Jun. 20th, 2013 08:48 pm
Amachan: Week 12 (Episode Guide) Part 2
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
earth_colorsEND OF PART 1."HOMETOWN ARC"
Week 12."I'm going to Tokyo!" (Part 2)
"It's not you who have changed... It's everyone!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 70. Daikichi drives Haruko home where Aki and Yui are waiting. The girls ask where Takuma is. Haruko says he's at the snack bar. She tells Yui that her father had gone home, too. "Where's your Obaa-chan?" Aki: "I dunno. Maybe at the Ama Cafe?" Haruko tells Aki that the two of them will have a talk upstairs.
Haruko and Aki are in the 80s room, recalling the time that Haruko told her about her dream on becoming an idol.
Aki: "You were so eager at that time, you had to take a leave from the snack bar so you could continue talking about it..."
Haruko cuts her off, asking, "I wonder if that's what went wrong...?"
Aki: "Eh?"
Haruko: "What were you thinking?"
Aki: "Sorry."
Haruko: "I see, I see... 'Since mom could do it... I can do it too.' Is that what you thought?"
Aki: "No..."
Haruko: "That's not it. Actually it's the opposite. (she seems to be talking about herself here, confusedly) I meant that you wish I never went to Tokyo. Should have never followed the dream of becoming an idol... that I can do over my stupid life. That's what I wanted to say."
Aki: "Then I wouldn't be here.." She is hushed by her mother.
Haruko: "That's not what I mean. Don't worry about that, Aki... Listen, I am not against you going to Tokyo at all. If you said you're going to go after a Korean star, or enter Nadeshiko Japan, I'm completely ok with that! If you say you're gonna work in a girls bar, I'm fine with it, too! If it's anything BUT becoming an idol, I am totally in favor it! If it's about being an idol, NO WAY! It's inexcusable!"
Aki: "Why?"
Haruko: "Because you will be unhappy."
Aki: "I won't know until I try!"
Haruko: "I DO know!.... They'll use and toy with your pure feelings, consume you up, break your heart. That Mizuguchi, and that Futomaki, too... No one will ever reach out and lend you a hand. It IS that kind of world."
Aki (gets her mom's demo tape and looks at it): "But it's okay. I'll just give it a try."
Yui is outside the door, listening to their talk. She also hears Natsu returning. She goes down to greet her. She also tells her that Haruko and Aki are having a talk upstairs before she takes her leave.
Aki tells her mother that it was her singing that made Aki think of becoming an idol. "You were so cool. I also like your cooking, and the way you hang the laundry. But I liked your singing the best. Then later I heard the real thing. The movie with Suzuka Hiromi was so cool. I thought being an actress is different after all. (Haruko looks down, seemingly sad) But I like Mom's song even better... for me, it sounds more real. I still like it up to now."
Haruko: "Thank you." While she listens to Aki talk, memories of Haruko's younger self singing in some old variety show enter her mind.
Aki: "When I sang it in the parlor train, then at the Ama Cafe, it was fun. Of course, I can't measure up to you... but I'm happy if I'm able to reach out to the guests with my singing. I want to make more and more people feel alive... I don't think I can do it alone but if it's me and Yui, I feel we will be able to do it. (Haruko sighs) You won't allow me?"
Haruko: "I dunno... I really don't know what to say. (She stands up) Hold on a sec... I'm gonna ask Mom."
Aki: "What?"
Haruko goes down and tries to wake up Natsu who is lying on her futon. "Mom, I don't know what to do. Natsu-san... wake up. What am I going to do? What will you do if I were you? Hey, Natsu-san!"
However, Natsu does not respond. Haruko remembers a similar scene the day before she left Kitansanriku 25 years ago... when Natsu turned her back and pretended to sleep while her daughter implored her for some much-needed advice. Haruko sighs, and says: "It's just like that time, huh?" She is about to leave but stops when Natsu says, "Wait!"
Natsu gets up and both go to the dining area. Natsu gets herself a drink of sake as they finally begin to have the much-awaited mother-and-daughter talk...
Haruko tells her that Aki wants to be an idol. "What do you think I should do?"
Natsu: "I'm okay with letting her go. (Haruko: Why?) Because she said she wants to go."
Haruko: "I also wanted to go. I had the same dream... I wanted to ask your permission to let me go to Tokyo for an audition."
Natsu: "When was that?"
Haruko (reminds Natsu about it): "At that time, you were cold to me. But why are you lenient with Aki? Is it because she's your granddaughter? You bluntly refused your own daughter but you're defending your grandkid... C'mon, I also don't know what to tell Aki, what should I do!"
Natsu: "I wonder why...? I guess you're still bothered by what happened back then. As a mother, I should have thought about the future of my daughter. At the same time, as president of the Ama Club, I felt the need to contribute to the revitalization of our region. At that time when the KitaTetsu opened, everyone was looking forward (to a bright future). Sacrificing my daughter for the hometown... I guess I'm regretting it now."
Haruko is taken aback by her mother's sudden confession. "Wai-.. Stop it.. Eh?"
