Original subtitles

-For real? -For real?

2019, FEBRUARY

-Really? Thumbs down? -Really? Thumbs down?

Please let me take care of you!

Thank you.

Boss.

I'm so blessed that someone like you

would ever care for me.

But when I look at your hand,

all I can think about is my husband.

Shall we hold hands?

I thought it'd be rude

to be with you while I harbored such thoughts.

So that's a no, right?

I think that I've been fulfilled.

Fulfilled?

He had given up on living,

but decided to fight to stay alive after meeting me.

Above all that, while we didn't have a wedding or rings,

he gave me a treasure named Miyuki

who's provided me with countless joys over the years.

Well, what can I say?

You know, it means they did actually love each other.

What?

Ms. Miyamoto and your dad.

Maybe not at first.

Or she wouldn't be turning down a stud like me!

-Boss. I'm sorry I-- -No.

-I think your looks lost. -Huh?

Miyuki's dad was super handsome!

Dang it!

-He was better looking? -He was!

-He was that handsome? -Yeah, insanely.

How handsome?

-Like a ray of light. -Well, dang!

Okay then.

What to do now?

Makoto Mugita.

Pops?

What's this?

I found this in a drawer, so I sent it.

RECIPE BOOK

It's too late now.

Recipe one, learn what love is.

Way too late.

If you apologized there, he'd be stuck talking about his rejection.

I wonder what Mom's gonna do.

You mean if she'll keep working there?

It'd be awkward to continue seeing each other every day, right?

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

I believe you could be the next Kimutaya.

I can't just abandon everything now.

DIRECTOR KASAHARA

Director Kasahara?

It's been years!

You've reached Miyamoto's phone.

I have returned.

No, it's not that I'm uninterested.

I'm sorry, please allow me to call you back regarding this.

Goodbye.

Welcome home.

Thanks.

Yes?

It's nothing.

Who was that on the phone?

Ryoichi's former boss.

What's he calling so late for?

More importantly, what are you doing getting home so late?

I don't mean to be nosy,

but do you know how many days until your exams?

In that case, I should spend every spare second studying.

If you become lax at the final stage, you'll find--

MEIHO UNIVERSITY EXAM DAY

-Good morning. -Good morning.

'Morning.

EXAM DAYS

Hello.

Did something happen?

The store is getting a stereo system and the boss wants to play J-Pop,

but the Director wants Classical.

So are they fighting?

You're right, let's go with Classical!

I've come around.

But you're right,

the high-tempo J-Pop music will increase turnover.

You don't need to mind my feelings.

I assure you, I'm not.

It's your shop--

I got it.

Japanese Classical.

So they're just playing enka music?

They're tip-toeing around each other now.

That's not good for the business, right?

It can't be good.

This can wait though.

You've got your first choice entrance exam tomorrow.

Too right.

I have returned.

Mom?

Aren't you early?

I came home early because you have your big exam tomorrow.

I also took tomorrow off.

I see.

That's why the flowers?

Yes.

We all need to watch over you.

You've got a lot here too.

I want to do what it takes to ensure success.

What?

Pork, beef, chicken, ham, squid, shrimp, and mackerel.

I will make all of these into cutlets

so tomorrow you can win!

Understand?

But squid and mackerel aren't really made into cutlets.

You don't think that matters?

But I mean, it should be fine.

I'll put the flowers in water!

Huh?

It fell.

What have I done?

What have I done!

Mom!

If you apologize here, I feel like I'll lose.

What's your exam number?

Number 3,150.

Do you have your exam ticket?

Yes.

Did you confirm the exam number?

It's 3,150.

There's no mistake.

Do you have all your stationery?

Yes.

Your charm?

Yes.

Your lunch?

You're carrying it now.

Oh, right.

Here.

Miyuki.

Just stay calm.

Keep a level head.

You too.

Wish me luck!

Will she be okay?

Will she be okay?

Ms. Akiko!

Director Kasahara.

Excuse me for the other day.

No worries.

Likewise.

Were you busy today?

My daughter's taking an entrance exam.

Oh, right!

She's already applying, huh?

Yes.

I know she's the one in battle, but…

You're such a mom.

Coffee.

