Original subtitles

Official Selection, Art Festival, 1959

TOEl COMPANY, LTD. Presents

Naniwa no koi no monogatari THEIR OWN WORLD

Produced By OKAWA Hiroshi

Based on the Plays of CHIKAMATSU Monzaemon

Cast

Kameya Chubei NAKAMURA Kinnosuke

Umegawa ARIMA Ineko

Chiyozo: YUKISHIRO Keiko Otoku: HANAZONO Hiromi Otama: UEKI Chie

Azumagumo: HIDAKA Sumiko Oen: NANIWA Chieko

Tsuchiya Jiemon: SHINDO Etaro Tanbaya Hachiemon: CHIAKI Minoru Magnate Tobei: TONO Eijiro

Chikamatsu Monzaemon KATAOKA Chiezo

Directed by UCHIDA Tom

Poor turnout for a spring show.

Chikumonojo's death was a blow to the theater.

Is Chikamatsu here?

He's over there.

Magnate Tobei has been dying to meet you, master.

He's offering to finance the Takemoto Theater.

It's the show, not money, that brings in the crowds.

Of course.

But we both know the theater is in dire straits.

Just have a few drinks with him at "Tsuchiya".

I'll tell him.

Your lunch, mistress.

Brother.

Here. It's from "Isehiro".

Thank you.

Did you deliver Hiranoya's remittance?

Yes, an hour ago.

There was a messenger from the guild.

What for?

An Edo courier embezzled 1 ryo from a pouch he was

delivering to Dojima.

That's awful! Embezzlement?

The guild is calling an emergency meeting.

What shall I do?

It's time you get involved in these matters.

Go on.

Can't brother join us, mother?

No, not today.

Darn!

Brother!

I'm sorry to have all the fun.

Relax, and enjoy the show.

It's no fun being an adopted son, young master...

How's that?

You're too busy running errands to enjoy a play.

They could have invited us to stay and watch.

Fool! You're the one who wanted to watch!

Chubei?

Hachi! Just the one I wanted to see.

Hah! You gave me the slip the other day.

You won't get away from me today.

I really was looking for you.

There was a courier embezzlement case in Dojima!

What?!

- The guild must've announced a meeting. - Is that so?!

Well, the red-light district will have to wait.

You go on back, Chokichi.

Yes, young master!

"Osaka Courier Houses Guild"

We realize embezzlement is punishable by death.

However, as the stolen funds were not public,

we hope the magistrate will deem banishment...

...an appropriate punishment.

I speak on behalf of the 18 Osaka courier houses here.

I will relay your request to the magistrate,

and you may await his disposition.

Thank you, officers.

That courier Kinroku may lose his head...

...for a measly 1 ryo.

I hope the poor fellow gets off with banishment.

The courier business is a risky one,

always dealing with other folks' money.

- Tanbaya. - Yes.

How's your wife's ailment?

She's resting at the Arima spas and won't come home.

You two just got married. Take good care of her.

I will.

Are you here in place of the mistress, Kameya?

Yes.

She must be relieved to have found a fine heir.

Isn't it so, Tanbaya?

He's a fine man, with a fine business,

betrothed to a fine girl named Otoku.

The man has it made.

You sound jealous, Tanbaya.

I'm burning with jealousy,

and I plan to turn him into a flaming playboy!

Stop it, Tanbaya!

No, no!

Welcome, gentlemen!

A betrothed is merely bait for tying a man down...

...to a business.

Bait?

Sure. Your mistress baited you with Otoku,

adopted you, and is driving you like a slave.

You're cheap labor. A horse!

Nonsense!

You poor, slave-driven stud-horse,

carrying the burden of the Kameya fortune!

- Stud-horse? - Exactly!

So many adopted stud-horses like you in Osaka!

More sake, sis!

Right away!

If you call yourself a man,

give out a roar now and then!

I'll show you a heck of a time tonight and...

...make you forget all about the mistress and Otoku!

I'm going, Hachi.

Hold on!

Here you are, sir.

Never mind. Here.

Thank you, sir.

I won't let you go today!

- What if someone sees me here, Hachi? - Just come along!

