Aug. 18th, 2013 11:11 pm
Amachan: Week 20 (Episode Guide)
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earth_colorsWeek 20: "My Bappa's rare journey of love"
Ep. 115. During the Bon holidays, Natsu and Daikichi arrive in Tokyo. Masamune and Aki have brought them to the Kurokawa family's condo in Setagaya, where Haruko is waiting for them. Natsu is pleased to see their place, and gifted Masamune with Ama towel as omiyage.
The next day, Masamune and Aki have taken Natsu, Anbe, and Masamune for a sight-seeing trip around Tokyo. After a hectic tour, they all go to Burai Sushi to rest and have dinner. Natsu informs them she and Aki have plans for the next day. When asked what it was, she answers, "I'm going to see a man." The others are so shocked about this candid confession, and wanted to hear more (although Daikichi and Masamune pretend they don't want to). Natsu reveals that she had an "illicit love affair" when she was younger, and it's with a man whose first name was "Yukio."
That night, in Aki's room, Natsu feels so excited about meeting Yukio, she could not sleep. Aki tries to downplay her excitement, saying nothing will happen since Natsu and Yuki are too old. Natsu just looks at her with a raised eyebrow. "What about you and Taneichi-senpai?" It seems Natsu had found out about their secret while watching the two at Burai Sushi. Aki panics but Natsu assures her that she won't tell anyone about it.
The next morning, Natsu is all dolled up, and dressed in a beautiful kimono adorned with sea urchin designs. She still has not told Haruko anything about meeting Yukio. Accompanied by Aki, Natsu goes to a studio to finally see her idol after 44 years. Suzuka meets them at the place and leads them to where Yukio is seated. But Yukio looks like he does not remember Suzuka. Aki thinks this is not a good sign. If he could not remember Suzuka Hiromi, how could he possibly remember Natsu? A nervous Natsu tries to run away. However, Yukio sees her and approaches her. "Nacchan? It's Nacchan, isn't it? Nacchan the Ama from Kitasanriku?" Yukio apparently remembers her perfectly.
A tipsy and happy Natsu comes back to Setagaya with Aki, both laughing noisily. Haruko asks what happened during the day but Natsu and Aki just giggle like two little girls. Haruko is puzzled but pleased to see that her mom had a good time.
Ep. 117. While Natsu and Yukio were having their impressive reunion at the studio, Masamune and Daikichi were waiting for them at Coffee Shop Idol. The two men (and rivals for Haruko's love) are having an awkward conversation. Masamune had apparently been taking Daikichi all over Tokyo, bringing him to parks and Super Sento (deluxe bath houses) several times all day. Daikichi cannot hide his admiration for Masamune for being a very good cab driver who knows his way around the city. Masamune is flattered but wary of Daikichi's strange behavior. "Well, I HAVE been driving for more than 20 years." Daikichi suddenly admits that his job as a station master is less exciting compared to Masamune's. Working with the railways means a repetitive job, forced to follow a set path and a rigid schedule. He finally relents and tells Masamune that the Third Sector has been defeated and that "motorization has won." He also says Masamune is perfect for Haruko and that he is now backing out from his marriage proposal. Upon hearing that, Masamune heaves a huge sigh of relief. Aki's dad had been feeling apprehensive the whole day, fearing that Daikichi will pounce and attack him. That's why he had armed himself with tools as weapons and been taking the station master to parks so he could have an advantage just in case they resort to a duel.
On the last day of the visit, Natsu is all raring to go home. Daikichi says goodbye to Haruko, saying he wishes her a happy life with Masamune. Then, as he and Natsu are heading out the condo, Yoshie arrives at the door. Apparently, Mrs. Adachi wants to go home with them to Kitasanriku, and to ask for everyone's forgiveness. Haruko says there's no need to reprimand Yoshie because she (Haruko) had already given her enough scolding. Natsu is taken aback but allows to bring along Yoshie.
So, the group has gone back to Kitasanriku. Aki, feeling worried how Yui will take Yoshie's sudden homecoming, goes and meets with Taneichi outside Burai Sushi. She asks Taneichi to make a funny face so she could take a picture of it with her cell cam...
That night, Natsu, Daikichi and Yoshie arrive at Kitasanriku Station. They try to make Yoshie's return a secret but Yoshida somehow called up everyone and they have all converged at Bar Rias. Natsu says not to mind it, "There's no use tip-toeing around. Let's get this over with."
