We Married as a Job (2016) s01e08 Episode Script
Divorce, parents' home and fateful partner
1
No boxed lunch today?
Your wife must be angry.
That has happened to me too.
When I open my boxed lunch,
it was only white rice.
-There wasn't even salted seaweed.
-You don't understand anything.
I fully understand
Tsuzaki's boxed lunch scheme.
Scheme?
Until now, Tsuzaki
has made his own boxed lunches.
It is like he buys
his own chocolate on Valentine's Day
and puts it in his own shoe cubby.
-No one does that.
-That's right.
In any case, this much is clear.
Mikuri…
was a hired actress.
He only hired her
when we went to meet them.
Numata. The truth is
that Mikuri and Tsuzaki
are completely in love.
That again?
It was just a fight.
It happens from time to time.
That night…
After that, Mikuri…
treated me like nothing happened.
-Take care.
-Thank you.
But that night…
when I returned…
Mikuri was gone.
I don't know.
When she came to clean on Monday,
she didn't say anything.
-When did you see her last?
-Same as you.
On Monday night, I saw her near the
station after she left your place.
Mikuri!
She said that she wanted
to return the ice wine I gave her.
Sorry. Please take this back.
You said that it was expensive.
There is plenty left.
It would be a waste to throw it out.
Did you not like it?
It was good.
Why then?
If I see it, I want to die.
I don't think that
there is anything in ice wine
that would push someone that far.
Did something happen with Tsuzaki?
Do you think so?
If it were me
our relationship would have been
more business-like and smooth.
What are you saying?
Everything is simple
if you put aside emotions.
You…
tend to talk like all of your words
have this deep meaning.
Could you quit that?
If you are worried, why not call her?
YURI
Mikuri?
Yes.
When will you come back?
I can't come back now.
Why?
This could lead to divorce.
Divorce?
So that's what happened?
-Yes. This is more serious than I thought.
-Why did you wash them together?
It is written here. Colors may bleed.
There is no time to look at each item.
If you don't know, you need to look.
Look before you wash.
Look at this.
This was expensive. I really liked it!
-Mikuri?
-Look at what you did.
Sorry. I'll text you later.
Mother, you don't need to be so mean.
He did the same thing two days ago.
It was an accident.
-Don't do the same accident twice!
-Mother.
Hi.
You don't need to worry.
Mother is just a little annoyed.
A little?
Well, a lot.
Mother was always so tough.
Until now, she had never been injured.
She is frustrated herself.
I am glad you came.
I am glad too.
I needed this.
That night.
After that night…
I…
tried to live like nothing happened.
But…
no matter what I did
the memory of that night came back.
Even still, I tried daydreaming
to overcome this hurdle.
Here she comes.
Here is Mikuri Moriyama. Great match.
Thank you.
Looking back on the match,
how was it?
MIKURI MORIYAMA
ROMANCE 47KG DIVISION
I made a terrible mistake.
I'm okay with that.
If it's with you
I am okay doing that.
TERRIBLE MISTAKE
Sorry.
I can't. I can't do that.
If I hadn't said that…
that day would have ended
in a positive mood.
I let my desire
to get closer take over me.
I assumed that I would be accepted.
I am so foolish.
-Good luck!
-Do your best!
Sorry.
What are your current
feelings toward Tsuzaki?
He is a great person. I respect him.
I plan on maintaining my distance…
and working very hard for him.
-Good job!
-Yes!
Thank you.
I can do it. Just keep this up.
If I just imagine that evening
was just a silly incident,
I can overcome this.
However, the hug day crept closer.
-Take care.
-Thank you.
I want to go somewhere far away. Anywhere.
Mother broke her leg.
It will take two months to heal.
That is scary.
Who is taking care of the house?
Father.
She is fine aside from the leg.
You don't need to see them.
I never took off from work or club.
I was proud of that.
This would be the first time
I abandoned my work.
I at least need to prepare.
Dear Hiramasa.
My mother broke her leg and
is begging me to visit her.
I am going to Tateyama.
I put your meals in the refrigerator.
The reason doesn't matter.
I am glad that I get to escape.
What?
I can escape from Tuesday.
I don't need to see
myself looking so pathetic.
I may not return.
A part of me
tells me that this is life.
But that is a lie.
DESTINED PERSON
I really didn't think
he would be this useless.
Didn't he cook when we went camping?
Thinking back, I cut the vegetables
and made the curry.
Father just lit the stove.
He tricked me.
I didn't trick anyone.
You just misunderstood.
I should have made you do more housework.
You did help a little, right?
I put out the trash.
That isn't really housework.
-I cleaned the bath.
-How often?
Twice a month.
The occasional bath cleaning
is nothing to boast about.
Aoi.
Excuse me.
Chigaya came to mind.
Kozue.
It's grandpa.
Sorry to barge in here.
She stumbled into here.
-How is your leg?
-It's fine.
Doesn't my brother do anything?
Nothing. When he gets home, he
acts tired and asks for a massage.
We deserve the massage.
It's fine right now.
But next month I am returning to work.
-You found a day care.
-It took a long time.
But I am not sure that
I can take care of Kozue, work…
and look after Chigaya.
-I'm sorry that I didn't raise him better.
-I am not blaming you.
I was just a housewife.
I really enjoyed my housework.
