Yes, please add a caption to that illustration.
I'll send you the reference materials right away.
Great. Thank you. I'll be in touch.
-Aoko, how is the recipe calendar? -I sent them the color proof.
-Aoko, I edited the galley proof. -I'll check it as soon as I can.
-Hey, Yamauchi. -Sir?
What's the story with Altair Tanaka's piece?
Actually...
We lost contact with her this morning.
What are you going to do about it? Just leave the page blank?
I'll get it right now.
Don't worry. I'll go see her in person.
-I'm sorry. -It's okay.
-Check that source for me while I'm gone. -Sure.
Thank you.
-Good luck. -I'm out!
-Bye. -I have to go home and play Santa, people!
-Hello? -Hi....
Sorry, I don't think I can make it. Is it too late to cancel the table?
it's no problem.
I know the manager. I'll call him now.
Thanks. I'm so sorry. I'll call you later.
Don't worry about it.
Hang in there.
Thanks. I really am sorry.
Okay.
How nice of you to show up again.
But I gotta go.
For real? Do you have to do that now?
I don't have time for this. Can you come later--
Good morning.
LITTLE MISS PERIOD
I wish you had come later. Even just by one day.
Good morning.
Thanks for covering for me yesterday.
Oh, it was nothing.
But there's one thing about Ms. Altair...
She's made some angry posts on social media.
Huh?
She said she'll never write for us again.
No way.
Okay. I'll go see her now.
Hey, I expected better from you.
Writers have their own pace, you know?
We can't force them to write according to our schedule...
You're right. I'm sorry
Don't tell me I have to make an apology.
Are you falling asleep?
No, I'm not.
-You look half asleep. -I'm sorry. I'm not falling asleep.
-Why do you look so tired? -My eyes are just a bit bleary.
-If you have bleary eyes, you're sleepy. -No, I'm not.
-Maybe it's pollen. -It's not pollen.
Hey, you're sleeping right now!
- I'm not sleeping. -Yes, you are.
You're talking in your sleep.
Find someone else to write the column by the end of this week.
What about that blogger I didn't like?
You and Yamauchi kept pitching her to me.
Here she is.
"Nomiko Nieyu." What's happening with her?
Actually, we haven't been able to find her contact details yet.
Give me a break.
You pitched her to me without making contact? Seriously!
I'm sorry. I'll find a way to contact her.
Excuse me.
Your boyfriend kept you up all night, eh?
Wait a minute. That wasn't sexual harassment, was it?
-I'm sorry about all this. -No, it's okay.
I hope that wasn't sexual harassment.
Got your period?
Me too.
The chief has no consideration when it comes to these things.
Exactly. It doesn't matter to him how bad a condition we're in.
However, I don't think we can just blame things on it.
I never want to use it as an excuse.
We can do it, comrade.
Comrade?
Hurry up!
-We'll be late! -Wait up.
Oops.
Hi there.
I hate you.
Seriously, I hate you.
That was such an important exam. I couldn't think straight at all.
You're lucky it was only a mock.
By my calculations, she'll be back for the real exam, too.
She even came on the first day of my final sports tournament.
You always have the worst timing.
Sis, it's amazing how you've put up with her for decades.
Hey, it hasn't been decades yet.
So, Merry Christmas!
Oh, that's right.
Thank you.
You wanted these for yourself, right?
Corporate slaves need the sugar.
-Thanks. -I'll have one, too.
So, are you getting married?
With Kubo. Isn't it about time?
No, not for a while yet.
Why not?
I am so jealous of you.
He's rich, and he's handsome.
A secure, adult man, right?
He has better specs than anyone you've ever dated.
But I'm so busy, there's no time for that now.
You'll never have a better chance. You're in no position to be picky.
-Just go with the flow. -You might be right.
So, have you introduced him to Dad?
No.
Not yet.
Now that Dad's retired, all he does is sit around the house.
You should come home some time.
What about you? You have a boyfriend, right?
What did you do yesterday?
Excuse me. We're preparing for our entrance exams.
We have more important things. We can't get excited about Christmas.
I'm taking a bath.
LONG TIME, NO SEE! IT'S YOUR TURN NEXT, AOKO!
-Takemura. -Yes?
-Coming tonight? -Definitely.
Yamamoto, we're going out for drinks tonight. Wanna come?
I'll be fine, thanks.
Okay.
-So, that's that. Thanks for coming. - Thank you.
-It was a fruitful meeting. -It sure was.
Leave it there. The cleaning lady will do it for us.
-Really? -Yes. Come this way.
You like Chinese food? I know the perfect--
The cleaning lady?
I have a name, you know.
