Original subtitles

"In defense or on offense..."

"Kobe, April, 1941" "In defense or on offense..."

"Kobe, April, 1941"

"Kobe, April, 1941" "in our floating steel black castle we trust."

"It sails to defend the land of Sun..."

"the four comers of our Imperial land."

That's not bad.

- Exactly. - He's good.

Done!

Wow, it's beautiful!

Can I have it?

No, it's my tum to have it!

It's not for free.

You greedy Pig!

What do you want for it?

A photo of Futabayama!

How about Haguroyama?

I only want Futabayama!

Come on, Senoh!

Whose kid is that?

Senoh Clothiers.

It's on his chest.

Hey, BOY!

Fancy English there!

The Senohs are Americans.

They say, "Amen."

Fancy, schmancy! Fancy, schmancy!

I'm teased for wearing my name like a badge!

Well, no other kids have a nice sweater like that.

That's exactly why!

Brother. Mrs. Staples from church says...

they are popular in America.

This is Japan.

Be quiet, Yoshiko.

Mom, when will my new sweater be ready?

You didn't have to be mean to Yoshiko.

Here.

I've just finished it.

What's that?

"H" for "Hajime"

People won't see your name now.

Why do you have to sew anything on at all?

Dad, say something to Mom.

It's dapper.

Do you want to accompany me to the compound?

Yeah, let's go!

Only if you wear that sweater first.

"Like a feather in the wind that's always fluttering."

"That's a woman's heart."

Good afternoon, Neechan!

"H," huh? That's really cool.

"Whether shedding tears..."

Oh, Mr. Senoh.

Greetings, Mr. Shibata and Mr. Yoshimura.

Good afternoon.

What that pattern?

"H" for "Hajime."

Why H" for Hajime?"

It's is first initial. Don't you know that?

Aren't you all highfaluting?

Just because you went to college and joined a bank.

Step outside.

We are already outside.

Nice day, isn't it?

What does that say?

It says "Hajime."

Next stop is Sannomiya.

They'll probably start calling me "H" from tomorrow onwards.

A Boy Called H

- Very nice. - It's good.

Do you think you could...

make the price a little cheaper?

Of course. I'll give you a discount.

Okay then. We've got a deal.

Right here.

Mr. Senoh, I've grown fatter again.

A portly build is better, Monsieur.

I look like a sumo wrestler.

Oui, Monsieur. I bet you could defeat Futabayama.

Here we are.

The sleeves seem fine.

How are the shoulders?

They feel a little wide.

I shall tighten them then.

How about the waist?

It feels perfect, Meister Senoh.

It feels perfect Meister Senoh.

- Thank you. - You're welcome

Dad, you talked a lot with them.

Accurate measurements difficult if the customer is nervous.

I talk to help them feel relaxed.

But how do you all understand each other?

English with Mr. James, French with Mr. Piema...

and German with Mr. Oppenheimer.

But you spoke mostly Japanese to them.

They know clothing language in Japanese.

And people are just people.

Country and language don't matter.

- Goad afternoon. - Hi, H. Nice sweater.

Bye, H.

It seems like "tomorrow" has already begun.

"National people's School of Kobe"

"National people's School of Kobe" Let's go catch octopus!

Wait...! Where are you going?

Get back here.

Have you bowed at the shrine yet?

- Not yet! - Do it now.

Attention!

At ease.

You may go now.

Goodbye!

All right, it's cooked!

Brother! Mom's looking for you!

Don't tell her I was at the beach, okay?

Yummy.

Help me to dry off, hurry up!

Why don't you carry a towel, H?

Because my mom will ask...

"I gave you a handkerchief. Why have you got a hand towel?"

I have to think ahead.

- Oh! - What?

She found sand in my belly button last time. See?

Your mom's like a private eye!

It's tough at the "Amen" house!

Amen, ramen, cold somen.

Cold and delicious, healthy kanten!

Here, check my buttocks too.

It checks out.

Home free!

Ouch!

I was studying at Ota's house.

I was.

It's true.

Salty.

I have lied, but I promise not to do it anymore.

I will honor my word to my mom, so please forgive me. Amen.

Do you understand?

Mom's family used to run a temple.

I was frequently warned that I would go to Hell for lying.

- You've told me this before. - Just listen.

We learnt about the teachings of Jesus from your teacher, Mrs. Staples.

All humans commit sins.

But if you pray and repent...

you will be forgiven and allowed into Heaven.

You are a child of God you know that, right?

I understand your feelings.

But don't kid yourself that you can raise an angel.

