Hi, little one...
Beautiful one who I vowed to protect
Even if my eyes were deprived of light
Good job!
Lean over.
Down lower so you won't splash. Good!
-I did it! -OK, my turn.
Why can't we take the bus today?
Asato, you begin elementary school next year.
Did you know that all the kids walk there?
Yes.
So we'll practice by walking to kindergarten today.
I like the bus though.
Not today but guess what? All three of us are going!
-The three of us? -Yes.
-With Dad? -Correct!
Yes!
He said he'd come with us.
-Don't do that! -It's dripping.
Come on, Dad's waiting.
Make sure you have everything.
Let's go. Put your shoes on.
Lights off.
-Off we go. -Off we go!
Off we go!
Hello.
Hello?
This is Mrs. Kurihara.
This is Ms. Yokota, Asato's kindergarten teacher.
Oh... yes, Ms. Yokota.
This is about... He fell from the jungle gym.
Not your son but Sora.
And Sora claims that Asato pushed him off the jungle gym.
Did Sora break any bones? Was he hurt?
No, he's OK... Just a twisted ankle.
Good...
We rushed to help. Through his tears Sora mentioned your son's name.
Sora clearly said that Asato pushed him?
Yes.
What did Asato say?
He noticed that Sora wasn't there but he doesn't remember pushing him.
He just remembers being on the jungle gym.
What do you make of it?
We can't say for sure
but Asato might have knocked Sora off without realizing it.
Asato, let's go home.
I didn't do it.
Hi, it's me.
I thought you'd call.
Yes... I wanted to ask if Sora is okay?
His leg's in pain...
So...
A settlement would be fair I think.
For medical expenses for a start...
What? Sorry?
Sora will miss his swimming class and there's the cab fare to the doctor.
Asato says he didn't do it.
Oh God, I'm shocked!
So you're not apologizing?
What did Sora tell you...?
Excuse me?
-Maybe we can ask Sora again... -Unbelievable.
You think he's a liar?
I resent that!
-It's just... -You live on the 30th floor
so you must be loaded. I didn't expect you to be stingy.
It's not about money...
-I just want to know more. -No way.
But...
Can I play with Sora again...?
Yes... You can.
Good morning.
See you. Let's go, kids.
Hurry.
Does it hurt?
Come on.
Kids will be kids, so apologize...
Apologize and put it behind you.
You think
he pushed him?
Well... You know how kids play...
I don't know but it's not a big deal.
Don't let it get you down.
Right. I'll try not to.
Do that.
I can't let it get to me...
You alright?
Maybe.
How could I doubt my boy?
You always wanted a child?
It's not about wanting one but I'm open to it.
You're right.
I'll think about it.
I'll ask for more wine...
Don't drink too much.
-It's tonight! -Yes.
The egg's coming?
Yes, it's egg day.
Then I won't have more.
When we have a child, we won't be able to eat out like this.
No hiking and camping...
How about...
Utsunomiya. Our first date...
Remember that?
-The rocks... -I know, I know.
"What are all these rocks? What are they?"
"Why? Why Oya stone?"
"Rocks are Earth's memories!"
"A revelation!"
The memories...
And it was an overnight trip!
You behaved like a girl half your age.
Really.
I'll call our office's harassment hotline!
Forgive me.
No, it's war.
Firstly, we got the results of your semen analysis.
There is a possibility that you have azoospermia.
Azoospermia?
Yes, there's a high probability.
-A probability? -Yes.
Here.
Zero count...
There's no sperm?
Not in the semen.
The ejaculatory duct might be blocked.
Blocked?
So even if there's no sperm in your semen
it can be extracted from your testicles or scrotum.
Which increases your chances.
Extract... by a surgical procedure?
Yes.
I see.
Can I...
think about it?
Sure.
Satoko.
The possibility of you getting pregnant
might be...
zero.
Right.
So...
Just remember
that divorce is
an option.
Sorry...
But for me
that is
not an option.
Brr...
It's chilly.
I remember being with you!
-On site. -When my second kid was born.
-You were working! -I couldn't be at the birth.
Enough about me. How about you?
Well?
-Me? -You and her.
