Original subtitles

TOEI COMPANY, LTD.

HANJIRO OF KUSAMA: BIRD OF PASSAGE

Produced by: Naoya TAGUCHI Screenplay by: Yoshitake HISA

Photography by: Nagaki YAMAGISHI Art Direction by: Ryuji TSUKAMOTO Music by: Eiichi YAMADA Editor: Shintaro MIYAMOTO

CAST

Hanjiro - Hashizo OKAWA

Otoku - Isuzu YAMADA Yaichi of Yokoze - Sentaro FUSHIMI Okoyo - Chizuru KITAGAWA Okei - Keiko OKAWA

Keizo - Kotaro BANDO Inosuke - Kensaku HARA Sukegoro of lioka - Joji OKA Hirate Miki - Fujio SUGA Chotaro - Haruo TANAKA

Sanjuro Toyama - Sonosuke SAWAMURA Denhachi - Soji KIYOKAWA Yazaemon Sekiguchi - Yo SHIOMI Okura - Tsukie MATSUURA Takichi - Akira KISHII Seigoro Mito-ya - Ryuji KITA Gen'emon - Ryosuke KAGAWA

Jubei Nakatomi - Ryunosuke TSUKIGATA Yasugoro of Sakaida - Eitaro SHINDO

Directed by: Kokichi UCHIDE

Are we raiding lioka, Sir Hirate?

No, just Miyahara along this river.

Miyahara used to be Sasagawa turf until

Sukegoro went in to open a gambling den there.

This gutsy guy a buddy of yours?

Hey, Kusama!

Are we there yet?

No, but Sir Hirate called you gutsy.

How about a drink to wake you up?

I don't handle drinks well.

None for you then.

There's Yokose.

Yokose?

That village, where I was born.

Where your parents are?

Just my mom. My dad died a long time ago.

I see. I didn't know that.

We'll be in Miyahara in no time. Get ready!

Boss! Boss!

Well?

Here they come!

How many of them?

About 50.

They fell for it. We'll wipe out the Sasagawa!

Warn the police, Masakichi.

I owe you one, boss, so I'll go first.

Bro!

Back off!

You're under arrest for disturbing the peace!

Don't make me laugh!

How much did the lioka pay you?

Silence! Go!

Get out of here!

Clear out!

Yaichi!

I got you, Yaichi! Hang on!

Kusama...!

It's just a scratch. Come on!

I won't make it, and I won't be a drag on you.

Put me out and go!

You fool! Your mom's right across the river.

Don't you die without apologizing to her!

Who is it?

A friend of Yaichi.

Yaichi?

Yaichi!

Yaichi?

You should be grateful for your mom.

Believe me, I am. Don't you have a mom?

No. It was always my dad and me,

and I learned later even he wasn't my real dad.

So you've no recollection of your mom?

She's just a vague face in the mist.

Anyway, it's been 10 days and you're better,

so I'm leaving tonight.

Say.

We don't need a druggist.

We've had Mannendo for the past 30 years.

But Mannendo went under last year.

Went under?

I came here, by way of Shimosa, to take over.

There's big trouble in the Sasagawa area.

Trouble?

Between Boss Shigezo and the lioka, and now

the Sasagawa are wanted by the Choshi police.

Most of them have left the area,

but a few stragglers remain along the river.

So that was Yaichi at widow Okura's.

Yaichi?

Yaichi used to wrestle in Sasagawa.

Don't give me that!

Do you have to go?

That's what I said.

You're leaving me behind?

Go!

Where's Yaichi?

He left 3 years ago.

Lie to the law and you'll get it!

A villager told us he's here.

Tell us the truth or else!

But I don't know!

That's it, search the place!

Let's see how he likes his old lady tortured to death.

Can't find him?

She's sheltering him elsewhere.

Take her in and torture her!

No!

Silence!

You'll only get yourself arrested, too, like that.

If I make it, you and your mom leave for Edo tonight

and go to Sagami-ya for help in Fukagawa.

Then go straight and take care of your mom.

Bro!

Hold it!

You're that man from Kusama!

Kusama?

So you're Hanjiro!

You got that right.

How can you haul in an innocent old woman?

Shut your mouth!

Now go. Yaichi is waiting for you.

And you?

I go where my legs take me. Don't worry about me.

