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Dear Brother, how are you?
How's your back?
I managed to graduate high school.
But I've decided not to go to college.
In fact, I've found a job.
At a factory...
Naoki, thanks for your letter.
Yeah, my back is doing okay.
I'm hanging in there.
They have me working a lathe here in prison.
But I was a little shocked by your letter.
Your decision not to continue school.
To be honest...
I was pretty upset by it.
I mean because... it's all my fault.
If I hadn't been such a fool...
you'd be in college.
"The Letter"
Kenji?
Are you stupid?
You went and painted this again.
It's Spring... the pink season.
I couldn't help myself.
Pink doesn't suit you anyhow.
Right, Yumiko?
Wait, you're wearing pink.
Girls in love always want to wear pink.
No, it just feels like spring.
You see? What did I tell you ladies?
Hold it!
Akko's in pink, too!
Gag!
Watch it.
So Akko's in love, too, eh?
Out with it, now! Who is it?
Come on, don't be shy.
Mr. Hashiguchi?
- Oh, please. - Why? He's a handsome man.
Forgive me.
Sorry.
I'm so sorry!
Help! Thief!
Somebody help, please!
I'll give this back, I swear!
Please be quiet!
I beg you!
Please!
I won't hurt you!
Please!
Ma'am!
Forgive me!
Let go!
Another hearing just took place...
over the murder of a wealthy housewife last October.
Prosecutors are hoping the court will hand down a life sentence...
on 22-year old parcel courier, Tsuyoshi Takeshima...
for his "cowardly act" of preying on the defenseless elderly.
Please, let me testify again!
About what a good person my brother is!
He hurt his back trying to earn enough to send me to college.
He couldn't work.
You look okay.
I'm glad.
Yeah.
I'm eating, for one thing.
How's your back?
Still hurt?
I'll live.
But tell me...
did you go?
You know...
the funeral.
Yeah.
I did.
Soon afterwards.
Thank you all for coming to bid a final farewell to my mother.
The rain is ironic since she was known for having such a sunny personality.
I can just picture the big smile on her face today...
seeing you all gathered here today.
I admit I wasn't the best of sons.
I didn't get married as quickly as she had hoped.
My biggest regret...
is that I never let her enjoy grandchildren.
I see your point.
It's not that easy, is it?
Listen...
I can bring you some fruit.
Anything in particular?
No, not really.
I'll eat whatever you bring.
Okay.
Can I ask you something?
Why'd you remember that?
Remember what?
In court, you mentioned...
chestnuts.
Beats me.
It just suddenly...
came to mind.
I remembered...
you liked them.
Guess what?
You're wrong.
It wasn't me.
It was mom.
What?
We peeled them for her...
to make her happy.
I see.
My mistake.
I'm a fool... aren't I?
Kurosaki!
Yeah?
Up here.
Take these.
I'll be right with you.
Yo!
Don't look "up"!
Gotcha!
EXtra rice, please.
Twice.
Waving at someone not waving at you.
Awkward.
No kidding.
Awkward.
Especially for a girl.
Very awkward.
Let's jump to here.
You say, "Very awkward"...
Especially for a girl.
Then you interrupt like this.
Take it from "No. 2."
Number 2!
Snorting when you laugh.
Awkward.
Especially for a girl.
Embarrassing.
We'd be lucky to get a snort.
It's okay.
Keep going.
Come on.
No?
Who's going to laugh at your gloomy mugs?
How's the dorm?
Less trouble than renting.
This is move number...
Three.
What? You want me out now?
"Killer Get Out!"
Let me find another place first.
I'm really sorry.
But I can't help you.
I need you out by Wednesday.
Got it?
I'm sorry.
No, you've been a very good worker.
But...
once bad talk starts going around...
it affects business.
But no one here's found out yet.
I try to keep to myself.
I see.
What number job is this?
Third job, third move.
Third time's a charm.
If not?
Bring it on.
Bad impersonation.
You're cold, man.
Hey little brother...
I hope the new job's working out.
You said you worked outside a lot.
Must be pretty hot.
Hey big brother, what's up?
I'm doing alright.
I just got my first bonus, ever.
Wait for me!
Look.
So?
Found it at the park. These guys are rare.
Grow up, bro.
How about "Johnny"?
He doesn't look like a "Johnny" at all.
Let's see...
"Kotaro"?
Too dorky-sounding.
It's better than "Johnny."
I'll go wash this.
Work is hard, isn't it?
What, are you kidding?
Don't worry about me.
