During summer two years back, in a small town,
five enthusiastic high school students stirred up a frenzy
Girls possess privileged rights to water ballet
The five of them defied orthodox perceptions and...
took up the challenge of male synchronized swimming
With their overwhelming passion, they overcame numerous obstacles,
and touched thousands of hearts
Heartwarming applause was received in the town
After two years,
they disappeared from the school campus
However, their passion for the sport has been inherited by their juniors
The exciting summer atmosphere once again surrounds Tadano High School
Male synchronized swimming has even attracted foreign tour groups
It has evolved into one of the most popular events in Tadano
Before summer holidays arrive, Tadano High School's swimmers...
are already undergoing rigorous training from morning till night,
preparing hard for the Tadano Festival in September this year
I'll definitely attend the festival to give my utmost support
Has everyone arrived? The balloting will commence soon
Listen here! This is God's right hand!
God is about to select the lead swimmer of this year's swim team!
The result is out. The lead swimmer for this year is...
Shindo Kankuro!
Please come forward, Shindo!
Where is Shindo?
Madam, Shindo is...
Sorry to disrupt the training
You have been selected as the lead swimmer of synchronized swimming
- Who me? - That's right. All the best!
However, I don't possess leadership qualities, nor a commanding presence
- I am extremely indecisive too - His swimming is one of the worst
He didn't participate in the performance last year
He had diarrhea!
Balloting is a fair method. It is God's choice, right?
It's decided then. Please say a few words, Lead Swimmer!
I'm at a loss for words
I personally know that I'm an unreliable leader
When I was a 1st year student, I was awed by the synchronized swim team
That spurred me to join swimming, though I did not know how to swim
However, I exude boundless confidence and I can beat the rest in that
Anyway, since I have been elected, I will give it my best shot
Perhaps synchronized swimming will not be performed this year
I beg your pardon?
Sir, what's happening?
I'm not sure either. Yesterday, the Education Panel expressed some views
Supervisor wasn't pleased
Don't worry, we just need some negotiation. Right, Lead Swimmer?
Lead Swimmer...
I'm representing them?
Of course. You are the lead swimmer. Come on
During this examination period, swimming trainings have deprived...
students of their precious studying time
A carnival would attract many visitors and the media,
and cause severe traffic congestion
However, the carnival has also livened up streets in the area
Principal, are your comments befitting an educator?
You're mistaken. I'm merely trying to explain the situation to Yamaoka
I understand totally, but it has been decided by the Education Panel
- Sorry for the intrusion! - What's the world coming to?
The lead swimmer has something to say about the Tadano Festival
- You are the lead swimmer? - What is your name?
I'm Shindo Kankuro, a 3rd Year Class 3 student
Come on, speak up
School regulations state that students are entitled to...
autonomy regarding students' extra-curricular activities
I'm concerned about your future
For the past two years, none of the swimmers could make it to university
If you start working diligently now, history will not repeat itself
Some of you are capable of excellent grades...
and even have the potential of scrapping through to university
Hence, is it worth it to jeopardize your futures...
for the sake of synchronized swimming?
Please calm down. No matter what the school regulations are,
why not conduct a discussion with the rest of the swimmers first?
All right, we shall hold a discussion after school today
School's starting soon. Go get changed!
All right, go for your classes now
You should know jolly well, Principal
No matter what their decision is, don't oppose the Education Panel
Lead Swimmer, you're responsible for the fate of synchronized swimming
We have sold tickets to Sakuragi Girls' High School
I arranged a date because of that
That's a feat! I want a date too
It will not be terminated, right?
I don't think so. This is the last Tadano Fest
Let's go
Good morning, everyone. This is kind of abrupt...
considering that final examinations are around the corner
We have a transfer student here
Hi everyone! I just moved here.
My name is Tatematsu Norio. You can call me Tate!
Victory, Tate! Come on!
You're not showing me support. Anyway, have a good day!
I guess he is overly excited. Please take care of him
Take a seat there
Please give me your advice!
He hopes to join swimming. Have fun together, Lead Swimmer!
- Lead Swimmer? - That's right, he is the lead swimmer
It's so boring being in an all boys' school
For you, my treat
This is sensationally sizzling!