I should have let him do more.
You made me do housework.
You volunteered to help me.
-Really?
-Yes.
The laundry is done.
-I'll help.
-No. This is his work.
I'll do it.
You need to smooth out the wrinkles.
Give it a good shake.
Shake. Shake.
Does Hiramasa do housework?
He does help me a decent amount.
That's so nice.
I receive a salary for doing housework.
I cannot tell this to people
who do this work
without compensation.
-What? Another person is leaving?
-Yes.
-She is taking maternity leave.
-This is the worst.
-This is a huge inconvenience.
-Don't say that.
Our work will increase.
Doesn't that annoy you?
Sorry. I don't see it like that.
Appreciation.
-Appreciation?
-Appreciation?
Thank you for giving birth in my place.
Is that how it is?
Yes. At this age, I am past being jealous.
But people say things.
As a woman, you must do this or that.
Ignore that noise.
In exchange, we are working.
We are paying our taxes.
So don't complain.
In these times, companies
who give maternity leave are better.
As long as there are welfare programs
people can be put at ease.
President.
What is the truth?
Is our company truly okay?
Why does Numata know about this?
Sorry. I was too suspicious.
He suspected that I knew something.
He followed me.
If he threatens to kill all of
our server we cannot oppose him.
-I hate infrastructure engineers.
-I hold the lifeline of this company.
You used to protect
the national infrastructure, right?
That was tough work.
My salary was double,
but my stress was five times higher.
That must have been difficult.
This must be difficult too.
What is happening?
One of our big clients
may be bought.
If that happens and
they terminate our contract
forty percent of our sales will disappear.
-That's right.
-You seem calm.
It will work out.
If things become too tough though
I may make some layoffs.
Layoffs? How about I
destroy all of your servers?
Nothing has been decided.
We don't want people to panic.
-Let's keep this a secret.
-Secret?
There are a lot of people
trading stocks here.
Do you want to be responsible
for insider trading?
Lock your lips.
That is an order from the President.
What are you doing?
Aren't you going to eat your lunch?
Numata?
Yoritsuna?
Leave me alone.
Tsuzaki?
MOTHER
This is our neighbor
Matsumoto's grandchild.
I wonder when we will have
a grandchild of our own.
Sorry, mother.
Your son is not close to having a child.
I am not even at that start line.
It took a lot of time to
finally be able to hug and kiss.
I am unable to keep up with Mikuri,
despite her being ten years younger.
I should not have tried to move forward.
If anything happens to you
I will always be on your side.
I wish we could have stayed like that.
I wish that…
I had Mikuri's ability to use
daydreams to distract myself.
But I do not have
that sort of imagination.
This is peaceful.
But there is no work here.
If I were to continue…
to live here.
MIKURI MORIYAMA, UNEMPLOYED
Right.
Has it been six months?
I haven't gone outside.
I am happy.
I have three meals a day and
can play all the games I want.
My days are so full.
Work.
I need to search for work.
MAYU NOGUCHI
THE PASSION OF A 26 YEAR OLD
PROVIDING YOU A BETTER LIFE
TATEYAMA CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
MAYU NOGUCHI
Is that an option?
Mayu Noguchi!
Yes?
I wanted to meet you.
Thank you.
It is nice to meet you.
-This is everything.
-Right.
-Where is Hirari?
-Her grandmother is watching her.
Look at this lotus root.
I want to eat chikuzenni stew.
Chikuzenni?
Can't I make something more simple?
Yassan.
-Hey.
-You actually showed up.
You said if I came we would learn
how to make vegetable jam.
I didn't think you would come.
Don't underestimate my determination.
What?
The contract marriage is a secret.
Understood.
-Why are there so many people?
-Chigaya.
-You're early.
-Why is Mikuri here?
-What's wrong with that?
-Hello.
What was your name?
-You're that delinquent, Yassan!
-Just call her Yasue.
It's all the same.
Mother. How is your leg?
He hasn't changed at all.
-You can slam him against the wall.
-I will if he says something else.
-Slam against a wall?
-Not in a romantic way.
-Grab him by the collar and slam.
-Slam?
-Let's call Tsuzaki.
-What?
-He will have off tomorrow.
-He has his own plans.
Just jump on a train and zoom, he's here.
Don't say zoom to make it sound close.
Why don't we call him?
Right.
That will be a really expensive call.
-That doesn't matter.
-We aren't calling him.
We can't rack up a big phone bill.
You seem very determined.
Are you fighting with your husband?
I see. You ran away.
That makes sense now.
You must have said
something condescending.
You need to be kinder.
Learn to support your tired husband.
Mikuri.
Please.
You…
need to cut it out!
CHIKUZENNI STEW RECIPE
Why do I need to do this?
Why did you turn out like this?
Huh?
I am perfectly happy.
I hope you can make the people
around you happy too.
If you are not happy yourself,
you cannot make others happy.
That is really clever.
-I am your son, after all.
-Is that the reason?
So this is how you make vegetable jam.
In the case of squash
you can steam it with the seeds.
It will make really rich, delicious jam.
-Here.
-Thank you.
The men were complimenting
each other. It was weird.
Right.
Both of them have very strong
tendencies toward self-affirmation.
You were like that when you were young.
School and society slowly crushed me.
Isn't that normal?
