Original subtitles

It's ready to serve.

Okay.

Here's your Ocean set.

Thank you, come again.

- I'll have a Mountain set. - Okay.

Mr. Wang, another Mountain set.

"Little Shanghai Restaurant"

"FLAVOR OF HAPPINESS"

"We Are Open"

See you tomorrow, Mr. Wang.

Of course, there are cultural differences.

You're right.

You idiots...

If you're done, get back to work.

Mr. Wang,

his wife caught him cheating

and kicked him out of the house.

Every time it happens,

she makes him buy expensive bags and jewellery.

What are you planning to buy this time, Mr. Ishida?

Come on, don't tease me.

This time, it's really bad...

Excuse me...

Excuse me...

I phoned you yesterday...

I'm Takako Yamashita,

from the food division at Hokuriku Department Store.

I'm sorry if I called at a bad time.

I'm not interested.

It'll just take a few minutes.

I assure you it'll be profitable.

You won't lose...

Welcome back.

Hi.

Yamashita.

Got a sec?

How's the Little Shanghai situation?

Unfortunately he won't hear me out.

Even though we're going by the book,

the stubborn old guy won't sign.

He's got regulars coming in from out of town.

Selling his food here could be good business.

I'm a fan, too.

Just get him to sign the papers.

Yes, sir.

It's Takako Yamashita, sorry I'm late.

Coming.

Noriko, your mom is here.

I'm coming.

Mom, you're late.

Sorry, sweetie. Let's go home.

Noriko, dinner's ready.

Okay.

So... Let's eat.

Hello.

Please don't come back.

I'll have an Ocean set, please.

And crab dumplings, too.

Here you are.

Thank you.

You guys. If you're done, get back to work!

A Mountain set.

An Ocean set, please.

A Mountain set, please.

Wang...

Your body's getting old and brittle.

Maybe it's time...

you hired an apprentice.

I don't need the trouble.

There won't be anybody to carry on your recipes.

It's a real shame...

What the heck did you say, pinhead?

What?

Never mind. Don't bring me bad luck.

Thank you. Here's your receipt.

Please take care.

Thank you very much.

Make sure she's warm and gets lots of rest.

Excuse me...

Hello.

What a surprise.

Do you often come here?

No. This is our first visit.

My daughter was up all night with a bad cough.

And I heard the Chinese medicine prescribed here could help.

Your daughter?

Yes, she's in the washroom.

Have a seat.

Well...Thank you.

I really enjoy your lunches every day.

Actually, I have to apologize.

I proposed a business deal even though I'd never tried your food.

I'm sorry.

- All finished? - Yep.

Noriko, please say hello.

Here.

But I'm not giving up yet.

G'day!

All the vegetables you ordered.

What's on the menu for the dinner party tonight?

Can I come and watch?

Sure.

Thanks. I'll be back around 6 o'clock.

Mr. Wang?

Mr. Wang, what's wrong?

Are you okay?

Mr. Wang! Mr. Wang!

Throw away all the meat.

What about the freezer?

It'll be fine.

I'll cook you a feast when I get home.

Sounds great.

Excuse me...

I didn't want to bother you...

I just wanted to see if you were okay.

How are you feeling?

Oh, well... I'm fine now.

I'll reopen soon.

I'm glad to hear that.

This is for you.

Let me do that. Please, sit down.

Oh, but...

Don't worry. Sit down and stay a while.

- Please. - Thank you.

He's the grandson of the farmer who supplies my vegetables.

You made an effort to come every day.

To be honest, after ten days of making lunch for you

and watching you eat with a big smile

it made me think of what else I hadn't cooked

and new dishes I could make.

I have to confess, I started forgetting about my job.

I wondered how many dishes I could eat.

You're an honest lady.

Thank you for all the meals.

But, Ms. Yamashita...

Please give up on selling my food at your store.

When I cook, I like to be able to see customers' faces.

- Well... - What is it?

Just out of curiosity...

Yes?

What's the secret to your crab dumplings?

Oh, that's confidential.

Of course.

But if you really want to know...

What should I do?

Quit your job and come to my restaurant. Then you can learn.

Your blood pressure is stable.

And you're doing very well with your rehabilitation.

When can I start work again, Doctor?

I'll be frank with you...

You won't be able to work the way you did before.

The paralysis will lessen, but...

strenuous physical activities like cooking will be impossible.

In a way, you're fortunate that

your stroke wasn't worse.

Next time you won't be so lucky.

Perhaps...

you should talk to your family about the restaurant.

Are you all right?

Sir, are you okay?

I'm fine!

