Mom, Kazuko woke up.
Kazuko! Can you hear me?
Mom.
You idiot.
What kind of daughter dies before her mother?
Why would you worry your mother like that?
Tell us what happened.
Mr. Nakazono.
I want my own business.
I hate being used by others.
I want to own my own place.
Where is this coming from?
I'm sure you'll get there one day.
That's not good enough. I want it to happen now.
If I didn't die, this must be my calling.
Kazuko...
And I'm quitting high school.
It's no use trying to stop me.
I refuse to be a patsy ever again.
TRANSPARENT WOMEN BY MINORI UOZUMI WAKOSHA LITERARY NEWCOMER AWARD
You've heard of the heliocentric and geocentric theories, right?
The same ideas apply to employment.
Do you move around helping others,
or do they move around helping yourself?
Going into business on my own was what finally set me free.
As an author, I'm sure you understand.
Being an author doesn't make you free.
All right.
Phew, there you go.
Mommy, I took a bath.
I'm exhausted. I can't handle Reina's bath time anymore.
She just gets so excited, you know?
There we go.
You're on bath duty starting tomorrow, got it?
Okay.
There.
Let's get you dry.
There we go.
- Hey. - Yeah?
Can I use the fizzy bear ball tomorrow?
- Sure, but can you tell what's inside? - No.
It's a mystery until it comes out.
There we go.
Okay, time for bed.
Let's lie down.
- Mommy. - Yeah?
Can we get a doggy?
I told you.
We can't have pets at Grandma's house.
But when I saw Dad, he said I can.
When can we go back to Dad's house?
A woman's market value plummets when she turns 30...
After we stay here for a bit,
you and I will move into a bigger home.
Then you can get a dog.
Really?
Mommy's going to work now.
Good night!
Hey, you.
Why are you...
Hey, what's Kazuko Hosoki like?
I just met her, so I'm not sure yet.
I bet she's got a hidden side to her.
Who knows?
You say you're a comedian,
but you have no achievements and lack any womanly charm.
You know this, so the only thing you rely on is your youth.
Mom, you watch her show a lot.
Do you like her?
Yeah, I do.
What do you like about her?
She's so refreshing.
She doesn't mince words.
Not many people are like that nowadays.
And besides...
What?
She's got money.
What a blessing.
You, a "promising new author,"
can finally publish a second book after a decade.
It sounds like fun, writing a book about her.
Your book's gonna sell for sure this time.
I'm heading out.
Oh, Minori.
When are you moving out?
I'm not sure yet.
You don't have a guy to marry?
Of course not.
If you're staying long-term, I want you to pay rent.
I've been taking care of Reina too, so how's 30,000 yen a month?
You're free to doubt my words if you want.
- Okay. - Good.
...you are going straight to hell.
Man, I've heard about this place, but it sure is amazing.
It's like an art museum.
That's true.
Shall we head in then?
Okay.
Hello?
I'm Kawatani, here for our scheduled meeting.
Come in.
We've been expecting you.
Please come in.
Tiara.
I bet this little one's worth a pretty penny too.
Oh, please sit.
You're my guests.
Sorry to make you do all this.
Don't worry about it.
I don't rely on housekeepers, even now.
I do everything on my own.
As they say, a leopard can't change its spots.
This is what happens when you grow up in a poor family.
Homemade herb tea. Please enjoy.
What a nice aroma.
Thank you.
It's delicious.
Isn't it? I grow the herbs in my backyard.
Wow.
And, might I add, you have a lovely home.
The entire place is 1.5 billion yen, so it's not a big deal.
1.5 billion...
My home in Kyoto cost three billion.
What?
I hired first-rate traditional carpenters who spent more than I expected.
More than you expected...
This is incredible.
It's a vulgar display of wealth, right?
No, not at all.
It's fine, don't hold back. It's the truth.
I spend what I earn without hesitation.
I don't regret splurging for what I want.
I get bashed for it,
but I think there's nothing wrong with being nouveau riche.
In fact, I'm proud of it.
And of getting this far from absolutely nothing.
STORE FOR RENT
We're here.
