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Episode 253

Michiko had agreed
to live with Oshin

as a condition
of marrying Hitoshi.

But on the first day
back from their honeymoon,

Michiko left to go
home to her parents.

All this happened during the busy
end-of-the-year season of 1955.

I feel so worry for Hitoshi.

After all he had to go
through to marry Michiko.

Please let him go to Nagoya
tomorrow to bring her back.

He needs to know
exactly why she left.

Won't you let him go?

Michiko left on her own.

She should be the one telling
us the reason for her leaving!

Maybe so, but try to
understand Hitoshi.

He's brought it all upon himself.

He should've found a
better wife for himself.

It doesn't matter how successful
her father is in business.

She's no help to him at all!

They can't just divorce now.

If she doesn't want to come home,
they'll just have to divorce.

But, Mother...!

Be careful today.
The roads might be frozen.

Compared to winters in
Yamagata, this is nothing!

The waters here can't ever
get as cold as the Sea of Japan.

I'm going to Nagoya
to see about Michiko.

It's my responsibility
to find out why she left.

I don't need you telling
me if I can go or not.

I'll try to be back
as soon as possible.

How pathetic...
A man running after his wife!

Back in my day,

leaving like that would've
gotten me divorced in an instant.

Good morning!

Michiko!

I'm sorry I caused
you so much worry.

Welcome home!
Is Hitoshi with you?

No.

He took the first train
to Nagoya this morning.

He did?

Yes, you just missed each other.

I can't believe that Hitoshi went
to Nagoya to come and get me.

You're his precious
wife, after all.

- Mr. Kawabe!
- Hello.

I'm so sorry Michiko has
caused you trouble again.

As her father,
I'm here to apologize.

I suppose I didn't
train her properly.

She came home,

and said that she wanted
the marriage annulled,

because she's unfit as a
wife for the Tanokura family.

When I asked her about it,

she said she had left
without a word to any of you.

And that's why I've brought
her back here with me.

I'm very sorry.

I married Hitoshi
knowing that he

was to take over
the Tanokura store.

I thought I was ready
to be a merchant's wife,

and that's why I agreed
to live here with you.

But after Hatsuko told me

what I was required to
do here as his new wife...

I realize I'm not
able to do it all.

I can't believe how hard
you and Hatsuko work.

I feel I'll never be
able to please you both.

Rather than living here and
getting on one another's nerves,

I felt it was best to leave.

No matter how much I love
Hitoshi, we should divorce.

I'm sure you
are angry with me,

but I didn't really know
it myself until I tried it.

I don't want to be the
cause of discord here.

And I would also
end up hurting myself.

I'm sure you can find

a more suitable wife
for the Tanokura family.

Is that all you have to say?

Young people today
are very selfish.

Michiko, too,
and I scolded her for it.

But after giving
it a lot of thought,

I realized that she'd be
causing you too much trouble.

I understand,

but how do you really
feel about Hitoshi?

I love him.

But no matter how
much we love each other,

we'd end up fighting all
the time if I can't please you.

We'd end up resenting and
hating each other eventually.

Then, we both wouldn't know
why we got married in the first place.

That's the most painful thing...

I'm happy that you
care a lot about Hitoshi,

and of course,
that's what is most important.

I won't interfere anymore.

All I expect is for you to
do the best you can do.

After all, you're Hitoshi's wife.

Just do things
the way you see fit.

There's no need to do things
as we've been doing them.

You could clean the house
every other day if you like.

The meals can be
simple or luxurious,

and you can get up at
whatever hour you choose.

Maybe we were wrong to be
telling you how to do everything.

You're in charge,
so we won't interfere.

Will that do?

Yes.

I'm glad you
told me straight out.

If you hadn't told us,

we could've made
a terrible mistake.

Are you serious?

Our way of thinking
just don't work anymore.

I understand that now.

I'll go up and change.

You can go home now.

I'm sure it's my wife's
fault that she's like that.

My daughter is the same way!

The world out there is
a different place now.

No matter how much I tell her
that a bride has to conform,

she just won't listen!

Back in our day,

we could never talk back
to our mother-in-law.

And we all thought
that was normal.

No matter what we were told,
we'd have to listen and accept it.

And we thought that
persevering was everything.

So you've gone
through a lot yourself.

I thought I knew better,

but here I was trying to
push my ways on Michiko.

Maybe it's good that young people
today can speak their minds openly.

I never want people
to just persevere,

or cry in solitude.
We've had enough of that!

I don't want anyone
to be that way anymore.

And we shouldn't allow it!

I just want Michiko to build a
home here just as she sees fit.

Before I start giving our
new bride a hard time,

I should be paying
more attention to the store.

Welcome home!

How can you be so nonchalant!

Thank you for going to
Nagoya to bring me back!

I'm very happy that you did,
and I think I can make it.

I won't try so hard
at being a perfect wife.

I've decided to speak up

if I think I can't do something
Mother expects of me.

I will never make
it if I try too hard.

I'll do my best, and if
that's not enough, so be it!

I'll work at my own pace.
Like a snail.

You must be hungry.

The rice is cold.
Shall I make fried rice?

Yes.

That much I can do.

As soon as the busy end-
of-the-year season ended,

Hitoshi and Michiko
left to go on a skiing trip.

There was only Oshin
and Hatsuko to celebrate

the new year at
the Tanokura Store.

I was hoping that
with Hitoshi and his bride

we could celebrate
New Year's in a big way...

Young people look
forward to having fun.

Like going skiing
on their holidays.

They don't work that
hard to deserve such fun.

Mother.

Tei is going skiing, too,

but shouldn't Nozomi
be coming home?

That's true.

Maybe something has happened.

Shall I call him?

1956 was to be a big year for
Oshin and her new retail store.

Nozomi was to have
a crucial year, too.

Episode 254

Hello, I'm calling
from Tanokura.

Is this Yuri?
It's Hatsuko.

Happy New Year!
How are you doing?

I see. Just a minute.

It's Yuri.

The Master and his wife
have gone to the hot springs,

and she's watching the house.

Hello! Yuri, it's me.

Yes, I'm busy as usual.

Happy New Year!

I'm glad you're doing well.

Where's Nozomi?

Thanks.

It's long past lunchtime.

I didn't want to bother you
while you were concentrating.

Shall I bring your lunch here?

Never mind.

You should eat something.

Never mind me.
Go out and have some fun.

After all, it's New Year's.
I'll watch the house.

I'm sorry. I was just
worried about you.

I won't bother you anymore.

No, it's not that.

I'm just afraid that
you were staying here

just to keep me company.

I don't have anywhere
to go anyway.

I like it here.

A young woman shouldn't be
cooped up here in the mountains.

Shouldn't you go
home to your family?

There is nobody
waiting for me at home.

Call me if you need anything.

Your mother called.

I didn't tell you because
you were working,

but she's looking forward to your
coming home for the holidays.

I'd meant to visit
them for New Year's,

but I got too
caught up in my work.

I feel badly for
not being there now.

I have to produce
something that's worthy

of being shown in
the upcoming exhibit.

