All language subtitles for Eng.Umi-no-Koto(1966)Tomotaka.Tasaka

Toei Representation at the
Japan Art Festival, 1966

Toei Company, Ltd. Presents

KOTO

Produced by: OKAWA Hiroshi

Original Story:
MIZUKAMI Tsutomu

Directed by: TAZAKA Tomotaka

CAST

SAKUMA Yoshiko

NAKAMURA Ganjiro
NAKAMURA Katsuo

Lake Biwa!

Is this your first time?

After crossing
mountains after mountains...

I didn't expect
to see such a large lake.

Nishiyama,
where we're going...

...is at the foot
of Mt. Shizugatake.

It's a village that produces
the best shamisen strings.

There's Mt. Shizugatake!

Good day!

Welcome back!

I'm back, Mr. Momose.

Kayo?

When did you get back?

Just now.
I've brought a worker.

Come here and meet
the master.

How do you do, sir?
I'm Saku from Kurigara.

I'm Kidaiyu Momose.

You'll work for me?

Yes, sir.

Wonderful!

Suzu! A new hand came
from Wakasa Province.

I didn't expect you to
find one during this season.

I thought I'd have to wait
until the busy summer season.

I'm delighted.

These are your new friends.

She's Masuko from Echizen.

Teruko from Hikita.

That's Kanekichi.

My oldest worker.

And my wife, Suzuko.

A skilled worker.

You'll learn a lot from her.

You're welcome here.

You must be worn out
from crossing the hills.

Yes, Madam.

Please be kind to her,
everyone.

I'm going to Mr. Iwata's place.

Write to your mother later.

Goodbye!

Thank you!

Kayo!

Kayo!

Thank you.

We can see each other
often since we live nearby.

This is your room.

Masuko and Teruko
will be with you, too.

What's the matter?

Madam! I'll work hard.
Please teach me.

Of course I will.

Think of me as our
own mother.

Thank you.

Be seeing you.

Saku Tsugao of Kurigara,
Wakasa, is employed.

The water flows down
from Shizugatake.

The water's essential for
reeling, twining and dyeing.

It's because of this
water that our silk

is noted for its beauty.

Do you know how
many silkworms there are?

Can you guess?

I'd say about 40,000.

Aren't they beautiful?

The strings for 150 shamisen
are made at one time.

Let's have lunch.

Come, Saku!

Are you going to see
Shinbei today?

Yes. After lunch.

By the way, I'll check
the mulberry fields.

Saku!

Come with me.

Yes, Master.

Have lunch first.

What pretty sandals!

With red thongs!

My mother made them
specially for me.

Our shamisen and koto
strings are...

...hand-spun, not like those
of Nagahama or Kinomoto.

90% of Japan's strings
are produced here.

We're going to cross
the mountain.

This area here is a famous
ancient battlefield.

Lord Hideyoshi won
the battle here in 1600.

We're at the top
of Mt. Shizugatake.

Aren't Biwa and Yogo
a beautiful pair of lakes!

That's Lake Biwa.

And that's Lake Yogo.

Lake Yogo's water level is
50 meters higher than Biwa's.

So scholars say the lakes
have no connection to each other.

But I think...

...they're connected
deep under water.

Lake Yogo is bottomless.

Once a silk reeler fastened
a small rock to the end of.

A thread of a cocoon
and sank it.

It was reeled off the
cocoon to the end, but

it didn't reach the bottom.

A cocoon has thread
of 800 meters or so.

Both lakes are connected
at that depth perhaps.

So why don't they level up?

You see that big rock over there?

That's Weeping Rock.

There's a legend that the children
cried for their mothers there.

The children's tears
represent everyone's tears.

It's a fable, but...

All mankind's tears of joy
and sorrow are in that lake.

Mothers and children...

...cry when they're both happy
and sad so the lake is full.

Man's life is full of humor
and pathos to make teardrops.

The water of tears flow into our
village to make beautiful strings.

The reason why our strings
have good timber is...

...because the human feelings
are breathing in them.

That's my description of the
natural features of Lake Yogo.

Here we are.

This is my mulberry field.

You'll flick mulberry leaves
here sometimes.

My mother's tear...

My father's tear...

I shed tears when I left home.

Are you Saku?

Yes.

Your master wants you.

This is Saku from Wakasa.

She came only yesterday.

A nice girl.

So lovely.

He gave a boy worker to me.

Be friends with him.

He's Ukichi from
Tsunegami in Wakasa.

He's been with me
for three years.

Kidaiyu is his new
master from today.

Is your village farther
than Obama?