A lot of people pass by here.
It's a back road to the station.
It's a small shop, but it's in a prime location.
You can run whatever business you want.
How much will it cost to rent?
With key money and rent, you'll need 380,000 yen up front.
That much?
I'll cover what you can't pay.
With my body as the collateral?
Do you think so little of me?
I'm an investor. This is just business.
Business?
I want to take a chance
on your guts and determination.
Well?
Mr. Nakazono.
I'll take it.
I'll start here and work my way up to bigger places.
That's the spirit.
The next day, I dropped out of high school
and began preparing for opening day.
I barely had any space,
so I racked my brains over what business to start.
I convinced my sister to join me, since she hated working at the factory.
We woke up at four every morning, cooked huge pots of rice,
and made ball after ball with our hands until they pruned up.
PONY LIGHT MEALS
Morning was rice balls and miso soup.
With free coffee, it was 50 yen in total.
To keep our regulars interested,
we changed the ingredients in the rice balls and miso soup every day.
Here you go. Thank you.
Lunch was a sandwich or a tonjiru and rice set.
With free coffee, it was 50 yen in total.
Coming right up. Akiko, we need more pickled plum.
Hurry.
Here's your plum.
- Thank you. - Thank you very much.
I'll take a tonjiru.
Sure, thank you.
Akiko, one tonjiru.
Thank you.
What are you doing, Akiko? Hurry with the tonjiru.
- All right. - Thank you.
Thank you. Your change is 50 yen.
In this business, time was of the essence.
Our customers shoveled down their food,
so the tonjiru was lukewarm with small chunks in the soup.
Thank you.
Akiko, wash the dishes later.
- Sorry. - Okay.
A sandwich, right?
Okay, just one moment.
Akiko, get the sandwich first.
- Okay. - One second.
Thank you.
Where are you from?
Sandwich? Thank you.
- A tonjiru. - Coming right up.
Small margins with high-volume sales was a big success.
The key to business is knowing what your customers want.
Every day was a high-stakes match with real people.
If you just sit at your desk contemplating things,
you won't understand a thing about people.
And how long did you run that shop?
Six months, perhaps?
Only six months, with all that profit?
Someone showed up wanting to buy the shop
for three times what I paid for it.
Why didn't you talk to me first?
I was the one managing the place,
so it was my choice whether we closed or sold.
You were just helping out, Akiko.
I don't need to talk to you about everything.
"Just helping out"?
Oh, anyway,
wanna help with a new business I'm starting?
What was that for?!
I should've never quit my job for you.
Hold it!
You shouldn't have said it like that.
You're in the wrong!
Why? She slapped me.
I can't believe you. Calm--
Hey! Stop!
Kazuko!
Here we go!
My next venture was a lounge in Shinbashi.
I wanted a place where Pony's regulars,
who were young businessmen, could have fun.
We provided low-cost services
using fresh, new amateurs as hostesses.
CONGRATULATIONS ON CLUB JUN FROM EIICHI NAKAZONO
Over here.
Excuse me.
I'll be right back.
Please keep drinking. Excuse me.
Welcome. I'll light that for you.
Thanks.
My business boomed as a result.
It had a fresh vibe unlike anywhere else in Ginza,
which drew in the men.
I paid back my investor in a year
and saved over three million yen in five years.
A salaryman's starting salary was less than 20,000 yen back then.
How much would that be in today’s money?
Not sure. Just multiply it by 20.
Sixty million?
In my early twenties.
Wow, every day must have been so much fun.
Well, it actually wasn't.
Come on, you don't even know that, Ma'am?
Hostesses in Ginza can keep up with this level of economic talk.
I'm sorry for my ignorance.
I guess that's what happens when you drop out of high school.
It was frustrating.
I pushed through with guts and determination before then,
but I realized that wasn't enough.
I was bent on proving them wrong and went to college.
Wait, college? As a high school dropout?
I wasn't registered, of course.
Down with Kishi! No to the Security Treaty!
It was loud with young people burning with ideals,
but I couldn't have cared less.
I was desperate to survive this world's hardships.
