Mr. Hata and T, a father and son
A dying father reunites with his son after thirty years
For the next 3 days, I'm going to tell you a story as it unfolds. It's about family, love, life, death, and, I hope redemption.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
This is Mr. Hata. I met him last year while making a film about hospice care. He has throat cancer and is dying. pic.twitter.com/C4oh9xG6Dl
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata was told he had one year to live. That was 18 months ago. Last autumn, his goal was to make it through winter. And he did.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata told me about a son he hadn't seen in over 30 years. Did he just want me to listen or did he want me to search for him?
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata wanted to see his son before he died and wanted me to try to find him. I opened my laptop and in less than 5 minutes I found him.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
For several weeks, I facilitated communication between Mr. Hata and his son, T, whom he hadn't seen for more than 30 years.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata's son, T, had thought his father was dead. He was shocked to learn he was alive, and then shocked again to learn he was dying.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Tonight, T is traveling from western Japan to Tohoku with his wife & daughter to see his father for the first time since he was 3.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
We decided I would not join the reunion. But a few days ago, Mr. Hata's pain became worse. On stronger meds, he can no longer drive.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Cancer spreading, Mr. Hata can no longer drive. He asked me to drive him to meet T, the son he's not seen in 30 yrs. pic.twitter.com/WEuAkoQFZi
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Before meeting his son for 1st time in 30 yrs, Mr. Hata asked me to take him to barbershop. That's where we are now. pic.twitter.com/gdXrWBWCoa
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Dying of cancer doesn't matter right now. Before meeting his son, Mr. Hata wants a shave and to have his hair dyed. pic.twitter.com/bWHNbrBWIN
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Dying of cancer & defiant to end, Mr. Hata takes smoke break while getting his hair dyed. pic.twitter.com/gnGlkqZcUl
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Finished at the barber, Mr. Hata dons his blazer. The son he hasn't seen in 30 years arrives in 5 hours. pic.twitter.com/4RXaqH4HOm
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata asked me when he meets son, T, tonight for 1st time in 30 years if he should hug him or shake his hand. pic.twitter.com/MjwNxCRyBv
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Over lunch, we talk about whether I should take photos of him w/ T & his family tonight. I'll ask T when we meet. pic.twitter.com/MoNIoYNiI7
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
After lunch, are errands. First, is drug store where Mr. Hata buys the gauze he needs to cover hole in his throat. pic.twitter.com/aToCgINWgF
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Then is car wash- Mr. Hata wants to pick up his son & family in clean car. He's been waiting 30 years for this day. pic.twitter.com/8yO1Bg8fiV
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata is a proud man. Despite advancing cancer, he wants to clean the car his son will ride in himself. pic.twitter.com/Eu9aSydNZw
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata even pumps own gas and doesn't let me help. He is proud, frugal, old-fashioned and kind. A true gentleman. pic.twitter.com/LTZkR6yhaW
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata's son whom he's not seen in 30 yrs arrives in 2 hrs. Worn out from prep, he takes nap at inn near station. pic.twitter.com/stStvFnwNm
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Sitting here listening to Mr. Hata snore. His son arrives in 90 min. Am so happy to help fulfill dying man's wish, but feeling… nervous?
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Amazing Tweets. This is what Twitter should be about. Follow Ian #ShoutOut for a universal story. A personal story. https://t.co/hi2F7q3qaN
— Yuri Kageyama (@yurikageyama) April 8, 2016
@yurikageyama I've seen 'general' news stories reported like this, but not personal stories. @DocumentingIan is onto something here.