Yeah, Dad's right!

I just don't want him to grow up to be a hoodlum.

I ain't gonna be a hoodlum, so gimme a break.

Don't speak dialect at home, speak standard Japanese instead.

With standard Japanese, you can communicate anywhere.

It ain't my style.

Just follow the radio announcer.

It ain't that difficult.

"Kobe Nazarene Church" "Nearer, my God, to Thee..."

"Nearer to Thee."

"E'en though it be a cross..."

"that raiseth me."

As we announced last week...

after many years of service to God in Kobe...

Mrs. Staples will be returning to the United States.

It grieves me to say goodbye to all of you.

In the Bible...

it is written that we must love our neighbors as ourselves.

The people of Kobe have made us foreigners feel at home.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

To all my beloved friends, please accept my parting gifts.

This fork's bent.

I'll go fix it.

This is so lovely.

Look!

What's wrong?

A prong broke off.

Oh gosh!

You don't know how to appreciate such a nice gift!

This will be your fork then.

It still stabs fine.

Yoshiko.

Use a spoon.

Why don't you let them drink miso soup from a bowl?

Knowing how to use silverware will serve them anywhere.

Maybe so, but they need to know how to use chopsticks well too.

Fine, chopsticks at breakfast then.

But why is Mrs. Staples going back to America all of a sudden?

What's happening in our country now...

may be better understood by the foreigners here.

- "Like a feather in the wind..." - Good afternoon.

"That's always fluttering."

"That's a woman's heart."

"Whether shedding tears or beaming a smile."

That's not a song for kids.

You're always singing it, so I've learnt it.

I really like this song.

- You like it that much? - Yeah.

It makes you feel happy, unlike a hymn.

Do you want to listen to a record?

Really?

After dinner, sneak around to the back.

Okay!

Thank you for the food.

You're welcome.

I'm off to the public bath.

See you later!

Neechan? It's me.

Don't get so excited.

Do you like coffee?

Yeah, I like coffee.

Here.

It's sung by Fujiwara Yoshie.

Isn't "Yoshie" a girl's name?

That's true.

He's a famous opera tenor.

This is a famous aria from the opera, "Rigoletto."

It was recorded in America.

See that red label?

That means it's far more expensive than standard records.

He's the only red label artist in Japan.

Red label, huh?

I'll call you "Red Label Neechan" from now on.

Absolutely not!

You can call me anything but that.

Just call me Neechan as always.

Tell no one that you came here and listened to records.

This is a secret between us men.

Got it?

Yeah, I got it.

Good afternoon, Mr. Senoh.

There's a mail for you.

Thank you.

It's for you from Mrs. Staples.

For me?

"Mr. Hajime Senoh"

Isn't it cool?

It was sent all the way from America from a city called New York.

It's the biggest city in America.

What do they call this tallest building?

It's called New York Building...

Man Lady!

I've come for my clothes.

Let's go!

Man Lady was so pretty.

He danced as a lady at the Fall of Nanking celebrations.

I'll never forget it.

How marvelous.

It looks brand new.

Just in time for your friend's wedding.

About the payment, I'm afraid...

- Just pay me when you can. - Thank you so much.

If you come to the movies, I can get you in for free.

Really? Do you promise?

- Swear it! - Let's do a pinky swear.

Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye!

Pinky swear!

- Here you go. - Thank you.

- What shall we watch? - What shall we watch?

What's nice?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

See you!

He's a movie projectionist now...

but he used to be a popular actor for female roles.

That's why he's so pretty.

He wants to return to acting.

But he has an ill mother to care for, so he has to make do with less.

Times like these and he dances like a harlot. How shameful.

Go knock some patriotic spirit in him then.

You're a veteran with a stripe after all.

This tallest building is called...

the Empire State Building, and it has 102 storeys.

102?

Even the Daimaru Department Store has only six storeys.

How did they build it?

This building was built in 1931, the year after you were born.

The building's younger than you.

It's your huge younger brother.

And it gets more amazing.

Besides erecting tall buildings everywhere...

there are airplanes carrying people between cities.

There are more family cars on the roads than public vehicles.

Subways started running in America in 1903.

That's twenty-seven years earlier than Tokyo's.

It was also the year after I was born.

So Dad, you're older than the subway?

I guess Japan has to work harder.

America must be an amazing country.

I'm home!

Care to accompany your father to Sannomiya?

Really? Yes!

I'm going out!

"To Senoh Clothiers"

What does this mean?

"One" means "alterations."

"Two" means "repairs."

