"NEKO ATSUME HOUSE"
People say, "sleep brings up a child well."
Back then I slept a lot.
I did not sleep to escape from reality.
I slept for the sake of sleeping.
Sensei?
Sakamoto Sensei.
How can you fall asleep during meetings?
No, no. I wasn't asleep.
He was, wasn't he?
Yes, he was.
N-No I wasn't.
So what do you think of our suggestion?
What was it again?
Turning the main character into a zombie.
A zombie?
Right now your story lacks impact.
We are only halfway in the series.
We need to have a plot twist.
But this is not a zombie story...
- For example... - What?
Um...
For example?
It could be a philosophical zombie.
That'll match your writing style.
What do you mean?
You are confusing him.
The zombie stands pondering on a beach in September.
It doesn't have to be the beach.
What I mean is...
Look at the time.
Excuse us. We have another meeting to attend.
Anyhow, he turns into a zombie. Okay?
W-Wait.
Your deadline is next Monday, got it?
Can I have the check?
"A NEW NOVEL BY YUYA KITAKAZE"
Sensei?
That was one hell of a fall.
You debuted around the same time as Kitakaze Sensei, didn't you?
But you won the new face award before him, right?
Oh yeah?
"'A ROUND TRIANGLE' BY MASARU SAKUMOTO"
"YUYA KITAKAZE"
"HOT, AWARDS, NEW RELEASE, GIRL FRIEND"
"SOLD OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES"
"MASARU SAKUMOTO"
"NEW FACE AWARD, POPULAR NOVELIST"
"DOWNFALL, ONE HIT WONDER"
"I LOVE SAKUMOTO'S CURRENT SERIES"
"HE FINALLY GOT HIS MOJO BACK!"
"FINALLY NOMINATED FOR 'THE JAPAN BOOK SELLER'S AWARD'!?"
"HIS NEW WORK SUCKS"
"HE USED TO BE GOOD"
"MAYBE YOU ARE SAKUMOTO"
"IT HAS TO BE HIM LOL"
"WAIT, WHO IS SAKUMOTO ANYWAY?"
What are you doing here?
How did you know I was here?
I know how you behave.
Excuse me.
I don't like that zombie idea.
But I agree that you need a trigger of some sort.
A trigger?
Naoki is an average university student who falls in love with Shizuka.
He declares his love to her, but is heartbroken.
Yes.
He reunites with his childhood friend, Kanako, and becomes sort of happy.
That is right.
It's boring.
Would you want to buy such a boring, depressing story?
If you put it that way...
That is why we need a trigger.
I can't put it to words,
but you regaining your reputation and him returning to life as a zombie,
I think they synchronize in a way.
Right, on to the next bar. Come on, people.
I have lost my way about everything in life.
Maybe I should move houses.
I want to change my environment to refresh my mind.
Do you have advice on which direction I should head to?
Tako.
- Tako? - Tako.
Thank you.
Tako?
Old lady, you can't sit where I work.
Here you go. Your takoyaki balls.
Tako.
I'm back.
See you.
Where were you?
I was with Sakumoto Sensei.
I thought he'd be confused, being told to write about zombies.
He's going to ditch us.
What?
Leave him alone.
That would be irresponsible.
"TAKO"
"TACOS, TACO RICE, RECIPE"
"TACOS NUTRIENTS"
"TAKO HOUSE"
"TAKO REAL ESTATE"
"TAKO TOWN"
Oops.
"HOUSE FOR RENT TAKO REAL ESTATE"
Mr. Sakumoto?
M-Ms. Saruwatari?
I have been waiting for you.
Thank you for choosing us.
Let's get down to business.
Here is your contract, and keys to the house.
Thank you.
Being a writer must be so demanding.
How did you know?
You wrote on the contract that your occupation was a writer.
Oh yes. Of course.
Do you seclude yourself in places like these to get writing?
Yes, I guess.
You won so many awards when you were young.
I looked you up online
and you were first in the search results.
Please don't tell people I live here.
Of course not. I'm very cautious in handling private information.
Oh yes.
I hope you don't mind.
So this is now a house of a celebrity.
A photo... Cheese.
Sorry about that. Let me take out the sign.
"MICHIRU TOWADA, EDITOR"
What?
This is my house now.
What are you doing here?
How did you find me?
Didn't I tell you, I know how you behave?
No way.
How can you possibly find my address here.
In this day and age,
it's easy to find people's whereabouts.
It's called "social media."
You need to be more careful.
You skipped two episodes.
I apologize.