Chigaya is one of the rare ones
to avoid being crushed.
That is a form of happiness.
I don't want Hirari
to be seriously hurt, but…
a slight scratch might not be bad.
It might be best to have that experience.
It is a question of how deep the wound.
Even if it is just a slight scratch…
if you continue to bear wound after wound…
it could seriously damage you.
I am exhausted.
It does not involve me.
It is tiring to care for someone
with such low self-esteem.
Quit trying to analyze me.
It is tiring to pretend nothing happened
after he rejects me.
So…
I am thinking about
running for city council.
-What?
-Good idea.
Where did that come from?
-I spoke to Mayu Noguchi before.
-Who is that?
She is a city councilwoman
the same age as me.
She had such passion.
Is it so easy to be elected?
I have imagined giving election speeches.
Your image training is perfect.
Isn't it wonderful to be paid
for helping others and your community?
I have a question for candidate Mikuri.
What would you do for working mothers?
Let's debate.
-What?
-I can play Tahara.
AKUMADE LIVE TV!
DEBATE!
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT WORKING MOTHERS?
Good evening. Today's topic
is regarding working mothers.
Society is asking too much
from working mothers.
Society demands we work, give birth,
raise children, and be beautiful.
It is impossible for one person.
However, women must do this to
prevent the decline in birth rate.
On the other hand,
some women choose to work.
What if everyone were to give birth
when they were in high school?
What?
Rather than working, I think it is easier
to attend school and raise children.
We can use vacant school rooms
as day care centers…
and have the children
watched during class.
During breaks,
the women can go feed their children.
Even if women must take time off
during school to give birth
they can take summer classes to catch up.
You can make baby clothes
in home economics class.
Yes. The entire school can work
to raise these children.
Mikuri.
Yes?
It is an interesting idea.
But if you seriously suggest having
high school students have babies
I don't think you will be elected.
I thought so.
High school should be a time
to enjoy your youth.
When should women give birth then?
It is difficult to both raise
children and participate in society.
We just need to help one another out.
The parents, society, and their
neighbors need to work together.
It doesn't actually work out like that.
What if men could also give birth?
-That's interesting.
-Men and women could alternate.
If you could choose that, you would
be more sensitive to one another.
I made a mistake.
I should have studied science.
What a weird conversation.
I want to give birth.
What?
-Cheers.
-Cheers.
This is the best.
Beer is the best.
Numata. Open. Open that mouth.
I don't have anything to say.
Is there anything you want to say?
What do you want? What do you want?
Look at this.
I want fried chicken cartilage.
They're so chewy.
-Chewy. Chewy.
-Hino. Calm down.
This is just a bar.
I am having so much fun. This is the best.
Each time people go out for drinks,
my children get a fever.
We cannot connect you.
Tsuzaki.
Finish up your work and come over soon.
-Where is his family?
-At his wife's parent's home.
There is a voice actor event nearby.
My wife likes them.
This is a chance to drink with
the rare character Hino.
Come as soon as you hear this.
If I drink now…
I might say something I shouldn't.
However, I do owe Hino a lot.
However, I don't feel well.
However, Hino.
I feel sluggish.
Rare character.
I cannot make a decision.
Of course Mikuri
was tired of dealing with me.
He's here!
Sorry that I am late.
We'll take another beer.
-All right.
-You need to catch up.
Here you are.
-Thank you.
-Let's go.
We invited Yuri.
Yuri?
We are friends with her.
When did that happen?
But she couldn't because she was driving.
She can drive to work.
She had to bring something for an event.
I want to meet Yuri and Mikuri too.
I don't know about Yuri,
but you won't meet Mikuri.
That much is certain.
Let me meet her.
This chikuzenni stew
gets one star.
That is really harsh.
No. It is an honor just to come close
to your chikuzenni stew.
-You should make it for us.
-What?
You're going to get slammed.
Quit that.
-This is your fault, Yasue.
-It's going to get cold.
-Thank you for this meal.
-Thank you for this meal.
How is your housekeeper, Kazami?
-How is that going?
-What do you mean?
You said that you were going after her.
She suddenly took off this week.
You can't let her take off
whenever she wants.
I think it was something more serious.
She has a very strong
sense of responsibility.
Something must have
really driven her away.
Like what?
I don't know.
If you don't know, don't say anything.
I may not know the details…
but I may know her…
better than you.
I can see her better.
I don't know what you see…
but it is natural for us
to see different things.
We are very different people.
Different?
I am not the sort of confident person
who can make
sarcastic comments in this sort of place.
Our appearance and lifestyles
are completely different.
We are different from the core.
There is nothing wrong with
everyone being different.
-That's a good thing.
-Right?
Let's drink. Here we go. Drink.
-The cheaper option is better.
-That's right.
The cheaper one is better.
Acting like this at your age?
-Sorry.
-Thank you.
I am partly responsible.
I will come with you.
-One more drink.
-Let's do it.
-Do you want to eat?
-I do.
Aren't you being too harsh to father?
-What?
-Since he retired…
I understand if you want him
to help around the house.
Last month I went for a medical exam.
I didn't tell your father,
but I needed to get more tests.
I was examined by a specialist.
What was the result?
They didn't find anything.
Don't scare me.
Until I heard the result,
I was so worried.
I started thinking about
all sorts of things.
