Original subtitles

Manchuria is vital for the Japanese Empire.

It has vast fertile lands...

... and large quantities of natural resources.

Besides, its surface is twice as big as that of our country, while its population is less than 30 million people.

Manchuria is a promised land, which Japan acquired...

... as a result of campaigns against China and Russia.

If we invest in the development of this region, we can achieve significant progress in agriculture and industry.

Which will ensure our lasting prosperity.

We will eliminate unemployment...

... and improve living conditions in poor villages.

But now Manchuria has Zhang Zuolin. He used to be an ordinary thief...

... then a field commander, and now he is a candidate for the throne in Beijing.

He systematically acts against state interests of Japan.

Being in command of 200 thousand soldiers...

... he treats us, the Kwantung Army, who have fewer than 20 thousand, with utmost contempt.

What I'm about to say may be nothing but my personal opinion as one of the officers...

... but I believe that anyone who has a heart of the real Japanese warrior in his chest, shares my opinion.

I strongly believe that a day will come when Zhang Zuolin and his minions...

... will be duly punished for their immoral deeds.

NEAR CHANGCHUN

Everything will be alright.

FUBA MANABU, JAPANESE DOCTOR

Everything will be alright!

Thank you.

His sickness is gone.

I'll come to check on him again later.

You'll be fine soon! Don't worry!

I heard that you likes it a lot, doc. Why don't you have some?

Why not? Thank you.

Wow, this is really good!

If it's alright with you...

You shouldn't have.

MEN AND WAR

Doctor, we're screwed! Red villains are here!

Oh no!

Come on, bastard!

This is all the money we have.

You're lying!

It's true!

Bring the opium!

What? We've never even had it...

Mum, help!

Take her!

Don't move, doctor! They might be back!

No, please! Don't take her away!

Let's get out of here!

It was a close call. Those red villains hate the Japanese.

That farmer was a good man.

Those villains don't attack poor people.

Thanks to him I survived.

Sir, have you been to Beijing?

Yes. Why?

My son serves in Zhang Zuolin's guard.

He now lives in the palace in Beijing.

So he's going to return to Mukden soon?

Why is that?

Because Chiang Kai-shek is going to attack Beijing.

So what? General Zhang is going to beat him.

SHIGITA KOMAJIRO FROM THE GODAI COMPANY

You bastard.

Drop your gun.

Where's the opium?

I don't know.

Fuck! Damn you!

Doctor, do you know the owner of the Godai Company?

I do.

They say he uses Japanese soldiers as his employees.

Is that true?

I don't know.

Old man, here's some tobacco for you.

Well, thank you!

Say hello to Zhang Zuolin.

I will!

Haku-san!

The doctor from Changchun says...

... that we must keep an eye on the owner of the Godai Company.

HAKU EISHO, EMPLOYEE OF THE GODAI COMPANY

I'm considering putting you in charge of dealing with the villains.

KYOSUKE GODAI, PRESIDENT OF THE GODAI COMPANY

Godai Company's transportation network has significantly weakened lately both in Changchun and in Mukden...

... due to numerous attacks of the villains.

I want you to examine the situation and engage the military...

... to ensure smooth functioning of our supply chain.

Can I say no?

I'm not fit for the task.

Why not?

MASANORI TAKAHATA, THE GODAI COMPANY

Thank you so much.

I almost thought we wouldn't be able to get it back...

- Be careful with it from now on. - I will.

Thank you for your work.

I don't speak Chinese as well as Shigita-san.

If you don't speak Chinese well, take Haku Eisho with you. He's very loyal.

Besides, I can't kill people or deliver opium.

Look, why do you think I'm in charge of carriers?

Manchuria is still an agricultural country.

So, if Japan fails to gain control over the supply network of agricultural products...

... we're going to be in trouble, even though we have the railway.

We need to do it before the start of the harvest season.

It's not an easy thing to do. And people's lives depend on it.

I'm not asking you to eliminate all the villains.

They're a strong group and it would be hard to find all of them.

That's why, if it's possible to negotiate, we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Shigita isn't the right person for this kind of work.

Who said you can leave?

I'll give you another job to do.

There's a job for a wolf too.

LUSHUN (PORT ARTHUR)

The Northern Expedition Army of the Nanking government headed by Chiang Kai-shek...

... is trying to unite military forces within the country...

... after which, they're going to head to Beijing.

We have information that they have about 400,000 soldiers.

The first line, headed by Chiang Kai-shek himself, will go this way.

The second line, headed by Feng Yuxiang, will head this way.

The third line, Yan Xishan's unit, this way.

The fourth line, Li Zongren's unit, this way.

COMMANDER OF THE KWANTUNG ARMY: LIEUTENANT GENERAL MURAOKA

That means they will join Zhang Zuolin's army right around here?

Exactly. Here, near Jinan.

SPECIAL AGENT: GORO ARAKI

But there's also Zhang Zongchang's unit stationed here.

Jinan, with 2 thousand Japanese...

... is the first base in China...

... with many companies under Japanese control.

COLONEL DAISAKU KOMOTO

Come in.

Please!

Muraoka-san! What do you make of the strategy of Chiang Kai-shek's northern unit?

- Northern unit's? - Cut the crap!

The man who's just left is the Nanking government's secret military advisor.

If I'm not mistaken, his name is Araki-san.

One can't fool you.

Officer Komoto, Godai's been talking a lot here.

He says that when the Northern Expedition begins... and Zhang Zuolin flees...

... we have to move to Shanhaiguan under the pretext of maintaining order...

... and massacre Zhang Zuolin's army as it flees!

It will be a military occupation of Manchuria by Japan.

That's an interesting suggestion.

But, unfortunately, Shanhaiguan lies beyond the lands connected by the Mantetsu railway.

And if the Kwantung Army, whose task is to defend the territory of the Mantetsu railway, makes this move...