College in the day, work at night. I juggled both at the same time.
And I studied way more than most of the students there.
Of course, without paying a single yen.
Politics. Economics. Philosophy.
I read everything I could get my hands on.
It was all gibberish at first,
but it slowly started making sense after a year or two.
I started to enjoy it.
My desire for knowledge grew stronger,
and I could tell I was growing by the day.
But you know, I'm the type of person who gets greedy.
I got bored with the customers in Shinbashi.
I wanted to compete on the ultimate stage.
Do you mean Ginza?
I know you're capable, but running a business in Ginza?
You're only 23 years old. Aren't you rushing things a bit?
The Tokyo Olympics are in two years.
These streets will be packed with even more people.
It's now or never.
But the standards here are higher than anywhere else in Japan.
That's why I want to try it.
It's also the most cutthroat in Japan.
It's not as easy as you think.
Here we are.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
A property this good rarely ever comes around.
What do you think?
That's true. It's in a prime location.
I'll spend a lot on the interior and compete as a high-end club.
And how much do you need?
Even with my savings, I still need five million yen.
Kazuko.
Do you know what kind of money that is?
It could get you a nice house in Setagaya.
This kind of investment is on another level.
My heart's set on opening a business here.
Please, Mr. Nakazono.
I'm a professional.
If this fails,
I'll wring you dry to get my money back, even if it's you.
Are you prepared for that?
Yes.
I promise I'll succeed.
Promises shouldn't be made lightly.
Take a chance on me again.
Please.
Please!
- Kazuko, stop. Don't do this here. - Please, Mr. Nakazono!
If you don't invest in me, I'll die!
My life is over now.
Fine, I'll give you the money! Just get up already!
- Really? - Yeah.
Thank you, Mr. Nakazono!
I love you!
You're such a handful.
I'll do my best!
Wait!
Hey, hold it!
Hello!
Hello. Nice weather we're having.
It sure is.
I'll come visit you next time.
What a good girl you are, Aya.
I'm the big sister. It's my job.
I see.
Approach. Favorable prospects.
Kazuko Hosoki.
Fortune smiles upon her. She will find great success.
She will? Are you sure?
Yes.
Thank you.
However...
However... What is it?
From here on, her greed will grow quickly.
One day, it may swallow her whole.
So cute.
At long last, a club in Ginza, huh?
You sure are amazing, Kazuko.
Are you sure you're not pushing yourself too hard?
I'm not pushing myself hard at all.
Oh, no. Why are you crying?
- Okay, come here. - There, there.
There, there. What's wrong?
- I've got you. What's wrong? - There, there.
What's the matter?
I guess she prefers being with her mom.
Akiko, you really look like a mother now.
Is it fun?
Everything's a struggle.
And my husband's not making much money.
But isn't it nice without a mother-in-law or sister-in-law?
That's true.
I can't even imagine working at a club in Ginza.
I'm glad I walked away after our fight.
Hey, Sachiko.
Want to quit your corporate job and join me?
No way.
You'll make money.
I'm marrying a guy with a house, a car, and no mother-in-law.
What if I become a manager?
You said you were gonna get a corporate job, Hisao.
I hate mornings, so I'm getting cold feet.
- Are you for real? - Well?
I guess you'll be of some help.
So I'm hired?
I'll consider it.
All right! That's a job offer!
You're an idiot.
That was totally an offer.
- Kazuko. - Yeah?
Did you tell Mom?
No.
I'll do it soon.
Here is your order.
I'll take over.
Mom.
- Listen-- - I heard from Mr. Nakazono.
I see.
You really are something.
Thanks to your earnings,
we've paid off all of our debt.
But you know, Kazuko,
five million yen is terrifying.
It's okay. I'll make sure it succeeds.
I'm confident.
When a woman acts tough,
she won't find happiness as a woman.
I'm gonna get married one day,
and I want kids too.
Being the owner of a club in Ginza isn't all I'll amount to.
I intend to get everything I want.
I asked a fortune teller to read your fortune today.
He said greed would swallow you whole one day.
That's ridiculous.
That stuff is obviously a sham...
