Hana Monogatari by schwinn ### Hana Monogatari means “The Story of Hana”. In this case, it’s written in hiragana to preserve a certain ambiguity that I’ll explain later. TL by boke ### TL notes indicated by hash tags like this: ### ### Page numbers indicated by — for example, page one is: —1 ### Panel numbers indicated by - for example, panel one is: -1 ### Unless otherwise noted, panel and text balloon flow is from upper right to lower left. ### In this story the characters are speaking in Kansai accent, which is the area around Kyoto/Osaka. To replicate this, I’m having them speak in something (vaguely) resembling a US southern accent. Also, the women in this story are older, and have a very polite way of speaking. So I’m writing the dialog in a more stilted, formal way. ### I’m having Hanayo’s husband speak in the heaviest dialect. Hanayo’s in the middle, and Yoshiko and Riko have the least amount. However, Yoshiko often speaks standard, formal Japanese while working. ### I’m trying to be consistent-ish with the dialect, but don’t want to overwhelm the reader. ### Hanayo will typically drop the final g - for example, gettin’. I’ll add other things here and there for color. ### Yoshiko will occasionally will drop the final g. ### Rico will mainly drop the final g. ### Hanayo’s husband uses ah, yer, drops the final g and other things for color. —01 -1 Hana Monogatari ### Hana’s Story or The Story of Hana —03 -1 So when someone dies, they go ‘an become a buddha on the 49th day, right, Gran? Well, not like I’d know. ### In Japanese funerary tradition, After a person dies, and after the wake and funeral have been completed, a memorial is held every seven days. On the 49th day the deceased are considered to have attained buddhahood and gone to heaven. -06 -1 Why, yes… That’s correct, honey. Why y’all bringing this up for, Riko-chan? Well, This is the final goodbye, right? It’d be nice if you could enjoy yourself more, gran. You can do any thing you want now. -2 sfx- Casually… Like, for instance, A new love… Or something. -3 …oh hush up now. Don’t talk stupid. Gran’s had plenty of fun. I could do what I pleased. —07 -2 …Hm? -3 Really, gran? —09 -3 Let’s Find Out! Dementia Let’s learn about dementia For a healthy life tomorrow —10 -1 A Purpose For Living Having Hobbies, etc. Communication ### in box Watch out for a life style that watches too much TV and doesn’t exercise. Start early and stay healthy! —11 -2 Who you gettin’ all gussied up for? It’s unsightly, woman. ### The Black altar is a Butsudan. A buddhist household altar where you commemorate the dead. -6 Slam —12 -2 Goin’ out ta play? Must be nice. Got no worries in the world, do you? -6 Ka-chick Click —13 -1 It’s been an age, I betcha, Since I walked downtown to do the shopping by myself… -2 Don’t have to go to hospital, so Iend up thinking things I shouldn’t. -3 Hobbies… Studying something… Communication… Reason for living… Matsui-san across the street started doing yoga after her spouse died… Maybe I'll peek at the cultural center. ###handwritten -4 It’d be nice to meet people. -5 Might be nice to buy clothes from that there boutique. I've just been buying clothes from Jusco. ### Jusco is a big store kinda like a scaled down Target or Walmart. -6 Miyoshi ###sign Oh, makeup… —14 -3 Swoosh -5 …ject Participating Store ###sign -6 So… —15 -1 Pretty… -2 Skin like silk! ###box She’s like an Osaka beauty teen gang leader! What am I saying? -3 Her spine’s so straight. Straight as a ruler! ### box -4 She’s thin, but not saggy! Amazing! Heck, just where am I looking? —16 -1 A woman this pretty was workin’ here all along? Why didn’t I notice? After living here this long, I shoulda… -2 Of course I wouldn’t have noticed… ### box Why’d he come along, anyway? ### right We got a car, so we’ll just get everything from Jusco. This is a right pain, ‘cause you just have to go and return things. And then you want to go to the fish market. We better get a move on before I miss my comedy special. ### Like turd on a shoe ### The Japanese expression is “goldfish poo”. Like the stringy poo goldfish trail behind them and can’t shake off. -4 Smile sfx- Jolt —17 -1 …ah -5 Um… —18 -1 Would you care for a look? No pressure. -2 sfx- So close ### repeated Ah…ah… -3 Warm -4 Um, well… sfx- She smells so nice… —19 -1 …yes. -2 Are you looking for anything in particular? Naw… Um… to tell the truth… -3 Sorry! Someone like me… ### handwritten I don’t usually wear makeup… Shouldn’t be here… ### handwritten Oh, goodness! —20 -1 I beg your pardon. I’m sorry to have troubled you. -2 No! It’s no trouble t’all! sfx- Whssh -3 Ahahahah Ufufufufu sxf- Rope! Rope! ### she’s using this in the wrestling sense here. -4 If you have any interest at all, Would you like to sample some things? —21 -1 Yes. -2 The foundation and blush are creams. They moisturize, so it’s quite nice, I think. We’ll go with just one color for the eye shadow. A light application and we get a lovely shimmer, don’t you think? —22 -1 Amazing… It’s not like it’s hiding the wrinkles or such… I thought you’d have to put on so much more… It’s like my face has come into focus. ### handwritten -2 Makeup… Is not about hiding things. -3 The longer you live, the less you have to do for it to be effective. If you think of your face as your life’s story, And you have eighty pages to fill a volume… If you have written just 20 pages, you only understand a couple of high points and have to write all sorts of things more. At 