Here is Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo.
It is the famous city where Torajiro got abandoned.
The story of his life now begins from here.
In an odango [sweet dumpling] shop owned by the Kuruma's.
Well, tonight is February 25, 1947.
The history will jolt during the dawn.
[ Kuruma Mitsuko ]
The people have no idea that an incident on February 26 will occur.
There will be a serious incident that is going to happen on the Kuruma family.
Then, let's call it a night for today.
With such weather, people won't go outside.
[ Kuruma Heizo ]
Oh, I see. Is it okay with you? Let's just close it.
Is it okay, father-in-law?
Shoichiro.
[ Kuruma Masayoshi ]
Well then, I'll be...
For a while...
You'll go out, even at this moment?
We'll be having a neighborhood meeting.
That idiot master who played bingo out there don't want to get out with colds...
so I was asked to go out instead.
They're waiting for me.
I met him on a bingo shop a while ago.
Eh?
Oh?
I don't think so. You may be mistaken.
- Are you okay? Akira-chan. - Yes.
Let's eat something delicious, okay?
Okay. Let's go in. It's cold outside.
Stop it, you unfaithful husband.
I know that you have a child, you old man.
I have no idea that you know it.
How about you, Madam. Have you been well?
Why are you playing dumb?
You've caught in the act from being totally dressed up.
No way, Heizo-san.
Did you think that I really don't know?
Hmm?
It's Heizo-san's child.
The child's still unnamed.
Please, I'm asking you to take care of him.
What's wrong?
What should I do, father-in-law?
That damn bastard!
Does he know this?
No way...
Okay, calm down.
Okay. Good boy.
Good boy.
Okay, calm down...
[ 5 years later ]
[ Taishakuten ]
Hey, you! Tora, wait for me! Wait!
Wait for me!
Tora-chan. Stop right there!
What have you done this time?
You, Tora! Oh, it's you again!
Yes.
Episode one of "Shonen Torajiro" begins now.
Please watch with us until the end.
[ Shonen Torajiro ] [ Boy Torajiro ] [ Episode 1 ]
I've caught it!
These punks!
Hey, you wait!
Then, let's review what happened...
...on that snowy day on February 26.
Yes. Okay.
It's okay, my child. You must be hungry now.
I'm sorry. I can't give you breast milk.
Okay.
Thank you, Akira-chan.
I'm glad you took a diaper.
Will that become your child?
Well, I guess so.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Ryuzo-san. Tsune-chan.
What happened, sister-in-law?
Are you okay, Mitsuko-san?
Who's this child?
[ Kuruma Tsune, Kuruma Ryuzo ]
Look. Not good.
My big bro's an idiot.
He has such a beautiful bride.
Is it necessary whether the woman is beautiful?
Here is the Kuruma's second son, Ryuzo-san, and his wife, Tsune-san.
Later, they will be his uncle and aunt.
Then, how's big bro?
Well, he haven't returned home until now.
What's wrong?
Did something happen on the morning?
Say, you.
I think it's not really a big deal in this world.
No. We tried to go to a store in Akasaka,
but we stopped in Yotsuya all the way. Right.
Were they from the army? Or police?
Both were there.
I see.
From the other side of the road,
we couldn't get through and just stand there.
There must have been something wrong.
I guess it's not one of the serious affair in the whole country.
That's not where we are.
That's right, though.
But he's cute.
Let me hold him for a bit.
Ryuzo left the house...
...and worked at a Japanese confectionery in Ueno.
They couldn't have a child after getting married.
They feel distressed as a married couple.
[ Oedo Shusse Kouta by Kokichi Takada ] Anyhow, it's a flower that has scattered.
Hey, I'm back home.
Eh~ The wind blows.
Oh~ The wind blows.
Hey, Heizo.
What are you guys doing here?
Isn't this a good news? You have a child.
What are you saying, big bro?
Am I wrong?
"It's Heizo-san's child..."
It must be referring to another person.
