"I was born and raised in Taipei."
"I only know this city."
"Well..."
"I wish the air quality would improve,"
"but I like this city."
"Still, it's not enough."
"I wonder what's missing?"
"Everything."
"My life is so ordinary."
"Isn't that odd?"
"I wish aliens would take me away,"
"and I'd wake up in a totally different world."
"Every day, I hoped for something wonderful like that to happen."
Age unquestioned.
"My sixteenth summer was special."
"Looking back now, it seems like a dream from long ago."
"But it wasn't a dream. It was all real."
"That summer..."
"although it wasn't an alien,"
"I met kind of a peculiar person."
"Riding the Breeze"
Hey, Aiko!
Yuki-san!
- Long time no see. - I made it.
How are you?
I'm fine! Fine, but it's so hot.
So, how's Japan lately?
I can't answer such a broad question.
Oh, right.
I couldn't go back to Japan.
Oh, how's your boyfriend?
That handsome guy. Wasn't he a model?
We broke up.
Why? You were so in love!
Was it because of your work load?
A 21-year-old girl stole him.
Seems like you've got it bad.
What's like to be a freelancer?
It sure isn't easy...
But I wouldn't have lasted working for that publisher.
I heard you got transferred from fashion.
Yes, now I'm assigned to short articles.
A candidate for layoff?
My life's on the edge, heading nowhere.
What are you saying! You've got a job.
You even got to come to Taiwan.
That's true.
Oh, can I ask you to look at it?
Sure thing.
Let's see...
This is the plan.
"Be Care-free. Taiwan Cycling Journey"
I don't understand the attraction at all.
He's handsome. Is this why you're here?
- I had enough of those types. - Go Uemura.
He's like this famous cyclist who goes around the world.
I interview him in four days at...
Sun Moon Lake... Is it a lake?
My plan is to ride around the West Coast and do an interview there at the end.
Yuki! Aren't you coming?
I know, I promise.
I'll come to interview later, okay?
See ya later!
The deadline's pretty soon, so I'd like to go right away.
Wait a sec.
I forgot to tell you.
What is it?
Actually...
It's this.
- Serious? - Serious!
With who?
A Taiwanese. I'm marrying him next month.
I guess it was a blessing.
Yuki-san, even you'll leave me behind.
You said women should be independent!
Hey, I won't be restrained.
The material gathering! I've got five pages to do!
Actually, six! I can't cheat this!
I know a bike shop close by.
But I don't speak the language.
Don't worry, the Taiwanese are kind.
You're really going?
Sorry, I'm meeting his parents. Call me if you need me.
See ya.
Yuki-san.
What?
Congratulations.
Really.
Thanks.
Here it is.
"Rental"
How do I say it in Chinese?
Hello.
I... came... here... from... Japan.
Hey Tonton! Tonton!
What?
Come out here.
What is it?
There's a foreigner.
Why don't you just shoo her away?
Then your dad will yell at me.
What a bother.
Hey, don't push me. Ouch!
May I help you?
No way.
What do you want?
Identical.
Really identical.
What? I know I'm cute, but don't stare like that.
"WISH Aiko Kazama"
I know this magazine!
Do you work for it? This magazine.
Oh, they sell it in Taiwan as well?
Looking for a model?
I'm Tonton.
Hey, is she from a magazine?
You're done now. Just go back home!
But you told me to...
Yeah, yeah. Bye now.
I'm sorry.
Jian Nan, get back inside!
"Looking for a magazine model?"
"Bicycle journey to Sun Moon Lake"
July 14th at Sun Moon Lake.
What a coincidence!
"Preliminary Audition July 14th"
This must be fate.
You? How old are you?
You're so young.
I'm not good enough?
It's your face... I can't!
300 yuan, discount.
I'll do it for 300 yuan.
I told you I can't!
What are you saying?
I thought you wanted me to come.
You had that look on your face. No?
