Everyone says my Papa is weird.
If anyone praises Mama, he gets super happy...
...and ends up doing all sorts of things for other people.
But, if anyone insults Mama, he loses his temper right away.
That causes lots of trouble for everyone.
There are lots of things only she can do!
My wife looks at our children!
I look at them too! She sees all four of us clearly!
I think it's mysterious.
You're still awake?
They married because they always wanted to be together.
Why is it so odd for Papa to love Mama so much?
My Papa won't even look at other women besides Mama.
He lives only to make Mama happy.
No man in Japan loves his wife more!
Dare Yori mo Mama wo Aisu
Translated by: sayochama
Timing provided by: tianj
Your parents didn't come to Class Participation Day, huh?
How cold!
Are they really your parents?
Stop it, you guys!
What did you say?
I don't think I heard you.
What I mean is, stop bullying her!
I mean... it'd be good to stop...
I mean... please... stop? Something like that.
Sorry. You okay?
You were scared back there, weren't you Kamon-kun?
You were glaring at us so much!
Aren't you misunderstanding us?
We aren't really bullying her, you know?
That sort of stuff is wrong!
Let's go.
Why did you do that?
They're going to bully you from now on too.
I know that...
Then why?
What else could I do?
Are you saying I should just ignore it if someone is being bullied?
That I should just give up?
What do you think of it?
It's so good.
Delicious.
Actually, I put a little beer in it.
That's why the batter's so light...
You're really knowledgable, Papa.
I want everyone to eat good food, so I work at it everyday--- You're eating more?
Seconds.
You quit your diet already, Oneechan?
Didn't you say if you got chubby and your boyfriend dumped you, you'd be mad at me?
I'm the one that dumped him.
I've decided to give up on men and dedicate my life to work from now on.
I know I've heard that line before...
What about you?
You're having problems because you're being nice to some girl again, aren't you?
You know...
I've also decided.
From now on, I'm only going to date people I truly like.
I think you only meet that special person once in your life.
Geez, Papa, that's so gross.
Another old story?
I was just remembering when I first met Mama...
At that time, I was still working at the bank.
Thanks for the meal!
Don't you want to listen to this?
We've already heard it a million times!
Kaoru!
You didn't finish your dinner.
You seem to be a little down tonight. Anything happen at school?
Not really...
I know... I bet your grades dropped again.
No they didn't!
I bet you're worried because you're not popular!
That's not it at all!
He must be in a rebellious stage.
Has to be.
Welcome home.
I'm back.
Good job at work.
I'm hungry.
You didn't eat?
Don't we have something?
You said you'd eat before you came home...
I would have had something ready if you had called...
I'm so tired.
We only have leftovers. Is that okay?
Anything's fine, just hurry up.
Then I'll throw something together.
Is there anything new with the kids?
Anything new? Um... oh, yeah!
Kaoru seems to be feeling down for some reason.
He didn't finish his dinner...
According to Oneechan, it must some sort of rebellious stage.
I see.
Are you doing your work right now?
The domestic violence trial I'm working on right now isn't going that well...
That's why you're irritated?
Pretty much.
Why does everyone bully the weak?
Husbands use violence against their wives, who take it out on their children.
The children bully those weaker than them at school...
And if anyone calls it abuse they say, "It's just a slip of the hand" or "I hit them for disrespecting me," all sorts of ridiculous excuses.
What's going on with the people of this country?
Here you go, Mama.
If you get too tense, it's bad for you.
You seem to be really tired, so...
Where's the soy sauce?
Oh, sorry about that.
You're not as young as you used to be, so don't overdo it.
Okay, Mama?
Why don't you stop for the night and take a relaxing bath?
Bring me some barley tea.
Okay.
Barley tea, barley tea, barley tea...
Today...
I remembered how we first met...
You were so beautiful back then.
On the train home from work that day, you seemed to sparkle. You were so beautiful...
At that time, I...
The seat next to you was open, so...
I'm done.
[The Next Morning]
Niichan!
Yes?
Good morning.
Breakfast is ready.
Hurry up. Have a towel.
Thanks.
Oneechan!
C'mon.
You have to wake up now.
Wake up!
You have an interview today, right?
It's Interview Day!
Wake up!
I gotcha....
Kaoru!
Kaoru.
C'mon, hurry up.
You sleeping? Wake up!