... it will be considered a violation of the Treaty of Portsmouth, which the rest of the world will regard as stirring up a hornet's nest.

Besides, pacifists at home won't sit with their arms folded.

And if the Kwantung Army were headed by a man like Godai...

... I'd lose sleep!

Colonel Komoto!

What do you think?

In order to send troops over the agreed limits, we need the Emperor's order.

And that means it has to come directly from the Emperor.

And what if we do get this order?

In that case, it will be acted upon immediately.

And those who stand in the way will be properly silenced.

GODAI COMPANY: KOMATSUGAWA FACTORY

Well done!

TOKYO, MARCH

- Well, I count on you. - Yes.

SHIMEGI TAKURO

Naughty girl! Why the hell not?

If you didn't want it, you should have said that right away. I wouldn't have gone.

How's it going at the factory? Any progress?

There have been some strange rumors lately.

They say the Godai Company is going to develop its operations in Manchuria.

And that it's going to improve the economy and help raise wages two-fold.

Everyone believes that.

It might be true.

Except that part about wages.

Godai is a young company that rose in the Taisho period.

And it's still small compared to Mitsui or Mitsubishi.

And if there's a good opportunity to grow, it'll even go abroad.

But at the same time, it's very dangerous.

Speaking of danger...

Don't look back - the inspector is coming.

According to the information we have...

... Tanaka's cabinet is going to introduce changes to the law about maintaining order at the next session.

Someone who founded an organization...

... with the purpose of overthrowing the government, as well as members of that organization...

... and all the leaders...

... are to be sentenced to death or 5 years to life in prison.

- Death or life sentence? - That's preparation to invade Manchuria.

You live with your brother, right?

SHIMEGI KOHEI

Yes. Our parents died.

Hm...

Be careful with what you're doing at the factory.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Brother, the police are here!

Yamakawa-san, quick! Get under the shelf!

Out of the way!

On the ground!

You piece of shit!

Hold it right there!

What do you think you're doing?

Stop!

Get up!

Brother, run!

Hold it!

Hold it!

Where are you going?

Don't even try to resist!

Bastard!

Brother!

Brother!

- Don't cry! You have to hold on now! - Shut up!

March 15, 1928

The cabinet of then-minister Tanaka Giichi...

... organized raids across the whole country on laborers' and farmers' organizations

as well as on the members of the Party of Workers and Peasants.

Over 1,600 people were arrested. The case came to be known as Case 3:15.

GODAI

Welcome!

YATSUGI SHOFU, ENGINEER AT THE GODAI COMPANY

RYOKO, HIS WIFE

THE GODAI FAMILY'S ELDEST DAUGHTER YUKIKO

Long time no see!

Yatsugi-san, you took an orphan in your house?

This is my husband's subordinate's younger brother.

And since that man had an accident, we took his brother...

Did he die?

I'm embarrassed to say but...

Kohei-kun!

Uncle Yatsugi!

Yoriko! Will you show the boy our garden?

Of course!

Good...

Yukiko-san!

Have you stopped playing because Yatsugi-san has come?

I've stopped playing because you came up to me.

What a greeting...

- Otaki-san, treat Yatsugi to something. - Alright.

Oh yes, he likes cognac.

Of course.

OTAKI, HEAD SERVANT

Eisuke is still a kid.

YUSUKE GODAI, HEAD OF THE GODAI FAMILY

He seems to be determined...

... but since it's his first trip to America...

... he'll probably do many stupid things.

And since you, Yatsugi, have a lot of experience, I'm asking you to take care of him.

Of course, I'm grateful that you organized this farewell party.

But please, stop treating me like a child. Especially in front of others.

EISUKE, ELDEST SON

There's no need for Yatsugi-kun to take care of me.

Come on, have a seat.

It'll be useful for you to listen to elders.

So what's going to happen, Godai-san?

ICHIRAI ZENBE, FINANCIER

Suppose at the same time as Chiang Kai-shek's Northern Expedition starts...

... Japanese forces are advancing to Shandong under the pretext of defending the local Japanese population.

This can become the cause of numerous uprisings against the Japanese in the south of China.

Besides, if Zhang Zuolin is defeated...

... we can't expect anything not only from the south of China, but even from Manchuria!

That's why we have to act very carefully.

We can't approach it lightly.

They say that Ichirai-san is planning to get it through foreign affairs.

But, as you know, diplomats are good at nothing except paperwork.

At the crucial moment, when the lives and property of those Japanese people are threatened...

... do you think diplomats' empty words are going to help?

In such moments, we have to rely on the military.

- Sagawa-san, don't you think so? - I do.

If respectable people among the civilians...

... had the same attitude as Mr. Kyosuke...

MAJOR SAGAWA, HIGH COMMANDER OF GROUND FORCES

... it would be easier for us, the military.

Uncle, if Chiang Kai-shek's Northern Expedition starts advancing north...

... what's going to happen to Zhang Zuolin if he starts losing men?

- Is he going to return to Manchuria? - Ask Major Sagawa.

Most likely, that's going to be the result of the Northern Expedition if Japan doesn't get involved.

And that means, the lives and property of settlers...

... living in the territories conceded by Zhang Zuolin will be in danger.

Look, Eisuke...

What ways do you think are there to maintain order?

It must suffice for the Japanese Army to move to Shanhai Pass, that is, to the border of Manchuria!

Alright! And what's next?

Suppressing Zhang Zuolin's army!

SHUNSUKE, YOUNGEST SON OF THE GODAI FAMILY

You get a C- for that answer.

Even though you've just turned 25, you're only a little ahead of Shunsuke.

Godai-san, that's a difficult question.

Even on the frontline, younger officers know nothing about strategy.

- What about mum? - She died.

But I'm not sad, since I have Otaki-san.

YORIKO, YOUNGEST DAUGHTER

Otaki-san has been living with us for a long time.

She'd been here even before I was born.

- There are four of you kids? - Yes, and I'm the youngest.

