Ready?
Oh no!
I still think about it once in a while...
That day... If my dad had only remembered to buy sardines...
Whenever he went on long drives,
he always snacked on dried sardines to wake himself up.
But on that day, he happened not to have any, and...
And I, Araki Ryunosuke...
Took over the Araki Freight Company at the age of 18.
Four years have passed since then.
I turned into a physical-labor worker.
Are you all right?
Hurry up! Hold the other side!
I'm sorry.
Oh no! How could this happen?
Hey! Where are you going?
Doesn't today seems like a great day for a movie?
Oh, where did these come from? I happen to have two tickets...
Why don't we go together?
Hey! Pay for the refrigerator!
What are you talking about? What refrigerator?
It broke!
Why don't you take it back to the electronics store?
What do I have to do with this?
Because of you, I dropped and broke it!
Shall we go to the police?
I see. Let's do this then... In a case like this, I should...
Run away!
Hey! Wait! Pay for the fridge!
Excuse me...
She's my type!
In a way, you came to my rescue.
Oh... No problem. It's my pleasure.
Here.
Of course, I was going to be a physical-laborer forever...
Until that phone call totally changed my destiny...
I beg of you! I need the 2.6 million yen right away!
Can't you lend it to me somehow?
I'm sorry, but...
What's going on?
Why can't they loan me the measly 2.6 million yen?
How rude!
Excuse me, sir? Sir?
Oh you're even better looking up close!
Hey! Wait! Sir, at least hear me out!
What?
What do you want, old man?
"Beautiful Girls Changing Their Clothes Live? Only 5.000 yen?"
Do you think I have that much money?
Oh, my guess was right!
You're financially in trouble after all aren't you?
That's right! What about it?
Come with me, then. I can get you a good job!
A good job?
Here you go.
Cheers!
Shall we dance!
What is this place? Who are these guys? Are they hosts?
Yes.
That means... Is this a host bar?
Bingo!
That means the good job you were talking about is... this?
Right!
What a nice face you have!
What?
You actually stunned me with your good looks!
You have the face of a host.
What is that supposed to mean?
It means, you look sexy... or moody...
Moody?
What do you think, Manager? Isn't he a good one?
He'll be a good host for sure!
Excuse me.
Oh no!
What's a matter with you guys? I'm getting out of here!
Me? A host? You've got to be kidding!
Too bad. I was planning to pay you in advance, but...
I'll do it!
Really? You will?
With pleasure!
It's all set! Can you write down your address here then?
Hi! Good morning!
Oh Ohnuki! You've got great timing!
We got a rookie, you know.
You...!
Oh, it's you!
The refrigerator!
You know each other?
No, not really...
I know him! I remember him really well!
His name is Ohnuki. Ohnuki Kazuyuki.
He's the number-two host in this bar.
Is he?
Yes, I am.
With that face?
You're funny, aren't you?
What low standards this place has! This'll be easy!
This map doesn't help at all!
What? Is this a dorm?
Hey, rookie! Thanks a lot, about yesterday.
Don't tell me you're...
Yes. I'm your roommate! Come in!
This is the worst!
No! It's greatest!
Is this for real?
Yes!
Is this really an employee dorm?
That's my room. Yours is over there.
An that's Touma's room.
What happened to him?
Oh, don't worry. He's alive.
Oh, this is Touma. Tachibana Touma.
He's the biggest troublemaker here, so stay away from him.
By the way, your house is in Tokyo, right?
Why stay here?
Well... I can't tell my family, so...
Did Ryu leave this?
Yes. I'm not sure what it's about,
but he told me to give it to you.
How rude of him!
He just left us a note, you know!
"I'll be aboard a fishing boat. Don't worry. Your brother."
A fishing boat?
That jerk! I don't know what he's thinking!
Mr. Mori, did something happen to our company?
Well... Not really...
I see. You're not going to tell anyone that you're a host.
You must be having a tough time, aren't you?
If there's anything I can do, just tell me.
Why are you being so friendly?
Well... I'm your senior, so...
Pay me for the fridge!
You're bringing that up again?
I keep mentioning it until you pay!
"From Yoshie"
Hello? Hi, Yoshie. Thank you. I'll be waiting! Bye!
Oh, I have to call Keiko Mama and... Emi, too!
You're considerate for a guy, aren't you?
Steady effort like this is vital for hosts!
Effort? For hosts?
What's that?
Hosts just put their arms around women and talk, right?
I see. That's the image that you have, right?
What? Am I wrong?
Well, You'll soon find out. Soon.
Oh, here he comes! The rookie with our high expectations!
What's with that suit?
Well... I wore this at my Adult Day ceremony...
What are you doing?
As you can see, it's a dance lesson!
Introduce yourselves to him while dancing!
I'm Udagawa Shinpei!
I'm Sugimoto Takuya, Sugitaku!
I'm Sakuraba Futoshi. Please be nice to me!
Hi, I'm Hamamatsu Shinobu. My nicknames is...
Shibata Kyohei from Osaka!
Oh boy... I can't deal with this...
Ryu-chan, you're new here, but why don't you try it?
Well... I'm not interested in dancing and things like that...
No! Not that. Over there!
I didn't hear about this, you know!
"This establishment has 'Ongoing Request Policy.'"
"Ongoing Request" means that once you pick a host,
you can only request that host.
Why?
To avoid unnecessary trouble.
If a customer has a regular host,
we aren't supposed to approach that customer!
If you should ask that customer for her phone number, or
approach her and say, "I'm better," or bad mouth her host...
That's considered a "disruptive act"!
Hey, why are you here?
You came all the way here to see me?
Touma! He's here, right?
What are you doing? What happened to your hand?
It hurts! Don't touch it!
You have to disinfect it! Give me your hand!
Leave me alone!
