You're horrible! Why didn't you take them to my room?
Heck, what's the meaning of this?
From Hong Kong, you sent the bags for granted...
...and came back to this house for granted. Exactly what....
...do you mean, please, by, "Heck, what's the meaning of this?"!
That's what I'd like to know.
The person he met last night?
Yeah. The person he met last night?
That person is what kind of person....
A person you don't know. That person is what kind of person....
A person changes when if three years have elapsed.
I came to have a peek at Mr. Seiichi working.
It's Seno....
Waaa....the Emperor has no clothes!
Did we do it? Did we do it? I...
Let's get married.
You are my women for life.
Right.
Marriage is...
...something I don't know well.
...I don' t know well, however....
I planned on telling you when you returned.
Let's get married.
Even a person like me....
...can get married.
(Note: About $0.55 total savings balance. 47 Yen @ 85Yen to $1)
Even a person like me...
...can get married.
Amemiya.
What is it?
Sorry to bug you while you're celebrating. After this, do you have any plans?
My afternoon nap.
I see.
Boss!
Hmm.
Perhaps after this, we're going to book a wedding hall or something?
Wedding hall?
It's fine.
Now, we can also go visit the Meiji Shrine neighboorhood!
We've run out of stock of soy sauce, so I was only thinking of asking you.
I can get married.
Oh, ma'am, ma'am! (Note: Using okusan, polite term to address married women only.)
I'm not....'ma'am'?
I haven't even reserved a wedding hall yet.
It's so you can eat it together and get along better with your husband(-to-be).
Meow! Husband even!
Inexpensive! Special sale today! Hey, hey. How about having a drink with your husband?
Meow! Husband if you say so!
Really~.
Infused with the smell of California.
How did something like this happen?
I wonder how?
I only asked for one thing - soy sauce.
You used all of the $117.65 (10,000 Yen @ 85Yen to $1) I entrusted to you?
No way!
$0.02... (~2 yen)
Only $0.02 out of the $117.65 I handed to you!
Don't you have any sense of thrift?
Beautiful woman are weak when it comes to 'specials sales', 'limited items', and so forth.
'Beautiful woman' are superfluous. That's why your passbook balance has now $0.55 (~47Yen).
Really, it's a hard world now.
The blame isn't because of the world.
Lalala....
Don't you relax! I haven't finished talking to you!
Please write up and present your cash budget diary!
Drink as much beer as I want.
Eat as much sweets as I want.
Read as many comics as I want.
You....!
Want to eat some watermelon?
Without money, by what means will the wedding hall be reserved with?
You also don't have any money?
I don't depend on my bank savings.
Dang.
How about being a little more thrifty?
Anything's fine with me. If I can't have a ceremony, then a simple wedding then.
Don't say something like that.
Don't you have the word 'thrift' in your vocabulary?
Nope.
No?
Up to now, what about saving money?
I thought about doing it, but I couldn't.
Pew!
Damn $0.55 (~47Yen) woman.
Pew!
Really can't get married.
eh?
I can't get married to a woman who can't save.
Pew!
Ah, those are watermelon's bought with my money! Hey!
Saving.
This is it.
Good morning!
Morning.
Please look. In order to save...
...I made boxed lunch for you to take to work.
This one's your's...this mine.
I'm a beautify, thrifty woman from today.
'Beautiful woman' is unnecessary, but value the effort.
Happy!
I'll try my best aiming toward marriage - Fighting!
Come on, you, too. Together!
I'm already a thrifty man.
It's fine. It's fine. Fighting!
(boss) Fight? (Amemiya) Fighting!
Fighting!
A long, long time ago......memories of a long summer...
Grandmom had said...
Fireflies, you know...
...(need) clean waters......and flowing rivers...
...and untouched nature to exist.
...whenever summer draws near, I recall...
...what seemingly could vanish at any moment...
...the small, short-lived light.
Chapter 2
This program was sponsored by 'Kao' and...
...the following sponsors.
Eh? Seno's design?
Yep, renovation of the long-established resort.
The plan that was submitted is in the final competition.
