Original subtitles

ok... 1963

It is now the summer of Showa 38

they're here, they're here!!

in order to complete one full length comic movie it takes approximately 10 months

for nearly a year all the animators here...

they continue to draw the same character, over and over

Natsu is now 26 years old

she is the first female animator in Toyo Animations to be in full charge of the original graphics

there are 24 frames per second in movies

and for the full animation that we create more than 12 of those frames

we would need at least 12 frames of pictures

to make the pictures seem like they are alive to visualize the subtleties

we actually need to get extremely detailed to reinact this

the production of comic movies is a very numbing process

to produce the original graphics for this is a huge responsibility, isn't it?

the original graphics is...

is essential and is the work of breathing in life to the characters

would you mind drawing up something?

oh... yes

Okuhara-san, what is your dream?

dream?

that is of course to create a wonderful comic movie

for children to get so focused in it... watching it as though they are dreaming

a dream they wouldn't wake up from even after they grow up to be adults

it has been 7 years since I left Hokkaido

just like this, to continue to see the same dream I've been seeing since I was a child

I see that is definitely a wonderful dream

- could we get a photo from this angle? - yes

ok, look at the camera in your right hand...

ohh～, so nice let's go with this

looks good!

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Week 17 Natsu, the beginning of comic television ep. 97

♬｢when the heavy door was opened a dark road continued on｣

♬｢I kept walking forward beyond that was a whole new world｣

♬｢even the winds that scatter the ice it will become my friend｣

♬｢the colors of the big, round sky cannot be cut away｣

♬｢I want to share with that nice girl｣

♬｢lu lu lu…｣

♬｢everytime I bring it up, tears drop down dreams come and they crumble｣

♬｢the disappearing flames, I hold onto dearly as I arrive to the colony｣

ahhh～～ ohhh～～

it came out so nice!

I wonder if that outfit was ok...

it's good! looks like a skilled woman

doesn't it look like I want to stand out?

kind of late for that!!

what are you going to do with so many copies?

- I'm going to sell them here - huh?

there are so many customers that are asking for it

- who's asking for it? - President Mogi and such

- he's a book store - oh! that's who I bought them from!

if you sell it here it'll interfere with his business

oh, we need to send some over to your family in Hokkaido

well... that's true...

oh, and Nobu-san where was he again?

- at a broadcasting station in Sapporo - oh yea, he's still in Hokkaido

any other place you want to send it off to?

I would love to send one to Chiharu...

Chiharu, huh?

I think she's looking at it already

she knows about you, right?

she knows that I make comic movies

if that's so, she must be seeing this article

I wonder if that's true...

good afternoon

- hey Mom - so unusual for you to be so early, what's up?

Remiko got a new gig today and she said she wanted to come here, so

- Remi-chan, everything again today? - everything, please

Onii-chan, here

ohhh!! this!! it came out!!

Saitaro's Voice Acting Production was starting to take shape

and now has a firm located in Yotsuya

Remi-san, you got another gig?

- Congratulations - it's always of little boys, though

Remiko is such a huge asset to our force, now

- Nacchan - huh? - have you spoken to Yukijiro, lately?

with Yukijiro-kun? isn't work going well for him?

for Yukijiro, his efforts were bearing fruit and he was getting good roles, voice acting

- so overall, this is fairly slow paced - ok

- should we add a phrase? - yes...

how about you add, "you and I" to this phrase?

｢the one who can cook better will be making dinner...

you and I both want to eat something delicious, right?｣

- that sounds good... how is this, Fujii-san? - ohhh, that sounds good

Obata, you're on a roll... hahaha

｢I know!!

let's decide on who makes dinner with a cook-off｣

｢Nancy what are you talking about?｣

｢the one who can cook better will be making dinner...

you and I both want to eat something delicious, right?」

｢*sigh* regardless of who wins

both of us will be full by the time the decision is made｣

for the American sit-com, 「Beautiful Nancy」

he was playing a role of a sheepish husband

the strong-willed wife was played by Kameyama Ranko they played these roles together

and this show was very popular

there are some peculiar rumors going around in the troupe

- rumors? - yea - about Yukijiro-kun?

yea. that Kameyama Ranko and Yukijiro...

have a relationship...

- what!? no way!? - within the troupe

they treat it as though it's fact

- what? but it's not true, right? - well, we're actually not sure

we were hoping that you, Nacchan can pull the truth out of Yukijiro

I wouldn't know such a thing, either

rumors within the troupe are usually true right, Mom?

that is true... some things just don't change, do they?

is there nothing like that at your work, Nacchan?

there is... but still...

(knocking)

it's open

oh～～ it's Nacchan!

- you good? - what's up?

- I'm taking this - ok

- umm... actually... this - weekly magazine?

I got interviewed and it was publicized on this

what!? really!? which which which which which which?

where where where?

- here... - woaaaahhh!!

you got this much real estate!!

so cool!! have you notified your folks at Shibata Farm?

not yet. I'm about to... it's a bit embarrassing...

let them know right away!! I'll tell my folks to buy this, too

- they can get this in Obihiro, too, right? - yea, probably...

hey... about acting... are you enjoying it?

huh? why would you ask that?

yea...

