Ah, pretty. What's the occasion?
This is one I was displaying at home.
Ehh... Carnations don't only come out during Spring, huh?
Yeah.
Seems florists also put them out during Autumn.
Ah, Autumn huh?
Right? It is Autumn, isn't it?
"Autumn-leaf Viewing Tour"
I wanna go Autumn-leaf viewing.
I not only recommend it for the customers...
...but I want to feel refreshed by them myself sometimes, too.
It is the Autumn of life.
And then Winter comes.
What's that out of the blue about? Gloomy, aren't you?
I smacked my foot against a door yesterday.
Could it have been your pinky toe? Whaa, that one really hurts.
At the time I crouched down and had these thoughts.
"Ah, there's no one to ask me, 'Are you okay'?" "I'm gonna be all alone like this."
"I'm gonna be alone even when I fall."
That's true.
And then ahead for me...
...is the possibility of a lonely death.
A lonely death?!
You're exaggerating things! All you did was hit your toe.
It won't be an exaggeration once the years start piling on!
What if it hadn't been my foot, but my head? If it had been elsewhere, it could've been bad!
Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry.
As long as I'm living alone, such things'll happen.
Alone...
I hate this.
At this rate, I won't get married and I'll live into old age all alone.
All alone into old age...
Welcome.
Ah.
Mizuki-san.
I can't think of anything.
I wonder how long until the OG visits?
Aren't we fine as we are now?
A recruit suit would look good on you, wouldn't it?
Shut up.
That's a concern, isn't it? Are you prepping for your job hunt already?
We suddenly became anxious when thinking about our futures.
You want to prepare a silver bullet for eliminating that anxiety, right? Yeah.
Now then, it's not my intention to fan anxiety into all of you, but for today's lecture...
...but I want us to think about marriage among the retirement age generation.
Retirement age?
Who knows what the life expectancy is in Japan right now?
For men it's 80.
And for women, 86?
Right.
So after you've retired from your job...
...there is a thing called the "retirement age" that lasts approximately 20 years after that.
Retirement age is where you live in retirement, playing with your grandkids.
In the traditional image of old age, that would be so.
However, it's said that 1 in 5 men of that age are currently living alone...
...and so Sato-kun's future retirement may not be one surrounded by grandkids.
49% of current elderly households...
...are already said to be one-person households.
With the tendency towards marrying later in life, this percentage might go up even further.
In the near future, even if you do have the desire to get married...
...it may be necessary for you to prepare for a life of being alone.
This is where you work, isn't it?
Yes.
Ah, where are you traveling?
To Paris.
I've already finished booking my flight...
...but I haven't gotten a hotel yet.
Is that right. Let's see...
Ah. Two tickets to go to Paris in December, right?
Yes.
Are there any hotels that you'd like to be at?
Let's see...
I was thinking it could be one in this area.
Ah. Thank you very much. Then, let me check into it a little.
Yes.
Would you like accommodations for 2 as well?
Yes.
Truth is, it's Kudo-senpai.
Who I'm going with.
Eh?
Somehow or other, I want him to take a chance over there.
After all, I think Senpai is a person who can live off his paintings.
Is that right...
I intend to introduce him to an acquaintance of mine who has an art gallery...
...and have him sell his works there.
To that end, I think it would be best if he were based in Paris.
Are you saying he'd live over there?
Yes.
But he hasn't given me an answer yet whether he'll go.
But I'll believe in Senpai and make the reservations.
That's reassuring, isn't it?
That he has someone to cheer him on this way.
I want to help...
...Senpai.
"Skills in Living Alone"
"Skills in Living Alone"?
Ah, well... Just in case.
Have you given up on getting married?
It's not that I've given up.
But, well, just having the desire to get married doesn't mean I'll be able to.
Umm...
I think I need to be a little more realistic about my future.
Hmm...
Speaking of which, how about you, Haruko-san? Do you have everything prepared for that?
Not everything, though.
In the book it's written that for people living alone and who are nearing their retirement age...
...it's essential they have a place to live, have life insurance, savings and something to live for.
A place to live.
Well, I have this apartment, right?
