Original subtitles

A SHOCHIKU FILM

THE MASSEURS AND A WOMAN

A Film by HIROSHI SHIMIZU

Director of Photography MASAO SAITO

Music SENJI ITO Production Design MINORU ESAKA

Sound Recording HARUO DOBASHI, TAKENORI MORI

Starring

MIEKO TAKAMINE SHIN TOKUDAIJI

SHINICHI HIMORI BAKUDAN KOZO, SHIN SABURI

TAKESHI SAKAMOTO HIDEKO KASUGA

MUNENOBU YUI, YOSHITARO IIJIMA TSUNEO OSUGI, SHOTARO AKAGI

Toku...

it's been a year, and this spa is nice.

Yes, but only when the leaves are green.

What a view!

It's as if we could see!

We've moved at a good pace today.

How many people did we overtake?

Let me see... 17.

It's a great feeling

to pass people who can see.

Only the blind can understand that pleasure.

I bumped into some horses and dogs though.

That's because you were careless.

But when we bump into people, it's because they're careless.

Sighted people these days are especially careless.

You can't rely on them.

They may take you by the hand,

but then they'll kick you in a ditch.

You think so?

So we can't rely on the sighted or on our canes.

We have to use our sixth sense.

Indeed.

Fuku...

use your sixth sense to tell me how many kids are coming.

I'd say eight.

- Eight and a half. - And a half?

- There's a baby on someone's back. - A baby?

I couldn't tell there was a baby.

You're right - 81/2.

- Wait! - What is it?

Now I get it.

Toku, let's walk a little slower. I'm very tired.

I'd really like to get there before dark.

What difference does it make?

It's always dark for us.

I know...

but I want to overtake those students who passed us.

We'll never do that.

Sure we will.

They've got two legs, and so do we.

- We can't do it. - Why not?

Because we can't.

Why not?

It's just impossible.

Might doesn't make right. I'll overcome their might.

Say what you will, it's impossible.

You do what you want. I'm going to overtake them.

Ouch!

What happened? What's wrong?

There was a nice woman aboard.

A nice woman?

A lady from Tokyo.

A lady from Tokyo?

She had the scent of Tokyo.

Those masseurs are famous in these parts.

They count how many people they overtake every day.

They take great pride in it.

Like swallows, they come north every spring,

then return to the spas in the south every winter.

Fuku, where are you working tonight?

Me? The Goddess Inn. And you?

The Whale Inn.

THE WHALE INN

Good evening.

Is that you, Toku? It's been a long time.

Nice to see you again.

Thanks for your patronage again this year.

Is everyone well?

Yes, thanks.

How's business at the seaside spas?

Not very good, I'm afraid. This year was especially bad.

Is that so?

Things are tough everywhere.

This is a little something for you.

How kind of you to bring a present every year.

Oh, it's the same thing every time.

Thank you very much.

Toku!

Is that Okiku? Nice to see you again.

Room 3 first, and then the students in Room 5.

- Well, I'll be going. - Did you get all that?

Toku!

Is that Oaki? Nice to see you again.

We've been expecting you. Okiku's been dying to see you.

Don't tease me. I might believe you.

I'll expect a good tip later.

Good evening. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Over here.

Lightly, and just on the shoulders.

I hear you make a pastime of passing people on the road.

Oh, I wouldn't call it a pastime.

How many did you pass today?

Today?

Let's see... around 20.

Unfortunately some students on a hike overtook us.

They passed you?

Yes, it was quite unfortunate.

Unfortunate indeed.

You're from Tokyo, aren't you, ma'am?

Do I look like a "ma'am"?

I'm so sorry, miss.

Miss?

So what brings you up here to the mountains all by yourself?

Here for some rest?

Nothing like that.

Will you be leaving soon?

Well...

Staying for a while?

Well...

Are you on your way somewhere, or just wandering around?

Something like that.

- Your shoulders are very stiff. - Aren't they?

