Since antiquity, the Japanese people
have lived in awe of nature...
serving as a model for a willing
submission to one's fate...
and unwavering devotion
to forge ahead.
This is what people have called
"finding the way."
The way of tea, of flower arranging,
or of incense.
There is another.
The way of the bath,
"Yudo."
While the paths to perfection
are many...
there is no final destination point.
There is only finding one's own way
through daily life...
through assiduous practice.
It is that pursuit of perfection
that illuminates life itself.
Indeed...
as it is with this story.
Welcome to the way of the bath.
YUDO
Hello?
This is Hosoi.
How'd it go?
They loved our faade design, but...
But?
they were unsure about leaving
the whole building to us.
And so?
We didn't get it.
That figures.
What's more, I'd like to make this
my last month.
You're quitting?
It will free you up to cover
the unpaid office rent.
As you wish.
"Urgent! Unpaid Notice"
"Funeral Service Invitation"
Father, you're on.
Wash behind your neck, Ryuta.
Okay.
Watch it, kid.
Apologize.
You okay, Ryuta?
Your mother isn't teaching you manners!
Now apologize to me.
Is something funny?
Answer me.
Wash behind your neck.
One mustn't disturb others in the bath.
I saw a really cool tattoo in there.
Looks don't make you strong.
What did Dad look like?
Want to see him?
Yeah!
He said he'd come for you
if you're good.
Really?
Yup. If you behave yourself.
I will, I promise!
I'll be good!
No. 1035!
Bath time. Make it quick.
Face forward!
One, two! One, two...
1035! Hurry up!
Yes, Sir.
Time's up!
"440th Anniversary
Bath Item Exhibit"
Got your mail.
I've got something for you.
Here!
What is it?
A rare bath goods set
donated to...
Lord Hideyoshi
by the Ninoyu family.
It's too good for me.
Think of it as a fateful encounter
at an opportune time.
- Opportune?
- Retirement pay.
It's not going to be very much.
Didn't you order a cypress bathtub?
Just the catalog.
Indulge yourself.
You're already on the YUDO path.
I do dream of a cypress bath.
Then how about this?
An Edo period drinking cup
with the Ninoyu family crest.
You know I can't afford it.
"Real Estate"
We anticipate a wonderful plan.
I'll try.
Thank you.
Boss, we're going to make money
on this one.
Marukin Hot Springs.
Any condo units we build there
will sell at a premium!
"Marukin Hot Spring Bathhouse"
Hello?
Who are you?
I should be asking you.
Akiyama... Izumi Akiyama.
Are you Goro's girlfriend?
No way!
I'm a resident part-timer.
Well, hurry and open up.
I'll scream.
You're in my room!
I'm the landlord here.
Goro Miura is.
I'm his big brother, Shiro.
Never heard of you.
I'm a Tokyo architect, while Goro runs
a shabby country bathhouse.
Embarrassing difference, I guess.
Being an architect isn't embarrassing.
Very funny.
Hey, put out the sign!
Okay, I'm on it!
Time to reunite with my
lackluster brother.
"Closed"
"Open"
There.
- Good afternoon!
- Afternoon.
We're open!
Take this.
This is hard-to-get chocolate.
I don't like sweets.
Perfect then.
It's 80% cacao so it's bitter.
Why're you here?
Cold. I came back because
I was worried about you.
You didn't even come to Dad's funeral.
I was very busy then.
Now you're not?
Is running a bathhouse fun?
I can't understand
what you see in it.
Enough is enough already.
- Welcome.
- Welcome!
Hi Goro.
You're the first, so sing away.
That's what I came for.
What's this?
Nice to see you.
I'm Goro's big brother.
If a cute one like you sat here,
female customers will increase.
Must be hard dealing with
clientele like that.
Are you in trouble?
What?
Why would you suddenly return?
No, I'm fine.
- It looks bad.
- Why?
Running back here for help
when you're in a fix.
Please don't fight you two
Break open the peace pipe instead
I'm not worth fighting over, please
Don't let up!
Are you open?
Sure, come on in.
What would you like?
Saraudon, please.
Wait, you look really familiar.
Are you a Miura?
Correct.
Shiro? No way!
My, how cosmopolitan you look!
You look so different!
Tokyo success changes you.
Not at all.
Why'd you miss your dad's funeral?
Work was really busy.
Goro took care of everything
all by himself.
Look, it's Shiro Miura.
He's home.
One saraudon.
Fire's turned off. I'm on break.
- What do you mean?
- I'll come back.
He gets more stubborn with age.
Forgive me.
How long can you afford to
stay this time?
I'm dealing with Dad's estate.
I'll come back soon.
Please do.
Problem?
Wasn't it you who was angry at him
for not coming to the funeral?
It's hard to hate him after
seeing his face.
Hey, no drinking beer!
- Just one, please!
- No!
Welcome.
Welcome, Professor!
Please allow me to guide you!
Who is that?
