Original subtitles

Producers: FUJIMOTO Sanezumi KANEKO Masakatsu

Screenplay: KAZAHARA Kazuo

Photography: YASUMOTO Jun Production Design: CHUKO Satoshi

Light: ISHII Choushirou Music: SAITO Ichiro

Assistant director: KAWANISHI Masazumi

Editing: OOI Eiji

Processing: Kinuta Laboratory LTD.

Directed by: NARUSE Mikio

"Shimizu Beauty Saloon"

- Another car wreck? - There've been a lot lately.

One can no longer walk on the street.

- I'm ready. - Very well.

- Look, a little higher. - Very well.

...he's a good man, had working...

...but he loves women so much, that he has insulted me.

Why have you done this to me? Why have you done this to me?

Grandmother.

Eat, or I won't be able to clear the table.

Yes, yes, alright, I'm going.

Know what? Kohei fell asleep and left without beakfast.

If he goes on like this, he'll fall ill.

Don't worry, he's still young.

He could be a little more formal.

That's for sure, but selling cars is not easy.

He also has his own problems to deal with.

- Well? Has he signed? - No...

The car was in a very bad shape and he wanted more money.

It happens. They're stingy.

I looked for clients on my way back, maybe I could make a sale.

How lucky you are having a car. You can go wherever you want.

Shimizu, please come here.

Yes?

- Do you know Hayashi, from Toyo taxis? - Yes, he's one of our clients.

- He'll be promoted head of sales. - Oh yes?

He called me to let me know.

I'll have to take him out to celebrate. I've already made reservations for tonight

- You'll come also. - Very well. What about Hironaka?

Yes, you both come. This Hayashi, he likes saké, doesn't he?

Yes, he's got a stomach for it.

After dinner, I'll leave him to you, youngsters.

Very well.

Beauty! You are wonderful!

Come on, stop it. Come here.

Come here, I'm telling you!

- There's no solution to this. - What company is he with?

- Come on, hang on. - Midori, I've got to go piss.

That way.

- Kohei, aren't you drinking? - No, a bottle's enough.

Of course, you're driving. That's a pain in the ass. Want some?

I ain't hungry anymore.

- Don't insist, it's useless. - A pity.

Help me, darling! He's way out of line!

What's the matter?

He's heavy. He wants me to with him tonight.

- He's a very important client. - Are you asking me to say yes?

Come on, don't get mad. I'll drive him home.

- Come with me. - With you, to the end of the world.

Kohei is really late...

He must be with a client.

He always calls to let me know he's late.

Well, maybe he forgot.

Grandmother, please, stop defending him.

Come on, he's not a child anymore.

Step on it, darling.

It's so pleasant!

- At this speed, we'll be in Yokohama. - We'll go wherever you want!

OK!

If I think about it, Kohei has the same age...

...my husband had when we got married.

He was the eldest son of the Shimizu, from the river sawmill.

It was a typical convenience marriage.

Their matchmaker pressed on so much that...

- Hasn't the car still got here? - No.

- Go wait for it in the street. - Yes!

- What hour was he due at? - Stay calm, we've still got time.

Nobu-chan, you've found such a good husband!

The Shimizu have a good reputation and make a lot of money on the stock market.

- Such a sublime fiancée! - It's normal, seeing how beautiful she is

You must be pleased with your new sister-in-law.

Grandmother, don't say that.

- It's time to talk to your father. - Talk to him?

- Of course, to say goodbye to him. - I'm ashamed.

What're you talking about? It only happens once in a lifetime.

If you're ready, let's go.

- Your daughter has something to you. - What is it?

Father, thank you very much...

...for all these years.

What got into you? We're just going on the next street.

- The car's here! - Alright! Come on, we're leaving!

Can't you be more kind with your daughter?

Alright, we have to go.

Congratulations for your marriage.

Thank you very much.

And now, after the show, you can eat and speak.

- Let's toast. - Thank you.

I'm very happy.

Me also. I hope my daughter will do good.

Nonsense. It's my son who'll have to work hard.

At work, he spends his days reading novels.

I'm sure that Nobuko, who's so well brought up, will be strict.

My wife's very happy...

- Kohei is stiff like a stick. - I'm sure it's because he's happy.

- As his wish has been fulfilled... - True.

And now, in the name of the bridegroom's friends,

...Akimoto-san will say a few words. Please.

My name is Akimoto Takaji. Shimizu, congratulations.

We've been friends since high schol.

And now, we're working in the same company.

You're the first of my friends to get married, but that's not all.

It's been a long time you've been chasing Nobuko.

She's beautiful and intelligent.

I envy you so much that I've decided not to get married until...

...I find a fiancée better than yours.

And now, I'll sing an old Yosano Tekkan song.

How I'd like to be able to have...

...an intelligent woman, beautiful and tender...

And wise friends,

...gallant and passionate...

Are you hungry?

No.

You still haven't eaten anything. D'you want anything?

- No, thank you, but... - No, I don't either.

I'm sure you don't remember...

...the first time we've met.

It was in the train.

It was graduation day, and you held your diploma in your hands.

We then saw each other more often.

At the bus stop, isn't it?

Yes...

I can't even remember how many times I tried giving you a letter.

I was writing in my diary all I wanted to say to you...

It still hasn't sunk in that we've got married.

As a matter of fact, I don't go along too well with my father.

And I don't want to go on in his line.

When I'll afford, I'll rent a house in the suburbs and we'll move there.

D'you agree?

Yes.

If I may...