Thanks.
Go hit the books.
Entrance eXams, remember?
Maybe later.
No, not "maybe later."
I got it.
Hungry?
What?
Rabbit-shaped apples.
I know but...
We take the same bus every morning.
See you tomorrow?
Who's that?
I think she likes you.
No way.
She's pretty cute, too.
Ask her out.
I'm avoiding people, remember?
Yes!
Dear Nao...
September and it's still hot out.
Morning!
You said something in your last letter...
about some girl coming up and talking to you.
Any new developments?
Come to think of it...
we never talked about girls much.
I guess there wasn't much going on in that department in the first place.
I know you're busy these days...
but visit me when you get a chance.
I'd love to hear more about her.
Hi!
Here.
What?
Present.
It's Christmas today.
See you.
Merry Christmas!
To fight static electricity.
Our "Top Three List..."
"of Awkward Moments!"
Number 3! Music, please!
Snorting when you laugh.
Awkward... very awkward.
Especially for a girl.
The funniest thing happened the other day.
Very awkward!
First date of the year, too!
Looks like another long year ahead.
Awkward moment number 2!
Good night!
Good night.
Great job, guys!
You were hilarious!
Thanks!
I invited her.
So you two are old junior high buddies.
Is that when you started?
Yeah. We were the "odd couple."
Why's that?
Not to brag but I was like the worst student.
Destined to inherit the family business.
Nao was top of the class.
The brainy type, huh?
Got into the best local high school.
So why didn't you go on to college?
It seemed meaningless.
Understandable.
You don't need a degree for comedy.
Nope. You certainly don't.
To: Naoki Takeshima
Nao, I'm a bit late with this but... Happy New Year.
How'd you spend New Year's?
It arrives unnoticed around here.
You kind of lose sense of time here.
Hey, what's up?
Wait a second.
I hear you're getting on well with that girl from the cafeteria.
Not really.
In the park? Christmas Day?
I tell ya... kids these days.
Not willing to work hard for anything but their pecker.
Do I detect jealousy?
Not a chance.
So how far'd you get?
All the way "home"?
Time to go, Kurata-san.
We're talking here.
What's this?
Give that back.
A love letter?
"Tsuyoshi Takeshima"... your dad?
My brother.
You write to your brother?
Come on.
What did he do?
Your brother.
This address... it's a prison in Chiba.
Way to go, big brother.
Beat up on a whore, did he?
Petty theft, no doubt.
But who cares? Either way, he's a loser.
Human garbage.
You little...
piece of shit!
Kurata-san!
Chill out, runt!
So you think you're tough, huh?
Hey.
What do you want?
Well, I was just wondering... are you good in math?
Here, sit down.
College entrance eXams are hard.
Coffee?
Sure.
TeXtbooks don't make it any easier.
I was in there once.
Prison.
My letters to my wife had the same "inspected" stamp.
Her employer found out about it and fired her.
You reminded me of that.
I'm sorry for what I said.
You're married?
Yeah.
I need to earn as much as I can... for them.
That's why I want to go to college, earn a degree.
So maybe my son can feel a little bit proud of his old man.
What don't you understand?
Oh... yeah.
This quadratic equation thing here.
Here.
Wow.
Why didn't you go to college?
Oh... 'cause of your brother.
He did what he did... to help me.
Yeah?
We have no parents.
He insisted on putting me through college.
He said he didn't want me to make the same mistake he did.
He worked so hard that he ruined his back.
Got fired from his job.
Even so... he was determined to get the money.
I see.
Well...
I'm not the guy to tell you this but...
don't let life stop you from going after what you want.
I mean, I'm sorry about your brother and all but...
you've still got options.
You want to do stand-up comedy, right?
Give it a shot. Aim high.
Don't sit around here.
One more thing.
Keep on writing.
To your brother.
It's brutally lonely in there.
Kawashima.
Matsumoto.
Hasebe.
Ogawara.
That's it.
Packages.
Yoshida.
Terao.
Suzuki.
Boo!
Where are your mittens?
Not your color?
Want to catch a movie sometime?
Like that action flick that's showing right now.
Could you stop, please?
I don't have the time.
Everyone can use a breather.
Look... my brother's in prison.
For life.
He killed an old lady for money.
You'd best stay away.
Isn't that the boy who rides the bus with us?
Where?
Right there.
Oh, the silent one in the cap who always sits in the back.
He wasn't on the bus this morning.
I'm pretty sure he quit yesterday.
I saw him thanking the dorm manager last night.
