All the Long Nights (2024)

[bunniefuu]

How do I want people to see me?

Diligent and sincere.

That doesn't sound right.

Not bright and cheerful either.

Thoughtful and kind sounds nice

but there's more in me.

I don't want praise

for doing my job well.

Neither do I want status or fame.

I don't want anything in particular

but I don't know how to act

in front of people.

Above all, I'm fed up with myself

for feeling this way.

Every 25 to 30 days

a few days before my period,

I become uncontrollably agitated.

Before their period

women often feel mentally unstable and suffer from headaches and dizziness.

But when the symptoms are severe, they're diagnosed with PMS.

Premenstrual syndrome.

Insomnia from anxiety, lethargy,

a depressed mood.

There are various symptoms of PMS

but I get irritable for no good reason

and become hostile.

What's the matter?

Ma'am?

Don't throw things.

You can't sleep here.

My symptoms weren't so bad before and people tolerated my behavior.

But they got worse by the year.

The 3rd year in high school,

my mom took me to a gynecologist.

Your mom's here.

Okay.

I was relieved to get a diagnosis

but the herbal medicine I was

prescribed didn't do much for me.

Hiya.

Everything's here.

I'm sorry for the trouble I caused.

Please fill out this release form.

Sorry for all the trouble.

After I started living on my own

my mom called me, almost daily

and sent me care packages.

I appreciated the thought

but it made me feel worse.

Even now as an adult,

I keep causing trouble for my mom.

She says it's her job as a mother

but I can't keep this up.

Thanks.

- Which way?

- This way?

- I think so.

- Yeah?

Good morning.

I haven't seen you in a while.

Yes, it's been a while.

Another incident?

Yes. With my boss at the office...

It could be stressful

in a new environment.

And I was taken to the police.

What?

My boss didn't report me

or anything.

The police picked me up when I felt

Dizzy and was resting on a bench.

I see. But you've been doing well lately.

Doctor...

I'd really like to go on the pill.

I advise against it.

Your mom has a history of thrombosis.

Are you taking the herbal medicine?

Yes.

What should we do?

Let's try something else.

You can quit if it doesn't work.

- Another medicine?

- Yes.

It's called alprazolam.

It calms your nerves.

But it could make you sleepy

so be careful.

Okay.

Thank you.

- Okuda, please.

- Sure.

How am I supposed to understand?

You have to specifically instruct me

to make 35 copies.

Don't just leave it on my desk.

What if I overlook it?

Yes. You're absolutely right.

Don't humor me just 'cuz

I'm new here.

I'm not. I should've handled it

with greater care.

I can't stand this.

I'm not making copies.

This isn't like you.

I wasn't feeling well yesterday.

- A medical condition?

- No.

I apologize for being

so rude.

It's okay. I'm sorry too.

A new recruit of 2 months.

Herbal medicine and

herbal tea weren't enough.

I couldn't screw up again.

But I didn't know how strong

this medicine's side effects were.

I got unbearably sleepy.

I knew I was in trouble but

my mind started to shut down.

I fell asleep on the spot.

Fujisawa?

How long is your summer vacation?

I couldn't stay a minute longer being known as a nutcase.

Fujisawa!

I fled to the restroom.

and decided to turn in

my resignation that day.

It didn't matter if I was there or not.

They were probably better off without me.

They readily accepted my resignation.

You're at a turning point in your life.

Get rid of the evil spirit on your back

and everything will be all right.

Hold on.

Hello. Free tissue paper.

Thank you.

Hello. Hello.

I don't understand what happens to me.

I can't move my body the way I want it to

nor can control my mind

no matter how hard I try.

But I don't want to be pitied

or be worried about.

I have energy and want to keep moving.

Plus, I need money to survive.

It's no use complaining.

"5 years later"

I'm back.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Hello.

Hi.

Hi.

You bought a lot.

They're for you.

You didn't have to.

- Here.

- Thanks.

I'll go make some tea.

- I'll do it.

- I got it.

- Thank you.

- It looks good.

- Here.

- Thanks.

For you.

- Thank you.

- Sure.

I'll put it on your desk.

Thanks.

Yamazoe.

It's for you.

No thanks.

I'm not hungry.

Then take it home.

I don't like whipped cream.

Oh... I see.

Yamazoe, have you gotten

used to working here?

It's nothing like your old job.

Not challenging enough?

It's fine.

I'm here for you.

Okay.

