Original subtitles

When I was in the third grade,

my father suddenly announced he was getting remarried.

My mother had died less than three years ago,

and I was completely against his decision.

However…

Now go.

I was unexpectedly helped by this woman,

so feeling indebted, I sent her a letter of acceptance.

But…

I would soon regret…

Thank you very much!

I don't know her!

…ever sending her that letter.

Ms. Saijo!

-Sorry I'm late! -Mr. Miyamoto, come!

What?

I was so intent on expressing my gratitude that I got ahead of myself.

For having made you uncomfortable…

Please forgive my actions.

What's going on?

What are you doing?

I am begging for Miyuki's forgiveness.

Her forgiveness?

Mr. Miyamoto.

Who might this woman be?

She is going to be Miyuki's new mother.

I take it back!

I'm calling it off!

Miyuki.

That doesn't seem fair.

What?

What is it?

Could you please reconsider!

I beg of you!

My stepmother was a career woman.

I didn't know it at the time,

but cornering her opponent with an apology, was a tactic of hers.

And wouldn't you know?

Come on, Miyuki.

Look how sorry she is.

Miyuki!

Fights end when someone's sorry.

Suddenly, I'm the bad guy if I don't forgive her.

And I feel like one, too.

A normal mom…

My mom…

Doesn't do this!

A mom…

doesn't?

WILL THEY SAFELY COHABITATE OR WILL SHE STORM OFF AND RUN AWAY?!

CAN THE STEPMOM WIN THE DAUGHTERS HEART?!

2009, MAY

Miyuki!

Akiko will be here soon!

Put your things away!

Why?

She's not a guest or anything.

Miyuki!

She's here!

Let her in!

Sorry!

We're not home!

This can't be all your belongings.

No.

The rest will be delivered later.

I see.

Here.

For Miyuki.

A souvenir from China?

Will she like it?

I performed a sure-fire routine last time to get Miyuki to laugh.

But the result was less than desirable.

It suggests there is a discrepancy between

my idea of motherhood and her idea of motherhood.

It means that I haven't grasped the client's needs.

Please, Miyuki didn't mean any of that.

I think your idea of motherhood is just fine.

I'll go give this to Miyuki then.

Please come when you're done unpacking.

My idea of motherhood…

I will devour all of the children's dreams!

Oh no! He has gotten bigger!

I won't forgive you for stealing Akira's dream!

I will steal the dreams of all the children in the world!

Everyone, let's transform!

DREAM PUCHI-CURE

Is it this anime?

Akiko is trying to be panda pals with you.

Can't you panda it out?

You're annoying.

Dream…

You can't tell your father he is annoying.

I'm watching Puchi-Cure!

I recommend you watch baseball at this time.

This is Puchi-Cure time!

Baseball would be better to watch as a family.

There are many topics we could discuss

such as player performance, salaries, and team management.

Encouraging communication--

Mr. TV says no fighting.

I'll just record the baseball game.

Do you watch often?

I thought a good mother would recommend watching baseball.

Maybe back in the day.

My mom loved anime.

I guess it means she was a bad mother.

Miyuki.

Don't say things like that.

Yes?

It's okay, your client needs you.

-I should be back before the day is over. -Okay.

Feel free to never come back!

Knock it off, Miyuki!

I'm sorry, I'll talk to her.

It's okay.

-I should go. -See you.

Good morning, Miyuki.

Where is she?

I think she's sleeping.

-I've returned. -Huh?

Good morning.

What? You were out all night?

Yes, if I had left earlier they would have asked for a discount.

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that!

Please have a seat.

-Thank you. -Go ahead.

Would you like some food?

Yes, please.

I skipped eating ramen with the clients for this.

Just give me a few minutes.

Are you serious about being a mom?

Yes.

Do you even have time to do house chores?

Are you planning on making my dad do everything?

ENERGY DRINK

What?

I'm eager to improve.

What's wrong if I do things?

Akiko is busy.

You tell me to help though.

That's for your benefit.

