Sep. 22nd, 2013 01:47 pm
Amachan: Week 24 (Episode Guide)
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earth_colorsWeek 24: "I love this sea after all!"
"Let's show what we can do, Ghostbusters!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 139. Aki excitedly goes diving during the first day of the Umibiraki. However, there are no uni to be found. All she sees are debris and rubble on the ocean floor.
Later on, the townsfolks of K3RNSP gather for a meeting to discuss the city's monumental problems (K3RNSP, according to Daikichi is now "KDTOK3KNSMMG" or "KoronDemo Tadade Oginee Kita3riku wo Kondokoso Nantoka Suppe Menimono Miseteyappe Ghostbusters!" = "Even if we fall, we won't get up empty handed, Let's make Kitasanriku work somehow this time round, Let's show what we can do, Ghostbusters!"). Daikichi reveals that it would take 8 billion yen to restore the whole Sanriku Railways (both North and South). The folks begin arguing whether the government should dole out money for the railways's restoration, considering there are many other places that need restoration money, too. Daikichi knows it is a long shot but points out how many people wish for the speedy recovery of the railway. They show boxes of letters and gifts received from people from all over, offering support and encouragement for KitaTetsu. These fired them up, agreeing that KitaTetsu must indeed make a full recovery. However, they are at a loss on how to go about it. Aki who is silently watching the meeting realizes that with these problems, it is not a good time to bring up the restoration of the Ama Cafe.
Then, Adachi-sensei arrives. He looks unkempt and sleepy, like someone who woke up after a hang-over. He, too, listens in on the meeting. The topic now shifts to the Amas' recent opening of their diving show. The problem with it is, there is no uni since many of sea urchins got washed up on the shore after the disaster or swept into the ocean. And even if there's some uni left, people are wary of eating it because it might be contaminated by radiation from Fukushima. Yayoi, says, frustrated: "Our waters have undergone repeated quality tests, proving its safety. Even WE are diving in it!"
They now realize that the city's two main attractions, KitaTetsu and Ama tradition, are in danger of disappearing. They folks wonder if the government can allot some money for them too. Then, Aki suggests to continue selling misangas, but this time as "prayer misangas for restoration" (meaning, part of sales from the bracelets will go to restoration). However, they tell her that they have stopped selling misangas because the materials cost a bit much. They then turn to Adachi-sensei for advice regarding the government budget. However, the statesman says he does not know since he has already quit from the prefectural assembly. When asked why, he reveals he's going to run for Mayor of the city next year, and to promise to restore KitaTetsu if elected.
The people are happy to hear about it. So they hold a party at the Rias to celebrate Adachi-sensei's bid for the mayoral seat. The Adachi family asks for everyone's support. Later, Aki and Yui have a moment alone outside the shop. Yui says seeking the limelight does not matter to her anymore. She's fine with helping to restore and rebuild the city or Tohoku in general but... "But Miss KitaTetsu or 'Shiosai no Memories'... Singing, dancing and diving... I don't think that's something I can do right now, nor something I should be doing." Aki listens silently, trying to understand why Yui has changed, like a light has been switched off inside her. She guesses it has something to do with Yui's experience during the disaster...
Ep. 140. Aki wants to understand how Yui must have felt when she saw the devastation during that day. So she asks Daikichi to take her to that site, through and outside Hatano Tunnel. But even as Aki had seen it, she still could not imagine how hurt and shocked Yui must have felt at that time. Aki knows it isn't just Yui, but the whole town is feeling somewhat the same way. If there is something she could do to help...
So Aki once again brings up the subject of reconstruction prayer misangas. She chanced upon some discarded fishing nets by the roadside, and thinks it may have potential as materials for misangas. She brings some nets to the Amas, and broaches the idea. At first, the Amas think it's not a good idea since the nets may have looked damaged due to the tsunami but they were not really discarded. They explain that the fishermen just could not bear to part with them since such nets bear the souls of the fishermen and are sacred to them. "So they just leave them along the wayside." But Natsu-bappa disagrees, saying Aki's idea might be useful. She says making misangas out of nets may inspire the folks to go back fishing, and make a full recovery. "Besides, we can buy new nets with the profits... like hitting two birds with one stone."