Regarding the situation with Little Shanghai.

For now, Mr. Wang...

He's half paralyzed.

Forget it.

It's too bad, but we'll find something else.

He left hospital and is undergoing rehabilitation.

Takahashi,

check out the crab croquettes from Maizuru, right away.

Yes, sir.

If you could just give me a little more time...

No way.

But you and everybody agreed that

Little Shanghai was the best choice...

Should we give up so easily?

What the heck are you talking about? This is a business.

But...

Yamashita, take a break and clear your head.

He's got no family.

Being sick at his age with nobody around is tough.

You think he'll sell his shop?

It's game over for him.

Oshita.

Yes. Regarding Very Berry Pudding...

Hello, Mr. Wang?

Hello?

I'm sorry, I let myself in.

Oh, it's just you. You surprised me.

Sorry.

Mr. Wang's at the dock.

Thank you.

Mr. Wang...

Oh, hi Takako.

I heard you were here.

Do you mind if I sit down?

What were you looking at?

My hometown, Shaoxing, is right across the sea.

Shaoxing?

It's a beautiful place, surrounded by water.

I've never been to China.

I've never even been abroad.

My cooking is the taste of Shaoxing.

Actually...

My late father was a chef.

He ran a Western-style restaurant in the city...

His omelettes were so delicious.

Mr. Wang... I'll wait.

For the day I can taste your delicious food again.

So...

Take your time

and please get well.

Hey, where's Yamashita?

She called in sick.

I hope it's not flu or anything.

I dunno...

Ouch, ouch.

How is it?

Not yummy.

I know. It's hard to cook.

But I like mommy's cooking best.

Thanks, sweetie.

Don't worry, mommy can do it!

Noriko, sweetie...

Mommy had a good idea.

Hello?

It's late. Is everything okay?

I've been thinking...

I have a solution.

I'll just say it straight.

Mr. Wang,

please teach me how to cook.

I want you to teach me how to make your delicious dishes.

Please let me help at the restaurant.

I even quit my job.

What?

Don't you remember?

You said if I want to learn from you I should quit my job.

Are you crazy?

- Ask them for your job back! - No, I won't.

Please.

Please, stop it.

Lift your head up.

Takako...

I'm touched that you want to help me.

But your sympathy won't last forever.

It's not like that.

I'm doing it for myself.

I've known for a long time.

I didn't care about business.

When I came here and watched you cook,

I felt like I wanted to be in the kitchen.

I want to be here.

I want to cook, together with you.

That's the truth.

So...

When I heard you might lose the restaurant,

I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

I felt so sad and upset...

Nobody knows what's going to happen in the future!

So we should try our best.

If we try our best, things can get better.

With you, and this restaurant.

I thought I could change myself, too.

So...

Mr. Wang!

When things settle down, come and see me.

I will.

Thank you so much.

Okay, let's start.

Okay.

Take the chicken mince out of the fridge.

Top left.

Put it in the bowl.

Add three parts water, little by little.

Then start kneading.

What is this?

Soup.

Umm...What about chicken bones?

You've read a lot of cookbooks, haven't you, Takako?

Throw them away!

Just concentrate on the ingredients in front of you.

Don't get caught up in cookbooks.

I understand.

That's good.

Carefully... Powerfully.

Bring it to a boil over a medium flame, then stir slowly.

No lid?

No. It'll make the soup cloudy.

Slaving over a hot stove like that every day?

It hurts!

Hey, get back to work!

It hurts!

First time using a Chinese knife?

Let's see how you cut.

How does it feel? Different than you thought?

The handle makes it hard to balance.

You'll get used to it.

Now I'll teach you the proper way.

Place your left hand fingertips on the ingredients.

Now slowly move the knife as you push down.

Cut the other vegetables the same way. Keep practicing.

Takako.

If you don't cut evenly,

it won't cook evenly and it won't taste good!

I see.

Well?

Try it.

It's awesome!

This is the life of my cooking.

Takako, you have to learn this flavor inside out.

This flavor is your future.

I understand.

All the cooking here is done with one wok.

To learn Chinese cooking, you have to know how to use a wok.

If you can't master the wok and fire,

you can't make delicious food.

First, give it a try.

Rolling up your sleeves is forbidden.

When oil splatters you'll get burned.

Right.

Use your wrist and toss it toward you.

Being able to use a wok is the basis of everything.

I don't understand...

Even with a fresh start, you quit after six months.

You could've had a salary, a bonus,

insurance, and benefits.

What are you going to live on?

Well...This is the budget I worked out.

This won't last long.

If that happens, I'll deal with it.

Child Services doesn't help people find employment.