Natsu: "That night... you were earnestly trying to appeal to me. I also should have responded in earnest. I should have said 'I will not sacrifice my precious daughter to those greedy adults...' Should have refused outright the Mayor and the Co-op President back then. I have always... ALWAYS regretted it. It was hard for me to look at you."
At this point, Haruko is crying while listening to her mother ((ノω-、) sobs).
Natsu: "Haruko, I'm sorry. It took 25 years... With this, please forgive me."
The proud and mighty Natsu finally bows her head to her daughter. Haruko is so moved by her mother's gesture.
Haruko: "Mom... Mom, please raise your head. Mom."
Natsu raises her head and exhales a long deep breath. "Feels refreshing. I finally said it."
Haruko feels a heavy load has been lifted, too. "Me, too... I also wanted to apologize. This is great, isn't it?"
Natsu: "Oh, well... I'm hungry. You wanna eat udon?" She stands up to go to the kitchen.
Haruko: "Guess you're cool, after all, Mom."
Natsu: "What?"
Haruko: "Nothing~."
Later, Haruko goes upstairs to check in on Aki. Aki had been holding her mom's old demo tape, and had dropped it on the floor as she fell asleep. Haruko picks it up and gazes at it silently.
Ep. 71. While eating udon, Natsu had told Haruko: "Listen. You now know the feelings of both a daughter and a mother as well... You can think well about what's best for Aki." Haruko nods and says she now understands.
Upstairs, Haruko is about to write some sort of letter. Aki wakes up. "Sorry, I fell asleep." Haruko tells her to go on and sleep. Aki: "But about Mizuguchi-san..." Haruko tells her it's okay and to leave it to her. "I will persuade the Stationmaster, the Co-op President, and the Tourism Office." Aki does not believe her ears. "You mean I can go?! Yahoo~!!" She hugs her mom tightly. "Ouch! That hurts!" Aki lets her go and says: "I'm not joining a Girls Bar, okay? I'm going to be an Idol." Haruko: "Since you caused a big fuss about going to Tokyo, it's no good if you're not gonna be serious about this... (Quoting what Natsu said to her before) It can only be either zero or 10, which is it?" Aki: "Yes, I'm going for 100!" Haruko (smilingly): "Alright!" and ruffles her daughter's hair.
The contract signing has come at last. Everybody, including Isono-sensei, is at the Tourism Office to witness Yui and Aki sign the contract for Heartfull Agency. Takuma: "Well, then... Is it alright for the girls' parents to entrust your precious daughters to us?" Haruko: "Yes." Isao: "Please take care of them." Takuma then asks them to place their respective family seals on the documents. "Thus, Yui of the KitaTetsu and Aki of the Northern Ama have decided to go to Tokyo," Natsu the Narrator says. "The Idols of Kitasanriku are leaving home, to aim on becoming Idols of Japan." Rokuro, and all the guys are crying. Rokuro: "Mizuguchi! Take good care of our idols! Please, Mizuguchi! Mizuguchi!" Takuma: "Yes! I'm Mizuguchi." Yoshida: "Do you understand, Mizuguchi! The Stationmaster is so shocked he can't say anything, Mizuguchi!" Sugawara says Isono-sensei is also devastated he couldn't speak. Isono goes to the window and cries out: "Arghh! Amano! Yui-chan! (sobs)"
At the train station, Yui and Aki discuss about how to go to Tokyo. Yui says they could still go by the late-night bus since it's cheaper than the Shinkansen (bullet train). But Daikichi will not hear of it. "We won't allow to send out our Miss KitaTetsu on board a bus! We'll send out a special chartered service for you. Paid by public and private funds." He looks at Aki. "Since you arrived here using the KitaTetsu, you should go home the same way." He takes a look at the booklet of train schedules. "Oh, if you'll take the train for Miyako, you'll leave here at 8:30 and arrive at Sendai at 3 pm. From thereon, it'll be 2 hours by Shinkansen." Yui: "What's the departure time from Hatano (where Yui lives)?" Daikichi: "9:20." Yui says she'll be boarding the train at Hatano Station. Daikichi: "Then, I'll reserve two Shinkansen tickets for you." He goes off while Aki looks around her. "Just two days away... Somehow, I'm kinda feeling reluctant..." Daikichi hears it and says, "If that's the case, then don't go!" Yui says to her, "Anyway, let's do our best for one year. No matter what happens, we won't come back (or quit) within a year, okay?" Aki says yes.
It is just one day before Aki leaves. With the beautiful background tune of "Hoshi Meguri no Uta," Aki as usual goes to her beloved sea and dives to her heart's content. She harvests a lot of sea urchins on this day, and goes home to show it to her mom and grandmother. "Since, it's my last day, I really went all out!" Haruko asks her to wash up and change into dry clothes. Afterwards, she hangs up Aki's wet Ama uniform at the front porch. Aki comes out looking at the landscape. "Oh~... it's my last look at this scenery." Haruko asks if she'll be lonely...
Aki: "Yeah, but why don't you come to Tokyo, too? It would be nice if you come with me."
Haruko looks like she hasn't thought about it before. "Eh? Yeah, you're right... Until last year, I was living in Tokyo. Of dear~ I wonder why I hadn't thought of that. Of course I had a choice."
