Original subtitles

You'll find everything you need at Hokkyoku Department Store

Fulfill all your shopping needs at Hokkyoku Department Store

We go above and beyond and greet you with a smile

A gathering place for everyone Your dream department store

Excuse me!

Welcome.

May I help you?

Who are you?

Me?

I'm a concierge.

Welcome to Hokkyoku Department Store.

THE CONCIERGE

My name is Akino. It's my first day at this department store.

Our customers are animals of all shapes and sizes.

Customers with wings, customers with hooves.

Little customers, big customers.

Some very exotic customers, too.

Ow!

Welcome.

Is there anything I could do for you?

We're just looking.

Of course, sir.

Out of my way.

I-I beg your pardon!

Let me through.

- I'm really so-- - Move!

You're in my way.

I'm mortified, Mr. Penguin!

Are you all right?

Oh, no! Is he breathing?

Call the doctor!

This is unforgivable...

I'm terribly sorry!

You should never lose your smile.

Eh?

Did you know?

Smiling was invented by an animal that suffered the most on this earth.

So, young lady. Will you give my bottom a big push?

- Your bottom, sir? - Yes.

A big push.

On your bottom?

Yes! A big push!

Y-yes, sir!

My name is Akino.

Today is my first day!

Nice to meet you. I'm Concierge Mori.

Welcome to Hokkyoku Department Store.

Nice to meet you too!

Excuse me. Which way is the post office?

The post office is at the end of a steep hill.

Will you give me a moment?

Of course.

Would you please excuse me.

She's so graceful...

Remember to smile!

You had "I messed up!" written all over your face.

That's a no-no! This is a sales floor.

You saw me...?

Be careful! Mr. Todo's eyes are everywhere.

You don't want to get fired while you're on probation, do you?

I'm Iwase. Nice to meet you!

Likewise!

Ma'am, shall we store your bags in our locker?

Yes, please.

How nice. Cheetahs have osteoporosis, you know.

Shape up!

Welcome.

Excuse me, Ma'am?

Huh?

Shall we store your bags?

Bags?

The ones on your back. We can store them in our locker.

Did you just say "bags"?

Eh?

You would toss my children into a locker?

I'm awfully sorry, Ms. Opossum!

Thank goodness nobody saw me.

Truly.

Mr. Todo! Where are you?

As Floor Manager, I must make sure

the new concierge doesn't offend our customers.

You appear to be struggling.

If I may, Mr. Todo...

Approaching customers isn't easy.

Some of them don't need any help.

I'm not experienced like the others.

Just look at their eyes!

Their eyes? But...

Mr. Todo! Where did you go?

Giving her tips? That's unusually kind of you.

Mr. Elulu.

"Just look at their eyes"...

Really?

- We're getting off. - Hold me!

I can't tell which customers need help!

This way.

I need to pee-pee, Mommy.

Look at their eyes...

Look at...

their eyes.

From their point of view!

Welcome.

May I help you, Mr. Ferret?

Are you...

- ...a concierge? - Yes!

Concierge...

I need your advice!

See that elderly laughing owl couple?

I do.

Mr. Owl there is the CEO of a client company.

I brought them here to entertain them.

They seem to be enjoying themselves. That's nice.

But it's not.

I beg your pardon?

Mr. Owl!

Would you allow us the privilege to take care of that for you?

That won't be necessary. Please wrap this for me.

Very well, sir.

This way, sir.

Thanks to you we got some good shopping done.

I see...

Mr. Owl buys everything himself, so you're not accomplishing your task.

It's hard to entertain rich folks.

Do you have any ideas for me, Concierge?

The customer is totally satisfied. How do we top that?

Just look at their eyes!

See things from their point of view! Be observant!

Isn't that wallet lovely too?

Then buy both.

Oh, no! I can't buy both.

Mr Owl! Allow us...

Mr. Ferret wants to buy something for Mr. Owl.

I want to indulge my wife today.

Mr. Owl wants to please his wife.

His wife...

How many times do I have to tell you?

I can't decide. They're both lovely.

Both lovely?

Who are you?

Who are you?

That's too close!

That's too close!

I'm talking to you!

Excuse me!

What a funny young lady.

I'll take this one. Let's go.

Excuse me. We'll take this one.