So I want to make
something that's really me!

Even if I should fail,

I want to be able to say
that I've done my best.

I want to make something good,
but more than that,

I want my master
to be proud of me.

I guess it's going to
be just the two of us.

Please, have some.

You have some, too.

This may be the last
time we celebrate so quietly.

By next year,
there might be a new baby,

and we'd all be running
around in a hurry.

I sure hope that
will be the case.

But if the new store
doesn't work out,

we might not even have
a home to celebrate in...

Don't talk like that
on New Year's day!

We won't know
until we give it a try.

Don't worry.

I'm sure the coming year will
be as good as this past one.

It's too late to turn back now,

but maybe we should've
just remained a small store

selling fish and vegetables...

Don't talk like that.
It's not like you!

I don't think Japan is ready yet
to have a self-service store.

If we fail, we'll just start
over again from scratch!

You've gone through
failures many times,

and you always said each
one made you stronger.

That's true...

Then you have
nothing to be afraid of.

I've seen the bottom, too.

After what I went through
working at the American base,

I can withstand anything!

If we fail, we can always
go back to peddling fish.

We can't fail this time.

I'm too old now.
I have no more time for failure.

I've opened so many
stores in my time,

but this one is going
to be my last one.

Everything is riding
on this new store.

I feel a responsibility
toward Nozomi, too.

What if Nozomi should
fail at his pottery career?

I promised his mother...

I told her I'll make
sure Nozomi is all right.

If he fails at making pottery,
I'll have him go into business.

It's the best for him.

That's why...

That's why I have
to make a success

of that new store of ours...

I'll make it a success.

Mother.

Success...

I guess there's never
any end to your worries.

Poor thing...

After the holidays,
things were busier than ever.

The construction for the
new store was progressing,

and Oshin didn't even have the
time to be worrying about Nozomi.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Yuri is on the phone.

Really?
Excuse me.

Yes, we're so busy.

We're set to open in March,
but I still have so much to learn!

I sure hope we can
get to open on schedule.

Nozomi never did make it
home for the holidays.

The kiln is being fired today.

About 10 of Nozomi's
pots are in there.

I'm so happy that I
had to call to tell you!

Thanks for letting me know.

Tell him I'll be praying for him.

He has to keep the kiln
fired for three full days?

That must be a lot of work...
Tell him to take care of himself.

It looks good!

Hello.

What are you going to
do with those rice balls?

I have to feed Nozomi.
He won't leave the kiln.

Why doesn't he get
someone to fill in for him?

You get like that when your
own pieces are in the kiln.

One needs determination like
that if one wants to succeed.

The Master's wife let me
make some carp soup for you.

You stayed up this late?

Everyone is worried.

Shouldn't you let somebody
else take over for a while?

The kiln has to fire
for another two full days!

You need to get some sleep.

I can go without sleep
for a couple of days.

The kiln's fire needs
constant attention.

I can't leave its side.

Wipe your brows.

Thanks.

You go on and get some sleep.

You don't want me here?

I love the color
of the flames.

Those flames turn
lumps of clay into art.

Strange, isn't it?

Do you like pottery?

Before coming here,

I never knew such
a world existed.

To watch people
turning clay into pottery,

and to watch them being fired.

Although I don't
know anything about it,

I've grown to love.

You say strange
things for a young girl.

I could never do it,

but if I could,
I'd probably sit here like you,

and watch my pieces
being fired by the flames.

You could do it, too.

No...

I just want to take care of you,
and others who are real potters.

I'm very happy now.

For the very
first time in my life...

I realize what happiness is.

Episode 255

It's dog eat dog out there!

Sentiments won't get you through!

Our job is to get as many
customers as possible.

Talk like that,

and you'll be resented by every
other merchant here in town!

I don't care whether
I'm resented or hated.

We have to survive here!

We will undersell
others by a yen or two,

then the customers
will be happy!

If the others don't like it,

then let them
lower their prices, too!

That's free enterprise!

A self-service market
need to let people know

that its prices are
lower than others!

We don't need to
sell fish and produce.

Instead, we'll just sell various
products at discount prices,

- and we'll succeed!
- Hitoshi!

Hitoshi and I will be
going to Nagoya tonight.

Hatsuko, will you
make dinner tonight?

Listen to her...

She didn't even ask
for permission to go!

At least she tells
you that she's going.

People nowadays just up
and leave. That's normal.

I guess you're right.
What's the use of complaining?

Are all the orders done?

Yes, I just have to
make the buri fillets.

Then I'll just wrap up this.

People come to us
with special orders

because they can
just call and we deliver.

We certainly don't lose
money on these orders.

I wish we could
continue the service.

We're going into
self-service to get rid

of such old-fashioned
ways of doing business.

Some of them may not come
all the way here to shop.

Hitoshi and I have different
ideas about business.

If we do it Hitoshi's way,
the business will grow.

But will it work?

I wish Nozomi could be here
to hold Hitoshi to moderation.

Nozomi should think
about coming home.

He and Hitoshi can ruin
the new store together...

And if things go well,

I'll let Nozomi eventually
have his own store.

That would help me to keep
my promise to his mother.

But, Mother...

Let's visit Nozomi.

We haven't heard a word
from him since he called

to say that his
pottery was in the kiln.

Welcome!

- Welcome!
- Welcome!

Thanks. I'll get the rest.

Sorry about today.
You had to do Hitoshi's work.

Never mind.

Take care.

Nozomi!

I'm home.

Welcome home!

Looks like Nozomi
read your mind.

Mother was thinking
of visiting you tomorrow.

Did something happen?

No. It's just that we've
had no word from you.

Sorry. I had a lot of
things on my mind.

I planned to come home as
soon as I resolved everything.

Is something wrong?

No... Where's Hitoshi?

He's in Nagoya with Michiko.

They'll probably stay
with her parents tonight.

I wanted Hitoshi to
hear what I have to say.

I'd been wanting
to talk to you, too.

Maybe it's good that
Hitoshi isn't here.

Let's eat first.
We can talk later.

I'm so glad Hatsuko
cooked tonight.

Michiko is such a lousy cook!

She can't even
cook rice properly.

And she gets upset if
Hatsuko tries to teach her.

Michiko is trying to do her best.

Hatsuko is really very sweet.

I know how Mother
and Michiko both feel.

What did you come to tell us?

Yes, that...

I think I can
make it as a potter.

Master approves
of my latest efforts.

Really!

He says I can start
putting my own name

to the pottery
I put in the kiln.

I'm confident that I can mold
my own future as a potter now!

I'd wanted to
tell you about it, but...

...there was something else.

But that's been decided, too.

I've decided...
to get married.

I'm not financially independent,

but the master and
his wife have agreed,

so I'm going to rent a small
house and commute to work.

Yuri will continue
as their housekeeper.

Is this the same Yuri
who used to work here?

Yes... That's her.

- Nozomi!
- You can't do that!

I know all about
Yuri and Hitoshi!

She's been turning
me down because of that, too.

That's why it took such
a long time to tell you.

But none of that matters to me!

