Original subtitles

FALL, 1984

TOKOBUSHI MIDDLE SCHOOL

OUR SCHOOL'S MEAL: HEALTHY MEALS MAKE A HEALTHY BODY

1ST YEAR, CLASS 1

MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS

The midterms are finally ending today.

I hate the exam period.

There aren't any school meals, you see.

I like school meals.

It would be no exaggeration to say they're what I come here for.

But the pupils must not be enlightened to that fact.

An adult must be austere and have authority,

a model for children.

Focusing my interest on something other than education

would be utterly...

Stop! Submit your answer sheets.

Hand them forward.

-Oh, man! -I'm beat!

Starting tomorrow...

school meals are back!

SCHOOL MEALS TIME FINAL BATTLE

-Did they learn this? -l did teach them in class...

Excuse me, vice principal.

I've finished my marking...

Mr. Amarida,

what do you think about this?

What?

-It's a Japanese question I wrote... -I can't help you with Japanese.

It's comprehension for Yukio Mishima's The Sound of Waves...

I haven't read Mishima.

It's the famous confirmation of love when they jump over a fire...

I haven't read it.

They had to describe the heroine's emotions.

Is that a suitable question for first-year middle-schoolers?

-Especially so, I thought. -What of their minds?

There are many interpretations, so I was curious how a pure mind would take it.

It's not a questionnaire.

This kid said she must like playing with fire!

Is that incorrect?

-Is it correct? -"Is it"?

How did you get the other teachers to approve this question?

I kind of forced them to...

Ms. Misono! Adults have a duty to guide children to the right answer.

Go easy on vague, liberal sensibilities all you want,

but not one good thing will come of it.

Do you think so?

What would happen if teachers no longer knew the answers to their own questions?

Well, yes, but...

If we don't work quickly, we won't be able to give the answer sheets back tomorrow.

Do you not read, sir?

I have no interest in literature.

-You're prejudging. -I know without trying.

That's called pretending to know.

Excuse me...

are you two coming too?

What?

To celebrate the end of the midterm exams.

It's been hard work, so we were all going out.

Oh, I'lI go, but...

-Mr. Amarida? -I'm quite all right.

Thought so.

-Right, we're aiming for seven. -Okay.

You're prejudging, aren't you?

Sir. Seven o'clock.

Got it, I'll hurry.

Hands out of your pockets!

Good morning, children!

-Where's your name badge? -Good morning!

Tuck your shirt in! Tie!

-Good morning. -Good morning, sir!

Good morning, sir.

Kamino.

-What's funny? -Nothing, sir.

You're grinning.

Am I?

Go.

Yes, sir.

Goh Kamino.

How is he going to take on today's school meal?

Hurry up!

OCTOBER MENU

It's soft noodles with kenchin soup today, plus milk...

"Whale with aurora sauce."

OCTOBER 3 (WEDNESDAY) WHALE WITH AURORA SAUCE

What's aurora sauce?

Auroras are light phenomena that can be seen in polar regions.

So it's that in sauce form?

-Good morning, everyone. -Good morning.

I'd like to introduce you to the student teachers

who'll be working here starting today.

I'm Shinsuke Kanemoto. Nice to meet you.

I'm Ai Tomizawa. It will only be for a short time,

but please teach me all you can.

I'm Masateru Sano.

I was drawn to your school's ideal of food education and good health.

I'm a little older than my two colleagues here,

but I hope you'll be just as patient with me, thank you.

Next week, we'll be deciding who the class leaders are.

They'll be responsible from the end of second term through third term,

so have a think about it.

The standard way is to prioritize volunteers, then nominees.

Also, this might not concern first-year pupils too much,

but there's the Student Council election, too.

Miss!

Sasaki wants to be in charge of healthcare!

No way!

No messing around!

Choosing class leaders is an important group activity.

But you told us to nominate!

Nominations are fine, but only serious ones!

Please tell me why Sasaki shouldn't be in charge of healthcare!

-You see, Kojima... -Kojima!

Kojima.

State your reason for nominating Sasaki as healthcare leader.

What?

Do you understand the crime of pushing someone into doing a job they don't want?

Stand in the hallway and hold the bucket.

Yes, sir.

1ST YEAR, CLASS 1

What's this?

This is corporal punishment.

I can't believe you still make students hold buckets.

-He... -Did you tell him to do this, Ms. Misono?

-No, I... -I did.

Kojima was disrupting the lesson, so I punished him.

Do you think this is a good way to punish?

It's not the best, but I believe it's effective.

I see. I'm only a student teacher,

but I aspire to be a teacher in my own right eventually.

If I believe I see a mistake,

I'm going to point it out.

-Knock yourself out. -Yes, sir.

Excuse me...

can I go back now?

Go.

There's a mystery dish today.

Whale with aurora sauce.

Whale is normally served as Tatsuta-age. Could this mean

it isn't fried, then?

Or is it the usual Tatsuta-age, but with bonus sauce?

Either way,

what does the "aurora" in aurora sauce mean?

Yes, I'd like to know that.

If I can find out early, I can think up a variety of plans.

Sir! How can I help you?

Oh, it's nothing, thank you.

You're curious too, aren't you?

You came to investigate the new item on the menu, didn't you?

Don't be absurd.

The boy from Class 1 was here earlier, what's his name...

Oh, Kamino, is it?

He really likes his school meals, doesn't he?

What did you tell him?

