Original subtitles

Adapted from a true story

Samurai Marathon 1855

For 260 years,

Japan protectively isolated itself from foreign arrivals.

However,

after the 'black ships' entered,

Japan had a drastic change to this turbulent era.

Yankee Doodle went to town riding on a pony

Stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni

Yankee Doodle, keep it up (Yankee Doodle dandy)

[ Ioki Suketora, Shogunate Chief Minister ]

Mind the music and the step

And with the girls be handy

Hey! Haiyabe.

Good day to you, sir.

I am Commander Perry of the United States navy.

I come in friendship,

bearing a letter from President Fillmore,

to be delivered directly to the emperor of Japan.

We know that the ancient laws of your Imperial Majesty's government

do not allow foreign trade, travel, contact

or congress of any kind.

But as the state of the world changes,

it seems to be wise from time to time to make new laws.

What is he saying?

It's very unfortunate but

he talks like mountain pigs.

I cannot understand him.

I'll tell him to speak more slowly and clearly if that is fine, my lord.

I will convey your words to him.

Please can you speak more slowly and clearly?

What did the blighter say?

I believe that's Dutch lingo, sir!

Does anybody speak Dutch?

Please take these gifts

as a sample of new and exciting wonders we have to offer from the Western world.

This is the morse telegraph machine

with which you can send messages any distance instantaneously.

This is a daguerreotype

by which you can capture the exact and true imitation of nature.

The finest Kentucky Bourbon whiskey.

aged 25 years.

This is a 45 calibre, rear-loaded,

metallic cartridge, single action, army revolver.

We call it the Peacemaker.

These 'black ships' came to our country

and suprised our Shogunate lords.

(Centre for National Security, Ueno)

[ Itakura Katsuakira, Annaka Clan Lord ]

Is this me?

[ Yukihime, Katsuakira's daughter ]

It's not bad.

Are these paintings of the West?

Yes.

Father, I learned from books about Dutch painting in your library.

They're well drawn.

Kojiro, call Heikuro.

Yes.

It's time to make you a son-in-law.

I can't hand the future to you in this state.

Raising a village and a family...

I think you are very suited for that.

I'll never allow travel to a foreign country.

America only has red-haired savages.

You may not go to Edo either.

They are foes.

From the start, they were foes.

Kojiro!

- Don't block the way! - Sorry, sir!

They were foes from the start!

- Kojiro! - Aye.

- Get here! - Aye.

What happened to the Lord?

The world was peaceful.

People's daily lives were peaceful.

[ Jinnai Karasawa, an Annaka Clan samurai ]

Good boy, Chiyomaru!

It will be over soon. Very soon.

Alright. It's done!

Good boy.

So then, a spy hides in the Karasawa family.

Jinnai, come in.

Sit there.

This is the first Shogun (Chief Commander), Tokugawa Ieyasu.

And this is Annaka.

Listen well.

This katana (sword), given by our ancestors, has passed down

through our family generations.

We have to play the "moderate" role.

Serving Annaka is just an overt job.

I will teach you the secret sword skill called Grass-Cutter (2 swords).

We are the the Shogunate's eyes and ears.

If there is turbulence in the atmosphere,

you must report immediately to us.

Have no hesitation.

And don't be found out by others.

Take this for me?

No problem.

Blend in with people around you.

You can't stand out.

Don't be artful.

Don't expose your identity.

Don't let yourself be shamed.

Don't let yourself get drunk.

Even if you marry, your wife must not know.

If you're known to be a spy,

that means death for us "grass" (name for spies).

Yes, that's the role of the Karasawa.

We are spies for the Shogunate.

Hey, Okashima!

Get up! Hey!

- You did it, huh? - So what?

It wasn't that bad!

Rouse the others.

Hurry!

Faster.

Wait a minute.

Nizai, w-wait for me.

Hey!

Excuse me!

It's too bright.

- Come on, quickly. - It's bright. Too bright.

- Come quickly. - It's bright.. ...

Hurry, my lord!