What's important is the present.

She's very good to me.

She kept me company
over the holidays, too.

She stayed and cared
for me as I worked.

She also made sure
not to disturb me, too.

Seeing her like that
makes me feel grateful.

I stayed up three days
and nights tending the kiln.

Yuri didn't sleep much
those days either.

She loves the potter's life.

The mountains give
her a sense of calm.

She understands
a lot about pottery, too.

And best of all,
she understands me.

I knew I should've
asked for your permission

before I asked her to marry me.

But I figured I'd want to marry
her whether or not you approve.

Nozomi and Yuri...

She is warmhearted.

And she's sensitive.

I don't need you to
tell me that about her.

Will you give us your blessing?

If you both love and
understand each other.

What more could I ask for?

I'm so glad...

I wasn't able to
help Yuri very much.

Her pain would've
left a scar on me, too.

I just want you
to make her happy...

Thank you, Mother.

You were able to
see the good in Yuri.

Because you are
a good person, too.

It takes a warmhearted
person to recognize another.

I'm sure Nozomi and Yuri
will make a fine couple!

Yes, they will.

I want to do anything to help.
Tell me what you need!

Will you see Yuri?

She's waiting at
an inn near here.

Oshin, and Hatsuko.

We heard the news.

Best wishes.

They gave their approval?

Yes.

Yes, Yuri.

Thank you very much!
Thank you...

You've had a tough time,

and apologizing to you
now won't do much good.

I just wish the best
for you and Nozomi.

I'll do all I can
to help you both.

Yuri is going to be
your daughter now.

She's going to be our new bride.

This was meant to be...

I'm so glad...

I won't have to worry now.

Let's visit Okayo's
grave tomorrow.

That's another reason
why I brought Yuri.

I'll go and proudly
report all of this to Okayo!

Oshin's hopes of
Nozomi joining her

in running the new
store wasn't realized.

Her hopes of one
day having Nozomi

restore the Kaga-ya
name were gone, too.

But Oshin was proud
to see Nozomi

carving out his own path in life.

Nozomi and Yuri now gave Oshin

a new sense of security
in facing the future.

Episode 256

Since 1955, the Japanese economy
was growing in leaps and bounds.

In the spring of 1956,

Nozomi and Yuri were
about to get married.

Mother and Hatsuko are closing up
the store to attend the wedding.

Why aren't you going?

I'm too busy to go
to Nozomi's wedding.

You and Nozomi
grew up as brothers!

Mother and Hatsuko
are already going!

But, Hitoshi...

Besides, I will be busy
taking bids from wholesalers,

and we're getting the new
cash register in tomorrow, too.

After you finish that,
let's go out for dinner.

We can't afford it, can we?

Don't worry. I'll treat.

Mother doesn't give
you that much money.

My father takes good care of me.

Your mother doesn't give me enough
household money to make ends meet.

Such pretty flowers!

Won't Michiko
think it's strange

that Hitoshi won't
attend the wedding?

It can't be helped.

There's a lot of unresolved
feelings between Yuri and Hitoshi.

I'm sure Nozomi won't be visiting
home with Yuri from now on.

I was hoping that one day,
Hitoshi and Nozomi

together with their wives
would help each other out.

But it's not meant to be.

Please watch the house
while we're gone.

Okay.

Where's the wedding taking place?

At the home of
Nozomi's pottery teacher.

Then it's going to be
a small ceremony?

Unlike Michiko,
Yuri doesn't have a father.

And I'm not even
Nozomi's natural mother,

we can't really do much.

They shouldn't be
getting married now.

We're in the middle of a financial
pinch with the new store.

Nozomi would've turned
down Mother's offer

of financial help anyway.

They both want to be able to
pay for their own ceremony.

Money can't buy a
happy marriage anyway.

It's love that counts.
Not the wedding.

We'll probably be home late.

- Well be going now.
- Take care.

Mother is still upset
about our wedding.

She's always so sarcastic!

We're here!

Thank you for coming.

I know you are
both terribly busy.

Why aren't you both
dressed for the ceremony?

We're getting married
dressed like this.

I'd wanted to give
them a reception, too.

I'm sorry,

but I couldn't ask Master
here to do so much for me.

Besides, we wanted
to get married here

among our co-workers.

Master and his wife
will be the go-between.

Fate had brought them both here,
and we like them both very much.

It's the least we can do.

I'm so grateful.

Since I'm not able
to do anything to help.

They've ended up asking
you both for assistance.

We're not doing much,

but since we're acting
as their go-between,

we thought we'd dress up.

The cost for the ceremony was
split among all our workers.

I'm accepting everyone's
kindness just for that.

You shouldn't have
to do any work today!

It's getting near the
time for your ceremony.

Imagine! Working on
her own wedding day...

That's what makes
Yuri so precious!

Congratulations!

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

The ceremony wasn't
much to speak of.

But both Nozomi and
Yuri seemed so sincere

in their love for each other,
and belief in their future.

Oshin was moved.

Please come in.

It's so quiet up here...

The landlord lives
in the main house.

They're old, and their
children are all grown,

- and working in town.
- I'll go pay my respects.

They're not home.
Let's go inside.

You did a good job
of tidying up.

We don't really
have any furniture.

Please sit down.

You did all of this
by yourselves?

All we did was find
this house to live in.

Nozomi could've lived as
the young owner of Kaga-ya,

the big rice dealer if the times
hadn't changed so much...

Mother.

I wasn't able to raise you
as Okayo would've liked.

But at least Nozomi met Yuri.

Yes, that's true.

Other kids expect
so much from their parents.

I'll be very pleased if you go on
making your own masterpieces.

You won't be running
a big business,

but if you're doing work
of your own choosing,

I'm sure Okayo will
be able to forgive me.

I'm sure things
won't be easy for you.

But as long as you
two love one another,

you'll be able to get over
any hurdle in life!

What's important is
that you're man and wife.

Here.

We're home.
You're back already?

We thought you'd stay
longer and enjoy yourselves.

You didn't have dinner?

The wedding ceremony
was over at noon.

We figured they'd hand out
boxed lunches or something.

It wasn't an extravagant
wedding like that.

But you gave them
a lot of money.

You didn't even get a present?

Nozomi gave us one of his pots.

What's so good about this one?
Do you put miso or salt in it?

The form represents
a certain warmth.

Warmth... I guess one has
to be able to appreciate it.

But it must be very expensive!

It would've been better
to get some red rice to eat!

We'd better go up.

I'll clean up the dishes
tomorrow morning.

- Good night.
- Michiko.

- Yes?
- Did you two have dinner?

It was our day off,
so we dined out.

You must know that we need

every bit of money we can
get now for the new store.

I didn't spend any
Tanokura money!

We went to dinner with
money my father gave me.

I do realize that
we have to conserve.

Since the money you give me
isn't enough to run the household,

I've been having to add to it
with money my father gives me.

I don't need you complaining
to me about money!

You're a Tanokura now.
There's no reason for you

to be receiving financial
assistance from your father!

I want you to be able to make do

with the household
money that I give you!