Mistress, the tea is ready!

Let's go!

Why doesn't Tsuge-san talk to anyone?

All they talk about is the army.

I've done that before.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL TSUGE SHINTARO, GENERAL STAFF

Are you feeling unwell?

Do I look unwell?

- You must hate it... - Hate what?

The Godai family's lifestyle.

The war might start one day, and it's going to be hard for you.

For example, I'll take my father's place.

And I'll get rich on that war. And then you'll strike me with your sword?

I might.

That doesn't seem like the worst fate.

But in order for the Kwantung Army to advance beyond the agreed limits, they need the Emperor's order?

You're well-informed. I'm surprised you know those things.

Sagawa-san, will that order be issued?

It might be. That depends on the situation.

For example, if lives or property of Japanese settlers are in real danger.

And if that happens, simply maintaining order won't be enough!

Zhang Zuolin's disarmed army...

... will be held accountable for everything they did.

They'll get what they deserve.

That would be irresponsible.

All the talk about suppression aside...

... aren't we talking about the army of a country that is not at war with Japan?

Shunsuke, that's what's called self-defense.

You'll understand that when you're as old as Eisuke.

I think uncle's words are a bit weird.

A bit weird?

If you think things I'm talking about now are weird...

... my brother and I are going to have problems with you in the near future.

- Why is that? - You're too soft.

If Godai's son behaves like this... then the reds will use him for their own purposes!

You have to become tougher.

I won't allow anyone to use me!

Shunsuke, can you come and talk...

- ... to the boy that I brought? - Of course.

They say his brother is from the reds?

Yatsugi-kun! What are you trying to say?

Even if uncle is trying to be patient about Shunsuke's liberal views...

... you mustn't cross the line.

If I have crossed the line, I apologize.

They you've been feeling like freedom is in danger.

But if it's the freedom of anti-government activity, then that's what should be happening!

Unlimited freedom doesn't exist in any other country!

Maybe in America?

Freedom is a relative idea.

Stop it! You're arguing like students.

I'm sorry to butt in... Yatsugi-san, can I talk to you for a minute?

In the future, I want to paint Prometheus on that wall.

Come in.

Do you want to become a painter?

I like painting...

... but I don't necessarily want to become a painter.

It's so complicated...

I have a question - do you hate the reds?

Do you think they're bad?

So you think they are...

I don't! First of all, I don't know them.

In our family, both my father and my brother say they're bad.

Even the newspapers say they're enemies of the state.

That's because the newspapers belong to the rich.

Even scientists who support the reds can lose their job.

Then they won't even be able to buy a bowl of rice.

Is there anyone starving right now?

Even though some eat worse than others.

You say that because you're a rich man's son.

Nobody will call me that!

Isn't there something else?

Something you haven't given me.

Like what?

I've given you everything I had.

Courage.

TAKEI HIROMICHI, SECRETARY OF THE GODAI FAMILY

I'm sorry.

You're a man who doesn't try to obtain what he desires.

You're always calm and collected.

Or maybe you're not honest with yourself?

Maybe even our Takei is much braver and more honest.

He may even try to kiss me.

Even though he knows he'll get fired.

I'm neither brave nor honest.

Is it forbidden?

After all, you're a man who can't do anything by himself.

You're always waiting to be given something. You're a coward!

I've been thinking...

Lieutenant Tsuge is a simple man...

... but when he's made a decision, he gets straight on with it.

And Maki-san, whom you hate so much...

... will arrive immediately, all I have to do is call.

You don't believe me? Should I call him?

Hello? Number 96, in Azabu.

It's me. Will you come? Now.

I'm bored.

Yes, come immediately.

No, forget it. Some other time.

It's not the first time I'm being like this!

Yes!

Understood!

Yes! I'll tell him.

Major!

Thank you.

Sir!

In Jinan, tension is growing between the Northern Expedition Army and the Japanese Army.

- There might be clashes? - Depends on the Northern Expedition Army's actions...

- Maybe you'll go to Jinan? - That's possible.

- If you don't mind, we'll now leave. - Oh well.

Thank you for your time despite your tight schedule.

Well, see you next time...

Godai-san, what do you think will happen?

I'm sure Chiang Kai-shek won't do anything stupid.

THE NORTHERN EXPEDITION ARMY - FIRST LINE

JINAN - A 40-KILOMETERS ADVANCE

JINAN, TRADE PORT

THE SIXTH DIVISION OF JAPAN'S GROUND FORCES INTRODUCES MARTIAL LAW

Zhang Zuolin's army has retreated.

The Northern Expedition Army is going to be here soon. What are you going to do?

People from the the Northern Expedition Army are going to deal swiftly with the Japanese.

Especially since the Japanese troops were here. This is going to fuel anti-Japanese sentiments.

Maybe you should get out of here?

No, that won't do.

Not until you help me to establish connections with someone in charge of your Northern Expedition Army.

And who's going to protect you? I can't.

I can take care of myself.

All you need to do is set up a meeting with one of the commanders.

What are you planning?

I need them to turn a blind eye...

... to some of Godai's shipments.

What does their command need? Women, money, opium?

I want you to find out.

Otaki-san!

My brother hasn't been very nice with you lately, has he?

Even if you're loyal to your master, your body is against it.

How about you sleep with a man again?

Cut out your jokes.

You shouldn't be embarrassed of your brother. He's gone to accompany Eisuke.

Oh, come on! He must be in town now, having fun with some women.

You should be ashamed of yourself saying things like that.

Old master is still so worried about the young one...

... and the young one is talking like that about the old one!

It pains me to see how you're fading away for nothing.

What if Takei-san finds out?

So what?

So it's okay to do it but not okay if someone knows about it?

Good night.

I feel sorry for you as a woman...

Why don't you sleep with brother?

You're too decent to become Godai's second wife?

He's going to keep you in a gold cage until your last days.

What I have now is enough for me. Besides, Yoriko-san is so attached to me...

