"Autumn 2019"
Sakura, see this?
Tsukushi is starting junior high school.
Even now, I feel so grateful.
I think it was your sixth year.
Without your help back then...
I might not have been able to keep her.
"October 2019"
"October 2014"
How are you, Grandad?
How is your heart?
This is my sixth autumn since joining my dream company, Hanamura.
I still don't know when our bridge will begin construction.
However, I'm doing my best and will never give up.
That reminds me
about what you wrote in your fax the other day...
"Something wrong? You seem down"
You're being transferred to a subsidiary.
You're worrying unnecessarily.
Try not to worry yourself.
"Dear Grandpa, How are you? How's your heart?"
I'm going great and everything is fine.
Well, I'm off to work.
Hanamura homes on sale now.
If you're thinking about a new detached home, please visit us.
Hanamura homes--
Good morning.
It must be hard for you out in the cold.
I'm fine. Winters at home are much colder.
Aren't you concerned if you stay where you are
you'll never getting posted to Public Works?
Yes, well...
Hey!
Excuse me...
please don't leave your bicycle here.
What's it to you?
These are tactile pavers so it's a parking violation.
Visually impaired people won't see it and get injured.
Oh, shut up!
Hey!
Are you okay?
Why do you keep doing that?
More importantly, are you okay?
Huh? What?
At this rate, you'll be late.
This is bad... really bad.
Excuse me, please don't park your bicycle there.
"Our Dearest Sakura"
Good morning.
Morning.
Good morning.
It's not like you to be running behind.
My daughter has a fever.
How old is Tsukushi, 87? They're so cute at that age.
By the way, I just bumped into Sakura Kitano.
Really? How is she doing?
Can nothing be done to bring her back to head office?
That's a good question.
Oh, I almost forgot this.
What's this "Seminar to Promote Advancement for Women"?
The Act on Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement
in the Workplace has passed, we've invited
a well-known scholar to give a lecture.
Mieko Tsubaki? She's the famous critic!
She's written lots of books in support of working women.
We've established a project team consisting of female staff, so
I'd like you to work with Public Relations on this one.
And you'll be in charge!
I'll be in charge?
You have to. This woman is notoriously difficult.
Difficult?
This is a list of requests from her assistant.
Please address her as "professor”.
Incidentally, this is the CEO's pet project.
The CEO is close to this professor.
He's getting advice from her about publishing his autobiography.
You must be kidding.
So, no slip ups.
Kitano isn't here, so you'll be fine.
I'm Sumire Hino from Personnel and I'll be organizing this seminar.
Excuse me.
Sakura!
What's happened?
I was told to represent Hanamura Home at this seminar.
You're just in time. Were you photographing buildings again?
No, I was showing a customer the virtues of our model homes
and lost track of time.
I know you're passionate about your work.
- Hurry up and take a seat. - Yes.
All female staff from Hanamura will be at this seminar,
so we have to ensure it's a resounding success.
Let's all collaborate closely to make sure it is.
Moving right along to the schedule,
after this, we'll meet with Professor Tsubaki's assistant--
I knew it.
What do you have to say?
Why should only female employees attend this seminar?
Instead, shouldn't we be concentrating on the work at hand?
It's because the profile of women in construction companies is low.
So, we need our company to change its mindset.
In that case, male staff should also attend
So we can convey to them that
we should be given greater responsibility.
Well, that's...
Sakura, you seem a little tense today.
Is it because you're unhappy with being sent off to a subsidiary?
No, that's not it.
I see it like this.
Before asking men to change,
it's important for women to understand each other first.
Divorcees, singles with kids and married women all have
different needs which can be a source of friction.
Except...
So Sakura, how much do you know about Sumire?
Well...
- She has a daughter and a husband-- - Wrong.
I got a divorce, so I'm a single mother.
"Miss Meiko Tsubaki"
I see.
