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earth_colors) wrote2013-09-14 10:27 pm
earth_colors) wrote2013-09-14 10:27 pm
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Amachan: Week 23 (Episode Guide)
Week 23: "I want to see everyone!"
"Tsunami warning! Evacuate! Tsunami~!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 133. On this 11th day of March 2011, the earthquake strikes at 2:46 pm. Yui, Daikichi and the others who are on board the KitaTetsu are inside the Hatano Tunnel when it happened. Feeling the intense tremors, Daikichi orders the driver to stop the train.
Meanwhile, Aki and the girls are practicing in the Hole when they feel it, too. All the people inside the Tokyo Edo Theater brace themselves during the shaking. They realize it is not just some ordinary earthquake. As soon as it stops, Futomaki checks to see if there are injuries. There is none. The girls are confused and have not yet realized the extent or seriousness of the situation.
An hour passes. The aftershocks continue. Having been informed that the epicenter of the earthquake is in Miyagi, Kaoruko and Aki try to call their loved ones in Tohoku but could not connect. Aki in particular tries to call Yui, whom she knows is on her way to Tokyo and must be riding the train.
The KitaTetsu train where Yui is, is still inside the Hatano Tunnel, being rocked by the incessant tremors. Daikichi is waiting for any instructions from the main station but communication is difficult. There is no cellphone signal either. He and the others are cut off from the outside world, and so are not aware of what is happening. He tries his best to calm the passengers down even if he himself is feeling nervous. Then he receives a frantic announcement from Yoshida on the radio. "Tsunami warning! Evacuate! Tsunami~!".
The tsunami is not shown on camera. Instead, it cuts to the next scene showing the damaged diorama inside the Tourism office. The replica of Kitasanriku appears destroyed and covered with bits of broken blue glass, signifying the onslaught of the tsunami. At the theater in Tokyo, everyone is watching the news on TV, probably the live coverage of the tsunami hitting Sendai. They gasp and groan in disbelief and shock. Again Aki tries to call her Grandma but to no avail. A worried Kaoruko has no luck either in contacting her mother in Sendai and all try to reassure her as best as they could.
Hours have passed. The people on board the train car are still waiting. It is a good thing that they are on board a diesel-powered train car, so there's lights and a heater. However, Daikichi knows he cannot wait for any help or news anymore so decides to go out and to see and assess the situation himself. Taking only a flashlight to light his way through the dark, he aims for the end of the tunnel ahead. Apparently, Yui who also has disembarked from the train, is following him from behind. Finally, Daikichi reaches the end and sees the scenery before him. The overpass that is supposed to be there is gone. Instead he sees an unbelievable sight of debris and destruction everywhere. Choking and fighting back his tears, he tries to warn Yui not to look at it. However, it is too late. Yui also sees the aftermath. There is a shocked look of indescribable disbelief on her face..
Over in Tokyo, everyone in the theater remains, including Futomaki. Kawashima and Mizuguchi are searching through the internet emergency forums listing the whereabouts of affected people in Tohoku. They search for any news of Kaoruko's mom. Meanwhile, Anbe, bringing the girls bowls of tonjiru, tells them to hang in there and to eat up. She manages to cheer the girls and make them smile. Then, Kawashima comes in and tells them they have located Kaoruko's mom. A fan of Kaoruko has left a comment in her blog, informing her that her mom is safe inside a gym in Miyagi. Kaoruko sheds tears of joy and relief. Then, Taneichi also comes in and informs Aki that his call to Isono was able to connect but only for a few seconds. Finally, Futomaki announces the inevitable news: the movie premiere and concert will have to be postponed to a later date. He tells them to go home and to wait for any further developments. But instead of showing any reaction, Aki stoops down on the ground and crawls on the floor, making the others confused (Futomaki: "Amano, is that your home?" lol *shakes head*). She apparently realized one of her misanga has come off and has gone looking for it. She finds it under the table, and breaks in a cheer. "My misanga broke. It means, everyone is safe, right!" Teary-eyed, everyone smiles and nods.
Meanwhile, down at the Hole, Aki's phone buzzes. It has received one new email from Natsu.
Ep. 134. Night has come. Since everything is at a standstill (subways and trains have called off operations), Aki and many other Tokyoites have no choice but to walk all the way home. While walking, Aki recalls her phone conversation with Yui a while ago. During the time of that call, Yui, Daikichi and Suzuki-bappa have come out of the tunnel and are on their way to a shelter. Aki was happy to finally be able to connect with her friend but the tone of Yui's voice made her worry. When Aki tried to encourage Yui to still "come over to Tokyo," Yui had said, "I can't go anymore. I'm too scared to go! The path had ended halfway. YOU should come here!" And abruptly ended the call.
Aki arrives home, much to the relief of her parents. Aki also informs the good news that Natsu had emailed her with the message, "We are all fine. Don't worry about us."
The next day, Daikichi, Yoshida, and Hiroshi are among those who are inspecting the tracks. Many of the tracks were twisted due to the earthquake, and lined with debris brought on by the tsunami. Cars were washed away, and roads are blocked so residents resorted to walking along the railroad tracks. Despite the bleak atmosphere, Daikichi insists on running the KitaTetsu, no matter what. "Even if it's just one section, even if it runs just a one stop round trip, even if nobody rides it. Our mission is to resume the service."