Once you go through these gates,

there's no couth or uncouth,

no samurai or merchant. We're all the same!

Let me go!

No way! Just look at this crowd!

Look, Chubei. You have your pick.

You want a young one?

No, maybe an older one since it's your first time.

How about that one?

Me? I'm so happy!

Here!

She's an affectionate one, Chubei!

- Don't I know you, sir? - What?!

That's good one. What's your name?

Chiyozo, sir.

The magnate's here!

We have to be quick before he...

...scoops them all up!

Which one, Chubei? I take this one!

You take the young master!

Chikamatsu sensei?

He isn't here!

Master Chikamatsu not here yet?

Not yet, sir. Held up as usual, maybe?

Will you get him for me, right away?

That'll be 33 momme for each courtesan,

45 momme, including room and wine.

- We'll pay you right now. - Thank you.

Be big and put out 3 bu, Chubei.

He's so handsome!

Hey, I'm your client!

- Thank you for calling on me. - This is Umegawa.

Nice girl!

It's his first time in the pleasure district.

Take good care of him.

Of course.

Come in.

Mind if I go? I don't feel right staying out.

Is there someone sweet waiting for you at home?

Apparently.

So what are you doing in the pleasure district?

I won't let you go.

Why not? I've already paid my bill. I'm going!

Wait! Don't be so mean.

I'm going!

Don't you like me?

I didn't say that. I said I'm going!

I can't let you go. It'd ruin my reputation.

Ruin your reputation?

You may not know the practice here.

If I let a first-time client leave,

without giving him pleasure, the proprietor will scold me...

...and the other courtesans will laugh at me.

You did pay and I don't mean to cross you.

But won't you please stay till morning?

I'm sorry to be so selfish.

Are you in bed, Chubei?

Why are you dragging your feet?

He insists on going.

Afraid of the old lady? I'll cover up for you.

Take off your coat. I'll hang on to it till morning.

Hachi!

Come now.

You're shaking, my naive young master.

Wait right here. I'll be right back.

You're quite drunk.

This way, sir.

Feel ill?

You've had a lot to drink.

The master's back.

There you are, master! Let's go inside.

Why, sensei! Take your seat of honor.

This is fine.

Good news, Chikamatsu!

The magnate's offered to back our spring show.

Write us a play that'll draw the crowds, sensei.

Please!

The Takemoto Theater can't go wrong...

...with the magnate's backing.

We'll always hold a room here for you.

Thank you kindly.

Sing sensei' s "Three Phases" for us, courtesan.

I will.

- Will you accompany me, Tanomo-san? - Of course.

What's wrong?

You have a cut. Does it hurt?

Wait.

I'll treat it for you.

It might hurt a bit.

What's her name?

That's Umegawa.

Now cheer up.

Thank you, sister!

Such a sweet girl you are, Umegawa.

Come over here.

Take this tissue, wrap it around my finger,

lick it, and make it all better for me.

Why, magnate!

Sorry to make you wait.

That odious magnate!

Let's drink.

May I?

When will you be back?

Soon.

Fresh! Don't you lie to me now!

Wait!

Promise?

What's this? Come on!

"Kameya Courier Service"

You have a packload from Edo!

Thank you all for the long trip!

A packload from Edo, mistress.

Where's Chubei?

Well...

Why isn't he here?

Get wine for the road horsemen, Otoku.

And tobacco.

Morning.

Back so early?

So sorry! After the guild meeting,

we all went to Shinmachi Sonezaki, and Dojima.

Chu-san couldn't handle the win and got sick,

so I let him stay over at my place.

So sorry to impose on you.

He doesn't look well. He's hung over.

How do you feel?

I'm fine now.

Drop by when you're in the area, aunty.

Thank you.

How was the guild meeting, Chubei?

Courier Kinroku is to be paraded through town,

then banished.

Embezzling even just 1 ryo is a serious offense.

It'll set a good example to the other couriers.

We're busy. Go on and change.

- Gen. - Yes.

Where's Yamadaya's 400 ryo?

They've received the bill but no delivery yet,

so they're dunning us.