You take days off together every month.
-We go to Sapporo. -For fun?
We go there...
to make a baby.
What? Is there a libido god in Sapporo or something?
You're the best!
Am I?
For ICSI.
-What? -An intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Because my sperm is...
My sperm isn't doing well.
So they make an incision in my testicle
and they scrape my sperm out so that
the sperm and the egg can have a blind date.
A blind date...
So I...
Well...
Tell me...
What is sex?
Do you know what sex really is?
It's a miracle.
It's truly a miracle.
You made two children... That's nothing but a miracle.
Is it a miracle?
It is.
Attention, passengers on ANA Flight 59 to Sapporo.
ANA Flight 59 was scheduled to depart at 10 a.m.
but due to a heavy snowfall in Sapporo,
it's been cancelled.
What now?
No Shinkansen either...
Shinkansen don't go there.
Let's call it off.
Let's cancel our flight
eat something nice
watch a movie
and go home.
We don't have to go to Sapporo.
But...
Are you sure?
Yes.
Sorry.
Sorry...
I wanted to end this much sooner but
I couldn't tell you.
It's us two.
You and I
we'll go on.
Whoa, that's amazing!
-Be careful up there. -It's like a cliff!
The color of the rocks changes in the light.
It's amazing how they're all carved by hand!
Rocks...
They're Earth's memories.
Amazing.
-Our hands aren't in. -It's OK.
I think the preliminary football game is on today.
We're at hot springs!
What channel is it?
Not this...
We consulted a doctor soon after we got married.
That's when we heard that my husband had almost no sperm.
We learned that our chance of having a baby was zero.
I thought that it would best for her if we got a divorce.
It's not that only a biological child could fulfill me
it was just hard to give up on it while I was at a childbearing age.
This is Kana from Kyushu.
She's expecting and decided to put her baby up for adoption.
Until she gives birth
a nonprofit organization called Baby Baton will house her.
I'd been in a relationship for a while when I got pregnant.
But when I told him about it...
he said that he was married.
Really...
What did he say?
He told me to get a job and be a single mom.
I got pregnant twice, when I was 39 and 40.
Both times there was a heartbeat but neither of them made it.
The consequences of the surgery and the miscarriages...
left me with a feeling of loss.
They attend meetings and share their experiences
with couples who are looking to adopt.
Those who visit Baby Baton
are usually out of options and feel alone in their pursuit.
Rather than ending up as a child welfare case
it's better for children to find love in new homes.
It's unfair on children to be raised by ill-equipped mothers.
They can go to couples who want a child but can't have one.
They'll be loved... That's what is important.
Baby Baton is not a place where parents find their children.
It's a place where children find their parents.
One woman said that she can't envision life without a child.
As a father I know how parents put their children first.
We ended up watching the whole show.
"Baby Baton"
"Search history"
"Pass the Baton Give children a future"
-I'm home. -Hi.
Got a moment?
Baby Baton... Did you google them?
Why?
You're interested in...adoption?
It's not...
I'm not obsessed about us having a child.
And it's not exactly because I want to please you either...
I just can't forget what I heard about adoption on that TV show.
That...
it's not for parents to find children
but for the children to find parents.
There is a couple in this house who are eligible to be parents.
So
I thought we might be able to help out.
Hello.
We're the Kuriharas.
Nice to meet you.
Welcome.
I'm Asami and I started Baby Baton.
It's good to have you here.
Baby Baton is an adoption agency that unites those
who can't raise their children with others who can't have them.
Plenary adoptions protect children whose parents can't raise them.
Once you have family court approval you'll get parental rights
while the birth parents relinquish theirs.
Parental rights are irreversible.
Let me talk about our important policy.
Be truthful with the children.
Tell them about their birth parents before they begin elementary school.
Children are entitled to know the truth.
Our priority is the children's safety and wellness
so applicants must meet the following criteria.
Preferably couples must have been married for over three years
and one parent must stay at home to care for the child.
If both parents work, one must quit his or her work.
Please provide your resignation details at the interview.
Do you have any questions so far?
Can we decide on the child's name?
Yes. The adoptive parents can name the child.
