Teppei!
Don't shout my name like we're friends.
- No one here cares. - I'm here and I care.
Let go of me. We're here on business.
On top of that, I outrank you.
Wait!
I said leave me alone.
"Exhibition of new works."
How am I supposed to find Hara-san in a place like this?
Excuse me, I'm looking for Hara-san.
That's me.
How do you do?
These dolls have really cute faces. Are they used during children's festivals?
Yes, that's right.
- Cute dolls, aren't they. - Yes.
They all have real Japanese hair styles and clothes.
- Well, they're Japanese dolls. - That's true.
Let me introduce myself.
I'm Katagiri from the Business Department of the Eiko Agency.
- Advertising? - Yes.
- I called yesterday-- - Ah, you came just in time.
The daughter of our company president is a fan of ballet,
so we need Leningrad Ballet tickets. Thanks.
Hara-san...
All done? Let's take the Hamamatsu line and have lunch on the way back.
Is that why you came here?
What if it is?
No one will know you're having a fling with the Business Department secretary.
Go have a fling by yourself. Excuse me, Hara-san!
- Te-chan? - Yes?
You cut your hair.
Like it was when we were younger.
That's right.
- Why are you here today? - I'm translating.
Sorry, I don't have much time. I was just leaving. Good luck.
Where have I seen that face before?
I know! I'm Uesugi Riko. Hello.
She's my junior by two years, Miss Uesugi.
Call me Riko. Hello.
- The boss is waiting for us. - What do you mean?
We might not meet again. It would be a pity not to say hello.
You must be the high school sweetheart Teppei always talks about.
The Mizuhara Sanae he still loves and can't forget, right?
You're unbelievable.
Episode 2
Written by Asano Taeko
KATAGIRI TEPPEI Kimura Takuya
UESUGI RIKO Matsu Takako
KATAGIRI SOICHIRO Uchino Masaaki
MIZUHARA SANAE Junna Risa
TAKAGI ERIKA Fujiwara Norika
YOSHIMOTO TAMAIO Kawabata Ryuuta
KUROSAKI TAKESHI Hirata Mitsuru
"Shiawase na ketsumatsu" sung by Otaki Eiichi
Produced by Koiwai Hiroyoshi
Directed by Nagayama Kouzou
A production of FUJI TV, Japan
Sanae-chan looks much more beautiful than her photograph.
Her skin's glowing. She must be in love.
- Do you know who her boyfriend is? - You don't know when to quit.
Don't speak to me ever again.
What...
We're back.
Katagiri. Are you getting used to the work?
Can anyone get used to it?
Going everywhere, having to bow and say yes to whatever customers say. Can you call that work?
You hate bowing that much?
Well, no ...
I just don't want to do this forever.
I see.
Hokkaido is holding an annual competition for the best Winter ad campaign.
Would you like to oversee our agency's submission?
Here. Try it.
- Okay? - Fine with me.
I'll do it.
All right, everyone back to work.
Thank you.
You seem excited.
This isn't just another trivial errand. I'm in charge of something big.
This is your lucky break.
Yes, leave it to me.
The Hokkaido competition won't be easy. How do you plan to win this year?
I'll start thinking about it right away.
The judge is a lecher. All you have to do is take him to a night club and throw girls at him.
This year I want to try winning it the proper way.
Ah, the naivete of youth! I used to think that way myself.
Katagiri.
This is last year's material.
Hey!
Your hair! You cut it!
This time the project will be led by someone new,
Mr. Katagiri from the Business Department.
Hello everyone. I'm Katagiri from the Business Department.
Ok! Let's get ready for Hokkaido Winter ad campaign 1998.
Ouch.
Can I come in for a sec?
Te-chan, welcome!
I'm making dinner right now. Will you join us?
No, it's ok.
- Come in for a beer then. - No, it's fine.
I came by to give you something. Here.
- What is it? - Tickets for the Leningrad Ballet.
Ballet? You mean dance?
That's right.
- Is it ok for us to use these? - Of course, they're for you.
But why?
I knew you liked ballet.
In any case my company got this pair of tickets for free.
They're perfect for you two.
Bye.
You're leaving already?
Goodnight.
CHEERS!
Riko, what happened to Teppei today?
I don't know.
Maybe he's got a date with someone.
Whenever he's settled down with one girl,
we get the feeling that the days of our youth are ending.
Really? Guys find it hard to settle down with just one girl?
I don't
You're always saying that you're a nice guy.
When will a guy settle down with one girl?
When he's a grownup.
And when is that?
Probably...when wanting to do it with her...
