Sunday, January 23, 2011

Review of Yasashii Jikan 優しい時間 Episode 10

Ep 10: Irezumi (Tattoo)

Master asks Tomoko to set up a meeting between him and Rokusuke so as to thank him for taking care of Takuro for the past 1 and a half years. However, he wants Tomoko to keep this a secret from Takuro.

Azusa is learning how to make silver accessories from Mikako and is alone in her apartment. However, a middle-aged woman, Tamako barges in and is searching for something. Azusa is too stunned to stop Tamako who leaves without a word soon after searching in the entire apartment.

At the same time, a major discussion is going on in Mori no Tokei. The regulars are discussing the fact that Mikako and Takigawa are actually having an affair but lie to everyone that they are relatives. It seems that Takigawa's wife, Tamako had found out about the affair and beat up her husband while Mikako ran away. This was also the reason why Takigawa was unusually worked up when Mikako was lost during the snowstorm a few days back.

Unexpectedly, Tamako turns up at Mori no Tokei where the regulars stop the discussion upon seeing her. She stops Sakuma from leaving and interogates him on whether he had been having drinks with her husband every night as what he claims. Sakuma tries to cover up but Tamako had already found out the truth from the restaurant owner. He runs away to avoid Tamako's questions but she manages to grab Sakuma and drags him somewhere.

After Tamako has left, Takigawa comes to Mori no Tokei where the regulars keep poking fun at his injuries. He mentions that he got involved with Mikako 49 days after her husband's death and that she is indeed his relative, just that they are having an affair too.

That night, Master meets Rokusuke with Tomoko. Master is extremely nervous and unlike his usual self. Rokusuke feels sorry for Takuro who had been feeling remorseful because Master refuses to forgive him and asks Master why he is adoptiing such an attitude towards his son. Rokusuke also finds it unbelievable that Master did not attempt to look for Takuro in the last 1 and a half years while Takuro is in Bie. Master is unable to answer Rokusuke with regards to this.

On the way back, Master goes to Kita Tokei to have a chat with Tomoko. Master reveals why he was so upset at Takuro. During Megumi's funeral, Takuro suddenly rolled up his sleeves and showed Master his tattoo of "Shinigami" on his left arm. As a result, Master was very angry over Takuro doing that to himself and does not regard Takuro as his son. To Master, he felt that Takuro has become the Death God instead and brought misfortune to Megumi.

When Master returns to Mori no Tokei, he finds Mikako waiting for him outside. Mikako reveals that she got involved with Takigawa as he was the only one who showed concern for her after her husband's death and that he was the one who asked her to come to Furano. Mikako has no intention of leaving Furano and intends to continue with Takigawa which Master is unable to comprehend her thinking.

While at home working on her accessories, Azusa reveals to her sister, Riri on her relationship with Takuro. It seems like she is finally at peace with herself after that talk with Takuro. Azusa mentions that she will not meet Takuro for the time being as he is busy with the contest and does not want to distract him.

A few days later, Tomoko comes to look for Takuro and mentions to him that she will bring Master along to the pottery contest held in Asahikawa which makes Takuro's eyes light up at the mention of his father. Tomoko also requests to see his tattoo which Takuro obliges. She mentions the reason why Master was so upset with Takuro and asked him why he had to show his father the tattoo out of a sudden. Takuro mentions that on the night of the accident, Megumi was trying to see his tattoo but Takuro refused to do so. As a result of the struggling, Takuro lost control of the car and caused the accident. He had all along felt guilty about not showing the tattoo to Megumi. If he had done so obediently at Megumi's request, she would never have died. That is why in his dazed state during the funeral, Takuro showed Master the tattoo which was the catalyst to sour their strained relationship. Takuro is deep in thought after hearing Tomoko's words...

Master tells Megumi about the exhibition which Takuro is taking part in and worries that he might cry when he sees Takuro. Megumi tells Master that he can't just cry during the meeting or else Takuro would not understand what he is thinking of.

That night, Takuro is hard at work at the kiln and keeps thinking about his father's feelings towards the tattoo on his arm. In order to get rid of it, Takuro uses the boiling hot pot he took from the kiln and presses it against his arm. His scream makes Rokusuke come searching for him in the middle of the night...

Well, I'm quite surprised that Takuro would do that to himself at the end of this episode just to get rid of that tattoo. It just goes to show how much he cares about his father's opinion and hopes to win his acceptance and forgiveness as soon as possible. As for Master, it's evident that he's looking forward to meeting Takuro again and to see him say that he will cry once he meets Takuro is so touching. I'm looking forward to the final episode where they will finally meet after 10 episodes...

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