All language subtitles for Oshin 226-234 (640x480 x264 AC3)

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Episode 226

On August 15, 1945,

Oshin's life changed drastically
with the end of World War II.

Her husband,
Ryuzo had killed himself.

Yuu, her eldest son,
had been killed in action.

All the war bonds that
she and Ryuzo had bought

were but worthless
pieces of paper.

Oshin had to work
as a black marketeer

to feed her
and her children.

That's when Hisa,
her old benefactor,

reappeared to
help her again.

From that day,
Oshin began a new life.

Four years passed,
and it was now 1950.

Oshin was already 50 years old.

Keep your eyes straight ahead!

Keep your foot
on the gas pedal!

That's it!

Who told you to stop?

It stopped when I
stepped on the gas pedal.

No! You hit the brakes!

Did I?

One more time.

Start the engine,
and step on the clutch!

When will you learn!

Oh, stop it!

This jalopy is too old...

There you go!

Give it up...
You're too old to drive.

Besides, you're a woman.
Just keep working at your store.

Let the customers
come to you!

You have enough
business as it is.

Some people live too far away.

Then let someone
else deliver fish to them.

The villagers are
all waiting for me.

You can run the store,

but nobody else can deliver
fish to the villagers like I can!

You can't go if
you can't drive.

That's why I'm practicing!

It could take a very long time!

Here I go!

[Tanokura Store]

You were waiting for me?

I came by to see how
your store was doing.

It sure is hard to
start a business.

It's a lot easier
peddling fish from a cart!

I hear you've been
practicing to drive.

Yes, but I have
a lousy teacher!

What if you should
get into an accident?

She won't listen to me.

You worked hard
for four years,

and now you've reopened
your own fish store!

Let Hitoshi and
Nozomi do the rest.

And take it easy.

They can't work hard
enough to feed us all.

No use having a store
if no customers come.

I know what I'm doing!

It takes time for a free
economy to take hold.

Soon there will be more to sell.

The days of the
black markets are over.

That's why it's important
to have a store front.

Making deliveries
is old-fashioned.

I'm not against
having this store,

but it's just that we've
peddled fish for four years.

People depend on us.
We can't just stop coming by.

Don't worry! Hitoshi and
Nozomi both gave up

on going to college
to be able to help you.

And they sure know their stuff!

Don't flatter them.
They're both only 21!

They talk big,
but know very little.

Let me make you tea.

You're very good...

Nozomi is so artistic!

I had no idea he
was so talented.

These signs are cute!

They will brighten
up the store.

This is about all I can do.
I'm not really good at business.

You peddled fish for four
years with your mother!

I just carried heavy
loads and ran errands.

You were a big help.

Before we got the three-wheeler,

I could never have
done it all without you.

Here you go.

I still remember the day

Hitoshi got his driver's
license and went out,

and bought the three-wheeler!

I was so happy that day...

Retail sure is funny...

I started off just selling
fish and vegetables.

Then people started
asking for other things, too.

Now we're selling everything!

One can never second
guess one's own fate...

I'm going to the Health office.

Nozomi and I will
stay there tonight.

- See you later!
- Take care.

We'd better bring some
household goods here.

You'll be moving in...?

I'd like to move here
before the store opens.

That means I will
be lonely again...

Now that we're moving,

we won't get to see
the ocean anymore.

We'll be living in a
much smaller house.

But we'll be closer
to your school.

I'm not going to high school!

My brothers didn't go
to high school either.

So I'm staying home to help with the
store after I graduate from middle school.

I want you to go on to college.

Your brothers had it
bad just after the war.

They had to help
me run the business.

But I want you to go to college.

We're heavily in debt!

Don't worry!
I can take care of it.

I'll go make dinner,
so get your things packed.

Will the day ever come when
I can buy whatever I want?

Have you forgotten the days

when we only had rice
porridge to eat every day?

You used to say you'd
die for a bowl of white rice.

I'm sorry.
I didn't know you were here.

Thank you for all your help.

You found us a
very good location.

I just happened to
know of its availability.

And thank you for the loan, too.

Legally, I'm your creditor.

Kota has helped me so much.

I can never repay
you for all the trouble

that I caused you in the past.

I'd like to help
you all I can now.

I wouldn't think of it.

You've always been
a great help to us.

But I want to keep the
fact that I'm helping you

from Hitoshi and Nozomi,
so they don't get the wrong idea.

So please don't tell
your children about me.

Kids can be difficult.

If they misunderstand
your platonic relationship,

all that Kota has done
would be for nothing.

I'm sorry to cause
you so much concern.

Your children mean
everything to you.

They helped support you

after you lost Yuu
and your husband.

I'm glad for that.

All three of them are so nice.
You are so lucky.

Soon you will be
living a carefree life!

I couldn't even send
the boys to college.

Yet they seem to understand me.

But I think I've infected
them with my business bug.

All they want to do now
is work and earn money!

Don't talk like that.
What if they'd gone astray?

I'm glad.

I was concerned about how
your store was coming along.

I guess you'll be
opening up soon.

Kota is rebuilding
his store, too.

Things are getting
back to normal.

I want to rebuild
before the prices go up.

I'm nothing, but an old
liquor store owner now.

That's true...

You're no longer that social
reformer you once were!

You're a nice father
and husband now.

Let's not dredge up
the past now.

You're right.

The war has been
over for five years.

People are beginning
to forget about the war.

Ms. Tanokura?
I have mail for you!

I'll be right there.

Excuse me.

[Hatsuko]

Kota is going home.

- Is it from Hatsuko again?
- Yes.

Still no return address?

Such a strange girl...

She's been sending you money
every month for four years now.

But nobody knows where she is.

I'm sure she is
worried about us.

But she doesn't have
to do this anymore.

Without a return address,
I have no way of telling her that!

You took care of her
like she was your own.

She's trying to pay you back.

How is she earning this money?

Hatsuko was intended
to have been Yuu's bride.

But there was still
no way of locating her.

With each envelope she sent,
Oshin's heart ached for her.

The war wasn't
over for Oshin yet.

Not until she can
see Hatsuko again.

Episode 227

Hold up your end!

- What else is left?
- The tea table.

Be careful!

You sure have a
couple of good boys...

Hitoshi and Nozomi
are both so loyal to you.

They help you out, and now you're
all able to run your own store!

Who knows how
it will all turn out...

During the war,
you had it rough.

But to be able to run a
business with your sons

is more than
anyone can ask for.

We owe it all to you.

You put us up when
we had nowhere to go.

I'll be forever grateful.

Oh, come on...
I enjoyed it.

It was as if I were living with my
own daughter and grandchildren.

I've made some
seasoned rice for you.

so take it with you.

