Original subtitles

October 2018

Made from domestic wheat, this bread was left to rise overnight.

We insist on using domestic ingredients...

Would you like a sample? Please give it a try.

Is the end near...

I, Mugita Akira,

am the store manager of Bakery Mugita.

I think it goes without saying that I've been popular with the ladies my whole life.

Um...here.

Even when I don't say anything, girls come to me.

I think there's a more compatible girl for Ak-kun.

They would come, and then leave, but

the next one came right away so that wasn't a problem.

Yes, I'm

a natural born good looking guy who was born to be loved.

And the person that I, who's been stared at my whole life, can't help staring at

is the older lady who used to be a career woman.

Container for one cup sake

Do you like flowers?

It must be the sake that you like.

Why do I end up staring

at an older lady like her?

I see that she came back, huh?

Mugi-chan, what's this?

What the heck is this? I'm disgusting.

Were you making it without realizing it?

Manager, how should this be read?

It's read "I love you" (ai-shi-te-ru).

I love you?

Excuse me, but may I ask who you are?

Uh...

My name is Tomoi. Here's my card.

Everyone calls me "Tomoyo."

You're that Tomo...

What do you think about cracker bread?

What do you think? Cracker.

Is this bread made from crackers?

I think he probably meant to say sticker.

You mean like that?

Beware of Fire

That's right!

It's not like I made it specially for Miyamoto-san.

Is that so?

What was that sigh for just now?

It is not something I can discuss right here.

Please let me know when you have some free time.

Well then, Tomoyo-san, I shall see you again.

Hey, she's pretty nice, isn't she?

Go home, Tomoyo.

I'm done with work today...

I said just go home.

What the heck~

Like I said, I

was born to be...

Miyamoto-san.

What did you want to discuss?

Earlier you said you had something to discuss.

If you'd like, shall we go somewhere?

No, this is just fine right here.

Just fine right here...

Well...

I guess that'll work too.

So, what are we discussing?

Manager.

Why don't we close the store once?

We should, huh?

We should.

I should go close the shutters.

The shutters are already closed.

Let us close down Bakery Mugita once

is what I am proposing to you.

Why, why, why?

I did as I was told to do. I'm doing it, right?

Yes. In conjunction with the improvements you are making with the bread,

I have been expanding to make its appeal, but

there is no sign of customers returning at all.

What is the reason for that? Why?

This is strictly a speculation, but

the freshly baked bread may not have been a good idea.

The freshly baked bread?

I had told you once before that

we may have gone through the full circle of customers with our freshly baked bread, but

at that time we may have left an impression on people's mind

concurrently that "The bread here is not very good."

In other words,

after gathering all these people,

we ended up calling attention to the fact that

the bread here is not very good.

- That could mean trouble. - This is not good.

But, but that's a mistake on your part, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

However, it can also be said that

your bread did not have the power to convert that into something positive.

What I'd like to propose anew is

a grand reopening after renovation!

Why don't you get over it and start studying?

I can't seem to get motivated.

Apparently, Mom doesn't care about things like my academic background.

She never said she didn't care, did she?

She just said why don't you think about

what you want to do and choose all over again, didn't she?

Then...date.

Well~ If you want to do research on dating,

looks like it's gonna be psychology or sociology. Look.

By renovation do you mean change and rearrange everything?

Yes.

We will renew everything, including the appearance of the store and product lineup, and kick off a campaign

to let our customers know that this bakery

has really been transformed.

Does that make sense?

Yes, that makes sense, but...

But?

What kind of store are you planning to turn it into?

Don't tell me you have no plans?

Upon immediate investigation and study,

I shall be proposing a plan of action.

Now then, I will take leave for today in order to get working on it immediately.

Wait a minute, Miyamoto-san!

Are you trying to subtly run away?

So...

Normally, when someone you like...

I'm sorry, I can't hear you.

Normally, when a girl you like says she wants to go on a date

wouldn't you say "All right!"?

The thing is, I thought we were dating all this time.

Don't you think that's kinda unfair?

Are you all right?

Hiroki-kun, look.

