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Episode 186

In the spring of 1930, Kayo's husband committed suicide,

and Kaga-ya went bankrupt.

After almost a year without word about Kayo's whereabouts,

Oshin had almost given up on finding her

when Kota suddenly appeared.

This is Okayo's address, and there's ¥100 in here.

Use the money to go to see her.

I should be going myself,

but I have to get to Kyushu in a hurry.

You're the only one I can ask to go.

I'll go right away. How did you find her?

I asked around every time I went to Tokyo.

That's the only place a woman can find work easily.

Besides, she used to work in a café there.

I did a lot of probing around using all my connections there.

So she was in Tokyo...?

Are her parents and Nozomi with her?

I haven't seen her yet.

Please go to see her.

She would rather see you than me anyway.

Okay. I'll go as soon as I can.

I'm glad. I'll see you soon.

I have to catch a train.

Kota?

I'll go to see her, and give her the money.

You should go tomorrow.

And give the whole ¥100 to Okayo.

It's a token of Mr. Takakura's feelings for her.

I'll get your travel fare myself.

I wonder how she's doing in Tokyo...

Kota hasn't seen her yet. He just gave me the address.

I only remember Tokyo before the earthquake,

but this part of town was pretty shabby...

There were disreputable bars where the hostesses sold their bodies.

But that was a long time ago.

I'm sure it's all changed after the earthquake.

Miss Okayo wouldn't do a thing like that.

She'd never do that!

I don't want to imagine the worst,

but you'd better be ready to face it if you're going to see her.

Kota knows the dire straits she's in.

That is why he has entrusted you with this ¥100.

If you're not ready to face the facts as they are,

it's best if you don't go.

The next day, Oshin left for Tokyo.

She hoped that Ryuzo was wrong about the life Kayo was leading.

She arrived in Tokyo with a heavy heart.

She hadn't been in Tokyo in years...

So there was someone she wanted to see first.

Good morning!

Who's there?

It's me, Oshin!

Oshin?

It's really you!

It's been a long time.

Everything is brand new!

Everyone else rebuilt, so I did, too.

Customers now demand decor as well as skill.

My hairdressing skills haven't changed, but my shop sure has.

I had to take out loans!

Do you have any live-in students?

That's a thing of the past... Girls now go to school,

and get their licenses to practice.

I have a couple of them working for me.

But they sure do act big!

They won't help with any chores around here.

And they're not even that good!

I shouldn't talk like this.

Times sure have changed!

Thank you.

Thinking back to the days

when I worked here, it all seems like a dream.

You were 16 when you came to me.

It's been 15 years!

So much has happened... No wonder things have changed.

With the demise of traditional hairdos,

I thought about quitting.

But I had no other way of making a living.

Is everything really all right with you?

Every time you come to me, you're always in trouble!

That's so true...

But our fish store keeps the four of us fed,

and my husband is taking the work seriously.

Yuu is entering the third grade.

I'm so glad to hear you tell me that.

Of course, you keep me informed through letters.

I have fish for you from our store.

Thank you. That kasuzuke you send me is so good!

This is the only way I can repay your kindness.

Oh, come on. I didn't do much for you.

You're the only one who thinks of me nowadays...

What brings you to Tokyo?

I'm sure I've told you about Kaga-ya in Sakata.

Yes. You worked there before coming to me.

Their daughter ran away from home, and came to Tokyo.

You went to see her.

- Wasn't her name Okayo? - Yes, that's right.

Kaga-ya went bankrupt a year ago.

And I heard Miss Okayo has come out to Tokyo.

You came to see her?

I want to see how she's doing.

Where is she now?

You plan on going there by yourself?

Don't do it. A woman can't go there alone.

But...

You have no idea what this place is like!

I must see her. No matter what!

That's why I'm here.

Ken!

It's been a long time. About six years now.

Thanks for all your help back then.

I'm so sorry about how my woman behaved.

I feel badly...

You seem well, and you're as hard working as ever.

You're doing the wash even when you're a guest!

I'm sorry I called you over so suddenly.

I sure was surprised when you told me.

Ken helps me out a lot, and we always talk about you.

You asked Ken to help me see Miss Okayo?

I can't let you go there by yourself.

With Ken with you, you will be safe.

Please help her.

I'll go anywhere Oshin wants me to go.

If it's just to see how Okayo is doing,

I could go there alone.

I want to go myself. I need to see her.

She's very important to me.

I understand. I'll go with you.

Just don't be shocked by what you see.

Is this the place?

Oh, it's you.

She's cute... We can use her here.

You have a woman here named Kayo?

- No. - Just go get her.

I said she's not here!

Don't get smart with me!

Listen...

Bring her out.

Even you have to pay for a girl here!

That is how we make our living here.

That kid is crying again...

Shut him up!

Oshin thought the crying baby might be Nozomi.

She sensed for the first time how miserable Kayo's life must be here.

Episode 187

Just get her down here!

What for?

Shut up and get her!

But you need to tell me why.

Do you have any food?

I'm so hungry...

Miss Okayo...

Miss Okayo! Miss Okayo!

You can't go up there!

Why? I've been looking for her!

You don't seem to understand.

Get her out of here!

Here. This should be enough.

She's a good one. She costs more!

Ken...

Go and see her.

- You can have her for one hour. - Shut up!

You think I don't know how much girls are!

You can have two or three hours or even longer.

I'll be right here.

Miss Okayo... It's me, Oshin.

Miss Okayo?

I have gifts for Nozomi. This is for him.

You have a guest. I'll take the boy.

A customer during the day. You're doing well!

I've been so worried about you.

Why didn't you let me know?

What good will it have done?

Oriki told me about your husband's death.

I was going to see you in Sakata.

Then Kota told me... There was no one left at Kaga-ya.

Please just go...

Don't ask me any questions. Just go.

Kota...

