Original subtitles

A DAIEI KYOTO PRODUCTION

ITSUWARERU SEISO CLOTHES OF DECEPTION

Producer: Kōji KAMEDA

Screenplay: Kaneto SHINDO

(Contemporary Film Assoc.)

Set Design: Hiroshi MIZUTANI

Audio Recording: Masao OSUMI

Cinematography: Asakazu NAKAI

Exec. Producer: Yutaka KURODA

Editor: Shigeo NISHIDA

Lighting: Tashiro UKAWA

Music: Akira IFUKUBE

STARRING

Yasuko FUJITA

Machiko KYOU

Taeko KITAKUCHI

Emiko YANAGI

Chieko MURATA

Taiji TONOYAMA

Eitaro SHINDO

Ichirou SUGAI

Saizaburo KAWAZU

Keiju KOBAYASHI

Director Kouzaburou YOSHIMURA

(Contemporary Film Assoc.)

Ahh... that feels good.

Eh... the breeze is nice.

What you said... wasn't nice.

I never pressured you to marry me.

When I want to end it... I will end our relationship.

You're heartless.

No more money, no more us then?

Well, I suppose that's right.

After all... it was money that bound us together.

Listen Kimicho...

I don't want us to break up.

I'll show you I can still make money.

I've still got good connections among the brokers.

Look...

I beg you. Let's stay as we are.

I want you gone please. Thank you.

Goodbye.

Hey!

Wait!

What is it?

Is that the best farewell you can squeeze out?

Please don't make a scene.

I gave you my body after all.

Come on. Please.

Don't be ridiculous. Let go of me!

Thank you. - You're welcome.

Mama-san, good evening.

Mr. Yamashita!

Thank you for waiting.

Good evening. - Come.

Thank you for coming.

Kimicho...

he's waited so long... he's annoyed now.

Oh Mr. Yamashita, please forgive me.

You were with some handsome fellow, am I right?

Please don't tease!

Look into my eyes.

Do I look like I was!

You can sit there feigning innocence...

but your face doesn't lie!

No...

If you look more closely... you'll see it says, "Yamashita".

Thank you. I must be going.

Well, I'll leave you two alone.

Come closer. - Okay.

I'm so sorry I kept you waiting.

Will you forgive me? - It's okay...

though it was a whole hour.

Ah right... I brought what I promised. - Eh?

No... did you really bring that?

I promised you I would... and I'm a man of my word.

50,000. Keep it safe.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

You shocked me calling my work.

That's something you musn't do.

I suddenly wanted to see you. I couldn't help myself.

I've run the business 20 years and never done anything like this.

If people knew I'd be ruined.

Which is more important... me or the business?

Both are equally important. - Oh no you don't!

I want you to say it out loud.

You should know the answer. What more can I say?

You're asking little me?

I just wanted to hear you say it. - Hey... come here.

Kimicho? - Yes?

Oh no... there's lipstick! - Where?

A phone call from home. Can you take it. - Yes, thanks.

Hello?

Ah Sis... it's Taeko.

Mum says come home straight away!

Ah... what is it?

Mr. Watanabe? - Who is it?

Any problem? - No, it's nothing.

Did he come again?

I told her not to see him.

There's no point complaining to me. Hurry home.

Miss Taeko, I'm leaving.

Where's your customer?

At the Suzumura.

Can you drop in on my sister...

and tell her to come quickly.

Yes, of course.

Fukuya... shouldn't you eat first?

Thank you but... I'll eat later.

If you're not feeling well, you don't have to go.

Yes... thanks. It's nothing much.

That cough of hers... it's getting really bad.

I have no right to ask, but I'm pleading.

I asked around... everyone says you are... my only hope.

Thanks for that.

You can rest assured... I'll do whatever I can.

I'm so relieved to hear you say that.

Thank you so much.

There's no need... to bow low like that.

It'll take me... 3 or 4 days to get the money.

Thank you.

Then... can I rely on it? - Yes.

I must be going.

Just a moment - Yes?

These sweets aren't much, but... for your son.

Miss Kimicho... I'd hoped to see her too.

I'll come back later. - Yes, do.

Here you are. - Thank you.

