S1 E1 • I Like This Sea!

In 2008, Amano Haruko (42 yo) is a housewife in Tokyo. In 1984, she ran away from Kitasanriku, her hometown in Iwate Prefecture, had lived in Tokyo ever since, and never went back. But she has been receiving emails by a former schoolmate, Daikichi (Train Station Master, 44 yo), telling her that her mother back home had collapsed and insists that she returns home. So that summer, for the first time in 24 years, she comes back to Sodegahama, a fishing village by the sea, bringing along her shy daughter Aki (high school student, 16 yo). However, Haruko, as she had suspected all along, finds out that it was a ruse to bring her back, and that her mother is actually fit as a fiddle. As Aki is taken through a tour around her mother's hometown, she learns about the depopulation problem of the city. She is introduced to the people of the city's Tourism Office and the Sodegahama Fishing Cooperative, particularly the middle-aged members of Ama Club, a group of women divers who fish for clams and sea urchins for tourists. Later, they arrive at Haruko's parents' home. Aki goes to the beach and, for the first time sees her grandmother, Natsu (Ama and the Leader of the club, 64 yo), swimming for seaweed and sea urchins. "So cool~!" Aki is instantly in awe of her.

Première diffusion : 1 avril 2013

S1 E2 • I Like This Sea!

Natsu-bappa*, thinking that Aki is just a regular tourist, feeds her some sea urchins and charges her for it. The other Amas inform Natsu that Aki is her granddaughter. Natsu is surprised but quickly recovers. She says to Aki, "Okay, I'll give you a family discount." Meanwhile, Daikichi and Anbe Sayuri (Ama and former classmate of Haruko, 42) explain to Haruko the real reason why she was called home. They say the Ama group will become extinct because Natsu was heard saying she will be retiring soon, and there is no willing successor. "The other Amas said if Natsu-san retires, then they'll quit, too!" They want Haruko to become an ama. But she refuses, saying she hates it, and it is among the reasons why she left home in the first place (she did not want to follow in her mother's footsteps). Natsu arrives but is cold towards Haruko and vice versa. Aki notices it. Contrary to what Daikichi said, Natsu declares it will be a long ways off before she retires from being an Ama. She also charges Haruko payment for the sea urchins that Aki ate a while back. Haruko is irked and gets up to leave. "Aki, let's go back to Tokyo!" But Aki refuses, saying she wants to stay.

Première diffusion : 2 avril 2013

S1 E3 • I Like This Sea!

"Do what you want, I'm going back to Tokyo!" Haruko storms out, leaving Aki behind. Daikichi goes after her and stops her from boarding a bus bound for Tokyo. He tells her to ride the local train, KitaTetsu* and while she waits for her ride, they hang out at a cafe (run by her mother who is out diving at the moment) at the train station. Here, Haruko complains about how she does not understand her daughter Aki. "She's quiet, plain and gloomy, just like her father." She did not notice the time and misses the last train so she is forced to stay overnight. By then, Natsu arrives at the cafe and tells her to go to some business hotel. "You don't have to tell me!" Haruko again, irked, storms out, taking her luggage with her. But Daikichi manages to bring her back to the cafe which at night transforms into a snack bar. The next day is Umihiraki** which is also the season of the Ama. Aki is at the beach along with many tourists to kick off the event. Meanwhile, Haruko is hanging out at the pachinko parlor where she attracts unwanted stares from people who knew her from before. Feeling uncomfortable, she offers her winning pachinko machine to Adachi Hiroshi, the young man sitting next to her before leaving. She goes to the seashore where she sees Aki and Natsu on a boat. She also watches in horror as Natsu pushes Aki down into the water...

Première diffusion : 3 avril 2013

S1 E4 • I Like This Sea!

Haruko remembers how she hated when Natsu forces her to dive when she was a young girl. She would get pushed into the sea by her own mother, too. She worriedly runs towards Aki who even though she was pushed, was laughing and enjoying the water. "Why do you like the only thing I hate the most?!" Haruko walks away angrily. Later, Aki finds out from the Ama-sans that her mom hates the sea and was a rebellious teenager. Natsu says she assumes things are not going well with her husband in Tokyo. Yayoi tells her not to say that in front of her grandchild. But Aki says it might be her fault. "Because I'm plain and gloomy, lacks ambition and coordination...And that I don't stand out." Natsu: "Who told you that?" Aki replies, "Mom." Meantime, Haruko goes to the Tourism Office where Daikichi is badgering Sugawara Tamotsu (Head of Tourism Office, 42 yo; former classmate of Haruko) on why his proposal for a city website is taking too long. Then, when Daikichi is alone with Haruko in his car, he attempts to confess his love for her but gets interrupted when a train comes closely by. That night, Haruko gets into another argument with her mother. Natsu says bitterly, "You didn't even tell me you got married and had a child!" "And you did not tell me Dad was dead!" Natsu retorts back after praying in front of her father's funeral picture at the family altar. Natsu says she knows Haruko goes around town playing pachinko all day because she does not really want to go home. "Is it because things are not going well at your home in Tokyo?" Annoyed, Haruko goes out into the night. When outside she visits her private retreat, a beacon near the beach. There, she sees the words she wrote on the concrete floor 27 years ago, "Tokyo, Harajuku, Omotesando..." The next morning, Aki and Natsu go to the train station where they sell Natsu's famous unidonburi*. Then, a pretty girl steps on board from Hatano Station...

Première diffusion : 4 avril 2013

S1 E5 • I Like This Sea!

Aki gets introduced to the pretty girl. She's Adachi Yui, same age as her. She's also the sister of Hiroshi (guy at the pachinko parlor). Their father is congressman, Adachi Isao who was also a former high school teacher of Haruko, Sugawara, and Daikichi. By this time Aki is trying to sound like a local by speaking with a Sodegahama accent. At the cafe, Daikichi and the Ama-sans gossip about "Yui-chan's older brother," saying he dropped out of college, also quit his part-time job in Tokyo, and is now jobless. (Actually, Hiroshi tells Haruko at the pachinko parlor that he has recently gotten a job watching out for poachers at the monitoring hut overlooking the beach.) At home, Haruko tells Natsu she is thinking of letting Aki stay for the whole summer break. "She has changed. She was usually quiet and somber back in Tokyo. But here, she is livelier and happier." Natsu asks her, "Which do you like better, your hometown or Tokyo?" Haruko still chooses Tokyo. Natsu tells Haruko, that Sodegahama, "the land that you abandoned", is still the best place to be. "Aki isn't the one who needs to change, it's you." Back at the cafe, Aki listens as the older folks lament about the dire lack of successors for the Ama. She too feels sorry for the town which she has gotten to love. At the beacon near the sea, she contemplates on what to do... and while doing so, she recalls being called "plain, gloomy, and uninteresting" by her mom and friends. "No, no, no, you're wrong!" She shouts, runs, and jumps off into the sea. From the monitoring hut, Hiroshi sees what she did through his binoculars. He panics and sounds the siren. Natsu and Haruko hear it and run towards the beach.

Première diffusion : 5 avril 2013

S1 E6 • I Like This Sea!

Natsu and Haruko arrive at the sea to find Aki swimming happily. She calls out to both of them and declares "I wanna be an Ama!" Later, the Ama-sans and the others hear about it and are ecstatic. But Haruko says she and Aki still need to discuss about it. That night, Aki is adamant even if Haruko warns her about the dangers of swimming in the open sea. "But I wouldn't know if I don't try!" Aki argues back. Haruko reveals that growing up in a sea-loving home is lonely. Her father, a deep-sea fisherman, and her Ama mother spent all their time at the sea so she vowed that when she marry, it would be to someone who comes home every day. She also tells her that her dislike for the sea was why she did not want to be an Ama. In fact, she ran away 24 years ago the day after the mayor and other locals back then, were imploring her to become an Ama. Finally, after their talk, Haruko gives her blessing and lets Aki stay and learn to dive only for the summer break. Next day, Haruko treats Hiroshi with a meal, thanking him for "saving" Aki even if she was not really drowning. At the beach, the Ama-sans gather for a new official group portrait, this time with Aki in the center as the first rookie ama after 24 years.

Première diffusion : 6 avril 2013

S1 E7 • I Don't Wanna Return to Tokyo!

Aki starts her first days of training as an Ama. Being a rookie, she is tasked to do simple chores first (cleaning the beach, assisting her seniors, showing hospitality to customers), and is not expected to dive yet for uni. When the tourists leave, the older women teach her the proper basic sea-swimming techniques. By night, she is exhausted and falls asleep at the dinner table. At this time, Haruko informs Natsu she is getting a divorce from her cab driver husband. "So that is why you did not want to go home," Natsu says. She also tells her, "While you're here, get a job to help pay for our living costs." So Haruko accepts the job of manning Natsu's shop (both as cafe and snack bar). She starts working the next day at the cafe. Daikichi drops by and both recall the day when she left. "I hated the countryside, and its lame people, including you and myself," she said. But Daikichi says he had loved her ever since back then. He still believes that their city's time will come. He gets up to sing and for some reason, chooses a karaoke song from 1984, "Ghostbusters." Aki, meanwhile, rushes to finish her train station job selling unidonburi so she could head out to the sea. Before she is taught to dive, she must first pass the test of holding her breath under the water for one minute. So far, she has not succeeded yet. And just when Haruko is back home, filling up her divorce papers, a man driving a Tokyo cab arrives in town. It is her husband and Aki's father, Kurokawa Masamune...

Première diffusion : 8 avril 2013

S1 E8 • I Don't Wanna Return to Tokyo!

Aki is feeling impatient. So far, she has not passed the underwater test yet and is worried that summer break will soon be over without her being able to dive yet. Meanwhile, Masamune asks a local, Osanai Rokuro (Fishing Co-op president) to show him the way to Sodegahama. When they reach the village, Osanai proceeds to the Co-op where Aki and the Ama-sans are. Aki sees old photos of past Amas. Some of them were topless. The older folks tease Aki, saying that rookie Amas go diving topless for the first few years. "So you should do it, too!" Aki believes it and is shocked. She tells Natsu she does not want to dive anymore but was later reassured that it was just a joke, and that the old practice of diving topless was all in the past. Natsu tells the story of how her husband fought against this practice. "He was so cool and so I decided to marry him!" Meanwhile, as Haruko is dropping the divorce papers in the mailbox, Masamune arrives. He is surprised to learn about the divorce but Haruko does not explain why. "It's all in the letter that I mailed to you." He also learns about Aki's desire to be an Ama, and was against it. He goes over to the beach to reprimand her but Natsu gets in between them. It is the first time Masamune meets his mother-in-law and tries to apologize. They did not notice that Aki is gone. She has dived into the sea again.

Première diffusion : 9 avril 2013

S1 E9 • I Don't Wanna Return to Tokyo!

Aki swims away leaving her arguing relatives behind. She goes to the Fishing Co-op, and stays late to chat with the people there. She enjoys listening to them talk about the personal lives of Daikichi and some of the Ama-sans. Hiroshi drops by and tells Aki he saw her jump into the sea again but did not sound the siren because she looked fine. At the Amano home, Haruko and her husband discuss about the divorce. She tries to explain why she wants to divorce him, albeit vaguely, saying that it maybe good for Aki and herself. But Masamune does not see a reason why they should since he was a man who prioritizes his family more than his job (which Haruko wished for in the first place). Anyway, Haruko says she already made up her mind and had signed the divorce papers using the Amano (her maiden name) seal. But Daikichi and Anbe tell her that she should have used her married name seal because if not, the document will be invalid. Haruko: "Oh, I didn't know that since I've never been divorced before." Later, Masamune goes to the bar with the men and tells how he met Haruko in Tokyo in 1988. She was a passenger of his and they hit it off well, dated and got married. Yayoi (Ama, 59 yo) tells him that Haruko grew up in a family whose parents were not always at home. "When you're with someone all the time, soon you won't have anything to talk about." Then, Daikichi (who is weak against alcohol) passes out, apparently unaware that Yayoi was serving him oolong tea mixed with alcohol. Back at the Amanos, Aki arrives home, looking cheerful. Haruko is supposed to tell her about the divorce but Aki (thanks to her recent helpful chat with the Ama-sans) says there is no need to say anything because she understands that Haruko is going through a lot of things. The next morning, Masamune goes to the beach again to see Aki... He watches her from a distance, noticing that Aki is happier and laughing cheerfully - a far cry from the gloomy and shy daughter that he had known in Tokyo...