I said it was something to look forward to at lunchtime and sent him on his way.

-Did you? -Yes.

Oh, but I'll tell you, sir!

-The aurora sauce is... -No! It's all right.

I'm not interested.

It wouldn't be fair if I had a head start.

My pride won't allow such a handicap.

Actually, what's "fair"?

I'm telling you!

It's this question you wrote, Ms. Misono. About The Sound of Waves by Mishima.

The example answer's too vague, I can't explain it to the pupils!

But you approved the question, didn't you?

I thought there would be a clear answer.

What were the heroine's emotions as she told him to jump over the fire?

How can you get that right

if you haven't read the whole book?

-I suppose... -It's all right, isn't it?

What?

It's normal for everyone to have

different ideas in reading comprehension, isn't it?

I think the pupils should just write what they thought.

What's up with you? It's a test!

Talking like you know it all...

-You're still a student... -I'm a student teacher,

but I think it's wrong to force things into a box!

In this case, I think it's better to consider if the pupil gave proper thought

to the heroine's mindset in their answer.

Yes! Exactly!

I've never heard of a test like that before.

Sorry, I overstepped my mark.

Thank you.

-Good luck with the marking. -Thanks.

Go for it.

Mr. Sano's a hit!

Being handsome and considerate of the students makes you popular, I guess.

Handsome?

He is, isn't he?

When you say "handsome", I picture someone like Alain Delon.

Those sideburns, though...

Even with them?

What do sideburns matter?

What?

Hoshino!

Okay! Quiet, now!

The average score for the Japanese test was 74 percent.

You all did very well compared with other subjects.

Yes, Kiritani?

About question five,

the comprehension question about

the emotion when he jumped over the bonfire.

I just compared my answer with Fujii's,

and they were totally different but they both got marks

-Hey, me too. -I got marks.

Did everyone's answer get marked as correct?

-Hey, mine was wrong! -What did you write?

That she wanted to see what would happen if the fire spread.

Quiet!

Quiet. For that question, the requirement for marks

was to read the passage seriously

and consider the character's feelings seriously in your answer.

So it's okay for you to understand it in your own ways.

Does that count as a test?

It does. There isn't necessarily always one right answer in the world.

But Class 2 said that all of them got their answers for this marked wrong.

What?

Miss.

Kamino.

If there's no one solution,

does that mean everyone has their own answer?

That's right.

So does that mean there are as many right answers as there are teachers?

If so, then I understand.

What on earth is the kid thinking of?

Why am I the only one who got it wrong?

-I didn't say that! -You so did!

-No, I didn't! -You so did!

Hurry up, let's go!

We're having aurora!

We meet at the schoolhouse Where we learn together

With smiles on our faces, My friend, my teacher

Let's enjoy our food and discover What's good for us

May Tokobushi's heart

Live forever

Oh, Tokobushi

Tokobushi Middle School

Our eyes set on the blue skies

We young people take on the challenge, Sweat on our brows

Nurture your health to be fit and strong

May Tokobushi's strength

Live forever

Oh, Tokobushi

Tokobushi Middle School

Hands together, please.

Thank you for this meal.

Thank you for this meal.

Today's meal

has soft noodles, kenchin soup,

milk and milk agar.

Then there's the mystery dish,

whale with aurora sauce.

So this is the rumored whale with aurora sauce!

The whale itself is deep-fried, as in Tatsuta-age.

I'm getting...

ketchup, mayonnaise... and is this a sauce?

Yes, Worcester sauce!

I see!

Aurora sauce is a combination of ketchup, mayo and Worcester sauce, is it?

Who would have thought mixing three household condiments

would create this kind of taste?

Delicious.

Enjoying whale with this sauce and its sweet tones...

It's a perfect match!

I'll even go as far

as calling this my little Aurora.

Yes!

NICKNAME NAME: MY LITTLE AURORA (SAUCE ONLY)

Now!

Time to eat for real!

Delicious!

This is delicious!

The bits of the batter that are swollen with sauce are also good.

The softness as it goes into my mouth, then the crunch it makes as I chew...

This is whale!

A repose with the cabbage.

Or, on second thought,

I'm sure little Aurora will go down a treat with the sliced cabbage too!

What a sauce!

Aurora,

such an awesome force you are!

Anyway, why is this sauce called "aurora" in the first place?

Aurora. Au... Aurora...

As I recall, it means "dawn" in French.

That's it!

It's not about lights in the sky, but the red color that resembles a sunrise!

Truly, the taste of dawn.

The morning sun dazzles me

Next, the yokozuna of the school meal world,

soft noodles.

Today, it will be eaten in the style of immersing it in kenchin soup.

First, as standard, I cut the noodles.

It's going to spill!

-Sorry! -It's spilling!

-Oh man! -Be careful, everyone!

They just don't get it.

There are rules for everything.

Cutting soft noodles, then pouring them in little by little is the basic of basics.

If you can't grasp that much common sense, you have no hope of growing up.

In they go.

First, a mouthful.

How nicely it slips down my throat!

As Western-style school meals with a bread staple were established,

the noodle-makers felt threatened, and thus the soft noodle was born.

I'm say the official name over and over...

Soft spaghetti-style noodles.

The way they are made retains the nutrients.

With a long shelf life,

these noodles were truly created just for school meals.

Then there's the clear, Japanese-style stock,

which is remarkably gentle.

Tasty!