I'm sorry for taking your time.

I should thank you for your time. - No at all.

Give my best wishes to your father. - I will.

Excuse me. - Goodbye.

Mother!

You turned him down, right?

When did you get back?

Why didn't you show your face? He wanted to see you.

Just his face makes me feel sick.

Begging for money, wasn't he?

So what did you tell him?

Knowing you, you tried to be nice, didn't you?

I'm the only one he can rely on.

I couldn't be so cold to him.

It's not about being cold-hearted.

You can't spend money you don't have!

200,000 yen... Where'll we get our hands on that much?

If you think about it, it's impossible.

The company's bankrupt. The staff ran off with the cash.

He's left with his back to the wall.

If he can't get a loan... he will probably go to prison.

If he's really facing police and maybe prison...

why expect us... to take on a debt... of 200,000.

What kind of logic is there in that?

As far as that goes... you shouldn't forget...

Hideo isn't just anyone... he is your half-brother.

And I'm the mistress's child.

Sister...! That's enough! Don't talk like that.

You can keep quiet!

Mother...

when old Mr. Watanabe died...

wasn't it then... our relationship ended.

They cut us off.

The Watanabe's are complete strangers now.

I suppose that's so...

You really make me angry sometimes...

Surely you aren't happy about this?

Turn us upside down and nothing'll come out but a nosebleed.

If I mortgage the house I could probably get the money.

How can you be so stupid!

If we didn't have this house... what would become of us?

Mother and daughters...

sleeping under the Donguri bridge like vagrants!

Mama-san!

Something terrible's happened! Miss Fukuya collapsed.

What...? Miss Fukuya?

What happened?

Ah... while dancing at the Suzukiro...

she coughed up blood! - Blood?

She's been taken to the hospital.

They want you right away.

I'll go and see.

That poor girl! I wonder what happened.

Nothing but bad news!

Hello?

Yes it is. It's Kimicho.

I'd be delighted to take part. Thank you very much.

Sis!

Sister!

Enough already. What do you want?

Today... he's telling his mother.

We can get married now, can't we?

Then stop talking about it and get on with it.

Good morning! - Morning.

Good morning. - Morning.

Isn't that Taeko from the Nanoya?

She's turned into a good looking woman.

She works in the city tourism department.

What a waste that is!

Why didn't they make her a geisha?

Good morning!

Good morning!

Good morning!

Mr. Kōji's in the darkroom. - Right.

Can I come in? - Ah, just a moment!

Okay, come.

Morning! - Morning!

The door locked? - Ya.

You're at work early! - What?

Look at this!

It's me! - That right.

Let's see...

Where did you take that one? - When we went to Takao.

What'll you do with it? - Show my mother!

Really?

Look!

It came out well.

Did you talk to them?

Yes, yesterday.

And?

Mum and everyone said... it's fine.

I see!

I'll talk to mom then.

I'll be... a really good wife!

Thank you.

Taeko... - No, not in here.

The photo's spoiled. It's over-exposed.

Welcome home.

Did you put out Taeko's futon? - Yes.

Poor girl has such bad luck.

You need to lie down. There's no need to undress.

Okay.

Fukuya...

You don't need to do that. I'll fold it.

But Mama-san, I... It's fine. You're sick aren't you?

Hurry up and get into bed!

Take off your socks. Okay.

Remember what the doctor said,

"Rest is the best thing." Do what he said.

Yes, that's fine.

Okay?

Mama-san, I'm very sorry.

I'm so sorry about this.

It's fine. We won't speak of it, okay?

I'm sorry!

Mother? Where are you? - Just a moment.

With Miss Fukuya.

We've just come back from the hospital. - You mortgaged the house, didn't you?

Why did you do it... without speaking to me first?

If I'd asked you first...

you'd have said "no", wouldn't you?

What kind of mother are you??

All the neighbours are laughing at us.

It's fine to help others... or as you say "do our duty".

But...

is it necessary to give back so much that we can't eat!

200,000 yen... where will we find it?

I could always... sell this place.

Then pay rent to live here after.

That's utter fantasy. It'll never happen.

Once sold, they'll kick us out.

Please let your mother repay her obligations.

I will go out to work.

