Keeper of the Camphor Tree, The (2026)

[bunniefuu]

Are you Mister Toshiaki Saji?

Yes?

SAJI CONSTRUCTIONS

I have been expecting you.

Ah, so you're the new hire.

I am Mr. Naoi. Nice to meet you.

Now...

I pray from the bottom of my heart that

your thoughts reach the Camphor Tree.

Thanks.

What a beautiful full moon.

I have a good feeling about tonight.

CAMPHOR TREE PRAYER PATH ENTRANCE

TSUKISATO SHRINE

THE KEEPER OF THE CAMPHOR TREE

TAKUMIYA CAFE

Please make sure you can resume work

5 minutes before your break ends.

Naoi, a word.

GOLD-LEAF SIBERIA

What do you mean I'm fired?

Gold leaf is missing

from the food storage unit that you manage.

It's your responsibility.

But I've only been in charge of it

for a week.

It doesn't matter

if it's been a week or a month,

the person responsible

takes responsibility.

You're not going to find

who actually took it?

You don't get to talk back to me.

Do I get severance pay?

Huh? Don't be an idiot.

You won't even get paid for this month.

What? Is that even allowed?

Just be glad we're not pressing charges.

At this rate,

Gondo will end up as the next president.

But I can't just randomly

become president.

My apologies. We're leaving now.

Come on. Let's go.

Lame.

Excuse us.

You don't need to come back in.

Get out of the company dorm

within three days.

What was that! Damn it!

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

We'll give you a discount!

Have some. Aren't you hungry? Reito?

Thanks, Sasaki.

Man, that's pretty messed up.

They blamed you

and didn't even pay your salary.

Hey... about that DM I sent you...

Yeah, I got it all ready.

Chill.

Come on, drink up!

Yeah...

But, wasn't it good that you quit?

You know,

I'm starting my own business soon.

Let's do this together.

I'd love to work with you again, Reito.

Hey, Anna, you're needed at table two.

Got it.

See you around.

I'll lend you the money,

but in return, I'm counting on you.

You were the one in charge, weren't you?

Trust me.

Let's turn our lives around.

Right?

TAKUMIYA CAFE

A flyer for a cafe?

SALES PROCEEDS

Wait, what?

Damn it.

Huh? Wait.

What about Reito?

Hey!

Reito Naoi, 21 years old.

Your address is an employee dormitory at

Takumiya Headquarters in the Sumida ward.

Your parents are...

My mother died when I was in grade school.

I don't know my father.

Any other relatives?

Did you do it to get back at them

for firing you?

Did they have a good reason for it?

No.

Then you could've...

There's no point.

You're only 21, aren't you?

You've got all the time in the world.

Who are you?

My client has a message for you.

"There is a matter

I wish to entrust to you.

"Should you choose to comply, all expenses

including legal fees will be covered."

That's all.

Client? What do you want from me?

I was not given those details.

What do you say? Will you trust me?

Got any loose change?

Will you toss a coin?

That's how I always decide

when I'm not sure.

- How much has this worked out for you?

- About 50-50.

That's a rather mathematical result.

I'll trust you if it's heads.

I never thought I'd get out this fast.

The settlement went through.

How much?

I think I should know, just in case.

Welcome.

Go to this room.

Yes.

And this.

What's engraved right underneath

the number 100?

Heisei, year 30...

The side that displays

the manufacture date is considered tails.

Over here.

My name is Chifune Yanagisawa.

That is me.

That is your grandmother.

And that is your mother, Michie.

The one standing behind her

is your grandfather,

who is also my father.

Huh?

In other words, I am your mother's

older sister, your aunt.

Why now? Besides all that,

how did you know I was arrested?

We were lucky this didn't get out.

I told you my terms through Mr. Iwamoto.

Did you change your mind?

Well, you did pay

for the settlement, so...

Do you have any dreams for the future?

Dreams?

Or aspirations.

Like, what you want to be,

or how you want to live?

Not really.

How foolish.

Huh?

Fine.

I need you to do a job for me.

You have no choice in the matter.

What do you want me to do?

Be the Keeper of the Camphor Tree.

MUSASHI-ITSUKAICHI STATION

Tsukisato Shrine, which

houses the Camphor Tree,

has no deity, and no shinto rituals

are carried out there.

- TSUKISATO SHRINE

- No one knows who built it, when, or why.

You will reside and work here.

You will likely get asked this question:

"Hello, I heard that my wish will

come true if I pray to the Camphor Tree."

"How do I do it?"

It has a hollowed area inside.

You can go around the side to get in.

Umm... How exactly?

Who knows?

Everyone just says a random prayer.

Listen to me, listen to me!

Grant my wish!

The person who'd been taking care

of the shrine during the day quit,

- so we've been looking a replacement.

- NO PHONES ALLOWED

CHIFUNE YANAGISAWA

YANAZ Corporation, former president...

What the...

Your job is not limited to shrine upkeep.

What I need you for in particular

is the night shift.

Helping with the prayer ritual.

That is the real job of the keeper.

How long do I have to do it?

Until I order you to stop.

PRAYER CANDLE, 10,000 YEN.

Mister Soki Ohba?

Yes. I'm just accompanying him.

It's late, and he's just a student.

Thank you.

MANAGING DIRECTOR MORIO FUKUDA

TAKUMIYA HEADQUARTERS

The president's son?

Something wrong?

Nothing.

