Original subtitles

In college, I was on track, and ran the "Ekiden" (a relay) race.

I even won several meets, of which I'm fairly proud.

but...what I'm most proud of

are the friends that I made then.

I've come to think

that in life, through the hardest and most trying times

what helps more than anything are one's friends.

You can be as strong as the number of friends you have.

You can stand back up as many times as you have friends.

That is what I believe.

So, that's that. The new term has already started,

but due to Misawa's sudden illness, I will be your new homeroom teacher...

Ka - Ji Kou - Hei

Yoroshiku! (customary greeting)

OK then... let's take attendance.

Ms. Asuka Aizawa

Ms. Aizawa?

"Wandering Rwanda" "The Children of Palestine"

Asuka Aizawa?

I'm your homeroom teacher, Kaji.

Can I sit next to you?

Yes

Sensei (teacher)

I have a question

What is it?

Is it possible to change the world?

- Change...the world? - Yes.

Well, um. What do you mean by that?

People of this world spend 120 trillion yen every year for wars that they fight every day.

Some children are caught up in war by sudden explosions,

and some children willingly pick up arms to fight.

Somewhere a girl my age

is walking in front of soldiers to sweep for mines through a minefield.

What is the difference between her and me?

Even though there are people starving to death,

there are also people throwing away food.

Even while every second, a soccerfield's worth of vegetation disappears...

Even while the ice in the antarctic is melting from global warming...

Even then, people throw out clothes that they bought last year because it's out of style.

Why is that?

Difficult questions, aren't they?

Didn't you learn in kindergarten?

You shouldn't fight with others.

Yes I did.

You mustn't steal other peoples' things.

Yes

We should treat things with respect.

We should be nice to animals and plants.

Yes

If everyone could follow even just those rules,

I think our world would not have become like this.

Why is that?

Things that even a kindergartner should know,

why do adults forget them?

Sensei,

is it possible to change the world?

Class is about to start... we should get back soon.

Yes.

Aizawa,

Do you have fun at school?

Yes.

Do you have friends?

Yes, I do.

Is there anything troubling you?

No, there isn't.

Is that so...

If anything comes up, come tell me, ok?

Come on, run along. First period is about to start.

- Sensei... - What?

- Don't you have class too? - Hm? Oh!

(Tamako Tsumiki, lawyer) When you ask a child that is being bullied,

if there is something bothering them,

they will without a doubt answer: no.

They don't admit that they are being bullied?

They do not.

(Hino Keisuke, psychiatric medicine) But they go to school, don't they?

Even though they are being bullied, do they still go to school?

Yes they do.

If you ask them whether school is fun,

They will answer: it is fun.

If you ask if they have friends,

They will answer that they do.

They will keep the truth to themselves and follow through with the lies.

And that will start to manifest as physical symptoms

They lose concentration,

They become afraid of going out.

They think they are being watched.

They think they are being talked about behind their backs.

They suffer from sudden bouts of fear.

They shed tears all of a sudden.

They shed tears all of a sudden?

They will never say out loud that they are being bullied.

Why don't they tell someone?

It's because they think that if they tell someone, the bullying will get worse.

That's the extent to which bullying is cruel these days.

- But even so... - Still, they can't let it out.

Because they won't tell anyone, we have to be able to recognize it.

Well, please wait a few more minutes until Tsumiki returns.

If you'll please excuse me.

They were referred to us by the managing director of Arishima Shouji.

(Naoyuki Seri, lawyer) It seems their boy was being bullied and develped PTSD.

They say they want the school to take responsibility.

Is it possible to create that kind of case and win it?

Excuse me.

How did it go?

- We wouldn't win. - Why not?

It appears that the recognition of bullying is quite difficult.

Besides...

and this may be cruel,

it may be that children being bullied are being bullied for a reason.

I see.

Well, this isn't the sort of case that we normally deal with anyways, is it?

I'll go refuse.

Here you go.

Chalk, tape, stapler,

(Saki Ooshiro, social studies teacher) scissors, glue, white out. These items will be issued.

Yes.

