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Episode 280

Regardless of Oshin's deep concern,

Hitoshi aggressively pushed ahead with his ideas for new stores,

and he was very successful.

In the fall of 1964, they opened their sixth store.

It looks as if everything was going smoothly for the Tanokura family,

but a strain appeared in the Tanokura family in a most unexpected way.

I'm sure it's nothing serious

if they're willing to release him to his guardian.

What I'm worried about

is why Takeshi would do something like that.

Kids don't get into trouble if they have a good home life, do they?

Hitoshi and Michiko probably aren't getting along, are they?

I'll go and see.

I've kept quiet thinking that I shouldn't meddle,

but now that this has happened. Please look after things here.

Who's there?

It's me, Grandma.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Are your parents home? - Yeah.

Grandma is here!

I told you to tell people we aren't home!

But it's Grandma.

I'm sorry. We just got Takeshi home,

and he's not feeling up to seeing people.

Will you let him be for today?

I didn't come to see about Takeshi.

I came to talk to you and Hitoshi.

Couldn't it wait?

We'll come over to talk to you soon.

We're too busy with Takeshi right now.

Please come on in.

She came because she's concerned about us.

What use is her concern now?

This problem is between you and me.

Mother has nothing to do with it.

Hitoshi is my son, and Takeshi is my grandson.

It's only natural that I worry about them!

I'm coming in.

It was no big deal.

He and his friends were out walking around at night in Nagoya.

They lost all their money playing pachinko...

It was their own money. They didn't steal it.

You give him so much money

that he can go to Nagoya and get into trouble?

Michiko's totally spoiled him.

How can you talk like that!

You don't do anything about him at all!

I'm busy with my job! But I do my best as a father.

Are any of you in need of money?

I buy you and the kids everything you want.

It's the mother's job to take care of the kids.

Money isn't everything!

You don't even come home regularly.

When you're home, all you do is act like you're bothered.

All you do is sleep here.

We never have any time to discuss anything.

How can you call yourself a good father?

Before you attack me,

think about the harm your actions have caused!

You're angry all the time.

Why would I want to come home to you?

Every time we talk, it turns into a fight.

That's why I don't say anything anymore!

So it's all my fault?!

You're the one who betrayed me!

Stop it! All you two ever do is fight!

Takeshi!

You must know how I feel...

You know what your father did to me!

You're the only one I can count on.

I've given up on your father completely.

You don't have to say that!

Who else can understand how I feel if not Takeshi?

You shouldn't criticize his father like that.

I just want my son to understand.

I've been living for him all these years.

He studies hard like I ask him to.

He understands me better than anyone.

High school... College.

He is ready to try his best for me!

You used to be so good...

Don't cry.

I'm sorry.

It's not your fault. It's your friends.

You can't say no to them!

It wasn't them. I'm the one who suggested that we all go.

Takeshi...

I wasn't having any fun at home.

All you do is cry to me,

and all I ever do here is study with a tutor.

I just didn't want to come home.

I had my allowance saved up,

so I asked my friends to go with me to Nagoya.

And they all came along.

Takeshi...

It's all right.

Take a bath, and get to bed.

I'm sure you haven't slept at all yet.

So Takeshi has told us the truth.

- Michiko. - Leave her alone.

I need to talk to Michiko.

I'll talk to her, and I know what you want me to tell her.

Mother!

- Welcome home. - How did it go?

Tatsunori called, and I was worried!

Hitoshi won't be coming in today.

He wants you to take care of these for him.

Hitoshi never misses work. This must be serious!

We'd better watch our children carefully.

Takeshi is all right.

Wasn't he arrested by the police?

It's his parents' fault.

Both Hitoshi and Michiko are hurt.

I'm sorry for Takeshi,

but if this helps bring his parents together again,

this will have been a good thing.

Too bad Hitoshi had to marry Michiko.

They're both to blame.

In the old days, couples fought over money.

And poverty was the cause of it all.

But now they fight

even though they have more money than they know what to do with.

People used to worry about giving the children enough food to eat.

They had no time to fight.

Hitoshi fools around with other women.

And Michiko is lonely,

so she used the children for her own emotional needs.

They're both so foolish.

And they both get upset when I try to help.

It can't be helped. Times have changed.

That's true...

Women in the past used to suffer under their mother-in-laws,

but now, couples live on their own, and that's become commonplace.

I suppose Hitoshi and Michiko should try to solve their own problems.

And I should just keep quiet...

Thanks, that's enough.

Okay.

I feel so much better...

- Mother. - Yes?

Your duty to Hitoshi, Nozomi and Tei are over now.

You shouldn't feel badly

just because they tell you to stay out of their business.

You've fulfilled your obligations towards your children,

so you think of it that way.

Then you won't have to feel badly.

I guess you're right.

Otherwise, one can't raise children properly.

I'll look after you.

There's no reason why you have to expect

the eldest son's wife to take care of you.

Don't count on Michiko.

I wouldn't dream of having her at my own deathbed.

I don't want to cause you problems either.

If there's someone you like, I want you to get married.

You're still talking like that?

I want to remain a Tanokura forever.

I want to take care of the head- stones belonging to Yuu and Father.

And I'll take care of you. That's happiness for me.

Please live a long time for me.

Today is the day for employee training for our fourth store.

Employees today need to be taught to bow.

Good morning! Sorry I'm late.

I'm sorry about yesterday.

Michiko and I talked it over,

and we decided to live together with you.

We'll build us all a bigger and better house.

Hitoshi...

I want you right there in the middle of it.

You can supervise the kids to study more.

- Michiko is all for the idea. - That sounds great!

Mother is getting on in years...

Tei and I always talk about how you should all live together.

If I sell my property, I can make a profit.

We can buy one twice the size out in the suburbs.

We'll have the money to build a new house, too.

You have a nice lot, so it'd be a shame to sell now.

We can't build another store on it. I'll sell it.

Tei is so envious of your house...

I have to sell it if I want to build a new house.

And I don't want to have to take out a loan!

No, thanks!

I have no intention of living with you after all these years.

Episode 281

The incident with Takeshi really made me think about things.

I realize how important a good home is to the kids,

and how we affect their behavior.

How much influence a mother's feelings have on her children.

It really hit me hard.

Hitoshi also understands,

and he said it's not too late for us to try again.

I'll try to mend my ways, too.

I want to have a house full of laughter.

I'm glad you two had a chance to talk.

It's not my place to meddle. You two should do your best.

That's why we want you to come live with us.

It doesn't have anything to do with me, does it?

Did you manage to get through to Mother?

Please ask her.

You two always insisted on living separately, and now this!

I enjoy living here peacefully with Hatsuko,

so I don't want to move in with you.

I realize how wrong we were.