So…

Here's some materials on the company I mentioned.

Acxel Business Partners!

You know them?

Of course!

They're a consulting firm that brought back Polar Electronics from the brink!

They help businesses using unorthodox methods!

Led by Eliot Sakurazawa!

That's right.

I used to play baseball with Eliot.

What!

We had a little reunion and I mentioned your TV appearance.

Then he asked to poach you.

Me?

You seem interested.

Of course.

Getting such an offer with such a gap in my resume…

Please.

There's just one catch.

You'd be based in Osaka.

What do you think?

Director Kasahara.

I'm still consulting for the bakery.

And I'm working on a deal to mass distribute our Russian anpan buns.

If I could be based in Tokyo,

I could bring this deal to them as well.

That sounds like a difficult ask.

Yes.

Miyuki will be in college.

She could be fine living on her own.

Is being away from Miyuki your number one reason?

You may think me overprotective, but if something happened to her,

I couldn't face Ryoichi or Ms. Ai.

I'm terribly sorry.

Please.

Listen though.

Ms. Akiko?

What?

Are you okay? What's wrong?

Ms. Akiko!

23 MISSED CALLS

Miyuki!

Boss?

Did something happen?

Ms. Miyamoto…

Miyuki?

My life was always the blues.

Always having to say goodbye.

Hey.

You okay, Miyuki?

Miyuki!

Screw this!

I don't want that.

Miyuki!

Is her family with her?

-They're heading here now. -Okay.

I don't want the blues.

Mom!

Mom!

FAREWELL STEPMOM!! THE CONCLUSION OF 10 YEARS OF LOVE

WILL THE DAUGHTER'S FEELINGS REACH HER STEPMOM?!

How is she?

It's exhaustion.

What kind of disease is that?

It means she was severely sleep-deprived!

What?

That's it?

Is that really true?

Why would I lie?

Because everyone always lies to me about this!

Is it really just exhaustion?

Would you like to talk to the doctor?

Thank you.

EXAMINATION ROOM

Let's head back.

It's okay!

Akiko's tough!

Are you a relative or something?

No.

I used to work with her husband.

Do you remember me?

Yes.

Thank you for looking after my dad.

So, you do remember me!

Were you meeting with my mother?

Yeah.

I'll be going now.

I guess me too.

Thank you.

Later, Miyuki.

Thank you.

-Thanks, kid. -Shut up, hag.

You shut up!

Honestly.

Mom.

What's wrong?

White hair.

Oh, my.

Welcome to the club, Akiko.

She hasn't noticed this, has she?

I bet she wouldn't even care.

Do you think Mr. Kasahara forgot that?

I'll go take it to him!

So you came to recruit Ms. Miyamoto!

The company's called Acxel Business Partners.

Did she say she'd go?

No, it'd be based in Osaka.

She didn't want to abandon her work with you,

but most of all, she couldn't leave Miyuki.

So she's not going?

Probably not.

This is a good position for her, though…

Excuse me.

Mr. Kasahara.

I'm sorry for eavesdropping.

Is that what this was?

I wasn't trying to hide it.

Did my Mom seem interested in this company?

Would she have gone if it weren't for me or the bakery?

She was tempted.

-She was? -Just for a second though.

Could they wait about a month for her response?

Or is that too long?

It's doable.

But why?

What has happened?

Good morning, Mom!

You'll be getting a physical just in case.

Miyuki.

What happened?

It's called transient loss of consciousness.

You were so sleep-deprived, your brain just shut down.

I was overestimating my stamina,

borrowing against my sleep until I finally over-drafted my account--

Nobody asked for a metaphor.

I'm sorry.

Miyuki.

How did your exam go?

I took it.

You didn't have to cut out early because of me, did you?

I finished.

You have to stay a week.

What?! From just sleep deprivation?

Lack of sleep can cause high blood pressure

that could lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Mom! What are you doing?

I will go negotiate.

I can't rest now!

Mom!

I hate to say it,

but being healthy is the best thing you can do for me.

I'm sorry.

Okay, I'm off to study.

Have a good day!

Okay.

Mom!

I brought you something.

Here.

Thank you.

I'm sorry for the trouble.

It's nothing.

What are they?

You do this.