65 pages, you only have to write 15 more to finish up. ### she starts slipping out her professional accent and into dialect starting here. Oh, my. ### handwritten -4 Goodness, I'm just talking nonsense now. I'm embarrassing myself. Please pay it no mind. -5 No… Um… I see… —23 -1 But, The success of your life story depends on if the author is satisfied. You can have an extravagant special edition with a foil stamped slip case. Ah, today I’ll stop at the trade paper back edition. It’s my debut work, after all ### handwritten -2 Then let’s save that adventure for next time. Sensei. ### Sensei is an honorific term used for Authors. She’s playfully making a point here. ### Emphasize “Sensei” in some fashion like in original -3 Finally, let’s give your lips some color. Do you have a preference? No, not really… -4 If so, then let’s try this… -5 It’s a pretty pink color. Like a sweet-pea, hm? I think it would suit you nicely. —24 -1 Ooohoo, my… Isn’t that a little bright…? -2 My dear customer, it might seem that way at first… But I have my reasons. By putting a bit of brighter color on your lips, your skin brightens up. And it goes really nicely with your skin tone, more than you’d think. -3 My… But, this color… People are going to tell me it’s unseemly… WHAT? -4 Twitch —25 -1 “Unseemly”…? Who is telling you that? Ah… No, pay it no mind. I’m used to hearing it, so… -2 My Husband… When I put on makeup, he’d say “That’s unseemly” or “Act your age!” He’d go run his mouth off… -3 What the heck’s wrong with him? How vexing… sfx- Hmph —26 -3 …ah Snicker -4 Sorry! I am so sorry! Look at me talking about someone’s husband like that! Ahahahaha Heeee ###handwritten Nah, pay it no mind. -5 Ah, How long’s it been since I've laughed like that? Goodness. Vexing indeed! —27 -1 Lay that color on me. It’ll be memorable! So, if you please! —28 -1 This color? For women in their 40’s? I think it’s a bit strange, ok? If you’re that age, don’t play with your makeup! -2 It’s hard on the eyes! Next up, We’ll learn the proper makeup for women in their 40’s! -4 Ma, not done yet? She always can’t decide. -5 Even if she puts some on, she looks the same, right? Ahahahaha —29 -2 Ah, I knew it would look good on you. It’s like a sweet-pea has bloomed! -3 Your words are going to go straight to my head… That’s wonderful. I hope they do. -4 Enjoying yourself should be number one, don’t you think? —30 -1 Thanks to you, This has been a lot of fun! —32 -2 Hana Monogatari Part 1 Yoshiya Nobuko ###book Miyoshi Dojima Yoshiko ###card -3 ### Aaaand the wedding ring’s off. -4 Please take this too… Yoshiya Nobuko’s “Hana Monogatari” collection of short stories. I like the story called “Sweet-pea” in here. Somehow I was reminded of it, and I’d like you to have it. ### for info on Yoshiya and Hana Monogatari, see: https://bookriot.com/nobuko-yoshiya/ ###Yoshiya was a ground breaking lesbian author in the flavor of Maria-sama ga Miteiru. ### this is also a play on the title. Hana Monogatari could either refer to this book, or it can refer to the protagonist, whose name has “Hana” in it. —33 -1 It may be rude of me, because it’s not new but, If you’d like it, please take it. So your name is Nishida Hanayo-sama! ### Hanayo means something like “A generation of flowers" ### -sama is more polite than -san. Used here because of business-client relationship. I hope you’ll come again… -2 Normally, that’s not something you’d do with just an ordinary customer. She’s treating me special…I understand that much. That’s because, -3 I bought all this! ### box Whoa! Enough for a giant! ### I suspect this is a pop-culture reference, but I don’t get it. The items used today Suggested skin care items Brushes and puffs. Piled up -4 MIYOSHI Dojima Yoshiko -5 Dojima Yoshiko-san. Even her name is pretty. ### Yoshiko means “Fragrant Child” —34 -1 Ok, starting tomorrow, thing are going to be busy. I'll have to add a proper skin care routine. I'll read this by the next time I go to the store. Life meaning Hobbies ### handwritten on right Communication… ### handwritten on left -2 Ah Next… -3 ### the Japanese is the same as the english, and means “a lot” -4 Waaah Am I goin’ crazy in the head? He’d say, “After buying all this, we gotta tighten our belts for three months!” Just what am I doing? sfx- Roll ### repeat -5 Ah sfx- Spacy ### she put her wedding ring back on. —35 Perfume! I didn’t buy perfume! -2 I'll have her tell me what she uses. Maybe she won’t like me imitating her? Ah, well, it’s a business, after all. Hey Ow, ow, ow. I tweaked my back. -3 I don’t know what’s goin’ through yer head! Yer not even workin’, and you can’t get dinner up yet? No matter what ya put on yer face, you’re still only you. It’s stupid. Dinner! Hurry it up! —36 -1 Shut up, you! Like I have time to do that! If ya want dinner, fend for yourself! There’s stuff there! You a baby, or something?! You baldy! -2 Huff Huff -3 Goodness. -4 I should have told him off at least once, While he was gettin’ his own food, even. But I really did forget to put out the offerings. ### handwritten right
