Original subtitles

Kanchi, let's have the cotton candy together.

Mr. Akesada from JOULE called.

He instructed us to redo all the advertisements.

Every minute I have in Tokyo counts.

Just 10 days.

I really need you over here.

You don't understand.

People have been putting up with you.

I wouldn't know if you didn't say anything about it!

That's because you only care about yourself!

Where are you going?

New York.

It's wilting.

The number you have dialed cannot be reached.

Why is she not picking up?

Rika!

Rika!

Finally, I found you.

Why are you here?

I checked all the flights heading to New York.

I rushed here hoping to find you.

I'm sorry about yesterday.

I said things I shouldn't have.

I know.

Are you really going?

Yes.

Actually, Alvin had asked...

if I could go over there earlier.

I see.

Don't give me that face.

I don't like tearful goodbyes.

Sorry.

See you, Kanchi.

I'll be back.

Rika.

All the best.

Okay.

All the best, Rika!

What?

Not so loud! You're embarrassing me.

You can do it, Rika!

I love you, Kanchi!

What...

I'm going.

Who's embarrassing who here?

All right.

(Episode 9)

Putting it bluntly,

we are totally fine with you...

taking one month to make changes...

and then focusing on promotions after.

But with such a short promotional time frame,

it would be hard to get the venue we want.

The ends wouldn't justify the means.

That's fine.

Looking at the bigger picture,

rather than damaging the brand's reputation,

it's okay even if the result is not justified.

So far...

we've always broken expectations.

We got this far by providing entertainment...

to global customers.

We have no interest in old-fashioned marketing.

We're not going to do it now.

"Old-fashioned..."

Well...

What about if we don't announce the details as a strategy?

What do you mean?

We will only announce the upcoming event...

with its time and venue.

Meaning, the information released is minimal,

turning it into a secret event of sorts.

Nagao.

Guests will have no idea what's going to happen...

until they show up at the venue on the day.

That applies to the sales of the new title too.

Nagao, that's enough from you.

I believe this would make the customers more excited.

They would look forward to it, for sure.

Agreed.

Gathering a bunch of clueless people together.

That's exactly our style.

We'll go with that idea.

Thank you!

Thank you.

Good job!

That hurts.

I'm so glad we managed to secure the deal.

Yes.

For a moment there, I was totally blank.

Right.

I was told the client really liked your idea...

and the mood immediately got better.

Not at all.

A thought suddenly came to me then,

"What would Rika say?"

So I said what I thought she would.

- Is that so? - Yes.

So, is Akana doing well?

Actually, she already left.

What?

You're shocked too, aren't you?

Wasn't she supposed to leave at the end of the month?

Well, a lot of things happened.

"A lot"?

Her boss supposedly asked her to go there earlier.

I see.

Yes.

Thank you.

Listen, Nagao.

Yes.

If you're going to escape from Akana,

now is the only chance.

Everything is okay.

I'm doing well.

Good to know.

I made a promise.

That I'd never run from Rika.

I see.

Yes.

I'm digging in.

(Kanchi, I love you. I love you so much! Rika)

All right.

Yes, hold on.

Hello.

Hello.

Good morning, Kanchi.

Morning.

It's 11pm where I am though.

Have you received my postcard?

I just saw it in the mailbox. This one.

Here.

- What are you drinking? - This?

Green smoothie.

Green juice?

It's not green juice.

There's a nice shop near the office.

Yes.

Alvin is still sleeping.

That's why I'm taking a stroll at the park.

You're in Central Park.

Bingo.

New York, right?

I just wanted to see your face.

- I'll go now. - Wait!

Let's chat a little longer since you're already on the line.

Are you doing okay?

Totally okay!

(Kanchi, I love you. I love you so much! Rika)

Nagao.

Hey.

Sorry for suddenly asking you out.

No problem.

I was planning on watching the movie anyway.

I knew asking you on the day itself would be okay.

