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Episode 87
Ryuzo and Oshin were finally settled in.
Oshin wasn't taking on any more new clients.
And she was trying more to help out
with the business while learning more about it.
I know I shouldn't be butting in on the family business
but it's part of my job as a wife to know how the business is doing.
Who knows when I might have to take over for you two.
So if I don't know anything
it won't go over well with the clients.
Of course.
I'd been meaning to teach you a little bit at a time.
You needn't worry.
I wouldn't worry if we were living on a set income.
But we're a business for ourselves so our money isn't guaranteed.
Right.
Does my husband own this lot and building?
We lease the land.
The house and store was built with money from his family.
It's under his name.
Then we don't pay rent.
Is this the expenses for the month?
Yes. We don't include the household expenses.
We didn't make enough last month to cover expenses.
We've been selling
but the money hasn't been collected for the last six months.
We can't be harsh in our collection
or take back the merchandise. That's bad for business.
We need our retailers!
It's the economy... It's live and let live.
I'm home!
Welcome home.
I have a French cake for you.
That's so extravagant!
I got it for you. At least seem happy about it.
Thank you. Let's make tea and enjoy some.
Someko is here to see you.
- Someko? - Yes.
Have her come in.
What does she want?
Come on in.
Sorry to barge in on you.
It could've waited until Oshin came by to do our hair
but we thought you should be told personally.
What is it?
We're having a party to celebrate your wedding.
It's next Wednesday night at our café Athena.
Our manager says we can have it for the night
since Wednesdays are the slowest. So we decided it on our own.
- Is it all right? - It's okay with me.
Each guest will be charged.
It will be people who are willing to pay to help you celebrate.
Thanks. Good thing I got Oshin a new kimono.
It's a long-sleeve one with a fancy obi too.
How gorgeous...
Just like the business owner you are!
Oshin you sure are lucky. You get to live in luxury.
It's true what they say...
A woman's happiness is a good man.
I envy you.
I'd better go see some of our guests.
Stay and have some cake.
No more sweets for me! You're both too sweet for me.
We'll see you later.
Thank you.
She's always so cheerful.
Ryuzo...
Is it true you ordered a kimono for me?
Yes.
You don't seem to have any fancy ones
and I wanted you to have one that I picked out.
Thank you but our business isn't making any money.
Who told you we were in trouble?
This is my business.
I made it what it is.
I have my own ideas as to how it should be run.
I don't let Gen say a word
and don't need a woman telling me what to do?
Thank you all for coming.
As the hostess I'd like to welcome you all.
Most of us are the top waitresses in this town.
And we'll celebrate our favorite former customer Ryuzo!
Ryuzo!
It's to celebrate his wedding.
But we'll have fun with the bride and groom.
Here's our manager who is letting us use his café for free!
Let me make a toast to the bride and groom.
Best wishes to the Tanokuras!
Congratulations!
Thank you.
I'll be the first to dance with you.
- I'm next! - And I'm next!
You'll have to let us have him tonight.
Then we will never bother him again.
Go right ahead.
They're leaving you all alone!
I'm happy to have a popular man for a husband.
Without you he would've spent all his money on girls!
But the way our business is going
he doesn't have any money to spend on women and wine.
This is fine. Take good care of him.
I'm going to drink too.
I want some sake or shochu spirits!
Welcome!
What a fine party!
Thank you both for coming. Please have a seat.
Someko invited us.
Thanks for coming over the other day.
Thank you.
I didn't tell you the other day because Mr. Tanokura was with you
but I'm thinking of selling my salon and moving to the country.
Why?
I don't want to have to do Western-style hair.
Then get someone who can
and you can keep doing the Japanese-style.
Don't close the salon.
It's too hard to find a good hairdresser to help me.
I wish I could help but...
A businessman's wife can't help me.
You have bigger and better things ahead of you.
What's going on here?
Congratulations.
Oshin was so happy to see Genemon enjoying himself at their party.
He'd been against her marrying Ryuzo
but he was their biggest supporter now.
She wanted to be sure that they never betrayed his trust.
Oshin danced with Ryuzo for the very first time.
She didn't know how to dance
but she was happier than she'd ever been in her whole life.
She wanted this happiness to last forever.
Excuse me.
What's wrong?
I need to talk to your husband.
He's had a lot to drink. Tell me instead.
One of our biggest retailers is about to go under!
They're bankrupt?
They might go under any day now.
What about what they owe us for all the fabric?
That's what I'm worried about!
I see.
Get some movers together tonight
so we can get our fabrics out of there before the other creditors!
But...
There's no time to wait for my husband
or Genemon to get sober. We need to act now.
But...
I will go too. Get all our men together.
We need all the help we can get. Please contact everybody.
Okay.
We'll all meet at 6:00 tomorrow morning.
All right.
All the gaiety seemed to fade.
The fears Genemon expressed were coming true.
Episode 88
We're here Ryu.
I'm sorry.
We're so sorry to cause you all this trouble.
Ryuzo.
Genemon.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Thank you for coming.
- Where's Mr. Tanokura? - He is still sleeping.
He was quite drunk last night so we mustn't wake him up.
We can't waste time trying to explaining the situation.
Are you sure?
I'll take responsibility for everything.
Let's go!
You're from the Tanokura Company. What's going on so early?
He is the president...
I'm Tanokura Ryuzo's wife.
We haven't gotten paid for our merchandise for over six months.
We are here to take back the fabric.
I've brought the record book.
Please understand... We must take back the merchandise.
She is not here. I even looked in the toilet!
Not so loud... I have a headache.
Maybe she's gone back home?
I'm sure she has just gone shopping.
There's nobody out in the office either.
Maybe something happened.
I need a bath...
- It'll sober me up. - This is not the time!
Don't worry! She'll be back soon.
I don't remember about last night at all.
How did we get home?
I don't remember either.
I'm sure she's upset. Maybe she left!
Don't be silly...
Put the rest of the fabric in the back.
That's her!
