Original subtitles

What's the matter?

Please help me!

Huh?

Please hide me!

Hey...

If I remember correctly, you're...

Maria from 303.

There's a dangerous man after me.

A dangerous man?

That reminds me, Maria-san did always let different men into her room.

Does that have anything to do with it?

Hey, open up.

I know you've run into there!

Alright, I'll open it now! ...wouldn't be a good thing to say.

But I also can't just ignore him like this.

So Chikara starts stooping again.

Chikara-kun, why don't you let her come in first?

You're right.

- Come in. - Come in.

Thank you.

You too, Kotaro.

Where is that woman?

I haven't seen anyone...

Don't play dumb. Those are hers, right?

Those are my daughter's.

She's only in year 6 but lately she's become surprisingly mature.

That's rubbish.

Wait a minute!

So... What's your relationship with her?

I'm...

A customer.

A customer?

When she was massaging my shoulders in her room,

she just took my money and ran away!

Oh...

So that's why there were always different men there.

Makes sense! But that's not the point.

But... why did she run away?

W-Well... That's because...

"Did you commit some indecent act?"

Chikara asks with his stare.

What's with that look?

You can't blame me! Look at this!

["Welcome Papaya" Vietnamese Relaxation]

Hmm... It does give off a somewhat erotic impression...

People might misunderstand.

She tricked me! So hurry up and make her come out!

Okay. No, but!

Do I have to do what he says?

But I feel like a cold-hearted country, deporting a refugee...

Maybe I should tell him flatly to get out of here after all.

Ahh! How would a capable adult man

act at a time like this?

This is from her.

She's giving back the money, so can you please leave?

- Huh? - Also, she told me,

she explained to you before starting that it wasn't anything of that nature.

But during the session, you touched her in a dirty way, multiple times.

I was just...

We have no problem calling the police,

but I think you might?

If your workplace and wife find out...

You tell that woman.

Don't insult Japanese people!

It's cold. Why don't you get in too, Maria-san? We use the kotatsu in winter.

Kotaro, I told you not to sleep here!

But it feels so good!

But there's a 100% chance you'll catch a cold.

That's right, Kotaro. You'll turn into a cat.

Sorry, I don't get it.

You don't know "Yukiya Konkon"?

♬ The dog runs around the garden giddily

♬ The cat becomes a ball under the kotatsu

Just so you know, the title of that song is "Yuki".

♬ Yukiya konko arareya konko

Hey hey hey... Go over there!

How stupid.

- Come on. - Please.

I'm sorry for bothering you.

It's okay! But...

Why were you running a business in your apartment?

The truth is, I didn't want to do it.

But I got fired from my job...

What did you work as?

Maria-san explained that two years ago,

she moved from Vietnam to Japan as a Foreign Technical Intern Trainee

[TN: government program inviting foreigners to work in Japan in skilled jobs]

and had been working for a nursing company since 6 months ago.

So why were you fired?

That's because...

Could it be... because you got pregnant?

It had caught Chikara's attention.

The way Maria-san casually put her hand over her belly.

The people at work told me,

it's a huge loss if a trainee has a baby and takes time off work.

So they had to ask me to leave.

What? That company is unforgivable.

What should I do?

Well... Who's the father of the baby?

He's from work. The section manager.

He's a very nice person.

But when I told him we were having a baby,

he suddenly stopped seeing me.

Oh my god! That man is the lowest of them all!

Sorry. My wife speaks English when she's angry.

Do all Japanese men act nice at the start

and lie when they have a problem?

Do they all act like good people but turn into dirty old men once they touch my body?

Um... That's...

That's just because you're a poor judge of character in men.

But he could never say that.

Nor can he say "it's because you look amorous".

This is bad! And while I'm thinking that...

my eyes accidentally turn to...

When I was in Vietnam,

I heard that Japanese people were nice and didn't discriminate.

So why did it turn into such a cold country?

