18x2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024) Movie Script
1
What the hell? It's my company!
What is going on?
Jimmy.
I'm home.
I saw the news.
Maybe,
it's for the best.
You've kept yourself so busy in Taipei.
Sometimes...
it's important to take a break.
Like they say...
"Rest paves the long road ahead."
Yeah.
I can accompany you to Tokyo.
But it's not my company now,
so this is the last time.
No matter what.
All right?
Bye.
18 years have passed
since I left this city.
I stayed focused,
trying to realize my dream.
I gave my all.
But I've lost everything.
Where did I go wrong?
Or maybe...
I was wrong from the start?
SLAM DUNK
JAPANESE CONVERSATION
MOVIE EXCHANGE COUPON
Hello. How are you?
I'm back home for a little while
between trips.
Lots of snow over here.
Wish you could see it someday.
Can't wait to see you again
after your dream has come true.
We apologize for what happened.
We apologize.
Oh, no problem.
Though that video
did make me a bit nervous.
I'm glad you got it sorted out.
Thank you.
I think it's great how two
college classmates made it big together.
How do you feel now?
We're a gaming company
that started in a dorm.
We got this far
because Jimmy's talents were recognized.
Already have an idea for the next one?
Jimmy?
No, not really.
Of course, you've been so busy.
Oh, yeah. Do you have plans tomorrow?
It's cherry blossom season,
so let me show you around Tokyo.
Yes!
What do you say, Jimmy?
Sorry, but I've got plans.
Oh? You're working?
No.
I'm thinking of traveling.
Oh, you're traveling?
Yes.
That sounds nice.
A trip? Where to?
Nowhere in particular.
You can't be serious.
Traveling is fun
because you never know what will happen.
Huh?
Do you remember?
I was walking and playing my game,
when you walked right into me.
No, you walked into me, Aaron.
We were playing the same game.
It's been 18 years.
Yeah.
It's been a long time.
No,
it was a blink of an eye.
I'm sorry...
Bothering you at the last minute...
Don't worry about it.
Glad I could make myself useful
in the end.
I mean it.
I'm so sorry
I couldn't stand up for you.
It's fine.
I...
I was too caught up with myself.
Jimmy.
I don't know what to make of myself.
18 years ago...
how did you feel
when you started your journey?
Damn it!
I'm late again!
Mom! Why didn't you wake me up?
I don't make your schedule.
I'll get in trouble again!
Make sure to drop by the temple.
I know.
See you later.
Miss, do you want to take a break first?
Sorry!
Just a bit more.
Help me get into university.
Please.
Please.
18 years ago,
I worked part-time
at a karaoke bar in Tainan
during the summer.
KARAOKE KOBE
You've been late so many times!
Entrance exams ended
so I played games and...
Don't make excuses! Work!
Work!
Moron... Stop shooting me!
Asshole...
Out of my way.
Get a move on.
Little Miss Cranky.
Jimmy.
Late again? He'll fire you soon.
I know.
Shimada.
Hey, I'm coming.
Hurry up.
Jimmy. Get to work. We're busy.
Busy playing mahjong.
Exactly.
He only cares about mahjong.
Jimmy.
Take this to Room 3.
Okay, got it.
Be careful.
Wait.
I shouldn't have listened to you.
Why not?
You said there'd be cute girls here.
Where are they?
I only see a mahjong addict,
an older lady,
and a smartass delinquent.
Who's a delinquent?
Tardy idiot.
You're a tardy idiot.
And a weird mural.
I gave up on my co-workers
and hoped a dream girl would show up, but...
The part-time job I began with high hopes
was mundane and boring.
What? Put it down and go away.
I thought the summer would end
without anything happening.
I'm going to the store!
OK.
Hello!
Hi. N ho.
Konnichiwa.
Japanese!
Do you work here?
One person?
Oh, that's not why I came.
I want to work here.
Huh?
How to say "work"...
Gngzu.
- Work!
- Yeah, work!
- Here?
- Yes. Is the manager here?
- The boss.
- Boss.
The boss. Is he around?
Wait a sec.
Yes!
Wait a moment!
And?
I've been backpacking for about a month
and arrived in Tainan,
but I lost my wallet.
I thought maybe you'd hire me.
Would that be possible?
I feel like I'm seeing myself
from 20 years ago.
Sorry?
I came from Kobe to Taiwan.
The people here were so kind to me.
Fell in love with the rnqngwi,
human warmth.
Rnqngwi?
You're hired!
You can work here.
Stay as long as you want.
Thank you so much.
Love at first sight?
Shut up.
Jimmy.
Show her to the spare room.
Teach her the ropes.
Me?
He's Jimmy.
Speaks a bit of Japanese.
Ask him anything.
Oh, OK.
Nice to meet you, Jimmy.
Nice to meet you.
OK, then. Work hard.
- Thank you.
- I'm still kind of busy.
Thank you so much.
I'm busy. Work hard.
Bye.
Here.
A karaoke room. Nice.
Reeks of cigarettes, but...
Thank goodness.
I'll get going.
Hey.
Why do you speak Japanese?
I like Japanese anime and games.
For example?
For example?
For example...
Slam Dunk!
"I'm a genius."
"The left hand stays relaxed."
"I love it. I'm not lying this time."
The lines from the comics!
That's amazing!
Thank you.
Tasty.
Not tasty...
My grandma gave it to me.
It's called L'air du Temps.
It means "flow of time."
"Flow of time."
Ami-san.
How long in Tainan?
Just Ami is fine.
Until I save up enough to move on.
The goal of trip?
The goal?
Yes.
There is no goal.
Traveling is fun because
you never know what will happen.
The next stop is Kamakura High School.
The doors on the left will open.
I left Tokyo and first headed
to the Shonan area
because I remembered
a place I wanted to see.
The iconic setting of Slam Dunk.
Kamakura High School train station.
Excuse me.
Ready?
Thank you.
No problem.
TADAMI
REST PAVES THE LONG ROAD AHEAD
Welcome.
Sit wherever you like.
It's so cold.
Excuse me. Welcome.
Thank you.
Here on business?
Yes.
Where from?
Taiwan.
Taiwan? Me too.
Really?
What a coincidence.
I'm Liu.
Jimmy.
Jimmy.
Yes, Jimmy.
What a coincidence.
Looks delicious.
It's really cold out, isn't it?
Yes, more so for a guy from Tainan.
Tainan?
Yes.
- You too?
- Me too.
What are the odds?
Which high school?
Pao-An Senior High.
I'm Nan-Hsing Senior High.
That's close by.
Great basketball team.
I'd see athletic-looking guys
file out after school, looking fierce.
Have you seen the local sights?
No, I just got here.
Shall I show you around later?
Are you sure?
Of course.
I'll hurry, then.
No, take your time.
I have to clean up.
Thank you.
Where did you learn Japanese?
A Japanese friend taught me long ago.
Have you been here long?
It's been 15 years.
Came on business
and never left.
I liked how time flows slowly here.
I was a workaholic back in Taipei.
Is that why the sign says,
"Rest paves the long road ahead"?
Taking a breather
gives us perspective about
what's important in our lives.
That's what I think, anyway.
She taught you Japanese?
Yes.
18 years ago.
What's this scent?
It's a perfume.
Called "flow of time."
You said you had no goal,
but you're going to see her, right?