Outside the bar, Yui sits alone, tears streaming down her cheeks. Then her phone buzzes. She has received two pics from Aki. Yui lets out a soft laugh as she sees these pics. They were funny faces of Aki and Taneichi that were sent by her friend to make her smile during this trying time.
"Now that Aki has finally made it to the limelight, why should she be the shadow again?!"
Ep. 118. "This is all I could do for her from Tokyo," Aki the Narrator says regarding the funny pics she sent to Yui. It's been minutes since she sent the pix but there was no reply yet from Yui. Both Aki and Taneichi wonder what's going right now in Kitasanriku. After a while, they finally receive a reply. Yui had also sent them her own funny face pictures, and the two laugh. However, along with the pic, Yui adds a message for Aki: "Aki, please reverse-rotate it! ( T JJJ T )", making Aki feel sorry for her dear friend.
Inside the Bar, Yoshie tells everyone how sorry she feels. And that she knows she can not be forgiven easily, and still chooses to come back because she wants to see and be with her family again. Atsushi of Boutique Konno shows her a pic of Yankii Yui, making Yoshie feel even more terrible. But she says she also feels jealous that the others were able to "break" Yui's icy cold exterior and enabled her to show her weak side, something that Yoshie never got to see. "I've lived everyday thinking if I could do that, how easy I'll feel." Then, when her husband got sick, she spiraled down even further since then. She also admits she had always felt like an outsider in Kitasanriku. But now, she has come back because she loves the countryside and her family, and asks to be let in again. The others say her coming back and admitting her true feelings mean she is finally showing her true self and is no longer an outsider to them. Her husband who seems to still love her very much, is willing to forgive her and wants her back as a wife. Hiroshi also says he'll accept her back, too. Everybody rejoices over this happy outcome, and hug and welcome Yoshie back into their fold. They also notice Natsu has gone missing.
A tired and weary Natsu has apparently left quietly and gone home to Sodegahama. Yui who probably did not want to go home to Hatano, accompanied and helped Natsu with her luggage. It seems she'll be spending the night there. Natsu immediately lies down in her usual sleeping area in the living room. She asks Yui if she'll ever forgive her mom. Yui says she is not sure, but she's still her daughter after all. She admits she did want to run and hug Yoshie when she saw her. While Yui is talking, Natsu had fallen asleep, her eyes half open. Yui panics, thinking something bad has happened to Natsu and calls Aki on the phone. Aki says not to worry. "That's how she really sleeps." Aki comforts her friend by saying that the Adachi family is now reunited and that pretty soon, maybe "Shiosai no Memories" will also get back together. Yui reminds Aki that it won't happen since she's already 20. But Aki says, age does not matter. "Even if you're 20, 30 or 40, you're everybody's Idol." Yui thanks her friend for the kind words.
Ep. 119. Things are going smoothly for Aki. More TV appearances pour in, thanks to her popularity in the internet. There were uploaded videos of her Ama days, GMT stint, and now her kiddie TV show.
Meanwhile, over at Heartful, Futomaki and his staff are having a meeting. He seems unhappy about the lackluster result of GMT's new single, "Hometown Samba". New member Veronica somehow managed to sneak in, giving her two cents about it, in awkward Japanese. "Can't deny that it was too soon for me to become the Center, no?" She is ushered out fast by Kawashima. Anyway, Futomaki says both the popularity of GMT and AmeJo are on the downtrend already. That's why he wants to venture into a new challenge: The Futomaki Film Festival. And so, he announces to his staff to hurry and come up with future film projects.
Later, we see Aki going on live TV, getting interviewed. However, her mind is still on Mizuguchi's question. How on earth did he find out? Was he there hiding somewhere when I confessed to Taneichi that night? Aki remembers him saying, "It can't be helped. After all, the (Preparatory school) CM's slogan is 'Entrance Exams are my love (priority)'." While all these thoughts were going through her mind, she is not aware that the show has started and that the moderator is already asking her questions. She snaps into attention. Moderator: "How is your work lately?" Aki: "Right now, my love (boyfriend) is my work (priority). Oh, sorry! I meant, my work (priority) is my love (boyfriend)!"