I've got it right here,

along with 400 ryo in remittances,

for a total of 800 ryo.

- There's your delivery, mistress. - Thank you.

- Go on and have a drink. - Much obliged.

How was that young master, Kawa?

You look awfully satisfied.

Meanie!

He's green, handsome,

and the young master of a courier house.

You'll never want for pocket money.

Have a good time and get what you can out of him.

- Otoku? Otoku? - Yes.

Where did Chubei go? Didn't he say?

He went to Nishi-Yokobori, to "Kadoman",

to see about a bill.

Is that so...

Shall I massage your shoulders, mother?

We have a meeting tonight, Chu-san!

Where's Chu-san, Otoku?

He's just left to go to Nishi-Yokobori.

That's where it is, in Nishi-Yokobori.

Shall I make the loan?

Yes, please.

That's 5 ryo, extending your term of service...

...half a year. Do you understand?

- Yes. - You give it to him.

I'm sorry to be such an useless uncle.

I wish I didn't have to come to you.

But your sick mother can't pay for her medicine.

Never mind, uncle. Take that money to my mother.

Will you put your thumbs on this?

You now have 250 ryo to work off with your body.

Do you understand?

Such a filial daughter you are.

Return to your room.

Give my best to my mother, uncle.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

You look troubled. What's wrong?

Nothing's wrong. Have another.

Forgive me!

Forgive me!

Never mind.

You can come here twice, but not three times, master.

Twice but not three times!?

I'll grow fond of you and get hurt.

Have you been here long?

I don't know how long.

It must be a hardship.

I've grown used to it.

I didn't come here by choice.

Yet, people speak of me like scum.

What sin did I commit in my previous life?

Every day and night, I sell my body and soul.

Like a merchandise.

Merchandise?

Yes, merchandise that talks.

Merchandise that laughs, cries, and gets angry.

Isn't that funny?

For us prostitutes,

from morning till night, it's money, money, money.

Money is the enemy.

Really, "Money is the enemy"?

Your dead father used to say:

"Don't trust a man who uses one tissue after another."

Chubei's been using a lot of tissue lately.

He's been staying out late at night, too.

I think I'll send him to Edo for some remittances.

Maybe he should get away from Osaka awhile.

I know you'll miss him, but you understand.

Will you call Chubei for me?

You called?

Come over here.

You're Kameya's precious adopted son.

You have to learn the ropes so that...

...you can marry Otoku and take over the business.

I want you to go to Edo on an errand.

Pick up 30 ryo in remittance for Hiranoya,

and also 40 ryo for Wataryo.

I understand.

You do? You mustn't make any mistakes with money.

That is true.

Money to a merchant is like a sword to a samurai.

Disgrace over money would be the end of us.

Don't forget you're an Osaka merchant.

Be very, very careful.

I will, ma'am.

Be on your way tomorrow, when the rains stop.

Very well.

Want to go to Shodoshima?

Or have a nice shop of your own in Osaka?

Think about it while I'm away in Hokuriku.

Say the word, and you could leave...

...this life behind and be happy.

- Happy? - Right so!

A woman like me could never be happy, anywhere.

What're you saying... I can make you happy.

"Mother,"

"Did you get from uncle the 5 ryo I sent you"

"I'm sorry I couldn't send you more."

"I got a talisman for you today."

"I'll send it along with the kelp you love so much."

"I'll work hard till my term of service is over,"

"so I can come home and be with you again."

"Live long and wait for me."

"So I pray to God and Buddha."

"To Mother, from Ume."

Chu is here?

He wants to see you and he's waiting...

...for you in your room. What shall I do?

Ask him to leave?

Excuse me, sir.

Chu-sama?

Chu-sama?

Thank you! Thank you!

Welcome back.

Where's mother?

She's retired.

What's this?

I sent Chokichi to get you one at the temple.

Have a safe trip and be home soon.

I know I worried you so, Otoku-chan.

I promise to buckle down and work hard,

so you take care of mother while I'm gone.

Bulletin! Bulletin!

It's decreed! Economize! No more extravagances!

It's decreed! Economize! No more extravagances!

Lt'll get hard to do business.