Things like this happen, so
this seminar is a chance
for women to become one voice, don't you agree?
Yes, you're right.
So, let's go over the request list before her assistant gets--.
Sorry, speaking of the devil.
Hello, this is Sumire Hino. We're indebted to you.
Huh? Already?
I see. We'll be down right away.
- I'll go. - Thanks.
Sorry, but she's arrived early.
Let's rearrange the room.
Sakura, do you have a minute?
I'm begging you, please watch what you say.
That list is full of unreasonable requests.
What will happen if you anger them and the seminar is called off?
You, more than anybody, should know the company doesn't care about us.
Thank you for taking time to make this seminar to promote
women's participation possible.
Without ado, we've given thought to the topic we'd like
- Prof. Tsubaki to talk about. - We don't need that.
The professor will decide the topic of her lecture.
My purpose today is to confirm your acceptance of these requests.
Yes, they're fine for the most part, but there are just one or two items.
Which items are difficult for you?
Is it the request for a single contact from arrival to departure?
Or is it the massage chair and humidifier in the anteroom??
No, that's not it.
It says here that after the lecture, you won't take any questions.
Can't you do something about this?
You probably don't understand this,
but the professor pours her heart and soul into her lectures.
As a result, she suffers from exhaustion.
However, this is supposed to be a seminar,
so there are employees who are looking forward to talking with her.
Excuse me, but haven't you read the professor's books?
The professor always says,
"The worst human trait is wanting answers without thinking first."
Before asking others,
learning to think for yourself will lead to brilliant new ideas.
That's why lazy thinkers are unable to advance.
Miss Kitano, no!
Then, may we ask a question after we have given it thought?
I'm sorry, but the professor is busy.
That may be so,
but it will give the impression that questions are a bother.
Are you okay with that?
In her books, the professor also writes,
"What's most important is to listen to women
who refuse to give in despite impossible circumstances.”
What?
Ah, Miss Yoneda, welcome!
Thank you for doing this for us.
Please tell the professor we're all looking forward to her lecture.
Thank you very much.
How are preparations going?
Please don't hesitate to ask
our excellent female staff for anything.
It's about that.
What's the problem?
There is one person who's finding faults in what we're asking.
You again?
Still causing trouble?
I only asked
if Miss Tsubaki would kindly agree to take questions after the seminar.
I've already given you the reason.
And why aren't you calling Prof. Tsubaki as we requested?
I've never been taught by Miss Tsubaki.
- What's this? - Okay, okay.
Actually, Miss Yoneda...
this one's a little strange.
I'll take personal responsibility for all your requests.
- You are? - Hino from Personnel.
Please take care of this.
I understand.
- CEO, sir! - Yes?
It's a trivial matter, but this is from Prof. Tsubaki.
Oh, that's wonderful.
This seminar is turning out to be a pain.
Yes, it is.
You were holding back just now, weren't you?
No, I wasn't.
Being sent away is getting to you, isn't it?
Another slip up and you'll be out altogether.
"Hanamura Home Sakura Kitano"
How about using this chance to enrich your private life?
Say, why don't we go to a singles party?
No. I have no interest in anything like that.
Meanwhile, the sands of time continue to flow unceasingly.
Isn't there anybody you fancy?
No, nobody at all.
Hey, what's up with you two?
We've just come from a meeting about the women's seminar.
I see.
How are you doing, Sakura?
Well.
Your appearance has completely changed.
Beginners in Public Works all start out in surveying, so it's tough.
Out in the field every day.
That uniform suits you more than an expensive-looking suit.
Still speaking your mind, I see.
Yeah, well too bad.
Still, it's ironic.
That I got to Public Works before Sakura.
Tell me...
what's the situation with the Misaki Island bridge?
I hear the company is looking into reinstating it but...
it's complicated.
I see.
This is me.
- Okay, see you. - Thank you.
Sakura, if you change your mind about what I said, call me.
Yes.
What did she say?
