Original subtitles

Ghost in the Regiment

Producer Okura Mitsugi

Screenwriter Ishikawa Yoshihiro

Cinematographer Nishimoto Tadashi

Starring

Amachi Shigeru as Namishima Nakayama Shoji as Tazawa

Kubo Naoko as Akiko

Mihara Yoko Tomita Fumiko

Director Nakagawa Nobuo

Autumn 1941

It seems you failed to win the girl, Lieutenant.

Failed?

I'm waging a long battle.

The true spirit of a warrior is found in the final victory.

After all, women are most enticing when you haven't obtained them.

Their luster fades soon once you've had them.

- Are you tired? - No, I’m alright.

Shouldn’t you greet the guests?

Yes, I will.

Help me, please!

Look, soldier.

- We hired that woman for our banquet. - I never agreed to sell my body.

I’m a dancer. I thought that’s why they called me.

- Don’t talk crazy. - Leave her alone.

If you keep disturbing the peace, I'll have no choice but to arrest you.

Are you an MP? Forgive me! I’m terribly sorry.

Thank you.

I'm very grateful. My name is Ruri. I'm pleased to meet you.

Lieutenant Namishima.

I perform at the Club Shanghai.

I hope you will come see me.

I will.

I'm serious.

Then, it's a promise?

I'm looking forward to it.

December 8, 1941

The Imperial Navy Declares War with the West

The US Fleet at Pearl Harbor is decimated!

The Philippines,

Sumatra, Java,

Malaysia,

Burma

Attacked in rapid succession!

Britain's Unsinkable Prince of Wales is Sunk in La Paz off Malaysia!

Corregidor & Singapore The West's Footholds in Asia Fall!!

Summer 1942 Tokyo 5th MP Division

- Oh, excuse me, sir. - Damn idiot!

Lieutenant, something terrible's happened.

- Can’t you even knock? - I'm sorry.

The classified documents I was carrying were stolen.

What?

Don't you realize those papers could turn the tide of the war?

It will go badly for you if they aren't found soon.

What will happen to me?

- The Death Penalty. - Death Penalty!?

Lieutenant, can't you do something?

I beg you.

I have a wife and children.

Is that any way for a hardened MP to talk?

Besides, none of that will change matters.

Lieutenant, what can I do?

Is that all you can think about, yourself?

I suppose it is possible to delay reporting this for now.

But you must find those documents immediately.

Sir, I've looked everywhere for them.

The Commander expects them tomorrow.

So you've lost the papers and won't take responsibility.

How selfish.

Please help me. I beg of you.

Are you willing to place the blame on someone else?

Someone else?

But how? How could I do it?

For instance, one might take that empty briefcase,

quietly place it in another room,

then announce it was stolen and begin a search.

Where ever it's found, there's the culprit.

Or something like that.

But who...?

Fool! Do I have to tell you everything?

Sir!

Use your head.

They say, "an order from a superior, is an order from the Emperor."

One might take advantage of such weakness for blind obedience.

Do you follow?

Find a suitable culprit from within your unit.

Someone inconvenient.

Like... Sergeant Tazawa, perhaps?

Sergeant Tazawa…

Tazawa! Why don't you confess!?

You! Hit him again!

Pig-headed bastard. Confess or you're dead!

Right!

Dammit!

Hey, harder!

Damn you!

Sergeant. He's not breathing.

Throw water on him.

Your brother is on a case and can't see you today.

But they confirmed our appointment was today.

Bastard!

Are you questioning a superior officer?

Never. I only...

Please. This is my last leave of the year.

If I can't see him today,

I may never get another chance.

You call yourself a soldier?

Japan’s at war, mister.

I ought to throw you in the brig, you bastard.

But today I’ll let it go. Now, clear out!

Sir!

- How did it go today? - He still won’t talk.

How could he?

One can't confess to a crime they never committed.

I'm sorry.

Why not arrest his wife and mother as accomplices?