What are you going to do, Chikara? Suddenly,

you're having to answer like you're the representative of all men in Japan.

Don't just look at me like "show me what you've got", say something Akari-chan!

Ahh... Maria-san's fake eyelashes have come off and they look like a hairy caterpillar...

No! What am I thinking at a time like this?

But... without the makeup she seems kind of different.

Huh?

Have we met somewhere before?

Sorry about him. He says that stuff to everyone.

I'm sorry. But I get that feeling.

Where was it? I haven't been to Vietnam, so...

Don't try to trick me.

Japanese men are so sly.

Who knows what you're even thinking?

Well... I'll answer your question the next time we meet.

That's right! Aren't you hungry?

These are Akari-chan's onigiri. They're really yummy and fun.

You don't know what's inside until you eat it!

Though there's practically no chance you'll get the filling you like.

Have some tea before it gets cold.

Here.

I hate the food in Japan.

Huh?

I hate the tea!

I hate everyone!

Wait... Maria-san!

Are you worrying about work?

Or about Maria-san?

I mean, she got pregnant and was fired from her job, you know?

I wonder what she's going to do.

This time it really is impossible, okay?

It's not like we can secure her lifestyle.

I know but...

I can't think of any answer to Maria-san's question either...

There's no way you, on your own, can restore Japan and its men's honour.

What Maria-san experienced is the reality of today's Japan.

Our gender equality index and working environment for women have the lowest rank in the world.

Even a girl posted at our shop today said

"I can't take this harsh environment!" and quit.

When we'd even be willing to accept a cat's help.

I didn't know...

Despite that...

Why can't men say anything when these topics come up?

Is it because it feels like anything they say would be wrong?

Ah...

Hello.

Um... It's chilly today, isn't it?

See you again, Yoshimi-chan!

I hope he hasn't been abusing Yoshimi-chan since then...

I'm also worried about how Tatsuyo-san seems so unenergetic.

[TN: meat and potato stew]

Nikujaga is my absolute favourite!

So I made too much...

Huh? Maria-san looks so lovely when she smiles.

Ah!

- Hello. - Hello.

Oh, have you two met?

He lives on the 4th floor... What was his name?

It's Nakagoshi. Nakagoshi Chikara.

That's right. Chikara-san!

She lives on the 3rd floor... Um...

It's Maria.

That's right, Maria-san!

She helped me at the supermarket when I forgot what to buy!

She even offered to carry my bags.

She came to Japan to study aged care.

Who wouldn't be happy to be looked after by such a kind person?

Right?

Oh, Takuya-kun! Hello!

Hello.

Oh, I know!

Maria-san, would you marry my grandson?

Huh?

What do you think, Takuya?

Stop that, Grandma, you're making her uncomfortable.

What's the matter? Maria-san,

you don't like Japanese men?

Kiyoe-san... That question is taboo right now!

That's right, Takuya-kun. When do the results of your exam come out?

Next week.

He says he can't keep calm at home

and found a part time job.

Really?

I don't want to be late so I should go now.

Be safe!

I sure hope he gets accepted to the university...

He'll be okay.

But I'm worried because he doesn't seem great on the romance side of things.

Though in your eyes, he must still be a child, right?

Oh, I know!

How about Chikara-san?

He's a really good, kind person.

Uh...

Wait, I'm married!

That's right! I'm sorry.

Plus, I'm in a very awkward position as the male representative for Japan...

Japan is a fantastic country!

Everyone follows the rules, they're kind and considerate...

It's the best in the world!

You think so?

Yes. Also everyone...

Hmm...

Why is he so different from Maria-san?

When he compliments us that much,

it makes me wonder if he really understands Japan.

And the ladies are really pretty.

This cute girl came to my restaurant the other day...

She looked like that actress, what's her name...?

Ahh, he's going off-topic again.

This is one of the hardest things.

When do I put him back on track?

- Here's your coffee. - Thank you.

Let's relax with some coffee.