I could take bookings again.

Just listen to yourself, Mom!

An old woman like you take party bookings?

Though you might get menial work in the kitchens.

That might be the case.

But Hideo had tears rolling down his cheeks.

He said he'd never forget as long as he lives.

His thanks were so heartfelt.

When I heard him, I just couldn't...

Ridiculous. I won't listen.

There's nothing to say.

You know, Kimicho...

Miss Fukuya...

She's seriously ill.

They said she might not survive the winter.

It's her own naivety has made her ill!

Don't talk so loudly. She'll hear you.

We have to nurse a sick person,

and take on huge additional debt.

You caused this. Deal with it!

Goodbye then. - Goodbye.

Welcome back.

Welcome back.

Welcome back.

Is Mother here? - Yes, she is.

Only... she's with Mr. Isehama.

Ask her to come to my room when she's free. - Yes.

What's more... it's rather a joke!

She mortgaged her house to raise the money for it!

She's bitten off a bit more than she can chew.

The story is quite unusual...

It's for the son of her late bankrupt patron?

Not many would do that!

Weren't Mama-san here and Kimicho's mother Kiku, old friends?

Yes, they trained to be geisha together, didn't they? - Yes...

but that's all there was to it.

Ah, that's enough. - Right, thank you.

Kiku is as stupid now as she was then!

She didn't need to stay in the business.

She had a good patron.

She trusted Mr. Watanabe completely.

She's mortgaged herself to the hilt and she's happy to do it!

Thank you! Obliged. - Your welcome.

Not everyone would do it.

For the right man I'd do it!

Haa... ha... you think you might?

Maybe I should've invested in a horse! - Don't make me sound silly!

Mama-san! - What is it?

It's just... Kōji wants to see you. - Why?

He just asked to see you.

Is that so?

You want something?

Actually...

I want to ask you a favour.

What is it? And so formal...

Mama-san and Kiku... were rivals over Mr. Watanabe.

Kiku's old patron?

A major battle... and he chose Kiku.

Mama was heartbroken.

Wow... I didn't know.

It's odd... what makes people happy.

Rejected by Watanabe she threw herself at Kono.

And he set her up in this house.

But then he died...

Which was as it should be!

Now here I sit, comfortably his successor!

So you and Taeko want to get married?

Yes. We've been engaged... for a year.

I will not permit it. You must break it off.

But...

You can't marry a girl from a tea-house.

But this house is also... - There's a difference of status and class!

So Mom... is there no way?

But we've always... been on friendly terms with them!

But dear... we're superficially friendly out of need.

No matter what you say I will not permit it.

You will break it off.

If you can't break this off I will go and do it.

Kōji!

Kōji!

SHIMANOYA

( House name )

Anybody home?

Good evening.

Please come in

It's been a long time. It's me.

Ah it's you Chiyo? Well, well. Please come on in.

Thanks, I will.

Please sit here. - Thank you.

I'm fine here.

It's been a long time since we met!

I mustn't stay...

Please stay for a bit.

Actually...

it's nothing much but please take these.

You didn't need to but thank you.

You haven't changed a bit.

You haven't aged at all.

Really? You're looking well I see.

I'm back!

That's Taeko.

Nice to see you. - Good evening.

Here are the fees I received.

I bought what we had discussed.... - That's good.

How grown up she is now.

But she's still a child really.

Here you are...

You should drink this. It's turtle blood!

They say it's really good for the chest.

Thank you!

And you must be bored so I bought these wind-chimes!

Though it's not the right season.

Thank you so much.

Sorry I'm a bother.

Do you like it?

It's a lovely sound.

Actually...

the reason that I'm here... is about Taeko.

Of course.

I was planning to come and see you.

I knew nothing about this, so...

when Kōji told me today it was quite a shock.

Oh!

But Kōji came at the end of last month.

So, about this plan...

I would like to be clear that I reject it completely.

What?

Kōji may be working in the tourist board for now...

but he is the heir and will take over our business.

So he needs a bride from a proper family.

And what's wrong with our Taeko?

Please don't get me wrong...

It's no criticism of Taeko...

but we have a high reputation in the Gion district.

There's a certain difference in status.