After the embarrassing interview, Mizuguchi is at Coffee Shop Idol, reprimanding Aki. "It should be 'Work is my love (priority),' isn't it?" Aki says she's sorry. He shows her the magazine spread, featuring pictures of her smiling. Mizuguchi says he knows she has a boyfriend because of what Futomaki had taught him before. "When she has a guy, her face changes... You're smiling often or that your eyes are not focusing." He reminds her of her CM contract's love ban rule. Aki is frightened and begins crying, begging Mizuguchi not to tell Haruko. He asks who her boyfriend is. Aki does not answer but he correctly guesses it anyway. "It's the sushi chef, right?"
Meanwhile, at Burai Sushi... Futomaki and Kawashima are about to negotiate with a clueless Suzuka. They tell her that Futomaki Film Fest will showcase 10 Idol movies that will serve as debut movies for some of his idol talents. Apparently he also wants her to reprise her role of Suzuka Hiromi in one of these movie projects: a sequel to "Shiosai no Memory." Suzuka is surprised to hear that not only Futomaki will produce it, but he'll be directing it himself. At first, Suzuka misunderstands, thinking she will once again play the role as a 17 year old. "I don't look 17, right?" she asks, feeling flattered by the film offer. Futomaki and Kawashima can only giggle at her assumption. Embarrassed, Suzuka realizes that they meant she will be playing the role again but as a mother this time. She asks who will play as her daughter in the movie. It was Onodera Kaoruko of GMT. She comes to introduce herself to Suzuka. Futomaki says it'll be similar to the original movie but they won't be doing the snake scene. "I agree," Suzuka says but adds, with a meaningful tone, "Who will sing the theme song this time?" Futomaki becomes suddenly quiet, looking unprepared for that question...
In Setagaya, Aki just came from the bathroom and sits in the office. Haruko is looking at threads in the internet, discussing Aki's booboo during her live interview. There were even video parodies of it uploaded in streaming sites, and she shows them to Mizuguchi. Haruko does not seem to notice anything strange about Aki's booboo, thinking it was just an innocent mistake. She even seems pleased about the buzz it has created. However, feeling guilty, Aki wonders if she should tell her mom about Taneichi... No! Whatever happens, she musn't know! Just then, her phone rings. Aki sees it was a call from Taneichi. Although feeling hesitant and wary of her mom and manager's watchful glances, she answers her boyfriend's call in front of them, right there and then.
Ep. 120. On the phone, Taneichi tells her he heard Futomaki and Suzuka discussing about a sequel to "Shiosai no Memory." Aki hurriedly conveys the news to Haruko. Haruko demands to know who is on the phone but Aki would not answer directly so Haruko takes the phone herself. Haruko is a bit miffed about this development and in a Sukeban mode, asks Taneichi about it. "Who is this? How did you get this information? Who will sing the theme song? What about the heroine? Who will play it?" Taneichi, intimidated by Haruko's aggressive questionings could only stammer and break out in cold sweat. Finally, he is able to say that there'll be auditions to be held for the part of the heroine.
The news of the search for the new heroine is announced to the public. It has even reached Kitasanriku. The guys cajole Yui into auditioning but Yui says if she gets the part, "it'll be bad for Aki who's working hard." Sugawara: "Of course, she has already chosen herself in the premise (that she'll get the part)." But no matter how they try, Yui says she won't be auditioning.
Meanwhile, Mizuguchi meets with Kawashima at Coffee Shop Idol. He formally submits Aki's papers, hoping that somehow, Heartful will let her audition. However, Kawashima reveals that the game is already set, that the audition is just a way to satisfy Suzuka. Suzuka had earlier agreed to reprise her role only on the condition that an audition will be held for the new heroine. "Listen man, do you really believe that we'll be getting someone from the general public? There's no way we will hire a newcomer!" Kawashima laughs, meaning that Onodera Kaoruku is already decided to play the role. Mizuguchi knew it was too good to be true. "Well, either way, Amano went against Futomaki-san and quit so it's 200% certain she won't be chosen." But Kawashima says, "It's not really the case though..."
Days later, Aki has received her acceptance letter from Heartful. She had passed the document or resume screening and is set to attend the the first round of audition. Her applicant number is 236. Everyone is in high spirits about this good news except for Mizuguchi. He alone knows why Aki was allowed to audition. He recalls his conversation with Futomaki at the coffee shop that day...