Not easy being a lead swimmer, right, Shindo-chan?
Please do not add a "chan"
Why not? Don't be so aloof, Shindo-chan
This is my application form
I'm part of synchronized swimming now
I was hesitating whether to transfer school, now that I'm in Year 3
However, I was inspired by video clips of...
the school's synchronized swim team on television
It gives me an up close and personal feeling
Hence, I transferred here because of synchronized swimming
- I'm sorry, but you can't join us - Why not?
We've reached our membership quota. Even the reserves are outstanding
There's no vacancy for newcomers
Are you kidding me, Shindo-chan? Why did I transfer school then?
No point asking me
Careful, Shindo-chan...
You've eaten my treat
So what?
We're holding an urgent meeting to discuss if we should...
accept the Education Panel's verdict on the synchronized swimming team
Before that, the lead swimmer shall introduce a new member,
Tatematsu Norio
New members, please step aside. We need to discuss the verdict now
- Is this meeting necessary? - Precisely
Let's discuss another issue then. Our formation for the performance
- Can I air my view as a captain? - Go ahead
I'd wish to perform synchronized swimming too
However, I doubt the Education Panel will retract their verdict
For the inter-school competition, we have mixed and free relay teams
The three star swimmers have high chances of attaining medals
There's also someone to co-ordinate the intensive training
Just abide by the Board's wishes?
- Don't interrupt - The teaching supervisor is right
We should not repeat our studies because of the carnival
Let's scrap the idea of synchronized swimming
Wait a moment. You're planning to abandon this golden opportunity?
- That's right - Happiness is short-lived
- We're but supporting roles - Absolutely right
Our popularity with girls stems from synchronized swimming
- You want a girlfriend, am I right? - That's not the point!
I'm joining synchronized swimming no matter what!
Shut up, newbie. We'll focus on the inter-school competition now
What's your decision, Shindo?
The lead swimmer has a say now
Since there are conflicting opinions, I'd like to conduct...
a polling session to determine the fate of synchronized swimming
Great idea!
The majority has decided to opt out of this year's performance
Fabulous!
Any problems?
The inter-school team is having its training session now
Non-participants, kindly leave the swimming pool
So what are we going to do now?
I presume the rest could render some volunteer work
Are we seriously going back?
His tone commanded us to do so
Why practice when synchronized swimming has been cancelled?
What shall we do?
But he asked us to render some voluntary help
Why are you standing there? Let's go!
I shall leave now then
Come on, last 50 m
- Are you happy doing this? - Competition's about to commence
The three star swimmers are in tip-top condition
They belong to a famous swimming family in the town
They are touted to be future Olympic athletes
You are indeed Mr. Nice
Don't be so depressed
You won't be able to understand my feelings
Of course I can. I joined swimming because of synchronized swimming too
Why are you giving it up so easily then?
Aren't you the lead swimmer?
It's against my wish. Moreover, the polling results are final
It's been terminated? That's marvelous!
Mom's the education section head in this town
I always felt ashamed to tell others my son is into synchronized swimming
I thought the tourism board had plans to prosper the town...
by promoting the synchronized swimming team
Seems more of an amateur game to me, with the swimmers' feet on the ground
You can concentrate on your examinations now
Register for supplementary lessons. Is that fine, Hubby?
Good idea, but we need to seek Kankuro's opinion too
But we're supposed to guide him, right?
Our neighbor, Asako, has already registered
Please follow her example, Kankuro
- I've had my fill - You're done with your meal?
Great! He hasn't eaten his beef patty!
Hitomi!
"The Caribbean Ocean is just behind me,"
"and the glaring sun is rising above my tanned body"
"I seem to have submerged myself in the Caribbean Ocean"
"How shall I describe this art of conserving one's vital powers?"
Synchro team...
The highlight of 2002 Tadano Festival shall be brought to you soon
Male synchronized swimming!
Forget about it, Shindo
No, I must perform no matter what
You'd be a laughing stock if you pass motion during the performance
The synchronized swimming performance has ended!
"This song dedication comes from 19-year-old Sadako"
"An inspirational song going out to the worst member in the swim team"
Please enjoy the song
Episode 1 Synchronized Swimming For Boys!?
