Teppei!
Don't shout my name like that.
But it's so easy to say.
I don't care. And don't touch me.
We're here to work, you know. And also…
-I'm older than you. -Hey, wait!
EXHIBIT OF NEW WORKS
I told you not to touch me, gosh.
"Exhibit of New Works?"
How am I supposed to find Mr. Hara in a place like this?
-Excuse me. -Yes?
I'm looking for Mr. Hara.
That's me.
Oh, it's you?
-And you are… -Oh, um…
These dolls have such kind faces. And is this Nishijin fabric?
That's right.
They're very cute.
Yes.
They all have real Japanese hairstyles and clothes.
Well, they're Japanese dolls.
That's true.
-Let me introduce myself. -Yes.
-My name is… -Yes.
My name is Katagiri from the Sales Department
of Eiko Agency.
-An agency? -Yes.
-I called yesterday-- -Oh, that's right.
Perfect timing.
Actually, the daughter of our company president
is a fan of ballet, so we need Leningrad Ballet tickets.
Thanks.
Mr. Hara…
All done?
Hey, on the way back,
let's take a tour boat from Hamamatsucho and have lunch.
Why'd you even come here?
-Because I can skip work. -Seriously?
No one will complain if you're a little late
from a job that needed a Sales Department assistant.
Then go eat by yourself.
Excuse me, Mr. Hara!
Tecchan?
Yes?
You cut your hair.
You look like your old self.
-Really? -Yeah.
Why are you here?
-I'm interpreting. -Oh, right.
Oh, I don't have much time so I'll get going.
-Good luck. -Okay.
Let's go. Come on.
Wait. Where have I seen that face before?
Oh, I know! I'm Riko Uesugi. Hello.
She's Uesugi, my junior by two years.
I'm Riko.
-Hello. -Hello.
-Let's go. The chief is waiting for us. -Why?
We just had the good fortune to meet, it's a pity to leave.
You're Teppei's high school girlfriend.
The one he loves so much he can't forget,
Sanae Mizuhara, right?
Are you serious?
Sanae-chan looks much more beautiful than her photograph.
Her skin was glowing.
She must be in love.
Shut up already.
Don't ever speak to me again.
Oh, come on now…
We're back.
-Good work. -Good work.
-Hey.
-Katagiri. -Yes?
So, are you getting used to the job?
What?
Should I get used to this?
What?
I mean…
Going around,
having to bow and say yes to whatever customers say.
Can you call that work?
You hate bowing that much?
No…
I just don't want to do this forever.
I see.
You know, Hokkaido is holding a competition
for the best winter ad campaign in ten days.
Would you like to oversee our agency's submission?
-What? -Show us what you can do.
Try it. Is that okay?
Why not?
Understood.
-This is a big deal, okay? -Okay.
-Are you sure? -It'll be fine.
Thank you.
What are you so excited for?
I'm in charge of something big, not just some stupid errand.
This could be your lucky break.
Yes, leave it to me.
It's that Hokkaido competition, right?
You gonna be okay? How do you plan to win?
That's what I'm going to start thinking about now.
Now? You know what?
The president's a pervert. You just need to take him to the red light district.
-That's right! -That will do it!
This year, I want to try winning it the right way.
He's so green! I used to talk like that myself.
Katagiri. Here.
This is last year's material.
Hello!
Wait, what?
You look so fresh with that hair now.
Just a little.
The person in charge of this project will be
Katagiri from the Sales Department.
Hello. I'm Katagiri from the Sales Department.
Well then, let's get into it.
For Hokkaido Winter Ad Campaign '98…
Ow!
-Got a minute? -Sure.
-Come in. -Tecchan!
Welcome!
I'm making nikujaga right now. Will you have some?
No, that's all right.
Come have a beer then.
No, it's fine.
I came by to give you something. Here.
What is it?
Tickets for the Leningrad Ballet.
-Ballet? You mean like… -Yeah.
-The one that looks painful. -No way!
You're sure it's okay?
-Of course, I brought them for you two. -But why this?
Didn't you always like ballet?
In any case, my company got these tickets for free.
There were exactly two, so I thought you guys could watch it.
See you.
