Pardon me.
I'm conducting a survey.
Good evening.
Excuse me.
Do you have a minute?
Could you answer a survey?
Good evening.
Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Little Nights, Little Love
Minako, do you like combat sports?
Sorry. What?
I was wondering if you liked combat sports.
Combat sports? Do you mean...?
You know, like boxing.
Too violent. I feel sick for whoever loses.
I know what you mean.
By the way, did you find a boyfriend?
Sorry?
No. Never mind.
Boyfriend? Are you kidding?
Ah, so you heard me.
You don't want one?
I do. I just don't have many opportunities.
Opportunities.
Every day, I come here and go home.
In that case, how about my little brother?
What?
Just a phone call would do.
You've a brother, Kasumi?
It was just the two of us at home.
We grew up relying on each other.
I'm biased, but he's a nice guy.
And never violent.
That has to be a given.
The other night, we were accosted by a drunk.
He just bowed and apologized.
So he's wimpy, then?
A little wimpy, but honest.
Coming!
Hey, it's Sato.
Hey, it's Mio.
Why are you here? Want me to play with you?
Did you say hello to our guest?
Yes, she did.
Pardon me.
Come in.
You two are cozy.
Now's his chance. Girls grow up fast.
Glad you came, Sato. Sit down.
Sit down, Sato.
Oops. I forgot to put that away.
He never cleans up after himself.
You watch those, too?
Of course not. I don't even know when he watches them.
You're right.
Isn't it bad for the kids?
I keep the hardcore ones hidden.
You should hide all of them.
You're right.
Pathetic. Go figure, right?
Thanks.
So when is that?
October.
Still a long way off.
Yeah.
Finally getting married.
What? You, Sato?
Don't be silly. Kubota from college.
He asked me to arrange the after-party.
Hey, let me MC the Bingo game.
Don't know if we'll do Bingo.
Are you seeing anyone now, Sato?
Not a chance. This guy's used to flying solo.
Few opportunities.
I see.
No opportunities.
Sorry excuse, Man.
Whose fault is that?
Don't get angry.
I hate that reason more than any other.
Well, it's true. I go to work every day, and go home.
Let me ask you, what is opportunity?
Opportunity is opportunity.
Why don't attractive girls with the right personality and age...
AND no boyfriend ever just show up before your eyes?
Isn't that it?
It's never going to happen like that.
Why do you have to be such a realist?
Those encounters do happen.
Even online services that have “match” in their name...
rarely match with anyone.
That's a totally different thing.
Then tell me what you imagine to be an ideal encounter.
Well, if we're going there, then something dramatic.
I knew it. A dramatic encounter.
He seeks a “It was meant-to-be” moment.
So what?
You pass her in the street. She drops her handkerchief.
You happen to be there to pick it up.
“Ma'am, you dropped this.”
“Thank you. Can I buy you a cup of coffee in return?”
Something really sappy like that?
That's fine.
Yeah, fine with me.
No way.
What are the odds?
Another beer.
Morning, Sato.
Lose something?
Fujima. Good morning.
It's my shoes.
Never mind.
Hello?
Um... this is Kasumi Itabashi's brother.
Oh...
Your sister mentioned you to me.
What can I help you with?
What do you mean?
My sister told me to call, saying you wanted to speak to me.
She said you had an important task for me.
I'm afraid I don't.
What?
I don't have any task.
Oh. Really?
Probably a misunderstanding by Kasumi.
I see. Forgive me.
My sister is puzzling sometimes.
I'm sorry for disturbing you, then.
That's all right.
Hello? What's wrong, Minako?
Hello?
I just spotted one of them!
One of whom?
You know, black and very quick.
A cockroach?
A cockroach is in your room?
Stop repeating that word!
So Manabu's been calling you since?
That boy doesn't tell me anything.
I wish he'd say that things are going well.
I'm not sure they are.
Thought of marriage?
He's been calling once or twice a week to just talk.
Any mention of meeting in person?
Actually, no.
You've talked for 3 months without ever seeing his face.
Going for a Guinness record?
Record for what?
Maybe there's a reason.
Like he's calling from prison, or a hospital bed.
His work sounds busy.
Doing what?
Company man, maybe? Lots of desk work.
He says it's punishing to do the same work every day.
What about you, Minako? You don't feel like meeting him?
It's not that.
