Pleased to meet you. I'm Hirose.
I'm Nakatani Setsuko.
I'm sorry, but I can't decide on the person I'm going to marry to
like I'm picking out a radish from the supermarket.
I can't pick out the woman I'm marrying like I would pick out
a hostess in a cabaret club.
I just got a call from Sakuraba-san. She said that Hirose-san really likes you.
Setsuko-san wants to see you again.
You can't do that to me!
I can't...
Going for a drive?
He's coming to pick you up at your place this Sunday.
Setsuko! Answer the phone if you're there.
I won't let you get away with it if you break the date for a drive.
Mika-chan.
- Yes, yes, yes, I'm coming. - Mika-chan?
- Hello, this is Mika. - I'm sorry, Mika-chan.
I was a little worried about Setsuko.
What is she doing?
She went out.
What time did Hirose-san pick her up? 11 o'clock?
Yes. She balked at first, but
when she saw his car, she suddenly changed her mind.
What do you mean I'm envious of her!?
But they seemed to get along quite well, so
you can stop worrying.
You have a nice car.
Really?
I was a little surprised.
Where are we going today?
Where are we going?
I thought we might go towards Mt. Fuji. The Fuji Five Lakes area.
Really?
I hate to say this when I came along, but
I think we should take this opportunity to make it clear.
You know... About us.
It seems you told Chief Sakuraba's wife that
you found me to your liking or something like that,
- but that's... - Excuse me, but
can you please not talk to me?
Anyway, we can talk later.
I want to concentrate on my driving for now.
Arranged marriage is sure nice and easy.
Right about now,
he must be out there driving with Setsuko-san.
Still, that's no reason for him to use my car.
What the heck. Did he borrow your Jaguar?
Not that it matters. It's just a car.
What? So Setsu went for a drive in that Jaguar?
That's right.
At this rate, those two may get married sooner than we think.
She wouldn't.
But you never know.
- Setsu's mom is pretty fired up. - Is she really?
But what made you decide to get a computer?
I thought you didn't like mechanical things.
Don't be ridiculous.
If you don't know the internet or e-mail in this day and age,
you'll get left behind by the world.
As it is, housewives are already shut off from the world.
You spend the whole day at home, and when you think about it, you realize that
the only man you talked to all day is the guy at the vegetable stand.
If I open the door and the delivery guy happens to be young and handsome,
it makes my whole day more refreshing.
Housewives are moved by little things like that.
Isn't that sad?
No smoking in the car please.
Also, this is the right road to Lake Kawaguchi, isn't it?
Can you take a look at the map?
It should be around there.
You were supposed to turn right back there.
You've got to tell me those things sooner.
But...!
- Then... Take the next right. - Right?
No, left.
- Left? - No, it's right after all.
- Which is it? - Shut up! Please be quiet!
MATSU Takako
Yusuke SANTAMARIA
KUBOZUKA Yosuke
SATO Tamao
KAWAHARA Ayako
IMAI Masayuki
ARRANGED MARRIAGE
OMIAI KEKKON
Episode 2
Are you sure this is the right road?
I'm sure it is. Because
it says proceed south after you take the Kofu Interchange. Then...
- Kofu Interchange? - What's wrong?
I don't think that's where we got off.
Don't you think so?
But I was looking at the map.
Then where are we now?
I wouldn't know where...
- Can I ask you something? - What is it?
Well, uh... That's one of the reasons I came to visit you today...
You're always here for no reason.
And so?
You see, I've got this friend... How old was he? Around 35 or 36, I think...
He still has the heart of a youth. That is, he's a pure-hearted guy.
Anyway, this guy's distressed about a girl he's in love with.
Like how he should ask her out for a date.
The girl has these big round eyes, and how do you say,
she's like a little sweet pea.
Mika-chan's the sweet pea, huh?
So where do you want to take her?
What are you talking about?
I never said it was about me!
- How did you know? - It's easy.
Then I can get straight to the point. Anyway, the way I see it...
how you start out is important. Right? Right?
Then I'm wondering how we can get to understand each other.
Well, if it was me, I'd take her to a hotel.
What are you saying!
That's disgusting.
I was just kidding.
Isn't this nice?
I want one of these too.
Oh, what's this?
This is cheap.
Haven't you seen pocket boards in commercials?
Excuse me. Can you use this for e-mails?
- Yes, you can. - I'll take this then.
But that's not a computer so you can't get on the internet, you know.
I don't care as long as it has e-mail.
Huh? But you just said that a housewife should at least know how to use the internet...
This cell phone is cheap. Excuse me.