These muscles tense up in people who think too much.

Are you worried about something?

You can tell?

Then tell me what I'm worried about.

Oh, I can't tell that much.

It's unusual to find such stiff shoulders in someone so young.

Is it odd for a young woman to send for a masseur?

No, not at all.

Young ladies out on hikes often call for masseurs.

Female students as well.

Indeed. Female students are quite bold these days.

Some of them really are.

I'm exhausted, and you're to blame.

- I am? - That's right.

You two tried to pass us,

so we had to walk really fast.

Really?

Yes, really!

We hurried along, but you finally passed us.

Now our legs are swollen. Right?

That's right. You should give us a discount.

- A discount? - It's only fair.

Really? This is quite a surprise.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Me first.

Just my legs. - I'm after him.

And then me.

I'll go last, but I get a nice long massage.

You really ran after us today, didn't you?

You surprised us.

Ah, so you're the ones who passed us.

I see.

That was unfortunate.

What was?

I just mean...

you're such good hikers... it was unfortunate.

We're not really that good.

You seemed to be chasing us. We got spooked and ran off.

Really?

How unfortunate.

There was quite a commotion earlier.

Yes, those girls took me by surprise.

Girls today are quite brazen.

Where are you from?

Where am I from? Well...

that's hard to say.

Always on the road between mountains and seaside,

I've lost all sense of where home is.

Is that so?

I went back home to visit my parents' grave.

It was a different priest. I didn't know any of the villagers.

I felt like a stranger.

Really?

But wherever I can relax like this, I feel at home.

That's true.

Excuse me.

Ouch!

Hey, a little more gently, okay?

No, you're all very tired.

I must do a thorough job.

Hey...

I don't like that masseur very much.

He massaged me so hard I can hardly walk.

I don't think we can cross that pass like this.

Shall we turn back?

We can't now. We already checked out.

Who cares what people think? We're in a lot of pain.

Look, let's go back and spend one more night.

- Shall we? - Okay, let's.

It's those girls.

They look like they're going to cross the pass.

What should we do?

I told you, we're in no shape to care what people think.

- This is no time to try to show off. - That's right.

Aren't those the students from yesterday?

- Is that them? - Yes.

I wonder if they forgot something.

Forget something?

- We don't care... - What other people think.

Really?

We hope you feel better.

It's supposed to rain this afternoon...

so be careful.

- Not every day can be... - Fair weather.

Stop chattering and take your baths. The soup's already boiling.

So female masseurs are the rage at seaside spas now?

That's not good.

It's not just masseurs these days.

The number of working women in Tokyo is exploding.

Many men are losing their jobs.

That means lots of masseurs could lose their jobs too.

We're in trouble.

Toku.

The woman from last night wants you right away.

- Right now? - She asked for you by name.

- Thank you. - Hurry.

Okiku?

- What? - Just a moment.

Camellia oil from Izu.

For me?

Let's keep this our secret.

Thank you.

Now don't be late.

Let's keep this our secret

Let's keep this our secret

Secret!

Secret! Secret!

Secret!

THE WHALE INN

- Let's go soak in the bath. - All right.

Everybody please come this way.

Oaki, please bring a cotton kimono.

Let's go to the bath.

Here you go.

Thanks.

- The masseur will be here soon. - Really?

See you later.

Let's keep this our secret

Secret, secret, secret

Anyone have toothpaste?

- It's Club brand. - That's fine.

Is that you, Toku? What are you doing here?

Looking for that lady from Tokyo.

I could swear she was here and then went running off.

She's an odd woman.

She sends for you and then runs away?

It's certainly odd. What a strange woman.

Are you alone, little boy?

Where's your father? - I don't have one.

What about brothers?

No brothers.

- Who was the man in the carriage? - My uncle.

Is that so? Your uncle's nice.

No, he isn't.

- What's he doing? - Sleeping.