...and wanting to be with that person...
is a special feeling.
Well, perhaps...
Teppei still has got 50 years to go.
That's probably true!
Te-chan!
Here. For you.
It's ok, I've already eaten.
Then put it in the fridge and eat it tomorrow.
Thank you.
The flat shaped ones are salmon, triangle ones are--
Pickled plum.
Right. How did you know?
You made this for me all the time during summer vacation training.
- That's right! - I remember it well.
Flat ones are salmon, triangles are pickled plum,
and then a little bit of wasabi on the side.
Thanks.
For the tickets.
Just ask and I can get more.
You're still the same.
What do you mean?
Feigning ignorance to protect the feelings of others.
Thanks for this.
He said you liked this.
He said you used to like ballet.
I studied ballet when I was little.
Te-chan and I had several classes together. I must have mentioned it to him.
So you call him "Te-chan."
Did the two of you ever...
Are you jealous, Soichiro?
Don't worry about it.
We designed 5 posters: A, B, C, D, E.
We've decided to go with B. What do you think?
It's simple and it has a clear message.
Let's use this one.
- This one's too sexy. - Really? I think it's the best.
- But it's too sexy! - That's because of the lousy photography.
Who took this picture? Why not get a famous photographer.
- We do have a limited budget. - I'll think of something.
I'll find a photographer.
And this slogan: "Because it's a winter's day."
I came up with that.
That was my idea.
It's old fashioned. Why not say,
"A jealous winter" or something more refreshing.
You spend all this time and only come up with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 patterns? What are you guys doing?
How was your meeting?
I passed by and heard you guys arguing.
Arguing? That wasn't an argument.
It was a discussion.
A discussion!
Lunch?
Lunch? I still want to work a bit.
How enthusiastic. How about going for Chinese?
Maybe Japanese is better.
Ah, a lunch box! Pork cutlets and onigiri?
Fantastic! Who did it for you?
You wouldn't believe how many girls will pack meals for a guy like me.
It was Mizuhara Sanae.
Even if you don't like carrots in the pork cutlet, Te-chan will have to eat them up.
She cut it into heart shaped pieces for Te-chan.
Sanae will cry if there are any leftovers.
Mizuhara's not like that.
I knew it was her.
You don't even know how to make food like this.
I'm not the kind of girl who relies on cooking to win a man's heart.
That stereotype is pathetic.
I understand. Of course you would say that.
Look. See how perfect this triangular one is?
Can you make a triangle this perfect?
Of course. I can make all the onigiri shapes.
And I make them beautifully too.
What color is that? I'd lose my appetite if you made it with those hands.
Wait!
I'll give it back if it's so important.
I'm going out for lunch. Who's coming with me?
I never eat lunch.
I see. Well, I'm going.
You're diabetic?
Right.
This is really delicious!
Let's eat.
Hey Riko, where are the glasses?
Aren't they in the cupboard?
- Did you find them? - Found them.
These crab croquet from the restaurant are delicious.
Your kitchen is always so clean. Don't you ever cook?
When carry-out meals like this are so cheap, why should I bother?
It's shameful how some men think a woman's job is to slave away in the kitchen.
Cheers.
Are you thinking of a particular man?
Katagiri Teppei.
Teppei? Isn't he a great guy!
Great? Him? Absolutely not!
Why?
He pretends he's so cool, but in reality he's old fashioned.
I can't look at him without wanting to fight.
You know, Riko... true love starts out like that sometimes.
It happens like this.
Think of the North and South poles of a magnet.
A man and woman fight because they're opposites, but when they get near one another,
they kiss and stick together like magnets.
Kiss? That's disgusting! I'd never kiss him.
Stop kidding. Eat your food.
I get angry the moment I see her.
Her as in Riko-chan?
Don't call her Riko"-chan." It gives me a headache.
She's the most self-centered person I know.
If she were stranded with a man on a snowy mountain top,
she'd keep all the food to herself and let the man starve to death.
See how it tastes.
It's good.
Even so...
- I like that. - What?
The type of girl that will fight to the end to survive.
You like that type?
So that's your type.
The type that's childish, insensitive, selfish...
Your requirements are met only by that type?
Don't say that.
You shouldn't criticize a friend's taste in food or women.
Sorry.
Don't put in soy sauce!
Wait!
How could you talk back to the boss like that? Everyone's upset at the way you work.
We don't like people from the Business Department interfering.
Your task is just to compile research data and handle marketing.
- So compile the data. Work all night if you have to. - Fine, I understand.
I won't interfere with the planning group's ideas.
