- [Student] Hey, have you heard
about that tunnel
that will grant you any wish?
- [Student] What are you
talking about?
- [Student] The rumour is,
there's a torii gate
at the back of the tunnel.
And when you go through it...
your wish comes true.
But there's a catch...
they say about a hundred years
goes by while you're in there...
- [Student] That's weird...
What's the name of this tunnel?
- [Student] The name of
the tunnel is...
Urashima Tunnel.
[Kaoru gasps]
- [Student] That's so cool.
Wow!
- I would totally want money.
Then I could buy
whatever I wanted.
- Yeah, well, there's
nowhere to spend it
out here in the boonies.
- You're right.
- [Student] After I graduate,
I'm definitely moving to Tokyo.
[students laughing]
- [Student] Cool!
[rain pattering]
[umbrella clatters]
[umbrella rustles]
[button clicks]
["Katappo" by eill plays]
[rain pattering]
[umbrella rustles]
- [Announcer] Just now in Osara,
in the front of the
Sugamori Station,
a minor collision occurred
between a deer and a train.
Because of this
we're anticipating
the next train will arrive
about 30 minutes late.
We apologize to our customers
for the inconvenience.
Please wait a little
while longer.
[Kaoru gasps]
[rain pattering]
- What are you looking at?
- Nothing.
- You know it's creepy to just
stare at people like that.
- It's just that I haven't
seen you around here, and...
a lot of dear get hit
by the train,
so there's always delays.
[rain pattering]
[bag rustling]
Here. My umbrella...
- Hmm?
- Wanna use it?
- Why would I?
- Because you don't have one...
and I thought you might not want
to get your bag wet.
- Oh really? You a nice guy now?
If I borrow it,
then what would you do?
Do you have another one?
- Don't worry about me.
My house is close to
the next station.
- You didn't answer my question.
- It would suck if you
caught a cold.
You wouldn't want
your parents to worry.
- Yeah, what about your parents?
- Well...
I don't have anyone
who worries about me.
- Okay. I guess we have
something in common.
- Well there you go.
- All right then.
Can I borrow your umbrella?
- Sure.
- What's your name
and phone number.
- What?
- I like to make sure
I return what I borrow.
So, I will be in touch.
[phone clicks]
[phones beeping]
- Tono... Kaoru.
- Hanashiro... Anzu.
[rain pattering]
[light music]
[Mr. Tono snoring]
[light music continues]
[door rumbling]
[birds calling]
[train rumbling]
[light music continues]
- Are you listening?
I said to hurry up
and return it.
C'mon, don't make a scene,
it's okay.
[indistinct chatter]
[students laughing]
[indistinct chatter]
[Shohei yawning]
- Okay, okay.
All right, quiet please.
We're starting homeroom.
[clears throat]
Also, I would like to introduce
a new transfer student
who will be joining our class.
- What is it today...
that they were coming?
- This is Anzu Hanashiro,
who came from Tokyo.
Miss Hanashiro,
an introduction, please.
- I have nothing to say.
- Huh?
- May I go ahead and
take a seat, please?
- Uh... of course.
[indistinct chatter]
- So, we're in the same class.
Saves me the trouble
of contacting you.
I'll bring your
umbrella tomorrow.
- What's this about an umbrella?
- Do those two know each other.
- I don't know, maybe.
- Let's talk to her
during break.
- Okay, everyone,
let's get started, shall we?
- Hey, Hanashiro,
where exactly do you live?
- Do you have any hobbies?
- How does that have anything
to do with all of you?
- [All] Ugh!
- Hey, Hanashiro,
what book are you reading?
- Want to go to the cafe later?
- Do you mind not talking to me?
- [Both] Huh?
- Hanashiro, wanna have lunch?
- Let's eat together.
- I already finished eating.
- [All] Huh?
- Damn, impregnable fortress.
- It makes her stand out.
- Bet Kawasaki's
gonna target her.
- So what's your problem?
Who do you think you are?
- Nailed it.
- You seem rather self-important
for a transfer student.
Are you like a princess
who's come from the city
or something?
[groans] Hey!
What's this?
Manga?
[laughs] And it's old too!
[student laughs]
- Could you give it back?
- I was wondering what kind of
fine book you were reading
while pretending to be-
- Give it back.
- Here you go.
[book clatters]
[students laughing]
Sorry, I guess it just
slipped out of my hands.
It's an old manga, so maybe
there was mold growing on it.
The slimy kind!
And I touched it! Ew!
- You know...
I think you are...
picking a fight.
- And if I am?
[chair clatters]
[students gasping]
- Damn!
- Oh.
[indistinct chatter]
- Hey! You're bleeding!
[Kawasaki groaning]
This is bad! Go get the teacher!
- [gasps] Right.
- I'll go too!
[indistinct chatter]
[clock ticking]
[muffled somber rock music]
[glass shatters]
[Kaoru gasps]
- [Mr. Tono] Why! Dammit!
Piece of sh*t!
- sh*t.
- Saying whatever
the hell she wants.
That old hag,
is she messing with me?
Huh?
You're here?
Why are you standing there?
- Sorry, I'll get you
some water.
