Transcript (en)

In a world where women were expected to obey, this girl was different. At breakfast, Itoko complained her fish was too small. She kicked the cabinet shut. Father tried to discipline her. Itoko dodged him with her bowl. On the way to school, she chased a boy. Stick in one hand, frog in the other. The boy was almost in tears. Her classmate Natsu was the opposite. Gentle and graceful. The two girls shared one thing. They both liked the handsome Taizo. First day of school, the teacher asked for introductions. Itoko said her name was Kohara Itoko. Her grandfather chose it. It meant she could live by needle and thread. The teacher said, your family runs a kimono shop. Your grandfather wanted you to marry. Find a husband to inherit the business. You need to be a good wife. But Itoko wanted to be a carpenter. A woodworker like Taizo. The class laughed. The teacher said, women walk one step behind men. Women can't do men's work. Itoko asked why. The teacher said that's just how it is. Natsu was raised traditionally. Born into the famous Yoshida restaurant. Her father taught her one thing. Support your husband after marriage. help him run the restaurant. Natsu trained hard from childhood. Rain or shine she carried an umbrella, to stay out of the sun. It was her symbol of elegance. Itoko got in a fight. She pushed over the janitor. The teacher came for a home visit. Mother kept apologizing. The teacher said Itoko was too wild. She didn't act like a girl. Mother threatened to tell father. Itoko panicked She begged mother to keep quiet Grandma covered for her Father Zensoku was out collecting debts With his shy personality he probably come back empty If he found out he punish her Itoko said don bother father then ran out the door What Itoko didn know father came home frustrated The economy was bad the shop was slow customers wouldn pay Too proud to keep asking, father sent Itoko to collect. He told her, put the money in your sash pocket. Itoko promised, I've got this, I never come back empty-handed. Father warned her, the Yoshida owner is tough. He smiles while saying no, Itoko wasn't worried. His daughter was her classmate. Itoko showed up to collect. Natsu answered the door. She told Itoko to wait out back. Itoko waited. Natsu finally came out. No money today. Come back tomorrow. Itoko stood firm. No money. Not leaving. She sat at the front entrance. Looking miserable. A customer asked what was wrong. Itoko said I'm collecting money. The customer was shocked. They sent a kid? Seeing Itoko in tears. The customer went to Mr. Yoshida. Yoshida tried to brush it off. Itoko held her ground The customer got angry Yoshida gave in His wife brought the money Mission accomplished Father was waiting by the bridge Seeing Itoko with a big smile He knew she'd done it He praised her Bought her snacks On the way home he sighed Itoko is capable But a son would be better He could teach him the business Make the shop famous Itoko was confused Girls can do business too Zensaku said A girl's job is to marry well Take care of her husband Itoko felt sad Being a woman seemed so limiting Father stayed quiet His young daughter didn't understand yet what it meant to carry that regret.