Original subtitles

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION.

THERE IS NO RELATION TO REAL PEOPLE OR EVENTS.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

I'm fine.

Oh, uh…

Whoa!

NEW JAPANESE FOR TOTAL BEGINNERS

EPISODE 3

Was it all right that I let him in?

-Uh… -Oh, uh…

- Right here. Sofa. Uh-huh. Tonight. - Oh. Sofa. Sofa.

I can sleep here?

- Okay, okay. - Yes, good night.

Thank you.

About that.

Uh…

That figurine.

Mmm. That one…

- Oh, this? - Yeah, um… Ah!

- This? - Yeah.

Do you like that character?

Uh, no, that's not why.

I'm holding it for someone else.

- Holding on to it? - Mm-hmm.

Oh, the Korean guy I told you about earlier

bought this as a souvenir for his son.

Is there anything else you know about that man?

Um, I was very little…

Ah…

I do have some of Mr. Gyeongsu's belongings.

My grandpa put everything in this suitcase.

We've been holding on to all of it hoping someone will come to collect them.

Maybe that's why you're here?

No, just curious because you said he was Korean. Hmm.

They always worked together.

Researching different ways to successfully grow crops here.

How many photos are you going to take?

They're so cute, aren't they?

Every day you're snapping away.

How are you not tired of that yet?

Watching them grow brings me joy.

Like how watching Karin grow makes you happy.

It's sort of similar.

Oh.

Karin.

Someday my son might come visit.

Will you take care of this one so that he can see it?

Yes, sir. Thanks for trusting me.

He was so kind.

And he smiled a lot.

Well, I need to go to bed.

Oh, right.

I'll clean up in here before I go.

- Sleep well, all right? - Yeah.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SOIL AND FERTILIZERS

New shoots sprouted today.

How cold and hard it must've been beneath the soil.

It's amazing how they were able to break through it.

It somewhat reminded me of the day Yubin started school.

I kept looking back at him in front of the school gates, watching him go in…

Worried he might snap,

like the sprouts that had just barely made it out of the soil…

While these strawberries continue to rise toward me above the ground…

Before I knew it, my son was growing up, leaving my arms.

They're both thriving, and yet…

It's a strange feeling.

I think I miss him very much tonight.

I better wake him up I guess.

Wow.

He's got long lashes.

Oh, uh… The alarm… I forgot to turn it off, uh…

Huh?

Why is my heart pounding so hard?

Uh… "Let's meet at the farm later."

You don't have to come to work today.

Why not?

Uh, um, actually… We're having a village meeting today.

He must have been close with all the villagers.

"I'm coming with you."

-Why is that? -Uh, I'm coming with you.

-Why is that? -I'm coming with--

Uh-huh. Uh… Um, why is that?

- Mr. Ikeda. - Oh, Mr. Ikeda.

-I'm so glad you're here. -Hello there! Nice to see you.

-Come on. -Let's go in.

NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER

- Well, look who the cat dragged in. - Hmm?

This guy.

He's a new employee who started working for Karin.

-Uh… -Come in. Say hi to everyone.

Uh… Uh…

Hi.

Go-Good morning.

- I'm Yubin. - Good morning.

Good morning.

Morning.

Ah, so he's Karin's new helper.

He's got quite a body, and he's nice to look at.

-Hey. -That's inappropriate.

I bet you that he won't last here very long.

He needs to have dedication too. It takes much more than a sturdy body, doesn't it?

Mm-hmm.

Hello there. Hi.

- Good morning, everyone! - Good morning.

Let's all get this meeting started, shall we?

Good news.

Green Nova Corporation Festa will be held again this year!

We have another wonderful opportunity to be part of the Festa,

thanks to every one of you here.

Everyone, uh, has a handout, right?

The agenda for this meeting is on the first page.

- What's Green Nova Festa? - Ah.

It's a pretty big event where we get to promote our produce.

It's held by the biggest agricultural company in all of Japan.