Aki: "Sorry. Shoulda told you sooner."
Haruko: "Yeah, you should've... Can I think about it for a bit?" She stands up and looks at Natsu who is doing something in her workshed. She says to Aki: "I guess you'll be alright... It'll be too much a bother. I will live over here. You'll be fine on your own but I'm more worried about Natsu-san. Maybe you can make it somehow. As Natsu-san had said, 'You and I are different'." She touches Aki's uniform with Haruko's embroidered name on it. "We are nothing alike! That's why you will become an Idol... Maybe! Good luck!" Aki smiles and thanks her mother.
At the Adachi home, they're also spending one last dinner as a complete family before Yui leaves for Tokyo. Isao: "(Sighs) There'll just be the 3 of us starting tomorrow." Yoshie: "Just us two. Hiroshi is always late coming home." Hiroshi asks Yui how will she be able to eat in Tokyo. Yui: "Most likely, I'll eat breakfast and dinner at the dorm." Isao comments that it's impossible for her. "Don't push too hard. If it's too much for you, you can always come back home. Well, that being said... It'll be embarrassing if you come back only after 2 months, just like Hiroshi LOL." Hiroshi scowls at his father. Yoshie: "Never mind that. He has been working hard." Isao excuses himself from the table saying he has a headache. But Yui still has something to say to all of them. "Dad, Mom, and Onii-chan. Thank you for everything you've done for me." Hiroshi wishes her to do her best while Yoshie tells her to take it easy over there. Isao, with tears in his eyes, just lets out a soft chuckle, and pats his daughter on the shoulder.
The morning of Aki and Yui's departure has arrived. At the Amano home, Aki goes downstairs and greets everyone a good morning. Natsu calls Aki to come to her while Haruko prepares their breakfast. Natsu gives her granddaughter a farewell gift. It's the head band that says "Northern Ama" which they tie around their heads when diving.
Natsu: "From this day forward, if you face an obstacle, wipe your tears with this. And remember those cold mornings... when you went to the shore and dove in the water... There are not many things that are harder than that."
Aki suddenly starts weeping, "Natsu-bappa...!" and tries to wipe her tears with the headband.
Natsu: "Not now! Only when you have gone to Tokyo, you fool." (haha!)
Aki: "Sorry."
Natsu then tells her to light some incense for her Grandpa at the altar. As Haruko is setting the table, Natsu says there is no wakame (seaweed) for the miso soup.
Haruko: "What about shijimi (clams)? There's some inside the back of the fridge."
Aki finishes her prayers and asks Haruko: "Are you going to send me off?"
Haruko: "Daikichi-san and I will go with you to the station."
Aki: "What about Bappa?"
Haruko: "Well, I wonder about that... Natsu-san hates sad things."
While they were talking, Natsu had gone out.
Aki (looks for her in the kitchen): "She was just here a while ago."
Haruko: "Eh? (laughs softly) She went to the sea."
Aki goes out to catch her Grandma but she's already nowhere in sight.
At the station's ticket booth, Yoshida gives Aki her Shinkansen tickets bound for Tokyo. "I'm giving you Yui's, too. Don't lose them." Daikichi says she can return them if she wants. Aki says there's no need, making Daikichi cry again. Then all the Ama-sans, Tamako, and Rokuro have also arrived to say goodbye. Aki: "Oh, you're all here!" Yayoi suddenly gives her a very tight hug. "You've become so different from a year ago! You have inherited the spirit of the Ama! Keep it proudly in your heart! Don't lose, Aki!" Aki: "Oww! Yayoi-san, you're hurting me!" Yayoi finally releases her and they all took out the misangas that they made. "Okay! Now wear these!" They begin tying the misangas tightly around her wrists. Aki: "Ouch! Ouch! You're cutting off my circulation!"
Finally, just like one year ago, Aki and Haruko head off to the train again, but this time with Daikichi bringing along only Aki's luggage. Aki sadly looks back, presumably thinking of her Bappa. Meanwhile, Natsu is at the beach, scraping nori off the rocks...
Ep. 72. (Knew this ep would make me cry T____T... Btw, this is a very easy episode to understand even without subs or any explanation, but here you go anyway...) In contrast to Haruko's angry departure from Kitansanriku 25 years ago, Aki is given a warm and proper send-off by her Mom and friends, complete with flag-waving and happy banzai cheers.
Inside the train, Daikichi gives mother and daughter some alone-time before departure. Haruko asks Aki if there is something they need to discuss. But Aki turns away, saying they've already talked about everything last night. She looks out the window, somewhat feeling reluctant to leave. All the while, her mother tries to give her some motherly, last minute advice. "You didn't leave anything? Have you divided your money in two separate places, pants and wallet? (lol I do the same thing) Well, if you're having some difficulties, just ask Mizuguchi-san. And please contact your Dad only when you're really in a serious pinch..." Suddenly, like a small kid, Aki bursts out crying. "I don't wanna go! Mom, I don't wanna go to Tokyo!" Haruko tries to calm her down. "There, look. Yoshida-kun will go with you." Aki does calm down and says she's okay. She gets the headband that her grandma gave to her and wipes away her tears with it. She tells Haruko to get along with Natsu and not to fight. Then, Haruko, hands her a letter, telling her to read it afterwards. For the first time, instead of Natsu, it is Aki's voice that is heard this time as the Narrator: "The story of half of my mother's life that I know nothing about is written in that letter." At last, the train is about to leave and Haruko goes out and waves goodbye to her daughter.