Aki, on the phone, breaks the good news of her passing the document review to Yui and the guys in Bar Rias. Everyone is happy to hear it and wishes her good luck. Aki says she wanted to tell Natsu too but no one is answering the phone in Sodegahama. Daikichi says he'll be dropping by and check up on her when he'll go and get her unidon early in the morning.
So the next day, as he said, Daikichi has gone to the Amano house to fetch the unidon as usual. However, Natsu is not there to greet him. He notices Katsue the cat is peering inside the workshed. He opens the door and discovers Natsu lying on the floor, unconscious.
In Setagaya, everyone is getting ready to go to Aki's audition. Haruoko receives an email from Daikichi and it reads: "Your mom has collapsed! ( ' jjj ' )/". Of course, Haruko does not take his message seriously because he had done this before. But Aki senses something is wrong. Haruko tells her not to worry and just focus on her audition. However, deep inside, Haruko may have been feeling concerned about the message. Then, the phone rings and Haruko answers it right away. From the other end, she could hear Daikichi's panicked voice, saying he was not lying. "I'm not kidding this time! Natsu-bappa can't even answer to our calls!"
In Sodegahama, Natsu is shown being carried out of the workshed and into a waiting ambulance.
Next: Week 21
Previous: Week 19
Ep. 115. During the Bon holidays, Natsu and Daikichi arrive in Tokyo. Masamune and Aki have brought them to the Kurokawa family's condo in Setagaya, where Haruko is waiting for them. Natsu is pleased to see their place, and gifted Masamune with Ama towel as omiyage.
In Kitasanriku, the guys are bored with their holiday, so they continue plaiting misangas at Bar Rias. They ask Yui why she changed her mind about going to Tokyo. Yui does not say anything about her mom, and just tell them, she's needed at home and at the bar. The others don't believe her reasons and continue to pry but Ben tells them to leave her alone. Apparently, Ben had overheard Hiroshi tell Yui about their mom.
Later, Natsu, Daikichi, and Masamune go to meet with Anbe at Coffee Shop Idol. Anbe and Natsu are so happy to see each other after a long time. And Anbe admits to Natsu that the sale of mamebu has not been doing so well. Natsu also gets to meet Kai, whom she gifted with an Ama towel.
The next day, Masamune and Aki have taken Natsu, Anbe, and Masamune for a sight-seeing trip around Tokyo. After a hectic tour, they all go to Burai Sushi to rest and have dinner. Natsu informs them she and Aki have plans for the next day. When asked what it was, she answers, "I'm going to see a man." The others are so shocked about this candid confession, and wanted to hear more (although Daikichi and Masamune pretend they don't want to). Natsu reveals that she had an "illicit love affair" when she was younger, and it's with a man whose first name was "Yukio."
At that same time, the folks at Bar Riasu are also talking about the same topic: that Natsu once said that she had a "secret affair" with a guy named Yukio. But it was only Ben who seems to remember who this "Yukio" was...
Ben tells them the story (while Natsu is the one telling the same story in Tokyo): It was the spring of 1964. Natsu was a 19 year old young ama, newly-married to Chubee. There was a song recital of a popular singer that was held in the city gymnasium. Seventeen year old Ben was also there with his camera, watching from the audience. Around this time, Natsu was considered the original Idol of Kitasanriku. That is why Young Natsu was tasked to go onstage to present the bouquet to the guest singer. And this singer is no other than Hashi Yukio, the singer behind Natsu's favorite song, "Itsudemo Yume wo". Yukio who seems enchanted with Natsu, even asked her to sing the song with him.
Back at Burai Sushi, the others heave a sigh of relief to hear that it was just a star-struck encounter and not really a "love affair". Then, the door opens and somebody arrives. Daikichi looks shocked to see the new arrival. Curious, everyone turns to see who it was.
Ep. 116. It turns out be Suzuka Hiromi. Aki is disappointed because she thought it was Hashi Yukio. Nevertheless, Natsu is happy to meet Suzuka. The actress seems also pleased to finally meet Aki's much talked about Grandma. When Suzuka hears about this Yukio, she informs them that she knew the singer since Hashi Yukio had made a cameo appearance in her debut movie, "Shiosai no Memory." However, they were not close, and that she made an embarrassing booboo many years ago. During a stage greeting, a nervous young Suzuka apparently introduced him as "Yuki Hashio" (she thinks he has never forgiven her for that since then). Nevertheless, Suzuka promises to find a way for Natsu to meet with Yukio.