Bakery Mugita will close down.

That happened on short notice.

I wonder what happened to Mom.

Thank you.

I am convinced that this store will be the next Kimutaya.

I've just returned~.

Excuse me~

Okaeri nasaimase.

Long time no see, Miyuki-chan.

Do you remember me? I'm Inomoto.

Thank you for your past kindness when my father was alive.

Excuse me, but what are you all doing?

We're eating and comparing breads from

rival bakeries in the neighborhood and Bakery Mugita

and conducting a group interview.

There was a sign that said the bakery was closed.

Yes. We're closing it once

and aiming to open again with a grand reopening.

Grand reopening?

Is that what that meant?

Apparently that's what she wants it to mean, but

it doesn't seem like she has any idea what kind of store she wants it to be.

Don't you have any ideas?

How you want the store to be.

Sure don't.

Even though it's your store?

A store where breads sell like crazy.

I'd like a store where breads fly off the shelf.

But I don't understand why Mugita-san's breads don't sell.

It's not like they taste bad.

Right? I can't understand either.

In a nutshell,

I guess you could say Mugita's bread is forgettable.

For example,

Boulangerie Midorigaoka is stylish and elegant, right?

They bang out their French taste.

The fact that their croissants are good is nothing new,

but it's easy to understand, right?

Bakery Sukoyaka has a strong personality too.

That's right. Organic with natural yeast, they're safe and secure.

The most popular item is

their cream bun with homemade cream filling using premium grade eggs.

But personally, I like Fukudoku-do.

It has the feel of the good old days, doesn't it?

That's true. Even the bag doesn't stand out.

Bakery Mugita

Shimoyama-san,

back when Mugita Bakery was thriving,

what kind of a store was it?

What kind?

Well, it was just an ordinary neighborhood bakery.

Was the taste quite different from what it is now?

It was better than now, but

well, they're similar. Although that's only natural.

There was nothing that particularly stood out with Mugita's breads, but

but they were really easy to buy.

Was it the price?

Rather than the price,

you know how there are all kinds of bakeries.

So I frequently went and tried out other bakeries, but

ultimately, my bakery was this one here.

Mugita was just right and it felt comfortable like home.

That's right. We all eventually went back to Mugita, didn't we?

After the son took over,

that kind of atmosphere disappeared.

Conversely, does that mean back then, Bakery Mugita

had something that made

people feel that way?

That's what it means.

It seems that's the only way to go after all.

Shimoyama-san, would it be possible

to get an introduction to the predecessor, the manager's father?

If he was that well-liked by everyone,

the comeback of the original Bakery Mugita...

would that not be the surest way to attract customers?

The fact that the store that you built with your whole heart and soul is going out of business

is not a very pleasant thing to hear, I'm sure.

I was told that you have some secret recipes.

Can you at least let us borrow that?

So is that why Akiko-san

went to see the manager's father to

ask for his cooperation?

But don't you think making it the same as before

is kinda boring?

But if they do that, people who liked Mugita back in

the good old days will come, right?

Well...

I suppose so, but...

It will not only bring back the old-timers, but

to those people who do not know Mugita's bread from the old days,

it will appear fresh to them.

I understand the point you're trying to make.

But there's just one thing I want you to confirm.

Confirm?

With the current store manager?

It sounds like everyone's saying something different.

In the end, I can't tell what's gonna sell the most...

Don't hang up on me, man.

Miyamoto-san?

Miyamoto-san!

I didn't think you were coming in today.

Excuse me.

I am making preparations to negotiate for the renovation.

Does that mean you've come up with some good ideas?

Yes. But before we go into that,

do you have any requests?

Like what?

For example,

anything you desire to make it the store that you want?

Naw, I don't have anything in particular. All I want is for it to turn out like Kimutaya in the end.

I understand.

Then please allow me to make a suggestion.

"Resurrect the Predecessor's Taste"

What's this supposed to mean, Miyamoto-san.

Well, as a result of examining the various options for renovation,

I have reached the conclusion that bringing back your predecessor's,

in other words, the original taste of Bakery Mugita, is the best plan,

and as such, I am making this suggestion.

