Father's Back
subs: maboroshinohikari
Oyaji no Senaka
Scriptwriter: Mitani Koki
How is it going?
Well...
Could you tell me honestly?
The situation hasn't really changed.
I see...
But... that means it is not progressing, right?
Well, yes.
So, am I right to think my condition is not that bad?
The fact that it's not improving despite the treatment is not a good sign.
So, what now?
Prostate cancer progresses very slowly.
Still, we mustn't underestimate it.
Kitabeppu-san, in your case
the cancer has started spreading to the surrounding tissues.
It's a "locally advanced cancer".
What an unpleasant name!
How about we proceed as we have thus far?
With the endocrine therapy, alias hormone therapy.
We'll continue with the radiation therapy at the same time, and keep monitoring you.
I won't have surgery?
Well, it is possible to perform a laparotomy and remove the prostate.
Laparoscopy is also possible. Making about 5 small cuts in the abdomen...
Let's just monitor the situation.
Well, actually, it's a bit too late to operate on you.
If we just keep monitoring,
don't you think I might be beyond cure?
Sensei, could you tell me the truth?
Will I recover?
Ah! I wished you'd answer without hesitation!
I can't assure you of that.
I'm done for?
All I can say now is that your cancer is at a relatively early stage.
So I believe we can still make it.
I think I've already told you this. My son is only 8 years old.
For some reason, I'm raising him single-handedly. No matter what, I cannot die now.
Let's do our best.
I wonder why...
Why is this happening to me?
This is just between you and me...
In the sex industry, there's a thing called "prostatic massage", you know...
I know this silly producer
who really likes that stuff, despite his old age.
And I actually accompanied him once.
Could that be the cause of my cancer?
Maybe I got infected that time, or something like that...?
- That's impossible. - Impossible?
That "prostatic massage" has nothing to do with your cancer.
Please forget it, then.
Oh, it's in Japanese?
You don't use German terms, huh...
(Many of the terms used in medicine in Japan come from German)
To each his own.
And these days most doctors use computers, don't they?
I just can't get used to computers. I stick to handwriting.
You'll receive radiation treatment today, won't you?
- Sure! - Okay.
Um, Sensei...
After the treatment, I feel awfully lethargic.
The RT for prostate cancer doesn't cause sluggishness.
Sometimes I feel dizzy.
It must be all in my mind, huh?
I think so.
Well, perhaps you should get some rest after the treatment.
I will.
- Do you have to work later? - No, I don't.
Very well.
By the way,
how about the swelling?
The swelling?
You're an actor, Kitabeppu-san.
I was wondering if...
the hormone therapy would cause you trouble at work.
I think there's no swelling, though.
Do I look puffy?
Kitabeppu-san. If you please...
Sure.
Kitabeppu-san, if you please
Ah?
Sensei...
Excuse me, do you have a minute?
I wish you stopped calling me "Sensei".
Kitabeppu-san, this is against the rules,
but could we take a photo with you? The other day we didn't make it.
Of course we can.
Thank you so much!
I really hope you'll give another public reading.
- Did you like it? - I was awfully moved.
And our patients enjoyed it as well.
Yup. Everybody said you were fantastic.
- I'm so glad. Was it really good? - Yes!
Sometimes we read aloud to the patients, too.
But they all said you were something else. Right?
Yeah!
- Well, then, I'll do it whenever you like. - Huh? Really?!
You always take good care of me, so let me repay your kindness.
But we can't pay you much?
I'll do it as a volunteer, of course. What do you take me for!
One more, then.
Yay!
- Will you send these to me? - Sure!
Kitabeppu-san, you have a son, right?
Torao. He's 8 years old.
And he's so cute!
Do you read aloud to him?
Read to him? I've never done that.
How come?
Well, you see...
My son doesn't know that I'm an actor.
Really?
It's kind of embarrassing, I guess...
- And I haven't done anything decent lately. - That's not true.
So what does he think you do for a living?
Who knows. Perhaps he's never thought about it.
See you!
Thank you for the photos!
Ah?
Hello? This is Otsu speaking. Yes...
We've just finished here.
No mobile phones inside the hospital!
I'm sorry. I forgot...
- Excuse me. - Yes?
- Are you perhaps shooting a drama? - Yes.
- A medical drama? - Yes. Sorry, I have to go now.
Kitabeppu-san?
It's Kitabeppu-san!
I'm Ueda of Tokyo Costumes.
Oh, right! Ueda-chan, long time no see!
What a surprise!
I'm surprised too.
Hey, you've become quite pretty.
I got married.
Yeah, you have that kind of aura! Congratulations!
- Thank you very much. - Wish you every happiness.
- We've been filming here, you know. - I see.
Yakusho Koji-san was here too.
