Original subtitles

TWO DAYS UNTIL VOTING DAY

- Young Shoji! - Yeah?

Here are the latest results from the early voting exit polls. Look!

Soda, 50%, Shoji, 48, and Red Shirt, 2.

- Whoa! - Whoa!

Don't get excited yet.

We've gained ground, but we could still lose.

Yeah, but if Taishi wears a red shirt, it's a fifty-fifty tie.

That's right!

- Mr. Soda, it's finally time. - Yes, it is.

We want to try to pull ahead of Soda in today's open forum.

We think he'll try to mention the scandals as well as your verbal mistakes.

It's only been a week since the news hit.

He's going to try to fan the flames.

Um, we could try to apologize before he brings it up.

All right, then, let's get started with today's open forum...

Before we do...

- Yes? - Excuse me.

Despite the fact that it's election season,

I've caused turmoil and confusion.

I apologize to you for my conduct.

That my beloved Ehime has gotten tainted by my actions...

Oh please, that's enough of that!

How long do you plan on relying on your scandals for notoriety?

Well, I'm sorry.

This forum is to discuss ideas for Japan's future.

I think the people are tired

of hearing about your sex life with Yui Kurosawa and all that.

It's irrelevant.

That bullet backfired.

- Let's get started. - And he scored insulting me as well.

All right, let's start with Mr. Soda.

- Ooh. That's bad. - All right.

Mr. Shoji continues to support operating the BSL-4 laboratory.

We currently spend over 350 million yen each year

in maintenance costs alone.

Over 17 years, we have wasted over six billion yen on this project.

What are your thoughts?

Uh...

First off,

the money was not wasted by us.

It's an essential budget cost to fight any unknown pandemic.

The Education, Culture, Sports, and Science...

A facility whose safety is not certain was erected in our beautiful Ehime,

and you've been continually assessed fees and costs that go directly to the Shojis.

Now is the time to say no to this.

Soda or Cola, I don't know which.

But I can't stand him.

We pledge to dismantle the facility immediately.

However, it will cost tens of millions of yen

if we leave it standing for another ten years.

In addition, we stand to lose another 300 million yen

in continued maintenance. We have to close it.

As I thought, Soda's quoting a lot of detailed numbers today.

The country is falling behind in...

terms of funding...

infectious...

outbreaks.

What's this? He's talking so quiet.

That's a good thing.

Even if Soda gets angry or raises his voice,

don't let him provoke you.

Instead, you should try to stay very relaxed,

like a tall willow that is bending in a soft wind.

If you slowly count to three while you lower your voice,

I know that will work.

One, two, three.

The islands of Japan are...

Ah! No! Speak a lot quieter than that.

All right, just be like Nakamori right before she sings.

What?

The islands of Japan...

More, though!

Quieter like Nakamori doing "Nanpasen."

"Nanpasen."

The islands of Ja...

- I'm not even saying it loud. - Not even saying it loud is the right way!

Your mouth opens and closes. Oh!

The audience will be concerned about you and focus.

- Let them worry a bit, yeah? Hmm. - Uh-huh.

One, two...

...three, "Nanpasen."

One, two, three, "Nanpasen."

One, two, three, "Nanpasen."

One, two, three...

Can you hear what he's saying?

You're right. They're hanging on his every word.

What did he say?

He needs to start talking any time, though.

He's so quiet. What did he say?

The islands of Japan

make it difficult to protect our borders completely and safely.

To deal with virus mutation requires

technological progress such as that in BLS-4...

What if we all get infected by the facility?

Your ideas are all wrong!

There just no way...

One, two, three,

"Nanpasen," "Nanpasen."

That will not happen.

Of course, there are no guarantees.

Do you know why Ehime was chosen?

I can explain that. Nowhere else volunteered.

We try to act cool, my dad and me.

The facility is necessary.

It must be built somewhere in Japan,

but they all say, "Build that thing somewhere else, not in our town."

So when Ehime does pledge to have it here,

isn't that a cool thing?