What? You're not coming in?
Hm? No…
-Good night. -All right.
Tecchan!
Here. Take this.
No, that's okay.
I already ate.
If you put it in the fridge, you should be able to eat it tomorrow.
Thank you.
Cylinders are salmon, triangles are--
Pickled plum, right?
Yeah… How did you know?
You've always made them like this.
You made this for me a lot during summer practice.
-Did I? -You did.
Cylinders are salmon, triangles are pickled plum and there always is…
-Pickled wasabi. -Pickled wasabi.
That's right.
Thank you.
What?
For the tickets.
Sure.
Just ask, and I can get more.
You haven't changed.
What do you mean?
Pretending you're clueless,
but actually being considerate.
Thanks for this.
LENINGRAD BALLET
He said you've always liked this.
Hm?
Is it true you always liked ballet?
I did ballet when I was little.
We were in the same high school. I must have told Tecchan then.
"Tecchan," is it…
Did the two of you ever… you know…
Well…
What?
Are you jealous, Soichiro?
That's a relief.
We've got A, B, C, D, E.
HOKKAIDO
We're thinking of B, but what do you think?
-It's simple, which is good. -Yes.
But people won't get the message at all.
Okay. Let's use this one then.
Wait, hold on.
There.
-This one's too sexy. -Why? I think it's the best.
Look at it. It's too sexy!
That's because the photo is not good.
-Who took this? -Nishimoto.
CAPTIVATING HOKKAIDO
Then get a better photographer.
It's not in the budget.
I'll figure something out then.
-With a cameraman. -You sure?
And this slogan, "Because it's a winter's day."
I came up with that.
That was my idea.
It's old-fashioned.
Why not say, "A hot envious winter," or something more refreshing.
I don't think that's…
All this time and you guys only have five designs?
What were you doing?
Don't you think?
That's right.
-Oh, hey. -Yes?
Your meeting got pretty heated, right?
I passed by
and heard you guys arguing.
-Arguing? -Yeah.
That wasn't an argument.
-It was a discussion? -What?
-What a discussion then! -Right!
-How about lunch? -Let's go.
Lunch? I want to work on this more.
-How enthusiastic! -Chinese?
Chinese? Japanese is better.
But the cook there serves food with his finger in the bowl.
-Then Chinese? -What about Chojuan?
Which one then?
Wow, a lunch box!
-Don't look at it! -Oh, wow!
Nikujaga and rice balls?
What a classic lunch!
Who made it for you?
I wonder who.
You wouldn't believe
how many girls would pack meals for a guy like me.
It was Sanae Mizuhara.
Make sure to eat the carrots, even if you don't like them.
Because she cut them into flower-shaped pieces for you.
You'll make Sanae sad if you don't eat them.
Mizuhara doesn't talk like that.
I knew it was her.
You know, you don't even…
You've never even made a home-cooked meal, I bet.
I'm not the kind of girl who relies on cooking to win a man's heart.
That kind of stereotypical, pathetic girl.
Sure, sure. Whatever you say.
I mean…
See how beautiful this triangle is?
Can you even make a triangle like this?
Even I can make rice balls.
-Is that so? -And I make them beautifully too.
Take a look at those hands.
What color is that?
Anyone would lose their appetite if you made it with those hands.
Hey, wait!
-I'll give it back if it's so important. -Give it back.
I'm going out for lunch.
Want to go with me, Mr. Otemon?
Oh, I'm fine. I usually skip lunch.
Right…
I'm going then.
All right.
Let's dig in!
Hey, Riko, where are the glasses?
-What? They're not in the cupboard? -Cupboard?
Oh, over here.
-Found them? -Yeah.
All right…
These crab croquettes from the restaurant
are delicious after all.
Hey, you know, your kitchen is always so clean.
Don't you ever cook?
Why should I cook
when such cheap and delicious food is readily available?
It's shameful how some men think it's a woman's job
to slave away in the kitchen.
-Okay, cheers. -Cheers.
Who are you talking about?
Teppei Katagiri.
Teppei? He's a great guy!
Great guy? That?
Yeah.
Absolutely not.
Why?
