Tamako in Moratorium (Moratoriamu Tamako) (もらとりあむタマ子)

Autumn

Tamako in Moratorium

Tamako!

Tamako!

Toilet!

This one?

10,395 yen. That looks good

The 7th graders usually choose this one.

This one, Hitoshi.

It's light. And it doesn't stand out too much.

We'll buy this one, then.

Hey.

Where are you going?

Shop.

Tamako-chan?

Yes.

What a surprise. You're back?

My, you're so pretty now.

Which color do you want?

You can choose red or blue.

Let's see... the red one, then.

All right.

- Red in a size 25.5 cm. - All right.

Enjoy your meal.

Japan is hopeless.

Enjoy your meal.

Excuse me?

Excuse me?

Yeah?

Umm, I ordered basketball shoes yesterday.

My father's not here right now.

When will he be back?

No idea.

These?

They're really good, but...

...the 8th graders have those, so no.

Oh, that makes sense.

How about this one?

My friend already has those.

That's no good then.

It's so hard to choose.

Umm... how about that one?

Ah! I was about to suggest this one.

I think they're cool.

Much better than the ones before.

This style seems to really fit you.

Yes.

Enjoy your meal.

Hopeless Japan.

Are you not feeling well?

I'm fine.

Have you been looking for a job?

Then what did you go to college for?

You've done nothing since graduating.

Just eat, sleep, and read manga.

Japan is not hopeless. You are hopeless!

I will do something, when the time comes!

When?

When is that?

Soon...

But not now.

Winter

Thank you, Uncle. Happy New Year.

Put your racket in my basket.

Thank you.

Your scarf is not in place.

Really?

All good.

Thank you.

Good evening.

Aunt Yoshiko.

Thank you.

I brought dinner.

Where is your father?

He's cooking.

Here's some New Year dishes.

You shouldn't have bothered.

Leave some for later.

It'll keep for a few days.

The stewed veggies turned out great.

Thanks for the food.

Is Nonoko coming today?

She'll be late. She's coming after Naoji gets off work.

Her husband works on New Year's Eve?

But his company gives him flexible hours for his kids.

- Coming in? - No, I'm late

I'm accompanying grandmother to the hospital.

We'll come visit tomorrow.

- You too, Tamako? - Sure

Have a good New Year.

Good Night.

Either eating or playing with the phone, choose one.

Hey.

I'm sending my New Year's greetings now.

The network gets too busy after midnight.

Why don't you use your smarts to find yourself a job?

Rock, paper, scissors.

Snip!

I won.

I'm ho me?

What a dream.

Creepy.

Where's Nanako?

Not here yet.

Mom hasn't called either.

Yeah?

She said she'd call when I talked to her last month.

She's going to Bali soon.

Not with Mr. Tabata. It's a company trip.

Maybe I'll go somewhere too.

Why not go with them?

They are all older people. I don't want to go with them.

Why does it matter who you travel with?

Want to go with me?

No way, that's impossible.

Oh, that must be her.

I'm home.

Welcome.

Happy New Year Dad.

Happy New Year.

Tamako?

- Where's Tamako? - Watching TV.

Oh, here.

What?

Rice cakes.

Yeah, thanks.

Tamako, help out with the luggage.

Tamako!

Spring

Does this look all right?

- Yes... - Thank you.

Hobbies: Photography

Skills: People watching

Tamako, dinner's ready.

Enjoy your meal.

Hey, can I buy some new clothes?

What clothes?

Formal clothes.

For a job interview.

OK.

Sneezing again.

You have seasonal allergies?

Yeah, since last year.

I sneezed while chanting a sutra the other day.

Oh yeah, Tamako visited the temple about three days ago.

Is she here today?

No, she's out.

Her face was all serious when she was praying.

Is she looking for a job?

She never tells me anything.

She also bought a good luck amulet.

I gave her another one for free.

Maybe the time has finally come.

Nothing.

Are you ready?

Yeah.

Your dad's not coming, is he?

No.

He's still shooting photos at the entrance ceremony.

What kind of style do you want?

Very natural.

Natural?

Yes, natural.

Pure.

All right.

You can't tell anyone about this.

When will they be ready?

I'll hurry.

Tamako.

For you.

What's this?

Yeah, well...

It's a nice one.

I'm taking a bath now.

How much was it?

You don't need to know.

Tell me how much.

Don't worry about it.

How much was it?

I said, don't worry about it.

Why do you open the door?

Return it!

It's nothing, really.

I don't want it, return it.

Close the door and leave.

How much was it?

It's all right. Go away.

Tamako, is it OK if I clean your room?

I'm not really my true self right now.

During our life in this world, each one of us plays a role.

I feel the most natural when I'm acting someone's part.

So please, give someone like me a new name.

Tamako.

Yes?

Hitoshi.

Here you are.

He told me what this was all about.

- Oh, Sasamoto. - Hello.

What is it?

Enjoy your meal.