Kota sends you this money. He told me that you were here.

I can't take money from him.

He's worried about you!

So am I, and Ryuzo, too.

Please, leave this place and come home with me.

I've come to get you.

Where are your mother and father? I want to care for them, too.

You needn't worry about them...

I owe them a lot. I want to help!

Please, let me!

They're both gone...

They're dead.

I'm sorry...

They're both dead...

I hate having to keep them here with me.

What must they think?

But I can't take their ashes to Sakata.

I have no money to bury them at a temple.

It can't be helped...

Forgive me...

After my husband killed himself,

we found out that he had take a big loss in the commodities market.

By then, it was too late...

Our business wasn't doing well,

so he tried to make money on stocks to save the business.

But the bad economy wiped us out.

We sold everything we had to pay off our debts.

But that still wasn't enough...

So we ran away to Tokyo.

We rented a small house.

Then my father died of a stroke.

He was under a great strain...

But at least he didn't suffer.

We couldn't even give him a funeral.

I went out looking for a job.

But there aren't any decent jobs out there in this bad economy.

I went back to that café I worked at before,

but they said I was too old.

Then my mother collapsed.

She was hospitalized for three months.

Her heart just gave out...

I wasn't even at her deathbed...

I couldn't leave here to be with her...

I'm under contract here for ¥500 yen.

And they said I could bring Nozomi.

I just couldn't let Nozomi go...

- You plan to raise him here? - What esle can I do?

He's my only joy in life...

I only live for him.

He keeps me going.

That's foolish...

I'll do something.

I'll help you!

I'm sure you're suffering in this bad economy, too.

Never mind about me.

Miss Okayo.

I had it coming to me...

I'm being punished for causing so much trouble,

for my parents and grandmother.

You need ¥1,000 to get her out?

Once you're in there, you are finished.

It would've been better for her to work at a brothel.

There, at least you get to leave once your term is up.

But at that point, it's like quicksand.

She can never earn enough to pay off her debt.

She can't ever leave there?

Only if we can come up with ¥1,000.

¥1,000. That's so much...

I'd like to help...

but that's too much money in this economy.

That's enough sake.

I feel like drinking tonight.

I have more sake.

You're drinking too much! Sake is bad for your stomach.

What do I have to live for anyway?

- How's Nozomi? - He's asleep.

Are you taking good care of my boy?

You always spank him when you change his diaper...

Your customer's waiting!

Nozomi...

How could she help Kayo?

Oshin couldn't sleep that night, thinking about Kayo and Nozomi.

She felt helpless...

Episode 188

I'm sorry to wake you so early in the morning.

Are you going to see her again?

Miss Okayo has grown so thin, I want to take food to her.

I know how you feel, but it seems useless...

I'm sorry.

Don't mind me, but think of your own family.

Why stay here in Tokyo when you know you can't really help Okayo?

I know what you're saying... but I can't forsake them.

If I can't get Miss Okayo out,

maybe I can take Nozomi away from that place.

For her to raise him there is reckless.

She'd never let the boy go.

She's working there so that she can keep him with her.

You can't force her to give him up.

I'll talk to her about it.

I have to think of her parents' ashes, too.

I would like to give them a proper burial.

You sure have taken on a lot. You have your own problems, too.

I owe her a debt that I can never repay...

I was just about to send you word.

She's dead.

The boy was crying so much this morning. When I went to see...

Miss Okayo is dead?

I'm so glad you can take her body and her boy.

What happened? She seemed so well yesterday!

The doctor says she had a serious stomach ailment.

She drank a lot last night, and threw up blood.

She choked on her on blood, and couldn't breathe.

Her debt...

Miss Okayo...

Miss Okayo...

Miss Okayo!

I brought you lunch. All your favorite foods!

Miss Okayo!

Hurry, and take the kid and the body out of here.

Her debt has been settled.

This lady can pay off part of her debt!

Shut up!

You made her work for more than six months.

She has already earned more than ¥500 for you!

You think I don't know?!

I was feeding her three meals a day,

and that kid, too! It's cost a lot.

You knew all about it when you took her in.

She's dead. There's nothing you can do.

- This lady isn't her relative. - Yes, but...

Then you can bury her yourself.

Let's get out of here.

All right!

Just get them out of here! They're ruining my business!

Just get her out of here!

What's this?

I've phoned the funeral parlor. They'll be here soon.

What in the world is this?

These are her parents' ashes.

Shall I show them to you?

You've got to be kidding!

This tramp was strange! Is that what she had in there?

It gives me the creeps.

Miss Okayo...

I'll raise Nozomi for you... So don't worry.

I'll take care of your parents' ashes, too.

I'm sorry for all the trouble.

Never mind... Let's hold a wake for her.

She was very important to you.

To think she died the day after you went to see her...

I feel my visit had something to do with her death.

Maybe if I hadn't gone to see her...

Don't think that way.

She lived a hard life.

It was just her time...

What is it?

It's a letter to me!

That's the money you gave her the other day.

I thought those people took it all away from her.

Hiding it with the ashes... A perfect hiding place!

I hope it's not a suicide note...

She had no time to write such a note.

Oshin, thank you for coming today.

I thought we'd never see each other again.

I didn't tell you, but I have little time left.

I kept myself alive for Nozomi.

But I don't have to keep living anymore.

I know you'll take Nozomi and raise him for me.

I'm no good to anyone...

Don't bother trying to repay my debts.

I know you'll be back for us, so I'm writing this letter.

That money from Kota...

Please use it to bury my parents' ashes at a temple.

You can just throw my ashes away...

I ruined Kaga-ya, and caused people unhappiness.

I deserve such a fate.

Please take good care of Nozomi...

I no longer have regrets. I can finally die in peace.

I just pray that this letter reaches you safely.

I'm remembering our childhood in Sakata...

Those were the happiest times of my life.