We need a woman like you to watch over us.

For the good of the family.

Oh, come on...

We'd learn to argue and end up hating each other.

We want you to speak up.

Michiko wants to learn from you, too.

Oh, stop it...

I really want you to teach me!

I grew up being spoiled.

I became a mother before I was ready.

I want to learn to be a good mother.

I couldn't possibly teach you anything.

Your generation and mine think differently.

Even if you should fail,

raise your own children the way you see fit.

Kids need a little guidance,

but they do a lot of growing up on their own, too.

That's why we want you there

to make sure that our home life goes smoother.

I lack confidence.

But I think I can restrain my selfishness if you're there with us.

Me, too.

I'll do my best with Michiko if you're there to watch over us.

Otherwise, we will end up in trouble again.

I used to believe that living with an in-law

was the root of all marital problems,

but maybe the in-law can help us to function better as a family.

So come live with us. For our own good.

We want Hatsuko to live with us, too.

She can help us out a lot, too.

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

Just come help Michiko out.

Please.

I'll start looking for a place to build a house.

Let me think it over.

- You still won't... - Hitoshi.

We just came today to ask you formally.

They're in there a long time...

I'm sure Mother is thinking it over.

What's there to think about?

Michiko was allowed to marry Hitoshi under the condition

that they all live with Mother.

But Michiko's attitude made that impossible.

Now Mother can have her way. Why would she refuse?

If they get a lot to build their new house,

I want Hitoshi's old house!

I'll ask him, but you have more influence with him than I do.

Yes, but...

That land was Mother's to begin with.

I have rights of inheritance,

so why can't I just have the house?

The house was built with money from this company!

You're part of the company too, so you deserve that house, too!

I shouldn't be the one to ask Hitoshi.

You're so pathetic!

This business wouldn't be a success without you.

Hitoshi couldn't have done it on his own.

So have more confidence!

- Hello. - Hello.

We haven't seen you in a while.

You two seem so well!

Are you here to see Mother, too?

I just brought something to my husband.

I'll be going now.

Be careful driving home.

- Bye. - Bye.

You're so nice to her for a change.

Words cost nothing.

Is it decided?

No...

What's the problem? I'll go talk to her.

No, don't! If you push it,

it'll seem as if you just want to take over my old house.

And Mother hates things like that.

Mother. The bath is ready.

We'll eat after you bathe.

Relax in the tub.

- Hatsuko... - Yes?

I guess maybe I should move in with Hitoshi...

Maybe this is my last chance.

Hitoshi and Michiko are begging me.

If I refuse them, they'll never ask me again.

I'd better decide now.

Why force yourself into it?

You're lonely here with just me?

No matter how much Michiko has changed,

you would still be living with a stranger.

I don't want to be put under their care.

I wouldn't take you there with me anyway.

Michiko would work you to death!

I can't have you slaving forever.

If I move in with Hitoshi, he'd have to take care of me.

This is your chance to be independent.

Open your very own store!

I've been holding you back.

You'll be old in no time.

With me gone, you'll be free!

You want to move in with them just to set me free?

I'm old...

It's time I moved in with my son and his family.

I don't want my own store.

If you're going to move in with Hitoshi, I'm coming with you.

I'll always be with you.

What if something should happen to me?

You'd be miserable there.

Hitoshi and Michiko will use you,

but they'll never look after you properly.

I know that.

People change with marriage.

One should know that.

I worry about how you'll live after I die.

That's why i just can't die yet!

Don't talk about the future...

I'll manage somehow.

I'm not as weak as you think.

Some things I just can't allow!

I want to see you well and independent before I die.

It's time now.

Mother...

Please put my mind at ease.

I can't face Yuu until then.

- Where's Takeshi? - He has gone to bed.

He's so much better now.

I'll make you something to eat right away.

I guess he's getting a new start.

I got us a lot in the suburbs today.

The air is good out there. There's a commute to school,

but the trains run on a regular schedule.

Mother is happy, too.

I see.

Is it true you're looking to buy a bar?

You're going to let one of your women run it?

Oh, come on! That's Hatsuko's shop.

Hatsuko's? Why?

Mother wants her to be independent.

She won't be living with us?

She's not our housekeeper!

Who will look after Mother then?

She's still quite healthy.

She doesn't need Hatsuko to care for her.

Hello.

Welcome back.

I thought about it, and decided to open a yarn shop.

A yarn shop?

I like to knit, and I can also sell a lot of supplies for handicrafts.

I'll hold classes there, too.

Can you make money doing that?

Oshin was pleased with Hatsuko's choice.

Who knows what the future will bring...

Nozomi is going his own way. Now Hatsuko will go her own way.

Oshin was seeing her family change, and a lot was crossing her mind.

Episode 282

Oshin decided to move in with Hitoshi and Michiko.

She was 68,

and she had wanted Hatsuko an independent life.

She didn't want Hatsuko having to be placed

under the care of her adoptive brother.

Oshin wanted her to guarantee her own future

while she was still healthy.

The owner had big debts, so he had to sell.

We sure don't want any trouble later.

Don't worry. I've checked it all out.

Thank you for finding this place for me.

This is a good location.

Maybe too good for a small yarn shop.

This is a residential area,

so nobody would open up a pub here.

No. Office workers like to stop for a drink or two before they go home.

It's much better to run a store catering to housewives.

All the other shops around here are like that.

That's right.

We have our supermarket in front of the station.

I think people would stop by after shopping there.

What do you think, Hatsuko?

I want a cute little shop.

Not just selling yarn, but also handicraft items.

This would be an ideal location.

You could open up the whole bottom floor for your shop.

You can live upstairs.

There's plenty of room. I could even hold classes here.

But the price seems a bit high.

Maybe we should find a cheaper location.

Don't worry about it.

It's all right as long as you like it.

I want a place near Hitoshi's new house,

then I could come and look in on you.

There you go again!

I'll have the grandchildren and Michiko there with me.

Besides, Michiko wouldn't want you coming over all the time anyway.

It would just cause us all more trouble.

Just concentrate on your business.

Become self-reliant as soon as possible.

That's the reason for your own shop.

Have you decided on this place?

Thank you, Hitoshi.

He's gone out of his way to help me.

You're a Tanokura, too!

You have a right to a share of our assets.

You've worked for the good of the family ever since you were nine.

And we all recognize that!

You deserve a shop or two. You've earned it.

Just act big about it.

If we buy it and just sign it over to Hatsuko,

there will be big taxes to pay.

So we decided to borrow the money from a bank under your name.

Of course, we'll handle the loan repayments,

so just leave it to me.

No. I'll pay back the loan once my business gets underway.

I'll make enough money to pay it back.

That's the spirit!

