Let's Get Divorced (2023–…): Season 1, Episode 9 - Episode #1.9 - full transcript
LET'S GET DIVORCED
Remember when we went
and got our marriage license?
Yeah, I remember.
We fought over it, and we ripped it.
The guy at City Hall taped it together.
I think us ripping it was bad luck.
It was fate.
What?
Hmm?
What'd you say?
It's low tide.
I'm going right to sleep.
You're not telling your mom?
Right now?
I think if you tell her now,
it would really be ready for everyone.
But she's sleeping.
Just wake her up.
Are you really serious?
Hmm, well, okay, your choice.
Fine.
Huh?
What is it?
Sorry, did I wake you?
Is Yui here too?
Yeah. Excuse me.
Actually, Taishi and I
have gotten divorced.
Oh, what's going on?
You lost the election,
and you got divorced.
Huh?!
You're divorced?
I know there wasn't much
we could do about your divorce.
That occurring couldn't be helped.
However, the unborn child
is of the Shoji bloodline,
so you must hand it over.
No, I'm going to raise the baby.
If I give you our child,
you'll only raise it to be a politician,
and that's definitely not what I want.
I mean, with Taishi,
when we first met,
he was a normal, kindhearted man.
If you hadn't forced him
into a life in government,
he wouldn't have ended up so weird.
Am I weird? Wow.
He wanted to get free from the future
that was forced on him.
I mean, Mimata was a part of all that.
Really?
I don't want this child
to be born under that kind of pressure.
I want my baby to choose
whatever path that they want to follow.
- And I agree with her.
- Taishi!
You know better than to say that!
Um, well, I want our baby
to be raised with freedom too.
I want the baby to be with Yui
and to be able to become their own person.
- Thanks.
- Don't you thank him!
Go get married again! Do it right now!
I recall you pushing us
to get this divorce.
Oh! I can't do this anymore.
I'm going back to Tokyo.
I'll go crazy if I stay here.
- Saotome, arrange a flight for me.
- Yes.
- Yes, right away, ma'am.
- Oh!
Morning! Excuse me.
We're not open yet.
Hello. I'm Taishi Shoji's mother.
Ah!
Those were very exciting proceedings.
Good job with that.
We're definitely going to take back
that government seat. We're expecting it.
Ah.
I'm here for another reason.
It seems that...
Yui said she won't be asking
for alimony or child support.
She said she can't take anything
from her now-unemployed ex-husband.
I regret to tell you
that we'll also be stopping
the rent support payments
we've been sending you monthly.
That's fine.
My daughter has a lot of financial power.
This should be the point
when you're saying,
"Thank you very much
for supporting us all."
Is that so?
Have you forgotten? I support all of you!
Isn't that a bit
of a give-and-take, though?
You said that you wanted to support us,
so we took your money.
Wow!
You benefit from Yui Kurosawa
being his wife, don't you?
So don't be so patronizing.
Even with your Yui as his wife,
he still lost.
That is exactly the reason
why you should be grateful.
You really don't get it, huh?
If this is about money,
you can leave.
Well, all right, then.
I will take my leave.
Even just this morning,
when they came to talk to me,
what I didn't know was how to process
why your Yui had become
such an ungrateful person.
But you have answered that.
Now I'll take my leave.
- That's all. Thank you.
- We'll take care of it.
Thank you very much.
Thanks also...
...for your support.
Ah.
Your mother and you are very different.
Well, I really wanted to be like you.
I suppose, though I tried,
I wasn't quite able to do it.
I really love
all the people in this family.
After just one marriage interview,
without knowing if I liked him,
I became a Shoji.
The elections every few years
were so stimulating for me.
I felt so passionate then.
At those times,
my connection with Kiichiro
would become so much deeper.
I know that experience a bit.
And my husband...
...was wonderful in bed
during the elections.
Oh! It made up for a lot.
I thought to myself often
that I'd be happy for the rest of my life
just helping him win elections.
I can't believe he died so young.
Mm.
Anyway, take good care of yourself
and have a healthy baby.
Yeah.
Also, um, I should say goodbye
to your husband here at his altar.
Is that okay?
Yes, of course.
The next time I saw Yui
was four months later.
What did the doctor say?
I haven't spoken
to the doctor yet.
Next week. That's right.
- Oh, uh... Hello.
- Oh!
- The delivery room?
- Oh, it's over there!
- Ah, okay.
- Uh, but Yui's in her own room.
What?
Mm.
Oh! Taishi!
Ah.
It's been a while.
Mm. The birth?
Mm! It's done.
What?
It was a totally painless birth.
The baby just slid right out.
- Ah.
- It didn't hurt one bit.
And I've done a lot of TV birthing scenes,
but the real thing was easier.
Oh.
Yeah, that's good.
Well, nice going.
Why'd you come?
Oh, Sassa called me.
Uh, sorry.
I was there when my wife gave birth,
so I impulsively called you.
- I suppose you didn't need that.
- Not at all.
More importantly, did you read it?
Mm.
I wonder about it. On location?
They're aware
that you won't be doing any overnights.
Plus, you can always sleep through it.
Hello. Ah, so... the baby?
Oh, it's a boy.
I heard, but where... what... where is he?
You can't meet him
until his tests are done.
Oh, I see.
You got here too soon.
Huh? Oh.
Ms. Kurosawa, I have your baby here.
Great.
If you need anything, just let me know.
Thank you very much.
My little boy
was sleeping so peacefully.
I wonder who he looks like.
Guess we don't know yet.
What's this? I'm not feeling it.
Aren't I supposed to be so moved
that I hug the baby and cry?
It's my fault
that I don't feel it.
I'm sorry.
So, um...
Mm!
- Did you name him yet?
- His name's Yoji.
Yoji?
Uh-huh.
I chose that name
because I wanted his life
to be free and happy.
See!
YO (HAPPY)
JI (FREE)
Ah, how cool. Look at that. Ah, wh...
Hey, just what is all this?
Uh, wait
Aijiro, Aita, Ainosuke, Himeko,
Himejiro, Himeya, Himeo.
Himeo? That's an awful name.
It's fine. Good name.
But Yoji, Yoji, that's a great name.
Yoji.
Ah, Yoji.
Yoji!
Hello.Yoji.
2026 EHIME
It's been three years
since I choked on the tears
of my hundred-vote defeat.
Good morning. Hello, I'm Taishi.
How are you?
I hope all 25,000 of you voters
in this district find happiness.
- Taishi Shoji. Thank you very much.
- Good morning. Good morning.
Ehime's great. I loved it a bit too much.
- And now I'm unemployed.
- Good morning.
To prepare for a comeback,
I stand in front of the station in Ehime
for half the week.
Hi, Taishi Shoji.
For the other half,
I attend study sessions
at the party headquarters in Tokyo.
At night, I make connection
with party leaders.
I've become more like a politician
since losing the election.
Thank you very much.
Financially, things are so tough
that there are months
when I can't pay Saotome's salary.
I show my face on TV once in a while
as the former handsome house member.
Well, thanks for asking,
but I'm actually busy studying.
Right.
Okay, then, I'll tell them.
Not this guy again.
Henry usually does
the jobs I turn down.
All right! I'm in Yamanashi,
and I want some hoto noodle soup.
Okay, Chief Secretary Soda.
What do you personally think
Japan should do now...
Reformation Party member Go Soda
beat me, but he never goes to Ehime.
And do you agree
that this is a pressing issue?
I do, which is the reason
we need a virus research center.
Huh?
When you say that,
what exactly do you mean?
Japan is an island. However...
We cannot just rely
on our border control measures
to protect us.
To stay ahead of the speed of mutation...
Modern technology is...
We need to have research.
Uh, yeah.
- Wow.
- Are you listening?
The fact that Soda
is saying all this is shameless.
Because it's handled by the state!
If we let the private sector
take charge of this,
it will create a sense of competition.
Ehime BSL-4,
my father's life work,
was downgraded to a level 3,
and a private pharmaceutical company
bought it.
Does it have to be a level 4?
Is level 3 no good?
A level 3 is enough.
Because COVID was a level 3 virus, right?