Good morning! I'll make breakfast right away.
I'll leave the rest to you.
What's going on? I didn't order this.
It's your wife's orders.
Oshin?
- Oshin made a purchase? - No actually...
Tell me what's going on!
Please get away!
Get away!
I've done nothing wrong.
You've done a terrible thing!
A businessman should never do what you did!
You've humiliated me!
As your wife I did the right thing.
I found out in the middle of the party last night
that the shop is going bankrupt. That's why I did what I had to do.
Why didn't you tell me?
Both you and Genemon were drunk. I didn't think you'd understand.
Why didn't you wait to talk to me?
We couldn't wait...
That's no reason to do what you did!
I experienced this once before at Kaga-ya.
When a store is going bankrupt
the supplier has to get there before all the other creditors!
That's one way to cut losses!
The other creditors will come and take everything.
That still doesn't make it right.
I'd never do such a heartless thing!
You don't care if the other creditors
take our fabric that hasn't even been paid for?
We have to keep our losses to a minimum.
We should be helping people in trouble.
By taking back our fabric
it could really cause him to go under!
I understand.
If you want I'll return what I took back.
I'm very sorry.
I know that we have different ideas about how to run a business.
I'll go back and explain. Then I'll apologize.
Let her take the fabric back.
I'll let no woman tell me what to do!
I'm sure she understands now.
I'm going to take a bath.
I'm truly sorry.
My husband is very upset at what I did.
- Please do as he says. - Yes.
Welcome.
Is your husband in?
Yes.
Mr. Tanokura! It's terrible!
I hear you took all your merchandise back.
You sure are smart!
By the time I heard that the store was bankrupt
all the other creditors were there already!
They're bankrupt?
They had a factory so I didn't think they'd go under.
It was the factory that took them down.
The economy has hurt sales.
No wonder he didn't have enough money to pay his debts.
You were able to get your merchandise back.
Because you got there first!
Even though it's just a portion it's better than nothing.
How much does he still owe you?
I don't know yet
but he hadn't paid me for six months.
That means you took some losses too!
The economy's hurt us both! Well I have to go.
There's no use returning the merchandise now.
Yes... They've gone under.
Please take anything that doesn't fit in the store in the back.
Thank you.
Ryuzo...
I'm sure he's in shock.
Please leave him alone for a while.
I guess he didn't like what I did.
But I thought I did what needed to be done.
It's not that.
Your husband is the one who suggested
to that business to expand and open a sewing factory.
We invested some money into it too.
We were counting on them. Now they're bankrupt...
The economy is so bad!
It's hard for us to cultivate new clients now.
Your husband is sure to lose self-confidence.
He's used to making his own decisions.
He is a proud man. Now he's humiliated...
I had no idea and I was pushy.
You did it all for our business.
But I have hurt my husband's feelings.
You know how he is...
Marriage can be such a difficult thing.
You two will just have to learn about each other a little at a time.
That's what being a couple is all about.
What will happen now? Oshin was worried.
She wasn't afraid of poverty.
If she fell to the bottom she knew she could get back up.
She had experienced a lot in her young life.
She was afraid for Ryuzo. He wasn't like her.
Did he have the strength to get back on his feet?
This was Oshin's first crisis in her marriage.
Episode 89
Hello! It's the rice man.
Thanks but we don't need any today.
Can you make us mochi?
Of course. But I'm here to collect today.
Then please go talk to Genemon out in front.
He told me I'd have to wait. That's why I'm here asking you.
The people out front don't seem to understand.
I'm not saying we won't pay.
I'm just asking you to wait until next year.
We have been doing business for a long time!
We'll pay first thing next year!
You can't pay me such a small amount?
Don't give us a hard time...
Don't worry. We'll pay.
- I hope you'll keep your word. - Trust me!
I sure hate to see a man cry. I give up.
Gen...
I should give you money for household expenses.
No don't worry.
I've already paid the rice man.
What? He came to you?
I told him I'd pay him later. I'll never buy from him again!
It's the economy... People are all hurting.
But I had no idea we were in such bad shape.
My husband hadn't told me anything.
Don't worry. He's out collecting now.
Please use this money for emergencies
until the money comes in.
Ryuzo's father gave us this to celebrate our wedding.
We have already had a party so use it.
I couldn't possibly... Keep it for when you need it.
No this is when we all need it! I don't want you to suffer alone.
Don't worry. I'm still doing hair for people.
I can take care of the household expenses.
Let's just all help and support each other!
Then I'll borrow this money and I'll pay you back.
But...
We won't tell Ryuzo about it at all!
Welcome!
- But our owner is away just now. - I've already spoken to him.
I'm returning the fabrics you brought to us.
Why?
We have lost too many customers lately.
Nobody out there wants new suits!
That's why I didn't want these in the first place.
He said I could pay whenever I got the money
but he keeps coming to try and collect from me!
- Bring it in! - Okay.
We need another war to improve the economy.
Another World War would help our economy...
But it's not right to wish for war!
I don't mind being poor. But no more wars!
I'm not afraid of poverty. We can start over again.
I have been through it many times
so I'm not afraid of living in poverty.
- Please close up now. - Okay.
Go keep my husband company.
What's wrong with you both?
I guess he wasn't able to collect much money today.
But there is no use worrying.
I had no idea you two were so small-minded!
A woman can never understand a man...
Men have responsibilities!
I can persevere but I feel badly for him!
He had to lay off all our workers.
He can't afford to keep them in this economy.
Business used to be so good...
But we have to keep this business going.
Excuse me!
Oritsu!
Oshin...
What's the matter? Did something happen to Otaka?
I need your help.
She's not doing well.
Is she ill?
No. She's getting more clients than she can handle
because it's the end of the year. She didn't want to turn them away.
She needs help!
Please help her before she collapses.
I know you have duties here at home
and she'd never ask you for help herself. That's why I'm here.
There's no other way. We need your help!
We haven't had business like this in ages.
But she's wearing herself out!