Then just have dinner. It's not that hard.
I know it's not.
But I'm real comfortable right now.
I bet it's only getting harder for him to ask you out.
Seriously?
Yeah, I mean what could I do?
- Listen. - Say.
Sorry. What is it?
No, you go ahead.
Oh.
I was thinking.
Yeah?
I may not...
be able to call for a while.
I need to bear down and really concentrate on my work.
I see.
Okay.
Bye.
Did you have an after-party at your wedding, Fujima?
A college buddy is getting married.
I'm in charge of the party.
What's a good after-party activity?
Don't tell me it's actually Bingo.
I mean, it's still 6 months away but...
what a hassle marriage must be. I mean, the wedding.
Fujima?
Sorry about my selfish brother.
I'm perfectly fine with it.
It's the nature of his job, I guess. But he's got plans of his own.
Like changing work?
What?
He told me the desk work didn't suit him.
Desk work? Manabu said that?
He called it punishing work.
He seems unsure about it.
Punishing, huh?
Is that true?
Hey, there's a world heavyweight fight tomorrow.
That.
My brother made a bet with himself.
If the challenger wins, he'll confess his feelings for you.
I'm sorry. What?
Could he be any more stupid?
Wait. I'm not sure I understand.
Relying on another's power?
What do you mean?
I mean, if that guy loses, then what?
He just gives up?
It feels kind of insulting.
Wait, Minako. Listen.
I have to get back to work.
You're right.
Thankfully, most of the data can be restored from a back up.
Yeah, could've been worse.
But you'll have to take responsibility for this, too.
I will?
Make up the lost data with on-the-street surveys.
On-the-street surveys?
Don't leave coffee near equipment.
I was holding it.
That's even worse.
So what happened to Fujima?
He's taking paid leave.
His wife ran off on him.
What?
He returned home to find her and daughter gone.
She's from Tokyo.
Tokyo?
Won't answer her phone, whereabouts unknown.
That's awful. Did Fujima cheat on her?
I'd understand if it was that.
He says it came from out of the blue.
“Goodbye. - Yuriko”
Pardon me.
I'm conducting a survey.
Winston looks helpless. He can't fight back!
The champ's got him on the ropes, pummeling him relentlessly.
Winston Ono's in danger now. He's not moving. He's still!
Winston tightens his guard, but the champ breaks through!
Right and left body blows!
Winston tries to protect himself. But he's cornered!
Is he finished? Or can he escape this barrage?
And she is watching a TV drama
Is this the future I dreamed of when I was young?
What would the younger me say?
“You did alright” or “Is this what you wanted?”
What can I say to that?
She asked me last week
Out of nowhere
“Hey, what brought us together in the first place?”
Little nights
Countless little nights
Some nights we even forgot
These little nights, we've spent together
Little nights
Say, Miss?
Yes?
If you have a minute...
will you answer a survey?
Gladly.
Are you sure?
Should I not?
No.
Thank you.
Winston lands one! Right on the champion's chin!
Winston's on the move now! There's a powerful left!
The momentum has changed!
Street surveys are rare these days.
I know. We usually do everything online.
What's this “occupation” box?
You can be vague... “student”, “office worker.”
I'm looking for work right now. Can I just write “temp”?
Absolutely.
“Shampoo”
Shampoo?
It's on sale today. A reminder.
I see.
There.
Thank you. You saved me.
Must be hard working on your feet.
It is. But so is sitting all day.
True.
Yes.
Bye.
What a turnabout!
Winston's jabbing and throwing hooks now!
Now!
A right!
The champion's down! Now for the count!
Knockout!
We have a new champion!
He won!
Japan's first heavyweight champ!
Winston Ono!
Did he win?
I think so.
And now for the championship belt!
Hello?
Sorry it's not Manabu.
It seems the challenger won.
It's a miracle.
I'm guessing Manabu's call will be late.
The new champion will be busy.
What?
My maiden name... is Ono.
Maiden name? I didn't know you were married.
I never told you? It's Kasumi Ono.
Ono?
My little brother is Manabu Ono. Ring name's “Winston Ono.”
His work is very punishing, and relies on another's power.
I simply couldn't lose this match today.
It's a dream come true. Thank you!
Now you're the defending champ.
I've still got a bigger challenge.
There's someone who hates boxing...
and probably isn't watching.
Actually, she is.
