Sep. 1st, 2013 12:08 am
Amachan: Week 22 (Episode Guide)
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earth_colorsWeek 22: "My and my mom's Shiosai no Memories"
"He's like a wriggly, despicable dancing guy!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 127. The first day of filming begins early dawn one day. It was supposed to be a sunrise scene but since Suzuka Hiromi's welcoming speech took too long (and the sun had already come out), it had to be postponed.
Aki the Narrator tells a synopsis of "Shiosai no Memory ~Island of Mother and Daughter": Recently widowed and legendary ama, Suzuka Hiromi (who had previously left for somewhere) had come back to Suzuka Island where she reunites with her daughter Suzuka Aki, now 17 years old. Mother and daughter experienced lots of hardships together (debt, typhoon, volcanic eruption), including Aki's relationship with a fisherman which caused a rift between mother and daughter, and finally, Suzuka coming down with a sickness...
Even though it was the second day of filming, the cast and crew are already filming the climactic scene. In this scene, Aki is saying goodbye to Suzuka since she is going to Tokyo to find a cure for her ailing mother. It calls for a touching and tearful performance. However, after reviewing the rushes, Suzuka is not satisfied with Aki's performance. She says she was happy with Aki's delivery of the line during the first audition but "the quality has been declining from second screening, final screening and up to today." They shoot several takes but it wasn't going right at all, and will just schedule a reshoot someday.
Aki knows that she was able to do it right during the first time because she channeled her feelings of concern for her Grandma who had collapsed during that time. And now that Natsu is well...
Meanwhile in Sodegahama, Natsu who had been feeling bored, had managed to get a side job: shelling shrimps on her hospital bed. But Haruko comes in and admonishes her mother who is supposed to be resting. She takes away the shrimps, ignoring Natsu's protests...
That night, Aki and Suzuka are in Burai Sushi having an evaluation meeting. Aki admits to Suzuka why she wasn't able to give a convincing performance during the climactic scene. Suzuka is mad after finding out about it and scolds her ("Normally you would have been fired and changed to someone else!"). Nevertheless, she has thought of a plan to help Aki get into her character: Suzuka will stay in Aki's home and pretend to live together like mother and daughter...
And so Suzuka decides to move in with Aki and Masamune in Setagaya. As she is setting up her futon in the dining area, Aki calls Haruko to inform her about it. Haruko who is at this time, manning the bar, is not pleased with the news but agrees in the end. "Make sure she won't be there anymore when I get back home."
After the phonecall, Haruko tells the guys about it. She also admits that she does not know what to do. Back at the Amano home, the Ama-sans are having a party with Natsu. Haruko feels she's being gently nudged out, suspecting Natsu prefers the company of her friends over her own daughter (actually, Natsu just does not want to rely on Haruko too much, knowing Haruko won't be staying in Kitasanriku forever). And if Haruko does go back to Tokyo.... "If I'm there (with Aki) I'm sure I'll be criticizing, causing troubles and be called "Mommager..."
The mother-and-daughter boot camp continues the next day in Setagaya. Aki is awakened at 6 am by a commotion in the kitchen. Suzuka who abides by a strict early morning regimen, is making a brown drink made up of mashed up vegetables which she named "Suzuka Special." She makes enough for the three of them, and forces Aki to drink it. It apparently tasted terrible since it made Aki scream her lungs out after gulping it.
Next, the cast and crew are back in the harbor early morning to film the opening sunrise scene again. The scene calls for Suzuka to arrive on a fishing boat with the rising sun behind her, while Aki waits for her at the pier. As the sun rises, Suzuka arrives like a scene from a movie. Well, it WAS a scene from a movie, but Aki is so starstruck she forgot that she was in a movie set, frustrating Futomaki who has not yet been able to film anything.
Ep. 128. The shooting continues smoothly for Aki until the love scene comes up. In this scene, the script says that while Aki's character was practicing her diving, she will be swept away offshore and will be saved by a fisherman named Toshiya. He and Aki will spend a night in an abandoned net shack and there they will reenact the "jumping over the fire" kissing scene.
Being a dutiful girlfriend, she meets with Taneichi outside the sushi shop, and informs him about it. He of course feels worried about Aki kissing some other guy, considering they have not even kissed yet. Aki asks Taneichi for a kiss right there and then ("Because I like you, Senpai, and it's for the practice"). But as he was about to do it, they notice that Mizuguchi and Ume have been watching them from the door, with stern looks on their faces.
So the day of the kissing scene has come, and the actor who will play Aki's boyfriend arrives with his posse. Just like his character, the guy's name is Toshiya, a popular member of the dance team, "Zoo Street Boys". He had a distinctive hairstyle with trademark bangs over his forehead, trying to look all cool and macho. Hanging from his waist, is a bunch of chains that jingles every time he struts and wiggles around. He would often thrust and gyrate his hips to some dance music in his head. Aki hates him on first sight. He looks arrogant and full of himself. "He's like a wriggly, despicable dancing guy! I call him the 'Bangs-Wriggly Guy'!"
Over at Burai Sushi, Ume is wondering why Taneichi is looking rather tensed. He finds out why after Suzuka comes in and tells him about Aki's kissing scene that's being filmed on this day. Suzuka then decides to visit the set, and have an all-too-willing Taneichi deliver rolled sushi and tamagoyaki from Burai Sushi.
At the set, Aki and Toshiya are asked to practice the "jumping over the fire scene" with Futomaki. As Toshiya is about to kiss her, Aki could not hide her distaste for him, stiffens up and grimaces. Afterwards, Aki overhears Toshiya tell Futomaki if he could practice kissing Aki during the test run because "she's acting too stiff." Futomaki says yes, bothering Aki even more. If they're going to do it at the test, too, it means "it'll be at least twice, and if there's NGs, there'll be even more than that... Though Senpai and I haven't done it... Why does it have to be with Bangs-Wriggly Guy!"
Just then, Suzuka arrives with Taneichi delivering the sushi and tamagoyaki to the cast and crew. Aki panics, seeing her boyfriend at the site. Taneichi takes one look at Toshiya, and gives a reaction that seem to say "My girlfriend's first kiss is gonna be from THAT guy?" Mizuguchi pulls him away from the set before he could do anything unpleasant. He is told to slice the sushi while the test is going on. But still he manages to watch the test from a nearby monitor. On the screen, Toshiya has just jumped over the fire, and is about to plant a kiss on Aki's lips. Taneichi panics. Not able to take it, he rushes out to the set and calls out "Amano!" interrupting the test.
Anyway, Futomaki tells everyone to have a break first and eat some sushi. After everyone leaves, Taneichi is apologetic and says he understands that it is just work. But Aki tells him to leave. Mizuguchi and Suzuka also agree that he should go back. Poor Taneichi walks away like a dejected puppy...