Don't you want to try it with a Japanese girl?

But all the Japanese have been evacuated, haven't they?

Opium traders, who can never get enough, stayed.

And they're still operating here.

If you want, I can take you to them.

What are you trying to do?

Like that, Japan and China might...

Might what?

Start a war? Great!

So what do you say?

If you stall, I'll find others who are interested.

I'll go!

You have to look for houses of the Japanese, got it?

If you see soldiers, call them and distract them.

Then you can do whatever you want.

What do we have here...

Stop it!

Ouch...

Don't do it!

Shut up!

Don't just stand there!

Come on!

When you're done, just finish her.

There are Japanese girls here!

MAY 3, 1928. JAPANESE AND CHINESE ARMIES HAVE CLASHED IN JINAN. THIS WILL BECOME KNOWN AS THE JINAN INCIDENT.

Chiang Kai-shek didn't want to fight with the Japanese Army.

The Northern Expedition Army's main forces passed by Jinan and headed to Beijing...

... which helped them to avoid a direct clash with the Japanese Army.

THE ITSU AREA

THE GODAI COMPANY, ITSU BRANCH

The villains are bound to attack.

- Aren't you scared? - Not at all!

They have the same blood running through their veins - the blood of poor peasants.

If a transportation network is established, agricultural products will be sold at higher prices.

Clothes and meat will become cheaper...

... which for poor people is the most important thing.

But if the supply network is captured by the Japanese...

... Manchuria will become a de facto part of the Japanese economy.

And in the future, there's a possibility of using that network for military purposes.

Who're you with anyway?

Are you a Kuomintang member and Chiang Kai-shek follower?

Or you're a supporter of the independence of Manchuria and Zhang Zuolin?

Or are you from the Fengtian clique and the Chinese Communist Party?

I'm an employee of the Godai Company!

We've been waiting for you. I'd like to meet your commander.

And then what?

I want to make a deal.

What?

You're an agent!

I'm a trader.

I want to negotiate trade with the territories under your control, where there are issues with supplies.

Of course, this entails profit for you.

All I want is a conversation with your commander.

Untie them.

If you can arrange shipment of arms and ammo, we can make a deal.

We don't have access to arms and ammo either.

At the same time, we have clothes, food and other goods.

We can get things like that ourselves.

If you can't deliver what we need... the two of you won't live to see tomorrow.

If you weren't going to listen to what I have to say...

... why did you take me here?

Do you know about the Liao River?

What about it?

- You speak Japanese? - So what about the Liao River?

The heads of Yingkou and Niuzhuang know what they're doing.

Every day, a few dozen boats go down that river.

For the 250 km distance to Yingkou...

... for a group of 50 boats, they charge 800 yuan as insurance.

That means 16 yuan for one boat.

That way, without putting a burden on the locals...

... they get a large sum in cash...

... and buy everything they need.

And precisely because they don't oppress citizens...

... everybody treats them with respect.

Even if you charge 3 yuan for one carriage, there are more of them.

And if during the rainy season the number of carriages decreases, we'll go down the Yitong River in boats.

What I'm talking about is going to benefit citizens, and we'll also be able to make a profit.

If you do this, there won't be a need to kill people.

Son of a bitch! You're dead!

If you're so brave, why do you spare the Japanese?

Why do you only attack and pillage Chinese towns and villages?

Keep your cool!

- He wants to get us into a trap. - The boss won't take the bait.

It would be better to kill him.

We've brought you a good offer, and that's what we get?

I'm so sorry I forgot to make a fire.

I treated you so badly!

What are you going to do if carriage passengers have guns?

Do whatever you want.

But what if there are Japanese Army spies or policemen among them?

Then you can kill me.

Looks like you have some information.

SANKO OTORI

Is the Kwantung Army going to act?

Who knows.

You should be ashamed of yourself. You know, but you aren't saying anything!

Do you always try to get into people's heads...

... and find out information that costs money?

I know that Godai is buying land both in Changchun and Harbin.

I have some information too.

You're trying to get in bed with important people from the Beijing and Nanking governments.

As well as holding secret negotiations with the Zhejiang Company.

So? What are Chiang Kai-shek's intentions?

Whatever Zhang Zuolin says, Beijing is only a matter of time.

Is it...?

Really?

What I'd like to know is...

... whether the Kwantung Army is advancing towards the Shanhai Pass.

Something is needed for that to happen.

The Emperor's order. Right?

Is he going to give that order?

Or not?

The choice of partners will depend on that.

Right?

So is he?

- Even if not, we'll make it happen. - How exactly?

How?

I booked a room.

- Why don't we go there? - Sure, why not.

Excuse me...

This gentleman wants to meet with you.

He's determined, unlike other employees.

But if you turn him into your enemy, there'll be trouble.

SHINOZAKI RYOJI, CONSULATE GENERAL IN MUKDEN

Alright, I'll wait.

Long time no see!

Takahata is coming back from Itsu tonight or tomorrow.

Takahata has been my friend since university.

Are you in touch with him?

OBATA MOTOKO

Frankly, I lost touch with him.

Have a seat.

Takahata is a smart guy.

What are you going to do...

... if Takahata doesn't come back?

In what case is that possible?

For example, if he were captured by villains or betrayed by his Chinese guide.

Besides, some kind of accident might happen.

I'll go looking for him.

Could you assign someone knowledgeable to me?

Alright.

Don't worry. Takahata will be back.

If I were right about him...

... he must be in a hurry to meet you.

Well...

I'm just curious which part of you he'll go into first.

As a diplomat, what do you think?

Such pretty girls, at least, should not despair...

... don't you think we should solve...

... all the problems that have accumulated in Manchuria?

I'm all for solving all the problems in one fell swoop...

... but the approach matters.

I can't support using the army to solve every problem...

...neglecting the independence of other countries.

It's precisely because this approach tends to dominate...

