Original subtitles

Daiei Productions Presents

GION BAYASHI

Based on the original novel by KAWAGUCHI Matsutaro

Cast:

KOGURE Michiyo as Miyoharu, WAKAO Ayako as Eiko/Miyoei

KAWAZU Seizaburo as Kusuda, SHINDO Eitaro as Sawamoto

SUGAI Ichiro as Saeki, KOSHIBA Kanji as Kanzaki

ISHIHARA Sumao as Kokichi, NANIWA Chieko as Okimi

MORI Kikue as the Geisha Instructor

Directed by MIZOGUCHI Kenji

Buy my crickets!

Buy my eels!

I also have sweets!

Buy my wares!

MIYOHARU

You're lying! Do you want your father to throw you out?

I can't bear useless men like you!

I can't believe you show your face here

when you still owe three months' fees to the tea house manager.

The pleasure district is reserved for those who can pay their way.

I want to marry you.

You're more to me than just a geisha.

I have absolutely no intention of getting married.

So you lied to me?

A geisha's lie is not a real lie.

It's a cornerstone of our profession.

Do we not amuse our clients by agreeing to all their requests?

Damn you!

Oi! Stop!

What are you doing? Stop it!

Just behave and go home!

You can come back here when you've paid off your debts.

I won't forget what you said!

Get him his shoes!

Who the hell does he think he is?

You gave it to him straight, though. What a hooligan.

He's just the spoilt son of a bad father.

Is that you, Eiko?

- May I see the Mistress? - What is it about?

Who is it?

It's the daughter of Ochiyo, your old colleague who died recently.

Oh? Show her in.

- Come in. - Thank you.

- What's happened? - Good day, madam.

Since my mother died, life with my uncle has become unbearable.

- He says she left nothing... - Very well. Come this way.

My mother left me nothing, and since her funeral was so expensive,

my uncle says I have to sleep with him to repay the debt.

How dare he talk to you like that.

The Mistress here paid for everything in memory of their close friendship.

Enough of that.

Listen, Eiko, why exactly have you come here?

I want you to help me become a trainee geisha.

Oh? A geisha, you say?

If I stay with my uncle, it'll just destroy me.

I want to follow in mother's footsteps.

The life of a geisha isn't all a bed of roses, you know?

- How old are you? - I'm sixteen.

- And you're registered...? - Under my mother's name.

And your father... What became of Mr. Sawamoto?

I didn't see him at the funeral.

He's sick and his business is failing.

Apparently he's living in Nishijin.

I thought that may happen.

When your mother Ochiyo agreed to be his wife,

Mr. Sawamoto's business was very prosperous

and everybody envied her.

One can never predict one's fate.

Have you learnt the shamisen and any dances?

My mother taught me a little.

Really?

Stand up for me.

Turn that way.

You have a beautiful figure.

Mistress, are you going to take her in?

I can't very well send her back to her uncle.

Even so, she's no stray kitten,

and as her father's alive, I have to get his permission.

Very well, I'll deal with that for you.

Kokichi, I'm sending you out on an errand.

You remember our former client from years ago? Mr. Sawamoto?

It shouldn't be difficult to find him.

SAWAMOTO'S HABERDASHER GOODS

How dare she go and visit Miyoharu.

She's got some cheek, that girl!

I've not had any dealings with Miyoharu for some years now.

I was just a client, and she was just a geisha to me.

How could Eiko make such an embarrassment of herself

by going to see Miyoharu?

She didn't even discuss the matter with me.

That doesn't matter now. Will you become her guarantor or not?

The Mistress wants to observe the correct protocol and inform you

since she's the daughter of a respected former client.

Don't rush me.

You can see the poor state my health is in.

Please, allow me to do that.

I'm sick, and my business, too, is ailing.

I have enough to worry about. I can't pay for my daughter's expenses.

I'm not just a messenger boy, I can't go back without your agreement.

I understand the position you're in,

but the last thing I want is to interfere in Eiko's future.

And I refuse to sign my approval as her guarantor.

Henceforth, I want to break off all relations with her.

Now leave me alone.

To be fair to the Mistress, she can't be expected to take care of the girl.