You can't choose the gender so prepare a boy and a girl's name.
Both names will be submitted when you register.
Could you clarify the policy when both parents are working?
I'm able to reduce my hours.
His parents are healthy and willing to help us raise a child.
Would that be acceptable?
OK. I understand the reluctance to let go of a job.
But for the benefit of the children
we ask you to accept our policy with no exceptions.
Please understand.
Let me introduce some people to you now.
Hello. Have you been good?
When he became our child
my husband quietly began to cry.
That made me feel less alone in those hard times.
I realized how hard it had been for him too.
Hello, everyone. I'm Kiyohiko's grandpa.
When I first heard about the adoption I wasn't so sure about it.
But my wife and I also couldn't have a child for ten years.
Just as I started to explore adoption
my wife got pregnant with our daughter here.
So I know how hard it was for her.
I visited ob-gyn doctors to get checkups.
But luckily I had an adorable daughter.
Now I have an adorable grandson.
It made me so happy that I cried.
He's our sunshine.
He really is. The whole house is brighter now.
Our relationship transcends blood kinship.
If you go ahead and adopt a child
one day you'll know what I meant today.
He's asleep!
Have you already told your child that he was adopted?
Yes. I told him that he has three mothers.
Me, his birth mother and Ms. Asami who introduced him to us.
I told him to be grateful to all his mothers.
They started to look alike.
It's mysterious.
Satoko.
I want a family.
I'm glad we came.
The baby I want you to raise has arrived.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Your wait is over!
This is your child.
He likes his milk and is very healthy.
You want to hold him?
Meet your mom and dad.
Your eyes are open. Can you see me?
His hair...
Would you like to meet his birth mother?
Only if you want to.
I do.
Yes please.
Um... Thank you so much.
Thank you for giving birth to him.
Asato...
is his name.
I'm sorry.
Look after him.
We will.
Mom, I'm sorry.
What for?
I'm sorry.
Should I say that I pushed him?
Hello?
Hello.
This is Ms. Yokota, Asato's teacher.
Yes...?
It's about the jungle gym accident.
Sora told his mother this morning that he jumped and wasn't pushed.
I apologize.
Mrs. Kurihara?
He wasn't allowed to play with Sora but now he can!
Sora told Asato that he was sorry to have lied.
And Asato said, "It's OK."
So they'll meet at the zoo.
-Nice, isn't it? -Yes.
-Yum! -Don't!
Aren't we going?
Right. Let's get ready.
Get your bag.
-I'll get the car. -I won't be long.
I want to see tigers.
How about you?
Lions.
Hello?
Hello.
Who is this?
Is this the Kuriharas?
It's Katakura.
You're... Hikari?
Yes.
I want my child back.
He's there, right? Asato.
Why now...?
Why not?
I gave birth to him.
But...
it's impossible.
If you won't give him back, pay me.
Then I'll back off.
If you won't give me money I'll expose the truth.
To his elementary school and neighbors...
And to him.
OK... I see.
Let's meet and discuss this.
Come in.
Who are you...?
His mother...
I don't think you're her.
Adoptive parents don't usually get to meet the birth parents.
So
you thought you'd trick us.
In our case
we met the boy's mother.
A junior high student who was with her parents.
I remember Hikari Katakura
very well.
Who are you?
I'm- -
What are you doing this for?
You said you'd tell people about Asato.
This is blackmail.
It wouldn't go well for you if everyone knew he's not yours.
Your scheme
won't work.
He knows very well that he was adopted.
And his kindergarten and neighbors also know.
There's no reason to hide his adoption.
Your agenda is based on a wrong assumption.
It's offensive.
On the phone
you said you'd tell the elementary school.
He's in kindergarten.
There's no way his real mother would
forget his age.
So tell us the truth.
Who are you?
What you can't do...
I gave birth to him.
So I'm his mother.
Thanks.
I heard a rumor... He likes you!
Him. Takumi.
He thinks you're cute.
Why me?
You're cute!
Way to go.
Stop it!
Takumi likes you!
The Takumi Aso!
Hey.
You want to go out with me?
Go out?
What happens if we do that?
We'll do things. Like go to movies.
You know...
