Tea for Three (2024) Movie Script

1
TEA FOR THREE
MANAKA TEA STORE
I want to create a brand new
signature product of Mimasaka.
That's why I thought we could
use the tea we produce here.
I like how you dyed it with tea.
Look at how pretty the colours came out.
They sure did.
You can even smell the tea.
Oh yeah, you can!
Yeah.
Anyway, I want people to find
new appreciation for Japanese tea,
and I'd like you to help me.
How about we make bath salts?
Something that our
female guests can enjoy.
I like that.
I can't do much,
but make yourselves at home.
I'll do it, Grandma Hatsuyo.
I cooked some black beans.
Do you guys want some?
They came out great.
Don't worry. You just rest now.
Okay then.
Oh, welcome home.
Is Keiya okay? He failed to
enter college again, right?
Nah, don't worry.
He just needs to do some thinking.
It's no good.
I'm completely out of shape.
My shoulders are totally frozen.
You're only 20.
Says the guy living
aimlessly without a job.
You'll be an old man in no time!
Keiya.
Give me your best shot!
Where's that athlete I once knew?!
Shut up. Whatever.
I knew you'd be here.
Minori! What are you doing?!
I was bored. Plus, he called me.
You're a public servant!
Everyone in the tourism
office is looking for you!
Crap, I better get back.
See ya, Keiya!
Keiya.
Is everything alright?
What?
You know...
Hey, Emi!
Shouldn't you be back
at the inn you work?
I know!
Take care.
Wait, I wanted to show you...
SATOKA AOE
CONCERT TOUR
Bro?
Hmm?
This.
Satoka's coming...
Satoka Aoe, concert tour.
Wow...
Big Bro, aren't you going?
Who knew that lady we met was an artist?
I heard she does film
and anime soundtracks.
Yeah, who knew?
When did we meet her?
Two years ago.
Oh, that lady!
No, doesn't ring a bell...
How could you forget?
Yeah, she was real pretty.
How come the buses end
so early in the countryside!
TWO YEARS AGO
How come the buses end
so early in the countryside!
TWO YEARS AGO
Run, Keiya!
Did we miss it?!
It already left.
Sorry.
Huh?
I'll get your hat.
Oh... Hey, wait!
Thanks, but it's okay.
Hey, can I ask you something?
NISHIKI EN
It's here.
Hello.
Keiya! Minori!
What are you two doing?
Here for a free bath again?
You know us too well, boss lady.
We've brought a guest.
Sorry to barge in.
We just met, and she
didn't know where to stay.
I'll go check now.
Man, I'm beat.
Where is she from? Tokyo?
Huh? What?
Nothing.
Wanna talk to her?
No, don't.
Is the temperature alright?
It's not too hot, is it?
Keiya wants to know!
Thanks a lot for today.
Um...
Oh yeah, you never told me your name.
Nice to meet you. I'm Satoka Aoe.
Keiya Manaka.
Manaka?
From the Manaka Store?
Um... Yes...
Hey, Keiya?
I want to visit the Manaka Store.
Huh?
Bro.
Huh?
She's from Tokyo.
Sorry, I couldn't help it.
Take care of the store.
Where's Satoka?
She left.
Left? Where to?
Tokyo?
Yeah.
You sent her back?
She came all the way to see you!
I'm busy. Leave me alone.
Are you okay?
Are you alright?
Get back.
Call an ambulance!
Can you hear me?
Are you alright?
Can you hear me?
Where is she?
Dr. Fujii!
Keiya, what is it?
We want to see Satoka Aoe. Please.
Please!
Can I come in?
Sure.
Excuse me.
Keiya?
Long time no see.
Wait, did you go see my show?
Yeah.
Thanks.
Oh, but sorry for worrying you guys.
Are you alright?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I just got a little dizzy.
I haven't had much rest recently.
Whew.
How are you guys doing?
Yeah, I guess.
We're working, but he still
hasn't entered university.
Yeah? Then you must be working hard.
Nah, he's never studying.
I'm so worried as his friend.
Stop yapping about.
Junya's gonna kill you
if you fail again.
Don't bring up Bro...
How's your brother doing?
Um, well... Yes.
Good.
Do you need to head
straight back to Tokyo?
