Original subtitles

It is possible that the rightists are plotting a coup.

We must not lose the people's trust, have the country descind into chaos...

... or have a revolution.

Revolutions do not ruin a country. Wars do.

Manchuria is our lifeline.

We must remove the Soviet threat from the north.

The Russians have already attacked us there, sir.

The best way to prevent more attacks is through an alliance with Germany.

I disagree.

Why? Are you worried about the reaction of the Americans and the British?

We must stop these attacks once and for all! We must act!

What do you think, sir?

The Navy will not drag Japan into a war.

Then the Army will act alone.

The Army can cross the ocean?

Sir, I will be leaving for Germany soon.

What you should do is go to the United States.

What do you mean?

Once there, go look at their factories. There are dozens ... ...hundreds more than in Japan.

Sir, we can not wait for Germany to start a war.

Why do you have such appreciation for Germany?

Colonel Tsuji, your presence is required immediately!

Why? What happened?

Something serious!

AUGUST 23, 1939

'Germany signs non-agression pact with Russia'

'Crisis in the Cabinet'

Minister, I hope now that the the Army will reconsider its decision.

We should take advantage of the situation. This is a good time to reach a peace treaty with China ...

... and stop the war in Asia.

That will a task for our successors.

I'm afraid our jobs here are over now.

You can't say that we have aroused much sympathy here.

I have been very concerned about you being killed in a terrorist attack.

Anyway, I'm glad we're not staying here.

Me too. Very glad.

You must be tired, It has been very hard.

The same for you, Minister.

Yes ... fortunately, I have released from all my duties.

But I cannot imagine what awaits you.

Yes, I do not know if I deserve this position.

Commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet is perfect for you.

I appreciate that.

No matter who the Navy Minister and Deputy Minister are ...

... the position of the Navy will not change.

Command the fleet as you see fit.

I will.

BATTLESHIP NAGATO

Under the command of Admiral Yamamoto,

the Combined Fleet trains for war.

' Patient peace before victorious war. '

I have returned.

How are things back on land?

They long to hear voices asking for an alliance.

They won't give up easily.

The Blitzkrieg waged by Germany has left them dazzled.

I am not worried since Admiral Yonai is now Prime Minister.

There are rumors of a conspiracy to undermine his cabinet.

Why?

They'll stop at nothing to get what they want: an alliance with the Axis powers.

You, as Army Minister, seem to tolerate any action directed against the Cabinet... Explain yourself.

You are a military man. I too am a military man.

Won't you just cut to the chase and talk sincerely?

RESIGNATION

You want to resign?

I understand. Who will be your successor?

I must know who I will be dealing with.

I have no successor.

No successor? Then why resign?

In view of the current situation, the Army has decided that all cooperation with the Navy ...

- What? - ... must stop.

- You're asking me to resign? - No, not me personally.

'Yonai cabinet dismissed'

'Prince Konoye takes over'

July 15, 1940.

NAVY MINISTRY

Oikawa, the new Minister of the Imperial Navy, wanted a reconciliation with the Army.

On July 17, 1940 he convened a meeting with senior naval officers including Admiral Yamamoto.

If we continue to oppose an alliance with the Axis ...

... we will see the current cabinet dismissed as well.

That would make things even worse. It could even lead to anarchy.

We must consider the matter, gentlemen. If not, we must ask ourselves ....

... what will happen to the Imperial Navy.

So I am in favor of giving our consent to this alliance.

Mr. Minister.

I want to make it clear that I have no intention to oppose this decision.

I just want to ask you one thing.

As you know, Japan is importing raw materials from the Americans and the British.

Oil, steel, tin and rubber among other things.

If we join the Axis powers, it is to be expected that these supples will be cut off.

Do you see any alternative outcome?

Minister, answer me, please.

I understand your fears, Admiral, but this is a staff decision.

So I hope that you will understand and respect it.

You have not answered my question. What will happen to our supply of raw materials?

As I said, this decision is inevitable.

So, you have no answer?

Gentlemen, please. I urge you to approve the alliance.

Please.

We have no choice.