Ms. Akino!

Mr. Todo!

What in the world are you doing?

Those customers are V.I.A.! Please make sure not to offend them.

V.I.A.?

Very Important Animals! These customers are extinct species!

Her interaction with the customers makes me nervous!

Calm down, Mr. Todo.

I was a bit shocked by our initial encounter too, but...

Not only did she step on you,

but she called you a penguin!

Why on earth would she--

Mr. Todo.

I think I like our new concierge.

Look. It seems we are having a satisfied customer over there.

Akino. The customer from this afternoon is asking for you.

Oh, Mr. Ferret!

I just saw the couple off at the airport.

How did it go?

I took your advice

and gave Mrs. Owl all the goods she didn't choose

as a gift from us.

Oh my!

She was overjoyed!

And that made Mr. Owl very happy too.

He gave us an order for another project!

That's wonderful!

All thanks to you.

Don't mention it.

Women often have trouble choosing

and then regret not buying the item they gave up on.

I think I'll be visiting Hokkyoku Department Store more often.

We'll be delighted, sir!

Thank you, Ms. Concierge.

We hope to serve you again soon!

Not bad for your first day.

I made so many mistakes.

But the customer was happy. That's what counts.

- Yes! - But...

Don't get big-headed! You make me nervous!

Be careful. Mr. Todo is always watching.

Nice job.

Ms. Concierge.

He said, "Thank you, Ms. Concierge"!

Look at those fangs.

Our brave ancestors never stopped spreading their feathers,

thus falling victim to those fangs for tens of thousands of years.

It's quite obvious that your bright feathers draw too much attention.

Hide my beautiful feathers?

I'd rather hide you.

Sir!

No courtship rituals in the store please! It may disturb the other customers.

Disturb?

Erm... I mean--

Forgive me, sir.

Your beautiful tail feathers may be too bright

for the sensitive eyes of our nocturnal customers.

Would you mind, sir?

- Such an unfriendly place, isn't it? - Indeed, my dear.

We appreciate your understanding.

Choose your words carefully!

Customers who feel like they've been humiliated will never return.

I'll be careful!

I haven't seen my father in years.

I was looking for something to buy for him.

Very well, ma'am.

Could you tell me a little more about your father?

Here they are.

If he's fond of old-fashioned items, may I suggest a fountain pen?

"Old-fashioned" "Forgetful" "Likes kimono"

It could be useful for writing down things he may forget.

Splendid! Thank you.

"Young lady" "Beautiful, long hair"

How about a hairbrush?

Hairbrush, huh?

We have one that will make her hair shine.

Give me a second. I need to write it down...

What a lovely fountain pen you have.

I've always been forgetful. Therefore, I've been keeping notes lately.

Oh dear. My watch is buried in my fur.

It's 5:00 pm, sir.

Thank you, dear.

I made reservations at a restaurant nearby.

It's been years since I last saw my daughter.

She's an actress, you know.

Oh, my! An actress?

- Do you want to see? - May I?

It's from some time ago, but...

Here.

She's so beautiful!

Excuse me. May I?

Oh?

Oh?!

Oh, nooo!

Let me wrap this one up.

Thank you.

We have three choices of ribbons.

- Well... - Ma'am!

Ma'am, instead of a fountain pen...

how about a pocket watch?

You mentioned your father is fond of old-fashioned items.

We do have top-class fountain pens, but our department store

is very proud of our pocket watches which are hand-made by expert artisans.

It matches nicely with Japanese kimonos as well.

I have a feeling he would say, "Ho-ho, a pocket watch? How lovely!"

Don't you think so?

Well, if you insist...

Excellent choice!

Oh, this one looks nice.

Did you happen to cut your hair, ma'am?

Yes, for my next movie.

You recognize me?

Are you in acting at all?

Yes. But information about the film is still under wraps,

so please keep it a secret.

I do beg your pardon.

I won't utter a word!

Would you please excuse me.

Let me wrap this one up.

We have three choices of ribbons.

Sir!

How about a shawl instead of a brush?

You can use it as a cover-up in the summer as well!

You can wear it many ways. It's quite fashionable.

Like this! Or this! Or like this!

I'm sure she'll tell you, "How lovely!

Thank goodness...

Ms. Akino.

Mr. Todo!