I'm scheduled to pay off the loan while I'm in my 40's.
If it becomes necessary for me to care for my mother...
...I thought I'd return to my parent's home and rent this place out.
I see.
I think I can get by using my old age pension and the rental income from this place.
What about life insurance?
Since I'm single, my focus is on choosing the health insurance I need.
It's not essential for a single person to have life insurance though.
But because I do want to pay for my own funeral bills, I have taken out death benefits.
How like you.
Have you saved money?
Well, a decent amount.
That was probable, wasn't it?
Then, a reason for living...
Haruko-san, you have your gardens, don't you?
Even during my retirement age, the earth will be my life's work.
Haruko-san. You're more than prepared, aren't you?
Having resolved to live alone...
...I shall enjoy growing old.
Resolved to live alone, huh?
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
Shinjitei koi wa kami hikoki Just believe... love is a paper airplane
Heiwa Fansubs Presents: "Kekkon Shinai" - "Unmarried"
Episode 8: "The Cost of an Awkward Love is Goodbye?!"
Chiharu-san.
Aren't you going Autumn-leaf viewing?
Yeah. I guess not.
What's that? Because you said you wanted to go, Morita and I were thinking of planning something.
Sorry.
Once I got started thinking things over about my old age, I figured I should economize.
Huh?
Maybe I should bring in bentos starting tomorrow?
Bentos? Why bentos?
This is an announcement for an apartment sneak preview. Come by.
Ehh...
Ehh... An apartment, huh?
That's standing up and walking forward, isn't it?
Chiharu-san. Don't tell me you're thinking about buying one before long?
Ah, no. It's too early for such things right now.
But truth is...
...my married younger sister and her husband have finally started living together in my parent's home.
It's a place I'm unlikely to be able to go back to again.
Ehh... Chiharu-san's an in-the-way sister-in-law, huh?
I guess.
Still, it's best if you give up on an apartment.
They say buying a pet or an apartment will only keep getting married far off.
It does?
Seems there are differing ways on how those should be fulfilled.
Ehh...
That's why, first off, you should look for a man to buy them with.
I see.
Ah. Have you heard about the man?
He's supposed to be some super-promising stock that's being sent to us from Headquarters.
Really?
Chiharu-san. Please don't make a play for him.
"Minato Mirai 'Carriage Drive' A 2 minute walk from the train station."
"Higuchi Toru"
Sorry to have kept you waiting.
- Thank you very much. - Thank you very much.
I'd like to go to Paris.
Paris?
Look.
It's a wonderful place, isn't it?
Traveling? That's nice. Are you going?
I wonder if I can save enough from a part-time job?
And before I get serious about my job hunt.
"Job hunting"?
Mai-chan, you're still just a 1st year student, aren't you?
That's true, but...
The theme of today's lecture was about old age and late marriages in society.
It made me anxious about my future, somehow.
Anxious about your future?
"Retirement age." That's more than 20 years long, isn't it?
That's longer than I've even been alive up until now.
You have a long time to think about that yet, don't you?
But I can't even bring up an image of myself for 5 years from now.
Everyone who is young is like that. Right, Kudo-kun?
Ah. Yes.
Even at my age, I can't see beyond tomorrow, let alone 5 years from now.
No...
At this rate, I just can't.
Thanks for your hard work.
- Thanks for all your hard work. - Thanks for all your hard work.
Ah, this is bad. It's already this late. I've got a Go-kon to get to.
Again?
This is bad, this is bad.
- Thanks for your hard work. - Thanks for your hard work.
Chiharu-san, you worked hard. Bye-bye.
Thanks for your hard work.
Hello, Haruko-san?
Ah, I understand. You'll be at your parent's home today, huh?
Then I wonder if I shouldn't go show myself at my parent's home, too?
No. Um, there's some things I want to ask my parents about anyway.
Insurance? Chiharu's?
Yes.
Like the national health insurance?
No. Not that; a private one. Or life insurance.
I've put one under your name.
Just like my Mom.
But if I recall, didn't it just reach maturity the other day?
- It did? - Huh? Already?
Why?
Um, let's see...
