Original subtitles

-Miyamo! -Mr. Miyamo.

-Miyamo! -Are you okay?

What's wrong? You okay?

You feel sick?

I'm sorry.

I just got a little dizzy.

Not enough sleep?

She keeping you up?

I bet she's a warlord in bed, too!

Stop spouting nonsense!

Now.

My stepmother was a tried and true career woman.

2009, MAY

But she quit her job shortly after marrying my father

and became a homemaker.

Let's get these too, Akiko!

SAUSAGES 148 YEN

They sell these at the other supermarket for 146 yen.

We can buy them there.

It's just two yen!

Premium Ham, Paradise. Sagara Foods.

HAM CORNER

-Pardon the interruption. -Yes?

I understand this is premium ham, but I still believe this is too expensive.

Excuse me?

Which is why this product is struggling against its competition.

I would propose a price reduction, for your business's benefit as well.

I'm not the one to talk to.

Yeah!

He can't do anything about it.

Understood.

In that case…

President Sagara.

It's been a while.

Regarding the Premium Ham pricing…

Where did you get this? It's so cheap!

I know, right?

Someone called their president to reduce the price.

It was actually the new mother of Miyuki Miyamoto from our class.

-The former Mitsutomo director? -Yeah, the one who just up and quit.

Did you know about that?

Harumi?

Everything okay?

Oh, sorry.

No, I didn't know.

I see. She was quite successful then.

CLASS ROSTER

MIYUKI MIYAMOTO

One tablespoon of sugar.

You're very methodical.

I don't wish to fail.

Good morning.

Yo, ugly!

Still ugly, huh?

Still fat, huh?

Anyway, everyone's coming over to play the Wii, you in?

The Wii?

Oui, ugly.

I'm good.

It's just gonna be boys, anyway.

Not like you have girl friends.

Hey, Miyuki!

Who? Me?

Good morning, Miyuki.

Good morning!

You sound weird.

Hey, I heard your new mom was amazing!

Uh…

Let's go.

Your mom used to be a director at Mitsutomo, right?

That's a big company!

SPRING SPORT'S DAY EVENT

Miyuki's should be coming up soon…

Who could this be?

Yes?

And so!

Anna, Julia, Elena, and Manon want to come and play!

Is that okay?

Of course they can.

Yay!

-I'm home. -It's dad!

Welcome home.

I have returned.

Welcome home.

What's that, Dad?

A gift.

Share it with Akiko.

Can I open it, Akiko?

Can I, Akiko?

Yes?

Do you have an ulterior motive?

What?

A gift is often presented to a long-standing client

in the event of a blunder or when requesting a favor.

Can I open it?

You can tell me anything.

We're married now.

Akiko.

Yes?

Would you consider attending a PTA meeting?

The thing is…

I've been skirting my duties for a while now.

But Miyuki's classmate's mother is the president, and she called me directly.

Can I open it?

You wouldn't want to attend, would you?

Am I correct in assuming that PTA is an acronym for Parent Teacher Association?

Y-Yes.

I believe so.

An organization where parents and teachers work together

to foster a better school environment for children.

Is that right?

I think so.

In that case,

I am fully on board and committed!

-Really? -Can I open it?

You're sure?

My current position is mother.

In that case, joining the PTA is one of my most important missions.

Yes!

Thank you!

To my stepmother, being a homemaker was just her societal disguise.

Underneath,

she would always be…

now and forever,

no matter where or when,

a career woman.

Where is class three of the third grade?

STEPMOM VS PTA, AN ALL-OUT WAR!!

THE HUSBAND GIVES HIS WIFE A TERMINATION NOTICE?!

I believe you all already know that Sports Day is coming up.

We once again ask for your assistance

to put on another safe and successful event.

Ms. Kosugi will provide the details.

We will need two people to run the reception desk,

one person in charge of parking, and one person on sanitation duty.

Any volunteers? Who wants to work reception?

Anyone?

Anyone willing to volunteer?

We can't go home until then.

Ms. Miyamoto!

You're volunteering?

May I ask two or three questions first?

Are all grades divided into three classes?

Y-Yes.

Two receptionists per class, three classes per grade, and six grades.

That's 36 personnel just for reception.

What is the "evidence" which indicates so many are needed?

"Evidence"?

-"Evidence"? -"Evidence"?

I think it means proof.

Ms. Ritsuko.

It takes a lot of people just to check everyone's name and belongings.

We also have to check for alcohol and dangerous objects.

36 people may not even be enough.

Then is it really necessary to check belongings for a Sport's Day?