Come on.

I love... Ehime so much.

We need a facility that can save the world,

in Ehime and not somewhere else.

I'm proud of the fact that we have it here.

It's not a dangerous facility.

It's a safe lab that handles dangerous viruses in a safe way.

I DON'T THINK SO. IT'S COOL THAT HE'S HONEST

Ehime could save the world.

YES, I THINK SO TOO! YEAH, HE'S MAKING SURPRISING SENSE

I WAS MOVED!! TAISHI MIGHT BE RIGHT

Can we move on?

That's wrong.

Mr. Soda, please proceed with the next topic.

Well, our own Reformation Party

has consistently advocated for gender equality.

For example,

only 9% of those working in management here are women.

Compared to other regions in Japan, that number is very low.

That's why I will create a culture in which there are equal rights for women.

Is this request from the citizens living here?

Sorry?

Has anyone here requested more women in management?

Well, sure, they have.

I've hosted study groups during which we solicited real opinions

from women in Ehime.

Ninety percent complained about their husbands,

which led me to reflect on my own actions.

Mr. Soda, who exactly are you listening to?

We don't need to ask them. We live in a new day.

What kind of day?

A day for gender equality.

Is adding more women managers

without listening to what they want gender equality, then?

It's sad this figure of 9% is so low when compared to other regions.

Why compare Ehime with other regions?

You're making comparisons here with other regions while you brag

about how conscious you are of gender equality.

Doing that is an old-fashioned way of thinking.

It's not always about numbers.

It's fifty-fifty for men and women.

I think you're someone who's more concerned

with just how things look, Mr. Soda.

He's so good.

He's so good today, isn't he?

It's as if he's finally awakened. It's not too late, young master.

What are the main concerns of people in Ehime?

Can you give us just a few examples?

BSL excluded!

- Uh... - Excuse me, I have something to say.

What? Who are you?

- Uh, the Red Shirt. - It's you!

Yeah. I'm running as well.

Of course, that's why you're here.

I didn't notice 'cause you're not wearing a red shirt.

I washed the red shirt, but it was only half dried.

You have to wear a red shirt. If you don't have one, buy one!

Uh, very well. Red Shirt, please proceed.

I vow to you to extend

Matsuyama Airport's outdated... its eastern runway.

Matsuyama's in Ehime's first district.

Hey, wait. Let's listen.

Ehime's people rely heavily on the airport. Go on.

This Red Shirt!

Matsuyama Airport's a very difficult airport

for a lot of pilots,

known for its cancellations and delayed flights.

And why do you think that is, Mr. Soda?

Mm, I'd say it's due to the weather, right?

That is correct.

The state can't do anything about the weather.

Also... also, the runway's pretty short. When taking off and landing their planes,

the pilots have to detour around the Seto Inland Sea.

Why is that, Mr. Soda?

Uh, noise pollution, right?

Right again.

Aren't pilots being taught to use the automatic takeoff and landing now?

No! That's wrong!

Matsuyama Airport is the only one in... in the whole country

that requires manual takeoff and landing.

No one cares about that but the locals!

What a big mistake.

Mr. Soda...

...Matsuyama's controlled by the American air base

located in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

I am aware of that, sure.

Well, it's the only airport in the country under US control.

If they used automated controls, it would cause trouble.

That's why they take off and land manually.

And this is not something

that only those in Ehime should know about.

GO SODA HAS AN ATTITUDE

SO DISAPPOINTING

SODA'S TRUE FACE

We're through. Time's up.

Mr. Soda, whichever of us gets elected won't matter.

We have to work on taking back control of the airport here.

This is all of Ehime's biggest issue.

You won!

Well-done, young Shoji!

Yeah, he did well.

Yay! He did such a good job! Oh!

I want to thank all three candidates

in Ehime's fifth district for appearing here today.

Please give them a hand.

- Great job, Taishi! - Ah, thank you.

- You're kicking butt! - Ah, whoo!

- You did it! You got your revenge! - My throat is so...

