Original subtitles

Yoko successfully pulled off the fried squid with lemon mission.

But when she proposed serving Tanabata curry to mark the season,

the prison staff objected.

The sticking point was her idea to cut the carrots into stars.

After overcoming those hurdles,

the Tanabata curry was finally completed and served.

It stirred childhood memories and moved Bito.

Now, what kind of dish will Yoko and the inmates create this time?

They're overcooked and taste awful.

Ten hours on the grind, fries as my reward Such a letdown, my pride is dead

I want something sweet for the overtime snack.

-I know. Right? -Definitely.

Overtime snacks are provided to inmates

who work more than ten hours a day.

Hey, Umekawa.

You're getting out soon.

Yeah.

It's been a long stretch.

Once I get out, I'll eat whatever I want, whenever I want,

and sleep whenever I want.

That'll be the life.

"The food here is worse than anything I ate on the outside."

What's up with this?

At Hamazaki Prison, we conduct surveys

to learn about the inmates' food preferences.

These are the inmates' honest opinions.

"Eating food like that three times a day is hell."

Hell?

Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?

Consider it useful feedback.

The surveys come in handy when planning snacks for gatherings

and selecting the New Year's menu.

Apply the results in regular meals, too.

For a dietitian, the surveys are indispensable.

As I mentioned before,

many inmates become fixated on food because of the stress of prison life.

In an otherwise unchanging routine,

meals are the only thing they look forward to.

"This is all a Michelin chef can do?"

"Tastes like it came from a washed-up chef."

"I couldn't believe how bad it was. Zero Michelin stars."

I mean, I never had any Michelin stars.

So much for all that hard work...

Huh?

-All complaints? -Hey, Ms. Ginbayashi?

-Hello. -Oh, hi.

-Would you sign this? -Sure.

Huh?

What's with the scary face?

I'm not making a scary face.

You're not just gathering negative opinions--

Certainly not.

Here's some positive feedback.

THE TANABATA CURRY WAS GOOD

"The Tanabata curry was good."

"Super tasty. Thanks."

"The star-shaped carrots reminded me of the season and life outside."

In these surveys, 60% of the responses are critical,

while the rest are positive.

Focus on what the minority is saying

and think about how you can increase that number.

That's where you'll find the key to new ideas.

I see.

And over here?

He wants a sweet bun.

A cream-filled donut.

Chocolate.

Sweets are a treat for everyone, huh?

EPISODE 3: DONUT BONUS (A 5-EPISODE SERIES)

Ms. Ginbayashi!

Is there a problem again?

I need some advice.

I...

want the inmates to enjoy better overtime snacks.

Yeah,

they always get French fries.

Right.

Got it.

I'll see what I can do.

Thank you so much.

What do you want to eat first when you get out?

Oh, that's a tough one.

I'd say miso ramen.

Ramen, huh? That sounds great.

I'd pick out all the ground meat sitting at the bottom with my chopsticks.

Then I'd dump it on some rice

and make my own rice bowl.

You can't beat that.

A ground-meat rice bowl sounds good. I'm craving one now.

For me, it's sweets, hands down.

-Sweets, huh? -Sounds great.

Must be nice.

What about you, Big Bro?

Oh...

I'd say...

donuts.

Donuts.

It's your birthday.

Sure you don't want some cake?

I want your donuts, Daddy.

Okay then, let's make them together.

Yes!

-I want sweet ones. Super sweet. -Okay.

-Tell me when. -Yeah, I will.

Oh, good job.

Going round and round...

Hey, look, Daddy.

A bracelet.

Okay, next.

Pour the red beans here.

-This is where we cook rice. -Yeah.

That's good, that's good.

-Wow, looks good. -Yeah, we did it.

-Let's dig in. -Let's dig in.

Nom.

-So sweet. -So sweet.

Let's make donuts on my next birthday, and every birthday after that, okay?

Sure.

I made donuts with my son every year for his birthday.

It's delicious.

I was stupid to fall for that scam gig.

Once you get out, you can make them with your son again.

I can't see him.

I don't even know where he lives now.

So...

I won't ever get to eat them.

Hello.

What's wrong?

Well, actually...

I understand.

Well then, why don't we make donuts for the overtime snack?

