KOTARO LIVES ALONE
FOR THE SAKE OF FAMILY/ REASON FOR GOING OUT
Thank you!
That kid's gotta want a balloon. Right?
He's been standing there for the last five minutes.
Should I say something?
Excuse me, sir. Is that safe?
Is what safe?
You just have so many balloons,
I am afeared you might fly away.
I'm fine.
Do you want a balloon yourself too?
What color do you want?
It is irresponsible of this store not to hire someone with more muscle
for this kind of work.
What color do you want?
I understand your very livelihood is on the line
if you do not distribute all of them.
Very well, then. I shall take one--
What color do you want?
Well, red, blue, and, uh--
Oh, it's just one per person.
One per person?
All right.
I shall take the red one.
Hmm.
I'd like a balloon, please.
Hey. Weren't you here before?
Before? What are you talking about?
Didn't you get a balloon earlier?
No, sir.
Was the little boy from before wearing a cap like mine?
Oh. He changed his outfit to get past the one-per-person rule.
That's fine.
What color do you want?
Let's see.
I got red for my younger sister, so next is a blue one for my younger brother.
For his younger siblings, huh?
He's a good kid.
I'd like a balloon.
So now he's wearing sunglasses.
What color do you want?
Pink for my mom.
Uh, For your mom?
Your mom really wants a balloon?
Sir, are you saying my mother's undeserving of a balloon?
Uh, no.
You should apologize to the mothers of the world.
I'm sorry.
How 'ya doing?
Uh, now he's doing impressions.
I'd like one balloon, please.
What color do you want?
Uh…
He just got one for his mom, so I guess next is…
Light blue for my father.
Thought so.
Next one's gotta be for himself. Right?
Funny kid.
I wonder where his folks are.
I haven't seen anyone with him all day.
SHIMIZU APARTMENTS
What's with this?
My dear sir, can you please draw faces on these?
One boy and one girl.
And also an adult man and an adult lady's face, please.
Uh, I'm kind of working right now.
I need a skilled artist.
Well, if you insist.
203 KOTARO SATO
I wonder where that kid went with all those balloons.
Hmm?
Hey. There he is.
He's by himself again.
He kept all those balloons for himself? Really?
Did I get played…
FATHER - LITTLE BROTHER MOTHER - LITTLE SISTER
How long do balloons usually last anyway?
I hope that those will last.
At lease a little while.
See ya, Kotaro!
Indeed. I will see you tomorrow.
Mai, Nana, your mom's here!
Okay!
Kotaro!
Your ride is here too.
Let's go.
Aye.
I think it's really sweet
that your brother always comes to pick you up afterschool.
Brother?
If you do not mind, dear lady, we shall away.
Bye then. See you tomorrow!
Oh, great. It's my editor.
Hello, this is Karino. How may I help you?
Yes.
Wait. Now, now?
Uh-huh. Yes.
Okay. Thank you. I'll be there soon.
Do you need to go somewhere?
Yeah. I gotta go to work. There goes my day.
Is that so?
I'm sure he's just gonna rip it apart like he always does.
The way he criticizes, it's actually pretty hurtful.
Is that so? Well then, I suppose I shall accompany you.
What? No!
You better not come!
You wanted to see me, sir?
Thanks for coming in.
Uh, sorry about him. I told him not to come with me.
It's fine.
Huh. I didn't know you had a kid, Karino.
I am but his neighbor, good sir.
You may call me Kotaro Sato.
Oh…
You brought your neighbor?
Whatever. Okay. Down to business, then.
Uh, yes.
Yep. Your drawings are still old school.
I'm not a fan.
I tried drawing their features larger.
Hmm. I don't know.
I mean, just look at the one on this page.
I think this one is actually quite well done.
Also, in this frame--
That one's fine. It's perfect!
Have you considered you might be overthinking things?
Overthinking things?
DRAWING NOTEBOOK
And do you have the creative prowess
to back up these criticisms that you are making?
Here. Why don't you draw some--
Knock it off! Would you just be quiet?
I'm so sorry.
Can I excuse myself for a moment, please?
Of course.