No, right before it.

Is your mother in Tsunegami?

She's dead.

And your father?

He's dead also.

When did they die?

My mom died when I was seven,
and my dad died when I was twelve.

Who brought you "P?

My uncle did.

He sent me here
after school.

Do you know the work?

I hope so.

Thank you!

He rarely talks.

I think he swallowed
his tongue.

Wakasa people are gloomy.

Saku.

Yes?

You were born in
Kurigara, right?

Where was he born?

Tsunegami.

How do you write it?

Tsune, T-S-U-N-E;
gami, G-A-M-I.

It's at the end of the
peninsula.

The most desolate
village it Wakasa.

Are you free?

Yes, Madam.

Get me two boxes
from the shed.

Two boxes?

Right away, Madam.

Ukichi!

What happened?

You'll get scalded
if you aren't careful.

But the threads will hang
slack if you're timid.

Who taught you?

Shinbei?

Yes, he's a master at it.

He can make the
threads do anything.

There's an annual
function in my village...

...to exterminate insects.

The villagers drive them
away carrying torches...

...during the Bon season.

They gather around the
big torch on the shore.

The big torch?

It's as tall as a house.

It looks like a huge
tree is burning.

It must be beautiful.

The seas and fields turn
pink all at once.

Be careful not to get
your leaves wet.

Let's call it a day.

Kanekichi!

Go into town tomorrow.

Ukichi!

You spin in his place.

Get a helper.

I'll use Saku.

She's green.

I'll teach her.

Okay, Saku?

Yes.

Walk slowly.

Yes.

Very good!

March 11, 1926.

Kanekichi and Ukichi
are conscripted.

Did you get it for a bargain?

No.

When did you start smoking?

From today.

I'm a man now.

Try one, Ukichi.

No, thanks.

You're saving all
your money...

...to build a plant
of your own.

You're going to build
a shamisen factory?

He has a big ambition.

He won't remain as a silk
raising, or reeling man.

He have a plant
of his own...

...specializing in koto
or shamisen strings.

So he doesn't smoke
to cut down on expenses.

Where will the silk
inspection office be?

At Kawaraichi.

I know the place.
It reminds me of home.

You'll be grade A.

You're quite fit.

An infantry man perhaps.

You think so?

How about Kanekichi?

A trooper perhaps.

Then I'll have to take
care of the horses.

I prefer the infantry.

The last train.

Let's call it a night.

Thanks for tonight.

Leave the wash.
I'll do it.

Thank you.

Go after him, Masuko.

Don't tease me.

Masuko likes Kanekichi
very much.

But he treats her
lightly, I know.

Is it true?

Of course.

He told me he'd work
here till the exam.

He'll get some money from
the master and go away.

Apprenticeship generally
ends at the time of conscription.

Most men don't come back
after the physical exam.

Ukichi won't either.

You'll regret it
if you get involved.

He forgot his cap.

It's been five days.

I wonder how they did
with their exam.

They might've got sick
of silk reeling.

They were like the others.

One should return at least.

Isn't that right, Saku?

Look!

Isn't that Ukichi?

So it is.

So you're a grade A selectee.

With your build.

What branch?

Transport soldier.

The Kanazawa barracks.

The Kanazawa Transport Corps.

Maybe Kanekichi
is a grade A, too.

Don't you know?

He hasn't returned yet.

Deliver on time.

Certainly, sir.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, sir.

An order for koto strings.
We have to hurry.

Ukichi, spin tomorrow
with Masuko.

Ukichi will have no
dealings with me.

Saku's better.

When will you enter
the barracks?

In July.

What do transport
soldiers do?

They take care of horses.

Do you like horses?

No, I don't.

Makes me not want
to join the army.

I hate to see you go, too.

I'll be lonely without you.

Saku!

Yes?

Nothing.

Just nothing.

Why don't you have lunch?

I'm not hungry.

Are you sick?

It's nothing.

So? Take one at least.

Damn it!

It's 1 a.m.
You'd better turn in.

You got the notice?

Yes, I did.

I go on July 20th.

These worms will be in
the cocoons then.

Do you feel sick?

Don't worry.

But...

The master's worried.

The worms are fat
and you're thin.

You're not well.

Thread, needles toilet
paper, oil paper, towels

and some strings.

And this is an I.D. tag.

They'll provide you
with an I.D. book.

You've got everything.

Thanks a lot!

Take good care.

I worry when I look at you.

But it's the Emperor's order.

Don't be late.

Yes, sir.

We'll have a sendoff
party tonight.

Congratulations!