I'll take this cell phone.
Now I'm totally ready.
Uh... I don't think this is the right road either.
I don't see that Kakiuchi-cho intersection anywhere.
Let's try that other...
Come to think of it, what happened the other night?
Huh? What do you mean?
I'm asking what happened with Ohata-san.
You got into the taxi with him.
Nothing happened. He just gave me a ride home.
I just thought about the group dates we used to go on.
What do you mean by that?
You always ended up going after the best guy
and before we knew it, you were contacting each other... Ah~!
Cell phone and e-mail! Oh, no! Wait a minute.
Senpai, you can't do this!
You're a married woman now.
- You'd better think of your situation... - I know!
Just leave me alone. I know where to draw the line.
What about you?
That guy from the other night. You and that wild animal
seemed to be getting along quite nicely. You look good together.
You're wrong! Please stop saying that.
It couldn't be yours. You just bought it.
I know, right? Oh, it's probably from that animal.
Hello?
Ohata-san? Yes.
I had fun the other night.
- You're kidding! - Tonight?
Totally! I'm totally free!
We're finally here.
We're here.
Thanks.
Shall we take a break?
My shoulders are stiff.
Just what you'd expect, the view of the Fuji Five Lakes is stunning.
- Excuse me. - Yes?
I don't think this is it.
It's not, is it?
But I'm glad we made it here safely.
It's a nice quiet place.
I didn't know what was going happen there for a while.
Me too.
Ah~ The outdoor air is so refreshing.
Hey... Aren't you hungry?
I am. After all, it's 4 o'clock already.
- What? Already? - Yes.
All thanks to you getting lost over and over.
I'm sorry.
- Shall we go and get something to eat then? - Where?
If you don't mind me asking,
just how often do you drive every month?
Me?
Well, let's see...
- Maybe about 7 or 8 times. - Really?
Maybe 3 or 4 times.
It's been 8 years.
- Right after I got my license, I crashed my friend's car... - Forget it.
I'll take over the driving so let's go eat somewhere.
You can be the navigator this time.
What? No way!
We're screwed. What shall we do?
Oh, JAF (Japan Auto Federation).
- Cell phone... Do you have your cell phone? - It's in the car.
Your money too, right?
Yes. My purse, my coat, everything.
All right, let's do this.
I'll go find someone to help us.
- Until I come back, you... - Are you telling me to wait here alone?
Besides, you'll never find anyone way out here in the mountains.
I know. Let's do this.
I'll pay for the damages. I'll take responsibility.
- So this window... - No, no, no.
- You can't do that! - But...
How long do you think it will take to find someone?
- But...! - We have no choice under these circumstances.
- Wait! Please calm down. - I'm perfectly calm.
There's no other way, is there?
This isn't my car. I borrowed it from Ohata.
I can't damage his precious car.
Now that it's come to this, why don't we think of this as a short hiking trip and walk down to the village?
Since the weather is nice too.
Right?
Wow, what a nice condo, huh?
It's too bad he didn't invite you alone.
"Would Kyoko-san like to come too," he asked.
I wouldn't have come alone anyway.
No matter what the circumstance, straight to his room.
- Oh, really? - Unlike you, I know where to draw the line.
What do you mean? Hey, what's that supposed to mean?
- Huh? What I mean is... - What?
Hello.
I've been waiting for you.
I ran out of wine, so I went out for a minute.
Is that right? Hello~.
Hey, I went and bought rice too since your rice bin was all empty.
After all, Japanese have to have rice...
Mika-san. Hey, hello.
Was Tanuma-san with you too?
Didn't I mention that?
No, you didn't.
I'm sorry for making you do all the work when I invited you.
Don't worry about it. This is nothing.
Mika-chan. Oh no. What happened here?
You cut this like this, and when the water comes to a boil, lightly parboil it.
Okay.
Kyoko-san, you look like you're used to doing this.
You're more domestic that you look.
Of course she is. After all, she's a house...
Oh, Tanuma-san.
Can you bring this over?
Oh, sure! That's my specialty of all specialties.
Excuse me for a minute here.
Okay, it's ready. Let's all make a toast.
Oh, Mika-san. Sit over here. I saved this seat for you.
This way. Come on over here. It's easy to reach the pot from here, isn't it?
Please, have a seat.
Where's Ohata-kun?
Why isn't he answering the phone?
We can't go on anymore. Let's go back.
But do you have the courage to go back to the car and break the windows?
If you don't, we have no choice but to keep moving forward!
Come on, let's go.
Now that it's come to this, you and I have to do something about it.