I wish I could go back in time...

Goodbye, Oshin.

Nozomi will be mine... from this day on.

Thank you both for everything.

I'm so sorry to cause you so much trouble.

I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you.

I'll leave for Ise tomorrow.

I'll have services performed for all of them.

That's right. Yuu and Hitoshi are home waiting for you.

I'll miss you.

Taka...

Ken...

Please stay well, both of you.

Oshin left Taka's house the next day, carrying Nozomi on her back,

and taking the three urns back home with her.

She wasn't sure if she'd ever see Tokyo again.

Episode 189

After Kayo's sudden death,

Oshin returned home to Ise with Kayo's son, Nozomi,

and the ashes of Kayo and Kayo's parents.

Ryuzo...

I'm sorry I acted on my own.

You needn't apologize to me.

I know I should have asked you first,

if I could bring Nozomi here with me.

And the ashes of Miss Okayo and her parents, too.

It's only natural that we take Nozomi in.

You and Okayo were like sisters.

And you owe the Kaga-ya family a lot.

It's your job to care for their ashes.

But I never expected Okayo to end up like this...

I have a responsibility to raise Nozomi.

I know that.

From the day you told me about finding Okayo,

I'd expected to take them both in with us.

So don't worry.

We'll both work harder.

Raising another child won't be a problem!

For kids, the more siblings they have the better.

They'll fight, but also help each other grow up.

I'll start calling him just Nozomi.

I'm his father now. I'll not defer to him.

So be the same way, too.

It's great... Now we have three boys!

We should be grateful.

When will you go to Sakata?

Shouldn't you bury them in their family plot?

I want to bury them at a temple here.

I think they all want to be near Nozomi.

They'll want to watch over him as he grows up.

And Nozomi could visit their graves, too.

Yes, but...

When Nozomi is older, I'll tell him everything.

And we could have them reburied in Sakata then.

I guess you're right.

We'll raise Nozomi to be a great merchant.

Then he could one day rebuild the Kaga-ya business.

Then I can finally repay my debt to Kaga-ya...

Yes. We'll do our best to raise Nozomi well!

Whose grave is this?

I owe these people a great debt.

What are their names?

You don't know them. I'll tell you when you're older.

Pray to them, Nozomi.

Where are you?

Did we keep you waiting? We'll open up right away.

You didn't come to buy fish today, so I got worried.

Didn't you tell people we were closing for the day?

I didn't think I had to.

It was so busy in the morning that I didn't have time to talk.

I thought something had happened!

Whose boy is this?

You didn't tell Hisa about him either?

Is that what happened? Why didn't you say something?

I didn't want you to worry about Oshin.

You were coming to buy fish every morning

leaving the kids here by themselves?

I made it a point to be back before Yuu left for school.

You even put up a headstone for them.

I used the ¥100 Kota had entrusted to me for Okayo.

Kota had a relationship with this Okayo?

He was Miss Okayo's first love.

And they lived together for a time in Tokyo.

Is that right?

I thought you were the only one that he loved.

Oh, come on...

I guess she's not a stranger to me either.

I'll go to visit her grave next time.

Any word from Kota?

Not a word. I don't know where he is.

He might even be in prison!

The police are arresting a lot of union people.

I'm sure Kota knows what he is doing.

The poor suffer the most in this bad economy.

Somebody has to help them.

The fish peddlers are all complaining of poor sales.

I guess you are not suffering yet,

but you now have one more child to care for.

We will need two of everything now.

Since they're the same age,

we'll have to take care not to hurt the other's feelings

by treating them equally.

Even if we're very fair to them,

Nozomi is bound to find out things when he gets older.

But until then, we'll have to do our best.

Let me know if I can be of any help.

So this is my great grandmother's grave.

Okayo is my real grandmother.

I'm sure your father would've told you about her one day.

But it would've been hard for him to tell you.

Their ashes are still in here?

Your father took the ashes for reburial in Sakata.

But since your father has a kiln here,

he left a part of the ashes here at this site.

He comes here often to pay his respects.

So Okayo was her name...? She had a difficult life...

Father doesn't resemble her at all.

Oh yes, he does!

His stubbornness comes from his mother.

Nozomi sure gave me a hard time...

My father?

Just remember that he was young once, too.

He quietly turns his pottery now, but in the end...

he didn't do what I wanted him to.

As a child, he held the same dreams I did.

He's never told me any of that.

I feel now that he's lived his own life.

You'd better go on home now. Your father must be so worried.

I've already told you about Okayo.

What about you?

I still have things to think about.

Then I'm not going home.

I want to hear more about my father. It's okay, isn't it?

Times got very difficult in Japan from that time on.

The year I took Nozomi in...

That's when the Manchurian Incident began,

and it led to years of terrible warfare.

We never dreamed it would lead to

Japan's total defeat 15 years later...

- Oshin. - Yes?

The Kwangtang Army has made its move in Manchuria!

- Is it war? - Well...

I think the economy needs a good war.

We need to get out to Manchuria.

I hope it doesn't grow into a full-scale war...

It's just a skirmish.

It's probably just Japan asserting itself.

Sometimes war is the only option.

Episode 190

What does it say about the war?

The enemy blew up our railroad in Manchuria.

And they attacked the Japanese garrison there.

The Japanese troop had no choice but to fight back.

So the enemy started the war?

Yes. They were always trying to close us off!

Which side won?

The Japanese Army, of course!

It says here they occupied the enemy stronghold.

- Our army is strong! - That's right.

We beat Russians in the Russo-Japanese War.

War is no good for whatever reason.

For man to kill each other is a terrible thing.

But they started it!

If we didn't fight back, we'd be killed.

That's right.

War is wrong.

But when we're attacked, we must fight back.

We have to protect ourselves.

Don't be telling our son that!

Yuu is growing up.

He needs to learn about these things.

I was born and raised in Saga.