Total budget of $24 million (~2,000,000,000 Yen @ 85Y to $1).
$24 million!?
$24 million?
Isn't that great! $24 million?
Don't be (so) noisy.
That's right. Don't make such a fuss over an amount of $24 million.
$24 million is not a considerable amount of money, don't you agree?
From the $0.55 woman.
Say....
What do you think of "Hikozaemon"?
"Hikozaemon"?
The number of strokes (in the characters) isn't bad.
What are you talking about?
Having a kid.
Izaki! Can we go soon?
Yes!
I'm leaving.
Having a shotgun wedding this year.
This is great, isn't it? Look, you've been wanting a kid
Yea. Well, suppose it's like that.
Oh, Boss. I'm going to the Kamikura construction (site).
Oh, Yamada, have Izaki carry the documents for you. Izaki, go carry them.
Ok. Pardon me.
Hehee. Take care.
Let's go. (Izaki) Okay.
(She) ignored (me).
Seno, it's great to be in the final competition, isn't it.
Yea.
(girl sitting)Please do it. (girl standing) Ok.
What are you up to?
Kid's fair.
What's that about?
It's a shopping district event. In order to increase visiting customers.
Hmm.. Estimated budget?
$5,882. (~500,000Yen at 85Yen to $1)
Wow. Are you sure you can make a profit? Don't work too hard.
Seno. I'm not concerned with whether the budget is big or small...
Regardless of what the work is, I'll try my very best...
Alright. Alright. So noisy.
Say....It's the chairman of the shopping district...
Good day.
Excuse me, but what did you mean when you said the Kid's fair exhibition couldn't be held?
We couldn't collect the money.
The related shops have been non-paying.
Have you decided to suspend it?
Even if the budget is halved, it won't be enough. No way of doing it, right?
I'll pay the cancellation charge, so can you take those with you?
Sorry for the trouble.
Mr. Chairman.
There's no money.... There's no money, but I'll come up with something.
Huh....it came.
You all right? You in poor shape?
I was wrong...
Huh?
Oh. Ah. Fine. I'm fine.
Shall we go?
Ok.
Ah, Yamada. You came?
Yamada, listen to us a bit.
Ah, got turned down again?
Yamada, we're not (competitive) like traditional males.
Still can't get one? A girlfriend. Wanna get a drink?
Perhaps some coffee.
Leaving only the basic event signage...
...the others to be handmade.
Oh, still here.
Ah, what's up?
I'm thinking of going over the final competition submission one last time.
Cause of the $24 million budget. (2,000,000,000 Yen @ 85Y to $1)
The $5,882 kid's fair is different.
I was even told they're calling off the kids fair.
eh?
But it's okay now. I'll do my best.
However, I don't understand it's significance.
Seno. I'm not concerned with whether the budget it big or small...
Regardless of what the work is, I'll try my very best...
Aa. You're chattering gets under my skin, so be quiet.
Next...
...drop the amount of money for goods.
Morning.
Good morning.
Wouldn't you rather have track pants as the company's official uniform?
Why?
I don't have any more clothes to wear.
I don't have money to send them out for dry cleaning.
It's fine if you wash and iron them yourself.
I get sleepy, tired, and it's so troublesome.
Amemiya.
Yeah.
Aiming to get married, the woman who sweared to become a thrifty, beautiful woman notwithstanding...
Oh! That's right...
Not 'That's right!'
A woman like you without money using the dry cleaners - you're ahead of yourself!
Hurry up and iron them!
Fine!
Takebayashi. You'll be with me at 3pm please.
The other three of you, 4pm please.
Thanks.
Boss, regarding the kids fair...
The budget has been revised to half that originally. Here's the budget summary.
When was this?
I stayed after last night.
Essential items are to be obtained inexpensively from internet auctions and so forth....
...and what can be made will be handmade.
After this, I'll talk to the chairman.
Amemiya, I'll go, too.
Ah, wait.... where are you going?
Welcome Mr. Takano.
Please find some suitable clothing for this girl for me.
I certainly will.
Wai..wai..wait.
