Aichaku (2024) Movie Script
[uptempo 1950's music begins]
When you think of all that's
come and gone
Do you think about why it matters
And if it's right or wrong
Cause it's true, what I want never
added up
And I never could seem to fight
hard enough
But you can't be too hasty or
you'll lose
I guess I'm killing time
So tell me where to begin
Tell me where to begin
I don't know how to begin and I ain't
got no excuse
I'm headed out.
Come to my office when you arrive.
[music instrumental]
[refridgerator door closes and opens]
Follow the signs, follow the signs,
and it'll be alright
Even the sun knows when to rise,
when to spread the light
And now, now I can see
I've always had enough
And I know that its time to start
facing up
To the truth
Can't be too hasty or you'll lose
So I'll keep killing time
Ah, Lucas!
Oh! Good morning Yoshiko.
Good morning Marie.
Good morning!
Marie, say hello to him in English.
Good. Morning.
After all that time living abroad...
What did you do in America for four years?
Lucas, do you need a ride to school?
No, I'm fine.
Are you sure?
Yeah!
No problem.
Let him go. You know he wants to stop
at that building.
His bag is falling apart.
That bike is, too.
I wish he'd let us help more.
Let's go.
Thank you.
Do you know him?
No.
Sometimes I see him handing out fliers
for the English school at the station.
He's probably stalking you.
If you're not careful he's going to show up
at your house one day.
Shut up.
One day you'll look outside and there will
be a foreigner in your driveway.
Just waiting for you to come out.
He's going to kidnap you and force you
to learn English.
Yeah, yeah.
Alright, today we are going to be working
on self-introductions.
I'll go first.
How do you do?
My name is Lucas.
I'm from America.
I'm 35 years old.
My hobby is baking.
Nice to meet you.
The whole point of a self-introduction
is to give you and your conversational
partner something to talk about.
Make sure to think of them
and remember.
Don't be shy.
Now, you have five minutes to prepare
your own self-introduction.
When the five minutes are up, you will
come up here and present them to the class.
Begin.
Morning!
I just need your signature on your
visa paperwork.
We are still waiting for your contract
from the home office, though.
Sorry it's taking so long.
Oh, that's ok. I think I've still got
two weeks left on my visa.
I'm just hoping for more than a
one year extension this time.
Fucking visas.
Lucas! Language!
Sorry, fricking! Fricking visas,
everybody. Fricking.
- Better.
- Thank you.
And sign here.
Hey, how is registration looking.
Are we doing ok?
Not great, but I think we're
in the clear.
I've got a meeting with the home office
tonight to talk with them about it.
And I'll make sure to remind them about
your contract.
Hey, Erika!
Do you want to hand some some more
fliers later or something?
You just want me to buy you a coffee,
don't you?
I mean, it can be both things. We can have
coffee and save the school.
Better you than some guy on a dating app.
Bye!
Alright, time is almost up!
Come in.
Oh, Ken.
Finally.
Sit.
Your father...
You know he never lost a single match?
When we were kids, he'd get into fights
with kids from other schools.
No one could take him.
My brother, he...
We used his prize money to start
this company.
One of your father's dreams was making
this company a success.
How old were you when you started
working here?
Fifteen.
So, you've been working here for
fifteen years now.
I know life hasn't been very fair to you.
After your father died...
I did everything I could to
take care of you.
With Nakamura retiring, there will be
an opening in management.
I'd like to promote you.
Oh, I see.
Too good for the dirt under your nails?
You want to wear a suit to work?
You got something else you want to do?
Let me be clear.
There isn't a job out there for a middle
school dropout.
No one will want you.
This isn't a bad offer.
So take it.
Or you can quit.
I don't care either way.
Let me know your decision
by next week.
Today is payday.
I expect rent by tomorrow.
Drop the cash deposits off at the bank
when you get your money.
- What did he say?
- Nothing.
He didn't offer you the promotion, did he?
Tell me he didn't give you
Nakamura's job.
So what if he did?
You don't have any experience in management
like I do.
You don't have a college degree.
You don't need the money.
How do you know?
Your parents are gone so you don't have to
take care of them.
You don't have any kids.
You're on your own.
I need money.
Why?
You don't have any hobbies.
You don't go out.
You don't do anything.
What do you need it for?
None of your business.
Oh, I see what's happening here.
You're going to propose to Kumi.
No.
That's my little sister.
You were saving up to propose,
weren't you?
It's been three years.
It's about time.
I'm not proposing.
Hey!
What's wrong with my sister?
Hey!
Look, a foreigner!
Say hello.
Say hello to him.
Say hello!
He said hello to you.
Good afternoon!
We actually have classes for
young children.
Classes start from ages one and up.
We can begin as early as next week.
I see.
Thank you so much.
Say bye-bye!
Say thank you, bye-bye!
Say bye-bye!
Thank you!
Bye!
Thank you so much!
Ok, let's call it a day. I'm pretty beat.
Yeah, I am pretty tired of the animal
in a petting zoo treatment as well.
I've always thought of you more like a
circus animal. A tiger or something.
I think you mean circus freak.
You're not a freak.
For a lot of these people, you're the
first foreigner they've ever met.
And probably will be the last.
You're special.
Yeah, I get it.
I get it, it's just that sometimes
I forget I'm a foreigner.
Like, for a moment I don't understand why
everyone is staring at me all the time.
And then we have days like today where
I am extremely hyper aware of it.
Well, I think there's a big difference
between curious glances and hostile glares.
Curiousness is marketable.
I know, I'm counting on it.
So am I.
Hey, it's payday today. Make sure and see
if the right amount was transferred or not.
You'd think after five years they would
get it right.
You'd think after ten they would, but you'd
be surprised how often they get it wrong.
- See you tomorrow morning.
- Bye bye.
Please wait a moment.
Your account balance is 250,130 yen.
Withdrawing 200,000 yen.
Please wait a moment.
Thank you very much.
Put this in Nobu's usual account.
Please wait a moment.
Your account balance is 5,690,980 yen.
Here you are.
Hey, Kumi.
About what I said earlier.
How is this evening?
Hi! Hello.
There you are!
Ask him already!
Are. You. Hungry?
Oh, no thank you. I'm sorry, I don't
really have any money.
It hurts so much!
I'll pay for it if you speak English
to Marie while we eat.
I would love to go.
Yes.
She needs all the help she can get.
Yes, she does.
Let's go!
Thanks for waiting!
Thank you!
Here is your chilled noodles and
the onigiri for you.
Thank you so much.
And hamburger!
Delicious!
We heard you.
I need a fork!
He doesn't know how to use chopsticks!
One fork!
So good.
Lucas, how is Marie doing at school?
Is she getting better?
Yeah, she's doing alright.
Did you hear Marie?
He said your English is getting better!
You know, Marie is only a bit younger
than you.
Isn't she like ten years younger than me?
Exactly.
Just a bit.
She is single.
You are single.
Ok. You know, I don't think
I'm really her type.
Marie, what are you doing?
We're in public!
I saw a video that said this kind of
stretch was good for your jawline.
So what?
You don't need to do them right now.
Yoshiko?
Shiori?
Is that really you?
I can't believe it, it's been forever!
Hello.
How are you?
How about dinner sometime?
What a surprise!
I haven't seen her in forever!
You finished already?
Yes, and I really have to get going.
I have so much to do for work tomorrow.
I'm going to go. Thank you for
the invitation.
- See you later.
- Bye bye.
Marie! Say goodbye!
Good. Bye. Lucas.
Are you there?
Dinner is my treat!
How about tonight?
But of course,
Mon Cherie
So, you're not French?
No, I'm American.
I thought your profile said you were
French.
No, it says American.
Well, you look very French.
Really? I'm Irish and Italian.
Do you speak French?
No, sorry, I don't speak any French.
What if you tried to speak French?
Can you understand this?
Like I said, I don't speak any French.
Oh, no.
I brought my French textbook so that
we could look at it together.
Oh, did you think I was a French
tutor or something?
No, I just thought it would be fun
to look at together.
You thought it would be fun to look at
a textbook on a date?
I thought we could take turns reading it.
French is the language of love
after all.
Ok, I still do not speak French so...
It's been awhile.
How are you?
Busy.
I heard from Ryosuke.
He said you've been picking up shifts.
I heard your uncle might promote you.
Ryosuke tells you everything.
My brother has a big mouth.
I'm still thinking.
Thank you.
You'll make a lot more money
as a manager.
You could settle down, start a family...
I could afford this restaurant.
It's a special place for a special day.
What's so special about it?
You tell me.
You know, there's a really famous Japanese
bath house near here.
Have you been to an onsen before?
I thought maybe we could get to know
each other a bit better over there.
Sorry, I have tattoos.
They don't allow people with tattoos
into onsen.
I've never been.
Really? You have tattoos?
That's so surprising.
I didn't think French people
liked tattoos.
I'm going to the bathroom.
I'll be back shortly, my love.
Something funny?
I wonder what living in another
country feels like.
To be surrounded by things you don't know.
Things you've never seen before.
It must be scary.
A little lonely too.
Do you ever think about leaving here?
What do you mean?
This town.
No, I'm happy here.
Sorry, did I miss something?
Ryosuke said that you might...
He said you might propose tonight.
Can I ask you a question?
I want to get married.
I want to become a mom.
You're not interested in any
of that, are you?
No.
I didn't think so.
I didn't think so for awhile now.
Do you know what happens to women like
me if we stay in relationships like this?
One day, men like you figure out
what it is you really want.
Women like me wind up alone.
I don't want to wind up alone.
I have the right to have a happy life.
So do you, Ken.
It's not too late.
For either of us.
We can't stay like this.
Neither one of us will be happy.
Ken.
I hope you figure out what it is you
really want.
I really do.
Alright, shall we get going?
I could give you a ride home.
No, I'm fine. I like taking the train
at night by myself.
Well, we should do this again sometime.
I will be in touch.
Good bye!
Hey! Good morning.
Did you get my package?
Yeah, I did. It is right here.
Did you open it yet?
No, I was waiting for you.
Well, I have my morning coffee ready
to go.
Let's see what customs took out
of your box this time.
Mom! American underwear!
Japanese underwear either fits in the front
or the back, but it does not fit into the
front and the back at the same time-
Oh, Mom. There are bikinis.
Did you not want bikinis?
Seriously? You took all of this in and
were like,
Yeah! My sun definitely wants to wear
bikinis.
I pretty much went to the men's underwear
section of Kohls.
Closed my eyes, and grabbed whatever
I could find.
I mean, do you know how pornographic
the men's underwear section is?
Look, I will make you a deal.
If you could promise me to keep your eyes
open long enough to find me boxer briefs,
I promise to not make you do this for
another six months.
Or however long American underwear
lasts for. Deal?
Deal. How was your night?
Date.
How did that work out?
Poorly. He thought I was French
for some reason.