Excuse... me... How do you know each other...?
Oh, she isn't a customer, Kazu.
She's a childhood friend, and also my college classmate.
But you were in our shop the other day, right?
I just stopped by to give him a notebook.
And, I ended up having a seat.
You shouldn't leave a white bill then!
In our bar we leave a white bill on "free" customers'
tables, and a black one for those with regular hosts.
That's right. When you see a customer, you'll see one
of them on her table, and you can tell from that.
OK, so look for a customer with a white bill, right?
OK... a white one.
Hey, Ryunosuke! Can you go get some groceries?
That's a rookie's job, too.
You have to do to buy fruits and appetizers when we run out.
And, these pocket tissues have coupons or our bar!
Get out there, and pass these out!
What? All of these?
That's right!
And watch out for "host hunters"!
Ouch!
Hey! Don't get in our way!
I can't stand the sight of you! Crummy host!
Is this... host hunting...?
Roppongi is scary!
Uh... here.
Boss, is she here already?
Yoshie, the one who lives in a town house...
Yes, she's inside.
All right! Today is the day!
I'm going for it today, for sure!
Well... Kazu, something unexpected is happening...
What?
Is Ryunosuke your real name?
Oh, my name? It's part of a family tradition.
My father's name was Toranosuke.
My grandfather was Umanosuke,
and great grandfather was Sarunosuke.
Grand great grandfather was Rodrigues, and...
I'm just kidding!
Hey! What's going on over there?
He really has her attention, you know.
That rotten kid!
What? What's up?
Just come with me.
Our conversation was just getting good!
That's why! I have some advice for you.
It'll pay for the refrigerator that broke, so...
Take them without any hesitation!
I'm back.
First of all, sit by the customers as close as possible.
And then, get some information from the customer, like
her age and occupation...
Can I ask how old you are?
I'm 22 years old.
And, place an order for brandy. A good brand would be...
Why don't we have some Louis XVIII?
"Louis XVIII, 200.000 yen."
Say it really friendly. Don't worry about being polite.
What's with those sunglasses?
Excuse me!
I've had enough of him...
Oh, Ms. Yoshie, did our rookie do something rude?
Kazu!
I don't know what's going on, but I'll apologize for him.
You smell good as usual.
Can somebody bring us some cheese?
How dare he...?
Let me go!
Probably, he was tricked by Kazu.
Hasn't he been really greedy recently?
He must be frustrated.
He'll never be the number-one host!
He'll never surpass Miyabi.
Do you need sugar?
No. I drink it black.
Have a seat.
What a terrible thing your husband has done to you...
I can't forgive violence no matter what!
Are you all right?
Oh! Did you come to see any of my performances?
Yes. You looked cool when you were playing music.
Of course you're a nice man even now, but...
Do you think so? Am I that nice of a guy?
I drank too much...
I feel sick...
Are you OK?
No. I'm not OK at all.
In any case, aren't you that guy from the other day?
How disappointing! Are you a host, too?
You don't seem like one at all!
Aren't you being cold all of a sudden?
It's because I hate hosts! They're all so sly!
But aren't you involved with one?
Not really. I'm just Touma's childhood friend and classmate!
Classmate?
Yes. We're sophomores at Tohto medical school!
What? Touma is a med-school student?
That's right. He's quite a good student, you know.
I can't believe it!
I have some hangover medicine.
Take it. It'll work, so...
Why are you suddenly being nice again?
Well, I guess I'm a med-student after all, so...
I'll take off your tie, too, OK?
Thank you.
Is it all right if I ask... your name?
Sayuri. I'm Kishi Sayuri.
I bet you drank more than you can handle, right?
Yoshie...
No. Don't, Kazu...
Why not? After all, we have feelings for each other!
What am I going to do? My husband is back...
Run away, Kazu! Right now!
Where?
Welcome home. You came back early, didn't you?
I need to take a bath!
All right.
Oh no! It's still numb!
Thirty minutes sure is a long time, isn't it?
Aren't you going to east?
I will! I'm so hungry...
It's good! You're a good cook, aren't you?
I guess so. I cook quite often, so...
Why? Do you cook for your girlfriend of something?
Well... There's no particular reason.
I see. You don't have a girlfriend, huh? I understand.
What did you say?
I can tell, for some reason.
In spite of your looks, you're bad with relationships, right?
Aren't you the type of guy who ends up getting dumped
without knowing why?
Your face is telling me that I'm right, isn't it?
No, unfortunately, I'm afraid you're wrong.
Actually, I've never had problems meeting girls, so...
You don't need to act big, you know.
Seriously! Listen!
The reason why I ended up becoming a host
has to do with women, and...
What does that mean?
Well... I needed...
I needed consolation money!
I had a lot of girlfriend and...
I started to cause all kinds of problems, and...
It was too much of a brother, so I decided to settle things
with all of them with money!
What a rotten guy you are!
You repulsed me a little bit just now, you know.
How about you?
What?
The reason why you became a host...
Naturally, there's a reason, right?
Not really. It's just because it's fun!
My motto is, "Life is like fireworks"!
Like fireworks?
Yes! I don't like doing labour, each and every day!
Should I compare it to a lifestyle that's like a sparkler?
It sparkles faintly and fizzles in the end...
Isn't that kind of miserable?
But isn't it normal?
Everyone supports their family like that, so...
Wow, you're young, but you talk like an old man, don't you?
I don't want to live that way!
I don't want to be bound by such things!
Life is short. It should be fun!
I'll shoot up a firework only for one night someday!
Only for one night?
That's right! That's my dream.
I'll spend the money I earned from being a host
all on one night!
For example...
How about throwing bash at the Tokyo Dome?
Inviting all the people from my hometown...
Throwing round money and making a fuss...
I can't take this anymore!