"Three" means "consultation."

I pass these out to all my foreign clients.

That's amazing! It's like a secret code!

Thank you so much for coming!

I got your card.

Thank you. Come on in.

Mr. Senoh, is this repairable?

Can it be sewn back together?

Yes, of course.

He said, "Of course."

What about this?

Homesick again?

Yes, terribly.

He's homesick.

You'll be fine...

Who are these people?

They are Jewish people.

They travelled a long way here to escape from Nazi Germany.

I've agreed to repair their clothing.

Help me carry them back, okay?

Something smells awful.

Let's move to another seat.

Conductor! Is there a raccoon dog on board?

It stinks!

It stinks!

Foreigners have such strong body odour.

It's as if we are in zoo cages.

What happened to mom who always says not to discriminate?

I'm not discriminating.

They have suffered a long and hard journey to get here.

From where?

Poland.

Where's Poland?

Here.

From here, they rode the Siberian rail road all the way.

The distance is long.

They go through Vladivostok and finally to Kobe.

Where will they go after Kobe?

They'll board the merchant ship called Manila...

and travel a long way again...

to the southern tip of Africa which takes about forty days.

Here, Cape Town.

That's their next destination.

After that, they may travel on foot or on camel...

head north up the African continent...

through Egypt and into Palestine, I hear.

Let's go.

Will they make it there safely?

We can't hide them here in Japan...

as long as Japan and Germany are allies.

"Public Telephone"

"Takatori Station" Good morning.

I can't allow this nice poster to fall off.

- Working? - Yes, I'm delivering clothes.

- I'm sorry. - Pardon me.

I'm going to the bath!

Neechan, it's me.

Not today.

A friend from Tokyo is here.

Stay away for a while.

Okay?

Okay. Got it.

But I can still come after that, right?

"Noodle Shop"

They've escaped through the window!

Over there! On the second floor!

Stop right there!

Around the back!

Get a ladder!

Don't tum on the light!

What's going on?

It's a police search.

I'm scared.

Catch them!

Got them!

Why?

Why did they arrest Neechan?

What did Neechan do?

Dad!

I don't know.

Let's go back to sleep.

Whatsit happen to Neechan?

Go to sleep now.

So he's a "reds.

I've suspected all along.

He's not coming back.

Thought-criminals get sent to the toughest front lines.

Dying for the country is probably the perfect atonement for them.

Right.

What's a "red?" And "thought-criminals?"

Let's sit over there.

"Reds" are Communists.

They are people who think differently from the government.

What's wrong with thinking differently?

Yes, it's natural for everybody to think differently.

But we're now in a time when everyone must join together.

Those who don't get arrested.

You must not tell anyone that you had been going to Neechan's place.

You knew about that?

It wasn't me.

I didn't tell anyone about Neechan.

I kept my promise with him.

I know you kept your promise.

It's possible that one of Neechan's friends told the police.

Sometimes, an arrested person can be forced to tell on their friends.

From now on, you'll need to be careful too.

Careful about what?

Your drawings.

Don't give drawings of battleships to your friends.

It could be seen as espionage.

Why is drawing a picture espionage?

It could violate some military law, I don't know exactly.

Painting pictures of towns from a high place...

or taking photos are forbidden too.

Even sitting on our own roof?

Even that.

You just have to be patient.

"Noodle Shop"

"Kobe Clothier Report"

What will you do now?

I don't know.

What happened?

"Japan's excessive patterning of its fashion on the west..."

"exposes a lack of self-worth and industry."

"Therefore, it is incumbent on each of us..."

"to jointly ply our unique skills and give rise to a national dress..."

"best expressing our own identity and surpassing world standards."

They're asking us to popularize a uniform style.

It looks like an army uniform.

We're gentlemen's clothiers.

And orders are already at a low.

Nobody will want to wear this.

And we have lots of foreign clients, so it'll be okay.

Foreigners can still wear western clothes, right?

That's true.

Put these in the back.

Okay.

Be careful with them, they're sellable.

Okay.

Welcome, Mr. Senoh.

Sony to keep you waiting.

Are you closing shop, Mr. Piema?

Yes, regrettably so.

Fewer people eat our in restaurants these days.

And ingredients are harder to come by.

So it stands to reason.

But before returning to France...

he asked me to tailor him a suit as a keepsake.

Janie: has returned to America.

This may be my last tailored suit.

Make it the best then.

"December, 1941"

Attention, late-breaking news...

From Imperial Anny Headquarters, 8th December, 6:00 am.