Mr. Ueda?

Yes?

When I was a little girl, and even now,

I loved the image of my father at work.

He worked hard and did things his way, living an honest life.

That image of my father still gives me great pride.

When my Noriko looks at me,

I want her to see me living my life in the same way.

Listen to me.

If you get into financial trouble, do not get into the sex business.

Of course not.

And...

I trust that you're in good health?

If there are any major changes, make sure you report it.

I will.

Good morning.

Good morning to you.

Sorry.

Not there...here.

Takako, the blade is very sharp, so be careful.

- Okay. - Okay.

You're not used to it, so take your time.

Okay.

Your mom's really nice.

She always nags me.

Thanks for today.

Hey, Takako. Why do you like Mr. Wang's cooking so much?

There are so many chefs.

I never get tired of eating the food he makes.

It's the kind of flavor I could eat every day.

Really delicious food isn't about

showing off or expensive ingredients.

I guess you could say his food is like that.

When Mr. Wang was in Shanghai, he was scouted for a job in Tokyo.

But the people at the hotel he was working at

bullied him so he quit.

Just then, a visiting company president gave him a chance

to work in Kanazawa.

You know a lot.

He became friends with my dad.

When Mr. Wang gets drunk, he has a saying.

There are things you can forget

and other things you should never forget.

Can forget and should never forget.

He probably meant the president.

By the way,

what are your plans for the future?

The future?

I'm just doing my best every day.

I see...

Oh, yeah.

By the way... If you have time,

maybe we...

I just thought...

Fortunately, my son Takashi has finally found a bride.

Oh, that's fantastic news. Congratulations.

His partner graduated from music college

and is engaged as a vocalist.

She's such a bright girl. Perhaps she's too good for him.

Don't say that.

Hello.

Hey, who's that lady?

She's the president I mentioned.

It's a woman?

She owns a dye factory.

To tell the truth, I came here today

because I need to arrange a Christmas dinner for

when his fiancée’s family visits.

So I've come to you.

I thought perhaps we could hold the dinner at your restaurant.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Just the type of dishes you can currently prepare.

Ma'am...

It would spoil such a formal occasion.

I'm sorry, but another restaurant would be better...

There's really no way?

Mr. Wang.

Please forgive me.

I do know about his condition.

But it would be wonderful to see him in the kitchen one more time.

I know too well how he feels.

I don't want him to give up.

Hey, Mr. Wang.

Hi, how are you?

Oh, not bad.

Hey, what happened?

I had a little fall. You should be careful, too.

It's amazing.

Are you feeling all right?

I'm fine.

Let's take a little break.

Thanks, Takako. I'm okay, really.

Mr. Wang!

Hi, everybody.

Are you getting better?

Little by little.

Please join the harvest moon celebration next year.

Thanks.

We were looking forward to your food.

Your duck dish last year was fantastic.

Harvest moon celebration?

And you are...

Oh, it's you.

Takako Yamashita.

I've heard about you.

These are my friends.

The celebration takes place every fall.

We hold a complimentary dinner for all our produce suppliers.

Each chef shows off his skill by preparing one dish.

Mr. Wang cooked duck last year

and sea cucumber the year before.

It's a shame you can't join.

I feel bad about it, too.

Ready to go?

Well, see you.

- Take care. - Goodbye.

That'll do.

Wow, looks great.

Try it.

Thank you.

I'll try some.

Mmm, it tastes awesome!

These oysters are in season. They're at their juiciest.

I have an idea...

What if you cook this for the harvest moon celebration?

But why not?

We can do it next year.

Takako.

Can I talk to you?

Why don't you join the harvest celebration?

What are you talking about?

Mr. Wang's name came up at the union meeting.

Everyone was speaking out and I got pissed off.

What did they say?

Really bad stuff.

They were saying Mr. Wang is finished in Kanazawa.

They were saying nasty things about you, too.

I wanna prove Mr. Wang is not done

and that you're doing great.

The harvest celebration is the best place

to prove it to them!

If Mr. Wang can't join,

you should enter with the oyster dish...

But...

You already cooked it great once. Don't worry.

I'll arrange it all!

He wouldn't agree to it anyway.

I can sweet talk Mr. Wang into it.

Everybody, can you stop working for a second?

This is Ms. Yamashita.

She's learning under Mr. Wang at Little Shanghai.

She'll be taking his place this year.

I'm Takako Yamashita. Nice to meet you.

If you have a question, just ask the person next to you.

I understand.

We sincerely hope you enjoy today's modest occasion.

Our chefs' have thoughtfully prepared a selection of dishes for you.