Saga in known for harsh martial training.

I'll teach you soon.

We'll start you off with kendo. There's a dojo here in town.

Ryuzo!

Kendo isn't for killing. It trains the heart and mind.

Yuu, you're much too gentle for a boy.

You'll have to become more manly.

I like his gentleness!

Leave men matters to his father!

Japan can't exist as a gentle nation.

The start of the Manchurian Incident began to change

the Japanese population. Not just Ryuzo.

Oshin had been taught about the horrors of war

from Shunsaku, the deserter,

and she had an ominous sense of fear about all this.

But Oshin and Ryuzo had no idea that this would lead

to a 15-year period of constant warfare.

Yuu! Stop it, Yuu!

You'll get hurt!

Stop! Stop it!

- Come help me! - They're just playing war.

Boys need to fight. Just let them be.

Yuu!

Yuu, get him back!

Why do you have to play so rough?!

It's war. You can't even give up.

That's why I don't like war games.

They're fighting a war in Manchuria now.

It's just a scratch. Rub some spit on it.

You fuss over him too much.

But, you...

I'm going to study kendo and be strong,

and I'm going to become a soldier.

Good. Soldiering is a good profession now.

You don't have to be a fish dealer like me.

Ryuzo!

A boy needs to have spirit.

Let's get ready to sell fish.

Welcome! Welcome!

How about mackerel today? It's on special.

- I'll take two. - Okay.

How about sashimi?

How about some squid?

- I'll take three. - All right.

I want some tsukudani to send back home.

I only made some with small shrimp sardines today,

but I can make some with clams by tomorrow.

Put several kinds together in a package for me.

People say you make good tsukudani.

Thank you.

Shall I pack it and mail it for you?

That'll be great.

Then leave me the name and address to send it to.

Thank you for waiting.

The kids are all asleep.

Shall I help you?

No, you still have to do our books. Finish that up.

You have to get up early tomorrow.

You'd better stop, too.

I can always take a nap tomorrow.

Maybe we should hire a babysitter for Hitoshi and Nozomi.

You can't work with Hitoshi on your back all the time.

I'm fine, but you must be exhausted.

Maybe we should get a babysitter.

I've babysat kids all my life, so I'm used to it.

But I know a man can't do it all the time.

Oh, come on.

I'm just thinking of the expenses.

We just started saving up for their education.

That's true. We want all three of them to go to college.

Besides, I don't really want to hire a babysitter.

I had a hard life as a babysitter.

I'd feel sorry for someone having to do it.

Let's just grin and bear it.

But let's get a bicycle and an icebox.

The fish would keep longer,

and we could use the bicycle for our deliveries.

That's true. That's better than getting a babysitter.

- Put it in the corner, please. - Careful.

Thank you.

Thank you for your hard work.

- I'm home. - Welcome home.

What's that?

It's an icebox. It'll keep the fish from spoiling.

We got something else while you were in school.

It's a bicycle!

- Whose is it? - It's mine.

- Can you ride? - I'm going to learn.

I will use it to make our deliveries.

Let's see you ride it.

Shall I practice? You can hold up the back for me.

Here, take this.

Take care of your father.

Let's go!

See. It's ours!

You finally bought one?

- And we got an icebox, too! - Really?

That's great! It's everything you need.

- We took the big step! - You're getting serious.

I'm a mother of three boys now, so I need to get serious.

With the bike, we can deliver to faraway customers.

You'll be taking customers away from the peddlers!

We have to do what we can in this bad economy.

- It's dog eat dog out there. - There you go again!

Please come inside.

We're so grateful that you sell us fresh fish at such a low price.

Thank you.

You're a lucky woman...

A hard-working husband, and three boys.

You've had tough times,

but now you're able to live and work together as a family.

That's what a real family is about.

We manage.

But that Kota...

I don't know why he's always placing

himself in such dangerous situations.

Any word from him?

Yes... He came to my place last night.

I don't know what he has been doing,

but he's exhausted, and he's still asleep.

I think the secret police are hounding him,

so he has no time to rest.

He'll stay with you for a while?

He just said he wanted to rest here a bit.

But when I told him about Okayo,

he said he wanted to visit her grave.

But I don't know its location yet.

Have him come here. I'll take him.

No. I don't want the police to spot him.

I need a favor from you...

He won't listen to me...

but I want him to stop all this dangerous stuff.

Ever since the war in Manchuria,

they're really cracking down on activists like Kota.

If they catch him, he'll be tortured and killed.

If that should happen, his parents would suffer so...

I want him to stop as soon as possible.

This is a good chance. Please speak to him.

Me?

You're the only one I can ask.

If you don't want Ryuzo to know, I'll cover for you.

I'll help out here at the store, and watch the boys for you.

This is so crucial. Please help me.

Hisa...

If you talk to him, he might listen. Please!

Oshin had no confidence

in convincing Kota to stop his activities.

But she wanted Kota to lead a more normal life.

So she decided to see Kota.

Episode 191

This is a good opportunity.

Kota shouldn't be living his life on the run.

Convince him to give up his anti-social behavior

before he's caught and jailed.

But the poor farmers need someone like him!

I don't understand the issues involved...

I just want him to give up the dangerous activities.

If he keeps it up, he'll be labeled as a criminal!

I don't think it will help, but I'll talk to Kota.

Yes. Go and talk to him.

Yuu and I will run the store while you're gone.

It'll affect his whole life. You owe him a favor.

Kota, it's me.

Welcome home.

When I told her you're here, Oshin wanted to see you.

- It's been a while. - It has.

- I'll go make tea. - I can...

No, you're my guest today. Stay and talk to Kota.

I hope I'm not bothering you.

No.

I'm here because nobody else in my family will have me.

Hisa never refuses me. Come on in.

I love the sea here in Ise.

I used to come here during the summers when I was a student.