Our Imperial Anny and Navy have entered into a state of war...

with the United States and Britain.

Repeat. Our Imperial Anny and Navy...

Long live the Empire of Japan!

How can we beat a country with all those tall buildings?

You mustn't say that in public.

We go to war because...

we think we can win.

They have got far more cars and planes than us.

There must be a plan.

Like what?

- Dad? - How would I know?

"Silent night, holy night."

"All is calm, all is bright."

"Round yon virgin..."

- Who did that? - It's okay... let's continue.

"Mother and child..."

Don't let it bother you.

We haven't done anything wrong.

We can't praise the God of our enemy, right?

But our teacher at school says the Emperor is a living God.

There is only one God the Father in Heaven.

It's written in the Bible, isn't it?

Christians worship Jesus Christ as God.

But other religions worship other Gods.

Each religion should worship their Gods in their own way.

Dear, are you accepting the pagan beliefs of other religions?

If you call the beliefs of others "pagan..."

they'll simply refer to Christian beliefs as pagan too.

That's why we must acknowledge other faiths.

Since when did you lose your faith? I didn't expect that from you.

Listen up. This is something very important that I'm going to say.

The pressure on Christians here is only going to increase.

Simply uttering the word "Christian" alone...

has gotten people sent to prison or Manchuria.

That's crazy!

But you mustn't get angry or resist.

Will it be like during the Edo period...

when Christians were forced to step on pictures of Jesus?

I will never do that.

It's all right. Go ahead and step on it.

Faith resides in the heart.

Defending your faith doesn't have to mean a flagrant defiance of authority.

That's all I'm saying.

All right?

You two too.

Our brave Imperial Naval forces...

are carrying out a brilliant campaign on Wake Island.

Our valiant soldiers have broken through the enemies' defenses.

A complete and total surrender of the enemy...

will bring Wake Island under our divine nation's control.

Leave it to the Imperial Anny.

Magnificent.

The Americans may have ships, but not the Yamato spirit.

They'll surrender soon.

Spiritual strength is what counts.

You're all dressed up.

For Christmas, I guess?

There must be many things to celebrate.

"Dutch-Indian Troops Surrender"

"Dutch-Indian Troops Surrender" Here, Yoshiko.

Thanks.

You've really taken to reading the paper.

Do you even understand what's written?

Mom, I am already a fifth grader.

That's true.

H! H!

- Icchan, what is it? - He's been drafted!

- Drafted? Who? - Man Lady!

My proud summons to duty has arrived.

I, Shimoyama Kokichi...

vow to fight valiantly and dedicate my life to homeland.

Three cheers for Shimoyama Kokichi!

Bang“:

Madam...

Forward march!

"Congratulations Shimoyama Kokichi!"

Lady doesn't look good as a soldier.

If his mother is ill, how will she manage alone?

Let's hope that the war ends soon, so he can return to take care of her.

Dad, will you go to war too?

Your father is classified as Type C, so don't worry.

His age and physique are not suited to be a soldier.

I'm glad.

Does anyone know the whereabouts of Shimoyama Kokichi?

- Shimoyama Kokichi? - Man Lady!

He went off to war.

No, he didn't!

He's not at home either!

If you see him, report it immediately!

Or you'll face punishment more severe than hiding a thief!

Got it?

What's the matter, pitcher?

Can't you throw a strike?

You can't say "pitcher."

What then?

You've to use "Hurler." And "Strikes" are "Good" and "Balls" are "Bad."

Well, that's weak as a fart.

How about "H?" That's English.

That's right!

"H" isn't only English. It's also used in German.

"Heil Hitler" begins with "H."

Then you're safe. Germany's our ally.

That's right!

Nice hit! Run, run!

It was a good hit.

What's wrong: H?

My stomach hurts.

You ate something weird again?

He'll try anything at least once.

I'm going home.

Then we don't have a shortstop anymore!

What should I say in place of "shortstop?"

What's wrong with you?

Let's go!

Hey!

You!

Did you bow to the shrine?

I'm sorry.

Attention.

Spread your legs.

Grit your teeth!

"Congratulations, Ninomiya Kinjiro"

Ninomiya Kinjiro, who studied in this school...

with all of you for many years...

has been summoned...

to serve as a "bullet" in the Imperial Anny.

Let us honor Ninomiya Kinjiro together...

and pray for martial success...

with three rousing cheers.

- Ninomiya Kinjiro, banzai! - Banzai!

Bang“:

I worry for Japan if they're making Kinjiro into a "bullet."

- Shush, H, or you'll get it again. - Ouch.