Hurry!

We'll be late!

Pull him up.

Wake up.

Alright!

Pick him up. Let's go!

Please wake up!

- Is that a yes? - I can't do this.

Okashima, lift again!

What is this?

I don't know what's going on.

- What happened? - I don't know.

Ueki's late.

Good morning.

Karasawa?

- Karasawa, you're late. - Sorry.

Though we're only in charge of finance, we mustn't be late.

I roused Ueki.

I hope he comes quickly.

But why do they need us?

I don't know. Let's go find out.

He's here.

Ueki-dono.

For crying out loud, it's too early for this.

It's really bustling now.

He likes going to war alone.

Going to war?

Let's go.

How long ago was the last war?

Can you go ahead?

Again?

He always has diarrhea.

Yano, please press my back.

Again?

I'll send a letter to a pharmacy in Edo as soon as possible.

What does the Lord plan to do?

Could it be...

(Require a prescription)

- I'll leave this to you. - Understood.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

I'm going now.

- Going home? - Yeah.

You've worked for me a long time.

Now you can return to your home.

- Kojiro. - Yes.

Give him the salary he earned.

Yes.

Move! Move!

I lent it.

What the heck?

Jinnai is here.

Sorry I'm late.

Is he on time?

Raise your heads.

I'm sure you all know

'black ships' came to our country.

The government should sign the Treaty.

It's said they want to promote peace.

I think their goal is to invade our country.

War has ceased for 260 years.

Thus samurai who should be strong have gotten weak.

We have to be stronger!

Train your body and your mind!

So tomorrow...

at this appropriate time...

a marathon race will be held!

It's 15 miles (58 kms) of steep road through mountains and valleys.

Rather than just samurai who are in my service,

anyone aged under 50 should participate.

And lastly...

The winner of this marathon

will have his wish heard by me.

Anything is fine.

Understand?

Aye, my lord!

A marathon race, huh?

My back hurts.

I can't run 15 miles.

If it's 15 miles with breaks,

we'd return to the city by midnight.

Well, though we're top in finance numbers, we can't get top place.

You got that right.

It's a battle, huh?

I'll win the Marathon.

You've done this before?

I need to win

for the sake of us all.

- Yes! - Understand?

I want to run that fast!

- You can't run for crap. - Hironoshi!

Yeah?

Come here!

- Ready to go? - Yes!

- Feeling impatient? - No.

His face says it all...

"No one can run faster than I can."

It'll be fun!

Don't you understand?

What do you mean?

W-watch your feet!

I'll kick your butt!

Idiot!

- Can I come? - Hey!

You're in the way!

- Get off the path! - Go!

What's the matter?

I sent a letter earlier.

You gave it to the courier this morning.

He'd be in the mountains by now...

I misaddressed it and ordered the wrong medicine.

Don't you order the same medicine as your wife does in the city?

Just write a new letter and make a new order.

We can deliver it to Edo in 3 days.

Karasawa!

It's just a simple marathon.

There's no scheme or plan.

I must retrieve the official report.

- Where is Yukihime-sama? - She's not here!

Yukihime-sama?

- What are you doing? - Did you see her?

Where's Yukihime-sama?

Move!

Yuki!

You still want to wed Yuki?

Of course, my lord.

Then bring her back by any means.

Aye!

She shouldn't be too far.

She mustn't pass the Checkpoint.

Did a messenger pass by here?

He came not long ago.

Do you have identification?

I fear the Shogun sent an assassin.

Did I miss something?

Hey!

What's in your hand?

Well, Samurai-sama, you may have this yukata.

Okada!

Take his head and the kimono.

Aye.

50 years of life, compared with the world's long existence...

is like a dream....

Oh, it hurts.

Old and rolling up and down hills.

- Is this the end? - Found it!

Kid!

What are you doing?

I'm picking mushrooms.

You know how?

Pretty much.

Show me.

Is this all?

I had a lot earlier

but a Samurai kicked my basket.

What's your name?