Every region brings their signature produce to compete and sell.

This year, it's going to be Karin whose crops will be evaluated.

- Ah. - All right.

Together there are four candidates.

The first candidate is "Karin's Strawberries."

- My farm's strengths are that… - Isn't she amazing?

…the strawberries can be grown in large quantities,

and they're great quality.

So I really hope you all are pleased.

Wow.

How does Mari make turning pages look so chic?

…and created a whole presentation, including drawings.

Next up are the sweet potatoes we proudly showcase every year.

We've been consistent on the amount we produce,

so I'm pretty sure we'll be able to showcase them again.

Advertising them will be very important.

- Uh… - Yes, please go ahead.

It's good to remember…

That way we can make it a little more special…

All right, why don't we continue this conversation outside while we eat.

Time for lunch.

We're going to eat first.

Eat first? Oh, okay.

- It's yummy, right? - So hungry.

-Tell me when. Okay. -That's enough.

This looks refreshing.

This works out great.

He's so handsome. Look at him.

Kunam, Mari. Thanks for being our Festa cheering squad.

Of course. Happy to help.

I'm perfect. These guns, nice smile, and cute.

I'll charm them all.

You can count on me.

Yeah!

- You've got this! - Go, Kunam!

Why me? Why am I paired with Kunam?

'Cause I mean, what about…

Our Kunam is so cute and charming, but…

Yeah, but this year's Festa is very…

Very important for us.

Hey, come here a minute.

Why is everyone staring at me?

Hey, Kunam! What did he say?

You see that?

Right, my company went bust. So what?

What? Why is he angry?

He… He can't do it.

Oh.

Yubin is really famous in Korea, but he made mistakes.

So he has to lay low here for a while. Uh, he has to avoid the loan sharks.

-Oh, I knew he was trouble. -A troublemaker?

See?

What'd you tell them? Why are they all staring at me like that?

Oh…

They want your help with the designs for the Festa.

You've done that a lot, right? Come on, man.

How am I supposed to do designs for a rural event?

I've never done anything like that before.

This means everything to Karin.

You said you had to make good with her.

This is for Karin.

Fine, fine. I'll do it.

Instead, he'll be in charge of our designs!

Give him a round of applause!

-Oh, what a sweet man. -Oh! So nice.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Eat up and do your best.

-Come on. Now eat. -You must be hungry.

- Is it good? - Come by our shop any time.

Thank you.

- Is it good? - Hmm?

Hmm?

Thank you so much.

Bye-bye.

Kunam mentioned that you were really famous in Korea.

What brought you here?

Ah. I'm just buying some prop…

What I meant was…

I've got a lot going on in Korea. I just wanted to take a little break,

but…

I really like it here.

It's so relaxing.

I see.

Anyway, thank you for volunteering.

This Festa will make or break us.

You can't tell from looking at them…

but everyone's worried about me doing farm work alone.

That's why this Festa's important. If my strawberries get recognition,

they'll realize I'm capable on my own,

and they'll be able to relax.

This is a pretty huge deal, huh?

Mm-hmm. Totally.

- In that case… - Hmm?

Since I'm helping you, could you do me a favor?

What is it?

Oh, please just let me sleep in here!

Absolutely not. We are not sleeping together in the same space.

Come on!

- Stop it! - Why "stop it," huh?

Why "stop it"? No "stop it," no "stop it."

-No way! -You said you'd do whatever I want!

- Why, "Stop it"? Tell me why! - I said no!

Remember when I got drenched last time?

I can't stay there!

It gets so cold and hot.

No matter how much I sweep, there's always more dust!

I'm allergic to dust.

I'm just not going to last if I keep on staying in that dump.

For me, for you, and for the strawberries.

We need to keep brainstorming together so we can win first place in this Festa.

All right! Okay, listen!

It's fine.

-I'll allow it. -Huh?

But if you break any of the rules, you are out of here.

