Original subtitles

We have delicious bread made from domestic wheat.

2018, OCTOBER

We use carefully selected ingredients.

Please try some.

I have free samples.

No more.

I, Akira Mugita, am the shop manager of Bakery Mugita.

I'm sure it's obvious, but I've done well with ladies.

This is for you.

Girls just naturally flocked to me.

I think there's a better girl for you.

They left as quickly as they came.

But it was fine as a new girl would always turn up.

-Yes. -That's right.

I'm a natural-born good-looking ladies' man.

Yet, I find myself looking at an older former career woman.

Do you like flowers?

Oh, you like sake.

Why am I even staring at an old lady like her.

I see she came back.

What's this?

I-LUV-U

What is that? Gross!

You did this subconsciously?

Boss.

What does this say?

It says "I love you."

"I love you?"

I'm sorry, what is your name?

I'm Tomoi.

Here.

He calls me Tomoyo.

So you're--

I was thinking about cracker bread.

What do you think of the cracker?

Is this bread made from crackers?

I think he meant stickers.

Oh, like that?

BEWARE OF FIRE

Yes, exactly!

It's not like I made this because I like you.

I see.

What?

What was that sigh?

There's something I'd like to discuss whenever you are free.

Please enjoy your visit, Mr. Tomoyo.

She seems into you.

Leave now, Tomoyo.

-I just got off of work. -Just go!

What the hell.

I knew it.

I'm a natural-born…

Ms. Miyamoto.

What did you need?

You said you wanted to talk.

We could go somewhere.

No, we can do it here.

Right here?

I guess…

that's fine too.

So?

What is it?

Boss.

Why don't we close the shop?

Right.

Right.

I need to close the shutters.

They're already closed.

I am proposing that we temporarily close Bakery Mugita.

What?!

Huh? Why?

I'm doing exactly what you tell me to, right?

Yes.

I've tried to push your newly improved bread,

but the customers aren't returning.

Why is that? Why?

This is just a hypothesis.

The freshly baked bread was a mistake.

The freshly baked bread?

I mentioned that the fresh bread brought in an initial crowd.

Perhaps they were left with the impression that the bread here isn't very good.

In other words, after drawing in a crowd,

all we managed to do was tell them that the bread here isn't special.

That's bad!

Extremely bad.

But that mess-up is on you, right?

Yes.

However, you could also say

your bread wasn't able to take advantage of the situation in a positive manner.

So, what I'm proposing…

is a renovation!

Why don't you just study?

I'm just not feeling it today.

And mom doesn't seem to care about my grades.

She didn't say that.

She just asked you to consider what you wanted to do first.

Then…

A date.

If you want to research dating, that falls under psychology or sociology.

See?

A renovation?

You mean change a bunch of stuff and open again?

Yes.

We would update the store and product lineup,

then launch a campaign

to instill in our customers that the shop has reinvented itself.

Do you understand?

Yeah, I understand.

But?

What changes are you making?

Don't tell me you have nothing!

I was planning on doing some research before presenting you with options.

Please excuse me so I may get started right away.

Hold on, Ms. Miyamoto!

Are you running away?

Listen.

What is it?

Normally, when your crush mentions…

Sorry, can't hear you.

When the girl you like wants to go on a date, you say yes!

I already thought these were dates.

T-That's…

So unfair!

You okay?

Hiroki, what is this?

BAKERY MUGITA WILL BE CLOSED

Well, that's sudden.

I wonder what happened.

Thank you.

WEDNESDAY - DONUTS SATURDAY - SWEET BREAD

I believe you could be the next Kimutaya.

THE FINAL BATTLE TOWARDS RENOVATING BAKERY MUGITA!!

THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION IS THE FAMILY FLAVOR?!

I have returned.

Um…

Welcome home.

Good to see you again.

Do you remember me?

It's Inomoto.

Yes, you worked with my father.

What are you all doing here?

We are comparing Bakery Mugita's bread with the competition

and conducting a survey.

It said the shop closed.

Yes.

We will close temporarily for renovations before reopening again.

