Anime SCRIPT: Mimi wo Sumaseba

Mimi wo sumaseba
("If you listen closely")
Whisper of the Heart

NOTICE

This is an unauthorized translation of a copyrighted work. The original is
copyright (c) 1995 by Hiiragi Aoi/Shuueisha, Nibariki, TNHG.

Since it's unauthorized, I'm in no position to demand anything, but please
honor the following requests.

1. PLEASE don't remove this notice.

2. PLEASE respect the original artists' rights to receive income from
their work, and purchase a copy of the Japanese original videotape or
laserdisc to use in conjunction with this script, or with a fansub.

3. If you are a fansubber, PLEASE don't charge for fansubs based on this
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don't get confused.

Translation by David Goldsmith
Closing Credits translated by Miyoko & Dwayne Fujima
Editors: Toyama Ryoko and Fukumoto Atsushi

Script version 1.0.4, November 28, 1996.
[There will undoubtedly be further edits, but this version is suitable for
wider use.]
[notes are in brackets.] ? signifies some doubt

Opening Screen
A cooperative production of:
Tokuma Shoten - NTV broadcasting network - Hakuhoudou - Studio Ghibli

copyright (c) 1995 by Hiiragi Aoi/Shuueisha, Nibariki, TNHG

The following credits appear during the opening theme:

Mimi wo sumaseba ("If you listen closely")

Shizuku: Honna Youko
Seiji: Takahashi Issei

Shizuku's Father: Tachibana Takashi

Shizuku's Mother: Muroi Shigeru

Baron: Tsuyuguchi Shigeru

"Earth shop" owner: Kobayashi Keiki

Opening Song
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Words & Music (c) 1971 by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver

*Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze

*Refrain

All my mem'ries gather 'round her
Miner's lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste o' moonshine, teardrop in my eye

*Refrain
[fades out here]

I hear her voice, in the mornin' hours she calls me
Radio reminds me of my home far away
And drivin' down the road I get the feelin'
That I shoulda been home yesterday, yesterday

*Refrain

On the stairs
Shizuku: Good evening.
Neighbor: My, isn't it hot?

Shizuku's home
Shizuku: I'm home.
Mother: Thanks.
Mother: You got a plastic bag again, for one carton of milk?
Shizuku: But that's what they give you.
Mother: You could say no thanks... I'd like some too, please.
Shizuku: Dad? Barley tea?
Father: Mm, I'll have some. I'm coming.
Mother: Thanks.
Mother: Done with the word processor?
Father: It's printing out now.
Mother: I wonder if we should get a notebook word processor after all...
ugh, cigarette smoke.
Father: Shizuku, it's too bad you didn't go to Kashiwazaki too.
Shizuku: It's OK. Being with Sis would wear me out.
Father: Oh yeah. I'm going to work tomorrow.
Mother: What? Will you need lunch?
Father: It's OK. I'll eat out. The library is finally switching over to
bar codes, and it's a big fuss getting ready.
Shizuku: So they're really going to change over? I like the cards better.
Father: Well, I do too, but...
Mother: Hey, there's something funny about this document.
Father: What? Where?
Mother: I wonder if there's a line missing... here...
Father: Ah, you're right! Shoot.
Mother: Ohh... Let me go first. If I don't get this put together in a
hurry the professor is going to give me a hard time.
Shizuku: This guy...
Father: Shizuku, books are nice but you need to go to bed.
Shizuku: OK, good night.

Shizuku's room
Shizuku: I thought so. I thought I recognized that name.
Shizuku: This one too...
Cards: Amasawa Seiji
Shizuku: He's amazing. He checked them all out before me.
Shizuku: Amasawa Seiji... What could he be like? I wonder if he's really
nice...

Next morning
Mother: Shizukuuu! Get up already! I'm going out.
Mother: What? Dear, did you go to sleep like that?
Mother: Wash the rice for tonight, OK?
Shizuku: Bye.
Shizuku: Ahhh! Is it already that late? I'm supposed to meet Yuuko!
Mother: My wallet!
Shizuku: What? Did you get all the way downstairs again?
Mother: I did.
Mother: That's funny...
Shizuku: By the telephone?
Mother: Found it!
Shizuku: You're the one who left it there...
Mother: Aahhh! I'm going to be late! Close up, OK?
Shizuku: Careless...

Breakfast
Shizuku: Wow! It's really low!
Shizuku: It feels like something nice will happen today.

Walking
Shizuku: Boy, it's hot!
Shizuku: Yoo-hoo! You're lively, aren't you?

At School
Ball player: Belt it!
Friend: Hey, Shizukuuuu!
Shizuku: Yoo-hoo! Good luck, OK?

Inside
Shizuku: Kousaka-sensei, are you here?
Kousaka: Huh? Oh, Tsukishima. What's up?
Shizuku: Sensei, will you do me a favor?
Kousaka: What? It's not something weird, is it?
Shizuku: Please open the library.
Kousaka: The library?

Kousaka: Can't you wait until the term starts?
Shizuku: I finished reading all my books. And the city library is closed
today.
Shizuku: I decided I was going to read 20 books during vacation.
Kousaka: 20?! Tsukishima, you could at least pretend to study for entrance
exams.
Kousaka: Come on, hurry it up.
Shizuku: Let's see... Here it is!
Kousaka: Hurry up and bring it over here!
Kousaka: Hey, come on, get out the reader's card and the checkout card!
Shizuku: Here, please.
Kousaka: Heyyy, what's this? No one's checked it out till now.
Shizuku: This is a rare book. It's not even in the city library.
Shizuku: ?! Amasawa... Sensei! Do you know who this Amasawa person is?
Kousaka: Ahhhh! I messed up, didn't I! It's probably whoever donated it. I
don't know that kind of ancient history. Try asking one of the veteran
teachers.
Yuuko: Shizukuuu!
Yuuko: Oh, REALLY! This is where you were? And you said to meet by the
entrance at 11! You made me wait in the sun for 15 minutes! My freckles
are going to break out again!
Shizuku: S-sorry.
Kousaka: Quit the racket! Harada, you're too worried about your freckles.
Yuuko: Sensei, I'm seriously concerned about it!
Kousaka: I got it, I got it. Come on, you two, out we go.

On a bench
Soccer player: Upfield, upfield!
Shizuku: I made a first try, but it's not going well.
Shizuku: Are you sure you don't want to leave it in English?
Yuuko:
Shiroi kumo waku oka wo
Maite noboru saka no machi

Hilly town that winds through
The hills that form white clouds

Furui heya, chiisa na mado

Old room, small window

Yuuko and Shizuku:
Kaeri matsu oita inu

The dog who's grown old awaiting my return

Kantorii Roodo, haruka naru
Furusato e tsuduku michi

Country road, road which continues
To my home town that's far off

Uesto jiinia, haha naru yama
Natsukashii wagamachi

West Virginia, mountain mama
Memories of my town

Yuuko: It's not bad, you know.
Shizuku: It's no good!
Shizuku: So conventional...
Yuuko: I guess so...
Shizuku: I did one this way too.
Yuuko:
Konkuriito roodo, doko made mo
Mori wo kiri, tani wo ume

Concrete Roads, to everywhere
Cutting forests, burying valleys

Uesto Toukyou, Maunto Tama

West Tokyo, Mount Tama

Yuuko and Shizuku:
Furusato ha, konkuriito roodo

My home town is a concrete road

(Both laugh)
Yuuko: What IS this?
Shizuku: So, you said you wanted to talk, what about?
Shizuku: You don't need the translation yet, right?
Yuuko: Uh-huh...
Yuuko: Shizuku, is there a guy you like?
Shizuku: Huh?
Yuuko: I think it's nice to have someone who feels the same way about you,
you know... We're all studying for entrance exams, and if we could cheer
each other on to try hard... that kind of thing.
Shizuku: Yuuko, there's someone you like!
Yuuko: (whisper)
Shizuku: You got a love letter??
Yuuko: Shhh! Don't!
Shizuku: When? What was he like? Is he good-looking?
Yuuko: He's from another class. He was kind of good-looking...
Shizuku: Why not try going with him? Then if you don't like it, turn him
down.
Yuuko: But...
Shizuku: Well now, I bet there's someone else you like!
Yuuko: Uh...
Shizuku: It's no use trying to hide it! Come onnn, confess!
Yuuko: Uh, umm, Su... Su...
Sugimura: Tsukishimaaa!!
Sugimura: Will you get my bag for me?
Shizuku: Sugimura!
Sugimura: Hey, it's the blue sports bag there. Please, Tsukishimaaa! Throw
it!
Shizuku: Shut up, already! Mr. Bench Warmer!
Sugimura: Gimme a break! I'm a regular and we made it to the fourth round!
Shizuku: Yuuko?