So after five days, the KitaTestu resumes operations but only on the line that sustained the least damage, the Kitasanriku-Sodegahama route. The train operates just three rides a day and at a slow pace, but for free, as their way of support for the grief-stricken residents. The day KitaTetsu returns, residents come out to greet and wave at it, happy to see the familiar train back. For them, seeing the train again gives a sense of normalcy and comfort. Natsu, also inspired by the KitaTetsu, starts selling unidon immediately, but manages only to make a few bowls probably due to the lack of uni. Daikichi is touched and happy to see the warm support coming from the residents.
Things are getting back to normal in Tokyo, too. After one month, the Tohoku Shinkansen resumed operations. Yet people are still reeling from the shock of the disaster, and are mindful of the various issues concerning it. At such a difficult time like this, the whole country tries to do away with frivolities, and to save energy, resources, and money (voluntary restraint) out of consideration for the victims. And because of this "voluntary restraint", the movie, "Shiosai no Memory" was discontinued after just one week of release. One who is particularly shocked and depressed by the disaster is Suzuka, who just could not bear to go back to her work. Being under Haruko's talent agency, she hangs around at Three J office in Setagaya, moping and looking sullen. Her annoyed boss Haruko pleads with her to accept any acting role. "But I feel bad for the people of Tohoku," Suzuka reasons out, glumly. On the other hand, Aki is back working in her kiddie TV show. But this time, instead of the title, "Find it and Break it", it was changed to "Gyogyogyo's Jejejeh!" out of respect to the disaster victims.
Meanwhile, Futomaki (seems unperturbed by the failure of his movie project) is making his Idols participate in the Tohoku disaster relief. He does not like to be accused of "self-promotion" but he does admit that he gets irked if his efforts are not noticed. The girls are seen handing out bagels (from his shop "Idol Cafe Futomaki"). Aki, in contrast, has no other work aside from her TV show. Now that her movie has come and gone, she does not know what to do anymore. With respect to what everyone is dealing with right now, she probably deems her accomplishments as an Idol to be insignificant and trivial. Haruko the Narrator: "The world had completely changed. How she lived and felt everyday until March 10th... Aki wasn't able to remember."
She goes and have a talk with Taneichi about their plans for Golden Week. Aki says she is not sure if she'll go and visit Kitasanriku for the holidays, since "I'll just be more of a nuisance since I can't do anything (for them)." She also admits that her memories of Kitasanriku are starting to fade. "That's why before I sleep," Aki says, "I try to remember each person's smiling face." She enumerates to Taneichi, each name of the person she loves and knows from Kitasanriku (but forgets to mention Hiroshi, mou~!). "But... the only smiling face I can't remember is Yui-chan's," she admits sadly.
Later, Aki arrives at Setagaya. She looks at her Mom who is busy working at her desk. Then, wordlessly, Aki sits beside her on the office chair. Haruko, sensing something is up, asks her daughter, "What's the matter?" Aki only responds, "Nothing," and goes to her room.
As Aki prepares to sleep, she once again recalls each of the smiling faces of the people of Kitasanriku, one by one...
Ep. 135. While recalling the names of the Kitasanriku townsfolks like she does every night, Aki glances at an empty box of the electric heater/humidifier. It somehow reminds her of Hiroshi whom she had forgotten earlier, and smiles.
The next day, Haruko is still thinking about Aki's strange behavior the previous night. "I guess Aki wants to go back to Kitasanriku after all," she tells Mizuguchi. And Mizuguchi appears bothered after hearing it.
Mizuguchi is indeed troubled. He blames himself for not noticing Aki's inner turmoil. But deep inside he had felt it all along but chose to ignore it. If he did, then all of his efforts and sacrifices (to make Aki an Idol) will have been for naught. From then on, he notices that every time Iwate or Tohoku is mentioned, Aki becomes silent and exhibits a longing look on her face, and feels even more torn...
So he goes to Taneichi to talk to him about it. "Iwate is one formidable foe..." He begins to tells the younger man.
Over at Setagaya, Aki has been emailing Natsu with the message, "You're not going diving this year, are you?" Natsu's only reply is "Don't mind me." Then, Suzuka, who is still in a depressed mood and unable to work, comes in Aki's room. She invites Aki to watch a copy of "Shiosai no Memory" with her. They both end up becoming even more miserable as they watch it again while sobbing and munching on nure-senbei. They agree that it was a waste that the movie did not become popular considering it was really good.
Then, Mizuguchi tells Aki they have received an appearance request from a music program. But that she will sing "Let's Go Back to the Hometown" with GMT5. Aki is surprised but Mizuguchi assures her that both Futomaki and Haruko are fine with this arrangement. Aki then agrees to do it. However, Mizuguchi is actually the one who planned this appearance, and after making a humble request, he was able to persuade Futomaki to use his strong connections to make this arrangement possible. It appears to be Mizuguchi's way of indirectly helping Aki make up her mind about going back home to Kitasanriku...
Apparently, Mizuguchi made this decision after his talk with Taneichi earlier. At first, the manager was trying to ask the younger lad to help him persuade Aki to stay in Tokyo using his love being her boyfriend. However, Taneichi informs him about Aki trying to recall the people of Kitasanriku each and every night. It made Mizuguchi realize that there is nothing they could do anymore... Though it breaks his heart to do so, he has no choice but to give in to what she really wants, or else she will just continue to be unhappy in Tokyo.
