All language subtitles for The.Yakuza.Papers.Vol4.Police.Tactics.1974.DVDRip.XviD-BS

TOEI COMPANY PRESENTS

In 1945, among the burned-out rubble
of Kure City in Hiroshima,

SHOZO HIRONO
FUTURE BOSS OF HIRONO FAMILY

a band of repatriated soldiers
led by Shozo Hirono,

fired by youthful ambition,

embarked on a quest for dominance
in the violent world of the yakuza.

However,

between Boss Yoshio Yamamori's
crafty maneuvering,
BOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY
YOSHIO YAMAMORI

and bitter struggles for power
among the younger bosses under his wing,

one young leader after another
was consigned to his grave.

In 1962,

Yamamori succeeded in taking over

Hiroshima City's most powerful
yakuza family, the Muraoka family.

Stung by this turn,
rival sub-boss Noboru Uchimoto
BOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY
NOBORU UCHIMOTO

swore loyalty to Kobe's Akashi family,
BOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY
TATSUO AKASHI

which held sway
over much of western Japan.

CAPTAIN OF YAMAMORI FAMILY
AKIRA TAKEDA

At the urging
of Captain Akira Takeda,

Yamamori allied himself with
the Akashi family's rival, the Shinwa Group.
CHAI RMAN OF THE SHI NWA GROUP
KUMASHI RO UNOKICHI

Hiroshima thus became the battlefront

in the struggle for power between
Western Japan's two largest syndicates.

To defuse the crisis,

Hirono joined with Kure's Kenichi Okubo
FAMILY ELDER KENICHI OKUBO

and Shinichi Iwai of the Akashi family
UNDERBOSS OF AKASHI FAMILY
SHINICHI IWAI

to scheme for Yamamori's retirement.

But he ran afoul of Takeda,
who was determined to defend the family,

and was expelled
from the Yamamori family.

The Akashi family retaliated

by expelling Hideo Hayakawa,

an Uchimoto family underboss
who had cozied up to Yamamori.
FORMER UNDERBOSS OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY
HIDEO HAYAKAWA

Hayakawa promptly joined the Yamamoris
and attacked the Uchimoto family.

Thus it was that the two cities
of Hiroshima and Kure became the stage

for a bloody war between

the Uchimoto and Hirono families,
under the wing of the Akashi family,

and the Yamamoris, affiliated
with the Shinwa Group.

BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR AND HUMANITY
POLICE TACTICS

Original Story by
KOICHI IIBOSHI

Screenplay by
KAZUO KASAHARA

Cinematography by
SADAJI YOSHIDA

Music by
TOSHIAKI TSUSHIMA

Cast:

BUNTA SUGAWARA

TATSUO UMEMIYA

TOSHIO KUROSAWA
KUNIE TANAKA

HIROKI MATSUKATA

AKIRA KOBAYASHI

Directed by
KINJI FUKASAKU

In the fall of 1963,
with the Tokyo Olympics a year away

and Prime Minister Ikeda's
rapid-growth plan in full swing,

as the heady intoxication
of the economic boom took hold,

the public grew increasingly hostile
to the yakuza families disturbing the peace.

In answer to the growing outcry,
the police mounted

a nationwide crackdown
aimed at wiping out yakuza syndicates.

Move it!

Out of the way!

Out of the way!

I said move your ass!

Chief!

This is the only gun we can find.

A matchlock?

This sure as hell ain't
what you been fighting with!

Despite the authorities� efforts,

central Hiroshima was divided
down the middle- east and west-

the Yamamori family facing off
against the Uchimoto family.
UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY
SHOICHI EDA

Reinforcements for the Yamamori side

began to pour in
from across Western Honshu.

Yamamori ensconced himself
in the cabaret he owned

and flamboyantly paraded
to the bathhouse each morning

with an army of bodyguards.

Meanwhile, in Kure, the Makihara family,
under Yamamori's wing,

was embroiled in guerrilla warfare
with the Hirono family.

We've got an emergency summons!

UNDERBOSS OF YAMAMORI FAMILY
MASAKICHI MAKIHARA

Hirono's having lunch with Ueda
on Naka Avenue. Go take him down!

Boss!

What's up?

Get in!
Makihara's men are coming!

Quick! In the car!

The rank and file of each family
pulsed with renewed life,

just as Hirono and his cohorts had

in an earlier day.

The cops' detectors
will never sniff 'em out this way.

Not a chance!

Fuck! Someone's coming!

Act like you're taking a leak!
No, over here!

Don't suppose
this'll make 'em rust, do you?

Watch where you're aiming, asshole!

What's with the shaved heads?

With war coming, we thought
we'd purify body and soul.

We're giving up women too,
so stay away from us.

You're probably just shaking
in your shoes and can't get it up.

Watch it, bitch!

Come back here!

MEMBER OF HAYAKAWA FAMILY
HIROSHI SUGIMOTO

Bro!

What are you doing here
in your condition?

- Hello, boss.
- Well, well, Matsui!

- I heard about the troubles.
- Take a load off!

I thought they had you
hospitalized back home.

I heard there was a fight brewing.
I couldn't sit still.

I figured I could still stop
a bullet or two, if nothing else.

You should be looking
to your health and taking it easy.

Haven't seen you around here
in a long time, Mieko.

It's been three years.

That long?

Have a drink.

Did ya get it?

Hop in a sec.

Nice heft.

Try it.

If there's a war, I'll need more.
Hope I can count on you again.

Have you heard, Fukuda?
Mieko's back in Hiroshima.

Mieko?

That's right: Mieko.
Your old squeeze.

A friend of mine
saw her in Hiroshima.

Who could it be?

Gotta go.
I've got some people waiting.

- I'll be back for more.
- Anytime.

Wonder if she was
a good piece of ass.

What're you daydreamin' about?
Get moving!

MEMBER OF HIRONO FAMILY
SHIGERU TAKEMOTO

MEMBER OF HIRONO FAMILY
KIYOSHI KAWANISHI

- Who is it?
- Me.