And at the end of the date he kissed
me on my nose.
Well, I'm glad you went out. I wish
you went out more.
I go out!
No, you don't. Not out out.
Ok, fine. You are right. I do not go
out out.
What is your point point?
It just seems like a waste.
You're all the way over there in Japan,
and you're not actually experiencing it.
I do.
I do.
In my own way.
We are just so close.
I wish I could lend you some more money.
I've just taken out as much from
my retirement as I can.
Hey! It's ok!
Because, as of today, which was payday
we are 800,000 yen away.
What is that in dollars?
Depending on the exchange rate...
Eight thousand dollars.
Wow!
Until then, what shall we bake?
So, I was thinking it is morning there.
It is very much broke o'clock over here.
How about you bake scones
and I will fantasize about your scones.
Yes, I love it.
How do you do?
My name is Ken.
I am Japanese.
I am thirty years old.
My hobby is boxing.
Nice to meet you.
[chirping insects fade out]
[uptempo 1950's music begins]
I wake up on the other side of
this world
Just trying to find my way
[alarm rings]
But each day I rise
The weight of the world on my
mind's eye
Upside down and I don't know why
I'll find my way to you
I'm getting up, on, and ready
To raise my
Raise my vibrations with you
There you are
So distinct in my mind's eye
One of a kind, this love
I'm just trying to get to you
Rent's due.
It's on the table.
There are some deliveries today.
Use my van.
Alright.
My vision's true
[music instrumental]
I'm getting up, on, and ready
To raise my
Vibrations with you
Good morning.
Good. Morning!
Very good, Marie! You did it.
[Yoshiko laughs]
Almost there.
No!
No!
No!
Lucas, see me after class.
Urgent.
No.
Let's practice a few sayings that
you can use
to ask someone what they want to do with
their lives.
Repeat after me and remember that
no one's English is perfect.
It's alright to make mistakes.
It's not alright to give up because
it's difficult.
What is your goal?
What is your goal?
What do you want to do with
your life?
What do you want to do with your life?
Seriously, Ken? What the hell is wrong
with you?
Hey!
What do you want? I'm busy.
What happened with you and Kumi?
Nothing. She broke up with me.
Move.
You wasted three years of my sister's
life.
You've got nothing to say for yourself?
Hey, what's your problem?
Quit messing around.
What was that for?
Would you stop?
Are you serious?
Hey, Ken!
And remember that no one's
English is perfect.
It's alright to make mistakes.
It's not alright to give up
because it's difficult.
What is your dream?
What is your dream?
What is your goal?
What is your goal?
Very good.
Everyone needs a dream.
I hope this lesson helped you think about
your own dreams as well.
Hey! I am so sorry about this morning.
I can't believe I'm about to say this
to you, but my bike got hit by a car.
Then I had to walk here.
It took forever.
Literally, it can never happen again.
Lucas, sit down.
Oh, shit.
Lucas, language.
Sorry, shoot, am I in actual trouble?
I don't think I've ever been late before.
I found out what was taking so long with
your contract.
They've decided to close the school.
What? Why, I thought we were
doing alright!
They are going to close five other schools
in the area as well.
There's just not enough business to keep
us all open.
They'd rather push more students
into the schools
that are doing good than keep us open.
When?
Next month.
Uhh...
Should I be worried?
Am I going to be alright?
No, there's still a lot of schools open.
They're going to find one that needs
another teacher.
Once they do, they'll make a new
contract for you.
They know about your visa expiring
in two weeks.
Did they say when they're going to get
back to you about the school?
Tomorrow. I know it's your day off, but
would you mind stopping by around noon?
Yeah.
Sure. Thank you.
Well, see you tomorrow.
Erika? Are you alright?
Yeah. I'm not sure how to tell everyone
that they are out of a job.
But at least you are the only one I
really need to worry about.
We have all these people coming in to sign
up because of the fliers we handed out.
And I have to tell them something too.
Yeah.
We really handed out a lot of fliers,
didn't we?
We really did.
What do you mean you're closing?
I'm really sorry.
We just got the news today.
There's nothing we can do about it.
But I've been saving up for this.
I have the money.
I can refer you to the nearest school and-
Where is it?
- Kasamashi.
- Kasamashi?
That's two hours away from here.
I can't go to school there.
I'm really sorry. I could try to
find a local tutor and-
Never mind. I'll figure it out myself.
Hey.
Do you need help?
I don't think I can fix this on my own.
Do you have any tools in your van?
You speak Japanese?
Hang on, I'll get my tool box.
What happened?
I parked too close to the street.
It got hit by a car.
That's terrible.
Do you think we can fix this?
Maybe if we have the right tools.
We could probably fix the frame.
The spokes are ruined though.
You should just buy a new one.
I hate to ask, but would you mind giving
me a ride home?
Alright.
It's not far by car.
If I walk it will take over an hour.
I have to do something with this bike, too.
It's no problem.
But we are pretty dirty.
My uncle just had the delivery
van detailed.
I know.
There's a public bath just up the way.
Let's head there and get cleaned up first.
What's wrong.
I have a tattoo. They won't let me in.
We'll see about that.
Let's go.
Alright. Let's go.
What did you do?
They couldn't afford my uncle's
normal rates.
So I did the work for them
on the side.
We've got an hour.
What's wrong?
I've never been to a public bath.
I don't know what to do.
It's your first time?
Alright.
I'll show you.
Take your clothes off here.
You can use a locker if you want.
No one else is here though.
You can just leave your things anywhere
you'd like.
Isn't there a robe or something?
A robe? What for?
Don't we wear something until we get
in the water?
That's what the towel is for.
I'll be waiting inside.
Before you get in, you need to shower.
Wash your hair too.
Everyone uses the same water, so we need to
make sure we are clean.
Come over here.
You're alright, it's just us in here.
Don't worry.
There's a special bath outside.
Let's try it out.
What's your name?
My friends and family back in America
all call me Luke.
After I got here, everyone said it was
easier for Japanese people to say Lucas.
Since then, everyone calls me Lucas.
Which do you like more?
Then I'll call you Luke.
What's your name?
Ken.
What?
Just Ken?
My name is Kentaro.
But my full name is Kennith Johnson.
So, your mom is foreign or something?
She's American.
Do you go to America a lot to
see your mom?
I've never met her.
By the way, why do you want
to study English?
I'm trying to find my mom.
I've been looking for a few years now.
I have a lot of questions for her.
I can't ask them if I don't speak English.
What kind of questions?
For example, does cancer run in our family?
What about gum disease?
Does she know what happened to me?
Does she have any idea?
What happened to you?
I was raised by my uncle.
I dropped out of school after
middle school.
I had to help my uncle out at his company.
I've spent my whole life not knowing who
I was or where I belonged.
I still don't know.
Are you hungry?
Let's get some food.
I would love to go.
I have to be careful how I use
my money.
What are you saving for?
You really want to know?
Yes.
For this.
This old cafe?
Yes.
What do you mean?
I want to buy it.
Why?
Why?
After I buy it, I'll open my own cafe.
I've been thinking about what I want to do.
Wait a minute, what are you doing?
Let's go inside.
Oh my God, this is amazing!
You've never been inside?
No, I've only seen it from the outside.
It's just like before the old owners
passed away.
It even smells the same.
You've been here before?
When I was a kid with my uncle.
There's wood rot here.
There's water damage too.
It's going to take a lot of money to bring
this place up to code.
But look at this.
See?
If I bought each of these things separately
it would cost a fortune.
But they're selling this cafe as is.
That means I won't have to buy any of it.
It's perfect.
I have to show my mom.
Are you serious?
Yeah.
I want to do group English lessons over
there every day.
The cafe staff will only speak in English.
Really basic English.
Customers will learn English bit by bit.
You can practice like you were at
a cafe in America.
Sounds good.
But how?
Ok.
Come here.
Customers will come to the counter as
soon as they enter.
We will greet them like this.
What can I get for you?
What does that mean?
It is asking them what they would like
to order.
Yes!
The customer will say something like this.
Could I have a cafe latte please?
Of course. One moment please.
How do you make a cafe latte?
Two shots of espresso and steamed milk.
How do I tell them to wait?
Coming right up.
Coming right up.
Ok!
Here you go! Thanks for waiting.
Have a nice day.
Yes! Good!
Let me try!
What can I get for you?
Can I have two black coffees please?
Two black coffees.
That will be...400 yen?
400 yen?
What?
That's way too cheap.
This menu is really old.
Two black coffees.
Two black coffees. Thanks for waiting.
This might sound stupid.
Have you ever been to a place that felt
like it was yours?
Like you were supposed to be there?
Like it was just waiting for you to arrive?
There's a connection there even though
there shouldn't be but-
there just is?
I felt it the first time I saw this cafe.
The connection was there.
Since that day, I've been saving.
I've been saving all the money I have.
How much more do you need?
About 800,000 yen.
Even if I get the money, I need to find
a guarantor because I'm a foreigner.
Sorry.
It's stupid.
It's not stupid.
Let's go eat.
My treat.
Yeah.
That's how you eat that?
Yeah, it tastes really good with wasabi.
What's wrong?
You don't like Japanese food?
It's not that.
My landlord brings me here all the time.
This is the only thing they have
that reheats well.
Whenever I come here I eat half here.
I take the rest home.
When I get hungry, I eat the rest.
I get it. That's really smart.
It's nothing special.
Thanks for waiting.
Hamburger ok?
So delicious.
What was that?
He can't use chopsticks so we always
bring him that fork.
He comes in here a lot.
You know he can't use chopsticks.
Why are you making him use a giant fork?
Why don't you buy him a regular one?
He doesn't mind. It's funny.
It's funny that he can't use chopsticks?
I'm sorry, what's happening?
You know what?
Put that tray down.
Bring chopsticks.
Alright.
Ken, it's alright.
Use these chopsticks.
Instead of making him use a giant fork,
teach him how to use these.
He doesn't speak Japanese.
How can I teach him?
Yes, I do.
If only he did.
Wait, what?
Wait a minute!
Why didn't you say something before?
I have tried many times.
You always shout back at me in English.
I just gave up.
I see.
Alright.
Ready?
First, hold it like this.
That's right.
Good.
Very good.
Then you hold the second one
like this.
I put it in here?
Yes!
Now try.
Hang on.
Good!
Holy shit.
I did it!
See? That wasn't hard.
That's right!
You did a great job!
I'm not talking to him.
I'm talking to you.
Me?
Then I should clap for myself?
Let's go.
Thank you, thank you!
It was good!
- Where are we going now?
- You'll see.
Hey, Ken!
What is wrong with you?
You could have killed me earlier!
- Not now.
- Yes, now.
You said you were saving money.
I thought you were going to propose
to Kumi.
Then you break up.
I could have died at work today!
Hi! Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt.
My name is Lucas. I'm with
First Class English Language Schools.
