Original subtitles

2009, SEPTEMBER

It's so hot!

This way!

Wait. Is this?

She wanted to give you pictures of miracles.

Why did you blab everything?

Crap, I did!

What's done is done.

Quit it!

-Yo-- -Hold on!

-Come with me. -What?

So, Miyuki.

I've noticed you've been sneaking around with that fatty.

My dad was in the hospital,

so Hiroki was helping me take pictures for my dad.

Your dad's in the hospital?

He just got out, but yeah.

Then why did you only tell the fatty, and not the rest of us?

I didn't mean to tell Hiroki either!

But he caught me.

And then he offered to help me.

It's okay, Miyuki.

It's not like that!

It's fine.

Sorry, it must have been tough.

Anna!

Yo, ugly!

How was your dad yesterday?

You're being creepy.

You're creepy.

Never talk to me again!

Wait, what?

Miyamoto!

So listen…

Tell me.

What kind of joke is this?

Joke?

These are the thank-you gifts.

We have prepared 150 for tonight.

Is that enough?

Yes, although, what if more were required?

We can provide them right away.

Miyuki!

I can't believe it!

How could this happen?

It's okay, I'm used to it.

Miyuki!

Maybe you could go help Akiko.

Funerals are a lot of work.

Thank you very much.

Akiko.

Is there anything I can help you with?

Could you stay beside Miyuki?

I can handle things here.

-But Miyuki said the-- -Madam.

Our helper arrived.

Thank you.

Thank you for coming.

Our condolences for your loss.

Maehara.

Yes?

Loafers aren't acceptable.

Lace-up shoes are preferred for funerals.

Is that true?

Could you change your shoes?

Of course!

Excuse me.

Are you Akiko?

I'm…

You are Yoko, Ryoichi's older sister?

Yes.

And you are Ai's younger brother, Koji.

Yes.

We're very sorry.

Thank you for coming.

I'm sure Ryoichi would be happy.

Thank you for waiting.

Funerals are a lot of hard work, right?

I appreciate you saying that.

Miyuki.

I can help you today.

Thank you.

I am the chief mourner, Akiko Miyamoto.

I wanted to thank you all for attending

the wake of my late husband, Ryoichi Miyamoto.

My husband fought his illness privately,

and he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

He was 46.

We have provided food for you all.

Did I miss it already?

Thank you for coming.

Are you okay?

Yes, thank you.

Just ask if you need any help.

This looks really good.

Wanna try?

I'm okay.

You must be hungry.

Hey, Hiroki!

I'm sorry, but could you hang out with Miyuki for a second?

I don't think--

Thanks!

Hold on!

She told me not to talk to her.

Miyuki!

I had no idea.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Actually, I didn't know about it either.

You didn't?

They told me he broke his foot.

Look, I'm okay!

I'm fine!

Don't cry!

Where did she go?

Yoko, Koji, thank you.

Please have some food.

That's okay, I don't know anyone here.

I will be going.

Me as well.

I have to attend to my elderly mother at home.

Please excuse me.

I understand.

Allow me to thank you for coming once again.

What is Ms. Iwaki going to do now?

You mean with work?

I'm sure she'll work.

You mean will she continue to raise his daughter?

I mean, normally when they've only briefly been together,

a blood relative would take her in.

But didn't those relatives seem a bit distant?

That's true.

Ow!

Are you for real?

His relatives went home already?

That's cold.

It isn't cold.

It was awkward for them to be around a stranger like me.

Stranger?

You didn't meet them at all before?

No.

While we notified them, I didn't get a chance to meet them until today.

That doesn't seem like you.

I'll stay here with Miyamo.

Why don't you go to Miyuki?

No.

It's the family's duty to see to the incense.

Are you stupid?

Are career women stupid?

That's not your duty!

What do you mean?

Your duty is to grieve!

Together with Miyuki!

All you're doing here is for show.

It's not honoring Miyamo at all!