Michiko!

Mother.

Michiko isn't used to running
a household on a budget,

and she feels badly when
she doesn't have enough.

Mr. Kawabe just wants
to help his daughter out.

You didn't have to
say anything about it!

You're pathetic!

Don't you feel bad about getting
money from your wife's family?

Mr. Kawabe loves his daughter,

so there's nothing wrong
with accepting his help!

There's no reason to
make trouble out of nothing!

I raised Nozomi and Hitoshi
in exactly the same way.

How did they turn
out so different?

Hitoshi just wants
to make sure that

our new store is
a success, that's all.

But it's so pathetic...

When you have no money,
even your daughter-in-law scorns you.

No matter what it takes,

I'll make sure that our
new store is a success.

What's wrong with adding to the house-
hold allowance with my own money?

I should be thanked,
not criticized!

If she's so upset about it,
I want to go home!

She has no money,
yet she has too much pride.

I can't possibly live with her...!

Michiko...

They're big!

These cash registers
are at the basis

of the self-service
retail business.

The cash register is
the heart of the store.

Do you think I'll
be able to use it?

You'd better start
practicing today.

I'm counting on you!

The new Tanokura store
was finally set to open,

and it was to be yet
another new step for Oshin.

Episode 257

At the end of February in 1956,
two new cash registers

were brought to
the new Tanokura store.

And new merchandise
was also being brought in.

The customers place
the merchandise

in these baskets
and bring them to you.

The prices are already marked,

so you just punch
in each purchase.

If the price is ¥145,
you punch in ¥145.

If it's ¥86, punch in 86.

After all the purchases
have been recorded,

you push the total key.
Then, you get the total.

Do you understand?

It looks easy,

but we'd be in big trouble
if we punch in the wrong key.

We'll just have to
learn through practice.

Where's Michiko?
I thought you called her.

She doesn't have to learn.
She won't be in the store.

We might need her
to fill in sometimes.

It's best if she learns now.

She says she's busy.

Can you come out to the store?

You want something
done out there?

I'd like you to learn the
operations of the store,

before we open up for business.

I thought my job
was in the house.

You'll have to be ready to
fill in when the need arises.

As a merchant's wife,

you have to be able
to do everything.

It's best if you learned now,

before we're too busy
with the grand opening.

If you have time to read,

please make the time
to come out to the store.

Merchant wives aren't
allowed to read magazines?

That's not what I'm saying.

It's just a good
time for you to learn.

This isn't somebody
else's store. It's yours!

Please show some enthusiasm.

Hitoshi says I don't
have to work in the store.

If he's short-handed,
he says he'll hire more people.

So you can't just
order me out to the store.

You told Michiko that she
didn't have to work in the store.

Why did you tell her that?

You were complaining
to Michiko again?

But, she...

Her job is to keep
the household in order!

That should be enough.
She's a big help.

She has to mind you
and Hatsuko every day.

If you make her work in the store
on top of that, she'll get sick.

We can't have that, can we?

Hatsuko did both jobs very well.

And while I was
raising you children,

I had to do all the housework
and run the store, too!

Times have changed...

I'll handle Michiko,
so stay out of it.

Every time you complain to her,
she ends up taking it out on me.

I'm the one who
has it the worst!

What are you doing?

Just polishing up the pot.

I think Michiko burned it
and didn't clean it properly.

Again? Michiko never
cleans up after herself.

I guess I'm just a little
compulsive, that's all.

It's Michiko's job, so I should
let her do things her way,

but I don't like sloppiness.

I'm sure she
holds it against me.

Talking to her
about it doesn't help.

She just gets upset.

Sometimes she will
even talk back to me!

She grew up being pampered.

Back in my day,

the mother-in-law had
the last word in everything.

I'm not saying that's good,

but the way Michiko does
things makes me me wonder

what the world has come to.

It can't be helped.

It's the norm for young
couples to live on their own.

It must be hard for her to
have to live here with us.

Michiko doesn't
have it easy here.

You have to under-
stand her position.

I guess I'll just have
to keep quiet about things

in order for things
to go smoothly.

Michiko didn't come here to marry
the Tanokura household, or you.

And if Hitoshi didn't side
with her, she'd feel isolated.

That's what being husband
and wife is all about.

I finally understand how
Ryuzo's mother felt about me.

I'm just an unlucky
mother-in-law,

stuck with a worthless bride.

Were you considered a
worthless bride back then?

Yes.

She was against
me marrying her son,

and I couldn't do
anything to please her.

Then you should know better.

You have to try to
be nicer to Michiko.

Then she'll surely come around.

I must be getting old
if you have to lecture me.

I shouldn't have had
any expectations.

I'm used to doing
things for myself.

There's no reason why I can't
run the store all by myself.

Starting tomorrow,
Michiko will cease troubling me!

That's a lot of work.
Putting price tags on everything.

Yeah, but without tags,
the customers has no way

of knowing how
much things are.

How do we sell fish
and vegetables then?

Some vegetables can be
sold self-service fashion,

but we might have to give up
on a lot of our fish and produce.

We don't want to waste
manpower on things

that don't generate
that much profit.

We're a fish market.
We have to sell fish!

We don't need to sell fish.

We'll cut costs and
sell at a discount.

I'm sure we'll make it
all up in volume sales.

So let's better our image
by not selling fish at all.

Don't be silly.

The Tanokura store is
doing as it's always done,

and maybe also pick up
some other merchandise

we're putting in stock.

The fish and produce
have to come first!

But, Mother...

I'll keep on selling fish
and vegetables as always.

I'll buy it cheaper
and sell it for less.

That's real service!

Then the store ceases
being self-service.

You can't run a
business by the book.

If you can't put a
price tag on fish,

just write out the
price on the wrapper

to be rung up on
the cash register.

Who is going to do it?

Hatsuko and I will.

You and Hatsuko are supposed
to be working the registers.

Selling fish and vegetables
will increase personnel costs.

What's the use of
having a self-service store

if you and Hatsuko insist on
selling fish and vegetables?

And don't count
on Michiko to help.

We'll just hire someone,
and sell more to make up for it!

Mother!

Here.

Mackerel cooked in miso again?

I have to buy
fish elsewhere now,

and this is the
cheapest fish available.

One fish gives us
four good pieces.

I know you are trying
to save money, but...

With the money Mother gives me,
this is the best I can do.

I'm sick of fish, too.

There are things other
than fish you can use.

Tofu and other bean curd
products are healthy.

And one can make variations with
different kinds of inexpensive fish.

Hatsuko used to use sardines
to make fishcakes and the like.

Fried fishcake with
gobo and carrots.

They were good!

Sure. I can't cook!

But if I had more
money to work with,

I could make better meals, too!

I don't want to be blamed

for not having the money
to buy the ingredients I need.

You should get me more money!

You have no right to
make me miserable like this.

Let's just drop it.

- Let's eat.
- Let's eat.

Mackerel is really quite good.

When I was a child,
mackerel was a real treat.

We'd be able to afford
fish maybe once a year.

Stop talking like that!