She suggested going to a singles party.
So what will you do?
I declined as I'm not interested.
So, if a secret admirer of yours confesses his feelings to you,
what would you say?
I would refuse him.
I see.
But what if he was good looking
and had a sincere personality?
What would you do?
I'd still refuse.
I have to wait here for my colleagues from Public Works.
I see.
Please do your best.
Sakura...
I.--
lo...
located close by, so call me if you feel stressed.
We could go for a drink or karaoke.
I appreciate it, but I'm fine.
What am I doing?
Hello, it's been a while.
I'm back.
She's just returned, so please hold.
- Sakura. - Yes.
Call for you from head office, Personnel on line one.
Thank you.
- Hello, Kitano speaking. - It's Sumire.
The CEO told me to take you
off the seminar project team.
Mister Kurokawa protested as well.
But her assistant wouldn't let it go, so our hands are tied.
I see.
See where it has got you?
If you keep causing trouble and get fired,
there'll be no helping you.
The Nobel Prize for Physics will be given to the inventors of blue LED.
Once again, Japanese technology receives global recognition.
Hello, you two.
- Hello. - Hello.
I'd like one croquette dinner, please.
Why don't you try something else?
Because that's all you ever order nowadays.
Is that bad?
If that's what you want.
So, go and talk to her.
Huh? Why?
Well, you like her, don't you?
You've got it wrong.
How can you be so laid back when you have a rival?
What do you mean?
I heard from Yuri that Aoi also has feelings for Sakura.
No way.
Hey, Sakura... how is it going?
Okay, I guess.
I see. That's good then.
Thank you for waiting. One croquette dinner.
Thank you very much.
Say, would you like to go somewhere... with me?
Why?
Because...
Rentaro has a thing for Yuri and we need to help him.
What are you saying?
I'm sorry Rentaro, but I'm not in the mood for that right now.
No, you've got it wrong.
Sakura... I...
it's about you...
I'm so worried.
It's a small portion and you don't seem that hungry.
That's not true.
I'm relieved then.
I'm here if you ever need me.
After all... I am...
your friend.
Thank you.
For the professor's lunch,
she doesn't want garden peas, soy milk skin or leeks.
Yes, I have it. Good-bye.
You must be kidding.
What's the matter?
Continually sighing will take happiness away.
Can't you do something?
She's calling me every hour with more demands.
That must be tough.
I'd gladly take your place if I was a woman.
How convenient for you.
Not again.
"Hikarigacka Primary School"
Hello, Hino speaking.
Really?
Your daughter hit a classmate.
It seems she became angry when classmates teased
and called her names about playing with roly-polies.
Hey Mum, look at how pretty it is?
Tsukushi, aren't you ashamed?
You can't go around starting fights.
They were making fun of me.
Then just ignore them.
You're a terrible mother.
It's your fault you got divorced.
You believe I have to put up with it no matter what?
I just want to do and say whatever I want.
What's wrong with that?
People can't go on forever doing and saying as they please.
There's someone at work like that.
Except now, she's paying the price.
Your mobile is ringing.
"Miss Yoneda"
Hello, Hino speaking.
Now?
I understand.
Later on then.
Sorry, but I have to get back to the office.
Can you go home alone?
Huh? I don't want to.
Don't be like that.
Can't I go with you?
I want to see where you work.
I'm so sorry.
The professor insisted on seeing the venue before the seminar.
We're honored to have you present at our seminar.
Professor, what is it?
- Miss Yoneda... - Yes.
Don't you think the acoustics are unusual in here?
Oh, you're right.
Miss Hino, can we change venues?
This is the largest auditorium we have.
It's not a matter of size.
It's matter of whether everyone can hear her clearly.
Well, I could try to find another room, but...
Miss Yoneda, this'll have to do.
Thank you. I'm so relieved.
In return, the lighting is poor so can I ask you to brighten it up?