Since you're moving,
you'll be too busy to cook.

Thank you.

It was 20 years ago that you
moved out of here the last time.

Ryuzo and Yuu
were with you then.

Ryuzo had come from Saga,

and you all decided
to open a fish store.

The three of you
moved out of here.

You seemed so happy then.

But both Ryuzo and
Yuu are gone now...

One can never tell
about one's fate.

We live under a democracy now.
It's hard to believe

that Kota used to be chased
around by the secret police!

Now there are no big land-
owners or sharecroppers.

How the times have changed!

Who knows what other
changes will take place.

It's best to forget
about the past,

and start all over from scratch.

I learned very young
how miserable it was

to be a poor
sharecropper's daughter.

It was my dream
to own a big store.

I've been chasing that
dream for all these years,

and having it destroyed
so many times.

Now I'm 50 years old.

But I haven't given up
on that dream yet.

I'll keep at it
until the day I die!

I don't mind how small it is.

I have to have a
store I can call my own.

Otherwise, I won't know
what I've lived for up until now.

Do your best!

Peace has brought us
the freedom to choose.

One can make one's
own way in the world!

Your day has come!

I think we have too much
inventory for the size of our store.

It's better crowded than empty.

I think the sweets should
be put out in the front.

The colors will
brighten up the place.

I wish we had more space.

I want to sell a wider
selection of things.

This isn't a department store.
We're a convenience store!

One day, I'll operate
a department store.

Each department will
be as big as a small store.

It's good to dream.

Just don't run this
store into the ground.

Hitoshi! Nozomi!

I got my driver's license!

You did!

Now I can go
anywhere on my own!

I'll do the buying of
our fish and vegetables.

Then you'll be the
busiest one here.

I can still carry
my own weight.

Where's the space to
sell fish and vegetables?

We have too much
inventory now.

I've decided to reduce the
fish and vegetable section.

People only buy those
things in the late afternoon.

We can put out a table
in the street then.

That's nonsense!

We are supposed
to be a fish store.

The other things are
for people's convenience.

Selling fish comes first!

Clear these things out to
make room, so we can sell fish.

If we go into this half-heartedly,
we can't build our reputation.

Remember, we are
a fish store first!

I don't want to just
sell fish and vegetables.

I want to be able to sell
a wide range of things!

There's a limit to what
we can do with this space.

Hurry up and clear this area!

She doesn't understand!

It can't be helped...
This is her store.

We can't make much
selling fish and vegetables!

It's not a smart way
to run a business!

I'm sick of this!

Hitoshi!

[Grand Opening]

[Tanokura Store]

Welcome!

Our fish are caught fresh daily!

And our vegetables come
straight from the farms!

We sell freshness at a bargain!

Today is our grand opening,
so everything is discounted.

- You want this for sashimi?
- Thank you!

This looks delicious!

It's in season now.

- I'll take it.
- Thank you.

Daikon radish and spinach!

Here's your daikon
radish and spinach.

You will have to
work a lot faster.

It's not like making
deliveries on a three-wheeler.

We have to sell the bulk of
things within a limited time.

You did a lousy job
of cutting fish, too.

As a fish dealer,
you'd better do a better job!

You can do it if you
put your mind to it.

How much profit can
we make from this?

Before you think like that,
you'd better start thinking

about establishing a
reputation for our store.

We didn't sell any of the
other merchandise today.

People only think of us as
a fish and vegetable store.

There's nothing wrong with that.

I don't want to be
a fish dealer forever!

Stop dreaming!

You should be grateful
for what you have.

Until we can be certain
that our store will succeed,

we'd better continue
to peddle our goods.

It's not easy starting
a new business.

Oshin knew that through
her earlier experiences.

Hitoshi and Nozomi had both given
up on the idea of going to college,

in order to make
this new business work.

The word "failure" was
not in Oshin's vocabulary.

Five sardines!

Look at this daikon radish.
It's a good batch.

You're right.

Take the vehicle
around to the back.

Okay.

Welcome!

We have good shrimp
for tempura today.

I hear that a war has
broken out in Korea.

Another war?

The North is fighting the South,

and the Americans have
sent their troops to the South.

I sure hope Japan
doesn't get involved in that.

Japan no longer has a military,

but Korea is our neighbor,
so it's got me worried.

No more war for me!

The sea bream looks good.

Thank you!

We'd better eat while we can.

You're right.
If there's another war,

there won't be any
boats going out to fish.

- Hello, Oshin.
- Hisa!

A special delivery
letter came for you.

I was going to
wait until tomorrow,

but I figured I'd better
get it to you quickly.

Just in case it's an emergency.

Thank you.

We've been so busy here.

I haven't had time to
tell people that we moved.

I wanted to see
how you were doing.

Welcome!

I'm too busy to
entertain you properly.

Never mind!
I'll make dinner for you.

Finish cutting this
sashimi for me.

Okay.

Thank you for
starting dinner for me.

I brought you some
beef to cook with potatoes.

Thank you so much.

I enjoy coming here to help you.

You seem to be
selling very well.

We've only been in
business 10 days.

But the people already
know that we sell

the freshest foods
at a good price.

Some of our customers
come from very far away!

Word travels fast.

Nozomi sold all our vegetables,
so we have none for us to eat!

I'm sorry. Shall I go
buy some vegetables?

That's okay.

To be sold out.
You can't ask for more.

People buy nothing
but fish and vegetables.

You can make ends
meet on that alone.

You have already
built up a reputation.

We can't rest easy yet.

But I guess you can
carry on without me now.

I won't be able to sell
from our three-wheeler...

What's the problem?

I have to rush to Tokyo.

Tokyo?

They've found Hatsuko!

I'd asked people
to look for her.

Who is this Ken?

He's the man who first
brought Hatsuko to us.

Is he sure that it's Hatsuko?

He knows her better
than anyone else.

There's no mistake!

Where is she?

He doesn't say,
but she's alive and well.

What does she do for a living?

I'll have to go there and see.

You have just
opened up your store.

This is no time to
be going off to Tokyo.

I must go.

I raised Hatsuko
like my own daughter.

Now that I know where she is,
I must go and get her.

The war left her
hurt and broken.

That's why she left us.

The war won't
even be over for me,

until I know that
Hatsuko is happy.

Episode 228

Can you trust this man Ken?

Yes, he has helped
me out a lot in the past.

Since the postmark on
Hatsuko's letters said Tokyo,

I wrote him, and asked
for his help in locating her.

It was Ken who first
brought Hatsuko to us.

But I'd half given up on
the idea of Ken finding her.

Tokyo is a very large city.

I was hoping Hatsuko would
come back to us on her own,

but it's been four years.