Whatever it takes, you have to get his approval.

How long have you worked in Gion?

I know, I know, but he refuses to listen.

He can behave as he likes, but it's his own daughter!

That's what I said to him!

He's just a bitter old man!

Mistress, I'm sorry.

I knew my father would wash his hands of me.

Mistress, is there no way I can stay here without a guarantor?

You are the only hope I have, Mistress.

I know it's hard, but I have nowhere left to go.

I will train hard.

You really have no one to pay your expenses?

As I've resolved to do this, do I need a guarantor?

I implore you, teach me how to become a geisha.

I will practise diligently so I can become a true geisha.

That's easier said than done.

Do you have the perseverance?

I will try my hardest.

To become a first-class geisha like your mother,

you must train hard.

I will train diligently.

- You're sure? - Yes.

I've decided...

...to take this girl in.

Really? Thank you.

As you all probably know,

when foreigners visit Japan,

they see "Fujiyama" and "Geisha Girls" as representing the beauty of Japan.

Amongst those "Geisha Girls",

the most beautiful and emblematic are the geisha from here in Gion.

Like the tea ceremony and Noh theatre, those epitomes of Japanese culture,

we are living works of art.

We may even be called "intangible Cultural Assets".

All of you must exude both confidence and pride in yourselves

as symbols of the inherent beauty of Japan.

And you must train hard every day.

Yes, madam.

Like this.

Keep this one in. And look up.

She's been in training for only one year,

but she shows great aptitude.

She won't be an embarrassment if we send her out to clients.

How time flies. Is it really a year since she started?

- Yes. - I could make introductions for her.

Clients nowadays aren't as fussy about protocol as they used to be.

Still, she needs impeccable manners.

Yes, it was the same for me,

when I was a trainee geisha.

But that's not all.

She must be beautifully presented,

otherwise she'll be unable to compete with girls from wealthier houses.

You can't expect to attract good clients without the proper presentation.

I agree.

I'd like to do everything I can to give her a good start.

Let's see...

...you'll need about 300,000 yen.

Indeed.

That's why I wanted to ask for your assistance.

Don't be so foolish!

Haven't you got some money saved?

No, Mother.

If I had that kind of money, I wouldn't be in this awful position.

But I'm not a wealthy woman, either!

Well, as it's for you, I will do what I can to help.

I'm indebted to you, thank you so much.

Thank you.

- You're in luck! - Thank you.

Good morning!

Girls making their debut are always the first to arrive at the crack of dawn.

You can't have slept much with all the excitement.

I'll make you so beautiful that every client will want you.

And you mustn't fall in love, it's bad for business!

Instead, you should pray to the gods to find you a good patron.

Yes, I will.

- Good morning! - Morning.

So, from today you'll be called Miyoei,

and you'll be apprenticed to the Mistress.

You must never forget that, right?

Do you realise how much all this costs? Your kimono, collar and belt,

your combs and the sandals that you're wearing?

More than 200,000 yen, you know!

Even if you work hard and entertain many clients,

you won't even make a third of that!

So, when you look at all these beautiful things,

you'll appreciate how much the Mistress has done for you, eh?

Saeki, Kokichi, I've brought you two something.

- Thanks. - Thank you.

Mistress, I ask for your blessing.

Whichever tea house you enter, you must greet the owner politely.

I shall.

She's the one who will recommend you to her customers,

so speak respectfully.

- Good day. - Congratulations! All the best!

- Please give us your blessing. - Congratulations!

May I present a daughter of Miyoharu's house?

- Your blessings, please! - Congratulations!

Thank you.

- Congratulations! - Thanks for your blessing.

Thank you.

May I present a daughter of Miyoharu's house?

- Your blessings, please! - Your blessings, please.

Oh, congratulations to you all.

She looks so beautiful. Well done.

- You must be exhausted. Come in. - Thank you.

- You two, you're welcome as well. - Thank you, madam.

Your timing is perfect. Mr. Kusuda has just arrived.

- Really? - Come and say hello.

Thank you.

- Thank you for your blessings. - Congratulations.

She looks beautiful.

Oh, please come through.

There's nothing complicated about it at all.