— alua (@alualuna) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata is awake & checks his phone. His son, whom he's not seen in 30 yrs, arrives w/ his family in 1 hr. pic.twitter.com/wXqiCY9YUa
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata's son just texted: bullet train just left Tokyo & arrives in 1 hour, at 19:19.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Before leaving to pick up his son, Mr. Hata changes bandage covering hole in his throat, a reminder of his cancer. pic.twitter.com/tl1wAipWPt
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
We're off to station to pick up Mr. Hata's son and his family! pic.twitter.com/O5bFkPsbwq
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata has a teddy bear for his granddaughter. The bullet train carrying his son and family is about to arrive. pic.twitter.com/VkDZw4pJTI
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
His son didn't arrive on 19:19 train. Mr. Hata is trying to call. pic.twitter.com/TpsIyfd4yf
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
They've arrived safely. I need to speak with his son about photos and tweeting. Will update soon.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
You have to follow this https://t.co/7Jz1YSFaKK
— Paul Walsh (@littleforeigner) April 8, 2016
Start here and read @DocumentingIan for what looks like a story well worth following. https://t.co/304yMKJm2q
— Nippon.com (@nippon_en) April 8, 2016
Follow this amazing & humane story as it unfolds. Powerful work by filmmaker @DocumentingIan
https://t.co/nWTrFm3NMi— Bo Jacobs (@bojacobs) April 8, 2016
.@DocumentingIan follows an elderly gentleman dying with cancer about to see his son for the first time in 30 years https://t.co/A2AcxwPAvh
— Kjeld Duits (@KjeldDuits) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata's son, T, asked I don't photograph his wife & daughter. But I can continue documenting him and Mr. Hata. pic.twitter.com/1jeXhmnfvZ
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Meeting for first time in over 30 years, father and son share a toast. pic.twitter.com/2VIRV6oakY
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
After more than 30 years, Mr. Hata and his son, T, share a meal and talk together. pic.twitter.com/7uapGc2mZc
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
There are many questions to be asked and answered between Mr. Hata & his son, but it will have to happen slowly. pic.twitter.com/LNkqKcL1MZ
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
An amazing reading as story unfolds "real time", this is using Twitter in the very best way https://t.co/LrYFvLx57Y
— Jannu KooL (@jannukool) April 8, 2016
My brother in law is at it again with an interesting new way to tell a true story. Fascinating! #truestory #live https://t.co/d4DL0JdL12
— Ernest Freeland (@epfreeland) April 8, 2016
Impatiently waiting for any updates, great work https://t.co/l4e5IRHQEt
— Vivian Morelli (@lostinseoul) April 8, 2016
After dinner, Mr. Hata wants to invite his son to his room for a drink, so we stop by store on way to hotel. pic.twitter.com/vOMwCWegjB
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
We're in hotel. T's wife & 12 y.o. daughter have gone to bed. Father & son speak for 1st time in 30 yrs. Frankly. pic.twitter.com/z0UluXEGKu
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
T has brought gifts for the father he hasn't seen in 30 years. 1st a gorgeous pen. pic.twitter.com/3cww4Opq1u
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
The other present T has brought for his father is a beautiful cardigan. The size is perfect. pic.twitter.com/HVRyue3dCB
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Talk between Mr. Hata & T, the son he's not seen in 30 yrs, getting real. Mr. Hata says this is 1st & prob last time to meet as he's dying.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
T tells his Mr. Hata because he never had dad, from very young age he wanted wife & family. He married & became father at 23. He's now 35.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata is relieved. He tells T he was afraid b/c he abandoned him & his mom, he wouldn't be able to become a dad. pic.twitter.com/XGWjaUJIAN
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
http://twitter.com/CandyAppleCat/status/718431148649480192
@CandyAppleCat I wish all reunions could go as well as this. Sending my thoughts to you & your family.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
http://twitter.com/CandyAppleCat/status/718442979581517826
@DocumentingIan I hope the reunion works out well, Ian. I wish everybody involved much strength and wisdom.
— Kjeld Duits (@KjeldDuits) April 8, 2016
This may be the modern version of the #radiostory #firesidechat @DocumentingIan #livestory #realtime
— Ernest Freeland (@epfreeland) April 8, 2016
@DocumentingIan Hi Ian, glad I found this story. Helping me understand why my Japanese wife's lovely father has stayed in a loveless (c.)
— Dan M (@PiesManDan) April 8, 2016
@DocumentingIan marriage for 30+ years. He didn't want to lose contact with his 3 daughters. I'm glad to have met him. Well done!