Do you know what you did wrong?

Wrong?

I was afraid they were going to give each other gifts which weren't needed.

Not that. Your notes.

Notes?

This?

Sea mink fur is very valuable.

Some scoundrels may try to sell them for money.

You need to treat private information very carefully!

Yes, sir! I'm very sorry, sir!

But you did fine with the rest.

Really?

Did he just praise me?

M-Mr. Todo, please don't do that ever again!

Oh, no!

Excuse me.

If they run into each other now...

it'll ruin the surprise!

I'm not going to make it!

Hide my beautiful feathers? I'd rather hide you.

Mr. Peacock!

No courtship rituals in this store, sir. It may disturb the other customers!

Disturb?

Sir!

Concierge, love is indifferent to time and place.

Of course!

Your timing is impeccable!

But your tail feathers may be too bright

for the sensitive eyes of our nocturnal customers.

Thank you for your kind understanding.

- Such an unfriendly place, isn't it? - Indeed, my dear.

Very much...

...appreciated.

Ms. Concierge.

I decided on this one.

Excellent choice!

Do you think my dad will like it?

I'm sure he will!

Of all her outlandish notions, she used a customer as cover!

I have a question for you, Mr. Floor Manager.

Who will survive? The strong one or the smart one?

I'd say the one...

that is capable of changing and adapting to its environment.

Bingo!

- But... - But?

The "survival of the fittest" theory

does not explain evolution that's not suited to survival.

For instance, the peacock's beautiful feathers call attention to predators.

Evolution is complex.

I see...

How is Ms. Akino doing?

I hope she can adapt to her environment quickly

so she can survive here.

Adapt, or else...

Or else?

Thank you for waiting.

Our risotto is made with Koshihikari rice, saffron and seaweed butter.

It's sprinkled with cauliflower couscous and sweet pim--

Excuse me. Garnished with sweet pimiento and chickpea ju--

Juh--

Garnished with sweet pimiento and chickpea au jus.

I'm so embarrassed, Mr. Maître.

The menu should be delivered as a flowing narrative.

Truly.

Any thought about our main dining room?

I'm so impressed by the meticulous service of the waiters.

I hope you'll find it inspiring for your duties as a concierge.

That's why you're training here, right?

Actually, I was thinking...

Wouldn't it be convenient

if there was a bell on each table for our guests?

Like at the concierge desk.

Oh?

They're making the main dish now.

Someone cooks the soy meat. Someone finishes the sauce.

Someone sautes the vegetables.

And the Chef de Cuisine checks everything.

Hey! Why is the Maître just standing around?

It's all about timing. When the meat, vegetables and sauce come together.

When the dish is served to the guest.

We all work together to serve the perfect meal.

A restaurant is all about teamwork!

Teamwork...

You have talent.

I'm sorry, I must be in the way.

Oh, not at all. Are you an artist?

No, I'm just an assistant pastry chef.

Would you like to try one?

How cute! May I?

- Sure. - Thank you.

I'm a big fan of Mr. Woolly.

Who's Mr. Woolly?

Mr. Woolly, the mammoth. One of the greatest sculptors ever!

And this is one of his works.

Please forgive my ignorance.

Look at these beautiful curves...

Now that I notice it, it is indeed a marvelous sculp--

M-my deepest apologies, Mr. Penguin!

Are you all right?

Learning from customers? You still have a long way to go.

Eh?

Can you see it?

The tragedy and beauty of the only two left on this planet

and the singular love that they share...

I wasn't aware of your impressive poetic sensitiveness, Mr. Penguin.

Call me romantic.

But I digress. My bottom, please.

Didn't you come to eat?

A nice, big push!

What did he come here for?

Akino.

The Japanese wolf on table 15.

What do you think?

He kind of looks insecure...

Is he tired of waiting for his food?

Non, non. Look at what he's holding.

A ring box.

Exactly. So...

He's overcome with sadness because he was stood up by his girlfriend.

I see.

You said it may be convenient if each table had a bell. But if so,

the waiters would only pay attention to customers when they ring the bell.

30 minutes with one glass of wine.

It's time to approach the unhappy gentleman, Akino.

What?

Treat him with the utmost kindness to assuage his broken heart.

But subtly, so the other customers won't notice.

Me, sir?