Shindo Kankuro Yamada Takayuki
Tatematsu Norio - Moriyama Mirai Tanaka Masatoshi - Eita
Takahara Go - Ishigaki Yuma Ishizuka Futoshi - Ishii Tomoya
Onishi Asako Miyaji Mao
Mr. Sugita Sugimoto Tetta
Miss Sakuma - Manabe Kaori Kiyomasa - Yashima Norito
Miss Onogawa - Kikuchi Maiko Shindo Kanichi - Asano Kazuyuki
Chi-mama - Tokui Yuu Hanamura Kyoko - Kashii Yu Ito - Kishi Hiroyuki
Isomura - Takenaka Naoto
Sato Katsumasa - Tamaki Hiroshi
Newscaster - Nishida Naomi
Shindo Miwako - Takahashi Hitomi
Principal Ozaki - Tani Kei
Mamasan - Emoto Akira
Head Teacher Yamaoka - Fuse Akira
Good morning
- Are you all right? - So embarrassing
Look ahead when riding
All right. Give me a hand
You're already clumsy enough. You are so careless too
Pull me up
So rude to me even when asking for help
You wouldn't have used this tone if I were Kyoko
That's not true
Are you feeling guilty, moron?
Asako
- Asako, you are friends? - We're classmates this year
- Good morning - Good morning. Your friend?
He's my childhood pal, Shindo Kankuro
Lives just next to me
Nice to meet you. I'm Hanamura Kyoko. Are you OK?
Yes, I'm perfectly fine
- You're from Tadano High's swim team? - Yes, I am
Kyoko, you're a fan of synchronized swimming, right?
Rare opportunity for you to meet up. Here's a ticket for you
- Can I? - Actually...
- I can pay you - No, that isn't my intention
For you
Thank you
Stop daydreaming! Check out the look on your face!
- Kyoko, let's go - OK
- Work hard - I will
- Moron - Don't you bother!
You look vibrant
I'm comforted by that, Shindo-chan. You're full of vigor now
Lend it to me for a moment
Hey, wait
After the decision has been made official,
I'll inform the school on the termination of synchro swimming
Sorry to have disrupted the event
The Student Union is in favor of scrapping such low-class perfmormances
In our drive towards world peace and cultural values this year,
we'll concentrate our resources on...
Just joking
So there's no objection to my idea
Hey, Shindo-chan! Help me carry this
- What is this? - Don't probe too much
- Let's use that path - All right
What are you doing?
Good morning to staff and students of Tadano High School
This is Shindo Kankuro from the Tadano Festival's committee
I'm Tatematsu Norio. Just call me Norio!
Please do your part for the synchro team. Do render your support! Thanks!
- What's going on, Shindo? - Come, gather some supporters
The lead swimmer will negotiate with the teaching supervisor
- He doesn't have the guts. Let's go - Let's go
Just sign the petition. Come on...
- Why did you say that? - I'm fighting for justice
What are you up to?
Don't ask too much. Just sign the petition
- Are you calling me a fatso? - Of course not
- You're not fat at all - You really think I'm a fatso, right?
Absolutely not
Now you know why I grew so obese, right?
We didn't say so!
Stop kidding me. Just tell me if you think I'm a fatso
Just put your signature down, fatso!
You indeed think I'm a fatso
Who is he?
Takahara, repeating due to his violence
He keeps staring at you. Have you offended him before?
- No, I haven't - He looks intimidating
Don't run away with that!
Why move it away without our permission?
I'm sorry, but this equipment belongs to the Students' Union
That's utter rubbish. Oh, it's true
Shindo, get that idiot out of my sight
Hey, who did you call an idiot?
I, as the Students' Union president, am warning you that...
you may be suspended from school for your violent conduct
He's the president?
I'm terribly sorry. Should have told me earlier
Can the Students' Union help us regarding synchronized swimming?
Why should I get involved in such a shameless and inferior activity?
- You find it shameless? - You mean synchro swimming?
Fancy dancing naked in front of the audience!
- He's a weirdo - Call yourselves that!
You're trying to hook up with Sakuragi High's girls...
by using synchro swimming as a bait
Perhaps you've already sold the tickets, right?
