A castle that's mine alone.
Where I can spend my time and money as I please,
where I can live at my own pace.
Purchased with a 35-year mortgage, the long-awaited
space that's mine alone.
Basically, I only take carbohydrates at lunch.
Smoothie made from seasonal vegetables in the morning, a good beer and
- a few homemade appetizers at night. - What about rice?
I told you, just for lunch. It's healthy and a good way to diet too.
- My vascular age is 21. - Is that something to brag about?
That's incredible. You make your own appetizers?
I made pickles from winter vegetables yesterday.
- Pickles? - It's way tastier than store-bought ones.
And way cheaper too.
No Trespassing
A man named Meredith said long ago
that after the age of 40, men end up marrying their own habits.
Pickled Root Vegetables
Although I'm still 39.
Daisuke
It's full of benefits, right?
But you spend your money freely on leisure activities.
Leisure activities enrich my life. I don't mind spending money for that.
But I diligently scrimped on other things and bought a condo at the age of 39.
How much did you save for down payment?
Just when I thought I finally got my castle...
What's this smell.
Hey, hey, hey. What the heck are you doing?
I'm grilling tilefish. I made dried fish with the rest.
- No grilling, no grilling. - It's hot, it's hot.
Don't dry these things here.
Why not? The amount of smoke is 1/10 of smoked salmon.
- I said put it out. - Where are you taking that?
- Hurry up and put it out. - I can't.
- I said put it out. - I can't put it out right away.
The castle that's mine alone...
- It stinks. - I'm sorry. I made him stop already.
- If you'll excuse... - I'm not done yet.
With all due respect, allow me to say a word. As a suggestion from a consumer
- who loves your company's GYMNOTE series. - Please direct comments like that to the company...
This is the 2015 edition. Last year, there wasn't enough space here and it was user unfriendly.
I emailed time and time again to make a request.
But look. There's even less space this year.
As a person who makes it a point to use personal planners,
having an open write-in space like this is very important.
I don't know why can't you understand that.
It's the pits.
- Complainer Hanako came to my house. - What?! Are you serious?
- That's scary. How did she know your address? - It's not a matter of knowing or not...
Even then, that's my castle.
- I'm going to protect it to the end no matter what. - Then shall we do it soon?
- Huh? - Have a party at your place.
Not a chance!
- You're home. - What's all this?
I had them sent from Yaizu.
Like this swiveling legless chair and miscellaneous things since you don't have enough dishes.
Oh, and I bought a futon for you since it was cheap on the home shopping channel.
Don't have anything sent, don't buy anything, and don't go in the loft.
You were late coming home so we started without you. You're not eating?
I'm not eating with you, we're paying separately too. How many times do I have to tell you.
I'm writing names on the condiments too, so don't use mine.
Wow, what do you think about that dude, huh?
- Haven't you found this Megumi yet? - Nope.
She's harder to find than an Iriomote wildcat.
Find her quickly and go back to Yaizu.
If I ever find her, sure.
- Hello. - Is this the residence of Nagasato Yozo-san?
- No, it isn't, but what about my dad? - Who is it?
I beg your pardon. Are you his son? I'm Megumi's brother.
Oh, you're Megumi-san's brother.
My name is Iwabuchi.
Is my sister... is Megumi there?
No, uh, she isn't here.
- Let me have you talk to my dad. - No, no, I don't want to.
- Talk to him. - I don't want to.
He can hear you. Then you talk to him, Kota.
Is Kota there too?
- Yes. - Thank goodness. I was worried about him.
- Is Kota going to school? - No, he isn't.
That's what I was afraid of.
I'd like to come get him sometime soon.
Sure. Your uncle's coming to get you.
- I'll take care of Kota... - I live in the city so
anytime is fine with me.
- Well, anytime is fine with us too. - Wait a minute. Give it here. Give me the phone.
Hello, this is Nagasato Yozo. Listen,
I want you to know that Kota's my son. He's not going any...
- What? - Excuse us. I apologize.
Let me call you back at another time. If you can give me your number...
Yes. Yes.
I'll do that. Yes. Bye now.
Why are you making decisions on your own?
So he does have a relative who worries about him. I'm happy for you.
Kota has me, a father by the name of Nagasato Yozo,
and a mother by the name of Nagasato Megumi.
