Between the White Key and the Black Key (2023)

[bunniefuu]

Between the White and Black Keys

Let's forget our resentment and

just break up like this...

(Song: Azumi Chiyoko - Two People Drinking)

Turn off the lights first.

- What...

- What are you pretending for!

Can't you play properly?

Why can't your playing match my singing?

Now I can't Sing or dance.

Just making them laugh at us.

Who do you blame for all this?

I just looked at the score for this song.

How could I play it as soon as I came up...

It's a folk song,

why is the score so complicated?

What do you mean?

I've been singing this song for years,

it's a longtime favorite.

Where did you get this score from?

So many notations, who can understand them?

Hey Shina!

We have a pianist here who thinks my

arrangement and composition are not good.

Are you trying to pick a fight?

- What fight? It's Koharu's score...

- Hiroshi.

Don't think just because you have a formal

education, you can be so arrogant here.

This is not a school, understand?

- Do you think this is a concert for you?

Do you understand?

- He doesn't understand.

Music can't be confined to the score!

Music is about feeling!

Blues, jazz, they're all like this, understand?

Look at how you're dressed, don't talk

about jazz. You're just ruining jazz music.

Shut your mouth...

just play your piano properly.

These guests, some of them

came all the way from Tsugaru, Aizu, you know,

just to flirt with women, be indecent,

and be handsy!

They didn't come to listen to music, understand?

Oh my... I might as well be handsy with you.

Isn't that enough for you?

I said no jazz!

This guy even had rings on

his hands and he punched me.

Are you okay?

(Song: "I Saw Stars")

Still not working.

I can't see the stars...

Not the ones in the sky,

but the ones in my heart.

You're quite poetic, Keisuke.

If you can't see the stars, it's not real jazz.

"I don't care"

That's the title of a Charlie Parker song.

(Original Song: But Not For Me)

But did Charlie Parker really think like that?

- Hiroshi.

- Huh?

Don't you play jazz?

What am I even doing?

(Song: "Etude for the Black Keys")

Too stiff...

When playing the piano,

you have to relax and remain composed.

- "Remain composed"?

- Yes.

It's hard to explain in a few words..

(Song: "Stepped on a Cat")

But this is just the level of playing

around in a cabaret.

- Cabaret?

- That's right.

In a cabaret, there are not only musicians,

but also painters...

dancers, performers, and even poetry reciters.

What Teacher is talking about is in the past.

In a cabaret, there are people from all walks

of life. It's because they can meet various

extraordinary people that everyone is happy.

And the atmosphere in the cabaret

can really give birth to many budding art forms.

When I was young, I witnessed it myself.

So what the teacher is saying is

outdated, that's how New York

and Paris were a long time ago.

Tokyo today is not like that.

Mr. Takumi, actually what I want to do is jazz.

In all of Japan's music schools,

you can't even touch the basics of jazz.

You should go to a cabaret

and gain some experience.

Hiroshi-kun, the teacher is just joking,

don't take it seriously.

Ah, teacher, are you serious?

If you think going to a cabaret would help me,

Teacher, then I will definitely go.

Then go.

I could tell right away...

You used to play jazz, didn't you?

I wouldn't dare say that.

And it's not "used to" play jazz,

I'm just starting out and want to

keep working hard in the future.

Oh, so Sensei, you're still young!

I see that all you play is nostalgic

music like Boogie Woogie.

I thought you were the reincarnation

of Jimmy Yancey!

(American Boogie Woogie pianist)

Dressed like this, I feel embarrassed.

But I also love Jimmy Yancey so much.

It's such a pity...

a genius like Jimmy Yancey...

Until he passed away,

he didn't even have his own piano.

It was still the era of Babe Ruth then.

(Babe Ruth: American baseball star in the 1940s)

He had to lower himself to work odd jobs

on the baseball field to make a living.

You're right, but that's what

they call "greatness hidden in plain sight".

How do you interpret what you just said?

It means that real talent

lies dormant in places like baseball fields

and small cabarets, right?

It's so complicated.

This is what Chinese poets say,

it can't be false.

You, this guest, really know a lot.

Do you think I'm too cryptic

because I'm in this line of work?

No, no, that's not what I meant.

Of course, I understand.

This is called

"equality in the face of music," right?

Right?

I deeply agree with you!

