Don't worry about me.
At the very least I'm capable of finding my own marriage partner.
Anyway, I have no intention of marrying a mere salaryman.
He has to be someone elite.
Yeah, yeah, I know... hold on a minute, would you?
Dad is always saying a guy has to stand on his own two feet...
No! For God's sake, I just put on my makeup! Geez...
That was Arikawa Takashi, wasn't it?
What's his background?
Well, like Mr. Shirai, he's a law graduate from Tokyo University.
He enrolled in '92 and had top grades in his class.
I'll see you later.
In '94 he got a scholarship to study at Harvard's Kennedy Graduate School.
After he returned to Japan he was chief clerk and assistant to the head of the international finance department.
Five years ago he became Consulate General in New York.
After that he was an accountant in the government secretariat's records section.
He certainly has a favourable background.
Arikawa Takashi: Accountant, Ministry of Finance, Budget Bureau
I heard he's from the family running the Arikawa Medical Corporation.
They own fifty hospitals in Japan. He's the eldest son.
While he was supposed to continue the family business,
he chose instead to go into public service as a bureacrat.
Shirai Shinichirou: Democratic Party, Party Policy Research Chief
I see... he's single, isn't he?
Yes, sir...
Let's go, boy!
Come on, don't let the horse ride you!
Be quiet!
Alright!
Hey, big bro! I managed to get on!
Arikawa Toru: Second son of the Arikawa family
Your bottom hurts, huh?
Take it easy, you'll get used to it.
Takashi is really good at everything, isn't he?
Huh?
Well, Takashi picked up horse-riding when he was a kid.
When I first entered the Arikawa family,
he already had his own horse.
That's not what I meant. Takashi is really an overachiever.
Speaking of, I wonder why he didn't take over the hospital business.
Isn't it boring being a bureaucrat?
Arikawa Kauhiro: Arikawa Medical Corporation, Hospital Director
How is the hospital doing?
Recently it seems to have expanded into cosmetic surgery.
The older staff objected to it, but we have to move on with the times.
How about you?
Isn't it about time you moved on?
You don't intend to remain a bureaucrat for the rest of your life, do you?
Yeah, but I'm not worrying about it...
If you hurry too much, you'll fall from your horse.
I'm not worried since it's you,
but I have one piece of advice: be careful with women.
If you pick the wrong partner, it could be fatal.
I can smell a woman's scent on you.
That's my mother.
She married into a small, rural medical family.
After her husband died, she established a prominent medical corporation.
Excuse me, Mrs. Arikawa.
Ah, excuse me.
And the person who made me who I am today.
Arikawa Mina: Representative, Arikawa Medical Corporation
She was still a student when she became pregnant with me.
It was a time of youthful activism and disturbances.
Note: This refers to the student revolutions in Japan, around 1969
But, it all quickly faded away.
Mother never talked about those times.
But her silent voice was always urging me on.
"Become a leader..."
"Be a leader of your generation."
Destiny 1969-2010 Once upon a time in Tokyo
Ministry of finance
It really is quite a deadlock.
The only one who can resolve this is you, Mr. Arikawa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said they are not willing to compromise.
The Finance Ministry is allowing international companies in
because we are concerned about Japan’s international presence...
I get where you’re coming from.
Even though we’ve put in 30 billion yen of public funds over 3 years,
Japan’s international presence did not increase much.
I’ll talk to them.
Arikawa!
The Vice-Minister!
Is there anything you need?
Do you have some time?
Yes, sir.
Then, come with me upstairs.
Prepare a summary of the main issues.
Yes, sir.
An arranged marriage? Me?
Mr. Shirai wants you to meet his eldest daughter.
Mr. Shirai…from the Democratic Party?
Who else could it be?
Mr. Shirai doesn’t have a son, if I remember correctly.
In other words, if I become Shirai’s son-in-law…
Don’t flatter yourself.
