All right, everyone...
Only 40 minutes remain in the first match of the Monaco Cup finals.
Make as delicious a bread as possible, quickly, quickly!
What should we do?
There’s only 40 minutes left...
Azuma still hasn’t come back yet...
O-Oh yeah,
while making your Lupans, you studied breads from all over the world, right?
Didn’t you come across the world’s fastest-baking bread or something?
There was a book with a recipe to make bread quickly and mechanically,
at the expense of taste,
but I had no interest in it, so I threw it away.
You moron!!
When you’re studying,
sometimes you have to suck it up and study topics you have no interest in!
Oh?
You have the nerve to preach to me?
Then, I’ll just fix that rotten mouth of yours so that it can never speak again!
Fix yourself down there!
Y-Y-You’re going to cut me?!
You’re going to cut me, you Neanderthal!
Yes.
Prepare yourself.
Sorry for the wait, everyone.
We’ll be fine now that we have this.
Azuma-kun!
Really, you’re the only one we can always rely on.
Bandanna Boy here’s all show, and can’t be relied on at all.
Baldy...
I wonder what secret tool Azuma-kun brought...
Wow, this is...
Isn’t this just a regular microwave?!
Ping~
That’s right.
You moron!!
This isn’t dinner!
I’ve never even heard of making bread by simply warming it up with a “ping” of the microwave.
We don’t have a frozen bread to warm up in the first place...
What are you talking about, Kawachi?
We’re not warming anything up.
We’re going to make a new bread, using this microwave.
Huh?
Microwave-bread.
Japan #3.
Microwave-bread?
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.
I swore to your shining eyes
kagayaku kimi no hitomi ni chikatta
Yakitate!! Japan
Translated by: Anime-Empire
on an afternoon when the blue sky
chiisana mado kara aozora ga mieta gogo
was visible through a small window
that I no longer wanted to run away.
nigeru koto nante mou shitaku wa nai yo
senaka ni atatakai te no hira o kanjiteiru
I feel a warm hand upon my back.
kizutsuku yori mo tsurai no wa
The only thing more painful than getting hurt is...
ashita wo akiramete jibun ni uso tsukitsuzukeru koto
giving up on tomorrow and continuing to lie to yourself.
daiji na yume wo hitotsu kokoro ni itsudemo
The one precious dream always held in your heart
shinjite mamotte norikoete ikou
Let’s believe it, protect it, and overcome everything.
daiji na yume ga aru kara motto tsuyoku nareru
Because we have a precious dream, we can become stronger
omoiegaita mirai wo dakishimete
holding on to the dream that we imagined and painted
kore kara mo
forevermore.
A speed contest!!
Ping it with that!
A speed contest!!
Ping it with that!
We’re English, and we love tea.
Occasionally, we hang out at pubs, too.
You can’t buy our bread with Euros.
We add malt vinegar to everything.
Fish ’n’ chips.
Getting to the point, we’re just fast!
That was really fast...
It’s only been 20 minutes.
That was fast...
You guys are the first to finish.
C’mon, eat.
You multiplying-clown bastard.
This English bread...
is disqualified!
No!
D-Disqualified, just like that?!
How can you disqualify us by just looking at and touching it?
I shall say it as many times as necessary...
It’s because I’m a clown!!
Oh, no!
Everyone’s happy in London Tower!
Once you become a world-level clown,
you have the ability to see the skin texture of each and every one of your 10,000 customers.
Oh, no!
Fun in London Tower!
In order to make that bread rise fast,
you added more than the required amount of yeast, right?
Yeast
Even without using a microscope,
Yeast
my eyes can see the shapes of the yeast squirming sadly against each other.
Yeast
Moreover,
when cut, this bread is extremely coarse!
Regardless of how fast you made it, I cannot possibly pass such a bread!
I guess England really is helpless when America isn’t around...
We, the Americans, finished second.
It’s dinner bread like that of the English. However, it’s not just one, but two levels above theirs.
Hmm...
It looks like...
you used the new Dragon Hook, didn’t you?
That’s right.
We equipped a mixer that has twice the normal horsepower with the Dragon Hook.
We mixed the dough at a speed impossible for humans,
reducing the time required for the dough to rise to a third of the usual.
This creates a dough that’s so light it’s called “Balloon Bread.”
