Original subtitles

In the 1930's, Japan invaded Manchuria,

left the League of Nations and smoldered internally

Radicals and extremists ran amuck...

assassinating leading public figures

Severe famine, the Depression, embargoes...

Fear and uncertainty gripped the people

To show His Majesty what is in our hearts

To root out corruption

to build a New Japan in His name

You agree, Ando?

I don't want to involve the troops

Don't you see?

It's for them

We'll soon be transferred to Manchuria

How can we save Japan from the mainland?

Without the support of our troops

it's an impossible task

I'll do it alone if need be

Timing is crucial

We must

United, let us create a New Japan

It's too early

If we fail, we're in open rebellion

We won't fail

General Mazaki and many others back us

Ando, we must join...

and sacrifice to bring about this reformation

Whether insanity or idiocy...

headlong we hurtle

The words have all been said

All that's left is this

Whether insanity or idiocy...

headlong we hurtle!

It's set

When?

The 26th

The 26th? This month?

Yes, February 26th

February 26th

Four Days of Snow and Blood

February 26th, 1936

Prepare to depart!

My regards to Nonaka and Ando

Certainly

Come straight back

8 men under Captain Hisashi Kohno

Attention!

We, the Ando troop will totally devote ourselves...

to the building of a New Japan

204 men under Captain Kizo Ando

Divide the ammunition and supplies equally

It's live ammunition

Do not load until ordered to

280 men under 1st It. Yasuhide Kurihara

Your families starve

Our comrades fight abroad while at home...

their sisters are sold for rice

Families who grow the rice...

are unable to eat it themselves

No work for the poor

They're starving, exhausted

14 men under 2nd It. Taro Tanaka

Listen to me, men

210 men under 1st It. Tadashi Sakai

H. M. Can never be at ease while the misery persists

The clique surrounding His Majesty...

keep the people's plight from Him

They conceal the nation's true condition

130 men under It. Noriaki Nakahashi

We shall attack the Finance Minister

Our cry Fighting Spirit Unity

170 men under It. Masatada Nui

In the name of His Majesty,

we will do our utmost!

Believe and follow!

500 men under Captain Shiro Nonaka

We'll attack police headquarters

Revere the Emperorl

Expel the clique!

Move out!

Maneuvers?

Stopl

We'll kill any opposition!

Kill me, then

You can't kill father

Kill me!

Father!

Who are you?

Finance Minister Korekiyo Takahashi

Identify yourself I

Divine punishment!

Just you two?

Yes

The shots frightened us

Major General

We've found him

Prime Minister, Admiral Keisuke Okada

Master!

Close it!

You're the Prime Minister?

Most certainly

Outsidel

Prime Minister Okada?

No mistake

Kill him

PM's Secretary, Colonel Denzo Matsuo Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal

What is this?

Admiral Minoru Saito

Who are you? Such insolence!

Identify yourself I What regiment?

Stopl

Kill me

Please...

Take us to Count Makino

Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, Count Makino (ret. )

Is this the behaviour of Imperial troops?

We're not your husband's lackeys

We're the Emperor's men!

I's not your concern, let us through

My husband is asleep. Please leave

Get away!

Inspector General of Military Education

National Police Headquarters General Jotaro Watanabe

What's the meaning of this?

Who is your commanding officer?

I demand an explanation

We have our orders We will not leave...

until we've completed our mission

That's unacceptable

We're responsible for law and order

No time to talk!

Calm down. We have laws

We will explain later

Stopl

Who are you?

We must report to the Minister immediately

Open up

Not without specific orders

If you try to stop us there will be bloodshed

If you intend to harm the Minister - neverl

Open up!

No, never!

Open the gate!

Grand Chamberlain, Admiral Kantaro Suzuki

State your regiment and commanding officer

Staff sergeant Nagata, Third Regiment

Are you Grand Chamberlain Suzuki?

I am

What have you to say?