Walking on a road
Shizuku: So, it's Sugimura, huh? The guy you like...
Yuuko: What'll I do? He might have figured it out... I... That...
Shizuku: Hey, it's OK. He's too dense.
Shizuku: But, what are you going to do? About the love letter, that is.
Yuuko: Mmm. I want to try thinking about it a little more on my own.
Shizuku: I see.
Yuuko: You're lucky. At your house they don't tell you "study, study".
Shizuku: Even though I don't get told often, there are hard times, you
know.
Yuuko: I guess so...
Shizuku: Oh, rats!
Yuuko: What's the matter?
Shizuku: I forgot my book. I'll go back for it, OK?
Yuuko: Do you want a ride?
Shizuku: It's OK -- you'll be late for cram school.
Yuuko: I'll call you again, OK?
Shizuku: 'kay!

In the schoolyard
Shizuku: Th-that book...
Boy: Ah! This yours?
Boy: There you go... Tsukishima Shizuku.
Shizuku: My name... how...
Boy: Well now, how could I?
Shizuku: Ah! The library card.
Boy: Hey you... I think you should give up on "Concrete Road".
Shizuku: ... You READ IT, DIDN'T YOU!!

Walking home
Shizuku: Jerk! Jerk! Jerk!
Shizuku: Jerk! Jerk! Jerk!

At home
Shizuku: JERK!
Shizuku: "You should give up on 'Concrete Road'"
Shizuku: Who does he think he is?

Later
Shiho: I'm home!
Shizuku: Sis, was it today?
Shiho: Aaaa, I'm beat.
Shiho: There was someone who was driving home right this way, so I got a
ride.
Shiho: Where's Mom?
Shizuku: She said she was going to a concentrated summer course. Dad's at
work.
Shiho: Shizuku, straighten things up a little.
Shiho: What about getting dinner ready?
Shizuku: I'll wash the rice.
Shiho: What is this, Shizuku? You left a mess, didn't you?
Shizuku: I'm just about to do it...
Shiho: It's hard on Mom, so we decided to help, right?
Shiho: After you wash the rice, finish the laundry. I'll make dinner after
I take a shower.

Making dinner
Shiho: Aunty said for you to come too after you're in high school.
Shizuku: Mmm.
Shiho: Are you studying?
Shizuku: Mmm.
Shiho: 'Cause it would be awful if you felt you had nothing to worry about
because Mom and Dad aren't concerned.
Shizuku: I'm studying!

Over dinner
Shiho: So, you know, she even tried to make me take some soy sauce!
Mother: That's just like Aunty, isn't it!
Mother: I'm almost sure... Didn't the same thing happen last year?
Shiho: That's right! She made me take some miso, you know. Was it heavy! I
still remember.
Mother: It was about two kilos, wasn't it? But...

Next morning
Shiho: Shizuku! Get up already!
Shiho: Vacuum your own side.
Shiho: I'm washing the sheets so take them off. We're airing the futons,
too.
Shizuku: Where's Mom?
Shiho: Long gone.

Breakfast
Shiho: Tidy up quickly and take that lunch box to Dad.
Shizuku: What??
Shiho: What do you mean by that tone? You're going to the library, right?
Shiho: Or shall I go instead?
Shiho: Then you can clean the toilet, the bathroom, and the entryway too,
and go to the co-op for me. And take in the futons, do the shopping, and
prepare dinner.
Shizuku: Goodbye!

Outside
Shiho: Shizukuuu!
Shiho: Mail this for me, please.
Shizuku: Whaat?
Shiho: Mail this!
Shiho: You don't have to look at it! Don't mail it with the clip!
Shizuku: Your boyfriend?
Shiho: Dummy!

On the train
Shizuku: Kitty, are you alone?
Shizuku: How far are you going?
Shizuku: Is it interesting outside?
Shizuku: Heyyyyy, respond, will you?
Shizuku: I'm getting off here, how about you?
Shizuku: Bye, Kitty.

Station
Child: Oh, a cat!

Station sign: Keiou Line, Suginomiya Station
[Note: This is written with kanji that would normally be read "Keitama".
However, there is really a Keiou line in Tokyo, and the kanji for "ou"
(king) and "tama" (jewel) differ by one stroke. The kanji for "tama" can
also be read as "ou" in names, but not normally in a railway line name. In
addition, later in the film a train has "Keio" in Roman letters on the
outside. Given the obvious reference to the real Keiou line and the fact
that most people wouldn't get the kanji "pun", I put "Keiou".]

Outside
Shizuku: He's going towards the library!

On the street
Shizuku: Awww, just when it felt like a story was getting started.

By the library
Shizuku: There he is!

Sign on door: No admittance except authorized persons

Climbing
Shizuku: Amazing slope. I wonder how far up it goes.

On a path
Shizuku: Kittyyy... Kittyyyy...
Shizuku: I wonder if he lives in this neighborhood?

Chasing the cat
Shizuku: Kitty, where are you going? Do you live around here?

Nice houses
Shizuku: I had no idea there was a place like this on top of the hill.

Kitty tormenting a dog...
Shizuku: How wicked! He's going around teasing dogs!
Shizuku: Hmmmm... Maybe it's me he's teasing.

Chikyuuya...
Shizuku: I had no idea there was a shop like this on top of the hill.
Shizuku: What a wonderful doll...
Shizuku: Are you that kitty I was just following?

Meeting the owner
Nishi: Ah, welcome
Shizuku: uh, uhhh
Nishi: Oh, no, go on, go on. Please look as much as you like. Baron is
bored, too.
Shizuku: Is Baron this doll's name?
Nishi: That's right. Baron Humbert Von Jikkingen... great name, eh?
Nishi: Ah, thanks.
Nishi: Thanks, I'm OK now.
Shizuku: What a magnificent clock.
Nishi: It was sleeping in a certain castle. It was completely rusted. Have
a look.
Shizuku: Ohhh, it's pretty! What is that?
Nishi: hee hee hee... the fun part of finishing.

Watching the clock
Shizuku: Ohhh!
Shizuku: It's nicely made... Those are dwarves, aren't they.
Nishi: Very good! So, Miss, you're someone who knows about dwarves.
Nishi: Look at the clock face. I wonder if it's going to work?
Shizuku: An Elf!
Nishi: The glass is shiny, isn't it? Come up here.
Shizuku: Yes.
Shizuku: A Princess?
Nishi: Yes, she is.
Shizuku: Are they in love?
Nishi: Mmm, but they live in different worlds. Because he's king of the
dwarves. Only while the clock is striking twelve can she return from being
a sheep to her original world. And so, he too shows himself this way every
time that it strikes 12. He keeps waiting for the Princess. I'm sure the
craftsman who made this clock had an unfulfilled love.
Shizuku: That's why these two look sad somehow, isn't it.
Shizuku: Ahhhhhh! This clock is fast, isn't it?
Nishi: Mmm, but around five minutes, I think.
Shizuku: Oh no!
Nishi: Oh...
Shizuku: I have to go to the library! Goodbye!
Shizuku: Mister, may I come again?
Nishi: Sure. For the library it's better to go left.

Running
Shizuku: Wow! It's right above the library!
Shizuku: I found a nice place
Shizuku: It's like a shop from a story!
Shizuku: It's wonnnderful!

On the steps
Boy: Tsukishimaaa! Tsukishima Shizuku!
Boy: This is yours, right?
Shizuku: Huh?
Shizuku: Ahhhhh!
Boy: You're forgetful, aren't you.
Shizuku: Thanks. But, why?
Boy: Now then, why would that be?
Shizuku: The cat!
Shizuku: I-is that cat yours?
Boy: Hey, your lunch box is pretty huge.
Shizuku: Huh?
Shizuku: YOU'RE WRONG!
Boy: Concrete Roads, to everywhere, white road going on...
Shizuku: THAT'S NOT IT! QUIT IT!

At the library
Father: Huh? Shizuku, did you come here for me?
Father: What's wrong? Why the scary face?
Shizuku: It's a little hard to explain.
Father: Oh?
Shizuku: Something very nice happened, and I had a feeling like I'd found
a treasure in a cave. And then with one thoughtless word I felt like it
got buried alive.
Father: Ha ha ha... how complicated.
Father: Are you going to borrow some books today, too?
Shizuku: Yeah. I have to read seven more.
Father: Same as always... What are you doing for lunch?
Shizuku: I'll make do at the lunch stand.
Father: Oh? Well then, thanks.

Looking at books
Shizuku: June 16th...
Shizuku: Amazing, this Amasawa guy. He read this book, too. I wonder what
kind of a person he is?
Shizuku: NO! NOT SOMEONE LIKE YOU!

At home
Mother: Shizukuu! Hurry up!
Mother: Ahhh, we're late.
Mother: Umbrella... Take an umbrella.
Mother: Even though it's the new term, it's nothing but rain.
Shizuku: Stop complaining. You're studying because you like it, right?
Mother: Yes, Ma'am!
Shizuku: Then study hard.
Mother: You can count on me.

Walking to shool
Yuuko: Shizukuuu!
Shizuku: Yoohoo!
Yuuko: Hurry, we'll be late!
Yuuko: It's rotten, isn't it -- nothing but tests.
Shizuku: It's one thing or another every day.
Shizuku: Oh, did you reply?
Yuuko: Uh-uh.
Shizuku: He hasn't come and talked to you again?
Yuuko: Nope. I'm going to turn him down after all.
Shizuku: I see... Yeah, maybe that's for the best...
Shizuku: Sugimuraa!
Sugimura: We're barely gonna make it, you know!
Shizuku: We know!