Please tell Taeko there's no point in continuing this relationship.

Mother!

Are you going to let her insult you like this?

No... but you keep out of this.

Leave us!

Chiyo-san...

I don't know how magnificent your house is...

but we're all just people... exactly the same!

As for you...

How different from us does your "status" make you?

Another insignificant red-light business...

I wonder... what special status does that give you?

Kimicho...

You've learned to be clever with words I see.

I won't forget them. - Please don't. Remember them well.

( a threat )

I don't give a damn for anything you can do.

I heard a rumour you have a splendid new man.

I suppose you used your filthy little ways on him.

He's head clerk at Sokushinmaru I think?

My, aren't you well informed! I use my physical charms.

If a man's good looking, I'll work on him. - Stop it Kimicho!

Please forgive her.

Kiku-san... Taeko can never marry Kōji. - If that's all you have to say, get out!

Eh, indeed... I'll go most gladly.

Thank you.

Is that so?

I'm sorry about that.

Goodbye. - I'm sorry.

Mother, sprinkle salt!

(To purge evil spirits.)

I hate this place!

You've been drinking, haven't you?

I drank to forget.

Don't! It's bad to get so drunk.

I'm suffering.

I'll leave home!

You leave too.

Listen, Kōji... let's both leave.

It's not that easy.

If we both work... we'll manage somehow.

I'm not as free as you. Remember I'm adopted.

I know you're in a difficult position.

None the less...

if we stay here like this what will become of us?

You need to be brave.

Taeko...

Please... don't leave me.

Taeko...

No! Kōji, no!

Taeko...

It's okay. Please let me! Okay?

Come on!

Will you marry me?

Well... will you marry me?

Please, marry me!

You must promise.

Taeko...

Come on... say it!

So you still won't say it?

You won't promise me?

What does it matter?

I said no!

Coward!

The pale moon shines on Higashiyama. Hey girl...

( Song = Gion Boogie )

it feels like the Gion 'tanuki' might be around...

( racoon, mischievous spirit )

transformed into a cute 'maiko'...

( apprentice Geisha )

or changed into a pretty geisha.

Good evening! Hello!

Sing the boogie, dance the boogie... the Gion boogie-woogie.

Here we go...

Meeting on the 'hanami' path, a rendevous beside the Kamogawa river.

( cherry blossom festival )

Post war things move quickly...

If you're going to have an affair now's the moment... now's your chance.

Please... can you help me?

200,000 is a lot of money. I can't get it at short notice.

Then it doesn't matter.

I have another idea.

What idea?

Hello, Kimicho...

Good evening!

Good evening!

Kimie... what do you want to drink?

I want a soda!

And for you? - I want whisky!

Dear... a soda for me please!

Right away.

It might be possible to get 50,000.

Forget it.

Are you angry?

There's no point in being angry.

We'll go home.

Is that so? - I shouldn't be seen in this sort of place.

Let's go. I'll get the coats.

Mr. Isehama! - Hello!

Good evening! - Kimicho!

Dance with me?

I wonder...

Why not. Lets.

I'm not good. I'll tread on your feet.

I'd be delighted to feel your weight on me!

You know what to say!

Did he go somewhere?

He's over there, dancing. - What?

Hey... - Yes?

You're actually quite good.

Keep telling me that.

Hold me tightly.

( Give me a good seeing to! )

Somebody will get angry with me!

Don't be silly. I'm really lonely these days.

You know of a good man?

Don't try and flatter me! - Ow!

Did I tread on you? Sorry!

Where? Was it here?

I'm so sorry. Does it hurt?

Please forgive me.

Hello?

Good evening.

Welcome!

Oh, Kimicho it's you!

How's business? - Not bad.

You're very good at that!

I've been doing it since I was a kid.

Kimicho!

Welcome.

Thank you. Good evening!

What's up?

You should come more often! - Thank you I will.

Are you alone? - Yes.

I came to invite Mr. Isehama out!

Thank you. Please do!

He loves to dance!

The group inside wants 'suguki'.

( Kyoto-pickles )

Okay.

Your wife is very nice. - Really?

I'm shunned and no-one spends time with me.

Two orders of 'suguki'! - Okay.