I pray from the bottom of my heart

that your thoughts reach the Camphor Tree.

Um... Is it okay if I join the prayer?

That will not do.

Isn't there anything you can do?

I brought enough for two candles.

I'm sorry. These are the rules.

You heard him.

Go by yourself.

Try to put your heart into it.

What a pain.

Is the Prayer that important?

Can we make a deal?

If you look the other way...

No, no, no! It's just wrong.

I'll be waiting by the car.

Have we met somewhere before?

Are you finished? That was fast.

Your companion is waiting at his car.

How did it go?

There's no way

I can do something this lame.

That's a weird smell.

A wish, huh...

What would it be?

She was kind of cute, I guess.

Reito... Reito... Reito...

Reito... Reito... Reito...

Reito!

Yes?

What is this mess?

Well...

Clean this, now!

There's no way

the "wishes come true" thing is true.

Sweep the place twice.

Morning and evening

The inside of the Camphor Tree

must be kept clean,

so the next person

can pray comfortably.

Respect all living things in the forest.

No, no.

A dirty bathroom is a dirty mind.

Good work.

Eel over rice!

What do you say before you eat?

Thank you for the food.

Chopstick manners!

No one ever taught you

how to use chopsticks?

I'll have this later.

Use this to create a prayer database.

All of them?

This is only a fraction.

So, do people hum a tune

to pray or something?

What are you talking about?

I mean,

I heard it coming from the Camphor Tree.

Did you spy on someone praying?

I just forgot to put my broom away

and happened to go by the tree!

Like I've said before,

you must never watch or listen

to someone pray.

If you break this rule, you're fired!

You must reimburse all of the legal fees!

Three million yen?

What really is a prayer?

It would be a lot easier if I knew.

To become the Keeper of the Camphor Tree,

you must seek the meaning

of prayer on your own.

Not that I want to be one.

I heard you decided

to take the job on a coin toss.

Is that a bad thing?

How foolish.

Is this another crappy job?

Maybe I should run away.

This is tails.

Hey, let go of me!

Who are you?

This isn't your first time here, is it?

I'm the daughter of the guy

who was humming.

Who are you?

I'm the the Keeper of the Camphor Tree!

Huh?

I run this place. Why are you here?

I can't just sit by

when my dad sneaks out at night

to hum inside a tree.

What is this place anyway?

I heard it was the hidden gem

of photogenic spots,

but is this some kind of spiritual thing?

Something about the Camphor Tree

granting wishes?

How come it's open during the day

- CAMPHOR TREE PRAYER PATH ENTRANCE

- but restricted at night?

Dunno.

What do people wish for?

- Dunno.

- I thought you said you ran the place.

I just started.

Why don't you ask your dad yourself?

That would defeat the purpose

of sneaking out.

Yeah, you got a point.

- YUMI SAJI

- Lemme know when you find something out

about the Camphor Tree.

You're the keeper, aren't you?

I'm counting on you!

Fine, I will!

I'll solve the mystery

of the Camphor Tree.

Well then...

We have to hurry. I need to make it back

before your dad comes out.

Okay! Let's head to the station!

Dad...

Yumi, breakfast is ready!

Coming!

Okay.

Don't forget your lunch, honey.

Okay.

Here's your medication, Mother.

You'll be seeing a doctor later today,

so don't eat after this.

Here's your water.

Morning!

Morning.

Come on, eat up.

Morning, grandma!

Where were you last night?

You came home pretty late.

I was at a friend's place.

What about you, Dad?

You came home pretty late yourself.

I had a dinner meeting.

Thanks for the meal.

What about dinner tonight?

I might have another meeting.

I'll make you a plate just in case.

I'll see you later.

Have a nice day, Kikuo.

Who's Kikuo?

Maybe an old acquaintance?

Oh mother, I'll get that.

It's Okay.

You've reached Saji Constructions.

Hello? This is Yumi Saji.

- Is it you, Kimura?

- Yes.

Do you know my dad's schedule for today?

I can't reach his phone.

Hold on a second.

The president is off this morning

but will be here all afternoon...

Thanks!

Yes?

Were you still asleep?

How is the database coming along?

Yes, well...

Time flies.

Sorry?

Time passes you by before you know it.

You need to take control

over your job and your life.

Understood.

YUMI SAJI

- Hello?

- Thank goodness I reached you!

- What?

- I need your help! Now!

Why...

Why me?

MUSASHI-ITSUKAICHI STATION

Over here!

Glad you made it on time.

My dad isn't here yet.

Dad?

Coffee okay for you?

Sure.

One house blend, please.

Of course.

Sorry for the sudden call.

Is everything okay at work?

Well, yeah...

How'd you end up working there?

- House blend.

- Thank you.

Someone who claims to be my aunt

asked me to one day.

Hey...

He's here!

So that's the place.

Please!

Go find out which room he went in!

- Me?!

- He'll see me!

Hurry!

You.

You've got something on your shoe.

Oh, you go on ahead.

If you say so.

So you couldn't track down the room?

Sorry.

No, great job!

How did you know he was gonna be there?

His GPS history. He came here

on days he visited the shrine.

He was back at work after about two hours.

He's having an affair!

His mistress must live there!

You don't think I considered that already?

But the humming thing

at the Camphor Tree is so weird.

I want to know what my dad's hiding.

Help me.

I don't want any trouble.

I'm sure the humming is the key to solving

the secret of the Camphor Tree.

