All language subtitles for Oshin 196-205 (640x480 x264 AC3)

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Episode 196

Mother!

Do you know why I hit you?!

It's because you're a coward.

You refused to go to school because
some kids called you an orphan.

And that's why you ran
away from home, too!

If you can't handle that,
what about the future?!

There are bound to
be even worse times.

You wouldn't be
able to go on living!

If I wasn't able to find you,

I was going to kill myself in
apology to your dead mother.

I'm sure it was your mother
who brought you here to me now.

Your mother thinks you
can't go on living either!

Nozomi...

Nozomi.

Come on, we'll die together!

No! I don't want you to die!
I'll go to school!

I don't care what
the other kids call me!

I'll study hard, too!

I'll never refuse to
go to school again!

So please don't die!

Nozomi!

Mother!

Nozomi...

What were you doing here anyway?!

I had nowhere else to go...

Where were you until now?

I was in the storage
shed at school...

Why didn't you just come home?

I'm not your real son,
and you would've made me

go to school again
if I came home.

We worried about you so much!

Your older brother went to all
your friends' homes asking for you.

Hitoshi hurt himself fighting
with the kids who teased you.

We all did what we did
because you're one of the family.

I had a feeling you'd be here...

I'm sorry...

Can you persevere at school,
No matter what the other kids say?

Let's go home.

Father will scold me.

We only scold you
because we love you.

He used to always carry you
on his back when you were little.

Your real father is dead,

but you were able to grow up like
this because of the father you have!

He's waiting for you now.
Yuu, Hitoshi and Hatsuko, too.

We're home.

Where were you?

Never mind.
He's home now.

You must be hungry!

I'll get him dinner!

We had hanpen
last night, your favorite!

We saved your portion for you.

What is it?

All my friends have it,
and I need it, too!

- You don't need a toy gun!
- When we play war,

the kids without guns
have to be prisoners.

No guns!

Father, get me one!

Well...

- Why aren't you helping me?
- I don't want one.

- You said you did!
- I don't want to play war.

See! Learn from Nozomi.

You're always trying to be good!

Hitoshi. Stop it!

That's enough.
Apologize to Nozomi!

You are always
taking Nozomi's side!

- Never mind!
- Hitoshi.

Hitoshi!

Hitoshi picked on you again?

If he pushes you,
push him back. That's fighting!

But it's good that
you can hold back.

Help me shell some
beans for dinner.

We'll have bean rice tonight.

I try to be fair to the both
of them but it's not easy...

I always end up scolding Hitoshi.

It can't be helped...
Hitoshi is more forceful.

But Nozomi can't seem to be...

Their personalities begin
to show as they get older.

One can't raise another's
child like one's own.

It sure is difficult!

Sesame sure smells good...

I'm so glad you're helping me.

Are you at it again?

You and Hatsuko get
along so well together.

Are you done with your homework?

I'll get to it after dinner.

If you need help, ask me.
I'm done with mine.

- I can do it myself.
- What about math?

You have to keep up each day,
or you'll fall behind.

Yes, but...

Don't hold back.
You're my little sister.

I still remember that you
did cold-water prayers for me,

so that I'd pass
my entrance exams.

I've thought of you as
my real sister ever since.

You've been given the
chance to go to school.

So don't neglect your studies.

Come on, I'll help you.

Nozomi, why aren't you
playing with Hitoshi?

They had a fight.

You're too gentle.
You could beat him before.

Shape up!

Let's study together.

Yuu, Hatsuko, Hitoshi and Nozomi.
All four children were showing

their differences in
nature as they grew up.

Oshin was aware of it,

but she was too busy with
work to take much notice.

Besides, she realized
she was pregnant again.

Really?

Another baby?

We already have four,
and that's already a handful.

Don't talk like that!

I'd almost given up
on having another one.

The more children the better!
We'll just work harder, that's all.

The economy doesn't seem
to be getting much better...

And the more children we have,

the harder it becomes for us
to give them all a good education.

Don't worry about the future!

Children are treasures.
Just have a healthy baby.

I'm already in my fourth month.

I know you want to keep
Hatsuko until she's grown,

but we agreed to take
her in for only three years.

Maybe we can send her back
to her home when her term is up.

Let Hatsuko go?

She will have graduated
from grade school by then.

We would've performed
our responsibilities to her.

She may want to go home,
and her parents may want her home.

Hatsuko is Hatsuko...

She has nothing to
do with this new baby.

She can decide for herself
when the time comes.

I don't want to send her away just
because I'm having another baby.

Don't worry.

I can cut back on my food.

And I'll put all my
boys through college!

I've been busy all my life,

but I haven't really
accomplished much...

I want my kids to all
grow up to be great people.

Then I'll be able to say that
I accomplished something.

I'm going to get big again...

Episode 197

It was February 26, 1936.
Oshin gave birth to a baby girl.

So it's a girl!

You did well, Oshin!

I've been wanting a girl.
I'm so glad!

I got word at dawn
that you'd given birth.

I'm late in coming because I had
to get the shop ready for the day.

I'm sorry I wasn't here with you.

I came here to the birthing clinic
so that I wouldn't trouble anyone.

You kept working till the very end,
so I was worried about the baby.

I didn't do much.
Hatsuko was a great help to me.

The kids are all excited!

I told them not to
bother you here yet.

Let's name her Tei.

I've had that name
in mind if it was a girl.

Yuu think it's a good name, too.

My mother was with me
when I had Yuu and Hitoshi.

I'm sure she would've
come this time, too.

I'm already 36...

I can't be missing
my mother forever.

I'm a mother of five now.
I have to get my act together.

Tei was born on a historic day.

There was a coup led by
young army officers in Tokyo,

and many high level
officials have been killed.

Why did they do such a thing?

I don't know,
but they say they did it

to save Japan from those
who were selling her out.

That's so scary...
Have they arrested these officers?

The government has sent
out troops to quell the coup.

But don't you worry about it.

It's just a power play
among eager army officers.

I've sewn the rags
your teacher asked for.

Nozomi, I put yours in your bag.

You'd better put yours
away before you forget.

- Where did I put it?
- You lost it?

It'll turn up.
Nozomi, go look for it.

Look for it yourself!

Nozomi, you don't have to!

Hitoshi, why aren't you
listening to Hatsuko?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother
you while you were studying.

You have to do
things for yourself!

Why don't you go
back to Yamagata.

You're always on Nozomi's side!

- Go home!
- Stop it, Hitoshi!

I found it in the shop.

Hatsuko gave it to me
when I was going out to play.

That's why I forgot where it was.
It's her fault!

Hitoshi!

Good night.

You don't have to do
Hitoshi's dirty work.

Good night.

I wash your gym clothes for you.

Thanks.

Why are those two so different...

Hitoshi likes ordering
Nozomi around.