I've come to make the bed.

The clothes are here.

Where is the bathroom?

At the end of the hallway, on the right.

I'll be taking a bath, then.

"Shimizu Beauty Saloon"

Well!

- Where d'you know him from? - He's my son.

- Your son? Really? - Yes.

- Well, I see him very often! - How come?

- He comes with his colleagues. - Where d'you work?

- In Shinjuku, "Suwani" cabaret. - In a cabaret?

He stayed for the whole show last night. Tell him Otoki has come back.

Your mother was worried.

Where were you last night?

He played mah-jong with his friends.

I wasn't asking you.

- Come on, tell me. - Grandmother has already told you.

- Why didn't you call? - I didn't realise how late it was.

Awake all night...

You're very pale. It can't do you any good.

I'm a grown-up and I know what I'm doing.

Please, stop treating me like a child.

- You're going out again? - Yes, there's a client I have to see.

- Can I have 5,000 yen? - Always the same thing.

Otherwise, I won't be able to work.

You're such a squanderer.

Stop it. When I'll be rich I'll buy you a new shop.

In Shinjuku or in Ginza.

Flatterer!

You don't believe it? Wait and see.

You'll be home early today, won't you?

Think so.

He's more and more like his grandfather. He'll surely make it!

That's not alright, why are you opening it?

It's so dirty it must have scared you.

That's why I told you not to come...

- You've got everything. - I like staying in.

- You've really got no one? - Don't talk nonsense!

- I wouldn't be living here if I had. - Alright, don't get mad.

I told you yesterday what happened to me before working in the cabaret, didn't I?

Do you really think he gave up?

If this punk comes after me, I'll call the police.

He doesn't scare me at all.

I'[m coming from Fuji. I hadn't seen him in a long time.

- And he gave me this picture. - What picture?

Isn't she beautiful, or what?

Grandmother... There really is no hurry at all.

I know, I agree. But Fuji insisted I take it.

- What d'you think of the girl? - What d'you want me to tell you?

Look, you'd say she's that singer going on Tv.

The one you said you liked so much.

- She looks like her, doesn't she? - No, not at all.

What family is she from?

She's the daughter of the owner or of the director of the company...

Well... In one word, she's loaded.

Grandmother don't keep me. I'm busy.

"Shimizu Beauty Saloon"

Fish, coloured fish!

This is the one I like.

I want the same.

Madame Yoshi wants this one. What d'you think?

Will I look good in it?

I think so. As your fringe is already short...

- Hello? One moment. - And what about this one?

- Madame Shimizu, it's Kohei. - Coming.

Mother, I was thinking about taking you out to dinner tonight.

- Of course, I mean it! Can you? - Alright...

I only have to go shopping for the presents for the Obon.

Great, then we'll meet at seven.

At Shibuya, in front of "Hachiko".

Very well...

See you later.

- Madame, it's been a long time. - Yes it has, a very long time.

- How're you? - Thanks to God, well.

Sanae, come here.

The wife of one of your father's old friends.

- Good afternoon. - Glad to meet you.

If you feel like it, we could have a drink.

Well...

D'you want another one, mother?

No, I've had enough to drink...

A dancing hall...

A mahjong room...

You don't like either of them, do you?

I knew neither of them when I was young.

I know.

Just a moment ago I've run into Akimoto-san, one of your father's friends.

- You don't remember, do you? - Well, no.

I hadn't seen him in ten years.

He was with his daughter. She seemed well-bred.

I'd like to talk to you, mother.

What about? Is there a problem?

- I was thinking of getting married. - Getting married?

- Yes. - With whom?

I'll tell you everything. She's working in a Shinjuku cabaret.

In a cabaret?

Yes, but...

- At the "Suwami"? - How did you know?

Who told you?

A client, without any doubt.

It doesn't matter, does it?

I don't want you to marry one of these cabaret girls.

They all are indecent.

No way, come on, there're all kinds.

Midori is not like that.

That's what her name is: Midori.

She's a healthy, homebody girl. And besides, she's also intelligent.

She's using you!

Nonsense.

- Come on, you must meet her. - No, I don't want to.

What for?

Why not?

Why did I keep you in college?

So that one of these money chasers takes advantage of you?

- Mother! - No! I'm telling you the truth.

So, you don't want to understand me?

It's you who doesn't want that.

Put yourself in my place.

I had never told you this, but...

You are everything for me.

That's why I'm working so hard.

To be able to help you!

Don't ask me to thank you. I'm not your puppet.

I will not always do everything you say.

It doesn't matter if you don't agree. I'll do what I feel like doing.

- Meaning what? - I'll go away to live with Midori.

You'll leave home?

Yes, I've got a friend in Osaka and I'll rent his appartement.

Alright, do that. All you do is ask money from me.

What will you do witht he girl? Lock her up in the house?

Look who's talking...

I'll find something.

It hurts me hearing you saying that.

A mother's part is so thankless.

It's you saying that...

Well, that was it. That's all we had to say to one another.

What're you going to do?

I'IIsleep somewhere else. I'll come back for my luggage.

Kohei!

Well, well, so he had a girlfriend... He has become a real man!

I can't see why you are so happy, grandmother.

But it's only natural.

So, they should be able to do whatever they want?

Well...

I don't want that.

I didn't make all those efforts so that he can go away with a slut.

D'you want to bring them apart by force? What if they go mad?

What?!

What'll we do if they commit a double suicide?

That's impossible.

D'you remember what happened that night?

It was only six months after you had come to live with us.