All it takes is your seal of approval.

It's not as simple as you make out, Kusuda.

The deal is worth 80 million yen, that's big money.

A lowly section chief like me can't authorise a deal like that alone.

There's no way.

Mr. Kanzaki, we heard that you'll be bureau chief soon. Right?

That depends on head office.

I can get a new electric refrigerator for you.

There'll be trouble if I accept that.

- There won't. - I'll get into trouble.

Well, it's yours.

You guys don't take me seriously.

If I'm going to haunt you from the beyond, I'll give you a sign!

Now you're scaring me!

Excuse me, gentlemen.

- The entertainment's ready. - Very good.

- They're all assembled. - Bring them on.

Also, Mr. Kusuda,

Miyoharu has just arrived to present her debutante geisha.

Excellent. Come up.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Come on up.

- Many thanks. - Thank you, madam.

- Good evening, gentlemen. - Come in, quickly.

- Good evening. - Thank you.

- Good evening, gentlemen. - Come round this side.

- Is this the girl? - Yes.

She's very beautiful.

- Your name? - I am Miyoei.

She's a debutante so go easy on her, please, gentlemen.

What do you think, Section Chief? Isn't she beautiful?

- Won't you introduce us? - You've never met?

- This is Mr. Kanzaki from the Ministry. - I see.

I am Miyoharu. Honoured to meet you, sir.

- Is there something stuck to my face? - No.

Here we go, now.

Three drinks on the trot.

Please, don't make her drink too much, will you?

Why? We're celebrating her debut, aren't we?

One more.

Your Mistress is old-fashioned so don't listen to her.

Thank you.

- Just pretend to drink! - Yes, madam.

/ pose my question

But all is in vain

It answers me not

It is the mountain cuckoo...

- Mistress? - Yes?

Tell me, does Miyoharu have a patron?

Is it Mr. Kusuda who's asking?

Fool! After all these years of hiring her.

No, no. Kusuda's interested in the debutante.

- In Miyoei? - Right.

He can be depraved sometimes! He knows it's her debut.

Never mind that. I'm asking whether Miyoharu has a patron.

A patron? No.

- Honestly? - It's true.

What are you up to?

A little stratagem of mine.

Careful!

I'm fine!

Stand up properly, don't fall.

Oh, watch your feet.

Here we are.

How embarrassing!

Fancy getting so drunk on the evening of your debut!

I'm so sorry.

I'll undress myself.

Silly girl!

You drank far too much.

I never realised that sake had such an effect.

It's the client's fault, he made me drink.

I thought it was part of the job.

I drank because I wanted to show how professional I was.

Your performance was splendid!

Calm down.

But Mistress is from the old school.

- What are you saying? - You're old-fashioned.

- I need some water! - It's coming.

Thank you.

A delivery came for you earlier. It's over there.

Oh, really?

- I'm really sorry. - Just sit down and rest.

It's a present from your father in celebration of your debut.

Someone must have told him...

It's cloth for a kimono. This shows how much your father thinks of you.

If he's so wonderful, why didn't he look after me when my mother died?

It's too late for that.

You're only saying that because you drank too much.

From now on, you'll be entertaining plenty of clients.

You must learn to adapt to the tastes of different gentlemen,

both men who are successes and men who are failures.

Your father has sent you a present, despite his business going badly.

It's not only to thank me,

but also to show his love for you.

You may well be a "post-war" youngster,

but you must never forget your sense of duty and honour.

What duty? What honour?

I don't know what you're talking about!

Come and see to her.

Oh, what a disaster!

In short, your liberty is guaranteed,

under basic human rights laws within the Constitution.

- Teacher? - Yes?

So, if a client forces himself upon us,

does that constitute an infringement of our basic human rights?

In principle, I suppose so.

Well, isn't that against the Constitution?

It would seem so, yes.

So surely, then, we have the right to sue them.

- Isn't that right? - I'm not exactly the best person to ask.

She teaches tea ceremony and flower arranging! Go and ask a lawyer!

Miyoei, do you know what it really means to take a patron?

No. What does it mean?

- You really don't know? - No, no idea.

It's like when you get married, you have to become his lover.

How come?

