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Episode 137

Oshin had disobeyed her mother-in-law,

and was determined to stay to have her baby.

And she was working harder in the fields.

She wanted to prove herself as a Tanokura wife.

Her pride kept her working, so Okiyo wouldn't have anything

to complain about her.

Let's finish up.

You go on. I'll get this done first.

You'd better stop before you get sick.

I'll be all right.

Don't be so stubborn.

If I'm staying on, I'd better at least work.

You don't get taken care of that well.

You don't get much to eat, either.

You should be given better food for your baby!

When you were pregnant with Yuu,

Gen used to buy you all sorts of good food.

I feel sorry for this new baby.

Look at all that money...

We sold our wheat crop.

Then I should get a share of the profits.

I produced a part of the crop.

I have never received any cash payments.

I have bought you everything you needed.

Maybe you could give five yen to Oshin?

She has been working hard.

Oh, come on! She was playing a long time with that injury.

She didn't work enough to earn her keep.

She has already worked to pay that part back.

My brother knows that!

All you ever do is talk about Oshin.

But I don't even regard her as your wife.

Don't mention her name in front of me again!

Oshin has to nourish the baby she is carrying.

I get fish to eat, but she only gets soup and pickles.

And she doesn't even get her fair share of rice!

You call yourself a man!

You sound like an old maid...

If I don't speak up for her, who will?

She needs to eat at least one egg every day.

Or she will end up exhausting herself.

I told her that I refuse to care for her if she insists on staying here.

And you both know that! You're wasting your breath.

Ryuzo... Here.

Go feed her something good to eat.

- It'll just go to Oshin's head! - Never mind!

Oshin needs a new kimono anyway. She works hard in the fields.

I'm not good with words...

Tell her for me, I think she's doing well.

It's from father and brother.

They say you have been working hard.

Order something you want to eat.

Don't worry about it!

- Is it really okay? - Yes.

I'm so happy.

I appreciate it.

I still have the money Mrs. Okayo gave me,

but I didn't want your mother would think it's strange that I have money.

I have been wanting to buy some things.

I'll use this to get some baby things.

You can get that later. Get some food.

It's such a waste! I get three meals a day.

- That's more than enough. - You need more!

My mother got even less to eat,

but she had strong babies like me!

She had a lot of milk, too.

Have a midwife take a look at you.

I will figure out a way to pay for it.

I don't need that. This is my second time.

Atsuko will be giving birth here anyway.

So have the same midwife look at you.

You don't have to worry about me. I'll have the baby just fine.

Oshin!

Good morning.

Thanks for making Ryuzo less than a man.

A grown man asking his family for money!

I'm sure it's because you complained to him.

A wife can't do that to her husband!

I thought you were ready to persevere?

Yet you still complain to Ryuzo about food?

You don't have to stay. Go where you can eat your fill!

You have no right to be my son's wife!

It was during the rainy season,

and the busiest time of the year for rice farmers

when Okiyo brought Atsuko home to have her baby.

- Welcome home. - Welcome home.

I'm finally home! If you hadn't come for me,

they'd have sent me out to plant rice.

That's why I went and got you today.

You must have had a tough time.

Her in-laws can't be good to her as we are!

It's best we take care of our own.

Besides, they can save money on her food bills.

They are happy to be rid of her.

She can't be planting rice at this stage of her pregnancy.

My mother-in-law had to work in the fields

right up to the time she gave birth.

People think wives are just slaves!

Go and change. Just relax.

I'm starving!

I knew you'd say that, so we're prepared, right?

Yes.

- Where's Yuu? - He's taking a nap now.

Then let's all eat some zenzai together!

I haven't had that in a long time. It's so good to be home!

Let's go change.

When I first came here I had to work

right up until the time I had my baby.

They wouldn't even let me go home until the very last minute.

She said I was a Tanokura,

and sent me out to work in the fields.

So different from Atsuko...

Shouldn't you take a break?

Being in the water too long isn't good for you.

You'll lose the baby.

- I have to finish first. - Oshin...

- Let's eat. - Let's eat.

We always get good food when Aunt Atsuko is here!

Atsuko is a very important guest!

Don't tell the others that you had zenzai.

Welcome back!

Aunt Atsuko is here.

Is she well?

- Yes, we had zenzai to eat. - No, we didn't!

We're not supposed to tell.

I can at least tell Uncle Ryuzo. Aunt Atsuko had three helpings!

- How many did you have? - Just a single serving.

You're back?

Atsuko should be out of the bath soon.

You go bathe first. You need to warm up.

What? The women bathe last!

She was knee deep in water all day.

Your father and brother haven't bathed yet.

But Atsuko has, so why not Oshin?

I don't mind. I still have to wash the diapers anyway.

Just do as I say,

and bathe before your father and brother get back.

That was a good bath!

Where's the zenzai?

Oshin needs something sweet. She is tired.

What zenzai? There's no celebration.

The one who loafs around all day,

eat zenzai and take the first bath...

And the one who works all day gets nothing?

It's just not fair!

Oshin should get equal treatment!

Never mind. I don't need it!

You're nothing but trouble...

Don't meddle in how I treat Atsuko!

I'm nothing but trouble?!

How long will this kind of life go on?

But Oshin had to have her baby here.

And she felt miserable...

Episode 138

It doesn't matter when somebody bathes,

or who eats what, does it?

I don't like the way my mother spoils Atsuko!

She should take better care of you!

You are pregnant just like Atsuko.

A son's wife is just a stranger.

I'm not her real daughter, so it's only natural.

It's human nature...

No matter how much she hates you,

the baby you are carrying is innocent!

It's her grandchild!