Now that's awkward!
Awkward moment...
number 2!
Waving to someone not waving at you.
Don't you hate that? You feel so awkward!
By the way, were you at the mall yesterday?
No. Why?
Who was I waving at, then?
Awkward!
Thank you!
Thanks.
Wait a second!
You'll never believe it!
The producer of "King of Comedy" just called asking about you guys.
Really?
Television, huh? You must be eXcited.
I may have to quit working here.
I'd hate to lose you, to be honest.
You're popular with the female clientele.
Good evening, ma'am.
"Ma'am"?
How impersonal. Forgotten me already?
Why're you here?
Secret.
Yusuke told you.
FiX me a cocktail.
This really is a surprise, though.
My school's right nearby.
Small world, huh?
School?
I started beauty school last month.
When you left the factory to chase a career in show business...
I decided to chase my dream, too.
Let me cut your hair sometime.
Practice makes perfect, right?
Help me with my dream.
Ask Yusuke.
But I want to cut your hair.
Look, what do you want?
Oh, yeah!
Before I forget... write down your address.
I saw you on television. Imagine my surprise.
Who'd have thought you'd turn pro?
It's like I'm dreaming.
I've never felt so proud in all my life.
I've always been proud of you, though.
Take care of yourself, little brother.
I'll do the same.
- I saw you on TV! - Me, too!
Having fun, folks?
Take us under your wing, Saku and Monta.
Sure, what's that great gag you guys do?
Which one?
The "Mambo" gag, what else?
I know it! It goes, "Ooh..."
"Mambo!"
That's their signature gag!
We have more.
Show us! Show us!
Yeah, liven things up!
We're your mentors, right?
Of course you are!
Okay... here we go!
Tera and Take! Tera and Take!
Everybody ready!?
Mambo!
Thank you.
Drink up!
Here, let me get that!
Nao, you sit over here!
I'll move there!
Asami, over here!
Another round!
Don't tell me you're only giving us "Mambo."
Yeah, show us material!
Hear hear!
Encore!
Okay, you win. How about a new version?
Hi, we're Tera and Take!
Hey Nao...
Your partner's waiting.
I think I'll pass.
Say what?
Hey, bud... don't spoil everyone's fun.
If you'll eXcuse me.
Nao...
Nao!
Oh, I'm sorry.
Won't your friends miss you?
I'm not good at socializing.
Yeah... I kind of sensed that.
I mean, I'm the same way.
I see.
Do all the big comedy acts behave like those guys?
There's kind of a pecking order.
You two are so much better than them.
You don't have to say that.
But it's true.
You stay up to see us?
Uh-huh. And you two are always the funniest on it.
Really?
You guys are genuinely trying to get people to laugh.
Not get laughed at.
So when you refused them back there...
I was impressed.
You take pride in your work.
So you think I tend to go overboard?
A little.
Just last week's show, right?
No, Yusuke looks upset sometimes.
Like you're swinging and missing but he can't say anything.
I'm sorry. Are you mad?
No, I appreciate your honesty.
You mean "the" GS Corporation?
Your father's senior eXecutive?
He's your average dad, walking around the house in long-johns.
We keep begging him to stop.
And he says, "Try it. You might like it."
No way, right?
Thanks... I'll be fine from here.
Are you sure? I could see you home.
I'll be all right.
Well...
Yes... well...
Would you mind...?
What?
giving me your number?
Dear Tsuyoshi...
we're going to be in a commercial.
You'll probably be seeing more of me than you care to now.
How's your back doing?
I worry it'll worsen with the colder weather.
I'll write again soon.
Take care of yourself.
Sorry!
What kept you?
The shoot ran late.
No eXcuse.
Forgive me.
An early Christmas present.
I have to work that day.
You shouldn't have!
Can I open it?
It's beautiful.
It's nothing, really.
I love it. Thanks.
Say Nao?
Would you like to have dinner at my house sometime?
Meet my dad?
No?
No, of course I would.
But... you sure I'm okay?
Hey, if I like you...
Dad will like you.
Good evening, folks!
Nice to see you.
I'm not sure I believe in ghosts.
Why's that?
I mean tons of people die each day.
Ghosts should be everywhere.
You have a point.
Like "rapper" ghosts.
Rapper ghosts? What're they?
Yo, you put me 6 feet undah That's your biggest blundah
I'm gonna haunt ya! Curse and taunt ya!
Gimme a break.
Ain't no different from the living!
"Gay" ghosts.
Spare me.
I'm haunting you, honey!
