There’s English bread, German bread, and French bread,
but Japan’s bread, Japan, does not exist.
In that case, there’s no choice but to create it.
This story is a serious, biographical ballad of a boy who possesses Solar Hands,
Azuma Kazuma, who will create a Japanese bread made by and for the Japanese people,
which can be presented to the world proudly.
Somewhere far away, there are people listening carefully.
dokoka tooku de mimi wo sumashiteru hito ga iru
Yakitate!! Japan
Translated by: Anime-Empire
In every place, there are people looking up at the sky.
arayuru basho de sora wo miageteru hito ga iru
Under the night sky, we, who are whistling...
yozora no shita de kuchibue fuiteru bokutachi wa
without words, are just tracing constellations with our fingers.
kotoba mo nai mama yubi de tada seiza wo nazotteru
The dreams of the cold-sensitive... Your cold hands...
samugariya no yume tsumetai kimi no te
The warming magic is to believe in one path.
atatameru mahou wa hitotsu no michi wo shinjiru koto
The single star found on the other side of the comet cloud...
houkigumo no mukou ni mitsuketa hitotsubu no hoshi wa
whether it be a shining or a faint star...
kagayaku hoshi demo kasukana hoshi demo
is the light of only you.
kimi dake no hikari
On the other side of the cloud in your heart,
mune no kumo no mukou ni mienai mama no michishirube
is a sign post that remains unseen.
Now, opening these hands, what will you believe in today?
saa kono te wo hiraite ima nani wo shinjimasuka?
Azuma Kazuma and Kawachi Kyousuke have started working at the southern Tokyo branch
of Pantasia, Japan’s number one bakery chain...
However, they had been ordered by the manager, Matsushiro Ken,
to make bread that a horse would find delicious.
Delicious bread
Have a taste of delicious bread, made Kawachi-style.
Oats, huh?
Chomp!!
Delicious!
Delicious!!!
On the other hand, the bread Kazuma made...
It’s made with butter from Hanako, a goat’s milk.
Goat butter!
It’s Japan #24’s variant,
France-Japan!
Kansai-ben.
Give me his bread.
De-licious!
This is...
de-licious!
Delicious~~~
However, the horse wouldn’t eat it.
Delicious bread
I was particular about the “delicious bread,”
but you made a bread that exceeded my expectations.
That is... de-licious bread!
De-licious bread
An interesting pair has arrived this year...
And...
to think that one possesses Solar Hands...
My store will be interesting from now on.
It’s the Main Store!!
Dancing Meister!
It’s the Main Store!!
Dancing Meister!
This is a relay from the main store of Pantasia,
the leading bakery chain in the country of Japan.
Once you eat bread from Pantasia, you’ll feel like eating some more.
This time, they are announcing a new type of bread,
Welcome.
and there are long lines of people wanting to try it right away.
Pantasia’s new creation, in terms of wine, is equivalent to Beaujolais Nouveau.
Note: Beaujolais Nouveau is a young, barely fermented French wine. Shipped worldwide to be sold on the third Thursday of November each year, people race to be among the first to try it.
Ahhh, I want to try it soon, too!
Man, what’s with all this excitement over the main store?
Compared to that...
Why is this southern Tokyo branch so quiet? Is this really a branch of the same store?
We only get around 4 or 5 customers a day...
Don’t you agree, Azuma?
Wha–?
What are you doing? What’s that mountain of bread?
I’m going to use it for Japan #57.
R-Rock solid!
What do you mean by #57?
As if there’s any use for this hard leftover bread.
This hardness is what’s good.
Dumbass! You should throw out these leftovers.
Why?
As it is,
this lodging room on the store’s second floor is packed enough with just the two of us.
Hey Azuma, think about it...
The amount of these left-overs... Do you understand what it means?
It’s showing us how much the store is in danger!
We’re finished if we don’t get any customers, even with your Japan!
It’ll all get thrown away!
T-That’s terrible!
What should we do, Kawachi?
In any case, we need to ask the manager and Tsukino about this tomorrow...
The management policy of this store, as well as
our guaranteed wage, and everything else.
You’re right.
I-I’m sorry for asking such an impertinent question!
It’s just that Azuma really wanted me to ask!
Eh?!
Ouch.
You really want to know why our store isn’t prospering?
No, it’s okay, I’m sorry...
Please have a look in the 2 o’clock direction.
To our store, this is the root of all evil...
This is Pantasia’s biggest rival, the St. Pierre bakery chain’s main Tokyo store!
Something like that is looming over there, right in front of Pantasia.
It’s natural for us to not get any customers.
W-Why didn’t I notice this before?!
Such a huge store is diagonally opposite from ours...