Huh?

That's awesome.

Wow.

But do we have the budget for that?

As long as we don't use store-bought pancake mix,

we can probably make it work.

-Wow, donuts. -Thank you very much.

Huh?!

The overtime snack budget is getting cut in half next week?

Rising prices are putting pressure on the entire annual meal budget.

But still...

At this rate, we won't be able to cover meal costs for the rest of the year,

let alone special menus for events like Sports Day and New Year's.

We get ¥40 per inmate for the overtime snack right now.

That's correct.

So that'll be... ¥20?!

You are correct.

Oh, wait just one second!

Have you two ever spent an entire day working in the suijo ?

-Excuse me? -They're on their feet working for hours.

It's 35°C in the suijo .

A 30-kilo bag of rice feels like it weighs 50.

Forty yen is already low.

Can't you cut the budget somewhere else?

You may think ¥40 is too little,

but that's taxpayers' money.

You don't look convinced,

but there's no extra budget for the overtime snack.

Understood.

I'll be sure to make delicious overtime snacks.

With ¥20!

Oh, the donuts look good. Can I have one?

Do your homework first.

Seriously?

Hey, where's Akari?

Uh, she hasn't come home since yesterday.

Why?

Ask her yourself.

I'll enjoy the donut.

All right.

I've perfected the tofu donut recipe.

ARE YOU OKAY? ARE YOU COMING HOME TODAY?

So, how do the tofu donuts taste?

They cost only ¥20 each to make.

Believe it or not, with the old budget, you could've made two of them.

And I'll say it again. Only ¥20 each.

The taste is quite good, but...

-But? -You can't serve this.

-Huh? -It's too tasty.

-Not in line with the meals. -Absolutely.

The suijo workers don't need overtime snacks this good.

Isn't it unfair to reject this for being too tasty?

Associate Warden, what do you think?

Well, I'd say go for it.

But if we go over budget or even a single donut differs in size,

we'll switch back to fries immediately.

Is that clear?

Of course.

Looks like your persistence paid off.

I'm really relieved.

I'M FINE. NO NEED TO WORRY.

What is it?

You don't look relieved.

It's my daughter.

Did something happen?

I'm embarrassed to say this,

but she's been gone for two nights.

Oh, she's got a guy.

While Mom's into sweet donuts,

the daughter's into her sweet life.

That's totally fine, isn't it?

Oh, were you listening?

Don't fall for a pretty face. You'll regret it.

No one's more trouble than a good-looking man.

Like mother, like daughter, you know?

Did that hit a nerve?

Are you divorced, Ms. Ginbayashi?

-Huh? -Just like Mr. Sugiyama.

Why did you split up?

Mr. Sugiyama's divorced?

You didn't know?

No, but it doesn't surprise me.

He's not a bad catch, but he's so inflexible.

I'd feel suffocated.

Totally.

But he's great-looking.

That alone makes the cut.

That face'll get old fast.

Then let's ask Sugiyama out for drinks sometime.

-Sounds great. -Right?

Hmm, I'll bombard him with questions.

Let's do it.

Your overtime snack request...

has been approved!

-Yay! -Bring it!

I can't wait to eat those sweet donuts.

Those donuts are our bonus

Guess it never hurts to ask.

-Okay, let's get to work. -Yes, ma'am.

-Oh no, you're gonna spill it all. -I'm sorry.

Just lightly tap it.

Yeah, looking good.

Make the hole nice and big.

Yes, ma'am.

Yeah, nice and round.

Yes, good job. Put it in gently.

They're huge.

The tofu filler was a big success.

I haven't seen a donut this good in years.

I'm guessing it'll score a 95.

Better than I expected. It's a 97!

This is way too good.

So delicious.

Did we really make this?

-So delish. -Very good.

How is it, Big Bro?

-Yeah, it's good. -Oh.

This is so good.

You're gonna let her have her way?

Yes, that's fine.

What if a problem arises?

Then she'll be held responsible.

She'll sabotage herself soon enough.

I'm heading out.

What? Now?

Where to?

Yeah...

Be careful.

Got it.

That was close.

What do you wanna eat?

I want a hamburger steak with cheese.

Oh, do you wanna get some wine too?