Hot springs critic Yoichi Ota.
An expert?
"Natural Springs or Bust!
- Yoichi Ota"
The one man you don't want to upset.
- There's our grand bath.
- Show me it first.
There is where an inn's philosophy
is revealed.
With pleasure!
My briefcase.
You shouldn't drink that!
Don't you know my motto?
"Natural Springs or Bust!"
"Natural Springs or Bust," yes.
Now check me out.
I haven't the time to waste
soaking in circulated bath water.
Wait, Sir. I beg you!
Don't touch me, filth!
Please Professor,
give us a chance.
I implore you!
Lord Hot Springs!
Isn't that Yoichi Ota?
"Natural Springs or Bust?"
- Hello.
- Hello.
While my master recuperates...
I shall oversee your instruction
once again today.
Here.
Today's scroll is
"Warm water, warm heart."
Penned by 14th generation
Ninoyu family master, Kunka.
This creed forms the foundation
of the way of the bath. In short...
one must never forget
the spirit of the apprentice.
Today is the fifth meeting since
Mr. Yokoyama joined our ranks.
I shall now demonstrate the
proper steps of bathing.
"Step 1: Pray"
"Step 2: Moisten"
"Step 3: Disrobe"
"Step 4: Acclimate"
"Step 5: Bathe"
"Step 6: Assimilate"
Value each drop, and be still
upon reaching the brim.
The 16th master named it
"Stopping at the Brink."
In this way, by Ninoyu tradition...
a new practice is then conceived
and announced.
In other words...
the way of the bath keeps evolving
through its enlightened bathers.
Any questions?
Mr. Yokoyama.
Is the method also essential
when bathing alone?
A wonderful question.
Remember the words:
"Solitary self-control."
It is only when out of view
of others that one is truly tested.
It is why bathing could become
an art form.
Once the body is warm, rise from
the bath and douse with water.
This is called "ablution."
With spirit firmed by hot and cold,
relax in the breeze.
You are thus a step closer to the way.
Hand towels come in blue, black
and red ranks.
Dear!
About your retirement allowance...
Happiness you can buy...
I vote for sister's wedding.
And Maika's graduation trip.
Mom wants a kimono.
But that all puts us a bit over budget.
Happiness can be found
in a variety of things.
Is fixing the bath necessary?
The bath is one.
I mean, we might move soon.
Build your bath then.
I've something to say.
It's not about size.
I've worked myself to the bone
for this family for 40 years...
without a single luxury
except for the single hobby of bathing.
It can become the greatest bath
of your life.
Whenever I sit in the bath,
a little happiness is born.
The bath lets me dream. It gives me hope.
The path lets you dream
and gives you hope.
We're just kidding.
- We'll stick with your plan.
- A great new bath!
Cypress is beyond budget, though.
Dedication to the path may prove
challenging at times.
Put out the sign!
I'll handle the rest. Enter.
"Open"
We're open!
Can I help you?
Marukin... Hot Springs?
Have a bathe.
You can fool a novice, but not me.
This is not a hot spring.
No, it's well water.
Such flagrant deception.
It's nothing but a public bath
disguised as a hot spring?
The terms used to be used
interchangeably.
I don't care what "used to be."
This is not a hot spring.
Repaint your sign outside, now!
Over 95% of houses in Japan
now have bathrooms.
It's a mystery public bathhouses
still exist.
What a strange man.
Hello.
Welco...
What now?
I need a towel.
- Bathing?
- Can't I?
- Tattoos?
- None.
- They're okay.
- Why ask then?
- Dishonored your parents?
- No.
- Prove it.
- I've returned, haven't I?
Your change.
Not yet!
You haven't properly washed.
Hot!
Cold!
Cool it down any more
and we'll all catch cold.
Cold!
Yes!
Too hot!
Great bathwater today, Izumi.
Thanks.
Nothing beats a beer after a bath.
Really? I wouldn't know.
- Thanks, Izumi.
- Thank you.
Hey Shiro.
Nothing beats a beer after a bath.
- I want one!
- No way!
Thank you.
Who is that gray old fox?
I can't disclose client information.
Thank you.
Welcome.
As the owner here, I'd like to know
more about it.
To help Goro, too.
In short, you want to work here?
- I didn't say that.
- Bath hermit.
Bath hermit?
He brings us scrap wood.
In exchange, we let him bathe for free.
A hermit with no desires but bath.
You mean a weirdo like you.
How am I weird?
You work happily in a place like this.
I love the bathhouse.
What's to love?
You're the son of a bathhouse owner!
That's exactly why I don't get it.
You serve bums pulling wagons.
A bathhouse son gets made fun of.
You work late, get up at dawn
and still you're poor.
You serve people and get nothing back.
We should've quit this years ago.
My dad didn't love this.
He was just scared to quit.
Then leave.
Stop looking for a fight, Bro.
It's how I am.
I'll be using a vacant room.