Oh! That was amazing, Taishi!

Really? It was so much work.

- But it was worth it. - You did it.

Look at the comments you got. You're really trending.

Yeah?

Just a minute.

Hey, scroll back up.

K. K. - I DON'T THINK SO. IT'S COOL THAT HE'S HONEST

That sculpture...

Could this be from Kyoji?

The pachinko artist's skillful assist helped boost

Taishi's popularity.

Yes!

And so we welcomed the final day of the election.

ONE DAY UNTIL VOTING DAY

Your baby is healthy.

Your weight management is good.

And your blood work shows no problems.

Everything is just fine.

Would you like to know your baby's sex?

I guess

I'm not ready yet.

Hello!

Ah, thank you so much, everyone.

- Thank you very much. - Thanks so much.

And now, the final day is here.

I will keep on fighting.

We know you can do it!

Shoji!

Good morning!

Good morning!

Oh, it's Mikochan!

Yui! Morning!

- Hello, everyone. - Hello.

Time to do it.

- Thanks so much. - Hmm.

WIFE YUI

- Good. You'll be in the car. - Mm.

All right. I'll be coming back!

Thank you!

Better get going.

Everyone in Ehime City,

we're sorry for disturbing you this morning.

We're here to make one last request from Taishi Shoji.

- Thank you very much. - Yay! There you are!

Now please go and vote for Taishi Shoji

and the Peace-Freedom Party.

- We want Shoji! - Taishi Shoji. Thank you very much!

Please help me show how much I love Ehime

and all of Japan very much.

Thanks, everyone.

- We want Shoji! - Thank you so much.

Taishi Shoji will do anything for the people of Ehime.

- Thank you, everyone! - Shoji!

Thanks again!

- Thank you. - Please vote for Taishi Shoji.

Shoji for Congress in Ehime. Thanks for your votes.

Thank you!

Go out and vote for Taishi Shoji.

All right.

- Nice going. - Oh, thank you.

Go Soda from the Reformation Party

is here to greet the people of Ehime.

Soda for Congress!

Good luck to you, Taishi Shoji.

Thank you all so much.

Good luck to Go Soda as well. Thank you so much.

Thank you, thank you.

Ehime's fifth district is representative of all of Japan's people.

We need Mr. Go Soda to initiate change.

We need him for all Japan!

Please vote for Soda and the whole Reformation Party today!

- Thank you, everyone. - Thank you very much.

Vote for Soda! Soda Go!

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Ehime. - Thank you, Ehime.

- Chief Secretary, it's time. - Hmm.

I have to go to Tokyo right away. But not you.

- Wait, I didn't know you were going back. - As chief secretary, I'm needed there.

You're needed here. Just keep all of them excited, right?

You can do it.

- Meanwhile, I'll be... - Soda!

- Soda! - Let's vote Go!

This is all I've got.

Spirits above,

allow Taishi to win this race.

Mm, what's this?

It's made with honey. Good for your throat.

Oh, thank you.

Mm.

Ah. Thanks.

Well, I want to say hello to all you shoppers.

I'm Taishi Shoji, and I'm here with one last request.

I know that some of you might see me as a hopeless guy.

But you all know I'll work hard for Ehime.

There's nothing that Taishi loves more

than Ehime and its citizens.

But no other candidate

could ever love Ehime more.

Go out and vote for him!

Only your vote

can send Taishi to Congress once again.

Thank you so much!

It's okay if I get wet.

It's the final day.

It's better if we're getting wet.

For me, yeah.

But for you, it's bad luck.

For you.

Hmm.

Now, until I give the roadside address tonight at 8 p.m.,

I want to do my Ehime song and dance for all the shoppers.

It doesn't matter if you vote for Shoji

or even if you don't.

Everyone, won't you join me?

Let's have some fun!

- Vote for Taishi Shoji! - Vote for Taishi Shoji!

Everybody!

Yes! Thank you!

Vote for Taishi Shoji!