Shall we go dancing? - Eh?

Okay, but I have to wait for the young cook to come back.

Go and sit down. - Thanks.

What would you like?

Hmm, let me see...

I'd like a beer. - Okay.

Beer. - Okay.

Thank you!

Who's that beauty?

She's from Miyagawacho. Her name's Kimicho.

This is nice.

This feels great.

What's up?

That felt good. Makes me feel sleepy.

Sorry!

You probably shouldn't sleep here.

You'll catch a cold.

Stop me getting cold then!

Well, if you insist...

Come on!

I can't get up...

I like you!

Do you mind if I fall for you? - Well...

Let's get friendly then.

Hello. - Hello.

Excuse me...

Kiku!

Thanks for coming. - This is a nice place.

You look like a proper businessman.

It's early days yet... but I'm managing to make a living.

It's all thanks to you.

It's too much to say that. It's sounds a bit over the top.

Please come in.

Setsu! Kiku is here.

Please! - Thank you.

Please use the cushion.

Welcome! - Long time no see!

You look just the same.

The baby's really grown. - He has thank you.

Actually... this is just a little gift. Offer it to your mother-in-law.

You shouldn't have troubled.

Is mother awake? - Yes, she is.

Then if I may I will... - Please do!

Sorry it's been so long.

Hello! Sorry it's been so long.

Mother... Mother! It's Kiku.

Kiku has come to see you! - Eh?

Kiku!

Recently she's become quite deaf.

Please have a seat.

Thank you so much for coming.

What's been happening?

Thanks to you things have been okay.

I've not really done anything.

I'm so grateful for your kindness and generosity.

And I'm not even a relative.

You're too kind.

There's no need to say that.

Hey! It's raining. Get the washing in. - Right.

It's really raining heavily.

Miss Fukuya, dinner time.

Here you go. You need some meat.

Thank you.

You have to eat well... so you'll get well quickly.

Taeko, will I really get better?

Of course you will.

But... only if you take proper care.

But if I don't, what will happen?

It won't happen. You musn't say that!

But... if I do die...

it will cause... so much trouble for you.

Don't be silly. There's no need... to worry about that.

All the medical bills!

I'm causing one trouble after another.

You've been here since you were 13...

The two of us... are just like sisters.

There's no need to talk about being a bother.

Thank you, sorry.

So... go ahead and eat. - Okay.

Thank you.

Hello!

Oh, are you eating? - Please come in.

How's she doing?

She's better today. - Ah, that's good.

I pinched these from a customer.

Wasn't it clever of me!? - You did well, no?

These are for you. - Thank you.

Excuse me a moment. Make yourself at home.

Yes, this is Shimanoya.

Eh?

It's her sister actually.

I errr...

Can I talk to your sister?

Tell her it's Yamashita.

Would you get her for me please?

Yes, just a moment.

Sis?

What is it?

It's Mr. Yamashita on the phone.

Tell him I'm not home.

But earlier on, he came by the house.

Just tell him I'm out. He's really too pushy!

Ah, hello... Sorry to keep you waiting.

Only... sister's out at the moment.

Yes, she's not here.

Hello!

Hello!

Taeko!

About Kōji and you... what's happening?

Did you talk with him?

Don't worry too much about his mother.

If you love each other it's okay to marry.

Kōji hasn't been coming to work.

What?

Hello... Isehama? It's Kimicho.

Excuse me, is the boss in?

Eh... today he decided to take the day off.

It's 5:55.

Hm... the clock's slow.

What's up?

You're like a bear in a cage. - Eh? Hmm.

Stop pacing up and down!

You can't hide it. I know about Kimicho and you.

Are you jealous? You're too old to be jealous.

What a thing to say! Thank you very much!!

I'm still able to do a woman's work.

(in bed)

Kōji? Where are you going? Better not be to Taeko.

Really... both sisters are trouble.

Always trying to attract men.

Oh, that's right. I have to see a man about taxes.

I'll just go to the union office. Be back later.

Why stoop to lying! You're going dancing with Kimicho.

How agravating! What a silly thing to say!

I'm just some old woman to you.

Hurry up and get out. - I will.

You get on with your work! Right there. - Yes. madam.