I heard a rumor
they're going to buy up our land.
- Seyo Pharmaceutical?
- Mm-hmm.
They are buying up it up
to turn around and sell it for a profit.
Mr. Soda, how will you explain this
to the people of Ehime?
Uh, the district will become richer.
It will increase employment also.
Two birds.
I guess you could say
I'm showing my love for Ehime.
Well, I guess I...
we should consider
a retirement home finally.
Oh.
Oh, well.
To make ends meet,
Saotome started working a part-time job.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
when I'm in Tokyo,
he works for a moving company.
That's enough, Mr. Saotome!
You're going to hurt yourself.
All good. I got it.
I'm sorry.
Sakurako became the vice minister
of the new equality for all office.
Just yesterday, for example,
in the Shukan Fire,
"Hottest female announcers."
People still write
articles like this all over Japan.
So what's the problem?
- I'll give you a vote!
- Yeah, TV girl.
Which of you said that?
Whoever said that deserves a reprimand.
My ex-wife's rise to the top
couldn't be stopped.
And the best actress award goes to...
Yui Kurosawa!
You did it!
She's done it!
Yui Kurosawa had won for her role
in When the Wife Chucks Her Husband.
Congratulations!
Look at her back.
I guess Yui looks
more womanly now,
because she's definitely out of my league.
Guten Morgen. Guten Morgen.
"Thank you" isn't "guten Morgen."
It's "danke schön," Yui.
To my director, the crew on set,
the rest of my cast,
and finally, my beloved, adorable son.
I appreciate everyone who's helped me.
Guten Morgen!
What about me? Huh? Huh?
Where is my guten Morgen?
Why did I cheat on Yui?
Why did we divorce?
KYOJI KANO
VICTORY! PACHINKO ELECTION BLOG
Yui's ex-boyfriend, Kyoji Kano,
I don't know where he is,
but he's now a blogger covering elections.
His stuff's pretty interesting.
Kyoji's gone to Okinawa.
Everywhere in the country,
no matter how remote or obscure,
there will always be elections.
- Mayoral candidate for...
- Please vote for me. I'm Gushiken.
And pachinko parlors.
What got me hooked on politics
was the House of Representatives election
three years ago.
I lived like I was dead
and fell in love with a woman
who I chased to Ehime,
a place that I had no connection to.
Hey, kid!
Hey, you're getting good results here.
At first I couldn't understand it,
the candidates who bowed their heads,
groveling in order to get
just one more vote.
...my husband.
And the voters
who cheered for strangers,
raised their voices and supported them.
How are they able
to immerse themselves in this?
Is this a festival?
Or are they just making sure
that they're alive?
Agreement and disagreement,
conservatives and liberals,
trying in their quiet desperation
to outthink and outspeak each other.
The candidates are the victims.
...standing up for the Henoko area
of this island!
No more American bases!
Life is a boring thing,
everyone living every single day
as if they're already dead.
Say it louder!
When you get bored with your life,
I highly recommend going to see
an election somewhere.
It doesn't matter
how small the village is.
It doesn't matter
how small the election is.
It's a do-or-die contest.
Once you experience an election yourself,
you will feel excited and anxious.
Hey.
Hello, hello! Please vote for me!
- You're such a handsome man.
- Hello. Thank you. Please vote for me.
Sugarcane? I'll do my best.
I remember there was a candidate
who once saved a man
from drowning in Ehime.
- Help me! Help! Help me!
- Are you okay?
Are you okay?
Voters will see
right through the candidates
who aren't considerate of others,
even if they make
enticing promises to the public.
If there was a prime minister
who was genuinely nice,
who was honest
with himself and with the public,
then I'd be able to relax and entrust
the future of this country to his care.
What? No...
This is praising me way too much.
But, uh... thank you, man.
Baba.
Baba is not it.
Ba-ah-ba. Mm?
Baba.
Mm. Oh.
Oh.
Baba, boo-boo, good one.
What did you just say, Yoji?
Yui has custody of the child,
but my mom is the one
who really takes care of him.
I got you, I got you!
Oh, oh.
Come in.
We met downstairs.
Oh!
Yoji, your mom and your pop are here.
They're back from Ehime and Berlin!
Thank you for watching him again.
It's fine.
I'm happy to watch Yoji.
He's this family's future.
That's just her go-to.
I watched that awards show in Germany.
It was great. Congratulations.
Thanks.
You looked pretty in that red dress.
I thought you might be watching it
and, uh, having that opinion.
Here you go!
Whole tangerine daifuku desserts.
That's for Yoji and Grandma.
Ehime!
Huh? Did you actually say that?
Ehime!
That is amazing, Yoji!
Well, the first word
he learned was "ba-ah-ba"
and then "Ehime."
"Mama" and "Papa" are next, I'm sure.
Well, let's eat
some whole tangerine daifuku, then.
Here, I got you a Fendi wallet
and a German Baumkuchen cake.
Wow, thank you. Fendi's Baumkuchen?
Fendi wallet, Baumkuchen cake.
Yes, I know.
German wine.
- Huh? It's for me?
- Mm.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
And for Yoji, a bear.
It's from Berlin!
Ooh!
That's so great.
Ah.
The car is waiting downstairs.
We should go.
- Okay.
- Okay, Yoji. Time to go.
- No!
- Ooh!
Oh! Remember?
I told you this morning
that you would have to go home
when your mom comes to get you.
Mama's here.
It's time to take you home, okay?
There.
Oh, goodbye.
Oh!
Ain!
Uncle Sassa is so funny.
- Goodbye.
- Yeah.
All right.
Here we go. All right.
Okay, bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye. Bye-bye. Bye-bye Yoji.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
Mm.
Get your custody back, okay?
You're back on that again?
Mm. She just leaves the child with me
and struts the red carpet,
showing off her back.
How can she have custody of him?
Well, you're the one raising him
most of the time, see?
Aren't you glad it's going your way
even if it's not official?
But what if he decides
he wants to become an actor?
Oh.
If we had a girl, she could be an actress.
If you had a girl,
she would become a politician's wife
and would support the family.
All the children in the Shoji family,
boys and girls, have the same fate.
Well,
it's not like there's
a chance of you having a girl now.
I do wonder about that.
Come on, Yoji.
Let's go eat upstairs.
Here, you eat too.
- Customers will show up later today.
- Hmm.
How do you know that?
I can tell from the temperature
and the humidity.
Anyway, how much was the prize money?
There's no prize money.
All you get's a bear trophy, Mom.
What in the hell? You got my hopes up.
It isn't about the money.
That was so cool.
I saw you on the news,
walking the red carpet.
And I thought to myself,
"Did I give birth to her?"
I'm sure Taishi thinks of you
as the one that got away.
Mm. You think so?
I know the hearts of men
even more than my customers' foot traffic.
A question.
If I keep on asking
Taishi's mom to watch Yoji,
I'm afraid he'll end up a politician.
So, what should I do?
How many times have I said
that you can leave him here?
Give him an allowance, and I'll grab him
from kindergarten or wherever.
Mm.
I worry that if I leave him here,
he might end up being somewhat uncouth.
What do you mean by that?
That's insulting!
Children will grow up
even if you leave them alone.
Don't worry so much about everything.
Let things run their course.
He'll be an adult before you know it.
I don't want him
to become just a regular adult.
I want him to be well-educated.
Well-educated?
Taishi didn't go to a good university.
Yeah, but he studied abroad
in the United States, you know.
But he doesn't speak English.
Yui, dear,
it's possible you've been brainwashed
by that mean old lady.
The things you're saying
are the same words as that monster mom.
No, they're not.
You're not getting
enough physical contact.
Not with men or your child.
If you were,
everything in your life would just be fun.
But Yoji and I do have physical contact.
What do you think
is the reason for the award?
Uh-huh.
It was the foresight
of the director's vision,
the excellent script,
as well as the entire production.
And who is most pleased
with this achievement?
There's a saying
that older men love single mothers.
What does that mean?
They're so spicy.
Keep her clear of men.
Sure.
From here on, her role is
the competent, sexy leader.
No distracting men.
