A Shochiku Production
THE YELLOW HANDKERCHIEF
Stupid Shinko!
Who'd want a dumb broad like you?
Dumb!
Dumb broad!
Based on a story by Pete Hamill
Screenplay: Yoji Yamada Yoshitaka Asama
Photography: Tetsuo Takaba
I've had enough of this! I quit!
I'm never coming back.
Music: Masaru Sato
Art director: Mitsuo Degawa
I got it.
The gears feel a bit stiff.
It might take a while to get used to it.
Will you fix it?
Of course.
Quit your job?
Yes, I quit.
What'll you do now?
Be right back!
He did it!
Spent all his savings.
Stop banging on it!
Let's go to Hokkaido!
That's stupid.
The ferry leaves at 11:00 p.m.
Why don't you come to Hokkaido with me?
Ask Shinko. It's a great chance to make out.
She turned him down.
- Really? - That's not true!
She told me about it.
What'd she say?
"Kinya's not a bad guy, but his legs are too short."
You think you're handsome?
Stop it!
You're not so handsome either!
Get out of here!
Idiot!
Go get an icicle in Hokkaido!
Thank you for using the Yusen Ferry.
Kushiro Station
Gets cold up here, doesn't it?
How's this color?
I don't like red.
A white one?
White? Makes me look like a hick.
Don't you have anything else?
Darling, aren't you feeling cold now?
I'm so cold, my body's turned to ice.
A heavy jacket, knowing you'd never wear it...
I still bought it at Kushiro Port...
Ken Takakura as Yusaku Shima
Chieko Baisho as Mitsue Shima
Kaori Momoi as Akemi
Tetsuya Takeda as Kinya
Oh, man!
Don't slow down, hick!
Have fun, you two!
Kiyoshi Atsumi as Police Chief
Directed by Yoji Yamada
Hey! Where are you going?
I'll give you a ride!
- No, thanks! - Come on!
Couple of farm girls.
Welcome!
May I take your order?
Beer.
Yes, sir.
And a shoyu ramen and a katsu-don.
Yes, sir.
One shoyu ramen, one katsu-don, please!
Where are you from?
Tokyo.
So am I! Did you ride the train from Sapporo?
You must be tired.
Sightseeing?
All alone?
Ouch!
Where are you going?
To tour the prison.
So am I.
How far is it?
About 10 minutes.
Real close. I'll take you there.
The bus is terrible.
- Shoyu ramen, please. - Coffee for me.
Here you are.
Don't be shy, get in.
I got off the ferry, and drove all around Shiretoko...
New car?
Traded in my old one for this.
The color stinks.
Look out! What are you doing?
First time in Hokkaido?
Colder than Tokyo.
You don't talk much. Are you shy?
People say I am.
Please excuse me.
Your leg's in the way.
Let us through.
- Sandwiches and coffee. - Excuse me.
Coffee and sandwiches.
What kind of food do you like?
Ramen, I guess.
Ramen is expensive these days.
I ate some at Ueno. It was awful. And 500 yen at that.
Terrible miso ramen.
I don't like miso ramen.
Me, too. It has to be shoyu ramen.
It's a lie! That's a lie!
But your boyfriend told me he slept with Chako.
I told him...
that he cheated on you, and then he said...
Akemi?
We're still working. Come on, Akemi.
Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden
Don't go up there. There's nothing to see.
Poor guy. He's stuck with that ugly one.
Thinks he's living it up.
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Oops!
You know, I thought you looked familiar.
Don't people ever tell you that you look like
Sue of the Candies?
Their costumes are something else!
Showing everything they've got.
Lately, it seems that all those singing groups do that.
What's wrong? Feeling bad?
Car sick?
You know...
Can't we stop and rest?
A hotel?
No hotels around here. Maybe an inn?
Stop the car!
You mean out here?
Please stop!
Where are you going?
Pee-pee.
She really had to go.
I'd better, too.
Can I help you?
How much for a post card?
20 yen.
When will it get to Yubari by Special Delivery?
By tomorrow afternoon.
Tomorrow? Thank you.
Dear Mitsue...