You'll be late for school!
I know, I know.
Did something happen? You've been in a bad mood since yesterday.
Nothing happened.
You know, Kaoru...
Hey, Papa...
What?
You've been down too.
It's about Mama, you know?
Don't you think she's been a little distant lately?
She doesn't listen to what I say, or read the memos I give her.
When she gets home, she does some more work and then goes straight to bed.
Papa, you really are happy, aren't you?
What is he talking about?
You guys did this, didn't you?
Did what?
You can't fool me!
What'd you say?
You got any proof?
What's wrong?
Nothing at all!
Sensei!
Yes?
Kamon-kun's P.E. clothes are trashed.
What happened, Kamon-kun?
I'm sorry!
I went out to play in the rain and fell down!
Why are you lying?
They're dirty like a lie! How bad of me, or something.
Be more careful from now on.
I'm sorry!
Okay.
Let's start class now. Get out your textbooks, everyone!
Please turn to page 15.
What are you reading?
Ignoring me?
Why didn't you tell the truth?
It's just going to get worse, you know.
I know that, but...
I want to get along with everyone in class.
And, those guys aren't so bad underneath it all...
Basically, you just don't want anyone to hate you.
That's not ... true...
So, are you okay with it?
Even if everyone in class ignores you.
As long as I have one friend who won't ever betray me, I'm fine.
Even if everyone else hates me, I'd be fine.
That's what I was saying... I just happened to forget my wallet...
I'll pay you back later, so it's fine for me to have it, right?
But, if you don't pay for it first...
Who are you?
Do you think I'm trying to get out of paying for this?
That's not my intention at all...
Why don't we do this:
You call someone in your family to bring you the money.
Family? I don't have one.
Please, God, let her not see me...
Papa! Help me out here!
Hey!
Hey, Papa, why are you trying to hide?
You flustered looking Papa over there!
Hey! I'm talking to you!
My husband just happened to be here.
Papa.
Hey... please stop that...
Why are you acting like a stranger, Papa?
I'm not your "Papa."
Please put these together!
Thank you very much!
Hey, I don't have any money right now...
You were trying to escape, weren't you?
No I wasn't.
Trying to act like you don't know me is so cold, Papa!
That wasn't my... Hey, what are you doing?
Excuse me, Miss? These are separate...
Separate!
What are you doing?
I'm saved!
I'll pay you back right away.
I sure hope so...
Um, as you said before in the supermarket...
You don't have a family...?
Nope.
Then, what about your ring?
People can wear their rings wherever they want, right?
What did you tell them?
Directions.
Um...
You're fluent in English?
I know!
Hey, wait a sec!
Could you please teach me English?
No.
No? Please don't be so cold.
I'm a cold woman.
Didn't I just lend you money?
Why do you want to learn English so much?
Actually, after my wife retires, my dream is to take a cruise around the world together.
That's why I've been practicing in secret.
Why are you always trying so hard for your wife?
Oh, you want to know?
Just give me a condensed version.
Condensed version? Alright.
I want to show my wife that there are still many wonderful places in the world we haven't seen.
I really want to show her.
My wife is always so busy, so...
She doesn't have any dreams about anything not connected to her work.
Oh, that's why. I see.
As to why she became like that...
I...
I was able to see many wonderful things I didn't know about because of my wife.
I think if I hadn't quit my job 25 years ago, I never would've realized that.
For example, hmm...
Oh, I know.
Seeing my children grow everyday.
And, the scenery! All of the seasonal scenery.
Also, above all else...
I'm able to fully appreciate my current lifestyle.
Yeah, thanks for telling me such a great story again today.
But, you know...
Lately my wife has been so distant, or rather...
When she comes home...
She just says what she wants to, and doesn't even look at my face.
"Oh, I'm exhausted" she says, and goes straight to bed.
Then, the last time we had dinner at a restaurant...
That's "eating out," right? I wonder when that was...
I'm sure that means...
From your wife's perspective, you just don't have any sex appeal anymore, Papa.
In a normal couple, this would be the husband not feeling anything towards his wife.
Why don't you try showing her you're still a man?
It's hot! But, it's delicious.
Hey, dinner's ready!
Coming!
I wonder if Mama will be late again?
Sex appeal?
Sex appeal...
I don't know. I think this is pretty good....
What are you doing?