And Nozomi enjoys
doing things for Hitoshi.

They'll grow up to be fine,
helpful brothers.

I'm glad you are
here to help them out.

I don't have to worry.

- I'm home.
- Welcome home!

- How is Mother?
- Is the baby doing okay?

You'll have more work
once they come home.

- You'll have to babysit.
- I'm used to it.

Hatsuko took good
care of baby Tei.

She'd come home from school,
strap Tei on her back,

and make dinner for the family
while Oshin worked in the store.

The February 26 Incident
that took place on the day

of Tei's birth brought
about militarism in Japan.

And with the Marco
Polo Bridge Incident

that took place on
July 7th of the following year,

Japan became mired
in warfare with China.

Japan was fast moving
towards global war.

But neither Oshin nor
Ryuzo knew that at the time.

They were too busy
raising their five children.

Hatsuko was nearing the
end of her three-year stay,

and was set to graduate
from primary school.

We'll be short-handed
once Hatsuko leaves...

It will be rough until
Tei can be left alone...

You must be getting old...
Talking like that!

I'm just really going to
miss Hatsuko, that's all.

We're obligated to
care for Nozomi,

but we can't do the
same for Hatsuko.

I know that... It'd be too
selfish to keep her here,

knowing we can't
do our best for her.

But once she goes home,
she'll be sold off again...

Oshin.

I know.

We can't be overly concerned
about Hatsuko right now.

I'm home!

- Welcome home.
- Welcome home.

- Where's Hitoshi?
- He's playing with friends.

I'll carry Tei on my back.

Never mind.

I came running
home so I could help.

You're working too hard.

Hatsuko told me
that I should help out.

Let him give you a hand.

Nozomi can help you
once Hatsuko leaves.

She's leaving?

Yes...

Her term with us is up,
so she'll go home to her parents.

I'm so grateful for all your help.

You helped me out
when I was pregnant.

And after I had the baby,
you did everything for me.

And you took such
good care of Tei.

I took you in to help you,

but I ended up making
you work so hard. I'm sorry.

I was to be sold off in Osaka,
but you saved me.

I got to go to school,
and you were all very kind.

I enjoyed my stay.

If you want to stay,
just say so!

I can't burden you anymore.

I guess you're right...

You'd have to babysit
if you do stay here...

You wouldn't want that.

Your parents are waiting for you.
We can't make you stay.

Welcome home.

Nozomi says you're going home
to your family. Is that true?

Did Father and Mother
tell you to leave?

My three-year term is up...

Mother said she'd care for
you until you were grown.

As a member of our family!

That was before Tei came.

Do you want to leave?

I have no choice but to leave.

I'm asking you how
you feel about it!

I don't want to leave.

I don't really want to go...

Don't go.

If you go home, you'll
be sent out to work.

I don't want you to go
anywhere else to work.

Stay here with us!
Don't go!

You're one of us.

I won't let you leave!
You're my precious little sister.

Hatsuko wants to stay.
You can't send her away!

Just because Tei is here,
you want her gone!

I won't let you chase her out!

I'll be lonely without her.

Listen to you!

All you ever did was
give her a hard time.

I'll do as she says,
so let her stay!

Hatsuko, please come in here.

Do you really want
to stay with us?

Yes, but I don't want
to be a burden to you.

We may not be able
to do much for you.

We have another
mouth here to feed now.

You'll have a hard time.

I don't mind working.
I will babysit, too.

If I can stay, I'll do anything!

We'll talk to your parents
about you staying with us.

But Oshin...

I didn't want her to
suffer here with us,

but she says she doesn't mind.

All right.

The next time you give
her a hard time, she goes!

I won't!

I'll do everything
she tells me to. I mean it.

Aren't you glad, Hatsuko?

She'll have to continue school
for at least two more years!

Let's go to our rooms and play.

- Yeah.
- Let's go.

I'm so happy!

Episode 198

Does it look like the
war will continue?

After the Marco Polo
Bridge Incident,

there's been a lot of anti-
Japanese activities all over China.

Japanese troops are
being attacked everywhere.

I guess the Japanese
Army finally got angry.

That means the
war will continue...

It's nothing for you
to worry about.

I know I can't change
government policies.

We have to stop all this
anti-Japanese activity.

Once that's done,
things will settle down.

No matter what the reason,
I detest war!

Don't say that, or you'll be
labeled an anti-national!

The soldiers are all
fighting for Japan.

I think Kota is back.

Somebody saw a
strange man at Hisa's.

When I asked about it,
it sounded like Kota.

Did you ask Hisa?

Yes. She adamantly told me
there was no such man there.

Then it's just a rumor.

There's no way they'd
let him go during wartime.

That's what I thought, too.

If it were true,
Hisa would've told us.

That is true...
I'm sure it's a mistake.

I'd better go make my rounds.

Okay. Take care.

Kota!

What happened to you?

Kota?

Kota!

You didn't have to
come all the way out here.

You could've just
sent word with Ryuzo.

I see him every morning.

Tei must be so cute...

What brings you here?

It's about Kota.

You heard the rumors, too?

Kota is not here.

I just saw him on the beach.

He seemed to be
in very bad shape.

His leg seemed injured, too.

But it was Kota!

I'm sure you have your reasons,
but why lie to me?

The old Kota is dead.

This Kota is not the
man you used to know.

He cast his old self off
in order to leave prison.

He's been reformed...

He was made to promise never to
get involved with Socialism again.

That's how he got out of prison.

I see...

I thought maybe he
was being sought again.

That means that he
is a free man.

I'm so glad!

His personality has changed, too.

That's bound to happen to someone
who's been in prison for six years.

Yes. I think he went
through terrible torture.

He can't even bend
one of his legs.

Did Kota say anything to you?

I thought so...

He hardly speaks to me.

He doesn't want to see anyone.
He didn't want anybody to know.

But why?
He's a free man now.

Please, let him be.

He's ashamed of his
forced reformation.

He's out of prison,
but still living in hell...

He punishes himself
for having been broken.

I don't think he wants
to see you. Especially you!

I know you're worried,
but please just go home today.

Please don't force
him to see you.

I see...

He was in prison for six years?

I was so passionate
about his ideals...

Now he's just a shell of a man.

He wouldn't say
anything to me either.

He's totally changed...

I felt so sorry for him.

At least he's out of prison.
He will get better.

I was so scared...

They locked everyone like Kota up...
and they broke them of their spirit!

It's the times...

Kota realized that.

He realized that what he was
doing just wouldn't work in Japan.

Not in this day and age.

He has trouble with his leg...

He was probably tortured.

He held up in prison for six
years because of his convictions.

He is free, but not in his spirit!

His father is a great man.

I'm sure he'll help his son
attain a position in society.

Don't worry about it.

After seeing Kota,
Oshin realized for the first time

that Japan was in the grips
of a terrible reign of power.

