Hey, Nana. Remember the first time we met?
You know how I believe in things like fate.
Well, I think that was fate.
You can laugh if you want.
--OPENING--
Oh, dear God! Great Buddha! Demon Lord!
Yeah-ee!
Excuse me. I wanted to return this video.
Hey, Nana!
What's all of that noise? You've got customers.
Spring is here!
Spring has finally here!
I've waited so long for this.
Looking back on it, I was basically running away from home. But I don't think my parents were that surprised. Back home I have two sisters: one is older and the other is younger. It was pretty crowded around our house. Back then, I spent all my time yammering on about visiting Tokyo or living there. I think my parents were secretly relieved that one of their obnoxious daughters had finally left home. I was leaving my family and the city I'd lived in my whole life but any feelings of homesickness hadn't hit me yet. I was so excited to be going to Tokyo. My heart was full of hope and expectation.
Now I have the chance to see Shoji every day. No more text messages, no more phone calls. Finally we could talk face to face again.
Thank you for choosing the Tohoku bullet train with service to Tokyo.
We apologize ...
Wow, the train's packed. I'd better hurry up and find a seat so I can text Shoji.
Excuse me. Um...um... hello.
What happened? Why did we stop? Was there an accident?
You okay?
Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry.
No, I'm sorry. I hope this didn't hurt you when it fell.
I'm fine.
By the way, is this seat... I mean, would it be okay if I...
Go ahead.
She's so beautiful and so cool, too.
There is something different about her like she's got a special aura. So thin and such a pretty face. Maybe she's famous. Those long eyelashes and her makeup! It really stands out. That looks perfect. Beautiful people always look great, no matter what they do. Wow, a designer ring. That is so cool.
Is the smoke bothering you?
No-no-no, that's okay. I'm fine.
We're getting nowhere fast.
Huh?
The train. Keeps on stopping like this.
Really? What am I gonna do? I'm in a hurry.
Yeah? That's too bad.
I know what I can do. I can text him.
There.
That was really fast. I'm amazed how you high school students keep up with all that technology.
I'm not in a high school. I'm already 20.
Huh?! Ha-ha.
Sorry. I never would have guessed we were the same age.
She's so cute when she laughs.
You gotta be kidding? You don't look the same age as me. You can't be 20. I mean the way you said "you high school students" makes you seem a lot older.
I guess that's just how I am.
I'm still part of the analog world.
Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be moving again soon but because of the weather conditions we'll be proceeding much slower than normal. We apologize for any inconvenience that it may have caused.
I don't believe it. How long is it going to take us to get to Tokyo now?
So, what's with the big hurry to get there?
Nothing much. I wanted to move to Tokyo for ages. I'm going to look for a job when I get there.
No kidding? So am I.
You mean you're moving to Tokyo.
Yeah.
Oh wow. I seemed you lived there already and you were just coming back from a tour or something.
A tour?
Yeah. Like doing concerts everywhere. When I saw your guitar I figured you must be a professional musician.
Oh.
So, are you in a band?
I was in one back at home, yeah.
I knew it. That is so cool. Where are you from?
Oh, a message. No, wait. Someone's calling.
Hello, this is Nana.
Hey there, Shoji. Yeah, we got stuck in the snow. The train's delayed. I don't know when we'll get there.
Are you sure that's okay? We may not get into the station till after midnight.
If you sure you don't mind.
That sounds great. Thanks. I'll give you a call once we know for sure when we'll arrive.
Okay. Bye for now.
So, you got a boyfriend in Tokyo? You sure are lovey-dovey with him.
Now it all makes sense. You're going to Tokyo to be with your guy.
No! Okay, sort of, maybe.
Ha-ha. Are you or aren't you?
Well, he's not actually from Tokyo. We know each other from back home. We went to the same school together. But he wanted to go and study at an art college in Tokyo. So he decided to move there.
Why didn't you go with him? Seems like the obvious thing to do.
I wanted to, believe me I wanted to. But he... told me to stay behind.
How come?
Because I had no idea what I wanted to do and no money to do it with. He said I should have some sort of plan before I left home.
That makes sense.
So, I bit my lips, stayed at home and started saving up enough money to make the move. We made a promise that if he passed his university entrance exams then I would join him. Once I'm in Tokyo I'll get a job so I can support myself. And that way I don't have to be depending on him.