Do it harder! - Yes madam.

Madam!

Good evening! - Our thanks.

Is that the best you can do? You call yourselves 'maiko'?!

( trainee geisha )

Sorry! Please excuse us.

Goodbye.

Hi there.

Sorry I'm late.

What were you doing? - Sorry, sorry.

She just wouldn't stop nagging.

You were with her, weren't you.

Don't get angry. Come on, look at me.

That really hurt!

That's your punishment. What about another?

Now I'll forgive you.

That's really stupid.

Please leave. No sex today!

You don't have to be vulgar.

This isn't fair!

Fair or not...

What... what? - This is what you get.

Sorry! Forgive me.

I'll kiss it better.

Well? Does it still hurt?

I'm cured.

It's completely better. - So you see!

Ow it hurts!

Want some? Come here.

Oh... hurts.

Forgive me!

To celebrate... our making up!

I'll need to leave early though.

Why?

I have to run around and collect money.

Mr. Toshio is coming.

What happened that he's coming?

Didn't you hear?

My mother went and did something foolish.

That should be enough.

We'll have to say goodbye to this house.

Are we broke?

There's no way I can pay it.

Nor even in a week when it comes due.

Then let's... leave this trade as well as the house.

You say that... but Fukuya's asleep upstairs.

Excuse me! Telegram! - Yes.

Thank you. - You're welcome.

Goodbye.

Coming tomorrow. 8am. - Yukiko

Taeko!

Over here!

Hello! Long time no see!

I hope you're well! Uncle, I hope you're well.

It's been 5 years! It's nice to be back in Kyoto!

It's a lecture tour. I'm travelling with him.

He'll be at the university all morning.

Then on to Hiroshima.

So we've got all morning?

What? It's like I'm her traveling companion.

Let me carry that. - Thank you.

So Taeko... are you heart-broken?

His mother is adamantly opposed.

"Our status is different."

That sounds so old fashioned.

You two...

have got to break the old system down.

It's not so simple.

That's why I hate Kyoto.

Even a woman like you... ends up becoming old fashioned.

That's terrible.

Listen... Why don't you two... come to Tokyo.

I can guarantee... you'll find jobs.

But...

You must have courage.

Happiness... is something you have to go out and earn.

Look! Look out here... at this city!

Kyoto... was lucky to escape the bomb damage.

But, I'm not sure whether that... was a good thing or not.

It maybe... old and rich in history...

but... it's still there... the reek of feudalism.

It's there... underneath all those pretty roof-tiles.

It's still deeply rooted.

( Popular song called "Gion Kōta" )

... a white neck under the lamp's light...

the red of lipstick and the hidden tears...

Doctor...

I'm... not going to get better.

I know it.

Mama-san...

for all your trouble, I'm so sorry.

Don't say such a silly thing.

I'm sorry we couldn't do more for you.

Please forgive me.

I'm sorry I can't repay your kindness.

Come on. Be brave. You mustn't die.

Mama...

In this account... there's 5,000 yen.

It's no use to me.

But this... is yours.

This money... goes to your family.

I'll send it... okay?

Taeko!

You've always been so kind to me.

Even in death... I'll never forget it.

That's... I just...

You must pull through... no?

I'm sorry.

Sorry...

Fukuya!

In your next life...

you'll surely be rewarded.

Oh, Fukuya!

Hello. Sorry for the wait.

Mr. Eigiya isn't it. Yes, I know.

It's been awhile. Thank you.

Kumicho...

Shouldn't you take the night off?

We geisha don't get days off!

If we're called, we go. That's our profession.

Kimicho!

We should stay with Miss Fukuya and hold a vigil.

Mother...

when is the deadline for the 200,000?

It's tomorrow.

Even with the deadline... somehow it'll work out.

Exactly! It's always, "Somehow or other".

We'll be driven out of this house.

You don't seem to mind.

I don't want to move.

Good evening.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I'm tired.

I ran all the way.

You look a bit off.

Yes. There was a bit of trouble.

Well, have a drink! - Thanks.

Some trouble? - Eh... nothing really.

Trouble at every turn.

It's hard to earn a living.

Ah... speaking of which...

The 200,000 I promised you.

