His marriage is off?
Best be careful. Loneliness is chained to that.
I just want to cheer him up as an old friend. That's all.
You can't just settle things by saying it was the "marriage blues."
If it was the marriage blues, shouldn't you forgive her?
You shouldn't just cut that hard-earned red string of yours.
Since someone gave her a bouquet, she wanted to give them a bouquet in return.
If there is someone you feel is important to you...
...I'm sure that person thinks you're important to them.
My mother wouldn't understand it, even if I did send her flowers.
I think your feelings would reach her.
Whatever color the string is, I think as long as it leads to somebody...
...you won't be lonely.
That's not a very feminine look.
I wonder why? Could you call it a feeling of belonging?
That even if I don't get married, I won't be lonely?
Don't get me wrong.
Giving that to you doesn't come with the meaning that you can stay here forever.
I know that.
You should leave as soon as you've fixed on someplace to go to.
Yes. I understand that, too.
And your room, too.
It's become cluttered with all of your things.
Don't just bring your personal belongings out into the living room.
Yes, I understand.
What is it?
You have an appetite, don't you?
Not really.
Just coffee alone is fine for me.
Don't feel reserved. Eat up, eat up.
No. Coffee alone is fine in the mornings.
But you see...
Working in a flower shop? It may not look it, but there's lots of manual labor involved.
- That's why... - Um, Haruko-san.
If all you do is talk, we'll be late.
I don't believe this.
We can just barely make it in time.
Ah!
Ah, the bike key, the bike key!
Ah, yes.
- Close the windows, too. - Eh?!
Haruko-san.
Huh?
We need to hurry up.
Here goes!
Now then. There are currently rumors about a marriage shortage.
Other than the single people themselves...
...there are those who are very keenly aware of this recent phenomenon.
Who do you think they are?
Is it politicians?
Given the situation, they sense an impending crisis...
...where a declining birthrate accelerates, causing the pension system to collapse.
That may be so.
No, it's the wedding industry.
Because weddings are a matter of life and death to them.
Yeah. That certainly would be a problem for them, wouldn't it?
Ah, I know. It's Professor Tanizawa, too, isn't it?
That's right. Why else would you press these lectures on us every week like this?
Thank you.
All of your answers are correct.
However, I wonder if you've forgotten those people?
That generation of parents with children who are single.
They raise money to enroll their children into matrimonial agencies...
...so they can go on Omiais with the children of fellow parents like themselves.
Modern marriage is a matter of free will between the persons in question.
But, what those people get are merely glimpses from the sidelines.
Well then...
...just who on earth is this marriage thing for?
It's finally appeared. A tour plan to help parents search for marriage partners for their children.
Incredible, isn't it?
What kind of parents would arrange for a 1 night stay-over trip for their children to have an omiai?
I wonder what kind of parents would fill out this sort of application?
There's no way such parents could exist.
- My parents would! - Eh?!
Truth is, when they came to Tokyo recently, they were crying.
"How are you going to become a bride while working in the city," they asked.
Ah, that's true.
"Everyone back in the country has hurried and gotten married already."
I started wondering if it's a bad thing for me to remain single, so I got kinda depressed at that.
I feel that, too. This mysterious sense of guilt.
I wonder if it's from turning down that omiai the other day?
Anyhow, I've got to cancel this.
But it might be...
...that being single could become a crime in our society.
- Eh!? - Eh!?
"Anti-marriage Counter-plan Have Unmarried People Pay a 'Single's tax'?" A tax on singles?!
Isn't that exactly like a fine? That's a foul!
That's not far from being a red card!
I'm not the one saying it, you know.
If it comes to having to pay a fine, then I'm gonna get married right away.
And then my parents, society and Morita won't have anything to complain about, right?!
Mariko-san, calm down. What I'm saying is that I'm single, too.
Ah...
Just for who's sake is marriage for?
Ah, it's Mom.
- Hello? - Chiharu, have you heard?
Chinatsu is saying she's calling off the wedding ceremony.
Eh?
Strange, isn't it?
We're too embarrassed to face the world, right?
Yeah. Sorry.
Mom, I have to open up here soon. I'll call back later.