— Dan M (@PiesManDan) April 8, 2016
.@DocumentingIan's real time story about father and son reunion is a bit bitter sweet, but I can't wait for his update. Hope it goes well.
— 宮島 謙二 (@Absolute_Ken) April 8, 2016
http://twitter.com/mryokosan/status/718439715427508225
@shah1r @DocumentingIan as a new dad to a one year old boy, that hit me straight in the feels.
— Shaheryar Mirza (@mirza9) April 8, 2016
. @mirza9 @shah1r thank you for following this! I don't have kids, but as a son to a great father, this is really emotional for me, too.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
@DocumentingIan I will see my friend, fighting st4 cancer tomorrow. Her mom, now flew fr 九州 staying with her. Family tie is so important.
— Miki (@Punabay) April 8, 2016
I told T about Twitter comments, esp @CandyAppleCat & he says meeting Mr. Hata is helping him sort out his feelings. pic.twitter.com/62Idka8YeC
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata doesn't want to say good night despite being so tired. He keeps talking w/ T after getting ready for bed. pic.twitter.com/modAYoaDFS
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata, coughing & in pain, has gone to bed. T is looking at my Tweets & your comments on my iPad. pic.twitter.com/OFVmb6nzAj
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
http://twitter.com/maruojin/status/718467204610531332
T thanks you so much for your comments & thoughts. He hopes his story inspires people to find lost friends & family. pic.twitter.com/UPPTvAFvVy
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
#ff my pal @DocumentingIan. He is always telling humane & beautiful stories, & is now tweeting one in real time https://t.co/Cx0Iii0JaW
— Lisa Kerrigan (@kerriganagain) April 8, 2016
T and I getting drunk as Mr. Hata snores softly. He thanked me for finding him & referred to me as "older brother". pic.twitter.com/usjlBg66Gq
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
This is well worth reading. A unique & touching human story unfolding live on Twitter. Glad I stumbled across it https://t.co/ixO4tnUhk4
— Dan M (@PiesManDan) April 8, 2016
@DocumentingIan wonderful stuff, very moving following this story today
— r.a.r.h. (@windcheater) April 8, 2016
T is back to room he's sharing w/ wife & daughter. I'm in twin room w/ Mr. Hata. So grateful today. Story continues tomorrow. Good night!
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Be sure to follow @documentingian as tweet story continues tomorrow #Japan #families #documentary https://t.co/aL9QNIpEBg
— CAMERA JAPAN (@CAMERAJAPAN) April 8, 2016
@DocumentingIan Ian, this is just beautiful. Thank you for this story!
— Christian (@unregardvide) April 8, 2016
Sleepless night. Mr Hata forgot morphine he's been on since Mon. Spoke to doctor after midnight, bringing him to outpatient hospital in a.m.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Day 2 of Mr. Hata and T, a dying man and the son he hasn't seen in more than 30 years.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Early a.m. after rough night. Mr Hata's throat cancer has spread to lungs; he's been on morphine patches since Mon, but forgot to bring.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Meeting T, son he met yesterday for 1st time in 30 yrs, for breakfast in 10 min. Mr. Hata has hard time waking up. pic.twitter.com/48xeg3wp9g
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Spoke to Mr. Hata's dr. late last night. Bringing him to outpatient this a.m. T will meet dr. caring for the dying father he has just met.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
http://twitter.com/maytechblog/status/718578015978979328
@maytechblog much peace to you & your family and safe travels! @mirza9 @shah1r
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata is up. First, he prepares the bandage to cover the opening in his throat. pic.twitter.com/YMfdO2gzvs
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata dresses wearing the handsome blue cardigan T gave him last night. On way to meet him for breakfast. pic.twitter.com/i2S7xdtkd2
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 8, 2016
thank you Ian for sharing this impressive reunion w/us. it must be not easy for you too. good luck! @DocumentingIan
— yas (@yas_wz) April 8, 2016
Mr. Hata has made it to breakfast w/ T, but doesn't have an appetite & has trouble keeping his eyes open. pic.twitter.com/PnFydV9l1U
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
During coughing fit at breakfast, T reached over and gently patted Mr. Hata's back. A beautiful father/ son moment to witness.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Back in room after breakfast, Mr. Hata collapses onto bed. Packing our bags & bringing him to outpatient hosp now. pic.twitter.com/voeVqKgM3Z
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
We made it to hospital. T sits w/ Mr. Hata as they wait to see doctor. pic.twitter.com/cfX944F68a
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Reading this story about father/son meeting 1st time in 30 yrs as it's told real time by doc filmmaker. #docutweets https://t.co/zG3bFf6SAW
— Em (@em_oxoxox) April 9, 2016
Great story by @DocumentingIan that makes you rethink what's important in life. Worth following. https://t.co/Y9f8jbLBXx
— magdalena osumi (@jt_mag_os) April 9, 2016
Жиргээг шинэлэг бдлаар ашиглахыг @DocumentingIan -ы аав хүү хоёрын түүхээс хараарай.