I've already decided! I'll surpass you no matter what!
What just happened?
Shut up! I'm not going to lose to you!
Especially not a carefree guy like you!
What happened? He just suddenly blew up!
Good evening!
I'm Kazuyuki.
I'm Ryunosuke.
He's a rookie, so...
What's your name?
My name is Koharu.
What a cute name! It's written, "small spring," right?
Is that... oden (a hot pot dish)?
Why on earth...?
It's my birthday eve today.
Your "birthday eve"?
It's for an incantation.
If I spend the exact moment it becomes my birthday - twelve
midnight - with the man I love, I can be happy with him.
Was it today?
He likes oden!
What?
My boyfriend likes oden!
That's why I bought it, and I waited for him!
But he didn't come home! I was so frustrated and...
I've never been to a place like this before!
Oh, I see. Why don't you have fun with me, then?
Go and buy some cigarettes!
What?
Cigarettes! I need menthols from the vending machine
in front of the station!
There's no more!
Even so, go to get it! You're a rookie, right?
You, dirty...!
Say whatever you want!
This is boring. I'm leaving.
Wait!
Happy birthday, Koharu...
Here you go.
Happy birthday!
Thank you.
Miyabi! Come here!
I'm sorry. I have to go. Oh, my name is Miyabi.
Miyabi...
I'll see you later.
Excuse... me... My name is Kazuyuki...
I'm Ryunosuke...
Miyabi! Please call Miyabi! I want to request HIM!
Never mind about those two!
All right.
Good job!
Kazu, come with me.
All right.
Kazu...
Yes?
It's cold, isn't it?
It sure is!
Let's go to eat something hot.
How about soba? Or udon noodles?
Didn't you have something you wanted to tell me?
Because it's cold, should I go to Tahiti or somewhere...?
What?
I'm giving away the title of "number-one host" to you this month!
You'll be the number-one host from tomorrow!
Me? The number-one host? But why?
Didn't you earn quite a lot last night, Miyabi?
I'm giving up.
Why?
I wanted you to understand...
That being the number-one host isn't realty a big deal.
Miyabi...
But you want that, right?
If you really want it that badly,
I figured it's all right, so...
Thank you very much.
So, to return the favor, take me to Tahiti.
Sure! Wherever you want!
I'm kidding. Take care of the hosts under you, OK?
Oh, sure!
I'm the number-one host!
What are you doing?
Well... I... I was just wondering how much the
number-one host earns...
About Miyabi? He makes about three million yen a month.
Three million yen? He makes that much?
The number-one host switched this month.
What? Is he the number-one host?
Just as I thought!
I knew his time would come someday, you know.
Because he's a nice guy! He's smart, funny, and kind.
And somewhat manly, too
Exactly!
Hey, Ryunosuke. Bring more beer.
As soon as Ohnuki comes, we're having a toast, you know.
All right.
What do you want, old man? What's with that outfit?
Good evening, boss!
You should greet him nicely, too. He's the president, Tominaga.
The president?
That's right. I own this bar. But I like scouting.
That's my purpose in life.
That's why I stand on the street like that every day.
When I saw you, I tingled with excitement as a scout!
I have high expectations for you! Please do your best!
Sure!
By the way, where's Ohnuki? Isn't he here yet?
Hi, I'm the number-one host!
Is it from...? It's from Yoshie!
Hello. This is the number-one host...
Kazu... Help me!
What happened? Yoshie? Hello?
Didn't it start yet?
Actually, Kazu isn't here yet.
Isn't he late?
Good evening, Boss.
Oh, Touma! Don't you know where Kazu is?
Oh, I remember him going out somewhere though...
His customer called and... Let's see...
Her name is Yoshie or something...
What? Is he seeing a woman? What a carefree guy!
Where are you going?
Yoshie!
Stop! Stop!
Is he the host?
Go away! Right now!
Where are you going?
Hey, you! Are you trying to make a fool of me?
Hit me! If you want to hit me, hit me!
Your fists won't hurt me at all...
Ouch!
Stop!
Call the police?
What? Was Kazu holding you back the whole time?
That's right! He used a dirty trick, too!
Actually, he's the worst kind of man, so...
You shouldn't be tricked, either.
How disappointing!
I'll request you from next time then.
Please do! Don't waste money on a man like him!
Ryunosuke!
Kazu will be here soon, so please wait for a moment.
That's not good, Ryu. You reacting like...
You want to say it's a "disruptive act," right?
But it's all right! He does whatever he pleases, too.
It's better to drop a couple bombs on a man like him...
I'm sorry, everyone! I'm sorry I'm late!
You're bleeding. What happened?
Something came up, so...
Thank you for waiting! I'll apologize!
What happened to your face?
It's my fault!
My husband got drunk and started to get violent...
So I couldn't help but call him. And then...
I rushed to her house, but I ended up getting punched.
And, it turned into a big scene...
But... I was so relieved when you came...
Thank you. Thank you very much.
It's all right. You don't have to thank me for that.
Kazu...
Please smile. A smile suits you better, you know.
Kazu, you're the greatest!
He's a nice guy after all!
You ARE the number-one host!
Ryunosuke, apologize to him!
Ryunosuke!
That's all right, boss.
I don't know what he said, but it was out of jealousy, right?
Jealousy?
He's frustrated because I became the number-one host.
Are you stupid? I'm not jealous or anything!
It just has to do with being a host, doesn't it?
I'm just here for the money! That's all!
Stop saying petty things like being the number-one or two
in this tiny bar!
How dare you say that?
What did you say about a host? How about you then?
You're just a good-for-nothing, who's not good enough to be
a host, aren't you?
What?
I don't want to hear that from a half-hearted guy like you!
And you had the nerve to say you want to throw a party
at the Tokyo Dome?
That's creepy, coming from a guy your age!