It relaxes you.

Miyuki.

The acceptance announcement is tomorrow, isn't it?

I was relaxing!

Why would you bring that up?

Squish, squish!

Squish!

EXAM TICKET

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

I'm in!

HIROKI KURODA NEW MESSAGE

Did you make it?

I didn't get in.

Okay.

Miyuki?

Which is it?

I didn't get in!

I see.

There's still the next.

That's true.

Begin!

Begin.

I have returned.

Who could that be?

They still send a letter after failing?

ACCEPTANCE NOTICE

W-What?

What is the meaning of this?

What is going on?

Ryoichi. Ms. Ai.

Right, first tell Miyuki.

You're right, Ms. Ai.

The notification could be wrong.

We can't give her false hope.

I should check the validity.

I just received an acceptance notice.

My daughter told me that she did not pass.

However, the notification states she passed.

What?

Her number is on the announcement board?

Perhaps your daughter mixed up her number.

Mixed up her number?

It's 3,150.

There's no mistake.

That can't…

What does this mean then?

Miyuki got into her first choice?

Yes.

Thank goodness!

So Miyuki just missed her number on the board?

However, Miyuki had memorized her number before the exam.

I also confirmed the number was right.

It is highly unlikely that she missed her number.

What?

Then, she lied about not getting in?

I believe that is likely the case.

Should I try to subtly bring it up to her?

Her not telling you means she was concerned you would leak the truth.

If she catches wind, she may attempt a more drastic cover-up.

So I should pretend not to know?

Yes.

She may accidentally reveal why that way.

Would you contact me if she does?

Yes.

Good day then.

Thank you for your time.

Wait.

Are you angry?

Not at all.

How strange. Does it look like I'm angry?

I have returned.

Welcome home.

Sorry I couldn't be there at the hospital.

What kind of mother would make her daughter come to the hospital

when she's busy studying for exams.

Right.

How did it go today?

Harder than I thought.

I see.

Is there something you want to eat?

Huh?

Your mother wants to make you something to cheer you up.

Is there something you want to say?

Nope. Let me get changed first.

She's not spilling that easy.

Good morning!

What are you doing, Mom?

I want to do something to help you pass, so I am purifying myself with water.

Stop, you'll catch a cold!

You're working so hard, it's the least I can do.

Mom, I…

Yes?

I'm hungry!

Can we have breakfast now?

Please!

You're right.

H-How formidable.

Miyuki is not cracking.

Ryoichi.

Ms. Ai.

I suppose I have no other choice.

Come on in.

Excuse me.

Guardians stay here.

I am not a guardian.

Mizuki is failing on purpose.

The bakery!

-I'm sorry I'm late. -Good morning.

Where is the boss?

He went to deliver the buns to Mr. Taguchi's wedding.

Oh, that was today?

Anyways, is it true you were scouted?

Why do you ask?

The boss mentioned it.

I did receive an offer, but…

It's over!

Could it be?

Miyuki knows about this too?

Wow, really?

Acxel Business Partners?

It's amazing she's fielding an offer like that despite her time off.

So, it's a good offer for her.

BAKERY MUGITA

Apparently she turned it down because she had unfinished work with us.

What?

Do you think she actually wants to work there, Mr. Yaguchi?

What would you do in my shoes, Mr. Yaguchi?

My opinion doesn't matter.

Come on, you had a crush on her just like me.

Again, my name is Taguchi.

Mr. Taguchi.

Well, let me think.

Taguchi would…

Do you think it's to let me go?

I did suggest she just have a normal conversation with you.

She'd just talk me out of it.

Are you sure you don't want to go to college?

You studied hard for it.

I feel like she'd regret turning this down

more than I would regret not going to college.

Don't you think?

Reminded me of the time Miyamo said he'd quit the company.

No matter how far Ryoichi is, like father like daughter.

Does this mean that despite being with her for ten years, I never became her mom?

Of course not.

Are you sure?

I don't feel like Miyuki is treating me like family.

-Does she feel obliged to do this for me? -Ms. Akiko.

Would Miyuki be doing all this if I were her real mother?

That's what frustrates me.

BAKERY MUGITA

I feel like she'd regret turning this down

more than I would regret not going to college.