Première diffusion : 10 avril 2013

S1 E10 • I Don't Wanna Return to Tokyo!

Masamune is joined by Haruko and both watch Aki smile happily at the customers. Masamune gives in and tells Aki later that he's going back to Tokyo and that she could continue being an Ama for the whole summer. Meanwhile, Hiroshi also watches Aki's light-hearted smile from the monitoring hut. Later, he goes to the cafe and chats with Haruko. She tells him his father (the congressman) used to be her high school teacher. "How is he?" Hiroshi reveals they not been talking much in years. Haruko guesses correctly regarding Hiroshi's short stint in Tokyo. "Did you feel you didn't belong there?" He nods and says, "Anyway, I don't feel I belong anywhere." Haruko feels the same way about Tokyo. She thought her leaving the countryside for Tokyo was a good decision. But it turned out to be unsatisfying. "I think the problem is not the place, it's the person himself." Meanwhile, Aki is alone finishing her chores at the beach when she sees a man taking pictures of her. She tells Haruko about it that night. Alarmed that a pervert is peeping at her daughter, Haruko goes to the beach the next day, to stand guard. As Aki is trying hard to pass her underwater test (staying under for a minute), the man, Hibiki Ichiro (who happens to be just a harmless Camera Boy or hobby photographer) shows up taking pictures again of the Amas. Haruko screams, "Pervert!" and chases after him. The Amas give chase too, leaving Aki behind, unsupervised. Being underwater, she does not know she is being pulled away into the sea. Good thing a fishing boat is passing by, and rescues her. At the Co-op, everyone is relieved that she is okay. Plus, she joyfully learns that throughout the commotion about the "pervert," she was able to stay underwater for over a minute. Thus, signaling that Aki is ready to begin her diving lessons.

Première diffusion : 11 avril 2013

S1 E11 • I Don't Wanna Return to Tokyo!

Aki begins her diving training but has a hard time reaching the uni at the bottom. During her vending chores at the train station, she sees Hibiki again, taking pictures of Yui who was posing willingly like a model. Aki wants to thank the man for helping her pass the underwater test but he is rude to her, and tells her to "buzz off, ugly." Aki gets mad and throws uni at him. Despite that, she was able to talk to Yui who remembers her from before. Yui says she has a blog and that is how Hibiki got in touch with her, asking if he could take pictures of her. Aki is in awe of Yui's prettiness, and was delighted to be invited by her to some town activity the next day. It turns out to be volunteer work, making parade floats for the city's upcoming Autumn Festival. Aki feels happy being with everyone but feels sad that she will be leaving soon. Yui, on the other hand, loves to talk about Tokyo (even though she's never been there), and does not seem to notice the beauty of her own hometown. Aki decides to forget about her sadness, make the most of her remaining time and see all that she can about Kitasanriku. So she goes with Oda Ben (amber miner) and visits the amber mine that he himself had dug up. Here, she is able to let out her feelings by shouting: "I don't want to go back to Tokyo!! I want to stay in Kitasanriku forever!!"

Première diffusion : 12 avril 2013

S1 E12 • I Don't Wanna Return to Tokyo!

The atmosphere is gloomy at the Fishing Co-op as Aki's return to Tokyo draws near. A touching moment passes between Natsu and her granddaughter when she feeds Aki with sea urchin for the last time. "Don't you forget the taste." Hiroshi also bids Aki farewell, gifting her with free curry tickets from a shop in Tokyo. That night, the Ama-sans and the men discuss and lament about the mother and daughter's impending departure. The women insist that Daikichi propose to Haruko so she won't have to leave. Natsu chooses not to do anything about the situation, quoting her favorite line: "Those who leave will not be pursued.* " Meanwhile, Haruko wants to ask Aki if she really wants to leave. But Aki, bottling up her true feelings, says she's fine about returning to Tokyo. Natsu comes home, and goes straight to bed early, ignoring the fact about their leaving. "Gotta get up early. Better go to sleep." Haruko remembers that those were also the words she said the last time when Haruko left home 24 years ago. "If there's something we have to talk about, you always turn a blind eye and pretend to sleep!" The next day, the Ama-sans gather at the house to say goodbye, except for Natsu who went to the beach to gather seaweeds. Daikichi is supposed to propose but backs out. At the station, Aki hesitates to ride the train home. Haruko asks her what she really wants to do but Aki still says she's okay with it. Just in time, Haruko steps off the departing train and pulls Aki with her. The train leaves without them. They go back to Natsu's home, much to the delight of the grandmother.

Première diffusion : 13 avril 2013

S1 E13 • I Was Able to Make a Friend!

Haruko tells Natsu that she and Aki will live with her from now on. But not until she gives her mother a piece of her mind. "Even if you don't mean it, you should have come and stopped me from leaving 24 years ago!" Later, Aki informs the Ama-sans of the good news, and they too were delighted. Aki also meets up with Yui. She returns the tickets that Hiroshi had given her since it would be of no use to her. Both of them are confused as to why Hiroshi did that. Aki says it is okay for her to leave Tokyo since she does not have friends there. Yui says she does not have any real friends, either. Then, Aki proceeds to make her stay in Kitasanriku permanent by transferring to a local school where Yui also studies (it's also the same school of her mom). Aki finds out that her mother registered her name NOT as "Kurokawa Aki" but as "Amano Aki", using Haruko's maiden name. Either way, it does not matter to Aki. Meanwhile, at the cafe, Haruko tells her husband Masamune over the phone about her decision to stay. Masamune takes it well, since it benefits Aki as well as Haruko's relationship with her mother. Yet he is still in the dark as to why Haruko wants a divorce since it was not mentioned in the letter that Haruko wrote to him. Daikichi interrupts the call and tells Masamune to marry someone else since "Haru-chan is never going back to Tokyo!" Then, Hiroshi drops by the cafe and learns that Aki and Haruko haven't left. "Then why did I quit my job at the monitoring hut?" (tee-hee) Hiroshi has been jobless since then and has lots of free time lately. And Aki happily goes back to diving but so far she's still not able to grab a single sea urchin yet.

Première diffusion : 15 avril 2013

S1 E14 • I Was Able to Make a Friend!

Aki is growing impatient. Even if she was told to picture the uni as a cash box, instead of sea urchins, she still cannot reach them. Hiroshi visits her at the beach. He shows signs of liking Aki but she does not notice. Somehow she and Yayoi cannot even remember his name. When Hiroshi asks if Aki can fetch him an uni, she says, "I can do it!" She struggles but ends up "catching" a coin instead. Meanwhile, daily life for Natsu has changed significantly now that Haruko and Aki are staying with her. All three help out and take turns doing their tasks: preparing and selling the unidonburi, diving, manning the shop, etc. One dinnertime, Aki says her Dad is a good cook and would usually cook dinner for them in Tokyo. Also Natsu tells Aki that since it's already September, the sea currents have changed and it might be too dangerous for an amateur like Aki. "You can only dive up to 4 pm." Aki is disappointed since it means less time to practice her diving. Next day, Aki as usual fails to catch any uni so she dives once again alone past 4 pm. Even if she was warned not to go past the cove, she goes over there after spotting plenty of uni. A sudden current pulls her to some kelp. Her foot gets entangled with it, preventing her from resurfacing. Natsu and the ama-sans panic but fortunately she is saved by Kumagai Misuzu (Ama, 50 yo). She is fine but Natsu is furious. "You don't listen to your seniors, so I'm banning you from the beach!" Haruko who had arrived defends Aki by arguing with Natsu. Their quarrel becomes heated and personal to the point that they were not really talking about Aki anymore. Aki tries helplessly to stop the two from fighting.

Première diffusion : 16 avril 2013

S1 E15 • I Was Able to Make a Friend!

Aki feels sad from being suspended from going to the beach. Aki tries to be helpful in order to make up for what she had done but Natsu is still upset. Meantime, some of the locals get together at the Tourism Office for their K3NSP* monthly meeting. They have to come up with a "machi-okoshi**" for their town. They need a "third specialty" (the other two are the Northern Ama and the KitaTetsu) they could "sell" to tourists. Anbe (Ama) insists her favorite salty-sweet dish, Mamebu while amber miner Oda Ben keeps suggesting, of course, amber. Those ideas are immediately shot down. Tourism is down and so far only the KitaTetsu is having a steady "break-even" rate of customers, most particularly the "creepy" train otakus. "We should come up with an idea that can tickle their fancy!" But no one can think of anything. Meanwhile, Hiroshi drops in at Cafe Riasu, thinking that Aki would be there since "she's not at the beach." Some train otakus suddenly come flooding in the shop, forcing Hiroshi to help out Haruko in serving them. After they leave, Hiroshi keeps mentioning Aki's name, prompting Haruko to ask him, "You like her, right?" Embarrassed, Hiroshi denies it. Just then, Aki arrives making Hiroshi fluster. The K3NSP meeting has ended and some arrive at the cafe. They ask Hiroshi for his "young person's" opinion on what idea they could come up with to help promote the town. He suggests a "Miss Contest." They all like it and brainstorm for a proper name. Daikichi suggests it should be something connected with the local railway line. Again, Hiroshi comes up with a good one: "Miss KitaTetsu." Everyone smiles in agreement.

Première diffusion : 17 avril 2013

S1 E16 • I Was Able to Make a Friend!

Aki sadly tells Yui about her Ama suspension. Since Aki has free time, Yui invites her to her house, which cheers up the rookie ama. Meanwhile, the search for "Miss Kitatetsu" gets underway. Passengers of KitaTetsu get to nominate the local lady who they think should serve as Poster Girl for the railway line. The usual guys at the cafe want to nominate Haruko even if she is over the age limit. "You're a league of your own, Haruko." But she says "no thanks" rather vehemently. Hiroshi suggests Aki (of course) but the older men disagree saying she's too much of a kid... Meanwhile, after a one hour train ride to the Adachi home, Aki is impressed by Yui's house. It is big and spacious. She meets Yui's parents, Congressman Adachi Isao, and his wife Yoshie. Isao reveals to Aki that back when her mom Haruko was still his student, she was very pretty and popular, and yet very rebellious. And also, that Haruko was a Sukeban* and a high school drop-out.... During this time, at the Amano home, Natsu and Haruko spend a quiet dinner without Aki. They would still get on each other's nerves but somehow things are more peaceful between mother and daughter ever since their recent big fight at the Co-op. Back at the Adachi home, Yoshie is serving an elaborate meal, impressing Aki even more. Hiroshi comes in but ignores them and goes straight to his usual place - in front of a wood burning stove. He refuses to eat and is sullen. Isao nags him about being jobless and all. Not knowing he quit, Aki defends him by saying he has a job at the monitoring hut, and that he had "saved" her and all. Isao is upset because he wasn't told about it, and slaps Hiroshi for telling him to (basically) get off his case. Aki is shocked but Yui says not to mind them because it's just a normal occurrence at their house. Despite the awkwardness, Aki is able to eat what was served to her, and goes home with an aching full tummy.