For that, I'll need to speak to General Affairs.
If it's no trouble.
Don't you agree
it's critical the professor is radiant and beautiful?
I understand, I'll look into it.
What are you doing here?
Sorry, I was running an errand and saw you in here.
You again.
Why the big emphasis on lighting?
You write in your own books
that a woman who's beautiful on the inside is more radiant
than any amount of light.
Miss Hino, I thought I told you about her.
This brat is not to show her face in front of the professor.
Forgive me.
She's only here on an errand.
Not to worry, Miss Yoneda.
It's rare to find a young woman who speaks her mind.
By all means, please attend my seminar.
Thank you very much.
Miss Yoneda, there are still few things to discuss,
so may we continue over dinner?
Oh, of course. Miss Hino, you have the time, don't you?
I'd like to, except I have my daughter with me.
Your husband can take care of her.
Well, actually...
Shall I watch her for you?
You can't leave her alone at home till late.
Well, but...
I'm okay with that.
Don't worry. Dinner won't take long.
How cramped! And old fashioned!
What era was this built in?
The Heisei era.
Say, what are these?
Fax letters from my grandad.
Why are they up there?
Reading them gives me courage.
Say, don't you cook?
Sorry, but I'm no good at it.
These croquettes taste just like my grandad's
and are delicious.
Well?
Mum's taste better.
I see.
Is that your mum and dad?
Yes.
Don't tell me they're dead?
Yes. When I was 8.
I'm 8 too.
Is that right?
Say...
What is it?
Is it hard being a grown-up?
Well...
- I'm not sure. - Why not?
People are always telling me to grow up.
Well then...
is it hard to live...
the way you want to?
I didn't...
"Do only what you can do Admit to your own faults”
I didn't think that was hard, but...
being sent off to a subsidiary...
is hard to bear.
So, when I grow up, I'll have to change my ways too.
Well...
I can't say for sure.
Is that all you can say?
I'm sorry.
You're making me depressed.
Hey, let's play a game.
Let me see...
How about arm wrestling?
That's not a kid's game.
- How about origami? - That's boring.
Then what?
Here you are.
What are you two up to?
- What? - What?
Are you wondering whether to phone Sakura?
- Cut it out! - Be serious.
"Sakura Kitano"
It's from Sakura.
Why is she calling you?
I've no idea.
Hello, Sakura. What is it?
Sorry, but can you come to my place?
Huh? Why?
I'm watching Sumire's daughter, but I'm terrible with kid's games.
I'm so bad at it that
she asked me if I had any friends who may be good at games.
- I won! - Oh!
You're pretty good at this, Rentaro.
Hey, you should call me mister.
Stop going easy on her.
It's my turn.
Why did you two tag along?
Well, we just happened to be with Rentaro when you called.
And we had free time.
You're such liars, it's because you both like--
Keep your mouth shut!
Never mind us.
Yes?
Okay then, I will do it.
Is something wrong?
Please keep it down. He won't go to sleep.
You're always telling us off, So now, you know how we feel.
I'm sorry.
Sorry, but...
can you all lower your voices?
My neighbours have a 3-year old.
Anyway, I should get home.
I suppose so. It's getting late.
Don't go, Rentaro.
Please stay.
I told you to call me mister.
Please be quiet, or they may come back.
I'm sorry, I'm so late.
Tsukushi, let's go.
No.
What do you mean, no?
I want to keep playing.
What did I say about causing trouble?
"Do this" and "do that" is all I hear from you.
What do you want me to do?
Just shut up and blindly obey you?
- Just sit quietly and study? - That's enough. I'm getting angry.
How come? I saw how you kowtow at the office.
Is your job to apologise?
It's pathetic!
That's enough!
I hate you!
- Tsukushi! - We'll go and look.
For Pete's sake.
"Hanamura Home"
You can go home too.
Have a good evening.
"Rentaro”
Hello, Rentaro. What is it?