Now that we are alone
may I request that you abate your bullying of Sir Karino posthaste?
Huh.
I know I give him some blunt feedback on his work,
but I never thought of it as bullying.
I just have high expectations of him.
If he worked on his drawing, then he'd be great.
What are some of the things you like about Sir Karino's work?
I like…
You continue to employ him. There must be something you like.
His strength is definitely his use of story structure,
but I think his drawings are his weak point.
I believe he could be better if he just tried more.
Rest assured, what sounds like harsh feedback
is my way of helping Karino grow into the artist I know he can be.
I see.
It's helping him grow.
Looks like Karino found his own bodyguard.
Deep down, I think your editor is likely a good person.
Huh?
You should give your best effort to make him proud of you.
What the heck happened back there?
You know, you really didn't need to follow me into work today.
Seriously… I mean, you could've gotten me fired.
I was just trying to pay you back for your many kindnesses.
Pay me back?
Oh.
I shall stay by your side and act as your champion.
Uh, I don't need that.
I'm a little too old for that anyway.
Regardless, I shall go along next time.
Just do whatever you want.
Hmm.
This isn't good.
I do agree. Not good at all.
Huh? I thought he was on my side.
ROAD TO BEING TRENDY/CHOOSING
Hello, Kotaro!
Uh, well, I guess you didn't come here for a hug after all.
Of course not.
Now stand down, or you will taste my blade.
I am here to request that you accompany me on a shopping trip.
Is this a fashion magazine?
Kotaro, I didn't know you were interested in the latest trends.
Indeed. It is my goal to be popular and attractive.
Aw. He must have a crush on someone at school.
Great! To the mall we go.
I appreciate this.
Hey, uh, Kotaro.
Do you really think it's necessary to keep pointing that sword at me?
I thought we were friends now.
We are acquaintances at best, so I must keep my guard up.
Kotaro.
Are you sure you don't need my help putting anything on?
Thank you, but no.
Fine. So tell me about the girl.
Uh, what girl is that?
The one you have a crush on.
Is she in your class?
What?
Don't play dumb. I won't tell anyone.
I do not have a crush on anyone.
I would appreciate some privacy.
Come on. We're friends. You can tell me.
Could I have a word with you, sir?
Huh? What do you want?
Customers have been complaining
about a man lurking outside of the dressing rooms.
-Huh? -Sir Tamaru.
How do I look?
Do you like it?
You look so cute!
I see.
Hmm?
Excuse me, sir. Do you think I look cool?
Huh? Yeah. I think you look real cool.
And you, madam. Would you say that I am good-looking?
You're adorable.
And you, young sir. Do I look like a ladies man?
Yeah. Looking good.
He's asking everyone, eh?
Maybe it's not a crush.
Sir Tamaru, you have my sincerest thanks!
Today's adventure was truly a success.
I'm happy to help you anytime you need me.
How about next time we get matching leopard-print--
-Not a chance. -Uh…
Aye. Now I shall be among the popular citizens.
Who exactly are you trying to impress with all of this anyway?
Everyone, of course.
I wish to impress everyone.
I heard on the TV that stylish gentlemen are more popular
and, therefore, have more friends.
Oh.
Hmm.
When everyone is your friend
it means that no one will ever hate you again.
-Does he live around here? -Hmm?
This neighborhood isn't safe with thugs like him wandering around.
Approach no further!
Does the thought of being hated by other people bother you that much?
Aye.
He's such a creeper.
Seriously.
Listen to me, Kotaro.
Closed-minded people always hate what they don't understand.
Whether you're stylish or not.
Is that the truth?
Yep.
And you know what?
Even if you're not the most stylish kid out there,
I'm still your friend.
Excuse me, sir. May I have a word?
Huh?
What is the nature of your relationship with this child?
You certainly don't look like his father.
Everyone's out to get me today.
I'm gonna need to see some ID, sir.
Sir Tamaru does not deserve this treatment!
He is my friend!
He has done no wrong!
This guy? He's your friend?
Indeed.
We spent the day shopping together.
Kotaro!
I let my guard down.
Un… unhand me!