-Ru-rules? Rules? -Rules.

Oh? O-Okay. Rules.

Okay, I'll sleep right here. Okay? Okay, great.

- Rules? Okay. Rules are good. - Rules.

Rules I really really like.

There are so many.

But I can't read any of this.

Rule number one.

You are not to come out to the living room after 11:00 p.m.

In particular, sleeping on that sofa from now on is off limits.

What is this, prison?

Secondly.

At all times you are to be properly dressed.

Even though it's indoors?

The third rule is,

that my room is off-limits.

I don't even want to go in your room.

You can read the rest of the rules on your own time.

4. YUBIN IN CHARGE OF TAKING OUT ALL THE TRASH.

5. YUBIN ALSO IN CHARGE OF CLEANING ALL WATER AREAS

6. KEEP SHARED AREAS CLEAN

Oh, and finally, we'll eat our breakfast together.

You'll make breakfast for me?

You'll be making our breakfast.

So we can save money on food.

This is straight-up unfair.

Don't forget that breaking the rules gets you kicked out.

Ah, r-rules?

-Mm-hmm. -Mmm.

Rules, I-I like it.

What the heck?

Did I miss my dose?

No, I'm sure I took it.

Is it because I should be asleep?

Oh, whatever!

What is going on?

Hey, move.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Oh.

-My bad. -Uh…

Chopsticks go in the front.

- Huh? Ah. Ah. - Here.

That's not it.

Put them here.

Wait, what? No, no, no.

- That's wrong. Hey, no, in front of you. - That's the correct way.

- No, like this. - You're wrong.

They go in front.

Okay, okay. I get it.

- Okay. So mine go here. - Mm-hmm.

And yours go there.

-Go right here. Okay. -Yeah. Okay.

Thanks for the meal.

PRAYING FOR VICTORY

SHOP FOR SUPPLIES

-We need a rope. -Hmm? A rope?

-And clips. -Clips?

-Okay, and then what else? -Then?

That's pretty.

-Karin. -Mmm?

What is your favorite color?

-My favorite? It's red. -Mmm.

-Huh? -This color.

-Oh, that's red. Ah. -Mm-hmm.

-No. No, you can't see. -What?

- You don't get to see it. - How come I can't? Why not?

Mmm.

-Hey. -Why can't I see it?

You can't read Korean anyway.

-Huh? -Here, look at it.

-Plushies. -Aw.

- Look how cute these are. - Oh! Pig?

-Pig. Pig. -Pig? You pig?

- You pig? - I am not a pig.

What the heck?

- This one looks like you. - Mm-hmm.

Looks like you.

-Like me? Really? You think? -Uh-huh.

Aw, cute.

Are you two newlyweds?

What?

Ah, we're, uh, not together.

Take your time.

Oh, thank you.

Let's go.

Uh, Ka--

Karin. Karin. Karin!

-That's all we need, right? Done shopping. -Mm-hmm.

Wow, your Japanese has improved a lot.

I'm a Japanese learning genius.

- Uh-huh, you are. - Yeah.

-So good. So good. -So good.

Whoa, is that Sleepyhead?

Hey, Reiji, stop wandering away from us.

Next time wait for us, please.

You're too close. Stand over there.

Yay, great.

Hey, it must be fate that I ran into you here.

Why are you here?

I came back for the Festa. Why else?

I'm a three-time consecutive winner.

Right.

Wait a sec, are you… gonna exhibit too?

- Of course. - Are you some kind of idiot?

You might as well give up now, because you're not gonna make it.

I'm sweeping the comps again this year.

You should just chill.

Well, see you at the Festa, Sleepyhead.

Whoa.

You're a hottie.

Hot guy.

-Hmm. -Hmm.

-It's hot. -Thank you.

Hmm.

Who was that guy earlier?

That really smug-looking guy?

We went to college together.

He's a real jerk.

But he's also a three-time Festa winner.

Ah.

"Sleepyhead"?