The savings matured after 10 years, which would be just about the right time...
...for Chiharu to use it for...
Eh? Use it for what?
Ah! I see. For my marriage.
Ah, well, well, well... Right, Dear?
Ah, I see.
Yeah, yeah. Then, let's just re-enter it. Yeah.
Well, Chiharu...
I'm home.
Ah, you're back.
- I've just returned. - Welcome home.
Sis, welcome.
Ah, I'm bothering you.
What's up? You're late.
Well, I bought a crib.
Eh? That's early, isn't it?
Where should we put it? It's pretty large, though.
Ah, let's see. What should we do?
Though the members of our family will increase, we haven't thought about that, have we?
But...
Ah. Then...
...how about putting it in my room?
- Chiharu. - Sis, are you really sure?
No, no, we couldn't. That'd be wrong.
No. It's okay, it's okay.
Anyhow, I'm not using it now.
For the baby's sake, use it with my warm welcome.
Thank you.
Sorry about this.
No, no.
Okay.
Then, let's bring it in.
Yes.
Ehh... Just what did you buy?
Oh. This is big.
- You bought a fine one. - It's incredible.
It was a pretty expensive one.
I'm home.
Mom?
- Mom? - Huh?
Ah, welcome back.
You scared me.
Oh no. Did you think I had dropped dead?
Geez.
Don't say such unlucky things.
The one imagining unlucky things was you, wasn't it?
Grandma had a short-stay today, so I felt a little down.
You don't have to say it like that. Don't worry for the time being.
Well, going to see her now would be a problem.
Okay! I'll bring in the tea.
No, I'll bring it in.
Say, Mom.
Huh?
Should I return home?
Wouldn't I be of some use? As a daughter, somehow.
I appreciate the words, but I'll turn it down.
Why?
I'm sorry...
...but I'd go nuts if I let you take care of your Grandma.
Mom...
I...
...want to see your Grandma off from this house.
That's the something I'm living the rest of my life for.
And when that's over...
I intend to live for myself, alone.
"Alone." That's dangerous.
Ala.
Do you intend to take away your Mother's dream of her retirement age?
I want to enjoy the Autumn of my life, in elegance, without being disturbed by anyone.
Geez. You're so stubborn.
That's why people say we're parent and child.
Truth is...
I've already decided on the planned facility where they'll take care of me.
My retirement home. My dream castle.
Eh?
"Sea Breeze Village"
It'd be okay to meet you if you showed up from time-to-time during work.
Very well. Then, I really will just show up from time-to-time.
Ah, please do.
But this facility is really nice.
Ehh...
Maybe I should go take a look at it tomorrow.
If you'd like, do you want to join me there?
No way. Don't joke.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Huh?
You're back already?
You should have spent more time with them.
Ah.
You could say there's some slight difficulties there.
It was a strange thing. Though it's supposed to be my home.
And? What is it this time?
Ah, an apartment?
Ah, let's see...
It's a sneak preview of a condominium.
I have tomorrow off, so maybe I'll go take a look at it.
You're buying an apartment?
No. It's not like that.
When I got to thinking about the future...
...I just felt it was necessary to consider things little-by-little.
Oh...
Ah, that reminds me. As I recall, you have tomorrow off, don't you, Haruko-san?
Um... Could you come with me? It's my first time, so I'm a little nervous.
I'm sorry.
There's someplace I want to go to tomorrow as well.
Ah...
- ...is that right? - Sorry.
It's totally okay.
Haruko-san, good morning.
Ala? Ala?
Haruko-san!
Yes, hello?
Hello, this is Kudo.
Huh? Ah, yes.
Um... If you'd like, I can go out with you.
Eh? Go out with me?
"Sea Breeze Village"
Haruko-san did?
Yes. She said it would be very bad if you were to rashly take a property.
I've been appointed to keep an eye on you.
Geez. I'm not a child, after all.
- I'm sorry. - No, no. Shall we go?
Ah. Um...
Let's see. I'll be fine alone.
C'mon. Let's go.
Ah... Yeah.
This floor overlooks the sea.
When the weather is fine, you can see out to Bosa Peninsula.