Aki later goes to the rest room to have some time alone. Still bothered that her first kiss will be to some guy she does not like, she calls up Yui to ask for advice. Yui: "You don't want to kiss this guy you don't like. Is it because you have someone that you like? It's Taneichi-senpai, isn't it?" Aki finally admits to Yui that she IS seeing Taneichi. Yui says she had known for some time now. Anyway, Yui tells her not to worry about a trivial thing like that. Basically, she tells Aki to suck it up, and just be professional about it. After the call, Suzuka drops in on Aki and offers her some advice, too.
Once again, Haruko sings the song that has brought her so much joy and heartache. Kawashima who does not know about the secret behind the song, is impressed by her. "She sounds just like Suzuka Hiromi!"
Outside the studio, Suzuka has just arrived from the elevator. She comes in and greets the staff, but stops dead in her tracks as soon as she sees and hears Haruko. It was Haruko singing but it was her "voice" that is coming out. Mizuguchi panics but Futomaki tells him to calm down. "I was the one who called her." He faces Suzuka, and with a trembling voice, he tells her, "I... I think you already know for a long time now... that... that I replaced your song." Suzuka, truly appears crestfallen.
Just then, Haruko has noticed Suzuka's presence and has stopped singing. Through the sound-proof glass partition, both women stare at each other silently, not really knowing how to react. Suzuka asks Futomaki: "Why admit it only now?" He replies that he's not sure. He was prepared to deceive her, that he knew Suzuka did want to continue to be deceived. "Until I met Amano Aki..."
Haruko has gone out of the live room and headed to the control room. But she stops at the door, hesitating. From inside, she hears them asking Suzuka if she had known all along. Aki suspects that Suzuka knew it when the actress heard Haruko's voice the first time they met ("Your voice sounds just like mine!"). Aki: "Since when have you felt it?" Suzuka with a sort of dazed look on her face, replies: "When? When was it... Feels like a long, long time ago... But also feels like just now..."
Ep. 132. Everyone at Heartful is gearing up for the movie's premiere, scheduled on March 12, 2011 (apparently it is the day after the Great Tohoku Disaster). The premiere will be held in Tokyo Edo Theater to be accompanied with a live performance by Aki, featuring GMT as her back up so the girls are all busy practicing for it.
Meanwhile, everyone over in Kitasanriku are busy, too. The railway guys at the train station are selling commemorative sets of Shiosai no Memory song CDs + misangas while Natsu is selling the CDs along with unidon inside the train cars. Yui tells Aki on the phone that her CDs are selling like hotcakes. Aki asks if Yui has received her ticket. Yui says yes and thanks her. It seems Aki invited Yui to attend the premiere on March 12...
At the theater, Aki watches as the stage is set up for the concert. It is adorned with a huge lit-up 3D sign of her initials, "AA". She could not believe that her wish, to perform on this stage with her friends, is coming true.
Meanwhile, in Kai's coffee shop, Haruko and Masamune are having a meeting with Suzuka. Aki's parents are dumbfounded. It seems that Suzuka has mentioned a surprising request. Haruko asks the actress to repeat what she just said. Suzuka: "I wish to be a part of Three J Production." Haruko: "You... Suzuka Hiromi?!" She asks why on earth would the actress ask for such a thing. Suzuka explains: "Ever since I left Heartful, I ran an independent office for myself. But I felt my limit, I've been looking for an office, and been looking for a nice person." Haruko cuts in: "But I'm not a nice person." Suzuka: "That's what I like about you! You're so bold. Willing to face and take on the normal customs and the bad customs of this industry... right from the front." She also admires Haruko's excellent job of being able to face Futomaki head on "without getting rolled in" and succeeded in making her daughter an Idol. Haruko asks if Futomaki knows about it. Suzuka says it's fine. "I'm sure he's feeling the limit just like me..." She adds, "He is fine as a husband but as a business partner... we were done with that a long time ago. I can't do it anymore."
Later on, Aki and Haruko are seen walking along a commercial district. They are discussing Suzuka's decision to join their company. Then, Haruko points to Aki a pedestrian crossing. She says that she used to wait at that traffic signal, from morning til night, because of some silly rumor. "They say if the traffic light changes, a talent scout will make contact with you." A flashback of Young Haruko is shown, standing at the said stop light, waiting in vain for a scout that never showed up (Uwaah, I really feel bad for her!)...
Haruko could only laugh at the memory now. She thanks Aki for making all things possible. "I always had regrets... and now I'm glad they all happened. Thanks to you..." Now that things have settled between Haruko, Suzuka and Futomaki, what about Masamune? "Are you getting back with him?" Aki asks. Haruko coyly answers, "Well, we just might."
It is the day before the movie premiere/concert: March 11, 2011. That morning, the girls are doing a final dress rehearsal onstage, while Futomaki supervises them from the audience.
At the back of the theater, some hardcore fans headed by Hibiki are practicing their otagei routine for the song "Shiosai no Memory." Hibiki is so fired up he strains his shoulder. Anbe who has been watching nearby from her food truck, chides the 48 year old otaku. "It's 'cause you're old, you can't go chasing Idols forever." But the adamant Hibiki responds with "Age got nothing to do with it. As long as an Idol exists, we'll go chasing after them, that's the man!"
Meanwhile, in Burai Sushi, Ume is annoyed with all the noise those otakus are making outside but knows there's nothing he can do since tomorrow is Aki's much-awaited concert. Knowing Taneichi might want to watch, he tells his assistant he can take a day-off. However, Kawashima comes and places an advanced order of 30 servings of sushi for tomorrow's event, thwarting plans for Taneichi's day-off.
"He's like a wriggly, despicable dancing guy!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 127. The first day of filming begins early dawn one day. It was supposed to be a sunrise scene but since Suzuka Hiromi's welcoming speech took too long (and the sun had already come out), it had to be postponed.
Aki the Narrator tells a synopsis of "Shiosai no Memory ~Island of Mother and Daughter": Recently widowed and legendary ama, Suzuka Hiromi (who had previously left for somewhere) had come back to Suzuka Island where she reunites with her daughter Suzuka Aki, now 17 years old. Mother and daughter experienced lots of hardships together (debt, typhoon, volcanic eruption), including Aki's relationship with a fisherman which caused a rift between mother and daughter, and finally, Suzuka coming down with a sickness...
Even though it was the second day of filming, the cast and crew are already filming the climactic scene. In this scene, Aki is saying goodbye to Suzuka since she is going to Tokyo to find a cure for her ailing mother. It calls for a touching and tearful performance. However, after reviewing the rushes, Suzuka is not satisfied with Aki's performance. She says she was happy with Aki's delivery of the line during the first audition but "the quality has been declining from second screening, final screening and up to today." They shoot several takes but it wasn't going right at all, and will just schedule a reshoot someday.