My next challenge is to meet a certain girl.
Oh, Fujima. Back to health?
Sorry to trouble you.
That's okay. Sato filled in the data.
With free overtime.
It was free?
Of course.
How're you doing, Fujima?
Sato, I really owe you one. Dinner's on me.
Oh no. The damage was minimal. Really.
Really?
Is everything...
resolved?
She hasn't returned yet.
I'm sorry.
But I was greatly encouraged by the fight.
The fight?
Wasn't that heavyweight fight amazing?
A Japanese becoming heavyweight champion? Awesome.
Look, it's the champion! Ono!
It's Winston Ono! Wow!
Me, too!
Ready? One, two, three!
Wait. It's not ready yet.
Sorry. You know how totally selfish my husband is.
I know.
Good watermelon. Take some, Ono.
Why're you so informal suddenly?
Go ahead and punch him if you want.
It's fine.
Mio, you have to protect your dad.
Bring it. Very strong, Mio!
You hurt me.
- I did it! - High five.
Such a gentle guy punches people?
Used to fight in the park as a kid.
Ah, so you became a boxer.
My sister made me join a gym.
A nice guy like you must have a weakness, then.
That's the champ you're baiting, Dear.
He's right. I'm not suited to it.
Your next opponent will be challenging you.
He'll be mean and hungry. Don't take it easy, Ono.
Advice from the king of taking it easy.
Credit that to a great wife.
That's right. It's your fault.
Whatever you say.
What's keeping Sato?
Don't make the champ wait. Who does he think he is?
The guy you told me about?
Oh, he's a friend of ours from college.
He's dying to get your autograph.
I'd be happy to.
Thanks.
I haven't seen your autograph.
You haven't?
What's it like?
I just write “Winston Ono.”
Naturally.
- Is that bad? - It's fine.
I want one.
You're helpless without your sister.
Totally.
Don't move.
Is that all you got?
Keep still!
Get off me.
Watch it!
Hey!
What're you guys doing?
Just playing.
Just playing?
Is that right?
Right?
Let's go guys.
You all right?
Are they from your school?
Your nose is bleeding. Tilt your head back.
What's his problem?
Hey!
Did you hear me?
Nosebleed.
Hello? Yeah, I'm almost there.
So this is the young man being bullied.
How do you do? I'm Sato.
I'm Ono.
Sorry. I heard about a fight, so I tagged along.
Thanks.
This guy's world champion.
Hey. I'm speaking to you, Bud.
Who is this kid?
He's been like that.
Hey!
What were you doing? I was worried.
Your uniform is dirty and your nose is bleeding.
I told you to keep it clean.
Is he your brother?
That's right.
He's not very polite... your little brother.
He's a bit hard of hearing.
He is?
He started losing his hearing in 3rd grade.
But he wears hearing aids now, so they help.
That's why.
Are you all right?
What does that gesture mean?
It's sign language.
It means “okay.”
Wait, who are you? A pro wrestler?
Close.
I thought his classmates would come after him.
They'll do it again. Have you talked to his teachers?
I have.
But today's kids are good at hiding it from them.
You're one of “today's kids.”
I'm not a kid.
I suppose not.
Just leave me alone.
I can't hear them anyway.
Maybe not, but you can still do something.
Become a boxer.
Wow.
You really don't recognize him?
This is Winston Ono. World heavyweight champion.
What're you learning in school?
Do you know him?
So you do. Why don't you ask for a handshake?
Handshake.
You're an idiot.
Let me give you some advice.
The next time someone bothers you...
grab something.
Like a tree branch and bust it in half in anger!
Like this.
Snap it in two.
And let out a roar... as intimidation.
Champion. I leave the rest to you.
Can you break it?
Um... good luck in your next match.
Thanks.
For me?
For you.
Can you believe this?
Thanks!
“To Fujima from Winston Ono”
I finally spoke with my wife on the phone.
She's in Tokyo with her folks.
I see.
They saw the fight on TV, too.
My daughter's become a huge Ono fan.
I should've got one for her.
That's okay. This is plenty.
My daughter is “Fujima”, too.
She'd be thrilled to get this. Thanks.
I'm glad you're talking again.
Me, too.
I thought we were finished for good.
Just making contact again was a relief.
Can I ask you how you met your wife?
Why do you ask?
I've taken an interest in things lately.
How people meet their girlfriends or wives.
