Original subtitles

Daiei Productions Presents

UWASA NO ONNA

Screenplay by Yoshikata YODA and Masashige NARUSAWA

Cast

Hatsuko - Kinuyo TANAKA

Doctor Matoba - Tomoemon OTANI

Yukiko - Yoshiko KUGA

Harada - Eitaro SHINDO Osaki - Chieko NANIWA

Kobayashi - Bontaro MIYAKE Yamada - Hisao TOAKE

Chiyo - Sachiko MINE Tamakoto -Teruko KUSUGI

Usugumo - Kimiko TACHIBANA Kisaragi - Teruyo HASEGAWA

Nakauchi - Saburo DATE Takejiro - Kotaro KAWADA

Directed by Kenji MIZOGUCHI

- I'm back. - Welcome home.

I didn't buy anything special.

Oh, it's your daughter! Welcome home.

Oh, I'm absolutely exhausted.

- Ah, the merchant's here. - Welcome home, madam.

You thought, as I was away, you'd come and flog your fabrics, eh?

I have something new that would suit you, madam...

No, no. Not for me, I have enough expense as it is.

What is it? Come on in.

Why don't you come over and join us? Come on.

You must be exhausted. I'll get a bath ready for you.

Come on, you've all got things to do.

You're a funny girl! This is your house.

Your engagement is at eight o'clock.

See you later.

Oh, Miss Osaki? Make sure she goes to bed early after her bath.

Very good, madam.

You must be tired.

Call Dr Matoba and tell him that we've just got back from Tokyo.

- Yes, madam. - And hurry.

She's a modern woman, isn't she?

- She's so elegant. - I can't tell if she's elegant.

Who does she think she is, glaring at us like that? Bitch!

Who are you on about?

- The daughter. - Oh, she came back with her?

- Is she that beautiful? - She was educated at a music school.

She's in a different class compared to us!

Let's go. Kisaragi, come on, we're in a hurry.

- Come on, hurry. - All right.

She has a great life that's paid for by our hard graft.

We must be idiots, working for such a pittance.

That's right.

We work just to afford kimonos and make-up.

I'd love to go home to the countryside

to see the wheat turning yellow, and listen to the skylarks singing.

I wonder what my sister is doing.

What a poetess!

- Have you been busy? - Thanks to you, madam.

We even worked the festivals.

I see, I see. Very good.

- Eh? You gave Mr Nakarai credit? - Yes.

That's wrong, it'll take half a year to get him to pay!

I impressed upon him that we expected his payment soon.

He's an avaricious, ill-mannered old codger.

Welcome back.

Hello there.

Sorry, I was just seeing to business.

- How was it? - Well...

This way.

Just as we thought, she tried to commit suicide.

- Suicide? - Over a broken heart, it seems.

She was rejected by a man.

I haven't asked Yukiko any probing questions yet.

But I think she may still try to overdose again.

- Really? - She's had an awful time of it.

That's why I called you here. I would like your diagnosis.

- I beg of you. - All right, I'll do that.

Oh, yes... this is for you.

A little present.

Like it?

It's very elegant.

I hope I chose well.

It looks lovely.

- Don't pull that face! - Thank you.

I've been so worried about Yukiko, I'm all tense.

Just massage me a little here.

Oh, that's good.

She's still very vulnerable, so watch what you say to her.

I will.

What's up? It's awfully dark.

There are no lights on.

Please, come in.

Yukiko, let me introduce Dr Matoba who works for the Geisha Guild.

There's nothing wrong with me!

Let him examine you and at least put my mind at rest.

There's nothing wrong with me, I don't need a doctor!

Don't be like that, dear.

Please have a look at her, doctor. Do as the doctor says.

Shall I examine you? Just relax for me.

Your mother told me about your situation.

She's worried about you and wants me to examine you.

I took an overdose of sleeping pills.

I don't know what else my mother told you.

My mother knows nothing, so don't listen to her.

Is that so?

Well, I suppose I can examine you another time.

Your mother has been very worried about you.

She said that you play piano.

Yes.

- But it means nothing. - Why is that?

Because a woman's work is never valued.

It's just seen as a digression.

I guess you're right, most men hold questionable views.

Growing up here, you must have seen enough men behaving badly.

- What makes you any different? - That's harsh.

I hit a raw nerve there.

But there's no shame in wanting to love somebody.

You mustn't worry yourself about it.

Thank you.

My mother said exactly the same thing.

How is she, doctor?

She's seems well enough, I'm not worried.

Really?

Well, that's good to hear.

Excuse me a moment, doctor.