What's the meaning of this?
Take for example, what kind of partner...
...leaves ironing burn marks, then comes to talk about work?
It's, but, I've set my eye on becoming a thrifty, beautiful woman, so money is...
Enough already! Hurry up and pick!
Mr. Takano.
How do these suit you?
Boss, there are too many zero's.
Enough already! Hurry up and put it on!
Say...
Let's go.
eh? a...right!
I'm floored..
The handmades will be great.
Eh?
Has a homey feeling.
It would have been better if it was like this from the beginning.
If you could, please take care of everything here.
Thank you very much.
Everyone's delighted.
I'm happy, too, dear.
Well, nevertheless, I was struck by Miss Amemiya.
I thought we'd be abandoned at that time we didn't have the money...
...but to be treated with such warmth and care...
Those clothes you're wearing today look expensive.
Nothing but what a proper office lady wears.
Oh, it's nothing. Such a cheap thing like this. hee hee.
If you'll excuse me.
Yes.
It's Yamada.
I can say definitely that the aforementioned $24 million budgeted rennovation plan...
Ah, what about it?
...due to deficient funding, the project itself has been called off.
Sigh...
Seno, keep your chin up!
But I don't feel rather down.
Seno.
What?
Seno, whether a budget is big or small has nothing to do with...
...I always try my best regardless of what kind of job....
Still on that? You're so annoying.
After trying your best, a beer that you have later is delicious.
huh?
Here.
You tried your best so it'll taste delicious.
Later.
Noisy!
Or rather, why does she have a beer at work?
Know anything about my beer?
Why's it so messy here.
I'm sorry.
You drank my beer?
Was thirsty.
The dried mullet roe I ordered directly from the producer.
Got hungry.
Following your hunger, happily drinking and eating it seems.
Where did the thrifty, beautiful woman go?
Ah, I wonder where she went.
Maybe she left for a trip?
Let me help with the kid's fair preparations.
No, it's okay.
It's not only my work, but you'll have to go early tomorrow for mixed business and golf, right?
Go to sleep first.
Make sure you turn the electricity off before sleeping.
Disconnecting the electrical plugs, you can save $0.02588 per day (~2 20/100th Yen)
Ok.
Sigh...
Connecting you to the answering machine.
Won't go through as I thought.
He's not there, so let's give up for today.
Chika?
Finished!
Ah, I'm beat! whew.
ah...
Yes, this is Amemiya.
Oh, Mr. Chairman?
Because you persisted for us...
...I'm also contributing my part...
...so I'm preparing prizes for the kids that participate in the small kids competition.
Iberian pig's really tasty! (Note: Black pig originally from Spain, slow growing and lean, particularly suited for making ham and possessing a rich taste.)
Iberian pig...
I see. Thank you very much.
Yes, I'll leave it up to you.
Oh, opens! Hello~!
Who are you?
Chika, you can't go in on impulse.
oh...
Hello.
Oh, I am...
I know. You living together.
Eh? I have that appearance....
I've listened to him talk often about you.
I was thinking of returning this today.
This book borrowed from Seiichi.
Can I come in?
Chika.
It's ok, but it's a mess.
It's true. A total mess.
Chika.
It's all for work.
But papa's not here.
Papa...
It's only what she calls Seiichi as she pleases.
He's truly not her father though.
Her real father died unfortunately.
In an accident three years ago.
Oh, please sit.
Thank you.
This is all work?
Making it for the kids fair event.
It's a shopping district event.
Oh, come if you like. I'm sure it'll be lots of fun.
Pardon us for intruding at such a busy time.
Mom's really busy at work now, too, right?
I'm starting up a shop.
Oh, you haven't heard.
I've known Seiichi since our student days.
Starting a shop was something I sounded out and he gave me advice on it.
Is that so?
Now, preparations have been enormous.
Without a pause or time to spare.
Today will also be an all-nighter.
Ah, same with me.
I also can't take care of the home like I used to.
It's true, isn't it.
If it's alright with you, here.
For when you're free from work.
It's ohagi (red bean dessert) that mom made. It's delicious.