However,

if I did that, then wouldn't the funeral service collapse--

It won't!

The funeral directors are pros!

And all of us are willing to pitch in!

But only you can be there as a mother.

You're the only one who's Miyuki's mother.

Lady!

Hiroki.

Lady, she's acting weird!

I don't think the director loved her husband.

She doesn't seem sad at all.

Then why'd she marry him?

My guess is, she knew he was sick from the start.

Director?

Miyuki.

You can leave that to the grown-ups.

I said I'd help.

Besides, I need to be more responsible from now on.

What do you mean?

You're going to leave because Daddy is gone now, right?

You married Daddy, not me.

I really am stupid.

Truly.

Akiko?

Miyuki.

I loved your father very much.

Your father was like a ray of light.

So warm…

and inviting.

Just being with him made time move slowly.

I mean,

what should we do now?

Miyuki.

What should we do?

Miyuki?

What can we do to make a warm home…

like Ryoichi would've created for us?

I can't picture it.

So…

would you help me come up with a plan?

Would you sit down for a meeting with me?

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Sounds like she really married him.

Akiko cried that day.

She cried the whole time.

She was still crying the next day.

Is she going to be okay?

It seems like she can't stop crying.

I bet she has years of repressed feelings.

I'm sorry.

I'm okay now.

What are you doing!

Wake up, Miyamo!

Time to come to work!

-Come on! -Stop that!

Open your eyes already!

Wake up already, Miyamo!

Come on, it's time for work! Wake up!

Miyamo!

Wake up!

Wake up, Miyamo!

Safe travels.

Are you okay?

Here is his portrait.

Here is his tablet.

Watch your hand.

Please see the bereaved family off.

Going up.

That girl can never give back to her parents.

Good work today.

-Huh? -Sorry.

I'm going home.

They say when you die, it's daisies.

Thank you, sir!

What? Mugita! Wait!

Huh? What?

FUNERAL HALL

Akiko.

Mom.

You don't need to force it.

Take your time.

What is it?

You said it was a joke.

The day of the wake, you said it to Daddy.

Well, before he died,

we discussed the three of us taking a family portrait.

You and Miyuki in matching white dresses,

me in a sharp, black tuxedo.

He said all that.

But in reality, we're the ones in black funeral attire,

and he was the one wearing a white kimono.

Daddy's such a dummy.

It's inappropriate, but I can't help but think that.

But that's a miracle.

I mean, the timing was a miracle!

You may be right about that.

Maybe he's trying to tell us…

There are tons of tiny miracles.

That all we have to do is find them every day.

Not again!

We don't have any pictures of the three of us together?

No, we don't.

I see.

Three pieces?

Now I've done it.

Is something wrong?

You're normal today.

What?

Your face!

Your face is all normal!

Is it?

Wow, you're face is moving all normal!

Perhaps I cried it all out.

That's another miracle from Daddy.

You really got us, Daddy!

Miyuki.

Would you like to go to the park after breakfast?

Yeah!

Are you ready?

-Yes. -Here I go, Miyuki!

Ready?

I'm riding a bike, Mom!

Daddy, I did it!

I did it!

Daddy!

Ryoichi!

Are you watching?

Some time later.

When I went to school, Hiroki was gone.

Apparently, his father was transferred.

Please!

A lot of companies came to recruit my mom.

I am currently focusing on my daughter.

She said she was prioritizing me for the time being.

I'm fine, so you can go work.

We can't live if you don't work.

Don't underestimate the savings account of a dedicated career woman.

I accept defeat!

We spent our days looking for the tiny miracles around us.

Found one!

Mom!

I found this.

ARENA BLOCK SEVEN ROW SEVEN, SEAT 77

Wow!

Let's go to the next one.

Okay.

And so time passed.

And I became a high school senior.

NINE YEARS LATER

I learned how to ride a bike.

But my life was still the blues.

I forgot my bag.

The I'm-going-to-be-late-for-school blues.