Then where's that mother and what's she doing?
- That, I don't know, but... - Don't you think this is weird?
We're done playing family.
It's not bad. This donut design is nice too.
It's cute, huh?
- Very nice. - Thank you.
This won't do.
- Why...? - The simpler the stationery,
the more attention you have to pay to the details. Can you take 1 mm off this width?
But for this design, it has to be this size
- or it won't look like a donut. - Then maybe the design needs to be reconsidered.
1 mm won't make much difference, will it?
- I know, right? - It's important for the person who use it all the time.
The difference of 0.1 mm, let alone 1 mm.
All right. I'll think of some way to deal with the 1 mm.
Good luck. That's our battle right there.
I'm surprised. It's real solid.
We anticipate an yield of 500 tons next year.
I think 500 tons is pointless. If we're going to do it, we might as well keep on investing
and push forward with a plantation development project that can be expected to yield 10,000 tons in 5 years.
Okay. What about the other lots? Any irregularity with the quality?
"Kumagai Ritsuko"
- I'm more of a black tea fan. - You're a black tea fan?
Isn't this slightly inferior in both aroma and acidity?
The long spell of rain during the flowering period probably had an affect.
- Why don't you answer it? - It's okay.
At any rate, I'll have the arrival sample sent right away.
- I'm starving. - You're still lugging that around?
Why don't you leave it behind?
Do you always have your lunch this late?
Depends on work.
- I went to Shinichi's place. - Oh, really. How did it go?
He gave me this annoyed look.
- It was probably just my imagination. - It wasn't your imagination.
- It's a fact you're an annoying mother-in-law. - A son is so useless.
Dad was worried. Why don't you go back to Kawakami Village soon?
I decided to stay at a hotel for a while.
- What? - I've always wanted to try it. Living in a hotel.
- What are you going to do about money? - Don't worry.
I used to give piano lessons to the neighborhood kids, remember?
I have some money set aside from that time.
- What are you going to do about Dad? - He'll be fine.
He's a real independent person.
But poor Dad.
He just moved there so he doesn't even have friends, right?
That goes for you too, Hanako.
Do you have friends? Boyfriend?
Don't worry about me.
What do you do on your days off?
Like what...?
I'm contributing to society in my own way.
- Do you go on dates? - It's a hassle.
- Any hobbies? - It's a hassle.
If you're like that now, what are you going to do when you get old?
- Don't worry about me. - What about marriage?
- What? - Why don't you get married again?
- Lunch special A for me. Have you decided? - Maybe I'll have B.
Excuse me.
I registered on a new marriage partner hunting site.
- What's this annual income of more than 10 million. - I exaggerated a little.
- What do you mean a little. - This site doesn't require proof of annual income.
It's the encounter. If we only get a chance to meet someone, we can be happy.
We? Speak for yourself.
- Really? - What do you mean "Really?"
You're thinking, marriage hunting site again? Did you just mock me?
An encounter like that is perfectly fine too.
The way you said that... You're thinking, is that the only way he can meet girls, and mocking me.
No I'm not. Online encounters aren't unusual these days.
I'm gonna get married before I turn 40, just wait and see.
When I do, Irie, you sing "Kanpai" (Cheers) at my reception.
"Kanpai." Okay, will do.
Why do people want to flock together?
In the first place, we all belong to flocks such as countries and companies.
Good job. Keep going, keep going...
When you flock together, all kinds of things are taken away.
Like how you have to pay taxes to the Government.
More so if I belong to a flock like family,
my time and money will be taken away.
I'll have none of that.
Sasaki!
I came.
I want to protect
this solitary life of mine,
this castle of mine.
- That was so good. - Who invited you over?
Your dad said it was okay.
- He's sure a good guy. - How so?
But you said you'd invite me once you settled down.
Does it look like I've settled down?
- Looks like an expensive bicycle. - Road bike.
Actually, this is still a rare model in Japan.
I paid a lot for it, you know. This has the latest frame design
to reduce air resistance and when you actually ride it...
You only have beer in here.
I have it just for beer.
I've never seen any of these beers.
I have quite a collection of imported beers.
All these countries are producing some interesting beers.
That one's awesome. It's Abbey beer. Produced by a monastery in Belgium.
Oh yeah? I like shochu better.