There are children present.

We must be mindful of safety.

Do you understand now?

Understood.

-Then I-- -Mr. Yamaguchi?

Yes?

Can we table this for later to save time?

Good idea.

Next, we have parking duty.

Yes.

-Um, you've-- -I have a question.

Can you tell me why such a position is warranted?

Midorigaoka Nishi Elementary is a public school.

If we ban bicycles and cars, couldn't we downsize this position?

Downsize?

-That's-- -Ms. Ritsuko.

We of course ask everyone to walk.

But people still end up coming by bike and car.

Get it?

So your asking isn't effective.

Then how about issuing penalties?

Perhaps bar them from entering, or we could block any potential parking--

Sports Day has been run like this for years now.

You obviously know nothing about this, so stop asking questions.

That is why I'm asking questions.

If you don't know, then keep quiet!

Ms. Motoya.

Then what are your feelings on the saying,

"Better to ask the way than go astray?"

Are you picking a fight with me?

I'll do it!

I'll be on parking duty.

I'd like to do it.

So you ended up not getting tasked with anything?

Yes.

I planned to participate, but…

It's unfortunate.

Seems fine, though.

PTA participation isn't mandatory or anything.

It's not?

Some schools have even dissolved them.

And that's okay?

Are you ready yet, Akiko?

I'm sorry, just a little longer.

What are you doing?

We're going to plan a play date together.

A play date?

Some friends are coming over soon.

There's lots to plan like snacks and games and stuff.

It's just a bunch of kids hanging out.

Stay out of it, Daddy!

Okay.

Akiko.

Bunny!

It looks like you.

Like the eyes and the shape of the mouth.

How do you think they're coming along?

HAPPY WEDDING

GOOD LUCK RAISING KIDS!

BE THE BEST MOM YOU CAN!

Mom!

What is it?

I'm going to go hang out at Miyuki's tomorrow after school.

You mean Miyuki Miyamoto?

Yeah.

TO ANNA

Next is Julia.

There we go.

Does Miyuki have a play date today or something?

Snacks are tricky!

You sure a newbie like you is up for it?

There's been a price drop.

Are you ready yet?

What do you say?

Come on, now.

Anna, did you see the letter?

See you.

Yeah.

Ms. Shimoyama.

The temperature isn't increasing.

What?

The burner appears to be broken.

This happens with every burner.

What timing to malfunction.

Ms. Shimoyama!

It's not hot enough yet.

Get down!

What happened?

The thermometer's the broken one.

Burners these days

turn down automatically once reaching a certain temperature to prevent fires.

Burners are capable of such high-tech features now?

Welcome home.

Welcome home, Miyuki!

Where is everyone?

Will they be coming later?

They said they couldn't come.

Anna is going to go observe a ballet class with her mom.

Julia forgot she had a salon appointment with her mom.

Elena forgot she was going to the bookstore with her mom.

And Manon was going to the opticians--

Doesn't that seem a bit funny?

I don't know, that's what they said.

Do you know the name of the ballet studio Anna was going to visit?

-What? -Let's determine if it's true or not.

There is a chance they're collectively avoiding you.

If that's the case,

we must ascertain why and address the situation.

Don't do anything embarrassing like that.

What is embarrassing about trying to make improvements?

It's annoying.

Just forget it, okay!

Miyuki.

Let's discuss this.

You finally made frie--

Do you think Miyuki did something that caused the other girls to shun her?

What about you?

Is there anything you may have done?

Something related to school?

When I asked questions at a PTA meeting, I may have displeased some people.

That's it.

But that was between parents.

Nothing to do with the children.

Logically, yes.

Is there a contact sheet?

Yes.

Which kids were supposed to come?

Anna's full name is Anna Yano?

Yano?

PTA PRESIDENT HARUMI YANO

Found a connection?

And Julia's last name?

Kosugi.

Kosugi.

Elena Imai.

Manon Motoya.

But…

would adults really do something so petty and childish?

That's what the term childish is for.

Plenty of parents dictate their children's social life.

And so!

Anna, Julia, Elena, and Manon want to come and play!

Is that okay?

Of course they can.

Yay!

I've returned home.

Sorry I'm so late.

How was Miyuki today?

May I come in?

Yes.

What are you doing?

Some moms didn't like my conduct at the PTA meeting,

so they instructed their children not to play with Miyuki.

What?

They pulled out of the play date last minute.

There was no offer to reschedule either.

That's pretty nasty.

It is quite malicious.

Could it be that you're angry?

Not at all.

So this is what you're like angry.

