Ribon Mascot Comics : Kodomo no Omocha (Child's Toy) 3 : Obana Miho Kurata Sana : a cheerful sixth-grader who stars on the popular TV program, "Kodomo no Omocha." Hayama Akito: The "lone wolf" of Grade 6, Class 3. Misako : Sana's mom, a novelist. Tsuyoshi : Hayama's friend. Scary when he gets mad. Sagami Rei : Sana's manager. Sugita Aya : Tsuyoshi's girlfriend. Kurata Sana is a cheerful girl who stars on the popular TV program, "Kodomo no Omocha." There was a lot of trouble in Sana's 6th grade class, led by Hayama Akito. But Sana found Hayama's weak point and the problem was solved. Sana realized that Hayama's personality was caused by his family, and after she starred in a TV drama, the Hayama household got more peaceful. Bit by bit, Hayama opened up his heart to Sana, and suddenly kissed her. When Sana was shocked to learn that her "boyfriend" Rei had gone back to his former girlfriend, the actress Asako, Hayama comforted her. And, when his father suddenly fell sick, Sana comforted Hayama. The two helped each other and became friends. Now, Tsuyoshi has started missing school, and no one knows why! Sana : What is it, Hayama? What happened to Tsuyoshi-kun? Hey, Hayama... Hayama : I don't have time to talk. Sana : Hayama! Explain it to me so I can understand! <> Hayama : Tsuyoshi's parents got divorced. Sana : Divorced!? Hayama : When the teacher called Tsuyoshi's house, his dad said that he didn't know where he was. Sana : Really? Hayama : So I thought we should go to Tsuyoshi's house and check it out. Sana : Right! Let's go! You should have explained it to me in the beginning! Aono : Where are we going, big brother? Tsuyoshi : To a new house. Aono : Is daddy coming later? Sana : What is it, Hayama? What happened to Tsuyoshi-kun? Hey, Hayama... Hayama : I don't have time to talk. Sana : Hayama! Explain it to me so I can understand! <> Hayama : Tsuyoshi's parents got divorced. Sana : Divorced!? Hayama : When the teacher called Tsuyoshi's house, his dad said that he didn't know where he was. Sana : Really? Hayama : So I thought we should go to Tsuyoshi's house and check it out. Sana : Right! Let's go! You should have explained it to me in the beginning! Aono : Where are we going, big brother? <> Tsuyoshi : To a new house. Aono : Is daddy coming later? Tsuyoshi : He'll be somewhere else. Hayama : What do you mean, you don't know where Tsuyoshi and the others went? Fuoki : We're already divorced. Sana : But you ought to at least know where they are! Fuoki : I gave them 50,000,000 yen. That's all I know! Sana : It's not about the money! Hayama : Do you think you can just give them 50,000,000 yen and forget about the rest of their lives? Fuoki : You impertinent little kids! Hayama : Tell me where they are, baldy! <> Fuoki : Just you try and say that one more time! Hayama : Baldy... Sana : With this kind of temper, he's definitely Tsuyoshi-kun's father! Hayama! Sana : Stop it. It's okay if he doesn't know. Sorry for the disturbance. Now, you just sit quietly over there. I'll get this handkerchief wet. Hayama : So, he's that kind of father...Tsuyoshi had been getting hurt in strange places lately. Maybe that was because of his father losing his temper and getting violent. Sana : That's awful. <> Hayama : I never asked him about it, though... Sana : Where are you, Tsuyoshi-kun? You should have called, or something. This probably hurts, but it looks like the bleeding's stopped. That's good. Sana : Hey, what the hell d'you think you're doing, you pervert? Hayama : It was right in front of my eyes! Sana : I'd forgotten how dangerous it was to get close to him! Hayama : Well, it's useless to try to search for Tsuyoshi now. We can just wait for him to call. If he doesn't call me, he'll definitely call you. Sana : You think? Hayama : Well, I'm going to the hospital to see dad, and then home. Sana : Oh, I'll go too! As long as you don't get near me! <> Tsuyoshi : Oh, Akito-kun. Mr.Hayama : Hi, Sana-chan. Sana : Tsu...Tsuyoshi-kun? Mr.Hayama : Tsuyoshi-kun came to see me. Tsuyoshi : Your dad looks like he's doing well, Akito-kun. Hayama : Tsuyoshi, you little-! Tsuyoshi : Were you worried? Sana : We went to your house just now... Tsuyoshi : Oh... <> Tsuyoshi : Well, you know, there were signs that they were going to get divorced for a while. Now we're moving into a new apartment... Sana : I see... Tsuyoshi : But we've still got a lot of things to unpack. Sana : We'll help! Hayama : I guess that "we" includes me... Sana : We should have a guy here to help too, so I'll call Rei-kun. Tsuyoshi : They're going to lend us a hand, mom. --Oh, my! Aono : Sana-chan! Sana : Aono-chan! <> Tsuyoshi : I went shopping, and then I went to see Akito-kun's father in the hospital. --Oh, really! Aono : Big brother, where's daddy? Tsuyoshi : Dad is...well, Aono, from now on I'm going to be your dad. Aono : But you have hair, big brother! Hayama : You're really wrong if you think all fathers are bald, kid. Aono : I didn't ask you, Akito. Tsuyoshi : Mom, we need to make sure to get the phone line hooked up. <> --Right. Tsuyoshi, where should I put this? Tsuyoshi : Hmm... Aono : Are you going to go bald, big brother? Tsuyoshi : No, I'm not going to go bald! Sana : Tsuyoshi-kun looks happy...I thought he'd be depressed. His parents just divorced...but he looks all right. Hayama : You'll come to school tomorrow, right? Tsuyoshi : Yeah. Sorry for making you worry. <> Tsuyoshi : Thank you so much! Sana : Don't worry about it, Tsuyoshi-kun! Hayama : Tsuyoshi... Tsuyoshi : When I put my head down...water just started coming out! I'm the man of the house now...so I've got to get a grip! Please don't tell mom and Aono that I was crying. Sana : I won't tell! Hayama : Men shouldn't cry. Sana : It's okay, Tsuyoshi-kun! We're the only ones here, so it's okay to cry! Tsuyoshi-kun...tell me if there's anything I can do, okay? <> Tsuyoshi : Sana-chan... Sana : What is it? Tsuyoshi : Sana-chan...marry me. Hayama : Don't take advantage of her! Tsuyoshi : It was a joke! Sana : Hayama! I can't marry you, but I'm here if there's anything you want to talk to me about. <> Hayama : As long as it's just talking. Tsuyoshi : Thanks! <> Sana : Judging from your father and Tsuyoshi's father, fathers can be very different! Hayama : What about yours? I know you don't have one, but why? Rei : Hayama-kun, your house is on this street, right? Hayama : Why? Rei : Out, out! It is forbidden to speak about Sana-chan's father. <> Hayama : Why? Rei : Once I tried to ask, and... Rei : I'll go to the "father and brothers visit," then. Misako : Thank you. Rei : But what about Sana-chan's real father? Uh, never mind. Rei : The atmosphere was like I wasn't supposed to ask. Sana : Are you curious about my father? Hayama : Yeah. <> Sana : I don't have one. That's really all there is. Hayama : So then, your mother's always been single? Sana : No, she got married at 18, then divorced at 20. Rei : I didn't know. Hayama : So that guy's your father? Sana : No. I'm sorry, Hayama, but please don't ask me about this any more...not yet...it's something I promised my mom. Misako : Welcome back, Sana. Sugita-san is here. Sana : Aya-chan? Aya : Sana-chan, have you found out anything about Tsuyoshi-kun? Sana : Yeah, he had to move...but he's still really close by. He'll be at school tomorrow. <> Aya : I see... Sana : Was there anything else? Aya : You left this at school when you went off with Hayama. Sana : Oh, right! Aya-chan was so worried about Tsuyoshi-kun...that must mean... Aya-chan's a worrywart! (Or not). <> After that, Tsuyoshi-kun's name changed. Tsuyoshi : So, from now on, my last name will be "Sasaki." Sana : Looking at Tsuyoshi-kun now, he hasn't changed a bit, but this is the first time I've thought of him as being strong. --All right, Tsuyoshi! <> --Now you can do it with your mom! --Oedipus complex! <> Aya : He's not like that! He just loves his mom! Sana : Aya-chan... --Sugita actually raised her voice! --Then, the boy you like...is Tsuyoshi-kun? Aya : I know from reading his essays how much Tsuyoshi-kun cares about his mom and his little sister. And I like him! --But Tsuyoshi likes Kurata... --Ooh! A love triangle! <> Sensei : Please quiet down, everyone! Hayama : I think that Sugita would be much better for you than Kurata. Tsuyoshi : But...Sana-chan gave me chocolate for Valentine's Day. Sana : I didn't give you any chocolate! That was last year, and I didn't know you. We were in different classes. Tsuyoshi : But you did! Sana : Oh, right! My fifth grade class was full of nice guys, and I got lots of chocolate...so on the way home I think I gave some to some guy. <> Sana : And that was you, Tsuyoshi-kun? Hayama : I'd hardly call that a reason to fall in love with someone. Tsuyoshi : Leave me alone! --What are Hayama and Aya-chan doing over there? Sana : Don't get close to him, Aya-chan, he's dangerous! <> --Let go of Aya-chan! Sana : What did he do to you, Aya-chan? Aya : Thanks, Hayama-kun! Aya : Here you go, Tsuyoshi-kun. Tsuyoshi : For me? Aya : I heard it was your birthday tomorrow, so I baked you cookies. 'Bye! Tsuyoshi : Sana-chan...I liked you, Sana-chan, but that's all right now. I hope things go well for you and Akito-kun. Sana : Huh? What? Tsuyoshi : Well...I like Aya-chan now. <> Aya : Hayama-kun has some good qualities. Sana : Huh? Aya : He told me that Tsuyoshi-kun likes presents, so I should give him something for his birthday. Tsuyoshi : Let's walk home together, Aya-chan. Aya : Sure. I'll be done cleaning soon. Sana : Tsuyoshi-kun falls in love so easily! Aya : So, Hayama-kun can be really nice sometimes. Sana : Hayama? Nice? Hayama : Outta my way, first-graders! That makes two eliminated rivals... <> Sana : Tomorrow is the school camping trip! And after the camping trip is summer vacation! Rei : Sana-chan! Sana : Yeah? <> Rei : You were only supposed to buy 500 yen worth of snacks, but that looks like over 2500 yen! [On school field trips, there's generally a money limit on snacks to reduce jealousy and such.] Sana : Well, I'm going to put in a little bit of each one, so the total will come out to 500 yen. Rei : What do you think about working over the summer? You've been offered a great TV drama role. Sana : But you know that what I really love is dancing, Rei-kun! Rei : Yeah, I like your dancing too. Sana : Oh, mom's calling! <> Sana : You called? Misako : Yes, I did. Sit down, please. Not there. Sana, I think that it will soon be time to bring an end to our promise. <> Misako : Is it all right with you if I begin writing the essay about you and me now? The two necessary conditions have now been entirely fulfilled. The first was for me to become a famous novelist; the second was for you to be a little more