As far as you're concerned, I'm nothing but an extra.
I'm just "Janitor #1."
I'm a mob character in Dragon Quest who only speaks one phrase.
You are the hero who must save the world. Oh, you must be so incredibly busy.
Greetings, amigo.
How's the game?
My bull is raging.
So, about that assignment...
Re our progress, what's the real talk?
Yup.
Well, the straight up is, it's kinda fire drill-ish down here.
Is he talking with aliens?
I hope they don't think we humans all look as dumb as him.
Get some perspective, amigo.
You have created your own crop circle around you.
Oh my jinkies!
What is it this time? Have they found a new life form?
That sounds crystal!
Legit? What a major surprise.
Let me tell you something. The most "dope" thing around here is you.
-I'll see you all tomorrow. -Goodbye, sir.
Don't work too late!
Hey, wannabe Italian stud.
Are you leaving early so you'll look like a campaigner of work place reform?
You know they can't escape overtime.
More importantly, I want to reform the way you dress.
And stop wearing sunglasses in the office.
Here's the Minato-City-Girl and the Third-Wave-Boy.
Busy in love, busy at work. A real-life soap opera.
Janitor #1 will clean everything. Just hurry up and leave for your date.
Ms. Yamamoto?
Can I give you this?
- Thank you. - Thanks as always.
-When is the next meeting? -It's 90 minutes from now.
We don't have much time...
YAMAMOTO
You had a delivery.
Is that another game?
What's she doing about work?
She's still doing that part-time job.
Yeah. It's finally here.
ATLANTIS NO NAZO
When we talked the other day she said,
"I want to save up for when I'm old, so please let me stay here."
"I won't be getting married anyway."
Oh, that was close.
Okay, I see. Here?
Whoa, that was close too.
Huh? I'm dead?
How did that happen?
Come on.
How can you always do that, without any good reason?
Why do you even come?
My life is already enough like Spelunker in hard mode.
Don't make things tougher.
Come on.
If you're gonna do it, then do it. Hurry up.
Want some?
Sis didn't want any, so we got the leftovers.
Look, it's a panda.
It's so cute.
Is she doing okay at work?
She seemed a bit worn-out, but she's lucky to have a job she likes.
Aoko.
-Sorry to keep you waiting. -No problem at all.
Let's eat.
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
-Sorry if I ruined the evening. -Not at all.
-Let's go again. -Sure.
-Aoko. -Yes?
Will you
marry me?
I want to be together forever.
Thank you.
But I'm at an important stage in my career.
We'll have to think about your career. There are other hurdles, too.
But I want to marry you, regardless.
What about Karin?
Karin?
I mean,
it hasn't been long since her mother passed away.
That's why I want you to meet her.
I'm sure that Karin would really take on to you.
And on top of that,
I can really see you being a good mother for Karin.
So...
What do you say?
I'm sorry.
I can't answer that straight away.
You're right.
Give me a break.
-Aoko. -Yes?
What's the story with Nomiko Nieyu?
Sorry, but there's nothing yet.
You must be joking. For goodness' sake.
-Will you do it, or not? -I'm sorry.
-Are you feeling unwell? -I'm fine.
Then you should sharpen yourself up.
Forget about it. I'll get it done.
-Ueshima. -Yes?
-Can I ask you a favor? -What is it?
We need a replacement for the column.
-Okay. -I'm counting on you.
No, please let me do it.
It must be tough being a girl.
You should take a break.
Thanks for trying
That's why working with women is such a pain.
What can you say when they use that as an excuse?
Ouch.
That hurts.
My stomach hurts.
The toughest thing is,
we can never use our period as an excuse.
My stomach...
It's never hurt like this before. Ow!
I'm sorry.
I always treat you like such a nuisance.
It's okay.
But this really is harsh.
I wish men got a period too, even just once a year.
It's time to go.
Isn't this tough on you, too?
Nobody's ever happy to see you.
Doesn't it get to you?
Well, you know.
It comes with the job.
I see.
I'll see you next month.
ONE MONTH LATER
No way!
What should I do?
This is trash.
Coming!
Hello.
Hi there.
You?
Enough!
Aren't you a bit early this month?
You rang?
No, I didn't. What do you want?
MR. SEX DRIVE
-I'm sure I heard you. -Huh?
No, it's not like that. Not now.
"Boys, be ambitious!"
-I know the quote. -"Cameltoe."
-What are you doing? -"Threesome."
I'm sorry. I um...
I left my eraser at home. I have to get it.
-"Cameltoe." - Little Boy Virgin, too.
-I don't get it. -Come on.
-"Uncensored." -Stop smiling.
-"That pool." -We're leaving.