A girl alone should always make reservations ahead of time.
They think she might commit suicide.
Last night, they had many empty rooms,
but they refused me.
It's because you look so strange alone.
Do you think so?
Stay with me tonight.
No, that's not what I meant to say.
I mean, they'll give two people a room.
Beautiful!
This is Okhotsk!
It's always been my dream to see the Sea of Okhotsk!
Shall we take a picture?
Sir, will you take our picture?
Push here?
It's very simple.
Like me.
- One more? - Please.
Thank you.
- Thanks. - On your honeymoon?
I just met her at the station and offered her a ride.
Sightseeing?
But there's nothing to see out here.
Even the prison tour wasn't much.
- You sightseeing? - No.
The water's cold!
Don't get wet!
Girls are sure dumb.
I'm going to take your picture!
One more now!
Now, a close-up!
The last one!
Ouch!
To the station?
Yes.
Where are you going?
I haven't decided. And you?
Akan Hot Spring.
Hot Spring? That sounds nice.
Want to come along? You can.
You mean it?
Sure.
But...
I'm also bumming.
One more makes no difference.
Biboro Pass
Hands on your waist.
Pretty cute!
Good one!
Here, your turn.
Wait a minute.
Sir!
Let's take a picture together. Come on.
Hold on!
Ready!
One more!
That hotel looks nice!
Too expensive for us.
Is it?
Are you crowded?
No.
The weather's still too cold.
Here's your room.
This one?
Not bad.
And here's yours.
Okay.
See you in the morning.
Go on in, it's not that bad.
Real nice.
Go on. There's a stove in here.
It's nice and warm.
So, this is Hokkaido. Maybe we can see the lake.
Sit down. Go on, sit down.
Do you regret it?
What?
Staying in the same room with me.
But there weren't any other rooms.
Don't worry. We'll put the table in the middle...
and sleep on either side.
I won't do anything.
Honest.
I promise, I won't.
Excuse me.
Please sign the register.
Would you like dinner before bath?
Only my name?
No, you must register both names.
Is that right?
Wife -- resides at same address
There.
Welcome home.
This one is co-ed?
Excuse me.
Small pack of tissue. Please.
30 yen.
And I need some of those condoms.
Condoms?
Which? 1,000 or 2,000 yen?
1,000-yen ones.
What's wrong?
Honeymoon. Forgot them.
I added coal.
It's going to get very cold tonight. Rest well.
You're home.
I didn't hear you come in.
Welcome home.
It's not so difficult to drive in Hokkaido...
as there are not many traffic lights here.
- Well... - Huh?
I'm tired.
Shall we go to sleep?
It's been a tiring day.
Don't look.
I won't look. I won't. I promise. Look at that!
Don't look!
I said I wouldn't look.
Wow.
Beautiful moon.
The moon over Akan.
Are you asleep?
I'll come over.
No, don't.
Don't be a square.
You promised you wouldn't.
It was fate that made us meet.
Please, just one little kiss.
Just a kiss, then.
Only one.
Let me touch your breast.
No, please, no.
No. Stop!
Don't play around! I'm not a virgin.
Neither am I!
Stop it!
Just your breast, that's all.
- I'm sorry. - It hurts.
You didn't have to bite me.
Come on.
What?
What's wrong now?
Don't cry.
Please.
People can hear you.
Don't cry so loud, please.
Will you stop? Please?
Who is it?
What is it?
Enough is enough. There are other guests staying here.
If you want to argue, go outside.
Thanks for everything.
Try to get along.
- I'm leaving, too. - What?
You're leaving?
Still mad about last night?
I apologized.
It's only natural. A boy and a girl staying in the same room.
I can't help hating myself.
Find another girl. One who's easier than me.
Was that the kind of guy you took me for?
Coming?
No, but what's your name?
My name? Kinya Hanada.
Kinya? They must call you Kin-chan?
I'm Akemi Ogawa.
Bye, now.
Bye.
Didn't know his name?
Just met him yesterday.
Amazing.
What's wrong? Nothing to do with you.
Oh, no! We've got to wait two hours.
I should have stayed in the car.
