Japanese Drama Review 16 - Hanayori Dango Episode 1 - Makino's Wealth

Makino’s statement, ‘to be honest, I hate myself because I can’t say anything’ closes a scene and the next opens with her seated in the school cafeteria. We observe the chalkboard menu – written in French and Japanese. The yen pricing is exorbitant. This is not a school cafeteria it is definitely a fine dining establishment.

Makino observes the china, silverware and crystal used by the students at Eitoku – she notices the elegantly served portions of French cuisine. ‘Unbelievable’ she whispers in response to what she has seen.

Slowly, she unwraps her lunch and the antique lunch box her mother had found to pack her lunches in, is revealed. ‘This is unbelievable too,’ Makino acknowledges. Her mother has packed a favorite meal for school lunch – prawns.

I can only think of the love and care shown by Makino’s mother in packing favorite foods for lunch in such a beautiful box. Such care and consideration for her daughter’s fitting in at Eitoku. Yet, her very well intended and loving gesture further exposes the wide difference between Makino and other Eitoku students. It shows the financial divide as well as the difference between the nurturing commitment of involvement between parents and their children.

Makino’s new friend Sanjou-san – a new transfer to Eitoku – is stopped by two male students. They want her to sit with them in the dining room. Makino calls her – she has saved a seat for her. Sanjou-san joins Makino, and is grateful for Makino’s rescuing her from a difficult encounter and comments, ‘I don’t think I can get used to this school.’

Makino whispers, ‘Hey! By chance are you a commoner?’ Sanjou notices Makino’s lunch – she thinks the rice is moldy. Makino realizes Sanjou does not come from a similar background as her. She states, ‘You’re a rich girl after all.’

1. Are you rich?

2. Explain why you consider yourself rich, and why you may not?

3. Whose ideal or value determines richness?

4. Define the value?

5. Are you rich because of what you know to be true about who and what you are?

6. What is your reality?

7. What are the true riches we can have?

8. What gives value to life?

9. What makes life joy-filled and blessed?

Do you answer from a traditional and cultural mindset, or from a Biblical perspective? Have you examined the Word of God to determine if your value is honoring of the Lord? How can we grow this discussion to encourage Makino, and to help her grow her friendship with Sanjou?

• Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it (Matthew 13:45-46).

• Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed (Proverbs 3:13-18).

• Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife (Proverbs 17:1)

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