I'll talk to my husband and I'll come to help you.
I know I'm being selfish
but I want to help out my old teacher.
I owe it to her.
Sure. Go help her if that's what you want.
Thank you!
But I'll probably have to work late.
On New Year's Eve I'll have to work all night.
It was just Gen and me before you came.
Besides with business so bad New Year's isn't worth celebrating.
We won't have many guests.
Don't worry. I can handle everything here.
I'm sorry...
Thank you very much.
Oshin!
I thought you'd be busy so I've come to help.
Thank you for waiting. This way please.
If I knew this would happen I should never have gotten married.
What you're saying?
If I were alone I could live with being bankrupt
but I could never do that to Oshin.
Your wife is not a weak person.
She's ready to face up to any hardships with you.
We haven't gone under yet.
Sure our merchandise isn't moving now.
But better times are ahead!
I hope we can hold on until then.
Don't talk like that.
Just concentrate on selling what we have on hand.
Then we'll wait for the economy to pick up.
We can think of new ways of doing business.
Welcome home!
You waited up for me?
Come on in and get warmed up.
He's already asleep.
Thank you!
You must be so tired.
Thanks to you I was able to pull through.
Thank you.
I enjoyed working!
You'll never get rich like that!
This is your pay. It includes tips.
I didn't come to get paid...
I just wanted to pay back your kindness.
You're a hairdresser.
You should get paid!
I know you don't need it but take it anyway.
In the end Oshin took the money.
It wasn't much but she needed it now.
She was paid 50 yen.
And this money was to change Oshin's life.
Episode 90
Welcome home!
I'm so late... It's morning!
Your husband is still sleeping and I'm making ozoni soup.
I was going to get him up when it's done.
Thank you for doing all the work for me.
I've been single a long time. I'm used to it.
You must be worn out.
You were up already?
I'm home!
I'm sorry to have stayed out all night.
Happy New Year.
And you too Gen.
Let's save the formal greetings until later.
I'm just glad we're all here together to celebrate.
- I'll get the soup. - Let me do it.
No you just rest.
Thank you.
I have caused you both a lot of trouble
but Otaka was so happy that I came to help.
She sends her best.
Good. I'm sure you feel good about it too.
Yes I do. And I even got paid.
I refused but she insisted I take it.
There is 50 yen in there.
50 yen?! That much?
It's for the work I did.
That can't be!
She said it's the share of the customers I worked on.
Well it does cost a lot to do traditional hair.
And her customers are pretty wealthy too.
- It includes tips. - That's big money!
She has taken her share of the money.
I thought you went there just to help her.
I told her that but she's very stubborn.
It's all right. She feels I saved her reputation.
With this money we can pay off some bills.
But this is your money. Use it for yourself.
I don't want anything. I want to help out our business.
It's not your business!
I don't need help from a woman!
I'm a Tanokura now and I want to help.
I told you it's unnecessary!
Business and money should be a man's concern!
Maybe so but Gen is having a hard time.
I can manage.
What is wrong with trying to help out?
Isn't that what marriage is all about?
You work hard but the economy is bad.
It's only until things get better.
Then I can start enjoying luxuries again.
Let's celebrate New Year's.
We don't have much but we're all here together.
We should be happy.
It was the first morning of 1922
and Oshin had turned 22 herself. Oshin's marriage wasn't easy
but she was happy being Ryuzo's wife
and living together with Genemon.
Have a good day.
We haven't sold much at all this season.
Don't get upset about my asking this...
He goes out to sell every day
but none of the merchandise is moving.
Competition is very stiff.
It's hard trying to get new clients.
And one of our big clients has gone bankrupt.
He is doing his best.
I've been meaning to tell him to close
this business and return to Saga.
Now isn't the time to be doing business in Tokyo.
His family is all in Saga.
They're landowners so they have many farms.
Things will be easier there.
He can't go back to Saga now.
He has said so himself.
He doesn't want to have to suffer in Tokyo any longer.
Pride alone isn't enough to sustain life.
Please talk to him about it.
Saga is a nice place. With mountains and the sea.
You'll like it there too.
Thanks for all your help.
- Is Otaka here? - Yes.
I've come to ask you for a favor. Could I get a job here?
I know you said you weren't interested in doing Western hair.
But I could do it for you here. No... I want to do it.
- Oshin... - Please!
You're a married woman. If you worked here
you wouldn't have time for your home or husband.
This isn't the kind of work one does part-time.
I'm serious.
We need money badly.
The business will go under if I don't work.
A lot has happened...
I want to earn enough so that we can eat.
I had no idea things were so bad...
It's not my husband's fault. It's the economy.
I was happy that you married a rich man...
But I guess troubles aren't over for you.
If you want to work here I will be happy.
I know traditional hair can't last forever.
And I had been thinking to close this place down
but I still have regrets about doing so.
I have been working here for 20 years.
And we get so many customers during the New Year's season.
It brought back memories of the good old days...
I was wavering again...
If you can work here things will go great!
We'll do Western-style hair too and bring this salon up-to-date.
Then I can work here?
Of course!
Thank you!
That feels great! You sure are good.
You're better than a professional!
I used to massage the old madam at Kaga-ya almost every night.
You sure are tight here. You must've walked a lot.
Yes. I tried to find customers for the fabric you got back for us.
You can't do sales over the telephone anymore.
One has to go out and call on customers.
Don't get desperate.
If I were alone I wouldn't mind starving
but I have to think of you
and I'm happy to work harder for you.
I don't mind hardships.
I'm willing to work to help you too.
I've decided to keep helping Otaka at her salon.
That will be better than doing hair on my own.
And she thinks that is a good idea too.
- You're going to work? - I enjoy doing hair.
And you already told me I could continue working.
But not for money!
It's not only the money. I like the work!
I'm against it!
What will happen to the business if I don't work?
Genemon told me today.
He wants you to close down the business
and return home to Saga. I don't want you to do that!
We promised we'd live and die here in Tokyo!
