We definitely have a project for you.
I's a documentary entitled "Symphony from the Earth".
You want me?
Right, but you'll have to leave Japan for a year to film the project.
That's a requirement.
If you leave the company and become free...
If you stay where you are now, you can't expect big jobs.
If you accept this job,
we'll back you up as much as possible in the future.
Please consider it.
I'm wondering what will happen.
I've put in a lot of effort and used all my talent.
It's all going to pay off.
My dream is coming true and I'm getting married.
Now that my chance is here, I must work hard and then get married!
When did you become so self-centered? So annoying!
This is a rare opportunity. You should feel happy for him.
Let me be happy for a while, Eitaro.
Why are you so lucky? I'm always down on my luck.
Spare a thought for Aki.
You're right.
I may become the ace ad director after this project!
You have to be away for a year. Will Chiyo agree to it?
Don't worry. She'll be the wife of an ace ad director!
Chiyo, my dear! I've done it!
Marriage will make a person lose all direction.
Falling in love...
Cheers!
Thank you. I'm grateful to you for giving us your consent.
We are very happy.
Our baby will be grateful to you, too.
You two look so compatible. A perfect pair!
Am I right, Mrs. Kotani? I'm so happy I need to drink!
This is great! Congratulations!
Me, too.
Oh yes! I have something important to tell you about my work.
I'll be frank with you. I've been waiting a long time tor this day! Oh yes! I have something important to tell you about my work.
I'll be frank with you. I've been waiting a long time tor this day!
Papa, do you remember our wedding anniversary? Oct. 28!
I never forget it.
Stop it, Mom.
If you hadn't given your consent, I wouldn't have known what to do!
But I believed you would agree to it.
Ryunosuke and Chiyo are both adults.
If you refused to give your consent, you wouldn't be adorable!
I can understand how you feel,
Chiyo is your daughter after all. She's so adorable!
No one could bear to part with her.
Mrs. Hirao, shouldn't we discuss the ceremony?
Oh yes! I almost forgot. I've discussed it with your mom.
It's regarding the venue.
This is the Westin Hotel and this is the Air Nippon Hotel.
They said the ballroom is still available on Oct. 2nd.
Sorry to trouble you with all that.
This hotel is good.
But it looks expensive.
It's once in a lifetime. Naturally, it has to be a grand affair.
I agree.
Are we in time?
You should hold the wedding before your tummy shows.
Yes, the earlier, the better.
I agree.
You're right. I was just about to discuss the engagement party with you.
Mr. Kotani, what do you think?
I have no objections.
We should set the venue first. But where should we pick?
If you can't decide, you'll have to depend on me!
What do you think? You decide.
Dad...
I'm grateful to you.
It is 2:41 in the morning. Our baby is born.
My life with Stallion!
Very heartwarming.
Thank you for your compliments.
An ad like this will move the hearts of many people.
The creator of this ad is my future brother-in-law, Ryunosuke!
Do say a few words.
How do you do.
I'm sure all the prospective fathers will share the same feeling.
Every child is the product of a couples' love.
You must do your best.
Doctor!
I'll be right there.
Sorry, I have to tend to a patient. Excuse me.
Be careful. Don't shake her too hard.
Any bleeding?
She said her tummy hurts.
Blood pressure 120/65 Heartbeat 112.
I want an ultrasound done.
Relax, you will be all right. Breathe in...
Will you be by my side when I give birth?
You want me to?
l'll be scared if l'm alone.
With you by my side I'll have the courage to pull through.
You have my word. I'll stay by your side.
Thank you.
Oh, yes! There's something l want to tell you.
Excuse me a minute.
Ah, hello.
It's regarding the date of departure.
We intend to leave in February, next year.
February?
SHOTGUN WEDDING 9
This is Chiyo's first baby. She will feel uneasy with you away.
She'll feel helpless. I'm worried about Chiyo.
Must you rub it in, Eitaro?
I'm jealous of his happiness.
What should l do?
According to records,
if a woman gives birth without her husband around,
the couple will end up in a divorce.
Stop messing things up.
I have a solution.
What?
For your future, tell her to get rid of the baby once and for all.
Then nothing will affect your career.
How can you say such a thing?!
Chiyo will be disappointed.
You should tell her the truth, so that she will be prepared.
Perhaps she'll give you her blessings and urge you on!
Consider carefully.
This gown suits you!
Pretty?
You beat me to it.
If you agree to it, Dr. Komatsubara will marry you right away.
If you agree to marry him, he'll agree to any condition!
Too bad she refuses to nod her head.
She's right. He's quite a nice man, gentle and a professional.
You don't know who to pick? Eitaro can't hold a candle to him.