Tanaka-san. You have a guest.
Chinatsu.
What's going on?
Say, Sis. Just for who's sake is marriage for?
Eh?
For who's sake...
Tokimeki no kaze ga fuitara If a thrilling wind blows
Sono kimochi oritatande Fold that feeling up
Kowagarazu ni tobashite goran And set it flying without fear
Shinjite... koi wa kami hikoki Just believe... love is a paper airplane
Heiwa Fansubs Presents: Kekkon Shinai - Unmarried
My marriage isn't for Mom's sake.
Episode 4: "Single = Undutiful? But The Unmarried Woman's Big Struggle!"
That doesn't seem like Mom.
Saying it's no good unless you have a proper wedding ceremony is too strict for her somehow.
Isn't it?
I was thinking it'd just be fine to have some drinks with friends.
And yet Mom...
She doesn't understand who's sake this marriage is for.
I'm the one getting married, not Mom.
But Chinatsu, haven't you been saying recently you would have a proper wedding ceremony?
You had even decided to re-dye your dress.
I changed my mind. I don't feel the need for such exaggerated things now.
I only intend to have a light gathering of friends at the end of the month.
Eh? That's awfully soon, isn't it?
Anyhow, I just want to have it settled as quickly and simply as possible.
Ah. Ah.
Here, here. You spilled right away, geez.
Oi, Junpei.
There.
- Big brother, you too. - Oh, thank you.
Ah, Ryohei-kun.
- You're really handsome. - Ah, Uncle.
Hello, it's been a long time.
- You're in charge of the Shanghai branch now? - Well...
Ah... Just what you'd expect of a company man for a world-wide trading company.
No, no. That's not true. Geez.
And you've got a beautiful wife.
And an adorable son. So don't say that.
Junpei, how about you? Aren't you married yet?
No.
That's no good. Emulate your big brother here a little.
Eh? What is it you're working at now?
At a flower shop, as a part-timer.
A part-timer? You shouldn't be a part-timer at your age, should you?
Now, now Uncle.
Even if it is part-time work, it still seems to be fine work with plenty of responsibilities. Right?
Still, you can't get married on a part-time job's wages, can you? Right?
Eh?
Ah. That reminds me...
About Yuki-chan.
Is it true she's going to Britain to study?
- Well, that's right. - That's incredible, isn't it?
As her parents, we're struggling to come up with the funds for it.
I've been patiently enduring not being able to play my daily pachinko for half a year now.
Don't go cold turkey like that.
Well, she's a smart one, like me. Don't want to let her go, though.
If you aren't going to use them anymore, it'd be better to toss them out, huh?
I say that...
...but they haven't cleaned them out either, have they? Neither Dad nor Mom.
Thanks for earlier.
Ah.
You could have given him a little more of the essentials too, you know.
Still, I think it's reasonable for Uncle to have said that.
I guess.
But...
...I think this is fine.
I think you really want to do whatever you can in painting.
But...
...if you're only going to do it halfway, you should stop and not worry Dad and Mom like this.
Reassure them. They're both at that age, after all.
I think this'll absolutely be impossible.
But it's hard for me to deal with Mom like she is.
And I finally got a duplicate key at long last.
Please. Just for tonight.
Even if Yo-chan came over, it'd likely get just extra confusing.
I guess I can't, I can't.
Because Haruko-san's basis is that she's someone who likes being alone.
Even if it is just overnight...
...it's impossible.
Hmm...
Because Sis can't get married...
...do you understand all our family's expectations about getting married and giving birth...
...have been put upon me?
Yeah... I guess.
Since you understand that, try atoning a little.
I have to atone?!
Yes.
Sure.
Are you sure?
Thank you very much! Excuse my disturbance.
Whaa... You have a terrace here. Can I look at it?
Of course, of course.
Excuse me.
Somehow, you're kinder towards Chinatsu.
To a mother...
...not being able to rejoice at her daughter's marriage together...
...just shouldn't be done.
Eh?
Look at me. Because I wasn't able to make my own mother's dream come true.
It's best to take the time...
...and discuss it with your parents. I'm sure of that.