- Thank you! Please vote. - Thank you!

Everyone, vote for Taishi! Thanks for voting!

Uh, I would like

to thank everyone who came out.

The campaign was difficult.

You'll always have my undying

gratitude for your support.

We can make

all of Ehime a little bit better.

A town the whole world has pride in.

Four, three, two, one.

We're now finished with the campaign.

Thank you so much.

- Thank you all. - Thank you, everyone!

VOTING DAY

CANDIDATE'S NAME SHOJI

CANDIDATE'S NAME SHOJI

FREEDOM-PEACE PARTY

In Ehime's fifth voting district this morning, Taishi Shoji was seen voting

along with his wife, Yui Kurosawa, at their local polling station.

Uh, I've done everything I possibly could.

Now it's in God's hands.

Do I know what it means?

Yes, I know what it means. Of course I do.

Reformation Party's Go Soda cast his vote

at his own electoral district in Tokyo this morning.

The exit polls are showing that Taishi Shoji

is holding his lead in Ehime.

Ehime?

Well, I guess I'll just have to retire like I said I would, right?

Thank you.

This is bad.

We haven't done anything in the last hour.

Well, what can we do?

We were all fired up yesterday.

Anyway... I have to go to the salon.

I scheduled it for three o'clock.

Enjoy yourself.

I went to the sushi place, the liquor store, and the florist

when I returned.

Oh, welcome back.

I got home fast.

Did the stylist cut it too short?

It looks good on you.

Oh no.

My spirit was the one that went out.

I'll get some green tea ready.

And this just in.

Exit polls now show that Taishi Shoji has won in Ehime's fifth district.

Yes! Yeah!

I won!

Yes, we did it!

Thank you so much. I want to thank you.

- It's weird. Something feels off. - Taishi! Taishi!

First, there's my mom's hairstyle.

Yay, son! You won!

And Saotome's lips are more red than usual.

Banzai! Banzai!

- And the baby Yui's holding. - Daddy won! Papa's a big wig, right?

Is that my baby?

Gaga. Oh, you won.

Mm? Are you okay?

Huh?

Oh.

Huh?

It's four o'clock.

Afternoon or night?

Afternoon.

You know, your mother went to the beauty salon.

We slept for six straight hours.

We don't have to do anything.

We couldn't do anything if we tried.

Anyway, there's nothing for us to do.

That's true.

When's the last time we relaxed like this?

Yui, I want to thank you.

It's not over yet, though.

What'll we do when it is?

What will we do?

I have no idea.

It's better not knowing.

Do you think you'll win?

Hey.

You're gonna win.

Do you want that?

Yeah, I do.

The last one was just a special election.

Your father had died, and the shot of you kissing was just out.

I know that this time around, you got more involved.

You connected with all the voters this time.

And I really got to see you

being pretty cool.

Think so?

Your whole face changes, Taishi.

Oh.

Saotome's even more and your mom's too.

Maybe Soda's somewhat.

Everyone involved in this.

I mean, their faces were shining. They all looked young again.

And that's just instinct.

Huh.

Elections are animalistic.

It's all running, crying, laughing, and shouting.

Your expression changed too.

- Really? - Yeah.

You were so...

...mm, beautiful in your own way.

I wanted you next to me always.

Why are you saying this to me now?

I want to do it.

What?

I can do it now if I try, maybe.

You don't really mean that.

- Oh, sorry. - Hold up.

- Huh? - Wait a minute.

What is it?

We can't.

No.

- No. - What?

We can't do this.

We're like animals, wild beasts.

So? What's wrong with it?

It's clumsy and embarrassing.

Well, it'll only be clumsy if we stop right now.

- Might make things difficult later. - What?

Oh, hey! Let's see the pictures.

Really?

Oh, it's so big!

Girl or a boy?

I didn't ask.

This is great.

- Uh! Wait a minute here. - Mm?

Isn't that a penis?

- That's the baby's head. - Oh, you may be right.

Uh, I dreamt about this baby.