Listen up. Don't ever show disgraceful behavior like that
in front of our customers.
If you ever do that again, you'll be fired.
I'm sorry.
That's all right, Kazu. Get back to work.
Come with me!
As you said, they're just hosts.
But they're professionals.
That's why they make people happy.
That's their job. It's a job for a professional, but...
You only think about your own convenience!
We don't need people like that!
Let him settle up!
All right. Your hourly pay of 1,500 yen times
the 16 hours you worked makes 24,000 yen, so...
Pay us back the money we paid in advance, the 2.6 million yen,
minus the 24,000 yen... that's 2.576 million yen, OK?
"We're terribly sorry, but we're closed indefinitely."
Did you see Ryunosuke?
He was working at a construction site.
And?
Why?
Aren't you concerned?
Why? Why should I care about a little brat like him?
I'm the number-one host, you know.
Miyabi, this tastes so good!
Thank you.
Kazu! Only for three more days.
What?
I'm taking back the title this month.
Do you want tea?
What? My number-one host ranking was only for two weeks?
It was meaningless, wasn't it?
Shut up!
But he's having a tough time, you know.
Who are you talking about?
About Ryunosuke. I heard from the Manager.
He checked out Ryunosuke's background a little.
He took over his father's business when he was 18, and
he's been taking care of his younger sister and brother.
But one day, employee totaled a brand-new truck
that he just bought and...
And...
You idiot!
I'm sorry, Boss!
Don't give me that! It's 8 million yen, you know!
Refrigerated trucks cost 8 million yen!
I used up all the savings, borrowed as much as I could,
and even took out a loan on this office!
And I finally got the brand-new truck! But you...
Stop already! That's enough!
The truck will be fine if you fix it!
That's right! But it'll take two months!
By then we won't have anything to deliver!
I lost all of the contracts!
We lost everything because of you!
Okubo, you're fired! You don't need to come from tomorrow!
I'll quit, too, then!
Me, too! I don't want to work for a company like this!
Let's go, Okubo!
But...
It's all right. He's just yelling one-sidedly and
doesn't care about you at all!
I've been mad at him for a long time, too!
All right then! Do whatever you like!
I can't afford any severance pay, you know!
I don't need it!
Let's go!
Mr. Mori, can you put an ad in the classifieds
as soon as possible?
No. Let's quit this already.
Let's close down the Araki Freight Company.
We've hit our limit already, Ryu.
What? How could you even say that?
It's impossible, isn't it? Everybody quit and...
What will you do about the loan? 2.6 million yen for this month...
It's good timing. I'll quit this line of work.
I'm thinking of going back to my hometown to
help my brother's business.
You're still young, so there are many jobs that you can...
No, I can't! I can't close it down no matter what!
What are you going to do for money?
I'll do something! I'll make money somehow!
So give me more time! I'll make money no matter what, so...
And then, he came to our shop. That's what I heard.
Why are you looking at me like that?
You look like you're expecting something...
Not really.
I just wondered what kind of reaction you'd have.
Nothing. I just thought, "So what?"
All of these guys have debts. Right?
Yes. I have some...
I don't like guys like him.
Such a worker ant...
Araki! Bring those pipes from over there!
Hello?
Ryunosuke? I finally got through!
Are you on the Sea of Okhotsk? Or on the East China Sea?
What are you talking about?
The fishing boat! Was that a lie after all?
No. I'm at the port.
It's about to leave right now?
What are you thinking? What on earth is going on?
Nothing. I just wanted to see the ocean for a vacation.
Ryunosuke, Naoko said she wants to go to a private college.
Don't tell him that. Never mind about that!
A private college?
Well... Never mind about that.
It's just something my teacher mentioned.
We can't afford it, so...
Idiot! Why hesitate? Go wherever you want!
We can afford it, so...
Really?
Sure! Leave it to me! Oh, I have to go.
I'll call you if I find out when I can go home, so... bye!
How could you say that?
You don't have any money to pay for that...
Come with me! Let's go for a drive!
Oh, there they are! The leftover from this summer...
Let's have some fun!
What? What do you want?
Nothing. I was just passing by, so...
That's impossible!
What? Did it get stale?
Or should we do this one?
This one will suit you more, so...
Stop it! Don't get involved when it's none of your business!
To tell you the truth, it irritates me!
But, I can imagine...
You heard about my family problems, right?
And you felt sorry for me, right?
You felt sorry for me, since I have everything at stake, right?
But unfortunately I'm fine!
Everything's under control!
Anyway, it has nothing to do with you!
You're still 22 years old, right?
Huh?
You're only 22, right?
Only?
Right. You're only 22. You're young-just a kid!
Despite that, why are you trying to do everything by yourself?
Don't take that the wrong way!
Shut up! Leave me alone!
I can't! Speak up! There are people around you!
When you're suffering, you should tell them!
I understand your sparkler-like virtue, but...
Can't you enjoy your life a little more?
Can't you even launch some fireworks?
I was told by my mother...
Living in a small town, she must be embarrassed and
looked upon coldly because her son became a host, but...
She said, "I'm happy if you're enjoying your life."
"Just hearing that makes a parent feel happy."
Your parents would say the same thing.
Right now, they're worrying about you in heaven.
Let's light them up!
Remember. Come back anytime, if you're having a hard time.
Our bar has fireworks shows every night, so...
I'll give you the rest! Clean them up!
Good work!
Ryu!
I'm very sorry about the other day.
What? What did you say just now?
I couldn't hear you, but...
I'm very sorry about the other day!
Please let me work here again! I beg of you!
See. I told you, right? That he'll be a success...
Let's have a meeting then!
Ryunosuke!
Wear this one!
Is this...?
I used it before, but I'll give it to you!
Thank you very much.
Now that you're back, aim at being the number-one host, Ok?