There are other names with Heizo out there.
They must have been mistaken.
The rice shop owner's name is also Heizo. Certainly.
He already passed away.
When?
I feel sorry for him.
Not good. Not at all.
Absolutely, I didn't met with her.
That woman is terrible.
She left her child, no matter what happens.
This is bad. It's getting terrible.
You're totally terrible.
No, everything you are.
What shall we do now?
What are you going to do, guys?
What are you going to do?
Let me hear your side first.
Is that so? I see...
But what are you going to do?
I don't know.
Isn't this right?
What do you mean?
This is my home. I have no matter with that child.
I just have a good and excellent son, Shoichiro, who's like me.
Well, there's nothing yet decided,
so for the time being, just take care of him.
But Ryuzo.
Both of you want to have a child. So now you'll feel at ease, wouldn't you?
You.
Just listen first.
Wouldn't this be fine for you?
It's just only one person and unknown.
This may be a gift from the heavens.
I'm wrong with that.
Ryuzo, try to look your situation.
Wouldn't it be good that Tsune-san will become a mother who's holding her own child?
Both of you will be able to cherish him.
It won't do...
Totally won't do.
Big bro,
please be careful of what you're saying!
This is a living child!
Let's head out.
Don't go outside.
You're just going to run away.
You see, Heizo-san.
Shut up.
I don't want to hear it.
I don't want to hear you reprimanding me for my actions.
I'll go to sleep now.
What terrible situation is this?
I...
I'll go and see Gozen Sama for a moment. [ nobleman, person of high rank ]
Gozen Sama?
I would like the two of you to become his parents.
You see, Mitsuko-san...
Is it this child's fault?
Right?
I'm correct, am I not?
Don't you think so?
You're right.
That's right, though...
Is it okay with you? Father-in-law.
Since you want to go and see him, just take the child thee.
Okay.
Mitsuko-san, don't struggle yourself.
No.
I'm ready for it.
What name should I use, Mitsuko-san?
I think this child is strong.
He'll live.
Since we're living in a small town,
this situation will soon be rumored.
I guess this will be revealed sooner or later.
I understood.
So, from here,
I would like to name him...
...which exemplifies strong but loving and who can thrust aside.
I wonder if he will be able to live well...
Someone who can be loved by everyone...
That's a difficult order from you.
Pardon me for that.
No way.
Oh,
wait a minute.
Okay.
He'll be named...
...Kuruma Torajiro.
Torajiro.
Thank you so much.
You gave him a fine name.
No, no. I hope that you liked it too.
Thank goodness.
Your name has been decided.
Tora-chan.
That's why the name of the baby was decided to be Torajiro.
After we have reviewed what happened, we'll now look what happened on August 1941.
Tora, just eat slowly.
It's really delicious.
This is good too. Eat this, Tora.
Akira-chan, you need to eat more.
Is it okay to have this? I'll enjoy.
Tora-chan.
Tora-chan, let's go.
Oh, let's go now.
Let's go, hurry.
Hurry up.
Wait a second.
Your face looks not good.
Don't just laugh.
You can just say "it's not".
I'm going!
Hey, what shall we play today?
Who are you?
I was totally drunk last night.
But I'm sure your name is Neko Saburo.
I'm Torajiro.
A fool has meet with a fool. Isn't it?
All of you look foolish right now.
Don't laugh.
What's wrong?
Hurry up and go.
Let's go.
Be careful on the way.
Don't be late.
You don't have to come home.
Hey, you...
Let's go!
Good morning.
Wait for me.
Did you call me!?
Then, let's move!
Okay! I did it!
Ready, start...
Gosh, I'm hungry.
I didn't eat anything today.
What's wrong? What happened?
Tora-chan, my mother is sick and just sleeping.
Is that so?
I'm hungry.
Look.
A man doesn't cry, you know.
It's just...
Okay. Let's go.
Come on.
Hurry up.
You're too slow.
Delicious.
It's really is.