... that there's no possibility for diplomacy to do its job.

You stress the importance of diplomacy...

... but why have you left all these problems unsolved?

If everything is left for you to decide... the rise of Manchuria will never happen.

And with your methods...

... won't the rise of Manchuria be awash in blood?

*speaking Chinese*

This is your pass across the territory of the red villains.

The safe passage of a carriage that raises this flag is guaranteed.

I was planning to go looking for you tomorrow.

I'm... all alone...

I can't live if I'm not by your side.

After uncle Yatsugi went to America...

... I had an argument with auntie.

That's why...

Can you live alone in a house that's not yours?

Yes. I deliver newspapers.

Besides, thanks to uncle Yatsugi...

... I'll be getting a part of my brother's wages.

- It must be hard going to night school. - Not at all! I've already made friends.

Brother, you look pale. Are you unwell?

You'd better worry about yourself!

Kohei! Did a woman come by looking for me?

Maybe. I come home late.

But the landlady didn't say anything.

Is that girl your girlfriend?

If you tell me where she lives, I'll pay her a visit.

Number 126. Time's up.

Brother!

Don't. It's all in the past now.

Kohei, I will be out soon. Stay strong!

Alright! You too.

Here.

Shunsuke is a rich man's son.

He probably hasn't seen this kind of life.

Shunsuke is going to be upset about it.

He hates being called a rich man's son.

Kohei-kun!

KOICHI HAIYAMA

Very well, but you probably don't know...

... that millions of Japanese people live like this.

No.

Haiyama-san, can Shunsuke stay here tonight?

Of course.

Don't be shy.

Haiyama-san is my brother's friend.

- I'll be going to school then. - Good luck.

Kohei-kun!

They say your brother finally gave in to the authorities?

He would never do that!

JINNAI SHIRO

- Hello. - Hello.

Here.

- Who's that kid? - It's the Godai family's second son.

- Godai as in the Godai Company? - Yes.

Do you want to become Haiyama's patron?

I've come only to look at the paintings.

Are you a writer?

How did you know?

Long hair is almost a cliché for writers, isn't it?

Nonsense!

You welcome many people from the military in your house, right?

Have they told you what they're going to do about Manchuria?

I don't know!

And do you know how your dad got rich?

- Jinnai, stop it. - It's fine.

They have to be taught since childhood, otherwise it's pointless.

I don't know.

- And you? Do you know? - Of course I do!

Capitalists are all the same. They exploit workers for the fruits of their labor.

When they have to pay 100 yen in wages, they pay only 50.

And they pocket the rest of the money.

And what if 1,000 workers work like that?

My father doesn't do things like that.

He sure does!

A strike at the Godai Company can break out at any moment.

Jinnai, stop it. I'll have problems later.

Does the kid have a big mouth?

I won't tell anyone!

This kid has come to look at the paintings...

... not to listen to you lecture him.

Paintings of someone who sells posters? Come on.

Remember one thing.

For now, the workers keep quiet.

But when their patience runs out, they'll start a rebellion.

Then, all the capitalists will die!

And if you have a sister...

... she'll probably be dragged around the city naked.

Jinnai!

Alright, I'll come by another time.

He's always like that.

Although his writing is different.

Remember: you can't tell anyone what you heard here today.

You shouldn't come home so late, son.

I thought I told you not to call me "son"!

- I'm home now. - Where were you?

At Haiyama's place. The man who paints pictures. He's Kohei-kun's brother's friend.

He's not a painter at all.

Dad!

Why don't you buy one of his paintings?

There's one in which a blind old lady...

... is squeezing a purse in her hands...

... and desperately looking for a coin she dropped.

I could, of course, buy it... but we don't have a place to hang a painting like that.

Except we could hide it in the closet.

We could hang it in my room. I want it to be there.

- No, that's out of the question. - Why not?

If one gets some idea from an early age...

... one won't be able to think differently later.

You'll be able to see only one side of things.

This Haiyama paints only poor people...

... and by doing that, he's trying to say that only those people exist.

But it's true that there are poor people.

- And that there are way more of them. - Yes, it's true.

But you know what, Shunsuke...

... you have to remember that it's not the whole truth.

I really feel sorry for poor people.

But there are reasons why people are poor.

No one is born rich.

If someone is poor their whole life...

... they're mostly responsible for it themselves.

And if there are many poor people, a country itself is poor.

That's why Japan is trying to become rich.

And in order to become rich, one has to be strong.

Do you understand?

And in order to solve problems of the poor in Japan...

... it's not enough to complain as Haiyama does with his paintings.

What we have to do is develop Manchuria, which rightfully belongs to Japan.

And work to eradicate poverty. Do you understand?

And what if the Kwantung Army acts without authorization?

The right to act without authorization...

... is a part of the responsibilities that the command has.

And what if they refuse to follow orders from the headquarters?

In that case, they'll be court-martialled.

Tsuge-san!

To give an example, I'll now appoint you the commander of the Kwantung Army.

Will you play along?

Reporting! I, Tsuge Shintaro, lieutenant of Ground Forces...

... starting from May 20, 1928, assume the post of the commander of the Kwantung Army.

Awaiting your orders!

Commander Tsuge, what's your decision based on the current situation?

I received a telegram from the deputy-head of Godai saying,

"The Emperor's order is to be issued in a few days".

"Until that, you are to wait". So I'm going to wait.

But there won't be any orders from the Emperor.

And what do we have now?

Is commander Tsuge prudent or indecisive?

In this case, part of the troops are at the disposal of the commander of the Kwantung Army.

And that means, I'd already given an order to advance towards the Shanhai Pass.

MUKDEN

Attention!

- Do we have a message about the Emperor's order yet? - No, Sir! Not yet!

Shigita, send a secret telegram to my brother in Tokyo.

May 22

The Kwantung Army is leaving Port Arthur and going to Mukden.

The principal forces are concentrating in Mukden.