1 can't speak

Who is your commander?

Shall I shoot him?

Shoot!

Stop it!

Why? Why?

For the New Japan!

No morel

Please. He won't live long

No more. I beg you

Salute. Grand Chamberlain Suzuki

What the hell is this?

Open up!

Don't point that at me! Make way!

Open up!

You can't enter

Go away!

Orders? From a noncom?

Ordered to admit no-one until the situation settles

Those refusing to obey, leave us no choice...

but to shoot

1500 men have occupied...

the Akasaka area, Prime Minister's Residence...

and Police Headquarters

War Minister's Residence and General Staff Office

To carry out the Emperor's will,

both domestic and foreign...

and for equal justice to all His subjects

We eliminated the corrupt elements

As our document states

Restore order, purge both parliament and...

commerce of corrupt elements

bring forth the New Japan as a matter of urgency

Recognition of our actions as loyal imperial forces

Convey these points to His Majesty

It's not that simple

We've fresh blood on our hands...

don't make us shed more

1 understand your feelings

So very, very well

Shall we go to the palace?

Time is of the essence

Don't dither!

We too, have a responsibility here

To understand their fervor

Demonstrate our support for the New Japan

Otherwise chaos will prevail

First obtain His Majesty's approval...

that their actions do not constitute rebellion

Yes, but their conduct...

Is there any other way?

Would our combined agreement suffice?

Do we have the authority to do that?

War Minister, if it went out in your name,

wouldn't that satisfy them?

1 concur

Issued in your name. All agreed?

Minister of War

Minister of War hereby proclaims

1. His Majesty has been informed of your aims

2, Your actions were for the good of the country

3. The country is currently in dire straits

4, The Combined General Staff recognise your quest

5. All else awaits His Majesty's pleasure

So you approve of our actions?

At the very least?

Exactly as it is written

Just a moment

It's not clear whether we are in fact...

rebels or patriots

Why omit it?

It's sufficient

The Emperor now knows our hearts

Ando-san. It's rumored that the Emperor is on the verge...

of proclaiming the New Japan

Without concrete actions, it's futile to speculate

We've done all we could

All we can do now is to wait and hope

Eyes left!

Attention!

Anyone catch cold?

Not a one, sirl

Guard your health!

Company Commander

HQ sent rations

Have they?

Nonaka, it's Captain Kohno

How is everything, Kohno?

I'm sorry, Nonaka

1 can't join you

I failed...

It's alright

We'll talk later

We did it

Everyone's well

Heard about the Minister's proclamation?

Yes

Wish I could join you

From here on it's critical

We've done what we had to

We now await His Majesty's pleasure

Please be decisive

Thank you

I understand perfectly

It'll be alright

Don't worry

Perhaps we'll never meet again

Please see it through

Hello! Hello?

If we approve that their assassinations...

were to rid the country of despots, that means...

we survivors are of the same ilk

It appears War Minister Kawashima, General Mazaki...

and other staff officers are working to establish...

a new cabinet after PM Okada's assassination

In harness to these young rebels?

Thelr aim Is to establish a New Japan where the...

court is ignored, commerce smashed

and sweeping land reform

If we allow this

who knows what will happen?

We need a caretaker PM immediately

The military must quash these assassins

We must heed His Majesty's appraisal

His Majesty has given approval...

for martial law to go into effect

Watch these rebels don't use it for their own ends

I'm home

Welcome dear

What's happened?

Are you all right?

Here

Good medicine

My cold's almost gone

I'll prepare dinner

Don't bother

Come here

Sit down

It's come to this

Do your best to cope

Your cold is better?

1 can't stay

I'll be back on the 29th

I've the exam to take

It won't be forever

Don't worry

His Majesty has recognised our actions

When I return, it'll be in a royal carriage

That'll surprise you

Really?

My word

Royal carriage?