Yes.
I do miss her.
Even if I can't see her,
I want to see the town where she grew up.
Fukushima?
That's the other way.
Yes.
I keep taking detours...
I regret it now.
I wonder
if this trip will change anything.
It needn't be the sole purpose.
Sometimes
you can travel to reassess your own life.
I'm going this way.
My own life...
If I'd told her
how I felt about her back then,
would the future have been different?
Could I have spent...
more time with Ami?
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Stop hesitating. Click on it!
I got in.
I got in!
I got in!
Good luck, son!
People in town heard about Ami
and we became busier than ever.
We got another order.
Why is it so busy?
They all want to see Ami.
Everyone seemed curious
about the new Japanese girl,
and Ami became a sensation in Tainan.
I'm exhausted.
Good work, guys!
Business is booming!
Ami, you really came to our rescue.
Oh, please. Jimmy's a good mentor.
She says it's thanks to you.
Not me.
He's done nothing.
But he's never late anymore.
Is that so?
Stop it.
It's great to be young.
Boss.
Let's throw a welcome party for Ami.
Good idea.
Yeah, why not.
Ami, we want to welcome you.
Anything you want to eat?
Taiwanese food!
I'll take you to an awesome place.
Yay!
OK, let's go throw
a welcome party for Ami!
Good work!
Cheers!
It's great that our joint
has been so busy since you came.
Thanks!
The pleasure is mine. It's been so fun.
Ami,
you're welcome to stay forever.
She says, "You can stay forever."
Xi xie.
Thank you.
Hey, why did you decide to travel?
Soul-searching?
Not exactly.
I wanted to reassess my own life.
What do you mean?
I wanted to go to various places
and meet various people
to confirm that I'm OK the way I am.
That sounds deep.
Care to share a bit more?
What did she say?
I asked her why she's traveling,
she says she wants to
visit places and people,
and get to know herself better.
Oh, what's that?
Ami, did you draw those?
You drew these?
Yeah.
You're really good!
It's beautiful!
It's so good!
I want to travel the world
and draw only what I can draw.
That's my dream.
Her dream is to travel the world
and draw only what she can draw.
So, that's it.
- You're so good.
- It's very pretty.
You can sell these.
Hey.
That weird mural at the joint.
Maybe she could repaint it.
True.
Jimmy.
You say good things sometimes.
Just drink your beer, man.
Ami, this is kind of sudden,
but could you paint over that mural?
What? May I?
Yes, of course.
You all agree, right?
- Of course!
- Yeah!
- That thing's awful.
- Yeah!
We all ask you to do it.
Thank you.
I'll do my best.
She said yes!
A celebration! Let's raise our glasses.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Here's your soup.
Great!
It's so late.
I have to go home.
- Let's go together.
- Hey!
What about Ami?
Jimmy,
make sure you see her home.
- Ami.
- Good luck.
See you!
Bye!
Sorry about those two.
Sorry.
Bye!
Bye!
HAO CHEN DU COOKING
Jimmy, would you do me a favor?
I've always wanted to ride tandem
on a scooter in Taiwan.
Let's go.
All right.
Yay!
This feels so good!
Just like in the Taiwanese movies!
Where to?
The place you like best in this city.
OK.
Go!
Whoa, this is awesome! So fun!
So fun!
Wow!
This song again.
I keep hearing it at karaoke.
W Yu Tin. Mayday.
Mayday?
A Taiwanese rock band. They're huge here.
Kind of like Japan's Mr.Children?
Right. Mr.Children are big in Taiwan, too.
I see. Mayday. I'll check them out later.
This feels great!
"Sng-lah"... Feels great.
Sng-lah?
Sng-lah!
Sng-lah!
Sng-lah!
So beautiful!
Wow!
You come here with your girlfriend?
Huh?
I don't have a girlfriend.
Yeah, I can tell. I thought so.
That's rude, Ami.
Sorry.
What about you?
So you're curious?
No.
Oh, wow!
The stars are so beautiful, too!
It's amazing.
So you're going to university in Taipei?
Yes.
You must be excited.
Do you have a dream?
A dream.
"Dream".
I know! A basketball player.
Before, yes.
But now, I don't know.
I see.
Life is long.
I'll take my time figuring it out.
You never know if it's long or not.
What?
Tell me your dream when you find it.
Yeah.
Jimmy.
Hmm?
I wonder what we'll be like
when we grow older.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Ami!
Over there, want to try?
Tasty, tasty!
I'll take the cabbage.
200 NTD? That's cheap!
"Sorry I'm late."
"Sorry I'm late."
Watch your feet!
OK, here we go. One, two, three.
Another one.
Jimmy!
Why are you here?
Don't! It's embarrassing!
Just one more.
What's the big deal?
How do you say, "handsome"?
Shui.
N hn shui.
- Thanks!
- Don't be silly!
"You're...
very...
handsome."
Excuse me. Where is the Iiyama line?
- It departs from platform 4.
- Platform 4?
Yes.
Thank you.
Whoa! This is so Instagrammable!
Awesome!
This is good.
Hey! No, a tunnel. Oh, man...
Hey.
You a traveler too?
Yes. From Taiwan.
Taiwan? Whoa, for real?
I'm Koji.
I'm Jimmy.
- Your Japanese is great.
- Not really.
Mind if I take one?
Here we go!
The tunnel! Too boring.
Another one later.
Yes.
Traveling is awesome, huh?
So many new encounters
and discoveries. It's great!
Do you travel a lot?
Nope, my first time.
Nothing fancy, just staying in necafs.
"Necafs"?
Internet cafs.
They have everything, so try it.
Discounts for students, too.
You're a student?
Yeah. I'll be 18 this year.
I don't look it, do I?
People tell me I look older than I am.
What about you?
Twice your age. I'm 36.
For real? You don't look it.
I thought maybe 20 plus.
No way.
Traveling alone at your age is amazing.
It never occurred to me
to do that when I was 18.
The way I see it...
You know how people go on trips
to soul-search?
But I am what I am,
and you only live once
so I want to enjoy my life.
Jimmy, we're almost there.
Hurry, stand up! Come on.
Ready? Let's not use cameras
and imprint this in our minds.
Ready?
Three,
two,
one...
Now!
"The train came out of the long tunnel
into the snow country."
OK! That's enough imprinting.
Use your camera now.
You all right?
It's just like Love Letter.
Hey, Jimmy?
Oh, um...
I've always wanted to see this.
Jimmy.
Yes.
Wanna get off?
Wow!
Jimmy,
isn't this awesome? The snow!
Wow!
So much snow!
Landing!
Good work.
Thanks.
Ami.
- Ami.
- N ho.
Konnichiwa.
What was that word again?
Sugoi!
- Thank you.
- Sugoi. Awesome.
I'll paint it for you.
Sorry?
I'll help you paint. I'm very good.
Hold on.
Bxng. You can't.
I can't? No, it's OK.
This place is for everyone.
I'm very good at this.
I'm good, aren't I?
Karaoke Kobe belongs to everyone.
What are you doing? She said no!
- Why are you still painting?
- I'm good at painting.
What was that for?
You hit my nose!
Stop it!
- Cool it, guys!
- Come on!
You've been reading too much manga!
Stop trying to act cool!
But they were destroying Ami's mural...
Shut up.
Jimmy, xi xie.