famous than the average girl your age. Sana : Yeah. I was thinking it would be soon. When do you think it will be done? Misako : I think it will take three days. Sana : And when will it be published? Misako : Around the end of summer vacation, perhaps. Sana : Well, I can't really help you out with it, but good luck! Misako : Have fun on your field trip! Sana : I will! <> Andou : Line up over there! Now, get on the bus! Mitsuya-sensei, don't you think the students in class 3 are a bit too showy, with those hair ornaments of theirs? Mitsuya : Yes, err, well, I did notice it, but... Hayama : It's not as showy as your makeup, you old hag! Andou : Who said that just now, behind my back!? Principal : Now, now, Andou-sensei. Don't get so upset this early in the morning. <> Andou : How can the principal be so nonchalant about his own school!? Have you not heard about the miscreants in class 3? Principal : Oh, well, I'm sure it's all right. Aya : It's the principal! Sana : Ride our bus, Mr. Principal! All right! We're off! So where are we going? --To "F-kou" prefecture. We'll be climbing Mt. B on the second day. Hayama : You're so stupid it almost amazes me. Sana : There you were! I'm the one who's amazed that you're not skipping school. Hayama : So, how long is this trip for? Tsuyoshi : Three days, two nights. Sana : The school camping trip is for three days, so when I get home the manuscript will be done. And then it will be published nationally... Sana : And then there will probably be a big uproar in the media and they'll be after us. But that's not the problem...the problem is that... Hayama : Hey, you! What's with you? Sana : I was just daydreaming. Hayama : My old man came home from the hospital yesterday. Sana : Really? Hayama : He told me to say thanks to you. <> Hayama : That's all. Sana : What have I done that he'd say thanks for? Hayama : Coming to see him in the hospital... Sana : Well, there's no need to thank me. --Sana-chan, sing something! Sana : All right! <> --It's called the 'Firefly Inn,' so I wonder if there are any fireflies here. Sana : Wow, I've never seen real ones before. [Obana's 'squirrel' cartoon here is rather amusing. In essence it says that it's better that squirrels can't talk because all they'd have to say is "left! right! left! right! up! down! up! down! eat! eat! poop! poop! sleep! sleep!" If you turn back to page 41 you will see that Obana's experience with squirrel ownership has been less than wonderful because squirrels are so hyperactive, and if Maro-chan acted like a real squirrel he would be jumping back and forth in every panel.] --Have you eaten any of these, Sana-chan? Sana : Not yet...hey, there's no meat! --Well, you weren't eating them, so... --Wow, Kurata looks so cheerful. --Hey, let's stay up all night! Sana : Yeah! And so, everyone went to sleep... I've gotta go to the bathroom. <> Tsuyoshi : Look, it's Sana-chan. I guess she can't sleep either. Hayama : Hi there. Were you going to the bathroom? Sana : I was kind of constipated, but I'm fine now...hey, what are you doing, asking a girl that? Hayama : I didn't want to know that much. <> Hayama : You're acting pretty strange. Is something wrong? Sana : He's pretty slick...Well, not really. Hayama : Are you sure? Sometimes I think that you... --Ha ha ha ha ha! Hayama : Is that the Principal? Sana : Yeah... Sana : You teachers are too cunning! Hayama : Sushi... --Kurata! Hayama! Do you know what time it is!? Sana : We couldn't sleep. And you're having so much fun without us! Hayama : Let me have some sushi. <> --Wait, come back! Sana : Ah, we might wake everyone up...let's wake everyone up, Hayama! --Wait, wait! Principal : Well, now, it's all right. Andou : Principal! Sana : Of course it's all right, Principal Naru-naru. --Keep this a secret from the other students! Principal : Would you like to sing something, Hayama-kun? Hayama : Do you have "The Moon's Righteous Temple Street"? Sana : What's that? --It's not here. Hayama : Then I won't sing. <> Andou : May I say something, Principal? Principal : What is it? Andou : The students of Class 3, these two students in particular, are too problematic...according to the other students' gossip... Hayama : What's wrong with that old witch? Mitsuya : Maybe so...but it seems that Hayama-kun and Kurata-san have become quite good friends. Hayama : I guess. --And that's good, because it's made Hayama a lot quieter. Andou : But that's not good at all! It's a problem for a girl and boy who are still in elementary school to become better friends than is absolutely necessary! Principal : Well, well, Andou-sensei. I'm sure it's all right. Andou : Principal... Principal : Since those two became friends, there have been much fewer problems in Class 3. Things seem to be going in a good direction and I'll leave it to the teacher to put a stop to it if she feels that's needed. Oh, what am I saying? I'm sure it's all right. <> Sana : Mom, are you working hard on your essay? I am climbing mountains very energetically! The scenery is really, really, pretty. I wish I could show it to you. <> Sana : I'm going home tomorrow...it all went by so fast. I want to go home, and at the same time I don't. I've been feeling kind of weird lately...I didn't get enough sleep last night, either. Ooh...A firefly? Aya : Are you sure it's not just a spark? Sana : No, it's a firefly! The