Shirai knows you are from the distinguished Arikawa family.
You can’t take on the Shirai family name.
Then, why me?
It’s because he has seen your talent.
Is that the only reason?
What do you mean “only”?
Well, of course there’s more to this than meets the eye…
Since he’s marrying off his daughter, who is his successor…
Shirai was adopted into the Shirai family himself too.
Note: He took his wife’s family name, when he married into her family
Have you heard of Shirai National Construction?
Shirai Gentarou was his father-in-law.
I’ve vaguely heard of the name.
He was the one who scouted Mr. Shirai.
Gives you something to think about, doesn't it?
But your parents would have their own intentions as well,
so it’d be good if you discussed it with them.
But time is of the essence. Get back to Mr. Shirai as soon as possible.
Understood.
Arikawa Hospital (Tokyo)
They have their eyes on the Arikawa family’s financial power, don't they?
Mr. Shirai's financial backing is Shirai National Construction, a general construction contractor.
which is on the verge of bankruptcy in this poor economic climate.
Although the Vice-Minister didn’t say this directly,
to a politician, the loss of funding threatens his political career.
In other words, Shirai isn’t interested in me, but rather the Arikawa dynasty.
Even so, it’s not such a bad thing, is it?
If they want our money,
we have an advantage over them, don't we?
We could use that to advance your political career.
It would be a convenient marriage, wouldn’t it?
Is that so?
I don’t think it’s a bad deal.
Well, if he was a mere parliamentarian, I’d refuse, but
it’s entirely different if you’re talking about the Democratic Party policy chief.
Also, Shirai doesn’t have a male heir.
Therefore, you can build up your political base.
Mr. Shirai isn’t even 60 years old yet.
We’ll leave this talk to the future.
If we accept this marriage proposal,
you, mother, will be burdened with the financial risk.
You understand that, right?
It’s not like we’re giving them all our funds, is it?
Coffee, please.
Right away, ma'am.
In today’s times, politicians hold the greatest power.
The question is, which position to aim for.
From there, you can change the entire political scene.
I don’t know how much power a man like Shirai Shinichirou has,
but the title of DP Policy Chief is definitely yours for the taking.
In the past it couldn’t be helped if you weren’t interested.
I understand. I will definitely take your advice to heart.
I’ll be in touch.
Hey, at least have some coffee before you leave.
I have to get back to the ministry.
Takashi.
Ah, you came.
Did your mother send for you?
Yes.
How’s Toru doing?
The last time I met him, he said he wasn’t getting anywhere with his studies.
I wonder why.
Unlike you, Takashi, he’s more laid-back in nature.
The future of the hospital is in his hands,
so please tell him to buck up and put more effort into it.
Well…
Yes…
Please excuse me.
I met Takashi along the corridor just now.
What did you two talk about?
He’s been offered a marriage proposal.
Wow, isn’t that wonderful!
Who’s the girl?
The DP policy chief’s daughter.
So Takashi's going over, huh?
I wonder if that’s for the best…
He really has no intention of taking over the hospital, does he?
He has his late father’s blood, after all.
Toru’s re-marriage,
The Head Pharmacist
said he wanted to talk to you about some new drugs.
It seemed to be urgent.
Message from Nobuko
Hard at work? Are you free this Sunday?
Royal East Bank Trading Room
BOE is coming up on the screen!
BOE's price is falling.
Won/Yen’s going down.
There’s no information.
That’s not true, is it?
Sasayama Nobuko: Forex Dealer
Alright, let’s go!
Buy, quickly.
Yes, ma'am.
BOE’s rising!
It's steadily rising!
Sasayama! How much did it rise today?
You should know very well yourself.
1.08 billion. She got me.
Thank you for your hard work!
Good work, everybody!
The number you have dialed is not in service…
He must be busy.
Hello?
Nobuko?
What the… Dad, it's you. What’s up?
What do you mean "what's up?"
