Original subtitles

What is this?

Why'd I become you? Why are you me?

I'm still twenty years old. But I became 40 in one fell swoop.

Although that person is not Mama. Mama is me.

If the truth is discovered, you won't be able to go back.

I want to see everyone's smiling faces. Housewives...

work hard to make meals every day.

They do it perfectly so that no one complains.

That might be the case!

We're going to search for the children!

Papa and Mama both like you. They love you.

You're amazing, Ma'am. You think about all sorts of things.

Of course I do. I'm a parent.

I'm going to do my best, too. Because

I want to allow you to go home as soon as possible.

I like you, Yamagishi!

Eh?! I'm not Yamagishi though!

What to do?

If possible, I'd like you to

work alongside me as soon as you can.

Hoshimi-san's mother is the

owner of Patisserie Fumiko?!

Next time she shows up, you shouldn't meet with her.

But... Don't meet with her!

From now on, let's discuss things properly.

I want to know more about you.

Don't come near my family. Or else you'll pay for it!

It's nice to have someone who will protect you.

My mom didn't have anyone like that.

After my dad died, she was all alone.

Your mom was helpless.

She had to protect her child all by herself however she could.

Ah...

You mother has collapsed. Please come immediately.

Eh?!

Ah... yes.

Hello, what is it?

It seems your mother collapsed.

Eh...

But I don't know the details.

I'm heading to Tokyo Central Hospital now.

Hoshimi-san, please come right away.

But if I go to see her, it will be weird.

What if you're with me?

But... Hoshimi-san!

What will you do if you wait until it's too late?

What's wrong? It's so late.

Hoshimi-san's mother collapsed.

Eh?!

If she's by herself, it'll be really rough, so I'm going with her.

Should I go with you? No, it's ok.

I don't want to impose by both of us showing up.

Just take care of Masato and Mika. All right.

This way.

It's this way.

Please calm down.

Ok...

Hoshimi.

You came?

I heard you collapsed. Are you all right?

I was just a little tired. They're going to run tests for a couple of days,

and if nothing is wrong, they'll release me immediately.

Ma'am, you came too.

Sorry to put you out when you're so busy.

Not at all... Shouldn't you lie down?

I'm fine.

It's certainly just because of anxiety.

Eh?

Even though I've been hiding it, I suppose you'll find out sooner or later.

I was thinking of selling the business.

It isn't paying for itself.

But your roll cake is really popular, isn't it?

On the surface it appears that way.

But I expanded the stores too quickly

and the company has been in the red for several years now.

Fortunately, there is someone who says it would be a privilege to buy us out.

And I think it would be best for the employees

to go ahead and do it.

I should have made this decision earlier.

I'm sorry. It was for you

that I tried to keep it afloat somehow.

What about your promise with Dad?

Eh?

When Hoshimi-san's father passed away,

Didn't you promise to his memorial photo,

that you and Hoshimi would always protect the business?

Yeah...

In spite of that, you're going to just let it go that easily?

The company that you worked to develop, even at the cost of sacrificing your child,

you'll sell that easily?

If so, then... what was the point of going through all that?

It's just an act of convenience.

Wait just a second.

Hoshimi-san, aren't you speaking a little too harshly?

Your mom raised you single-handedly and worked so hard at her job in the process.

Even though she said that to you, you still don't get it.

That person always put her work ahead of her family.

But wasn't it all for you, Hoshimi-san?

No, it wasn't!

She...

She didn't even want a child.

Eh...

I heard her.

She said "I wish I didn't have a child."

Morning, Yamagishi. Good morning.

Is your mother all right?

Thank you so much.

Your wife really helped me out by coming with me.

Really? If you ever need anything else, just say the word.

I will.

Chief?! What's going on?

What's all this? I don't know.

Chief! This isn't good.

It's... Hurry, hurry.

NOTICE OF PERSONNEL TRANSFER

NAME: KUMI KEISUKE NEW POST: HEAD OF CLIENT CONSULTATION

Chief...