N hn shui.
Let's eat.
That asshole was trying to get
Ami's attention that way.
Yeah.
Why would she be interested
in those drunks?
Time to eat.
Ami, what kind of guy is your type?
What did she say, Jimmy?
She wants to know your type.
Well...
Someone active and four years older.
What did she say?
A guy four years older
and proactive.
The opposite of you.
I guess so.
What about you?
Short hair.
Younger.
I see.
See you.
Thanks for today!
I forgot my keys.
- Hurry up.
- OK.
You're being selfish, too!
I know that!
I know, but...
I'm sorry.
I just need more time.
Knock out!
People don't necessarily fall for
their ideal type.
What, all of a sudden?
"The game isn't over yet,"
is what I'm saying.
Not possible.
She probably has a nice boyfriend in Japan
who's four years older.
You idiot.
I get how you feel.
But think about it.
She's in Tainan right now.
So what?
You have me here in Tainan,
your point guard Ryota Miyagi.
What are you talking about?
What's this?
Tickets to a Japanese movie.
My dad got them at work.
It's a love story
that was popular in Japan.
If she goes with you,
that means she likes you.
Take more initiative.
You never know if she's going back soon.
No, wait after you knock!
What is it, Jimmy?
I'm sorry!
No, it's OK.
This is for you.
Thank you.
Yeah.
What's this?
It's a Japanese movie,
Love Letter.
Love Letter!
I've always wanted to see this.
How nice.
Sounds great.
Let's go.
It's a date.
Not really...
Looking forward to it.
Yeah.
- See you.
- See you.
Don't take it without permission!
Give it back!
Lin Chia-ming.
I like you.
"I like... I like you."
"I like you."
Be mine.
"Mine... Be mine..."
HOLDING HANDS - TIPS TO BECOME A LOVER
"Holding hands..."
Dad!
Don't look!
Go to bed.
Mom!
Why didn't you wake me?
I'm so sorry!
You're late.
And your hair's a mess.
Be careful.
Let's go!
Yes, let's go.
Here we are.
Xi xie.
It's so retro!
Lovely!
Jimmy, I want some popcorn.
One popcorn, please.
Xi xie.
No problem.
I know this!
Fly it and your wish comes true, right?
Yes.
But it's a bit far.
I want to go, though.
Take me someday.
Yes.
Here.
Thanks.
Want some?
Yeah.
- Here, open up.
- What?
Hey...
"How are you?"
What was that?
Come on, Jimmy! Snowball fight!
You OK?
I'm OK!
Take that!
Whoa, big one!
Love Letter?
Shunji Iwai.
It's rated really high online.
You saw a Japanese movie in Taiwan?
Shunji Iwai is really popular.
Cool, I'll check it out.
So,
did you hold her hand?
No. Unfortunately,
that plan didn't work out.
What? Why?
The movie blew me away.
You're too pure, man.
Don't look.
No, I...
Let's go.
Itsuki and Hiroko were the same.
Miho Nakayama was amazing.
Is something wrong?
No, it's nothing.
That scenery.
It looked like the town where I was born.
The town where you were born?
Yeah.
It snows a lot in the winter
like in that movie.
We couldn't even leave the house
on days of heavy snow.
It was boring and stifling...
But that scenery raised me.
I left it all behind.
It's OK.
Thank you, Jimmy.
The movie was really great.
Xi xie.
I think it's time for me to go to bed.
I'm a bit tired.
Good night, Jimmy.
Yes.
See you tomorrow.
KOJI HERE.
Hope we meet again somewhere.
Contact me anytime.
I'll check out Love Letter.
OK.
Take care of yourself.
You too, Jimmy. Bye Bye.
After we parted ways,
I thought I might never see him again.
Friends we never see again.
Scenery we'll never revisit.
But I'll never forget
the time we spent together.
LIU: DID YOU FIND GOOD SCENERY?
JIMMY: I GOT TO SEE SNOW FOR THE FIRSTIME AND MADE A YOUNG FRIEND!
The people we meet on our travels
leave something in our hearts.
I wonder if
I was able to
leave anything in Ami's?
NET CAF
Necaf.
Welcome.
Uh, hi.
Welcome.
The cups are under there.
Yes.
It's all-you-can-drink.
Thank you.
Oh!
What?
Nothing. Never mind.
Come on. Now you have to tell me.
That game...
I made it.
This? Really?
Yes.
You're Jimmy?
No way, you're famous!
Not at all.
Hey, found some wild footage.
No,
don't!
You're interesting, Jimmy.
Look behind that tree there.
- Here?
- Yes.
Whoa, the Soul Stone!
Of course you'd know!
FAY: EVEN SO, THAT'S OK.
JOHAN: ALL RIGHT... WE'LL BE OK.
That was so moving.
You're a genius.
No.
NIIGATA LANTERN FESTIVAL
Oh, the lanterns. Do you know?
Yes, they're famous in Taiwan, too.
You write wishes on them, right?
Yes.
Wait, are you thinking of going?
I might be able to make it.
But it's pretty far away.
Oh, is that so.
Boss,
mind if I help this guy out?
I'm gonna, OK?
It's fine,
nobody's coming anyway.
The car's tiny though, OK?
- Thank you!
- Hang on a sec.
Yes.
Wow, that's some story.
A special moment in your youth.
It really was.
You still can't forget her.
I found my dream thanks to her.
You know, though...
Only a handful of people
can find their dreams
and make them come true.
You're amazing.
No, I'm not amazing at all.
Tadami in Fukushima isn't far from here.
Yes.
I'm thinking of going tomorrow.
Hope you can see her.
Yeah.
But why did you break up with her?
Maybe
the love had never begun
in the first place.
Ami, what's going on?
Jimmy, I've decided to go back to Japan.
Thank you for everything.
I'll finish the mural,
so look forward to it.
A week later is too soon, Ami.
I'm sorry.
Thank you all
for being so good to me.
Ami...
Your Chinese has improved so much!
Well...
We'll miss you,
but we'll have fun until the end.
Right?
Why?
I'm sorry, Jimmy.
My trip is over for now.
Exactly,
why?
There's a lot to being an adult.
Is it for your boyfriend?
Yeah...
That's right.
I see.
I'm happy for you.
FOR AMI
Finished!
It's finished!
- Well done!
- It's beautiful!
Wait. Ami, sign it.
Oh, right.
Yes, sign it.
Not bad!
Boss, that's you!
Oh yeah, on the right.
It's you!
It's great!
It'll be the gem of this place!
Jimmy.
How is it?
Compliment it.
I think it's OK.
Why are you acting like that?
Say more.
Give him a break. He's shy.
Shy? What for?
Jimmy.
What?
Sit.
You look pale.
Like that time you gave up basketball.
Leave me alone.
I was glad, you know?
You started working part-time,
made new friends...
It was great seeing you come alive again.
Oh.
Those kinds of encounters
don't happen often in life.
You only live once,
so don't leave any regrets.
Here,
have some fruit.
Yes?
Ami.
I want to take you somewhere.
Want to listen to Mr.Children?
Sure.
Ami...
Don't go.
Sorry, it's almost over.
It's okay.
- You go, I'll park the car.
- Yes.
Later, then.
So many people here...
Lanterns...
Wow!
Be careful.
What did you write?
I hope to find my dream
and make it come true.