"Mom, have I changed?" Aki asks her mom from the window. "Have I changed a lot from a year ago?"
Haruko: "You have not changed."
Aki (disappointed): "Mom..."
Haruko: "You're still a plain and gloomy girl who lacks ambition, coordination, presence, personality, brilliance, someone who doesn't stand out at all BUT!... Everyone loved you! You came here and everybody fell in love with you! It's not you who have changed... It's everyone! Take pride in that. It's quite an amazing thing, right?"
Aki: "Yes! Goodbye! I'll be back!"
Mother and daughter wave goodbye to each other as the train leaves.
Haruko goes to the Rias shop and tells everyone there that Aki has left. They feel sad now that there doesn't seem to be anything worth doing anymore. Sugawara: "Maybe we should find the next Miss KitaTetsu?" Haruko smiles ruefully and says the girls are happy that they've been given blessings by everyone. "Whereas nobody came to send me off when I left." Daikichi disagrees saying there were many people at the station during that day, waving Japanese flags. Haruko: "They were there to see the KitaTetsu of course. But for me, no one came not even my own mother." Ben, looking like he's remembering something important, tries to say something to Haruko. But Yayoi interrupts saying that Natsu was taking seaweed from the beach during that time. Haruko asks Ben what he wanted to say. Ben: "Your mother WAS there. She did give you a send-off." Others: "Jejeh!" Yayoi: "No, that can't be! I was at the main station, I didn't see her there!" Ben: "She wasn't at the station. She was at the beach..." Haruko: "What?!" Yayoi: "Why did you keep silent about such an important thing!" Ben: "She told me not to tell anyone, that she was only getting seaweed." Haruko is shocked to hear about this revelation. "So... she was at the beach? Eh?! But why didn't I notice?" Daikichi stands up, realizing something. "I'm sorry, Haru-chan! It's because I was talking to you at that time." As told by Ben, this is what Haruko failed to see 25 years ago... Natsu was standing on the rocky shore, looking up at the bridge for the incoming train. As Haruko's train passes, she held up a "tairyō-bata*" flag and started waving it. "Good luck, Haruko~! Go! Haruko! Take care! Banzai! Banzai! Banzai~!" (uwaah~! ToT) But the train leaves, without Haruko seeing her... Having learned about it, it was just too much for Haruko to take in. She goes out of the shop to try wrapping her head around this sudden revelation. Daikichi follows her out. Haruko: "I've always had a grudge against her all through these years. If my mother did send me off with a smile, I wonder if it would have made me feel at ease..." Daikichi says it may have been true. Haruko, scratches her head in frustration and guilt: "What the heck, Natsu-san! What the heck!" Daikichi, feeling guilty too, starts hitting his thigh with his fist. "I'm so stupid! So so stupid!"
Inside the Miyako-bound train, Yoshida tries to ask Aki if she's really sure about going to Tokyo. They did not notice that an old lady had come on board too. The lady says to Yoshida if he can wait and let her pee at the next station. Yoshida: "We can't. This is a special chartered service, you shouldn't be on board." Suddenly, Aki notices something outside her window. It is Natsu, standing along the rocky coastline of Sodegahama, waving a huge Tairyo-bata. "Banzai~! Banzai~! Banzai~!" Aki opens her window and waves her headband in the air. "Bappaaa~! Bappaaa~! Take care of yourself! See you soon!" Natsu shouts as the train disappears from sight, "Akiiii~! Come back home if it becomes too hard for you!"
Back at the train station, Daikichi is still punishing and calling himself 'stupid, stupid!' Haruko who is not really mad at him, laughs and tells him 'enough' and to forget about it.
Aki's train arrives at Hatano(?) station. She sees Yui and Hiroshi there, sensing that something is wrong. Aki: "What is it?" Yui says she's sorry she can't go. "But you can go on ahead and I'll catch up soon." Hiroshi reveals why: "Our Dad had collapsed." Earlier in the day, Isao fell while drinking wine in his living room. (He looked like he had a heart attack scratch that, it was apparently another thing) Hiroshi tells Aki: "The doctor said he'll soon regain consciousness. We may have to transfer him to a bigger hospital." Yui says sorry to Aki. But Aki goes to get her things saying, she, too will not be going. Yui goes inside the train to stop Aki from disembarking. "No! You have to go, Aki-chan. He'll get well soon. You MUST go now!" The train is leaving so Hiroshi pulls Yui out. Aki quickly hands Yui her Shinkansen ticket to Tokyo. "You will come soon, okay? I'll be waiting!" Yui tearfully waves goodbye and runs after the departing train. "I'm sorry, Aki-chan! Wait for me, okay? Aki-chan!" Aki, too, waves goodbye while Yui cries, comforted by Hiroshi. The train leaves the station with Aki, who has suddenly found herself heading back to Tokyo... alone.