How did you like it, Sasaki-chan. The middle floor that's the pride and joy of my son.
- It's a loft. - So-so, I'd say.
- Who are you to talk down like that. - There's plenty of room
- to invite a big crowd for a party. - Huh?
Then I'll invite the people around here in the condo.
- What's this all about? - Sunday.
- A housewarming party. - Did I say you could?
Your dad said it was okay. What shall we do about the food?
Leave it to me. I guarantee a feast on my honor as a fisherman from Yaizu.
- I'll invite the guys at work too and... - Leave right now. Get out.
- Why? - Daisuke, I'm just tickled pink.
That you have a friend like this umibozu (round-headed sea monster) who's so understanding.
He's just my colleague from work. Don't be so impressed. Let's go.
- Let's make sure this party materializes. - Of course. Yes, of course.
- Come on, let's go. - You know, back when I was young,
neighbors and relatives would introduce us to prospective marriage partners.
That's what I mean. Nowadays, people don't have much interpersonal relationship
- and there's no encounters either. - That's why this Sunday
at the party, may you have a wonderful encounter.
May you have a wonderful encounter too, Daisuke.
- I'll do my best. - Don't be so eager. Come on, let's go.
Wait a minute, Daisuke.
- Take care of Daisuke. - Yes, of course.
Your dad's awesome. He's been married twice.
Just put on your shoes.
I'm here again.
Let's eat together.
Come on in.
Oh my God. How can you invite a man in here at crunch time.
There will be no crunch time anymore.
Oh, this should be washed too.
Okay, okay.
- How much a night? - Huh?
The hotel. How much are you paying a night? Such a waste.
It's a secret.
You never know what's going to happen in the future, Mom.
I'm already planning for my retirement and saving money, you know.
- Pretty flowers. - Are you listening to me?
Spend you money wisely.
Boring.
- What's boring? - You, Hanako.
You're only 32, right? Worrying about retirement and saving money.
- Why are you playing it safe? - Unlike your generation,
our generation can't count on social security.
So we don't have the concept of taking it easy and enjoying life.
Let's think about something more enjoyable.
Rather than saving money, a feeling of thrill. That will make your life much easier.
Fall in love, get married again,
- have children... - Okay, okay.
I'm sorry I'm such a boring woman. But I'm enjoying life too, you know.
Go home, go home. Go enjoy your happy hotel life.
It got cold.
Excuse me...
- Are you Hanako-san's mother? - Yes.
I'm Yozo, the father of Nagasato Daisuke who lives in 407 on the floor below.
I made some dried tilefish that turned out pretty good, so
I thought I'd share it.
- Is Hanako-san...? - Oh, uh, I'm sorry.
- Here you go. - Thank you.
- I'm glad to make your acquaintance. - Me too.
Is that right? Your daughter, Hanako-san,
bought her condo all by herself.
- Well, well. That's impressive at that young age. - I think that's plenty, but
for some reason, all she worries about are things like
- life after retirement and saving money. - I know what you mean. My son Daisuke's
incredibly meticulous too. When he moves things around,
- the placement is in millimeters. - Oh, dear.
- Marriage comes before saving money, right? - Absolutely.
2's better than 1, 3's better than 2, right?
Exactly. But she says it costs money to get married, and
it costs even more to have children.
- She's just top heavy with ideas. - What is it with them?
Are they enjoying their life constantly thinking about things like that?
- I would think it's boring. - But you know,
she's still precious to me.
Well, of course she's precious. She's your child.
I'm home!
This morning, I got curious what kinds of fish were getting hauled in at Tsukiji (fish market)
so I went to take a look. Then this guy looked at me as if to say take me home with you.
Why do you waste money like this?
- It's not a waste at all. - We can't eat all this.
That's not a problem. First, we'll make some sashimi, and for the Sunday's party
we'll do a marinade, steak, smoke, etc., etc.
I'm not having a party, and don't do any more smoking.
What happened to my pickles?
Would this be it?
Did you eat my pickles?
I did. It was good. Well, it was so-so.
Hey, I told you, didn't I? I do my thing and you do yours.
- I told you not to eat my food. - But it's just preserved vegetables, right?
- You can just make it again. - It's not preserved vegetables, it's pickles.
- What? - I'll make it.
- Huh? - Pickles.
I watched you make it.