It is wonderful, isn't it?
Then, I'll come again.
Professor?
No, no, excuse me. Because you two came in together, I was certain you were newlyweds.
- Ah, no. - Ah, no.
I'm just chaperoning her.
Is that right.
This is it. Please put on some slippers.
Many of our single women customers have been coming with fathers or older brothers recently.
To be honest, the number of women living alone has been increasing as well.
- Ehh... They live alone? - Yes.
If you're a woman living alone, please feel at ease about crime prevention.
The doors auto-lock perfectly and we have a Manager on staff as well.
Ehh...
The kitchen and bath were made with room to spare.
And women have found these popular as well.
From the upper floors, you will have night views of Minato Mirai. (central business district of Yokohama, famed for its large Ferris wheel)
- That's incredible, isn't it? - Yeah.
I wonder how much of a down payment is required?
Rather than a down payment, there's an examination.
It's not that harsh of an examination.
Just if you have a stable occupation.
Ah.
Is a contract employee no good?
A contract employee?
At any rate, your mother was admitted here.
My parents had, in advance, looked into this by themselves and made the decision as well.
I selfishly thought I should live with them, but they didn't.
They also told me many years ago that they would decline me living with them.
Was that their true feelings?
Or else was it just their parental feelings?
In my case, I think they just saw through me.
I was a completely unreliable son.
No...
Whaa!
Professor, as I recall, you're single right now, aren't you?
Yes.
Have you given any thought to your retirement age?
I have.
I've written a will.
Ah...
Its contents are quite brief.
My body is to be donated to a University of Medicine.
After that, I left information about the contacts needed for my funeral.
Is that right?
Still...
...having an awareness of our deaths is a strange thing, isn't it?
As we add to our years...
...half of us looks back upon the past...
...while the other half...
...has rising thoughts of making a fresh start of things.
What you want from here on?
Yes.
By understanding their limits...
...it may be possible for people to look at their own life for the first time.
What I also wrote...
...was that I wanted to find a life partner.
- Eh? - Ah, no, well...
A person with whom I could share my old age with would be fine.
Ah!
That would be nice, wouldn't it?
It is, isn't it? It is nice, isn't it?
Yes. It's wonderful.
It is wonderful, isn't it?
I guess it's difficult when you're just a contract employee, huh?
For a part-timer like me, there wouldn't even be any point in talking further about it.
That's why you're amazing, Chiharu-san.
To buy or not to buy isn't important; you just steadily prepare for it.
I figured I would see the reality.
But the way I am now just isn't any good.
The way I am now is no good, huh...
Ah!
Do you remember this place?
It's where you gave me that Gerbera before.
Yes.
These are Stock flowers right now. (a type of heavily-scented garden flower)
Stock flowers?
Ehh...
I'm not a Gerbera now.
"It's called a 'One step.' That's flower language for a Gerbera."
One step.
I was really happy at that time.
When you said...
...we were the same in not being able to take that one step forward.
No.
It was true.
But...
Junpei-kun, aren't you...
...making a step forward right now by taking that ticket in hand?
Eh?
The ticket to Paris.
Um, Mizuki-san came by my store to make arrangements for it.
Ah...
Aren't you going to answer her feelings?
I think the one who believes the most in Junpei-kun's talent...
...is her.
I don't have any talent.
That's not true.
Well, that's why...
...I'm scared.
That I'll disappoint her.
That the one she's looking at isn't the me of right now.
It's the me of looong ago.
I wonder?
Mizuki-san...
I think she's looking straight at the Junpei-kun of the here and now.
And, I think she wants to help the Junpei-kun of the here and now.
Couldn't you and her...
...take one step forward together?
Yes?
Ala?
This is...
Ah, I'm sorry.
Seems I have the wrong room. Excuse me.
Ah. Do you have some business with Kirishima-san?
Ah, yes.
Ah, I'm sorry.
I'm someone who's being a burden on her for a little while.
I think she'll be coming back in just a little longer, though.
No. I'll come back again. Excuse me.
- Ah, well... No. - Um... No, really.
Excuse me for troubling you this night.
Section Chief.