My casket was tacky! And you dressed me in polyester!
I'm spending eternity in that!?
Knock it off!
EXcuse me.
I can channel spirits, too.
You can?
Channel mine.
All right.
Yusuke Terao...
I sense a very sad spirit in you.
Really?
Right here... about 3 inches long.
Do you mind?
Allow me.
Thank you.
Here.
Have you tried my daughter's cooking?
No, not yet.
Oh, that's good.
What's that supposed to mean?
I mean, it's edible and all but...
You're making things worse.
Her mother died long ago before she could show Asami the ropes.
My mother died when I was young, too.
So I've heard.
It must've been difficult.
You're an only child?
Yes.
Amazing.
You fulfilled your dream completely on your own.
That's not easy.
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe you can teach Asami a bit about self-reliance.
I'm not quite as helpless as you think, Dad.
Mr. Takeshima...
don't let her lean on you too much, okay?
Daddy!
Where's the bathroom?
The "lavatory"?
Right this way.
I can't say I approve.
I don't feel he's right for you.
But you just got through praising him.
As a friend, at some distance, I think he'd be fine.
It's good for you to know the world is made up of all kinds of people.
That's an awful thing to say!
You have Takafumi.
Daddy... please.
What's wrong with him?
He has a similar background.
Credibility.
Most of all, he's known you all your life.
What's the problem?
You want me to marry someone I don't love?
My happiness is no concern?
Of course it is.
Well, then...
The lavatory's hard to find, isn't it?
Please, sit down.
We're having tea.
Please.
I'll be okay from here.
You overheard us talking, didn't you?
Don't worry. Who lets parents choose their fiancee these days, anyway?
I know what's right for me.
And what's right... is you.
Honest.
My dad will come around, I assure you.
He doesn't know you yet, that's all... how wonderful you are.
But over time, I think he will.
As long as our feelings for each other remain strong...
there's nothing we can't overcome.
Don't you agree?
Yes, I do.
"Families with..."
"criminal backgrounds."
"Did you know the brother of murderer, Tsuyoshi Takeshima...
is a popular comedian on TV?"
"Naoki Takeshima."
"You mean, the comedy duo?"
"Yeah... Tera & Take."
"Murderer..."
"What a stigma to live with."
"He looks homicidal himself."
"It's probably in his blood."
"Tera & Take suck!"
"Criminal's families are guilty, too."
"Tera & Take belongs to the Ricardo Talent Agency."
We've had several calls from people who've read this.
We've had to cancel the commercial.
Why didn't you tell us?
I'm sorry.
If we'd known earlier, we could've found ways around it.
I should quit, shouldn't I?
Now hold on. No one's saying that.
I will.
Nao...
I can't jeopardize Yusuke's career.
Help him.
Let him continue.
I'd never forgive myself...
Please.
This brings back memories, doesn't it?
Those supermarket events.
Mambo!
You wanted to talk?
I'm sorry but...
I'm leaving the business.
Say what?
Quitting Tera & Take.
An awkward moment!
That's not funny at all.
I plan on marrying Asami.
Her dad runs GS Corporation.
It's a great chance.
You can get married and still do comedy.
Yeah but there's no security in it.
This way, I'm set for life, you know?
Do you mean that?
I do. I've already told our agent.
This is bullshit.
Throwing it all away for a woman?
We've been together since junior high.
We made a pact, you and I.
Why this?
You're my friend, right?
I was hoping you'd be happy for me.
Feel better?
Not even close!
Then go make a name for yourself.
Become a big star...
and show me up.
Dear Nao...
How's show business?
I'm rooting for you, kid brother. That's all I can do from here.
Even here in prison, I can hear the cicadas chirping.
Remember those old family outings to the beach?
You were always afraid to go in the water.
I hope you still don't catch summer colds.
Remember to turn off your fan at night.
Write me, Nao.
You don't have to say much.
Just one sentence...
on a postcard.
I'll be waiting.
Hey Takeshima.
You had a strange visitor the other day.
Strange?
Asking a lot of questions about you.
I didn't like him so I kicked him out of here.
Thank you.
Welcome.
Long time, no see.
Nao?
Why'd you return here?
Simple.
I need to earn a living.
Aren't you getting married?
It's not that easy.
Love conquers all, doesn't it?
I wouldn't say that.
You'll just have to go the distance then.
You know what I mean, don't you?
Not really.
Tell you what... I'll do your hair. Make you irresistible.
Is that okay?
No, thanks.
EXcuse me.