There you are.

You managed this already?

Thank you so much.

I am so grateful to you.

That stops me being homeless!

And in exchange...

You'll break with him completely, yes?

Well, Iseyama and Kiku should separate too.

That's already long finished.

Bye bye, I said!

The musicians can play and we'll dance - Good idea. I'll call them.

Hey! Musicians.

Thank you sir!

You're going to pay them? I was going to.

Play something nice for us.

Thank you.

Very well... will sing Kamo River Nocturne.

A girl of 16 raised in the red light district...

She goes to Maruyama in spring...

Shall we?

I'll just tidy up a bit. - Ah, right.

Let's put this over here...

Lift together... one, two...

Shall we dance?

( Song speaks of being in love. )

Jumping for joy...

at the 'Gion matsuri'.

( Gion festival )

Please be nice to me!

Ah... Until death do us part!

That reminds me...

Remember you're my concert patron - Of course... you can rely on me.

You can show off a bit! - Thank you.

Hey, what is it?

What the...

Why are you here?

What's this... going on?

Well... it's not...

Kimicho, you...

You have wronged me.

What about Kikutei...

You seem to have quite a high opinion of your status.

Is it traditional to interfere in someone else's business?

( sarcastic )

What did you say? You cheap whore!

If I'm a cheap whore...

what does that make you... who lost your patron to me?

I'm enjoying this... looking at the face your making.

How dare you!

You...

I...

Hey...!

What are you doing, you idiot!

Stop this!

It's unseemly. Stop it!

Women brawling...

What should we do?

What are they doing?

How could you? At your age too!

Kimicho!

Telephone for you.

Shall I bring it to that room. - No thank you.

I'll come downstairs. - Okay.

Taking and losing men is part of our trade.

Hey... Kimicho... - You come here.

Ouch! How vexing! - So disappointing!!!

Any problem? - No, it's fine.

Hello? Yes, this is Kimicho.

Can you make up some excuse?

Mr. Yamashita is here. He says he must see you.

Hello? Hello?

Hey... Don't be angry. Just give me an hour. - Okay.

Isehama! - Now what the hell is it?

Sorry about the fuss. - Are you going already?

Thank you.

Look here...

Okay, I'll pop in for a moment. Only a moment.

Hey! Kimicho!

Kimicho!

Yes?

It's me, Kazama.

I thought you looked familiar!

This is my new job.

Ohh... this looks good.

You're a good omen for my bar's first night!

In which case I should have a drink.

Could I please. - Yes, thank you.

It's nice that it's you who came by. Must be fate!

I'll bring a gift next time.

There's no need to pay. I couldn't take it.

You must remember... business is business.

Here you are.

Thank you then.

I'll come again soon. Good luck. - Thank you.

Good evening.

It's been a while.

What's up?

You've been avoiding me.

I've been busy preparing for the performance.

There's been lots of practice. I've had no time.

I heard you were with Iseyama.

Don't be ridiculous.

I'm getting tired of men these days!

I'll get some. - Don't bother.

Really?

Look Kimicho...

Actually I...

I've come to ask a favour of you.

I'm not sure what kind of thing...

but if there's something I can do, please ask.

Well...

I need 20,000 yen. - What?

No way I can!

I haven't got that kind of money.

Don't say that. I need it.

I'm quitting the shop... to start my own business.

Can you start up for just 20,000? - No but...

Actually...

they fired me... for taking money.

That was a stupid thing to do.

Had you been paying for women? - Don't say that.

All that money went to you.

Are you saying that it's my responsibility?

Not that, but...

I worked in that shop 20 years and got fired because of you.

That's a ridiculous thing to say.

It sounds like you're saying I'm the villain here.

It's... my own fault... and I know it.

But... I need the 20,000. Can you get it for me?

From tomorrow my wife and child... won't have anything to eat.

I'm ashamed to ask... but can't you?

I can't.

Since I'm just a powerless woman.

Please don't press me.

Please don't say that. I'm begging you.

Kimicho, you're my last hope!

Please help me. I beg you!

Stop that!

You're a man, aren't you?

You shouldn't let yourself be so pathetic.

Kimicho, Kimicho... Please, I'm begging you!

