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Episode 28
Good morning.
Who told you to cook rice every morning?
I'm doing it on my own.
Everyone said I didn't have to because I'm here to babysit
but I'm used to making rice in the mornings.
It's not because of Oume or Okiku.
I do it out of gratitude for being paid five bales of rice.
You shouldn't have to lose sleep to do this.
I always get up before dawn.
I made the morning rice at my last job too.
So this isn't your first job?
You haven't been to school?
I'm just a sharecropper's daughter
but one doesn't have to go to school to study and learn.
I don't want you to overwork yourself and get sick.
I don't want to have to get you a doctor or buy medicine.
I guess employees can't get sick.
I don't want to go.
- I'm not good at schoolwork. - Why do you say that?
Boys pick on me too.
Who?
I'll go talk to the teacher.
Never mind.
She just doesn't want to study!
I'm not lying!
If they pick on you get back at them.
Otherwise you'll never be able to take over this business.
Yes but...
Kayo's a girl. She can't fight!
You're not making sense.
What I say is true.
You two spoil her that's why she can't persevere.
But...
There are so many children out there who want to go to school but can't.
If you refuse to go the gods will punish you!
Go on finish your breakfast.
It's all right if she doesn't want to eat.
Take it away.
Mother!
There are sharecroppers out there who are starving!
Oshin is the same age as Kayo
and she works to support her grandma and her siblings.
Learn from Oshin!
Kayo's different from Oshin!
How's that?
They're both girls of the same age.
Oshin knows what it is to persevere.
If you keep spoiling her she'll grow up missing out on values.
If she's afraid of the other kids at school
she will grow up being impossible.
It's only natural that Oshin beats you out.
Kayo...
Give me my breakfast!
Yes.
Mother I won't need Oume to accompany me to school from today.
What if something should happen to you?
I don't need help!
Kayo...
Look at what you've done!
Good morning.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
I can go by myself!
Want to eat now?
Yes.
What's wrong with Okayo? She's going to school by herself?
Learn to speak more politely about the Young Miss!
Always use honorifics when referring to your superiors.
Okay.
It's getting cold.
Make sure Osayo doesn't catch a cold.
Do I use honorifics to refer to the baby too?
What a long hallway!
Stay out of the house!
I can't let the baby catch a cold.
Just stay out of the rooms!
Okay.
What are you using for polish?
It's unohana.
Tofu scum.
They call it "unohana" or "okara."
I see.
We used to eat "okara" at home as a special treat.
The wood takes on a deep shine with this.
The rich sure lives differently. I've never seen such long hallways!
How many rooms are there?
Don't be peeking in!
I'll help you clean too.
No cleaning the house is our job!
Just stay in the hallway area.
Okay.
I've never seen such things.
I've never seen such a pretty book!
There you are.
I heard the baby crying.
Maybe her diaper needs changing.
You can take a break.
Oshin! Oshin!
Let me borrow this for a while.
Some sweets for you.
There's only enough for you and Kayo so eat it here.
Don't tell anyone.
Is there anything you need?
You're the same age as Kayo and you work hard.
Ask me for anything that you might want.
Our lady owner is stern but think of me as your mother.
Go on have some sweets.
I told you. I can walk home by myself!
My book is missing... That book father got for me in Tokyo!
I'm sure you've just misplaced it.
It's precious. I always keep it on my desk.
Then it should be there.
Nobody but Oume and Okiku come in here.
Oshin took it!
Kayo...
This never happened before Oshin came!
It's not nice to suspect others.
Oshin wouldn't take other people's things.
Kayo! Kayo!
I'd meant to return it right away.
It was Oshin!
Oshin...
You shouldn't take other people's things without asking!
I didn't steal it I only borrowed it.
Then why didn't you ask for my permission?
Why didn't you just ask if you wanted to read it?
You should've asked me Oume or Okiku.
You went into my room without permission!
You went into Miss Okayo's room?
I told you not to go into any of the rooms!
I...
No excuses!
It's my fault. I should've been watching her.
It's Oshin's fault. She stole!
I didn't steal it. I only borrowed it!
Never mind. Kayo go inside.
I'm serious!
You disappoint me.
I didn't expect this of you!
I'd been good to Oshin just like her own mother!
That's why I feel so disappointed. Now it's come to this.
I'm sure she just acted on impulse but...
Poor people's children are like that.
We don't want anything else to happen that would put Kaga-ya to shame.
I think it's best if we send her back home.
You always stick up for Oshin but she stole my book!
We won't ask for the rice payment to be returned.
That way your desire to help her family will be realized.
I'll miss those five bales of rice
but it's better than keeping Oshin here and having her cause more trouble.
Mother...
We can't keep a thief here!
Bring Oshin here.
Oshin had given up.
She'd only wanted to read that book
and she'd intended to return it right away.
She wanted to explain.
But she already knew that employees could make no excuses.
Besides she couldn't explain why she'd gone into Kayo's room without permission.
She kept telling herself that she'll be sent back.
Episode 29
Oshin was about to be sent away from Kaga-ya.
She'd taken a book to read from Kayo's room.
She'd meant to borrow it but they thought of it as theft.
Oshin the madam wants you!
Oshin!
Will I be sent home?
Please give her the final word.
I have work to do.
I only wanted well-mannered girls like Okiku and Oume.
Her family sent her here just for the rice!
You're right.
Who knows what she'll do next!
It's me Oshin.
Come in.
Why did you do such a thing?
I told you to think of me as your own mother.
I told you to ask me if you wanted something.
Why didn't you tell me you wanted a book?
I'm sorry.
Did you really intend to steal Kayo's book?
I just wanted to borrow it and read it.
I thought nobody would know if I returned it right away.
Why didn't you ask someone?
If I had asked Okiku she'd know that I was in there!
That's why I didn't ask for permission.