Sure. People were
poor in the old days.

And they could stand it because
there was poverty all around them.

But times have changed!

We're wealthier now,

so you can't expect
people to do without.

Michiko should be given
more household money.

Before you go and tell us
how poor you used to be,

just give Michiko more money!

I never want to hear
your poverty stories again.

Those days are over for good!

Let's go, Michiko.

Once we start making
money with the new store,

I'll never have you
suffer like this again.

I'd like to have
a housekeeper, too.

I didn't marry you
to become a maid.

This is pathetic. Fighting
over what we eat for dinner!

I guess I can't tell
old stories anymore...

The times really have changed.

Perseverance doesn't hold the
same meaning for people anymore.

Making money comes first.

I guess that's true...

Money does away with
the need to persevere.

I grew up watching my mother
and grandma suffer from poverty,

and I swore I'll never be poor.

That's why I was
able to persevere.

I won't have my
son's wife belittle me.

I'll earn more money,
whatever it takes.

Oshin remembered
this night for a long time.

The idea that money
can make all things better

was to give Oshin
an added incentive

to make her new
store a success.

Episode 258

We should sell at
a 30% discount.

Not the fish and vegetables.
It's already discounted.

We just want to get
our customers in here.

We want them to know
what a self-service store is.

Can you outline this in red ink?

This is something else!

You've come to help!

Flight Corporal Sakita
reporting for duty!

Very well.

It's been a while, hasn't it?!

This guy was one class
before mine at flight school.

He lost his family
in a bombing raid.

He was homeless until some GIs
found him a home in America.

America?
When did you get back?

I was there about five years.

The man he was
staying with got married.

So he had to leave.

I missed Japan,
so I got money to come home.

I ran into him in Tokyo.

He was working at a
food store at the time.

We used to go out
for drinks a lot.

Yeah.

I can't believe you
own this big store.

This is why I asked
you to come out here.

I need your help
and cooperation.

He used to work in a
supermarket in America.

In America, they have self-
service stores everywhere.

So I thought he'd
be of help to us.

They have some in Tokyo,
but I didn't expect you

to be opening such a store
out here in the country.

So you're really
serious about doing this.

- Will you help me?
- Yes.

I'm counting on your
career experience.

But I was only a clerk.

I don't know much
about management.

I want you to show us how to
arrange our goods on the shelves,

and how to deal with customers.

All this is new to us.
You can help us out a lot.

Hitoshi...

If you and Hatsuko are
going to continue selling fish,

we'll need help
with the register.

I wonder if we can
afford to hire him.

I didn't come here
to earn a big salary!

Hitoshi was very good
to me in the service.

I'm willing to help him
in whatever way I can.

I'd welcome the chance
to work for him here.

We can't pay you much yet.

So will you wait
until we get on track?

Once we get going,
I'll pay you a decent wage.

Let's not talk money now.

I'm single, so I have
no family to take care of.

You can live with us until we
find you an apartment to live in.

- This is my older sister, Hatsuko.
- I'm pleased to meet you.

And these are Jiro and Isao.

Let's all work together!

We open in two days.
Let's get ready!

It looks like you
are all ready to go.

I know how to operate this.

That's good.

The entrance to the store
is the most important thing.

- What will you display there?
- Fish and vegetables.

You'll be selling fresh fish?

We started out as a fish store.

Really?

Then you'd better think
of a better area for display.

You can't sell fish in
a self-service fashion.

I know. We've settled
that problem already.

You must be tired.
Go and rest.

No. If we're going
to open in two days,

there's a lot of work
to be done. I'll go change.

Let me show you to your room.

Kitchen supplies should be
in the very back of the store.

It's now what one needs everyday.

The daily necessities
must be put out front.

In self-service retailing,

where you display the goods
will affect your revenue.

I'll check everything
out for you later.

- This way.
- Okay.

Can that strange man be trusted?

We needed someone anyway.

It's better if it's someone
Hitoshi really likes.

It's too late now.
He's already here.

He didn't even ask
me for my opinion.

He's hungry. Will you
make him something?

We just had lunch.
There's nothing left.

Then order him some broiled eel.

Your mother will scold
us for being wasteful.

All she talks about
is saving money.

Just make the call.
You don't have to explain.

Why should we
go out of our way?

Do you really intend
to keep him here?

He can be very useful.
And he'll do anything for me.

I need a man like that.

Shall we get started?

Why not eat first?

I can afford to
skip a meal or two.

- Here.
- Thank you.

We were always hungry
back in the Air Corps.

Hungry or not,
I miss those days...

We had a reason
for living back then.

We worked towards the day

when we'd slam our
planes into enemy ships.

We could take any kind
of punishment back then.

But those days are gone.
For the past 10 years,

I've been just
trying to stay alive.

But I have a goal in sight now.

I want to help you make
your store a success.

I want to be a
part of your success.

This job is something
worthwhile to me!

I'm so happy that
you sent for me...

It's not for money that I work,
and not just to live.

I want to live for this job.

And it's here.

I'll do my best.

I want to do my best!

I'm sure Tatsunori
hasn't eaten yet.

One needs food to do hard work.

Send out for some
broiled eel or something.

Please don't mind me.

Even fighter planes
need fuel to fly!

Tei!

- Welcome home.
- Has vacation started?

No. I still have
another week of classes.

You're skipping out of school?

Yes. Hitoshi ordered me
home for the grand opening.

I can't believe that!

Your exams are over,
aren't they?

Exams aren't all we do at school.
I had plans for my vacation, too.

It's only natural that you help
us out before the store opens.

We need all the help we can get.

You shouldn't make
Tei miss school.

She's a Tanokura.

So what if she misses school to
help out with the family business!

The family has to
stick together and work.

Yes, but...

We only have one day left!

You can stay and work
during vacation, too.

You get to go to college
because of this store!

If the new store fails,

you won't be able
to continue school.

This is my younger sister, Tei.
She goes to college in Nagoya.

This is Sakita Tatsunori.

I'll be working
here at the store.

You have such
a fine young sister!

I envy you.

Welcome home!

I'm home.

Michiko. How lucky you are!

You sit here and read magazines
while everyone else is working.

I still had classes to attend,

and Hitoshi made
me come home to work!

You should be working, too.

Sure I'm family,

but once I get married,
I'll cease being a Tanokura.

You should be the
one to work in the store.

My job is taking
care of the house.

I'm relaxing after
cleaning up from lunch.

I have a little time
to relax before dinner.

I don't just sit
and read all day.

I guess young wives
have it easy nowadays...

Both Mother and Hatsuko did housework
as well as working in the store!

I've never seen them
just sitting around!

Did you say
something to Michiko?

No.

But you must have a hard time
with a bride like that in the family.

Please don't cause trouble.

She's just getting
used to being with us.

That's not like you
to mind her like that.

You're spoiling her.

I just don't want
to waste my breath.

But why should I be
forced to suffer, too?!

Tei!

I'll help if you want me to,

but get Michiko to
work out here, too!

This store belongs
to you and Michiko.

