Original subtitles

Oharu?

You couldn't catch a man?

It isn't easy to disguise the age of 50

You aren't the only one who's that old

An old man just called me to a cheap inn

Then?

I was glad I could get some business

I went in with him

But then

He shined the lamp in my face

The lamp?

Then he told all the men there

"Look! She wants to hide her age!

"You want to play around with this worn-out old crow?"

That's what happened

An incident in my lost life

I feel so sorry for you

Look! He's making a fire!

Let's get warm before going home

Old man

let us get warm

Did you ever think you'd end up like this?

I heard you worked at the Imperial Court when you were young

What made you end up like this?

Don't ask me about my past

Making fires again!

All right. But be very careful

Don't get upset. If you worry too much, you'll lose your...

No - you've no hair to lose

Where to? - dressed up so?

I'm going to offer at a temple

on behalf of my master

You rarely get a chance to go out

You should take your time and see the sights

I'd be scolded if I did that

You could pretend to...

You're going home early, Lord Kikukoji

Nishinotoin is worried because you don't answer him

He tells you everything doesn't he?

I suppose he sent you an impudent poem

What was it?

I don't know.

Excuse me.

Wait! Please wait!

I am Katsunosuke.

Sorry to disturb you but Lord Kikukoji wants to see you

Please call at the house of his friend in Teramachi

I'm sorry, but I have to go to the temple for...

We know. But on your way home...

It will only take a moment.

Please. He'd appreciate it

Miss Oharu...

Did you read my letter I gave you the other day

Of course not.

Who'd read a letter from a mere page?

I burnt it without reading

I've no talent for writing clever poems

I can't even joke well

But I am loyal and sincere.

You can despise my low rank

But you can't ignore my devotion

If you think devotion... the same as a courtier's sport

and call it regal... Well, I'm not...

You'll never know the meaning of regality or elegance

You can't understand the taste of the nobility.

Then,

may I ask who among the court nobility truly loves you?

Would marry you? Wants to make you happy?

Go home!

I'm saying this because I want to see you happy

Never mind me!

If you really dislike me as a person

I'll let you alone

But if you dislike me for my low position

then I'll never give you up

Go away!

Oharu, listen... a human being

a woman - can be happy only if she marries when there is true love

Social prestige isn't happiness

I want you to leave! I didn't come here to listen to you!

I'll wait alone for Lord Kikukoji

I said leave

Lord Kikukoji's not coming

Please wait!

I'm sorry

But I had to see you. I just had to

Ever since you started coming to the Imperial Court

I've wanted you desperately

Please accept my love for you

I read your letter

But no matter what you say we could never marry

Why not?

It's obvious

Neither the Imperial court nor my father would permit us to marry

Then, let's elope. It's the only way

We'll make our own home

We can do it

I know I can make you happy

Welcome

Police

I hear prostitutes use this house

That's ridiculous! Who said so?

I'll check it

Who are you?

A traveler.

Are you a retainer?

Yes. Of the Todo of Iga

My name is Inosuke, of Yasui

Prostitute - you look like a lady

Where are you from?

Ape!

I'm not a prostitute!

I'm a daughter of Shinzaemon Okui, a samurai serving Chion-in Temple

Come with me

"Oharu Okui,

despite the fact you are in the service of the Imperial Court

you are guilty of misconduct with a person of inferior rank

Because of this grave offense

you cannot reside In the city of Kyoto.

this court therefore sentences you to exile

Also to be exiled

are Oharu's parents

as punishment for their lack

of proper parental supervision

This judgement effective today

the 7 of November 1686.

Magistrate Itakura, Chief, Religious Admin

Be quiet!

You stop!

Relatives can't go farther to see them off!

Because of you, we have to live in shame!

You've completely destroyed our family honor

The shame of it!

Why is it wrong, if a man and woman are in love?

Why call it immoral?

What?

You went to bed with a man without our consent!

What could be worse?

What if our ranks do differ? If we truly love each other

why is it bad?

Shut up!

Have you anything to say?

Yes.

Will you give a message to Oharu?

All right. What is it?

Please find a good man

and have a good life with him

But...

be sure to marry

only when there is true mutual love

Is that all?

No more?

I hope the time will come

When there is no social rank! And men can love!