Yes.
You sure you want to tell him that?
Tell him what?
To "go the distance."
No, I don't.
But that's life.
Hi.
Can I come in?
It's good! It really is!
Oh, so you did have doubts, huh?
Not eXactly.
My college friend showed me the right way to cook pasta.
I'm relieved it worked.
Oh, I saw Yusuke on a late night program yesterday.
You did?
I still can't believe you guys broke up.
I assumed you guys were really close.
Have you found any good candidates for a new partner?
Not yet.
I see.
I don't see why your agents don't help you more.
Don't worry, though. I believe in you.
Asami?
About that...
Yes?
I am Kashima.
Is Asami here?
Takafumi?
What're you doing?
Your father sent me.
My father?
EXcuse me.
What did he tell you?
Home cooking.
Asami...
stop this charade.
Mr. Takeshima. I'm sorry but I need to ask you to stop seeing Asami.
What right do you have?
I did some investigating.
Is there something you'd like to tell us about your family?
What're you saying? Nao has no family.
Oh no?
You haven't told her.
What?
This postcard just arrived for you.
See for yourself.
"Takeshima"? Who's this from?
Nao?
Tell me. Don't hide things from me.
My brother.
Your brother?
You said you were an only child.
He lied.
And it's understandable why he did.
What do you mean by that?
A prison inspection stamp.
It's a postcard from an inmate there.
An inmate?
Why's your brother in prison?
For...
murder.
He broke into a home to steal money.
Armed robbery, huh?
Despicable.
I'm sorry, Asami. I planned to tell you someday.
But I was afraid to lose you on account of it.
I couldn't do it.
Asami...
Stay away... for good.
Asami?
What are you doing?
It's not safe to sit out there.
Nao, I...
Look out!
Asami!
Her purse was found in a river.
Cash and credit cards were stolen.
She's going to have a scar.
Modern plastic surgery can limit the damage, however.
But everytime I look upon her face from now until I die.
I'll be reminded of this horrible incident.
Just like the family of the woman your brother killed.
Yes, I looked into it.
Of course, I can't fault you.
But this man who took a weak, innocent life over a mere pittance...
is undeniably your flesh and blood.
That's all people need to know to fear and hate you.
I included.
If you wish for Asami's happiness...
then I ask...
that you stay away from her.
I don't need that.
If you become a father yourself someday...
what I'm trying to do here won't seem so unreasonable.
Dear Nao...
Forgive the postcard. I ran out of stationery.
How're you holding up in this heat?
I had my first shaved ice in a long time.
It was very reviving.
I remember us running to the store to buy them, coins hot in our hands.
We fought madly over what flavor syrup to pour over it.
What're you reminiscing about?
Shaved ice, for Christ's sake?
It's all your fault.
This is all your fault.
Sorry to keep you.
Are you looking for a desktop?
No, notebook.
This is our best seller right now.
Great for beginning users.
If you press this "menu" button...
you get a list of your software.
Cheers!
Congratulations, Nao! You deserve it.
It's no big deal.
A promotion? Come on.
And you've only been at it for 3 months.
I guess so.
As a matter of fact, I'm in the market for a PC.
I want you to sell me the cheapest one you got.
Can you use one?
You making fun of me? I'm not a total idiot, you know.
I invited him.
And I came.
My manager told me.
I'm sorry.
I was clueless.
You're doing well, though.
Can't complain.
Still a long way to go.
And I'm carrying you with me.
Are you writing your brother?
No, I haven't heard from him since I moved.
You didn't tell him?
About your job, neither?
I'd rather not think about him, to be honest.
There, cooked to perfection. Dig in, boys.
Big piece!
Thanks.
Takeshima, morning!
Good morning.
A major consumer appliance superstore...
in Akihabara was broke into early this morning.
5 million yen in cash and about 2 million in merchandise...
were stolen.
According to the guard on morning duty...
the crime probably occurred between 2 and 4 a.m.
Because an employee entrance had been used...
police are investigating the likelihood of an inside job.
And they are questioning staff.
A warehouse in Saitama?
They've asked for someone young.
You have great energy and a good work attitude for it.
But why all of a sudden?
You have an elder brother...
who's in prison, don't you?
After the break-in, conducted a background check on our employees.
That's why I'm being transferred?
Interpret it as you please but...
job transfers are simply a fact of life in the corporate world.
You're not the only one to complain.
Unbelievable.
You haven't done anything wrong! Why should they move you?
Forget it.
I don't want to. I'm complaining to your boss.