That's true! Large establishments make loans to aristocrats and lords nowadays.

The government is taking desperate measures.

For us merchants, money will be tight

and we won't be able to get financing.

Some of us may even fold.

There came a letter from Tanbaya yesterday.

Yes?! What does it say?

To send 50 ryo in remittance with you.

Is that so... Very well.

Here's 40 ryo for Wataryo-san, 30 ryo for Hiranoya-san,

and 50 ryo for Tanbaya-san.

Exactly.

Little sister, is Umegawa at your place?

Yes, she is.

I have something for her. Will you call her for me?

Umegawa! Someone's here for you!

Not so loud! What is it?

Someone's here for you.

Excuse me. Are you Umegawa?

Yes. What do you want?

The young master of Kameya sends this from Edo.

- The young master? - Yes.

- Is he in Edo? - Yes.

No wonder he never came to see me.

Excuse me.

Wait.

Why, thank you.

Happy, sister?

Don't say that.

"Asakusa Nakamise"

A comb means goodbye!

Oh, how could he?!

Sir! I delivered that item to her!

Good job!

Sir... The pretty thing could hardly wait to see you!

It's a letter from the Shodoshima magnate.

He wrote from Echigo-ji. He wants to ransom you.

That's wonderful!

This is the reward for all your hardships.

Shall we give him an answer?

Well? Say something.

Funny girl! I thought you'd be overjoyed.

Are you weeping?

Whether you love another man or not doesn't matter.

Well? Say something!

Stubborn thing!

Forgive me!

A chance like this doesn't come often!

Say the word to the proprietor and...

...you'll live happily ever after.

Don't you know we care about you?

Forgive me!

Never mind. Leave her alone, Okiyo!

You look docile, but you're such a problem!

Go back to your room and think it over.

Remember, your body doesn't belong to you.

Go on!

As if she were some high class prize!

Foolish woman!

Don't stand around there! Go away!

What are you staring at? Get back to work!

Welcome!

What will it be, sir?

Very well! A bottle of wine for our guest!

Here you are, sir.

Is that you there, master?

What?

Here you are, master! You forgot something.

Thanks! You hold on.

- This is for you. - Thank you.

Aren't you Kawa's client?

She weeps after you every day, sir.

Please see her.

Bye, master! Bye, sir!

Bye!

Young master!

Is that you?

Chu-sama!

Chu-sama!

Please come here!

Chu-< L> sama! Chu-< L> sama!

Chu-sama! I have something to tell you!

Chu-sama!

Chu-sama! Chu-sama!

- Okiyo. - Yes.

The magnate's sent me another letter,

He writes that he'll be back by mid-month...

...and expects to ransom Umegawa then.

Why can't she see what an opportunity this is.

Foolish girl! She hasn't spoken in days.

Never mind her! Just proceed with plans.

- Oen! - Yes.

Don't let Umegawa take any more clients.

What!? But she just did.

No, no! The magnate has made a formal offer.

Explain to the client and give him his money back.

Such a cruel man you are. I'd given up hope on you.

But I won't say anything any more.

You came to see me even before going home.

I'm coming in, Kawa!

The magnate has offered to ransom Kawa.

Ransom Umegawa?

Yes. So I was told to give you back your money.

Are you telling me to leave?

Since it's settled with the magnate,

it's only proper for us to keep Kawa pure for him.

You know that, Kawa.

What's going on? All this is news to me.

Did you agree to go with the magnate?

What's this, Kawa-san?

Kawa's going to marry into wealth.

Be a man about it, sir, and be happy for her.

I asked Umegawa!

Did you agree to it, Umegawa?

What does it matter?

A courtesan is for sale. Her body is not her own.

Very well.

The magnate isn't back yet.

She's for sale, you say? Money is what it takes?

I'll talk to the proprietor!

Is it true the Shodojima magnate's offered to...

...ransom Umegawa?

Have a seat, and take a look at this letter.

A letter doesn't mean anything!

Here's 50 ryo for the ransom.

But the magnate has priority.

I'm heir to the Kameya business.

I can give you 50 or 100 ryo.

And I'll take it.