That's what thieves do!
You keep quiet!
It's my fault.
But I wasn't stealing! I just wanted to borrow it.
You can't read. Why do you want a book?
Father got me this book as a gift from Tokyo!
It's very expensive! That's why you wanted it!
You keep quiet!
I can read. I can read this book!
Kayo hand that book over to Oshin.
Let's see you read it!
One day a group of boys were being mean to a turtle up on the beach.
Taro paid the boys for the turtle and set it free into the sea.
That's enough.
You're telling the truth.
Grandma!
If she took the book without knowing how to read
it could be thought of as stealing but she can read so well...
She'd just wanted to borrow it and read it.
Just don't do things that will make people suspect you of stealing again.
Employers are suspicious of their workers.
So you must be more careful. Do you understand?
Yes.
Do you like books?
Kayo let her borrow some of your books.
You can't read very well anyway!
That's not fair to Kayo.
If you don't like it then learn to read like Oshin!
You suspected Oshin of stealing because I'm always saying good things about her.
You're so mean you'll never be able to take over our family business!
Kayo!
She needed that.
You didn't go to school. Who taught you to read?
I'm sure you struggled to be able to learn.
The cherry blossoms are blooming beautifully.
Grandma didn't have to say those mean things to you in front of Oshin.
I'll have your father talk to her.
Leave me alone. I'm studying!
I'm not letting Oshin have any of my books!
Not until I finish reading them all.
Thanks for cleaning the well for us.
And I've poured water over the coals.
She's a better worker than us!
If she'd been sent home we'd have to work harder.
It worked out well!
But I sure was surprised to learn that Oshin can read!
Who taught you?
I'll help with the mending now.
That's all right. You go on to bed.
You two are still working. I'd feel badly if I went to bed.
Listen to you!
I want to be a full-fledged maid like you two.
I want to learn to sew too. So please teach me!
That kind of drive is what got her to read without going to school.
Okayo's jealous because the old madam praises Oshin so much.
Okayo's able to go to school by herself now.
And she has begun to study seriously!
The madam is pitting Oshin against Okayo! It's just like her.
This is a rape blossom.
A yellow butterfly is perched on top of the rape blossom.
Two children are playing and singing.
I'm sorry Okayo refused to let Oshin read her books.
She's so stubborn and she can't even read!
All she does is read now.
It's because you shamed her in front of an employee.
Good!
Kayo's been an only child up to now.
She needs someone to compete against.
But not against a mere servant!
Kayo's in line to take over our family business.
Let Kayo handle this on her own. Stay out of it!
I'm busy I don't want to hear any more nonsense.
I have never even touched a fish before.
That is how you bone it and fillet it?
We take the skin off for sashimi raw fish.
The owner's family enjoys sashimi.
I want to be able to do that one day.
Not yet! When I first came I was Okayo's babysitter for three years!
I was 13 or 14 before I was allowed in any of the rooms.
Okiku makes the meals for the family. I do it for the employees only.
Real cooking is hard!
I'm on contract for two years.
Does that mean that I'll just be a babysitter?
If the madam likes you maybe you'll get to stay on.
If you'd like to work more than a few years
you have to be good at babysitting first.
Oshin don't loiter in the kitchen while babysitting.
I'm sorry it's my fault. Go outside!
Oshin it's time to feed Osayo give her to me.
Here let me have the baby. I'll put Osayo to bed.
You can take a break.
I'm sorry for standing around.
This is the kitchen they don't want any contamination of their food.
She's just in a bad mood that's all.
I'm sure there's some trouble in the house.
I'll never get to stay here if I keep getting her upset at me.
Welcome back.
I need to speak with you!
I'm sure it's nothing good.
I won't hear anything about your business failures!
Mother!
I just talked to someone from Oshin's village.
I was shocked!
Oshin has a very bad reputation back home!
She ran away from her first job
and she lived up in the mountains with a deserter for six months!
This deserter was shot dead by the military police right in front of Oshin.
And she was arrested too!
How terrible!
She'd kept all that from us! I knew she was no ordinary girl.
So what?
Mother!
It's silly to talk about something out of the past.
But...
Stop talking about the babysitter and get to work!
What is that?
It's a harmonica.
It makes a beautiful sound.
Yes it does.
- You bought it? - No it was a gift.
Who gave it to you?
Where do they sell them?
I don't know.
Let me play it!
Let me keep it.
I will have mother repay you for it.
No that harmonica is precious to me.
Give it back!
I'll get you the money for it.
No I want it back!
Here take it!
How dare you?!
How could you!
No don't!
Miss Kayo! Miss Kayo!
Someone help!
What happened?
Episode 30
Kayo wake up!
Kayo! Kayo!
Go get some water in a kettle.
Kayo?
Kayo!
Go on hurry!
- Kayo! - Kayo!
What are you doing?
She just fell down and hit her head.
- Kayo! - You've come to!
Change her clothes.
What happened?
Oshin pushed me!
Oshin?
It hurts!
Where's Oshin? Bring her in here!
The doctor will be here shortly.
What are you doing? Hurry and change her clothes!
You've really done it now! No excuses will do!
How is Miss Okayo?
Hurry! Follow me!
Hurry!
I'm turning her in to the police!
Without knowing what really happened?
It was just a fight and she's not hurt badly.
She just hit her head.
That's beside the point.
Who knows what Oshin will do next!
I've brought Oshin.
You... Foolish girl!
Seitaro stop it! She's only a child!
I deserve to be hit. Go on please hit me.
Oshin did you pushed Kayo down?
Yes.
Why did you do that?
It's my fault.
Tell me what happened. Then we'll decide what to do.
You're hurt too.
You had a big fight with Okayo?
How dare she hurt my daughter!
I knew she was no good...
After all she ran away with a deserter!