I can't believe I've been pouring my heart out like this to a complete stranger.
Ha-ha-ha. Nothing wrong with that. Sometimes it's easy to talk to a stranger. Besides it looks like we're gonna be sitting here for quite a while.
Uh? Yeah, I guess you're right.
So then, why don't I tell you some more. To be honest I've been dying to talk to someone about my boyfriend. His name's Shoji and he's nice, considerate and a totally cool guy. Sometimes he can be a bit of a goof when he opens his mouth, but that's okay.
Ha-ha-ha. A goof and you still like the guy?
Hey, how about if I buy us both a beer?
Sure, why not?
Two beers, please!
Okay, I think we should make a toast.
Okay, to what?
Um... Shoji passing his exams!
No, that's got nothing to do with me.
Alright then. What about a toast to you and me?
I'll drink to that.
A toast to two girls with the same ages, who happen to be going to Tokyo at the same time, stuck on the same train. Quite a coincidence, right?
Ah!
And there is one more thing...
Huh?
A toast to the fact the both of us are called Nana.
Remember the first time we met? A snowstorm blowing out of nowhere and the train moved along so slowly... It took us 5 hours to get to Tokyo. But the time seemed to fly by. I talked endlessly about myself. So I didn't get to find out anything about you.
Now that I know you better I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have said much anyway.
Nana!
Shoji!
Hm, why are you crying? I thought you'd be happy.
Of course I'm happy to see you.
Must have been tough sitting on that train for 5 hours?
It was okay.
Ow?
What's up?
I made friends with the girl sitting next to me.
Yeah? Hm.
I don't see her. We got off the train together. I wonder where she could have gone? We didn't even get the chance to swap numbers and stuff.
What's up with that? Then it's not like you're really friends with her at all.
Ah?
Stop crying. Kyosuke and Junko are waiting for us downstairs.
Jun!
See ya!
Good night!
What are you waiting for, Nana? Let's go inside.
Okay.
Wait a minute. Is it okay for me to be staying here with him?
Come on in. Sorry, my place is a bit of the mess.
Sorry.
Huh?
I hope it's not too much trouble coming to stay at such short notice. To be honest I thought I was going to be staying with Jun until I managed to find a place of my own.
That would be kinda awkward, that wouldn't?
Now when the two of them are living together.
Ah?! No way! You're kidding! Junko never mentioned anything to me about it. Since when?
It just kinda happened. Kyosuke was spending more and more time there and eventually he moved in.
Wow...
Hey, come on. Take your shoes off.
Never would have guessed.
This is Japan, remember?
Oh, it must be so great!
Now what?
Hey, are you trying to get me undressed already? Pervert!
I wonder if Shoji and I will end up like that? I want to make up for all the time we were apart. I'm so happy.
No. I wanted to get up earlier and make breakfast for him.
But I can still work hard until he gets home.
Doing all this stuff kinda makes me feel like I'm his wife. Imagine how great it would be if I helped him like this every single day.
You know, this actually tastes good.
It's no need for you to sound so surprised.
Let's face it, you seem like you'd be bad at the sort of thing.
You never had my food before.
I'm just kidding. It really is good. This miso soup is perfect.
And it only took me 3 hours to make.
So, how did the things go with the real estate agent today?
Huh?
Did you find the place?
I got so busy with everything else, I kinda ran out of the time.
Oh, yeah.
Did the job hunting take longer than you thought it would? Get any good leads?
That's right. I gotta find a job.
Or did you stay in bed all day?
No, I did not. In case you hadn't noticed, your apartment is spotless thanks to me and my hard work.
You spent the day doing what?
You didn't come all this way to Tokyo to spend your time cleaning my place. You promised me that if you came here you'd find a job ,so that way you could take care of yourself.
Is that all the thanks I get after everything I've done for you today? Thanks a lot, Shoji!
I shouldn't have snapped at him like that. I don't wanna make him feel bad.
Thanks for dinner.
Let me do the dishes.
It's okay. I can do it myself.
You're not gonna find anything for less than 50 000 yen a month.
I guess if I work hard I can afford to pay a bit more for my rent. But is there any way you can help me out by giving me some sort of deal on the deposit?
Hm... how would you feel about living in an older building.