In class
Teacher: OK, time's up. Please collect the papers.
Teacher: This afternoon will be as usual.
Yuuko: Shizuku, let's go to Kousaka-sensei's office.
Shizuku: Uh-huh. Is it OK if we stop at the staff room on the way?
Yuuko: Sure.
Sugimura: Tsukishima, listen, listen.
Shizuku: What?
Sugimura: I guessed right and aced that test! Amazing, huh?
Shizuku: You lucky dog.
Sugimura: I just looked during the break, and I was exactly right!
Shizuku: You weren't just a baseball nut.
Shizuku: Speaking of guessing, Yuuko's good at it. Why not study with her
next time?
Sugimura: Harada is?
Boy: Sugimura, Sugimura!
Sugimura: What is it?
Boy: Did you see this?
Yuuko: Let's go, Shizuku!

On the stairs
Yuuko: Don't try to force us together!
Shizuku: You noticed?
Yuuko: Because I'm not good at guessing!
Shizuku: I'm sorry.

Staff room
Shizuku: Please excuse us.
Teacher: Who donated a book? I'm not sure I'll know...
Shizuku: I'm sorry to interrupt while you're eating. It's this library
mark here.
Teacher: Mm? Let me see...
Teacher: Ah, it's Amasawa-san, isn't it? I read this too. Nice book, isn't
it?
Shizuku: Yes, very. So, who is this gentleman named Amasawa?
Teacher: I'm sure it was several years ago. He was selected chairman of
the PTA.
Shizuku: The PTA? Umm, do you know his full name?
Teacher: His full name? Let me see... Kimura-sensei... what was
Amasawa-san's name again? The doctor?
Kimura: Amasawa-san? I'm certain it's Kouichi. Amasawa Kouichi.
Shizuku: Amasawa Kouichi...
Kimura: Tsukishima! There's an Amasawa who's this man's youngest son in
your grade, isn't there? Didn't you know?
Shizuku: WHAT?
Shizuku: Uh... Umm... Thank you very much!
Yuuko: Please excuse us.

Outside the staff room
Shizuku: I'm sorry!
Yuuko: Shizuku, where are you going?

Outside
Shizuku: I was startled.
Yuuko: I'm the one who was startled! I'm going to get a proper explanation!
Shizuku: I'm sorry

Passing "the jerk"
Yuuko: Shizuku, now where are you going?
Shizuku: Who does he think he is, ignoring me completely?
Yuuko: Shizuku, who was that? Where did you think you were going?
Shizuku: That guy's a jerk! Is it wrong to get away?

Kousaka's office
Friend 1: Hahahahaha
Friend 2: That's so cute!
Yuuko: I was running around carrying Shizuku's lunch box!
Kousaka: Tsukishima and a boy, eh?
Friend 1: Sensei! At last, spring has come even to Shizuku, hasn't it?
Shizuku: I told you, that's not it!
Friend 1: The truth is, you met the prince of books, right?
Friend 2: Is he handsome?
Shizuku: I told you, I only wondered what kind of guy he is!
Friend 2: Hey, Yuuko, you must know his name. Tell us!
Shizuku: Yuukoo!
Yuuko: Well... it happened so fast... There was a "ma" in it, was it
Masaki? Ama... Hey, Shizuku...
Shizuku: Well, gee!
Kousaka: But you know, running off without hearing the end of the story is
just like Tsukishima, isn't it?
Friend 1: You want to know, but you don't want to know! Your trembling
heart is painful and happy!
Friend 2: You're such a romantic!
Shizuku: Well, fine if you're going to tease me like that! And after I
brought my "Country Roads" song.
Yuuko: It's done?
Friend 1: Let's see, let's see!
Yuuko: Lady Shizuku, great master poet, we shall tease no more, so please
show us.
Shizuku: Very well.
Shizuku: The truth is, I'm not too sure about it.
Shizuku: There really is something I don't get about "home town", so I
wrote honestly with my own feelings.
Friend 1: This is pretty radical, isn't it.
All:
Kantorii Roodo, kono michi,
Zu-tto yukeba
Ano machi ni tsuduite ru,
ki ga suru Kantorii Roodo

Country Road, If you follow
this road all the way, I have a feeling
it's the Country Road to my home town

Yuuko: It's good, Shizuku! I like it.
Shizuku: It's not hard to sing?
Friend 1: I think we'll manage.
Yuuko: Just giving it to the juniors is too dull. Let's us sing it too, at
the teacher appreciation party.
Shizuku: What? The teacher appreciation party?
Friend 2: You're getting ahead of yourself!
Friend 1: This part here is nice...
Friend 1:
Hitori de ikiru to
Nani mo motazu, machi wo tobidashita
Sabishisa oshikomete,
Tsuyoi jibun wo mamotte ita

Intending to live alone, with nothing,
I flew out of town
Shutting loneliness inside,
I protected my strong self.

Kousaka: First bell, ladies.
All: Yes, Ma'am.

Walking home
Shizuku: Ahhhh, it cleared up!
Yuuko: Shizukuuuu!
Yuuko: Won't you come drop by Chorus club? We're going to show that
translation.
Shizuku: No thanks. I have to go to the library.
Yuuko: What? There's a test tomorrow too, you know.
Shizuku: I'll do it at the library.
Yuuko: You really like it, don't you.
Shizuku: See you later.
Yuuko: Bye-bye!

Yuuko and Sugimura
Sugimura: Harada...
Sugimura: Um, y'know, sorry to bother you, but have you got a minute?
Yuuko: Umm.

Chikyuuya
Shizuku: So they're closed after all.
Shizuku: I wonder if the flowers are getting watered?
Shizuku: Baron is gone!
Shizuku: I wonder if someone bought him?

Sign:
Studio Earth Shop [Atelier Chikyuuya]
Nishi Shirou

Shizuku: Nishi Shirou... I wonder if that guy's name is Nishi too?

At home
Shiho: Shizuku... Shizukuuuu!
Shiho: You have a phone call from Yuuko-chan!
Mother: Shizuku, your ears are going to go bad.
Shizuku: Yuuko? Huh? What? I can't hear you.
Shizuku: Mmm...
Shizuku: I'll come right away so... Mmm... OK, I'm hanging up.
Mother: Where are you going?
Shizuku: Not far.

Outside
Shizuku: What's the matter? Yuuko...
Yuuko: Shizukuuuu....
Shizuku: What's wrong? Oh--what's with your face?!
Yuuko: Shizuku, what am I gonna do? Sugimura's friend asked him to get an
answer to that letter.
Shizuku: WHAT?!
Shizuku: Oh, jeez!

Flashback
Yuuko: How could you say such a thing!
Sugimura: H-Hey!

On a bench
Shizuku: Boy, he's thick all right. But you know, it's not that he knows
how you feel.
Yuuko: I'll apologize to him. But I can't go to school looking like this,
so I'll take tomorrow off, OK?
Shizuku: Even with the test?
Yuuko: Yeah.
Shizuku: I see...

Test
Shizuku: (silently) Moron!
Sugimura: (silently) What'd I do?

Hallway
Friend 2: Seems like it went well.
Friend 1: Shizukuuuu! The library today too?
Shizuku: I'll try going to Yuuko's.
Friend 1: Oh, really? Say hi.
Shizuku: Sure. Bye-bye!
Friend 1: Bye-bye!

Walking
Sugimura: Tsukishimaaa!
Sugimura: Wait up!
Sugimura: It's about Harada...

Shrine
Sugimura: And then, you know, the darn girl suddenly started crying...
Sugimura: Say... I wonder if I said something bad?
Shizuku: Sugimura, you know... Yuuko said "Why are you saying something
like this?", right?
Sugimura: Yeah... that's why I said "My friend from Baseball Club asked me
to..."
Shizuku: THAT'S NOT IT! When she said that she meant she didn't want to
hear it from you. You know what that means, right?
Sugimura: I don't! Make yourself clear, will ya?
Shizuku: God, you really are dense, aren't you! Yuuko's in love with you!
Sugimura: WHAT?
Sugimura: That... I... what a fix!
Shizuku: "A fix"? The one to feel sorry for is Yuuko! She got such a shock
she stayed home from school!
Sugimura: B-but... I... I love you!
Shizuku: WHAT?
Shizuku: N-no... Don't joke at a time like this!
Sugimura: It's not a joke! I've been in love with you for a long time.
Shizuku: Y-you can't! I... But that...
Sugimura: Do you hate me? Are you going out with some guy?
Shizuku: I'm not going out with anyone... B-but...
Shizuku: I'm sorry!
Sugimura: Wait up!
Sugimura: Tsukishima... tell me straight!
Shizuku: Well... you've always been my friend, so I like you... but "like"
doesn't mean that...
Shizuku: I'm sorry... I can't say it right...
Sugimura: Just a friend?
Sugimura: And we're still just friends?
Sugimura: I see...

Home
Shizuku: Idiot! I'm the one who's dense!

Later
Neighbor: Tsukishima-san, please wait a second. I've got a delivery that
came for you.
Mother: Thanks again, as always.