I guess it can't be helped.

I mean, we weren't able to meet our sales mark this period.

But that's happened before this.

Yes, it has. Why you, Chief?

Sorry. I feel responsible.

Don't worry about it. Ah...

From now on, you guys

better prepare yourselves. Eh?

Looks like they're sending in Tachibana

as the new head of sales.

He won't be as easy on you as I've been.

Take care of each other. Let's do our best.

Don't forget me.

Chief Tachibana started at the same time as you, right, Section Chief?

Yeah...

He's the one who downsized the corporate planning division. Downsized?!

I heard he's a candidate for the next president of the company.

Is that right?

It's pretty amazing that one guy has done all of that.

Are you talking about me?

Tachibana. Crap!

This person came to me and Papa's wedding ceremony.

I'm Tachibana.

As the new head of sales, I'll say just one thing.

Your half-hearted way of doing things isn't gonna fly from now on.

Those who can't meet their quotas are not needed here.

Komatsubara, as Section Chief, what do you think about

the current state of things? Eh?

You don't think things can continue as they are, do you?

That's...

For the pasta, curry, and soup division, I'm setting the new sales goal at

150% of what it is now, for all of you.

Eh?! Wait a minute, that's--

Got a complaint or something?

Tachibana.

...Sir. What?

Goals are definitely important,

but I think the number you just gave is a tad unrealistic.

Maybe, to motivate everyone a little more, you should implement some--

This is why you're hopeless!

When you have real ambition, you can accomplish great things.

But it's because of you saying things like that,

that's why they're saying "Three business divisions is no good."

I want each of you to submit a business plan you think we should implement by tomorrow.

That's all.

Papa...

Sawada-san, thank goodness.

Yes, my husband has come back home.

I'm so glad~

I don't often

come to diners like this, but it's quite good.

You get a lot for your money, huh?

Komatsubara-san, thanks for telling us about it.

Komatsubara-san?

Eh... what?

You've been spaced out for a while, is something the matter?

No, it's nothing. Nothing at all.

I hope so. Speaking of which, everyone,

have you all heard about the new transfer student?

Transfer student? Yeah.

Seems the father is a higher-up within the board of education.

What kind of person is the mother?

I just heard this from an acquaintance, but

it seems she's a pretty loud type.

Meddling in school policy and the like.

Ah...

Please take care of

my daughter, Sakura.

I've met your husband several times through

the Board of Education. I see.

I've been told the curriculum at this school

is quite solid, so I have high expectations.

Sakura, greet your teachers.

Nice to meet you.

I'm embarrassed that she's such a shy child.

I hope she'll be able to make friends quickly.

But if her husband's on the school board,

we can get some useful information from her.

True...

Let's invite her to one of our lunch gatherings.

Ah... yes. Komatsubara-san, what do you think?

Fine with me, I guess.

A transfer student. She's cute...

You're heavy... Oi!

What're you all doing?

Get back to class on the double!

Sorry, excuse us.

Are those students from Sakura's new class?

Yes.

It's great they're so energetic. Not really...

You're getting rid of all temp workers?

It's a cost-cutting measure.

It's just common sense to trim the fat where we can.

This department doesn't have the surplus budget necessary for keeping temps on.

Yes, but Yamagishi is a hard worker and very serious about her job.

She even came up with the idea for the new pasta sauce.

And she was recognized by the development department for it.

For something like that, any other girl could do it.

Or is there

some other reason I absolutely can't let her go?

Excuse me.

Chief Komatsubara, there's a call for you from Cosmi Supermarket.

I'll call them back.

Take the call. They're a good client.

Yes sir...

You...

Yamagishi, right?

What job do you do here?

I do product proposal development write-ups, and---

You don't need to do it anymore.

Eh? I'll show you what

you need to do from now on.

Um, but... You get it, right?

What does that mean?

The Christmas play will be "Snow White."

Next, I'd like to decide on the actors.

Who should play the part of Snow White?