### Fresh offerings of food, incense and flowers are usually made daily for the first year. I'm sorry. Please don’t haunt me. ### handwritten left —38 -1 ### This panel shows the setting is in Osaka. I suspect that Hanayo lives in a smaller city on the outskirts of Osaka. The crab shown is a mechanical sign for a famous restaurant - Konidoraku honten Osaka. More info here: https://aroimakmak.com/kani-doraku-osaka/ -2 Yeah, he was right manly, right? That guy. -3 Caught your attention, huh, Hanayo-san? He had such a beauty with him too. What a guy. —39 -1 Wha…? -2 There was someone like that? I saw the woman… -3 Hey, want do you want to do? Where do you want to go? I wanna see an American movie. ### both handwritten Whoa, there really was a guy there! I didn’t see him at all! ### handwritten Oh, come on now. -4 Really! I thought she looked so good in that pretty mini skirt… -5 You don’t have to cover it up. I can see right through you. —40 -1 Hanayo-san, you can’t fib for the life of you. sfx- beep -2 It’s not like I can’t tell. -3 Hanayo, I think it’s cute yer such a shrinkin’ violet, but, Ya don’t have to put on that air around me. -4 You’re gonna make me lonely. sfx- Squish Squish -5 Yeah… —41 -3 …morning. Good job getting up in my dreams… Even though I didn’t ask. -4 Splash —42 -1 He wasn’t a bad man… But he was 12 years older. -2 And I reckon’ I was a bit child-like. -3 But I wonder why… Every now and again he seemed sad… -4 Big Pile of Foam -5 Pwoof… -6 Such a nice fragrance… Yeah, getting a skin care routine was the right thing to do after all. —43 -1 I have dry skin, so wash with the foam gently and quickly. Way back when, I was told I had oily skin. Well, I guess things change as the years go by. Your pores are more noticeable when dirty. After rinsing, your pores will be open, so moisturize quickly. First time I've heard about “open pores”. -3 Nice and slow… Let it soak in… -4 My laugh lines. -5 My frowning face. -5 Yeah There’s a whole range there. —44 -1 Since your “face” is “your story”. -3 I’m not going to hide My wrinkles. -4 If my life is a book of 80 pages. Then by that example, I have 14 pages left. -5 I'll stop hiding my complexion. I'm going bring things out. —45 -1 Just what do I have to be timid about? -3 It’s like A sweet-pea has bloomed! -5 I wonder what chapter I'm on. —46 -1 A new character has appeared in my story. -2 MIYOSHI -4 Good afternoon. —47 -1 Oh, Yokoyama-sama! Welcome! ### -sama is much more polite than -san. Used with customers and people very superior to you. I ran out of cream. And it’s about time for a new lipstick. I want a new color. -2 Next month, I’m having a get together with classmates. If I have you choose something for me, it will be perfect, as always. Oh, my. I’m looking forward to this! -3 It’s our 70th anniversary! A gathering of classmates from Eizan Girl’s High School, Class C. Oh my goodness! -4 Have you decided what you’ll wear? It’s this one in the picture. —48 -1 What a pretty dress! You look so gorgeous in it. I thought a lipstick with a bit of shine would be nice. -2 I’ll bring out some selections, then. -4 What a pretty pink color! It’s like spring. What a nice feeling. -5 Yes… —49 -4 Rain! sfx- Shhhhh -5 Whew, they didn’t get wet and stayed dry. While I'm at it, I should put the winter things away. —50 -1 And… done. I hope it doesn’t turn for a cold spell now. -2 Huh? This box… -3 Bless me, this is a blast from the past… -4 The L'Arc 〜 en 〜 Ciel CD’s Keita collected. ### See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Arc-en-Ciel -5 These rakugo CDs were poppa’s. ### see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakugo -6 And this is mine… —51 -2 Snoore -3 ### this is a rakugo peformance. Traditional Japanese comedy. -4 Nod Nod -5 Heh —52 -1 Shhhhh —53 -1 Plip -2 Clap -3 Ah… So nice… —54 -1 All of them were such beautiful stories. But I think the one Yoshiko-san mentioned, “Sweet-pea”, made my heart race the most… The story of “Sweet-pea” in Hana Monogatari goes like this: -2 Pretty as sweet-pea, was Ayako-san, who charmed everyone at school. -3 And then there’s Saeki-san, who is solely focussed on getting closer to Ayako-san. In contrast, to Saeki-san, there’s the lively Mayumi-san, who… -4 Like a sweet-pea, right? I think it would suit you nicely. …huh? What could that mean… -5 It couldn’t be that… I reminder her of Asako-san…! —55 -1 What am I thinkin’? Not a chance in this world. I'm bein’ brazen. -2 Well, it’s a flight of fancy. Asako-san was beautiful, rich, young lady, but had a short, tragic life. Ta be honest, complete opposite of me. -3 Beautiful, tragic life… It was the story of awkward, but earnest girls who were compelled by feelings that would never be fulfilled. Beautiful story, but there’s a way it makes me draw back just a tad. -4 Ooooh, what do I do now? I want to chat with Yoshiko-san about this right now! I want to hear her opinion! —56 -1 But before that… -3 This one? Or this one? -4 Well, of course fashion magazines are aimed at young girls, but… I haven’t looked at one in decades… -5 Model: Kashikura Naomi (54) Esthetician. “Recently, I’ve been into ultrasonic face lifts!” -6 Kashikura Naomi (54)?! Not 34?! -7 Maybe this one, after all…? Improve your life habits Hanayaka ### magazine title. Roughly means “Gorgeous” Spring styles for adults Signs of spring Fun nails Learn how to make better conversation ### bottom line here is the last two lines on left side of magazine Spring is coming! Recipes you can make with pride ### right side of magazine —57 -1 They’re doing it too! Ways to reverse aging Make up to look young! The true way Mmm… Life without dementia! Storage to make cooking easier -2 Flip -3 Becoming a chief mourner What you need to know ### this refers to Japan’s funerary traditions. -4 Shucks, I already know plenty ‘bout that. sfx- Shhf -5 I wanted to buy a new outfit