Outside
Neighbor: I'm sorry, we always wind up getting some.
Mother: It's OK, we can't finish them off ourselves anyway.
Mother: Oh, were you home?
Mother: Shizuku...

Outside Chikyuuya
Shizuku: Yoohoo...
Shizuku: Are you shut out too?
Shizuku: Do you live here? You're not going hungry?
Shizuku: You're not very sweet either, are you?
Shizuku: Just like me...
Shizuku: Why do we change, I wonder? Like me... Even though I was always
such a meek, gentle girl. Reading books, too... I don't get excited like I
used to. Right away, you know, something inside says, "It's not likely
things would work out this well." Not very sweet...

"The Jerk" arrives
Boy: Say, it's Tsukishima.
Shizuku: Oh!
Boy: Moon really let you pet him.
Boy: Hey, Moon, aren't you going to drop in?
Shizuku: Is that cat named Moon?
Boy: Yeah. He looks like a full moon, right? So I call him Moon.
Shizuku: Isn't Moon your family's cat?
Boy: He's impossible to tie down. At other houses I've heard him called
"Otama". I'm sure he has other names besides.
Shizuku: So he wanders from place to place.
Shizuku: Oh, that's it! Moon commutes by train!
Boy: By train?
Shizuku: That's right. He was riding on the train by himself. So I
followed him and wound up here. And there was this wonderful shop here,
right? It was like being in a story, I was all excited. I said something
bad. I told Moon he wasn't very sweet. Just like me.
Boy: Moon, like you? You're not alike at all!
Boy: That cat is half goblin. [bakeneko]
Shizuku: Umm... Boy: You...
Shizuku: Is your grandfather well? The shop's been closed for so long I
was wondering if he was all right...
Boy: He's never been better. It's just that this a weird shop; it's not
open very often.
Shizuku: Oh really? I'm glad. When I peeked in the window, I couldn't see
Baron, and I wondered if he'd been sold...
Boy: Oh yeah! That cat doll? Wanna see? Come on.

On the stairs
Boy: Close the door.
Shizuku: Wow...
Shizuku: Like floating in the sky.
Boy: Acrophobia?
Shizuku: Uh-uh. I like high places. Wonderful...
Boy: This time of day is the prettiest. This way.

In the shop
Boy: Just right! Sit there.
Shizuku: The clock is gone.
Boy: Ah! The one that was there?
Boy: We went to deliver it today. Come over here.
Shizuku: It was sold?
Boy: It was originally a repair job.
Shizuku: I see. I really wanted to see it one more time.
Boy: Took three years, too. It was finished the day you forgot your lunch
box.
Shizuku: Oh! That lunch box!
Boy: I know. At least that it wasn't yours. Come here and try looking into
the cat's eyes.
Boy: Hey, hurry it up! The light's going.
Shizuku: Ohhhh!
Boy: "Engel's Zimmer": Angel's Room, it's called. They say it's made when
the craftsman accidentally causes a flaw while attaching the fabric.
Shizuku: It's so pretty.
Boy: Baron won't disappear, you know. Because he's a treasure of Grandpa's.
Shizuku: A treasure?
Boy: It seems like there're some memories involved. But he won't say. You
can look as much as you like. I'll be downstairs.
Boy: The light's there, OK? Turn it on if you want.
Shizuku: It's mysterious, isn't it. I have a feeling like I've known about
you from long ago... Sometimes I want to see you so much I can't bear it.
Shizuku: Today you look very sad somehow...

Downstairs
Boy: Oh... All done?
Shizuku: Y-yeah, thanks. Say, that... Are you by any chance making a
violin?
Boy: Eh? Yeah.
Shizuku: May I see?
Boy: Mmm.
Boy: It goes together this way.
Shizuku: Did you make this all yourself? By hand?
Boy: Of course I did.
Shizuku: I can't believe it!
Boy: The shape of the violin was set 300 years ago. Since then, the skill
of the craftsman has determined how good the sound is.
Shizuku: Did you make all these too?
Boy: You've gotta be kidding... There's a violin-making class that meets
here too, you know.
Shizuku: But one of them is yours, right?
Boy: Mmm.
Shizuku: Come on, which one.
Boy: That one!
Shizuku: Ohhhh... This one? It's amazing, that you can make them so well.
It's just like magic.
Boy: You know, you can toss off embarassing things like that pretty often.
Shizuku: Oh? What's wrong with that? It's how I really feel.
Boy: Anyone can make one like this. They're still no good at all.
Shizuku: Hey, I bet you play the violin.
Boy: Well, kinda.
Shizuku: Please let me hear! Even just a little.
Boy: Hey now...
Shizuku: Please Please Pleeeease!
Boy: Fine! But in return, you sing!
Shizuku: Huh? I-I can't! I'm tone deaf!
Boy: That oughta be just about right.

He tunes up
Boy: Sing, will ya? It's the one you know.
Shizuku:
Hitori botchi, osorezu ni
Ikiyou to yume mite ta
Samishisa oshikomete
Tsuyoi jibun wo mamotte ikou

I dreamed of living
without fear of being alone
Bottling up loneliness
I'll go, preserving my strong self

Kantorii Roodo, kono michi
Zutto yukeba
Ano machi ni tsuduite ru
Ki ga suru Kantorii Roodo

Country Road, If you follow
this road all the way, I have a feeling
it's the Country Road to my home town

Donna samishii toki datte
Kesshite namida wo misenaide
Kokoro nashi ka hochou ga hayaku natte iku
omoide kesu tame

No matter when I get sad
I never cry
Without meaning to, my pace quickens
To erase the memories

Kantorii Roodo, kono michi
Furusato he tsuduite mo
Boku ha, ikanai sa
Ikenai Kantorii Roodo

Country Road, even if this road
continues to my home town
I won't go, you know
The Country Road I can't take

Kantorii Roodo, ashita ha
Itsu mo no boku sa
Kaeritai, kaerenai
Sayounara, Kantorii Roodo

Country Road, tomorrow
I'll be the same, you know
I want to go home but I can't
Farewell, Country Road

Nishi: Ah, what a pleasure!
Shizuku: I'm Tsukishima Shizuku. Thank you very much for just now.
Nishi: Not at all. I'd been thinking I wanted to meet you again, Miss.
These two are my music friends.
Friend 1: Nice vocal! You're the young lady who had the luck to be here
when the famous clock was completed, aren't you?
Friend 2: Who'd have thought Seiji-kun had such a cute friend?
Shizuku: What?! SEIJI?? Are you by any chance Amasawa Seiji?
Seiji: Yes. Wait a minute. Did I not say my name?
Shizuku: You did NOT. And it said "Nishi" out front.
Seiji: That's Grandpa's name. Mine is Amasawa.
Shizuku: What a horrible surprise! I'm buried alive in a cave! It's like
the sky is falling!
Seiji: What kinda stupid things are you saying? What does it matter what
my damn name is?
Shizuku: It does matter! YOU used my full name without an honorific!
Seiji: Well YOU shoulda asked, right?
Shizuku: And when did I have time to ask?
Shizuku: Ahhhhh... Amasawa Seiji... I was sure...
Seiji: Now what?
Shizuku: I thought you were a gentle, quiet person!
Seiji: You know, you read too many books.
Shizuku: And you don't read lots too?

Walking home
Shizuku: It was really fun. Everyone is so nice.
Seiji: Come again. Grandpa and his friends would like that.
Shizuku: If only I could've just listened... Singing was painful. But
Amasawa-kun, you're good at the violin. Are you going to pursue it?
Seiji: There are lots of guys as good as me. But y'know, more than that, I
want to become a violin maker.
Shizuku: Really? Because you're already so good, aren't you.
Seiji: In Cremona, Italy, there's a violin-making school. I'd like to go
there after junior high.
Shizuku: You won't go to high school?
Seiji: Everyone in my family is against it in a big way. So I still don't
know how things are going to turn out. Only Grandpa is standing by me.
Shizuku: It's amazing... you've already decided on your life's direction.
I don't have even a guess about mine. Just getting through each day
somehow...
Seiji: Well, I still haven't decided whether I'm really going or not
either, you know. I fight with my parents every day. Even if it was OK, if
I don't actually try it I'll never know if I have the talent.
Seiji: Is it OK if I don't see you home all the way?
Shizuku: Sure, it's just a little farther.
Shizuku: Bye now!
Seiji: Uh, Tsukishima!
Shizuku: W-what?
Seiji: You know, you can really write songs.
Seiji: I like the one you just sang, but I like "Concrete Roads" too.
Shizuku: What is this? The other day you told me to give up!
Seiji: Did I say something like that?
Shizuku: YOU DID!
Seiji: Really?
Shizuku: Thanks for today. Goodbye!

At home
Shiho: Shizuku, turn your lamp off like you're supposed to. Yesterday you
left it on.
Shizuku: Sis, when did you decide what you'd do?
Shiho: Huh?
Shizuku: What-you'd-do!
Shiho: I thought you were applying to Sugi-no-miya?
Shizuku: Not about high school...
Shiho: I'm going to college to find that out.
Shizuku: (sigh)
Shiho: Good night.
Shizuku: Good night.