Strictly speaking, this can be considered a cheating act
I can pay you
I'm looking for Hanamura Kyoko of Year 3, regarding Tadano Fest
School has ended. Please leave
She should be having her swimming practice now
Are you spying on her? Get lost!
I won't let you enter. Scram, rascal!
That fellow...
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
One more time. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Back to your positions. Ready, go!
Hey, what are you doing here?
I'm a fatso taking secret shots, right?
I didn't say so
You won't tell on me, will you?
Please let me off. For you
You can give this to me?
It's Hanamura Kyoko's most superb shot
So it's a deal, all right? Keep it a secret
What are you doing?
So it's you
What kind of attitude is that? Why are you here?
I'm here because of the synchro swimming tickets
- Why are you here? - I'm looking for Hanamura
I don't believe that. You want her to help you sell tickets, right?
No, I'm here because of synchro swimming
Asako, I'll be at the meeting soon.
Hi
What's wrong with synchro swimming? Aren't you here to look for Kyoko?
- Actually... - Hi, Lead Swimmer
You're the lead swimmer? You're amazing
No, I'm not that great actually
So you're here to boast. I'm telling you now that...
I don't have the slightest interest in synchro swimming
- See you later, Kyoko - Goodbye
- Why are you here? - I'll take you somewhere
1, 2, 3, 4... 2, 2, 3, 4... 3, 2, 3, 4
Seen that guy in black shorts before?
1, 2, 3, 4... 2, 2, 3, 4
It's Sato-senpai
1, 2, 3, 4
You're here, Shindo. Heard synchro swimming has been terminated
That's right
Remember to smile. 1, 2, 3, 4... 2, 2, 3, 4
Aren't you the lead swimmer? You can take this lying down?
Of course not, Senpai
You must persevere even if it takes to using underhand methods
- You have to look for Mr. Isomura - Mr. Isomura?
Our benefactor who coached us synchro swimming two years back!
This way, quick
- Ouch, it hurts - Going out, Mr. Isomura?
I'm going on a vacation from today onwards
Leave all matters to my brother, Kiyomasa
- Who's Kiyomasa? - Let me go
Where are you going?
Don't run away!
Kiyomasa? Come on!
How can he earn a fortune by purchasing these dubious goods?
Are you Mr. Isomura's brother?
You're here to return the goods too? If so, I'm broke
Now, we're here to seek your help in synchro swimming
Shut up! Why don't you depend on yourselves to solve the problem?
You're youths with drive!
I was merely quoting my brother. How much money will I get in return?
Let's not discuss money. We're here with the passion for synchro...
Are you that great, rascal? I won't help without getting paid!
Just kidding. My brother would have said those words
Goodbye. Get out of my way. Take it that we never met
Where are you going?
He escaped
Let's go back
I beg your pardon? We must find a solution for synchro swimming
Yes, we can't give up
It's an annual event which the merchants reap huge profits
Let's all make an effort
Whose idea was it to terminate it? The school, town, or country?
Don't tell me it's Koizumi?
No, it's not...
- Quick, tell me who it is! - I'm sorry!
Let's set off now
We must use our expressions and attitude to mount pressure on them
- Sure! - Let's gather our faces
- I'm going in too? - Of course. You're the lead swimmer!
Come on!
We shall not cower. Let's unite, quick!
Sorry for the interruption
Wait a moment. Please move forward, the party concerned
These two children have something to say to the Education Panel
Wait a minute...
We hope to be able to perform synchronized swimming
Please retract your verdict for the sake of local development
This is because...
I shall let the lead swimmer explain the reasons
- What's wrong with you? - I don't know what to say
I'm sorry. I don't think you'll agree to it, right?
We understand fully your point of view
We'll discuss this again
We will re-think our decision
That's marvelous. Let's break the news!
Oh, that's simply great!
You disrupted the Education Panel's meeting?
They were touched by the lead swimmer's sincerity
The Education Minister is wise. Good news coming soon!
Stop boasting. Shindo isn't capable of that
Is Shindo around? Follow me to the staff room now
I'll make a move first
That's incredible
Let's start on our practice now
Time trials will start after ten minutes
OK
I thought synchro was suspended. Why are you here?
The Education Panel has decided to resume our performance!