But... why do you think humans are like this?

Throughout history,

this world has never been without w*r.

Why can't people be tolerant

towards each other?

Why are there people who don't know

how to show compassion for the weak?

But we have music.

No matter when...

music can always console the human soul!

Music has also saved me many times.

This is the difference between

humans and animals!

Humans have music, poetry!

This guest...

It would be great if there were more

guests like you in this shabby shop!

- Do you think people in this line don't talk sense?

- No, no, that's not what I meant.

- Excuse me, can I request a song?

- Sure.

Sensei, can you play movie soundtracks?

Um, do you want to listen to "Moon River"

or "The Happy Yellow Handkerchief"?

- Or do you want to listen to

"Merry Christmas on the b*ttlefield"?

- I want to listen to "The Godfather"!

You want to listen to "The Godfather" theme?

This song really fits the current era!

It also fits my current state.

No!

Play a different song!

Oh, but this guest specifically

requested this song...

I told you not to play it!

Why are you touching their hands?

Those are piano-playing hands!

Sensei...

Are your fingers... okay?

Then... play for me.

Only that song... absolutely cannot be played!

I can't continue in a place like this.

A small cabaret is not enough.

I want to join a band at a nightclub.

Will Keisuke come with me?

Anyway, just change your outfit, put on a suit.

This isn't just a performance at a

livehouse. It's serious; there are

actually people supporting the event.

Joining a brass band would be great,

you can join in the fun.

You're not doing it either?

That

Let's have the opportunity

to collaborate again.

Hmm, definitely in the future.

What's wrong, Aiko,

do you like listening to saxophone?

I do like it.

But every time I raise my hand

to greet that guy, he ignores me.

I heard that women like to sway

their hips when they listen to saxophone.

Hey! You just touched me, didn't you!

Sorry, I didn't touch you yet.

Ugh, Miki, you're such... You're the one

who gets excited when you see a horse's butt.

- You pervert!

- Oh, it hurts, it hurts...

It hurts so much, it hurts so much.

Against bullying!

Aiko, don't slack off at work, or you

won't be invited to the year-end party later.

Yes...

There's a call from Shuihai Caberet Hall...

- Someone played that song.

- What song?

It's the chairman's song,

a young pianist played that song in the cabaret!

This is trouble.

Miki...

All the bands in Ginza should have been

instructed in advance, if you don't

figure out a solution, it's over.

Even if you say that...

Our nightclub and their cabaret

deal with different groups of people.

This matter is not unrelated to you and me!

We're in the same boat, based on our

identities, if the chairman is unhappy,

we'll be in trouble in no time.

Right.

- Ah, you're here

- Hello, boss.

You seem to be free.

Get me a beer.

Young man... you look unfamiliar.

Where are you from?

I used to work at a cabaret called Shuhai.

What instrument do you play?

- I play the piano.

- Oh?

I'm the band leader at Slowly Nightclub,

they call me Miki, the Pervert.

- Ah, you're from Slowly Nightclub?

- Yes.

Oh, so you're here.

Miki, see you later.

Are you just looking for work?

- Ah, I'm here to find a job...

- Are you the one who played "The Godfather"?

How did you know?

It's not just me who knows,

it's already causing a stir everywhere.

- Do you know what song that is?

- Huh?

It seems like people in

the underworld quite like that song.

It's not "quite like,"

the only person in Ginza qualified

to play that song is the most

powerful person in all of Ginza.

Those lowlifes who drink alone

in cabarets are not qualified.

Ah... but I already played it.

The only person qualified to play that

song is the pianist at our nightclub.

Who is your pianist?

Is it the person who just left here?

Just remember, that person definitely isn't you,

it's for the sake of your life.

Otherwise, if something really happens,

those uncles and grandpas will definitely

come looking for you on their flying clouds.

They'll definitely invite you for tea...

it's super scary.

Got it?

Shima?

Hey, Shima,

are you still alive?

You are...

It's Minami, long time no see.

What's wrong with you?

Minami...

How are you doing?

Are you okay?

Should I call an ambulance for you?

You...

That piece of music...

it's not something to be played casually.

You should have told me that before.

I told you that before!

Hey, there's a zombie in

the intersection over there.

- Call an ambulance.

- Zombies?

Um... can your Slowly Nightclub hire me?