February 27th

Martial Law Enforcement Headquarters

General Orderl

The Martial Law Administrator is ordered...

to clear the rebels positions,

and return control to the proper authorities

His Majesty so instructs

It. General Kohei Kashi

These orders are to be...

given to the rebel units at precisely 5 am on the 28th

If they oppose the orders?

They'll be In direct defiance of an imperial order

And will face the consequences

Sugiyama...

Has the Emperor issued an order?

He certainly has

It has just arrived

They won't bow to force

They did it for the country

Let's not use force

We must consider what to do prior to issuing the order

Excellency, if this situation continues...

and the military is unable to regain control

we'll be forced to put It in the hands of His Majesty...

to lead loyalist troops to put them down

And what of military honor?

Belly cutting won't suffice

You're no longer in control

With no right to speak of military affairs

You're in the way

If you must do something

persuade them to withdraw immediately

Otherwise, you'll be lumped with those...

who wish to overthrow the government

How dare you!

We're all patriots

The Prime Minister managed to escape

I'll announce our precept

We request General Mazaki resolve matters

Our request to His Majesty encompasses the will of...

the Joint Command and junior officers

To trouble His Majesty is no trifle to be taken lightly

But we implore you

Your deplorable actions will not compel me...

to assume the office of PM

Deplorable actions, you say?

Didn't yesterday's proclamation clearly condone...

those actions and impart our will to His Majesty?

Nothing was imparted

Going to impart was the language

Don't play games!

You clearly stated that you fully understood...

and agreed with us - no?

Martial law prevails

Unless you surrender control and withdraw...

there will be no resolution

You must submit to orders

His Majesty worries grievously

And why is that?

State it plainly

How much is this?

Forget it

In that case, thank you

Listen carefully

The blood, sweat and tears of the people...

are wrung from us by the corrupt politicians...

and court sycophants

Yes!

Exactly!

The New Japan we've long craved is here!

Today marks the start of a new era

Let us sing praise to those initiated it...

and join together to march on the residence...

of the Minister of Warl

Is Captain Kohno in your ranks?

Do you know where?

He's an Air Force Academy graduate

He's at another stronghold

What do you mean?

That's all I know

I'm his brother

Take me to your leader

February 28th

What's happened?

The rations haven't arrived

1 went looking for the trucks and saw them turned back

Turned back?

Yes

Whose orders?

1 don't know

The whole area is surrounded

What's that?

To frighten us?

Or do they plan to attack?

If the Emperor so orders

80 withdraw, now

Just a moment. Will His Majesty do so?

The proclamation backed our stand

we're part of the Martial Law forces...

Withdraw?

Or stay?

Why withdraw?

Please explain

Something's wrong

What do we do?

Do we fight? Or withdraw?

If His Majesty commands, we'll be in rebellion

Rebels...

That's not possible

No use arguing before it happens

We must presage His Majesty's true disposition

If He so orders we must obey

If declared rebels, slitting our bellies should atone

If it comes to that

So...

Rebels are we?

The lines are cut

What'll we do?

We cannot fight comrades in arms

Yes, if need be

Revolutions are such

We all knew that

If we back down now what of our men who trusted in us?

We're responsible for their lives

They're in our charge

They've had no rations all day

The men are on quarter rations

Hungry men can't fight

What's an empty belly?

A few days won't kill 'em

They're not babies!

If we withdraw, all is lost

Everyone calm down, it's meant to frighten us

It's their gambit

We've no time ot argue

Right?

Isn't that right?

We're drenched in blood

That cannot be undone

If we falter

then all we've done is in vain

Kill me, too

Please kill me

You can't kill Father!

Stopl

Daddy is...

We believed it was for the Emperor

Isn't that right?

A mere order will not deter us

We must fight

There's no alternative

If we're fired upon, then we'll fight

If it comes to that

Martial Law order No. 14, February 28th

The rebels have ignored their orders

Force is the only recourse to restore order

1st Division Is to hold your present position...

at complete battle readiness

The area must be cleared before 5 am on the 29th

Signed, Chief Martial Law Administrator

You are ordered to withdraw immediately

Halit!