We'll just try harder...
That's why I want to do what I can to help.
It's not just for the money! It's for our marriage too.
I'm afraid of having to go with you to Saga.
Your mother was so against us getting married.
We can't just go there now.
I'm so happy being your wife.
I don't want anybody to come between us.
Oshin was being honest.
She wanted to work to save their marriage.
Oshin had no idea that this would cause a rift in their marriage.
Episode 91
After the Great War there was widespread
economic difficulties in Japan of 1922.
Tanokura Company was having a hard time surviving.
Oshin's husband Ryuzo had lost his biggest client
and other were returning fabrics
due to a drop in orders for new suits.
Tanokura Company had an excess of stock on hand
and they couldn't collect as much as expected
from the merchandise they had sold. Ryuzo was desperate.
Oshin had gone back to work to help make ends meet.
- Good morning. - Good morning!
- Is he up yet? - No he's still in bed.
I have to go to work from today
so please give him breakfast.
I'll get it ready for you
and there is fish in miso for lunch.
I'll try to bring dinner home but if I can't...
I asked Otaka to let me work at the Hasegawa Salon.
You don't have to do that.
I have to help out my husband!
Who cares if a woman earns all the money!
But...
Besides it's not like I'm doing something new.
I was planning to make a career of doing hair anyway.
I have to be going.
Please be sure to eat with my husband.
He will be lonely eating alone.
You were up?
I'm sorry but I have to leave now.
Gen will take care of you while I'm gone.
I'll be going now.
Keep warm or you'll catch a cold.
I will.
I'll leave the rest to you.
Take care of my husband.
I boiled the water for him to wash up.
Okay.
You're allowing her to work full-time?
I'm against it! If we can't make ends meet
it's best if we all go back to Saga.
I'm not going home! Go home if you want.
Oh come on...
Staying on will cause you more hardship.
I worry about you both!
I left home once taking my share of the family fortune
so I can't go home now! Even if I should starve
I'll never go home to my family in Saga.
I'll just hang on!
That's why Oshin's working so hard.
But I don't want to have to rely on her earnings.
It's good for her to be working outside.
That's why I'm letting her do it. Don't worry about it.
I'm totally useless...
I wish I could go out to work instead of your wife.
You're needed here.
Oshin feels safe in knowing that you're here.
I'm a man. I won't be satisfied having my wife support me!
I have to find my own way.
You sure write well.
It makes our signs look good.
It really does!
Unlike traditional hair you need vision to do Western hair.
Oshin sure is gifted!
Traditional styles require perfection
but with the western styles almost anyone can do it.
Let's just go and post these on telephone poles
and it should help.
She knows about business too!
You are perfect as a merchant's wife.
Not at all!
There isn't that much a woman can do.
I can't understand how the Tanokura Company works.
That's because they haven't taught you!
I'll bet you would be better than him
in his business if you were to be taught.
I don't want that... I like doing hair.
I feel so sorry for my husband.
I don't need big profits.
I just want enough for us to eat regularly.
Why are you working full-time now?
My teacher wanted me to help her out.
But you're the wife of a big businessman!
I don't have anything to do if I stay at home.
- We're done. - Thanks.
Mr. Tanokura must be understanding.
Most men wouldn't let their wives go to work.
They don't want to lose face.
A man like that has self-confidence!
That's why he isn't afraid of what people might say.
He's got a big heart!
You'll keep coming to do our hair?
You've all supported me a long time.
I'll come as often as I can but sometimes I might be too busy.
I am working for my teacher after all.
Maybe we should be coming to you.
But I bet your teacher's salon is expensive!
I'll talk to her. You're my special clients
so you can pay what you've been paying.
We appreciate it but you've been charging us too little!
Yes you have.
You're good enough to work anywhere.
I doubt that.
Have some tea.
Thank you.
You all helped me out when I needed help.
I owe you all a lot I won't forget that.
But please ask your friends to come to our salon.
We can help with promoting your salon
but why do you have to work so hard?
You have so much money!
Don't be neglecting your husband!
If he leaves you I'll take him!
- Me too! - Cut it out you two!
You'd better be careful.
She should be careful with you!
Oshin wasn't telling people how terrible Ryuzo's business was doing.
She was willing to work harder
so that Ryuzo could feel some comfort.
I'm home!
Welcome home!
- Is he still out? - Yes.
Good I wanted to make dinner for him.
He said he would be out late.
He sure works hard. Any new orders today?
Sorry I shouldn't have asked.
Things are bad.
People know we had to lay our workers off
so they have lost faith in us.
People can be so cold. It isn't Ryuzo's fault!
Why aren't they helping us out?
Everybody is having a hard time.
I guess it can't be helped...
We have to pull together as a family in times like this.
Here you are!
- I've had enough. - Go on.
We can at least afford your evening drink.
You shouldn't be out so late without eating.
You could get sick!
We had no clients for me today.
But we have put out advertising flyers.
You were out posting flyers?
Oritsu and I went out together.
That's no way for my wife to be!
What's so wrong with that?
I'll do anything to get more customers.
You do the same in trying to get new clients too.
We can't afford to talk about being embarrassed.
You and I are different. A man's work is his life!
There is no need for you to be like that!
Just leave things to me!
But I just don't want you to overdo it.
After a few days the posters brought in new customers.
Oshin was so happy.
And the number of clients kept increasing.
You heard about me from someone who came here?
Yes she really liked your work. My friend told me to come see you.
Thank you.
What style would you like?
She told me to just leave it to you.
Then you will let me decide for you?
Yes I'm just tired of my same old style.
I don't know if you'll like it but...
You have nice hair!
It's the best type for Western-style hair.
Is it?! My hair wasn't good for the old Japanese styles.
- It's so soft and nice. - Really?
I'm home!
Welcome home.
I got eight customers today. They came asking for me.
I might get even more customers. I'm so happy!
Oshin was off to a good start.
But she failed to see how unhappy Ryuzo seemed.
