I don't feel lonely living by myself.
You should try your best to realize your dreams.
To my favourite Yuko, Love, Grandma.
Yuko, you are the mourner, you should sit here.
Sorry I couldn't find a clearer photo of Grandma.
It's blurry when enlarged.
I'm sorry for your loss.
It was the mailman that found her.
Her mailbox was full.
I never thought she would die so suddenly.
Poor thing.
It's too sad to die alone.
I told you not to be so stubborn.
If you had just asked Yuko, she would have come back earlier.
Why didn't you come back and take care of her?
Photograph of Memories
What's going on?
Yuko
Even with mom and dad gone,
Grandma will still be here for you and everything will be okay.
Grandma will always protect you, okay?
Yuko, are you there?
Yuko
Don't just come in.
Why not? We've been friends since we were kids.
Did you find a job?
City Hall needs a secretary.
Unlike Tokyo, there are no jobs for make-up artists here.
I was fired a long time ago.
You have to find a job if you want to stay here.
You've been cooped up since your grandmother passed away.
The 49-day mourning period has expired...
I don't care how many days have passed.
Sorry for making you wait.
Here is your license
Thank you.
That'll be 300 yen.
- Do you want an envelope? - No.
Thank you
Hoshino, about your proposal...
Oh, the Photo Memories project?
Yuko
Don't just come in.
Yuko
I just found a job for you, can you be a photographer?
I am not interested in photography now.
Please consider it, and City Hall is paying for it.
And your family used to run a photo studio.
That was a long time ago.
Grandma only did the work of developing the photos.
Aren't you dissatisfied that your grandmother's picture at her funeral was a blurry one?
That's why we should take better pictures of old people now.
No one takes posthumous photos anymore.
Most of them were taken from group photos.
That's why the photos are blurry.
I came up with this proposal and also fought for the budget.
Although the money from commissions isn't that much...
Funeral photos?
There is a large housing complex in Uozuka.
Residents are mainly elderly people who are your target audience.
Hello I'm from City Hall.
Hello.
Would you like your posthumous photo to be taken?
Sorry I don't buy from door-to-door sales.
No, it's not...
Hello. I'm from City Hall, is anyone home?
The door is unlocked.
Uhm...
Would you like your posthumous photo to be taken?
I don't need that kind of stuff.
There's no one here either.
Excuse me, I'm from City Hall.
I'm from City Hall.
City Hall?
Come on in.
Sorry for intruding.
Pardon me, as I rarely have visitors.
Have a seat.
Uhm, Would you like your posthumous photo to be taken?
Oh, like in a funeral, you can use it...
Funeral?
Funeral you say? Ugh, I don't want that.
Sorry.
Then I'm off.
Recently,
I haven't talked to anyone lately.
But it was nice talking to you.
Thanks anyway.
So, how's it been going?
Wow, that camera looks expensive!
I bought it using a loan.
Thank you
Everyone I visited, doesn't want their posthumous photo taken.
Hearing about funerals and stuff scared them away.
Is that right?
What else can we do?
I'm glad you're into it.
Help me think of a way!
Yes, yes.
Social worker Kashi Misaki-san is in charge of the elderly here.
Hello.
Kashi-san would like to tag along and hear what the folks are saying about their posthumous photos being taken.
Shall we go now?
Eh?
Misaki-san, if you please.
Let's go.
Were you and Hoshino-kun childhood friends?
No, but we were neighbors when we were kids.
Oh, you're the unlucky girl from the other day.
What?
Sorry
Is she your friend, Kashi-san?
Yuko has been living in Tokyo for several years and has only recently returned.
But she loves her hometown so much, right?
Yes
The fish here is more delicious.
Right.
Oh, Kazuko-san.
Today, I brought some fish that I'm sure Kazuko-san would like.
Shall I start cooking this fish?
Blanch the fish in boiling water and then in cold water.
If you do that, it will taste better.
That's called "shimofuri" isn't it?
My grandmother used to say that you can't be lazy if you want something to taste good.
Your grandmother was right.
That day I attended the funeral of a friend's mother.
No one prepared a posthumous photo so her picture is blurry.
Do you know what blurry means?
I know.
Her family is very upset
because they only have that one blurry picture.