Haruko-san...
We can barely get 2 futons in here.
No complaints.
Isn't this like a camping trip? Look, like when we went to Kamikochi.
Ah.
I still have that matching set we bought.
Eh?
Here!
Sis, you really like such things, don't you?
I'm not an active collector of them at all anymore.
I went and lost the one I'd bought for Dad right away.
But you wouldn't give me yours, no matter how hard I cried.
You said you wanted it, so that's the reason I didn't want to give it to you.
Back then I was saying I would become Dad's bride.
Right? Chinatsu really wanted to become a bride, huh?
I wonder if girls still embrace the dream of becoming brides?
Once they become adults, they have to become much more realistic though.
- Right? - Right?
But once you've gotten married and become a mother...
...it's then that your dream might become of your own children getting married.
Yeah.
Why don't you try talking with Mom one more time?
Thank you, Sis.
But I'm not having a wedding ceremony.
Goodnight.
Good night.
What happened with your parent's marriage partner search tour?
Ah. I talked them out of it, but they've still got it stuck in their heads.
"A wedding isn't just for you, it's for your parents, too," they said.
That's true.
I guess marriage is a public thing.
- Public? - Public?
Yes. I think marriage is intended towards the outside world.
You could say it's a procedure in which you gain the trust of society.
Particularly for men, their bosses tell them they have to support their families as adults.
That's true.
Look. In the event you get married...
...you have to make sure and report it to both the government as well as your company, right?
Ah, that's true.
You don't have to report it when you're just in love or if you break up.
That's why marriage is such a pain.
Yeah, it's a major pain.
Yeah.
Ahh... I wonder if I can just live with someone without getting married.
That's true.
But you do have to have someone, you know.
Morita?
Ah, well, I'm sorry.
Ah, my grilled ginger!
If it was just for my sake, that would be fine.
Welcome...
Ah, hello.
Hello.
Have you decided to give your mother a bouquet of flowers?
Um...
Is there one that wouldn't be too noticeable?
Huh?
How do I put it? One that wouldn't attract attention...
...or one I wouldn't have to worry about.
One that wouldn't leave a lasting impression...
In that case, the bouquet wouldn't have much meaning.
That's true.
Um... This may seem forward of me...
...but could it be you're embarrassed about having to carry a bouquet around?
Yes.
Um, in that case, we can have it wrapped so that it can't be seen from the outside.
- Really? - Yes.
In that case, please enter our store and take your time picking out your favorites.
I should. Well then.
Come in. Please take your time.
Inside our store, you'd be very unlikely to meet anyone you know.
Welcome.
- Professor?! - Professor?
You're...?
Yes. I take your Modern Sociology class.
- From Mai-chan's university? - Yes.
Ah... I'm sorry.
Ah, no. You don't have to apologize.
Um, what about the bouquet?
This will do it for today.
A bouquet?!
Eh, Professor. Are you sending flowers to someone?
Please allow me to make a nice bouquet for you. Please wait just a minute.
I'm sorry.
No. You don't have to apologize.
She's choosing flashy ones.
We won't be able to hide those.
I'm so sorry.
Ah, thanks for your hard work. I'm in a bit of a hurry.
- Another Go-kon? - I'm going to find a bridegroom today.
My own partner, by myself.
Good luck.
Bye.
Yes, hello?
Is this Tanaka Chiharu-san's cell phone?
Ah... yes.
This is Inoue General Hospital. Your sister was feeling a little ill and came here for an exam.
Chinatsu did?
An exam?
Ah, Mom. How's Chinatsu?
She went to sleep a little while ago.
We were contacted at home. From her patient registration ticket's emergency contact info.
I see.
Seems Chinatsu...
...is pregnant.
Ehh...!
They said she's 4 months along.
She only noticed it herself recently.
Ah, and so the exam.
And? Is she okay?
It seems her morning sickness has gotten a little worse.
Both mother and child are healthy.
Ah, thank goodness.
It's because she's pregnant, isn't it?
Eh?
Why Chinatsu was suddenly saying she wanted to do away with the wedding ceremony...
...and just finish it off by gathering her friends around for a party.