All right!
Hey, what's going on?
We're making a photo book for advertising.
A photo book?
We'll leave them at the bar for customers to take home.
They'll think it's funny and show it to their friends, right?
That way we can have them advertise for us
by word of mouth.
That's why you should make a silly pose!
To make people laugh...
Never mind about me.
What are you saying? You have to do it, too!
No! I don't want to, no matter what!
Good, Ryu! That's really good! That's funny!
Manager, your turn!
Do you ever feel anything for men?
No!
Is that...?
That's Touma!
Oh no! They're hosts from "Soreiyu"!
"Soreiyu?"
It's a first-class host bar in Kabuki-cho.
This could be trouble. What are they doing?
I can't help?
Hey! Stop it!
Shut up!
Enough already! Break it up!
What are you doing? Back off!
I know about those! They're hot-sellers, aren't they?
I just bought it.
I used to deliver them often.
Deliver?
Yes! My real job is at a freight company, so...
I bought it for 7,900 yen, you know.
That's cheap!
The ones I delivered were 8,900 yen, you know.
I won!
Hey, Ryu! That's Chairman Yatabe, you know!
He's a boss who controls this line of business from behind!
I'm saying he's THAT kind of businessman!
I thought so.
If you knew, you shouldn't talk to him so casually!
Hey! Wait! What happened?
Who knows? They bumped into me all of a sudden!
They started picking a fight, so I grabbed these from them!
They're expensive, you know.
I told you! He's a dangerous one!
Isn't he actually a med-student?
This is the end of the world, isn't it?
Is this the famous brand, "Bulgaria"?
How cute amateurs are...
It's two million yen, you know.
Two million yen?
Hello!
Hi, Sayuri.
Is Touma here?
I think he'll be back soon, but...
Here you go. This is a present for your comeback.
Why?
I heard various things about you.
Even that you quit and came back again.
You're great, huh?
Despite your age, you're the pillar of your family.
Do your best and get as many regular customers as you can!
Thanks.
This medicine worked really well, you know.
What are you looking at!
Can you return the watch?
Something interesting is starting to develop...
No, not yet.
You should make hidden cuts at the end, you know.
To help them absorb the flavor well...
I didn't know that.
For some reason, I'm not good at making Japanese food.
It's nice when a man can cook, isn't it?
Oh, really? Do you like men who can cook?
I can make anything, Japanese, Western, and Chinese-style dishes!
Great!
Next time, I'll make
nikujaga (simmered potatoes and beef) for you!
Really? I haven't had that for a long time!
Everybody praises my nikujaga, you know.
Why are you hesitating? Just ask her out!
Ask her out?
That's right. Chance meetings don't come very often,
so if you feel something, just go for it!
He's right!
Oh, I have something cool! I'll give it to you!
What? A sushi-go-round?
It's for a popular shop, you know.
I got this from my supervisor and was going
to ask Miyaibi out, but...
He's not the type of guy who goes to a sushi-go-round, so...
But leaving a date at a sushi-go round is...
A sushi-go-round, huh? That may have a good impact.
You can't beat Touma if you make a direct, fair attack, so...
Why Touma?
Can't you tell, stupid?
It's a subtle relationship with a childhood friend...
But someday, it may suddenly turn romantic, right?
But we don't know what he's thinking!
He's a volatile guy, you know!
That's his strong point, isn't it?
What?
Women's hearts pound for the bandit-type-men who appear
suddenly on horseback and snatch them away.
Not for the men who plow fields quietly in peaceful villages.
That's the way it is.
Is that right?
Also, Touma has the trump card since he's a med-student...
You're right! He's wild and intelligent!
He's great, isn't he?
How about you? Do you have a trump card?
No, not really.
Welcome!
Those guys are...
What's up?
When you pick a fight next time, choose the right guy!
Give us back the watches!
Did they come to pick a fight?
Hey, you guys! Can you go outside?
Never mind. Take your time.
What should we do? Should we call the cops?
We'd better not, right?
Ryunosuke...
You're a man, aren't you?
What's with the knife?
Back off!
That stupid...
He'll be dead...
You have the trump card, don't you?
This isn't the trump card or anything!
Did he knock out three guys?
That's right!
Ryunosuke, I made tea for you!
Which do you want, a lemon slice or milk?
Lemon.
Ok!
Is this for real? You live in a place like this, Miyabi?
I didn't know there were rooms like this here!
Oh, Ryunosuke, you've never been here before, huh?
This is the room for the number-one host, you know.
I'll put in the lemon for you, Ryu.
What are we going to do about "Soreiyu," Miyabi?
Is it better to go and rough them up once?
Don't say things like that!
Anyhow... Yuko will come back, you know.
Yuko? Your fiancée?
Fiancée? You're engaged?
Yes. I like clothes, so I went to a fashion design school.
She's a girl who I met there.
She's studying in France now, you know.
After she comes back, the two of them will
start a new brand, you know.
I see. So that's what Miyabi is earning all that money for.
It's from my dearest Yoshie!
Yoshie? How are you doing? Yes, I want to see you, too.
Yoshie is... That housewife?
Everybody here is in love, huh?
How about you, Touma? Do you have someone?
How about that girl? Your childhood friend...
Sayuri?
No. We've just been stuck with each other.
Really? Is that right? I see.
Welcome home!
Oh, you're here, huh?
Ryunosuke, try this!
Thanks.
How is it?
It's good!
Really?
It's really good!
I can be a good wife, can't I?
Now's the time! Go!
Sayuri... Are you busy this coming Sunday?
No, not really.
Then...
Excuse me. Just a second.
Oh, it's an e-mail from Touma.
"I have an appointment with a customer."
Oh no... That's why I hate having a host for a boyfriend!
Did you say "boyfriend"?