Instead of turning back, let's keep going. Okay?
Here.
It may not be much, but
it should help a little.
Thanks...
Shall we go?
Oh... Look over there! Lights!
You're right! Oh, thank goodness!
Hurry, let's go.
It's a castle!
HOTEL Castle
Yes, that's right.
It appears she hasn't come home yet.
I'm starting to get worried too.
Then perhaps the two of them are really enjoying themselves.
I hope that's the case.
But I feel relieved now.
Speaking from my experience,
if the first date goes well,
then the marriage is 80 percent as good as decided.
Now that you mention it,
that's how it was with me too.
My husband proposed to me on our third date.
Oh my! You had an arranged marriage as well?
Yes, I'm glad to say.
We've lived in peace and quiet for 28 years.
I'm so glad to hear that.
Her sister also had an arranged marriage,
and she found a very very nice husband.
Isn't there any way you can do something?
No, no, no!
You need to pay in advance.
We just need a place to rest. Then we can call JAF or whoever.
Our money's in the car.
Like I said, it's not something I can decide on my own, is it?
I know, but I'm begging you please.
A bath... Even just a towel will do!
You don't have any money, right? Then it's no use talking.
Get out. Get out! Get out!
- I swear... - Excuse me.
From what I've been hearing over there, don't you think you're being too harsh?
We found our way here desperately in this pouring rain and begging you for help.
Anyone with compassion will offer us a towel or two if they see us in this condition.
They'd invite us inside to a warm room, wouldn't they?
If you can't even do that much,
can you call yourself human? Huh?
Well? Can you?
- Here you go. - Let's go.
Coming.
But really, you were a great help.
Thanks to your aggressiveness.
Go on. Hurry up and take a bath.
But...
It would be terrible if you caught a cold or something.
Go ahead.
Okay. Then...
This is really delicious.
I can't get enough of this. Seriously.
I'm glad to see you eat so much.
- How many servings is that? - Five already. No...
make that six.
Do you like people who eat a lot?
Not really...
You do, don't you, Mika-chan?
A strong man who eats a lot.
You do, huh?
I'll have another bowl.
Uh...Mika-san... You look so cute standing there in the kitchen.
Thank you.
Uh...Mika-san, do you like watching sports?
- I don't really like sports. - Oh, is that right?
If you don't mind, how about going to a rugby match with me?
Like I said, I don't...
You might have already realized this, but
actually, I used to play rugby in college.
I had a feeling...
So you did notice...?
Actually, my position was No. 8.
You know what No. 8 is, don't you?
No, not at all.
It's the 3rd line forward, and the 8th position in the scrum.
Isn't that awesome? Isn't it?
Oh... Do you know what a scrum is?
That's okay. I'll show you.
You link arms like this, and supposing that this is your opponent...
Great, isn't it?
I'm sorry! Sorry...
I just bought this today.
It was so cute, I couldn't help myself.
It's cute.
I'll e-mail you sometime.
And here's my cell phone number.
Thanks.
You know...
until a little while ago,
with communication between man and woman...
how do I say...
I used to think that the most important thing was to actually see each other and talk.
But after you gave me your e-mail address,
I changed my mind a little.
How?
Like...
Times that you can't see each other, or how you feel about the other person during those times,
I think may be a wonderful thing.
Is it?
I've been wanting to see you all this time.
Oh, stop it, Ohata-kun...
Ohata-san, your phone's been ringing for a while now.
Thanks.
Ohata? It's me, Kotaro.
Kotaro-san, what are you doing?
You promised to be back by evening, didn't you?
I know, sorry. But an unexpected accident occurred.
Accident?!
Did you hit something? Did you hit something?
- What the... - Did you hit something?
- Hey, hey... - Kotaro-san, did you hit something?
No, it's not that. It's nothing like that so put your mind at ease.
But it's raining like crazy and
they say they can't resolve it until tomorrow.
What do you mean? Resolve what?
- What? What? - It's not a major thing.
In any case, your car is safe.
Anyway, it looks like I won't make it back to Tokyo tonight.
Won't make it back? Then you're spending the night there tonight.
- Is Setsu there too? - No way!
Let me talk to him.
Hello? Hey, do you think you can get away with something like that?!
- She's your marriage meeting partner, you know. - Tanuma-san?
- Why are you there? - That's because...I'm just here.
Is Setsu there too?
Who is this?
Hello, this is Mika. How did this happen so suddenly?
Can I talk to Setsu?
Actually, Setsuko-san can't come right now.
What do you mean she can't come right now!