I'm Kota Mitsuke.

Kota Mitsuke?

It's hard to hear you.

You're Mitsuki?

You got so big.

You look just like him!

- You know my father? - Yes.

He's known as an Armourer.

He once taught this old man

how to make a good weapon.

How many years ago?

When I was a baby, he died.

I hope to be a Samurai like him

so I want to go in the Marathon.

Mitsuke.

That's a fine wish.

You know how to run a marathon?

I'll teach you some tricks.

Put your hand here.

Alright, puff your chest out.

Don't bend forward, understand?

Your chin feels gouged by a knife.

Poke your chin like this.

Then lift hands and feet like this.

Understand?

Try it.

Okay.

- Try it! - Okay.

Take this.

The same pattern is on my yukata.

Is this what you wore this morning?

Yes.

If I come first, second or third....

First place!

Should I practise running?

If you don't hurry, you'll get killed by me.

Alright!

- I'm going now! - Okay.

Do you want to wait for dinner?

I won't be out too late.

I want to run with Dad.

Futaro.

Come in, Mom will get angry.

Hello, fellow! You live here?

Fellow, down.

Well, come to the tea shop back there.

- Okay. - You want to go there?

Hey, can you turn it around?

I had to spend one day just to go to the Temple.

Having quick feet like yours is something you're born with, huh?

- Please eat. - Excuse me.

Of every contestant in the city...

everyone thinks you'll win.

You're remarkable, Uesugi-sama.

So I want to ask you something.

I hope you don't run in the marathon.

This is 12 ryo.

If you listen to my request...

I'll pay you straight after the contest.

- 12 ryo? - Yes. (= 4 years of rice for family of 3)

Take this as insurance.

I, Nomomoto, promise you.

Please accept it!

Are you okay?

I'm so hungry.

You can't wait until Dad is back?

Have a little bit.

Alright.

You worked hard today.

Welcome home.

This is a gift.

Gift?

Wow!

Amazing!

What's this for?

I met a Lord on the road but I didn't eat the food he offered.

You two can eat it.

Is that right?

You should eat this, Dad.

That's right!

You can eat this today and tomorow morning.

There's no need.

You two should eat it.

Then, after the marathon tomorrow, let's eat it together?

Dad will get first place.

It'll be fun.

I'll ask you something.

If I won the marathon tomorrow...

or if I got a lot of money,

which is better?

Which one?

Winning the marathon, of course!

If you win the marathon,

the Lord will listen to your wishes.

You can become a samurai.

Let's eat something.

Mitsuke!

Mom, I'm back.

Mitsuke! I was so worried when you were late.

Hello!

Mom, I brought mushrooms and a guest.

He's familiar with my Dad.

Well, the house is untidy.

I don't have anything in my house.

Please watch your step.

Go ahead.

Sorry, excuse me!

Thank you.

Please, this way.

- Mitsuke, take him inside. - Okay.

Sorry, excuse me.

This wine is delicious.

Thank you.

This is all today's mushrooms?

Mitsuke.

What about today's mushroom hunt?

When samurai passed him today,

they kicked his basket over.

I'm sorry for bothering you!

Is all this money okay?

Mitsuke, good work.

Mitsuke will make a fine samurai.

That'd be nice if it was the case.

A son losing his parent so early,

by overcoming his grief, will be stronger.

I heard you taught him how to run the marathon today.

He should be taught by his family

but he has no dad.

It's quite difficult.

Do you have children?

No.

Mom!

Who's there?

I'm not a suspicious person.

Have I met you somewhere?

Are you from Annaka clan?

Hm?

Sorry. I'm very hungry.

I haven't eaten since this morning.

I brought his head and her kimono.

Impossible!

Impossible!

- What about the Marathon? - Shut up!

The Marathon will proceed.

Understood?

Aye.

Delicious!

Glad you enjoy the meal.

Where are you going?

I plan to go to Edo.

Edo?

What for?

Mm...

Alright, eat first.

What's your mission?

Do you have an identity Pass?