Oh no! It slipped out!
Touma said our relationship has to be a secret.
Because it's no good if his customers find out...
Does that mean the two of you are lovers?
Yes. It's been four years...
This daikon radish tastes really good!
It's my favorite dish! Thank you!
I'm here today as a messenger of our
general manager, Yumeno Kyoya?
Yumeno Kyoya!
Who's that?
What's going on?
Don't you know, Ryu? It's that Yumeno Kyoya!
His name is Kyoya, written as "Crazy Night" in kanji characters!
Before he entered this line of business, he crushed a
yakuza group in just one night...
I heard that his name came from how violent
he was back then, so he's a dangerous man, you know!
He's the general manager of "Soreiyu" and also the
number-one host there.
Remember... Kabuki-cho moves at his beck and call, you know!
Kyoya said he's going to get you next!
Me?
I had nothing to do with that!
Just beat them up by yourself!
But behind them, there's Kabuki-cho, you know.
He's a representative of Roppongi!
No, I'm not!
Oh, it's you, huh?
Yes, he is the one.
Oh? Miyabi?
Kyoya. Long time no see.
We're terribly sorry.
Our boys behaved rashly...
Hey! Apologize, you guys!
We're terribly sorry!
No problem.
Ryunosuke!
I'm... terribly sorry.
You've trained them well, haven't you?
How do the two of you know each other?
Before I came to work here I worked for "Soreiyu."
Really?
But, I quit there after only three days, so...
I heard, you know, about your famous line when you quit...
"You don't need two number-one hosts"
"in one bar, do you?" Right?
Long time no see, Nicolas.
How are you?
Nicolas?
Yes. I was called Nicolas Saotome before, you know.
Hearing about the rumor,
our president went to scout you, Miyabi!
That's impressive! Mr. Tominaga has such a good eye!
Who are you?
I'm sorry. I didn't introduce myself sooner.
I'm Kyoya's personal stage manager Tom Watanabe.
This is my business card.
Oh, Kyoya, you'd better start going...
Good work!
What's your name?
Araki Ryunosuke.
Hey, we're going back to Kabuki-cho!
All right.
Why didn't Kyoya ask for my name?
He's a great judge of character.
He's the number-one host after all, huh?
What are you doing?
What?
Don't give me that! Who was that woman?
Who cares?
I care! You're going out with that girl, right?
Your childhood friend...
Sayuri? Did she say something?
Is it "irokoi"?
You're right. It's "irokoi."
What's that?
That means he's just pretending to go out with her.
That's jargon in this business. Remember it, rookie!
If you take advantage of that, the woman will keep on
feeding you money, you know!
Sayuri's parents are rich and she has money, so...
What's that?
I don't like the way you think!
What's with this guy?
Stop, Ryunosuke!
Touma, go back to your room!
Give me a break!
Wait! I didn't finish talking...
I told you to stop. Don't poke your nose into it anymore!
But, did you hear that?
He's deceiving her, isn't he?
I know. As a man, I can understand why you're upset, but...
As a host, I can't scold him.
Everybody does the same thing more or less, so...
We make a living by getting money from women.
That's how this job is, right?
So, it's all right to do "irokoi," too!
Do you do that, too?
Yes, I do. I pretend to be a boyfriend.
But, what are you going to do if you really
fall in love with someone?
You'll end up betraying the woman...
To become the number-one host...
Listen! If you want to be successful in this business,
don't think so much about how a woman feels!
You can't be so sentimental!
You should be more business- like and do a host's job!
Otherwise, you won't be able to pay off your debts
no matter how long you try! Would that be OK?
It wouldn't be OK.
If so...
I got it! I'll do that! And I'll quit!
I'll quit this miserable job!
Just wait!
What are you looking at?
My eyes were feasting on you.
Because you look beautiful again today...
You always tease me like that.
No! You're really beautiful.
Hi, Ryunosuke! Long time no see! I wanted to see you!
Thank you for coming! Just a second...
What happened to Ryu?
I told him to be more resolute as a host.
And now, he's coming in like a tidal wave, so...
That means he's halfway to total desperation, doesn't it?
Touma!
Put them back!
That's all right. Don't tell anybody, OK?
No! Put them back!
Shut up!
Don't make so much noise!
What are you guys doing over there?
Selling drugs illegally?
Yes, I noticed it from before.
But I wanted to talk to Touma first...
Yet before that, he got caught...
And what happened?
He told a lie...
A lie?
He said that he saw someone from outside steal them...
And then, I ended up saying that I saw that, too...
What?
That means you...
Yes. I covered up Touma's lie.
Why?
He isn't getting any financial support from his family and...
He's having a hard time paying for his tuition, so...
That's why he did a thing like that...
So what are you saying?
He can do whatever he wants it it's for his tuition?
That's not it...
Are you stupid?
Because of women like you, guys like him thrive!
You always give him money, right?
You pretend not to notice
even if there's a woman's scent behind him, right?
You know already, right? What kind of guy he is!
How dare you say that! You don't know anything!
You don't know how hard he's studying!
You don't know anything, so don't talk big!
I don't know! I don't even care!
Keep on being deceived, then! Idiot!
Hey, Ryunosuke...
He always gets mad so quickly, so...
Sayuri, life has it's ups and downs, so...
Hello?
The Chairman, Yatabe?
How is it? Isn't it good?
Oh, yes. By the way, what did you want with me?
Delivery boy, wouldn't you like to run a bar?
A bar?
I'm going to open a new bar as an investment. A casino bar.
A casino bar?
Of course, it'll be a legal one. Just for fun.
I want a face. A face for the bar.
Why me?
I heard that your popularity is quickly on the rise, so...
Apparently, some other host clubs have you
in their sights, you know.
Me?
That's why I need to get you before that.
How does it sound to you?
