Season 2, Episode 7, titled “Chapter Fifteen,” of the Apple TV series, Pachinko, is directed by Sang-il Lee and penned by Haruna Lee and Soo Hugh. This episode focuses on celebrating Noa’s acceptance into Waseda University in Tokyo. It represents not just an educational milestone, but also a gateway to endless opportunities that could improve his family’s circumstances and secure his future. Noa now has a chance to receive a top-quality education, which could open many doors and help him realize any dream he sets his mind to. His acceptance is thus a significant moment, highlighting the hopes and aspirations placed on his shoulders.

The episode also delves into the theme of dreams, ambitions, and their limitations. This theme is explored through both Mozasu and Kato. In a poignant conversation with Noa, Mozasu shares his dream of moving to America to live the idealized “American dream” of prosperity and freedom. However, this vision contrasts sharply with the teachings of Isak, who, in 1945, emphasized that family and love hold more value than material wealth. It is touching to see how Isak’s teachings resonate with Mozasu as he grows older, raising his son. By 1989, Mozasu had evolved from a young, optimistic dreamer into a man who cherishes his family above any youthful ambitions. Yet, despite shifting his priorities, Mozasu does achieve one of his goals: becoming a successful pachinko parlor owner. This accomplishment reflects the complexity of the theme; dreams may change or take different forms, but they can still shape one’s path in life.

Kato’s story provides a stark counterpoint to Mozasu’s journey. He has faced numerous challenges and limitations throughout his life, particularly due to his lack of financial means. Unlike Mozasu and Noa, Kato does not have the luxury of opportunities that wealth can provide. His desire to travel to America is thwarted by the harsh reality of his economic situation, illustrating how not everyone can fulfill their dreams, no matter how deeply they wish.

The episode paints a realistic picture of life’s struggles, highlighting the disparities between those born into privilege and those who must work tirelessly to earn every opportunity. For individuals like Noa and Mozasu, success and the chance for a better life cannot be simply given; they must be earned through hard work and perseverance. This exploration of dreams, limitations, and the pursuit of a better life serve as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between ambition, family, and the unpredictable nature of fate.

Noa Gains Support

In 1950 Osaka, Kim Sunja (Kim Min-ha) and her family put up a sign announcing Noa’s (Kim Kang-hoon) acceptance to Waseda University, hoping to garner support from their Korean neighbors. Their efforts are met with success, but the celebration is abruptly interrupted by Koh Hansu (Lee Min-ho), who arrives to congratulate his biological son. Hansu presents Noa with a pocket watch he once gave to Sunja, a gesture that unsettles her. her concern over Noa discovering the truth about his parentage and the real motive behind Hansu’s support for the family weighs even more heavily on her mind.

Hansu Orchestrates an Assassination

Hansu later meets with his father-in-law questioning who Isamu Yoshii is. The father-in-law explains that he is merely a fortunate thug who did the right favor for the right person. As a result, Isamu Yoshii has gained prominence in the underworld and is slowly taking control over the black markets, markets the Yakuza cannot afford to lose. Hansu is concerned about this but the father-in-law believes the problem is only temporary. The latter wants Hansu to turn his attention to the new subway lines with their contact already assuring the criminal organization’s control over them. 

The father-in-law brings up the topic of the marriage ceremony between Kurogane and Hansu’s daughter. Kurogane insists that the ceremony be kept private to avoid public scrutiny over a rising Japanese politician marrying someone of mixed Korean and Japanese descent. He even requests that Hansu not attend. This angers Hansu, and he becomes even more furious when he learns that his father-in-law has approved these terms.

In response, Hansu orchestrates his father-in-law’s assassination to protect his family from the schemes of the Yakuza. He allies with Isamu Yoshii, and together they carry out the murder to solidify their partnership. With this act, the Yakuza can continue their operations in the black markets, and Hansu gains the power he needs to safeguard his family and friends. However, there may be consequences if Hansu’s involvement in his father-in-law’s murder is discovered with the addition of his alliance with Isamu Yoshii. 

Noa and Mozasu

As time passes, the family prepares Noa for college while he tries to convince his younger brother, Mozasu (Mansaku Takada), to avoid becoming addicted to pachinko. It’s a difficult period for everyone, as this will be the first time Noa is away from his family for an extended period. Later, Noa has a private conversation with Mozasu on a rooftop, discussing their dreams and futures. Noa begins by urging Mozasu to take on his responsibilities in supporting the family and then asks about his younger brother’s plans for the future. 

Mozasu shares that he dreams of going to America—a place with big cars, big houses, and good sweets. Noa is amused by this, but Mozasu is serious; he wants to live in America to be his true self and pursue the life he desires.