Where are you going, old man?
I don't know.
What are you here for? Sightseeing? Business?
Don't call me old.
I've had a hard life. I'm younger than I look.
What's your name?
Yusaku Shima.
Two hours to kill. What will I do now?
Too late for regrets.
Want some noodles?
Your man's coming back.
What now, Chief?
It's lunch time, so I bought these crabs.
Must have spent a lot of money.
A little.
But they're real fresh.
Good.
- Full of meat. - Delicious!
Finished. Any more'?
Hold it! That's the best part.
Don't throw it away.
There's more meat!
Here in the shell. Use your finger.
- There's more meat? - Yeah.
Were you born in Hokkaido?
No, in Kyushu.
From Kyushu?
And so are you.
Can you tell?
By your accent. I'm from Iizuka.
That's a coal mining town. I'm from Hakata.
Spoiled Hakata kid.
A naughty boy from Nakasu.
I wasn't that bad.
A delinquent.
At least, I graduated from high school.
I bet you smoked cigarettes and all that.
Everybody did, and played pachinko, too.
And punks would bother us.
- At pachinko parlors? - Sure.
I'd be playing, and someone would tap me on the back.
A mean looking guy with a loud necktie...
"Aren't you a student?" he'd ask.
And drag me out into the street.
"Gimme your money!"
I'd get so scared that I'd give him all.
I wanted to get even, so I joined the Judo Club...
And practiced every day for about two years.
Then I suddenly realized...
My body was now out of proportion...
Short arms and legs.
Wide shoulders, bowed legs...
I looked in the mirror, and a gorilla stared back at me.
Going out?
You'll never run dry.
Ride with me, to Obihiro...
Nah, I'll take the train.
But I'm going there anyway...
It's no fun driving all alone.
What about him?
He's old enough to find his own way.
That's not fair.
He's got nothing to do with us.
You're jealous.
That's stupid. Why should I?
Ow! Ouch! It stuck!
- I'll take these. - Sure thing.
- How much? - 280 yen, please.
Thank you!
You're home!
What should I cook for supper? What do you feel like eating?
Hey! It's too boring on the train, so I'm going with him.
Thanks for everything.
What will you do?
Why don't you come with us?
He's going the other way.
Which way is that?
Kachi-kari Pass to Obihiro.
- You mean Kari-kachi Pass? - Kari-kachi?
Ride with us.
Or do you want to ride that stupid train?
Let me see.
Why be angry?
You forced him to come.
So what? It doesn't hurt to be kind.
But we're total strangers.
What about us?
You're different.
Then, tell him to get out at Obihiro, and I'll get out, too.
Don't start that again, we've come a long way together.
That's super!
No class. A Hokkaido hick!
You're a Kyushu hick!
My family has a long background.
What's wrong?
Got to piss!
What do you do for a living?
Work on a train selling lunches.
Well...
that must be exhausting.
What do you do?
Me? I'm a coal miner.
Coal miner?
Hard work.
You've got a wife, too, haven't you?
No.
Why not?
Because I don't.
Hey!
What's wrong?
Quick, in the back seat. A box of tissue. Bring it!
Listen to him. Who does he think we are?
Tell him to wash his hands.
Thanks!
Got the runs?
It was the crab. It didn't agree with me.
You're allergic?
Yes.
You sure don't look it.
Are you okay?
Want to stop?
I'm all right.
Gotta stop.
Over there.
Wait here.
Are you okay?
Where is your toilet?
Left of the front door.
Thanks.
Why are you single? I bet women like you.
Or is it because you're too fussy?
Fussy guys don't get married for a long time.
Being single, you can play around.
You like that?
You're awful nosey.
I was married once, but we're divorced.
Didn't get along?
One of you had an affair?
You're safe!
You're back!
I'll move it right away.
Can you drive?
Sure. I went to driving school.
I quit because it got too expensive.
What the hell? What happened?
I'm sorry!
That big tractor wanted to pass.
I tried to move it. Sorry.
We'll never get it out!
The three of us can.
Look the bumper's dented!
My brand new car!
All happened because of the way you parked.