Daisaku Komoto's people...

... have their own plan about how to take Jinzhou.

Take the necessary measures.

Yes. And yes, Takahata?

Look! Gather whatever you can find.

Horses, mules, people - anything.

Anything that can be used in war needs to be sent to Mukden.

What about foreign affairs?

Message to Minister Yoshizawa from Hachiro Arita.

If Chiang Kai-shek doesn't chase Zhang Zuolin's retreating army...

... there won't be the need to suppress their forces.

What?

Yes.

So foreign affairs convinced Minister Tanaka and decided to keep the Kwantung Army in check.

I see. I want an urgent answer.

What about the Emperor's order?

It seems like the time hasn't come yet. Although in the headquarters...

... all the officers are waiting for this order.

Has anyone been to the Emperor's Palace?

I don't know. But the Commander of Ground Forces is always there.

So what's the Kwantung Army going to do...

... if there's no order from the Emperor?

- Is it going to act? - Of course not.

Otherwise, they'll have to commit seppuku.

What about the fact that officers headed by Komoto are planning to take Jinzhou by themselves?

Does that information come from Godai?

Apparently, Komoto and his people have a vested interest in that...

THE EMPEROR'S ORDER DIDN'T COME.

Komoto-san, there's no order.

Because of that, Zhang Zuolin's troops, consisting of 150 thousand soldiers...

... are going to come back victorious. What are we going to do?

What happened to our own plan...

... to attack Jinzhou...

... even without the order?

We can still do it.

THE CROSSING OF MANTETSU AND JINGHE RAILWAY SYSTEMS

HUANGGUTUN

FOUR KILOMETERS TO MUKDEN

Do you have information about the train?

Yes, lieutenant Takeshita and Major Tanaka got it.

Here.

June 2, 2:30 PM

The train carrying Zhang Zuolin's guard and goods.

June 3, 12:30 AM

The train consisting of 18 cars loaded with equipment for maintenance of railway infrastructure.

And 15 minutes later, departs another train consisting of 18 cars and carrying soldiers.

At 12:15 AM departs a special train consisting of 5 cars...

... in the fourth of which will be traveling Zhang Zuolin himself and his officers Wu Junsheng and Chang Ying-huai.

THE SHANHAI PASS - 420 KILOMETERS TO MUKDEN

SUPREME COMMANDER ZHANG ZUOLIN

OFFICER WU JUNSHENG

OFFICER CHANG YING-HUAI

GIGA SEIYA, ZHANG ZUOLIN'S MILITARY ADVISOR

In position!

Unit, stop!

I was going to marry a Manchurian girl.

Oh yes, you were concerned about double citizenship.

LECTURER OF MUKDEN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY: TATSUO HATTORI

Maybe...

... I'll still marry a Manchurian girl.

- Look, Hattori... - What?

Second-generation Japanese people are considered Americans in the USA.

What does that make us, second-generation Japanese people in Manchuria?

Let's have another drink. I'd like you to meet someone.

We're going to meet a guy named Cho Ennen, my assistant.

His sister is very pretty.

- Doesn't she care about political issues? - Something like that.

Excuse me... Excuse me...

You shouldn't be here.

You're Japanese, right?

Yes, we're both Japanese doctors.

Doctors, you say? Apologies then.

And since I know that now...

I'm going to kill you both!

What do you want?

Tell me!

Don't hang around here. Or...

... before you can leave the town...

... you'll both be found dead.

Dead!

- Was he a Japanese agent? - You thought about that too?

I don't know if he's an agent or a tramp, but he's definitely Japanese.

He just pretends to be someone else speaking Chinese.

He's plotting something against the Japanese.

Maybe he's going to kill someone else?

The same methods were used in the Jinan incident: murder, rape, theft.

Cab!

What are you doing?

No!

I want to undress you and see if you suit me.

Even though I'm a prostitute who moved to Manchuria...

... I can't let a stranger do anything he wants with me.

Stop it! No!

Shigita-san! Shigita-san!

Bitch, shut up!

I'm here. Come in.

- I've got a message. - What?

- The plan's changed! - What do you mean?

It's the Kwantung Army.

They're going to do something, and we've been told to leave it to them.

- What are they going to do? - I don't know.

If Shigita-san doesn't know it, how can I know?

Well, have a nice time!

Who are you anyway?

NEAR JINZHOU 220 KILOMETERS TO HUANGGUTUN

Kan!

CHO ENNEN, ASSISTANT AT MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Doctor Hattori!

YOUNGER SISTER: ZUIHO

Next spring, I'm planning to go to Tokyo to study.

What do you think?

What for?

Ron! Ryanfan!

Dad wants her to have as many friends as possible...

... among people belonging to the upper class.

Since the Mukden government doesn't see the opportunity to obtain independence without a compromise with Japan.

My father is a comprador, so this is how he sees the current situation.

What do you think yourself about your sister?

I suggest she do the same. But, unlike my father...

... it's because most Chinese students who studied in Japan are joining the anti-Japanese forces.

And in order for your sister to become anti-Japanese...

... you suggest she go to Tokyo?

I just think it might do her good in the future.

CHO DAIFUKU

How's the game going?

Terrible.

Zuiho has won twice in a row.

Doctor Fuba...

... I'm going to the station to meet Commander Zhang.

Commander Zhang is arriving at such an hour?

I was told he's arriving at dawn, so I'm going to stay in the house near the station.

Well, good luck.

Thank you.

His third wife lives near the station.

I think that if I ever have a relationship with a Japanese man of this status...

... I'll marry him right away.

The reason is that Chinese rich men have a few wives.

Zuiho-kun!

Even though I'm Japanese by origin, I grew up in Manchuria.

Maybe I qualify as Japanese...

... but I don't think citizenship is that important.

So what do you say?

I'm not rich, though, so that one is not in my favor.

My diagnosis for Hattori is "advanced stage of split personality based on citizenship".