Nice.
And you?
My dream is always the same.
MAY MY TRAVELS NEVER END.
Cool.
Here we go!
OK.
- Got it?
- OK.
I hope I can land a real job
and get a boyfriend this year!
Lower it.
Wait for it to fill up.
Jimmy.
Let's make a promise.
Let's meet again
after we realize our dreams.
Until then,
no matter how hard things become,
we won't give up...
We'll never, ever give up.
OK.
Promise.
Hold the base.
Let go on the count of three.
Get ready.
- Ready?
- Let's do it.
Three...
two,
one.
Jimmy.
Thank you.
MAY OUR TRAVELS CONTINUE.
Here.
Ami.
I'll come visit you.
Xi xie.
You, too.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
- All right.
You drew me thinner than I am.
Thank you, Ami!
Thank you.
Thanks, Ami.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Jimmy, hurry.
FOR AMI
WHAT A GREAT MONTH IT WAS!
TAKE CARE, KARAOKE KOBE
Thank you, everyone.
Jimmy.
See you.
See you.
Come back anytime.
Thank you.
Come see us again.
- Thank you.
- Bye.
- Take care.
- Bye, Ami.
Bye.
Bye.
Goodbye.
Next stop, Tadami. Tadami.
The doors on the right will open.
Tadami, Fukushima.
The town
where Ami was born and raised.
Excuse me.
Yeah?
I'm lost.
I want to go here.
Where?
You know Ami?
Yes.
I see.
It's quite a walk from here.
Want a ride?
What, really?
Yeah.
Thank you.
Hop in.
Oh, yes.
Ami told me so much
about her trip to Taiwan.
I began to feel like I went there myself.
Like how she lost her wallet
and worked at a karaoke joint.
I worked there, too.
Is that so?
Trips are great, aren't they?
She said she was going to Brazil next.
Hard to put into words, but...
God can be so cruel.
Hello?
Jimmy?
Ami.
It's been a while.
It has been a while.
Thank you for your letter.
So you got it. Great.
Winter vacation starts next week.
I want to go to Japan.
Maybe I'll go see the snow in Tadami.
Not yet.
What?
Have you forgotten our promise?
No, but...
And I'm traveling again from next week.
Where to?
The other side of the world.
With my boyfriend.
I see.
I'll write you again. Bye.
Yuko.
You have a visitor.
Coming.
Mr. Nakazato.
Says he's Ami's friend.
He was lost, so I brought him.
Thanks.
He's from Taiwan.
Are you Jimmy, by any chance?
Yes.
So we meet at last.
I'm sorry it took so long.
Thank you for coming from so far.
No.
All this snow must have surprised you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Sorry to come without notice.
Don't be. I'm so glad you came.
I'm amazed at how well you speak Japanese.
Did Ami teach you?
Yes.
And I kept studying after she left.
I see.
She used to say that her shy boyfriend
who is four years younger
was waiting for her in Taiwan.
So she had to hang in there.
Please show her your face.
Yes.
Such a messy room, isn't it?
It's so like her.
She insisted on traveling
despite her condition...
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
...though we told her not to.
Then she suddenly came home
one day and said
she wanted to pursue other treatment
options after all.
Just did whatever she wanted.
She said she wanted to travel
around the world,
but Taiwan ended up being
the only place she went.
LET'S MEET AGAIN AFTER
WE REALIZE OUR DREAMS. FROM JIMMY
She used to say
she was so glad she chose Taiwan,
and seemed so happy until the end.
Here.
BOOK OF TAIWAN
It's for you.
Are you sure?
I think it's a love letter
she left for you.
Traveling solo at last.
Hope to keep drawing pictures
that only I can draw.
First stop, Taiwan. Looking forward to it!
Hello.
Tainan at last!
It's my first visit,
but the scenic city has a nostalgic feel.
Miss, do you want to take a break first?
I'm sorry!
Just a bit more.
I used poe divination.
Wished for a good trip until the end,
but then I lost my wallet.
I don't get it.
Hello!
- The boss.
- Boss.
Boys from the south have mysterious grace.
Happy to work here, Karaoke Kobe!
Jimmy.
I wonder what we'll be like
when we grow older.
I wish this moment would last forever.
So I should just sit still
and wait to die?
You're being selfish, too!
I'm worried about your condition!
I know that!
I know, but...
I'm sorry.
I just need more time.
Ami...
No, wait after you knock!
MOVIE EXCHANGE COUPON
It's OK.
Thank you, Jimmy.
Ami...
Don't go.
Jimmy.
Thank you.
LET'S MEET AGAIN AFTER
WE REALIZE OUR DREAMS. FROM JIMMY
Jimmy?
Ami.
Have you forgotten our promise?
And I'm traveling again from next week.
Where to?
The other side of the world.
With my boyfriend.
I see.
I'll write you again.
Bye.
I wonder if
you've found your dream, Jimmy.
I'm sure you're working hard.
I miss you, Jimmy.
I'll always be rooting
for your dream to come true.
Thank you for coming into my life,
Jimmy.
DEAR AMI
Dear Ami,
This is my first letter to you.
18 long years
have passed since the day
we flew that lantern together.
After you went home,
I went to university in Taipei.
- Bye!
- Visit often!
Taipei was full of all kinds of things,
it was fresh and dazzling,
and I was a bit overwhelmed.
But
I wanted to be someone like you,
the kind of person who inspires others...
What game are you playing?
...so I lived every day earnestly.
It's the same game!
- The same one?
- Yes.
I'm Lin Chia-ming.
Call me Jimmy.
I'm Aaron.
I got into game programming around then
and devoted myself to it.
DRAGON VEIN LEGEND
Awesome!
Couldn't graduate because of that.
Put the whiteboard over there...
This is great!
Help me over here, please.
I became so wrapped up in it that
I had no time to reminisce my past.
Put more heart into it!
- We can do this!
- One more time.
Got my first girlfriend
when I was 25 years old.
I don't want to see you again.
But I was too caught up in my work
so she dumped me after 3 months.
And
when our game was completed,
I called you.
Hello?
Ami.
I was afraid to confront your death.
Losing you
made me lose control,
How many times must I repeat?
and I had to immerse myself in work.
Our company grew and grew,
but I gradually lost all emotion.
I can fix it.
Get up, I'll do it myself.
This is the investor,
Li, I told you about.
We finally meet.
Look here, 1, 2, 3.
Next thing I knew,
I was alone.
Your approach will pile up deficits.
The times are changing.
I founded Jam Games!
That's when your postcard
inspired me to travel.
I remember when you said,
"I wonder what we'll be like
when we grow older."
I met you,
fell in love,
and now...
I'm saying goodbye
to that moment in my youth.
That alone
made this trip meaningful.
AARON: BEST OF LUCK IN THE FUTURE.
SEE YOU.
JIMMY: THANKS, MAN. SEE YOU AROUND.
Like you said,
there doesn't have to be an end goal.
I'll keep traveling.
I'm sorry
it took me so long.
Ami.
Thank you.
How is it?
It's not big,
but enough space
for one.
True.
I'll take it.
Great!
So what's next for you?
I'm not sure yet.
I'll be
on your side no matter what happens...
Maybe.
Maybe?
Really?
KARAOKE KOBE
Jimmy.
Ami.
Subtitle translation by:
Mia Isozaki, Olga Bessarab
What the hell? It's my company!