Having loans to repay would be an incentive.

Don't worry.

You'll always have me and Mother to count on for help.

Even a yarn shop costs a lot to run.

First, there's the land, the store itself,

and the interior plus buying the inventory.

A bank loan wouldn't be enough!

I know! We'll provide the rest of the money.

Please figure out a way for us to provide the money.

We can't use the company money

on a store that's not going to be making that much money.

- May I come in? - Yes.

This is all the money I have. Will it help?

I've been saving up my salary over the years.

Now I can put it to good use.

There's a lot here!

I've been getting paid for 10 years now.

Don't spend it. Keep it for an emergency.

It's going to be my own shop.

It's only natural that I put up some money.

That would be a big help.

Our company is feeling a pinch now.

I, as the head of the Tanokura family, want to help you.

It's our responsibility to do so.

This money is yours. You have earned it.

Just hold onto your money to use later.

I know the company needs money...

Business is like that.

Paying out small money for your store isn't going to break us.

Don't worry.

Thank you.

One day, you might need this money.

Nozomi, Tei and I have watched you work so hard

for the Tanokura family.

But there are new people who don't know how much you've contributed.

And one day, we might not be here to help you.

So save the money until such a day.

This reminds me of a children's clothing store

that your father and I started in Tokyo many years ago.

It sure looks great!

I caused Hitoshi a lot of trouble...

Never mind that!

Do it the way you want so you won't have any regrets.

But the carpenter was complaining about

how picky you were with your specifications.

I'm going to be here for the rest of my life.

I want it done right.

Now all you need is merchandise.

I'll open up after you build your house and Mother moves in with you.

I want to spend time with her until then.

I don't know if I'll ever get to live with her again...

She's not going away to a foreign country!

Just visit us anytime, and sleep over if you like.

Mother can come and stay here, too.

No. Once I settle in with you,

I can't be just going anywhere anytime I want.

But you'd be coming here to visit your own daughter.

Who's going to complain?

Just think of how Michiko would feel

if I came and stayed with my daughter all the time.

I think she'd like it if you were gone from time to time.

I suppose so... An in-law is an in-law.

But she'd think that I liked Hatsuko more than her.

She couldn't think that!

Once I move in with you, that will be my home.

You and Michiko can take good care of me.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to Michiko.

Don't talk like that. You're the matriarch.

You don't have to mind Michiko at all.

I don't know how it will turn out,

but you both asked me to move in, and I agreed.

I consider it my duty to do my best to promote harmony.

You don't have to sleep over, but do visit me.

I don't want to bother Michiko by going over to visit you too often.

This is silly! What's the big deal?

Men wouldn't understand.

One has to be considerate in these matters.

Shall we go?

- Or will you be staying? - I'll do more work,

and be home in time to prepare dinner.

I looked all over for this place.

I thought I'd come and look the place over.

I had a delivery to make near here.

- Where is Kei? - I left him at home.

He has new friends now,

and he has more fun playing over at their homes.

He won't come with me even if I asked him to.

He is growing up.

Thanks to you all, everything is fine.

I guess people worry more than they need to.

One grows up strong if one is left alone.

Thanks for coming.

This is quite a nice shop!

Shall I order some soba noodles for us all?

- Never mind me. - But since we're all here!

Sounds good. It'll give us a chance to talk.

I'll make the order.

Hatsuko is so happy for all that you've done for her.

He did everything! And I'm grateful.

I'm sure Michiko and Tatsunori are giving Hitoshi a hard time about it.

It's money that you and I earned.

I won't let anyone say a word! We all owe Hatsuko a lot.

You didn't say anything about it, and I didn't ask, but I knew.

Nozomi probably guessed, too.

When Hatsuko left home right after the war,

and she'd send us money every month...

We didn't know where she was, but we'd get money from her.

I knew how she got the money.

I knew what she had to do...

Hitoshi.

- ...to earn that money. - Don't say it!

Don't ever mention it out of respect for Hatsuko.

I'll never tell anyone, but we should never forget.

Hatsuko did it all for us...

She sold her soul for us.

When I think about that,

I feel that there can never be enough that I can do for her.

She can't buy back her youth. Money is useless for that.

That's why I want to make it up to her.

Hitoshi.

But, nobody knows how I feel.

I can't tell Michiko, Tei or Tatsunori about it.

It's hard on me.

But I won't allow anyone to complain.

If we don't protect Hatsuko, who will?

We're the only ones who know how much pain Hatsuko has gone through.

I also feel strongly that we have to look after Hatsuko.

I couldn't marry her, but I consider her precious.

She's like a spiritual mother and my precious sister.

I'll do all I can do to help her, too.

Let's all make sure we protect her!

It's the least we can do to repay her kindness.

Now I feel better...

You both knew, and you're both willing to protect Hatsuko...

The soba noodles will be here soon.

It's so nice that we can all eat together!

Episode 283

Towards the end of 1968,

Oshin moved into her son,

Hitoshi's new house to live there with his family.

Hatsuko did not come with her,

she had a store in town, and was starting to live on her own.

They stuck you back here in this wing?

You won't have any family contact with Hitoshi's family like this!

I prefer to be here alone, and not be bothered.

I can do what I want here.

Then why live together?

Yes. I feel safer being here with his family.

I know enough not to interfere with what goes on here,

so I'll go out to work,

and I'll stay out of everyone's way.

That's what I've decided.

It would have been best if you came to live with us.

I'd been meaning to ask you...

They say living with one's own daughter is best,

but there would never be an end to all the arguments.

Things one can tolerate in one's daughter-in-law,

one can't tolerate in one's own daughter.

And we would end up fighting.

You'd have to be so careful with minding your own daughter,

but not so with in-laws.

Whether a son or daughter,

there's no difference once they get married.

I guess you can't help living here,

but let me know if you have any trouble here.

I have ideas of my own!

- Tei... - Mother!

Yes...

Are you all settled in?

Sort of.

I wanted to help you,

but with Tei here, I didn't want to be in the way.

What's this?

Don't touch Grandma's things!

And I've told you both.

Don't enter Grandma's room without permission.

- Okay. - It's all right.

I've told them, but please do scold them if they disobey.

By the way, the bath is ready.

We have a few more things to put away.

Please have the kids bathe first.

No. You're to bathe first in this house.

That way, the kids will know that you're the most important person here.

And since we have small children, we eat at 6:30.

- Is that all right with you? - That's fine.

Please enjoy your bath.

She's forcing you into their own schedule.

In a large family, one shouldn't want to get one's own way.

Michiko, too. The poor thing.

She has to make me look good in front of the kids, too.

She didn't come here because I was here?

She never had any intention of helping!

You shouldn't come here

if you're going to find faults with Michiko.