- [groans] Today at
the town hall,
that old hag who's kitty-corner
from us came in, she said,
"it's almost Karen's death's
anniversary, right?
I'll go pay my respects again."
Does she thinks she's being
a good person?
That old hag.
You think so too, right?
- Yeah, sure.
- "Yeah, sure!"
To hell with that!
What the hell are you
being cocky for?
It's all your fault, you know?
You're the one
who k*lled Karen!
And all you do is listen to
music with this stupid thing!
Please bring Karen back to me...
I'd rather have her
than you anyway.
Please just bring Karen
back to this home.
[Kaoru whimpering]
Where you going?
Kaoru!
[door rumbling]
[Kaoru panting]
[footsteps thumping]
[waves sloshing]
[Kaoru panting]
[footsteps thumping]
[Kaoru panting]
[ghostly whooshing]
[footsteps crunching]
[train rumbling]
[horn tooting]
[Kaoru panting]
[Kaoru exclaims]
[foliage rustling]
[Kaoru groaning]
[Kaoru grunting]
[Kaoru groaning]
- Ouch.
[Kaoru panting]
[wind whooshing]
[mysterious music]
[mysterious music continues]
What the...
Huh?
[mysterious music continues]
[water sloshing]
[water sloshing]
[Kaoru inhales deeply]
[ethereal music]
Amazing...
What is this place?
[water sloshing]
[ethereal music continues]
[Kaoru panting]
[Kaoru panting]
[water sloshing]
[Kaoru panting]
[Kaoru gasps]
[curious music]
Karen?
Why is... this here?
Karen is... no longer...
[water dripping]
Huh?
[Kaoru panting]
[water sloshing]
Karen! Karen!
[Kaoru panting]
[curious music continues]
[Kaoru grunting]
[wings fluttering]
What... What the hell?
[Kaoru panting]
A bird?
A parakeet?
[parakeet chittering]
Huh?
[parakeet sings]
The song of the frog...
[Kaoru gasps]
[parakeet chittering]
It can't be...
Kii?
But you're dead....
[curious music continues]
[Kaoru sighs]
The Urashima Tunnel.
[water sloshing]
[Kaoru panting]
[Kaoru panting]
[parakeet chitters]
This for real?
No way.
[parakeet chitters]
That song...
The same one Karen
and I taught you.
Are you really... Kii?
[box clatters]
[Kaoru grunts]
- [Tono] What the...?!
Is someone there?
[Kaoru gasps]
[footsteps thudding]
[Kaoru sighs]
[door rumbles]
Kaoru...
- You need something?
[Kaoru gasps]
- Thank goodness.
I didn't know what I was
gonna do if I lost you too.
Please forgive me. [sobs]
You see...
I was just drunk before,
that's all.
So don't run away
from home anymore.
It was really tough, I was
getting contacted by the school.
- What?
- Whose place were
you staying at?
You didn't do something
like go into town
and stay somewhere, right?
- No, I stayed here.
I was just out walking.
[Mr. Tono sighs]
- I see.
You don't have to tell me,
but if you stay away for
a week again next time,
I won't forgive you.
- It's been a week?
[phone clatters]
[Kaoru gasps]
How's that?
[light music]
The 22nd?
[buttons clicking]
[phone chiming]
[buttons clicking]
[buttons clicking]
[buttons clicking]
[Kaoru sighs]
[parakeet chittering]
[indistinct chatter]
- Why were you absent
for a whole week?
- I caught the flu outta season
and was contagious.
- You could have at least
called me or something dude.
- Sorry, I forgot to
charge my cell phone.
- Idiot.
- You showed up today.
- I feel normal, so...
- As long as you're not dead.
- Yeah.
- Will you be here tomorrow?
- That's the plan.
- Fine.
Then I'll bring the umbrella.
It's getting in my way.
- She's showing concern,
you know?
- For whom?
- For you, idiot! [chuckles]
[birds chirping]
[footsteps crunching]
[birds chirping]
[Kaoru grunting]
[wind whooshing]
[Kaoru sighing]
[mysterious music]
[wind howling]
[water sloshing]
[mysterious music continues]
- Is this the Urashima Tunnel.
This is not a dream.
Karen...
If I could get her back...
[mysterious music continues]
[water sloshing]
Karen.
Karen.
- What is this place?
- Huh?
Hanashiro!
- Tono, where-
- Hurry! We gotta get out!
[water sloshing]
- Huh? Uh, hey!
[both panting]
What are you doing?
What's going on?
What was that in there?
- Huh?
- You'll explain, right?
[Kaoru gasps]
I think I get it...
A tunnel where
the passage of time
seems to be different
than the outside.
It was no more than
a few seconds,
but five hours passed out here.
It feels like,
when you're inside
the world instantly leaves you.
But in exchange, you can get
any wish you want.
So then, did you get
the thing you wanted?
- Not yet.
But I have confirmation.
- So, have you...
told anyone else
about this tunnel?
- Of course not.
There's no one who'd believe me
if I just told them.
- Yeah, I guess you
have a point.
Tono.
- What's up?
- How about we join forces?
- Huh?
- There's something that I want.