Charge them with destroying the documents to protect him.

Then, torture them in front of him.

Can I do that?

You had better go all in.

For if you don't settle this matter soon, you'll have bigger problems to worry about.

Right. I'll have them arrested tomorrow.

- Yes, do that. - With your permission, sir.

Good work.

News from Imperial Headquarters.

The Navy Air Corps and Torpedo Division

attacked an enemy transport convoy on the 12th near Vella Lavella island,

south of the Solomon islands. Damage to the enemy follows:

2 cruisers, 3 destroyers, 5 transports sunk, and 6 more damaged.

Damage sustained by our troops follows:

15 planes lost, 1 light cruiser damaged...

- Here are the documents. - Thank you.

These classified Japanese documents

will win the war for my country.

You will be well paid.

But you were late. I was getting worried.

I had to arrest the criminal who stole these documents.

What criminal?

- A scapegoat. - Oh, I see.

Your extreme caution in these matters

never ceases to amaze me.

Just one small mistake and it’s all over.

How true.

You certainly took your time.

I began to think that you forgot about me.

Forget you? Impossible.

Good answer.

But your timing suggests you had another reason for coming.

Don't you trust me?

I’ve heard things about you.

That you were at a wedding reception the night we met.

And you're in love with the bride.

Blushing?

No matter. I forgive you.

What else did you hear about me?

That you’re talented.

But after your father's suicide the Army Academy rejected you.

That's when I knew I loved you.

You have a checkered past, too?

Forgive me if I was too personal.

Shall we dance?

I love you.

What on earth happened?

Come along quietly. They’ll explain at headquarters.

No violence, please. We’re not criminals.

Then come and make your statement.

Listen to me! Resisting arrest is treason.

Well? That’s got to hurt.

Ichiro, don’t mind us.

I can stand the pain as long as you’re innocent.

Mother! Akiko! Forgive me!

Akiko!

Dear!

Wait! Wait a minute.

Damn you!

Ready to confess?

Fine. Let’s go a little harder.

No, please. Stop! Please don't. Let her go.

Stop!

It was me!

Then you finally admit it?

Ichiro, you…

Mother, it's alright.

Admit that you stole those documents!

I did!

What? He confessed?

Then, he'll be executed?

He was such an honest boy. I just can’t believe it.

Nothing's official yet.

I still have to file my report on his character and army record.

I'll try to help his case.

Please, I beg of you.

Of course.

You’ve been so kind to us

ever since the wedding.

We're so grateful.

I’m glad if I can help.

Akiko, say something.

Please, help us.

Stay in step!

Iida reporting. I’ve brought 16 prisoners.

Attention.

Today’s orders are as follows.

Iida and the prisoners will follow Sergeant Takahashi.

Punishment will be carried out within this prison.

Death by firing squad.

Dismissed.

- Remove this hood. - Alright.

At rest.

Brother!

- What was that? - Oh, Sergeant.

Request to be excused from this detail.

- No personal requests. - Sir.

I did nothing wrong!

I’m innocent. Innocent!

I curse whoever did this to me.

I’ll come back, I swear! And kill you!

Hey!

I’ll never forget… never forgive.

I’m innocent!

I’ll never forget!

- Lieutenant! - Do you know what time it is?

I hear footsteps…

Tazawa’s footsteps.

Traitor!

Even the children torment us.

It’s taken a toll on mother.

When my company heard the news about my husband,

they fired me for being the wife of a traitor.

I have no idea how we are going to live.

I’m truly sorry for you.

Neither of you did anything wrong.

About finding a job, right now,

everyone is shorthanded.

Let me check a few places and see what I can do.

Thank you.

I appreciate your kindness.

If I can do anything to help, please just ask.

Thank you for everything.

Not at all, goodbye.

By some sick twist of fate,

I was ordered to participate in my own brother’s firing squad.

Knowing that he is innocent,

his last tortured words were etched deep in my heart.