If I were to pass away before him…
what would happen to your father?
I thought this was a good chance.
You should have said so.
If I told your father that
I was worried about dying first
he would become panicked.
-It must be nice to be loved.
-We work hard to love each other.
Was it hard work?
You can't love another person for nothing.
Interesting.
People often talk about
finding your destined partner
but I don't think that that person exists.
-That is very unromantic.
-You don't find them…
You make someone that person.
No matter if its work or home life
if you lack determination,
you won't be able to continue.
Thanks to Tsuzaki,
I remembered something from my past.
Is this story interesting?
Not at all.
You don't need to tell me then.
When I was in junior high school,
I was popular with the girls.
You are telling me anyway.
My first girlfriend
was a somewhat ordinary girl.
I really liked her.
One day, it happened.
It is too painful to be with you.
You are cool,
popular with other girls
and good at sports.
I am plain and not cute.
Everyone wonders why we are dating.
Don't worry about them.
You don't understand.
You and I…
are very different.
I didn't care about that.
Her lack of self-confidence
was her problem.
I should have told her…
that I loved her no matter
how much she rejected herself.
She didn't care about how I felt.
She only looked inward.
What should I have said to her?
BREAKFAST NUMBER ONE
GOOD LUCK AT WORK TODAY!
BREAKFAST NUMBER TWO
TODAY'S CARROTS ARE SWEET!
DINNER NUMBER ONE
GOES GREAT WITH SIDE DISHES!
DINNER NUMBER TWO
I HOPE YOU HAVE A RELAXING WARM BATH!
DINNER NUMBER THREE
FILLED WITH AUTUMNAL VEGETABLES!
DINNER NUMBER FOUR
A CHINESE DISH FILLED WITH NUTRIENTS
What was she thinking
when she made these?
What was she thinking when she left here?
At that time…
what was she thinking?
I was too concerned with my own feelings.
I wasn't able to touch the meals
which she left for me.
It may be very difficult…
to continue loving
someone for a long time.
I can't change other people's feelings.
But I grip the controls…
of my own life.
Are you taking a detour?
I wanted to see the night.
-This route is fine, right?
-Yes.
Young people don't have cars now.
-I don't really need one.
-There it is.
I can get anywhere by train or bus.
That's right. But with a car…
you can go much farther
away than you think.
Here.
-I'll leave the rest for you.
-My pleasure.
Everyone is leaving suddenly.
It will be lonely here.
And you told me not to come.
-Mikuri.
-Yes?
You can stay here forever.
Thank you.
HIRAMASA
Hello?
This is Hiramasa.
Right.
Sorry.
Um…
I have heard enough apologies.
Sorry.
I mean, sorry. Sorry.
What is it?
I want to tell you something.
-I…
-Wait.
Let me speak first.
No matter how you feel
I have made my decision.
I…
factorized my feelings.
I removed any excess feelings
and looked at what remained.
Factorization.
Right.
I thought about my work, salary…
what I wanted to do or become.
I thought about many factors.
Please wait. Let me speak first.
-My feelings will not change.
-I called you.
I have a right to speak first.
That is true.
I…
have no experience with women.
I lived without worrying about that.
But that evening
the first thing that came to mind
was worry if I failed.
I also felt pathetic for having to be led
by a woman ten years my younger.
I did not think about your feelings…
after I rejected you.
I'm sorry.
I was scared that you would find out
that I had no such experience.
I knew.
What?
I have known that for a while.
Listening to your mother
tell stories about you
I assumed that was the truth.
I…
didn't really care.
But…
being rejected…
was really…
painful for me.
I thought about becoming
a city councilwoman in Tateyama.
City council?
I met a councilwoman the same age as me.
I thought that was one option.
When I thought about that…
I felt much lighter.
MAYU NOGUCHI
There are other paths forward.
I can fail on my current path.
I want to…
return to Room 303.
When I factorized everything,
that was my conclusion.
This may cause you some trouble.
But I don't want to end this
with things unsettled.
Let's meet and discuss this properly.
Let's meet.
What?
I am here. I am near you.
Let's meet…
and make up for missing that Tuesday hug.
Yes.
Tsuzaki.
Where is Mikuri?
Wait.
What?
-Where are you?
-Where? Tateyama.
I am in front of our apartment.
Thank you for coming.
-I am so glad.
-What about that hug?
I am getting one right now.
From your father.
-What?
-It's so nice to see you.
-More. More.
-That's enough.
I need to go back today.
-Don't worry about that.
-You don't need to work tomorrow.
-We have plenty of futons.
-Right.
Do you want to see Mikuri's album?
I do.
There is also video of
her school track day.
I edited it down to five hours.
It is five hours with editing?
MESSAGE FROM HIRAMASA
Sorry. It seems unlikely
that I can return today.
Go, go!
Sorry that my parents are so pushy.
Look, it's Mikuri.
-It is so far away you can't tell.
-Of course you can. It's Mikuri.
She's so cute.
I will return tomorrow.
What should I make tomorrow?
What should we talk about?
I will wait for you.
I am as excited as a child.
Wait for me.
I can't wait for tomorrow to come.
-You must be tired.
-I am tired.
If they are laying off people, first
fire the people who can afford it.
Tuesday will be the day of layoffs.
We must reorganize our system.
He thinks I am an easy woman.