I'll pay you three million yen a month.
Three million yen?
That's the same monthly salary as your bar's number-one host.
Here's your juice.
Eat more neatly!
Ryunosuke!
Hi!
What happened?
Actually, I have something to talk to you about.
What's this? A host bar?
Making a silly pose like this...
What on earth are you doing?
I couldn't help it...
How could you tell us you're on a fishing boat?
I thought it was suspicious!
Wow! You look cool, Ryunosuke!
I don't think so!
And what's this about managing a bar?
What are you going to do with the Araki Freight Company?
It can't be helped. We have to close it down.
Close it down? How can you say that?
It can't be helped, right? We need money!
Ryu, come with me!
But now, we're...
Never mind! Just come with me!
Say what you just said one more time.
Say that you're closing down the Araki Freight Company
in front of your parents once more! Right now!
Why are you so upset?
You're the one who said there's a limit. That we should quit...
Stupid! Of course, that wasn't how I really felt!
I wanted to put some fight into you!
Because you were being narrow-minded...
Huh?
About your attitude... Toward your employees...
All you did was act bossy.
You scolded and ordered them around...
Like that, nobody will follow you.
But your father was a man who understood things like that.
That's why he was adored by everyone. Even me...
I was a deadbeat who just drank liquor without working.
And my wife left me.
But your father saved me out of friendship.
That's why I won't go anywhere.
I'll give you a good spanking and make you a great heir!
Ryu, I'm impressed that you rounded up that 2.6 million yen.
If you have the guts, you could revive the company once again.
It's impossible already.
I got the salary - three million yen in advance.
Look at this money.
When you see money like this,
it's natural to think this way, right?
Ryu...
I can't go back to my former job already!
With this, I'm no longer in debt to this bar, right?
Where did you get this money?
Actually, I have something to tell you...
I can't take it, Kazu!
What happened? Having a meeting or something?
Come with me.
To tell you the truth...
Before that, I have something to inform you about!
Well... I'm sorry. I'm quitting this bar!
Actually, I got an offer from Chairman, Yatabe...
Did you accept the offer about the casino bar?
Did you know about that, Manager?
If so, I don't need to explain, then!
That settles it, then.
I'm going to be that bar's manager...
Wait a second!
What does that mean?
The bar's manager? Aren't you going back to your family?
Aren't you going to revive your company?
I don't need to do that anymore.
You're the worst! You, too, then!
You're addicted to this business after all!
After saying that, how can you talk big about Touma?
What? What do you know about me?
Stop, Ryunosuke!
It can't be helped! I have all kinds of burdens!
I don't want to worry about money anymore!
Don't...
Can you talk about other people, though?
Despite that you're being used by a man like that...
I don't need you to preach at me!
Stop it already! Touma got arrested!
Arrested?
That's right! After that...
Sayuri told the truth, and the school called the police!
Touma is now under investigation.
So this bar may end up under investigation as well,
because of his case.
That's what we were talking about just now!
Really? I didn't... I didn't know, so...
I thought it over and over.
And I felt that I should come clean about everything.
For the sake of Touma's future...
But now... he can't become a doctor anymore.
It... can't be helped...
That's right. He asked for it!
I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble.
Sayuri!
Go after her!
Sayuri!
Oh, hi!
Get in!
But... I have to...
Hurry up!
Kazu...
What do you want?
Flip the page for me.
You can go back, now.
What?
I'm kidding. Have a seat.
Please stop playing around!
I got married. With Yuko.
What?
Last week, Yuko came back to Japan and...
We decided to get legally married right away.
I'm sorry. It's a very important time, but...
I'll be quitting the bar as of today.
Don't give me that again. You're kidding again, right?
I'm serious. See!
Why, Miyabi? Why would you quit for a woman?
I can't accept that! That's... boring!
You're the number-one host, you know!
You're our role-model, you know!
In spite of that, you're going to quit your job to get married?
That's going to make you just an ordinary man!
The number-one host, huh?
Actually, I do like this lite-style, you know.
If so...
But, I'll be the only one for Yuko.
What? The only one?
That's right. The only one.
Watch your step.
Here it is.
I'll send these two men with you, so...
We'll be at your service.
Oh, thank you.
It has about 200 tsubo (2,178 sq feet), you know.
Do your best.
How is it? Shark fins have a lot of collagen, you know.
They're probably from Gibraltar.
I'm pretty sure.
Eat up.
This is a 20-year-old Chinese rice wine.
How old are you?
I'm 22 years old.
22 years old, huh?
Excuse me for a second.
Hello?
I got a phone call just now.
Sayuri was taken to a hospital!
What? A hospital?
Pills...
I heard she took a whole bottle of sleeping pills.
Are you from the same bar as Touma?
Fortunately, we found her right away, so...
Why? Why did she have to...?
Sayuri cared about Touma after all...
This was left beside her pillow...
"To Touma, I'm sorry..."
"I ended up betraying you, but it doesn't mean that"
"I started to hate you."
"Do you remember? When we were in the fourth grade..."
" I was very ill, and was bedridden in your"
"father's hospital, right?"
"At that time, I was so lonely. I was so lonesome by myself."
"But one day..."
Can't you come to school yet?
No...
"A prince who appeared at midnight..."
"I thought of you this way since that night."
"My feelings for you are the same, even now."
"That's why I feel embarrassed..."
"I feel ashamed of myself who couldn't face the real you."
"I feel like I made a big mistake..."
Why didn't you stay with her?
Why not? You went out, right?
You went after her, didn't you?
But why were you someplace else? Why?
You had priorities, right?
Thinking of your family, your parents, and other people...
They were your priorities, right?
But why...?
From when did you start only chasing the money in front of you?
If I knew this would happen,
I wouldn't have let you back into our bar!