Because you're owned by the patron.

But if you like him, what's the problem?

Mine's an old man, sixty-two years old.

Sixty-two?

Why don't you refuse?

My mother won't let me refuse.

Why?

But she's your mother!

That's even more reason why I can't refuse the offer.

My mother also took a patron when she was a trainee,

to become a more accomplished geisha.

That's the customary practice.

I begged her, but there's nothing I can do about it.

Everyone says I'll do well out of it, though it'll be hard at first.

- A patron for Miyoei, you say? - Yes.

Mr. Kusuda thought she was amusing.

She's not even fully trained yet. It's far too soon.

What are you talking about? You're way behind the times, my dear.

The sooner she finds a patron, the easier life will be for you.

I suppose you're right.

He's heir to the Kusuda Motor Company,

what possible objection could she have?

Leave me to deal with it, and all will be well.

But listen, Mother,

it's different now from when we were young.

Youngsters nowadays have their own strong opinions.

They won't tolerate a client if he doesn't please them.

You waste your time listening to them!

You've incurred great expense so far with this girl.

And there's the money I lent you for her debut.

You'll have to repay me some day.

In actual fact, I didn't want to tell you this,

but that money was provided by Mr. Kusuda.

- From Mr. Kusuda? - Yes.

But I made the request to you.

But I don't have that kind of money, we're talking 300,000 yen.

You made such a heartfelt plea to me, that I implored Mr. Kusuda for his help.

I even had to promise he could have Miyoei.

How could you?

Besides, without a patron of your own, you should never have taken her on.

Instead of taking her in, you should have taken a lover yourself!

At my age?

What are you saying? You're still young. Think about it.

Hello?

Thank you for calling.

Is that Madame Okimi?

The two of them? Thank you, madam.

Madame Okimi has requested you both for Mr. Kusuda.

Eiko?

- You go ahead, will you? - All right.

See you there.

Good evening.

- Good evening. - Welcome.

- Evening, Mother. - Welcome.

Are you going to the dance festival on the 15th?

- Are you going to Tokyo? - Well, I'd like to...

Well, you should go. Mr. Kusuda wants to take you.

Really?

That would be wonderful.

Oh, your client's in there.

It's so hot, would sir not prefer to change into a light kimono?

- I'm fine. - Very well, sir.

Good evening.

Many thanks.

- I'll leave you now. - Thank you.

- Where's Mr. Kusuda? - He's upstairs.

I see.

It's been a while since we met.

- You remember me? - Of course I do.

They're a rowdy lot upstairs, aren't they?

Kusuda likes to enjoy himself surrounded by young girls.

Well, having fun makes you feel young again.

I just don't share his taste at all.

That's because you are still young.

Maybe so.

- Here. - Thank you.

Thank you.

I suppose I prefer the company of more mature women.

Well, lucky for me! Thank you.

Oh, you're a tricky one!

Another glass?

Are you embarrassed not having a patron at your age?

- Why should I be? - You're asking me why?

I'm not embarrassed at all.

There's no need to adopt such an insolent manner.

Mr. Kusuda is one of our top clients.

Is that so?

- I shall have to study him closely. - Study him?

I'll give you my answer after due consideration.

Thank you.

Mother?

Yes?

A shamisen, please.

A shamisen ?

Bring a shamisen.

I was surprised to see Mr. Kanzaki all alone.

You know, Mr. Kanzaki is Mr. Kusuda's most important client.

So put on a wonderful show for him.

It seems he's fallen head over heels for you.

- Not at all. - It's true!

What did Miyoei have to say?

Well, I must say, I don't think we're on the same wavelength.

I can't work out what these girls of today are thinking.

- Did she refuse? - She didn't let anything slip.

I suspect she quite likes Mr. Kusuda.

- You been there long? - A while.

Why are you looking at me like that?

You're a strange one!

Don't move, I'm trying to study you.

Study me?

Mr. Kusuda,

Miyoharu's happy to accompany you to Tokyo.

Really? Good.

- Why don't you come, too? - Can I?

- Miyoharu will be with you. - Wonderful!

- A glass for you. - Thank you.

- Oh, please... - Allow me.