Sounds good. Just gotta be careful not to drink too much.

Huh? Hiroshi?!

What's going on?

Huh? Mom?

Yoko...

It's been a long time.

Yeah,

long time no see.

I didn't know you lived this close.

Yeah, I do.

Akari told me...

she talked to you about work, and you just told her to do whatever she wanted.

She tried hard, but things didn't work out.

So she came to me for advice.

I'm her father, you know?

I was glad she turned to me.

Trusting your child is important,

but sometimes you need to guide them as a parent.

But you shouldn't meddle too much.

You need to keep the right distance.

I guess it's not that easy.

-You lecture too much. -Shut your mouth!

Akari, let's go.

Oh, okay.

Hasn't changed at all.

I'm sorry.

I'm not mad.

When I talked to Dad,

he told me it's important to take time to recharge, so I took him up on it.

Really.

And you seem very busy recently.

Since you're independent, I thought you'd manage on your own.

I'm not that tough.

Hang in there just a bit longer.

That's all you ever say.

Why don't you stay with your dad then?

Do you remember that day?

Bring his father back to us.

Hey, suijo workers.

Hey.

You had some donuts, huh?

Who do you think you are?

Don't get cocky!

Why do you guys get all the good food?

-What's going on? -Explain!

-Speak up! -Get away from him.

I asked Takeda about it.

An inmate from the laundry found out the overtime snack was donuts

and berated him for it.

We questioned the other inmates in the suijo ,

but they all denied spreading the rumor.

No one has a clue.

That is troubling.

The overtime donuts are no longer happening.

No way!

Looks like it's fries for a while.

Can't you do something about it?

Associate Warden Irie never goes back on his word.

But we can't have donuts anymore unless we act.

Well, we promised him we'd switch back to fries

if any problems came up.

But still...

How is it, Big Bro?

Yeah, it's good.

Do you think...

Umekawa actually enjoyed the donuts?

Huh?

We tend to focus on the food we make.

But we should really be paying attention to the faces of the inmates who eat it.

I'm sorry.

It bothered me a bit.

It just...

Makes me wonder if we're really listening to them.

I'm sorry.

We can't make donuts anymore.

What?

I know they bring back memories of your son.

You know?

Yes?

What did you think of the donuts for the overtime snack?

Oh...

I couldn't believe we actually made them.

They were delicious.

Really?

You can be honest.

They were good.

But...

Ours were a lot sweeter.

-Tell me when. -Yeah, I will.

-That's right. -Looking good.

Oh, stop. Stop!

Oh, well.

Yeah, it's fine.

-I want sweet donuts. -Right.

Wow, good job.

So shiny. Nom.

-So sweet. -So sweet.

The sweetness hit me from the first bite.

It was crazy sweet.

But I guess it was simple.

That's how it tasted.

I see.

I might not eat it ever again.

Welcome back.

You been drinking?

Just a little bit.

I'm gonna live on my own.

Huh?

If I stay here, I'm afraid I'll just lean on you and never think for myself.

I need to figure things out on my own and decide what to do next.

Is that so?

Dad said I could stay with him until I find my own place.

So I'll move in next week.

Hmm...

And...

I failed an interview again.

That's ten in a row now.

You know...

I don't have anything I'm passionate about the way you do.

That's part of why.

Honestly,

I was afraid you'd think there was nothing to me.

Why would I ever think that?

For as long as I can remember,

I've admired how you never give up on what you do.

Most people can't do that.

You're still young, so you can achieve anything if you give it your all.

But it's scary, you know.

You're stepping into a completely new place.

You start hating yourself for being useless.

And you have to start all over again.

You know what?

Don't make me out to be some kind of monster.

I'm scared too.

Huh?

Surrounded by strangers and bound by unfamiliar rules,

I don't always like what I have to do.

-Then... -Yes?

Why do you cook in a prison?

Well...

Hmm?

I just wanna prepare good meals

and make everyone happy.

That sounds just like you.

-You think so? -Yeah.

Hmm, I see.

All right, done.

Mmm...

It's so sweet and delicious.

I want everyone to enjoy this too.

Yoko.

What's with the sigh?

Well,

I finally perfected the donut recipe.

But I can't serve any to the inmates.