Aki knows that she was able to do it right during the first time because she channeled her feelings of concern for her Grandma who had collapsed during that time. And now that Natsu is well...
Meanwhile in Sodegahama, Natsu who had been feeling bored, had managed to get a side job: shelling shrimps on her hospital bed. But Haruko comes in and admonishes her mother who is supposed to be resting. She takes away the shrimps, ignoring Natsu's protests...
That night, Aki and Suzuka are in Burai Sushi having an evaluation meeting. Aki admits to Suzuka why she wasn't able to give a convincing performance during the climactic scene. Suzuka is mad after finding out about it and scolds her ("Normally you would have been fired and changed to someone else!"). Nevertheless, she has thought of a plan to help Aki get into her character: Suzuka will stay in Aki's home and pretend to live together like mother and daughter...
And so Suzuka decides to move in with Aki and Masamune in Setagaya. As she is setting up her futon in the dining area, Aki calls Haruko to inform her about it. Haruko who is at this time, manning the bar, is not pleased with the news but agrees in the end. "Make sure she won't be there anymore when I get back home."
After the phonecall, Haruko tells the guys about it. She also admits that she does not know what to do. Back at the Amano home, the Ama-sans are having a party with Natsu. Haruko feels she's being gently nudged out, suspecting Natsu prefers the company of her friends over her own daughter (actually, Natsu just does not want to rely on Haruko too much, knowing Haruko won't be staying in Kitasanriku forever). And if Haruko does go back to Tokyo.... "If I'm there (with Aki) I'm sure I'll be criticizing, causing troubles and be called "Mommager..."
The mother-and-daughter boot camp continues the next day in Setagaya. Aki is awakened at 6 am by a commotion in the kitchen. Suzuka who abides by a strict early morning regimen, is making a brown drink made up of mashed up vegetables which she named "Suzuka Special." She makes enough for the three of them, and forces Aki to drink it. It apparently tasted terrible since it made Aki scream her lungs out after gulping it.
Next, the cast and crew are back in the harbor early morning to film the opening sunrise scene again. The scene calls for Suzuka to arrive on a fishing boat with the rising sun behind her, while Aki waits for her at the pier. As the sun rises, Suzuka arrives like a scene from a movie. Well, it WAS a scene from a movie, but Aki is so starstruck she forgot that she was in a movie set, frustrating Futomaki who has not yet been able to film anything.
Ep. 128. The shooting continues smoothly for Aki until the love scene comes up. In this scene, the script says that while Aki's character was practicing her diving, she will be swept away offshore and will be saved by a fisherman named Toshiya. He and Aki will spend a night in an abandoned net shack and there they will reenact the "jumping over the fire" kissing scene.
Being a dutiful girlfriend, she meets with Taneichi outside the sushi shop, and informs him about it. He of course feels worried about Aki kissing some other guy, considering they have not even kissed yet. Aki asks Taneichi for a kiss right there and then ("Because I like you, Senpai, and it's for the practice"). But as he was about to do it, they notice that Mizuguchi and Ume have been watching them from the door, with stern looks on their faces.
So the day of the kissing scene has come, and the actor who will play Aki's boyfriend arrives with his posse. Just like his character, the guy's name is Toshiya, a popular member of the dance team, "Zoo Street Boys". He had a distinctive hairstyle with trademark bangs over his forehead, trying to look all cool and macho. Hanging from his waist, is a bunch of chains that jingles every time he struts and wiggles around. He would often thrust and gyrate his hips to some dance music in his head. Aki hates him on first sight. He looks arrogant and full of himself. "He's like a wriggly, despicable dancing guy! I call him the 'Bangs-Wriggly Guy'!"
Over at Burai Sushi, Ume is wondering why Taneichi is looking rather tensed. He finds out why after Suzuka comes in and tells him about Aki's kissing scene that's being filmed on this day. Suzuka then decides to visit the set, and have an all-too-willing Taneichi deliver rolled sushi and tamagoyaki from Burai Sushi.
At the set, Aki and Toshiya are asked to practice the "jumping over the fire scene" with Futomaki. As Toshiya is about to kiss her, Aki could not hide her distaste for him, stiffens up and grimaces. Afterwards, Aki overhears Toshiya tell Futomaki if he could practice kissing Aki during the test run because "she's acting too stiff." Futomaki says yes, bothering Aki even more. If they're going to do it at the test, too, it means "it'll be at least twice, and if there's NGs, there'll be even more than that... Though Senpai and I haven't done it... Why does it have to be with Bangs-Wriggly Guy!"
Just then, Suzuka arrives with Taneichi delivering the sushi and tamagoyaki to the cast and crew. Aki panics, seeing her boyfriend at the site. Taneichi takes one look at Toshiya, and gives a reaction that seem to say "My girlfriend's first kiss is gonna be from THAT guy?" Mizuguchi pulls him away from the set before he could do anything unpleasant. He is told to slice the sushi while the test is going on. But still he manages to watch the test from a nearby monitor. On the screen, Toshiya has just jumped over the fire, and is about to plant a kiss on Aki's lips. Taneichi panics. Not able to take it, he rushes out to the set and calls out "Amano!" interrupting the test.
Anyway, Futomaki tells everyone to have a break first and eat some sushi. After everyone leaves, Taneichi is apologetic and says he understands that it is just work. But Aki tells him to leave. Mizuguchi and Suzuka also agree that he should go back. Poor Taneichi walks away like a dejected puppy...
Aki later goes to the rest room to have some time alone. Still bothered that her first kiss will be to some guy she does not like, she calls up Yui to ask for advice. Yui: "You don't want to kiss this guy you don't like. Is it because you have someone that you like? It's Taneichi-senpai, isn't it?" Aki finally admits to Yui that she IS seeing Taneichi. Yui says she had known for some time now. Anyway, Yui tells her not to worry about a trivial thing like that. Basically, she tells Aki to suck it up, and just be professional about it. After the call, Suzuka drops in on Aki and offers her some advice, too.
Suzuka admits that she too had her first kiss during "Shiosai no Memory". She felt bothered about it, too, and after a talk with her then manager during that time (Futomaki), she decided to live the life of a professional actress, to "quit living honestly." She says, "I don't care what is real and what isn't. As long as my audience thinks it's real." Her words seem to help but as they returned to the set, they are informed of some surprising development.
Toshiya has now changed his mind about kissing Aki. He now reasons out that his young female fans will not feel happy if they see him kissing someone. Mizuguchi whispers to Aki and Suzuka that maybe Toshiya has a jealous girlfriend who does not want him to kiss anyone. Futomaki is furious. "So what did you come here for? Didn't you read the script?" Toshiya claims he misread the script "kiss like hungrily" to "kiss like dancing"...