So they once again resume in recreating the misanga, this time, as a "prayer band for reconstruction", made of reused fishing nets. With a finished sample, Yayoi chooses to try it on Hiroshi, whom she says is the person who could use a "lucky bracelet" the most.
And so, pretty soon, they start selling and promoting the new versions of the misangas. Hiroshi films a new video announcement of Aki showing off the misangas. But Aki feels it isn't right to be doing it alone, and tries to encourage Yui to join her. But Yui declines.
Aki has also sent some bracelets to Taneichi in Tokyo. She also makes a white one for her boyfriend to wear. The two sweethearts talk on the phone. Aki asks him if he is going back to help Isono out in underwater reconstruction in Sodegahama. Taneichi says he's not a diver anymore and is a chef now, but he'll be going home during the O-bon. Nearby, Chef Ume secretly listens to Taneichi, probably sensing the sadness and homesickness in his young assistance's voice.
Aki hangs up the phone after her call. Natsu reminds Aki to practice voluntary restraint on energy and phone costs, too. Aki then, worriedly asks Natsu why she still chooses to dive and stay near the ocean, despite the disaster. Natsu answers that life would be boring if she stops diving. She reveals that she had experienced a similar traumatic tsunami before (triggered by the 1960 Valdivia earthquake off Chile). Such life is expected, and in a way, they have all accepted it. She also cites the Osanai couple who not only lost their home, but the mementos of their dead son as well. Even so, they still stay in Sodegahama, and are living life with a smile. Natsu also points out that she and Chubee do not belong anywhere else but near the ocean. "This ocean which drew Chubee-san and me together... and fed my family for so long, just because it got nasty once or twice... we'll move to somewhere else? I never lived here with such intentions in the first place." Aki finally nods and understands. The grandmother and daughter talk ends as the cheerful Osanai couple and Isono come to deliver the misangas they just finished making.
Ep. 141. Dutiful boyfriend Taneichi helps out by selling misangas at Burai Sushi. He was able to sell to Chef Ume and Suzuka Hiromi. Suzuka is at the shop, practicing her lines for some drama, with her manager, Mizuguchi. Then, she suddenly had an announcement to make: She is getting married to Futomaki...
Later on, Mizuguchi informs Aki about it on the phone. Aki is surprised about it, since all the while she thought Suzuka and Futomaki used to date before. The couple formally announces it to Haruko and Masamune at Coffee Shop Idol. Aki's parents are taken aback by it, too, and so is Kai, who is so shocked about the news, he had to lie down for a bit. Haruko is a bit annoyed that she was not told about their relationship, and for how long this has been going on (since 1989, when Haruko broke ties with Futomaki). Suzuka explains that she had a reputation as an actress to protect. And that they have tried to get married on several occasions but failed to push through for some reasons. But now that the disaster happened, both of them have decided to spend the remaining years of their lives together as an official married couple. Masamune, who "has the least connection with them", breaks down in tears, apparently touched by the couple's long-running reciprocally supportive arrangement. Haruko, on the other hand, has mixed feelings about it, saying that she had always felt bitter about them two. Suzuka and Futomaki had dashed her dreams of becoming an Idol, and instead she married Masamune and bore Aki, so in a way... she realizes that she IS grateful for them hooking up, and makes her want to congratulate them. However, Suzuka assumes Haruko is blaming Suzuka's tone deafness for everything that happened to her. Haruko says no, but rather, she is grateful that she IS tone deaf. Nevertheless, Suzuka feels hurt by that remark, and Haruko apologizes.
So in the following days, news of their marriage was received happily by the public. Meanwhile Ume is still noticing that Taneichi is looking homesick for his hometown. Then, August comes around, and Aki discovers that Anbe has finally come back to Kitasanriku. Anbe has already sold "a million Mamebu" so she feels she has done enough and is ready to settle back home. The reunited Ama Club converge at the temporary Fishing Coop office, talking about the ruined Ama Cafe. Anbe feels sad she was not able to see it. But Aki vows to to bring it back someday.
Meanwhile, at the main station, Yui is busy setting up shop at the Rias. She hears someone greeting her from behind. She turns and is surprised to see Taneichi, who has just arrived back from Tokyo.
"Yui-chan is fighting. More than me... More than I can ever imagine."
Ep. 142. Aki was probably informed of Taneichi's return via phone. From Sodegahama, she zooms on her bike all the way to Kitasanriku station to see her boyfriend. She was so excited to see him she even brings in her bike inside the Rias where Taneichi was having coffee.