(Daisuke Yahata, math teacher) The plastic desk protector will also be issued,

(Daisuke Yahata, math teacher) The plastic desk protector will also be issued,

(Atsuhiko Toita, phys. ed. teacher) But if you need a green sheet to lay beneath it,

you will need to purchase one yourself.

Yes.

Did you have a personal seal made?

You will need it also to verify the attendance books so please have one ready.

Yes.

Mr. Kaji,

(Nozomo Yoshikoshi, English teacher) We were just talking about how we should have a welcoming party for you.

You would do that for me even if this is only a temporary assignment?

It's precisely because our time together will be short that we must ensure extensive communication.

I'd like to make "extensive communication" with Ms. Saki.

Mr. Toita, that chalk belongs to Mr. Kaji.

But I've broken all mine.

If you've run out of school-issue, you'll have to replace them out of your own pocket.

Sure.

Mr. Kumazawa,

(Shigeichi Kumazawa, language teacher) I thought I've asked you to stop wearing sandals without socks.

Oh, hello, Otsukaresama desu. (customary professional greeting, of sorts)

It looks like he's forgotten his students' names again.

(Masumi Amagi, vice principal)

Regarding the issue of replacing the tobibako (gym equipment)

due to our budgetary situation, we should reject it.

This concludes the financial report.

Vice principal?

Is there anything else?

Will that be all, principal?

Mr. Kaji,

Yes?

What were your impressions of your first class?

Ah, yes...

The kids were so well-behaved that, frankly, I was bewildered.

I imagined more insolence,

like a sudden inaugural riot!

A one-on-one brawl with a student on the riverbank.

Creating a bond with them by roughhousing!

... are the kinds of things I had been imagining...

This is an real existing school, Mr. Kaji.

Yes...

Oh, about a student in my class, Asuka Aizawa?

She is separated from her parents and currently lives in a group foster home.

Yes, I have been informed.

I was told to deal with her carefully.

Did something happen?

No, it's not that,

she just asked me a difficult question.

Ahh, yes, she's a little strange, isn't she?

Yea, I know what you mean. She is somewhat problematic.

There's nothing to worry about.

What sort of question did she ask you?

Whether the world could be changed.

I didn't know how I should answer

Please answer: Yes, it can.

One can change it??

- No - ?

In this case, isn't it possible

that the student already held this belief, before having asked anyone?

You must never contradict [the students].

"Isn't that up to you?"

"If you study, you will eventually find a way"

Do you agree that those are the most appropriate sorts of answers?

Yes.

Please think of the students as little customers.

It is your job to take the customers' orders.

And any waiter that determines "you should eat that" is an incapable waiter, isn't he?

Yes!

This will conclude our staff meeting.

This begins with "Tom": "are going to help my mother"

First, this "are going to" This "are". Do you think it's correct?

Is Tom a boy or a girl?

- He is a boy - Right

If Tom is a boy, then you can write "he", right?

If you can rewrite "Tom" as "He", then you have to change the "are" to "is".

But, that's not all.

This sentence may, at first glance, seem...

...they shed tears all of a sudden...

Our Textbook Part 1

(myungun99@nate.com)

translated by henna_juna

Come in

You have a visitor waiting by the receptionist's desk.

I shouldn't have any appointments.

She says she knows you.

She is a middle schooler; her name is Ms. Aizawa.

Unfortunately, Tsumiki has stepped out.

When will she return?

I have something to discuss with her.

What kind of request is it?

Are you an acquaintance of Tamako Tsumiki?

It's not good to fake your absence.

So what...

I bet she brought this for you?

Maybe she meant it to be payment.

It's someone you know, isn't it?

I don't know anyone in middle school.

Here you go.

Hey, me too.

Please drink tea starting with your 3rd glass.

Huh?? This is a welcoming party for Mr. Kaji.

It would be problematic if any parents saw you drunk.

There's nothing to worry about, we're outside the school district.

Hey, that's Mr. Kumazawa's 3rd glass!

In Mr. Kumazawa's case, he never looks drunk so it's ok.

What kind of reasoning is that?

Besides, neither Mr. Yahata nor Ms. Yoshikoshi are drinking.

Hey, hey, hey!

Don't grade papers at a bar!