Is it alright like this?

- A little flatter. - Yes.

Well, well! Western food again?!

I made pork schnitzel and curry. And there's sashimi for father-in-law.

I'm not sure he'll be coming today.

What's this sound? A news bulletin?

Special edition, special edition!

"The army lands in Shanghai..."

It seems the naval infantry isn't enough anymore.

I'm sure there'll be a war with China, don't you think?

It's getting ugly.

Chiang Kai-shek is totally anti-japanese.

Good afternoon.

- Have you seen the news bulletin? - Yes, I've just bought it.

Sir, wait!

What a mess...

The guys from the bank haven't stopped ringing since this morning.

They want to speak to the boss. But I don't know what to tell them...

Hasn't my father come?

He had never been absent for three days before.

- D'you know anything? - Nothing! Ask my mother.

It's hot, isn't it?

Yes?

What?

One moment.

They want to speak with you, sir.

But I don't know anything.

It's the police. Someone from the family must speak to them

The police?

Hi, darling.

The police has called. What can they be wanting?

Hello? Yes.

I'm his eldest son...

What?

In Yugawara?

What?

Oh yes?

What did they say?

What did the police want?

Father's dead...

What? What did you say?

- Your father? - He killed himself.

Don't joke with me. Be frank.

It's no joke.

He was found in the "Yuwabara" hotel. He killed himself with sleeping pills.

My God! What are we going to do?

Tell me! What are we going to do?

I was told to go and take him away.

What if they were wrong? It surely must be a mistake.

No, they've already performed the autopsy. And a letter was found.

They haven't made any mistake.

- You'll come with me, won't you? - No.

- It's that... - I can't come!

I hate my father! Always doing what he wanted.

- If he wanted to kill himself, let him. - Don't say that!

Darling!

You, shut up.

Always drinking from morning on.

He even disrespected his son's wife.

He is not my father!

Koichi!

Nobu-chan. Did my husband do anything to you?

No, nothing.

I can't stop thinking at what Koichi has said.

Come on, tell me the truth.

Did he do to you anything out of the ordinary?

Don't say such things, mother.

But it's Koichi who said it...

One day when he was boozed, he touched my shoulder half laughingly.

As it hadn't been long since I had come to live in the house...

...and I wasn't familiar with his ways, I told Koichi about it.

Later I realised it'd have been better not to have said anything.

So that's what it was...

As Koichi is mad about you, he can get mad on no matter whom.

Even if it's his own father.

Why would he kill himself?

I don't understand.

It doesn't make any sense.

Kimiko, forgive me.

I had bought Kanebo stock, but when the war broke on...

...they lost their value, and I lost all the money.

Death is my only option...

Forgive me for being so selfish.

I'm sure you'll know how to do without me.

This way.

Who is the woman lying next to him?

We thought she was his wife.

But looking through his things, we found out she was a Asakusa geisha.

And as nobody has yet come to claim her...

How dare you leave her in the same room!

Get her out of here, quickly!

Darling!

Why didn't you tell me anything?

What an idea, killing yourself with this slut!

You are stupid!

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

That's the way men are...

They do stupid things and they don't care a damn.

Are you telling me to let Kohei have his way?

We have no choice.

And then, our days it's normal that young people

leave and become independent.

It was bound to happen one day.

I am not like you.

Even if he lives somewhere else, I want him to be close to me.

And go along well with his wife.

What can we do?

Ko-chan knows what he's doing!

If that girl is the way you say she is, he'll figure her out sooner or later.

Ko-chan. What about going to see your mother?

What for?

We can't stay like this for ever.

If she doesn't accept us, we have no choice.

She must hold a grudge against me because maybe she's thinking I tricked you.

And that I took you away from her.

Let her believe whatever she wants.

It's your mother...

If we talk, she'll surely understand

Why do you care about it?

If she wants to see us, she's the one who must come.

Let's hope so.

By the way, you can take the ventilator away now.

Yes, I'll do it today.

Next year, I want air-conditioning.

There's plenty of stuff we'll have to buy. I'll work overtime!

Know what? I was thinking about going back to work.

Nonsense! Me, I also want to help you.

You're saying no matter what!

Have you had enough of this kind of life?

I didn't say that.

Want to know something? Kijima went out on bail.

What?

If you go back to work, he'll surely find you.

Have you sen him?

Yes.

He won't stop calling me at the office.

He wants to give me 30,000 yen so that I dump you.

And what did you tell him?

That I wanted 50,000.

Why didn't you tell me anything?

I didn't want you to worry for nothing.

I am sorry.

Come on, it's not that serious.

Courage!

See you later!

"Tominaga Midori's Biography."

"She was born in March 1941 in Arakawa."

"Her father, Masao, was a railroader."

"Her mother, Akiko, died when she was thre years old."

"Her father died of a stroke when she entered high school."

"Then she left to live with her sister in Asakusa."

"She worked as a janitor in a toy shop."

"One year later, after an argument with her brother-in-law, she left the house,"

"and she started working as an waitress in Kiku Café, in the 6th district."

"In July, she started dating Kijima Boto, a punk."

"She forced her to live with him..."

All the stuff a private investigator can find out...

Keep silent and listen up to the end!

- A phone call for you. - I'll take it in here.

Very well.

Hello?

Are you Shimizu's mother?

Hironaka speaking, from his office.

Yes.

No.

I've been contacted by the police.

Shimizu had a car accident on the road to Koushuu.

Kohei?

- What happened to him? - Quiet!

Hello!