Move over!
Sorry. I know...
All right! I'll hire you.
Sorry, sorry.
One, two, three.
There.
Deal.
Aiko Kazama. Nice to meet you.
Aiko.
Let's go!
"God hadn't forsaken me."
"That summer, I didn't get on a UFO."
"Don't look for me. Tonton"
"But I set out on a journey with a peculiar person."
I should've gotten a better bike!
I won't lose to an old woman!
Old... Old?!
This, this.
What's this?
This is yummy.
This?
Ma'am, two cold potato cakes.
That'll be 80 yuan.
80 yuan.
80? All right.
Cold!
This is "Su yao hua."
Taiwanese love it.
Well?
Wow, this is good.
A little spicy.
"Amei Tea House"
What are you doing?
It'll look better with a cute model.
A wannabe model?
All right then. I'll take it.
Say cheese.
Why do that?
Cheese.
Pretty ladies, pretty ladies. Two ladies alone on a trip?
Yeah, I'm her babysitter.
That sounds rough. Where are you heading?
Sun Moon Lake.
That's far. Good luck!
Thanks.
Hey...
What?
What did those guys say?
Said you're pretty.
Seriously? That makes me happy.
Not!
Hey.
You run a dumpling shop?
That's right.
Wow. Can we go there?
Sure. Come on over.
Discount?
Of course.
Let's all go have some dumplings and then go karaoke.
What's she chatting about?
All right, I'll ask her.
Hey, Aiko.
Dinner, together, okay?
No, no.
We can't afford to lose time.
Get it? There's a schedule.
- This isn't a holiday. - But...
Strictly business.
Sorry, she says we can't. Maybe next time.
No problem.
Bye.
See you.
What a rigid woman...
Got a problem?
Old-fashioned Japanese song?
Oh, my butt...
I'm back.
Where were you?
Hey! Your face!
It's so shiny.
Can you tell?
I went to the spa.
It felt so good. See, it's so smooth.
Wait, spa? You had a facial?
I charged it to the room.
Thanks.
What do you mean "thanks"?
I can't declare that as expense.
Can't have the accounting guys marking me.
I'd lose everything as an editor.
I'll deduct it from your guide fee.
D... Deduct?
"Jiufen"
"Keelung"
"Hoek Lighthouse"
I'm getting pissed off.
Can I hit you?
Never mind.
What are you doing?
Nothing.
Where did you get your Japanese from?
You know what?
Luggage. Isn't that too much?
Shut up.
Whatever. That's cute.
Cute?
This... This...
Cute.
I think this would be a better combination.
Those colors don't match. You have the taste of an old woman.
Hey, I used to be an editor for a fashion magazine.
These skinny jeans...
would match this.
And this as well.
Why?
Hey, Aiko.
Unpleasant.
Crammed with too many people.
Suffocating.
I bet the air's thin.
What? You're lying.
There's nothing there.
You end up losing yourself.
What did you say?
What?
Luggage.
Heavy, right?
You don't need to.
Don't worry.
I'm stronger than you think.
Thank you.
What are you doing?
Wow.
Nice.
Hey.
Where are you going?
Tonton!
Wait!
What is it?
That man was handsome.
What? Handsome?
Handsome?!
Hey, what happened?
Are those my clothes?
Look what happened.
I'm less marriageable now.
I can't understand what you're saying. Just pick up my clothes!
All right.
I'll pick them up, all right?
Hey, you should help, too!
Okay, okay.
I shouldn't have let you carry them.
Oh, no!
Hey, my skirt's ripped. You have to pay for it!
What?
You're blaming me?
It's all your fault, you ugly girl!
Ugly?
Hey, did you just call me ugly?
You got a problem, ugly?
Even your personality is ugly!
Oh, I get it.
You're jealous of my youth.
An old woman's jealousy is ugly.
Old woman?
You keep calling me an "old woman" but do you know what that means?
Give that back!