Renovations?

So that's why.

That's what she wants to do.

But she doesn't know what changes to make.

You don't have a vision?

Of what shop you'd want?

Nope.

But it's your shop.

One that makes a ton of money.

I want to be rolling in dough.

Why aren't people buying your bread though?

It's not terrible.

Right?

I wonder why.

If I had to say,

it's that Mugita's bread doesn't leave a lasting impression.

For example, Boulangerie Midorigaoka is known for being fancy.

They push the French theme hard.

It's cliché that their croissants are good, but it's easy to remember.

Bread Factory Sukoyaka is unique.

Yes.

Organic and all-natural.

Their signature item is a cream bread made with homemade custard.

I personally love Fukutokudo.

It has that nostalgic feel.

Yeah, even Mugita's bag doesn't stand out.

BAKERY MUGITA

Ms. Shimoyama.

What kind of shop was Bakery Mugita in its heyday?

What kind?

Just a normal town bakery.

Did it taste vastly different from today?

It was better back then.

But they're similar, obviously.

There was nothing special about Mugita's bread,

but it was easy to buy.

You mean the price?

Not the price.

There are a lot of bakeries.

So you don't always stick to one.

But you always find yourself going back to Mugita out of comfort.

Yeah, you'd always wind back at Mugita for some reason.

It's really lost that feel since the son took over.

In other words,

the old Mugita had a certain something to make you feel that way?

Yes, exactly.

I see.

That appears to be the only direction.

Ms. Shimoyama.

Would you be able to introduce me to his father, the founder?

If it was so beloved,

we could restore Bakery Mugita to its original glory.

Would this not be the safest direction to secure customers?

MINAMI-KOFU STATION

I thought you would be upset to see the business you put your heart and soul

into founding shutter and fold.

I heard you had secret recipes.

Would we be allowed to have them?

Akiko went to beg the shop manager's father for help?

Yeah, but making it the same shop as it was before

seems kinda boring, right?

But doing that would bring back customers who miss the old place.

I'm sure it would, but…

The old recipes

would not only bring back old customers, but draw in new ones as well.

I see where you're coming from.

But there's one thing I need to check.

What would that be?

Is it the current manager?

Everyone says different things.

I don't know what would sell the best.

Don't hang up!

Ms. Miyamoto?

Ms. Miyamoto!

I didn't think you would come today.

I'm sorry.

I was preparing for our renovation negotiations.

You have a good idea then?

Yes.

But before that, do you have any thoughts?

What do you mean?

Are there any directions you wish to explore?

Not really.

As long as we end up as Kimutaya in the end.

Understood.

Then allow me to present you with my proposal.

REVIVING THE ORIGINAL FLAVOR

What is this, Ms. Miyamoto?

Yes.

After considering different directions for our renovation,

I arrived at the conclusion that our best option was to bring back

Bakery Mugita's original recipes and flavors.

That is my proposal.

I mean, hold on.

That's just--

You said you had no requests.

I did, but…

This is the one thing I can't.

Why is that?

Because my old man would never give me the recipes.

I couldn't recreate them anyway.

Are you only against this plan because you think it's not possible,

and not because you're against bringing back the original recipes?

I guess.

Yeah.

It's what I came back to do.

I see.

Did you hear that, Sir?

Pops.

Your son seems open to restoring Mugita's original recipes.

I see.

Why are you here?

What's going on?

Your father doesn't wish this business to go under,

however, he has already lost the original recipes

and is unable to give them to you.

But if you are open to it, he is willing to help.

H-Help?

He will give you one-on-one baking lessons.

See.

I knew you couldn't do it.

Just bake and sell bread, huh?

I'll teach you alright.

Boss, this is your first step towards Kimutaya.

Better to ask the way than go astray!

You'd better teach me good, Old Man.

Or it means your shop going under!

I hope you know that--

Thank you for your guidance.

-Boss. -It's fine.

His poor manners are my own fault.

Let's get this over with.

Then first, show me how you bake a square loaf.

Okay, square loaf.

You can go now.

Then I will leave you to it.