I think it should be Sakura-chan.

Eh?! Because she's cute.

And she seems like a princess.

I agree.

Amiya-san, what do you think?

I wonder if I can do it.

You'll be all right. We'll all help you out.

Right? Yeah!

Will you do it?

All right...

Then Snow White will be played by Amiya-san.

Since the Christmas play is something you've all been thinking about

and work hard on,

let's all work together and do our best.

Yes sir!

With that, let's start Chief Tachibana's welcome party.

Chief, we look forward to working with you.

Looking forward to it.

A welcome party in a joint like this?

I must not be that important.

Sorry... I asked Ishiguro to have it here.

This place has good food. Sorry.

A place like this is all right once in a while.

Cheers.

Cheers...

All right, let's eat. Yeah!

Is it cooked enough now? This is nice.

I took the onions out. Eh?

Chief, do you dislike onions?

Yeah... did I tell you that, Yamagishi?

Eh? Ah, no, just... maybe once before.

Yamagishi still likes him after all...

Yamagishi-san is a big fan of the chief, huh?

Chief, I'm gonna tell your wife.

What're you talking about? Komatsubara.

Is that hot wife of your doing well? Yes.

A wife with a husband who is less successful than she thought he'd be

is probably starting to feel some regret about now, huh.

What is he saying?!

Papa is the best father!

Ah... I'm joking.

Chief Komatsubara is really the ideal husband.

Yeah, for sure.

You don't have to exaggerate that much.

I'm a fan of yours, Chief.

Ishiguro! Yes?

What's your target for next year? Eh...

Like becoming a project leader or something.

Or raising your sales by a certain percentage.

Well... I'm going to put my energy into new business development.

Show me some results.

It's easy to just say that, you know.

I'll do my best.

Harmony in the workplace is fine, but the office isn't a friendship club.

Business is about sales.

Right, Komatsubara? Yes sir...

He's gonna lecture us here? I don't like it one bit...

Oi.

Ah... sorry.

When my glass is empty, it's just common sense to fill it.

Komatsubara.

Both you and my predecessor are too soft on the workers under you.

I think following that precedent is a huge mistake.

Doing that is just to gain popularity.

How long are you going to

continue to do that?

Excuse me... What is it?

Department Chief, what you said is exactly right, but

hearing you say that is really painful for us subordinates.

Huh?! Yamagishi!

I think parents and children are the same.

When a child knows the truth about the parent's mood,

it's like the child can't be at ease.

When they're scolded, they become so scared they can't move.

I...

I like the atmosphere created by Section Chief Komatsubara and Department Chief Kumi.

It makes it fun to work at the office.

And it makes me want to work hard for the sake of these people.

Sorry... I'm not even a full-time employee, after all.

No, I accept your opinion.

Thank you.

Let's eat. Let's eat.

I drank too much.

Ah... Komatsubara.

Cut Yamagishi from your department.

Eh? Department Chief,

that can't happen until at least the end of her contract.

Additionally, she plays a very important role in

the department right now.

Will you allow her to stay for a while longer?

Are you saying you'll take full responsibility here?

Yes...

Then do what you like.

Chief...

Snow White, huh.

What part are you playing? A dwarf.

There are seven of those. No, no, no.

Even getting a part is pretty awesome.

Right? The dwarves are really cool guys, right?

Yeah.

Who's playing Snow White and the prince?

The new transfer student, Sakura, is gonna be Snow White.

Yuuki-kun is gonna be the prince.

Yuuki-kun?!

I'm the prince.

Didn't see that coming.

He volunteered.

Since you saved him, Mama, he's become really self-confident.

Mama. Hm?

Are you going to come and see our Christmas play?

Of course I will. Hurrah!

Masato, do you have to memorize a script? Yeah, I do.

"What's yer name?"

What the heck is that?

Do you best, and don't mess it up.

Let's practice. Ok.

You'd be really happy if

your parents came, right?

Chief Tachibana, do you have a minute?