The thing
you asked me about yesterday
would be quite difficult.
I figured.
If you're able to actually prove
that he's at a disadvantage with her,
that is the only way
to change your agreement.
Oh, I see.
And your ex-wife has more economic power
than you do at the moment
now that you are unemployed.
That makes sense.
Here's the question for you.
Would you be able to raise the child
if you got custody?
We don't know how long
your mother will remain healthy.
That's true.
Wait, are you trying to get back together?
No, it's not about that.
This is a question from my mother.
I just wanted your opinion.
Please don't get angry.
I'm not angry.
A lawyer has a lot of responsibility
in a divorce proceeding.
But you don't need my advice to reconcile.
Of course. That's right.
I'm sorry to bother you.
Ah, I see. So, Taishi Shoji
still relies on you, Kaoru.
Hmm. Yeah,
but I'm not getting a single yen for it.
Yui Kurosawa never calls me anymore.
Maybe she thinks you're unreliable
since you're under her at the office.
I'm thinking about moving on from there.
The CEO thinks only about Yui.
And everyone else is really unsatisfied.
Well, that makes sense, Henry.
Yui Kurosawa represents all of Japan.
She's on a different level
than the rest of you.
Wow, this is not like you, Henry,
to be jealous.
You've become such a...
a regular sort of guy, haven't you?
Now that you're strong, you're amazing.
So charming I want to marry you.
- Sure, let's get married.
- Hmm?
You don't have
to look so surprised.
You're the one who said it.
Mm.
You're right, I did say that, but...
Hmm?
What is marriage?
- You're still a bachelor?
- I am.
Well, you're in for a disappointment.
But I feel, if it's with you,
I'm quite sure I can afford
some disappointment again.
Don't act
like you'd really marry me.
Today is the one day
every two months I visit with my son.
- Yoji! Look, it's a pirate ship!
- Wow! A pirate ship! Amazing!
- What?
- Pigeon! Pigeon!
Yoji, there are pigeons in Tokyo.
Why don't you look at the pirate ship
since we're here?
- Look, right there. Yoji, take a look!
- Pigeon, pigeon, pigeon, pigeon...
I do see him often
because my mom looks after him,
but when Yui's with us too,
it's something special,
because this would be a family trip
if we weren't divorced.
- Excuse me, can we please take a picture?
- Yes, please!
Ah, I'm so sorry. It's a private outing.
I'll take it.
Yes? Oh, thank you so much!
Wow, she's so cute.
Oh, her face is so small.
- Okay, here we go.
- Thank you.
I'm so tired.
It's like we went all the way
to Lake Ashinoko to see pigeons.
But it was fun.
Hey, make yourself comfortable.
I'll make us some tea.
Oh. Thanks.
Oh! Yoji loves that thing.
For some reason, he's always picking it up
and playing with it.
Pachinko artist.
I wonder why a kid
would be so interested in that.
Mm-hmm.
Right. Kyoji is a reporter these days.
Huh? A reporter?
He goes around the country writing
about elections. He's quite popular.
So they really exist,
people who wake up to their calling.
- Are you guys friends?
- No, I just read his stuff.
So, is there a new film?
No, a streaming show. It's a yakuza one.
Oh yeah? Wearing a kimono?
Do you have a catchphrase?
Why are you teasing me?
No way! I'm not teasing.
I always support you.
You can just act normal.
I'd really like that kind of support.
You don't need to offer
to take pictures like you did.
In front of my son,
I'm just his mom.
And me?
What?
In front of me, who are you?
Stop it, now.
Sorry.
So what do you want?
Pigeon.
What is going on? Someone's horny.
Isn't there a Mimata around?
Not when I'm always thinking about you.
Mm-hmm.
Mm.
How did we so casually sign
those divorce papers?
I don't know.
You don't?
No double-checking or anything.
The guy at reception desk
could have asked,
"Is that your final answer?"
My answer...
I discovered you're the one I love.
So if I...
ever got married again,
I'd like it to be you.
But we shouldn't.
Why not?
'Cause you'd go and cheat again.
It's not that I made
the wrong choice.
What was wrong was marriage itself.
I think, if we married a second time,
it wouldn't be as much fun.
All of this is just how I feel, but...
things will go better if we don't remarry.
We should have ripped them up.
We should have ripped up
those divorce papers.
What do you mean?
It's great the way we are now.
Yes, and I'm busy
with next year's election.
- Huh?
- Hmm? What?
The election? Office terms are ending?
Uh, has it been four years?
Well, Yoji's almost three,
so four is soon.
Well, you better win!
You really gotta do it.
Beat Soda this time!
Yui!
That last election was so fun.
Yeah, that was fun.
Hmm?
What's this?
That's your "I can do it" face.
Will you or no?
- Ah!
- Oh! Yui!
Yui Channel!
Oh. So, I'll help you.
Good evening.
It's Yui Kurosawa, international actress.
Today, we have a surprise guest visiting.
A mystery guy!
Uh, long time no see.
I'm the former representative
for Ehime's fifth district...
Come on! Don't be so stiff. Loosen up!
I guess I forgot how to do this.
Ah! We're not getting back together.
You have my promise that is not happening.
- Kashikomi, kashikomi!
- Kashikomi, kashikomi!
We should have ripped up
those papers.
Papa!
- Papa!
- Sorry.
Papa!
He woke up
and didn't see you, so he started crying.
Ah! Yoji.
Ah, Yoji.
Ah, I'm sorry!
Papa!
Sorry I didn't say good night.
- Papa!
- Don't cry, Yoji.
Look. He's right there.
I'm right here! I'm right here!
- Look, he's right here.
- Papa's right here.
- Yoji.
- It'll all be okay.
- Papa!
- I'm sorry I left. Don't be sad.
Ah! I feel bad.
Papa!
Good morning
to all you hardworking people!
Japan is the country of rice!
When I, Taishi Shoji, am once again
a government representative,
I will promote a local product.
That's priority one.
Himenorin, I'll make
Ehime's rice the top one in Japan.
I hope that you'll all do your best
growing delicious rice.
It's always nice to come see the rice.
I'll keep on working hard
along with everyone.
Thank you all very much!
I'm back again.
Hi, welcome.
Taishi, you got tan again.
I guess I did.
Hey there! It's you, Shingo.
It's been a while.
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
What've you been doing?
Mm.
Ah, still unemployed, right?
Shingo got a new job driving
for a guy at Seyo Pharmaceuticals.
The company that Soda let buy BSL-4?
I'm sorry!
Hey, don't worry about it.
Everybody's got to work. It's fine.
It's my job to pick up
and drop the manager off.
Every month, when Soda comes to Ehime,
I'm also the one picking him up
at the Matsuyama Airport.
Soda comes to Ehime?
From there, I take him directly
to the research center.
He's given a paper bag
then goes back to Tokyo immediately.
A day trip?
Right.
And Soda always has
that paper bag with cash inside it!
If it was a bank transfer,
people would find out.
That's why they do the cash in person.
The district will become richer.
It will increase employment also.
Two birds.
I guess you could say
I'm showing my love for Ehime.
So BSL-4 gets sold off
by Soda for next to nothing,
and he pockets part of the profits?
Well, I'm a pretty dumb guy,
so I don't recognize all those big words.
But I can tell you
that Soda gets a whole lot of money
every single month from them.
But you never saw
this bag of cash, did you?
I did!
He went to the bathroom,
so I had a peek inside.
Here's a picture I took.
Isn't this about Seyo Pharmaceuticals?
Shukan Fire is going to write on it.
Seems like there's been a lot of rumors.
Because Shingo
can't keep a secret.
Go Soda's career is probably done.
Back when you were running against him,
I thought he was honest and for real.
But he's sure not that.
And so you know someone
who writes at the Shukan Fire?
Maybe.
An old enemy is a future friend.
Is Yui doing okay?
Yeah, she is.
Her baby too.
That's perfect.
What's perfect about it?
It means that I never had
a real place in her life.
Sorry, that must hurt.
That machine won't give you anything.
Shouldn't you go home
and have a meeting with Mr. Saotome
about that special election?