I'm overcome with an urge to drink all the soup down in one gulp!

No, there would be no sense in that.

The theme of today's meal is a set with the soft noodles.

Giving in to urges is not what an adult does.

I am an adult.

I'll recompose myself.

l've done it again!

My failure at this

must absolutely not be noticed by the pupils!

My authority as an adult,

as a teacher, is at stake.

What am I doing?

Calm down! Relax!

And... now!

Salty whale with rich aurora sauce,

counterbalanced by the taste of Japan, kenchin soup.

The soft noodles soaked in its stock.

I rinse away my excitement and the food in my throat with the milk.

The compatibility is supreme,

Now that's what I call a school meal.

In this moment,

I am now satisfied.

To finish, milk agar.

Milk agar, or officially,

milk kanten.

Kanten, extracted from seaweed, and the fruit of the land, milk,

are combined in this happy fusion.

The presence of the mandarin

heightens the sense of dessert.

Yes, I've had milk, but I'm having more.

After the whale and soft noodles,

this gently knocks it into the net for a goal!

Thank you for the meal.

What's this?

That much soup? By itself?

Wow! He downed the kenchin soup in one gulp!

He has gone and forgotten the noodles!

How foolish.

The amateur's trusting his urges.

What's going on with those spring onions?

Could it be...

He doesn't like spring onions?

Such immaturity.

To think I thought a brat who can't even eat spring onions was the better man.

Oh, he has torn his noodles.

Dipped them.

And then... ate them?

What is this? What's going on?

What is this method?

Is that allowed?

He's eating the soft noodles just as they are! Just as they are!

What the hell is that stylish plate?

What's he doing? Lining them up. One, two, three, four, five, six.

Why did he break his noodles up and put them in a row?

Stop. Stop that.

He put the whale that he cut up on them!

And now, he's even putting ingredients from the kenchin soup on!

Oh, the spring onions!

The aurora sauce!

Stop it!

Hey! Surely, you're not...

It's a one-man party!

ONE-MAN PARTY

What is that?

It looks so damn good!

Oh, no!

So the soft noodles

weren't there to be slurped!

That... That's a crime!

What? What's that light?

It's the aurora!

It's morning! The aurora!

Light is shining all around him!

It's blinding!

It's as if he's telling me that he doesn't need

the common sense of eating your noodles with the soup!

What is this kid?

I...

was a slave to common sense, restraining myself from guzzling the soup,

and fulfilling an ordinary meal in an ordinary way.

In contrast to that,

he thought of a way to maximize little Aurora's potential early on.

He predicted her favorable matching with the noodles. What's more,

he fulfilled my own wish of downing the soup in one gulp,

and after all that,

he broke new ground by doing the unthinkable, eating noodles plain!

I lose.

It's utter defeat.

After my loss today,

what ought I study?

-Human beings grow day by day. -Sorry!

I need to go over my failure and learn from it.

-What did he do today? -What?

-You're younger than me, Ms. Misono? -It seems so!

-But you're my senior, though. -No.

-I better call you Ms. Misono. -That's it!

He destroyed the held belief! That's it!

He destroyed the held belief that noodles should be slurped

and took the radical step of eating them as they are!

There are as many solutions as there are people. What I'm missing

-is that, yes! -Hey!

- What? -Excuse me. It'll be two nights running,

but since our three student teachers have joined us,

I thought we'd have a welcome party at the usual bar!

Thank you.

I'll make a reservation,

-so hands up if you can make it, please! -Me!

Tomorrow's meal is sukiyaki,

the timing of which means it'll be paired

with the champion of meats, beef!

And the way to account for what I'm missing is...

-Mr. Amarida... are you sure? -Yes!

There's no need to force yourself.

l... am not forcing myself.

Thank you for waiting, here's your beer.

-Try this. -Thank you.

Here you are.

-Can I have this? -This is good.

I don't drink.

As such, I'm not particularly fond of places like this.

No, I'm not particularly fond of the breed of people who like these places.

However, they drink a lot.

The same as my mother. She's a big drinker.

When drunk, she starts singing loudly, wherever she is.

Thank you for waiting!

-The yakitori sharing plates. -All right!

Finally!

Yakitori.

Here's some cayenne pepper powder if you want any.

Excuse me, do you have mayonnaise?

-Pardon? -Mayonnaise.

Mayonnaise on yakitori?

Mayonnaise and pepper powder make anything tasty.

Really?

-I strongly agree! -I'll just go and check.

But saying that now would be defeat.

Milk with school meals and beer with yakitori.

A deep, dark river separates the two.

Someone like me who witnessed

the foolishness of those defeated by alcohol from infancy

has an unshakable loathing for yakitori and its equation with drink.

-That's cool! -Now, now.

I've made this detour because I didn't chase my dreams properly.

I'm embarrassed that I didn't have some great resolve

-to become a teacher. -Don't be silly.

It's great that you put Yukio Mishima in a midterm examination.

It has caused some controversy, though.

-No. It's amazing. -Here is the cayenne pepper mayonnaise.

-Thank you. -Okay!

I took it!

Nevertheless, you can't catch

the tiger's cub without entering the tiger's lair.

Risk is essential if I am to destroy held beliefs.

Preparation for tomorrow, point one...

eating yakitori.

What... is this?

That's it.

Chomping on something like this

one after another so casually?

That's it! All of them

were always standing on a different stage from me!

We have no hope of understanding each other.