Episode 92
A month had passed since Oshin went back to work for Taka.
Oshin helped create a new clientele there.
Getting new clients by word-of-mouth.
It's time for you to do hair at the café.
Already?
I still have two more customers here.
I told them they had to come back
but they insist on waiting.
Please excuse me for a moment.
Please call Someko and tell her I can't come today.
- And apologize to them. - Okay.
I may not be able to go to do their hair anymore...
I'd be grateful if they would come here.
Shall I tell them that?
It can't be helped...
I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
I got a call from the salon. Oshin can't make it today.
Is she that busy?
She asked if we can come to her.
So it's come to that... She's gotten big.
I guess she has to take over for her teacher.
She can't do as she please anymore.
What's she going to do with all that money?
I think the Tanokura Company is in trouble.
They've had to lay off their workers.
Is that so?
No wonder she has no time to do our hair.
We'd better just give up on her.
Trouble never seems to end for that girl.
I feel sorry for her.
Too bad... She should've stayed single
instead of marrying someone who can't support her.
Maybe getting married isn't all that great.
Don't mention any of this to Oshin.
She wants to keep her troubles a secret.
I'll do the rest so you can go home.
- I can't let you do all this work. - It's fine.
- Thanks for the help! - You're welcome.
I guess you were busy here today.
I bought some food for you to take home.
- It's in the kitchen. - Thank you.
Maybe I should be helping you...
I can't do it well but I can do Western styles too.
I hate to see you having to do all the work.
Do you mean it?
I owe it to you for bringing in so many customers.
I'm hoping we can win back our past glory.
To think that I'd wanted to quit...
I'm glad that you've changed your mind.
I don't know if they will like my work
but I can at least give it a try.
You got a minute?
Yes.
This is your share for this month.
Thank you.
I'll just take 20% for the house.
I can't take that much! I'm getting to use your salon.
I'd like for you to keep half the earnings.
Never mind.
You helped me to get back on my feet.
You've gotten me thinking about Western styles too.
I appreciate it a lot.
Your livelihood depends on it now.
That's why I decided to keep my shop open too.
I'm no longer your teacher. Let's work together as equals now.
We already have a girl who wants to train here.
I'm sure we'll get more.
I'll do my best so please do the same.
I shouldn't be keeping you.
Don't forget to take home that food.
Thank you.
I got paid today. It's not much but...
Thank you so much.
We had a big transaction today
but we don't know when the payment will come in.
This will help. I'll be sure to repay you.
There's no need to repay me.
The money is for all of us.
Don't tell my husband.
We're starting to get more customers.
I won't interfere if you like doing it
but don't work too hard. Don't worry about the business.
I made a big sale today.
I'll make more money than you make all year!
That's great!
It's all because you work so hard.
Things will get better... I have you to take care of.
You'll never want for things as long as I live.
Just follow my lead on all matters.
I'm hiding the tips of your hair. See isn't that good?
It's good.
I can do other styles too.
I never thought you could do this.
It's pretty easy!
I used to look down on these new styles.
That's why I didn't do it.
But Oshin has given me new respect for Western-style hair.
There are so many new styles. It's like performing magic.
I can't let her beat me out!
What style should I do now?
I'll be leaving now.
Let's go out for dinner tonight.
Please wait until you get paid first.
You don't trust our customer to pay?
I didn't say that...
Without collecting we have no money at all.
Yes I know... I'll wait.
You don't have to tell him that.
He needs to learn. I have to tell him!
He hasn't suffered enough hardship!
Please rest until the customers get here.
I'm starting from the beginning again...
- She practiced all night! - Oritsu.
I felt a little uneasy...
I hope you won't quit on me again.
You mentioned that your husband has a new account.
I wish things will get better for us...
Don't skip out on us now. You can't quit.
Don't worry. I'll keep working.
I sure hope so... You're the key to our success.
I couldn't possibly do it all alone.
- Good morning! - Welcome!
Welcome!
Japanese style or Western style?
We both want Western-style.
I'll be all right. Show them in.
What style would you like?
You'll leave it to me to decide?
She is pretty good.
She has years of experience. She could get better than us.
I'm glad. I'd thought of quitting too.
Welcome!
More customers!
More and more people were coming
since Taka started doing Western-style hair.
Taka was winning her old customers back again.
The place was busier than ever now.
Oshin was enjoying her busy schedule.
Then one day...
I'm home!
What's the matter?
I'm sorry. I didn't hear you come in.
Where's my husband?
He's not home yet? Well I'll start dinner.
What's the matter?!
Are you ill?
Genemon!
What's wrong with him? Did you call a doctor?
- Is he feverish? - Just leave me alone!
What's with him?
Did something happen?
Tell her nothing. I just don't feel well.
Leave me alone!
Oshin didn't know what was going on.
She feared for the worst...
Episode 93
Is he angry with me?
No.
Then why won't he eat?
I shouldn't tell you...
I was told not to mention it to you.
I would worry more if I'm not told.
Of course!
He shouldn't be keeping things from you.
But I guess it hit him pretty hard.
He was so happy about that new contract.
But he was swindled.
The man disappeared! He took the goods and ran off.
But I thought he checked him out.
He had a nice warehouse.
He passed someone else's goods off as his
and got us to deliver our fabric.
He meant to swindle us from the beginning.
He's a real con man!
That's terrible...
Your husband was desperate to make a deal.
He made a bad decision.
More than losing the money he feels humiliated.
Did he tell the police?
He is too embarrassed to report it.
This is a good opportunity for you
to try to convince him to go back to Saga.
Dinner is ready.
I haven't eaten yet. Let's all eat together.
Being hungry can make one feel worse.
Sulking won't bring back the fabric you lost to the swindler.
Let's just forget all about it.
You told her?
I told you not to tell her!
I'm relieved to have heard about it.
You had me thinking it was life or death!
What's a little loss?
What do you know! That was big money!
I had to pay a lot of money for that fabric.
Good at least it was already paid for.
