I didn't know it myself, but I finally realized it.
That I had encountered a love that's so big and warm and priceless.
I know I'm being selfish. But please let me marry Setsuko-san.
I can't let Setsuko marry someone with an uncertain future.
- I can't marry you. - Why?
That's because it was an arranged marriage.
It's because our marriage began with a marriage meeting that involved a lot of people.
I'm sorry.
He can't marry you?!
Is that what Kotaro-san told you?
- Why? - How come?
That's what I'd like to know.
Did I do something to make him dislike me?
What do you think is the reason?
Why all of a sudden?
What did I do wrong?
Why? How come?
Tell me why!
We wouldn't know...
You're both useless.
That's it.
What?! Overseas like where?
It hasn't been decided where yet but...
The boss would know the details...
Is there something you know?
You'd feel better if you told me.
Ask your father.
Where's Dad?!
What's up with you?
Why is he saying he can't marry me all of a sudden?
- Dad must've said something... - He wouldn't do that. Don't be silly.
Dad! Dad!
Dad! Da...
- What happened? - He felt responsible and fell ill.
Responsible?
Responsible for what? Responsible for what?!
Your dad opposed the marriage.
He told Kotaro-san that if he quits Kaisan Bussan, he can't let him marry you.
You're kidding! But Dad really liked Kotaro-san.
But what's this? You suddenly change your tune just because he's quitting his job.
Dad's just worried about you.
He's worried about letting you marry Kotaro-san when he doesn't know what his future will be.
He's only thinking of your happiness.
I feel the same way.
- My happiness? - That's right,..
But isn't my happiness marrying the man I love?
I finally met the man I thought was the right one.
After everyone kept telling me I don't have a discerning eye for men,
I finally found my way to Kotaro-san.
You all know that. So how can you say something like that?
Is there any chance you'd reconsider?
I've been hanging on to this.
If you tell me right now that you'll stay,
I think her father will immediately give his approval for the marriage.
Cool down and think it over again, Hirose.
Cool down, huh?
- Hello. - Kotaro-san? It's me. I want to see you again.
I want to talk to you.
But I have nothing to...
You know, Kotaro-san...
tell me honestly.
MATSU Takako
Yusuke SANTAMARIA
KUBOZUKA Yosuke
SATO Tamao
KAWAHARA Ayako
IMAI Masayuki
ARRANGED MARRIAGE
OMIAI KEKKON
Final Episode
Kotaro-san, tell me honestly.
Do you dislike me?
Do you think I'm a terrible woman?
Do you have no intention of marrying a woman like me anymore?
Are you fed up with me?
Do you hate?
How could I possibly hate you?
I'm so glad.
Then you must be holding back because of my father.
It's because he opposed our marriage and you can't go against his wishes.
Isn't that why you can't marry me?
If it's because of my father, I'll convince him.
I promise. No matter what happens, I'll convince him.
So...
let's get married.
Come on, Kotaro-san. There's no need to back down because of something like this.
But your father has his own reasons for...
That has nothing to do with us!
I want to go wherever you go.
Can't I?
When I start with the new company, I think I'll be going to China first.
From there, I'll be moving around all over Asia.
And like your father said,
I don't know what kind of salary or benefits I'll be getting either.
And so I'll...
I'm going to work hard at Big East for a while,
and when I can stand on my own, I'll come back for you.
Until then,
won't you wait for me?
How long will I have to wait?
A year? 2 years? 5 years?
10 years?!
- I don't know about that, but... - In 10 years, I'll be 35!
- There's no way it'll take... - I want to marry you now!
- Setsuko-san. - I don't know if I can wait.
Who knows what will happen?
By the time I'm 35, I might be a shriveled up old lady.
That won't happen to you. I'm sure you'll always be the cute Set-chan that you are now.
What's with you? Calling me Set-chan for the first time at a time like this!
You should have called me that sooner
Who knows what will happen that far ahead?
How do you expect me to wait without even knowing how long?
Me or that company, which is more important?
I'm asking you if you'd rather marry me or go to that Big whatever!
- I'd pick Setsuko-san of course. - Me too.
Me too.
That goes without saying.
That's right, huh?
