No matter how long, we'll wait
for the day we can work with you again.
No matter how hard, we'll never give up.
I don't want to live in a world without you, Sakura.
Well, see you tomorrow.
Grandad...
I thought I could hear everyone's voices.
"I don't want to live in a world without you"
I was going out to see everyone when I...
Yuri...
Aoi...
Kikuo...
Rentaro...
I miss you all.
Sakura!
She's actually awake.
I'm so relieved.
I was so worried you'd never regain consciousness.
Did I hurt you?
I'm sorry. My muscles are still stiff and sore.
Your voice is weak. Is it because you haven't spoken for so long?
It's now the Reiwa era, isn't it.
The nurse told me.
Today is December 11th...
in the first year of the Reiwa era.
Of course. It was still the old era when you had your accident.
For nine months...
I was...
Sakura, there's something you need to know.
Now's not the time.
The sooner she knows the better.
Mr Kurokawa has been holding on to your resignation till now.
But he can't hold off any longer.
"Notice of Termination"
I see.
I'm sure you'll find a job with a good company.
We'll help you look.
Let us know whatever you need.
We're all ready to help you with anything.
What's the matter?
I was thinking...
how you have...
all matured.
What are you talking about? That's not true.
He's right. A lot has happened since your accident.
I still have concerns I can't shake free.
I have things I need to discuss too, but I'll wait until you're stronger.
Thank you.
The words of encouragement you sent to me...
They gave me strength just like Grandad's fax letters.
That's why I'll continue to...
try hard to make my dream of working with my friends to build structures
that bring happiness to people all over...
come...
true.
That's wonderful.
Sakura...You have come back to us at last.
You know...
I'm happy...
you all rushed here to visit me.
But I think it's better not to run in the hospital corridors.
Hey! Don't worry about things like that in your current state.
Sakura's back with us at last!
I'm so relieved.
Thank you very much.
"Our Dearest Sakura"
Raise it slowly.
Now, slowly lower it back.
"Episode Nine"
Welcome home.
What's all this?
Just the bare essentials.
We couldn't believe all you had was a smart speaker!
I'm sorry.
We extended the rental agreement and this month's rent is paid.
Thank you very much.
I'll pay you back as soon as I can.
Don't worry about it.
We all put in believing you would return to us.
That's no reason...
Coming.
I heard voices and thought you might be back.
Yes, I was discharged today.
Thank you very much for what you did to save my boy.
Not at all.
Yoshiki, say thank you.
Thank you, lady.
You've grown a little taller, Yoshiki.
My husband's out right now but he'll visit you when he's back.
Please accept this.
You shouldn't have.
Goodbye for now.
I'm sure she's very grateful.
When you're a mother,
your child's life is more precious than your own.
As a mother myself, this much I know to be true.
I treasure every day I get to spend with my baby.
I'm sorry.
No worries. I think it's her nappy.
Time to change it?
There you are.
It's tough to work while rearing a baby.
It's hard to find daycare
and I get stares when I take carer's leave.
I see.
So at this point,
I'm thinking about quitting and starting a business.
What business?
I've been looking into starting a daycare centre for women like me.
Of course, I know the company pays better and it would be easier.
Except, I don't feel it's a place where I truly belong.
Ah, sorry.
I shouldn't talk about such things, or you may get angry again.
Not at all. Unlike before, I can tell it's a serious issue for you.
However, I don't have the courage to make the change.
I also have my daughter to think about.
Have you spoken to Aoi about this?
He's the father, isn't he?
Yes, but I don't want marry him.
Why not?
Well it's because...
Aoi still has feelings for you.
That can't be...
It's true... I can tell.
One, two, three, four.
Five, six, seven, eight.
- Looks like tough going. - Aoi.
- How are you feeling? - Okay.
My joints and muscles are still stiff.
And my hand still feels a little numb.
You're pushing too hard. Slowly and surely is the way to go.
After all, time is the best healer.
Time's the best healer?
It means each day that passes is helping you get better.
Trust you Aoi, to know such a good proverb.
Sorry, please don't look at me like that.
Ah, sorry. I was just thinking how you've changed.
Your hair is longer and your glasses are different.
I've had these glasses since high school.
The other ones can't be mended.
I see.