They told us she was a good worker
but one never knows how the truth shows itself!
That's why I wanted her out of here!
There's talk in your village about you.
So it's not a mere rumor. You hid the truth from us!
I feel badly that I hurt Miss Okayo.
But I don't regret having been saved by Shunsaku and staying with him.
Shunsaku didn't desert because he was cowardly.
He hated war. He didn't want to have to kill.
That's why he ran away. I think war is bad too.
Why is a child talking like this? You're beginning to scare me!
They all think Shunsaku was bad because he deserted
but to me he was a very nice man.
He taught me how to read write and do arithmetic.
He gave me his harmonica too.
Miss Okayo took it from me and she said she'd pay for it.
But that harmonica is precious to me! It's a memento from Shunsaku.
You almost killed her for something as silly as that?
I'm so sorry.
It's all my fault.
I deserve to die.
The doctor is here!
She has a lump.
It hurts!
Keep it cool and it'll go down. It's nothing to worry about.
We're so sorry to have bothered you with this nonsense.
Thank you for coming.
All the other kids get hurt when they play.
And they or their parents don't seem to mind.
But Okayo's the heiress to Kaga-ya's fortune!
I don't blame you for making a fuss.
Take care.
Thank you so much.
How's Miss Okayo?
Pack your things you're leaving!
And you know why you're being sent away.
You're lucky I'm not calling the police on you!
It can't be helped.
I'm sorry.
You've been very good to me.
How is Miss Okayo?
There's nothing to worry about. She will be fine.
I'm sure it's tough for you to have to go home.
I would like to keep you
but my son and his wife will be very hard on you after this incident.
I feel for you.
That Kayo is very strong-willed. You two will never get along.
It's best if you leave.
If you don't want to go home...
I can find you another job.
I don't want to go home. I can't go home!
But I've already caused too many problems.
Oshin...
This town of Sakata has always been a trading town
and it's full of innovative people.
There are people who hate wars. I myself hate war!
But there's not much people can do.
We're all afraid of the government so we don't say anything openly.
Wait here I have an idea.
Madam...
I know you're not violent by nature. I know that very well.
That's ridiculous!
You're getting Oshin another job?
And you want to keep her here until then?
It will just be for a couple of days.
If that's what you want I guess she can stay for a few days
but what good can come of you finding her another job?
If she causes trouble we'll be held responsible!
I will not cause you any trouble.
Have you been asking around?
You can't order me around!
The old madam wanted you to eat.
What are you doing?
Owls.
Grandma used to make these for me.
You sure are good!
Please give these to Miss Okayo.
I wish I could apologize to her in person but I can't see her.
How are you feeling?
It's dinner time. I'll bring in yours now.
Oshin made this for you.
She feels very badly about what she did to you.
She made it all by herself.
What a cute owl!
Oshin sure is good at doing everything!
But she finally has to leave now.
She'll be able to leave with a clear mind once you get well and forgive her.
Will she be going home?
Of course!
She can't hurt you and expect to stay here.
Your mother sure is a problem.
She won't listen to me.
Excuse us for starting dinner without you.
It's all set. Oshin has a new job.
Kawada-ya the shipping agent has agreed to use her.
They're taking her in spite of the trouble she's caused.
Some people are understanding.
It'll do Oshin good to get away from you people.
I'll take her over tomorrow.
I told you you have to stay in bed!
Where are you taking Oshin?
I found her a new job.
Don't take her away! Please let her stay here.
Kayo!
It wasn't Oshin's fault.
I was unreasonable that's why she got angry.
It was all my fault!
Kayo...
I like Oshin.
I'd never thought before but Oshin came at me.
I don't care if I lost. I did my best!
Look.
Oshin made this for me.
Oshin knows so much.
I used to think that money can buy anything.
But I guess I was wrong.
Oshin wouldn't sell me her harmonica.
I wanted it so badly.
So please don't send Oshin away.
Oshin was worried about a new job.
She had no idea that Kayo's pleading
to let her stay would change her life forever.
Episode 31
So this is the town of Sakata. It's a big port city!
Look at all the petroleum storage tanks now.
But it looks a little run-down.
Back then the place seemed more lively.
It used to be a prosperous port on the Sea of Japan.
All of the region's rice used to get shipped out of here.
You don't notice that at all today.
There was a big fire here about ten years ago.
The whole city was rebuilt after the fire.
It's all different from what it was 60 or 70 years ago.
Since I had come out of the hills
the town seemed very big to me back then.
Look! Those warehouses are from the old days!
And these trees. It's still the same!
This area stayed exactly as I remembered it.
This is the warehouse area that impressed you?
That's right.
To see it all still standing... So many memories...
I still dream about these trees. Am I dreaming now?
Stop pinching me!
See it's no dream.
Is this Kaga-ya still in existence?
So much has happened since then.
Maybe somebody still remembers you.
All those people are dead and gone.
Sakata's become a mere memory for me.
Father once told me my real grandmother was from Sakata?
Is that true?
Father lost his mother at age two and he was adopted by you.
He doesn't remember her at all.
He only spoke of you as his mother but once he did mention that to me.
Grandma...
You knew his real mother?
Isn't that why you adopted him?
Your father is my son. I raised him with that in mind!
I guess so.
You raised him from age two.
You are pretty much his real mother.
He thinks of you as his mother too
and I love you as my real grandmother.
I'm sorry I brought it up.
None of it has anything to do with me anyway.
Please have your dinner!
Okay.
It's all ready.
Thanks.
I want you to have a decent meal for a change.
You men can't keep house!
Besides I have no husband or children to care for.
Yashiro residence.
Kei?
Where are you?
In Sakata?
Is your grandmother with you? Have her come to the phone.
Yes your grandmother!
Wait a minute.
It's aunt Hatsuko. She wants to speak to you.
Just tell her I'm fine.