Oh! My dear Oharu!

A man from the office

He brought Katsunosuke's last will

But keep it a secret from Father

Stop! What are you doing?!

Let me go!

Take your hands away!

Wait, Oharu!

Let me alone!

Wait

I'll go to Katsunosuke!

Stop!

You musn't kill yourself!

Death isn't the way!

Let me die!

- Who's he? - From Lord Matsudaira

Matsudaira?

Messenger from Edo

Show him to the drawing room at once

I'll get ready

Leave us alone

I'm honoured, sir

On what mission...?

I'm looking for a mistress

for Lord Matsudaira.

A mistress?

Yes

You rushed here to find a mistress?

This isn't a joke

Lady Matsudaira is incapable of bearing children

It is said that if the Lord has no heir, the clan will be ruined

It's a serious matter

Some girls from the fief offered themselves to the Lord

But he didn't like any of them

Then

all the retainers agreed that

Kyoto is famous for women

So they ordered me to come here

and find a real beauty

Is that so?

I thought you came to place a big order

for something expensive

Your mission seems like a rather simple one

I'm afraid it isn't so simple

There are so many conditions

My master has said

that he wants to have a girl like this

I see

Her age should be between 15 and 18

She must have a round face

Her eyes must not be too small

Good eyebrows, and the space between her eyes must not be too narrow

Nice nose, small mouth

and a complete set of even white teeth

And of course, if her ears stick out

or are too large she'll be rejected

Long neck

without straggly wisps of hair

Long artistic fingers with lovely nails

Sounds like a difficult order

There's more.

Really?

Dainty, tender little feet,

without odour, 21 or 22 centimeters

She must have a lush roundness at the waist

nice bell-shaped hips, you know

In short - gorgeous, and without a single mole on her body

Artistic fingers

Mouth too big

- How old are you? - 25

A little old woman.

Face too long.

Has the round face.

But with a mole.

Nose is twisted

Flat-nosed!

A mole!

Hairy!

Your foot size?

25 Centimeters

It's really too bad

Her chin is too sharp

I hate to boast about myself,

Nobody but I could collect

so many beautiful girls like these

even in Kyoto

These are the best available in the city

Won't you choose one of them?

Isn't there one?

Only to get an heir any girl should do

so long as she's healthy

Good eyebrows, and the space between the eyes

Small mouth with an even set of white teeth

You have it memorized

I'll die before I can find this ideal woman

I'm sorry for you

But I can't understand why

they sent you on this difficult mission

You can't?

A younger man might... do something

But me - what could I do to her on the way back... if I find her?

What's that?

A blind man from Edo

is teaching singing and dancing

to girls of good families

The girls are popular among the samurai

and serve at their parties

Please, a moment. Look there.

Have you any moles on your body?

Moles?

No, I haven't

None at all?

None.

Kahei! The search is over! I'll buy her

The messenger from Edo is waiting to hear your answer

I'll go back and tell him you're willing

I'm so glad for you

If she bears him an heir

It will bring happiness not only to your daughter, but to you, too

And of course to me, her new godfather

Thank you very much

I'm so very glad that you can help us

We must be truly thankful

It's really unexpected good luck

Oharu, this will completely offset your past wrong

I won't curse you any more

We never thought dancing

could be so lucky

That's right. We didn't

You'll be paid 100 ryo cash

And you'll get a good allowance

What's wrong?

Aren't you happy, Oharu?

I'm to be a concubine, am I not?

What of it? He's a great Lord

You were in the Imperial Court, so you know

If a lord favors you, you'll be given a high rank

In your case you'll be expected to bear a male heir

You'll be especially well off

That's right

I'd better go and ask the Court to keep her secret

before Lord Matsudaira's investigation begins.

The temple, too

Yes, of course

Then, let's think about what to buy and what to carry to Edo

Come on Oharu

I don't want to go.

What?

Going to a man I don't know just to bear his child

It won't be an ordinary child. He'll be heir to a fief

Katsunosuke won't permit it

How absurd!

You still speak of him!

Well, regardless of what you say, I accept the offer

Her body has matured well

She is capable of bearing a child

Then, Kazui

instruct her in court manners

And take her to Lady Matsudaira

the messenger has returned from Kyoto

with a girl to be the concubine

Really? How quick!