He pretends he's so cool, but he's hard-headed
and annoying about every little thing.
Just seeing him makes me want to fight.
-Hey, Riko… -What?
Love sometimes starts out like that, you know.
Hm?
It's like the north and south poles of a magnet.
A man and woman are pulled more towards those who are polar opposites,
stick together before they know it
and fall in love together.
Fall in love? Gross!
You've got to be joking. Stop it! Just eat.
Okay.
No way.
I get angry the moment I see her.
You mean Riko-chan?
Don't call her that.
It still grosses me out.
You know what Riko is, she's…
self-centered.
The most self-centered.
If she were stranded with a man on a snowy mountain,
she would keep all the food to herself and let the man starve to death.
-Why'd you set them here? -Looks good.
All my cooking is good.
-Water? -Sure.
-It's good. -Catch.
But, you know…
-I like that. -Like what?
The type of girl
who survives on top of a snowy mountain.
That's your type?
Yeah.
That's a shock.
That's your type?
Insensitive, selfish and without a hint of delicacy… That's your type?
What a waste.
Don't say that.
You shouldn't criticize a friend's taste in food or women.
Sorry.
Wait, hey!
What do you mean, you asked the chief?
Because nobody wants to work with you.
You're suggesting too many ideas for someone from sales.
Sales should just gather data
and handle marketing, got it?
Just compile the data by Monday.
Fine. I got it.
I won't interfere with the planning anymore. All right?
I'll work overtime and compile the data you want.
So please.
Please keep working with me. Please.
Why go so far?
Huh?
Don't give in so easily.
To bow and beg a former coworker like this. Don't you have any pride?
I do. That's why I'm asking this.
Look…
Look, you know…
People who refuse to bow are victims of foolish pride.
Please?
I beg you.
I actually said that…
You scared me.
What are you doing?
-Snip! -Snip?
Quit messing around. What are you cutting this time?
I'm just joking. I'm joking.
It's not a joke. Look what you did to me.
I'm joking…
Here! Refreshments.
What? You can cook?
You have no idea what I can do.
Here. Have a look!
Oh, wow! Looks delicious, right?
Looks all right.
Right?
Go ahead.
I've seen this somewhere.
Have you? Oh, I'll make some tea.
I got it! I know where it's from.
You got these from the convenience store, right?
Can't deny it now.
I can't believe you. Trying to get one over me like this.
You know, I live alone so I am very aware
of which convenience stores have the best rice balls.
What… Quit complaining and eat!
In the meantime, I'll graciously do some of it for…
What's this? What are you doing?
Don't just throw numbers all over the place.
You have to use a simple graph, so old guys and idiots
can understand it just by looking at it.
This is all wrong. No good at all…
-You're welcome. -What?
You're saying thank you in your heart, aren't you?
I heard it, so I answered.
What are you saying? Don't be silly.
Hello?
Teppei?
Sorry, but could you go watch ballet this evening instead of me?
I have…
an investigation soon.
I'm busy too, you know.
Please.
After the ballet, we're having dinner at her place.
Come in. You should come too.
I'll get some nice wine. All right? Please.
Did something happen?
Something just…
came up that I have to do.
Sorry, you don't have to do this. I'll take care of it later.
Where are you going?
On a date.
I'm busy.
With Sanae-chan?
-Tecchan… -Sorry.
My brother couldn't make it.
I see.
Today, you…
look different from usual.
What time does it start?
Oh, 5:30, but…
What?
CANCELED
Canceled?
I feel like this has happened before.
Has it?
During that high school training camp,
we snuck out at night.
-But the inn was closed. -Oh, right!
-I remember now. -Right.
We spent the whole night walking on the embankment.
I was a model student back then.
-What? -Right?
To spend all night with a girl and not make a move
is unthinkable to me now.
As I seem to recall, you were hitting on other girls too.
You were special, though.
How can I explain it…
Like when you put your favorite candy
in the safest part of the drawer and end up hesitating to reach for it.
Is that true?
I had no idea.
If I had known…
You realize a lot of things once you grow up,
but you can't take them back or do them over again.
Hey, how about dinner at my place tonight?
Soichiro's coming too.
My brother probably puts you more at ease than me, right?