Huh? I thought I ordered it iced today.

Did he just assume because I usually order hot?

I have to ask him to change it.

Coming right up.

But he looks kind of busy...

No, but what's wrong is wrong.

But it could be troublesome if he thinks I didn't say it.

Oh, Kotaro.

You couldn't even walk next to her until recently...

Your dad is so proud.

That's...

"I..."

"am..."

"good"... right?

I'm glad her dad hasn't done something terrible to her.

So today's lucky colour is green.

I wonder what all those cardboard boxes are, though.

They're not picking up again.

I wonder who on earth she's calling.

Oh? He's wearing a suit today.

He looks good, though.

He was doing a delivery job the other day,

but maybe that was just a cover

and his real job is a sniper...

Kiyoe-san is playing piano at the same time every day, as promised.

I hope the onset of the dementia can be slower,

so that Kiyoe-san can watch Takuya-kun grow up for as long as possible.

She must feel so helpless on her own.

If she at least had a friend...

Wait, there was one more person last week,

but what happened to her?

Huh? There's a visitor?

Could it be the baby's father?

Huh? Another customer?

But why is he acting so arrogantly?

Ahh what should I do? As the male representative for Japan.

Hello...

Are you okay, Maria-san?

Hey. Who are you?

My name is Nakagoshi, I live upstairs.

And who are you? Just so you know,

Maria-san doesn't provide that kind of service.

Service?

What service is he talking about?

If you do that here, it's illegal work, you know!

Do you get that?

I didn't mean to...

That's enough. Can you just leave as soon as possible?

[Eviction Notice]

After the man left, Chikara heard the full story.

That was a man from the company that laid her off,

and he came to ask her to move out within a week.

This apartment was provided as company housing,

[Japanese polite language; Nursing Japanese Year 1; Japanese Culture; Japanese-Vietnamese Dictionary]

and Maria-san had been living with other trainees

but the other two had already returned to Vietnam due to various circumstances.

How could I move out in a week?

I don't have any work...

So...

After you asked me, I thought about it as a Japanese man, but...

Maybe all you can do is discuss it with the baby's father, after all...

It's impossible. He won't talk to me.

Could it be from him?

Hello, Mama.

Wait... What's wrong?

Mama wouldn't stop saying "if you're worried about something, tell me!" so I hung up.

So does she know about what happened?

I don't want to make her worry...

Maria-san will have to leave this apartment

with no one to ask for help.

Plus, her fake eyelashes are coming off again.

Maybe her only hope

is getting married to the father of the baby.

That way, she could get a visa and live in Japan.

Um...

Is this it?

Yes.

That's him.

Shibata-san.

Which one is he?

That's him.

Shibata-san.

First, Chikara would pretend he came alone,

and tell him about the harsh situation Maria-san was in.

Can you please talk things over with her again?

I didn't know she was in so much trouble.

I understand. I'll talk to her later.

Well, she's here now. Can you talk now?

Huh?

Huh? Wait...

Why won't you meet me, Shibata-san?

When we were together, you said we should get married,

so why did you stop talking to me when I got pregnant?

I don't understand.

I might have said something that sounded like that,

but in reality, there's no way you and I could get married!

A Japanese woman would have been able to tell that.

You can't say that...

You're the national representative of no-good men, Shibata-san.

While we're here, let me make this clear.

I have a fiancee.

No...

And I've heard. You bring men into your room

and provide some shady services?

Are you really sure... that's my child?

This is the worst!

How many men have said that line ever since the time of Adam and Eve?

Shibata-san, I think that's too much.

And who exactly are you?!

You say you're a neighbour,

but maybe you're actually with her?

No, no, no... I'm not...

Ouch!

What are you doing?

I was an idiot!

I thought if I came to Japan my dream would come true!

That I could work and study care nursing at the same time,

take the care worker exam,

and after getting my visa, I could bring my family to Japan and live with them...

But...

I'm all on my own...