The boss is still hanging on to your resignation, isn't he?
If you act now, it's not too late yet.
I know, but...
But he's still wavering. Makes me so mad.
- Why? - That's what I'd like to know!
If he stays where he is and marries you, everything will be settled peacefully.
Of course it would be easy to backtrack now.
But reversing the decision I made about work just because my marriage got opposed doesn't quite seem right.
But you love Setsuko-san, don't you?
When I asked him if he disliked me, he said he didn't.
Then why is he asking you to wait?
There's no way Setsu can wait.
You're right about that.
- Are you okay with breaking up with her like this? - I'm not okay with it.
But one thing I have to consider is what's the best choice for both of us.
For Setsuko-san, and for me too.
Mika-san, wait.
I've fallen in love with you, Mika-san.
Ohata-san...
While I was asking for your advice about Kyoko-san.
- But Kyoko Senpai was the only one you... - I didn't love her or anything.
I guess I was just under the misconception that it was love.
- Misconception? - Misconception?
Then what are going to do? About the fruit of your love?
- Kyoko Senpai's unborn... - That's...
Kyoko-san.
Kyoko Senpai!
What are you doing, Kyoko Senpai!
You're terrible, Ohata-kun.
You too, Mika.
He's terrible... Terrible.
Husband
I guess my husband's the only one after all.
Are you sure that's what you wanted?
Lying to her like that.
I want Kyoko-san to be happy.
I think this was the best thing to do for both of us.
Go ahead and drink as much as you want.
I'll make sure you get home safely.
Another drink, please!
When I can stand on my own, I'll come back for you.
Until then, won't you wait for me?
I can't wait.
I can't.
Of all times to hit the jackpot.
I want to marry you now!
Kotaro!
What happened? Is it true you're quitting your job?
Was your marriage called off too?
Mom...
Kotaro-san's mother is coming to our house tomorrow.
Then you haven't changed your mind about quitting?
No.
I'm so terribly sorry.
That Kotaro's being so awfully selfish
when he found such a wonderful partner.
Mrs. Hirose, please don't.
This is the first time this has happened to me too, so I really don't know what to do, but
in any case, if we can settle this peacefully...
- Don't you think so, dear? - Absolutely.
It's really unfortunate, but it just wasn't meant to be.
Wait a minute please!
I want to ask Kotaro-san just one more time.
Kotaro-san, do you have absolutely no intention of marrying me now?
Not even 1 percent? Is the possibility 0 percent?
- Set-chan. - Setsuko.
Didn't you tell me, Kotaro-san?
That you were sure we'd be happy together.
That you loved me more than anyone else.
I...
I too...
Kotaro-san,
love you.
I'm sorry.
I can't...
marry you.
You've always been like this since you were a child.
Why do you always choose the side that gets the short end of the stick?
What do you want to do at this venture company with such an uncertain future?
When the most important person to you is in front of you.
How can you make her so sad?
I know that I'm making her sad.
Naturally, I have my qualms too.
Being that I'm leaving behind a big company and starting from scratch again.
But I wanted to change the way I am now.
In order to do that, I thought I had to change my job, environment, and everything, and
do it alone.
I asked the gods not to punish this selfish son of mine.
Mom...
Kotaro's a terrible guy, isn't he?
He said he can't marry me.
Did I do something bad in my previous life?
Stop whining and say something, Kotaro.
He wants to gain confidence as a man.
Mom...
That's what Kotaro-san said.
It's because I want to gain confidence as a man.
He said Setsu would fall in love with him who was striving to do that.
For Setsuko-san's sake too, I want to be a strong man.
Kotaro-san seriously thought so and chose to quit his job.
I can kinda understand how he feels.
I thought it was just like Kotaro-san to do something like that.
For my sake?
I'm not going to say this was for the best.
After all the trouble you caused me.
Whether you made the right decision or not, we may not know until 10...no maybe 20 years from now.
I know.
Anyway, go do your best so that you won't have any regrets.
I will. Thank you.
Thank you for everything, everyone.
A farewell party for Kotaro-san?
Ohata-kun called to say that since Kotaro-san's leaving for China soon, why don't we get together.