Don't get so upset. I'm used to it by now.
Nao!
As long as my brother's around, my life's stained.
You're just tired.
You need to unwind.
How?
Well...
like singing karaoke or taking up a sport.
Traveling!
Travel, huh? Sounds nice.
Where do you want to go?
A country without discrimination.
May I help you?
Oh please, don't mind me.
Unless I'm in the way.
No.
I notice product No. D-73() goes fast.
Yes, it does.
That figures. It's because of the colder weather.
You are?
Hirano, from headquarters.
The president?
Pleasure.
So you're Mr. Takeshima.
Yes.
Tell me... did you find your transfer unfair?
From a personnel standpoint, your transfer was reasonable.
What did you eXpect?
You probably felt discriminated against.
And it wasn't the first time, either.
Yes.
Each time, it's been painful.
You've often felt very angry at the world.
But the discrimination is understandable.
It is?
Nobody wants the threat of violent crime so close to home.
They fear you just by your association with a criminal...
But it's a natural reaction.
A self-defense mechanism.
Because I'm related to a criminal...
I should accept discrimination? Is that it?
It's something your brother, too, must always keep in mind.
His sentence goes beyond life in prison for murder.
The crime he committed includes the suffering...
it has inflicted on you.
So what should I do?
Start over... right here.
Bit by bit, day by day.
Rebuild your relationship with the world around you.
Know how I found out about you?
From a letter I received.
The person who wrote it insisted that I don't tell you about it.
But he felt he had to do it.
He asked me not to blame you for any discomfort I might feel...
from its content.
I guess you know who the letter's from.
Its author writes of the tremendous suffering...
you've had to endure.
How your life's been destroyed by a terrible mistake...
despite the fact you're a wonderful person.
At the end of the letter...
He asks me to help you... however I can.
It's not the best-written letter.
But I was moved by it.
You've already begun the process.
You and the author of this letter are part of each other's lives.
Now you just need to include a few others.
Don't look for places to hide.
Look for "your" place right here.
From: Tsuyoshi Takeshima
Dear Nao... thanks for your letter.
How is work?
The other day, I saw a TV special about Akihabara.
That's where you used to work, isn't it?
How'd he know that?
How have you adjusted to the warehouse?
I hear transfers are normal.
Manual labor is real hard on the body so be careful.
Nao?
What's going on?
You've been writing my brother!
I...
And pretending to be me!
No, don't!
Who asked you to do this?
Stay away from me.
What're you doing!?
You can't do this! It's too important!
After you broke up with Asami...
you started drinking a lot, remember?
One night when I brought you home...
I spotted your brother's unopened letters.
And?
I'm sorry.
It wasn't my business.
But I don't feel it was wrong.
Reading my mail and replying in my name?
That's not wrong?
I am sorry.
But you hadn't told your brother you'd moved.
You do that and the letters can't be delivered.
That's my business.
I know but...
is that what you want?
He's your only family.
I cut my ties with him.
I'm shunned from society...
discriminated against.
You've already begun the process.
You and the author of this letter...
are part of each other's lives.
Now you just need to include a few others.
Don't look for places to hide.
Look for your place right here.
Nao?
No matter how hard you try to run away... you can't.
To: Tsuyoshi Takeshima
From: Naoki Takeshima
Printed.
He knows your handwriting.
Dear Nao... thanks for your letter.
I'm relieved to hear you're well.
You hadn't written in so long... I thought you might be sick.
I got worried.
So how are things?
Pretty nasty typhoon we had, huh?
You said it blew off your shop's sign.
Hope no one got hurt.
It felt kind of weird getting a letter written on a computer.
But I'm used to it now.
Though I miss your sloppy handwriting...
this is much easier to read. And it's the content that counts.
Oh, yeah. I found a buyer for my products.
Your encouragement was a big help.
Thanks.
Looking forward to your next letter.
I'll write again next month.
Take care of yourself...
little brother.
Tsuyoshi.
Yumiko?
This letter...
you typed on your computer?
He believed it.
What I did...
was probably wrong.
But yes...
your brother believed it.
It made him happy.
The only peace of mind he gets...
is from your letters.
Your letters...
carry incredible power.
My father...
was always in debt.
I grew up... always on the move, running with my family from creditors.
I don't want to run anymore. I don't want you to, either.
I know what it's like. I've seen how it ends.
Eventually... our family was torn apart.
My sister and I placed in separate foster homes.
Every so often... a letter would come from father.
It was such a treat.
So I know how your brother feels.