Now that you mention it, my friend's posthumous photo was also blurred and out of focus.
Yuko is working for City Hall to help the elderly citizens
to take better pictures that can be used in funerals.
Is that why you came that day?
Yes.
The picture of my grandmother was also very bad.
It made me very sad, that's why I'm doing this job.
Do you have a car?
Car?
If you want to help me take a picture, I know a perfect place.
What's the hurry?
Give me the car keys.
Please get in the car, Kazuko-san.
Walk slowly.
Watch your head.
Yuko, I have to get to work...
What?
I always wanted to go back there again while I was still alive.
But it's too far to go now.
I had already given up going.
- Is it here? - Yes.
There.
Harai Apparel Modification Shop
Kazuko-san?
It's been such a long time, how are you?
Sa-chan, sorry to come so suddenly
Can we go in for a moment?
Of course you can, please come in.
Excuse me.
Ah, this brings back memories!
When I started work,
I was so delighted to be able to use so many colored threads.
In the past, people rarely threw away their clothes.
So we were very busy.
But I had such a good time.
So,
I want to take my picture here.
Please look at the camera.
Can I fix your makeup?
Where's your lipstick?
In the bag.
It's done.
Have a look.
Oh, wow.
Kazuko-san, you're looking beautiful.
No way.
Let's take the picture.
Make sure to get the threads in the background.
Look at the camera.
Here you go
That's wonderful.
This is not a posthumous photo, this is a photo of memories.
Photo of memories?
Yes, photos of memories.
Are you there?
You should call first before coming over.
You always come to my home unannounced.
Do you still draw?
For what?
Here, look.
Photograph of Memories?
"We take pictures of you at a place that you like so that you can have good memories."
I heard Kazuko's story and came up with it.
No one wants to take posthumous photos,
but if you call them photos of memories, they might want to take them.
Oh.
Yeah.
I think it's an excellent idea.
And?
Help me make fliers! You used to be in the art club, right?
Hah, of course I can draw better than this horrible thing.
Shut up!
"We'll provide a free trip in a car within the county"
But you don't have a car.
What?
Please.
Excuse me?
No one is home.
It will be ready soon. Please wait.
Hello, Chio-san.
Hi Kazuko-san!
Hi, could you take one please?
A flyer?
What is this? It looks interesting.
Thank you for your hard work.
We are taking photographs of memories.
Can you help distribute it to the patients?
- Sure. - Thank you very much.
Can I have some more to put on the bulletin boards?
Would you be so kind? Here you go.
Have you heard about this photograph of memories?
What a great idea!
What a great shot!
Oh, wow!
Let me see, let me see!
I hang it up at home, it makes me happy to see it everyday.
Photographer Yuko studied makeup in Tokyo,
she's great at helping you look good.
Yeah, it looks very professional!
Kazuko-san is so beautiful.
You should also take a picture.
Oh? Do you think I should?
I also want to have one taken.
You really should.
And you can also choose the place...
Good.
My late husband and I used to come here to buy things.
I'm going to start shooting.
Please smile.
One more.
Please look at the camera.
I'm going to shoot.
Who did you come bowling with?
It's a secret! Ha ha.
I'm going to shoot.
Please look at the camera.
Say cheese.
Smile.
I'm smiling.
I'm going to take the photos.
How about you take a deep breath.
Is it your favorite book?
Sorry, it was a long meeting.
What's this? Looking for a part-time job?
Taking pictures is not enough to live on.
Many are living alone without relatives and rarely socialize.
I think what you're doing is good for them.
Thanks to Kazuko-san, she's been getting others on board.
Hopefully word of mouth will encourage more people to apply.
Have you encountered any problems so far?
The backgrounds they chose were very mundane,
but their stories and memories...
makes each location, somewhat special.
Hello.
You should eat healthy food instead of this junk.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Delicious. I haven't eaten apples in a long time.
If you like, I'll share half of my apples with you.
Oh, I'm fine.
Anyway, I can't eat all the food even if I live alone.
No, but...
Take it.
Thank you.
These public housing units are getting older too.
This park used to be filled with children playing.
They were really noisy.
How long have you lived alone?
Since my husband died, 20 years ago.
Do you get lonely?
Ha ha ha.
It's nice to be free and not indebted to others.