We're here doing a new student campaign.
Ken here has just signed up for classes.
Did you want to sign up for English
language classes as well?
What did he say?
What's this?
It's an English language school.
That's what I'm saving up for.
This is what you've been saving up for?
What do you need English lessons for?
You never even finished high school,
how will you learn English?
Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt this...
I think you're confused
Just because you go to school that
doesn't necessarily make you smart.
I think you're proof of that.
What did he say?
You know what, Ken? I think we
need to get going.
We should go to the school and
fill out that paper work.
Very important.
You understand what I mean, right?
Sorry. Got to go.
Wait, what did he say?
You went to an expensive school.
You have parents who paid for you to go.
With all that, you still
don't understand.
Bye!
Hey! Wait!
Here?
Yes.
Isn't it nice?
It's so beautiful.
I come here at night when
I want to think.
This way.
What do you usually come here to
think about?
I don't know.
My mom. My dad.
Your mom and dad.
You never said what happened.
My mom came here when she
was twenty-one years old.
She worked at the language school
you work at now.
She was a free spirit.
She usually wore her hair down and
was always smiling and laughing.
She was so happy and free.
My dad fell in love the moment he
saw her.
He was a boxer.
He got whatever he set his mind to.
Every match. Every competition.
Of course, he was determined to
win her heart too.
In the end, he did.
They got married.
One year later, I was born.
One month after that...
...she left and never came back.
My father tried, but he couldn't find her.
Then, after a while...
...he was gone too.
It was my father's first and only loss.
What do you mean?
He couldn't take it so he killed himself.
I had nowhere else to go.
My uncle wound up having to raise me.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
What's that?
It's my mom!
She always calls me this time of night.
What should I do?
Answer it.
Hello?
I saw the pictures. The place
looks amazing.
How did you finally get in?
Wait, where are you?
I can't really talk right now.
Because I'm out.
Out?
Out out?
Out out out?
You know, maybe I should explain it...
Can you hang on a second?
Do you want to say hello?
In English?
Alright.
Hello?
Hello!
Nice to meet you. My name is Ken.
Nice to meet you. My name is Cathy.
Lucas, are you still there?
Oh yes.
I'm really hoping you're out out out.
Yeah, me too.
Me too.
Let me know which one it is tomorrow.
Have a good night boys.
Thanks mom. Love you.
Bye.
Is it raining?
Do you play video games?
I could kick your butt at any
retro fighting game.
I have some.
- You do!
- Yes!
- Seriously?
- Let's go!
There's no way you can beat me.
That's strange.
Who's that?
It's probably my landlord's daughter.
Maybe she had a question about
her homework.
I see.
It's really late.
I should get going.
No, it's fine!
I don't know what she wants,
but it will only take a minute.
Today was a lot of fun.
Let's hang out again.
Are you really leaving?
Yeah. See you soon.
What are you doing here?
Are you ok?
There you are. I've been waiting.
We need to talk.
Ok.
This is bad.
This is really bad.
We have a special connection.
I'm sure you feel it too.
I think it's time we were honest
with each other.
Marie...
Clearly you have been drinking.
You need to go home.
Now.
Marie, what are you doing?
Listen to me.
I am gay.
Do you hear me?
Duh. I mean, it takes one to know one.
You should have picked up on me sooner.
I'm sorry, did you just speak in English?
Oh, come on.
I have a business degree from UCLA.
Of course I speak English.
Also, lesbian. So, relax.
Holy shit.
Holy shit indeed.
I'm really confused.
I thought you couldn't speak English.
You couldn't get a job, and then you came
back her to live with your mom.
No, that's just some bull shit that I made
up so that my mom would let me
take care of her while she was recovering
from her surgery.
Well, now she's recovered.
I don't have a way back to America.
And I've got those California girls on my
mind if you know what I mean.
No.
I have no idea what you mean.
Seriously, what is happening?
I have a proposal for you.
A literal one.
What's this?
A solution to both of our problems.
It's a wedding ring.
Yup.
Sorry, I don't follow.
Are you asking me to marry you?
No!
I'm asking you to ask me to marry you
in front of my mom.
We get married, I get my mom off my back.
I can live my best lesbian life on the
other side of the planet.
You get a spousal visa in japan.
In three years time, you can apply for
permanent residency.
As icing on the cake, I'll cosign whatever
paperwork you need
to get that building you're obsessed with.
Two birds with one wedding ring
shaped like stone.
What do you say?
I say...
that everything I thought I knew about you
was a lie.
and I think you're talking about a couple
of different felonies.
They're only felonies if we get caught.
And we won't get caught.
And how do you know that?
When you submit your paperwork for a
spousal visa on either side of the ocean,
you submit pictures proving
the relationship.
We have tons of those thanks to my mom.
Marrying the daughter of your landlord
after secretly being in love with
her for years?
It's the perfect story, and the only part
that a lie is being in love.
Everything else is true.
Well.
That's a hell of a presentation.
Business degree from UCLA.
I do my research.
Ok, I need to get back upstairs before
my mom comes back.
I'm going to leave this with you.
Think it over.
You do know me.
This is just a bit of new information.
And I know you.
We really could pull this off.
Have a good night.
Are you alright?
What's going on?
What happened?
Are you ok?
What?
I don't know what to do.
I'll show you.
[uptempo 1950's music begins]
The love in your eyes completes me
[alarm rings]
The stars in the sky are going to
shine on
Sorry.
Sorry, sorry.
Or will love be leaving my heart
stuck like glue
Woah, you
Can I use your shower?
Yeah, of course.
Come home to me, yeah
[music instrumental]
But if I don't have you near, yeah
I can't breathe right, baby
When you say maybe,
I lose my mind
And it's you
I'm holding on to you
But only if you
Come home to me, yeah
And it's you
Hey! Good morning.
What's this?
Breakfast!
I don't have a lot of food.
My mom just sent a box from America.
I used some of that.
You sleep alright?
I guess.
Here, try this!
It's good!
[birds chirping]
[Lucas laughs]
[Lucas] That's all?
I use about twice as much.
See?
It's really sweet.
What kind of food do you like?
I'll cook for you next time.
I can make anything, but
I love to bake.
Next time?
Yeah, next time!
I mean, we never got to play games.
Right?
[fork quickly scrapes against a plate]
Sorry, did I miss something?
[Ken] No.
We're not kids.
I think we both know the difference
between something and nothing.
Yesterday felt like a lot more than
nothing to me.
It did, didn't it?
Listen.
I'm not asking you to say anything special.
But, please.
Tell me I'm not the only one who
felt something special yesterday.
I have to go.
What?
Ken!
[door opens and then quickly closes]
[birds and insects chirp loudly]
Lucas, who was that?
What happened to your bike?
Marie, can you drive me to the
school, please?
Yeah, of course.
I'll go get dressed.
[soft knocking]
What happened to you yesterday?
You can't just come and go
as you please.
This is a job, Ken.
Don't be late.
[door slides open]
Hey! Sorry I am late, I had to
get a ride.
Lucas.
Yeah, just give me one second and
I'll be ready to go.
Lucas.
Oh.
Yeah.
This email just came in from
the head office.
They declined your transfer.
What does that mean?
They're not just closing schools
in our area.
They're closing one fourth of the
schools in the country.
And they are making large staff cuts.
I'm...
I'm really sorry, but they are
letting you go.
No.
That cannot be right.
No, we will call Shizuoka.
They're always looking for people.
It's closing.
Then, you know what, we'll call Nagano.
We know the owner, and he'll
give me a job.
I'm sorry. It's closing too.
This can't be right.
I only have two weeks left on
my visa.
There's not enough time to find another
job or pack up my stuff.
There's not enough time.
I know.
[Lucas cries softly]
Fuck them.
Language.
But yeah, fuck them.
What do you want to do?
I'll help you in any way that I can.
I want...
to order a pizza.
I'm so tired of being hungry
all the time.
Alright.
Let's order a pizza.
And let's see what we can find.
Maybe there's something.
Yeah.
Maybe there's something.
[metal scaffolding rattles]
[Ryosuke] I finally figured it out.
Not now.
I know why my sister broke up with you.
What are you talking about?
I figured it all out last night.
You're hooking up with that
gay foreigner.
Where did you go after that?
Did you guys have sex in your
uncle's car?
What's wrong?
He wear you out?
Can't speak?
Last warning.
Walk away.
I'm so sick of you and your bullshit.
Everyone is just putting up with you.
They do it because this is your
uncle's company.
Even your uncle.
He just puts up with you because
your dad killed himself.
He feels bad for you because you had
to quit school.
You want to know the truth?
Everyone thinks you're just a stupid
dog who can't-
[punching sounds and grunts]
Ken, stop!
[punching sound and grunt]
That's enough.
It's over.
[pained groaning]
[Ryosuke] See what I mean?
Just a stupid dog.
[Ryosuke] Get him on a leash.
[Nobu] Let's go.
[door slams shut]
[Ken and Nobu breathe heavily]
Sit down!
What?
[Nobu] Are you going to hit me again?
Then what?
Go to jail when someone calls the police?
That's what will happen if you hit me
like you hit Ryosuke.
Someone will call them.
I'm serious.
Then you'll really have a fight
you can't win.
I don't care.
Yeah.
I'm getting that.
[Nobu] You show up when you want
to show up.
You leave when you want to leave.
Ryosuke has a college degree.
He's way more qualified for the promotion.
And yet...
You do whatever you want and you
get promoted?
How do you think that looks to everyone?
[Ken] Then give him the promotion.
I don't want it.
Fine.
Then what do you want?
[Ken] I don't know.
I never had a chance to figure that out.
You ungrateful bastard!
Your father sacrificed everything to
open this business.
This business keeps food on our table
and pays for our home.
Your father-
[picture frame cracks]
I'm not my father.
I don't want his life.
I see..
No, you are not your father.
You've sure got his face and his eyes.
But you've got no appreciation for the
things he left you to build a life with.
I don't want them.
I don't want his pictures.
His room.
His boxing gloves.
His job.
I don't want any of it.
I want something of my own.
Don't you see?
I have the right to a happy life too.
One that's mine.
Not his.
I know you don't remember your father.
But he was tough as hell.
Right up until your mother left.
After that...
...there was no getting him back.
The misery got to him and it
wouldn't let go.
[Ken cries softly]
I don't want it to get to you too.
I want you to be happy.
Whatever it takes.
[Ken and Nobu cry]
[Nobu] Not even a word of thanks for
all the trouble he caused us.
So, what do you want to do?
I want to go to school.
Cut my hours down to part time.
[Ken] I want to figure myself out a bit.
I think that would be good for all of us.
[picture frame clatters]
What's this?
It's a work order to tear down that
old cafe.
They want to turn it into a parking lot
if no one buys it.
When?
The end of the month.
[pages rapidly turn]
So, this is it?
I'm sorry, Lucas.