And there's something
that you want.
If our objectives are the same,
then doesn't it make sense
that we figure out
this tunnel together?
I'm doing this for my sake.
And you'll do it for your sake,
and we'll get
the things we want.
So...?
I don't think it's
a bad proposition.
[determined music]
I'm happy to work with you...
Kaoru Tono.
[wind whooshing]
[train rumbling]
[doors hissing]
[indistinct chatter]
[train rumbling]
[upbeat music]
Our joint operation
will begin today...
are you sure that you're ready?
- [Kaoru] Of course.
I was originally going to
do this by myself anyway.
But nevermind me,
what about you?
- I'm good to go.
After school we'll meet up at
the usual railroad crossing.
And remember we absolutely
cannot talk to anyone
about the tunnel.
This is a secret
just between the two of us.
[upbeat music continues]
- So, how do you think
we should do this?
- First, let's find out
what the time lag is...
so we know the difference
between the inside and outside.
Let's try to be accurate.
- [Anzu] Can you hear me?
- Yeah.
- Then go ahead.
[water sloshing]
[upbeat music continues]
Oh, one more thing...
Make sure you keep
talking to me.
If there are time lags
or we get disconnected,
then that should be the point
where there's a change in time.
- What do I talk about?
- [Anzu] That doesn't matter.
Talk about anything. Just talk.
Just talk.
- Okay. At your previous school,
did you hit someone?
- [Anzu] Seriously?
- You said it could be
whatever, so...
- [Anzu] No, I did not.
I feel bad for Kawasaki,
but she's the first person
that I've hit.
- If you feel bad,
you should apologize.
- [Anzu] Shouldn't the side
who picked the fight
in the first place
be the one to do that?
If I did apologize, it'd be
after she said "sorry."
- Yeah, that makes sense.
- [Anzu] If you think about it,
when something that you cherish
is belittled, then being ang-
- She's gone! [panting]
[water sloshing]
[Kaoru panting]
- [Anzu] 65 minutes
since we lost contact.
- I turned back immediately,
but one hour already passed?
- So then...?
Where'd the phones disconnect?
- When I passed through
the column of maples.
- Hmm, I knew it.
Just as I thought.
Right....
let's keep on
investigating then.
We need to... in order for this
tunnel to grant our wishes.
[indistinct chatter]
["Pre-Romance" by eill plays]
- Turn back precisely
three seconds after
the column of maples.
[Kaoru panting]
- Three seconds is two hours.
- That means at 30 seconds,
that's 20 hours?
- One hour is a hundred days.
One day is...
six and a half years.
I'd like to find out
if we can communicate
between the inside and outside.
Calling didn't work,
but what about texts?
[Kaoru panting]
[water sloshing]
- Did you get it?
[phone chimes]
- I just got it.
The time difference
is the same as before.
[Kaoru sighs]
Since it's a tunnel, there
should be an exit somewhere.
[Kaoru grunting]
[Anzu gasps]
- Be careful!
- Could you get off me?
- Oh, sorry.
[Kaoru groans]
- [Shohei] You've been with
Hanashiro a lot lately,
haven't you?
- We just happened to
end up together.
- You guys going out?
- Definitely not.
- Is this really
the bird that d*ed?
- It sings the same
song I taught it.
I'm pretty sure, I think.
- So this is the confirmation
you were talking about
the other day?
- Yeah.
- [Shohei] Is it true
that you had
Hanashiro over at your house!?
- There's no deep
meaning to that.
- Oh, it's deep, man!
Like Mariana Trench deep!
You're totally
going out with her!
- I said it's not
like that, okay?
- [Anzu] Do you think the
tunnel has any connection
to the town's spiritual climate
or indigenous beliefs?
- [Kaoru] Let's look into it.
[phone chimes]
- Maybe we can send texts
from outside into the tunnel.
We haven't done
that yet, have we?
- I sent from the inside,
so we might be able to.
- We'll send texts
at the exact same time,
so come back once
you've received them.
- Right.
[water sloshing]
[Kaoru gasps]
[eerie ethereal music]
[Kaoru inhales]
Anzu?
What's happening?
[Kaoru gasps]
[water sloshing]
Anzu!
Are you okay?
[Anzu sighs]
- Hmm...
Seven hours.
You're late, Tono.
But for you, that was only
about 10 seconds, huh?
- Sorry.
- You didn't do anything wrong.
No need to apologize.
What about the text?
[phone chimes]
- So they can't be delivered
from the outside?
- Well, I kind of got
the sense it was like that.
- Huh?
Why?
- Also...
I don't recall ever saying
it was okay
to call me by my first name.
- Sorry, it was a spur of the
moment and without thinking I-
- I don't really mind, so...
- Right.
We should head back now.
It's gotten pretty late.
[water sloshing]
- Hmm.
[water sloshing echoes]
[buttons clicking]
[Kaoru sighs]
[parakeet chittering]
[phone chimes]
A round trip of 108 seconds.
And then the three day
weekend is up.
[buttons clicking]
[phone chimes]
[indistinct chatter]
- Come on,
let's hurry up and go!
Hurry, hurry!
- Tono!