You're kidding, right?
Don't laugh.
I know you will.
I won't laugh.
I was crossing a street in town.
She passed me in the opposite direction.
She dropped her wallet.
And I picked it up. That's how we met.
Not funny at all.
So what? It proves that those fateful encounters do happen.
I think it's amazing.
Right? It is amazing. It happens.
Listen to me, Sato.
How you meet is totally irrelevant.
Listen closely now.
It's important to look back later on meeting someone...
and give thanks for your good fortune.
What do you mean?
For example, your friend met his wife when he picked up her wallet.
If it had been another woman, he'd have dated and married her.
Would he?
Of course. He's in love with the fateful meeting.
Her personality or suitability to him...
comes down to good or bad luck.
So what's your point?
Shush.
Simply put, you have no idea who you're going to fall for.
But you can look back and say, “I'm sure glad it was her.”
“I showed good judgment.”
Feeling that is far more amazing than a wallet dropping. Right?
It's not any clearer.
Who asked you?
So do chance encounters matter or not? Or are you...
just boasting?
I guess so.
I'm home.
“First Title Defense Approaches”
I'm taking my daughter to his next fight.
That's great.
She told me she was going to see him defend his title.
But talking to my wife later...
I found out it was just wishful thinking. No tickets.
But you got them?
From an auction site.
Whoa, I bet they were expensive.
Money isn't an issue for something like this.
Is your wife going, too?
I asked her to come.
But I've come to realize...
why she left in the first place.
The day before she left, I bought myself a shirt.
Yeah?
I went to cut the tag off of it.
Got scissors out of a drawer.
Then put the shirt away in my closet.
So what's the problem?
I left the scissors out.
So?
I never put the scissors away.
They were sitting there on the table.
That's it?
I'm guilty of that a lot.
Usually, my wife will scold me...
or quietly put things away.
But this time, she did neither.
She was tired of both.
What I mean is... what wife leaves her husband for a thing like that?
It builds up.
The annoyances piled up...
and swelled in her like a balloon.
Until one day... pop.
Can I ask you something?
When you met at that crosswalk...
are you glad it was her and not someone else?
Are you glad it was her...
who dropped the wallet?
Let me see.
I'm glad it was her.
I'm a lucky man.
You think she feels the same?
I don't know. I don't want to know.
Why don't you ask her after the match?
No way.
As market research, Fujima.
No way.
Cosmetics.
“Shampoo”
Shampoo?
It's on sale today. A reminder.
I see.
Little nights
May not be dramatic
There's a warm wind blowing
It's quite alright
It's been 6 months.
Japan's first heavyweight champ's first defense.
Yumi! Yumi!
I hope you meet someone.
Meet someone?
Weddings are a great place for it.
You should come to the after-party.
I've got these two to look after.
Who'd have thought that the Yumi we all admired in college...
would make such a great mother so quickly?
I too expected to be working hard at some job and marrying late.
Life is full of surprises.
It sure is.
What're you talking about?
About my going out once in a while.
You really should.
I know a husband who's unsupportive.
“A” husband?
Relax. I'll go out on your behalf.
Right.
See ya.
Have fun.
Later.
Beware of the build up.
You're right.
Please let Sato meet someone.
Why didn't we take the highway?
Stop griping. This is usually shorter.
Why're you driving, anyway? You're not drinking?
I am. I'll pick up the car tomorrow.
Good plan. Let's do that.
That guard is a woman.
How can you tell?
Look at the face.
What's wrong?
Get moving, Sato.
Sato, what're you doing?
We're running late as it is!
Are you listening to me?
What're you looking for?
What the heck?
Sorry to disturb you at work.
Yes?
Um...
Must be hard working on your feet.
It is. But so is sitting all day.
Here.
It's pretty good shampoo.
Sorry. Not the place for this, I know.
Winston! Hands up!
Come on!
“We met at a park in Sendai.”
“My brother's been down since you lost your match.”
“Don't get his hopes up.”
Ten years later
Good evening. Table for one?
No, for three.
Smoking or non?
Smoking.
Take any vacant table in the back.
Evening.
Looks good.
Here's your fried chicken.
Here.
Thanks for waiting.
And the pork cutlet.
We didn't order that.
Excuse me.
Not the pork cutlet dinner?
That's okay. I'll take it.
Thank you.