No?
Well...
I mean...
I'm surprised
but...
I'm happy.
So is that a yes?
Yes.
Lucky me!
Get out of here.
It's hilarious, right?
Change your password, Hikari.
Why?
Mom and Dad try to unlock my phone.
They tried so many passwords...
It was disabled!
-Did they apologize? -That won't happen!
They must be worried that I'll find out.
Stop playing around.
Hikari, if you want to go to your sister's high school
you better get serious.
You agreed to only use your phone in this room.
Hikari, put the phone down.
It's a mess but...
I'll get drinks.
Sit anywhere.
Thanks.
What's with the tape?
I got you.
Whoa! Stop that!
OK! It'll get easier soon!
Here we go!
I can go a little farther!
Phew!
I couldn't.
-There you go. -My skirt!
The one I adore, the one I cherish
Beautiful one who I vowed to protect
Even if my eyes were deprived of light
I will find you wherever you are
I will reach you wherever you are
OK, I got it.
It twinkles...
Takumi.
Hikari.
I love you.
Me too.
More than anyone.
Good.
Now we're always together.
The doctor would like a word, Mrs. Katakura.
I'll be back.
You can come in, Hikari.
So Hikari...
Have you had sexual intercourse?
Yes.
The ultrasound examination
revealed a baby.
See? Here's the face.
It's hard to see...
It weighs 600 grams.
You'll have to think about what to do from here.
She hasn't even had a period...!
Ovulation can occur anyway.
She's 23 weeks pregnant.
That's one week too late for a termination.
But she's still in 8th grade...
So as adults we need to listen to her.
But it's impossible no matter how you look at it.
But the baby is a reality.
But she's only 14!
A child can't raise a child!
I missed you.
I love you.
I'm sorry...
What for?
I'm sorry.
Don't apologize.
You said we'd be together!
Don't...
What are you two doing?
Go back to class now!
Hurry up!
You said we'd be together...
Misaki, can you come here?
Hikari.
You have to stop school.
We'll say that you're in hospital.
A plenary adoption sounds like your best option.
What's that?
Couples who want kids
raise the children of mothers who can't.
One adoption agency offers accommodation
until you give birth.
So no one would know about it?
Yes.
No...
I won't do it.
It's not your choice!
You can't raise it.
You're still 14.
But I won't...
Listen.
You'll have time to study for high school.
The one your sister goes to.
It'll be good for the baby.
Yes, you can start over.
Don't ruin your life.
This is what Takumi wants you to do.
Don't lie...
He cried...
I wish the fetus would disappear...
First time to Hiroshima?
Yes.
I see.
Our place isn't in the city but on a tiny island.
Aren't you cold? You don't want to catch a cold.
There's an oyster farm...
You like the sea?
Welcome to Baby Baton.
The office, living room and kitchen are here.
Sunsets seem similar but they're different every day.
I really hope you'll have an easy labor... so walk a lot.
Easy labor...
No one else
gave me advice.
You in there, Konomi?
We're coming in.
Don't read manga on your stomach!
It's not good for the baby.
Open up! It's nice outside!
This is your bed.
Your bag arrived.
Is she new?
Yes. Her name is Hikari.
Hello, Hikari.
Are you local?
Where are you from?
Nara.
Deer country!
You laughed!
I'm from Yokohama.
Oh...
I'm originally from Tokushima.
You know who the father is?
Yes.
A customer got me pregnant.
But I don't know which one.
That was part of the service we gave.
To draw in regulars...
It's disgusting.
Keep chopping.
Like they say, "Dumb as a green pepper!"
See? It's completely empty.
My parents divorced and remarried.
They started new families and I was a nuisance.
Convenience stores raised me.
I hate my family so I don't want to go home either.
But it got worse for me.
I worked at night in the sex business so...
It's surreal.
Here I wake up in the mornings and do my chores with you.
It feels weird...
Wanna walk?
-Do you know these? -They're delicious.
We grill them with salt.
-I have a pumpkin. -I'm microwaving it.
Today we invited the neighbors for
a BBQ party!
Cheers!
Life at the moment is peaceful.
I wake up in the morning, clean the house with everyone
and sleep.