Does plain carbonated water

taste good?

Not really but it's refreshing.

I see.

Maybe I'll try it sometime.

I'm done with these.

Okay.

Tell us about

Kurita Science Corporation.

We make science kits

for microscopes and telescopes

to help children

study the microscopic world

to the vast universe.

In my grandfather's generation,

we also made lenses.

But the factory burned down

in the air raid during the w*r.

Then our business became

what it is today.

- Next question.

- Okay.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Our broadcast club is making

a documentary about your company.

May we take a video?

Of course.

Thank you.

- Yamazoe.

- Yes?

This is Dan,

Ms. Sumikawa's son.

- First time, right?

- Yes.

I'm Sumikawa.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Yanagisawa.

Nice to meet you.

- Welcome.

- Thanks for having us.

Should we go over there?

Okay.

Stop drinking carbonated water.

Carbonated water.

Huh?

Didn't you hear me?

That sound gets on my nerves.

Stop drinking water and do your job.

Am I being unreasonable?

- Let's go.

- I'm not, am I?

We're not finished.

You didn't even say hello

to our guests.

- Don't run away!

- Come on.

- Did I say something wrong?

- Not at all. Let's go.

Then why is everyone like this?

I can't stand it.

See you tomorrow.

See you.

Coming.

Yes?

Hello. A package from a Tomoko Fujisawa.

Will you leave it at the door?

Okay.

Thank you.

She suddenly snapped about

the sound of carbonated water.

Yeah? The world is full

of different people.

Everyone else is so unmotivated.

I cringe when I think

I might turn out like them.

Is it wrong to want a

sense of accomplishment at work?

Sense of accomplishment....

Mr. Tsujimoto, take a look.

I didn't mean to interrupt you.

It's okay.

I know you're busy.

Let me talk to HR again

about getting you re-hired.

We'd love to have you back.

Thank you.

I'll be in touch.

Call me if you need to talk.

Okay. Thanks.

Is Yamazoe doing better now?

I don't know.

When's the last train?

I won't make it.

I'll sleep here tonight.

Good night.

- Take it easy.

- Okay.

Hi. Thanks for the package.

I'll call you again tomorrow.

Good night.

Here you go.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

Hello.

Hello.

Do you know what you want?

I'll take 3 daifuku

and 3 chestnut yokan.

And 1 dorayaki.

Okay.

- Hold on.

- Yes?

- Make it 2 chestnut yokan.

- Okay.

Do you have anything that's not sweet?

- Not sweet?

- Yes.

Um... Hold on.

Thanks.

Hey! Do we have anything that's not sweet?

Hello.

- Hi.

- Hi.

Hello.

I'm sorry about the other day.

I got this for you.

Thanks.

You're always so thoughtful.

Dorayaki.

You don't have to keep

buying snacks for us.

Don't make it a habit.

Okay.

But I do love this shop's daifuku.

Thank you.

Thank you too.

Excuse me.

Give it to your kid.

- Will she eat it?

- Of course.

She's three.

She'll eat it.

Yamazoe.

Yes?

I'm sorry about the other day.

I was in a bad mood.

It's okay.

I'm sorry too.

Um... This is for you.

"Pickled cucumber"

Huh?

You don't like sweets, right?

I do.

I just don't like whipped cream.

Sorry...

What should I do with this?

I'll take it. Thank you.

Thanks.

Okay...

Sorry to disturb you.

Thank you.

Sure.

Bye.

- Bye.

- Bye.

See you next week.

Bye.

- Bye.

- Bye.

Wanna grab something to eat?

I have plans.

Okay. How about you?

I'd love to.

But I'm not done yet.

I'll catch up with you.

- Okay. Call me.

- I will. Thanks.

Ms. Sumikawa, how about dinner?

Sounds great. I'll go get Dan.

We'll sit in the corner.

Okay..

How about dinner?

Sorry. Not tonight.

Can you go?

"Tsuboi Mental Clinic"

Number 18,

to the consultation room.

Okay.

You can stay here.

I wanna go with you.

How are you doing?

The same as usual.

No panic attacks?

No. Not lately.

Does carbonated water

trigger an attack?

He drinks it a lot.

It seems to calm him.

As long as he doesn't drink

too much of it.

The fizz is a stimulus.

How about gum?

The rhythmic chewing of a gum

has a relaxing effect.

Is there anything else

you'd like to talk about?

No. I'm fine.