Première diffusion : 18 avril 2013

S1 E17 • I Was Able to Make a Friend!

Aki comes home to hear her mother and grandmother laughing about something, which was really unusual. But as soon as she comes in, Natsu gives her the cold shoulder and goes straight to bed. At the Fishing Co-op the next morning, the Ama-sans find it boring without Aki around and wish that Natsu will forgive her already. Meanwhile, Aki and Yui are talking. Yui shows a bitter side of her that Aki has never seen before. "Aki-chan talking in our dialect sounds fake and unnatural, I feel like you're making fun of us." But Yui apologizes right away and reiterates that she does not like the countryside and wishes to leave for Tokyo as soon as possible. "I can't see the way you see my hometown." She also reveals that she wants to be an idol someday. At the Tourism Office, the list of Miss Kitatetsu candidates are finalized and among them are Yui and Kurihara Shiori (Secretary at the Tourism Office). The winner will represent the railway line and help promote it. Then, Hiroshi comes in, for he was hired at the Tourism Office, with the help of Daikichi. Hiroshi is tasked to make the town's tourism webpage. Hiroshi makes it so that people can vote for the candidates by clicking on their pictures on the website. They also ask Hiroshi, "Who did you nominate?" and he replies, "Aki-chan," which was greeted with exclamations of surprise ("Jejejeh!"). At school, Yui tells Aki that she has decided to accept the candidacy for "Miss Kitatetsu" even though she thinks it's embarrassing and lame. "It sounds like being an idol of train otakus during the early days, it's not a past that I want people to find out." But for now she has no choice but to accept it, as a favor for Daikichi's help in finding work for Hiroshi. "If he (Hiroshi) stays unreliable, I couldn't leave home... Well, since I'm in it, I might as well aim for the top prize." Aki admires Yui's confidence and determination. At night, Aki could not sleep and for some reason, gets up and goes to the second floor of the house. She has not been there before. There, she enters a room where stuff from the 80s are kept and displayed. It used to be her mother's room. Wide-eyed, Aki looks around without permission, feeling a bit guilty. Then her mother arrives from her night shift and Aki comes down quickly. She was told to sleep already since tomorrow will be the much-awaited Kitasanriku Autumn Festival.

Première diffusion : 19 avril 2013

S1 E18 • I Was Able to Make a Friend!

It is the day of the Kitasanriku Autumn Festival. There are floats parading around town. Aki and her mother are selling yakisoba at the fair. Also, the crowning of "Miss Kitatetsu" is being held. Shiori (Tourism office secretary) is upset because she showed up wearing a swimsuit but was not informed that the swimsuit category was canceled due to cold weather. Anyway, Yui wins the contest and receives her crown. Aki is happy for her but at the same time, hesitant. Aki realizes Yui is clearly different from her, and unlike herself, Yui is meant to become truly big someday. Haruko reassures Aki that she too, is a hard-working girl who got what she wanted (to be an Ama). She also suggests to quickly make peace with Natsu "or else it will take a long time to make things go back to where they were... Like me." Later, Aki joins Hiroshi in handling the traffic for the parade route because she wants to see Yui up close when her float passes by. Later after the festivities, Aki asks for her autograph and wishes her the best. The next day, Aki asks Natsu once again to reinstate her back to being an ama. Natsu says if she dies in the sea, it would be too much for her to take. Just like what happened to the son of Katsue (Ama, 56 yo) and her ex-husband Rokuro (Fishing Co-op Pres.). Their son got "swallowed up by the waves" 16 years ago when he was trying to retrieve a slipper of a child. The couple tells Natsu not to let the past affect her. Natsu tells Aki, "Don't be foolish as to easily give your life to the sea in exchange for just 500 yen*!" (*the worth of one sea urchin) The Ama leader finally relents but with one condition: "The Ama season will end in one month and so by the end of this month, you have to catch one uni or else you will not become a real Ama!" Aki and the Ama-sans rejoice. At the Tourism Office, Yui's otaku fan, Hibiki comes to offer his pictures and video he had taken of Yui since the ones on the website were "not showing off her charm." The video of Yui (promoting the train and unidonburi) is uploaded and immediately becomes a huge hit among train otakus. And so they, much more than the usual number, come flooding into town one day.

Première diffusion : 20 avril 2013

S1 E19 • I Caught a Sea Urchin

The town is caught by surprise as the train otakus (5 times more than the normal number) arrive, looking for Yui. Haruko at Cafe Riasu has not expected the sudden arrival of the men, too. She has to ask Natsu to make plenty more unidonburi to accommodate the sudden huge number of orders. Meanwhile, Yui shows up to the delight of the visitors, taking her picture and shaking her hand. At the end of the day, the locals are all exhausted. Since tomorrow is a Sunday, they expect more train otakus to come. They seem not too thrilled about it. Daikichi tries to encourage the rest when they show signs of hesitancy since their schedule is suddenly affected. "This is the chance we've been waiting for after 24 years since the KitaTetsu opened!" So the next day, more train otakus do arrive and so Yui and the others do their best to serve and accommodate them. Aki tells Yui how awesomely popular she is now but Yui says she didn't do anything. "I'm just waving, smiling at cameras... I still feel just an ordinary high school girl." Aki admires her even more for Yui does not let her popularity get into her head. Inspired by Yui, Aki vows to work harder, too... and that is to catch her very first sea urchin.

Première diffusion : 22 avril 2013

S1 E20 • I Caught a Sea Urchin

No matter how Aki tries, she still can't catch an uni yet. She is also a bit traumatized from the last time she nearly drowned. Hiroshi is at the Fishing Co-op, wanting to videotape an interview with Aki. Aki calls him "Stove-san" because it's what his dad calls him since he likes staying in front of the stove at home. Hiroshi says all his dad cares about is looking respectable in the public's eye. Aki disagrees saying, "I think he cares about you. If he cared only about appearances, he wouldn't have hit you in front of me." Then Aki agrees to be interviewed, despite her sagging confidence of becoming a real Ama. In the video, Aki, speaking in her acquired Sodegahama dialect, talks about being an Ama, and the Ama culture. That night, while Hiroshi is editing Aki's video, he realizes something and dashes off to Haruko at Snack Bar Riasu. "I'm in love with her!" he declares. Haruko knows he's talking about Aki. But even before Hiroshi could fully make known his intentions for her daughter, Haruko immediately shoots him down. "No, absolutely NO! I forbid it till doomsday!" She says Hiroshi will not make Aki happy, and he does not have anything to show yet, considering he always quits on things (school, jobs). "You can be good friends, though." Hiroshi says he understands but proclaims, "I'm the very first one to fall in love with Aki-chan! I'm her first real fan~!!" And then, the weekend comes. More floods of tourists are expected to arrive but this time they are not in town for Yui. They all go directly to Sodegahama to find Aki. Apparently, Hiroshi had uploaded her video on the front page of the website and has became an instant hit.

Première diffusion : 23 avril 2013

S1 E21 • I Caught a Sea Urchin

Due to Aki's video, more customers want to see and take pictures of Aki. They also request her to fetch them some uni. Aki tries but fails as usual. Back at the Co-op, they all wonder about Aki's sudden popularity considering she's just an ordinary high school girl. Hibiki suddenly shows up and explains that the town is having a "boom" phenomenon, wherein "even the ugly ones can have the spotlight." By "ugly", he means Aki of course, which upset the Ama-sans. At the Tourism office, Aki's video is garnering more and more views (but not as many as Yui's yet). They figure that Aki's "entrance as a rival" benefits Yui's popularity, therefore the whole town as well. However, Daikichi is concerned about one thing: The Ama season will soon be over. Still, more customers come to see Aki and ask to catch them some uni. She tries but fails and yet when she reemerges one time from the sea, there is an uni in her basket! "How did it get in there?" Haruko says it's impossible while Natsu reassures Aki that it was a legitimate catch and that she has passed. Aki is joyful but it was only short-lived after she realizes that it was actually Anbe who had been giving her the uni. She is upset about the "sham" but the Ama-sans tell her it is for the benefit of the customers (who come from faraway places just to see her catch some uni) since Ama tourism is also a "service industry." Despite the talk, Aki feels she still is not a real Ama yet. And now that only a week remains before the Ama season ends, she feels more and more depressed.

Première diffusion : 24 avril 2013

S1 E22 • I Caught a Sea Urchin

A small girl who is said to be a fan of Aki comes and meets the teen Ama. Aki does not have the heart to lie to her and so she tells her the truth: that it was Anbe who caught the uni she had fed her. The Ama-sans later are upset about that. She could have compromised Anbe's position as an Ama considering "she will be retiring soon." Aki is surprised. "Why are you leaving?" She learns that Anbe will be promoting and selling Mamebu soup to the rest of the country. And that her last day will be the last day of the Ama season. On that day, they will hold the "Honki Dori* " a day for free uni harvesting spree off the coast of Sodegahama. It's when an Ama is allowed to catch any number of uni, not for tourists, but for herself and sell it if she wants. Aki is not allowed to participate since it will take place in even deeper waters which she could not possibly handle yet. Later, Yui tells her not to worry about not being able to catch any uni for the customers. "It's because you are cute, that's why they are coming." Aki is pleased with that and thinks how cool of Yui to be so determined on becoming an idol. She goes to the cafe and asks her Mom, "When you were young, did you long to be an idol?" Haruko looks puzzled and uncomfortable at the question. Then, when Aki insists on seeing a picture of Haruko when she was young, Haruko for some reason explodes. Haruko seems to misunderstand that Aki wants to become an idol. "Just because you've been receiving a little adulation, you think you can go all hoity-toity!" Aki is shocked at her mother's tirade. "I didn't say I want to become an idol!" she tries to defend herself. "Right!" Haruko shouts back (looking like she is not aware of what she's saying) but her next words hurt Aki: "An ugly one like you can't become an idol!" Aki leaves the cafe, crying. Later, she goes to Haruko's former classmate, Anbe and asks to show her pictures of her mother when they were younger. Anbe shows her their middle school yearbook. There, Aki sees how pretty and cute her mother was. "Your mom was so cute and popular that boys from nearby towns would come just to see her." Anbe tells her. She is confused as to why her mother would be so angry about the topic of being an idol, like there was something about the past that nobody wants to talk about. Aki is curious so when everyone is asleep, she goes up to the hidden room on the second floor. She is busy going through her mom's things, that she does not notice Haruko is already at the door. "What are you doing?"

Première diffusion : 25 avril 2013

S1 E23 • I Caught a Sea Urchin

Instead of being angry, Haruko is happy to see her old room again. "These bring back so many memories!" She laughs while looking around. She finds an exchange diary she and Sugawara had in high school, and a video game cartridge she borrowed from Anbe. She also shows Aki her "secret base" which is the beacon at the seashore. Aki reads the stuff her mom wrote on the ground when the latter was a teenager. "You're like Yui (who wants to go to Tokyo)." Later they return to their futons, and Haruko tells Aki a diving tip she learned from Natsu. "When you want to dive deeply and longer, don't think too much because your brain uses up too much oxygen." The next day, Aki reiterates her desire to join the "Honki Dori" event. The Ama-sans tell her only one person per household can join to prevent over-fishing. "If you go, then Natsu can't go." However, Natsu says Aki can take her place. The Ama-sans wonder if it was a good decision, considering Aki can't catch any uni yet. At the train station, Aki chats with Hiroshi. He apologizes to her for causing all the fuss by uploading her video. He also says the more popular she gets, it seems "the more you get farther away (from him)." Then, since he couldn't contain his feelings any longer, he startles Aki by confessing to her. "I'm in love with you!" (While assistant trainmaster Yoshida Masayoshi eavesdrops). But Aki remembers the diving tip her mom had told her. She covers her ears and says, "No no! I mustn't think of anything! Tomorrow's the Honki Dori! How could you do this to me?!" She runs off leaving Hiroshi behind. That night, Aki lies in bed, counting uni (instead of sheep). She tries to fall asleep but she just could not erase Hiroshi's confession off her mind.