If I don't watch over you,

who knows how you might get treated!

Never mind. Just go home!

Michiko is using you!

She didn't want to live with you. She just wanted a bigger house!

If you had moved in with us,

we could've had a big house built, too.

Whatever the reason,

Michiko has come around to accepting

her mother-in-law into her own home.

I'm very grateful for that.

No wife wants to live with her mother-in-law.

I know that,

and that's why I've decided not to say anything to Michiko at all.

An older person shouldn't disturb anybody's home.

And if that older person can't adjust,

she should just move out and live by herself.

I'm going to take by bath now.

Can you do it?

- I'm home. - Welcome home, Father!

You're home early.

I wanted to join my mother for dinner.

I have to go back out afterwards.

You didn't have to go out of your way.

This is our first dinner together in this new house.

Hamburger steak? Mother doesn't like meat.

Don't worry. I have fish for her.

I don't mind eating meat.

Please don't go out of your way for me.

Michiko is just trying to be thoughtful.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

- Shall we eat? - Let's eat.

If you knit it yourself,

you'll save two-thirds off the market price.

And your kids will appreciate it more, too.

Yes. Sweaters are so expensive, and kids outgrow them so fast!

If I knit them myself,

I could always take them apart and make it larger.

We hold special free classes here, too.

I'll stop by tomorrow.

- Thank you. - Please come again.

Did I chase her out?

No, she was just leaving anyway.

How are things?

You left so soon after coming by with your New Year's greeting.

I'm sorry. I had to knit all these samples.

When did you learn how to knit? You are good!

I've always liked it,

and I'm grateful for the chance to have my own store.

That's good.

I have a lot of customers now,

and we held our first knitting class here.

There were so many people they didn't fit upstairs.

People appreciate handmade things.

Our next class will deal with handicrafts made with yarn.

You seem to have regained your youth!

Maybe because I deal with young people now.

But we have older ladies come, too.

As a hobby for old age.

One of them knitted three shawls.

One for each of her daughters-in-law.

I'm doing fairly well financially, too.

I've been worried about you.

I'm not able to go to see you at the store much.

I'm busy, too. With employees training.

Hitoshi brings me meat and fish sometimes,

so I keep up on the news about you.

Hitoshi does that?

He's very sweet. I'm very grateful to him.

I hear you and Michiko are getting along.

I'm glad.

I have my complaints, but I say nothing.

She does her best to make me feel welcome.

So this is where you were.

Tora from Yamagata is here.

- Tora is here? - Yeah.

She's acting strangely. Shall we send her away?

You're so lucky...

You have your own business,

and you get to live here all by yourself.

Your son's wife seems to defer to you, too.

Compared to you,

why do I have to suffer like this...?

My son's wife drove me out of the house!

Tora...

She's like an ogre, but I have nowhere else to go.

I only have you to count on!

My brother is wealthy now, so you're not hurting financially.

Money isn't everything. It's the heart that counts.

Money can also make people unhappy.

Our son wants to sell off our farm property to start his own business.

When my husband said no,

our son's wife threatened to divorce him if we didn't cooperate.

Then my son took his wife's side,

and threatened to leave the house, too.

I couldn't take it anymore...

That's not like you at all.

I hate to say this, but...

Your mother was very selfish, too.

She was always favoring you!

She always lectured us on the fact

that it was you who built us a new house.

That was so hard on me...

Oshin was like a God to her,

and she treated me as if I were some kind of animal...

I did my best to persevere,

but my son's wife proved too much for me.

Whenever I complained,

she'd get back at me a hundred-fold!

And I worked so hard to please my own mother-in-law!

I did my best. I had to bear it all...

That just serves her right!

That's what she gets for being mean to her own mother-in-law.

Can we let her stay here for a while?

Why? You dislike her with a passion!

I realize now that she had it rough, too.

I'm grateful that my mother always stuck up for me,

but Tora resented that.

I never realized that until now.

I feel badly for Michiko,

but won't you let her stay for just a few days?

You're being too nice!

I feel sorry for her now.

Especially since I'm so happy now.

Oshin pitied Tora...

After all, they had both lived through the most difficult of times.

Episode 284

Shortly after Oshin moved in to live with her son,

Hitoshi and his family,

she had a most unexpected visit from her sister-in-law, Tora.

She was having problems with her daughter-in-law.

Oshin came to feel the passage of time

by listening to Tora's complaints about being mistreated.

How long is your aunt going to be with us?

I have no idea...

She came seeking help from Mother, so she can't just turn her away.

Poor Mother...

She hasn't even gone to work for a whole week.

She's so busy caring for her.

She has her own ideas, I'm sure.

I'm sure they're trading complaints about their daughters-in-law.

Thank you for the meal.

That was so good... I'm so grateful.

Young people today live in luxury!

All Michiko does is keep house.

She has hired help, too. You should speak to her.

I'm not paying for the help.

I just let Hitoshi and Michiko do as they please.

I'm surprised you don't say anything.

She's just getting more big-headed each day!

When we were young,

wives had to go work in the fields with their babies.

We didn't even get enough to eat.

Compared to that, the young wives these days live in paradise.

Times have changed.

It's all because we are too easy on them.

I worked hard to get my family where it is.

I'm not going to let some stranger just come in and take over.

I'm not like you.

I won't let people push me around like that!

You worked hard,

so I can understand your resentment.

I haven't done anything wrong.

Why do I have to be put through this?

You can stay here as long as you like.

There aren't many people

with whom I can trade stories from the old days.

I like having you here.

Uncle is here from Yamagata.

Shoji!

You...

We're all so worried about you!

I came as soon as I got Oshin's letter.

You came to take me home?

No matter how generous Oshin is, you can't just stay here.

I don't want to go home... I'll be treated badly.

- Thank you. - Please come again.

Hitoshi!

Working hard as usual?

Come on in.

We have so many people who want to take our classes,

so we have to hold separate meetings to cater to everybody.

I owe it to you for posting notices at all your stores.

As you know, I'll do anything for you.

Tanokura Supermarket can be a sponsor for a contest if you like.

I'll provide the space and the prizes, too.

It'd be good for our image.

That's great! I'd like to do that this fall.

I got you some good dried fish and some meat, too.

Thank you. I really appreciate it.

How's Mother? Is Tora still there?

Yeah.

Uncle came from Yamagata to take her home,

but I don't know if she'll go.

Remember right after the war? When we didn't have a place to live

and Mother went to Yamagata to ask them for a loan?

And they refused her!

I haven't forgotten... I felt so sorry for Mother.

She was heartbroken.

That's when I realized how miserable life is without money,

and that's why I work so hard.

Mother seems to have forgotten all that.

She hasn't forgotten. She remembers.