- did you hear something? from Saitaro-san or Remi-chan? - yea...

about Ranko-san and me, right?

- well, I'm aware that there are rumors going around - yea...

but nothings going on

oh really? that's a relief

Nacchan

all I want is to hurry up and catch up to that person

the strong feelings I have inside, my soul that's where it's at

Nacchan, it's not matters of who likes who I don't have time for such games

- oh really - yea...

just as I love acting I love Ranko-san

- ok. I feel much better - what made you feel better?

because you're still the same you

my country accent doesn't slip out like before though

yep *accented* yep

(laughing)

- oh... you look better in photo - what?

♬～

good morning

good morning!

｢I want to continue dreaming... Okuhara Natsu｣

come on... stop it!!

every one bought one just to be able to do this?

- Nacchan, 'morning - good morning

I'm glad you didn't join in on this

could you come to the meeting room at 10am? we have an important discussion

yes. understood

Naka-san now has a post in middle-management as chief of picture generation

- it doesn't need to be a hanko (signature stamp) - oh really?

I was called into that meeting, too

Akane-san, too?

- I wonder what the important discussion is - it has to be that thing

they'll make you compete against Akane-chan

what kind of competition?

animator beauty contest! just like when Mako-san was here

I did not compete against Mako-san like that!

- just kidding - if you keep getting carried away

you're seriously going to regret it

but don't you think it's the other thing?

- possibly... - that thing?

♬｢far beyond the skies, la la la, beyond the farthest star｣ (Astro Boy theme song♪)

♬｢and he goes｣

from January, this year...

you two know that Tezuka Osamu's production has started ｢Astro Boy｣

television broadcasting, right?

- yes - and this 「Astro Boy」

has been a big hit as a televesion comic series

with that for animation for television

we will be creating a television department to produce television comic series', as well

Nacchan will be in charge of original graphics Akane-chan will be in charge of animation

you two will be stationed in the television department

we would like for you two to leave from full-length comic movies

and focus on comic television series'

so we cannot be affiliated with movies anymore?

at present, as Toyo Animation should be

it is top priority to succeed in comic television series'

Sakaba-kun, through television

you can finally get your name out to public as a producer

we have much hope in all of your youthful power

broadcast is scheduled from this coming December

the plan has come from Saruwatari-kun, here

we will have him involved in original graphics, as well

the title has been decided as, ｢the Prince of Beasts, Sam｣

｢the Prince of Beasts, Sam｣?

the setting is in a hypothetical jungle

and there is a human boy who was raised by lions

because he is human he is discrimnated against by other animals

this boy, Sam he fixes several troubles that they encounter

and eventually, as the Prince of Beasts

he will be acknowledged by the other animals this is the story-line

sounds interesting right!?

Saruwatari-san, when did you think up such a story-line?

I've been wanting to do television so I was secretly working on this project

umm... Naka-san can I ask one thing?

yes, what is it?

when you say, "as Toyo Animation should be"...

should we have a different approach of that of ｢Astro Boy｣?

actually, unless we take the same approach as ｢Astro Boy｣

it may not be acknowledged in television

with a low budget and limited time it was produced and was successful

that is where the value lies in for ｢Astro Boy｣

is that so...

Naka-san

do you acknowledge that as animation?

- huh? - at least for me...

I cannot acknowledge that style as animation for Toyo Animation

what are your thoughts, Naka-san?

of course that is not full-animation

even with knowing that, do you see value in producing it?

Ikkyu-san...

Natsu... a wave of new times is pressing forward

will you be tossed about by these waves?

or will you be able to ride it?

my dream?

that is of course to create a wondeful comic movie

♬｢far beyond the skies, la la la｣

animation for television

a television department will be created producing comic series' for television

Nacchan will be in charge of original graphics Akane-chan will be in charge of animation

we want you two in this television department

so we can't be involved in movies any more?

Showa 38 (1963), in Japan comic series' for television had fully launched

in contrast to full animation

in order to produce a 30 minute animation on a weekly basis

the use of still images or decreasing the amount of movement

several new methods were being developed

Naka-san

do you acknowledge that as animation?

huh? at least for me

I cannot see it as Toyo Animation type animation

what are your thoughts, Naka-san?

of course I don't see it as full animation

if Toyo Animation mimics this format and gets used to it

Animation in Japan...

won't be able to go back, don't you think?

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Week 17 Natsu, the beginning of comic television ep. 98

♬｢when the heavy door was opened a dark road continued on｣

♬｢I kept walking forward beyond that was a whole new world｣

♬｢even the winds that scatter the ice it will become my friend｣

♬｢the colors of the big, round sky cannot be cut away｣

♬｢I want to share with that nice girl｣

♬｢lu lu lu…｣

you're always so exaggerating

- do you think so? - actually, what Sakaba-kun is saying

may not be entirely over exaggerated

it is quite possible that such a time may come

the fact that my time has already passed

has already been confirmed. hahaha

even if that were the case I still believe that there is value in doing so

Naka-san, is that how you feel?

for children who watch animation

does it really matter to them if it's full animation or not?

if it's entertaining or not, that is the only difference

do you not feel that way, Sakaba-kun?

understood

additionally, the quality of full animation

we intend on protecting through full length movies, going forward

exactly. so we would like for you to not worry and focus on television

oh... how was it?

as expected, it was about television

seems even we will have a television department

Nacchan and I will be transferred over there

our skilled Nacchan and Akane-chan are being taken away from us, huh?

even Ikkyu-san will be joining as producer

I see... finally graduating from being assistant

but, his debut as producer is going to be TV...

and again... he barked back at Naka-san...