The two love birds are reunited. Yui, Yoshida, Ben, Sugawara and Hiroshi are also present. Taneichi says he came home (before the O-bon holidays) because is worried about everybody. The guys chat and even tease the two about their relationship. Hiroshi and Yui even did their usual sibling argument. Aki realizes something and starts crying. Not out of tears of sadness, but of joy. With Taneichi and Anbe back, she's happy that things are getting back to normal, bit by bit. Hiroshi assures her that "things can't get any worse than this" anyway.
Later, Taneichi and Aki go to a meeting at the Tourism Office. Isono is there explaining to the Amas about his findings on the state of the ocean floor in Sodegahama coast, and the tsunami's effect on the breeding of uni. Basically, he explains, first, the majority of the breeding sea urchins died or got lost in the ocean. So if the Amas take the remaining breeding uni, there will be none left to produce new ones for the future. Second, the ocean floor is strewn with rubble and debris and are lying on top of seaweed which is the food of the uni. The debris have to be removed first in order for the uni to thrive. The Amas are of course unhappy with the news. Then, Taneichi suggests to purchase breeding uni from other, less-affected prefectures. The idea seems possible but the debris has to be removed first. Natsu asks Isono to see to it that the debris be removed by the end of the month. The men protest that it's too much to ask for. Natsu challenges them by saying: "We all know that. That's why if we don't become serious now, we'll always be a disaster area! Is that what you want?" With that, Isono gets fired up and invites Taneichi to help out. He is also going to call other Nambu Diver alumni to come, and participate.
So the cleaning up of the ocean floor has begun. Spawning sea urchins were purchased and released in the waters. The Amas who have called off their Ama diving show (until the debris has been removed) try to be busy by making unidon using uni from other prefectures. Meanwhile, without Yui this time, Aki goes back to selling unidon on the train, wearing her Ama uniform. The KitaTetsu guys also try to be busy by holding railwalk events (inviting trains enthusiasts to walk from Sodegahama station towards Miyako), along with Aki's help. All these events managed to get a thousand passengers.
Everyone celebrates at the Rias. They're happy that things are getting back to normal just a bit but if only Yui would take part as well, it would have garnered more customers. Once again, Yui reiterates that she is done with such things. She says she is happy living a quiet life in the countryside, and not getting pampered anymore. Aki is not happy with Yui's decision, but keeps silent about it.
Ep. 143. After the party at the Rias, those who still stayed were Daikichi, Taneichi, Hiroshi, Aki, Yui and Ben. Daikichi asks Aki to call Haruko on the phone so he could thank her for letting Aki come back to Kitasanriku. But before he could talk to her, he fell asleep since Yui had apparently put a drop of shochu in his oolong tea. Yui for some reason, wanted Aki and Taneichi to be alone so she immediately takes her leave, dragging her brother with her to a waiting taxi. Aki and Taneichi are left alone with the usually quiet Ben and a sleeping Daikichi. The two go out of the bar to have a little private chit-chat about the past. Taneichi also comments on how Aki and Yui are great together as a team, and complement each other like, according to Ben, as "the sun and the moon."
The next morning, Yui and Aki are helping to make unidon with the Amas as usual. Aki tells Yui what happened last night, that she and Taneichi "just talked." Yui is irked because she went through the trouble of setting up an atmosphere so that the two could be alone last night but nothing happened. "If you hold back in the countryside like this," Yui tells her in an irritated tone, "you'll be like them (points at the Ama-sans) before you know it." Yui tells Aki to hurry up with Taneichi or else "somebody" (meaning, Yui) will snatch him away from her. She may have given up in becoming an Idol but as a woman, "I think my golden days are still coming. Because he's your boyfriend, my switch is turned off right now. I can switch it on any time!" (Basically, I'm guessing that Yui is still attracted to Taneichi and if he and Aki were a more solid couple, or get engaged or something, it will probably stop Yui from having any more feelings for him).
Aki of course worries about Yui's remark. She knows Yui can easily snatch him if she wanted to do. After all, he and Yui had dated before... Aki feels so troubled she suddenly ran off towards the beacon, and jumps off the edge again (like a replay of her heartbreak on a bike scene). But this time, Isono sees her and runs after her, and he, too jumps into the ocean.