That night, in Aki's room, Natsu feels so excited about meeting Yukio, she could not sleep. Aki tries to downplay her excitement, saying nothing will happen since Natsu and Yuki are too old. Natsu just looks at her with a raised eyebrow. "What about you and Taneichi-senpai?" It seems Natsu had found out about their secret while watching the two at Burai Sushi. Aki panics but Natsu assures her that she won't tell anyone about it.
The next morning, Natsu is all dolled up, and dressed in a beautiful kimono adorned with sea urchin designs. She still has not told Haruko anything about meeting Yukio. Accompanied by Aki, Natsu goes to a studio to finally see her idol after 44 years. Suzuka meets them at the place and leads them to where Yukio is seated. But Yukio looks like he does not remember Suzuka. Aki thinks this is not a good sign. If he could not remember Suzuka Hiromi, how could he possibly remember Natsu? A nervous Natsu tries to run away. However, Yukio sees her and approaches her. "Nacchan? It's Nacchan, isn't it? Nacchan the Ama from Kitasanriku?" Yukio apparently remembers her perfectly.
That night, Yukio and Natsu have dinner at Burai Sushi. They also sang once again "Itsudemo Yume wo", as Aki, Suzuka, Masamune, etc. watch and clap happily. Natsu looks so radiant, showing off a sparkling smile she hardly shows to anyone. After Yukio leaves, a grateful Natsu gifts Suzuka with an Ama towel. She expresses her earnest gratitude to Suzuka and hope that the actress will continue to look after Aki. Suzuka is visibly moved by the Amano matriarch, and thanks her as well.
A tipsy and happy Natsu comes back to Setagaya with Aki, both laughing noisily. Haruko asks what happened during the day but Natsu and Aki just giggle like two little girls. Haruko is puzzled but pleased to see that her mom had a good time.
Ep. 117. While Natsu and Yukio were having their impressive reunion at the studio, Masamune and Daikichi were waiting for them at Coffee Shop Idol. The two men (and rivals for Haruko's love) are having an awkward conversation. Masamune had apparently been taking Daikichi all over Tokyo, bringing him to parks and Super Sento (deluxe bath houses) several times all day. Daikichi cannot hide his admiration for Masamune for being a very good cab driver who knows his way around the city. Masamune is flattered but wary of Daikichi's strange behavior. "Well, I HAVE been driving for more than 20 years." Daikichi suddenly admits that his job as a station master is less exciting compared to Masamune's. Working with the railways means a repetitive job, forced to follow a set path and a rigid schedule. He finally relents and tells Masamune that the Third Sector has been defeated and that "motorization has won." He also says Masamune is perfect for Haruko and that he is now backing out from his marriage proposal. Upon hearing that, Masamune heaves a huge sigh of relief. Aki's dad had been feeling apprehensive the whole day, fearing that Daikichi will pounce and attack him. That's why he had armed himself with tools as weapons and been taking the station master to parks so he could have an advantage just in case they resort to a duel.
On the last day of the visit, Natsu is all raring to go home. Daikichi says goodbye to Haruko, saying he wishes her a happy life with Masamune. Then, as he and Natsu are heading out the condo, Yoshie arrives at the door. Apparently, Mrs. Adachi wants to go home with them to Kitasanriku, and to ask for everyone's forgiveness. Haruko says there's no need to reprimand Yoshie because she (Haruko) had already given her enough scolding. Natsu is taken aback but allows to bring along Yoshie.
So, the group has gone back to Kitasanriku. Aki, feeling worried how Yui will take Yoshie's sudden homecoming, goes and meets with Taneichi outside Burai Sushi. She asks Taneichi to make a funny face so she could take a picture of it with her cell cam...
That night, Natsu, Daikichi and Yoshie arrive at Kitasanriku Station. They try to make Yoshie's return a secret but Yoshida somehow called up everyone and they have all converged at Bar Rias. Natsu says not to mind it, "There's no use tip-toeing around. Let's get this over with."