So I decided to join the Military Police

to try to learn more about my brother's case.

I pray for your health,

and that you both keep believing in my brother's innocence.

Today I'd like to ask a favor of you.

- What is it? - I would like you to find

a job in your company for a woman I know.

Who is she?

The wife of Tazawa, the spy who was executed.

This is Orient Trading.

Who? Oh yes, she's here.

- Ms. Tazawa, it’s for you. - Thank you.

Yes, Tazawa speaking.

Oh, it's you. Hello.

Yes, I’m getting used to the job. Thank you for asking.

Oh really? That’s fine.

What? No, nothing special.

I'm free this evening and wanted to invite you to dinner.

How is your mother-in-law?

Not very well.

The doctor said even the slightest excitement could cause a seizure.

Then, shouldn’t she be hospitalized?

We could never afford that.

Akiko, in hard times friends help each other.

Thank you.

My husband’s brother entered the military police.

He says he wants to investigate my husband's case

to prove his innocence.

Really? What a lovely sentiment.

I think I can help you find a suitable hospital.

Thank you again.

I don't know how to thank you.

You’ve done so much for us already.

It’s all just a ploy to get rid of you.

What? Get rid of me?

Of course. Akiko wants you out of the house.

Caring for you is a burden. She can’t do what she wants.

Did Akiko say that?

She didn’t have to.

A husband guilty of treason, now a disabled mother-in-law.

And after all, you're not related by blood.

I'd say Akiko got the bad end.

What did she tell you?

It just came out one day.

She said, “I could be happy if I didn't have my mother-in-law.”

Then what she really means

is she is waiting for me to die.

There, there. Don’t get so excited.

Don’t touch me! Leave me alone!

If she thinks I’m a burden, then I don’t want to live!

Let me die. I’ll kill myself! I’ll do it!

This is Orient Trading.

Yes, speaking.

Mother what?

Jumped from a window?

Mother of MP Spy Kills Herself Jumps from Hospital Window

It’s as though you were born to suffer.

Please don’t say that. It only makes me sadder.

Akiko, this may not be the right time to ask this.

But would you ever consider remarrying?

Why, I could never

even think of such a thing.

I see.

But you’re alone now.

And even if I did, what if he were drafted?

things would be the same.

Perhaps you’re right.

What if it were someone who wouldn’t be sent to the front?

Someone like me?

What? You?

Would you at least think about it?

A Traitor's Wife Is She Also a Spy?

Hmm, so she was married?

And to a traitor no less.

Tazawa, the Manager wants to see you.

Alright.

It’s a shame. I know you’ve just settled into this job.

But that article about your mother...

Well, it's a problem for us. I’ll have to ask you to resign.

Yes.

I understand.

Hello? What about that favor I asked for?

How did it go?

You mean firing that woman?

The manager did it this morning.

Is anyone home?

Anyone?

When I heard you lost your job, I came as soon as I could.

Oh? How kind.

I worried you may be depressed about your mother and needed help.

Today was truly the worst.

- Please, come in. - Thanks.

I brought some food to help cheer you up.

Thank you.

People should never give up.

It’s just like war. You must fight to win I always say.

Hey. Let's toast your new start.

Now, that’s no way to be.

Drink and you’ll feel better.

That's it.

Have another.

No.

No! No!

Stop! No, no!

The War Expands, Allied Attacks Intensify

Admiral Yamamoto Vanquished in the South Pacific

Japanese Garrisons Decimated From the Aleutians to the South Pacific

Allied Attack Stretches From Guadacanal Across the Pacific

Allied Counterattack Crosses the IndoBurma Border

What is this?

Call it a settlement.

First you put me through hell,

and now you insult me?

And what's more, I’m pregnant.

Who is the father?

What sort of question is that?

Any woman who spreads her legs after a few drinks,

should be grateful for anything she gets.

You’re inhuman.

You prey on weak people like me. You’re cruel.

