KOTARO LIVES ALONE
Oh, I left my tissues at home.
The Super Rio ones.
Here. Wanna use my Mun Mun Ranger ones.
No. Use mine. They're Hi Kichu.
Thanks a lot, you guys.
Sir Takuya, may I offer my tissues as well?
Oh. What kind of tissues do you have?
These are "Soft Moisturizing Tissues."
Moisturizing?
They're not very cute though.
So plain.
How come your tissues don't have cartoons on them?
What re we looking for?
Tissues.
Hey there, Kotaro.
How are you today?
Very well. Thank you.
Guess what?
Those tissues that you recommended the other day? They're in stock.
At last!
Recommended?
NEW ARRIVAL
SOFT TISSUES 1 BOX 312 YEN
312 yen per box? That's insane!
They're actually here.
Kotaro, have you tried this one yet?
No. I do not believe so.
I've never seen this brand.
I like them 'cause they're so silky.
It's a bit pricey, but so worth it.
Oh. It must be quality ingredients.
Why does he care about tissue ingredients?
They're super fluffy, and they smell amazing.
'Tis important for a tissue to smell good.
And to be soft as well.
Mm-hmm.
What is up with all this talk about tissues?
…nice and subtle.
You really should have purchased the same tissues as me, Sir Karino.
They are a quality product.
I'm good.
I'll stick to my regular, cheap five-pack of tissues.
Expensive tissues are much softer.
They are known as "moisture-rich" tissues.
They contain absorbing ingredients like glycerin and sorbitol,
which suck up moisture from the air.
It makes them the best tissue brand on the market.
Plus, it makes the tissue sweet.
They're sweet?
Does he mean the smell?
I guess those tissues he gave us when he moved in were pretty pricey.
I've never met a four-year-old who was so picky about tissues.
Strange kid.
Coming up next, it's "Truth Time."
So tell me something true about you.
Something true about me, huh?
Let me think.
I remember when I was little, there was a time when I was all alone
'cause my parents stopped coming home.
That's terrible.
I had no one to depend on. No money, no food…
What did you do?
I was so hungry that, after a while, I ate the tissues in the house
just to keep from starving.
Tissues?
Yeah.
Tissues can taste pretty sweet when you're hungry.
They taste sweet?
Plus, it makes the tissues sweet.
The other day.
Hmm?
The tissues that you bought,
did they taste sweet?
They are a good brand. Probably.
The ones I had before then were very sweet.
Hmm?
Look at these ingredients!
They are high-quality and chock full of nutrients.
Here. Just take these cheaper ones to the register.
You're not alone, so you don't need to eat tissues anymore.
Which means the ingredients don't matter.
You're right.
I am not alone.
Thank you for this food.
First,
are you well-marinated, Sir Meat and Potatoes?
Sir Egg Cake is beautifully golden, as always.
And Sir Kinpira Gobo looks deliciously crunchy.
And you, do you think that you're tender enough?
What can I do for you?
Here. The bulletin.
Ah, yes. Many thanks.
Whoa!
You used every plate you owned?
That is a whole lot of food.
Is it? I always eat like this.
You do?
There you are!
Kotaro, Karino, do you have the clipboard?
Good evening, Lady Mizuki.
I wanted to sign up for that new yoga class.
Whoa! Look at that.
Did you make all that food yourself?
Aye.
Well, it just smells incredible.
-Do you think I could try some? -But of course.
Uh, really?
Woohoo! Score!
And I can totally pay you back for the ingredients.
Hey. Do you think you got room for one more?
No, sir.
Uh…
Is it just me,
or is it weird that he made all that food just for himself?
Yeah. It was so much food.
But it tasted so good!
And why does he own so many dishes?
It must suck having to wash them all every night.
Maybe he's particular about the plating as well as the taste.
Yeah, right.
Salutations!
Hi!
It smells so good in there!
Can I help with anything?
That is most kind of you.
However, tonight you are my guest.
Please come in and relax.
Okay!
Man, I've been looking forward to a home-cooked meal all day long.
And it sure sounds like there'll be plenty of food.
Yeah. I didn't realize this would be a buffet.
But it turns out he always cooks that much.
I'm starving. I can't wait!
I bet he makes at least ten plates.
Food is served.
Please help yourselves.
Huh?
It looks delicious, but one plate?
This isn't the feast I was promised.
There's gotta be more coming after this. Right?
Apologies.
I completely forgot the final touches.
See? I knew there were more dishes.
Huh?
I have curated some lovely background music.
Background music?
He's being the perfect host, but…
Kotaro, is this the only dish you made?
Hey, Karino!
What is your problem? Didn't anyone ever teach you manners?
I just meant--
Just what is the matter with you?
Believe me when I tell you this meat and vegetable stir-fry
is absolutely delicious!
Thank you for the food!
Bon appetit!
It's so good!
Yeah. I can't complain.
Mmm.
I can't believe how good this is!
-Mmm! -So flavorful!