But why did you have to move it?
Now we've got to get a tow truck.
I've got to go!
What's so funny? Stop laughing.
Stop laughing!
I can't take this anymore!
Here we go!
One, two, go!
Push harder!
Hold it!
- Chief! - What?
Let the girl drive. We need both of us back here.
- Let's switch. - But...
Don't worry. I can do this.
Put it in low gear, and start slow.
-I know. - Slow!
I said "I know.".
Here we go. One, two, push!
The tires are slipping.
- We did it. - Yeah.
Hey!
Stop! Stop the car!
Step on the brakes!
I am!
That's the accelerator!
Ow!
Stop. Please stop!
Are you all right?
Why didn't you step on the brakes!
I did, but it wouldn't stop.
You were stepping on the accelerator.
How should I know about these things!
If you didn't know, why did you drive the car?
I thought it would all work out. Why do you always blame me?
You stopped the car to go to the toilet.
You idiot!
I know it's a lot of trouble.
It's across from the house.
On the path that leads to the river.
Thanks again.
Tomorrow, at about 10 o'clock, a friend will bring a tractor.
He can pull the car.
It's all I can do for now.
Thank you. Very kind of you.
How do you plan to spend the night?
We'll go to town, find an inn.
Walk to town?
But the nearest towns are Shihoro or Ashoro...
It's my turn!
Knock it off, you two!
Here you go.
Those three are in trouble because of their car.
They can't move it...
Tired?
Starving.
You're good.
Did you learn to do that when you were a kid?
And I used to catch crawfish, too.
Where were you born?
Factory district of Kawasaki.
Your parents still live there?
Only the old man. Mom died when I was in junior high school.
Sorry.
And within a year, a woman came to live with us...
She worked in a bar.
All we did was fight.
After junior high school, I ran away.
You've been lonely, huh?
Yeah.
Akemi!
Just a kiss.
Yes!
One more?
No!
- Just one more! - No.
- You can't. - Please!
You're hurting me!
- We're lonely souls... - It hurts!
Oh! So, what's gonna happen?
You two are impossible.
It's his fault.
Get out! They'll put us up for the night.
Ouch.
Move your legs.
Ouch! My head.
The bath was great.
Thank you for letting me take the bath first.
Hey.
Kids, time for bed.
You heard your mom. Time for bed.
Time out!
I can't take this anymore.
I'm beat!
What is she doing?
The bath was great.
Are you in love with her?
What's that?
If you are in love, try a better approach.
There's no set way to falling in love.
It's a game, understand? Just a game.
I thought she knew what she wanted, but she keeps resisting.
She's not that pretty. Well, I'm not handsome, either.
Idiot.
You're really from Kyushu?
From Kyushu or not...
Shut up and listen! Sit up!
Akemi is a woman, right?
Listen.
Women are fragile.
Like a flower, fragile and can easily be destroyed.
Something men must protect, and care for.
- Are you listening? - Yes.
Just think about today.
Picking on her, shouting, fighting and arguing.
Acting like a stray dog in heat.
Is that a way for a Kyushu man to act?
We call guys like you a third rate ball player. Understand?
No.
He never scores.
I'll get out at Obihiro, and take the train.
Really? But we'll take you wherever you want to go.
Where're you going?
Yubari.
Then you were working in the Yubari coal mine.
Let's drive to Ubari, then.
Don't bother.
I'll get out.
Here's Abashiri, then, Akan.
- We stayed around here last night. - Right.
This road goes to Obihiro. Then?
Kachi-kari Pass, Ashibetsu, and then, Sapporo.
Where's Yubari?
Yubari? Around Here.
Ah, right there.
Let's have coffee when we get to Obihiro.
It's a long way to Yubari.
Are you really going to Yubari?
What?
I think you're hiding something from us.
People don't know how to park.
Such a bad parking job.
Farmers!
There's a coffee shop on the corner. Wait for me.
Okay!
This big scratch.
- You did this, right? - Sorry.
But your car was in the way and...
-I apologize. - Shut up.
I'm sorry.
- Ow! - Sorry isn't enough.