There's just not a lot of English schools
around here to begin with.
What happens if I can't find a job?
What do you mean?
What happens when my visa runs out?
Do they send someone to get me?
[Erika] No.
They just expect you to leave.
[Lucas laughs]
So, they trust me enough to leave
but not enough to stay?
Well, that is a great system.
I can call immigration on Monday
and explain the situation.
They'll probably give you a temporary
extension on your visa for thirty days.
Thirty days.
I would have thirty days to say goodbye and
pack up five years of my life into boxes?
That sounds horrible.
Lucas, you can't think like that.
You sound like you've already given up.
[Ken] Luke!
Luke, I need to speak with you.
What's he doing here?
[heavy footsteps on gravel]
Luke, wait.
Luke!
Luke!
Please wait!
[Ken] Luke.
Luke!
Do you have any idea how hard it is to
live in another country?
To have to relearn to do the
simplest things.
And to feel small and stupid every day
as a result.
You are constantly lonely
even though you are surrounded by
people staring at you.
And the pressure of feeling helpless
all the time is crushing.
On the best of days you feel
barely tolerated.
And on the worst of days you feel
completely and totally alone.
But you keep trying and trying
because you believe you are where
you are supposed to be.
There's this connection.
And you think if you try hard enough
that this place that drives you crazy...
and that you love so much...
Someday...
That someday it's going to love you back.
So, why didn't it love me back?
Luke, they're going to tear down
the cafe.
I saw the work order for the demolition
at my job.
If you don't buy it by the end
of the month...
[Ken] ...they're going to turn it
into a parking lot.
Of course. Of course they are.
Luke, please wait.
I have money.
I have the money I was going to use
to go to school.
I can help you.
We can fix it up together.
I want to go to America.
You teach me English.
We could look for my mom.
Together.
[birds and insects chirp loudly]
[birds and insects chirping continues]
[faint vibration sound]
Hey.
[Lucas] You're up early.
Late actually.
You'll never believe what happened
at the bakery.
Where are you?
I am sitting in the middle of the road.
[Cathy] Why?
Because this is the spot where my feet
decided to stop working.
Sorry, that came out really
melodramatic, didn't it?
Ok, can you be melodramatic on the
side of the road?
Hang on.
Better?
Much.
What's wrong?
I found out they're closing
the school today.
They also decided to not renew my contract.
[Lucas] The cafe that we've been
saving to buy...
It's going to be torn down at the end
of the month.
Even if I had a visa, we never would have
gotten the money together in time
to buy it, so that means no matter
how you look at it...
All of the saving and eating out of the
trash I have been doing...
It was for nothing.
Ok, now I'm starting to get the melodrama.
[Lucas] To top that off...
Last night was easily the happiest I've
been in a very long time.
And this morning...I don't know.
[Lucas] Ken just kind of freaked out and
he ran out of the house.
And when he came to the school to apologize
and try to help...
I didn't know what to do, so I just
pushed him away.
So that he didn't get dragged into
all of this.
Mom?
[Cathy] Hang on, now I need to lie down.
Ahh.
So you see why my feet suddenly
stopped working, huh?
Yes. It's a lot.
Are you alright?
You know, I...
thought I was.
Until yesterday when I was with
Ken and I...
I thought things were about to
get better.
And then today.
It's just...
further confirmation.
No. I'm not alright.
How much time is left on your visa?
2 weeks.
That's fourteen days.
[Lucas] Yeah, I know.
It's not enough time.
It's...
336 hours.
336?
Alright.
336, mom that is a big old number!
Yes, it is.
Mom, did you just save the day with math?
Because if you did, that was some
solid momming.
[Cathy] I'm not done momming yet.
Listen, if you have the ability to eat
out of a trash can
Then you have the ability to do whatever
it takes to fix this visa situation.
[Cathy] You've got 336 hours.
[Cathy] It's enough time to take
a deep breath.
[Cathy] Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
And start thinking about all the
friends and
connections you've made in the
past five years.
[Cathy] Recognizing that things are
not alright was the hard part.
[Cathy] Now the question is what are
you going to do to make things better?
[faint uptempo 1950's music plays]
[Lucas] Marie?
Will you marry me?
Of course, yes!
A thousand times, yes!
Fuck.
What?
My mom is washing the dishes.
She didn't hear you.
Hurry, come inside. Let's
do it again.
Ok.
[uptempo 1950's music continues]
Ok, now.
Do it now.
Will you marry me?
Of course, yes!
A thousand times, yes!
Oh, I'm so happy!
Seriously?
Mom?
What is it?
Hurry!
I'm trying to finish the dishes.
Do it now.
Wait, what's happening?
Seriously?
Will you marry me?
Of course, yes!
A thousand times, yes!
Yes?
Yes yes?
Oh, yes, yes, yes!
It finally happened.
I've been waiting for this day!
Now you can finally go back to America
and get on with your life.
Wait, what?
You came back after my surgery.
I told you to stay in America, but you
wouldn't listen.
I told you I didn't need any help.
The next thing I knew, you forgot how to
speak English and were on a plane.
So you knew the whole time?
Your mother is not stupid.
Then why didn't you say anything?
You didn't seem to want to talk
about it.
So I wasn't about to ask you.
Once you get married, you're free
to go back to America.
You can find a good girlfriend.
Lucas can get his cafe.
He can get a boyfriend too.
Wait a minute.
You knew I was gay all this time?
You knew about me too?
How stupid do the two of you
think I am?
We don't have time for this now.
If you're proposing, that means we don't
have much time left.
Alright, what's the plan?
I need to borrow the car.
Are you alright?
Yeah.
I did something bad.
There's this guy.
I hurt him.
I didn't mean to.
I just...
I'm not very good at saying how I feel.
Yeah.
I know.
My jaw still hurts.
I tried to apologize to him.
It was just too late.
This guy...
He's important to you?
Yeah.
It's hard being vulnerable.
I understand that.
But when it comes to someone important...
...being vulnerable sometimes pays off.
I don't think it's going to this time.
I'm not so sure about that.
There's a foreigner standing out
in the driveway.
I am so sorry.
I'm very sorry.
Hey.
Hey.
I am so sorry about earlier.
Just kind of seemed like everything
that could go wrong did go wrong today.
The truth is...
...things haven't been good for a while.
But things started to get better
after I met you.
I think for both of us.
So...
I want to keep getting better.
With you.
Let's get better.
Together.
What do you say?
Let's get better.
Together.
Together.
Come on, let's go.
Wait, how did you get here?
I drove Yoshiko's car.
Do you have a license?
In America.
You broke the law to see me?
Oh, Ken.
You have no idea.
I'll drive.
Yes, please.
Yes.
[uptempo 1950's music begins]
Baby, the sun will shine
Because you are mine
When all the birds have flown away
I'll be here to stay
[alarm rings]
Oh, what can I do
No, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no.
Good morning.
No.
Wake up.
Wait a minute.
Get up.
Just a few more minutes.
I said wait!
I'm awake! I'm up!
- Alright, that's better.
- Yeah?
[Lucas and Ken laugh]
- So, now let's go here.
- Uh huh.
And then I'll go here with my back.
[water running]
Languages are constantly evolving.
- Nice!
- I finally got that part!
Which means...
No one else like you in this world
[Ken] Luke, it's time to go!
Coming!
[music stops]
[Erika] I brought over as much as I could
from the old school as far as materials go.
Nice.
And I hung up the fliers for
the new school.
I really think this is going to work.
You give them homework,
they come here to do it.
Man, that sounds perfect to me.
[Lucas sighs]
Hey, Erika?
Yeah?
Thanks.
For what?
For not letting me give up.
Of course.
- [Lucas] Now, what about-
- Lucas!
She's here.
Your mom is here.
Come on!
[Lucas and Yoshiko laugh]
When you get to California, I've already
got everything ready for you.
I can't thank you enough for helping me
get situated.
Of course! I can't thank you
enough for helping Lucas.
Well, both of you.
What is she saying?
I paid for all of those years of
English lessons.
I'm so nervous.
Tell her that I love her earrrings.
My mom said she loves your earrings.
I love yours too!
She said she loves my earrings too?
That's what she said, right?
Do you like crafts?
I could help you make a pair.
[laughter]
Mom!
Lucas! Oh!
Hi!
Oh, this is amazing.
I can't believe it's happening.
I can't believe you're here.
I'm so glad you made it.
Are you kidding?
I wouldn't miss this for the world.
[Lucas laughs]
Where's Ken?
Oh, I think he's out back having
a cigarette. I'll go get him.
Ok, um...
I got the information you asked for.
Oh, wow.
[insects chirp]
Hey.
[Lucas sighs deeply]
Is your mom alright?
She is the same as always.
[Lucas and Ken laugh]
She's waiting in the cafe.
[Ken sighs]
This is for you.
A gift from my mom.
What's this?
She did it.
My mom found your mom.
She...found my mom?
Yeah.
It's all in there.
Name. Address. Phone number.
She really did it.
Hey.
You ok?
I'm alright.
Really?
Are you sure you're "daijoubu?"
- You sure you're "daijoubu?"
- Daijoubu.
Are you just a little "daijoubu,"
or like...
One hundred percent "daijoubu?"
Thank you.
Thank you.
[Lucas laughs]
[unintelligible dialog]
Hi.
Oh, my gosh! Look at you!
[Cathy] You're so handsome.
[Ken] It's nice to meet you.
Come on, let's sit down.
[door closes]
Thank you for coming to Japan.
Umm...
I heard so much about you from Luke.
And I've really been looking forward
to meeting you.
Umm...
Luke told you about my mom?
He did. I'm really sorry.
Thank you for finding her.
Um...
It just makes me feel so much better to
know she's out there somewhere alive.
I studied English so I could speak
with my mom.
But I don't know her.
Maybe it's for the best.
I know you.
I think I'd rather speak English with you.
Well, you can speak English with me
anytime.
And me.
Thank you.
Oh, shit. I think I'm going to cry.
- Ouch!
- You see?
This is why you need to get a
girlfriend.
I want to have that too.
Hurry up and find one
and settle down.
Wait a minute, get back here.
She gets married and suddenly she
becomes a playgirl.
Coming home at all hours of the night.
Do you have any idea how hard it is
having a daughter like her?
Sorry about my mom.
What, it's true!
Everyone, it's almost noon!
Is everyone ready?
Let's all gather around the counter
and take a picture.
Let's go!
[Yoshiko] Hurry, hurry!
[uptempo 1950's guitar instrumental]
Stand together now!
[Nobu] Can I stand here?
Ten seconds!
- [Yoshiko] Where should I go?
- [Marie] Here, stand next to me.
[Yoshiko] Thank you!
[camera shutter clicks]
Alright, let's open!
[guitar instrumental continues]
Here we go.
[guitar instrumental continues]
Hi.
How can we help you?