Really? What's it look like?

You won!

Well, I couldn't tell.

That's not fair. keeping secrets.

This child's future is in the hands of the voters today.

So it is.

Shall we?

- Certainly not! - I can do it. Here, let me show you.

You need to quit thinking about sex always.

It's always about sex with you when things get quiet.

And why do you say you can do it?

You make it sound as if I'm the one who wants to do it.

I'm sorry.

And it's not whether you can do it or not. It's whether you want to do it.

- Oh yeah, I want to! I do! - Shut up! Enough already!

What are we gonna do until 8 p.m.?

I can't wait that long!

This is the time for doing nothing at all.

For now, we should savor the luxury...

...of doing nothing.

What are we gonna do?

You told me we should do nothing.

I don't mean right now.

In the future.

Custody rights, financial stuff.

Why are we getting divorced again?

'Cause you cheated.

Well, you cheated too.

But we didn't divorce.

It's so annoying,

being told by someone we have to divorce.

It's not about the election

or even getting attacked for so-called cheating, is it?

The person you married of your own free will,

you want to divorce of your own will.

If I lose, then we will...

Get divorced.

Although,

we could do one more election campaign.

Just until you win.

You're an election junkie.

Wives are rewarded

only when their husbands win the race.

What's that?

It's just what your mother said.

"I have a higher status now and stature than all the other wives."

"I will always bow with Kiichi."

"And when he wins, I'm the only one...

who can cheer with him."

Oh! It kicked!

No way!

- Huh? - First time!

- Really? - It did!

I need something to do until eight.

If I lose the election, we'll divorce.

Meaning

you'll be the father of Yui's child.

Take care of it, please.

You said

it doesn't matter who the father is.

It's gonna be your baby.

Did I say that?

Well, you said you were ready to be a father.

If you can't make your own kids, you could still be a good father.

You remember saying that?

I remember it, though...

my feelings are changing.

Every single day,

who I long for is different.

It's part of who we all are.

It's, well...

You're no longer with Yui now?

I know I shouldn't be fighting before the election.

But how did it all turn out like that?

I really just don't know.

Yui's the one who wanted all that.

Is that so?

So all of my dreams are gone, you know?

Now you should win.

It's no one's fault

when people's minds change.

What? Didn't Yui dump you?

It's our fate.

We did what we could. Now we're here.

Those who discuss these experiences are the worst.

So, is it also fate for Yui and I to get divorced?

She broke up with him.

And she'll divorce me.

What is she going to do?

- Thanks for your continued support. - It's almost time. Good luck!

Thank you so much!

The election results are starting to come in.

Ishikawa from the Reformation Party has been elected.

Hey!

- What is going on? Wow! - Now let's check in at Reformation HQ.

Secretary Soda has just placed a victory flower

after Mr. Nakamura's name.

Uh-oh. That's not good.

The people of Japan are asking for a change in government.

Our country will be reborn tomorrow.

Soda or Cola, who cares? This guy's a real a-hole.

And he's over there in Tokyo, isn't he?

He's the top dog of the Reformation Party.

- That's why he's in Tokyo instead of here. - Right!

- I know he's gonna win. - Good work, everyone!

- He's here! - Hello.

- Taishi's here! - Thank you all so much.

- Yay! - Taishi's here!

Hello, everybody.

- Hey! - He looks good.

Yeah, I know everyone here is exhausted, and I want to say thanks.

- Thank you all. - You're the best.

Shoji! Shoji! Shoji!

In a notable election district,

let's see the numbers in the fifth district of Ehime right now.

The incumbent Taishi Shoji currently has a three-point lead

over opposition candidate Go Soda.

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Leave the banzai for when Taishi actually wins!

This is Shoji's home territory.

He'll win and come out on top!

Thank you.

The results from the Saion Ward have just come in!

Here's Shoji's new total, 1,562 votes.

Soda's total is 1,020.

And 67 votes for the Red Shirt.

- Yeah! Yeah! - Hey, we just might win!

