INT - HOME, JAPAN

KUROSAWA
Take this, big sis.
(hands her a sweet rice-cake to celebrate Hina Matsuri, Japanese Girl's Day)

SISTER
Thanks.

KUROSAWA
Weren't there six of you?  You were six, so I brought you six of them.

SISTER
You're wrong, but you can have the extra one.

KUROSAWA
I already had mine.  That's strange.  There were six of you.  Has anyone left?

SISTER
No.

KUROSAWA
I'm sure there was one more.

SISTER
Don't be silly.  That's enough.  Now leave us alone, we're trying to watch the Bulls game.

FRIEND
They're un-BEAT-a-BULL!

GIRLS
(laughter)

KUROSAWA
(looking outside of the room)
She's there!

SISTER
Who?

KUROSAWA
A girl.

SISTER
No one's there.  Ooh, they just brought in Jojo English!

KUROSAWA
She was there!

SISTER
You have another fever?

KUROSAWA
Tell me... who is she?

SISTER
Are you all right?

KUROSAWA
Wait!

SISTER
Where are you going?  You're not allowed out!

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
Hey, little boy!

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
We have something to tell you. Listen carefully. We'll never go to your house again.

KUROSAWA
Why not?

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
Your family lives within walking distance of the Japanese National Basketball Team's practice courts, but none of you ever take the time to visit and show support.  They can barely hit a lay-up because they feel no-one cares for the outcome.  Win or lose, they are cut down, just as all the peach trees in this orchard.

"Doll Day" is for the peach blossoms. It's to celebrate their arrival. Where is your family?  Sitting at home watching Horace Grant stuff a ball into a hoop a thousand miles away.  Why do they watch?   Because the Bulls are winning.  Why do the Japanese players play alone?   Because they are not.

We dolls personify the peach tree. We are the spirits of the trees, the life of the home team. How can you celebrate with these players cut down? Those vanished dreams are weeping in their sorrow.

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
Don't cry. Tears won't help.

SECOND SPIRIT
Stop blaming him. This child cried when they cut our team from medal contention. He even tried to stop his family from cutting down the peach trees.

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
Yes because he likes peaches.
(laughter)

KUROSAWA
No!

KUROSAWA (cont.)
Peaches can be bought. But where can you buy a whole orchard in bloom?  You can buy a shirt where Bugs Bunny and Taz are dressed like Kriss Kross and wearing Bulls merchandise.   But where can you buy a game winning hail Mary at the buzzer?  I love this country's team. And the peach trees which bloomed here. But they're not here anymore.   And the Japanese team is playing for a Zinc Medal. That's why I cried.

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
Very well. I understand. He is a good boy. Shall we allow him to see our peach orchard in bloom once more?

KUROSAWA
(wipes away tears)

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
Remember... winning games does not make a team great.  It is the hearts, souls, and dreams of the individuals coming together to play for a common cause.  That makes them great. 

Cheer for them with all you have.  Even if Jordan dunks it from the free-throw line.  Cheer until your heart bleeds.

HOMETOWN SPIRIT
For tomorrow they may be gone.