Chiyo will look beautiful in a wedding gown.
How should I describe her?
What are you mumbling about?
I'm writing a poem for Chiyo.
You're writing a poem for her?
Yes.
Let me read it.
Chiyo soars to the sky with the birds...
To think that you could come up with such a verse!
Relax. Don't use too much energy. You'll be all right.
With you by my side, I'll have courage to pull through.
I'm back.
Welcome back.
Chiyo?
This is the one.
Mom, what are you doing?
I wore this gown when I married your father. I want Chiyo to wear it.
How l wish your bride would wear this gown!
What do you think?
It's pretty.
Really? That's great! It's pretty.
Really? That's great!
Mom, don't be like that. Chiyo prefers certain designs. Right?
Right?
Didn't Aki go to the shop with you?
Have you selected a gown?
There's one...
Mom, you shouldn't force it upon others.
You're right. A woman should pick a gown she likes.
But... I have always treasured this gown.
It's every girl's dream to wear the gown of her dreams.
Brother thinks, so, too, but he's afraid to tell you.
You are alway like that!
TeII me frankly, do you want to live with Ryu?
For everybody's sake, you had better give up the idea.
It never crossed my mind. I..
Stop lying! You've been packing things recently.
It's really gone that far?
Of course!
Okay! Yes, I'm sorry, Chiyo.
My daughter is right. Since you've picked a gown, forget it.
I have to inform my husband about it. Take a seat.
She's so disappointed! Did I say something wrong?
You're too much!
Aren't I.
Ryunosuke and Chiyo are getting along well?
I suppose so.
What about you? What do you think?
What?
Listen to me.
Since we already spent the night together on the beach, let's...
Get... m... m... marr... M... m... marr...?
What's the matter?
My grandfather said if I slept with a woman, l must marry her.
Aki!
I have arranged everything.
The wedding ceremony, the honeymoon trip and my work.
You needn't worry.
Now, I'm just waiting for your reply.
Kagoshima?
I hope you will go and meet my parents.
You haven't told Chiyo about it? You call yourself a man?
You aren't fit to say that!
What are you doing?
I'm fine.
You don't look fine.
Do you want to know?
I have no idea why Misato is behaving weirdly these days.
What should I do?
Let me give you some tips.
The longer you date a woman, the more problems you have. Know why?
No idea.
The longer you are together, the less you will tell her the truth.
Anyway, even if you tell the truth, she may not believe you.
Aki, I love you.
No need to say such things.
When that doctor calls her "Aki san", she's in a daze!
Then, she'll fall into his arms and ignore me.
Even though we have been together for ten years,
she has a change of heart, just like that.
She doesn't miss the times we spent together. Isn't she too much?!
He's uttering nonsense. Don't let him bother you.
Treat me like a madman if you like.
This is useful to me.
You are young. There's a long way to go.
Ryunosuke, you shouldn't let it drag on any longer.
I know.
Chiyo, I want you to forgive me
Don't apologize, there's nothing I should forgive you for.
I told my husband about it.
He scolded me for taking things into my own hands.
I really screwed up!
You needn't be so upset.
Don't worry. I'm fine. I'll practice my Latin dances when I'm free.
I have many friends, too.
Besides, I'm content to have you as my daughter-in-law.
I'll be happy being with my children and grandchildren!
Oh yes! Remember the gown you mentioned?
It's nothing. Not worth mentioning.
I want to know your story.
I didn't expect you to be interested in it!
Let me tell you about it.
The wedding gown was his proposal.
This wedding gown?
One day... he gave it to me out of the blue.
He said let's make this our anniversary.
And I agreed to marry him.
So romantic! Very unlike Ryunosuke!
No, Ryunosuke is like his father.
Really?
They are the same type of man - shy but romantic!
That's why I agreed to marry him.
I felt so happy when I wore the gown. I wanted you to feel the same.
But you have your choices. I should let you have good memories.
How is the documentary coming along?
We are having a meeting, tonight.
Hopefully everything is fine.
Give it your best shot!
After going through your work, we like your creativity.
So we have decided to let you handle the project.
Do you have any ideas for the ad?
Hirano?
What's important to me is the unborn child.
From conception to the birth of a baby...
Do you know how it evolves?
I want to base the project on a man's experiences of life and birth.
I want to study how a man who is going to be a father feels.
I felt so happy when I wore the gown. I wanted you to feel the same.
I wish to collect material from all over the world.
Whatever for?
I want to turn the material into a documentary.
I'm doing it myself. I want to know what life entails.
It's a challenge to the universe.
I hope the next generation...
will understand more about life and the universe.
I can have peace of mind, then.