Otherwise we'd all have to run away!
We're lucky to have gotten off easily.
It's better to be swindled than to be the one doing the swindling.
I feel sorry for a man who has to cheat people.
At least we don't have to do something so dishonest!
Think of it this way... If you'd gotten sick
and had to go to the hospital that would cost money.
We're all healthy.
You can't buy that with money can you?
She is right. I never thought of it like that.
At a time like this...
It's best to just have some hot sake!
Good morning.
- Morning. - Good morning.
I'm ready to start another day.
This is Osato. Our new girl.
This is Oshin. Let her teach you.
I'll do my best.
Training is tough but please persevere.
Show her what to do.
Come with me.
She reminds me of myself...
You were 16 when you first come here.
That was seven years ago... Times have changed!
I never thought things would turn out like this.
It's the times.
I'm very grateful. If I hadn't learned to do hair
I don't know what I would've done to survive.
That's true... Mr. Tanokura is having a hard time.
I feel good that I can help him as his wife.
I don't mind being busy. I'm happiest now.
You sure are great!
I guess Meiji period women were all like that.
You helped your husband without
ever making him feel small about it.
Women today would just get a divorce.
No money... No love.
The love of one's life can disappear in two weeks.
Yet you were happy to be able to help.
I wish I could meet a woman like you.
If I do I will marry her in a minute!
Oh sure... Men don't want wives like that!
Why? men all dream of a subservient woman.
I used to think that too.
I was happy being able to work
and take care of my husband and Gen.
I thought that's what love was all about.
But I was mistaken.
I didn't really understand how a man felt.
- You're done. - Thank you.
Please come again.
I'll finish up. Go on home.
I'll go when I'm done.
It's time for you to go home and make dinner.
Gen can get it started for me.
You have been working late every night!
You should go home early once in a while.
I'm here working for his sake. He can't complain!
- Bring the next one in. - Okay.
- Thank you for waiting. - Please come in.
What style would you like?
- I'm home. - Welcome home.
Sorry to be so late. Did you both eat?
I think he should be home soon.
- He's still out? - Yes.
What are you doing?
I want to keep busy.
You're making envelopes?
It's easy work and I have no other skills.
Please don't do this... You have enough to do here!
You're working so hard. I just want to help out.
Oh come on. I get to do what I enjoy.
It's no hardship.
Please just rely on me for everything.
He doesn't have to be out so late selling.
Please go to bed. I'll wait up for him.
You should rest. You must be so tired.
Maybe something has happened to him.
It's already midnight.
Or maybe he is entertaining a client.
He's all right. He is just drunk.
Are you his wife?
Yes.
Then pay me what he owes.
- He forgot his wallet. - We'll pay tomorrow!
No! I don't want to have to cover his tab!
Please pay her.
I'm so sorry.
What a disgrace!
Mrs. Tanokura!
What is it?
We can't pay such a big bill!
We don't have the money?
If we do we can't buy food tomorrow!
We have to pay in order to save face.
He's too drunk to know what he owes.
We'll figure something out later. Let's get him to bed!
What is he thinking?
He has wasted all the money you earned.
I feel so badly for you...
He's having a hard time. I'm sure he just wanted some fun.
Please don't lecture him. He knows he's doing wrong.
He needs his freedom.
If it makes him feel better let him do it.
I'll find a way to pay for his bills at the café.
I'm sure the business will turn around soon.
It's just until then.
Oshin understood Ryuzo's frustration.
That's why she could forgive him.
But things were soon to turn worse.
Episode 94
It was the cherry blossom season of 1922.
Taka's business was growing busier each day
and they had to hire help.
But Tanokura Company was on the verge of closure.
Ryuzo had lost his will to work.
Oshin now supported the Tanokura family.
You have to pay off your husband's bills again?
You shouldn't have to pay his drinking tab too.
I'm sorry.
If it's money you needed for yourself
I'd gladly give you an advance.
But this is like throwing money away!
It's best that I refuse your request.
Oshin.
It's not good to overly serve your husband.
He is taking advantage of you!
He's having a hard time.
He's been cheated and betrayed by a client he trusted
so he's lost his confidence in running the business.
I can understand why he drinks...
But he's not even working! Money doesn't grow on trees.
You work hard to earn this money!
I don't mind. I want to help him.
I'm sure he will come around someday.
I hate to day this but... He's been spoiled.
He can't just go around giving up on things so easily.
It doesn't bode well for the future.
You might want to consider divorcing him.
You're still young. You can start over again.
I know it sounds harsh but I've been through it.
That's why I'm telling you.
It's your money so spend it as you like.
Is this enough?
Oshin...
I hear you are sewing at night again.
Take care of yourself.
Our good health is our only asset.
Yo!
- Look who's here! - Is all well?
It's this girl's birthday.
Congratulations!
Let's all celebrate! We're all friends here.
Drink all the champagne and brandy you want!
You can all join us!
Oh Someko...
It's been a long time. Let's drink all night!
How can you be fooling around with these women?
What birthday!
Don't be jealous! She's like a sister to me.
This is no time for you to be out with women.
I know you want to show off
but you'd better have the money to pay for it.
No drinks for him. He's just leaving.
- Someko... - Go somewhere else to drink!
I can't let you do this in front of me.
You have no business telling me what to do.
It isn't like you are paying for it.
If your business was going well I wouldn't say anything
but who is earning your money?
Oshin is slaving to get you money.
I can't let you do this to her!
Just go home!
Ryuzo don't!
Go on. Hit me!
Your wife is paying all your bills!
She loves you so she doesn't complain.
But you can't take advantage of her.
You're no man!
Stop it Someko.
I don't hate him!
I just feel so sorry for Oshin and the marriage they had.
I just want you to think about it a little.
You went too far in telling him that.
I just want him to realize that's all.
Welcome home.
Would you like to go to the public bath?
Or shall I make you something to eat?
Doing piecework again?
Just because I'm not bringing in money?
You don't have to throw it in my face.
