I'm Shirai Naoko.
I'm Arikawa.
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?
Your father’s political career hangs on this arranged marriage.
He is, as it is, paving the road for his political ambition.
Let's break up.
I’ve been dating you for 10 years.
Is it that strange that I’d want to get married soon?
Hey, hold on!
What kind of woman is she?
Shirai Naoko.
The Democratic Party's Policy Resarch Chief's eldest daughter.
I’ll definitely take you there with me, to the highest position.
I'll be your course-mate starting today.
I'm Sasayama Nobuko. Pleased to meet you.
The pleasure is all mine.
It's the first time I've been to a place like this.
Is the teacher strict?
Ah... a little.
I look forward to learning from you.
Oh, if you don't mind me.
Mr. Arikawa, there you are!
Please proceed to the conference room.
They have some questions about the original draft.
Where's the Minister?
He's waiting for you.
I got it.
The national budget deliberations are round the corner...
The work of the Finance Ministry bureaucrats is to build the country's foundations, so to speak.
However, the bureaucracy isn't what it used to be...
The bureacratic dream is a mere illusion.
Many citizens have high hopes of the government.
The plan is to make a 1500-point budget reduction.
You look in high spirits, Mr. Shirai!
However, the people who really influence the nation are
those who have discarded dreams and illusions.
And so, I have no choice but to do the same.
Destiny 1969-2010 Once upon a time in Tokyo
HaroRangers http://harorangers.com/
Translation: yuch Translation check: Kazetrigger Timing & typesetting: Drazic Encoding: Cry5tal
No, Shirai Shinichirou is not such a weak man.
Don't worry about it. Yes sir, I'll pass that along.
Yes, goodbye.
That was Morimoto from the election support committee. As usual it's about Shirai National Construction...
There have been rumours of its imminent bankruptcy. It seems that he's considerably worried about you, Sir.
It's common knowledge that your financial support depends on that general construction company.
"Won't it affect your chances in the next election?"
That's what everyone is thinking about.
Sir.
Is it really alright to proceed with the marriage with Arikawa?
Has the Prime Minister replied?
Not yet.
Ah... that's strangely vexing...
My daughter is marrying a Finance Ministry bureaucrat...
There shouldn't be any reason why he'd refuse...
Sir, about the marriage discussions:
The suitor hasn't changed his mind, has he?
If he did, it's the end of the road for you, Sir.
That's why I asked the Prime Minister to act as a go-between...
Well, we'll just see how it goes from here...
Ms. Shirai.
Yes?
Has the next dish been decided?
Didn't you receive the monthly schedule?
No... not yet.
In that case you can have mine.
This month we're focusing on French cuisine.
Next month we'll be doing Chinese.
The instructor teaches a wide variety of cuisine, that's why it's really interesting.
Thank you.
I've been tagging along everyone today, it's been tough.
I must be inconveniencing you, right, Ms. Shirai?
Oh, it's no trouble at all!
Ms. Sasayama, you're really good with the kitchen knife.
Is that so?
You're coming next week too, right?
Ah... yes.
Then, till next week!
Yes... till then!
I'll see you next week.
Ah!
Forex dealer?
It must be tough job, especially as a woman.
How about you, Ms. Shirai?
Oh no, I don't do anything like that.
You're not working? But, you're still single, aren't you?
Yes.
Ah, pardon me saying so, but isn't it boring?
Why do you say that?
I'm sorry... I shouldn't be comparing...
I feel like I'm taking on a challenge every day.
Maybe it's too soon to say such things.
You've always been at this job?
No, it's been three years now.
In the begining I was just a regular employee when I first entered the bank.
Five years ago I went to the US and got my MBA.
Somebody gave me a recommendation.
From the bank?
A government civil servant.
Ah, which Ministry is he from?
Oh dear, this is embarrassing.
Before I went overseas, he took up a posting in the US.
If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't even have thought of furthering my studies.
I am what I am today thanks to him.
Don't tell me, he's your...?
Just as I thought, that's how it is...
You're planning to get married, right? So that's why you attended the cooking classes...