Squad leaders assemble

What is it?

Please summon the manager

Yes

I'm the manager. What is this?

I'm Captain Ando of the Third Regiment

We have a need for your premises

It's rather urgent. I'll explain later

Quartermaster

Use this to furnish the men with food

They've yet to eat

I've some buns...

but lack the staff to provide a meal

We can offer rice-balls

That would be fine

Is it war?

We won't fire first

Secure the entrance and the first floor

Deploy squads on the 2nd and 3rd floor

Commanders to the roof

Set up the machine guns

Sir!

Why so glum?

Right, I'll sing

All join in

Yesterday the Emperor's men tomorrow, the Shogun's

Yesterday the Emperor's men tomorrow, the Shogun's

Ah, how things do change

With spirit!

Just a few more days

Things will turn out well

We won't disgrace you men

You needn't worry

Please believe In me and give your support

I've no wish to die here. I won't

I must complete my tour and go back home

My family will starve to death without me

Forget your ideals and return us to the fold

Right

If there's anyone else who wishes to speak, do so now

That's an order

I've recently joined up

Would you clearly explain to us...

how we fit In with your plans for a New Japan?

February 29th

The Emperor commands you lay down your arms

Attention!

Attention other ranks

What's this?

A filthy trick to split us

What's up?

Prime Minister Okada survived

He's seen the Emperor. We killed his secretary

So the cabinet won't fall

They're making a broadcast

The Imperial Decree. In his Majesty's hand

You believed in the orders of your superiors...

and obeyed wholeheartedly

But If you continue in def-iance of my Imperial Decree

you will be traitors

Though you believed you were right

and now admit to error, but continue to offer...

resistance based on misplaced loyalties

by openly rebelling against your Emperor

your names will live forever in infamy

It is not too late to...

submit to proper authority and the forgiveness it confers

Your families and...

fellow countrymen pray for this end

Lay down your aims

A message from General Kashi

Rebelling against the Emperor

will forever brand you as traitors

It's not too late to return to barracks

...cease resistance and lay down your arms

If you do, forgiveness is offered

Your families and countrymen...

I'm going to have a baby

I'll soon be back

Take care

Atami Military Hospital

It seems Count Makino survived

It was on the radio

Prime Minister and Grand Chamberlain Suzuki, too

How strange

Count Makino's death was tormenting me

It no longer matters

My brother

I wish to commit hara kiri

The final glory of a warrior

Could you bring something?

A sword or large knife would cause problems...

for the hospital and the kind MPs

Next visit, bring fruit

Hide a small fruit knife inside

Ridiculous

Hara kiri with a fruit knife?

I shall

I must

Your time is up

The rules, I'm sorry

My brother... Goodbye

Goodbye

Obey the Imperial Decree, return to your units

Listen

Let's assemble the entire force at the Sanno Hotel

It's right behind the palace, they won't dare fire

We can win

Isobe, the Imperial Decree is real

We can't win

We mustn't sacrifice our men to a lost cause

Kurihara. What an attitude!

Might makes right! We just have to win

Justice is with us. We can't lose

Present arms to the Emperor

Your mission is accomplished

Obey the Imperial Decree. Return to your barracks

1 bow to your courage and loyalty

Thank you

Face the Company Commander

Eyes front

Dismissed

What's wrong with you all?

This is Japan's crucial hour

It's no time for sentiment

Damn!

Why sound taps? To demoralize us?

We men of arms, so like the cherry blossoms

Blown by the stormy winds

True sons of Japan face death bravely

And fall like the scattered petals

Though we face fire and cold steel

We have no fear

Hear those voices?