After the jump, Isono and Aki seem fine since it's summer, and the ocean is not that cold anyway. They have changed their clothes and are drying their hair at the temporary office. Taneichi thinks Aki jumped off because she does not want him to leave. So he tries to allay her fears by saying he will continue to stay and help out with the restoration. At first, Aki is happy but remembers Yui's threat. "No, you have to leave," she tells a confused Taneichi. "Go away as far as possible!"
Then, Hiroshi comes in along with a familiar face, the director of Iwate Kocchakoi TV, Ikeda. Ikeda wants to film a documentary about Aki and Yui's efforts to restore Kitasanriku. "So that your fans will send their show of support," he explains. But Aki is not enthusiastic about the idea. "Even without any cheers, we'll do what we need to somehow, and we're doing it." She is also not keen on the idea to have Yui appear in the docu. "If it's just me, that's fine." She says she's afraid that the docu will make Yui look like she's not working hard (because she's keeping a low-profile unlike Aki). "But she IS working hard... Yui-chan is fighting. More than me. More than I can ever imagine. She had that kind of experience, and trying to overcome. That's why I don't want to force her."
Their conversation gets interrupted when Aki receives a call from Yui (who called Taneichi's phone since Aki dropped hers in the ocean). Yui and Yoshida inform her that a suspicious man wearing a leather jacket in the middle of summer had come to the station. And that he might be an acquaintance of Aki.
Ep. 144. The "suspicious man" in the leather outfit turns out to be Ume of Burai Sushi, looking almost unrecognizable without his chef uniform. Aki, Taneichi, and Isono go to Cafe Rias to see this visitor. Ume seemed to love unidon since he had already gobbled up 7 bowls (!), and has even bought an 8th one to take with him to Tokyo. Ume has apparently come to Kitasanriku because Taneichi did not ask his permission before the young man left. Taneichi says sorry and expects he'll get punished for it but instead, Ume says he understands and wishes him good luck. The big burly Chef also says, that after tasting unidon, he feels Taneichi does not have a reason to go to Tokyo. He then, leaves on his big motorbike, for a long ride back to Tokyo, after staying in Kitasanriku for only 48 minutes.
Days passed, and life continues in Kitasanriku. Yui helps out with the unidon making, and misanga plaiting. Meanwhile, Aki had started filming the docu with Ikeda.
In Tokyo, Masamune is planning to get married once again to Haruko. He is going to surprise her with marriage registration papers. At Coffee Shop Idol, he was going to ask Kai to be their witness, but a vexed Haruko comes in with Mizuguchi. She says Mizuguchi is resigning as manager (he gives her a resignation envelope with no letter, infuriating Haruko even more). Asked why he wishes to quit, Mizuguchi at first says he doesn't find it interesting anymore. He has been trained to find fresh faces and to polish rough gems, so dealing with an already polished gem like Suzuka Hiromi... But still, he says Suzuka is not really the reason. "It's just that I think now my interest in idols has increased even more. I'm not interested in anything else." Haruko thinks it is more than that. "You want to go back to the parlor train, don't you?" Mizuguchi does not deny it. "I guess you could say it was my starting point." He brings a recording of the parlor train event wherein Yui and Aki are singing in front of happy spectators. They watch it on Kai's TV while Mizuguchi explains: "They're clumsy but tried to sing their best, and the people watched them with nice smiles and applause... Empty feeling after everything was over... In my mind, that's the Idol. I think I'm going after the excitement I felt at that time." He says he aims to bring "Shiosai no Memories" to the rest of Japan. Haruko finally says she understands and gives him her blessing. "Because it'll be a waste to detain a person whose heart isn't here." But she tells him that he'll have to be the one to explain to Suzuka.
She leaves without giving Masamune a chance to tell her about the marriage papers. Later on, Haruko was the one who surprised Masamune with marriage papers. It touched Masamune so much that he was crying happily while he signed the papers.
The next scene cuts to Mizuguchi, who already arrived in Kitasanriku. He first pays a visit to Aki and Natsu at the Sodegahama home, and tells them of his intentions. He also informs them that her parents have gotten married again, but Aki did not find it surprising since she knew all along that it'll happen sooner or later.
Then, Yui shows up, bringing in the day's batch of newly-made misangas. But she stops as soon as she sees Mizuguchi...