I am only creating a plan to admonish them.

Admonish them, how?

I will crush their stronghold, the PTA, and dissolve it.

Dissolve?

Yes.

That seems like going too far.

I think you might just make things worse.

No need to worry.

I will work behind the scenes undetected before launching an ambush.

I'm not sure parents should get involved in a children's dispute.

They are the ones who involved children in a dispute between adults.

I still don't think this is good.

So, I should endure this?

Huh?

You wish to teach Miyuki that victims should just endure unfair treatment?

I never said that.

Miyuki will be fine.

There may be a brief uncomfortable period, but we'll win in the end.

Winning is all that matters.

But I…

I feel like this is the wrong course of action.

Do you know how much she was looking forward to this?

Trampling over a poor, innocent child's feelings.

I won't let them get away with it.

But…

I still don't think this is the right way.

Akiko.

Your change is 113 yen.

Thank you.

Welcome.

I wanted to assist you with your parking duty.

Thank you.

I'm so bad at this stuff.

Assigning tasks without regard to personality types…

This speaks to management's poor skills more than anything.

Done. What do you think?

Already?

REGARDING THE DISSOLUTION OF THE PTA

Ms. Miyamoto, this is…

Um…

Could I get your signature?

I've been waiting for someone to propose this!

Would you like a sample of our new product?

That monster's got our school under her thumb.

How does she have so much power?

She has three kids.

So she's been president for like 10 years straight.

She's chummy with politicians and the education board.

Is it me, or has our workload increased since she's been in charge?

She even made us help with the station festival!

She wants to impress the Station Board.

Same with the shopping district.

Yes?

Bye.

Bye!

Bye.

Bye.

A parent informed us that you've been secretly campaigning to dissolve the PTA.

Why would you do that when you only just showed up here.

Do you actually know everything the PTA does?

How will you run events without us?

Or ready the induction corsages?

The students would miss out on their graduation album.

Don't you feel bad for the children?

Say something already!

Ms. Kosugi!

You may not know this, but there are many who don't do their assigned jobs

or even participate at all.

There are many such irresponsible people.

I would guess those are the types who signed your petition.

Yeah.

Only the ignorant parents would ever sign.

I managed to get 171 signatures.

That's roughly a third of the school's parents.

Following your logic, a third of the parents are ignorant?

Is that correct?

You didn't have to phrase it like that!

But yes, exactly!

They're all worthless!

I see.

Also, as we lack a clerk, I've taken the liberty to record this discussion.

You're not planning on sending that to everyone, are you?

How do the teachers feel?

We need the PTA.

Isn't that obvious!

If the PTA is dissolved, teachers will no longer need to attend.

You would be able to reduce some of your extracurricular work.

No…

I just said we needed the PTA!

I'm asking Mr. Yamaguchi.

Any thoughts?

I think it merits a discussion at least.

Very well.

You are saying that we, along with teachers are unneeded.

I didn't say that, President Yano!

Then I have a proposal.

The current PTA will have zero involvement in the upcoming Sport's Day.

If the school truly doesn't need the PTA, then it shouldn't matter.

But that's…

It's less than a week away!

-What about the children? -What do you say, Ms. Miyamoto?

Then I will organize the Sports Day by myself without the PTA.

I look forward to a fun event.

Ms. Yano! Wait!

Let's talk about this!

Ms. Yano!

Akiko.

I'm guessing your crusade against the PTA isn't going well.

Don't worry, I'm making sure to keep you out of it.

What do you mean keep me out?

I am aware that you don't agree with the actions I've taken.

So please, you should head to bed already.

Yes, I don't agree with your methods this time around.

But…

I'm still on your side.

That seems contradictory.

Listen…

That's what family is, isn't it?

You can't fire or transfer families because they're wrong or no good.

You can't?

I feel like divorce falls under firing or a transfer.

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

As of today, you're relieved of your duties.

Just kidding.

You wouldn't like that, would you?

I don't want that either.

So…

Yeah.

Let's try to come up with a good solution together.

I know I might not be as capable as you,

but I'm better than nothing!

Huh?

I've volunteered…

to organize the entire Sports Day by myself.

What?

How can I ensure a good result?

This looks like the New Otani, doesn't it?

Didn't you say New Otani?

No, I said Myogadani.

Yeah, New Otani, right?

No, I said…

Tomoyo!

Huh? Why are you a taxi driver?

It's complicated.

She's doing everything.

No way, Miyuki's mom?

No way she can do it.

They don't care about ruining our Sports Day?

Totally.

Hey, what are you talking about?