She didn't yet know
the extent of that power.

She felt a cold chill
run up her spine...

At the end of that year,
all of Japan celebrated

the fall of the
Chinese city of Nanjing.

Yuu, Hitoshi, Nozomi
and Hatsuko, Ryuzo, too.

They all took part in the
lantern victory parades.

And even Oshin was happy
to be a part of this great victory.

It's been such a long time.

What a great surprise!
How many years has it been?

Hitoshi. It's your uncle.

He's my older brother!

Hello.

- That's Hitoshi, our second son.
- Where's Yuu?

He's still at school. He's in his
third year of middle school.

When I first met Oshin in Saga,
Yuu was still a baby.

Now he's in middle school.
No wonder we all look so old!

You've gotten ahead in
your career. Congratulations!

It's been over 10 years.

Let's celebrate by
drinking all night!

Oshin had met Ryuzo's brother,
Kamejiro, once back in Saga.

But they had had no opportunity
since to see one another.

Why had he come to see
Ryuzo all of a sudden?

Seeing Kamejiro in
his khaki uniform,

Oshin had a bad premonition.

Episode 199

Ever since the Marco Polo Bridge
Incident that took place on July 7, 1937,

Japan was embroiled
in a bitter war in China.

The horror of war had not
yet struck home to Oshin.

She was too busy
raising her five children.

Toward the end of that year,

Ryuzo's brother, Kamejiro,
a major in the army came to visit.

Oshin felt uneasy.
She had a bad premonition,

not knowing the reason
for Kamejiro's visit.

Our mother in Saga is very happy.
She says Oshin has been very kind.

I just send her fish from
our shop from time to time.

- I can't do much.
- We're all the same.

We all have to find
for ourselves first.

I'm in Kokura,
so I don't visit home often.

But on my last visit,

I was told you were running
a fish store here in Ise.

I've neglected to write to you...

It's the same for me, too.

Mother was worried about
how you were doing.

She's too old to come out
here to see for herself.

Oshin has been writing to
her to tell her that we're fine.

As your mother,
she still worries.

She told me to go
to see for myself.

I just happened to be
visiting a regiment here,

- so I stopped by.
- Is that so?

I thought you might have
come here on business...

Yes. I do have business!

- Welcome home.
- I'm home.

You're late today.

I had a kendo match at school.

- Where's Father and Mother?
- We have a visitor.

Our uncle is here.
He's an Army Major!

We were told to play outside.

It's Uncle Kamejiro.
He's a major?

I'm home!

This is Yuu.

So this is Yuu.

I'm very pleased to meet you.

We've met before.
When you were just a toddler!

How old are you?

I'm in my third year
of middle school.

He's a fine young man!
You must both be so proud of him.

My second son entered Officers'
Candidate School this year.

- What will Yuu do?
- I haven't decided yet.

He'll sell fish. He doesn't
have to continue school.

Besides, we haven't the
money to send him to school...

What a waste!

He can get into a prefectural
school. He must be smart.

Be an officer.

You can take your exams
in your fourth year of school.

The country will pay
for his education.

Now is the time
for all military men.

- Hurry, and change.
- Excuse me.

I must mind the store. Please
spend time with your brother.

I can't stay.
I'm meeting people for dinner.

You won't be staying over?

They've arranged a
place for me to stay at.

I do need to talk
to you before I leave.

Mother, a customer.

Excuse me.

Yuu, give me a hand.
They have business to discuss.

- Hurry up.
- Okay...

Welcome!
Sorry to keep you waiting.

What's good for cooking in a pot?

- I have good mackerel.
- I'll take that.

I need to ask
Uncle some questions...

- Get the fish for the lady!
- I'll be glad to help...

Please make dinner!

Okay.

Welcome!

I'm not saying it's wrong to be
a fish dealer, but I'm shocked!

You only make a little
here and a little there.

And you have to cater
to all your customers.

You wrap fish and sell them...
How much can you make doing that?

You'll be working for
the rest of your life!

Business is like that...
It's not easy.

The seven of us in the family
is eating. That's enough.

And you call yourself a man?

You'll never be able to
educate all your children

by being a fish vendor
in a town like this.

As a father,
think of your children!

Selling fish is all right.
Just do it on a bigger scale.

Thank you!

I've come for Major Tanokura!

I'll be in the area for
a couple more days.

So think it over.

I don't want you to
make that boy sell fish!

Sorry to stop by so suddenly.

We couldn't do much for you...

Send me word at
the local regiment.

You won't regret it.

It's great being an officer!

What did he say?

May I help you?

Please rest now.

- Oshin...
- Yes?

We'll never get ahead
working like this.

Your brother said
something to you?

I am satisfied
being a fish dealer.

We built this
business up together.

We have regular customers.
We are doing well.

Yes, but we're always so busy.

I know you work very hard.

You buy fish, take orders,
and even make deliveries.

I'm not complaining
about the work.

I want us to make
more money easier.

Sure, but we sell
fresh fish for less.

That's why customers come to us!

Is there an easy
way to make money?

My brother wants us to
sell fish to the regiment.

He says he'll open doors for me.

Become the purveyor
of fish for the regiment?

I'm sure the competition is great,
even with my brother's backing.

We'll have to put in bids.

But the military will be impressed
with my family background

because of my brother,
I can get in.

We don't have to do all that...
We're managing to get by.

We won't have to go out
and get small orders.

We'll be dealing
with the military.

They won't pay top money,
but we'll sell in volume!

We could make more profit.

That's dangerous. Besides,
we're not losing money now.

Why do we have to beg
the military to buy our fish?

The military holds the power now!

We'll never starve
working with the military!

Is that what your brother said?

Japan is going to fight
the war to the fullest.

We don't know it yet,
but Japan is ready to go all out.

But why do we have
to cater to them?

We won't be... We'll just be
doing business with them.

We will be helping
our country, too.

I don't want to aid
in the war effort!

Japan is at war!
It's our duty to help.

Ryuzo!

You always talk badly about war.

You'd better be careful of
what you say from now on!

No matter how you feel about it,

we all have to support our
country until we win the war.

By supporting the military,
we'll have a better life.

If this war continues,
the economy will be strained.

But if we sell to the military,
we'll never be in financial trouble.

Your brother told you that, too?

My brother is concerned for us.

If it were just the two of us,
I wouldn't care.

But we can't let the kids suffer.

It's our responsibility
as parents!

We'll be helping the
military and our country.

And our lives will be better, too!

- But...
- Enough!

I'll make the decisions this time.
It's nothing a woman should decide!

That night, Oshin couldn't sleep.

She was caught up in the turbulence
of the war without knowing it.

Oshin remembered Shunsaku,

the deserter she'd met
as a child in the mountains.

He'd taught her that
war was horrible.

That nobody should
ever fight again.