I have become Etsuko Ichihara.
The maid saw it.
No boxed lunch today?
Your wife must be angry.
That has happened to me too.
When I open my boxed lunch,
it was only white rice.
-There wasn't even salted seaweed.
-You don't understand anything.
I fully understand
Tsuzaki's boxed lunch scheme.
Scheme?
Until now, Tsuzaki
has made his own boxed lunches.
It is like he buys
his own chocolate on Valentine's Day
and puts it in his own shoe cubby.
-No one does that.
-That's right.
In any case, this much is clear.
Mikuri…
was a hired actress.
He only hired her
when we went to meet them.
Numata. The truth is
that Mikuri and Tsuzaki
are completely in love.
That again?
It was just a fight.
It happens from time to time.
That night…
After that, Mikuri…
treated me like nothing happened.
-Take care.
-Thank you.
But that night…
when I returned…
Mikuri was gone.
I don't know.
When she came to clean on Monday,
she didn't say anything.
-When did you see her last?
-Same as you.
On Monday night, I saw her near the
station after she left your place.
Mikuri!
She said that she wanted
to return the ice wine I gave her.
Sorry. Please take this back.
You said that it was expensive.
There is plenty left.
It would be a waste to throw it out.
Did you not like it?
It was good.
Why then?
If I see it, I want to die.
I don't think that
there is anything in ice wine
that would push someone that far.
Did something happen with Tsuzaki?
Do you think so?
If it were me
our relationship would have been
more business-like and smooth.
What are you saying?
Everything is simple
if you put aside emotions.
You…
tend to talk like all of your words
have this deep meaning.
Could you quit that?
If you are worried, why not call her?
YURI
Mikuri?
Yes.
When will you come back?
I can't come back now.
Why?
This could lead to divorce.
Divorce?
So that's what happened?
-Yes. This is more serious than I thought.
-Why did you wash them together?
It is written here. Colors may bleed.
There is no time to look at each item.
If you don't know, you need to look.
Look before you wash.
Look at this.
This was expensive. I really liked it!
-Mikuri?
-Look at what you did.
Sorry. I'll text you later.
Mother, you don't need to be so mean.
He did the same thing two days ago.
It was an accident.
-Don't do the same accident twice!
-Mother.
Hi.
You don't need to worry.
Mother is just a little annoyed.
A little?
Well, a lot.
Mother was always so tough.
Until now, she had never been injured.
She is frustrated herself.
I am glad you came.
I am glad too.
I needed this.
That night.
After that night…
I…
tried to live like nothing happened.
But…
no matter what I did
the memory of that night came back.
Even still, I tried daydreaming
to overcome this hurdle.
Here she comes.
Here is Mikuri Moriyama. Great match.
Thank you.
Looking back on the match,
how was it?
MIKURI MORIYAMA
ROMANCE 47KG DIVISION
I made a terrible mistake.
I'm okay with that.
If it's with you
I am okay doing that.
TERRIBLE MISTAKE
Sorry.
I can't. I can't do that.
If I hadn't said that…
that day would have ended
in a positive mood.
I let my desire
to get closer take over me.
I assumed that I would be accepted.
I am so foolish.
-Good luck!
-Do your best!
Sorry.
What are your current
feelings toward Tsuzaki?
He is a great person. I respect him.
I plan on maintaining my distance…
and working very hard for him.
-Good job!
-Yes!
Thank you.
I can do it. Just keep this up.
If I just imagine that evening
was just a silly incident,
I can overcome this.
However, the hug day crept closer.
-Take care.
-Thank you.
I want to go somewhere far away. Anywhere.
Mother broke her leg.
It will take two months to heal.
That is scary.
Who is taking care of the house?
Father.
She is fine aside from the leg.
You don't need to see them.
I never took off from work or club.
I was proud of that.
This would be the first time
I abandoned my work.
I at least need to prepare.
Dear Hiramasa.
My mother broke her leg and
is begging me to visit her.
I am going to Tateyama.
I put your meals in the refrigerator.
The reason doesn't matter.
I am glad that I get to escape.
What?
I can escape from Tuesday.
I don't need to see
myself looking so pathetic.
I may not return.
A part of me
tells me that this is life.
But that is a lie.
DESTINED PERSON
I really didn't think
he would be this useless.
Didn't he cook when we went camping?
Thinking back, I cut the vegetables
and made the curry.
Father just lit the stove.
He tricked me.
I didn't trick anyone.
You just misunderstood.
I should have made you do more housework.
You did help a little, right?
I put out the trash.
That isn't really housework.
-I cleaned the bath.
-How often?
Twice a month.
The occasional bath cleaning
is nothing to boast about.
Aoi.
Excuse me.
Chigaya came to mind.
Kozue.
It's grandpa.
Sorry to barge in here.
She stumbled into here.
-How is your leg?
-It's fine.
Doesn't my brother do anything?
Nothing. When he gets home, he
acts tired and asks for a massage.
We deserve the massage.
It's fine right now.
But next month I am returning to work.
-You found a day care.
-It took a long time.
But I am not sure that
I can take care of Kozue, work…
and look after Chigaya.
-I'm sorry that I didn't raise him better.
-I am not blaming you.
I was just a housewife.
I really enjoyed my housework.
I should have let him do more.
You made me do housework.
You volunteered to help me.