- What's this? - Amen house.

He says "Amen" at home.

He's here!

Who drew this?

Who?

H, just forget it.

Who did it?

Who exactly?

"April, 1942"

"April, 1942" What a ruckus!

What is it?

Enemy planes!

Bombers?

Enemy planes!

What is it?

A plane I've never seen before flew overhead.

It was flying really low.

An American bomber!

That's an American bomber!

That's nonsense.

An American bomber can't fly all the way here.

Enemy bombers!

It's impossible.

"What's there to fear about air raids?"

"Our steel armies are protecting us from the sky..."

- Daddy's home! - Really?

- I'm home. - Welcome back.

We're going to the church.

Be careful.

I tried to take a new suit to Fire Chief Okino...

but he was called to duty by the air raid sirens.

Near the south side of Hyogo Station...

four firebombs were dropped on Matsubara Avenue earlier today.

That's why we're going to pray.

All right.

- Let's go. - See you later.

See you later.

I didn't want to upset your mother and Yoshiko...

but one person died.

From the bombs?

But it's not reported in the newspaper.

The newspaper doesn't necessarily report the truth.

Why not?

The government doesn't want bad news to be reported.

And if newspapers don't cooperate with the government, they'll be shut down.

So is this report that we're winning the war a lie then?

I think you can take it with a pinch of salt.

Can I help you?

Are you Senoh Morio?

We have some questions for you.

Come with us.

My father's done nothing wrong!

I'll be all right.

Tell your mother and sister...

that urgent business came up in Sannomiya.

I'm counting on you.

Where in Sannomiya did he say he was going?

I don't know.

Hajime.

What are you doing here so late?

Nothing.

So you use these fingers to sew thread?

And that thread binds you with the foreigners, doesn't it?

So why don't you just let us clip a few of those threads?

We won't harm you.

Just tell us the truth, all right?

As I said, I'm just a clothier.

I only make their clothes. That's all.

Are you all right?

"Spy--

"spy.- Who wrote it?

- I don't know. - Me neither.

It was already there when I came in.

- Is it true? - They're spies.

"Amen" families are all spies.

- Really? - Yes.

- Let's not talk to them anymore. - He's here.

- Morning! - Morning

H, we've got to talk.

There are rumors that your folks are spies.

- Who's spreading that rumor? - I don't know.

But everyone says that you have American photos.

American photos?

Your family corresponds with Americans.

They think you're providing information to them.

We didn't! I only received a postcard.

What is it, H?

I'm home.

Where were you?

Sorry to worry you.

I went to Nishimura's place then to Sato's and Noda's place.

We had a few drinks, and I wound up spending the night there.

- Is that it? Fine... - It's okay.

- Are you hungry? - No.

Just make me some tea.

Do you still have that postcard from New York?

Can I borrow it for a little while?

I need to go back again.

I knew they took you away because of this.

Don't worry.

Once I show this to them they'll see that it's nothing.

It's no big deal.

- Where are you going? - To beat up Icchan!

I'm going to take revenge for you!

Stop it.

I only showed the card to Icchan.

And someone wrote the word "spy" on my desk!

Icchan must have told everybody!

Who showed Icchan the postcard in the first place?

By showing it to him, weren't you the one who caused all the talk?

I just wanted to show him how cool America was!

In that case, didn't Icchan repeat just that?

Didn't Icchan just tell the other kids exactly what you told him?

Don't go around looking for villains.

Or you'll end up becoming one yourself.

Icchan probably had no idea this would happen.

I'm sure he's feeling very bad now.

Sit down.

Listen.

Listen very carefully.

Dad doesn't know how this war will end.

But if you're not careful, you could become hurt.

With your own eyes, observe carefully what is happening.

You may have to put up with a lot of things.

But know in your mind what those things are.

And you must persevere.

This war will end one day.

And when it does...

be sure to grow up to be a person who you can be proud of.

Icchan.

It's okay.

I showed you the postcard.

I told you about America.

It's the war's fault, not yours.

You did nothing wrong.

So I'm not mad at you.

You're my friend forever, Icchan.

You talk too much, H.

I can at least erase the graffiti.

I'll do that over and over again.

You're my friend forever too, H.

"April, 1943" Even this is too small for you now.

I can't wear it for middle school anyway.

Well? How does it fit?

No other kid's going to have such a fine uniform.

Clothes make the man.

"Hyogo Prefectural Middle School No. Two"

Middle school is the training ground for good soldiers.

I promise to tum you into magnificent soldiers...

who are ready to die for the Emperor.