Boss.

I had some business in Hiroshima,
so I thought I'd stop by.

Could you have a look at this?
Something's wrong with the firing pin.

Sure.
Then you'd better take this.

I'll be okay.

You never know
when you might need it.

Be careful about accidents.

Whatcha got there?

Cyanide.

Dust a case shot with this
and one shot is all it takes.

Now that we've got the hardware,

how about you send us
to ice Makihara?

Don't be so antsy.

He may be our enemy now, but he and I
were brothers under Yamamori.

I can't just go waltzing in
and knock him off.

And the cops are snooping around
for an excuse to revoke your parole,

so you gotta think about that, too.

Right.
You guys be careful, now.

If you have to go out,
take someone with you.

I'll be going, then.

Hirono had been convicted of murder
14 years earlier,

and was still on parole
from his 20-year sentence.

Welcome!

Is Uchimoto here?

UCHIMOTO FAMILY

Hold it right there!
Where do you think you're going?

I'm Hirono from Kure.

- Sorry, sir.
- Don't scare me like that.

Welcome!

Where the hell's he from?
Needs to learn some manners.

Just got out of the joint.
He's a bit on edge.

I see.

Hey there.

This is Kawada from the west side.
He's gonna stand with us,

so I'd like to take him along.
BOSS OF KAWADA FAMILY
HIDEMITSU KAWADA

I'm Kawada. It's a pleasure.

We just got a call from Okajima.
He's waiting for us.

I guess we better get going.

The man they went to see that day
was Tomoji Okajima,

the head of the Gisei Group,
which had long controlled gambling

in Hiroshima's western suburbs.
CHAIRMAN OF GISEI GROUP
TOMOJI OKAJIMA

Okajima was a temperate man,
always maintaining his neutrality

in the frequent flare-ups
between families.

But he was also a man of influence,
whom Hirono needed on his side

if he was to gain the upper hand
in Hiroshima.

The boss will be right in.

All us younger members
favor fighting on your side,

so go ahead and press him hard.

UNDERBOSS OF GISEI GROUP
SHOICHI FUJITA

Thanks. I appreciate it.

How's your health been?

Reasonably good, thanks.

You know him well?

Yeah.

We were in the joint together.

He has chest problems,
so I looked out for him.

Now he's trying to return the favor.

You know, if Okajima balks,

I really see no point
in twisting his arm.

I've got Kawada collecting
around here for baseball gambling,

but lately Okajima's
been showing signs of interest.

Sure, it'd be nice
having him on our side,

but I wouldn't want him
horning in on Kawada's turf.

Look, Uchimoto.

We'd all have it a lot easier
if you could protect your own neck.

I didn't pick this fight.

You disrespected Yamamori
and got us into this.

Why don't you hurry up
and knock him off?

Don't worry, Kawada.
Okajima won't do anything uncalled for.

You needn't worry about me.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Excuse me.

Fujita here has filled me in
on what you're here about,

but I'm afraid I can't commit myself
to either side.

I'm a sworn brother of both Hirono here
and Yamamori's captain, Takeda.

Has Takeda been to see you?

No.

And if he had,
my answer would be the same.

If you go ahead with this fight,
where's it going to leave you?

You blow a wad of money and lose
a bunch of men, and what do you gain?

Why should I want to take sides,
only to have the other at my throat?

Can't you settle this peacefully
somehow with Yamamori?

I've been saying
we should talk to Yamamori,

but Hirono won't listen to me.

Won't listen? What exactly
did you intend to say to Yamamori?

I'm on his team for 18 years,
and he just kicks me out?

Don't forget
how things got to this point.

Every time we try to make peace,
we get stabbed in the back.

And you're no exception, Okajima.

You don't say anything,
so Yamamori keeps skimming off your take.

If we back down now,

you think Yamamori'll
still stay off your turf?

There's a war coming, Okajima,

whether you like it or not.

If you're not clear
on who your friends and enemies are,

you're the one
who's gonna get hurt.

You can claim neutrality all you want,

but hotheaded young toughs
don't have time for fine distinctions.

What do you say?

Try to see it our way.

The Giants are coming up to bat.

MEMBER OF KAWADA FAMILY
HIROSHI YAZAKI

With a three-run homer in the third,
the Giants are off to a good start.

Sorry it's taking so long.

Who's winning?

The Giants are up 3-to-0.

What handicap
did you guys go with today?

Three points on Hiroshima.

We held it at two.
Guess it wasn't enough.

You'll have to teach me more
about handicaps.

Since we're going to be
brothers and all.

Thanks.

Your boss sure does like
to hem and haw.

Someday he's gonna weep for it.

Stop getting so friendly
with outsiders!

All right, Hirono, I understand.

If you think I can be of service,
count me in.

But on one condition:

I have some thoughts of my own,

so promise me
you won't do anything rash.

Sure thing.

I'll be grateful for your help.

Meanwhile, in Kure,

blood was already being shed.

Hirono family underboss Kiyoshi Kawanishi

was gunned down in the street.

After a brief argument with
several members of the Makihara family,

he had drawn his gun
and pulled the trigger three times,

but the gun misfired every time,
at which point one of his antagonists

shot him dead.
SEPTEMBER 10, 1963
KIYOSHI KAWANISHI DIED

Boss Uchimoto, Hirono is upstairs
with Okubo and Iwai!

I have urgent business in Hiroshima.

They were quite insistent.
They want to discuss our next move.

Don't you know
the cops are right outside?

I didn't come to a funeral to get
nabbed in your fucking war!

What if the Yamamori family
decides to raid us now?

Who the fuck's gonna protect me?

Looks like Uchimoto's leaving.

They didn't stop him?

- Sorry, boss.
- Forget it.

I was never really
counting on the bastard anyway.

Kawanishi died in my place.

If I'm gonna repay his sacrifice,
I've gotta do Yamamori myself.

Get ready to attack Hiroshima
soon as the cops out front go home.

- Don't do it.
- Why not?