Hey, dinner's ready!
What're we having?
Curry rice.
Yay! I'm so happy.
Oneechan, how was your interview today?
Huh?
Did you do something and mess up again?
Failed again? You're in trouble if Mom finds out.
What are you talking about? I totally aced it.
Oneechan lied again.
You're very popular for your beauty, aren't you Kamon-san?
Don't you have a boyfriend?
Oh, no. I've focused on my work up until now, so I never had much time to be interested in love affairs.
For a person focused on her work, you've worked at a variety of companies in a short period of time.
I'm always looking for a place to increase my skills. I love being challenged.
What sort of place are you looking for?
Umm, that is...
In the end, aren't you only looking for a place to be until you get married?
No, I'm not...
Maybe you're even looking for someone to marry?
You said it! Buchou?
That's sexual harassment!
I apologize.
I think we're done?
I think so.
Finally, if you have anything to "appeal" to us, please do so.
Well, I just started karate recently, so...
Would you like to see?
Well, I don't know...
No, no. It's fine. Please show us.
Okay.
Here I go.
Nice work!
If you have no intention of hiring, then don't do interviews in the first place!
Is that Mama? Not mine...
Why don't you answer?
It could be your job offer.
It'll never happen, so it's fine.
You really did something again today, huh?
Oh, be quiet.
And I'm sure you're not deceiving a new girl again, huh?
Of course not.
Let's eat.
Oniichan lied again too.
Are you going through some rough times right now?
Huh?
I'll listen to you, if you'd like.
Actually, tomorrow I have a date, so I'm trying my best to become beautiful...
But I just got a call saying, "Let's end it now"...
Are you okay?
I finally got tickets for a super popular play...
I even got reservations at a really exclusive place, too!
Oh, then...
Would you like to go with me?
Eh?
I haven't seen a play in a while.
If you'd like to?
Really?
But, this is pretty presumptuous of me, right?
That's not true!
Thank you very much.
No prob.
Is it okay for me to fix my makeup?
Please, go ahead.
Is it okay to say something like that?
Me?
Such sinners, men who treat women they don't love kindly...
No, no, no.
That's bad.
Mama?
[Thank you for today. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.]
See! You really did do something again today!
What kind of girls do you like then, Oniichan?
He said it! That's where your problem is.
That is, um...
You seem down again today, Kaoru. Did something happen at school?
What happened?
Your P.E. clothes were excessively dirty.
It wasn't really anything... exercise related...
What sort of stupid stuff are you saying?
Don't do that at the table.
No, seriously, what's up?
What happened?
So, I....
You can tell us.
...Tried my best not to lie this time.
What's wrong?
What is this? I'm so pissed!
Hey, where are you going?
I'm going to go beat the crap out of the kids who did this.
Stop it, Oneechan!
Are you just going to let them do that to you?
No, but...
As a parent, I can't just let this go...
Hey, what if the bullying gets worse because of what you do, Oneechan?
So am I just supposed to let this go?
You've got to be kidding me. I'll just go by myself.
Hey, Oneechan!
I'll tell Mama you're still unemployed!
So what are we going to do?
I think I need to go talk to your teacher...
It's impossible.
My teacher is young and you can't really depend on her.
Well, why don't you just talk directly to the other parents?
That's crazy too.
They're the ladies he told off last week.
Oh, those ladies...
So, I really do have to go beat them up.
You can't resolve this by talking to the other parties?
Those people wouldn't understand what we had to say at all.
Maybe if we invited them over here?
What?
Yeah, yeah. Let's do that. I can sucker punch `em at the door.
Why don't you do it too? I recommend knocking out their knees and then punching them in the throat.
They told us in karate that they don't expect that...
Oneechan, just be quiet for a bit.
So, what'll we do?
We're discussing this together because the solution isn't easy.
Why don't we talk to Mama about it?
That's a really bad idea.
Why?
When your Oneechan and Oniichan were in elementary school, Mama heard that they were being bullied.
Everyone from the other parents to the school to the Board of Education got involved. It was a huge mess.
No way.
Even so, right now she's in the middle of a big case. She's exhausted.
We really don't want her to worry, do we?
I'm home!
It's Mama. Let's keep this secret.
Welcome home.
What were you guys talking about just now?
Nothing.
Do you want something to eat?
I'll make something for you.