Goodness, that's just being inconsiderate.

Anyway, how has Tokiko been?

I spoke to her recently.

She went to the hospital thinking she had food poisoning.

Turned out it was just a hangover.

Really?

That's how Toki is.

But I'm glad you called me out.

I've just been lazing around during the break.

Lack of sleep?

Been busy with work?

That's one of the reasons.

The main reason is because of the phone calls with Rika.

We would talk and talk without realizing the time.

And then the sun is up.

It's really tiring.

That's a lack of sleep from happiness.

It becomes a torture if it happens every day though.

You're right.

Thanks for coming. You can dispose of your trash here.

Please dispose of your trash here.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Goodness, I didn't expect to cry.

Me too.

I haven't cried watching a movie in ages.

I get what you mean.

Can I go to the toilet?

Sure, I'll wait over there.

- Okay, thank you. - Okay.

Hey, Nagao.

Mikami.

What are you doing here?

What?

Well, I'm...

This guy is Nagao Kanji.

A childhood friend since elementary school.

This is my classmate, Nagasaki Naoko.

Nice to meet you. I'm Nagasaki.

I'm Nagao, hello.

You alone?

What?

No, I am...

Yes.

Well, why don't you join us for a drink?

No, it's okay. I have a movie to catch.

- You are? - Yes.

See you then.

Hey.

Hello.

Long time no see.

Thank you for your care before.

Not at all.

You're on a date with Nagao behind Rika's back?

Actually, I made her come.

I've liked her since high school.

I'm just glad she agreed to come.

My wish is playing out smoothly right now,

so you better not ruin it.

That's a very pretty hair clip.

Thank you.

Is it a present from Mikami?

It is.

Just as I thought.

I had...

really wanted it.

Let's go.

Bye, Mikami.

Hey, wait...

See you.

We should go too.

I told you I won't be that woman's replacement.

Naoko.

Hey.

Wait, Sekiguchi!

Wait!

Sorry.

Sekiguchi!

Sekiguchi!

Wait up!

Are you okay?

I'm the worst.

What do you mean?

How could I have said such a thing just now?

Whenever it's about Mikami,

it's always bad.

Everything I hate about myself comes to light.

I hate it.

There's no such thing.

It's not as easy as you think...

to get over it.

I knew it from the start.

But...

I don't regret it.

About breaking up with Mikami.

Even so,

the feelings of possessiveness and persistence...

still remain.

Seeing her beside Mikami...

makes me sick.

Why am I focusing my hatred on her...

and not Mikami?

She didn't do anything wrong.

I hate the way I am right now.

I wish I could disappear into thin air.

You're not a bad person, Sekiguchi.

You're not bad at all.

Don't cry.

Hi, Kanji.

Sorry to intrude.

Thank you for just now.

About what?

For protecting Satomi.

That woman became so jealous.

She might not look like it, but she's very prideful.

If you hadn't said those things,

she would've probably cried and wailed.

I mean it.

I'm glad you're with her.

That hurts.

Stop acting like you're the considerate boyfriend.

You broke up with Sekiguchi a long time ago.

And you should stop meeting Satomi in secret!

Satomi is not blameless either.

She dumped me and then happily went on a date with you.

Looking all pure and sweet,

but was totally flirting with you.

She sure is a cunning woman.

I won't have you talk about Sekiguchi like that!

That hurt.

That hurt.

Darn it, that hurt.

Hey.

It hurts.

Just to be clear, you hit me more than I hit you, right?

What the heck?

It was the same amount.

Rika?

Yes.

Not answering?

I'll call her back later.

Okay.

Mikami.

Are you seeing that girl?

Yes.

I hope it will become stable.

So you're serious.

You could say that.

I gave it a lot of thought.

The things I've done to Satomi.

As well as what I did to other girls that I dated.

It's about time you realized.

I've made it this far by sucking up to women.

Oh, shut up.