I would never ask a child to take care of me.
She is trying to be strong, but I feel she is very lonely.
That's true, while she's actually very lonely,
I think she really doesn't want to bother the younger folks.
She probably has a dilemma too.
Gather this same type of fish.
Okay.
Faster.
Sorry.
Setsuko-san, here you go.
Wow! Look!
You are beautiful. Amazing.
So cute.
It's so good.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Here you go.
Kitamura-san, here's yours.
Let me see, let me see.
It's fabulous!
It's so good! I'd like to send another one to my grandson in Tokyo.
Can you print another one for me?
Yes.
I don't want to have a funeral when I die.
So I don't want posthumous photos, but photos of memories.
No problem.
Setsuko-san rarely comes out and it's good to see her interacting.
She seems to be having a good time talking to everyone.
It's all thanks to you. Thanks again.
It's nothing really.
- What happened? - She fell in the bathroom.
The neighbors didn't even realize that she had fallen.
I didn't know anyone lived there.
I've been to her house several times.
No one responded so I didn't keep knocking.
It's impossible for City Hall to monitor all the residences.
Many people feel that social welfare services are an unnecessary hassle.
It is not uncommon for people to die alone.
I was in charge of those apartments and I was trying to make changes.
For example, setting up a cafe but nothing really worked.
It is not enough to hold events and set up spaces.
I want to do something more for the residents.
What you are doing teaches me a lot.
You seem to be more mature than before.
How rude! I'm a grown man, you know.
Here.
Let's go.
Hello.
- Welcome. - Hi.
- There are seats in the back. - Thank you.
Come in.
I thought you said this was a good restaurant.
What are you saying, the food here is the best!
The owner only uses fresh, local ingredients.
Come on Yuko!
Cheers.
A little extra service.
Thank you
My lady,
you are the best hope for this city.
You have my gratitude.
Oh stop that, you're creeping her out!
Oh, by the way. Can you be the organizer for the annual event next month?
I'm not ready for it.
Don't be like that. It's going to be fun, please!
Eh?
Ahh, okay.
Please eat.
- Thank you - Take your time!
Try the squid ink.
Smile.
It's all black, ha ha.
Shut up.
You've always loved our hometown, right?
You think so?
Of course.
You used to be so quiet.
But you become a whole new person whenever you run a local festival.
Oh, that's true.
I admire you for working hard to improve our city.
Unfortunately, it's not that simple.
It hasn't been easy for me.
What about you, Yuko? What made you leave Tokyo?
Do you really want to know?
I studied hard and dreamed of becoming a hair and makeup designer.
I worked hard and I was confident in my skills too.
However, I was told this job was "not for me" and was fired.
I was frustrated, and tried all kinds of jobs where I can use my make-up skills.
Finally, I was also fired as a beauty consultant.
I didn't know what I was doing wrong.
Before I knew it, I was already 29.
I just feel like such a failure.
I regret leaving my grandmother here alone.
But you also did your best, right?
You shouldn't blame yourself.
Come one.
I'm going home.
I'm from the City Hall helping with to take photos of memories....
Ah, Moriya-san who lives in No. 66?
It's hard for him sometimes.
You know him?
He is hearing and speech impaired and a bit antisocial.
You should have told me earlier. He was so rude.
What? You're leaving?
I'm outta here.
Hoshino-kun, do you have a moment?
Yes.
Mikami from Tokyo Design wants you to send him your resume.
Eh?
Oh, okay.
- Got it. - I'll leave it to you?
Azumi Mikami Tokyo Design CEO
I hope to apply what I learned in Design College
Take your....
photograph.
Can I take pictures of you?
Can I?
Sign Language Book
Can I.... ?
Hey
Are you practicing sign language?
Ah, yes.
My wife learned sign language, good luck with that.
Oh, almost forgot.
Uhm...
Uh, wrong...
I come... from... City Hall...
I am from City Hall...
That...
Memories... location... photos ... help you shoot...
Wait!
Wait...
Yes, this.
Do you have...
A place of special memories...where is it?
The place where I want to take pictures of my memories.
Got it. Let's go.
Please get in
Here.
This is really good shot. You're amazing!
It's nothing.
You also learned sign language?
Just a little.
That's amazing. I admire you.