I think I can make it.
Look at that. A full grown man's making a big fuss over something trivial like preserved vegetables
and making Kota worry.
It's okay, Kota. Leave him alone.
Get out of my way.
What about your morning routine juice?
What's he mad about, that idiot.
You scared me.
Sorry, Yo-chan, for being late.
You could've come to the condo instead of meeting at a place like this.
But you saw, didn't you? Kota's reaction the other day.
Do you know where we are? Yeah.
I'm in front of the condo right now.
- It's Megumi-chan. - It's Yo-chan.
- I didn't think I'd see you for a while. - I missed you.
Kota, hug. Give your mom a...
Kota. Kota. What's wrong?
He really dislikes me now, huh?
Although I don't blame him.
He'll be fine. It's just for now.
Kota really loves you.
I'm not so sure about that.
That aside,
a man who said he's your brother called,
saying he wants to see Kota.
Sorry! When I stopped by my brother's place,
he kept on bugging me about what I was doing and where, so
I gave him your number without really thinking. I'm sorry.
As a matter of fact, Megumi-chan, what are you doing and where?
I'm disliked by my brother too. He says I'm a disgrace to the Iwabuchi family.
But it can't be helped, huh? I lived irresponsibly and fled Tokyo.
A hopeless woman like me.
A hopeless woman like me?
You promised you weren't going put yourself down like that anymore.
Anyway, let's put our heads together and decide what to do in the future, huh?
Yo-chan.
Why don't we have ice cream?
You've got to be kidding. We'll freeze to death if we have ice cream in this biting wind.
I want ice cream.
This week?
- That soon? - There's the matter about Kota's school too, and
excuse me for saying this, but considering Yozo-san's age,
I doubt if he can raise Kota.
On the other hand, I can't ask you to take care of Kota either.
- That would be out of the question. - I know. The sooner the better then.
Yes. I suppose so.
I think my dad knows deep inside too.
That it would be impossible for him.
All right. Yes. Then.
Nagasato. Thanks for the invite.
- Pardon me? - The party on Sunday.
I'll be attending. I'm looking forward to it.
Are you going? Are you going?
Nagasato Daisuke has moved! Notice of Housewarming Party
Sasaki...
Nagasato-san, what would you like for a housewarming gift?
I'm sorry. I'm busy on Sunday so I can't make it.
Anyone else going? Are you going?
Please hurry up and load the shipment.
If you can't leave port today,
don't expect to do any more business with us.
- Okay, I hope you make it. - Here, all done.
- Thanks. - Look, power stone.
- Chalcedony. Did you know? - Never heard of it.
- It's a stone that works on interpersonal relationships. - Interpersonal relationships, huh?
If only good fate could be bought with money, huh?
Good fate? As in romance?
I don't need romance. I want to get married. I don't need a boyfriend. I want a husband.
Or rather, I want kids.
Kumagai-san, she did it again.
- You mean Tanaka Rina? - The payment form.
- For some reason, her seal's in the Chief's seal block. - Are you serious?!
Tanaka
That's why you should've let her quit when she wanted to.
Oh, crap. Tanaka-san, do you have a minute?
This is Japanese sweets available only in winter.
Over there. Come with me.
Why did you stamp your seal in the Chief's approval block?
That's because Chief and I have the same last name.
Even though your last name's the same, Chief's official seal and your store bought stamp are totally different.
But Chief said he wasn't coming in this morning.
That being the case, I thought the sooner the better, and I did some quick thinking in my own way...
Forget about any quick thinking. Look, new employees will be starting in the spring.
Which means, in short, that you're going to be their senpai. Senpai, you know.
Yet, you can't even handle paperwork properly.
Don't you think you should be ashamed...
Please don't cry anymore.
- I want to go to Avonlea. - What?
Prince Edward Island in the spring.
- Why did you... - Kumagai-san...no,
may I call you Hanako-san?
- No, I prefer Kumagai. - You told me the other day, didn't you?
You said, "What do you know about Anne of Green Gables."
Do you remember? When Anne first invited Diana to a tea party.
Diana drank wine by mistake.
I knew it! Hanako-san, you like Anne, right?
- Well, yes. - I'm so happy. It's hard to find people
- that I can talk with about that world. - Let's let go of my hand for now.