You do intend on continuing, don't you?
Well, this could be a good trigger.
Shall we get started?
Yes.
Are you finished?
Not really. I was curious what you were doing.
There are so many cats here.
They seem to like to chase the light.
I don't want them to stay. Please stop.
Why not?
Once you're done writing and I go home, you will be all alone.
That is precisely why I moved out here.
You need to learn to be free like these kitties.
I turned Naoto into a zombie like you suggested.
Thank you.
I will be back again next week to collect your manuscript.
What did you think of it?
My writing.
How was it?
Can't you at least give me feedback?
To be honest it is not your best work.
Then why are you taking it with you?
Because we have a deadline and we don't have time.
- Seriously? - Yes.
What is with that?
Why do I have to release it?
I already know it sucks.
I am just doing my job.
You have it so easy, don't you?
You don't have to put yourself out on the line.
What is that supposed to mean?
Think about it.
You won't get criticized when that is published.
I do.
Why don't you do your job
and teach me how to not be criticized.
Isn't that what editors do?
I did what was told and wrote about zombies.
What else do you want? Ghosts?
Sexy girls with big boobs?
I will do everything you ask.
Then it will no longer be your writing.
It already isn't!
There's no internet connection here.
I'll come back again next week.
Sensei?
I'm at a loss.
What shall I do?
Scare you? Coax you? Grill you?
Neither of them.
I agree.
But I want to do something about this.
Can't you just leave me alone?
I told you I am only doing my work.
But my boss told me to leave you alone.
Then leave me alone.
I can't.
See you next week.
"'POP STAR' BY YUYA KITAKAZE"
"'A ROUND TRIANGLE' BY MASARU SAKUMOTO"
"HE TURNED HIS CHARACTER INTO A ZOMBIE!"
"THE EDITORS ARE DONE WITH HIM"
"HE IS SO LAME"
"HIS LIFE IS OVER LOL"
Hello.
Here you go.
Thank you so much.
Come here.
Yuki is 5.87kg today.
She put on a little weight.
Yes, she did.
See you again soon.
Thank you.
Bye, Yuki.
Uh, excuse me.
Which toys do cats like?
All of them.
Do you have any recommendations?
What kind of cat?
There are many of them.
One of them is brown.
Color has nothing to do with their personality.
Cats have personalities?
Are you new to cats?
I guess you could say that.
First of all, they like toys that move.
Like balls.
I see.
And fluffy things.
Like cushions.
Cushions?
They also like small places.
They feel comfortable.
Like inside a closet?
Not quite, but you are on the right track.
Do you have any pointers on how to take good photos of cats?
Don't be desperate.
Desperate?
Cats run if you chase them.
Just like women.
Laughing when you don't find it funny?
Cats can see right through that.
Sakumoto Sensei.
How is it coming along?
It is your deadline today.
It's going fine.
There.
Let me see?
You haven't gotten anything down.
I have the storyline up here.
Then I will have to wait here until you are done.
They are here again.
What is the matter?
N-Nothing.
They have balls? Why do they have so many balls?
I'm sure they found them in the yard.
A beach ball in the yard?
What?
You know, um...
I have a craving for energy drinks.
Energy drinks?
Could you go buy some?
S-Sure.
Thank you. The store is a little far.
In that case, may I use your bicycle?
Be my guest. Take your time.
Be careful. Your shoes.
Hello there.
Mr. "bicolor."
Sensei.
I think the zombies were a bad idea.
Naoki dies in an accident
and becomes a zombie to take revenge on Shizuka?
That is right.
Isn't Naoki being too selfish?
Yes, because he is a zombie.
I guess so.
What is it?
If you want me to fix it, I will.
No, it is fine.
Then why would you bring it up?
You said you wanted to be left alone.
But not like this.
I mean, Naoki has the chance to come back to life.
Is revenge all he wants to accomplish?
Forget it.
May I have a copy on this USB?
Sensei.
Let's work to keep this going.
- I see you're hooked. - What?
Cats.
No way.
Did they like your goodies?
Yes. They are especially fond of the cushion.
Of course. Cats spend 70% of the day sleeping.
That much?
Are you cleaning their dishes often?
I think so.
Did you set a toilet?
Toilet?
But they are strays.
Strays?
Yes.
They're not your pets?
No.
What's so funny?
You are definitely hooked.
No I am not.
Have they rubbed their bodies up against you?
The cats?
Not yet.
They mark you with their smell,
once they accept you as their family.
How can I...
Just wait.
Wait? I have to simply wait?