Akiko could do it if she had the time.

So it's different.

How do you know?

Maybe she can't do anything.

Okay.

You don't have to do anything then.

I'll take care of the house myself.

I didn't ask for that!

In a dual-income household, a fair split of house chores

is an important factor for smooth household management.

Miyuki makes a great point.

I am embarrassed to admit that I came here without a plan.

You don't have to do that.

Please allow me some time to figure out proper motherhood.

TEN WAYS TO DISTRIBUTE HOUSEHOLD CHORES

Excuse me, Director?

Would you like lunch--

I have a female-only lunch meeting planned for today.

I am available now for any pressing matters.

Is it that big of a mistake?

No, nothing like that.

Getting on her knees for everything and anything!

Heard from the after-school kids that you got a new mom.

She's not my mom!

She stayed out all night and gulped down an energy drink.

What kind of mom is that?

More like an old man!

Huh…

Then just drive her away.

Drive her away?

Even if you split up housework, you end up fighting anyway.

Totally!

It just ends up on the person who's available.

I've never discussed splitting up duties with my spouse.

You always pick your kids up?

I sometimes have a mom friend help me.

What do you do when someone has the flu?

I have my mother come.

I pretend I caught the flu too and take time off!

I'm sorry, Director.

That was inappropriate.

No, please don't hold back. I need to get a clear picture.

Everything said here is off the record.

What is this all for anyway, Director Iwaki?

Well, I will be getting married in the near future.

Married, you say?

Yes.

What?!

You're getting married?

Yes.

I know it is frowned upon to set up a meeting for a personal issue,

but I believe that receiving your input would be the most effective and real--

Who are you marrying?

A regular office worker who is a single father.

Single father?

Single father?!

What are they like?

He must be wonderful to be able to capture your heart.

I don't like her!

I believe you could say that he has something that I lack.

How do you divide up the housework in your…

Allergies, still?

It's a miracle.

Come along.

Drive her away how?

Tell your dad you'll disappear if she's your mom.

Run away!

Sorry, are you good from here?

I have to go deliver a key to a tenant.

I'll be fine, thank you.

Sorry.

Also, could you tell your new mom to call me?

Right away, okay?

She's not my mom.

I can't run away.

I'll actually be home alone on the school's anniversary.

School anniversary? You mean tomorrow?

Yup!

I bet your dad has forgotten about it.

Seems like an easy day to run away.

But still…

What is all this?

These belong to your new mom.

I'm sorry, I mixed up the dates.

I checked, and she said none of it was valuable and to leave the boxes here.

She did?

You must be happy to get a new mom.

She's not my mom!

AKIKO MIYAMOTO

Miyamoto!

Hiroki.

I'll run away.

Made up your mind?

I'll meet you tomorrow at nine.

SUMMARY OF DIVIDING CHORES Q&A

Oh my.

This is defeating the purpose.

W-Would you like to get dinner--

I have plans tonight.

E-mail me any urgent matters.

Good night then.

Good night, Director!

I have to discuss these feelings.

ROMANTIC ADVICE

I have fallen in love with someone out of my league.

I have returned.

Welcome home.

You brought my belongings in.

Thank you.

There wasn't much.

I'm grateful.

It took no time at all.

Ryoichi.

You don't need to heat it up.

This won't take long either.

What are you doing?

Today at work, I held a Q&A with mothers regarding work-home balance.

I see.

When I asked what was most different from before having children,

I received the response that

their priorities shifted to their children's schedule.

It is nice how organized this schedule is.

TUESDAY, SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY DAY

Find something?

Indeed I did.

YOU RECEIVED A REPLY ON YAHHO! ANSWERS

"So you fell in love with your wonderful older boss.

I understand how you can't tell anybody.

I have a great suggestion for you. The very popular…

Mirockle?"

Oh, maybe miracle?

"When I bought flowers from them for my admiree, our love…

was long-lived?

I had gone thinking I was being deceived--"

LADY AKIKO

Huh? Really?

I'm sorry for calling so late.