She enters the Bar and is met with "welcome back" greetings. She says she brought back an "omiyage" for everyone, and presents Yoshie. Yui who is present, is too stunned to say anything nor give a reaction. She hurries behind the bar, and tries to ignore her mom. However, everybody else were also silent. The tension and awkwardness annoy Yui. The regulars do try to lighten up the tensed situation by cracking some jokes but Yui just tells them to come off it. "You all have been saying bad things about her when she left." She then lashes out at her mom, telling her that "saying sorry won't cut it." She blames Yoshie for ruining her life, and that she shouldn't have come back. Just in time, her dad and Hiroshi arrive at the door. Her dad tells her to calm down. "That's enough, Yui. What's done is done." Yui rushes out of the bar in tears, and no one attempts to stop her. Hiroshi, who is also feeling hurt and upset, tries to confront Yoshie. But the dad tells him to be quiet, and not to embarrass the family any further in front of everybody. Natsu mediates by saying they should discuss this as a family. "Please don't mind us. For us, it's just someone else's problem. And Yoshie-san seemed to have come back, ready to face what's coming to her."
Outside the bar, Yui sits alone, tears streaming down her cheeks. Then her phone buzzes. She has received two pics from Aki. Yui lets out a soft laugh as she sees these pics. They were funny faces of Aki and Taneichi that were sent by her friend to make her smile during this trying time.
"Now that Aki has finally made it to the limelight, why should she be the shadow again?!"
Ep. 118. "This is all I could do for her from Tokyo," Aki the Narrator says regarding the funny pics she sent to Yui. It's been minutes since she sent the pix but there was no reply yet from Yui. Both Aki and Taneichi wonder what's going right now in Kitasanriku. After a while, they finally receive a reply. Yui had also sent them her own funny face pictures, and the two laugh. However, along with the pic, Yui adds a message for Aki: "Aki, please reverse-rotate it! ( T JJJ T )", making Aki feel sorry for her dear friend.
Inside the Bar, Yoshie tells everyone how sorry she feels. And that she knows she can not be forgiven easily, and still chooses to come back because she wants to see and be with her family again. Atsushi of Boutique Konno shows her a pic of Yankii Yui, making Yoshie feel even more terrible. But she says she also feels jealous that the others were able to "break" Yui's icy cold exterior and enabled her to show her weak side, something that Yoshie never got to see. "I've lived everyday thinking if I could do that, how easy I'll feel." Then, when her husband got sick, she spiraled down even further since then. She also admits she had always felt like an outsider in Kitasanriku. But now, she has come back because she loves the countryside and her family, and asks to be let in again. The others say her coming back and admitting her true feelings mean she is finally showing her true self and is no longer an outsider to them. Her husband who seems to still love her very much, is willing to forgive her and wants her back as a wife. Hiroshi also says he'll accept her back, too. Everybody rejoices over this happy outcome, and hug and welcome Yoshie back into their fold. They also notice Natsu has gone missing.
A tired and weary Natsu has apparently left quietly and gone home to Sodegahama. Yui who probably did not want to go home to Hatano, accompanied and helped Natsu with her luggage. It seems she'll be spending the night there. Natsu immediately lies down in her usual sleeping area in the living room. She asks Yui if she'll ever forgive her mom. Yui says she is not sure, but she's still her daughter after all. She admits she did want to run and hug Yoshie when she saw her. While Yui is talking, Natsu had fallen asleep, her eyes half open. Yui panics, thinking something bad has happened to Natsu and calls Aki on the phone.
Aki says not to worry. "That's how she really sleeps." Aki comforts her friend by saying that the Adachi family is now reunited and that pretty soon, maybe "Shiosai no Memories" will also get back together. Yui reminds Aki that it won't happen since she's already 20. But Aki says, age does not matter. "Even if you're 20, 30 or 40, you're everybody's Idol." Yui thanks her friend for the kind words. Ep. 119. Things are going smoothly for Aki. More TV appearances pour in, thanks to her popularity in the internet. There were uploaded videos of her Ama days, GMT stint, and now her kiddie TV show.