14330.

14330.

Yes, I failed them all!

I'm sorry.

Now to figure out how to bring this up.

MUSASHI U ACCEPTANCE ANNOUNCEMENT

Today's the last day of results.

I have returned.

Mom.

Can we talk?

What is it?

I failed every school. I'm sorry.

That's too bad.

Do you want to apply to more schools?

Or will you take a year off?

About that…

I'm thinking I could start working at Mugita's in the spring.

At Mugita's?

I mean, all I really want to do is turn Mugita into a fun business.

That's why I'd go to school anyway.

So now I'm thinking there's no need to take the detour.

The boss may not hire you.

I figured it would work out.

Or I could even take over your work.

I don't plan on quitting anytime soon.

I'm just saying hypothetically.

Anyway, that means I'd be a full-fledged member of society.

It would.

So maybe it could be time to move out on my own.

I mean, I could live here,

but I think it's important to live off your own earnings.

It's like an important life lesson.

Yes.

However, Miyuki.

It seems like you made it into your first choice.

MEIHO UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE FEE

ACCEPTANCE NOTICE

You missed the fact that they send an acceptance notice by mail.

You thought if you became independent,

I could quit Mugita and go to Osaka.

Well, if it's an offer I want to pursue, I'll do my own negotiations.

I navigate my own ship.

Please refrain from such consideration in the future.

That is all.

Then!

Then did you know you're going gray!

You didn't, did you?

You say you navigate your own ship,

but you don't even know where you are now.

I'm trying to say, you never know when your time's up!

Even you will age.

And one day you'll die.

You'll have less and less time.

Then I want you to do what you want.

I don't want you spending any more time on me!

I don't want to steal any more time from you!

Steal my time?

You like to work.

You love it!

But you quit your job for me, gave up your career.

Nobody forced me to do that.

-I decided myself-- -Of course!

I know that!

It's who you are!

So this was my only option!

Can you at least understand that I had no other choice!

Miyuki.

You think I threw away everything and raised you out of pity.

And you feel indebted to me for it.

Am I interpreting that correctly?

In that case,

let's drop the pretense.

The reason I raised you is because of my own ego.

I've always told you…

that my parents died when I was 25.

That was a lie.

I lost my parents in the third grade.

In an accident.

I also lost my mother young.

My grandmother took me in and raised me.

She always said this to me.

I'm sure I will die much sooner than you.

So you must learn to take care of yourself

without anyone's help.

But then my grandmother died when I was in junior high.

I was then sent to a facility.

Fortunately, I managed to get by at the facility.

While there I strove to be able to live on my own,

and studied hard.

At times I wanted to complain,

but I was surrounded by little children,

so I had nobody around me who I could talk to.

And so,

I managed to graduate high school and was picked up by Mitsutomo.

Being just a high school grad,

I did everything from bringing tea to making copies,

anything to show off what I could do.

Thankfully,

there was someone who acknowledged my work,

and I was allowed to climb the ranks.

I was happy.

And so,

I became a person who only thought about work 24 hours a day.

Work was fun.

I thought it was enough.

It's all my life had to be.

Wanting more would be greedy and ungrateful.

But as the days went by, suddenly,

I found an empty hole inside me.

That's when someone called out to me.

Your father.

Ryoichi wanted someone to be your mother.

And I wanted something to fill the hole inside me.

Which is why I accepted his proposal and met you.

You were cheeky,

headstrong,

and so cute.

At first, I couldn't see you as my daughter.

But watching you hold back, not wanting to worry your dad,

made me think…

That you were me.

I wanted to make you feel safe.

I wanted to give you a place where you can be selfish.

I wanted to give you everything that I wanted.

And eventually, whenever you smiled,

it felt I was smiling as well.

Whenever you were hurt,

I felt a rage as if I had been hurt as well.

When you were praised,

I would get elated as if I had been praised.

I saw a lot of me inside of you.

In other words,

while I said I was raising you,

in fact I was pitying my past self

and attempted to relive my childhood through you.

You were only being used by me.

That's who I am.

So, you have no reason to feel indebted to me.

Mom, are you stupid?

Feeling yourself smiling when I smile.