- Sure.

- Huh?!

Let's talk when our pianist quits.

When will he quit?

He might quit today

or he might quit in three years.

You can't promise people like that...

You're right.

People who quit this job either have a serious

illness or a serious mental issue, right?

What did I say... Otherwise,

you can just use me as a temporary worker!

You can at least let me play a game.

My piano skills are definitely

no worse than that person's!

You kid is so annoying!

If you want to make money so badly,

maybe you shouldn't play the piano.

You should learn how to bet on horses.

I can play temporarily!

- Hello.

- Hello Mr. Minami.

I'm sorry to bother you...

could you help me make a call?

Sure, who do you want to call?

Call, 119.

After all, you said there's a zombie...

I don't know what might happen.

(Tune: "East of the Sun")

Don't forget to attend

the year-end party after work today.

Ah, Manager, call an ambulance.

Sensei, what's wrong?

You're not involved in

anything improper, are you?

It's not for me.

I saw the leader of Shuhai Hall fall to

the ground, with blood all over his face.

Minami, you didn't go play

piano there again, did you...

I didn't play there.

I left that broken cabaret three years ago.

It's been three years since you came here...

Time flies.

Can you make quite a bit of money playing

piano at Legendary Nightclub?

From the look on your face,

are you trying to get rid of me?

No, not at all...

The president has spoken, saying we

can't just let the pianist leave like before,

otherwise, the president will be sad.

- Hello.

- Hello.

Is that woman in a bad mood?

She's Lisa.

The organizers told her this is a jazz club,

so she feels deceived and is angry.

I see, her mood is understandable then.

In any case, the performance must go smoothly

Oh, by the way, do you know where Miki is?

Miki is in Boston.

Ah... why is he skipping work again?

I don't know why, but it always happens at times

like this when the president himself comes over.

Don't be like this...

What are you doing?

Hmph, I'm secretly working hard

where no one can see me.

You're working hard, huh?

Today is the year-end party,

everyone has been waiting for a long time.

By the way, Lisa is quite angry.

She thinks the hotel room is too small.

Hmph, Japan isn't that big either.

Dear colleagues, dear attendants...

Dear band Senseis, dear waiters...

Dear bartenders,

Over this year, everyone has worked hard!

Tonight, we are all one, not separate...

Hey Chikako!

What's the good news?

Singing and dancing at the same time.

Are you pregnant?

Of course not! Are you crazy?

Wasn't it said...

Today is Lisa's first performance here.

Then why not just change the band leader?

Absolutely not!

(Song: Mack the Knife)

Can you make your English sound more natural?

Hey everyone, listen well

- Right!

If everyone is quiet,

this foreign lady can sing in peace!

Ah, it hurts!

It hurts!

What are you doing?

Why did you hit a customer?

- Minami-chan, come on!

Why don't you talk to her about how to treat

customers properly? This is not acceptable!

President, welcome!

President Kumano, welcome!

How is that possible?

Tonight, the vase will be broken.

Minami, where's my instrument?

Where's my guitar?

- How would I know?

- Wow, so indifferent!

Did you leave it in Boston?

(Track: Theme Song from "The Godfather")

President Kumano, welcome!

Let me show you around.

Oh... It's really incredible.

It really is incredible.

Is it really that incredible?

That's right, every time I come here

The song I've always liked

came out all of a sudden.

- Is this really a coincidence?

- Yes!

Even if it is accidental,

this is done sincerely and sincerely.

And I want to say...

The guy playing the sand hammer is really annoying.

You guys need to do something about it.

Alright, sorry about that.

President, enjoy your drink.

President, you called me 'President'?

Then I won't call you 'President, '

I'll call you 'elder brother', haha..."

This kid is my wife's younger brother.

He always embarrasses me outside.

It's really annoying.

Oh... Isn't it all because you're too strict,

elder brother?

Where's your instrument?

Don't you have a pretty long guitar?

Why are you playing with a sand hammer?

Minami is playing the piano, stop disturbing!

Oops... it's so cold tonight.

I'm using Latin rhythms to warm up the crowd.

Really...

I'll be leaving tomorrow.

I was thinking of saying goodbye,

but then you started with the sand

hammer. It's really heartbreaking.

Well.

Elder brother, where are you going?

Are you going far away?

It must be kept secret.