real thing! --Now, let's play a story game! All the boys, get in a circle! Hayama : She's gone. I knew she was odd, but is she really some kind of alien? Yeah, right. <> Hayama : Did she fall in? Sana : Huh? Hayama : Hi. Sana : Did you fall in too? I guess that means we're in the same moat. Hayama : I think that's supposed to be "we're in the same boat." Hey, that cliff's dangerous. Sana : I can climb it! I give up. Hayama : Hey! We fell in! <> Sana : I don't think they can hear us. Hayama : I guess we should just wait until they're quieter. This is kind of weird... Sana : Yeah...to be invited into a trap by a firefly... Now that I think about it, it's dangerous to be close to this guy. And now we're all alone in a place like this... Sana : Could I be raped? Hayama : What are you doing? We were going to wait until they got quieter. Sana : Don't get too close to me! <> Hayama : Why? Sana : You're gonna do something perverted if you get close to me! I should know by now, since you've done it twice! Hayama : If you don't want me to do anything, just tell me so, and I won't. So you've got nothing to worry about...idiot. Sana : I don't believe you! Well, don't do anything! Hayama : All right! Sana : I wonder if he meant it... Hayama : Anyway, the thing I started to tell you last night...before the party... Sana : What was it? Hayama : Sometimes I think—you're good at acting, right? Sana : Well, I have been taught a lot about it! Hayama : So, sometimes I think... Hayama : That all your happiness and energy is just an act. Hayama : There are times when I think that all your happiness and energy is just an act. <> Sana : What are you talking about? I'm not so good that I can act all the time, even in my personal life. Hayama : I thought so too, but... Sana : Then why'd you say that? Hayama : It's just what I think sometimes. Sana : Well, maybe it is, just a little...but everybody acts just a little, don't they? Hayama : I guess... Sana : But if I don't act all bright and happy, people say I'm not like myself. So I really should... Hayama : Something's wrong, isn't it? You're worried about something. Sana : You could tell? Hayama : Yeah. Sana : Why was Hayama the only one who knew? Hayama : What's wrong? Sana : I don't really know where to begin... Hayama : That complicated, huh? Sana : Well, not really...I'm just nervous... <> Sana : It's the first time I've been told that I'm worried... Well, you see...I'm a bit anxious. Hayama : Why? Sana : Um... Sana : Sana, I think that it will soon be time to bring an end to our promise. I'm...I'm worried that my mom might not like me...and thinking about that's making me anxious. Hayama : Why'd you think that? Sana : Right now, my mom's writing an essay about me. <> Hayama : An essay? Sana : And I was thinking that she didn't have to write it right now...but we had a promise, so I can't do anything about it. Hayama : Wait, I don't quite understand. Sana : When that essay gets published, all my happy days with my mom might come to an end. <> Sana : But she's just thinking about writing it...so maybe she doesn't like me at all! Hayama : Hey, look...I don't really understand, but... Hayama : I don't think there are any parents that don't like their children...probably 'cause of what you told me...so how can you not believe in your own mother? Sana : It's not like that...but... Hayama : Then don't worry. Your mom doesn't hate you at all. <> Hayama : Kids who are hated by their mothers don't grow up to be good like you. Sana : You think so? Hayama : Yeah. And I don't know why your happy days might come to an end...but I'm sure they'd come back again. Sana : Hayama... Hayama : I told you that my dad came home from the hospital the day before yesterday... Sana : Yeah. Hayama : The three of us got together and talked as a family. Sana : How? Hayama : We started off talking about you. Sana : You did? Mr.Hayama : Sana-chan's a nice girl, isn't she? A little odd, though. She would make a good bride for you, Akito. Hayama : Nah... Mr.Hayama : Why? Hayama : She's already practically adopted me. <> Hayama : Well, she'd be fine, really, but I don't want you deciding my marriage prospects for me. Mr.Hayama : You'll be married someday, won't you, Natsumi? Natsumi : Well, someday... Mr.Hayama : And then I'll be lonely... Sana : Hey, you're laughing! What did they say about me? Hayama : I won't tell you. Hayama : But that was pretty fun...and it was all thanks to you. Sana : I didn't really do anything. Hayama : I'm amazed that you can say, "I didn't really do anything." If I did one good thing, I'd brag about it for the rest of my life. You really are pretty amazing...and I'm really grateful for what you've done. <> Sana : He's never talked to me about his feelings like this. He's not that good at it, but still, he's trying... Hayama : So, you know, when you're down, I want to help you. <> Hayama : And so, well, if there's ever a time you feel like crying, come over to my house. Don't laugh, I'm serious. Sana : OK...thanks! I'm really glad, Hayama! Ah! You smiled! <> Sana : You smiled just now, Hayama! And it was a nice smile, too! All the times you've smiled before were mean smiles! Could you smile one more time? It makes you look cute! <> Sana : Now you're embarrassed! That's the first time I've seen you look like that, too! Hayama : You're having way too much