You just wish you were young and slim like me.
Your body's so immature.
I bet your brain hasn't grown, either!
I don't speak Japanese!
You should stop getting excited over some handsome man!
Shut up, ugly!
I'm not ugly!
"I'm not ugly!"
You're so annoying.
Hey you! What are you laughing at?
So, can you fix it?
Best take it to a shop.
What?
What did he say?
Are we taking a ferry?
Yu.
Help me.
Tonton, I'll come to you!
Yu, you must have made that bike by yourself.
My family owns a bike shop, but yours is just the coolest.
It's just a hobby.
So you're cycling around Taiwan on your last break in college?
How did you meet that Japanese?
Well, she said she came to gather materials on Taiwan.
And she begged me to be her guide.
I was like totally busy, but I just like to help people.
That's kind.
That hurt.
Sorry, sorry.
Shouldn't I just buy one?
Manager.
We'll buy a new bike.
Please take a look at what we have.
You understood what I said?
I think...
You should get new clothes and shoes.
You're right.
Ring-ring!
I'll pass on the outfit.
That'll be 24,600 yuan.
24,600 yuan?
Isn't that too much?
Aiko.
Deduct.
- Hey! - Thanks!
Ma'am?
24,600 yuan.
Sorry.
Credit card.
Hey, look.
Go Uemura's been to this shop.
Go Uemura.
You know him?
You do? He must be famous.
Oh, thanks so much.
Thank you.
I couldn't leave a broken bike.
Well, bye.
You're going?
Hey.
Was your name Yu?
You know, if it works for you, could you guide me around?
Um...
That's right. Could you?
I have plans, I can't help you.
It's only to Sun Moon Lake.
I'd be happy if you could come with us.
I feel uneasy going with just Tonton.
Huh? What?
Um...
I need to gather materials on Go Uemura.
People her age are so stubborn.
You...
I know you said something rude!
Okay.
Too bad.
Yu, give me your email address.
What are you doing? Let's go.
Bye.
Wait!
I'll come.
Really?
Thank you.
It's so fast!
What a difference!
Follow me.
The view's great.
Thanks.
What's wrong?
I got a blister on my foot.
That should do.
Thanks.
I seem to be all good.
Aiko's a hard-worker.
That's because there's food here.
Aiko's a glutton.
What did you say about me?
Huh? But it's true.
Honestly, you're flirting too much.
Don't you have any pride?
That's so ugly.
Ugly?
Well, that's what you are.
You're saying I'm ugly?
Oh, you're just jealous of my youthful, smooth skin.
Well I'm proud of my skin, too!
My "skin age" is twenty!
You want to touch it? Go ahead.
Don't mock me.
I'm scared.
Stop acting cute.
Anger will give you wrinkles!
You just don't get it.
A woman isn't attractive until she's been through life's ups and downs.
If you stay like that, no man will ever approach you.
But I'm popular because I'm cute.
I'm hungry.
What concentration!
Damn, this is good.
This crab's great!
Not eating it?
Hey, that's my crab!
I was saving it.
Looks good.
Tonton!
What's that?
Oh, it's nothing.
Thank you.
Later.
Why did you come here?
Let's just go home.
Your dad's worried. We better go back.
Hell no!
Who's that Japanese lady and that guy?
What's it with you?
It's none of your business.
I must protect you.
You're just my next door neighbor.
Anyway, can't we talk? Please let me explain.
Don't touch me!
I'm sorry.
All right, if you'd take me out to eat,
I might listen.
"Tanshui"
We took the ferry...
"Yongan"
What? It's due tomorrow?
Has that happened before?
Yes.
No way, that's not going to happen.
I've had enough of handsome guys.
It's a lonely trip.
Yes.
I agree. Yes.
Yes, sorry.
Yes, I got it. Good-bye.
Let's go home after this.
Whose side are you on?
I'm on your side.
Then why not support me?