In South America, there's a monkey country

who's president admires me.

He wants me to be their foreign minister.

- Foreign... minister?

- Yes.

- That's really great!

- Indeed.

The heads of the embassy came to our group

and knelt down, crying and begging me.

So tonight is my last time drinking in Ginza.

I came to bid farewell to everyone.

That's it...

Is it really like that?

Oh, you scared me!

Why did you all take it seriously?

President, your joke is really interesting.

This watch is 5 million.

This one, 3 million.

A diamond-studded gold chain.

Why would I wear such expensive things?

Here's the first question for everyone.

I suddenly have to go abroad. What's the reason?

- To go far away?

- Correct answer!

I don't need you anymore. You can leave.

You're annoying. Go away.

Minami-chan, come here. Sit down.

Alright, come...

Come on, come on...

President, there's something I'm

not sure if I should say...

Minami-chan is transferring to another club.

His time is up.

What should we do?

- There's a call for Mr. Sone.

Hey, I'm Sone.

Sone, it's me, Miki.

The president is coming to our place tonight.

Can we borrow Minami?

No problem. I'll find someone

to play temporarily.

Sorry about that.

By the way, Miki, that person is out.

Do you know?

Which person?

That person?

Yes.

No one knows how many years he was

sentenced to. He just suddenly got out.

The one who played 'The Godfather' theme

in the nightclub...

Yes, that's him.

Hey, be careful if he shows up

at your place. Watch out.

Never mind... he's already entered.

Why don't you let us handle it?

What are you talking about? What if he runs into

the president? How would that look?

It's fine. I'm already in a bad mood today.

If they start fighting among themselves

in the underworld, I don't care.

Tell him to come to my place.

Don't drag me into this

if you're causing trouble.

Okay, that's settled.

Wanna drink?

Sorry,

you just want to drink, you can do it here.

No need to go to another place.

- Sone, I have a favor to ask.

- No.

I haven't even said anything yet.

You can't request songs.

Is that so?

- Thank you, everyone.

- Chikako,

can you help me find a temporary pianist?

Do you need someone to replace Minami-kun?

Yes... the president went

to the Slowly Nightclub.

As expected.

Hey, you play the piano, right?

What? I play bass.

I see... but just for today, could you go to the

Legendary Nightclub and play the piano?

If you need a bass player, ask me.

- How about you?

- I'm the drummer.

Oh, that's no problem. The piano is

a percussion instrument too.

Forget it. If he plays the piano,

Sone will have to beat him.

I gave up on playing the piano

when I was just starting to learn.

Isn't the piano very relaxing?

You can sit and play.

- No, no, no, no.

- How could it be possible?

You guys either say no or say you can't.

You're really boring.

Hey, is there a pianist available?

We have a pianist. I'm free now!

What?

Ah, Hiroshi-kun?

Oh, do you remember me? When you were

taking classes at Takemi-sensei's place...

- You're my senior!

- Chikako, I'm Chikako!

- I know

- Hahaha what are you doing here?

Well, obviously, I'm here to practice at

Cabaret!

Hey, do you want to play

the piano at a nightclub?

The sheet music is on this paper,

play it yourself.

You'll need to play about five songs

before Chikako comes back.

Got it. Nice to meet you.

Welcome!

What's wrong? Why are you shouting so loud?

Lisa hit a customer.

Huh?

How could something like that happen...

- Didn't I say the performance

had to go smoothly...

- I told her everything exactly as you said

Oh... Are you stupid?

You repeated everything,

but can she understand Japanese?

You're in music too,

you should be able to understand her.

Then why don't you go talk to her?

The first time I played piano at the nightclub,

I was so nervous I almost cried.

Who was it who told me, "You'll get

used to it quickly, just persevere"?

Wasn't it you? Go talk to Lisa again.

Minami-kun,

You seem to have changed.

You used to be so straightforward and

had such a good personality three years ago.

Now you act all high and mighty like

an old hand at the piano.

What does that have to do with anything?

But...

- Takemi-sensei has always been...

- Annoying as hell.

Takemi-sensei has always been saying...

Stop using Takemi-sensei to pressure me!

They found a temporary replacement at Legendary

Nightclub. You'll be here all night, right?

(Song: As Time Goes By)

- Hiroshi-kun?

- Yes.