But...
I told you not to call! I don't wish to be bothered.
She won't come to the phone!
She's fine let her be.
What are you two doing in Sakata?
Yes he's here.
He wants to talk to you.
It's me. Nothing's changed here.
You did have a few phone calls. Maybe it was your girlfriend.
She stopped calling after I told her you weren't here.
It's not often your grandmother goes on a trip.
Take good care of her.
Bye.
Hello?
He hung up.
You should've at least gotten the name of their inn!
They'll call if something happens.
You sure are easygoing.
What could they be doing in Sakata?
What's mother up to?
The Tanokuras are having big trouble!
I heard some rumors...
Let's eat!
Okay.
Hitoshi!
What a surprise to see you here.
I want mother to come home
but she hasn't gotten in touch with me.
I thought you might know where she and Kei are.
Yes but...
She'll be back when she feels like it.
I need her home!
Tanokura Supermarket is all yours. Let mother have her freedom.
I'm sure that's how she feels about it.
Kei is with her he should report in! What kind of son are you raising?
I'm sorry.
You can't get by without mother?
If they call find out how I can get in touch.
Let's all have dinner together!
My car's waiting.
Welcome home. Where were you?
Tatsunori has been waiting for you!
I missed you at the office so I came here.
Namiki hasn't finalized the transfer yet.
We still have time!
Have Namiki forego the deal or offer him more money
for the land than the big supermarket chain!
We can't have them opening up a new store!
I know.
Meet with Namiki and ask him to help you.
Bowing down to him won't change his mind.
He hates us because his small market suffered
due to our opening the new Tanokura Supermarket!
That's why we should ask him to merge with us.
He refused us outright!
Namiki has always opposed us in business.
Talk to him again. Have him come around.
Only he can keep the big chain store from coming in!
He owns the only suitable lot!
Not in front of Michiko.
Okay.
Dinner will be ready soon.
I'm so glad to hear that our new market's doing well!
Mother was so opposed to us opening up the new market.
It sure isn't like her to have so many doubts.
She finally ended up leaving home!
At least I get a chance to relax without her here!
And when she comes home
I won't have to feel so guilty towards her.
I'd like to have her retire.
It's time you younger people took over!
Nothing's new at home.
The Tanokura Supermarket is doing fine without you.
We can just relax and enjoy our trip.
Let's go take a bath.
Grandma?
I'm sure Kaga-ya used to be over there.
What if I'd been sent away from Kaga-ya?
Maybe my life would have been very different now.
She had fought with Kayo over the harmonica
that Shunsaku had left her and Kayo had been injured.
If she'd had to leave then...
That thought had haunted Oshin ever since.
You're wanted inside!
Hurry and come.
They found me another job somewhere else?
Can't we have Oshin work elsewhere?
No I want her here for Kayo's sake.
You can't just do what Kayo asks.
She doesn't understand.
She knows a lot more than you two.
Mother!
Just leave everything to me!
It's me Oshin.
Come on in!
I'm very sorry and I'm ready to leave the house at anytime.
Oshin...
We've decided to keep you.
Kayo doesn't want you to go away.
She's been an only child for a long time she's lonely.
I want you and Kayo to be able to play together.
I get to stay?
Yes and keep doing a good job as Sayo's babysitter.
Really?
We're all agreed on this matter.
Thank you. Thank you so much!
Have you eaten?
Yes Oume brought me my dinner.
Then get to bed.
A lot happened today.
You must be tired.
Where's Miss Okayo?
She is resting and she liked those owls you made for her.
- Have a nice day! - Have a nice day!
I hope you're not still hurting.
You were hurt too. Does it hurt?
Just a little.
Next time I won't let you beat me!
Have a nice day!
Kayo had smiled at her for the first time.
Oshin was ready to do anything for her now.
Episode 32
Oshin had hurt Kayo in a fight and she resigned herself to be sent away.
But she was forgiven and was allowed to stay.
When Oshin learned that it was Kayo who had
asked that she be kept on it made her very happy.
I like the old madam.
I'll do anything for her and Miss Okayo.
But since I'm just a babysitter I can't do much for them.
I want to be a full-fledged maid!
Just do a good job as a babysitter!
You think I'll get to stay on after my two-year term is up?
I'll work real hard!
Welcome home.
Come to my room later.
There's one for each of us. It's good try it.
It's good isn't it?
It is!
I learned new kanji at school today.
Can you read them?
River tree and mountain.
This represents a flowing river?
Yes.
It sure looks like it.
And the character for "tree" looks like a tree.
And the mountain too.
You're right!
Try writing them.
You're pretty good!
School must be nice they teach you so much.
Why don't you go to school?
We're the same age. You should be in school too.
Grandma told me that
I'd be punished by the law if I didn't go to school.
But I'm just the babysitter.
Why can't a babysitter go to school?
I can't babysit if I'm in school.
Why do you want to babysit?
If I don't work my family will suffer.
Why is that?
We don't have enough to eat at home.
I got five bales of rice to come to work here.
I was paid to babysit so I can't go to school.
Your family had no rice for you to eat?
Your family runs a farm. Why isn't there any rice?
We're sharecroppers so we have to pay our rice
out to the landlord. We're poor so it can't be helped.
But why?
What are you doing in here?
I was teaching her some kanji.
She knows the hirgana script but not kanji.
You're a babysitter so stay out of Kayo's room!
I let her in here!
You go on to the kitchen.
Mother!
Kayo you're the heiress to the Kaga-ya business.
You and Oshin have different lots in life.
You have to maintain your proper distance from her.
We're letting her stay because you asked us to.
Just don't become too friendly with her.
Why is that?
You have nothing to gain from befriending her.
You'll probably pick up her bad habits.
Do you understand?
Here play it.
You can read these.
Why is Oshin so different from me?
There's no difference between you two.