Did I keep you waiting?
- Oh...
No, actually,
you're like right on time.
- Punctuality is common sense.
Let's go.
[indistinct chatter]
[soft music]
- Why did you invite me
to the aquarium?
- Because this is probably
the only notable place
that's nearby.
- I see.
- Also... I find you
appealing, Tono.
- [Kaoru] What?
- [Anzu] Don't make this
into something weird.
It's not like I
like you or anything.
- [Anzu] Hey, Tono...
you know you haven't laughed
even once in front of me.
- [Kaoru] Is that so?
- [Anzu] Yeah, it is.
- [Kaoru] You're fearless...
or rather you laugh in a way
like you're brimming with
confidence.
- [Anzu] I do?
- [Kaoru] Yeah.
- That time... when you
passed through the column...
[eerie ethereal music]
I was scared.
It was like...
this tunnel fractures the world.
I got the feeling that
no matter what I texted,
it wouldn't get
through to you...
That's why I wanna make sure
that we're communicating...
as partners in this operation.
- If you're scared,
it's okay to quit.
- There's no way I'm quitting.
I'm gonna get the thing
that I want most.
You never know, I might just
be able to get it next time.
You have that same
feeling too, don't you?
- Mm-hm.
[Kaoru breaths deeply]
A long time ago,
I visited this aquarium...
with my mother and father...
and my sister, Karen.
- You have a sister?
- To my father and mother,
she was a kid who was
always kind.
- Why was?
- She fell out of a tree
and she d*ed.
- What?
- Karen was a kid who was
always thinking of
everyone's happiness.
- [Karen] Big Brother,
what is it that you want?
- Rhino beetle.
- You can't catch those
around here!
For me, I want everyone
to stay laughing.
[somber music]
- She wished for a world
where everyone would
always be happy.
But that day,
Karen and I had a fight
over a stupid thing and-
- I hate everything about you!
- I don't like you either.
[Karen groans]
See ya.
- I lied! I love you!
Don't leave me!
[door rumbles]
- [Kaoru] By the time
I got back,
she had fallen from
a tree and d*ed.
She fell while trying to catch
a rhinoceros beetle for me.
After that, my mother left us.
My father started to drink
a lot and abuse me.
Our family was broken.
[somber music continues]
- Tono, the thing you want...
the thing you wish for...
is it?
- What I want...
Is to bring Karen
back to this world.
[Anzu gasps]
Do I...
Look scarier than
the Urashima Tunnel?
[somber music continues]
- Not at all.
- [Kaoru] What did you
tell your parents?
- [Anzu] We already
covered this...
I don't have parents.
- That's right.
- Are you ready?
- Yeah.
- We go and come back
in 108 seconds.
- That would get us back
before the end of
our three-day weekend,
so we should be good.
- Please don't trip this time.
- Despite how I look,
I do have good reflexes.
We'll go with "ready, go..."
Ready...
Go!
[watch beeps]
[water sloshing]
[eerie music]
[both panting]
- Time's up, Hanashiro!
Let's go back!
[Anzu panting]
[Anzu exclaims]
[papers fluttering]
Hanashiro!
We have to return now!
- Go on ahead!
I'll catch up right after
I pick these up.
- I can't leave you!
Forget it!
- I can't leave these behind!
[Kaoru grunts]
[eerie music continues]
[Kaoru groans]
[both panting]
- That's all of them!
[Anzu grunts]
[both panting]
[eerie music continues]
[both panting]
[rain pattering]
- Hanashiro, is that
the thing you wished for?
Is that what you wanted?
- This is...
This is the one
and only thing
that is connecting me
to my grandpa.
[Kaoru exhales]
[rain pattering]
[water dripping]
- It's four o'clock
in the morning.
If I go home now,
I don't know what
my father's gonna say.
And I gotta do something
about my clothes.
- In that case...
Wanna... come over?
[rain pattering]
Wear this.
- This belong to your father?
- No, their my uncle's,
this is his condo.
He's away for a while,
so he's letting me stay here.
- By yourself?
- [Anzu] I all ready told you,
I don't have any parents.
[rain pattering distantly]
- This is incredible.
Oh.
Mitsuo Hanashiro.
- Didn't mean to keep you-
- Sorry, I didn't ask first.
- Oh, that's okay.
- So this Mitsuo Hanashiro is...
- My grandfather.
- This manga is the one that
Kawasaki threw, isn't it?
- Yes. And it is really
precious to me, so that's why...
- Hanashiro, those papers
that came out of the tunnel,
are they your
grandfather's?
If they're not his...
Then it must be
something you drew.
- [gasps]
How did-
- I knew it.
- How? Why would you think that?
- That envelope there.
That's the one
you were holding onto
the first time we met
at the train station.
Plus, Yuutousha is a famous
publishing company,
and if your grandfather
is a manga artist
and there's art supplies
on your desk,
then I you're probably
an artist too.
[Anzu sighs]
[somber music]
- You are right.
They are my drawings.
And that day, I was thinking of
sending them in.
- Why didn't you then?
- How many manga artists
do you think there are?
- I don't know, like a thousand?
- Try five thousand.