No one will help me...

I have nowhere to live...

I should never have come to Japan!

Maria-san, stop!

Um... Maria-san...

I've made up my mind.

About what?

I'll abort the baby...

and look for somewhere I can work as a care worker.

Huh?

I have a debt, so I can't go back to Vietnam,

and the ob-gyn doctor told me I had a time limit...

Are you sure you're okay with that?

The man I loved...

When we slept together, everyone abandoned me.

I don't need men.

I'll get by on my own.

Don't say that...

Just leave me alone already!

It's none of your business!

Is this really okay?

There's nothing you can do if Maria-san made her decision.

But I feel bad for the baby...

You know... In cases like these,

we have the idea in Japan that it's always right to have the baby,

but the ones who have to give birth and raise the child while working are the women, okay?

Men need to realise that before speaking.

But even I...

You're saying that you're looking after the kids properly?

I admit that you do love the kids

and I think you're a good father,

but you're not as perfect as you think!

There's nothing you can do for Maria-san and her baby.

Enough worrying about it!

Stop, stop, stop!

Wait...

Isn't Mama scarier than usual?

Of course.

About 30% of it is because she's jealous of Maria-san.

Really?

She's wearing more makeup than usual and her clothes are 20% more revealing.

You're right.

But Papa hasn't noticed anything.

You over there. Did you say something?

- No, nothing. - No, nothing.

Both of you, don't just sit around there forever,

do your homework, brush your teeth and sleep! Go go go!

- Yes sir! - Yes sir!

Why don't you take a bath already, Chikara-kun?

Yeah. I will.

What? If you want to say something, why don't you say it?

Well... If I was in a far-off country,

all alone like Maria-san,

and I couldn't even go back to Japan...

That loneliness must be out of this world.

When I think about how someone like that is here, in the same building...

It pains me.

- What are you doing? - Manager!

Do you know anything about Maria-san from this room?

I haven't seen her the past 2 or 3 days...

She was doing some shady business in her apartment, right?

You knew?

Even I misunderstood...

I thought it was that kind of thing...

Huh? You did that too, manager?

No, no, no...

Someone from the company she worked at asked me.

To persuade her to move out as soon as possible.

But the building manager doesn't have that kind of right, you know?

What a problem.

I wish she could leave soon.

Yoriko-san. Do you need a hand?

Oh, it's fine. It's not much.

More importantly, is there something on your mind?

You're showing the lines of trouble with women.

You can tell?

I wish nothing but happiness for everyone in the building, so I can see through it all.

Oh, that's right!

Why don't you try drinking this water?

It refreshes your body and soul and makes your worries disappear like they never existed!

- Really? - And it's only 2000 yen a bottle!

So expensive!

Isn't this pretty dubious?

Chikara thinks but doesn't say it.

Oh... Hello!

What's this?

Kitsugi-san.

You're hiding some profound darkness, aren't you?

Huh?

You didn't tell her something unnecessary, did you?

No, of course not!

Why don't you try this water too?

You'll be freed from frustration and anxiety

and your soul will be purified.

I'm sure it's just tap water in there anyway, right?

Kitsugi-san... You said something I couldn't say, straight to her face...

- So? - Huh? Huh?

Yoriko-san seemed like she would have forced her way into his apartment,

so he pretended he had something to do and escaped.

Oh... Hello.

Hello.

H... He said hi!

Should I take a leap and ask him?

Excuse me!

Are you on your way back from work today?

You seem different to when you were doing deliveries the other day.

Excuse me.

Eh?

Wait!

Even if I tried to talk to her, she'd probably just ignore me.

But I wonder what happened after that.

Has she already gone to the hospital?

He doesn't want to just run away,

but as the male national representative, he's not sure he can say something worthy of a gold medal.

Can I sit next to you?

If she didn't say anything, that means it's okay, right?

I'm going to sit. I'm going to sit, okay?

So... Did you go to the hospital after that?