That's true, huh.
If that's the case, I wish she had just told me.
It's too late now to get angry with her and blame her.
That's true.
Maybe Chinatsu wanted to meet everyone's expectations of her.
Huh?
Look.
You know, there's that terrible saying, "first get married then have children."
Well, that's true, but...
She just wanted to follow that order.
The ceremony is still 6 months away, isn't it?
By that time her stomach would be sticking out.
"What will our relatives and Dad and Mom think..."
"What will Yoichiro-san's family think..."
Chinatsu must have had so much going around in her head.
Chinatsu said she had to take on the expectations set for her older sister who hadn't gotten married.
I think she wanted to answer those expectations.
Chiharu.
I'm home.
Ala?
What's the matter? Grandma's in temporary care today, so she's not here.
I know that.
In that case, while I'm happy you came all the way out here when you're so busy, but...
This one's for Mom today.
Eh?
It's okay every once in a while, isn't it?
Come on, don't be shy.
Well, I'm happy since they're beautiful, but...
Right?
Dad.
Ah. Chiharu, huh?
Is it true that Chinatsu's pregnant?
Yeah.
Both mother and child are healthy.
She just seems to have felt a little ill.
I see.
Thank goodness.
I'm bringing Mom some tea right now. She's over in the hospital room.
Ah, Tanaka-san.
Have you made all the preparations for your wife yet?
Ah...
Yes, well, somehow or other.
When hospitalized for the first time, you can feel anxious somehow...
...so if there's something you don't understand, please feel free to ask me anything.
- Hospitalized? - Yes. Please take care of her.
Excuse me.
Eh? What's this about being hospitalized? What's the matter with Mom?
Well...
Hey!
Tell me without any lies.
Dad!
They found...
...a tumor in her.
Eh?
It's...
...in her stomach and it seems it's still really small.
Truth is, she's supposed to be hospitalized for it the day after tomorrow.
No...
Why didn't you tell me?
Your mother...
She didn't want me telling either you or Chinatsu.
"It would only just worry the two of them," she said.
And that's why she wants Chiharu to have a proper wedding ceremony, isn't it?
Yeah.
That's a mother's dream, after all.
That their children have a wedding ceremony.
She feels she wants to see her daughter's proudest moment.
I'm the same, too.
Dad...
Parents disappear someday.
That's why they want to make certain of...
...their children's happiness.
Say, Mom.
What is it?
Do you want me to get married?
What's this out of the blue about?
Well, it's nothing really.
Parents...
It's normal for them to want to see their daughters as brides, isn't it?
What are you saying now of all times?
Right?
Haruko, it's plenty enough for me that nothing happened to you and that you grew up safely.
I won't ask for anything more than that.
I did grow a little too large though, didn't I?
True.
That is the one slightly unexpected thing about you.
Eh?
Did I surprise you?
Of course you surprised me.
Ala? You're eating vegetable chips.
Imitation ones.
These aren't imitations. And I've liked these since long ago.
Ehh...
Have a seat.
Thanks.
Has something happened?
Eh?
Ah, well, because you came here.
When I was a child...
I thought I'd be more of an adult when I was in my 30's.
Me, too.
That I'd already be a ripe old man when I was 30.
I figured I'd be the one taking care of my parent's troubles.
I thought I'd already have children and be going to the PTA.
The PTA, huh?
I didn't think...
...I wouldn't have done anything with myself yet.
Yeah.
I wonder if...
...parents think far more about their children than the children think about themselves?
Worry more...
...expect more.
That's true.
My younger sister's gotten into a bit of a fight with our Mom.
Mom just wants my sister to be happily married.
And my sister...
...doesn't want to worry Mom, either.
Though they mutually feel the same way...
...I wonder why they have to clash.
You have a wonderful family, don't you?
Eh?
In that they think about one another.
Yeah.
Feeling they want to make someone happy...
I think that alone is wonderful.
Right now your younger sister is trying to be happy.
But I can't do anything for her.
I'm sure you can. Something.
I wonder?
Yeah. Okay.
If you'd like, have some.
Ah...
...thank you very much.
Ta-dah!
Ala?