Okay.

The same meds for a while then.

Okay.

How long is "for a while"?

He can't ride the train,

eat out, or go get a haircut.

It's painful to watch.

He has to cope with his condition

without pushing himself.

I've told him a few times

but it could take 10 years

to overcome panic disorder.

What is it called?

Behavioral therapy?

I heard it's effective.

Where did you hear that?

I read it online.

Readily-accessible information

comes from people with loud voices.

Don't trust everything you read.

Everybody has different symptoms.

Patients of panic disorder are

often treated with exposure therapy.

You gradually expose yourself to places

that make you anxious.

If you're afraid to get on a train,

first just go to the station.

Then try walking through the ticket gate.

Then ride a train to the next station.

You don't have to do this.

I'm fine.

Do you have water?

Hold on.

The end of another week

without incident.

It's Friday.

Have a drink.

Cheers.

I'm Akiko Domon, today's facilitator.

We have some newcomers

so let's introduce ourselves.

I've been studying grief counseling after

a friend in college committed suicide.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Makoto Kikuchi,

the co-facilitator.

Domon was my senior in graduate school.

It's my first meeting in a

while so I'm a bit nervous today.

Nice to meet you.

If you're uncomfortable speaking out,

you don't have to.

We also have some time

to mingle afterwards

but it's perfectly okay not to.

Hello. I'm Kurita.

I suddenly lost my little brother

20 years ago.

I've been attending this meeting

for over 10 years.

I'm Tsujimoto.

I've been coming here after

my big sister died 5 years ago.

Her company finally acknowledged her will

and agreed to pay workers' comp.

I was disturbed that it took them so long..

But last month,

I talked with Ms. Fukuda

and now I'm more calmly

able to address my feelings.

I'll take it.

Okay.

Good evening. I'm Fukuda.

My husband died almost 12 years ago.

I'm sure it's the same

for all of you

but I still can't accept his death.

But I have to move on.

My granddaughter told me about

dating apps. Is that the right word?

I'm thinking of using it

to find a boyfriend.

Oops.

Yay.

Okay. 1-0.

Go.

Go.

How's Yamazoe doing?

Don't worry.

He's doing fine.

I see.

I hope he's enjoying his job.

I'm gonna go.

Let me play. Okay?

I'll help carry them.

Exhale slowly. Breathe...

Are you okay?

Should we call an ambulance?

No?

Yamazoe!

Are you okay?

Should we get some fresh air?

- Can you get up?

- No need to rush.

Ready?

- You'll be fine.

- Watch your step.

I'm sorry.

- Let's go outside.

- Sorry.

You'll be fine.

Excuse us.

It's okay.

Don't worry.

Thank you.

I can drive you home.

It's okay.

I'll get carsick.

Right. Be careful.

Thank you.

- Well then...

- Be careful.

Will you make sure

he gets home safely?

Okay.

Thanks.

I'm fine now.

- I'll see you home.

- You don't have to.

Oh... Okay.

Bye.

Yamazoe.

Yes?

Sports drinks, carbonated water,

rice ba*ls and other stuff.

I thought I'd save you the trouble.

How much do I owe you?

Don't worry about it.

I'm your senior at the office.

You can give me back the bag later.

Okay. Thank you.

See you.

Yeah.

Fujisawa.

Yes?

Um... How did you know

that the pill was mine?

That medicine?

Yes.

At the office.

You were looking for something

in your bag.

Oh... Right...

Um...

I'm just wondering.

Panic disorder?

I used to be

on the same medication.

For PMS.

Oh... Okay...

The female thing?

Yeah.

I felt awkward talking about it to a guy

so I used the acronym.

Let's take it easy and

cope with our problems.

Our problems?

What do you mean?

Learn to live with it

and take it in stride.

Am I overstepping?

No but...

Our problems are completely different.

PMS and panic disorder

are different conditions with different

symptoms and levels of severity.

Just saying.

Oh... I didn't know there was

a ranking to disorders.

PMS doesn't rank that high, huh?

See you.

Yeah? I wanted to see you

but don't worry about it.

Can I talk to him?

Here's Kurauchi.

Thanks.

Hello? Hi.

I can't next week.

It's our busiest time of the year.

I have to go now.

Yeah. Okay.

I'll see you inside.

"Blog about Panic Disorder"

"I can't ride trains or buses.

I have to walk everywhere."

Nothing tastes good and nothing is fun.