From what I've heard,

the cops'll be waiting
to nab every last one of you.

You can't fight a war
if you're kowtowing to the fucking cops.

Hear me out!

Since Yamamori and Makihara
have run for cover in Hiroshima,

all you have to do is lock Kure down.

Make it so they can't return,
and they'll have to admit defeat.

Remember, most of Yamamori's money
comes from here in Kure.

I agree.

If you go to Hiroshima,
there's gonna be blood for sure.

Any chance of making peace
will be gone.

Making peace?

How the fuck you expect
to make peace with Yamamori?

His view of things is simple:
Kill or be killed.

You gotta move first, or you'll
never get the upper hand again.

Look what happened to Kawanishi.

Got killed because
I was preening around.

But you can't do anything
that would destroy your honor.

No matter what he's done now,
Yamamori used to be your boss.

I don't give a fucking shit
about honor anymore!

I'll happily kill myself
after I take Yamamori down.

Then have it your way.

But the Akashi family
has its own honor to uphold.

We can't join a fight
that makes no fucking sense.

Who the hell asked you?

I never expected a bunch of outsiders
to fight my battles for me!

Take it easy, bro.
BOSS OF UEDA FAMILY
TOSHIO UEDA

Mr. Iwai, Hirono's got us,
so he can do without Akashi's backing,

but we need a clear signal from Kobe:
Are you more interested

in keeping egg off your own faces
or supporting us here in Kure?

Your answer will affect our plans.

Look, Hirono.

I'm in an awkward position here.

The family's been having
some trouble out east,

so Boss Akashi's gone up to Tokyo.

It means he hasn't had time
for the brothers.

I need you to be patient.

Don't put me in an impossible spot
with the other brothers and the boss.

Besides, you're only out on parole.

If you get nabbed and have to serve
your term, everything falls apart.

Think it over, will you?

Ueda.

What the hell
do you think you're doing?

Who told you to speak up for Hirono?

- But, sir-
- I've got businesses to protect!

You want to help Hirono,
you'll have to break with me first.

When are you gonna
get off my tail?

Did you talk to Hirono?

I told him to stay in Kure.
What else can I do?

I shouldn't be seen with you,
so hurry up and go.

All right, then.

I'll go quietly today.

But if Hirono shows up in Hiroshima,

it's gonna be your head,
no matter how precious it is.

Keep that in mind.

TAKEDA & CO.

Goddamn punk!
Buy your own drinks, asshole!

Quiet!

Sorry.

Asshole!

What was that about?

One of the reinforcements from Osaka
wanted more pocket money.

Who the fuck's he think he is?

If he comes again,
give him a good working over.

Boss Yamamori sent these around.

Hotel bills for the reinforcements?

Let the boss pay them.

He refuses.

The hotels are threatening
to go to the police.

Restaurants.

Geishas.

Drinks.

They sure are having a good time
living on someone else's purse.

What's this one for 180,000?

The tab from the noodle shop
Boss Yamamori takes them to.

They say the more the merrier,

but I'd call it too much
of a good thing.

The massive costs
of supporting the visiting troops

was a bigger headache
than the feud itself.

Sensing this,

the police kept a close eye
on collections activity

and sought to disrupt
the families� cash flow.

Hold it!

You won't get away with it, punk!

I ain't doing nothing.

You're coming with us!

Let me go!

- Come on. He didn't do anything.
- Run!

Stop!

Makihara here's been
completely shut out of Kure.

You need to mount a joint attack
and crush Hirono.

It's not that simple.

Hirono has the Akashi family behind him.

We need to find the right moment.

I'm working on a plan.

We knew about the Akashis all along.
Why should that stop us now?

That's right.

You've got it easy
sitting back here in your safe zone,

but consider my situation.

You think we've got it easy?

In that case,

you won't mind
paying these goddamned bills!

That's what our visitors
are costing us.

When have you ever paid a yen?

Let's not quibble about money, Takeda.

Look, boss,

my war chest is down to �100 mil,

and collecting is getting tough.

How am I supposed to fight
a war with that?

What are you worrying
about money for, bro?

Boss Yamamori is chairman
of the Boat Racing Association.

He's rolling in money.

That's right.
He can cover the bills.

Right, boss?
Tell him you'll pay.

The Racing Association
isn't like my other businesses.

I may be chairman,
but it's not my money.

Right, honey?

Then at least listen to me.

Give us a minute, ladies.

Here's how I see it.

We're on the defensive here.

Outsiders attacking us
can run and hide,

but our own troops
are sitting ducks for the cops.

If the Akashis attack after
our soldiers have been rounded up,

how are we going to fight back?

We might have won a battle,
but we'll lose the war.

So what do you suggest?

We all need to talk to our men

and make sure
they keep their cool and stay put.

Our strategy
is to divide and conquer.

Divide and conquer?

We'll pull their alliance to pieces.

I've already put the squeeze
on Okubo so he can't move.

Uchimoto's not likely
to do anything anyway.

Which leaves Okajima the only one
Hirono can turn to.

Okajima.

I noticed he's here tonight.

Fucking bastard!
Comes to my club and acts all innocent!

Have one of your men
drag him into the office!

Leave Okajima to me.

Could you all move?

Aiko's into me for at least �2 million
in advances, damn it!

And he sneaks in here
like a thieving cat to make nice with her.

She's supposed to be my girl,

but she won't even let me
touch her pussy hair!

Mr. Yamamori's here, you know.

Don't worry.

They hit me when I'm with you
and I'll die happy.

Don't talk like that!

You live in the same city.
Why do you have to be such enemies?

Actually,

ever since I sided with Hirono,

Yamamori's been spinning his wheels
and the war's been on hold.

Give me time
and I'll mediate a truce.

Don't worry.

Pull over.

You guys wait here.

I gotta go borrow some bread
from Boss Uchimoto.

If you're gonna see Uchimoto,
I'll go with you.

You know Boss Uchimoto?

Sure, we've been buddies
since black-market days.