You made it?
When one get's tired, don't you desire something sweet?
But, right now, work is busy you said.
It's cheaper to make them than buying.
If you'd like, here's some nukazuke. (Note: vegetables pickled in a fermented medium of rice bran and brine.)
I made a bit too much.
Two people can't finish it all so it would go to waste.
Thrifty...
A thrifty, beautiful woman.
I gotta stop. I'm starting to talk one after another like a grandmother.
I apologize.
It's fine.
Tell papa I said hi. If you'll excuse me.
If you'll excuse me.
Amemiya, I hear you're getting married, right?
eh?
Seiichi said he doesn't have plans on living with you like this, taking these small steps (towards marriage).
Ah...right, well.
Congratulations.
Delicious.
I wanted to see papa.
Mama won't meet him anymore.
I must not see him again.
Why?
How about saving for a little bit?
I won't marry a woman who can't save on her own.
I heared Konatsu came? Together with her daughter.
Konatsu...
She wanted to convey to you, Amemiya, that she felt terrible for visiting without warning.
Amemiya...
Why are you referring to me as Amemiya?
Cause you're Amemiya.
Weren't you calling me by my nickname three years ago?
Nickname?
Didn't you call me 'AhoMiya'?
Because you were an idiot three years ago.
You're not an idiot now.
Didn't you say it yourself that you became a fabulous office lady.
As it is, you've grown as an adult, right?
That star is beautiful.
So?
That tiny little star...
Even though small, trying one's best to shine.
Oh, but no longer.
Eh?
Over 230 million light years yonder...
...we're seeing what occured 230 years ago.
That small star....
...probably blew up and faded out a long time ago.
Boss!
What!?
That star is me!
Eh? That star is you?
I haven't faded out.
Even though I'm small, I want to shine.
I want to shine by you forever!
Amemiya...
But...it's hopeless.
It's only natural for me to fade away.
Far from being a thrifty, beautiful woman, I'm much like...
What are you saying? Did the thrifty, economizing woman vanish somehow?
Boss...
Right now, work has gotten hectic...
...I understand if you can't be as thrifty.
It's because I know you well.
Have one.
Here.
Boss.
What's an Iberian pig?
Iberian pig?
I really have no idea what an Iberian pig is.
Bred in the southwest area of Spain...
...a species used for high-grade foodstuffs and for use as pig meat...
....with fat meat that melts in the mouth the moment you eat it...
...and the finest lean meat that's in perfect harmony.
Sounds somewhat fantastic.
Only when you have it in your hands will you value it's high cost.
Do you want to eat it?
It's also abundant with oleic acid... (Note: Triglyceride esters of oleic acid comprise the majority of olive oil.)
...so it's probably good for the body.
You really want to eat it!
It's because I like Iberian pig.
Boss!
What about it?
Oh, nothing.
I'm gonna sting you~ buzzz!
Hotaru! Hotaru!
Ah, it's you!
Bee's butt. A bee?
Bee's butt.
Good luck.
Ok.
See you.
Going already?
Participation prize - 1 pencil.
3rd place - 1 dozen pencils.
2nd place - 2 dozen pencils.
And champion trophy - a befitting present, 3kg of Iberian pig. (Note: ~$60/3kg fresh meat to $150+/3kg for ham and other prepared products.)
Hey! What's that - that look?
You wrote 'bee' yourself, didn't you.
The young children competition will begin.
A young children competition.
You also taking part?
If you run with that costume, won't the kids go crazy?
I'm taking part.
No, I was just joking.
I'm serious.
Are you for real?
What's going on?
She said she's taking part in the young childrens competition.
What?
Welcome! Welcome!
Mr.Izaki!
Seems like Amemiya is entering the young childrens competition.
For what reason?
To make the event more exciting, I suppose, don't you think?
I wonder to what extent Amemiya's zeal for work is?
Hello!
ah...
Today, mom's busy with her shop preparations...
...I asked papa to bring me along.
Papa~ watch me!
Boss, watch me!
I'll be trying my best!
I'll try my best!