Première diffusion : 26 avril 2013

S1 E24 • I Caught a Sea Urchin

The day of the Annual Honki Dori (which is also the last day of the Ama season) finally arrives. The Ama-sans converge at the Co-op, teasing a tearful Anbe on her last day as an Ama. Meanwhile, Aki didn't get a wink of sleep last night. Nevertheless, she heads out to the beach where many village women (and some alumni of the Ama club) are also taking part. Aki is nervous especially that Hiroshi is there, filming the event. Natsu and Haruko are at the monitoring hut, taking turns watching the event through a pair of binoculars. All the participants and Hiroshi get on boats and go to a spot off-shore. The uni harvesting spree begins, but Aki stays on the boat, feeling scared. Rokuro who is with her says the waters at this spot is colder and the current is stronger. "If you don't want to do it, it's okay." But Aki decides to jump, saying she has to get an uni or else she will not be a full-fledged Ama. Aki dives and manages to reach for an uni but it slips from her hand and she goes further down below in order to retrieve it. Anbe tries to stop her but runs out of oxygen and goes up. Aki, too resurfaces and in her hand is that uni! "I did it!" Everyone erupts in cheers as everything was caught on camera by Hiroshi. Later at the Co-op, they all weigh and encash their uni harvest, including Aki's single catch. "Here's 500 yen!" Rokuro hands her the coin. Aki apologizes to Natsu, "If I didn't take your place, the Amano household could have earned tens of thousands of yen this year." Natsu says what matters most is "that uni is the one you yourself had caught." Daikichi, Sugawara and Yui come in to congratulate her. Everyone goes to the seashore to offer Aki's uni to the god of the sea (after Haruko takes lots of pictures of it, of course). And so on this happy note, this year's season of the Ama has come to an end.

Première diffusion : 27 avril 2013

S1 E25 • I Like Senpai!

After the Honki Dori, Anbe immediately leaves Kitasanriku on board the train. Everyone sees her off and wish her the best. Haruko makes it in time to say goodbye, and to apologetically return Anbe's video game. Anbe tearfully confesses to her how she really felt when Haruko left. She says she hated Haruko because she planned on being an Ama only during high school and wanted to go to college, and be an office lady or something. "But you left so it was hard to leave the club. I worked while doing Ama but I couldn't replace you... I put pressure on myself. Now I look back and it all seems stupid. We are nothing alike!" Haruko says sorry, and "Yes, we are nothing alike. I am not kind like you." But Anbe says since she came back bringing her good child Aki, all is forgiven, and the two hug it out. As Anbe leaves, her replacement as clerk at the Fishing Co-op arrives. She's Hanamaki Tamako, a tough-talking single mother. Now that the Ama season has ended, Aki and the rest of the ama-sans have nothing to do but sigh and be bored. So to while away the time, the Amas and amber miner Ben are making misanga* bracelets as a sideline. Tamako comments how they're only noisy during the summer. "You're like cicadas!" Meantime, Aki's video of her catching the uni was uploaded and has garnered a million views, even surpassing Yui's. People are also posting positive comments ("She's cute!" "I wanna go and see her!"). But at the beach, tourists who do come to see her, are disappointed to find out that the Ama tourism is over. Daikichi and the others feel frustrated over this. At the cafe, they analyze why Aki has become popular. Hibiki (Camera boy) says it's because the Japanese people all root for the underdog (Aki is the tortoise in "The tortoise and the hare"; the ant in "The ant and the grasshopper") but as a fan of Yui, he's hoping that Yui would be able to strike back. While this was happening, Yui has gone inside Ben's amber mine. She shouts at the top of her lungs inside the tunnel as Ben watches on. "Sooo frustrattiiing~!" At the Tourism Office the members of K3NSP gather for a meeting. They have to solve the problem on how to take advantage of the Ama-sans' popularity, even if the Ama season has already ended. Sugawara suggests that the Amas could continue diving in the heated public pool and just "put some uni in there." But Yayoi says the heated water could kill the uni. Sugawara: "Then, can you continue diving at least until the end of October?" Yayoi: "Then it is us who will die!" (lmao) In the end, it was suggested that Aki and Yui will do a collaboration: Yui will be first conductor while Aki will dress up as an Ama and sell unidonburi on board the KitaTetsu. Back at the amber mine, this time it is Aki who comes in to do some "therapeutic yelling." Ben is surprised but does not tell Aki that Yui had earlier dropped in too. "I wanna go back to diving in the sea~!!" Aki yells into the dark tunnel. "I wish next summer would hurry up~!!"

Première diffusion : 29 avril 2013

S1 E26 • I Like Senpai!

Phone calls keep pouring in, inquiring about Aki. News has spread that Yui and Aki will be doing a collaboration. Yui is not pleased because they were not even consulted to begin with. But Aki says she's okay with it. Yui tries to dissuade her since she knows Aki is not used to such things that Yui is doing (dressing up in "cosplay," being bombarded by cameras). Daikichi says not to worry because they will be standing guard and even suggests that Yui could help Aki out by "dressing up as an Ama and sell unidonburi". Without realizing it, he mentions the word "rivals" and somehow Yui suddenly changes her mind and agrees to do it. (Apparently, it's a sign that she hates to lose). Next morning, Aki and Yui do what they're told to do. The ride is jam-packed with happy passengers, taking their pictures and buying unidonburi while Daikichi and Yoshida are just over the moon. Back at the Amano home, Natsu and the rest frantically churn out more unidonburi to sell but are running out of uni. Rokuro tells them that more kilos of uni will be arriving from another village. Haruko wakes up to the ruckus and is surprised to learn about the collaboration. That night everyone is celebrating the fact that for the month of September, the KitaTetsu has finally earned a profit. "I don't even remember if this ever happened before!" an emotional Daikichi exclaims. But Haruko is not rejoicing. She tells Daikichi she will not allow Aki to do what she did that morning. "It's unsightly, turning my daughter into a spectacle." But Natsu defends the decision, saying there is nothing wrong with it. "The Ama tourism IS a service industry. It's a long cherished dream to have more customers." Haruko asks Aki if she's really okay with it. "Is this what you stayed here for?" Aki replies, "If I'm helping everyone, then I'm fine with it." However, when going home, Aki looks pensive, seemingly doubtful of her own response. Back at the bar, Sugawara and Daikichi talk about how their perception about otakus have changed. They were initially prejudiced against them but now they find them to be gentle, well-mannered, and earnest people (One even drew a fanart/manga of Yui and Aki). Daikichi says he knows he may be asking too much from the two girls but "such an opportunity may never happen again." And he thanks Haruko again for making it possible. The next morning, Aki has not arrived at the station yet for their "collaboration." So Yui goes to the Amano house to fetch her. Aki tells her she's different from Yui, after all. She's just an ordinary schoolgirl, who's not confident about her looks and feels awkward to be in such a spotlight. "All I wanna do is to dive." Yui tells her she is not ordinary, and that people came from faraway places to see her. "Regardless of looks or pleasing people, isn't enough that it's cool?" Yui's pep talk helps and both finally go to the train station to sell unidonburi. Next day in school, Yui pulls Aki along to a building where there are small circular glass windows. Aki peers inside and is astonished to find a man deep inside a pool, wearing a heavy diving suit and helmet. He looks like an astronaut. "What is this~?!"

Première diffusion : 30 avril 2013

S1 E27 • I Like Senpai!

Yui takes Aki inside their high school's Civil Engineering Diving Department. The students of this course are called "Nambu Moguri" and they are expected to work in undersea construction like pipe-laying, breakwater foundation, etc. They meet diving teacher Isono Shinpei and he allows them to watch. The diver in the pool that Aki had seen earlier, has finally resurfaced and taken off his helmet. He is Taneichi Koichi, a handsome graduating student who is set to be hired by an elite company soon. As the girls introduce themselves, Aki falls instantly in love with him. At the Co-op, Aki giggles silly as she stares at a picture of Taneichi. Then while taking a nap, she has a dream of him, wherein he gives her an engagement ring. But... Aki jolts up, red in the face, and says she has had a bad dream. "In my dream, I became Yayoi-san." The blunt clerk Tamako says, "Good thing it was a just a dream." (lol I just love Tamako!) That night, Aki excitedly tells her grandma about the Nambu Moguri. "Don't tell me you want to do that?" Natsu asks. "Well, it's not possible for you." She adds. "Just took you a long time to get an uni from the bottom of the sea. How can you possibly do heavy lifting?" But Natsu says Aki's grandpa was a student of that department and he would be pleased if she became one. Meanwhile at Bar Riasu, Congressman Adachi Isao recalls his high school teaching days with his former students, Haruko, Daikichi and Sugawara. They recall how Haruko dressed up as a Sukeban (long skirt, mask, a flat clutch bag) and how she and Sugawara used to exchange a diary* ("It was over in only 3 days"). Isao recalls that when Haruko ran away from home, he wanted to search for her. "But your mother said it's okay. That you will come home someday when you're hungry." Then Isao talks about how he does not get along with his son Hiroshi. When he was in high school, he started "shutting himself off from us completely... The way he talks, everything about him gets on my nerves." Haruko defends him saying he's a good kid. Daikichi and Sugawara also agree, adding that he is a polite man, earnest at work and comes up with good ideas. Hiroshi who had been doing overtime work comes in. His father now looks at him in a new light and happily shares a drink with his "Stove" son. In school, the next day, Aki dreamily watches a helmeted diver through the circular window of the pool. She tells Yui how cool Taneichi looks. "But is that really Taneichi-senpai?" Yui notices and asks "Do you like him?" Aki proclaims suddenly that she wants to transfer to the Civil Engineering Diving Department. "I want Taneichi-senpai to teach me!" Then, hearing his name, Taneichi approaches the two. Then who is that man in the diving suit? It's actually Isono-sensei, screaming, "Lemme out of this suit! I gotta pee!"

Première diffusion : 1 mai 2013

S1 E28 • I Like Senpai!

Yui asks Taneichi if Aki could try diving in a helmet suit. He says outsiders are allowed to try it, and Aki is immediately suited up. She goes down the water with Taneichi but every time their eyes meet, her heart starts pounding. She resurfaces quickly, causing Isono-sensei to panic. Aki complains of chest pains which Isono attributed to: "You're supposed to flush out the air outta the holes in your helmet!" Afterwards, Aki and Taneichi are alone talking. He compliments Aki's acquired Sodegahama accent. He also says his ancestors were Nambu Moguri, and that he preferred to be doing that than go to college. After graduation, he'll be leaving for Tokyo and work on a new runway for Haneda Airport. Aki meets up with Yui at the main station. Earlier, Hiroshi had asked Yui to pass a love letter to Aki. Yui is mortified by the thought. "I hate it! Handing a love letter from Aniki to my best friend!" Instead of giving it to Aki, she thows the letter in a bin and pulls Aki away. Yoshida who was eavesdropping again, picks it up. But before he could read it, Yui returns to snatch it from him, saying she'll have to ask Hiroshi to give it himself. That night at the bar, Yoshida tells Sugawara, Daikichi, Yayoi and Haruko about it. Haruko says she does not mind that Hiroshi is pursuing Aki since "he's a good boy anyway." The others remind her that she was earlier opposed to Hiroshi for her daughter. Haruko has a hard time remembering it but says she has changed her mind. And speaking of love letters, Haruko brought the exchange diary she had with Sugawara. The rest had a field day with it, reading out loud Sugawara's entries (hinted with puppy love) for Haruko, much to Sugawara's embarrassment. (Haruko only wrote lyrics from popular songs from that era). Anyway, Daikichi mentions that since Yui and Aki are somewhat celebrities, they have to, if possible, refrain from matters of love. "And to implicitly tell Hiroshi about that, too." Aki is in Haruko's 80s room, listening to songs, and daydreaming about Taneichi. She falls asleep there, and dreams again of her Senpai but turns into a nightmare with Isono shouting at her to "Shape up!" She is awakened by an angry Haruko, who found Aki's transfer forms for the Civil Engineering Diving Department. "What's this about?!" Aki says she wants to do Nambu Moguri so she can continue diving all year round. Haruko is upset about this sudden decision but she can see that her daughter looks really adamant about it.