We'll be right back.

Who're you?

Is the boss in?
Tell him I wanna borrow some scratch.

Get lost, you fucking drunk!
What do you think this is?

I ain't got no use for you.
Where's the boss?

Stop!

Are you crazy?

That's one of the boss's legit clients,
you fucking moron!

Quick! Clean it up!

The blood! Hose the blood away!

Get out of the way, idiot!

With one innocent civilian dead,
and one critically wounded,

SAVAGE VIOLENCE
the public and the media

HITS ORDINARY CITIZENS
broke their frustrated silence

NO MORE GUNS!
and demanded police action.

CITIZENS UNITE TO PROTECT OUR CITY!
The police established a command center

GANG VIOLENCE ERADICATION
COMMAND CENTER
and launched a crackdown on gangs.

Let me speak.

Witnesses should help us
determine a suspect soon.

Aren't you going to investigate
the Uchimoto family?

If it's part of a gangland feud,
why aren't you arresting Yamamori?

They're making you
look like monkeys!

Stop pussyfooting around!

No self-respecting paper
can ignore this stuff.

We've got to hit them
with blanket coverage.

Any crime involving a gangster
gets reported, no matter how trivial.

Even where there's no crime,
I want expos�s of their tax schemes

and business rackets.

I want you digging deep
like your life depends on it.

Got it?

Hey, it's Hayakawa.

All right!
Everybody come to my club!

Get in!

Let's go, fellas!

Fucking reporter!

What paper you from, you bastard?

STOP THE THUGGERY! MAKE A
CLEAN SWEEP OF SENSELESS VIOLENCE!

Idiots!
How could you let them get that picture?

What kind of moron
goes prancing around

when the cops and media
are both on high alert?

Don't you know they're talking about
revoking my business license?

Are you fucking trying
to hang me or what?

Hirono's the one
who started this feud.

It's not my fucking fight!

I'm flying to Tokyo to discuss
the situation with Representative Kuwabara,

so try to use your fucking heads
while I'm gone!

That block on your shoulders!

How's Matsui doing?

I don't think he's got much longer.

A lot of good he did coming back.

Please just let him die in peace.

I need to do a little shopping.
Excuse me.

Boss Uchimoto's still got money,
so he doesn't want to fight.

But how can we hold our heads up
if we let Hayakawa walk all over us?

- Fucking right!
- Damn straight!

Fried noodles, please.
And hurry.

- Fukuda?
- I thought it was you, Mieko.

What you been up to?

You're looking good.

You too.

It's been so long,
I almost didn't recognize you.

It's been three years.
I've grown up -

especially after getting rid
of a fool like you.

Where the hell did
you run off to, anyway?

Did ya lose some weight?

I still haven't forgiven you
for selling me

to that strip joint.

Sorry about that.

I was just a foot soldier then.
I didn't know any better.

Could we have some beer over here?

Bro!

Hayakawa's car is parked
just up the street.

Hayakawa?

Go find out where he went.

I'll blow his head off.

But what'll Boss Uchimoto say?

The boss is in Tokyo.

We're just taking care of business
while he's gone.

Let's go!

I suppose you heard
about that Hayakawa bastard.

The boss expelled him,
so now he's got itchy fingers.

You just watch.

I'll show you what kind of man
I've made of myself.

Speaking of which,

you've turned into a real knockout.

I've gotta be going.

Can I see you again?

Sure.

Get your things together and move
into my apartment if you want.

Really?

Really.

Where's Boss Hayakawa?

He went to see a friend.

Some of Uchimoto's men
are looking for him.

You better go tell him
not to show his face.

Who told you about Uchimoto's men
looking for the boss?

Nobody.

I saw them myself.

Did you see Fukuda?

Don't be ridiculous!

What're you doing?

Matsui comes back to die,
and this is how you treat him?

Get out!

So what?

Hayakawa and Uchimoto
have nothing to do with me!

I haven't done anything wrong!

What the fuck?

Move it!

You fucking scum!

Just so you know,
it's Mieko who sold you out!

Serves you right!

With this killing as the trigger,
SEPTEMBER 17, 1963
YASUKI FUKUDA OF UCHIMOTO FAMILY DIED

the rank and file of both camps
set all hesitation aside

and exploded in open warfare
like a dam bursting.

Let's get outta here!

Move it!

Get in!

Fucking assholes!

That'll teach 'em!

Take this, shitface!

Go ahead and kill me!

You better believe I'll kill you!

Hey, men.

It's not nice to make 'em suffer,

so either kill 'em
or send 'em home.

I'll do it. Let me do it!

SEPTEMBER 20, 1963 - TSUTOMU MORITA
OF THE UCHIMOTO FAMILY DIED

ANTI-VIOLENCE COALITION
Fed up with the constant violence,

the citizens of Hiroshima
rose up en masse

to drive violence from the city.

MASARU MARUYAMA, MEMBER OF TAKEDA
FAMILY, SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS

As family members were flushed out
of their territories,

the police made one arrest after another.
HAYAKAWA FAMILY MEMBER
HIROSHI SUGIMOTO SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS

Stop it or we'll haul you in
for obstruction of justice!

What are you talking about?

We're just cleaning house!

If you don't like it,
you can move your fucking car!

Meanwhile, close surveillance
by the Kure police

had effectively paralyzed Hirono.

To make matters worse,
his backers in the Akashi family

had their own problems,
meeting resistance from the locals

as they sought a foothold in Tokyo,
MEMBER OF AKASHI FAMILY
SHIGEO AIHARA

which left them unable
to come to Hirono's aid.

Seeing this, the rival Shinwa Group

installed strongman Giichi Itami
SECOND CHAIRMAN
OF SHINWA GROUP GIICHI ITAMI

as its second chairman,

striving to establish
a balance of power.

Boss, you have a call from Takeda.

Takeda?

That you, Takeda?

What's the matter?
We've been ready, but you don't attack.

Look who's talking.

You said you'd kill Yamamori,
but you haven't lifted a finger.