What is going on?
Jimmy.
I'm home.
I saw the news.
Maybe,
it's for the best.
You've kept yourself so busy in Taipei.
Sometimes...
it's important to take a break.
Like they say...
"Rest paves the long road ahead."
Yeah.
I can accompany you to Tokyo.
But it's not my company now,
so this is the last time.
No matter what.
All right?
Bye.
18 years have passed
since I left this city.
I stayed focused,
trying to realize my dream.
I gave my all.
But I've lost everything.
Where did I go wrong?
Or maybe...
I was wrong from the start?
SLAM DUNK
JAPANESE CONVERSATION
MOVIE EXCHANGE COUPON
Hello. How are you?
I'm back home for a little while
between trips.
Lots of snow over here.
Wish you could see it someday.
Can't wait to see you again
after your dream has come true.
We apologize for what happened.
We apologize.
Oh, no problem.
Though that video
did make me a bit nervous.
I'm glad you got it sorted out.
Thank you.
I think it's great how two
college classmates made it big together.
How do you feel now?
We're a gaming company
that started in a dorm.
We got this far
because Jimmy's talents were recognized.
Already have an idea for the next one?
Jimmy?
No, not really.
Of course, you've been so busy.
Oh, yeah. Do you have plans tomorrow?
It's cherry blossom season,
so let me show you around Tokyo.
Yes!
What do you say, Jimmy?
Sorry, but I've got plans.
Oh? You're working?
No.
I'm thinking of traveling.
Oh, you're traveling?
Yes.
That sounds nice.
A trip? Where to?
Nowhere in particular.
You can't be serious.
Traveling is fun
because you never know what will happen.
Huh?
Do you remember?
I was walking and playing my game,
when you walked right into me.
No, you walked into me, Aaron.
We were playing the same game.
It's been 18 years.
Yeah.
It's been a long time.
No,
it was a blink of an eye.
I'm sorry...
Bothering you at the last minute...
Don't worry about it.
Glad I could make myself useful
in the end.
I mean it.
I'm so sorry
I couldn't stand up for you.
It's fine.
I...
I was too caught up with myself.
Jimmy.
I don't know what to make of myself.
18 years ago...
how did you feel
when you started your journey?
Damn it!
I'm late again!
Mom! Why didn't you wake me up?
I don't make your schedule.
I'll get in trouble again!
Make sure to drop by the temple.
I know.
See you later.
Miss, do you want to take a break first?
Sorry!
Just a bit more.
Help me get into university.
Please.
Please.
18 years ago,
I worked part-time
at a karaoke bar in Tainan
during the summer.
KARAOKE KOBE
You've been late so many times!
Entrance exams ended
so I played games and...
Don't make excuses! Work!
Work!
Moron... Stop shooting me!
Asshole...
Out of my way.
Get a move on.
Little Miss Cranky.
Jimmy.
Late again? He'll fire you soon.
I know.
Shimada.
Hey, I'm coming.
Hurry up.
Jimmy. Get to work. We're busy.
Busy playing mahjong.
Exactly.
He only cares about mahjong.
Jimmy.
Take this to Room 3.
Okay, got it.
Be careful.
Wait.
I shouldn't have listened to you.
Why not?
You said there'd be cute girls here.
Where are they?
I only see a mahjong addict,
an older lady,
and a smartass delinquent.
Who's a delinquent?
Tardy idiot.
You're a tardy idiot.
And a weird mural.
I gave up on my co-workers
and hoped a dream girl would show up, but...
The part-time job I began with high hopes
was mundane and boring.
What? Put it down and go away.
I thought the summer would end
without anything happening.
I'm going to the store!
OK.
Hello!
Hi. N ho.
Konnichiwa.
Japanese!
Do you work here?
One person?
Oh, that's not why I came.
I want to work here.
Huh?
How to say "work"...
Gngzu.
- Work!
- Yeah, work!
- Here?
- Yes. Is the manager here?
- The boss.
- Boss.
The boss. Is he around?
Wait a sec.
Yes!
Wait a moment!
And?
I've been backpacking for about a month
and arrived in Tainan,
but I lost my wallet.
I thought maybe you'd hire me.
Would that be possible?
I feel like I'm seeing myself
from 20 years ago.
Sorry?
I came from Kobe to Taiwan.
The people here were so kind to me.
Fell in love with the rnqngwi,
human warmth.
Rnqngwi?
You're hired!
You can work here.
Stay as long as you want.
Thank you so much.
Love at first sight?
Shut up.
Jimmy.
Show her to the spare room.
Teach her the ropes.
Me?
He's Jimmy.
Speaks a bit of Japanese.
Ask him anything.
Oh, OK.
Nice to meet you, Jimmy.
Nice to meet you.
OK, then. Work hard.
- Thank you.
- I'm still kind of busy.
Thank you so much.
I'm busy. Work hard.
Bye.
Here.
A karaoke room. Nice.
Reeks of cigarettes, but...
Thank goodness.
I'll get going.
Hey.
Why do you speak Japanese?
I like Japanese anime and games.
For example?
For example?
For example...
Slam Dunk!
"I'm a genius."
"The left hand stays relaxed."
"I love it. I'm not lying this time."
The lines from the comics!
That's amazing!
Thank you.
Tasty.
Not tasty...
My grandma gave it to me.
It's called L'air du Temps.
It means "flow of time."
"Flow of time."
Ami-san.
How long in Tainan?
Just Ami is fine.
Until I save up enough to move on.
The goal of trip?
The goal?
Yes.
There is no goal.
Traveling is fun because
you never know what will happen.
The next stop is Kamakura High School.
The doors on the left will open.
I left Tokyo and first headed
to the Shonan area
because I remembered
a place I wanted to see.
The iconic setting of Slam Dunk.
Kamakura High School train station.
Excuse me.
Ready?
Thank you.
No problem.
TADAMI
REST PAVES THE LONG ROAD AHEAD
Welcome.
Sit wherever you like.
It's so cold.
Excuse me. Welcome.
Thank you.
Here on business?
Yes.
Where from?
Taiwan.
Taiwan? Me too.
Really?
What a coincidence.
I'm Liu.
Jimmy.
Jimmy.
Yes, Jimmy.
What a coincidence.
Looks delicious.
It's really cold out, isn't it?
Yes, more so for a guy from Tainan.
Tainan?
Yes.
- You too?
- Me too.
What are the odds?
Which high school?
Pao-An Senior High.
I'm Nan-Hsing Senior High.
That's close by.
Great basketball team.
I'd see athletic-looking guys
file out after school, looking fierce.
Have you seen the local sights?
No, I just got here.
Shall I show you around later?
Are you sure?
Of course.
I'll hurry, then.
No, take your time.
I have to clean up.
Thank you.
Where did you learn Japanese?
A Japanese friend taught me long ago.
Have you been here long?
It's been 15 years.
Came on business
and never left.
I liked how time flows slowly here.
I was a workaholic back in Taipei.
Is that why the sign says,
"Rest paves the long road ahead"?
Taking a breather
gives us perspective about
what's important in our lives.
That's what I think, anyway.
She taught you Japanese?
Yes.
18 years ago.
What's this scent?
It's a perfume.
Called "flow of time."
You said you had no goal,
but you're going to see her, right?
Yes.