I don't know too well what has happened.

Apparently, he had a head-on collision with a truck.

I'm going to the hospital right away. The hospital is...

Hello? The hospital is...

What...

What did they do to you, my son?

Ko-chan!

I'll be back after the 37 days.

- Thank you very much for everything. - Thank you.

The car is here.

Is it?

Well...

- Thank you for having called me. - Don't mention it.

Goodbye.

You are very tired. Why don't you rest a while?

Yes.

I haven't got the strength to do anything.

The older we get, the more difficult all things seem.

Kohei was born in Showa 13, in the Autumn.

Our brave and loyal soldiers...

...fight against injustice in the Heaven's Yard.

What's with these shouts?

Someone leaving for the front?

It's not that.

The people are parading becasue Wuhan has fallen.

Oh yes?

They must be happy at the sawmill.

My poor girl, getting married and coming to live with us...

...just when we went broke.

And my husband?

I called him at the office. He'll be right here.

He's working overtime, isn't he?

They are burried in work.

Here I am.

Welcome. Everything's fine, he was born.

It's a boy, isn't it?

He's so strange! Like a little animal.

Are you nuts?! Say something to him, mother...

Come on, he's just like you when you were born.

Is he?

Coming back home I thought about the name.

Kohei. What d'you think?

Kohei?

It means "prowess".

A perfect name for an historical day, isn't it?

I like how it sounds.

What do you think, mother? Or, rather, grandmother.

What do you know, father and son have the same diminutive.

From now on, I'll call you "father".

Father?

It still sounds strange to my years...

You'll have to be a good father...

You who go away for our Emperor to work...

in this glorious morning...

...one million voices to the sky do proclaim:

Forward, you brave our mother and's sons!

The war against America had begun...

...and we didn't know when it'd end.

Kohei had just turned six.

- Mother, where're you coming from? - From the rationing.

- I'm home. - Welcome.

- Cod, again. - Again?

At least, it's with rice and beans. Before, we'd fed this to the pigs.

Think at the soldiers on the front.

We shouldn't complain.

One'd say you are the rationing boss.

You can't make war with an empty belly.

If we go on like this, we'll be losing the war.

Careful, grandmother. We wouldn't want a spy listening to you.

I want another glas of water with sugar.

What?

Again... Try to behave, once and for all.

The child saddened me. As we are not given sweets anylonger...

Don't use the child as an excuse. It's always the same thing.

And please, try being a little more reasonable.

I'm beginning to lose patience!

We also have our own sugar ration.

It's no big deal if we use a bit of it.

I need sugar to cook.

And also to exchange it for beer and saké.

As no one drinks in this house.

With a little more patience, I'll be able to exchange it for more stuff

Very well. No one's going to treat me as a sponger.

Hi, father!

Hi, son!

Welcome.

Welcome.

The entire block is in working clothes,

...and there you are, in your dressing gown.

Don't you know our situation? You are not a little girl anymore.

I've had enough of all these lectures!

You don't want me living here, do you?

You're plotting to drive me out!

What are you talking about? I'm just asking you to play along.

Aren't you aware of Nobuko's efforts?

You've only got eyes for your wife.

I don't intend to stay much longer in this house.

I'm living tomorrow!

Well, that's even better. One problem less.

Evidently... You've got nowhere to go.

Oh, I haven't?

Mizuko told me I could go live with her whenever I wanted.

And if she doesn't agree, I'll go somewhere else.

If I look for a place as a servant, I'll surely find something.

Getting thrown out by the daughter-in-law... That does it!

Grandmother...

Let me go to the bathroom. At least I'll leave being clean.

And a little soap also.

- Darling. - Let her be.

Shit! What's this doing right in the middle?

Three months had passed since my mother-in-law had left...

Give it all you've got! Don't spill the water!

Stop the practice! Gather round!

We are now broadcasting this touching address.

Today, the military government...

"Shimizu Koichi Sakamoto 153 Shimotani, Tokyo"

We must reinforce...

...our future preparations.

The collaboration between the people...

...and the army will be paramount...

...in order to succesfully deal...

...with the end of this war.

Without any doubt, personal efforts...

...dedicated to the Emperor...

...will be an honor...

...that will endure in time.

You have read the letter?

Yes.

The mail is personal. You knew that, didn't you?

You can't open other people's letters, not even your husband's.

As there was no sender, I thought it was urgent.

That's why I opened it.

I'm sorry.

But, I've already read it...

Tell me, what going on?

What d'you mean?

Don't pretend. With this Shizuyo woman.

Oh, it's someone I met when in university.

She used to work in a cafeteria in Ueno.

Did you live together?

Will you stop being being suspicious?

When I lived in the campus, we went out together once or twice.

Liar.

If that's all there was, she wouldn't have written this letter.

I don't believe you!

Liar!

Don't be stupid! It happened long before we got married.

You've been cheating on me all this time...

I?

When?

Didn't you?

You said you only loved me!

If I had known this from the beginning, I wouldn't have married you!

Nobuko, calm down.

We've got a child, remember?

If you thought at him, you wouldn't say these things.

- It is not important. - Yes, it is, very.

Because you want to see her again, don't you?

Nonsense.

We only met once or twice in the train, on our way back.

If you hadn't wanted to see her agan, you wouldn't have given her your address

I didn't give it to her. It's her that found it out.

It's not true! You want to see again.

I know it!

Don't be stupid! That's enough!

You didn't know?

There's a war going on. We don't know if we'll win or not.

I might be drafted.