This place holds good memories for me.

You made it possible for me and Yuu to be here.

Your aunt treated me like I was her daughter.

She made me so happy.

And she continues to be good to me.

I'm glad things worked out for you here.

Selling fish for a living,

my family of five won't starve and we're happy.

I hear you took in Okayo's baby.

Thanks to you, I got to see her.

I guess I ended up forcing everything on you...

I used the ¥100 from you to bury Miss Okayo and her parents' ashes.

I was able to put up a headstone for them.

Miss Okayo knows of your kindness.

I'd like to help Nozomi,

but I don't know what the future holds for me.

My husband and I will take care of Nozomi.

It's my duty, I owe the Kaga-ya family a lot.

It's just that...

I wish you could live a more normal life.

Did my aunt say something to you?

No...

I just think that you have better ways of making a life for yourself.

Sorry, I don't have much to offer you.

- Hisa. - Yes?

Did you say something to Oshin?

No. Since you asked about Okayo's grave,

I went to find out where it was located.

Right, Oshin?

I guess people think I lead a silly life...

No!

Without people like you,

the poor farmers will never have a life.

But given how the authorities are cracking down on activists...

Sometimes... I think it's all a waste, too.

Our aim is to abolish the sharecropper system,

and make land owning more equitable.

But, in reality, the farmers only want their own land to farm.

As long as they get their land,

they don't care if others remain mere sharecroppers.

Their ideas differ from ours.

That of equal distribution of the land.

There are differences of opinions within our organization, too.

I don't understand ideologies...

But if you think you are wasting your time...

No. I'm not despairing of what's going on.

Our job is to stop Japan from becoming fascist!

People don't realize it yet, but they're being forced into it!

That's what I'm afraid of, and I'll keep fighting.

Even if I have to go underground!

- But, Kota... - I gave up...

I gave up my parents and family for the movement.

And made Okayo's life miserable... So I can't give up now!

Every time we meet, I think it might be the last time...

I'm sick of how things are in the world!

This time, I will be gone for a long time...

That's why I wanted to visit Okayo's grave.

Where will you go now?

I won't be able to see you for a while?

I've enjoyed my stay here in Ise.

And I've had my vacation.

I got to see you, too. I have no regrets now.

I will visit Okayo's grave tomorrow.

Too bad I didn't get to see Nozomi.

I'll bring Nozomi, and go to the grave with you.

Don't be silly! Who knows what could happen?

I might be followed.

You've gotten into trouble in the past because of me.

Just tell me where it is. I will go alone.

I won't stand out that way.

Kota...

When will you leave here?

We'll meet again one day... We'll make that day a reality.

We sure have a lot of fish left over today...

Don't worry. We can make kasuzuke.

The people in the villages enjoy it.

Thanks to the bicycle, I can travel far to sell our fish.

I'm sure glad for the bike!

If the war gets any bigger, we may have to close our business.

Don't be silly!

Once Manchuria is ours, the economy will improve.

That's what we're fighting for. The war will end soon.

I sure hope so.

What's Kota thinking anyway?

He might be a good man,

but he's not helping our country at all.

He's a problem...

The next day, Oshin took Nozomi and Hitoshi to Okayo's grave.

She didn't know if Kota would come,

but she wanted Kota to see Nozomi.

Why is the store closed? Where did she go?

Where is he?

Shall we go home before your father worries?

Look, Nozomi.

What are you doing?!

You're Takakura Kota, aren't you?

We had a report on you from Niigata!

You were planning to go to Moscow, weren't you?

A fellow activist confessed.

He even told us you were here in Ise.

We went to where you were staying.

But you had gone out!

We have all the proof we need.

I came to visit a grave. Let me offer my prayers.

All right. We'll let you.

Please help me get the incense out.

Who do you think we are!

Do you know them?

No...

Let's go.

Episode 192

Where were you?

Hisa has been here waiting for you!

What's wrong?

- You're very pale. - Oshin.

It's terrible! The secret police came to the house.

Right after Kota left to go to Okayo's grave.

They searched the whole house!

Kota... was arrested right in front of Okayo's grave.

They got him?

I wasn't able to help him at all!

Kota was on his way to Moscow.

Moscow? You mean in the Soviet Union?

I had no idea...

He didn't tell me either.

He was turned in by a fellow activist.

I'm sure he was tortured into giving up Kota's whereabouts.

Maybe it's good he was arrested in Japan.

If he'd gone to Moscow, he'd never be able to return.

At least you'll get to see him again.

The secret police will torture him,

and we'll never know if he is dead or alive.

He'll be in jail for the rest of his life...

He's as good as dead!

He's brought it all upon himself...

I think it's fate that he was arrested at Okayo's grave.

Oshin had known Kota long,

and she was in sympathy with his ideologies,

and she feared this world in which Kota wasn't allowed to live.

She was also helpless to do anything about it.

Oshin heard nothing about Kota.

And Japan was becoming a totalitarian state.

Four years went by, and it was now February of 1935.

Thank you for waiting. I gave you one extra.

Thank you.

You're a good customer of ours.

Thank you.

- Sardines are a bargain today. - I've had enough of sardines!

You can make surimi with it. Kids love it, too.

We have live crab, too.

Your sashimi is ready.

Thank you!

Ken!

What a surprise! Come on inside.

Yuu! Yuu!

It's okay. You're busy. We'll come back.

No, we'll be free in about an hour! Come on inside.

Yuu, we have guests!

Don't stand there.

This is Yuu.

He was so good to you when you were little.

Please come inside.

Do you have sea bream today?

Welcome!

Grandfather is sick, and he wants to eat sea bream.

I'll bet sashimi is very expensive.

We'll make it cheap for your grandfather.

Oh really, is that Yuu? You've grown so much.

When you were two years old...

I used to carry you on my shoulders.

You loved the doves.