- barked back? - well... not fully barking back...

he asked if Naka-san acknowledges that as animation

ayyy... that's pretty steep...

Ikkyu-san did a good job he really knows his stuff

don't be an instigator

this isn't only a problem for television

for us animators as a whole this is life or death

road show movies have been slanting due to the rise of television

comic movies which we have poured our soul into

our pursuit for fine movement and reality the world of full-animation, itself

its existence is in grave danger

who're you giving a speech to? this isn't a union

he's saying the same thing Ikkyu-san was saying

♬～

Ikkyu-san, what's wrong?

I will probably no longer... be able to create comic movies...

why so?

after Tsuyuki-san, younger members are being selected for producer positions

I have not been called on

even our short-film that we created has been put on the back-burner

it probably won't even be added as a short to a full length film

it comes to show that my evaluations are low to the higher-ups

or simply, I am disliked...

but Naka-san complimented the short film

he doesn't express his true feelings

just as the pictures that he draws he shows a good face to everyone

what are you sulking over?

so unlike you

I may have accidentally gotten you involved with all of this

- huh? - that's why I'm so frustrated...

at least just one, I wanted to work on a full length movie with you

being in this company, we may no longer have that chance

we don't know that yet...

yes, we don't know that yet

I'm the one who gave you the producer position in television

- what? Tsuyuki-san? - Tsuyuki-san? - yep...

if you were a producer in a brand new environment

I thought you would be able to work more freely

so even working in television, don't go stale

exactly. in television let's work at it again!

it is true that you are not liked by many animators

- huh? - you confront everyone with so much rationale

for animators who are artists who live and breathe sense

it doesn't come to surprise that they turn their back on you

on top of that you're a leader of the union so it's discomforting for the company

very few are on your side. perhaps zero

umm... you said to not go stale... right?

yes. that's why, don't go stale if you go stale, you lose

the courage to be hated that is also an important quality of a producer

from when you were born you already had this trait embedded into you

- you're encouraging him, right? - of course, I am

in this new environment, consider this a great chance to grow

yes, I understand

stupid, speak up!

if you're also from the Kansai region show some guts

huh? you're from the Kansai region?

I was in Kobe until Middle School

that's what I'm sayin' umm... was it Aki-chan? (Aki = Autumn)

uhh... Fuyu-chan? (Fuyu = Winter)

err... Haru-chan? (Haru = Spring)

the one you forgot... oh... Nacchan (Natsu = Summer)

take care of Sakaba, won't you?

like a wife that supports her husband, take care of him

yes understood...

wait... what did you say?

huh? rumors are going around like crazy

- what...? - haha... take care

what kind of rumor?

what does he mean by rumor...?

- n..no idea... - no idea? what are we going to do about this rumor!?

w...we shouldn't care about such a r...rumor

the relationship between these two... doesn't seem as close as their peers think

I'm off...

is that so...?

a few days later...in a new room picture development room for the television department was setup

that's an important tool for work take care of it, punk!

that's over here, yo!

- what is that!? - that's the new Production assistant

because we're understaffed he was called in from a movie production in Kyoto

hey hey hey hey you three

don't stand there like a bump on a log move your hands, punks!

yes!!

I can't do this...

and in the meantime...

also for Yukijiro he was also encountering a turning point in his life

from now... we will be announcing the cast for our next produciton, ｢Kamome｣(The Seagull)

- Arkadina - Kameyama Ranko - yes

Treplyov - Obata Yukijiro

Obata Yukijiro!

- yes! - just a moment, please

I would like to make an objection to this casting

an objection?

why Obata Yukijiro was selected as a main cast, please provide explanation

what is up with you all?

we feel that this casting was selected based on one single actor's personal feelings

this is the issue we motion for

that is an absolute groundless accusation

to take in our opinion... and as a group decision

we demand a re-consideration of program and casting

non-compliance to these demands will result in all of us to not support this program

leaves us with no choice

for those who cannot are not obliged to participate in this program

Yukijiro-kun got a main role?

and most of the young members objected to this casting

and claimed that they'd boycott the program

and Ranko-san admitted to this...

she admitted to a relationship with Yukijiro!?

that's not the case...but that's what it sounded like

*sigh* so those rumors were true, after all

such rumors are not true that is absolutely rude to Ranko-san

so you're saying you got this big role all with your skills?

there may not be any romance...

but it is fact that Kameyama Ranko is playing favorites with you

then what do you want me to do!?

we see your skills

actually... we are the ones that acknowledge your skills

- yea! - that's right!

won't you join us in making a new troupe?

- let's do it together - Obata! - Yukijiro!

- Yukijiro-kun - Obata-kun

let us create a new theater, Obata Yukijiro!

when I think about this... it makes me want to tear myself apart!!