When you lose something, it feels greater than it actually was.

What?

Tomorrow is another day.

The rain always stops. And the sun always rises.

What are you talking about?

Oh my! Please forgive my rudeness.

I see. You thought I was jilted, didn't you?

My apologies, sir!

Well, I suppose...

you aren't that far off the mark.

Huh?

I'm thinking of proposing to my girlfriend here next week.

Today was a dry run.

I see. That's lovely.

But I find myself hesitating.

She's out of my league.

I think she's only going out with me

because there are no other Japanese wolves around.

Oh, dear.

I thought this fine restaurant would give me the courage to propose.

But I ended up looking like a jilted lover instead.

Maybe it's not meant to be.

Mr. Wolf,

leave it to us.

Huh?

I promise we'll make it possible

to give her this ring!

What?

What is it?

Everything OK with the restaurant training?

I made a promise...

I should never make promises I can't keep, but...

How can I help him with a marriage proposal?

The word "no" doesn't exist in a concierge's dictionary.

"We can't, we don't have, we don't know" are all taboo phrases.

A customer's expectations must always be met!

Yes, sir!

Mr. Maruki, what a lovely surprise!

What have you been doing since retirement?

Alas, these days I'm often treated like bulky trash at home...

Who's that, Ms. Mori?

Mr. Maruki. A veteran concierge.

He's retired, but he comes in to help us when we're short-handed.

Is there a nice café nearby?

Allow me a few seconds.

May I suggest these three options.

- That's so impressive, Mr. Maruki. - We knew we could count on you.

Oh dear. All three cafés have relocated?

Will he be fine?

May I help you?

I'm looking for this scent.

The scent is so faint. It's almost gone.

The smell was still there two months ago when it was inserted in this book.

I can't smell it.

But if a lion says so, the scent must have been there before that.

Shall we try to conjure your memory?

My memory?

Which is closer? This one or that one?

Maybe this one.

Then, it may be citrus-based.

How about this one?

I can still smell the other one.

My apologies. Let's start over.

There are way too many of them. I can't really tell the difference.

Don't give up, sir.

Smell through your right nostril.

It's connected to the brain side that processes odors.

A citrus note...

These fragrances have a lingering scent of citrus.

What's going on?

He's trying to find a certain perfume.

What sort of fragrance?

Smell this bookmark.

Let me smell.

- Me too. - Let me try as well.

Everyone...

Wait. I'm catching a faint scent.

Oh, Mrs. Bear! Your sense of smell is just amazing!

Mmh? But this...

This is Adieu Prudence by Marcoure! I'm certain of it!

- Brings back so many memories! - It was quite popular.

I'm awfully sorry, but...

They stopped manufacturing Adieu Prudence several years ago.

Would you consider a different present for your mother?

- For instance... - It has to be that one.

Or I can't get married.

I can't get married if I don't have that perfume!

Married?

Tessa is the most popular lion at school. This was her condition.

She'll marry me if I bring her the fragrance on this bookmark.

But...

If there's no way I can get it...

Sir, please allow me a little time!

I will find you that perfume!

I promise!

I did it again...

The word "no" doesn't exist in a concierge's dictionary.

The word "no" doesn't exist in a concierge's dictionary.

That's easy to say...

Huh? Are we going slow?

It happens every time

when I get on.

But it's OK. We'll get there in the end.

Would you happen to be Mr. Woolly, the sculptor?

Yes. I came to discuss my Christmas exhibition.

The sculpture outside the restaurant is so beautiful.

The tragedy and beauty of the only two left on this planet

and the singular love that they share...

Thank you. Are you in a dilemma?

Because you were moaning and groaning.

I'm trying to solve a problem for a customer.

I see.

What kind of customer?

There's two of them.

Both want to propose to their loved one but they're not confident.

I want to help them, but...

We all lack confidence.

I'm not very good with words, so when I proposed to my wife...

In an ice sculpture... What a romantic proposal!

It was a long, long time ago.

So sweet!

Thank you, Mr. Woolly!

This will require teamwork. I need everyone's help!

May I possibly ask for this favor?

A promise is a promise.

I trust I can count on you all!

It's all your fault to begin with!

- What if it doesn't work? - I won't take any responsibility!

What's your strategy?