Uchimoto's ignoring you
and Akashi's abandoned you.

Pretty pathetic.

So what's this?
They've got you caged in,

so you figured you'd call
and give me grief on the phone?

Fucking asshole!

You're in the same boat.

So let me make a suggestion:

Give it up and go straight.

I can't just take your word,
so announce it to the papers.

Then I'll give due consideration
to your circumstances.

Sure, I'll announce
I'm giving up the life -

as long as you do the same.

And you've got to bring
Yamamori with you, too.

Look, Hirono.

Think about it.

At this rate, the police and press
are gonna do us in for good.

Don't you think?

Welcome.

Hey, Hirono.

Mr. Okubo's friends
on the city council

tried talking to the Kure police,

but the police
won't pull off their cordon.

They won't, huh?

I wish I could be your arms
and legs and help out,

but Mr. Okubo absolutely forbids it.

Meanwhile, Yamamori's
been traipsing around

with no one paying him any heed.

He and Eda plan to attend the installment
ceremony for the new Shinwa Group chairman,

with a free pass from the police.

Money really does talk.

So Yamamori's going to Kobe?

Say, when exactly is
this installment ceremony?

I'm ready.

What's going on? Open up!

Open up!

Let's go!

What're you stopping for?

Boss...

we really don't think
you should go to Kobe.

Me and Iwami here
can ice Yamamori for you.

You should go on back to Kure.

What're you giving me
grief for at a time like this?

Get moving!

You know, boss...

cut a snake in pieces,
it'll recover if it keeps its head.

But if its head gets chewed up,

then it's a goner.

That's why you need to stay in Kure.

Look, I have an 18-year grudge
against Yamamori.

This is something
I have to do with my own hand.

Now get this thing moving!

What the fuck?

Sorry, but while
you two are talking,

I need to go take a shit.

Again?
You having stomach trouble?

These suckers chill my stomach

and give me diarrhea.

My stomach's feeling bad, too.

So it's group shit time, is it?

A couple of stinking buddies,
aren't you?

The snake's head, huh?

Takemoto!

Iwami!

Where are you?

Answer me!

Those shitheads!

SEPTEMBER 25, 1963
SHINWA GROUP INSTALLATION CEREMONY

There he is.

I told you to give it up,
you stupid punks!

Sure, it'd be great
to ruin the bastard's special day.

But our Boss Akashi
will be attending, too.

Did you think about that?

Then how about afterwards -
after Boss Akashi goes home?

At the station, or wherever.
Please just let us do it.

Keep your fucking hands
off him in Kobe!

You explain it
to the knuckleheads, Iwai.

Fine, but I can't go back
to Hirono empty-handed.

Isn't there any way
we can send him some reinforcements?

The boss said no.

So what's the excuse going to be
for contradicting the boss?

If you want an excuse,
we've got one.

The plan Iwai had in mind

was to hold a grand memorial service
for the murdered Kiyoshi Kawanishi.

Pressed by Iwai
that the time for action had come,

Hirono immediately began
preparations for the service,

along with plans to attack Hiroshima,
as soon as the funeral was over.

Starting several days
before the scheduled service,

men from the Akashi family
and other families across the country

began arriving in Kure in droves,

soon reaching some 1,600 in number.

Hey there.

Did you wait long?

I hear things are
kind of touchy right now.

Is it wise to always meet
in the same place?

This place is safe because my men
have a clear view out front.

Coffee.

Besides, even in wartime,

a guy needs a break
now and then.

I said coffee.

Keep it quiet.

Come with us.

Yo, Uchimoto.

A fine sight you are!

You spend so much time
chasing pussy,

it's made you soft.

Please don't harm me.

I'm the one's been telling my men
to stay out of fights,

yet the men who've been killed
are all my men.

Still want to save your hide, do you?

Okay, I'll let you off.

But first you'll have to give us
a nice little show with your girlfriend.

Hurry it up.
Get your clothes off.

You can't mean it!

Take their picture, Eda,
and we'll send it to the Akashis.

Have a heart.

Go get a camera.

Boss Yamamori,

I don't care about myself,
but please don't torment this man.

It would be too cruel a blow
if his wife found out about us.

I beg you.

Two-bit whores
should mind their own business!

Only two-bit toughs have to get
their man when he's with his lady!

Enough fucking lip!

Just you watch this!

Hold on, Eda.

Kill him and all you do
is make yourself the next target.

That's no reason
to let him go alive!

That's right. Do it!

Sit down.

Boss...

so long as this fuck's alive,
we have a chance to make peace.

Knock him off,
and who're you gonna make peace with?

If what you want is all-out war,

that's fine with me, too.

But I can't take responsibility
for what might happen.

So tell us, Uchimoto.

Hirono's planning a big fancy
memorial service for Kawanishi,

but I'm guessing it's just a front
for launching an attack on us.

Am I right?

Spill it!

Save your neck, dear.
Tell him.

All right, then.

Let's hear the whole story.

KNOCK OUT VIOLENCE
BUILD A LIVABLE COMMUNITY

To all Hirono family members,

we have you completely surrounded.

Do exactly as we say,

or you'll be arrested
for obstructing justice.

Shozo Hirono,

we have a warrant for your arrest.
Come out peacefully.

I repeat:

We have you surrounded.

Do exactly as we say,

or you will be arrested
for obstructing justice.

Shozo Hirono,

we have a warrant for your arrest.
Come out peacefully.

Boss, we'll hold them off.
You get out of here!

There's a time for everything.
What happens, happens.

You've got to save yourself, boss.

You know it's just
some unrelated offense.

- I'll be back in no time.
- Boss!

Put that hardware away!

No sense letting them confiscate it.

Hirono,

the charge is assault and battery.

I see.

Last summer

you dragged a Makihara family member
to the Yamamori office and worked him over.

Is that right?

Supposedly Yamamori's
the only one who knows about that.

So he's your snitch, is he?

Come with us.

This is a waste of tax money.

Boss!

Boss!