Besides, I can't go around telling people

that my dad might be having an affair.

Why me?

Because, you came when I called.

Do you wanna grab something to eat?

It's almost lunch time.

Oh, sorry. I have plans after this.

Okay.

I'm heading this way.

Thanks for your help today!

Your cap!

You keep it for now!

The recent dip in sales is the result

of the delay in the launch of new products

and the absence of the

president affecting business.

We need to organize under new leadership

as soon as possible.

Either way,

we need Soki to carry out

a successful prayer.

What we need right now

isn't some god to answer a prayer,

it's leadership that will lead us

to economic prosperity.

Do you mean to ignore

the president's directive?

I never said that, I just...

Well, hang on.

Executive Director Gondo.

Let's give Soki some more time.

The president brought

the company this far.

We can't just brush aside his wishes.

Soki, we're counting on you.

Hey! This isn't a pool!

Sorry!

Oh. You're the Camphor Tree person.

Eh?

Oh, I just seen you the other day

when I visited the shrine

for the first time in a while.

Name's Iikura.

I'm Mr. Naoi.

Tell Chifune I said hi.

Okay.

I've been thinking

about booking a prayer myself,

but I just can't bring myself to do it.

Why's that?

The Camphor Tree's powers

aren't something to take lightly.

Can't just go in there half-witted.

Well... What sort of wish do you have?

What sort?

Do you not know

what the Camphor Tree can do?

Well then I better keep my mouth shut.

So, do people sometimes

wish ill upon others?

Like for an inconvenient person

to die quickly, or...

You shouldn't say stuff like that.

What was that?

Ugh.

Can you help me here?

What does this word mean?

Can this mean?

No idea.

Maybe...

Hello?

Good evening.

I know this is out of nowhere,

but do you have your finest attire?

Finest... what, now?

Best?

- Is that really the best you can do?

- Yes.

You must always mind your appearance.

The appearance builds the person.

I met a man named Iikura the other day.

He sends his regards.

I see. You didn't ask him

any weird questions, did you?

No.

but I've figured out a bunch of things.

First of all...

Prayers seem to concentrate around

the new moon and full moon.

And in most cases, two people

with the same last name visit the shrine.

One on the night of a new moon,

and the other on the night of a full moon.

The two must be family or relatives,

and their prayers

are connected to each other.

Am I right?

You're off to a good start.

But you haven't earned that smirk yet.

What's important lies beyond it.

How foolish.

- That actually suits you.

- Thanks.

Enough with that classless gesture.

Pull your chin in when you nod.

Did you wear suits for work?

I wore a uniform

that was like a suit at an old job.

What kind of job was it?

A restaurant.

Um, why are you buying me this suit?

You can tailor these

by the afternoon, yes?

Of course.

On to finding you a coat.

LEATHER SHOES: 140,000 YEN

SHRINE OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

REITO NAOI

BUSINESS CARD HOLDER: 30,000 YEN

NECKTIE 18,700 YEN

NECKTIE: 33,000 YEN

NECKTIE: 55,000 YEN

NECKTIE: 49,500 YEN

There is a party being hosted

by the YANAZ Corporation tomorrow at 6

and I will be bringing you.

I will introduce you to your relatives.

Are you for real?

Thank you, Mr. Kiyomizu! I'm so happy!

This is nothing.

What's wrong?

Can we get out of here?

This place is uncomfortable.

Reito?

Sasaki?

What've you been up to?

I've been worried.

I've been a bit busy.

So you didn't get done. Good for you.

I'm on the job right now.

Reito, who is this?

A friend. A coworker from an old job.

Ah, your restaurant job.

It was just a girls' club. Right?

You should stop by one of these days.

Excuse me, sir...

I'll be going soon.

Let's talk some time.

There's something you'll want in on.

See ya.

Stop.

Reito will not be doing

any more business with you people.

Please do not contact him again.

You're not his boss.

I'm his aunt.

I don't care

if you're his aunt or whatev--

- You little...

- Hey!

Mr. Kiyomizu, do her in!

My sincere apologies for this,

Ms. Yanagisawa.

You, come here.

Are you okay?

I can't say sorry enough.

I hope we can continue working together.

I'm sorry for making a scene.

Do you know him?

He's the president

of our business partner.

Isn't it hot in here?

Sorry about all this.

I did it for my own ends.

But, it was a first for me.

Did you ever go shopping with Michie?

No.

She died when I was in the third grade.

And I just wore hand-me-downs.

It seems you had it tough.

I'm the brat of an adulterous hostess.

I didn't even know

what "finest attire" meant.

That's just being defiant.

Or an excuse, even.

If you wanted to change,

you could do so any time.

At least change your heart.

OFFICE, IN, OUThis is...!

Thank you.

Wow.

Take your hands out of your pockets.

It's improper.

Yes.

Hi, Chifune.

- Is this him? The nephew?

- Yes.

This is Katsushige, my second cousin.

Nice to meet you.

Hi.

KATSUSHIGE YANAGISAWA

Nice to meet you too.

Chief Administrator of Shrine Affairs...

Quite the title.

But I wonder if you're really up to it.

The role of the keeper

isn't exactly simple.

Thanks so much for your concern.

I heard there's a board meeting

after the party.

Is it true that the future

of Hotel Yanagisawa will be discussed?

Yes.

I poured my heart

into building that place.

There's no way I'll just stand by.