(Japanese actor. He played Mitsushima Hikari's father in episode 2)
Koji and I were together at Mumei-juku.
(?Studio for Unknown Performers?, a Japanese acting school)
This was Yakusho-san's costume.
He was playing a crazy doctor.
Would've loved to see him!
What're you doing here today?
Today?
Well, today... I came to see a friend who's been hospitalized.
Kitabeppu-san, not playing in dramas these days?
I'd love to, but I've been focusing on stage plays recently.
I don't dislike TV dramas, though.
Kitabeppu-san? no, never mind.
- What is it? - Nothing.
What is it? I'm so curious.
Have you gained some weight?
Ueda-chan! What're you doing?!
- The van is leaving already! - Sorry!
- You should go now. - Bye!
Maybe I'm puffy?
Ueda-chan!
Ah?
- What?! - What?!
- Dad! - Why on earth are you here?
I've just paid the bill.
- Yoshino-sensei... - Ah! It's Torao-kun's father!
What happened?
I've tried to call you a while ago, but I couldn't get through...
Right, I saw the missed call and was wondering what happened.
- Well, Torao-kun got injured. - Huh?
He crashed into the vaulting horse during PE class.
Hey...
He's just taken an X-ray and there's no bone fracture.
What were you thinking, son?
- Are you all right? - Yup, I'm fine.
Crashing into the vaulting horse... you're so silly!
Anyway, I'm so glad it's only a scratch.
- I'm sorry he caused you trouble. - Not at all.
Today you should just go home and get some rest, okay?
- Yes. - Thank you for everything.
- Dad? - Mm?
Why are you here?
- Huh? - How come?
That's a good question. I was unable to inform you, so how...?
Oh, right!
I've never told you, have I.
Actually, I work at this hospital.
- What? - Your dad is a doctor!
I'm a veteran here.
I kept it a secret from my son.
I didn't want him to boast at school.
- What's your major? - Urology.
May I talk to you?
Pretend I'm a doctor.
- But... - Please play along with me!
- Well, but... - It's a long story.
- I'll tell you everything another day. - Okay.
I'll take care of him now. You may go, Sensei.
So I can leave him with you? I have to go back to school...
- Sure. - Thank you so much.
Oh, right! Your wife, well...
I phoned Torao-kun's mother earlier, since I couldn't get in touch with you.
- Maybe I shouldn't have done that? - You did nothing wrong.
Good-bye.
Sensei is going back to school.
Still, what a surprise!
Who would've thought to see you at this hospital.
Maybe we're joined by the red string of fate.
Oh, right! Shall we have lunch before going back home?
The cafeteria's curry rice is quite tasty.
- Dad? - Mm?
- Say... - What is it?
- Can I take a look? - At what?
At your hospital.
Mm?
Since you're here, shall I give you a tour?
- Yup! - Follow me.
- Ah, good morning. - Good morning.
Hello. Take care.
This is the Radiology Department.
We treat most diseases using radiation.
After all surgery is an outdated treatment.
It's quite hot today, huh...
- What? - Huh?
Oh, girls! Let me introduce you my son.
- Ah, Kitabeppu-san's son! - Hey!
- You have to call me "Sensei", ladies. - What?
Politeness always comes first.
Call me "Sensei".
Sensei?
Torao, greet them.
I'm Kitabeppu Torao.
Hello, nice to meet you.
Your father is always very kind to us.
Today he's on a school field trip. Right?
Well, see you later.
It's crooked.
Ah?
Hey, Dad?
What is it?
You're a doctor, so how come you're never busy?
What're you getting at?
I mean, you're always home.
That's not true.
You're always napping when I return from school.
That only happens when I'm on night duty at the Emergency Center, son.
I go to work when you're asleep and return home in the morning.
So please, at least let me take an afternoon nap!
- You had no idea, right? - I didn't know.
Sensei! Excuse me!
Wait here. What is the matter?
- I'm about to give birth! - Huh?
- I think my waters broke. - Oh, my...
- I'll take care of you now. - Okay.
Someone!
Hey, you!
Take it.
Her waters broke. Take her to the OB/GYN Department.
Can you stand? Okay, do it slowly.
- Don't overstrain yourself. - Slowly, take your time.
- Are you her husband? - How can you joke at such a moment!
- Whatever, let's go! - Yes!
Slowly, okay?
Right, very well.
Relax, calm down. It'll be all right.
- What? Kitabeppu-san? - Perfect timing!
Furugori-kun, take this woman to the OB/GYN Department.
- I will. - I'll leave it to you. - Okay.
Give birth to a beautiful baby.
Sensei, thank you so much!
Let's go.
- Are you okay? - Yes.
Slowly, okay? Right, you're doing great.
I'm going to the toilet. Wait for me here.
'Kay.