I do miss her.
Even if I can't see her,
I want to see the town where she grew up.
Fukushima?
That's the other way.
Yes.
I keep taking detours...
I regret it now.
I wonder
if this trip will change anything.
It needn't be the sole purpose.
Sometimes
you can travel to reassess your own life.
I'm going this way.
My own life...
If I'd told her
how I felt about her back then,
would the future have been different?
Could I have spent...
more time with Ami?
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Stop hesitating. Click on it!
I got in.
I got in!
I got in!
Good luck, son!
People in town heard about Ami
and we became busier than ever.
We got another order.
Why is it so busy?
They all want to see Ami.
Everyone seemed curious
about the new Japanese girl,
and Ami became a sensation in Tainan.
I'm exhausted.
Good work, guys!
Business is booming!
Ami, you really came to our rescue.
Oh, please. Jimmy's a good mentor.
She says it's thanks to you.
Not me.
He's done nothing.
But he's never late anymore.
Is that so?
Stop it.
It's great to be young.
Boss.
Let's throw a welcome party for Ami.
Good idea.
Yeah, why not.
Ami, we want to welcome you.
Anything you want to eat?
Taiwanese food!
I'll take you to an awesome place.
Yay!
OK, let's go throw
a welcome party for Ami!
Good work!
Cheers!
It's great that our joint
has been so busy since you came.
Thanks!
The pleasure is mine. It's been so fun.
Ami,
you're welcome to stay forever.
She says, "You can stay forever."
Xi xie.
Thank you.
Hey, why did you decide to travel?
Soul-searching?
Not exactly.
I wanted to reassess my own life.
What do you mean?
I wanted to go to various places
and meet various people
to confirm that I'm OK the way I am.
That sounds deep.
Care to share a bit more?
What did she say?
I asked her why she's traveling,
she says she wants to
visit places and people,
and get to know herself better.
Oh, what's that?
Ami, did you draw those?
You drew these?
Yeah.
You're really good!
It's beautiful!
It's so good!
I want to travel the world
and draw only what I can draw.
That's my dream.
Her dream is to travel the world
and draw only what she can draw.
So, that's it.
- You're so good.
- It's very pretty.
You can sell these.
Hey.
That weird mural at the joint.
Maybe she could repaint it.
True.
Jimmy.
You say good things sometimes.
Just drink your beer, man.
Ami, this is kind of sudden,
but could you paint over that mural?
What? May I?
Yes, of course.
You all agree, right?
- Of course!
- Yeah!
- That thing's awful.
- Yeah!
We all ask you to do it.
Thank you.
I'll do my best.
She said yes!
A celebration! Let's raise our glasses.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Here's your soup.
Great!
It's so late.
I have to go home.
- Let's go together.
- Hey!
What about Ami?
Jimmy,
make sure you see her home.
- Ami.
- Good luck.
See you!
Bye!
Sorry about those two.
Sorry.
Bye!
Bye!
HAO CHEN DU COOKING
Jimmy, would you do me a favor?
I've always wanted to ride tandem
on a scooter in Taiwan.
Let's go.
All right.
Yay!
This feels so good!
Just like in the Taiwanese movies!
Where to?
The place you like best in this city.
OK.
Go!
Whoa, this is awesome! So fun!
So fun!
Wow!
This song again.
I keep hearing it at karaoke.
W Yu Tin. Mayday.
Mayday?
A Taiwanese rock band. They're huge here.
Kind of like Japan's Mr.Children?
Right. Mr.Children are big in Taiwan, too.
I see. Mayday. I'll check them out later.
This feels great!
"Sng-lah"... Feels great.
Sng-lah?
Sng-lah!
Sng-lah!
Sng-lah!
So beautiful!
Wow!
You come here with your girlfriend?
Huh?
I don't have a girlfriend.
Yeah, I can tell. I thought so.
That's rude, Ami.
Sorry.
What about you?
So you're curious?
No.
Oh, wow!
The stars are so beautiful, too!
It's amazing.
So you're going to university in Taipei?
Yes.
You must be excited.
Do you have a dream?
A dream.
"Dream".
I know! A basketball player.
Before, yes.
But now, I don't know.
I see.
Life is long.
I'll take my time figuring it out.
You never know if it's long or not.
What?
Tell me your dream when you find it.
Yeah.
Jimmy.
Hmm?
I wonder what we'll be like
when we grow older.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Ami!
Over there, want to try?
Tasty, tasty!
I'll take the cabbage.
200 NTD? That's cheap!
"Sorry I'm late."
"Sorry I'm late."
Watch your feet!
OK, here we go. One, two, three.
Another one.
Jimmy!
Why are you here?
Don't! It's embarrassing!
Just one more.
What's the big deal?
How do you say, "handsome"?
Shui.
N hn shui.
- Thanks!
- Don't be silly!
"You're...
very...
handsome."
Excuse me. Where is the Iiyama line?
- It departs from platform 4.
- Platform 4?
Yes.
Thank you.
Whoa! This is so Instagrammable!
Awesome!
This is good.
Hey! No, a tunnel. Oh, man...
Hey.
You a traveler too?
Yes. From Taiwan.
Taiwan? Whoa, for real?
I'm Koji.
I'm Jimmy.
- Your Japanese is great.
- Not really.
Mind if I take one?
Here we go!
The tunnel! Too boring.
Another one later.
Yes.
Traveling is awesome, huh?
So many new encounters
and discoveries. It's great!
Do you travel a lot?
Nope, my first time.
Nothing fancy, just staying in necafs.
"Necafs"?
Internet cafs.
They have everything, so try it.
Discounts for students, too.
You're a student?
Yeah. I'll be 18 this year.
I don't look it, do I?
People tell me I look older than I am.
What about you?
Twice your age. I'm 36.
For real? You don't look it.
I thought maybe 20 plus.
No way.
Traveling alone at your age is amazing.
It never occurred to me
to do that when I was 18.
The way I see it...
You know how people go on trips
to soul-search?
But I am what I am,
and you only live once
so I want to enjoy my life.
Jimmy, we're almost there.
Hurry, stand up! Come on.
Ready? Let's not use cameras
and imprint this in our minds.
Ready?
Three,
two,
one...
Now!
"The train came out of the long tunnel
into the snow country."
OK! That's enough imprinting.
Use your camera now.
You all right?
It's just like Love Letter.
Hey, Jimmy?
Oh, um...
I've always wanted to see this.
Jimmy.
Yes.
Wanna get off?
Wow!
Jimmy,
isn't this awesome? The snow!
Wow!
So much snow!
Landing!
Good work.
Thanks.
Ami.
- Ami.
- N ho.
Konnichiwa.
What was that word again?
Sugoi!
- Thank you.
- Sugoi. Awesome.
I'll paint it for you.
Sorry?
I'll help you paint. I'm very good.
Hold on.
Bxng. You can't.
I can't? No, it's OK.
This place is for everyone.
I'm very good at this.
I'm good, aren't I?
Karaoke Kobe belongs to everyone.
What are you doing? She said no!
- Why are you still painting?
- I'm good at painting.
What was that for?
You hit my nose!
Stop it!
- Cool it, guys!
- Come on!
You've been reading too much manga!
Stop trying to act cool!
But they were destroying Ami's mural...
Shut up.
Jimmy, xi xie.
N hn shui.