You know it's my dream.
So good!
All right, you win.
Sir, one more for me.
Him, too.
Drinking is our way to communicate.
Cheers!
It's impressive how much this Japanese girl drinks.
Hey, don't lose, Taiwanese man.
Down this drink!
There's a better way.
I'm sure your father will understand.
It's none of his business. He'll be against it anyway.
It is his business!
I'm thinking I can run the shop.
I'm talking about marrying into your family.
But it's up to you...
I wanna eat that.
Which ones?
This one.
Those chicken wings and the gizzard...
Sure, I thought of living like Yuki-san.
You know, getting married and starting a happy family.
But...
It's just so difficult for a woman to be independent in Tokyo.
One has to throw away womanliness, put on a loincloth and compete with men.
Get it? A loincloth!
Like in sumo. Sumo.
Getting pushed and fighting back.
But the thing is...
it seems the harder I work, the less desirable I become to men.
They'd tell me I'm not cute enough or I wouldn't need a man's support.
Like my ex did.
He dumped me for some young girl who pretended to be helpless.
She was a reader model.
You know what reader models are?
They're not professional models.
So she's just a little cute, but nothing spectacular.
That's why I did it.
That woman looked identical to Tonton.
I guess that irritates me.
Say, what do you think about me?
Hey, you!
You're trying to dodge me, aren't you?
"Stop it, we'll be seen."
"Come on, this is nothing."
"That Taiwanese girl isn't here."
"If you talk like that, I'll jump you tonight!"
"Oh my! I won't let you sleep, either!"
Drink up!
What are you doing?
We finished it.
Tonton! What have you been up to?
What?
Is she drunk?
Very.
She must've been a nuisance.
What is it?
No, it was rather fun.
What are you two talking about?
Guess what?
While you were gone, I was all alone with Yu.
I guess I beat you!
Here, join us for a drink.
It's all on me.
What is it?
Oh dear...
I was just wondering...
how I could put this in words.
So much to learn.
What's that in English?
Oh, forget it.
It's nothing. Don't worry.
My stomach hurts.
Thanks.
That's for drinking too much beer.
We've come this far.
The Japanese built this bridge.
I know that.
But it collapsed during the Kantosen Earthquake of 1935.
I like Japan.
Japan was the first to help after the 921 Earthquake.
In return, we donated the most when 311 happened in Japan.
Our nations are like family.
Family?
Yeah.
We have this sort of love-hate relationship.
I'm going to Japan.
- After graduating? - Yep.
I have a dream, so I'll have to work toward it.
I'll go to the restroom.
Are you dating?
Not now.
Do you like older or younger girls?
Age doesn't matter when you're in love.
But you do fall in love.
Aiko. Entrance.
That way?
What?
Nothing.
Yu, where are you?
Aiko?
Tonton?
Where are they?
Where to?
If you find yourself lost in life,
just let yourself float in the flow.
Life is a journey. It has no purpose.
Tonton!
Aiko!
We finally found each other!
I'm exhausted.
And...
Where the hell were you?
What's this?
Nothing.
- What? - Nothing.
More water.
Oh yes!
So refreshing!
Excuse me, did you see a group of three?
Three?
One went this way, another went that way.
And the girl with short hair?
Short hair?
Yu.
Go.
What's up? How goes it?
Not bad.
Go Uemura?
So what's the deal?
Yu's father is my mother's brother.
Why didn't you say?
What is it? What's going on?
Go and I are cousins.
You must be Tonton. I heard you were cute.
Nice to meet you.
No, no. Cute? No.
Aiko, was it?
Yes.
Glad to meet you.
I'm Aiko Kazama.
Why are you here?
Yu told me he'd arrive today, so I thought I'd join him on a ride.
Let's get going.
The cyclist's paradise awaits us.