Indeed. She is waiting to see you

Will you receive her?

Please be tolerant for the sake of the Clan

Her name is Oharu Okui

Oharu - raise your face

and greet her Ladyship

You may go now

Let her sit here

Do you like the music?

Didn't expect to hear Kamigata music here, did you?

Do you like the food here in Edo?

If there is anything you don't like, just tell them

A baby boy is born

It's a boy Inform the household office

Certainly

Wonderful news! A baby boy is born!

A boy! How wonderful!

We must inform His Lordship at once

A very sweet baby. He's just like you.

Really?

Is His Lordship pleased about it?

Of course. He seems very happy

When I was first brought here,

I felt lonely and ever so sad

But now I've borne a baby

No. You must say "I have been caused to bear a baby."

Since I've been caused to bear a baby

I feel this is my home for the first time

His Lordship must be...

It is most favourable for the sake of the Clan

I'm very glad

Where are you taking him? I mean the infant heir?

I'm going to nurse him

No, no! I can nurse him myself!

Thank you

I'll make a profit

with this silk

But don't worry about payment

Lord Matsudaira

will back me up financially

but my master is very strict

You mean Kahei?

Listen - my daughter just gave birth to a baby boy

Gave birth to the heir to the Matsudaira Clan

The heir to the Clan?

I just got the news

I don't have to worry about money now

so just bring me what I order

Congratulations.

I'm very glad to hear it

Shall I bring goods from Hishiya, too?

Well

Of course.

You can bring me whatever you like

Some day I'll open a shop in Kyoto to rival you

Anything wrong with the concubine?

Since she had the baby,

His Lordship's love for her has grown

Nothing wrong

Except...

His energy seems to be draining from him

The doctor says if she continues to live with him

His life may be shortened

That's bad. Since the heir is born, she's of no further use here

Don't you agree, Isobe?

For the sake of the Clan, send her home

Understand?

She's been sent back here for good?

Are you sure?

I don't know what to say

I was so glad. I really felt proud

when she had the baby

I'm very sorry.

So you're back

After you bore them their heir

you shouldn't have been so eager to satisfy His Lordship

Anyway, it's all over now.

How much did they give you?

300 ryo would be a fair amount

What? Only 5 ryo?!

I bought a lot of things

I was planning on you being rich

Now I'm up to my neck in debt

Oharu, will you help me by being a courtesan at Shimabara?

As soon as I earn enough money,

I'll take you back

You mean you'd actually sell your own daughter?

I'm sorry, but there's no other way

She's only just come back after being disillusioned.

And now this...

Welcome.

I've always wanted to enjoy myself at Shimabara

I've worked so hard every day -

from before dawn until late at night

for more than twenty years I've been saving my money

And now I think I've saved enough

So I came here all the way from the province of Eschigo

I'm very sorry, but we have no vacant rooms

What a beautiful courtesan! Just like a picture

Besides, our place

is very expensive

Isn't my money good? Look!

More than good! So much money!

Welcome, sir. I'm the owner

Is that so?

Make preparations in the large room

You serve him the best food, and give him Shizuhata, the most beautiful courtesan. Hurry!

Welcome.

Thank you for staying with us

I want my men to have a good time, too. They came a long way

Pack horse men - I see

I have my own wine.

We use the best wine available, thank you

Thanks.

Never mind that. Let's get down to business.

Why don't you pick them up?

Here.

You were very rude to him!

I wasn't rude! He was!

I am not a beggar!

Wait!

Hey! You know how you're supposed to entertain men.

You too good for that?

You're not here for your own enjoyment.

And don't be so proud of your ancestors.

For all I know you could be a junkman's child.

What? You call me the daughter Of a junkman?

You're bought and paid for

You're no different than a fish

We can prepare and dispose of you as we like

He gave you money - good!

All right. As of now you're through working here!

What'll your boss say to that?

After being fired by me, no one in the area

will ever hire you as a courtesan

It was all my fault. I'm sorry

Please, forgive me

I'll change my attitude. I promise

Only, please don't tell

No. I can't stand you any longer

Master! The gentleman is calling the courtesan

I'll give him a better courtesan

No. He says he likes this one very much

He's never know a girl to refuse money

He wants to buy her

Buy her?