Mr. Chef de Cuisine!

It's for a V.I.A. Tell me your plan.

In a nutshell: ice!

What a nice restaurant.

Yeah.

And such a beautiful ice sculpture.

Not exactly Mr. Woolly's, but not too bad either, innit?

You're a true artist, Chef.

So? What did you want to talk about?

Erm... yes, but... let's eat first and talk later, shall we?

They're in.

Right on time, Mr. Maître.

Excellent. Let's proceed with the plan.

It's dinnertime!

Thank you for waiting.

Our risotto is made with Koshihikari rice, saffron and seaweed butter.

It's sprinkled with cauliflower couscous

and garnished with sweet pimiento and chickpea au jus.

Looks delicious!

Indeed.

I said it!

The pimiento and chickpea au jus added a nice sweet touch.

Oh, no! He's drinking from the finger bowl!

This is not good...

This water has a little citrus flavor to it.

Yes, indeed.

Such a kind-hearted young lady!

All right. They're done with dessert.

It's almost time.

Excuse me.

How was your meal?

Absolutely fabulous!

I'm glad.

Would you like some tea?

It smells so nice. Must be the jasmine.

Excuse me.

- I still remember it. - Uh?

When I first met you, little white jasmine flowers were in bloom.

You remember that?

Of course.

Each year at this time, I think

how glad I am that we met.

Will you...

The ring falling as the ice melted,

the food being made and served at just the right pace...

It was superb teamwork.

Now...

How about her other promise?

I'm deeply sorry.

I'm afraid I couldn't find the perfume I promised.

Unfortunately we are unable to fulfill your request.

We'd like to recommend some alternative options.

Never mind. I'm sorry to put you through all the trouble.

Sir!

Ta-dah!

What do we have here? A coin.

Mr. Maruki?

How bizarre. There's something on your shoulder, sir.

Here.

That bottle...

It's that perfume!

Concierge magic!

He finds a perfume laying dormant in a vanity somewhere in the world

and surprises the customer, making it appear as if by magic.

The result of years of relationships built with the patrons of this store.

Please handle it with care. It may be the last bottle of its kind.

Once it's gone...

even magic won't bring it back.

Thank you!

Ms. Concierge.

Thank you!

Mission Double Proposal, successfully accomplished.

The result of everyone scrambling to fulfill a rookie's imprudent promises.

But without Ms. Akino, we wouldn't have known of the customers' needs.

It's all good teamwork.

They're interfering with romances of extinct species

thinking they're doing God's work by promoting reproduction.

Mr. Tokiwa.

I have my doubts

about formally hiring that concierge-in-training.

A restructuring consultant?

Yes. A secretly implemented system to induce competition

amongst the employees.

To monitor the store and flush out inefficient workers.

Does that mean I'm fired?

It's a pity because you're not even an employee yet.

Oh no!

I'm joking!

I was here first, concierge! This isn't fair!

When I got off the elevator, I was last in line!

I'm sorry.

It's our fault for not paying close attention to the people waiting in line.

I want that plant growing between those rocks.

With your permission sir, but this aquarium is a hologram.

But the plant in the image may exist somewhere.

I'll check up on it for you right away.

Akino is learning. She won't fail that easily.

It seems she's growing on you, Mr. Todo.

What? I'm just a floor manager who's concerned about the new...

Concierge, I'm looking for a new party dress.

Ladies' dresses are on floors 3 and 4.

If you go straight down this aisle, there will be elevators...

Here it is.

Thank you for coming with me.

Enjoy your shopping.

Concierge.

Will you help me pick something out?

Lovely.

Beautiful.

Looks very nice on you.

I'm sorry to trouble you.

N-not at all!

I get nervous and can't speak up when a clerk is waiting on me.

I'm glad you're here.

It suits you perfectly.

Really? Then I'll take it.

You took so long. Sorry but I'm canceling all those dresses.

Now that I'm buying this necklace, only this white dress will do.

Don't you agree?

O-of course...

Do you have it in a bigger size?

I'm sorry...

That's the only one we have in the store at the moment.

Concierge.

Y-yes!

Isn't this Hokkyoku Department Store, "where you'll find everything you need"?

We'll order it right away.

I want it now!

Absolutely, ma'am. We'll mark it as "urgent."