Once I marry,
I won't be a Tanokura.

If Michiko refuses to work,
I will refuse, too!

I'll just go on back to school.

Is that clear?

She sure is spirited!

It's a pleasure
to listen to her!

Who does she think she is!

You spoiled her.
That's why she's like that.

You should set her straight!

What Tei says is understandable.

I'm glad I told him.

Hitoshi is letting his
wife push him around.

Michiko isn't like us.

She's never been poor,
and she grew up spoiled.

It's tough trying to
educate young brides today.

I had to give up the idea in
order to preserve the peace here.

Didn't you tell me I
should be that way?

I just don't want to be
put to work like that.

Michiko needs a doctor!

- What's wrong?
- She's sick.

Call the doctor.

Are you all right?

The doctor will be here soon.

She might be pregnant.

I'm pretty sure of it.

You're going to have a baby?

You should lie down.

The new store was set to open,

and now, there was another
problem with Michiko.

Episode 259

A little higher...

Not so high!
Lower, lower.

Right there! A little higher...

That's it!

We could use
some over here, too.

I'm trying to keep
within your budget.

Oh, come on.
Give us a break.

We'll be using your
services for all our sales.

So give us more.

You drive a hard bargain...

We'll need about
3,000 free gifts.

This is a small town, and if we
can draw that many people,

it'll be a big success.

- How's your wife?
- She has no appetite at all.

That's not good.

And tomorrow is
the grand opening.

I can handle the store for you.

Thanks. I'm so glad
you are here.

I could never
manage it all by myself.

Michiko's gruel is ready.

She has no appetite.

I guess she's really sick.

Morning sickness
isn't an illness!

You suggested
that she see a doctor.

She doesn't have to stay in bed.

She could at least
help us wrap these gifts.

Hatsuko and I have
a lot to do as it is.

The poor thing is sick in bed!

I can stay up all night
to get these done.

You stick up for
Michiko too much.

What if she suffers
a miscarriage?

Michiko won't be
able to cook today.

Can you just send
out for some food?

Don't worry about
the meals. Let her rest.

I want you all to
learn the proper ways

of dealing with our customers.

Remember,
this isn't like our old store.

Mr. Kawabe is here.

I thought he wasn't due
here until the grand opening.

So the time has come
to open up shop!

The decorations
are just right, too.

Thank you.

This is Sakita Tatsunori.
My friend from the Air Corps.

Michiko's parents.

I'll be working here.

- I'm pleased to meet you.
- Likewise.

We were just talking.

He seems to know a lot
about self-service markets.

He spent some time in America.

- He did?
- Yes.

They have a lot of
supermarkets in America now.

You are fortunate
to have him here!

He's a good man.

- Mr. Sakita.
- Yes?

This clothing area
is for my garments.

I'd like you to sell
a lot of them!

As long as it's practical
and not too expensive.

We'd like to get more
children's clothes.

We're planning a
new line of play clothes.

We're not here today
to talk about the store.

Right...

Michiko is being a
bother to you again.

I understand her
morning sickness is bad.

You knew?

Hitoshi called us last night,
and that's why we came.

I was so happy to hear the news.

I couldn't even
get any sleep last night.

We'd like to take
Michiko home with us.

At least until her morning
sickness gets better.

I know that you'll be very
busy here starting tomorrow.

She'd just be in your way.

Please don't be concerned.

I know you probably were
counting on her to help out

in the new store,
but she's too sick.

I feel very badly about it.

So I'll send you some
of my workers to help.

We can hire our own
people if we need to.

We don't want you
worrying about it.

It's expensive to hire people.

Since it's Michiko who's
causing you a problem,

I want to take responsibility.

Let's be gracious
and accept his offer.

Michiko is very insecure
about her first pregnancy.

It's best if she
goes home to rest.

Michiko belongs
to our family now,

so we don't want
to trouble her parents.

She's still my daughter,
and the period between

the third and fifth months
are crucial in a pregnancy.

I wouldn't want
anything to happen.

We will take full
responsibility for Michiko.

Michiko is precious to both
the Kawabes and the Tanokuras.

Let's accept his
kind offer of help.

Since I don't work,
I'll be able to care for Michiko.

So please don't worry.

You don't have to bring anything.

We can buy you whatever
you need in Nagoya.

I was so worried
that I'd be stuck here...

They make me do
all the housework,

and they want me to
help in the store, too.

I just wanted to cry!

My mother-in-law
is a hard worker.

She thinks a woman has to
be busy every hour of the day.

That's why I didn't
want you here!

She's experienced
a lot of hardships in life,

so she hates seeing
anybody not doing anything.

Your father should
have known better!

But you're lucky.

What perfect timing to
get morning sickness!

I'm relieved, too.
This baby is helping me out.

I want sukiyaki
when we get home.

I haven't eaten much
meat since coming here.

We make do with the
leftover fish from the store.

My mother-in-law is
very careful about money!

Well...

She's opening this new
store without much capital,

so she must have
big loans to pay back.

That's why I give
you an allowance.

so you can make ends meet.

She found out about it,
and she lectured me.

The money isn't
coming from her pocket!

Maybe I'll stay in Nagoya
until I have the baby...

Maybe that's a good idea...
With the new store opening,

you might be made to
work harder than before.

I've decided!

I'll just say it's the best thing
for baby, then they can't argue.

Hitoshi can come
to Nagoya to visit.

I finally get to leave this hell!

Michiko made a clean getaway.

I'd rather have her gone,

than having her here looking
sickly during the grand opening.

It must be rough on her, too.

I come home to work,

and I don't even
get good food to eat.

I should have stayed
at the rooming house.

Prepare yourself. There won't be
regular meals here for a while.

This is really silly!

The bride goes
home to her parents,

and I have to work in her place!

Stop complaining
and finish eating.

We still have
a lot of work to do!

Thank you for the noodles.

Thanks for staying late.

We'll be working
late tonight, too.

Come on.
I'm ready to start!

We expect a big rush tomorrow.

- Jiro, you manage the front door.
- Okay.

Direct the customers
to take a basket.

- Isao.
- Yes?

You make sure the shoppers bring
the baskets up to the cash register.

I'll be managing
the cash register.

Make sure they all
come through the register.

We will use one
register to start with.

If we get busy, our owner
will man the second one.

Tei will help with
the customers inside.

They're not used to
the self-service concept,

so please explain to them that
all items are marked with prices.

We must all watch
out for shoplifters.

The Mistress and Hatsuko

will continue selling
fish and produce as before.

But if you're not busy,
please help direct customers.

I don't think we
have enough people,

but since Mr. Kawabe
is sending us

some of his people to
man the clothing section,

I think we can manage as is.

Thank you!

I wish you could learn to
operate the register, too.

That would be great!

I'm sure Tei could
learn it in one evening.

I'll teach you.

What's the use of
me learning to use it?

I'm just here for spring break.

I have to be everywhere,
so it would really help me out.

Hatsuko or I could
work the register,

but we'll be busy with the fish.

I was counting on Michiko,
but she's gone now.

So that only leaves you.