Oshin was afraid
that things were getting

beyond her control too quickly.

She realized that a woman
could do only so much...

Episode 200

It's time to go!

- I know!
- Please get up!

I'm not going to buy any
fish today. We'll close the store.

I have to talk to
my brother today.

I don't have time
to work in the store!

We can't suddenly close the shop!

My brother is busy,
so I need to see him today.

You were serious about
what you told me last night?

You don't know if you'll
get the military contract.

There are no guarantees!

You needn't worry about it.

My brother is going to help me out.
This is my big chance!

I don't have time to
worry about the shop!

It's a chance for us
to get some extra sleep.

- Good morning.
- Morning.

- We overslept...
- Breakfast is ready.

Please make two rice
balls for me to take.

I don't have time to eat here.

You're going out?

I have to go out and
buy the fish today.

Father has something to do.

- You're going?
- Yes.

We can't very
well close up today.

You can't pull the
cart all that way!

I can do it. My legs are strong.

I'll come with you.

You have to stay and
care for the others.

I hope I get back
before you go to school.

Winter vacation starts today.

Good. I won't have
to worry about the time.

- Take care of things here.
- The rice balls!

You're such a big help.
Boys are so useless!

- Take care of things here.
- I will.

Here you go.

Thanks.

I hope the weather is good today.

Look after things for me.

Take care.

I'm surprised to see you here.

I wondered if something
happened to Ryuzo.

He has a headache.

I don't get a chance
to see you often.

Stay for a while and
have some hot miso soup.

Looks delicious! I hope
I'm not causing you trouble.

It's been a while since I
came to the beach to buy fish.

I love the sea!

Men are getting drafted
into the military.

We lost two men to
the military already.

So that's why I didn't see them.

I'm worried that my sons
might be drafted, too.

The war is getting worse...

Even if it's to help our country,

I hate having my sons
and workers sent off to war...

The world is no
longer the same, is it?

We should've realized it,

when people like Kota
could no longer be left alone.

How's Kota?

He's settled down some,
but he still doesn't talk.

I don't blame him...

The secret police
are still watching him.

Even after he's reformed!

I think the police
will leave him alone,

if he would get
married and settle down.

I want him to be happy...

I can tell you all this,

but we really shouldn't be
talking about such things at all.

I didn't mean to keep you.
Go on and eat!

I'm ready to work harder.

We have to take up the slack,
once all the young men are gone.

Work hard, and don't let anything
happen to your fish business.

Yuu!

You're an idiot!
Why didn't you wake me?

I could've come with you
since it's winter break.

Boys can be useful, too!

Thank you!

I'll go take orders now.
Take care of things here.

You're going to do that, too?

I can't ride a bike,
so I can't go as far as your father.

But regular customers are waiting!

I'll give you a ride on the bike.

I can ride,
but I'm no good at selling.

That's dangerous!

It's okay. She can ride
on the back and hold on.

Don't worry, I'm good!

I guess I'll let you pack
me on the bike then.

Don't worry.
I'll hold on very tightly.

Don't ever say
boys aren't useful!

We're off.

Are you cold?

I'm all right.
Your back is very warm.

I'm so glad we came.
The people here are

expecting guests from Nagoya
tonight and needed fish!

It would have caused them
trouble if we didn't come.

We'll make their
order and deliver it.

I can deliver by myself.
I've memorized the route.

Thank you!

I can help again tomorrow
if Father is busy again.

And I'll help you
get the fish, too.

New Year's coming soon,
so you'll have more orders.

One can sure count on boys!

It's my misfortune to
be the son of a fish dealer.

You don't really have to
take over our business.

You can study hard,
and go to college.

I want you to choose
your own career.

One has to go to
high school to enter college.

That's three years,
and another three years for college.

That's six more years of school!

I'd have to live in a dormitory.
It will cost money!

I'll take care of it.
Just study hard!

It's not that easy in reality.

I realize how hard it is for
a family of seven to survive.

Yuu...

I have my own ideas, too.
Don't you worry!

Let's hurry, or we'll be
late for the deliveries.

Hurry!

Sit right here.

Sorry to make you work all day.

You told me you used
to work every day,

and that you couldn't
even go to school.

This is nothing compared to that.

I don't want you to experience
the hardships I went through.

- I'm home.
- Welcome home.

Where were you?

I was out playing,
and I'm starving!

Listen to him...

Yuu, Nozomi and Hatsuko helps,
but not Hitoshi.

It takes all kinds...
He'll realize soon enough.

Shall I help you?
I'm done with dinner.

Thanks. Where's Tei?

Nozomi is watching her.

We're almost done here.
Let's have dinner.

Father might be late coming home.

Hitoshi is hungry and grumpy!

He's so spoiled...
He was the only one out playing!

You sure worked hard today.

But you work hard every day.

I'm just a worker,
so it's my job.

But you sure are filial!

I'm the eldest son,
so I have to help my mother.

Welcome home.

- You're in good spirits!
- I sure had a lot to drink...

And I met a lot of people.

My brother sure is influential!

The kids are all asleep...

You opened up shop today?

Yes. Yuu helped me.
Even with the deliveries.

He sure was a big help.

Why are you so happy about that?

You call yourself a mother!

A mother shouldn't cause
her son to be so concerned!

He's just a student...

Why should he be worrying
about running a fish store?

Don't you feel sorry for him?

Of course I do...
I didn't want him helping me.

He's a sweet boy,

and he's worried about us having to
spend money for his college education.

I feel bad...

See!

I want Yuu and the other kids
to grow up without concerns.

No hardships!

That's why I'm counting
on this new venture.

We'll get that military contract.

We'll be the ones
selling fish to them!

Are you okay?

You okay?

Oshin realized that Ryuzo, too,

was doing all he could
to help his five children.

He was just like her,
and she loved him for it.

She'd do whatever he wanted.
With this decision,

Oshin had chosen
a certain way of life...

Episode 201

You went to buy fish again?

You have a hangover.

Then just close the shop!

People have to
prepare for New Year's.

We can't let people down.

The most important thing
is our shop's reputation.

You're still talking like that?

We're going to be
closing up soon anyway.

You're still against the
idea of my new venture?

Thanks, Yuu.
You can go now.

You always had strange
opinions about how bad war is.

What do you mean by that?

You were arrested twice
when you were young,

and labeled a communist.

I know those were
all misunderstandings.

But those days are all over!

Even Kota abandoned
his socialist ideals.

That's how he got out of prison.

If you really love Japan,

it's your duty to protect our country.
from those who seek to destroy us.

That's why people are fighting.

As merchants,
we have to support the military!

I shouldn't say this too loudly,

but I hear that this war
will go on for a long time.

Small businesses like
ours may not survive

when there is a
scarcity of goods.

But we'll be all right if
we work with the military.

It's for our country,
and good for our family.