What is wrong, Director?

I seem to have caught a cold.

A-Are you okay?

As I do not wish to spread the virus, I hope to take tomorrow off.

Could we postpone tomorrow's scheduled presentation by one day?

That should be just fine.

Thank you.

I will do so then.

Good night.

I'm sorry to make you take off work.

Please, don't mention it.

She asked me for help.

Let me know if it works out for you!

Hey! Give me all your roses!

MIROCKLE FLOWERS

Tomoya!

You gonna go ask a girl out or something?

No, dummy.

It's for work.

What happened to your delivery job?

I got excused of making a wrong delivery.

You mean "accused"?

That's 100,000 yen for everything.

Isn't that too much?

Sir, our flowers bring miracles.

TO DO LIST FOR TOMORROW CREATE SCHEDULE

Good morning.

Morning.

She's not here again?

Good morning.

Huh…

You cooked today?

Yes, I have the day off after all.

What?

It's your school anniversary today, isn't it?

Ryoichi said he hadn't arranged for a sitter or childcare.

As a mother, I didn't think you should be left home alone,

so I took the day off.

I know I shouldn't have forgotten, but you could've reminded me!

W-Was that today?

I forgot too.

What do I do, Mom?

What do I do?

I'll meet you tomorrow at nine.

I should call!

Come on, answer!

Hurry!

Miyuki.

I thought of a few activities we could do as mother and daughter.

Here is the proposal.

One, we go to the park where I will teach you how to ride a bike.

Two, we go to the library and read, expanding your knowledge.

Three, participate in a children's activity to foster your curiosity.

-Four-- -My mom…

My mom…

said she liked to relax and take things easy when she had free time.

So I'm just going to relax on my own today.

Don't worry about me.

Puchi-Cure Dream Foundation!

The power of dreams. Dream Pink!

My mom loved anime.

The red heart of passion. Dream Red!

The sparkle of a bursting star. Dream Yellow!

The light that shines on the dark. Dream Purple!

The Dream Scouts, Dream Puchi-Cures!

We're ready now!

Puchi-Cure Rainbow Attack!

CREATED BY MAIASA

PLEASE TUNE IN NEXT TIME!

That was wonderful.

Huh?

I found it so interesting.

It's so good, right?

Yes.

I felt a powerful magic hidden inside this show.

You mean, they're all witches?

No, I didn't mean the show's story.

I'm referring to the hidden magic of economics.

Young girls who watch this anime will come to admire the Dream Scouts.

"Mom, I want to be Dream Pink when I grow up!"

So boom!

They buy a Dream Pink costume.

But that's not all.

"Daddy, I can't transform without the Dream Compact!"

They buy a Dream Compact!

"Mom, Dream Puchi-Cure is out! Friends Puchi-Cure is cool now!"

And then the cycle continues the next year.

It's a well-crafted scheme.

I learned a lot thanks to you.

Likewise.

Hiroki?

Ms. Shimoyama.

May I help you?

Miyamo asked me to check in on you two.

I'm sure you don't have plans on going out.

In that case, here.

That place we talked about.

Would you like to come along for a viewing?

Ms. Shimoyama.

I will reach out regarding that matter at a later date.

But I mean, Miyuki's here.

Don't you want to come see your new home?

New home?

Your mom wants you all to move to a new home.

Move?

But this is where I lived with my mom!

Well, you know what I think?

Your mom is always close by, watching over you.

So even if you move--

You're mean!

You said you were coming at nine.

What time do you think it is?

Just come down already.

I'm waiting outside.

Then how about you come see it on your own?

I'll be holding an emergency family meeting.

Please allow Miyuki some time.

Okay.

But hurry.

That's who she called an old man?

Do you have business with my daughter?

I had no idea you came over to play.

Please allow me to sincerely apologize for my accusatory tone.

Likewise.

By the way, how would you describe Miyuki's demeanor at school?

What?

She's a bit more outgoing.

Do you play with her during recess?

Yes.

We've been engaging in conversation as of late.