If she's really been found,
why didn't he tell us

where she is,
and what she's doing?

I'll find out when I go there.

That's what sounds fishy to me.

Why would Ken lie to me?

Because you're taking
money, aren't you?

I might need it
in an emergency.

I've been saving the
money Hatsuko sent us.

Just make sure that
you don't get swindled!

Ken isn't like that!

The people you trust
can be the most dangerous.

People have changed
since the war.

Maybe he's desperately
in need of money now.

How can you think like that!

Just be sure that you
run the store properly.

I will be back as
soon as I'm done.

But who knows what
delays I will run into.

People trust us to sell
fish and vegetables.

Don't disappoint our customers.

Yes, I know.

You mind the kitchen.

When I was your age...

Yes, I know.

If you need to get
in touch with me...

The Hasegawa Beauty Parlor.

I don't know if she'll
be able to put me up,

but I'll contact you
when I know for sure.

We know all that.

Oshin rushed to Tokyo.
She felt unsure

about leaving her store in
the care of Hitoshi and Nozomi,

but she had to find
out about Hatsuko.

Oshin rushed to see Taka,
her hairdressing teacher.

It was 20 years since
she was last in Tokyo.

Excuse me.

Is there a Hasegawa
Beauty Parlor around here?

Taka!

Oshin?

Is that really you?

It's been so long!

Ken told me you might
be coming out here.

I'd meant to contact you first,
but everything happened so quickly.

I'm glad you came.

You're looking well.

So are you.

I'm an old woman now.

The last time you came was
when you came to look for Okayo.

How old are you now?

I'm 50 now.

It seems like just yesterday...

Let's go inside and talk.

You're here already?

Oshin sent me a telegram
saying that she'll be arriving today.

Mrs. Tanokura.

Ken!

Thank you for finding Hatsuko.

You should've told me what
train you were coming on.

I would have met
you at the station.

I'll be needing
your help again.

Don't stand there talking.
Come on inside.

I'm sorry to hear
about Ryuzo and Yuu.

I can't believe Yuu
was killed in the war.

I still remember carrying
him around on my shoulders.

When you wrote to tell me,
I couldn't stop crying.

We all had a
hard time in the war...

But I didn't expect Ryuzo to die.

I respect your late husband now.

Many people got
rich off the war,

but I haven't heard of any of them
taking responsibility for their actions.

But think of those
he left behind.

He did it his own way.
I think it's all right.

That's just like you to say so.

My in-laws both died believing
that their son died as a samurai.

Ryuzo must be happy, too.

Those mean in-laws
in Saga are dead, too?

I don't hold any grudges.

My mother-in-law was doing
what she thought was proper.

I just didn't understand
that at the time.

You're going to be a
mother-in-law soon.

I don't like how the
young people are today.

Maybe I'll be worse
than my mother-in-law!

So I'll keep my energy
focused on my business instead.

I'm lucky. I have no
family to think of.

I just do enough to
feed myself day to day.

Some of the geisha only
let Taka touch their hair.

There aren't many
people who can do

the traditional style of hair,
so I'm lucky.

Once I die, they will
probably tear the house down.

That's why I haven't
done anything to it.

You've just started up
your new store, haven't you?

I don't know how
it will turn out.

I've run many businesses
into the ground in the past.

We've all done that...

Since the Great Kanto
Earthquake and World War II

so much has happened to us.

People have told me
that I should hire people,

and expand the business.

But I don't need to
make money at my age.

I just want to live out
my life years in peace.

No more earthquakes
and no more wars!

This war in Japan
is good for Japan.

A lot of American money
is coming into Japan now.

You know. It is all
Mt. Fuji and geisha girls!

Are you still in the
street peddling business?

No. I quit my yakuza
life during the war.

Things and people
have all changed.

Because of my past,
I can't get an honest job.

So I deal in American
surplus goods now.

It's not all that legal though.

That's how I ran into Hatsuko.

So that's it.
What is she doing now?

Where is she?

You saw her, didn't you?

I didn't want her to recognize
me and run off somewhere...

But I know it was her.

I thought it would be better
if we both went to see her.

Can we see her right away?

She's no longer the
Hatsuko you remember.

Just keep that in mind.

What do you mean?

Everybody's had
a very rough time.

And it's nobody's fault.

We can't blame anyone.
And we shouldn't blame anyone.

You must be hungry,
I'll make breakfast.

Stay and join us.

No. My wife has
breakfast waiting for me.

I'll come for you
later this afternoon.

So rest up until then.

You must be tired
from your trip.

Welcome home.

You have fish left.

Did you buy more
than usual today?

We have never had
any left over before.

I can't sell it like Mother can.
People don't trust me.

Don't say that...

If they don't see her,
they don't buy!

Besides, I didn't want
to beg people to buy.

I'm not good at
cutting the fish either.

So I feel bad pushing it.

I can't do it all
without Mother here.

- There you go.
- Thank you.

Did you get a good rest?

Thank you.

I'm sorry I'm not helping you.

I don't get that many
customers anyway.

This brings back
so many memories...

I haven't touched
hair since my injury.

Does it still bother you?

It's better, but I can't
carry heavy things,

or do detailed work
using my fingers.

If I could still do hair,
I wouldn't be selling fish!

Too bad...

You worked so hard in
learning the art of hairdressing.

I have no regrets.

I still haven't forgotten the
fortitude you instilled in me,

so I'm tough!

Sorry I had to leave
you this morning.

Shall we go?

It'll take us about
an hour to get there.

What kind of life is
Hatsuko leading now?

She's been sending me money
every month for the past four years!

But she's never written
to tell us what she's doing.

What's she thinking
about anyway?

Let's go.

We might be late,
but don't worry.

I'll make sure she
gets back safely.

- Take care of her.
- I will.

I'll wait up for you.

Thank you.

I hope you get to see her.

Ken didn't say what
Hatsuko was doing.

And that worried Oshin.

As Oshin silently followed Ken,

she remembered how
Hatsuko had broken down,

and cried upon
hearing of Yuu's death.

Episode 229

Is this where Hatsuko is?

What is she doing here?

Wait here for me.

But be careful.
Some men might approach you.

Try not to stand out.
I'll be right back.

- Come back again.
- Sure, I will.

- Goodbye!
- Bye.

What do you want?

I'm waiting for someone.
Give me a drink.

Alright.

Hatsuko, it's been a long time.

I spotted you the
last time I was here.

I hear you work out of this bar.

I need to talk to you.
Come on outside.

- Hey, girls!
- Hi!

Hey, babe. Come here
and sit down with me.

Hatsuko!

Don't get in the
way of my business!

Just follow me outside!