to visit Yoshiko-san’s store, and thought I'd research a bit, but… But nothing’s grabbin’ my attention. —58 -1 I'll search a little deeper in the racks… -2 Gran? -3 Riko-chan! What a crazy coincidence! Doing some shopping? -4 Yes, honey. You finished up with school? Yeah, I thought I’d finish my project at home. But forget that for a sec, you look a little different! —59 -1 Oh? That’s… -2 A fashion magazine? Became a complete woman DANZA ### headline No-fail color coordination What’s your style? As a wife As a woman Indulge in a week’s wardrobe -4 Oh? Dojima Yoshiko… -san! -5 She’s quite a wonderful lady… —60 -1 I though I'd visit her store sometime soon and since I've freshen up my makeup, I thought I'd like a nice outfit. -2 Whoa, Gran… -3 It’s like you’re totally In love! sfx- Fawhoosh -4 No, no, no. Just what are you saying, honeypie? It’s cool! Good for you. -5 Gettin’ excited about makeup. Gettin’ excited about clothes. Gettin’ excited about a wonderful person. All of it’s full of love! —61 -1 …you might be right. -2 So that why I was at the bookstore. I thought there might be something I could use for reference… Got it. Yeah, come to think of it, I have no idea about the fashion magazines aimed at your generation. -3 Well, it wouldn’t be proper for me to wear the things a 20 year old could. True, true… Oh, yeah - I can search the net for you… -4 Oh? Gran… That’s Catherine Deneuve! -5 Oh my, you know such an old actress? I just learned about her. Some classic moving are really gettin’ popular again. —62 -1 Is this yours, gran? -2 Indeed it is. I loved that movie when I was young. Watched it over and over. -3 I copied her style, even wore a ribbon in my hair… -4 Three days… Hmm? -5 Can you give this beginning fashion student, Three days or so? —63 -1 Ding Dong -2 Comiiing! -3 Gran! -4 I finished it! —64 -1 Kya! Ok, ladies, let’s have the famed three beauties of Eizan high class 3 look this way! Ok, say cheeeese! —65 -1 Yoshiko-san, Have you put away your winter clothes? -2 Almost… But I don’t want to move too fast on that… —66 -1 I know, right! It’s been darn hot these last 2-3 days. But we might just get a cold turn, hm? -2 Back when I was a kid, it felt like you’d say “Spring’s here!” But, I haven’t bought any spring clothes at all this year. -3 Pushin’ back on my age, I buy things in cute colors. But my customers laugh at me. Oh my. I think it’s fine! -4 Who cares about the climate. Who cares about what people think. —67 -1 You have no obligation to wait for spring. —68 -1 Okay! Well, I'll be back again. Thank you very much! -5 Hey Yo-chan, sometimes you should Try spring colors! —69 -1 I'm fine without it. I'll just use my normal… -3 It’s fun, ok? -4 Spring’s come for you too, Yo-chan. —70 -3 Thanks to you, This has been a lot of fun! -4 I wonder if I overstepped… I shouldn’t have bad-mouthed her asshole husband. —71 -2 Feels like They’re a bit Alike -3 Um… —72 Hello… ### no wedding ring —73 -2 Sorry! I'm spacing out! Kya! sfx- Clatter -3 Oh my, Just what am I doin’? I'm so sorry! I'll help get that. -4 No, it’s ok… -5 Sorry to startle you. It’s so nice to have you come back. ### she’s back to professional accent To tell the truth, I’ve been a bit worried since the other day… —74 -1 I gave you a makeover, And perhaps that caused you trouble at home? No! No! Not at all! -2 It’s fine. My husband’s no longer with us. I live alone now… -3 I see… -4 Are you going out after this? That’s a lovely dress. sfx- Jolt -5 No… —75 -1 I just was coming here. -2 After you made me up that time, something inside me changed, perhaps…? It made me think, just what was I worried about all this time? It made me think I want to spend my time doing more pleasant things. -3 Ah, think that’s a wonderful thing. ### back to dialect —76 -1 Oh, that’s right. I received some lovely tea as a gift. If you have time, would you like some? Oh? Are you sure? -3 Oh my… So your granddaughter… Indeed! She right surprised me. She’s studying clothing design… —77 -4 Oh, my! -5 You did a wonderful job, Riko-chan! -6 H-how… Do you like it? —78 -1 Gran is tickled pink! Makes me want to go right out and promenade around! -2 Really? Really! Really, really? -3 I’m so happy! I was worried! Gran, you’re always sayin’ something like “Ain’t that too fancy?” Or somethin’. —79 -1 Gran is going to stop fussin’ about that. Gran’s truly grateful, Riko-chan. -2 What a darling child. Indeed. She really has her head on her shoulders. -3 Am I in your hair, chatting away like this? Not at all. You always have a warm welcome here. -4 I have other regular customers who drop in too. It’s the pleasure of having a small shop. Is that so? That’s wonderful, then. If were just me, I'd get my hopes up a bit… ### handwritten —80 -1 So does that means… -2 It’s fine for me to be a regular? Are you looking for anything particular today? -3 Ah, something I've been wondering about since I first dropped by. I thought I might like some too… -4 The perfume… Yoshiko-chaaan! I need your advice! -5 Oh, my. Welcome! Please wait just a moment. -6 Ah, please go ahead… —81 -1 I'm sorry. I'll be back in a flash. -3 I'm going to have a recital with my group soon. -4 So it’s that time of year already. What shall we do this time? I want to do up the drama! -5 She seems a bit older than me… —82 -1 It’s nice that she’s learning something. -2 My gracious! sfx- Jolt -3 I thought you were an actress or something! Yoshiko-chan, you have a right beauty here! -4 