I don't feel like doing anything."

"It's an agony to be alive.

But I don't wanna die."

- Hello.

- Hello.

Yes?

It's Fujisawa.

How are you doing?

The same as usual.

Okay.

I brought this for you.

No thanks.

Don't be shy.

Seriously. No thanks.

What's that?

I'm going to cut my hair.

Isn't that hard?

Well... Yes...

Want me to do it?

Huh?

What?

Um.

You can move around

if you get the urge.

Okay.

Drink your carbonated water

and chew gum.

I won't get a panic attack in my own home.

Right.

Were you a hairstylist before?

No.

An aspiring hairstylist?

Nope.

Yet you're gonna give

me a haircut.

Better me than you. Don't you think?

I guess so.

Here I go.

What kind of hairstyle?

I just need a little trim.

At your service.

- Um...

- What is it?

Are you sure you can do this?

You're asking me now?

Turn around and sit still.

Okay.

What happened?

Nothing... Don't worry about it.

Let me check.

Give me another chance.

Did you screw up?

Uh... Everything's cool...

I wanna see.

I'm sorry.

Are you okay? I'm so sorry.

This is...

This is definitely weird.

I'm sorry.

Hilarious...

I'm so sorry.

Wait... I have to see this.

I'm so sorry.

Sorry.

Look at this.

How are you doing?

The same.

Are you sleeping at night?

More or less.

You look a bit better.

- You think so?

- Yeah.

But let's keep you on the same meds.

I'll see you next month

on the same day.

Okay.

Good.

Can I ask you something

unrelated to my condition?

What is like to have PMS?

What?

Someone I know has it.

- Your girlfriend?

- No. A co-worker.

Okay. Hold on.

I have this.

This and...

Okay.

This too.

And this.

Here.

May I borrow them?

Of course.

Thank you.

Our last work day of the year

and the year-end cleaning.

Stay safe and take it easy as usual.

Let's begin.

Let's begin.

- Yamazoe.-

Yes?

Haircut?

Sort of.

Looks good.

Does your back hurt?

Sorry about this.

Be careful.

Fujisawa.

Do you have a minute?

Huh?

Will you come with me?

Why?

What's up?

Take a deep breath.

Why?

Just do it, please.

I'm confused.

What's going on?

I'm busy.

- Don't waste my time.

- I'm taking a guess.

I think you're feeling the symptoms of PMS.

So stay here and

get pissed off by yourself.

I'll go get a drink.

Of course I'm pissed.

You dragged me out here

for no reason.

You're right.

- Then why don't you come here?

- What's your problem?

Does this dirty car bother you?

It does, doesn't it?

Wash it and wait for me.

- Huh?

- I'll be right back.

So dirty...

- Here.

- Thanks.

Hold on.

I can open it myself.

I know.

Here. Take a sip.

- What's the matter with you?

- Yeah, yeah.

Yeah yeah what?

Sorry.

One "yeah" is enough.

You know what?

You're kind of weird...

So I've been told.

Don't be so flippant.

Dan, Karin, help

me over here.

Okay.

Over here.

How's this?

Next year's goal?

Let's see...

To keep the business alive.

ow that we have young new employees.

I'll take it easy and do my best.

I'd like to develop a new product.

Standardize the work process

in case we lose someone.

Yep.

Ms. Fujisawa?

I'm sorry...

I've never set a goal for myself.

I heard you're gonna do

the narration for the planetarium.

Yes, that's right.

But the narration...

Yamazoe is writing the script.

I'm just helping him.

In that case, my goal would be

to make sure I do it properly.

Thank you.

Okay. Cut.

How was it?

No good. Another take.

- I'm Fujisawa.

- Fujisawa?

- My mom's a patient.

- Oh, her daughter.

Go on in.

Thank you.

This is for the staff.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

It's nothing special.

Good. Again?

- Here.

- Wow.

Thanks.

- They're cute.

- Yeah.

Nice.

They're a bit too big.

I'll make a new pair.

You don't have to bother.

Hold out your hand.

Let me see your hand too.

I'm fine. It's okay.

Come on.

Thank you.

- It's cold today.

- It is.

Go slowly..

I'll take that.

Really? Thank you.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

Go slowly.

- Hello!

- Hello!

Hello.

"Happy new year"

He's not home.

I'm Fujisawa, Yamazoe's co-worker.

I'm Ohshima.

- Happy new year.