(applause)

to be casted with Ranko-san...

with the actress, Kameyama Ranko... it has been my dream to act by her side

I am here, for that reason

and that is why, I cannot quit here

Kameyama Ranko is your dream?

then it must be easier to chase that dream for you right now...

no hard feelings, but we will be walking ahead of you

♬～

regardless, Yukijiro-kun's feelings...

are purely directed toward theater... that is for sure

- then that makes it worse for him... - huh...?

jealousy. it's just jealousy.

but, the theater hasn't changed at all since back in the days, huh, Ayami-chan?

- seems so... - when Ayami-chan was starting to get popular

she would be picked on by other dancers

- they'd say, don't have relations with customers and such... - wait...what?

ah...I forgot everything already

Macchan, don't be digging up the past like that

but in contrast, Yukijiro's case is a famous actress and young newbie

it's a common fairy tale in the theater industry

you're going to have Kameyama Ranko take you to Ryugu-Jo? (palace in Urashima Taro)

- hahahaha! - don't say such rude things!!

Natsu, why you're getting so worked up...

is it because you're also getting frustrated with office gossip?

let us create a new theater, together

Obata Yukijiro!

to be casted with Ranko-san...

with the actress, Kameyama Ranko... it has been my dream to act by her side

and I am here for that reason

and that's why I cannot quit, now

and then...? they understood...

oh... good for you

in that case, Yukijiro your dreams came true?

yea...

Remi-san... will you be staying with the troupe?

no matter what happens I am on Yukijiro and Ranko-san's side

in, ｢The Seagull｣... my role is so small without any dialogue... but...

Treplyov!! you can do it!!

yea... that's true

at this point, you just need to accept it and do your best

Yukijiro-kun, you can do it! we're looking forward to it

ok. got it. thank you, Nacchan & Remi-chan

I'll work hard, too we're actually starting television broadcasting

television? yep. animation for television

like ｢Astro Boy｣? yea! you're watching it?

of course. never know when they'll call for me for voice acting

I want them to call on me Nacchan, you call for me, too!

well, we haven't even gotten to that point yet...

Nacchan's doing television, too, huh yep

but unlike movies I haven't gotten a hang of how television is done

that's why, I need to work hard

Nacchan, you can do it I'll work hard

ok. let's drink to mark this point sounds good

let's do this! kampai!!

fansub by: @hiroxkuri

donations welcome: paypal.me/hiroxkuri

Week 17 Natsu, the beginning of comic television ep. 99

♬｢when the heavy door was opened a dark road continued on｣

♬｢I kept walking forward beyond that was a whole new world｣

♬｢even the winds that scatter the ice it will become my friend｣

♬｢the colors of the big, round sky cannot be cut away｣

♬｢I want to share with that nice girl｣

♬｢lu lu lu…｣

♬｢everytime I bring it up, tears drop down dreams come and they crumble｣

♬｢the disappearing flames, I hold onto dearly as I arrive to the colony｣

｢a true genius!｣｡

practices have started for the troupes that stayed

(my talents...)｢are higher than all of yours!｣ ｢Décadence!｣

the program was Anton Chekhov's, ｢Seagull｣

Yukijiro-kun and Ranko-san are casted as mother and son

j...just a second!

let's stop for a moment ok. let's stop

your movements are too over exaggerated

yes. sorry. don't try to show yourself

your acting needs to portray the presence of Treplyov

yes, ma'am

at the same time, the television comic series, ｢the Prince of Beasts, Sam｣...

the storyboard was complete and picture development has started

Natsu is making the base graphics for a scene where Sam runs through

oh...

you don't need to be so detailed in your drawings there

huh? I'm just drawing normally...

he's just running really fast, right?

can I show you? in these scenes...

this is all you need

huh? just this?

umm... for animation, how do we generate this?

just make these lines move around

use about 3 pages and frame it out

doesn't it look like he just ran through?

whaaaaaat?

♬～

｢I'll never accept this you and the other guy!｣

｢Décadence!

forgive me, my beloved child

forgive your unfortunate mother｣

｢only if my feelings... only if you, my mother, could understand my feelings!

I no longer have a will to write...

- my hopes and everything...｣ - no!

- it's no good at all - ok. please give me another chance!

it's ok. let's take a break

sorry...

- do you remember? - huh?

the first time you came and saw me perform

yes... of course it was, 「A Doll's House」

- that time, what you said to me - huh...?

with my acting you said you felt a spirit of amateurism

oh...

why was that?

that's because...

back in High School, Kurata-sensei, our theater advisor told us that quite often

when performing don't forget your spirit of amateurism

don't try to do good as an actor... don't show off

speak like a normal human being

a real actor this is what they are able to portray

that is what I saw in you, Ranko-san

I was told the same thing a sempai who first taught me acting

the most important thing in new drama is the spirit of amateurism

just like this, my sempai would stick with me the entire time

and would thoroughly teach me...

was this sempai, a guy?

yes... but he died...

the war got rougher and I evacuated...

he joined a traveling troupe

Showa 20 (1945) August 6th... he was in Hiroshima...