Ironically, by 1989, Mozasu was still living in Osaka, caring for his mother and son. He never made it to America, having sacrificed his dreams to fulfill the values his father, Isak, taught him back in 1945: prioritize family above all else. This reflects a universal truth: while we may have dreams, we often treasure the comfort of home and family more than any material wealth. Mozasu’s motivation to go to America is also ironic, considering that many ethnic groups in America at that time faced heavy prejudice and discrimination.

Noa in Waseda University

Before leaving for college, Noa spends time with his family. He and Mozasu take their uncle Yoseb (Han Jun-woo) out, who has been struggling with PTSD from the Nagasaki bombing, his brother’s death, and the close relationship between Kyunghee (Jung Eun-chae) and Kim Chang-ho (Kim Sung-kyu). The brothers bring Yoseb to a baseball game, filling him with joy and lifting his spirits. It’s a heartwarming moment for the family, highlighting that, despite their challenges, they always have each other to lean on. This makes it even more tragic when, by 1989, only Mozasu and Sunja, along with Solomon, remain among the surviving family members.

Noa eventually says his goodbyes to the family and Mozasu as Sunja accompanies him to Tokyo by train. It is a sad and tender farewell, made even more poignant by the possibility that it could be their last meeting, as Noa later disappears and is never seen in the 1989 storyline. When they arrive at Waseda University, they are surprised by the delivery of an expensive, luxurious suitcase for Noa. It turns out to be another gesture of support from Hansu, to Sunja’s subtle concern. Despite this, Noa becomes an official student of Waseda University and the first thing he does is witness an anti-American student rally.

The Company Fires Naomi

In 1989 Tokyo, Naomi (Anna Sawai) struggles to protect and advance the interests of Shiffely’s and Katsu Abe. She is working to secure a hotel client for the land Katsu Abe recently purchased, but faces unexpected obstacles. Tom Andrews (Jimmi Simpson) confronts her, revealing that she has been accused of breaching security protocol by leaking confidential client information related to the IPO. Naomi admits to the allegations, acknowledging that she should have been more careful in her work.

Although her superiors are angry, they are relieved the issue was resolved quickly, minimizing potential damage to Shiffely’s reputation. Despite this, Naomi is forced to resign, effectively being fired, leaving her in shock and sorrow. It is heartbreaking to witness someone’s dedication and hard work dismissed so abruptly by the very institution they served with their blood and effort.

Solomon’s Plan is Underway

With Naomi out of the picture, Tom calls Mamoru Yoshii (Louis Ozawa) to update him on the situation at Shiffely’s while Yoshii meets with Solomon (Jin Ha). Tom informs Yoshii that he has received authorization to call in Katsu Abe’s loan, placing Abe in $30 million of debt. Yoshii asks how soon Shiffely’s can take possession of the land, to which Tom responds that it depends on how long Abe resists repaying the loan. Nevertheless, the plan is already in motion, and the land auction is set to begin soon. In other words, Yoshii is close to securing his golf course, and Solomon is nearing his revenge on Abe. Pleased with the progress, Yoshii congratulates Solomon on his effectiveness.

Sunja and Kato

Sunja (Youn Yuh-jung) spends time with her new friend Kato Tatsumi (Jun Kunimura) as they put plants into jars. During their conversation, Kato asks about her time in Connecticut, and Sunja describes the abundance of trees in America, which makes Kato a bit envious. Noticing his envy, Sunja asks why he doesn’t use his time to travel to America. Kato explains that such a trip is too expensive. It’s ironic, she thinks, that people like Kato have dreams and a lifetime to pursue them, yet no one teaches them how to make those dreams affordable. Sunja feels saddened by this, but their discussion shifts to the possibility of Kato moving to Nagoya to live with his daughter, a place that seems quite far away.

Mozasu (Soji Arai) receives an update on Kato’s background from his informant. Kato has been living alone for several years and rarely sees his family. Financially, he is struggling, having no real assets since retiring from the printing company where he worked for 30 years. Now, he survives on his pension while carrying a 27 million yen mortgage. Interestingly, although Kato, like many of his generation, served during World War II, he is one of the few who were put on trial. 

Mozasu confronts his mother about Kato, showing her an article from the August 3, 1948 issue of the Nadagawa Newspaper detailing the massacre of 139 American POWs on Palawan Island. Kato was involved in the massacre as a Japanese soldier, leaving Mozasu deeply concerned that Sunja associates with him. Mozasu also fears that Kato might be exploiting Sunja for money, given their family’s financial stability. In response, Sunja criticizes Mozasu for invading Kato’s privacy and reassures him that Kato is not the same cruel man he once was. She insists that people can change and find redemption, as Kato has. He has been kind to her and helped her find meaning in life, which is why she chose to befriend him.

Rating: 9/10