Hirono was arrested
for an unrelated offense,

but it effectively removed him
from the field of battle.

Three days later,

the service was held without him,

and the troops who'd gathered in Kure
left without seeing action.

Yamamori and Makihara
promptly returned to Kure.

With the tables now turned,

bloody retribution followed

against members of Hirono's family.

We've got company!

Run!

OCTOBER 3, 1963
MASUO IWAMI CRITICALLY WOUNDED

Stop it!

SHIGERU TAKEMOTO OF HIRONO FAMILY
SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS

The fuck!

- Give me my fucking money!
- Let me go!

I want my money, damn it!

Stop it!

What the fuck's going on?

I had �1,000
riding on that home run!

Fucking bastard
claims I only get �500 back!

I calculated it right!

Who the fuck do you think you are?

I'm with the Gisei Group.
Got a problem with that?

Yazaki...

you doing this all on your own?

Uh-huh.

To stay under the cops' radar.

You'll never last
if you let 'em give you shit.

Here, take this.

Anybody complains,
teach him a lesson.

Thanks.

I sure didn't figure
on Hirono getting hauled in.

It changes the whole picture
in our war with Yamamori.

Takeda's trying
to stop bleeding money

by sending home
all the troops from outside.

Since Uchimoto's obviously useless,
how about you and I join up

for a showdown with Yamamori?

I don't have the troops for a fight.

We got our hands full
just collecting baseball bets.

Used to be
Uchimoto took care of us,

but lately he's just been
squeezing our balls.

So I don't figure
I owe him a thing anymore.

I'd heard a little something about that,

so I brought you this

to tide you over- �5 million.

I'd like you to take it.

I don't owe a thing to either
Uchimoto or Akashi,

but if we just let them
keep pounding Hirono's men,

then you know
they'll come after us next.

That's why I'm asking for your help.

Please.

I'll do what I can.

You've taken on a new glow
since coming to this bar.

Then maybe I should break up with Okajima
and play the field again.

Good idea!
I'll be your first candidate.

Time to trade in for a new model.

But seriously,
I can't thank you enough, Mr. Takeda.

If I'd stayed where I was,

Boss Yamamori would have
hounded me out of Hiroshima.

If Okajima realized
I owe it all to you,

I just know he wouldn't go on
standing against you.

But promise me you won't tell him
I got you this gig.

I wouldn't want him
to take it wrong.

Just be sure

you call me every day
to tell me where he is.

I need to know
so I can protect him.

There's too many guys
angling to knock him off.

I will.

Well, if it isn't Okajima!

How long's it been?

Join us! Sit down!

Where've you been keeping yourself?

Here, have a drink!

How've you been?

What've you guys been up to?

Welcome.

These are friends of mine
from grade school.

My goodness!

You know, Okazaki,
we should have a class reunion.

We can invite old "Knuckle Trumpet."

Who in the world is that?

Our teacher.

Bottoms up!

Hello?

Takeda? Just a moment.

Boss, there's a call from that Aiko
who used to work for you.

She's asking if Takeda's here.

Aiko?

Tell her you're one of Takeda's men.
See what she has to say.

KABE HOT SPRINGS, HIROSHIMA

You used to rap me on the head
with your knuckles.

You said only the reformatory
could straighten me out.

Did he really?

So I turned into a reprobate,

but do you suppose
I've straightened out just a little?

I think my face just turned red.

Watch your step, sir.

You don't need to treat me
like a doddering old man yet.

Hello there.

- You're Okajima, I believe?
- That's right.

Believe it. You saw it.

OCTOBER 11, 1963 - TOMOJI OKAJIMA,
CHAIRMAN OF GISEI GROUP, DIED

Takeda flew into a rage

when he heard
of Yamamori's unilateral action.

Takeda knew there could be no winning
if the public was against them,

and his bitter differences
with the hawkish Yamamori and Eda

led him to pull back
from the forefront of the feud.

Meanwhile, the opposing Uchimoto

spurned Iwai's repeated
calls for action,

needlessly delaying
resolution of the hostilities.

So are you going to take
Yamamori out or not, damn it!

The thing is, with Hirono away,

if I take on Yamamori all by myself,

there's no way I can win.

What kind of talk is that
from a yakuza?

Or are you just a cab company owner?
Which do you wanna be?

Well, if I have to choose,

I'd really just like to focus
on my business now.

Fine. Do what you like.

We've got no use
for a cab company,

so you'll just have
to walk your own path.

But I'm warning you.
You've got a precipice ahead

and a precipice behind.

I suggest you watch your step
very carefully.

Right? Doesn't what I said
make good sense?

You guys hang in there now.

- Boss!
- Mr. Uchimoto.

Bro!

For a time the feud
seemed to be dying down,

but the flames flared up again

when the younger men
in the various families grew disgruntled

with their bosses'
political maneuverings.

OCTOBER 15, 1963
"HAREM" CABARET BOMBED

Take cover!

THAT SAME NIGHT -
EDA FAMILY OFFICE BOMBED

WAR ESCALATES TO BOMBINGS

CABARET BOMBED

Is this the police?

What? This is Yoshio Yamamori.

Whaddaya mean, "What's up?"

I keep calling to ask for protection,

and you guys don't do squat!

Bombs are flying,

and I've got no place to hide!

It's your job
to protect upstanding citizens!

If I get killed,
it's on your shoulders!

Ouch!

So, where are you right now?

All right. Stay where you are.

What does he want?

Wants to know why we refuse
to protect an upstanding citizen.

Is he kidding?

You shouldn't even
be taking his calls.

Until we can bring charges,
we have to treat him like anybody else.

Boss Yamamori called the police,
so you guys can scram.

Are you sure?

He's got more faith
in the cops than in us.

Enough of this shit. Go.

Yamamori's hiding out with Eda
at Hayakawa's bar.

- You sure?
- No question about it.

And Hayakawa and his men split,
so now's our chance.

- All right. Let's go get 'em.
- Right!

Follow me!

Yeah, it's me.

And?