Anyway, they continued filming the love scene. But, as Mizuguchi tells Taneichi and Ume at the shop later on, "they angled the camera in such a way it looks like they're kissing". Taneichi later goes out the back and sees Aki. She praises him for the tamagoyaki he made for the crew earlier, and finally gives him a kiss on the lips, off-camera, of course. Aki: "In the fall of 2010, I was able to deliver my first kiss successfully to the guy I presently liked the most."
Ep. 129. One month has passed since Suzuka moved into Aki and Masamune's home. Father and daughter are still made to drink "Suzuka Special" every morning. They still hate it, but at least, their voices seemed to have gotten louder though.
Meanwhile, shooting of the movie also continues. Suzuka and Futomaki seem to work well with each other, both as a loving couple, and as work partners, as Aki had noticed. She also notices that when Suzuka is acting as her Ama character, she seems to look like Natsu. Aki mentions it to the actress, and Suzuka confirms it, saying she IS using Natsu as her reference for her acting such as her walk and her posture.
Back in Kitasanriku, Natsu has gotten strong enough to go around the house, and do simple chores. Haruko, happy that her mom's health has improved, invites Natsu to go out into the town and do some shopping...
In Tokyo, Futomaki and Kawashima hold a meeting with Mizuguchi regarding on who should sing the theme song of Aki's movie. Futomaki thinks Aki is not good and bankable enough as a singer. So he offers Mizuguchi a proposal...
Later that day, Haruko and Natsu are done with their shopping. They go to Bar Rias to show the regulars what Haruko had bought for Natsu - new clothes from Boutique Konno, and a new cell phone. Their friends are so happy to see Natsu up and about. Daikichi and Yoshida inform Natsu that they got reservations for her unidon for the next 3 months. Excited, Natsu declares to everyone they will have to start resuming making the unidon tomorrow morning. They happily call up the Co-op President to tell him about it, using Natsu's new phone. Feeling both happy and a bit sad, Haruko could only look on at her mom and friends. She realizes the townsfolks will reclaim Natsu now that she has gotten all better, and that her duty as a daughter is done and it's time to go back home.
Then, Hiroshi comes and gives her a fax message from Mizuguchi. It reads that Futomaki proposes to have Aki sing the theme song of the movie, but it will also "feature" either GMT or AmeJo. Haruko does not like the idea and calls up Mizuguchi on her cellphone. Haruko, talking tough on the phone: "I absolutely refuse a packaged deal with soon-to-be, has-been Idols!" Even if Futomaki had given her daughter a break, Haruko is still clearly irked with Futomaki. "My daughter will never be rolled in by that former dancer, dancing Yakuza!", she shouts on the phone. Mizuguchi at this time, is on speaker phone. Futomaki who is nearby could hear Haruko's tirade. He takes Mizuguchi's phone and coldly reminds Haruko using his antagonistic Kansai tone, that he's running a business and not a charity organization, and that he'll evaluate her daughter again, before hanging up on her.
A pissed Haruko curses as she turns off her phone. Then, she realizes that Yui had been watching her do her Sukeban talk on the phone, and feels embarrassed. But Yui says she thinks it's "cool." Yui: "Well, I think you're a bit overprotective though. But having a protective mom, and a protective boyfriend, Aki-chan sure is lucky..." Haruko could not hear the rest of what Yui had said after hearing the word "boyfriend." She asks Yui what she meant by that. Yui, who did not realize that she let the cat out of the bag, tries to run away but Haruko catches her, and pries more info from her. "It's the chef, isn't it?!" Yui, defeated, confirms that it was. Haruko panics. She tries to call Mizuguchi but he has turned on his answering machine...
Early the next morning, the Osanai couple have arrived at the Amano house to deliver the uni for the resumption of the unidon. They chance upon Haruko, all dressed up and ready to head for Tokyo. She apparently did not tell Natsu she's leaving. They wish her good luck on her trip back home. Later, Natsu wakes up and makes the unidon along with her Ama friends. Not yet aware that her daughter had already left, she reserves one unidon to give to Haruko. "Guess we're mother and daughter after all. Somehow I knew she's leaving today." But when she goes to Haruko's room, she realizes her daughter has already left. Natsu could only laugh, "Wonder who she takes up after..." (My guess is that Haruko inherited her dad's restless spirit and stubbornness, and her mom's dislike for goodbyes, and strong pride).
"In the entire Japan, the only person who can play Amano Aki is you."
Ep. 130. Haruko arrives in Setagaya and quickly heads out to the filming set where Aki is shooting her last scene for the movie...
This "last scene" is the one wherein Aki is having the most difficult time with: the parting between Aki and Suzuka. Despite constant practice and retakes, it seems Aki is still not showing a convincing performance of a daughter who is supposed to be sad to leave her ailing mother behind. Then, Suzuka decides to go off script, much to the surprise of Aki, and the crew. From her futon, Suzuka gets up, revealing jersey pants (which clashes with her night dress) underneath her blanket. Watching through a monitor, Koike the AD panics and says to Futomaki: "She's not supposed to do that. Her character is almost dying here (therefore she shouldn't get up)..." But Futomaki decides to let Suzuka continue.
Suzuka in a slow pace, goes to a chest, and opens a drawer. Again, Koike panics. "We didn't think she'd open it. Nothing there but tools from the Art Department like paint and brushes..." But again, Futomaki, trusting Suzuka, asks for the scene to continue. They watch Suzuka get a dirty rag stained with paint and hands it to Aki. She tells Aki the same exact words Natsu had said when she gave Aki the Ama towel before she left for Tokyo years before. "From this day forward, if you face an obstacle, wipe your tears with this..." Hearing those words again, Aki is finally able to shed genuine tears, producing a real touching moment. Both women are crying and giving each other a hug as the director calls out, "Cut!"
Later, the crew checks the rushes. Futomaki cannot use most of that improvised scene, since Suzuka's jersey pants and the dirty rag could be seen. But the generous Suzuka says not to mind her own acting but just to focus only on Aki's reactions.
And with that, it was a wrap for Aki's scenes. They present her with bouquets of flowers, and cheers of "job well done." Aki makes quite a long, awkward, and embarrassed speech: thanking Futomaki for picking up a "worn-out junk" like her, and telling Suzuka she could be a greater actress if she could just fix her troublesome nature. Haruko arrives just in time to hear Aki thank her mom. Aki: "Mom said to me many times that I'm ugly. But the only person who's allowed to say that to me is my Mom... I think it mattered a lot to me" (I guess it means that being called "ugly" made Aki aware of her limitations, and probably kept her rooted to the ground, and because of that, it made her work harder). And with such, the one and half month of filming has come to an end.