"Sleepyhead." What is that, like, your nickname?

Mm-hmm.

- Aren't you cold? - Oh, uh…

It's not that cold actually.

I'm feeling toasty.

Should we hold hands?

Huh?

Karin? Karin, Karin!

Karin, Karin.

Karin! Karin! Karin!

W-Will you watch her?

I-I'm gonna go get help.

Should we call an ambulance?

He just left her lying there and ran off.

She passed out holding hands?

What if he kissed her?

She could die if you touch her.

Hey, Reiji. Don't you have a major crush on Karin?

What? No way.

Are you an idiot? Why would I be interested in that sleepyhead? Come on.

She's a sleeping love fairy.

I was teased for a long time all because of him.

When I'm stressed out or when my emotions get too intense,

my nervous system gets all out of whack.

It's like a switch shutting my body down.

Switch, huh?

Mm-hmm.

I short circuit like some kind of robot.

I just pass out.

But what I've decided…

is that it's better to think of it as a star falling.

A star falling?

Mm-hmm.

It's like my heart shines so brightly that it had to…

go dark and rest for a little while.

And when I wake up, it's magically recharged.

I'm making sure you take first place.

Hmm?

Just trust me.

-What? -Just trust me.

-Trust you with what? -Mmm.

Hmm.

Karin, I am your worker.

Put your trust in me.

We're gonna win!

PRAYING FOR VICTORY BUY NECESSARY SUPPLIES

CHEER SQUAD PRACTICE

You sure that's the routine you wanna do?

Mm-hmm.

I wanna make sure that the Festa win goes to Charo Island.

That way, Charo will gain recognition,

and Karin's strawberries will get the support they need.

Besides…

A winning prize for Charo will make you happy, Mari.

Hmm. Yeah?

Then I guess I should help you help our island.

-You serious? -Mm-hmm.

The cheer squad is working really hard in preparation for the Festa.

How will Kunam…

BUILD STAMINA

…our courageous cheer squad leader, lead Charo Island to victory?

Is that heavy, Kunam?

Oh. This is nothing.

I got this.

Then pick up the pace. Go, go!

But what does the cheer training have to do with dragging this tire?

Cheerleading takes a lot of stamina, you know.

Hey, come back here! You can't ditch!

-I can't do it. -You can.

-One more lap. -I can't, I can't. No way.

-Okay! Oh! I can't do it! -Yes, you can! You can!

Come on!

Wait! Hey!

Never say never. Just one more try.

-You're not done yet. Let' go! -That's it.

Kunam! Wait, hey, hang on!

-Hey, wait! -Run away?

-Wait for me! -Okay!

Caught you!

Hi!

Nice to see you.

I see.

CHARO ISLAND

We're here.

Oh. What?

-We're here? -Mmm. Right here.

-Charo Island, here? -Yeah.

Like it?

Wow, this is…

Uh, Karin.

-Mm-hmm? -Uh…

This spot, right here? It's good.

- Not bad at all. - It's good?

-You like it! -Hmm.

The spot is always picked by lottery.

And I have a lucky streak of winning those.

Mmm. Mmm.

Nice. Well done.

Good work.

All right, so now… Uh…

Okay.

From here, and then like this here…

The staff will then…

Okay. I got it.

What's your main goal at this Festa?

- My goal? - Mmm.

Hmm.

I…

Hmm.

It's not a huge one,

but I want everybody to feel the spirit of Charo Island.

- Get the feel of it? - Mm-hmm.

I want to share the warmth and sincerity

of both our village and its people.

Along with, winning our village the grand prize.

That one might be a pipe dream, I guess.

We put our best foot forward every year, but…

but, uh, we just never win.

-Karin, you know… -Hmm?

-…I studied Japanese yesterday. -Mm-hmm.

Oh. Wait a minute.

- Wait a minute. Mmm… - Hmm.

So what I practiced yesterday is…

Uh…

Ah, here it is.