Going after Yamamori?

Hurry it up!

Takeda here.

Yeah, what's up?

I'm telling you this
'cause I owe you one for the other day.

Some of my men just rushed out,

saying they were
going to ice Yamamori.

They were headed
for Hayakawa's bar.

You better call him
and warn him right away.

Idiot! Why didn't you stop them?

Why should I have to stop them?

We're at war!

Look, if Yamamori survives,

could you get him to lend me

�20 million or so?

What moron lends money
to his enemy, you dimwit?

- What gives, Takeda?
- Ueda!

What made you think you could protect
the boss here without any defenses?

What're you talking about?
There's a police cruiser outside.

None that I see.
Go look.

Takeda,

I trust Ueda,
and my life is in his hands.

I have no use for you.

Is that so? In that case,

when the Uchimoto fellas
show up in a minute,

you can fight them off yourselves.

Hold on!

I'll go with you.

Come if you want,

but am I your man
for this fight or not?

I never said you weren't.

Not that way! This way!

This way!

Move it!

Drive!

Cops! Clear the road!

Let me go!

Run!

- Who the hell are you?
- You're with Uchimoto!

Take it easy!

Stop it!
We're in the same boat here.

Fucking asshole!

You're lucky you got away.

Damn straight.

What happened was
the car broke down,

so everybody got out to push.

You pushed, too?

Yeah.

But then when I stopped to think,

I realized,
why should I be helping them?

So I ran away.

What a moron!

But you know what Takeda said?

It was Boss Uchimoto
who squawked about our raid.

- The boss himself?
- Uh-huh.

No wonder we're
always being taken for fools!

That pisses me off!
Let's attack again!

Yeah, let's hit 'em again!

Uchimoto's goons
are walking the streets again.

Fucking bastards!
Let's go get 'em!

Where ya think you're going, punks?

Get lost, you fucking assholes!

Just try and make us, shithead!

Fucking bastard!

The wild gun battle
directly threatened ordinary citizens,
OCTOBER 17, 1963
GUN BATTLE IN SHINTENCHI
2 DEAD, 3 CRITICALLY WOUNDED

and anti-gang sentiment
boiled over among the public.

Pressured from every direction,
the police and district attorney

began rounding up all family leaders.

What kind of treatment is this?

- Boss!
- What?

Get in!

UCHIMOTO & CO.

KAWAHATA HOSPITAL

No! Don't do that! Stop!

- Out of my way!
- What's this about?

Yamamori,
I have a warrant for your arrest!

What possible charge
could you bring against me?

Two years ago, you punched an employee
of the Boat Racing Association.

I have Potts disease.
I have to stay off my feet.

Go ask the doctor.

The only thing keeping you
off your feet is too much pussy!

The reporters are here too, dear,
so act like a man!

Leave me alone!

Have you completely lost your spine?

Come with us.

Just give me a second!

I'll hold a press conference.

As soon as he learned of Yamamori's
arrest, Iwai flew to Hiroshima

to begin rebuilding
the Akashi camp there,

centering on the Gisei Group's henchmen
left leaderless by Okajima's death.

Meanwhile,

Takeda made peace
with his former enemy, Otomo,

and called on other Hiroshima families

to unite in common purpose

and meet Iwai's challenge head-on.

The yakuza in this city
feel a certain pride.

The Shinwa Group from Kobe

wants us to raise their banner here,
but we've turned them down.

Stay here yourself
as long as you want,

but take down the Akashi family sign.

Hold on a second.

I belong to the Akashi family.

Why shouldn't I put up
their sign wherever I am?

In that case,

declare right here and now that
you'll break off with the Gisei Group.

When you come in here
and open an office with these guys,

you're meddling in internal
Hiroshima affairs.

And what kind of satisfaction
can we expect for the murdered Okajima?

This is war!
Killing's the name of the game!

Then you'll be our next target,
so fucking bring it on!

Anytime, asshole!

- Anytime!
- Calm down.

Do I take what you said
as your family's official answer?

I'm Iwai of the Akashi family.

All right.

Then just so you know,

we may not be very sophisticated
here in Hiroshima,

but we never let visitors
stand upwind of us.

We won't let so much as a cat
get through if he's from Kobe.

Don't forget that.

Fine.

You guys take care your spit
doesn't blow in your own faces.

Got that?

Now get out of here!

Handle this with care.

Just make sure
no harm comes to Boss Akashi.

It'd make things too messy.

Otherwise, blow up whatever you like.

Just be careful.

Right.

TATSUO AKASHI

The Akashi family assumed
OCTOBER 20, 1963
BOSS AKASHI'S RESIDENCE BOMBED

SHINWA GROUP
they'd been attacked by the Shinwa Group

and retaliated immediately.

THAT SAME NIGHT -
SHINWA GROUP OFFICE ATTACKED

The fire jumped to Hiroshima
the very same night,

and gun battles erupted

between Takeda's and Iwai's men.

THAT SAME NIGHT -
TAKEDA OFFICE ATTACKED

Get him to a hospital!

Don't just stand there.
Start cleaning up.

And so the feud in Hiroshima

grew into a battle
between Hiroshima and Kobe,

a bloodletting that shook
all of Western Japan.

OCTOBER 21, 1963
BOSS OF YOSHIKURA FAMILY ATTACKED

Stop!

Fucking bastard!

OCTOBER 22, 1963
BOSS OF HAYAKAWA FAMILY ATTACKED

Iwai and his troops from Kobe
are putting themselves out there.

If we let outsiders do all the work,

how can we ever
lift our heads high again?

We're gonna join the battle.

Could you send your men out too?

You're barking up the wrong tree.

I owe my loyalty to Uchimoto.

When Uchimoto's sitting tight,

I can't go joining fights on my own.

I understand your position,

but Boss Okajima was counting on you.
That's why he gave you that money.

- You owe him.
- Let's not bring money into this.

It's true I owe Okajima,

but as repayment,

I've been sending part of my take
to him every month.

You think money
can repay your obligation?