- Thank you, madam. - Thanks.

Here we are. Let's have a cold drink and go to sleep.

- I can't sleep. - Why?

It's the first time I've ever been to Tokyo.

I'm too excited to sleep.

- I'm going to stay up. - Go and chat with Mr. Kusuda, then.

He's in the dining car.

Take this to him.

No way. When he's paying for me to serve him, fair enough,

but outside I'm a lady!

What cheek!

Men will come to serve us.

It's my father!

- There you are. - Mr. Sawamoto...?

- Long time no see. - Nice to see you again.

I saw you as you boarded the train at Kyoto Station,

but I didn't dare speak to you.

But, since you're taking care of my daughter, I swallowed my pride.

And you... you look so pretty. You've grown into such a beauty.

- I'm going to see Mr. Kusuda. - What about your father?

It's fine, it's fine.

My body reeks of poverty. It's gnawing at my flesh.

Thank you, thank you.

You mustn't lose heart.

If you're always crying poverty, you won't achieve anything.

I guess you're right.

I'm crippled by debt, though.

There seems to be absolutely no chance to escape,

but this time I've managed to flee my creditors.

I have the prospect of a loan from someone I know in Tokyo.

If that doesn't work out, I'll have to throw myself under a train!

I'm finished in Kyoto.

Oh, right.

Hello, is this Mr. Kanzaki?

I've been waiting for your answer.

How did it go at the Ministry?

You'll let me know tomorrow? That's great.

Where are you now?

At the office? Sorry for bothering you so late.

Hurry over then.

I've brought along those beauties from Kyoto, Miyoharu and Miyoei.

I have, honestly. Bye!

How was the dancing festival? Did you enjoy it?

I did enjoy it, yes.

Are you taking Miyoei to the Ginza?

Yeah, I was going to take her to a bar I know.

Tell me, do you genuinely care for Miyoei, Mr. Kusuda?

Why are you asking all of a sudden?

If she's just for your amusement, then please just leave her be.

She's such an impetuous girl.

I feel like a mother marrying off her daughter.

If you are serious about her, then I'd be delighted.

You're being so serious, I can't answer that.

Listen, I'll have a talk with her.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Look at you! Where are you going dressed like that?

To a bar in the Ginza, right?

- Unbelievable! - But this is my uniform.

If I wore a plain kimono, I'd just look like any other woman.

Dressed like this, everyone will know I'm a geisha from Gion.

It's important to touch people's hearts in times like these.

- You win! - Just listen to you!

What?

Excuse me. Your associate is here, sir.

Really?

Thanks for coming.

I've been through hell getting here.

I bet you have.

I'm absolutely exhausted.

I know, I know.

Jump into the bath and soak away the office grime.

Then, we'll go and enjoy ourselves.

- Show the gentleman through. - This way, sir.

Come with me.

Listen, I want you to spend the night with Kanzaki, understand?

But that's not the reason I came to Tokyo with you, Mr. Kusuda.

What are you talking about? Didn't Okimi tell you about the deal?

No, not a word.

That's the reason why I brought you here.

And now you're saying there's been a misunderstanding?

You're asking too much of me.

And you've just sprung it on me, right out of the blue.

If you refuse, then all my plans are jeopardised.

I'm asking you, please.

Please, just this once, don't be so bloody-minded.

Don't make me lose face.

Come on.

At any rate, this is make-or-break time for me.

You just have to close your eyes.

In exchange, I promise to guarantee your future.

I'll become your patron, if you want.

- Even so... - Please, I'm begging you.

Oh, Mr. Kanzaki.

I brought your lover along for you.

Thank you for the other day.

You're looking as beautiful as always.

Kusuda, there's no need for you to hang around.

Indeed not.

Now, Mr. Kanzaki's feeling tired, so take good care of him.

Don't burn too much weight off her! Have a good night.

So, you're really going to the Ginza dressed like that?

- Yes, I am. - You're a strange one!

Here.

What's the matter?

- Aren't you going to wear it? - Leave it.

- What are you doing? - Come closer.

Closer.

Come on, closer.

No! No!

- You're pulling my hair! - Be still!

- No! - Come here.

Mistress!