- Happy new year.

Okay... Goodbye.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

How is he at the office?

How is he? Well...

He works hard.

I see..

But he had a panic attack

at the office the other day.

So I was worried about him

and came to drop off an amulet.

Amulet? Yes.

Would you like one?

I bought a lot.

Really? Can I have this one?

Sure.

I'm glad he has a co-worker like you.

What?

Thank you for accepting his condition.

My desk just happens

to be next to his.

Please keep looking out for him.

Yeah... Okay.

Well then... Bye.

I'm exhausted.

I'm so out of shape.

How was your holiday?

I slept most of the time.

Me too.

Hey, did you eat New Year's dishes?

No. I didn't go visit my parents.

Take this with you.

What? New Year's dishes?

Thank you.

It looks good.

I'm working on getting your job back.

Will you give me a little more time?

Of course.

I have to go take a piss.

Okay.

I'm gonna go pee.

Let's play.

Okay.

Ready?

Sorry.

"Thank you to Kurita Science Corporation"

This planetarium kit

is our most popular product.

Once a year, we set up a mobile planetarium

at an elementary school

as part of our community service.

That's it.

Thank you.

- Thank you.

- I'm going home.

- See you tomorrow.

- Bye.

- Bye.

Fujisawa, how about dinner?

I'm sorry. I have plans.

Okay. Another time.

Sure.

- Bye.

- Bye.

- See you.

- Bye.

Bye.

Hello. Table for two?

We're meeting someone.

Sorry we're late.

- I just got here.

- Really?

- Hello.

- Hello.

This is Misa Fujisawa.

We went to college together.

This is Ms. Onodera.

I'm Fujisawa.

Thank you for seeing me today.

Of course. I'm Onodera. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

Thanks.

Are you ready to order?

I'll have a hot coffee.

Me too.

Rooibos tea for me.

Two coffees and a rooibos tea.

I'll be right back.

Thank you.

Thanks for sending me your CV.

May I start off

with some questions?

Sure.

But I haven't decided to change jobs yet.

I just want to see what's out there.

No problem. Ms. Iwata told me.

Okay then.

Is this your hometown?

Yes. To move back with my mom

to take care of her.

A lot of people change jobs

to take care of their parents.

So you'd want a workplace

with flexible hours.

Yes.

Yes?

Yes?

Long time no see.

Sorry I haven't been in touch.

I got this at a deli.

It'll last until tomorrow.

Thanks.

Aren't you coming in?

No.

Okay...

You see...

I've been transferred to London.

London?

Wow. Congratulations.

Can we talk outside?

Okay.

Give me a second.

Sorry. It's from my kid.

I'm still working. What?

The reheat button...

Excuse me.

Press the reheat button.

Job recruiter, huh?

That's so cool.

Are you really moving back

to your mom's place?

Why not?

I can't imagine quitting my job

to live with my mom again.

I'm going to the restroom.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Can I read it?

Sure.

Thanks.

It's a rough draft.

I'll check this purchase order.

Thanks. That one?

- I'll double check it.

- Thank you.

"Do you see the 7 bright stars

in the northeastern sky?"

"They're connected by a line

that creates the shape of a ladle."

"This is the Big Dipper."

Isn't it too mundane?

So what do you suggest?

I don't know.

But isn't space something

much grander?

I guess so.

Have you seen that movie?

Um...

Old men who go to space.

No.

Then what about this?

He raises his thumb toward the moon.

No.

Are you serious?

You need to do more research.

I'll look into it.

An earthquake?

Yeah.

What's the matter?

It happens a lot lately.

Earthquakes and blackouts

don't freak you out?

Me? No.

I don't know about other people

with panic disorder.

When did you start

getting panic attacks?

2 years ago when

I was eating ramen.

Sorry. Bad memories?

It's okay.

The ramen tasted different.

It wasn't good.

So I decided to leave the shop

when I suddenly felt dizzy.

I kept feeling worse.

I couldn't even control my own body.

I got tested at a hospital

right away

but nothing was wrong with me.

The next day on my way to work,

I couldn't get on the train.

I see.

Hey...

Is that Cassiopeia?

Yeah.

So, is that the North Star?

I think that's an airplane.

It's moving.

The North Star is over there.

- That.

- That?

Really?

"National Astronomical

Observatory of Japan"

Does panic disorder have any advantages?

Of course not. How about PMS?

Any advantages?

Well...