My room's occupied by a stranger.
He wants to work with us.
Start by cleaning the tile,
then dressing rooms.
And unloading wood.
- Now just hold on.
- Thank you!
Viva the bathhouse!
How is it, Professor?
I rank it 63!
So will it make next year's list?
I think it will. Don't you agree?
Yes indeed.
Can I pencil you in for
a radio interview?
I prefer writing to talking.
It's okay.
You're a fun talker.
Professor, I have another idea
that needs your consent.
What's that?
Make your next book about
public bathhouses.
Public bathhouses? Me?
Yeah, as a surprise!
They are an anachronism.
How they still exist is a mystery!
A mystery, that's perfect!
You can solve the mystery!
You mean I would be a mystery hunter?
Awesome. Let's do it.
I can't wait!
You're so brash, as always.
Back to the office.
Workaholic.
Let's go over this again.
After disrobing, then what?
Do not enter the bath right away.
Wash your body thoroughly first.
And don't wear a towel into the bath.
Yes, I know!
My dad is very strict about this.
Don't worry. I've got this.
Looking good in that, Ado!
Thanks. I'm a man of Japan.
Your Japanese is good.
Where's Dad?
He'll be here soon.
Let's go without him.
You too, Ado. Take your bath.
Understood. We'll meet in the flesh.
30 minutes.
Father!
Intolerable!
Ow, my back!
Your body won't last doing this daily.
What's your point?
How long will you stick with this?
I've got an idea.
Bring that wood, will ya?
Ow, ow, ow! Damn it!
Imagine two people preparing for
a confrontation.
What can bridge their differences?
Nothing less than a bath.
The happiness upon entering...
melts away all conflict and concern,
rendering it meaningless.
Our master described this in a poem.
"A good bath begets harmony."
This maxim was used at a famous
bath sitting in 1983.
Does anyone know?
Mr. Yokoyama?
The Ron-Yasu summit at the Hinode Inn.
Well done.
Japan's Prime Minister...
famously invited the US President
to a mountain retreat summit.
And on that day...
nobody reported that the two
followed our master's steps.
They used two cypress baths
from the minister's hometown.
Two of them sat
1.0923 centimeters apart...
shrinking a 10,923-km distance
between Washington and Tokyo...
to nearly an infinitesimal gap.
In this stylishly vulnerable
yet pleasant setting...
the two leaders bonded.
In short...
the way of the bath laid a foundation
for US-Japan relations.
We're open.
- Welcome.
- Okay?
- Sing away.
- Better than a karaoke box.
Natural acoustics.
I used to sing in the bath with my son.
I didn't know you had a son.
He has a lovely voice.
So he's a singer?
He lives far away,
but he's coming home soon.
He works overseas?
- Something like that.
- Bring him.
I'll consider it. Here.
Thank you.
Are you open?
Yes, come in.
Do you mind singing?
That's marvelous technique.
You must be an expert.
True "solitary self-control."
Where do you practice?
Practice?
This place is my family home.
Oh, I see. That would explain it.
It certainly would.
This is my first time here.
I am renovating my bath.
But I'm glad I came. I will return.
Why don't you sit here instead?
You're useless
in the boiler room.
Shall I crochet a lap blanket?
No, thanks.
Who is that?
First-timer, I think.
- Welcome.
- Where's my girlfriend?
Girlfriend?
How unsightly at your age.
Sorry it's me.
I'm happy about it.
900 yen for two.
Get it from him.
You can pay sometimes.
I only need to bathe every other day.
That's why you stink.
Sorry to offend you.
I'm leaving.
Fine, I'll pay. I'll pay, all right?
- How long?
- 50 minutes.
- That's too long. Make it 30.
- 45.
- 35 minutes.
- 40 then.
Let's settle for 37 minutes.
You're such a pain in the a*s.
Who's doing that? Mr. Horii?
Yeah, his wife's impatient.
She'll do it again.
See?
Let's see, the milk is 110 yen.
The fruit drink is...
120 yen.
So the total is...
270 yen change.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Here's your usual.
Thanks, Dear.
Ah, that hits the spot.
You were right, Dear.
Nothing beats the bathhouse.
I told you.
Thanks for the lovely bathe.
You're so sexy after a bath.
Come again!
Welcome!
- Here you go.
- Thanks.
How's the taste?
Heavenly.
Never tasted better.
Not too salty? The old man's
taste buds are going.
- Say what?
- He says it's delicious.
Honestly, it's amazing.
Join me in a beer if you wish.
I'd love to.
No, no, no, he's got gout.
Beer is prohibited.
Prohibited?
Take these leftovers.
A bathhouse is tiring work.
Don't be shy.
Eat to your heart's content.
You're listening to DJ Flow's
"Soak up the Night!"
How are "yu" (bath) everybody?
Good evening to 120 million
lovely bathers out there.
I'm your hot, bath-loving
DJ Flow coming to you live.