Next: Week 25
Previous: Week 23
Episode Index: Link
Character Guide: Link
"Let's show what we can do, Ghostbusters!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 139. Aki excitedly goes diving during the first day of the Umibiraki. However, there are no uni to be found. All she sees are debris and rubble on the ocean floor.
Later on, the townsfolks of K3RNSP gather for a meeting to discuss the city's monumental problems (K3RNSP, according to Daikichi is now "KDTOK3KNSMMG" or "KoronDemo Tadade Oginee Kita3riku wo Kondokoso Nantoka Suppe Menimono Miseteyappe Ghostbusters!" = "Even if we fall, we won't get up empty handed, Let's make Kitasanriku work somehow this time round, Let's show what we can do, Ghostbusters!"). Daikichi reveals that it would take 8 billion yen to restore the whole Sanriku Railways (both North and South). The folks begin arguing whether the government should dole out money for the railways's restoration, considering there are many other places that need restoration money, too. Daikichi knows it is a long shot but points out how many people wish for the speedy recovery of the railway. They show boxes of letters and gifts received from people from all over, offering support and encouragement for KitaTetsu. These fired them up, agreeing that KitaTetsu must indeed make a full recovery. However, they are at a loss on how to go about it. Aki who is silently watching the meeting realizes that with these problems, it is not a good time to bring up the restoration of the Ama Cafe. Then, Adachi-sensei arrives. He looks unkempt and sleepy, like someone who woke up after a hang-over. He, too, listens in on the meeting. The topic now shifts to the Amas' recent opening of their diving show. The problem with it is, there is no uni since many of sea urchins got washed up on the shore after the disaster or swept into the ocean. And even if there's some uni left, people are wary of eating it because it might be contaminated by radiation from Fukushima. Yayoi, says, frustrated: "Our waters have undergone repeated quality tests, proving its safety. Even WE are diving in it!"
They now realize that the city's two main attractions, KitaTetsu and Ama tradition, are in danger of disappearing. They folks wonder if the government can allot some money for them too. Then, Aki suggests to continue selling misangas, but this time as "prayer misangas for restoration" (meaning, part of sales from the bracelets will go to restoration). However, they tell her that they have stopped selling misangas because the materials cost a bit much. They then turn to Adachi-sensei for advice regarding the government budget. However, the statesman says he does not know since he has already quit from the prefectural assembly. When asked why, he reveals he's going to run for Mayor of the city next year, and to promise to restore KitaTetsu if elected.
The people are happy to hear about it. So they hold a party at the Rias to celebrate Adachi-sensei's bid for the mayoral seat. The Adachi family asks for everyone's support. Later, Aki and Yui have a moment alone outside the shop. Yui says seeking the limelight does not matter to her anymore. She's fine with helping to restore and rebuild the city or Tohoku in general but... "But Miss KitaTetsu or 'Shiosai no Memories'... Singing, dancing and diving... I don't think that's something I can do right now, nor something I should be doing." Aki listens silently, trying to understand why Yui has changed, like a light has been switched off inside her. She guesses it has something to do with Yui's experience during the disaster...
Ep. 140. Aki wants to understand how Yui must have felt when she saw the devastation during that day. So she asks Daikichi to take her to that site, through and outside Hatano Tunnel. But even as Aki had seen it, she still could not imagine how hurt and shocked Yui must have felt at that time. Aki knows it isn't just Yui, but the whole town is feeling somewhat the same way. If there is something she could do to help...
So Aki once again brings up the subject of reconstruction prayer misangas. She chanced upon some discarded fishing nets by the roadside, and thinks it may have potential as materials for misangas. She brings some nets to the Amas, and broaches the idea. At first, the Amas think it's not a good idea since the nets may have looked damaged due to the tsunami but they were not really discarded. They explain that the fishermen just could not bear to part with them since such nets bear the souls of the fishermen and are sacred to them. "So they just leave them along the wayside." But Natsu-bappa disagrees, saying Aki's idea might be useful. She says making misangas out of nets may inspire the folks to go back fishing, and make a full recovery. "Besides, we can buy new nets with the profits... like hitting two birds with one stone."
So they once again resume in recreating the misanga, this time, as a "prayer band for reconstruction", made of reused fishing nets. With a finished sample, Yayoi chooses to try it on Hiroshi, whom she says is the person who could use a "lucky bracelet" the most.