[Fossilize performs "A Feeling I Get"]
When you think of all that's
come and gone
Do you think about why it matters
And if it's right or wrong
Cause it's true, what I want never
added up
And I never could seem to fight
hard enough
But you can't be too hasty or
you'll lose
I guess I'm killing time
So tell me where to begin
Tell me where to begin
I don't know how to begin and I ain't
got no excuse
I'm headed out.
Come to my office when you arrive.
[music instrumental]
[refridgerator door closes and opens]
Follow the signs, follow the signs,
and it'll be alright
Even the sun knows when to rise,
when to spread the light
And now, now I can see
I've always had enough
And I know that its time to start
facing up
To the truth
Can't be too hasty or you'll lose
So I'll keep killing time
Ah, Lucas!
Oh! Good morning Yoshiko.
Good morning Marie.
Good morning!
Marie, say hello to him in English.
Good. Morning.
After all that time living abroad...
What did you do in America for four years?
Lucas, do you need a ride to school?
No, I'm fine.
Are you sure?
Yeah!
No problem.
Let him go. You know he wants to stop
at that building.
His bag is falling apart.
That bike is, too.
I wish he'd let us help more.
Let's go.
Thank you.
Do you know him?
No.
Sometimes I see him handing out fliers
for the English school at the station.
He's probably stalking you.
If you're not careful he's going to show up
at your house one day.
Shut up.
One day you'll look outside and there will
be a foreigner in your driveway.
Just waiting for you to come out.
He's going to kidnap you and force you
to learn English.
Yeah, yeah.
Alright, today we are going to be working
on self-introductions.
I'll go first.
How do you do?
My name is Lucas.
I'm from America.
I'm 35 years old.
My hobby is baking.
Nice to meet you.
The whole point of a self-introduction
is to give you and your conversational
partner something to talk about.
Make sure to think of them
and remember.
Don't be shy.
Now, you have five minutes to prepare
your own self-introduction.
When the five minutes are up, you will
come up here and present them to the class.
Begin.
Morning!
I just need your signature on your
visa paperwork.
We are still waiting for your contract
from the home office, though.
Sorry it's taking so long.
Oh, that's ok. I think I've still got
two weeks left on my visa.
I'm just hoping for more than a
one year extension this time.
Fucking visas.
Lucas! Language!
Sorry, fricking! Fricking visas,
everybody. Fricking.
- Better.
- Thank you.
And sign here.
Hey, how is registration looking.
Are we doing ok?
Not great, but I think we're
in the clear.
I've got a meeting with the home office
tonight to talk with them about it.
And I'll make sure to remind them about
your contract.
Hey, Erika!
Do you want to hand some some more
fliers later or something?
You just want me to buy you a coffee,
don't you?
I mean, it can be both things. We can have
coffee and save the school.
Better you than some guy on a dating app.
Bye!
Alright, time is almost up!
Come in.
Oh, Ken.
Finally.
Sit.
Your father...
You know he never lost a single match?
When we were kids, he'd get into fights
with kids from other schools.
No one could take him.
My brother, he...
We used his prize money to start
this company.
One of your father's dreams was making
this company a success.
How old were you when you started
working here?
Fifteen.
So, you've been working here for
fifteen years now.
I know life hasn't been very fair to you.
After your father died...
I did everything I could to
take care of you.
With Nakamura retiring, there will be
an opening in management.
I'd like to promote you.
Oh, I see.
Too good for the dirt under your nails?
You want to wear a suit to work?
You got something else you want to do?
Let me be clear.
There isn't a job out there for a middle
school dropout.
No one will want you.
This isn't a bad offer.
So take it.
Or you can quit.
I don't care either way.
Let me know your decision
by next week.
Today is payday.
I expect rent by tomorrow.
Drop the cash deposits off at the bank
when you get your money.
- What did he say?
- Nothing.
He didn't offer you the promotion, did he?
Tell me he didn't give you
Nakamura's job.
So what if he did?
You don't have any experience in management
like I do.
You don't have a college degree.
You don't need the money.
How do you know?
Your parents are gone so you don't have to
take care of them.
You don't have any kids.
You're on your own.
I need money.
Why?
You don't have any hobbies.
You don't go out.
You don't do anything.
What do you need it for?
None of your business.
Oh, I see what's happening here.
You're going to propose to Kumi.
No.
That's my little sister.
You were saving up to propose,
weren't you?
It's been three years.
It's about time.
I'm not proposing.
Hey!
What's wrong with my sister?
Hey!
Look, a foreigner!
Say hello.
Say hello to him.
Say hello!
He said hello to you.
Good afternoon!
We actually have classes for
young children.
Classes start from ages one and up.
We can begin as early as next week.
I see.
Thank you so much.
Say bye-bye!
Say thank you, bye-bye!
Say bye-bye!
Thank you!
Bye!
Thank you so much!
Ok, let's call it a day. I'm pretty beat.
Yeah, I am pretty tired of the animal
in a petting zoo treatment as well.
I've always thought of you more like a
circus animal. A tiger or something.
I think you mean circus freak.
You're not a freak.
For a lot of these people, you're the
first foreigner they've ever met.
And probably will be the last.
You're special.
Yeah, I get it.
I get it, it's just that sometimes
I forget I'm a foreigner.
Like, for a moment I don't understand why
everyone is staring at me all the time.
And then we have days like today where
I am extremely hyper aware of it.
Well, I think there's a big difference
between curious glances and hostile glares.
Curiousness is marketable.
I know, I'm counting on it.
So am I.
Hey, it's payday today. Make sure and see
if the right amount was transferred or not.
You'd think after five years they would
get it right.
You'd think after ten they would, but you'd
be surprised how often they get it wrong.
- See you tomorrow morning.
- Bye bye.
Please wait a moment.
Your account balance is 250,130 yen.
Withdrawing 200,000 yen.
Please wait a moment.
Thank you very much.
Put this in Nobu's usual account.
Please wait a moment.
Your account balance is 5,690,980 yen.
Here you are.
Hey, Kumi.
About what I said earlier.
How is this evening?
Hi! Hello.
There you are!
Ask him already!
Are. You. Hungry?
Oh, no thank you. I'm sorry, I don't
really have any money.
It hurts so much!
I'll pay for it if you speak English
to Marie while we eat.
I would love to go.
Yes.
She needs all the help she can get.
Yes, she does.
Let's go!
Thanks for waiting!
Thank you!
Here is your chilled noodles and
the onigiri for you.
Thank you so much.
And hamburger!
Delicious!
We heard you.
I need a fork!
He doesn't know how to use chopsticks!
One fork!
So good.
Lucas, how is Marie doing at school?
Is she getting better?
Yeah, she's doing alright.
Did you hear Marie?
He said your English is getting better!
You know, Marie is only a bit younger
than you.
Isn't she like ten years younger than me?
Exactly.
Just a bit.
She is single.
You are single.
Ok. You know, I don't think
I'm really her type.
Marie, what are you doing?
We're in public!
I saw a video that said this kind of
stretch was good for your jawline.
So what?
You don't need to do them right now.
Yoshiko?
Shiori?
Is that really you?
I can't believe it, it's been forever!
Hello.
How are you?
How about dinner sometime?
What a surprise!
I haven't seen her in forever!
You finished already?
Yes, and I really have to get going.
I have so much to do for work tomorrow.
I'm going to go. Thank you for
the invitation.
- See you later.
- Bye bye.
Marie! Say goodbye!
Good. Bye. Lucas.
Are you there?
Dinner is my treat!
How about tonight?
But of course,
Mon Cherie
So, you're not French?
No, I'm American.
I thought your profile said you were
French.
No, it says American.
Well, you look very French.
Really? I'm Irish and Italian.
Do you speak French?
No, sorry, I don't speak any French.
What if you tried to speak French?
Can you understand this?
Like I said, I don't speak any French.
Oh, no.
I brought my French textbook so that
we could look at it together.
Oh, did you think I was a French
tutor or something?
No, I just thought it would be fun
to look at together.
You thought it would be fun to look at
a textbook on a date?
I thought we could take turns reading it.
French is the language of love
after all.
Ok, I still do not speak French so...
It's been awhile.
How are you?
Busy.
I heard from Ryosuke.
He said you've been picking up shifts.
I heard your uncle might promote you.
Ryosuke tells you everything.
My brother has a big mouth.
I'm still thinking.
Thank you.
You'll make a lot more money
as a manager.
You could settle down, start a family...
I could afford this restaurant.
It's a special place for a special day.
What's so special about it?
You tell me.
You know, there's a really famous Japanese
bath house near here.
Have you been to an onsen before?
I thought maybe we could get to know
each other a bit better over there.
Sorry, I have tattoos.
They don't allow people with tattoos
into onsen.
I've never been.
Really? You have tattoos?
That's so surprising.
I didn't think French people
liked tattoos.
I'm going to the bathroom.
I'll be back shortly, my love.
Something funny?
I wonder what living in another
country feels like.
To be surrounded by things you don't know.
Things you've never seen before.
It must be scary.
A little lonely too.
Do you ever think about leaving here?
What do you mean?
This town.
No, I'm happy here.
Sorry, did I miss something?
Ryosuke said that you might...
He said you might propose tonight.
Can I ask you a question?
I want to get married.
I want to become a mom.
You're not interested in any
of that, are you?
No.
I didn't think so.
I didn't think so for awhile now.
Do you know what happens to women like
me if we stay in relationships like this?
One day, men like you figure out
what it is you really want.
Women like me wind up alone.
I don't want to wind up alone.
I have the right to have a happy life.
So do you, Ken.
It's not too late.
For either of us.
We can't stay like this.
Neither one of us will be happy.
Ken.
I hope you figure out what it is you
really want.
I really do.
Alright, shall we get going?
I could give you a ride home.
No, I'm fine. I like taking the train
at night by myself.
Well, we should do this again sometime.
I will be in touch.
Good bye!
Hey! Good morning.
Did you get my package?
Yeah, I did. It is right here.
Did you open it yet?
No, I was waiting for you.
Well, I have my morning coffee ready
to go.
Let's see what customs took out
of your box this time.
Mom! American underwear!
Japanese underwear either fits in the front
or the back, but it does not fit into the
front and the back at the same time-
Oh, Mom. There are bikinis.
Did you not want bikinis?
Seriously? You took all of this in and
were like,
Yeah! My sun definitely wants to wear
bikinis.
I pretty much went to the men's underwear
section of Kohls.
Closed my eyes, and grabbed whatever
I could find.
I mean, do you know how pornographic
the men's underwear section is?
Look, I will make you a deal.
If you could promise me to keep your eyes
open long enough to find me boxer briefs,
I promise to not make you do this for
another six months.
Or however long American underwear
lasts for. Deal?
Deal. How was your night?
Date.
How did that work out?
Poorly. He thought I was French
for some reason.
And at the end of the date he kissed
me on my nose.