You're giving up just because you can't serve donuts?

Well...

You got depressed like this back then too.

Huh?

You first came to my restaurant 25 years ago.

Remember what one of the Italian chefs said?

"Yoko and Italian cuisine? That's a bad joke."

"You'll never be able to create our flavors."

I'll never forget that opening salvo.

Your ideas and effort were on par with the Italian chefs'.

You ended up creating flavors even better than theirs.

I'm sure you'll get through this too.

With ideas and effort,

I'll get through this?

Haven't you already figured out how to get past this?

Huh?

You may never earn a Michelin star.

But in a prison,

you create your own Maison Prison.

Maison Prison?

Yes, Maison Prison. Maison Prison!

Maison Prison.

Maison Prison?

That's it!

I'll earn three stars for Maison Prison with anko paste donuts.

For a regular meal...

You want to serve anko donuts?

If other inmates think it's unfair that only the suijo workers get them,

we can give them to everyone.

One crazy idea after another...

They're not allowed as overtime snacks, let alone regular meals.

This is a place where criminals serve their sentences.

I'd ask that we not spoil the inmates.

Spoil them? I never meant to--

That's all it looks like to me.

How is spoiling them supposed to help them reform?

With all due respect, sugar is known to have a calming effect.

If it eases anxiety and tension,

it could improve communication among inmates.

I just want to make meals that offer some emotional support to the people here.

If it really does have a calming effect,

it might reduce conflicts among inmates.

What do you think, Head Guard Sugiyama?

If they're part of a regular meal, we can cover the cost within our budget.

In fact, the donuts boosted the inmates' morale in the suijo

and improved work performance.

But...

I can't say for certain it will prevent future problems.

To give chance after chance to people who've made mistakes.

Mr. Irie.

Isn't that what we do here?

But since she works here, if anything goes wrong,

she'll be held responsible.

Understood.

If any further problems arise,

then I'll follow your instructions.

Are you certain about this?

You know better than anyone

what can happen when you trust inmates.

ONE MONTH LATER

Sweets are like magical food that gives you energy.

One bite of a donut,

and those frowns start to round out.

Let's get started.

Yes, ma'am.

That's too high. It's going everywhere. Down here.

Cut through it as you mix.

Oh, wash them a little more gently.

Yes.

What's wrong?

The burner won't light.

Huh?

We can't make anko . It's the heart of our donut.

-I'll go check. -Please.

But this gas boiler works just fine.

Yes, this one too.

The facility's gas supply is just fine.

So it's only this gas stove that's not working?

Right.

Oh no...

It's pointless without anko .

I once made anko with my son in a rice cooker.

Can't we do that here?

That might work.

-We have an extra rice cooker, right? -Yes.

There it is.

May I use this?

Yes, there.

All right.

Dietitian, is there anything I can help with?

Then help us shape the dough.

Yes, ma'am.

Kawaguchi too.

Yes, ma'am.

Put a little oil on your fingertips.

Then make a hole in the center and work it open like this.

Oh, they look pretty.

-Wow! -It turned out great.

Hmm, it's very good.

This is the product of Ms. Ginbayashi's love and perseverance.

Cheers!

Man, you really pulled it off.

Thanks a lot.

I thought you'd throw in the towel this time.

I was going to join you in drowning your sorrows.

Everything turned out nice and round.

Just like a donut.

Um...

Do I need to be here?

Of course. You're the star today.

The star?

We're gonna spend the night talking about you.

What?

-Excuse me. Another beer, please. -Got it.

A highball for me, please.

So Sugiyama.

You always say to the inmates,

"You're not back to your old self, are you?"

Why do you say that?

Oh...

That...

goes way back.

That doesn't tell me anything.

Don't leave us hanging.

I'm sure you've seen inmates

who keep coming back after they're released.

Yeah.

People like that get written off even by the guards

and have nowhere to belong.

-Yeah, I guess. -Oh, thanks.

-I appreciate it. -Thank you.

So...

we had a guy like that five years ago.

A week after his third release, he got involved in an assault case.

Then he tried to take his own life.

Oh...

Fortunately, he got caught and ended up back behind bars.

When I talked to him, he'd say, "I'm worthless..."

and "I'm just an idiot."