Anything new happen today?
Eh? Oh, nothing special.
Isn't your voice wavering just a little?
No it's not.
You're going to work?
Just a little longer.
A little longer, huh?
Hey, what are you doing?
Oh, I just thought we were like this when we first met.
No way...
Back then, in order to become a lawyer, you worked part time and studied so much you hardly had time to sleep.
Everyday was a struggle.
It seems so strange, even now.
I had never napped on a train before that...
You snored with such a satisfied look on your face, Mama.
Oh, stop.
Really.
But you know, it seems like...
I remember what it feels like to be relieved, being like this.
You looked so peaceful, sleeping like that. I couldn't wake you up.
We ended up riding until the last stop.
You were so beautiful at that moment, Mama.
You know...
That silver cross necklace looked so good on you, beneath that striped shirt.
At that time you were so busy that...
...you were always running around places.
Always wearing pumps in the afternoon.
Even as time passed, the same kind of pumps. Those shoes were sure cute...
You know...
If you had a ring on your left hand...
I wonder what I would've done.
What could I have done?
Maybe I would've just wished you happiness.
You were fast asleep...
Hey, Kamon-kun!
Can you lend me some money?
We want to go to the arcade now, y'know?
I really don't have much this month...
Stop making excuses and just give it to us.
Stop it!
Give it to me!
Papa!
What do you want?
Why don't we all play soccer?
What?
We can get over stuff that's happened if we sweat together.
Okay!
Play ball!
He's stupid.
It's not "Play Ball," it's "Kick Off."
I wonder if you can talk to him for us.
About the bullying...
How many times must I tell you?
My child would never do that!
Ma'am, please don't say that.
I'm trying to resolve this peacefully by talking about it, umm...
Your son won't listen to what I have to say, so...
Are you his father? Um, right now...
Ma'am?
Don't interfere with my family's affairs!
Thanks for before.
What do you want now?
Please read this.
Bye.
Show me.
What is it?
Something's written on it...
Final Notice. My wife is a lawyer.
If you continue to bully our son...
We will sue you, and have you sent to juvenile hall.
Kamon Kazutoyo.
What is the meaning of this?
Trying to threaten my son!
It's not a threat, it's more like a warning or request...
Please don't say such unreasonable things!
Even if she is a lawyer, what in the world is your wife thinking? That's right!
My wife doesn't know about this...
She doesn't know?
How can she not know? I demand to speak with her!
I refuse.
Please, you have to help me out here...
Why do I have to pretend to be your wife?
I don't want to cause my wife any worry about this...
What are you thinking?
Didn't you pretend we were married the other day?
I did?
You haven't paid me back for that yet!
I'll give you the money right now!
You can give it to me later, just...
All you have to do is listen to their complaints and just play along a little bit.
I'll pass.
Good afternoon.
I'm Kamon's wife!
Where is your proof that my child is bullying yours?
Well, about that...
I'm asking your wife.
You don't have proof?
As a lawyer, maybe you could use a bit more formal words?
My son listens to everything we say, and is a very good child.
My son, too. He's always been a gentle child that would never even kill a fly.
I know. I can understand where you're coming from, but...
Every parent wants to pretend that their kid is the greatest.
What did you say?
My wife is just speaking generally...
Are you sure that your child is not lying?
Maybe he's just trying to get our sons in trouble?
Kaoru would never do something like that, ever.
Don't speak so selfishly when you don't even understand anything about your own kid.
What do you mean by that?
It's written all over their faces, which ones are lying.
I haven't known them that long, but that kid would never lie.
Haven't known them that long?
Aren't you his mother?
My wife is just saying that compared to our older children, she has only known Kaoru for eleven years...
Whatever you people say, I believe this kid...
I mean, my child.
Do you know why?
He was raised properly, surrounded by his parent's love.
If the parents are dedicated, the child is raised to be honest.
Children become little monsters because parents spoil them!
So the problem lies not in the children, but in parents like you!
What do you mean by that?
My wife is a very passionate lawyer, so...
You don't know anything about your child either, do you?
You leave all of the household matters to your husband and are never home, if I'm not mistaken?
A mother's duty is to spend as much time with her children as possible and surround them with love, is it not?
Don't you think you don't have enough experience as a mother to lecture us?
I'll have you know...
Saying something like that...
Who becomes happy?