I need to get back to the office.
You seem busy.
Don't get up.
That's okay. It's all part of my rehab.
Mr Kurokawa is deputy CEO now and has begun a new project.
And, I'm on the team.
That's great.
The road to CEO for you is clear.
No, no. Every day is challenging and I've got no time for it.
My personal life is a mess too.
Has that something to do with Yuri?
I proposed to her but she flat out turned me down.
But... I'm not sure if this is how it should be.
I suppose it means I'm not needed.
That's...
too difficult for me.
I'm hopeless when it comes to love and marriage.
Yes, you are.
I'm sorry.
Don't fret over it.
You've had it much harder than me...
comatose for nine months.
Hey Sakura, how are you?
Yes. I'm surviving.
Is Sendai cold, Kikuo?
A little.
Where are you now?
We're at an internet cafe.
Rentaro is helping me look for a job.
This used to be the Cafe Request where we all used to come.
Huh, really?
Yeah, it's changed so much I hardly recognised it.
That's a shame. The atmosphere was so calming before.
So what was it you have to discuss?
It's something for Sakura, not for you.
Sure, sure.
Yes, Kikuo, what is it?
Well, I'm here in the office of the NPO where I volunteer.
They've asked me to become the managing director.
That's great.
No, it's not!
You know I'm more suited for the supporting role.
Except, they all want you, correct?
I can't. I don't have the confidence to be a leader.
What am I going to do if I fail?
But you are...
Kikuo, do you have a moment?
Ah, yes.
Sorry to cut this short, but I have to go.
No worries. Good luck.
You too. Good luck with your job hunting.
Yes, thank you very much.
See you.
I know exactly how he feels.
As soon as I married Sumire and became Tsukushi's father,
the pressure was suddenly dumped on my shoulders.
It has been so intense.
Is that so?
What's more...
we're expecting another child.
Sumire's expecting?
Ah...yes.
That's great.
It's good news, except...
a client is making all kinds of unreasonable demands.
I told my manager we should say no if we want to do it right,
and I was suddenly told to go to the Sales Division.
Is that so?
If I can't work in Design, it makes me want to quit
and look for another job,
but Sumire will need to take maternity leave, so I can't.
Have you spoken to Sumire about this?
She's still in first trimester, so I don't want to upset her.
Ah, sorry.
I didn't mean to bore you with my problems but it just came out.
No, I don't mind it at all.
I'll give it more thought, so don't mention it to Sumire.
"Resume"
"Sakura Kitano"
Coming.
What is it?
I cooked too much, so I brought some to share.
Knowing you, I thought you haven't been eating right.
Very kind of you. Thank you very much.
So are you hungry? You want to eat something now?
- Hold on... - Ah!
What happened?
I was clumsy.
Don't worry. Go and sit down.
I'm sorry.
How is your recovery?
Any difficulties?
I'm perfectly well. My strength has returned and I'm doing my best
to live as best I can.
Why are you speaking so fast like that?
Am l?
Are you pretending again to not cause me concern?
I hear that you've become pregnant.
Congratulations.
Pregnancy at my age comes with challenges.
Rentaro's thrilled.
Is that all he said?
No, um, well, no.
He just helped me look for jobs and didn't tell me anything.
- Sakura. - Yes.
When you lie, you talk faster.
That's preposterous!
You don't have to pretend.
I know that Rentaro was told to go work in Sales.
Huh, really?
I work in Personnel after all.
Silly Rentaro is trying to hide it.
I told him he should try talking to you about it.
I'm sure he's concerned for me but there's no need for that.
Then would you tell him that for me?
I don't think so.
He's an adult so he needs to reach a decision himself.
What?
Nothing. I was thinking how much you've matured.
That's not true.
More importantly, how's your job search?
Any prospects?
Rentaro's been helping and I have an interview tomorrow.
I see.
Just watch what you say.
If you talk about how you quit, it'll make a bad impression.
Gentlemen, creation continues incessantly.
This is what Gaudi said when he was building the Sagrada Familia.
I love this quote.
Hanamura Construction is a large general contractor.
Why did you leave?
That's because...
To be precise, after a year in Personnel,
I moved to Archives for a year
and returned to Personnel.
Then I was sent to a subsidiary in my fifth year.