You already know why I’m calling you.
Are you really rejecting him?
The guy’s with Akata Pharmaceuticals; he’s really top-notch.
But Dad, are you really okay with that?
Do you really want me to become the wife of a salaryman?
Despite your objections I went to college in Tokyo,
and I led an independent life. We needed money back at home, didn't we?
Yeah, for the house repairs and your mother’s funeral.
And in the end I took a loan to get into university,
and five years ago I managed to study in the US.
I went to all that length.
If I just became a salaryman’s wife,
wouldn't I be letting you down?
About that…
Daddy, at my age,
I’m not living alone just for show…
I’ve got it all planned out, you know.
Is Yousuke doing well?
Yeah, he finally became a senior staff member and he’s in high spirits.
Tell him he can’t lose to his big sister, and put some fire in his eyes!
Anyway, you don’t have to worry about me.
You’ll see, I’ll snag the best guy in Japan! Bye.
I wonder if I'll be able to manage that.
Shirai Naoko: Eldest daughter, Shirai family
Sis, it’s almost time to eat.
Shirai Akiko: Second daughter, Shirai family
Just another moment; there’s still one more to go.
Letters of thanks for Father’s election committee?
Right. It’s too much for Mother to handle alone.
If you get married,
it’ll become my job to do this.
I won’t get married, I’ll stay here to protect our family.
That doesn’t seem to be the case.
I heard that Father has arranged a marriage for you.
What?
Well, what do you think?
He’s handsome, isn't he?
Shirai Itsuko: Wife of Shirai Ichirou
I think he’s a good match for you, Naoko.
But if I get married, what will happen to our family?
Mother, you always said that if I got married…
The circumstances have changed.
Your father’s political career hangs on this arranged marriage.
You understand that much, don’t you?
It’s a marriage for money, isn’t it? It’s as though Sister is a human sacrifice…
Don't say such foolish things!
The suitor is the eldest son of the family which owns the Arikawa Corporation,
which has fifty hospitals in Japan.
He’s a talented man who could eventually become the Vice-Minister.
No, he won't make it.
What?
Despite that kind of family background, he became a bureaucrat.
It means he has the ambition to go into politics. His parents probably are aware of that.
Is that so?
However, even if you’re rich, you can’t succeed in the world of politics without a support base or sponsor.
You need the backing of a powerful parliamentarian.
He is, as it is, paving the road for his political ambition.
There’s one vacancy in my hometown’s electoral district.
In other words, you’re baiting him?
Don’t say things like that, Akiko!
Sooner or later Akiko will also be married off in this way.
She’ll have children,
and one of them will carry on the Shirai family name.
That’s why, Naoko, you don’t have anything to worry about.
I see…
How does a meeting sound?
How about this Sunday?
I understand. I'll meet him.
Alright then.
Well, I think you'll like him.
My taste isn’t that bad.
Sunday?
I accept.
But how is the prospective match?
It’s OK if you decline.
My reputation’s on the line, too, though, so put on a good show.
Sorry to keep you waiting. The room at the end has been prepared for you.
I’m Shirai Naoko.
I’m Arikawa.
What a beautiful colour…
what is this drink called?
This is a Jacques Selosse Rosé.
It was chosen by Mr. Arikawa
for this evening’s meal.
If you need anything, please call on me.
Bon appétit.
Thank you.
To me, this is a special type of champagne.
Is there a story behind that?
No…
Unfortunately there isn’t. It’s just something I chose.
If I don’t choose something, then it has no special meaning to me.
Whether it’s food or wine, a watch or a car.
Whatever one wants, one gets easily.
That must be the tragedy of the rich.
Well then, to tragedy.
HaroRangers http://harorangers.com/
Translation: yuch Translation check: Kazetrigger Timing & typesetting: Drazic Encoding: Cry5tal
Well, any old loves?
Of course.
But just because you love somebody doesn’t mean you’ll marry that person.