I'll write something passionate
about it for ya
so you'll have a decisive victory.
Whoa!
What a race
Ehime's fifth district is in for!
Kyoji no longer seems
like a guy who's alive but dead.
DID SECRETARY GENERAL SODA
TAKE BRIBES FROM SEYO?
Chief Secretary, there's news
that you cheaply sold off BSL-4
to Seyo Pharmaceuticals to get a payout.
Care to comment?
We criticized
the previous government's corruption
for the sake of Japan's progress.
So how could we be after money now?
Tamai from Iyo Maicho.
Are you claiming
these are false accusations?
I'm not sure who's been spreading
all these lies around.
But those individuals
who have something to gain from this
might be the ones to consider.
But aren't you the one gaining something?
What I'm telling you is that you're wrong.
Soda got defensive
and denied everything.
What am I going to do?
It's so heavy. How am I gonna carry this?
Should I take it
to Tokyo by car, then?
Tokyo or not,
we can't go anywhere if it's this heavy.
What should we do?
Just... just make it small enough
for me to take on a plane.
He would take home
a paper bag with 20 million yen inside
on each trip.
Yeah.
He would come into town
about once a month.
MONEY-GRUBBER, MONEY OVER PEOPLE
SODA, GO TO HELL!
Each time, I would pick him up
at the airport in a car.
CHIEF SECRETARY ROOM
It's not like I'm trying
to rub salt into a wound.
But Soda was completely beaten to a pulp.
Soda left the Reformation Party
and resigned his seat in the house.
Mr. Soda!
I always respected and looked up to you.
I'm so disappointed.
Please leave
the fifth district of Ehime
in the hands of Taishi Shoji
one more time.
I'll do everything I can.
Ehime, vote for Taishi.
Everyone, please send Taishi Shoji
back once more
to represent you in the fifth district.
We're counting on you!
Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
I promise to work my hardest for you!
Please vote for Taishi.
Thank you very much.
Thank you all. Thank you very much.
Hi, everyone! Thank you for being here.
Good work.
How did it go?
This election is much easier.
Your rival's just a Red Shirt.
I'm so hungry.
- Saotome!
- Yes.
How many decades
have you been doing this job?
We do not predict
what's going to happen here.
- You should be buckling down.
- Yes. I apologize.
- And you too.
- Oh.
Do not start getting cocky.
Your father never said, "Ah, I'm hungry,"
not a single time during an election.
Yes, I'll get buckling.
You too, Karakida!
Uh... Mm! Right.
I promise to work for you. Thank you.
Thank you all.
Thank you very much.
Thanks so much.
I appreciate it.
It's time for us to do the dance
for Ehime one more time.
To end this election campaign.
Mikochan's here.
Let her through!
She's here.
So, Taishi wasn't...
really that great
husband material.
But as a candidate,
he's the best.
So, then,
you should vote for my great ex-husband.
Vote for Taishi, please!
Kashikomi, kashikomi!
Kashikomi, kashikomi!
Yui.
Thank you.
This looks so good.
Look!
ELECTION FIFTH DISTRICT OF EHIME
TAISHI SHOJI PROJECTED TO WIN
- Hooray! Yoji, your dad just won!
- Taishi Shoji is projected to...
- Look, bud! Papa!
- Banzai!
And here's Taishi Shoji
at his election office.
- Banzai!
- Congratulations!
Papa, Ehime.
Ehime!
What a smart guy you are!
Papa, Ehime. Mama filming.
Great!
- Banzai! Banzai!
- Thank you! Thank you.
- Thank you very much.
- Banzai!
- Banzai! Banzai!
- Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Banzai!
Thank you very much.
- Thank you, everyone.
- Thank you!
- Thank you very much.
- Banzai! Banzai!
You did it! Congratulations!
Everyone, thank you so much.
Thank you very much.
- You did it, Taishi!
- Thank you.
Saotome, you're crying a little.
I feel...
...so happy.
Happy for the young master.
It's all because of you, Saotome.
Ah, thank you.
It's been so many years
since we promised no more waiting lists
for nursery schools.
- What's going on?
- Ms. Mimata!
The local governments
are doing their part.
- They have lists of waiting children.
- I look forward to working with you.
We have to count them all
if we want to solve this.
People will have to quit their jobs
if we don't fix this.
Taishi Shoji.
Returning Congressman Taishi Shoji.
Being back here fills me
with so much emotion.
It's been over three years.
And this is my first time
as the opposition party.
Getting divorced made me realize
my wife has always been great,
just as losing my seat in Congress
made me know
how truly important this seat really is.
Must you talk about your wife?
We don't have time!
Excuse me. On to the main topic.
Uh, a question for Ms. Arita,
who runs the parental support committee.
This is in regards
to the childcare initiative,
which has not been resolved
over the past three years.
I spent my whole life
falling in love with that man.
Perfect.
Nice.
You really shouldn't
be carrying around a katana!
Enough talking.
Is this set in Hiroshima or Kyushu?
Saitama.
If we're apart
or hate one another
or even see other people...
Left eye.
...I'm still saving
all my love for you.
- Oh, so good.
- Well-done.
Hey, Mom. Sorry to be a bother.
Tell me, what's wrong?
I might finally understand
what you were always trying
to tell me about life.
Let's just say I feel awesome.
So what did I say?
That life is just too long.
And it's impossible
to only love one guy for all of it.
Well, so you turned out to be right.
Did I say something like that?
I might have.
Sounds like a good time.
Who's your new guy, then?
No, no one serious.
Goodbye.
I'll be bringing Yoji by this weekend.
Thanks for waiting.
Great job.
So what kind of food?
Meat!
My ex-wife works full-time,
and I live with my three-year-old son.
I take care of him four days of the week.
You don't understand until you try it.
And it is very difficult.
Oh no! This is permanent Magic Marker!
I said, if you're going to draw,
then draw on paper.
- Stop that, Papa!
- Ouch, ouch. Ouch.
Even if we're apart
or even if we see other people.
Huh? Where'd that come from?
Is it your mama?
- I'm saving...
- Ouch! Ow, stop it!
- ...all my love for you. For you, for you.
- Ah!
- Oh!
- All my love for you!
- Ah! No! Not another mess.
- All my love for you.
- Yuck!
- This is boring.
Okay, let's go to the bathroom.
Why not? You said you wanted to poop.
Come on, it's time to go.
Yoji, come on.
- Mr. Shoji!
- Yoji, Yoji.
Huh?
- See?
- Sorry, sorry, sorry.
- Oh my gosh, it's Soda.
- Uh-oh, what's the problem?
- I don't know what to do.
- Hi!
I can't fold the stroller.
Yoji says he has to poop,
but there's no toilet around.
I can't get a taxi,
and there's no bus coming.
Plus, we got lost walking.
I go into a café, and Yoji starts to cry,
and everybody just gets so mad!
Society is not nice to fathers!
Calm down.
Here, try some of this bread.
No one else has tried
to be so understanding.
No need to cry.
Why don't you have a coffee instead?
- Oh, thank you so much.
- Hmm. And for you, juice.
- Juice is nice.
- Oh!
That's just your life story.
Yeah, we don't care.
What are you trying to say?
I'm saying that we can't judge
until we do it.
Kids as well as this work.
Do you agree, Ms. Arita?
I remember you.
You criticized my misogynistic remarks
when you were on the opposing side.
I didn't forget that.
I figured
an accomplished cabinet member like you
would want to make society easier
for the people here.
What do you think?
Now that you're in control,
you've gone quiet.
So do something to change things.
We've had no progress at all
in terms of the childcare initiative.
I'm not trying to attack you.
It's important to be able to fail.
People make mistakes,
get married on a whim, divorced on a whim.
No one knows that when you divorce,
you end up with an X
marked on your record.
An X.
Huh? That's not great, an X.
Have an open mind.
An X or not,
you can rebuild your life.
Please listen,
including you, Mr. Prime Minister.
Don't be stopped by your fear of mistakes.
We should be tolerant of the opposition.
If we can manage that,
it will improve things.
That's my thought.
I'm sorry.
That's all.
For Ehime's fifth district, that was
what they really want.