Is that so?

Please excuse me.

What's with your attitude?

Your new mom is very intimidating.

My palms are all sweaty.

She's not my mom.

Come on.

Do you take sugar in your tea?

Yes, please.

Understood.

Why isn't Ms. Shimoyama answering?

May I help you?

Miyamo.

Did you send Daini Steel the new estimate?

I'm doing it now.

It's too late now, idiot!

What happened?

They dumped us!

-Mitsutomo swooped in again! -What?

Why are you not the one telling me about this!

Miyamo, just quit then!

What?

Quit?

Anyway, let's go talk game plan.

Right, I could just quit.

I should just quit!

I hear you!

Director Kasahara, I quit.

Are you out of your mind?

I'm actually about to get married again.

So I'll resign for family reasons.

That's a reason not to quit!

Yeah, calm down. Take a breath.

Even if you get married,

the husband shouldn't be the one to resign!

I know this isn't the right time to bring this up,

but I'm marrying Mitsutomo's Ms. Iwaki.

You don't mean…

Yes!

Akiko Iwaki from Mitsutomo?

That's the one.

You know how busy she is.

She has no time for housework, which has set off my daughter.

But you're right.

Me quitting was an option!

Thank you for giving me the idea, Director Kasahara!

You eat too much.

That's why you're fat.

Miyuki.

Yes?

Was that okay?

Is that how your mother was with your friends?

Well…

So I have a long way to go?

Would you like to go out to eat where you often went with your mom?

You came here often?

It's convenient after shopping.

What did your mom often order?

The second thing I wanted to eat.

What does that mean?

She ordered the second thing I wanted to eat and shared.

I see.

Then what is the second thing you'd want the most?

Yakisoba, I guess.

Understood.

Welcome.

Yakisoba and…

Are you trying to copy my mom?

So you've noticed.

Are you stupid?

You can't become her by copying her.

No?

Your face is totally different.

While I can't change my physical appearance,

if given detailed information regarding her conduct,

wouldn't I be able to copy a fair bit?

Wouldn't that be best for you?

Your ideal mother is your late mother, is it not?

You're strange, aren't you, Akiko?

What's with that face!

Just now…

you called me Akiko.

So what!

I also lost my mother young.

Which is why I don't have a strong idea of what a mother is.

Therefore,

it'd help me a great deal if you shared stories about your mother with me.

Liar.

You didn't lose your mom, did you?

If you want someone to open up to you, you must open up first.

It's a sales technique.

I knew it.

It's a good thing to know.

Please have a bite.

I'm fine.

I see.

Are you making dinner tonight?

Yes.

So please tell me your favorite dish that your mom made.

Everything.

And by everything, you mean?

I mean everything!

Understood.

Then we shall buy every ingredient to give us the most options.

What?

We should alert the manager as this should take great effort--

Hamburgers!

I like hamburgers.

Understood.

Hamburgers, you say?

What are croquettes made from?

Potatoes!

Bingo!

What else?

Can you tell me what ingredients are in curry?

Um…

-This! -That's right! Hand it over.

Bingo.

I'd like more potatoes.

Okay.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Let's do that as well.

-What? -Okay, start.

Let's play, "What goes in a hamburger!"

Question one.

Choose a meat to be used in the hamburgers.

Um…

Um…

MIXED MEAT

This!

Some hamburger chains claim to use 100 percent beef.

Did your mom really use a mix of pork and beef?

I think so.

Mixed.

Then I will bet on only beef.

Bet what?

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

HOW TO WRITE A RESIGNATION LETTER

AKIKO

Hello? Akiko? Did something--

I apologize for calling you at work, but I have a pressing matter.

Yes?

Does your family use 100 percent beef or a mix for your hamburgers?

What? What sort of question is that?

Are your hamburgers 100 percent beef or a mix?

A mix.

Thank you.

What did he say?

You were right.

Told you!

Next question.

Are we having hamburgers tonight then?

Dad, what about eggs?

We put eggs in the hamburgers, right?