After that...
The bridge to our island can't be built.
Because of me, a large bridge project was canceled and
after a long stay in the hospital following an accident,
I was fired.
It would be better not to say that.
No one will hire you.
However, I don't want to tell lies.
If a subcontractor like us gets in Hanamura's bad books,
we won't get any business.
"Joetsu Bank"
"Balance 84,252 yen"
"Resume"
Can you start right away?
Thank you very much.
- 266 yen, please. - I have a prepaid card.
Oh...
Please tap there.
Thank you very--
Speed it up.
Customers don't like waiting.
I'm sorry.
Also, try to be more amiable.
Smile when you greet customers.
Sorry.
For now, can you take down the items past expiry?
Yes.
"Clam Tsukudani"
Hey.
What are you doing?
Sorry, I was picturing
a brand new building design and got carried away.
- Shall I explain it? - No.
Stop talking nonsense and get on with it.
Sorry.
"Message from Yuri"
"How are you? Have you found work?"
"Try speaking to it"
For now,
I'll look for a job while working at a convenience store.
"Tap to record voice message”
Please don't worry.
Keep your chin up too, Yuri.
"Job search”
Looking for work?
Ah, Yoshiki's dad. Yes.
Me too, but it's really hard. All I have is a driver's license.
I don't even have a license.
So what work are you looking for?
Architecture.
If I can create wonderful structures,
it'll make many people happy.
I see.
"New message from: Personnel Manager”
"We regret to inform you your application was unsuccessful'
Grandad...
I miss everyone.
Except, everyone's having it tough right now...
so it would be wrong to bother them.
Say, why don't I think of how to solve their problems?
In my current condition, that's about all I can do.
" Want to be supportive to my friends..."
"Yuri is..."
Hello, Sakura?
Yuri, do you have a moment?
It's not like you.
That's not true.
What is it?
Have you found a job?
No, I haven't, but...
Would you all like to have hot pot at my place sometime?
I haven't apologized for the trouble
I caused, and I want to show my thanks.
- Are you sure? - Yes.
Then I'll ask everyone their schedule.
Thank you very much.
Yuri, you've been searching for a place to belong for a long time,
so I want you to trust your feelings.
The place you want to be is the place where you belong.
Rentaro...
if you keep this up, you'll end up suffering alone just like before.
If you sincerely ask Sumire for help,
I'm adamant she'll support you.
Kikuo...
with your strong desire to help people more than anything else,
I'm sure people will follow you if you're willing to take the lead.
So don't be afraid of failures and give it a try.
Aoi...
The reason Yuri won't get married is
because she wanted you to focus solely on becoming CEO.
As she believes you can be a true leader,
she didn't want burden you.
Coming.
I brought a cake.
Thank you very much.
Come in. You're the first to arrive.
Sakura, I'm sorry.
There's an entrepreneur seminar I don't want to miss.
Can you forgive me tonight?
I've decided to resign.
Instead of mulling over where I belong, I'll make wherever I am
into somewhere I can belong.
What, no good?
No, I was kind of thinking the same thing.
That's a relief.
I was hoping you'd say so.
Give it your best shot, Yuri.
Thanks.
I'm so sorry about tonight.
- Let's have dinner another time. - Yes.
- Will you apologise to everyone? - Okay.
See you then.
- Hello. - Sakura, forgive me.
Can I cancel tonight?
What's the matter?
I have decided...
to hand in my resignation.
What about Sumire?
I spoke to her.
I realised I shouldn't make such a big decision alone.
Sumire said I should do what I think is best and not to worry about them.
I see. That's great.
However, this doesn't mean I've given up on our dream
of creating wonderful buildings together.
Thank you very much.
I'm sorry and please apologise to the others for me.
Okay.
"Kikuo"
Hello.
Sakura, I've decided to accept the director's role.
Just because I'll be director, it doesn't mean
I need to script everything. I'll go on supporting everyone as before.
So I'm no longer afraid of failing.
I thought you might say that.
Huh, what do you mean?
Ah, never mind.
I'm going to tell everyone now
so I'm afraid I can't be there.
I see. Give it your best shot.
Why don't the two of us get--
Will you tell the others we'll try again another time?
- Okay. - Bye.
Coming.