Sorry, but I don't take
Japanese customers.

- Hatsuko!
- Don't call me Hatsuko!

My name is Akemi,
and I don't know you!

What do you do?
Are you crazy?

Stop!

- What do you want?!
- Listen to me!

Mrs. Tanokura is
here to take you home.

Hatsuko!

Hatsuko! Hatsuko!

Hatsuko!

Stop this!

I'm 60 years old!

Don't make an old
man run after you!

Please, let me go!

I can't face her.

I'm not Hatsuko anymore.
She died a long time ago!

Hatsuko...

Take that makeup off.
It doesn't suit you.

Please go!

The Hatsuko you
remember died with Yuu!

Forget her, and don't
ever come here again!

Hatsuko...

I'm having a good time.

So leave me alone!

See? It comes right off.

That's my Hatsuko!

This is the Hatsuko
I love so much.

Nothing has changed...

You're just as
you were before.

Mother!

Hatsuko...

It's an American soft drink,
so you may not like it.

But this is all I have.

I have canned corned
beef if you're hungry.

Hatsuko...

Shall I order you some noodles?

Come home to Ise with me.

Hitoshi, Nozomi and Tei
are all waiting for you.

Mother...

I can't ever face them again.

Hatsuko.

I have no regrets.

The day I found out
that Yuu was really dead,

I wanted to die.

I left home,

because I wanted to go off
somewhere to die by myself.

But I didn't die,

and I went along with an
American who propositioned me.

That's when I realized
that I was as good as dead.

I don't want to
hear about your past!

And I don't want
to have to tell you,

but it's the only
way you'll forget me.

Forget about it all.

Once I crossed that line,
things got easier...

I'm no longer a part
of the world you live in.

I drifted here.

This is all the money
you sent me over the years.

I didn't spend a single yen.

Mother!

I wanted to have it for
you when you came home.

That's ridiculous!

I'd sent the money
to help you out!

I knew you were being
forced to leave the house,

Hitoshi, Nozomi and Tei
needed money for school.

That's why!

You were living like this so
that you could send us money?

Once I got over wanting to die,
I had to make a living somehow.

In this line of work,
nobody bothers you.

It's the best way for a
woman who's already dead...

I sent you money to repay
you for all that you did for me.

I wanted you to use it.

How can I spend
money like this?

It pained me every time
you sent money to me.

I blamed myself for
causing you to leave...

I wouldn't be able to face Yuu.

Don't mention Yuu anymore.

Let's go home.
You're still my daughter.

I think of you as Yuu's wife...

Do you really
enjoy what you do?

Do you think it's
fun and enjoyable?

Back in Ise,
I can't offer you any luxuries,

but I don't want
you living like this.

I don't want you doing this!

I'd like to come
home to you, too.

All we ever ate was dumpling soup.
But I remember how nice it was

to be able to site down
together at the table.

That was real happiness...

If you owe people money,
use this to repay them.

And thank them for their help.

Pack up and leave with me now!

Forget all about
the last four years!

Let's work together.
I want you to help me!

Sell all these things in your
room to some junk dealer.

All of your clothes, too.

I can buy you some new clothes.

Let's pack up right now!
Come on.

You're going home?

Thank you for everything.

I didn't do this
to receive thanks.

Your path and mine
have crossed many times.

I'm happy to be of help to you!

I'm so glad that Hatsuko
is going home with you.

Thank you very much.

I had no idea that it was
you who took care of me

when I first came
out from Yamagata.

You were just
about this tall then.

And I'm nothing
but an old man now.

No wonder you
didn't recognize me.

I have been trying to
get them to stay longer.

Sure. It's not often
that you come to Tokyo.

Who knows when
you will be back.

I might not be
around the next time.

Don't say that.

You and Ken promised me

that you'd come to visit
the Ise Shrine, didn't you?

I'll be waiting.

You've helped me
every time I needed help.

We'll get to Ise one day.

I hate parting.
I guess I'm getting old.

Please come back to see us.

Let's all live a long time

and enjoy this new
Japan we live in.

We can't die yet!

Let's all make
lots of money, too!

Right!

Oshin had spent about
five days in Tokyo.

Now she and Hatsuko
were back in Ise.

This is the same
section of town

where you had
your first fish store.

I still have some old
customers from before.

I'm sure some of them
remember you, too.

Hitoshi! Nozomi!

- Welcome home.
- Welcome home!

How did it go?
Did you find Hatsuko?

What's going on here?

People took our merchandise...

Thieves?

No... We couldn't sell anything.

So when payment was due,
we didn't have any money,

so the suppliers took
back all their things.

It can't be helped...

Mother.

- It's Hatsuko!
- Hatsuko!

Episode 230

What's so funny?
It's no laughing matter!

I'm sorry, but...

Those guys are bad.

We told them that we'd
pay up as soon as you got back.

But they came in trucks
and took everything away!

I'd forgotten all
about those payments.

I was too busy
with finding Hatsuko.

I'm sorry.
It's all my fault.

Don't apologize.
It's all Mother's fault!

You're the one who
wanted to sell sundries, too.

It was your responsibility!

Suppliers need money, too.
If they put off getting paid,

they won't have
capital to work with.

And there are a lot of
new stores out there.

I told them that
you'd be back shortly.

And we've known
them all a long time!

They wouldn't take
our word for anything.

That's how business is,

and there's a lot of competition
among wholesalers, too.

Whose side are you on?

The confusion of the
post-war period is over.

A business has to
be run properly now!

Please go talk to the suppliers.
They won't even talk to me!

Let's forget about
selling sundries.

But, Mother...!

To tell you the truth,

I was in a jam to
pay those suppliers.

Nothing was selling.

Even if I'd paid for them,

it would've been a waste of money
to let the merchandise just sit.

I'm glad they took it all back.

They had every right
to demand payment.

I should thank them
for taking it all back!

We'll just concentrate on
selling fish and vegetables.

This should have
taught you a lesson, too.

We can still make
the business grow.

We start taking orders
like your father did.

And we can sell tsukudani
and dried fish, too.

I'm sorry. We shouldn't
be bickering now.

I feel badly.
You don't have it easy here.

Running a store
is no easy matter.

I feel badly for having
you come back to this,

but I need you to be
my trusted confidant.

She's right.

Mother doesn't think much of us.

We're glad you came home!
Right, Mother?

I'm sure it was Yuu who
brought us back together again.

- I'm home!
- Welcome home.

- Mother, you're back?
- Yes.

- It's Hatsuko!
- Tei!

You sure have grown!

You, too.
You're an adult now.

Hatsuko is already 24.

Are you already married?

No. She's still single.

What were you doing in Tokyo?

She was working,
but she's come home to stay.