Wait a minute. No matter what the circumstance, this is...

Earlier you said you had no particular desire.

Yeah, I did say that, but...

This is one thing I'll never do.

Why?

I told you, since there's no way Dad will let me have his recipes,

how am I supposed to replicate them?

Are you only objecting to this plan because you think it's impossible, and

not because you're averse to the idea of replicating the original taste?

Well, I guess.

In the first place, it was my intention to carry on the business.

Is that so.

That's what he says, sir.

Dad!

In regards to bringing back the taste of Mugita, Manager says

he has a positive attitude.

Is that right.

Why? Why all of a sudden? What's going on?

As the original founder, he does not wish for the bakery go out of business either.

However, even if he wanted to give you the recipes, they have been lost.

As such, he is unable to give them to you, but

if you have a positive attitude,

he says he will give us his cooperation.

What cooperation?

He is willing to give you a special one-on-one training.

See ~ ?

I knew you wouldn't be able to do it.

The thing that was just a matter of baking and selling bread.

I'll teach you, since you got no one else.

Manager, this is the first step towards the road to Kimutaya.

"Asking may be a momentary shame, but not asking is an eternal shame. "

You'd better teach me properly, old man.

Or else this store of yours is gonna go out of business, you know!

You make sure you keep that in mind...

We appreciate your guidance and...

Manager.

It's okay.

It's my fault that he has no manners.

Let's hurry up and get this over with.

Then first, let's have you bake pan bread using your method.

Okay. Pan bread, huh?

You can go now.

Then I'll leave him in your care.

I've just returned~

If you want to change the image,

I think you should definitely replace the awning.

However, being that we're on a tight budget too,

if we're going to resurrect the store, not changing may make more sense.

If we get the awning cleaned and re-hung,

the image will be considerably different.

I don't think people are going to notice the change.

Okaeri nasaimase.

Although you may notice the change

since you see it everyday.

So you don't think it will be noticeable?

Are you really going to do this thing with resurrecting the store?

That is my intention.

Personally, I don't think that's going to go over too well.

Why do you say that?

I think it sounds somewhat condescending.

Condescending?

People from back then were amazing.

It's like saying you should be grateful

and it sounds preachy.

Preachy?

Never...mind.

Then what kind of a bakery do you think

will go over well?

I-I'm not sure, but

some place where you can look forward to going,

like by going there you feel like something good's going to happen.

What specifically would that be?

I can't say specifically, but...

Then Miyuki-chan, if you think of something, let us know.

Your mother will take your idea into consideration.

I will!

Looks like her business switch came on along the way.

I'm sorry. Did you have to be careful not to hurt her feelings?

But Miyuki-chan has a sense of business.

Miyuki does?

Now that we can buy anything online,

there's less and less reason for us to go to stores, right?

Unless you really need or want that product,

something that makes it worthwhile to go there

is turning out to be a big factor these days.

Is that right?

Miyuki has that kind of sense, does she?

Here you go.

Itadakimasu.

Then make rolls next.

Don't you have anything to say? Like what you think?

Rolls!

Here.

Thank you very much.

Yuna, why do we end up coming to the Plaza?

That's because if we can find something cute, it makes us happy.

In other words, it's like a treasure hunt, right?

Mom?

Mom?

Miyuki.

What's all this stuff?

I'm collecting things that can be

used for the renovation which I can get for free.

Well then, I'm off to the next place.

Stepmom looks awfully busy, doesn't she?

I have to think of some fun things too.

Fun things?

Yes.

I have to exert all my energy into thinking about fun things!

Stop messing around, asshole!

I'm not messing around.

Whaddya mean you're not messing around!

No matter what I bake, you won't say if it's good or bad.

You won't tell me to do this or do that either.

What the heck is this. You here to harass me or what!

The reason I'm not saying anything

is because there's nothing to say.

There's nothing to say?

They're not particularly good nor bad.

I'm saying they're that kind of bread.

Akira, are you really baking these thinking that they're delicious?

Are you're making them because you want people to eat them?