We went to the shrine, fed them beans and sang the dove song.

Do you remember?

No, I guess not.

Time sure flies... How old are you?

I'll graduate grade school this March.

You'll go on to middle school?

I'll be taking my entrance exams soon.

Are we in the way of your studies?

No. I have to get dinner ready soon.

You make dinner?

I just help out by cooking the rice.

That's a lot for a boy!

- I'll make tea. - Never mind!

I'll make tea.

May I use the hot water over there?

Yes...

You just sit down. I'll cook the rice, too.

Here's your sardines.

Thank you.

I'll start dinner now.

Let's entertain our guests with a special meal.

Yes, I'm so glad Ken is here.

I'm sorry to make you wait.

Sorry for barging in when you're so busy.

That girl made the rice for us.

And I washed the greens I found here.

I'm taking her somewhere.

Thanks. A guest doesn't have to work!

Go sit down.

I'm used to working, but the water here is cold.

I'm surprised to see Nozomi so big.

He and Hitoshi will both be entering the first grade this year.

You've done well for yourself. Okayo must be happy.

Ken, I haven't told Nozomi about her yet.

Will you be able to sleep over tonight?

No. We'll get a room at an inn somewhere.

Oh, come on. We have a lot to talk about.

Thank you.

You and Ken can sleep here.

Thank you for being so nice.

Good night.

I'll go right to sleep.

Thanks for your food and lodging.

You've done so much for us.

We can never repay what we owe you.

We haven't much. We're just fish dealers.

You have a great business, and you're raising the three boys.

Watching you work, I got all teary...

Here you go, Ken.

Don't cry in your sake!

We were talking about our hard times in Tokyo.

You worked so hard, and came so far together.

Taka and I talk about you a lot. She's happy you're doing so well.

I'm glad you're both well, too.

We'll go to Ise Shrine and Futamigaura.

I'm not here for pleasure. I have business in Osaka.

With that little girl?

I didn't say anything while she was awake,

but is she a relative?

No. I'm having trouble with her.

She's a sharecropper's girl from Yamagata.

I thought so...

That region's suffering from a cold spell.

The rice harvest was a disaster.

The farmers have to sell off their daughters...

Is she...?

I paid ¥50 yen for her...

But I couldn't find her any work in Tokyo.

She's too young to work as a harlot.

I can't even find her work as a maid.

I heard that a brothel in Osaka is looking for a maid's helper.

That's why I'm taking her there, and I just stopped by on my way.

You're selling her off?

I hate doing it, but I'm helping her out.

The poor thing...

They'll probably make her into a harlot when she's older.

Don't say that.

It can't be helped.

We can't help at all in times like this.

People have themselves to take care of.

Northeastern Japan always gets hit the hardest...

And women always suffer the most.

It's not just northeastern Japan. Unemployment is everywhere.

I wish there would be a big war!

Then we might get a better economy.

I've thought about going to Manchuria.

I know what you mean.

Ryuzo!

Please get up! We overslept!

We were up late last night. It may be too late for breakfast.

Good morning! I've made rice and miso soup.

Oshin saw her old self in Hatsuko...

This was a fateful meeting between the two of them.

Episode 193

It was February of 1935.

Ken had suddenly come for a visit from Tokyo.

He had with him, Hatsuko, a nine year-old girl.

You boys sure have good manners. Your mother brought you up well.

Yuu, hurry up or you'll be late for school.

Okay.

Don't bother. I'll do it later. Come and eat with me.

You were up early, so you must be hungry.

No, I'll clean up here first,

and wash the pillow cases and pajamas Ken and I used.

I can do all your wash, too.

You don't have to.

I do a good job of washing.

I found where you keep your tub and soap.

In the winter, you have to hang out the clothes early.

Have a good day.

I'll be able to tell Taka that you're doing well.

Thank you for having us.

You have to leave today?

Now that I've seen Yuu, I have no regrets.

I hope he passes his middle school entrance exams.

Whose daughter is that girl?

Hatsuko?

She works hard.

She's the eldest of four kids.

She took care of her grandmother and siblings

while her parents worked in the fields.

We're distant relatives. That's why I took her with me.

Her parents didn't want to give her up...

But they need the money.

They didn't care where she went,

as long as they could get ¥50 yen for her.

How many years does she have to work?

They said three years,

but it'll be hard for her to leave

once she gets into a place like that.

How much were you going to get from the brothel?

I just want back what I paid out.

I won't be able to collect on my expenses.

Besides, I don't want to make money on this.

Then you'll settle for ¥50?

I want to keep her here.

I don't want her to go to a brothel!

Won't you let me take her?

Oshin.

I'll take out ¥50 from our savings.

You can't do that.

You have three kids of your own to feed!

If you take her, you'll have to feed her.

I know that! We'll manage.

You're being too nice...

You can't decide this on your own.

Check with your husband first.

Thanks.

Now go and eat. Eat a lot!

Thank you.

We leave as soon as you finish eating.

Don't take too long to eat.

I won't...

Take your time eating. Only Ken will go to Osaka.

You'll be staying here with us.

Welcome home.

- Where's Ken? - He's still here.

Good. I want him to take some salted fish.

I'll make it as soon as I get back.

- Where are you going? - To the post office.

I need a favor...

That girl that Ken brought here...

I want to keep her here with us.

Ken will take ¥50 for her. That's what he paid.

Oshin!

She works so hard. She cleaned up after dinner,

and she had breakfast all ready for us this morning.

Seeing her brings back so many memories...

But...

I went to work at age seven.

It wasn't easy...

I'd get yelled at if I didn't get the job done before I was told.

She knows that... and that's why she works so hard.

She must feel so lonely...

She feels like she has to keep working.

I feel so sorry for her...

I know, but...

Seeing her makes me think about Ai...

Had she lived, she'd be about Hatsuko's age.

I don't see her as a stranger.