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."

What?

Where on earth did you learn that phrase from, Yubin?

Uh… I learned from Asahi.

-Grandpa Asahi… -Uh-huh. Yeah.

-…taught me… He said, uh… -Uh-huh. Okay.

He-He taught me that.

-Oh. Grandpa Asahi did? -Yeah. Mm-hmm.

I am moneyless. That means my money is gone, yes?

- I got scammed. - Uh-huh.

- Scammed, yeah. - Uh-huh.

He told me, "Fall seven times,

-stand up eight." -I see.

Stand up eight.

Mmm. You're right.

-Let's do our best. Mmm. -Mmm.

Hello.

Ugh…

How do I turn this thing off?

- There. - Oh.

- Hey, good morning. - Morning.

PRAYING FOR VICTORY PREPARING CHARO ISLAND'S SOIL

Hi there, Chief!

-Sorry for the wait. -We need some soil.

Wow! Oh! Nice!

Very nice.

It's perfect.

Perfect.

MAKING THE BOOTH DECORATIONS

Can you make sure it's right?

Take a look. Give it a spin. See that?

-I think it needs… -Mm-hmm.

-…a little bit of tape. -Ah, okay.

- Hey, hold on. - Wait, wait.

STRATEGY MEETING

What?

- This one. - No, no, no. This one.

- Why are you-- What? - Wait. Gosh, hold on.

- It has to go that way. - No, it's this--

No, the lights, they should go all around. Shoo!

- Bam! - No, it's more like, wham!

I'm in charge. Designer, designer.

But I'm the leader.

Rock, paper, scissors!

One more time.

Best out of three. Ready?

Uh… Are you looking for something, Karin?

Will this work?

Oh. Thank you.

All right then.

-"Hello." -"Hello."

-"Let's get to work." -"Let's get to work."

-"This way." -"This way."

-"It's okay." -"It's okay."

"This way. That way. Together."

You're learning this because of Yubin, right?

No, I… No, the Festa. The Festa! We're prepping it together.

The communication is a little difficult.

I get it. That's great!

Let's cheer each other on!

Yeah, okay. Thanks a lot.

Uh, th-thanks. Thanks.

COMMUNICATION CLASS

FINAL CHECKS

This looks delicious! Thank you! Wow!

Mmm…

Hey, Chief, the inventory's complete.

It would be a good idea for us to bring some extra strawberry jam along.

Sounds good.

As soon as we finish up here, we'll take everything out to the cars.

Sounds like a plan.

Look how pretty.

Just like my strawberries, right?

Great work today.

Great work to you too.

All right.

- Here. - Oh, sorry, but

- drinking alcohol isn't for me. - Huh? Oh, I see.

In that case…

Just a moment.

- I'll be right back. Wait. - Oh? Hmm?

Huh?

What's with the helmet?

It's like my armor.

-Just in case I faint or something. -Mmm.

Okay.

Whoo-hoo, it's been so long!

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Mmm.

-Isn't it good? -Mm-hmm.

It tastes amazing 'cause it's been a while.

Mmm.

So, hey.

Don't you get scared living here alone?

I like living alone. You're more scary.

Huh?

Come on, now.

It's just that…

I've always felt like a burden to every single person in my life.

Everyone is always worrying because

I could collapse anywhere at any second.

It's always bothered me.

That's why I've made it my mission to prove to the world

that I can make it on my own.

And I don't need anybody's help at all.

It's okay to depend on others.

There's no shame in that.

Plus, you've got me.

I'll catch you every time you faint.

Like the first time we met.

I'll hold you like this, okay?

When did I ever--

What I meant to say was…

you don't need the helmet.

Because with me,

you don't have to be ashamed.

I'll trust you, Yubin.

You can trust me.

MERRY BERRY LOVE

NEXT EPISODE

The day's finally here.

It's all right. Everything will work out.

They are uncannily similar.

Green Nova Corporation Festa, the winner is…