But she prefers the one being carried by Atsuko.

Don't fight with your mother over me.

I just want to have my baby here, that's all.

I want Atsuko's and my baby to be both well and healthy,

and that will dispel the superstition.

Maybe she'll give me credit for working hard, too.

That's the only way I will ever get accepted.

And I'll persevere until then!

I don't want to cause trouble for anyone.

So please cooperate.

That's no way to be!

I know you're just trying to protect me.

But I will end up getting treated worse

if you try to protect me, and fight with your mother.

If I don't protect you, who will?

You may think you are protecting me,

but it's not that easy.

With Atsuko here, there's bound to be more trouble.

But please don't say anything.

You want me to just keep quiet?

The more you speak up for me, the worse things get!

I understand.

I'm just nothing but trouble for the Tanokura family,

and I can't even protect my own wife.

- Ryuzo... - I know...

They all look down on me... And you talk down to me, too.

That's not why I'm telling you all this.

Never mind. I'll never say another word.

I'll try to get along with my mother and brother.

You're a strong woman...

You don't have to depend on me.

You can make it on your own.

I'm sorry...

You should be eating already, too. If you wait until we finish,

you don't know when you'll be able to eat.

I'm sure Oshin and Otsugi are hungry, too.

Otsugi is watching the children, and Oshin is washing diapers.

I thought Oshin planted rice all day?

Go on, and feed her!

Oshin works hard. I'm happy to have her.

You wouldn't know she was from Tokyo.

She is the daughter of a poor sharecropper!

My sister is no match for her.

Atsuko is a Tanokura!

I don't need her working like a sharecropper.

I sure don't want her being made to work.

So she'll be staying here?

Of course, I don't want her to miscarry her baby!

Want more?

Eat lots or you won't have a healthy baby.

Give my fish to Oshin. She needs nourishment.

If you don't want it, I'll give it to Atsuko.

We can't show favoritism to our sons' wives.

We didn't treat Tsuneko any differently when she was pregnant.

It's time to eat.

Okay.

And there was a letter for you.

Thank you.

I hope all is well with you. We are all fine here.

Oriki is writing this letter for me, and she is fine, too.

I'm glad to hear that you're with child again.

I can't be there to help you,

but I'm glad to hear that everyone there is very nice.

I wish I could send you something,

but since your brother takes care of me now,

I can't do as I please. Forgive me.

I'm only able to send you some diapers

that I sewed from old kimono. You can never have enough diapers.

I'll send them to you soon.

I've sewn a couple of swaddling clothes for the baby.

I'm sure the family there has provided them already,

but please accept them as a present from me.

Remember to eat well.

A hard-working woman has an easier time giving birth.

- Good morning. - Morning.

It's raining today. Take the day off.

Yes, but I do have other chores.

I understand, but...

Have you had a midwife check you?

There is one coming today to have a look at Atsuko.

Have her examine you, too.

It's Atsuko's first time, but it's my second.

I know I'm all right.

But it's different with each baby.

Okiyo!

What is it? You'll wake up the kids!

Have Oshin examined by the midwife today.

She doesn't have to work today.

She has other chores to tend to!

Atsuko loafs all day long. Oshin needs rest, too.

The baby is growing. It's hard for her.

When it gets difficult, just take the day off.

It's a wife's duty to give birth to a good, healthy baby.

Do as I say, Okiyo.

Thank you for breakfast.

Your father sure is a problem...

He thinks having a baby is so hard.

I have had children myself, but a wife has to keep working.

He talks as if I'm making Oshin work too hard.

It's all going to Oshin's head.

She's not like Atsuko.

She is a wife belonging to another family.

I can't treat her like our own. It's the same for the midwife, too.

The village's midwife is good enough for Oshin!

Tsuneko and I only used the village's midwife ourselves.

I don't know what Oshin thinks...

But I want you to speak to her about it.

Explain the difference!

She is your wife, so you keep her in line.

She will just let it go to her head.

- Oshin. - Yes?

This came from your mother in Yamagata.

I opened it, and it contains diapers and swaddling clothes.

The letter asks me to take good care of you.

Your mother expects me to get you a midwife?

Thank you for the package.

What is she writing about me to her mother?

Why isn't her mother willing to take her in?

We will get you the village midwife.

I can't go against my mother.

Oshin felt badly that people's kindness towards her

always got turned around by Okiyo and used against her.

Unable to rely on Ryuzo, Fuji's motherly kindness

was felt by Oshin when she needed it most.

Oshin knew she had to persevere...

Episode 139

Tanokura

Grandma...

So this is the place!

It's still here.

The interior seems different, but this gate is the same.

Want to stop in?

Why would I want to see them?

We haven't been able to meet with anyone from your past so far.

Now that we have found the Tanokura house...

Let's visit!

I have no good memories of this place.

And I haven't had dealings with them in years.

I'm sure nobody here would want to remember me either...

Why not?

To the Tanokura family I was a bad bride.

Oh, come on!

You were harassed by your mother-in-law!

I was treated badly due to my own faults.

Even Tsuneko, the eldest son's wife,

had to put up with a lot.

Then and only then, was she accepted by them.

I guess the times have really changed...

I had wanted to be a good bride, too.

It was the only way I could ever be accepted.

Who's that?

I don't know, I can't remember.

You know him?

That is Sataro, the eldest son's son.

He was about then when I last saw him.

He must be over 70 now.

He didn't seem to recognize you.

- He was just a boy then. - Shall I talk to him?

No! I'll just keep the memories to myself.

I didn't come to reminisce with anyone about he past.

I'm getting confused...

I thought I knew the purpose of this journey.