-When is it due? -In a month.
You like the father of the baby?
Yes.
I love him so much.
Happy birthday to you!
-Oh, it's her birthday? -Yes, Maho is 20 today.
You're 20.
Is it lit?
Use the newspaper.
Thank you.
Don't cry on your birthday!
Why don't we all sing? Ready?
Happy birthday!
Thank you.
-I'm so happy. -You love anything sweet.
Any comment?
I'm happy. I thought cakes like this
were an urban myth.
Many girls
have trouble with their parents.
None of them could talk to their parents
so they arrived here on their own.
That's why these events are special. If it gives them a memory
it will be great.
This might be my best day ever.
What if no one celebrates my birthday ever again?
The recruiter
said I was pretty which no one had ever said.
I was flattered and ended up in the sex business.
I saw a TV program.
There are people who can't make babies and they...
They get to be with our babies.
Sometimes I feel that it's so unfair...
But because of them this system exists...
I don't know why I should be jealous of them but...
You can't raise it?
No, I can't.
Are they going to the hospital today?
Yes, both Konomi and Maho go at the same time.
-Two less girls. -I'll be lonely!
-Be strong. -See you, guys.
I can't go. You're holding me.
You'll be OK.
-It's just you. -I'll manage.
The one I adore, the one I cherish
Beautiful one who I vowed to protect
Even if my eyes were deprived of light
I will find you wherever you are
I will reach you wherever you are
Beautiful, isn't it?
Little one.
I'll never forget that we watched the sunset together.
Hi, Little one.
I can't stop thinking about her...
Who was that girl?
You know, the Hikari Katakura we met
wouldn't have...
demanded money.
You're right.
Mom...
Sleep talking?
Yes.
Here?
Was I in Mommy here?
No.
Was it the Hiroshima mommy?
You remember her!
Do you know what Hiroshima is like?
It's by the sparkling sea.
The sea? Like that?
That's right. It's connected to her sea.
Did you know that there's only one sea?
You're right. So this sea and the sea in Hiroshima
are definitely connected.
Imagine that!
Yes?
Police. We're from the Kanagawa precinct and we'd like to talk.
Sure.
I'm Detective Mishima.
Do you recognize her?
Well...
Yes, she came here.
Who is she?
Asato?
Why are you home, Dad?
I had to come home for something. I'll go back.
Hi!
The ocean...
And a boat.
Who's that?
It was no one.
I heard the door slam.
It's the wind.
Do you understand you're going back to school next month?
Take it easy.
She can't! The entrance exams are soon!
Hikari, you have pneumonia... That's why you're off school.
Tell people that, if they ask.
Hikari?
Answer me, you hear?
Answer your mother!
You don't know what we went through.
Don't look at me like that.
How childish...
At this age you'll keep getting taller.
-How tall are you? -170 cm.
So tall! You'll get even taller.
But I'm 168.
So he didn't get your DNA!
He's going through a growth spurt.
So early!
Maybe it's what he eats?
-Kids nowadays are tall. -With long legs!
How come?
It's strange.
Hikari, don't use your phone on a family occasion.
We're talking.
And Misaki...
How's university life? Are you in a club?
I major in international relations.
Cool.
She might go abroad.
-In English? -Yes.
I speak Osaka English!
You're so quiet.
I heard what happened.
Stupid business...
Hey!
Stop that! Calm down, Hikari!
That hurts!
-You told them! -They're family!
We're all worried about you!
You're not worried about me, liar! You're gross!
Hikari!
Hikari...!
Could you let me work here please?
I'll do anything. I'll clean or wash clothes...
Show me how and I'll do it.
Please let me work here.
You had a hard time.
I wondered about you.
We have to think about your future.
Actually
Baby Baton will close this year.
So...
I can't let you stay here for so long.
I see.
I guess she'll be the last mother we'll look after.
Sara.
This is Hikari. She used to live here.
I'm sorry.
How was it?
What?
Your baby. Was it cute?
I don't feel love for my baby.
I wouldn't want to hold it.
Sara Okada is having contractions. Can you see her?
We'll be right there.
Thank you.
OK. Thank you.