You'd better take care of that child right away.

Heh.

Ironic now that everyone says “have children, increase the population.”

Anyhow, I’m leaving Japan.

I leave tomorrow at midnight.

I’ve been assigned to Hankou.

I also have orders to return to China.

I pulled some strings and got on a military transport for Shanghai.

HQ ordered that we maintain contact.

They don't want to lose their best source of intelligence.

I’m glad to be of service.

In China, we’ll communicate via encrypted wireless.

Understood.

This is my wife, Honglan. She’s my right arm.

A pleasure to meet you.

I’m Namishima.

- Are you finished? - Yes.

Shall I show Mr. Namishima our garden?

I doubt he's interested.

Actually, I’ve never seen your garden.

Then why don’t you show him?

I have to arrange our farewell party.

Very well. Shall we?

Yes.

You surprised me.

I never dreamt you were Zhang’s wife.

Disappointed?

Not really.

I suppose that means I have no secrets left.

Women in love all have secrets.

I’ll have to ask you to keep ours from Zhang.

- Why? - He’s insanely jealous.

Is he?

It’s almost time.

- Meet me in China as soon as you can. - I will.

Take care of yourself.

I’ll never forget… never forgive.

I’m innocent! I’ll never forgive you!

Who’s there!?

Who is it?

It’s me, Takahashi.

Oh, only you.

“Only you”? That’s cold.

I brought this rare sake because I wanted to have

one last toast before you left. Here, Lieutenant!

Haven't you had enough? You still want to drink?

Today’s special. It’s our farewell.

Better lay off that stuff after I'm gone.

No one will cover for you anymore.

I owe you my life, Lieutenant.

But are you sure you want to leave

the woman that you worked so hard to steal?

What? Watch yourself.

Oh, no need to worry.

I can keep my mouth shut.

Enough!

You’re stinking drunk.

“I’m fighting the long battle."

"The true spirit of a warrior lies in gaining the final victory,” wasn't it?

Yeah, you’re incredible.

That did it!

What are you doing!? Stop!

I’m gonna show you how tough this Sergeant can be.

No, wait. Knock it off!

I gave you my best sake

and just wanted to send you off nicely.

But you had to hit me.

Enough. Stop, I say!

Hey, Takahashi! Takahashi!

XX Division en route to Hankou

Hankou

- Namishima reporting for duty. - At ease.

We’ve just received a vital communication.

The spy ring we’ve been watching, headed by Zhang Jueren,

and his mistress Honglan, arrived in Shanghai three weeks ago.

They are here in Hankou now.

We think they'll come to the Botan Cabaret tonight.

Oh, I see.

He is about 50 years old, wears glasses and dark clothing.

He always wears a gold watch on his left wrist.

I want you to arrest them.

Yes,

understood.

Enter.

Entering.

Tazawa and Akabori reporting for duty, sir.

At ease.

These two graduated from Nanjing MP Academy with top marks.

- I’m assigning them to you. - Sir.

- This is Lieutenant Namishima. - Sir.

- Who is it? - Namishima.

He says to send someone else in my place tonight.

They'll arrest him and shoot him on the way back.

Thereby erasing any trace of the real Zhang Jueren.

It seems the MPs tracked us.

You didn't tell him I was here?

Namishima's not going to like that.

Why would I tell him that you’re here?

Still jealous? Fool.

You and I are two different species.

We share the same goal,

and our work depends on our trusting each other.

Better lose your personal feelings. For our nation and the mission.

Why don't you start? Tell me you don't love Namishima.

You still doubt me?

Now, I’m definitely going to meet him tonight.

Hey! Are you serious?

Dead serious.

You talk big but This is what you really think.

Whatever. Do what you want.

As you wish. That's exactly what I'll do.

No wait, Honglan.

Listen, I’m sorry.

This time, I swear I'll marry you.

I won’t fall for that one again.

Being your secretary suits me fine.