They don't want any deposit?! It's a huge apartment for that price! And we can have pets as well!
Would you like to take a look?
Sure.
There it is. That brick building up ahead.
It was built a long time ago before I was born. It looked really elegant and had that old classic style. I fell in love with it from the moment I laid eyes on it. The only problem was that it's a seven-floor walk-up with no elevator. But it had an excellent view of the river. Perfect for someone like me who is used to live in the country. It made me feel at home.
Oh, no. Looks like somebody's already here.
Do you mind if I show the place to my client?
Sorry. This young lady's pretty much decided to take the place.
Nana! It is you, isn't it?!
What a coincidence!
Who are you?
Huh?
Am I that forgettable?
Ha-ha. Sorry, sorry.
Are you alright, Nana?
So, you do remember me.
I didn't recognize you. These clothes and that hair make you look completely different. Total change of style.
So, I take it you two were friends?
Yes, we're good friends.
I wouldn't say we are friends exactly.
Anyway, I suppose we should get down to business, Ms. Osaki. Have you decided? We take the place?
I'm still thinking about it.
Well, if you haven't decided perhaps you'd allow me to give this young lady a tour of the apartment?
Cool!
The kitchen is so cute!
The rooms are so big!
An old-fashioned claw foot tub!
I'll take it.
Hold on a minute.
I've found this place first. You can't just barge in here and take it from me.
I didn't mean to. I'm sorry.
You should be. What on earth were you thinking?
To be fair, it didn't look as though you have made up your mind yet.
Well, now I have. I'm taking it. Yokoi?
Huh! Wait, don't do that.
I'm not waiting. My mind's made up. I'm fed up with sleeping in crappy run-out hotels. I don't care where I live as long as I get a place of my own now.
If you don't care where you live then find somewhere else, 'cause this is where I want to live.
What's wrong with you staying at your boyfriend's place?
Huh?!
He dumped you, didn't he?
No! But, if things carry on the way they have been, he might.
What do you mean? I thought you were all lovey-dovey for him?
I thought so too but last night he --
Excuse me, ladies. I'm not sure now is the time to be discussing nonsense like this.
Nonsense?
Here I am. Suffering such pain and he calls it nonsense?!
Yokoi!
Yes?
For someone who supposedly works in the service industry you sure don't have much tact.
I'm sorry. I apologize.
Your job isn't just about earning a paycheck, you know. Be a little more sensitive.
Now, now. Calm down, ladies.
Sensitive?
If I may I have a suggestion I'd like to run by you.
Who the hell is this old guy, anyway? Your grandpa?
This Mr. Ando from the real estate agency by the train station. He's been in the biz for 52 years. So he's like a veteran.
It's obvious that two of you already know each other perhaps you should consider renting the apartment together. Why don't you become roommates? The place is designed with the dining room in the middle and two bedrooms at opposite ends, which means you can have your own privacy. Plus, you'll have each other's company when you want it. Sharing an apartment can be a very rewarding experience. Also, by sharing you'll each only have to pay half the rent.
Half the rent!
Half of 70,000...
35,000 yen!
That's so cheap!
Let's go for it Nana! This is like a dream comes true! It's such a wonderful place at such a good price!
I suppose this means you and I are gonna have to split our broker's fee in half as well.
Yeah. Sounds okay but how do I know I can live with you. Can you respect someone else's privacy?
Of course, I can!
If privacy is an issue you can always put locks on the bedroom doors. It's a very cheap solution. I can even arrange the installation.
Ah! Thank you, Mr. Ando! Thank you! You're such a nice person!
Isn't he a nice ...?
Ms. Osaki, are you sure you wanna go ahead with this? Yes, it'll be cheaper but think it through. You barely know this girl and she seems kind of annoying.
I disagree.
Yokoi, you're a sad lonely man.
Mr. Ando, how soon can those locks be put in.
If I arrange it right away I can have someone come by tomorrow morning.
Thank you. Please, do.
I'll start moving my stuff in tomorrow afternoon.
What about you?
Yeah, me too.
Starting tomorrow you and I will be roommates, Nana.
At that moment I felt like I was going to cry. I don't really know how to explain it but when I was shaking Nana's hand I felt this warmth that went straight to my heart.