At the basement lounge from 8:30.

See you later.

How foolish.

Am I not out of place?

Shall we check our coats?

This is our 30th thank you party.

YANAZ Corporation has made it this far

because of all of you.

That is Masakazu Yanagisawa.

He is Katsushige's older brother

and a successful businessman

that invested in the urban hotel industry.

Soki, what are you doing?

We've brought our hospitality

even to this party.

I hope you can all find them

using your eyes, ears, and tongue

and enjoy them.

Thank you for your attention.

A new version is coming out

so please give it a try.

Ah, Ms. Chifune.

Cheers to your success.

Couldn't have done it alone.

Looks like you'll be

at the meeting later, too.

We won't be talking

about anything important, though.

A discussion about whether

or not to destroy the company's symbol

isn't important to you?

If so,

we are on completely different pages.

Nice to meet you.

MASAKAZU YANAGISAWA

Interesting, right?

Don't have to give out

paper business cards.

Reito, where did you go to college?

I didn't go.

I see. What did you do

after graduating high school, then?

Worked. At lots of places.

So you're saying you never settled

on a profession, is that right?

Never mind.

What's important

is what you want for your future.

How do you envision your future?

I don't have any visions for my future.

I have no degrees

and nothing to my name.

I've never had a father,

and my mother's dead.

I never had any hope in my life,

so I just plan on going with the flow.

I've got nothing to lose, anyway.

If I have anything at all when I die,

that'll be enough.

You seem to be quite articulate, but...

What if you hit a dead end

while you're going with the flow?

A wall stands in front of you.

Will you go right, or left?

How will you choose?

I...

What's wrong?

Are you just going to sit like a duck

at a crossroads?

I would go neither right nor left.

I drill a hole

through the wall in front of me

and think of a way

to carve a path where I want to go.

Enjoy yourself.

You can't let something like that

get to you.

Hmm?

Thank you.

Hey!

- Do you know each other?

- Umm, yes.

Hello, I'm Yumi Saji.

Chifune Yanagisawa. Pleasure to meet you.

What!

She's my aunt.

What?! Thank you for inviting us today!

How do you know Reito?

We used to work together. Right?

Yeah.

- At the restaurant, you mean?

- Yes!

I will make my own way for now.

Please enjoy yourselves.

Wow.

Who would've thought your aunt was

THE Chifune Yanagisawa.

Yeah.

So, what are you doing here?

Keeping an eye on someone.

Can we talk?

Sure?

Meet me at the cafe downstairs in five.

Sup.

Hello.

I saw you with Mr. Fukuda.

He was going crazy

over introducing me to the higher-ups.

You here on business too?

Umm, no.

Your parents brought you?

I don't have any parents.

My aunt brought me today.

Gotcha.

Sounds like a lot of work being out there.

Not to mention the Camphor Tree prayers.

I've had enough with it all.

Is it that bad?

Of course. That's impossible...

There you are.

They've all gone to the next place.

Please hurry.

Alright, alright.

Mr. Ohba.

Here.

Please let me know

if I can help you with anything.

Ah, thanks.

Reito.

You're late!

I'm sorry.

Is that?

It's the song my dad was humming

inside the Camphor Tree.

It's stuck in my head now.

That was something.

You...

Do you come

to these kinds of parties often?

Sometimes. To help with the business.

I see.

Did you learn anything new

about the Camphor Tree?

Yeah.

What?

Chifune won't tell me the secrets.

But there was a certain word

in the archives.

Maybe it's the sign of a curse.

Are you saying my dad is putting a curse

on my mom so he can have an affair?

No, I didn't mean it like that.

My father's...

- TO: TAKAKO SAJI. FROM: KIKUO SAJI

- been humming while looking at this envelope.

It seems like it's from a retirement home

called Raimu Park.

Who's Kikuo Saji?

I'm not sure

but my grandmother, who has dementia,

sometimes calls my dad Kikuo.

Hmm... Did you see what was inside?

It was empty.

Should we try going to this Raimu Park?

We might uncover something

about the humming.

Will you come with me?

I mean, I don't mind.

You're nice.

I have to get back soon.

See you then.

Yeah.

Ms. Chifune!

Where have you been?

Sorry!

Weren't you at the executive meeting?

I went, but no one showed up.

When I called,

they said it had been canceled.

Well, that's great.

Sorry for keeping you waiting.

Please, wait.

My aunt told me

that the executive meeting was canceled.

You!

What about it?

It's got nothing to do with you.

Was it really canceled?

What were you all doing until now?

You!

It's complicated.

Give Chifune my regards.

Hey!

Aren't you hungry?

Huh?

Should we get something to eat

before going back?

Fried noodles...

Fried noodles?

Ah, no. I just happened to remember.

My mom would come home

in the middle of the night and eat it.

Instant fried noodles.

She wasn't much of a cook, but...

Those were great.

A bad mother, right?

What a beautiful story.

Are you free this weekend?

I am so sorry about this.

I suppose there's no chance

the situation will change.

Unfortunately, it may be difficult

to persuade Masakazu and the others about this.

I understand.

Regardless, I will do my best to carry out

my responsibilities to the very end.

Wow.

Wow!

Wooow!

Hello.

It's me, Ohba.

Hi.

I wanted to ask you something.

Has anyone ever failed

the prayer before, like me?

I will need to look into the records.

Can you look into it for me?

Yeah, sure.

Thanks, take care.