Tonight I'll compile the data you want.
So please keep on working with me. I'm begging you.
Has it really come to this?
You've become one of those people who will bow to anyone.
- Even to a junior colleague. - That's not what this is about.
People who refuse to bow are victims of foolish pride.
Please, I'm begging you.
Begging...
You scared me! What are you doing here?
- I've got the scissors. - Scissors?
What are you going to cut off this time?
Joking! Just joking!
Was it a joke when you cut my hair?
Joking...
This is to make up for it.
You made this?
I have lots of hidden talents.
Look, look, look, look, look!
It looks delicious doesn't it?
- Looks edible. - It is!
Try it.
Why does this seem familiar?
Does it? I'll make some tea.
I know! You bought this from that convenience store, didn't you.
You found me out. Too bad.
I can't believe you. You have to know that I live alone.
I know which convenience stores sell the most delicious onigiri.
Stop complaining and eat it.
And then get to work. You've been here since--
What's this? What are you doing?
Don't just throw numbers all over the place.
You have to use a simple graph so old farts and idiots can understand with one glance.
What a terrible mess. So messy...
You're welcome.
Your heart is saying, "Thank you."
I heard it, so I'm answering.
What are you saying? Don't be silly.
Yes, hello?
Teppei? I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you go to the ballet in my place this evening?
I'm tied up at the office.
I'm busy here too.
Please. After the ballet we're having dinner at her place.
Come in.
You come too. I'll get some wine. Please.
What happened?
Something's come up. I've got to go.
Sorry, you don't have to do this. I'll take care of it later.
Where are you going?
On a date, a date.
I'd forgotten about it.
With Sanae?
Te...?
Sorry, my brother couldn't make it today.
I see.
That necklace... it suits you.
What time do we start going in?
Five thirty. But...
Canceled?
This has happened before.
Really?
During the high school trip we tried to sneak off to an inn together,
but the inn was closed.
You're right. We spent the whole night talking instead.
I was a much nicer guy back then.
To spend all night with a girl and not make a move...
That's an impossibility now.
As I seem to recall, you were always chasing one girl or another.
You were special, though.
How can I explain... You were like a wonderful cake I kept under glass
because I didn't want to ruin the beautiful icing.
Is that true? I had no idea.
If I had known...
Growing up puts these things into perspective,
but there's no way to erase the moments we regret.
How about dinner at my place? Soichiro will be coming too.
Wouldn't you rather be alone with my brother?
Am I wrong?
Soichiro... loves his work.
We don't date that often. When we do get together,
his phone rings and he has to return to the office.
He's busy, it can't be helped.
That's what I tell him. What I'm getting at is...
You're different than your brother.
Soichiro doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve like you do.
Sometimes I have my doubts about him.
"Am I intruding? Does he really love me?"
The next time he breaks a date, I'll trade him in for you.
What are you saying?
Don't say that!
I'm sorry.
When you're feeling lonely or insecure...
You should let my brother know.
There's nothing I can do.
I guess you're right.
Sorry.
He's not coming back.
Tasty.
Looks like Soichiro let himself in.
I'm back.
You came.
- That's my job. - What do you mean?
Stop him before he hurts himself. Who let that man have a knife?
Go sit down.
If you insist.
Come on.
The two of you were sweethearts, right?
If that's the case just come out with it. Did you think it would bother me?
I'm sorry.
You don't have to apologize.
We were.
We didn't tell you because we didn't want you to get any silly ideas.
Te-chan and I dated for a while.
But it was really more of a childhood friendship.
Right, we were just good friends.
We did the usual things like watch movies and go for bike rides.
That was the extent of it.
We may have held hands.
I understand. Thank you.
Let's open the wine.
I shouldn't be here.
You sit here.
What's this?
Tiffany...
It's a gift.
Actually, I wanted to present this after the ballet.
To her?
Can I open it?
This is...
Let my brother act as witness.
Will you marry me?
I know I have a demanding job, and that may cause you to be lonely.
Even so, I'll do my best to make you happy.
Hey. Hey. Handkerchief.
Please marry me.
I'd be so happy.
Great! So that's over.
The function of the witness is concluded. Open the wine.
The wine.
Get the glasses.
Why do I have to do it?
I'll just take whichever.
Still here?
You sure took your time.
Thanks for your work today.
I'm not finished yet.
That's enough. You can leave now.
What's with that tone?
I never used to put my heart into my job as an office assistant.
But sharing your enthusiasm changed everything. I thought we were working as a team.
What do you mean, "That's enough! Go home!"
It's not even funny.