I won't do it.

You're a cold-hearted woman!

That's what men always say.

They buy women's bodies.

But if things go wrong they beg for help.

What gives them the right?

I paid you 200,000, if not 300,000.

I gave you my carefully looked after body.

With a wife and child you shouldn't have supported a geisha.

So reflect on the error of your ways.

Wait!

What is it?

Are you going to hit me? To kill me?

Go ahead if you're brave enough.

You'll end up in prison.

( Sign says: Kyoto dances. ) ( Likely the Annual Miyako Odori Geisha Dance )

Excuse me.

Mr. Isehama, thank you for coming. - Well done!

Excuse me.

Thank you.

There are lots of people here. - Thanks to you.

Mama-san, look...

Kimicho has captured Mr. Isehama it seems!

And you know...

She and Kiku had a big argument.

Kimicho has done well.

She's pretty skilled to take O-Kiku's man from her.

Kimicho, Mama wants a word.

Please excuse me. - Okay.

Have you got a moment.

I'm just about to go on stage!

Taeko's with Kōji.

Eh, Kōji came?

Taeko...

I owe you an apology.

I broke my promise. - Let's not talk about it. It's okay.

You surely know...

in my position I cannot renounce my mother.

Kōji...

I hear you've come to break up with Taeko.

Sis... it's already settled. It's fine.

Maybe for you, but let me have my say.

Kōji...

If you really love my Taeko...

isn't it for you, to decide what you want?

You promised to take her away.

Are you unable to do so?

Or is it the case... you never really loved her?

No, I love her.

Then take her right now... somewhere away from here.

If you're worried about how you can live...

I will support you financially.

I will support you for your whole lives.

Miss Kimicho... try and understand.

I'm an adopted child.

And me, I'm just a geisha...

but I want Taeko to find proper happiness.

That's always been my hope.

Can't you keep the two of you together?

Please, Kōji?

Miss Kimicho, I'm sorry.

I'm no good... I can't.

Kimicho?

You're on next. Please hurry.

Yes, I'll be right there.

I see.

So that's what Kikutei people are like!

Kōji, stand up. - Yes?

Sis... Don't!

I'm sorry.

Kimicho!

There's someone to see you. - See me?

Said it's urgent.

Who'd come when I'm so busy!

What's this? I wondered who it was.

What is it?

Do you want something?

I'm about to go on stage.

Let's talk later. - Hey.

Kimicho!

I brought you.... your just reward.

Eh? A reward?

Oh god! - What's happening?

What's going on?

Somebody help her!

Help or he'll kill her! Help her!

Is it okay to be up? - Ya.

The doctor gave permission today.

Really. I'm glad.

Sis...

I've finally decided.

So you're going? - Yes.

I don't know what kind of life awaits me in Tokyo...

but I'm going.

You should live your own life.

You're different from me.

This sort of place isn't for you.

Get out. It's the best.

You have to try all sorts of things.

By the way, Sis...

What?

Only... there's someone I'd like you to meet.

Oh!

And Kōji too? - Yes.

Are you okay? Sorry I've no gift. - Yes, that's okay.

I'm much better.

Well well...

I'm so glad you changed your mind.

Miss Kimicho... for the other day... I'm very sorry.

Considering what I did... please forgive me.

My little sister, Taeko... please take care of her.

I will.

Well, I'm sorry it's so soon, but we have to go.

I see.

Get well soon.

Sis... Mr. Yamashita, you should visit him at least once.

He's in Yamashina prison. - I'm not going.

I have had enough contact with that idiot.

It's time I end it...

the life I've lead up till now.

But...

What are you... going to do?

I'm not sure. What indeed?

Your sister will think of something.

You do your best.

Mother...

Kimicho... look after her. - Sure.

I won't come to see you off.

Crying at the station is so undignified. - Yes.

Well... take care.

Send me a letter as soon as you arrive. - Sure.

Mother... don't start crying.

They're young and can be happy.

That's not something to cry over.

Say... say... let's see them off.

It's starting to get cold. Take care of yourselves.

Be safe!

Take care mother.

Goodbye. - Goodbye

Translation by czechnewwave Subtitles by salmond

THE END