That's not the case...
It's just that I have to start acting my age.
Actually, we've been together for ten years.
We tell each other everything.
From now on no matter what happens, I feel we'll always be together.
But it's not that I'm particularly fixated about getting married.
It's because I believe that it's true love between two level-headed, independent adults.
Ah, excuse me.
The reservation's at seven o'clock, right?
Right.
I may be quite late. Is that all right?
Well, I'll be at the Mermaid at seven in any case.
Ah, but don't worry about it. Your work is more important.
Well, later then.
Sorry about that.
Urgent business?
No.
It seems that you're busy, so let's go.
Ah, I should pay
Oh don't worry, I'll get it. After all it was I who invited you here.
Thanks.
Your companion has yet to arrive.
Really?
Will you order later?
Yes, that'd be best. For the moment, could I have a sherry?
Right away, Sir.
I haven't heard anything from my sister. Have you tried her cellphone?
Yeah, but it was turned off.
That's weird...
Well, at any rate, I'll wait till 8:00p.m...
I understand.
Elder sister, what happened? Mr. Takashi is waiting for you!
I'm not feeling well, so I'm not going tonight. Could you tell him for me?
What...you could at least call him yourself, right?
I don't feel like doing it myself, that's why I'm asking you to!
Did you have a fight with Mr. Takashi?
Elder sister...
I'm not a child... Not to mention, I'm a politician's daughter...
I'm not expecting my fiancee to be squeaky clean....
It should be fine even if he's had one or two women.
But...
If he's been in a serious 10-year relationship with another women, that's a different story.
If he continues seeing such a person,
it would be a mistake for us to get married.
Hmm... so he had another woman...
But you don't have to be so angry about it, do you?
For such a talented man at his age, it's not surprisng that Mr. Takashi has had relationships.
Moreover, this marriage is for Father's sake.
Wasn't that what you said, Sis?
Let's go, please.
I see... it's Sasayama Nobuko.
I'm sorry to have caused you these unpleasant feelings.
I admit that I had a relationship with her.
But I had already decided to end it.
And you -
Do you want to continue the marriage as planned?
First, I want to hear your feelings.
I chose you.
And that's why all the more...
I will take responsibility for you.
Did you know that woman deliberately got close to me?
She was making herself known.
I will talk to her again and make a clean break.
I promise.
At this stage, we can't afford to stop.
You understand, don't you?
Takashi, what is your ultimate goal?
To be the Prime Minister of the Cabinet.
Chairman, do you really plan to completely convert one of the wards into an MRI clinic?
The Internal Medicine Dept is already lacking space!
The number of patients has been steadily declining over the years.
But why do we have to specially convert one of the wards just for the MRI scanner?
Well, actually the neurology patients have been complaining...
that they have to be examined with the other ordinary patients...
In that case, why don't we just build another ward?
It's not so easy...
All over Japan hopsitals are going bankrupt.
The new MRI can attract more wealthy patients.
That's only a small group of privileged rich people!
Takashi
Director!
What are your thoughts on this?
It's true hospitals are places for treating illness.
However, it's important to emphasise preventive medicine.
I agree with the Chairman.
We are not intending to change our policy objectives.
However, the devil is in the details.
Prior to any action, please discuss this jointly.
I'll leave the rest up to you.
Yes ma'am.
Please excuse me.
Takashi!
Hey.
Has it been decided?
What?
Has the Prime Minister agreed to be the go-between?
Ah, unfortunately, not yet.
I see.
According to Mr. Shirai, he should reply soon.
Didn't he tell you that?
So, what are you here for today?
Twenty million yen?
What do you need so much money for?
To successfully conclude the marriage talks with the Shirai family.
Actually, it's this girl I've been dating for ten years.
I intended to break up with her...
Compensation money?
Yes.
I told you, didn't I? If you choose the wrong partner, it could be fatal.
What's her background?
She's a Forex dealer with a foreign bank. Quite a talented individual.
Family background?
She comes from the countryside in Fukuoka.
Her father works in the local city hall. I believe she has one younger brother.
Here.
Please deal with this as soon as possible.