What about you, Mr. Kaji?

Don't you want to drink? Let's drink!

No, but, I mean...

Where is the rule that says teachers cannot drink?

Could it be, Ms. Saki, that you're still angry?

About what?

You know, that last time I got drunk, I said that the reason you are so uptight

might be because you have never had a man before.

Really?

- Mr. Kaji - Yes?

There is no need to pay any attention to anything Mr. Toita says.

You happy if I go drink at home?

It appears you haven't yet submitted the records for the students' future plans.

I'll submit it tomorrow.

Another draught!

This is your chance.

Excuse me?

If Mr. Toita causes any trouble, you might be hired as a full-time faculty member to replace him.

huh?

~You should egg him on~

Mr. Kaji,

Our jobs as teachers are exemplary jobs.

Please, in your every day actions, be mindful that you are always setting a good example.

Yes.

Aizawa? (sign says 'Heisei Little Girls Garden')

How 'bout some boobies?

We have lotsa boobies!

- You ever been? - No thank you, No thank you! - Sir!

I'm going to take attendance.

Ms. Asuka Aizawa.

Hey, watch it.

"science lab"

Yamada, it's you.

What did you do that for?

Please, read this.

Couldn't be...love letter?

No. No, no, no!

You and I are student and teacher.

Anyways, you're still only in middle school.

It's something I wrote...a psycho-horror novel.

psy...cho...?

...human flesh recipe...but in reality...

Can you read it and tell me what you think?

Hey, Yamada!

- I'm not Yamada... - Huh?

You're Ms. Kazuko Yamada, aren't you?

My name is not Kazuko Yamada!

Please call me "Po".

Po? What the heck?

Hey wait!

About Ms. Aizawa,

Do you know why she's not coming to school?

I don't know.

Is there anyone who's called Ms. Aizawa or maybe gone to visit her at home?

Would someone mind giving her a call?

How about you, Ms. Yoshii?

No? Why not?

- Sensei, please stop it. - Huh?

- It's not nice to Ms. Yoshii. - Huh?

Why is that?

May I really say it?

What?

Ms. Aizawa can lose her temper very suddenly.

What?

Like she would beat on someone even if they didn't do anything to her.

Ms. Yoshii has been stabbed with a mechanical pencil before.

There's even a rumor that she does "Enko" (I think that's like platonic prostitution?)

"House of Hinagiku"

Did she leave for school as usual this morning?

Actually, she hasn't been to school in a few days.

Is that so?

It seems there've been similar incidents since the first grade.

I'm sure you've received some word from the school.

That's so.

Um?

Are there ever times when she stays out very late?

Yes there are.

Excuse me for being rude, but don't you think you're being a little callous?

You're talking as if you're not relation.

We aren't relation.

That may be true,

but she doesn't have parents,

can't you be more supportive, like family?

Like family?

Perhaps we are family!

I look after 6 kids by myself.

Of them, some are emotionally scarred from their parents' ill-treatment.

That child...if I try just to stroke her hair,

she will bite my hand and fall into panic, screaming all night.

She won't be back any time soon.

She dislikes to have meals with the rest of us.

She must not approve of my cooking.

She also won't take baths during the set times.

She insists that she would rather shower in the morning, before school.

What do you want?

I'm thinking about quitting school and finding a job.

What are you talking about?

Middle school is required education.

Isn't there some way?

How could there be?

Anyways, don't follow me.

I'm going to get dinner now.

It's no use waiting.

I gotcha.

Good evening.

Stop playing around, good evening!

Good evening.

Jeez. What are you doing here?

She's an acquaintance.

I am Aizawa's teacher. My name is Kaji.

Wow, so you're a lawyer.

- How do you know each other? - Why are you sitting there?

Oh, I just have something to discuss with her.

No, I mean why do you have to sit HERE?

The "A" course meal.

Two more of the same thing!

Itadakimasu (like grace)

Don't be shy, eat.

I don't want to eat.

It's not good to leave food.

I know.

Then, let's eat?

Uh oh?

- Chopsticks... - Hm?

You're not holding your chopsticks correctly.

Huh?

The way sensei is holding them is the proper way.