Thank you!

Congratulations!

Thank you!

Who is it?

What's the matter?

Soy sauce!

Saku!

I've been drinking it and
not eating to lose weight.

I wanted to get sick so the
army wouldn't take me.

I have a physical
exam tomorrow.

I'll be exempted
if I'm feverish.

I want lung trouble.

So I've been drinking it
secretly since I knew it was bad.

Do you dislike being
a soldier so much?

I'd rather die than take care
of the horses in the barracks.

I'd be glad if you
could return, but...

I don't want to go...

...because I hate
to part with you.

Saku!

I like you, Saku.

Thank you.

B-A-N-Z-A-I!

I'm going.

Take good care.

Good luck!

Good luck!

He'll be lonely.

Go see him off to the
station, Saku.

Yes, Master.

I like you, too, Ukichi.

I'll miss you so much
if you go.

Military service is compulsory
for Japanese men.

You can't stay out.

I'll wait for you till you
return from the service.

You'll be training
hard from now on.

I'll wait for you.

I'm glad to know how
you truly feel.

I'll wait for you.

This is the Goddess of
Mercy, the national treasure.

Matsue!

I saw a superb Cannon.

A beautiful Cannon!
I also admired it.

It's so cool around here.

You'll greet him after
I introduce you.

Master! Let me introduce you.

They are the influential
men of this village.

I'm Genpachi, the owner
of this house.

How do you do?

You're welcome to this village.

I'm Kahei, a silk reeler.

It's a great honor
to have you here.

I'm Kidaiyu Momose,
a silk reeler.

I'm Shinsuke of the
same trade.

How do you do?

I'm Monzaemon Kiriya,
a shamisen-music master.

I've known about your superior
quality strings for a long time.

I thought it was a shame
I'd never come here before.

The string is the life of
a shamisen and the heart

of my art lies on it.

So I came to see it being
made with my own eyes.

I'm glad you came.

This lady is Matsue,
a flute-music mistress.

How do you do?

How do you do?

The others are my pupils.

How do you do?

Let me take your coat
and hakama skirt.

Thank you!

Look at that dog.

What strange colored hair!

The color of his legs
and back are different.

He ran near the dyeing pots.

His hair was dyed the
yellow color of the strings?

Dyes never fade if they're used
once with the water here.

You can see that with
the dog's color.

He swims during the summer
but his colors never fade.

Is that your dog?

He wandered here.

There are two more dogs.

That one is called
"Number One" or "Ichi."

The next is a female...

...called "String" instead
of "Number Two."

The third is a male and
is called "Cocoon."

You're indeed silk makers.

Ichi!

Master!

Yes?

I'll show you to the bath.

Are you a Nishiyama girl?

No, I came from Kurigara
in Wakasa Province.

Is your village near the sea?

No, Master.

In the mountains.

You came from a village
in the mountains?

I'm working here
as a silk reeler.

So I have the pleasure of
using the strings you make.

I was told to serve a great
master of shamisen of Kyoto.

It's kind of you.

Come this way, please.

What is your name
may I ask?

Saku is my name.

Saku?

A beautiful moon.

Truly beautiful!

I used to see such
a moon at home.

Is your father a farmer?

He's a charcoal burner.

And your mother?

She works in the fields
and helps him sometimes.

Any brothers or sisters?

No, I'm the only one.

The only daughter?

Yes.

Your mother sure had
courage to send you away.

During festivals...

...I can see her.

Take your time.

I've never seen such
a funny bathtub.

Oh, Master!

How do you get in this bath?

How odd this is!
It's the first time for me.

It's also a steam-bath.

It's really a torture tub.

The processing of this mulberry
whip was initiated 400 years ago.

It's made from the root.

It's the best of all medicines.

It tastes good.

One will have great energy
if it's taken regularly.

When Saint Kauai visited
this village...

...he had sympathy
for the poor people.

He decided to teach
sericulture to them.

Chanting a sutra, he dug the
earth himself and worked a miracle.

That was the beginning
of silk manufacturing here.

Steamed and sweet-boiled carp,
roasted sweet fish, boiled eel...

That's fine!

There's more.

I see it's enough.

It's mentioned in literature.

I mean it.

We started already.

That was a long bath.

Matsue, I saw a beautiful
girl a minute ago.

This time, a girl?

She's like a moonflower...

Or else she's the reincarnation
of the Cannon.

There she is.

Where?

Saku...

A rare beauty for a country wench.

Saku!

Yes?

Come and serve him sake.

The Master is asking
for you.

Serve him sake.

Yes.