Yeah.

You said you'd show me the work I need to do, but

You don't really have anything to do.

Eh?

Yamagishi, let's go.

But I... It's all right.

Department Chief and I talked about it.

Ok.

Ishiguro, how are preparations going? Right.

We'll visit 16 sites today.

This is the product that will go on sale tomorrow.

From the survey, it seems it has a pretty good reputation.

The spices are effective, and even in cold pasta dishes

it works well. Oh~

Here's the paperwork.

I look forward to working with you. Looking forward to it.

Well then, I'll think it over.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

All right, let's go to the next store. Ok.

Chief, let's work hard and increase our sales.

Yes, let's get some results.

Yes sir. All right.

"What's this? This girl is so pretty."

"Morning dawned, and Snow White woke up."

"What's yer name?"

What's wrong?

It's your line, Sakura-chan.

I... can't do this after all.

It's all right, just calm down.

The costume looks really nice on you.

Let's do out best!

Sakura-chan, you can definitely do it.

Yeah, you can do it. Let's do it again.

Yeah.

Allow me to introduce Amiya Yukari-san.

I'm Amiya. Nice to meet you.

Please sit down.

Do you gather on a regular basis like this?

Yes, we've been friends for a while and trade information about good places to meet.

Right? Ah...

People in this school district seem to have a lot of time for leisure pursuits.

I'll try again another time. Ok, see you.

You mean "they have nothing to do"?

Ah... no.

That's the only way to interpret that statement.

You know, recently I thought this was just a gathering of people with nothing to do, too.

Komatsubara-san! No, no, no, I mean

This is a really useful thing to do. It's not something to scoff at.

But... I have to pick Sakura up from cram school.

So if it's just a simple social gathering--

And if it is? It's not unreasonable.

If you're going to say this is a "lazy school district,"

then why is it you purposely chose a public school

when there are so many

private prep schools you could have chosen?

As a member of the board of education,

improving the quality of public schools is part of my husband's job.

For that reason, I took it upon myself to

enroll my child in a public school.

To change the school,

it is first necessary to change beginning at the parents' awareness of things.

Don't you think that children grow up by observing their parents?

What was your name again?

It's Aikawa!

Aikawa-san, as a parent,

let's enhance our awareness about education.

Yamagishi.

Thanks for today. Thanks for your hard work today.

Are you busy today?

Eh? Well, there's

a good place I found nearby, and I wondered if you wanted to go get something to eat there.

Today is kinda... sorry.

I see.. well, if it can't be helped.

Sorry...

Hello? It's me.

What's up?

I thought I'd go to see your mom today.

And?

Don't you want to go together?

What would I go for?

And anyway what are you gonna do there?

I just don't think it's right to leave things as they are.

Huh? Doesn't your mom want to

talk to you more, Hoshimi-san?

How far are you gonna go, meddling like this?

You don't have to go to see her anymore.

But... It's a nuisance.

Did you know?

She said "I wish I

didn't have a child."

Mom, how are you feeling? Hoshimi.

It looks like I'll be released tomorrow.

Really? That's good.

How long are you going to take off work? I don't need to do that.

I have a ton of things to do.

Mom. Hm?

There's something I want to ask you.

What?

A long time ago, when you were working,

did you say "I never needed a child"?

Eh?

You said it to your secretary, right?

I... heard you say it.

Pardon the intrusion.

Ah, will you show me the data?

Boss, you should take a break already.

I have a parent-teacher conference

tomorrow at Hoshimi's school that I have to attend.

So I have to finish this order by the end of the day.

Even so... Right now is a crucial time.

I've realized that with the name of our shop,

if we open a new branch, we'll have built-in customers from name recognition.

So I have to do it by tomorrow.

Honestly speaking, sometimes I think

What's the matter? We need to talk.

that if I wouldn't have had a child,

I'd be able to sell more around area businesses.

I don't hesitate to work into the night, but

if I were alone, I wonder how comfortable I could be?