I want to think of her as our Ai.

I want to take her in.

All right.

I won't stand in your way, but don't you dare give up midway.

I won't allow you to have any regrets.

I know. I'm prepared.

Ai, she would be that girl's age if she were alive...

There is ¥50 in here.

And this is for your expenses. Please accept it.

- Are you serious? - Oshin is determined.

And you approve?

I know how Oshin feels.

And I have caused her a lot of problems.

I want to make it up to her.

If you're in agreement, I feel much better.

I'm glad.

But I hope I'm not causing you any problems with the people in Osaka.

I'll think of an excuse.

Hatsuko!

Yes?

Are we leaving now? I'm ready to go.

You don't have to leave. You'll be working here.

Do your job well!

We don't have much room here, but bear with us.

Now you have nothing to worry about.

You're a part of the family from today.

I'll be leaving now. Work hard until your term is up.

Thanks for all the presents.

- Please come again. - We'll be waiting.

Next time, I'll come and visit the Ise Shrine.

Please tell Yuu that I said goodbye.

- Hang in there. - I will.

Please take care.

She's not leaving?

She's one of us now.

- Really? - Yes. Be good to her!

- We will be. - We will be.

You can share this room with Nozomi and Hitoshi.

What about Yuu?

He'll get the small room to himself, so he can study.

What about you two?

- We'll sleep out there. - I can sleep in the kitchen.

You're one of our kids now, so don't worry.

Were you going to school?

- I was in third grade. - Did you go steadily?

Sometimes I'd stay home to help out.

But Mother wanted me to finish school.

She sounds very nice.

You can enter the fourth grade in the spring.

I'll make the arrangements.

Mother told me I'd have to work. No more school.

- You don't like school? - I like school.

Then you can take Nozomi and Hitoshi to school.

- They'll be in the first grade. - But...

Don't worry about the chores.

- I'm home. - Welcome home.

She's part of our family now.

Now you have a little sister.

I won't have to make rice for dinner now.

I'll do all the chores so you just study.

Great! Thank you.

She's your sister now. Be good to her.

Just call the kids by their first names.

Okay.

This is like a dream!

Yes.

Oshin was now mother to four children.

She and Ryuzo worked even harder to support them all.

Oshin felt fulfilled,

but at times she had her concerns.

Especially about Nozomi.

Episode 194

Here you go.

Thank you.

You don't have to do so much.

I finished the house work. There's nothing else to do.

You sure do work hard.

I have it easier here than I did back home.

There, I always had a baby on my back.

I know what that's like... The baby can get very heavy.

I remember I dropped the baby on my back once

when I leaned over to wash the diapers.

I'm the daughter of a Yamagata sharecropper, too.

I was sent out to work at age seven.

You, too?

Yes. I didn't even get to go to school.

You remind me of myself when I was a child.

I thought people's lives were better now...

But I guess sharecroppers in the northeast still have it bad.

- Welcome home! - I'm home!

Welcome home.

I went shopping on my way back from making deliveries.

- Where's Hitoshi and Nozomi? - They're out playing.

- Go and get them. - Okay.

I bought things for Hatsuko, too.

School bags!

And they match. Look inside.

- Pencil box! - Pencil and erasers!

- And crayons! - Notebooks, too!

- They're all the same. - So you won't fight.

Have your mother put names on all your things,

- so you don't get them mixed up. - Mother, please do it tonight.

Okay.

Hatsuko, I got you a red pencil box.

That's pretty. I really get to go to school?

Yes. We made arrangements.

I feel bad... I should be working.

The law says kids have to go to school.

Your biggest job is to do well in school.

- I'm home. - Welcome home.

- Welcome home. - I'm home.

- These are our school bags. - Our sister got one, too.

Hatsuko is going to school, too?

Of course! She will be in the fourth grade.

I'll get you new things for middle school later.

Can you get in?

I don't know... But if I fail, I'll just sell fish.

Don't be silly! If you can't get into middle school,

you won't be able to go on to high school or college!

You can't be a great man without a college education.

I know that,

but I only have five more days before my entrance exams.

- I'll just see how it goes. - You're too carefree.

Leave him alone...

College isn't everything. If he should fail,

we'll figure something out that's suited for him.

Each of us has a path waiting for us.

No use trying to make him into something he's not meant for.

You're spoiling him!

I'd better go watch the store.

Take some snacks into Yuu and have yours, too.

Okay.

That money we'd been saving for Yuu...

went towards getting Hatsuko.

We'll need school tuition for the kids when they start school.

Even if Yuu gets in, he might not have a new uniform to wear.

Don't let the kids hear you!

They're asleep.

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

We've been in this town for a long time.

We can buy things on credit now that they know us.

So we'll manage.

It sure takes a long time to save up money...

Oh, come on...

We should be grateful that we're surviving as a family.

That's true... Hatsuko is a good girl, too.

It's as if our Ai has come back to us in her form.

That's right... We're lucky to have fine children.

Don't forget to put names on Nozomi's and Hitoshi's things.

- Ryuzo... - Yes?

What last name should we use for Nozomi?

Hitoshi is a Tanokura, but Nozomi is a Yashiro.

We've been raising Nozomi as our very own until now...

And Nozomi has no idea that we're not his real parents.

But if he sees that his last name is different,

he is bound to realize it.

Just use our Tanokura name.

What about school records? Are we going to lie to them?

Just talk to the teachers.

He is bound to find out soon enough.

They're the same age, but born in a different month.

We can't hide the family registry forever.

That's why we should have just adopted him!

But Nozomi is the only heir to the Yashiro family!

He has to take over the Kaga-ya business.

It's our job to make sure that happens.

Then what are we going to do?

You want him to go to school as Yashiro Nozomi?

That would break his heart!

He's too young to face that problem.

He thinks of us as his real parents.

If he finds out...