Thank you for your time today.
Remember when we went
and got our marriage license?
Yeah, I remember.
We fought over it, and we ripped it.
The guy at City Hall taped it together.
I think us ripping it was bad luck.
It was fate.
What?
Hmm?
What'd you say?
It's low tide.
I'm going right to sleep.
You're not telling your mom?
Right now?
I think if you tell her now,
it would really be ready for everyone.
But she's sleeping.
Just wake her up.
Are you really serious?
Hmm, well, okay, your choice.
Fine.
Huh?
What is it?
Sorry, did I wake you?
Is Yui here too?
Yeah. Excuse me.
Actually, Taishi and I
have gotten divorced.
Oh, what's going on?
You lost the election,
and you got divorced.
Huh?!
You're divorced?
I know there wasn't much
we could do about your divorce.
That occurring couldn't be helped.
However, the unborn child
is of the Shoji bloodline,
so you must hand it over.
No, I'm going to raise the baby.
If I give you our child,
you'll only raise it to be a politician,
and that's definitely not what I want.
I mean, with Taishi,
when we first met,
he was a normal, kindhearted man.
If you hadn't forced him
into a life in government,
he wouldn't have ended up so weird.
Am I weird? Wow.
He wanted to get free from the future
that was forced on him.
I mean, Mimata was a part of all that.
Really?
I don't want this child
to be born under that kind of pressure.
I want my baby to choose
whatever path that they want to follow.
- And I agree with her.
- Taishi!
You know better than to say that!
Um, well, I want our baby
to be raised with freedom too.
I want the baby to be with Yui
and to be able to become their own person.
- Thanks.
- Don't you thank him!
Go get married again! Do it right now!
I recall you pushing us
to get this divorce.
Oh! I can't do this anymore.
I'm going back to Tokyo.
I'll go crazy if I stay here.
- Saotome, arrange a flight for me.
- Yes.
- Yes, right away, ma'am.
- Oh!
Morning! Excuse me.
We're not open yet.
Hello. I'm Taishi Shoji's mother.
Ah!
Those were very exciting proceedings.
Good job with that.
We're definitely going to take back
that government seat. We're expecting it.
Ah.
I'm here for another reason.
It seems that...
Yui said she won't be asking
for alimony or child support.
She said she can't take anything
from her now-unemployed ex-husband.
I regret to tell you
that we'll also be stopping
the rent support payments
we've been sending you monthly.
That's fine.
My daughter has a lot of financial power.
This should be the point
when you're saying,
"Thank you very much
for supporting us all."
Is that so?
Have you forgotten? I support all of you!
Isn't that a bit
of a give-and-take, though?
You said that you wanted to support us,
so we took your money.
Wow!
You benefit from Yui Kurosawa
being his wife, don't you?
So don't be so patronizing.
Even with your Yui as his wife,
he still lost.
That is exactly the reason
why you should be grateful.
You really don't get it, huh?
If this is about money,
you can leave.
Well, all right, then.
I will take my leave.
Even just this morning,
when they came to talk to me,
what I didn't know was how to process
why your Yui had become
such an ungrateful person.
But you have answered that.
Now I'll take my leave.
- That's all. Thank you.
- We'll take care of it.
Thank you very much.
Thanks also...
...for your support.
Ah.
Your mother and you are very different.
Well, I really wanted to be like you.
I suppose, though I tried,
I wasn't quite able to do it.
I really love
all the people in this family.
After just one marriage interview,
without knowing if I liked him,
I became a Shoji.
The elections every few years
were so stimulating for me.
I felt so passionate then.
At those times,
my connection with Kiichiro
would become so much deeper.
I know that experience a bit.
And my husband...
...was wonderful in bed
during the elections.
Oh! It made up for a lot.
I thought to myself often
that I'd be happy for the rest of my life
just helping him win elections.
I can't believe he died so young.
Mm.
Anyway, take good care of yourself
and have a healthy baby.
Yeah.
Also, um, I should say goodbye
to your husband here at his altar.
Is that okay?
Yes, of course.
The next time I saw Yui
was four months later.
What did the doctor say?
I haven't spoken
to the doctor yet.
Next week. That's right.
- Oh, uh... Hello.
- Oh!
- The delivery room?
- Oh, it's over there!
- Ah, okay.
- Uh, but Yui's in her own room.
What?
Mm.
Oh! Taishi!
Ah.
It's been a while.
Mm. The birth?
Mm! It's done.
What?
It was a totally painless birth.
The baby just slid right out.
- Ah.
- It didn't hurt one bit.
And I've done a lot of TV birthing scenes,
but the real thing was easier.
Oh.
Yeah, that's good.
Well, nice going.
Why'd you come?
Oh, Sassa called me.
Uh, sorry.
I was there when my wife gave birth,
so I impulsively called you.
- I suppose you didn't need that.
- Not at all.
More importantly, did you read it?
Mm.
I wonder about it. On location?
They're aware
that you won't be doing any overnights.
Plus, you can always sleep through it.
Hello. Ah, so... the baby?
Oh, it's a boy.
I heard, but where... what... where is he?
You can't meet him
until his tests are done.
Oh, I see.
You got here too soon.
Huh? Oh.
Ms. Kurosawa, I have your baby here.
Great.
If you need anything, just let me know.
Thank you very much.
My little boy
was sleeping so peacefully.
I wonder who he looks like.
Guess we don't know yet.
What's this? I'm not feeling it.
Aren't I supposed to be so moved
that I hug the baby and cry?
It's my fault
that I don't feel it.
I'm sorry.
So, um...
Mm!
- Did you name him yet?
- His name's Yoji.
Yoji?
Uh-huh.
I chose that name
because I wanted his life
to be free and happy.
See!
YO (HAPPY)
JI (FREE)
Ah, how cool. Look at that. Ah, wh...
Hey, just what is all this?
Uh, wait
Aijiro, Aita, Ainosuke, Himeko,
Himejiro, Himeya, Himeo.
Himeo? That's an awful name.
It's fine. Good name.
But Yoji, Yoji, that's a great name.
Yoji.
Ah, Yoji.
Yoji!
Hello.Yoji.
2026 EHIME
It's been three years
since I choked on the tears
of my hundred-vote defeat.
Good morning. Hello, I'm Taishi.
How are you?
I hope all 25,000 of you voters
in this district find happiness.
- Taishi Shoji. Thank you very much.
- Good morning. Good morning.
Ehime's great. I loved it a bit too much.
- And now I'm unemployed.
- Good morning.
To prepare for a comeback,
I stand in front of the station in Ehime
for half the week.
Hi, Taishi Shoji.
For the other half,
I attend study sessions
at the party headquarters in Tokyo.
At night, I make connection
with party leaders.
I've become more like a politician
since losing the election.
Thank you very much.
Financially, things are so tough
that there are months
when I can't pay Saotome's salary.
I show my face on TV once in a while
as the former handsome house member.
Well, thanks for asking,
but I'm actually busy studying.
Right.
Okay, then, I'll tell them.
Not this guy again.
Henry usually does
the jobs I turn down.
All right! I'm in Yamanashi,
and I want some hoto noodle soup.
Okay, Chief Secretary Soda.
What do you personally think
Japan should do now...
Reformation Party member Go Soda
beat me, but he never goes to Ehime.
And do you agree
that this is a pressing issue?
I do, which is the reason
we need a virus research center.
Huh?
When you say that,
what exactly do you mean?
Japan is an island. However...
We cannot just rely
on our border control measures
to protect us.
To stay ahead of the speed of mutation...
Modern technology is...
We need to have research.
Uh, yeah.
- Wow.
- Are you listening?
The fact that Soda
is saying all this is shameless.
Because it's handled by the state!
If we let the private sector
take charge of this,
it will create a sense of competition.
Ehime BSL-4,
my father's life work,
was downgraded to a level 3,
and a private pharmaceutical company
bought it.
Does it have to be a level 4?
Is level 3 no good?
A level 3 is enough.
Because COVID was a level 3 virus, right?
I heard a rumor
they're going to buy up our land.
- Seyo Pharmaceutical?