In other words, the production time’s a third of the normal time.
This is bread made by the Super Strong Mixing Technique.
I don’t even need to eat it.
You pass.
Good job, Team America.
You’re the first to pass.
All right!
A Dragon Hook on a super-strong mixer?
To think that they have the latest technology at their fingertips like that...
As expected of the elite selected by St. Pierre’s owner.
These American representatives...
They’re going to be tough to beat.
A-And, compared to that...
we’re using something like a microwave...?
All right, then, time for the second fermentation...
Hey, Azuma...
Yeah?
It may not be my place to say this,
but shouldn’t we be using more advanced technology,
like the Dragon Hook, rather than microwaves?
Captain Cook?
Who’s that?
Umm...
I believe he’s the guy who discovered Hawaii...
That’s not it!!!
I can’t take this...
If you worry so much, you’ll really go bald,
Baldy.
What was that?!
The second to pass is our very own France.
This is a truly splendid Irish soda bread.
Usually, you use only baking powder in Irish soda bread to make it rise.
But, using yeast gives it an ever richer taste.
But of course.
N-No way...
France passed already...
No, it isn’t just France.
The third to pass is Vietnam.
China is fourth.
Egypt is fifth.
Korea is sixth.
Denmark is seventh!
In these remaining five minutes,
the number of teams that have passed is successively increasing.
Only the best eight teams will be able to pass!
There’s only one slot left!
Azuma!!
It’s done!
Azuma!
Pass the bread to me!
Kawachi!
Pass!
And, it’s a catch!
Hot, hot, hot!
Suwa-chii!
Sorry about this.
Here you go, eat it while it’s hot.
This is Azuma’s Japan #3.
Here you go, eat it while it’s hot.
This is Azuma’s Japan #3.
Is that bread really all right?
Yeah, it should be.
How do you know?
Bread made using a microwave...
Actually, even I’ve tried making it.
So, it was you who taught Kazuma to make that?
No, not at all.
I used a book as reference while making it.
However, Azuma probably came up with that idea by himself.
As usual, his ability to conceptualize things never ceases to amaze me.
But, the outcome of the match depends on its taste.
It doesn’t matter if it was completed within the time limit...
No, it’s pretty clear from the way that bread looks.
There should be nothing to criticize with regard to its taste.
There’s no doubt that they’ll pass.
Exactly how do you make that delicious a bread using a microwave?
Do you really want to know?
Uh... yeah...
Is that so?
After a long time,
it seems that I have a real chance to shine!
If my memory serves me right...
First, add 75ml of milk and 8g of unsalted butter to a large heat-resistant mixing bowl.
On high for 30 seconds
Microwave it on high for 30 seconds.
Blend completely.
Next, whisk until completely blended.
Fast forward
Add salt, sugar, and bread flour.
Mix well and add the remaining flour.
Mix well and put into microwave for 30 seconds.
With this, the first fermentation is complete.
Next, place it on the chopping board and divide it.
Fast forward
Cover the dough with cooking paper and a wet cloth, and leave it for 10 minutes.
Press with your fingers, and put in microwave for 30 seconds on low.
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Microwave
on low for 30 seconds
Sprinkle it with sesame seeds, cover with, the cooking paper and wet cloth, and let it rise.
With this the second fermentation is complete!
Next, just bake it at 200°C in the oven.
With this, it’s complete!
How was that?
Did you get it?
Hey, are you listening to me?
I’m too worried about everyone to pay attention.
Hey, are we really okay?
Yeah.
Both the recipe and the actual baking are perfect.
I, a judge at Pantasia, say so.
No mistake about it.
Then, what’s that?
Hmm?
To tell you the truth, I’m disappointed in you.
Wh-What?
This is going to turn into a tragic ending for you.
So, be prepared, Japanese representatives.
What does this mean?
I... I don’t know.
It’s true that this bread looks pretty good, so I shall eat it.
However, I don’t think it will change the outcome.
But, why?
Old– I mean, Mister Pierrot.
“Why,” you ask?
That’s because...
I really...
hate microwaves!
How can this be?!
Th-This is ridiculous!
I just have really bad memories associated with microwaves.
Therefore, the grading will be harsher than it usually is.
Say your prayers.
Azuma!
That’s why I told you!