But this isn't nearly enough to ransom Umegawa.

It'll take 250 ryo, and an additional 200 ryo.

Think about it.

I know.

I can get the money from my father in Yamato.

- What if the magnate learns of this? - I can always return the money.

A little competition for the magnate may be good.

That's true.

What are you doing, Oen? Put that money away.

You stay here, Umegawa.

Should you be doing this?

I won't let that country magnate have you.

I'm a man. I thwarted him!

I can't have you ruin yourself over me!

Don't you worry.

I can't live without you.

Where is that Chubei?

He should have left Edo by now.

I'm still waiting for that 50 ryo.

- Hello, Tanbaya. - Hello, aunty.

We have a problem, mistress.

Times are hard. I have to press you.

I'm sorry for the trouble.

We expect him back shortly, but we're worried...

...he may have fallen ill somewhere.

I hope not.

I'll come by again tomorrow then.

Excuse me.

Hold it. Maybe he's at... Why didn't I think of it?

Wait! I'll call him.

Chubei! Just as I thought!

Have some.

50 ryo is a lot of money.

That's 50 koku, or the price of 125 bags of rice.

I know that. Just give me a few more days.

I'll have more money in 4-5 days.

Everything's topsy-turvy with that decree,

and times are hard.

Do a friend a favor, Hachi.

Didn't we go through the Main Gate together?

That's not fair.

I beg you, Hachi.

Oh, all right. Just 2-3 days then.

I owe you.

How could you spend that money?

I'll leave the money here, pops!

Let's go!

Too ashamed to go home?

I'll go with you. Come on!

I ran into him by the Nagahori Bridge.

He did fall ill in Edo, with a bad bellyache.

I'm sorry to worry you.

Here's Hiranoya's 30 ryo and Wataryo's 40 ryo.

You take it to them personally, Jihei.

Yes, ma'am.

Where's Tanbaya's 50 ryo?

Right here...

I put it away.

You always look so young, aunty.

- Come now... - I mean it.

When you have a business to run,

you've no time to grow old.

So keep busy and you won't grow old.

Nonsense.

Welcome home.

There's dried kaki and a letter for you from your father in Yamato.

"To Kameya Chubei"

"From Katsugi Magoemon"

"Trust is utmost to a merchant."

"You being short of temper and"

"lacking in social graces,"

"I worry that you may be disliked by your workers."

"I pray that you exercise every caution when..."

"...dealing with money, dedicate yourself to work,"

"and show devotion to your adoptive parents."

"Sincerely yours..."

"I shall send you 300 ryo with the courier..."

"...leaving Edo on the 2nd of November."

"Please collect this sum on the 9th or 10th..."

"...from Kameya Chubei in Osaka."

Here's the letter from the Edo residence.

Hasn't the money arrived yet?

Due to swollen rivers from the recent rains,

it's taking a little longer.

Important business matters have been...

disrupted by this delay. It's an outrage!

You have every right to be upset.

Even if there were some mishap along the way,

I assure you, you will suffer no loss.

I should hope not,

or off goes your master's head!

Send another courier to get the money right away!

I will.

- Hurry up! - I will.

Chubei's just returned today. He must have known about that letter.

He'd fallen ill in Edo.

Chubei!

Chubei!

You have a packload from Edo!

Genroku? Where's the 300 ryo for the Yonagos?

I have it right here.

There you are.

Good job.

Take this 300 ryo to the Yonagos tonight, Chubei.

Yes, ma'am.

That's the way to Shinmachi, young master!

The Yonagos are in Dojima.

I've something to attend to, Chokichi.

- Get yourself a bowl of noodles. - Thank you, sir. Hurry back now!

- Where to, sir? - Shinmachi. Hurry!

Take a break.

Stop.

- Chokichi? - Master Tanbaya!

Enjoying your noodles? Is Chubei home?

He stopped by Shinmachi on his way to the Yonago residence, with their money.

- With their money? - Yes.

Oh, no!

Back to Shinmachi! Hurry!

The magnate is back!

- Has Umegawa been chaste? - Yes, she has.

The magnate is back, proprietor.

Welcome back!

