Stepmom and Daughter Blues (2018)

Akiko's back! This special picks up a year after the series ended. When we l as t saw Akiko, an ambitious career woman, she 'd just started work ing again after a long hiatus, but out of the blue she’s been fired f rom her high-powered job. Her stepdaughter Miyuki is now a university student living in Tokyo. Akiko hasn't seen Miyuki for a while, and she's in for a big surprise! When Akiko arrives, Miyuki’s boss is there wearing only a towel, holding a baby! Have these two had a baby together?! It wasn't easy for Akiko as a working person to be a stepmom, but she gave it her all, and Miyuki loved her back. Don’t miss the new adventures of this loveable family.

Company worker Akiko finds that a business she helped to revive has been taken over by a vulture capitalist, Ryoji, who looks identical to her deceased husband. When Ryoji’s next acquisition turns out to be a beloved bakery, Akiko suspects an ulterior motive and vows to resist. Caught between hatred of vulture capitalists and budding feelings toward her new boss, Akiko finds support from her stepdaughter, Miyuki, who is dedicated to looking out for her stepmom in this heartwarming drama.

Stepmom Akiko grows concerned when daughter Miyuki, who is about to graduate from college, seems content to work part-time at Bakery Mugita without looking for a “real” job. After Akiko lectures Miyuki about her tardiness to job-hunting, they begin researching companies together. But no sooner do they start when Miyuki drops a bombshell. “I want to get married!” sending Akiko and everyone including bakery owner Mugita into a frenzy.

Akiko heads briskly to a local park to officially introduce herself to her stepdaughter-to-be — but the girl takes an immediate disliking toward her.

Ryoichi, Akiko and Miyuki begin their life together as a family. But the more Akiko tries to be a good mother, the more Miyuki seems to resent her.

Akiko takes her new position as a mother and homemaker very seriously, but even she isn't prepared for what she encounters at the PTA meeting.

Starting to suspect that her father and Akiko are in a fake marriage, Miyuki asks them how they first met — a question neither is able to answer.

With Ryoichi incapacitated and in the hospital, Akiko steps in for him at his job. Wanting to be of help, Miyuki makes a suggestion.

Now a senior in high school, Miyuki must start thinking about her future. To set a good example for her, Akiko considers returning to work.

Akiko uses all her skills and experience to bring customers into the failing bakery. Meanwhile, Miyuki struggles with her studies.

After enjoying a temporary bump in sales, Bakery Mugita begins to struggle once more — prompting Akiko to suggest a drastic move.

At long last, Bakery Mugita opens its doors again with a whole new approach. Meanwhile, Miyuki wonders if Mugita has feelings for her stepmother.

With her stepmother's fierce support, Miyuki goes to take her entrance exam. Akiko ends up in the hospital, giving Miyuki a fright.