- Mm-hmm.
They are buying up it up
to turn around and sell it for a profit.
Mr. Soda, how will you explain this
to the people of Ehime?
Uh, the district will become richer.
It will increase employment also.
Two birds.
I guess you could say
I'm showing my love for Ehime.
Well, I guess I...
we should consider
a retirement home finally.
Oh.
Oh, well.
To make ends meet,
Saotome started working a part-time job.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
when I'm in Tokyo,
he works for a moving company.
That's enough, Mr. Saotome!
You're going to hurt yourself.
All good. I got it.
I'm sorry.
Sakurako became the vice minister
of the new equality for all office.
Just yesterday, for example,
in the Shukan Fire,
"Hottest female announcers."
People still write
articles like this all over Japan.
So what's the problem?
- I'll give you a vote!
- Yeah, TV girl.
Which of you said that?
Whoever said that deserves a reprimand.
My ex-wife's rise to the top
couldn't be stopped.
And the best actress award goes to...
Yui Kurosawa!
You did it!
She's done it!
Yui Kurosawa had won for her role
in When the Wife Chucks Her Husband.
Congratulations!
Look at her back.
I guess Yui looks
more womanly now,
because she's definitely out of my league.
Guten Morgen. Guten Morgen.
"Thank you" isn't "guten Morgen."
It's "danke schön," Yui.
To my director, the crew on set,
the rest of my cast,
and finally, my beloved, adorable son.
I appreciate everyone who's helped me.
Guten Morgen!
What about me? Huh? Huh?
Where is my guten Morgen?
Why did I cheat on Yui?
Why did we divorce?
KYOJI KANO
VICTORY! PACHINKO ELECTION BLOG
Yui's ex-boyfriend, Kyoji Kano,
I don't know where he is,
but he's now a blogger covering elections.
His stuff's pretty interesting.
Kyoji's gone to Okinawa.
Everywhere in the country,
no matter how remote or obscure,
there will always be elections.
- Mayoral candidate for...
- Please vote for me. I'm Gushiken.
And pachinko parlors.
What got me hooked on politics
was the House of Representatives election
three years ago.
I lived like I was dead
and fell in love with a woman
who I chased to Ehime,
a place that I had no connection to.
Hey, kid!
Hey, you're getting good results here.
At first I couldn't understand it,
the candidates who bowed their heads,
groveling in order to get
just one more vote.
...my husband.
And the voters
who cheered for strangers,
raised their voices and supported them.
How are they able
to immerse themselves in this?
Is this a festival?
Or are they just making sure
that they're alive?
Agreement and disagreement,
conservatives and liberals,
trying in their quiet desperation
to outthink and outspeak each other.
The candidates are the victims.
...standing up for the Henoko area
of this island!
No more American bases!
Life is a boring thing,
everyone living every single day
as if they're already dead.
Say it louder!
When you get bored with your life,
I highly recommend going to see
an election somewhere.
It doesn't matter
how small the village is.
It doesn't matter
how small the election is.
It's a do-or-die contest.
Once you experience an election yourself,
you will feel excited and anxious.
Hey.
Hello, hello! Please vote for me!
- You're such a handsome man.
- Hello. Thank you. Please vote for me.
Sugarcane? I'll do my best.
I remember there was a candidate
who once saved a man
from drowning in Ehime.
- Help me! Help! Help me!
- Are you okay?
Are you okay?
Voters will see
right through the candidates
who aren't considerate of others,
even if they make
enticing promises to the public.
If there was a prime minister
who was genuinely nice,
who was honest
with himself and with the public,
then I'd be able to relax and entrust
the future of this country to his care.
What? No...
This is praising me way too much.
But, uh... thank you, man.
Baba.
Baba is not it.
Ba-ah-ba. Mm?
Baba.
Mm. Oh.
Oh.
Baba, boo-boo, good one.
What did you just say, Yoji?
Yui has custody of the child,
but my mom is the one
who really takes care of him.
I got you, I got you!
Oh, oh.
Come in.
We met downstairs.
Oh!
Yoji, your mom and your pop are here.
They're back from Ehime and Berlin!
Thank you for watching him again.
It's fine.
I'm happy to watch Yoji.
He's this family's future.
That's just her go-to.
I watched that awards show in Germany.
It was great. Congratulations.
Thanks.
You looked pretty in that red dress.
I thought you might be watching it
and, uh, having that opinion.
Here you go!
Whole tangerine daifuku desserts.
That's for Yoji and Grandma.
Ehime!
Huh? Did you actually say that?
Ehime!
That is amazing, Yoji!
Well, the first word
he learned was "ba-ah-ba"
and then "Ehime."
"Mama" and "Papa" are next, I'm sure.
Well, let's eat
some whole tangerine daifuku, then.
Here, I got you a Fendi wallet
and a German Baumkuchen cake.
Wow, thank you. Fendi's Baumkuchen?
Fendi wallet, Baumkuchen cake.
Yes, I know.
German wine.
- Huh? It's for me?
- Mm.
- Thank you.
- Yeah.
And for Yoji, a bear.
It's from Berlin!
Ooh!
That's so great.
Ah.
The car is waiting downstairs.
We should go.
- Okay.
- Okay, Yoji. Time to go.
- No!
- Ooh!
Oh! Remember?
I told you this morning
that you would have to go home
when your mom comes to get you.
Mama's here.
It's time to take you home, okay?
There.
Oh, goodbye.
Oh!
Ain!
Uncle Sassa is so funny.
- Goodbye.
- Yeah.
All right.
Here we go. All right.
Okay, bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye. Bye-bye. Bye-bye Yoji.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
- Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
Mm.
Get your custody back, okay?
You're back on that again?
Mm. She just leaves the child with me
and struts the red carpet,
showing off her back.
How can she have custody of him?
Well, you're the one raising him
most of the time, see?
Aren't you glad it's going your way
even if it's not official?
But what if he decides
he wants to become an actor?
Oh.
If we had a girl, she could be an actress.
If you had a girl,
she would become a politician's wife
and would support the family.
All the children in the Shoji family,
boys and girls, have the same fate.
Well,
it's not like there's
a chance of you having a girl now.
I do wonder about that.
Come on, Yoji.
Let's go eat upstairs.
Here, you eat too.
- Customers will show up later today.
- Hmm.
How do you know that?
I can tell from the temperature
and the humidity.
Anyway, how much was the prize money?
There's no prize money.
All you get's a bear trophy, Mom.
What in the hell? You got my hopes up.
It isn't about the money.
That was so cool.
I saw you on the news,
walking the red carpet.
And I thought to myself,
"Did I give birth to her?"
I'm sure Taishi thinks of you
as the one that got away.
Mm. You think so?
I know the hearts of men
even more than my customers' foot traffic.
A question.
If I keep on asking
Taishi's mom to watch Yoji,
I'm afraid he'll end up a politician.
So, what should I do?
How many times have I said
that you can leave him here?
Give him an allowance, and I'll grab him
from kindergarten or wherever.
Mm.
I worry that if I leave him here,
he might end up being somewhat uncouth.
What do you mean by that?
That's insulting!
Children will grow up
even if you leave them alone.
Don't worry so much about everything.
Let things run their course.
He'll be an adult before you know it.
I don't want him
to become just a regular adult.
I want him to be well-educated.
Well-educated?
Taishi didn't go to a good university.
Yeah, but he studied abroad
in the United States, you know.
But he doesn't speak English.
Yui, dear,
it's possible you've been brainwashed
by that mean old lady.
The things you're saying
are the same words as that monster mom.
No, they're not.
You're not getting
enough physical contact.
Not with men or your child.
If you were,
everything in your life would just be fun.
But Yoji and I do have physical contact.
What do you think
is the reason for the award?
Uh-huh.
It was the foresight
of the director's vision,
the excellent script,
as well as the entire production.
And who is most pleased
with this achievement?
There's a saying
that older men love single mothers.
What does that mean?
They're so spicy.
Keep her clear of men.
Sure.
From here on, her role is
the competent, sexy leader.
No distracting men.
The thing
you asked me about yesterday
would be quite difficult.