Then the baby...

I was told I couldn't get an abortion.

Why not?

Maria-san explained that

it was because she didn't have the signature of the father.

By law, it is possible to have an abortion even so,

but the ob-gyn doctor said they couldn't do it because of their own principles.

The doctor got angry at me.

They told me I shouldn't suffer on my own.

And to make the father take proper responsibility.

"What a great doctor!" thinks Chikara.

"I want that person to be the male representative of Japan!"

Then, did you ask Shibata-san?

To sign it.

He said no.

He said he can't do that, when he doesn't know if it's his child.

You're the national representative of no-good men, Shibata-san!

I don't know what to do anymore...

You can't run anymore, Chikara.

You have to give her your opinion.

I'm...

going to support you, no matter what decision you make.

I'll do anything that I can do.

If that's what you really want.

Then you sign it.

What?!

[Consent form for induced abortion​]

I think that might be too much...

Why?

You said you'd support me, no matter what decision I made.

I will, but...

You're my only hope now...

What do I do...

Akari-chan will be angry if she finds out...

No. 8, please come in.

Yes.

I'm sorry, can we please see the mister, first?

Huh?

Uh... okay.

Please have a seat here.

Oh! So it was a female doctor.

That's why she could say such manly things.

Excuse me.

I'll get straight to the point.

What's the reason for aborting the baby?

Um... That's because...

I'm not saying that having an abortion is a bad thing.

But, it's true that it does harm to the mother's body,

so I just want to make sure that the father understands the weight and pain of it.

Yes... I'm sorry.

Are you married?

Is that why you're aborting it?

Huh? Oh this is...

Oops. I should have taken off my ring.

Since it's come to this, should I tell her the truth?

But doing that might cause Maria-san even more trouble.

Alright. I'll do the surgery.

But... Aren't you ashamed, as a Japanese man?

I'm sorry...

What did the doctor say?

Oh... Right.

She explained some stuff about what's going to happen.

She said she'll call us again, so we should wait here.

I see...

Is it okay like this, Chikara?

When Maria-san was touching her belly earlier,

it looked like she was saying she actually wanted to have the baby.

But if she has the baby, she can't do her care work,

and the reason why she came to Japan will be lost.

No. 8?

Thank you for waiting. Please come this way.

Okay...

Ahh!

Do I just have to watch her go?

Ahh!

I remembered!

We really have met before!

Was it about a year and a half ago?

I went to interview a nursing home for work

and I saw you, on your training.

I'm going to lay you on your side.

At that time,

You were working the hardest of everyone there.

You looked really happy trying to entertain a baby there to visit one of the grandmas.

When I saw you like that,

you seemed like Mother Mary, so I remember it.

That's when I thought...

This person will become a wonderful care worker in the future.

And even a wonderful mother,

and that I'm glad this kind of person came to Japan.

But the fact that Japan

has become a cold country to you...

I think it's a shame, and it's really disappointing.

The only thing I can do right now is listen to you for as many hours as needed.

And um...

I can say "hello" to you every day.

You might think that there's no point in that whatsoever,

but when people like Kiyoe-san and Takuya-kun,

neighbours I didn't even know until recently,

just say "hello" to me...

It feels like I'm being told "You and I are alive in the same world,"

like they've acknowledged me, and it makes me happy.

I want you to be one of those friends!

I'm sure everyone will really like you!

You might wonder what I'm going on about at a time like this, but...

Anyway... I'm going to apologise as the representative of Japanese men.

I'm really sorry!

It's okay now...

You can go home first.

What?!

I told you, didn't I?

Not to get involved anymore?

Maria-san... said she wanted to do that, no matter what...

Does that mean you should do something like that without talking to me?

Just so you know,

what you did is fraud.

Really?

Unbelievable...

Anyway, have you heard from Maria-san since then?

Actually, I haven't...

What should I do?

I don't know! If anything happens, it's your fault, you know!

Seriously...