With your weekly aurally
relaxing bath time.
Where are you listening from now?
Your home? The Office?
Or with someone special?
I'd eat a rice cake first.
With bean jam!
Bean jam's best as "taiyaki."
Sweets are for girly men.
Give me grilled eel on rice.
The liver, too!
- If it's carbs, rice curry!
- With pork cutlet!
Pork cutlet!
Hey, you there.
Aren't you getting out soon?
Why're you in here?
as*ault. I stabbed my dad.
You don't look violent.
He dumped my mom. I snapped.
You must have decided...
what you'll have for that
commemorative first meal.
I have.
The freedom to eat what you want.
That's happiness.
So tell us. What will you eat first?
Coffee milk.
Coffee milk.
Quiet!
I'm afraid we're about out of time.
Next week, a super cool guest.
Hot springs critic Yoichi Ota...
will bring us cool tales from his
upcoming book on public baths.
You and your big city ideas!
A coin shower on the 1st floor
might convince the locals.
We can start the paperwork now.
It's still
in the conception stage.
Sign the contract, design it later.
I should tell my kid brother first.
Your brother?
From the bathhouse?
He may not comprehend this.
What's more, you're the eldest.
Let me think on it.
Where'd you go, Mr. Shiro?
Is Goro in back?
Probably.
Remember how Dad used to
force us to help?
It's time we talked about...
what to do with this place?
What do you mean?
Well I gave it a shot for a while...
but this business has no future.
Customers are dwindling
inheritance tax is high.
But I've found the best path.
Don't pick now to interfere.
You really remind me of Dad
with that.
Someone offers some advice,
and you turn a deaf ear.
He wouldn't even leave work
to visit Mom in the hospital.
You didn't even
come to Dad's funeral!
It's not the same. My work was
a different scale.
This is just busy work.
We'll sell this and build condos.
You can live in one of them.
The first floor will have coin showers
for current customers.
The real estate agent
calls it brilliant.
It must feel nice...
for a failed architect
to receive such flattery.
You idiot!
I'll show you!
Watch it! Dangerous!
What the heck's going on?
Stop your fighting!
I'll k*ll you!
That's enough. Knock it off!
Watch out!
You're getting water everywhere!
Ow, ow, ow!
That's enough!
Soak these!
Goro, here!
Fire extinguisher!
I'll get it!
Found it!
Goro!
The burns are luckily minor.
He'll be out in a few days.
- Thank God.
- Thank you.
Do you have a health insurance card?
Probably back at the home.
Bring it tomorrow.
Your work isn't going too well, is it?
- Why say that?
- He was worried.
Who was?
Goro.
What, he told you that?
He didn't have to.
I could tell by his face.
Do you love him?
It's not like that.
Why work here, then? There are
plenty of better jobs.
I used to work for a fashion company.
As soon as spring-summer ended,
we'd work on fall-winter.
I was always chasing trends.
I found myself blabbering about
designs I knew nothing about...
and it made me feel empty inside.
I got physically ill.
I know the feeling.
No, you don't. A successful architect
wouldn't know.
I'm not.
What? But you won all those awards.
When I was in a design office.
Not when I went solo.
It turns out my success was all
thanks to my boss.
So why the bathhouse?
After I quit my job, I went to
my grandma's in the countryside.
The moment I stepped into her bath,
I was saved.
Saved how?
It's hard to explain.
But when people are naked,
they're all equals.
Things like fads and titles...
none of that seems to matter.
It made me want to...
live more freely and at ease.
Before I knew it, I was sobbing.
On top of that, the bath just felt
so darn good.
The bathhouse in particular
is spacious and comforting.
You see people at their gentlest.
For a few hundred yen,
you get a total reset.
Are there others?
People who felt saved like you did?
I'm sure of it. People who want
to keep the bathhouse, too.
"Clean heart, innocent mind"
Today, I'm glad to bring you
very good news.
Our master's rehabilitation
is coming along very well.
Today, he will demonstrate technique.
Soak in a bath, wash the heart,
and return to innocence.
I ask you to burnish in your hearts
the way of our master.
I once prepared a bath
for the American president.
But I wonder whether I conveyed
the goodness of the bath to him.
Frankly, I wasn't sure I had.
Then again, he came from
"Wash"-ington DC.
My mission is to create
a peaceful world through bath.
It is the means by which I bring
a smile to people's faces.
It is okay to laugh.
Now then.
"Garment drawing"
The rite of purification!
Ah, to witness the master's
legendary steps.
The garment drawing.
Garment drawing?
"Bathe"
Immersion purification!
"Closed"
There it is.
"Photos"
"Shiro Miura"
Yes!
Take this precious moment to ask
our master a question. Anyone?
Go ahead, Mr. Yokoyama.
Your clean mind rite was very moving.
If you don't mind, would you be
willing to share with us...
your greatest bath ever.
When my father passed, my brother
left home, leaving me all alone.
I felt lost.