Mistress!

Try some more of this cheese. It's delicious.

Thank you.

Mistress!

Excuse me.

Mr. Kusuda?

Oh, my goodness!

Eiko, what happened?

What have you done?

You'll be fine.

Please accept my apologies.

Have Miyoharu and Miyoei come to apologise?

Miyoharu came alone but I sent her away.

I see.

I can't apologise to you enough, sir.

It's the first time something like this has ever happened to me.

If I let this incident pass, I'll be the laughing stock of the business.

They must abide by the rules and make a sincere apology.

I hope this won't affect any future business between us, Mr. Kusuda.

Don't talk to him about Miyoei.

It's Miyoharu who's the problem. She rebuffed Mr. Kanzaki.

- That's why he's so furious. - How come?

Miyoharu humiliated Mr. Kanzaki, that's why!

No?

Because of her insolence, we lost a contract worth 80 million yen!

Without that order, our company will be close to bankruptcy.

Without that order,

there's no work for the factory and the situation will be catastrophic!

Is it that serious?

The company has invested a great deal of money into securing this project.

- You know that as well as I do! - Yes...

You understand now?

I understand.

Kanzaki has cut all ties to us.

He wants nothing more to do with us.

- He still wants Miyoharu despite all this? - Seems so.

Really?

Very well, I shall arrange it personally.

- You mean it? - I do.

- You swear? - I swear.

He wouldn't see me.

The doctor said that he'll have to stay in hospital for a month.

You've really got us both into trouble.

I regret what I did.

But it was the only way I could defend myself.

So, you're not attracted to Mr. Kusuda at all?

So why did you go to Tokyo, then?

Forgive me, Mistress, forgive me.

Hello?

Yes, that's right.

One moment, please.

Mistress, it's Madame Okimi.

Mother?

I'm sorry for everything.

Of course. I'm on my way.

Let me go and apologise without you.

No matter how a customer of the pleasure district behaves,

a geisha should be able to handle the situation with tact.

On this occasion, you should have just kept your mouth shut.

You have damaged my relationship with one of my most important clients.

I'm too ashamed to show my face in public!

What do you intend to do about it?

I'm very sorry.

"Sorry" is not good enough.

You and Miyoei make a right pair!

It seems that you humiliated Mr. Kanzaki.

How much longer are you going to embarrass me?

But you're asking too much of me.

I knew nothing of the arrangement in advance, and with all the commotion...

You're not a naive child anymore!

Is this the behaviour one expects of a geisha?

Think how many years you've trained!

And to whom you owe your success so far!

Can't you repay me just a little for all the help I've given you?

Listen...

you know that my word is law here in the Gion district.

I know if a geisha doesn't please you, she won't find work in Gion.

Just think about that and the predicament you're in.

You're the one at fault here.

We'll talk about Miyoei when Mr. Kusuda has recovered.

But the situation with Mr. Kanzaki must be resolved.

Therefore, if you take care of him and save face for Mr. Kusuda,

I'll ask him to forget this whole sorry affair,

and I'll continue to employ you as before, all right?

Yes?

But it's not as simple as that, if I don't like him.

That attitude is fine if you have plenty of money behind you.

Try putting on such airs when you don't have a penny!

Then there's the 300,000 yen loaned from Mr. Kusuda

to pay for Miyoei's debut.

How do you intend to earn it? Can you repay it?

I'll do my best to repay it.

You'll repay it, will you?

I don't want to see you again until you've settled that business.

Welcome home.

- Welcome home. - Welcome home.

Mistress, I'm ready for work.

What a disaster, eh?

Shall I dress you?

Thank you.

Oh, thank you for calling.

She's all ready to leave.

Oh, really?

- Who was it? - It was Madame Okano.

She's cancelled Eiko's appointment this evening.

I'll get it.

Yes? This is Miyoharu.

Is that you, Madame Daitomo?

So you won't be requiring my services tonight?

Yes.

Excuse me!

What is it?

I'm from the Mantomi House.

It's about your engagement this evening,

I'm very sorry, but...

...the Madame said...

- She wants to cancel tonight? - That's right.

I'm very sorry. Thank you. Goodbye.