Mother will put
you to work again.

Too bad you
didn't stay in Tokyo.

Living in Tokyo for four years

has made me realize
how much I miss you all.

Please be good to me as before.

With Hatsuko here,
I won't have to do kitchen work!

Hatsuko is not a maid.
She's your older sister.

I came back to be
of help to you all.

Shall I make dinner?

Please offer incense
to Yuu and your father.

I'm sure they're very
happy that you're back.

They both understand.

There is nothing
to be ashamed of.

Ryuzo, and Yuu,
Hatsuko has come home.

Father and Yuu
will never grow old...

Had I died, I could've
been like them, too.

Welcome!

I need some fish for tempura!

Can you prepare some
mackerel for me, too?

Prepare this for the customer.

Here's the turnips, Nozomi.

I'll have mackerel, too.

What's good today?

How about flounder
or tachiuo?

- I'll have the tachiuo.
- Okay.

Come on and help me.

Shall I help you?

Can you prepare this?

Of course! I was raised
a fish dealer's daughter, too!

It's been a long time.

You used to be at
the old fish store!

I'm back again.

She's a fine woman now.
You must be a proud mother.

Yes. Thank you.

I'll take a daikon radish, too.

Okay.

Pick out a nice big
daikon radish for her.

I have tea for you.

Thank you.

It's been years since
anybody made tea for me.

It's good...

The war in Korea
has created a lot of jobs.

Many young women
work in factories now.

If you want to take a job,
go right ahead.

There's plenty of jobs
out there for everybody.

I don't want money.
I'm happy just being here.

But I could earn money
to help our household.

Oh, come on.
I'm not that poor!

Then I will just
keep working here.

If we all work hard,

maybe we'll be able to afford
to give you a nice wedding.

Shall we go to the bath?

Tei, we're going to the bath!

Why didn't you go to
the bath with Hitoshi?

You're both so lazy.

I need to talk to you.

I'll be going then.

I've been thinking...
and I want to study pottery.

I wrote a letter to
a pottery master,

and he says I can
study under him.

What's all this about pottery?

I want to become a potter.

I want to create
things with my hands.

That's my dream.

But I've been holding back.
I know you needed my help.

But Hatsuko is back now.

You don't need me.
I'm not much help here anyway.

Don't be silly!

I haven't been teaching
you about business

because we're short-handed!
Don't you understand that?

- But, I...
- Listen.

You are the sole
surviving heir to Kaga-ya,

the biggest rice dealer
in the city of Sakata.

The business is gone now.

But you have the responsibility
of rebuilding Kaga-ya.

That's why I took you in.

I owe it to the Kaga-ya
family and your mother

to see to it that you
grow up capable.

It's my duty to see to it
that you rebuild Kaga-ya!

But, Mother...

I wanted you to
go on to college.

But both you and
Hitoshi refused to go.

I've given up on the idea...

Business should be
learned hands-on anyway.

So I wanted you to learn
as we worked together.

That's why I made you
come along with me.

I'm not suited for business.

How do you know
without even trying?

I have done my
best for four years.

And I realized it now.

I hate business!

Nozomi!

I'd rather do something I enjoy.

I don't want to bow down
to people all the time!

It's not for me.

When I was small,
I wanted to be an artist.

But then I began
to get interested

in creating something
for all to enjoy.

Not mere art objects,

but something that people
can use in their daily lives.

Pottery is that!

And now, a teacher
has invited me to study.

I like his work.

It's warm, simple,
and yet strong.

I want to create
things just like him.

Is it all right?

Hatsuko, Tei.
Let's go to the bath.

Is it?

You haven't the time to waste.
Pottery is just a dream!

If you waste your time,

you'll never be able
to answer your calling!

Nozomi had always
been the most obedient,

so his request came
as a shock to Oshin.

Oshin could never let him
follow such a silly notion.

Episode 231

I never knew my real parents.

I grew up thinking that the
Tanokuras were my real parents.

Now I can't relate to being told that
I'm the heir to the Kaga-ya business,

or that I have to one day
re-establish that business.

Kaga-ya means nothing to me.

But Mother feels she
owes a lot to Kaga-ya.

And she's made a promise
to your real mother

that you'd re-establish
the Kaga-ya business.

But this is my life!

My life doesn't belong
to Mother, or Kaga-ya.

I guess so, but...

I'm not cut out to
be a businessman.

I hate business.

I'd rather create things.
Like a tea cup.

Don't you think
that's more like me?

You sure are childish...
You are 21,

yet you're still dreaming.
How will you eat?

I never want to go through
what we experienced

during and after
the war ever again.

To live without money or
material things is no way to live.

I never want to be poor again!

I managed to survive the
war suffering and hunger.

That's why I don't believe
in money or material things.

The reason Father
had to die like that,

was because he believed in
money and power too much.

I'd rather create...

Don't talk like
that about Father!

He took responsibility
for his own life.

I think he's great!

I respect him, too.

But I just don't
want to live like him.

I want a life that's not
swayed by the times.

And pottery offers me that.

I thought Mother
would understand, but...

I never want to make her cry.

Ohisa gave us some noodles.

She's always giving us things.

Why did you get
so many lobsters?

They won't sell.
They're too expensive!

You told me I'd be doing
all the buying, didn't you?

Don't you know by now
what sells and what doesn't?

Ohisa told me to get them
because they're cheap today!

I guess they'll stay
fresh for a few days.

I'm taking Hatsuko
with me to peddle fish.

The villagers will be
so surprised to see her.

We used to visit them
together as black marketeers.

I want you to stop dreaming.

How old do you think you are?

It's time you got
serious about business.

If we all work
hard together,

even our small store
can grow and prosper.

The time is now to
start getting serious.

I'm off to school!

I won't be able to come
to the parental conference.

It's called the PTA.

Hitoshi will go in my place.

- Hitoshi?
- I don't want to go!

They'll be discussing the students'
advancement to high school,

so someone has to be there.

She's going to high school?

Women today need education, too.

So that they can
support themselves.

Women can get into
any university now, too.

You're lucky to be living in a time
when all people are considered equal.

Study hard, and plan
on going to college.

- Bye.
- Have a good day.

Nozomi.

If you want to
study pottery, go ahead.

Staying here won't
do you much good.

Mother is telling
you about Kaga-ya,

but we're having enough
problems just making ends meet.

Who knows when you'll be
able to have your own business.

I'm sick of just selling
fish and vegetables!

I have my own dreams, too.

That's why I've helped
Mother over the last four years.

I thought running a store
would be more glamorous...

That's why I understand
your frustrations

about wanting
to start a new life.

I'm not despairing
of this business.