Hey, Nakauchi, this way!

Mistress!

Well, well, if it isn't Mr Kobayashi!

- I'm here with Nakauchi. - Really?

Izutsu House just isn't the same without you.

Don't say that!

- Yes, all right. - Yeah? Great!

The Mistress is here! The Mistress is back!

Important people go upstairs!

- And how are you? - Don't look at me like that.

While I was away, I bet you all had quite a party here.

I had a quiet time, I tell you.

I saw you on TV while we were in Tokyo.

You're not going to have much of a convalescence here.

If the sake is ready, take it upstairs quickly.

Don't spill anything.

Let's get a move on.

Take this to Mr Kobayashi.

How's Yukiko?

It's here that's hurting her.

- Tuberculosis? - Not at all.

I mean that she's suffering from heartache.

You frightened me then, putting your hand to your chest.

- Did she talk to you? - Not much.

- She's an intelligent woman. - Of course she is, she's my daughter.

But I can't understand how an educated woman can turn so wild.

And she's so argumentative.

But you two may become good friends.

Even so, she still won't talk to me much.

I've learnt to read people in my profession.

She's been disappointed in love and remains naturally cautious.

You think so?

You know we talked about setting up my own practice? Is there any news?

I've asked someone to look for a place for you. Why?

Well, there may be an opening for me in Tokyo.

If it doesn't work here, I may try there.

Tokyo? You can't leave me to go to Tokyo,

especially with Yukiko in such a state.

Just wait a little longer. You're in no rush to leave.

All right, then...

Call Mistress upstairs, will you? Mistress!

- Coming! - Mistress!

What on earth is it?

- What is it? - Please help me out.

The other guy is getting close to Onoue, and I want her!

You said that we had to look after him well,

give him preferential treatment, whatever he wanted.

Yeah, I know what I said,

but he's paying attention to Onoue who's my favourite.

You'll just have to put up with it for tonight.

- Why should I? - Don't be like that.

- Don't risk it. - Come on, help me out here!

All right, I'll see what I can do. Wait here.

- Where's she gone? - Just calm down.

- Madame, I'm off to see a client. - Many thanks.

Here you are.

Yes, yes, good idea! Let's go back upstairs.

Right you lot, we're going to test our luck now.

Yamada!

Listen, choose one of these.

The name of your companion for the night is written on the paper.

- Let me mix them up. - Calm down, leave it to me.

Right, choose one.

Now, Kobayashi!

Ready, let me mix them up. All right, choose!

- This one... - Fool, that's mine!

Here you go.

- I get Onoue! - Mine is Tamakoto.

Congratulations! Let's go!

- So you're mine, then? - What?

- Aren't you interested in me, then? - Of course I am.

Right, then, let's go. Come on, this way.

Oh, that hurts! That hurts!

I dream of fragrant blossoms

On this lonely night

- Be careful. - I'm all right, I'm fine.

- I'm just fine. - Don't drink that.

You should drink the water inside.

I'm fine...

Ouch, that hurt. Water, water!

Water.

Give me a sip of water.

Delicious.

More, more!

You liked that?

More.

More.

Good evening!

Sorry we're so late.

- It's Mr Masuyoshi... - Coming!

Please enter. Thank you for your custom.

Thank you for coming.

I am your most loyal employee, sir.

I would walk over flames and across oceans to be by your side...

Listen, if I'm not shown a good time, you won't get a pay rise.

- Look after us well. - You'll get the best geisha here.

- If it's no good, no payment! - Don't worry, sir.

This way, sir.

- We want the best, the prettiest! - Of course, sir, only the best.

What's happened to you, Usugumo?

Are you feeling poorly?

Yes?

She's just arrived back.

Really? I'm so sorry.

She'll return immediately to apologise.

Listen, just because you're not feeling well,

you can't walk out on a client, it gives us a bad reputation.

What's wrong?

Come and help her, quickly.

Come quickly.

You, get the doctor here. Hurry!

Come on, stretch her out. Stretch her legs.

Stretch out.

Right, bite into this.

Just hold on, the doctor will be here soon.

Mother, don't be so rough with her!

Yukiko, this is no place for you. Go to your room right now!

Where the hell is the doctor?

Is he not here yet?

Over here.

- The doctor's here. - What's wrong? What happened?

Give her an injection, she's had another attack.

Again?

- Just calm down. - You two must get to your engagement.

Just calm down.

You'll be fine after an injection.

You still up?

That kind of illness is very common amongst women of this profession.

They have acute stomach spasms.

The injections keep them under control.

What an awful profession.

I feel sorry for them.