fun with this. Sana : Come on, Hayama, smile one more time. Hayama : How am I supposed to, when there's nothing funny? Sana : Like this! Hayama : What's with you? You were crying just a minute ago! Sana : Now he's running away! Wait! <> Sana : Smile one more time! Before I had thought, "I want to see the real thing just once," but now I was running around, ignoring a whole fleet of fireflies! But I was happy to see something even more unusual—Hayama, smiling! So I kept on chasing Hayama. Hayama : I guess I was mistaken...it isn't just an act at all! <> Sana : Huh? We climbed out! <> Sana : Aw, the campfire's already gone out. Everybody's probably worried, so let's go back to the hotel, quick. Hayama : Sure. Sana : "If there's ever a time you feel like crying, come over to my house." I'm really glad that Hayama said that. <> Sana : I know it might sound kind of weird, but I feel a little better knowing that there's somewhere I can go if I feel bad...I'm all right now. I can go home to my mom who's waiting for me. --Sana-chan? --You're good friends with Hayama now, aren't you? Sana : Yeah, we're good friends. Hey, Hayama! <> Sana : I'm home! Misako : Welcome home. Did you have fun? Sana : Yeah! Misako : Tell me some more about it in your room. Sana : OK! Mom, is your essay done? Misako : Yes, as I had planned. Sana : It won't be published for a while, so I should just forget about it and enjoy the summer! <> Sana : And now, summer vacation! (Actually our school does have a swimming class 3 times a week, but it's optional.) I am very busy practicing for my dance troupe's yearly recital! --You let the horse go!? --I'm sorry! --That horse was more expensive than you! <> Sana : Dad, stop! Don't punish Tom! --Sana-chan, that was a bit too much force. Sana : Sorry, 'Dad.' Sana : It's a performance with lots of song and dance in it! Then the commercials that I filmed last month started appearing on TV. <> Mr.Hayama : There's Sana-chan on TV again. Natsumi : Wow, she looks cute! --She's on this, too... --Wow... --Sana-chan, I saw your commercial! <> --It's neat how even when you're not in school, I see you every day! Sana : Well, it's not exactly the same thing. Speaking of commercials, I'm going to do another one soon. --For what? Sana : "Heal-Ban" bandages...and I'm costarring with some boy around my age... --Who, who? Tsuyoshi : Did you hear that? She's costarring with a boy. Hayama : So? --WHAT!? <> --KAMURA NAOZUMI-KUN!? Sana : Why? Is this Kamura-kun popular? --Haven't you ever heard of him? --He's a really pretty boy. Sana : Is he gay or something? --No, he's just really, really cute! Tsuyoshi : They said he was really cute. Sana : Hey, Hayama! Don't stay in there too long or your butt will dissolve! Tsuyoshi : She said your butt will dissolve. Hayama : I'll dissolve you! <> Hayama : So he's cute, is he? Rei : Are you done, Sana-chan? Sana : Yes! What do you think? Do I look like a ballerina? Rei : You sure do! <> Sana : Is that kid, Kamura-kun, here yet? Rei : No, not yet...oh, he's here! --Sorry for being so late. Sana : That's okay! Naozumi : Nice to meet you. I'm Kamura Naozumi. Sana : Nice to meet you! I'm Kurata. He is pretty! Is it even a he? <> Sana : I feel like I've seen his face before somewhere...well, there are so many child stars lately that I can't keep track. --Action! <> --Cut! OK! --You two are adorable! --Good work! Sana : You too! Naozumi : Sana-chan...these are for you. Sana : For me? Thanks! <> Sana : Wow, they're pretty. Naozumi : Sana-chan...I know your secret. Sana : What!? <> Sana : "I know your secret." Wait, you! <> Sana : Come over here! You're "Naozumi-kun," right? Naozumi : Yeah. Sana : What secret of mine do you know? Naozumi : About you and your mother. Sana : Well, I suppose it's not too strange that there are people who know about that... <> Sana : But she wrote an essay about it and it's going to be published very soon. It's not really a secret, because in a month everyone will know. Naozumi : She wrote an essay? Sana : That's right! Naozumi : There hasn't been any publicity... Sana : My mom didn't want there to be any. So what now? You wanted to use my weak point against me, so what were you going to make me do? Naozumi : No...it's not like that...sorry. <> Naozumi : It's too sad to just say "Goodbye" when the job's over...I guess I wanted to leave an impression on you, but that was rotten. I'm sorry. Sana : But why would you...? Naozumi : I really like you, Sana-chan. I've followed your career since you were 5. <> Naozumi : I've been going to see your recitals every year...and this year too, pretty soon. Sana : So you're a fan of mine? Naozumi : Not exactly... Sana : Then you should come right out and say so! Naozumi : But I know everything about you. Sana : Everything? <> Sana : Who are you? Naozumi : Someone with the same secret as you. Sana : The same? Naozumi : I have to go. I hope we work together again sometime. <> Misako : Kamura Naozumi...Wait...Kamura... Sana : Do you know something about him, mom? Misako : Well, perhaps...I'll look into it further, but anyway, it's nothing to worry about. Sana : OK. What does he mean, anyway, by saying he has the same secret as me? Naozumi-kun...his eyes were such a pretty color... <> Natsumi : All you do lately is watch TV, Akito! Hayama : So what? Natsumi : Sana-chan sure does work a lot... Hayama : How much do you think she makes? Natsumi : How should I know? Hey, someone's here, Akito. --It's a package for you. <1994 Dance Recital> <> Tsuyoshi : Wow, it looks like Sana-chan invited the whole class. --No way! --It's him! --We're Sana-chan's friends! Tsuyoshi : Akito-kun, there's the boy who costarred in that commercial with Sana-chan! <> Naozumi : What's Sana-chan like at school? --Like on TV... --Pretty much. Naozumi : Really? --Well, she's a bit more childish on TV. Naozumi : Is Sana-chan good friends with any boys? --She is friends with Hayama... --He even kissed her! Naozumi : No way... Tsuyoshi : He's coming over here, Hayama! <> Naozumi : Hi. You're friends with Sana-chan, aren't you? Hayama : Did you hear that? He speaks Japanese! Naozumi : Well, I am Japanese. Hayama : You look like a half-breed. <> Naozumi : Maybe I am. I thought I knew everything about Sana-chan, but I didn't know about you... Hayama : You know...everything? Do you know how much she makes? Naozumi : Well...I suppose she must have made about 10,000,000 yen ($100,000) from those commercials... Hayama : Wow...still in elementary school, and she makes that much? <> Naozumi : It's partly thanks to her natural talent, but also to her very capable manager. Hayama : Capable? The guy in the sunglasses? Naozumi : He's said to be really bright for someone so young. Rei : Hi, Hayama-kun. I see you came too. Hayama : Good afternoon. Rei : He said, "Good afternoon"! --Now we will present the childrens' group's play. Tsuyoshi : It's starting! This play is a tale that takes place a far country, long ago. It's a tragedy about the slaves who work for a cruel master and the master's daughter Yushi. <> Sana : Dinner's ready! Tsuyoshi : Wow, everybody's clapping for Sana-chan! Naozumi : Except for Sana-chan, they're all mediocre actors. <> Hayama : She's pretty amazing. Naozumi : Is there anything that you're good at, like Sana-chan's good at acting? Hayama : No. Naozumi : Then you don't belong with her. <> --And now, a special guest, Kamura Naozumi-kun, would like to present a bouquet to the star, Kurata-san. Hayama : This makes me sick. Tsuyoshi : Let's go home. There's no way we can get close to Sana-chan today. Hayama : I want to do something. Tsuyoshi : Like what? Hayama : I don't know, but something. Principal : Ah, that was magnificent! Oh dear, one of my buttons flew off! Would you pick it up for me, Hayama-kun? Thank you, thank you! You're a good kid. <> --Hayama! What are you doing!? Principal : Hayama-kun...chop! Ha ha ha! --Hayama, what's going on? Principal : Hayama-kun, do you do karate? Hayama : Huh? Principal : When I was younger, I did karate. And the strength of your chops made me think back to that! One of my friends is opening up a new dojo, and he's looking for students. What do you think? <> Hayama : Hmm...karate... Tsuyoshi : Akito-kun wouldn't do something like that, Principal! Hayama : I'll do it! Tsuyoshi : What? Principal : All right! Tsuyoshi : Akito-kun really wanted to do something? To be equal to Sana-chan, maybe? She is amazing in a lot of ways, and he must feel not as good, but I don't think Sana-chan's the kind of person who'd care about those kinds of things. <> Tsuyoshi : Are you really going to do it, Akito-kun? Hayama : I guess so. I've heard some things about it. Tsuyoshi : Like what? Hayama : Girls all over the world are learning karate, and making the boys look bad. Tsuyoshi : And? Hayama : I'll do it. Tsuyoshi : Ha... Hayama : What're you laughing at? Aya : Hayama-kun! Hayama-kun! Aya : I told Sana-chan that you were starting karate today, and here she comes! Sana : Hayama! I heard you were going to learn karate! What made you decide to do it, all of a sudden? Hayama : Hey, I'm a busy person. Sana : But I came here to encourage you! Hayama : I don't need your encouragement! Sana : Hey, what's with you? I don't have that much time either! I've gotta get to work! <> Sana : So Hayama's trying to learn something new...I thought that he'd opened his heart up to me, but I don't know what he's thinking at all right now. Rei : Well, Hayama-kun is a boy. It's not so strange that there would be things you don't understand about him. Sana : So he's a boy...does that explain why he suddenly wants to be the next karate kid? <> So now, Naozumi-kun and I are being called a couple... for some reason... Sana : I'm doing a magazine commercial with Naozumi-kun tomorrow... <> Misako : Sana, I found out about Naozumi-kun. He was raised at the Kamura School. Sana : The Kamura School...I've heard of it; it's an orphanage. "The same secret"... Misako : Well, he isn't your enemy. You should talk to him tomorrow. Sana : All right. <> --Let's take a break! Sana : Excuse me, Naozumi-kun... Naozumi : That's right. I was raised at the Kamura School. <> Naozumi : You were there too for a month, weren't you? Sana : That's right. Naozumi : Since I learned that we were together for that month when we were babies, I've felt close to you, Sana-chan. I've wanted to talk to you about it for a long time, because we share the same secret. Sana : I see...He's someone with some of the same memories as me... Naozumi : So why is Kurata-sensei publishing an essay about it? The whole country doesn't need to know...and it's painful to you, isn't it? Sana-chan? Sana : When everything else was just fine...when I think