You heard what he said. Please reconsider and serve him

Let's go up

Be nice to him, please

Are you sure you want to redeem me

and take me to Echigo?

Yes - I'll take care of you

Actually, I came to Kyoto to find a wife

So I'll take you with me

as my wife

If you're sincere and you really like me then I'll serve you as best I can

Why do you laugh?

Money!

Money!

With money I can control things and people just as I choose

Everybody kowtows politely before money

Even a conceited woman like you

You think I'm avaricious, but I'm not

I want to be with you because...

I can buy you with money

Fortune has begun to smile on you

Money is everything

There is nothing greater

You fraud! No wonder you're spending so much!

He's a known counterfeiter!

Your money is bogus!

Counterfeiting means death

Under arrest!

Please smile

Try to be cheerful

You're our daughter again

I've been waiting for the day

when you'd come back to us from Shimbara

Never again will we be mean to you

Please forgive us and smile

Where did you learn that song?

It's so beautiful. You must not be a common person

I'm so ashamed

I used to be a well known courtesan named Katsuragi

That was when there was a gay quarter in Rokujo

Take care of yourself

Thank you

Thank you for coming to us

You used to be Lord Matsudaira's esteemed concubine

so I'm sorry to ask your help

Please don't worry about me so much

Just try to consider me as your sister

We'll take good care of you while you're here

And we'll find you a suitable man

I'm very grateful

My wife doesn't have much in the way of relatives

so please be her good friend

Now, I've something to ask

would you please promise me something?

Of course.

Make a solemn promise and Write it down - that

"I will never reveal the secret to anyone."

Why, I'd never tell your secret

I know, but please

Thank you very much

Now tell me

As a matter of fact, I want you To arrange my hair for me

It's all I'll ask you to do

What? You mean that's all?

Then, you understand? How nice

My hairdresser resigned recently,

So I'm at a loss

I'm not very good at it,

But I can try.

But my hair is...

Your hair is beautiful

Not at all.

Look for yourself and you'll see

Last year I had a serious illness

that caused my hair to fall out

Later, while I was resting

at my parents' home, I made this

I've been keeping it a secret

I'm very anxious that my husband doesn't find out about it

He'd leave me at once.

Please don't tell

I promise not to tell

Dressing your hair, my dear?

Oh, very well done

Oharu is quite good

She did it for you?

What would you say to adopting Oharu

and getting her a nice husband?

Well...

A man from the store

No! There's no one here good enough

Excuse me

Yes? What is it?

Shall I send the bill to the customer?

Jihei knows about it

Why?

That. Oh, yes. I understand

What are you thinking?

How about the account of...?

Don't ask me! Ask Jihei! Oh all right.

I'll go to the store

What's wrong?

Come along and be quick about it!

Oh, you're here today! Good morning

Nice to see you. Please come in

It's been a long time

Bring some tea

Looks like business is good

Do you think so?

Oharu, please make some tea for the guest

May I help you?

No thank you

Let me watch your tea ceremony

It'd be so nice

No. Please go away

Can't make any money these days

I heard you were

Nonsense! People like to start rumors

Thank you. Oh! It's you!

I didn't know you were here!

What a pleasant surprise!

Hey! Wait! Don't leave!

You know her?

What's she doing here?

I'm taking care of her

Oh? Are you really? How noble of you

What are you suggesting?

Well - I'd hate to say you Bought her, but...

Bought?

She's a Shimbara courtesan, isn't she?

What? Shimbara?

You mean a real Shimbara courtesan?

Think I'm kidding?

And you didn't know about her until Hishiya told you?

No, I didn't.

I think you did.

That's why you took her in

Don't be absurd!

You must have known. You recommended her to Lord Matsudaira

I'm telling you I didn't know!

You saw her at Shimabara!

What are you saying? I've never even been to Shimabara

You think I'd waste my good money in a place like that?

Me, who walks carefully so I won't bruise my footwear?

You're lying!

Stop being ridiculous!

Excuse me

There's a letter for you

Oh! Look out!

Cut your hair!

Your hair! Cut it!

What?

You came here to steal my husband

to charm him with your beautiful hair!

- I'd never! - I heard

I know about your past.