I deeply apologise.
"Deal with your women problems yourself!"
That's what I would like to say, but it can't be helped.
There's nothing more important than the marriage talks.
Actually, Naoko knows about this.
Huh?
That girl is really something.
She's not a princess who can't take hardship.
She has guts.
I see...
She'd be a worthy challenger to you, Mother.
I'll be off.
Can I get anything for you to drink tonight?
Not tonight, thanks.
What do you want?
Haven't I already served my purpose to you?
What do you intend to do?
What have I done?
I didn't explain.
I just want to know how a man can trample a woman's feelings,
choose a politician's daughter over her,
and totally screw up her hopes and expectations.
Ten years!
In those ten years, you were the only thing I had.
In order to become an appropriate woman for you,
I worked really hard, but even then, why
Stop.
Someone who boasts about her branded clothes, how she lives in a high-class mansion
and how she makes forty million yen a year
Do you think such a woman is good for me?
To me, whether it's a normal Office Lady or Forex dealer,
it doesn't really matter.
Marriage...
was never an option for us.
You should have understood that from the start.
That may be so, but
Stop painting yourself as the victim.
At least accept this cheque... for my sake.
Nobuko, come over here.
Sit down here.
You really want to go study in Tokyo, huh?
Are you sure you're not just being dazzled by the city lights?
It's okay if I can't.
Go.
Even if Daddy were to say no, you'd still go, right?
I have only one condition.
Don't hook up with some lame guy.
Find a guy who's a doctor or a lawyer,
or a talented elite public official.
Got that, Nobuko?
Become a woman of that calibre.
Ah, I finally got a reply from the Prime Minister.
He has agreed to be the go-between.
Ah, is that so? In that case, my mind is set at ease.
Welcome home!
Ah, where's Naoko?
Welcome home!
Naoko!
The Prime Minister has agreed to be the go-between!
...I see.
Is that all you can say, dear?
Please sound happier.
Ah, Naoko, could you inform Takashi about this?
Mother, shall we go to dinner?
In a moment.
Naoko, let's have a talk.
Are you okay with marrying him?
There's no going back after this.
I have no hesitations about marriage.
I'm a daughter of the Shirai family.
Father...
Hm?
Before you married Mother, um...
Did you have any... special relationships?
With women, you mean...?
I would like to say no, but...
I was just an ordinary guy back then.
But after I got married, it's only been your mother... a shame, huh?
Will Takashi be able to make you happy?
There are some women who depend on their husband for happiness.
But if not, Mother has taught me
that happiness is something you have to create for yourself...
Have you seen yourself in the mirror lately?
Is that the face of a dealer who handles billions?
Please let me continue.
I can smell alcohol on you. Have you been drinking every night?
I don't know what happened to you,
but I can't entrust transactions to you in your current state.
Whoa, we just made it.
Somehow, we've made it through to this point.
The only thing left is for the National Diet's deliberations.
I wonder if I'll be able to sleep tonight without dreaming of numbers.
Minister!
I was just about to stop by your office.
These are the materials for the Diet discussion.
Well, I'll have you know I was from the old Ministry of Finance.
At the very least I know how to look at numbers.
But, you don't know what questions will be asked in the debate.
Even if you don't bring the materials in,
it would be best if you looked through them beforehand.
Well, old chap, if I find myself in a tough spot, I can always count on you to help me out, right?
I appreciate your efforts. I'll make sure they don't go to waste
next week when the Diet convenes.
From now on, I'll be depending on you, old chap.
Well, we can take a breather for the time being, Mr. Arikawa...
Yeah, I'll be able to go home tonight!
Yes?
It's Shirai.
Did you hear from the bank that I went home early today?
Yes. They said you weren't feeling well and left.
I know about it already. You didn't have to come all the way.
But since you're here, I'll offer you a drink.
Please leave after you finish it.
How pitiful Takashi is.
He's relying on you to settle his mess with me, right?
What an asshole.
Takashi was against me coming.
But I asked him to let me come.
He is at the peak of his career in the Finance Ministry.