Tonight's the nuptials.

I have the money right here.

I've accepted 50 ryo from him.

Return it to him, with interest!

There's 2 ryo!

The magnate's back, Kawa-san!

Put on your makeup and change!

Tonight is the nuptials, Kawa-san! Kawa-san!

We're closing up shop for a big celebration!

Nuptials?

The magnate paid 250 ryo in full to ransom Kawa!

How dare he!?

What do you mean nuptials?!

What about the 50 ryo I gave you?

It's right here, plus interest from the magnate.

Why, Hachi! I'm so happy to see you!

Not now! Is Chubei here?

What's the matter?

That young master is no good for you.

Forget about him, for your own good.

You here, Chubei?!

Big trouble, Hachi!

You and the magnate are like night and day.

If you had another 200 ryo, it'd be another story.

Here's the 2 ryo in interest.

- This is for Umegawa's ransom. - What about the other 200 ryo?

You showed off that you were the Kameya heir.

But while couriers are entrusted with a fortune in other folks' money,

they have but a paltry sum to call their own.

I don't know how rich your parents in Yamato are.

But if they had to give you away to Kameya,

they're most likely dumb peasants at best.

Take my advice. Forget about Umegawa,

and take that money and go home.

You should do that.

Go home and settle for an amateur.

We don't have time for this.

Let's attend to your nuptials upstairs, magnate.

Wait! Has Umegawa consented to it?

So money talks. What if she doesn't want it?

You hold on while I get her!

Money does talk,

and it doesn't matter what she wants!

So that's it! That 50 ryo wasn't his!

Really?

He used remittance money that was meant for me!

That's awful!

I loaned it to him, as a friend.

But what a charade we put on for his mother!

Look at what he handed me. A water holder!

What an awful man that Kameya is!

He's a swindler!

- How dare he say it was ransom money! - Stop tormenting me!

He shouldn't be here if he doesn't have money!

I'd better get my 50 ryo back!

Chubei!

You can have your 50 ryo back!

This money?

Money is money!

Some friend you are!

Thanks for putting me to shame!

Take this money!

Take it!

Oen! It's the nuptials!

Come on now!

- It's that young Kameya master! - Forget about him! Get Umegawa ready.

It's the nuptials!

Come!

Look here, young master!

You have to get ready, Kawa-san!

How dare you barge in here?!

Thanks for putting down my family's wealth!

Put your money where your mouth is!

This is supposed to be a joyous occasion.

You get out!

You want money?

Here's your money!

Chu-sama!

You and I are man and wife!

I'm so happy!

We're man and wife!

Man and wife!

Where's Chubei?!

What has Chubei done?

He's accused of embezzling by Tanbaya Hachiemon and Tsuchiya Jiemon!

Embezzling? Chubei?

He embezzled 300 ryo belonging to the two!

That money last night...

Chubei isn't here!

- Not here? Arrest her in his place! - Yessir!

Mother!

Unhand her.

- Otoku! - Mother!

Kameya is finished!

Mother!

The devil's gotten into Chubei!

You poor thing!

You stay strong, Otoku! You hear?

Take her away!

The devil didn't get into brother!

Embezzling in Shinmachi! Read all about it!

I taught him to have a little fun, not embezzle!

Brr! It's snowing. Better get home!

That Kameya heir embezzled money that was due to a samurai residence!

What was that Umegawa thinking, rejecting the magnate for a pauper!

Do they really think no one would come after them?

Master Chikamatsu,

I just don't understand youngsters nowadays.

If they're caught,

he gets executed, she goes back to the brothel.

Manager, maybe you offended the master...

I don't think so.

He had that same look when he wrote...

..."Love Suicides at Sonezaki." Remember?

Sure! Maybe he'll come up with another great play!

You're home.

Granny, will you get me a hot one?

Day in and out,

for us prostitutes, it's money, money, money.

Money is the enemy.

Embezzling in the name of the enemy.

Here you are, master.

- Have you heard the news? - What news?

The Kameya boy and a Shinmachi girl named...

...Umegawa embezzled money and then committed suicide!

They haven't committed suicide yet. Don't get ahead of yourself.