You think you're smart, don't you?

I'm sorry, but I never thought...

Now, cut your hair! If you don't

you're through in this house!

That little bit isn't enough! Cut it!

But madame...

Here! Give me that!

I'll cut it for you - good and short!

Good morning

Where's my wife?

She went to the cemetery

Oharu, you're a bad girl.

I heard about what you used to do

I'm sorry

I'm not blaming you of course

You must have had a number of pleasant experiences.

But I could never guess it from your face

You look so innocent and even a little forlorn

And you treated Lord Matsudaira so well

No. I'm not what you think

That's all right. Since we know each other now,

just relax and play the game

We can both enjoy ourselves -

free of charge

Just relax

Remember this smell

All right?

What's wrong?

You ruined my hair! It was you!

Nothing happened.

She's just had a nightmare. Go back to bed

Help yourself.

-Want some more? -No thanks.

Don't worry.

It's too early to give up in despair.

There's someone who wants to help you.

Yakichi here works in a fan shop.

He plans to become independent soon

and will open his own store

He's decided he wants to marry you

May I excuse myself now?

Please stay and tell her

Will you do that for me?

He's such a timid man

He's said to be the most sincere and

honest of the fan-makers

You couldn't hope for a happier life than as his wife

I'm hardly worthy of such a man

After all, my past...

He knows all about you

We told him everything. We didn't conceal a thing. And still he...

He said, "I don't mind.

I want to marry that unlucky girl and make her happy."

He's in love with you

Going out so early?

Yes. It won't take much time

You worked late last night Keeping the books

Yes. It was nearly dawn when I finished

I'm tired.

Why not sleep for a while?

I must deliver this today

Really?

I'll buy an "obi" for you on my way home

How nice! Thank you!

Come home early

Good morning.

Welcome! May I help you?

I'd like a dancing fan for my daughter

Certainly

It's very hot today

These are the best quality

Indeed so

This is a very nice shop

Thank you

You'd better marry early and open a shop like this

This is a good business location

I heard your husband is a very good man

Just an honest man

I envy you

As pretty as you are,

you two make an ideal couple

Have you a child?

Not yet

Is that so?

Madame!

It's awful!

Your husband!

What happened?

He was killed - probably by a thief

He died holding this "obi"

Even a beauty in the morning

will change to bones in the evening

The world is changing without mercy

What are you planning to do, dear child?

Well, since my late husband's uncle

has sold the shop...

Then, you...

I'm going to my parents

Did he leave you anything - a will?

No, nothing at all

Nothing?

I want nothing earthly

I only want to be a nun

and to serve Buddha

You want to be nun?

Please! Guide me! Teach me!

Where is Bunkichi?

What's this charge account you've got listed here?

It's my acquaintance's

I've told you repeatedly that credit is not allowed

Go and get the money

Can't you wait a while?

No. If it's embarrassing for you, I'll go and get the money myself

Where is it?

Can't you tell me?

Excuse me

Oh Jihei! It's been such a long time since...

You'll never reform - tempting poor Bunkichi

What do you mean?

He heard I was hear

so he was kind enough to send me some material

Well - regardless, pay me for the material he sold you on credit

If you're broke, return the cloth

I've already made it into a kimono

What? Already?

Then, I'll take the kimono

We aren't strangers to each other.

How can you be so stingy?

Stingy?!

I am not Bunkichi! I can't be tempted by a whore like you!

So just pay up!

If that's the way it has to be, I'll return it

Is that the kimono?

This "obi" is part.

No need to undress

This kimono, too

You'll get it

Listen - I'll be quite a while discussing the matter

So take this money

And go get yourself some tea and cake

and drink it slowly - very slowly

Oharu, you must be very tired.

Go away! I don't want to look at you! Leave at once!

I'm not the kind of woman you think

He tempted and threatened me

Please believe me, dear sister. I beg of you!

How could you dare want to be a nun?

You made a fool of me

Did you provide me with a visual demonstration

of what you were hoping I'd join you?

Leave this temple and never come back!

Hello, Oharu!

What's the matter?

I'm being driven out of the temple

You are? What a coincidence!

Because I've been dismissed

Huh? You, too?