Eating something so delicious as casually as they would breathe air!

Their senses are numbed.

And they were made that way by the diabolical liquid.

Preparation for tomorrow, point two...

if you're going to take poison, take it all.

Good morning, sir!

-What is this feeling? -Good morning, sir.

Is... this what they call a "hangover"?

-I took too much poison. -Morning.

This won't do! After all, it's the champion of meats for lunch!

Sukiyaki! Pull yourself together!

Come on! Get it together!

Pull yourself together!

-Morning. -Good morning.

Wait!

What's with this hairstyle?

Is what they call a "pompadour"?

-Get off, jerk! -And this skinny belt!

What is it?

What is it for?

This bag!

Why is it so thin?

What's this?

-A solvent? -It's sock glue!

-The glue that keeps socks up? -Yes.

What the hell do you have that for?

When do you have to deal with your socks slipping down?

What's it to you?

Where are your books?

You come to school with a skinny bag with nothing but sock glue in it?

Why shouldn't I?

Go home!

You have no right to come to school!

-I'm not sure you make that choice! -Yes?

It's not for you to decide which students are at the school.

Everyone was pretending they didn't see that student.

-Right. -I just said it out loud.

What's the matter with you today?

What?

-What's the matter with me? -You seem a little irritable.

And the way you got yesterday all of a sudden...

-Yesterday? -Yes.

I can't remember it at all!

It was quite a shock.

What? What did I say?

Asking that seems like it would only make things worse.

Could I have given her a talking-to?

Did I say something harsh?

I need something. Some kind of clue!

Well, a little too much was said.

-Did I say too much? -What?

I was wrong!

It's sukiyaki today, so what is this unease in my mind?

I just can't calm down!

I'm being clumsy like never before.

I need to get back in control.

Think of the sukiyaki. I need to get calm for the sukiyaki!

-Mr. Amarida? -Yes?

It's about the class leaders.

-l thought of a new role. -What is it?

A school meals leader.

It's separate from lunch duty.

They would manage a variety of issues around meals.

What are these variety of issues?

I think there are problems like people not liking the meals.

I thought we could have one person in class in charge of that.

I feel Kamino would be a good fit, but what do you think?

What is Kamino in charge of now?

As I recall... he's in charge of the animals.

The pet corner by the fence.

Make him school meals leader?

What would happen then?

Perhaps his official position would restrict his freewheeling antics?

A school meals leader would be required

to adhere strictly to only eating their lunches normally.

If I made him that, his wildness would be kept in check

I see.

-That sounds interesting. -Do you think so?

Kamino would be thrilled.

I think so too! Okay, I'll see you in sixth period.

Finally... I can beat him!

Our eyes set on the blue skies

We young people take on the challenge, Sweat on our brows

Nurture your health to be fit and strong

May Tokobushi's strength

Live forever

Oh, Tokobushi

Tokobushi Middle School

Hands together, please.

Thank you for this meal.

Today's school meal

is sukiyaki broth, budo mame, raisin bread with margarine,

milk with Milmake and apple.

It's finally here!

The first sukiyaki in ages!

Having beef that hasn't been minced in it for a school meal is a miracle.

Sniff, sniff!

The smell of meat and soup!

I'll make a confession. You see,

the first time I had sukiyaki, it was in a school meal.

There are many "broths" on school meal menus,

but this sukiyaki broth is their representative.

That tinge of sadness that it can't be that itself

is an extra bit of amusement.

First, the potato.

Oh, delicious.

It has absorbed the flavor well.

Next, the most important supporting role within the sukiyaki, shirataki noodles.

Chewy, chewy... oh!

Delicious. What a feeling.

And now, the beef.

Excellent!

Sublime!

Beef at school,

it's the ultimate indulgence!

With the history of sukiyaki, There are many theories on its origins,

but it's said that as the Meiji emperor ate beef,

the commoners came to adore it.

Payday? Sukiyaki. Birthday? Sukiyaki.

New year? Sukiyaki again. What do children and adults alike love? Sukiyaki.

Truly a luxury for the people, a piece of cuisine unique to Japan!

Nippon banzai!

Banzai!

A little break with the budo mame.

Now this is the mystical world of school meals.

There are more who don't like this than those who do.

Budo mame. Raisins and soy beans boiled tastefully with soy sauce and sugar.

By the way, it's not called "budo", or "grape" because of the raisins,

but due to the way the soy beans crinkle when cooked.

Next up, making sukiyaki day even more special, the Milmake.

One mouthful first.

So it doesn't overflow, I leave just the amount my data banks tell me.

I pour in the Milmake.

Easy.

Easy. That's it.

To prevent failure,

I carefully stir it.

Stir.

Stir. St...

Damn! I spilled it again!

That's strange. My measurements were precise!

Why did that happen? Oh, no!

It's coffee flavor today. Ten grams!

Four grams more than strawberry!

Calm down!

Make up for the extra four grams.

I knew it would be good. Coffee milk!

The sense to have raisin bread on the same day as budo mame

could only happen in the mystical world of school meals.

Doubting that in itself would be nonsense.

It's hard.

What?

In any case, the margarine is hard today,

When this happens, brute force is called for.

I'll consider this difficulty spreading it another part of the fun.

All right. Let's do this. Now!

From the first time I had it

to this very day, it's my undisputed first place in my luxury rankings,

sukiyaki!

I'll take this indulgence as far as I like.