I'm sorry!

No worries.

Coming here makes you

oddly relaxed, doesn't it?

You carry that everywhere.

What do you write in it?

Just some notes.

Anyway, let's eat.

What is this?

That's a hajikami, a type of ginger.

You're supposed to eat the white,

tender part and leave the stem.

It's nice.

It's often a garnish with grilled fish,

but you're supposed to eat it

at the end to cleanse your palate.

Remember that.

I will.

There are desserts coming.

You may have seconds, if you like.

No, I've had enough.

What's gotten to you?

Maybe you'll tell me

the secret of the prayers now.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

When do you want to go to Raimu Park?

Hold on. I'm busy now.

At Hakone-Yumoto, they had this statue.

Is it some kind of mascot character?

HOTEL YANAGISAWA'S

FAMOUS BEEF CURRY

They sure love their curry.

Good evening.

That's one of Chifune's creations.

ENJOY HOTEL YANAGISAWA'S

FAMOUS BREAKFAST CURRY!

Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

You even prepared this for me.

Not at all. I have plenty of time on hand.

Did everything go well?

I think so. Yeah, it took me back.

Have you been here before?

A couple of times,

right after my father passed away.

But this is my first time

praying during a new moon.

Honey...

Oh, you're right.

I'll take it from here.

How did it go?

Well, I prayed my heart out.

I hope it gets answered.

To the YANAZ Hotel in Shibuya?

There might be

a lot of prayer bookings that day.

I will take over.

Go, and don't worry about it.

But what am I supposed to do?

Lounge about and play video games,

go on a date with someone, you name it.

Chifune, today I...

Talk to you later.

Who am I supposed to...

Sorry, I should've messaged sooner.

- Were you busy?

- Yeah, a bit.

- School?

- No, something else.

You into this kind of music?

I used to play the piano. But, I quit.

I didn't have any talent, anyway.

But I guess I have a pretty good ear.

I can tell how each instrument sounds.

That's why I'm studying

acoustic architecture,

like concert halls.

Um,

do you have any plans later tonight?

Nope.

Wanna grab something to eat?

Like in Shibuya.

Sure. There's this Italian place

I've been eyeing.

Yes!

How do we get them to tell us?

Leave it to me.

Bingo.

Yeah, I know him.

Really?

He died, though.

When was that?

It's been, what, four years now?

That's right around

when Grandma's condition got worse.

What kind of person was Kikuo Saji?

There's no easy answer to that.

Besides, what've you got to do with Saji?

I might be... Kikuo's daughter...

He may be my long-lost father.

I just want to know about him.

Please, help us!

Follow me.

You shouldn't lie.

I didn't. I said he might be my father.

Wait up!

Wonder where it is.

Oh, look. There he is.

He was quite thin.

The alcohol addiction

ate him from the inside out.

He was mostly deaf, too.

Anything else?

He wasn't the social type.

Never played the piano for us either.

Was he good at playing the piano?

I heard

he got all kinds of awards as a kid.

The piano...

Oh, is this...

Ah, he was good at that. A real artist.

Is this...

Ugh...

Sorry.

What?

Are you alright?

Thanks.

My mom isn't feeling well.

I'm gonna head back just in case.

Of course.

So this Kikuo guy was connected

to the Camphor Tree too...

I really just need to find out exactly

what my dad's been praying about.

Sorry, but that's the one thing

I can't help you with.

Are you afraid of being cursed?

Umm...

Maybe he's saying something

before or after the humming.

To make his wishes come true.

Like, "Please let my wife die quicker,

so that I may be with my mistress."

But Mr. Saji doesn't seem like someone

who would do that.

I want to believe that too!

But if this goes on, my Mom's gonna be...

Event alert

3 hours until Kokichi Iikura's Prayer

Ah, the guy from the bathhouse...

I have nothing to do.

"A word from the president of YANAZ Hotel"

- Hey.

- Ahh!

Did I scare you that bad?

I'd prefer one of those.

TIPSY LEMON SOUR

This is on me.

Well, it's actually something

the previous person left behind.

You don't work for free. Keep it.

Well, in that case.

Gonna have one?

Don't worry about me.

Enjoy yourself.

That, I'll do. I paid as much.

How was it?

Found anyone else

who failed a prayer?

I looked into the records

but there weren't any examples.

Someone must have complained about

not being able to pray correctly, right?

Don't people ask for refunds

if a prayer didn't go well?

Not from the records of the past 20 years.

You're getting paid, so why don't you

look after your customers?

Aren't you the manager?

Say all you want, but...

If you know you can't do it,

why don't you just ignore Fukuda

and not come here at all?

If I could do that, things would be easy.

Are you not allowed to become president

if you can't pray?

It's not like that.

You wouldn't understand!

You're right, I don't understand.

I don't understand how a CEO-to-be feels.

It's not like I asked

to be born into this family!

You have power, money, and parents.

Still not enough?

Sorry for bothering you.

All those assholes...

The tumor is growing,

and his vitals are decreasing.

If this continues...

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Don't worry, I've got it. You go sit down.

Ow!

Good evening.

Getting cold out there.

Is the usual amount of time good?

Yeah.

I pray from the bottom of my heart

that your thoughts reach

the Camphor Tree.

CAMPHOR TREE PRAYER PATH ENTRANCE

TSUKISATO SHRINE

What's this?

Is this yours?

Is it yours?!

I'm sorry.