You have probably made up your mind, eh?
Mr. Kuyama...
Can my family be with me on the trip?
Unfortunately, no. Most of the places are wilderness areas.
The living conditions are poor. It would be really hard for a family.
Then, can I delay the departure date?
You should know we have been arranging this project for a long time.
Is there a problem?
The fact is, I'm getting married,
and our baby is on the way.
Hirano, you should take this job.
It will be nothing but good for you and your family.
I understand how you feel. Go back and discuss it.
Give me an answer next week, okay?
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Chiyo!
What do you think?
Why are you...
Chiyo says she's willing to wear this gown.
But it's too loose on her. Actually, I shouldn't force it on you.
Chiyo, is it really okay with you?
You've been conned!
I didn't con her.
I wanted to wear it.
I have decided to wear this gown.
I'm very happy!
Simply great!
What are you thinking?
I know. You were moved to see me in the gown?
I guess so.
Why don't you just admit it?
Oh yes!
I want to postpone our wedding.
Till when?
I want to have it on October 28.
Why?
That day is your parents wedding anniversary.
Isn't it better to celebrate it on the same day?
It'll make the wedding even more meaningful.
Is that Ryunosuke?
I see what they said is true.
I'm here to watch you study.
Thank you for your gift.
You're welcome.
This is Duoduo pudding?
I heard it's pretty good.
I'll make tea.
No need. I'm leaving soon.
It won't take long.
Really, it's okay.
Why?
You have something to tell me?
Before I came here, I had many things to tell you.
But now, I have no idea where to start.
Start from the present.
After seeing you, the past seems unimportant.
Think carefully then.
I may go to Kagoshima.
I'm going to meet Dr. Komatsubara's parents.
He wants to take you there?
Yes, he does.
Any objections?
I have no objections, but I'm still concerned about you.
What is our relationship?
After all these years, we are still at the starting point.
Aki!
Time passes and never returns. We aren't getting any younger.
Perhaps it's because we are too alike.
You really think so?
That's why we cannot get married.
Because of Chiyo and the baby, Ryunosuke has matured.
Their relationship has enlightened me.
I was very happy in the past. I'll always have my happy memories.
I hope you won't regret it.
Impossible. I have made up my mind.
What a pity! If only you could wait one more year!
You'll be a lawyer's wife.
I never wanted to be a lawyer's wife.
But you need a masseuse.
If we get married, I can massage you every day.
I don't think I'll ever have shoulder aches, anymore!
Aki...
Eitaro... Yes?
Even if I get married, you must complete your studies.
I will.
Aki!
Congratulations!
Good morning! Why do you look so listless?
Good morning. Give me all the work you want!
I'm full of vitality, now!
What's wrong with you? Why the sudden enthusiasm?
Yes!
Do you want to stay here? What about the documentary?
Great! I have to get to work.
You want to pay Dr. Komatsubara's parents a visit?
I'll go to Kagoshima with him after your engagement.
You've really decided to marry him?
I have informed Eitaro about it.
Eitaro has been dumped! He will feel very miserable.
He congratulated me.
Why the sudden decision?
Because I like Dr. Komatsubara
Really?
He is serious about his work, he's gentle
and caring and he loves me with all his heart.
This man will bring me happiness. and caring and he loves me with all his heart.
This man will bring me happiness.
Aki seems indecisive.
She's confused.
Why did you congratulate her?
What else can I say?
Don't you understand a woman? She hoped you'd make her stay.
You don't understand her character. She will never change her mind.
You should tell her bravely.
Will you wait another year?
So what if she waits another year?
Why can't you be true to yourself?
What about you, Ryu? Can you be true to yourself?
What do you mean, all of a sudden?
Why give up a good opportunity?
You turned it down?
Don't believe his nonsense!
You picked Chiyo and the baby.
I am a man with a family after all. I should bear the responsibility.
I can't just do anything I like.
I cannot live only for myself now.
Does Chiyo know about it?
It's my own decision.
You are at fault then.
Do you think Chiyo will be happy to know you gave up such a good project?
You two mean a lot to each other.
She hopes you'll gain satisfaction at work, too.
If you lose this chance, she will be very sad.
Sis are you ready?
Aki and Chiyo are back.
Dad. We're back.
He can't bear to part with you,
Today is only the engagement. What will happen when you get married?
How can you use 'this thing' to describe Ryunosuke's work?
He put in a lot of effort to come up with it!
You shouldn't insult him like that! He put in a lot of effort to come up with it!
You shouldn't insult him like that!
I hope you'll get satisfaction at work.
You two mean a lot to each other.
She hopes you'II gain satisfaction at work, too.