-Really?
-Yes.
The laundry is done.
-I'll help.
-No. This is his work.
I'll do it.
You need to smooth out the wrinkles.
Give it a good shake.
Shake. Shake.
Does Hiramasa do housework?
He does help me a decent amount.
That's so nice.
I receive a salary for doing housework.
I cannot tell this to people
who do this work
without compensation.
-What? Another person is leaving?
-Yes.
-She is taking maternity leave.
-This is the worst.
-This is a huge inconvenience.
-Don't say that.
Our work will increase.
Doesn't that annoy you?
Sorry. I don't see it like that.
Appreciation.
-Appreciation?
-Appreciation?
Thank you for giving birth in my place.
Is that how it is?
Yes. At this age, I am past being jealous.
But people say things.
As a woman, you must do this or that.
Ignore that noise.
In exchange, we are working.
We are paying our taxes.
So don't complain.
In these times, companies
who give maternity leave are better.
As long as there are welfare programs
people can be put at ease.
President.
What is the truth?
Is our company truly okay?
Why does Numata know about this?
Sorry. I was too suspicious.
He suspected that I knew something.
He followed me.
If he threatens to kill all of
our server we cannot oppose him.
-I hate infrastructure engineers.
-I hold the lifeline of this company.
You used to protect
the national infrastructure, right?
That was tough work.
My salary was double,
but my stress was five times higher.
That must have been difficult.
This must be difficult too.
What is happening?
One of our big clients
may be bought.
If that happens and
they terminate our contract
forty percent of our sales will disappear.
-That's right.
-You seem calm.
It will work out.
If things become too tough though
I may make some layoffs.
Layoffs? How about I
destroy all of your servers?
Nothing has been decided.
We don't want people to panic.
-Let's keep this a secret.
-Secret?
There are a lot of people
trading stocks here.
Do you want to be responsible
for insider trading?
Lock your lips.
That is an order from the President.
What are you doing?
Aren't you going to eat your lunch?
Numata?
Yoritsuna?
Leave me alone.
Tsuzaki?
MOTHER
This is our neighbor
Matsumoto's grandchild.
I wonder when we will have
a grandchild of our own.
Sorry, mother.
Your son is not close to having a child.
I am not even at that start line.
It took a lot of time to
finally be able to hug and kiss.
I am unable to keep up with Mikuri,
despite her being ten years younger.
I should not have tried to move forward.
If anything happens to you
I will always be on your side.
I wish we could have stayed like that.
I wish that…
I had Mikuri's ability to use
daydreams to distract myself.
But I do not have
that sort of imagination.
This is peaceful.
But there is no work here.
If I were to continue…
to live here.
MIKURI MORIYAMA, UNEMPLOYED
Right.
Has it been six months?
I haven't gone outside.
I am happy.
I have three meals a day and
can play all the games I want.
My days are so full.
Work.
I need to search for work.
MAYU NOGUCHI
THE PASSION OF A 26 YEAR OLD
PROVIDING YOU A BETTER LIFE
TATEYAMA CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
MAYU NOGUCHI
Is that an option?
Mayu Noguchi!
Yes?
I wanted to meet you.
Thank you.
It is nice to meet you.
-This is everything.
-Right.
-Where is Hirari?
-Her grandmother is watching her.
Look at this lotus root.
I want to eat chikuzenni stew.
Chikuzenni?
Can't I make something more simple?
Yassan.
-Hey.
-You actually showed up.
You said if I came we would learn
how to make vegetable jam.
I didn't think you would come.
Don't underestimate my determination.
What?
The contract marriage is a secret.
Understood.
-Why are there so many people?
-Chigaya.
-You're early.
-Why is Mikuri here?
-What's wrong with that?
-Hello.
What was your name?
-You're that delinquent, Yassan!
-Just call her Yasue.
It's all the same.
Mother. How is your leg?
He hasn't changed at all.
-You can slam him against the wall.
-I will if he says something else.
-Slam against a wall?
-Not in a romantic way.
-Grab him by the collar and slam.
-Slam?
-Let's call Tsuzaki.
-What?
-He will have off tomorrow.
-He has his own plans.
Just jump on a train and zoom, he's here.
Don't say zoom to make it sound close.
Why don't we call him?
Right.
That will be a really expensive call.
-That doesn't matter.
-We aren't calling him.
We can't rack up a big phone bill.
You seem very determined.
Are you fighting with your husband?
I see. You ran away.
That makes sense now.
You must have said
something condescending.
You need to be kinder.
Learn to support your tired husband.
Mikuri.
Please.
You…
need to cut it out!
CHIKUZENNI STEW RECIPE
Why do I need to do this?
Why did you turn out like this?
Huh?
I am perfectly happy.
I hope you can make the people
around you happy too.
If you are not happy yourself,
you cannot make others happy.
That is really clever.
-I am your son, after all.
-Is that the reason?
So this is how you make vegetable jam.
In the case of squash
you can steam it with the seeds.
It will make really rich, delicious jam.
-Here.
-Thank you.
The men were complimenting
each other. It was weird.
Right.
Both of them have very strong
tendencies toward self-affirmation.
You were like that when you were young.
School and society slowly crushed me.
Isn't that normal?
Chigaya is one of the rare ones
to avoid being crushed.
That is a form of happiness.