Première diffusion : 2 mai 2013

S1 E29 • I Like Senpai!

News has spread that Aki wants to transfer from her general course to the Civil Engineering Diving Department. She is even called by the Tourism Assoc. to talk about it. "Why do I need to have your permission?" They tell her that she is a symbol of the town's "machi-okoshi" and whatever she does affects the future of tourism. Aki says she is uncomfortable wearing the Ama uniform and selling unidonburi with people staring at her. They think of ways to change her uniform (Helmet suit + Ama = um, no). But Hibiki says Aki cannot wear conservative clothes because "reducing skin exposure is equivalent to a decrease in tourism revenues". He adds, "You can't have her wear plain clothes! She's too ordinary! People who travel 7-8 hours just to see a conservative girl wearing plain clothes? No one will come!" (He's a douche but he does have a point lol) Daikichi says they'll allow Aki to transfer departments but she still has to sell unidonburi on board the train during weekends. Aki agrees but Haruko gets mad, saying "You can't all decide this on your own!" She goes on a tirade but ends up realizing that the idea is not really that bad. She and Aki dash off to school to talk with the teacher. In school, Isono-sensei explains the course to Haruko. She is also introduced to Taneichi who just came in. Haruko can tell by looking at her daughter that Taneichi is the reason why Aki wants to transfer. As they were leaving, Haruko looks around her former high school, feeling nostalgic. She looks up at the elevated passageway where she and her gang used to hang out. She reminisce being a Sukeban and how Daikichi would show up worrying about her. Haruko smiles at the memory and thanks Aki for making her visit her former school. She also says Aki can transfer if she wants. "Well, it's better than being a Sukeban." That night, Sugawara and Daikichi are at the bar with Haruko. The two men talk about how important tourists are to their town which does not have anything much to offer. Haruko uncharacteristically defends her hometown. "Isn't it bad if you ingratiate yourselves too much to those tourists? If the locals just learn to love their resources* more (*Ama, the train, silver beeches, amber, scenery), the better they will look to the outsiders." Next day, Aki begins to take part in the male-dominated world of Nambu Moguri. She is welcomed wholeheartedly by Isono and her new classmates by singing their fighting song, "Nambu Diver." Aki feels happy as she looks forward to being guided by her tall and dashing senpai.

Première diffusion : 3 mai 2013

S1 E30 • I Like Senpai!

Aki has started to pray in front of the family altar, asking for her Grandpa to guide her during her Nambu Moguri training. She gets curious and asks Natsu when her husband died. "Last year." Startled, Aki asks if she's okay. Natsu says she has gotten used to his absence and has accepted that he might die any day, out in the sea. "It's the fate of a fisherman's wife." In school, Taneichi is helping Aki review for the qualification exam for the course (If she does not pass it, she will not be allowed to continue). Aki continues studying at the train station when Hiroshi drops in on her. He asks if Aki has thought of her answer to his love confession. He also attempts to give her his love letter. But instead of taking it or answering him, Aki leaves, saying she has to study and must not think of anything else right now. And that this situation between them is "kinda awkward." But the truth is, Aki does not have the heart to say "I have somebody else I love" fearing Hiroshi might go back to his gloomy Stove-san self, sitting moodily in front of his favorite stove. But that night, Hiroshi still enters her mind and could not sleep. She gets up to drink water and finds out her Grandpa's picture at the altar is gone. Natsu says she had put it away but does not explain why. Sensing something is weird, Aki talks about it at the cafe with her mother, Ben, Daikichi, Yayoi and her husband Atsushi. Natsu has been seen, in a good mood lately, acting like a giddy teenager (singing, dressing up). Ben also says he saw Natsu and Rokuro one time at the Co-op looking rather... intimate-ish. They just could not believe that the two might be having an affair. But Yayoi says, "Rokuro has been going around places getting sea urchins for her!" Just then Natsu and Katsue arrive interrupting their gossip. The next morning, Haruko is going to interrogate her mother about it. Meanwhile, Aki is with Yui selling unidonburi on board KitaTetsu. Aki sells one to a curmudgeon-ish old man without really looking at him. But when she gets to look at him again, this time, she realizes he looks exactly like her Grandpa in his funeral picture!

Première diffusion : 4 mai 2013

S1 E31 • My Grandpa is on a Rampage!

Aki is so flabbergasted to see her supposedly dead Ojii-chan, looking alive and well that all she can say is "Jejejejeh." He gets off at a station and Aki tails him. He is apparently heading straight to the Amano house where Haruko is currently questioning her mother. "Me and the Co-op president are having an affair?" Natsu just laughs at the insinuation. She tries to leave saying she has made a promise to someone. Haruko is demanding who it was when the man arrives. "Welcome home!" Natsu greets him joyfully. It was indeed her husband, deep-sea fisherman, Amano Chuubei. "You've gotten old!" Chuubei greets his stunned daughter, Haruko. After she recovers from her shock, she accuses her mother of deceiving her. "You placed his picture on the altar. Of course I would think he's dead!" "You thought of that on your own but I didn't say he was dead," Natsu just says, matter-of-factly. Friends come to the house to welcome back Chuubei. They've decided to close the bar for the night and celebrate and drink to Chuubei's homecoming at the Amano home. They talk and laugh about his "death" and Natsu's "affair" (She was just asking Rokuro at the Co-op, whether he received any radio message about the arrival of Chuubei's ship). Aki asks, "But why did Natsu-bappa say you died last year?" Natsu says that's how she prepares herself every year when she sends him off. Chuubei: "Every time I board the ship, I'd tell Natsu to 'Think of me as dead.' " But Haruko was not having any of it. She also tried telling her father about her separation from her husband but only got a nonchalant "Oh, I see" from him. Haruko: "Aren't you supposed to comfort me?!" But her complaints only got drowned in the merry noise of the guests. Aki and Yui (who has arrived for a visit) are told to go upstairs by Haruko. Yui sees the 80s room and flips out. "This room is awesome!" She is so impressed by it that she decides to sleep over. Back at the party, Haruko has had too much to drink, and rambles on and on about how she constantly thought about her parents while she was in Tokyo, and that they all played a cruel joke on her. Katsue: "Look, there's no need for a reason why he's alive. You should be glad he IS alive." Haruko calms down a bit and tries to make up with her father. But he and Natsu are no longer around. During her drunken monologue, the two lovebirds apparently slipped out, and are now strolling sweetly at the beach, holding hands. "Sorry about that, " Natsu (the narrator) tells the viewers, "After all, we only get to be together for 10 days in a year."

Première diffusion : 6 mai 2013

S1 E32 • My Grandpa is on a Rampage!

The next morning, with Chuubei around, there are 4 of the Amano family eating breakfast. But for now there's also Yui, plus the women who are helping out with the unidonburi preparation. Chuubei is not used to be called Ojii-chan by Aki. "It feels only yesterday that Haruko left, and now I have a granddaughter." He adds: "I wish you (Aki) were small so I coulda hug-hug you and lick your face." (Haruko is like "Yuck... stop it" lol) Later after Aki finishes her unidonburi chore, she goes to meet her grandparents at the cafe. They just came from a date around town. They tell Aki and Hiroshi that they've been married for 44 years. Hiroshi does the math: "So if he's home for only 10 days, you've only been together for 440 days." Aki says she envies how their long-distance relationship keeps their love afresh: "Thanks to the sea." But it's not the same for her own parents though... Masamune, in Tokyo, is on the phone with Haruko. He is ecstatic about Aki's popularity on the internet. However... "Don't come here!" Haruko tells him. Masamune wants to visit Aki on her upcoming birthday but she insists that he must not come. "Aki says she will get her diver's license and get a job here. There is no need for you at all." That night, Aki tries telling her Grandpa why she ended up in Kitasanriku. After listening to her confusing story, he says "I don't get half of it but I reckon you like it here." Aki says she loves everything about the town and the sea. Chuubei says it's the best place to be and that he is sure of it since he's been all over the world. The next day, Chuubei visits Aki during her practical training at the diving pool, and cheers her on. He meets Isono-sensei and Taneichi, and reminisce about the days of being a student there. Afterwards, Aki is scheduled to meet with the guys at the Tourism Office. There, she is introduced to a somewhat smug-looking man wearing light-colored sunglasses. "You seem rather plain-looking than I expected," he says, eyeing Aki. He is Ikeda Ippei, a TV director.

Première diffusion : 7 mai 2013

S1 E33 • My Grandpa is on a Rampage!

The TV director is impressed by what the two girls are doing for the town. He wants to feature them for an interview in a local news magazine show called "It's 5:00! Wanko Channel!" "If the reception is good, we might have you on the show as regulars." Aki says she would have to ask her mom about this to which Daikichi replies: "I'll ask her for you. Just leave it to me." On the other hand, Yui who is well-aware of the idol business asks the director a series of questions: "Will there be a stylist? Make-up artist? Will we have costumes? Can we check the VTR in advance before broadcasting it?" Afterwards, despite the "good chance" of being famous, Yui voices her anxieties to Aki. "TV is so unlike the internet. you never know who may be watching... It's almost like a debut..." She says she wants to consult Hibiki about it. Aki says she will have to follow what her mom decides. She relates how Haruko does not think Aki will become an idol since she called her (Aki) "ugly" once. Yui reacts strongly about that. "You're not ugly at all! You have the makings of an idol. Your mom doesn't know anything about being an idol!" Aki assures her that her mom, when mad, does not know what she is saying and most probably did not mean it. Then Haruko arrives for her shift at the shop, and the two girls quickly leave. At the shop, the four guys (Daikichi, Sugawara, Yoshida, and Hiroshi) are lined up at the counter looking tensed, as they get ready to talk to Haruko. "What is it now?" She knows something is up. The guys then inform her of the TV offer. Haruko asks the same questions that Yui had asked ("Will they have a stylist? Make-up artist? Costumes?..."). Daikichi is confused, "How come you know all that?" Haruko: "I just know." They tell her: "Though it's only shown locally, the publicity for the town is going to be great...." Haruko asks what Yui thinks. Hiroshi: "She would likely say yes because she wants to become an idol." Haruko says she sees her former self in Yui, and that her (Yui's) motivation is completely different from Aki's. (As she explains, Aki is shown back at home, having hot pot and sashimi dinner with her grandparents and friends). Haruko says Aki is only doing this promotional thing because she loves the countryside and the people; whereas Yui is itching to leave for Tokyo. "They really do not care about the PR for the town. What happens if this escalates badly?" Hiroshi volunteers to be their manager, to serve as the middleman, listen to the girls' wishes, and to look out for them. Haruko says there is no need since "they're not celebrities." And that besides, he might only be in it because he loves Aki. But Hiroshi says "He's giving (his love) a rest for now." He admits he was not exactly dumped but Aki did say that it was "awkward" between them. "Maybe she wants to concentrate on her studies." But Haruko recalls meeting Taneichi. Hiroshi asks her if she knows something. She gave a coded message: " 'Ru-i-ga-to-hi-na-ki-su' Try saying saying that in reverse." There is a look of pain in Hiroshi's face as he realizes what it meant: "There's a person that (she) loves." The next day, Hiroshi goes to Aki's high school. He watches Aki doing practical training through the pool's window. When Aki sees him, he sadly traces the same message from last night on the dirty pool window for Aki to read: "There is a person that (you) love."