Leave it to me.
I'll teach her.

I think it's a
handy skill to have.

And it's fun!

Let's go over our assignments
for tomorrow once more,

- and call it a night.
- Okay.

Let's get on with the lesson.

First, notice the numbered keys.

That's good!

Thanks for the bath.

- Have a drink.
- Thank you.

You've given us the
confidence we need

in facing up to
the grand opening.

Hitoshi couldn't have
done it all alone.

Even those decorations
were a lot of work.

It all takes time.

But Tei is something else.
She's ready to be a cashier.

She will improve
with practice, too.

I feel badly for making her
work during her vacation,

but I guess she's
resigned herself.

I don't think I can
see you for a while.

No. Coming here won't do
any good. We're too busy.

I will be back
before school starts up.

Yes.
Wait for me.

I love you.

You worked so hard for so long.

Tomorrow is the big day.

Overcoming many obstacles,

Oshin's new store was
ready for its grand opening.

This was a crucial time for
the entire Tanokura household.

Episode 260

[Grand Opening]

- You're doing a good work!
- Welcome home!

We have two hours until opening.

I don't think people will
buy fish so early in the day,

so just leave them in the boxes.

I'll go out and get the produce.

We will be using
the fish and produce

as a draw for our customers,

so we need everything
priced and ready to sell.

Tanokura Store is
a fish market, isn't it?

- Take the fish inside!
- All right!

With you and our son
watching over us,

I'm sure everything will go well.

Hello!

Nozomi.

Congratulations.

So you came, after all.

I'm not much help,
but I came to wish you well.

Thanks!

Yuri made you some red rice
for the special occasion.

That's so nice of her.

Tatsunori says it's time!

Okay.

I'm glad the weather held up.

Congratulations!

Let's toast this occasion as well as
continued success in the future!

Cheers!

- Cheers!
- Cheers!

Thanks to your fine efforts,

we can finally
open up our new store.

Let's continue the good work.

The customers are waiting
outside. Let's open the doors.

Are we all ready?

- Yes!
- Let's go.

Welcome!

Welcome! Welcome!
This is a self-service store.

Please take a basket
for your shopping...

On March 15, 1956,
Tanokura Store opened its doors

as one of the first
self-service markets in Japan.

There was no guarantee
that it would be successful,

but Oshin was glad and
excited that they'd come this far.

You don't pay here.
Go to the checkout to pay.

Thank you!

Welcome.

I'm sorry! You'll have to
leave the basket here.

I thought you were
giving these away.

The are for in-store use only.

Thank you.

Tanokura Store is
a self-service store

that sells all your needs
at a discounted price!

We have everything you need.

Children's clothing
are on sale today.

Welcome!
Welcome everyone!

I'm sorry, but you have to put your
purchases in the basket here.

I'll put things where I please!

I will take them
out at the cashier.

Thank you.

Mr. Kawabe and his people left.
They don't need dinner.

You sure worked hard today!

We had so many customers.
I didn't even have time to think.

It's strange...

That kind of frenzy has
the power to draw you in.

You did well. You are
your mother's daughter!

I guess I'll have to work
for at least three days.

After all, Mother is putting me
through an expensive college.

Where is everybody?
The sake is ready.

I think they're
checking on the sales.

The store is closed,
but there's still work to do.

I guess there's no such
thing as an easy job...

There's 25 bags of sugar.

This is the merchandise
we put out in the store.

This shows the
unsold merchandise,

and this column shows
what we sold today.

So we have to match the amount
sold with the cash in the register?

Yeah.

I'm sure there's bound
to be some differences.

We were busy, and I'm sure some
people shoplifted some items, too.

We sure did sell a lot today.

This isn't anything
like our old fish market.

- Let's have dinner!
- Yes.

You've done a good work today.

Maybe we should
stock more fish tomorrow.

We sold out early.

We had them marked way down
to draw people in to the store,

so there's no profit.

If that's what it takes to
draw people in, let it be,

and we should stay open longer.

We'd get more people on
their way home from work

if we stayed open an hour more.

We sold a lot,
but what's our profit?

- Shall we eat?
- Yes.

We can't make it
with profits this small.

We won't have enough to pay
the interest on the bank loans.

The first three days are special,

so we cut prices drastically
for our grand opening sale.

After the third day,
I'll start marking up the prices.

We have to repay
the bank every month.

Let's just think long-term.

The people have to learn
about what we're all about first.

We need to leave the
customers with the impression

that everything is cheap
at a self-service store.

- Shall we get to bed?
- Yes.

Let's all do as well tomorrow.

- Good night.
- Good night.

I saw a wreath from
the Namiki Store outside.

Who is this Mr. Namiki?

Well?

He's someone who
helped me a lot in the past.

If this store fails, we'll be
letting Mr. Namiki down, too.

I just can't let that happen.
Please remember that.

Good morning!

Good morning!

We were so busy yesterday,

I'm sure the commotion
was a big bother to you all.

Never mind that.

The busier the better
in our line of work, but...

You're really underpricing
your merchandise.

The self-service concept
is based on low prices.

We know that,
but on this street,

we've always practiced
the idea of live and let live.

We can't have you selling
things way below our prices!

We had high hopes for
your self-service market.

We figured it would be
a big plus for our street.

But we were all
shocked yesterday...

I couldn't sell a single
pot or rice bowl yesterday!

I've never had such a bad day
in all my decades of business.

My sales were way down, too.

As the steering committee
for retailing on this street,

we want to ask you to
refrain from unfair practices.

If you don't cooperate,
you'll be digging your own grave.

I think we're free to sell whatever
we want at any price we choose.

Mother!

To offer our customers
the best goods at low prices.

That's the future of retail.

And I'm going to continue
doing things my way.

Please report that
to your committee.

But, Mrs. Tanokura...

Thank you for coming!

You didn't have to
get them all upset!

If we want to do business here,

we have to maintain good
relations with other retailers.

Why mince words?
It's dog eat dog out there!

That's what retailing is all about.

We're here to take customers
away from other retailers!

That's right.

Buy low and pass the
savings on to our customers.

That's what self-
service is all about.

Those men can't intimidate me!

The profit margin is low,
but we make up for it with volume.

I started this business
to make people happy.

We'll stay open until
seven every night from now.

Maybe we should have

some packaged prepared foods
for people without time to cook...

Kinpira gobo...
Hijiki, and unohana?

Great idea!

We're shorthanded as it is.
Who's going to cook it?

Hatsuko and I can
stay up late cooking.

And I'll help, too!

People have to work long hours,

so they'll be happy to buy
dinner items that are pre-cooked.

The complaint from the
other merchants on the street

served merely to
harden Oshin's resolve.

She didn't want to
have to rely on anyone.

Oshin was determined.

Episode 261

The three-day special grand
opening sale was now over.

I know you're all tired,

but we have to work overtime today
changing prices on all the items.

- All right.
- Okay.

Leave the prices as they are.

Let's keep it up
for a bit longer.

I hear people come
from miles away

to take advantage
of our low prices.

Not just the people in town.