Your letters are priceless.
They're life savers.
So please... write him.
Stop trying to run.
Just write him.
Forgive me... Yumiko.
For being such a fool.
You wrote the company president.
Darn... he told you.
Yumiko...
thanks.
Thank you.
From now on...
I'll look after you.
Dear Nao... thanks for your letter.
Miki has sure gotten big.
I look at her photo every day.
She's a beauty... like her mother.
Probably more so in person.
Look at your new hairdo!
Let's go to the park.
After you see your father off.
Any friends yet?
Yeah... Erina, Mana and Kentaro.
They can't get enough of that sandboX.
I see.
See you tonight.
Have a good day.
Here we are.
Taro! We're leaving.
It's a bit early, isn't it?
Patience.
Why not? We bought them, didn't we?
Right, Miki?
Right!
How was the park?
We didn't go today.
Why not?
Got busy.
Miki, you can pour the ketchup.
Chief!
Visitor!
Nao!
Yumiko's put on weight.
I'll tell her.
I'm kidding.
I've been watching you on TV.
Lots of younger competition these days.
You'll be all right.
Hey Nao?
Do one show with me.
Just one... a volunteer gig, nothing professional.
Actually, I've been performing at prisons for siX months now.
They're always a receptive crowd.
But inmates tend to really dig comedy pairs over solo acts.
What do you say, man? It'll be just like old times.
In Chiba.
It's in Chiba, right?
Yumiko told me.
You haven't visited your brother in years.
I appreciate the thoughts. But I'll pass.
I see.
Drop by again. Yumiko and Miki love seeing you.
Let's eat.
"Look, I finally found what I was looking for!"
"It was myself."
"It's nice... very nice... to be me."
The end.
What is a "killer"?
Am I a "killer's kid"?
About a month ago, I think.
A rumor spread among some housewives in company housing.
What rumor?
That if your brother got out of jail, he'd live here.
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want to...
I'm her father!
You'll wake her.
We'll move.
Find another apartment.
Let's not run. We can get through this.
We have to be an eXample for her.
If we're strong...
What if she isn't?
Will she understand when she can't make friends?
She's already being discriminated against.
Why aren't you thinking of her?
I would gladly give my life for her!
Stop acting like you're the only one being persecuted.
I'm not!
Feel better?
Miki's done nothing wrong.
She shouldn't have to run.
Neither should you.
We're a family, the three of us. No matter what people say.
Let's hold our heads high and be proud of it.
I'm not running.
I'm not.
Dear Tsuyoshi...
Truth be told, this is my first letter to you in four years.
The person that's been writing to you all this time...
is Yumiko.
I'm sorry.
She's much stronger than I am.
I lacked the courage.
But this time, I'm finishing this letter to you myself.
Ever since that day...
I've lived my life as "the brother of a murderer."
I gave up on a dream career...
and a woman I had hoped to marry.
But with a family, it's more painful.
I have to watch my wife and daughter suffer my fate.
They call Miki a "killer's kid."
I don't care if it's just me.
And Yumiko is strong for me.
But dear brother, I just can't let Miki...
go through a life like mine.
I know I should've told you this earlier.
This is my reality.
If I turn away from it...
your punishment can't end.
Dearest brother...
this will be my last letter to you.
After you read this, I ask that you don't write us anymore.
If you ever get out, I ask that you don't visit us.
To protect my wife and child...
I must give you up.
I'm sorry... please try to understand.
Take care of yourself.
Forgive me...
my brother.
To: Tsuyoshi Takeshima
From: Naoki Takeshima
I'm afraid my wife is out with our child.
Go ahead.
I had intended on visiting much earlier.
I can't offer much but...
Take it with you.
I'm sorry but I'd like to keep your visit a secret from my family.
My wife is pregnant with our second.
I can't risk upsetting her.
May I offer a stick of incense at your mother's altar?
I'd rather you didn't.
It's not that I resent you.
You didn't murder my mother.
So there's no reason for you to do so.
These are from your brother.
They've arrived every month since he's been in prison.
I know he feels regret for his mistake.
But it won't cure the pain of my mother's death.
I've thought of telling him not to send any more letters.
But my anger forced me to ignore them instead.
I eXpected them to stop eventually.
But they haven't.
Every month for 6 years.
Then it dawned on me...
the letters are his sutra.
This is his last one.
Dear Sir, I've taken up a pen to inform you of an important confession.
The other day, I received a letter from my brother.
He told me it would be his final letter.
And that he would no longer accept mine.