Don't be childish!

I'm not childish!

For me, it's more important than the war!

And what d'you want me to do about it?

I'm going back to my parents.

Very well, perfect!

How lucky you are, Nobu-chan. I envy you!

What're you talking about?

My brother is positive. He has never looked at another woman.

That's not she means.

Having her husband at her side to argue, it's already enough.

Exactly.

Me, even if I'd want to, I couldn't.

Today, this was our first argument.

I understand how you feel. Any other woman would feel the same.

You are not to be pitied, in these times we live in.

So, am I lucky?

Very.

Has my brother written to you?

Only three times. Before going to the front.

You don't know where he is now?

I'm very worried.

American submarins are sinking a lot of transportation ships.

Stay calm. He always was very strong.

Isn't it so, mother?

- Here, have some. - Thank you.

Things have got very tight ration wise,

and it's very difficult getting a rice ration.

True.

Oh, and leave at night. So that the neighbours don't see you.

Alright.

Uncle's here!

Hello.

Welcome!

Please, come in.

You see?

He has come to look after you because he was worrying.

Come in.

I've got the letter from the army.

- From the army? - Yes.

Was he drafted?

What's the matter?

I'm tired.

I can't go on like this, full of doubts.

Why?

Because of the letter.

You're going on with that?! But I've burnt it.

Tell me you were not going to see her.

How many times must I repeat it?

Tell me one more time.

Did you really only meet in the train?

- Nothing happened, did it? - Of course not.

I'd be very angry knowing you think about her in secret.

Can I trust you? Can I?

Of course you can! How stupid you can be.

It's that...

Come on, let's change subject.

Nobuko.

You do believe me, don't you?

Yes.

In four days I'll be in the army.

Nobuko.

Starting today,

...I won't be thinking anymore...

...at my home village.

I must humbly serve...

...my Emperor.

Thank you very much.

What a manly voice! Come, have a drink.

Thank you. But allow me to pour four you first, grandmother.

Oh, no, I'm still young! I'm only fifty.

Very kind of you, thank you.

- Would you like some? - Yes, thank you.

- Please. - Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll also sing in the boy's honor.

Yes, yes.

Well, my late husband, Koichi's father,

used to sing very well this song.

Go for it!

Walking in the streets,

Lantern in his hand,

over the gate he did lean.

Woman, is my friend at home?

On the second floor he is.

He's practising the hoe.

Goodevening.

Oh, welcome.

It's been a long time. It's rather late.

It doesn't matter. Come in.

With your permission. I've brought this.

Thank you.

- Darling, it's Akimoto. - Well!

Hello. Congratulations.

Thank you.

- Look. - Thank you very much.

I thought we could have our farewell party together.

Why?

It so happens I've also received the letter this morning.

- Well! Congratulations! - Thank you.

Come in.

I've brought the photographer so that he takes a picture of us.

- If I may. - Please, come in.

Here is Akimoto, a friend.

It so happens he was also drated.

- Congratulations! - Come in.

Have a drink.

You who go away for our Emperor to work...

...in this glorious morning...

...one million voices...

...to the sky do proclaim:

Forward, you brave our mother and's sons!

My chest, on which this flower lies,

with emotion swells.

To the bunker! To the bunker!

Grandmother, the bombardiers! Grandmother!

Again? They're so noisy.

Kohei!

Everybody to the bunker!

Everybody to the bunker!

Quickly, quickly!

To the bunker!

To the bunker!

This one won't last! Run away!

Grandmother, grandmother!

Grandmother!

That way! Quickly!

Mother!

Thank God you came back. Is there anything left?

Even the rice we had saved burnt down.

And we paid so much on it.

Did the house burn?

Well...

What about this?

It's the only thing that wasn't broken.

Well! Koichi's cup!

How lucky!

This surely is a sign he'll come back in one piece.

You're so lucky to always be so optimist.

All Hell broke loose!

Everything's devasted, from Fukugawa to Mukojima!

That night, my whole family had died.

My father, my mother, my sister-in-law, her son.

As for us, we moved to Tochigi, thanks to a friend's help.

And Kohei went to school.

It'd have been better to have died burnt, than working like this.

How detestable can war be...

Goodbye!

Are they even drafting grandparents now?

This country mustn't be faring too well, must it?

You are the ones living at Maruyama'a, aren't you?

- Yes. - Very well.

I'm from the army bureau. I'm looking for Shimizu Nobuko.

It's me.

It's an official communiqué.

Thank you.

- Sign here, please. - Yes.

Goodbye.

What's the matter? Don't tell me that Koichi...

- He fell in the line of duty. - What?

Grandmother!

My poor son. There's only this sheet of paper left of you.

At last I can take comfort in thinking you died for the motherland.

Not like your father...

This war is madness.

It'll be very hard on you too, especially with such a young child.

It won't be easy to live from now on.

I must think at something to help you as much as I can.

Shortly afterwards, the war ended.

Things aren't so bad, after all.

We escaped dying burnt alive and we moved here.

In the beginning, I thought it was a dump...

But, being here, we can eat three times a day.

Do you know?

In Ueno, people starve to death every day.

Grandmother, don't you imagine there's a lot of money left for rice.

We must have some money saved, haven't we?

Yes, but that won't last for ever.

And we have no clothes left to exchange for food.

Well, on the black market here, a sack is already 20 yen.

And more, the company isn't sending us any salary since August.

I was thinking about going to Tokyo for a few days.

But now, with the Americans, it's very dangerous.