She's a pretty girl.

The Master has taken
a great liking to her.

Thank you.

She's one of my reeling
girls from Wakasa.

And she's a good worker.

No wonder.

Most Wakasa girls are
pretty and hard-working.

Is it difficult work?

You use boiling water
to reel silk.

My fingers are covered
with blisters.

From the hot water?

You spin cocoons round
and round in it to reel silk.

Madam!

Do you have a shamisen?

Not one good enough for you.

Any shamisen will do.

Are you going to play for us?

Yes, extempore.

A new piece?

Just a sudden idea.

I'll take the notes.

What will be the theme?

There's none in particular.

You may call it
"The Moonflower Cannon."

Master.

Do you think Saku will come
to Kyoto if I suggest it?

Pardon, sir?

I want to take her
as my pupil.

I wonder if she wants to acquire
an accomplishment with the shamisen.

What do you think?

Such an opportunity does
not come up everyday.

Fortune smiles on you but
once in your lifetime.

It all depends on how you
use such an opportunity.

I believe it will do you
good to accept it.

You won his confidence.

This village will be highly
honored if you become his pupil.

This is what we all think.

I'd hate to see you go.

But it's up to you to decide.

You can remain a silk reeler
here or become his pupil.

Look here.

I'd be glad to let you go
if it means your success.

You don't have
to consult with me.

You're very fortunate.
Your folks will be glad.

The Master wrote to them.

They said I could do...

...as I thought best.

There, you see?
They're pleased, too.

But...

I've been dying to live in
Kyoto since I was a child.

When I saw people coming
home from Kyoto on holidays...

...I noticed they became
prettier and refined.

As they were soft spoken.
I envied them.

So did I.

You admired them, too?

Then realize your wishes.

It's that simple.

But...

But what?

Japan's number one
master wants you.

All the silk masters
think it's an honor.

Your master and
parents have agreed.

I'm for it, too.

You'll live in Kyoto.

How wonderful!

Yes.

But...

What will Ukichi think?

Ukichi?

He's in the service.

It can't be helped.

When he gets out...

...he'll find that I'm gone.

He'll feel lonely without you.

But he'll be satisfied if
it's for your own good.

It concerns him also.

You'll practice shamisen
on the strings he makes.

He'll work harder.

I know so.

He's that kind of man.

Think so?

Listen, Saku.

If you find your life tough in
Kyoto or anyone bothers you...

Write to me without fail.

Then I'll talk to your master
or take you back again.

Don't try to put up
with too much.

You can always live here.

You're a good worker.

Understand?

Thanks a lot!

These clothes were
made for you.

The cloth was bought from a dry goods
dealer and made to your size.

Wear it to Kyoto.

Thank you very much,
Master and Madam!

I think of you two
as my parents.

My folks couldn't get me such
fine clothes when I left home.

Now you have given me
such a fine kimono.

I'm so happy-

She's waiting.

You're welcome here.

I'm delighted.

And I feel relieved.

I wanted to live in Kyoto.

But I'm not so deft of hand
that I can play the shamisen.

I don't have a good memory.

I'm just a silk reeler.

I'm afraid you're giving
me too much credit.

I don't think so.

I like your gentle nature.

It isn't difficult to play it.

A child can do it.

The point is to what extent
you can make headway with it.

You'll see in time.

First train your eyes
and ears.

Play it at your leisure.

Wear yourself into practice.

I'll give you a shamisen
to practice with.

Play it relaxed.

The instrument will
play itself.

Tatsu, here, will tell
you what to do.

Saku's been making the
strings for the koto and

the shamisen that we use.

She knows the heart of
the shamisen, I think.

She'll work here.

Be kind to her.

Yes, sir.

Hello, Mistress.

Oh, it's you, Saku!

He got his wish.

Just got here?

I've just arrived.

That's good.

Is he upstairs?

Saku!

Come to my house sometime.

Thank you.

This is your room.

Where's the Missus?

At the main house.

This is the practice hall.

She's laid up in bed.

You must be tired.

Have a good rest.

I'm back, Master.

Ukichi!

It's you, Ukichi.
Welcome home.

Come in.

It's been a long time.

Yes, yes.

It's good to see you again.

Was it hard?

It's snowing lately.

Come right in.

Come in.

Come near me.

Sit down here.

You must've had a hard time.

Yes, but I was in good health.

No illness?

You've returned.

There's not a soul
but us today.

We welcome you.

The girls are visiting
their folks.

Saku, too?

She's gone to Kyoto.

Kyoto?

That's right.

At a nagauta master's request...