You're a very nice concierge.

I can see you're really sorry.

I truly am, ma'am.

Do you know what "service" means?

It comes from the word "servant."

When a servant doesn't meet her master's expectations

I'd think she would try harder to make things right.

I'm not demanding that you apologize.

Or grovel.

"The customer is like a god."

Didn't they teach you that?

The word "no" doesn't exist in a concierge's dictionary.

A customer's expectations must always be met!

Yes.

I'm very sorry we couldn't meet your expect--

I'll handle this, Akino.

Please do accept our apologies for any inconvenience we may have caused.

But regrettably we don't have the dress in stock.

May we possibly ask you to leave for today?

Pardon me?

Leave? What are you talking about?

It's your fault, yet you're making me sound unreasonable!

This is unacceptable!

If the customer is like a god,

could you please moderate your voice?

Some of the other gods in the store may find it annoying.

I'm never coming back to this store again!

Ma'am!

I'll go see her off.

I'll go too!

You should get back.

Caribbean monk seals lived in the Caribbean Sea.

Their lack of caution made them easy prey for hunters

who sought their fat for machinery oil.

They became extinct in 1952.

Who are you?

Too much kindness will only lead to self-destruction.

You allowed the customer's demands to escalate and made her unreasonable.

And above all,

you ruined the shopping experience for other customers.

A big fax pas for a concierge, wouldn't you say?

Those who can't see the big picture will never make a good concierge.

We don't need you here.

This is our commercial.

Yes. My grandfather started this dance.

I think it's about time to renew it, though.

Isn't it also your job to maintain the status quo?

What an impressive library.

They're all my grandfather's. The history of all species.

Even records of animals that are extinct.

Laughing owls, whose voices sound like peals of laughter.

Last seen in South Canterbury in 1914. Now extinct.

Sea minks.

Humans targeted them for their luxurious fur.

They disappeared in 1880.

Japanese wolves prospered in Japan.

We know very little about them. They became extinct in 1905.

Great auks were overhunted for their meat and fat.

In 1830, only 50 were reported to be alive.

But they were all killed by humans to make specimen samples

and became extinct in 1844.

The first department store in the world

was established in the same year.

The age when humans began to acquire things not out of necessity, but desire.

Hokkyoku Department Store was created

to serve V.I.A.s who were forced into extinction by humans.

To pass down our story of struggle to future generations

and to give humans a chance to atone for their sins.

So this is a fantasy theme park that allows V.I.A.s

to become mass consumers.

And now I'm shaping my vision for the future of this department store...

The future?

I'm not completely sure yet.

But let's not judge her just yet.

Welcome. Thank you for coming to our department store today.

Ms. Concierge!

Welcome.

Today is the day.

Yes! Mr. Woolly's special exhibition. I'm so excited!

We even get to see his masterpiece, "The Smilodon"!

The exhibit is in the Great Hall.

Thank you.

I'm off!

Enjoy!

We don't need you here.

Excuse me...

I want to buy my daughter a Christmas present.

Certainly. How can I assist you?

Thank you! But I'm on a tight budget.

Can you help me find something I could buy with this?

A gift that can be purchased with one single coin...

My daughter Jonesy is sickly.

She's been in and out of the hospital her whole life.

She couldn't come today either.

Walking around this department store at Christmas

would have been the best present for her.

There aren't many items you can buy with just one coin.

This is a luxury department store.

I wonder if I'm suited to be a concierge here.

Ms. Concierge!

Mr. Barbary Lion! Is the young lady next to you...

My girlfriend Tessa.

Thank you for helping me the other day.

I told Tessa about you, and she insisted on coming here with me.

I was wondering if there's something I can do in return.

As a matter of fact, I have a little favor to ask!

As you can see, all the animals are the same height.

This was Mrs. Woolly's wish.

She was always saddened by the short lives of smaller animals.

She wished for all animals to be equal and of the same size.

In that sense, this is a representation of utopia...

Excuse me.

It's a huge success!

I'm glad.

Mr. Woolly!

Hello.

Thank you for the other day. Please have some tea.

Thank you.

Did you see the exhibit?

Sure I did. I particularly loved "The Smilodon".

My wife was partial to that one as well.

- Ow! Watch it. - I'm sorry.

This is a disaster!