It's like killing two
birds with one stone.

You still can't see
things my way?

I know that we won't
have the money to send Yuu

to college if we keep
doing what we do...

Yuu realizes that.
That's why he says he's not going.

I don't want him to
be thinking like that.

I feel so badly...
Especially when he helps me.

Yuu is a sweet boy...

He's seen you work all his life,
and that's why he wants to help.

I've already decided.
We have to take a chance

on this new venture,
for our children's sake!

You agree with me?

We have to do
our part as parents!

But can you really
get the contract?

Yes. We've been operating
an honest business.

We have the people's trust!

I don't care who
investigates us. We're good.

Besides, my brother is
tying up the loose ends.

I didn't get drunk
last night for nothing!

The bidding starts
after New Year's.

I have a lot to do before then.

I won't have time to
take care of the store.

I'll take care of things here.

We can't close up until we're
sure you can get the contract.

Do as you like.
Once we get the contract,

we'll get a truck
and operate that way.

- Buy a truck?
- Yes.

We'll just buy fish and
deliver it to the regiment.

Buy cheap and sell
at a good price.

That's what I have to work on.

You can't afford a truck!

Once we get the military contract,
any bank will give us a loan.

That's one of the merits
of working with the military.

There's one thing
you need to realize.

Once we start working
with the military,

don't ever talk or joke
about being anti-war.

Keep that in mind.

If people should hear you,
we'll lose our contract,

and our family will starve.

Hello.

Please stop at my house.
I have an order for you.

Okay.

I see... Is that why Father
has been neglecting the store?

Yes... I wasn't for
the idea at first.

I'm hoping it all goes well.

We have to do our
part to help our country.

Helping to feed our
soldiers is our patriotic duty.

You talk just like your father.

Why not?
Japan is fighting a war.

It's because of our soldiers that
we can live at peace at home.

We have to help, too.

Is that what they
teach you in school?

Mother...
Everyone feels that way!

Yes, but I'm agreeing to support
your father only to help you kids!

Never mind us.

What's important is that this new
venture will be profitable for us.

Besides, Father can
take things easier...

I realize now how hard
a fish dealer has to work.

He's done his best for years...

With this military contract,

he won't have to go out and
take orders, or run the store.

I think it'll be
good for him, too.

I guess so...
He is getting older.

The hard work
is getting to him...

You have it rough, too.

And I want you to be
able to have an easier life.

I don't mind working!

I sure am glad
that I talked to you.

I won't worry anymore.

I'll let your father
do things his way.

Want to try the bike?

You should practice.

I'll hold it for you.

The bidding for the military fish
contract began early in 1938.

Are you home?

Thanks for coming to see
me on New Year's Day.

I heard about the
bids going in today.

Thank you for coming.

- Has it been decided?
- My husband isn't back yet.

I sure hope it goes well.

I didn't want to close up shop
until we knew for sure...

But I'm too anxious today.

Please come in and sit.

Ryuzo is serious
about this contract

because you two have
so many kids to support.

It's only natural for
him to do something big.

Even if we do get it,

the military won't
let us get too rich.

We can only sell to them
because we'll sell for a low price.

At least you'll be in business.
Soon everything will be rationed.

First to go up was fuel oil,
which worries us fishermen.

All the young fishermen
have been drafted, too.

It's all over!

Oh, come on...

You don't realize it yet...

If you sell to the military,
you have nothing to worry about.

As long as there's the
military, you'll be fine.

Ryuzo sure is smart!

I wish we could've
had military connections.

Then we'd have fuel for
our boats and everything.

I'm ready to quit
the fishing business.

- Oshin!
- He's home!

- Oshin!
- Welcome home!

- Welcome.
- I'm just visiting.

She was concerned
about the bidding.

How did it go?

- We got it!
- I'm so glad!

Congratulations.

The terms are harsh.
There's hardly a profit to be made.

But at least you're
selling to the military.

That gives you clout
as a businessman.

And that's worth
more than money!

We'll see how it goes,
but we'll be dealing in volume.

We'll have to look
for larger suppliers.

But my brother will
help me on that, too.

I'll just have to do my best.

That means...

We are much too
small to fill your needs.

Thank you for helping
us for so many years.

I couldn't do much...

I guess you won't be
coming by for fish anymore.

I'll miss you.

I'll work very hard!

You'll never worry
about money again.

When you get married,

I will send along 10
trunks full for your dowry.

Hatsuko! You, too!

You need never worry again!

You're talking dreams!

No, Hatsuko is
almost at that age.

We'll need a new
house by then, too!

Come and join me for a drink!

We're celebrating!

Ryuzo was overjoyed,
but Oshin didn't share in his glee.

She saw how sad
Hisa seemed as she left.

The war had affected
everyone's lives.

Did Ryuzo make
the right decision?

Oshin wasn't really sure...

And she felt uneasy about having
to deal directly with the military.

Episode 202

Oshin!

Welcome home!

- The truck is here!
- It's arrived?

I have it parked
at the neighbor's.

Have some tea first.

We won't have to hire the
transporters from tomorrow.

We'll save a lot of money
using our own truck.

The military will give us
all the gasoline we need.

We're all set!

Do you have another
order due tomorrow?

Yes.

Fish is a lot cheaper than meat.
And it's just as nutritious!

The dish officer must
have a lot of problems.

He's asking for recipes.

I'd better study
up on cooking tips.

Can't I help, too?

I could ride with
you on the truck.

Women aren't allowed
into the barracks.

This is a man's work!

I'm staking my
life on it, so relax.

Yes, but...

Just concentrate on
keeping the house.

I want you to be
able to take it easy.

I want to make it up to you...

I understand...
I won't bother you anymore.

But let me continue
the fish store.

You still don't understand?!

I'm able to feed everybody now.
There's no need for you to work.

It's not just the money,
I need something to do.

You have plenty to do
around the house.

Cleaning and washing.
Cooking and mending.

Just concentrate on that.

Hatsuko can help me.

And I want to reopen
for our regular customers.

I want to run my store again!

You just want to stay
in business, don't you?

You sure are a
poor girl at heart.

After all I've done to
make life easier for you.

Thank you!

I'll get you the fish
to sell here, too.

That'll be a great help.
I knew you'd say that!

Ryuzo's new business was growing,

and Oshin kept working
hard at running the fish store.

In the spring of 1938,

a new crisis came to
the Tanokura family...

It was time to choose
higher schooling for Yuu.

- We're home.
- Welcome home.

I need something to eat.

Didn't you eat your
lunch at school?

I can't eat this. It's rice
with just one pickled plum.

The teacher told
you to bring a lunch

that represents the
Japanese national flag today.

Yes, but I saw kids who had
eggs hidden underneath their rice!

They're not patriotic!

We eat simple lunches to help
out our troops at the front.

Isn't that so?