My body's more flexible now

from yoga and chiro.

Look.

Isn't that normal?

I guess not.

I get it.

Get what?

People often discuss if a man

and a woman can be just friends.

It depends on the person

and I don't really care.

But one thing's clear to me.

A man and a woman as well as

people who don't get along

can at least help each other.

Don't you think?

Of course. A doctor has patients

of the opposite sex.

I can't control my panic attacks

but I think I can help you

once every 3 times.

Help me how?

Prevent you from getting irritable

because of PMS.

How would you do that?

I can sort of tell by watching you.

Hold on. It sounds like you're

monitoring my menstrual cycle.

That's creepy.

Is it?

It's sexual harassment.

Don't worry. I'm just curious

about PMS. That's all.

Seriously.

I should go home.

- I'll walk you to the station.

- I'll be fine.

Can I finish this?

Go ahead.

I haven't opened it for a while.

My first time in there.

Oh yeah.

It should be here.

Your brother must've loved his job.

It looked like he was enjoying it It

but considering the way he died...

He might've been struggling.

I don't know how he felt.

Brings back memories.

- Testing.

- Yasuo!

This is my brother. He's in charge.

Hello.

All right.

The sun sets in the west

and the night comes.

But hold on.

That's not actually true.

The sun doesn't move.

This is important so I'll say it again.

The sun does not move.

It doesn't help, does it?

It does. Thank you.

I'm leaving.

Okay.

The sun doesn't move.

Hold on. I don't need to explain

that the Earth is round, do I?

Oh, good.

What's moving is the Earth

where we all live.

But we say that the sun sets.

Don't you think it's arrogant of us?

If I were the sun, I'd be offended.

I have a question.

What's your favorite star?

The North Star!

The North Star? Nice.

A thoughtful star

that indicates the direction.

Press your stomach with your elbow

and extend your fingers.

Move your arms up and down

at your own pace.

Exhale, open your collarbones,

and lower your elbows.

Reach out with your fingertips.

Inhale and straighten your back.

Relax your shoulders.

Bye.

Thank you.

How do you respond to birthday wishes?

I reply to each person individually.

I don't wanna be rude.

But I'm running out of things to write.

Honestly, it's a pain in the butt.

Then don't reply.

They're just empty birthday wishes.

Sorry.

- Was I inappropriate?

- No.

I'm just fed up with everything.

Sorry.

I'm sorry.

Sorry. I'm so sorry.

Are you okay?

Tired?

Don't tell me how I feel!

Greek mythology often turns

the dead into stars.

Like Orion and Castor and Pollux.

But in reality, when people die,

they don't become stars.

They just disappear.

But isn't it fun to imagine how

the ancient people were inspired

by the night sky?

Something happened.

Yeah.

I got frustrated.

So you came to the office

on a Sunday?

I was here before I knew it.

It must be pretty bad.

It is.

Want this?

Thanks.

How should I apologize to her?

I don't know.

I've never met her.

Right.

I can imagine you snapping

at someone for no reason.

I usually try too hard not

to offend people.

I guess everyone does.

It's convenient, isn't it?

You can blame it on your condition.

The same with panic disorder.

You can use it as an excuse

to not see your friends.

- No one knows about it.

- Oh.

Why are you here?

Like I said, to look for this.

On a Sunday?

Because I have panic disorder.

It makes you wanna work on weekends

when you slack off on weekdays?

You should choose your words

even if you have PMS.

I thought I could be straight with you.

I see.

After I developed panic disorder,

Mondays are tough after 2 days off.

I know what you mean.

Although I think everyone's like that.

Do you want some more?

- Tea.

Thanks.

All right.

Look at the southwestern sky.

3 stars in perfect alignment

and 4 stars that surround them.

Orion, the most popular guy of

the winter constellations.

The red star to the upper left

of Orion is Betelgeuse.

It's about 500 light years

away from Earth.

What we're seeing is Betelgeuse's light

from 500 years ago.

500 years ago,

it was the Age of Discovery.

Explorer Magellan set sail on

his expedition around the world.

Astronomer Copernicus started

advocating the heliocentric theory.

Isn't it hard to wrap your head

around something so long ago?

The light is from the faraway past

but it looks like it's right above us.

The stars are pretty cool guys,

don't you think?

Today, we're gonna talk

about these stars.

Out of the 88 constellations,

Hydra is the biggest.

Do you see that bright star

near the heart?