...she became his pupil.

Really?

She wanted to see you
badly before she left.

But the master was in
a hurry to have her.

She couldn't wait for you.

She begged us to let
you know what happened.

Why not take
a bath first, Ukichi?

Let's have a drink later.

A bath will refresh you.

Was your job tough?

Yes, it was quite tough.

I took care of the
wild horses.

There's no worse job
in this world.

It hardened me.

It was quite a job.

Attention, villagers.

His Majesty the Emperor,
passed away at 1:25 a.m today...

...despite all the tender care
given him during his long lifetime.

We inform you of this
news with great regret.

Hello.

Matsue speaking.

It's serious.

I got a call informing me of the
Missus' serious condition.

She got suddenly worse?

She coughed up blood?

I'm reluctant to go
and inquire about her.

You know my position.

All right, I will.

Is our Master there?

He's not there?

So he knows nothing?

God bless him.

Where can he be?

He hasn't come.

I'll be right over.

I don't know.

I wonder where he went.

How is she?

She's near death.

Fusako!

You had a hard time.

MY sympathies.

What is he doing?

He's crying at his desk.

He is?

Goodbye.

Hello, sir.

Did a strange man come?

No, no one came.

Someone was peeping in.

Who could it be?

We must be careful.

What did he look like?

He wore striped clothes
and a hunting cap...

...like an apprentice boy.

Was he tall?

Have you someone in mind?

No.

Thank you!

Thanks.

Nobody's around.

It's your tum.

Thank you.

That reminds me that
I also saw a man.

I felt strange and
went outside.

He said nothing and left.

I wonder if it's the same man.

Maybe.

He wore a hunting cap.

That's him!

Who is he?

He might've wanted
to see Saku.

Saku?

Maybe so since she
attracts attention.

She might've known
him in Nishiyama.

She receives and writes
letters sometimes.

Good morning!

Practicing?

Let me hear it.

Please!

From the beginning.

Alright.

Thank you.

That's all.

Do you think you're
playing a shamisen?

It may be my teaching.

Quite so.

Is this the best you can do?

Your teaching is mediocre.

Saku's not concentrating.

She's daydreaming.

Where's your heart?

Don't waste time here.

Saku!

Ukichi!

It's been a long time.

Are you alright?

Yes. Are you?

I missed you.

Same here.

I missed you very much.

In fact, I've been
here often...

...and have seen the tower.

I wanted to see you.

But I was afraid.

So I just saw the tower.

Why didn't you come?

You'd get in trouble
if I went there.

Are you alright there?

Yes, I am.

Is everyone kind?

Yes, everyone's kind to me.

How about the shamisen?

I'm slowly learning it.

I see.

I made this for you.

You may be using Nishiyama
strings at his place...

...made by someone else.

But I want you to use
these strings.

Thanks!

Number one string.

Number two string.

Number three string.

And then?

We saw a picture show and
ate noodles in the evening.

Then I saw him off at the station.

What kind of a man is he?

Well...

I know him very well.

He comes from a village
in Wakasa Province.

He started work at Kidaiyu's
place the day after me.

He's an expert on strings.

He taught me...

...how to reel silk.

You shouldn't mingle
with a mill hand.

But he's not bad at all.

I tell you, Saku.

You're a promising girl.

Should he lose his head...

You needn't worry.

Please don't.

I see.

Then it's alright.

You'll work at the
main house.

Naka was my late wife's maid.

She's leaving.

I'll be the only maid then.

I'm alone so I don't need
any more maids.

Beside, I've got
to teach you the shamisen.

It'll be more convenient.

Don't you like it?

Yes, I do, but...

From tomorrow then.

Number one string.

Some of the villagers say
that you're his second wife.

Do you think so?

No, I don't.

I believe in you.

I'd kill myself if you didn't.

Look, Saku.

The Bon Festival
is coming up.

Let's go back
to Wakasa together.

I'd love to.

We'll meet at Nishiyama then.

I'll ask my master.

I'll meet you there.

Really? Make sure of it.

Number two string.

I want to have a small
factory of my own.

No one is better than
I am at reeling silk.

I could manage to run
a small factory.

I'll ask my master to lease me
a strip of his mulberry fields.

I'll have a hut built
to reel silk in.

Along hut will be good
for drying the strings.

It was your dream to have
a shamisen string factory.

I'll be glad, too.

Saku!

When I go to my
village next time...

...I'll talk to my family
about you.

I look it for granted
you'd marry me.

Is it alright with you?

Alright?

I'm overjoyed!

Thank you, Saku!
Thank you.