He can't be troubled with this kind of thing at this time.
This is my duty...
Duty?
As a wife this is an area under my competence.
Wow, as expected from a politician's daughter.
I sympathise with your feelings.
But to put it frankly, you don't get it at all.
If you really love him,
I believe you wouldn't do anything that could compromise him.
Don't say such flippant things!
You aren't qualified to lecture me about love!
Isn't that so?
It's a marriage arranged by your parents, isn't it?
What competence do you have as a wife? Don't make me laugh!
Ms. Nobuko, you are mired in the past.
By stubbornly clinging on to something you already lost, you are merely wallowing in desperation.
Your marriage to him was a mere pipe dream.
As a woman, I understand.
However, if you believe that you could really marry him,
I am of the opinion that you are being foolish.
What?!
Excuse me, but your father is merely a civil servant in a municipal city hall.
I can imagine what it must be like
to be a child of a lowly local official.
And yet still manage to get a MBA from the US.
While I admire your determination and hard work,
it would be impossible that the Arikawa family would accept you.
Even if my engagement to Takashi was cancelled,
you would still never be able to marry him.
So you're saying I can never be his partner?
...Yes.
I'm not going to beat around the bush.
I'm sorry that this is the reality.
Therefore, please acknowledge this reality
and create your own future.
Naoko has been out since the afternoon,
and she has yet to return.
She's probably checking out the ceremony venue.
Please make yourself at home.
Thank you very much.
Your kimonos fit you very well. So, it will be a Shinto style wedding then?
That is what I would prefer, but the decision is up to Naoko and Takashi.
Ah, I see.
Well, let us leave it to the young couple, shall we?
Indeed, that is so.
Ah, let me bring you some tea.
Oh, please, if it's not too much trouble.
Ms. Arikawa?
Is something the matter?
Oh, no...
I brought you some orange cake from the La Brea Hotel.
Much obliged.
Something caught your eye?
That is my husband's mother's calligraphic work.
When he left his hometown to enter university,
his mother had him bring it along with him.
It's rather worn-out, isn't it? It's already been more than forty years ago...
It's a Chinese poem about determination and conviction.
"Until you have achieved your ambition, you may not return home."
That was what his mother was trying to tell him.
What was Mr. Shirai's old family name?
Okauchi.
Is there something wrong?
No...
I'm sorry, I have to get back to work... Please excuse me...
Quickly, get me out of here.
Yes ma'am!
When I left the Iwate prefecture,
my mother had me take this along with me.
The clouds above the blue ocean, the darkness of the snow-capped mountains
From the faraway solitary castle, I see the beautiful gate
The yellow dust, a hundred battles, putting on gold armour
When the yew tower breaks and all is lost, never to return
What does it mean?
Even if the armour is broken and the guard towers destroyed,
one can never return to one's country.
In other words, it is a Chinese poem about determination and conviction.
Your mother gave it to you?
Yeah...
She gave it to me shortly after I passed the Tokyo University entrance exams.
"Until you have achieved your goal, don't worry about us back home."
"Strive forward vigorously towards your dreams."
That was what she said.
She was a Japanese language teacher in my hometown.
On that single job, she brought up two of my sisters.
I can't let my mother down.
Don't go. You'll get arrested this time round.
Or worse - it may turn into a bloody massacre.
"In pursuit of solidarity, we shall not fear isolation."
"Even if one is unable to accomplish one's objectives,
"we will not allow ourselves to sit idly by and be broken."
Those were the words written on the wall of the Yasuda auditorium.
I will go, because I will not abandon my comrades.
I really wish you would come.
But I know that's unreasonable of me.
Therefore...
today we say our goodbyes.
It was you...
Shirai Shinichirou was...YOU!
This marriage cannot be allowed to proceed!
Because Takashi...
Thank you very much.
You shouldn't forget that woman just yet.
Even if it was only for a period of time,
she was someone who supported you.
I said some rather harsh things to Nobuko.
Now that it's come to this, it's too late to stop.
Right?
Takashi's mother came over?
Naoko is really fortunate to have such a kind and gentle mother-in-law.