Prologue: Nana and NANA
Hey, Nana. Remember the first time we met?
You know how I believe in things like fate.
Well, I think that was fate.
You can laugh if you want.
--OPENING--
Oh, dear God! Great Buddha! Demon Lord!
Yeah-ee!
Excuse me. I wanted to return this video.
Hey, Nana!
What's all of that noise? You've got customers.
Spring is here!
Spring has finally here!
I've waited so long for this.
Looking back on it, I was basically running away from home. But I don't think my parents were that surprised. Back home I have two sisters: one is older and the other is younger. It was pretty crowded around our house. Back then, I spent all my time yammering on about visiting Tokyo or living there. I think my parents were secretly relieved that one of their obnoxious daughters had finally left home. I was leaving my family and the city I'd lived in my whole life but any feelings of homesickness hadn't hit me yet. I was so excited to be going to Tokyo. My heart was full of hope and expectation.
Now I have the chance to see Shoji every day. No more text messages, no more phone calls. Finally we could talk face to face again.
Thank you for choosing the Tohoku bullet train with service to Tokyo.
We apologize ...
Wow, the train's packed. I'd better hurry up and find a seat so I can text Shoji.
Excuse me. Um...um... hello.
What happened? Why did we stop? Was there an accident?
You okay?
Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry.
No, I'm sorry. I hope this didn't hurt you when it fell.
I'm fine.
By the way, is this seat... I mean, would it be okay if I...
Go ahead.
She's so beautiful and so cool, too.
There is something different about her like she's got a special aura. So thin and such a pretty face. Maybe she's famous. Those long eyelashes and her makeup! It really stands out. That looks perfect. Beautiful people always look great, no matter what they do. Wow, a designer ring. That is so cool.
Is the smoke bothering you?
No-no-no, that's okay. I'm fine.
We're getting nowhere fast.
Huh?
The train. Keeps on stopping like this.
Really? What am I gonna do? I'm in a hurry.
Yeah? That's too bad.
I know what I can do. I can text him.
There.
That was really fast. I'm amazed how you high school students keep up with all that technology.
I'm not in a high school. I'm already 20.
Huh?! Ha-ha.
Sorry. I never would have guessed we were the same age.
She's so cute when she laughs.
You gotta be kidding? You don't look the same age as me. You can't be 20. I mean the way you said "you high school students" makes you seem a lot older.
I guess that's just how I am.
I'm still part of the analog world.
Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be moving again soon but because of the weather conditions we'll be proceeding much slower than normal. We apologize for any inconvenience that it may have caused.
I don't believe it. How long is it going to take us to get to Tokyo now?
So, what's with the big hurry to get there?
Nothing much. I wanted to move to Tokyo for ages. I'm going to look for a job when I get there.
No kidding? So am I.
You mean you're moving to Tokyo.
Yeah.
Oh wow. I seemed you lived there already and you were just coming back from a tour or something.
A tour?
Yeah. Like doing concerts everywhere. When I saw your guitar I figured you must be a professional musician.
Oh.
So, are you in a band?
I was in one back at home, yeah.
I knew it. That is so cool. Where are you from?
Oh, a message. No, wait. Someone's calling.
Hello, this is Nana.
Hey there, Shoji. Yeah, we got stuck in the snow. The train's delayed. I don't know when we'll get there.
Are you sure that's okay? We may not get into the station till after midnight.
If you sure you don't mind.
That sounds great. Thanks. I'll give you a call once we know for sure when we'll arrive.
Okay. Bye for now.
So, you got a boyfriend in Tokyo? You sure are lovey-dovey with him.
Now it all makes sense. You're going to Tokyo to be with your guy.
No! Okay, sort of, maybe.
Ha-ha. Are you or aren't you?
Well, he's not actually from Tokyo. We know each other from back home. We went to the same school together. But he wanted to go and study at an art college in Tokyo. So he decided to move there.
Why didn't you go with him? Seems like the obvious thing to do.
I wanted to, believe me I wanted to. But he... told me to stay behind.
How come?
Because I had no idea what I wanted to do and no money to do it with. He said I should have some sort of plan before I left home.
That makes sense.
So, I bit my lips, stayed at home and started saving up enough money to make the move. We made a promise that if he passed his university entrance exams then I would join him. Once I'm in Tokyo I'll get a job so I can support myself. And that way I don't have to be depending on him.