about my mother's feelings, I... <> Sana : "If you ever feel like crying, come to my house." Naozumi : Are you all right, Sana-chan? I'm sorry. Sana : Yes, I'm fine! There's somewhere I can go to cry. Hayama...do you know what your words meant to me? <> Rei : Who's that, Sana-chan? Sana : Mom's ex-husband! <> --Your hair is weird, as usual. Your hair is pretty, so if you'd wear it normally, I bet you'd have a lot more suitors. Misako : You came all this way to tell me that? Tell me, what's your real purpose? Of course I can guess at it, but tell me yourself. --Can you lend me some money? <> --But—the novel you wrote using me as a model won the Aoki prize! Misako : You obnoxious, incapable man! Have you lost all your money gambling again!? I may have a mountain of money, but I don't have a penny to give to you! --You weird-haired tightwad! Hi, Sana-chan...You must have some money to lend me, right? Sana : Nope! Mom manages all my money! Misako : Now you're asking Sana for money!? <> Sana : He's hopeless...but I can't really hate him. Rei : She did say that he wasn't her father...well, I'm sure I'll understand once I read the essay. Sana : Hi, Hayama! Sana : It's been a while! How are you? Still doing karate? Hey, what's with you? Tsuyoshi : Sana-chan, Sana-chan... <> Tsuyoshi : Akito-kun doesn't really want to talk to you about karate yet. Sana : Why? Tsuyoshi : He says it's boring. Like all the elementary and middle school kids, he's still working on the basics, like sitting and cleaning the dojo. Sana : I see... Tsuyoshi : But he's still persevering, even though I thought he would quit right away. That's good, because I think that improving the spirit is more important than technique... Sana : Spirit... Tsuyoshi : But the Principal might have gotten his hopes up too much in convincing him to start. Principal : Hi everybody! Happy first day of school! <> Sana : Hayama! Hayama! Mom's essay is being published tomorrow. Hayama : If something happens, Kamura will probably comfort you. Sana : What does this have to do with Naozumi-kun? I see...you're jealous because of all the rumors, aren't you? <> Hayama : Don't be so stuck-up, idiot. Sana : I don't know what to do with him! Tsuyoshi : That wasn't very nice, Akito-ku... I hope his spirit improves soon! <> --It's being published tomorrow... Rei : They haven't sent us a copy yet. Misako : They never send books out until after the publication date. You'd better stay home from school tomorrow. Sana : All right. <> --Some shocking things were written in Kurata Misako-san's essay, published today. According to the book, Kurata Sana-san, star of numerous commercials, was found on a park bench eleven years ago. Rei : Sensei! <> Rei : What is this!? Is it true!? Misako : Essays usually are non-fiction. Rei : But...Sensei... --I wonder what Sana-chan must think about this kind of book being written about her... Rei : What about Sana-chan's feelings!? Sana : It's all right, Rei-kun. <> Sana : I made a promise. Tsuyoshi : Have you read it, Akito-kun!? Normal mothers sometimes jokingly tell their children that they had been abandoned. But in my own household, that cannot be a joke, because it is true. Others might call it bad luck, but neither myself nor my daughter believe it to be so. We both believe that it was a fortunate encounter. Sana : They're here...They don't have much else to report on. At 20 years of age, in my third year of marriage, I learned that it would be difficult for me to bear children. Although there were many other reasons for the divorce, I felt that this was the most serious one. The doctors had told me that there was only a 5% chance that I could bear children, and I despaired over that number. A 5% chance would give me hope now, but I was still young. <> Feeling that I could no longer live as an ordinary woman, I became worried. But after my worrying I concluded that if I could not live as an ordinary woman, I must live as a strange one. Finding a way to express this is my strong point. At the outset, passersby looked at me strangely as I walked around the town in my strange hairstyle. But I enjoyed myself. One day when I was skipping around the park I heard a baby crying. On the bench was a baby who had just recently been born and put there. This baby was Sana. The baby passed a week in the hospital, after which I left her in the custody of an orphanage. I went to see her every day. Notices were placed on TV and in the newspapers in the hopes of finding the mother, without any result. One month later, despite those were opposed to it, I officially adopted her. I had decided on doing so the minute I found her. When she turned five, I told her everything. Misako : Sana, I'm going to tell you some things now, and it's all right if you don't understand some of them. Misako : I didn't give birth to you. She might not be anywhere, but I would like to meet your real mother. Would you like to meet her too? Sana, I'd like you to join this dance/theater groupe. I was in one too when I was little. You don't have to be a star, but I'd like for you to be a little more famous than most girls. And I'll become famous as a novelist. Then, someday, I'll use an essay so that the two of us can look for your real mother. All right, Sana? Will you promise me that? Sana : OK. <> Sana : Yes, mommy. --This means... --Her mother isn't her real