Thank you so much for selecting me.
I'm Mik--
Kotaro? What are you doing here?
Good evening, Lady Mizuki.
I have come here with the intention of selecting you.
Select?
Karino needs to come pick you up right now.
-You cannot be here. -Right?
Okay, then…
Sorry about that. I…
Aye. A hero is strong and always kind to people.
He is so cute!
He gave me ten yen to watch him do impressions.
How adorable!
I could just eat him up!
They like him.
Now you're following Mizuki to work too?
Welcome, good sir. May I offer you something?
I would highly recommend the whole milk. It is rich and delicious.
Okay, enough. Time to go home.
Sir, aren't you forgetting something?
Uh…
You need to pay for that kid's selection fee,
milk, and the entrance fee for you both.
What? Me?
Uh, sure.
Dammit!
You had better pay me back later!
What's gotten into Kotaro lately?
Thanks so much for choosing me!
I'm Miki.
Lady Mizuki, may I ask who this "Miki" person is that you speak of?
Oh, uh,
Miki is the name that I go by while I'm working.
Interesting.
Listen. I think it's sweet that you wanna hang out with me,
but I really don't think you should be coming to a place like this.
Would it be better if I was accompanied by Sir Karino?
That's not really the issue.
Well, my coming here and selecting you
means that I get the pleasure of your company.
You really are charming,
but the two of us live in the same building.
So we can hang out whenever you want.
Why, didn't we just have snacks the other day?
It's good. Isn't it?
Yes. Quite stretchy.
Kotaro, want a refill on your tea?
Mm-hmm. That sounds wonderful.
The landlord's calling.
Give me a second. Okay?
Oh, hello.
Uh, yeah. I guess so.
Mmm. Stretchy food is my favorite.
I need to think about it for a little longer.
Okay. Thank you!
What should I do?
May I ask what that was about?
My lease is up on the apartment.
Are you going to leave?
I've lived here for quite a while now.
Maybe it's time for something new.
Oh, what am I saying? Now that you're here, I can't move.
I'd be way too lonely without you.
So, guess I'm renewing my lease.
Huh? He left?
Subsequently, I consulted with Sir Karino.
You wanna figure out how to spend more time with Mizuki?
Mm-hmm.
I'm not really sure,
but if it were me, I'd try going to the club where she works.
And then I would just select Mizuki.
Select?
Lady Mizuki,
if I come here and select you every day,
does that mean you will be able to stay with me forever?
Hey, Kotaro.
Let's try this again, shall we?
Thank you for selecting me.
My name's…
"Mizuki."
Don't worry,
because I select you too, Kotaro.
So, we'll be together from now on.
Not again.
Don't worry about it.
Today's a special day, so it's my treat!
What do you say? Huh?
S-seriously?
You are quite generous.
-Man, you are really cute. -Oh, stop it!
You're making me blush.
I would say that the lady in yellow
is one of the most stunning creatures I have seen.
I mean, she's fine,
but I'd prefer the maiden with the ample bosom.
Excuse me!
Hey, Kotaro. Come take a selfie with me.
Selfie?
Yeah! A picture of you and me
to remember our perfect little picnic date.
I don't know.
Hey, Mizuki. Would you like an ice cream cone?
Hello?
While I appreciate the ice cream,
you know you weren't actually invited, Karino.
Interloper.
Wow. You don't have to say it like that.
You're supposed to eat it, not rub it all over your face.
Hmm?
How'd you get ice cream all over your face?
You're so cute!
Oh, hold on. Now don't move. Okay?
Hey, let me take one too.
Hmm?
Could you stand still so we can take a picture of you?
Stop what you are doing!
You must calm yourself immediately!
You're the one that needs to calm down.
I am ill-disposed to having my picture taken!
Aw. He won't even take one with me?
-Apologies. -Just let me take your picture!
Yeah. Come on.
I must away!
Forget it. I give up.
Fine. Then more pictures for me, Karino.
I'm never gonna give up. You'll see.
It is futile!
Come back!
I envy her energy.
You need to draw your women and children much cuter than this.
-Oh. Huh. -Come on!