I'm worried about you.
That's all I can do for you now.
Megumi just asked me for a favor.
Oh, I see.
The day's finally here, Kazuko.
- I'll be right back. - Okay.
Hello, everyone.
Hello, Ms. Kazuko.
Finally, it's Kazusa's opening day.
I'm counting on you, everyone.
We'll do our best.
Let's toast.
Oh, Ma'am.
Welcome, Mr. Mizuno. Thank you for coming.
Congratulations.
It's all thanks to you all.
I hope to see you all again soon.
Thank you.
Welcome.
I'm so happy you're here, Mr. Takahashi.
Good evening. Allow me to join you.
Welcome.
Oh, Mr. Nakazono!
Hey.
We only have seats at the bar right now.
I just came to check out the place.
What? Please, stay for a drink.
Maybe just one.
All right!
Right this way.
Man, this place is booming.
Kazuko worked her tail off for this.
You look right at home too, Hisao.
It must be the outfit.
Over here.
- A beer, please. - Welcome. Coming right up.
Make sure you remember Mr. Nakazono. He's our investor.
I shall not forget.
Thank you.
Mr. Nakazono.
Welcome.
You're off to a superb start.
I couldn't have done it without your help.
Imagine someone groveling to you in the middle of Ginza.
Everyone looked at me like I was some kind of villain.
What choice did I have?
A well-disguised threat, huh?
I'd say.
Well, enjoy.
Thanks.
May I partake in one as well?
I can't say no to you, Kazuko.
Thanks.
You may already know this,
but there are monsters lurking in Ginza.
Always keep your guard up.
I'll work myself to the bone so you won't have to wring me dry.
Well, to Kazusa's future success...
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Did the club continue to flourish?
Yes, those were fortunate times too.
We were right in the middle of rapid economic growth.
Thanks to my studies,
political and financial bigwigs started visiting us too.
I didn't end up getting wrung dry.
Instead, I managed to pay Mr. Nakazono back within a year.
Wow, it really was a time of hopes and dreams, huh?
Now, people are crushed by reality and won't even try.
They forget to dream.
- I'll make some coffee. - Huh?
- Thank you. - I'll take those.
Thank you.
These are boring times, aren't they?
Without a dream, nothing begins.
Without desire, nothing can be obtained.
You're a woman who desires more than the average person, aren't you?
Greedy, even.
Oh, that was a compliment.
You're right. I'm greedy.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
NEW MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION AKIMITSU NABESHIMA
WITH ALL MY HEART, KAZUKO HOSOKI
There we go.
Hey, Ma'am!
- I've been waiting for you! - Welcome.
Pardon me.
Have a drink, Ma'am.
Thank you.
- Oh? - Our newbie, Mita.
He's in charge of the hotel we're opening in Akasaka.
Nice to meet you. I'm Kazuko, the owner.
Oh, I'm Mita. Nice to meet you.
Why were you spacing out?
Well, well. Did you fall in love?
After all, a beauty like this is hard to find.
You're so smooth with your words, Mr. Nishioka.
But you know, Mita,
if you go after her, you're got some tough competition.
Most of the customers here are filthy rich.
Guys like us who dine on company money don't stand a chance.
Our customers are like gods.
I treat everyone equally.
Oh? Maybe I've got a shot.
- Here you go. - Thanks.
- Allow me. - Thank you.
Mita, how about you invite her for an after?
What's an "after"?
Hey, you've never even heard of an after?
You go on a date after the club closes.
I see.
Um...
Do you have plans tonight?
Hey, you're just going for it?
Sorry, I have a prior commitment.
It's not that easy to seduce her. You gotta visit her every night.
But we can't let a newbie use company funds.
Basically, she's a woman who's completely out of your reach.
Don't be like that. Please come by every day.
Okay, Mr. Mita?
Ma'am, that would bankrupt him.
- It would, huh? - Yeah.
My apologies.
Flowers for sale.
Would you like some flowers?
We'll be expecting you.
Mr. Kamiyama, three people, coming in 30 minutes.
I see.
- Welcome. - Welcome.