Thank you
For what?
I've been worried about Moriya-san.
I tried sign language but I'm not very good at it
I didn't expect Moriya-san to look so happy.
We have taken 50 photos of memories.
Let's have a toast to celebrate!
Cheers!
Here you go.
It's a good project.
Why do you look so sad? You should feel proud and happy.
I didn't do this to reach a certain number.
But your grandmother will be very proud of you.
Ichiro-kun told me about you.
You regret leaving her alone.
That busybody.
You may think you disappointed your grandmother
because you're not living out your dreams in Tokyo.
Do you really think your grandmother
only wanted you to succeed in Tokyo?
Then you're wrong.
She wanted you to seek challenges in the things you liked,
and the challenge is far more important than success itself.
If you really like taking pictures,
just use photography to challenge yourself.
Hey busybody.
Don't tell Kazuko what I said when I was drunk.
Ouch! I didn't say anything.
It hurts!
Stop it.
You are really childish.
Yuko-chan.
You guys are so rude, come and sit down.
Yes.
I didn't expect you to be so obedient.
Shut up!
Oh, I was in a very bad mood that day,
but when I looked at those photographs of memories, I felt much better.
I know.
When I was depressed too,
seeing those uncles and aunties smile for the camera really cheered me up.
Yeah, so how about this?
After you take 100 photo memories,
let's hold a photo exhibition in the residential cafe.
Photo exhibition?
That's good, everyone will be able to see our big smiles, right?
Yeah, good idea.
Let's call it "100 Smiles of our beloved senior citizens".
Don't you like it?
No...
Will this make
my grandmother forgive me?
Huh?
I mean...
Would it make Grandmother happier if I did?
Absolutely! Your grandmother, and myself are very happy for you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Sorry.
No one wants to take pictures this week.
Maybe people who want the photos have already applied ?
Others just don't want to deal with people.
Why don't they want to socialize?
They have their own problems as they get older...
What problems?
Look, they all have different difficulties.
It's only by talking to them that you find out what they are.
You say it's only this and only that, you're no help at all.
What are you talking about?
I've always been thinking of how to help and support you.
I need your assistance please.
We're happy to help. What do you want us to do?
The map of our estate!
I want to know which units are occupied and which are empty.
The Social Welfare Center doesn't know, that's why I need your help.
Oh, is that what you need? Let's see...
Unit 203 is still occupied.
- Yeah, someone's living here. - Hmm.
Next door...does anyone know?
I recently saw a package being delivered.
Then someone must live there.
This one and that one are both occupied
Great!
And this one?
I saw an old woman sweeping the floor outside.
Great!
What about the one on 63?
This one should have moved out already.
- The one at this unit passed away. - I haven't seen her lately.
Room 302 seems to be occupied.
Hello.
I'm from City Hall. Is anyone home?
Is anyone there?
Hello.
We are providing a free service to help take pictures of you at the location of your choice.
Please.
That's impressive! Every resident is marked.
Kazuko took the lead in talking to friends in each building.
She even visited them personally.
Kazuko really thinks of Yuko as her granddaughter.
Oh, where is Kazuko-san today?
She hurt her arm, it seems to be a fracture.
Is she okay?
Well, she said it was fine.
But she told me not to tell anyone so as not to worry them.
Is that so?
But if I tell Yuko,
she'll freak out.
Do I tell her or not?
Hey, are you and Hoshino dating?
What?
What makes you think so?
You two get along so well.
We were about to date in high school, but ended it.
Eh?
He stood me up on the first date.
He also lied and said he was waiting there.
I hate it most when people lie.
Oh.
No wonder he was struggling to tell you.
Huh?
I'm sorry, but Kazuko told me not to tell anyone.
Kazuko, are you okay?
Yuko thank you for coming.
But this is really only a minor injury.
Excuse me, but could you please open the door.
No I don't want you to see me like this.
Please leave me alone.
But please...
I'm fine. You have to work today, right?
But...
No, you must go to work.
Your grandmother would want you to do the same.
I didn't know this confectionery store existed.
Welcome.
Sorry can we take pictures in the store?
Sure.
Kamikawa-san used to work here.
It's not possible.
This is the store that my late husband started,
we have never hired outside employees.
Is there a mistake in the store?