You would, wouldn't you?
I'm sorry. For making you leave work early.
I'm very sorry, Sis.
It's okay, it's okay. I just took a half-day holiday.
More importantly, you should go home for now and take it easy.
Yeah.
I'm very sorry.
I told you it's okay already. I've told my company all about it.
No. Not just for that.
Well...
...about Chinatsu's pregnancy.
Truth is, I should have told Chinatsu's family about this before anyone else.
That's not your fault, Yo-chan. I'm the one who told you to keep quiet about it.
I'm sorry, Sis.
You don't have to apologize.
I'm just happy the two of you are having a child.
Mom was saying the same thing.
Eh?
And then she said I should celebrate with friends at the end of the month.
That'd be fine by her, she said.
Really?
"That's a mother's dream, after all."
"That their children have a wedding ceremony."
"She feels she wants to see..."
"...her daughter's proudest moment."
Look, Chinatsu.
Mom's going to be hospitalized tomorrow.
Eh?!
Hospitalized?
Is that true?
They found a tumor.
Seems it's still really small though.
Mom...
Say, Chinatsu?
Let's make Mom's dream come true.
That's impossible. The ceremony's even been canceled.
A wedding ceremony is impossible, but we can still show Mom...
...Chinatsu's happy form before she's hospitalized.
But...
The only one who can make Mom's dream come true right now is you, Chinatsu.
Sis.
This is a little atonement, isn't it?
"After you're done with work today, could we meet? There's something I want to tell you. Mizuki"
"All right. I'll call when I'm done."
Kudo-kun!
Chiharu-san?
I told you yesterday that I couldn't do anything for her...
...but there is.
Eh?
Chiharu?
This is all thanks to my talk with you, Kudo-kun.
I just came to say that.
So long, I've got to go rent a dress.
Eh? Ah. Um...
Have a nice time.
Chiharu?
She's going to rent a wedding dress for tomorrow.
That girl's slow on her feet, isn't she?
Eh?
Chiharu-san. Please get in.
Kudo-kun.
Please allow me to help out, too.
Thank you.
- Thank you for waiting. - Thank you.
A dress that doesn't depend upon putting stress on the stomach would be best though.
Is there a design like that?
Yes, there is.
There is? Thank goodness.
The number of blessed marriages like that have been increasing recently.
What you want is a design that doesn't put pressure around the waist.
By the way, could we come in tomorrow to rent this?
Huh? Tomorrow?
Yes.
I'm very sorry. As you'd expect, tomorrow would be a little too quick for us.
Is that right?
But tomorrow's our only chance.
I want to have a dress for my sister to wear no matter what by then. Please.
You look so cute! What's up?
My cousin's wedding party was today.
It was a garden wedding at a restaurant near here that has a garden.
Sounds wonderful.
Ah, want to see pictures?
- How'd it go? - I guess it's just impossible.
Is that right.
What should I do? I don't have any hope for other places.
Hello, Haruko-san?
Say. How about a garden wedding at a restaurant?
Ah.
There's this restaurant I was allowed to design their garden for a while back...
...but would your sister like such a thing?
I'm sure Chinatsu would be thrilled.
Roger. Then, I'll hit them up for it, okay?
Thank you very much. Please take care of it.
From the store Manager?
She said she found the venue for tomorrow.
Eh? That's just like the store Manager.
Okay.
"Watanabe Tsugumi"
Hello, Tsugumi?
Chiharu? What's up?
Um... This'll take a little time to tell you, but would now be okay?
Of course. What is it?
Um, do you happen to know where I could borrow a maternity wedding dress?
Whaa...
- This is yours, Tsugumi? - Yeah.
I was looking for one, too, but there aren't that many maternity dresses to be had.
So in the end I just bought one.
It's beautiful.
If you'd like, would this be okay for Chinatsu-chan to wear?
Eh?
No... I couldn't.
After all, you haven't even worn it yet yourself, Tsugumi.
No. It's okay, it's okay.
Don't you know? They are Four Somethings that a bride has to wear in order to be happy.
Something old. Something new.
Something borrowed. And then something blue.
Ehh... Four Somethings?
