Why don't we live together?
Your office is closer from here.
Yeah. I think so.
That was a big one.
That was really bad.
I thought I was going to die.
Where is the epicenter?
Will it come again?
Is it shaking again?
I guess it's me.
That was bad. It made me dizzy.
It was so big.
Ear Cleaner, The
Yes, I was going to work at this publishing company,
but they withdrew the offer because of the disaster.
That's why I'm still looking for work.
Why did you choose our company?
I want to work for a company that cares about individual customers.
That's why I applied to your company.
But you want to work for a publishing company.
No. I think I can do the same...
I can also contribute to this company.
What did you focus on while you were in college?
I focused on my studies.
I sat in front of the class so that I can focus.
But your grades were very ordinary.
I'm sorry.
Did you have a job while you were in college?
A couple of cafes and restaurants. Not for too long.
Why not?
No reason. Sorry.
So you quit your job for no reason.
Sorry. I can't think of any reasons.
What are your good qualities?
My friends tell me I'm a good listener.
Because you don't say anything.
Sorry. Maybe.
Can you express your own opinions?
Sorry. I don't know.
Why did you choose this industry?
Why do you want to work for us?
What do we get out of hiring you?
If you do work for us, and the publishing company...
Hey, are you listening?
Sorry. Hold on.
Sorry. Can you repeat your question?
What's that?
Sorry. My hearing aid.
Not much has changed since the last time.
Your eardrum is not fine and there's no infection.
You don't get spasms on your face?
It happens to some due to stress.
Do you take herbs of any kind?
No.
Are you getting enough rest?
A lot of people believe they are getting sleep, but they're not.
Will you come and let me take a look at you soon?
There's a conference soon. You should come.
A car crashed into a crowd of school children.
Government is now planning to reactivate...
On the morning of the 16th, the Government...
"Thank you for your application."
So what's Light?
It's a name of the internet service we provide.
And if Light is weak, my computer gets dark?
No. It has nothing to do with luminance.
I just don't understand what you do.
We're an internet service provider.
I believe you signed a contract with us?
No, I haven't. But I don't care.
It's too dark I can't see it.
I'm sorry, Sir.
My name is Kawamura at Customer Center.
“Grand Prize: Room by Nahum Sugka“
Thank you for calling. This is Kawamura at Customer Center.
Hey, I can't log in. It says Error 61.
OK. Let me check on that.
What is your log in information?
My ID is 357296 and my password is 52.
Are you listening?
Yes, I am. What is your log in status?
Are you listening?
Yes, I am. I am listening.
Are you going to check or what?
Sorry. What is your log in status?
Never mind.
Do you know anything about Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Sorry. No.
She keeps apologizing like you do.
But she's deaf.
"Ena Koda"
Cheers.
It tastes good.
Hey, how was your...
I didn't make it.
You have no talent. C'mon.
You take photographs?
Little bit.
You want to have a career or become a photographer?
Wow. That's power harassment.
I heard that before.
You said work is more important at the interview.
Once you get the job, it's different?
I want to get a transfer to your department. It sounds fun.
Why don't you? We need people.
You're interviewing people?
I got an old man who doesn't know anything about internet,
a single mother with four children,
a deaf person, and a fake photographer.
It's a recession circus.
As far as the eastern philosophy is concerned,
ear is part of the auditory system that control balance and body position.
Ear also related to cerebrospinal fluid.
Auricle is the most delicately shaped pan of human body
and some harbors strong inferiority complex over the shape of auricle.
Van Gogh cut his ears off.
Hey.
Is your home this way?
No.
But what kind of photo do you shoot?
What do you mean?
My ex-boyfriend draws and I used to model.
I could model for you as well.
Stop.
NOW?
How do I look? Nice?
He's no fun at all.
Don't you have an interview?
I haven't seen you in a while
I'm not going to get a job anyway.
You're funny.
You have a day off?
I quit.
No way. You had a good job.
Working long hours and going home just to sleep is not a good job.
It was boring.
I wanted some time for myself.
We worked hard together for that interview.
We did, didn't we? I don't know why I tried so hard.
What do you do now?
I'm reading.
No, I mean for work.
Just pan time.
You can survive?
You know the ear cleaning place?
You provide a service to clean ears.
And some more?
No sex.
If that's the case, I wouldn't have told you.
They are very strict about that. So it's safe and fun.
All they want is to get their ears clean?
Yeah.
That's it?
Yeah. I only do it three times a week. But I get paid more.