Can you put it in my room?
-OK, off we go. -See you.
This is a hit song from three years ago.
I've been searching for you all these years
Roaming aimlessly in the dark woods
"Records of adoptive parents"
"From March 2013"
"Name - Asato Guardian - Kiyokazu Kurihara"
"Telephone number"
Asami-san.
Why did you start Baby Baton?
Why you want to know that now?
Maybe I was chosen for it.
I think...
it is so important.
Thank you.
Do you have children?
I couldn't have kids.
I was a nurse and I met many mothers who faced difficulties.
It made me hope for a better life for the babies.
I guess that's how I got started.
Did you want a baby?
I guess so.
But I've had all the girls staying here.
They're all like my daughters.
I feel like I had many children. It's been fulfilling.
Do you feel like the sea is protecting us?
It's making sure that all children are happy.
I heard about your illness.
What can I do?
Everything comes to an end.
I wish I could go on a little longer
but I can't.
Asami-san.
Thank you.
I thank you!
And good luck.
Tell people our story.
I will.
Good. You have everything.
How far is the kindergarten?
A little farther.
How many meters?
-Meters! -You learned about meters?
One meter is 100 centimeters.
Very good!
-How about 100 meters? -1,000 cm.
"New Emperor in 2019"
Yokohama newspaper deliveries.
How can I help?
You didn't get your paper? We'll get it to you right away.
Hikari, Mr. Kawasaki from your route didn't get his paper.
Maybe someone stole it?
Can you go there?
Hello!
-An interview? -Yes.
Wait there. Sonoda, can you tidy the office?
Come here.
I can't think of when I last touched a newspaper.
You staying?
I've got nowhere to go.
Right.
Same here.
I guess you've had it harder than me.
You look like you've had your own challenges, Tomoka-san.
Just Tomoka.
Say my name again.
Tomoka.
That's right.
Tomoka.
Hikari.
There's something beautiful about you.
No, there isn't.
You also seem mature.
Probably because you left home so young.
I admire that.
Tomoka, you remind me of one of my old friends.
She was cool. Her name was Konomi.
Konomi?
We lived together.
For a while.
I like what you're wearing.
This?
I'm invincible when I wear this.
You can't have it.
It wouldn't suit me anyway.
Hikari.
A thicker eyeliner would be cool on you.
This way.
-It tickles. -Keep still.
And one more...
-You have long lashes. -Do I?
Well?
-I like it. -Of course. Because I did it.
What's that?
This shows the order of the houses you deliver to.
Pass the crossing and it's the 2nd house on the left.
Hikari.
I don't use this anymore.
I have a new one so you can have it.
And this.
-They're delicious. -Thanks.
Where's my dorayaki? Off I go!
-Has it expired? -Has it?
It's safe by 2 days.
-How do I look? -Good.
Nice and plump.
I want this.
It's yours.
-It's OK. -I'll get it.
What else?
Your phone.
-Won't you answer? -It's OK.
I'm with you.
-Is it OK? -Sure.
You know...
I have a kid.
He lives somewhere in this area.
You want to see him?
Thanks for sharing.
Leave a message...
Hikari.
Tomoka hasn't showed up. Was she at the apartment?
-I don't know. -Oh...
Hello.
Are you Hikari?
Yes, I am.
Read this.
I didn't sign this.
This is your name, right?
Yanagihara's your friend, right? You signed it.
Tomoka...?
You co-signed her loan.
-I don't know... -Snap out of it.
You're her guarantor. Pay before the interest piles up.
-How much? -50 yen.
I have no wallet.
This isn't a game.
That's enough.
Let's go.
We'll be back.
Bye now.
What was that? Should I call the police?
What else could I do...?
Come inside.
You need ice.
What're those scars?
Oh, this...
I did it when...
I don't remember.
When my mom left me...
Come inside.
I'm sorry, Hikari.
I'm so worthless...
You're not...
Get up.
You're OK.
You're like a mother!
Tomoka?
"Bye bye, Hikari"
Hello?
Hello- -
I must say, I'm worried about you.
If something's bothering you it's better to let it out.
Let me tell you about my own experience.