First Unit, take your places!

This is an exercise in planting anti-tank mines.

You'll wait in pits for enemy tanks.

When they arrive, you quickly dart out...

destroy the tanks with land mines...

and return to your pit.

If you act boldly for success...

you may sacrifice yourself as well.

Ready!

Attack!

Get away!

Not there!

Artists like Koiso Ryohei graduated from this school.

That's why I chose this school.

But all I've learnt so far is how to plow fields and carry a rifle.

Senoh Hajime, right?

Yes, Sir.

Nice clothes.

My father's a tailor. He made them for me.

Your father was tight with foreign elites.

I know everything.

You go back and tell him quit Christianity and become Buddhist.

Yes, Sir.

What's that?

I'm studying painting.

Music and painting do not help the war effort. Give it to me.

Yes, Sir.

What is this?

There's a naked woman.

It's a Manet impression.

What does that mean?

Can't you speak Japanese?

Manet was a French painter, Edouard Manet.

You don't know him, Sir...

Are you making fun of me?

Your brothers are dying in war and you're drawing this? You traitor!

This is Planet's Olympia. Did you draw this?

Well done. It's a good rendition.

Drill Instructor Tamori, that's enough.

Are you okay? You talk too much again.

I'm Sugita, second year.

I'm Yokota, first year.

I'm Senoh.

Instructor Hisakado summons you.

Come with me.

Entering, Sir.

I've brought the cadet here, Sir.

Join our drill shooting club.

Drill shooting club?

Instructor Tamori has you singled out.

Join us and he can't touch you anymore.

Are these real guns?

Of course.

But few shoot live ammo.

Here, feel them.

Does the club train snipers for the army?

For me...

I'm just teaching a skill...

that can come to your aid if you ever need it.

I don't want the students I teach to die carelessly.

Sugita, I've fixed this for you. Take it back before I forget.

Thank you.

I'm originally a watchmaker.

Watches, guns, and people they are all the same.

You've got to keep them oiled.

Spirit alone is not enough.

Oh no. Firing a real gun?

It's just practice.

If it keeps you from being singled out for abuse, then do it.

- Dear! - You too.

- Me? - You've been asked...

to head the neighborhood association, right?

Oh, that.

The current chiefs rheumatism is worsening.

He can't run air raid drills or pass out leaflets anymore.

But I'd be a terrible chief.

If you take up the position...

people would not point fingers at us for being Christians anymore.

Do it for the good of our faith.

And as you always say...

it's important to promote brotherly love.

Perhaps it's indeed a good chance to show some Christian ways.

I've also got something to announce.

I'm thinking of becoming a fireman.

A fireman?

I've been asked by Chief Okino.

He's short on manpower with all the young men at war.

Will you quit the clothier then?

I suppose I must.

A public servant isn't allowed to hold two jobs.

But firemen work twenty-four-hour shifts every other day.

So if I keep the sewing machine out of view...

maybe I can still do some tailoring and alterations on my off days.

In that case, I'll join the neighborhood association then.

But daddy, can you do the work of a fireman?

You can count on me.

We've a new member, Senoh, joining us today.

Member Senoh, step forward!

Senoh Morio, reporting for duty!

At your service!

Good luck, baggy clothes.

Brother, take my place.

I'm home.

- Welcome home. - Welcome home.

Welcome home.

What's so funny?

Are you dressed as a closet Christian?

All right.

Just wait and see.

Don't work so hard.

Eat something.

How do I look?

It's perfect!

Yeah! It looks great!

Leave it to an artisan.

Hurry!

Get moving!

Faster!

We don't have all day!

Move it!

Faster!

Lower your heels!

Aim!

Fire!

Plunge!

Faster!

Don't spill so much water!

Women need to defend the home front!

Commence!

Discharge water!

Discharge water!

Get up, member Senoh!

Yes, Sir!

"Swampy marshland as far as the eye can see."

"Three days without a bite to eat."

"Rain pelting down upon my steel helmet."

Two more miles!

Keep I! "P!

Are you okay?

Hang in there, Senoh.

Faster!

Don't dawdle!

Faster! That's too slow!

That won't put out the fire!

Come on, Mrs. Katoh!

Hang in there!

"January, 1945"

"Full mobilization to protect our homeland"

It's time for dinner.

Not again.

Air raid warning.

Heavenly Father, please protect us...

Heavenly Father, please protect us...

Welcome home.

It was horrible last night.

- Did they get the factory? - Yes, they did.

We're getting used to the sirens.