Nishikawa-san, she’s a customer! She’s just pretty as a picture! Color me surprised! Hm? Since when has she been coming around these parts? Where abouts does she live? sfx- Gape ### Or “stunned” or some such. -5 Such a lovely dress! How much did it run you? Where did you get it? Nishikawa-san! —83 -1 Would you like to take a seat? Good gracious, no! I’ll be out of your hair soon. sfx- Up we go Yoshiko-chan, can you ring up my order? -2 I'm just rushing about. I have to go to practice next. What kind of practice? Maybe ballroom dance? ### handwritten -3 Drums! Full body exercise! And it keeps the dementia away. -4 We have a performance coming up. And all the band members want new make up. My goodness! -5 But honey, don’t go to other stores. -6 Maybe we should tone down the color… ### handwritten Yoshiko-chan’s the only one who get’s my style. Why would I? ### handwritten You trying to tell me I look like a blimp or something?! ### handwritten -84 -1 MIYOSHI, here Is the only place that can gussy me up. -2 Sorry to keep you waiting. -3 Thank you? How much? 8810 yen, please. -4 Wow, Yoshiko-san really is something… ### she refers to her using Yoshiko’s first name in her head… -5 She’s full of spit and vinegar, hm? Sure is. She gets me fired up too! -6 Um… So… Sorry to keep you waiting. What was it? —85 -1 The perfume… The one you are using, Dojima-san… I'd like some too. -2 Ah, that. I'm sorry, I don’t carry it. -3 Ah… I see. Then can you tell me the name? It doesn’t have a name… -4 My friend runs a perfume shop. And I made it myself. So that’s why I can’t sell it to you. Making your own perfume? You can do that? ### two line above handwritten —86 -1 But if you’d like, I can share some of mine… No, no, no, I could never! -2 Then… -3 Would you like to go to that shop together? -4 sfx- Wha If it’s not a bother, that is. -5 You might find something you like more than mine, Nishida-san… And perhaps… Have a light lunch or dinner? —87 -1 That… Would be lovely. -2 I hope you’re not forcing yourself… -3 Not at all! I was thinking I'd like to chat with you some more… About the book you gave me… It was really interesting! -4 Ah… You read it, then? I hope it met with your approval…? -5 My goodness yes! Although there were some difficult stories. ### Hanayo is referring to the classical Japanese Kanji used to write the book, which can be difficult for modern readers. —88 -1 I'm not sure about this, but… And may be mistaken, but, Somehow, even though the times and circumstances are completely different… -2 The feelings those girls had, the ones that had to disappear, or they had to give up on, It doesn’t feel like someone else’s problems. -3 I’m glad I gave it to you then… -4 So then if it’s alright with you, Can I have your contact information? —89 -4 Tmp —90 -2 Yo-chan -3 Let me borrow the middle volume again. -4 Kiyoko-san, you said you weren’t all that into reading, right? Something like that. -5 To tell the truth, some stories are hard, and I don’t get them much, but… —91 -1 It’s like I can relate to their stories. Like it pulls me in. Yep. Hmm… -2 Listen, We’re not beauties like that. Not poetic like that. Not as dramatic like that either. Yeah? -3 I think we’ll keep on living our lives, right? That’s different from Asako-san in Hana Monogatari. I wonder what it’s going to be like? —92 -1 Like, for instance, if we keep going, I’ll wear chanchanko first. Then you’ll wear it in two more years. ### Chanchanko is a red, sleeveless kimono vest worn to celebrate the 60th birthday. More info here: https://japanjunky.com/what-is-kanreki/ “If we keep going”? -2 Eventually, we’ll be looking for the glasses perched on top of our heads. Mistaking my false teeth in the cup and using yours and arguing about it. False teeth…? -3 Well, fairy tales don’t end like that. It won’t be that pretty even without some disaster. Would that even work? Doesn’t seem realistic… -4 So, You’re ok with me quitting work, going back home, doing that Omiai and getting married? ### Omiai is a formalized introduction to a potential marriage partner. Not quite arranged marriage, but in the ball park. —92 -1 Kiyoko-san…? -3 Oh, come on. I told you I turned it down. But… -4 I wonder if could we have our own fairy tale? A beautiful one without any disasters… —94 -1 Hey, Yo-chan. You and I. When we become grannies, we’re not going to just disappear somewhere, right? —95 -1 Snnnnf -2 No way I'm going to disappear. Right? —96 -1 Thank y’all! Be sure to come to the next performance of Senba & Kawachizu! —97 -1 Vwwooooo… -3 You goin’ out again today? -5 Yes… Goin’ for to do the shoppin’ —99 -1 Shall I get out th’ car? -2 I'd better go and offer greetin’s to yer friends. No need fer that. I'll go by train. -3 You always are up in people’s business like that. ‘Causes my friends no end of trouble. That so? You shoulda told me sooner. -4 I tried my durn best. You’d just get in a conniption all the day long. -5 Enough, woman! Don’t you backtalk me! —100 -1 Don’t you get too fancy, now. -2 The neighbor ladies will think yer proud as peacock and start to gossipin’. -3 Womenfolk can be downright scary, eh? -4 Bleeh You hush up! -5 Nishida-san! -6 Goodness, Good morning to you… —101 -1 You sure have been busier than a beehive recently. Have things simmered down? Yes, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise. -3 Well, Don’t take this the wrong way, sugar… -4 But… Those clothes… That makeup… -5 Don’t you think ###handwritten top right Womenfolk… Can