Students dwindled, and the way
of the bath felt like it would fade.
Was there any value in continuing
the way of the bath?
In search of an answer, I climbed
Mt. Atago to the Fire God altar.
But regrettably, I could find
no satisfying answers there.
Resolved to quit, I descended
the mountain but got lost.
With a heavy heart and physically
fatigued, I then happened upon...
a small tea house in the woods.
The bath to which I was led...
became the greatest of my life.
What made it so wonderful?
Only those who entered would know.
It all happened some 20 years ago.
Could you tell us the name?
The Crimson Teahouse.
Pinch hitter?
No, I've decided to close down
for a while.
Don't do business to suit yourself.
"Bathing is happiness.
- Jiro, Mitsumi, Shiro"
I'll show you how to heat a bath.
I haven't stared into
a burning fire in a long time.
My memories of my father
are always in profile.
He never turned from the flame,
to look into his kids' eyes.
The temperature is set by a fixed ratio...
of hot and cold.
It's at 41.
We need it 2 degrees hotter.
43? Isn't that a bit too hot?
That hasn't changed since your dad.
What personal meaning does
the bath have for you?
The bath is the Sun.
It's the Sun?
Even in the cloudiest skies...
the Sun shines brightly above it.
It's something like that.
I kind of get it, but kind of don't.
I leave the rest to you.
Are you serious?
We're open!
I'm thrilled to visit a bath
with you, Father.
You don't deserve to call me Father yet.
I studied and won't embarrass
you again.
Let me see then.
What does this "wa" character mean?
"Waiteiru", or the water is hot.
"Nu" means it's drained.
So you did study.
All right, then, let's bathe.
- Yes, Father!
- Don't call me that!
Don't be a wimp.
Why is it this hot?
This is a Japanese public bath.
Japanese are tough!
I won't give my daughter to
a man who fears the bath.
Things are lively today.
Our bath seems too hot for
our foreign guest.
It's a shame not to appreciate it.
You've done good.
Now you're a real Japanese man.
- Father?
- Yes, Son?
Come bathe with me.
Are you a way of the bath instructor?
Oh no. I'm studying to be one, though.
Is there a bath you wish to visit?
I can think of many hot springs.
But I'm most eager to soak
in my own renovated bath.
Don't tell me. Cypress?
I gave up on that.
Oh wait. There is one.
Where?
The bath my master claims is best.
Tell me! I want to know!
He only told us the story.
Oh crap!
Cheers!
God, that's good.
This is yours.
- What for?
- The watch seat tomorrow.
You suck at heating the water.
- Harsh.
- What happened?
People complained of near burns.
Ah, another beer then?
Yes, please.
Why don't you join us in one?
Absolutely not.
Fetch another beer.
What's that banging?
Secret marital code.
Don't make it sound so cool.
Once means "Yes",
three times mean "No chance."
Very simple.
But all our regular couples use it.
For what?
To signal each other when
they're ready to leave.
The first to go hits the bucket
twice to ask.
The response then is one tap
for "Okay" and 3 for "Not yet."
That explains the sound I keep hearing.
The echo tub is our trademark.
Yes!
Nothing beats a beer after a bath.
- What?
- Nothing.
Excuse me.
Hello?
This is Hosoi.
What's up?
A call from Kobayashi Construction.
Just ignore it.
You've moved on.
Yes, but they want to reconsider
using you.
They want to meet you tomorrow.
It's your big chance!
Hello? Can you hear me?
You're back with DJ Flow's
"Soak up the Night!"
Let me introduce our super cool
special guest.
Hot springs critic Yoichi Ota!
Hello. My name is Ota.
I've got so many questions.
First, after preaching the
supremacy of natural hot springs...
why is the theme of your next book
public bathhouses?
To be honest, my view hasn't
changed in the least.
I do not recognize its value
in modern times.
But I'm curious why a thing with
no future is not yet extinct.
It is an unsolved mystery.
And so I thought from my
own professional vantage point...
I might try to solve it.
Interesting.
I too would be very curious
to learn what you discover.
Move forward.
It so happens our listeners have
sent lots of cool bathhouse info.
Don't return.
Our first letter comes from
bath name alias, "Mr. Dragon."
Returning home after 3 years,
I'll head straight to the bathouse.
The place is run by a crabby old man.
But the kindling-heated bath
of well water is the best.
We're open!
The customers are all
wonderful people.
And it warms my heart to go there.
I highly recommend you
to try it once, Mr. Ota.
That is one cool and warm story.
How about it, Mr. Ota?
I could stomach going once.
Welcome.
"Coffee milk
120 yen"
Forgot your change.
I'd like another.
- Hi Shiro.
- Hello.
Are you new here?
Where's the old man?
He died... two months ago.
No way.
Don't tell me he's...
Her son?
You're out!
Welcome back, Mr. Goro!
Thanks.
You lost weight. It looks good.
You're looking okay yourself.