Thanks, Mom!

Have a good day, Miyuki.

See you at home!

THE START OF THE SECOND ACT!!

TEN YEARS OF MIRACLES THAT CONNECTED THE STEPMOM AND DAUGHTER

COME! MY FOOTMEN!

COME! MY FOOTMEN!

Footman?

Fetch my sandals.

Yes, sire!

FOOTMAN

Is this an ad for a footman?

And what does "co-mission" mean?

Does this mean I have a chance?

BAKERY MUGITA

It was a bakery.

BAKERY MUGITA

Yuna!

You won't believe what I saw!

What?

A hot guy and an old guy were holding hands.

Like lovers from the morning!

What?

-You're cute. -You're making fun!

You're being stupid.

But I love you!

I love you too!

Okay, back to your seats.

Teacher's here.

Miyamoto.

Full marks for posture.

Chopstick skills and posture are business 101.

Get those down.

Is what my stepmother taught me.

Your stepmom is smart!

We should do that.

Yes, sir.

I'm handing back your homework.

-Abe. -Yes!

Ando.

Come on.

Come on.

Gimme a 70.

Come on!

Yes!

Rokubishi!

1,360 yen!

It hit it!

HARUMI

One moment please.

ORDER RECEIVED

You've reached Miyamoto's mobile.

My!

Harumi.

Thank you for the valuable tip.

The invoice manager messed up the order.

But why don't you work if you need to scrimp this much.

I am considering it once Miyuki starts university.

Where is she applying to?

She said she hadn't decided yet.

It's already September.

She probably thinks it's fine as long as she gets in somewhere.

Akiko.

Do you know why you go to university?

To enjoy your youth?

Maybe in the past.

These days,

students think about what careers they want

and decide which universities to apply to based on that.

Once there, they start studying for their careers.

They volunteer, play sports,

and when they're seniors, they put on suits for job interviews.

I feel bad for how tough it is.

I see.

Anyway,

I think you should have a real discussion for Miyuki's sake.

It hurts so much.

I actually felt good about this one.

Just apply to an easier university.

But aren't parents generally happier if you go to a nice school?

Yeah, I guess so.

I'm off then.

Good luck studying.

Good luck with your beard dance.

It's not a beard dance.

It's freezing.

Stop.

Stop.

A miracle!

I didn't know about this money-saving technique.

Yes, seeing how far you can save

without sacrificing quality is my lifework.

FOOTMAN > ALLY CO-MISSION > COMMISSION BASED

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

It's rare to see a business with so little regard.

Hold on one second.

Okay, that's 260 yen.

Thanks!

Is this bakery even a viable business?

Here you go.

I couldn't accept this.

I insist, their anpan sweet buns are so good.

Thank you very much.

BAKERY MUGITA

It seems that universities these days are making themselves stand out.

I have returned.

Welcome home.

Thank you for the food.

It's so good!

Do you like it?

I could eat it all day.

The rest of my life!

Feel free to as they are made with much fewer carbohydrates.

You're a god.

By the way!

Today, I told the air conditioner to stop and it actually did!

Isn't that a miracle?

That happened?

That's amazing.

Right?

Oh, no.

Miyuki.

Yes?

What are your plans for the future?

Could you tell me a career you're interested in?

Huh?

I thought it would affect the university selection process.

If you're interested in drawing manga, you could apply to an art school.

I'm not that talented.

Then what about a job involved in the industry?

Like an editor or marketer.

That's only for people with the mental fortitude.

Mine's soft like tofu.

Tell me, what do you think your strengths are?

Strengths?

How do you picture yourself making a living?

I haven't really.

I don't care as long as I can eat.

I'll be fine if I get paid enough to live a lazy, leisurely life.

What is it?

I want to become like you if possible.

You mean a job in sales?

Nope. Day trading.

It's so nice.

You check the markets in the morning, then you're free the rest of the day!

Plus, my boss would be you!