There's nothing else we can do. Winter's coming soon.

With no money for coal and food, it'll be very hard.

And theres no tobacco left, either.

We've stopped making bullets since the war has ended.

The company is transforming itself, right now.

And we are training the staff for their new functions.

Give me a cigarette.

And what about us?

My husband worked here for eight years.

And every month you were sending us his military pay.

As I've said,

circumstances have totally channged.

I'm very sorry your husband died on the front.

Couldn't you provide some kind of salary for us?

Right now, the company can't do anything.

We use everything we got to pay the pensioners.

Weren't you aware of that?

It was an error not informing you about the termination of your salary.

I'm sure you'll be able to forgive us.

Madame!

I found out, when I got home, what had happened to Shimizu.

I was worried about you.

I even went to your place, but everythging was in ruins.

Thank you very much.

I'm pleased you are well.

Well, as I never left the country...

Would you like something to eat?

The cook is an army buddy of mine. He used to be a head-waiter.

He'll surely make something for us. Hey, have you finished?

One second.

- Hurry up, please? - Coming.

We've got work to do.

- Here, curry rice. - And the soup?

That's all, and even this is too much.

Come on, eat. I'm sure it's very good.

Well, as a matter of fact, I've brought my lunchbox.

Don't say that.

Save it for later.

- Come on, eat. - Well...

Thank you very much.

As for what happened earlier. That owner is not to be trusted.

He set up ten factories for the army.

He even got a grant from the government.

War's over and...

He forgets his employees' families.

Know what? I'm thinking at something.

Everything will be fine. You'll see.

I'm sure that thanks to it, I'll be able to help you live better.

What is it?

Blackmailing the owner. He's a thief.

My God!

It was joke.

As a matter of fact, before joining the army, I hid 15 cans of gasoline...

...in a Kanagawa factory. And around 4,000 wooden beams.

I counted them myself.

Theoretically, I should give them back to the government.

But if no one speaks... We have to be as rascal as the owner.

I came here today to talk about it with my colleague.

So that's what it was...

I thought being able to help you so you wouldn't dependent on anyone.

Shimizu was my best friend, that's why I want to help you.

I only ask of you to have a little more patience.

Russian soup! It's on the house.

- Only one? - Well, give it to her.

Here you go.

I'm sure you don't eat this in the country.

You have to have strength.

I'm so touched...

Come on, don't say that.

If you don't drink it, the cook will be angry.

Come on, drink.

Thank you.

Amidst the chaos brough on by war,

the only thing I managed to do was illegally selling rice.

Don't push! Don't push, I said!

Come with me, beauty, what d'you say. Well?

Don't push! Shit!

- How did it go? - Great.

Mother, I'll bring you tobacco tomorrow.

Alright. Hurry up bringing me the other thing, yes?

What a look for her age.

Japanese women are not anymore what they used to be.

- It was 50, wasn't it? - Yes.

I trust you more and more. You never cheated me.

Here, 550 yen.

It's alright.

Want one?

No, I don't smoke.

Come on, stay for a while. I'll make some tea.

Thank you very much. I'll be able to rest a while this way.

You said you were living on the other bank of the river, didn't you?

You too, don't you?

Yes, I was born in Monzennakacho.

My husband worked at Ishikawashima naval works.

He was an engineer.

Hasn't he been drafted yet?

It's not that. He has died before the war.

On the works, in an accident.

Damn...

And your children?

No, I don't have any.

You really should be praised.

Supporting your family by selling rice here and there.

It's no big deal.

Some people are in a much worse situation.

I, thanks to my indemnity and the inssurance,

I was able to buy this house.

But you must have had it rough during the war, didn't you?

As it was forbidden to have your hair permed...

So I've been doing some illegal trading since the war has started.

And I don't think I'm the only one.

The slut that has just left keeps on bringing me stuff.

She has influent clients. You, you bring me rice.

You're doing well.

I see you've anticipated everything.

As for me, I know no trade. And I'm forced to do this.

I don't plan on doing this for long.

As soon as I'll have enough money saved, I'll reopen the beauty saloon.

That's a very good idea.

Here.

Thank you

Come on! Come on! Come on!

Come on! Come on! Come on!

The bath did me a lot of good!

It's blowing hard, isn't it?

Yes. In this cold, the bath was a blessing.

He's a good man...

...hardworking.

But he loves women so much...

Kohei! Grandmother, don't sing this!

Come on, it's time to go to sleep. We'll be up early tomorrow.

You could rest a little. It's the New Year!

The sacks are already prepared...

...and there're people waiting for this rice.

Good evening.

Do the Shimizu live here?

Yes?

I'm Akimoto.

Good evening.

What a surprise! Thank you for having come from so far away.

How are you, grandmother?

Welcome.

Come on. Quickly, quickly. It's cold.

With your permition.

I didn't think I'd get here so late. But I took the wrong road.

You must have been cold, in this night.

Thank God you came back alive and well.

Yes, I was very lucky.

- D'you remember me, big boy? - Of course.

I'm relieved.

Allow me to pray to him.

About the promise I made you.

I'd have liked to have come before the end of the year.

But I had some problems and wasn't able to make it.

For now, here are 5,000 yen.

Spend them as you see fit.

It's too much!

Please, accept it.

The company should have given you as much.

That's what you are entitled to, as Shimizu's widow.

You have the right to keep it.

But...

I did it becaue it was my duty.

Nobuko, I don't understand all this too well.

But, why not keep it?

Exactly.

Well... If you insist...