- "Squirt." -Move it.
-"God finger." -Come on.
"Bukkake."
Move it, Mr. Sex Drive!
Damn you.
Is there anything you'd like to eat?
-Here you go. -Wow, it's huge!
This place is famous for its pancakes.
Come on, Karin. You can't just ignore her.
How old are you again?
Karin, how old are you?
Answer her properly.
Eleven years old.
I have a question, too.
What is it?
Do you two always have sex?
Karin..
It's only been two years since Mom died.
What are you thinking?
I understand how you might not like all of this. However...
It doesn't have to happen overnight. But I would like you to accept this.
Do as you please.
But my mom is the only mom I'll ever have.
Sorry about that.
She's at a difficult age.
Yeah.
I lost my mother too.
I think I have a rough idea of what she's going through.
Well, I think it will take a while for her to accept our relationship.
That's probably unavoidable.
But even so, I want to be with you.
Yeah.
I will try a bit harder, too.
You're a sumo wrestler this month?
Nomiko Nieyu?
This really is a surprise.
We had no idea you were so nearby.
We're fans of your blog, "If it's Sunny, Draw the Curtains."
We've wanted to meet you for ages.
But we had no way of contacting you.
Then Yamauchi found you.
He was your fan first.
I loved your Sep. 26 entry about Golgo 13 and how you want to visit where he's been.
And that post likening peak-hour crowds to Jackie Chan's Shaolin Wooden Men too.
Those ones?
That "Lady Basil" character, too.
And we have a proposition.
We'd love you to write a column in our magazine.
I'm sure whatever you write will be amazing.
Please.
What do you say? Will you write for us?
I'm subculture trash. Your magazine's high-end. I doubt--
-We want to revamp the magazine! -Excuse me.
-What? -It's nothing.
How do they know my blog?
Is this some kind of prank?
Is it for a YouTube video?
"The true talents of an inconspicuous cleaner are finally recognized"?
Is this some kind of Good Will Hunting?
Am I Matt Damon?
Hang on.
That means...
I'm the main character.
I'm coming.
-Here I am. -Come on in.
-Put on some slippers. -Thanks.
Hello.
Karin, Aoko has come today to help with my work.
Thanks for having me.
Is that homework?
Wow, that's amazing. Is this really grade school work?
Adults couldn't even do this.
That's a cute smartphone case.
You like them, right?
The truth is, I brought you something today.
It's a little bulldog bag. I thought--
I don't like bulldogs at all.
And this is a pug.
I see.
And this is my wallpaper.
It's my mom.
She likes pugs.
I fell in love with a complicated one.
He's probably not the only nice guy out there.
I don't want a marriage to complicate things at work either.
To be honest,
I've saved up some money.
If I wanted to live by myself, I could do so.
But, you know.
He really is my type.
Me, as a mom?
I don't know if I could do that properly.
I don't know either.
I'm just a plain old period.
Don't say that.
I have no idea how kids think.
I think you do.
Maybe you've just forgotten a bit.
Why are you here?
Tasked the cleaning company for your address.
Talk about personal information leak!
I can't give up on creating your column.
I'm sorry.
Can I use your bathroom?
Can I have the key?
Um, Security?
This is what they call trespassing, right?
You can catch the guy downstairs red-handed.
Thank you.
You're a lifesaver.
It was so cold outside.
Ms. Yamamoto?
It must be a prank.
Which channel is it for?
Where did they hide the camera?
Are you upstairs?
The bedroom's clear.
Did they hide the camera in the hallway?
Thank you. You're a lifesaver.
I see.
So, about the column...
What do you say?
Well, I don't think it's really for someone like me...
Is that Atlantis no Nazo?
I love retro games, too.
-Go for it. -Thank you!
Excuse me!
I've never even let my boyfriend in here.
I've never even had a boyfriend...
Do you know Elnark no Zaihou?
It took 13 years for the first person to clear it.
Yeah, right. You can pretend all you like.
I know you don't really like games at all.
Try to get close to me. I won't fall for it.
Wow! Your drawings!
-I love this, too. -What is this?
Here she is! It's really her.
"Lady Basil."
You have her sticker on your phone case.
That's why I recognized her when you posted her on your blog.
That's how I knew you were Nomiko Nieyu.
Nieyu, what an epic fail.
Wow, you have Ikki!
IKKI
What's with that smile?
It's like one of those... What is it?
Would you mind if I played this for a bit?
Go for it.
Would you mind playing with me?
I'm fine, thanks.
The Shocho Uprising: "Let's Do It Together" occurred in 1428.
"Let's Do It Together."
Okay!
I don't feel like studying today.