Meanwhile, over at Heartful, Futomaki and his staff are having a meeting. He seems unhappy about the lackluster result of GMT's new single, "Hometown Samba". New member Veronica somehow managed to sneak in, giving her two cents about it, in awkward Japanese. "Can't deny that it was too soon for me to become the Center, no?" She is ushered out fast by Kawashima. Anyway, Futomaki says both the popularity of GMT and AmeJo are on the downtrend already. That's why he wants to venture into a new challenge: The Futomaki Film Festival. And so, he announces to his staff to hurry and come up with future film projects.
Next, Aki is seen prepping up for a live interview for NHK's "Hello From Studio Park". However, there's something bothering Mizuguchi. He is flipping through a magazine photo spread of Aki, and notices something. Later, alone with Aki, he asks her pointblank if she had gotten herself a boyfriend. Aki is too shocked to say a word.
Later, we see Aki going on live TV, getting interviewed. However, her mind is still on Mizuguchi's question. How on earth did he find out? Was he there hiding somewhere when I confessed to Taneichi that night? Aki remembers him saying, "It can't be helped. After all, the (Preparatory school) CM's slogan is 'Entrance Exams are my love (priority)'." While all these thoughts were going through her mind, she is not aware that the show has started and that the moderator is already asking her questions. She snaps into attention. Moderator: "How is your work lately?" Aki: "Right now, my love (boyfriend) is my work (priority). Oh, sorry! I meant, my work (priority) is my love (boyfriend)!"
After the embarrassing interview, Mizuguchi is at Coffee Shop Idol, reprimanding Aki. "It should be 'Work is my love (priority),' isn't it?" Aki says she's sorry. He shows her the magazine spread, featuring pictures of her smiling. Mizuguchi says he knows she has a boyfriend because of what Futomaki had taught him before. "When she has a guy, her face changes... You're smiling often or that your eyes are not focusing." He reminds her of her CM contract's love ban rule. Aki is frightened and begins crying, begging Mizuguchi not to tell Haruko. He asks who her boyfriend is. Aki does not answer but he correctly guesses it anyway. "It's the sushi chef, right?"
Meanwhile, at Burai Sushi... Futomaki and Kawashima are about to negotiate with a clueless Suzuka. They tell her that Futomaki Film Fest will showcase 10 Idol movies that will serve as debut movies for some of his idol talents. Apparently he also wants her to reprise her role of Suzuka Hiromi in one of these movie projects: a sequel to "Shiosai no Memory." Suzuka is surprised to hear that not only Futomaki will produce it, but he'll be directing it himself. At first, Suzuka misunderstands, thinking she will once again play the role as a 17 year old. "I don't look 17, right?" she asks, feeling flattered by the film offer. Futomaki and Kawashima can only giggle at her assumption. Embarrassed, Suzuka realizes that they meant she will be playing the role again but as a mother this time. She asks who will play as her daughter in the movie. It was Onodera Kaoruko of GMT. She comes to introduce herself to Suzuka. Futomaki says it'll be similar to the original movie but they won't be doing the snake scene. "I agree," Suzuka says but adds, with a meaningful tone, "Who will sing the theme song this time?" Futomaki becomes suddenly quiet, looking unprepared for that question...
In Setagaya, Aki just came from the bathroom and sits in the office. Haruko is looking at threads in the internet, discussing Aki's booboo during her live interview. There were even video parodies of it uploaded in streaming sites, and she shows them to Mizuguchi. Haruko does not seem to notice anything strange about Aki's booboo, thinking it was just an innocent mistake. She even seems pleased about the buzz it has created. However, feeling guilty, Aki wonders if she should tell her mom about Taneichi... No! Whatever happens, she musn't know! Just then, her phone rings. Aki sees it was a call from Taneichi. Although feeling hesitant and wary of her mom and manager's watchful glances, she answers her boyfriend's call in front of them, right there and then.
Ep. 120. On the phone, Taneichi tells her he heard Futomaki and Suzuka discussing about a sequel to "Shiosai no Memory." Aki hurriedly conveys the news to Haruko. Haruko demands to know who is on the phone but Aki would not answer directly so Haruko takes the phone herself. Haruko is a bit miffed about this development and in a Sukeban mode, asks Taneichi about it. "Who is this? How did you get this information? Who will sing the theme song? What about the heroine? Who will play it?" Taneichi, intimidated by Haruko's aggressive questionings could only stammer and break out in cold sweat. Finally, he is able to say that there'll be auditions to be held for the part of the heroine.