Why... is Amemiya....?
Thank you very much for today.
Including preparing the grand prize.
And here's the Iberian pig I've prepared for the prize winner.
Thank you very much.
Iberian pig?
Yeah.
You! Just for the Iberian pig?
Stupid!
On your marks.
Ready!
If I'm able to get the Iberian pig...
...I'll be able to save on the evening meal's side dish.
Boss will also be delighted!
Amemiya, hurry! Go! Go!
Oh? Oh?
I can't go through...
I can't get through. Boss.
It's because I love Iberian pig.
Boss...Boss...
Boss...
Finally, Iberian...
Ouch!
Oh!
Oww.
You ok?
Aa..looks painful. You ok? Can you walk?
Oww.
Here.
Ok? Let's go put on some medicine, ok?
And, we're here.
Yea! Iberian pig!
Enjoy eating it.
Congratulations.
Thanks!
Ok!
Gasp...huf...huff...
O...o..oh!
Amemiya, are you ok? Hey!
Hey, snap to! Hey!
Hey!
Iberian...
Eh?
Pig...
Pig? Amemiya, what about the pig?
Hey! Amemiya, hey!
Hotaru! Hotaru?
Hotaru?
Snap to!
Open your eyes.
Wake up! Hotaru!
Oh, woke up?
Seno, dropped you off.
Here...
My condo.
Your place would be bad?, I thought.
You living together with the boss, right?
Aa.
Sorry.
Na.
Seems you exceeded your endurance in preparing for the kids fair.
Here.
You ok?
Oh, boss?
Ah...bad expectations, it's probably Futatsugi.
Mr. Futatsugi?
Someone came?
Yeah, you know.
Your subordinate mentioned it. One called Izaki.
At the client's 'Kamikura Building'...
You were surrounded by good-looking guys calling out 'Yamada, Yamada!'
Therefore, what?
Nothing. This is for Hikozaemon.
Hikozaemon?
Yea, the kid's name.
Oh.
huh...
What's this for?
Hm?
Futatsugi has a baby?
Ah. Futatsugi doesn't have one. It's me.
Huh?
Or rather, I should say that's not the right answer.
Ah... What should I do.
Mr. Futatsugi is paying the condo loan instead of the alimony for his former wife.
It's deducted monthly from his pay.
Therefore, that guy has no money.
In order to get married, one has to be pragmatic about it.
You may start to think, is there someone better than him?
Yamada, you're...
...a person who's able to smoothly ride out the waves of love, I believe.
But, Futatsugi's wave...
...has overwhelmed you, hasn't it?
ha ha... That's a clever way of putting it, Hotaru.
Even though that guy's definitely not a big wave at all.
I'm pathetic.
But I like that.
The one who provides advice on love...
...I like that trustworthy Yamada, however...
...the one who also thinks about Mr. Futatsugi...
...the Yamada that's worried today about what to do, I like her a lot.
Hotaru.
There's no money, but something can be done.
Really?
ha ha... I guess so. After all, the kids fair was a great success.
I'm home.
Boss.
Fell asleep?
I wasn't able to get the Iberian pig. Sorry.
What did you draw?
What did you just draw?
Just making up for the Iberian pig...
Enough with the Iberian pig.
Are you ok? You collapsed.
It was due to lack of sleep and hunger.
Hunger?
Ah, wait a moment.
Ochazuke.
Don't like it, then don't eat.
I'll eat it!
After eating, make sure you wash and put it away properly.
Going to sleep? Good night.
Good night, AhoMiya.
Eh? What'cha say right now?
For the sake of obtaining the Iberian pig, and you're not even a small child...
...I thought you're an idiot appearing in the small children competition while wearing that costume.
Boss.
Good night, AhoMiya.
Wow! The tea and rice are blended in perfect harmony...
...melting together like Iberian pig.
It's just ochazuke.
It's Iberian pig.
As far as I'm concerned, the ochazuke you made for me is Iberian pig.
Even though I have no money, this is Iberian pig when you are with me.
You~!
What have you drawn on this thrifty, beautiful man's face!
Pig.