Most cats are cold and rarely sweet to you.
Though some of them can be sweet right away.
I see.
About Katakura Sensei...
His hand was bitten by a pig while in the Philippines,
and he says he can't write.
Seriously?
It sounds like a lie, but anyway.
He can't write, so he will skip an episode next week.
What can we do. He was bitten by a pig.
Let's move on.
Mr. Sakumoto's series will be terminated,
as of our next issue.
Yes, that is the plan.
Plan? Didn't you tell him yet?
Did you?
Um...
You have to clarify that right away
to avoid any trouble.
Yes. I'm sorry.
We decided on this when he ditched
and skipped two episodes.
Even though we forced him back,
the readers hate his story.
Sorry. Let me handle this matter.
He changed his environment and is getting his flow back.
Can we have a few episodes
before we cut him off?
He can return when he gets his flow completely restored.
We can't wait around.
But sometimes writers get their flow back as they write.
Why do we need to cut him off like this?
Because he is a professional.
Also, is it easy for a writer to overcome their writer's block?
Answer him.
No, I don't think it is easy. But...
We all have high expectations for him.
Just in a different manner.
I will take care of this.
No, I will do it.
The next will be his final manuscript.
Fine. You take care of it.
Next please.
Yes. Regarding the new series starting next week...
Look at you.
What are you doing?
What is going on with all this?
Here is your drink.
What were you making earlier?
I was making a cat tower for them to climb.
Is that so?
Cats like high places, apparently.
They like to climb the roof and walls here.
But I can't see them up there.
That bothers you?
I put this here hoping that
they will stay with me.
Stay with you?
I started writing this.
"CATBOOK"
New cats come when I leave out new toys.
So they are your pets.
No, I only observe them.
I never had a chance to observe cats.
I found out they make me forget time.
They are your escape from reality?
Maybe they are.
But they also inspire me, too.
I feel bad after all the stress
I must have caused you.
I am the only one taking it slow out here.
It's fine.
In fact I am happy for you.
Happy?
This is the first time I have seen a genuine smile on your face.
Sensei.
I have something I need to tell you.
- The termination of my series? - Yes.
I guessed as much.
The final episode. The ending is a little forced.
Thank you for everything.
No, thank you.
Do you mind if I get back to building the tower?
Please go ahead.
Sensei.
Yes?
What are you going to do from now?
Let me see.
I will live with the cats for a while.
That's good.
Yes.
Chief.
Yeah?
I have the final episode from Sakumoto Sensei.
Good.
I want you to read it.
Send it to me by e-mail.
It is really good.
Great to hear.
Naoto corners Shizuka.
But in fact, he does not seek revenge.
Instead he declares his undying love.
That is how the story ends.
Undying because he is a zombie?
Because he didn't lose his heart.
Chief, could I handle Sakumoto Sensei's new release?
Once he gets his flow back.
He already has it back.
Some writers need to be pressured,
others need to be left alone.
Which type is Masaru Sakumoto?
How can you handle him without knowing that?
Sorry, sir.
"AUTUMN"
How adorable.
Mr. Sakumoto?
What is all this?
I remodeled the yard.
I hear writers try all sorts of things
to spark inspiration.
I see. How interesting.
Is she allowed to sit on that?
That is inspiration too.
I see.
So, what brings you here?
I am sure it is some mix up.
I was unable to withdraw last month's rent from your account.
Have you changed accounts?
Actually, I quit writing novels.
Well, not quit entirely,
but I am taking some time off.
Is that so.
- What a pity. - What?
I was looking forward to the new episodes.
You know how Naoki became a zombie
half way through the series?
At first I was skeptical,
but the last episode brought tears to my eyes.
Rest your body and mind to prepare yourself for the next book.
I think it is necessary.
Thank you.
So are you going to do a different job
while you take time off?
You still have to pay your rent.
Of course I do.
That is how society works, isn't it?
Right, kitty?
"PREMIUM CAT FOOD 1,200 YEN"
What's wrong?
Yes?
You're not buying your usual "Deluxe Tuna Bitz."
I'm on a budget.
Really.
Are you eating properly?
I am not a big fan of eating.
What a weirdo.
I get told that a lot.
What are you doing every day?
I-I observe cats.
I'm looking for staff to hire. Would you like to apply?
I'm not good with people.
But you love cats.
Sure, but that is a different story.
Not many people can make money doing things they love.
That is true.
There is nothing like a drink after a hard day of work.
Just think how cute those cats will be after a hard day of work.
Maybe.
Okay. You're starting now. Sweep up around here.