Right, Daddy?

We do, but…

What are you guys doing?

Is garlic included?

Excuse me, what are you guys doing?

DEMI-GLACE

We definitely don't use that!

I've never even seen it!

I believe you do use it!

There is no way you only use ketchup for sauce.

Demi-glace!

Demi-glace?

Demi-glace sauce…

Thank you very much.

Which was it?

You were right.

Did I win all of them?

It appears so.

Yes!

I won!

I won!

So it's over, right?

That will be 1,620 yen.

Excuse me.

My apologies.

Welcome!

Hey there, Miss!

Want to take a look?

Step right up!

Mirockle Flowers?

How about it?

MIROCKLE FLOWERS

How about it, sir! Flowers for the missus?

Our flowers perform love miracles.

They're not rock flowers?

Rocks? The sign says, Miracle Flowers!

Oh, I see!

I get it.

That's all well and good.

But you've spelled it wrong.

It's should be either this or this.

Huh?

You have it spelled so that it reads "strangely shaped rock flowers"

which is a bit confusing.

That's why I'm not getting many customers!

You should probably fix it.

So, what'll it be?

Let's see.

I'm home.

And how are things here?

Welcome home.

What is Akiko doing?

She's looking for a recipe that's closest to Mom's hamburgers.

Mom's hamburgers?

She said she'd become a copy of Mom.

-Copy? -I didn't ask her to or anything.

She did it on her own.

Based on the ingredients, this could be it.

I have returned.

I have returned.

Welcome home.

I'll cook the hamburgers.

No, I would like to learn how to make her mom's hamburgers.

Then let's cook together.

Miyuki.

Put this in water, please.

Okay.

Just pop it in your mouth.

Then mince the onion.

The chopsticks aren't stopping my eyes from watering.

Now add salt.

Put your back into it, please.

Understood.

Make sure to let out the air.

Okay.

Well then.

Let's eat.

It's very good.

You're a good cook.

Thank you.

I make a mean hamburger.

Ryoichi.

Did your wife have a recipe book?

I would love a copy if you have it.

She did.

But it won't do you much good.

What do you mean?

Just come see for yourself.

There it is. Here you go.

HAMBURGERS / RICE OMELET

Oh my.

JUST MIX HOW YOU WANT!

THEN ADD KETCHUP!

She wasn't into details at all.

I tried to copy her at first, but it was helpless.

So to be precise, this isn't her hamburger recipe either.

But reading through this could provide me with some insight.

There's no way you can do it, Akiko.

Dad can't even do it, and he's had her cooking so many times.

And I don't want you to be a copy of my mom.

So if Akiko somehow manages to copy your mom perfectly,

you wouldn't want that?

That stands to reason.

She's your one and only mother.

How could I have missed this.

Don't do that either!

Seriously, don't!

Akiko.

Please sit down.

Akiko.

Let's not do that anymore.

Your family aren't your clients.

Not my clients?

More importantly,

you wrote in your resume that you want to use

your business experience to build a fun and happy family.

Apologizing on my knees was part of that for me.

Then something other than that.

Other than that?

Then I wish to lean into my business experience now.

This is for Miyuki who seems to dislike carrots.

What?

I want to see it! Let's go!

I want to see Miyuki do it!

I want to see it!

I want to see it!

I want to see you eat those carrots!

-No way! -I want to see it!

I want to see it!

I want to see you eat those carrots!

One big bite!

One small bite!

Gulp them down!

Gulp them down!

I'm not doing it!

-I said no! -Gulp them down!

Gulp them down!

Gulp them down!

That was amazing!

You gobbled them up like an MVP!

What's an MVP?

MVP stands for Most Valuable Person.

It is a title given to those who have made significant contributions.

MVP?

It's a good thing to know.

Miyuki.

How about we give this to Akiko?

For helping you eat the carrots you couldn't before.

That's a mom.

Isn't Akiko a mom, too?

Miyuki.

You don't have to.

May I have it?

You don't get the same color.

Thank you.