I figured.
If you're able to actually prove
that he's at a disadvantage with her,
that is the only way
to change your agreement.
Oh, I see.
And your ex-wife has more economic power
than you do at the moment
now that you are unemployed.
That makes sense.
Here's the question for you.
Would you be able to raise the child
if you got custody?
We don't know how long
your mother will remain healthy.
That's true.
Wait, are you trying to get back together?
No, it's not about that.
This is a question from my mother.
I just wanted your opinion.
Please don't get angry.
I'm not angry.
A lawyer has a lot of responsibility
in a divorce proceeding.
But you don't need my advice to reconcile.
Of course. That's right.
I'm sorry to bother you.
Ah, I see. So, Taishi Shoji
still relies on you, Kaoru.
Hmm. Yeah,
but I'm not getting a single yen for it.
Yui Kurosawa never calls me anymore.
Maybe she thinks you're unreliable
since you're under her at the office.
I'm thinking about moving on from there.
The CEO thinks only about Yui.
And everyone else is really unsatisfied.
Well, that makes sense, Henry.
Yui Kurosawa represents all of Japan.
She's on a different level
than the rest of you.
Wow, this is not like you, Henry,
to be jealous.
You've become such a...
a regular sort of guy, haven't you?
Now that you're strong, you're amazing.
So charming I want to marry you.
- Sure, let's get married.
- Hmm?
You don't have
to look so surprised.
You're the one who said it.
Mm.
You're right, I did say that, but...
Hmm?
What is marriage?
- You're still a bachelor?
- I am.
Well, you're in for a disappointment.
But I feel, if it's with you,
I'm quite sure I can afford
some disappointment again.
Don't act
like you'd really marry me.
Today is the one day
every two months I visit with my son.
- Yoji! Look, it's a pirate ship!
- Wow! A pirate ship! Amazing!
- What?
- Pigeon! Pigeon!
Yoji, there are pigeons in Tokyo.
Why don't you look at the pirate ship
since we're here?
- Look, right there. Yoji, take a look!
- Pigeon, pigeon, pigeon, pigeon...
I do see him often
because my mom looks after him,
but when Yui's with us too,
it's something special,
because this would be a family trip
if we weren't divorced.
- Excuse me, can we please take a picture?
- Yes, please!
Ah, I'm so sorry. It's a private outing.
I'll take it.
Yes? Oh, thank you so much!
Wow, she's so cute.
Oh, her face is so small.
- Okay, here we go.
- Thank you.
I'm so tired.
It's like we went all the way
to Lake Ashinoko to see pigeons.
But it was fun.
Hey, make yourself comfortable.
I'll make us some tea.
Oh. Thanks.
Oh! Yoji loves that thing.
For some reason, he's always picking it up
and playing with it.
Pachinko artist.
I wonder why a kid
would be so interested in that.
Mm-hmm.
Right. Kyoji is a reporter these days.
Huh? A reporter?
He goes around the country writing
about elections. He's quite popular.
So they really exist,
people who wake up to their calling.
- Are you guys friends?
- No, I just read his stuff.
So, is there a new film?
No, a streaming show. It's a yakuza one.
Oh yeah? Wearing a kimono?
Do you have a catchphrase?
Why are you teasing me?
No way! I'm not teasing.
I always support you.
You can just act normal.
I'd really like that kind of support.
You don't need to offer
to take pictures like you did.
In front of my son,
I'm just his mom.
And me?
What?
In front of me, who are you?
Stop it, now.
Sorry.
So what do you want?
Pigeon.
What is going on? Someone's horny.
Isn't there a Mimata around?
Not when I'm always thinking about you.
Mm-hmm.
Mm.
How did we so casually sign
those divorce papers?
I don't know.
You don't?
No double-checking or anything.
The guy at reception desk
could have asked,
"Is that your final answer?"
My answer...
I discovered you're the one I love.
So if I...
ever got married again,
I'd like it to be you.
But we shouldn't.
Why not?
'Cause you'd go and cheat again.
It's not that I made
the wrong choice.
What was wrong was marriage itself.
I think, if we married a second time,
it wouldn't be as much fun.
All of this is just how I feel, but...
things will go better if we don't remarry.
We should have ripped them up.
We should have ripped up
those divorce papers.
What do you mean?
It's great the way we are now.
Yes, and I'm busy
with next year's election.
- Huh?
- Hmm? What?
The election? Office terms are ending?
Uh, has it been four years?
Well, Yoji's almost three,
so four is soon.
Well, you better win!
You really gotta do it.
Beat Soda this time!
Yui!
That last election was so fun.
Yeah, that was fun.
Hmm?
What's this?
That's your "I can do it" face.
Will you or no?
- Ah!
- Oh! Yui!
Yui Channel!
Oh. So, I'll help you.
Good evening.
It's Yui Kurosawa, international actress.
Today, we have a surprise guest visiting.
A mystery guy!
Uh, long time no see.
I'm the former representative
for Ehime's fifth district...
Come on! Don't be so stiff. Loosen up!
I guess I forgot how to do this.
Ah! We're not getting back together.
You have my promise that is not happening.
- Kashikomi, kashikomi!
- Kashikomi, kashikomi!
We should have ripped up
those papers.
Papa!
- Papa!
- Sorry.
Papa!
He woke up
and didn't see you, so he started crying.
Ah! Yoji.
Ah, Yoji.
Ah, I'm sorry!
Papa!
Sorry I didn't say good night.
- Papa!
- Don't cry, Yoji.
Look. He's right there.
I'm right here! I'm right here!
- Look, he's right here.
- Papa's right here.
- Yoji.
- It'll all be okay.
- Papa!
- I'm sorry I left. Don't be sad.
Ah! I feel bad.
Papa!
Good morning
to all you hardworking people!
Japan is the country of rice!
When I, Taishi Shoji, am once again
a government representative,
I will promote a local product.
That's priority one.
Himenorin, I'll make
Ehime's rice the top one in Japan.
I hope that you'll all do your best
growing delicious rice.
It's always nice to come see the rice.
I'll keep on working hard
along with everyone.
Thank you all very much!
I'm back again.
Hi, welcome.
Taishi, you got tan again.
I guess I did.
Hey there! It's you, Shingo.
It's been a while.
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
What've you been doing?
Mm.
Ah, still unemployed, right?
Shingo got a new job driving
for a guy at Seyo Pharmaceuticals.
The company that Soda let buy BSL-4?
I'm sorry!
Hey, don't worry about it.
Everybody's got to work. It's fine.
It's my job to pick up
and drop the manager off.
Every month, when Soda comes to Ehime,
I'm also the one picking him up
at the Matsuyama Airport.
Soda comes to Ehime?
From there, I take him directly
to the research center.
He's given a paper bag
then goes back to Tokyo immediately.
A day trip?
Right.
And Soda always has
that paper bag with cash inside it!
If it was a bank transfer,
people would find out.
That's why they do the cash in person.
The district will become richer.
It will increase employment also.
Two birds.
I guess you could say
I'm showing my love for Ehime.
So BSL-4 gets sold off
by Soda for next to nothing,
and he pockets part of the profits?
Well, I'm a pretty dumb guy,
so I don't recognize all those big words.
But I can tell you
that Soda gets a whole lot of money
every single month from them.
But you never saw
this bag of cash, did you?
I did!
He went to the bathroom,
so I had a peek inside.
Here's a picture I took.
Isn't this about Seyo Pharmaceuticals?
Shukan Fire is going to write on it.
Seems like there's been a lot of rumors.
Because Shingo
can't keep a secret.
Go Soda's career is probably done.
Back when you were running against him,
I thought he was honest and for real.
But he's sure not that.
And so you know someone
who writes at the Shukan Fire?
Maybe.
An old enemy is a future friend.
Is Yui doing okay?
Yeah, she is.
Her baby too.
That's perfect.
What's perfect about it?
It means that I never had
a real place in her life.
Sorry, that must hurt.
That machine won't give you anything.
Shouldn't you go home
and have a meeting with Mr. Saotome
about that special election?
I'll write something passionate
about it for ya
so you'll have a decisive victory.