Première diffusion : 8 mai 2013

S1 E34 • My Grandpa is on a Rampage!

After seeing Hiroshi's message, Aki floats up, again causing Isono-sensei to panic. "Stove!" is all she can say, prompting Isono to have her heavy suit be taken off. But Aki adds, "Never mind. I'm fine already." Isono: "But it's bad to leave your stove on!" (Haha!) As Aki had feared, Hiroshi has reverted back to his old "Stove"-self. Depressed, he stares vacantly into space as he burns the love letter he wrote for Aki. His father asks him if he skipped work, but his wife tells him to leave him alone. "Why did you tell him?!" Aki asks Haruko at the shop. Haruko: "I didn't expect that he'll take it THAT bad." The guys by now know about her crush (Senpai), and tease her by singing (but forgetting part of the lyrics though) the 80s song, "Sotsugyoo* (Graduation)" by Saito Yuki. They do meet THE Senpai in question. Taneichi is at the station to help Aki study. Daikichi is impressed by the tall youth. "Once you graduate come to us and we'll hire you!" Aki tells them to leave them alone so they can study, and they back away. But Yui also arrives and sits at a distance from them. Unbeknownst to the two girls, it seems Taneichi is giving surreptitious glances towards Yui (Uh-ohs!) Later Aki and Yui go to the former's home to find Chuubei and Natsu fighting. It looks like that after only 4 days of being together, they've already gotten on each other's nerves. Natsu: "I'm asking you which do you prefer, yellowtail teriyaki or yellowtail with radish?!" Chuuubei: "I told you either one is fine!... You're so noisy! I'm eating out!" Natsu: "Fine! Go and get on your ship!" Chuubei does leave. And the 2 girls go upstairs. Back at the the shop, Congressman Adachi arrives and apologizes to Sugawara because "my son has been absent" (They do inform him "It's because of a broken heart"). The congressman kneels down before them. The guys think he is apologizing on his knees but he is actually picking up his phone strap that he dropped in the shop the other day (haha!). Haruko asks the other men to leave since she and Adachi will have a private talk about their daughters' TV guesting issue. Meanwhile Chubei is having drinks with the people at the Fishing Co-op. As he is bragging about the women he meets "at every port," he didn't know Natsu has come and left, leaving a bottle of sake. "Why didn't you tell me?!" The others tell him to go home and patch things up with Natsu. At the shop, Adachi says he's fine with his daughter going on TV. But Haruko says, "If it were Aki alone, I won't allow her but since she's doing it with Yui..." She adds: "You get all sorts of attention, there's a chance Aki might get hurt, and if that happens, I'm not sure if I can protect her." Adachi understands but they both agree it is up for the girls to decide what they want to do. Adachi smilingly recalls how he would scold Haruko back in high school for wearing "permed" hair. "Never expected that our daughters would become best friends." Haruko: "I see myself in Yui... the same high pride and confidence... I believed that I was different from people around here, that I was special..." At this time, Yui tells Aki she wants so badly to go on TV, even if it's a local network and even if it means she has to make use of necessity: "So be it! I'll make use of the countryside!" She practices her speech in the local dialect (which she has never shown before): "I'm Yui, Miss Kitatesu, Nice to meet cha'll! Ya'll come and visit Kitasanriku... Jejeh!" It was the first time Aki hears her talk like that. "You SHOULD go on TV. If you go, I'll go!" They go downstairs in time for dinner. Chuubei has also come back, seeing that Natsu has prepared both Yellowtail Teriyaki and Yellowtail with Radish for them. All is well now, and they start eating.

Première diffusion : 9 mai 2013

S1 E35 • My Grandpa is on a Rampage!

Parents of the the two girls are having a meeting with TV Director Ikeda at the Tourism Office. He says the girls will be featured in a segment of the show called, "Come Meet an Idol!" Haruko frowns on the word "Idol." Ikeda assures her it's about high school girls who are doing something good for their community. "The townspeople will also be interviewed and talk about the tourist attractions..." But Haruko is also concerned about their privacy since the camera will also be entering their homes and school. She warns that dangerous guys will find out their addresses and they will come stalking and torment the two girls, making their lives a living hell ("Are you prepared for that?!"), scaring Aki to tears. Yui's Dad, Isao tells Haruko she's thinking too much: "They'll only be on TV once, it can't bring about that much damage." Yet Haruko turns to Yui, saying she is more worried about her. "You're being used by the countryside for its benefit... buttering you up with comments of 'You're cute! You're cute!'... getting pushed (or giving you ideas) to go to Tokyo, you must think hard about this!" But Yui speaking in the local accent says: "Doncha worry. I too will be using the countryside." The others are surprised by this, and Haruko relents. "But on one condition," she says, "I want a deadline for you guys using the girls for your 'machi-okoshi'." Daikichi proposes three years ("Because if we don't gain a profit, they will close down the railway in 3 years"). But Haruko demands it should be "up to March of next year." So the TV crew descends on the town, recording interviews with everyone involved: Ama-sans, the Trainmasters, the Amanos, the Diving Department. Their interview segment is shown on TV followed by the two girls. Aki and Yui come on the show (which was live) wearing their respective uniforms. It was going fine (except when Aki gets pricked by the uni) until they get cut off by a news announcement. Because of the show, they expect many tourists to come for the weekend. However, on Saturday morning, no one has shown up so far. Later they found out that since the program was shown locally, many locals from the prefecture are coming in with their cars and had caused a huge traffic jam enroute to Kitasanriku. "Damn that motorization*!" swears Daikichi. After another exhausting day, Aki returns home to find her dad's taxi cab parked in front of their house. Masamune is inside sharing a drink with his father-in-law. "Why are you here?" Aki asks. Her dad replies:"Because tomorrow is your birthday."

Première diffusion : 10 mai 2013

S1 E36 • My Grandpa is on a Rampage!

Aki reacts with "Jejeh... Jeh!" as she realizes tomorrow is her birthday. But the third "Jeh" is for something else... Taneichi had earlier given her a wrapped item. Before he could explain what it was, they were interrupted by Isono-sensei ("Did you record the show?!"). So in her room, Aki opens the gift and found a misanga bracelet inside (made by the Ama-sans at the Co-op). "Did Taneichi-sempai knew it was my birthday?" She wants to thank him but does not have his phone number. She calls up Yui instead. "Is it really for your birthday?" Yui says, doubtfully. Aki reiterates: "But it's a misanga!" Aki thinks that the gift could mean something promising - love-wise*. Anyway, Haruko comes home finding her husband at the house. "I told you not to come!!" Aki wants to talk to her mom about her birthday but Haruko dismisses her off saying now is not a good time. At night, Aki sleeps in the 80s room (which is by now her official bedroom) and dreams of giving a misanga to Taneichi but he turns into Isono. She wakes up to find her father sleeping next to her and she (as well as the rest of the family) is put off by him. The next day, Aki finishes her train job a bit late and is told by Daikichi to wait at the shop so he can get his car (to drive her home). It turns out everyone is in the shop to give her a 17th birthday surprise party. They bring her an Ama cake adorned with chocolate sea urchins (really cute!). Then Yui brings in Taneichi which rouse some teasings from the rest. "Is he perhaps your rumored Helmet Sempai?" (lol) They also did not spare poor Hiroshi-kun from their good-natured ribbing: "Look look, Stove-san is red with anger." "Is this Stove VS Helmet?" (Haha!) "I'm okay. I've already gotten over it," Hiroshi says sullenly as he gets himself a long drink. (XD) Aki and Taneichi have a moment alone together outside the shop as the party gets going inside. He tells her the bracelet is actually for "goodluck" for her upcoming qualification exam. Aki asks him shyly "If I pass the exam, can you go out with me?" Taneichi does not give a straight answer ("But where can we go on a date around here?") but as he leaves, he tells her with a smile: "I'll give it a good thought." Aki goes back inside the shop. Chuubei and Natsu are singing a duet. Afterwards, Chuubei invites Haruko to sing a song which she declines. But he insists: "You used to sing for us before I go leave the next day for the ocean." Haruko's husband chooses a song for her to sing. The title is "Shiosai no Memory (Memory of the Sea's Roar)." As the opening chords is heard, others say "Oh, I miss that song..." "Wasn't it a song from an old movie?" Haruko and Masamune exchange a meaningful glance. "No, no, no, I can't," she refuses and puts down the microphone. "Tsk, you've changed," Chuubei says, irritated. "In the past you said you wanted to be an entertainer in Tokyo." He turns to Masamune. "You know what? She said she wanted to be an idol singer. That's why she ran away from home!" Both Aki and Yui give out a perplexed "Eh?" as a sudden uncomfortable silence fills the room.

Première diffusion : 11 mai 2013

S1 E37 • My Mom Has a History

Everyone tries to ignore what Chuubei said by continuing on with the singing. But Haruko turns off the music and declares that the party's over. But Aki keeps asking everyone what Chuubei meant regarding her mom wanting to be an idol. Haruko tells her to quit it. "Can't you see no one wants to talk about it?!" She says people in the countryside like to pretend that everything is fine even if, so to speak, there is an elephant in the room. With the mood ruined, the party goers call it a night. (Feel so sorry for Aki T.T) In bed, Aki who couldn't sleep, is counting uni. She couldn't wrap her head around the notion that her mom who used to be a Sukeban, had also wanted to be an idol? But then, things her mom said before - her prejudice against the "idol life"... Could it be something had happened in the past? Next day in school, Aki realizes she had never heard her mom ever sing before, not even a lullaby. Yui says she had asked her father about it. "Dad said your mom had joined and won singing contests before." So after school they go to Yui's house to do some investigating. Adachi Isao shows Aki old pics of her mom winning singing contests from around the prefecture when she was young. And at the Co-op, they show Aki the karaoke machine they used when Haruko would sing on the eve of her father's departure. Katsue: "She was a sweet girl when she was singing... but sometimes she and Natsu would have their differences." By then, Aki is convinced that her mom definitely wanted to be an idol. But why did everyone kept it a secret from her? Aki wakes up late and rushes for school while her family eats breakfast. Haruko, irritated by the presence of her husband, keeps asking him to go home. Chuubei meanwhile mentions he will go and have his annual medical check-up. In school, Aki sees that Taneichi has bought a similar misanga for himself, prompting Isono-sensei to assume they are a couple, and proceeds to tell everyone about it ("Scoop! Scoop!"). Yui arrives telling Aki she has found out something new. Her dad told her that Haruko had auditioned before. "There used to be a photo studio near the train station, and your mom had her pictures taken there. Maybe it's still in your house?" So Aki goes straight to the 80s room looking for those audition photos. But then, a voice says, "Perhaps this is what you're looking for?" She turns around to see Haruko holding up what looks like an album folder.