Hmm…
Am I wrong?
No, it's just…
Soichiro loves his work.
We don't get to go on dates that often,
and when we do, he always has to go back to work.
He's busy, so it can't be helped.
I think so too.
But you know, how should I say it…
He's different from you.
He doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve.
It makes me uneasy sometimes.
Like, "Oh, am I bothering him right now?"
Or, "Does he really love me?" and stuff.
The next time he breaks a date, I'll trade him in for you.
What are you saying?
What?
Don't say stuff like that.
I'm sorry.
Whenever you feel lonely or insecure…
Tell my brother.
I can't do anything anyway.
You're right.
Sorry!
I should go…
This is good.
Looks like Soichiro is here.
Come in.
We're back.
Excuse me.
Oh, you're both here. Come in.
-What were you doing? -Well…
I'll do that.
What are you doing?
It's better you don't do stuff you aren't used to.
You can try to look cool, but you'll cut yourself.
Seriously.
Go sit down, okay?
Thanks.
Come in.
They come closer.
You two used to date, right?
If that's the case, then just say it.
Did you think it would bother me?
I'm sorry.
No need to apologize.
Well… we did.
But let me explain.
I didn't tell you
because I didn't want you to worry about it.
We did date, but…
But it was really more of a childhood friendship.
Yeah, she's right.
I mean, it was in high school.
We just went to see movies,
rode bikes and stuff.
That was the extent of it.
Also, we might've held… Oh, right.
We may have held hands.
I understand.
Thank you.
Shall we open the wine?
Is there anything I can help with?
You sit there.
-Huh? -It's fine.
Thanks.
What's this?
What?
It's a Tiffany bag…
-What's this for? -Oh, actually, that's…
What? Why?
No, it's just…
I wanted to give this after the show.
To her?
Yeah.
Can I open it?
Yeah.
This is…
Oh, how about…
we let my brother act as witness.
All right.
I want you to marry me.
I know all I'm good for is work,
and I might make you feel lonely…
But I'll do my best to make you happy.
Hey. Hey!
-Handkerchief. -Handkerchief?
Get her a handkerchief.
What are you doing?
Thanks.
Please marry me.
If you're okay with me.
Well, that's great!
That's great. My duty as witness is over.
Okay, open the wine.
-What? -Open the wine.
Oh, right.
What else…
Oh, right. Get the glasses.
You prepared wine but no glasses?
I'll just take whatever's here.
Sure.
You're still here?
You're pretty late.
Thanks for doing my work today.
I'm not finished yet.
That's enough. Good work. You can go home now.
What's with that tone?
I've never considered this job for the long term,
so I've never put my heart into my work.
But I knew this was an important job for you,
so I worked hard until this late.
What do you mean, "Go home?"
That's just rude.
Mizuhara's engaged to my brother.
What?
Mizuhara.
Sanae-chan.
She's dating my brother.
But…
If you still love Sanae-chan,
then you should steal her away!
Love is a battle without--
As if I could do that!
I'm going home.
Shall we go?
-Yes. -Don't forget this.
All right.
-We're off. -See you!
-See you. -Bye.
-Don't go play around afterwards. -I would never do that, right?
-Let's go. -See you.
-Katagiri. -Yes?
-Come here a second. -Okay.
Yes?
Yoshimoto?
Give up the Hokkaido Winter Ad Campaign.
What?
I've already notified them that you'll be resigning.
What do you mean I'm resigning?
The Creative Department
has halted all preparation for the presentation.
Is that true?
Yeah.
Those bastards.
Wait.
I heard you said whatever you wanted during meetings.
That hurt their pride.
When working with others, you have to be sensitive to those things.
You can't work when all you can hear is your own voice. Remember that.
Seriously?
So in Eva,
this girl, Rei Ayanami, is the most popular.
She's cute, but I like Asuka more.
I just can't get enough of her sassy personality.
She's kind of like you.
Or maybe not.
-Oh… -I think you are.
My friend needs me to record a TV show for her. I have to get home!
Which show?
The quiz show where they… you know!
Sorry.
Hello?
Who could I be?
If you don't answer in three seconds,
your phone will self-destruct.