But there seems to be nothing but bad memories.

Why bother rehashing them all now? You are happy now.

I seem happy to you?

This is the brook where Osawa tried to drown herself!

It seems deep... How did she manage to survive?

It wasn't just her... All farmers' wives back then

contemplated suicide, at one time or another.

It wasn't just in Yamagata that the women suffered.

Did you ever think of dying?

I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of my dying!

I was determined to live, and have my baby.

To die is to lose...

And I had Yuu to think about, too.

I didn't want to leave him behind, so I never even considered it.

I was all alone, but I hung in there.

I believed that I would be accepted

as a Tanokura wife once I had my baby there.

But I had to keep working in the fields

up to the very last minute. My stomach was so big,

and I'd be so exhausted when I got home each night.

I didn't even have the strength to walk.

You're so pathetic...

Go inside and rest. You must've had a hard day.

Okay?

Oshin!

Your father and Yuu are bathing. Go join them.

What are you doing there?

In her condition, weeding is too much of a chore.

Don't be spoiling her!

In the old days... Farmers' wives would just sleep

on a mat by the door with their clothes on.

We all worked until the time we gave birth!

I'm not just being mean to Oshin.

At least we have a well.

Other farmers' wives have to get water from the streams.

Oshin does no kitchen work.

And she gets to sleep on tatami mats.

She doesn't stay up and sew all night either.

We always did all our sewing in the evenings.

That is how we got accepted as a family member.

We took our babies to the fields with us.

She doesn't do half the work we all did.

There is no reason for her to be this tired.

She just doesn't want to work.

Are you listening to my mother?

She never listens to me... Just leave her alone!

- Oshin! - Let her be!

You will catch a cold like that! Get up and take your bath.

Then you can have your dinner.

I feel so tired... Am I ill?

It's just because you're so big.

The midwife says everything is fine.

Just hang on for a couple of more months.

It's not easy having a baby, is it?

Who ever said it was easy?

Get up!

Oshin.

Don't you feel well?

I'm sorry... I fell asleep.

- You're tired? - I'm all right.

She can't work anymore. She is exhausted!

Let her rest.

We will hire someone to fill her place.

Having a baby isn't an illness! One shouldn't be in bed for it.

Then let Atsuko do as Oshin does.

Father!

Your mother spoils you!

Atsuko belongs to another family.

Oshin is just one of our sons' wives.

They're both pregnant! And I say she rests!

Oshin.

Yes?

You won't have to work in the fields anymore.

Just rest and have a healthy baby. There is no need to mind anyone.

One's first baby can be troublesome.

But it's her second! Nobody has to rest like that.

She should have gone back to her own home.

I'm not picking on Oshin.

All wives work right up to the day of delivery.

Tsuneko and I both had to do that.

So why do you have to spoil Oshin?

Set her straight!

Going to bed?

Mother and Tsuneko will stay up and sew.

I don't know what my father said,

but try to cooperate with my mother and persevere.

I'm sick of all this trouble...

Oshin knew what Ryuzo was trying to say.

She knew she couldn't stay home and rest.

She couldn't hate Ryuzo. It was hard for him, too.

Oshin felt badly to be placed in this situation.

Episode 140

Oshin...

Are you all right?

You never had this much trouble with Yuu.

I kept doing chores until I delivered.

Old Gen and your mother helped you a lot.

Let's not talk about the past.

I know it's hard on you. You know I'd like to let you rest.

It's okay.

Good morning!

I told you to rest starting today.

- I know, but... - She feels better.

You fool! You're letting her work in her condition?

Even if Okiyo insists that she works,

as her husband, you should be stopping her!

If you don't protect her, who will?

I...

I told my wife to let you rest.

One has to protect one's health before it's too late!

I'm not saying Oshin should lie around like Atsuko.

It's just that she can't do field work anymore.

Let her help out around the house.

Tsuneko, Otsugi and I do the chores around here.

We don't need help.

Let's have Tsuneko work in the fields then.

She knows what to do out in the fields.

You must be joking!

We need Tsuneko to handle the household chores.

Otsugi and I each do work that no one else can do.

I don't care what it is. I'm just thinking of Oshin.

I'm sorry. Please let me help.

My hand is much better. I can help you.

Kitchen work is my business. Don't interfere.

I can do the cleaning.

- Otsugi is doing that now. - Then I'll help her.

I don't want you getting in her way.

You can stay out of our way by staying in bed.

Where are you going?

Yuu is awake.

I know that.

I'll take care of Yuu now.

I have been taking care of him all this time!

You have been neglecting him all this time!

I'm not being mean... You'll be having your baby soon,

and you won't be able to care for Yuu.

I feel sorry for Yuu.

He is used to me now, so I will care for him.

Don't worry about him.

This egg is for your baby.

And Tsuneko has put extra fried bean curd in your bowl.

Thanks a lot.

Otsugi and I put some in our portions, too.

I thought Oshin was home.

She is asleep.

She will call when she wakes up.

One doesn't have to eat when one sleeps.

Why don't you make her do some work?

She can't do anything!

She can't hold the needle, and she can't wring out the wash.

I'm sure she can do house cleaning,

but I don't want her in any of our rooms.

She sure is worthless.

Ryu has sure brought home a loser of a wife!

If she isn't allowed to work, she'll realize how useless she is,

then maybe she will leave.

She's been loafing around long enough.

Oshin.

Oshin!

I thought you were asleep, so we ate first.

Have some udon noodles.

Thank you.

It's just plain udon, so cook it yourself.

I didn't think sleeping could make people hungry.

There's nothing wrong with her.

Both Ryu and Father are easily fooled by women!