In the first place, why do you, as mothers, have to be so vicious?
Bullying is just like that!
Everyone gets so negative because you do that!
As long as you're happy, it doesn't matter how much hurt you cause other people?
Hey, you sing the same songs, right?
Even friends of friends of friends sing the same parts!
You guys all do the same things, so why can't you get along?
Even you mothers! About what you just said...
My wife is not unaware of our family's affairs. She sees our children!
She sees me! She sees all four of us very clearly! So...
Don't talk about other families as if you know everything!
[And so Papa, once again...]
I'm home.
Papa, can you please not lock yourself in the bathroom when you get depressed?
What happened this time?
So, he yelled at three of your classmate's mothers today?
How do you know that?
The school called my office.
He sure went to a lot of trouble...
Even having someone pretend to be me!
Huh? What for?
Mama...
I didn't mean...
I just didn't want to cause you any worry...
Hey. Why were you being bullied in the first place?
There's a really weird girl in my class...
Everyone was picking on her, so when I told them to stop...
I see...
You gathered your courage and tried to protect that girl, didn't you Kaoru?
I think that's amazing.
You're trying to be strong, aren't you?
Trying to grow up?
If that's the case, even if it's hard, try to persevere on your own.
There is nothing in this world you can overcome by doing nothing.
The toilet's open...
Oh, yeah. Hey!
Papa...
How'd you get that?
It's sort of a long story...
Papa, I'm hungry!
Really? I'll make something right now.
Today I'll make Mama's favorite, hamburger.
Yay.
Kaoru, are you finished?
I'll leave your pajamas here.
Thanks.
Mama sure says the best things.
I see, so you were trying to be strong, huh?
I guess we should've talked to Mama after all, huh?
I'm sure the girl you protected is grateful to you.
I wonder?
I don't understand her at all.
Hey, do you maybe...
...have a crush on that girl?
No way!
Are you blushing?
Stop it!
Hey, if you ever do have a girl you like, just say it clearly.
If you do that, you'll get more courageous.
The you right now is fine.
Just say, "I like you!"
I think you've grown a little bit.
You think so?
Let's see...
You have gotten taller!
Come here a sec. Let's compare...
See, Oneechan was here, and Oniichan was here...
Look at that!
Oniichan was here in fifth grade, and you're here.
You're only this far apart.
That means you'll be as tall as Oniichan soon!
[The next morning...]
I'm leaving!
See you later!
Did you forget anything?
Nope!
Be careful of cars.
I'm off! / Take care!
Oh, do you want to go as far as the station with me?
Yeah!
Hey, Mama...
Yes?
Mama, how did you get so strong?
Because of Papa, of course.
No way...
I've always depended on your father.
I can't believe that.
I can go out and do my best because Papa is by my side.
Good morning!
`Morning!
Hey...
I don't care if everyone hates me.
So...
Will you be friends with me?
Okay.
I wonder how strong not being alone makes a person...
There aren't any good jobs, and I bet there aren't any Princes on white horses either...
Excuse me...
I'm sorry!
I'm sorry I'm late.
Shall we go?
Um... I'm sorry!
I really can't go out with you.
Why are you saying that?
Um... the reason is, uh...
I actually have someone I like right now.
Didn't you say you didn't have one a little while ago?
Uh, yes, but...
We just met recently...
What kind of person is she?
Eh? Uh...
It's me!
Yappo!
Right?
Yes.
Go out and be happy, okay?
Right?
I wonder if people worry and suffer everyday,
...trying to find someone they want to be with forever.
Yes, yes, I'm coming.
It's Mama!
Hello? Mama?
Um, Papa...
I'm going to the trial that I was talking about before...
Today are opening statements...
So, could you please do that thing for me?
Of course.
Mama, do your best!
I know you'll do great!
I love you.
Thank you.
I'm pretty sure the people who find their special someone have faces that shine with happiness.
Sex appeal, huh?
Hey, you surprised me!
If you're home, say something!
Oneechan? What's wrong?
Did you fail another interview?
Papa... I mean, Otousan...
I mean, Otousama...
What are you doing?
Thank you for taking care of me for so long.
What?
I'm...
...going to get married!
Being like this makes me really feel like happiness has come...
I'm sorry my chest is small, Papa...
Don't go, Oneechan!
People get married because they respect each other, don't they?