Mizuhara and my brother are engaged.
Mizuhara.
Sanae-chan.
Is going to marry my brother.
But! If you still love Sanae-chan...
Then steal her away from your brother!
Love has to be fought for...
You don't know what the hell you're talking about!
I'm going home.
Shall we go?
Don't forget this.
- We're off. - See you later.
- Don't slack off while we're gone. - Look, they've already stopped working.
Katagiri. Come here for a second.
Yes?
Yoshimoto?
The Hokkaido Winter ad campaign. Give it up.
There will be questions, so I'll say you resigned.
Why should I resign?
The planning group submitted a petition for your replacement.
- Is that the truth? - Yes.
Wait.
I understand you spoke to them very directly,
to the point of wounding their pride.
When working with others, you must be sensitive to their opinions.
Otherwise people will be reluctant to work with you.
As you have discovered.
In Evangelion, this girl Ayanami Rei is the best mech pilot.
She's a real cutie, but it's Asuka who does it for me.
It's not just the sexy red jumpsuit. I like her sassy personality.
She's a lot like you. You resemble each other.
I just remembered, I have to record a TV program for a friend. Gotta run!
Which program?
The quiz show where they... you know!
Sorry.
Hello?
Who am I? If you don't answer in 3 seconds,
your phone will self-destruct. 1... 2...
Don't you feel silly doing this? You're too old to be making prank calls.
Where are you now?
What about you?
Me? I'm with Yoshimoto at the bar.
We're having a lot of fun. Maybe later we'll go to a hotel.
Good for you.
What about you? I bet you're alone and depressed,
staring at Sanae-chan's tear-stained photograph.
Lock up when you leave, ok?
What are you doing?
Sorry, I'm still working.
You're still at the office?
But your project has been...
My work isn't finished yet.
Not finished yet?
10-Q
What a doofus.
Excuse me, the gentleman that was here...
Messy hair, big round eyes...
He went up to the roof.
The roof?!
This was supposed to be the design for the competition. I'm just putting on the finishing touches.
I wasn't doing this to show off, or because I wanted others to praise me.
I just wanted to take responsibility for a job I could do well.
I've spent the whole month...
Fawning and groveling.
Meanwhile, my dreams are slipping away.
It's better than not having a job at all.
But...
I haven't given up yet.
I don't want a company to decide who I should be.
So this is a way to express myself.
It's awful! This is the first time I've seen such a terrible portrait.
It's an image, a vision! Don't you get it?
I wanted a professional photographer to take a picture of it.
It's not everyday you meet someone like you.
Lecherous, arrogant, hotheaded, petty...
Shut up!
- I used to think you were despicable. - Well now you know better.
Look at this. It's obvious I have patience and an artistic soul.
The competition hasn't started yet. You can still use this design.
It's too late. The planning group walked out on me.
But you know, you have a real creative spirit. You should never let go of it.
- Even if you get squashed like a bug. - Is that your idea of cheering me on?
What do you mean?
Ladies and Gentlemen!
This year's trophy for best advertising campaign goes to...
Mr. Katagiri Teppei!
Thank you very much.
This is a great honor. Let's raise our glasses.
What is it?
Hold on. Just a minute.
Where are you going?
Don't leave in the middle of the ceremony.
Congratulations to the winner!
- Thank you everyone! - There's no one there.
Cheers.
Where did you get this?
The boss thought he could hide it in his desk.
Can you believe that?
I won't save your ass tomorrow.
You're the one who popped the cork.
That's dangerous! Get down from there!
It's beautiful!
Come and see.
Fantastic! I can see the building where I live.
Which one?
You can come over to my place to drink,
but if you get drunk I won't look after you.
I know.
Do you really?
Being a salaryman is hard work, but being an OL is harder.
You've got it so easy.
All you have to do is daydream.
That's mean! I do more than anyone.
Sometimes it's so tough I feel like quitting.
But there are other times when I feel super-lucky and it's great to be alive.
- There are times when you feel happy? - There are.
Like when you're finger-painting or collecting Hello Kitty things?
You're scary. Why are you laughing like that?
That's... That's...
Watch it! That's dangerous!
That's a secret no one knows...
Look out!
I told you it's dangerous.
Change of plans, I'm going home!
Why?
I'm a terrible drunk.
And recently I can't seem to hold my liquor.
Getting old I guess.
What are you talking about?
You know what I said before...
About what makes me feel lucky and happy. I'll tell you.
What?
I'm happiest of all... when there's someone I like.
Does that mean you've found someone?
Made you look.
See ya. Goodnight.