Ah?
Shall we go?
A joint conference for surgeons, internists, and urologists is about to begin.
Please gather in the conference room.
What is it?
Mm? You see, a conference is...
well, something like a meeting.
Don't you have to attend?
Did they say "urologists"?
They did.
Can't be helped, then. I'll attend.
Come in.
Hello, everybody! Good to see you.
This is my son.
Sit down here.
Hi.
Um...
Aren't you Kitabeppu-san?
Ah, hello.
Um... our conference is about to begin, so...
Oh, yes. I know.
Well, only doctors are allowed to attend, you see.
Huh? My son can't stay here?
Well, not just your son, I mean...
He's on a school field trip, and is a quiet boy.
That's not what I meant?
Well, then... let's start this conference.
I'm sorry I'm late.
What are you doing here?
- Furugori-kun... - You can't stay here.
- Is this your seat? - That's not the point.
That's my son.
Hello.
Kitabeppu-san...
Can't be helped, huh...
Well, everyone. Before this meeting begins,
I would like to tell you something.
What's the most important thing to be a doctor?
It's not the technique. It's the heart.
The ability to communicate with our patients.
We shall always be on the patients' side.
The recent progress of medical science is a wonderful thing.
However!
I think we need to go back to the starting point now.
That's all I wanted to say.
I promised my son we would eat curry rice, so I will take my leave now.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Let's go.
Um? well, then, let's start this conference.
Are you sure?
I can't stand all those formalities.
- Dad. - Mm?
You were cool!
Really?
You were awesome!
Excuse me. I am looking for the Emergency Room.
My son was brought here a little while ago...
That's Mom.
Thank you very much.
Get inside.
This is where I work.
Wait a sec.
Excuse me!
Yes?
Oh, Sensei!
Aw, don't call me "Sensei". "Kitabeppu-san" is totally okay.
Kitabeppu-san.
Where's Furugori-sensei?
I think he's attending a conference now.
Could I wait for him here?
Do you need something?
I want him to meet my son.
Come in, quick.
Quick!
I always do my best in this room. Right?
Yes. Your father always does his best.
Ah, would you like me to take a picture of you two?
Nice idea! Please do.
Huh?
Come here.
Ah, Kitabeppu-san, move a little bit to?
As I said earlier, you have to call me "Sensei".
What?
Politeness always comes first.
I'm sorry...
Here we go. Ready, go.
Thanks.
We'll stay here for a while, you can go now.
Go and do your job.
Call me if you need anything.
Okay.
That photo...
It was taken when all the urologists of Japan got together and had a barbecue party.
- And you, Dad? - Mm?
Where are you?
I'm not there.
Because I took the photo.
How about this one?
It was taken at the National Speech Contest for Urologists.
I took this one too.
That's what the inside of a penis looks like.
Interesting, isn't it?
Want to take it home?
It'd be strange to have it at home!
Yeah, I guess!
(8562: Kitabeppu)
Prognosis : death within 1 year...
- Hey... - What?
Say, Torao... do you have a dream?
- I do. - Oh, you do!
Tell me what it is.
No way...
Tell me!
I want to be like you, Dad.
Like me?
I'll do the same job as you, Dad.
Oh, son?
You've just said something great!
I did?
But it'll be tough, kid!
Sometimes our job consists in waiting.
When there's no work, you have to be patient.
In the meantime, your companions become more and more popular.
Then they appear on TV programs, and star in movies.
It's more than just tough.
You get impatient and anxious.
Actually, you know the reason you don't get job offers.
You just don't want to admit it.
Oh, well...
Sometimes I examine actors who worry about that sort of things.
Do you think you can do it?
Of course I can.
Come here.
Ah, Kitabeppu-san...
Ah, hello. Sorry for intruding.
What are you doing here? What is that white coat?
Is there any problem?
More than just one, actually. Tell me what is going on.
- This is my son. - Yes, you've already said that.
- Let's go. - Wait, Kitabeppu-san!
Excuse me!
Something strange is going on. It certainly is.
- Dad! - It's all right, don't worry.
- Ah? - Torao!
Mom!
- Are you OK? - I'm all right.
I got such a fright when Yoshino-sensei phoned me!
I left an important meeting to come here.
Anyhow, Torao is fine, so don't worry.
- Are you really OK? - I am.
Thank goodness.
Say... what's that?
What?
Why are you wearing that coat?
I can't?
If you wear a white coat here, they'll think you're a doctor. It's misleading.
Stop talking nonsense!
- What? - Why shouldn't a doctor wear his white coat?
Why shouldn't I wear a white coat?
Come with me.
Pretend I'm a doctor before the kid.
- Are you stupid? - Just play along with me.
- No way! - Please!
- You haven't told him yet? - Tell him what?