And here I am, exhausted every day with a sore back and swollen legs...

I knew you were pathetic and indecisive...

But I didn't think you were this big of an idiot!

Yeah, yeah, I'm an idiot.

But you didn't have to say it like that.

Fine. From now on I won't do anything and I won't say anything.

I want to be a shellfish.

No, I want to be a cat.

Looks like you're as carefree as ever, Mister Cat.

Ah...

What am I always doing?

Huh? Who is Akari-chan talking to?

It's Maria-san!

She has a completely new look. I wonder why.

So what did happen after that?

Hey... What are you two doing?

Chikara-san...

I decided not to abort the baby.

Really?

Yesterday, after you left, I told the doctor I would have the baby after all.

I also told her that you aren't actually the father...

But what about work?

I won't give up. I'm going to get my care working certificate,

and look for a company that will hire me.

Really?

But... Why did you suddenly change your mind?

That's because...

There's someone living in the building who will worry about my problems with me.

"Oh no, that's too much..."

"Tell that to Akari-chan," Chikara thinks.

Akari-san really helped me out by going to the company with me!

She got angry at them for not explaining all the rights I have to me.

- Severance pay, is it? - Yes.

I'm going to get that now.

And now I can stay in this apartment until I find a new job!

Oh... I see.

Akari-san said she would give me advice

leading up to the baby being born.

Chikara-san...

If something happens... can I call you?

Of course!

My number is...

Oh, it's okay. I already have Akari-san's number.

Oh... I see.

Okay, so I have to get back to the shop now.

I'm going to look for a part time job too!

Really? Want to go together?

Yay, together!

- Do you already have something in mind? - Not yet...

Chikara feels keenly how helpless men are.

In the end, I couldn't do anything.

No, wait. I think there's still something left to do...

What do you want this time?

Maria-san decided to have the baby.

She'll raise the baby on her own, without you.

I've already heard that.

She came blasting in here yelling, with your wife.

Right.

Hey, what are you going to do?

Say "Okay then. Sorry for intruding!" and leave?

No, there are more words that this man needs to hear.

But I can't think of anything.

Am I really a writer?

Is that enough? I'm busy.

You...

Huh?

...will never represent Japan internationally!

What?

Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello...

Hello!

It makes Chikara kind of happy.

Right now,

we're alive in the same world, aren't we?

- Hello! - Hello.

Hello!

How are you feeling today, Kiyoe-san?

I've been in good condition lately. I've just gotten back from the hospital now.

I'm glad to hear that.

That's right, your exam results are coming out soon, aren't they?

Stop that, I'll get nervous.

Let's celebrate when he passes.

Good idea!

Not you too, Grandma.

- Hello. - Oh, hello!

Ah, Chikara-san!

Watch out!

Are you okay?

T... Thank you...

Oh, you dropped your phone.

[Notice of Rejection]

So the suit was for finding a job...

Thank you.

Is he your type?

Huh? What are you saying?

It's not like that!

But anyway... You're dressed quite Japanese today?

Akari-san gave it to me!

So that my stomach doesn't get cold.

She did?

And... this too!

Akari-chan's onigiri.

I had one and it was really yummy!

Onigiri is the best!

Right?

Ahh!

Hi, little kitty!

Chikara was glad that Maria-san came to like Japan a little bit.

But at the same time, he thought that when her baby is born,

he would probably cry.

Tears that come from the terror that he might have taken away that baby's life.

- Chikara-san. - Yes?

I've heard all about how you've been very kind to everyone in the building.

No, I haven't done much...

I'm in a predicament, myself.

- Will you help me? - Huh?

Oh... Of course.

So, come to my place in about an hour.

Come on, come in!

I'm coming in...

Go on.

She's grown up so much...

She has.

Huh?

Why are you two here?

She asked me to help her and suddenly brought me here.

You too?

I've gathered you all here today, in order to save you.

Tonari no Chikara subs by mottofreaky