Yes. Come with me. I can make you happy - I know

This is no time to joke

And don't worry about money

When I left I stole 50 ryo in gold

Bunkichi! Why did you have to do that?

The all think I ran away with you anyway. Let's go

Oh, no! I don't want to go with a thief like you

How about having some? It's very good

Have an egg, Oharu

I'll take this

Oh! Jihei!

Bunkichi! That's the thief!

Jihei!

Please let him go!

You consummate whore! Stay out of our way!

What's the matter, girl?

Come along with us and take a rest

Good idea

I'll carry it for you

She'd had nothing to eat for days

She's chilled through

Won't she eat that?

Your hair is turning gray lately

Yeah

when you try to to imitate a teenager with a voice like

"Good evening you beautiful piece of masculine flesh",

I disgust even myself

Want to earn money like we do?

It'd be... stimulating

I'm too old for it

Don't be shy like a young... virgin

It's a crying shame I have to do it. Poor me! Nobody wants to help me

Sure. Dying is the simplest way -

if only we could

At least drink the wine. It'll make you feel warm

As long as we've reduced ourselves to this state

I can get you some clothes.

What'll you do?

Whatever we do, it doesn't

make any difference to the world

Hello, grandpa. She's new. Give her something that to wear.

For you?

You could probably make money

I will rent you a kimono and a set of underwear for 3 bus

An "obi" and accessories for 1 bu

Footwear for 5 mon

Such a lavish one? For me?

Unless you doll up in one like that, dearie, nobody will notice you

Anyway, earn the money and pay me the rent

As soon as you finish here, go away

Come on, Oharu, I'll help you dress for the ball

Good evening, young man. How about a nice time?

Hello! Let's have some fun.

I'll give you your money's worth!

What a horror!

Would you come with me, woman?

Why - of course

Come on in

Sit down

Wow! It's freezing

Shall I sing a song for you?

Is there something wrong?

Please say something

Don't worry about it, woman.

You sit still

If you spoke with your natural voice

you wouldn't be so ridiculous

Come this way

Here - you men want a girl?

Take a good look at this witch

You still think you want to lie down beside a woman?

You men are part of a pilgrimage

pray to the Almighty for a god future

But, of course, if you'd rather experience every sin

and misery known to man, then forget prayer

And follow the way of this old witch

Thanks for coming all the way over here

You can go now

You'll always be able to remember

You came face to face with a real witch!

Thanks

What are you doing?

Looking at an idol

Looks like him

Who?

Try to find a face

that resembles someone you know

You may find one

Why - it's true

Everyone has a funny face

Oharu! What happened?!

It's your mother

Is she your daughter?

I'm glad - so glad to see you

Why did you come?

Somebody told her you hang around here

She's been looking for you

I'm glad to find you safe, at least

How is father?

He died.

He worried himself to death about you

But don't cry about it

You'll see happiness again

Good luck to me? No, mother, not to me.

It's true. You'll be able to live

in the Matsudaira Palace

The other day a messenger came and told me

that Lord Matsudaira died

The young Lord has succeeded him

My child?

Yes. Now he's the Lord now

And the messenger said he wants to have

you live in the same house.

Then, I can see my son?

I can live with him?

How wonderful!

It's like a dream come true!

Shinozaki, Tashiro - tell her and get it over with

Have you forgotten all the obligations you have to the late Lord?

And to this Clan.

This clan originated in lmperial Household.

This family is directly related by blood with the shogun Tokugawa.

They are descendants of the great Ieyasu Tokugawa.

The late Matsudaira was the fourth and his son the fifth Lord

You were the concubine of the late Lord

But you reduced yourself

to a courtesan and finally a prostitute

Have you no excuse? Have you no remorse?

Your disgusting and degenerate behavior is the shame of this Clan

If the Central Government heard about you we could be held responsible

We cannot let you roam free

Therefore, we must confine you for life... in exile

On your arrival there, you will begin deep repentence

and beseech the late Lord for forgiveness

Now - by special mercy of his Lordship

you will be allowed to secretly view the young Lord

and bid farewell

Quiet! You must be respectful!

Let me get closer to him!

But he is my own child, I gave him life

She's lying

Isn't she ready yet?

What?!

She escaped!

How could she? Find her!

Inform the office!

That old woman slipped away!

Investigate at once!