How about you take some
time off and rest at our inn?
- Always thinking about business.
- Cut it out.
I wonder...
what I should do.
Maybe I could rest in
this town for a while.
Keiya?
Yes?
Can I ask you a favour when I'm better?
Huh?
Can you take me to the tea fields?
Sure.
Ah, it feels so good!
Being from Tokyo, I've never
lived in the countryside.
You seem that way.
Seem what way?
Well...
But why a tea field?
"Our tea fields burn in
a fiery beautiful green."
Your brother used to say that.
Bro did?
I wondered what this fiery
beautiful green looked like.
So that's why I'm here.
How did you two meet?
Your brother participated in an
art exhibition that my friends held.
He painted a canvas the size of
a tatami mat entirely in green.
If you looked closely, they were
intricately painted leaves.
That left an impression on me.
Does he still paint?
Not at all.
In fact, I'd forgotten
that he used to paint.
Is that so...
Are these tea leaves?
Yes.
The best way to pick tea is
through "fine plucking".
You pick a bud and two leaves near
the top when a few leaves have opened.
Yeah?
Like this.
Wow, you're good at this.
I've had to help out since I was little.
Want to try?
- I can?
- Sure.
How do I do it?
Take the bud near the top...
Like this?
Hold the bottom of the leaves...
And pull.
Huh?
Ah... It's pretty difficult.
I'm impressed, Keiya.
It's nothing.
What?
- You blushed.
- I did not!
Cute.
Hey, where are you going?
The air's so fresh!
This is our tea factory.
Wow...
It's my first time here.
It smells good.
Here you are.
Thank you.
It smells so good.
It's so sweet.
I've never had tea this good before.
I'm not joking.
I seriously mean it.
It's fine. I'm alright.
But I was surprised.
You're the second son, right?
I thought you didn't care about tea
since you're going to college.
Not helping out the business?
Big Bro can do it...
Something else you want to do?
Nothing really.
Bro tells me to go to college...
I guess I do want to leave
this countryside.
Oh, sorry about this...
Why are you apologizing?
Don't worry.
Sometimes you need to stop what
you're doing and reflect on things.
Isn't it tough always trying your best?
I'm sure one day you'll find
something you really want to do.
The fog should have cleared.
What is this?
Wow!
I'll always remember this.
Always?
Always!
I think I can come up with
a good melody.
Besides, I think I've cheered up.
I feel like I can write
a good song if I'm here.
You're a songwriter, right?
Songwriting...
Doesn't just magically happen
by sitting in front of a piano.
Then I guess you should
stay here for a while.
Maybe...
Hey, do you know anywhere I could stay?
We're not using this room.
You can stay here for free.
Um... Are you sure?
Sure, it's all yours.
Can I go in?
Yeah.
What is it?
I was thinking of renting
this room to Satoka.
Huh?
Well...
Remember how Satoka collapsed
during the recital?
She wants get some rest here
and do some composing.
Living alone in the country's not easy,
so I thought here would be safe.
It's no problem, right?
Why?
Songwriting doesn't happen
automatically.
This town is inspiring--
I'm not talking to you.
I like this town.
I want to live here for a while.
That's if you don't mind.
See?
Satoka doesn't have
feelings for you anymore.
Hey, you stay out of it.
Guys, that's enough.
Let her stay as long as she wants.
You're welcome here.
Grandma...
Fate meant for this to happen.
Thank you.
Everyone's free to live as they please.
That goes for you, too.
I am living as I please.
Can you go get Satoka?
I'll go open up shop.
Why can't you help me out?
I'll go.
Thank you.
Help yourself.
Wow, it's good!
Fuki plants are in season.
Have as much as you like.
Thank you.
But are you sure you want to stay?
There's nothing to do out here.
Not at all.
There's sounds you can't hear in Tokyo.
Sounds?
The sounds of nature.
The wind blowing, the birds singing...
I'd forgotten those sounds.
Also, the tea fields are beautiful.
This is one of best areas
for tea in Okayama,
and we've been tea farmers
since the Edo period.
The Edo period?
I've been working ever
since I married here,
but every year I still look forward to
drinking the tea we grow.