I always look good, come on.
He even learned
to heat the water.
What a surprise.
Don't look so glum.
- I thought you'd be pleased.
- I am.
Here. Let's make a toast.
Midday?
We're celebrating.
Okay... welcome home, Goro!
Cheers!
What is wrong?
- I'm sorry.
- For what?
For burning
your hard thought plan.
Forget about it.
It made sense.
Goro, drink up.
I came to my senses in there.
Our customer base is dwindling.
There are hot springs nearby.
I wonder if Marukin is needed
by the town anymore.
It is!
Thanks, but we've done enough.
No, it'll make your father sad.
On the contrary.
Is that Dad's will?
He always regretted not being
at Mom's deathbed.
Then why wasn't he?
Mom told him not to come.
She said to mind the customers.
In his will, he asks us to close
the place down and sell it.
You're lying.
He couldn't have meant it.
"Dear Shiro and Goro...
The bathhouse is a relic.
Sell it and go live your lives. - Dad"
Dad knew better than anyone
the hardships of this work.
When he died, I kept it going
out of my own ego probably.
You told me the opposite,
that this was all for the customers.
Well, this is my true feeling.
Say something, Shiro.
This settles it.
Everything.
Didn't I warn you that you couldn't
make a proper living from this?
You'd really close this place?
My work in Tokyo is getting
busy again, so I'm relieved.
Say something, Goro.
When do we close?
The sooner the better.
End of the month?
This month?
I suppose so.
We don't need these anymore.
What? Hold on!
Not these, either.
Don't do that!
There's one more thing.
Izumi?
Izumi, I'm opening the door.
Izumi, I'm coming in.
Welcome.
- Open?
- Of course.
The sign's out.
But it says "Nu."
The fire...
is going out.
Oh, sorry.
The flower is wilting.
Oh, sorry.
Give me change.
For two, a million yen.
A million, huh?
Here's a million yen.
Did Izumi run off or something?
What makes you say that?
Isn't it obvious?
The fans aren't running.
Nothing's in order.
- What a mess!
- Sorry!
- Bottles everywhere.
- It's just today.
Temperature!
One leaves
and it all falls apart.
270 yen is your change.
That's for her.
Oh. Thank you.
Where's your wife?
You only realize your happiness
when you lose it.
Her wake was
day before yesterday.
It still feels like she's bathing
on the other side of the wall.
Coming here lets me meet her.
Great bath as always.
Thank you.
Stop me from buying two next time.
She and I soaked in many
different baths all over.
Maybe I'll revisit them.
Nah, that would be pitiful.
It's absolutely perfect idea!
Really?
Take care!
Thank you for everything!
Thanks for 42 great years.
I'm home!
"The girls will be late tonight."
- Thanks for the food!
- Thank you.
What, are you closed?
No, come on in.
- Pardon me.
- I'll take that.
- Here.
- Thanks.
Where's Izumi?
- Today, she's...
- She's gone.
Goro!
What happened?
We made her angry, I guess.
Maybe it was after that.
After what?
I told her about my master's
best bath in his life.
She seemed extremely interested.
She made me tell her where it was.
- She's there.
- What's the name?
A place called the Crimson Teahouse.
What if Izumi had never showed up?
Would you...
have quit sooner?
I may have quit.
Or I may have kept at it.
Which is it?
The one thing I can say is...
it's because of her that you
and I are talking like this.
You have a point.
Dear.
This is it.
Anyone there?
Has a young female guest
come by recently?
A guest?
We've been out of business
for many years now.
- I see.
- I'm sorry.
Wait!
We've heard the bath here is wonderful.
Our bath? Really?
It's a Goemon bath.
I haven't seen one in years.
Old fashioned, right?
Pardon me, but...
may we bathe in it?
- Now?
- Yes.
Sure, but it's not a convenient
thing to work.
- That's okay.
- Can you heat it?
This is our profession.
We run a public bathhouse.
I'm Goro Miura.
I'm Shiro Miura.
We need more.
You and your big mouth.
You said we were professionals.
I expected at least running water.
This was normal procedure
for people long ago.
Is that all?
How many trips will we need?
- Maybe five?
- That many?
We also need kindling.
Let's split up.
Okay, I'll go find some.
- No, I'll go.
- Rock, paper, scissors.
Hello.
Welcome back.
Someone here?
A couple of odd customers.
They want to take a bath.
A bath?
They run a bathhouse.
You're doing it all wrong!
You'll just burn out the fire.
Just check the temperature.
- That's enough.
- Fine.
Well?
Looks good.
This is amazing!
So cramped yet feels so good!
It was worth 5 hours of prep.
It's amazing we can heat a bath now
with one press of a button.
This gratitude I feel is surely
the way of the bath.
Mr. Yokoyama would be so jealous.
I was thinking...
how strange the bath hermit is.
He suddenly appeared one day.
But Dad really trusted him.
He sometimes speaks with maxims, too.