As Futomaki is leaving the set, he meets Haruko along the corridor. Still unforgiving and bitter, Haruko manages to smile and greet her enemy. "You've taken good care of my daughter." But in a sarcastic tone adds, "I don't know how to thank you so I won't say it." With a fake smile, Futomaki invites her to the wrap party later on. Haruko says she will be there, reminding him that they still have to talk about Aki's fee. Futomaki walks away, cringing.
Then, Aki sees Haruko, and greets her mom. She asks permission to go and spend dinner with Suzuka that night at Burai Sushi. Hearing the word "sushi", Haruko remembers the "boyfriend" issue. Even so, she still lets Aki go. And instead of being angry with her, Haruko focused the blame on the manager...
Haruko has driven Mizuguchi to a corner to terrorize him. On full Sukeban mode, Haruko punches her poor on-site manager on the stomach. His eyeglasses falls on the floor, and he steps on it, crushing it. "What were doing when you're around huh!" She reminds him of the "love ban" rule on Aki's CM contract. Mizuguchi tries to convince her that it was just a platonic relationship between Aki and Taneichi...
That night, Mizuguchi, wearing his patched up glasses, warns Taneichi that Haruko already knows. The manager tells him to keep it platonic with Aki because that's what he had told Aki's scary mother.
At a nearby cubicle, Aki and Suzuka are having a small "wrap party" of their own. Suzuka congratulates Aki for not "running away" and for being able to face all the hardships of the shooting. Aki says Suzuka's stinging words (that Aki is not suited to be an actress) had a huge impact on her and driven her to do her best. She asks the older actress what she thinks of Aki now as an actress. Not one to mince words, Suzuka still says that Aki is not suited for it. Aki looks sad but knows it is the truth. "You're right. Even today, you resorted to helping me with my last scene..." Suzuka smiles and tells her that her acting was good in that scene. "Not as Suzuka Aki, but as Amano Aki... In the entire Japan, the only person who can play Amano Aki is you. No one else can do it better than you. So continue with it. You may not be suited as actress, but to continue... that's talent, too." Aki smiles at her "second mother" and thanks her for her honest but kind words.
Nearby, Mizuguchi who had been listening, is touched as well, and is teary-eyed. Ume and Taneichi present the two women a gift: a platter of sushi that Taneichi had sliced himself.
Finally, the day for Aki to record the movie's theme song has come...
Ep. 131. Aki, Haruko and Mizuguchi arrive at the studio for the song recording. Futomaki, Kawashima, and two other staff are already inside. First, they all listen to the song. Futomaki has prepared a new modern arrangement for it. Then, it is time for Aki to sing it...
Haruko watches while her daughter sings. Aki looks like she is trying her best. It reminds Haruko of her young self, singing the song for the first time, many, many years ago...
One hour has passed. Aki has done five takes of the song. She is worried about what Haruko thinks. But her mother has been sitting quietly for a while now, with a frown on her face. "I guess I know her answer without asking..." Aki thinks to herself, resignedly.
Actually, Haruko is frowning at Futomaki who had been glancing at his watch and emailing someone on his phone all throughout the recording. She decides to give him a piece of her mind. "Don't you even care? Then, why did you even come? Stop messing around. It's the theme song of her first movie with a lead role. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. For Aki, this is an important song, that can affect her life. Do it seriously." Then, Futomaki says: "Why don't you sing it for her." Seeing Haruko's surprised reaction, he adds, "I'm not kidding. I'm serious. We can coach her on singing too but you're the only who can show how this song is sung." Aki agrees, saying "My basis was the 'Shiosai no Memory' that you sang. If I hear you sing it, I may be able to get some ideas." Without a word, Haruko goes to the live room to take up Futomaki's "challenge."
Toshiya has now changed his mind about kissing Aki. He now reasons out that his young female fans will not feel happy if they see him kissing someone. Mizuguchi whispers to Aki and Suzuka that maybe Toshiya has a jealous girlfriend who does not want him to kiss anyone. Futomaki is furious. "So what did you come here for? Didn't you read the script?" Toshiya claims he misread the script "kiss like hungrily" to "kiss like dancing"...
Anyway, they continued filming the love scene. But, as Mizuguchi tells Taneichi and Ume at the shop later on, "they angled the camera in such a way it looks like they're kissing". Taneichi later goes out the back and sees Aki. She praises him for the tamagoyaki he made for the crew earlier, and finally gives him a kiss on the lips, off-camera, of course. Aki: "In the fall of 2010, I was able to deliver my first kiss successfully to the guy I presently liked the most."
Ep. 129. One month has passed since Suzuka moved into Aki and Masamune's home. Father and daughter are still made to drink "Suzuka Special" every morning. They still hate it, but at least, their voices seemed to have gotten louder though.
Meanwhile, shooting of the movie also continues. Suzuka and Futomaki seem to work well with each other, both as a loving couple, and as work partners, as Aki had noticed. She also notices that when Suzuka is acting as her Ama character, she seems to look like Natsu. Aki mentions it to the actress, and Suzuka confirms it, saying she IS using Natsu as her reference for her acting such as her walk and her posture.
Back in Kitasanriku, Natsu has gotten strong enough to go around the house, and do simple chores. Haruko, happy that her mom's health has improved, invites Natsu to go out into the town and do some shopping...
In Tokyo, Futomaki and Kawashima hold a meeting with Mizuguchi regarding on who should sing the theme song of Aki's movie. Futomaki thinks Aki is not good and bankable enough as a singer. So he offers Mizuguchi a proposal...
Later that day, Haruko and Natsu are done with their shopping. They go to Bar Rias to show the regulars what Haruko had bought for Natsu - new clothes from Boutique Konno, and a new cell phone. Their friends are so happy to see Natsu up and about. Daikichi and Yoshida inform Natsu that they got reservations for her unidon for the next 3 months. Excited, Natsu declares to everyone they will have to start resuming making the unidon tomorrow morning. They happily call up the Co-op President to tell him about it, using Natsu's new phone. Feeling both happy and a bit sad, Haruko could only look on at her mom and friends. She realizes the townsfolks will reclaim Natsu now that she has gotten all better, and that her duty as a daughter is done and it's time to go back home.
Then, Hiroshi comes and gives her a fax message from Mizuguchi. It reads that Futomaki proposes to have Aki sing the theme song of the movie, but it will also "feature" either GMT or AmeJo. Haruko does not like the idea and calls up Mizuguchi on her cellphone. Haruko, talking tough on the phone: "I absolutely refuse a packaged deal with soon-to-be, has-been Idols!" Even if Futomaki had given her daughter a break, Haruko is still clearly irked with Futomaki. "My daughter will never be rolled in by that former dancer, dancing Yakuza!", she shouts on the phone. Mizuguchi at this time, is on speaker phone. Futomaki who is nearby could hear Haruko's tirade. He takes Mizuguchi's phone and coldly reminds Haruko using his antagonistic Kansai tone, that he's running a business and not a charity organization, and that he'll evaluate her daughter again, before hanging up on her.