Ranko-san, did you have feelings...

for you, who said the same words as he... I want you to live for him, to act for him

I want you to continue to work hard

I understand...

ok... let's give it another try

yes

Sam doesn't move and his face is static...

and only his tears move, huh...

so all we need to do is move the tears, right?

we move what needs to be moved and the static parts still have character, in itself

I think that's how we need to develop these characters

I see...

even with simple movements, the feelings of these characters can be conveyed

well even through still comics we can sense their feelings

- that is true - it's not about the format, but rather awareness

awareness?

in accordance with each characters' distinctions we focus on the awareness and emphasize the movements

even with simplified movements... it can be shown as very lively

like the natural Japanese sense that we have, like in Kabuki performances

though the format may be different the skills in playing the part of each character

I believe that this is the strength that our animators, here, have cultivated

strength?

that is your skill

though we restrict movement we will not restrict the feelings of our animators

we do not need to compromise the expressions

let us not rot and go stale in this

I'm not going stale at all...

but... understood!

well...when we get nit-picky like that... we can never get rid of over-time...

heeeeeeeeyyyyy

we made Udon so everyone eat up!!

woah! Arai-san, you're awesome! let's go! let's go!

as Natsu moves forward...

Yukijiro-kun also...

｢you coward!! forgive your unfortunate mother...｣

｢only if my feelings... only if you, my mother, would understand my feelings...｣

｢life, for me, has become unbearable

all there is, is suffering

my youth is being picked away... and I feel as if I've lived 90 years｣

｢I am calling your name... I am kissing the ground that you walk on...

no matter where I look, I see your face...

the best times of my life... was shined upon, by your gracious smile｣

give me your best shot!!

give me your best shot...

♬～

as time passed...

Yukijiro's first day on stage has arrived

♬～

sorry to bother you on your day off

this is not for you

I cannot miss Kameyama Ranko's performance

we can't miss Yukijiro's big moment either

yes

- how do you do? - oh, you came, too, huh?

how are you? long time no see

it has been a while

thank you for coming in your busy schedule

on behalf of his family in Hokkaido... I felt the responsibility to witness this moment

for Yukijiro, you are somwhat his Shinjuku Mother

- not his mother - basically like his mother

she is more so the mother

actually, I am a friend

I am the boss

- I am... - Madam! Madam!

oh...

♬～

Natsu, please witness Yukijiro-kun's growth

Showa 38 (1963), Autumn

the time for Yukijiro's big role on-stage has come

we can't miss Yukijiro-kun's big moment either

yes

- how do you do? - oh, you came, huh?

hello

Natsu, the curtain will open

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donations welcome: paypal.me/hiroxkuri

Week 17 Natsu, the beginning of comic television ep. 100

♬｢when the heavy door was opened a dark road continued on｣

♬｢I kept walking forward beyond that was a whole new world｣

♬｢even the winds that scatter the ice it will become my friend｣

♬｢the colors of the big, round sky cannot be cut away｣

♬｢I want to share with that nice girl｣

♬｢lu lu lu…｣

woah... ahhhh thank you so much!!

- Yukijiro, great job! it was great. - oh really?

ohhh, thank you

it was really wonderful. so great

- really, Nacchan? - yea, how else can I put it...

yea...wonderful!

- all you say is wonderful - when Natsu says this, she means it

in this case, even if you invited your family from Hokkaido they would have been proud

no no. I'm still nothing

I am just happy that you, Madam, came and watched

umm... Ayami-san, how was it?

err... still...

and what I mean by still is you can still do better

I'm so happy to even be able to see this

- thank you so much!! - Mom rarely ever compliments people, you know

- it's pretty amazing - yes, I am very happy

Akane-san and Ikkyu-san

despite your busy schedule thank you very much

I actually came to see Ranko-san

- oh... is that so... - you don't need to be so honest

- does that mean you were not honest? - that's not the point!

- stop it. not here - well, every one...

thank you all so much, today thank you very much

- Ranko-san, it was wonderful! - she's saying it again

- thank you - please continue to take care of Yukijiro-kun

the one who needs to take care of Yukijiro-kun is Sai-chan's job

Yukjiro-kun and I are simply co-stars now

Ranko-san... thank you so much

ok... cheers to Yukijiro!

kampaaaii!! let's do this, kampaaaii!!

let's do this, kampai!! thank you very much!

thank you very much... thank you very much

ok everybody... for Oden preparation I slacked off today

- so drink your hearts out! - yes

and to make up for that I will be making Tempura, today

ohhh, it's been so long since I had Saitaro-san's tempura!

- is it really good? - yea, it's actually good

it's from your father that was a chef, right?

yes. within my memory, though

- eat this and work hard from tomorrow, Yukijiro - yes!

work hard I wanted to really teach you my tempura

Ranko-san acknowledged you as a co-star, right?

so jealous...

Ranko-san's acting, I felt, was really something

huh?

- however, as a member of theater, how was it? - what do you mean, how...?

within the performance, the urge to develop something new...

I did not feel such a thing

what the heck are you saying...?

well... that is Chekhov...

so if it's Chekhov, nothing new should come about?

as it has from a long time ago, it should be so ordinary?

- just wait... - ordinary!?

are you claiming that Ranko-san's acting is just ordinary?