You don't need to play the piano so forcefully.

- Thanks for the compliment.

- I didn't compliment you.

Adding unnecessary embellishments

will disrupt my singing.

- Ah, you mean the accompaniment part? Where exactly?

- Stop looking. You're disturbing me the whole time.

I can see you really enjoy playing the piano.

I'm sorry...

- It's a jazz song after all.

I just improvised a bit.

- Jazz?

What era are you living in? Do

you know what year it is? Look at

these guests with your own eyes.

You've ruined the atmosphere.

Really? But I see many people

looking this way.

Fine, how about this? During the next song, I'll

improvise every four bars. How does that sound?

I'll only tell you once, so remember it well.

Ah, thank you. Thanks for coming.

Listen...

Our job is to sit here and play.

Get rid of your self-consciousness.

I've played country music, I've done blues,

I can even play Hawaiian tunes!

But the guests only want the theme song from a

certain brand of cigarettes. If you can't play

it immediately, they'll call you an amateur.

You know, there's a song

that's been on TV a lot lately.

It's "Ricardo Bossa Nova",

Everyone will love this song!

Just sit down and play the piano honestly!

If you want to play jazz, just leave.

Go play in America.

I'm sorry.

Sone, my buddy...

I'll order "Ricardo Bossa Nova".

What country's signal does your TV receive?

The TVs in Ginza don't have signals before dawn.

Don't say that.

Hey, young man...

Could it be...

you're the masked pianist from earlier?

You're the one who played piano

in that small karaoke bar, right?

Thank you for playing "The Godfather" for me.

Um... What are you talking about?

Ah, Hiroshi-kun, is everything going smoothly?

Hey, young man, wait a minute.

The karaoke bar is over there.

I told you, I didn't play "The Godfather"!

Oh... You can't fool me.

As soon as I saw your piano-playing fingers,

I understood everything.

Sorry I'm in a hurry...

Wait up!

- Then let's run!

- Ah?

Young man, do you know the three-legged race?

- I know about the three-legged race,

but I don't have time...

- Don't underestimate me

I've been participating in sports in prison.

I've been first for ten years!

Let's tie our ankles together and run,

holding onto each other's arms.

That's great.

To go from that rundown karaoke bar

to playing piano at a nightclub...

You must be really happy, right?

I really understand. You're truly talented.

Thank you... but you've got the wrong person.

Let's start running from the other foot.

Ready... go!

One... two... one...

One... two... one... two...

Oh... darn it.

I've lost a lot of weight in prison.

These pants are loose.

(Song title: Ain't Nobody's Business)

ready, go!

One! Two! Three! Four!

Five! Six! Seven! Eight!

Nine! Ten!

Eleven! Twelve! Thirteen! Fourteen! Fifteen!

- Here, switch with me. Here you go.

- Okay.

Come on!

If you don't play that song,

the chairman won't leave.

Today we're having a year-end party,

so we're counting on you!

Why did you come over without saying hi?

I just wanted to see your work,

even if it's just once.

Some jobs are not suitable for parents to see!

Why not? It would be great to play the

piano in such a dignified and enjoyable place.

If I had known it was this kind of place,

I would have brought your dad to see it!

On that note,

why did you come dressed in a kimono?

Go back, Mom, please go back.

If I don't hand this over to you,

Mom won't go back.

- What's this?

- This is...

It's the umbilical cord.

The umbilical cord?

I've been carefully preserving

it since you were born.

My precious child, you've grown so big.

Mom, this is strange...

I asked you to find my health record,

not the umbilical cord...

I know, Hiroshi.

But I couldn't find your health

record from when you were born, no

matter how hard I searched the house.

Then your dad said,

"Just bring the umbilical cord over."

I can't go to the US without my

birth health record! Without

proof of vaccination, I can't go!

Oh, are you going to the US?

Didn't I tell you before?

Well... I still have your photo from

when you were five.

Really... Mom, please go home.

Okay, thank you.

Goodbye, Happy New Year!

Miki, if you don't erupt occasionally,

I don't think you'll ever change your ways.

I don't think you can change your

behavior no matter how long it takes.

- Is this okay?

- So what?

I think I'm fine the way I am now.

You're talking about being a "Foreign Minister,"

but you're clearly a gangster, a thug,

and you're still acting all high and mighty?