A pissed Haruko curses as she turns off her phone. Then, she realizes that Yui had been watching her do her Sukeban talk on the phone, and feels embarrassed. But Yui says she thinks it's "cool." Yui: "Well, I think you're a bit overprotective though. But having a protective mom, and a protective boyfriend, Aki-chan sure is lucky..." Haruko could not hear the rest of what Yui had said after hearing the word "boyfriend." She asks Yui what she meant by that. Yui, who did not realize that she let the cat out of the bag, tries to run away but Haruko catches her, and pries more info from her. "It's the chef, isn't it?!" Yui, defeated, confirms that it was. Haruko panics. She tries to call Mizuguchi but he has turned on his answering machine...
Early the next morning, the Osanai couple have arrived at the Amano house to deliver the uni for the resumption of the unidon. They chance upon Haruko, all dressed up and ready to head for Tokyo. She apparently did not tell Natsu she's leaving. They wish her good luck on her trip back home. Later, Natsu wakes up and makes the unidon along with her Ama friends. Not yet aware that her daughter had already left, she reserves one unidon to give to Haruko. "Guess we're mother and daughter after all. Somehow I knew she's leaving today." But when she goes to Haruko's room, she realizes her daughter has already left. Natsu could only laugh, "Wonder who she takes up after..." (My guess is that Haruko inherited her dad's restless spirit and stubbornness, and her mom's dislike for goodbyes, and strong pride).
"In the entire Japan, the only person who can play Amano Aki is you."
Ep. 130. Haruko arrives in Setagaya and quickly heads out to the filming set where Aki is shooting her last scene for the movie...
This "last scene" is the one wherein Aki is having the most difficult time with: the parting between Aki and Suzuka. Despite constant practice and retakes, it seems Aki is still not showing a convincing performance of a daughter who is supposed to be sad to leave her ailing mother behind. Then, Suzuka decides to go off script, much to the surprise of Aki, and the crew. From her futon, Suzuka gets up, revealing jersey pants (which clashes with her night dress) underneath her blanket. Watching through a monitor, Koike the AD panics and says to Futomaki: "She's not supposed to do that. Her character is almost dying here (therefore she shouldn't get up)..." But Futomaki decides to let Suzuka continue.
Suzuka in a slow pace, goes to a chest, and opens a drawer. Again, Koike panics. "We didn't think she'd open it. Nothing there but tools from the Art Department like paint and brushes..." But again, Futomaki, trusting Suzuka, asks for the scene to continue. They watch Suzuka get a dirty rag stained with paint and hands it to Aki. She tells Aki the same exact words Natsu had said when she gave Aki the Ama towel before she left for Tokyo years before. "From this day forward, if you face an obstacle, wipe your tears with this..." Hearing those words again, Aki is finally able to shed genuine tears, producing a real touching moment. Both women are crying and giving each other a hug as the director calls out, "Cut!"
Later, the crew checks the rushes. Futomaki cannot use most of that improvised scene, since Suzuka's jersey pants and the dirty rag could be seen. But the generous Suzuka says not to mind her own acting but just to focus only on Aki's reactions.
And with that, it was a wrap for Aki's scenes. They present her with bouquets of flowers, and cheers of "job well done." Aki makes quite a long, awkward, and embarrassed speech: thanking Futomaki for picking up a "worn-out junk" like her, and telling Suzuka she could be a greater actress if she could just fix her troublesome nature. Haruko arrives just in time to hear Aki thank her mom. Aki: "Mom said to me many times that I'm ugly. But the only person who's allowed to say that to me is my Mom... I think it mattered a lot to me" (I guess it means that being called "ugly" made Aki aware of her limitations, and probably kept her rooted to the ground, and because of that, it made her work harder). And with such, the one and half month of filming has come to an end.
As Futomaki is leaving the set, he meets Haruko along the corridor. Still unforgiving and bitter, Haruko manages to smile and greet her enemy. "You've taken good care of my daughter." But in a sarcastic tone adds, "I don't know how to thank you so I won't say it." With a fake smile, Futomaki invites her to the wrap party later on. Haruko says she will be there, reminding him that they still have to talk about Aki's fee. Futomaki walks away, cringing.
Then, Aki sees Haruko, and greets her mom. She asks permission to go and spend dinner with Suzuka that night at Burai Sushi. Hearing the word "sushi", Haruko remembers the "boyfriend" issue. Even so, she still lets Aki go. And instead of being angry with her, Haruko focused the blame on the manager...
Haruko has driven Mizuguchi to a corner to terrorize him. On full Sukeban mode, Haruko punches her poor on-site manager on the stomach. His eyeglasses falls on the floor, and he steps on it, crushing it. "What were doing when you're around huh!" She reminds him of the "love ban" rule on Aki's CM contract. Mizuguchi tries to convince her that it was just a platonic relationship between Aki and Taneichi...
That night, Mizuguchi, wearing his patched up glasses, warns Taneichi that Haruko already knows. The manager tells him to keep it platonic with Aki because that's what he had told Aki's scary mother.
At a nearby cubicle, Aki and Suzuka are having a small "wrap party" of their own. Suzuka congratulates Aki for not "running away" and for being able to face all the hardships of the shooting. Aki says Suzuka's stinging words (that Aki is not suited to be an actress) had a huge impact on her and driven her to do her best. She asks the older actress what she thinks of Aki now as an actress. Not one to mince words, Suzuka still says that Aki is not suited for it. Aki looks sad but knows it is the truth. "You're right. Even today, you resorted to helping me with my last scene..." Suzuka smiles and tells her that her acting was good in that scene. "Not as Suzuka Aki, but as Amano Aki... In the entire Japan, the only person who can play Amano Aki is you. No one else can do it better than you. So continue with it. You may not be suited as actress, but to continue... that's talent, too." Aki smiles at her "second mother" and thanks her for her honest but kind words.
Nearby, Mizuguchi who had been listening, is touched as well, and is teary-eyed. Ume and Taneichi present the two women a gift: a platter of sushi that Taneichi had sliced himself.
Finally, the day for Aki to record the movie's theme song has come...
Ep. 131. Aki, Haruko and Mizuguchi arrive at the studio for the song recording. Futomaki, Kawashima, and two other staff are already inside. First, they all listen to the song. Futomaki has prepared a new modern arrangement for it. Then, it is time for Aki to sing it...
Haruko watches while her daughter sings. Aki looks like she is trying her best. It reminds Haruko of her young self, singing the song for the first time, many, many years ago...
One hour has passed. Aki has done five takes of the song. She is worried about what Haruko thinks. But her mother has been sitting quietly for a while now, with a frown on her face. "I guess I know her answer without asking..." Aki thinks to herself, resignedly.