Why were you recording me?

Explain yourself!

Hey!

I'll be contacting

Ms. Yanagisawa about this!

And?! What did you find out?

I failed.

Huh?

Sorry.

Did my dad catch you?

I'll meet you there.

You don't have to.

But it's all my fault.

I'm sorry. I'll leave. I couldn't handle this.

I'm worthless. Sorry about before.

There's a reunion next month

so you should come, my treat.

Pay me back the 50,000 yen anytime.

Ah, thanks.

You're nice.

Over here.

"To Chifune"

Mr. Saji told me everything.

Did you come here to resign?

No.

I mostly regret having let a coin toss

dictate my entire life.

More than the eavesdropping.

I'd been giving up on life.

It was easy to make excuses,

using my situation.

But, after being a keeper,

and meeting everyone,

I've started to enjoy it.

I've felt like I was living

on my own power.

That's why I got upset with myself

for having left my life to luck.

But I'm happy to be upset about it.

I can't explain it very well, but...

But,

I came here to tell you that.

The prayers do not mean

granting people's wishes.

Huh?

You tried, didn't you?

As you said,

you cannot explain

all of your thoughts with words.

So you pray to the Camphor Tree,

to entrust it with all of your thoughts

and send them to the receiver.

This may result

in great happiness or invite adversity.

You have observed

how people's expectations

and doubts unfolded after a prayer.

You must learn the gravity

of connecting hearts.

That is the true meaning of becoming

the Keeper of the Camphor Tree.

THE KEEPER'S GUIDE

Hello?

I did it!

I solved the mystery of the Camphor Tree!

Sorry, I don't have time.

What?

The next station is Shibuya.

We were wrong about your father, so...

- Yes?

- It's me, Saji.

Come on in.

Dad.

Why are you here?

Your mistress lives on the 13th floor,

doesn't she?

No... It's not what you...

- Then what is it?

- It's complicated.

Don't you feel bad for Mom?

Enough!

What are you...

We're leaving!

Let go of me!

THE KEEPER'S GUIDE

The power of the Camphor Tree...

During new moon prayers,

- you entrust your thoughts.

- "Entrust"

- During full moon prayers, you receive the thoughts.

- "Receive"

However,

prayers can only be shared between

blood relatives, with common memories.

- Combined, these are called the prayers.

- "Prayer"

You've always visited the shrine

on full moons,

which means you were coming

to receive a prayer.

Mr. Saji.

You were trying to receive the prayers

of Kikuo Saji, weren't you?

We went to Raimu Park together.

Will you tell us your story?

Dad.

It's not just about you anymore.

Kikuo Saji is my brother,

who I've cut all ties with.

My parents had high expectations

for my brother,

who was a talented musician.

But soon after getting into music school

he decided to just drop it all.

Maybe he realized his talent had limits.

Hey.

See ya.

That was the last time I saw Kikuo.

After that, mentioning my brother

became taboo in the house.

That's why you told me

to quit the piano.

But my mother kept in touch with him.

Kikuo.

When is the next concert?

I found a letter addressed to my mother

- TO: TAKAKO SAJI. FROM: KIKUO SAJI

- while sorting his things.

Written on it were words of gratitude

and the message that he had entrusted

a prayer to the Camphor Tree.

Just to make fun of him,

I found the tree and checked it out.

I know it's hard to believe, but...

What came into my head

was a song

that my brother wrote for my mother.

To recreate the song

for my mother to hear,

someone referred me to a piano instructor.

That's the woman living

in that apartment building back there.

I'm getting pretty close,

but I just can't get it exactly right.

Are you seriously telling me that

you heard music flowing into your head?

Yes. I know how it sounds.

I wish I could have you listen

directly from my brain.

That's a good idea.

What?

You're telling me to entrust

a prayer to the Camphor Tree?

That's right. That way,

Yumi should be able to hear the tune, too.

That does sound like a good idea.

If I can really hear the song, that is.

Thank Reito, because I'll help you, dad.

But you need to apologize

to mom in return!

Reito.

Sorry about the other day. And thank you.

I promised you, remember?

There you are.

Let's forget about the prayer already.

With that aside,

I want you to continue

the Takumiya legacy.

You don't need to come.

What?

Are you alone?

Yeah.

Here you are.

Will you come with me?

It's not like I can receive the prayer

and I have nothing else to do.

Whose wish do you want to receive?

My father's.

Don't you have many memories with him?

He had me, his only son,

at the ripe old age of fifty.

He spoiled me

so I have plenty of memories.

I'm envious.

You mentioned

that you don't have parents.

A single mother.

And she died when I was little.

My mom dated lots of guys.

She was probably looking for a dad for me.

But most times, it's impossible

to love a child that isn't yours.

How did you know?

Since the first time you came here,

it was like you knew

the prayer wouldn't work.

To successfully receive a prayer,

one must be related to the person

who entrusted it and have memories.

If you have lots of memories,

it means you're not related

to that person by blood.

Bingo.

Soki.

Remember this.

What? How to start a fire?

How to clean a fish?

You and I are not biologically related.

What?! What do you mean?

Even if we're not related by blood,

you are still my son.

Look how we share our foolishness?

Why did my father entrust a prayer to me?

I can't receive it.

I don't care

whether I inherit the company or not.

But I just don't want to do anything

that would make my father sad.

What am I supposed to do?

It's easy.

You just tell them you received it.

You?