This late? He certainly takes it easy.

Children need their rest.

What a strange woman.

She sends for me this morning and then runs off.

Really strange.

Hey, lady!

Want some fish? - Thank you.

She sure is strange.

This is very bad for us!

It's true. They'll suspect us.

There's no sign that anyone snuck in from outside.

Wasn't that woman from Tokyo the only one around?

- That's right! - I wonder where she is.

What's all the racket? Your carelessness caused this.

Be more careful.

- Got that? - Yes, sir.

You're still waiting?

Where did your guest go?

I'm sure I crossed paths with her earlier.

Shall I massage you while I wait?

Well, if you don't mind. Thanks.

Not at all.

That was quite a commotion this morning.

- Did something happen? - Did it ever!

While those students were in the bath,

someone stole all their money.

We could have called the police,

but it would hurt our reputation if word got out,

so I wrote off the students' bill and paid their train fare home.

I had no choice but to absorb the loss.

That's awful.

Any idea who did it?

None at all.

Actually, the only person around at the time

was the lady from Tokyo.

Is that right?

It couldn't be her. Ah, here she is.

Welcome back. Toku, she's here.

Welcome back.

Please bring the boy some lunch as well.

Right away.

You in there, she's back.

I'm so sorry.

We've questioned all the maids. Sorry for the trouble.

Welcome back. - Hello.

Would you grill this?

You're quite a fisherman!

And you're quite a flatterer!

Excuse me.

Oh no!

Aren't you the students I met yesterday?

Thanks for sending for me last night.

Thanks for nothing. You ruined our trip.

Our legs hurt so much we can't walk.

We'd checked out, but we couldn't cross the pass.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Shall I try to fix it later?

Fix it? You gotta be kidding!

We'd never get back to Tokyo!

And that's not all.

While we were in the bath, all our money was stolen.

I'm sorry for your misfortune.

Well, if you'll excuse me.

- A massage this early in the morning? - So it seems.

I wanted to watch you overtake someone, but you sensed my presence.

So it was you after all?

Yes, it was me.

I was so anxious that I ran away.

You really do walk fast. I broke out in a sweat.

I'm sorry.

I'm going to have a bath.

What about you?

- A bath? - Yes. Won't you take one too?

Together?

Heavens, no!

I see.

- She went to take a bath. - Let's go!

Stop crying, kid.

Don't cry!

- When does the next carriage leave? - They run every two hours.

The next is at 11:00.

11:00? I see.

So that arrives in time for the train at...

Will you be checking out today?

- What's wrong? - I don't like that masseur.

You up to your pranks again?

I didn't do anything. He scared me.

You must have done something.

Get ready now. We're leaving.

I'm not going.

Why not?

- I'm having lunch with that lady. - That lady?

The one in the carriage yesterday.

We're having the fish I caught.

Forget about lunch. Go get ready.

No. I promised her.

Forget about her. Go bathe and get ready.

You said we'd be staying a while.

Something came up. Now don't dawdle or I'll leave you here.

Humph!

- What was that? - Nothing.

Well, I'm not going.

Miss, I won't be eating lunch here.

Very well.

Tell my fortune, will you?

Lady.

Humph! Then I'll sleep too.

- Hey, sing something for us. - Yeah, sing.

Want me to?

The tiger gives a mighty roar

The hunter aims to kill

The other animals just barely escape

The lamb comes prancing along

Hey, kid!

What's your sis doing? - She isn't my sis.

- She's too young to be your mother. - Not that either.

- Then who is she? - Just some lady.

- Really? She's pretty! - She sure is.

- Give her our best. - Forget it.

What?

What are you crying about?

No crying allowed. Go on home now.

Uncle told me to get ready to go back to Tokyo.

I don't wanna go.

Back to Tokyo?

Then he must be wondering where you are.

I'll walk you back to your inn, okay?

Please enjoy.

I'll apologize to your uncle, so don't worry.