be scary… ### bubble That’s a bit much? ###handwritten bottom right Act your age ###handwritten top left This… This is… You’re not a spring chicken ###handwritten bottom left —102 -1 Your makeup! Just where did you buy it? -2 Sorry to jump on ya… But you look fresh as a daisy! -3 Don’t mean nothin’ bad by this, but, Compared to a while ago… -4 Recently you have become quite the beauty! -5 Don’t get me wrong, sugar, you were plenty fine before! Sorry, don’t mean to ruffle your feathers! Aha ###handwritten —103 -1 To tell the truth, We wanted to swing by before, And say howdy, Nishida-san -2 But, you seemed busier than anything, so we stayed out of your hair. But if things have settled down a tad, Might we call on you some day? Have a cup of tea? It’d be my pleasure. -3 Kya Well then, we’ll surely be in touch. Sorry to keep you. No, no… -4 Ah… —104 -1 About the makeup, Down the shopping street, Do you know MIYOSHI? -2 It’s been a good while Since I've been to the city. -4 Come to think of it, just when was the last time I was to meet someone like this? -5 I betcha it’s been a month of Sundays. —105 -1 Mmm… -2 I'm a bit uneasy… -4 Yoshiko-san, I betcha, must come to the city and shop… -6 Ah! —106 -1 Oh, honey! -2 sfx- Wham sfx- Jolt -3 Huh Huh -4 She must be sayin’ she has to reload her transit card… maybe? —107 -1 I'm so sorry! I kept you waiting… -2 Not at all… -4 Heh —108 -1 When you choose A perfume -2 Having an image of when you want to use the perfume, Is a good idea before you enter the shop, I think. -3 Oh…? It might sound obvious, But when you are in front of so many choices, So people get overwhelmed and leave without buying anything. -4 Well I'm just parroting what the shop owner said, anyways. ### yeah, I’m using parroting on purpose. Evil foreshadowing and all that. —109 -1 When do you plan to use the perfume, Nishida-san? -2 Um… I guess… The last time I used perfume was… -3 Back when I worked in a credit union after community college. When I went out after work? -4 Nowadays… -5 Um, well… -6 Get up in the morning. Make breakfast. Sometimes go shopping. Do the cleaning and the shopping. Watch TV… —110 -1 When?! -2 I guess… I've had a life Full of nothin’. Hmm? -4 I guess I just haven’t had the opportunity to wear perfume. —111 -1 Had and raised me some kids. Then even after it was just me and poppa, I just was busy with cooking the meals, and at the end, with the caretaking. I was busy as a bee. -3 I've always felt that I've never had time for myself. -4 And now, even after being alone now, It still feels like I don’t have time for myself, but… —112 -2 Goodness. Well, then. -3 Today I've snatched up your precious time. And snuck away with you. -4 Mmm, I see. I see. “My own time”. I see… —113 -1 Back when we were born, it was all about taking care of others, right? You’ve hit the nail on the head! And it’s still like that now, some. -2 When you live with someone, It’s a bother, hm? -5 Yosh… Dojima-san… Do… Yes? —114 -1 Do you have someone you are living with? Or what I really want to ask is, are you married? She must be married, riiiiight? But I'm living alone now, so it could be that she’s also livin’ alone, right? -2 Am I going batty? sfx- Shake ###repeated Just what am I thinkin’ here? She’s thinking up a storm, huh? -3 Do you… Uh, what occasions do you wear perfume? Mmm, Let’s see… —115 -1 When I go to work… And, of course, when you feel “ah, this is the crucial moment”. -2 “The crucial moment”? Yes. The crucial moment. -3 Today, of course, I haven’t put on any since we’re going to buy some. Yes, I see… -5 Does that mean…?! That she feels that today is a “crucial moment”?! —116 -2 Uwah. -3 So cute. —117 -1 Weloco… Oh! Yoshiko-chan, It’s been a while! -2 It has been a while, Masami-chan! I brought one of my customers, Nishida-san. -3 Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you as well. I’m Minamoto, the owner here. -4 I've never been someplace like this before. Ah, then please don’t feel any pressure. -5 We make perfume starting at 10ml. This is a roll on bottle ### handwritten As we chat and try fragrances, I'm sure we can find something to your taste. I think you’ll find our bottles and prices are better than anywhere else. —118 -1 I'll help Yoshiko-chan first, So if you’d like, please look around. We have our own original air fresheners and hand lotions as well. —119 -2 My, my. I certainly would get lost with all this. sfx- Tons on display -3 I want something similar to last time, but something a bit spicier, I think. I'd like it to feel fresh. If so, then we’ll add more of the middle note, cardamon. —120 -1 Yoshiko-san Clearly knows what she likes. She must be someone who has had plenty of her own time during her life. —121 -4 Toss -5 Hmm? sfx- Clatter -6 Keita’s toy. Pappa’s golf bag. —122 -1 Ah, right right. Sorry! -2 Things Keita liked. Things papa liked. -3 The things my father-in-law and mother-in-law liked. -4 My younger brother. My father. My mother… —123 -4 Vanilla Seven ###tin -5 Wha? —124 -2 Hana-chan, is your cold better? Yep! Thanks for doing the watering for me. -3 Of course! We’re best friends! -4 Ah! sfx- Ding Dong -5 Let’s go! —125 -3 Sweet Pea ### label Smells so good… —126 -1 Huh? -2 Oh my. Essential Oil ### label -3 There was a connection? -4 Nishida-san… Sorry to keep you waiting. —127 -1 Ok, then What shall we do today? -2 I like the smell of Sweetpeas. -3 Oho! Just like Yoshiko-chan. Yes, but… —128 -1 A little more sweet… Like