(*Tairyo-bata = a traditional fisherman's flag placed on a boat to signify a large catch)
(Yosh! Part 1 "Hometown Arc" has ended and the Tokyo Arc is coming next week... Looks like we'll have a bunch of new characters and more of the much awaited revelations about Suzuka Hiromi and Haruko's past)
Next: Week 13 Part 1
Previous: Week 11 (Part 2)
Episode Index: Link
Character Guide: Link
Week 12."I'm going to Tokyo!" (Part 2)
"It's not you who have changed... It's everyone!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 70. Daikichi drives Haruko home where Aki and Yui are waiting. The girls ask where Takuma is. Haruko says he's at the snack bar. She tells Yui that her father had gone home, too. "Where's your Obaa-chan?" Aki: "I dunno. Maybe at the Ama Cafe?" Haruko tells Aki that the two of them will have a talk upstairs.
Haruko and Aki are in the 80s room, recalling the time that Haruko told her about her dream on becoming an idol.
Aki: "You were so eager at that time, you had to take a leave from the snack bar so you could continue talking about it..."
Haruko cuts her off, asking, "I wonder if that's what went wrong...?"
Aki: "Eh?"
Haruko: "What were you thinking?"
Aki: "Sorry."
Haruko: "I see, I see... 'Since mom could do it... I can do it too.' Is that what you thought?"
Aki: "No..."
Haruko: "That's not it. Actually it's the opposite. (she seems to be talking about herself here, confusedly) I meant that you wish I never went to Tokyo. Should have never followed the dream of becoming an idol... that I can do over my stupid life. That's what I wanted to say."
Aki: "Then I wouldn't be here.." She is hushed by her mother.
Haruko: "That's not what I mean. Don't worry about that, Aki... Listen, I am not against you going to Tokyo at all. If you said you're going to go after a Korean star, or enter Nadeshiko Japan, I'm completely ok with that! If you say you're gonna work in a girls bar, I'm fine with it, too! If it's anything BUT becoming an idol, I am totally in favor it! If it's about being an idol, NO WAY! It's inexcusable!"
Aki: "Why?"
Haruko: "Because you will be unhappy."
Aki: "I won't know until I try!"
Haruko: "I DO know!.... They'll use and toy with your pure feelings, consume you up, break your heart. That Mizuguchi, and that Futomaki, too... No one will ever reach out and lend you a hand. It IS that kind of world."
Aki (gets her mom's demo tape and looks at it): "But it's okay. I'll just give it a try."
Yui is outside the door, listening to their talk. She also hears Natsu returning. She goes down to greet her. She also tells her that Haruko and Aki are having a talk upstairs before she takes her leave.
Aki tells her mother that it was her singing that made Aki think of becoming an idol. "You were so cool. I also like your cooking, and the way you hang the laundry. But I liked your singing the best. Then later I heard the real thing. The movie with Suzuka Hiromi was so cool. I thought being an actress is different after all. (Haruko looks down, seemingly sad) But I like Mom's song even better... for me, it sounds more real. I still like it up to now."
Haruko: "Thank you." While she listens to Aki talk, memories of Haruko's younger self singing in some old variety show enter her mind.
Aki: "When I sang it in the parlor train, then at the Ama Cafe, it was fun. Of course, I can't measure up to you... but I'm happy if I'm able to reach out to the guests with my singing. I want to make more and more people feel alive... I don't think I can do it alone but if it's me and Yui, I feel we will be able to do it. (Haruko sighs) You won't allow me?"
Haruko: "I dunno... I really don't know what to say. (She stands up) Hold on a sec... I'm gonna ask Mom."
Aki: "What?"
Haruko goes down and tries to wake up Natsu who is lying on her futon. "Mom, I don't know what to do. Natsu-san... wake up. What am I going to do? What will you do if I were you? Hey, Natsu-san!"
However, Natsu does not respond. Haruko remembers a similar scene the day before she left Kitansanriku 25 years ago... when Natsu turned her back and pretended to sleep while her daughter implored her for some much-needed advice. Haruko sighs, and says: "It's just like that time, huh?" She is about to leave but stops when Natsu says, "Wait!"
Natsu gets up and both go to the dining area. Natsu gets herself a drink of sake as they finally begin to have the much-awaited mother-and-daughter talk...
Haruko tells her that Aki wants to be an idol. "What do you think I should do?"
Natsu: "I'm okay with letting her go. (Haruko: Why?) Because she said she wants to go."
Haruko: "I also wanted to go. I had the same dream... I wanted to ask your permission to let me go to Tokyo for an audition."
Natsu: "When was that?"
Haruko (reminds Natsu about it): "At that time, you were cold to me. But why are you lenient with Aki? Is it because she's your granddaughter? You bluntly refused your own daughter but you're defending your grandkid... C'mon, I also don't know what to tell Aki, what should I do!"
Natsu: "I wonder why...? I guess you're still bothered by what happened back then. As a mother, I should have thought about the future of my daughter. At the same time, as president of the Ama Club, I felt the need to contribute to the revitalization of our region. At that time when the KitaTetsu opened, everyone was looking forward (to a bright future). Sacrificing my daughter for the hometown... I guess I'm regretting it now."