I'm outta here. Who needs this crap!

Get this guy outta here.

That's manager's order.

You didn't say anything all day?

Not a word after making him bake all this?

Well, I guess so.

Why not?

It's just as I said.

I really have nothing to say.

There's practically no change

in the measurement or process from the time I was doing it.

As a matter of fact, he even made some improvements.

It's not that the taste is bad either.

But when this is served,

and you ask if the public will say it's good,

I don't think they will.

I can only say that I have nothing to say.

You were using the same ingredients and the same process,

yet everyone says your bread was good.

But they say Manager's bread is forgettable.

What is the difference between the two?

Isn't it because memories become more beautiful with time?

Can you set that thought aside and give me an answer?

If there was a difference between him and me,

the only thing

I can think of is the emotional involvement.

Emotional involvement?

You may find it amusing, but

any bread I made,

I put it out thinking that it was the best bread in the world.

And I'd proudly put them out, saying "It's good, isn't it?"

But there were some that blatantly remained unsold, and

I'd say "What is it about this guy you folks don't like?"

"What can I do to make you folks realize its goodness?"

Watching the customers' reaction, I went through trial and error

and finally, I got to a point where I saw the light.

They're all recipes that came about through that process.

That's right. We all eventually went back to Mugita, didn't we?

Even if I were to tell him to do it with the same kind of

emotional involvement,

it would be impossible.

Miyamoto-san.

Are you still intent on continuing this?

Will you just go home already?

I see, I see.

Then while eating a delicious sandwich,

shall we discuss a plan to repay your overdue rent?

Have a good day.

Okaeri nasaimase.

Where's Dad?

He has gone home.

He said he will not be coming anymore.

So, did he say anything?

Just make the bread you think is the best in the world.

In summary, he was saying something to that extent.

I can't quite understand what he means.

What kind of bread is the best in the world?

Your father said he baked bread that he thought was the best in the world, and

from there, while listening to his customers' voice,

he repeated the process of PDCA, or in other words, trial and error.

PDCA = Plan-Do-Check-Act - process of continual improvement of processes and products

The fact that we're resurrecting Bakery Mugita

does not mean replicating the predecessor's bread, but

for the manager, yourself, to have that same spirit.

I feel as if I was taught that lesson myself.

Manager.

This is my mistake.

For pursuing a mistaken line of thought on this proposal,

I apologize from the bottom of my heart.

Akira, are you really baking these thinking that they're delicious?

Are you're making them because you want people to eat them?

You know, I don't like the crust on pan bread.

I've always wanted to eat pan bread that had good crust too.

Would something like that do

for the pan bread that I bake?

Would it be okay to make it with a thought like that, Miyamoto-san?

I think that will be just fine.

All right!

I'm gonna do it~!

A loaf of bread that has good crust too?

That sounds good. I'd like to eat that too.

It's exciting, isn't it?

Was Mugita's bread originally like that?

There's been a change in plan.

Because serving the bread that the baker truly thinks is delicious

is ultimately the secret to success.

You were right, Miyuki.

Why?

The motivation of the creator supports the store, and

eventually, that gets conveyed to customers and leads to attracting customers.

It's that spiral that leads to success.

I should have focused on that from the beginning.

Did I say something that complicated?

Have you thought of anything since?

Can I tell you?

Please do tell me.

I thought it would be nice if we could go to stores

as if we were going treasure hunting.

Treasure hunting?

At the Plaza, for instance,

they always carry something new.

That's why I stop by and end up buying when I don't need to.

But carrying a new item everyday would be difficult for a bakery.

But I was wondering if there was something that could be done along that line.

Shall we brainstorm?

Brainstorm?

It's a process in which people share any and all ideas that come to mind.

Um~ then, something like "there's a lottery ticket in the bread."

Or something like "get one more if you win"?

Or "free for students taking entrance exams."

Then how about "free for single mothers"?

It would be nice if there was something like a miracle, huh?

Yes, indeed.

"Good luck with your studies!"

"I'm going on a date with Mom today."