To him, a bath is the Sun.
Wait, those are Dad's words.
It warms the heart like the Sun.
How long will they stay in there?
What is it?
Maybe Dad was actually a poet.
I have newfound respect.
Dinner's ready!
How was your bath today?
Sublime!
The foundation of Japanese aesthetics...
is nature itself.
We revere and appreciate it.
We accept it all as a model
for how we lead our lives.
Happiness is not pursued.
It is realized.
In the smallest pleasures lies
the richness of life.
That is the reason the way
of the bath exists.
And who must practice that way?
It goes without saying.
You must do it.
Yudo!
You do!
She's no guest.
She's my granddaughter.
I see your point.
We should've said her name.
You must leave after dinner.
There are bears.
I'm lying.
You came all this way for this
impudent girl?
You have my gratitude.
So how was the mountain bath?
The best bathe ever.
A brand-new experience.
What makes it so different?
There's nothing special about it.
You take water from the heavens
and wood from the hills.
Humans are only needed for fire.
The rest is thanks to nature.
Gratitude is happiness.
"Bathing is happiness"
The Sun labors half a day rising
in the east without rest...
before sinking in the western sky.
I look at the laundry drying
so crisply in the wind...
and turn to face the setting Sun
at the end of each day...
to give thanks and show
my appreciation.
Eat up.
Thank you.
You must go back with them, Dear.
Why should I? They're quitting.
We want to do it like usual,
right to the end...
meticulously, diligently,
but in the usual way.
And we need to part properly
with our regulars.
Izumi?
You must express your thanks.
Perhaps I bathed too long.
You just need to rest.
There isn't time for that.
I must figure out who will
inherit the Ninoyu family.
Will you?
I'm not entitled to accept it.
And yet I need to make a decision soon.
Time's running out.
Don't think weak thoughts.
Where the heck were you?
You're late!
- I'm sorry.
- Izumi!
Welcome back.
Sorry to worry you.
- Sorry.
- We'll get started now.
Bring kindling.
We're open!
Come in!
Thank God.
This feels great!
The best.
Right here?
I must say
it has a pretty cool faade.
- Welcome.
- Welcome!
Who's he?
DJ Flow,
a superstar among bath fans.
- What's he doing?
- Looking in a mirror.
He might be just a narcissist.
Is he still doing it?
Yeah.
What is it?
It's nothing.
Come on, tell me.
Pardon me.
Father, is this proper etiquette?
Keep quiet.
Yes!
Welcome.
- Hello!
- Miss Izumi!
You were right about
her destination.
Really?
The Crimson Teahouse?
I'm so glad. How was the bath?
It was...
- something you'll see for yourself.
- Come on!
- I'll guide you anytime.
- Thanks.
"Yu..."
Shall I heat water?
Right away.
Heat the bath!
Right away.
How is it?
Everything's fine now.
I heard that can opening!
Are you sneaking in a beer
behind my back?
No, don't jump to conclusions.
By the way, you smell lovely.
Don't change the subject!
You'll only make me angrier.
. I wish I had someone to fight with.
There you are.
Izumi, take my place, will ya?
You haven't been around
so we came to see you.
Yes, I was thinking about dropping by.
Perfect, then we'll take a quick bath
and talk afterwards.
I'll pay together. Two, please.
1,300 yen.
300 more.
That's exact.
Thank you. Enjoy.
Empty bottle?
Welcome.
- How much?
- We're not a hot spring...
- I don't care!
- 450 yen.
Keep the change.
Thank you.
Who's he?
Hot springs critic
Professor Yoichi Ota.
Professor?
Famous in hot springs circles.
450 yen?
It seems fitting.
Can I help you?
You are?
I work here.
How can you possibly turn a profit
doing this in these times?
Never mind.
I can understand selling
"heated water" as "hot springs."
Here is my card.
"Natural Springs or Bust!"
I was thinking of allowing
this place to be in my next book.
As a relic of the Showa period.
My book will immortalize you
as history.
How about that?
- Listen here...
- Professor Ota?
I'm honored to see you, Sir.
You are?
A bath lover and avid reader
of your work.
I appreciate that.
I'm awed in the presence of the
advocate of "Natural Springs or Bust!"
Are you?
Yes, but I have just one observation.
Compared to your keen eye
for best bathing experiences...
I believe we are happier because
every bath is wonderful to us.
To us, this is not a Showa era relic.
Rather, it is a bath
essential to the future.
You know nothing of good water.
Simply heated groundwater
has no value.
You're the one who knows nothing.
This bathhouse uses firewood
to heat spring water.
Cold or hot, it's the same.
Stop talking and bathe!
The water here's so good...
it makes you forget all of your
husband's annoying traits.
- That's irrelevant.
- Shut up!
A radio listener said I should be here,
but I've wasted my time.
It's me who wrote it.
How can you call it a waste
when you haven't bathed?
Get in and start singing.