Actually, Haruko is frowning at Futomaki who had been glancing at his watch and emailing someone on his phone all throughout the recording. She decides to give him a piece of her mind. "Don't you even care? Then, why did you even come? Stop messing around. It's the theme song of her first movie with a lead role. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. For Aki, this is an important song, that can affect her life. Do it seriously." Then, Futomaki says: "Why don't you sing it for her." Seeing Haruko's surprised reaction, he adds, "I'm not kidding. I'm serious. We can coach her on singing too but you're the only who can show how this song is sung." Aki agrees, saying "My basis was the 'Shiosai no Memory' that you sang. If I hear you sing it, I may be able to get some ideas." Without a word, Haruko goes to the live room to take up Futomaki's "challenge."
Once again, Haruko sings the song that has brought her so much joy and heartache. Kawashima who does not know about the secret behind the song, is impressed by her. "She sounds just like Suzuka Hiromi!"
Outside the studio, Suzuka has just arrived from the elevator. She comes in and greets the staff, but stops dead in her tracks as soon as she sees and hears Haruko. It was Haruko singing but it was her "voice" that is coming out. Mizuguchi panics but Futomaki tells him to calm down. "I was the one who called her." He faces Suzuka, and with a trembling voice, he tells her, "I... I think you already know for a long time now... that... that I replaced your song." Suzuka, truly appears crestfallen.
Just then, Haruko has noticed Suzuka's presence and has stopped singing. Through the sound-proof glass partition, both women stare at each other silently, not really knowing how to react. Suzuka asks Futomaki: "Why admit it only now?" He replies that he's not sure. He was prepared to deceive her, that he knew Suzuka did want to continue to be deceived. "Until I met Amano Aki..."
Haruko has gone out of the live room and headed to the control room. But she stops at the door, hesitating. From inside, she hears them asking Suzuka if she had known all along. Aki suspects that Suzuka knew it when the actress heard Haruko's voice the first time they met ("Your voice sounds just like mine!"). Aki: "Since when have you felt it?" Suzuka with a sort of dazed look on her face, replies: "When? When was it... Feels like a long, long time ago... But also feels like just now..."
Haruko finally enters. Suzuka, showing a wry smile, points at her and says, "Ah! It's me!" The actress apparently has finally put together all the pieces from the past, turns serious and apologizes to Haruko. "Because of my being on the center stage, you weren't given a break, wasn't it? I am so sorry." The great actress humbly bows to her Kagemusha (omg this scene reminded me of how much I really love this drama! TT o TT )
Haruko is probably feeling a myriad of emotions (maybe surprise, embarrassment, and relief) at this unexpected turn of events. She tries to laughingly brush it aside but...
Futomaki, too, stands up and apologizes for calling her out on that fateful day... leading to her Kagemusha days, dashing her dreams, wasting her talent, and bringing on years of hurt and bitterness... "I'm so sorry, Haru-chan." Futomaki bows down to her, too.
The scene was too much for Haruko, she does not know what to say. So instead, she just sits and reminds Aki that it's her turn to sing now.
As they continue on with the recording, Haruko and Suzuka sit together quietly for some time. Finally Haruko says to Suzuka, "I haven't thanked her yet... Thanks to Aki, I was able to meet you." Suzuka smiles and says, "You have a good daughter." They both watch Aki who this time, seems to be singing with renewed enthusiasm and spirit.
The film and recording are all done. Everyone watches the movie inside a theater with what looks like a private screening. Aki's song is heard during the final credits of the film. Futomaki is seen weeping while Aki looks pleased with the results. Haruko, probably feeling happy that the heavy load she has been carrying for a long time had finally lifted away, glances at her daughter with a look of pride and gratitude.
Haruko is probably feeling a myriad of emotions (maybe surprise, embarrassment, and relief) at this unexpected turn of events. She tries to laughingly brush it aside but...
Futomaki, too, stands up and apologizes for calling her out on that fateful day... leading to her Kagemusha days, dashing her dreams, wasting her talent, and bringing on years of hurt and bitterness... "I'm so sorry, Haru-chan." Futomaki bows down to her, too.
The scene was too much for Haruko, she does not know what to say. So instead, she just sits and reminds Aki that it's her turn to sing now.
As they continue on with the recording, Haruko and Suzuka sit together quietly for some time. Finally Haruko says to Suzuka, "I haven't thanked her yet... Thanks to Aki, I was able to meet you." Suzuka smiles and says, "You have a good daughter." They both watch Aki who this time, seems to be singing with renewed enthusiasm and spirit.
The film and recording are all done. Everyone watches the movie inside a theater with what looks like a private screening. Aki's song is heard during the final credits of the film. Futomaki is seen weeping while Aki looks pleased with the results. Haruko, probably feeling happy that the heavy load she has been carrying for a long time had finally lifted away, glances at her daughter with a look of pride and gratitude.
Ep. 132. Everyone at Heartful is gearing up for the movie's premiere, scheduled on March 12, 2011 (apparently it is the day after the Great Tohoku Disaster). The premiere will be held in Tokyo Edo Theater to be accompanied with a live performance by Aki, featuring GMT as her back up so the girls are all busy practicing for it.
Meanwhile, everyone over in Kitasanriku are busy, too. The railway guys at the train station are selling commemorative sets of Shiosai no Memory song CDs + misangas while Natsu is selling the CDs along with unidon inside the train cars. Yui tells Aki on the phone that her CDs are selling like hotcakes. Aki asks if Yui has received her ticket. Yui says yes and thanks her. It seems Aki invited Yui to attend the premiere on March 12...
At the theater, Aki watches as the stage is set up for the concert. It is adorned with a huge lit-up 3D sign of her initials, "AA". She could not believe that her wish, to perform on this stage with her friends, is coming true.
Meanwhile, in Kai's coffee shop, Haruko and Masamune are having a meeting with Suzuka. Aki's parents are dumbfounded. It seems that Suzuka has mentioned a surprising request. Haruko asks the actress to repeat what she just said. Suzuka: "I wish to be a part of Three J Production." Haruko: "You... Suzuka Hiromi?!" She asks why on earth would the actress ask for such a thing. Suzuka explains: "Ever since I left Heartful, I ran an independent office for myself. But I felt my limit, I've been looking for an office, and been looking for a nice person." Haruko cuts in: "But I'm not a nice person." Suzuka: "That's what I like about you! You're so bold. Willing to face and take on the normal customs and the bad customs of this industry... right from the front." She also admires Haruko's excellent job of being able to face Futomaki head on "without getting rolled in" and succeeded in making her daughter an Idol. Haruko asks if Futomaki knows about it. Suzuka says it's fine. "I'm sure he's feeling the limit just like me..." She adds, "He is fine as a husband but as a business partner... we were done with that a long time ago. I can't do it anymore."