- What do you mean?! - What I mean is,
- she's taking a bath. - Bath?!
- No, no. I mean,
it was raining like crazy, and we were all wet...
- All wet? - All wet?
Listen man, tell me honestly. Where are you now?
L... Love hotel?!
I told you, there's a reason for this.
He hung up.
What do you mean everyone was there?
I had no idea. I didn't know everyone was there.
But I thought I should at least let Ohata know.
Since it doesn't look like we'll make it home tonight.
Tonight... Hey, did you tell them that I'm here with you?
It's not like I told them...
- They made me tell them. - You told them, didn't you?
- I'm sorry. - What are we going to do if they get the wrong idea?
I've been wanting to ask since this morning, but
why did we have to go on a drive?
- Actually, I'm not really sure either. - As you know very well,
I have no intention of marrying you, and you don't either, do you?
- No, of course not. - I'm not a hostess at a cabaret club,
- nor are you a radish in a supermarket. - That's right.
You're not a hostess at a cabaret club, and
- I'm not a radish in a supermarket. - I
don't want to marry someone my parents picked out for me in a marriage meeting.
- I told you, didn't I? - I don't want a marriage forced on me by my boss either.
Huh? Then what?
Am I someone that was forced on you?
- No, that's not it. That's not true. - Then do you like me?
- Yes. - You can't! What are you saying!
- What am I supposed to do then? - In any case,
what are you going to do, causing a misunderstanding like that?
- Don't worry. It's all right. - It's not all right at all.
I explained it all so they'd understand.
I don't think they took it the wrong way.
Are you sure? Positive?
I'm positively sure so can you fix that?
You should've told me sooner.
Sorry.
It may not be much, but it should help a little.
- Snails? - When my husband comes home,
I see these two lumps that look like black snails on the floor.
I'm beginning to wonder
why in the world I have to pick his socks off the floor every single night.
Snails...
I'm sorry.
Here. It's safely back in your hands.
Not that it matters. It's just a car.
Did you catch a cold?
Feels like it.
I have a terrible headache.
I couldn't sleep a wink last night either.
That's a controversial statement.
He's right. What did you just say?
Did you say you didn't sleep a wink? You were with Setsuko-san all night at a love hotel...
Stop it. It wasn't like that.
What's different? Yesterday on the phone you...
It's not what you're thinking.
What if the boss hears you?
I heard about it last night.
That was a bold move you made, Hirose.
Boss.
Why...
No, no, no. I didn't tell him anything. Right, Boss?
Was it you?
Early this morning, we got a phone call from Setsuko-san's parents.
- From her parents? - Yes.
Their household is in an uproar.
They're having a family meeting from 7:00 tonight.
Why did you tell Mom something like that?
Because she kept on yelling,
"Setsu, are you there? If not, answer the phone, Mika-chan!"
- So, I just... - Just?!
What did you expect me to do? I couldn't very well lie to her.
Why don't you just give her your cell phone number?
Because I don't want her calling me all the time.
That's understandable. You wouldn't want your parents calling you when you're at a love hotel, right?
Why are you here, Kyoko Senpai?
It got late last night so...
Besides, why are you wearing my clothes?
Don't bother me! I'm just getting to the good part.
What are you doing?
Right now, I feel like Cinderella.
Our conversation last night was like the prince's whisper at the ball...what the heck is this?
E-mail... To my prince.
- Prince? - Yes. My prince.
- What's going on? - Don't ask me!
What are you going to do about this mess!?
- Hey Setsu, there's something I want to ask you. - What?
- Are you sure nothing happened? - Of course!
Nothing at all? Even when you went to a love hotel?
- That's right. - Doesn't that mean he just didn't find you sexy?
You'd better think about this.
That's why you keep losing your boyfriends.
All right, I'm done.
Geez, it's Setsu's mom again.
Hello, this is Nakatani. I'm not home at the moment.
Please leave a message.
Setsuko? This is the last time. Listen carefully if you're there.
Tonight at 7:00, Dad wants to hear your side of the story too, so come over here.
- Did you get that? If you... - Leave me alone!
Kotaro-chan!
I'm here!!
Hello.
I'm on my way to the club now, but I was wondering if you could come with me.
I'm sorry, but I have something to do right now.
Aw, come on.
Well then, if you'll excuse me.
Can't we meet after you're done with your business?
- Why? - Because
we haven't talked about "that" at all yet.
About what?
What I mean is,
about marriage!
You know... It's been bothering me a lot from the other day, but...
- About what? - Are you serious?
- Of course! - Come on now.