Those clothes...

make it hard to pass the Checkpoint.

[ Edo ]

I don't know what they will do.

Haiyabe.

Isn't your hometown in Annaka?

Yes.

Does it bring back memories?

No.

We don't have time to try to persuade the other side.

That being said,

we can't be reckless.

Take this with you.

Please take me too!

You're too young.

I'd like to join this nation-changing battle.

If you're ready to die, join us.

Let's go. Move.

Do those 'black ship' people have those?

Yeah.

Even bigger ones.

That's horrible.

Are they really so bad?

However...

they won't win the war.

Come back safely.

It's just a marathon.

Chiyomaru and I will wait for you at the gate.

I'm going now.

- Next! - I'm Jirobei.

Next!

Next!

Next!

Finance officer,

Ueki Yoshikuni.

Ueki Yoshikuni?

Let us through.

Move!

From Annaka - Tsujimura Heikuro!

Konosei Zaimon!

Next!

- Next. - Next.

Ex-Chief Guard, Kurita Mataemon.

Kurita, you'll join in?

I didn't think I'd join as I'm over 50.

Next!

Your name?

It's Itanama Kuma.

- Okay, next! - Aye.

The marathon starts soon.

Run for Annaka with all your strength!

Aye!

Alright!

Start!

Husband.

Dad.

Dad.

- Dad. - Hey!

Uesugi, hey!

Uesugi-sama!

Don't slow us down.

Don't forget our promise!

- Are you okay? - Yeah.

- Then I'll leave you... - Yeah.

- Your back hurts? - Yeah.

I'll go ahead.

Tanamo! Sure about leaving Ueki?

He told us to go on.

They run like this in the west!

What are you saying?

- That's western style? - Yes.

Is it faster?

Hey, Mitsuke! I'll give you advice.

Run with your feet like this. It's easier.

What's going on?

- You're okay? - Yep, my back hurts.

Back pain? Okay, bear it.

Take care. Let him be, let's go.

Leave him be or we'll never make it.

It's a while since I ran.

- Hurry up! - Go ahead!

Tachibana, hold on!

Can you still go on?

Hold on, Okashima!

Calm down. Ah, there it is!

There it is!

Be careful!

Are you okay?

- Where's that crap? - Right here.

Chief, give me water too.

Let's go!

You take the back.

Let's go! Ready.

Hold on.

Lift it!

What are you guys doing?

Change places! Get over here!

You can't lift it?

Switch to lift it.

We'll get nowhere like this! Hurry!

- I can't do it! - Don't drop him!

Hurry up!

Alright, let's go.

Let's go, Okashima!

Hold on.

Are you guys out of breath?

Don't underrate my feet.

Where have you been?

I had to piss.

[ Annaka ]

[ Sekisho/Security Checkpoint ]

You're Tsujimaru Heikuro?

Yes.

Go ahead.

Good work.

Okashima, let's go! Hurry!

Hakisaki Kazuma?

Yes.

Give this to the next Checkpoint. Good work.

Uesugi Hironoshi?

Yes.

Go ahead.

Good work.

Here.

Karasawa.

You're good at running?

No. I'm bad at it.

You're quite the joker.

Are you okay?

Hey!

We left Ueki behind. Will he get through the Checkpoint?

But you know what?

If we run nonstop, we aren't going to make it.

Let's take a little break.

Hey...

What gift did you guys give Ueki-sama?

He does love his sweets.

I gave him a manju*. How about you? (sweet bun with red bean paste)

- Me too! - Ditto.

- You too? - Me too. - You also?

All gave manjus?

Karasawa, and you?

- Huh? - A gift for Ueki-sama.

Oh, I gave him nothing.

- Nothing? - You got him nothing?

I see why you weren't promoted.

Someone should go back to check on Ueki-dono.

Right, Karasawa?

I'll go now.

- I leave it to you. - Well then.

- I leave it to you. - Please.

Sensei (Teacher).

- I'm okay. - Take your time.