Ah, we meet again.

Ah... Hi.

So, how has it been

keeping the Camphor Tree?

I think I earned people's trust.

That's great!

Thanks to the powers of the Camphor Tree.

By the way, how did your prayer go?

Hm? What do you mean?

You were praying the other night,

on the new moon.

My aunt should have been

keeping that night.

No, I didn't visit.

Ahh, Chifune...

I haven't seen her in a while

but I hope she's well.

- It's getting colder so...

- Excuse me. I should get going!

BOARD MEETING

It must be ending.

The resigning itself isn't a big deal.

If you say so.

I'm thinking about taking a vacation.

Can I leave you to hold down the fort?

Sure. Do you know where you're going?

I plan to go

wherever I feel like going that day.

I may be gone for a while.

Sounds fancy.

The train to Tokyo

will be leaving from platform 1.

Well, then. Good luck.

What are you saying?

There's nothing I can do about that.

Hello?

My notebook is missing.

I know I put it in here.

Well, I don't know.

You had my bag the entire time.

Maybe you dropped it in the lobby.

I'll go take a look.

Did you find it?

Yes. It was in the lobby,

just as I thought.

You keep going. I'll bring it to you.

Then identify yourself at the reception

when you get there.

Also, do not read

the contents of the notebook.

"Takumiya Headquarters Director and CEO

Touichirou Ohba Memorial Service"

I would now like to conclude

the flower presentation ceremony.

Next up...

Excuse me!

Mr. Soki Ohba?

Sorry for doing this all of a sudden.

I am Soki Ohba, son of Touichirou Ohba.

I don't know if this

is the appropriate time for this

but I'm sure a lot of you are concerned

about the future of the company.

So, I would like to take this opportunity

to talk to you about my father's thoughts.

Are you Mr. Naoi?

I'm supposed to get something from you.

Huh?

- What are you doing!

- Stop!

Hey! Stop!

Hey, you,

Pardon me!

My name is Reito Naoi,

Chief Administrator of the Tsukisato Shrine.

I'm here to deliver something

my aunt had forgotten.

You...

There's no being too late.

You're the one who taught me

that you can change if you want to.

If you're done with your business,

you should go.

Am I not welcome?

I won't intrude.

Please.

Ms. Chifune, can you say something...

I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting.

You, come with me.

Will you let this man stay

in this meeting?

What's your deal?

Oh, let him stay.

He said he won't be a bother.

What do you all think?

- Bring him a chair.

- Yes, sir.

Shall we continue?

My father was diagnosed with cancer

six months ago.

Since then,

he has been thinking about

who should take over the company.

And I have received the answer

that my father has given.

Are you telling me to lie?

It's not a lie.

Just imagine

what your father would've thought.

Easy for you to say.

He trusted you.

That his son would understand his will,

even if he couldn't receive his prayers.

The company shall be led

by Executive Director Gondo.

That was my father's wish.

Please look after Takumiya HQ.

I will do my best.

The majority is in favor

of the closing and demolition of

Hotel Yanagisawa by the end of the year.

Does anyone object to this direction?

I hereby declare this issue finalized.

Furthermore, Councilor Yanagisawa

shall resign within the year.

Thank you for your long years of service.

Thank you for your hard work.

I leave it in your hands.

We have no other major topics for today.

I'm sure the councilor

is too busy to stay.

Then I will excuse myself.

Thank you all. Take care.

Is this what you really want?

If you let this go, the wishes

of the Yanagisawa family will die.

Reito, stop it.

Today,

I came to drill a hole

in the wall in front of me

and carve my own path forward.

What do you mean the wishes will die?

Ms. Chifune

has devoted her life

to the Yanagisawa family principles

through that hotel.

You shouldn't just demolish it.

Hey, you!

Treat your guests

as you would like to be treated.

Those are the words of the president,

written on the YANAZ Hotel brochure.

I heard the exact same words

from Mr. Kuwabara of Hotel Yanagisawa.

And that is what Ms. Chifune put

into Hotel Yanagisawa!

"To: Mr. Naoi

Thank you for choosing Hotel Yanagisawa"

This is also the proof

that the president

received the wishes

of the Yanagisawa family.

But can you say that's all?

The new takes over the old.

That is something inevitable.

But to carry the thoughts and wishes

of the people before us.

To carry them as they were,

isn't that also necessary?

That place encapsulates the wishes

Ms. Chifune has put into this company!

You little...

Cut it out!

Even if it doesn't fit with the times,

wouldn't it be a waste

just to throw it all away?

Don't we bear the responsibility

of carrying it on?

- Don't you think so?

- Shut up!

Don't you think so?

I enjoyed that.

It seems that Ms. Yanagisawa

has found a suitable successor.

Then...

Thank you for your hard work.

Reito, let's go.

The year is about to end.

I wonder if it's snowing up north.

May I suggest starting

your vacation in the north?

You could enjoy the scenic snow

while bathing in a hot spring.

That doesn't sound bad.

So you received my wish.

I did.

On the night you took over as the keeper,

Koukichi Iikura had a reservation.

But he told me

he didn't pray that night.

Do you know Mr. Iikura?

I see him every now and then.

I've told you this before.

I see.

I must have forgotten.

That yellow notebook

is the entirety of your memory.

I tried not to think about it

when I was entrusting the prayer.

The Camphor Tree communicates all things.

You're the one who taught me that.

But, I did notice something at that party.