This is what happened.

She bit me for real!

I'd love to meet this girl. Call her!

- It's impossible. - Why?

She's on holiday. And her Mistress, too.

Madame Okimi is furious and forbids anyone to hire them.

One tea house can't restrict another's trade, it's against regulations.

That may be so, but Madame Okimi is too powerful,

and other tea houses wouldn't dare to affront her.

- That's harsh. - Enough of that, let's dance!

It's festival season soon.

If we've been ostracised,

we can't even sell ice creams at the festivals.

Mistress...

I will go to Madame Okimi's house and accept Mr. Kusuda's offer.

Don't be foolish.

What are you saying?

I've thought a lot about what you did that night.

You shouldn't have injured the client,

but I fully understand why you did it.

Is Miyoharu in?

Yes.

Come on in, come on!

- Thank you, sir. - Good evening.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Oi, where have you been?

I wanted to hire you for a reconciliation, but you were away.

You're in such high spirits, I didn't recognise you.

When you spurned me, I threw myself into work like a madman,

and now I'm making money hand over fist.

Are you short of funds?

I can help you out, whatever the amount.

Many thanks, but maybe some other time.

I'll give you however much you need. However much!

It's money that excites me now.

And it's thanks to you, you made me this way.

Here's a present, some ice cream.

It's cold,

to match your coldness!

Farewell.

Mistress...

Throw this away!

Miyoei, be brave!

Don't let it get you down!

Be brave.

Don't give up on yourself, Miyoei.

Thanks.

- Bye. ' BYE-bye.

Good evening.

Please come in.

Is Miyoharu in?

Yes...

Who is it?

Oh, Mr. Sawamoto!

I'm lucky to find you at home so late. I was afraid that you'd be out.

Please, come in.

- Is Eiko well? - She is.

- Is she at an engagement? - No, not exactly.

Your house is lovely,

much nicer than where I live!

Here,

a little something for you.

- Please. - You're very kind.

- Many thanks. - It's nothing special.

By the way, Miyoharu,

I have something I wanted to ask you.

If it's impossible, then that's too bad for me...

Does it concern money?

Yes.

So it didn't work out in Tokyo?

Turned out I was mistaken, and they wouldn't lend me any capital.

In truth, I have no further recourse than you, madam.

All my stock has been seized,

and the landlord is looking for me.

I just need to find 50,000 yen or even 100,000 yen.

Otherwise, I have no other choice but to hang myself.

Is there any way that you can help me?

Do you think I have money?

If I had it, I'd gladly help you,

but I'm afraid I can do nothing for you.

I understand that,

but couldn't I have a small share at least?

Thanks to you,

I understand that Eiko has gained a reputation,

so am I not entitled to a share of her earnings?

What do you mean by that?

You have a nerve!

After refusing to stand as Eiko's guarantor,

do you know no shame coming here?

That was then.

Today I'm completely ruined.

To be honest, Eiko and I can work no longer.

Why is that?

Well... there was a minor misunderstanding.

Take these - my ring, comb and watch.

This is all I can give you.

Use them well.

Thank you, thank you. I'm most grateful.

Now stop skulking around and counting on your daughter's charity!

Thank you.

You're not very talkative tonight.

Indeed.

As soon as your lady arrives, I'll make myself scarce, don't worry.

Have a little patience.

No, your company's fine.

Just "fine"? How very nice of you to say so!

At any rate, I really had to plead with Kanzaki,

to go over to the Nakanishi House.

It's vital you arrange it for tonight,

otherwise it's the chop for me and bankruptcy for the company.

Even if you have to drag Miyoharu here by the neck,

I'm not moving an inch until I see her in person!

I understand.

You go to the Nakanishi House, and I promise to take her there.

Trust me.

- Really? - I swear.

- I'm not joking. - I understand. Please, trust me.

Yes? This is Miyoharu.

Is that you, Mother?

Well, good evening.

Eh? Eiko's there with you?

Yes. She came to apologise.

She asked me to take her to see Mr. Kusuda,

but I can't without your permission.

Maybe I should keep her with me tonight?

That's out of the question.

Please send her straight back here.

Then come over to see me for a moment.

