Original subtitles

The world is at war.

We are in the year 1939.

In Asia and Europe, the fighting fronts move quickly, threatening the entire world.

The war between Japan and China continues, unstoppable.

The Axis powers, Germany and ltaly, seek their own gains through war.

The wars in Asia and Europe threathens confrontation in the Pacific.

Everything depends on diplomatic negotiations.

The Japanese Army wants to establish a military alliance with Germany and Italy.

But in Japan, there are those who resist war, struggling to stay out of an alliance with the Axis.

Admiral Yamamto

Migata Prefecture - Kachikawa

Where are you from? Echigo, right?

Yeah, how'd you know?

Easy. I noticed the accent.

I'm visiting the graves of my family.

Really?

You're a good boatman.

How would you know?

Because I am a sailor too.

Seriously?

Been doing this long?

Yep, I've been a boatman since my first child was born 15 years ago.

You have a lot to look forward to.

Unfortunately, this will probably be the last year I can do this.

Why do you say that?

The war is becoming increasingly violent .

Do not worry about that.

Next year you will still be sailing and your children too.

We shall see.

Why? Don't you trust your own skills?

Who says I don't.

Well then let's make a bet.

What kind?

I'll stand on my hands. If I reach the shore safely then I'll pay you three times your price...

However, if I fall into the water...

You do not pay.

Exactly.

- You are a good boatman. - And you are very brave.

- You win. - No, victory is yours.

- Come on, take it - No, I won't.

- That was the bet. - No.

- I insist. - I said 'No'.

- Take it . - Never.

I'm Sergeant Eto, sir.

Corporal Suzuki, sir.

You are Isoruku Yamamoto?

To what do I owe the honor of your visit? Have I done something wrong?

We have orders to protect you, sir.

According to reports, there are some right-wing groups planning to assassinate you.

Look at this.

I got in this city of Nagaoka.

Read it to me.

Declaration: In this time of national crisis, an alliance with the Axis is essential.

You have clearly expressed on several occasions misgivings about Japan's participation

in any war or with any military alliance with Germany and Italy.

We consider you an enemy of the Emperor and a traitor.

Consequently, we must to sacrifice you, Isoroku Yamamoto, on behalf of His Majesty.

April 3, 1939 - The Sacred War Union To Deputy Minister of the Navy lsoroku Yamamoto.

Do you agree with what this says?

You should not worry about it.

Why don't you join me tonight? We'll go for a drink with some old friends of mine.

We have to go.

Come. They have some very pretty Geishas.

Tonight I have brought a few friends with me from Tokyo.

Are you in the Navy?

Yes.

Good, I love Navy officers because they are so cultured. Army officers are pigs.

Be careful, this man belongs to the Army.

God, I really screwed up.

Yamamoto, I have a question. The Japanese Navy is the best in the world, isn't it?

Well, I 'm not sure...

Our soldiers have the Japanese spirit.

Yes, but that does not mean that much. The U.S. Army has the Yankee spirit.

And the English army has the spirit of John Bull.

Both are very well prepared armies ... True?

Relax and drink some.

HOMETOWN OF YAMAMOTO - NAGAOKA

Navy Ministry

- Wait.

Well well, Colonel Tsuji.

We would like to talk to you.

- Right now I have a meeting. - It will only take a moment.

Would you mind waiting in my office?

Cadet Kimura. I have brought you a letter from the Superintendent of the Military Academy.

Anything else?

Thanks to you, I managed to get into the Naval Academy. Without you, I would have never been admitted.

I wanted to thank you, sir.

- I'm sorry but I do not remember you. - I lost my parents when I was little.

My older sister supported me. But when I tried to enter the Academy, I did not have enough ...

... money for tuition. They never would have admitted such a poor student like me ...

... if you had not intervened, sir.

Yes, I remember now. So that was you?

Thank you again, sir .

No matter if you are poor or rich...

... you must become a good officer .

What are you studying?

I'm training as a pilot for the naval air forces.

Good, the war may begin soon. Take advantage of your training.

Sir, we request the Navy approve of an alliance with the Axis powers.

The Army is out of patience. We can wait no longer.