You're both very cute girls!
Then why can't she come into my room?
We're both the same yet she can't go to school?
Not all the girls in this world are like you.
There are many children who have to
help out their families by going to work.
But it's not Oshin's fault that her family is poor.
Never discriminate against workers or the poor.
Then mother is wrong! I can be friends with Oshin?
Your mother is worried about you because she loves you.
But I'm not worried about you!
Since you met Oshin you've begun to think about many different things.
Just the fact that you're concerned about her not going to school.
It just shows that you are getting smarter.
To feel sorry for Oshin means that she's given you something.
Grandma please let Oshin go to school!
- I can't do that. - Why not?
Oshin has a job babysitting. That's what we pay her to do.
It's a contract that has to be fulfilled.
She'll be as good as you even if she doesn't go to school.
I have my own ideas about helping her!
Good morning!
You're still up every morning making rice?
Yes I enjoy getting up early in the morning.
What do you do after your babysitting is done?
I clean up after dinner and scrub the bathtub.
Okiku and Oume also teach me sewing.
A babysitter doesn't have to do all that!
But I work here I can't just do nothing!
Come to my room later.
This is the last time we'll be cleaning the lamps.
We'll have electricity after the New Year.
Electric lights require no cleaning.
What is this electricity?
You'll see once it's turned on.
Will I get to see it?
The young madam is upset that I went into Okayo's room.
And the old madam told me to come to see her.
I've made too many mistakes so I might have to leave this house.
- Welcome home! - Welcome home!
You're home early.
It's Saturday so it's half-day.
We never know what day of the week it is.
Where's mother?
She has a meeting but she'll be home shortly.
Come. Don't worry.
Mother is out!
I'm sorry I don't want to be scolded again.
Never mind you're not doing anything wrong!
We don't want the young madam to get upset and send Oshin away.
I thought we could have fun together today.
Since I'm from the mountains I don't know about life in a wealthy family.
Please forgive me if I've done something wrong.
Don't be silly!
I didn't ask you here to scold you!
Come over here.
I know you can read but can you write?
There's some paper. Write for me.
One has to be able to both read and write.
I'll teach you every night from now on.
You'll be able to learn without going to school.
I never went to what's known as school today.
I learned at the temple.
Kanji characters and numbers.
I'll teach you things that will be useful in life.
It'll help you become somebody later on in life.
Let's start by learning to make ink.
Oshin...
You don't want to learn?
Not like that!
Straighten up.
Learning starts from making ink properly.
Good.
I got a one again!
What's mother talking to Oshin about?
Is she in grandma's room?
It's time for you to go to bed!
You always have trouble getting up in the morning.
I'll go and see what's going on.
Kayo!
Write the syllabary now.
Straighten up your back.
It's me Kayo.
What is it?
- Grandma. - Mother!
I won't hear you complain about it. Oshin's already done all her chores.
But...
Grandma I want to learn with Oshin!
You don't like to study.
But Oshin's doing it!
Then bring your own ink and brush.
- Okay. - Kayo!
Get to work.
You can't go to bed until you write out every letter.
Episode 33
What's the problem?
I teach Oshin after she's done with her chores.
Oshin's a babysitter. There needs to be limits set.
She's a human being!
It's our responsibility as her employers that we teach her.
It's not that I'm going against your wishes.
It's just that we don't feel right about Oshin studying alongside our Kayo.
That's right.
We have to consider Oshin's background.
Besides she has a bad reputation back home.
What if she teaches Kayo the wrong things?
If you favor Oshin it'll go to her head.
We don't want her to become too familiar with Kayo.
You two are worried about such nonsense?
Kayo's much more stable than either of you!
Mother.
Oshin's caused Kayo to think about different things.
She used to only think about herself until now.
She's realized that there are people other than herself.
It's all very good medicine for Kayo!
Do you know how to count?
Yes.
I can add and subtract.
How about you?
Yes and I can do multiplication.
What's that?
Recite it for me.
Two times two is four. Two times three is six.
Two times four is eight. Two times five is ten.
Two times six is twelve. Two times seven...
I haven't learned that yet. Who taught you?
Shunsaku taught me.
Who's Shunsaku?
Good. If you know that you can use the abacus.
At school you calculate with pencil and paper.
For a merchant the abacus is the key to everything!
Once you learn the abacus you'll never have trouble in life.
So learn it well.
Let's practice. Clear the board first.
Here we go.
One plus one is... two.
Understand?
Now... What's two plus two?
Can you do it?
- It's four. - Correct.
This ball on top stands for five.
Okay next. What's five plus four?
- Nine. - That's right.
Watch me carefully.
When all the balls are used up in a column
the next column will represent the ten's place.
Got it?
Five plus seven is... Like this!
Four plus eight is...
That's too hard!
I can do that!
Let's try it again.
Six plus seven.
Good! You both got it.
Let's have a race!
Oshin...
Just because the old madam is good to you
don't ever think that you're Kayo's equal.
Turn this way.
An employee will always be just an employee.
You mustn't forget that.
Kayo is your master. She's not your friend.
It's best if you start turning down
the kind offers the old madam makes to you.
Don't make the young madam angry.
There's no need to ask for trouble.
You want to quit your lessons?
I didn't know you were such a coward.
I'm sure the young madam said something to you.
But you'll never amount to much if you let it bother you.
I want to train you so that you'll be able to make it through life on you own.
You already know what poverty is.
You have to prepare for your future so that you'll never experience it again.
You'll have to know how to read write and to use the abacus.
Hang in there!
Don't worry about silly things. You have to want it all.
Do you understand?
Kuni's words struck home. She didn't want to remain poor.
She wanted to be able to make it on her own.
Oshin continued her studies despite Omino's cold looks.
Then one day...
- Welcome home! - Come with me.
They're putting up electricity pylons!