He was in despair over who he was.

Nobody was willing to reach out to him.

Not even himself.

So...

I chose never to give up on him.

Saeki, are you okay?

-It's tuna, you know? -No, look here.

I just saw some pictures.

Saeki.

Aren't you gonna play?

Saeki, what's wrong?

Are you unwell?

Don't come back again.

Saeki,

I have faith in you.

Yes, sir.

I'll do better.

Good for you.

Then, about a month later,

I received a letter from him.

KEIGO SAEKI

I got a letter addressed to me.

Hmm?

Let me see it.

Didn't you know I'm not allowed to receive letters?

What did the letter say?

Well...

-Oh, you carry it with you? -Yes.

"I had... given up on myself."

"But you stayed by my side."

"You never gave up on me."

"You saw me for who I was."

"So..."

"I decided to believe in myself again."

"I'll never be back to my old self."

The handwriting's awful.

And the grammar's a mess.

But still...

I could sense his determination.

And all the things he'd never been able to tell anyone.

For me,

that was enough.

That feeling alone

was enough for me.

He chose to leave his old self behind

and committed to starting over.

He taught me that

anyone can change for the better.

It was such a pain to get permission from my boss to make a copy.

He sure kept me on my toes.

Just admit you're happy.

You've been grinning nonstop.

DEAR MR. SUGIYAMA THIS IS KEIGO SAEKI.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. I WORK AT A FACTORY NOW.

Hey, you.

-The anko donut was the best. -Sure.

I've done time in a lot of prisons, but that was the best meal ever.

Seriously? The next donut will be even better.

Counting on you.

I'm leaving the suijo in your hands.

Okay.

Okay, ready to play?

Sure.

Soon after, Umekawa safely made it to his release day.

Thank you for everything.

The anko donut was delicious.

I want to make one for my son someday.

Please look after the guys in the suijo for me.

Don't be afraid to take on new challenges.

Yes.

Umekawa,

are you not back to your old self?

I'm fine.

I have faith in you.

Yes.

Thank you for everything.

Mr. Sugiyama,

I can believe people can change for the better, right?

People must change

as long as they live.

Warden.

Oh.

Thank you for the anko donut.

The inmates all enjoyed it.

Is that so?

You might laugh, but I'm serious.

Instead of chasing Michelin stars, I want to pursue Maison Prison.

Maison Prison, huh?

I'll make meals that truly support the inmates and aim for three stars.

These are beautiful.

Yes, they are.

Some flowers bloom only after surviving the winter.

Rehabilitation doesn't happen overnight.

It's no simple matter.

But...

We can't lose hope.

For those who leave these walls,

all we can do is believe in them.

What are you doing?

Hey, let go!

Hey, what's going on?

-Stop! -Stop it!

-Don't! -Let go!

Stop it! Ow...

Ugh, jeez.

What's going on? It's still early.

Dad's the worst!

He leaves clothes everywhere and makes a mess eating.

Now I know exactly how you felt.

Seeing him once every six months is just about right.

Just make yourself at home.

Hey, what did you just say?

Oh, right...

Um...

I told them Umekawa spread the word to the other shops

that the suijo was getting donuts for the overtime snack.

It's getting cold. Here you go.

Donuts for breakfast? Kinda heavy...

You think so? Some people love these.

-Here. -It'll be warm enough to break a sweat.

That's it for the weather.

Now to the news.

-Mmm. -The anko 's too much.

-Well, it'll keep you full. -It occurred around 10 p.m. last night.

-A man allegedly punched a male customer. -What happened?

Police arrested a 37-year-old, unemployed Tokyo resident

Ryuji Umekawa on suspicion of assault.

Investigators say Umekawa was previously convicted of robbery resulting in injury

and served a prison sentence.

According to sources close to the investigation,

Umekawa reportedly told police, "Things weren't going well after my release."

"And I got frustrated and punched him."

Police are investigating the circumstances--

Say hello to super juicy karaage chicken.

They said my son shoplifted.

We'll prove we can do this even without the dietitian.

Before they ever harmed anyone, they had been hurt themselves.

Do I look like a gentleman?

Officer! Please!

EPISODE 3: DONUT BONUS (A 5-EPISODE SERIES)