Around 40 (アラウンド40)

"There is a generation that is called 'Around 40.'

"For example, this single lady here is 39.

"In this year, 2008, she will reach the age of 40.

"Her generation spent their adolescence in the midst of the bubble economy of the 80's.

"Women of her generation are also known as the 'Equal Opportunity in Employment Act' generation,

"for their choices in work, love, marriage and childbearing.

"They are a symbol of a time when one could choose one's own lifestyle.

"However, they have been running ever since

"and now stand bewildered at a crossroads in their lives."

Good morning.

'Morning.

"These women are called, in short, 'Around 40.'"

I'm scared coming to a psychiatrist.

I don't want to be hospitalized the way I am now.

Don't worry.

I can tell you that you have a slight case of depression.

If you go to the hospital, you'll recover in no time.

If you come right away, we can cure it together, okay?

I don't think I've made any progress at all.

Yesterday, I tried my hardest, too.

But, when I went out into a crowd, my heart throbbed and I got short of breath.

Hang in there.

Tomorrow, you're going to the station gate, aren't you?

You'll be just fine from now on.

Just be sure and take your medicine.

That medicine you gave me isn't working!

Please give me the one from before, it was much more effective.

I realize how hard it is for you...

But I can't do that!

It wouldn't be advantageous to you.

Let's continue with your current medication for a little longer.

I'm running out of time.

I'm already 29 years old and my engagement was broken off...

I don't know what I'm going to do.

I'll be 30 soon...

Saying you're 'already 29' or 'almost 30'...

That's not the only way to think of it.

Say, what do you think when you see this bottle of water?

That it's half-empty?

Well how about that it's still half-full?

If you only see things one way,

you won't be able to make any real changes in your life.

"Episode 1: Am I pitiful?"

I really should eat properly for once.

"Ogata - Internal Medicine Pediatrics Office"

I'm back.

Aunt Satoko!

Ah, Ruka-chan, good evening.

Good evening!

Ah, you did that so well!

Papa!

Aunt Satoko's come back again!

- Satoko-chan! - Yes?

Dinner! You're eating with us, aren't you?

Of course.

Okay.

My son is a really hard worker.

But his wife wastes all their money.

That is tough.

Maruyama-san, good evening.

Ara, the daughter.

My daughter-in-law is such a fool.

Ara. A foolish daughter-in-law, huh?

I'm the foolish daughter who can't get married.

She's such a foolish girl.

Ah, it's delicious.

Hey, Tatsuya. Will you cut my hair later?

Hmm, sure, but it'll cost you.

Come on. It's for my class reunion.

Your 21st?

It's been 10 years since the last one.

From college?

No. Junior high and High school.

Junior high and High school?

Aneki went to a Chuto Kyoiku School.

I may be the only one there.

The only woman who hasn't gotten married yet.

Huh, what is it?

Yet? Did you say you're not married... yet?

In other words, it means you think you'd like to get married.

You haven't given up then!

Why would I give up?

What hasn't she given up on?

Haruko-san, where's that sample?

Ah, the one we intended to turn down?

Huh? You're talking about the omiai, aren't you?

Eh, are we talking about that now?

I don't want to go on an omiai.

I knew you wouldn't.

It's not the same as meeting someone naturally.

You haven't met anyone naturally or unnaturally, have you?

That's why you're not married, isn't it?

You need to consider these things.

I don't mind; I have fun every day, so I'm in no particular rush.

I don't think he's your type.

Wouldn't you like to take a look though?

I'll take a look.

How old is he?

50.

Same age as Papa.

50?

By the time our children grow up, he'd be over 70.

You must be joking.

Aneki, you'd be over 60 you know. You're 40 now.

I'm still 39!

Ah!

- A call from the hospital? - Yeah. And I'm exhausted from the day.

It's awfully tough for you.

- Hello, this is Ogata. - I see.

She doesn't want an omiai.

What are you saying? If she did, you'd be lonely, wouldn't you?

Don't worry. I'll always be by your side.

AH! PAPA!

Tomorrow's bento is hamburgers.

Don't want any.

Why not?

I'll eat bread.

Again?

Say... I want to buy some clothes for the class reunion.

You have some.

It shouldn't be just a suit for the school event.

It's been awhile since the last class reunion, so I should look fashionable, shouldn't I?

Who are you supposed to attract even if you are fashionably dressed?

You're already 40.

I'm 39!

Same thing.

If you have money to buy clothes, then loan me some. More.

Doesn't a housewife's happiness show through in her fashions?

And besides, at class reunions these days, they...

Hello, this is Takeuchi.

Ah, hello, thanks.

It's about those hospitalization benefits, isn't it? Yes.

"A Smartly Dressed Couple Expresses their Happiness!"

Okay, smile!

That's it, smile!

"Life Design Producer Shinjo Takafumi"

Okay, that's good, isn't it? Yukari, please prepare the next cut.

Yes, ma'am.

Chief Editor, excuse me.

I think if we used Shinjo-san's profile during the interview,

the attention level will go up.

I'll leave it up to you. I trust your good taste!

Yes!

Good-looking guy, isn't he?

Makes you want to marry him, doesn't it?

You're too close.

Besides, my declaration not to get married hasn't changed.

A declaration not to get married, huh?

But I'm quite serious.

Everyone's watching.

Shinjo-san, I'm sorry, and you're so busy.

Not at all.

Everyone, thank you for your hard work.

Associate Editor, please check these clothes.

Yukari... what is the target of our magazine?

35 year olds.

This is more for a 40 year old, isn't it...

Senpai, what do you think of this for the class reunion?

Isn't it a little too sexy?

That's why it'll look good on Satoko-senpai.

I think my work outfit will be just fine.

"Fine," Senpai?

A class reunion's where you go to confirm just how happy you've become.

It is?

That's why everyone wants to go to their class reunion when they've turned 40.

It's a turning point in their lives.

I don't need to confirm it; I am happy.

Then show up in these clothes!

To show the appeal of being happily single.

Senpai will be someone everyone's attracted to.

Really?

Of course.

Then I'll arrange to get you a bag and some shoes!

Ah, that's right.

Before the class reunion, Mizue and I are having tea. Want to join us?

You saw her recently, didn't you?

Mizue-senpai seems more and more like a middle-aged woman lately...

She's feels more like an open-hearted, good mother, doesn't she?

Those are some expensive clothes!

But they're really lovely!

It's Nao's good taste.

I wish Nao's good taste would do something for me, too!

Eh...

Isn't it best if you give off the feeling of being a broad-minded, good mother?

I hate that sort of thing.

Doing housework and raising children at 39!

It just makes me realize how soon it is until I turn 40.

Really? I don't feel that way at all.

I'll be 40 soon, but I don't particularly feel anything changing.

I've been devoting myself to Yousuke's middle school exams all this time, right?

Now that they're over at last,

I've been thinking of so many unnecessary things.

Are the junior high exams difficult?

They are!

From choosing lessons to picking out a school,

and even managing your children's health, they're all the responsibility of the mother.

Hmmm. I've been giving a lot of thought to becoming a mother myself.

Eh?! Are you planning to give birth?

Yeah. Someday.

"Someday"?