— maralsd (@maralsd) April 9, 2016
Afraid Mr. Hata overdid it yest preparing to see son for 1st time in 30 yrs. Trip to hosp was not in plan. pic.twitter.com/ghbuuDb5hi
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
While waiting to see dr, she brings them to her office & suggests T watch my hospice film which features Mr. Hata. pic.twitter.com/7lpFLlyyzd
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
This very touching story unfolding live on twitter makes you rethink about what's important in life https://t.co/09em823MCf
— Charly (@2minjapan) April 9, 2016
Doctor has written prescription for morphine. Mr. Hata's son fills it at pharmacy next to hospital. pic.twitter.com/cbGtlIDpN2
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Gripping story by @DocumentingIan makes you rethink what's really important. Can't wait to see this unfold. https://t.co/aTKnXb2X2O
— Jordan Krogh (@jorda_nn) April 9, 2016
Back in doctor's office T helps Mr. Hata w/ his jacket so medicine patch can be applied. Another father/ son moment. pic.twitter.com/VFz1qbu45r
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
A nurse sticks medicated seals on Mr. Hata's arm. They contain powerful narcotic & can't be touched with bare hands. pic.twitter.com/n0n0K56EQP
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Amazing and touching story told live on Twitter. https://t.co/KN4sFM1hqa
— Matthew Salter (@MSalt69) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata's doctor explains to him the pain med dosages and plan for pain management. pic.twitter.com/SEfEDjO28X
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan All involved should win some kind of award for this. Very brave and moving.
— Matthew Salter (@MSalt69) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan Do they have Twitter Oscars?
— Matthew Salter (@MSalt69) April 9, 2016
Just left hospital. #mrhata refuses to go home & wants to carry on w/ plan to take T & family to hot spring & spend 1 more night together.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata is facing son he abandoned 30 yrs ago & facing cancer head on. T is facing father he thought was dead & is now dying. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
http://twitter.com/IziffiNb/status/718664872410546176
Despite being tired Mr Hata wants to join his son & family for lunch of this area's famous soba noodles. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/IVTfTVeKOb
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Unable to eat all his soba, Mr. Hata passes his noodles to T to finish. T's wife giggles & says that's exactly what T's mom does. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Amazing on so many levels. Thank you for sharing @DocumentingIan Mr. Hata and T. https://t.co/vn6zw7jSme
— Craig Atkinson (@AtkinsonCraig) April 9, 2016
On way to onsen, we pull over & to stretch our legs. Mr. Hata has slept most of way, but his face brightens at what's before us. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata didn't think he'd make it thru winter, now he's seeing cherry blossoms w/ son he thought he'd lost. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/LUtfiSDtEl
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan that's the first picture of them smiling/laughing, isn't it?