It's called Alphard

which means "the lonely one"

in Arabic.

Doesn't it look lonely without

other bright stars around it?

But since Alphard stands out

in the darkness

it helped ancient sailors

navigate their ships.

I bet it'd be pleased to know

how it was

so useful to people who lived

far away in space.

Speaking of guiding stars, the North Star

remains motionless in the northern sky.

Polaris of Little Bear.

But many years from now,

it's going to be replaced by another star.

The Earth's axis wobbles and takes

26,000 years to complete a cycle.

Because of this wobble,

in around 12,000 years

Vega of Lyra will become

the new North Star.

Maybe there's nothing in this universe

that doesn't change.

Yes, please.

It's heavy.

Thank you.

- Hello.

- Hello.

- The poster? - Yeah.

Oh, this!

Where's Fujisawa?

She went home.

She wasn't feeling well.

I see.

Did a phone ring?

Yes.

She forgot her phone.

Can I go take it to her?

Sure. Go ahead.

Okay.

Thank you.

No problem.

I'll be back.

See you later.

I'll talk to Sumikawa about the budget.

Don't touch the screws yet.

Yes?

It's Yamazoe.

You left some things at the office.

Like your phone and script.

Thanks.

Sure. You need to practice.

Take care of yourself.

Thanks.

I'm back.

Hi.

It must've been cold.

I got this for everyone.

Taiyaki.

Really?

Thanks.

Wow. A snack from Yamazoe.

This is great.

- Thanks.

- Sure.

Yay.

- It looks great.

- Nekota!

Let's have taiyaki.

Come on. Let's eat.

Here you go.

"We enjoyed the planetarium!"

What do you like

about this company?

What we like?

What do you like?

I like many things about it.

But I wish the office was

a bit closer to the station.

I agree.

It's a difficult question

to think about it.

What do we like?

What do you like about this company?

To be honest,

I didn't like working here at first.

The tasks felt menial.

I was bothered by the way people

shared snacks with each other.

But I shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

What I mean is

our first impressions could be wrong.

Hello? Thanks for the package.

The mittens fit perfectly.

Thanks. I love them.

I'll call you again.

Good night.

Hello.

Sorry I'm late.

No problem.

I came too early.

- Hello.

- Thank you.

Are you ready to start?

Yes.

- Hello.

- Hello.

Please introduce yourself.

Sure. My name is Misa Fujisawa.

I have 3 years of experience in

product management at a science company.

I'm currently producing a

program for a mobile planetarium.

What exactly do you do

in product management?

I inspect parts and assemble products.

I also pack and ship them out.

Tell me about this mobile planetarium.

We put on a show every year

at an elementary school.

This.

Thank you.

Please come if you can.

Am I allowed?

Absolutely.

Thank you.

If you're interested...

Me too? Really?

Big Bear. Little-Bear.

Yeah. That's good.

The North Star.

That's right.

Here you go.

You should come

with your nephew.

Mr. Tsujimoto,

I think I'm going to stay at this company.

I'm sorry for wasting your time.

That's fine.

Don't worry about it.

It's been decades.

Me too. The last time I went was

in elementary school.

Do you know when it was first built?

No. I have no idea.

Just around a century ago by

a German company called Carl Zeiss.

Our planetarium is mobile

and it projects images inside

a dome-shaped tent.

The entrance is small

but the interior is spacious.

It becomes outer space

in the darkness.

It's pretty amazing.

Is that right?

I'll have to go see it then.

What's the matter?

Nothing. I'm fine.

Excuse me.

There's a table for you inside.

We're fine out here.

Thanks.

Do you want a blanket?

Yes. We'll take one.

Here.

Thanks.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

You're early today.

I wanted to hand this in.

You found a new job?

Yes.

I made it to the interview.

I see.

You'll do fine.

Thanks.

I was happy working here

even though I'm leaving so soon.

It's getting warmer these days.

- Good morning.

- Good morning.

You're here so early.

- Good morning.

- Good morning.

Good morning.

We make science kits

for microscopes and telescopes

to help children study

the microscopic world...

I wanna change

the scene after the title.

Again?

Go back to around

2.5 minutes from the top.

We already checked it.

I wanna see it again.

I'm quitting the company next month.

- Really?

- Yeah.

I have a job interview in my hometown.

What kind of business is it?

You're interested?

Yeah, I suppose.

A community magazine.

Covering stories

and selling ad space.