Number three string.

Saku!

Master.

Come upstairs with
your shamisen.

I'm here, sir.

Come in.

No elementary lessons.

I'm not in the mood to
teach you from the beginning.

You'll be learning that
from Tojiro as before.

I've got to train you to be
a full-fledged shamisen player.

I'll re-create you.

I'm going to give you
advanced lessons.

I'll be hard on you
until you master it.

I'm serious.

Let's try hard at it.

I won't teach you.

I'll implant my feelings
into your heart.

Understand?

Hand me your shamisen.

New strings!

Ukichi gave them to me.

You saw him again?

He gave them to me
when I saw him last.

Play it as I tell you.

Yes, Master.

Once more.

Imagine white flowers.

Once more.

Once more.

Next.

What's the color?

It's yellow.

What comes to mind
that is yellow?

I have a yellow sash.

Stare at it.

Next purple.

Close your eyes.

Think purple.

Once more.

Once more.

Once more.

Listen to this.

Put your shamisen down.

Listen to mine.

Think of the colors.

Remember the note.

Use your ears and heart.

Now I remember.

It's "The Moonflower Cannon"
you played before.

You remember it?

Master! I do.

Your hands were rough
when you were in Nishiyama.

Now they're soft.

You speak brusquely
to me these days.

I did a lot for you.

I thought you felt small
at the practice hall.

So I asked him to let
you work here.

When you were in Nishiyama...

...I advised him
to bring you here.

I'm your benefactor.

And you play false
behind my back.

It's too much.

Why do you say that?

What's wrong with me?

You're a bold one!

You made eyes at Tojiro
at the practice hall...

...to have him teach you.

Who said so?

Tatsu and the other maids.

You do what you like with
the master while you're here.

And you date that fellow from
Nishiyama when he's out.

Those are all lies.

Lies?

You're playing innocent,
but I have proof.

He's returned.

Welcome back.

Are you depressed?

What's the matter?

I'm not intruding, am I?

You always do.

I want to talk with you.

Make it next time.

You must be careful
of country girls.

She looks gentle
but she's not.

You're talking about
yourself, aren't you?

What do you mean?

I don't think she's
a bad girl at all.

Not experienced like you.

Stop your backbiting.

You're blind to her.

I dropped by the
practice hall.

I found this letter to her.

She exchanges letters
with someone.

She sees him while you're out.

Ridiculous!

Don't indulge in such
petty suspicions.

What do you want?

Please send her
back to Nishiyama.

What?

Master.

Let me move in this house.

You promised me before.

You let Saku come without
saying anything to me.

Please listen.

I can take care of you.

I'll be a good wife.

Have a heart and let me stay.

Stop this!

I have work to do.

You'd better go home
and get to work yourself.

I warn you.

The whole district will
stand against you for this.

What's that?

I'll fight you despite
all your influence here.

Go home!

"Saku..."

"Thanks for your letter."

"You can come home
for the holidays."

"How nice it will be to go
with you to Wakasa!"

Get up, Saku!

Get your shamisen.

Tune it quick.

Try the notes over again.

Yes, Master.

Alright?

Yes.

Are you half asleep?

You're trembling.

Master!

What's the matter?

I'm scared.

You're afraid of me?

Saku...

Are you awake?

May I come in for a minute?

I brought your shamisen.

Is that so?

Put it in there.

Yes.

Saku!

Yes?

A minute ago I was...

Scared?

I was half asleep.

I forgot my manners when
you came to teach me.

Forgive me.

I was wrong.

I was so excited
that you got scared.

You were wearing that sash in
Nishiyama when I first met you.

Yes, that's right.

You were beautiful then...

...like a moonflower.

Artless but beautiful like the
one blooming in the mountains.

You seemed so precious.

So I thought of taking you
to Kyoto with me to polish you.

Do you know Komaya,
the dancer?

Yes. He came to the
practice hall several times.

That's the man.

He asked Mr. Adachi in Nagoya
to arrange a marriage with you.

I refused.

I told him that you're my
important private pupil.

That you're Kannon's child
and precious to me.

Kannon's child?

Yes.

I went to Nishiyama for inspection
after I prayed to Cannon.

You appeared in answer
to my prayer.

It doesn't mean that
I'm Kannon's child.

Your beauty's comparable
to that of the Cannon.

You're working hard here.

You work without complaining.

I know how different you
are from Matsue and Tatsu.

You're a pure maiden.

You're truly beautiful.

I won't let you go.

I want to keep you here
as my pupil for good.

Master!