I felt that everything was done to simply display Ranko-san's performance

is it ok for theater to be this way?

what are you saying...? what the heck do you even know!?

woah... hey hey hey... I'm using oil here, don't get so excited!

do you not feel the same way?

please, stop! what do you gain from saying such things!?

I actually hope that Yukijiro-kun could be a great opportunity to change this

- ...? - opportunity?

now that Ranko-san has given you her approval...

I thought this could be a great opportunity to develop something new

that is what I felt

That you, Yukijiro-kun could change Ranko-san, change theater

I felt that you could be an actor that can bring about this change

I see Basically, don't be satisfied with just being a co-star

that I can attest to

by doing so it is no longer just Ranko-san's theater

- and you can live up to the other troupe members that left - yes...

actually, the troupe recently went through a split because of that...

is that so..

then that's how you should have started off

exactly

must you trigger a person's defense mechanism before you make a decent statement?

to jump to conclusions, without thinking the problem through is insolence

and as a result you are being thought of as insolent

you need to be a little more careful

understood

sorry for my rudeness

- oh... no problem... - good grief...

you two get along so well

oh, you two have that sort of connection?

oh, we are just colleagues

just as he said

hey... it smells like it's burning

ahh!! the tempura burned!!

ahhhh~~~

♬～

thank you very much for today

please make sure to take her home

- indubitably - see you tomorrow

yes

sorry Ikkyu-san said such weird things

it's ok

you and Ikkyu-san aren't going out?

- what? no way - reeeally?

we're just colleagues even he said so

oh really? I thought that you guys had gotten together for a while now

I think Ikkyu-san likes you, though

I have no clue what that guy is thinking

there were times I felt that way, too

even if it takes a life time, I want to make it with you

in the end, he just needed me for work

and Nacchan, do you like him?

I suppose, I wish that we can live this life together

that means you like him!

but even if I like him it doesn't mean we can live this life together

so even if he doesn't like me back...

as long as we like the same thing...

we can still live this life together in a way, right?

- Nacchan, you're thinking that much, huh? - is it weird?

it's not weird per se... but kind of sad...

Yukijiro-kun, even you were saying such things

right now is not the time to talk about liking whoever...

right now, I simply need to focus on succeeding with this television gig

- that's so sorrowful, Nacchan - why is that?

you should depend on people more you should be more selfish

if you like him, you should tell him, yourself

what I like most is work

well, just as Yumi used to say...

it's best to be comrades

in that case, I need to focus on succeeding on stage

- huh? - alrighty then, thanks!

yea...

♬～

and Yukijiro-kun's stage performance had gone well to the end

- thank you for your hard work - Ranko-san!

good work

thank you for everything up to today

tonight, after the after-party come over to my place

you know where it is, right?

let us celebrate, just the two of us

yes

thank you for your hard work

♬～

- I'm home - welcome home - Nacchan

Remi-san Yukijiro-kun isn't with you?

Yukijiro-kun, I wonder... what's happening to him right now...

huh?

umm... has something happened?

Yukijiro-kun...

Yukijiro-kun...?

♬～

*Kameyama*

just because they're meeting up at Ranko-san's house doesn't mean...

but even if it does happen there's nothing we can do

I'm just worried about Yukijiro, Nacchan

- why's that? - Ranko-san is an actress to the core

love affairs, friends to her, everything is food for her acting

if Yukijiro-kun drowns in someone like that, now...

as an actor... he may get crushed...

what...?

- what is that? - oh, it's a cake

- why, thank you. let us have it later. - yes

here

- kampai - thank you for your hard work

good work

::sigh:: go ahead, have a seat

Ranko-san...

Ranko-san, I like you

oh... are you messing with me?

- no. - then, are you confused?

no

I am not confused

I've liked you this entire time

All I have is acting. all I can do is act

and that's why I like you

and I would like to continue to act by your side, going forward

is it because I invited you here I may have led you on?

is this... my misunderstanding?

you came here with such determinations?

Yes... I did...

♬～

I see...

♬～

Ranko-san, I like you

is it because I invited you here I may have led you on?

is this really, my misunderstanding?

♬～

you came here with such determinations?

yes... I did

♬～

I see...

fansub by: @hiroxkuri

donations welcome: paypal.me/hiroxkuri

Week 17 Natsu, the beginning of comic television ep. 101

♬｢when the heavy door was opened a dark road continued on｣

♬｢I kept walking forward beyond that was a whole new world｣

♬｢even the winds that scatter the ice it will become my friend｣

♬｢the colors of the big, round sky cannot be cut away｣

♬｢I want to share with that nice girl｣

♬｢lu lu lu…｣

to be honest, before rehearsals started for our performance...

By Abuta-san and those who left the troupe, they invited me to join them

saying, let's create a new theater and a new performance let's create something new

but, I immediately declined

without hesitation, I declined

because, my dream has been to perform with you, Ranko-san

if a new theater is being created I want to create that with you, Ranko-san!

I want to enliven this theater with you, Ranko-san!

Ranko-san... no matter what, I will never betray you

- you are misunderstanding, after all - what?

the reason why I invited you here, tonight...