We should be using the latest technology, like a Dragon Hook, rather than microwaves.
100-yen shop?
Note: A “100-yen shop” is the Japanese equivalent of a dollar store.
Oh, booger it.
Quit clowning around, clown.
This competition is supposed to be a speed contest.
We just have to make as delicious a bread in as little time as possible, right?
So, while you may hate microwaves,
as long as we make a bread that tastes good, shouldn’t we pass?
That is true, but...
isn’t there anything that you guys hate?!
Are you able to accept everything in this world?!
Can you love it all?!
W-What does this mean?
For example, if the topic turns to something nasty during dinner time,
no matter how tasty the food is...
Uh, yeah...
I guess I wouldn’t want to eat it...
That’s a cowardly example.
It’s all right.
What was that?!
You’d be able to eat it?
That’s not it!
I believe in Mister Pierrot.
Japan #3 is delicious.
I’m sure he’ll pass us.
I’m happy that you place your faith in me...
But if you hate it, you hate it.
Are you prepared, Japanese representatives?
That...
happened in the plane on the way to Las Vegas.
Bolneze, may I sit here?
Boss...
Hey, hey.
You’ll be the boss starting from the performance in Las Vegas, right?
So, just call me by name from now onwards.
Very well.
So, what is it, Don?
We will now be going to perform in Las Vegas.
As the boss,
there’s one thing you must remember while performing in America.
Something I must remember?
Yeah.
As you know, America’s big on trials.
Apparently, they have half of the world’s lawyers,
an impressive 900,000 in number...
18 million trials take place there every year.
18... 18 million trials?!
It’s an amazing number, right?
Yeah.
But, what about it?
It doesn’t have anything to do with us, as a circus troupe.
Naive, aren’t you...
Listen up, Bolneze.
There’s a story that goes like this...
Wait a moment!
What does this story have to do with judging the bread?
Please don’t interrupt at the good part.
Things like that will affect my judgement.
What?! You...
Shut up and listen to Pierrot-sensei’s story.
Come, come.
Please continue with the story, Sensei.
Listen up, Bolneze.
There’s a story that goes like this...
There, there.
Just be patient for a few more minutes.
Hey there, Marie-chan.
Calm down.
If you don’t let me dry you off properly, you’ll catch a cold.
Oh, that’s right!
There’s a good way of doing this.
If we use the microwave, you’ll be dry in a jiffy.
But, if you do something like that...
And then...
Please forgive this ignorant old lady,
who didn’t even know that you can’t dry cats in the microwave...
There’s no need to blame yourself.
Y-You are...?
I’m Kid.
A lawyer.
I’ve come to help you avenge your cat.
Ma’am...
was there a warning on the microwave saying that you must not use it to dry animals?
N-No.
There was no such thing anywhere...
If so, it wasn’t your fault that you used the microwave to dry your cat.
Th-That’s right!
If there was a warning describing how to use it,
I wouldn’t have dried Marie-chan.
That’s right.
It’s not unusual for an elderly person like yourself to think of drying her cat in the microwave.
Therefore, it’s clearly the fault of the manufacturer for not adding a proper warning.
That’s right!
That’s right, isn’t it?
That’s right.
So, let’s sue that dastardly manufacturer, together.
Let’s avenge Marie-chan’s death!
Okay!
So, the old lady sued the manufacturer, and won the case.
Yeah!
She received a large sum as consolation money.
I-Impossible!
It really is a ridiculous story.
But... that’s America.
Listen carefully.
Your cloning technique might be dangerous for the weak-hearted and elderly.
In order to keep from being sued,
be sure to put up warning signs everywhere.
I-I understand.
Thus, we put up warnings all over the ring...
and we were able to bring the show to a safe and successful end.
Huh?
I don’t understand you.
If it was a success, then isn’t it a good memory?
It’s true that the performance was a great success.
However...
Every time that I cloned myself in Las Vegas,
I was just worried about whether or not there were people who might be sick,
and so, I didn’t enjoy myself at all.
This microwave-bread is the same.
It’s really delicious, but...
precisely because it’s so very delicious,
all that I can think of is the microwave and the cat.
I cannot enjoy eating it at all!
Just wait a minute.
That’s just you imagining things on your own!
If it’s delicious, then just pass us!
You are such troublesome people...