Listen, your services are required at the Nakanishi House

for Mr. Kanzaki.

There's something we need to discuss about that.

I'll keep Miyoei here until you arrive, all right?

- Will you call Madame Okimi for me? - Yes, madam.

Hello? Is that Madame Okimi?

One moment, please.

Hello? Is that you, Mother?

I will come as agreed,

but in exchange you must send Eiko back here immediately.

The address is the Nakanishi House in the Kiya district, right?

I'll be there shortly.

Thank you.

Can you help me get dressed, please?

Coming!

You foolish girl, acting on your own! Get yourself home now!

- She's arrived. - Good.

She's here? Show me.

Quick, quick!

Come on!

- Good evening. - Forget the greetings!

- Madame, I thank you. - Thank you.

- Thank you. - Thanks for coming.

I'm really grateful.

He's losing sleep! He thinks of no one but you.

What a carry on!

Have a glass.

It's divine providence, you being here.

You're the only one that can save us! Right?

Mother,

will you forgive Miyoei?

You've learnt your lesson.

From tomorrow, I'll retain you again.

Thank you.

Drink up, drink up.

Down in one!

Good.

Good evening.

Who is it?

It is I, Miyoharu.

I've been expecting you.

Good afternoon!

- Come in. - I'm returning Miyoharu's kimono.

Thank you.

- Where's my Mistress? - She went out around noon.

Who with?

I don't know him.

But tonight, both Miyoharu and Miyoei are to come to the festival.

Eiko, as well?

- At what time? - Six o'clock.

All the best. Goodbye.

Don't just stand there. We'd better get you ready.

Eiko, hurry up.

Get a move on!

I'm home!

Welcome home, madam.

- A present for you. - Thank you.

- Madame Okimi wants you tonight. - I heard.

Are you getting ready, Eiko?

Come over here.

You wanted a summer purse, didn't you? There.

I also bought you a pair of sandals.

And I bought a wonderful summer belt.

Like it?

Where did you get the money to buy all this?

That's not for you to worry about.

Mistress, did you spend the night at Madame Okimi's?

That's not unheard of, for a geisha.

Mistress, if you've had to sleep with a man you despise for my sake,

I'll stop being a geisha!

What are you saying? I did nothing of the sort.

You're lying! Liar!

It's all lies!

Symbols of Japanese beauty? It's all lies!

Those who sell themselves succeed,

while misfits like me are ostracised!

I've had enough!

If I have to sell my body to survive, then I'll quit! You must, too!

Enough of your insolence! How dare you?

It's not insolence, I respect you too much!

Resign if that's what you really want!

Then what will you do? Go back to your uncle's?

Or your father's? You have nowhere to go to!

Listen, Eiko...

I have been broken by the dark side of this profession.

It's too late for me now.

But I want to protect you so you remain pure.

It's a harsh world, you know.

It's difficult to follow a righteous path.

But I am resolved to help you on that path as much as I can.

I have no parents, no brothers or sisters, I am alone...

...but I carry much tenderness within my heart.

Listen, Eiko...

I never told you, but your father called round recently.

I felt sorry for him and did what little I could to help him.

It was a matter of life and death for him.

And he is your father, after all, Eiko.

A lonely man, even if he has wealth and influence,

suffers in his solitude.

Just remember what it was like for us.

When we had no work, we supported each other to survive, didn't we?

Listen, Eiko...

you're not a stranger to me, you know.

You're like family to me.

Do you see?

Mistress!

I know.

I know.

Come on, you mustn't ruin your hair.

Just look at your face.

From today, I am going to be your patron, Miyoei.

Right?

Let's do your make-up.

Just wait till you see the wonderful things I'm going to buy you,

nobody in Gion will believe their eyes.

Thank you.

Hello? Is that you, Madame Daitomo?

At eight o'clock? Many thanks.

Yes? Madame Mantomi? Ten o'clock?

Ten is fine. Very well. Thank you.

- Mistress, are those arrangements fine? - Yes, you can accept the bookings.

The festival starts tonight. We're going to be so busy.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Mistress.

- Can I help at all? - Yes, thank you.

Good evening.

Good evening.