Sounds good.

What about you?

I'm gonna stay here.

Really?

- Yamazoe.

- Yes?

Come check the crowd flow.

I'll be right there.

I'll do it.

Thanks.

- Leave them on my desk.

- Okay.

"My thoughts about the night"

Is there any food you don't like?

I can basically eat anything.

How about you?

Other than whipped cream.

Octopus and...

I also don't like myself.

You're lying.

You're definitely a narcissist.

I am not.

I have a bleak future.

Don't be so pessimistic.

This is good.

I've never heard you say that.

About food.

I left something at the office.

I'm going back.

- Be careful.

- Okay.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah.

Hey.

- Hi.

- What happened?

I forgot something.

Okay.

May I pour that?

Huh? Of course.

- Really?

- Sure.

Thanks.

This is cool.

Thanks.

Oh...

Backwards.

Yeah?

Oops.

- Like this?

- Yes.

Cheers.

Everybody, please close your eyes.

We can see stars in the city

but let's go somewhere far away today.

We're now aboard a ship that's slowly

sailing away from the port.

Open your eyes when I count to 10.

1... 2... 3...

4... 5... 6...

7... 8... 9...

10. Open your eyes.

Wow.

Our ship unfortunately has

no cell phone signals or a compass.

So let's look at the sky

and ask the stars to navigate us.

have absolutely no sense of direction

so I'm always relying on the stars.

I get lost when it's cloudy.

That being said, let's look

for the constellation of Orion.

3 perfectly aligned stars

surrounded by 4 stars.

- There.

- I don't think so.

Where is it? Do you see it?

"Tonight's stars,

sundown at 17:43"

Thank you.

Last one?

Yes. No more.

I'm worn out.

I wrote today's narration with

a colleague of mine outside

and another very senior colleague

of our company.

Let me tell you a bit about our backstory.

One day, my colleague found

a cassette tape and a notebook

in the storage room.

The tape had a recording

of a planetarium narration

from around 30 years ago.

My colleague first transcribed it.

Then we used it

to write a new narration.

He said the original narration

almost made him

burst into laughter many times.

But the old cassette tape

always stopped before the end.

I was wondering how

we should end the narration

but I found a memo

by our very senior colleague

in his notebook.

"My thoughts about the night."

"It's always darkest before the dawn."

"A British proverb."

"I think humans have always felt

a sense of hope in the dawn."

Without the morning, many life forms

would've never been born."

"But without the night"

"we would've never noticed

the world outside Earth."

"Thanks to the night"

"we're able to envision the

infinite vastness beyond the darkness."

"Sometimes I wish that

the night continues forever"

"so I can keep gazing at the night sky."

"Darkness and silence keep me

connected to this world."

"Maybe someone in another

town is unable to fall asleep"

"and waits for the morning to come."

"But regardless of

our thoughts and feelings"

"this world continues to move."

"As long as the Earth keeps rotating

at 1,700 kilometers per hour"

"night and morning

come equally to everyone."

"As long as it orbits around the sun

at 110,000 kilometers per hour"

"there will never be a same night

or a same morning."

"Darkness and light that

exist only in this moment..."

"Everything continues to change."

"One scientific truth--"

"A day filled with joy and

a day drowning in sorrow"

"will come to an end as long

as the Earth keeps moving."

"And a new dawn will come."

It should be getting dark outside now.

Gaze up at the night sky.

But please watch your step.

Yamazoe, it was great.

I'll call you. I promise.

Thanks for the invite.

I enjoyed it. I'll call you.

Thanks.

- I loved it.

- Thank you.

Bye.

- Did you have fun?

- Yeah.

Keep up the good work.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We're done.

"A month later"

I was diagnosed with

panic disorder 2 years ago.

I often can't control my own body

or my own feelings.

A panic attack is always terrifying.

I get completely helpless

and feel like crying.

My girlfriend, friends,

colleagues, and bosses...

They're all far away now.

But is that really the case?

Fujisawa left the company

a month ago.

I was so surprised when

she came to cut my hair.

She got on my nerves at first

but I'm glad I met her.

Your seatbelt.

Thank you.

Here you go.

Thanks.

Ready?

Yamazoe, we're starting.

Okay.

Keep going. Keep going.

Okay. Good.

Based on the novel by Maiko SEO

"All the Long Nights"

(Suirinsha/Bunshun bunko)

- Be careful.

- See you!