{So I was reading on a rainy day
the pages turned and thought I heard it saying
“Why be so sad, we've always been the way that we are”
“So now's the time for us to fly away"
"to see if anything is left untasted"
"and to begin the day in the most impossible way!”
Our story, our story
won't you take me, and wake my sleepy eyes?
Story, of million waves colliding in the sky
In the sky, lead me where I have to be
as I follow you in hand, my heart is beating
"You'll be fine, you're okay”
every page you turn for me,
It's a dream I never knew, but now I see so vividly}
Welcome, everyone! Mr. Uemura is here with us.
He'll give a toast.
Thanks.
Thank you for your hard work.
Let's drink and have some fun!
Cheers!
All-you-can-eat?
No sex appeal, but plenty of appetite.
Here.
Thank you.
Seems like they all know each other.
Us cyclists, we're all like friends.
You owe me a crab!
Stop it!
Here.
So?
What's next?
I'll go back to where I met the girls and finish riding once around Taiwan.
No, not that.
After you graduate.
That team in Tokyo I introduced you to, they're waiting for a reply.
Wasn't it your dream, to become a professional cyclist?
I don't think I have what it takes. I wanted to tell you that in person.
No need to rush.
You still have some time to think.
I can't be like you.
I had to retire early, but you can go further.
By the way,
Why do you talk to Aiko in English? Forgot your Japanese?
No, it just seemed like too much work.
Which is?
You like her.
No way, I just met her.
So I can ask her out?
Go ahead.
Tokyo doesn't get evenings like this.
Maybe I'll move here.
Aiko, do you like your job?
I never really thought about whether I liked it or not.
Before I knew it, I was taken off the job I liked.
It's kind of lame.
I don't know myself even at this age.
Come, come.
Make a wish.
Wow.
"Examine the winds..."
"and obey the rain?"
Meaning?
Fon Tia Li Shun.
Flow in the winds' melody and rest when it rains.
All temples in Taiwan bear this phrase.
It's like the epitome of life in this country.
I wish to live like that.
But now,
I need to pedal forward no matter how hard it is.
Don't you think Aiko's boring?
Isn't she stubborn?
Think so?
Yeah, she seems so bored.
I won't be like her when I grow up.
I want to live just the way I am now.
That's what we all think.
I'll make my dream come true!
Want to hear my dream?
No thanks.
I wanna be a model.
Good luck.
You think I'm joking.
Where's Aiko?
I saw her leaving with Go.
What?
I wanna go out with you.
I want you as my boyfriend.
You said you're not dating.
I'm sorry.
I can't. Not now.
You'll regret this!
He's crazy for dumping you.
- Right? - Yeah.
Falling for a young girl.
Unbelievable.
You're fine the way you are.
But why? You're pretty but have no luck.
Exactly! Please tell me more.
You have a special charm.
Oh, you're flattering me.
Aiko, I want to know more about you.
Wait, don't move.
Here, an eyelash.
Aiko!
Tonton!
What are you doing?
Sorry.
Come on, let's go.
- What? - Let's go.
Aiko, we'll talk again tomorrow.
Yes.
- Good night. - You too.
What?
Aiko, I don't get it.
You like Yu. Why did you do that?
Why are you being dishonest
Stop flirting around!
You too, Yu.
Don't you like Aiko?
You're fine about them kissing?
You idiot!
Why is she angry?
Wait, why are you soaking wet?
Tonton?
Let me go!
Tonton! You fool of a daughter!
Father, please calm down.
Excuse me, but who are you?
Oh, so you're the one who made her run away!
Run away?
Tonton, explain.
Tonton, just apologize to everyone.
No! Definitely not.
See? How defiant she is!
Hello?
Aiko? I need to talk with you.
It's been chaotic.
Same here.
Did you really ask Tonton to guide you?
Yeah, she said she'd do it for 300 yuan.
Did you know she was underage?
But, she said she was twenty-one.
She's only sixteen.
Are you that gullible?
Everyone thinks she's been kidnapped!