Not one wavers

Determined to follow me to the end

Sakai has forsaken his ideals

To spare the lives of his men, he dismissed them

I shall, too

Kurihara

It's not surrendering. We're changing strategy

Change our tactics

Then expose them all at our courts martial

And win the greater victory

Koda...

Nonaka... Do you agree?

To surrender your troops?

Speak up!

Lost your nerve

An Imperial Decree, your position surrounded

"surrender the men, slit our bellies”

If you're so gutless why did you join?

I'll fight all to show the Emperor we were correct

Ando

We could not save the country

but we can save the lives and good names of our men

We all hurt. Not just you and I

We assume responsibility, let's make the end exquisite

1 don't understand

Remember this?

You wrote this, Nonaka

No matter how Insane, headlong we hurtle

It spurred me to action

Your words inspired me. These very words!

The insanity of it...

And now you're giving up?

I'll continue the insanity until prevaill Right, Nonaka?

Only by continuing can we alter history's course

Halit!

Don't shoot!

Shoot if you can

Run over us

Ando, dismiss your men

1 won't

Why should I?

Where were you?

I'm ready to die

We should all dle and ask the Emperor's forgiveness

1 won't die

Ando, you'd best withdraw

That's all

I'm not going to die

Ando

Isobe

I'm sorry it's come to this

There are historical precedents

of fleeing to Chiina and starting again

Nonaka, if I've said anything rude or unkind

please forgive me

Attention

You men, under Sergeants Nagata and Dogome...

will return to barracks

Know that our actions...

will forever be remembered as being just

That is how history will judge us

Now we must part company

1 have a last favor to ask

Go proudly, heads held high...

singing from your hearts The Song of the New Japan

Since we began you have bravely borne...

cold and hunger

From my heart, I thank you

Prepare to dismiss

Sergeant Nagata

Company

forward, march

§ Oh how troubled are the waters

$ As storm clouds gather over Mt. Fuji

$ Standing here amidst this filth

$ My blood boils with indignation

$ The powerful are haughty men

$ Who care not for the nation

§ The rich boast of their wealth

§ And care not a whit for the nation

$ As the country dies the Clique reap profits

§ And the people are deceived

§ This confusion seems so unreal

§ Like the moves in a board game

$ Onward to the bright azure sky of the New Japan

Sir, you must not choose death

Please promise me

& Is it the anger of heaven or the voice of earth

§ that echoes so eerily?

$ Awake from eternal sleep

§ To anew dawn for Japan

& Fame has faded to a dream

$ Only sincerity remains

& As Ilook back on my life

$ Can I say that I succeeded...

To the Emperor

Present arms

At ease

Your attention

1 am turning you over to Sergeant Ojima

Obey the Imperial Decree and return

I thank you from my heart, for everything

for your concerted efforts

1 will never, ever

forget you

I'm sorry it came to this end

Salute the company commander

Eyes front

Mihoko

Mihoko, thank you so much

You're more than I deserved

1 understand if you are angry

No words can express my regret

How sad for our Yasuko

Raise her with love

Eternally yours

Captain Shiro Nonaka

February 29th, the Emperor was informed that the rebels...

had been totally suppressed

After the storm, how quiet the day

how quiet the day

The arrested insurgent officers...

and their civilian comrades, sixteen in all

plus Zensuke Shibukawa, Mitsugu Nishida

and Terujiro Kita - indirect participants

at a special closed military court martial...

without defense counsel nor appeal

were all sentenced to be executed by firing squad

Manly valor deserts me...

when I think of my wife's future

I have loved my wife until death

Sumiko, I've come home

Keep well and bask in parenthood

Farewell my beloved Hisako

From the land of Buddha I shall watch over you

Death has come to me

There is a charm in Takako's sash

Please allow me...

a lock of my wife's hair in my coffin

Oh, great sorrow that in trying to save the land

1 am branded traitor

No more tears have I, ah heaven

Troubles vanquished in a vision of paradise

Long live the Emperor!