- What is it? - Send Wang Youmin in my place tonight.

The Botan Cabaret, 9pm.

- You two watch from here. - Yes, sir.

Whiskey.

- Honglan! - I missed you.

Why didn’t you tell me you were in Hankou?

Zhang’s jealousy.

Let's dance.

The one dancing with Honglan is their leader.

You'll kill him and Wang both.

Let's escape together tonight.

Why?

It's our last chance to be free of Zhang and spying.

You have no idea how evil Zhang really is.

Am I any different?

Yes! You’ve just deceived yourself.

Deceived myself?

Could you betray your country? Or kill your own people?

There's no more time for talk.

You have no idea what courage it took for me to come here.

Alright.

But will you wait until this job is over?

Do I have a choice?

- Zhang Jueren? - Yes.

There's a car waiting outside.

I see.

- W-what are you doing? - Arresting you on suspicion of spying.

Get him out of here quick.

Take cover!

Watch out, Lieutenant! You'll hit Tazawa!

Dammit!

How much longer are you going to lie to us?

It will get a lot rougher than this.

I’m not Zhang Jueren. They told me to take his place.

You said you were him.

And we've got hard evidence.

A Japanese nurse can identify me.

Ask her! She'll tell you who I am.

No need to.

We know you are Zhang Jueren.

But I’m not! I'm Wang Youmin!

Lieutenant. Let me find the Japanese nurse.

It’s an obvious lie.

But if it’s not, there will be trouble.

Ignoring the innocent goes against all that MPs stand for.

Fine. Go then.

- Locate the nurse and bring her here. - Sir.

You! What's the nurse's name?

Yoshikawa Akiko. She works at the Army Hospital.

Yoshikawa Akiko?

Hankou Army Hospital

Well, well.

I thought it might be you, sister.

You surprised me. I didn't expect to meet you here.

How long has it been?

Before you married my brother. So... three years.

I received your letter about mother’s death,

but didn't hear from you again.

I was afraid you might have been in a bomb raid.

I'm sorry to have worried you.

I felt a need to do something. So I volunteered to be nurse.

Thank you for all you did for my brother and mother.

No, it was nothing.

When I heard my mother died,

and that I couldn’t even attend her funeral,

I hated being in the army.

Let’s talk about something else.

What did you want to see me about?

Do you know a Chinese called Wang Youmin?

Yes, I do.

He wants you to testify on his behalf.

He is a suspect in my first case, with Lieutenant Namishima.

Did you say Lieutenant Namishima?

That's right. He's my superior officer.

Do you know him?

Yes, I know him.

And I swore that I'd kill him if I ever saw him again.

But why?

You have no idea how he made us suffer.

And I suspect that he is responsible

for what happened to your brother and mother.

Are you certain?

The real reason I became a nurse was to find him.

I've brought the witness.

Right, bring them in.

I'm Yoshikawa Akiko.

Thank you for coming.

Now then, do you know this man?

- Miss Yoshikawa! - Silence! Not a word from you!

He's Wang Youmin.

And how do you know that he's Wang Youmin?

He was brought to the hospital for emergency treatment.

I saw his name on the medical chart,

and took him back to his home.

If needed, I also have his address.

No, that's all. You may go.

Are you sure that's all?

I'm always available to testify

that you are evil personified.

What? Are you referring to Lieutenant Namishima?

I am. This man is a monster.

He destroyed our lives.

How dare you! I have nothing to do with your sort.

That's an outright lie.

You're the very reason my mother-in-law committed suicide.

You've completed what was asked. Now please leave.

Colonel Komori, may I dismiss the suspect?

- Is your investigation complete? - Yes.

Lieutenant. Have you questioned him

as to why he posed as Zhang Jueren?

No, not yet.

Namishima, what is the matter with you today?

Well, I suppose I'm not feeling very well.

In that case, shall stop the investigation for today?

Thank you, yes.

Kill Wang Youmin.