What? Is this about manners?

Yes it is.

Hey now, let's not worry about details. It doesn't matter, does it?

It does matter! It's an important matter.

I'm sorry.

So noisy.

Oh, that's right!

Aizawa, about our discussion the other day

Excuse me?

We were interrupted by the class bell, and I couldn't answer your question properly, remember?

The discussion about whether you can change the world

Yes.

She's really very responsible

I don't know whether to say she has

"justness" or "a sense of purpose"

She is trouble over the current state of our world.

Excuse me a second!

After that, I did some research too

It's just as you say, Ms. Aizawa, our world is currently in a perilous state.

Yes.

Are you aware?

If you evenly divide the world's food among the world's 6.5 billion people

then each person could only have one bowl of miso soup per day.

It's a shocking state of famine!

It's exactly as you say.

Every single citizen ought to exert his or her efforts

and change the world.

Is it possible to change it?

It is!

In order to do that, you mustn't neglect your daily lessons...

What is it?

- How could you change something like that? - ?

Just because one little middle school girl studied her lessons every day

how can the world's hunger problem be solved?

B-but that's...

If you have time to worry about those things, shouldn't you be worrying about yourself?

Well, anyways, I guess it's because you don't want to worry about yourself.

You know, that's called "running away from reality"

W-what are you saying?

Only the truth.

Yea, but even if it's true, that's not the sort of thing...

- What's wrong? - I need to use the restroom.

How could you say such a terrible thing?

I think what you said is worse.

What did I say?

- You lied to a student. - ?

Or...do you honestly believe you can change the world?

That's...

What is your relationship to Ms. Aizawa?

- Can I have a coffee please? - Eh.

Whether it's just her age,

it sounds like she's insisting on morning showers.

She doesn't bathe during the set times.

She's not coming back...

Can you go check on her?

Why should I be the one?

I can't be the one to go, can I!

Have you been washing your hands all this time?

Are you wearing perfume?

Middle schoolers these days...

Because I stink...

Mr. Kaji,

Hm?

It's just as she says

I'm just running away from reality.

When I found out that there is this much misery in the world

I guess I just felt reassured.

Is it difficult living in the group home?

- It's normal. - Normal?

Living there has always been the norm

Because it's the norm that I don't have parents

That's why it's normal.

I see.

Do you have a father and mother?

Dad died 2 years ago,

but Mom's still around.

What kind of things did you learn from your father and mother?

Huh? Wel...nothing grand...

But, the way your used chopsticks was proper

Well, I guess those sorts of things

Like, whenever I do something bad, I should bow my head (apologize)

Uh huh?

Let's see...like don't say you're finished if there are still grains of rice in the bowl.

Uh huh?

It's not anything to be impressed about!

It impresses me

Because I never learned anything.

I see

Yea

Hey, Aizawa?

Yes?

When I was in college, I ran the "Ekiden"

That's right

I believe that,

life is like the "Ekiden"

If you're running up a hill that's steep like a wall,

honestly, it makes you want to quit.

It's those times that I feel

all the weight on my shoulders from the sash.

Sash?

I was the anchor, so

that sash is full of the determinations of all the 4 runners that ran before me.

I think life must be the same.

Whenever you're troubled or distressed,

what helps you more than anything else,

are friends.

You can be as strong as the number of friends you have

For example, this notebook is like that too.

Because you asked me that question,

I made a study of it.

You passed the sash onto me

That's why this time,

it's your turn to take on the sash from me.

Come to school

There are many sashes there.

The many wonder encounters of life are awaiting you there

Yes

Can you get home from here?

Put out your hand.

What is it?

Maybe if it's to you, I can say it.

Good night. I can get home myself.

- Sensei! - What is it?

- Here, I'll walk you... - It was lucky

I am glad to have met you!

I am glad to have met you too.

I'm home

Oh, welcome home.

What are you doing?

When I cleaned the oven I got grease all over.

It won't come off.

- Hm? - Hm? Oh, nothing.

What do you think about a middle school girl,

wearing perfume, and things like that?

These days, isn't that normal?

How about washing her hands for 10 minutes, even if they weren't even dirty at all?