Enough!
Who the hell are you?
He apologized.
Are you kidding me?
Here. Look at the damage.
So, how are you going to fix this?
That scratch really upsets you?
Wanna fight? You fool.
Get in the car!
Ow! That hurts!
- Come on! - One second.
Come back!
That was fantastic!
He showed that bum.
If you can drive, why didn't you when I got the runs?
Ow...
I knew Yusaku would be tough.
That was just like a movie!
This is Furano Road
Then Ashibetsu, Akahira and Iwamizawa.
Straight ahead is Sapporo, and Yubari is to the left.
Here you go, Kin-chan.
Thanks.
Let's go to Yubari.
Yusaku missed the train because of you.
- Okay? - Yeah.
I'll go to Sapporo with you.
I don't have to go to Yubari.
I thought you worked there.
I quit.
But Yubari's your home.
It's not?
Come on. Tell me.
A road block!
It was on TV this morning, there was a robbery somewhere.
They're after me! I gotta run!
You have a Tokyo license plate.
Your driver's license, please.
What happened, officer?
Just some trouble.
Your license.
What's wrong?
Show it to him.
Did you hear what I said?
Yes, I did.
Let me see it.
I don't have one.
Get out.
No driver's license?
I used to but it expired.
- When? -4 years ago.
You'd been driving without a license for 4 years?
I couldn't renew it.
Why?
What's the reason?
I was in jail.
A murder charge.
I served 6 years and 3 months. Was released 2 days ago.
Come with me.
SHINTOKU POLICE STATION
You said murder?
You served 6 years and...
This is Shintoku Police.
Yes, hold on.
- Abashiri Prison. - Hello.
Thanks for calling back. Yes, go ahead.
- Delivery for the Detective Bureau. - Who?
Didn't ask his name.
What is it?
Fried liver with garlic and rice.
Must be Nabe-san's.
Sgt. Watanabe!
Did you order fried liver with garlic?
Yep, I did.
- Put it over there. - Sure.
Is it you, Shima?
- How's it going? - Well.
I just got released the day before yesterday.
Thank you for your help back then.
So, you've been released. Congratulations.
It's been 6 years, huh?
Have you been transferred here?
I was in Rumoi, then transferred to Iwamizawa,
then to this place.
I've thought about you many times.
How's your wife?
Actually, we're divorced.
Is that so?
Sorry to hear that.
What're you doing here?
What's going on?
So, a while ago...
I was in Yubari at the time of the crime.
- I know this man. - I see.
So, earlier today...
Hold on. Let me pay the girl.
360 yen, right?
No, it's 400 yen.
What? Your guys raised the price again?
- Here you go. - I'll be back with the change.
- Excuse me, sir. - You, again?
They didn't even talk to me.
Well, will you...?
I told you the police cannot handle civil cases like yours.
That's the law.
What should I do, then?
- Calm down. - Stop crying.
Sorry they brought you here. You know how police are.
Thank you for helping me.
The mountains are beautiful.
Mr. Watanabe, Thank you.
Listen.
I know it's not all that easy for you,
but be patient and try your best.
Good things can happen.
Take care, Mr. Watanabe.
I'm at the end of my promotions.
But my son's a lot smarter.
So, things will work out one way or another.
Mister, here's your change.
Thank you.
Tell your owner if he raises the price again,
I won't eat at his place.
I'll tell him!
If you have any troubles, come see me.
Good-bye.
You guys waited for me.
I'll take the train from here on.
Thanks for everything.
If he wants to, he can ride with us.
Really?
Yusaku!
I'd been in jail before.
First time for fighting.
I was only 22 then, and living a rough life.
Jail didn't mean much.
I thought I got street cred, you know?
After getting out, I felt important among thugs.
In a small town in Kyushu,
I thought I was somebody.
When I got 30, I finally started to grow up.
I started to hate my life.
I realized I needed to change.
Otherwise, my life would be ruined.
I decided that I needed a fresh start.
Then, the mine was shut down.
So, I came to Hokkaido.
I wanted to start over my life.
But when I got to Yubari,
the winters were freezing, and I had no friends.