"The Smilodon" is the sculpture that made Mr. Woolly's name as an artist...

An irreplaceable work of art!

Even when the permafrost studio started melting,

this special one was preserved!

We're painfully aware of the value of Mr. Woolly's work.

We will take full responsibility and make reparations...

This is not about money!

I doubt you even understand the true value of "The Smilodon".

Excuse me.

This doesn't concern you.

Stand back, Ms. Akino.

I'll stay.

Do you think you can help?

I don't know.

However...

I want to stay.

Mr. Woolly?

I'm incredibly sorry.

Please let me go with you to apologize to your wife!

Ms. Akino.

Mr. Woolly's wife has already passed away.

And that's that.

Everything comes to an end eventually.

The concert is starting! Let's go! Hurry!

Mr. Woolly!

I don't know how to apologize...

Where's your spirit?

You looked dispirited all day long.

Despite today's Christmas.

I'm never sure whether I'm making our customers

truly happy or not.

I wonder if I'm worthy of being a concierge.

Same here.

Sometimes I wonder if there's meaning to the work I'm doing.

Don't say that...

There she is! Ms. Concierge, it's done.

Oh, really?

- Here. - Thank you.

Look!

Nice to meet you, Jonesy!

I'm Tessa. This is my first time at the Hokkyoku Department Store!

The Christmas decorations are beautiful.

Let's take a Christmas tour at Hokkyoku Department Store!

This is the cosmetics corner in the annex.

Look at all the colors!

What's your favorite color, Jonesy?

And this is the perfume counter!

The concierges helped me find this precious perfume.

My late grandmother's favorite!

My dad bought me this shawl here.

I bought this pocket watch for him. Isn't it stylish?

What a coincidence! We came to the same store to shop for each other.

Apparently, we rattled the concierge!

We came shopping together today.

It's nice to spend time with family.

What a beautiful dress!

We promised

that we'd have dinner at this restaurant on every wedding anniversary.

What kind of store is it?

Well, to me...

it's a place where someone gives me a gentle push.

Mr. Bird!

We have a favor to ask.

A favor?

We can't do it ourselves.

- Impossible. - Please!

How many times do I have to tell you? Great auks can't fly.

But it's for the concierge.

She wants to show the beauty of Hokkyoku Department Store

to a customer who's sick and can't come in person.

"The beauty of Hokkyoku Department Store."

The future...

My wife loved this store. But no matter how many times

I asked her what she liked about it, she'd just laugh and say,

"If you go, you'll see."

What do you like about Hokkyoku Department Store?

Me?

Every customer who comes here leaves with a smile on their face.

Even those who come here sad,

will go home with a smile.

That's what I love about this store.

That's why I want to stay.

To provide the best service I can to our customers!

I see. That's good.

Mr. Woolly!

I'm really sorry.

This is for you. I... erm...

I'm a huge fan of yours, Mr. Woolly. I'm an assistant pastry chef.

The concierge encouraged me.

Everyone at the restaurant helped me.

So...

May I see?

That's my wife...

and me.

Thank you.

What a beautiful sight.

Many people come here looking for a gift for someone.

But no one knows if that gift will truly be appreciated.

But I think

a concierge's job is to try to understand

the customers' sincere wish to do something for someone.

When I observe her, it's apparent,

that she loves making people happy.

Every concierge can aspire to that.

In a department store, dream and desire are two sides of a coin.

Am I a bit too human for feeling like that's beautiful?

Thank you for coming.

You'll find everything you need at Hokkyoku Department Store

My name is Akino. I work at a department store.

Our customers are animals of all shapes and sizes.

Customers with wings, customers with hooves.

Little customers, big customers.

Some very exotic customers too.

Excuse me!

Welcome.

May I help you?

Who are you?

Me?

Based on the graphic novel "The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store" by Tsuchika Nishimura

A Yoshimi Itazu film

Screenplay: Satomi Oshima

Character Designer: Chie Morita Color Designer: Idumi Hirose

Art Director: Ichiro Tatsuda Director of Photography: Koji Tanaka

Film Editor: Junichi Uematsu Music: tofubeats

Animation: Production I.G

Directed by Yoshimi Itazu

©2023 Tsuchika Nishimura/Shogakukan/"The Concierge" Film Partners