Wait for me, Kotaro!
All that, and not a single good picture.
Indeed. You were no match for me.
The clearest one I got was the back of your head.
Oh well. I'm gonna send it to my friend anyway.
Aye. It is fine as long as it is not my face.
That reminds me.
You hid your face during the group photo for the ceremony too.
Are you afraid of having your picture taken or something?
I told you.
I am ill-disposed to having anyone take pictures of me.
I want him out here right this second!
He's my son!
I'm sorry, sir, but I can't.
I saw his picture on your website.
-I know he's here! -I guess he's someone's dad?
He's kind of scary.
I hope he leaves soon.
He is crazy.
Get him out here!
I must not ever have pictures taken of me.
No matter how happy the memory may be.
-Here. -What is this?
Since we couldn't get a good picture yesterday…
I gave one to Mizuki too.
Uh…
It is stunning.
Oh, yeah? You like it?
It needs some work, but it is good.
Uh… You little…
May I request that you color this in for me later?
Sure. Fine.
And speaking of, it might be nice to hang out with Mizuki again.
First, you need to practice your drawing.
Kobayashi!
Yes. Can I help you, sir?
Starting today, this will be your new assignment.
Every week you'll deliver money to the resident living at that address.
Huh?
It has to be hand-delivered?
Can't we just wire them the money?
This resident doesn't have a bank account.
That's pretty rare this day and age.
This must be a joke. Is this even a lawyer's job?
I'm not just an errand--
This assignment comes straight from the top.
Fine. I'll go.
Oh, and Kobayashi…
Okay.
Thank you so much for coming!
Uh…
N-nice to meet you!
The honor is mine.
You must be the new person in charge of my account.
Please come inside for a cup of tea.
Thanks! I'd enjoy that very much!
They said he was a child, but I didn't think he'd be this young.
Let us toast to new beginnings.
Cheers!
Ch-cheers!
How rude.
I did not even think to ask your name, dear lady.
Oh! I am Ayano Kobayashi!
I see.
Well, Lady Kobayashi,
I shall now perform my favorite song for you.
Uh…
Lend me your ear.
Here is the opening theme song for Tonosaman,
"You, too, can be Tonosaman!"
I've been waiting for this!
I even brought a tambourine!
Let us rock.
Tonosaman…
Did you enjoy the performance, dear lady?
It was so good!
Woohoo!
I am pleased to hear that.
Ah, yes. The party cannot begin without tandoori chicken.
Pardon me. I shall prepare a plate for you.
Tandoori chicken?
Here's your allowance for this week.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
And this is a little something for your trouble.
A present?
Are you sure? Thank you!
No need.
It is the least I can do to thank you for the generous use of your time.
May I ask you something?
Where did this allowance come from?
Oh, and Kobayashi?
When you get there, he'll throw you a welcome party.
so just make sure you play along.
Huh?
He's going to sing you a song. Here. Bring this tambourine.
I'm, uh, just there to deliver him the money. Right?
When he asks where the money comes from,
tell him it's a donation from a generous person.
Where does it actually come from?
The money comes from his mother's life insurance.
Life insurance?
Then does that mean she's…
Poor kid has no idea…
It's a gift from a very generous donor.
Aye.
Your predecessor would always tell me the exact same thing.
They also said it would be impossible for me to ever meet that person.
Since I cannot meet my benefactor, I shall be generous to all of you.
Do you think that my generosity
would be able to reach that person through you?
I…
I do.
Uh…
Are you checking up on me?
Guess I was a little worried about you.
So, were you able to give him the money?
Yeah, but to be honest, I feel really bad for him.
I know.
So do you think that there will ever be a day
when we'll be able to tell him the truth about the money?
Did you look at your gift yet?
It's a candy bar and…
What am I looking at?
It's a week's worth of that kid's journal entries.
He gives us a new volume every time.
I wonder, sometimes, how much he actually knows about the money,
and why he gives these to us.
Hang on!
I wanna be the one to take on this assignment going forward.
Okay.
I'm counting on you.
Subtitle translation by: Paul Koehler ignment going forward.