So during the recording of the appearance request (which looked like a taped performance), Mizuguchi cannot help but weep as Aki and the girls sing "Let's Go Back to the Hometown." He knows that after this, Aki will realize she wants to go home now... (I was crying too because... it's such a shame...)
True enough, after some time, Aki finally summons up the courage to announce to her parents her desire to go back home to Kitasanriku.
"I'm the only one in Japan who can do Amano Aki!"
Ep. 136. The Kurokawas have an ongoing family emergency meeting at Coffee Shop Idol. Kai and Mizuguchi are nearby, listening as to how this meeting would fan out. Aki explains to her parents how worried she feels about the people of Kitansanriku, and wants to go back there and be with them. As her boss and mother, Haruko scolds Aki in a frustrated tone for being finicky all throughout these years. Aki had went from Ama, Nambu Diver, then an Idol. And now... "You just do anything you want, huh?!... If you quit now, you will only be regarded as a Class B Idol!" But Masamune seems to understand Aki's need to go back, and though sad, he is more willing to let her go. Haruko is irked because it means she will have to uproot herself once again, and go back to Kitasanriku too, with Aki. However, Aki says she's fine with going back alone. She encourages her mom to stay in Tokyo, and to help Suzuka get back on her feet. Haruko then realizes Aki is not just making another whimsical, spur-of-the-moment decision. This one is a more adult, self-less decision, something she has considered for a long time. Haruko and Masamune are teary-eyed, realizing their daughter is finally all grown up. They both give their blessings to Aki.
Then, Aki begins her farewell and thank you greetings to everyone who had helped her in Tokyo. First, to Suzuka...
Though still a bit emotionally fragile, Suzuka has managed to go back to her work. Aki crashes in on the filming set of Suzuka, who is wearing an astronaut costume, to say goodbye and thank you. Though Aki has said goodbye to her before, Suzuka this time, is more saddened to hear it. After all, Aki has grown to be more like the child she never had. Aki says she will not forget all the things the actress had told her ("Though you're not suited to be an actress... to continue, that's talent too"). Aki: "I WILL continue! I'm the only one in Japan who can do Amano Aki!" (I just love this line! It could very well be Nounen Rena who is actually talking here, because no one can play Amano Aki but her :) ). While the song "Let's Go Back to the Hometown" is playing as background music, Aki waves farewell to her "second mother" as they part ways...
Next to say goodbye to is Futomaki and Kawashima. They both wish her good luck. Then, off to Burai Sushi where she thanks Chef Ume for all the kindness he had shown her. Then, she joins Anbe, and the GMT girls including Ayumi (who is now a mother) for a farewell dinner. It seems Taneichi is absent for some reason... Afterwards, before she leaves, they all hug Aki and wish her the best.
Then finally, at the bus terminal, Aki gets ready to board a late night bus bound for Morioka. Taneichi suddenly shows up in time, carrying a box of tamagoyaki with him. He manages to call Aki's attention, and to say goodbye. "Let's bear with a long distance relationship," he says, and gives her the tamagoyaki. It turns out, he was not able to join her and the girls earlier because he was busy making tamagoyaki in the Burai Sushi kitchen. As Aki boards the bus, they both sing "Nambu Diver". They keep on singing even as the bus leaves with Aki inside.
And so, another chapter of Aki's life ends. Inside the bus headed for Tohoku, Aki eats her Senpai's tamagoyaki, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Ep. 137. Dawn has come. Aki is almost at Kitasanriku. From time to time, she sees remnants of the devastation along the coastline through the bus window. She sends a message to Natsu, "I'm almost there. You're not going diving this year, right?" But Natsu does not reply back.
Aki arrives in Kitasanriku. The town looks the same like the first time she came, silent and dreary. But this time, it's even more drearier than before. Except for a few towns folks, no familiar face is around to greet her. Aki first goes inside the Kitasanriku Association office. No one is there as well. The office looks disheveled, full of boxes and relief goods. She sees the miniature diorama of the Ama Cafe on the floor. She picks it up and places it back on Sugawara's beloved broken model of Kitasanriku.
Next, she goes to Kitasanriku Station. Just like the town, it was silent and empty inside, too. Though the train ride is free, she still leaves a 100 yen fare on the sill of the ticket booth, and boards the train bound for Sodegahama. Unbeknownst to her, Yoshida is hiding behind the cardboard cutouts of Aki and Yui inside that booth. He comes out of his hiding place, and calls someone on the phone...
As Aki rides the familiar train once again, fond memories of her time spent in this place come drifting back. Then as she nears Sodegahama station, she hears faint shouts of "Welcome back, Aki!" getting louder and louder. Yoshida finally appears from the back of the train, and greets Aki. It seems he and the other towns folks had set a surprise welcoming party at the station. Aki arrives and steps out of the train and is met with hugs, cheers, and smiles. She looks around for Natsu but for some reason, her grandma is not among the welcoming group.