-No! - Yes.
Really?
You think it's shady?
Yeah.
It is kinda. Very gray.
How is your ear? Do you still need the aid?
Sometimes.
You don't hide it with your hair?
The noise bothers me.
It must be difficult doing interviews.
It is.
You changed, Misako.
In a good way?
I think so.
I just gave up trying.
Are you working?
Not now.
Don't you get bored?
You want me to introduce you?
I told you I just want you to block some sites...
Kawamura, for you.
Hello, this is Kawamura.
Hello, is this Yoshinobu?
Yes.
Oh, hello. This is Mishima. I'm your mother's husband.
Sorry to call you like this.
I haven't seen her in a long time.
I barely remember her.
I have nothing to do with her.
There's something I want to tell you.
Your mom is in a critical condition.
You should be fired.
Yes. Thank you.
This is Kawamura at Customer Center. Thank you.
He called again.
That's the hospital.
The guy talks a lot.
You can take time off.
No. It's OK. I don't care.
It's OK.
Don't take it too seriously.
Why don't you come home?
I'm still looking for work.
There's no work there.
But you feel better here.
I know.
You remember Mitsuko?
You know she got married early.
Now she has a child and she is divorced.
Her mother was also handful.
And your uncle's boy Makoto,
he had a good job in Tokyo, but moved to Osaka...
His wife is no good either.
"Ear Cleaning Store ALIVE"
(Beginners Course: 6000 yen)
Welcome!
Sorry. This is for men only.
I'm here for an interview.
Oh, you're the friend.
Yes, Koda.
Kobayashi. I'm the owner.
Sorry. Nice to meet you.
You went to a good school.
Have you worked at a place like this?
No.
How about cabaret clubs?
No.
Not at all?
No. Sorry.
So you're normal.
Am I?
It's good being normal.
You have a bad ear?
Yes, a little.
I'm sure your friend told you.
If you can come three times a week, that's great.
We cover your transportation.
Don't claim it if you don't need it. Are you free now?
Nothing.
Shall I show you what we do?
NOW?
Why not?
So sudden.
Better to learn fast. You make money faster.
Hey, can you come down now? Good.
Was college any fun?
I only went to junior high.
I love the sound of "campus life".
Hello.
- I'm sorry. - Please knock, OK?
OK.
She will take care of you. It's Ai.
Hello.
Koda.
We should give her a name.
No one uses the real name here. Any preference?
I don't know.
What was the name of the girl who quit?
Masayo?
Yeah, Masayo. How is that?
I don't know about that.
Can you stand up?
Very good.
- She is more Masayo. - No way!
Is it OK?
You can say no.
Sure. Fine.
When you get to work, you choose the room.
This is the most unpopular room.
While you wait for customers, you can do whatever you want.
How is it? OK?
Yeah.
You look good.
This is our uniform.
You do it yourself next time.
OK, I'll try my best.
Come here.
I'll clean your ears.
NOW?
Yes, now.
I wear this.
You can't hear it if you take it off?
Sometimes.
Well, take it off and come here.
Not like that. This way.
Place your head between my thighs.
Some people lay down like you did,
but when they turn, they face your stomach.
First, I massage your ears.
Can you hear me?
Yes.
You don't like it?
Sorry. It's fine.
You're a sensitive one.
I'm now cleaning
your outer ear gently.
You have a beautiful ear.
Can you hear me?
Yes.
OK. Now the inside.
It's been a year now. Three times a week.
Because it pays well.
I need to save.
Yes, I go to nursery school during the day.
I like places that won't let you go all the way.
I like girls
touching my ears.
OK. Good.
Now use the wire one.
This?
With that, you just twist and turn.
Turn.
Good.
You're good at this.
It feels good.
Does it? Thank you.
People who touch their ears a lot...
Do you?
I don't know.
People who touch their ears
are babies.
They are mummy's boy.
And did you know that ear cleaning is a Japanese culture?
You didn't know that did you?
No, I didn't.
Are you a student? What do you do?
Nothing really.
I only do this.
Been here long?
Very long.
You learn a lot from the customers.
You hear many stories.
You get wiser.
I learned what I told you from a psychology professor.
Sometimes I just have difficulties listening.
Were you born with it?
No. It happened recently.
Really?
You from Tokyo?
No. Hokkaido, Asahikawa.
It snows there a lot.
Yes.
What about you?
My home was washed away.
Can you do the other one?
Hey, you're new.
Masayo.