Where's everyone?
Everyone's too busy to make it.
So it's just me?
Yes.
Come in.
I don't think I should.
Why?
It's about time I got over you.
Besides, I think I've figured out how Yuri feels.
I realised maybe...
she refused me because
she didn't want to be a burden.
That could be right.
In which case, I'll stop worrying about it
and focus on becoming a genuine leader as you told me.
What do you think?
That's great. You have my support.
Thanks.
Let me know where you end up working.
In order to able to work with you, I'll need to work hard too.
Thank you.
See you.
Grandad...
everyone found their own solutions without my help.
They're far more mature than me.
They're all firmly fixed on the path they've chosen for themselves.
On the other hand, I'm...
"Electricity Bill"
Here is your receipt.
Thank you.
This, please.
"Thank you for using nanazon"
Please wait a moment.
- Hurry up, will you? - Sorry.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
I'll look, so please attend to the next customer.
Thank you.
Next customer, please.
Thank you.
Thank you. Next, please.
I'm held up a bit at this useless convenience store.
Wow, what's with the erotic look?
Yeah, got it. I'll be there as soon as I'm done.
Don't worry. I'll take care of you good.
What's that?
Excuse me, but would you refrain from talking so loudly on the phone?
There are other customers.
- You talking to me? - Yes.
Your conversation was not for young ears.
Am I bothering you?
No, not really.
You see?
- So you need to watch your mouth. - I sincerely apologise.
Sorry, she's just joined us and is not yet fully trained.
In that case, you apologise!
Ah, yes. I'm terribly sorry.
What's that? Get down and apologise!
Get on your knees!
- You don't need to-- - Stay out of it.
I humbly apologise.
The store manager that was rude to me is apologizing!
- Please stop it. - Let it go!
Please stop it.
It's been a while.
What's the matter?
On your way home from work?
No. I was working at a local convenience store.
But I just got fired.
Ah, that's a pity.
I went to the internet cafe where your cafe used to be.
It had completely changed and left me feeling a bit empty somehow.
That's how it is.
Times as they are, old things have to give way and disappear.
I'm wondering if I'll be here to see this cherry tree blossom next year.
Well, then.
"New message"
"Your application was unsuccessful'
Hello.
Sakura, everyone on the island is angry.
They're all asking why you haven't written since returning to Tokyo.
I'm sorry, Auntie. I've had a lot on my plate.
If you're still worried about the bridge scandal,
you're mistaken.
Everyone here thinks of you as family.
Anytime you need to, you can come back home.
Thank you, Aunty.
Having a big clean out?
Housework never ends.
Actually, I've decided to go back to my hometown.
I see.
We'll miss you.
Thank you for your support over the years.
"I've something to tell you"
I'm sorry to have caused you concern but I've landed...
a job in Niigata--
I'm sorry to have caused you concern but I've landed a job in...
I've taken a job.
I'm sad to be leaving you--
What's going on, Sakura?
Never mind.
So what's the news?
- I've-- - Sorry...
We've got something for you.
Here.
Open it.
We found a pair just like your old ones.
We all pitched in.
Those are more like the Sakura we know.
Thank you very much.
Try them on.
Before I do, can I make my announcement?
I'm sorry to have caused you concern
but I landed a job in Niigata with a construction company.
It's a great chance for me to contribute to infrastructure.
I'm going to do my very best as you're doing with your jobs.
It's sad for me to be leaving you. Well, see you again someday.
- Really, Sakura? - Congratulations, good luck.
Is that what you thought we'd say?
You're a terrible liar.
You were talking too fast again.
You're such an open book.
I'm sorry.
So, what are you really going to do?
Are you going back to your island?
- Yes. - Then what?
I'll live in the house my grandad left me and
help the island's aging population as my way to say thanks.
We know where you're coming from, but is that what you truly want?
We can understand your frustration, given the fact you can't find work.
Nothing good comes from panicking.
You're far better than that.
This experience has shown me just how useless I really am.
I've got no qualifications, no skills, no trade...
I can't even drive or cook very well either.
That's not true.
It's been 10 years since I came to Tokyo.
All I've done is complain to everyone.
Compared to you all, I've achieved absolutely nothing.
I really believe that...