I think Mother is right

in trying to establish a
trusting clientèle by selling fish.

But business just isn't for me.

But the truth is,
you want to leave here.

Hitoshi...

Don't worry about Mother.

Your leaving won't
cause her to despair.

You plan to leave
no matter what, don't you?

I saw you packing
your things late at night.

I thought you were sleeping.

Make sure you leave
a forwarding address.

I'll explain things
to Mother for you.

I'm kind of envious of you.

You're lucky to be able
to do what you want.

You have your dreams, too.

One day, you'll be able
to have your own store.

Never mind that, but if you fail
you can always come home.

I'm sure you'll learn
your own limitations.

But make sure
you give it your all.

And know when to give it up.

Mother keeps
mentioning that you're 21.

But sometimes it takes that long for
one to realize what one wants to do.

Because you are 21,
you're able to make this decision.

Welcome!

You're the same Hatsuko who used
to come here years ago with Oshin?

You sure have grown!

I didn't recognize you.

Please continue to patronize us.

Are you still single?

We'll have to find
you a good husband.

There you go again!

- Welcome home.
- We're home.

How did the PTA meeting go?

They said Tei will surely get
into a prefectural high school.

That's good. Thanks for
going to the meeting.

Where's Nozomi?

This is Nozomi's
pottery teacher's address.

Mother...

I'm sorry to visit like
this without notice.

I'm Yashiro Nozomi's
foster mother.

I see. Please sit down.

I should've come to you sooner,
but Nozomi didn't tell me anything.

I see. He left home
without telling you?

I was against the
idea of his leaving.

I don't usually take in students
without their family's approval.

But Nozomi wrote
me so many letters.

I was overcome
by his enthusiasm.

He showed up yesterday
with his belongings.

He said he wasn't going home.
I couldn't just send him away.

I'm so sorry.

Nozomi told me about
his family situation.

And I understand why
you'd want to take him home.

But Nozomi's desires
can't be ignored.

And he's such a fine young man.

You'll allow him to stay?

I can't guarantee
that he'll be successful...

But with your approval,

I'd like to keep him
here for a while.

Thank you very much.

But if you think he lacks talent,

then please send him
home to us at any time.

I'm sure he will
leave with no regrets

if he's done the best he could.

I know.

It takes more than hard
work to become a potter.

It's my job as his teacher to let
him know if he really has no talent.

If that's the case,

I'll send him home to you in time
for him to find a different path in life.

He says it'll take you 10 years
to become a skilled potter.

I'll be 60 by then.
And if I'm still alive,

I want to have tea
in a cup that you made.

So you'll let me stay...?

I can tell you're Okayo's son.

Okayo was a talented artist.
She wanted to be a painter.

You will be realizing the
dream she wasn't able to fulfill.

I suppose that's
how it should be.

Have your teacher teach you well.

Someday...

I'll make you that tea cup.

Nozomi had finally left the nest.

Oshin returned home
resigned to the fact,

that this was for the best.

Nozomi wasn't the
only one to betray Oshin.

Another betrayal awaited her...

Episode 232

It was the summer of 1950.

Japan was entering a period
of rapid economic development.

Oshin had opened up
her own little store,

and Hatsuko had returned home.
after a four-year absence.

But Nozomi had left home,

in order to pursue his dream
of becoming a potter.

I'm surprised you
came back without him.

It sounds pretty
difficult being a potter.

Nozomi kept writing
to his master

to win his approval
and acceptance.

The teacher realized
Nozomi was serious.

He says he'll gladly let
Nozomi study for a while.

I'm impressed.
He's got you convinced, too.

Nobody knows yet
if he's cut out for it.

He might get sent home
if he shows no talent.

Hard work alone
doesn't make a potter.

I'm sure Nozomi was
born with artistic talent.

His real mother loved to paint.
She'd wanted to be an artist.

I guess he inherited
his mother's talents.

I'm sure Okayo
approves of his decision.

Nozomi will fulfill
his mother's dream...

Yes. Painting or potter,
it's all art.

I'm sure it's a good
choice for Nozomi.

I'll visit Okayo's grave
tomorrow to apologize,

and explain everything to her.

I was doing some figuring...

In spite of the fact that you
peddle fish and I run the store,

we're not making
much of a profit.

With rent for the store
and gas for the three-wheeler,

we're barely making ends meet.

When will we ever
get to expand the store?

If the four of us can eat,
what's the problem?

We haven't been in
business that long.

We should be grateful
we're not losing money!

We can't make a profit
from just fish and vegetables.

We should sell items that
have bigger profit margins.

I'm saying that there's
too much competition

in selling just fish
and vegetables!

And we have to deal
with spoilage, too.

We work too hard
for too little profit!

Let's figure out some other day.

What do you want us to do?

We'll seriously figure it out.

Anything else will
be just as hard!

We're dealing in foods
people need each day.

The turnover is quick,
and it's a sure thing.

But...

Rather than thinking
of other ways,

it's more important to
concentrate on what we're doing.

If you can't even sell fish,
how can you do anything else?

I have lunch ready for you.

Mind the shop!

Bye.

Why did you buy
a train ticket to Tokyo?

And why did you take
money without telling me?

I'd meant to talk
to you about it.

Are you really going to Tokyo?

You don't have any
time for pleasure trips!

I'm going to Tokyo to get a job.

Get a job?

My friend from the Navy...

His father runs a store in Tokyo,
and he's looking for employees.

You want to work
as a clerk in a store?

Yes. I don't want to die as just a
fish store owner in a country town!

My dream is to
have my own store.

That's why I worked
with you for four years.

My dream isn't to just
sell fish and vegetables.

I have things I want
to do on my own.

There's a limit to your
way of doing things.

We can't just keep
working so hard

for so little profit!
If you won't change your ideas,

we'll forever be living hand-
to-mouth as fish sellers.

You may be satisfied with that,
but I want more!

Mother told us that once we get
established selling fish and vegetables,

she's willing to
try something new.

The way we do things,

we'll never have the
money to try new venues.

We're barely making
enough money to keep us fed!

I know only too well...

Hitoshi!

There is no use
working the way we do.

I want to see how far I can go
working in a bigger retail store.

What will you be able to do?

What will they let you do?

They'll just make you work.
That's all!

It's better than selling
fish and vegetables.

A department store
has growth potential.

Hitoshi!

Nozomi got to do what he wants.

Why can't I?

Don't talk nonsense!

Nozomi is gone.
You can't just leave, too.

Think how Mother feels!

Enough.
He won't listen.

If you hate working here so much,
you can go anywhere you want.

Mother...

You and Mother
need to talk it over.

I'll run my store
the way I see fit!

I don't care what you say.

So there's no use
talking about it.