If you don't like what I'm doing just tell me!
You don't have to pay for my drinking.
I don't need you acting so superior to me!
Don't talk that way to your wife.
I'd rather you did nothing for me
than keep flaunting my faults in my face!
You make me sick!
How dare you!
If she didn't work we'd be bankrupt.
At least we don't have to close down.
- You owe it to your wife. - Never mind that.
Don't you understand how she feels?
That's why we are able to live here in Tokyo!
I never asked Oshin to support me!
I've heard enough about how much hardship you're suffering.
I'm tired of having my wife support me.
- I've lost face as a man! - How dare you say that.
Yes... I'm worthless.
If you don't like it then divorce me!
Do as you like!
I'd rather starve than have you feed me!
Then you can be free.
You can rid yourself of this burden.
You can make your own way.
That would make me feel much better!
He's drunk... It's the liquor talking!
He is used to being on top.
He's just feeling sorry for himself now.
That's why he talks like that...
He appreciates all that you've done for him.
Please forgive him for what he said tonight...
Maybe it's best if he went back to Saga...
With me gone he could go back home again...
I'll leave him...
All that I've done for him was hurting him.
Oshin was ready to leave Ryuzo.
Without her earnings they wouldn't be able to survive
but Ryuzo was hurt by her actions.
Leaving him was all that she could think of.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
What are you doing here so early?
I was worried about something.
Was Mr. Tanokura all right last night?
He brought some other café girls to our place
so I said some harsh things to him...
So that's what happened?
I was afraid that he would take it out on you.
I just wanted him to understand what you're doing for him
but if he takes it out on you then it's all over.
You should really be thinking things over.
I'm sorry he troubled you.
Otaka and I were just talking...
A man shouldn't be expecting his wife to support him
and it's worse if he resents it.
Life can be hell for a woman in a situation like that.
It's time for you to think things over.
Oshin?
What is it Oshin?
Are you sick?
I'm all right.
I didn't get much sleep last night...
Maybe you ate something bad. You'd better go see a doctor.
She's with child.
She's pregnant?
She's going to have a baby.
Oshin couldn't believe it.
Just when she had decided to leave Ryuzo
she found out she was pregnant with his child.
She wanted it to be a mistake.
She prayed that it was a mistake.
Episode 95
Oshin visited a midwife that she knew from Taka's salon.
She was indeed pregnant.
Oshin felt the irony of life.
She had already decided to leave Ryuzo.
You can't divorce him now that you're pregnant...
I'm sure you can manage to raise
the baby by yourself with your skill.
But a baby should have a father.
Forget about leaving him.
But I see no future for us anymore.
He doesn't like it that I have to support him.
But he won't even try to earn any money
instead he depends on the money I make.
It's hard on him and it's worse for me.
We're just hurting each other now.
There's no reason for us to stay together.
This is what happens when a woman
is expected to support her husband.
I've been through it myself.
A hairdresser's husband... Isn't that what they say?
It's true... It just doesn't work.
But it's not the man's fault.
With someone else they might be happy to work
but when a woman earns enough for the both of them
they come to expect it.
They begin thinking that they don't have to work
to support their families. We end up ruining a good man.
The more we do the worse it is for the man.
That is the curse of the hairdresser.
It's not that we don't meet good men.
We end up making worthless men out of good ones.
I realized that so i divorced my husband.
I thought it would be good for him.
And I've never married again.
I could do it because I had no children.
It can't be helped...
Children are a blessing from the gods.
It's the job of both parents to raise them.
Don't leave him.
Just work until the baby comes.
I'm sure the news of a baby will make him want to work again.
Get yourself together.
There's nothing better than being blessed with a child.
If you're not grateful the gods will punish you.
Cheer up. For the baby's sake.
Are you all right?
Oshin?
I'm quitting this work.
You have just made me realize things.
You're quitting?
I began working again to help my husband.
I didn't want him to suffer.
That's why I came to you for a job.
But I was wrong.
I've taken away his sense of being a man.
That's why he drinks and fools around.
I was a fool to think that I was
helping him by earning all of our money!
I'm sorry to bring it up so suddenly
but I'd like to stop working as of today.
I know how you feel but you need to work!
What will happen if...?
I don't care if we starve!
It's the only way I can save my marriage.
I know I'm causing you a lot of trouble
but my marriage depends on it. Please let me quit!
This is just like you...
You have guts.
If you're prepared to starve go ahead and give it a try.
I'll manage without you.
But don't you give up!
I'll miss you...
Do come and visit once in a while.
Please make up your mind!
Oshin would never agree to it.
It's your duty to convince her.
If she refuses to come to Saga with us
we'll just have to divorce. It's our fate.
I don't really want to return home to Saga
and I don't want to part from Oshin.
But I don't want to have to keep
depending on Oshin for our livelihood.
It's better that we get divorced. I'll talk to Oshin about it.
I'm home!
I'll tell her now. Help me.
Welcome home.
You didn't go out tonight?
No I needed to talk to you.
Good. I have something to tell you too.
Oshin...
I quit my job today.
Did you fight?
No the work is too much for me.
I'll take it easy at home for a while.
I have you for a husband. I don't have to work.
I'll depend on you.
I'll just become a housewife again.
I'm glad. We can all go to Saga together.
Gen and I were just talking about that.
Saga?
Life here in Tokyo is too much.
We can't go on living here anymore.
No I won't go to Saga.
I can't just leave you here in Tokyo by yourself!
Of course not. We're husband and wife.
We can't live apart!
What will I do here all by myself?
That's why we should all go to Saga!
No!
Then we'll have to live apart or divorce!
Why can't we all keep living here in Tokyo?
The business isn't bankrupt yet.
If you put your mind to it you can rebuild it.
That's why I quit my hairdresser's job.
We have a responsibility to keep living here in Tokyo.
But...
Besides we can't divorce. I'm three months pregnant.
The baby will come next January.
Really?
You'll still leave me and go back to Saga?
For me and our baby...