"God knows I 'I! never die a decent death.

"But so long as there's life and a heaven above.

"May the Tune River wash away the yakuza in me.

"And lead me to you".

Gen'emon!

Why, Inosuke! What brings you to Hirai?

Do you know of a traveler who calls himself Hanjiro of Kusama?

No. What about him?

A few days ago, he killed Officer Toyama in Yokose.

Officer Toyama?

Along with 6 others.

That's bad. Are you sure he came this way?

From Yokose to Fukashiba to Igiri, we know.

He'll either take Kashima Road to Mito,

or Hama Highway to Oarai.

Denpachi, let Yasu in Sakaida know.

Like Gen'emon, I have ties to the lioka

and work for the Choshi police.

If I see the guy, I'll tum him right in.

I'll let my boss know.

Where are your men?

I sent them to Hamatsuga for something.

To Hamatsuga?

I've seen this sea somewhere.

What do you mean?

This sea has been here in Kashima for ages.

How could you have seen it elsewhere?

There's blood on your clothes.

You gave yourself away.

I know for a fact you killed someone recently.

You want to take me out? You just might do it.

Try it.

There's no cure for a mad man.

Now the sand? Have you felt it somewhere?

Be quiet!

What do you want?!

Nothing. It's my road, too. Just let me get by.

You asked for it!

You'll pay for this!

Thank you. I owe you my life.

Don't mention it.

I'm the widow of the village squire Hirata-ya.

I thank you.

It was nothing.

I should be asking you to stay with us tonight

and extend our hospitality.

But neither of us wants any more trouble.

So would you mind going on your way?

Dowager!

I'm in charge of the village. I'll handle this.

Please go.

You're extremely polite but cold as ice,

and frankly unpleasant.

No deadbeat yakuza or ronin stays at our village.

My ancestors and late husband won't hear of it.

Let's gather driftwood and go home.

Let's go, Okei.

Wait up.

My name is Nakatomi Jubei. What's yours?

GonbeL

Gonbei?

As in Good-for-Nothing Gonbei.

Don't play games with me.

Then you stop acting like a gadfly and get lost.

What a jerk.

HEAD HOUSE OF HIRATA

BRANCH HOUSE OF HIRATA

Wait. It'll be dark soon. Won't you two stay with us?

I wouldn't want to impose on you.

You really are Good-for-Nothing Gonbei.

What?

Your best intentions come to naught.

Why don't you stay?

Hell no!

What a crank!

"Come see! Come see! It's a big catch!

"See the boat come in laden with treasure.

"Let's go! Let's go! It's a big catch?“

Let's go home!

Please.

This is a big house. Your family?

It's just old Hikobei and I.

Your husband?

I lost him, 3 years ago, with 27 other men, in a storm at sea.

No wonder there are few men in this village.

The men used to celebrate a good haul here.

I'd play the shamisen for them.

You play the shamisen?

Don't look so surprised. I used to be an Itako...

Who's there?

Excuse me. It's me.

Is that Gonbei? Gonbei!

Mother?

Eat, Shintaro.

Are you sure the guy is in Hamatsuga?

He has to be. He couldn't have gotten to Shimosawa.

Come on!

It's awful!

What is it?

It's Yasugoro of Sakaida!

Yasugoro?

He's on his way here with his men!

Hold it. You'll only make matters worse.

This is where I step in.

Hold on. You women stay out of the way.

He isn't here.

What?

Dowager! Is the Dowager in?

He's here, Dowager! Yasugoro's here!

Calm down. Get me my coat, Okei.

Calm down. He's the one that's up to no good.

What brings you here, Yasugoro?

I'm accountable for anything improper my men may or may not have done.

Will you forgive me?

Do you mean that?

Of course.

I'm Hamatsuga-bom and have deep respect for you.

Why would I want to do anything vicious?

If you say so. Don't ever let it happen again.

I promise you. So will you hand that guy over?

I'm have yakuza ties to the lioka.

I can't let some wanderer put my people to shame

and let him get away with it!

I see. Then you go after him.

Go after him?

He and a strange ronin passed through here.

You wouldn't lie to me.

I wouldn't lie. Search every house, if you like.

We'll pull out tonight.

You wouldn't want anything to happen to pretty Okei.