If you lose this chance, she'll be very sad.
Thank you.
Dad, do you prefer a grandson or a granddaughter?
I think you'll prefer grandsons because you have two daughters.
I haven't asked the doctor.
I hope to keep it a secret until it's born.
But if it's a granddaughter, you will dote on her?
Will you, Dad?
I believe you will dote on her because you're a good granddad!
Ryunosuke will dote on her too.
Dad, this is the first time you've mentioned his name.
Sounds weird.
Perhaps it's because of this baby that
I feel a sense of happiness in me. It's true.
Because of him,
I've noticed many things I didn't take note of in the past.
He taught me how to feel.
Dad...
What are you doing?
Throughout my life,
I'm grateful for your scoldings.
And your protecting me.
Truly...
Thank you for bringing me up.
I'm getting married soon.
Mr. Kuyama? This is Hirano Ryunosuke.
Day of the Engagement Ceremony
Hello?
What's up?
I may not make it next year.
Frankly, I have no confidence.
You're always saying such things!
I sorted it out, last night.
I cannot give you up.
Although I have to retake the exams and I don't even have a job,
and I'm not even as handsome as that doctor,
I really cannot live without you.
Eitaro, you know l'm getting married soon.
I understand how you feel.
It isn't easy to put ten years of feelings behind you so quickly.
It's the same with me. But...
But it's too late.
Aki...
I went to your place the other day to tell you that.
And you congratulated me, didn't you?
It'll be too late and you'll regret it later.
What are you saying?
Think it over carefully.
You said we didn't get married because we are so alike.
What's so bad about being alike?
Only those who are alike can live together!
You should understand that.
You are strong-headed, hot-tempered and get muscle aches all the time.
You blow hot and cold all the time I know you inside out!
You are yourself when we squabble!
This universe is so huge.
Where can you find two people who get along so well?
I cannot live without you.
You are the only one who will laugh at my jokes.
Aki, please be with me!
Can't we be together?!
We should lead a happy life, right?
I won't be happy without you!
It's the same with you. You won't be happy without me, either.
Am I right?
Aki...
We never get to break up because you keep saying such things!
Let's get married.
I cannot promise you.
Aki...
I have already agreed to marry Dr. Komatsubara.
Why ask me only now?
Where did Sis go?
No need to wait. Let's begin. Okay.
Let's go over there.
Papa, the ceremony is about to begin!
I have something to announce before we begin.
What is it?
What's up, Ryu?
It's a little sudden, but I'll be resigning from my company, soon.
You're quitting?
A retrenchment exercise?
Are you serious?
It isn't what you think. It's good news.
What do you mean?
Well, I mean...
A company likes my work and asked me to resign from this company.
They want me to film a special documentary.
Yes?
I received the news on the day Dad agreed to our marriage.
I didn't tell you them because I hadn't made up my mind.
I was vexed over the matter. That's why I dragged it out till now.
You mean...
Carry on...
Let me tell you the details.
This job is a big one. Their company approached me.
I begin work on February 2nd and I'll need to go overseas for a year.
Doesn't that mean you'll have to go abroad?
According to the contract, I'll come back at times.
For how long?
About 300 days.
An entire year out of Japan?
It can't be helped!
What about Chiyo? When the baby is born.
It is a difficult matter.
They said my family cannot go along.
That's why I felt vexed.
Chiyo is pregnant. I don't want to leave her.
Thais why l couldn't make a decision.
But this job will be a breakthrough for me.
I hope you will understand.
What about our wedding?
We can carry on as planned.
What about after the wedding?
That's what I need to discuss with you.
So, Chiyo has to stay here by herself?
How pitiful.
Why didn't you tell us earlier?
You should have told us such an important thing!
It was because I couldn't make up my mind.
I brought it up today, hoping that you'll give me your support.
Dad, Mom and all those present, today.
l don't feel good leaving Chiyo here by herself.
Moreover, she'll be giving birth soon.
But this is a good opportunity for me.
So please let me accept this job.
When I'm not around, please take care of Chiyo.
I will be very grateful!
Mrs. Hirano...
And you!
Yes?
From this moment on, don't bring up the topic of marriage ever again!
Dad!
Screenplay Yoshida Noriko
Cast
Takenouchi Yutaka
Hirosue Ryoko
Ishida Yuriko
Abe Hiroshi
Katase Nana
Tsumabuki Satoshi
Sakai Toshiya Imai Yoko
Takabayshi Yukiko
Kondo Yoshimasa
Okayama Hajime
Sawamura Ikki
Kinomi Nana
Chiba Shinichi (Sonny)
Subtitles based on English translation by Y. L. Chua
Fuji TV