I have returned.

If you want to change the feel, you need to change the awning.

But the budget is tight.

It wouldn't need changing if we're going back to the old days.

I thought just cleaning it would be enough.

I don't think people would know it's changed then.

Welcome home.

You might notice since you're going there every day.

You don't think they will?

Are you really going with reviving the old place?

I was planning to.

I don't think that's going to do well.

Why not?

It seems a bit conceited.

Conceited?

It almost sounds like a lecture on how things used to be better.

Lecture?

It's a turn-off.

Then what kind of bakery do you think would succeed?

I don't know.

Somewhere that's fun to go to, like something good would happen.

Do you have an example?

I mean, nothing specific.

Could you tell us if you think of anything?

Your mom will consider it.

Okay!

You went into business mode there.

I'm sorry.

Was it uncomfortable?

Miyuki's got a knack for it though.

Really? She does?

With online shopping so prevalent,

there's less reason to actually visit a shop.

There is a demand for finding ways to attract customers

besides actually needing to buy the product.

Is that so?

Miyuki has a knack for this?

FUN LOOKING SHOPS

Here you go.

Thank you.

Okay, bake a roll next.

What, no critiques?

Rolls!

Here.

Thank you.

Yuna, why do we come to Plaza?

For the joy of finding something cute.

Like a treasure hunt, right?

Mom?

Mom?

Miyuki.

What's all that?

I'm collecting items we can use in our renovation for free.

I have my next one.

Stepmom looks busy.

I have to come up with something fun!

Something fun?

Yes!

I have to do everything I can to find something fun!

Stop screwing around!

I'm not screwing around.

Yeah, you are!

You won't tell me if they suck or not.

Or what I should be doing.

Did you just come here to mess with me?

I'm not saying anything…

because I have nothing to say.

Nothing to say?

It's not particularly good or bad.

That's all.

Akira.

Do you really think what you're making is good?

Is it something you're proud to serve?

I'm done.

Kick him out for me.

This is your boss's order.

You said nothing all day?

Not a single word after making him bake this much?

I guess not.

Why?

It's as I said.

I really have nothing to say.

The recipe and execution were pretty much the same as mine.

There were even parts that were improved.

None of them were bad.

But if you were to ask the public if this bread was particularly good?

They probably wouldn't think so.

So I have nothing to say.

Using the same recipe and method,

everyone said your bread was good.

But your son's bread doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Why is that?

Memory has a way of romanticizing the past.

But assuming that is not the case?

If I had to say what sets us apart…

I can only think of…

the attitude.

Attitude?

You may laugh at me for this,

but I sold each baked good thinking it was the best in the world.

I challenged people to hate it.

But some wouldn't sell at all.

And I'd think, what was wrong with it?

How can I get people to appreciate it?

I kept at it through trial and error.

Then finally I'd figure it out.

And find the answer.

That's how I developed all of my recipes.

Yeah, you'd always wind back at Mugita for some reason.

Even if I told him to bake with that same kind of attitude,

he couldn't.

Ms. Miyamoto, do you want to keep doing this?

Go home already!

JUMPO

Oh, I see how it is!

You want to discuss a payment plan for your outstanding rent

over some delicious sandwiches then!

Bye now!

Welcome back.

Where's Pops?

He went home.

He won't be coming back.

So, did he say anything?

Just make what you think is the world's greatest bread.

I believe summarizes his thoughts.

How am I supposed to know what the world's greatest bread is?

Your father

would make what he believed was the world's greatest bread

as he practiced PDCA while listening to customers.

Meaning he was working through trial and error.

Bringing back Bakery Mugita doesn't mean copying your father's bread.

It's for you to share the same mindset as him.

That is what I think he taught me.

Boss.

This was my oversight.

I sincerely apologize for this misstep.

Akira, do you really think what you're making is good?

Is it something you're proud to serve?

I hate the crust of square loaves.

I've always wanted a loaf that had a tasty crust too.

Is that all my square loaves need to be?

Can I really just make them like that, Ms. Miyamoto?

I believe so.

All right then!