When I came here as a bride, my in-laws was so strict

that no matter how high a fever I ran,

she would never let me stay in bed.

And if I had to stay in bed, I wouldn't eat.

I didn't want her to tell me

that I didn't deserve to eat without doing my work.

Tsuneko knows what I'm talking about.

That's how Saga women are supposed to be.

Someone who can do work outside just because she's a little tired.

I guess Saga women make the best brides.

I'm sorry. I can't eat this.

Get back here!

You cooked it, and you refuse to eat?

You are just trying to get back at me.

You'll complain to Ryuzo later about not being fed,

because you stayed in bed.

I didn't tell you not to eat! Tsuneko, serve it to her.

You made it. Eat all you want.

Hurry and eat it!

Thank you for the food.

Good morning. I'll be going to work now.

After a day of rest, I feel better.

I will go back to working out in the fields.

What's happened?

Thank you for your consideration.

What went on here?

Okiyo!

How should I know?

She relaxed all day long, I guess she's no longer tired.

Oshin never took another day off.

She was made to know her place as the wife

of the third son in the family.

Just before autumn, near the harvest,

Oshin was in her last month of pregnancy.

Then one day, Oshin was called in by Okiyo.

It's about that time...

Labor could start any time now.

- Be ready. - I will.

The warehouse will be used by Atsuko for the birthing.

It's unclean, so we can't do it in the main house.

You can use the shack in the back. It's used for storage now.

We used to have our farm laborers living there.

It's a bit rundown, but if you clean it up, it can be used.

Take half a day off from work to clean it up.

Since that shack would be con- sidered outside the Tanokura house,

we can avoid the bad luck of two babies

being born under the same roof.

I feel badly for chasing you out,

but Atsuko belongs to another family now,

so we have to do extra to make sure she's all right.

Please understand.

This is terrible! You can give birth here.

It just has to be cleaned up.

It's not as if I'm going to be living here.

I'll go tell my mother.

Don't worry about it. It won't take long.

I'll start cleaning up this afternoon.

All I need to do is make a place to lie down.

Oshin was hoping that both she and Atsuko

will give birth to healthy babies.

She knew it would be more difficult than ever

to work with a newborn baby.

But she believed that her new baby

will give her the strength to continue.

Episode 141

In her final month of pregnancy,

Oshin was required to move out of the main house,

and live in a shack nearby.

Okiyo believed in the superstition that to have

two babies born under the same roof was unlucky.

That one would surely die.

It's nice and neat.

Ryuzo helped me clean it up.

The place really looked bad!

It looks great! Our laborers built it,

so it's strong enough to withstand even a typhoon.

Shall I have Ryuzo sleep here with you?

Your labor could start at any time.

I'll be all right.

I'll have time enough to have the midwife come and help me.

What if it starts late at night? I'll stay until the time.

I would feel better if you'd stay with her.

Since this is your second time, you already know...

Spread oil paper on the quilts and...

Yes, I know.

I already bought you some oil paper, and put it in there.

Thank you.

You have diapers and swaddling clothes?

Yes.

You can use whatever we have around the house.

I wish you would both hurry and get it over with...

I'm sick of worrying!

At the house, all they talk about is Atsuko.

Your mother is worrying about me, too.

She just feels guilty for having chased you out of the main house.

It doesn't bother me.

At least you're able to lie down here now...

I feel badly for you.

Too bad you and Atsuko are having your babies at the same time.

She is the only daughter,

so it's only natural her mother is very protective of her.

It's not only you...

I've had to go through similar experiences here.

So let's just bear with it.

Please use this.

In these parts, we place oil paper on the quilt,

and use material on top of that for birthing.

It's cotton fabric. I sewed it together with Atsuko's.

That pattern on the fabric wards off evil.

You're giving this to me?

I'm only a wife here, so I can't help you much.

This is about all I can do for you.

Thank you.

Have a healthy baby.

She made this for me...

I will do my best not to cause any trouble,

and have the baby by myself.

Harvest time came which is the busiest time of the year.

And Oshin had to work, too.

But she never complained.

She recalled that her mother had given birth

to one of her babies, while working out in the fields.

Oshin felt she, too, could overcome any obstacle.

You sure worked hard today. Any pains yet?

Sometimes it feels like it, but it's not ready yet.

I guess I will have to wait a bit longer.

This baby is quiet. Yuu used to kick me.

I'll bet it's a girl.

It's started! Please go for the midwife.

We called, but she needs someone to meet her at the village entrance.

She needs a guide.

That's why the village midwife is the best.

This one is from town.

Take the lantern. Be careful!

Atsuko beat you to it.

- Can I help? - No. You're tired.

Dinner is ready, so go have your dinner.

I don't know when we will get to eat.

We have to make sure it all goes well.

I still have time yet...

Mother...

I feel as if you're here with me...

So I'm not afraid of anything.

Mother...

Is it born yet?

It's past midnight. Why is it taking so long?

We can see the baby's head, but it won't come.

She is having a terrible time.

I can't bear to see her suffer.

What are you doing, Okiyo?

Stay with Atsuko, and give her support.

- Is it that bad? - They say the baby is too big.

It's because you let her lie around and loaf!

It's a curse...

It's all because Oshin refused to leave this house.

Stop this nonsense!

If something happens to mother or child,

- Oshin will be held responsible! - Enough, Okiyo!

Please go to her. She's calling for you.

- I can't bear to see her... - Hurry!

Why does Atsuko have to suffer? It's all Oshin's fault!

It's because you brought that woman to this house!

Okiyo!

Talk like that again, and I'll throw you out!

Should you be leaving Oshin all alone?