-Sorry, bathroom. -Let's go.

Hold on!

Ow.

I saw your mom here at school.

Hurry up!

There's no way it's possible!

You can't organize the Sports Day all on your own.

Please, Ms. Miyamoto.

Could you apologize to Ms. Yano and the others?

Please listen to my proposal first before determining if it's impossible or not.

Sorry, you can't be here.

Akiko!

Stop this!

Everyone's mad!

That you're ruining our Sports Day!

If you're my mom, then don't do things that make everyone hate me!

Ms. Miyamoto.

Please listen to Miyuki.

Mr. Yamaguchi.

Is this how children should feel?

That they'll be hated if their parent steps out of line?

Fearing this, parents bite their tongues and vent behind closed doors.

When kids see this…

they learn that you should never oppose those in power.

That you should only be honest in secret.

Because that's what their beloved mom and dad did.

I say this with all modesty,

I don't wish my precious daughter to see me in such a way.

Please,

would you have a seat and listen to my proposal first?

I think we should, Vice-Principal.

Your mom's seriously awesome.

Like really.

My stepmother was a career woman.

Cooler than anyone.

A career woman who didn't back down.

Allow me to begin my proposal.

I'm sorry I took so long.

I want to help.

I'll help.

Thank you.

At this year's Sports Day,

bicycles and cars will not be allowed…

AKIKO MIYAMOTO

…If there is anyone with mobility issues…

Everyone, please listen carefully.

Taguchi.

Director!

I've come to ask a favor.

You're no longer my boss.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

Director? Why are you here?

Maehara.

I have a favor to ask.

Okay.

Director, how can I help?

POLICE UNIFORM

SPORTS DAY

Akiko. They're done!

Thank you.

Please take care of this hat.

Okay.

The gloss.

-Gloss? -Yes.

ENTRY PASS

SPORTS DAY

Here you go, Kazu!

Thank you!

It's finally Sports Day tomorrow!

Please watch over Miyuki until Ryoichi returns.

It's totally fine!

You owe me a home viewing though.

Good day.

What's she doing?

She's spending the night for the final preparations.

Hello?

I should arrive in 30 minutes.

Thank you.

I will be waiting.

96TH SPORT'S DAY

96TH SPORTS DAY

If only you could ban things with just a printout.

See!

I bet the neighbors are going to send in tons of complaints.

Why is there a police officer?

-You can't park here. -Excuse me. Why is there a cop?

I don't know, but he might give out tickets.

Really?

Hey!

You won't believe this!

-Hurry! -What?

Look!

Place any sharp objects like knives or scissors,

as well as plastic bottles here.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Hey!

-What's all this? -Baggage check.

We thought it best for safety reasons.

Getting this machine is cheating!

Yeah, all you've done is cheat with this machine and the cop!

I said I would organize it alone, but I never said I'd do it the same way.

How is this by yourself with all this help you're getting?

You have him!

A husband and wife count as one.

Hey.

Get in line!

I hope nobody is upset by such a heavy-handed method.

Thank you, Ms. Shimoyama.

You know, I feel like I know the one in the black hat.

You do?

Who was it again?

I know her from somewhere!

Good morning.

We've been blessed by wonderful weather.

I would like to thank you all for attending.

No way she's going to pull this off.

We've been doing this for decades. There's no way she can pull it off.

This is as far as she'll get.

She'll have to rearrange the spectator seats after each event,

deal with visitors and seating issues,

while also attending the parent event.

There is no way she can do all that alone.

Excuse me.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

I have an important announcement.

Seating is rearranged after each event.

Third-grade parents are wearing red ribbons.

Fifth-grade parents are wearing green ribbons, and so on.

Please give them priority for their respective events.

Thank you.

The first event is the first-grade foot race.

-On their first Sports Day… -They are so little!

-They really are! -Where's my tea!

-Please cheer them on! -I'm terribly sorry.

Looks like she's already having trouble.

I hope it all works out.

For the children's sake.

What are you doing?

HELPER

On your mark!

The next event is the third-grade foot race.

Please allow those with red ribbons to sit at the front.

Thank you.

Excuse me!

Excuse me, Ms. Shimoyama.

You made it!

The policeman is covering reception for me.

And Akiko?

She seems busy.

If only she could watch from the announcer's booth.

-Excuse me. -Yes?

Could I charge my phone?

-One moment please. -Okay.

You're right.

Next up is the third-grade foot race.

It's starting!

They have gotten much faster as they've grown.

Please cheer them on.

Miyuki!

Good luck!

Here you go.

Thank you so much.