And every year, there are
more and more people
who submit their work hoping to
become famous artists.
So everyday,
my talent is tested.
It's pretty frustrating,
you know?
That's why I didn't submit.
- I get it, but you'll
never know unless you try-
- Look, that's just how
things are, okay.
For me... I loved whatever
my grandpa drew...
But my parents hated my grandpa
for what he did...
They didn't like him
or his work.
Do you know why?
- Why?
- Because it didn't sell at all.
That manga...
it's the only one of his
that he ever got published.
Just three volumes came out.
Even still,
he kept on drawing...
to the point of borrowing
from my father.
When he d*ed, my mother and
father didn't shed a tear.
If anything, it seemed like
they were relieved.
I guess they felt he was
huge burden on them...
So, when I said I wanted to be
an artist like he had been...
they totally banished me.
- Is that the reason
you moved here?
- I'm not gonna change my mind
just because I'm here.
This is the first manga
that I drew.
And he's the only one
who's read it.
He loved it.
You see, he taught me
the joy of being an artist.
But one day my father found it,
and threw it away.
[Kaoru gasps]
He said, "so you wanna be
poor like your grandpa?"
And he ripped it into pieces.
This is that manga.
Have you ever heard of
Mitsuo Hanashiro?
- I'm sorry, I haven't.
- It's okay.
There was a time when
I'd go to bookstores
searching for his work to be
somewhere on the shelf,
but I never found one copy.
You couldn't find
his manga anywhere
because he was just too obscure
and no one knew him.
That made me realize...
that if I want to be
a famous artist,
I need to have
something extraordinary.
- Hanashiro, the thing
that you want, is it...
- What I need to become
someone special is talent.
With that, I can create
a manga that makes
a mark on the world.
- Hanashiro,
the Urashima Tunnel-
- What?! Are you trying
to say it doesn't grant
that kind of wish
or something?
Even though you yourself
are trying to get
your sister back?
- No.
Hanashiro, would you...
let me read it?
- Huh? No way.
- Why not?
- Because I'm not
satisfied with it.
The story and
all the characters...
That's why I couldn't submit it.
- But you drew in order for
someone to read it, right?
- If I'm not satisfied with it,
I can't let
other people see it.
- But if you don't let
anyone read it,
then it will just end up being
pieces of paper.
- Shut up!
Are you picking a fight?
This has nothing to do with you.
- But haven't we...
entered into a joint operation?
[Anzu sighs]
- It's nothing special.
All you'll find out is
that it's ordinary.
- You'll never know
if it's good or not,
unless you let me read it.
[rain pattering distantly]
[paper fluttering]
[paper fluttering]
This is good.
Despite the complex storyline,
I never got confused.
The way you used
foreshadowing is crazy
and I loved the surprise
at the end.
Is it okay if I read it
one more time?
[feet pattering]
- Thanks. I'm glad.
- Yeah.
- But there are like
who can draw better than me.
I know how hard
this industry is.
And that's why I need
to be exceptional.
like something that lets you
carve out living proof...
That kind of talent.
- But you're already amazing.
You have more than enough talent
to become a great artist.
You're special,
even if you don't go into-
- It's the opposite.
Complete opposite.
It's you who is special.
I found that out that time
at the aquarium.
It's you, you're in a different
world than other people.
I was forced to realize
the things I'm thinking about
are trivial and average at best.
- What's that mean, though?
- Tono, in order to make
your wish be fulfilled,
you can sacrifice everything
without hesitation.
I think that's why maybe
the Urashima Tunnel found you.
- You're giving me too much
credit, I'm just a normal-
[clothes rustling]
[Kaoru gasps]
[rain pattering distantly]
- I wanna go to the world
where you are, Tono.
That's why I need that tunnel.
Hey, Tono...
Please help me see the world
that you see.
- But my world is dreary.
- That's not bad either.
Next time,
you're gonna keep going
until you find Karen, right?
- Yeah.
I'm not leaving until I do.
- Me either.
I will not go back
until I get what I want.
We'll continue?
- August 2nd.
I've decided for us.
[indistinct chatter]
- [Shohei] Kaoru!
- Huh?
I'm going to the summer festival
next week with Sugisaki,
you want to come too?
- Uh, I...
- Oh, are you already going
with Hanashiro?
Sorry, my bad.
I'm telling you,
Hanashiro and I-
That might not be a bad idea.
[footsteps clattering]
[indistinct chatter]
Sorry, did I keep you waiting?
- Not really.
You're early as well.
It wasn't time to meet yet.
- I get to places
ten minutes early.
[Anzu laughing]
- You're beyond serious.
- Uh...
Shall we go.
- Mm-hm.
[light music]
[light music continues]
- [Announcer] After this,
we will start the
fireworks display.
It's held on the south side
of the venue-
- That sign... Did you see it?
It says "no trespassing."
- [Kaoru] It's a little known
spot that Karen and I found
when the two of us came here
a long time ago.
[water sloshing]
[bugs chirping]
- Why did you invite me here?
- Because I don't know when
we might come back.
It might be a
thousand years later.
- Hmm.
At that time, it'll just be the
three of us; me, you, and Karen.