You guys brought it up first!

Calm down.

Look, Kawada,

if you join the fight,
so will Uchimoto.

Whether we can avenge Boss Okajima
is on your shoulders.

You can make men of us.

Please!

Bro.

I'll go talk to Uchimoto,

so don't worry about it, okay?

Move it!

- Bro!
- Listen to me.

Don't get itchy trigger fingers

until we have a clear answer
from Kawada.

Forget that bastard, bro.
We can do it ourselves.

I don't intend to die

without avenging Okajima's death.

Kawada's a little strange.

Don't get on his bad side

or you'll regret it later.

I won't last much longer.

Bro!

HOW TO BUILD A BOMB

GUNPOWDER

Hello.

I see.

All right.

I have to go.
That was Boss Kawada.

He hit it!

All right!

Now we're sitting pretty today.

There you are, Yazaki.

You've been helping out Fujita
over at the Gisei Group a lot.

Why don't you give it up?

But I owe Mr. Fujita
a debt of gratitude.

For what?

Those guys think
they've got one up on us,

and they've been cutting
into our territory.

The gas stations are all
showing Gisei Group badges.

That may be true,

but if there's a war,
we have to side with Gisei.

Think again.

I'm not siding with anyone.

What are we so broken up about
that we should have to help Gisei?

Leave the war to the warmongers.

Our first concern is
protecting our turf.

You know, Yazaki,

it'd sure simplify things
if you'd do him for us.

Excuse me?

Fujita's in line to be
the next chairman of the Gisei Group.

Without him,

Gisei's got about as much going for it
as a pile of horseshit.

This here is how much

those bastards rake off our take.

With Fujita gone,

this would all be yours.

Think about it.

I know you've kind of become friends,

so if you can't do it, you can't do it.

But you know, Yazaki,

don't you think it's time
to start acting like a man?

An opportunity like this
may not come again.

MOTOMACHI IN HIROSHIMA
AKA "THE A-BOMB SLUMS"

Turn the television off.
It's giving me a headache.

I told you to turn it off,
you numbskull!

Get up, Hiroshi!

How long are you going
to lie around and not work?

Get up!

Hurry up and eat your dinner.

I'll buy you a better TV.

More big talk!

Who's there?

Yazaki?

What're you doing here at this hour?

Bro!

OCTOBER 25, 1963
SHOICHI FUJITA OF GISEI GROUP DIED

What's going on?

Where's your son?

Has he done something?

He's wanted for murder.

- There he is!
- This way!

Stop!

HIROSHI YAZAKI OF KAWADA FAMILY
SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS

Hirono.

Iwai.

Hirono...

the Gisei Group's Fujita got offed.

Fujita?

Yep.

Some punk
from the Kawada family did it.

It's brother killing brother now.

The Gisei Group's in tatters,

and I have no idea how to fix it.

And that's not all.

The family in Kobe

accepted police mediation
and made peace with the Shinwa Group.

I've been called home.

Hirono...

I hate to do this,
but I have to pull out.

I'm really sorry.

I'm the one who should apologize.

I understand how you feel.

I appreciate everything you've done.

I just saw Uchimoto too,

and he said it was a relief
to get thrown in the clink.

That's about what I'd expect of him.

Hey.

So long, then.

The world may be changing,

but there's more to life
than just Kure and Hiroshima.

You should plan to come to Kobe.

I'll be waiting for you.

I'll be counting on it.

You want to stay a yakuza
or turn legitimate businessman?

Which is it going to be?

I'm sure you're aware
we can cancel your business license.

I've been thinking about that
for a long time.

But when you're out there
in yakuza society,

you have to live
with your shields up.

So I couldn't say anything, you know.

Are you going to disband or not?

That's why I'm saying!

Since being in here,

I've finally made up my mind.

All right?

Regarding the charges of tax evasion
and illegal possession of firearms,

I'm negotiating with the prosecutors,

so the less you say, the better.

But try not to be so contrary.

Maybe they'll let you out sooner.

The city's talking about
taking over the boat-racing business

for a billion yen.

We'll be set
for the rest of our lives.

You can turn everything over
to a successor.

Here's your asthma medicine.

Asthma?

Hey, this medicine sure works great!

Iwai left this for you.

Bosses like you
get to feast on fancy food,

but all the grunts get
is prison garbage.

Poor bastards.

When you're a yakuza,
only the boss gets the perks.

Even in war, they don't lift a finger.
The grunts do all the dirty work.

Truth is, they're probably
afraid of dying.

We live by a different code!
Shut the fuck up if you don't know!

- Don't give me that crap!
- Oh, yeah?

If you cared a damn about your men,
you'd be the first to die!

Soon, Hirono's parole was revoked,

and he was sent to Hiroshima prison.

The following January,

he was resentenced
to seven years and four months in prison.

Hirono.

How long they put you away for?

Seven years and four months,
including what I had before.

Is that right?

Not much different
from some murder sentences.

Who knows?

By the time they figure in
the Kobe bombing and whatnot,

I might be in longer than you.

Yeah?

Eda got five years,

and Makihara got about three.

Uchimoto got off with probation.

What about Yamamori?

A year and a half.

He gets one and a half
and I get seven.

I sure got the short end
of the stick there.

I blew everything I had,
so I'm penniless now.

And the papers have pounded me
so ruthlessly,

only way I can survive is to turn
my organization into a political committee.

I suppose that might be fine,

but it looks to me
like our time is over.

Do this for 18 years,
you grow used to certain comforts,

but the cold in here
really gets to my bones.

No kidding.

Somehow I've got to find a way

to get through seven years of this.

Well, then, Hirono,

you hang in there.

Yeah, you too.

And so the Hiroshima feud

that led to 17 dead,

26 wounded,

and some 1,500 arrests

came to its fruitless end,

and the gangland violence

soon disappeared beneath
an increasingly stable public order.

But this is not to say that

violence itself, nor the societal
contradictions that drive people to it,

have disappeared
from the world around us.

THE END