That's why she's being so nice to Tora now.

Please enjoy.

Please don't go out of your way.

I know we're both imposing on your kindness.

You've come a long way, and I can't offer you much.

Michiko. Thank you.

Enjoy your stay.

But, Oshin...

Have a drink. There's no need to feel badly.

Here you go, Tora.

You're being so good to us.

I know I wasn't able to help you when you needed it.

After the war,

I knew you were having a very hard time, but I refused to help you.

You must resent me.

You needed money, too.

But I knew...

I knew that the cedar trees I cut and sold were planted by you!

You sent us money from Tokyo, so that we could build a new house.

But I wasn't any help to you at all...

What I did for you wasn't much at all.

You both worked hard all your lives to protect our house and fields.

You had it a lot harder than me.

I didn't realize that back then.

I was only thinking about myself.

And I was so angry at both of you

for not taking better care of Mother.

But now I can understand why Tora wasn't any nicer to Mother.

You were everything to Mother, so she was always mean to Tora.

I felt sorry for Tora,

and when I'd stick up for her, she would get angry.

Things were never very good between us.

Mother was good to me.

That's why I tried to protect her, and fought with you two.

But from your point of view,

Mother was always favoring me over you.

Tora was tough too, so she'd try to get back at Mother.

And poverty made everything worse.

Now our children are betraying us after all we went through...

I'm beyond tears!

I had my share of problems with my mother-in-law.

I'm sure you did, too.

But brides today are different. We can't do the same to them.

Then I have to keep quiet and say nothing no matter what happens?

Enough!

We started off as poor sharecroppers,

and when we finally got our own land,

our children take it away from us.

You gave up our land?

Our son is mortgaging it to start a business.

But, Shoji...!

He insisted on leaving the house, too.

Now it will just be you and me again.

But that's all right.

We'll just work hard to repay the mortgage,

otherwise we'll lose it all.

Without our fields, we would starve.

What did I do to deserve this?

I was never mean to our son's wife?

Why is she doing this to us?!

I have had it even worse in my time.

Compared to me, she's had it easy!

Now I'm the villain?

I worked hard for my children, so that we could all live together.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- I'm back. - Welcome back.

Did you see your brother and his wife off?

I showed them around first.

They left safely?

They were so happy that you and Michiko took such good care of them.

I felt so sorry for them...

When they get back to Yamagata,

they'll be on their own at their age, too.

With a mother-in-law like that,

I can't blame the wife for wanting to live apart from her.

Tora has no idea that she's being mean.

She and I have lived through tougher times,

so sometimes we don't like the way our daughters-in-law are.

Nowadays, we all have electrical appliances

and other consumer goods. We have more money, too.

Nobody can live like the old days anymore.

Our sense of values have all changed, too.

It's a strange world we live in now...

I feel sorry for my brother and Tora.

What will become of their house in Yamagata?

My old home might disappear one day...

Your home is right here!

Father and Yuu are both resting here, too.

Hello, Nozomi!

It's been a while.

Has something happened?

I'm bringing works into the store today.

Are you having an exhibit or something here?

You haven't told her?

Mother isn't involved with the store much anymore.

We're opening up a gallery for Nozomi's pottery in our third store.

I told him my works won't sell,

but Hitoshi has convinced me to do it.

It's my job to sell it!

We do more than just sell a lot of low-priced items here.

I want people to know that we sell art, too!

Nozomi can better our store's image through his works.

And if things sell, Nozomi will benefit, too.

Will they sell?

Just leave that to me!

Society is affluent now.

People look at art and other luxuries.

All I have to do is make the prices high,

then they will think it's really good art.

I want you to be successful.

And Tanokura Supermarket will help you achieve it.

Hatsuko, too.

I'll build her up into being a big master of handicrafts.

It's easy for Tanokura Supermarket to do it.

Episode 285

In 1968, the Tanokura Supermarket added a sixth store to their chain.

And Hitoshi was very happy that he built a new larger house

into which Oshin, too, had moved in.

Oshin was concerned about Hitoshi overextending himself.

But business went well for him, and by 1982,

Hitoshi had expanded the number of his chain to 16 supermarkets.

And Oshin was 81 years old.

Whenever the family gathers, Michiko is always the busiest one!

Come and sit down. Let Fumi handle the rest.

Sorry I'm late.

Happy birthday!

I'm so glad you're doing so well.

Am I?

- This is for you. - Thank you.

Please come sit over here. Mother was waiting for you.

Thank you for taking such good care of Mother.

Please don't mention it.

We make you do all the hard work.

I don't do much.

Mother is able to do everything for herself.

There isn't much I can do for her at all.

What took you so long?

I kept getting customers.

Hatsuko is always so busy!

Midori's friend's mother wants to get a hand-knit sweater made by you.

She says there's a long waiting list.

Really? I can't mass produce them,

so I try not to take too many orders.

You're that busy?

Hatsuko's sweaters are well designed,

easy to wear, and last a long time!

They're very expensive, too!

Nozomi's pottery costs a lot, too!

You're both great craftsmen.

Nozomi and I both owe it to Mother and Hitoshi

that we were able to become independent.

If we hadn't, we would've continued being a burden on the family.

I could never run a supermarket.

You're both doing what you enjoy the most.

How is the heir doing?

How is Akane and Midori?

They've gone camping.

My kids are with them, too. The kids never stay home!

It's rough when you're parents, right?

Takeshi had his fun before he got married, too.

What about you, Kei?

Are you staying home to help your father?

For the summer at least.

He's paying big tuition for me to go to college in Tokyo!

He's a terrible son. He always gets in the way.

Oh, sure! You wanted me home to visit my mother's grave.

Why not? She loved you very much.

Kei is already 20.

He has to be thinking about his future.

He's not planning to be a potter like me.

He's been watching his father work from childhood.

I have my hopes on you.

The Tanokura business needs a college-educated economist.

I want you and Takeshi to take over from me.

Please don't forget that I have two sons working for Tanokura, too.

Keep bringing the food.

Now that everyone is here, let's have another toast.

- Ready? - Yes.

To our great mother.

Never mind the great.

Nozomi and I owe our welfare to you.

And Hatsuko, too.

We grew up watching you work so hard.

So you are great.

- Happy birthday! - Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday dear Oshin.

Happy birthday to you.

Thank you very much.

Let's toast,

so that we'll continue celebrating her birthday for years to come.

Cheers!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

People live to be 100 nowadays.

So hang in there!

We want her to live a long time for us.

I'm a lucky woman.

I did my best to keep my four children from starving and I worked hard.

And now that the family business has grown so much,

I can die any time with no regrets.

And I'll be able to face your father and Yuu in the afterlife.

With no regrets at all!

We're just getting started!