Running in the rain
Shizuku: Mom didn't get up just 'cause her class was cancelled!
Sugimura: Morning!
Shizuku: Morning!
Sugimura: Run faster!
Shizuku: It's OK to go on ahead.
Blackboard: (September 7. First hour, self-study. Workbook B, p.32-33)
Shizuku: I'm saved.
Yuuko: Shizuku... Shizuku...
Yuuko: Gosh, what a look.
Shizuku: Speaking of which, you've recovered quickly.
Yuuko: Last night, were you walking with a boy from another class?
Shizuku: What? Who's been saying that?
Yuuko: It's going around. They're saying you looked like a couple.
Shizuku: It's not like that...
Student (off): Either one's fine, y'know.
Sugimura: Harada, about that matter, I wanted to apologize. I'm sorry.
Yuuko: No, it's my fault, I'm sorry.
Sugimura: It's OK.
Sugimura's friend: Hey, did you see Sasuke last night? He was amazing! I
was moved...

During class
Teacher: This formula is going to be on the midterm, OK, so please
memorize it.
Class: What?!
Teacher: Dismissed!

Hallway
Seiji: Umm, Is Tsukishima here?
Student: Amasawa? What's up?
Seiji: Tsukishima's in this class, right?
Student: Tsukishima? Yeah, she's here.
Student: Hey, Tsukishima! You got a visitor -- a guy!
Student: See, there she is.
Shizuku: Seiji-kun!!
Seiji: Tsukishima... have you got a minute?
Shizuku: Yes!
Student: Wheee! Tsukishima's got a guy!
Students: Boyfriend!...Boyfriend!...Boyfriend!...
Shizuku: NO! It's not like that, I tell you!
Shizuku: What on Earth is it?
Seiji: They're letting me go! To Italy.
Shizuku: Huh?!
Shizuku: Let's go somewhere else.
Seiji: Where are we going?
Shizuku: The rooftop.
Shizuku: Ahhhh!
Seiji: Incredible...
Shizuku: You know, you called for me in front of all those people.
Seiji: Sorry. I wanted you to be the first to know.
Shizuku: I don't mind it being misinterpreted but...
Seiji: Dad finally gave in. But there's a condition.
Shizuku: Huh? What?
Seiji: I'm going to apprentice at a studio a friend of Grandpa's
introduced me to for two months.
Shizuku: Apprenctice?
Seiji: They say the master is really strict, and he'll see whether there's
any hope for me. And besides, I'll find out whether my self-confidence can
see me through.
Seiji: If it doesn't work, I have to do what Dad says and go on to high
school. I... don't like that, 'cause it's like planning an escape route.
But it's my chance, so I'm going to go.
Shizuku: When? When are you going?
Seiji: As soon as I get my passport. Dad and I are talking to the school
today.
Shizuku: So it's soon, then.
Shizuku: It's nice, isn't it? Your dream will come true.
Seiji: Yeah. Anyway, I'm gonna try my best.
Shizuku: Umm... Seiji: Eh?
Seiji: Hey, the rain's stopped.
Shizuku: It has.
Shizuku: Ohhh, look over there.
Shizuku: Maybe there'll be a rainbow.
Seiji: Mmm.
Shizuku: I wonder what kind of town Cremona is. I hope it's wonderful.
Seiji: Yeah. They say it's an old town. Lots of violin makers live there.
Shizuku: It's great, isn't it? Facing your dreams and pursuing them. I'm
such a fool. "It'd be nice to go to the same high school with you" --
stuff like that. Ha ha. So completely on a low level I can't stand it.

Stairwell
Boy 1: Shhh, they're here.
Boy 2: Hey, we found 'em!

Rooftop
Seiji: From long ago, I noticed you from the circulation cards. I bet you
don't know how many times I've passed you in the library.
Seiji: Hey, I've even sat in the seat next to you.
Shizuku: What?!
Seiji: You know, in order to write my name on the cards before you I read
quite a few books.
Seiji: I... After I've gone to Italy, I'll sing that song of yours and try
my best.
Shizuku: I... me too...

Boy 1: Don't push, moron!

Shizuku: QUIT IT!!!

Stairwell
Student 1: She's mad!
Student 2: I'm so scared!
Student 3: Here she comes!

At home
Shiho: Here you are.
Father: Ah, thanks.
Shizuku: Thanks for dinner.
Mother: Shizuku, aren't you going to eat any more?
Shizuku: I'm going to meet Yuuko.
Mother: If you're going towards the station buy some milk.
Shizuku: What?!
Shiho: Shizuku, you're the one who guzzles it, right?
Shiho: Recently that kid has slacked off altogether.

Outside the convenience store
Shizuku: I'm sorry! Did you have to cut class?
Yuuko: It's OK.
Shizuku: Man, I've gone soft in the head.

Yuuko's house
Yuuko's mother: Oh! Shizuku-chan, it's nice to see you.
Shizuku: Good evening.
Yuuko's father: Welcome home.
Shizuku: Please excuse me.
Yuuko's mother: I'll make some tea, so come get it, OK?
Yuuko: I will.
Yuuko: I'm having a fight with my father, so I'm not speaking to him.

Yuuko's room
Yuuko: Boys are amazing, aren't they?
Shizuku: Even though he'll come home in two months, after graduation he'll
go right back. He say's he'll study over there for about ten years.
Yuuko: That's almost like saying goodbye forever.
Yuuko: But y'know, more than that, it's like being joined together by a
red thread, isn't it? That's wonderful!
Shizuku: He's too cool. Because even though we were reading the same
books, one of us did only that, you know, and the other already has
decided on his life's course and is steadily following it.
Yuuko: I see...
Yuuko: You're right, too. When Kinu-chan was a freshman, she was in the
same class, wasn't she.
Yuuko: She said he's a little hard to approach, but he's handsome, and
studies hard, too.
Shizuku: Of course he is! Please don't talk about it that explicitly. I'm
getting more and more depressed.
Yuuko: Why? If you like him it's OK, isn't it? He's already told you that
he likes you, right?
Shizuku: I'm not even sure about that anymore.
Yuuko: I don't get it. If it was me, we'd be writing letters of
encouragement to each other every day.
Shizuku: It's because I just can't encourage someone who's been striving
more than me for so long.
Yuuko: I wonder...
Yuuko: When you talk like that, you know, I don't know how you want things
to turn out with him. Is it that if you haven't decided what to do with
your life, you can't fall in love either?
Yuuko: You have talent too, don't you? The juniors just love your "Country
Roads" translation. You're not like me... You can speak your mind clearly.
Shizuku: "There are plenty of guys as good as me."
Yuuko: Huh?
Shizuku: Uh-uh... Something he said. He's going in order to make sure he
has talent. If that's the case, I'll make sure too.
Shizuku: I've decided! I'm going to write a story. There's something I
want to write about. If he's going to do it, I'll try too.
Yuuko: But the midterm is coming up.
Shizuku: It's OK. Yuuko, thanks. Somehow my energy has bounced back.
Yuuko: Are you going home?
Shizuku: Yeah.

Downstairs
Shizuku: Sorry to intrude.
Yuuko's mother: Give my regards to your mother, OK?
Shizuku: I will.

Outside
Shizuku: Yuuko, you hang in there too, OK?
Yuuko: Mmm.
Shizuku: I'm sure even Sugimura can understand how nice you are.
Shizuku: Goodbye.
Yuuko: Goodbye.

Walking
Shizuku: I see... it's so simple. All I need to do is try too.
Shizuku: Moon!
Girl: Muta... Muta...
Girl: Mommm, Muta went off again.
Girl: Muta...
Shizuku: "Muta", huh?

At home
On paper:
"If You Listen Closely"
Listen to the voice of the forest. And the memories of the wind which
blows from a far cluster of stars, and the world told of by the cloud...

Chikyuuya
Nishi: Oh, make Baron the hero...
Shizuku: May I have your permission? Because I heard from Seiji-kun that
this doll is a treasure of yours.
Nishi: Ha ha ha. And so you went to the trouble... Yes, indeed. But
there's one condition.
Shizuku: Yes?
Nishi: It's that you let me be the first reader of your story.
Shizuku: Uh, ummm...
Nishi: How's that?
Shizuku: Do I really have to show it to you? 'Cause... I don't know yet
whether or not I can write well.
Nishi: Ha ha ha ha. That's something we craftsmen have to face too. You
can't possibly expect it to be perfect at first.
Nishi: Oh yes. Maybe I should show you something nice.
Nishi: Here we go.
Nishi: Have a look.
Nishi: This is a stone called mica schist. Try peeking into the crack.
That's right, like that.
Shizuku: Ohhh! It's so pretty!
Nishi: It's called "beryl". There's an inclusion of raw emerald.
Shizuku: "Emerald"? The gemstone?
Nishi: That's right. You and Seiji both, you're like that stone.
Unpolished stones in their natural state. Now, I like even unpolished
stones very much, but things like violin making and storywriting are
different. You have to find the rough gems inside yourself, take the time,
and polish them. It's very time consuming work. That rock has a largest
stone, right?
Shizuku: Yes.
Nishi: Actually, that one, when you polish it, instead turns out to be
worthless. The smaller ones further inside are of higher purity. And in a
part you can't see from the outside, there might be even better stones.
Ah, this won't do. You get old and you start getting preachy.
Shizuku: I've become very afraid of finding out whether or not I have have
a beautiful crystal like this inside me. But I want to write. When I've
written my story, I'll be sure to show it to you first.
Nishi: Thank you. I'm looking forward to it.