No I used to make desserts here.
Why are you making up stories? Uncle, you shouldn't lie.
I am not lying.
Is he losing his mind?
Don't treat me like a fool.
Excuse me, we'll leave now.
Let's go.
Kamikawa-san, could it be the one near the library?
Kamikawa? No, we only employ family members here.
Thank you doctor.
How about it?
He doesn't have dementia. And his memory is okay.
Only that he mistook himself for a dessert chef.
Mistook?
No, I am sure I have worked there.
I want to take pictures in that store please.
Please.
Might as well take it.
In any case, I still can't do it.
I'm not taking any pictures until I hear the truth.
I can't investigate Kamikawa's history, that's personal data.
What does it matter if he really remembered wrong?
Even if it's not true but he thinks it is, it's okay.
Those are his precious memories which you can photograph.
No.
It's your job.
I'm not going to take fake memory photos.
You really haven't changed from before, have you?
You hate lying, and you're really stubborn.
- What? - Then let me ask you this.
Is that why you were having trouble working in Tokyo?
Do you not want to please your customers?
Your stubbornness also makes customers not want to do business with you.
Pour the ice.
The ice!
More ice.
Thank you for your hard work.
Misaki?
Sorry for making you wait.
Yuko is here to help you take pictures
Thank you for coming over.
Misaki told me about your plan.
My husband and I also want to take photos of memories.
Is that right, dear?
We would be very happy to.
Eh?
Right?
Thank you, too, sir.
Sorry my husband is not very talkative.
Sir, can you please come closer?
That looks good. Now smile.
Yes.
We're shooting now.
Yuko
Smile!
Very well now put your hand on your husband's shoulder
You might want to come closer.
A little closer, yes, yes.
Very good, let's shoot.
Now let's take a picture of you holding his hand.
Don't be shy to stand together.
Yes! Sir, look at your wife's eyes!
Smile. Let's go.
Very good but your husband is so shy.
Youko's husband died very suddenly.
They were in love and she couldn't accept that he was dead.
At first I didn't know how to deal with her.
When I consulted a psychiatrist,
he suggested that I try to cooperate with Youko.
And then what?
He said it was the best way to heal Youko's heart.
The human heart is more incredible than the universe.
I hate lying. Is there no other way?
In Youko's eyes, I know that she can really see her husband.
So in a sense,
she isn't really lying, is she?
I think it's the same for Kamikawa and the confectionery store.
Eh?
In Kamikawa's mind those memories are very real to him.
Just because we can't see something.
doesn't mean it doesn't exist
You can't see it, but it's there?
That's what my late mother told me last year.
I'm sorry I said something awful the other day.
You were right, so no need to apologize.
I do hate lying and don't want to please others.
But I didn't think it was the reason for my failure.
Give me the car keys.
Why?
Just give it to me.
Look over there.
Moriya-san? He's working again?
Actually, Moriya never worked here before.
What?
He wrote a letter telling me about it.
In fact, the person who worked in the shoe repair store was his wife.
He likes to help her when she brings home shoes to mend.
He also wanted to work here at that time.
But because of the disability, he didn't apply for the job.
But your taking pictures of him ignited his desire to repair shoes.
He mustered up the courage to apply for the job.
Fortunately, they also happen to be short of people.
Moriya was hired because he was good at his job.
It doesn't matter if the memory is true or not.
Just know that it was your photos that helped him realize his dream.
Yuko
I like to come here when I'm thinking about something.
It also makes me feel better.
It's not working for you?
No
I had almost forgotten that this was my worst memory.
What?
You know my mother abandoned me and ran away, right?
Well...
When I was a child, my grandmother would make up stories
to keep me from hating my mother.
Lies and lies.
She was making up false memories?
Yeah.
"In Tokyo, your mother was...."
In Tokyo, your mother was the best hair designer.
She was very fashionable gave you good looking dresses to wear.
When you cried,
she would climb up the hill and sing lullabies to put you to sleep.
This is where she brought me to put me to sleep.
What if it was true?
It was a lie! The story kept changing.
At first it was a a lullaby,
then in elementary school, it became a "mantra".
She would keep reciting the mantra until you stopped crying.
"If things get harder and harder, just keep straight ahead."