Now? You mean right now?
But I am not prepared for this.
Here you go. Good luck.
Good luck?
Are you sure about this?
Excuse me, I'm looking for cat food.
Yes.
I'm looking for cat food.
I see.
Should I be giving her dry ones like this one?
What are you feeding the cat now?
Just dried sardine. It's her favorite.
Dried sardine?
Yes. Cats like dried sardine, don't they?
Sure they do,
but it is high in magnesium.
Feeding too much of it could result in urinary system diseases.
Are you also giving her normal milk?
Yes, she loves milk.
Milk is difficult for cats to digest.
You should give her cat friendly milk.
What else?
Don't ever give them onions. It will cause anemia.
Can you help me pick out her food?
Sure.
This way please.
Then, I'll be off.
I'm home.
Bottoms up!
Thank you very much. Have a merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you too.
"WINTER"
I'm leaving. Don't forget to lock up.
Good night.
Sakumoto-kun.
Why don't you go home early for a change?
I will go home once I finish sorting out the store.
It's not like I'm complaining. I get to go home early to drink.
Um... I was wondering...
- How about your work? - What?
I found this.
I am almost done reading.
I really like it.
Thank you. Did you buy it for me?
No, from the library.
I am still flattered.
This is your roots, isn't it?
Your childhood.
I will leave that to your imagination.
So you liked cats,
even when you were little.
You wrote about them. A little bit.
You haven't given up on writing yet, have you?
I guess.
You can do it!
T-Thank you.
Bye.
Good night.
What is it?
It has been some time.
It sure has.
Do you have time?
Sure.
- It's all about triggers. - What?
The smallest things can change your life.
You may be right.
Please.
Thank you.
I'm taking time off work.
You are?
A pregnancy leave.
I didn't know you were married.
We'd been dating for a while,
but couldn't take the plunge.
But suddenly I hit a diverging point.
Congratulations.
I blame it on you.
The zombie had undying love, and you were playing with cats.
That is why.
What has that got to do with it?
It is not logic.
It all added up and put me in the right mind frame.
I learnt that life is all about triggers.
Some people make the best of it.
Others don't.
Maybe that's life.
I won't be able to visit you for a while.
You will go back to work, right?
I hope to.
There were rough patches.
But I am glad you were my editor.
Had you left me alone back then,
I would not have been able to find myself.
You have always been a part of my life.
You are exaggerating.
No.
Your books have always been there for me.
Choosing my school, finding my job, getting married.
You have always been there for me at my diverging point.
What an honor.
Thank you so much.
Can you tell me something if you can remember?
Sure.
Do cats appear in my first novel?
It is okay if you don't remember.
Sensei?
Yes?
- You don't remember? - What?
They appear in the first page.
They do?
You really don't remember?
I had totally forgotten.
No. Deep down, you remembered.
That's why you are a kitty collector now.
People say, "sleep brings up a child well."
Back then I slept a lot.
I'd wake up from my nap on the porch
and find a cat sitting in front of me.
It was sniffing the blue syrup from the melted shaved ice.
I thought I heard the cat tell me,
"It is time."
I knew it was time for me to wake up.
I heard the cat's voice.
"It is only just the beginning."
"SUMMER"
Welcome.
You're back at last.
Were you able to afford your rent?
Just barely. I scraped by.
I can start going home early for a drink again.
Thank you for letting me take time off.
- So? - What?
Did you finish it?
I think I did.
I don't mind being your first reader.
I can't do that.
Why not?
There is someone I want to be my first reader.
I see.
I don't get why you're laughing.
It is not what you think.
Chief.
How did it go?
I am exhausted.
You and the baby are in good health?
Yes. What brings you here?
I can't celebrate my staff's child birth by phone or e-mail.
Do you mean that?
No, I don't.
Then what is it?
Look what he did while you left him on his own.
"FROM MASARU SAKUMOTO"
Sorry, I read it before you.
This is some good stuff.
Work on it so we can publish it.
Are you sure?
Aren't you Masaru Sakumoto's editor?
"TO MS. MICHIRU TOWADA"
Take care of yourself.
Thank you, Chief.
"NEKO ATSUME HOUSE BY MASARU SAKUMOTO"
"Starring Atsushi Ito as Masaru Sakumoto"
"Shioli Kutsuna as Michiru Towada"
"Directed by Masatoshi Kurakata"
"© 2017 Hit Point Neko Atsume House" "Production Committee"
"All characters appearing in this work are fictitious."
"No animals were harmed in the making of this film."