Let's do this!

Bread with a tasty crust?

That sounds great!

I want to try some too!

It's exciting, isn't it?

So is that the original recipe then?

The plan has changed.

Why?

Because serving bread the baker thinks is delicious

was the secret to success.

You were right.

Huh? Why?

The baker's motivation props the business up,

and customers pick up on that, drawing them in.

And that loop brings success.

I should have emphasized that first.

I don't remember saying anything like that.

Did you have any ideas since then?

Can I tell you?

Yes, please.

I thought it would be cool if visiting the shop was like a treasure hunt.

Treasure hunt?

For example, Plaza always has something new.

So you just stop by without any plans.

But I know it would be hard for a bakery to have new items every day.

I just thought there could be something similar.

Shall we brainstorm?

Brainstorm?

It's where you say anything that comes to mind.

Okay, then.

There's a lottery inside the bread!

And winners can get another for free.

Exam students eat for free!

Then how about single mothers get free bread!

It would be nice if there was something like a miracle.

Yes.

Good luck studying!

I'm having a mommy-daughter date today!

Look!

Winning a game gets you a free drink!

This one is another game.

Wow!

Over there!

Hello.

How's it going?

Mr. Mugita?

What's all this?

I'm trying to make a loaf that tastes good down to the crust.

When I focus on the crust, the whole thing gets dense.

When I focus on the bread, the crust gets hard.

I don't know what to do.

Let's review the situation.

Review?

If you aim for this area here,

the probability of finding your ideal crust is highest.

You're a genius!

Are you okay?

Let's try less sugar.

Another ten grams.

Good?

Yes!

Water should be 65 percent.

Okay!

Mom!

-What is it? -Over here!

Sexy carrot!

Isn't it a miracle there was one shaped like this?

Mom, I think this is it.

Don't you think?

Ready, Hiroki?

Yes!

Let's dig in!

What's wrong?

I want to reopen on this Saturday.

But I'm not sure two weeks is enough time.

Mom!

They made the bread with a tasty crust!

-Let's go! -Yeah!

Excuse me.

Okay.

Please try it.

Okay.

Allow us…

to try it.

How is it?

Boss.

-I-- -Holy crap.

This is so good!

I'd eat 'em all day!

Boss.

I could eat them all day as well.

Boss.

Ms. Miyamoto!

Huh?

Excuse me.

Let's try again!

Ms. Miyamoto!

Boss!

Rain check?

Yes.

But this was a big step towards our reopening.

Ms. Miyamoto.

Listen.

This was the first time in my life that making bread felt fun.

It was hard, but the grind made it fun.

Am I weird?

Then I suggest you embrace being weird.

I need to make this many?

Yes.

A bakery should have at least 30 different items.

I want ten different standard breads like milk bread and baguettes,

seven types of savory and sweet breads,

and six sandwiches.

Please R&D them within two weeks.

Thirty in two weeks?

I'll start with sandwiches.

I'll leave it to you.

Yup.

This looks to have a tasty crust.

Well observed.

I'm a former baker after all.

I feel like we were able to get a great start

for our grand reopening.

Then without further ado allow me to try it.

I am sorry for just dropping by.

It's fine.

Drop by anytime.

Before I forget.

For you.

I couldn't possibly accept.

I insist.

It would make it the world's most expensive bread.

That's all I can do for my grown child now.

Please use it on him.

As you see fit.

Me?

I still don't fully trust him yet when it comes to spending money.

I leave it to you.

In that case,

I humbly accept and promise to use it for Bakery Mugita.

What the heck?

The bread melts in your mouth!

Hell yeah!

I'm sorry, we're closing.

I'm sorry.

The sandwiches got the all-clear!

I'm thinking about using a smooth bean paste.

Isn't that normal?

What about something more fun?

Right?

What's that then?

You have something.

-Right? -Right?

This is the one.

Do you think so?

We've got updated anpans!

Tada!

Here.

Here.

What's changed?

It's half whole beans and half smooth paste.

I love both, so I asked him to make me one where I can enjoy both!

It's for Akira!