They all head on to the Amano home. They gather around the hearth, chatting and catching up, while eating bowls of hot mamebu. Aki notices that though they look unchanged, still happy and smiling like the last time, it seems this time "their strength and cheerfulness have increased... Like they're so happy that they're able to laugh. That's what their smiles were like." Then, they update Aki on what transpired after 3/11. Hanamaki and her two girls have lost their house during the tsunami. The Osanai couple also lost their house. They are staying over with relatives and have applied for a housing loan. "But who knows when that'll happen," the Co-op president says with a laugh. Isono has been volunteering in the town's restoration and clean-up, and shows off his jacket signed by famous personalities who visited Tohoku during relief efforts. Kurihara and Yoshida show Aki pictures of their cute baby girl. Their house got flooded, too and due to the shock from the disaster, Kurihara gave birth prematurely. Amidst the warm laughter and food, Aki could not help but wonder about Natsu who has not yet shown up...
Later, Aki goes outside to inspect the shore and to look for Natsu. The scenic coastline of Sodegahama is still recovering from the disaster. Workers are cleaning the debris, and patching up damages. Aki goes to the edge and peers down on the water. Though she knows it is unlikely, Aki still half-expects to see Natsu swimming in her usual wetsuit like the old times. However, Natsu seems nowhere to be found. Suddenly, Aki cries "Ouch!" as some kind of object is thrown and hits her on the back. She turns around and sees an uni on the ground. Peering down on the water again, this time, she sees her Grandma. She has indeed been out diving, after all (cue in Natsu's song "Itsudemo Yume wo")! Emerging from the ocean, the Grand Ole Ama happily reunites with her granddaughter in a scene reminiscent of the first time they saw each other. And just like that first time, the other Amas arrive, as well. They are all wearing wetsuits, too. It seems that despite the disaster, nothing can stop these energetic Amas from diving in their beloved ocean. Aki asks Natsu why she has not answered her emails. Natsu then seem to have realized something embarrassing and laughs. She apparently went diving, bringing her cellphone with her inside her wetsuit again (Seems to be the fourth time it has happened). Just like the good old times, Sodegahama's Ama-sans are laughing and chatting once again as Natsu feeds Aki some of her uni catch.
Ep. 138. Afterwards, the Amas are singing and walking along the coast when Aki decides to visit the Ama Cafe. When asked why, she answers, "Because, I miss it." The others try to dissuade her because "there's nothing left" for her to miss. They seem to be protecting Aki from the harsh truth of its current state. No use shielding her from reality, Natsu decides to let her granddaughter see her beloved cafe.
Everyone is silent as they look at the remains of the cafe. Co-op president Osanai joins them as they get inside and inspect the damage. It was full of debris and destroyed equipment, and dirt. The aquariums are gone as well as the fishes. Aki gets on the stage where she and Yui once performed. She discovers the "Shiosai no Memories" billboard sign under the rubble and dirt. Natsu comforts Aki by saying such things happen, that man can forget how arrogant he is sometimes, and underestimates the power of Mother Nature. But Aki remains optimistic. She suggests to bring back the cafe. Ever since the disaster, she says she felt powerless, and does not know what to do with all the problems everyone is facing. But now that she has come home, she realizes something. "Ama Cafe I built was washed away. Only person who can fix it will be me! This is truly the thing I can do, right!?"
The others are skeptical about this idea. One person who is particularly dismissive about it is Yui. She along with Hiroshi just arrived on time to hear what Aki just said. "It's impossible," Yui said. "Since this is reality, it's not something you can "reverse-rotate."
Aki and Yui are later seen alone together (Btw, the scene this time, is reminiscent of the one when Yui declared she wanted to be an Idol). Yui seems to be going to her job at the Rias, and Aki has walked with her to Sodegahama Station. Aki seems wary of Yui's state, wondering if she is fine now, after their weird conversation on the phone on that disastrous day. Yui says not to worry because she has been "at peace" for a while now. That everyone in town had cared and looked after her. She even says she had gotten herself a boyfriend but only shows Aki a strange caricature of him (a cross between a fish and Jimi Hendrix - I wonder if Yui was just trolling Aki?). Yui also claims her way of thinking has changed too, that being an Idol is not important anymore, and that unlike Aki, "I'm not liked by everybody, and I don't have a talent to make everyone smile." Aki tells her that Kitasanriku, "without a doubt" is the best place to be anyway. Yui smiles and makes a new declaration. She shouts into the tunnel that she's never leaving, and will be staying in Kitasanriku forever. "If everyone wants to see me, then they have to come here!" She thanks Aki for coming back before boarding the train.
July 7, 2011. The day of the Umibiraki has arrived. Aki gets up really early and excitedly goes to the Fishery Co-op's temporary office, a prefabricated structure near the coastline. It also serves as the Amas' hang-out for the time being.
Later, the Ama live show starts. Since word has spread that Aki is back (as announced in a new video uploaded by Hiroshi), many reporters and her usual otaku fans have come to see it. Taking advantage of Aki's return, the guys of K3RNSP put up booths selling t-shirts with the group's new name ("K3RKDNSP" = "Kitasanriku o Kindokoso Nantoka Suppe" or "Let's make Kitasanriku work somehow this time around" LOL) with proceeds going to rebuilding efforts. Aki may be peeved with their opportunistic ways but it can't be helped. Besides, the summer of 2011 has begun, and Aki is all fired up to get her first uni after a long long time!