While it's not mentioned on the menu,

this year Ms. Yamashita of Little Shanghai Restaurant

will be representing Mr. Wang.

And now, a toast.

Best wishes for continued growth and success of our relationship.

Cheers!

Thank you very much.

He came.

The usual.

Okay.

What's up?

I rang him like crazy, but no answer.

You think he's hanged himself?

No way.

Food poisoning. Gotta be careful with summer oysters.

Hey, it doesn't mean it was Takako's dish.

The newspaper mentions oysters right here.

"18 fall sick in Kanazawa"

"Oysters the cause"

The cronies are just using their powerful connections.

They picked the easiest target to blame.

Whatever the truth is,

people think the food poisoning came from Little Shanghai.

It'll take everything he's got to save his reputation.

I probably would've done the same thing.

Akira, look at me.

Grown men aren't supposed to cry.

"Kazuyoshi, Ueda."

"Tokyo Metropolitan Child Guidance Center"

It's our duty to make sure people like Takako,

who've had serious trouble in the past,

are on the right track.

Were you aware of Takako's mental issues?

Mental issues?

Yes. Two years ago her husband died

and she became unstable.

She saw doctors for about a year.

Wait a minute.

Have a seat.

Well, all right.

During that time, Noriko was cared for by her dad's mother.

How is Takako now?

She's exhausted, but she's calmed down.

The health inspector confirmed

her oysters weren't the cause.

I heard.

If Takako had caused this situation,

she may have relapsed.

To be safe, Noriko was taken away again.

Takako's mother-in-law isn't out to get Takako.

She's just very concerned for Noriko's welfare.

I was so busy thinking about myself.

I didn't know anything about her even though she was helping me.

For now, we'll keep an eye on her and make a determination later.

Do you really think she can become a chef?

If it's hopeless, just tell her straight.

Get out!

She's doing her best to live her life.

What the heck do you know?

I'm sorry. I didn't intend any disrespect...

Have a good day.

"To: Mr. Wang"

"From: Takako Yamashita"

I'm so sorry.

I ruined the reputation of your great restaurant.

Don't blame yourself too much.

I heard about Noriko.

It's not good for a mother and daughter to be separated.

Takako, when I lived in Shanghai

I was married and had a child.

The cutest little girl.

But... both my wife and daughter died of influenza.

If she had lived, she'd be just a little older than you.

What were you like as a child?

I was always scurrying around the kitchen,

making my father mad.

I can imagine.

May I?

After my husband died...

I wasn't able to keep living in Tokyo, so...

I decided to come back here, where I grew up with my father.

I thought I could start everything over from scratch.

While I was thinking that...

I tasted your food for the first time.

The flavor really brought back memories

and made me feel very happy.

I started to feel better.

I felt that coming back was the right choice.

Takako...

Give me your hand.

Place it against your heart.

That's right.

My mother taught me this...

She said it can bring happiness.

You'll become happy again, too.

Don't worry.

Thank you, Mr. Wang.

Mr. Wang.

Mr. Wang?

Yes.

How many years has it been since we first met?

Almost thirty years ago now.

I still have the image of when I first saw you in my mind

as if it was just yesterday.

You were in charge of a big kitchen,

giving out orders to everyone.

You were very dashing.

And you were a beautiful woman.

In fact, I had never seen such a beautiful person from Japan.

It's still true.

Sorry...

I understand.

I entrust her with everything.

Thank you.

But please promise me one thing.

Yes?

That you'll be there, too.

I will.

Takako, I have a job for you.

You'll be cooking a Christmas dinner.

Pardon me?

I'm counting on you.

See you.

Impossible. I can't do it. I can't.

Who was the one that came to me saying "I can do it"?

That was before...

Master's orders!

"Shanghai"

What do you think?

Shanghai is still growing.

It's not the Shanghai I know anymore.

"Shaoxing"

Welcome to our company.

It's a pleasure to finally meet you.

Same here.

Shall we?

This is a younger vintage.

And this is more aged.

This factory was newly built only five years ago.

All the bottling is done here.

This is a 5-year vintage.

Labels are stuck on automatically.

Sir, could you show me the wine your father brewed?

Of course. This way.

This is the old factory.

Here!

Yes.

It was right here.

Do you have a 23-year vintage?

Yes, a fine one.

Very good. I'll take it.

Welcome back.

I'm the head of the village, Wu Gao Ming.

What is all this?

Everyone was excited to meet you. Welcome back home.

Please.

I wasn't expecting anything like this.

Thank you very much.

Oh, it was nothing.

Thank you.