Anyway, once he's gone,

he won't be around here anymore.

That's what you think, right?

Be firm in front of the president!

Be decisive!

Say more, say more!

What kind of band leader are you?

Why are you still cursing at me...

You can't make friends usually,

you just gamble on horses...

You clearly love the guitar, but for the sake of

making a living, you have to compromise...

But... when you return home,

there's no one there.

How does it feel?

That hits the nail on the head!

Why won't you play "The Godfather" theme?

I won't play that piece again.

If you don't play it, the president won't leave.

Actually... I'm going to Boston.

Oh, did you forget something?

Not the Boston caf, but Boston, USA.

I'm going to audition for

the Boston Music Academy.

Really?

So, this is my last time playing

the piano here tonight.

That's sudden.

Why?

Lately, when I play the piano,

I can't concentrate anymore.

I don't even know what I'm playing anymore.

You're sick,

like some kind of cognitive disorder.

No, it's just the way I am now.

I can't stand it anymore.

When I play the piano now, I'm completely

out of touch with myself. I'm just

pressing keys, just making noise.

One time, Miki even said to me,

He said, "The piano sounds so good today."

Now when I play the piano,

it's just mechanical, just pressing keys.

That sounds more like Miki's sick, not you.

In that case, both Miki

and I have the same illness.

That's what you call the band's disease.

I even told Lisa to be happy just being a vase.

Do I have a problem or what?

Then why go to America?

You should go to the hospital!

What's the point of going to the hospital?

They'll just give me some tranquilizers, right?

I'll have to take a lot of pills to numb myself.

If that's the case, no matter how hard I try,

I can't reach Takemi-sensei's level!

- Are you OK?

- What... back then you

wanted me to "take it easy."

I get it.

If you want to study abroad, then go ahead.

Do whatever you want.

But... you have to keep this a secret

from the band leader.

Don't tell anyone about your plan to leave, okay?

I can't do something so heartless...

- At least I should tell Miki and Sone...

- No, don't.

Miki will definitely tell the chairman directly.

If the president finds out you're leaving...

He might just chop off your fingers.

Don't say that.

But I'm also very happy.

Minami... still has a lot of ideas.

I thought you had completely become one

of those annoying old hands in the band.

I've actually been quite disgusted lately.

I wanted to explain things to you properly.

Do you remember when we unexpectedly

met at the Boston Caf?

Of course I do.

You asked me if I wanted to play piano at

the nightclub, and you smiled at me.

Can I mention Takemi-sensei?

He said this about you.

"In due time... Minami will surely

become a very outstanding pianist."

It's really true.

- But I...

- If only he could see you before he passed away...

He would be so proud if he knew

you were going to study jazz seriously.

Oh... it's true

Oh... what are we doing?

We studied under such a great teacher

to specialize in music,

but all we get is,

"The piano sounds so good."

Although being praised by Miki

might be a bit embarrassing,

the fact that even Miki can praise you

means you're really great, right?

His words made me realize something.

No, it's not that.

The teacher originally

told you to "take it easy,"

and you're about to reach that state.

That's how I feel.

What am I really doing?

Alright.

Lisa is the problem to be solved tonight.

What should we do about Lisa?

- I don't speak English.

- Me neither.

- But why did she stop singing?

- I don't know.

What does it mean to "take it easy"?

(Lyrics: "Stepped on a Cat")

Ah?

Minami... Lisa said that if you're going

to study abroad in Boston,

You must have a recording demo.

Ah, didn't you say it was confidential?

Of course I'll keep it confidential,

I only told Lisa.

So, during the next performance,

Just record it directly.

There is a tape inside.

I'm really happy... but how do I explain to

the band leader and the manager later?

It's okay. I'll bring him in.

Then...

Thank you all. I'm counting on you.

This past year,

we've been through ups and downs...

Although I've always

been strict with everyone...

I'm also thinking of our club...

I'm also thinking of our club!

This past year...

Hello.

What's wrong?

Did something happen?

Miki, I've had a hard time today.

No one wants to listen to me.

Let's go chat at the year-end party, okay?

Okay, if you insist...

Miki, why don't you come with me

and let me see the mature charm of

the band leader occasionally?

What's going on here?

This past year...

We also successfully stepped into

the new year smoothly this year.

What are you doing!