I don't want Hirari
to be seriously hurt, but…
a slight scratch might not be bad.
It might be best to have that experience.
It is a question of how deep the wound.
Even if it is just a slight scratch…
if you continue to bear wound after wound…
it could seriously damage you.
I am exhausted.
It does not involve me.
It is tiring to care for someone
with such low self-esteem.
Quit trying to analyze me.
It is tiring to pretend nothing happened
after he rejects me.
So…
I am thinking about
running for city council.
-What?
-Good idea.
Where did that come from?
-I spoke to Mayu Noguchi before.
-Who is that?
She is a city councilwoman
the same age as me.
She had such passion.
Is it so easy to be elected?
I have imagined giving election speeches.
Your image training is perfect.
Isn't it wonderful to be paid
for helping others and your community?
I have a question for candidate Mikuri.
What would you do for working mothers?
Let's debate.
-What?
-I can play Tahara.
AKUMADE LIVE TV!
DEBATE!
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT WORKING MOTHERS?
Good evening. Today's topic
is regarding working mothers.
Society is asking too much
from working mothers.
Society demands we work, give birth,
raise children, and be beautiful.
It is impossible for one person.
However, women must do this to
prevent the decline in birth rate.
On the other hand,
some women choose to work.
What if everyone were to give birth
when they were in high school?
What?
Rather than working, I think it is easier
to attend school and raise children.
We can use vacant school rooms
as day care centers…
and have the children
watched during class.
During breaks,
the women can go feed their children.
Even if women must take time off
during school to give birth
they can take summer classes to catch up.
You can make baby clothes
in home economics class.
Yes. The entire school can work
to raise these children.
Mikuri.
Yes?
It is an interesting idea.
But if you seriously suggest having
high school students have babies
I don't think you will be elected.
I thought so.
High school should be a time
to enjoy your youth.
When should women give birth then?
It is difficult to both raise
children and participate in society.
We just need to help one another out.
The parents, society, and their
neighbors need to work together.
It doesn't actually work out like that.
What if men could also give birth?
-That's interesting.
-Men and women could alternate.
If you could choose that, you would
be more sensitive to one another.
I made a mistake.
I should have studied science.
What a weird conversation.
I want to give birth.
What?
-Cheers.
-Cheers.
This is the best.
Beer is the best.
Numata. Open. Open that mouth.
I don't have anything to say.
Is there anything you want to say?
What do you want? What do you want?
Look at this.
I want fried chicken cartilage.
They're so chewy.
-Chewy. Chewy.
-Hino. Calm down.
This is just a bar.
I am having so much fun. This is the best.
Each time people go out for drinks,
my children get a fever.
We cannot connect you.
Tsuzaki.
Finish up your work and come over soon.
-Where is his family?
-At his wife's parent's home.
There is a voice actor event nearby.
My wife likes them.
This is a chance to drink with
the rare character Hino.
Come as soon as you hear this.
If I drink now…
I might say something I shouldn't.
However, I do owe Hino a lot.
However, I don't feel well.
However, Hino.
I feel sluggish.
Rare character.
I cannot make a decision.
Of course Mikuri
was tired of dealing with me.
He's here!
Sorry that I am late.
We'll take another beer.
-All right.
-You need to catch up.
Here you are.
-Thank you.
-Let's go.
We invited Yuri.
Yuri?
We are friends with her.
When did that happen?
But she couldn't because she was driving.
She can drive to work.
She had to bring something for an event.
I want to meet Yuri and Mikuri too.
I don't know about Yuri,
but you won't meet Mikuri.
That much is certain.
Let me meet her.
This chikuzenni stew
gets one star.
That is really harsh.
No. It is an honor just to come close
to your chikuzenni stew.
-You should make it for us.
-What?
You're going to get slammed.
Quit that.
-This is your fault, Yasue.
-It's going to get cold.
-Thank you for this meal.
-Thank you for this meal.
How is your housekeeper, Kazami?
-How is that going?
-What do you mean?
You said that you were going after her.
She suddenly took off this week.
You can't let her take off
whenever she wants.
I think it was something more serious.
She has a very strong
sense of responsibility.
Something must have
really driven her away.
Like what?
I don't know.
If you don't know, don't say anything.
I may not know the details…
but I may know her…
better than you.
I can see her better.
I don't know what you see…
but it is natural for us
to see different things.
We are very different people.
Different?
I am not the sort of confident person
who can make
sarcastic comments in this sort of place.
Our appearance and lifestyles
are completely different.
We are different from the core.
There is nothing wrong with
everyone being different.
-That's a good thing.
-Right?
Let's drink. Here we go. Drink.
-The cheaper option is better.
-That's right.
The cheaper one is better.
Acting like this at your age?
-Sorry.
-Thank you.
I am partly responsible.
I will come with you.
-One more drink.
-Let's do it.
-Do you want to eat?
-I do.
Aren't you being too harsh to father?
-What?
-Since he retired…
I understand if you want him
to help around the house.
Last month I went for a medical exam.
I didn't tell your father,
but I needed to get more tests.
I was examined by a specialist.
What was the result?
They didn't find anything.
Don't scare me.
Until I heard the result,
I was so worried.
I started thinking about
all sorts of things.
If I were to pass away before him…
what would happen to your father?
I thought this was a good chance.