Well, you mustn't.

Kobe may be next.

Chocolate...

Please.

Yummy.

Yummy.

I'm so relieved that she'll be evacuated to the countryside.

The crabs are from the burnt-down factory.

They told me to take some back before they become spoiled.

I didn't steal them.

It's like a feast to celebrate Yoshiko's evacuation.

It's like The Last Supper.

Don't say that.

Last? Think before you speak.

Yoshiko.

You mustn't cry.

You'll come home again really soon.

Eat up.

Mr. Senoh.

It's almost time.

- Let's go. - Yoshiko.

Listen to your aunt and uncle, okay?

Remember to write us letters.

Please take care of her.

We will.

It's all right. Don't worry.

The train for Akashi will be departing soon!

Be strong!

You'll make it back!

Head... left!

Forward!

Even the school's in camouflage.

Do they really think the bombers can't spot it?

I'm Sumiyama from Class One.

Listen up, everyone.

Oshima died in the bombing.

He's our school's first victim.

It's at a painful time like this when countrymen must unite.

The Japanese man dedicates his life to defending our country.

It's not a matter of winning or losing, but sewing our land.

Right?

Right!

If I have to, I'd rather die taking out the enemy than survive.

Let's show them what Kobe Middle School is made of!

Let's go to the next class.

Do you have something to say?

No.

Will you sacrifice yourself?

If it has to come to that, then Japan's strategy is wrong.

What?

The press reports are lying.

People just keep dying without knowing the truth.

I'll beat the traitor out of you!

Stop it! Break it up!

Slop!

Let go of him!

Knock it off!

"March, 1945"

It's Kobe!

They're targeting Kobe.

It's my duty lo go-

Be careful.

I want you to protect your mom.

Got it? I'm counting on you.

Got it.

What's that?

The association's government bonds.

Never mind those!

I'm going to get water.

Seven, eight. One, two, three, four five, six, seven, eight.

- Nine! - Move out! Board the vehicles!

Yes, Sir!

They're here.

It's time!

- Move out! - Yes, Sir!

Air raid! Take refuge!

Air raid!

Hun?! This way!

It's just like fireworks, how beautiful.

This way! Quickly!

Mom! You get that!

Mom! Nobody's left! Let's go!

All right!

Mom, come upstairs!

- What is it? - Help me carry this down.

Are you sure?

"Be joyful always. Pray regularly and always give thanks."

Here.

Let's trade places.

Go.

Not this way! The forest is on fire too!

We can't get to the sea!

Come on!

This way.

It's no use. Just leave it.

Wait!

The bonds are falling out.

Who cares? If you bum to death they'll be useless anyway! Let's run!

I can't!

Mom, shall we make a run for the field?

Mom! Mom!

What are you doing?

I'm praying.

Come on! We've got to be faster than the flames!

Ready?

Can you run?

Of course. I used to be a long-distance runner in school.

- Let's go! - Wait! Wait!

Where's your mom?

She's fine.

The church is still standing. She's over there.

I see.

And you? Are you okay?

That's good.

I stupidly tried to put out the fire with water.

Everyone else just escaped.

Look, only my fork survived.

Oh right, I tried to save your sewing machine.

We brought it down, but ended up leaving it behind.

Where did you leave it?

Unite your total strength, to be devoted to construction for the future.

Cultivate the ways of rectitude, foster nobility of spirit...

"August, 1945" and work with resolution.

"August, 1945"

"August, 1945" so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State...

so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State...

and keep pace with the progress of the world.

We couldn't have lost! Dam it!

No! You mustn't cry!

It's too preposterous.

It's impossible that we've lost.

But even so, I'll take it upon myself to kill every enemy soldier! see!

I am prepared to die!

Be sure to close the door.

Sugita!

Are you going to shoot Americans?

Moron. I'm preventing guys like Sumiyama from taking them.

I, for one, am glad.

I'm so glad the war is over!

You should know better than to say that.

Sugita's father died in the war, but no remains came back.

- His mother's critically injured... - That's enough!

It's okay. Forgive me.

Dam this stupid war!

What the heck was it for?

"March, 1946"

Mom!

Yoshiko!

Are you all right?

It's so heavy. What's inside?

It's a gift of rice.

- Really? - I see.

- Welcome home. - Mom.

Hello.

Hello.

Is this the housing for war victims?

We finally won the draw.

Over here.

Delicious!

White rice is rare around here.

Thank you, Yoshiko.

Dad, can you fix your sewing machine?

That's a good question.

I tried, but it's questionable.