Look, look, look! It says "Get one free if you win at rock paper scissors."

That over there says "If you win at 'look this way'."

Awesome!

This way, this way.

Hi. Manager, how's it going?

Mugita-san?

What's all this!

I'm trying to make pan bread that has good crust too, but

when I focus on the crust, the bread as a whole becomes heavy, and

when I focus on the bread as a whole,

the crust ends up too hard.

I don't know what to do anymore.

Let's try sorting out the conditions again.

Sort out?

In other words, if you concentrate your effort to this area,

there is a high probability of getting it come out the way you want.

You're a genius!

Mugita-san, are you all right?

Let's cut down on the sugar.

Let's make it 10 grams less.

Is that good?

Yes.

All right.

Decrease water to 65%.

Got it!

Mom, Mom!

- What is it? - This way, come this way.

Sexy!

This one must have miraculously found its way in here.

Mom, isn't this it?

Wouldn't this be it?

Okay, here we go, Hiroki.

Okay.

Itadakimasu!

What's wrong?

I'd like to have the grand reopening on this Saturday, but

I'm not sure we can get everything ready in 2 weeks.

Mom, the bread with good crust is ready!

Let us go.

Excuse me.

Then please go ahead.

Yes.

Here we go.

Itadakimasu.

How is it?

Manager, personally...

Oh my gosh!

Oh my gosh, this is good. It's unbelievably good!

Manager, personally speaking,

I also think it's unbelievably good.

Manager.

Miyamo-san!

Oops.

I beg your pardon.

Then, one more time.

Miyamo-san~!

Manager~!

Maybe another time, huh?

Yes. But this gives us

the momentum as we make our move towards to our grand reopening.

Miyamoto-san.

You know,

this was

the first time I had fun making bread.

It was exhausting, but the exhausting part was fun.

I kinda sound like a pervert, don't I?

Then please don't hesitate to be more of a pervert from now on.

Am I making all this?

Yes.

If you're going to call yourself a baker,

you should be prepared to come up with at least 30 varieties of bread.

By grand reopening, 10 varieties of standard products such as pan bread and baguette.

7 varieties of stuffed buns, 7 varieties of sweet buns, 6 varieties of sandwiches.

Please improve on or develop these in 2 weeks.

30 in 2 weeks?

I guess I'll start out with the sandwiches.

Thank you in advance.

Okie doke~.

Even the crust on this bread looks good.

How could you tell?

Well, I was a baker at one time too.

Personally, I feel we got off to a great start

as we move towards the grand reopening.

Well then, let's get straight to the point and see what it tastes like.

Please excuse me for barging in without notice.

Not at all. You are welcome to come barging in any time.

Oh, that's right. Take this.

Please.

I cannot accept this 50,000 yen.

It's for the bread.

This will make it the world's most expensive loaf of bread.

This is about all I can do

for my child who has grown up.

Please spend it on something for him.

As you see fit.

Me?

I don't trust him quite that much yet.

Please take care of it.

Then I shall gratefully use it on

something for Bakery Mugita.

What on earth is this?

There's no bread. It just melts away!

All right~!

Excuse me~. We're getting ready to close pretty soon.

I'm sorry.

Sandwiches are done!

I'm thinking about serving smooth red bean paste anpan.

But wouldn't that be too ordinary?

Something more fun would be better, huh?

Huh~?

What do you mean something fun?

- Think about it. - Think about it.

- Think about it. - Think about it.

Isn't this it?

Do you think so?

Grand reopening anpan is here~!

Ta-da~!

Here. Have one. Have one.

What changed?

It's half smooth and half chunky sweet bean paste.

Since I like them both,

I asked him to make it so that I can have both in one.

♬～If it's for Mugi-chan

♬～Heave-ho!

♬～One more load

♬～for Mugi-chan

♬～If it's for Mugi-chan...

What is that?

It's lunch for those guys.

They can tear off and eat the part they want.

Why don't you put this out in the store too?

Do you think it will sell?

I need one more.

She probably likes to drink sake.

That lady.

How is it?

It's difficult to understand.