That's right.
Don't be ungrateful.

It's wartime,
we all have to cut back!

- Nozomi, what about your lunch?
- I ate it all.

See, Nozomi is doing his part!

I don't like my lunch like that!

Then just don't eat!
We have nothing else to eat.

I'll babysit Tei for you.
Let's go Tei.

- I'm home!
- Welcome home.

- Where's Hatsuko?
- Why do you need her?

I need a belt made for the
fish market owner's son.

He got a draft notice,
so he needs it in a hurry.

Hatsuko was born in
the Year of the Tiger.

She can make all the
stitches by herself, can't she?

Yes. They say a tiger always
finds its way home.

It's a lucky sign.

Tell her I need it by
tomorrow morning.

Please rest. You were up
early in the morning.

I have nothing else to do today.

Running the store is my job.

I'll help whenever I'm free,

but maybe we won't
be able to sell as much...

The government's calling
for conservation efforts.

There sure are
a lot of restrictions...

But we're safe as long
as we have the military.

I'm so glad I listened
to my brother.

We won't have any
fish to sell here?

Not if the war keeps on...

- I'm home!
- You're home early.

They let us out early
to study for exams.

You don't have to
go out anywhere today?

No.

Then I need to talk to you.

- Sorry to be late.
- Welcome home.

We had to stay to sew 1,000-
stitch-amulet belts (senninbari).

Most of my classmates
are Tiger-year girls,

so we were asked.
I'll be right out to help you!

I guess she's pretty busy, too.

Let's talk while we can.

Please make one more
belt for me by morning.

Make me one when I go off to war.

You're going to war?

He's still only 16.

The war will be over before
he can take his military physical.

Play in the next room.
We need to talk.

Okay.

Let's go, Tei.

You don't have to join
them in their conversation?

It's men's talk.
I'd just be in the way.

I can take care of
things here for you.

Yuu seems so serious...
I'm worried.

The teacher told us

to make our educational
plans before summer vacation.

I've decided to go on to
Officers' Candidate School.

I really want to go!

Officers' Candidate School?

You think you can get in?

My family background
check is no problem,

and I'll study hard to
pass the entrance exams.

I'm the eldest son...

I know I should be
taking over your business.

But if you let me...

I want your permission!

I had no idea this
is what you wanted...

Please.

All right.
I have no objections.

The military holds sway now.

I'd be proud to have
you serve as an officer.

- It's all right?
- Yes.

I have no intention of
making you into a fish dealer.

I'm only doing it for you kids.

I'd be happy if each of
you chose your own way.

I'm the only fish
dealer the family needs.

I'm so glad.

I didn't bring it up before,
because I thought you'd refuse me.

You'd better follow
through with this!

I'll make my wishes come true!

Mother...

I'm against it.

Oshin!

A military man?

I didn't raise you
to be a military man!

Father supports me.
You can't stand in my way.

Don't get smart!

He's not your only parent.

You wouldn't understand
how a boy feels.

If you love him,
let him go his own way.

A man could never
know how a mother feels.

What's wrong with
being a military man?

The military determines
Japan's future now!

We live here in peace
because of them.

For our son to serve,
it'd be an honor!

The whole family
would be saving face.

Maybe we make our
living off of the military,

but that's not reason enough
for Yuu to become a military man!

I'm joining because I want to!

For a Japanese male,
it's the noblest profession.

What's so noble about it?!

- All they do is make war!
- Japan is at war.

If we didn't defend
Japan now, who would?

Yuu!

To protect Japan means
to protect our family.

It's not just for our nation or
Emperor that I want to serve.

I want to protect my family.
You have no reason to oppose it!

Being in the military
isn't the only way.

You can be a civil servant,
or a businessman.

That's helping our country, too!

You hate military men that much?

Yes, I do!
I'm against the war, too!

Mother!

But I have no
power to oppose it...

Now even our business
is with the military.

We have no choice
but to go along.

But I'm really having
a hard time of it.

So I don't want you to
become a military man!

You're not being fair!

You deal with the
military for money,

but you don't want your
own son in the military.

That's not logical!

- Yuu...
- And you're anti-war?

Japan is not fighting
because it wants to.

If we don't fight,
we'll be destroyed!

This is no time to be
talking about right or wrong.

We must win!

It's our duty as people of Japan!

You can tell me,

but don't ever tell anybody
else that you're against the war.

You'll be sorry.

I'm happy that
Father agrees with me.

I will apply for
Officers' Candidate School.

Oshin...

Yuu is stronger than
I gave him credit for.

He understands the
world situation well.

Let's just be happy that
we have such a good son.

Okay?

Yuu has gone off to
where I can't reach him...

Episode 203

Mother...

I didn't know Yuu wanted
to be a soldier either.

He's terrible.

It's not his fault.

He thinks it's his duty
to become an officer.

The world we live
in requires it...

It is scary,
but there's nothing I can do.

If I oppose it,
I'd be labeled the bad one.

If it's for the good
of the country...

Not even a mother can
stand in her son's way.

After all I've done for him...

It's not fair to me...
His mother!

Thank you!

You've only been getting
the same fish lately.

Is it because of the war?

The military gets
all the good fish.

That's not true.

The prices have gone up,
so I can't afford to buy them.

Will you watch Tei for me?

I have exams to study for,
so I need quiet.

The exam is tomorrow
and I can't study like this.

Okay.

Do you really plan to go to
Officers' Candidate School?

- Yeah.
- Why?

As a Japanese male,
I must serve my country.

You're not being filial.

You are causing
Mother to be unhappy.

She doesn't realize the situation
our country is in right now.

To become a soldier
is to protect my parents.

You don't know how Mother feels.

She just doesn't want me to die.

But if one is afraid to die,
one gets nowhere.

It's our duty to protect our
country even if we lose our lives.

It's only natural that
she worries about you.

Try to understand how she feels.

Then there would be no soldiers!

If all boys listened
to their mothers,

there would be no soldiers
to protect our country!

- I refuse to listen.
- Yuu.

Mother will understand
how I feel someday.

Do you realize what she
went through to raise you?

- Never mind!
- No. Listen!

I only know what she's told me,
but she's mentioned the hardships.

She kept you with her even when
she was separated from Father.

She took you everywhere with her.

She persevered because of you.

You can't make her sad now.

I didn't know you were like that...
I thought you loved Mother a lot.

Hatsuko...

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have said anything,
but I just feel so sorry for Mother.

I remember how hard
Mother had to work...

I saw it with my own eyes.

We were always together.

Her smiles greeted
me each morning.

We'd sing together
as we peddled our fish.

I had fun...

Even when Father wasn't with us,

I was never lonely because
she was always there.

I grew up watching her smile.

I never saw her sad.
Not until earlier today.

She was crying...

She never cried in
front of me before,

but she was crying.

Yuu...

Boys have dreams.