Look here!
All of you!
Don't eat that!
All of you... I'm reprimanding you for what you did.
Ouch!
This stupid kid!
What's funny?
- I'm sorry. - I'm sorry.
Absolutely.
Thank you so much.
Thank you for the meal.
I wonder if I'll get caught.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
What a pity.
Tora-chan!
I'm sorry.
What are you doing?
I didn't do anything.
Just tell it to me.
No. I absolutely don't have to say.
Okay... You.
What are you doing in front of the store?
Hey, don't you understood it? You fool, Torajiro.
I guess you have stolen and eaten manjuu again. [ steamed yeast bun with filling ]
You must be punished for that.
See, you're caught red-handed!
No way!
Tora-chan already loves her mother and it can't be helped.
It could be that Tora-san have drowned with her beauty...
...as he's also looking for her real mother's looks.
I caught you.
You see... What's wrong eating manjuu?
I haven't caught one.
An eel! Wow!
I caught it,
You're amazing.
Right. He's great.
These are big ones.
How much do that cost?
Let's see...
Here.
And these too.
Just bring that back.
I'm back.
Mom, I'm hungry.
Torajiro.
A neighbor told me that he saw you.
It's not true, is it?
You've sold the caught eels from the river to Gawasei-san and you've received some change.
It's not true, right?
I don't even do that bad thing.
There's no reason for children to use the river's blessing through disagreeable actions.
Am I not right?
You shouldn't be like that, right?
You're seriously...
I was really disappointed.
Don't make excuses.
No need to make money.
Isn't it? You didn't return those, right?
What did you use it for?
How much?
How much have you received?
80-sen. [ round coin with a (square) hole in the center ]
I'll go back later.
Come on, hurry.
Kuruma-san.
I am about to visit you now.
I see.
Tora-chan,
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
You see...
We're a bit in trouble...
...from our debts.
Then, after,
my child said something to me while he cried.
And then...
Tora-chan said, "Just leave it to me".
So, he caught some eels...
...and sell it for money.
After that,
he gave all the money he earned to my child.
But later,
I returned the money to Gawasei-san.
Is that so...?
Thank you, Tora-chan.
Thank you.
Mom, I'm sorry.
Please don't hate me.
I'm really sorry.
What are you saying?
I'm not hating you at all.
But...
I am happy.
Mom loves you.
You're a good person, Tora-chan.
You're good, Tora-chan.
You must probably know this.
I haven't given you up at all.
The mother who gave birth to you is another person.
But...
But, you see...
You're already my son.
I'm proud of you.
Really? Is that true?
May I stay with you forever?
Of course.
Don't care what your dad says.
Okay.
Let me make delicious food for you.
What would you like to eat?
Ganmodoki! [ A fried tofu fritter made with vegetables, such as carrots, lotus roots and burdock. ]
You really like it.
You like to eat cheap foods.
Okay, raise up your head first.
What's wrong?
It feels good.
I'm sorry, Akira-chan.
Why are you apologizing, Mom?
I am the mother who gave birth to you.
You're saying strange things.
I guess so.
Since I'm your mother.
I'm sorry.
Let's eat our meal, Tora-chan.
Is my brother just fine?
Tora.
You can go up for a while.
Are you okay?
That looks cool.
This one?
As I didn't do anything stupid, I haven't caught with colds.
Did Dad told you?
I don't even care if it's a lie.
Is that so?
Then, you really caught up with colds? Do you felt too much heat? I guess, me too.
I'm looking forward to it.
I'm envious of you.
From what?
I envy you, instead.
Koshi.
Welcome back.
Here, let's eat this.
Oh?
Is it good?
It's delicious because it's beef.
Right.
Just eat. I've bought these.
It's delicious, Dad. Right?
Right?
It's really delicious.
Tora, eat meat too.
Eat it, Tora-chan.
It's delicious!
What are you...?
I didn't bought it for Torajiro.
He's making me feel dispirited.
