Working 14 hours a day on a textile loom was just too much. I endured it as long as I could, thinking how much our family needs the money. I thought I could last there until I marry . . . You did your best for your family and for Japan. If people of our nation didn't sacrifice, then we couldn't modernize.
Japan needs the money that comes from exporting our textiles.
As for your marriage, we'll find someone in the village for you soon. First, let's worry about curing your tuberculosis. Besides young people like Fumi, the ones I feel sorry for are the coal miners. Not only are they ruining their health, but the mines are dangerous. You all remember what happened at Ashio Mines in 1878.