Anyone who likes "Anne of Green Gables" isn't a bad person. So that's why
- I decided to work hard under Hanako-san. - That's the reason?
My father told me to get at least 3 years of real world experience before getting married so
I got this job through connections, but
I'm not cut out to work.
- You're probably right. - I want to be a housewife and
spend my time baking cakes and taking care of the garden.
- Don't you think so too, Hanako-san? - If anything,
- I'm probably less suited for that. - But didn't you dream about it?
Cherishing your family and friends and neighbors.
Maybe a little, when I was a kid.
Hanako-san.
Are you really satisfied with your life right now?
- Oh, you're home. - Hi there!
- H-how did you get in? - Yozo-san
asked the manager to let me in since I'm your mother.
Oh, that's right. I probably should have a key, huh?
- Why are you doing that here? - Yozo-san's having a party at his place on Sunday.
We're getting ready for that.
So Ricchan's helping me out.
Nagasato-san, don't overexert yourself.
Are you all right?
Last one!
That was amazing.
You did 60 kg eight times.
- You're pumping up quite nicely. - Really?
Kumagai-san, don't strain yourself.
- Bring your elbows below the bar. - Huh? Like this?
- Let's start with something a little lighter. - But this is lighter than my weight.
- But let's increase it gradually. - I think it's fine. Let's give it a try.
If you overexert yourself like that, you're going to get hurt.
He was wearing an apron. In my room, with my mother,
your father was wearing an apron and cleaning tuna.
What's going on?
Pardon me?
I apologize about my father.
I know he's not a bad guy. But you know,
- coming inside my home without my knowledge is... - I know.
I'm sick and tired of it too.
I don't want to waste my energy getting mad at people.
That's it. That's it.
But that idiotic dad of mine.
- Did something happen? - In the first place,
I'm not that small-minded that I'd get mad just because someone ate my pickles.
- Pickles? - What I'm pissed about is
how he rudely trampled into my precious world.
- I can understand that. - I don't know why he thinks
- he can just barge into my territory like that. - Seriously.
It's been 2 years since I bought that condo. I've never let anyone in.
You bought it? By yourself?
- It pays to work for a major trading firm. - It's not that.
It's because I've been managing my assets wisely since I was in my 20s.
Is it possible that she makes more money than me? No, she probably does for sure.
The pay isn't bad.
But I've seen too many terrible examples from the bubble era.
Like people who bought luxury car and house to keep up appearance
- and got buried in debt. - No foresight at all.
I may be working for a trading firm now, but who knows how long I can maintain
the same condition. I have to be prepared.
- Exactly. - But my mother
- says she's going to live in a hotel. - Hotel?
I don't know how much that costs, but everything she does is too reckless.
- They make you nervous, don't they? That generation. - But my mother
tells me I think too much about the future and I'm boring.
What? Am I too cautious?
Do I take everything too seriously? - No, no, no. No.
- Don't be misled by those carefree old folks. - I know, right?
Right.
- Are you really going to have a party at your place? - No way.
No one from the other condos will come anyway.
Who interacts with neighbors these days anyway.
But my dad thinks he can find my marriage partner at the party.
Marriage, huh? You're not marrying?
Not marrying is an option too.
An option, huh?
A life with too many options or a life without, I wonder which is better.
It's just that
it used to be a natural thing for everyone to get married.
That was a rigid era.
But even if it was rigid and inconvenient,
I think somehow, people were still happy.
Once you get to know the freedom of not being married,
it's hard to let it go. This carefree life.
People who are convinced that marriage is a goal may be blessed in a sense.
Because in reality, they take on the risk of divorce the minute they get married.
Don't you think that concept
comes from an excessive obsession with being single?
- This is a fact. - I see.
An emotion like love will cool down some day.
What remains after that is responsibility and misery.
Why would anyone take on that risk by choice.
Who was that guy?
It's someone you know, right?
Is he like a stalker?
That's like a bad joke.
A complainer with a stalker. Like Complainer vs Stalker.
I'm just kidding.
A neighbor who has nothing to do with it should butt out.
Butt out...
Hello.
Your uncle said he's coming on Sunday.
He called earlier and said he wants to take you in.
You can live with your uncle from now on, huh?
Get all your stuff together so you can go with him.
It'll be too bothersome if we tell Dad, so let's not tell him, okay?