Sorry, I'm new here.
I'm the first?
Yes. Sorry.
I see.
You know I used to play baseball.
I see.
Have you met anyone who went to the big league?
No.
It was amazing.
I got a big one.
I'm 24.
I like it.
I grew to like it.
I'm a virgin, so I was afraid at first.
Now I think my customers are cute.
My dream?
To become an idol.
Our generation thinks we changed the country,
but your generation is too lazy.
All you do is complain.
How old are you?
23
You would go and have a drink when you're asked to, right?
My generation is sandwiched in between.
You understand?
Yes. It's tough.
That's right it is tough.
That's why I'm here.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
My name is Shiori Konno. I'm from the north.
Kan Kan.
It's hot!
Good morning.
Hey.
Why don't you try LEDs?
What's that?
The ones that give off steady light.
She's here already.
Who?
The deaf girl.
Did she take my room?
The same room as yesterday. She's our star rookie.
Shut up.
When aroused and excited,
blood streams are easy to detect in auricles.
You know how ears turn red.
Are you sure?
Yes. Further, please.
Stop.
OK.
Turn.
Turn it around. It's OK.
Now pull slowly.
Will you smell it for me'?
Please.
Please. I know it stinks. Please.
How is it?
It stinks.
Isn't it? It is, right?
Yes.
- It stinks. - Yes.
It stinks.
I'm 45.
You thought I was old.
I can tell.
But I became very popular at the store.
Reason?
Because I can provide what my customers need.
They don't want to get laid.
If they do, they can go to other places.
They're looking for maternity.
OK. Your time is up. Thank you.
Extension.
Can I get an extension?
OK.
From the beginning?
Someone is stalking me.
Yes, a customer.
First I saw him at a store.
Then I started seeing him often. I was friendly at first.
I told my boyfriend and he came to pick me up after work.
Then it stopped.
Then he wrote me a letter.
It said, "your ear cleaning is the best."
"You smell like my mother."
And he gave me his phone number.
I told my boss
and he was not allowed to come anymore.
My favorite was at a store.
I went the next day and she was there again.
Then she was with a scary man.
I thought he was a yakuza.
I got worried.
He was really scary.
When I went home alone,
he was waiting for me.
I was going to run away, But I got really scared.
He asked me why I was avoiding him.
But other girls are no good.
I'm scared every day.
I try my best.
This is Masayo. Hello.
Does it hurt?
Sorry, Sir.
You can't do that here.
Very sorry.
Sorry.
"Ear Cleaning Store ALIVE"
Hello.
You know you can't take photos here.
Sorry.
Your first time?
Yes.
I have to keep that.
You know we don't provide sexual services.
Yes.
You can't touch or do anything that girls would not like you to do.
You can't ask the girls for any contact information. OK?
Can I take pictures?
I told you we don't do sex stuff.
You can't name girls.
You can after a few visits.
But this is your first, right?
Yes.
She's getting ready now, so hold on.
"Ear Cleaning helps in relaxing your body and soul"
Hello.
First time?
Go.
I want him.
You do?
Hey...
Please not her.
Hello.
Masayo. Nice to meet you.
Masayo.
Sorry. I've never been to this kind of place.
I'm new and not used to it.
Can you place your head and lie down?
I'm going to start cleaning.
Should I talk?
No. I like quiet.
Can you turn around?
Please...
Ena Koda, right?
You came to an interview at B-In.
Yes.
I work there. I'm Kawamura.
But how do you know...
I saw you on the street.
And I followed.
And what do you want?
I wanted to meet you.
What do you mean?
I wanted to see your ears.
Hey...
Sorry. I'm afraid of earthquake.
Are you?
Calm down.
This is not that kind of place.
Can I take this off?
I can't hear very well.
Can you hear me now?
Yes.
I will clean your ears.
I'm OK.
Hey...
Yes?
Sorry if they are dirty.
Did I fall asleep?
Yes, you did.
This is police!
That's too bad.
So, we were right.
I'm sorry about that.
What was it about?
Tax evasion?
We're not in trouble, are we?
Are we?
No way.
Ai performed some extra service.
Wow.
What was she doing?
Unbelievable.
That's disgusting.
Shut up.
She just loved ears a bit too much.
Ear cleaning requires trust.
That means a lot to me.
It is a very special feeling.
And that's really important for me.
It feels like no other.
I liked it.
What's going to happen to the store?
We're slapped with suspension.
Nothing is worse than that.