Wouldn't that be great?

Am I a genius?

The two of us.

However.

This type of work will affect your social life.

What do you think about that?

I don't need that many friends.

What about satisfaction?

Making money is motivation enough.

Then what about your contribution to society?

I could just donate to charities if I make a ton of money.

What's something else you want to be?

Is being a day trader like you really that bad?

No, it isn't.

But if this becomes your job, it comes with large risks,

and requires research and skill.

It isn't as easy as you think.

I see.

Then I guess I'll work on my exams for now!

Time to study!

I believed that the most important thing

for children was to have supportive parents.

Therefore, I've been living off my savings supplemented by day trading.

But that's given Miyuki the wrong impression that it's easy and lucrative.

Make sure to let out the air.

What am I going to do?

Ryoichi.

Wow, it's actually good.

What's the secret?

Marketing and research.

After searching for the best solution, Bakery Mugita was able to reach the top!

Mom!

I see how rewarding hard work is.

I want to work hard too!

That's it!

Will Miyuki notice?

Good morning.

Good morning.

Time to eat.

Miyuki.

Do you notice anything different about your mom?

It's a miracle!

Excuse me.

They should be open by now.

Excuse me, I am--

I've paid my taxes!

What?

Aren't you a tax agent?

No.

I saw your job posting.

COME! MY FOOTMEN!

Seriously.

People don't usually wear suits to these.

Please excuse my inappropriate attire.

Seriously, where's your common sense?

My apologies.

Now then.

What kind of work have you done?

LEADER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION

Okay.

None of these are bakeries.

I used to work in an office.

Uh, Kouyu…

It's Mitsutomo Metals.

Director?

You were a director?

Yes.

Okay, um…

We're a bakery.

I am aware.

It pays 960 yen an hour.

You won't get more just because you were a director!

That is not a concern.

I plan to earn my wage.

The ad mentioned a commission system.

Meaning if I sell a large number of bread,

I would be suitably compensated.

What's that now?

Excuse me?

Commission system?

It's what the job posting said.

It originally was written as co-mission.

That's what that meant!

What do you mean by that?

Tomoyo said I should do it since other bakeries don't do it.

Who is Tomoyo?

My buddy.

So that's what that meant!

The anpan sweet bun was very tasty.

Huh?

I received one of your buns from an acquaintance.

The bread was moist and fluffy.

The bean paste was just the right sweetness and consistency.

And the fragrant poppies topping it.

It was truly a masterpiece.

I believe you could be the next Kimutaya.

You mean the famous bakery?

Yes.

Really?

Me?

Yes.

That's awesome!

You're awesome, lady!

Thank you.

So, will I be hired?

Awesome!

I can take that as a yes?

Yes!

Akiko! Whatcha doing?

I will be starting a new job tomorrow at Bakery Mugita.

So I'm scouting.

Bakery Mugita?

You know of it?

Come with me.

They haven't paid rent for a year?

Yeah, it's only a matter of time before they get kicked out by the owner.

But the bread itself is good. With some business changes--

You had the anpan, didn't you?

Yes.

Only their anpan is good.

Why is it that only the anpan buns are good?

Because the anpan recipe was passed down.

Passed down?

The current owner is the son of the original founder.

He said it was lame to take over the family business.

So he left home right after high school.

He bounced around from job to job, but nothing worked out.

He came back crying that he'd take over the bakery after all.

His dad got over his anger and hired him.

I mean, he's a handsome boy at least,

so he let him work the register and do sales calls at first.

Thank you for the introduction!

You're really well conned.

Well conned?

He'd say things like "well conned" instead of "well connected."

Wrong words, wrong names, wrong bills.

He'd just get everything wrong.

So they stuck him in the kitchen.

He was actually not bad at it.

You're good at making anpan.

Yeah?

Good instincts.

Must be from your dad.

But then he got the wrong idea…

Didn't I say to turn up the oven temperature?

-You don't need to do that! -Huh?