How can I go?! Don't be ridiculous. We broke up, you know.
That's right. He dumped me.
Right? What are you talking about?
Don't both of you blame me.
I'm just passing on the message.
In the first place, how dare you show your face to me as if nothing had happened.
- How insensitive can you be? - You're the one who came here.
It must be the maternity blues or something. When I'm alone, I get depressed.
Look at the brighter side. It's your beloved darling's baby.
What? Really?
How did you know that?
It was Ohata, wasn't it?
Why that big mouth! After he called me Cinderella and all.
In the first place, that guy's something else.
You'd better be careful~.
I'm going to tell you because I don't want any misunderstandings, but
there's nothing between Ohata-san and me.
It's a one-sided love on my part and he doesn't have any feelings for me.
How can you tell such a barefaced lie.
- After he confessed his love for you. - That was a lie!
He did it so that you would forget about him.
That's how much Ohata-san loved you.
- That's why he put on that act... - You're lying.
- It's true! - You're lying!
Of course it's true! That's why you should stop eating those stupid pickled plums,
eat something more nutritious, take care of yourself, and bear a healthy baby!
Oh, for heaven's sake!
Kyoko Senpai.
From now on,
you should just look at your husband.
The most precious person who's the closest to you.
I know that.
Setsu.
I'm guessing you're not going?
To the farewell party.
You may never see him again.
I'm not going.
I can't.
I see. So neither one of them are coming.
Setsu still says she can't see Kotaro-san anymore.
Tanuma-san, what are you doing there?
Yes, that's right. Then uh...
There's something I want to say before Kotaro gets here.
I admit I hate to lose.
It's disheartening.
But the moment the match is over, the true rugger starts thinking about the next match.
Being depressed isn't everything after losing.
There's always something to be learned from losing.
What are you trying to say?
So Mika-san...
You're...
in love with someone, right?
Right, Ohata?
Mika-san, now's your chance.
I've liked you from the first time we met.
From the time you asked me for coffee on the flight from Fukuoka to Haneda.
Mika-san...
This is for the both of you.
It's just a little something from me.
He wants to gain confidence as a man.
For your sake, he wants to be strong man.
Strong man...
He's really going, isn't he?
What's the matter?
Here's to Kotaro's bright future!
- Forward! - Forward!
That was some decision you made, Kotaro.
I think it takes a real man to do that.
It's hard to let go of what you have.
Really?
Considering how much you loved Setsu...
But doesn't it bring back memories?
This is where we had our first group date.
That's right. Oh, isn't this the first time since then? That all of us got together like that time.
That's right. That time, Kotaro came late and Setsuko-san was...
The oden that we had at Ohata-san's place...
That was good, wasn't it?
- What's this about oden? - Remember? That's when you guys
- were stuck at the love hotel. - That's right.
Setsu...
What's wrong with you guys? Don't worry about it.
I'm not bothered at all by the fact that we broke up.
Now that I quit my job and called off our engagement,
what else can happen?
Right?
That's right, huh?
I don't think Setsu was a good match for Kotaro-san to begin with anyway.
- Really? - She looks sweet, but she's got an attitude.
- With liquor, she's a bottomless pit. - She smokes two packs a day.
- Her hobby is pachinko. - She hogs the bed when sleeping.
- She was grinding her teeth at the hot springs. - I heard her snoring real loud.
You're lucky you didn't marry a girl like her.
Setsu...
Setsuko-san.
Tanuma-san!
Mika-san.
I wanted to say just one thing.
Thank you for all you did today.
Tanuma-san, the woman of your destiny is sure to appear for you too.
For sure.
So...move forward!
Forward.
You have me.
- You have me, Tanu. - Tanu?
I'm sorry for all those terrible things I did to you.
I got caught up in my own dream and got carried away.
But I've woken up now.,
I'll get on my pumpkin carriage and go back to my husband.
I'll go back to being an ordinary housewife.
Kyoko-san,
you're not just an ordinary housewife.
To me,
you're my eternal Cinderella.
- Ohata-kun... - Goodbye, Cinderella.
I hope you have a cute baby.
Goodbye, my prince.
Here...
I forgot to return this to you.