- I'm okay. - Sensei.

The Checkpoint is near.

Mataemon-dono!

What's wrong?

Go ahead.

Go ahead?

Mitsuke.

I leave Mataemon-dono to you.

Don't push yourself too hard.

Let's go.

Are you okay?

- Careful on the path. - Yes.

- It's slippery here. - Yes.

Are you okay?

Well done, running all this way.

We have water and cucumbers there

and sweet buns as well. Please eat!

I'll issue your Return Passes.

My name is Tsujimaru Heikuro.

My name's Uesugi Hironoshi.

My name's Kakizaki Kazuma.

Thank you.

This is your next destination.

Give them the Return Pass and start running back.

Okashima.

Are you okay?

Please take this path, then come right back.

- Let's go. - Yeah.

Let me get food.

- Yep, let's get food. - Okay, right now.

C'mon, Okashima!

I really want first place.

Higher ranked samurai should be first.

That's for sure.

Where's your Pass?

Stop!

Please wait.

You're Yukihime-sama, aren't you?

I'm not!

Move! I'm not her!

I'm only a retainer!

If we let you pass, our heads will be cut off!

We can't heed you!

It's our duty!

Yukihime-sama, we can't let you pass.

It's an order!

I beg you not to do this!

I beg you.

We can't defy the Lord's order.

My Lady, please understand our position.

Forgive us, please.

How can you rest at this time?

Are you warriors? Get going!

It hurts....

Sensei!

- Ow...ow... - He's hurt.

If you push yourself, you cramp.

- It hurts. Go ahead. - No! - Go.

I can't leave you alone.

It doesn't matter! Hurry and go!

My mom told me.

What did your mom say?

She said to take care of you.

In times of trouble, sensei, I have to protect you.

Okay, Mitsuke, off we go.

Okay.

Ueki-dono?

That horse...

This isn't for the contest.

No way...Ueki-dono...?

Jinnai.

Guests from Edo arrived.

They'll attack when everyone is tired from the marathon.

Let's get going.

Is it because of what I wrote?

You're so loyal.

I made a mistake!

This is just a regular marathon!

Nobody is foolish enough to betray the Shogunate.

You would know this.

Never mind that.

It's not the Annaka we serve.

It's the Shogunate!

We can't let them go back.

- This is wrong. - Jinnai!

I know your identity.

We aren't the only spies.

We are and can only be "grass".

Sympathy will take your life.

Nevertheless...

I understand.

I must kill you.

Ueki-dono!

Oh, I see.

You fool!

Betraying the Shogunate...to live a good life!

Murata-dono?

Who are they?

Where are you coming from?

Show your Passes!

Did you hear us?

Stop!

Somebody! Anybody!

Stop!

Please...don't kill me.

Please don't kill me!

Somebody save me!

Stop! Hey, stop!

Please save me....

Stop it...please stop...

Thugs attacked the Checkpoint.

Annaka was destroyed.

Tsujimaru-dono!

If we take a left, there's a shortcut!

Follow me.

Don't touch me!

You're Yukihime-sama, right?

Karasawa, who are you?

Let me see your wound, please.

I'll do it myself.

Thanks.

What happened?

The Checkpoint was attacked.

I must go back to the castle.

Yukihime-sama, there's something I can't tell you.

Okashima!

Is this really a shortcut?

Yes, it is.

Is this shortcut better than that mountain path?

This shortcut gets us there faster!

Be careful, you fool.

Sorry, sir.

Let's get going.

Okashima!

Don't move.

Move!

Tsujimura-dono!

Wait for me at the valley bottom!

Hey! Hold on!

Hey, Okashima! You betrayed me?!

Shit!

Right on!

Shit...!

Tsujimura?

Tsujimura!

Yukihime-sama!

You're alive?

Yukihime!

Grab my hand.

Yukihime-sama.

I'm glad you're alive.

Karasawa, explain.

What's happening right now?

Edo sent people to kill us.

Ride the horse to Ueno.

Why'd Edo do this?