And we have a present from all of us.

I'd like to announce the plan to open our 17th store.

Another one?

Yes. This next one will be our biggest yet!

Hitoshi...

Four stories high, built of concrete and steel.

It'll be like a department store.

I'd been wanting this. To show you while you're still with us.

We've been looking for the right property,

and we finally found it.

We rushed to finalize the purchase for your birthday.

We'd like to open it by next spring.

Hitoshi always talked about running a big department store,

and now it's a reality!

It must cost a lot...

I plan to pour everything I have into this store.

What if it doesn't go well?

We're building it at this new location

after conducting long studies, so don't worry.

Where is this location?

We forgot the most important part!

Here it is.

It's marked in red.

It's a fast-growing suburb in Nagoya.

The land prices are too high in Nagoya proper.

I've had my eye on the place for a few years.

Do the merchants of the area know that you're planning to open up there?

The people who sold us the property know,

but I have told them to keep it quiet.

If this plan becomes known, they will protest.

We'd be cutting into their business.

I'm well aware of that!

We've come this far,

and we can't be that afraid of a little protest.

We'll do as usual and offer them incentives.

It will cost us, but they won't protest.

Wasn't there a big food store near the station?

That store represents our competition!

And they're in a prime location.

We negotiated to buy them out, but they refused us outright!

They say it's been in the family for generations.

Namiki said that?

Yes. The owner of the Namiki Food Store.

He's an old codger!

We would run them right out of business!

Find another location for your 17th store!

I'm against this plan of yours.

But, Mother...

I won't allow it!

Why talk about business on her birthday?

Takeshi. Get the karaoke ready!

Never mind that!

I've never opposed you before,

but this time, I'll have you listen to me!

You can't order me around.

I'm the president now. You're the vice-president.

I'm opposing this plan as your mother!

For what reason?

Just do as I say!

Tatsunori. Make sure you do as I say!

Mother...

Hitoshi and Tatsunori were shocked.

They must think that you have gone crazy.

Were they talking about Namiki Kota?

So that's it...

I knew right away.

Mother told me about Mr. Namiki

when I got my loan from him to open my studio.

Mother told me she owes him a debt of gratitude.

Why is Hitoshi planning to build near him?

He didn't know.

Every time we opened a new store,

we got protests from the local shopping area.

But business is dog-eat-dog.

After all, we live in a free market economy now.

But this time, that logic won't work.

This just can't be allowed to go through.

I understand you very well, but...

Mother... Tell Hitoshi exactly how you feel.

You always tried to keep from talking about Mr. Namiki

because you didn't want us to think there was anything between you two,

but we understood. I'm sure Hitoshi will, too.

Why did you get so upset?

Hitoshi...

The reason I opposed your idea was...

I don't need to hear your reasons!

Listen, Hitoshi...

There's no use talking.

We worked really hard to purchase that property.

Now all we have to do is build.

The plans and blueprints have all been made.

We can't scrap it all now!

Hitoshi.

I'm going out.

- Michiko. - Yes?

I'll be out late.

Take care.

Oshin had no chance to explain to Hitoshi,

but she fully intended to do right by Kota.

Episode 286

In 1982, Oshin celebrated her 81st birthday.

It was planned as a peaceful family gathering.

However, there was shocking news from her son, Hitoshi.

Did you talk to him?

No.

I had no chance to talk to him before he went out with Tatsunori.

He told me he didn't want to hear my reasons for objecting to his plans.

He says he'll just go ahead with his plans anyway.

I figured as much...

He worked hard in buying that location,

and plans are already in place to build.

And he's ready to pour his finances into this project.

Grandma.

Why did you get angry at your own birthday party?

Michiko is upset now, too.

I have things to discuss with your grandma.

You can go home if you like.

I'm concerned, too. I don't know what's going on.

It doesn't concern you!

I'm not a kid anymore.

I'm concerned for my grandmother,

just as you and Hatsuko are.

Kei!

All right. I'm leaving.

Don't get too angry, or your blood pressure will go up.

Let Hitoshi handle the business. Just retire.

I'll visit again.

It's as Kei says. Forget about the business.

At your age, you're allowed to.

I'm not obstinate about other matters.

Hitoshi is the president and I could retire.

I don't have to be in the forefront anymore.

I was willing to just watch Hitoshi run the show.

But I can't let him cause Kota any trouble!

Hitoshi didn't know he was going to be butting heads with your old friend.

She sure is a problem!

Your father was all set to start building,

and now, all of a sudden she objects.

No wonder your father and Tatsunori are upset.

What's Grandma thinking about anyway?

She's over 80 now. I wish she'd just keep quiet.

I'm sure Father and Tatsunori will go ahead with the plans anyway,

but they won't feel good doing it.

That's right.

Think of how I feel...

Living with her under the same roof all these years!

It's been more than 20 years now...

It's because she's here

that you can't move in here with your own family.

Akane and Midori are still here.

Once they get married, I will move back in.

Those girls only think about themselves.

And your father thinks only about work.

I'm all alone here...

Welcome home. Are you all right?

Where were you until this late?

Mother, you didn't have to wait up for him.

I need to talk to Hitoshi in my room.

Please talk tomorrow. It's late, and he's too drunk.

He'll be busy tomorrow,

and my son can still understand what I'm saying.

Come, I'll make tea.

Please. He's too tired!

Michiko. You go on to bed.

Let's go.

What is it?

I told you that my mind's already made up about the new store.

No matter what the reason, I can't stop the project now.

I've put too much money into it!

And our business has been feeling the effects of the recent recession.

We need a big project just to keep ahead of the game!

This new store is a big gamble for us.

If it doesn't happen,

who knows what's to become of our family business.

Hitoshi...

If we don't build there, someone else will!

It's too good a location.

Then sell it. That way, you won't be in debt.

Oh, come on! Give it up to a stranger?

What's the difference if we build, or if someone else builds there?

That's true, and I don't care about other businesses.

There's a reason why we can't build there.

Mother...!

There's a big food store there. The Namiki Store.

We Tanokura owe Mr. Namiki a big debt of gratitude.

His son runs their family business now,

but his father, Kota has helped me a lot.

I've known him since I was 16.

When I was working in Tokyo,

and even after I got married, he always helped me out.

He was always there when I needed his help.

I was able to start that small store after the war

because of Mr. Namiki.

We owe our existence to what he's done for us.

I guess I've heard his name before...

I remember asking you about him once,

but you wouldn't talk about him.

I guess you two shared a special relationship that you can't tell me about.

You were still young,

and I didn't think you'd be able to understand.

I'm sure you realize now

that I'm not a woman of loose morals, don't you?

I've held him dear to me for more than 60 years.

Ever since I was 16. I can't betray him.