Having a murderer for a brother has brought him unimaginable pain.
He wrote of the discrimination his wife and child must endure.
And that to protect them, he must sever all ties with me.
After 6 years, I finally understand.
I haven't atoned for my sins at all.
As long as I exist, my sins continue...
against you, my brother and many, many others.
My brother is right.
I should never have written.
I therefore write you to apologize...
and promise this will be my last.
I am deeply sorry.
I pray for your health and happiness.
Sincerely...
Tsuyoshi Takeshima.
I came to a decision after reading that.
To find some closure.
Mr. Ogata...
It's Naoki, right?
Let's put this behind us.
Let's call it quits.
At last.
We've suffered too long.
We'll be waiting at the park.
I'll be right back. Be good, okay?
Okay, let's go.
Good luck.
Found you!
Go ask them to play.
If you ask nicely, I'm sure they'll play with you.
Are you coming, too?
I'll be right here watching.
Hello! We're Tera & Take. Nice to see you all here!
So...
Boy, are we thrilled to be here.
We sure are.
I'm straight.
Not again!
Yes, there's a lot of testosterone here but...
Sure but... hey, he's kind of cute.
What happened to being "straight"?
I'm kidding.
But I like the idea of talking to an all male audience.
Rare opportunity.
It kind of pumps you up.
Sure does.
Now that we're pumped, let's...
Hey, what're you yawning for?
Stop looking at your watch.
Is the sand dry?
I want better train announcement guys.
They're like zombies or something.
NeXt stop... Shibuya.
They are dull, yes.
Trains are a service industry. Put some "service" into it!
More service?
Tell us about the neighborhood.
Oh, I see.
Harajuku... "teen town." Odaiba... "date spot."
I like that.
Tabata... boondocks.
Akihabara... dig it!
That doesn't tell me anything! "Dig it."
How about getting cute girl voices for the announcements?
I'd love it.
Teenage girls could lighten the mood some.
Um, let's see... neXt we have Shibutani.
Oops! I mean Shibuya.
You mean "vapid"!
NeXt is... Gochanomizu.
Sorry... Gochanomizu.
It's not the intonation, it's the word!
Let's make some ice cream.
Okay.
Did you make this?
Yeah.
Can I try?
Nope.
Here's your ice cream.
What flavor do you want?
Mom says to play nice.
Don't you get bored riding the train?
Yeah, you really need something to read.
They could pipe through sports on audio.
You mean like soccer or baseball?
For your listening pleasure... ping-pong.
Who wants to listen to that?
I bet you like Sagamihara Club.
He's got that nasty serve.
Who the heck is he?
Get it together.
Truth is, he comes from a ping-pong playing family.
It's true. We have a table at home.
I mean it. They could be pros.
His sister looks like a racket.
How does someone look like a racket?
His mother eats all her meals with one!
No, she just serves with it!
Amazing.
Let me tell you about this guy's brother.
Oh yeah, well... when it comes to my brother...
I'd say he's...
my brother's...
- my brother's SO...! - What? What? What?
stupid!
How stupid?
You listening?
He's so stupid that...
he thought that "serving time in jail"...
meant "dinner hours."
What is he, a muscle head? Come on!
He's so stupid...
the other day, he asked...
"How do you call 911?"
He can't be that dumb!
And he's such a wimp... cries at everything.
He cries at weddings.
That's okay.
"We didn't do the hokey-pokey!"
What is he... 3 years old?
He's such a child.
Can't score with women.
Not with that personality.
But I think of him every Friday.
Why Friday?
Trash pickup day.
What, your brother's burnable trash?
Not likely. He's like asbestos.
But what can you do?
He's my brother.
We're linked by blood.
I mean, when I was born... he just came with the house.
Well, of course.
He's like asbestos... inflammable.
I'm stuck with him forever.
Well, he's your brother.
True... he is my brother.
For what it's worth... my only brother.
Can't trade him for a dog.
I'll just have to settle for the neXt best thing...
a big brother.
Hey, the world is made of all kinds of families, you know?
And when you get to my age...
you get this crazy idea of maybe starting your own.
Getting married.
Who, you?
Yes, me!
But your girl just dumped you.
Sad but true.
And after buying her a ring.
Yes, a pair of...
onion rings.
No, silver! They were silver!
I thought it would bind us.
Your problem is you always did everything she asked.
I think she grew bored.
Song by Kazumasa Oda "Kotoba ni dekinai"
Song by Hitomi Takahashi "ko mo re bi"