The news of the search for the new heroine is announced to the public. It has even reached Kitasanriku. The guys cajole Yui into auditioning but Yui says if she gets the part, "it'll be bad for Aki who's working hard." Sugawara: "Of course, she has already chosen herself in the premise (that she'll get the part)." But no matter how they try, Yui says she won't be auditioning.
Meanwhile, Mizuguchi meets with Kawashima at Coffee Shop Idol. He formally submits Aki's papers, hoping that somehow, Heartful will let her audition. However, Kawashima reveals that the game is already set, that the audition is just a way to satisfy Suzuka. Suzuka had earlier agreed to reprise her role only on the condition that an audition will be held for the new heroine. "Listen man, do you really believe that we'll be getting someone from the general public? There's no way we will hire a newcomer!" Kawashima laughs, meaning that Onodera Kaoruku is already decided to play the role. Mizuguchi knew it was too good to be true. "Well, either way, Amano went against Futomaki-san and quit so it's 200% certain she won't be chosen." But Kawashima says, "It's not really the case though..."
Kawashima says Onodera does not know how to swim and hints that Aki could become her body double (for the swimming scenes). Mizuguchi of course, feels insulted by this "deal." He stands up, infuriated. "Now that Aki has finally made it to the limelight, why should she be the shadow again?! And to her old comrade to top it off!" He angrily tries to stomp out of the shop but is met by Futomaki at the door...
Days later, Aki has received her acceptance letter from Heartful. She had passed the document or resume screening and is set to attend the the first round of audition. Her applicant number is 236. Everyone is in high spirits about this good news except for Mizuguchi. He alone knows why Aki was allowed to audition. He recalls his conversation with Futomaki at the coffee shop that day...
At that time, Futomaki had told him, "I don't have any ill will towards your office. Just that, Shiosai no Memory is the card I need to pull us back from the brink of disaster. To make GMT the top idols, I really want to go with Onodera." But he feels Suzuka (whom obviously means a lot to him) is trying to give Aki a chance.
Futomaki: "In other words, this is a compromise. To make both sides happy." Mizuguchi points out that this is a poor compromise considering what he did to Amano Haruko. Futomaki tells him to be quiet and just listen.
Futomaki: "I feel bothered, okay! When I see Suzuka-san favoring Amano, it looks like, you know, she is trying to atone."
Mizuguchi: "But Suzuka-san doesn't know, right? That Haruko-san is the one that's singing."
Futomaki: "She makes it appear like that when in front of me. But she would know, right? She has absolutely no pitch! She knows but continues to pretend she doesn't know for 25 years. We're the bad guys! She shouldn't be atoning! It's all my fault."
It is probably the first time Mizuguchi sees the proud and powerful Futomaki in this light: troubled, sad and guilty. The producer gets up to leave, asking Mizuguchi to go along with it. "You won't regret it," he says and leaves. Kai who had been listening tells Mizuguchi that "You will not regret it" was the same thing he said to Young Haruko many years ago. Kai: "It's the line bad guys use, right?"
Aki, on the phone, breaks the good news of her passing the document review to Yui and the guys in Bar Rias. Everyone is happy to hear it and wishes her good luck. Aki says she wanted to tell Natsu too but no one is answering the phone in Sodegahama. Daikichi says he'll be dropping by and check up on her when he'll go and get her unidon early in the morning.
So the next day, as he said, Daikichi has gone to the Amano house to fetch the unidon as usual. However, Natsu is not there to greet him. He notices Katsue the cat is peering inside the workshed. He opens the door and discovers Natsu lying on the floor, unconscious.
In Setagaya, everyone is getting ready to go to Aki's audition. Haruoko receives an email from Daikichi and it reads: "Your mom has collapsed! ( ' jjj ' )/". Of course, Haruko does not take his message seriously because he had done this before. But Aki senses something is wrong. Haruko tells her not to worry and just focus on her audition. However, deep inside, Haruko may have been feeling concerned about the message. Then, the phone rings and Haruko answers it right away. From the other end, she could hear Daikichi's panicked voice, saying he was not lying. "I'm not kidding this time! Natsu-bappa can't even answer to our calls!"
In Sodegahama, Natsu is shown being carried out of the workshed and into a waiting ambulance.
Next: Week 21
Previous: Week 19
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Character Guide: Link