— alua (@alualuna) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan It's a very nice and heartwarming picture…
— rebelvision (@_rebelvision_) April 9, 2016
Understandably tired from last 2 days, Mr Hata slept whole way to onsen. Checked in, family dinner in 30 min #mrhata pic.twitter.com/0xtE7Wiv17
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
All wear Yukata gowns & gather for last family dinner. T & his family return to western Japan tomorrow. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/hvn60NEOos
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata has trouble swallowing & experiences coughing fits more often. His son, T, sits with him at dinner. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/ntsXT8Rnk1
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
After dinner family photos are taken. There will be some good memories to go along w/ some of the hard ones. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/h7W1I4vRpy
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata's son, T, whom he met last night for 1st time in 30 yrs, coming to his room for drinks. Expecting serious father/son talk. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata and T make a toast. #mrhata takes out two bags of photos to show his son. pic.twitter.com/90IAuf6TCc
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata tells T stories about when he was T's age and owned a restaurant. Father & son share a laugh. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/PuT9qzv4nb
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata inscribes some photos for T with pen his son gave him last night. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/bh8xkOXGKi
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
T, Mr. Hata's son, gave me permission to share his 1st name. It's "Takara", & means "treasure". It's very rare 1st name in Japan. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata tells Takara he was "inspired" to name him Treasure, and shares a story about when he was born. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/UDDJvxZEJo
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Takara tells Mr Hata about his inspiration for naming his daughter, who is now 12 and Mr Hata's only grandchild.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr Hata tells story about last time he spoke to Takara on phone after he left him & his mom. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/E8CZ1yF1SC
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Takara was 5 and pleaded to his dad, Mr Hata, on the phone, "please come back daddy. I'll wait 1 trillion 10 thousand years". #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Mr. Hata takes a deep breath and says "having kids is easy. Raising them is not." #mrhata pic.twitter.com/hBdw0PTMhG
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
http://twitter.com/CandyAppleCat/status/718796392756412416
Follow @DocumentingIan if you want to witness the poignant story of Mr. Hata and Takara, a father and son reuniting after 30 years apart.
— Dan Ryan (@ThatDanRyan) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan Ian please tell them that I'm very, very glad for them. Glad that they could see sakura together. Love from Indonesia ❤❤
— ⊕★ティヤス★ ⊕ ❤️ TSUDAKEN ❤️ (@icblues) April 9, 2016
Touching, and reminiscent of how we reunited Peter & Emiko after 56 years: https://t.co/GUx5rSzz2T @DocumentingIan https://t.co/K403heuG3T
— Ben Jones 城雲図・勉 (@ozaru) April 9, 2016
If you are not yet doing it, do yourself a favor, Go and read The sobering story of #mrhata on @DocumentingIan
— Dr. Slow Food (@DaikanyamaGuy) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan This is a beautiful story Ian. Thank for sharing it. Very emotional & inspirational for others in similar situations.
— Paul McInnes (@pvmcinnes) April 9, 2016
@DaikanyamaGuy @DocumentingIan don't often comment about non-beer stories but it's an incredible experience to be reading.
— BeerTengoku (@TengokuBeer) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan i'm crying at their story. I have bad relationship with my dad and it hits me right to the feels…
I'll be praying for them— kei (@812addiction) April 9, 2016
Mr Hata shows 2 more photos to Takara, both portraits of himself, & asks which should be used when he dies. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/hfhLUYRJNN
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Takara considers both carefully then says "this one". Mr Hata takes it in his hands & looks at his own face. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/kAAhE3Kiff
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Takara has now chosen the photo that will be used at the funeral of Mr Hata, the father he hasn't seen for 30 years. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
Father & son have bid each other goodnight. From his room, Takara sent me a message referring to Mr Hata as "father" for 1st time. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 9, 2016
there's something beautiful going on on @DocumentingIan's timeline. A father preparing to die finds the son he abandoned 30 years ago
— Ben McLannahan (@bmclannahan) April 9, 2016
@bmclannahan @DocumentingIan I am already weeping. We humans occasionally exhibit incredibly noble behaviours, in remotely possible
— Tadao Nakai (@Taddy1971) April 9, 2016
@bmclannahan @DocumentingIan situations. And, if one looks around hard enough, such cases do present themselves, apparently.
— Tadao Nakai (@Taddy1971) April 9, 2016
@DocumentingIan Good morning. I was thinking about what documentary is while reading this story.
— mint (@minzimt) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan Good morning. Hope you all have a nice day😊. Anxiously waiting for updates.