Do you meet with Satomi often?

No, I was just Tokiko's stand-in for today.

When I realized you were with Satomi,

I suddenly felt angry.

Why?

I thought, "So that's how it is."

What?

To be honest,

Satomi is much better off with you.

The ones getting in the way...

are Rika and me.

Hey, Nagao.

What?

Don't you feel relieved?

How so?

Rika is not around.

What?

Of course not.

I see.

Why did you ask that?

It's nothing.

It just came to me.

(I love Kanchi to the ends of the universe!)

Hello.

Good morning, Rika!

You're in a good mood.

Good morning.

Sorry for not picking up your call just now.

Okay.

What are you up to?

At the moment, I'm in Paris.

- Paris? - Yes.

Isn't Paris in France?

That's right.

Alvin might have a job in Paris next year.

So we came to check it out.

Is that so?

Amazing.

- Right? - Things are working out.

What about you?

I'm doing okay.

Naoko.

Don't call my name when we're in school.

Come to my house tonight.

What?

I'm not going to go.

I want to make it up to you for yesterday.

Don't get involved with me.

I am...

not like that man.

I haven't got the status nor prospects.

I'm just a guy struggling to find my footing.

But still,

you like me, don't you?

What?

It's about time you admit it.

What about it?

Say I do like you.

So what?

That man...

and both your parents are going to take you away.

(2 months later)

(Akana Rika)

Good morning, Kanchi.

Good morning.

Oh, are you working?

Yes, I'm a little busy right now.

Is that so?

You know what?

I was about to get in the shower just now...

when I saw this huge spider in the tub.

It's totally American size.

It was my first time seeing one like that...

so I ran over next door and gave them a fright.

It was funny!

Kanchi, are you listening?

What? Yes, I'm listening.

Have you gotten the postcard?

Postcard? Yes, I did.

This one, right?

Yes.

Let me put it up.

Okay.

There must be a lot now.

And then...

All right.

(March 2020)

- Good morning. - Morning.

- There he is. - Morning.

Hey, Nagao.

- What's up? - An urgent matter came up again.

Did it?

They are always telling us last minute.

Can you handle it, Nagao?

Okay, will do.

Thanks a lot.

Always the dependable Nagao.

Let's get it.

Nagao.

Itakura from Showa Electric is on the line.

On Line 2.

Okay.

Hello, thanks for calling. It's Nagao speaking.

Yes.

If it's convenient for you...

Okay.

You're really good.

The pollen is driving me nuts.

My makeup is disintegrating.

I have a singles' party to attend today.

Another one?

What do you mean another?

I'm going to go until I get married.

That's why it's called a "singles' party".

Guess you're right.

Don't you think it's about time you start attending too?

No, thank you.

I already have a lot of little boyfriends here.

While you're taking your own sweet time,

all the good men are being snapped up.

- Done. - Done.

Done drawing?

Knowing that this will be our last visit here...

suddenly made me feel a little sad.

That's for sure.

You spent close to eight years here after all.

Right.

The national exam.

I'm cheering you on to pass.

I'm a man of my word.

I told my mom...

that there's someone I like.

What?

She cried.

You're going to take responsibility.

If I like you,

you'll take me away, right?

Of course.

I will take responsibility and take you away.

Are you serious?

I am.

But doesn't she already have a fiancé?

We'll worry about that later.

I'm expecting a lot of hurdles to overcome.

For real?

Anyway,

is everything going well on your end?

What?

Same old stuff.

But I've been assigned a big case recently.

I don't mean work. I mean with Rika.

Nothing in particular. It's as usual.

It has been half a year since you saw her, right?

This is the same as seeing each other every day.

No matter how advanced this thing gets,

it will never let you give Rika a hug.

Rika's skin...

and the smell of her hair.

Do you still remember?

Don't you want to give her a hug right now?

Have you ever thought about...

not letting anyone have Rika?