You should have said so.
If I told your father that
I was worried about dying first
he would become panicked.
-It must be nice to be loved.
-We work hard to love each other.
Was it hard work?
You can't love another person for nothing.
Interesting.
People often talk about
finding your destined partner
but I don't think that that person exists.
-That is very unromantic.
-You don't find them…
You make someone that person.
No matter if its work or home life
if you lack determination,
you won't be able to continue.
Thanks to Tsuzaki,
I remembered something from my past.
Is this story interesting?
Not at all.
You don't need to tell me then.
When I was in junior high school,
I was popular with the girls.
You are telling me anyway.
My first girlfriend
was a somewhat ordinary girl.
I really liked her.
One day, it happened.
It is too painful to be with you.
You are cool,
popular with other girls
and good at sports.
I am plain and not cute.
Everyone wonders why we are dating.
Don't worry about them.
You don't understand.
You and I…
are very different.
I didn't care about that.
Her lack of self-confidence
was her problem.
I should have told her…
that I loved her no matter
how much she rejected herself.
She didn't care about how I felt.
She only looked inward.
What should I have said to her?
BREAKFAST NUMBER ONE
GOOD LUCK AT WORK TODAY!
BREAKFAST NUMBER TWO
TODAY'S CARROTS ARE SWEET!
DINNER NUMBER ONE
GOES GREAT WITH SIDE DISHES!
DINNER NUMBER TWO
I HOPE YOU HAVE A RELAXING WARM BATH!
DINNER NUMBER THREE
FILLED WITH AUTUMNAL VEGETABLES!
DINNER NUMBER FOUR
A CHINESE DISH FILLED WITH NUTRIENTS
What was she thinking
when she made these?
What was she thinking when she left here?
At that time…
what was she thinking?
I was too concerned with my own feelings.
I wasn't able to touch the meals
which she left for me.
It may be very difficult…
to continue loving
someone for a long time.
I can't change other people's feelings.
But I grip the controls…
of my own life.
Are you taking a detour?
I wanted to see the night.
-This route is fine, right?
-Yes.
Young people don't have cars now.
-I don't really need one.
-There it is.
I can get anywhere by train or bus.
That's right. But with a car…
you can go much farther
away than you think.
Here.
-I'll leave the rest for you.
-My pleasure.
Everyone is leaving suddenly.
It will be lonely here.
And you told me not to come.
-Mikuri.
-Yes?
You can stay here forever.
Thank you.
HIRAMASA
Hello?
This is Hiramasa.
Right.
Sorry.
Um…
I have heard enough apologies.
Sorry.
I mean, sorry. Sorry.
What is it?
I want to tell you something.
-I…
-Wait.
Let me speak first.
No matter how you feel
I have made my decision.
I…
factorized my feelings.
I removed any excess feelings
and looked at what remained.
Factorization.
Right.
I thought about my work, salary…
what I wanted to do or become.
I thought about many factors.
Please wait. Let me speak first.
-My feelings will not change.
-I called you.
I have a right to speak first.
That is true.
I…
have no experience with women.
I lived without worrying about that.
But that evening
the first thing that came to mind
was worry if I failed.
I also felt pathetic for having to be led
by a woman ten years my younger.
I did not think about your feelings…
after I rejected you.
I'm sorry.
I was scared that you would find out
that I had no such experience.
I knew.
What?
I have known that for a while.
Listening to your mother
tell stories about you
I assumed that was the truth.
I…
didn't really care.
But…
being rejected…
was really…
painful for me.
I thought about becoming
a city councilwoman in Tateyama.
City council?
I met a councilwoman the same age as me.
I thought that was one option.
When I thought about that…
I felt much lighter.
MAYU NOGUCHI
There are other paths forward.
I can fail on my current path.
I want to…
return to Room 303.
When I factorized everything,
that was my conclusion.
This may cause you some trouble.
But I don't want to end this
with things unsettled.
Let's meet and discuss this properly.
Let's meet.
What?
I am here. I am near you.
Let's meet…
and make up for missing that Tuesday hug.
Yes.
Tsuzaki.
Where is Mikuri?
Wait.
What?
-Where are you?
-Where? Tateyama.
I am in front of our apartment.
Thank you for coming.
-I am so glad.
-What about that hug?
I am getting one right now.
From your father.
-What?
-It's so nice to see you.
-More. More.
-That's enough.
I need to go back today.
-Don't worry about that.
-You don't need to work tomorrow.
-We have plenty of futons.
-Right.
Do you want to see Mikuri's album?
I do.
There is also video of
her school track day.
I edited it down to five hours.
It is five hours with editing?
MESSAGE FROM HIRAMASA
Sorry. It seems unlikely
that I can return today.
Go, go!
Sorry that my parents are so pushy.
Look, it's Mikuri.
-It is so far away you can't tell.
-Of course you can. It's Mikuri.
She's so cute.
I will return tomorrow.
What should I make tomorrow?
What should we talk about?
I will wait for you.
I am as excited as a child.
Wait for me.
I can't wait for tomorrow to come.
-You must be tired.
-I am tired.
If they are laying off people, first
fire the people who can afford it.
Tuesday will be the day of layoffs.
We must reorganize our system.
He thinks I am an easy woman.
I have become Etsuko Ichihara.
The maid saw it.