This, right now,

is the pinnacle!

Thank you for the meal.

What's that?

What is he doing?

What is he waiting for?

Margarine! I see.

He warmed up his margarine under the sukiyaki, did he?

He melted it.

What is this? It spreads so easily!

My head is moving by itself...

An impudent display, as ever.

Well, anyway.

It seems that is all he's got this time.

Yes, this time...

Today's star is the sukiyaki.

Not margarine.

It's on the same level as kids playing house, ultimately.

How cute.

Raw eggs!

What is the meaning of this?

A second one!

Mr. Cholesterol!

It can't be! It can't! Stop!

Please stop!

it's... the ultimate sukiyaki!

That must be delicious.

You brat!

I don't believe it! I can't!

I can't believe it!

He brought his own eggs.

That has to be against the rules.

it's an unwritten rule that a school meal can only use school food!

Bringing in ingredients is not permitted.

Eggs from home are contraband!

I'll have to warn him this time.

He's in charge of the animals. The pet corner by the fence.

He's...

in charge of the pets.

PET CORNER

You're joking.

He got me.

It was the hens!

Does this hen lay eggs?

Yes. From time to time.

And what do you do with those eggs... from time to time?

Whoever spots them takes them home.

Sometimes a teacher takes them.

-Sir? -Yes, Mr. Washizu, the gym teacher.

Washizu?

That meathead.

-I see. -The principal told us to enjoy the eggs.

Are you...

in charge of the animals so you can stock up on eggs?

Isn't that job supposed to teach you about the importance of life?

Yes, sir.

Show some more restraint from now on.

And in charge of the animals

will be Yanagisawa, Oka and Ozaki.

Next is the school meals leader.

The school meals leader is new, so I'll explain it.

The goal of Tokobushi Middle School is food education and good health.

This means that lunchtime at our school is a lesson in its own right.

We thought we could do with someone to be in charge of our important school meals,

and so, created this role.

So, are there any volunteers to be school meals leader?

Nominations it is, then. Is there anyone you want to nominate for school meals?

Yes, Fujii.

I think Kamino would be good for school meals leader.

- Please give your reason. -It's because Kamino

is always serious about eating his lunch.

All right.

Any other nominations?

Kamino would be good, right?

-Yes. Kamino suits it. -He'll do a good job.

So, Kamino. Do you accept the nomination?

Can the school meals leader change the rules?

-That's... -We want them to make regular suggestions.

Will my suggestions make a change?

It could depend on what...

School meals have firm and established rules,

as does the way you eat.

Consider it a role wherein you keep an eye on others so they will obey the rules.

-That's not quite... -If so...

I'll withdraw.

-Kamino... -As you were nominated,

you can't decline without a clear reason.

I...

I want to run as president of the Student Council!

What?

Therefore, I cannot be school meals leader.

-Good luck, Kamino! -You've got my vote!

It has never happened here before.

-A first-year Student Council president? -Probably not even a candidate from there.

-Wow! -It's really something else!

-Isn't it? -Amazing.

Mr. Amarida.

-Do you have a moment? We have a visitor. -Oh, yes.

This is Mr. Kaburagi from the Tokobushi City Education Committee.

This... This is Mr. Amarida.

-Nice to meet you. -Likewise. Amarida.

There's something serious we want to discuss.

-We're not telling the other teachers yet. -Okay.

It's... How do I put it?

We're stopping school meals.

-Kaburagi, that's a bit abrupt... -Putting it plainly, those are the facts.

The Education Committee has determined

that all three of Tokobushi's middle schools

are to cease serving school meals within six months.

I'm here today to inform you.

Why?

There are more children.

The number starting elementary school next April is up 20 percent.

The city only has one School Meals Center. It can't supply up to middle school.

-Can't our neighbors help out? -We've discussed it with them,

but they have the same issue.

-Can't you expand the School Meals Center? -It has been reconstructed three times,

the building's already at its limit.

Well, what if the meals were partially made

-at each middle school? -There are hygiene issues.

-Then... -Hey!

-Yes. - I told you the motion was passed.

-But... - There's no going back now!

We're not idiots.

We've exhausted all possibilities.

I understand how you feel, but this is really...

You'll need some time to adjust,

so for the six months before they end,

please switch school meals to alternate days.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Lunch boxes for the other days.

I'm not sure the parents will understand this so easily.

I came here especially to address that.

They don't have any other option, surely?

Does this... apply to teachers too?

What?

Will teachers not have school meals, either?

What are you saying?

How could teachers have school meals while the students have lunch boxes?

I'm afraid so.

Anyway, for the most part kids don't really need school meals

once they get to middle school.

Handing them everything and anything.

Take your motto here.

"Healthy meals make a healthy body" is fine and dandy,

but school is a place of study.

It's not a place of eating. Food education?

They'll have to do it in their own homes.

The thing is, though,

there are the children's home situations to consider.

We'll have to proceed carefully.

Anyway, school meals will be every other day starting next week.

Thank you for your time.

Excuse me.

Thank you for visiting us.

Here you are.

Anyway...

it's the city's decision, so it can't be helped.

I'll talk to the other teachers when the time is right.

Let's enjoy our food and discover What's good for us

May Tokobushi's heart

Live forever

SCHOOL SONG

Maybe we had better change our school song too.

I...

Why only me?

Isn't it obvious?

Nobody here loves school meals more than you,

do they Mr. Amarida?