Whoa!
What a race
Ehime's fifth district is in for!
Kyoji no longer seems
like a guy who's alive but dead.
DID SECRETARY GENERAL SODA
TAKE BRIBES FROM SEYO?
Chief Secretary, there's news
that you cheaply sold off BSL-4
to Seyo Pharmaceuticals to get a payout.
Care to comment?
We criticized
the previous government's corruption
for the sake of Japan's progress.
So how could we be after money now?
Tamai from Iyo Maicho.
Are you claiming
these are false accusations?
I'm not sure who's been spreading
all these lies around.
But those individuals
who have something to gain from this
might be the ones to consider.
But aren't you the one gaining something?
What I'm telling you is that you're wrong.
Soda got defensive
and denied everything.
What am I going to do?
It's so heavy. How am I gonna carry this?
Should I take it
to Tokyo by car, then?
Tokyo or not,
we can't go anywhere if it's this heavy.
What should we do?
Just... just make it small enough
for me to take on a plane.
He would take home
a paper bag with 20 million yen inside
on each trip.
Yeah.
He would come into town
about once a month.
MONEY-GRUBBER, MONEY OVER PEOPLE
SODA, GO TO HELL!
Each time, I would pick him up
at the airport in a car.
CHIEF SECRETARY ROOM
It's not like I'm trying
to rub salt into a wound.
But Soda was completely beaten to a pulp.
Soda left the Reformation Party
and resigned his seat in the house.
Mr. Soda!
I always respected and looked up to you.
I'm so disappointed.
Please leave
the fifth district of Ehime
in the hands of Taishi Shoji
one more time.
I'll do everything I can.
Ehime, vote for Taishi.
Everyone, please send Taishi Shoji
back once more
to represent you in the fifth district.
We're counting on you!
Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
I promise to work my hardest for you!
Please vote for Taishi.
Thank you very much.
Thank you all. Thank you very much.
Hi, everyone! Thank you for being here.
Good work.
How did it go?
This election is much easier.
Your rival's just a Red Shirt.
I'm so hungry.
- Saotome!
- Yes.
How many decades
have you been doing this job?
We do not predict
what's going to happen here.
- You should be buckling down.
- Yes. I apologize.
- And you too.
- Oh.
Do not start getting cocky.
Your father never said, "Ah, I'm hungry,"
not a single time during an election.
Yes, I'll get buckling.
You too, Karakida!
Uh... Mm! Right.
I promise to work for you. Thank you.
Thank you all.
Thank you very much.
Thanks so much.
I appreciate it.
It's time for us to do the dance
for Ehime one more time.
To end this election campaign.
Mikochan's here.
Let her through!
She's here.
So, Taishi wasn't...
really that great
husband material.
But as a candidate,
he's the best.
So, then,
you should vote for my great ex-husband.
Vote for Taishi, please!
Kashikomi, kashikomi!
Kashikomi, kashikomi!
Yui.
Thank you.
This looks so good.
Look!
ELECTION FIFTH DISTRICT OF EHIME
TAISHI SHOJI PROJECTED TO WIN
- Hooray! Yoji, your dad just won!
- Taishi Shoji is projected to...
- Look, bud! Papa!
- Banzai!
And here's Taishi Shoji
at his election office.
- Banzai!
- Congratulations!
Papa, Ehime.
Ehime!
What a smart guy you are!
Papa, Ehime. Mama filming.
Great!
- Banzai! Banzai!
- Thank you! Thank you.
- Thank you very much.
- Banzai!
- Banzai! Banzai!
- Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Banzai!
Thank you very much.
- Thank you, everyone.
- Thank you!
- Thank you very much.
- Banzai! Banzai!
You did it! Congratulations!
Everyone, thank you so much.
Thank you very much.
- You did it, Taishi!
- Thank you.
Saotome, you're crying a little.
I feel...
...so happy.
Happy for the young master.
It's all because of you, Saotome.
Ah, thank you.
It's been so many years
since we promised no more waiting lists
for nursery schools.
- What's going on?
- Ms. Mimata!
The local governments
are doing their part.
- They have lists of waiting children.
- I look forward to working with you.
We have to count them all
if we want to solve this.
People will have to quit their jobs
if we don't fix this.
Taishi Shoji.
Returning Congressman Taishi Shoji.
Being back here fills me
with so much emotion.
It's been over three years.
And this is my first time
as the opposition party.
Getting divorced made me realize
my wife has always been great,
just as losing my seat in Congress
made me know
how truly important this seat really is.
Must you talk about your wife?
We don't have time!
Excuse me. On to the main topic.
Uh, a question for Ms. Arita,
who runs the parental support committee.
This is in regards
to the childcare initiative,
which has not been resolved
over the past three years.
I spent my whole life
falling in love with that man.
Perfect.
Nice.
You really shouldn't
be carrying around a katana!
Enough talking.
Is this set in Hiroshima or Kyushu?
Saitama.
If we're apart
or hate one another
or even see other people...
Left eye.
...I'm still saving
all my love for you.
- Oh, so good.
- Well-done.
Hey, Mom. Sorry to be a bother.
Tell me, what's wrong?
I might finally understand
what you were always trying
to tell me about life.
Let's just say I feel awesome.
So what did I say?
That life is just too long.
And it's impossible
to only love one guy for all of it.
Well, so you turned out to be right.
Did I say something like that?
I might have.
Sounds like a good time.
Who's your new guy, then?
No, no one serious.
Goodbye.
I'll be bringing Yoji by this weekend.
Thanks for waiting.
Great job.
So what kind of food?
Meat!
My ex-wife works full-time,
and I live with my three-year-old son.
I take care of him four days of the week.
You don't understand until you try it.
And it is very difficult.
Oh no! This is permanent Magic Marker!
I said, if you're going to draw,
then draw on paper.
- Stop that, Papa!
- Ouch, ouch. Ouch.
Even if we're apart
or even if we see other people.
Huh? Where'd that come from?
Is it your mama?
- I'm saving...
- Ouch! Ow, stop it!
- ...all my love for you. For you, for you.
- Ah!
- Oh!
- All my love for you!
- Ah! No! Not another mess.
- All my love for you.
- Yuck!
- This is boring.
Okay, let's go to the bathroom.
Why not? You said you wanted to poop.
Come on, it's time to go.
Yoji, come on.
- Mr. Shoji!
- Yoji, Yoji.
Huh?
- See?
- Sorry, sorry, sorry.
- Oh my gosh, it's Soda.
- Uh-oh, what's the problem?
- I don't know what to do.
- Hi!
I can't fold the stroller.
Yoji says he has to poop,
but there's no toilet around.
I can't get a taxi,
and there's no bus coming.
Plus, we got lost walking.
I go into a café, and Yoji starts to cry,
and everybody just gets so mad!
Society is not nice to fathers!
Calm down.
Here, try some of this bread.
No one else has tried
to be so understanding.
No need to cry.
Why don't you have a coffee instead?
- Oh, thank you so much.
- Hmm. And for you, juice.
- Juice is nice.
- Oh!
That's just your life story.
Yeah, we don't care.
What are you trying to say?
I'm saying that we can't judge
until we do it.
Kids as well as this work.
Do you agree, Ms. Arita?
I remember you.
You criticized my misogynistic remarks
when you were on the opposing side.
I didn't forget that.
I figured
an accomplished cabinet member like you
would want to make society easier
for the people here.
What do you think?
Now that you're in control,
you've gone quiet.
So do something to change things.
We've had no progress at all
in terms of the childcare initiative.
I'm not trying to attack you.
It's important to be able to fail.
People make mistakes,
get married on a whim, divorced on a whim.
No one knows that when you divorce,
you end up with an X
marked on your record.
An X.
Huh? That's not great, an X.
Have an open mind.
An X or not,
you can rebuild your life.
Please listen,
including you, Mr. Prime Minister.
Don't be stopped by your fear of mistakes.
We should be tolerant of the opposition.
If we can manage that,
it will improve things.
That's my thought.
I'm sorry.
That's all.
For Ehime's fifth district, that was
what they really want.
Thank you for your time today.