- Hey! - Shut up!
You... lied to me?
About my age? Okay, I'm sorry.
Why did you?
She's asking why.
This...
An audition?
Tonton?
Sun Moon Lake...
July 14th, that's tomorrow!
Are you serious?
What's it to you?
Such a silly idea!
Even if it's silly, it's my dream!
Aiko was going to Sun Moon Lake on the day of the audition.
I thought it was my fate.
She would count as my guardian and people wouldn't think I ran away.
It was my only chance!
You used me?
Childish nonsense.
We're going home tomorrow.
Let go of me!
Forget it.
Tonton.
She may be childish and selfish,
and she lies a lot.
But she's a hard-worker.
Even when things go bad, she refuses to give up.
So...
What did he say?
Um...
He likes Tonton.
I see.
Wait, that was in Japanese!
My...
Father is Japanese.
That means...
So you understood everything I said?
Last night.
You asked me what I thought about you.
No, just forget it.
Aiko...
You are honest and hard-working.
And compassionate.
I think...
I should get back on my own journey.
Tomorrow, I've got to cover Go's event.
I'd better get ready.
Farewell.
Bye.
I thought Japanese people say "See you again."
But...
We don't know if we'll meet again.
I still think it's a nice phrase.
Here we say "zai ken."
Zai ken?
See you again.
Tonton!
Don't give up!
Aren't you going to the audition?
Tonton!
What about your dream?
Tonton!
"The summer of sixteen comes only once."
"That summer..."
"My mind was surprisingly clear."
"I remember what Aiko said that day."
"I didn't get to go to outer space, but I don't regret that."
"What happened wasn't a dream."
"It was all real."
"It was a journey that changed my life."
Excuse me.
May I help you?
Can I ask for directions?
Just a second.
I'd like to get there.
Cycling?
Bicycles are popular here, but...
What's wrong?
Oh, thank you. I don't speak her language.
Taiwanese, eh?
Are you here for the cycling event?
Yes!
"Shimanami Cycling Festa 2014"
- How long have you been cycling? - Twenty years.
Twenty? That's really long!
Say cheese.
Oh yeah, that looks cool.
- Good? - Good!
Tonton!
Aiko!
Long time no see!
Yu!
We're here to cheer you on!
Go for it!
So many ships...
Yu seems doing well.
He's made up his mind to become a pro.
So, how's the cycling magazine job?
I'm enjoying it.
I find the cycling world deep and philosophic.
That's nice.
I'm sorry about last summer.
Aiko.
What's this? Looks cool.
Wait a sec.
Really? No way!
What? Seriously?
Did you think I'd just give up?
No way! That's awesome!
Seriously? You look amazing!
I owe it to you.
Hurry up! Let's go.
Wait, wait.
"Very few people would foolishly chase a train."
"Don't try it. It's dangerous."
"But one must keep pedaling the bike."
"Now, I don't think it would be so bad to grow up to be a peculiar person."
"No dream is impossible."
"Once you start going, your friends will help you."
"That's when the journey begins."
{Bring me somewhere
I see the same dream again
Holding my hair blowing in the wind
I will continue to walk endlessly
I wonder if what you can't break is soft?
because we don't have the courage to break them
When I remember this peculiar summer
I become a little prettier
At the time the rain stops falling
I get to understand in a way
I will become an adult one day
And will start forgetting about those memories
There is too much in my life that I do not understand
even if I try to face them, they will crush into pieces but
When I remember this peculiar summer
I become a little prettier
Put a veil on the things that make you sad
And one day, it will start to make you change
Make a song from the things that bring you joy
And one day, it will start to make you change
The shadow that we cast, a film in sepia color
The roasted smell of the freshly melt asphalt on a road
A flock of seagulls, a rainy weather
Each one of them is a message
Bring me somewhere
I see the same dream again
Holding my hair blowing in the wind
And following the footsteps of the wind}