That's not allowed!

Seriously.

Not allowed.

Okay?

Yeah, it's not allowed.

I bought that at a misspelled miracle florist.

What do you mean?

Well…

Maybe they really are miracle flowers.

Miyuki ate carrots, and she even gave you a flower.

Um,

regarding my earlier proposal of dividing up our housework--

That won't be necessary.

I'll become a stay-at-home dad.

I quit my job today.

That's a miracle!

You quit your job?

Yes.

I sent my resignation letter before I left.

What brought this on?

I mean, you're much better at your job than I am,

and earn three times more.

I'm not attached to my career, and I like housework.

Me quitting is the logical answer.

Please do not take this the wrong way,

but I don't think that was very meaningful.

Yes, it may make the housework go smoothly on the surface,

but the whole reason the housework needed to be addressed

was so Miyuki and I can establish a proper relationship.

If all I do is work and come home, will she be able to feel close to me?

But you can't do both with your current workload.

I don't want you to overdo it.

Right.

So, what if I were the one to quit?

Absolutely not.

Because to you, your career is everything.

You can't sacrifice all the hard work you've put in.

I don't want that for you.

And your living expenses will take a hit.

Saito Dosan was an oil merchant.

And Ryotaro Shiba wrote that Hideyoshi started out selling needles.

In other words,

worldly experience can become a significant weapon.

Therefore…

I see learning the world of family management as obtaining a new weapon.

Is that so?

I won't stop you if you wish to quit to spend more time with Miyuki.

But you weren't originally planning on quitting if there were no issues.

I mean…

isn't that the same for you?

Yes.

If it weren't for today, I would've searched for a path to do both.

Today?

After the day I had,

I realized I would not later regret…

quitting my job.

It's a miracle.

In just one day, 33 years can change like that.

Yes.

Miyuki…

could be my miracle.

MITSUTOMO METALS

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

Chase two hares and end up with none.

I would like to bow out graciously.

We'll do everything we can for you.

We can raise the pay.

If it's for you.

Exactly.

You could hire a helper.

Should I?

Then how about a billion yen?

The Warlord strikes again.

That's quite the bluff.

What's the real figure?

One billion.

Hold on.

Iwaki!

I will be earning that soon enough.

Hold on.

Did you get an offer?

My daughter is exceedingly adorable!

Her smile is easily worth 10 million.

If I can make her smile 100 times in a year,

that total is one billion.

If you want me to give that up…

then my price is one billion.

So you're not driving her off?

She might be weird, but she's earnest.

She really wants to be my mom.

I see.

Is that so?

You're asking her out today?

What's that?

Are you going to go ask her out today?

Have we met somewhere before?

What're you talking about?

You'd surely remember a handsome face like mine.

Did something happen?

Director Iwaki is quitting to raise a family.

Director.

Director!

Congratulations on getting married!

Thank you, Taguchi.

Please.

I should be the one to thank…

Taguchi!

I see the CEO from Daini Steel!

It's his birthday today.

Please gift him those flowers.

It would be my pleasure!

Her employment didn't end

until she went through her huge stockpile of PTO.

I'm home.

My stepmother would always be by my side from that day forth.

What are you doing?

I accidentally left a tissue in the wash.

Wait, is this…?!

It was on sale today.

You made the right choice!

Meanwhile, my father…

Mr. Messiah.

Stop with that nickname.

So your wife retired to raise the family?

That's bad news for Mitsutomo, but great news for us!

Splendid work, Miyamo.

It's the best work you've done.

Here's a hug as a reward.

Whatever.

Back then, I had no idea that time was running out…

-Miyamo? -Mr. Miyamoto?

…for my father.

Miyamo!

TO BE CONTINUED

Where is class three of the third grade?

Don't do anything embarrassing.

-I will crush the PTA and dissolve it. -Dissolve?

I won't let them get away with it.

Then I'll have you quit being Miyuki's mom.

Don't do things that make everyone hate me!

Subtitle translation by: Zensho Yamamoto