Original subtitles

When people finish their day and hurry home,

my day starts.

PORK MISO SOUP COMBO BEER, SAKE, SHOCHU

That's all I have on my menu.

But I make whatever customers request

as long as I have ingredients for it.

That's my policy.

My diner is open from midnight to seven in the morning.

They call it "Midnight Diner."

Do I even have customers?

More than you would expect.

I begin my preparations for the day by making potato salad.

Potato salad tastes better when it's cold,

so I have to prepare it in advance.

There we go.

Speaking of potato salad...

Welcome.

Potato salad.

Sure.

Here you go.

He's a new regular.

-Another bowl, please. -Sure.

He always eats two plates of potato salad.

Excuse me.

I hope you don't mind, but...

You're Mr. Erect Oki, right?

No.

What?

Look.

That ring on his left pinky and that birthmark on his neck.

It's definitely him.

You're Mr. Erect Oki, aren't you?

No, I'm not.

What? Really?

Wow. I saw you last night.

You have the wrong person.

It's him!

He's Erect Oki! Look!

ERECT OKI VS. 100 OFFICE LADIES

Do you keep that in your bag all the time?

It's my personal bible.

Who is Erect Oki, you ask?

At the height of his career,

he starred in 400 adult videos every year.

He's a legend among porn stars, famous for his charisma.

Mr. Oki!

Take me under your wing, please.

Please, Mr. Oki!

Stop that.

A lot of people have made fun of me. I want to make them eat their words.

Please!

Please, Mr. Oki!

What's your name?

Tanaka.

Yuichi Tanaka.

Can you start tomorrow?

Yes, sir.

Okay.

Thank you!

Thank you so much!

Erect Oki finally gave in

to the young man's earnest pleas.

After that night,

Mr. Oki often came to the diner with Tanaka in tow.

Potato salad.

Pork miso soup with extra rice.

According to Mr. Oki,

Tanaka was a diligent student.

I thought he'd throw in the towel before we'd even started.

I was wrong. His determination is something else.

Really?

Here you go.

He was always eager to learn, even when it was time to eat.

Oh, before I forget.

When you meet your co-star for the first time,

what do you say to break the ice?

Not now. Eat your food.

But I really want to know.

Eat your food.

But...

That's an order.

Sorry.

Let's eat!

It's hot! It burns!

Sorry, did I startle you? Sorry about that.

I could tell that Mr. Oki

was happy to have a disciple.

Excuse me.

Sorry for the delay. Mr. Erect, we're ready to roll.

Okay.

Let's go.

Yes, sir.

You like that, don't you?

Let me give it to you.

Yes, right there.

It feels good, doesn't it?

-Do you feel that? -You're so good! I'm coming!

And then, two months later...

Good evening.

-Welcome. -Good evening.

Can you make him a meal that will help boost his stamina?

My first porn shoot is tomorrow.

Really? Congratulations.

-Do your best. -Thanks.

I'll do my best.

Here you go.

-Special Stamina Combo. -Thanks.

And...

-These are for you, Mr. Oki. -What?

The second plate is from them.

We saw one of your videos yesterday.

Erect Oki and the Pussy Squirt Tsunami.

It was amazing!

I'm glad to hear it.

We wanted to thank you.

We heard that you like potato salad, so...

I do.

The potato salad here brings back memories.

He ate it.

What an honor!

Thanks.

Excuse me.

Hello?

What is it?

What? A stroke?

Excuse me.

And?

I see. Well, it isn't serious, right?

I can't go back. I'm busy with work.

Yes.

Okay, bye.

Sorry about that.

What's the matter?

Oh, nothing.

It sounded important to me.

Well...

My mom fainted back home.

But she's all right. It was just a light stroke.

Go see her.

No, it's all right. My shoot is tomorrow.

-Let's eat. -You idiot!

Which is more important, your mother or a porn shoot?

You can still make things right.

Go home while you still can.

Go away.

We don't want you at your sister's wedding!

Of all the jobs you could have chosen...

Goodness!

Wait!

Sorry.

-Don't be. -But...

Congratulations on your wedding.

I come from a family of teachers.

My mother, my siblings...

My late father too.

My younger sister, Yayoi, married into a family of teachers too.

I wasn't able to attend her wedding.

It's been 20 years. I haven't been home since then.

You should go home while you still can.

Go home first thing tomorrow.

-But I... -Listen to me.

This is an order.

Go home.

Yes, sir.

Hello?

-Thanks. -See you.

Thanks.

I'm glad I went home. My mom was really happy to see me.

I see. Is she better now?

She'll have to stay in the hospital for a little longer, but it isn't serious.

I'm glad to hear it.

Where's Mr. Oki?

He went back to his hometown the day before yesterday.

His hometown?

But he hasn't been back for 20 years. Why now?

My shoot is the day after tomorrow, but I can't get in touch with him.

Really?

The number you have dialed cannot be reached at the moment.

Yes?

Hello, Tanaka.

Are you ready? Let's begin.

Yes.

I'm ready.

You like that, don't you?

Does it feel good?

-It hurts! Stop that! -Sorry! I'm sorry!

Cut! Tanaka, what are you doing?

-I'm sorry! -What's wrong with you?

-Get out, dumbass! -I'm sorry!

Here you go.

Congratulations on your debut.

Thanks.

I'll buy it as soon as it hits the shelves.

-I'll buy two copies. -Thanks.

How did it go?

I was completely out of it.

I didn't know what I was doing.

I see.

I wish Master Oki had been there to see me.

He hasn't contacted you?

I can't reach his phone.

-Welcome. -Master Oki!

My mother has dementia.

My sister called me.

I just came back from visiting my mother.

Mister.

Where are you from?

Tokyo.

Is that right? You must be exhausted.

It's a long journey.

Yes, it is.

Are you here because of work?

I came here

to see my mother.

Is that so?

My son lives in Tokyo too.

But that son of mine

hasn't visited lately.

Maybe he's busy with work.

Mom.

I wonder...

if he'll come this year to see me?

Mom.

Mom!

It's me, Mom!

It's me...

Mom.

Did you know?

My son loves potato salad.

Mom.

Yes, he loves potato salad.

After that, my mother

asked my sister to help her

make potato salad.

Well? Do you like it?

My son can't get enough of it.

He always asks for seconds and thirds.

He's a sweet boy.

He's always thinking about me.

It tasted...

salty.

It was very salty.

Master Oki.

I've been so selfish.

I'm so sorry.

Master Oki,

I took your advice.

I went to see my mother.

Good.

I'm so sorry.

I've been so selfish.

Don't apologize.

I'm so sorry.

Don't apologize!

You should be happy.

Go home often to see your mother.

I will.

Here.

It's on the house.

Thanks.

It's delicious.

It brings back memories.

I seem to tear up often lately. Perhaps I'm getting old.

TO BE CONTINUED

Do you want to make potato salad? Here are a few tips.

Boil the potatoes first before peeling them.

The potatoes will be sweeter and tastier that way.

Add the onions while the potatoes are still hot.

The onions will soften from the heat.

Wait for the mashed potatoes to cool before adding the mayonnaise.

The potato salad is now ready to serve.

Until next time.

Good night.

THIS STORY IS A WORK OF FICTION.

Subtitle translation by Chen Li Woon