Let's keep it a secret until he's older.

The school will understand!

Let me think it over.

What is this? Squid sashimi and what else?

That says two yellowtail.

Can't you write neater?

I'm in a rush when taking orders.

You can't expect perfect penmanship.

When are you going to write our names on our things?

You lied to us!

You know I'm busy!

I'll have the names on them before school starts.

Go play outside and don't bother your brother!

Okay...

Don't get edgy about Yuu's entrance exam.

Excuse me.

Your mother wants you to have these.

Thanks.

She's worried about your exam tomorrow.

If I fail, I can't ever come home again...

Why not?

You're lucky... Nobody pressures you.

But Mother took such pains to raise me...

When I think about that, I can't let her down.

I have to pass my entrance exams.

I have it rough, too!

Can't you sleep?

No use worrying about Yuu's exams tomorrow.

I hear water running...

What is it?

Hatsuko!

- What are you doing?! - What's wrong?

Hatsuko!

I'm sorry... Praying like this makes wishes come true.

- Don't be silly! - We do this back home.

When my father got sick, my mother prayed for him like this.

What are you praying for?

I want Yuu to pass his entrance exams.

It's just a superstition!

Hurry and change.

I passed!

You passed?

I owe it all to your prayers.

Thank you.

I have this sea bream all ready for a celebration!

I'm so glad!

Me, too!

That night, Oshin wrote in the children's names on their school things.

Episode 195

Your names are on all your things.

- My uniform. - Our clothes match!

Now you're ready for school.

This one is mine.

Mine is better than yours!

So this is what all the commotion is about.

You both look good! They seem all grown up.

You put Nozomi's last name as Yashiro.

Mine says Tanokura, so why does his say Yashiro?

Isn't Nozomi a Tanokura?

You made a mistake on my books, too!

It's no mistake... Your last name is Yashiro.

Why am I a Tanokura when he's a Yashiro?

Please put the same name on my things, too!

Nozomi...

And you too, Hitoshi. You both listen well.

Mother!

The time has come for Nozomi to know.

He doesn't have to know.

- Don't tell him! - You keep quiet!

It's too cruel to tell him!

Once Nozomi enters school, who knows what people will tell him.

So it's best that he hears it from me.

It's my responsibility to tell him.

Did you get Father's permission to tell him?!

He'll understand.

You told me never to tell Nozomi!

You told me to treat him as my real brother!

I'm not your real son?

Do I belong to someone else?

I'm sorry...

You're our son.

We raised you since you were a little baby.

Your father and I don't think of you as belonging to any other family.

But the mother who gave you life died when you were a baby.

Your father, too.

Their last name was Yashiro.

You were their only son,

and you'll one day have to be in charge of the Yashiro family.

You're our son,

but your deceased parents gave you the last name Yashiro.

So don't ever forget your Yashiro heritage.

My real father and mother died?

Yes.

But no matter what your last name is, you are ours!

You belong to us.

You've always thought of us as being your true parents, right?

Nothing has changed! Can you understand that?

Yuu is your older brother, and Hitoshi is your brother, too.

Do you understand?

Both you and Hitoshi are important to me.

Who cares what your last name is? Isn't that so, Hitoshi?

Yes.

Can you answer proudly when the teacher takes roll?

You're my son, and you're precious to me!

This is Nozomi's family's grave?

Yes. I never told you before,

but Nozomi's mother and grandparents are all buried here.

Nozomi...

Tell your mother that you'll be entering school.

Tell her that you'll study very hard.

I'll pray too, and say that I'll get along with Nozomi.

Your mother's spirit is watching over you.

She protects you, so you don't get sick,

and that you'll always be a cheerful and kindhearted boy.

Yuu entered middle school.

Hitoshi and Nozomi entered the first grade,

and Hatsuko was a fourth grader.

What's the matter? Did you forget something?

- Don't you feel well? - I don't want to go to school!

Nozo-, Nozomi!

What's wrong?

I can't help you if you don't tell me.

I'll go to school with you. Come on.

I'm not going!

Nozomi.

Oshin.

Oshin!

Welcome home.

I need help with a special order.

I have to go to the school.

- Nozomi is acting strangely. - He's already home?

He won't tell me what's wrong.

Leave him alone for now.

I'll go and find out what happened.

What happened to you?

You got into a fight?

You're hurt!

That's nothing. What about school?

The teacher told me to go stand out in the hall.

That's what you get for fighting!

It wasn't my fault,

but the teacher said that I hit first, so it was my fault.

You struck the first blow?

Some kids were saying terrible things to Nozomi!

Hitoshi.

- Is he home? - Yes.

I was wondering where he went.

What happened?

They were calling him an orphan.

Nozomi didn't do anything,

but I got so upset. That's why I went after them.

But there were too many of them.

I see.

Go wash your face.

Nozomi is gone. I think he went out the back.

Nozomi.

Nozomi?

Nozomi!

Nozomi! Where are you?

Nozomi!

Closed for the Day

I reported it to the police.

Are you sure he's not at a friend's house?

We asked around, but he's nowhere to be found.

I didn't think a small child could go too far, but...

He is still not home... Maybe he's run away.

Where would he go? He doesn't know anybody!

It's your fault!

You should've just told the teachers about his situation,

and let him use the Tanokura name.

He's too young to be able to understand!

- It was too soon to tell him! - Stop it!

Mother is suffering, too!

I feel sorry for her if you talk to her like that!

Mother... Please rest a bit. You looked everywhere.

We'll hear if anything has happened to him.

What is it?

I hear Nozomi's voice...

I'll go and look some more. Don't worry about me.

Father...

Let her do as she please...

Maybe it was too cruel for her to have told him...

Oshin felt terribly guilty.

She found herself at Kayo's grave.

Translation: UTB Channel

Thanks to Avallac'h , XrayMind, and y0ssy at D-Addicts.