The pylons bring electricity to houses and they're big!
How do these pylons carry electricity?
It's dangerous. Stay back!
Where does electricity come from?
I told you it's dangerous! Stand back!
What does it look like? Does it flow like water?
Watch out!
Back off!
Kayo!
These pylons carry electricity!
Come over here!
Watch out!
Get out of the way!
Get away!
Are you all right?
Go get Dr. Sato!
Hurry!
What happened?
Young madam!
Omino... Omino!
- Bring some sake. - Yes!
Omino...
Young madam!
Mother!
You idiot! You caused her a fright!
She's just a child. Mino just overreacted.
Kayo...
- Kayo. - Mother!
I'm so glad you're safe.
Are you okay?
Oshin are you hurt?
I'm fine.
You protected Kayo.
If not for Oshin Miss Okayo would have been crushed!
People were all praising Oshin for what she did.
I'll sue the electric company!
Don't be silly.
It's her fault for going where it was dangerous.
Why are you crying? Are you hurt?
She's crying because it was her fault!
Did you thank Oshin?
There's no need to thank me.
I'm sorry I pushed you down! You must have been surprised.
Oshin thank you!
I saw the whole thing. I thought Kayo would surely die.
She was too frightened to get out of the way.
She was just standing there.
If it hadn't been for you...
Kayo wouldn't be here.
You saved Kayo's life.
I guess it was fate that brought you two together.
Please continue being a good friend to her.
Mino began to look upon Oshin with kindness.
Electricity came to Kaga-ya soon after that.
It's lit!
It's so bright.
I'm blown away.
How does electricity get here?
Well through the wires.
The wires are so thin. How does it pass through?
I guess electricity is very little...
The electric lights seemed very bright to Oshin.
The Kaga-ya family was happy too.
Oshin felt bright and cheerful too.
She'll never forget the day the lights came.
Soon Oshin had her first New Year at Kaga-ya.
Open it.
The young madam had it made for you.
Go on. Take a look.
Look Oshin! We match now!
To thank you for what you did.
You and Kayo can both wear these for the New Year.
I'll buy you both obi sashes too.
You and Kayo will have the exact same sets.
We can wear this to go to the temple on New Year's Day.
Try it on.
Oshin couldn't believe it. She felt guilty about being so happy.
She had little in the way of happiness before.
It was all a little frightening to her.
Episode 34
This was to be Oshin's first New Year at Kaga-ya.
Oshin will be nine years old this New Year
and much will happen to her during its span.
That hairdo looks good on you!
I'm embarrassed I asked not to have it done.
It only happens once a year!
It looks great. I hardly recognize you!
Okayo has nice hair but so does Oshin.
Oshin you will grow up to be very pretty!
Thanks to all your efforts
Kaga-ya is able to celebrate the New Year in style again.
Please keep up your hard work.
Let's all pray for a...
Happy New Year!
- Happy New Year! - Happy New Year!
Eat and drink all you want!
What a feast!
Have your ozoni soup.
I wonder how my family is celebrating.
My mother is working away from home.
I wish I could share my food with her.
Happy New Year!
What New Year's food do you eat at home?
Not much at all the nishime is just daikon and potatoes.
And we're lucky to get three pieces of mochi for the entire holidays.
Only three pieces?
The gods will punish me for having so much to eat.
You get to sit next to Miss Okayo at this feast.
You two are like sisters!
I don't deserve it.
I think of her like that.
Oshin saved Kayo from being killed by the falling electricity pylon.
That's when I knew that fate had brought them together.
We want Oshin to be a good friend to Kayo.
We all have to take better care of Oshin!
You sure are a lucky girl!
Yes.
I plan on working harder than ever.
We'll go to the shrine after we're done eating.
I have to take care of the baby.
No all employees get three days off for the New Year!
You don't have to babysit. Just have fun!
How pretty. They're adorable.
People probably think that we're sisters.
Stop teasing me!
Mom...
What are you looking at?
That woman's looking at us too!
I'm sure she thinks we're sisters.
Let's go! Hurry!
Oshin...
Do you know that woman?
She's a shameful one. Acting that way at a shrine!
Let's go home.
That wasn't mother...
She's just someone who resembles her.
Oshin wanted to believe that.
Mother couldn't be here in Sakata and she was with a man!
Oshin couldn't shake that image from her mind.
Come on. You haven't got a single card!
Aren't you feeling well?
It's my first time playing cards.
You'll learn soon enough.
It's easier working.
It's so like you Oshin.
I'm home!
Are you done making greeting calls?
I was made to drink at every house!
Here I brought you some manju cakes.
There was a strange woman outside.
She went away when I spoke to her. You'd better go check.
I will.
Would you like something to eat?
Get me some hot tea.
- Excuse me. - It's still early.
But...
She's been up since very early.
Good night.
Mother is that you?
Oshin.
Mom!
I'm just here to see where you work.
What are you doing here in Sakata?
A guest at the inn offered to bring me here.
I came just to see you! But I didn't really expect to see you.
I couldn't come to Kaga-ya looking like this.
And I didn't want to embarrass you.
I didn't really want you to see me like this.
But you saw me at the shrine.
You spotted me pretty well.
I guess the luck of the gods brought us together.
The Kaga-ya people must be good to you.
I hardly recognized you at the shrine!
You had on such a pretty kimono!
I was so happy to see you...
Mom you've lost weight. Is your job too tough?
Please quit.
I hate to see you looking like that.
I'll go home to work the fields after the snow melts.
But...
I haven't been doing anything to bring shame upon you or your father!
But forget that you ever saw me here.
Okay?
Mom...
I'm glad I came. I was worried about you!
That girl with the matching kimono was the young Miss?
They treat you like her sister?
I'm glad. Now I can go back to Ginzan.
I have a little money here for you.
I don't need it.