Why don't you let me take over this village?

Not as long as I live.

It's fine as it is?

I wouldn't want to dishonor my ancestors.

You're stubborn as ever, Dowager.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

No yakuza is going to prey on this village!

You here, too?

I had to be, knowing what you're up to.

This village needs something.

Menfolk.

Menfolk?

You just heard the Dowager.

She's a tough cookie.

But she can't take those guys on alone.

The women of this village are in trouble.

How about it, Gonbei?

Don't look at me.

You can do it, so long as you feel drawn to that sea.

Pull! Pull!

Don't tell anyone, Nami, especially not the Dowager.

I know.

Up so soon?

Where's that ronin Nakatomi?

He went out, before dawn.

Where to?

He didn't say.

He did say he'll be back for the sea god worship.

Sea god worship?

We lost our men at sea on the 27th of this month.

We pray for the dead and to the sea god that day.

That's in 10 days.

He insisted that you stay here till then.

As if I had nothing better to do.

Aunty?

Oh, no. It's Okei.

Aunty!

What is it, Okei?

We were wondering why you weren't at the shore.

I just had breakfast and was about to go.

I'll see you then.

I'm sorry. Did she surprise you?

Not really. Is she the Dowager's real daughter?

Her adopted daughter.

Before my time, she was brought here from Mito

at the age of 13, and raised by the Dowager.

So she'll eventually take a husband and carry on?

Not exactly. She's betrothed to a dead man.

To a dead man?

I really shouldn't say much more.

Mr. Nakatomi may have gone to Mito.

Why, sir.

Is Seigoro in?

Boss! Sir Jubei's here.

Sir Jubei?

If it isn't the young lord Nakatomi.

Drop the "young lord". I'm just a ronin now.

I came to ask the Boss of Mito a favor.

What favor?

Let me have 10 of your best men for a while.

But whatever for?

I'll tell you later.

Where are you going?

To my Uncle Sekiguchi's.

SEKIGUCHI

It's Sir Nakatani Jubei.

Jubei? He's here?

Good to see you, uncle.

Where have you been bumming around?

I'll tell you later.

I want you to write up something official.

Write what up? For whom?

A letter, for some men I'm taking from Mito-ya.

What's that?

Let's go take a look.

Do you want a scolding from the Dowager?

She went to pray at Kashima Shrine. Let's go!

We'll be in Hamatsuga before long.

Let's march in quietly.

A swing, Pa!

It's this house. Don't be rude now.

Excuse me.

Yes?

Are you the lady of the house?

Yes, I'm Okoyo.

We came from Mito to join Boss Gonbei.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Girls! This isn't a show. I'll tell you about it later.

You get back to work at the shore.

Yes, ma'am.

We can't talk out here. Come inside.

Thank you.

Keep watch outside, Hikobei.

So you're all Mito-ya Seigoro's men?

Not exactly. But we all owe the man.

And Mr. Nakatomi? Do you know him?

None of us know that samurai.

He's well-known in Mito, though, and

he's the one who sent us here to join Boss Gonbei.

I'm Gonbei.

Pardon me for not recognizing you.

I'm Yagiri Chotaro.

I'm Kakizaki Aragoro.

I'm Ogushi Hansuke.

I'm Sahara Nihei.

I'm Kishima Sanji.

I'm Ota Shinroku.

I'm Ogawa Tomojiro.

I'm Eshima Minehachi.

I'm Numata Genji.

I'm Kazuka Kinsuke.

Fate has brought the 10 of us to you.

Look. I'm just a wanderer,

and this is another one of Nakatomi's farces.

But Boss Mito-ya paid us 10 ryo each and

we have an official letter from the clan councilor.

An official letter?

Dowager!

What's the matter?

10 yakuza showed up at the branch house.

Are they staying?

I can't take my eye off this place for a second.

I'll take you in for now till Nakatomi comes back,

but on a few conditions.

What conditions?

Decent folks live in this village.

So no arguing, no fighting, no gambling, no women.

If you say so, boss.

Mistress! The Dowager is on her way here!

What's going on?

Who are those men, Okoyo?

They have orders from the clan councilor.

The clan councilor?

Take a look.

"Ten of Mito-ya Seigoro's men are hereby sent to

fill a manpower shortage in Hamatsuga Village.