Anything else?
Nope.
Enjoy your meal.
Didn't you order the yellowtail?
Was that it?
You said you wanted fish.
Hello?
Nice of you to call.
Wasn't today your golfing day?
I'm never going to be like Dad.
Always bowing and smiling, never making waves.
I won't live my life as an underling.
I thought the same thing in high school.
You only live once, so you'd better make it special, right?
What are you saying?
I'm saying everybody thinks that way when young.
So get off your high horse, Buster.
Understood. I'll take it upon myself.
I still don't want to end up like him.
I won't be just a cog.
And I'm saying don't diss the cogs.
Everyone's basically a cog somewhere.
Stop!
Kimura, why do you always go off key here?
Sing it for me.
Why me?
Because it's you.
What's the point of a chorus competition anyway?
It's not for the competition.
They feel at ease when we're all working together on something.
Who does?
Grownups.
You'd best lip sync this part.
Hold on, Teacher. Don't give up so quickly.
I don't know.
You always say not to give up on tests.
It's different from your studies.
Way to go, Kurume.
Yeah. He's a good guy.
Will you go out with me?
You're free now, right?
Uh, yeah.
You quit the club?
Uh-huh.
Then come on. I need to talk to you.
Wait, wait, wait!
You haven't told her yet?
No, not yet.
Then what was that?
How should I know?
Wait!
Dumping his friends.
That's low.
The nerve.
It's one of those nights again
The cat is napping on our old sofa
Cold air coming from the AC The fridge is humming
And she is watching a TV drama
Is this the future I dreamed of when I was young?
What would the younger me say?
“You did alright” or “Is this what you wanted?”
What can I say to that?
She asked me last week
Out of nowhere
“Bicycle parking single-use sticker: 60 yen”
You want to talk?
I parked my bike here yesterday too.
When I returned, it had a blue slip.
A blue slip?
Demanding payment of 60 yen.
Like that one.
You didn't pay.
I did. Somebody stole my sticker.
Who?
Help me find out who.
These kinds of criminals are repeat offenders.
Trying to save money?
No, it's not for lack of money.
They fancy themselves smarter than us, and try to take advantage.
It's your imagination.
No, I'm sure of it.
Tell me, then.
Why me?
Why you?
Why would you choose me to help you?
Several reasons.
Number one.
Hello.
Here you go.
Amiko had cram school.
I see.
Number two.
I'd heard something about your father before.
My father?
He's like some scary Godfather type.
Godfather type?
I'll take care of it first thing in the morning.
I figured it might help having him on my side if I ran into the culprit.
Who told you that?
I heard all the boys in class know.
I was warned to stay away from you.
Those jerks.
It's ironic that such a tough dad would have a nice son like you.
Really?
Wait a second.
We stakeout the machine.
The machine?
Whoever doesn't buy a sticker is him.
Kurume, you're smart.
What does your father do?
He survives on luck, improvisation, and the aid of others.
Sounds cool.
It isn't.
It's a mystery how he ever got my mom to marry him.
She's very different from him?
She never speaks ill does things without complaint.
And she's pretty.
In school, she had all the boys after her, I hear.
“I'm yours, My Lady!”
It wasn't the Dark Ages.
Hey Mister!
You stole another's sticker!
What? How dare you?
Sorry but...
Don't apologize to him.
I saw what you did.
Yesterday, you stole my sticker, too.
You shouldn't make accusations. Where's your proof?
I saw you with my own eyes.
That's not proof!
Don't mess with adults, punk.
Hey, let go!
Sorry!
Let go!
I haven't got time for this!
Ow, ow, ow!
Stop that! I detest violence!
Let go.
You'd better watch yourself, girl.
Hello?
Who are you? Don't butt in.
I don't want to get involved, and I'll be on my way soon, but...
do you know whose daughter this is?
I was worried that you might not.
And if you do know who she is, then you've got a death wish.
A death wish?
Just making sure.
I beg you not to mention me to your father in all of this, Miss.
Of course.
Excuse me.
Hold on a second.
Um...
Fine. You want me to pay? I will.
Whose daughter am I?
Don't tell me he's really a mob boss.
He runs a tavern.
I'm home.
Dad, you're home. Night shift?
Business was slow today.
I faked illness to come home.
You're such a baby. Where's Mom?
Beats me. Working late.
Oh yeah!