I may not be good
as a shamisen player.

I'm satisfied just
keeping house.

I don't dislike the
housework at all.

And you're more kind
to me than anybody else.

I'm more than grateful.

Now go back to your
room and turn in.

Do you like it?

I had it dyed...

...and made for you.

It's patterned with moon flowers and
the sash with cocoons and strings.

Is this fine kimono for me?

Yes, it is.

This is too nice for me.

I've never worn
anything like it.

Try it on.

Look, Saku.

I want to make you
more beautiful.

I'll make you the most
attractive girl in Kyoto.

Your beauty is not like that of
ordinary wives and daughters.

Not like a geisha.

You have a special beauty.

I want you to wear a refined kimono
and go with me everywhere.

The Gion Festival...

The Theatre...

You'll attract attention.

Everyone will turn
to look at you.

You said you were going
home for the holidays.

Yes.

Wear it and go.
Everyone will be surprised.

Thank you.

A dance was arranged to my
"The Moonflower Cannon."

I want you to see it.

Would you?

I'd love to.

You can't go in
ordinary clothes.

Change into it.

I'll help you with the sash.

Right now?

Yes, right now.

I want to see you
in that kimono.

I'll change downstairs.

Why don't you change here?

There's no mirror here.

I've got one.

That's too small.

Is it?

Just change right there.

I can help you dress.

Mr. Adachi did the
choreography for my piece.

The stage is set in the
mountains first.

A blind traveler is worn out.

He falls asleep on the
stoop of a temple.

Could it be reality or a dream?
Someone's calling me.

Yes, yes.

Merciful Cannon!
I thank you very much.

I can see things now.

Merciful Cannon! I can
I see your figure also.

Merciful Cannon.

Traveler! Traveler!

Exquisite!

I see the string of your
shamisen has snapped.

Yes, it hasn't been used
for half a year.

It's a pity.

I've brought you strings.

I'm a silk reeling girl.

Play it using the strings
that I made.

There.

Number one string...

Number two string...

Number three string...

How beautiful!

I can't tie the sash properly.

Saku! I love you.
I need you.

Are you going to Nishiyama
first before you go home?

Yes.

Are you going to meet Ukichi?

Yes, and I'll go to
Wakasa with him.

I'd hate to lose you
to Ukichi.

If you go home to Wakasa,
you won't come back here.

You'll end up with Ukichi.

Saku, I love you.
I want you.

I want to have all of you.

I'm not letting you go.

This is the first time I ever
saw such physical beauty.

These hands, legs, neck,
ears and eyes...

...are all mine.

My treasures.

How can I give them up
to another?

Saku, is it alright?

Master...

We'll be seen.

No one's around.

There's nothing to be
afraid of.

Don't be afraid.

The tower is watching us, Master.

The tower...

The tower.

Ukichi...

Ukichi!

Ukichi!

Merciful Cannon? I can't
see. I'm blind again.

Open my eyes once
more, Cannon.

Cannon! Let me see
the girl once more.

Ukichi!

Who is it?

Saku!

Here I am, Ukichi.

Really? Just as you said.

What's the matter?

Why are you crying?

I can't stop now.

Come here and talk to me.

Why are you crying?

It's nothing.

It's because I haven't
seen you for so long.

I was remembering the
past. I'm sorry.

Don't worry.

I see. You had me scared.

Just a little more to go.

I've got to get this done
for an urgent order.

Wait a little.

Never mind. Continue.
I'll help you.

I'll run them together.

Okay.

It brings back memories.

Let's go to the festival tonight and
leave for Wakasa early tomorrow morning.

We used to have lunch here.

Once during a sudden shower,
we talked here for hours.

I trembled in your arms
when it thundered.

Dear old hut.

I like this hut.

I used to come here...

...to remember you.

I asked my master...

...to lease a strip of
field to me.

I told him I wanted
to go independent.

He said he'd lease
me this place.

This hut can be converted
into a small factory.

He advised me to set up
a home with someone I loved.

Saku!

We can get married
any time.

You cried when you saw me.

I was wondering...

You cried like a child
because you missed me.

I was moved by how
deeply you felt about me.

It made me forget
all my hardships.

When I was lonely without you
after I returned from the army.

When I felt discouraged when
I couldn't see you in Kyoto.

You helped me with
my work after you cried.

I couldn't help being happy.

I was imagining that you
were already my wife.

I'll work hard, Saku.

Then I'll save and
become independent.

You'll become my wife soon.

A baby will be born.

I've got to take care of you
and bring up our child.

I have to prepare for that.