Mimasaka's green tea is refreshing,
and yet has a sharp richness to it.
Mm, it's delicious.
Their mother died when
they were very young.
Their father as well...
My son suddenly died three years ago.
That's why Junya came back from Tokyo.
I'm sure he had dreams in Tokyo.
Maybe he was worried about us.
He's a kind boy.
As brusque as he may be.
Oh yeah, you better
clean up Satoka's room.
I will. Minori and Emi are helping out.
Umph! There, Keiya.
Thanks.
Have some cold tea.
Thanks, Grandma.
Thank you.
Hey, Keiya?
I think I might want a curtain here.
Also a desk for writing music...
Do you want to check out
a hardware store?
Yes please.
Get the car, Minori.
I came by bike today.
Where's the office car?
No government vehicles on holidays.
What twaddle.
Twad...dle?
"Twaddle" basically means "nonsense."
Oh, I see. So "twaddle," huh?
Want me to drive you?
Huh?
I'm going shopping anyway.
They left alone.
They'd make a good couple.
They're not going out anymore.
What do you mean?
Were they dating?
There's nothing between them anymore.
What are you doing?
Huh?
What do you want?
It's all a bunch of twaddle.
I won't bother you.
I'll be gone soon.
MIMASAKA COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION
CHAKABUKI
Let me talk about Chakabuki.
It's an ancient tasting game in which
you try to guess tea brands.
Games are still being held around Japan.
As Okayama's leading tea town,
I'd like to host a Chakabuki game
in order to promote our town.
Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon, Guest.
Here we have five brands of tea.
They've all been shuffled.
Let's drink each one
and guess the brands.
Let's begin.
No idea.
BIRD
GUESGUESWhich one?
They're the same.
WIND
That was quick.
These are my guesses.
Here's mine.
Here are the correct answers.
BIRD, GUEST, WIND, FLOWER, MOON
BIRD, GUEST, WIND, FLOWER, MOON
Oooh! He got them all.
Fujii got none of them.
Cut me some slack. I'm not an expert.
That was fun.
It'll be good PR.
Thank you.
As for the first games...
That was amazing.
I could never do that.
Got a minute, Junya?
I wanted to ask you.
Keiya said you know that pretty
pianist, but what's the connection?
Back when I was in Tokyo, she was my...
Oh, I see.
Yeah, but it's over now.
What?
Okay, that's all...
See you.
I lost again.
You're so easy to read, Keiya!
Enough with this game.
What's next? Sevens?
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Keiya, can I talk to you?
What?
I want you to participate in
this event we're hosting.
Chakabuki?
I'm gonna pass. It's better
if you played instead.
I'm managing the event.
Then we won't participate.
That's not an option. All the
tea growers are participating.
As if I care.
Won't you enter?
I want you to represent us.
I know how much everyone thinks
I'm a hopeless slacker.
They'll just laugh at me if
a floater like me entered the games.
Keiya.
I believe in you.
Huh?
Won't you consider?
I refuse.
Keiya might have considered it
if Junya had said it in another way..
He means no harm, but he
could choose better words...
He must be bad at love.
Hm?
Satoka, you were
Junya's girlfriend, right?
How many years do you think
I've been a woman for?
Keiya, can I talk to you?
Yeah.
Can I come in?
Sure.
Won't you consider?
He said "I believe in you."
Isn't that incredible?
I'd love to watch.
You playing Chakabuki, Keiya.
You know so much about tea,
and the tea you brewed was delicious.
I think you can do this, Keiya.
I just don't want to be
Bro's replacement.
Yeah?
That's too bad.
Okay, here's one last offer.
If you win, I'll do anything
you want me to.
Huh? Anything?
Yep, anything.
Yame from Fukuoka,
Honyama from Shizuoka,
Miyazaki from Miyazaki,
Hokusei from Mie, and Mimasaka tea.
Correctly identify these five.
I'm ready.
Okay, turn around.
Right, here you go.
Miyazaki.
Honyama.
Yame.
Mimasaka, and Hokusei.
Positive?
Yep.
All correct!
I knew you could do it!
Huh?
Keiya, you're special.
It's not difficult...
Don't be so humble.
I'll brew a new one.
How can you taste the difference?
You're making me jealous.