I'm gonna lay down.
Our tests are soon. Are you sure?
I'll be fine.
You rang?
"One-way mirror."
-"Throb." -I'm out of lead for my mechanical pencil.
-"Censored." -I have to go.
"Nurse."
-"Naughty teacher." -We're going.
-"Pump." -Not that way.
"Hard."
"Stiff."
"Bush."
"The girl-next-door."
Wow.
That's not like you.
I thought I should try making lunch for a change.
-Getting ready for married life? -No, that's not why..
She got it wrong!
This is my daughter's.
-Look at that. -How cute.
It's adorable.
She's in junior high, and she still likes these characters.
Teddy bears are cute. It suits you perfectly, chief!
Oh my. Am I supposed to eat this?
Hang on. That means right now, my daughter is eating my lunch?
Okay, let's have a meeting from 1 p.m. tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to it!
Yamauchi.
HOW TO DECORATE LUNCH WITH CHARACTERS
Okay.
Done.
Come on, Karin.
Aoko has made a big special lunch today just for you.
See?
Ta-da!
Wow.
What do you think you're doing?
Karin.
You let strangers use our kitchen?
Make their own food?
So, you think you're his wife already?
Think you're my mom?
You don't have to talk like that. Aoko did this for you--
-Karin! -I don't want any of this.
My mom is the only mom I'll ever have.
We don't need a stranger like you here!
Karin!
I'm sorry.
What should I have done?
I don't know how to become part of your family.
I didn't expect it to happen overnight, but that was the general plan.
But now, I don't know.
Sorry. I'll be going home now.
Ms. Yamamoto?
So it was you.
Watch your step.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
She's a member of the team.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
Thanks.
Oh, you look a bit different today.
Would you happen to have a date after this?
Eh?
Ms. Yamamoto!
You were watching, right?
What a laugh.
I went and got my hopes all high.
What an idiot.
I knew it.
There was no way somebody like me could become the lead role.
Of course I knew.
I've always...
I've always known.
Stop coming to me.
You know what I'm like.
I'll be like this, all alone, for the rest of my life.
There's no point in you coming!
Seriously!
Why come to someone like me?
There's no point.
Understood.
But that's the body you'll have.
And one more thing.
You are an attractive woman.
I'm home.
What's up?
Nothing really.
Just wondered how you were.
Thanks.
How are things at work?
I'm just like you. Working all the time.
I see.
Can I ask something strange?
What is it?
Well...
After mom died, you never remarried or anything.
Why not?
Where's this coming from?
No, no.
It's nothing in particular.
I was just wondering why.
You know what?
I don't even remember.
You weren't popular with the girls?
Well...
Yeah, you are right there.
Did you want to?
Get married again?
I never even thought about it.
Why not?
After all,
it took all I had just to raise you kids.
On top of that,
I was happy enough, as long as I had you two.
Is that so?
Why ask something like that?
No reason in particular.
Sorry to spring that on you.
How's your back?
Are you seeing the doctor?
No, I'm not.
You have to go.
You're right.
Hikaru's worried, too.
Do you two stay in touch?
-She comes every now and then. -I see.
I think she has a boyfriend.
Yeah, apparently.
Ms. Yamamoto!
Sorry about the other day.
I think I said something awful.
I truly wasn't thinking.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I didn't think anything about it.
Please. Could we discuss things again?
I've had enough.
Please just leave me alone.
A date!
Would you please go out on a date with me?
It's not about work.
I want to go with you, to Nakano Broadway.
I've had a crush on you for ages.
When I realized you were Nomiko Nieyu,
I thought it was my chance.
You don't like how I'm doing this.
I'm sorry.
I'll contact you again.
Goodbye.
IKKI
Nakano Broadway?
On a date?
This prank is lasting way too long.
How much time and effort is this?
I'm definitely not falling for it.
I'm fine all by myself.
Actually, I prefer to be alone.
Going solo rules.
Going solo reigns!
But why?
Why am I...
A date?
What do people do?
What should I do?
Little Miss Period?
Little Miss Period.
Little Miss Period!
Little Miss Period.
Why not go? It's just a date.
Little Miss Period!
I'm sorry, Little Miss Period.
I was so...
Someone so trivial as me was so...
It's time you stopped putting a curse on yourself.
You always doom yourself, and end up in pain because of it.
You can stop crying.
You'll make a great couple.
But...
He wears a backpack on top of his jacket.
He rides around on a city bike.
He definitely sleeps around with all the girls.
I highly doubt that.
After all...
Wasn't that brave of me?
His friend is Little Boy Virgin.
LITTLE BOY VIRGIN
That sounds great. You can do it!