Next: Week 24
Previous: Week 22
Episode Index: Link
Character Guide: Link
"Tsunami warning! Evacuate! Tsunami~!"
Episode Summaries:
Ep. 133. On this 11th day of March 2011, the earthquake strikes at 2:46 pm. Yui, Daikichi and the others who are on board the KitaTetsu are inside the Hatano Tunnel when it happened. Feeling the intense tremors, Daikichi orders the driver to stop the train.
Meanwhile, Aki and the girls are practicing in the Hole when they feel it, too. All the people inside the Tokyo Edo Theater brace themselves during the shaking. They realize it is not just some ordinary earthquake. As soon as it stops, Futomaki checks to see if there are injuries. There is none. The girls are confused and have not yet realized the extent or seriousness of the situation. An hour passes. The aftershocks continue. Having been informed that the epicenter of the earthquake is in Miyagi, Kaoruko and Aki try to call their loved ones in Tohoku but could not connect. Aki in particular tries to call Yui, whom she knows is on her way to Tokyo and must be riding the train.
The KitaTetsu train where Yui is, is still inside the Hatano Tunnel, being rocked by the incessant tremors. Daikichi is waiting for any instructions from the main station but communication is difficult. There is no cellphone signal either. He and the others are cut off from the outside world, and so are not aware of what is happening. He tries his best to calm the passengers down even if he himself is feeling nervous. Then he receives a frantic announcement from Yoshida on the radio. "Tsunami warning! Evacuate! Tsunami~!".
The tsunami is not shown on camera. Instead, it cuts to the next scene showing the damaged diorama inside the Tourism office. The replica of Kitasanriku appears destroyed and covered with bits of broken blue glass, signifying the onslaught of the tsunami. At the theater in Tokyo, everyone is watching the news on TV, probably the live coverage of the tsunami hitting Sendai. They gasp and groan in disbelief and shock. Again Aki tries to call her Grandma but to no avail. A worried Kaoruko has no luck either in contacting her mother in Sendai and all try to reassure her as best as they could.
Hours have passed. The people on board the train car are still waiting. It is a good thing that they are on board a diesel-powered train car, so there's lights and a heater. However, Daikichi knows he cannot wait for any help or news anymore so decides to go out and to see and assess the situation himself. Taking only a flashlight to light his way through the dark, he aims for the end of the tunnel ahead. Apparently, Yui who also has disembarked from the train, is following him from behind. Finally, Daikichi reaches the end and sees the scenery before him. The overpass that is supposed to be there is gone. Instead he sees an unbelievable sight of debris and destruction everywhere. Choking and fighting back his tears, he tries to warn Yui not to look at it. However, it is too late. Yui also sees the aftermath. There is a shocked look of indescribable disbelief on her face..
Over in Tokyo, everyone in the theater remains, including Futomaki. Kawashima and Mizuguchi are searching through the internet emergency forums listing the whereabouts of affected people in Tohoku. They search for any news of Kaoruko's mom.
Meanwhile, Anbe, bringing the girls bowls of tonjiru, tells them to hang in there and to eat up. She manages to cheer the girls and make them smile. Then, Kawashima comes in and tells them they have located Kaoruko's mom. A fan of Kaoruko has left a comment in her blog, informing her that her mom is safe inside a gym in Miyagi. Kaoruko sheds tears of joy and relief. Then, Taneichi also comes in and informs Aki that his call to Isono was able to connect but only for a few seconds. Finally, Futomaki announces the inevitable news: the movie premiere and concert will have to be postponed to a later date. He tells them to go home and to wait for any further developments. But instead of showing any reaction, Aki stoops down on the ground and crawls on the floor, making the others confused (Futomaki: "Amano, is that your home?" lol *shakes head*). She apparently realized one of her misanga has come off and has gone looking for it. She finds it under the table, and breaks in a cheer. "My misanga broke. It means, everyone is safe, right!" Teary-eyed, everyone smiles and nods. Meanwhile, down at the Hole, Aki's phone buzzes. It has received one new email from Natsu.
Ep. 134. Night has come. Since everything is at a standstill (subways and trains have called off operations), Aki and many other Tokyoites have no choice but to walk all the way home. While walking, Aki recalls her phone conversation with Yui a while ago. During the time of that call, Yui, Daikichi and Suzuki-bappa have come out of the tunnel and are on their way to a shelter. Aki was happy to finally be able to connect with her friend but the tone of Yui's voice made her worry. When Aki tried to encourage Yui to still "come over to Tokyo," Yui had said, "I can't go anymore. I'm too scared to go! The path had ended halfway. YOU should come here!" And abruptly ended the call.
Aki arrives home, much to the relief of her parents. Aki also informs the good news that Natsu had emailed her with the message, "We are all fine. Don't worry about us."
The next day, Daikichi, Yoshida, and Hiroshi are among those who are inspecting the tracks. Many of the tracks were twisted due to the earthquake, and lined with debris brought on by the tsunami. Cars were washed away, and roads are blocked so residents resorted to walking along the railroad tracks. Despite the bleak atmosphere, Daikichi insists on running the KitaTetsu, no matter what. "Even if it's just one section, even if it runs just a one stop round trip, even if nobody rides it. Our mission is to resume the service."