I thought...

Did you think you kept it hidden? We know about it.

Your love for school meals is clear as day!

That's why...

I spoke with you first.

I wanted to get your understanding before anyone else.

It's time for all students to leave the school building.

Please take care on your way home.

So that's where you were, sir!

What did the principal want to talk about?

Oh, nothing.

Who was the visitor?

Look out there.

The students are going home.

Yes, well school's finished.

They come to school every day,

and go home every day.

I wonder...

if they enjoy school.

What's up?

You're being kind of odd, sir.

Miss...

do you...

enjoy school?

I'm sorry.

-Forget about it. -l do!

The kids are sweet,

and it always gives me a boost seeing you every day.

l... give you a boost?

I mean, you work hard, don't you? At everything you do.

Cheering on people who work hard is my way

It means I can work hard.

You're... dedicated to your work, aren't you?

So are you, Mr. Amarida!

No, I'm not dedicated.

You had a leaf on you.

Yes.

Morning!

-Morning! -Morning.

-Morning. -Good morning, sir.

-Hey! Morning. -Good morning, sir!

Morning.

Good morning, sir.

-Morning. -Good morning, sir.

Sir!

Some good vibes yesterday, right?

-What? -After school. The balcony. Ms. Misono.

My training here will be over soon,

but I hope to at least see how this plays out.

How what does?

Like I say, things between you and Ms. Misono.

-Morning. -Morning.

-What things? -Come on!

That little scene I saw.

OCTOBER MENU

What's this "little scene"?

See what play out?

What on earth am I...

For now, I'll focus on school meals.

I mustn't waste their short time left.

Sir.

-Have you looked at this? -What is it?

A list of candidates for the Student Council.

There are three candidates for president.

Everyone but Kamino is in second year.

Look at these election pledges.

GOH KAMINO

So school meals are Kamino's focus, as expected.

Everyone in Class 1 is getting excited!

-It really looks like him. -Wow!

Kamino, smile!

Smile! -Smile!

Tuck your jaw in! Look-strong!

-More! -Even stronger!

-Stronger. -Even stronger! Nice!

-That's good. -Nice!

VOTE GOH KAMINO FOR SCHOOL MEAL REFORMS

It's up!

-Awesome! -Yes!

Everyone! Goh Kamino!

Hello, everyone.

-You can do it! -Go for it!

-Go Kamino! -Good luck!

Vote Kamino.

GOH KAMINO FOR SCHOOL MEALS

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you!

Hey Kamino! Good luck!

-I'm backing you! -Thank you.

Vote for Kamino.

-Thank you. -Vote Goh Kamino!

-Thank you! -Thank you!

GOH KAMINO FOR STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT SCHOOL MEAL REFORMS

Teachers can't show partiality.

I was told you were a student teacher, not a official teacher yet.

You have enormous popularity with girls.

I hope I have your backing.

There's one for each.

One each! Here!

All right! No pushing!

-Sir! - It's dangerous. Okay!

-Morning! -Morning!

-Morning! -Morning!

Sir.

Is it all right if we hand out fliers for the Student Council election here?

Please, sir, it's the end of the campaign.

-Please, sir. -Please, sir.

Not here. An election ought to be fair.

I can't make exceptions for you.

I'm at a disadvantage for being a first-year.

-You can use your discretion... -Discretions don't change school rules.

The world isn't that kind.

-Is that right? -Yes.

Please take this, then.

Thank you, sir.

GOH KAMINO FOR STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT SCHOOL MEAL REFORMS

2ND YEAR, CLASS 2, NATSUKI ISHIDA 1ST YEAR, CLASS 1, GOH KAMINO

-Here. -Thank you.

Here.

Sorry I'm late.

Good work today, everyone. -

Still hot and sticky, isn't it?

Student Council election season, is it?

Yes, there's a lot of buzz around school this year, it seems.

We have our first candidate from the first-Year ever.

Oh, who is it?

Goh Kamino. So we do!

-From 1st Year, Class 1. -Yes.

-That's your class, Mr. Amarida. -Yes.

"Pledge for school meal reforms.

Implementation of meals suggested by students."

-Mr. Amarida, is this from you? -No.

But this is impossible.

What do you mean?

Well...

No, we can't do anything about it, so I'll announce it now.

Under no circumstance

will you relay to the students what I'm about to tell you, please.

I plan on announcing this cautiously

after going through the proper procedures

and acquiring the PTA's understanding.

The truth is,

school meals will be...

Sir!

Did you know?

-Do you approve of it? -It's the city's decision!

-But what about Kamino... -He'll have to alter his pledge.

-Isn't that mean? -School meals are ending!

Reforming it isn't worth a damn.

I could never say that to Kamino!

I will.

I don't believe it! Surely you weren't laughing to yourself secretly

while not telling Kamino?

I was wrong about you.

Sir. What's the matter?

I should be asking you, Mrs. Makino...

what the matter is, if you're still here.

Well, you know...

Have you heard?

Yes.

We were only told this morning.

There was a bit of a panic.

Was there?

Starting next month, we'll only be working three days a week, after all.

I wonder...

if I should get a second job.

It must have been...

a shock for you too, sir.

I'm not too bothered.

Say that it was a shock for you!

I want you to say it!

When I heard...

school meals were ceasing...

it was a shock.

I'm glad you said that.

I'm sure the boy's in for a shock too.

There's no fourth period class today.