When I first went to the Namikis to negotiate,

I knew I'd heard that name before...

I had no idea you two were like that.

You did some mean things in business in order to get us where we are.

My heart ached each time...

But I knew you had to do these things

in order to survive the competition.

And that's why I closed my eyes to what you did.

I even helped you in many instances.

- But not this time! - Mother...

Kota was very nice to Yuu, too.

Yuu and I were spared from killing ourselves

because of Kota's love for us.

We can't go against him now.

That has nothing to do with business.

If you build your big supermarket there,

The Namiki Store will surely fail!

It's dog-eat-dog!

If we don't get him, he will get us!

They can try and match us if they want to.

We have to separate business from matters of the heart,

- or we'll all fail! - Hitoshi!

That's just how I am.

And that's how I've gotten successful.

I don't plan on changing my ways now.

You can't run a business on emotions!

Even if I beg you?

At your age, love and passion don't matter.

So what's the use of sticking up for your lover?

Ouch...

You can say anything to me,

but don't say any of this to Michiko.

You'll just embarrass yourself.

What did Mother want to talk to you about?

Just some nonsense.

Is she still objecting to the new store?

I'm hungry. I'll have some tea and rice.

You're always changing the subject like that.

You never tell me anything!

- Hitoshi... - Enough!

Put the furniture next to the sundries.

We have to think about the second floor.

Good morning!

- Good morning. - Good morning.

We're scheduled to announce our new store and our plans.

Shall we go ahead with it?

Yeah.

Vice President is still against the idea?

Never mind.

Mr. Adachi from the newspaper is here.

He's been hounding me for news.

Get us more reporters here.

We might as well make this a big announcement.

Tonight, invite them all out for drinks.

All right.

The news about our new store is in all the newspapers!

The local papers are carrying it big!

I guess your mother won't be able to object now.

Aren't you glad?

She knew apologies wouldn't help now,

but she wanted him to know how she felt.

Kota was the only one she could talk to now.

Episode 287

Welcome.

I have papayas and mangoes for you.

Thank you. You're always so good to me.

Come in.

I read about your new store in the paper.

There's a write-up in the business section.

The Tanokura have come a long way!

I guess it's big news when somebody opens up the 17th store of a big chain.

I bragged to them about how big this new store is going to be.

It's the age of public relations,

so I have to make use of the mass media.

I guess Mother has given up opposing you.

That's why I'm here. Has Mother come by?

No.

Has something happened?

She left this morning before breakfast.

I don't usually worry,

but I know she's read the morning paper.

So she's still against your idea?

She keeps saying she owes Namiki a debt of gratitude.

She told you about him?

It's too late for that now!

I know, but... To mother...

You knew about him?

He was Nozomi's natural mother's lover once.

Mother wasn't in love with him?

I don't really know...

Mr. Namiki is the one

who lent Nozomi the money to open up his own studio.

He came to the opening ceremony, too.

He acted very nostalgic towards Nozomi.

Mother seemed to depend on him a lot, too.

I'm sure there's a lot between them.

She's never told me anything.

I'm sure she never expected all this to happen.

Yes, but the plan is in motion already!

It's just bad luck...

I always thought it would please her if I expanded the family business.

That's why I've hung in there all this time.

But now I'm just an unfilial son...

I'm already retired.

My son runs the family business now.

It's my son who's going to be opposing the building

of your new store. Not me.

I'm sure it's the same for you.

It's all your son, Hitoshi's idea.

There's no reason for you to apologize to me.

I think I've raised my son wrong.

You said that the last time, too.

They say children grow up watching their parents.

It's because all I ever thought about

was expanding the family business.

So I can't blame Hitoshi for wanting the same thing,

and to pursue it at all costs.

It's too late to realize all this now, but...

It's me who's to blame for the way he is.

It's nobody's fault. The war is to blame.

The war stripped Japan of everything.

People's heart and soul, too.

The misery changed everybody.

People worked desperately

to crawl out of the hole they found themselves in.

Since the misery was so great, people's hopes were high, too.

It wasn't just you.

We all worked for material wealth.

Nobody can be blamed.

Now material things are all around us.

Only few people now remember the poverty.

Many things were forgotten in the rush of time.

But it was the only way Japan could recover.

People lived desperately. Carried by the tides of time.

That's so true.

If we'd just done nothing, we would've all starved.

Come to think of it,

it all started with our want of money,

then we became greedy.

That's how Japan developed economically so quickly.

My grandchildren know nothing of poverty.

They take their current affluence for granted.

It's very scary...

My grandchildren are the same way.

So if your new store threatens our livelihood,

it would teach them all a good lesson.

- Kota... - And that's all right.

People need to be at the very bottom of things

in order to see life in perspective.

People who are used to luxuries are unfortunate.

Please stay and relax today.

Who knows how much longer I can live in such luxurious surroundings.

If the Namiki business feels the pinch,

I'm sure they'll sell this house from under me.

I have a very good cook here now.

We'll have her make us vegetarian dishes.

You have a guest?

Oh, it's you.

This is my son, Muneo.

This is Tanokura Oshin.

It's nice to meet you.

Your father has always been very good to me.

How do you do?

What brings you here today?

I'd better be going...

No. Stay for lunch.

I must be going.

Please stay well.

Please come again.

What was she doing here?

She's an old friend, so don't say anything.

Did you read the morning paper?

When they came to buy out our store, I refused,

and I thought they'd given up.

If they build a supermarket near us, we're finished!

Shall I make you tea?

Father!

I ordered soba noodles from your favorite shop.

Where were you? You didn't even have breakfast!

Everyone was worried about you. Hitoshi came looking for you.

I think I've lived too long...

Oh, come on.

You are lucky enough to be healthy. That's why you got to see us all prosper.

This new store is Hitoshi's biggest project,

and you're very lucky to be able to see it open.

Nobody really under- stands how I feel.

It might seem to you

like we've repaid his kindness with ingratitude,

but the Namikis won't go broke just because we opened up another store.

This society is based on competition.

I'm sure Mr. Namiki understands

that business goes beyond emotions or obligations.

Mr. Namiki understands. He consoled me.

You were at his house?

I guess business is a harsh environment...

But I don't like people accepting that fact.

How Hitoshi seems to have lost his kindness...

If he weren't that way,

the Tanokura business would have been gone long ago!

You've seen many other supermarkets fold up.

We were able to overcome difficulties because of Hitoshi.

Never mind!

Business is all people care about!

Mother!

Oshin never said another word about the new store,

and she let Hitoshi carry on.

Now it was March of 1983,

and the 17th store in the Tanokura chain

was ready for its grand opening.

Grandma.

Kei! What are you doing here?