And so, pretty soon, they start selling and promoting the new versions of the misangas. Hiroshi films a new video announcement of Aki showing off the misangas. But Aki feels it isn't right to be doing it alone, and tries to encourage Yui to join her. But Yui declines.
Aki has also sent some bracelets to Taneichi in Tokyo. She also makes a white one for her boyfriend to wear. The two sweethearts talk on the phone. Aki asks him if he is going back to help Isono out in underwater reconstruction in Sodegahama. Taneichi says he's not a diver anymore and is a chef now, but he'll be going home during the O-bon. Nearby, Chef Ume secretly listens to Taneichi, probably sensing the sadness and homesickness in his young assistance's voice.
Aki hangs up the phone after her call. Natsu reminds Aki to practice voluntary restraint on energy and phone costs, too. Aki then, worriedly asks Natsu why she still chooses to dive and stay near the ocean, despite the disaster. Natsu answers that life would be boring if she stops diving. She reveals that she had experienced a similar traumatic tsunami before (triggered by the 1960 Valdivia earthquake off Chile). Such life is expected, and in a way, they have all accepted it. She also cites the Osanai couple who not only lost their home, but the mementos of their dead son as well. Even so, they still stay in Sodegahama, and are living life with a smile. Natsu also points out that she and Chubee do not belong anywhere else but near the ocean. "This ocean which drew Chubee-san and me together... and fed my family for so long, just because it got nasty once or twice... we'll move to somewhere else? I never lived here with such intentions in the first place." Aki finally nods and understands. The grandmother and daughter talk ends as the cheerful Osanai couple and Isono come to deliver the misangas they just finished making.
Ep. 141. Dutiful boyfriend Taneichi helps out by selling misangas at Burai Sushi. He was able to sell to Chef Ume and Suzuka Hiromi. Suzuka is at the shop, practicing her lines for some drama, with her manager, Mizuguchi. Then, she suddenly had an announcement to make: She is getting married to Futomaki...
Later on, Mizuguchi informs Aki about it on the phone. Aki is surprised about it, since all the while she thought Suzuka and Futomaki used to date before. The couple formally announces it to Haruko and Masamune at Coffee Shop Idol. Aki's parents are taken aback by it, too, and so is Kai, who is so shocked about the news, he had to lie down for a bit. Haruko is a bit annoyed that she was not told about their relationship, and for how long this has been going on (since 1989, when Haruko broke ties with Futomaki). Suzuka explains that she had a reputation as an actress to protect. And that they have tried to get married on several occasions but failed to push through for some reasons. But now that the disaster happened, both of them have decided to spend the remaining years of their lives together as an official married couple. Masamune, who "has the least connection with them", breaks down in tears, apparently touched by the couple's long-running reciprocally supportive arrangement. Haruko, on the other hand, has mixed feelings about it, saying that she had always felt bitter about them two. Suzuka and Futomaki had dashed her dreams of becoming an Idol, and instead she married Masamune and bore Aki, so in a way... she realizes that she IS grateful for them hooking up, and makes her want to congratulate them. However, Suzuka assumes Haruko is blaming Suzuka's tone deafness for everything that happened to her. Haruko says no, but rather, she is grateful that she IS tone deaf. Nevertheless, Suzuka feels hurt by that remark, and Haruko apologizes.
So in the following days, news of their marriage was received happily by the public. Meanwhile Ume is still noticing that Taneichi is looking homesick for his hometown. Then, August comes around, and Aki discovers that Anbe has finally come back to Kitasanriku. Anbe has already sold "a million Mamebu" so she feels she has done enough and is ready to settle back home. The reunited Ama Club converge at the temporary Fishing Coop office, talking about the ruined Ama Cafe. Anbe feels sad she was not able to see it. But Aki vows to to bring it back someday.
Meanwhile, at the main station, Yui is busy setting up shop at the Rias. She hears someone greeting her from behind. She turns and is surprised to see Taneichi, who has just arrived back from Tokyo.
"Yui-chan is fighting. More than me... More than I can ever imagine."
Ep. 142. Aki was probably informed of Taneichi's return via phone. From Sodegahama, she zooms on her bike all the way to Kitasanriku station to see her boyfriend. She was so excited to see him she even brings in her bike inside the Rias where Taneichi was having coffee.