When are you going to tell him? That you're an unsuccessful actor.
- "Unsuccessful" was superfluous. - You can't keep it a secret forever.
Who cares about the future!
- You haven't changed at all. - What do you mean?
You're still a conceited, big liar.
Most men are that way, you know.
- But you're something else. - Well, sorry about that.
You have your good points as an actor.
But your character is the ruin of you.
Oh?! So you appreciate me as an actor, huh?
Didn't I tell you? I don't dislike you.
Then give me some work every now and then.
How can you say that! You always decline when I offer you a job.
- Even last month... - That was...
You turned it down because it was a small part.
Your career as an actor is over forever!
- My schedule was too tight. - Putting on airs again...
I didn't say I was busy with work.
You're still undergoing the treatment?
At the Radiology Department of this hospital.
How is it going?
It's a see-saw battle.
Then... I'll take care of Torao for the time being.
- Nonsense! - It must be tough for you.
I can take care of him now...
You up and abandoned him. Are you kidding me?
I'll raise Torao. That's what I decided.
- Think of his happiness... - How dare you say that!
Anyways, right now I'm a doctor.
Got it?
And so, Torao and I
have been touring the hospital.
You were so lucky they brought you to Dad's hospital.
He really was.
Well, you can leave now.
Oh, right! Ask them to take you for a ride in the ambulance, Torao.
The ambulance?!
You see, your dad can do anything he wants here.
Because he's the most esteemed doctor.
Okay, that's enough.
- Kitabeppu-san. - Ah?
What exactly are you up to?
This is my ex-wife.
- A family reunion? - Hello.
- What is that white coat? - Is something wrong with it?
You're not a doctor, so why?
- Come with me. - What is it?
- Just follow me. - Kitabeppu-san! - We need to talk.
I have no idea what you're trying to do, just stop pretending to be a doctor!
Look who's talking!
Dad... is not a doctor?
Why do you ask?
Because just now...
But Dad... told you he's a doctor, didn't he?
You don't believe what he told you?
Say, Torao...
You've gotten taller?
Dunno.
I'll drive you home, if you like.
Want to leave with me?
No, I'm going home with Dad.
I see.
Please!
I'm begging you as man to man!
Please help me!
Please, I'm begging you!
Still... you can't keep lying to your son forever, can you?
It's okay. I don't care
if, many years from now, he finds out it was a lie.
But now... right now...
I want to be a father he can respect!
I know I'm talking nonsense.
In the end I'm just a selfish man.
I know.
But...
At least while I'm alive,
let me be a cool dad, Sensei!
Kitabeppu-san, you...
- Sensei! - Ah, Kitabeppu-san!
- Are you OK?! - Looks like he's not.
Are you all right?
Sensei...
Come in.
You can join us, if you like.
OK. Please stop pretending you're a doctor now.
I am busy.
I don't have time to play this game with you.
Take off that coat.
Take it off!
It actually suited you.
But don't ever do this again.
- Nonomiya-kun, this shall be washed. - Very well.
I'll do it.
Then, Furugori-san.
Prostate cancer progresses very slowly.
Your cancer has started spreading to the surrounding tissues.
It's a "locally advanced cancer".
You will undergo a hormone therapy.
Alias... err...
- Endocrine therapy. - Exactly!
We'll do a radiation therapy at the same time.
Then, we could perform a laparotomy.
Your cancer is at an early stage, so we can operate on you.
We'd make an incision in your tummy and remove the prostate.
Or we could make about 5 small cuts in your abdomen...
- A larapo... - Laparoscopic surgery.
Yes, that's another option.
Furugori-san, you shall decide what to do.
I'll leave it to you, Sensei.
I see. Then...
- We'll operate on you. - Huh?
Get ready for the surgery.
Don't worry.
My ex-husband is the best surgeon in Japan, they call him "Hands of God".
- You, too... - Get ready for the surgery.
Certainly.
Take care of him.
This way, please.
Well, do you want to watch?
Call your dad's name.
Hands of God!
Honey... do your best.
You better not touch me. Am I making myself clear?
Your dad..
was really cool.
Okay, let's do another check.
Do you have any evidence that I'm lying?
Morioka! Go and call Kitabeppu-san.
We're doing a camera rehearsal soon!
Starting camera rehearsal!
Kitabeppu-san, we're ready to begin.
I'm coming.
I'm off.
Kitabeppu-san, if you please.
Kitabeppu-san, if you please
Scriptwriter: Mitani Koki
Kobayashi Takashi
subs: maboroshinohikari
Yoshida Yo
Horiuchi Keiko
Sakai Wakana
Kinami Haruka
Akimoto Sayaka
Seto Catherine
Suda Ryuga
Yashima Norito
Oguri Shun
Kohinata Fumiyo