Walking
Shizuku: A rough stone...
Shizuku: A vein of Lapis Lazuli...

The Story
Baron: Now then, I shall serve as your companion, on our journey to find
the vein of Lapis Lazuli.
Baron: There is nothing to fear.
Baron: On the day of the new moon, space becomes warped.
Baron: Far things only appear large and near things only appear small.
Baron: Let's jump! We'll catch the updraft.
Baron: We must hurry! The planetoids have gathered.

Flying
Baron: It's all right, you know. We're riding the air currents.
Baron: At this rate, we'll be over that tower in a moment.
Girl: That high?
Baron: What? All we need do is draw nearer and it'll be no such thing, you
know.

Running
Shizuku: We'll go unafraid! When the afternoon air currents are mixed up,
our hands can reach even the stars!

Library
Father: Huh?
Father: Wow... Boy, that's unusual. Shizuku looking for a book that's not
a storybook.

Doing research
Book: Opal, Quartz, ???, Jadeite, Lazurite
Shizuku: This person... he's making a violin in prison.
Shizuku: Seiji-kun! I was wondering if you'd already left.
Seiji: I heard from Grandpa, and I thought you would be here.
Seiji: I'm glad I was able to see you... I leave tomorrow.
Shizuku: Tomorrow?
Seiji: It's OK. I'll wait here until you're done.

Going home
Seiji: Sorry about not seeing you home.
Shizuku: Uh-uh. I was very happy you came. I can't see you off but I'll be
waiting for you to come back.
Seiji: Yeah, it's only two months, y'know.
Shizuku: I'm sorry I've done nothing but complain. I'm going to try my
best, too.
Seiji: Well, so long.
Shizuku: Goodbye!

The Story
Baron: I and my fiancee Louise were born in a town in a far off land.
Baron: In this town, magic still lived, and the blood of magicians flowed
in the veins of the craftsmen who linked together the studios.
Baron: The one who made us was a poor apprentice dollmaker.
Baron: But Louise and I were happy, for he instilled in us a feeling of
love for humanity.
Baron: But then...

In class
Yuuko: Shizuku... Shizuku... Shizuku!
Teacher: What's the matter? Tsukishima!
Shizuku: I-I don't know. I wasn't listening.
Teacher: Shape up! This is an important time for you, you know!
Shizuku: I'm sorry, sir.
Teacher: Harada, you read instead.
Yuuko: Yes, sir.

Lunch
Yuuko: WHAT? You were up till 4 again?!
Shizuku: Calm down, OK? 'Cause I don't get tired at all.
Yuuko: But, you know, recently you've been spacing out a lot. Like just
now...
Shizuku: I was just lost in thought. There are too many things I want to
write so I haven't got them together.
Shizuku: Somehow I don't have an appetite.

Home
Mother: Shizuku! You're here? For goodness sake, you didn't even turn on
the lights.
Mother: Ahh, I wish you had at least finished the laundry.
Mother: Shizuku! Come here for a moment, Shizuku.

Dinner:
Father: Where's Shizuku? She's home, right?
Mother: She said she didn't want anything.

Teacher's room
Teacher: Ah, I've been waiting.
Mother: Sorry to trouble you.
Teacher: Please come this way.
Teacher: The career guidance office is empty, right?
Another teacher: Right.
Teacher: Please...

Home
Mother: I'm home.
Shiho: Welcome back.
Mother: You're early today, aren't you, Shiho.
Mother: Phew, I'm beat.
Shiho: Coffee?
Mother: Yes, please.
Shiho: Mother, there's something I'd like to discuss with you.
Mother: What is it?
Shiho: I'm thinking of moving out.
Shiho: A room's already been found.
Mother: But that'll take money, won't it?
Shiho: It's OK. I've saved up from my part-time job, and what's more I've
found an opening as a cram-school teacher, so somehow I'll get by.
Mother: I see... and I've been doing nothing but having you help out. Do
your best. I'll talk to Father about it.
Shiho: Really? I'm so glad!
Mother: Until spring you'll have to deal with the expenses, but after
graduation, I'll be able to work too, so we'll help out a little, OK?
Shiho: Mm, I hope so. I'm sorry, this is a terrible time, with your
Master's thesis.
Mother: Thanks. I'm very grateful just for your help getting the data
together.
Shiho: With more space in the room, Shizuku will be able to concentrate a
little on her studying, too. Because that kid's been acting kind of
strange lately.
Mother: You really think so?
Mother: Today, I was called to school. Look at this.
Shiho: What is this?
Shiho: I don't believe it! Her rank has dropped a hundred places!
Mother: That kid seems to be stuck to her desk, doing something.

Outside
Father: Ah, good evening.
Neighbor: Welcome home.
Neighbor: Pardon me.

Inside
Shiho: With grades like that, what kind of high school do you think you're
going to get into?
Shizuku: So what? I just won't go to high school.
Shiho: Not go to high school?! You're sure wearing rose-colored glasses!
With just junior high, what do you think you can do?!
Shizuku: I'll at least decide my own life's course!
Shiho: You're pretty sassy, aren't you? Your course is just to escape
reality! You do understand that your record will be decided by the second
term, right?
Shizuku: Is studying that big a deal? Since you entered college you've
just worked part time jobs!
Shiho: I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing! The one who's running away
from what she has to do is you! Don't you understand that!
Shizuku: I am not running away! I have something more important to do!
Shiho: What's "more important"? Try speaking plainly!
Father: Shiho, Shizuku, stop it already.
Shiho: But... Father, Shizuku's being awful.
Father: Hm. You two come here and try to explain your reasons. Shizuku...
change your clothes like you're supposed to and come.
Shiho: Hurry it up.

Kitchen
Paper slip: Midterm test results, Grade 3 (=U.S. 9) Class 5 (Tsukishima
Shizuku)
Japanese: 82, English I: 62, English II: 54, Math I: 17, Math II: 31,
Chemistry: 39, History: 53, Social Studies: 46, Total: 384
Out of 276 students, number 153

Father: Now I see.
Father: Shizuku, is it as Shiho says?
Shizuku: It's not like I don't care about my tests!
Shiho: Didn't you say "I just won't go to high school" a little while ago?
Shizuku: But you said I wouldn't be able to go anywhere...
Father: Shiho... I'm going to speak with Shizuku alone, so would you
please leave?
Shiho: Yes, sir.
Father: Where's Mother?
Shiho: At the Tanakas.
Mother: I'm home.
Shiho: Welcome home. Mother...
Mother: Is Father home?
Shiho: Yeah.
Father: Mother, would you please join us? I've just heard from Shiho about
Shizuku.
Mother: Coming.
Father: Now then... Shizuku.
Father: Is what you're doing now more important than even your studies?
Father: Won't you tell us about what it is you're doing?
Shizuku: When I can tell you, I will.
Mother: Shizuku, is this something that must be done right now?
Shizuku: There's no time! If I don't do it in the next three weeks...
Because I've decided to test myself during that time. I have to do it.
Mother: Test? What? What is it you're testing?
Mother: If you don't speak up we won't know, right?
Mother: Is this something you can't say to your mother or father?
Mother: Dear.
Father: Ah, sorry. Guess I forgot.
Father: I've seen how you've been doing something wholeheartedly at the
library. I've been impressed. Shall we let Shizuku do as she wants, Mother?
Father: After all, there's more than one way to live your life.
Mother: Mmm. Besides, I remember being in her shoes once or twice myself.
Father: OK. Shizuku, try doing what you believe in.
Father: But you know, living in a different way from other people is hard
in its own way. Because no matter what happens you can't blame it on
anyone else.
Mother: And I also want you to show your face at mealtimes.
Father: That's right. Because we are a family, right?
Shizuku: I will.
Father: Go call Shiho.
Mother: I'll make tea.
Father: Mmm.

Bedroom
Shiho: Shizuku.
Shiho: Dad may have said what he did, but the truth is he wishes you would
study, OK?
Shizuku: I know! It's been made more than clear!
[literally: "it's written on his back". Couldn't find an equivalent
English saying.]
Shiho: I'm gonna be moving out this Sunday.
Shiho: You can have the room to yourself.
Shizuku: Sis, you're leaving home?
Shiho: Right. Shape up.

A Dark Wood
[the voice sounds like Baron]
Voice: Hurry!
Voice: Hurry!
Voice: Hurry!
Voice: Only one is genuine!
Shizuku: Which? Which one is genuine?
Voice: Hurry!
Voice: Hurry!
Voice: Hurry!
Shizuku: Ahhh...
Shizuku: Eeeeeeeeeeee...