Haruko is taken aback by her mother's sudden confession. "Wai-.. Stop it.. Eh?"
Natsu: "That night... you were earnestly trying to appeal to me. I also should have responded in earnest. I should have said 'I will not sacrifice my precious daughter to those greedy adults...' Should have refused outright the Mayor and the Co-op President back then. I have always... ALWAYS regretted it. It was hard for me to look at you."
At this point, Haruko is crying while listening to her mother ((ノω-、) sobs).
Natsu: "Haruko, I'm sorry. It took 25 years... With this, please forgive me."
The proud and mighty Natsu finally bows her head to her daughter. Haruko is so moved by her mother's gesture.
Haruko: "Mom... Mom, please raise your head. Mom."
Natsu raises her head and exhales a long deep breath. "Feels refreshing. I finally said it."
Haruko feels a heavy load has been lifted, too. "Me, too... I also wanted to apologize. This is great, isn't it?"
Natsu: "Oh, well... I'm hungry. You wanna eat udon?" She stands up to go to the kitchen.
Haruko: "Guess you're cool, after all, Mom."
Natsu: "What?"
Haruko: "Nothing~."
Later, Haruko goes upstairs to check in on Aki. Aki had been holding her mom's old demo tape, and had dropped it on the floor as she fell asleep. Haruko picks it up and gazes at it silently.
Ep. 71. While eating udon, Natsu had told Haruko: "Listen. You now know the feelings of both a daughter and a mother as well... You can think well about what's best for Aki." Haruko nods and says she now understands.
Upstairs, Haruko is about to write some sort of letter. Aki wakes up. "Sorry, I fell asleep." Haruko tells her to go on and sleep. Aki: "But about Mizuguchi-san..." Haruko tells her it's okay and to leave it to her. "I will persuade the Stationmaster, the Co-op President, and the Tourism Office." Aki does not believe her ears. "You mean I can go?! Yahoo~!!" She hugs her mom tightly. "Ouch! That hurts!" Aki lets her go and says: "I'm not joining a Girls Bar, okay? I'm going to be an Idol." Haruko: "Since you caused a big fuss about going to Tokyo, it's no good if you're not gonna be serious about this... (Quoting what Natsu said to her before) It can only be either zero or 10, which is it?" Aki: "Yes, I'm going for 100!" Haruko (smilingly): "Alright!" and ruffles her daughter's hair.
The contract signing has come at last. Everybody, including Isono-sensei, is at the Tourism Office to witness Yui and Aki sign the contract for Heartfull Agency. Takuma: "Well, then... Is it alright for the girls' parents to entrust your precious daughters to us?" Haruko: "Yes." Isao: "Please take care of them." Takuma then asks them to place their respective family seals on the documents. "Thus, Yui of the KitaTetsu and Aki of the Northern Ama have decided to go to Tokyo," Natsu the Narrator says. "The Idols of Kitasanriku are leaving home, to aim on becoming Idols of Japan." Rokuro, and all the guys are crying. Rokuro: "Mizuguchi! Take good care of our idols! Please, Mizuguchi! Mizuguchi!" Takuma: "Yes! I'm Mizuguchi." Yoshida: "Do you understand, Mizuguchi! The Stationmaster is so shocked he can't say anything, Mizuguchi!" Sugawara says Isono-sensei is also devastated he couldn't speak. Isono goes to the window and cries out: "Arghh! Amano! Yui-chan! (sobs)"
At the train station, Yui and Aki discuss about how to go to Tokyo. Yui says they could still go by the late-night bus since it's cheaper than the Shinkansen (bullet train). But Daikichi will not hear of it. "We won't allow to send out our Miss KitaTetsu on board a bus! We'll send out a special chartered service for you. Paid by public and private funds." He looks at Aki. "Since you arrived here using the KitaTetsu, you should go home the same way." He takes a look at the booklet of train schedules. "Oh, if you'll take the train for Miyako, you'll leave here at 8:30 and arrive at Sendai at 3 pm. From thereon, it'll be 2 hours by Shinkansen." Yui: "What's the departure time from Hatano (where Yui lives)?" Daikichi: "9:20." Yui says she'll be boarding the train at Hatano Station. Daikichi: "Then, I'll reserve two Shinkansen tickets for you." He goes off while Aki looks around her. "Just two days away... Somehow, I'm kinda feeling reluctant..." Daikichi hears it and says, "If that's the case, then don't go!" Yui says to her, "Anyway, let's do our best for one year. No matter what happens, we won't come back (or quit) within a year, okay?" Aki says yes.
It is just one day before Aki leaves. With the beautiful background tune of "Hoshi Meguri no Uta," Aki as usual goes to her beloved sea and dives to her heart's content. She harvests a lot of sea urchins on this day, and goes home to show it to her mom and grandmother. "Since, it's my last day, I really went all out!" Haruko asks her to wash up and change into dry clothes. Afterwards, she hangs up Aki's wet Ama uniform at the front porch. Aki comes out looking at the landscape. "Oh~... it's my last look at this scenery." Haruko asks if she'll be lonely...