I got it as a tip from a customer.
Just take it.
Buy something for grandma with it. She's waiting for you to come home.
Please get back home. For her sake!
Oshin...
I have that kokeshi doll you gave me.
That's all I need!
Take care of yourself.
Go back in before someone sees us.
Go on.
I'll be going now.
Oshin.
A woman doesn't work for herself.
We work to help our husbands and our children.
We all do our best... Against all odds.
A woman lives for others.
Your mother too!
She is doing what she is doing for her family.
No matter what she does don't think badly of her.
She wanted to see you badly.
She couldn't bring herself to visit us formally.
I'm sure she is having a tough time.
Take care of your mother!
You take such good care of Sayo.
Oshin never took Omino's trust in her for granted.
She worked hard and kept her place.
Soon she became someone indispensable to Kaga-ya.
I want to wear Western clothes to school!
Soma-ya's girl wears a dress and leather shoes!
The skirt is all frilly! I want one.
If I don't get one I won't go to school!
All right I'll buy you some new clothes.
Is she still talking about that?
She really wants it.
They say you can move around easier in a dress.
I want to buy it for her.
No!
Mother.
Wearing Western clothes will just draw her more attention!
It doesn't cost that much.
It's not the money. I don't like her attitude!
Never mind the clothes but I won't go to school!
All right stay home.
Kayo!
- Oshin. - Yes?
Can you make daikon gruel?
Daikon gruel? Yes I can.
Make us some for dinner.
Make it just like you did at home.
Oshin couldn't understand what Kuni wanted.
But she was glad to be able to make daikon gruel again.
Episode 35
Why is the old madam asking Oshin to make daikon gruel?
Have you ever had it?
Not me. We're fishermen so we were given rice and barley.
Me too. I come from a merchant family.
Is daikon gruel good?
Kanda-ya in Osaka wants 40-koku or rice.
Yes I know.
Give it to him at today's rate.
Okay.
Mother it's about Kayo.
Can't we get her Western clothes to wear to school?
It's not just about buying her the clothes.
I hear Western clothes are nice!
It's not good for her to always have her way!
But she's so stubborn. She really won't go to school!
Who raised her like that?
Doesn't she get her stubbornness from you?
It's time for dinner.
I don't want any!
But Miss...
Tell them I won't eat until they buy me a dress!
She doesn't have to eat if she doesn't want to!
Mother...
She'll get hungry soon enough.
Where's Miss Okayo?
Let her be.
Well...
What shall I do with the daikon gruel?
Just concentrate on your studies.
Mother and Kayo are both so stubborn.
Does she really intend not to eat?
What if she ruins her health?
They're both a big bother. All this over clothes?
- Go check on her. - Yes.
You both want me to starve? You don't care if I die?!
See she is yelling because she's hungry.
Take some gruel in to her.
Will you eat some with her?
You're feeding that to Kayo?
It's the old madam's orders.
I'll make her something else.
- Go on take it inside. - Mother!
Don't meddle!
Go on eat.
If I eat will you buy me Western clothes?
What's this?
It's daikon turnip gruel.
Why feed me this?
I made it. You don't like it?
You made this?
It's good it brings back so many memories!
I'm surprised you can eat it.
I don't want it. Bring me white rice!
Kayo...
Oshin grew up eating this before coming here.
She grew up never complaining about food.
In this world there are people who only get to eat gruel!
I've heard of it but I didn't think it tasted so awful!
Everybody wants to eat white rice but not everyone can afford it.
You have to think of things like that.
Did you really grow up eating this?
This is all we had to eat. It tastes good when you're hungry.
But we didn't have enough gruel either.
My dream was to eat my fill of daikon gruel.
After what Oshin's been through how can you complain about clothes and such?
Think it over carefully.
Miss Okayo.
It still tastes bad.
Grandma I don't need dresses or shoes.
Clothes don't make the person.
I feel badly that Oshin had to eat this growing up.
But I still like white rice better.
Is daikon gruel that bad?
People today have no idea what it's like.
Okayo didn't know until she ate it for the first time.
I'm not resentful that I grew up eating it.
It gave me the courage to face all adversity.
It taught me to appreciate the little things in life.
The old madam sounds very smart. She used you to make her point.
She was very capable.
Because of that Okayo and I became inseparable.
I don't know if that was good for Okayo or not.
It's funny we all think we grew up all on our own
but we owe a lot to other people.
If Okayo and I never met
we might have both lived totally different lives.
But back then life at Kaga-ya was so fulfilling.
I wonder if that was what real happiness was.
I'd never experienced the Girls' Day celebration before.
These are ohina dolls?
You've never seen them?
I've heard of them but I'd never seen them before.
Your house didn't have ohina dolls?
We couldn't afford them and we have no room to display them.
They're beautiful!
These are mine.
That was for your first Girls' Day and these are Sayo's.
It's her first Girls' Day celebration.
These dolls have been in our family for generations.
They date back to the days of the Tokugawa Shoguns!
They're hundreds of years old!
The top row is the prince and princess.
Then you get the three attendants. The third row has the five musicians.
These are the furnishings for the princess.
We're celebrating this year for Kayo Sayo and Oshin!
We'll prepare a big feast!
We get to drink sweet shirosake too.
Oshin's been with us for six months already.
She came during the winter. Now the snow is melting.
You have held up well. Your two years will be up in no time.
Oshin was thinking will her mother be going home now?
No matter how happy her life here was she missed her mother and her family.
Try some of the sweet sake!
- It's very good! - It is.
Be careful not to get drunk.
It's so nice of you to let Oshin celebrate too.
Back in our village nobody celebrates Girls' Day.
Oshin must be very happy.
It's my first time eating gomoku rice too!
You'll never find better work!
I hear you get to study with the old madam too.
I do just as well as Oshin.