Oh, it's just awful!

That's the way of the world, unfortunately.

There seems to be no limit to the sins that people commit.

When I first came here, I used to think the same as you.

But these girls aren't as sad or wretched as we think.

They live life to the full.

To think that I was able to study on the proceeds of this profession,

I just feel loathing for myself.

You must stop thinking like that.

The longer you stay, the more your viewpoint will change.

And you think that's a good thing?

You just don't understand how I feel, doctor.

This profession is what led me to attempt suicide.

I was engaged to my lover...

but when his family found out that my mother ran a brothel,

he immediately left me.

And I felt that I couldn't come home

because that would be just confirming his prejudices.

- Has the doctor gone home? - I'm not sure, madam.

- Goodnight, madam. - Night.

- I realise what Yukiko's problem is. - What do you mean?

The fact that you run a brothel upsets her.

What? I don't believe that's the reason at all.

She's just making excuses.

She's no reason to talk to me.

Maybe so.

Your profession is the reason behind her suicide attempt.

However much her fiancé loved her, he couldn't ignore her background.

He told her straight, he couldn't marry such a woman.

That's absurd!

You think my business has something to do with Yukiko's state?

She's never been involved in this business.

I'm not getting involved, I'm just passing on what Yukiko said.

Very well, then.

Yukiko?

Yukiko, what did you say to the doctor?

You hate the fact that your mother is in this business?

You want me to close down my business?

Yes, that's exactly what I want.

- That's the truth. - What are you saying?

Thanks to this business, you've wanted for nothing in life.

You've even had a college education!

All the more reason to detest it. I can't bear it.

Yukiko, with this house comes our family's illustrious lineage.

You're going to throw it all away just because you hate it?

You're just saying that because your experience has left you bitter.

Listen, Yukiko...

we have fifteen girls working here under this roof

and each of them has parents and siblings to care for.

They have put their trust in me to earn them a living.

I'm the mother of the business, not just the owner of the property.

See?

You must learn to have an open-minded view of the world.

Do you understand now?

Goodnight.

Yes, he's here.

For you, Mr Yamada.

Yes, this is Yamada.

Eh, Kimiko?

What, you arrived home this morning? Late last night?

Why didn't you send me a message at the store?

Don't be so foolish! Now's not the time.

It's for work. I have to take my clients out occasionally.

All right, I'll be home shortly!

I've no time for food. I've got to go home.

Where are my clothes? My clothes?

Good morning, Miss Yukiko.

Good morning, madam.

Good morning, madam.

Your breakfast is ready.

Please, enjoy your meal.

- How is Usugumo? - She's all right.

- Is she still in a bad way? - No, she's had a good night's sleep.

- Wouldn't she like some food? - She said she had no appetite.

Is it still hurting?

No.

Drink some milk. You won't get better if you don't eat.

Here.

Go on.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Does it happen often?

No, but lately it's been hurting constantly.

- You must take care of yourself. - Thank you.

You came to see how she was?

Madam... I thought that you always detested us in the past.

I don't like what you do, but there's nothing I can do about that.

I see.

But we're just daughters of poor farming families.

Forgive me for asking, but is it true

that you tried to commit suicide because of a failed love affair?

I can't believe you asked that!

I guess you've all heard.

I go through a failed love affair about once every month!

We call her the Princess of Doomed Love.

Be quiet.

If I'd committed suicide every time a lover has left me,

however many lives I had, it wouldn't be enough.

But you must stop thinking like that.

Next time you fall in love, life will be wonderful again!

Unlike you, though, a girl like her can easily find love.

But this life must be hard.

Well, we could hardly say it's wonderful,

but your mother is very good to us.

At the other houses, they'd never have allowed me to rest.

That's right.

Your kimono sleeves move with such grace

Like floating white clouds

- Let's finish there for today. - All right.

Thank you very much.

Remember we talked recently about finding a house for the doctor?

- There's one in North Shirakawa. - North Shirakawa?

That's a nice area.

How much is it?

We're looking at 2,500,000 yen including the surrounding land,

if he's interested in buying it.

2,500,000 yen?

Thank you for the information, I'll pass it on to him.

Also, I have some tickets for you for this month's performances.

I've got 30 tickets for you, I hope it's not too many.

- That's fine. - Thank you very much.

This environment's perfect, and there's more than enough space for me.

Oh, it's lovely here.

Just standing here, you can tell how lovely this place is.

Isn't it just? These houses don't come up very often.

- Shall we buy it? - But can you manage the money?

I can get my hands on 1,500,000 yen readily enough,

but we'll have to see about the remaining million.