I'll tell the samurai to return to the castle right away!

Karasawa, this is a disaster!

Be careful!

You be careful too!

Go!

Karasawa, this isn't your fault.

Okashima-dono!

Didn't you check on Ueki-sama and Karasawa?

Have you guys seen Tsujimura-dono?

- No. - We haven't.

Since you left us, we waited for you two.

We should wait for Ueki-dono.

Today, Okashima, you seem possessed by a fox or mongoose.

Is that so?

No, I'm just in a good mood today...

You can really speak properly?

Okashima is a spy!

It's disaster! We must return to the castle!

Actually, run like you're about to die!

Aye!

Follow me!

- Let's go! - Yes, let's go!

- Wait here to ambush them. - Aye.

This place hasn't changed.

We must be ready!

We have to be quick!

You're still as rude as ever.

I won't allow chaos in this castle.

What's your plan as feudal Lord?

Have you planned for a rebellion and war?

If the castle is taken over for transgressions,

you'll be destroyed.

Japan is going to enter a new era.

This is a 45 revolver.

It's called "Peacemaker".

American barbarians need it.

But our country doesn't need it...

How dare you do this?

Do you think everything is going to plan?

Don't get carried away.

My men will come back soon.

What happened?

What happened?

The enemy is heading to the castle!

Let's hurry!

Get down!

Follow me!

Tsujimura-dono!

Hurry!

My Lady!

We need to return to the castle.

Let's go back!

We must go back!

Aye!

Let's run.

Start running!

Hironoshi!

I'll give you 10 ryo if you let me win!

How about 22 ryo?

Yuki...

Father!

Kojiro...

Seems you also...

Thank goodness.

Kakisaki-sama.

Suzu...

My Lady!

This is for you.

Chiyomaru...

Heikoro-sama, for all your help,

thank you.

I leave Annaka up to you now.

My Lady?

Sensei.

What happened?

What happened?

What happened...

They're dead!

All dead...

Everyone is dead!

Are any alive?

Get it together!

Dead...

Mitsuke.

Something is happening here!

Let's go!

Okay.

- Mitsuke! - Yes.

This is just dragging me down.

- Mitsuke. - Okay.

Mitsuke!

- Mitsuke! - Okay!

- Mitsuke. - Okay.

Mitsuke, almost there.

Mitsuke...

Mitsuke.

Mitsuke!

They're here!

My Lord!

Good job!

Everyone who ran the marathon,

you've shown me your courage.

No matter how big the waves washing our shores,

we can all come together and face it.

Are you okay?

Excuse me!

I abandoned my duties.

I'll slice my gut open right now.

But I have just one plea.

Please spare my family's lives!

Hold on!

This is a man who protected Annaka!

And he saved my father's life!

Wait!

I got Karasawa Jinnai's letter for a prescription from Edo.

He made a mistake and sent the wrong one.

Is this right?

Yes.

You may need to get a new prescription from Edo.

You understand what I'm saying, right?

Aye.

Father.

Please let me go to Edo as well.

Alright.

This treaty marks the end of an era.

And the beginning of a new era!

An era of great benefit for our two great nations,

Japan and the United States.

He said Japan and the United States will usher in a new era.

Japan welcomes the arrival of a new era.

Twelve years after that marathon took place...

the era of the Samurai ended.

Marathon held in Annaka 1855

regarded as origin of marathons in Japan

Original novel by Akihiro Dobashi

Weapons of the samurai * yari - spear yumi - bow katana - curved sword wakizashi - short sword (assists katana; also for seppuku/ritual suicide by disembowelment)

Jinnai's hidden weapons * kunai - throwing knives shuriken - throwing stars

Weapons at Security Checkpoint/Sekisho/Barrier * sasumata - two prong spear-fork tsukubo - pushpole

Weapons of the onna-bugeisha (female warriors from the nobility) * naginata - polearm with curved blade kaiken - sleeve dagger yumi - bow

"Let thy step be slow and steady, that thou stumble not." - Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616)