Sakura, when you're done, can you come to our cafe?
Why?
I think Sumire needs some help.
"Cafe Request"
How's Sumire?
I bumped into her as I was leaving.
She asked me if I knew a cheap place to drink so I brought her here.
How are you? You're drinking awfully fast.
I'm perfectly fine. I can handle alcohol well.
But, are you okay, leaving Tsukushi alone?
That's no problem either.
How's that?
She said she prefers her father, so she left.
So, what will you do?
I've lost my confidence as a mother.
Since I was small, I was never good at keeping pets or even pot plants.
So I was very anxious whether someone like me could raise a child,
especially one like Tsukushi.
I've got no idea how to get through to her.
Recently, whether at home or the office,
I feel like all I'm doing is trying to hold things together.
Looking back...
when I joined Hanamura, I was passionate like you.
Is that so?
But no matter how much I insist or try to persuade,
my boss tells me to shut up and listen, or tells me
that I am impertinent for a woman.
Then, other women say
that I'm flirting and I do it to be noticed.
In the end, it broke my spirit.
No matter... how hard I try...
it's all been for nothing.
That's why I escaped to my marriage.
When Tsukushi was born...
I was determined to live for my loving family.
After the divorce...
I worked hard to care for Tsukushi and put everything else aside.
But look at me now.
I've lost everything.
So Tsukushi is--
"Miss Yoneda"
Not her again!
Yes, Hino speaking.
Yes, but we've already been--
Yes, I understand.
What's the matter?
She's saying they want to change the subject of her lecture.
I've got to go.
Grandad,
my supervisor since I joined Hanamura is not doing well.
I'm not married
and don't have the responsibilities that she has...
so I'm not sure what to do.
Is it really so hard to live...
the way you want?
"Incoming"
"Receiving"
"Life is full of hardship"
"However..."
"the hardest thing in life is lying to yourself"
"Seminar to Promote Participation and Advancement for Women 2014"
"Defining leadership for women to shine through”
Hino, we appreciate your ongoing help today.
No, thank you.
Where can these go?
What are they?
Prof. Tsubaki's latest book.
You want to sell these after the seminar?
After hearing her lecture, everyone will want one.
But this kind of self-promotion is--
You CEO has given his approval.
I see.
Sorry.
Let's put them here.
I'll go fetch the professor.
What? Another complaint?
No, not really.
You can sit in and listen,
but don't cause any trouble no matter what.
I know.
May I ask a favour instead?
What?
Can she listen too?
Why are you...
I'll go home if I'm not allowed.
That's not it.
Come on.
Hey!
What did you say to her?
I said, it may seem like
her mum does nothing but apologise at work...
but actually, she's suppressing herself
for the good of the company.
And her mum always tries to look out for everyone in the company.
I said her mum is doing a superb job that I'm incapable of doing.
If she wants to be with her mum, she needs to be true to herself.
After work, please talk to Tsukushi.
She was really worried about you.
Let's sit here, shall we?
But I have no confidence...
I don't think you have to be a good mother.
For a child, it's enough...
for a mother to just be there.
Someone who just laughs and smiles.
Someone who gently holds her hand.
When I wanted to do whatever I wanted, my mother...
she didn't tell me not to do it...
instead, she said, "That's fine. Go right ahead."
The result is the person before you.
And I feel so sorry for all the trouble I've caused you.
"Defining Leadership for Women to Shine”
What I want to say most of all is that I want you all to recognise
that women still face discrimination in the workplace.
The number of female executives in Japan is still less than 20 percent.
To rectify this, what is needed is
for everyone single person here to fight
to improve the status of women.
Thank you very much
for the wonderful opportunity here today.
Is that it?
Incidentally,
if anyone is interested to know more,
I hope you'll pick up a copy,
my latest book for a deeper understanding of today's topic.
So it's nothing more than self-promotion.
It may help you if you buy my book.