I'm jealous of people with that freedom.

I'll put on some tea.

Did you really feel that way?

Mom.

I'm sorry.

At that time... I was a slave to the clock every day.

I never expected you to hear that.

But... of course you just said it, so you did hear.

I'm the worst.

It's natural for you to hate me.

Yes?

Pardon the intrusion.

President, do you have a moment?

Sorry, I overheard what you were saying.

I think there's something I should tell you.

Hello? Hoshimi-san.

Can you meet me now? I'm headed that way now.

Hoshimi-san.

What did you want to talk about?

The kids are waiting, so make it quick.

Hoshimi-san.

It's about your mom. You only heard half of what she said.

I'm going to put some tea on.

Here you go. Thank you.

Hoshimi-san made this.

Eh?

When she went somewhere on a field trip in elementary school,

she made this.

It's a bit difficult to hold, but

when I drink tea from it, I somehow feel relieved.

If I were all alone, perhaps

I wouldn't have been able to come as far as I have.

If I were alone, I think I'd certainly throw in the towel.

At night, when I'm worn out and come home,

and I see her face,

I feel like, "All right, I'm going to work hard again tomorrow."

It's strange, having kids.

The one being supported

is actually me.

But I can't just erase what I heard from my memory.

No matter how much she justifies it afterwards,

The fact is that she said "I don't need a child."

She showed her true feelings then.

Even parents aren't perfect, you know.

Parents are full of failures and regrets.

You'll only come to understand it gradually.

Even myself, while raising Mika and Masato,

there were a lot of times when I felt very depressed.

I love my children, but

things don't always go as expected.

There are countless times when I've been worn out

and I've wished to be set free.

If even a full-time housewife like me feels that way,

then it's only natural for a mother who also works

to want to vent her complaints.

All parents are frantic

trying to be good parents and worrying all the time.

Your mom wants to know more about you.

I'm sorry. I wish I could

somehow do things over for your sake.

Hoshimi-san, even you can understand those feelings, right?

Right now, you have two mothers looking out for you.

Papa and the kids are there for me.

Because I have my family supporting me,

I can put up with all sorts of things.

But your mom

only has you, Hoshimi-san.

Please look after my daughter.

Please support her.

Your mom.

Chief, aren't you taking it too quickly today?

What's wrong with that? In a place like

where we went yesterday, where it's noisy, you can't be calm or talk.

Right, Komatsubara? Yes sir.

But I don't have much time today...

Don't be so cold. We're colleagues.

Let's ignore rank for today.

Isn't there something you'd like to say to me?

Eh? About my way of doing things.

If something's on your mind, don't hold back and tell me.

Then, as colleagues, I'll tell you.

Tachibana, of everyone who entered the company with us,

You're the highest-ranking and very capable.

But not just anyone

can do things the way you do.

I just want you to understand that.

How long are you gonna keep up this newbie talk?

Do you have any sense at all, as a member of management?

People in management don't say such naive things.

When you fire people one right after the other, people will resents you, but

if that's how it's gotta be, then so be it!

If you fire them, they'll never mature into good workers

or be able to realize their potential--

This is why you're worthless!

In order to survive in the business world you have to be competitive,

and to do that, you have to think about cost-- I understand that.

You're mistaken. You don't understand anything.

You're a classic "can't see the forest for the trees" case.

It's Chief Sugishita. Pick up. It's your job!

Right...

Yes, this is Komatsubara.

Ah~ the alcohol suddenly doesn't taste good.

Uh, Chief, do you

plan on letting Yamagishi go?

You have feelings for that temp girl, don't you?

Eh?! No way.

Didn't you ask her out to eat? Eh?!

She's a good kid. She seems serious.

So? Do you think you have a shot?

It's just a one-sided crush.

Jeez.

Call Yamagishi. Huh?

Just do it. Ah...

Hurry up, do it. Yes sir.

Hello. Yamagishi?

It's me. What's wrong?

Sorry, the department chief told me to call you up.