Well, I'm glad you went out. I wish
you went out more.
I go out!
No, you don't. Not out out.
Ok, fine. You are right. I do not go
out out.
What is your point point?
It just seems like a waste.
You're all the way over there in Japan,
and you're not actually experiencing it.
I do.
I do.
In my own way.
We are just so close.
I wish I could lend you some more money.
I've just taken out as much from
my retirement as I can.
Hey! It's ok!
Because, as of today, which was payday
we are 800,000 yen away.
What is that in dollars?
Depending on the exchange rate...
Eight thousand dollars.
Wow!
Until then, what shall we bake?
So, I was thinking it is morning there.
It is very much broke o'clock over here.
How about you bake scones
and I will fantasize about your scones.
Yes, I love it.
How do you do?
My name is Ken.
I am Japanese.
I am thirty years old.
My hobby is boxing.
Nice to meet you.
[chirping insects fade out]
[uptempo 1950's music begins]
I wake up on the other side of
this world
Just trying to find my way
[alarm rings]
But each day I rise
The weight of the world on my
mind's eye
Upside down and I don't know why
I'll find my way to you
I'm getting up, on, and ready
To raise my
Raise my vibrations with you
There you are
So distinct in my mind's eye
One of a kind, this love
I'm just trying to get to you
Rent's due.
It's on the table.
There are some deliveries today.
Use my van.
Alright.
My vision's true
[music instrumental]
I'm getting up, on, and ready
To raise my
Vibrations with you
Good morning.
Good. Morning!
Very good, Marie! You did it.
[Yoshiko laughs]
Almost there.
No!
No!
No!
Lucas, see me after class.
Urgent.
No.
Let's practice a few sayings that
you can use
to ask someone what they want to do with
their lives.
Repeat after me and remember that
no one's English is perfect.
It's alright to make mistakes.
It's not alright to give up because
it's difficult.
What is your goal?
What is your goal?
What do you want to do with
your life?
What do you want to do with your life?
Seriously, Ken? What the hell is wrong
with you?
Hey!
What do you want? I'm busy.
What happened with you and Kumi?
Nothing. She broke up with me.
Move.
You wasted three years of my sister's
life.
You've got nothing to say for yourself?
Hey, what's your problem?
Quit messing around.
What was that for?
Would you stop?
Are you serious?
Hey, Ken!
And remember that no one's
English is perfect.
It's alright to make mistakes.
It's not alright to give up
because it's difficult.
What is your dream?
What is your dream?
What is your goal?
What is your goal?
Very good.
Everyone needs a dream.
I hope this lesson helped you think about
your own dreams as well.
Hey! I am so sorry about this morning.
I can't believe I'm about to say this
to you, but my bike got hit by a car.
Then I had to walk here.
It took forever.
Literally, it can never happen again.
Lucas, sit down.
Oh, shit.
Lucas, language.
Sorry, shoot, am I in actual trouble?
I don't think I've ever been late before.
I found out what was taking so long with
your contract.
They've decided to close the school.
What? Why, I thought we were
doing alright!
They are going to close five other schools
in the area as well.
There's just not enough business to keep
us all open.
They'd rather push more students
into the schools
that are doing good than keep us open.
When?
Next month.
Uhh...
Should I be worried?
Am I going to be alright?
No, there's still a lot of schools open.
They're going to find one that needs
another teacher.
Once they do, they'll make a new
contract for you.
They know about your visa expiring
in two weeks.
Did they say when they're going to get
back to you about the school?
Tomorrow. I know it's your day off, but
would you mind stopping by around noon?
Yeah.
Sure. Thank you.
Well, see you tomorrow.
Erika? Are you alright?
Yeah. I'm not sure how to tell everyone
that they are out of a job.
But at least you are the only one I
really need to worry about.
We have all these people coming in to sign
up because of the fliers we handed out.
And I have to tell them something too.
Yeah.
We really handed out a lot of fliers,
didn't we?
We really did.
What do you mean you're closing?
I'm really sorry.
We just got the news today.
There's nothing we can do about it.
But I've been saving up for this.
I have the money.
I can refer you to the nearest school and-
Where is it?
- Kasamashi.
- Kasamashi?
That's two hours away from here.
I can't go to school there.
I'm really sorry. I could try to
find a local tutor and-
Never mind. I'll figure it out myself.
Hey.
Do you need help?
I don't think I can fix this on my own.
Do you have any tools in your van?
You speak Japanese?
Hang on, I'll get my tool box.
What happened?
I parked too close to the street.
It got hit by a car.
That's terrible.
Do you think we can fix this?
Maybe if we have the right tools.
We could probably fix the frame.
The spokes are ruined though.
You should just buy a new one.
I hate to ask, but would you mind giving
me a ride home?
Alright.
It's not far by car.
If I walk it will take over an hour.
I have to do something with this bike, too.
It's no problem.
But we are pretty dirty.
My uncle just had the delivery
van detailed.
I know.
There's a public bath just up the way.
Let's head there and get cleaned up first.
What's wrong.
I have a tattoo. They won't let me in.
We'll see about that.
Let's go.
Alright. Let's go.
What did you do?
They couldn't afford my uncle's
normal rates.
So I did the work for them
on the side.
We've got an hour.
What's wrong?
I've never been to a public bath.
I don't know what to do.
It's your first time?
Alright.
I'll show you.
Take your clothes off here.
You can use a locker if you want.
No one else is here though.
You can just leave your things anywhere
you'd like.
Isn't there a robe or something?
A robe? What for?
Don't we wear something until we get
in the water?
That's what the towel is for.
I'll be waiting inside.
Before you get in, you need to shower.
Wash your hair too.
Everyone uses the same water, so we need to
make sure we are clean.
Come over here.
You're alright, it's just us in here.
Don't worry.
There's a special bath outside.
Let's try it out.
What's your name?
My friends and family back in America
all call me Luke.
After I got here, everyone said it was
easier for Japanese people to say Lucas.
Since then, everyone calls me Lucas.
Which do you like more?
Then I'll call you Luke.
What's your name?
Ken.
What?
Just Ken?
My name is Kentaro.
But my full name is Kennith Johnson.
So, your mom is foreign or something?
She's American.
Do you go to America a lot to
see your mom?
I've never met her.
By the way, why do you want
to study English?
I'm trying to find my mom.
I've been looking for a few years now.
I have a lot of questions for her.
I can't ask them if I don't speak English.
What kind of questions?
For example, does cancer run in our family?
What about gum disease?
Does she know what happened to me?
Does she have any idea?
What happened to you?
I was raised by my uncle.
I dropped out of school after
middle school.
I had to help my uncle out at his company.
I've spent my whole life not knowing who
I was or where I belonged.
I still don't know.
Are you hungry?
Let's get some food.
I would love to go.
I have to be careful how I use
my money.
What are you saving for?
You really want to know?
Yes.
For this.
This old cafe?
Yes.
What do you mean?
I want to buy it.
Why?
Why?
After I buy it, I'll open my own cafe.
I've been thinking about what I want to do.
Wait a minute, what are you doing?
Let's go inside.
Oh my God, this is amazing!
You've never been inside?
No, I've only seen it from the outside.
It's just like before the old owners
passed away.
It even smells the same.
You've been here before?
When I was a kid with my uncle.
There's wood rot here.
There's water damage too.
It's going to take a lot of money to bring
this place up to code.
But look at this.
See?
If I bought each of these things separately
it would cost a fortune.
But they're selling this cafe as is.
That means I won't have to buy any of it.
It's perfect.
I have to show my mom.
Are you serious?
Yeah.
I want to do group English lessons over
there every day.
The cafe staff will only speak in English.
Really basic English.
Customers will learn English bit by bit.
You can practice like you were at
a cafe in America.
Sounds good.
But how?
Ok.
Come here.
Customers will come to the counter as
soon as they enter.
We will greet them like this.
What can I get for you?
What does that mean?
It is asking them what they would like
to order.
Yes!
The customer will say something like this.
Could I have a cafe latte please?
Of course. One moment please.
How do you make a cafe latte?
Two shots of espresso and steamed milk.
How do I tell them to wait?
Coming right up.
Coming right up.
Ok!
Here you go! Thanks for waiting.
Have a nice day.
Yes! Good!
Let me try!
What can I get for you?
Can I have two black coffees please?
Two black coffees.
That will be...400 yen?
400 yen?
What?
That's way too cheap.
This menu is really old.
Two black coffees.
Two black coffees. Thanks for waiting.
This might sound stupid.
Have you ever been to a place that felt
like it was yours?
Like you were supposed to be there?
Like it was just waiting for you to arrive?
There's a connection there even though
there shouldn't be but-
there just is?
I felt it the first time I saw this cafe.
The connection was there.
Since that day, I've been saving.
I've been saving all the money I have.
How much more do you need?
About 800,000 yen.
Even if I get the money, I need to find
a guarantor because I'm a foreigner.
Sorry.
It's stupid.
It's not stupid.
Let's go eat.
My treat.
Yeah.
That's how you eat that?
Yeah, it tastes really good with wasabi.
What's wrong?
You don't like Japanese food?
It's not that.
My landlord brings me here all the time.
This is the only thing they have
that reheats well.
Whenever I come here I eat half here.
I take the rest home.
When I get hungry, I eat the rest.
I get it. That's really smart.
It's nothing special.
Thanks for waiting.
Hamburger ok?
So delicious.
What was that?
He can't use chopsticks so we always
bring him that fork.
He comes in here a lot.
You know he can't use chopsticks.
Why are you making him use a giant fork?
Why don't you buy him a regular one?
He doesn't mind. It's funny.
It's funny that he can't use chopsticks?
I'm sorry, what's happening?
You know what?
Put that tray down.
Bring chopsticks.
Alright.
Ken, it's alright.
Use these chopsticks.
Instead of making him use a giant fork,
teach him how to use these.
He doesn't speak Japanese.
How can I teach him?
Yes, I do.
If only he did.
Wait, what?
Wait a minute!
Why didn't you say something before?
I have tried many times.
You always shout back at me in English.
I just gave up.
I see.
Alright.
Ready?
First, hold it like this.
That's right.
Good.
Very good.
Then you hold the second one
like this.
I put it in here?
Yes!
Now try.
Hang on.
Good!
Holy shit.
I did it!
See? That wasn't hard.
That's right!
You did a great job!
I'm not talking to him.
I'm talking to you.
Me?
Then I should clap for myself?
Let's go.
Thank you, thank you!
It was good!
- Where are we going now?
- You'll see.
Hey, Ken!
What is wrong with you?
You could have killed me earlier!
- Not now.
- Yes, now.
You said you were saving money.
I thought you were going to propose
to Kumi.
Then you break up.
I could have died at work today!
Hi! Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt.
My name is Lucas. I'm with
First Class English Language Schools.
We're here doing a new student campaign.