Where are we now?

We're almost in Huanggutun.

CAPTAIN TOMIYA, INDEPENDENT MUKDEN GARRISON

What matters is responding to the changing situation with adequate measures.

In the Kwantung Army headquarters, everyone is ready to send the troops immediately...

... as soon as there's an order from the consulate.

If you're talking about maintaining order, I've already given an order to the consulate police.

I'm sure you know...

... that placing soldiers along the Mantetsu railway is only possible...

... when there's a corresponding order from the consulate.

And for now, the consulate hasn't expressed that need.

Do you even know what's happening in that town right now?

Do you really think...

... we'll be able to calm down Manchurian citizens who are now angry about the murder of Commander Zhang?

Besides, if Zhang Zuolin's army opens fire...

... do you think you'll be able to protect our lives and property?

We don't have such information.

Riots are taking place only in a small part of the town.

Besides, Zhang Zuolin's army is disciplined and shows no signs of chaos.

I'm wasting time with you!

Where's Consul General Hayashi right now? I want to talk to him!

Consul General Hayashi's opinion...

... is no different from what I've just told you.

And I'll repeat...

... Consul General's plan is to maintain order using police forces only.

- Damn it. - I'll have to ask you to leave.

Zuiho! Over here!

Doctor, wake up!

They say that Commander Zhang's train was blown up by the Japanese in Huanggutun.

Is that true?

Let's have some tea.

Japan finally showed itself!

A plot like that is not only a problem for the two countries...

... it's a challenge for humanity!

The problem is not whether Zhang Zuolin is a good politician...

but in this kind of approach, when a man is murdered if he gets in the way of someone's plans.

Wait, Ennen-kun.

You're jumping to conclusions...

... based only on your emotions. It doesn't suit an educated man to do that.

How can you know that the Japanese Army is involved?

It might as well be the Nanking government's job.

Oh please! Consider the probability!

If Zhang Zuolin retreats to Manchuria from Beijing...

... it will mean the end of Chiang Kai-shek's Northern Expedition.

So we have the Nanking government, which undertook the Northern Expedition...

... and Japan, which was planning to set fire to Manchuria with the help of Zhang Zuolin...

... and which then felt he posed a threat to its interests.

And if there were a plot to murder Zhang Zuolin, which explanation do you think is more probable?

The Japanese don't act like that. If they decide to do such a thing, they do it openly.

Openly you say?

Oh, of course.

You're Japanese after all.

Hattori, however you try to pretend to be a free man...

... it turns out to be too hard for you to disentangle yourself from the politics of your country.

For you and for me...

Since you have time to sleep with women...

... why didn't you stir up such a mess that neither the consulate nor the police could curb it?

Maybe we should do it right now?

It's too late. Now all we can do is watch.

Is Zhang dead?

Probably. But if not, something's bound to happen.

Even if you kill him, what then?

If you do want to add oil to the flames, don't spare the oil.

- Whose plan was it? - Komoto's.

There's also information that officer Tatekawa from Beijing was in charge.

The army probably isn't capable of doing such a job.

Well, well... Daisaku Komoto's people probably thought...

... that killing Zhang Zuolin is enough and that his son is still a child.

But he's no fool.

He's a well-trained daredevil, who's harder to reason with than his father.

This is for my brother in Tokyo.

It probably isn't easy to send a message now, but try anyway.

Let's postpone the final journey to the rainbow.

DECEMBER 1928

What's Eisuke writing from America?

He says local newspapers all claim...

... that the Kwantung Army is responsible for Zhang Zuolin's death.

And what has Japan gained from Zhang Zuolin's death?

It was a foolish thing to do!

The military probably did it, since there was no order from the Emperor.

And people from the headquarters decided to take a risk.

Now here's what we have now.

But this may not only not solve the Manchuria problem, but even lead to the collapse of Japan itself.

I heard even Saionji was concerned about it and told Prime Minister Tanaka the following...

... "If it comes to light that the military are responsible, punish them with all severity."

"Otherwise, Japan will perish because of them."

It's not true.

What's not true?

You probably know that the soldiers from the Kwantung Army have been replaced?

And the new commander Ishihara is very unlike Komoto.

Godai must appreciate Commander Ishihara.

Besides, as Ichirai-san has just said...

... Zhang Xueliang is trying to join forces with Chiang Kai-shek now.

And what if that leads to the emergence of a united China, then what?

That means both the stage will be set and the actors will be ready.

And quite soon, there'll be a very interesting play in Manchuria.

The dinner is ready.

Yukiko, would you like a job in Manchuria?

With your talent and looks...

... you could take on the kind of job that neither your brother nor I can do.

And then there'll be the amazing Godai trio!

If I get bored, I'll think about it, uncle.

December 29, 1928

In Mukden...

... they raised a flag depicting a blue sky, a white sun and a red ground.

That meant reuniting with Chiang Kai-shek's National Government.

It was a clear message of hostility...

... towards Japan's plans to invade Manchuria.

INTERMISSION

JANUARY 1930

CHANGCHUN

You're here to see me, and my wife is gone to visit her family.

Her family lives in Japan?

Yes. Unlike us, she's one hundred percent Japanese.

Help yourself!

But she's still better than the Kwantung troops who run back to Japan...

... after having stayed in Manchuria for a couple of years. And after having made a real mess.

At least, she doesn't have any desire...

... to stay in Manchuria and do something special.

- Well, Happy New Year! - Happy New Year!

Who can it be at this hour? Excuse me.

Who is it?

Excuse me, could you examine me?

Just a moment...

You better not call for help, doc.

XU ZAILIN

- Something urgent? - Who's that?

There are only two of us.

- Are you hurt? - I want you to have a look.

- But I'm not a surgeon! - But you're a doctor!

What, you can't examine Koreans?

So you're a Korean?

Follow me.

Take your clothes off!

What did you get shot for?

Alright, don't say. It's more or less clear.