When I was 11, it was back to lullabies.
My mother left me when I was 4 years old.
Never contacted me even once.
This is the only truth.
When I was a child,
I tried to believe in my grandmother's story.
But the more I tried, the more painful it became.
Why didn't she visit me? Not even a phone call.
Then I started to take it out on my grandmother.
I understand. Thank you very much.
Grandma is a liar!
I am not lying to you.
Your mother really loves you.
If my mother hadn't abandoned me,
I wouldn't be in so much pain.
I hate lies and liars because of my mother.
I feel so resentful.
I don't want to be like her.
You again?
Please.
Just a few shots.
Of course I'll let you take pictures.
My husband was in this business
to bring happiness to the local people.
If this will make you happy then please go ahead.
Mom, are you sure?
Son, you have to learn to adapt.
Put this on first.
Here.
It suits you.
I'm shooting.
Good.
One more.
Good
I've never seen Kamikawa so happy! Thank you Yuko.
I don't need your thanks.
It seems that the photo exhibition is on track.
Yeah.
Here are Kamikawa's hand-made desserts.
Whoa!
Can I have one?
- How is it? - Yummy.
It's really delicious.
You suck.
Number 10, you're up.
Yes.
For Kazuko From Yuko
Why? I'm the one who recommended you for the job.
Sorry
What's going on?
Can we talk while we walk?
Sure.
It's about Hoshino going to Tokyo.
What?
Sorry, you didn't know?
No.
Figures.
Actually, it was just before you returned.
I recommended him to a designer friend in Tokyo.
He always wanted to work in Tokyo.
Oh.
That designer likes Hoshino's work,
and asked him to come to work in the fall.
But Hoshino now wants to hold off.
Hold off?
It would have been better if he had just rejected the offer outright.
But leaving things hanging, is really troublesome.
Oh, I'm heading that way. See you.
Ah, ok.
That hurts.
I see.
I get it now.
Thank you for your hard work.
Hello?
Oh Yuko, Kashi-san has introduced another person to take photo memories.
Yuko are you listening?
Uh, yeah, I heard you.
Kashi recommended someone living in Building 46, Unit 201,
Kashiwaba-san.
Preferably today.
Oh, I got it. See you.
Hello Kashiwaba-san. I am here to help you take the photo memories.
Oh.
Earlier, with the sign language...
Yeah.
It's in the town up ahead, right?
I used to live in that old photo studio.
Photo studio?
Yes my wife is a photographer.
But something happened and we got separated.
I've been sick lately.
I see.
Taking pictures in front of my wife's photo studio that I love
would be nice!
That's great.
Turn left at the traffic light, third shop on the right.
Is it here?
Hey, isn't that Kashiwaba?
Where the hell have you been?
You are...
I am Kurata, I live across from you.
Eh?
Your wife was worried sick, what happened to you?
What happened here?
Oh.
She continued to do business waiting for you to come back.
Waiting for me?
Of course.
Then, why is it gone?
Ah, how long has it been?
One day she suddenly closed her business,
Her brother tore down the house and sold the land.
So, contact her brother and you should be able to find her, right?
- Her brother? - Yeah, yeah.
- Excuse me. - Huh?
I'm working on a project for the City Hall.
Can I know the story behind it?
It's all in the past.
Please tell me.
Okay, okay.
That guy suddenly left his wife and ran off with another woman.
My wife and his wife are good friends.
8 years...
She hadn't heard from him for 8 years.
She has been waiting for years with great devotion.
Yeah?
Is it true you ran away with another woman?
Yuko
Did you leave Kashiwaba alone?
You can't do that! What's going on?
He ran off with another woman and didn't contact her for 8 years.
He lied and had the gall to call her his "dear wife"
Even if he's not right, you have to stay professional.
Indecisive people like you don't have the right to say that.
What are you talking about?
Shut up and leave me alone.
Ichiro Hoshino
This is Ichiro. Please come to Kazuko's house as soon as possible.
Where is Kazuko?
The surgery didn't go well and she had to be sent to a long term care center.
What?
Kazuko
Yuko
Thank you for the gift and your letter.
I was so happy.
Kazuko
I'm the one who should thank you.
Yuko, thank you.
Those wonderful
photographs of memories,
I will treasure them.