You're just saying that to get me to come to the club.
That's so cruel.
Remember when you told me... "Let's get married."
All right, all right. Geez. All right.
- Please, not here, Miss. - Mayumi! Call me by my name.
Mayumi-chan... I'll be there tonight for sure.
Really?
You'll come over?
- I'll be there. - All right!
That's definitely a new way to bring in customers.
I guess times are still bad for businesses.
Cinderella...
- What is it? - Nothing.
You're not a hostess from a cabaret club, nor am I a radish in a supermarket.
I don't want to marry someone my parents picked out for me at a marriage meeting.
I don't want a marriage forced on me by my boss either.
Are your parents that upset?
Yes. They're surprisingly strict about things like that.
- I'm sorry. - That's okay.
I'm on my way there to explain what happened.
- I'll go with you. - That's okay.
I'll tell them myself.
- But it was my fault after all. - It's not like it was just your fault.
That would be irresponsible.
You're the precious young lady who was introduced to me by my boss.
A man can't just ignore the problem.
I'm the type who insists on separating flammable and non-flammable garbage.
I don't like to throw out anything and everything together.
What I mean is...
I want to set the record straight.
Even if I know I won't be marrying you,
I still want to set the record straight.
Please let me come with you.
This is it.
Has your family been in this business for a long time?
It's been going on for 150 years.
My sister and her husband will carry it on.
I see.
Well, here we go.
My parents may say some pretty harsh things.
It's broken.
Leave that alone and just come in!
Boss!
We heard it all.
What is the meaning of this?
I'm so embarrassed.
- This has never happened to me before. - That goes for me too.
I'm sorry for making you all worry.
I'm sorry.
However,
- there are various good reasons for this. - What reasons?
That is, uh, starting from the beginning,
last night...
last night between dusk and evening,
there was a downpour.
- Did it rain last night? - No.
But there was torrential downpour in the Yamanashi area.
Having closed the doors with the key in the car...
Oh, before that, I got lost.
- Wait, before that... - I don't want to hear any excuses!
- Yes, I'm sorry. - That's not it, Dad.
- The thing is... - Setsuko. Stop making excuses at this stage.
- What's that supposed to mean? - Do you realize what I went through last night and today?
- That's right. You made everyone worry. - That's right, Set-chan. That was terrible.
Well, I understand how you feel, but
- please don't get too angry now... - No! I have to make things clear right now.
Do you know how sad I am to have such an immoral daughter?
- Mother... - You stay out of this.
Just thinking that my unmarried daughter would do such a thing on her first date makes me feel so ashamed.
What's more, at a love hotel.
Just thinking about it makes my head spin.
I'm too ashamed to face anyone.
When I think that I gave birth to such a shameful daughter like you.
Your sister never gave us trouble like that, but
what's wrong with you?!
- Mother, that's not... - It's okay. You don't have to defend someone like her.
- Yes, but... - I'm so embarrassed...
Ashamed and embarrassed? That's so behind the times!
You've said it before many times, before marriage this and that, but everyone's already doing it before marriage!
- Setsuko-san, you shouldn't... - Just because I've been listening quietly.
Give me a break!
- What is your problem? - This is so ridiculous, I can't take it anymore.
If you can find someone like that nowadays, bring her over here!
Does that mean you've done that after all?
I haven't done it! That's what I've been trying to tell you!
But you just said so!
I'm talking about girls in general. In general!
What year do you think this is? It's the year 2000!
- We live in a different era from old folks like you! - Old folks...
How can you say such a thing!
I, too, had that kind of experience before I got married, you know.
- Kinue. - That's right. Even I went through something like that.
With someone I loved, how do i say... Taken over by youth and passion, something like that just happened.
But I never once did anything with your father who I met at a marriage meeting until we got married.
Right? So I'm just saying that I hate to think that
you did something like that with someone you met at a marriage meeting.
- What's more, on your first date. - That's why I'm trying to tell you, nothing happened!
Mother, please calm down. I really haven't...
Everyone! Isn't this enough already?
We can't do anything about what's happened.
Mother, let's close our eyes this time, and just think about the future.
Let's get them married!
- We can't get married! - Let's put the past behind us.
She's right, Set-chan. You should get married.
- You should. - That's right. You should. Right, Hirose?
If you get married, all this will be water under the bridge anyway. Right, Hirose?
Hey, Hirose. What's the matter? Are you embarrassed? Hirose...
Kotaro-san?
He has a terrible fever!
- Hey Hirose. - Are you all right?
Kotaro-san!
Father. I may not make it.