Première diffusion : 13 mai 2013

S1 E38 • My Mom Has a History

Haruko shows her audition pictures to Aki. "Lame, isn't it?" (Actually, they were really cute) Aki says it's not lame but that the idea of her mom, an 80s country girl wanting to be an idol is "kinda itai" (painful; trying too hard). Haruko: "Why say such a word?... Well, It wasn't that I was keeping this a secret, I just feel there's no reason to talk about it." But she says now is the right time to tell her, considering Aki and Yui have become popular lately. Haruko tells her about "Those days... unlike now, idols back then would do everything~!..." She talks about the 70s idol groups, Candies and Pink Lady. "Say mom, isn't almost time to go to your shift?" Aki tries to remind her, hoping she would hurry up to her OWN life story. Haruko, who's really getting into it, says it's fine, that she'd ask the others to take over for her for today. Then, Haruko gets some beer for herself as she prepares to talk about her favorite, THE "idol of idols" Matsuda Seiko (the one on her poster). Haruko would record her songs using the audio cassette recorder, sang and pretended to be her, and even had her hair cut the same style as Seiko-chan's. "I really got a big scolding by my mother about that hair thing!" But it made her even more determined to realize her dream, and so she made an audition tape and portfolio. Meanwhile, Chuubei comes back from somewhere and asks about Aki. Natsu: "They're upstairs having a girl talk so don't disturb." She asks him if he wants a drink. "Nah, not today," he refuses, and sits quietly, which is a bit unusual. At the shop, Masamune who had earlier been helping out at the bar is now being intimidated by Daikichi, Sugawara and Yoshida. "Don't you know? He's a cool city dude, who doesn't say things like 'Jejejeh'!" But Masamune just listens, and goes "Heh~", irritating the three even more. "What do ya mean 'Heh~'!! Ya bastard!!" Annoyed, Yayoi throws peanuts at them, "Will you guys take it outside!" Hiroshi tries to cool things down and introduces himself to Aki's father. Masamune is at the bar because he too wanted to ask about his wife's past history. At home, Haruko reveals that she took singing lessons and paid for it using her own money she earned from being an Ama. Aki: "What?! You were an Ama?" Cut to Yayoi-san. "But she did not dive like Aki, only sang and waited on customers." Sugawara says she was really serious about singing, recalling that she even made a demo tape for a talent show called "Even You Can Become a Star!" and that Haruko made several copies of it for everyone. "You keep that," she said when she gave a copy to Daikichi during that time, "It'll fetch a high price someday once I become famous." Haruko finds a copy at home, too. "You want to hear it?" she asks Aki. After hesitating for a moment, she finally puts it inside the cassette player. She nervously presses the 'play' button and... "Too bad! Time is up," says Natsu, the Narrator. "15 minutes is short, ne? Let's continue listening to it tomorrow~!"

Première diffusion : 14 mai 2013

S1 E39 • My Mom Has a History

"I'm Amano Haruko, high school sophomore student, 17 years old. Please listen to my song, 'Hatsukoi' (First Love)*." Haruko covers her face in embarrassment as she and Aki listen to her 17 year old self. She remembers recording this song in her room using the cassette recorder and the Fishery's karaoke machine. At the shop, Daikichi, Masamune and the rest listen to the same copy of that tape. Daikichi had been listening to that tape throughout the years ("kept it in the fridge to preserve it"), believing that he is her "First Love" in the song. Anyway, he told of how Haruko sent the tape to the show, and that she passed. She was told to go to NYBS TV Studio in Tokyo for the singing contest, July 7, Saturday but... Haruko tells what happened 24 years ago when she told her mother about it (Btw, the singing contest has a weekly round of 10 weeks. She would have to keep winning every round in order to be declared the ultimate winner). As she expected it, Natsu refused. "What happens if you pass, will you keep leaving for Tokyo every Saturday (since she still has to go to school in Kitasanriku)?" Haruko: "It'll be fine. Because it's impossible for me to make it in the 10th round anyway. Of course I could win in the 1st or 2nd round but 10..." What Natsu said surprised her. "If you think you'll lose, then why bother going to Tokyo!... Ask yourself, are you gonna be serious about it or just play around? Zero or 10... Which is it!" Haruko: "...10." Natsu said she can go and that she will persuade the Co-op president about it. But then, he and the Mayor arrived, asking her to be at the beach as an Ama during the opening of KitaTetsu. "Media people from Tokyo will come! They'll also be covering the Amas, it's gonna be a rare opportunity!" After they left, Natsu went to sleep and did not talk about the matter anymore... "Cruel of her, right?" Haruko says, "...changing her mind just like that. So I decided it myself to leave for Tokyo... She did not even go after me. So up to now, I don't know what she was feeling at that time. Did she want to cheer for me or did she want me to stay?" Aki: "Either one is okay. Like I'd feel lonely if you leave but also, I'd wish you the best, too." Haruko: "What if it were you?" Aki says she's not sure since "I wouldn't have been born if you did not leave...Or is it better if I wasn't born?" Haruko: "Why say such a stupid thing?" Aki: "Because did you give up on being an idol because you had me?" Haruko: "Of course not. I had you when I was 25." Aki: "Then why did you give it up?" Haruko: "Well, there were all sorts of things... But it's not because of you." The two finish their talk. As they go down to the dining room, Chuubei tells them to sit for he has an announcement to make. "I will be retiring and won't be leaving on board the ship this Sunday..." He attributes it to his age, and that he wants to be with his family, and enjoy his second life on land. "I thought of finding myself a job, too." However, Natsu whispers to Haruko in the kitchen. "I'm afraid the result of his regular check-up was not so good." Haruko: "Eh?"

Première diffusion : 15 mai 2013

S1 E40 • My Mom Has a History

Chuubei and Natsu go to the Co-op to inform them of his retirement. "The doctor has said his long-term fishing had affected his body and heart." They wish him well and that maybe it is for the best. Chuubei also asks them if there is any available work around for him. At the shop, Masamune and Daikichi learn of the news from Haruko. Haruko: "But it's gonna be hard to find work for a 67 year old." Masamune suggests an ad he'd read and shows it to them. "It says 'No experience necessary, and no age requirement'..." Then Daikichi notices it. "Hey why are you looking through job ads in Kitasanriku?!" Masamune reveals that he IS looking for a job as a cab driver in the city and that he has to go now for an interview. So it means he is planning to stick around, after all... After he leaves, Haruko tells Daikichi about her talk with Aki (which is not really important lol so moving on...) At school, Aki also tells Yui all about it. "Sounds complicated huh?" Yui comments. "But do you think she's jealous of you? That her daughter was able to became popular in the internet and went on TV?" Aki thinks that idea is just too absurd. Then Yui asks Aki to choose: "Which name do you want for our idol unit? 'JJ Girls' (JJ for Jejeh) or 'AMMA'? We must have a name once they've decided to make us regulars for the show." Yui excitedly explain all about it, even coming up with a "J" pose. Taneichi interrupts to tell Aki that it's time to go to the pool. "That's not 'J'," he notices the reverse 'J' pose they're making. "That's 'し' (shi)." Meanwhile, Chuubei and Natsu are in a supermarket, checking out a job prospect for the retiring fisherman. It was a task of manning the sales counter of sashimi at a supermarket. "It's not so hard is it, Ojii-chan?" says the supervisor. "You are well-versed on types of fish, right?" Chuubei has a hard time accepting to be called "Ojii-chan" and seems confused over how things work, particularly, his salary terms. "Sorry about that," Natsu apologizes for him. "He has no sense of the value of money since he's been in a fishing boat all his life." Aki and Yui go to the shop after school. Aki asks her mom to go off somewhere so she and Yui can have a private talk. Begrudgingly, Haruko sits at a distance from them but still listens to their conversation anyway. Aki proceeds to tell Yui that she had asked Taneichi to go out with her. Yui: "But even if you go out with him, he'll be leaving for Tokyo soon, right?" But she adds: "You can go back to Tokyo and date him there. You can live with your Dad, too. Then after I graduate, I'll go there and we'll both become idols together in Tokyo!" At this point, Haruko butts in of course to voice out her objections but Masamune arrives to say he has gotten the taxi driver job. "Well, there goes the plan for Tokyo," Yui says. Chuubei and Natsu also arrive to say that Chuubei had gotten the supermarket job. So from then on, the new life of the family of five has begun. The two men, Chuubei and Masamune go off to their respective new jobs, while Aki leaves for school. However, nothing has changed between Natsu and Haruko as the two still (lovingly?) bicker over little things. Haruko says the number of people in the house keeps on increasing. Natsu: "Five in six months. It'll be 25 after one year." Haruko: "Don't joke like that!" Natsu: "If you don't like it, the three of you can leave." Haruko: "That'll be bothersome 'cause I won't help you with the shop, Aki won't be in the Ama club..." Natsu: "Who cares? It won't bother me at all. I'll just retire. All I want is to be with my man." Haruko: "Fine... (Gets up and leaves) I'm going to the pachinko~." Natsu: "Haruko!"

Première diffusion : 16 mai 2013

S1 E41 • My Mom Has a History

At the shop, the others are happy that things are fine back at the Amano home. Though Yayoi says Masamune is not a bad fella but there are times he can be annoying that she wants to knock him out. Natsu tells how Chuubei has started his job at the supermarket. "Never thought that I'd be the loving wife making packed lunches past the age of 60." They are also making plans to go to an onsen next month. As they were talking, there is a new quiet customer at the shop, sitting next to Ben. They take notice and ask to be introduced. "He's what you may call my disciple," Ben says, proudly. He is Mizuguchi Takuma, who suddenly came to visit him last night and "we ended up chatting about the charm of amber til morning." Takuma says he is studying archeology in a university. However, Yayoi says she finds him suspicious. "You're a spy aren't you? From Hachinohe? Did you come to get 'machi-okoshi' ideas from here?" Yoshida: "Even if he's a spy what merit will he get by being near Ben?" Of course, Yayoi laughingly says she was joking and Takuma nods and smiles. Meanwhile, Chuubei wakes up early in the morning to fish, have his breakfast and goes to work. Haruko who went shopping, goes to see how her father is doing at the supermarket. She sees him arguing with the supervisor. Chuubei does not want to put 'time sale' seals on a special kind of tuna. Boss: "If we don't sell these with the same dates, and the same price, customers will complain!" Chuubei: "But when they eat them, they will know the difference!" Boss: "That'll be too late! They won't even try it because it's not half-priced!" Chuuubei: "But if you half the price, fishermen will cry!" Boss: "This is a supermarket! Set aside your feelings as a fisherman and do your job properly. What a troublesome Ojii-chan!" Haruko backs away from the scene, feeling sorry for her father. That night, Haruko does not mention the incident to Chuubei and leaves for her night shift. Aki asks her Grandpa to help her with her English homework since he's been all around the world. (If you want to know what he said, it's: "You know, among the English-speaking countries, Canadian women are the most assertive. You wanna see the letters I got from Canada?") The next day at the shop, while planning to choose which onsen to go to with her husband, Natsu gets a phonecall from the supervisor. She is told her husband left during breaktime and hadn't come back. She apologizes profusely and promises to find him. Aki learns about it and calls her mom who happens to be at a pachinko parlor. Haruko manages to find him right away for he is also in the same place as she is, playing pachinko. At home, everyone tries to talk with Chuubei about it. They ask what is wrong. Was the job too hard? Doesn't he like working with too many people? Does he want to rest for awhile? "No, no, the work was easy...it's just...it's just..." Chuubei could not give a clear answer but Natsu says it for him. "He does not want to rest. It is obviously the opposite. He wants to go back on his ship." Chuubei sighs, resignedly. "Natsu-san truly knows me well..." But they are against it because of what the doctor said about his health. Since there is a ship set to leave soon for India, Haruko asks, "So, are you gonna leave Mom? You might not come back alive!... Leave if you want, but don't go taking Mom to the onsen!" Chuubei: "It'll be painful to say goodbye." During the talk, Natsu has stood up and went outside to be alone. Aki checks to see if she's okay..."Bappa?"