Ken here has just signed up for classes.
Did you want to sign up for English
language classes as well?
What did he say?
What's this?
It's an English language school.
That's what I'm saving up for.
This is what you've been saving up for?
What do you need English lessons for?
You never even finished high school,
how will you learn English?
Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt this...
I think you're confused
Just because you go to school that
doesn't necessarily make you smart.
I think you're proof of that.
What did he say?
You know what, Ken? I think we
need to get going.
We should go to the school and
fill out that paper work.
Very important.
You understand what I mean, right?
Sorry. Got to go.
Wait, what did he say?
You went to an expensive school.
You have parents who paid for you to go.
With all that, you still
don't understand.
Bye!
Hey! Wait!
Here?
Yes.
Isn't it nice?
It's so beautiful.
I come here at night when
I want to think.
This way.
What do you usually come here to
think about?
I don't know.
My mom. My dad.
Your mom and dad.
You never said what happened.
My mom came here when she
was twenty-one years old.
She worked at the language school
you work at now.
She was a free spirit.
She usually wore her hair down and
was always smiling and laughing.
She was so happy and free.
My dad fell in love the moment he
saw her.
He was a boxer.
He got whatever he set his mind to.
Every match. Every competition.
Of course, he was determined to
win her heart too.
In the end, he did.
They got married.
One year later, I was born.
One month after that...
...she left and never came back.
My father tried, but he couldn't find her.
Then, after a while...
...he was gone too.
It was my father's first and only loss.
What do you mean?
He couldn't take it so he killed himself.
I had nowhere else to go.
My uncle wound up having to raise me.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
What's that?
It's my mom!
She always calls me this time of night.
What should I do?
Answer it.
Hello?
I saw the pictures. The place
looks amazing.
How did you finally get in?
Wait, where are you?
I can't really talk right now.
Because I'm out.
Out?
Out out?
Out out out?
You know, maybe I should explain it...
Can you hang on a second?
Do you want to say hello?
In English?
Alright.
Hello?
Hello!
Nice to meet you. My name is Ken.
Nice to meet you. My name is Cathy.
Lucas, are you still there?
Oh yes.
I'm really hoping you're out out out.
Yeah, me too.
Me too.
Let me know which one it is tomorrow.
Have a good night boys.
Thanks mom. Love you.
Bye.
Is it raining?
Do you play video games?
I could kick your butt at any
retro fighting game.
I have some.
- You do!
- Yes!
- Seriously?
- Let's go!
There's no way you can beat me.
That's strange.
Who's that?
It's probably my landlord's daughter.
Maybe she had a question about
her homework.
I see.
It's really late.
I should get going.
No, it's fine!
I don't know what she wants,
but it will only take a minute.
Today was a lot of fun.
Let's hang out again.
Are you really leaving?
Yeah. See you soon.
What are you doing here?
Are you ok?
There you are. I've been waiting.
We need to talk.
Ok.
This is bad.
This is really bad.
We have a special connection.
I'm sure you feel it too.
I think it's time we were honest
with each other.
Marie...
Clearly you have been drinking.
You need to go home.
Now.
Marie, what are you doing?
Listen to me.
I am gay.
Do you hear me?
Duh. I mean, it takes one to know one.
You should have picked up on me sooner.
I'm sorry, did you just speak in English?
Oh, come on.
I have a business degree from UCLA.
Of course I speak English.
Also, lesbian. So, relax.
Holy shit.
Holy shit indeed.
I'm really confused.
I thought you couldn't speak English.
You couldn't get a job, and then you came
back her to live with your mom.
No, that's just some bull shit that I made
up so that my mom would let me
take care of her while she was recovering
from her surgery.
Well, now she's recovered.
I don't have a way back to America.
And I've got those California girls on my
mind if you know what I mean.
No.
I have no idea what you mean.
Seriously, what is happening?
I have a proposal for you.
A literal one.
What's this?
A solution to both of our problems.
It's a wedding ring.
Yup.
Sorry, I don't follow.
Are you asking me to marry you?
No!
I'm asking you to ask me to marry you
in front of my mom.
We get married, I get my mom off my back.
I can live my best lesbian life on the
other side of the planet.
You get a spousal visa in japan.
In three years time, you can apply for
permanent residency.
As icing on the cake, I'll cosign whatever
paperwork you need
to get that building you're obsessed with.
Two birds with one wedding ring
shaped like stone.
What do you say?
I say...
that everything I thought I knew about you
was a lie.
and I think you're talking about a couple
of different felonies.
They're only felonies if we get caught.
And we won't get caught.
And how do you know that?
When you submit your paperwork for a
spousal visa on either side of the ocean,
you submit pictures proving
the relationship.
We have tons of those thanks to my mom.
Marrying the daughter of your landlord
after secretly being in love with
her for years?
It's the perfect story, and the only part
that a lie is being in love.
Everything else is true.
Well.
That's a hell of a presentation.
Business degree from UCLA.
I do my research.
Ok, I need to get back upstairs before
my mom comes back.
I'm going to leave this with you.
Think it over.
You do know me.
This is just a bit of new information.
And I know you.
We really could pull this off.
Have a good night.
Are you alright?
What's going on?
What happened?
Are you ok?
What?
I don't know what to do.
I'll show you.
[uptempo 1950's music begins]
The love in your eyes completes me
[alarm rings]
The stars in the sky are going to
shine on
Sorry.
Sorry, sorry.
Or will love be leaving my heart
stuck like glue
Woah, you
Can I use your shower?
Yeah, of course.
Come home to me, yeah
[music instrumental]
But if I don't have you near, yeah
I can't breathe right, baby
When you say maybe,
I lose my mind
And it's you
I'm holding on to you
But only if you
Come home to me, yeah
And it's you
Hey! Good morning.
What's this?
Breakfast!
I don't have a lot of food.
My mom just sent a box from America.
I used some of that.
You sleep alright?
I guess.
Here, try this!
It's good!
[birds chirping]
[Lucas laughs]
[Lucas] That's all?
I use about twice as much.
See?
It's really sweet.
What kind of food do you like?
I'll cook for you next time.
I can make anything, but
I love to bake.
Next time?
Yeah, next time!
I mean, we never got to play games.
Right?
[fork quickly scrapes against a plate]
Sorry, did I miss something?
[Ken] No.
We're not kids.
I think we both know the difference
between something and nothing.
Yesterday felt like a lot more than
nothing to me.
It did, didn't it?
Listen.
I'm not asking you to say anything special.
But, please.
Tell me I'm not the only one who
felt something special yesterday.
I have to go.
What?
Ken!
[door opens and then quickly closes]
[birds and insects chirp loudly]
Lucas, who was that?
What happened to your bike?
Marie, can you drive me to the
school, please?
Yeah, of course.
I'll go get dressed.
[soft knocking]
What happened to you yesterday?
You can't just come and go
as you please.
This is a job, Ken.
Don't be late.
[door slides open]
Hey! Sorry I am late, I had to
get a ride.
Lucas.
Yeah, just give me one second and
I'll be ready to go.
Lucas.
Oh.
Yeah.
This email just came in from
the head office.
They declined your transfer.
What does that mean?
They're not just closing schools
in our area.
They're closing one fourth of the
schools in the country.
And they are making large staff cuts.
I'm...
I'm really sorry, but they are
letting you go.
No.
That cannot be right.
No, we will call Shizuoka.
They're always looking for people.
It's closing.
Then, you know what, we'll call Nagano.
We know the owner, and he'll
give me a job.
I'm sorry. It's closing too.
This can't be right.
I only have two weeks left on
my visa.
There's not enough time to find another
job or pack up my stuff.
There's not enough time.
I know.
[Lucas cries softly]
Fuck them.
Language.
But yeah, fuck them.
What do you want to do?
I'll help you in any way that I can.
I want...
to order a pizza.
I'm so tired of being hungry
all the time.
Alright.
Let's order a pizza.
And let's see what we can find.
Maybe there's something.
Yeah.
Maybe there's something.
[metal scaffolding rattles]
[Ryosuke] I finally figured it out.
Not now.
I know why my sister broke up with you.
What are you talking about?
I figured it all out last night.
You're hooking up with that
gay foreigner.
Where did you go after that?
Did you guys have sex in your
uncle's car?
What's wrong?
He wear you out?
Can't speak?
Last warning.
Walk away.
I'm so sick of you and your bullshit.
Everyone is just putting up with you.
They do it because this is your
uncle's company.
Even your uncle.
He just puts up with you because
your dad killed himself.
He feels bad for you because you had
to quit school.
You want to know the truth?
Everyone thinks you're just a stupid
dog who can't-
[punching sounds and grunts]
Ken, stop!
[punching sound and grunt]
That's enough.
It's over.
[pained groaning]
[Ryosuke] See what I mean?
Just a stupid dog.
[Ryosuke] Get him on a leash.
[Nobu] Let's go.
[door slams shut]
[Ken and Nobu breathe heavily]
Sit down!
What?
[Nobu] Are you going to hit me again?
Then what?
Go to jail when someone calls the police?
That's what will happen if you hit me
like you hit Ryosuke.
Someone will call them.
I'm serious.
Then you'll really have a fight
you can't win.
I don't care.
Yeah.
I'm getting that.
[Nobu] You show up when you want
to show up.
You leave when you want to leave.
Ryosuke has a college degree.
He's way more qualified for the promotion.
And yet...
You do whatever you want and you
get promoted?
How do you think that looks to everyone?
[Ken] Then give him the promotion.
I don't want it.
Fine.
Then what do you want?
[Ken] I don't know.
I never had a chance to figure that out.
You ungrateful bastard!
Your father sacrificed everything to
open this business.
This business keeps food on our table
and pays for our home.
Your father-
[picture frame cracks]
I'm not my father.
I don't want his life.
I see..
No, you are not your father.
You've sure got his face and his eyes.
But you've got no appreciation for the
things he left you to build a life with.
I don't want them.
I don't want his pictures.
His room.
His boxing gloves.
His job.
I don't want any of it.
I want something of my own.
Don't you see?
I have the right to a happy life too.
One that's mine.
Not his.
I know you don't remember your father.
But he was tough as hell.
Right up until your mother left.
After that...
...there was no getting him back.
The misery got to him and it
wouldn't let go.
[Ken cries softly]
I don't want it to get to you too.
I want you to be happy.
Whatever it takes.
[Ken and Nobu cry]
[Nobu] Not even a word of thanks for
all the trouble he caused us.
So, what do you want to do?
I want to go to school.
Cut my hours down to part time.
[Ken] I want to figure myself out a bit.
I think that would be good for all of us.
[picture frame clatters]
What's this?
It's a work order to tear down that
old cafe.
They want to turn it into a parking lot
if no one buys it.
When?
The end of the month.
[pages rapidly turn]
So, this is it?
I'm sorry, Lucas.