Chikyuuya
Nishi: Louise, have you come to me? I've already grown so old...
Nishi: Shizuku-san... Well, do come in. Gee, I'd completely dozed off.
Shizuku: Excuse me, um, I wrote a story so I brought it.
Nishi: Oh! So it's done, then.
Shizuku: I promised. Please be the first to read it.
Nishi: This is quite long.

Cover:
If You Listen Closely
The Story Given Me by Baron

Tsukishima Shizuku

Shizuku: Um, could you please read it right away? I'll wait however many
hours it takes.
Nishi: But... you worked so hard on it. I want to take time to read it...
Shizuku: If it's boring you can stop right away. If it's not a bother...
Umm, I'm very nervous.
Nishi: I understand. I'll read it right now, if I may. Now, to the
fireside. It's getting cold today.
Nishi: This way no one should bother us.
Shizuku: Um, would it be all right if I waited downstairs?
Nishi: Hmm?
Shizuku: I don't mind. I'm not at all cold.
Nishi: Well...
Nishi: I don't mind, but...

Outside
Nishi: In a place like this... Shizuku-san, I've finished.
Nishi: Thank you. It was very good.
Shizuku: It's a lie! A lie! Please tell me the truth! The things I wanted
to write don't fit together! The second half is ridiculous! I know this
myself!
Nishi: Right. It's rough, unsubtle, and unfinished. Like Seiji's violins.
Nishi: You definitely showed me your freshly quarried stone. You did your
very best, didn't you. You're terrific. There's nothing to get upset over.
Please take your time and do a solid job polishing it.
Nishi: Now, it's cold here. Please come inside.
Shizuku: I-I knew after I tried writing. That just wanting to write is no
good. That I have to study more. But... Seiji-kun is always going on and
on ahead of me. I told myself I'd do it even if it's impossible. I was so
scared... so scared...
Nishi: You like Seiji, don't you.

Slurping
Nishi: How does it taste?
Shizuku: It's delicious.
Nishi: When it was Seiji it was ramen.
Nishi: When he finished his first violin, that is.
Nishi: That was a jumbo portion too.

Later
Nishi: Well, thank you.
Nishi: Now then, where was I?
Shizuku: You were studying abroad in Germany and found Baron in the town
cafe...
Nishi: Right, right. I wonder if you could call it "melancholic" -- I was
attracted by his expression. I proposed to the proprietor that I
definitely wanted to take Baron off his hands, but I was turned down. This
cat-baron has a companion. He said he couldn't tear two lovers apart. He
said that Baron was waiting for the return of a cat-noblewoman doll who
had returned to the original craftsman for minor repairs.
Shizuku: That's just like the story I wrote...
Nishi: You're right. A mysterious similarity, isn't it. The day of my
return to Japan drew near, and I was ready to give up. At that time, a
woman who was with me offered a proposal.
Nishi: When Baron's sweetheart returned, she would claim it, and we would
surely reunite the two. The proprietor finally gave in. And so it came to
be that I left Germany with only Baron. I promised the lady I would return
without fail to get Baron's sweetheart, and asked her to keep the doll
until then.
Nishi: And when the two dolls met again, we would too...
Nishi: After that, the war soon started, and I couldn't keep my promise.
Nishi: Finally, after I was able to go to that town again, I searched high
and low.
Nishi: But I never did find out the lady's whereabouts, or what happened
to Baron's sweetheart.
Shizuku: She was very important to you, wasn't she?
Nishi: The Baron who lived only in my recollections has been revived for
me in your hopeful tale. Of course; that...
Nishi: Now, hold out your hands.
Shizuku: Uhh...
Nishi: That stone suits you. I'm giving it to you. Please do a solid job
and finish writing your own story.
Shizuku: I will...

Nighttime outside
Shizuku: Thank you very much.
Shizuku: Goodbye.

Home
Shizuku: I'm home.
Mother: Welcome back.
Shizuku: Where's Dad?
Mother: In the bath.
Mother: Dear, what time do you think it is now?
Shizuku: I've caused you to worry. From now on, I'll return to studying
for entrace exams. Please put your mind at ease.
Mother: Oh! Then, you're done with whatever it was you were testing,
aren't you.
Shizuku: For the time being.
Mother: Have you eaten? There's curry.
Shizuku: No thanks.
Mother: Hmmm. For the time being, huh?

Later
Father: Shizuku, can I come in? Take your bath.
Father: The warrior rests.

Early morning
Shizuku: N-no way!
Shizuku: W-wait!

Outside
Seiji: It's a miracle! I was really able to see you!
Shizuku: I-it's not a dream, is it?
Seiji: I flew back a day early. Get on.
Seiji: Ah, wait a sec. You'll be cold like that.
Seiji: Now, get on.
Shizuku: I'll go get a coat.
Seiji: There's no time. Come on, get on.
Seiji: Hold on tight.
Seiji: I wanted to see you again right away. I called you so many times
inside my heart -- "Shizukuuuu". And then, like, you really appeared!
We're amazing!
Shizuku: I wanted to meet you too. This is still like a dream.
Shizuku: How was Cremona?
Seiji: Seeing it was very different from hearing about it. But I'm gonna
do it! Oh, it's getting light.

On the hill
Shizuku: Shall I get off?
Seiji: It's OK! I decided I was going to give you a ride up the hill.
Shizuku: That's unfair!
Shizuku: I can't stand just being luggage!
Shizuku: Because I want to be of use!
Seiji: I got it! Would you?
Seiji: Just a little more...
Seiji: Shizukuuu! Quick, get on!
Shizuku: Y-yeah.

At the top
Seiji: We made it.
Shizuku: Ohhhh...
Seiji: Shall I give you a hand?
Shizuku: I'm OK.
Seiji: This way.
Shizuku: Incredible! With the morning mist it's just like the ocean.
Seiji: This is my secret spot. It's just about time.
Seiji: I wanted to show this to you.
Seiji: Grandpa was telling me about you. I didn't do anything to cheer you
on. I was thinking of nothing but myself.
Shizuku: Uh-uh. Because of you, I was able to try my best. I'm glad I
pushed myself. Because I understand myself a little better than before.
I'm going to study more. And I've decided to go to high school too.
Seiji: Shizuku, umm, you know... I... It can't very well be right away,
but... Will you marry me?
Seiji: 'Cause I'm sure I'll become a bona fide violin maker. And after
that...
Shizuku: Mm-hmm.
Seiji: Really?!
Shizuku: I'm so happy! I thought it would be nice if things could turn out
this way.
Seiji: Really! All right!
Shizuku: Wait.
Shizuku: The wind's cold.
Seiji: Shizuku, I love you!

Closing Song

*Kantorii Roodo, kono michi
Zutto yukeba
Ano machi ni tsuduite ru
Ki ga suru Kantorii Roodo

Country Road, If you follow
this road all the way, I have a feeling
it's the Country Road to my home town

Hitori botchi, osorezu ni
Ikiyou to yume mite ta
Samishisa oshikomete
Tsuyoi jibun wo mamotte ikou

I dreamed of living
without fear of being alone
Bottling up loneliness
I'll go, preserving my strong self

*Refrain

Arukidukare tatazumu to
Ukande kuru furusatou no machi
Oka wo maku saka no michi
Sonna boku wo shikatte iru

When I stand still, tired from walking
My old home town comes to mind.
The steep road that winds the hill
Scolds me for being that way.

*Refrain

Donna kujikesou na toki datte
Kesshite namida ha misenaide
Kokoro nashi ka hochou ga hayaku natte iku
omoide kesu tame

No matter when I feel downhearted
I never cry
Without meaning to, my pace quickens
To erase the memories

Kantorii Roodo, kono michi
Furusato he tsuduite mo
Boku ha, ikanai sa
Ikenai Kantorii Roodo

Country Road, even if this road
continues to my home town
I won't go, you know
The Country Road I can't take

Kantorii Roodo, ashita ha
Itsu mo no boku sa
Kaeritai, kaerenai
Sayonara, Kantorii Roodo

Country Road, tomorrow
I'll be the same, you know
I want to go home but I can't
Farewell, Country Road

Closing Credits follow:
[Note: ">>>" marks frames in the film comic. They don't appear in the
film, but are useful for matching the translation to the film comic.]
>>>
Voice Actors

Honna Youko Takahashi Issei

>>>
Tachibana Takashi Muroi Shigeru
Tsuyuguchi Shigeru Kobayashi Keiki

>>>
Yamashita Yorie Takayama Minami Kayama Maiko Nakajima Yoshimi

>>>
Iizuka Masami Chiba Mai Kuga Mirai Murano Tadamasa
Yoshida Shousuke Shiraishi Tatsuya Suganuma Nagato Ayukawa Shouhei
Takahashi Satoru Fujita Daisuke Sakaguchi Akiko Naitoh Momoko
Tanaka Masako Muraguchi Yuki Waka Yuriko Shiobara Nao
Yokomae Takanori (?)