I have no more regrets.
It's time to go, ma'am.
See you soon.
Thank you.
Yuko, this is Misaki.
Kashiwaba has disappeared.
Can you come and help find him?
What?
His foot had deteriorated so the doctor told him not to go out.
Kashiwaba-san!
Yuko, I know you're in there
We've found Kashiwaba-san.
He wanted to go to his wife's brother,
but he didn't have an address.
He fell down halfway and couldn't walk.
It was a passerby who found him. He's fine now.
Yuko, open the door!
Why are you walking around with a bad foot?
Anyway, I'm going to apologize to my wife.
- I don't believe it. - It's true.
I have to try or I will not forgive myself.
Forgive?
Can we go there again to find her?
If...
If she would forgive me...
I hope you can help me take a picture with her.
Please.
Only if you promise to apologize to your wife.
Thank you.
Mitsuki...
she passed away.
Her brother only gave me this box.
He told me the location of her grave.
Then he told me not to come back.
You won't take the photo, right?
I'll never be able to apologize to her.
This must be my retribution.
I deserve it.
Let's go to her grave and pay our respects.
Are you okay?
Okay, let's go inside.
Tell me,
do you think Mitsuki will be waiting for me?
Yuko, it's me.
I heard about Kashiwaba.
You did a really good thing.
Come on, cheer up!
When he found out his wife died, I saw his expression.
I believe he really wanted to apologize to his wife.
But it's also true that he abandoned his wife.
Is it true that he abandoned his wife?
Is it true he wanted to apologize?
Why should you decide which is true?
What did you bring?
Your favorite snack - Taiyaki.
Tanaka's? Why not Inaka's?
Taiyaki from Tanaka's are the best!
Taiyaki from Tanaka can't compare to those from Inaka.
What are you talking about, Taiyaki from...
Oh?
What is it?
That date we were supposed to go to in high school.
In front of the best Taiyaki shop near the library.
That's right, in front of Inaka's shop.
I was waiting for you for hours.
And you lied to me that you were there and waiting for me.
That's why I wasn't lying.
I was waiting for you at Tanaka's shop. Tanaka.
So that means...
That's right.
- Listen - I was thinking.
Go ahead.
- What is it? - No, you first.
No, it's nothing.
A gift. Do you like sweets?
Oh.
I like them.
Oh, it's still warm.
Want to eat together?
Yes.
Please sit down.
I'll make some tea.
Sorry, I should have asked you first.
It's my wife, Mitsuki.
The photo was in the box she left me
She looked really nice.
I still remember this photo.
The day before I left,
she suddenly asked me to take these photos.
Looking back,
she probably knew I was going to leave her.
Why did he leave me these ones?
I remember there were better ones.
Mitsuki learned sign language, didn't she?
Yeah, she joined a volunteer group and worked hard on it.
If you'd allow me.
Do you know what this means in sign language?
Sign...
I don't know anything about sign language.
Look here.
"I will"
"be waiting"
"for you."
Photo Exhibition of Memories
Hello.
What?
That's a touching story, but 8 years?
I don't think I would ever wait that long.
I wouldn't wait either.
- Misaki, please come here. - Coming.
- Excuse me a moment. - Sure
Look at that!
Sato, look, that's me!
- Which library did you take that? - The Central Library.
I'm a little embarrassed.
- Oh, Kazuko is here. - Kazuko!
Hello
Kazuko
The doctor gave me special permission to come over.
Your grandmother would have been very happy.
Yuko, Yuko! Hoshino's still not here?
No
Must be some work crisis he can't get out of.
Today of all days.
The first day of the exhibition.
It can't be helped.
Kashiwaba-san.
Oh, it's you.
Do you think...
Mitsuki was really waiting for me?
I think she was really waiting for you.
I didn't make it time!
Hoshino
Thank you Grandma.
I got a good expression out of you.
I...
told them I wouldn't go to Tokyo.
What?
You know,
I chose not to go to Tokyo when I had the chance.
It feels like I'm running from a challenge.
But after working with you on the Photo Memories project,
I realized that I was not running away from Tokyo.
I stayed because I love this place.
So I bought this camera.
Now I want to take photographs of memories with you.
I want to
be with you.
What are you laughing at?
Liar!