She said she's not ready yet.

Go look in on her. It could start any minute.

I'd better stay and make sure things are all right here.

I'm worried about Mother.

The midwife is asking for a doctor.

It's too much for her to handle.

- The doctor in town? - Yes.

The midwife's name is Yugi. Get the doctor quickly!

I'll go and get him.

The baby won't last until the morning...

I'll bring the doctor back here by then!

It's raining... You can't use the lantern.

I know the way. I will make it.

Will he get there in time?

Ryuzo!

Ryuzo!

Ryuzo...

I'm so glad you made it back in time.

You must be tired. We almost died waiting!

I didn't want Mother to blame Oshin if anything went wrong.

It's Oshin who would've suffered.

I ran all the way to town.

Get some sleep. Let the doctor handle it.

It's born! Both mother and baby are fine!

Thanks to you.

I'm so glad... Now Mother can't blame Oshin for anything.

I will go tell Oshin. She was worried.

She was more concerned than any of us.

Oshin!

Oshin!

Ryuzo didn't know what had happened.

He didn't know why she was lying out here.

Oshin was unconscious so she couldn't tell him.

Episode 142

It was the morning after Atsuko's difficult birthing.

Both Atsuko and her baby were doing fine.

However, for Oshin, it had been a tragic night.

How is she?

If she dies like this, I don't deserve to be forgiven.

Don't talk like that!

The doctor says she can make it.

Stay with her today.

Thank you for all your help during this busy harvesting time.

It's the duty of all the neighborhood

women to come help at a birthing!

Didn't you have another young bride about to give birth?

She sure is a good, hard worker!

I have food and sake for you inside.

I'm sure glad everything went well.

Our lady seems so happy!

There is nothing to really laugh about.

Ryuzo.

How is she?

I brought this in case she was awake...

Thanks for your concern...

I will reheat hers and bring it later.

You eat this.

You must eat,

or you'll get sick, too. Then what would Oshin do?

I know this is very tough on you...

Ryuzo...

What are you smiling about?

Are you awake?

The baby...

It was a baby girl, wasn't it?

I saw her...

Where is she?

Are you hungry?

Tsuneko made gruel for you. She can reheat it.

Bring her to me... I want to see her.

I'll have to give her milk.

My mother is taking care of the baby.

What about milk?

Atsuko's sharing her milk...

Atsuko is all right, too?

Yes.

I'm so glad...

Is it a boy? Or is it a girl?

Don't talk too much. You have to get well.

I'm all right.

Lie down.

I'm fine...

The midwife came?

I was on my way to the main house to ask for the midwife's help.

She took care of you.

I'm so glad...

I can't remember the rest of what happened.

I guess I caused everyone trouble...

I'll get the baby, so just stay still.

What's wrong?

Ryuzo?

Ryuzo!

Stop all this noise!

What are you doing?

We are entertaining the ladies who helped us!

Don't embarrass us!

You are the one who should be ashamed!

Drinking like this when Oshin is suffering.

You call yourself a human being?!

Stop it, both of you! Show some dignity as a man!

You will never know how I feel now...

Atsuko's just fine, but Oshin...

You don't care a bit about her!

It couldn't be helped... It was her fate.

How can you say that!

If I had only been with Oshin...

If only... I hadn't gone to get Atsuko's doctor!

Are you blaming Atsuko?

I can't face Oshin...

I can't tell her the truth about the baby.

She is awake?

She wants to see the baby...

How can I tell her the truth?!

She is in no shape to be told the truth...

I understand... I'll tell her.

This isn't something we can keep from her.

How are you feeling?

Where is she?

Oshin...

I'm sorry to tell you, but the baby was stillborn.

You are still young... You can have more babies.

That can't be...

It's not true!

She was alive... I cut the cord myself.

I wrapped her up in swaddling clothes.

She was warm...

...and her heart was beating.

She was alive...

She was alive, I was so happy!

It's a lie! She wasn't stillborn.

I held her myself! I felt her heart beating...

She was alive.

It's the truth! Believe me!

You fell outside the hut, and Ryuzo found you.

The doctor was here, so he saved you.

We almost lost you, too.

The baby was stillborn...

The doctor said so.

That's a lie.

She was alive...

She really was alive...

By the time I held the baby...

The doctor said the baby was stillborn.

Even if she was alive when she was born...

She didn't make it.

The baby was too small and undernourished.

The fetus hadn't matured. The doctor said so.

I want to see her... Please!

The baby didn't suffer at all. She's gone to heaven...

I'll go see her... I gave her a name, Ai.

Ai as in love... Love for all.

Ai.

I have to give her milk... I know she's hungry...

Oshin!

The baby... I have to go to her!

Ai...

Episode 143

After the stillbirth of her baby girl,

Oshin stopped talking.

Seeing Oshin's vacant look,

Ryuzo understood for the first time the depth of Oshin's grief.

Oshin had given the baby a name... Ai.

She'd wanted the girl to be loved...

Oshin was starving for love herself...

Ever since coming to this house,

she's had nothing but difficulty because she couldn't please you.

She must have been so lonely...

I wasn't hard on you to because I hated you.

I just wanted Oshin to learn to be a good Tanokura wife.

I feel so sorry for her...

They say it's bad luck for two babies to be born

under one roof at the same time.

I was afraid of this...

Ryu!

She is full of milk, and it's painful for her.

It's so sad that she has no baby to give her milk to.

A mother's body is a curious thing...

She had more milk than Yuu could drink, too.

This world is so unfair...

Atsuko doesn't have milk for her baby.

The baby is crying again.

I don't think she is getting enough milk.