mother! --I heard about it on TV this morning! <> Tsuyoshi : Akito-kun? Hayama : "Your mother did her best to give birth to you, because she loved you." I wonder how she felt when she said that... <> Misako : I was prepared for this, but it's truly stunning. Sana : I wonder what mom's thinking. What I'm really worried about is if she plans on sending me away... Misako : Shall I go? Take good care of Maro-chan. Sana : Mom? Rei : I have nothing to say to you! <> Misako : Thank you. Rei : Sensei!? --Sensei, are those things you wrote in your essay true!? Misako : Yes. --Why did you publish it? --What's Sana-chan doing right now? Naozumi : This is awful...can't we go to Sana-chan's house? --What would you do there? <> Naozumi : But I'm worried about her! Come on, not for long! --Kurata-san, what is Sana-chan doing? --Did you think about her feelings? Misako : I did it after considering how many years had passed. I had imagined all of the things you would say, so all your lines seem trite to me now. And of course that's all that you can think of. Misako : If you have any more banal things to say to me, please say them now. --How long have you been considering this? --How is Sana-chan reacting to the book? Sana : Mom... <> Rei : Sensei, I feel the same way they do. Sana : Rei-kun!? Rei : Do you really know how Sana-chan feels about this? Sana : It's all right, Rei-kun! Misako : I've already said that I do know. Rei : How can you be so cold!? Sana : Rei-kun! <> Misako : As someone who isn't part of her family, how dare you talk about this!? Rei : I could say the same about you! Sana : I can't take this any more. --Who is that little brat!? --He's going in! Rei : Hayama-kun? <> Sana : Hayama...Huh? Hayama!? Rei : Hayama-kun, wait! <> --He's coming out! --Sana-chan's behind him! --Follow him! <> --What's this car? --He's Kamura Naozumi! --Does he know something about Sana-chan? Naozumi : Sana-chan? Hayama! Sana : Wow, that was fun! Like a roller coaster! Hayama : I read the book. Sana : You did? Hayama : It was surprising. Sana : I bet it was. <> Bitchy Karen-chan vs. Stupid Sana-chan! Obana Miho plus Fujii Mihona <> Karen : I'm Ikehata Karen. For those of you who want to know more about me, here's my profile! My favorite food is fried crocodile, and my most hated food is sea slugs. I can't stand those black, squishy things! And...my favorite guy is Suzuoki-kun from Class A. I'm dizzy over him! Hey! That's Suzuoki-kun walking over there! He must have found out how I feel about him! Suzuoki-ku...! Sana : This is a special live broadcast of Kodomo no Omocha, "Sana's Shock Report." <> Karen : What is this!? Sana : It's a 'shock report'! There's something hidden inside of these cakes. Eat it and see whether you live or die! There's a bonus game if you eat it! Karen : What kind of bonus game? Sana : Telling your favorite guy how you feel! Karen : No—I'm not ready! But that must be why they brought Suzuoki-kun here! <> Karen : Oh, what should I do? Sana : Miss, it's not until after you eat the cake! Go on, try! Karen : Well, when you put it like that, I suppose I'll have to! Sana : All right then. What's your name? Karen : The wonderful, beautiful, Ikehata Karen (5th grade). <> Sana : Wow! Ikehata Karen-chan ate it all up! Karen : This is a...this is a... Sana : Sea slug! Now, time for the love confession! Turn towards your beloved over there by the camera, and... Karen : Wait, you! You made me eat the food I hate the most in the world! As an apology, tell me your least favorite food! Sana : Let's see...my least favorite food is sea snakes. <> Sana : When I went to the beach with my mom, she caught and cooked a sea snake, but it tasted awful! Karen : Sea snakes!? Sana : She's gone... Tsuyoshi : Look! Sana-chan's doing her live broadcast! --Let's get someone else. Sana : Hayama! Eat one of these and see whether you live or die! Hayama : Huh? <> Karen : Sea snakes are quick, and I had a lot of trouble with them! Just you wait...for the sea snake roulette! You can't say you're number one if you don't eat this! Sana : I don't know why, you impertinent little girl, but I'll eat it! <> Karen : She ate it! She ate it! Well? How does my super-special- sea-snake-sushi taste? Suzuoki : Are you all right? Karen : What!? Why is Suzuoki-kun on Sana's side? Suzuoki : I'm a fan of yours, Sana-chan! Sana : Oh...thanks... <> Hayama : He's her fan? Don't you know her true personality? She's really weird. Karen : You're Sana's fan!? Is that true, Suzuoki-kun!? Suzuoki : She is pretty cute... Karen : But I'm much prettier, and I have a better body too! <> Karen : This means war! I, Ikehata Karen, will teach you about adult love! Sana : You're awfully confident, for someone younger than me! I know way more than you about adult love! Karen : Do you know about !? Sana : Of course! Do you know about !? Karen : What about and and and !? Sana : What about and and and !? Sana : I'm sorry about that. Now, it's time for Karen-chan's love confession! So, what's the name of the guy you like? Karen : He's right over there, actually! Sana : Then go over there! <> Karen : Suzuoki-kun...for a long time, I've... Sana : Well, it seems that Karen-chan's not feeling too well! Is it because of the sea slug? <> Sana : I'm not feeling so good myself...because of the sea snake... --Stop the camera! Karen : Suzuoki-kun saw me throw up!