Well well, if it isn’t the people of Pantasia,
out and about in the morning.
Mokoyama...
Note: He actually says “conte,” which is a French word for a short story.
Perhaps you’re practicing for a play?
Yeah, something like that.
No, we’re not.
Manager, who’s that?
The manager of St. Pierre’s main Tokyo store...
Mokoyama Tsuyoshi.
I see.
That manager over there...
Yet another scary guy has appeared, ready to cause a commotion.
Good morning, manager over there!
Oh, what a cute young boy. Are you new?
Good morning.
Huh?
Is that bread you’re holding?
It looks horrible, what exactly is it?
It’s the beginning of my new bread creation, Japan #57.
New bread creation?
Japan?
Is that a pun?
Oh no, that’s terrible!
I dislike puns!
Moreover... that naming is lame.
A sense of style is important in bread-making.
If you’re like this at a young age, your future prospects are bleak.
Azuma, your Japan is really being made fun of.
Oh? I thought so, too.
Hey! Don’t make fun of Japan!
Japan was the name it was given by a bakery oji-san who I met back when I was 6!
Ohhh, you poor thing!
You caught your lameness from that oji-san?
It would’ve been better had you met a fine adult when you were young.
For instance, a bread artisan with fabulous sense of style, like me...
Note: Sign says “hoka hoka tei,” (variant of “hokka hokka tei”) which is a fast food style Japanese restaurant chain that serves fried chicken cutlets.
You bastard...
Don’t make a fool of Oji-san, or Japan...!
Calm down now.
There’s no sense in getting worked up
over cheap taunts from an artisan of only Mokoyama’s level.
Of only my level, you say?
What is that supposed to mean, Ken-chan?
Note: The “-chan” suffix is used mainly for young girls, and is kind of cute.
Don’t call me Ken-chan.
Well, I’ll put it simply...
This kid has only just started with us, but, Mokoyama...
with the kind of bread you make, you cannot beat this boy’s Japan!
What did you say?!
Try saying that again!
I’ll say it as many times as you want.
An artisan of your level is no match for this boy!
Even if it’s Ken-chan, I cannot forgive any more rude remarks!
Stop calling me Ken-chan...
But what’s with that confidence?
This is beyond irritating!
He’s saying that that kid is superior to me,
the manager of St. Pierre’s main Tokyo store?
It’s a bluff.
If has to be a bluff!
That’s it!
Actually, we are about to have a presentation of our new brand of bread.
Reporters from a TV station will be covering the event, as a special program.
Well? Are you just boasting?
Well, there’s a bit of that, but...
If you wish, I will allow you to present your Japan on that program as well.
I shall humiliate you, in front of the whole country!
Are you stupid?
As if I’d accept such a boring invitation.
If we’re going to do this...
it would have to be a new bread competition, or else there’s no excitement.
Is Pantasia’s new bread, Japan, superior?
Or is St. Pierre’s new bread superior?
Let’s settle it... on TV.
TV?!
What a bold, fearless man...
Beautiful!
I accept the challenge!
This is why you’re my Ken-chan!
A man among men!
He said “my...”
What kind of relationship do you have?
Like I’d know. It’s best not to think about it.
The presentation will be the day after tomorrow.
In the meantime, try to think of a bread that won’t embarrass you.
So that’s the story. Keep it a secret from the main store, Tsukino.
Umm...
Somehow, I feel we can’t do that...
I do have some faith in Japan, but...
Still, Japan itself is not one of Pantasia’s brands of bread.
And yet, we are betting Pantasia’s reputation on this competition...
This is quite a problem.
All we have to do is win.
It’s easy to say that, but our opponent is the manager, isn’t he?
He’s a skilled artisan in his own way, isn’t he?
Do you really expect that we’ll win?
Nope!
After all,
Mokoyama is a first-class artisan who’s even known as the “God of sweetened buns.”
His personality is, well, the way it is... but his skill is genuine.
G-God?
The new bread would most likely be a sweetened bun, his specialty.
G-God, no way...
Let’s suppose Azuma’s Japan were to lose, what would happen?
Well...
This store would be ruined... because of Japan.
Ah, yes...
By the way, that Japan #57...
Is it tasty?
I can’t take any more!
We might be ruined!
Why is this?!
W-What is it?
They’ve got to be kidding me.
For tomorrow’s special program, I wanted to appear in the costume I designed...
But the response from the organizers...
was a negative!
This is just terrible.
Well, never mind.
What’s happening with you lot?
What about tonight’s beauty treatment?
Note: He actually says “esthe,” short for “(a)esthetics salon.” This refers to beauty care such as facials, hair removal, massage, spa baths, etc.