Miyazaki and Yame are both from Kyushu,
but Yame has more Hika to it.
Hika? What's Hika?
It means "fire aroma,"
so it's basically smell.
Yame has a real strong
aroma like pastry.
Like pastry?
Yep.
Oh, I know what you mean.
Like cookies.
Delicious.
This one's Miyazaki tea.
INAUGURAL MIMASKA
CHAKABUKI TOURNAMENIt's finally here.
Keiya!
Look at you! You're
looking handsome today.
Just watch me take it all.
We'll be rooting for you.
Okay, I'm off.
Be your usual self.
Yeah.
Okay, go for it!
Please register here.
Please put this on.
Thank you.
That's a dozen or so...
Why? I thought you weren't entering.
Well, Fujii told me to
go win it for the town.
Folks, just a reminder.
Please turn off, or set your
phones to aeroplane mode.
I mean it.
Trying to stand in my way?
Huh?
Did you hear about it?
About what?
Well, whatever.
We will now begin the first
Mimasaka Chakabuki Tournament!
Who will become the grand champion
among our 12 contestants?
I present you the teas for Round 1.
Take a look at this board.
Yame from Fukuoka is Flower.
Kakegawa from Shizuoka is Bird.
Mimasaka from Okayama is Wind.
Kagoshima from Kagoshima is Moon.
Asamiya from Shiga is Guest.
These are the five that we've chosen.
We will serve each tea one by one.
Contestants,
you will show your guesses by
selecting the corresponding wooden tag.
Okay, let's begin!
What's your take on this tournament?
We've got tea growers and
tea instructors from all around Japan.
I'm looking forward to the games.
Some contestants can identify the brand
by colour and fragrance alone.
Okay, please drink your second tea.
End of Round 1!
WIND, FLOWER, GUEST, BIRD MOON
Here are the answers.
WIND, FLOWER, GUEST, BIRD MOON
I'm happy to announce
our six semi-finalists.
Kikuji Okamoto,
Yukio Satake,
Chie Hatano,
Keiichi Murai,
Junya Manaka,
Keiya Manaka.
Nice one, Keiya!
Keiya!
Keiya's got this.
It's time for the semi-finals!
Please begin!
This tournament is intense.
The two going to the finals are...
The brothers, Junya and Keiya Manaka!
Yo, that's amazing!
Good luck, Keiya.
And now, it's the finals.
Please begin!
Talk to us about the finals.
In today's finals, we are using Uji
from Kyoto and Yamato from Nara.
These two brands are very similar
and difficult to differentiate.
I see.
Time's up! It's all over now!
The winner is Junya Manaka!
Incredible! He got them all correct!
- Keiya!
- Keiya!
Bad luck, Keiya.
You sure are the heir.
You did well.
Thank you.
Let's take a group photo.
Good idea.
Come on, Junya.
Good try.
You were so close.
But you were amazing.
What's wrong?
What were you looking at?
Huh?
Was it Big Bro?
I bet you still...
I'm sorry.
Can we talk, Keiya?
What?
Did you lose on purpose?
Why would I do that?
That's why I'm asking.
There's something I realized
while going up against you today.
You might not realize it yourself,
but you've got natural talent
when it comes to tea.
Maybe you're better
suited for this job than me.
I lost on purpose.
Why?
No point beating you.
How do you really feel about Satoka!
- Nothing.
- Satoka has feelings for you!
What are you saying?
Satoka was looking at you the whole day.
She hasn't changed one bit in two years.
How respectable of you!
Abandoning your girl,
and sacrificing your dream
for me and Grandma...
That's not true.
I chose to inherit the business by will.
So don't feel bad about
making your own choices.
Then you won't mind?!
If I take Satoka?
You don't mind?
SONG OF THE WIND
MY BELOVED'S TOWN,
MY BELOVED'S TEA FIELDS
FIERY BEAUTIFUL GREEN
GOODBYE WITH A SMILE
Look.
It's amazing.
If these fireflies were
notes on a music score,
what melody would it play?
I'm...
going back to Tokyo.
What?
I got to have so much fun here.
But it's enough.
I finished my song.
It's the most beautiful
song I've ever written.
You wrote it thinking about your crush.