I feel better now...
I'll leave tomorrow.

One more thing!

I won't give you any support.

You're responsible for
your own future now.

Don't you dare come
crying to me later!

If you leave, you'd better
keep that in mind.

Let him go.

Stop him, or he
will really go to Tokyo!

Let him go.

Even a mother and her son

sometimes have to
go their separate ways.

But...

Mother.

Please take the day off
from peddling today.

I don't want Hitoshi to
leave while you're gone.

I'm sure he'll understand
if you talk to him again.

He's not one to listen to me.

He'll be full of regrets
if I keep him here.

Give him this money.

Tell him it's from you.

You and I can run this business.
We have to!

Take care.

Take care of yourselves.

What about breakfast?

I have to make
the train on time.

Mother will be home soon.
Wait for her.

It's best if I
don't face her now.

We have nothing more
to talk about anyway.

Tell her that I left cheerfully.

You're really going?

Yes. My friend's getting
a room for me there.

I'll contact you
once I get settled.

Hitoshi...

Don't look so sad!

Study hard, and go to college.

Come to a college in Tokyo.
I'll take care of you.

Make sure you
contact us right away.

Be sure to write to Mother.

I will.

And...

Take this.

I don't need money,
I have a job waiting.

It's from Mother.

Maybe you weren't meant to be
cooped up here in this small town...

I'm sure you'll do better
in a Tokyo retail store.

We'll visit you once
you get settled.

I'll do my best...

Take good care of yourself...

I will.

Episode 233

Nice work.

Let's eat.

Hitoshi has gone?

He didn't want
to miss his train.

Hatsuko...

The Korean War has
brought us an economic boom.

The factories are looking
for women workers.

Many housewives
have taken these jobs.

But by the time
they get off work,

all the stores are closed,
and they can't shop.

Maybe we should keep
our store open longer...

How can you be so nonchalant
when Hitoshi is gone?!

You could've stopped
him from leaving!

You were so cold to him...

So what?

If he wants to work
in Tokyo, let him.

If it's not what he was meant to do,
then he can always come back.

You told him he could
never come home again...

I had to tell him that
to make him persevere.

It's just the two of s now...

That's not so bad.
Now that the troublemaker is gone,

we're free to run
the place the way we want.

I'll keep selling out
of the three-wheeler,

and you can manage
the store for me.

- Mother.
- Yes?

Rather than keeping
the store open later,

why not take the
three-wheeler to various factories

at closing time and sell there?

We could go after
we close up here.

It'll be a lot of work...

But I think it's better than
waiting for customers to come to us.

What a good idea!
I never thought of doing that!

You sure have a good
mind for business!

Nozomi had left
to become a potter,

and Hitoshi was off to
work for a Tokyo retailer.

Both of Oshin's
sons had left home.

But she had no regrets.

She, herself, had left home
once to find her own way.

Starting tomorrow, Hatsuko and
I will be too busy to care for you,

so start doing more things
for yourself from now on.

We will have to leave
the house early in the morning,

and leave again
late in the afternoon.

You will be lonely,
but please bear with it.

And don't neglect your
studies for your exams.

There's no need for you
to worry about the business.

I can do the laundry,
the cleaning and cooking.

We only have ourselves
to count on now.

We can't rely on
my brothers anymore.

Hitoshi has gone off to Tokyo,

and Nozomi probably
won't be coming home.

Too bad... You worked
so hard to raise them.

I just want all my children
to be able to be on their own.

After you graduate from college,
you can do what you want, too.

Hatsuko, too.

I want you to get married
if the right man comes along.

Marriage isn't for me...

I'm always ready
to be on my own.

That's why I want to work as hard
as I can while I'm still able.

Your father and Yuu
will always be with me...

And that's enough for me.

The following day,

Oshin began selling
fish and vegetables

after hours near
the busy factories in town.

- Welcome home.
- We're home.

You sure were out late...

I had to wait for the
people working overtime.

You get up early to buy the fish,
then you go peddling during the day,

and you have to work
until late in the evening.

You might wear yourself out.
Hatsuko, too.

This is nothing compared to
what I had to do in my youth,

or what I had to go
through in Kyushu.

One can't ever complain
about working hard.

- Have some tea.
- Thanks.

- Here you go.
- Thanks.

This is good...

After the war,
our society changed.

People are free to do
whatever they choose to do now.

Hitoshi and Nozomi
are out on their own.

I'm finally free to do
business as I choose.

I want to see how far
I can go on my own.

I made osomen noodles
for a late night snack.

That's so thoughtful of you!

Hitoshi wrote to me,
and told me

that I should be
helping you both more.

I guess he's still concerned
about you and the store.

He only wrote to you?

No. There's one for
you and Hatsuko, too.

Let me see.

Here.

He says he has
gotten a room,

and he's going to
be starting work soon.

His old Navy friend
is helping him out a lot.

He's bought himself a dress
shirt and a three-piece suit.

I guess he's always just
worn windbreakers here.

He says he's required to wear
a suit at the department store.

He also says he has a hard time
finding a tie to match the suit.

That's what he gets for getting
a job at a department store!

He says he's always
wanted a job like that.

I'm sure he looks good in a suit.

He's tall and he's good-looking!

I guess you can't
sell vegetables in a suit.

I suppose young people
want to dress up.

He has left home,
but he writes us letters.

Hitoshi is really nice.

Want some osomen now?

Yes.

- Are you Mr. Tanokura?
- Yes, I am.

- Please come in.
- Thank you.

Sit down.

You're here on the
owner's recommendation?

- That's right.
- How do you know him?

I was in the Navy with his son.

Let's see... About your job.

We'll have you doing deliveries.

We've started deliveries
as a customer service.

We need more men in that section.

It's important work,
so do a good job.

I will.

I see... Deliveries?

I know you got me the job,

but I wish I could've
gotten a better position.

A delivery man just checks
off merchandise on a list

and sends them out.
Anybody can do that job!

I even bought this suit,

but I won't be able to
wear it doing manual labor.

It's a waste of time...

I came out to Tokyo,

so I could do meaningful work
at a department store!

I'm sorry...

I shouldn't be
complaining to you.

It's just that I came
here with dreams...

I'm sure I will get
promoted if I work hard.

From what I understand,

you didn't even graduate from
the former middle school system.

I thought about going back
after I returned from the war,

but as you know,
my father died,

so I had to help my mother out.

I had intended to run
my own business,

so I didn't think an
education was necessary.

Maybe so... If you're
running your own business.

But when you work for a company,
one needs a college education.

It was all my father could do

to get you the job
you were assigned to.

I'm sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

I didn't have any idea that education
was so important in getting a job.