It's what my instincts are telling me.

All the workers got fed up and quit.

His dad had a bad back,

so he was going to pack up the shop and move back to the countryside.

I'll take over.

That's why I came back.

You can't hack it.

I can run a stupid bakery.

Yeah?

You just bake bread and sell it.

That right?

I mean, isn't it?

Then go ahead and try!

I just told you I would!

Look, I'm looking out for you.

You should work somewhere else.

It's an ideal situation.

To revive a dying shop and make it a hit.

Happy customers, happy owners.

It's what working is all about.

That's what I want to show Miyuki.

It's him.

A different person?

I didn't do it!

Don't lie, you were touching her.

I didn't!

I only tried!

Wait!

Live with restraint!

Excuse me.

Could you stay still for a moment?

What?

There's a bug.

Can I get it for you?

Yes, please!

I got it.

Thank you very much.

Look what it was.

Huh?

Still ugly I see!

Yo, ugly! Still ugly as ever!

Wait, are you Hiroki?

Finally!

Surprised? So--

Where did you leave the rest of you?

We've been riding the same train for months.

How did you get so skinny?

Remember how you made it on the train?

Yeah.

And did the air conditioning stop suddenly?

Stop.

Yeah!

They were all me!

Excuse me!

Stop.

Stop.

It was me.

For what reason?

Why?

Later, ugly.

Because you're actually not ugly!

This way!

They were all me!

I forgot my bike.

Miyuki, I've quit day trading, and will be working at a bakery.

It's called Bakery Mugita.

What?

I don't mean to disavow day trading as a job.

But I never viewed this as work.

And as we talked,

I realized I wanted to feel the joy of working again.

Which is why I got this new job.

Do you approve?

Seems fine.

Does it?

What would you be doing?

As I said.

Oh, right.

Would you like to try one?

I wouldn't want to spoil dinner.

Let me get changed.

I thought she would be a little more interested.

Her reaction was quite muted.

I suppose I'll need to show her my work ethic.

You're creepy.

Never talk to me again!

Wait, what?

I'm sorry!

Awesome, right?

Thank you?

Which is it?

It's all thanks to you!

I swear, I owe you!

Someone incredible came because of your co-mission.

Commission.

Yeah, that.

I feel like luck is finally coming at me.

Turning your way.

It doesn't come at you.

Listen.

Just between us, she was kinda intense.

Intense?

You know, I think she's into me.

But I'm sorry, she just isn't my type.

But she seemed really smart and hardworking.

I'll need to guide her as her boss.

Good morning.

Good morning.

What's wrong? You look pale.

I was up all night eating and analyzing the bread from Mugita.

Here.

Sorry, Mom!

Right, you want breakfast first.

That's okay!

I have to go to class early.

So I'm leaving now. Sorry!

Hiroki!

Good morning.

What is it?

Mr. Hiroki Kuroda!

First, I would like to thank you for all the assistance you've given me,

and offer my apologies for the past.

I am very truly sorry!

Could you stop? Everyone's watching.

Sorry.

I'm sorry.

But thinking about everything that's happened, I needed to tell you.

Everything?

You did all these things for me in the past,

and I never thanked you once.

I said some awful things.

Forget about it.

I did all that…

I did it because I wanted to.

You're a helper by nature.

I did those things because I liked you.

What?!

Now you finally realize it?

I'm sorry!

Huh?

I'm sorry!

I am off to work.

Nine years after my father died,

I would receive a love confession for the first time in my life.

And my stepmother decided to re-enter the workforce.

That was all.

As I thought.

However…

It's 9:28 a.m.

It would prove to complicate…

my relationship with my stepmother.

TO BE CONTINUED

Bakery Mugita is on the brink of bankruptcy!

-I said I'm quitting! -But I want to aim high!

50,000 in a day?

Bakery Mugita will finally be out of the red.

You're fired!

Understood.

Subtitle translation by: Zensho Yamamoto