I lived with my girlfriend...
She killed herself.
I had no idea that anything was wrong...
She jumped off a building.
She never spoke about any troubles.
You have to tell someone.
Tell someone if things are getting to you.
Sorry...
Never mind all that. I just...
I'm a bit worried.
I just wanted to let you know that I'm worried.
I'm impressed.
How did you make this?
I borrowed it.
You didn't steal it?
No.
Whatever.
Let's go.
Why me...?
Coz you're stupid.
Shit happens but this is over for you, right?
It's not over!
Don't glare at me!
Creepy...
Is this the Kuriharas?
Who is this?
"Asato"
"Me and Mom"
I am her.
I might look a little different but
I'm Hikari Katakura.
I'm... his mother.
Asato refers to her as Hiroshima mommy.
His birth mother.
Around the time he turned two
I told him that he had another mother who raised him in her tummy.
So he knows.
"From your mother"
His Hiroshima mommy gave me this to give Asato.
Two years ago I read it to him for the first time.
I will read it every year
until he can understand.
Until he understands what it means.
This is very important to us.
We're raising him with Hikari.
She gave birth to Asato
and we're nurturing him.
You have no right
coming here...
I'm home!
Kurihara-san, are you home?
I brought him upstairs for you!
What will you do? It's Asato.
He's home.
What do you want?
Mom!
She isn't home. You want to come to our place?
We can play!
I...
Forgive me.
You're right about me.
I'm...
I'm not his mother.
Please leave.
Good.
Why are you home, Dad?
I had to come home for something. I'll go back.
Little one.
I'm Detective Mishima.
Do you recognize her?
Who is she?
She's Hikari Katakura.
Her boss reported her missing so we're trying to find her.
Mrs. Kurihara.
Ma'am?
Do you know her? Would you know her whereabouts?
I'm sorry, I don't understand any of this but...
I just...
I...
I know her.
Look after him.
I'm sorry.
Thank you so much.
"From your mother"
"Dear Little one,"
"I'm sorry I can't live with you but I won't forget you."
"Wherever I am, I'll wonder about you and how old you are."
"Wishing you a happy life, Hikari Katakura"
"Please don't erase me."
I found you.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry...
I should have recognized you.
I'm sorry.
Why are you sorry?
Asato.
This is your...
Hiroshima mommy.
I've been searching for you All these years
Hiromi Nagasaku
Roaming aimlessly In the dark woods
Wherever I look, you're not there
Arata Iura
You're nowhere but I can sense you
Being with you like I am now
Aju Makita
Sometimes scares me but I don't know why
Turning the calendar page On the wall
Something wrenches at my heart
When days pass like any other day It's a sign of contentment
Your voice tells me so Your profile and footsteps too
The one I adore, the one I cherish
Beautiful one Who I vowed to protect
Miyoko Asada
Even if my eyes were deprived of light
I will find you wherever you are
Original Novel: Mizuki Tsujimura "Asa ga Kuru" (Bungeishunju Ltd.)
I will reach you wherever you are
The ocean after the storm has passed
Rocks you to sleep like a cradle
The tide that ebbs in and out
Please don't take that light with you
Please don't erase me As if I were never here
I'm right here Can you hear me breathing?
Hear my raised voice See my profile
And the sound of my footsteps Don't erase any of it
Don't forget any of it As if I were never here
The one I adore, the one I cherish
Stay beautiful and happy as you are
Even if my eyes were deprived of light
I will find you wherever you are
I will reach you wherever you are
The first night I embraced you It was awkward
But if time was limited I'd be with you until my life ends
Fate is deceptive It might just tear us apart
I have to remember your warm palms And never forget you
The one I adore, who cries a lot
Selfish one Who's both weak and strong
Even if night took the light away
The morning will come And we'll be together
The one I adore, the one I cherish
Beautiful one Who I vowed to protect
Even if my eyes were deprived of light
I will find you wherever you are
I will reach you wherever you are
The one I adore, the one I cherish
Beautiful one Who I vowed to protect
Even if my eyes were deprived of light
I will find you wherever you are
I will reach you wherever you are
Written and Directed by Naomi Kawase
I found you!