- Do you think manga
will still be around?
- Drawings and stories
have been a part
of this world from the
very beginning of time.
There's no way that manga
will ever disappear.
- Great, that's good to hear.
[firework whistling]
[firework booming and crackling]
- Is it alright to ask why you
went with August 2nd?
- The day I came here
with Karen...
my parents had a huge fight.
It was like the two of us
were trying to
run away from home.
Karen was being her usual
happy self, but...
she was crying.
[firework booms]
August 2nd is the anniversary
of Karen's death.
[indistinct chatter]
[phone chimes]
[indistinct chatter]
[people laughing]
Huh.
- [Guest] Come on!
- [Mr. Tono] Yeah, you got me!
I'm done for!
- [Guest] This sushi was
expensive, wasn't it?
- [Mr. Tono] Aw, don't
worry about it.
- [Guest] Oh...
[both laughing]
But I'm happy.
- Ah, shucks.
Now, let's get down to eating.
Yeah?
- Mm-hm.
[Kaoru gasps]
Oh, there's someone here.
- Huh?
What? You're home?
But it's still so early.
Come here.
This is him.
This is my boy, Kaoru.
- Oh, so you're the son.
Hi, nice to meet you.
- Come on... introduce yourself.
Guess what?
This person is going to be
your new mother.
Huh?
What does that...
- I intended to
talk to you about it.
But, well...
[Kaoru breathing heavily]
work was really busy...
and we always seemed
to have terrible timing.
Sorry to rush things,
but this is how it is.
Come on, it's just
a little celebration.
We should drink to it.
- I thought they found some
issues during your check up?
- Well, today is a special day.
[Kaoru panting]
Kaoru, one more thing.
I have plans for us
to move out of here.
I've decided we'll leave
and live in Tokyo.
And I'm interviewing
for a new job.
- I hope it works out.
- From here on out, I'm gonna
have a completely new life-
[Kaoru panting]
[dramatic music]
- Huh?
- What's wrong, Kaoru?
Why are you crying?
[Kaoru gagging]
[Kaoru groaning]
[vomit splashing]
What?! Damn!
[Kaoru groans]
Kaoru!
What the hell are you doing?
[Kaoru whimpering]
[Kaoru coughing]
Hey! Where are you going?
[footsteps thudding]
[door rumbling]
[Kaoru panting]
[door thuds]
[Kaoru sobbing]
[parakeet sings]
The song of the frog...
[parakeet sings]
We can hear it...
[parakeet sings]
The song of the frog...
[parakeet sings]
We can hear it...
[phone chimes]
- Huh?
[light music]
- This cafe has
a nice atmosphere.
- It's been here a while.
When I was a little kid,
I used to come here.
- Do you know if you're able to
play games on this table?
- You can.
It's a hundred yen.
- I'll try it later,
then... maybe.
[light music continues]
- What's going on?
[Anzu sighs]
- Remember the manga
I let you read
the other day at my place?
I sent it to Yuutousha
after you left.
I finished it and
it was pretty difficult.
It was meant to be like
a tribute to him,
I didn't expect anything.
- Mm-hm.
- Today, there was a call
from the magazine editor.
Apparently, they seemed to
like what I sent...
and they asked me if I wanted
to create more for them.
[Kaoru gasps]
- Will it be published?
- No.
I just get an editor assigned.
Nothing's been decided
beyond that.
- I don't know much about
the manga business,
but doesn't that mean
someone's discovered you?
- Well, that's...
It's most likely not
that big of a deal.
I think they're just
calling dibs right now.
Maybe to protect their
self-interest.
- Hanashiro, you know-
- Thank you for waiting.
Here's your
assorted sandwiches...
and one omelet rice.
Take your time and enjoy.
[Anzu sighs]
- That's all there is to tell.
Nothing more.
But more importantly,
tomorrow is the day
we're entering the tunnel.
Have you prepared everything?
[Kaoru sighs]
- Let's... postpone.
- Why is that?
- I think you should
really think about it.
- I did think! And I chose to
enter the tunnel with you.
- If that's the case,
there was no need to
tell me about this, right?
- The way you just said that
is totally irritating.
- Sorry, but this is
an important decision.
The truth is, you're still
unsure about this, aren't you?
- No, I'm-
[sighs] I'm not.
It's no good if I don't change.
I have no confidence.
That's why I have to become
someone special.
I'm sorry.
I just don't know what
the correct decision
is to make here.
- Let's just eat, okay?
No need to make a decision like
this on an empty stomach.
[bugs chirping]
- [Announcer] Just now
in Kawagata,
in front of the Osara station,
a minor collision occurred
between a deer and a train.
Because of this,
we are anticipating
the next train will arrive
about 30 minutes late.
We apologize to our customers
for the inconvenience.
Please wait a little
while longer.
- I've never seen you
around here.
The train being late
because of a deer
happens a lot more often
than you might think.
- What?
- My umbrella...
wanna use it?
[Anzu gasps]
- Uh... [sighs]
This is so not me.
And why would I need it?
- Because you don't have one.
And you don't wanna get
your bag all wet.
- Oh, really?