Eh?! Confess your feelings to her. Gimme that.

Hello, this is Tachibana.

Ah, thanks for your hard work, Boss.

What do you think of Ishiguro?

Pardon? Chief, please stop it.

Do you like this guy?

I, um...

Aw, too bad.

What is it with this guy?

Then who do you like?

You like Komatsubara?

So what if I do? Am I not allowed?

He's the worst.

Good work.

With her and everyone else, it's

Komatsubara this, Komatsubara that.

Let's go to one more place. No...

You have a beautiful wife waiting for you at home, so go home, Komatsubara.

I also need to-- You come with me, Ishiguro.

See ya, Komatsubara. Excuse me.

Please look after Ishiguro.

Sakura-chan isn't here.

We'll just have to practice with\four people today, even though she promised.

I wonder if she caught a cold?

Komatsubara, Aikawa, do you have a minute?

Let's go. Ok.

Good morning. Good morning.

Ah, Missus? What's up?

Well...

I thought I might go to visit my mom.

Really?

Will you come with me?

Of course I will.

Um...

thanks.

It's nothing.

I'll call you later.

Ok.

All right...

Ah...

Hello... Tashiro-sensei,

thanks for always looking out for Masato.

Eh?

Komatsubara-san! Ah, Aikawa-san.

They called you too?

Yes. Hey, what do you think it's about?

Pardon the intrusion. Pardon the intrusion.

Thanks for coming all the way here.

Amiya-san!

What is the meaning of this?!

Your children dislike my daughter and thus have

forced her to participate in some play.

Eh?! Eh?!

She was crying today

and even said she didn't want to go to school.

Eh.. hang on.

Masato, is that true?

I thought I would try to

become friends with Sakura-chan.

Yuuki, that's right, isn't it?

We asked her to join us in the Christmas play.

You forced her, didn't you?

Because she's shy, she couldn't say no.

It's absolutely pitiful that something like this happened

so soon after she transferred schools.

I spoke to my husband about it, too.

Isn't this a kind of bullying?

Bulling? Isn't "bullying" and overreaction?

Is that what Sakura-chan said it was?

My daughter isn't the type to

tattle on others. However,

I could tell just by looking at her face.

That such a thing happened at school.

Um... considering the circumstances,

for now we've cancelled the Christmas play.

Eh?! No! You can't!

It's unfortunate, but let's give up on it.

Hang on a second. There's no way

you can cancel it.

Everyone was looking forward to the Christmas play.

And these two didn't do anything wrong.

That's right! Cancelling it is completely arbitrary!

I don't think so. I believe it's the logical thing to do.

The root cause of this is that your children

forced my child to act in this play.

Sakura is very hurt by what has happened.

Sakura is the victim here.

As parents, how will you take responsibility for this?

Pardon me.

What was it you wanted to speak to us about?

Yamagishi. Yes.

Beginning next month, you will start work as a full-time company employee.

Eh?! The higher-ups said

to go ahead and appoint someone with talent, who is capable.

What's wrong? Do you have a complaint?

No... Thank you very much.

In exchange,

I'll be cutting Komatsubara out.

Eh?! What do you mean by that?!

We can't have two people in the same department

who have been involved in a scandal with one another.

Scandal? Don't play dumb.

I know you have

special feelings for her,

as your girlfriend.

Weren't you seen going into her apartment?

That was because he was helping me study for the employment exam.

I didn't have the money to ask someone outside, so

I asked Chief Komatsubara and Ishiguro-san.

It wasn't just the two of us. Ishiguro was there as well.

If you ask Ishiguro, he'll tell you as much.

Ishiguro, come to the meeting room for a second.

What is it?

Is it true that

you went to Yamagishi's place with Komatsubara to

help her study?

No. I don't know anything about that.

Eh?! Huh?!

We were all together the whole time!

Tell him what really happened!

Why?

Anyway, this will

be reported to upper management, Komatsubara.

You better prepare yourself for the consequences.