Sato's planning something big.
Planning?
He emailed me about it.
“Booked a hotel restaurant for tonight.”
So what?
A proposal, dummy!
He's finally going to do it!
To Saki?
It's so like him.
He'll have seats with a view. Lights and music will suddenly change.
He'll bend to one knee, hold out a ring, “Will you marry me?”
Staff and guests will all applaud.
It'll be that kind of sappy surprise.
I hate that kind of stuff.
What? It's not romantic?
It's all a self-serving show.
You're right.
I'm home.
Hi, Mom.
You're home, too? I'll fix dinner.
No, relax first.
But I am kind of starving.
I figured you were. Hold on.
Hey! That's one of my favorites!
Then don't leave it lying around.
You're right.
Good, huh?
Yes, very.
Here's your check.
Thanks.
How much? Go halfsies?
No, that's okay.
Credit card?
Certainly.
Oh, I forgot to buy milk.
Wait, Saki.
I uh...
Want anything?
I wanted...
to say something at the restaurant.
What is it?
Feeling ill?
No, I'm fine.
I was thinking...
it's been ten years...
since we first met.
Yes, it has.
And so...
And so?
Maybe it's about time.
Time for what?
In short...
will you marry me?
What do you think?
Why not at the restaurant?
I just felt doing it at a place like that would be... a disturbance.
A disturbance?
So in short, you're saying “No.”
I don't mean that.
It's just so sudden that I want to think it over. That's all.
Sudden?
We've been together for 10 years.
So that makes it automatic?
I'm not saying that.
I'm a little confused as to where we are.
I definitely am.
Hey, what brought us together in the first place?
Winston Ono, how would you size up your opponent?
I'm glad I look young.
You've finally got the chance to regain the crown.
Did you consider retiring these past ten years?
All the time.
But I knew...
if I stopped now, I'd upset a lot of people.
All the great boxers I'd beaten to get here, and of course...
everyone who supported me.
Here, Boss.
Is Sato absent today?
He's on paid leave for a while.
That's rare. Anything wrong?
I don't know, but he doesn't want you doing street surveys.
Street surveys?
“I'm going home for a while. Sorry.”
No way! Winston Ono? How cool!
Look at this, Miss Saki. Winston Ono's autograph.
Amiko got it from him 10 years ago when he was world champion.
I'm a big fan. I saw him fight live.
Of course, he lost then.
But the name is different.
“To Fujima from Winston Ono”
My parents are divorced.
Back then, they were just separated.
One of my dad's co-workers got him the autograph.
To give to me.
Sounds like a nice person.
I'm not going.
Don't say that. Minako got those for us.
I'm home.
Go take a bath before dinner.
Let Kazuki go.
He's got a baseball game.
Then you go.
I've got to be here for Kazuki.
I'm starving. Is dinner ready?
No. Go take a bath.
You can go shopping while you're at it.
With Dad? Are you kidding?
Invite a friend. We've got 3 tickets.
Even with a friend, Dad is still there.
Who can Dad take?
Let him go by himself.
Go with him. He's so much looking forward to this.
Why do you take his side so much?
Don't make me angry.
Over what? All I'm saying is I don't want to go.
Mio!
Hey, it's Sato.
Hey, it's Mio.
My family's so puzzling, it's exhausting.
What's puzzling? Your dad?
Of course him. But Mom, too.
What did she ever see in him?
I was shocked when I heard it, too.
Of all the people to win Yumi's hand...
nobody expected it'd be your dad.
Don't tell me you pursued my mom, too.
No, not me.
Saying “I'm yours. My Lady.”
What's that from?
But it wasn't long afterwards...
that I felt glad it was him.
Why?
Your dad...
as soon as he found out your mom was pregnant with you...
he quit college immediately.
And started working.
Welcome, Gentlemen.
Thanks for waiting.
Here are your pickles.
- Excuse me! - Yes?
When I saw that...
I felt the greatest respect for him.
That's a man that would be hard to match, I thought.
The truth is...
fortune may bring you someone...
and giving thanks for that person is most important.
What do you mean?
He told me that long ago.
The best encounter is one that makes you feel grateful later for your luck.
How about you?
Hm?
What about you?
Are you glad now that you met Saki?
When exactly is “later”?
I'm home.
Welcome back. Are you hungry? I'll warm dinner.
What's with Dad?