Feeling angry when I'm hurt like it was you that was hurt.

Wanting to give me everything you wanted.

Those are all…

Those are all things people call love.

Please live your own life, Mom.

When people say my mom's amazing,

I think I'd feel like people were calling me amazing too.

Not that I know yet.

But everything you're feeling…

I think I feel it inside me too.

Miyuki.

I…

I'm glad I didn't birth a child of my own.

I never would've given birth to a good girl like you.

That's not true.

RECIPE ONE LEARN WHAT LOVE IS

So, are you going to college then?

Mom was saying it was weird I was bartering that.

Does that mean Ms. Akiko's going to Osaka?

Check the stock when you're done.

Okay.

Time for a most deserved break.

Thanks.

Ms. Miyamoto!

You didn't go home?

I was waiting for an opportunity to speak with you.

Perfect.

I wanted to talk to you too.

To me?

Yes.

Ms. Miyamoto, you're fired!

This time, I have the right person.

Not Ms. Iwamoto.

It's Ms. Miyamoto.

Why are you firing me?

What you love doing is selling things.

Not our bread.

I don't think someone like that can make it to Kimutaya's level.

That's just fake love after all.

So that thing about making us the next Kimutaya,

I'll do it on my own!

This isn't where you belong.

It's not where you can shine.

Boss, I actually…

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

For real?

Yes.

Of course we're in sync now!

Boss.

I'll keep pushing harder too.

Good.

What?

Call that my severance.

Ms. Miyamoto.

While it was short,

thank you for your time!

Thank you for your time.

I should be the one receiving a severance.

There's no reason to move out of that apartment.

That apartment is far too big for Miyuki to live by herself.

Considering our projected cash flow, I judged it better to find something new.

Anna's off to Hokkaido this spring?

Seems like we're both graduating motherhood.

Graduating?

We don't need to make lunches, do laundry, yell at them to clean,

pull off their covers or do anything like that anymore.

Right.

We'll always be parents, but in a different form.

BOTTLES / CANS

This room is much larger than I thought.

Furniture really affects it.

What time's your train?

I should be heading out soon.

Shall we go then?

Yes.

Let us go.

By the way, why do you like history?

It puts things into perspective.

Compared to the people in history,

my issues and hardships are nothing.

I see.

Who's your favorite warlord?

Favorite warlord?

The one you like rooting for.

Regrettably, they've all passed away.

Speaking of which, did you apply to work part-time at Mugita?

I did!

The boss is making me cards.

Please take my business card.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Did I do it wrong?

The proper etiquette

is to display the card so it's easily readable while greeting them.

I am Miyuki Miyamoto with Bakery Mugita's sales department.

Thank you.

I happily accept.

"Newbie?"

It's weird, right?

I think it's fine.

It's a fitting title for you.

You could use it as a hook for your pitch.

Mom.

We'll always be family.

I still have so many questions…

I want to ask you.

Go, Akiko!

Yeah! That's it, Akiko!

Just look forward!

Yes! Go!

Go!

Well, Miyuki.

Be safe.

Be safe.

You too, Mom.

Be safe.

I will be on my way then.

Pop.

Rock.

Classical.

I don't like her!

Jazz.

I don't know her!

Folk.

Yes!

Enka.

Opera.

Mom.

I know that already!

Earth is full of music.

If you had to put my life into song…

Ready, go!

…I'm sure it would be the Blues.

The always saying goodbye blues.

It's better never having to part with anyone.

But…

This just dropped in price!

But some partings lead to new people and connections.

-Try my new bread! -No thanks!

-Hiroki! -Yes?

You're meant to be a baker.

I want to make medicine!

When you turn a corner you didn't mean to,

you find a path you weren't meant to take.

MIYAMOTO

Discovering a tomorrow that wasn't meant to be.

And beyond that, a small miracle you weren't meant to find.

Welcome home.

Mom?

I'm sorry, but could you show me your bag?

I can't find my ticket!

What?

Here!

That's the Blues song my stepmother sang to me.

Or it was supposed to be.

Found it!

Oh, my!

Thank you, let me check.

TOKYO TO TOKYO

Is this a miracle?

THE END

Subtitle translation by: Zensho Yamamoto