Aye. This is how one should always spend dinner,
in the company of their friends instead of extra food.
Tonight I don't need dishes to keep me company.
Uh, are you okay?
'Tis nothing. I'm pleased you are enjoying your meal.
I could eat ten more bowls of this stuff!
Yeah! I could eat more bowls too!
Is that so? In that case, who would like seconds?
-Seconds! -Me too.
Indeed.
Can I get more too?
A LATER DAY
Thank you for this food.
Okay, Sir Hijiki.
ACTOR KOTARO/NIGHT OF A STAR SHOWER
Time to start the day.
I'm exhausted.
There's so much to do and not enough time to do it all.
Come on. Pull yourself together!
I need to put on a happy face in front of the kids!
Smile! Smile!
Hi!
Today we'll be picking our characters for the Parents Day assembly!
Okay!
I'll write all the roles down on the chalkboard.
The first one is Bear!
I just realized
there's one student in my class who I never see smile.
Kotaro hasn't smiled once in the whole time I've known him.
Is he just bored of kindergarten?
No. I've seen him sing and dance with everyone else.
-Maybe he thinks I'm boring. -Lady Teacher.
Yes, Kotaro. Did you have a question for me?
I would like to play the role of the Smiling Sun, if you please.
-What? -Huh?
He wants to play the character that's always smiling.
Is he serious?
Do you really think you can play a character that smiles?
Of course.
I am very good at fake smiling.
-Oh. -Oh.
Whoa!
Is he…
He's actually smiling!
He really does have a great smile.
Well, would you look at you, Kotaro.
Who would have guessed?
Huh? What about his face?
Like how his face looks when he's at home. You know?
Well, I guess he always kinda looks like that.
-I think I've only seen him smile once. -And Tonosaman won the day.
Oh. Only one time?
Well, today when we were picking Parents Day roles,
Kotaro asked if he could play the role of the Smiling Sun.
He said he was good at fake smiling.
But I don't want him to feel like he needs to fake a smile.
I just hope he's enjoying kindergarten like the others.
Yeah. I know.
I sorta get it, though. The whole "needing to put on a fake smile" thing.
So when I was just a few years older than him,
I went through a pretty rough time.
That's when I lost both of my parents.
At first, I sorta shut down
and started acting like nothing bothered me.
I have a feeling that he may be doing the same thing.
You know, like, just going through the motions.
I wonder if he's trying to act the way
he thinks that people around him want him to.
Did you see? I remembered all my…
Great job today! You were wonderful!
A perfect smile.
My thanks. You're very kind.
I thought maybe you could show us that smile
even when you're not in the play?
I find it easier to fake a smile.
I think you might be the same as I am.
What?
It is hard to smile all day long,
especially when you are feeling tired.
So, sometimes you make yourself smile.
How do…
I see through the fake smile.
So you see through me?
Indeed, but I won't tell.
Thank you, Kotaro.
Hey, newbie, we're gonna grab a bite to eat after work.
You should come with us. Dinner's on me.
I can't today.
-Hmm? -I already have plans.
Plans?
Yep. I'm going on a hike.
Who goes hiking at night?
I don't, usually,
but tonight's the Perseid meteor shower.
And I promised a friend I'd go watch it with them.
Though,
I don't know if he'll remember.
Long time no see, Kotaro.
It has been a long time, indeed, Sir Ryota.
It's late for you to be out alone.
I could've picked you up.
'Twas not a problem.
Besides, you came here straight from work. Is that right?
Yeah.
I'm a carpenter now.
It's pretty cool, actually.
And it definitely puts food on the table.
I'm 18, so I'm out on my own now.
Sir Ryota,
I want to apologize
for running away from the group home without saying goodbye.
It was quite rude.
You all deserved much better than that.
It wasn't your fault.
We heard your dad tracked you down.
You did what you had to do to keep yourself safe.
So don't you worry about it.
Besides, you remembered our promise about watching the meteor shower.
All is forgiven.
Do you like stars, Sir Ryota?
Yeah. Check out some of these pictures I took.
See?
Not bad for a little camera.
Beautiful!
I like the stars too.
Tonosaman wears a star on his chest.
Tonosaman?
Cool, I guess.
How about from now on, when I take pictures you come too.
Mm-hmm.
Nice! And I'll teach you how to use the camera.
The camera memory is almost full.
Yeah. I bet.
You wanna show 'em to Tasuku later?
Aye.
We'd better go.
If we stay out here too long, they'll think we ran away.
Kotaro, guess what?
Next summer, we should be able to see the Perseid meteor shower
pretty clearly from up here.
Oh wow!
If you want, we could come back up here and watch it together?
Would you like to come with me?
Aye!
I promise!
Sir Ryota.
There is something else I need to apologize for.
When I left the group home,
I took your camera with me.
I just wanted something to remember.
I'm very sorry.
Oh man. Look at all these.
We sure took a lot of pictures back then. Didn't we?
How about I give you the memory card?