So after five days, the KitaTestu resumes operations but only on the line that sustained the least damage, the Kitasanriku-Sodegahama route. The train operates just three rides a day and at a slow pace, but for free, as their way of support for the grief-stricken residents. The day KitaTetsu returns, residents come out to greet and wave at it, happy to see the familiar train back. For them, seeing the train again gives a sense of normalcy and comfort. Natsu, also inspired by the KitaTetsu, starts selling unidon immediately, but manages only to make a few bowls probably due to the lack of uni. Daikichi is touched and happy to see the warm support coming from the residents.
Things are getting back to normal in Tokyo, too. After one month, the Tohoku Shinkansen resumed operations. Yet people are still reeling from the shock of the disaster, and are mindful of the various issues concerning it. At such a difficult time like this, the whole country tries to do away with frivolities, and to save energy, resources, and money (voluntary restraint) out of consideration for the victims. And because of this "voluntary restraint", the movie, "Shiosai no Memory" was discontinued after just one week of release.
One who is particularly shocked and depressed by the disaster is Suzuka, who just could not bear to go back to her work. Being under Haruko's talent agency, she hangs around at Three J office in Setagaya, moping and looking sullen. Her annoyed boss Haruko pleads with her to accept any acting role. "But I feel bad for the people of Tohoku," Suzuka reasons out, glumly. On the other hand, Aki is back working in her kiddie TV show. But this time, instead of the title, "Find it and Break it", it was changed to "Gyogyogyo's Jejejeh!" out of respect to the disaster victims. Meanwhile, Futomaki (seems unperturbed by the failure of his movie project) is making his Idols participate in the Tohoku disaster relief. He does not like to be accused of "self-promotion" but he does admit that he gets irked if his efforts are not noticed. The girls are seen handing out bagels (from his shop "Idol Cafe Futomaki").
Aki, in contrast, has no other work aside from her TV show. Now that her movie has come and gone, she does not know what to do anymore. With respect to what everyone is dealing with right now, she probably deems her accomplishments as an Idol to be insignificant and trivial. Haruko the Narrator: "The world had completely changed. How she lived and felt everyday until March 10th... Aki wasn't able to remember." She goes and have a talk with Taneichi about their plans for Golden Week. Aki says she is not sure if she'll go and visit Kitasanriku for the holidays, since "I'll just be more of a nuisance since I can't do anything (for them)." She also admits that her memories of Kitasanriku are starting to fade. "That's why before I sleep," Aki says, "I try to remember each person's smiling face." She enumerates to Taneichi, each name of the person she loves and knows from Kitasanriku (but forgets to mention Hiroshi, mou~!). "But... the only smiling face I can't remember is Yui-chan's," she admits sadly.
Later, Aki arrives at Setagaya. She looks at her Mom who is busy working at her desk. Then, wordlessly, Aki sits beside her on the office chair. Haruko, sensing something is up, asks her daughter, "What's the matter?" Aki only responds, "Nothing," and goes to her room.
As Aki prepares to sleep, she once again recalls each of the smiling faces of the people of Kitasanriku, one by one...
Ep. 135. While recalling the names of the Kitasanriku townsfolks like she does every night, Aki glances at an empty box of the electric heater/humidifier. It somehow reminds her of Hiroshi whom she had forgotten earlier, and smiles.
The next day, Haruko is still thinking about Aki's strange behavior the previous night. "I guess Aki wants to go back to Kitasanriku after all," she tells Mizuguchi. And Mizuguchi appears bothered after hearing it.
Mizuguchi is indeed troubled. He blames himself for not noticing Aki's inner turmoil. But deep inside he had felt it all along but chose to ignore it. If he did, then all of his efforts and sacrifices (to make Aki an Idol) will have been for naught. From then on, he notices that every time Iwate or Tohoku is mentioned, Aki becomes silent and exhibits a longing look on her face, and feels even more torn...
So he goes to Taneichi to talk to him about it. "Iwate is one formidable foe..." He begins to tells the younger man.
Over at Setagaya, Aki has been emailing Natsu with the message, "You're not going diving this year, are you?" Natsu's only reply is "Don't mind me." Then, Suzuka, who is still in a depressed mood and unable to work, comes in Aki's room. She invites Aki to watch a copy of "Shiosai no Memory" with her. They both end up becoming even more miserable as they watch it again while sobbing and munching on nure-senbei. They agree that it was a waste that the movie did not become popular considering it was really good.
Then, Mizuguchi tells Aki they have received an appearance request from a music program. But that she will sing "Let's Go Back to the Hometown" with GMT5. Aki is surprised but Mizuguchi assures her that both Futomaki and Haruko are fine with this arrangement. Aki then agrees to do it. However, Mizuguchi is actually the one who planned this appearance, and after making a humble request, he was able to persuade Futomaki to use his strong connections to make this arrangement possible. It appears to be Mizuguchi's way of indirectly helping Aki make up her mind about going back home to Kitasanriku...
Apparently, Mizuguchi made this decision after his talk with Taneichi earlier. At first, the manager was trying to ask the younger lad to help him persuade Aki to stay in Tokyo using his love being her boyfriend. However, Taneichi informs him about Aki trying to recall the people of Kitasanriku each and every night. It made Mizuguchi realize that there is nothing they could do anymore... Though it breaks his heart to do so, he has no choice but to give in to what she really wants, or else she will just continue to be unhappy in Tokyo.