Let's eat.
That asshole was trying to get
Ami's attention that way.
Yeah.
Why would she be interested
in those drunks?
Time to eat.
Ami, what kind of guy is your type?
What did she say, Jimmy?
She wants to know your type.
Well...
Someone active and four years older.
What did she say?
A guy four years older
and proactive.
The opposite of you.
I guess so.
What about you?
Short hair.
Younger.
I see.
See you.
Thanks for today!
I forgot my keys.
- Hurry up.
- OK.
You're being selfish, too!
I know that!
I know, but...
I'm sorry.
I just need more time.
Knock out!
People don't necessarily fall for
their ideal type.
What, all of a sudden?
"The game isn't over yet,"
is what I'm saying.
Not possible.
She probably has a nice boyfriend in Japan
who's four years older.
You idiot.
I get how you feel.
But think about it.
She's in Tainan right now.
So what?
You have me here in Tainan,
your point guard Ryota Miyagi.
What are you talking about?
What's this?
Tickets to a Japanese movie.
My dad got them at work.
It's a love story
that was popular in Japan.
If she goes with you,
that means she likes you.
Take more initiative.
You never know if she's going back soon.
No, wait after you knock!
What is it, Jimmy?
I'm sorry!
No, it's OK.
This is for you.
Thank you.
Yeah.
What's this?
It's a Japanese movie,
Love Letter.
Love Letter!
I've always wanted to see this.
How nice.
Sounds great.
Let's go.
It's a date.
Not really...
Looking forward to it.
Yeah.
- See you.
- See you.
Don't take it without permission!
Give it back!
Lin Chia-ming.
I like you.
"I like... I like you."
"I like you."
Be mine.
"Mine... Be mine..."
HOLDING HANDS - TIPS TO BECOME A LOVER
"Holding hands..."
Dad!
Don't look!
Go to bed.
Mom!
Why didn't you wake me?
I'm so sorry!
You're late.
And your hair's a mess.
Be careful.
Let's go!
Yes, let's go.
Here we are.
Xi xie.
It's so retro!
Lovely!
Jimmy, I want some popcorn.
One popcorn, please.
Xi xie.
No problem.
I know this!
Fly it and your wish comes true, right?
Yes.
But it's a bit far.
I want to go, though.
Take me someday.
Yes.
Here.
Thanks.
Want some?
Yeah.
- Here, open up.
- What?
Hey...
"How are you?"
What was that?
Come on, Jimmy! Snowball fight!
You OK?
I'm OK!
Take that!
Whoa, big one!
Love Letter?
Shunji Iwai.
It's rated really high online.
You saw a Japanese movie in Taiwan?
Shunji Iwai is really popular.
Cool, I'll check it out.
So,
did you hold her hand?
No. Unfortunately,
that plan didn't work out.
What? Why?
The movie blew me away.
You're too pure, man.
Don't look.
No, I...
Let's go.
Itsuki and Hiroko were the same.
Miho Nakayama was amazing.
Is something wrong?
No, it's nothing.
That scenery.
It looked like the town where I was born.
The town where you were born?
Yeah.
It snows a lot in the winter
like in that movie.
We couldn't even leave the house
on days of heavy snow.
It was boring and stifling...
But that scenery raised me.
I left it all behind.
It's OK.
Thank you, Jimmy.
The movie was really great.
Xi xie.
I think it's time for me to go to bed.
I'm a bit tired.
Good night, Jimmy.
Yes.
See you tomorrow.
KOJI HERE.
Hope we meet again somewhere.
Contact me anytime.
I'll check out Love Letter.
OK.
Take care of yourself.
You too, Jimmy. Bye Bye.
After we parted ways,
I thought I might never see him again.
Friends we never see again.
Scenery we'll never revisit.
But I'll never forget
the time we spent together.
LIU: DID YOU FIND GOOD SCENERY?
JIMMY: I GOT TO SEE SNOW FOR THE FIRSTIME AND MADE A YOUNG FRIEND!
The people we meet on our travels
leave something in our hearts.
I wonder if
I was able to
leave anything in Ami's?
NET CAF
Necaf.
Welcome.
Uh, hi.
Welcome.
The cups are under there.
Yes.
It's all-you-can-drink.
Thank you.
Oh!
What?
Nothing. Never mind.
Come on. Now you have to tell me.
That game...
I made it.
This? Really?
Yes.
You're Jimmy?
No way, you're famous!
Not at all.
Hey, found some wild footage.
No,
don't!
You're interesting, Jimmy.
Look behind that tree there.
- Here?
- Yes.
Whoa, the Soul Stone!
Of course you'd know!
FAY: EVEN SO, THAT'S OK.
JOHAN: ALL RIGHT... WE'LL BE OK.
That was so moving.
You're a genius.
No.
NIIGATA LANTERN FESTIVAL
Oh, the lanterns. Do you know?
Yes, they're famous in Taiwan, too.
You write wishes on them, right?
Yes.
Wait, are you thinking of going?
I might be able to make it.
But it's pretty far away.
Oh, is that so.
Boss,
mind if I help this guy out?
I'm gonna, OK?
It's fine,
nobody's coming anyway.
The car's tiny though, OK?
- Thank you!
- Hang on a sec.
Yes.
Wow, that's some story.
A special moment in your youth.
It really was.
You still can't forget her.
I found my dream thanks to her.
You know, though...
Only a handful of people
can find their dreams
and make them come true.
You're amazing.
No, I'm not amazing at all.
Tadami in Fukushima isn't far from here.
Yes.
I'm thinking of going tomorrow.
Hope you can see her.
Yeah.
But why did you break up with her?
Maybe
the love had never begun
in the first place.
Ami, what's going on?
Jimmy, I've decided to go back to Japan.
Thank you for everything.
I'll finish the mural,
so look forward to it.
A week later is too soon, Ami.
I'm sorry.
Thank you all
for being so good to me.
Ami...
Your Chinese has improved so much!
Well...
We'll miss you,
but we'll have fun until the end.
Right?
Why?
I'm sorry, Jimmy.
My trip is over for now.
Exactly,
why?
There's a lot to being an adult.
Is it for your boyfriend?
Yeah...
That's right.
I see.
I'm happy for you.
FOR AMI
Finished!
It's finished!
- Well done!
- It's beautiful!
Wait. Ami, sign it.
Oh, right.
Yes, sign it.
Not bad!
Boss, that's you!
Oh yeah, on the right.
It's you!
It's great!
It'll be the gem of this place!
Jimmy.
How is it?
Compliment it.
I think it's OK.
Why are you acting like that?
Say more.
Give him a break. He's shy.
Shy? What for?
Jimmy.
What?
Sit.
You look pale.
Like that time you gave up basketball.
Leave me alone.
I was glad, you know?
You started working part-time,
made new friends...
It was great seeing you come alive again.
Oh.
Those kinds of encounters
don't happen often in life.
You only live once,
so don't leave any regrets.
Here,
have some fruit.
Yes?
Ami.
I want to take you somewhere.
Want to listen to Mr.Children?
Sure.
Ami...
Don't go.
Sorry, it's almost over.
It's okay.
- You go, I'll park the car.
- Yes.
Later, then.
So many people here...
Lanterns...
Wow!
Be careful.
What did you write?
I hope to find my dream
and make it come true.
Nice.
And you?