The work was hard. There was nothing to live for.
If I hadn't met that woman, I'd have given up in 5 years.
1,230 yen, please.
Harumi, will you go get more bags?
- Here you go. - Thank you.
Hi there.
980 yen, please.
Thank you.
I haven't seen you for a while...
I thought "she's the one for me."
"If I can't marry her, I'll never be happy.
I felt that way the first time I saw her.
It took me 6 months to speak to her.
1,280 yen, please.
Your day off?
No, I'm working nights, and going home to sleep now.
Is your wife ill?
What?
You always do the shopping.
I'm single.
Oh, I see.
Sorry.
Here you go.
Excuse me.
Are you married?
No.
Well, I'll see you.
That's enough.
I slipped.
Being clumsy and shy,
I couldn't tell her my feelings, I could only pray and wait.
I...
I was married once.
Do you...
Do you still want me...?
Look! It's done!
I never thought of her feelings.
It's perfect for a wash-line pole.
I almost forced her into marriage.
Have a good day.
When we have a child,
I'll tie a big carp streamer on that pole.
Were you really happy with her?
Sure. The next year, she got pregnant.
I have to see the doctor today.
Do you have a fever or something?
No.
Then, what's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Why see the doctor, then?
If you don't feel bad, why?
Mitsue.
You mean, a baby?
You're pregnant?
- Mitsue. - Yes.
We've got to drink tonight.
I'll buy some sake.
It's not definite yet. The doctor might say I'm mistaken.
Then, I'll call the doctor.
Maybe not.
You call the mine office.
No?
How can I find out?
How's this?
If I'm pregnant, I'll put up some kind of sign.
What sign?
Let's see.
How about a yellow handkerchief?
You can see it from the bath house.
If you see a yellow handkerchief, buy some sake.
Got it.
Don't you forget, okay?
Have a nice day!
My father died in the war.
I grew up without knowing him.
When I found myself becoming a father...
I didn't know what to say, I felt like I was floating.
But you know...
She kept working hard, even though I begged her not to.
I did tell her not to work so hard.
How do you feel?
I see you're feeling better.
- I think you can go home. - Thank you.
Are you the husband?
I'm sorry this happened.
There's always another time.
When was your last miscarriage?
This isn't the first, is it?
5 years ago.
If you are not careful,
miscarriages can very easily happen again.
Be extra careful next time.
I'm really sorry.
Have some supper?
I'm going to lie down.
Next time, I'll be very careful.
I'll have our baby next time.
Will you forgive me?
What's the matter?
Angry because I had a miscarriage before?
Is that it?
I hate women who keep secrets!
You never asked anything about me.
I thought I didn't have to tell you.
Wasn't that right?
You must be hiding other secrets?
Do you have a child somewhere?
Masa, let's go.
Hey!
You!
I'm talking to you.
What the hell?
Beat him up!
Who do you think you are? Stupid!
Let's get out of here.
Masa!
Masa, answer me.
He's... He's dead!
Three of you? I only have one room available.
It's a room for 4. Pretty big, you'll like it.
We have a girl here, so we'd like 2 rooms.
All rooms are occupied.
Okay, then.
All right?
Kiku! We've got new guests!
How about supper?
Too late for that. Get some food delivered from outside.
For the 3 of you, it will be 6,600 yen.
Baths are open until 10 p.m.
Until 10?
Kiku! What're you doing?
She's impossible.
Hello. We've got another room opened up.
- One of you can sleep there. - Thanks.
It's down the hall.
Now they have another room...
Baths are open till 10.
A real busybody.
50 annoying.
Can I ask you one more question?
Go ahead.
Why did you divorce your wife?
Why couldn't she wait for you?
Don't ask that.
That's real personal.
She should have had more patience.
Yusaku really loves her.
I'd have waited for years.
That's easy for you to say.
I'd have definitely waited.
I really mean it.
I think she's cold.
You're being rude.
No, it's not that.
I forced her to divorce me.
I also forced her to get married.
I thought it was the only way.
I won't change my mind.
You're still young.
If you want, you can find a good man.