Aki: "Yeah, but why don't you come to Tokyo, too? It would be nice if you come with me."
Haruko looks like she hasn't thought about it before. "Eh? Yeah, you're right... Until last year, I was living in Tokyo. Of dear~ I wonder why I hadn't thought of that. Of course I had a choice."
Aki: "Sorry. Shoulda told you sooner."
Haruko: "Yeah, you should've... Can I think about it for a bit?" She stands up and looks at Natsu who is doing something in her workshed. She says to Aki: "I guess you'll be alright... It'll be too much a bother. I will live over here. You'll be fine on your own but I'm more worried about Natsu-san. Maybe you can make it somehow. As Natsu-san had said, 'You and I are different'." She touches Aki's uniform with Haruko's embroidered name on it. "We are nothing alike! That's why you will become an Idol... Maybe! Good luck!" Aki smiles and thanks her mother.
At the Adachi home, they're also spending one last dinner as a complete family before Yui leaves for Tokyo. Isao: "(Sighs) There'll just be the 3 of us starting tomorrow." Yoshie: "Just us two. Hiroshi is always late coming home." Hiroshi asks Yui how will she be able to eat in Tokyo. Yui: "Most likely, I'll eat breakfast and dinner at the dorm." Isao comments that it's impossible for her. "Don't push too hard. If it's too much for you, you can always come back home. Well, that being said... It'll be embarrassing if you come back only after 2 months, just like Hiroshi LOL." Hiroshi scowls at his father. Yoshie: "Never mind that. He has been working hard." Isao excuses himself from the table saying he has a headache. But Yui still has something to say to all of them. "Dad, Mom, and Onii-chan. Thank you for everything you've done for me." Hiroshi wishes her to do her best while Yoshie tells her to take it easy over there. Isao, with tears in his eyes, just lets out a soft chuckle, and pats his daughter on the shoulder.
The morning of Aki and Yui's departure has arrived. At the Amano home, Aki goes downstairs and greets everyone a good morning. Natsu calls Aki to come to her while Haruko prepares their breakfast. Natsu gives her granddaughter a farewell gift. It's the head band that says "Northern Ama" which they tie around their heads when diving.
Natsu: "From this day forward, if you face an obstacle, wipe your tears with this. And remember those cold mornings... when you went to the shore and dove in the water... There are not many things that are harder than that."
Aki suddenly starts weeping, "Natsu-bappa...!" and tries to wipe her tears with the headband.
Natsu: "Not now! Only when you have gone to Tokyo, you fool." (haha!)
Aki: "Sorry."
Natsu then tells her to light some incense for her Grandpa at the altar. As Haruko is setting the table, Natsu says there is no wakame (seaweed) for the miso soup.
Haruko: "What about shijimi (clams)? There's some inside the back of the fridge."
Aki finishes her prayers and asks Haruko: "Are you going to send me off?"
Haruko: "Daikichi-san and I will go with you to the station."
Aki: "What about Bappa?"
Haruko: "Well, I wonder about that... Natsu-san hates sad things."
While they were talking, Natsu had gone out.
Aki (looks for her in the kitchen): "She was just here a while ago."
Haruko: "Eh? (laughs softly) She went to the sea."
Aki goes out to catch her Grandma but she's already nowhere in sight.
At the station's ticket booth, Yoshida gives Aki her Shinkansen tickets bound for Tokyo. "I'm giving you Yui's, too. Don't lose them." Daikichi says she can return them if she wants. Aki says there's no need, making Daikichi cry again. Then all the Ama-sans, Tamako, and Rokuro have also arrived to say goodbye. Aki: "Oh, you're all here!" Yayoi suddenly gives her a very tight hug. "You've become so different from a year ago! You have inherited the spirit of the Ama! Keep it proudly in your heart! Don't lose, Aki!" Aki: "Oww! Yayoi-san, you're hurting me!" Yayoi finally releases her and they all took out the misangas that they made. "Okay! Now wear these!" They begin tying the misangas tightly around her wrists. Aki: "Ouch! Ouch! You're cutting off my circulation!"
Finally, just like one year ago, Aki and Haruko head off to the train again, but this time with Daikichi bringing along only Aki's luggage. Aki sadly looks back, presumably thinking of her Bappa. Meanwhile, Natsu is at the beach, scraping nori off the rocks...
Ep. 72. (Knew this ep would make me cry T____T... Btw, this is a very easy episode to understand even without subs or any explanation, but here you go anyway...) In contrast to Haruko's angry departure from Kitansanriku 25 years ago, Aki is given a warm and proper send-off by her Mom and friends, complete with flag-waving and happy banzai cheers.