You can keep all of the pictures we took
because the memories are what you really wanted. Right?
This is yours now, Kotaro.
Here.
You are too kind!
Hey. Look, Kotaro!
Shooting stars!
They're beautiful!
And I couldn't have asked for a better person to watch this with.
I am as well!
SHOGAKUSHA
Hmm.
For you, sir.
I come bearing Sir Karino's manuscript.
Why?
Where's Karino?
My dear neighbor is incapacitated due to a sudden cold.
Manuscript…
Need to take it to the…
As he was in no shape to work,
I have put him to bed and have come in his place.
I would've picked it up if he asked.
So you came out here on your own?
Isn't that dangerous?
No. I do not believe he is contagious.
I feel quite well.
May I ask you,
are you working on a Sunday
because you find yourself in financial trouble?
No.
We sometimes have tight deadlines to meet.
So, I come in to work on the weekends.
I see. You must be very busy.
Working these long hours is probably very tiring for you.
Is that why you always look so worn out?
Eating is vital when you are busy.
Are you sure that you are eating properly?
When did he become my doctor?
Yes. I'm okay.
My wife takes extremely good care of me.
-What? -Hmm?
You were able to get married?
What do you mean?
Just that, you've spent so much time getting good at your job.
And that means I'm a bad husband?
You know, I have kids too?
-Uh… -You should go home immediately!
If you spend every Sunday working,
then I'm sure your kids really miss you.
Go home immediately!
I think I hit a nerve.
Hmm.
Would you like to take a field trip?
Hmm?
The editing department for the kids' magazine is at my house.
There's some pretty cool toys and stuff over there.
I do not require more toys.
Too bad. I think we have some Tonosaman merch.
Then we are off.
But after perusing said merch, I will take my leave of you.
I am overwhelmed, good sir.
You have held up your end of our agreement.
Thus, I will go.
He loves this stuff.
We have an arcade game in the back if you would like.
There is no time. I must go home.
You having fun?
Do not read into this! I am only checking the quality of the--
If you want, I think we have a life-sized Tonosaman around here somewhere.
This is the Happy Dance Tonosaman doll
from the premiere of season one.
I have never seen it up close.
It is amazing!
Uh…
Good sir,
you should be spending this time with your children, not me.
I am doing them a great disservice by keeping you from them.
Hmm.
Always worried about everyone else.
I am so sorry about Sunday.
I must have passed out.
It's not like me.
It was very nice of Kotaro to bring the manuscript.
He said you showed him the merchandise in the editing department,
but he seemed a bit sad, though.
I didn't mean to make him feel bad.
What's that?
You know I have a wife and kids. Don't you?
What? What?!
Don't look so shocked. Whatever.
You might not notice it because you don't have kids of your own,
but Kotaro's so mature
that he doesn't behave like the other kids his age.
I thought it might be good for him to have some fun.
To be able to act like a kid for a little while.
Kids shouldn't have to be so mature.
They should just enjoy their childhood.
Bye. Don't forget your deadline.
Yep.
Excuse me, good sir.
What's up, Kotaro? What can I do for you?
I can come back over on a weekday.
I was wondering where you've been.
Wanna try a free sample hotdog?
They're pretty good.
SHIMIZU WIENERS MADE IN JAPAN 135 YEN (TAX INCLUDED)
I will purchase all of them.
What?
Uh…
What, seriously?
That's a lot of food.
Madam Food Sample Lady!
Hmm? Kotaro? Did you forget something?
No. I was worried.
-Hmm? -About the state of your stomach.
Oh, why this is…
Is your employer forcing you to eat
all the food that is left over at the end of the day?
Hmm?
I noticed that you have gained a fair amount of weight in a short time.
A baby?
That's right!
I promise you no one is forcing me to eat the things I can't sell.
Is that why you've been buying so much food every day?
Indeed.
You're not teasing me. Are you?
No. It's the truth.
But your stomach… It isn't a peach?
Don't tell me you're talking about that old folktale.
You must not laugh at folktales.
They are very educational.
I'm sorry. You're right. Okay?
Except peaches don't make babies,
love's what does.
When a mommy and daddy love each other very much,
they can make a baby in the mommy's tummy.
Is that how I was born?
Of course!
You were born from the love between your mom and your dad!
All babies are.
I… I see.
This one has already brought so much joy to me and his dad.
What a gift!
Was I a gift?
You were born from the love between your mom and your dad!
All babies are.
This one has already brought so much joy to me and his dad.
What a gift!
Hanbe my friend,
can you recall memories of your mother and father being in love with each other?
I don't remember any of that.
If a child's true purpose is to bring their parents joy…
…I wonder if I ever fulfilled that role for my parents.
As always, Lady Kobayashi, thank you for bringing by this week's allowance.
Yes, of course!
This is for you.
It's very sweet of you.
Another candy bar
and seven days worth of journal entries written to the generous donor.
Uh, an eighth page?
"I will do my best to bring joy."
What does that mean? bring joy."