...Mito Clan Councilor Sekiguchi Yazaemon...

I can always find out if it's true or not.

Are you sure they aren't friends of that man?

They're all Mito-ya Seigoro's men.

I hope so. Come, Okei.

Make yourselves comfortable in that room.

Thank you.

You see? You'll have to stay low.

She's a good woman and I can't hate that old lady.

Who is that child, Takichi?

He's the kid of one of those yakuza.

What's your name, little boy?

Fukumatsu.

How old are you?

Five.

Five...?

Have you seen the kid, pops?

The kid?

The kid I brought with me.

He just went off to the shore.

Can't take my eye off him for a second.

Come inside.

Have you see a little boy around?

You mean Fukumatsu?

How did you know?

The boy went home with the Dowager.

Went home with the Dowager?

Now eat up.

How curious to find this little boy here

after offering prayers at Kashima Shrine.

Was Shintaro this little?

Yes. He was this tall and looked just like him.

I lost him in the crowd at Kashima Shrine...!

Excuse me. I'm Yagiri Chotaro.

It's pa!

Wait!

Hello again, Dowager.

Forget the greeting and tell me the truth.

Where did you kidnap this child?

What?!

When she accused me of kidnapping my boy,

I was sure the Dowager was crazy.

And then?

I spent an hour explaining how the boy's mother died

and I took him with me from Shinshu to Bushu,

until Boss Mito-ya took us in.

Hearing that, she pitied the boy for losing his mother so young.

And wept?

Did she ever.

Then she told me how precious children were,

and that I'd better take good care of mine.

It was freaky.

Tell me, Okoyo.

Why would the old lady weep for a strange child?

Out of sympathy.

Sympathy?

The Dowager lost her only son at Kashima Shrine.

For 20-some years, she's been waiting for him to

return, to many Okei and carry on the family.

I get the picture. But after 20-some years?

We all know it's hopeless,

but no one wants to tell the Dowager that.

What's the matter?

An orphan like me can't relate to it.

I'm going to bed, if you don't mind.

Boss!

Have you heard?

A guy named Gonbei put down stakes at Hamatsuga.

Gonbei?

No one knows who he is, but he has about 10 men

sent there by the Mito clan councilor.

No way the clan councilor would send over yakuza!

But that's the word over there.

Come with me!

Okei, is the Dowager at the shore?

Mother! It's Yasugoro of Sakaida.

Will you come over here, Dowager?

What do you want?

Were those men sent here by the clan councilor?

Yes, to fill the manpower shortage.

Have you proof?

Of course.

Here it is, authenticated by the deputy.

That's good. Which one is Gobei?

Gonbei?

Word is he put down stakes here, and I'd like to meet him.

Which one of you is the boss?

Unfortunately, the boss isn't here.

Not here?

He went to Mito yesterday to attend to something.

Tell him when he returns that this is lioka turf,

so he'd better not cross any lines.

Who is this Gonbei, Okoyo?

That's just it. There never was a Gonbei here.

There is, in Oiwake, and I keep talking about him.

So everyone assumed he was here?

Apparently.

Very well.

Let's go, Okei.

Take over.

I'm suspicious, Okei.

You go and check the branch house.

That won't be necessary. I knew I had it coming.

Did you come here on your own?

No, my mother sent me.

I'll have to think of something then.

Why?

Why? Well, when the Dowager hears of me here...

Well, when the Dowager hears of me here...

Who's going to tell her?

I'm going to tell her there was no Gonbei here.

We may all have to ask you for your help, so please stay.

My men may, but I can't. I belong on the road.

Would you let Yasugoro ravage this place?

Ravage the place?

You must know by now that he's out to make Hamatsuga his turf.

So please...!

In that case, I'll have to do whatever! can.

Let me ask you something.

Yes?

Shintaro, the sole heir to the Hirata-ya, who was

kidnapped at age 5.

Yes?

Did he have any distinguishing marks?

He supposedly had 3 moles in a row on his left arm.

What's the matter?

Even with such an obvious mark to go by,

it's sad he hasn't been found in 20-some years.

But my mother believes he'll come back to her.

Okei! What's keeping you? Okei!

Please don't go.

So this Gonbei means to defy us?

Looks like it, though I've never met him.

Like I'm going to take it sitting down!