Let's go!

One more to go!

All for Akira!

It's for Akira!

What is that?

I'm fixing them lunch.

They can tear off and eat any section they want.

Why not serve that in the shop too?

You think this would sell?

FUN BREAD GOOD FOR PARTIES

Just one more to go.

I'm pretty sure she likes sake.

Right?

What do you think?

The message is unclear.

Make it more condensed and impactful.

Right away!

GRAND REOPENING DAY PLAN

Mom!

Is it okay that you're short one bread?

I actually thought 20 was more than enough.

What?

If I said 20 from the start, we would've ended up with less.

I see!

Ready?

How is it?

Seems good.

You got the flyers?

Yes, we made it in time.

BAKERY MUGITA GRAND REOPENING

It's almost time.

For real.

Miyuki.

Boss.

I have a proposal for you.

-For me? -Yes.

To make Bakery Mugita as fun a place as possible.

Is it something we can do now?

Yes, that's no problem.

Have a seat.

My proposal is…

The bakery of tiny miracles!

Tiny miracles?

Let me begin.

Tada.

The high school girl version.

-THIS PLACE REOPENED -LET'S CHECK IT OUT

This place just reopened!

Let's check it out!

The anpan looks so good!

That was a sound effect.

We will continue.

There's only one white chocolate?

For real? That's super rare!

I'll buy this one.

Thank you.

A few days later.

SPARKLE

-Akiko got a boyfriend! -What?!

That chocolate cornetto might be lucky.

Rumors spread that the white chocolate cornetto helps you find a boyfriend.

And the public began frequenting Bakery Mugita.

The end.

By adding something rare,

you draw in customers looking to get lucky?

Exactly.

I thought it might get people to drop by casually to check out what you have.

What do you think?

Boss?

Miyuki.

Yes?

What about a heart-shaped roll?

Miyuki!

Boss!

You can really do this?

Easy peasy.

I mean…

Thanks.

I think I'm starting to get it.

What Mom said about me thinking about what I want to do.

If I don't really think about it, it'll all be over before I have fun.

Maybe.

This is Mom's phone!

It's Harumi!

I'll get this back to her.

I'll see you later!

Thank you, Boss.

I think Miyuki was very happy.

I should be the one thanking her.

Now I want to shoot for the cars.

You mean shoot for the stars.

Um, Ms. Miyamoto.

Are you hungry?

Thank you for asking.

But I had planned on working late, so I already ate.

Then would you like dessert?

Are they mini anpan buns?

Just try them.

That's Mugita's anpan.

Yup.

Is this a miso paste?

It'd pair nicely with sake.

Do they all have different fillings?

What's next I wonder!

-Here. -Thank you.

It's super sweet but also spicy, right?

What do you think?

Fun, playful anpan buns.

These were going to be my final item.

I think they're excellent!

They're delicious and visually cute.

What's more, the playful nature has explosive potential.

They could be our shortcut to Kimutaya!

I can't wait to sell them!

Boss, I really want to sell them!

Ms. Miyamoto.

Boss!

Ms. Miyamoto!

Boss!

I thought a high-five was next.

I was trying to match you.

We're not in sync.

That's for sure.

Tomorrow,

let's do our best.

Yes.

You finish?

Do you think the boss…

Do you think he likes Mom?

What?

-Good morning. -Good morning.

And so…

the day of Bakery Mugita's grand reopening came.

BAKERY MUGITA

That's a nice awning.

Yes.

I spent the money your father gave me to renovate it.

My old man?

Yes.

He said that's all he could do for his grown-up son.

I took your father's orange and added your color.

When someone else takes over, their color will be added.

I hope you don't mind I made such arrangements

for the future of this business.

Right.

Ms. Miyamoto.

Yes?

It's time to open.

Yes.

Let's go!

Sorry.

Excuse me.

TO BE CONTINUED

You are a tiny miracle to me.

Apparently, Akiko has a boyfriend.

It's been nine years, of course she'd fall in love with someone by now.

Would you eat my bread forever?

Subtitle translation by: Zensho Yamamoto