I'm on spring break. I got back last night.

And I rushed over to see you.

I guess colleges let out early nowadays.

And they charge so much for tuition, too.

There you go again!

But I'm relieved.

My father is worried about you being depressed.

That's why I came by.

But your color is good, and your tongue is still sharp.

I guess we troublemakers should just die out,

but I guess they don't want me up there yet.

Don't talk like that!

I'm glad though. You'll be at the grand opening.

This new store is as big as a department store.

Hitoshi is good.

How's your father?

He's busy preparing for an April exhibit.

That's why he's not visiting you more often.

Being busy is good.

Yes.

I understand.

There's a call for you from the outside.

Hello.

Kota!

Please excuse me for my last visit.

I need to talk to you right away.

I'm near your house now. Can you come out and meet me?

- I'll come with you. - Never mind!

Oshin felt a bad premonition

from the sound of urgency in Kota's voice.

But she had no idea how precarious

the Tanokura family business was at that moment.

Episode 288

Thank you for coming out to see me.

I should've invited you over to my house,

but there are too many prying eyes there.

Your grand opening is set for tomorrow.

I'm very sorry. I can't apologize enough.

I still feel strongly that we shouldn't have built that new store.

I told you the last time we met...

Our friendship exists apart from business.

Besides, our sons run things now.

Let them compete between themselves.

Yes, but...

So no matter what my son plans to do,

I don't intend to do anything about it. Please understand that.

Your son is planning to do something?

A big supermarket chain is looking to expand.

They're negotiating to buy our property and others nearby.

I see. Your store is in front of the station.

We tried to buy your property, too.

Since you refused our offer,

we had to settle for a lesser lot far from the train station.

I think my son has decided to sell to the chain.

The other merchants had joined my son

in protesting the building of the Tanokura store.

But now that your store is set to open,

they've agreed to sell their properties to the chain

and become tenants in their new buildings.

We can't have two large super- markets so close to one another.

It's silly, but my son is determined to do it.

The big chain thinks they will do well

because our property is so near the train station.

What about us?

If the big chain opens a store near the station...

Our situations will be reversed.

We couldn't compete against a big supermarket chain.

It just might turn out that you'll have to...

I can understand how your son feels.

Hitoshi doesn't know about this yet.

That's why I'm telling you now,

so you can act to prevent it from happening.

Thank you for your consideration.

I'm retired, so I can't help you much.

So am I. It doesn't do me much good to know.

But...

Hitoshi deserves it!

I'd asked him not to go through with the plans for this new store,

since I owe you a debt of gratitude.

He should've listened to me.

His greed has caused this to happen to him.

Maybe this will be good medicine for him.

You can't be so nonchalant about this, Oshin.

This could mean the end of the Tanokura family business.

You're probably right...

But that's all right.

Hitoshi and I started with nothing.

It's not such a bad idea to have to start all over from scratch again.

But, Oshin...

I'm used to poverty.

I hated poverty, and that's why I've worked hard.

But seeing my children and grand- children take luxuries for granted,

I feel like letting them experience what life at the bottom is like.

You said the same thing.

Once one becomes used to a life of luxury,

one loses touch with the reality of life.

There were times we were happy with a bowl of white rice,

or a single loaf of bread.

But we've all forgotten what that's like.

I want us all to remember that again.

This will be a good lesson for Hitoshi and my grandchildren.

Where were you anyway?

Did you have a fight with Michiko?

Not really.

Then why leave the house without a word?

No wonder Michiko is complaining.

She worried about you! Apologize to her.

You're such a troublemaker!

Welcome home.

Michiko called everywhere looking for you.

I'm sorry. I went for a walk.

I was afraid we'd displeased you.

I was just exercising my legs.

Where's Kei?

He left, but he says he will be back.

Look. Michiko and I have matching kimono!

It's for the grand opening ceremony tomorrow.

All the city officials and notables will be there.

The men are going with their wives, too.

That's why I spent so much on this kimono.

I know it's very extravagant, but Hitoshi says it's all right.

You'd better get your formal kimono out, too.

The ceremony is at 10 o'clock.

I'll give you a hand in getting dressed.

I can manage by myself.

You haven't seen the new store yet?

Why don't you go see it before the grand opening?

I get teary when I think about my late father.

I wish he could've seen it.

He was excited about supermarkets before there were any in Japan.

He was living his dream through Hitoshi.

After 30 years, the Tanokuras finally have a grand one!

Mother is the luckiest woman in the world

for having a wonderful son like Hitoshi.

He's made your dream come true.

Mother...

Akane is seeing someone.

- She has a sweetheart? - She's 22 this year.

I still think of her as a little girl.

My brother must be upset.

I haven't told Hitoshi yet.

He already has someone in mind for her,

and he won't let any other man come near her.

But Akane isn't one to listen to her parents.

What's this young man like?

Akane is bringing him by here today.

I'd like you to meet him.

I don't think he's a bad choice,

but I don't know what Hitoshi will say.

That's why I want you to meet him first,

then you can talk to Hitoshi for us.

If you approve of him, he'll accept him, too.

This is so sudden...

Mother, please.

I mean to talk to my husband after the store's grand opening,

but I need your help.

I'd like to wait till after the grand opening to meet this young man.

But he's coming today!

Why rush it? Let's just wait a while and see.

Mother...

Thanks to all of you!

The grand opening takes place tomorrow,

so let us celebrate a little early.

Where's my mother?

Without her here, the party isn't official.

I've already asked her to join you here.

Maybe she's not feeling well.

I sure hope not. Tomorrow is an important day!

What if she can't attend?

I'll go take a look.

No. I'll go.

Mother. I was just coming to get you.

Let's toast this early celebration.

Here.

We've finally done it.

I worked hard on this project for you.

I wanted you to be really happy about it.

I'll have you wear the biggest corsage

at the grand opening ceremony. After all, this is your store.

Let's toast!

- Congratulations! - Congratulations!

These guys here all worked the hardest at our latest project.

From the land purchase on down to the smallest detail.

They did well! Especially this one here.

He has a real future with us.

I'm even thinking of letting him take over the business for me.

I don't think you've ever met him before.

His name is Hirai, and he's a Kyoto University graduate.

Pleased to meet you.

Thank you all for your hard work. Please stay and enjoy your drinks.

Where are you going?

I have to get up early, so if you'll excuse me.

In that case, I'll see you tomorrow.

Mother.

What do you think of that Hirai?

I'd like to have him as Akane's adoptive husband.

Isn't he all right?

With him on board, the Tanokuras can't be beaten.

Early the next morning, without telling anyone,

Oshin left on a journey by herself.

Nobody had any idea of how Oshin was feeling,

or what she was thinking just then.

Translation: UTB Channel

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