I want to cater to people
out in the countryside, too.

We're not losing money,
and besides,

I can get us a good profit
from fish and our cooked meals.

You're really going
to sell dinner items?

Yes, I'll sell whatever
the people will buy.

If it's no good,
we'll just quit doing it.

We don't need to go that far.

What's nice about a store like this
is that we can sell anything we want.

Hatsuko has already
bought everything we need.

- We'll start tonight?
- Yes.

We'll cook things well,
so that they will last.

Take care of the rest.

She's something else!

Cooking takes up a lot of time,

and you can't make
very much money from it.

It might work...

There are wives
out there who can't cook.

We're not just talking
about working women.

If the wives buy pre-cooked items,
what do they do with all their free time?

I don't know...

Sugar, please.

Mr. Kawabe's children's
clothes are selling well.

I guess it's because
school will be starting soon.

Those clothes are priced well,
but is there any profit in it?

There's a lot of profit.

Clothing is the most expensive
thing that we sell, isn't it?

And the margin is all priced in.

That's better than
selling a lot of little items.

Yes. Like pre-cooked dinner items!

Dirt collects to form mountains.

Young brides nowadays
can't even cook unohana!

We will be helping
such people out.

What's going on?

Mother can cook all she wants,

but she won't make enough from
them to pay your tuition for a month!

Every little bit counts.

This self-service
thing is no different

from any other retail store.

You have to put things
that sell up on the shelves!

Tei. Will you be going
back to Nagoya tomorrow?

Yeah.

How lucky for you!

She's done enough.

She helped us out during
the crucial three-day sale.

Tei really helped us out.

I will be doing the
checking starting tomorrow,

but if we get busy,
I will need help.

Both Mother and
Hatsuko will be busy, too.

We'll have to get Jiro or Isao
to help out with the registers.

I need those two
to help the customers

get used to the
self-service concept.

I understand, but...

We're shorthanded.
I wish we had Michiko here,

but she's not well
enough yet to come home.

In a pinch, Hatsuko can
ring up the register.

I can handle the
fish sales by myself.

Don't worry.

I'll stay and help.
I won't go back to Nagoya.

Tei.

I can't just be going to school
while everyone else is working.

You don't have to
worry about things here.

It's all right. I don't feel
like going back now.

Is there anything I
can help you with now?

Never mind and get to bed.

When I say I want
to help, I mean it!

I can keep up
with you and Hatsuko.

What's going on?
Is it going to snow?

I like hijiki,

but I guess there's
not that much profit in it.

I feel badly about you paying
for my tuition and board at school.

Don't be silly!

Women have to learn
to be independent.

Never mind us.

Just get yourself
back to Nagoya.

- Welcome home.
- Welcome home!

I'm back.

Maybe you should stop going
down to the beach for your fish.

It's easier to buy them
at the wholesale market.

I can go in your place.

We can sell our fish for less

because I buy directly
from the fishing boats.

Besides, the fish down
at the beach are fresh!

You're getting older.

Let's start getting back
on fish and produce,

and concentrate on
other merchandise.

Sure. If that's possible.

But as it is, we get by now
because we sell fish and produce.

How much profit can we
get from a tray of food?

I don't know...
Mother sets the prices.

I'm sure we don't make much.

We work so hard.

I guess making
money is never easy.

This is the first time
that I ever helped out.

I had no idea what
retail was all about.

I was just going
to school everyday.

I think I'm just beginning to under-
stand how hard this business is.

I also learned how much you,
Mother and Hitoshi really work.

But it's not all hard times.

We're happy when our
customers are happy.

And if we can make
a living from that,

all the hard work is worth it.

Sometimes things don't go well.

There are anxious moments, too,

but that's what makes
this business interesting.

Welcome back!

What are you doing?

She's insisting on helping.

Both the unohana and
the hijiki are delicious.

I think people are
all going to buy them!

At least, I hope so.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Thank you.

Thank you.

We started selling pre-
cooked items from today, too.

Please try it.

Welcome.

Hello.

Welcome.

The three-day sale
was something else!

But I see you're
drawing the people in now.

We're selling all right.

Never mind.

Be prepared for being in
the red for the first year.

Once you earn their trust,
you will manage.

Thank you for everything.

I think we're well
on our way now.

I hear that our line of
clothing is selling, too.

That's really great.
The clothes I put in here

are all unsold returned items
from stores in Tokyo and Osaka.

I'm glad they're selling.
Otherwise, I'd be stuck with them.

Is that so?

No wonder the prices are so low.

Don't let people hear that.

My truck should be here
soon with more clothes.

Mark them down
as much as you like.

Thank you for all your help.

I'm the one who
should be thanking you.

I just feel badly

that Michiko wasn't able to help
when you needed her the most.

It can't be helped. It's best
that she's home with you.

We would've been too
busy to take good care of her.

Thank you for looking after her.

Shouldn't she be
coming back home soon?

The doctor wants to take no chances
until she passes her fifth month.

They say the third
and fourth months are

the most crucial in
preventing any miscarriages.

So we'd like to keep
her for a while longer.

Please tell her
to get a good rest.

There's no need to
worry about us here.

You women today are all spoiled!

In my day, we couldn't stay in bed
just because we were having a baby.

Let's not talk about the past.
The times have changed!

Nobody wants to
hear about the past.

Nothing has really changed

with the times when it
comes to women's bodies.

But the people today all
seem to lack perseverance.

So what!

We can manage without Michiko.

I'll fill in for her
while she's gone.

We have to cook
more tonight, don't we?

We sold out of
everything early today.

They were gone in no time at all.

I'll bet nobody cooks
unohana at home anymore.

It doesn't take time to make.

Why not make some
gobo and kobu-maki, too?

And you make
great egg dishes, too!

Your homemade
fishcakes are great, too.

I've never heard you
compliment me before.

I guess I didn't notice these
things while I was growing up,

but now that I'm in a
rooming house, I know better.

I guess it's good
that you left home then.

If you made all
your favorite dishes,

they'd all sell quickly!
May I help, too?

I really like this
business of selling.

Watching you and Hatsuko
work so hard making those dishes,

and having people
really enjoy buying them.

What more can one ask for?

Tei...

I can stay here until
about the 10th of April.

I'll help out all I can,
and I'll work the register, too.

Thank you!

Welcome!

Welcome.

Are you shopping
for children's wear?

You're still up?
What about the others?

Tei and Tatsunori
are both sleeping.

- Shall we have some beer?
- Yes.

Hatsuko will be coming
out of the bath soon,

so let's have a drink together.

I think Tei really
enjoys the work.

It's just new to her, that's all.

Why don't we get Tei
to marry Tatsunori?

He's a good man,

and I want to continue
working with him.

If they get married,

Tatsunori will work even harder
to make our business grow.

Tei will like the idea, too.

Then she wouldn't have
to leave home to get married.

She can stay a Tanokura forever.

Oshin couldn't believe
her own ears.

She was shocked
to see the self-centered,

cold side of Hitoshi's heart.

Oshin felt a moment of fear...

Translation: UTB Channel

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