Don't tell me you're sharing your apartment?
Does that surprise you?
Yeah. It's surprising.
That's true, isn't it?
Um...
...what did you want to talk about?
Could we start over?
At both our jobs...
...and with each other.
What are you talking about?
I've decided...
...to leave the company.
Eh?
I'm sorry...
...I kept telling you that I would return you to Headquarters.
No. That was...
But...
...there's a place that wants you to come there far more than Headquarters does.
I'm setting up...
...an independent office.
I want you to follow me there.
But...
I'm arranging for...
...a divorce.
I want to restart...
...the rest of my life with you.
I'm back.
Welcome back.
You don't want to hear?
Huh?
Ah...
He was that person...
...you said was your boss when we met at that restaurant.
When I was in my 30's...
...he was someone I went out with for a long time.
But we broke up many years ago and now he's nothing to me.
Is that right.
Yes.
Do you have a "past promise" with him?
Eh?
"A promise made in your 20's is different from a promise now."
"It's sad, but I think it's best just to let promises made in the past go."
Maybe...
...Haruko-san had an past promise she had made once as well.
We promised that once his daughter had become an adult...
...we would be together.
It's true.
A past promise is just a promise of the past, isn't it?
By the way...
...how did the apartment sneak preview go?
Ah.
Like I thought...
...that would be impossible for me right now.
I see.
That's right, Chiharu-san.
Thank you very much. For Junpei-kun.
Not at all.
But it's okay now.
- It's okay? - Yes.
Um...
I think how we...
...walk forward through the rest of our lives will be different for both Junpei-kun and I.
So you don't have to worry about me anymore. I'll be fine.
Really?
I'm the one who has to consider how...
...I'll walk through the rest of my life.
The rest of my life, huh?
'Morning!
Good morning.
Are you okay?
Your light was on until late yesterday.
Ah.
Um, Once I got to thinking about my old age...
...I just couldn't stop.
There's a whole lot of things involved even to taking out a piece of insurance, isn't there?
A bento?
Ah, yes.
To prepare for being alone in my retirement age...
...I should first consider my savings.
Kudo-kun.
Chiharu asked me to thank you for going out with her.
Ah, not at all. I'm glad I got to go out with her as well.
What a waste!
Just because they're a little worn out.
A flower's life is so short.
Manager! Have you seen this already?
Eh?
This homepage. For Grand Hills.
It's won this year's Design Award!
"Prize Winner!!" Grand Hills was the garden the Manger designed, wasn't it?
Congratulations.
It's true.
Then, we should celebrate using this.
Whaa, that would be nice. A bouquet of Stock flowers.
Ah. Won't you be going to the awards ceremony?
For something like this, a representative of the company will go.
Is that right?
How boring.
It's a company thing.
Hello?
Have you seen the homepage already?
Yes.
Congratulations.
Thank you very much.
The work you did wasn't a mistake.
As I thought, you aren't a person who's finished as is.
Have you given some thought to that matter?
I'll be in touch again.
Has something happened?
Eh?
Yeah.
The work I handled before I was transferred...
...was given a design award by the industry.
Ah, really? Congratulations.
Thank you.
Your father in Heaven would surely be proud of you.
Say, Mom?
Huh?
Should I...
...take a risk once more...
...for the rest of my life?
The boss who helped me so much...
...is thinking of becoming independent...
...and has called out for me.
I wonder if...
...it wouldn't be best for me...
...to get back into the game again...
...and have a dream again...
Haruko.
Huh?
Is this the person who brought you up at the company?
That's right.
Mom?
Say, Haruko.
You said "for the rest of your life," didn't you?
Yeah.
His wife will also have the rest of her life.
Like mine.
She'll have the same "rest of her life."
Eh?
I had the same thoughts as well.
I...
...wanted to repay your Grandma's kindness.
You could call this a feeling of wanting to accomplish that.
Because your Grandma supported me...
...during my most difficult times.
Mom...
You are...
...a person who...
...can stand quite well on your own.
There should be...
...many other places for you to find a dream.
Don't you think that's so yourself?
It is bitter, isn't it?
That's true.
It's very bitter, isn't it?