How are things at Oshin's house?
Just fine. Her mother just recently returned home.
Mother's back home?
She's back working in the fields.
How's grandma?
She's fine.
She's waiting for you to come home.
I'll tell them all about you.
I wish I could share my food with grandma.
She'll be happy to hear that you're being treated well.
Please take this to Oshin's grandmother.
I know how Oshin worries about her.
Thank you.
I'm sure she'll be able to rest in peace now.
She loves Oshin so much...
Oriki...
She's so good.
You should play harmonica.
I'm no match for you.
- Oshin. - Yes?
Get ready to go home for a visit.
Why are you sending her away?
I'm not I'm just letting her go home for a visit.
Her mother's home now so Oshin must want to see her.
Will she be coming back right away?
Yes after she spends some time with her family.
Hurry and get ready.
But...
Oriki is waiting for you.
Give her some rice to take as a gift.
I will.
Make some good white rice for your grandmother.
Why am I being sent home? Oshin couldn't believe it.
Rather than being happy she became worried.
Episode 36
Kuni had suddenly told Oshin to visit home.
She was confused.
She was happy to be able to see her mother and grandmother
but she didn't know why she was being sent home.
Take some of Kayo's old clothes with you.
We want you to dress nicely.
We don't want your mother and grandmother to think badly of Kaga-ya.
Why are you taking all your things?
I just thought you didn't want me to return here.
This visit is your reward for working so hard.
It's a good chance with Oriki here to take you back with her.
Take only what you need you'll be coming back.
You can come back and work harder than ever
after seeing your mother and grandmother.
Will I really be able to come back here?
Absolutely!
Take your medicine.
Never mind.
I know what's best for me.
Medicine is expensive. It's just a waste.
The weather's getting warmer you'll get better soon!
Does it hurt?
I'll be relieved of all pain soon...
Grandma!
I had a dream about Oshin. They were being mean to her again.
She was calling out to me for help but I couldn't reach out to her.
No they're being very good to Oshin.
You didn't see her. How do you know?
Oriki keeps her eyes on Oshin during her visits.
I wouldn't believe that woman.
I miss Oshin...
Oshin was so good to me. She was so sweet and smart too.
She's had such a hard time at such a young age.
I wasn't able to help her at all.
Don't talk too much. You'll tire yourself.
When Oshin first went off to work I gave her a 50-sen coin to take with her.
That was all I could do for her...
That was the only thing I ever did for her
and that coin caused her to be accused of stealing.
You gave her that coin?
I caused her grief.
No you took good care of Oshin. She loves you more than anybody.
I want to see Oshin...
I want to see her before I die.
Two years will pass quickly and she will be back.
If you get well you will see her.
Fuji...
She has to use diapers now...
She misses Oshin.
There's no way to send her to Sakata to see Oshin.
Please make her something good to eat.
It's too late now. She can hardly eat...
If only I had gotten back home sooner.
Mother!
Oshin!
Did they send you back again? What have you done now?
Oshin sure runs fast!
What's going on?
Go see your grandma.
Oriki...
The old madam has given her time off for that.
Go on.
Grandma!
It's me Oshin! Grandma! Grandma...
Mother?
Since you and I were both away she worked herself too much.
She became ill just as I got back home.
She overworked herself. I feel so bad.
Grandma!
Medicine does her no good.
I'm glad you got to come home.
Is that why they sent me home? To see grandma?
She'll be so happy to see you when she wakes up.
She missed you a lot.
Oshin!
I've made gruel for you.
Let her sleep. It might be too late.
Please call the doctor!
She's beyond a doctor's help.
That's ridiculous!
It's me Oshin!
- Oshin...? - Yes it's me.
I came home to see you.
Kaga-ya's old madam gave me time off to come and see you.
It's really you?
Yes it's her.
You're wearing such a nice kimono.
The young madam gave it to me. They are good to me.
You look good.
I have white rice for you to eat.
The old madam gave me rice to bring to you.
There's enough for you to eat your fill.
You made this for me?
I put an egg in it. It's good!
It's so good.
Please eat a lot and get better.
I was never able to do anything for you.
Yet you've always treated me so well.
Thank you.
Because of you I was never lonely. Even when mother was away.
I was able to bear it. I owe it all to you.
You're such a sweet girl.
Be good to others as you were to me.
Then they'll be good to you in return.
I'm so glad you came home.
I have no more regrets.
Get well grandma.
This gruel is so good...
Grandma!
She's smiling...
She's happy that you made gruel for her...
Naka died later that night.
She'd wed a poor sharecropper and worked all her life.
She never ever had enough to eat.
She died without knowing what happiness was.
She never thought of herself and she lived for her family.
That's how a woman lives. For her family.
The old madam's words rang true to Oshin now.
Oshin wanted more out of her life.
More than her mother or her grandmother.
Oshin didn't want to find comfort in death.
Oshin felt both pity and anger at what had happened to her grandmother.
She got to see you before she died so she'll rest in peace.
It'll be lonely here without her.
You'll be going back to Sakata with Oriki tomorrow.
Keep this as a memento of your grandmother.
She gave it to you when you first went to work.
When the people from the lumber dealer returned it
I didn't know what it was for so I just kept it in here.
Your grandmother told me about it before she died.
She had given you all she had to give.
Keep it as an amulet for your grandmother's sake.
I will work hard and I'll make a lot of money.
I don't want to be like grandma.
I don't want to have nothing when I die.
I'll never be a sharecropper!
Oshin...
Please take good care of her.
Don't worry about Oshin.
- Take care of yourself. - You too.
Be sure to thank everyone.
Let's go.
Please wait a minute.
Okay.
Oshin was headed back to Sakata but she was no longer the same girl.
She was growing up.
Thanks to Avallac'h and XrayMind at D-Addicts.
Translation: UTB Channel