You should open shop here.

Yes, I should.

Can you smell that?

Someone's cooking rice.

I wish I can have some rice.

Be quiet!

We can't afford rice.

- I'm hungry! - Me too.

Stop complaining. You have to learn to endure.

What are you doing?

It'll become habit.

Do you call this "love?"

Yoshiko brought it all the way here.

We don't have enough to give away to strangers!

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

I'm sure they'll be pleased.

What's your view, Father?

What's your view?

Well, yes.

"Well, yes?"

What does that mean?

No, we didn't intend for this.

- Please help yourselves. - Thank you so much!

Children, come over and give thanks.

- Thank you... - You're welcome.

Isn't this wonderful?

Hold it.

Mr. Nishimura of Sannomiya has promised us rice.

Come with me tomorrow to get it, okay?

American soldiers are so cheerful.

You are as pretty as ever!

Nice try. Have you got any money?

I sure do.

Those Americans sure got it good.

Look at theft Jeep.

Japanese soldiers had to walk everywhere.

Hello!

Stop it, they'll never understand your lousy English.

Hello! How do you do?

They waved at me! They understood my English!

Just because you went to college.

- Step outside. - We are already outside.

"Vote Fujimoto Masao"

But our current government has ho plan whatsoever.

Shouldn't we boot out these useless officials?

Drill Instructor Tamori? What are you doing here?

Hi there, Senoh.

Please don't call me that anymore.

You're a Communist now?

It's now the age of democracy.

I've returned to the family pawn shop.

And I've opened a street stall.

In that case, I can tell people to go to Tamori's shop for a good price.

I'd appreciate that greatly.

Now's the time to stand go and be heard!

Now's the time to unite!

Seaweed.

Seaweed?

I used to watch it when I went diving.

Tons of seaweed changing directions with the tide.

They're the same!

Everyone went into war in ignorance.

They're all just confused as to what to do now.

Why are you taking their side?

They were all shouting "Great Empire Japan, banzai!"

At the top of their lungs!

Rice is ready.

Are you all right?

I'll eat anything you can spare.

Okay, please hold on.

You're not doing it again.

He is hungrier than you.

We can afford to share some.

You can't feed everyone who's hungry.

The neighbors are already expecting it.

What's next?

We'll just keep giving it away?

I ate rice the whole time when I was at the countryside.

Brother can have my portion now.

I don't want your portion.

That's not what I'm saying!

Dad, why don't you stop her?

What do you think of all this?

Say something!

Say something fatherly like you used to!

You were always right before!

It was everyone else who was wrong!

And now...

they're all doing as they please!

Father!

Please say something!

Brother, how could you do that?

What's wrong?

What happened?

"Wait a moment, and God is Love. Suma Church"

I can't wait any longer.

"I can't live anymore. Forgive me, H"

- Here. - Thank you.

Oh, Senoh?

You look really pale. Have you eaten?

Are you doing business with American soldiers?

I make watches, remember?

Will this still run?

I just need to remove the rust and oil it. Give me an hour.

Great. Thank you.

Can you give me a hand?

I've found the belt material.

Father, please forgive me.

I need you to forgive me too.

I was a weak man.

I was at a complete loss.

Why did things become this way?

Wasn't there something I could do?

What do I do from now on?

But I'm done with that.

With fretting, that is.

It's over.

Let's start over from the beginning.

What do you want to do from now on?

I want to try setting off on my own.

I wanted to become a tailor when I was young.

I left Hiroshima when I was fifteen and came to Kobe alone.

So I think you are old enough to do the same.

Listen up.

The ones who will make this country shine...

are the youths like you.

Look with your own eyes, listen with your own ears...

and believe in yourself.

Okay?

I'll do my best too.

"Senoh Clothiers Tailoring and Alterations. This way."

Well, I'm off.

- Be careful. - I will.

"When the wind blows, it's time to turn the rope."

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight."

Thank you.

I like it.

"Certificate of Merit for Saving Lives"

"Like a feather in the wind that's always fluttering."

"That's a woman's heart."

That's enough for today! It's getting dark.

Okay.

Are you sure you can graduate from school?

Beats me.

But if I can't graduate, I'll just quit school.

Really? Come work for us then.

You'll hire me?

We were painters before we started painting signboards.

Oil paintings don't sell now.

But they will again someday.

What do you call this bird anyway?

You're painting it and you don't know?

It's a phoenix!

Phoenix?

It dies in a fire and returns to life.

It's an immortal bird.

Immortal, huh?

I like that.

That's it!