What are you talking about?

I just recalled I heard something about that recently.

From whom?

The psychiatrics doctor I went to see about the bullying case.

Hmm. I'll put on some coffee.

West Tama City (school name) Instructor Kaji Kouhei

Don't do anything unnecessary.

Cash Advance

The amount you entered exceeds your limit Please re-enter a different amount

Sakura,

It's already past 11:00.

Annoying...

Sakura!

So, do you have a day job, Masumi?

Masumi?

I am a school teacher.

Funny!

Ack! Oh no! Are you OK?

Please stop that, OK?

...didn't die of explosion? ...just die

Good morning!

Good morning!

Good Morning.

- Good morning! - Good morning!

Hey, be careful!

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning!

Hey hey, what's this? Where's the spirit!

Good morning!

Good morning.

Morning!

I'm going to take attendance.

- Ms. Asuka Aizawa - Here!

- Mr. Masaru Igawa - Here!

- Ms. Saori Inaba - Here!

- Ms. Yuna Ueno - Here!

Go go go go go!

Here!

Go go go go!

Oops, did I get you?

Sorry about that.

Did you read it?

You again?

Yea, I read it.

It was scary.

Alright~

- Ms. Yamada... - 'Po'

Ms. Po... do you want to be a novelist or something?

Don't be silly!

It is only Master Po's hobby to thrust people into the depths of horror.

- Mr. Kaji! - Is something the matter?

The students have started a brawl in the courtyard.

Please, could you stop them?

Yes!

- It's a fight, did you hear? - On the grounds!

- It's a fight! - Hey guys, come on!

Get back to your classrooms!

Stop it!

Get away from each other!

Move away!

Stop it!

Stop fighting!

Give it a rest!

Stop this!

Hey!

- What happened? - I don't know.

It looks like it started when someone tried to stop a fight.

Move out of the way!

Move!

Everyone, return to your classrooms!

That such a thing would happen while the vice principal is away

Return to your classrooms!

Return to your classrooms!

It's dangerous! Don't hang out of the windows!

- What happened? - I do not know.

- Who started this fight? - I do not know.

What do you mean you don't know?

Answer clearly, who did what, when and where.

Forgive me.

Due to my failure, such an incident during your absence...

Wipe off that blood.

It must be something similar to mass hysterics.

What was that?

What is it now?

Where is it?

What is going on around here?

I'm tired of this...

Let us go look outside.

Mr. Kaji, please take care of these kids.

Yes.

A student in the 2nd grade, 3rd section...

has fallen out a classroom window!

- Good morning. - Morning.

- I have a gift. - Realestate?

Well, I guess you might say that.

What is this?

You've never seen one before?

It's called a wedding ring. Mainly, it's...

I know, but...

Do you also know of a contract called "marriage application"?

I know.

As for the specifics of the contract, of course, I don't mind if you keep working.

My old man seems to like you, so

one could say that our firm will eventually belong to you.

What is it?

Why don't you make a happier face?

You can give me an answer any time.

- You'll eat breakfast though? - Uh huh.

Naoyuki,

There's something I haven't told you yet.

Middle school 2nd grade girl falls during lunch break from a 4th floor classroom

27th, about 1:30pm at a middle school in West Tama, a 119 call records "a student has fallen and collapsed." The student, 14, ... accident ...

Ms. Asuka Aizawa has suffered extensive injuries

and has not yet regained consciousness.

They are continuing to treat her,

but the situation is dire.

The reason she fell,

will have to wait until she recovers,

but presumably, she was trying to see what was going on in the courtyard below.

The police have also come to that conclusion.

There are two things each of you can right now.

The first,

is to pray for Ms. Aizawa's recovery.

The second,

is to continue carrying on with school as usual.

Without losing composure,

please try to concentrate on your studies.

This morning by the school gate, I was asked for comment by the media.

If she dies, they will be even more relentless.

Don't joke about something like that.

It's exactly as Mr. Toita says.

We must be prepared for if Ms. Aizawa passes away.

*confidential School accident Anti-Media strategy simulation

What sort of child was the student who died?

Please, she isn't dead yet.

This is a simulation.

