the second son
of a good family in Zentsuji.
He's in the social register
and seems to be a fine businessman.
How nice.
And how old is he?
He was born in 1910,
so that makes him about 40.
- Forty?
- Yes, about 40.
Forty, huh?
Much older than Noriko.
Age doesn't matter.
- But that's too old for Noriko.
- That's right.
Then how old is good?
She isn't so young herself.
She can't be too choosy
or she'll never get married.
As long as he's respectable,
we shouldn't be picky.
I just feel bad for her.
Feel bad for her?
Why?
What do you mean?
With that kind of attitude,
you'll spoil things.
I wonder...
Yes, you will.
Aren't you asking for too much?
You always do this.
But...
But what?
What does Noriko think?
You said she would accept.
Didn't you tell me that?
You said so.
It was you who -
It wasn't me!
Stop twisting things around!
Am I asking for too much?
What's wrong?
Koichi scolded me.
Don't worry about it.
We're all concerned about Noriko.
Don't take it personally.
Liar! Liar!
I want train track.
Not that!
Stop that!
Stupid bread!
Stop that!
Why did you do that?
You're not to kick food around!
Liar!
That's a bad thing to do!
You understand?
- Let me go!
Isamu, come here!
I'm home.
Where are you going?
Did you get scolded?
Where are you going?
I don't know.
I'm home.
Did you scold them again?
You're in a bad mood.
You shouldn't scold them like that.
I feel sorry for them.
Why?
They've grown scared of you.
Don't lecture me.
I'm not lecturing.
You're always like this.
Mind your own business.
Very well.
- I'm home.
- Welcome back.
He's in a bad mood.
Idiot!
Isamu! Come on!
Where can they be?
I'm worried.
They must be getting hungry.
Yes, they must.
Poor things.
Aren't they back yet?
Not yet.
Where could they be?
It's getting late.
I'll go look again.
But, Father -
No, I'm going.
Good evening. Tami?
Is that you, Noriko?
Did our boys come here?
No.
- They didn't?
- No.
What's wrong?
They aren't home yet.
Really? Where can they be?
What's up?
Help her find the boys.
All right.
Let's go.
- Put on your other shoes.
- These are fine.
It's dark out. Be careful.
Check the street
that goes towards Hase.
And don't forget
to check the train station.
And the back lanes too.
- It's your turn.
- Is it?
Why did you scold them like that?
Children are sensitive.
You mustn't scold them too harshly.
You shouldn't lose your temper.
You're right. I shouldn't.
It's not easy.
Right. It's not easy.
Hello? Yes?
Ah, Mrs. Mamiya?
Yes, he's here.
- For me?
- Yes.
Hello.
Really? They're home?
That's good.
I see.
I'll be home soon.
They're home.
Thank goodness.
They were starving,
just sitting in the train station.
Poor boys.
They're a bother.
I guess I'll be going.
- Yeah, you better.
They take after me
more and more.
But only my bad side.
It's a pity.
That's just how it goes.
By the way, don't forget.
- What?
They want that position
at Akita Hospital filled right away.
All right.
I'll ask him tomorrow.
Good night.
I'm home.
There's my good little girl.
Stay indoors now.
You're early.
Are you hungry?
There's some fried rice.
- Fine.
Mother.
I have something to tell you.
- Oh?
Sit down.
What is it?
I'm going to Akita.
On a business trip?
They asked me to run
internal medicine at Akita Hospital.
They did?
The offer came through Mr. Mamiya.
He told me I'd be called back
to Tokyo in a few years.
What do you think?
Did you accept?
I'd like to.
If you wish, you can stay here.
You can't go alone!
Will you come with me then?
Well?
Well...
Akita's a long way away.
You don't like the idea?
It would mean a considerable raise.
Can't you find a job
like that in Tokyo?
No, they only offer
posts like that in the provinces.
This is a great opportunity for me.
I know, but...
And I can do my research
on local problems there.
They promised I could return
to Tokyo in a few years.
I