No, it's coming down this, Beniyo Ward's floating vote total!

Oh, don't be afraid. Just announce Shoji has won!

Moving on, Taishi Shoji has a very slim lead

in Ehime's fifth district over Go Soda.

Yes!

Yeah!

Thank you!

One free drink for everyone.

- Hey, Mom! - Hmm?

Demon Slayer's on.

You know what? Forget Demon Slayer. Our lives are kind of depending on this.

Cheer for him!

Of course. Thank you so much for coming.

It looks good. We're heading out.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Please drive safely. - Good night.

- Thank you. Thanks. - Thank you.

According to the latest results,

the Reformation Party has won 177 seats overall,

while the Freedom-Peace Party has captured 162 seats.

TAISHI SHOJI TOTAL 69,006 GO SODA TOTAL 67,031

It appears that there will be a change in government.

With us this evening, we have Mr. Henry, an election expert.

Mr. Henry, your thoughts please.

Bravo, I say.

If changes in government happened more often,

politicians would be more vulnerable.

They wouldn't be so relaxed.

So the legal, financial, and economic worlds would work together.

So as to the change, I welcome it.

- Thank you. - My pleasure.

Now back to election results.

What's with this guy? It looks like he's trying out a new career path!

Oh! Uh, this was on our social feed.

"Henry's last comment was right on point and makes sense to me."

"Why doesn't he run for a lower house seat?"

Ah, no. I'm afraid not.

Not me 100%.

Yeah, you will, you damn liar!

Even though it's late in the evening,

results are still being tabulated in some of the outlying precincts.

- Here. - Oh, thank you.

...undecided in some of the rural districts.

Ehime's third and fifth districts are still counting.

So I...

chose you for the district seat, but

I voted for Reformation overall.

I did it because the country is so crazy, right?

The minister is such a liar,

and he's trying for a big power play

with all the people's tax money.

When I think about raising this child alone,

I don't believe that your party

is going to be right for us.

Uh...

I'm sorry.

Hey, no.

If that's what you want, it's okay.

I guess she really is planning to raise the child by herself.

Kenji Fujiwara of the Reformation Party has won Shizuoka's fourth district.

With this seat, the Reformation Party and its coalition have taken the majority.

This has turned the tide, and a new government will take over.

We have Chief Secretary Go Soda with us.

Mr. Soda?

Yes.

A lot of your party candidates have momentum right now. Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

However, we still don't know if you were elected in your own district.

I'm aware,

but the voters of Ehime do share a lot of the same feelings that I do.

Thank you.

Now let's go to the Freedom-Peace Party headquarters.

Ms. Sato?

Thank you. Earlier this evening, the minister shed tears as he departed.

So this election started

with the prime minister crying and dissolving the house.

He was seen crying a second time as he left party headquarters.

Meanwhile, ballots are still being counted.

It was just decided. Ms. Mimata was elected!

Thank you. Thanks!

- Congratulations on a job well-done. - Thank you, Secretary.

At this hour, districts are still...

Taishi Shoji has 80,141 votes.

Go Soda has 81,305 votes.

- Red Shirt candidate... - Forget about the Red Shirt guy!

The lead is small,

but Soda is still ahead in the total votes.

It's not over.

We're live with Sakurako Mimata.

Ms. Mimata, congratulations to you.

Thank you so very much. I will create jobs so women can thrive.

And I will do all that I can to change

the image of weakness that is attached to women.

Thank you. That was Sakurako Mimata.

It appears that Ms. Mimata won a large majority of women voters.

I'm sorry. Sorry I'm late.

Sassa.

Thank you, Sassa.

What's happening?

In the time we have left, let's take a closer look at the remaining races.

First of all, Ehime's hotly contested fifth.

This race is still undecided.

Taishi Shoji is currently behind Go Soda here by a very small margin.

Can Soda hold on to his lead?

I don't know what will happen with the election or with us.

We're going live now for a comment

from Go Soda.

Why is it, "Soda, Soda"?