What?
Rather than staying with my dad who's not related by blood,
it'll be better for you to live with your uncle.
Your uncle said he works for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
It's a respectable job. You'll have less to worry about.
- You got that? Don't say anything to Dad. - Ah~ the bath felt good.
Complainer Hanako was mad at you. Don't invite yourself over there again.
I borrowed her kitchen to make preparations for the party.
I'm not letting a whole bunch of people in here.
Oh, you don't have to worry about that. It's fine.
- What do you mean it's fine. - This condo has, you know,
that shared lounge. We made arrangements to have the party there.
Looks like there's gonna be more people than we expected.
Can't wait, huh? Kota.
Kota, what's wrong? Something happen?
Anyway, can't wait for the party. Right?
Kota... Kota.
Hi.
This is yummy. Why don't you try it too?
No thanks.
Did you see him?
Kazuya-san.
What? Did you tell him where I live?
He came back last month from his overseas assignment.
- Sounds like he's still single. - I don't need such trivia.
You're not interested in starting all over?
With Kazuya-san once more.
No. There's absolutely no way
I'll marry him again.
Ah~ negative ion. It's so soothing~.
Ah~ I feel it coming. I feel it coming.
It's coming.
Daisuke-kun. Shige-san.
We're going to go all out today.
- You have a nice car. - That's cuz he's a doctor.
- He's got money. - That explains it.
That's not true. But I did my part and
bought a smoker so you don't have to worry about fire anymore.
Excuse me. Are you Iwabuchi-san?
Yes.
Excuse me for the way I'm dressed.
- Does it look like you can get Kota out? - I'm pretty sure I can.
My dad's preoccupied with something else today.
I don't know what to do with my sister.
She quit nursing school halfway, and she's been drifting around aimlessly ever since.
With one man after another.
Anyway, I'll make sure Kota gets settled in a good facility.
Facility?
You said you'll take him...
We have three children of our own,
and entrance exams are coming up too, so
he can't possibly live with us.
I see.
But it's got to be much better than the way he's living now, right?
If, by chance, he should get involved in a crime,
I'd be held accountable as his uncle too.
Excuse me, but is your father's assets safe?
Pardon me?
- Perhaps my sister married him for money. - I don't think so.
My dad lives on social security and I don't think he has much money.
If I may say so, it's for your father's own good
to break all ties with my sister as soon as possible.
Okay, smoked tuna's done.
- I got it. - Thanks.
- Yo-chan, I'm taking this down too. - Yes, please.
Sasaki-chan, did you take the liquor?
Ricchan, thanks for your help.
What're doing? You gotta help.
Daisuke, that young lady there
is the mother of Hanako-san in 507 above, Ritsuko-san.
- Hello. - Oh, Yozo-san.
- What a fine son you have. - Thank you.
I hope you can be friends with Hanako too.
- Okay, let's go down to the lounge. - Good job, everyone, good job.
Daisuke-kun, remember, the party's starting soon at noon.
Is this all you have?
I guess I can always send it to you if there's anything else.
Hi.
Are you going somewhere?
A neighbor should mind her own business.
Oh, okay.
Kota, long time no see.
Okay, get in.
Come on.
Listen, uh... I said you were going to be living with your uncle, but
it seems your uncle has a lot going on too... - I know. It's okay.
It's not my first time going to a facility.
I can't believe it.
You're sending Kota-kun to a facility?
Does your father know about this? Huh?!
Oh, Daisuke. The party can't start without you.
And what's that... Hurry up and go change.
You're Hanako-san, right? Once again, I'm Daisuke's friend, Sasaki.
39 years old, single.
- One mother, one sister. - Hello.
Hanako-san, please come to the party too.
We have black fishcake here too.
I made this smoked tuna.
What's this? Hana-chan, you're alone?
This goes well with beer.
- Smoked tuna. - Thank you.
Okay, he's here. He's here.
- Here. A housewarming gift from everyone at the office. - Thank you.
Chief, you didn't have to bother. Let's go all out.
Oh, Daisuke. You came.
- Wasn't Kota in the room? - I don't know.
He's not here. I'll go get him.
- Hi there, Nagasato-san. - Hello, hello. Glad to see you here.
- It's nice to have a party like this once in a while. - Isn't it?