But they have a Mito bigwig behind them.

So? We have the Choshi police.

When is the Hamatsuga sea festival, Denpachi?

The 27th, I believe.

At Arai Shore, as usual?

We'll sound them out that night then.

Sound them out?

Do what you've been trying to do.

I may even get us the Hirata-ya girl. Watch me.

“The moon's out. The moon's out.

"And so are all the pretty sashes.

"Now which one shall I choose? Which one?

"Right in front of your eyes, at your fingertips,

"Comes spring! Comes spring!“

What's the matter?

It's Aunty Okoyo.

She'll come on her own. Come along.

Wear a mask, whichever one you like.

I'll go if I feel up to it.

Well, I'm going-

Why, Mr. Nakatomi?

How's Gonbei?

He's been staying here.

That's good. Are you off to Arai Shore?

Yes.

Go on. I'm here for this.

“The moon's out. The moon's out.

"And so are all the pretty sashes.

"Which one shall I choose? Which one...? "

How did you like the guys I sent you?

First tell me who you are.

Later, after we have some of this Mito wine.

Now, as for who I am.

I was born to a prominent Mito family and

clan councilor Sekiguchi Yazaemon is my uncle.

Why did you become a ronin?

I couldn't take the stuffy life of a samurai.

My uncle tried to straighten me out,

but I've decided to remain a ronin.

One more thing.

Why did you send those guys to me?

Because I knew you'd make a good boss

and rebuild this village.

Who the hell are you guys?!

Who are you?

Be quiet!

What?

The singing and the music stopped.

You're right.

Get her!

What are you doing?!

Okei! Okei!

Get lost!

What's going on?

Everyone's in trouble! Help them!

Help! Help...!

I'll take them. You go after Okei.

Hold it!

Who the hell are you?!

I'll let you go tonight, but leave the girl!

What?

Dowager! Dowager...!

Mr. Nakatomi!

Take her home.

Is he one of Yasugoro's men, Okei?

No.

No?

Whose man are you? Who put you up to this?

A yakuza never snitches!

Idiot!

You tell your boss, Gonbei of Hamatsuka has no

bones to pick with him.

But I will, if he ever pulls a stunt like this again!

Let's go.

Not bad, boss.

I should have stayed to nurse the Dowager.

The old lady?

Dowager? Dowager!

Bring water, Takichi.

Dowager! It's me, Okoyo.

Where's Okei?

Mother! Mother!

Who saved you?

It was...

Gonbei was about 27 or 28, 5 ft. 6 or so in height,

and a manly fellow?

Yes, sir.

And your guy, lwamatsu?

A ronin about 35 or 36.

They must be the two that gave us trouble.

So that old Dowager lied to me.

It's Boss Inosuke of the Choshi police.

Your people told me you were here.

What about our mark?

We chased him down from Kashima.

But lost him?

Is this Kusama Hanjiro around 27 or 28,

about 5 ft. 6, and kind of handsome?

He is.

We may have a surprise on our hands.

You mean Hamatsuga Gonbei?

We have a big catch if he tums out to be Hanjiro.

Tokichi, you guys stake out Hamatsuga.

Denpachi, you go to lioka and get backup.

Plan to raid Hamatsuga?

Not with the clan councilor behind them.

We have to lure them out somehow.

"Smell the bounty of the sea on the white sands

"Look! Look! It's a big catch!“

Should you be out of bed?

I can't be laid up when everyone's hard at work.

But...

What is it?

Oto-ya asked for an urgent delivery to Hokoda,

so I'm sending Takichi and Hikobei.

Tell them to bring back rice.

I did.

By the way, OKOYO,

are you still going to keep things from me?

Okei told me everything.

I want to see this Gonbei and tell him something.

Take me to him.

They sound so happy.

The groundwork is there for rebuilding the village.

I wonder. Everyone's working hard,

but the road ahead is a steep one.

But this is a village of women.

Word will get out and men will be drawn here.

It's the Dowager!

She knows everything.

She knows?

Yes, she does.

I am in fact Mito...

I know. Okoyo has told me all about you.

Gonbei?

Where were you born?

Joshu.

Your parents?

Long gone.

They've passed away?

Then I want you to do something for me.

As of today, leave the yakuza life for good.