Listen up, everyone. Here's an important announcement
Yesterday, some students disrupted the Education Panel's meeting...
and brought up the issue of synchronized swimming
Our school received a stern warning because of that
After a discussion with the principal,
we have decided to suspend the swim team's activities for a week
You are banned from using the swimming pool
That's all I have to say
- I'm sorry - It's all your fault
How about our training for the competition?
Shindo, don't let me see your stinking face in the near future
What a mockery! You gave us empty hope
Don't do it again. Let's go
Do you have to be so blunt with your words?
Yasuda, let's go
I'm leaving
"Termination of synchro swimming performance"
Things don't always go your way. Look on the bright side!
Received your retribution? Don't look down on fatsos next time
Wait up, Shindo-chan
Terrible!
My apologies
Hey, Shindo...
Resignation letter? You need not resort to this
Though you encountered several setbacks,
you fought them bravely and have come through unscathed
I'll take my leave
Hi, we're here to discuss the Tadano Festival
We feel that it's an immense pity to scrap synchronized swimming
There seems to lack an atmosphere in this year's fest,
our last one in high school
Let me return this to you
Clear up the huge mess, Shindo
You led to the synchro team's downfall
You caused it, Shindo?
Sorry for creating trouble
- Let's go, Hanamura - OK
Be careful. Perk up, Shindo-chan!
Do not get discouraged by this minor setback
Think of the next strategy
The spaghetti is marvelous! You're not eating?
My treat. You've eaten the food I bought
What's the meaning of this?
We're equal now. I have something to tell you
Don't mention synchronized swimming again
Cool down. Give up hope
What are you saying, Shindo-chan? You said you'd strive hard, right?
I feel so troubled. I've been implicated by you
All my friends have left me
Are those considered your friends? We just need to gather new members
Stop making it sound so easy!
If you hadn't transferred school, I could have kept my post!
You left the swim team?
Don't interfere with my life anymore
Can you take it lying down?
You will persevere, right? We have come so far
Take back your resignation letter. Follow me
Stop making decisions on my behalf! You're the one who wishes to continue
Don't be a nosy parker. Let me make my own decisions
I'm so sick of you!
Do you really think that way?
Yes
I understand
Have you gone overboard?
Your words seem to be extremely prickly
He'll be fine. He's slightly abnormal
What are you saying?
It was thanks to Norio's effort that all the merchants could unite
It was him?
Why did you gatecrash the meeting? I lost face because of you!
Brother has tried his best
I won't create trouble anymore
I'll study hard
Kankuro, I heard that the issue was blown up
Wait up. Rumors have been spreading rampant in my school
I'm shocked that you'd do such a thing for synchro swimming
You're feeling depressed because of the termination?
You've always been emotionally delicate!
I'm not depressed. I'm just utterly troubled by a weirdo
I feel so relaxed now
I worried for you for nothing
I'm already in Year 3. I'm worried about the exams
I need to consider my future too
You've matured!
I'm here!
Thanks, Norio. How's school?
No problem. Don't worry
Norio, your dad is here to look for you. He's waiting inside
Thanks
Return to your seats. Before I start my lesson,
I need to inform you about the summer course
Please distribute the letters to the back
I shall explain to you the details. Please listen up
Is it a good idea to let your dad leave like this, Norio?
I'm sure your mom is awaiting your return too
This is my own decision. I hope to etch out something on my own
I'm off to work
What's he up to?
Kankuro, I've seen it! Asako, take a seat
Make some sound at least
What tone is that? To think I kept a timetable for you
Thank me for it
Why did you leave halfway? You're not keeping your word
Haven't you made up your mind? You're giving up halfway
You will feel uneasy being alone, being unable to make up your mind
Leave me alone
I presume it's OK if I throw this away
Can you bear to throw away something which you treasure so much?
Stop deceiving yourself
If you wish to do something, go ahead and say it!
I need to rush off now
I don't think this is right either
What are you doing?
What about you?
Practicing synchro swimming. I'm waiting for new teammates
It has already been terminated. Who will appear?
You're really dumb, Shindo-chan
Aren't you here now?
What are your plans?
I'm risking all stakes now!
This is my opinion regarding the content
Wait a minute, let's rest a while
That's enough. Let's take a rest!
Enough!
Stop it!
Don't run!
Subtitles by Transtar Media Services