There's just not a lot of English schools
around here to begin with.
What happens if I can't find a job?
What do you mean?
What happens when my visa runs out?
Do they send someone to get me?
[Erika] No.
They just expect you to leave.
[Lucas laughs]
So, they trust me enough to leave
but not enough to stay?
Well, that is a great system.
I can call immigration on Monday
and explain the situation.
They'll probably give you a temporary
extension on your visa for thirty days.
Thirty days.
I would have thirty days to say goodbye and
pack up five years of my life into boxes?
That sounds horrible.
Lucas, you can't think like that.
You sound like you've already given up.
[Ken] Luke!
Luke, I need to speak with you.
What's he doing here?
[heavy footsteps on gravel]
Luke, wait.
Luke!
Luke!
Please wait!
[Ken] Luke.
Luke!
Do you have any idea how hard it is to
live in another country?
To have to relearn to do the
simplest things.
And to feel small and stupid every day
as a result.
You are constantly lonely
even though you are surrounded by
people staring at you.
And the pressure of feeling helpless
all the time is crushing.
On the best of days you feel
barely tolerated.
And on the worst of days you feel
completely and totally alone.
But you keep trying and trying
because you believe you are where
you are supposed to be.
There's this connection.
And you think if you try hard enough
that this place that drives you crazy...
and that you love so much...
Someday...
That someday it's going to love you back.
So, why didn't it love me back?
Luke, they're going to tear down
the cafe.
I saw the work order for the demolition
at my job.
If you don't buy it by the end
of the month...
[Ken] ...they're going to turn it
into a parking lot.
Of course. Of course they are.
Luke, please wait.
I have money.
I have the money I was going to use
to go to school.
I can help you.
We can fix it up together.
I want to go to America.
You teach me English.
We could look for my mom.
Together.
[birds and insects chirp loudly]
[birds and insects chirping continues]
[faint vibration sound]
Hey.
[Lucas] You're up early.
Late actually.
You'll never believe what happened
at the bakery.
Where are you?
I am sitting in the middle of the road.
[Cathy] Why?
Because this is the spot where my feet
decided to stop working.
Sorry, that came out really
melodramatic, didn't it?
Ok, can you be melodramatic on the
side of the road?
Hang on.
Better?
Much.
What's wrong?
I found out they're closing
the school today.
They also decided to not renew my contract.
[Lucas] The cafe that we've been
saving to buy...
It's going to be torn down at the end
of the month.
Even if I had a visa, we never would have
gotten the money together in time
to buy it, so that means no matter
how you look at it...
All of the saving and eating out of the
trash I have been doing...
It was for nothing.
Ok, now I'm starting to get the melodrama.
[Lucas] To top that off...
Last night was easily the happiest I've
been in a very long time.
And this morning...I don't know.
[Lucas] Ken just kind of freaked out and
he ran out of the house.
And when he came to the school to apologize
and try to help...
I didn't know what to do, so I just
pushed him away.
So that he didn't get dragged into
all of this.
Mom?
[Cathy] Hang on, now I need to lie down.
Ahh.
So you see why my feet suddenly
stopped working, huh?
Yes. It's a lot.
Are you alright?
You know, I...
thought I was.
Until yesterday when I was with
Ken and I...
I thought things were about to
get better.
And then today.
It's just...
further confirmation.
No. I'm not alright.
How much time is left on your visa?
2 weeks.
That's fourteen days.
[Lucas] Yeah, I know.
It's not enough time.
It's...
336 hours.
336?
Alright.
336, mom that is a big old number!
Yes, it is.
Mom, did you just save the day with math?
Because if you did, that was some
solid momming.
[Cathy] I'm not done momming yet.
Listen, if you have the ability to eat
out of a trash can
Then you have the ability to do whatever
it takes to fix this visa situation.
[Cathy] You've got 336 hours.
[Cathy] It's enough time to take
a deep breath.
[Cathy] Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
And start thinking about all the
friends and
connections you've made in the
past five years.
[Cathy] Recognizing that things are
not alright was the hard part.
[Cathy] Now the question is what are
you going to do to make things better?
[faint uptempo 1950's music plays]
[Lucas] Marie?
Will you marry me?
Of course, yes!
A thousand times, yes!
Fuck.
What?
My mom is washing the dishes.
She didn't hear you.
Hurry, come inside. Let's
do it again.
Ok.
[uptempo 1950's music continues]
Ok, now.
Do it now.
Will you marry me?
Of course, yes!
A thousand times, yes!
Oh, I'm so happy!
Seriously?
Mom?
What is it?
Hurry!
I'm trying to finish the dishes.
Do it now.
Wait, what's happening?
Seriously?
Will you marry me?
Of course, yes!
A thousand times, yes!
Yes?
Yes yes?
Oh, yes, yes, yes!
It finally happened.
I've been waiting for this day!
Now you can finally go back to America
and get on with your life.
Wait, what?
You came back after my surgery.
I told you to stay in America, but you
wouldn't listen.
I told you I didn't need any help.
The next thing I knew, you forgot how to
speak English and were on a plane.
So you knew the whole time?
Your mother is not stupid.
Then why didn't you say anything?
You didn't seem to want to talk
about it.
So I wasn't about to ask you.
Once you get married, you're free
to go back to America.
You can find a good girlfriend.
Lucas can get his cafe.
He can get a boyfriend too.
Wait a minute.
You knew I was gay all this time?
You knew about me too?
How stupid do the two of you
think I am?
We don't have time for this now.
If you're proposing, that means we don't
have much time left.
Alright, what's the plan?
I need to borrow the car.
Are you alright?
Yeah.
I did something bad.
There's this guy.
I hurt him.
I didn't mean to.
I just...
I'm not very good at saying how I feel.
Yeah.
I know.
My jaw still hurts.
I tried to apologize to him.
It was just too late.
This guy...
He's important to you?
Yeah.
It's hard being vulnerable.
I understand that.
But when it comes to someone important...
...being vulnerable sometimes pays off.
I don't think it's going to this time.
I'm not so sure about that.
There's a foreigner standing out
in the driveway.
I am so sorry.
I'm very sorry.
Hey.
Hey.
I am so sorry about earlier.
Just kind of seemed like everything
that could go wrong did go wrong today.
The truth is...
...things haven't been good for a while.
But things started to get better
after I met you.
I think for both of us.
So...
I want to keep getting better.
With you.
Let's get better.
Together.
What do you say?
Let's get better.
Together.
Together.
Come on, let's go.
Wait, how did you get here?
I drove Yoshiko's car.
Do you have a license?
In America.
You broke the law to see me?
Oh, Ken.
You have no idea.
I'll drive.
Yes, please.
Yes.
[uptempo 1950's music begins]
Baby, the sun will shine
Because you are mine
When all the birds have flown away
I'll be here to stay
[alarm rings]
Oh, what can I do
No, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no.
Good morning.
No.
Wake up.
Wait a minute.
Get up.
Just a few more minutes.
I said wait!
I'm awake! I'm up!
- Alright, that's better.
- Yeah?
[Lucas and Ken laugh]
- So, now let's go here.
- Uh huh.
And then I'll go here with my back.
[water running]
Languages are constantly evolving.
- Nice!
- I finally got that part!
Which means...
No one else like you in this world
[Ken] Luke, it's time to go!
Coming!
[music stops]
[Erika] I brought over as much as I could
from the old school as far as materials go.
Nice.
And I hung up the fliers for
the new school.
I really think this is going to work.
You give them homework,
they come here to do it.
Man, that sounds perfect to me.
[Lucas sighs]
Hey, Erika?
Yeah?
Thanks.
For what?
For not letting me give up.
Of course.
- [Lucas] Now, what about-
- Lucas!
She's here.
Your mom is here.
Come on!
[Lucas and Yoshiko laugh]
When you get to California, I've already
got everything ready for you.
I can't thank you enough for helping me
get situated.
Of course! I can't thank you
enough for helping Lucas.
Well, both of you.
What is she saying?
I paid for all of those years of
English lessons.
I'm so nervous.
Tell her that I love her earrrings.
My mom said she loves your earrings.
I love yours too!
She said she loves my earrings too?
That's what she said, right?
Do you like crafts?
I could help you make a pair.
[laughter]
Mom!
Lucas! Oh!
Hi!
Oh, this is amazing.
I can't believe it's happening.
I can't believe you're here.
I'm so glad you made it.
Are you kidding?
I wouldn't miss this for the world.
[Lucas laughs]
Where's Ken?
Oh, I think he's out back having
a cigarette. I'll go get him.
Ok, um...
I got the information you asked for.
Oh, wow.
[insects chirp]
Hey.
[Lucas sighs deeply]
Is your mom alright?
She is the same as always.
[Lucas and Ken laugh]
She's waiting in the cafe.
[Ken sighs]
This is for you.
A gift from my mom.
What's this?
She did it.
My mom found your mom.
She...found my mom?
Yeah.
It's all in there.
Name. Address. Phone number.
She really did it.
Hey.
You ok?
I'm alright.
Really?
Are you sure you're "daijoubu?"
- You sure you're "daijoubu?"
- Daijoubu.
Are you just a little "daijoubu,"
or like...
One hundred percent "daijoubu?"
Thank you.
Thank you.
[Lucas laughs]
[unintelligible dialog]
Hi.
Oh, my gosh! Look at you!
[Cathy] You're so handsome.
[Ken] It's nice to meet you.
Come on, let's sit down.
[door closes]
Thank you for coming to Japan.
Umm...
I heard so much about you from Luke.
And I've really been looking forward
to meeting you.
Umm...
Luke told you about my mom?
He did. I'm really sorry.
Thank you for finding her.
Um...
It just makes me feel so much better to
know she's out there somewhere alive.
I studied English so I could speak
with my mom.
But I don't know her.
Maybe it's for the best.
I know you.
I think I'd rather speak English with you.
Well, you can speak English with me
anytime.
And me.
Thank you.
Oh, shit. I think I'm going to cry.
- Ouch!
- You see?
This is why you need to get a
girlfriend.
I want to have that too.
Hurry up and find one
and settle down.
Wait a minute, get back here.
She gets married and suddenly she
becomes a playgirl.
Coming home at all hours of the night.
Do you have any idea how hard it is
having a daughter like her?
Sorry about my mom.
What, it's true!
Everyone, it's almost noon!
Is everyone ready?
Let's all gather around the counter
and take a picture.
Let's go!
[Yoshiko] Hurry, hurry!
[uptempo 1950's guitar instrumental]
Stand together now!
[Nobu] Can I stand here?
Ten seconds!
- [Yoshiko] Where should I go?
- [Marie] Here, stand next to me.
[Yoshiko] Thank you!
[camera shutter clicks]
Alright, let's open!
[guitar instrumental continues]
Here we go.
[guitar instrumental continues]
Hi.
How can we help you?
[Fossilize performs "A Feeling I Get"]