- It's not much, but please take it. - You shouldn't have, but thank you.
Our next door neighbor, Miyama-san.
If you know of a good bride candidate for this fool,
- can you introduce her to him? - I'm afraid we don't have any cute acquaintances.
Looks isn't important. I just want him to get married.
What's with that look. Seriously, what are we going to do with you.
Listen. Only by having a family and raising children like them
- do you grow as a person... - One can grow as a person by becoming a parent?
You've got to be kidding.
Does it actually feel like you're growing as a person?
You're just being robbed of your time and money, aren't you?
Doesn't the mere thought of sending those kids to college make you shudder?
Hey, how can you be so rude to Miyama-san.
It makes me shudder.
That's why people who don't get married get no respect.
- Excuse me? - Because of people like you
who can't read the situation
and can only think about yourself,
people say if we don't get married, we're forever immature,
that we never grow up.
- You're the same way too, aren't you? - Pardon me?
You can't live with anyone. That's why you bought a condo for single people at your age.
You have no intention of marrying, do you?
I'm sorry, but I was married once.
- What? - Even though it ended after about a year.
- Oh, really? - Yes, really.
- That was fast. Why only a year? - She won't tell me the reason.
There wasn't much of a reason.
See? You're the same as me after all,
the type of person who's unable to flock together with other people.
You don't like kids either, do you?
You... aren't you lacking something as a human being?
What's that supposed to mean.
Is someone who doesn't like kids a defective human being?
What? Do I have to say "How cute" every time I see a kid?
- I, for one, love kids. - There you go, showcasing the fact that you love kids.
Why don't you stop pretending to be a goody-goody? If you have time to raise children,
it's better to work...
Hey! Hanako.
Good for you, Hana-chan. Do it. Go ahead and do it.
- Did I say something that awful? - You did. You certainly did.
- Come with me for a minute. - Hey...
Cool beauty...
Wow...
Yozo-san doesn't know, does he? That Kota-kun's going to a facility.
If he knew, he wouldn't be partying, right?
Don't stick you nose in other people's affairs. It can't be helped.
It can't be helped? What can't be helped?
- Then can you take Kota in? - Are you stupid?
There's no way I can take in a stranger I just met.
Kota's a stranger I just met too.
I...
I bought this place in order to enrich my single life.
What's so wrong about
handing over to his relative a stranger who suddenly appeared claiming to be my brother.
I never said it was wrong.
But...it's a pity.
That you don't even have a little room in your heart to take in a lodger.
As a human being,
I really pity you.
Who does she think she is!
You can stay with us tonight.
Kota.
- Nagasato-san. - Hello.
I just happened to be passing by.
Why are you telling such an obvious lie?
This kid ate my pickles.
Huh?
Today would've been the best time to eat it.
Excuse me, but...
Look, kid. You said you'd make it yourself, didn't you?
Remake the pickles just as I made them so that my next Sunday would be my greatest Sunday. You got that?
Excuse me, but Kota's going to a facility tomorrow.
In the family registry at least, we're brothers.
So I figured maybe I had an obligation to be concerned too.
Can you take care of him? For years to come?
No way. I like being by myself.
It's way more irresponsible to throw him out later on.
In the first place, what about school? It's still compulsory education, you know.
What a pain in the neck.
I'll send him to school!
We're going home, Kota.
My day off is completely ruined.
Where did you two go?
I went biking since it was a beautiful day.
Kota too?
Of course not. I always go biking by myself.
Oh, I see.
What's wrong?
Kota, where did you go?
It was a nice day so I went for a walk.
Ah, is that right. A walk. Welcome back.
You know what? The smoked tuna was a hit.
It got ate up in no time. I made some more just now.
I cut down on the smoke so don't worry. Let's go have some together.
Come on.
Hm~
What was that for?
Nothing.
If you'll excuse me.
Damn her. Complainer Hanako.
It goes against my will to eat smoked fish Dad made, but
I do need an appetizer.
It's good.
And so good with beer~
- Is the taste to your liking, sir? - It's terrible. Absolutely terrible.
Cut out the bullshit.
- Delete, delete. - No way I'm deleting this.
It's been a while since I saw you smile like this.
Leave me alone.
Why do people want to flock together?
Even when no matter what kind of flock that is,
trouble's bound to arise.