vanilla… And… -2 I’d like a little more… A little more of this and that. So that… -3 So that it gives me so much energy when I wear it that I want to run about… I'd like a fragrance like that. -4 Leave it to me! —129 -1 These are the essential oils. Let’s have you add them in. Me? -2 Yes. -3 You. —130 -1 So today sweetpea is the main note. Let’s start with five drops of that. Next, a drop of umber. And then… -2 Let’s have you check our progress. Really rub it into the back of your hand. —131 -1 How is it? Ah! -2 I saw it on the self, But how would it be with some citrus? -4 Wow… —132 -1 The crystals and the bottle are options, but I’ll throw them in for you. -2 If you have one of these to toss in your bag, it’s nice, right? They sparkle… -3 Just roll it on. Roll, roll… ### both handwritten With the roll-on, it’s easy to apply. -4 I thought it would be really hard to make a perfume at first. But it was easier than I thought. -5 When I bought perfume, I always thought to myself, just when will I wear this? -6 Cleaning, doin’ the laundry, going to the market was all I did. So I thought it wasn’t worth it to wear perfume for that. —133 -1 By all means, please use it when ever you’d like. -2 It doesn’t have to be for anything fancy. Even if it just that you’d like a ‘lil whiff, it’s ok to put some on. -3 If you enjoy it, then do it. -4 If you don’t enjoy it, it’s fine to pass on by. -5 It’s the same with makeup, right Yoshino-chan? Yes, indeed. —134 -1 If people like it, then they should wear it. If not, it’s just fine that they don’t. -2 That’s the best way, I think. -3 Yoshiko-chan, you didn’t even care for makeup at first, right? Wha?! But? Now she… -4 Well, that’s a story you should hear straight from the horse’s mouth. -5 Well now, what are y’all doin’ next? It’s getting ‘bout time to think about dinner. Next thing is to find someplace… —135 -1 If so, how about my other half’s place? ### The actual Japanese translated to “my person’s place”, in the sense of “my old lady, or my old man”, but I need to preserve the gender anonymity for the moment. It’s a weekday, so one of the private rooms should be open. -2 Oh my, We’ll take you up on that. -4 Thank you very much! It’s been my pleasure… -5 Ok, it’s this way. —136 -1 She didn’t like… Makeup? -2 Welcome! Hana no Kou ### Fragrance of flowers on the kanban curtain. It’s another callback to the “Hana” in the title. -3 Good evening, I’m Nahoko. I was so pleasantly surprised to get a call from my other half. -4 If y’all are looking for dinner, we can take care of you. Nishida-san, do you have things you don’t like? Oh, I'm fine with anything. My other half…? —137 -1 Cheers! -2 Cheers… -3 Sip -4 That’s delicious… -5 It’s a bit dry, but really drinkable, hm? I see what you mean. —138 -1 Ok, let’s dig in. The fish is mighty good here. -2 Wow… -3 The rustic simplicity of the black carp special appetizer is burstin’ with flavor, and the fresh fragrance of the spring beans blends together with it naturally in my mouth. The aroma is so refreshing when you get a whiff of it. sfx- Sip Sip Sip Seems like you like it, mm? -4 I'm not sure what to think. I've never been much one for drink. Just tagged along some when I was working. Getting tipsy ###handwritten -5 Yoshiko-san, you go drinking often? -6 “Yoshiko-san” —139 -1 Well… I like it well enough, I guess. I like it better now than when I was younger. -2 Back then, it was as if I had to prove myself. Both at college and at work. -3 They’d force me, all “you sure can drink for a woman”. I guess I got good enough at it. But I didn’t know anything about what I was drinking. -4 I got taken to some pretty highbrow places, too. Kind of a waste, when I look back on it now. -5 What kind of work…? —140 -1 A publishing company back in Tokyo. Goodness, Tokyo! -2 I loved books. my college also was in Tokyo and I was in the literature department. I wanted to be in book publishing, but was assigned to weekly magazines. -3 Well, not everything goes to plan, hm? -5 …you didn’t like makeup? —141 -1 That’s right, sugar. I hated it. -2 But I was made fun of either way. It’s not like I didn’t wear any, but… -3 But when I was applying it, I always thought That I'd rather sleep 30 more minutes. -4 Did something happen…? To make you change to this job? -5 I got to know someone who loved makeup… ### or did she get love someone who knew makeup? —142 -1 It make me want to learn a bit more. I wondered, just what was so fun? -2 I wonder why I hated it so much before. -3 Thanks for waiting. This dish is Nishin. ### Nishin is a very yummy fish. My my, So they can make sashimi out of Nishin too… We lucked out, Hanayo-san, they rarely have this. -4 “Hanayo-san” -5 Le-le-let’s try it… —143 -1 Chomp ### covers panel 1 and 2 -3 Mmmmmm -4 Hanayo-san, did you got to community college here? Yes. I've never lived by myself. -5 What kind of student were you? -6 Mmm… A normal one… -7 Nothing special… —144 -1 Gulp -2 My otooto went to college in Tokyo! ### younger brother -3 When it came to me, I was told to study Home EC in community college and then go find work. Since my otooto was goin’ to a 4 year college in Tokyo, I knew we had to save for his tuition. Well, if you’d ask him what he wanted to study in college, He didn’t have much of a clear idea. -4 But, listen to this, once I went and asked him. -5 Nori, why do you want to go to college? And he said, —145 -1 Weeell, My friends are all goin’. And I wanna live alone ’n join the folk