If Chinatsu-chan wears it, then this dress will become something borrowed.
And for me, it will then become something old.
Tsugumi.
Thank you.
No.
It makes me happy. To be relied upon like this.
Eh?
Since telling you I was getting married...
...you've seemed reserved about me somehow.
I'm sorry.
It's okay. Rely on me. That would make me really happy.
Thank you.
But I wonder if this'll be okay?
I think you'll have to fix the size though.
Eh?
Hmm.
Thank you very much for listening to my unreasonable request.
Yes. Well then, we'll be counting on you tomorrow.
Yes, excuse me.
Yes. Four Somethings, huh?
Understood. Bye.
- I've returned. - Welcome back.
- Seems she's found a dress. - Really? That's great.
- Thank you so much for everything. - No, no.
Because I want to do something, I'll stay behind here for a while.
- Really? Then, I'll go first. - Yes.
Ah, here. Tomorrow's venue.
Roger. Thanks for your hard work.
Good night.
"You will be connected to an answering machine."
"Please record your message after the beep."
Hello, Kono? This is Kudo.
Sorry. Something came up today, so I can't come.
I'll call you again.
I'm home.
Ah, welcome back.
Since I'll be working on this a while longer, please go to sleep first.
Roger.
Done.
"Delphinium"
"Delphinium Flower Language"
It's done.
I'm finished!
You've worked hard.
I'm sorry. Did I wake you?
I felt like getting up early today after all.
Here. Take a breather.
Thank you very much.
A motorcycle messenger will appear once you drink that.
Eh?
They'll take you to the bride's parent's home and then to the ceremonial hall.
Ah, thank you.
Eh?!
Thank you!
Yes, yes. I'm opening right now.
Chiharu?
Sis?
Good morning.
Congratulations on your marriage.
May you be forever happy.
Thank you very much.
It's beautiful.
Thank you.
No.
Chinatsu...
What do you think?
You're beautiful.
Yeah, beautiful.
Thank you, Sis.
Be happy, Chinatsu.
Can I be?
Don't worry.
You have the Four Somethings to be a happy bride.
Something borrowed.
Something new.
Something blue.
And...
Here. Something old.
Sis...
I'm sorry for being late.
Yo�-chan.
Ah, and your parents.
Please watch over us again today.
I am Tachibana Yoichiro.
I am Tanaka Chinatsu.
- Today... - Today...
- ...before everyone here... - ...before everyone here...
- ...we vow to walk together. - ...we vow to walk together.
- We vow here to respect one another... - We vow here to respect one another...
- ...cooperate with one another... - ...cooperate with one another...
- ...and that we will build a warm, loving home together... - ...and that we will build a warm, loving home together...
Chinatsu. Yoichiro-san. Congratulations.
Chiharu was up all night re-sewing this.
Sis may not look it, but she's pretty skillful.
That's true.
To be married...
I think this is what the sake of a couple getting married is for.
I think it is for the sake of the couple becoming happy.
But it's not only just for the couple's happiness.
It's also for everyone around them who prays for the couple's happiness.
That's true, huh?
For the sakes of their parents...
...and for the sakes of those friends who support them.
Geez, you've already gotten this big. I hadn't even noticed.
Because I was hiding it.
Moreover, from here on they'll be living for the sake of the baby as well.
That it's not just for your own sake...
...is a little annoying though.
I want the day to come when I can get married and make those around me happy, too.
Anyhow, I hope it will be born healthy.
Don't worry. It's Chinatsu's and my child, after all.
Be born safely, okay? We're all waiting for you.
We're waiting.
That's a wonderful bouquet, isn't it?
- Seems like Kudo-kun, doesn't it? - Huh?
"Delphinium Flower Language "I Will Make You Happy."
It's the bouquet toss.
Sis, here goes.
Sis, thank you!
Geez, Sis!
Here.
You mustn't drop it.
Thanks.
Um...
Thank you very much for today.
No. I want to thank you very much as well.
Eh?
Why?
Well...
I wanted to make someone happy as well.
So long; see you again.
Yeah. See you again.
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"Marriage = A Connected Love"
"This Drama is Fictional"