The two love birds are reunited. Yui, Yoshida, Ben, Sugawara and Hiroshi are also present. Taneichi says he came home (before the O-bon holidays) because is worried about everybody. The guys chat and even tease the two about their relationship. Hiroshi and Yui even did their usual sibling argument. Aki realizes something and starts crying. Not out of tears of sadness, but of joy. With Taneichi and Anbe back, she's happy that things are getting back to normal, bit by bit. Hiroshi assures her that "things can't get any worse than this" anyway.
Later, Taneichi and Aki go to a meeting at the Tourism Office. Isono is there explaining to the Amas about his findings on the state of the ocean floor in Sodegahama coast, and the tsunami's effect on the breeding of uni. Basically, he explains, first, the majority of the breeding sea urchins died or got lost in the ocean. So if the Amas take the remaining breeding uni, there will be none left to produce new ones for the future. Second, the ocean floor is strewn with rubble and debris and are lying on top of seaweed which is the food of the uni. The debris have to be removed first in order for the uni to thrive. The Amas are of course unhappy with the news. Then, Taneichi suggests to purchase breeding uni from other, less-affected prefectures. The idea seems possible but the debris has to be removed first. Natsu asks Isono to see to it that the debris be removed by the end of the month. The men protest that it's too much to ask for. Natsu challenges them by saying: "We all know that. That's why if we don't become serious now, we'll always be a disaster area! Is that what you want?" With that, Isono gets fired up and invites Taneichi to help out. He is also going to call other Nambu Diver alumni to come, and participate.
So the cleaning up of the ocean floor has begun. Spawning sea urchins were purchased and released in the waters. The Amas who have called off their Ama diving show (until the debris has been removed) try to be busy by making unidon using uni from other prefectures. Meanwhile, without Yui this time, Aki goes back to selling unidon on the train, wearing her Ama uniform. The KitaTetsu guys also try to be busy by holding railwalk events (inviting trains enthusiasts to walk from Sodegahama station towards Miyako), along with Aki's help. All these events managed to get a thousand passengers.
Everyone celebrates at the Rias. They're happy that things are getting back to normal just a bit but if only Yui would take part as well, it would have garnered more customers. Once again, Yui reiterates that she is done with such things. She says she is happy living a quiet life in the countryside, and not getting pampered anymore. Aki is not happy with Yui's decision, but keeps silent about it.
Ep. 143. After the party at the Rias, those who still stayed were Daikichi, Taneichi, Hiroshi, Aki, Yui and Ben. Daikichi asks Aki to call Haruko on the phone so he could thank her for letting Aki come back to Kitasanriku. But before he could talk to her, he fell asleep since Yui had apparently put a drop of shochu in his oolong tea. Yui for some reason, wanted Aki and Taneichi to be alone so she immediately takes her leave, dragging her brother with her to a waiting taxi. Aki and Taneichi are left alone with the usually quiet Ben and a sleeping Daikichi. The two go out of the bar to have a little private chit-chat about the past. Taneichi also comments on how Aki and Yui are great together as a team, and complement each other like, according to Ben, as "the sun and the moon."
The next morning, Yui and Aki are helping to make unidon with the Amas as usual. Aki tells Yui what happened last night, that she and Taneichi "just talked." Yui is irked because she went through the trouble of setting up an atmosphere so that the two could be alone last night but nothing happened. "If you hold back in the countryside like this," Yui tells her in an irritated tone, "you'll be like them (points at the Ama-sans) before you know it." Yui tells Aki to hurry up with Taneichi or else "somebody" (meaning, Yui) will snatch him away from her. She may have given up in becoming an Idol but as a woman, "I think my golden days are still coming. Because he's your boyfriend, my switch is turned off right now. I can switch it on any time!" (Basically, I'm guessing that Yui is still attracted to Taneichi and if he and Aki were a more solid couple, or get engaged or something, it will probably stop Yui from having any more feelings for him).
Aki of course worries about Yui's remark. She knows Yui can easily snatch him if she wanted to do. After all, he and Yui had dated before... Aki feels so troubled she suddenly ran off towards the beacon, and jumps off the edge again (like a replay of her heartbreak on a bike scene). But this time, Isono sees her and runs after her, and he, too jumps into the ocean.