Uncle's tough. He's a third dan in judo.

- He's that strong? - Sure is.

Where were you? I looked all over.

I'm very sorry for detaining him as you were preparing to return.

That's all right. He mentioned lunch with you,

but I didn't know your inn.

- I'm sorry to make you worry. - Don't mention it.

Has he been a nuisance?

Not at all. So you're leaving today?

That was the plan, but there's only a night train.

We'll leave tomorrow. A night train with a kid is no fun.

I ruined your plans.

Not at all. We can relax tonight and leave tomorrow.

Did this nice lady feed you?

Shall we treat her tonight?

Yeah. Shall I catch some fish?

Fuku, cut it out.

You've been practicing the same tune for years.

They say it takes three years just to learn the basics.

One of you go to the Goddess Inn right away, please.

Toku, it's your turn.

The Goddess Inn?

Will you go for me?

What?

I appreciate you giving me your turn,

but you've been giving up your turns all night.

What's going on?

I'm just, um...

Waiting for her call, are you?

Just shut up and go.

Toku, don't waste your time waiting for that lady from Tokyo.

She went to see a guest at the Goddess Inn.

Is that true?

Why would I lie?

I see.

I'm off.

Fuku, I'm going!

How dare you bump into the blind!

You bumped into us! Watch it!

Well, I'm blind, aren't I? Be more careful!

- What? - Wanna fight?

Hey, I think it flew in.

What did?

Toku, did you hear about what happened last night?

I sure did. Those guys were tough.

What are you talking about?

The fight.

A fight?

I meant the theft at the Goddess Inn.

Theft?

There was quite a commotion.

A guest who arrived in the evening was robbed while in the bath.

- Is this true? - Yes.

They questioned all of us. What a bother!

I wish I hadn't gone in your place.

Last night at the Goddess Inn?

I never made it there because of the fight.

Hey, Sawa...

didn't you say...

the lady from Tokyo went to the Goddess Inn last night?

She certainly did.

Still can't get her off your mind?

I see.

That's very odd.

What is?

That's really odd!

The boy's had it tough.

His mother died soon after giving birth, and his father died last year.

I had no choice but to adopt him.

Is that right?

Poor boy.

It must be hard for you too.

It really is.

I can barely take care of myself, and now I've got a kid to worry about.

Aren't you married?

If I were,

there'd be no problem.

So you're still single?

I don't have what a woman wants, and a suitable wife is hard to find.

I don't know about that...

So that's how it is?

I'm going back. This is boring.

So it's back to Tokyo today?

I guess. What about you?

I haven't decided yet when to go back.

I see.

How nice, relaxing here as long as you like.

I can't relax for even a moment.

I'm very worried. - About what?

Oh, nothing at all.

Welcome back.

Welcome -

Welcome back.

Could you pick up a few souvenirs for me?

- What would you like? - What's the local specialty?

Well...

Hey!

What are you doing here?

All you did was talk to my uncle.

I'm sorry.

I got bored.

Aren't you leaving today?

Hurry back so your uncle doesn't worry.

Hurry back and get ready.

I'll give you some souvenirs to take along.

Go on. Hurry now.

Humph!

Are we leaving?

What shall we do?

Let's go home.

Shall we?

Yeah. I'm bored.

You're bored?

Shall we stay another night?

Humph!

- Is that you, kid? - Yeah.

- Where's that lady? - I'm not playing with her anymore.

Why not?

All she does is talk to my uncle.

It's boring.

Is that so?

How about playing with me then?

Okay.

- Shall we go for a walk? - A walk?

Masseurs go for walks?

Yes. We go hiking too.

- That's great. - It sure is.

So you're going back to Tokyo tomorrow?

I guess.

We really should head back tomorrow.

You know, in Tokyo...

if we happen to cross paths, you'll probably ignore me.

I wouldn't do that.

But I might not be going back to Tokyo.

Where will you go?

