About Her Brother ( Ototo ) (おとうと)

Between the Peace Treaty of 1951,

and the Security Treaty of 1960...

as Japan regained its independence,

my mother was growing up in Osaka.

While the Osaka Expo was drawing millions,

and that strange anti-hero 'Tora-san'...

first took the screen,

she came to Tokyo to study Pharmacy...

met my father, and fell in love.

They married, and ran a pharmacy in the suburbs of Tokyo.

In time, I was born.

I remember my mother in front of the TV, delighted...

when her beloved Hanshin Tigers won the baseball championships,

first time in 21 years.

There was also,

the tragic airplane crash...

and the National Railways going private.

Through those bewildering days...

I sat before the TV, as if nailed in place.

My father, who was always frail passed away when I was still small.

My mother's younger brother, a far wilder Tigers' fan than she was...

who celebrated their victory by jumping into the Dotonbori Canal,

started coming up to Tokyo to help look after me.

He called himself an actor, and was very funny.

I loved him when I was small...

but as I grew up and he never changed...

he became annoying.

The relatives disliked him for the problems he'd cause...

and five years ago, at my father's 13th-year memorial,

he got drunk and disorderly.

My mother had harsh words with him.

After that we lost touch.

About Her Brother

Takano Pharmacy

I'm back!

A gift from the beauty parlor.

Isn't that nice! Put them in some water.

We finally got an answer to your uncle's wedding invitation.

I saw it. It's not an answer, it was returned.

'This item was delivered to the specified address...

'but the presence of the addressee could not be confirmed...

'so it is being returned.'

I told you there was no point inviting him.

I guess not.

I'll get it.

Coming!

Oh, hello.

We've brought a gift.

What? Just a minute.

Mother! Come here!

It's Dr. Endo and Mr. Maruyama.

Coming!

What brings you both?

They gave us this.

Congratulations...

on behalf of the Area Merchants.

You didn't have to!

Time goes fast.

It seems like only yesterday Koharu said she hated dentists...

and bit my hand.

Thank you for everything.

Not at all.

We're losing a pretty girl. Everyone's disappointed.

'Everyone'?

Us two.

It can't be helped, though.

As long as you're happy.

We shed tears over it every night.

And you shed hair.

Hands off!

Thank you.

Be happy.

Wasn't there anyone local?

For what?

A young lad to win Koharu's heart.

No.

You've got a son, don't you?

Forget it.

A high-school dropout against a university hospital doctor?

No, huh?

Nope.

Did that new bell come in?

Can't you talk?

Knock, knock.

Grandma...

Grandma!

I hear you.

Dinner's ready.

'I hear you.' Then why can't she answer?

Give that to her son.

You know what your dad said when you were born?

'Let'll be a sad day when she goes as a bride.'

He's weeping in his grave right now.

Father, I'm sorry.

Stop doing that. You're not a child.

Mother, shall I help you with your kimono tomorrow?

No, thank you.

Koharu...

That woman's brother from Osaka...

Your crazy uncle...

Is he coming?

No. We couldn't find him.

Oh, that's good.

I can't abide that man!

That ill-bred lout!

I know that.

Well! A feast!

That smells good!

There.

We're celebrating. This is once in a lifetime.

Well, everyone...

There's only three of us.

So what?

All three of us, then...

To Koharu's happiness.

Thank you.

And Grandma, you get along with Mom, ok?

You said that last night. You're going senile.

Look who's talking!

Well, let's eat.

Shohei...

All done?

Koharu, you're beautiful!

This is Koharu?

It seems like only yesterday you were on my knee.

Shohei, thank you for all you've done over the years.

It's nothing. As long as you're all happy.

There you go.

Beautiful!

Koharu, thank your uncle.

I don't need it. Thank your mother.

'Thank you for all you've done,' is what you say now.

Oh, that's all right.

No.

At times like this you need to say things properly.

This is one of life's turning points.

Especially after all Ginko's gone through...

raising you alone.

Yes!

Go ahead, say the words.

I will, then.

Mother...

Yes?

For all you've done...

over all these years...

I thank you.

Very good!

What are you crying for?

Quiet!

Congratulations!

If only Kazuo were here...

Yes.

Where's Koharu's wedding at?

'Koharu', sir?

My niece!

I'm sorry?

I'm her uncle, stupid!

Never mind!

Away with you!

The groom, Yusuke Terayama, and the bride, Koharu...

have just been married in the hotel chapel.

I thus inform you...

that the ceremony took place in a most dignified manner.

I was Yusuke's professor in medical school...

Excuse me. Mrs Ginko Takano?

Your younger brother asks to speak with you.

He's here?

Where?

In the hall.

Tetsuro? What does he want?

To celebrate, of course.

Get rid of him.

We can't do that!

This way.

Tetsuro?

Hey Sis. So Koharu's getting married?

Congratulations!

How did you find out?

Who do I run into but Auntie from Suminoe, and she says...

'Are you off to Koharu's wedding? You named her, after all.'

Well, blow me down! That was just two days ago.

Hi, Brother.

So I raised money for the train, but I didn't know the hotel.

I just jumped in a taxi.

Tokyo taxi drivers are just plain rude!

Right, Brother?

Forget taxis.

Aye.

But that's why I'm late.

Am I in time for the ceremony?

He can come in, can't he?

We can't send him away now.

But I ask one thing.

What?

Oh, a speech?

I'm no good at that. No, thank you.

I wouldn't be asking you for something like that!

I mean this!

No drinking, you mean.

Remember Kazuo's 13th?