You will pay us, right?
Yes, I'll pay your salaries. Trust me.
You're positive?
Why did this happened? What should we do for living?
Hey, everyone...
dismissed.
Are you crying, boss?
I've never seen you cry before.
I got it.
Great!
Take a look at Twitter, so many people are tweeting it.
That's cute.
Sorry it was such a big trouble.
The shop is closing.
I have to find a new job.
There's a good noodle shop around here.
It was good.
Yeah.
I'm going this way.
Bye.
Hey...
Yes.
Sorry.
I take photographs.
Yes.
I'm going somewhere to shoot tomorrow.
Yes.
I want to go to the seaside, it's a bit far, though.
But do you want to come with me?
Amazing...
This hill is so high.
And the wind is strong.
Over there, it looks like a scene from movie, so great.
This pose is great.
I'll take it from behind.
Turn around.
This way.
Show me your ear.
Can you hear me?
You have ear fetish.
No. Not at all.
Really.
I'm not.
Wait.
Can you get down there? OK, hold on.
OK.
OK?
- Here. - Here?
Amazing.
- It's raining. - It's cold.
It's coming down hard.
I'm going in first.
I already have my suit on.
You're going in?
Wait, Kawamura!
Aren't you cold?
Koda, did you bring your bathing suit?
I did.
Hold on.
You always took photographs?
Yes.
That's great.
It's not great. I'm no pro.
That is great.
I just can't stop doing it.
I don't know what I want to do
or what I should do.
Then I can't even keep my job.
I see.
Then...
I realized I'm living life without any purpose.
I'm just breathing.
Not thinking.
Just breathing.
So you can hear without the aid.
Yes.
What's wrong with just breathing?
Wow. This is deja vu.
I didn't mean to bring you here.
Wow. A big tub!
I'm taking a bath.
Koda, it's a big tub.
I see.
I will take a look.
You like taking a bath?
Yeah, I love it.
Me too.
Your favorite color?
Red.
You?
Bright blue.
I see.
Favorite food?
Gratin.
You?
Fried egg over easy.
That's great.
Hey...
Yeah?
Can I kiss you?
Can I?
It's OK?
You don't have to ask.
I don't often do this.
I know it.
What's your favorite music?
Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera,
Namie Amuro...
I like Nirvana,
Bump of Chicken and...
Your favorite film?
The Shawshank Redemption.
I like Bicentennial Man.
Your favorite place?
I like factories and high places.
I like mountains and a park with trees.
I like where people live.
I like hearing children playing at a park.
A sky with birds singing across.
Shades.
The sound of a wind runs through the barley.
A scent of burnt toast.
My grandmother's habit of worries.
My mother's strength.
Impressionistic paintings.
Van Gogh, Renoir...
The Dancing Girl by Mori Ogai...
The Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets.
A poem by Yoshitada Sone
about a wandering boatman by the gate of Yura
steering the boat aimlessly to the sea of love.
I like cats,
cherry blossoms,
and...
wondering aimlessly on the street.
Can I fall in love with you?
Of course.
Why did you call yourself Masayo?
Boss decided it.
I see.
The same name as my mother.
She left me when I was little.
My father died five years ago.
She's a stranger to me.
I see.
Apparently she lives around here
and...
she is very sick.
Maybe she is dead by now.
C'mon.
We don't have to do this.
Let's do it.
Really. You don't have to.
Quick!
Do we have to go now?
You wanted to come.
You don't have to do this.
C'mon.
Not today.
Let's find it together.
Who is it?
Sorry. I'm looking for the Mishima Resident.
Yoshinobu?
Please.
Masayo, Yoshinobu is here.
Yoshinobu...
Did you...
Did you see the ocean?
I did.
When was it?
Probably half an hour ago.
So let's say 3:55AM.
- Will contact you later. - Thank you.
Yoshinobu.
Thank you for coming.
You are welcome.
I take photographs.
I see.
May I?
No. Not me.
You see the beach over there?
We used to take a walk there.
For example,
waking up in the morning,
cooking breakfast,
eating it,
cleaning my apartment...
I love doing
ordinary things.
"The runner-up: Yoshinobu Kawamura"
En“!
It is you. How are you?
Yes.
Long time.
You look good.
Want to get a coffee?
Well...No.
Oh, OK.
Bye.
At the store I work at,
I feel like my customers are teaching me.
Many things happened this year.
I just want to do...
what I can do the best.
Welcome.
I'm Masayo.
Thank you.