— Em (@em_oxoxox) April 10, 2016
Good morning. Thank you for supportive comments- I'll share w/ Mr. Hata & Takara. I'm grateful to witness this reunion & share it w/ you.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
I asked Takara to come to Mr Hata's room as he'd taken bad fall in night. Takara knelt by his bed & woke Mr. Hata by gently said "Father".
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Mr Hata insisted he was fine & changed subject. "Takara, try on my shirt". It fit perfectly. "I want you to have it" pic.twitter.com/JtBh1lsFO6
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Mr Hata & Takara discuss plan for day and decide to stay here at onsen until Takara returns to West Japan tonight. pic.twitter.com/2UUycV4eCE
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Father & son share relaxing breakfast knowing they can spend day at the onsen just being together. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/Sp3M6kPbQg
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
In Japan people don't often touch. That's why Mr Hata had asked me re: hugging Takara when they met. He wanted to, but didn't. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
After breakfast, Mr Hata laid down. Takara rubbed his shoulders. 1st touch these 3 days, these 30 years. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/21D42rUdJv
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
I leave to give them father/ son time & go to buy thickener as Mr Hata is choking on liquid more frequently. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/T4wSVvg86u
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Back at onsen, Mr. Hata is in pain so Dr. Konta, his physician, is called & she does "house call" at hotel. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/tOCD7wD7bU
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
After she checks Mr. Hata, Dr. Konta decides it's good time to have serious talk w/ him while Takara, his son, is here. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Dr. Konta gives Mr. Hata journal called "Ending Note" to write messages to family & describe funeral wishes. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/qDdbr3PpCU
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan she sounds like an amazing and caring doctor
— Vivian Morelli (@lostinseoul) April 10, 2016
http://twitter.com/ciaela/status/719046699893661696
@DocumentingIan this is such an amazing family story. Thank you for sharing it so sensitively. Please give them all my best wishes.
— Sonia Yoshioka Braid (@eloquentsonia) April 10, 2016
I ask Mr Hata if he wants to record thoughts about this time w/ his son. He says yes & Takara joins him. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/3ZE7Ucisd7
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Before Takara, his wife & daughter leave, they share meal w/ Mr Hata. Wanting it to be family time, I say I've calls to make & wait in car.
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Takara & his family are leaving. Mr Hata, despite weakness, insists getting out of car & going into station. #mrhata pic.twitter.com/WFmUaBfaUX
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Suddenly, Mr Hata tells me to buy us platform tickets. He wants to accompany Takara & family up to bullet train for proper send off. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Mr Hata follows them through the gates & struggles to keep up w/ them as above their heads is sound of bullet train pulling in. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
On the platform Mr Hata and Takara, father and son, embrace. #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
Doors closing, Takara & family wave. As train departs Mr Hata holding card granddaughter slipped into his hand says "let's go home". #mrhata
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
FIN. pic.twitter.com/Vw4hw0GWfw
— Ian Thomas Ash (@DocumentingIan) April 10, 2016
.@DocumentingIan Thank you (and Mr Hata and Tamara) for sharing this moving story with us. I'm glad it went so well & hope Mr Hata's
— Eleanor Goldsmith (@zaichishka) April 10, 2016
.@DocumentingIan remaining time is as peaceful and painless as possible.
— Eleanor Goldsmith (@zaichishka) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan this has me in tears =(
— Chris Valdez (@ChrisJValdez) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan お疲れ様
— Tokyotronic (@robotopia) April 10, 2016
Ian, thank you so much 4 sharing a beautiful story w/us. pls drive safe. Mr Hata. live long this isn't end just a beginning @DocumentingIan
— yas (@yas_wz) April 10, 2016
ドキュメンタリー映画のイアン・トーマス・アッシュ監督が先週木曜から四日間、ある男性とその息子の再会に密着。男性は末期ガンを患っており３０年間音信不通だった息子に会うことを切望。ついに二人は再会を果たした。イアン監督のツイートにハラハラし通しだった @DocumentingIan
— yas (@yas_wz) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan I hope Mr Hata and Takara will stay in touch and meet again. Pls give my best to Hata-san. Thank you for the touching story.