What a problem... Why can't she give more milk?

May I have some hot water?

Yes.

How is Oshin?

It's hard to tell yet.

She is strong, so I didn't think she'd take it this hard.

No matter how strong she is, she is grieving.

Oshin had gone through hell...

She had to cut her own umbilical cord.

The gods are punishing Atsuko. She has no milk.

Ryuzo...

I need a favor.

No! Don't ask them!

The baby will die without milk!

Please ask someone else...

Is it all right if the baby gets Oshin's milk?

That's too cruel! Think of Oshin's feelings!

A mother has a lot of love to give.

Oshin feels lonely every time her breasts hurt.

She will gladly nurse any baby.

Oh, sure... That's so convenient for you!

I'll refuse your request.

Thanks for the hot water.

Ryuzo.

I know it's cruel,

but Oshin's unaware of what's going on around her,

so nursing a baby now could help her.

It might comfort her.

Do it for Oshin's sake.

Oshin...

Will you give milk to this baby?

She is hungry.

How could you do that to Oshin! That's so selfish!

She is full of milk, and happy now!

Oshin nursed her without complaining.

Her face was like that of the Goddess of Mercy.

She kept looking into the baby's face.

She must have thought this baby was hers.

I felt so badly for her...

I only hope she regains her senses soon...

I will take better care of Oshin now.

Atsuko, you'd better be grateful to Oshin!

Oshin's baby sacrificed its life to save this one.

Please feed Oshin something good. Don't spare any expense.

I want Oshin to regain her health...

Aren't you glad?

You must be tired from nursing.

I'll go get you lunch.

She is so cute...

She thought I was her mother...

She kept looking up at me.

Oshin...

I'm sure Ai would've done the same if she had lived.

You knew?

Atsuko doesn't have enough milk?

I'll give that baby as much milk as she needs.

After all, that baby is here in place of my Ai...

I want that baby to grow up healthy.

You knew all along?

I'm so glad. I was afraid you would never regain your senses.

I'd wanted to forget everything...

Please forgive me...

I wish I could have helped you when you needed me.

Never mind... I've given up.

I'm able to give it all up...

I still have Yuu. I'm not only Ai's mother.

I have to get well for Yuu's sake.

I will get well, and start all over again.

Take your time, and get well.

I'm sorry to take so long to make Oshin's lunch.

This is yours, Ryuzo.

I'm sorry to have caused you so much worry.

I'm all right now.

I'll be able to go back to work in the fields soon.

She understands about Ai.

And she is still willing to nurse Atsuko's baby.

I know it's hard for you...

I'm a mother, too, so I understand.

You will help Atsuko, and feed her baby?

I'll think of that baby as Ai...

Oshin...

Thank you so much! Atsuko will be so happy, too.

You're still young. You'll have more babies.

Next time, you will have a good, healthy one!

- Mother... - Yes?

My baby really was alive when she was born...

But she didn't cry...

She wasn't strong enough to cry...

I never want to give birth like that again.

I will never allow you to suffer again...

Next time, we'll make sure to take good care of you.

Okiyo had never been this kind to Oshin.

Ryuzo and Tsuneko felt somewhat relieved.

But no one knew at the time what Oshin was really thinking.

Episode 144

Tonight is the baby's naming ceremony.

Thanks to you, the baby is doing so well.

We want to name this baby Ai.

You gave this baby milk meant for your Ai.

And you nursed her as if she were your Ai.

So we wanted to respect your memory of Ai...

Will you join in on the celebration tonight?

I didn't want a name given to a dead baby.

That's bad luck!

But Mother made the final decision.

Mother is grateful to Oshin for nursing the baby.

But why give my baby this name?

What's wrong with Ai?

She is being nice to Oshin all of a sudden, too.

Okiyo feels indebted to Oshin.

Oshin's baby didn't die because of me!

The baby wouldn't have survived anyway.

Okiyo feels guilty for having been so mean to Oshin.

It's partly Oshin's fault!

It's good that now Okiyo treats Oshin better.

This girl sure drinks a lot of milk!

She's so heavy now.

The guests will be coming soon.

We're almost ready.

Set a table for Oshin, and take it to her.

I'll do it right away.

This is for the baby's naming ceremony.

You probably don't feel much like celebrating...

But Mother insisted that I make a setting for you.

You were very kind in nursing Atsuko's baby.

I know it must have been so painful for you.

But that's what made Mother change her feelings toward you.

You've won yourself a place here as a Tanokura wife.

It was worth having persevered.

Until now, I couldn't help you by going against Mother's wishes.

I'm only a wife here.

But you will never have to suffer again!

I've caused you a lot of worry.

As brides here, let's work together!

- Here's Mother. - Hello Yuu!

Mother is busy with guests, so she needs your help.

You can eat this, too.

Be good and quiet now.

You've gotten so big!

Let's eat.

Sit properly.

Mother has finally taken a liking towards you.

Things will go well from now on.

You will be able to live here until you die.

Oshin was at peace for the first time since coming here to Saga,

and she was able to rest in order to recover.

She nursed Atsuko's baby daily,

and she was able to care for her son, Yuu.

It seemed as if Oshin had gotten over the loss of her own baby.

A month went by.

It was now the day to celebrate Ai's

33rd day of life at the local shrine.

Oshin.

Yes?

- Are you leaving already? - Yes.

Thank you for taking good care of Ai.

After the ceremony, Atsuko and Ai will be going home.

I wish we could have kept them here a bit longer.

She still needs your milk.

But since both mother and baby are well...

I won't be able to give Ai my milk anymore?

Will you give her milk for the last time?

Before we leave.

Yes.