- I'll see you in the week. - Many thanks.

- I'll give you an answer by then. - Fine.

I've been thinking of selling Izutsu House, you know?

Selling? You're joking? You mustn't make such sacrifices for me.

It's an opportunity, and you must take advantage of it.

You may never get a chance like this again.

Stop worrying about me and think of yourself for a change.

- You must hurry and decide. - But...

Still hesitating?

Anyway, it must remain a secret until you've made a decision.

You must tell no one about this.

It would be so wonderful to live there and be called your wife.

So, what shall we do now? Shall we go for lunch?

- All right. - We've still got plenty of time.

And then, all of a sudden,

the doll sat up straight

How wonderful!

The ropes have been cut

and they now fall loosely by my side

Did the rat do this for me

using its paws and teeth?

Just look,

the rat now disappears amongst the scattered blossoms

He vanishes as the storm blows the petals away

Far away

Far away

He vanishes from sight

THE KAMO RIVER DANCES

As the blossoms open,

the purifying waters of the Kamo River

flow through the villages on the great plain of Yase

The water of the Kamo River

is so alluring and inviting

And now the bush warbler has arrived

and its singing rouses me from my mid-morning nap

This is the last piece. Let's leave to avoid the crush.

Usugumo, you must understand it's for your own benefit.

You'll recover faster if you're admitted to hospital.

All right? You must go, you won't get better here.

I know that,

but if I go to hospital I can't send my little sister any money.

How much do you send her every month?

5,000 yen.

I'll lend you the money. So get yourself to the hospital.

I don't deserve it.

Do what the Mistress' daughter asks of you.

Yes, you must.

Do as she asks of you, please.

Excuse me, Miss Kisaragi, your client's waiting for you.

You two, take care not to spoil your make-up.

We've had so much work.

- I'm back. - Welcome home, madam.

- Welcome home. - Welcome home.

- I have an engagement, madam. - Good luck.

- Madam, your mother's returned home. - Thank you.

- Are three beers enough? - Fine.

- A little something for you. - Thank you, madam.

- Where have you been? - Just visiting here and there.

Mother, what shall we do about Usugumo?

- What do you mean? - I called Dr Matoba but he was out.

So I called another doctor to see her

and he said we have to get her to hospital.

Has it happened again? It's nothing serious.

No! It seems that it's a lot more serious than you think.

You intend to make her work in that state?

You shouldn't involve yourself in the affairs of the house.

- If she doesn't work, it's her loss. - Then I'll pay for her.

That's big talk, coming from you! It's not even your own money.

If you give in to them once, there'll be no end to it.

Doctor, how is she?

From what I've just seen, I think she's worse.

It may possibly be cancer. You must get her to hospital.

See? Even the doctor says so.

The hospital can deal with her better.

- Are you taking sides with Yukiko? - I'm not taking sides with anyone.

Is that so? Well, the two of you can do as you wish.

Wait a moment.

Listen, don't get so angry.

You've been spending too much time with Yukiko.

What? You told me to spend time with her.

Maybe I did, but you should stop coming round here so much.

I understand.

If that's what you want, I'll stop visiting, then.

Doctor, please.

Don't get angry.

As usual, I was only joking and you fell for it.

Don't look so serious.

I beg your forgiveness.

- Did you make these yourself? - Hello there. I just fancied a try.

- Is your mother out? - Yes.

She's got an association meeting.

If you want to see her, she's in her office.

I was wrong about you, I thought you had a cold personality

but you're very sweet.

Have you changed your opinion about your mother's business?

Not at all. I can't stand it.

But I think the girls are good-hearted and lovely.

Oh, I see.

I understand their attitude towards hardship - they grin and bear it.

And now do you intend to return to Tokyo?

I hate Tokyo.

I don't know what I'm going to do.

Whatever I do, I know I don't want to be beholden to my mother.

You could teach piano here in Kyoto.

I'm not good enough to teach.

Why are you asking me such questions?

I'd like to get to know you better.

But you're going to be so busy at your clinic.

- Who told you about that? - Mother told me.

She's always talking about you.

Well, I don't want to be stuck in a clinic for the rest of my life.

I'm looking for new openings.

- I don't think you should open a clinic. - Why not?

I don't think it'll help your career progress.

Clinicians are ten to a penny.

You're the kind of doctor who works with sensitivity and patience

in treating the kind of depression that some women suffer.

Maybe I'm speaking out of turn, but I think that's your advantage.

Sorry for going on.

Doctors aren't priests, you know.

But that's the aura you have about you.

You always get one up on me whenever we meet.