All boys nowadays
want to become soldiers.

If one is going to be a soldier,
it's best if he's an officer.

If he has the ability
to pass the exams,

let's wish him well,
and let him go.

Mother.

I won't be taking the Officers'
Candidate School exams.

Yuu!

I don't have the confidence.

I'll try to get into
a private school.

Or a college prep school.

But it'll cost you money.

Army schools are free,
but not private schools.

If you can't pass the Officers'
Candidate School exam,

you'd never get into
a good school anyway!

I don't think I can
beat the competition.

But I can manage other schools.

I don't really have
to go to college...

I could help you in your business
after graduating from middle school.

That is a perfectly
honorable thing to do.

What are you saying?!

I don't want you
to be a fish dealer.

If you have the ability,
I'll pay for your schooling!

Don't worry about the money.

One needs a college
education from now.

Or you'd never get ahead.

I'll find a way to
pay your tuition.

You don't think you can get
into Officers' Candidate School?

Why not give it a try?

If not this year,
how about next year?

But if you've given up on the idea
I can't do anything about it, can I?

I want to et into
Kyoto Third High School.

I want to go to Kyoto
Imperial University, too.

If you can't pass the Officers'
Candidate School exam,

how will you pass the entrance
exams for a Third High School?!

I'm good in the humanities.

And there are less people
trying to get into the humanities.

I know I can pass.
I want to study history in college.

History...
What good will that do you?

As a scholar,
I can help my country.

Is it all right?

Yes.

I'm sorry I couldn't live
up to your expectations.

I guess parents can't
have their way with kids...

In the spring of 1939,

Yuu passed the exams and was
accepted to Kyoto Third High School.

The war was spreading even wider,

and people's lives were
affected even more.

Yuu was going to high school
under such circumstances.

I packed two sets
of bedding for him.

I sewed him two
new sleeping robes.

He has to do his own wash?

Of course!
Nobody is going to help him there.

I feel sorry for him.

Love is letting a
child journey alone.

It'll be a good experience
for him while he's young.

We'd better give him
some detergent, too.

Yes. It's hard to
get soap nowadays.

We're home!

Welcome home.

You must both be
tired from your trip.

Did you find a nice place?

We visited the dormitory
where he'll be staying.

We met the couple
who runs the place, too.

You'd better ship your
things out tomorrow.

Goods are hard to
get in Kyoto now.

So we'd better give him
all that we can spare.

I'd better get it
all packed tonight.

I'll do it.

You'd better go to bed.
You have to get up early.

Yuu is finally leaving the nest...

That's it. All done!

With this shipped off, you won't
have to lug it to Kyoto by yourself.

Thank you for everything.

Oh, come on!

Yuu.

Why did you decide not to go
to Officers' Candidate School?

You can't tell me you
had no confidence...

You made me very happy.

I may not be t he most
patriotic citizen, but...

Mother...

I'll take good care of myself.
I'll never make you unhappy.

May I come home to
visit once in a while?

Maybe...

Oshin recalled all the hardships

that she and Yuu had
gone through together.

She didn't want Yuu to go to war.

She wanted to protect
him from the war.

And she thought
that she'd succeeded...

Episode 204

- Another cup?
- Yes.

In the spring of 1939,

Yuu, Oshin's eldest son,
entered a high school in Kyoto,

and he was leaving
for school this morning.

Don't worry about money.
Ask us for more if you run short.

Make sure you buy
everything that you need.

Don't be concerned
about such things.

But Yuu is a serious boy.

He worries about
things he shouldn't.

It's all part of his education.

You're too easygoing!

Yuu.

Here. I got this amulet in
Yamagata when I left home.

It's precious to you.

I don't have anything
else to give you.

Besides, I want you to have it.

Hatsuko...

Yuu. Hurry! It's time.

Okay.

Thanks. I'll take
good care of it. And...

Please take good
care of Mother for me.

And always stay with us.
Don't get a job anywhere else.

Here he comes.

Your father and the boys
will walk you to the station.

I'll just say goodbye here.

Okay... I'll be going then.

Take care.

You should have gone
to the station, too.

It doesn't matter where we are...
Parting is all the same.

Let's get the shop ready
to open while Tei is asleep.

Oshin felt as if a part
of her was torn away.

But she also knew it
was her duty as a mother

to push her son
out of the nest.

She felt as if she'd
performed that duty.

People's lives got harder
as the war continued.

In the fall, Oshin heard that Hisa
was getting out of the fishing business.

All the young men got
drafted into the military.

I tried to keep the
boats in operation.

But with the fuel
oil being rationed,

I figured it was time to
get out of the business.

My husband can get you fuel oil.
He knows people that he can ask.

No. I don't want to
continue that badly.

Who knows when
the war will end...

With the young men gone,
this house is too big for me.

I'll be going to Tokyo
to live with my son.

I never thought that
I'd be leaving here...

I guess it's the times...

Will Kota be staying on here?

Oh, yes. Kota is getting
married before I leave here.

He is?

Yes. I'd been meaning to tell you.
She's a friend of my daughter's.

Her family runs a brewery
in a town near here.

She's 32, and never been married.

- He's marrying her?
- Yes.

Isn't fate strange?

She used to come by to see me
sometimes to see how I'm doing.

She took good care of Kota, too.

Before I knew it,
they wanted to get married.

I'm relieved now,
so I can go to Tokyo in peace!

Excuse me.

You had a guest?

What is it?

I made tea for Mr. Takakura,

and I thought you
might like to join us.

No, thank you. I'm not one
for such formal ceremonies.

This is Oshin,
and this is Namiki Kyoko.

Oshin is an old friend of Kota.

I'm Tanokura Shin.

Mr. Takakura introduced
me to Hisa here.

I'm Namiki Kyoko.

Join them for tea.

Yes, please do.

We have a guest.

It's me, Oshin.

It's been a long time.

I'd been wanting to visit you,
but I didn't want to disturb you.

How's your health?

I'll never be back to
normal, but I manage.

I heard that Yuu
entered high school.

He left for Kyoto this spring.
He's living in a boarding house.

That's good.

Best wishes on your
upcoming marriage.

Thanks.

Excuse me.

She seems very nice.

I'm sure you despise me.

It's only natural that you do.

I became disenchanted
with the movement...

I felt I could no longer
affect any changes.

When I realized that,
I abandoned everything.

The Takakura Kota
you once knew is gone.

I've abandoned all
my old memories.

I'm tired of being
dragged down by memories.

But I don't regret
sacrificing my youth.

Please be happy. With her,
I know you'll be happy.

I never dreamed we
would be talking like this...

I wasn't going to tell anyone.

I guess I'm just making excuses.

But I wanted you to know.

I've abandoned everything,

but this leg will be
a constant reminder.

It's proof that I
once lived a full life.