Mr. Mita, you came to visit?
I'll take that bag for you.
Are you alone today?
Yes, this was delivered to my office today.
Oh, um...
Here.
Thank you.
Please, right this way.
Oh, it's nothing. Um...
- Um... - Excuse me.
May I invite you for an after?
I'm booked every night this month. I'm sorry.
Got it.
Enjoy.
Oh, welcome.
Welcome.
Kazuko.
Yeah?
Mr. Mita's been coming three times a week. Is he okay?
I know, he's been spending quite a bit.
He's always paying cash with a smile.
He's a young office worker, you know?
You think he's embezzling money?
No way. He's too straightlaced.
Those are the guys you gotta watch out for.
The entire club is reserved for members of the Diet today.
That includes Minister Nabeshima.
Take extra care to not make any mistakes.
Yes, Ma'am.
Well, we're counting on you.
- Is that true? - It sure is.
Wow!
Jeez, what a delight!
You beautiful ladies make the alcohol go down easy.
Minister, thank you so much for coming today.
I've known about your club for a while,
so I wanted to pay a visit.
The rumors were true. Everyone's beautiful.
I hope you'll continue to visit.
Yes, of course.
Please do.
Ma'am, Mr. Mita is here.
I'll be right back.
Sure.
- Mr. Mita. - Here.
Thank you.
Sorry, we're booked out today.
Oh, is that so? I'll come by next time.
I'm sorry.
Hey, is that you, Marohiko?
Oh, Mr. Nabeshima!
What a coincidence.
Oh, you frequent this place too?
Minister, do you know Mr. Mita?
Of course. His father is one of my supporters.
A major landowner in Shizuoka.
A major landowner?
They sold three mountains for the new bullet trains.
Now they're obscenely rich, right?
I see.
You were so secretive about yourself, Mr. Mita.
Did you join me tonight because you heard about my father?
No, I lost to your enthusiasm.
I was worried about your wallet.
But there was no need to worry.
I'm so happy
that you were thinking of me, Kazuko.
You haven’t told your coworkers yet, right?
I'm still training, so I don't want them to treat me differently.
What are your plans for the future?
I'll have to take over the family business one day.
My father and everyone before him were content with being landowners.
But I'm different.
I plan to use our assets to start a business.
Wow, what kind of business?
I want to build a hotel with my own two hands.
A hotel?
Yes.
In the U.S., there's a city called Las Vegas.
It has several massive hotels attached to theaters and casinos.
My family has 33 hectares of land by the coast.
I'll use that land and...
Well, that's just a dream within a dream.
A hotel, huh?
How wonderful.
Welcome.
Mr. Mita, you're soaking wet.
- Get me a towel. - Okay.
Please, come in.
What's wrong?
My father
suddenly passed away from a heart attack.
What?
I'm returning to the countryside now.
I had to quit my job too.
I see.
I'm very sorry for your loss.
I don't think we'll ever meet again.
Um...
Thank you for everything.
Here's the towel.
- Get me an umbrella. - An umbrella?
Mr. Mita.
Mr. Mita. Please use this umbrella.
What if...
What if I asked you to come with me?
Huh?
Marry me,
and we'll chase after our dreams together.
I'm sorry.
What am I saying?
Forget I said anything.
I couldn't believe it when I heard Kazuko was getting married,
but this house explains it all.
That girl's got a lot of ambition.
She's settling in right where she belongs.
You were worried she wouldn't get married,
and now you're worried that she is, huh?
This place is so big, you could get lost here.
What a big home.
Hisao, you're running the club in Ginza now?
That's right.
Will you be okay?
Just leave it to me.
I don't have high hopes.
Say what you will.
Well, I always thought Kazuko would marry into money,
but not this much.
Yeah, this goes beyond wanting a house and a car.
She really outdid you, Akiko. I bet you're jealous.
You idiot.
You don't understand marriage at all.
It comes with extra baggage.
Our first night as newlyweds.
It was a bit nerve-racking, even for me.
Back then, never in my wildest dreams
did I imagine how things would turn out a week later.
Subtitle translation by: Chul Woong Kim