That I don't know.

I can't figure you out at all.

That's all right. You don't need to.

Let's change the subject.

- Are we going home today? - I'm not really sure.

Let's go home.

- Shall we stay one more night? - Humph!

Watch where you're going!

You're not the only one walking here!

Is that you, kid? What is it?

Uncle says we're staying another day.

Really?

Shall we go for a swim?

- You can swim too? - Sure can.

I can even dive. - That's great.

Sure is.

Here I go, kid. Watch me swim.

- The lady's here. - Really?

Where's my kimono?

- Are you by yourself? - Yes. What are you up to?

I came to swim with the masseur.

What? He's blind. That's dangerous.

He says he can dive too.

- Your kimono's inside-out. - Oh no!

Thanks.

Humph!

You passed by on the bridge last night but pretended not to notice.

Did you really not know I was there?

No, I knew. I knew.

Then why didn't you stop?

I steer clear of hornets' nests.

I'm stung often enough as it is.

You're imagining things.

There's nothing between that man and me.

Up here in these mountains, I miss people from Tokyo.

That's all.

We met as fellow travelers, and soon we'll say good-bye.

- Uncle, let's go home. - Why?

I'm bored.

I was going to swim with the masseur, but that lady came by.

It's dangerous swimming with him.

Then who can I play with? I'm bored.

Let's go home.

Come on, Uncle!

- You want to? - Yeah.

All right. Call the maid.

Miss, we're leaving.

Uncle, shouldn't we say good-bye to that lady?

You go by yourself.

We're leaving!

I'll write to you from Tokyo!

And you write back! Good-bye!

- You wanna fight? - Watch out!

You watch out!

Fuku, is that you?

Toku?

You don't normally bump into people.

I was thinking about something.

I'm a little upset too.

What is it now? You're always upset about something.

Tonight's different. You remember that theft?

Yeah.

Same thing happened at the Kamiya Inn tonight.

The police had to get involved this time.

They're searching all the guests at every inn.

They suspect it may be a guest.

Really?

True or not, even a flea couldn't slip through their dragnet.

I see.

There he goes, always upset about something.

- Is the lady from Tokyo in? - Yes.

Why's he so upset?

What is it?

Run! They're looking for you everywhere.

They are?

- It's a dragnet. - What should I do?

You can't stay here. Hurry!

Let's go out the back.

It's safe here. Wait for me.

I'll get your things.

Wait.

No, you stay here.

I know all about it.

Miss...

you may fool those who can see,

but you can't fool me.

I may not be able to see, but I've been watching you.

It's been hard keeping everything inside.

Please leave here, quick!

Go somewhere I'll never find you.

The first time, at the Whale Inn,

when those students got robbed...

and then again at the Goddess Inn,

I tried hard not to suspect you.

But the harder I tried...

the more clearly I saw the truth, even with these blind eyes.

So please...

go somewhere I'll never find you.

You're making a terrible mistake.

No, these eyes never deceive me.

If I'm wrong, why were you always fretting and worrying?

The sound of footsteps would startle you.

Any sound at all.

I watched it all from the beginning.

This whole thing is ridiculous.

But I appreciate your concern,

so I'll explain.

Yes, I ran away from Tokyo

and came up here to the mountains.

But not for the silly reason you think.

Then why?

I got tired of being a kept woman.

Or rather...

I felt sorry for my patron's wife and daughter.

But I'm sure he's looking for me.

He'll look everywhere, no matter the cost.

That's just how he is.

That's why the carriage horn and footsteps startle me.

Your sixth sense and those eyes that can't see

are a little too keen.

I'm so sorry!

You tried to help me escape somewhere you'd never find me.

There's no need to apologize.

But it's not you that I'm worried about.

I need to go somewhere my patron will never find me.

I'll keep running until I get there.

If that little boy writes, tell him to grow up into a fine man.

I will.

Good-bye.

THE END

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