>>>
Hirata Keiko Itoh Hiromi Narui Yutaka Yasuda Hiromi
Okada Tatsuya Imai Yoshihiro Nakamura Haruhiko Inoue Naohisa

Ogawa Koumei Egawa Suguru Fubuki Masako Kishibe Shiroo

>>>
Staff

>>>
Executive in charge of production Tokuma Yasuyoshi

>>>
Associate Producers (?) Ujiie Seiichirou Shouji (?) Takashi

Original Story Hiiragi Aoi (published by Shuueisha)

>>>
Script, Storyboard Miyazaki Hayao

Line Producers (?) Yamashita Tatsumi Ootsuka Tsutomu

Music Nomi Yuuji

>>>
Theme song Country Road
Original Title "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
Lyrics and Composition Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver
Japanese Translation Suzuki Mamiko
Supplemental Lyrics Miyazaki Hayao
Arrangement Nomi Yuuji
Singer Honna Youko (Tokuma Japan Communications)

>>>
Insert song Country Road
"Take Me Home, Country Roads"
Lyrics and Composition Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver
Sung by Olivia Newton-John (Toshiba EMI)

>>>
Director of Animation (?) Kousaka Kitarou

Key Animation
Ishii Kuniyuki Futaki Makiko Andoh Masashi Konishi Ken-ichi
Kagawa Ai Kurita Tsutomu Inamura Takeshi Yoshida Ken-ichi
Endoh Masaaki Moritomo Noriko Noda Takehiro Yoshio Hideaki
Kawaguchi Toshio Ohya Atsuko Matsuse Masaru Sasaki Shinsaku
Minowa Hiroko Saitoh Masaya Yamada Ken-ichi Inoue Hiroyuki

>>>
Shinohara Masako Momose Yoshiyuki Ohtsuka Shinji (Nobuharu?)

Telecom Animation Film
Tanaka Atsuko Yano Yuuichirou Aoyama Hiroyuki Takiguchi Sadakazu (?)
Yokobori Hisao

>>>
Animation Check Ohmura Mayumi Tejima Masako Nakagome Rie

In-betweeners
Tateno Hiromi Fujimura Rie Kitajima Yumiko Shibata Kazuko
Nakamura Katsutoshi Shibata Eriko Onoda Kazuyoshi Kurata Misuzu
Kuwana Ikuo Sawa Kunori Suzuki Makiko Suzuki Mariko
Matsuo Mariko Yamamori Eiji Kikuchi Hana Tsuruoka Koujirou
Yokoyama Kazumi Alexandra Weihrauch

>>>
Azuma Seiko Yamaura Yukari Nishido Sumie Yokota Kioko
Nagashima Youko Sueda Hisako Komasa Shintome Rie
Miyazawa Keiko Sakano Houko Matsushita Atsuko Iwayanagi Emiko
Kondoh Rie Tsuneki Shinobu Shiina Ritsuko Miyabayashi Eiko
Katayama Yuuichi Yamamoto Mayumi Oota Kumiko Itoh Yumiko
Mano Suzuko Adachi Masahiko Furuya Hiromi

Telecom Animation film

>>>
Takahashi Natsuko Fujimori Maya Yazawa Mayu Hamada Youko
Matsuzaki Masaru Shikibe Miyoko Kimura Gou Suzuki Takao (??)
Sugaya Naoko Odaka Masako Itagaki Nobu Hirai Kazuko
Kouya Hiroko Yozawa Keiko Tanji Hiroyuki

Cooperating Animation Studios
Anime Torotoro Oh Production Studio ****pit
Studio Takuranke Group Donguri

>>>
Art Director Kuroda Satoshi

Art
Oga Kazuo Samura Katsu Yamakawa Akira Ohta Kiyomi
Tanaka Naoya Takeshige Youji Kasugai Naomi Naganawa Kyouko
Tamura Seiki Ina Ryouko Hirahara Sayaka Fukutome Kiichi
Yamamoto Nizou

>>>
Special Effects Tanifuji Kaoru

Character Color Design Yasuda Nichiyo

Color Specification Ono Akiko Ohshiro Minako

>>>
Finishing
Izeki Mayo Mori Naomi Moriya Kanako Atsuta Naomi
Taguchi Tomo Katayama Yuriko

IM Studio
Iseda Nichiyo Narita Terumi Takayama Yasuyo Nakahata Hitomi
Shibata Michiyo Tanida Youko Hara Keiko Furusawa Kazumi
Fukuma Eiko Ueki Sayuri Morita Kaoru Nabetani Hisashi
Maehara Kinuyo Ikegami Michiko Ozaki Mito Kobayashi Kazuo

>>>
Studio Killy
Takahashi Naomi Morisawa Chiyomi Miyamoto Chiemi Fujita Junko
Yuki Watami (?) Arai Tsuneo Watanabe Nobuko Mizukami Kyouko
Saino (?) Kimiko Obara Yoshiko Ishiguro Shizuka Tsunetomi Satoko

Trace (?) Studio M
Yoshida Sayoko Maeno Izumi Motohashi Emiko Watanabe Emiko
Daigo Reiko Aihara Akiko Sugiyama Wakako Kaneuchi Junko

>>>
Studio Ado
Sawame Mayumi Shibusawa Shizue Kojima Tomiko Yoshino Kiyoko

Studio OZ
Tanaka Naomi Shinoda Toki Hosoya Akemi Isozaki Akihiko

Technical Cooperation Murao Stack Saitou Yoshio
Taiyou Shikisai Kitamura Shigeji

>>>
Director of Photography Okui Atsushi

Photography Yabuta Junji Takahashi Wataru Kojoh Kan

Sound Director Asari Naoko

>>>
Recording Engineer (?) Inoue Hideshi (?)

Assistant Recording Engineers (?) Asakura Tsutomu Takagi Sou

Effects Itoh Michihiro

Effects Assistants Ishino Takahisa Horiuchi Tomohiro

Music Production Meiru Nagano Michitoku Takagi Tomou

>>>
Music Mixer Ohno Eihiko

Recording Studio Tokyo TV Center

Casting BE WITCH Yamanaka Utako

Audio Production Studio Moon
Inashiro Kazumi Imai Yasuyuki

SR*D Rerecord Nishio Noboru Abe Kouji

>>>
Titles Mano Kaoru Michikawa Akira

Editing Seyama Takeshi

Assistant Editors Mizuta Kyouko Uchida Megumi

>>>
Assistants to the Director Ohno Masahiko Itoh Hiroyuki

>>>
Production Manager Takahashi Nozomi

Production Chief Kawabata Toshiyuki

Production Desk Tanaka Sengi (?) Nishigiri Tomoaki

>>>
Production Planning (?) Aritomi Kouji Ootsuka Kouji Nagasawa Minako

Office Managers Yamamoto Akemi Yamada Naomi

Merchandise Development Imai Tomomi Asano Kouichi

In charge of publications Nozaki Tooru

>>>
Cooperation
Koganei City Koganei #1 Junior High School Chazoki (?) Yukinobu
Violin/Guitar Workshop
Apisu Corp. Knopf(?)-Antiques-Shellman Corp.
Isogai Noriyo
Satoh Yuki
Cameo Interactive
Hashimoto Taketoshi

>>>
Special Cooperation Yomiuri Newspaper Company

Publicity Producer Yabe Masaru

Toho Nishinoh Sadaki Harada Rieko

Major Wakisaka Moriichi Okamura Naoto Yamagata Rika
Wada Sachiko Fujii Naeko Koyanagi Michiyo
Hara Mieko Watanabe Mika

>>>
Mimi wo Sumaseba Production Committee

Tokuma Shoten
Kaneko Akira Nishizawa Masahiko Suzuki Masaki (?)
Tsutsui Ryouko Aoto Kouichi (?) Itoh Junko

Nippon Television Network
Urushido Yasuharu (?) Hosaka Taketaka (?) Takahashi Hiroshi
Takei Hidehiko Fujimoto Suzuko Tachimatsu (?) Noriko

>>>
Hakuhoudou
Ohno Shigeru Sawata Hatsuhiko (?) Saitoh Hisaomi
Morie Hiroshi Fujimaki Naoya Nishida Fujio

Studio Ghibli
Kobayashi Shigeru Yanagisawa Akira Arai Akiyoshi
Nonaka Shinsuke Ichimura Akio Dohguchi Tomoki (?)

>>>
In charge of production Okuda Seiji Suzuki Nobuko

Developing Imagica
Timing Hirabayashi Hiroaki
Optical Sekiguchi Masaharu

>>>
(Dolby Digital Spectral Recording mark)

Technical Cooperation
Continental Far East Corp.
Mori Mikio

>>>
Art for "The Story Given me by Baron" Inoue Naohisa from "Ibaraado
hakubutsushi" ("A Natural History of 'Ibaraado'") (Published by Kakuusha)

Digital Compositing Production Digital Image Creating Room Flamingo
Ochi Takehiko
NTV Program Division, Art Center, CG Production Department Sugano
Yoshinori
Digital Film Services By Cinesite

Woodcut "Craftsman Making a Violin in Prison" Miyazaki Keisuke

>>>
A Studio Ghibli Production

Producer Suzuki Toshio

>>>
Executive Producer Miyazaki Hayao

>>>
Director Kondoh Yoshifumi