Back then, you'd forgotten about it.

About the executive meeting.

Yes...

And I lost my chance

to save Hotel Yanagisawa.

When I confronted them,

the president told me it was complicated.

Only Masakazu knows about my dementia.

That man carries out the wishes

of the Yanagisawa family

without needing

the power of the Camphor Tree.

The night of the party,

I decided it's time to close the curtains.

The company will do fine if I resign.

But the keeper is a different story...

I would be lying

if I said I wasn't worried,

but even then,

I wanted you to inherit this.

That's...

Do you have a moment?

Go ahead, have some.

Thanks for the food.

About Soki.

It's all settled.

That's good news.

That was your idea, wasn't it?

I knew they weren't related by blood.

You could've...

The president had told me

to let him handle it by himself.

If he found out that others knew,

he would lean on them at some point.

Mr. Fukuda.

Sorry.

I know you've been vouching for me.

Don't worry.

And what did he have to say about you?

That boy's an idiot, so...

He should work as an employee

and experience everything from

the production floor to the sales process.

Whether or not he'll be considered

an heir will be decided...

By the executives based on his work.

I think that's a fine plan.

He must have wanted Soki

to decide for him.

I suppose the prayer was a success,

and Touichirou Ohba's wish was granted.

That's our Keeper of the Camphor Tree.

Thanks for everything.

Umm..

I quit smoking.

This is just a candy.

No, I mean...

I worked at Takumiya before this

and lost some company money.

Yeah, I knew.

What? I'm sorry about the whole thing.

No. We're the ones who were in the wrong

for firing you without an investigation.

The loss of the gold leaf

was an inside job.

Did you settle for three million?

Not a chance.

Only a symbolic thirty thousand.

That lawyer was going to counter-sue us

for wrongful termination.

He was a heck of an attorney.

Thank you for coming out today.

Thank you for inviting us.

By the way, being an old co-worker

of Reito's was a lie, right?

I'm sorry.

No, I'm relieved.

Huh?

So it's finally over.

Yep!

Excuse me.

Hello?

Yes.

Your father is incredible

for deciding to entrust his prayer

upon the Camphor Tree.

In the end, yeah.

I promised him

to let go of things of the past,

but only if he's not

currently betraying the family.

It was enough to convince him.

But it was incredible.

Feeling the entirety

of someone's lifetime.

That was from Masakazu.

He said he will extend

the deliberation for another year

regarding the preservation

of Hotel Yanagisawa.

He sends his regards

to the one with good articulation.

Yes!

Mother.

Kikuo is playing.

Oh, it's Kikuo.

Thank you,

thank you...

Kikuo...

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I never married, never had children,

and have no family to speak of.

But I did build many things.

There's just one thing

I cannot forgive myself for.

It is that I wasn't able

to do anything sisterly

for my only younger sister.

Knowing how much she struggled,

I never reached out to support her.

Why couldn't I congratulate my father

when he got remarried?

Why didn't I hold my father's new baby,

my little sister?

I wanted to look after her.

I wanted to pick out clothes together,

comb her hair,

and walk along the street with her,

dressed in cute outfits.

Laughing together...

Still, I did nothing.

My meaningless pride and ego

lied to my heart.

And when she needed my help the most,

I didn't give it to her.

I was the most foolish.

What is this?

Whose child is this?

I gave birth to him.

Thank you for stating the obvious.

I am asking about the father.

You wanted this baby that badly?

Yes.

Right? Reito.

Since you've received my prayers,

there's nothing more I can do.

But I'm only half a man.

You can stand on your own.

Besides, I'm planning a trip.

I'll hold the fort down. But...

I'll throw away that white jar.

- ARSENIOUS ACID

- I don't want you swallowing

any poison on your trip.

It feels as though the things you want

to remember, those precious memories,

just disappear,

spilling between your fingers.

You can't even feel yourself

forgetting them.

Do you understand how sad that is?

See ya.

Lemme know how things go.

Thank you.

That's my line.

Thanks.

A friend?

Something like that.

The piano, it was great.

Thanks.

Come by to see

the Camphor Tree again sometime.

I'm sure you'll be busy, though.

I will.

I just wrapped up everything at the site.

Site?

Yeah,

I was on site for a concert hall

construction until the other day.

My plates were full!

Didn't I tell you?

Yumi!

See you around.

Maybe over some Italian food in Shibuya,

Merry Christmas.

Grandma!

It seems like

she remembered Kikuo's music.

She's still going strong!

Reito.

I experienced something special today.

Thank you.

Then, one last thing.

I had Mr. Kuwabara from Hotel Yanagisawa

teach me the recipe.

I never cook,

so Soki helped me with it.

It's a far cry from our hotel curry.

I guess.

Chifune.

Yes?

What did you feel,

watching Mr. Saji's mother?

The you of tomorrow might not be

the same as today.

But that's okay.

I'll accept tomorrow's you.

And I still have lots to learn.

I've decided. What I need to do.

I might be unreliable, but rely on me.

How foolish.

Did I say something wrong?

No.

Am I worth living for just a bit longer?

I want to entrust my current thoughts

to the Camphor Tree.

I wish I could tell you.

Thank you.

But there's no need for that.

I've already received them.

How was it?

Were you able to complete the prayer?

Yes.

I really couldn't hear

my brother's final words,

so thank you.

Thank you.

THE KEEPER OF THE CAMPHOR TREE