So during the recording of the appearance request (which looked like a taped performance), Mizuguchi cannot help but weep as Aki and the girls sing "Let's Go Back to the Hometown." He knows that after this, Aki will realize she wants to go home now... (I was crying too because... it's such a shame...)
True enough, after some time, Aki finally summons up the courage to announce to her parents her desire to go back home to Kitasanriku.
"I'm the only one in Japan who can do Amano Aki!"
Ep. 136. The Kurokawas have an ongoing family emergency meeting at Coffee Shop Idol. Kai and Mizuguchi are nearby, listening as to how this meeting would fan out. Aki explains to her parents how worried she feels about the people of Kitansanriku, and wants to go back there and be with them. As her boss and mother, Haruko scolds Aki in a frustrated tone for being finicky all throughout these years. Aki had went from Ama, Nambu Diver, then an Idol. And now... "You just do anything you want, huh?!... If you quit now, you will only be regarded as a Class B Idol!" But Masamune seems to understand Aki's need to go back, and though sad, he is more willing to let her go. Haruko is irked because it means she will have to uproot herself once again, and go back to Kitasanriku too, with Aki. However, Aki says she's fine with going back alone. She encourages her mom to stay in Tokyo, and to help Suzuka get back on her feet. Haruko then realizes Aki is not just making another whimsical, spur-of-the-moment decision. This one is a more adult, self-less decision, something she has considered for a long time. Haruko and Masamune are teary-eyed, realizing their daughter is finally all grown up. They both give their blessings to Aki.
Then, Aki begins her farewell and thank you greetings to everyone who had helped her in Tokyo. First, to Suzuka...
Though still a bit emotionally fragile, Suzuka has managed to go back to her work. Aki crashes in on the filming set of Suzuka, who is wearing an astronaut costume, to say goodbye and thank you. Though Aki has said goodbye to her before, Suzuka this time, is more saddened to hear it. After all, Aki has grown to be more like the child she never had. Aki says she will not forget all the things the actress had told her ("Though you're not suited to be an actress... to continue, that's talent too"). Aki: "I WILL continue! I'm the only one in Japan who can do Amano Aki!" (I just love this line! It could very well be Nounen Rena who is actually talking here, because no one can play Amano Aki but her :) ). While the song "Let's Go Back to the Hometown" is playing as background music, Aki waves farewell to her "second mother" as they part ways...
Next to say goodbye to is Futomaki and Kawashima. They both wish her good luck. Then, off to Burai Sushi where she thanks Chef Ume for all the kindness he had shown her. Then, she joins Anbe, and the GMT girls including Ayumi (who is now a mother) for a farewell dinner. It seems Taneichi is absent for some reason... Afterwards, before she leaves, they all hug Aki and wish her the best.
Then finally, at the bus terminal, Aki gets ready to board a late night bus bound for Morioka. Taneichi suddenly shows up in time, carrying a box of tamagoyaki with him. He manages to call Aki's attention, and to say goodbye. "Let's bear with a long distance relationship," he says, and gives her the tamagoyaki. It turns out, he was not able to join her and the girls earlier because he was busy making tamagoyaki in the Burai Sushi kitchen. As Aki boards the bus, they both sing "Nambu Diver". They keep on singing even as the bus leaves with Aki inside.
And so, another chapter of Aki's life ends. Inside the bus headed for Tohoku, Aki eats her Senpai's tamagoyaki, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Ep. 137. Dawn has come. Aki is almost at Kitasanriku. From time to time, she sees remnants of the devastation along the coastline through the bus window. She sends a message to Natsu, "I'm almost there. You're not going diving this year, right?" But Natsu does not reply back.
Aki arrives in Kitasanriku. The town looks the same like the first time she came, silent and dreary. But this time, it's even more drearier than before. Except for a few towns folks, no familiar face is around to greet her. Aki first goes inside the Kitasanriku Association office. No one is there as well. The office looks disheveled, full of boxes and relief goods. She sees the miniature diorama of the Ama Cafe on the floor. She picks it up and places it back on Sugawara's beloved broken model of Kitasanriku.
Next, she goes to Kitasanriku Station. Just like the town, it was silent and empty inside, too. Though the train ride is free, she still leaves a 100 yen fare on the sill of the ticket booth, and boards the train bound for Sodegahama. Unbeknownst to her, Yoshida is hiding behind the cardboard cutouts of Aki and Yui inside that booth. He comes out of his hiding place, and calls someone on the phone...
As Aki rides the familiar train once again, fond memories of her time spent in this place come drifting back. Then as she nears Sodegahama station, she hears faint shouts of "Welcome back, Aki!" getting louder and louder. Yoshida finally appears from the back of the train, and greets Aki. It seems he and the other towns folks had set a surprise welcoming party at the station. Aki arrives and steps out of the train and is met with hugs, cheers, and smiles. She looks around for Natsu but for some reason, her grandma is not among the welcoming group.