The year-end party should start after closing!

(Lyrics: Nobody Knows You When

You're Down and Out)

President, this is our year-end party rehearsal.

Why are there still guest musicians?

This isn't a live house!

Great!

Great!

Ah! President! President, are you okay?

Hey.

Your piano playing today

was really nice to listen to.

Thank you... ah.

You're going to the US?

Why didn't you tell me?

You told Chikako, right?

I'm sorry. I really appreciate

Miki's care all this time.

With your words, I'm content.

It's from the heart, right?

It's from the heart. I truly thank you.

Sometimes, it's nice like this.

- Wow!

- Ahhhhh!

Hey, can I request a song?

I don't care if you are

the masked pianist or not.

I just want to hear that song.

It really resonates with me right now.

Enough already!

If you want to hear "The Godfather" so much,

can't you go to another bar?

But Sone, my friend...

Didn't you tell me not to go to another bar?

Then where should I go?

- You better tell me now!

- Please calm down...

For our group... I sat in prison for ten years!

Why does everyone still treat me like a plague?

How could this happen... don't cry.

Only that song... truly understands me!

I understand.

In Ginza...

The pianist who plays the best

in The Godfather... plays at a

club called Slowly Nightclub.

That masked pianist... could be him!

Boss, we're about done...

Huh?

The people on the street are all turning to look.

(Song: Akira no Zundoko Bushi)

The blue night wind is

also turning back to blow.

Minami, the tape recorder is still running,

you know?

It's still recording!

There's nothing we can do about it.

If I offend the chairman, forget about

not being able to study abroad, I might

not even be able to keep my life.

You're going to let them hear this

for your audition? What if they

accept both of you on the spot?

Then you'll have to take the president

with you to Boston and share a dorm, right?

Why are you still laughing?

The streetlights on the roadside

have been blinking all this time.

What I told you before,

about wanting to leave and start anew, it's true.

I see. Take care of yourself then.

I'm not joking with you.

I've already washed my hands of this life,

I'm leaving for South America by boat tomorrow.

I haven't told anyone,

so take care of yourself too!

Become a foreign minister?

How could that happen!

Have another drink... have another laugh.

Miki, Mr. Sone is calling for you.

Please take care of us next year too!

- Hello, this is Miki.

- It's Sone.

This call is timely.

I have good news to tell you.

But I also have bad news.

That guy is headed your way!

What's going on?

You said it wouldn't matter if

the underworld erupted into chaos,

so I let him go.

You idiot, why can't you handle things properly?

The chairman is retiring and leaving Ginza soon!

Hey, you need to stop that guy!

- Otherwise...

- He's already on his way. It's up to you now.

- It's about to get messy..

- What's happening?

The pain of love is something only

one person can bear.

Returning to the embrace,

the stars also descend.

That woman returns to my dreams.

In the dream, she tells me she wants to see me.

But how can we meet in a dreamless night?

Before entering the dream, I...

(Track: Theme Song from "The Godfather")

Really?

Just spare me, please.

Emergency, emergency, Number 14 is here.

Number 14 is here alone!

He's about to get on the elevator!

No, Minami, you can't play it. This piece

absolutely, absolutely cannot be played again!

Even you wouldn't be able to handle it!

Stop it!

Miki, it's really not easy.

What are you still saying?

I finally realize now,

this is really a great piece!

What are you trying to show off? You idiot!

Miki, it's okay.

The president will be very happy.

This is the last time... you just...

It's not the last time! You will...

You did it for me in the end...

This will definitely not be the last time!

I said it's my last time!

What am I doing?

So, you are here after all.

I had a hard time finding you.

So, this is the man under that mask.

Um... who are you?

It's me.

It was the song I requested, the one I asked

you to play for me. At that time, I wanted you

to play the piece that best matched my mood.

Minami, what's going on?

It's nothing...

It wasn't me.

Don't give me that. It was definitely you!

- Was that you?

- I don't know what you're talking about.

You were wearing a mask, but I saw your hands

playing the piano. That's how I recognized you!

You played my piece for

that little scoundrel to hear?

I didn't play it!

He played it.

It happened just now in the music hall.

Stop!

- Hiroshi, didn't you say you'd call an ambulance?

- I didn't say that. I didn't say anything.

Move out of the way!

Your face is pale.