I can't believe I've been pouring my heart out like this to a complete stranger.
Ha-ha-ha. Nothing wrong with that. Sometimes it's easy to talk to a stranger. Besides it looks like we're gonna be sitting here for quite a while.
Uh? Yeah, I guess you're right.
So then, why don't I tell you some more. To be honest I've been dying to talk to someone about my boyfriend. His name's Shoji and he's nice, considerate and a totally cool guy. Sometimes he can be a bit of a goof when he opens his mouth, but that's okay.
Ha-ha-ha. A goof and you still like the guy?
Hey, how about if I buy us both a beer?
Sure, why not?
Two beers, please!
Okay, I think we should make a toast.
Okay, to what?
Um... Shoji passing his exams!
No, that's got nothing to do with me.
Alright then. What about a toast to you and me?
I'll drink to that.
A toast to two girls with the same ages, who happen to be going to Tokyo at the same time, stuck on the same train. Quite a coincidence, right?
Ah!
And there is one more thing...
Huh?
A toast to the fact the both of us are called Nana.
Remember the first time we met? A snowstorm blowing out of nowhere and the train moved along so slowly... It took us 5 hours to get to Tokyo. But the time seemed to fly by. I talked endlessly about myself. So I didn't get to find out anything about you.
Now that I know you better I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have said much anyway.
Nana!
Shoji!
Hm, why are you crying? I thought you'd be happy.
Of course I'm happy to see you.
Must have been tough sitting on that train for 5 hours?
It was okay.
Ow?
What's up?
I made friends with the girl sitting next to me.
Yeah? Hm.
I don't see her. We got off the train together. I wonder where she could have gone? We didn't even get the chance to swap numbers and stuff.
What's up with that? Then it's not like you're really friends with her at all.
Ah?
Stop crying. Kyosuke and Junko are waiting for us downstairs.
Jun!
See ya!
Good night!
What are you waiting for, Nana? Let's go inside.
Okay.
Wait a minute. Is it okay for me to be staying here with him?
Come on in. Sorry, my place is a bit of the mess.
Sorry.
Huh?
I hope it's not too much trouble coming to stay at such short notice. To be honest I thought I was going to be staying with Jun until I managed to find a place of my own.
That would be kinda awkward, that wouldn't?
Now when the two of them are living together.
Ah?! No way! You're kidding! Junko never mentioned anything to me about it. Since when?
It just kinda happened. Kyosuke was spending more and more time there and eventually he moved in.
Wow...
Hey, come on. Take your shoes off.
Never would have guessed.
This is Japan, remember?
Oh, it must be so great!
Now what?
Hey, are you trying to get me undressed already? Pervert!
I wonder if Shoji and I will end up like that? I want to make up for all the time we were apart. I'm so happy.
No. I wanted to get up earlier and make breakfast for him.
But I can still work hard until he gets home.
Doing all this stuff kinda makes me feel like I'm his wife. Imagine how great it would be if I helped him like this every single day.
You know, this actually tastes good.
It's no need for you to sound so surprised.
Let's face it, you seem like you'd be bad at the sort of thing.
You never had my food before.
I'm just kidding. It really is good. This miso soup is perfect.
And it only took me 3 hours to make.
So, how did the things go with the real estate agent today?
Huh?
Did you find the place?
I got so busy with everything else, I kinda ran out of the time.
Oh, yeah.
Did the job hunting take longer than you thought it would? Get any good leads?
That's right. I gotta find a job.
Or did you stay in bed all day?
No, I did not. In case you hadn't noticed, your apartment is spotless thanks to me and my hard work.
You spent the day doing what?
You didn't come all this way to Tokyo to spend your time cleaning my place. You promised me that if you came here you'd find a job ,so that way you could take care of yourself.
Is that all the thanks I get after everything I've done for you today? Thanks a lot, Shoji!
I shouldn't have snapped at him like that. I don't wanna make him feel bad.
Thanks for dinner.
Let me do the dishes.
It's okay. I can do it myself.
You're not gonna find anything for less than 50 000 yen a month.
I guess if I work hard I can afford to pay a bit more for my rent. But is there any way you can help me out by giving me some sort of deal on the deposit?