They all head on to the Amano home. They gather around the hearth, chatting and catching up, while eating bowls of hot mamebu. Aki notices that though they look unchanged, still happy and smiling like the last time, it seems this time "their strength and cheerfulness have increased... Like they're so happy that they're able to laugh. That's what their smiles were like." Then, they update Aki on what transpired after 3/11. Hanamaki and her two girls have lost their house during the tsunami. The Osanai couple also lost their house. They are staying over with relatives and have applied for a housing loan. "But who knows when that'll happen," the Co-op president says with a laugh. Isono has been volunteering in the town's restoration and clean-up, and shows off his jacket signed by famous personalities who visited Tohoku during relief efforts. Kurihara and Yoshida show Aki pictures of their cute baby girl. Their house got flooded, too and due to the shock from the disaster, Kurihara gave birth prematurely. Amidst the warm laughter and food, Aki could not help but wonder about Natsu who has not yet shown up...
Later, Aki goes outside to inspect the shore and to look for Natsu. The scenic coastline of Sodegahama is still recovering from the disaster. Workers are cleaning the debris, and patching up damages. Aki goes to the edge and peers down on the water. Though she knows it is unlikely, Aki still half-expects to see Natsu swimming in her usual wetsuit like the old times. However, Natsu seems nowhere to be found. Suddenly, Aki cries "Ouch!" as some kind of object is thrown and hits her on the back. She turns around and sees an uni on the ground. Peering down on the water again, this time, she sees her Grandma. She has indeed been out diving, after all (cue in Natsu's song "Itsudemo Yume wo")! Emerging from the ocean, the Grand Ole Ama happily reunites with her granddaughter in a scene reminiscent of the first time they saw each other. And just like that first time, the other Amas arrive, as well. They are all wearing wetsuits, too. It seems that despite the disaster, nothing can stop these energetic Amas from diving in their beloved ocean. Aki asks Natsu why she has not answered her emails. Natsu then seem to have realized something embarrassing and laughs. She apparently went diving, bringing her cellphone with her inside her wetsuit again (Seems to be the fourth time it has happened). Just like the good old times, Sodegahama's Ama-sans are laughing and chatting once again as Natsu feeds Aki some of her uni catch.
Ep. 138. Afterwards, the Amas are singing and walking along the coast when Aki decides to visit the Ama Cafe. When asked why, she answers, "Because, I miss it." The others try to dissuade her because "there's nothing left" for her to miss. They seem to be protecting Aki from the harsh truth of its current state. No use shielding her from reality, Natsu decides to let her granddaughter see her beloved cafe.
Everyone is silent as they look at the remains of the cafe. Co-op president Osanai joins them as they get inside and inspect the damage. It was full of debris and destroyed equipment, and dirt. The aquariums are gone as well as the fishes. Aki gets on the stage where she and Yui once performed. She discovers the "Shiosai no Memories" billboard sign under the rubble and dirt. Natsu comforts Aki by saying such things happen, that man can forget how arrogant he is sometimes, and underestimates the power of Mother Nature. But Aki remains optimistic. She suggests to bring back the cafe. Ever since the disaster, she says she felt powerless, and does not know what to do with all the problems everyone is facing. But now that she has come home, she realizes something. "Ama Cafe I built was washed away. Only person who can fix it will be me! This is truly the thing I can do, right!?"
The others are skeptical about this idea. One person who is particularly dismissive about it is Yui. She along with Hiroshi just arrived on time to hear what Aki just said. "It's impossible," Yui said. "Since this is reality, it's not something you can "reverse-rotate."
Aki and Yui are later seen alone together (Btw, the scene this time, is reminiscent of the one when Yui declared she wanted to be an Idol). Yui seems to be going to her job at the Rias, and Aki has walked with her to Sodegahama Station. Aki seems wary of Yui's state, wondering if she is fine now, after their weird conversation on the phone on that disastrous day. Yui says not to worry because she has been "at peace" for a while now. That everyone in town had cared and looked after her. She even says she had gotten herself a boyfriend but only shows Aki a strange caricature of him (a cross between a fish and Jimi Hendrix - I wonder if Yui was just trolling Aki?). Yui also claims her way of thinking has changed too, that being an Idol is not important anymore, and that unlike Aki, "I'm not liked by everybody, and I don't have a talent to make everyone smile." Aki tells her that Kitasanriku, "without a doubt" is the best place to be anyway. Yui smiles and makes a new declaration. She shouts into the tunnel that she's never leaving, and will be staying in Kitasanriku forever. "If everyone wants to see me, then they have to come here!" She thanks Aki for coming back before boarding the train.
July 7, 2011. The day of the Umibiraki has arrived. Aki gets up really early and excitedly goes to the Fishery Co-op's temporary office, a prefabricated structure near the coastline. It also serves as the Amas' hang-out for the time being.
Later, the Ama live show starts. Since word has spread that Aki is back (as announced in a new video uploaded by Hiroshi), many reporters and her usual otaku fans have come to see it. Taking advantage of Aki's return, the guys of K3RNSP put up booths selling t-shirts with the group's new name ("K3RKDNSP" = "Kitasanriku o Kindokoso Nantoka Suppe" or "Let's make Kitasanriku work somehow this time around" LOL) with proceeds going to rebuilding efforts. Aki may be peeved with their opportunistic ways but it can't be helped. Besides, the summer of 2011 has begun, and Aki is all fired up to get her first uni after a long long time!
Next: Week 24
Previous: Week 22
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Character Guide: Link