music club. -2 Arrgh! -3 And he wanted to go to the same college in Tokyo that his favorite singer graduated from! Can you believe that boy? Goodness me. -4 Oh, my. I'm sorry to make such a fool of myself. No. -5 Of course you’re angry. Getting angry over your brother’s special treatment? Of course you would. —146 -1 Yoshiko-san -2 She’s always gets angry on my behalf. Well, complaining about it now won’t get me anything. -3 You can go, you know. -5 I can go…? You can go. -6 There are people who go to college after retiring. Some people just want to take the classes and audit them. There’s a variety of ways. —147 -1 You can go. -2 But, I bet that’d ah… Well, it wouldn’t of any use to anybody. -3 Wouldn’t it be a right waste? For me, -4 I’m glad I went to college. -5 For example, libraries, the likes of which I’d never seen before. Old books, new books. Rare books. Not so rare books. Books from various countries. I could read just about anything for free. —148 -1 It was such an interesting experience. What was common sense back in the day was turned on it’s head just 50 years later. Even within the same period of time, people arguing for, people arguing against. -2 I thought there wasn’t anyone like me up until that point. -3 But surprisingly, I found people like me here and there. Yoshiya Nobuko ###book -4 What I learned for myself during that time, certainly wasn’t of use to anyone else. But, it really was a necessary time for me. I learned so many things they never taught me in high school. Hanayo-san… —149 -1 You’ve lived your life being helpful to others. -2 It should be ok to do a little something for yourself now, hm? -3 Hana no Kou -4 sfx- slide That was the last course… -5 Are you satisfied? -6 It was lovely, Nahoko-san. Happy to hear it! —150 -2 You got into your cups, hm? -3 Next time, shall we go out drinking with my other half? The four of us? I know a bar that serves sake… -4 Um… -5 Nahoko-san… Are you… family with Masami-san? ### italicize “family” -7 Yes. We’re family. —151 -1 But more than family… -2 What you’re asking is if I'm a woman who loves another woman, right? -3 I guess so… -4 Masami and Ah… We’re married, I guess? ### Gay marriage is not legal in Japan, so she’s talking figuratively. -5 It’s been a while, right? How many years? Thirty… I'm surprised myself that it’s been 30 years. —152 -1 So does that make Piyo-chan 30 too? It surely does. And noisy as always. -2 Hanayo-san, they have a parrot at their house, They live a long time right? 40 years? About this big, and she can talk. -3 You won’t believe what Piyo-chan… -4 Hanayo-san? -5 I'm sorry… I have Something In my eye… —153 -1 I'll just head to the restroom… -2 sfx- Slide… Tmp -3 I shouldn’t have said that? Did I scare her? Sorry! I don’t normally hide it, so… ### handwritten No… It’s not like that, I think. -4 I don’t think it’s like that for Hanayo-san. -5 What am I gonna do? —154 -1 What am I gonna do? my tears won’t stop… -3 Sumi-chan? Your cousin that’s getting married next? She went to XX women’s community college. And her husband’s family… …right? And he works at XX bank… …said that the girls from XX women’s community college are a safe bet, so… -4 Hana-chan, what are ya gatherin’ dust for? Serve up the rice. -4 Oookay. —155 -1 Could it be… -2 The one path laid out before me The one I thought was the only way… —156 -1 But maybe that wasn’t true after all? -2 What was common sense back in the day Was turned on it’s head just 50 years later… But no one showed me that… -3 Hanayo-san, are you ok? sfx- Knock Knock Y-yes! —157 -1 I had them call a taxi for us. -2 Let’s go back together. -5 I want to hear more about you, Hanayo-san. -6 And I'll chat more about myself too. —159 -1 Oh, my… -4 Well, well. Yes, indeed. sfx- Ba da ding —160 -1 Yoshiko-san Did you sleep well? Thank you for yesterday. -3 Thank • you • too… Sorry • to… Worry • you… —160 -1 Going back to school for retirees. Hana no Monogatari Volume 1 END —161 -1 Bonus Content 1 Piyo-chan ### above panel BROCOOLOO! BROCOCOLLI! BROCCOLI! PIYO-CHAN LIKES! I LIKE BROCCOLI! Piyo-chan. Parrot. 30. Female. -2 Piyo-chan’s a genius at speakin’, hm? PIYO-CHAN LIKES! I LIKE BROCCOLI! ### handwritten But due to that, we have to live in an apartment with thick walls. -3 NA HO KO SAN! NA HOO KOO SAN! Would you look at that. She’s calling you, Nahoko-san. -4 NA HO KO SAN, WHAT DO YOU! LOVE MORE THAN ANYTHING? —162 -1 YEAH YEAH OF COURSE IT’S YOU, MASAMI-CHAN! -2 NA HO KO SAN, WHAT DO YOU! LOVE MORE THAN ANYTHING? IT’S YOU, MASAMI-CHAN! Oh, you got Piyo-chan to remember that. ### handwritten I see… Yoshiko-san, tea! I'm making tea! Ok? Tea! You want coffee? Black tea?! Yoshiko-san!! sfx- Cough ### repeated —163 -1 Bonus Content 2 Late Night Reading ###above panel What if… -2 Ayako-san didn’t get sick… She got better and returned to school… -3 Mayumi-san! Asako-san…?! -4 I turned down Saeki-san! I want to live my life with you after all, Mayumi-san! —164 -1 Hey, let’s both quit this girl’s school. Let’s go live in some far away village. -2 I’ll work, I’ll do anything! -3 I’m ready to do anything… As long as it’s with you, Masami-san! -4 Ayako-san…! —165 -1 NyHeh! -2 Kyaaaaaa Please look forward to Vol 2! ### under panel —166 -1 Hanayo has lost her long time husband. Yoshiko is single and runs a cosmetics shop. Though they have had such different lives, They meet now because the two of them are older. Attracted to each other, they start to get to know one another.