Hm... how would you feel about living in an older building.
They don't want any deposit?! It's a huge apartment for that price! And we can have pets as well!
Would you like to take a look?
Sure.
There it is. That brick building up ahead.
It was built a long time ago before I was born. It looked really elegant and had that old classic style. I fell in love with it from the moment I laid eyes on it. The only problem was that it's a seven-floor walk-up with no elevator. But it had an excellent view of the river. Perfect for someone like me who is used to live in the country. It made me feel at home.
Oh, no. Looks like somebody's already here.
Do you mind if I show the place to my client?
Sorry. This young lady's pretty much decided to take the place.
Nana! It is you, isn't it?!
What a coincidence!
Who are you?
Huh?
Am I that forgettable?
Ha-ha. Sorry, sorry.
Are you alright, Nana?
So, you do remember me.
I didn't recognize you. These clothes and that hair make you look completely different. Total change of style.
So, I take it you two were friends?
Yes, we're good friends.
I wouldn't say we are friends exactly.
Anyway, I suppose we should get down to business, Ms. Osaki. Have you decided? We take the place?
I'm still thinking about it.
Well, if you haven't decided perhaps you'd allow me to give this young lady a tour of the apartment?
Cool!
The kitchen is so cute!
The rooms are so big!
An old-fashioned claw foot tub!
I'll take it.
Hold on a minute.
I've found this place first. You can't just barge in here and take it from me.
I didn't mean to. I'm sorry.
You should be. What on earth were you thinking?
To be fair, it didn't look as though you have made up your mind yet.
Well, now I have. I'm taking it. Yokoi?
Huh! Wait, don't do that.
I'm not waiting. My mind's made up. I'm fed up with sleeping in crappy run-out hotels. I don't care where I live as long as I get a place of my own now.
If you don't care where you live then find somewhere else, 'cause this is where I want to live.
What's wrong with you staying at your boyfriend's place?
Huh?!
He dumped you, didn't he?
No! But, if things carry on the way they have been, he might.
What do you mean? I thought you were all lovey-dovey for him?
I thought so too but last night he --
Excuse me, ladies. I'm not sure now is the time to be discussing nonsense like this.
Nonsense?
Here I am. Suffering such pain and he calls it nonsense?!
Yokoi!
Yes?
For someone who supposedly works in the service industry you sure don't have much tact.
I'm sorry. I apologize.
Your job isn't just about earning a paycheck, you know. Be a little more sensitive.
Now, now. Calm down, ladies.
Sensitive?
If I may I have a suggestion I'd like to run by you.
Who the hell is this old guy, anyway? Your grandpa?
This Mr. Ando from the real estate agency by the train station. He's been in the biz for 52 years. So he's like a veteran.
It's obvious that two of you already know each other perhaps you should consider renting the apartment together. Why don't you become roommates? The place is designed with the dining room in the middle and two bedrooms at opposite ends, which means you can have your own privacy. Plus, you'll have each other's company when you want it. Sharing an apartment can be a very rewarding experience. Also, by sharing you'll each only have to pay half the rent.
Half the rent!
Half of 70,000...
35,000 yen!
That's so cheap!
Let's go for it Nana! This is like a dream comes true! It's such a wonderful place at such a good price!
I suppose this means you and I are gonna have to split our broker's fee in half as well.
Yeah. Sounds okay but how do I know I can live with you. Can you respect someone else's privacy?
Of course, I can!
If privacy is an issue you can always put locks on the bedroom doors. It's a very cheap solution. I can even arrange the installation.
Ah! Thank you, Mr. Ando! Thank you! You're such a nice person!
Isn't he a nice ...?
Ms. Osaki, are you sure you wanna go ahead with this? Yes, it'll be cheaper but think it through. You barely know this girl and she seems kind of annoying.
I disagree.
Yokoi, you're a sad lonely man.
Mr. Ando, how soon can those locks be put in.
If I arrange it right away I can have someone come by tomorrow morning.
Thank you. Please, do.
I'll start moving my stuff in tomorrow afternoon.
What about you?
Yeah, me too.
Starting tomorrow you and I will be roommates, Nana.
At that moment I felt like I was going to cry. I don't really know how to explain it but when I was shaking Nana's hand I felt this warmth that went straight to my heart.
--ENDING--