Why don't we have live coverage?

I guess it's too late for that. The coverage is almost over.

We have a few seconds left for comments.

Uh, this is a historical win but only the beginning.

Thinking about why there's such a short survival window

for the opposition, we'll work on strengthening our ties with all

as we go forward installing an entirely new team from our allies here.

We have a lot of hard work ahead of us.

Uh, thank you. Best to everyone.

Uh, once again,

Soda vote! Go...

Mikan turned into Mikyan!

He really puts the "me" in "Ehime."

Change the channel!

Really! Who of you has the remote?

Next we're gonna show you the new Maximum Slicer.

Henry?

Tired of peeling annoying burdock?

Now look how easy! Yeah, it's great!

He got that gig on his own.

It pays well.

He should be more choosy.

That's a wrap.

And I want to thank you all.

Great night. Look at these results. Outstanding!

You mean you still don't know?

But that's insane.

I don't want to get elected by the proportional vote.

You all right?

Uh, yeah, I just want to say thanks again.

Uh, yeah, yeah. I'm not in the mood, all right?

You said that I could win Ehime's fifth district in my sleep.

- Oh! - We're behind you.

Good night. Thank you for staying here so late.

- Thank you. - Mrs. Suzuki.

Mrs. Suzuki. I'm gonna get a car for you.

Ah, I don't want to go yet.

We're all gonna cheer together when you win this thing.

But everyone else is gone.

Thinking about winning is all we need.

This is it.

Hello? Yeah?

I can't hear you.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You kidding me?!

You kept us waiting for this?

I've never heard of such incompetence!

What is it?

Amazing!

Oh, incredible!

Uh...

PROJECTED TO WIN GO SODA

Banzai!

Ah, what a night.

Go Soda, Reformation Party,

96,611.

Get me a marker that works!

Yes, sir.

Taishi Shoji, Freedom-Peace Party,

96,514.

Red Shirt, candidate, 6,000 votes.

Less than a hundred vote difference,

and I lost.

GO SODA

Sorry for the long wait.

So...

Enjoy karaoke right at home with this...

- Yes! - ...Duet Microphone!

Barbee Boys, plea...

Son.

Taishi!

Concession speech.

Yeah.

Do it!

I memorized the speeches

that Saotome wrote for me, depending on whether I won or lost.

In the version in which I won, I thanked everyone for their efforts.

And in the version in which I lost...

It's my... unworthiness that got us here.

- Taishi! You have got this! - Taishi!

- Go on, then! - Say it!

- Come on, now! - Do it!

I'm unworthy.

Unworthy.

So unworthy. I'm just so unworthy. I'm an unworthy man right now!

I'm sorry.

Ah, but microphones aren't really necessary now.

Uh...

As of this time...

I, Taishi Shoji, am, uh...

Well, I'm unemployed.

Uh...

Jeez, damn it.

Yeah, it's frustrating.

Frustrating, yeah.

Well,

mm, before this moment, I wasn't even, uh,

aware of just how happy I was with the way my life was going.

I was even, uh,

embarrassed when they said I inherited the seat

and when they called me Mikochan's husband.

I used to wonder why

nobody was seeing me as I really was.

But I'm so empty now.

Not much left.

Suddenly...

I'm not...

the same person I used to be at all.

It's so hard.

I'm not a birthright congressman nor Mikochan's husband.

So now I...

I'm just myself.

A guy in his thirties who is unemployed.

Just a regular guy but with the Shoji name.

And now...

...I realize the depth of losing what had been mine.

You're not done yet! You're no loser!

Shingo.

Hey, I'm sorry.

Um, I used to think that

you were just a pain in the butt following me around like a puppy.

You ladies, also.

No matter how much I bowed to you, you could each only vote once.

Still, you came to visit us every single day, and we appreciate it.

You did!

Well, thank you.

Yui,

come here.

Okay. I mean, we're still married, right?

Mm-hmm.

Yui worked so hard!

- Yes, she did! All right, Yui! - Hooray for Yui!