Narrow down the important factors and make it more impactive.

Will do~!

Bakery Mugita Grand Reopening Strategy for Opening Day

Mom, you were saying you were short one variety,

but are you going to be okay?

I thought he would have done well if he could make 20 to begin with.

If I had said 20 from the beginning, we wouldn't have ended up with 20.

Makes sense~.

Here we go.

How is it?

I think it looks good.

- Are the fliers ready? - Yes.

We got them just in time.

The day has finally come, huh?

Yes, indeed.

Miyuki?

Manager.

We have a suggestion for you.

- For me? - Yes.

To make Bakery Mugita a more enjoyable store.

Is that something we can start now?

Yes you can.

Why don't we sit down?

What I'd like to suggest is

"The Bakery of Small Miracles."

Small miracles?

Let us begin.

"The High School Girl Series"

"They renovated this store, didn't they?

"Let's go take a look."

"The anpan looks good!"

♬～Da-da-da-daaan!

That was a sound effect. Let's continue.

"This is the one only that has white chocolate."

"No way! That's super rare!"

"I'm buying this."

"Thank you!"

"A few days later..."

"I heard Akiko found herself a boyfriend."

"Wha~at!"

"Maybe that chocolate cornet brings you good luck."

Pretty soon, rumor started going around that if you got a white chocolate cornet,

you'll find a boyfriend, and

everyone started to

make frequent visits to Bakery Mugita.

"The End"

So you're trying to attract customers by

preparing something that's a little out of the ordinary and attaching some kind of enjoyment to it?

Yes. Nothing's going to happen because of that, but

something like that may encourage people to stop by the store.

How about it, Manager?

What do you think?

Miyuki.

Yes.

How about mixing in among the rolls

heart-shaped ones even though it's actually a roll?

Miyuki~!

Manager~!

Yeah!

Really? Can you really do something like this?

It's a piece of cake. Or rather,

thanks.

I feel like I kinda understand now.

The reason Mom told me to think carefully

about what I want to do is because

if I don't think carefully,

it'll be all over before I do anything enjoyable, right?

Maybe.

This is Mom's!

It's from Harumi-san. Sorry, Hiroki-kun. I'll go return it.

See you later.

Thank you, Manager.

I think Miyuki was very happy.

Naw~ I'm the one who should thank her.

My fingers are crying to work on her plan.

You mean itching to work.

By the way, Miyamoto-san,

aren't you hungry?

Thank you for your concern.

However, I thought we might be working until midnight,

so I ate before I came.

Then how would you like some dessert?

Are they mini-anpan?

Anyway, just give it a try.

This is Mugita's anpan, right?

Yes.

Is this miso sweet bean paste?

Don't you think it will go well with sake?

By any chance, are these all part of a set with different sweet bean pastes?

I wonder what the next one is.

Here you go.

Thank...

It's incredibly sweet, yet incredibly hot, isn't it?

What do you think, Miyamoto-san?

Anpan we can have a little fun with.

I was planning to make this my last one.

I think it's very good!

They're delicious as well as visually cute, and

above all else, I feel that its fun-loving nature

has the potential to be a big hit.

This could perhaps be

the shortcut to the road to Kimutaya.

I'd like to sell it.

Manager, I'd like to sell this!

Miyamoto-san...

Manager.

Miyamo-san!

Manager!

Manager, weren't we supposed to do the high five this time?

I was just trying to go along with you.

We're not in sync, are we?

That's for sure.

I'll be counting on you tomorrow.

Certainly.

Are you done?

Say, do you think

Manager likes Mom?

- Good morning. - Good morning.

And thus,

the day of

the grand reopening of Bakery Mugita finally arrived.

This awning sure is nice.

Yes.

We got a new one with the donation from your father.

From my dad?

Yes. He said this is about all he can do for his son who has grown up.

Over your father's orange color,

your color was painted.

When the owner changes again,

another color will be added.

With the hope that this store will be carried over that way,

I took the liberty of making the selection.

I see...

Miyamoto-san.

Yes.

It's time to open the store.

Yes.

Let's go!

Excuse me.