You say marriage and love are two different things…
I believe marriage is the linking of families.
That’s rather old-fashioned thinking, isn’t it?
Isn’t it the same for you?
Someone of your age would have gotten married a long time ago.
That’s true…
I’m the daughter of a politician.
I can’t speak of marriage without considering my father.
To put it frankly, this marriage proposal is for my father’s benefit.
For my father, I can’t marry a useless man.
I’m not sure what to say in reply to your straightforwardness.
I know I should apologise for saying such things.
But this marriage proposal is essentially a mutually beneficial transaction.
I feel it would be best if we recognized that from the start.
I’m sorry if I ruined the mood.
But no matter how a marriage starts, I believe it’s possible to achieve happiness.
My mother taught me that love can be nurtured.
So long as both parties’ values and life goals are the same, I believe it is possible.
The same goal…
Do you know what my goal is?
My father said that there is a vacancy in his hometown’s electoral district.
What’s so funny?
Nothing… Just as expected from a politician’s daughter.
That’s all I’m thinking.
Thanks for the meal. It was delicious.
I'll see you home.
No, that’s fine, I’ll go back myself.
Good night.
‘Night.
It’s done.
So, how did it go?
She has already seen through my political ambitions.
We should proceed formally. What do you think?
Takashi, shall we discuss this further? I’d like to hear the details.
No, I think I’ll call it a night. I’ll be in touch.
Right, we can proceed with it formally, then?
Congratulations, big sister!
It’s too early to tell yet.
Oh dear, we have to start preparing the dress.
Not you too, Mother!
It’s never too early to start
placing the order for the bridal dress.
It’ll take months before it’s ready. Right, dear?
Well, before that, the two families have to meet.
Well, then you have to think of what to wear. We have to start getting busy!
Thank you.
Why are you here? I said I wasn’t free today, didn't I?
You finally came.
But, it’s my birthday today.
I wanted to hear “Happy Birthday” from you personally.
At last, you are close to obtaining your most-desired achievement.
But, Takashi
Please don’t talk about Takashi.
This song really brings back memories…
Of that time.
Hey, have I changed? Since then.
Yeah. 25 years ago,
you called on my little clinic in the mountains.
You no longer look like the student you were back then.
You got that right…
But I don’t feel the change myself.
Since I met you I’ve drawn closer to power and riches.
I must look like a terrible woman now.
That’s not true. Otherwise you wouldn’t have gotten married.
It can often be observed that people
who have been deeply involved in something take completely opposite views after being defeated.
To the point of getting arrested.
Once you throw away your ideals, it’s easy to blame someone.
During that time, there were students who refused to participate in our exercises.
The poor self-supporting students in the Tokyo University law faculty.
One man said this to me:
“Do you think you can change Japan with your exercises?”
“I’ll change Japan using my own methods.”
“I’ll penetrate the bureaucracy and change things from the inside.”
“Only history will finally decide which of us was right.”
He was right…
Tokyo University Common Struggle 1969
“The era of the joint struggle” – that’s your generation, isn’t it?
Yeah…
You must have been a student at that time,
when Tokyo University was taken over by student protesters.
Yeah…
Big sister!
Yes?
Mother says to come to the second floor.
OK.
Don’t drink too much.
Ah! What? Hey!
What were you thinking?!
What’ll happen if you get pregnant?
It’s alright, because that was my intention tonight.
We’ve been together for 10 years now.
Isn’t it about time we consider getting married?
Are you being serious?
Of course I am.
Is there anything in the way of us getting married?
I know there’s a big difference in our family backgrounds…
But it’s not like we aren’t appropriate for each other.
If you compare our academic achievements, I’m your equal.
The same goes for our careers, right?
At the very least we’re contemporaries.
You can hardly find a girl here who got an MBA from the United States.
Even though I have no interest in finance,
I did it so I wouldn’t lose to you career-wise.