When you do, marry him and raise a family.
Understand?
You'll do it?
Next to my name, print your name, and sign it.
Take it to City Hall. And have it recorded.
Then, we'll mean nothing to each other.
You are...
You really are selfish, aren't you?
You forced me to marry you. And now this.
So your wife went along with it.
I think she was relieved.
She never visited me in prison.
After a while, I got a letter.
Along with the divorce paper.
She signed it.
We need your verification.
Sit down.
Here's the letter.
Just a piece of paper.
Man and wife are originally strangers.
One piece of paper smashes it all.
Poor woman.
I understand how you felt, but...
don't you feel guilty about what you did to her?
But...
That was the least I could do for her.
What else could I have done?
I'm a murderer.
I don't even know how all this happened.
Was I born to live a life like a thug?
That won't change until I die.
What a life.
Well.
Tomorrow, we'll go to Sapporo.
Then, that will be our good-bye.
What will you do then?
Look for work.
If I don't find anything in Sapporo, I'll go to Tokyo.
Good night.
Finding work won't be easy for him.
What's wrong? You haven't said a word.
Didn't you feel anything after listening to his story?
Are you crying?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Your shirt's still wet, Kinya, so I put it in a plastic bag.
Dry it in Sapporo.
Here. I washed your socks.
Thank you.
Cute little cancan girl.
Wearing a red blouse and red sandals.
Wonder whom she's waiting for on the Ginza.
Looking up at the clock now and then.
Oh, she's a Ginza cancan girl.
Sing with us!
Next stop, Sapporo!
Yusaku, let's go.
Come on.
What's wrong?
Sorry, I'll take the train from Bibai.
Why?
Sapporo's close.
No, I'm going to Yubari.
Yubari?
What'll you do in Yubari? Find a job?
That's not it.
To see my house, that's all.
But you divorced your wife.
It's kind of pathetic, but...
I sent her a postcard the day I was released.
I said I'd come to Yubari.
And that if...
If she was still there, and if she was waiting for me...
Well, there's a high pole in front of the house.
People before us put it up, to hang carp streamers on.
I wrote her...
if she wants me back, put a yellow handkerchief on it.
If there's no handkerchief,
I'll leave Yubari go far away and never return.
I want to go and check.
- Let's go to Yubari! - Yes!
Yubari's to the left.
Yubari 20km
Stop here.
Stop the car.
What's wrong?
Let's head back. This is a waste of time.
It's only a short way now.
You can see your wife again.
Please do as I ask.
Thinking about it,
there's no way she's still alone after all these years.
She's a good woman.
She'll make a good wife for any man.
That's it, she must be living with someone else.
Let's go back.
You're a coward.
Let's just go and find out for sure.
See if the handkerchief's there.
He's right.
Waste of time.
We're almost there. Stop being a chicken.
You gave me a lecture about women.
Don't you understand? Go back!
Fine! I'll go back!
Waste of gasoline!
- Stop the car. - Toilet?
Not that, silly.
Things might turn out like you think.
And they might not.
Suppose your wife's been living alone all these years,
waiting for you.
If you're too scared, I'll go and take a look.
If there's no yellow handkerchief,
we'll keep on driving to Sapporo.
What do you say?
Okay?
Kinya, let's go.
Wanted: Experienced Coal Miners
We're going over a bridge.
There's a photo shop.
We just passed a ramen shop, and we go straight?
The road splits. Which way?
Left.
We crossed the tracks. We go straight?
Left by the police box.
And up the hill.
This is it. Go left.
What's wrong?
- Maybe... - What?
Maybe she moved away.
Sure. It's possible that she did.
We're by the candy shop.
Go left at the next cross road, there's a bath house.
You're right, though.
If she's moved, that's it.
- Is that the bath house? - It is.
Yusaku! We're in front of the bath house, but...
Hold on.
What is it?
Oh! Look at that!
This is great! This is wonderful!
Yusaku! Come out and look!
Yusaku, come on!
Do you see those?
All those handkerchiefs!
She put them there!
Let's go.
Yo! Go get a room!
Kin-chan.
Akemi.
THE END