So you're a nice guy now?
If I borrow your umbrella,
then what're you going to do?
- My house is pretty close to
the next station.
- You didn't answer my question.
- But wouldn't your parents
worry if you caught a cold?
- I was abandoned by my parents.
- Well, there you go...
All I have is my shitty
old man at my house.
[both laughing]
- [Anzu] Is it okay
if I borrow it?
- Sure.
- Tell me your name and
give me your cell number.
- Kaoru Tono.
- Anzu Hanashiro.
[both laughing]
[light music]
- Your face, Tono...
It's not bad when you laugh.
- The same goes for you.
- Oh, that's right...
I have to return
the umbrella I borrowed.
Things were so busy
that I forgot.
- You can throw it away.
It's a cheap umbrella.
- I return what I borrow.
Plus, you never know when
you might need it, right?
- [Kaoru] That's true.
[buttons clicking]
[phone chimes]
[train rumbling]
[bugs chirping]
[doorbell ringing]
[door rumbling]
- Are you a friend of Kaoru's?
I'm sorry to tell you,
but he left the house last night
and hasn't come back.
[Anzu gasps]
As to where he went,
I don't know,
but that happens occasionally
so don't make-
Uh...
[Anzu grunts]
Dammit.
[Anzu panting]
[somber music]
[water splashing]
[Anzu panting]
- Tono...
[Anzu panting]
Tono...
[Anzu panting]
Tono!
[Anzu panting]
Tono!
[Anzu panting]
Tono!
[Anzu panting]
Tono!
[Anzu exclaims]
[Anzu grunts]
Tono!
[Anzu panting]
[phone chimes]
Huh?
[Anzu gasps]
[Anzu inhales]
Huh?
[Anzu gasps]
- [Kaoru] By the time this
message gets delivered,
I'll have advanced to some
extent into the tunnel.
You may be angry or you
may be disappointed in me...
And just maybe it might be
both of those.
[water splashes]
But you should never
have a reason
to enter the tunnel.
[somber music]
Though you were saying
you wanted special talent...
I think you already have that.
The manga you let me read
was awesome...
and the fact you received an
offer from an editor means...
that people think
you're special.
I want to read Anzu Hanashiro's
incredible stories.
Even more of your short stories
or serialized manga.
And that's why I want you
to keep drawing.
I need to tell you the truth
about the Urashima Tunnel.
[water splashing]
The tunnel where they say you
can get anything you want.
That is a lie.
The Urashima Tunnel is...
[somber music continues]
[Kaoru whimpering]
[Kaoru sighs]
[water splashing]
[ghostly whooshing]
The Urashima Tunnel is a place
where you can get back the
things you've lost.
That's why even if you went in,
you wouldn't gain the talent
you think you need.
[water splashing]
I have no choice but to
enter the tunnel by myself.
Hanashiro...
you must become a great artist
and leave a deep impression
in the world you're in.
Even if I were to come out
one thousand years later,
I want to be able to
read your stories.
This joint operation
we had going was really fun.
That's why for now...
[somber music continues]
[rain pattering]
- [scoffs] Seriously?
No! You coward!
All you were thinking about
was yourself,
you totally don't get me at all!
Trying to act all cool now!
Going by yourself without
saying anything!
What happened to our freak'n
joint operation!?
[growls] You don't just
break it on your own!
Do you know how...
I was feeling?
How I was feeling?
If it was...
was with you, Tono?
I thought it'd be fine to
completely abandon this world.
[Kaoru panting]
- Fourteen and a half hours.
That'd be four years
on the outside, huh?
[Kaoru panting]
[water sloshing]
Karen?
[Kaoru panting]
Karen?
[Kaoru panting]
[Kaoru grunting]
[Kaoru panting]
Where are you?
Karen...
Show me.
[ethereal music]
[Kaoru gasps]
[water splashing]
[Kaoru panting]
[door rumbling echoes]
[eerie music]
Huh?
[door rumbles]
- Oh, wow. Hey.
- Karen?
- Yeah?
- Is that banana juice you have?
- Bingo!
You want some?!
- I had a really weird dream.
- 'Kay... What was it?
- Hmm...
I forgot.
- You forgot your dream?
I always remember my dreams!
The other day, I dreamt
that we caught
like it was nothing!
- What? Lucky.
[Kaoru groans]
[Karen gulping]
- Oh yeah, that's right!
Wait right here!
[footsteps pattering]
[footsteps pattering]
Look, look!
[Kaoru gasps]
A rhino beetle!
I knew you wanted one,
so I got one for you!
- Awesome!
- Isn't it big?
- Where did you find it?
- A secret?
- Come on, tell me!
- If I tell you,
you'd get them, wouldn't you?
- Was I obvious?
- So obvious.
Oh, I'll make dinner
later, okay?
- You?
- Yeah! I can cook it for you.
- What are you gonna make?
- Huh? Let's see.
Instant udon and...
Onigiri! I'm gonna make it
in the microwave!
- Ugh, great...
You really call that cooking?
- Absolutely!
[Kaoru groans]
I mean I'm the one who's
adding the hot water.
And the one who's
microwaving the onigiri...
and I'm the one
putting them on plates.