I'm sorry that I
caused you concern.

Hitoshi had been in
Tokyo for three months now.

And Oshin's business
was going very well.

Work was finally fun for Oshin.

Episode 234

[We now sell misozuke
and kasuzuke fish.]

[And we also
deliver to all areas.]

I've filled all our orders
for today with this.

The economy must be
really good for people

to be ordering
kasuzuke sea bream!

Sea bream, shrimp
and abalone kasuzuke

are all gift items
for special occasions.

It's the season
for gift giving now.

- These are for misozuke?
- Yes.

Maybe it's a little too sweet.

They say it won't go with
sake very well if it's too salty.

It's good!
We can leave it like this.

If you say so.

We were able to get sea
bream at a good price.

Such nice fillets.

Are you still at it?

You are overworking
yourselves again!

Fish won't keep,
so we have to get it done now.

You should be in bed!

Can I help?

It's okay. We only have
a little more to do.

You work all day
and all afternoon,

and you come home
and work half the night.

Do you really have to...

Will you package the
orders due out tomorrow?

I have the orders written there.

You and Hatsuko
will both end up sick!

Just do one thing at a time.

It's not for you to worry!

Just study and help out
with the housework.

Is this the misozuke for tomorrow?

That will do. The kasuzuke
is underneath there.

Maybe it's all right for you,

but you're making
Hatsuko work much too hard.

We should be thankful
that we are busy.

We make preserved fish
because people want them.

I remember you and
Father used to make these

when I first came
to live with you.

Your father and I
used to think a lot

about ways of
increasing our product line.

This brings back
so many memories...

Let's work hard and build up
our business to what it used to be!

We're almost there.
Our profits keep going up.

I have an idea...
It's colder now,

and people want to cook
pot dishes at home.

So maybe we can make
ready-to-cook pot dishes

with fish, vegetables
and all the fixings.

We'll cut up the fish,

and for vegetables,
we'll add some scallions,

edible chrysanthemums
and Chinese cabbage,

so they can use it right away
to make their pot dishes.

We can include tofu
and konnyaku, too!

Yes. Pot dishes are big
during the cold season.

And if it's pre-packaged,
it'd be more convenient for people.

Let's start from tomorrow.

Yes!

You're just making
more work for yourselves!

We have to put ourselves
in our customers' shoes,

and make it more
convenient for them.

Anybody can sell fish,

but with more
competition out there,

new ideas become crucial.
We wouldn't survive.

I give up!

Good morning, Oshin.

- Working hard as usual?
- Yes. Good morning.

I have an unusual visitor.
Drop by for some tea.

He came for special fish
for his father-in-law's birthday.

I have it all ready for you.

I got you a really
big sea bream, too.

Thank you for all your help.

You sure are good
to your in-laws!

I don't do enough.

That's why I want to
help celebrate his birthday.

Congratulations.

Kota is in line to
inherit their family store.

They've just rebuilt
their old location.

I hear your store
is doing well, too.

Thanks to you and Hisa,
I do fairly well.

Hitoshi is working in Tokyo now?

It must be hard to
do everything yourself.

No.

Children all have to
leave the nest one day.

With my husband gone,
my job as his wife is done.

I'm ready to sit back
and work for myself now.

The new times allow
me to do things my way.

I want to enjoy myself now!

Oshin keeps coming up
with new ideas.

She sells kasuzuke and
misozuke fish that are cheap,

delicious and last long,
so they're very popular.

I hear you sell a lot of that.

We used to preserve our
leftover fish that way in the past.

So now I take special
orders that we deliver all over.

I've been watching you
for over 30 years now.

You had your difficult times,
but I never heard you complain.

At last, your perseverance
is finally paying off.

It's as you say.
Your time has come.

If I can be of further help,

I'll be more than
happy to help you out.

I want you to realize all
your dreams from the past.

Live up to your possibilities.

Kota's words were heartwarming.

Oshin's grandmother
had worked hard all her life.

Yet she never
had white rice to eat.

Oshin had decided
early on that her life

would not be like
her grandmother's.

The old memories
came flooding back...

All her dreams have
not been fulfilled yet.

But it wasn't too late...

Oshin was full of thoughts
as she drove home...

Finally you're home!

I was worried
because you're so late.

Sorry, I was visiting Hisa.

We talked a lot
about business, too.

We'd better start taking orders
for New Year's fish and vegetables.

We have to secure
our supplies, too.

Isn't it strange?

My letter came back, too.
All stamped "Return to sender."

Did Hitoshi move?

It also says,
"Forwarding address unknown."

I'm sure he would have
told us if he moved.

I'm going to make a phone call.

What could've happened?

They say he quit
his job 10 days ago.

He quit at the department store?

I asked what department
he was working in.

They finally told me
he worked in Deliveries.

He turned in his resignation and just
stopped coming to work after that.

Why?

I asked, but they just said
it was for personal reasons.

He was so happy
to go to Tokyo.

I can see if he was fired, but why
would he quit his job on his own?

Something probably happened,

but they wouldn't
give me any details.

You know how he is.

He's not the type to
back down from challenges.

But I can't believe
he'd quit just like that...

Why don't you go to
Tokyo and find out?

What's the use?

His old Navy friend would know.

Hitoshi is not a child anymore.

I'm sure he had his
reasons for quitting.

It won't do any
good for us to worry.

He will send us
word soon enough.

Let's finish eating.

He's been out of
work for 10 days now.

I wonder how he's managing.

I'm sure he can
make it on his own.

That is why he
quit his job, I'm sure.

If he can't make it on his own,

he'll never amount to much
no matter what he does!

He left home saying he
was going to carve his own path.

If he has the tenacity,
he'll make it somehow.

I'm sure he plans to
come home for New Year's.

I'm sure he'll come home.

Oshin had been in
business for six months now.

It was now the
beginning of 1951,

but there was still
no word from Hitoshi.

He didn't tell
you anything either?

No.

Mother wrote to me that
Hitoshi had gone to Tokyo,

but Hitoshi never
wrote to me at all.

I thought he was doing all right.

Here. Have more mochi.

I was looking forward to seeing
him here during New Year's.

You think he means to stay away?

It's not like him to
cause Mother to worry.

What if he's sick?

Otherwise,
he would have written us.

Never mind Hitoshi.

I gave up on ever seeing
him come home again,

when I let him go off to Tokyo.

He didn't want to
sell fish and vegetables,

so why would he
come back here?

I'm sure he is
doing as he pleases.

Today is New Year's, so maybe he'll
show up tomorrow, or the next day.

Let's play cards.

It's Hitoshi.

He's home!

Translation: UTB Channel

Thanks to Avallac'h
and XrayMind at D-Addicts.