She was a normal, cheerful student who was earnest in her studies.

Come on, in truth, she was more like somber.

Besides, she was absent a lot.

I've also heard that she lost her temper often and was violent.

Mr. Toita, you mustn't say that in front of...

I won't.

You mean to say we should conceal Ms. Aizawa's true face.

That's not true.

We are just withholding unnecessary information,

as a countermeasure to avoid any confusion among the students.

Ms. Aizawa cannot currently receive any visitors.

When it happened, there was no one in the classroom?

No.

It seems Ms. Aizawa was alone.

No one witnessed Ms. Aizawa actually fall?

No, it would appear not.

Did she leave anything behind, like a letter?

A letter?

Why would she leave a letter?

Even if it wasn't a letter, some sort of message from her...

There was something? Or there wasn't anything?

Why are you asking?

Who are you?

What's your relationship to Ms. Aizawa?

How do the other kids in the class feel about what happened?

I don't have answers to give to someone who won't tell me who she is.

Excuse me!

- Was it really an accident? - What?

Did she really just fall by accident?

What are you saying?

I have no idea what you are trying to say!

Do you remember the other day when we all ate here together?

Yes.

She was...

very obsessed about how to hold chopsticks.

Yes.

Does that mean anything?

Maybe she was referring to herself?

Referring to herself?

Things like that, dealing with manner,

are things that are taught by parents.

She didn't have parents to impose, to teach her things like that, right?

Yes.

Maybe someone insulted her.

For example...

"you have no parents, so you have bad manners."

She was insulted, and as a result couldn't have meals with others anymore.

Because she had no confidence in the way she held chopsticks.

She could no longer eat in front of other people.

That day, she was wearing a significant amount of perfume.

For over 10 minutes,

she was washing her hands as if scrubbing herself away.

She told her care-taker she wants to shower in the mornings.

These things...

all point to the same thing.

She must have been told by someone...

Told what?

that she stinks.

"You stink."

Because I stink.

You understand what that means, don't you?

As a teacher at her school,

you should know who told her that, right?

Ms. Asuka Aizawa

Ms. Aizawa?

Mr. Kaji,

I was just running away from reality.

If it's to you, I might be able to say it.

Good night.

What is it?

There were some lockers over there, too.

Wait, you can't just open it.

Die!

Die!

Just die you are filthy

Bullying

Suicide

Isn't that right?

What are you planning to do with that?

I will verify whether or not these are really Ms. Aizawa's belongings.

Of course they are!

This is between our school and Ms. Aizawa.

It's not something for an outsider to concern herself with.

That's true.

Who...are you?

What are you to her?

I'm her mother.

Vice principal!

I am about to go to Ms. Aizawa's hospital.

Her consciousness...?

Vice principal?

Asuka Aizawa...

has just passed away.

If I could move the world with one small lie, Chiisana uso de sekai ga, furimukuno nara

then I'll be a liar. usotsuki ni naro.

If I could make you cry by writing you a letter Anatani kaita tegami de, naitekurerunara

then I'll write a million nanmantsuu mo kakou

I'll write both truths and lies arukoto naikoto kakou

I'll even write by moonlight. tsukiakaride demo kakou.

A flower standing in a scorched desert, Kawaita sabaku ni, rin to tatsu hana wa,

screams out don't let me dry, water water me. karasanaide to, sakebuno WATER WATER ME.

if my hurt and pain will be healed Kizo mo itami mo, ieteyukunonara,

I don't mind being doused, so water me. zubunere de ii to, dakara WATER ME.

Everyone was craving freedom Dareshimo jiyuu ni ueteta

in the formless corner of the classroom. mohan nado nai kyoushitsu no sumi

Smile, my crying friend with defeat on your face akiramegao de naiteta tomoyo, hohoende

and let me give you this water kono mizu wo ageyou

and let me give you this pen kono pen wo ageyou

Let me give you a single truth. hitotsu no honto wo ageyou

Why did you tell such a lie?

Isn't it about time to let it go?

Unbelievable...

Why would that person go to the trouble...

It's something you can't tell even your fiance?

You still don't understand?

That school is in an extremely abnormal state.