See! I am making them!
[table rattles]
[Kaoru grunts]
[Karen gasps]
Aw, you spilled it!
I'll go get a rag!
[eerie music continues]
- What is this place?
[phone chimes]
[Kaoru gasps]
[phone chiming]
[Kaoru gasps]
[phone chiming]
[phone clicking]
[Kaoru gasps]
[somber music]
Not things that were lost...
things that were thrown away.
[phone chimes]
[Kaoru gasps]
[phone chiming]
But how?
I thought I couldn't get texts
from the outside...
[phone chimes]
[Kaoru gasps]
[phone chimes]
[phone chimes]
[phone chimes]
[phone chimes]
Hanashiro...
- Is that a friend of yours?
[Kaoru gasps]
- No...
Not anymore.
- Why? Did you have
a fight or something?
- It's not like that, but...
- It's not good to fight
with a friend.
Plus, you really don't have
a lot of friends.
- It's fine...
as long as I have you.
- I know, right!
And I know that you
really love me!
That's why I can laugh
in front of you
without any worry.
Because I love you too,
Big Brother.
- And I love you, Karen.
- But I also want you
to go out there
and fall head over heels
for someone.
[phone chimes]
- I, um-
- Because then...
if the person you fell
in love with
loves you too, Brother...
then the three of us
can laugh together!
[phone chimes]
[Kaoru gasps]
[Kaoru gasps]
[somber upbeat music]
- I want...
to stay here with you...
But right now...
There's a girl I need to see!
- I know!
[somber upbeat music continues]
I love you, Big Brother!
[Kaoru gasps]
Take care!
[Kaoru sighs]
- I'm headed out.
[phone chimes]
- Hmm?
- Miss Hanashiro,
I have to leave now
so I can catch
the last train.
- Ah. Thank you for
your hard work.
- I'll be in tomorrow at 10am.
- 'Kay, I'll see you then.
- Thanks. Have a good night.
[door creaking]
[door thuds]
- Are you ever gonna let me
return your umbrella?
[Kaoru panting]
[water splashing]
[light music]
- Hanashiro!
[water splashing]
[Kaoru panting]
Hanashiro.
[Kaoru panting]
Hanashiro!
[Kaoru panting]
Hanashiro!
[Kaoru panting]
Hanashiro!
[Kaoru panting]
[light music continues]
I want...
There's something
I need to tell you!
[water sloshing]
[water splashing]
[phone chimes]
- [Editor] Maybe you should take
a little break right now.
You've had great success
ever since your debut...
You'll be able to draw again.
- [sighs] I'm really sorry
about this.
- Hey... why do you carry
that old umbrella?
Is it a good luck charm
or something?
- This is...
- [sighs] Listen...
I can take care of
everything for awhile,
so please don't worry.
You just need to take some time
and get some rest.
- Right.
[birds chirping]
[water sloshing distantly]
- [Announcer] Just now in Osara,
in front of the
Tsugemori station,
a minor collision occurred
between a deer and a train.
Because of this,
we are anticipating
the next train will arrive
about 30 minutes late.
We apologize to our customers
for the inconvenience.
Please wait a little
while longer.
[tears dripping]
[Anzu sobbing]
- I... [sobs]
Tono, I want to tell you
I have always...
Always...
[sobs]
[phone chimes]
[Anzu gasps]
[Anzu gasps]
[Anzu gasps]
[Anzu gasps]
[upbeat music]
[Anzu panting]
[Anzu grunts]
[Anzu panting]
[footsteps crunching]
[upbeat music continues]
[Anzu panting]
[upbeat music continues]
[Anzu panting]
[Anzu grunts]
[Anzu panting]
Tono.
Tono.
Tono!
[Kaoru groans]
- Hanashiro?
- Mm-hm.
It's been eight years.
- Why are you... in here?
- You were gone too long,
I had to come get you.
- Even though I said goodbye?
- The joint operation
isn't over for us.
[Kaoru gasps]
[Kaoru grunts]
- I sent you a text...
and then I tripped.
- I received it.
- What?
- I received it.
- Sorry, you waited.
[bright music]
At ten seconds, that was
a six and a half hour kiss.
[water sloshing]
[wind whooshing]
[bright music continues]
- And 102 days.
- I bet a lot of things
have changed.
- Well, not really.
I mean, it's not like
it's been a thousand years.
- [laughs] Funny.
And it looks like I'll be able
to read your book.
- Yeah? How'd you know
about that?
- I received your texts.
Even though they weren't
supposed to get delivered,
but it was only your texts.
- Maybe you were able
to get them...
because you lost me.
[water drips]
[rain pattering]
It's raining.
- My umbrella.
[umbrella rustling]
[rain pattering]
You kept it this whole time?
- I can finally return it.
So, I guess that
makes us both even.
- Although it took 13 years.
- And 102 days.
We can think about that
from here on.
- From here on.
Hana-
- Tono-
[both gasps]
[bright music continues]
- [Both] Let's go.
["Finale." by eill plays]
Tunnel to Summer, The, the Exit of Goodbyes (2022)
Moderator: Maskath3