After the jump, Isono and Aki seem fine since it's summer, and the ocean is not that cold anyway. They have changed their clothes and are drying their hair at the temporary office. Taneichi thinks Aki jumped off because she does not want him to leave. So he tries to allay her fears by saying he will continue to stay and help out with the restoration. At first, Aki is happy but remembers Yui's threat. "No, you have to leave," she tells a confused Taneichi. "Go away as far as possible!"
Then, Hiroshi comes in along with a familiar face, the director of Iwate Kocchakoi TV, Ikeda. Ikeda wants to film a documentary about Aki and Yui's efforts to restore Kitasanriku. "So that your fans will send their show of support," he explains. But Aki is not enthusiastic about the idea. "Even without any cheers, we'll do what we need to somehow, and we're doing it." She is also not keen on the idea to have Yui appear in the docu. "If it's just me, that's fine." She says she's afraid that the docu will make Yui look like she's not working hard (because she's keeping a low-profile unlike Aki). "But she IS working hard... Yui-chan is fighting. More than me. More than I can ever imagine. She had that kind of experience, and trying to overcome. That's why I don't want to force her."
Their conversation gets interrupted when Aki receives a call from Yui (who called Taneichi's phone since Aki dropped hers in the ocean). Yui and Yoshida inform her that a suspicious man wearing a leather jacket in the middle of summer had come to the station. And that he might be an acquaintance of Aki.
Ep. 144. The "suspicious man" in the leather outfit turns out to be Ume of Burai Sushi, looking almost unrecognizable without his chef uniform. Aki, Taneichi, and Isono go to Cafe Rias to see this visitor. Ume seemed to love unidon since he had already gobbled up 7 bowls (!), and has even bought an 8th one to take with him to Tokyo. Ume has apparently come to Kitasanriku because Taneichi did not ask his permission before the young man left. Taneichi says sorry and expects he'll get punished for it but instead, Ume says he understands and wishes him good luck. The big burly Chef also says, that after tasting unidon, he feels Taneichi does not have a reason to go to Tokyo. He then, leaves on his big motorbike, for a long ride back to Tokyo, after staying in Kitasanriku for only 48 minutes.
Days passed, and life continues in Kitasanriku. Yui helps out with the unidon making, and misanga plaiting. Meanwhile, Aki had started filming the docu with Ikeda.
In Tokyo, Masamune is planning to get married once again to Haruko. He is going to surprise her with marriage registration papers. At Coffee Shop Idol, he was going to ask Kai to be their witness, but a vexed Haruko comes in with Mizuguchi. She says Mizuguchi is resigning as manager (he gives her a resignation envelope with no letter, infuriating Haruko even more). Asked why he wishes to quit, Mizuguchi at first says he doesn't find it interesting anymore. He has been trained to find fresh faces and to polish rough gems, so dealing with an already polished gem like Suzuka Hiromi... But still, he says Suzuka is not really the reason. "It's just that I think now my interest in idols has increased even more. I'm not interested in anything else." Haruko thinks it is more than that. "You want to go back to the parlor train, don't you?" Mizuguchi does not deny it. "I guess you could say it was my starting point." He brings a recording of the parlor train event wherein Yui and Aki are singing in front of happy spectators. They watch it on Kai's TV while Mizuguchi explains: "They're clumsy but tried to sing their best, and the people watched them with nice smiles and applause... Empty feeling after everything was over... In my mind, that's the Idol. I think I'm going after the excitement I felt at that time." He says he aims to bring "Shiosai no Memories" to the rest of Japan. Haruko finally says she understands and gives him her blessing. "Because it'll be a waste to detain a person whose heart isn't here." But she tells him that he'll have to be the one to explain to Suzuka.
She leaves without giving Masamune a chance to tell her about the marriage papers. Later on, Haruko was the one who surprised Masamune with marriage papers. It touched Masamune so much that he was crying happily while he signed the papers.
The next scene cuts to Mizuguchi, who already arrived in Kitasanriku. He first pays a visit to Aki and Natsu at the Sodegahama home, and tells them of his intentions. He also informs them that her parents have gotten married again, but Aki did not find it surprising since she knew all along that it'll happen sooner or later.
Then, Yui shows up, bringing in the day's batch of newly-made misangas. But she stops as soon as she sees Mizuguchi...
Next: Week 25
Previous: Week 23
Episode Index: Link
Character Guide: Link
