His father was a director there
until the war.
He's 34.
Just right for you.
His office speaks highly of him.
What do you say?
He looks like that American.
The man in that baseball movie.
Gary Cooper?
That's right, Cooper.
Looks just like him.
He has the exact same mouth.
The top half is different, though.
How about it?
Please meet him.
He's a fine young man.
What do you say?
I don't want
to get married yet.
You don't? Why not?
Why not?
It would create
all sorts of problems.
How so?
For Father.
I'm used to him
and can handle him,
but you know
he can be difficult.
If I left home,
Father would be lost.
That can't be helped.
I'm the only one
who knows what he needs.
Forget about your father for now.
What about you?
I couldn't do that to him.
Then you can never get married.
I don't care.
Nori-chan, that Mrs. Miwa -
how would she be
for your father?
What do you mean?
Your father will need someone
if you leave home.
I was wondering
if she would do.
Come and sit back down.
She had a good husband,
but he died,
leaving her with no children.
She's had a pitiable life.
She's a sensible woman
with good taste.
Have you spoken
to Father about this?
I did mention it
the other day.
What did he say?
He just grunted and cleaned his pipe.
He didn't seem to object.
Then why even ask me?
I want to know
your feelings too.
It's fine with me,
if it's fine with him.
Welcome home.
What did your aunt have to say?
Nothing special.
I had Shige heat up the bath.
The water's just right.
What?
What did your aunt want?
What's wrong?
Did something happen?
Where are you going?
Shopping.
Hello.
Look who's here.
They're both out today.
They left early this morning.
- I see.
They were going
to see a Noh play.
I see. In that case,
would you give them this?
Yes, of course.
Please convey
my thanks as well.
Of course.
I'm sorry you missed them.
Thank you for your visit.
Should I chop up
more kindling?
Yes, but first take
a gander at this.
Why, it's Mr. Hattori.
I always figured
he'd marry Miss Noriko one day.
Amazing.
Looks just like him.
And such a beautiful bride.
The iris hedge planted...
next to our old home;
Only the color remains
as it was back then.
Only the color remains
as it was back then.
The color carries with it...
the name of that man
from long ago.
The scent
of wild orange flowers...
mingles together
with the sprig
of blue flag in his hair.
Iris and blue flag,
so much alike;
Whose color is deeper?
Crying in the trees,
the cicada sheds
its brocade gown...
revealing sleeves as white
as deutzia blossoms,
as white as the snow.
Day breaks.
Pale purple clouds to the east
herald Amida Buddha's coming.
The pale purple iris
opens its petals to enlightenment,
along with the folds of her heart.
All the earth will be enlightened,
even the flowers and trees.
All the earth will be enlightened,
even the flowers and trees.
Today's performance
was quite good.
Shall we eat at Takigawa?
What do you say?
I have something
I need to do.
- What's that?
- It's not important.
- Will you be late?
- I don't know.
Sorry I kept you waiting.
I couldn't leave the shortcake
I was making.
I put in too much vanilla,
but it's good.
Let's go into the other room.
Your hands are so cold!
Fumi, please serve
the cake in the other room.
How'd that idea
enter your head?
Tell me. How?
It just did.
Have some?
- Is it very difficult?
- What?
- Stenography.
- Not really.
How hard can it be
if I can do it?
Come on, try some.
It's good.
But what do you
hope to accomplish?
What do you