Shaoxing wine is the secret to your crab dumplings.

Now you know.

Yes. The aroma gave it away.

Mr. Wang. Can I take a photo?

Come a little closer.

Come a little closer.

Closer...

Ready? Smile.

Good shot.

Mr. Wang, who is she?

She's my daughter. My pride and joy.

Oh, your daughter.

Everybody, she's Mr. Wang's daughter.

What did he say?

Oh, he said...

Good morning.

-Did you sleep well? -Yes.

How are you doing?

I only planned to drop in.

I wasn't expecting this big welcome.

I'm really grateful.

Let's take a little walk.

Okay.

Around there.

This is where it all started.

When my father got sick, my mother had to work hard to support us.

She worked tirelessly from early morning until late at night.

Even though there wasn't enough money for me to go to school,

somehow my mother managed to send me.

She worked herself to the bone. I owe her everything.

After school I had to help making Shaoxing wine

while the other kids played.

When I got home I was so tired I could barely stand up.

But my mother always cooked a delicious dinner.

She must've been tired, too.

Every day she made a hot meal for my dad and me.

My mother's cooking was really delicious.

I learned everything I know about cooking from her.

Everything.

Shall we get back?

We have a big meal to cook.

The highways are crowded, we should get going.

Okay.

Miss?

What did Mr. Wang say about me to everyone yesterday?

Everyone suddenly got excited.

Oh, Mr. Wang said,

"She's my daughter. My pride and joy."

Did he...

Did he really say that?

Yes, he did.

"We Are Open"

Thank you for letting me observe.

Thank you for being patient.

Tonight, we've prepared dishes

to celebrate your health and happiness.

We hope you enjoy everything.

Thank you very much.

Let's just relax and eat.

This is vintage Shaoxing wine from Mr. Wang's hometown.

When a girl is born,

her father makes Shaoxing wine and buries it.

Following tradition, when his daughter marries,

that wine is served.

This 23-year vintage is the same age as the bride-to-be.

Please enjoy.

Shall we eat?

Yes.

I will have it now.

I eat now.

It's ready.

Be careful, it's hot.

What a gentleman.

Salt-encrusted chicken.

It's also called Beggar's Chicken.

A long time ago, a thief who stole a chicken

was about to be caught.

So he buried it.

Later he went back and saw ashes from a bonfire.

He dug up the spot and found a perfectly cooked chicken.

They say it was delicious!

Japanese crab dumplings and

Shanghai crab soup dumplings.

A Japanese-Chinese alliance.

Eat them while they're hot.

This is Eight Treasures soup.

As you can see, there are 30 kinds of ingredients in it.

Takako.

Here you are.

It's ready.

This is Imperial Fried Rice.

It contains the favorite seafood of past Chinese emperors.

We prepared this dish to bring healthy babies in the future.

I could eat this all day.

Dad's already on his second bowl?

Too quick.

Doing good.

Oh, thank you very much.

Father-in-law...

He looks so happy.

Excuse me...

May I serve dessert?

Well...

I'd like to order one more dish.

Of course.

Extra order. Tomato and egg stir-fry.

Certainly.

Mr. Wang.

It's your turn.

What?

You have to cook this dish.

No, I can't.

Student's orders!

Okay.

Here you are.

Please.

They'd like both of you to come out.

Takako, Mr. Wang, thank you very much for today.

I'm so pleased we could have this wonderful gathering.

Thank you.

I'd also like to say something. It was a fantastic dinner.

This is a great beginning for both of our families.

Let's make sure to keep a good relationship.

Yes, I wish for the same.

Excuse me... If possible,

could you teach my daughter

how to make the tomato and egg dish?

Sure.

I have a big appetite for it.

Taeko, please say a word of thanks.

Yes.

Well... I'm still a novice,

but please allow me to sing a song.

"Mid pleasures and palaces"

"though we may roam."

"Be it ever so humble,"

"there's no place like home."

"A charm from the sky seems"

"to hallow us there."

"Which, seek through the world,"

"is ne'er met with elsewhere."

"Home, sweet home!"

"There's no place like home..."

"An exile from home,"

"splendor dazzles in vain"

"Oh, give me my lowly"

"thatched cottage again!"

Mr. Wang?

You have a wonderful apprentice.

Do your best to teach her everything you know.

You're not coming apart at the seams yet.

Okay.

Mr. Wang...

I have to tell you that watching you work hard all these years,

encouraged me to keep going.

I still have a lot to do.

Next time, please take me to Shaoxing, too.

I will.

Well, I'll be in contact soon.

Thank you.

You're a great mother to Noriko.

Thank you so much.