It's your duty to work to rebuild our business.
I'll rely on you and depend on you.
Don't even think about going back to Saga!
I'm so glad I don't have to work anymore.
I suddenly feel tired.
Please go and rest.
I'll go to the bath first.
If you quit won't Otaka have a hard time?
- Ryuzo. - Yeah?
Our baby and I need you. We don't need money.
We just want to be a family together.
Welcome home!
We have to pay 10 yen for electricity tomorrow.
All you do is sit around the house all day.
Can't you get the money to pay that bill?
I depend on you to pay all the bills now.
If they turn off the lights so what?
We won't die without any electricity.
Oshin did as little as possible and their money ran out quickly.
But Oshin did not go back to work.
She was waiting for the moment
when their lives would be destitute.
Episode 96
It had been about two months since Oshin quit working.
It was now the rainy season.
The rice shop won't sell to us anymore.
We haven't paid them in two months.
We owe up to the limit for fish and vegetables too.
I guess we will just have to starve...
If your husband hadn't played so much
we would still have the money you gave me to use.
It's no use talking about what's in the past is it?
We haven't anything left to pawn either.
All the money made with side jobs goes down the drain.
Welcome home.
I went around seeing customers but no luck.
It's almost summer and we're selling winter fabric!
All this is worthless!
A day will come when they start to sell.
All these fabrics are our only asset.
People have lost faith in our business.
I guess we're finished...
We can't keep this place open forever.
Let's sell it and start up something else.
Oh come on. Don't give up!
But we don't even have food to eat.
We owe bills everywhere. Gen is about to give up too.
Poverty is a lot worse than this!
But we have nothing to eat tonight.
One or two days without food won't kill us.
I guess we'll go to bed early tonight.
Staying up will only make us hungry.
There's nothing in there that's worth money.
Everything has been sold at the pawn shop.
We really have nothing?!
Maybe we can sell this bureau...
We'll only get one or two yen at the most!
That's enough for us to buy one sho of rice!
That's pathetic!
It's better than nothing. Let's sell the bureau.
You idiot! That'll just keep us going for a couple of days!
We'll worry about the future when the time comes.
We have to learn to survive day by day.
We're destitute!
You don't know what real poverty is...
This is what it's like when there's no money.
Ryuzo?
- Did you two just have a fight? - No.
I just saw your husband rushing out of here.
Everything is strewn all over the place.
Nothing happened. Please have a seat.
How's your health?
The morning sickness isn't too bad.
The baby is minding its mother.
It's been a long time.
I told you to come see me once in a while.
I was worried.
I heard that you owe all the stores
and that you've been frequenting the pawn shops.
The business is bad as usual?
If only your husband was really trying...
It would have been worth quitting.
He understands and he's trying.
We still have our house.
He doesn't really know what being poor is like.
He'll learn very soon... When he realizes
that we can't even afford to buy a single grain of rice.
It's that bad?
We're all out of food.
And no store will give us any more credit.
That's not funny!
You have the baby to think of.
You have to take care of your health!
If you go back to work you can eat again.
I'm glad I came... Take this for now.
And I'll get you the money to pay off your bills.
- Come and get it tomorrow. - Thank you but...
This is no time to let pride get in the way.
We've held out for two months already.
I can't take handouts from you now.
I have no relatives so you're like family to me.
I can't sit back and watch this happen.
A worthless man is of no value at all!
Mr. Tanokura is just a spoiled boy.
I want him to crawl out of the hole he's in.
That'll give him confidence!
If he could he would have done it already.
I guess you really love him don't you?
You win.
He's late...
He didn't tell you where he was going?
He was acting very strange when he left.
Why don't you go to bed?
I can't sleep. I have to keep busy.
I guess you're right.
When one is busy one wants to rest...
But doing nothing is just as tiring.
Why are we doing this?
We didn't eat all day today... We'll need food tomorrow.
Here's your order of two unagi dinners.
We didn't order this.
Isn't this the Tanokura Company?
- Yes. - Then it's no mistake.
- It's already been paid. - Who ordered it?
I don't know... I just deliver.
We couldn't eat it without knowing who sent it over.
What a waste. It's no good cold!
We didn't know.
We didn't think you'd ordered the dinners.
I have 100 yen here. Pay off all our bills.
It's good money. I borrowed it.
From a loan shark?
No I'm too timid to do that.
Then who?
A man from Saga I did favors for is running
a successful business here in Tokyo.
He loaned me the money and paid for the unagi.
It must be Chokichi the son of a sharecropper!
Yes... He used to follow me around when we were kids.
but now he's a stockbroker.
You bowed down to a man like that?
I had to. I can't let you two starve.
I'm responsible for you both.
I'd never bowed down to anyone before.
I never wanted to sell that badly.
And when business was good that was all right.
But I realized that I was totally broke.
I bowed down for the first time in my life!
I know a man isn't supposed to admit weakness.
But I had to tell him that I was in trouble.
Oshin...
I'm not afraid anymore.
I'll do anything to keep you two from starving.
I'm ready to bow down to anyone.
And I will do whatever work there is.
I borrowed this money but I'm going to be earning my own.
No matter what it takes. I'll pay this money back too!
I don't mind you borrowing money.
I'm so happy that you did what you had to do.
You can do it if you put your mind to it!
I'm sure we can start over again now.
And I'll follow your lead.
We'll build this business back up to what it was.
Please help us too.
I can't win against you...
The truth is...
I was at the end of my rope today.
I almost gave up on you.
Borrowing money isn't the answer. I'll have to figure something out.
We can't just run a fabrics business.
Imported fabrics are too expensive in a poor economy like this.
I don't really know what I should do.
There's a lot you can do. Just put your mind to it.
I need you. With you I can do anything.
Please always stay with me no matter what happens.
Oshin and Ryuzo had gotten over the first crisis in their marriage
but there were more troubles ahead.
Thanks to Avallac'h and XrayMind at D-Addicts.
Translation: UTB Channel