- was to criticize you - yes, ma'am

your acting was terrible

the lowest of lows

it was so terrible so many times, I almost laughed on stage

- I apologize - it's too late to take back what you just said

it's after hearing all of your confused jibber-jabber

how disgusted, I felt

I'm sorry, but we can never be costars ever again

you should go to that Abuta-san of yours

you ought to go create this new theater that you guys speak of

amateurs do as amateurs should

hurry up and leave

- Ranko-san... - Leave!!

♬～

♬｢the word of love don't let me sleep｣

♬｢just as a dream...｣ *sobbing*

what... so early...?

Yukijiro-kun...

welcome

- please give me saké - ok

you're drinking?

Nacchan...

- sorry... - uggh... - you hung out all night for me?

I didn't realize...

'morning

sorry about last night...

its' ok, it's ok

Yukijiro-kun, you didn't speak a word

yea... that's why...

- want water? - yea... sorry...

it seems I hurt Ranko-san's feelings

Yukijiro-kun... hurting Ranko-san?

yep...

To Ranko-san, I finally told her that I like her...

what !?

... then what...?

from those who quit the troupe...

I was invited to create a new troupe with them... I even told her about that, too

to Ranko-san?

yea...

to be honest, I hesitated for a moment...

from my peers my teammates that we learned theater together

they told me they recognize my strengths

and with that, they invited me to build up a new theater

I was so happy...

to be honest, my heart moved for a moment...

I wanted to do this, together, with them

I think Ranko-san saw right through me

as Ranko-san was criticizing me... that is what I felt

she criticized you?

criticized me like crazy

amateurs do as amateurs should she told me to go join my other little group

but, my liking Ranko-san...

my dreams of wanting to act besides Ranko-san this is all still true...

if that's the case... shouldn't you continue to stay true to your heart?

- if you simply tell Ranko-san the truth... - it's too late

she said she was disgusted by me...

she said, clearly, that I suck so bad that I'm of no use

she said we can't act together any more...

don't you think she was lying to you...?

- huh? - Ayami-san...

in order for you to be able to join the other troupe I think she lied to you

a lie...?

I think so, too...

if you remember, didn't Ranko-san acknowledge your skills?

with your skills, Ranko-san felt that you could become independent from her

saying that this is better...

she used all her love to give you that final push forward

Nacchan, what do you think?

I... have no idea...

but... if Yukijiro-kun were to stick with her... it would lead to unhappiness...

you guys are saying, that's what Ranko-san felt, right?

for Ranko-san, to live, is to be on stage

and she doesn't want others to sacrifice themselves for that cause

I think that, that is truly the path that she has decided to live...

I can't live up to that...

♬～

what are you going to do?

no idea...

I have no idea... but I'm going to re-think my own honest feelings again

no matter what happens we are comrades that encourage each other, ok?

yea...

- Nacchan... - huh?

I realized...

what...?

maybe you, Nacchan, have noticed, too...

don't you think Ayami-san likes Saitaro-san? as a man?

what? what a stupid thing to say!!

- you've never felt that way? - how could I think such a thing

is that so... Ayami-san is that attractive...

don't say such weird things...

sorry...

see ya

ok

♬～

and Natsu's pursuance of telvision comics has continued on

- Nacchan - yes? - can I have a sec?

the eye movement at this moment...

I'm thinking of adding an eye-blink frame, what do you think?

I think that's a good idea

here... are you sure this is how you want it?

? what's strange about this?

Sam, at this moment to what, is he feeling angry?

is he angry with himself? or is he angry toward the opposing side?

- both...? - yes, it's both!!

he's angry with both, but it's not just that...

Natsu...will the day come...

when you communicate your honest feelings toward someone?

ahh... I can't watch... ahh~~!

December of Showa 38 (1963)

the TV comic that Natsu and team created started broadcasting on Sunday evenings

♬｢that guy has superhuman strength｣

the hardships and adventures of Natsu and every one...

eventually... to the future contributors of Japanese Animation...

connected on

♬｢handle the storm, Sam♪ Hallelujah, Sam♪｣

♬｢Soon to be king, Sam♪｣

fansub by: @hiroxkuri

donations welcome: paypal.me/hiroxkuri

Week 17 Natsu, the beginning of comic television ep. 102

♬｢when the heavy door was opened a dark road continued on｣

♬｢I kept walking forward beyond that was a whole new world｣

♬｢even the winds that scatter the ice it will become my friend｣

♬｢the colors of the big, round sky cannot be cut away｣

♬｢I want to share with that nice girl｣

♬｢lu lu lu…｣

Natsu, I saw it it was great

- really? - really

seems like Chii-kun liked it too...

he was watching the entire time

☎that's good to hear

I want to see Chii-kun

Natsu, your name was there, too

when we saw that Jii-chan said "oh!", out loud! haha

haha... really. where's Jii-chan?

☎right after your show he went over to the cow shed

you guys need to buy a TV

you guys are late in the game

- hey dad! - huh? - let's make a worker's union...

and demand a raise

before that, I just want to retire

- lately, my lower-back has been killin' - oh, that's no good

when you find time come home, right away, ok?