That's a relief. And? Have they been caught?

Not yet.

The poor things! Out in this heavy snow...

They aren't the only ones.

Think of how painful it must be for their parents...

What's the matter?!

Umegawa! Umegawa!

Are you all right?

It's the posse! Come over here!

Your door's wide open, granny.

Where's that undutiful son of yours?

Notify us if you see a suspicious Osaka couple.

Granny's hard of hearing.

We'll close the door behind us.

She reminds me of my mother.

Umegawa?

Umegawa...

Let's go our separate ways.

Separate ways?

Yes.

You didn't know that...

...the 300 ryo for your ransom...

...was money due to the Yonagos of Dojima!

Out of pride, I embezzled that money,

a samurai's money, for which I'll be executed.

I accept my fate,

but we'll be conspicuous together.

We'll flee separately.

You go to Kyoto and see your mother,

then plead your innocence and...

...go back to the brothel.

Don't speak any more!

I'm so glad you admitted it.

I suspected as much, but was too afraid to ask you.

I prayed that you would admit it to me first.

You knew what I'd done and came with me anyway?

I was, after all, the one who drove you to crime.

Umegawa!

You'd prove your love for me with your life?

Oh, please! Take me with you, anywhere.

You're all I have in this wretched life.

I know you intend to die alone after seeing your...

...dear father in Ninokuchi Village.

No, no!

I'll never let you go!

I won't let you die alone even if it means...

...standing on a street corner!

We'll run and run!

You and I will be one, in this world and beyond!

Oh, Umegawa!

Master, it's the theater manager.

Opening day is just 10 days away, Chikamatsu-san,

and we may have a new financier.

How is it going? You haven't done any writing.

I'm making it a three act play,

but I can't get a grasp of the climactic scene.

What climactic scene?

Just depict what those two did in your play.

He's right!

The scandalous embezzlement,

the sad lover's suicide trip,

appropriate sound effects,

and the dramatic arrest! That's all it takes.

If that were all it takes,

you wouldn't need a writer.

A writer has to take in reality and stir emotions.

I'll see if I have better luck at Tsuchiya.

What's wrong? Did the madam scold you?

Is it because your nice sister, Umegawa, is gone?

So that was it...

Now, now. Don't cry.

That's a bad cut you have.

Master! Master! They've been caught!

- They have? - Yes!

The magistrate's just summoned the proprietor.

- Were they both caught? - Yes!

Without any trouble at Ninokuchi Village.

- Ninokuchi Village? - Yes!

He went to see his father...

Before they planned a lovers' suicide, maybe.

- The poor things... - Yes, indeed.

- Oen! Oen! - Yes.

Excuse me.

Come over here, quickly!

There, there. Don't cry.

Make sure you clean out Umegawa's room.

That girl gave us nothing but grief!

But, madam, she may be a blessing.

If she comes back, she's sure to bring in clients!

There, there. Don't cry. You're a good girl.

They're only human. They make mistakes.

The poor man, he's executed. She's returned to the brothel.

That may be reality,

but my pen is not so heartless.

At least, not onstage.

"Ninokuchi Village"

Kawa's come back!

Umekawa's back?

She's so thin and frail, like a ghost!

Make sure she brings no more trouble to the madam.

We understand.

You see? Didn't we tell you so?

Umegawa! Umegawa!

Umegawa! Umegawa!

Chu-sama!

Umegawa is innocent! I embezzled the money!

Please spare her!

Please spare her! Please! Please!

Umegawa!

Chu-sama!

Chu-sama! Chu-sama!

Someone come! It's sister!

Let me go!

Step aside, master!

You fool! What do you think you're doing?!

Let me die, proprietor!

Not so fast!

I've got money on your body!

I want to die! Please let me die!

Don't I even deserve to take my own life?

I want to be with my Chu-sama! My Chu-sama!

Stop babbling, you fool!

Take her back!

Let me go to my Chu-sama!

Let me go to my Chu-sama!

Oh, master!

Let me go to my Chu-sama!

Let me go to my Chu-sama!

Chu-sama!

Chu-sama!

- THE END -