It's not intentional.

Are you upset?

No. I'm going to put into practice what you said and check on Usugumo.

Can I go with you? Wait for me.

You bastard!

What are you doing with her?

Stop it, he's just my elder brother. Leave him!

Kisaragi! You said he's your elder brother?

You're lying!

Hey!

- Well, if it isn't Mr Kawamoto? - What of it?

I think you're here to persuade our girl to leave this house.

Bad luck. You've been found out. Now clear off.

- You know nothing! - Takejiro, get rid of him.

Make sure he never sets foot in here again.

Right, you, out!

- Come on. - Easy, you bastard.

Good day, madam. Get going, you!

You have to be careful, Miss Osaki.

That type visits houses with a good reputation

and lures the best girls away.

Really, sir? Thank you for warning us.

We've just dealt with a minor incident.

Thank you so much for handling it.

Not at all. Think nothing of it.

- It was lucky I was still here. - Thank you for your help.

In appreciation of all you did for us...

No, no, I don't expect this from you.

These days, you have to keep your eye on who comes in.

I feel it's my duty to look out for the well-being of this house.

I'm very grateful to you, but please accept it.

- Treat yourself to some sake with it. - Really?

If you insist, then I accept. Thank you very much.

Can we have a quiet word...?

Kisaragi, you fell in love with him, didn't you?

If you'd fallen for his charms, sooner or later he'd have abandoned you.

What should I do?

I don't know...

A million yen is a lot of money, and it's not easy to secure a mortgage.

I understand that. What about remortgaging this place?

You'd be mad to do such a thing.

Once you'd mortgaged it, you'd be jeopardising a valuable asset

and you could lose everything.

I don't know the reason behind this, but you shouldn't do it.

As I've always said to you, set up a joint-stock company.

You could buy that house and then sell it

and that equity of one or two million yen would be yours.

Then, you could set up a number of shareholders

and we would own a majority stake in the company.

You'd have experts on hand for advice, and you wouldn't lose this place.

It sounds convincing.

Although you'd only come on board if there was money in it for you.

Clearly I'd stand to gain something, but you'd greatly benefit, too.

If you're worried about that, there is another way.

What way?

If we were together

as a family firm, we'd be invincible.

Don't be so foolish! Is that your objective? You are incorrigible.

- Yes, but... - Enough, I've heard enough!

Don't be so stand-offish with me...

Mistress! Something awful has happened!

Miss Kisaragi has run away.

- She's gone off with that fellow. - What shall we do?

Leave it to me.

- Please hurry. - I'll send someone to the station.

Thank you so much.

Welcome back, madam.

Where have you been with Yukiko, doctor?

Yukiko came with me to the hospital to see Usugumo.

You shouldn't be bothering the doctor when he's so busy.

I'm afraid that Usugumo is beyond help.

It is cancer, after all.

It's unusual in one so young.

If there is anything I can do to help, you have only to ask.

Anything at all.

She said in her letters to me that this house was unusual

in that it looked after its girls so well.

Thank you for all you've done.

Chiyoko, do you have family?

There's just me and my father now.

Mistress, will you accept me to train as a courtesan?

What, you? As a courtesan?

You mustn't, Chiyoko! Don't think like that.

Your sister didn't want that for you.

Do you not see her ashes?

Whatever difficulties you face, you must never entertain such thoughts.

There's plenty of other kinds of work.

But my father is ill, so there's only me to look after the rice fields.

And now my sister is no longer here to help.

Chiyoko is leaving for home now.

Thank you for all your support.

Thank you for looking after her.

Usugumo... you'll find peace at last in your grave.

Usugumo...

without knowing what true love was,

you worked to provide for your father and sister Chiyoko

and always looked after your clients with such dedication.

This should never have happened to you!

Chiyoko, you must leave now to catch your train.

Thank you for everything.

My tears flow when I think of the sadness in this world

In the dark waters near the edge of the marsh,

I can see reflected the lights of the fireflies

I cannot pledge myself to you

as a life together is not possible for us

Our lives are as fragile as the dew on a leaf and will end as quickly

What I really want to do is continue my piano studies in Tokyo.

- What do you think? - It's a good idea.

I still feel slightly nervous about moving back to Tokyo,

but that's no reason to give up, right?

With your energy, you should be fine.

But I'm not sure your mother will agree to it.

I don't care what she says.

It'll be difficult though, because I still lack self-confidence.

No, you must never doubt yourself. Be decisive.

Depending on the circumstances, I also intend to move to Tokyo.

Oh? And what about opening your own clinic?