As you may have heard,

my son was kidnapped at the age of 5.

For 20-some years, I lived only to have him come back to me.

But I realize a village is too much for one woman.

If you would go straight,

I want to take you as Okei's husband

and have you carry on the family.

I don't blame you for being upset with me,

after the way I treated you.

Forgive me. I apologize.

Please!

I couldn't ask for more,

and these are tears of gratitude I shed.

But I need time... to think it over.

MYOJIN BRIDGE

Eat, Shintaro.

Takichi is late, Okei. Go and ask Okoyo about him.

You'd better do as I tell you, Takichi,

or Hikobei is dead. Got that?

What is it, Okei?

Where's Hikobei?

He isn't back yet. Why?

My mother is wonted Takichi isn't back yet.

Not to worry. We have more mouths to feed,

so I told them to get us extra rice.

That must be keeping them.

I hope so.

If they 're too late, we'll go for them. Relax.

I can't.

What is it? Is something wrong?

Okei...!

Any other man would jump at the opportunity,

but I can't.

Tell the old lady Gonbei could never go straight.

He's wanted for killing a Choshi police officer.

Where were you?

In Hell.

Hell?

Happiness is in front of my eyes,

yet out of my reach.

I never knew there was such Hell on earth.

Dowager! Dowager!

What's going on, Takichi?

Hikobei's been taken hostage by Yasugoro!

Taken hostage?

Unless you go to beg for his life,

Yasugoro is going to behead him!

Where is Yasugoro?

By the pine trees, with 30 of this thugs.

I can't let this get out of hand.

Don't tell anyone.

You're back.

Where's my mother?

Mother? Mother?

Dowager!

What are you up to, Yasugoro?

You'll see.

Take the Dowager to Sakaida, Tokichi.

Where's my mother?

Well... The Dowager went to save Hikobei.

What?!

Hikobei, you go back and tell Okei

the Dowager alone won't settle the score.

Now go!

Miss Okei!

Where's my mother?

On her way to Sakaida.

Don't go! You'll fall right into their trap!

Hikobei!

What are you doing here? Come on!

What have you done with my mother?!

Take it easy. We aren't after you two.

We just want to use you as decoys to capture a wanted man.

Inosuke?

Mistress! Where's the mistress?

What's going on, Hikobei?

Yasugoro has the Dowager and Miss Okei!

Get ready, men!

No! It's me he wants.

You guys go straight and protect this village.

But...

Be quiet, and do as I say or else!

Chota?

Boss!

We're back, boss.

Good job. Come inside and take a break.

I'll say it one last time. Don't you come after me.

You stick together and protect Hamatsuga.

Got that?

Take care, Okoyo.

Gonbei's gone off. What are you going to do?

Don't you worry.

Mom...! I couldn't ask for anything more.

Now I get it.

Get what?

I'm just a wanderer and a wanted criminal.

Wait. They're lying in wait for you.

You can't go alone.

Okei!

Mother!

No, you don't.

Send the girl to my place in Hirai.

Throw the old bag in the godown!

Who goes there?

Hamatsuga Gonbei.

Hah! We know you're Kusama Hanjiro.

Well, see for yourself then.

It's you!

Only now you know? You fool!

Okei! Okei...!

Who are you?!

Hanjiro of Kusama, Joshu.

What?

You know very well why I'm here.

Hold it!

Dowager!

Where's Okei, Dowager?

She's been taken to Gen'emon's.

To Hirai?

Gonbei!

Get the old lady out of the godown.

I got her.

I'm counting on you.

Mr. Nakatomi!

Gonbei saw the tray of food on your altar and cried out, "Mom!"

Hold it!

You all want to throw your lives away? Come on!

I won't untie you, Okei. I just want you to see this.

But I'm not Hirata-ya Shintaro.

The view of the sea, the feel of the white sand...

They're vaguely familiar to me.

But I am, and always will be, Hanjiro of Kusama,

as my foster dad told me,

and you'll never see me again...!

Gonbei!

Farewell.

I wish you and your mom happiness.

Okei!

Mother! He had three moles on his left arm.

So it was him.

Shintaro!

Shintaro... Shintaro!

He'll always be a bird of passage, never to return.

Shintaro...!

Shintaro!

Shintaro!

Shintaro...!

Shintaro!

THE END