Even if you feel that way, there's nothing wrong with him eating these.
What are you saying?
Here, Tora-chan.
Here.
Look.
Here.
Enjoy it.
That's too much.
[ Showa era, December 8, 1941 ]
To all army and navy forces, an announcement from imperial headquarters.
Our forces were under close cooperation with the Army and Navy.
Surprise landing operations were carried out in various places.
And the battles have expanded steadily.
To all army and navy forces, an announcement from imperial headquarters.
From today, the broadcast of the weather forecast will be canceled.
The broadcast of the weather forecast will be canceled.
What on earth that the weather forecast will be stopped?
I'm in trouble.
Without the weather forecast, I couldn't decide what to buy.
Absolutely. I need to run the business.
You see,
we're not living in luxury.
People in the Edo period don't even have weather forecasts.
Isn't it judged just by looking at the sky?
Oh, Dad.
Let's held a farewell party.
Some stores even prepare a big banquet.
It's not relevant at all.
That's ridiculous. Don't take your hands off from the trends.
Like what I do every night, I want to go out and drink for some sake.
I also want to get a lot of information...
So what?
Our kusa dango is a great souvenir for customers at such times. [ dumplings in a skewer ]
So you mean you would also like to drink alcohol?
You're thoughtless, you see?
There are children who even drinks.
So I'd like to buy souvenirs of kusa dango...
...that's full of nourishment for the drooping children waiting at home.
Don't you think so, as a parent?
From there, we'll be having Kuruma's kusa dango.
[ Showa era, March 1942 ]
And from there, after a while...
A significant event is happening to the Kuruma family and to Tora-chan.
[ Temporarily closed ]
What are you? What are you looking at?
Mitsuko-san, are you okay?
Hey, you're late.
I can't walk fast.
Thanks to someone, the child will be born.
Fine, just hurry up.
Yes. Yes.
Before that, I want to have tea and dango.
Haven't you look the situation? There's still some time before it happens.
Tsune-chan, please.
Okay.
Here, the dango.
My apologies.
Oh? How about Tora-chan?
Sister-in-law.
Please have this.
Thank you.
Wait a minute.
Why do you have to wait?
Huh!?
Brother.
Hey, Tora.
As expected.
Brother.
What is it?
Will Mom be just fine, wouldn't she?
What do you mean?
I heard it.
Mom's body...
...is weak...
What shall I do...?
She's about to give birth...
My mom...
...is about to give birth...
Say, will she just be fine? Isn't it?
She will be fine.
Your mother is a strong person.
So, she will be fine.
Honestly,
I'm a bit scared.
Maybe, if that's the case.
If in case something happens to me...
I'm leaving to you Shoichiro and Torajiro.
I want my family to escape from being beyond one's control as much as possible.
Though I'm not really that bad person...
I think I'm a useless one.
Say, Tora.
Do you love your mother?
Yes. I really love her.
I loved her the most in this world.
I'll grow up and protect my mom.
To my mom who loved me and raised me and not abandoning me...
I'll repay her back and make her happy.
I see...
You said it.
You said it, Tora.
Take a deep breath...
Okay, push.
Good. Okay, take a deep breath...
Yes, take a deep breath!
Take a breath...
Okay, take a breath!
Please think about Mitsuko-san.
Okay.
Mom...
It created a good sound today.
Brother! Tora!
Brother.
It's a cheerful girl. Mom is just fine too.
Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!
Thank goodness.
Thank you so much.
You're so cute, Tora-chan.
I'll care for the second most important one in the world.
The second?
Then, who's the number one?
Well, you see...
But there was just one big brother right above me.
It might not be easy if she'll become my daughter-in-law.
An elder brother? Come on.
You've just said it now, Dad.
Indeed.
Did I said it?
How about...
...naming this child as Sakura...?
Sakura.
It's already settled.
That's how Japan's beloved sister, Sakura, was born.
A ceremony is going to be held today.
[ Then, see you next week. ]