When is it?
Your departure.
Next Monday. On the afternoon flight.
Is that right?
You'll be over there for a while then?
Probably for at least 6 months.
From there, I'll be going to Singapore and Korea next.
I never thought you'd come.
I had no intention of coming either.
- But I couldn't keep the ring... - I was glad you came.
Thank you.
I won't be going to see you off.
It's sure to be more painful for the person being left behind.
The sadness is sure to be greater for the one who was jilted.
I had my engagement called off.
Anyway,
make sure you take care of yourself.
So long.
Goodbye.
Setsuko-san!
I...
I'm not going.
I don't care if you think that I'm a pathetic guy.
I don't care if you're disgusted with me.
I...
I don't want to part with you.
So
let's get married!
What are you saying when you've come this far!
How can you say that now!
You made your decision, didn't you?
Didn't you want to gain confidence as a man?
Didn't you want to be a strong man?
In order to do that, you dragged everyone into this mess and caused all this commotion.
How can you change your mind now?
How long are you going to keep being indecisive?
Rather than thinking but doing nothing,
do something first then regret it.
Take your chance and leap into that different world.
If you don't, nothing will change.
That's why I don't like you.
I'm going to dump a worthless man like you!
Setsuko-san.
Goodbye.
I want to be with you too.
I don't want to part with you either.
Dumped him? You dumped Kotaro-san?
I told him in no uncertain terms in the end.
Because he started talking about wanting to marry me again this late in the game.
- Told him straight out? - Well, how should I say...
rather than getting dumped, it feels much better to be the dumper.
Apparently, that guy's finally leaving tomorrow.
That's what I heard.
Wasn't it better for you too, Boss?
Yes, indeed. He was a miserably inadequate subordinate.
Right? Mrs. Sakuraba.
Setsuko-san, you're admirable.
- Right, Onii-san? - I think you made the right decision, Set-chan.
- Right, Onee-chan? - I would have done the same thing.
- Right, Mom? - You're an idiot.
Pretending to endure it for pride's sake.
Go apologize to Kotaro-san.
- Mom... - What are you waiting for?
He's still in Japan, isn't he?
Hurry up and go.
That's right. I never had a better subordinate.
Setsuko-san, you're awful.
You made the wrong decision.
I would never do that.
That's right. Go, Setsu.
Dad...
Pleased to meet you. I'm Hirose.
I'm Nakatani Setsuko.
I'm not a hostess at a cabaret club, and you're not a radish in the supermarket.
That's right. You're not a hostess at a cabaret club
and I'm not a radish in the supermarket.
You have me.
Will you marry me?
I want to accept you just the way you are.
I love you. More than anyone else in the world.
- You're too late. - Really truly.
I truly love you.
Kotaro-san! I...
No way...
Where's Kotaro-san?
He left yesterday.
Here.
He wanted me to give this to you.
Setsuko-san,
I'm really sorry that we had to part like this.
And I was saying stupid things again the other day like I wasn't going.
I'm really disgusted with myself.
Ever since I decided to change jobs and your father opposed our marriage,
my heart was swinging back and forth everyday like the pendulum on a clock.
But after you gave me a talking to the other day, it became clear to me.
I don't have the right to marry you the way I am right now.
Remember what you told me one day?
It was shortly after we first met...
Yes, it was the night of that group date.
I want to be able to say 50 years from now that I walked my life with my own two feet
Rather than walking on a path laid out by someone,
I want to forge my own path myself.
That's how I'm feeling now too.
So I'm going to be on my own for a while so that I can gain confidence as a man.
I'm going to be a fine man!
The one who enabled me to make that decision, Setsuko-san,
is you.
Thank you.
Goodbye. And take care.
I hope you become a fine woman too.
Although if I tell you that, you're likely to tell me you're already a pretty fine woman
and get upset with me again.
From Kotaro
3 days later
Setsu's going to change herself?
She says she's going to become a fine woman so that she can catch a fine man.
How to become a fine woman
SPRING
You're kidding!
She quit her job?
She was bragging that she told the guy off when she was sexually harassed.
Oh, for crying out loud. Just when she finally found a job. What is she doing?