One, two…
You must be lonely if you're doing this.
Who else would do this.
Where are you?
Me? I'm with Yoshimoto at the bar.
We're really hitting it off. Maybe we'll go to a hotel later.
Is that so? Good for you then.
What about you?
I bet you're depressed and drinking alone,
caressing Sanae's photograph.
-Hello. -Oh, hello.
-Please tell me when you're leaving. -Okay.
What are you doing?
What? Sorry, I'm working right now.
What?
You're still at the office?
Huh?
But that project's been…
It isn't finished for me yet.
Now what do I do…?
What?
Not finished yet?
"Thanksies?"
That's so lame.
Oh, excuse me, was there a guy here?
Messy hair, big round eyes…
He went up to the roof.
The roof?
If I was still in the competition, I definitely would have gone with this.
I wasn't doing this to show off, or because I wanted others to praise me.
I just…
wanted to take on a job that was worth doing.
This past month,
I've just been bowing my head.
And time just slipped away like sand.
It would be simpler if I just thought all work is like this.
But I don't want to give up yet.
And anyway…
I don't want to let a company change me.
So…
I wanted to do something only I could do.
That's pretty terrible!
I've never seen such a terrible painting.
It's a representation!
You don't get it, do you?
I wanted a professional photographer to take a picture and use that.
Guys like you are rare, Teppei.
-Womanizer, arrogant, noisy, petty-- -Shut up!
I used to think you were an awful guy.
Well now, you know better.
I mean, look at this.
Don't you think it's great or daring?
You don't know when to give up, do you?
It's called perseverance.
But, you know…
If you're this motivated,
I'm sure it won't end like this.
You're like a squashed cockroach.
Is that what praise is to you?
Of course it is!
Ladies and gentlemen…
First place for this year's advertising campaign goes to…
Mr. Teppei Katagiri!
Teppei!
Thank you very much.
Yes.
Now, let us raise our glasses and cheers.
What? So then… What is it?
Hang on a second.
Wait here.
Where are you going?
How could she leave in the middle of the ceremony?
-Oh, wow! -Here!
-Congratulations to the winner! -Thank you.
-Yes! -Thanks, everyone!
-There's no one here. -Right.
Cheers.
Where did you get this?
The chief thought he could hide it in his desk. But I knew.
Don't come crying to me tomorrow.
What do you mean?
You're the one who popped the cork.
-Good luck! -Hey!
Hey, that's dangerous! Stop!
Wow, it's beautiful! Come on!
Come here!
Look!
-Oh, wow! -Amazing, right?
-I've never seen this. -Awesome!
Is that my place?
What? Which one?
That one… Oh, wait, is it that one?
You can come over to my place to drink,
but don't pass out.
I won't look after you.
I know!
Do you really?
Being a businessman is tough.
So is being an office lady, though.
Don't be so arrogant when you've got it easy.
You can earn money just being there.
-Well, sorry for getting it easy. -That's dangerous. Stop it.
It gets really tough sometimes for me too.
There are times I want to quit
and times I feel lucky to be alive.
-You feel lucky sometimes? -I do.
Probably when you win a Hello Kitty toy at the arcade?
Right?
What? That laugh is seriously creeping me out.
That's because…
-That's because… -Hey, that's dangerous!
I don't care!
Get down!
It's a secret!
Yeah, that's right!
Watch out! Hey!
I told you, it's dangerous!
Come on.
I'll go home after all!
Why?
I don't want a hangover.
And recently, I can't hold my liquor.
Getting old, I guess.
What are you talking about?
Continuing what I said before…
What?
When I
feel lucky…
I'll tell you.
Oh, right.
When is it?
When there's somebody
I've fallen in love with.
So then, do you have someone you love right now? Right?
-Oh, look! -What?
What?
Made you look!
Come on…
See you. Good night.
TO BE CONTINUED
Don't complain, just eat it.
I'm fine!
You're you, no matter who you marry.
It's your birthday? I'll show you a magic trick.
Don't make fun of me!
This kind of thing…
I didn't come here for this kind of thing.
You waited for me to get home?
Subtitle translation by: Maslin F. thing.