They'll come in handy.

And what about you? Aren't you too generous?

Don't worry. I've got my share, too.

This money is what Shimizu would be entitled to.

Did you kill a lot of bad guys in the war?

You know? I was in Japan.

- And what were you doing - I was in an antiaircraft battery.

- An did you shoot on planes? - Yes.

- But I didn't bring any down. - Damn.

It's late. You could sleep here.

Isn't it so, Nobuko?

Yes.

I've still got time to get back.

What're you talking about? The railway station is one hour away fom here!

Come on, stay!

Well...

I'll stay...

- We don't have too many futons. - That's no problem.

I'm used to sleeping on the ground.

How I'd like to be able to have...

...an intelligent woman, beautiful and tender...

And wise friends,

...gallant and passionate...

You're the first of my friends to get married, but that's not all.

It's been a long time you've been chasing Nobuko.

She's beautiful and intelligent.

I envy you so much that I've decided not to get married until...

...I find a fiancée better than yours.

Let me know if you need anything.

If you go to that restaurant, they'll tell you where I am.

Thank you very much.

Agreed?

Yes.

Goodbye.

I wanted to cry into your arms.

But something prevented me.

A couple of days later...

Is anyone in?

Is anyone in?

Coming!

Oh, I still have rice.

That's not why I came

I wanted to ask you a favor.

What?

Can you get me some penicillin?

Penicillin?

Yes. My son's got pneumonia.

That's a drag!

The doctor told me to get some penicillin from the Americans.

I told myself you might be able to help me.

It's gonna be tough.

They don't sell it anymore where they used to.

So?

Alright, I'll ask. Come in.

Thank you.

Hello? Mary? It's me.

Mother.

Still at your place?

Can you get me penicillin?

Yes, penicillin.

There's someone who needs it.

Her son is sick.

What d'you think?

Alright. Fine.

Thanks.

She doesn't have any, but she'll ask someone else.

Thank you.

But it'll be expensive. It's alright?

I've got money.

She lives nearby. She'll be here soon.

- Wait here, alright? - Thank you very much.

Know what?

At the end of the month, I'll have the machines and the cosmetics.

And I'll be back in business.

So, I shouldn't come anymore.

For the being, I'll go on with my multi-jobs.

Alright, I'll go out for a moment.

If Mary comes, tell her to give you the medicine, alright?

- Yes. - See you later.

Goodbye.

Mother?

She went out for a moment.

You're the rice woman, aren't you?

Yes.

You wanted the penicillin?

Yes. I'm sorry to have bothered you.

Here it is. It's 3,000 yen.

Thak you very much.

Mother said you lived on the other bank, didn't you?

Yes.

Then you must know the Shimizu, those with he sawmill.

We are also part of the family.

What? You?

Glad to meet you.

You wouldn't be Koichi's wife, would you?

Yes, it's me.

Well...

I heard he died in the war.

- Is it true? - Yes.

Well...

I used to know Koichi.

Where is his tomb?

The family graveyard is in Asakusa.

But there was no funeral, because we didn't receive the ashes.

Well... Then I won't be able to pray for him.

Wouldn't you be Shizuyo-san?

You figured it out, didn't you?

Did Koichi tell you about me?

Well...

It's no use pretending anymore.

Last time we saw each other,

...was the day before he left for the front.

The day before?

Yes...

We ate together at my place.

You really did meet?

Yes, we did...

Even now I keep on thinking about it.

Life's strange, isn't it?

He had betrayed me.

And my entire world crumbled.

Good evening.

Oh, it's you.

Have you seen Akimoto-san?

Yes, he comes every day.

He does? Can I wait for him in here?

Of course.

And this red apple...

Well, now! But that's my little wife!

What a surprise! What're you doing here?

Sweetie! Come on, be a little more tender.

- What're you doing? - Waiting for someone.

- Give me a kiss, come on. - Leave me alone!

Hey, keep your hands to yourself!

Let's go home! I don't want to be all alone!

Let me go! Let me go, I said!

Don't play with me!

Let her go, or I'll hit you!

Madame!

What d'you want? Leave us alone!

Wait, you scum! He's stupid or what?!

I'll kill you! Dirty whore!

Careful, or I'll hit you!

You wanted to speak to me?

Yes, but...

It doesn't matter.

- Why? - It doesn't concern you.

I want to know.

No.

It's my problem.

My house... it's not far from here.

Would you like to come?

What?

But...

Nobuko-san.

I love you.

You will come with me, won't you?

- Aaah! - Don't run, stop!

I'm leaving.

I have to go.

Nobuko-san.

Can't you forget him?

It's not that, Akimoto-san. That sentiment no longer exists.

My ailing son's waiting for me!

- Kohei? - Yes.

Then...

- We'll meet again, won't we? - Yes.

- Really? - Yes.

Had Kohei not been ill, I'd have stayed in his arms.

Leaving him I understood I was in love with him.

It's great, isn't it?

And I wondered why Japan lost the war...

The Americans have medicines that cure everything.

Listen, Nobuko.

Yes?

I dream about going to Tokyo to look for work when the child will have healed.

At your age?

Do you remember I worked as a servant during the war?

Well, it so happens I wrote a letter to my former employer.

And he answered me back. I can go back whenever I want to.

There weren't too many bombardments in Setagaya.

I don't want to be a burden to you any longer.

Don't say that.

And then, you are still young.

What if you got married again?

Who would want me with a child?

I'd take of him. Kohei is the heir of the family.

No way.