Why did the Commander order us to move this at this time of night?

The first rule for an MP is to do one's duty without questions.

I guess you're right.

- But Tazawa. - Yes?

Didn't you think Lieutenant Namishima acted a bit odd

in our shoot out with the plain clothes squad?

I saw him aiming at you.

- Better watch out. - Ok, I will.

- And thanks. - Let's go.

- Hey, watch it. - Ok.

- I'll report to the Commander. - Right, thanks.

Free me.

Free me.

The witness today, Yoshikawa Akiko.

- Isn't she your sister-in-law? - Yes.

She made some serious charges against Namishima.

Did anything happen between them?

Anything? Well, it's just a hunch.

- What's that supposed to mean? - Well you see, Sir...

- It isn't easy to say. - It's alright. You can speak frankly.

Thank you. Well, my brother was an MP Corporal.

I remember. I taught him at the academy.

He was serious and dedicated.

I often wondered why this happened.

- In fact, I still can't believe it. - Really?

My sister-in-law told me things about Lieutenant Namishima.

Like, it was he who was responsible

for framing my brother to look guilty.

I think that my physical resemblance to my brother

may be the cause of the Lieutenant's attitude toward me.

- In what way? - Well.

He always looks at me as if he is terrified of something.

I see. Then the footlocker incident was real.

Footlocker incident?

The night Namishima left for China,

his aide Sergeant Takahashi disappeared. That's how it started.

Then, things became a literal maze.

A month later, part of Takahashi's corpse was discovered

in an officer's footlocker that had been cast to sea.

It was in the water too long to determine the cause of death.

But closer examination of the body jammed inside revealed

the footlocker may have belonged to Lieutenant Namishima.

The trunk you carried in is that footlocker.

Out.

Hurry and get out of here!

Lieutenant, what is it?

I shot a prisoner trying to escape. See to him!

Hey! Pull yourself together.

The Lieutenant tricked me.

And he's going to Zhang's safe house...

What? Zhang has a safe house?

Tama road... 4... 6...

Wait! Hang on! Hey!

- What's going on here? - Sir.

Lieutenant Namishima shot prisoner Wang Youming while attempting to escape.

- Where is Namishima now? - I'll look for him, sir.

- Akabori, get the medic. - Yes, yes.

Lieutenant Namishima.

Hey, Tazawa! Look, a reciever!

We found this receiver but no trace of the Lieutenant.

- What? Namishima is missing? - Yes.

Right after Wang Youmin was shot,

he took a sidecar and left the compound.

- He must have known about Zhang's house. - Yes.

Now I'm certain that he's responsible for your brother's death.

Go after him immediately.

Honglan.

I'm so happy.

Now keep your promise and let's go away together.

Well, Namishima. You actually came.

Yes. They finally caught on to me.

Did they?

Then, I can't use you any longer.

So that's it?

Then pay me for my work until now.

I have a strict rule. Anyone who becomes

useless to me...must die!

Is that all you can say to a person who worked with you?

Person? I didn't think you knew the word.

Y-you two won't... have much... longer...

- Honglan, let's go now. - Yes, quickly.

Lieutenant!

Honglan!

Honglan, Honglan!

Namishima...

Honglan...

Tazawa!

Namishima!

Namishima! Confess! And apologize to my brother's spirit.

What sort of scum are you Namishima?

You've committed one of the vilest crimes, you're a traitor!

I'll send you up before a military tribunal and see you get the limit.

Get up, Namishima!

I'm relieved that Namishima confessed and cleared my brother.

He and my mother must be pleased up there.

You went through a lot.

Now it's time to think of your own happiness.

If we both make it safely back to Japan after this war,

there's something I would like to discuss with you.

Something that concerns both of us.

Please don't say it. I'm glad, but...

But I...

I've no right to accept.

If you're clinging onto the past...

I beg you to let it go.

Thank you.

But I need time to settle what's in my heart.

I'll wait... gladly.

The End