SUMMER
Setsuko-san was going berserk again?
She said something really awful happened to her.
She was screaming, "I can't take it anymore!"
Come to think of it, I saw her at the pachinko parlor.
AUTUMN
She got drunk and started jabbering again, huh?
When I talk about you, she gets so jealous.
"Why don't I have a boyfriend," she says.
She's hopeless.
WINTER
What's up?
Christmas party?
There's no way I can go out. Do you want to come over?
Was that Setsuko-san again?
She said she's lonely all by herself.
NEW YEAR'S DAY
She's playing pachinko again?
She's going wild.
I swear to God...How much more of a mess can she be?
Shall we try asking?
Certainly.
Leave it to me.
Marriage meeting?!
- Yes. - No! Absolutely not!
I've had enough of marriage meetings.
What are you thinking anyway?
What do you mean? We're thinking of you of course...Hey.
In the first place, what about these rules of conduct?
You said you were going to turn over a new leaf, but you haven't made any progress at all.
- Say what you will, but I'm trying. I'm trying, okay? - What's this then?
Here. Don't be so quick to lose your temper. That's what you wrote.
That's because you say things that make me angry! I'm nice to everybody else. Aren't I?
Yes, you are.
Will you stop agreeing with her at the wrong time?
I know...that you've been smoking like a chimney behind our back.
And pachinko too.
And the other day, I heard you got drunk and started jabbering "I want a boyfriend!"
How did you...? Oh, Mika!
You're the only one who still can't find a man.
- What do you... - You'll be 26 soon.
Once you're past 25, you'll grow old like you're rolling down a hill.
Once you're past 25, you'll be 30 before you know it.
Once you're past 30, you'll be 40 before you know it. What are you going to do?
If you end up being an old maid.
What an unhappy and miserable daughter I have.
- Poor thing. - I can't believe what you're saying.
- Just trust me and try meeting him. - No!
I understand he has a very nice personality.
- I'm not interested. - He looks like a kind, sincere man.
- Not interested at all. - Oh, that person?
I just know you'll like him.
She will, right? Right?
If you're talking about that man, she will. Right?
Well, I guess so.
He just might be your type.
Then let me see his picture so I can tell what he's like.
You have to wait until you meet him.
- Then I'm not going. - You'll regret it.
Are you sure?
I made up my mind never to go to another marriage meeting!
Lucky Day in January, 2001
Oh, Setsuko-san! We've been waiting for you.
Come on in this way.
Look. That's him.
Nice to meet you. My name is Miki.
I'm Nakatani Setsuko.
Don't be so nervous.
Just talk about anything you want.
Setsuko-san, are you interested in the railroad?
Please excuse me. I'm sorry...excuse me.
Hello?
Setsuko-san!
It's Kotaro.
Sorry to surprise you like this.
I had a sudden urge to hear your voice.
Is that right?
It's been a while. How have you been?
Right now I can't...
Is something wrong?
I'm at a marriage meeting right now...
Hello?
I see. At a marriage meeting?
So that's why you're wearing a kimono.
Yes.
You look very nice.
You look mature and lovely with your hair up too.
- Kotaro-san! - Oh my God!
- Setsuko-san. - Kotaro-san.
She's beautiful. Is it because of the kimono?
No, that's not it.
Did he get just a tiny bit stronger?
Go ahead.
No, go ahead.
Go ahead.
How's it going with your work? I do love those eyes.
I'm hanging in there. Me, I love those cheeks.
- Knowing you, you must have been doing well. - Yes.
Indeed, they were very fulfilling days.
It felt like there was a hole in my heart.
What about you?
I was so busy too.
I didn't have time to think about Japan too much. I missed you...very much.
I forgot all about you too. I missed you too.
I feel somewhat strange today.
There was so much I wanted to tell you, but
I can't say anything.
You don't have to say it, I already know.
Beautiful, isn't it? Today's sky.
It's not by coincidence that you came here today, is it?
Happy birthday.
Kotaro-san...
Let's get married.
We got together through arranged marriage.
This drama is a fiction. But arranged marriages are a good thing.
ARRANGED MARRIAGE
OMIAI KEKKON