I'll take care of my child, no matter what.

I don't know what you think about it,

...but I'd say Akimoto-san likes you.

Yes, sure.

Well, he or someone else.

But it'd be better if you thought about it.

Where're we going?

Welcome!

I'm sorry for what happened the other day.

You were out of luck to stumble upon such a diry character.

You're looking for Akimoto, aren't you?

Yes. Do you know his address?

He is not in Tokyo anylonger. But I have a letter for you.

He told me to give it to you, if you came.

Oh, give me the letter.

What could have happened to him?

The police arrested his accomplice and the heat was on.

Akimoto's a decent guy.

These days, you have to do no matter what just to get by.

He had no luck. That's all.

He had already talked to me about you

That you were his friend's wife and that he had fallen in love with you.

"I'm sorry for last night."

"I had to cancel all my projects."

"I deeply regret I won't be seeing you again."

"I deeply regret not being able to go on helping you."

"Even if the times are rough, I hope you will be lucky."

Kohei!

Kohei!

Kohei!

Kohei!

Some ten years later...

Akimoto-san!

- Madame, it's been a long time. - Yes it has, a very long time.

- How're you? - Thanks to God, well.

Sanae, come here.

The wife of one of your father's old friends.

- Good afternoon. - Glad to meet you.

If you feel like it, we could have a drink.

Well...

I have two younger daughters.

Only girls...

It's wonderful.

- Are you in high school? - Yes, second grade.

As it's Saturday, she got me out of office for shopping.

Now... I'm working here.

A small company. We specialise in lighters.

Have you always worked here?

No, some ten years ago left for my village.

And there're about seven years since I've come back to Tokyo.

Well...

And you?

Me, like always. With my son, and grandmother.

Now I have a beauty parlour in Jiyugaoka.

- You take care of it all alone? - Yes.

That's impressive! Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude.

It make sense. You've always worked hard.

Grandmother and your son... His name is Kohei, isn't it?

- Are they well? - Yes.

- Kohei must now be... - Yes, he works at "Nisshou".

Oh yes? "Nisshou" is a good company.

Yes, he went there right after getting his degree.

Well, you must be very pleased...

Yes, I am.

Nobu-chan.

After all this suffering...

...we're back to square one.

What d'you mean?

Of course.

With Koichi and Koehi dead,

there's nothing else tying us.

I think I'll go in to an old people's home.

Stop snivelling.

If you want, you can stay with me.

Excuse me, a client came.

Not now. We're closed for now.

But she wants to speak to you. Her name is Midori.

Midori?

Grandmother!

Kohei's Midori?

What shall we do?

Once she's here, let's see what she wants.

- Tell her to come up. - Yes, madam.

I'm Midori.

What d'you want?

You've got the guts to come here?

You know what?

Kohei used to take money from the shop, to spend it with you.

I've found out everything after his death.

He should have never kept a slut like you.

He was stupid.

Always thinking about money, even the day he got killed.

He died because of you!

How dare you?

You stole my son and that's how you give him back to me.

I don't even want to look you in the face!

Kohei is dead!

There's nothing left for us. It's over.

I am... pregnant.

You are pregnant?

Who knows who the father might be...

I'm not like that!

Kohei is the father. I'm positive.

We loved each other. And then, we were legally married.

Kohei wanted me to do that for the sake of the child.

I have all the documents.

Here.

The family register.

Well!

Grandmother! What's the good of all this now?

They signed it without saying anything to us. This child is not ours.

They decided it between themselves, didn't they? Let her manage on her own.

Nobu-chan, don't be so harsh.

Please, shut up!

If that's what you want, give me the money and I'll have an abortion.

Very well.

Look, she left the money.

You've become very tough, haven't you?

Me, I couldn't have said that.

I realise it now. Women are always the losers.

And men are selfish.

They make us chikdren, they do whatever they want,

and, to top it, they die first.

It happened to me with my husband. To you with Koichi and now, with Kohei.

If only I'll be a man in my next life.

I hope so.

Aren't you really not going to love your grandchild?

- Shimizu went out. - Did she?

She stayed for a moment at home. She was going to the hospital.

D'you happen to know which?

Yes, the one in Komazawa.

Thank you very much.

Hello! I'm calling from reception? She came to see someone called Midori.

Yes. I see.

Thank you. Yes, she has already left.

Then, she must have already had the intevention.

No, it was just a check up. She got her pregnancy book.

The book? So that was...

Thank you very much.

I come from the hospital.

I intend to keep it. I'll bring it up on my own, no matter what

Midori-san!

Midori-san, forgive me. I didn't mean to say that.

Had I known you before, all this wouldn't have happened.

I was selfish. Forgive me.

You'll get wet.

Please, come to my place.

"Shimizu Beauty Saloon"

Thank you very much.

Thank you

Midori-chan! Let's grab a bite.

Alright.

- If I may. - Please.

Midori-chan.

I wanted to talk to you.

D'you know Fujii-san? An acquaintance of grandmother.

Yes, I've talked with him once.

It so happens he came to propose to you.

He's a very formal person. What about meeting him one day?

I don't want to.

- I don't like this kind of stuff. - But...

Tell him no.

Really?

- By the way, where's Isao? - Grandmother's walking with him.

They must be in the park.

What... Isao!

Why are you alone? Where's grandmother?

Lunch time already?

- You could look after him better. - Don't be mad.

I was watching from the distance.

That grandfather over there is very cute.

He has invited me to the spa!

Really?

That's all that was missing! What a minx you are!