Stomach ache. Came home early.
Again? What a baby.
He's puzzling. What can you do?
Say Mom?
Yes?
How do you really feel about Dad?
What do you mean?
Do you feel lucky you met and married him?
Hmm, I wonder.
It's hard to put in words, but...
you, Kazuki, your father and me...
make a great combination that I really like.
That's why he's not all that bad.
He's clearly an odd and silly man, but I don't hate that.
Between a “hit” and a “miss”, he's surely a “hit.”
Is that right?
Why? Find someone you like?
What? Why?
Just the sudden questions.
I'm starving.
I'm gonna marry Yumi.
What?
You're the first to hear it.
Seriously?
Congrats.
Plus, we're having a kid.
She'll quit college and work part-time. We'll get by.
Did you get her pregnant on purpose?
No way. It was an accident.
But it's amazing.
It totally saved me.
It saved you?
It sure did.
It made the bonds between us “very, very strong.”
Why the English?
You're right.
Oops. I said it.
Morning!
I can go to the match!
I can't wait.
Me, neither.
Are you sure you want me? Not Kurume?
Why Kurume?
You two seem cozy lately.
Is that how it looks?
You left school together.
Same way home.
Is that all?
Morning.
Are you free after school today? Like for ice-cream?
Can't today. I started a part-time job.
Where? I'll come see you.
Don't!
Come, Amiko.
He'd come see you work?
That's cute.
My next challenge is to meet a certain girl.
You actually went and confessed your feelings to a woman.
Yes.
You vowed to do it if you won your fight.
Yes, that's right.
The story is that woman eventually became your wife.
Is that true?
Yes, precisely.
We married much later, though.
After failing to defend my title, I had a losing streak.
I hit rock bottom.
And she supported you.
She did.
I'm truly grateful to her.
This Sunday, the world heavyweight title match.
Watch it on this channel.
Oh, Saki! I didn't know you took this bus.
Well, my parents' house is on this route.
Busy today?
Yeah. How about you?
I'm going to Tokyo with a friend.
Is the boxing match today?
Yup.
Winston! I'm counting on you, Winston!
So if Ono wins, this guy will confess his love for a girl?
Boys are pretty stupid, aren't they?
Does the girl know?
Probably. It's the talk of the class.
But how should she take it?
How? Won't she be happy?
He's relying on another's power.
Just come out and say it.
It's not as easy as it sounds.
From experience?
As you get older...
you grow used to a certain life.
It's easy to lose sight of what you want.
So you hope for an opportunity.
Something to give you a push.
Because you're stuck.
The truth is you should just follow your heart.
10 years ago, I never dreamed this day would come.
Losing taught me something important.
Something that winning wouldn't have shown me.
10 years later to the day, in the same ring...
Winston Ono aims to be world champion again.
See you tomorrow.
Good night.
I'm not thinking about what comes next. I'm just focused on the match.
Let's go!
Is this the future I dreamed of when I was young?
What would the younger me say?
Winston Ono's first put on the champion's belt 10 years ago.
He makes his way into the Tokyo International Arena!
Fans nationwide have waited for this moment.
10 years of boxing and believing in himself.
Little nights
Countless little nights
Some nights we even forgot
These little nights, we've spent together
Little nights
May not be dramatic
There's a warm wind blowing
Hold the bus! Saki!
Saki!
Saki, wait!
Go! Go!
Get up! Get up!
Get up, Ono!
Please get up!
Get up.
Get up, Winston.
The count continues!
The count has stopped... at 8! Can he go on?
The 5th round ends.
Saved by the bell. But he's wobbly.
Winston is unsteady on his feet. But he's ready to go.
Okay.
Saki!
Can you see from your left eye?
Go be champ!
Go do it!
What's wrong?
Are you hurt?
What happened?
Mama.
What's wrong?
Did you fall?
That's funny.
This isn't your stop, is it?
How can you say that after chasing down my bus?
Since that night...
I've been thinking.
10 years ago today...
what if it hadn't been you answering my survey?
Say it had been a different person...
and a few days later...
I ran into her again by chance.
Would we have started going out?
Living together?
Would I have awkwardly proposed to her?
But...
after living apart for a while...
it suddenly felt so clear.
I feel thankful...
to have met you at that place and time.
Truly grateful.
Now 10 years later...
I'm glad it was you, Saki.