Nearby, Kai, who is so excited that his idol is inside his shop, is preparing a CD for the actress to sign. But when he heard the word, "husband" he looks devastated. Again, Haruko and Masamune could not believe their ears.
Later on, Aki and Haruko are seen walking along a commercial district. They are discussing Suzuka's decision to join their company. Then, Haruko points to Aki a pedestrian crossing. She says that she used to wait at that traffic signal, from morning til night, because of some silly rumor. "They say if the traffic light changes, a talent scout will make contact with you." A flashback of Young Haruko is shown, standing at the said stop light, waiting in vain for a scout that never showed up (Uwaah, I really feel bad for her!)...
Haruko could only laugh at the memory now. She thanks Aki for making all things possible. "I always had regrets... and now I'm glad they all happened. Thanks to you..." Now that things have settled between Haruko, Suzuka and Futomaki, what about Masamune? "Are you getting back with him?" Aki asks. Haruko coyly answers, "Well, we just might."
It is the day before the movie premiere/concert: March 11, 2011. That morning, the girls are doing a final dress rehearsal onstage, while Futomaki supervises them from the audience.
At the back of the theater, some hardcore fans headed by Hibiki are practicing their otagei routine for the song "Shiosai no Memory." Hibiki is so fired up he strains his shoulder. Anbe who has been watching nearby from her food truck, chides the 48 year old otaku. "It's 'cause you're old, you can't go chasing Idols forever." But the adamant Hibiki responds with "Age got nothing to do with it. As long as an Idol exists, we'll go chasing after them, that's the man!"
Meanwhile, in Burai Sushi, Ume is annoyed with all the noise those otakus are making outside but knows there's nothing he can do since tomorrow is Aki's much-awaited concert. Knowing Taneichi might want to watch, he tells his assistant he can take a day-off. However, Kawashima comes and places an advanced order of 30 servings of sushi for tomorrow's event, thwarting plans for Taneichi's day-off.
Over in Kitasanriku, Yui is all dressed up and ready with her huge rolling luggage for her first trip to Tokyo. She's going to take the KitaTetsu train in a little while. She stops by Cafe/Bar Rias to chat with the regulars. It seems almost everyone is there to see her before she leaves. Isono-sensei reminds her to be be careful in Tokyo.
Isono: "Heard there's lots of cats* there. (*He means "Catch" = suspicious offers). If someone offers you a "cats", it's not for Shiki Theater Company*, okay? (*Been regularly performing the musical "Cats" since 1983)."
Isono: "Heard there's lots of cats* there. (*He means "Catch" = suspicious offers). If someone offers you a "cats", it's not for Shiki Theater Company*, okay? (*Been regularly performing the musical "Cats" since 1983)."
Yoshida: "Nda. If they say, "Do you want to be a model, they'll just take you to a cabaret in Kinshicho (teems with hostess bars/clubs and love hotels)."
They talk about Natsu who is tired after making unidon the whole morning. She is now resting back at her house. The Osanai couple is currently looking after her while the grand ole Ama is sleeping in her room.
Then the guys at the bar discuss the series of small earthquakes that have been happening lately.
Kono Atsushi: "Sometime, the day before yesterday, it shook so bad the mannequin at our store fell down."
Sugawara: "The diorama that I made was unscathed."
Then Hiroshi comes in and gives Yui the free curry tickets from a shop in Tokyo (the same ones he handed to Aki in Ep. 12). Yui informs her brother that shop had closed a long time ago but thanks him anyway.
Then, it's time for Yui to leave. They all gather outside the bar to bid Yui farewell. Even her mom and dad arrive in time to see her off. Yui feels kinda weird seeing everyone present.
Ben: "Take care of yourself, Yui-chan."
Yui: "Stop it. I'm coming back, okay? Still have part-time work on Wednesday."
Yoshida (looking at her huge trolley luggage): "Considering all that, your luggage sure is big." (lol)
Down at the Hole, the girls are also eating mamebu. Aki looks at her two remaining misangas, and wishes that one would fall off in time for the concert. The girls tell her not to worry. "For sure, it'll come off tomorrow."
The episode ends with Yui boarding the KitaTetsu train. She seems relieved to be finally going to Tokyo. Also, on board is Daikichi, the train driver, and six other passengers. Their train starts running, leaving Kitasanriku Station to head southwards...
They talk about Natsu who is tired after making unidon the whole morning. She is now resting back at her house. The Osanai couple is currently looking after her while the grand ole Ama is sleeping in her room.
Then the guys at the bar discuss the series of small earthquakes that have been happening lately.
Kono Atsushi: "Sometime, the day before yesterday, it shook so bad the mannequin at our store fell down."
Sugawara: "The diorama that I made was unscathed."
Then Hiroshi comes in and gives Yui the free curry tickets from a shop in Tokyo (the same ones he handed to Aki in Ep. 12). Yui informs her brother that shop had closed a long time ago but thanks him anyway.
Then, it's time for Yui to leave. They all gather outside the bar to bid Yui farewell. Even her mom and dad arrive in time to see her off. Yui feels kinda weird seeing everyone present.
Ben: "Take care of yourself, Yui-chan."
Yui: "Stop it. I'm coming back, okay? Still have part-time work on Wednesday."
Yoshida (looking at her huge trolley luggage): "Considering all that, your luggage sure is big." (lol)
Misuzu: "Once it gets too hard for you, come back any time."
But Yui insists, "Even if I'm having fun, I'll be back on Wednesday."
They all bid her goodbye and good luck. And then, for the first time, we hear Haruko's voice as the Narrator this time: "Whether Yui-chan is really ever coming back, or is prepared to live in Tokyo, no one will ever know."
It is lunch time over at Tokyo Edo Theater. Mizuguchi, Futomaki, and Kawashima are having mamebu, served by Anbe. Kawashima does not understand the taste but Futomaki seems to like it. Then Mizuguchi thanks Futomaki again for his kind support, and informs him, "Amano's bestfriend is coming to Tokyo tonight. Would you like to meet her?" Futomaki says he is interested. They all bid her goodbye and good luck. And then, for the first time, we hear Haruko's voice as the Narrator this time: "Whether Yui-chan is really ever coming back, or is prepared to live in Tokyo, no one will ever know."
Down at the Hole, the girls are also eating mamebu. Aki looks at her two remaining misangas, and wishes that one would fall off in time for the concert. The girls tell her not to worry. "For sure, it'll come off tomorrow."
The episode ends with Yui boarding the KitaTetsu train. She seems relieved to be finally going to Tokyo. Also, on board is Daikichi, the train driver, and six other passengers. Their train starts running, leaving Kitasanriku Station to head southwards...