Inside the train, Daikichi gives mother and daughter some alone-time before departure. Haruko asks Aki if there is something they need to discuss. But Aki turns away, saying they've already talked about everything last night. She looks out the window, somewhat feeling reluctant to leave. All the while, her mother tries to give her some motherly, last minute advice. "You didn't leave anything? Have you divided your money in two separate places, pants and wallet? (lol I do the same thing) Well, if you're having some difficulties, just ask Mizuguchi-san. And please contact your Dad only when you're really in a serious pinch..." Suddenly, like a small kid, Aki bursts out crying. "I don't wanna go! Mom, I don't wanna go to Tokyo!" Haruko tries to calm her down. "There, look. Yoshida-kun will go with you." Aki does calm down and says she's okay. She gets the headband that her grandma gave to her and wipes away her tears with it. She tells Haruko to get along with Natsu and not to fight. Then, Haruko, hands her a letter, telling her to read it afterwards. For the first time, instead of Natsu, it is Aki's voice that is heard this time as the Narrator: "The story of half of my mother's life that I know nothing about is written in that letter." At last, the train is about to leave and Haruko goes out and waves goodbye to her daughter.
"Mom, have I changed?" Aki asks her mom from the window. "Have I changed a lot from a year ago?"
Haruko: "You have not changed."
Aki (disappointed): "Mom..."
Haruko: "You're still a plain and gloomy girl who lacks ambition, coordination, presence, personality, brilliance, someone who doesn't stand out at all BUT!... Everyone loved you! You came here and everybody fell in love with you! It's not you who have changed... It's everyone! Take pride in that. It's quite an amazing thing, right?"
Aki: "Yes! Goodbye! I'll be back!"
Mother and daughter wave goodbye to each other as the train leaves.
Haruko goes to the Rias shop and tells everyone there that Aki has left. They feel sad now that there doesn't seem to be anything worth doing anymore. Sugawara: "Maybe we should find the next Miss KitaTetsu?" Haruko smiles ruefully and says the girls are happy that they've been given blessings by everyone. "Whereas nobody came to send me off when I left." Daikichi disagrees saying there were many people at the station during that day, waving Japanese flags. Haruko: "They were there to see the KitaTetsu of course. But for me, no one came not even my own mother." Ben, looking like he's remembering something important, tries to say something to Haruko. But Yayoi interrupts saying that Natsu was taking seaweed from the beach during that time. Haruko asks Ben what he wanted to say. Ben: "Your mother WAS there. She did give you a send-off." Others: "Jejeh!" Yayoi: "No, that can't be! I was at the main station, I didn't see her there!" Ben: "She wasn't at the station. She was at the beach..." Haruko: "What?!" Yayoi: "Why did you keep silent about such an important thing!" Ben: "She told me not to tell anyone, that she was only getting seaweed." Haruko is shocked to hear about this revelation. "So... she was at the beach? Eh?! But why didn't I notice?" Daikichi stands up, realizing something. "I'm sorry, Haru-chan! It's because I was talking to you at that time."
As told by Ben, this is what Haruko failed to see 25 years ago... Natsu was standing on the rocky shore, looking up at the bridge for the incoming train. As Haruko's train passes, she held up a "tairyō-bata*" flag and started waving it. "Good luck, Haruko~! Go! Haruko! Take care! Banzai! Banzai! Banzai~!" (uwaah~! ToT) But the train leaves, without Haruko seeing her... Having learned about it, it was just too much for Haruko to take in. She goes out of the shop to try wrapping her head around this sudden revelation. Daikichi follows her out. Haruko: "I've always had a grudge against her all through these years. If my mother did send me off with a smile, I wonder if it would have made me feel at ease..." Daikichi says it may have been true. Haruko, scratches her head in frustration and guilt: "What the heck, Natsu-san! What the heck!" Daikichi, feeling guilty too, starts hitting his thigh with his fist. "I'm so stupid! So so stupid!" Inside the Miyako-bound train, Yoshida tries to ask Aki if she's really sure about going to Tokyo. They did not notice that an old lady had come on board too. The lady says to Yoshida if he can wait and let her pee at the next station. Yoshida: "We can't. This is a special chartered service, you shouldn't be on board." Suddenly, Aki notices something outside her window. It is Natsu, standing along the rocky coastline of Sodegahama, waving a huge Tairyo-bata. "Banzai~! Banzai~! Banzai~!" Aki opens her window and waves her headband in the air. "Bappaaa~! Bappaaa~! Take care of yourself! See you soon!" Natsu shouts as the train disappears from sight, "Akiiii~! Come back home if it becomes too hard for you!"
Back at the train station, Daikichi is still punishing and calling himself 'stupid, stupid!' Haruko who is not really mad at him, laughs and tells him 'enough' and to forget about it.
Aki's train arrives at Hatano(?) station. She sees Yui and Hiroshi there, sensing that something is wrong. Aki: "What is it?" Yui says she's sorry she can't go. "But you can go on ahead and I'll catch up soon." Hiroshi reveals why: "Our Dad had collapsed." Earlier in the day, Isao fell while drinking wine in his living room. (
(*Tairyo-bata = a traditional fisherman's flag placed on a boat to signify a large catch)
(Yosh! Part 1 "Hometown Arc" has ended and the Tokyo Arc is coming next week... Looks like we'll have a bunch of new characters and more of the much awaited revelations about Suzuka Hiromi and Haruko's past)
Next: Week 13 Part 1
Previous: Week 11 (Part 2)
Episode Index: Link
Character Guide: Link