I'll miss this house...
I'll never come here again.

I guess that's the
way it should be.

There's only misery
to be found in this world...

- Welcome home.
- I'm home.

I brought this home for the kids.

They're all asleep.

What's in it?

What's the matter with you?!

I've caused you nothing
but trouble until now.

And I'm very sorry.

What are you talking about?

I'll never cause
you to suffer again.

I'm getting lucky.
It's all settled!

I've been given the contract
to sell processed fish products

such as kamaboko and
hanpen fishcakes to the military!

I have to find a
factory to make them.

- Ryuzo...
- Don't worry.

I know what I'm doing.

I'll show you what I can do.

I'll be selling more
and more to the military.

I won't be just a
fish dealer anymore!

Ryuzo was excited,
but Oshin remained calm.

Some people are ruined by war.
Others seek to profit from it.

Oshin couldn't help
but think about the future.

She was worried,
and a little frightened.

Episode 205

By 1939, the war loomed
heavily over the population.

Kota got married in
order to forget his past,

and Hisa left Ise after
no longer being able

to put her fishing boats to sea.

Oshin's and Ryuzo's
lives were also affected.

But Ryuzo's situation
was a little different...

- Hatsuko, bring out some ice.
- Okay.

Yuu!

I'm home!

You wrote and said you
weren't coming home

during the winter break
because of your studies.

I have many books to read.

Who knows when I'll
have time to read again.

Being a student isn't
all fun and games.

If students can't read,
Japan is finished!

Yuu!

Father.

- You're home!
- You told me to come home.

He told me to be sure to come
to the opening of his new factory.

You came home just for that?

He does pay for my
tuition and books.

He just wanted to
see you, that's all.

Of course!

The eldest son needs to
be home for the New Year.

The whole family
must celebrate together.

Then that factory
story wasn't true?

It's true. We will begin
production right after New Year's.

What will you make?

Processed fish products.
I told you!

I know, but what is that?

A fish dealer's son doesn't know?

You know. Kamaboko
and satsuma-age.

We're going to be
a kamaboko store?

I thought it was you!

- Hello, Hitoshi.
- Welcome home.

- How are you?
- Good.

How long are you
going to be home?

I guess until about
the sixth of January.

Let's relax now.

The food at the boarding
house must be terrible!

Well, the whole country
must conserve now.

Take some tempura oil
for the dorm lady.

- It'll be hard to get very soon.
- No, thank you.

With the boys here growing up,
you need all the food you can get.

Don't worry about us!

There's plenty of
oil at the factory.

The oil is to cook
food for the military.

You can't just give
it away like that!

A little bit won't hurt.

As long as we
sell to the military,

our family will always
have a lot of everything.

- The military is almighty.
- Yes.

Only those making goods
for the military prosper.

All other businesses are suffering.

The military factories
are taking all the workers

or there's a shortage
of raw materials,

so they either go bankrupt or
get absorbed by big businesses.

But we have nothing
to worry about.

We're also fulfilling
our patriotic obligations.

What could be better?

I never thought that
you had such scruples.

I'm finally getting lucky...

I was waiting for
a chance like this.

I won't stop at just
making kamaboko.

I plan to branch out and expand!

This war will go on,
so we may as well let it help us.

Then you're just
being a profiteer!

Somebody has to do the job.
And I've decided to do it myself.

I'm worth just as much
as the soldier at the front.

I'm serving my country!

Your father has his own ideas.
He won't listen to me...

A woman should
just follow her man!

I wish the war
would be over soon...

Don't be like that!

She sure is a problem...

How did the opening ceremony go?

It was a big affair.
Father has to go out to dinner

with officers from
the local regiment.

That means he'll
be home late again.

Do you plan to keep
this store open?

Why do you ask?

There's not much
profit to be made in it.

Why don't you just take it easy?
That's what Father thinks you should do.

I'm not doing it for the money.

I want to keep serving
our faithful customers.

We owe it to them that
we were able to survive.

And as long as we
sell to the military,

there will always
be fish for our store.

That's true. We should
always give back

to the community
that supported us.

Father has forgotten all that...

And he's too busy
to listen to me...

But I'd rather have
him busy and excited,

than being dejected or depressed.

That's right.
He seems so lively.

Confidence suits him!

He's now able to do
everything on his own.

That's right. You were the
one who started this shop.

I'm glad for Father now.

I don't like dealing
with the military,

but I'm sort of relieved, too...

I don't care as
long as he's happy.

Just seeing him happy is enough.

I guess your troubles
are never over.

What about you?

Do you regret going to high school
instead of Officers Candidate School?

No. If I had gone
to a military school,

I wouldn't know what it
feels like to study freely.

I have good friends and teachers.

And I've learned
the value of books.

I want to read as many
books as I can now.

I can never have enough
time to read all I want.

I feel bad for disappointing
Father, but I'm grateful to you.

I have five more years
before I finish college.

I'm really grateful.

By the time you graduate,
this war will be over,

and you'll be happy that you chose
college over that military school.

Enjoy your life as a student now.

The Tanokura family celebrated

New Year's of 1940
as the war raged on in China.

And a girl's life was
to be affected by it...

I'm home.

Welcome home.

Where are Mother and Father?

They went to a
celebration at the regiment.

I bought this at the shrine.
Isn't it cute?

- It's for you.
- For me?

I'm so happy...

I'll cherish it.

I'll keep it with me in Yamagata.

I have to go home to Yamagata
once I graduate from school this year.

Why? You're a Tanokura now.

My mother in Yamagata
wants me home.

That's ridiculous!

Mother and Father agreed
to you going away, didn't they?

I'm so glad...

I thought I would
never see you again.

I'd heard that you weren't coming
home for your winter vacation,

and I would have been
gone before the spring break.

So I'd given up on it.

Why didn't you say anything?

I was going to say
goodbye just before you left.

It would be easier that way...

I asked you to stay
with us always.

I won't let them send
you back to Yamagata.

You have to stay here!

You promised!

You said she could stay.

She's graduating from school.
We have done all we can.

What will happen to
her in Yamagata?

You're sending her
away to a life of misery!

Things aren't that bad
in rural villages now.

Girls don't get sold off anymore.

Besides, her family
wants her back home.

No matter what,
you have to keep your promise!

Hatsuko's family is
having a hard time of it.

They have to grow rice,

but all the men have
been drafted into the military.

Only old people and
girls are available to work.

They need Hatsuko's help.

It's the war...

- It's not up to us.
- If she goes back to Yamagata,

she won't be able to come
back until the war is over.

It can't be helped.
It's for our country.

She can stay here,
and serve our country, too!

Can't you do something
to keep her here?

Yuu!

Please don't send
her home to Yamagata.

I want her to always
be here with us!

Yuu was in love with Hatsuko.

Oshin realized that
for the first time.

Translation: UTB Channel

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