- ok, let's switch - talk to you again~~~

ah...!! why...!?

that's a waste of telephone bill it's not like you have anything important to talk about

to hear her voice is what's important!

- right? - ...huh?

how was it?

the pictures moved more than I thought

sorry for the wait here is the sandwich and chicken rice

really?

when I watched it on TV it still felt like the movements were awkward

oh... even within that...

there were a lot of moments where I felt it was so "Nacchan-like"

if it weren't black & white I'd love to be the one who gave it color

not me, but this guy Saruwatari-san is wonderful he draws things in a snap

so things are going smoothly?

well... that's not the case, either...

the problem is... that guy...

you cut it out already!! if we keep listening to your demands...

everyone's going to end up having to have to draw 4000 pages!!

check out that "Astro Boy" !!

they say it's done with just around 1000 pages

that's with the appeal behind the story of "Astro Boy"

if we don't bring out our own individuality how can we compete against them?

if we can't broadcast there's no point!

at this pace we're only going to last a month!!

Arai-san!! don't worry I'll make it happen

make it happen? you make it sound so easy... how you gon' do it?

I will re-evaluate all of the key frames that are drawn up

for example, here...

the tigers have a fall out and fight...

this fighting scene...

these fighting scenes can be cumbersome...

just like this... create a cloud of dust

and we simply make this cloud of dust move around

and within this cloud, we insert funny poses and expressions and still images of the tigers would pop out here and there

ohh... that's how the fighting is presented

- this is... - that is a brilliant idea, Nacchan!!

I thought of this as I watched your work, Saruwatari-san

oh! and the scene where Sam beats up the tiger...

I was thinking we fill up the screen with a bunch of stars

and the next frame, we show the fainted tiger on its back

this is how we express Sam's power

ohh~~~~...

for television, even small children are watching...

instead of cutting corners

I feel it best to minimize violence on screen as much as possible

that's true - and on top of that we decrease picture frames it's hitting two birds with one stone

Nacchan! That's wonderful!!

but on the other hand for sections where we want to be detailed...

let's make sure to spend extra time on adding more frames there

Ikkyu-san, I'm hoping that we can make these bold changes

that decision is for you to make

it is my duty to think of the story-line that will maximize these changes

ok

alright everyone I look forward to all of your hard work

ok! alright! let's do this!!

yea!!

♬～

thank you very much!

- and at this time, up in the north

welcome...

- I'm home... - Yukijiro!!

- what the heck. if you're coming home you should have let us know - yea...

I'm going to go let dad and grandma know

on behalf of his life I want you to act

I want you to continue to work hard

- Yukijiro! You were able to come home! - I'm home, Grandma

oh, dad, I'm home

- for a New Year's visit, isn't it a bit early? huh? - hey you...

I was hoping to make it home in time for Christmas

Dad, let's make Christmas cakes!

- eh? - huh?

- what's up with you? - what happened?

yea...

Yukijiro!

Dad, you told me so

when you give up, give up like a man

you've given up?

th that acting stuff... did you mess up? did you forget your lines?

- for such a reason? - that's not the reason!!

I have no more regrets

that's why I've made up my mind

I'm going back to becoming a patisserie

are you stupid!?

you think you can become a patisserie being so wishy-washy!?

then dad... please train me!

as a mediocre patisserie, as a human being please re-train me

please...

under you, dad I would like to give it one more try

are you serious?

I am serious

you're not here running away from anything?

I didn't run

I threw it out

Yukijiro...

♬～

huh? what's up? is it already time to milk the cows?

- you're still the same, huh? - Yukijiro!!

- long time no see, Tenyo! - you came back?

- yep... this time, forever - forever?

yep... from now on, I'm here forever enjoy it!

I ain't happy...

still so cold-hearted

oh... you must be cold... want me to bring anything?

oh no... I'll go give my regards to your wife in a bit

oh... please do so

I need to go greet Kurata-sensei, too

yea, he'll be happy

oh... let's invite Yocchan and Bancho and have a drink

yea

everyone misses you

oh... did you watch Nacchan's TV?

ohhh, I heard from my older bro but I can't afford a TV

meh... like you even want one

ohh... I was actually on TV, too

- just your voice, right? - you knew about that!?

Nacchan's still unchangingly workin' hard, huh?

yep... Nacchan's the same

she keeps moving forward

like she never wavers

for me... in the end I didn't even end up close to catching up to her

life is not a race...

that's true...

welcome home, Yukijiro

I'm back, Tenyo

what the heck is that?

is that so...

he went back to Hokkaido, huh?

I didn't mean for him to quit from his heart

I think he knew...

and it's because he knew, he was able to quit

Yukijiro-kun... from that point, thought deeply and finally realized

that if he were to become a pioneer of a sort it's not through acting, but through confectionery

it's quite disappointing for me, though...

♬～

then you should go ahead and peel that off

we're a shop that doesn't throw away memories

let's keep that there

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

ahh... Natsu... as the piled snow melts...

as does time pass by...

and what is left are memories or love...

continue on to next week

people believe that you two will eventually get married, too, right?

hey now~~~

that is a mere rumor

I'm so frustrated... Nacchan...

I don't want to be with such a person

good bye...

Next Week: Natsu, proposal... what will you do?