I'm sorry.
I saw your music scores.
"Good Bye With a Smile."
What does that mean?
You're leaving now?
When you finally finished the song?
He doesn't get to hear it?
Then why... Why did you come here?
So beautiful.
It's so beautiful.
I wish I could see it next year.
Then just come again.
I would.
I would.
But they told me that
I don't have much time left.
It's a difficult cancer to treat.
I wish...
I could have been here longer.
Big Bro...
Does Bro know about...
You need to tell him!
No.
Don't tell him.
Why?
I want to say good bye with a smile.
Seriously?
Jeez...
So that's what it was.
I had no idea...
Now I finally know.
I finally know how you feel.
But I can't!
It can't end like this!
I love...
I love you, Satoka.
That's why...
Don't tell me that you have no regrets!
You can't end it like this.
Let me do something.
For you, Satoka.
I know it's hard,
but I need you guys to help me.
Of course!
Leave it to us.
Minori, contact your office.
I'll contact the inn association.
Thanks.
I owe you guys!
Keiya, you've changed a bit.
Huh?
Yeah, you've changed.
Anyway, we're happy for you.
PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE
In our gym?
The hall is already occupied.
I'm begging you!
Please!
Oh, please come if you'd like.
Thank you.
Oh, please come if you'd like.
Thank you.
Excuse me. Please come if you'd like.
Please come if you'd like.
It'll be at the Hayashino High gym.
Please come and watch.
Thank you very much.
- Minori!
- Yo!
Thanks.
That's like an election.
Thank you for your support!
What twaddle!
Keiya!
The flyers went flying!
There's more.
Can you take half?
Okay, let's make this a success.
Yeah.
Bro?
Huh?
Please, I want you to come
to Satoka's show tomorrow.
I've got to deliver goods to a client.
Please, I beg you.
It's an important client.
I can't change plans.
It's her last show.
You won't be able to see her again.
So what?
She's still in love with you.
She wrote a song thinking about you.
Who cares about work?!
Please stop!
It's alright.
I'm sorry...
Fine.
I'll try to make it.
That's a promise.
SATOKA AOE
PIANO RECITAL
It's a full house.
This is so moving.
We did it, Keiya!
Yeah.
Now, it's just Junya missing...
He's not here?
No.
It sure is amazing.
Yeah...
I'm so glad.
That I met you, Keiya.
I'm so glad.
If I'd never met you...
I wouldn't be standing here now
and feeling this way.
I guess I have no regrets.
What are you saying?
You're still healthy, Satoka!
You've got a show coming up,
and you've got more to come!
Besides... You've got to marry Big Bro.
Sorry.
What the hell?!
You promised you'd try to make it!
Satoka's desperately facing
that piano right now.
Why?!
Why can't you face Satoka?!
Why won't you watch her play?!
It's none of your business.
What?
Say that again!
It is...
It is my business!
Who cares anymore?
I'm not the big brother you think I am.
I ran away.
I ran away...
from Tokyo.
From Satoka.
Still, two years ago, Satoka came
to confess her feelings to you.
She told you that she'd leave
everything behind to live with you!
What good with living with me be?
It wouldn't change anything.
Bro, don't you know?
She told me not to tell you...
but Satoka only has
a little left to live.
Did you hear that?!
She's dying! That Satoka!
Say something!
Speak!
I knew...
I heard about her cancer
from Fujii this morning.
Then why?
Why?!
I'm scum...
Always running away!
I'm scum...
How can I face Satoka now?!
There's now way I can!
You're no scum, Bro.
Because... You still love her, right?
You love her, right?
You've always loved Satoka, right?!
I love her.
I love her!
You're the only one...
You're the only one who can
truly make her happy, Bro.
Take care of her.
Keiya...
I'll always remember this.
Always?
Always!
I feel like I can write
a good song if I'm here.
Sometimes you need to stop what
you're doing and reflect on things.
Isn't it tough always trying your best?
I think you can do this, Keiya.
I wish...
I could have been here longer.
MY BELOVED'S TOWN,
MY BELOVED'S TEA FIELDS
I'm so glad that I met you, Keiya.
Thanks.
I mean it.
Thanks.
Here you go, Grandma.
Thanks.