Well, that's a difficult one. It's all still very much up in the air.

I've changed my mind. I want to finish my research thesis.

There'd be more possibilities for me if I had a doctorate.

I'd definitely go to Tokyo if you were going to be there.

But it's all so sudden, are you sure about this?

The two of us have neither money nor work,

but our advantage is that we're young.

If we support each other, then I'm sure we can succeed.

I've decided that whatever difficulties I encounter,

I'm determined to get on without being a burden to my mother.

You will always have me to support you.

You can depend on me. That would make me so happy.

I'll talk to mother about it.

No, I think it would be better coming from me.

- I can do it. - No, please let me deal with her.

- All right? - Yes.

That really was a wonderful performance.

Oh, thank you so much for taking the time to come.

Thank you.

- How are you? - I'll have to take the day off work.

I don't think I can take any more of this.

It's too much like hard work for you.

You can say that again! I'm not very good with Noh theatre.

- Yamada, let's go down to Gion. - No, I want to watch a bit more.

There's an interesting comedy next.

Enough! Let's go.

But the next piece is very amusing...

Enough, enough!

We're off.

We're going to take a stroll through the cherry blossoms.

- And we'll all end up at Izutsu House. - Well, I don't know...

- It's all right. You go on ahead. - See you later.

Yamada, see you later. Excuse us.

This comedy hasn't been performed for twenty years.

Yes, and Mr Shigeyama is a very skilled performer.

Let's go in.

Listen to me,

did the old woman ask you

what it was like to be in love?

Yes, she did indeed ask me that,

but I didn't know if she was being serious.

It would certainly provide her with great comfort in her old age

if she were to fall in love.

How did you respond to her?

I told her that I was too young to know.

It must be love!

It must be love!

She's head over heels,

head over heels in love!

I'm so ashamed, I'm so ashamed.

Such feelings of love

are fine when you are nineteen or twenty years of age,

but when you're an old woman of sixty like I am,

then it's just shameful.

Even carp know better than to fall in love at this age!

One tries to sleep but all one can do is toss and turn at night

One cannot deny love, there is nothing one can do

It is all the fault of love

One can find no rest, no rest at all

All there is, is madness

One shifts one's pillow here and there across the floor

One tries to sleep with the pillow here, and then there

How shameful, how shameful!

Look over there, it's the old woman in the throes of madness!

I didn't know you were here.

What a cruel play!

I didn't really want to see an old woman being ridiculed behind her back,

but I guess it's comical when old people fall in love.

Truth is, I suppose I can identify with it!

- Mr Harada... - Yes?

You know we spoke about money the other day? I need it urgently.

When you say "urgently", how soon?

As soon as possible.

Very well. I'll do what I can.

- I'd like a loan from you. - It'll be just between you and me.

We'll talk conditions later. I'll get the money and bring it round tonight.

Many thanks.

- What happened to you, Mother? - I had a headache, that's all.

Shall we go home?

No, I can't. I have to accompany Mr Yamada as far as Gion.

I see. Well, we're off to the cinema.

Don't tell me that! I'll have to stay till the end.

Excuse us.

See you later.

Doctor, wait!

Here we are, we've arrived.

We're back!

- Welcome! - Come on, come on.

- Get some drinks quickly. - Of course.

Oh, Kisaragi? I'm glad to see that you've returned to us.

Yes... please forgive me.

Please allow me to stay. I have nowhere else to go.

You foolish girl! Don't think I'll forget this in a hurry.

Please, Mistress...

That fellow tricked me, and I have lost everything.

He only wanted to take advantage of me.

- You asked for it. - Please forgive me.

Everyone says that what happened to me is divine retribution

for being disloyal to you.

Anyway, we can discuss this later. Go to your room.

Thank you. Thank you.

I'm so sorry.

Look at the way you're dressed! What a state!

Give her a change of clothes.

Where on earth have you been, Miss Kisaragi?

- I'm glad you're back. - You look dreadful.

- Mistress! Mistress! - Yes?

Bring Kisaragi out! I know she's here!

Hey! Didn't you learn your lesson last time? You back for more?

Leave off a moment.

That bitch Kisaragi still owes money to the brothel.

She even stole money from me and ran off.

I know she's here. Hey, bring her out!

- Serves you right for what you did. - What?

- Get out. - Bring her out here!

Get him out.

Get your hands off me.

Bastards!

- Thank you once again. - They never learn, those types.

- Kisaragi has returned to the fold. - What?

She said he completely fleeced her.

- She's here? - Yes.

It's difficult to know who's telling the truth and who's telling lies.

- Did you bring it? - Yes.