I'm a lucky man.
I just had to tell you that tonight.
After a short detour, right?
Yeah.
The bus is leaving. That's yours, right?
Uh, yeah.
Hold the door!
Wait!
Excuse me!
Passenger coming.
Saki, hurry.
Wait.
Thank you.
About my answer that night...
Take your time to think it over. I can wait.
- But... - Well...
Good night.
Come on. It was a stupid decision!
Why? He was great!
He was. I was moved to tears.
You dropped this.
I think you dropped this.
Winston's KO punch was judged as coming after the final bell.
Winston's comeback bid ended in a loss by decision.
No, Winston!
What am I going to do now?
See you tomorrow.
See ya.
You sure?
Kurume.
I've got to go to work.
Yeah.
Is everything resolved?
With my girlfriend?
She hasn't returned yet.
I'm sorry.
But I was greatly encouraged last night.
Last night?
By the heavyweight fight.
It was awesome... though I missed it.
That's lame.
Hello? How've you been?
Surprised I called?
Well, yeah.
Still in Tokyo? How's it going?
I'm surviving.
Can we talk?
Sure. What's up?
It was 10 years ago, so I'm sure you've forgotten, but...
I asked my ex-wife the question you told me to ask her.
What question?
About when we first met.
Oh, you picked up her wallet.
We talked on the phone last night.
And I could finally ask...
you know, what she thought of me.
Yes, yes. I remember.
Was she glad it was you who picked up her wallet?
No.
She wasn't?
Know what she said?
That she dropped her wallet on purpose.
What?
“Oh, I did that intentionally,” she said.
That's a great story.
A brand new fact at my age.
Good evening. Table for one?
For three. Two will come later.
Smoking section okay?
Certainly. Choose a table in back.
What else would “teriyaki” be except chicken?
How can you confuse meat with fish?
I'm sorry. I'll have your order remade.
What I'd like to have is a proper explanation!
It's your stupid mistake and now I have to wait even longer?
Do you know how hungry I am?
I sincerely apologize.
You think that makes everything okay?
You're not concentrating on your work.
I sincerely apologize.
Give me a break!
Excuse me.
Who are you? Don't butt in.
I don't want to get involved, and I'll be on my way soon, but...
I don't think you know whose daughter this is you're yelling at.
What?
And if you do know who she is...
then I'd say you've got a death wish.
A death wish? What the hell are you talking about?
Just making sure.
I beg you not to mention me to your father in all of this, Miss.
So...
Wait, there is...
something I've been meaning to say to you, Miss.
I like you.
Pardon me.
I'm back.
Welcome home.
I'm back, too.
Gladly.
I said “Gladly.”
About what?
Marriage.
I'd gladly marry you.
Are you sure?
Should I not?
Will you marry me?
I will.
I'm all yours.
Little nights
Countless little nights
Some nights we even forgot
These little nights, we've spent together
Little nights
May not be dramatic
May not be amazing
But it's quite alright
Little nights
May not be dramatic
But as long as I am with you
It's quite alright
Haruma Miura
Mikako Tabe
Yuma Yamoto
Erika Mori
Yuri Tsunematsu
Riku Hagiwara
Eiki Narita
Yuuki Yagi
Taichi Kodama
Shihori Kanjiya
Taizo Harada
Chief Executive Producers Tom Yoda Tatsuro Hatanaka
Toru Kenjo Kazumi Satake Masahiko Ichiriki Yoshio Sato
Based on the Novel “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” by Kotaro Isaka (Gentosha Inc.)
Screenplay by Kenichi Suzuki
Music by Kazuyoshi Saito
Executive Producers Satomi Odake Nobuhiro Chiba
Producers Yasushi Utagawa Hitoshi Endo Tsuyoshi Matsushita
Cinematographer Yuta Tsukinaga
Lighting by Isamu Fujii
Sound by Takaaki Yamamoto
Production Designer Chie Matsumoto
Editing by Naoichiro Sagara
Line Producer Yusuke Taguchi
Theme song “Little Nights” by Kazuyoshi Saito (SPEEDSTAR RECORDS)
Production by dub inc.
“Little Nights, Little Love” Film Partners presentation led by GAGA Corporation and Amuse Inc.
Directed by Rikiya Imaizumi
English subtitles Anthony Kimm
©2019 “Little Nights, Little Love” Film Partners