It will be the election speeches instead.

When third period finishes, please head to the gym.

-Go on, Kamino! -You can do it!

-Come on, Kamino! -Good luck!

-Go for it! -You can do this!

I'm really happy

that all of you helped me.

I didn't think I would have so much support,

and I finally feel like a member of the class for the first time.

I'll do my best today so I have no regrets.

Let's go, Kamino!

-Go for it! -Kamino!

-You got this, Kamino! -Good luck!

I'm voting for you!

- Who will you vote? -Kamino.

Kamino!

About...

your election speech today.

Yes, sir?

Don't take part in it.

Why not?

Because your arguments...

are meaningless.

What does that mean? Tell me, sir.

In April next year,

our school will no longer have school meals.

So your election pledge won't be realized.

Is that...

-true? -It's true.

Nobody knows yet, do they?

Nobody but the teachers.

The plan is to delicately

talk to everyone about it.

Don't make your speech today.

I'II talk to everyone.

-I can't do that. -Hey.

When are the school meals ending?

In six months.

So we have until then, right?

We have until then, but they're switching

to alternate days next month.

They'll gradually be reduced before eventually going.

But we have six months, don't we?

Your pledge doesn't hold up.

That's fine.

Because I like school meals.

Hey! You can't tell anyone about this yet!

-We need to talk with the PTA first. -Are you...

okay with this, sir?

I believe putting up a fence in the school's pet corner

so everyone can look after dogs will make us feel very peaceful.

I want ours to be a peaceful school.

They talk about "love and peace",

but at our school it will be "dogs and peace."

Please give me your precious vote.

Okay, thank you very much.

The next candidate

is Goh Kamino from 1st Year, Class 1, you have the floor.

I'm...

Goh Kamino from 1st Year, Class 1.

I have put myself forward

as a candidate in this Student Council election.

My position...

-Is he nervous? -What's going on?

Maybe he's nervous.

You can do it!

My position concerns school meals.

No... it did.

I wanted to make a point about school meals,

but I no longer can.

-Why not, Kamino? -What happened?

-Kamino? -What's the matter?

Everyone who supported me...

I'm sorry.

What are you talking about, Kamino?

-What's the matter? -Kamino!

Quiet! Be quiet!

Kamino,

does that conclude your speech?

But he hasn't said anything yet!

-Go on, Kamino! -Keep going!

All right, be quiet! All done?

That marks the end of the Student Council presidential election speeches.

Next,

-the vice president... -School meals...

School meals are going away!

Starting next year, Tokobushi Middle School

won't have school meals and will change to a lunch box system.

I don't know why that's happening.

but it's the truth.

Oh... Kamino! That's enough! Stop.

Now, I believe

that adults making an important decision like that by themselves

is something we can't stand for.

Enough! Sit back down!

Come on.

-Sit down. -Get off of me, sir!

-Get off of me! -Go back at once!

-What are you doing to him? -Let go of him!

Please do something, Mr. Amarida!

Come on!

Calm down.

I thought there was a teacher at this school

who loves school meals

and treasures lunchtime as much as I do.

So why...

Come on. You've said your piece.

-Sir! -Stop thrashing around!

-Kamino! What are you doing? -Sir!

-Sir! -Enough!

Everyone, be quiet!

-Stop being rowdy! -Sir!

Sir!

Kamino!

Everybody, be quiet!

Calm down! Be quiet!

Stop it!

Sir!

Calm down!

Come with me, Kamino.

-Come on. -Mr. Amarida!

Mr. Amarida! What are you doing?

Sir! Mr. Amarida!

Sir...

Let's go.

It's almost lunchtime.

There we go.

All ready.

It's ramen today.

Thank you very much.

PA ROOM

It won't open. What's going on?

-Should we head back? -Do we have to?

We'll have to go and tell the teacher.

Okay then.

It's nearly time to begin.

Say whatever you think.

We'll have lunch after.

Yes, sir.

Shall we start?

-Yes, miss. -Yes, miss.

Good afternoon, everyone.

This is Goh Kamino from 1st Year, Class 1.

I couldn't talk about it during my speech earlier,

so I'd like to do so over a school broadcast.

It's Kamino!

-What? For real? - Kamino!

School meal time was special to me.

There was food I would never have at home.

Every day was different.

Ever since elementary school,

I've looked forward to my school meal each morning.

But at some point, I noticed something

Even though the meal changes every day, why do we always have milk and bread?

We have chop suey with milk and bread.

Milk and bread with curry too.

Milk and bread with sweet-and-sour pork.

Why do we have to have that set?

When I thought about it, all kinds of questions came up.

I believe the school meals

are thought up by clever people to be nutritionally balanced.

However,

I came to think that each person can also come up with their way of enjoying them.

Furthermore, I thought it would be nice if we could suggest our own menu ideas.

Then we could like our school meals more.

I wanted to make that point in the election,

but that has become impossible.

I never imagined

that school meals could end this way.

So now, my mind is blank.

At the same time,

I've been thinking a lot about why losing school meals

is such a shame.

I'd never even considered why I like school meals so much

to begin with.

When you like something,

you like something, my mom told me.

But I'm convinced there must be a reason.

That's when I realized.

The reason I like school meals

is that I'm with everyone, and we're all eating the same thing.

There are so many of us, but at the same time each day,

we carefully serve the food,

we may have our favorites and things we don't like,

and we may have milk and bread every day,

but we all eat together, tidy up together,

and that time

is a special time for me.