Oshin, you did well.

My job is done...

Mail for Tanokura...

Here's your mail.

Dear Oshin. It's been a long time.

It's from Sawa!

I've been meaning to write to you. It's been six months since I left.

I'm sure you know why I left home suddenly.

I had done you wrong, and couldn't face you.

I can't apologize enough for having betrayed you.

Please, forgive me.

I work at a restaurant in Tokyo now, and...

I'm sure you've already had your baby. Congratulations.

Is it a boy or a girl?

Isn't it time for the shrine celebrations already?

I had a dream about you and your baby.

- Welcome home. - We're back.

The shrine ceremony is over.

I feel as if a big load has been lifted off my shoulders.

Have you been good?

Yuu, you're the best!

Ai is more their grandchild than mine.

But you will be with me forever!

You're a Tanokura boy.

I see, Sawa is in Tokyo now?

A woman sure can do some daring things!

I've made up my mind to leave.

There's nothing here for me.

Why are you saying this all of a sudden?

Don't be influenced by Sawa's letter.

It has nothing to do with Sawa's letter.

I'd been thinking about it ever since Ai died.

Ai was born without the strength to live.

And you know why it happened...

I was made to work until exhaustion each day.

And I wasn't allowed any rest at all.

I was told all women had to work like that.

So I couldn't talk back, and I tried to persevere.

I'm used to hardships.

If it were just me, I could bear it.

But my baby died without even the strength to cry...

All because of it.

It's all my fault.

I thought I could bear anything.

I'm to blame... It's as if I killed Ai myself.

Don't say that!

That's when I made up my mind to leave.

If I stay here, I would never be able to do anything I want.

I couldn't even help my own baby!

I'd been meaning to leave sooner...

But I stayed to give Ai milk.

In place of my Ai who died,

I wanted her to grow up healthy. Something my Ai wasn't able to do.

It's been a rough year since we came here...

But I'm not bitter about it.

There just wasn't anything here for me.

That's what I can't bear.

So please let me go.

If I stay here, I will ruin me.

I'd cease being me.

Oshin!

Thank you for all you've done. This will be my last night here.

Yuu and I will leave this house tomorrow.

Episode 145

Thank you for all you've done.

This will be my last night here.

Yuu and I will leave this house tomorrow.

You are leaving? What does this all mean?

I have come to my own understanding.

I know you've had it rough over the past year.

And you lost your baby, too.

I'm sure you resent me for everything.

But I was only training you to be a good wife.

And you did well.

I was happy that you were able to make it!

Now you want to leave?

Mother is no ogre. She understands you now.

Everything is fine now!

If I stay here, I'll end my life doing farm labor.

I don't want that!

How dare you!

You can't stand doing work in the fields?

And you think you can do something else?

Maybe you will never be a Tanokura wife...

If you hate it here so much, you can leave.

You can go anywhere and o as you like!

Mother!

What will you do? And where will you go?

Let her do whatever she wants to!

She'll cease being a Tanokura once she leaves this house.

She will be of no concern to us!

Have you and Ryuzo talked this over?

Yes.

- And you agreed? - Why would I agree?

And you still insist on leaving?

Yes, I do.

If Ryuzo is against the idea of leaving,

I will have to go without him.

Oshin!

Thank you for everything.

I'm sorry I haven't been of much use to you.

I'm taking Yuu, and leaving here tomorrow.

What are you saying?

Yuu is a Tanokura. He will stay with his father.

You will leave tomorrow by yourself.

I never want to see your face again!

Yuu is my son! I gave birth to him!

And I'll take him with me!

Don't be ridiculous!

You don't even know if you can live on your own!

You think you can care for Yuu? You would both starve!

You can't work with a small child. He would just be in your way...

I'll work for Yuu's sake. It's for him that I'll work!

You're dreaming... Just ask Ryuzo or his father.

I can't allow Yuu to be destitute!

If you don't want to part with Yuu, stay here.

I don't want Yuu to grow up without his mother.

But if you insist on leaving, forget about Yuu!

No!

It's as my mother says.

If you take Yuu, you will both suffer.

Yuu!

Listen to her.

Please... Please change your mind.

I will always keep you here with me...

Mother says she will never let Yuu go.

Yuu is the only grandchild she's ever taken care of.

That's why she can't let him go.

You'll leave Yuu and go?

I can't carry this, so please keep it for me.

If you want a divorce, I won't oppose you.

But as long as we have Yuu, you're his father and I'm his mother.

That will never change.

Even if we live apart now... we'll be back together one day.

I'd like to believe that.

I do believe that...

I won't stop you.

I know what you have been through here.

And I wasn't able to protect you. To tell you the truth,

I can understand why you would want to leave.

I guess letting you go is to say I love you.

Take good care of yourself. Don't overwork yourself.

We will all be together again one day.

So let's both stay well.

I'll get you train fare and money to live on.

I have the money that Mrs. Okayo gave me.

I still have some of it left. I'll manage with that.

Oshin...

Please forgive me.

I wasn't able to do much for you.

I didn't want us to part fighting.

I'm happy to hear you say that we'll be together again one day.

But I won't give up about Yuu... I couldn't do that!

If you insist on taking him, you'll never leave here.

Let Mother care for him now.

Nobody can take him away from her now.

Oshin sure has grown strong...

She insists on leaving?

I'm envious that she can do as she wants.

I regretted coming here many times...

Tsuneko!

But I persevered because I thought

it would be the same no matter whom I married.

I'd wanted to leave many times.

I wish I could have done what Oshin did...

Don't let Mother hear you say such things.

Just say out of it.

See no evil. Speak no evil, and hear no evil.

