Ep. 112: Yamaoka reflects on his mother while helping Mrs. Kamura roast tea leaves.

112

During summer, Yamaoka and Kurita witness hojicha roasting, triggering memories of Yamaoka’s mother being bullied by Kaibara. Manager Tanamura tasks Yamaoka with delivering fresh tea to novelist Riichi Kamura, who is behind schedule and dissatisfied with previous shipments. Yamaoka, who dislikes fussy artists, reluctantly agrees. Upon arriving at the Kamura residence, they find Riichi rude to his wife before storming out. Yamaoka demonstrates the slow roasting of green leaves over hot coals on mulberry paper to Mrs. Kamura. He shares how his mother found solace in his father’s success despite her suffering. Riichi returns, praises the tea, and Mrs. Kamura feels satisfied, leading Yamaoka to contemplate his own parents' relationship.