I’ve been working real hard.
Hey, do you know how much I made last year? 40 million yen!
Let’s break up.
Are you joking?
I’m sorry.
I’ve been dating you for 10 years.
Is it that strange that I’d want to get married soon?
Hey, wait!
I may be a coward, but at least I love you!
I love you, so –- hey, are you listening, Takashi?!
“To Natsuko: Happy Birthday. Takashi”
Now, about the go-between.
I’m thinking of the Prime Minister.
Really?
The Prime Minister?
Yes.
Well, if it’s a request from Vice-Minister Kunieda himself…
Oh, don’t worry about it.
From our investigations of the “Mermaid” shop,
apart from the employees, no one knows of its existence.
It is an extremely high-class establishment.
The two of them have met there twice this week.
What kind of woman is she?
Shirai Naoko. The Democratic Party’s Policy Research Chief, Shirai Shinichirou’s eldest daughter.
I’m still not sure,
what their relationship is,
but you can already guess, can’t you?
Please investigate their relationship more thoroughly.
Specifically, that woman Naoko.
They make quite a fine couple, don’t they?
Indeed.
Toru, you don’t really look like your brother, do you?
Is that so?
Moreover, your age difference is quite large.
Akiko, why are you saying such rude things?
They don’t look alike?
To my eyes they look relatively similar.
The fact is, Toru and Takashi are half-brothers, they have different fathers.
I see…
Takashi’s father passed away when he was in kindergarten.
After that Mina raised Takashi by herself.
Also, Arikawa Corporation wouldn’t be what it is today without her.
I married Mina when Takashi was about sixteen.
And the “Arikawa” family name?
It’s Takashi’s father’s family name.
Ah, is that so? I understand now.
I felt that you were restraining yourself.
I was also adopted into the family.
Ah, is that so?
Even as I am doing my duty to this country as a bureaucrat now,
I was born in a small, poor village and raised by one parent.
I studied hard and entered the Ministry, and then I caught somebody’s eye.
That person was my wife’s father.
But I was a little hesitant to get adopted.
I was the only son in my family.
As I thought of my mother who laboured to put me through college,
I made my decision and crossed the Rubicon.
But his mother was supporting him all along.
She told him that he had to choose his own path in life.
My mother died 8 years ago.
Yes…
Sasayama! Hold on.
You’ve been making losses the whole day.
For this entire week, in fact. Tell me how much you’ve lost.
Twel...
Twelve billion! You useless deadhead!
As forex traders, our job isn’t to buy and sell shares…
It’s an occupation where we scavenge every cent.
The stakes at risk are enormous.
But we have to invest funds we barely glance at.
The twelve billion yen loss you were supposed to make a profit from;
A primary school kid can’t even begin to imagine how huge a sum that is.
I’m deeply sorry. I will definitely recover this loss.
But recently I haven’t been feeling too good
So you’re blaming it on illness?
If that’s the case, leave your position for the time being.
What?!
In a time where banks can go bankrupt in a flash,
if such a huge loss is a result of your illness,
you have to leave the front line.
For the time being, man the phone lines.
But...
You have one new message.
This is Ishino from Ishino Private Investigators. About the matter you engaged us for,
as expected Arikawa and Shirai Naoko’s marriage proposal is proceeding.
Already, both families have met.
For more details, please refer to the investigation report we have sent you.
Prenancy test kit box: More than 90% accuracy
So that’s what it was, Takashi...
For your father’s sake, you chose me.
And to pursue my goal, I chose you.
All the more, we will definitely achieve success.
That’s right, I don’t want to have any regrets.
I’ll definitely take you there with me, to the highest position.
Where’s that?
Someplace far, far away…
I will not admit...
I will not accept defeat…
I’ll bring you down with me, if I have to.
Please excuse me.
I didn’t think that the Prime Minister would be the go-between matchmaker.
As expected from the Democratic Party’s Policy Chief.