That's what the eldest son's wife must do.

Oshin had planned to leave early the next morning.

But she wanted to take Yuu.

It seemed an impossible task to take him away from Okiyo.

Are you leaving already?

Thank you for everything.

I'm sorry that I'm not able to repay your kindness.

What will you do about Yuu?

I will ask again about taking him with me.

- She'll never do as you ask. - But it's my last chance!

Go wait somewhere. I'll bring Yuu to you.

After you leave, she'll let her guard down.

Then there will be a chance to take him away.

- Tsuneko... - Go to Gen's grave.

I'll bring him there. Wait there for me.

Good morning.

Are you still here? I want you gone!

Oshin didn't know what Tsuneko was up to.

Oshin now had no choice but to trust Tsuneko.

Episode 146

Oshin was to leave the Tanokura house this morning...

Thank you for everything.

Take care of yourself, and send us news.

We can always be of help to you.

And you're welcome to return to us anytime.

No way!

Once she leaves, she is a stranger!

Oshin knows that very well.

She is leaving Yuu here, but she'll always be his mother!

Don't worry about Yuu.

This is from me...

For all the work that you did for us.

- It's not much... - You don't have to...

He says you have been a big help to him.

It'll help, so take it.

I will walk you to the station.

Don't be silly!

She's leaving you, and you still have regrets?

I will be all right. I know the way.

Tsuneko... I'll get going now.

Stay well.

Ryu!

Oshin.

Father gave me some money for you.

Take it!

Please let me know where you will be.

What are you doing, Ryuzo?

You'd better go back inside.

I wish I could see you off...

It's not as if we are parting for good.

We'll see each other again.

Yes...

I guess parting is tough wherever it takes place.

You'd better come and eat. Your mother is upset.

Goodbye.

Ryuzo...

The parting had been but a moment...

Oshin took one last look at the house before she left.

Oshin was waiting for Yuu at Old Gen's grave.

She was waiting for Tsuneko to bring her son.

Are you going out?

Yes, I'm going to visit a sick friend.

I'll be right back.

Poor boy... You're motherless now.

You are wet... I'd better change you!

Oshin...

Tsuneko!

Hurry! I have brought you his clothes, too.

- I'll forever be grateful! - You'd better hurry!

But what will happen to you if you do this?

Don't worry about me.

I'm a mother, too.

If I were leaving, I'd want my kids!

With one's own child, you'll have something to live for.

I envy you...

I could never do what you're doing.

Don't worry about Mother. She has other grandchildren.

Goodbye.

Where's Yuu?

- Didn't you take him? - No.

Otsugi told me that you took him.

Why would I take him?

- Yes, but... - That's just nonsense!

Has something happened to Yuu?

Where were you?

- I went to the fields. - Don't give me that!

You took Yuu to Oshin, didn't you?

Why would I do that? I dislike Oshin.

We hardly ever spoke. You know that.

Then where's Yuu?

- Weren't you watching him? - I went to visit a sick friend.

I couldn't take him with me, so I left him here.

Otsugi and I know nothing of what could've happened to Yuu.

What have you done!

Otsugi is busy, too. She can't watch him constantly.

Where could Yuu go on his own?

That's so strange... I'll go look for him.

- Did Oshin come and take him? - That couldn't be!

She must have! She sneaked in here and took him...

Let's have Ryuzo go after her.

He might be in on it. I'll go see about it myself!

I hope you make it in time.

Perhaps Tsuneko was paying Okiyo back

for the years of frustrations she'd been made to suffer.

Oshin realized again how difficult it was

for the daughter-in-law to live happily.

But she was happy to be able to leave.

You took him, and gave him to Oshin!

I told you, I don't know anything about it!

Wasn't Oshin at the station?

The station people saw her get on the train with a little boy.

How could she have done that! She's digging her own grave!

She can't work with a boy that small.

She knows what she is getting into.

That's how mothers are.

Yuu was so dear to me...

I would have done anything to make him happy...

Now he will have to suffer through life...

Tsuneko.

Did you give Yuu to Oshin?

You're accusing me, too? I don't owe Oshin any favors.

I'm sure Oshin's very happy... I'd wanted her to take Yuu, too.

But I thought it would make things harder for her.

I told you. I don't know anything about it.

If I had done such a thing,

I couldn't live here at this house anymore.

Oshin sure is brave... I'd accepted my lot...

I figured it was the woman's place to suffer.

I never thought about other ways of living.

But Oshin did...

I wish I could have done what she did.

But it's too late for me now...

Both my in-laws are here now...

I see the names Fukutaro, and Tsuneko here, too.

It's my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

They're all gone now...

Tsuneko died without ever leaving this place.

She never knew Tokyo?

She never left the village!

There were many people like that back then.

Harassing daughters-in-law was a common practice?

People just accepted it, and persevered.

But I'd never had in-law problems prior to that.

I guess Mother was just trying to teach me

things as she'd learned herself. Tsuneko learned that way, too.

Too bad for you.

By the time you had daughters-in-law,

the times had changed.

I didn't hassle them because I had such a hard time myself.

But Michiko still resents me. It's harder as one gets older...

But I'm so glad I got to visit their graves...

I feel sorry for Mother

for having gotten such an unworthy daughter-in-law.

Where do we go now?

To where you settled after you left Saga?

I hope it's some place with nice scenery.

Why did you tag along with me anyway?

Oshin had just wanted to leave the Tanokura house.

Where she would settle was yet to be decided.

As she got further away from Saga,

she began worrying about the things to come.

Translation: UTB Channel

Thanks to Avallac'h and XrayMind at D-Addicts.