I'll go to Kurigara with
you tomorrow.

To ask your folks
to let me marry you.

Then I'll report to my
uncle and family...

...that I'm going to marry
a good girl like you.

Ukichi!

Ukichi.

I didn't stop here to go
to Wakasa with you.

I want you to make me
your wife right now.

Really?

The shamisen is not for me.

I lose myself when I play it.

I don't know what I'm
thinking while I'm playing.

I love you.

I know fully that
I'm in love with you.

But I forget about
you sometimes.

I'm scared of doing
something wrong.

I made up my mind
to stop playing it.

I came here without the
knowledge of my master.

Because I wanted to marry
you as I promised.

You came here to marry me?

I'm ashamed
of quitting my job.

I can't show myself to
Mr. and Mrs. Momose, and the others.

I thought of going
straight to Wakasa.

But I couldn't see
you if I did.

I had to see you even
if I was ashamed.

You'd make me your wife even
if I were the object of ridicule.

I ran all the way up
here thinking that.

Saku's returned.

She's my wife.

She's with me.

Make me your wife.

If not, I'll never be at ease.

That's my only wish in life.

I wouldn't mind dying if only
I could become your wife.

It's a dream.

Saku's come back to me.

Saku! You're my wife.

Ukichi!

Embrace me.

Hold me tight in your arms.

Saku!

Ukichi!

Have you seen Saku?

Saku?

She left before breakfast.

I thought she went out
but she's not back.

She might have gone to
Kinomoto Station then.

She only had a few things.

She might have gone
to get her baggage.

And shopping maybe.

Do you think so?

Have you seen Saku?

Saku was here?

She's missing.

Maybe she's at Kinomoto.

I'll go and see.

I met a cop on my way
who said...

...a young girl was run
over by a train.

I hope that wasn't Saku.

I looked everywhere.

What do I do now?

Maybe she went
to Wakasa alone.

She would've told us...

...if she were going there.

Let me have a look
at her things.

Would it be possible she
got sick of me and left?

It's impossible.

We took a bath together
after the festival.

Her body was pretty.

I teased her asking if you
would be the man to get her.

She answered "yes" and her
eyes were filled with tears.

She said she was happy.

She loves you.

She wouldn't dislike
you and leave you.

She was saving money
to make a home with you.

She left her money.

She couldn't have gone to
Wakasa or gone shopping.

It's empty-

The koto strings are gone.

I'm afraid she's gone
to kill herself.

There's no reason why
she should kill herself.

Listen, Kayo. I...

Kayo, I...

I did something wrong.

This is between you and me.

We got married last night.

I wonder if she disappeared
out of shame.

I couldn't help it.

She wanted to marry me so
much and was so lovely.

I couldn't control myself.

When was it?

Last night.

She might be waiting
for me at that place.

Ukichi!

Ukichi!

Ukichi!

Why?

Why did you die?

If you had troubles
or sorrows...

...you should've told me.

Why did you die?

It was bad of you to kill
yourself with my strings.

Saku...

Didn't you want...

...to see your folks at home?

I saw a girl who was run
over by a train today.

Many strangers were
lurking around.

Cops and doctors were
examining her naked body.

What a shame it was
for the dead!

If they found out you
committed suicide...

...they'd look at you
the same way.

Cops and doctors would touch
your body with their dirty hands.

I couldn't stand it.

This precious and
pretty body of yours...

I don't want anyone
else to see it.

I'll bury you in a place
where no one knows.

You'd prefer that,
wouldn't you?

I'll bury you in a place
where no one knows but me.

Isn't that better?

I'll put you in that
thread box.

Let's see.

What would be
a good place?

How about Lake Yogo?

That would be a good place.

We first met each
other at the lake.

Lake Yogo is the
deepest around...

..."Weeping Rock."

Caves at the bottom...

...go in every direction.

Some lead to Nishiyama...

...passing under
Mt. Shizugatake.

Saku...

It was painful to go in the
army and leave you.

My only hope in life was
to see you again.

I felt lonely when I returned
and you were gone.

And yet there was hope of
meeting you in Kyoto and

your coming back.

But you wouldn't return if
you are deep under water.

There's no chance
of us meeting again.

I can only think of the dark
and lonely life ahead of me.

Here we are at the lake.

Saku...

May I go with you
to the bottom?

I want to sleep beside you.

You went to the other world
alone leaving your folks behind.

I understand that now.

I'll go with you. Alright?

"Embrace me," you said last night.

Then I took you.

I am your husband.

You are my wife.

At the bottom of this lake,
we will spin thread together.

The End