I suppose you have planned what you want to do with this money.

But I guess it has something to do with Dr Matoba, right?

- Why do you say that? - Let's speak frankly.

You're no innocent youngster.

Listen, ever since your husband passed away,

you know full well that I've had feelings for you.

You understand the reason why I want to give you this money...

You understand, right?

So, let's run Izutsu House together.

I understand exactly what you're saying.

Anyway, I accept it as a loan, with this place as guarantee.

I'll have the documents by tomorrow.

You're a cold fish, aren't you?

Why are you so stand-offish with me?

Is the sake ready? Hurry up and don't spill any.

- Is that for the hall? - Yes.

Be careful.

- Where's my daughter? - She's in her room.

- Is she? - And the doctor's with her.

Come over here, child, and wipe this up.

Yukiko, if you wish to return to Tokyo, then you must go alone.

You don't need to take the doctor with you.

You can go alone.

And you have lied to me.

You lied to me about wanting to open your own clinic.

And you blatantly lied about wanting me to support you.

You have no right to lie to me like that!

We need to talk about this. Let's discuss it over there.

No, I'll listen to what you have to say here, in front of Yukiko.

I'd prefer to speak alone with you.

Let's go.

Yukiko... come with me.

What's all this about?

How dare you behave like that in my house!

Yukiko is my daughter.

Please calm down and listen to me.

- I have a favour to ask of you. - I won't listen to you.

Up to now, I have reciprocated the affection that you have shown me.

- But now my feelings... - I understand all too well!

You've seduced Yukiko, and now you're both going to Tokyo!

Just listen to me!

I'm going to Tokyo with Yukiko.

Please don't say that!

Listen to me... the reason I wanted to set up a clinic for you

was I needed to do something worthy outside this seedy business.

And I thought Yukiko would be pleased with me.

When I was very young, I married a man who was chosen by my parents.

He passed away soon after.

All my life, you are the only man that I have ever wanted.

You may laugh at me,

but all I wanted was to become your wife.

But you only have eyes for Yukiko

and disregard me altogether.

You're mistaken.

I have fallen in love with Yukiko.

And I matter nothing to you?

I thought you'd be overjoyed if Yukiko found happiness.

You have no idea how much Yukiko detests this place and wants to leave.

Stop! I don't want to hear it!

Wait! Wait! Don't go!

I have already obtained all the money we need

to buy that house in North Shirakawa.

Please reconsider. Don't leave me.

Stop it, Mother!

So, you want to steal him from me?

Just you try.

As long as you're fine, you don't care about your mother.

Why did you never mention to me that you liked him?

Why did you decide to go to Tokyo without discussing it with me?

I wish I'd never come back.

Is that so?

Yukiko,

after your breakdown

I wanted to find you a good husband to make you happy again.

I wish I'd killed myself that day in Tokyo.

Don't say that!

Doctor...

Please sit down.

Is there no way that you'll stay?

How strange things turn out. It's all gone to pieces.

I am ashamed.

But was I the only one who dreamed about a future together?

Was I simply deluded by my dreams?

Everything about Izutsu House is deceptive.

I heard the rumours that people were spreading about me

but I didn't care.

I never thought I was doing anything shameful.

The truth is that young people should be with young people.

I made a mistake.

This is the money

I was going to give you, and now I have no use for it.

Please accept it and use it as you see fit.

Many thanks.

Goodbye.

Yukiko?

Please go away.

- I have something to say. - I don't want to hear it.

Please, just go!

Just listen to what I have to say.

How can you still be here after what you've done to my mother?

My mother's distraught.

Her life has lost all meaning because of you!

She may even attempt suicide.

After what I went through with that man in Tokyo,

I can understand how my mother feels.

You men are all alike!

You're just cowards!

You may think it's cowardice,

but I only acted like that to ensure our future happiness together.

And you just ignore my mother's feelings?

My mother's feelings were irrelevant, you just used her for your convenience.

How could you do such a thing?

That's a different issue altogether.

When I fell in love with you, I decided then to change my ways.

Why is it wrong of me to wipe away my past history with your mother?

The feelings I have for you are genuine.

So you think you've acted correctly?

Why are you concerning yourself with this?

There's no way your mother and I could have got married.

See, your mother gave me this money.

And you accepted it?

Your mother said I could use it how I wanted.

You know where that money came from?

Give it back to her.

So we're going to Tokyo without a penny to our name?

You still think I can go to Tokyo with you?

Don't worry about your mother, she has accepted the situation.

In her heart, she has given us her blessing to leave.

I don't know how you can think that.