-I'm off. -See you tomorrow.
YUSUKE KUBO
Hello?
Sorry, I'm a bit busy at the moment.
Um...
It's Karin.
She's got her first period.
I don't know what to do.
Could you come over?
But...
Don't do anything.
Can you pass the phone to Karin?
Karin?
Here.
It's for you.
It's Aoko.
Karin, you don't have to speak, but could you just listen?
Do you have a sanitary napkin? Or any tissues nearby?
I'm on my way. Don't worry.
DRUG STORE
This too, please.
Day use. Night use. Back warmers. Okay.
Thanks.
We're in a hurry.
Hello?
Hello!
It's like I said.
My daughter's in trouble.
Please send an ambulance now.
What do you mean, "In what way?"
She's... She's in a lot of trouble!
There's hemorrhaging.
She's bleeding.
Thanks.
I'm here. At the bottom of the stairs.
Aoko.
-Where's Karin? -Well...
She's...
She's in her room.
This is a stain remover.
Karin?
I'll leave everything you need here.
I wrote down instructions on how to use them.
And my phone number.
If there's anything you don't understand, call me.
Bye.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
Thank you so much.
I have no idea about these things, so you saved the day.
Just be happy for her.
Karin is growing up.
About my proposal the other day...
I haven't given up yet.
Can I ask you something?
Why do you want to marry me?
That's an easy one.
Because I love you.
What about Karin?
Of course, it's important to think about her.
But I also think Karin needs a new mom, too.
On top of that,
I don't live just for Karin.
I see.
I know.
Let's go for a drive soon.
Let me make up for last time. We could have a BBQ.
Your receipt.
Thanks.
Bye.
ONE YEAR LATER
How have you been lately, Aoko?
Any new boyfriends?
None at all. I can do without for a while.
Why? What a waste.
But I'm busy with work,
and it's more fun hanging out with you, Karin.
Open wide.
This tastes good.
Can you eat more?
Okay, I'll have this.
It's nice to have something sweet.
-It brightens you up. -Yeah.
Hey!
You promised to write during your break.
Don't rush me. There are still rare characters to catch.
They're gone for today.
Let's go back.
If you want me to write, lure some monsters for me.
Hot guys can do that, right?
That's impossible.
There's a nest in that park.
Okay.
Let's go.
I caught Little Miss Period?
Okay.
Ever since we started dating,
we've just stayed friends.
We never made any progress.
But, finally.
She finally spoke up.
She said,
"My dad's not going to be home today."
Today,
I'm climbing that mountain.
Go get her!
"Boys, be ambit--"
Welcome.
Hey.
Hi there.
Wow, I am so full.
Are you sure I won't get fat after eating all this?
Don't worry. We look cuter when we're a little plump.
I think it's that time again.
My period again?
What a pain.
-It keeps on coming, right? -Yeah. It won't stop for decades.
I can't do this.
Sometimes I want to rip my stomach out.
Why do only women get it?
I wonder.
But not everything about it is bad.
There's nothing good about it. Not one thing.
Maybe you're right.
I should make a move.
I should study for my exams.
I have to go back to work and finish some things off.
FUMI NIKAIDO
SAIRI ITO
RISAKI MATSUKAZE
REN SUDO
KYOHEI KANOMI
HANA TOYOSHIMA
YOSHINORI OKADA
BASED ON THE COMIC "SEIRI-CHAN" BY KEN ΚΟΥΑΜΑ
SCREENPLAY SHIN AKAMATSU
CINEMATOGRAPHY MASAYA SUZUKI
LIGHTING TECHNICIAN TAKAHOCHIKAWA
SOUND RECORDING KENGO TAKASUGA
ART DIRECTION TAKAHISA TAGUCHI
EDITOR MOTOTAKA KUSAKABE
COSTUME DESIGN MASAE MIYAMOTO
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST KYOKO TOYOKAWA
MUSIC YUI KOCHI
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER HIROSHI FUJIWARA
CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER NAOHIKO SAKAMOTO
CO-PRODUCERS KAZUO KUROI SHUNSUKE KOGA
PRODUCERS MITSUKO NAKATA TOMOO TSUCHII
PLANNER NAOTO INABA MIYOSHI KIKUCHI
DISTRIBUTION YOSHIMOTO CREATIVE AGENCY CO.,LTD.
PRODUCTION YOSHIMOTO CREATIVE AGENCY CO.,LTD. FUJI TELEVISION NETWORK, INC.
PRODUCTION COMPANY FILM-MAKERS INC.
DEVELOPED BY YOSHIMOTO KOGYO CO.,LTD.
DIRECTED BY SHUNSUKE SHINADA