I'm disappointed in you!
A prince who appeared at midnight?
Yes, according to Sayuri...
Oh, boy. Every one of them is...
Two teaspoons of sugar for you?
Don't you think it's foolish?
About what?
About the girl, Sayuri...
Thinking about a man that much...
Is it hard to understand that?
Well... To tell you the truth...
A prince? No man like that exists!
To me, men are sly, and somewhat towards, you know.
That's why there are men like you guys, right?
What?
Women aren't stupid. We know about that.
But, we want someone to be nice to us.
That's enough to make us feel like we've been rescued.
"I'm sorry that I made you worry so much."
"I decided to go back to my parent's house."
"Good bye. Sayuri."
I'm sorry! I have to turn down the offer at the casino bar!
I'm sorry! I have to go back...
To my priorities... I'll go back to them and... go back to my family.
I'll go back to being the delivery man I was before!
That's why I'm turning down the offer! I'm sorry!
All right. If so, you should've told me right away.
Thank you very...
Should we smash the bar then?
Damn you!
Bring out whoever's in charge!
Come out!
Ryunosuke!
Excuse me. What's going on...?
That's what we'd like to know!
This boy started to back out of our casino bar
all of a sudden, and...
But Manager, we gave him the money in advance, so...
You came here to get money from us, didn't you?
That has nothing to do with the people here...
Shut up!
I'm sorry.
Ryunosuke! What? What happened?
I wanted to be number one for somebody...
Number one?!
For my family... For my friends...
For the person I love...
Without becoming number one for the people I treasure,
it's doesn't matter how much I earn.
You want to be their only one, instead of number one?
The only one?
I think so. I want to be that...
What are you talking about?
What are you going to do about the money?
Stop!
What?
I'm telling you to stop!
What are you saying, you stupid hosts?
Let's go!
Are you going to...? On no!
Are you all right?
Freeze!
We're the police!
That guy...
You're all under arrest for disorderly conduct!
Arrest?
Honey!
Is your husband a detective?
Take them in!
Hold on!
The patrons of this shop were just witnesses, you know!
We saw everything!
That's right. It was self-defense!
I'll hear that at our station!
Stop, Honey!
Honey?
That means... Are you Yoshie's husband?
If that's true, isn't this personal?
Shut up! You stupid lowlifes, playing around with host!
What's that? Now I'm mad!
Despite that you're a dirty old man!
This world turned like this because husbands are unreliable!
That's right! It's because the men in this world are spoiled!
Because you have no charm!
That's right! Take a look in mirror!
Stop it! Stop blaming him!
He's working so hard!
He does stakeouts overnight...
He has no days off at all.
He's tired. That's all.
Actually, he's a nice man.
That's why... Please don't blame him.
Yoshie!
Honey!
Let's start all over again. We can do it!
Excuse me... What are we going to do with them?
Never mind!
Let's move out!
All right! Move out!
Yoshie...?
Yoshie!
Can I say... the case was settled satisfactorily?
I guess so.
Ryu!
That's right! Are you all right?
Pull yourself together!
I... have to go...
Go where?
I have to go!
Hello?
Sayuri! Look to your right!
Ryunosuke, what happened to your face?
I had to see you, no matter what...
What?
I have to apologize to you.
About blaming you...
And for not trying to understand you...
That's all right!
I'm sorry. I was just calling you stupid and scolding you...
Even though I was making so many mistakes myself...
Oh, no!
I can tell now... How much you loved him...
I understand that you want to blame yourself, but...
Let's start all over again!
Start over...?
That's right! Start over!
I'll start over too. I'll start up the freight company once again!
I'll do my best with my family!
That's why you should too...
Let's start over again!
I think we'll make lots of mistakes from here on, but...
We can start over again, then!
We can always start over!
Ryunosuke!
That's why...! Hang in there!
Thank you!
I love you!
How can you say that! Are you stupid?
You've got to be kidding! I just got dumped, you know.
But, you were cool though.
Ryunosuke?
Sis!
He woke up!
This guy brought you home.
I'm glad! I'm home!
Are you stupid? How could you say you're glad?
Why? Why are you acting like this all the time?
You left home, all of a sudden, without telling us a thing!
You worked for a bar like that!
And, you came back home all of a sudden like this!
What on earth is with you?
Why are you always doing something ridiculous
without telling us?
Don't... Stop making us worry so much...
Stay with us, big brother...
Mr. Mori, I'm going to run the Araki Freight Company once more.
But, I can't do it by myself.
I want to enjoy work with my future co-workers.
If trouble happens, I'll be able to worry about my men first...
I want to be that kind of man, and...
I want to make the guys around me like that!
Welcome back, Boss!
I'm just kidding!
Thus, I was able to return to the Araki Freight Company!
Thank you very much!
This is from my heart. Take it!
No, I can't!
Never mind. Just take it.
Thank you very much.
I'm jealous! Is that retirement money?
How generous you are, Boss!
There's something I have to say to you before I go.
What?
Pay me for the fridge!
Are you still bringing that up?
That was a joke.
You yelled at me... You punched me...
I had to face many problems, but...
I really had fun working with you!
Every day was just like a fireworks show.
Of course...
I'm really glad that I could meet you all!
Thank you very much!
Oh? Are you crying, Kazu?
What are you talking about? There's no way I'd cry!
I turned 30 this year, you know!
Let's dance then!
There's no money in here, is there?
How could he say, "Just take it"?
"To Mr. Araki, I forgot to tell you, but..."
"As for the incident in which our establishment"
"was attacked the other day..."
"I'm asking that you cover the cost of repairs..."
"a total of one million yen."
One million yen?
"If you don't have the money,"
"please come back to our bar anytime."
"I'll be waiting! Tominaga."
One million yen?
Damn it! I guess I have to go back, don't I?