Where are you rushing to?

Because of me. Because of me.

- They're going to k*ll each other!

- I told you so.

That piece absolutely must not be played!

Why does playing 'The Godfather'

lead to so much trouble?

It's all because of their underworld business.

If they want to fight, let them k*ll each other.

If he really die, it would be a good thing,

right?

You said, whose piece is that?

It's your piece, Chairman.

It's Chairman Kumano's piece!

You played my piece without permission.

How should this be handled?

I absolutely did not play it.

- What if I asked you to play it?

- If the Chairman asked me to

play, I would definitely play!

Please turn off the recorder...

Hey... forget about running away.

Just forget I mentioned it.

Starting tomorrow, I'll come every night!

If someone dares to play that piece

while I'm not here, I won't be polite!

Why are you laughing?

Oh... there's still a tape inside.

Hey... who helped you have your own band?

That piece...

Don't! Don't sh**t!

Whose piece did you say it was?

It's your... it's your piece now.

It doesn't matter anymore.

Miki... Miki!

Did they fight?

Throw it down.

Ah, be careful.

What about him?

What should I do, Miki?

It seems like he's planning to study

abroad without telling us, right?

It's a pity. It would have been better

if Minami-chan hadn't made this mistake.

Anyway, he's leaving tomorrow, right?

Ready... throw!

Miki!

(Music: "The Godfather" theme)

I also... fell from the sky.

And ended up... in a place like this.

What place?

The Ginza nightclub.

No, actually... I'm in America now.

Uncle, you sing pretty well.

Although I really want to go out...

What can I do to get out?

If I go out...

Stop thinking about it.

There's

no way out in here.

So how long have you been here?

Since the first day you

played the piano in Ginza.

Three years ago... in 1985, right?

I left Ginza too.

I've been here for exactly three years

But this is still Ginza.

Uncle, I am asking you seriously.

How can I get out of here?

After getting out...

- Where are you going...

- To America. I'm going to Boston.

So, you're in America now.

You're really pitiful.

You gave up on life and went crazy, right?

You only know how to live off others in

Ginza, and here, you just eat, drink,

sleep, and use the bathroom, right?

What's the difference between you

and the corpse that fell here?

There's nothing beautiful about you.

Nothing at all.

What did you say?

Shut up. Just continue to act like you're dead.

Listen carefully to what the dead say,

young man.

Why wouldn't you be happy

with so much money to spend?

Sensei, it's not just about money.

Isn't it because of being with

us that you've learned a lot?

No way... no way?

It's all because of you guys that

I have to struggle to the end

What am I even doing?

You want to know what you're doing?

That's a question all humanity

thinks about their whole life.

It's because humanity thinks that, no matter

how dirty the garbage pile is, Humans can

always discover beautiful flowers.

Isn't that right?

You're right.

That's what humanity is.

Because of music,

because humanity has poetry,

which other animals don't have.

None of it is beautiful.

I don't want to be criticized

by you two like this!

Animals are much better than human society!

Humans either start wars or k*ll each other.

Humans never do anything good!

Talking about equality for all is pure lies!

Everyone will die sooner or later,

that's the only truth!

So, while I'm still alive...

I want to use the piano

to create beautiful things!

Otherwise,

my life will be just waiting for death!

That's too dark!

Who are you?

Hey... who are you?

This child, Minami,

he has... how should I say it...

Anyway, it can be said...

he has great potential.

He can become a great pianist.

But, he still has a long way to go.

Hiroshi!

Mom

I found the baby's health handbook.

It's at Grandma's house in Shimbashi-town.

I found it!

Oh, you found it...

You found it...

Thank you, Mom.

I mean... you should go take

a good bath and change your clothes.

You can't go to America like this,

they won't let you near a piano.

Here.

Tell my dad... to take care of his health.

Your dad also said

Jazz is unhealthy music.

If you play jazz,

you'll either get seriously ill or go crazy.

I... I'm leaving on the first flight tomorrow.

Hiroshi!

Have a safe journey!

Next, let me introduce

Mr. Hiroshi Minami, who has been appointed

as the pianist starting this year!

Thank you, please take care of me!

It was hard at the beginning,

but you should get used to it soon, right?

- I wish you all the best

- I'll do my best.

"Stay calm," okay?

Yes, stay calm.