"These are the factors that have diluted the involvement of people with people..."
"...and created a society without ties."
"As a result, those who are dying of loneliness in their later years..."
"...has been increasing rapidly."
"Death by Loneliness"
"In a Tokyo apartment just last month, a 75 year-old woman was discovered..."
"...after having passed away for an entire month."
"Her husband had died 13 years before her and her two children had..."
I'm home.
Welcome back.
What's the matter? Are you feeling bad?
Seems like I have a little cold.
That's why it's best to sleep properly in your futon.
But...
Nobody might notice me if I slept in my room.
Don't worry.
Because I've noticed you already.
Here.
Thank you very much.
Ah, it's warm.
It's rice porridge.
I'm so glad I'm not alone.
What are you saying?
- Give it here. - Yeah, yeah.
Eh? This is all?!
Eh?!
(98.6 Fahrenheit)
Really?!
Eh?!
You have a slight fever.
Ala?!
I'm sorry.
At the thought of being alone, I suddenly became a little anxious.
And you looked like a seriously ill patient.
I'm sorry.
Still...
...by binding yourself up in anxieties over the future...
...it's almost like being crushed by them, isn't it?
Eh, but...
Haruko-san, you've prepared everything you need for your old age.
Even a person...
...who does looks ahead and who can see the past...
...may, strangely, still be burnt by them as well.
We may think the life of a flower is short...
But right now it's blooming...
...to its fullest, isn't it?
To its fullest right now?
Yes.
- Good morning! - 'Morning.
How do you feel?
Seems like you're all better.
Yes. All thanks to that rice porridge. Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
Ah! I can't take you in today. It's my day off.
I have the day off, too.
Really? That's great then.
And so...
"Autumn-leaf Viewing Tour" Can you go Autumn-leaf viewing now?
Autumn-leaf viewing?
They're blooming to their fullest today.
I understand.
What is it? I can't hear you.
For tomorrow...
...we first have to live being deeply moved by today.
- Couldn't hear you! - Eh?!
Like I said!
For tomorrow, we first...
Whaa?!
"Stock Language of Flowers - 'Gazing at the Future'"
For tomorrow, you have to live fully today?
Yes.
I think whatever you do, it can't make your anxieties about the future disappear.
I suppose.
Even if you do get an apartment or put yourself on insurance...
...it doesn't mean those anxieties will disappear.
Yeah.
However...
...though everyone carries such anxieties around with them...
...I think we should live desperately for today.
And so I'm going...
...to stop getting caught up in anxieties over the future, too.
I think I'm just going to live today to the fullest.
That's true.
Besides...
...I've discovered what it is that can make you forget those anxieties.
What's that?
An understanding...
...buddy?
- Maybe so. - Yeah.
Our throats are dry, huh?
Ah.
Now that you mention it, they are.
Counting on ya, buddy.
No, no, no. I'm counting on you, buddy.
- Rock-paper-scissors! - Rock-paper-scissors!
I win!
- A coffee, please. - Go right ahead.
Why, why? I won...
Wasn't that a chivalrous rock-paper-scissors just now?
For you!?
- Good morning. - 'Morning.
Is this the next one after the carnation?
Ehh... It's beautiful, isn't it? What's this flower?
Stock.
It's to share living healthily in the here and now.
Hmm... Living in the here and now.
Good morning.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Okay. Let's have our morning assembly.
Senpai.
'Morning.
Good morning.
Here.
Thank you.
I'm sorry for making you go out of your way.
No. I meant to give it to you from the start, Kono.
I'm happy.
I thought I'd never get to see this painting again.
I'm drawing again.
Eh?
I'm going to draw once more.
Senpai...
Can you give me an answer...
...for what I asked you before?
Ehh... At this time in our office, I would like to introduce a newly assigned colleague.
This is it. The one I told you about.
Ah. That super-hopeful stock?
Yeah.
Good morning.
Good morning!
I'll introduce myself now. Sent here from Headquarters, I am Takahara Seiji.
I was engaged by Headquarters to manage the Group Tour Planning Section.
Please, let's work together.
- Let's work together. - Let's work together.
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