Yes. You are booked in.
And the nail salon after that?
Booking for a first-rate job, confirmed.
My onion perfume?
We have it stocked.
Hairstyling?
Of course, with a “charisma hairdresser.”
Note: “Karisuma (charisma) biyoushi” appears to be a term invented by the media, meaning “a popular & highly skilled beautician / hairdresser.”
Note: “Ikemen” is Japanese slang, originating from the words “iketeru” and “men.” It’s actually singular, and means “a cool / good looking man.”
A charming-man, I hope?
That I would really not know...
I-I shall confirm it right away!
Now I can comfortably face tomorrow’s battle.
And the most crucial part...?
Yes! Here it is.
This very high-grade sugar...
What exactly do you have in mind?
This is what I’ll do.
Such a large quantity...
Are you out of your mind, Manager?
If you put it in like that, the excess sugar will cause it to burn...
You! You’re too noisy for a mere worker!
How is it?
The taste of my new bread...
Although it’s only a trial...
So sweet!
What an excellent reaction.
With this, my victory is certain.
Just you wait, Ken-chan. Just you wait, Pantasia.
I’ll make you regret having ever challenged Mokoyama Tsuyoshi, the genius.
Why?
Why what?
Nothing, I just couldn’t settle down without asking a sharp question.
I mean, come on!
The new bread showdown is tomorrow, you know!
On top of that, if we lose, this store could be ruined!
Well, just eat this and relax.
Ah yes, I haven’t eaten anything all morning.
This is the hard leftover bread from before!
Quit collecting these things and throw them out!
I can’t let any food go to waste, can I?
I know!
As a variation of the croissant you made before,
make a 648 layer Danish, or something like that.
We might stand a chance with that. They’ll all bend over backwards!
What’s a Danish?
You don’t know again?
Well, don’t worry, Kawachi.
It’s okay, it’ll be delicious...
Japan #57.
Probably.
“Probably” isn’t good enough!
But, this is the first time I’m making #57...
It’s a new type of Japan.
Never mind.
We’ve got the manager, then dumbass Azuma,
and an unreliable senpai...
H-How rude!
What’s happening with this store?
And then there’s Tsukino.
On weekdays, she’s only here in the early morning and in the evening.
What’s up with that?
Is she still the manager’s proxy? Geez...
Oh? You don’t know...
Don’t know?
Everyone! This is terrible!
Outside...
Outside, it’s terrible...
Who is it?!
What’s that outfit?
You’re a student?
Never mind that, outside...!
St.Pierre
Note: The posters say “St. Pierre vs. Pantasia New Bread Showdown.”
W-What the hell is this?
They’ve even put posters on our store...
He likes to put on a show, that Mokoyama...
Manager!
Looks like there’s no backing out now.
Oh dear.
Tsukino, you... told on us, didn’t you?
No. I’m sorry to say that I haven’t yet...
It’s the main store!
Hey, it’s Kuroyanagi from the main store.
Matsushiro-san.
You have... committed yet another selfish act.
I have?
It’s no use playing the fool.
Great Tokyo TV and St. Pierre’s P.R. department have both contacted us.
Everyone likes to gossip, eh?
In any case, regarding this matter, the main store will be taking charge.
And as for your punishment, expect to hear from us.
It seems you’re annoying as always, boy.
If I’m gonna argue... I’ll do it with him.
He’s here... isn’t he?!
What?
Meister Kirisaki.
W-Who’s this?
A man of even higher standing in the Pantasia Group than my ojii-sama,
the only person who’s been given the title of Meister...
General Manager of the main store, Meister Kirisaki.
I’m not sure why, but I hear he seriously dislikes making public appearances.
This is the first time I’ve seen him as well.
I wish to meet Azuma-kun...
Meister Kirisaki!
Allow me to...
This young boy is...
Azuma Kazuma-kun.
Meister! Please wait!
Hey! You stay out of this!
What did you say?
Oh?
He does not notice the noise outside, or even my presence.
Delicious!
Looks good.
Old bread...
What exactly...?
What is that inside the pot?
You surprised me!
W-What are you? A bird?
Oh, you’re a person...
What is in the pot?
Ah, this? This is, you know...
Sauce for my new type of Japan.
Sauce?
Is that so?
By the way, what is the price of that bread?
Price?
I haven’t really thought about it.
In that case, please give it some thought.
O-Okay.
Meister!
Meister Kirisaki!
Matsushiro-san...
I had heard the rumors, but it seems you have really obtained an interesting new employee.
I suppose so.
But I won’t hand him over to you.
Matsushiro-san.
What price do you have in mind for that bread?
To put a price on that bread...
I don’t think... I have the courage.