Excuse me.

Some people aren't giving up their seats.

I'm sorry, but could you talk to them your--

That would only escalate things.

That's what you're here for.

On your mark! Get set!

On your mark!

Very well.

Excuse me!

Excuse me. Coming through.

It's them!

Blue ribbon parents should give up their seats to third-grade parents.

Blue ribbon parents, please give way.

-Come on! -It's fine!

Our fourth graders are up next anyway.

This is a third-grade race,

so please give your seats to third-grade parents.

What are they doing!

You can do it!

YAMAGUCHI

Very well.

-Grade four's Yamaguchi-- -What are you doing?

Please give up your seats.

Please give up your seats!

Let's go.

Please sit at the front.

Thank you.

Get set!

Excuse me.

She seems to be lost.

Sun umbrellas are not allowed, right?

Someone's using one. Can you talk to them?

-One moment-- -Hey!

You're out of tea again!

Ms. Miyamoto, the announcement please.

One moment please!

My apologies.

I will address each issue.

The next event is the fourth-grade foot race.

Please give way to blue ribbon parents.

This is for everyone's benefit.

Thank you.

We should announce the lost child.

Can you tell me your name?

I'll just borrow this.

Come with me.

Umbrellas are not allowed at this event to help ensure better visibility.

You there, put it away.

Here, take a free sample from my shop.

It's sunscreen.

I'll help too.

What can I do?

Thank you.

PARENT-CHILD COMPETITION

I heard she's running this by herself.

-Really? -Let's pitch in.

-Yeah. -We should help.

Doesn't this make us the bad guys?

Let's do something.

Make sure it's tied on tightly.

Akiko!

Give us the sashes.

We'll hand them out.

Thank you.

In that case…

This many?

It's too much!

You guys can do it! Let's go!

Come on!

Off we go! Let's do this!

I remember now!

The one in the black hat.

I helped her rent an apartment a long time ago.

But she suddenly said she was getting married and had to break her lease.

Please have a seat.

One second.

It was a shotgun wedding.

And it seemed like she was forced to quit her job.

She may have wanted to have a big career like you.

The next event is the three-legged parent-child race.

Please share your seats to ensure a fair viewing experience.

ENTRY GATE

On your mark!

Get set!

One, two!

What's wrong, Daddy? Are you okay?

My stomach…

Taguchi.

Thank you for today.

Please, it was my pleasure!

Hey, thanks so much!

You were a huge help to my wife.

Damn it.

-That's not someone suspicious, is it? -What?

I don't think so.

I will go check.

Ms. Yano.

You helped clean up?

It was a great Sports Day.

You must be happy to have proved that the PTA isn't needed.

Here, could you take care of the rest?

What was proven was that the PTA was actually necessary, don't you think?

Despite streamlining work and installing a fake police officer,

I couldn't handle everything alone.

Do you not think what was proven was that the school needed

a parent organization, whether that's called the PTA or not.

And I was told several times today.

"It wasn't like this last year."

"They handled it last year."

Honestly, I thought the trouble stemmed from providing too much service.

But you must have done a lot of meticulous work to ensure success.

However,

you may call me idealistic, but the PTA shouldn't be an imposition.

It should be an organization where people happily participate.

To achieve that, I feel like streamlining duties is necessary.

PTA President.

If you insist, then please teach me a better way to do my job.

Former Director.

Of course.

That's a load off!

I'm glad it worked out.

Yes.

However, I did fall short in one way.

What's that?

My number one priority was to take pictures of your race with Mizuki.

But I missed my chance.

Don't worry about that.

Next year…

Well, I mean…

You never know what'll happen next year.

Miracles happen all the time.

Probably an invitation to drinks.

What's wrong?

Ryoichi.

I never got a chance to take pictures of my children either.

It's a miracle.

Yes.

It's indeed a miracle.

And so Akiko helped restructure the PTA…

What about prioritizing the children's routines first.

You don't need to use a lot of seasoning.

Why is that?

You can just add more later.

And in exchange, Harumi helped improve her domestic skills.

Of course.

-Let's go, Anna! -Yeah.

And so summer came.

Twinkle, twinkle!

Okay, here are the guidelines for the school camp!

School camp!

The first fun summer vacation the three of us would have together.

Or it should've been.

TO BE CONTINUED

-I'd like to talk. -Is it a fake marriage?

I have a daughter named Miyuki.

It's why I accepted your proposal.

She's reliable and dependable.

I thought she'd make a wonderful mother as well.

Miracles happen all the time.

Subtitle translation by: Zensho Yamamoto