?" "All right." "Where are you going?" "The washroom." "Good-bye now!" "Welcome." "So this is the place with good food?" "That's right." "Warm up some sake." "You never can tell." "Sometimes these dumps on the outskirts are good." "Sorry I brought you so far out of town." "Isn't the boss in today?" "He stepped out." "And his daughter?" "His daughter?" "The daughter here is really pretty." "I wanted you to see her." "Yuriko, are you sure you can find your way home?" "I'll make it home just fine!" "It's you I'm worried about." " What'll it be?" " Where's that sake?" "Coming right up!" "What will you gentlemen have?" "What's good here?" "It's all good!" "Give 'em the works." "We can't eat that much!" "You'll manage." "It's delicious." "Serve it up!" "So tell me, Hirayama, things seem to be going well with Mrs. Miwa, but are you sure you love her?" "Absolutely." "Forever?" "For all eternity?" "That's right." "Lucky fellow!" "What a lucky dog." "Thanks for waiting." "Here's your hot sake." "Seriously, I really am happy for you, Hirayama." "Thank you." ""Friends are priceless," as they say." "Still, the final decision hasn't been made yet." "Don't say that!" "But look here... - you sure you love her?" "Yes, I am." "Forever?" "For all eternity?" "That's right." "You're okay, you know that?" "Just leave it to me!" "Lucky dog." "Welcome." "Ah, you're back." "You're a little late today." "Seems you're a regular here." " You come in often?" " Every day." "Every day?" "Yuriko, did you take the day off?" "I only worked in the morning." " Mr. Sugiyama called earlier." " What did he say?" "He'll call back tomorrow." "Wait a minute." "Do you live here?" "Yes." "That's my mother." "I'm the daughter of the house." "You're incorrigible!" "You still have to pay, no matter how much we eat." "Oh, I'll pay, I'll pay!" "Keep the food and sake coming." "We're no match for the girls these days." "They really are something!" "Fatty tuna, please." "Clams for me." "So do you give your word?" "I give my word." "I'll love her forever." "Not that!" "I mean, you promise to pay?" "Oh, yeah." "I'll pay!" "Some red shellfish, please." "So Ayako went on vacation?" "Yes, they're traveling all over." "I'm glad to hear they made up." "Ayako sulked for a while, but she eventually came around." "I realize now how nice it is to have one's real mother around." "Your mother's nice too." "Of course, but it's not the same." "I have to be careful around her." "Really?" "You haven't noticed?" "That means I put on a good act." "Here you go." " Thanks!" "I wonder where they are today." "Damn!" "I'm a little jealous." "Oh, the farewell party!" "Let's go hiking again and invite Goto." "Yes, let's!" "Days like this should be spent in the mountains, not at work." "You're right about that." "TAWARAYA INN" "The lamp in the mountain hut" "Burns with a faint glow" "My beloved mountain hut" "On a path in the foothills" "I sit at the window of memories" "And think of you" "The wind murmurs" "With a song of days long past" "Ayako, you must be sleepy." "Not yet." "I'm sorry it's so crowded today." "What a racket." "School excursions are everywhere." "The inn in Nikko was packed!" "Wasn't it?" "Someone was always barging into our room by mistake." "Really?" "It must have been hard to relax." "But it was quite fun." "That's nice." "Excuse me." "Sir, a school teacher is waiting at the front desk." "I'll be right there." "But this is good news." "Ayako finally found a good husband, and you're remarrying too." "Actually, it wasn't Ayako I was worried about." "It was you." "Thank you for your concern." "Very good news indeed." "Well, time to say good night." "Good night." "Good night." "Shall we get to bed?" "Ayako, aren't you coming?" "It's gotten so quiet." "I guess the students all went to bed." "School trips were such fun, but I always hated the very last night." "It was a letdown knowing we'd come to the end." "Did you ever feel that way?" "Is something wrong?" "Ayako... remember when you said it would be disgusting for me to remarry?" "I don't feel that way now." "Forgive me for saying something so stupid." "Actually, I feel the same way." "I've decided to remain a widow." "But Mother... " "Your father was enough for me." "He'll always be by my side." "I'm fine as I am." "I don't want to climb that mountain again." "I've had enough." "But Mother..." "It's really all right." "You needn't worry about me." "Marry Mr. Goto." "Nothing would give me more joy than seeing you happy with someone you love." "It's okay if you forget about me." "I'll never be lonely." "But how can I leave you alone in that apartment?" "Don't worry about that." "You can't go on living with me in that apartment forever." "Sure, it's a familiar life without surprises, but you're young and have your whole life ahead of you." "You can't imagine what happiness awaits you." "Marry Mr. Goto." "I can look after myself just fine." "Please do as I ask." "And please don't think I lied just so you would marry." "You understand, don't you?" "We've had such a nice time on this trip." "Do you remember when we were evacuated here during the war?" "Your father would come back every Sunday." "Everything was scarce back then, but he'd always bring a gift for you." "He was a good father." "This will probably be our last trip together." "Be happy." "You're beginning a new life, and so am I." "I'll always remember our meals here together." "Autumn leaves in every hue" "Of yellow and red" "Float down the stream" "Woven like brocade" "GOTO AND MIWA WEDDING" "All ready." "Move a bit closer to her." "Ready." "One more." "Sake for this room, please." "The weather was great, and everything went off without a hitch." "It was perfect." "We blundered our way to this day, but it was fun." "Yeah, it was fun." "A toast to the bride?" "And to Miwa and Akiko too." "Cheers." "To be honest, I didn't find it all that fun." "It wasn't that bad." "Our main goal was to see Ayako happy, and we did." "I have no problem with that." "But I feel a bit exploited!" "At least you two got a pipe out of it!" "You mean this here?" "But you got something even better... - dreams." "What good are dreams?" "You know, it's people who complicate life." "Life itself is surprisingly simple." "Maybe for you two!" "The shocker, though, was that girl at the sushi place." "Yeah, but she was lots of fun." "Girls like that are good sometimes." "The sentimental types are trouble." "But it's no good if they're too hard-nosed." "I have a daughter to worry about." "Being a parent is such a pain." "But what will Akiko do now all alone?" "Haven't you given up yet?" "Oh, don't worry, I have." "So you don't itch anymore?" "No, I itch just as much as before!" "Well, it was fun while it lasted." "I'm a little sad that it's over." "What'll we do now?" "How about your daughter?" "She's about marrying age." "Not yet." "And I certainly wouldn't ask you two for help!" "More?" " There's some whiskey too." " This is fine." "It sure was fun." "Mrs. Miwa, are you already in bed?" "Yuriko?" "I came to see how you were." "We all went to the Ginza afterward." "This is for you." "Thank you." "Ayako looked so beautiful today with her hair Japanese-style." "Really?" "She didn't like it." "It was very nice." "May I stop in from time to time to see you?" "Yes, of course." "Please do." "I mean it." "I'm glad to see you're all right." "I'm just fine." "I was so happy today, thanks to you all." "Ayako's a lucky girl!" "It's true." "She's lucky to have such a nice mother." "Well, I'll be going now." "Thanks for coming all this way." "Good night." "Good-bye." "THE END"