Tokyo is no place for someone who can't read between the lines.
Well, see you around sometime.
There's something we want you to see.
Do you know what this is?
No.
This is the site of the daycare centre you said
that should've won the CEO's Prize at our training 10 years ago.
"Hikari no Mori Daycare"
The originality and functionality exhibits creativity hitherto unseen.
Structures like this are exactly the kind of legacy we should build.
The person who designed it told me
hearing your praise, he made it his dream to see it to fruition.
Ten years later, despite many hardships,
here it is, being built.
What's your point?
The design was so unusual, it was hard to find a client for it.
When a client was finally found, they asked to change the design.
He also faced opposition from locals and many times almost gave up.
But he never forgot what you said and recalling that gave him courage.
You say you have achieved nothing but...
proof of your achievements is here, in these very foundations.
The fires you lit in peoples' hearts still burn... even now.
Although it is still not complete...
what's here in our souls is being forged by you.
And now you're going to walk away leaving it half-done?
Isn't that just the same as walking away from all this...
after laying foundations?
Sakura, do you remember what you told me?
The reason you wanted to be my friend
is because I speak honestly
and because you can believe in me.
And you're going to lie to yourself like that?
Our friendship will be over forever.
Sakura, you told me that becoming an adult means
accepting your weaknesses.
How about you think of this as your maturing into an adult?
I remember what you told me too.
That when I was down on confidence, I focused purely on my faults
rather than on my strengths.
That no matter how long it takes,
I have the tenacity to see it through.
I think the same can be said about you.
You told me this.
I'm worthless if I don't use my gift of speech.
It would be a wasted life not to use such a wonderful ability.
It's you who have the ability to create buildings that can bring joy.
What a waste to throw that away.
You said you're useless but
it's your devotion to buildings that bring joy that makes you special.
It's only by virtue of that that your talents shine.
There won't be a bridge to connect your island,
but you've already built bridges that connect our hearts.
No matter what happens, those bridges will never collapse.
Am I wrong?
Just as this building is one of a kind,
Sakura is also one of a kind.
There are things that only you can do.
Being an adult means admitting your weakness.
It's only a true friend who says hurtful things.
The harder things get, never lose sight of your strengths.
Having worth is more valuable than winning.
The hardest thing in life is...
lying to yourself.
Cherry blossoms never wither.
Even when they fall...
the blossoms continue to bring people joy.
All these words...
my grandad wrote to me in his faxes.
Just now, I felt like you were telling me the same things.
I have a dream.
That one day, I will work with my wonderful friends...
to create buildings that bring joy to many.
I have a dream.
That every day, I can proudly tell my grandad...
who is watching over me from heaven...
that I did my very best.
I have a dream.
To build connections with people I meet that will rival and...
even surpass that bridge I wanted to build on my island.
I'll never give up on these dreams.
I'll go on living as Sakura Kitano.
Well, see you tomorrow.
Hey, are you leaving?
Still doing things her own way.
She's coming back.
There's something I forgot.
What?
Let's take a photo.
Okay, here we go.
Say, "Colleagues."
Grandad... It's Sakura.
I'll believe there are people in the world who need me.
I'll give it my best shot.
I'm off now.
This is good...extremely good.
If you please.
"Resume"
What was the reason for your leaving Hanamura Construction?
That was...
Because of me, they had to cancel a bridge project and
after a long stay in hospital following an accident,
they fired me.
I see.
Thank you for your time.
When can you start?
Huh? Are you sure?
Compared to Hanamura, we're a very small company.
As long as you're okay with that.
Thank you very much.
I'll work ever so hard. Thank you again for--
Hello sir, it's nice to see you again.
Hey Kitano, it's been a while.
You look just like your old self, so does this mean you're back?
Yes.
I've just accepted a job with this company.
I see.
Actually, I've got good news and bad news, so which would you like?
Whichever you please.
Okay, the bad news is
if you begin working here,
we'll have to cancel our contract with you. Would that be all right?
Please, no.
Before you complain, hear the good news.
What is it?
Come back to Hanamura.
Won't you come work for me, Kitano?
Be strong, Sakura.
You've changed.
I need to change my ways.
I need to be strong just like the vice president said.
Why won't you back me up?
Perhaps you're the last person who should have power.