That's why...

That's why I like school meals, I believe.

School meals will be going away next year,

but please enjoy the ones we have left without leaving any regrets.

That's what I'll be doing.

That's all from me.

Thank you.

Kamino...

it's time to eat.

Hands together, please.

Thank you for this meal!

Thank you for this meal!

Mr. Amarida. Please, have a seat.

Hello.

Petitions against the cessation of school meals.

At the Education Committee,

we're getting call after call complaining about it all day.

Some even lost their temper and yell,

causing two of our female staff to resign last week.

It seems you're the one who started this fire.

Saying he started the "fire"

-is a little... -It was you!

You stirred up the irresponsible student

and agitated the parents into backing your cause, I'm sure.

What did I say the other day?

The motion has been passed and it can't be changed!

I came all the way here in person with the express purpose

of asking you to get them to agree amicably!

And what is this? The very opposite!

Are you bearing a grudge or something?

That's...

Anyway,

the Education Committee will be getting on with its work quietly.

I want you to handle the complaints here.

Are they complaints?

-What? -All everyone's doing

is expressing their wishes to the relevant authority.

They're not complaints.

Besides,

that students is not irresponsible.

He's just being honest.

-What did you say? -Mr. Amarida...

School meals are culture!

Snatching culture away because of some adult's situation

and considering inconvenient opinions an attack that must be countered...

-What way is that to think? -I see.

Your logic is equal to a middle-schooler's.

I see why you get on with kids.

You're right. It is some adult's situation.

Don't adults need to consider situations?

That's what makes the world go round!

School meals are culture?

Don't make me laugh!

All it is, is something to bridge the gap between lessons

and teach kids about rules!

I wish you wouldn't take education so lightly.

You make fun of school meals?

You're not qualified to talk about education!

-What are you doing? -I...

I...

think losing school meals...

will truly be a shame.

Well then,

why not transfer to a school that has school meals?

-Mr. Kaburagi, that's... -Does he have any responsibility?

That much should be obvious.

-As a matter of fact... -What?

I like school meals too!

What are you on about?

Are you all stupid?

Suit yourselves!

I've had a great time learning here over this month.

I want to apply what I've learned at this school

and keep striving for my best.

Thank you all, so much.

It was only brief,

but I've learned a great deal.

Tokobushi Middle School

has become a second alma mater to me.

I hope that one day...

I can be a brilliant teacher like all of you.

And with that, I'd like to thank

all of the student teachers for their hard work.

Sir!

Mr. Amarida.

You've been of tremendous help.

Not at all.

Am I right in thinking today is also...

Yes. My last day.

I'm sure you'll be greatly missed.

So...

what happened with you and Ms. Misono?

Happened with what?

I mean, what you said to each other.

Said to each other? What?

You know. Back then...

I've always maintained

that "handsome" means someone like Alain Delon.

I wouldn't say he's handsome!

Alain Delon's handsomeness is so old-fashioned!

So what does "handsome" look like now?

For instance...

-you're handsome, Mr. Amarida. -What?

Don't be stupid!

With... With these sideburns?

What's handsome about me?

What do sideburns matter?

You're handsome, sir!

If you say so...

then you're attractive too, Ms. Misono.

Sir, you're drunk, aren't you?

I thought that you were attractive...

ever since we first met.

Well, then I'll say...

you caught my attention from the start too.

Is that right?

What the hell is going on?

You don't remember it at all?

No.

-Well, then... -Thank you for telling me.

Everyone, after today...

Mr. Amarida...

will be leaving to teach at another middle school.

You all must have lots of memories, I'm sure.

I haven't been here...

for that long, and even l...

have learned many things

from Mr. Amarida.

Miss.

Are you crying?

No, I'm not crying! Don't be silly.

Sir.

I'd...

like to thank you for everything.

That's...

That's not a common sight!

Hi.

This will be the first and last time we meet in here.

I thought I'd give it a read.

THE SOUND OF WAVES

Mishima!

Is this the scene...

that your question was about?

The one where the heroine, Hatsue, tells the hero

to jump over the flames.

This is it, about the heroine's feelings here.

That's a hard question.

How would you answer it?

You need courage to jump over a fire.

She probably wanted to test that.

I see.

After all...

it's not something that would be easy to jump over.

The same as my prejudgment.

Time for school meals!

Not today, actually.

-It's lunchbox day today. -Right.

Sir...

Yes?

Is it...

all right, sir...

if I keep cheering you on, always?

I won't be here tomorrow.

I'll always be cheering for you in my heart.

If I do that, then I

can be brave, if only a little.

By all means. Please do that.

Thank you.

Hands together, please!

Thank you for this meal!

Thank you for this meal!

Thank you for this meal.

All you have is fried chicken!

And you only have yakisoba!

You're such a girl!

I am a girl!

Here.

Forty-two seconds to go.

I really appreciate you buying me lunch.

Don't be shy about having instant ramen.

Sir.

Will they have school meals at your new school?

Apparently.

Whoa, I envy you.

Sorry to leave you on your own.

They should be ready now.

-Sir. -What is it?

Instant ramen's tasty, isn't it?

That, it is.

With something this convenient,

I'll end up never doing anything.

Kamino.

Don't you think a raw egg would work well with this?

Good idea!

Or melting butter in it.

That sounds delicious.

Subtitle translation by Lewis Williams