Professor, that was wonderful. I was very impressed.
Thank you very much.
Please. Another round of applause.
Professor!
Did you come here today...
to promote your book?
What's the meaning of this?
I came to support the cause of working women, of course.
All you did was just regurgitate your book and what's more,
your talk was much shorter than what we had planned.
Well, that's...
You need to restrain yourself.
There are many people here
who genuinely believe in you
and were looking forward to hear you speak.
But this is nothing more than 3 PR exercise to show
that the company supports female participation.
What are you saying? That's not the intention at all.
Really.
Isn't the real reason you invited her because
she's a member of the committee that certifies companies that
promote participation for women, and you want to be certified?
If that's the case,
isn't it an insult to the women here who work long hours,
believing that the company will take measures
to improve their working environment?
That's enough!
Do you realise what will happen to you now?
I really don't care.
Up till now,
I've been a half-hearted mother and working woman.
But thanks to you, no matter how hard things get from now,
I'm determined to be true to myself,
just like my daughter and subordinate, Sakura.
Mum!
You were so cool.
I was anything but.
I'll probably get fired.
That's okay.
I love you, Mum.
I'm sorry for what I said before.
It's okay.
You're good just as you are.
From now on, be however you want.
Really?
Yes.
But I may turn out like Sakura.
That would be a problem.
Yes, it would.
You have to listen to me a little.
Okay.
What should we eat?
What do I feel like...
Give me a break. You're always running behind.
- I'm sorry. - Hurry and get ready.
Good morning.
Late because you were taking pictures again?
Yes. Would you like to see?
Show me.
Are you sure?
They're very good.
Thank you very much.
- Sakura. - Yes.
What if 10 years from now, you are like me?
Would you want to be like me?
Well...
You don't have to answer that.
Listen now...
you must never be like me.
Ten years from now and beyond, you need to stay as you are now.
I'm unable to be the way you are.
So you have my full support.
There's going to be many more hard working days ahead.
You may also get married and have children.
You may have work or family-related stress issues.
At those times...
you can come to me.
I'm ready to help you with anything.
In return, please don't be deterred.
Stick to your guns, Sakura Kitano.
Thank you very much.
That's the first time I've been praised at Hanamura.
I'm the happiest I've ever been, Mum.
I'm sorry. I felt like I was talking to my mother.
You can call me that if you want to.
No, Tsukushi will be angry, so I'd better not.
In return...
would you mind taking a photo with me?
Of course.
- Say "collea--". - But I'm older than you.
Sorry.
Say "mentor".
Sakura...
I haven't forgotten the promise I made back then.
No matter what happens...
Tsukushi and I will always be there to support you.
So, how about waking up?
Grandad, I'm sorry.
I've been telling fibs.
In fact, I've been on secondment to a subsidiary for a year.
And, I may never return to head office.
But I'm feeling better now.
So please don't be concerned.
I have someone who is looking out for me like a mother.
"Grandad, I'm sorry. I've been telling fibs."
Hey, there's a fax from Sakura.
It seems Sakura was holding back the truth, so we wouldn't worry.
So shouldn't you also tell her the truth?
That your heart is no good.
She doesn't need to know that.
Oh, are you alright?
This is good... very good.
Hello.
It's Kurokawa here. Would you come to head office now?
- This is fine. - Thank you very much.
Excuse me.
Sorry to call you in like this, Kitano.
What is it, sir?
I've got good news and bad news. Which would you like first?
Bad news first, please.
Miss Hino has been transferred to Company Archives.
Don't look like that.
She said to tell you she'll be fine and not to worry.
And the good news?
At last, construction on the bridge to your home island will resume.
Good for you.
Grandad, it's happening!
Our island will finally get a bridge.
"Receiving"
"There'll be no bridge"
"Your dream won't come true”
Why do all these things happen to you?
Do whatever you think is right.
Are you telling us to forget Sakura's dream?
I have a dream.