Première diffusion : 17 mai 2013

S1 E42 • My Mom Has a History

"Times like this, I regret I got married to a fisherman..." Natsu says, not knowing that Chuubei is behind her. "He just can't sit still. Why can't he just relax for awhile..." Her husband apologizes to her. "I guess I am not old as I thought I was. I really want to stay on land but if I do, I'll really become really old. Natsu-san, if you stay with an old geezer, you'll become an old biddy, too. I can't allow that. I can't allow Natsu-san to become an old biddy." (T.T) Natsu turns to him and says, pretending to be furious, "I'm already an old biddy! Better off without you. If you continue to be around, I'm gonna suffocate in this house... Everyday, washing your clothes, making your lunch, fixing your drink... I'm gonna be the first one to die..." She tells Haruko to contact the photo studio and to have them take a new funeral portrait of her husband. "I'm sorry, Natsu-san," Chuubei apologizes again. "This year is gonna be the last." Natsu: "That's what you said last year. And the year before that. Hurry up and go to India! Don't ever come back again." "That's what you said last year." Chuubei says with a rueful chuckle. "And the year before that." He and Natsu smile knowingly at each other. So everyone holds a goodbye party for Chuubei at Bar Rias that night. Chuubei asks everyone to watch over his family while he's away. Afterwards, they all say goodbye to him outside the shop while inside, Haruko asks her mom if she's really okay with it. "Aren't you lonely?" Natsu reiterates her favorite saying, "Those who leave will not be pursued." Haruko: "You do say that but even so, you ARE lonely when they leave, right?" Natsu: "Don't go saying stuff as you please. This fool!" Haruko, still hinting about what happened 24 years ago, says, "Even those who leave, you would want to send them off properly, right?" Chuubei's well-wishers go back inside, this time with Congressman Adachi and Takuma. Takuma asks Ben if it's okay he joins the party considering he doesn't have anything to do with it. "It's okay. Neither do I," Ben assures him, chuckling. Outside, Aki and Yui talk to Chuubei about his life on the sea. "Why do you still go if it's not really all that fun?" Chuubei says when he's out in the sea, he doesn't need to think of unnecessary things. "As long as you are on land, you are Japanese and are bounded by its social norms. But the sea all around the world are connected. A bird in China does not speak Chinese. A tuna fish in America does not speak English, right? A tuna is a fish. A sea gull is a bird. (So out there) I am not Japanese, I am a human being." Aki says he's a cool Grandpa. She decides to give him a gift so she buys him a misanga. "It's an amulet. If it naturally falls off from your wrist, your wish will come true." Chuubei: "Well, I don't have any particular wish." Yui: "Then, remember your family whenever you look at it." Then, Masamune calls for them to get inside the shop. "Hurry! Your mom is gonna sing!" Chuubei sits next to his wife as everyone gingerly gather around to hear Haruko sing. Masamune plays the song again that he chose for her the other night... At last Aki gets to hear the singing voice of her mother. ♬~Come to me, Come jumping over the fire... I write on the sand, 'I miss you'...~♬ She notices that when Haruko sings, she looks so different from the usual boorish, cranky mom that she knows. "So cool~"... ♬~I'm going back to the north, without seeing anyone... Heading to the north, riding on a storm... Tell him I still like him... Tell Johnny he owes me 1,000 yen... Memory of the sea's roar... A 17-year old is as strong as the ocean waves...♬

Première diffusion : 18 mai 2013

S1 E43 • My Heart Keeps on Pounding, Neh

Next morning, Chuubei dresses up in a formal kimono to have his funeral picture taken. Aki suggests they all take a family picture later on. Some of their friends gather at the house to say goodbye. Chuubei comments on how few they are. Rokuro: "Can't be helped. We were up drinking late last night at your party." Tamako: "More like a few hours ago." Masamune gives his father-in-law a reversible fleece sweater. Natsu is in her workshop, not wanting to come out even if she is asked to take part in the family photo. Chuubei says there's no point to have the photo if Natsu is not in it. "She's the patriarch of the Amano home," he says as he leaves. But Natsu changes her mind. "Take a picture quick." The family plus Masamune finally have their family photo taken. "Don't die, Ojii-chan," Aki says. They both brandish their misanga at each other.

Première diffusion : 20 mai 2013

S1 E44 • My Heart Keeps on Pounding, Neh

At Cafe Rias, Aki dreams that Taneichi has confessed to her and attempted to kiss her but as usual the dream turns into a nightmare with Isono-sensei screaming, "Amano, are you okay?!!" She wakes up and tells Yui about it.

Première diffusion : 21 mai 2013

S1 E45 • My Heart Keeps on Pounding, Neh

It is February 2009, and snow has begun to fall on Kitasanriku and will continue on til May. In school, Isono-sensei is announcing the results of those who passed the qualification exam. He calls on those who who failed ("The rest has passed!"). Aki is unaware since she is listening to the portable music player Santa-san had given her. "Huh? What about me?" "You passed, too." "Jejeh... I did it~!!" She runs off leaving Isono-sensei's class without permission.

Première diffusion : 22 mai 2013

S1 E46 • My Heart Keeps on Pounding, Neh

After Aki sings, it was only Ben who liked it. "Kinda unskillful makes you wanna laugh, huh?" Yoshida says. Aki: "Thank you so much!" Yoshida: "What I said was a compliment?" Yayoi comes in, asking who she heard singing, "Sounds like Gian's (1) recital-- Oh, was it Aki?" Next, Yui stands up to sing. They have high expectations since, according to Hiroshi, Yui apparently took singing lessons before. Yui sings "Toki o Kakeru Shōjo"(2). And just like Aki's singing, no one seem pleased about it except Ben. Yayoi: "Alright! I will teach you 2 to sing and you will practice here everyday!" Haruko: "That's right, Yayoi-san can sing jazz and chanson, she's been called the Koshijiri Fubuki(3) of Kitasanriku." So it was decided that Yayoi will be the two girls' voice teacher... In school, Taneichi isn't showing up much during Aki's practical training anymore. Aki couldn't concentrate in school since she's been wondering why Taneichi has been acting cold lately. "Not that way, Amano," Isono-sensei scolds her during an exercise routine. "Is that Beat Takeshi? Comaneci?!"

Première diffusion : 23 mai 2013

S1 E47 • My Heart Keeps on Pounding, Neh

Promotions for the opening of KitaTetsu's parlor train have started. Tickets worth 5,000 yen each are sold out in just a few hours. The official name of the girls' group was also decided as "Shiosai no Memory." The trainmasters and the Tourism Office are hopeful this could save the railway from closure, as Ikeda the director documents every step. Daikichi: "This is like... like... 'Spartan X.' " Ikeda: "You mean 'Project X.'" Daikichi: "Yeah, yeah! Like Project A (1)." Yoshida (to Ikeda): "Sorry, he belongs to the Jackie Chan generation." Hiroshi and Shiori arrive late and they apologize. The men explain towards the camera how the event will go. There'll be 2 round trips, each leaving Kitasanriku Station, stopping at Hatano for a 30 minute stop-over (toilet break and picture-taking) and return again to the main station. Meanwhile, Yoshida teases Hiroshi and Shiori, asking if they are dating since both came in suspiciously late at the same time. Hiroshi says "That's not important right now." Shiori: "Not important?" Yoshida: "Yep, not important, huh~!" At the shop, Aki and Yui continue to practice their singing. Yui is trying but her mind seems to be somewhere else while Aki has not improved at all. Haruko: "Aki, do something about showing the whites of your eyes. Those who see it might get scared!" Takuma is also there, watching the two practice. Afterwards Aki and Yui are outside the shop, waiting for the next train ride. Yui is exhausted and frustrated that her singing has not been going well. Aki is more cheerful, saying it's fun that they'll get to sing, eat on a moving train while watching the beautiful scenery. "And I wish Taneichi-senpai will come and see us. I wish I can I go (with him) but you know he'll surely come back because he says he likes it here." Yui, hearing Aki go on and on about Taneichi, loses her temper. "I'm not playing here! For you, this may be your way of making memories of high school life but this is a starting point for me! It's my big chance! It's gonna be a problem, if you're not gonna take this seriously!" Aki says she's sorry. Yui: "I'm sorry, too. I'm stressed out and feeling the pressure... I'll do my best." Daikichi who witnesses the outburst asks what's wrong. Aki: "No...Nothing." He tells them the train is going to leave soon but Yui tells Aki to go on ahead because she wants to go home alone.

Première diffusion : 24 mai 2013

S1 E48 • My Heart Keeps on Pounding, Neh

One week to go before the thanksgiving fanmeet of KitaTetsu, Yui, and Aki, to take place inside the new parlor train. Meanwhile at the shop, Daikichi has decided to take on a more assertive approach towards Haruko now that her divorce has been finalized. "You know, the parlor train will have a trial run tonight." Haruko: "Is that so?" Daikichi: "Not anyone can go onboard yet but if you like..." Yoshida comes in to tell him the trial run has been cancelled because they could not remove the image of a mouse (on the train). And lately, Hiroshi and Shiori have been getting along well. They're at Bar Rias with Shiori showing off her "mahjong" manicure to him, annoying Sugawara who is sitting nearby. "Don't bring your office romance to the bar. You're making the liquor taste sour. Right, Misuzu-san?" While Misuzu is infatuated with Takuma who gives her an amber bracelet. Ben-san, knowing that Misuzu has a history of eloping with guys, is irritated by them, too.

Première diffusion : 25 mai 2013

S1 E49 • My Big Heartbreak

"I'm so stupppiiddd~!!" Aki whizzes by so fast on her bike she heads straight into the sea and falls. Natsu the Narrator: "The water temperature on this day was 7 degrees Celsius." Later, Aki can't stop crying and is soaking wet inside the Co-op. Tamako says Aki probably thinks she can fly in the sky on her bike like "ET." Natsu comes in worriedly, asking what happened. "Leave me alone!" Aki says, sobbing. Later at home, Haruko learns about it. "She got dumped? But they just went on a date." Natsu says Aki has a fever but will get well once she sleeps it off. Haruko wants to check up on her but Natsu insists she be left alone. But Haruko says she's worried how Aki could handle this since Aki had originally been a gloomy child in Tokyo. Upstairs, Aki tears off the posters she wrote from the top of the bed ("I will pass! I will go on a date!"). She hides under the covers as she hears her mom coming up to her room. "Aki, how are you?" Haruko asks. "Are you hungry? Call me when you want to talk about it." At the station, Daikichi informs Yui that Aki is sick and has a cold.

Première diffusion : 27 mai 2013

S1 E50 • My Big Heartbreak

As soon as she sees Yui, Aki gets up and locks herself inside Natsu's workshop. Yui knocks on the door. "Aki-chan, I'm sorry! We're not really going steady! It was just a misunderstanding with Taneichi-senpai! But I didn't want it to be awkward between us..." Haruko says to Yui that she does not have to apologize that Taneichi chose her instead of Aki. "It wasn't your fault. It's okay... somehow there's no one who doesn't go through a broken heart." Haruko invites Yui inside for some yakisoba. Yui explains about what happened. "I'm a person who doesn't need such a boyfriend. Got so annoyed seeing Aki-chan so flighty. Maybe I felt a bit jealous... I said, 'Why not me? Why Aki-chan?'... He does look cool. And... He said he's going to Tokyo..." Haruko understands. "Ah! You wanted a boyfriend who lives in Tokyo... But you know, somehow, I think Aki has changed. Has become more assertive compared to before." Meanwhile, Aki is frustrated and hungry inside the workshop. Yui leaves wishing her speedy recovery. Aki goes back to school but refuses to talk or be with Yui. At the shop, Natsu has told Daikichi that Aki will not be participating in the parlor train event anymore. "JEHHH~!" Daikichi says all the tickets have been sold out and the event had cost around 10 miilion already. So he asks for an emergency meeting. This emergency meeting turns out to be an interrogation of Taneichi, asking him to go and date Aki.

Première diffusion : 28 mai 2013