- She really gave it her all! - Yay! Bravo!

Yes.

Saotome here...

...was once secretary for my dad.

He's got more gray hair now, working for his stupid son.

No.

- And Mom. - Yes.

I'm sorry that I let you down. So sorry.

Mm.

Anyway, everyone to the stage!

- Come join me! Up here! - Oh! Ms. Suzuki.

- After you. - All right!

- Yes, this way. - Come on up here.

- Watch your step. Careful, everyone. - Thank you.

- Right next to Mr. Shoji. - Thank you. Yes.

Watch your step.

Aw. Oh.

Huh. Nobody left.

We worked hard for 38 days since we opened our office here.

Where we laughed and cried.

We tried our best.

But a loss is still a loss...

no matter if we lost by many votes or not,

because the loser won't get to go to Congress.

They won't be heckling

or get free bus trips or ride the bullet train.

Taishi Shoji the human.

He starts today.

Now I'll...

Mm.

...be looking for some work.

Someone's got to stop this now!

I can't help it.

Taishi Shoji.

Banzai!

- Banzai! - Oh! How nice.

That's not appropriate.

Banzai!

- Banzai! - Banzai!

Banzai!

Isn't this a concession speech? We lost, right?

- It doesn't matter. - Uh-huh.

Banzai!

Banzai!

For Taishi!

Banzai!

Banzai!

Banzai!

Banzai!

Banzai!

After you, sir.

- Thank you so much, sir. - Mm.

Thank you.

- Good night. - Good night to you.

Thank you. Good night.

Hold on, please! Mr. Shoji!

Just a minute!

Oh! Uh, congratulations on your victory.

Soda wants to talk to you.

Huh?

Here.

Uh, Mr. Soda?

Hello, Mr. Shoji.

You almost caught up at the end. I'll admit I was a little nervous.

Congrats on being the winner.

Thank you. Had a great time thanks to you.

And so, when are you coming back here?

Not for a while, I'm afraid.

I have a lot of work to do here.

I'm not going to Ehime right away.

Yeah.

Well, anyway, good work.

I recall you saying,

"Let's have a good time during this campaign."

Did I say that?

I really enjoyed it.

Thank you so much.

My precious Ehime...

I give to you, Mr. Soda.

Mm.

I was watching. It was a close one.

So,

what now?

Mm.

I can't really

decide that right now.

Yeah, sure.

Don't worry, we're okay here.

Eat plenty of good food,

take good care of yourself,

and have an easy birth.

Then you can decide.

Mm.

Thank you.

Mm.

It's all done.

Mm-hmm.

Thank you, Yui.

Mm.

I feel hungry.

Want to go get some food?

Oh, sorry, but I had, uh, some bread just now.

Ah.

That's good.

- I'm sorry. - Mm.

Wow, almost four.

So, what now?

Mm.

Oh, go home and sleep.

And you?

I don't feel like going to the Shoji house.

Oh, sure.

Okay.

Want to go turn this in?

NOTICE OF DIVORCE

I guess we can't right now.

We could.

City Hall takes paperwork 24 hours a day.

We shot a scene there like that one time.

What if we turned it in now?

Let's go.

My name is Taishi Shoji!

I'm Yui, Taishi Shoji's wife.

I, Taishi Shoji, vow to rise up...

- Please vote for Taishi Shoji! - And do good work...

- Please send Shoji back to Congress! - ...all the people of Ehime.

Please reelect my husband to Congress!

EHIME CITY HALL HEAD OFFICE

ENTRANCE DURING LATE NIGHT AND HOLIDAYS

Excuse me, sir.

Excuse us.

Yeah?

So you're turning this in?

You're Mr. Shoji, then?

And you're the applicant?

- Yeah. - Oh.

Oh, hey!

You're her.

The one who serves a drink in the commercial.

So that means that...

Oh.

Mm-hmm. Huh.

Okay.

Okay.

That's it. Thank you.

LET'S GET DIVORCED