My dream is always the same.
MAY MY TRAVELS NEVER END.
Cool.
Here we go!
OK.
- Got it?
- OK.
I hope I can land a real job
and get a boyfriend this year!
Lower it.
Wait for it to fill up.
Jimmy.
Let's make a promise.
Let's meet again
after we realize our dreams.
Until then,
no matter how hard things become,
we won't give up...
We'll never, ever give up.
OK.
Promise.
Hold the base.
Let go on the count of three.
Get ready.
- Ready?
- Let's do it.
Three...
two,
one.
Jimmy.
Thank you.
MAY OUR TRAVELS CONTINUE.
Here.
Ami.
I'll come visit you.
Xi xie.
You, too.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
- All right.
You drew me thinner than I am.
Thank you, Ami!
Thank you.
Thanks, Ami.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Jimmy, hurry.
FOR AMI
WHAT A GREAT MONTH IT WAS!
TAKE CARE, KARAOKE KOBE
Thank you, everyone.
Jimmy.
See you.
See you.
Come back anytime.
Thank you.
Come see us again.
- Thank you.
- Bye.
- Take care.
- Bye, Ami.
Bye.
Bye.
Goodbye.
Next stop, Tadami. Tadami.
The doors on the right will open.
Tadami, Fukushima.
The town
where Ami was born and raised.
Excuse me.
Yeah?
I'm lost.
I want to go here.
Where?
You know Ami?
Yes.
I see.
It's quite a walk from here.
Want a ride?
What, really?
Yeah.
Thank you.
Hop in.
Oh, yes.
Ami told me so much
about her trip to Taiwan.
I began to feel like I went there myself.
Like how she lost her wallet
and worked at a karaoke joint.
I worked there, too.
Is that so?
Trips are great, aren't they?
She said she was going to Brazil next.
Hard to put into words, but...
God can be so cruel.
Hello?
Jimmy?
Ami.
It's been a while.
It has been a while.
Thank you for your letter.
So you got it. Great.
Winter vacation starts next week.
I want to go to Japan.
Maybe I'll go see the snow in Tadami.
Not yet.
What?
Have you forgotten our promise?
No, but...
And I'm traveling again from next week.
Where to?
The other side of the world.
With my boyfriend.
I see.
I'll write you again. Bye.
Yuko.
You have a visitor.
Coming.
Mr. Nakazato.
Says he's Ami's friend.
He was lost, so I brought him.
Thanks.
He's from Taiwan.
Are you Jimmy, by any chance?
Yes.
So we meet at last.
I'm sorry it took so long.
Thank you for coming from so far.
No.
All this snow must have surprised you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Sorry to come without notice.
Don't be. I'm so glad you came.
I'm amazed at how well you speak Japanese.
Did Ami teach you?
Yes.
And I kept studying after she left.
I see.
She used to say that her shy boyfriend
who is four years younger
was waiting for her in Taiwan.
So she had to hang in there.
Please show her your face.
Yes.
Such a messy room, isn't it?
It's so like her.
She insisted on traveling
despite her condition...
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
...though we told her not to.
Then she suddenly came home
one day and said
she wanted to pursue other treatment
options after all.
Just did whatever she wanted.
She said she wanted to travel
around the world,
but Taiwan ended up being
the only place she went.
LET'S MEET AGAIN AFTER
WE REALIZE OUR DREAMS. FROM JIMMY
She used to say
she was so glad she chose Taiwan,
and seemed so happy until the end.
Here.
BOOK OF TAIWAN
It's for you.
Are you sure?
I think it's a love letter
she left for you.
Traveling solo at last.
Hope to keep drawing pictures
that only I can draw.
First stop, Taiwan. Looking forward to it!
Hello.
Tainan at last!
It's my first visit,
but the scenic city has a nostalgic feel.
Miss, do you want to take a break first?
I'm sorry!
Just a bit more.
I used poe divination.
Wished for a good trip until the end,
but then I lost my wallet.
I don't get it.
Hello!
- The boss.
- Boss.
Boys from the south have mysterious grace.
Happy to work here, Karaoke Kobe!
Jimmy.
I wonder what we'll be like
when we grow older.
I wish this moment would last forever.
So I should just sit still
and wait to die?
You're being selfish, too!
I'm worried about your condition!
I know that!
I know, but...
I'm sorry.
I just need more time.
Ami...
No, wait after you knock!
MOVIE EXCHANGE COUPON
It's OK.
Thank you, Jimmy.
Ami...
Don't go.
Jimmy.
Thank you.
LET'S MEET AGAIN AFTER
WE REALIZE OUR DREAMS. FROM JIMMY
Jimmy?
Ami.
Have you forgotten our promise?
And I'm traveling again from next week.
Where to?
The other side of the world.
With my boyfriend.
I see.
I'll write you again.
Bye.
I wonder if
you've found your dream, Jimmy.
I'm sure you're working hard.
I miss you, Jimmy.
I'll always be rooting
for your dream to come true.
Thank you for coming into my life,
Jimmy.
DEAR AMI
Dear Ami,
This is my first letter to you.
18 long years
have passed since the day
we flew that lantern together.
After you went home,
I went to university in Taipei.
- Bye!
- Visit often!
Taipei was full of all kinds of things,
it was fresh and dazzling,
and I was a bit overwhelmed.
But
I wanted to be someone like you,
the kind of person who inspires others...
What game are you playing?
...so I lived every day earnestly.
It's the same game!
- The same one?
- Yes.
I'm Lin Chia-ming.
Call me Jimmy.
I'm Aaron.
I got into game programming around then
and devoted myself to it.
DRAGON VEIN LEGEND
Awesome!
Couldn't graduate because of that.
Put the whiteboard over there...
This is great!
Help me over here, please.
I became so wrapped up in it that
I had no time to reminisce my past.
Put more heart into it!
- We can do this!
- One more time.
Got my first girlfriend
when I was 25 years old.
I don't want to see you again.
But I was too caught up in my work
so she dumped me after 3 months.
And
when our game was completed,
I called you.
Hello?
Ami.
I was afraid to confront your death.
Losing you
made me lose control,
How many times must I repeat?
and I had to immerse myself in work.
Our company grew and grew,
but I gradually lost all emotion.
I can fix it.
Get up, I'll do it myself.
This is the investor,
Li, I told you about.
We finally meet.
Look here, 1, 2, 3.
Next thing I knew,
I was alone.
Your approach will pile up deficits.
The times are changing.
I founded Jam Games!
That's when your postcard
inspired me to travel.
I remember when you said,
"I wonder what we'll be like
when we grow older."
I met you,
fell in love,
and now...
I'm saying goodbye
to that moment in my youth.
That alone
made this trip meaningful.
AARON: BEST OF LUCK IN THE FUTURE.
SEE YOU.
JIMMY: THANKS, MAN. SEE YOU AROUND.
Like you said,
there doesn't have to be an end goal.
I'll keep traveling.
I'm sorry
it took me so long.
Ami.
Thank you.
How is it?
It's not big,
but enough space
for one.
True.
I'll take it.
Great!
So what's next for you?
I'm not sure yet.
I'll be
on your side no matter what happens...
Maybe.
Maybe?
Really?
KARAOKE KOBE
Jimmy.
Ami.
Subtitle translation by:
Mia Isozaki, Olga Bessarab