I can sympathize with that...
Though while I say it, I am equally guilty.
We are leaving now, Kuroyanagi.
But... Meister Kirisaki...
So late!
Why does he always cut things so close?!
Doesn’t he know that today’s the day of the settlement?
Now now, Kawachi-san.
I’m sure Azuma-san is hurrying.
Are you sure?
Argh! Look at the time already.
It’d be a disaster if we didn’t make it
to the presentation because Japan wasn’t completed.
But yes, if it so happens that we cannot make it to the presentation,
I wonder what would happen...
If we don’t make it to the presentation...
We run for our lives...
Major bashing...
Farewell to the southern Tokyo store...
Suddenly unemployed...!
The changing times!
Ahh, this is no good.
Right! Now that it has come to this, I’ll go and drag him out.
Just wait a minute.
Eh?
Eat this, and calm down.
That’s right, I haven’t had breakfast yet.
What, this again?
Preparation complete!
What’ve you been doing?
Don’t get so mad.
I was making Japan #57.
I know that much.
If you know, then don’t ask.
What did you say?
Umm...
It would be best if we left now...
Oh crap!
Looks like we’ve got to run, Azuma!
Ah, please wait!
Relax, Kawachi...
Normally... one would go by car.
Am I forgotten?
New Bread Showdown! Great Tokyo TV
Pantasia St.Pierre
TV Grand Prix! I’m your hostess, Ooe Mariko.
Note: It seems this lady is a real announcer for TV Tokyo.
Today we had planned to broadcast St. Pierre’s presentation of their latest bread series,
but the plans have been changed.
Instead, the two giants that reign at the top of the bread industry,
St.Pierre vs Pantasia
New Bread Showdown
St. Pierre and Pantasia, are set for a showdown of their latest bread creations.
Young boy...
It’s unfortunate, but defeating my masterpiece is impossible.
I’d like to give you this handkerchief, for when you lose.
Japan will win.
And that handkerchief smells kind of strange.
Oh! You don’t understand the greatness of onion perfume?!
Well never mind, just watch...
I’ll pay no attention when you cry later.
First, representing St. Pierre, we present Mokoyama Tsuyoshi.
They say that two giants cannot stand together.
Here, in this place, I shall bring Pantasia to its end.
Now, representing Pantasia, Azuma Kazuma!
H-Hello.
I-It’s finally started...
It seems the important guy from the main store approved of Azuma’s bread...
Japan #57... It just might work out, right?
No. It may not work.
To tell the truth... Azuma’s bread, Japan #57, has a fatal flaw.
F-Fatal flaw?
If I think of you, and even utter the clichéd phrase “I love you,”
tsukaifurusareta “aishiteru” mo kimi wo omotte kuchi ni sureba
it makes such a nice sound, and you continue talking.
konna ni suteki na hibiki ni naru soshite kimi wa shaberi tsuzukeru
The hopeless tears your bold self sometimes shows me form flag of truce.
tsuyogari na kimi ga tokodoki miseru hakanage na namida nya shirohata desu
If nothing is said, then all the more,
nani mo iwanakerya iwanai dake ni
I just can’t look away. Things like sadness and pain...
yosomi nante dekinaindayo kanashimi dano kurushimi dano
Well, that happens a lot in life, after all.
sorya ikiterya yappari iroiro aru kedo
When you casually say, “Do your best,” it gives me strength.
nanigenaku kimi ga iu “ganbatte” ni chikara moratteruyo
Whenever your small back trembles, I will embrace you right away.
moshimo chiisana senaka furueru toki ni wa boku ga sugu dakishimeru kara
Even if the scenery outside my window changes...
mado kara mieru keshiki kawatte ittemo
Stay with me as you are, bad sleeping habits and all.
neguse no hidoi kimi no mama de soba ni ite
If you sulk, and utter
tsukaifurusareta “daikirai” mo
Even the clichéd “I hate you,” it comes across as the opposite.
kimi ga fukurete kuchi ni sureba hantai no imi ni kikoeruno sa
I will love you, no matter what. It’s just another Sunday to me.
donna toki datte aishiteru itsumo to onaji sunday
Next Episode
Oh my, Hattori-sensei of the judging panel...
I shall be indebted to you.
They brought the real Hattori-sensei?!
Next episode, Yakitate!! Japan.
Hattori Surprise!!
Transformation With the Secret Sauce!
Hattori Surprise!!
Transformation With the Secret Sauce!
Be sure to see it!
Yakitate!! Seed of knowledge.
High-grade sugar, shirozaratou, has large grains and is hard to use.
shirozaratou
However, the refreshingly refined sweetness
brings out the natural taste of the bread ingredients!
Wow!