There's nothing better.
This is where I have heart-to-hearts
with my father-in-law.
I'm proud of you, son!
The taste of cold milk after
a hot bath is unbeatable.
You see, everyone's made
beautiful memories here.
All linked by a shared bath.
The bonds forged here will remain
long after Marukin is gone.
Gone?
Thank you, Sir...
for making me understand...
my dad's motto of
"Bathing is happiness."
And for reminding me of
the value of this place.
This is not a relic of the past!
Do you know what the essence
of bathing is?
It's got little to do with
what's in the water.
It's a cleansing of the heart.
Wash the heart, return to
innocence, deepen bonds.
Water never discriminates!
You don't belong here.
You won't be around much longer!
Life is meaningless without "Yu", Sir.
This is why I can't quit
the public bathhouse.
Milk after a bath.
It's super cool.
What's with you?
Agreeing like that.
So did you.
Really, we did.
- The hotter, the better.
- Now you understand.
Thank you all for defending the place.
We just said what we believed.
- Exactly.
- What do critics know?
Not a thing.
Shall we go home?
How about a beer?
Nice try, but absolutely not!
- Thanks.
- Goodbye.
Are you studying the way?
Yes, Sir.
I see. The way of the bath.
Pardon me.
Too much, Maika!
I'm home!
Hello Dear.
- What a waste.
- Reuse it.
The bath's ready, Dear.
Construction finishes tomorrow.
They finished early.
I just went to the bathhouse.
What's another bath for a bath lover?
Your commemorative first bathe.
Well... okay, then.
"Kunmei Ninoyu"
Hey!
It can't be.
Thank you.
All ready.
Thank you!
Who're you?
Has it been 30 years?
Master.
It's Kiyoshi.
Kiyoshi?
I'm his one and only kid brother.
- But Master.
- Quiet. It's okay.
Master, no!
What are you doing?
Stop that please!
Unhand him. What do you plan to do?
- Stop it.
- What's going on?
- What are you doing?
- Stop!
Oh my God!
Master!
Feel good?
Big brother...
what is the way of the bath?
It's just a bath.
Why revere it as philosophy?
It is an illusion.
An illusion?
No matter what people
may believe or do...
the truth lies always inside oneself.
Oh, how I love the bath after all.
Thank you!
What an exhausting day.
I know. Let's all bathe together.
Together?
I knew it. Marukin is the best!
As good as the Crimson Teahouse!
Absolutely.
This feeling is indescribable.
It's your father watching over you.
No, it's thanks to Goro's hard work.
Take the credit.
Nah, I'm still learning.
Then is this the right decision?
To quit while you're still learning?
What would Dad say?
You two brothers there,
what're you whispering about?
Big brother?
I clearly heard you admit that
this place wasn't a relic.
Well you admitted to understanding
"Bathing is happiness."
If that man hadn't shown up,
it might be different.
What will it be?
Keep Marukin going?
This is called the "echo tub."
A new method for the way of the bath.
The 17th generation master,
Kunsei Ninoyu.
From this point forward...
I intend to open up a new
way of the bath.
If someone asks "What is a bath?"
I will answer, "It is the Sun..."
shining its light upon the inner soul.
I would now like to convey
that feeling to you in a phrase.
"Yu" are my sunshine!
Toma Ikuta
Gaku Hamada
Kanna Hashimoto
Yoshimi Tendo
Chris Hart
Keiko Toda
Susumu Terajima
Atsugiri Jason
Kazuyuki Asano
Takashi Sasano
Kazuko Yoshiyuki
Eiji Wentz
Nao Asahi
Zen Kajihara
Yosuke Omizu
Keiko Horiuchi
Kanna Mori
Tomoko Fujita
Meru Nukumi
Fumiyo Kohinata
Kotaro Yoshida
Masataka Kubota
Mari Natsuki
Takuzo Kadono
Akira Emoto
Executive Producers
Toru Ota, Keiko Julie Fujishima, Minami Ichikawa,
Shoji Doyama, Toshiaki Nakazawa, Junpei Kawakami,
Masanori Yumiya, Kundo Koyama
Planned and Written by
Kundo Koyama
Producers
Hiroki Wakamatsu, Kazutoshi Wadakura,
Kensuke Zushi, Toshinori Yamaguchi, Tatsuya Kato
Line Producer
Kensei Mori
Music by Naoki Sato
Director of Photography
Shoji Ehara(J.S.C)
Lighting by
Takashi Sugimoto
Art Director
Yoji Abeki
Recording by
Susumu Take
Art Coordinator
Kazuharu Tsuboi
Art Decoration
Keita Gohara, Joji Takehara
Edited by
Takuya Taguchi
A Fuji Television Network, J Storm, Toho,
NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan LLC, Sedic International,
Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, JR East Marketing & Communications
and N35 International Presentation
Directed by Masayuki Suzuki
Hail baths!
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Yudo: The Way of the Bath (2023)
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