— Em (@em_oxoxox) April 10, 2016
@documentingian thank you for this.
— Michael Dancsok (@dunchoke) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan i hope that their relationship will get better and that mr.hata will be happy when it's his time to go
— kei (@812addiction) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan and thank you, really thank you very much for sharing this heartwarming story with us. Also for Mr.Hata and Takara for
— kei (@812addiction) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan allowing you to share the story and thus allowed us readers to feel involved with this whole story as well.
— kei (@812addiction) April 10, 2016
@DocumentingIan Thank you so much for sharing such a touching and heart-warming story
— Charly (@2minjapan) April 10, 2016
http://twitter.com/alualuna/status/719209162555658241
Here is the story of life & family by @DocumentingIan you must read. Mahalo @yurikageyama for alerting us to this https://t.co/fWDPu80CUp
— Soos (@Soos808) April 11, 2016
末期ガンの父親と息子の30年ぶりの、そしてたぶん最後の再会を追ったドキュメンタリーツイート。会えてよかった。⇒ Mr. Hata and T, a father and son https://t.co/XspurVd8QA via @documentingian
— 宮島 謙二 (@Absolute_Ken) April 11, 2016
@DocumentingIan Thank you for telling the story so well. It reads easily, but must not have been easy to do.
— Edna (@ednacz) April 11, 2016
This is a poignant story, told sensitively by @DocumentingIan #bringtissues https://t.co/9SiiDemQIZ
— Sonia Yoshioka Braid (@eloquentsonia) April 11, 2016
This is something really remarkable: @DocumentingIan's Twitumentary about dying man's reunion with son he abandoned https://t.co/b1Ds9cHjbb
— Richard Lloyd Parry (@dicklp) April 11, 2016
Truly a remarkable story and inspired storytelling by @DocumentingIan https://t.co/Zcp6bN3bYX
— basilimobile (@basilimobile) April 11, 2016
My cousin @DocumentingIan is an award-winning filmmaker in Japan. He does amazing things. This one made me cry. https://t.co/rCIKUqObF6
— Erica Russell (@XanaxWarrPrncss) April 11, 2016
Moving account of a dying man's reunion w/ a son he hasn't seen for 30 years — told live on Twitter @DocumentingIan https://t.co/zZ2kvz0QF4
— Hiroko Tabuchi (@HirokoTabuchi) April 11, 2016
I'm up early in bed with real tears…this is the stuff that Twitter was made for @DocumentingIan https://t.co/inMolRhJ2t
— J. Cooper (@CoopISeeYou) April 11, 2016
This is an amazing use of Twitter to tell a story: Mr. Hata and T, a father and son https://t.co/b0Gp33eJM7 via @documentingian
— Kristy Snell CBC (@Snellk) April 11, 2016
I just cried my eyes out at this@DocumentingIan
This is what social media is all abouthttps://t.co/Fyl5cKdkdb— sueinphilly (@sueinphilly) April 11, 2016
An amazingly moving story documenting Mr. Hata and T, a father and son reuniting after 30 years https://t.co/KceWI6ZEQt via @documentingian
— Craig Sheldon (@crgshldn) April 11, 2016
[2/2] He reminds us that the only thing you need to tell a great story can be a mobile phone and Twitter. Thank you @DocumentingIan
— Christian (@unregardvide) April 11, 2016
@DocumentingIan It was gripping, but our thanks above all to Mr. Hata and his son for sharing a slice of life. https://t.co/hSOKF3tf7v
— CAMERA JAPAN (@CAMERAJAPAN) April 11, 2016
@XanaxWarrPrncss @DocumentingIan also very nice to see how respectful & sensitive you were, this could have been exploitative in other hands
— Souha Al-Samkari @ E3 (@sousourocket) April 11, 2016
Wow, thanks a lot @DocumentingIan for this story. Never thought that twitter could be used in that way. https://t.co/IjqkxUwiwY
— André N (@Roxasu) April 11, 2016
tremendously powerful documentary work by @DocumentingIan https://t.co/RlQLOCJK4j
— Gen Kanai ｜金井 玄 (@gen) April 12, 2016