Look who’s talking!
I shall repeat myself as many times as you would like.
But, the impression left by food is also very important.
No matter how delicious this bread may be,
because you used a microwave, which I detest,
you have lost quite a few points.
In other words, even before being tasted,
your bread had lost all chances of ever passing!
No way!
That’s completely unreasonable.
No, like Pierrot said...
the impression left by food is very important.
But...
to blame them to this extent on his personal preferences...
There’s nothing more we can do.
He’s kidding, right?
Th-This can’t be...
I’m sorry, Japanese representatives.
Well then, I’ll announce the results.
I judge this microwave-bread to have...
Hey there, wait a moment, please.
Shachihoko...
Judge Pierrot.
I’m saying this to protect America’s honor as well, but...
That story about the microwave is...
a lie!
It’s true that there’s a lot of litigation in America.
There’s a precedent in which a robber injured himself when the roof fell in while he was breaking in.
He sued the engineers and occupants of the house for compensation, and won...
But, the story of the microwave is just a joke.
It’s an American joke!
It’s an urban legend that mocks people who go too far with their lawsuits.
An urban legend?
That’s right.
R-Really...?
You know this, right?
It can’t be that someone like you, Mr. Pierrot, doesn’t know it’s a joke, right?
Of course not!
Man, don’t be taking away a person’s punch line.
What a pity.
And, so...
You pass, Japanese representatives.
It really was a wonderful bread.
Really delicious!
Now look here... you...
It was a Pierrot-joke!
Yeah, right.
You’re dead!
It was a really delicious bread.
It was soft, and the sesame seeds on top were great!
Oh, thank you!
He ran away.
Note: This is a pun on goma (胡麻), which are sesame seeds, and gomakasu (誤魔化す), which means “to dodge the subject.”
He dodged the subject with sesame seeds, eh?
Note: Zabuton (座布団) means “cushion,” and is a reference to a variety show called “Shoten.” When one of the comedians says something particularly smart or funny, they get an extra zabuton.
Good one. You get one zabuton!
All right, the first match of the finals begins three days from now.
Take care!
Oh, whatever.
It tastes great.
We have passed honorably.
Thank goodness.
Hey, wait up, Shachihoko.
Thank you... for helping us today.
Pierrot’s judging just now was weird.
I simply did what anyone else would have.
And...
Azuma.
I want to fight with you, fair and square, to the very end.
Me, too.
I’ll tell you this.
I’ve powered up big time compared to before.
Moreover...
I have reliable companions as well.
I’ll definitely win against you.
I’m going to win for sure, too.
Looking forward to it.
Yeah!
itsuka wakaru sa kizutsuitari nayanda hibi
Someday you’ll understand.
The days when you were hurt and confused
kagayaki ni kawaru. Dakara tsukamaetete
will turn into something radiant. So, hold on to...
ima wa kurushii kimi wo. Nigenaide kanau made
your present suffering. Don’t run away till your wish comes true.
kodoku wo kakaekomu toki mo
Even at times you embrace loneliness...
kimi wa mada hitori ja nainda
you are not yet alone.
jibun sae shinjirarenai bukiyou na kimi demo
Even if you don’t quite believe it, even the clumsy little you
nandomo kara wo tatakinagara
can knock yourself against your shell many times over,
tobidasu hi wa jibun dake no chikara sa
so that the day you fly out, it will be with your own strength.
tatoe kimi dake ni tsubasa ga nakutemo kitto
Even if it is only you who doesn’t have wings,
utau tori ni natte
become a song bird.
Next Episode
Note: Tokonatsu means “everlasting summer.” This term is often used to refer to tropical islands.
So, the next match is on southern island called Tokonatsu.
It kind of makes you feel like you’re on a vacation, doesn’t it?
Look at your surroundings carefully,
or you might lose your life.
What was that?!
Next time, on Yakitate!! Japan,
Survival!!
Bakers on an uninhabited island!
Be sure to watch.
Yakitate!! Seed of knowledge.
The very convenient microwave was discovered by
Microwave
America’s Professor Spencer, about 60 years ago.
America’s Professor Spencer
Discovered by
Microwaves have spread at a rate of higher than 90% in Japan.
Numbers in Japan
Greater than
That’s one microwave per household. After all, they’re very convenient.
Really?!