AhoMiya!!
I can't thank you enough, and it's not much, but how about these if you like?
It's only good until today.
Bridal dinner?
Yea, and when you go there...
...it's said you will get happily married...
...so here's two tickets.
Please go dinner with someone.
Because we wholesale our Iberian pig there.
Iberian pig.
Go where?
Let's go.
Yea. We'll be able to save on dinner, so we absolutely must go.
Aa. Even if I die, I'll go. Even by myself, I'll go.
What do you mean it can't be helped?
I mean because...
...for our child's sake. For Hikozaemon...
For the child's sake, marry because it can't be helped?
I mean, since Hikozaemon...
Hiko, Hiko. You're so noisy!
As for the kid...
That's enough. I'm going back because of work.
Takano.
Eh?
Understood.
Well then, leave the interior pending to us please.
Yes, thank you very much. If you'll excuse me.
Ahh...
Hm?
You've also been punished once, so you know?
I don't have any self-confidence. Or how far to go to come to grips with this.
Forcibly... to follow me... I'm not the type to say say such a thing.
Here.
For me?
If you eat Iberian pig...
...I was told you can proceed without fail with having a happy marriage.
So you think I appear like those omen-believing, pretty women?
Yes. So if you'd like, please go.
Here.
Sigh...
By yourself?
Why are you here?
Same with you.
This is the last place you'd come.
This place you say...
Same with you, so what.
Hm? Well...
I heard one can get married happily if they come here.
Oh.
So you want to get happily married?
Very.
You?
As for me, I don't want to get married if there's no other choice.
sigh..
I was wrong about the kid.
It was due to stress, not because I got pregnant.
Eh?
So there's also no more Hikozaemon.
Don't worry.
I do care.
No way I couldn't care.
Because I...you are...
Well....someday you...
...can get happily married. It's something I wish for.
Hmmm... You should wish for your own happiness.
If you're happy, then I'm happy.
Cheers.
ha ha... I thought you'd cry.
Hikozaemon ...
I wasn't talking about that!
Goro goro...
What happened to the bridal dinner?
More fun being at home.
As for you, what did you do?
Couldn't go by yourself like you said?
I... it's because my thrifty, beautiful woman returned from her trip.
You also finished your work on your own...
...so I expected you to gradually recover.
Thrift. Thrift. Thrift.
Ah! That's right!
Most of these stained with the drippings of beer and snacks are unacceptable.
Ok. Here's your receipt and money.
Thank you. I'll come again.
Art of Extreme Savings
I see. You sold your used books...
For $6.82. (~580 Yen)
And, you bought this book on your way back.
For $8.00. (~680Yen)
That wasn't being thrifty.
Instead, did you go into the red by $1.18? (~100 Yen)
Ah. But, but, but...
But owing to this book, I can learn how to save.
If you float plastic bottles in the bath, the quantity of the spread-out hot water (needed) is reduced, thus economizing.
Ah. You can do it if you try. (Note: Dubious. Most waste is due to heat loss from uncovered, filled baths, or inefficient water heaters.)
But thanks to drinking too much tea and juice...
...my tummy's sloshing about.
You didn't think this would be costly?
Oh!
This thrifty bum!
Yes, hello.
Ah. I discovered a delicious Iberian pig shop so I want to take you there.
Wondering if you want to go eat?
Really?
Where are you going?
I'll also put your portion in a plastic container when I get it to bring it back.
Seno said he'll treat me to Iberian pig.
Seno?
I'm going!
Oh, wait!
Your bill.
Bill?
Starting from the watermelon, the cost of the clothes, the beer, to the dried mullet roe I ordered, and everything else.
$1,177? (~100,050 Yen)
You expect me to pay this total amount?
Naturally.
It's okay if you pay me $0.55 every month as a loan. (47 Yen)
Yeah, yeah. Seno is waiting for me, so see you later!
Hey!
Iberian..Iberian...Iberian...
Iberian...Iberian..!
Welcome.
Thanks for waiting.
So you came, piggy.
Yep. I'm an Iberian.
ha ha ha ...