All the work we did the past week was for nothing.

It ended up being a mess.

We were told to start over.

Alvin can be ruthless like that.

But I don't really mind.

Kanchi, are you listening?

Yes, I just zoned out a little.

You sound a little soulless lately.

Really?

Perhaps I'm just bogged down by work.

And I think I've got a cold.

I see.

Are you going to sleep then?

Yes, I think I should sleep early today.

Okay.

Don't hang up the phone.

Let me listen to you sleep while I do my work.

Okay.

Good night then.

Good night.

Well, I'll get in touch with Mr. Kasuga then.

Okay, thank you. You've been a big help.

My pleasure.

It's nothing.

You seem to have become our ace.

I still have much to learn.

Talking about our former ace.

I heard she's in Shanghai.

Yes.

She's working on Alvin's exhibition.

Hopefully it's not another wild goose chase.

Looks like it though.

You should go visit her since she's close by.

It only takes three hours from Haneda.

I would like to if I could,

but she must be busy right now.

She has to work even on her off days.

I'll take my leave.

Hey, Nagao.

Yes.

Don't overdo it.

You seem like you're about to fall sick.

Rest is also a part of work.

Thank you for your concern.

I will take a good rest once everything is done.

- All right. - Okay.

I'll take my leave.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

So noisy!

What is it?

(From Sekiguchi)

It has been a while, Nagao.

Are you free to have dinner tonight?

Sorry.

I'm down with a cold right now.

(To Sekiguchi)

I'm in bed.

Nagao, do you have ceramic spoons?

Well...

Sorry, I think I only have normal ones.

Okay. It's ready.

Thank you.

Thanks for waiting.

Thank you.

I'll eat now.

Please do.

It's good!

Right?

It's so comforting.

I'm glad.

This makes me feel bad.

It's your day off.

Not at all.

You've helped me a lot in the past.

Did I?

Of course.

Did Rika send those?

Can I take a look?

Looks awesome.

She even sent hand-drawn postcards in this era.

She wrote, "Kanchi, I love you."

Sorry.

I shouldn't say it out loud.

Lately,

when I look at the postcards...

I feel kind of burdened.

Same thing with the calls.

I'd pretend to be asleep and not pick up.

Why?

Somehow...

I feel tired.

At first,

I agreed with Rika.

I didn't think the distance would be a problem.

But...

after Rika left,

not being able to see her,

not being constantly played for a fool...

Am I actually feeling happier?

I made a promise with Rika.

That I...

would never run from her.

But...

right now, I am...

All I think about is wanting to run away from her.

So spiritless.

Yet thrilling and exciting.

Her expression changes every day.

For a guy who came from the countryside,

Rika is the embodiment of Tokyo.

I was so proud of myself.

To have Rika, who is just like Tokyo.

It's as if I won over Tokyo itself.

I'm so sorry.

I guess it's true that when your body is weak,

your mind becomes weak too.

Sorry.

Don't force a smile.

"You don't have to force a smile."

This is what...

you said to me before.

Three, two, one, go!

Slide!

- Go! - Ms. Satomi.

Anybody else wants to play?

What's the matter, Minato?

I want to marry Ms. Satomi.

Aren't you going to marry your girlfriend?

Because I like you more, Ms. Satomi.

What is it?

I've just been proposed to.

Isn't that stealing someone else's love?

- Miss! - I'm here.

Okay, get in line.

Nagao?

Nagao.

Hey, Nagao.

Nagao!

Yes.

Are you okay? You were totally somewhere else.

Are you still sick?

No, I'm all good.

Kanchi!

Welcome home, Kanchi!

(Adapted from "Tokyo Love Story" by Fumi Saimon)

Satomi, do you like Kanchi?

I've been thinking about you ever since that day.

I'll go and see you when I'm done.

I feel like he's getting further and further away from me.

Please allow me to marry Naoko.

Sorry, Rika.

I want to break up.