What do you think you're doing?

Careful!

Yukiko!

Yukiko!

What are you doing?

I understand...

I understand what you want.

We won't see each other ever again.

Farewell.

Please, wait!

Wait! Wait!

Don't stop him, Mother! Let him go.

Why are you acting like this?

I couldn't bear to see you so miserable.

What's wrong, Mother?

I feel dizzy all of a sudden.

Let's take you to your room.

- Miss Oume! Miss Oharu! - Yes?

Please come quickly!

- They're ready to eat. - Good.

You can serve the food now. Miss Oume, Miss Okinu!

Hello? Izutsu House.

Is that Mr Sumiya? Hello.

Eight o'clock? Very good. Thank you very much.

- Miss Oharu? - Yes, madam?

An engagement for Tamakoto, Mr Sumiya at eight o'clock.

Very good, madam.

Thanks for your offer of help

but my mother instructed me to return this to you as we no longer need it.

Oh, I see.

I hope she didn't feel pressured into having to return it so soon.

- I'll just have a word with your mother. - Sorry

but the doctor said she was to see no one.

So, are you going to take over the business from now on?

I'm not too sure yet.

Anyway, with mother ill, I'll just have to try my best.

If you need any help, just ask. And thank you for this.

- Mistress! - Coming.

- Are you there? - Yes!

- Mistress! - Yes, sir.

Welcome.

- Where's your mother? - Sorry, but she's not feeling very well.

- So you're the new Mistress? - Yes, sir.

It's gone all modern, the Mistress now wears Western dress!

We've got guests!

We bumped into this lot in Gion, they're from all over the country.

- Good to see you again. - Miss Ozaki, the full works tonight!

Come on in! There's room for everybody!

There'll be a companion for everyone, come on!

- Take that to the hall. - Very good, madam.

- Where are the cooks? - They're not here yet.

Oh, here they come.

- There are 25 guests in total. - Thank you.

Can we have 25 sets, please, as quickly as possible?

- Miss Oharu? - Yes, madam.

- Get the girls ready. - Yes, madam.

I'll get Onoue, Kisaragi and Aioi all prepared. They'll be down soon.

You're doing very well.

Your mother may be ill, but everything's running like clockwork.

At last, your mother can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Sorry she's not around for you.

This is for your mother, madam.

- I'll take it to her. - Very well. Thank you.

Tell your mother from me

that I can come to visit her whenever she pleases.

I'll tell her.

How are you, Mother?

I'm feeling fine, thank you.

- Is Mr Kobayashi here? - Yes, with lots of guests in tow.

Was the hall prepared? Had it been properly cleaned?

Don't worry about it. Just leave all that to me.

- Here, drink this. - Thank you.

I'm sorry for being such a nuisance.

You probably hate me for all the pain I've caused you.

What are you saying? I'm as much a victim as you are.

A victim, eh?

Being able to recognise that shows how much you've grown up.

Absolutely. In matters of love, I am far more experienced than you.

I'm no longer a child.

You've learned some valuable lessons about the world, haven't you?

It's having these experiences forced upon me that I hate.

You know, in some ways, life is all about suffering,

but you have to learn to live with it.

I'm sorry that I've ended up in this state

and delayed your trip back to Tokyo.

- Forgive me. - Please don't worry about that.

A strange feeling came over me, when I sat at reception today.

In a way, I felt like I'd been sitting there all my life.

And I felt that I could happily sit there for the rest of my life, too.

- I'm a chip off the old block. - You certainly are.

You sat there from the moment you were inside my womb.

Excuse me, but Mr Kobayashi is asking for you, madam.

Really? There's never any rest for the mistress of the house.

Good luck, Mistress.

Thank you.

Chiyoko!

It's nice to see you. Are you well?

I'm here to ask if you'll offer me any chance of work.

There's no way I can do that. I already told you that.

Please don't reject me. Let me work as one of your girls.

If you turn me away, I won't be able to help my father get better.

Please, I beg of you. Please let me work.

Please.

Mistress! Can you come when you're ready?

Yes!

Why don't you stay and we can discuss the matter later?

- Are they all ready yet? - Yes, we're ready.

- I'll go on up. - Please do.

Well, if it isn't Chiyoko! How lovely to see you.

- Are you sightseeing in Kyoto? - How's your father?

Fine. Thank you for asking.

I've come here to ask for work.

Please would you ask the Mistress on my behalf? Please.

- Stop such talk! - Miss Onoue, wait a moment.

Let me just fix that.

That's better.

I ask myself, when will there be no more need for girls like us?

But they just keep coming, one after another.