Hey! I'm hungry!

Give me something to eat. And also lend me your coat and some money.

Sorry, but no!

In that case, I'll take it myself.

I want to lend it. I'll give it back.

I'll go to Kando and work in an important business.

If I wanted, I could have used this right from the start.

Here's the money and here's the coat.

I won't thank you, doc.

It's only fair that we should get these things.

Really? Why is that?

And what did the Japanese do to us Koreans?

Do you even know how many Koreans were killed?

Koreans were starving and so they came to Manchuria.

And now Manchurians are bleeding us dry!

They've taken everything!

We have nothing left!

That's how you justify becoming a criminal?

Are you lecturing me, old man?

Manchurians think we're inferior to the Japanese.

And both of them have us by the balls.

And burning us on open fire.

I wish you would all die, bastards!

Doc, remember the name: Xu Zailin.

This is the name of a man who's going to make it big!

Doc, if you make a mistake, he's dead!

Don't screw it up!

It's the police.

Open up!

I'm coming.

- Where is he? - Where's who?

He escaped from prison.

Out of the way!

Hold it!

Hold it!

Spread out!

My condolences.

Now Raita-kun is all alone.

I feel sorry for him.

Mum, let's take him to us!

Shut up!

What's Raita-kun going to do now?

He doesn't have anyone now!

UMETANI KUNI

Alright, alright! I got it.

That fucking Korean! I'll kill him!

OSHIO RAITA

Yes.

I'm so glad someone took Raita-kun!

But since this is a hotel...

... after school Raita-kun will have to do some cleaning.

That's a shame.

Yes, it's a shame that there are many people who use child labor!

- Yes, Kuni-chan, but there's a story. - What story?

Once, an old lady was sitting by the road and crying.

A kind girl was walking that road.

She asked, "Why are you crying?"

The old lady answered...

"I had two great sons."

"The first was named Lushun and the second was named Dalian."

What strange names! It's Ryojun and Dairen in Japanese, isn't it?

That's right.

But once a villain came...

... and took Lushun and Dalian from the old lady.

And he made them work from dawn till dusk.

And all the money they earned he kept to himself.

- What an evil man! - Yes.

At first, the villain promised...

... to return both of them in 25 years.

But after he found new ways to earn money, he went back on his promise...

... and changed the time to 99 years.

A whole 99 years?

And making them work for so long...

... he still took all of the money?

Yes, Kuni-chan! This is what it says in Chinese schoolbooks.

So it's a true story?

Does it say there what happened to Lushun and Dalian?

They can't write about it because 99 years haven't passed yet.

Madam!

Takahata-san is now reporting to the President.

Don't worry.

Here you go.

What do you think about it?

About what?

You're paying villains for the passage, aren't you?

Yes.

Do you know what that money is spent on?

I don't.

Of course you do.

They're using that money to buy food.

Thanks to that, they can dig in without bringing peasants' hostility upon themselves.

On top of that, they can buy guns and ammo to fight us!

That means that with your activities you are helping the enemy.

And you don't care?

What do you want me to do?

My job is to transport agricultural goods produced by peasants.

I also deliver necessary things to peasants.

And in areas full of villains, as you just called them.

If you have a better idea, I'll be grateful.

- Enlighten me! - Hold on, Takahata.

I went to them to make some kind of deal.

I didn't go there expecting to be captured... and hung from a tree!

The lieutenant-colonel says... that it isn't good if peasants like them.

What's not good about it? Because Manchurian peasants are the ones who suffer most.

And the less suffering there is, the better.

The reality is that people live in such conditions.

Lessening their suffering is my job.

If you think I collaborate with the outlaws, you're free to punish me accordingly.

You're sitting here in safety and talking about real life... people are leading somewhere else.

You can say whatever you want.

This is the pass.

Take it and go to the leader.

Tell him the deal you made with Takahata is off.

You'll be able to get there without any problems, but I can't guarantee your safe return.

You certainly have balls, even though you don't look like it.

No wonder Godai engaged you for this job.

You probably didn't know being busy all day...

... but according to the latest information, the Chinese Communist Party has issued an order...

... for all Manchurian Koreans who espouse ideas of communism to start an uprising.

No matter how hard those villains pretend to be anti-Japanese forces, they're nothing but outlaws.

But if they join the cause and unite with communists, they're going to be a problem.

And what Ishihara-san has just said means that he's worried about these things.

- Have you established the passage to Kando? - Not yet.

I'm still planning delivery all the way to Dunhua.

Thank you. But for now, rest for a few days.

This guy is vicious.

That's not surprising. He goes there and leaves his beautiful wife at home.

I think after a few days of rest he'll be fine again.

Can't we use the routes established by that guy?

You mean disguising it as freight?

I'll send over investigators later, so set it up.

But, Ishihara-san, can I be sure...

... that the army is going to compensate for our losses?

When are we going to Itsu?

You might not agree with me, but Itsu isn't such a dangerous place.

I'm half-Manchurian. My mother was a daughter of a Manchurian peasant.

Can we go?

I want you to understand one thing...

... you're a very important person for me.

I'll never let you go to dangerous places where you don't belong. Do you understand?

Thank you.

Burn it!

NEAR MANDO

DEATH TO SUPPORTERS OF THE JAPANESE EMPIRE!

May 30, 1930

The Manchurian Committee of the Chinese Communist Party ordered all communist organizations of Manchuria...

... and all other rebels to start an uprising.

Because of such an irresponsible order, some of the Koreans living in Kando joined the uprising.

190 people dead, 3168 arrested.

It was the first uprising in Kando.

Gee!

Gee!

Madam, we're entering Kando.

Don't speak a word in Japanese.

Stay alive!

Don't worry!

There's someone waiting for you there.

Thank you.

Was it you who sent the kid?

This is Lee, from Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. He's a friend from Changchun.

I have a request.

What? Let the Japanese go?

Without getting a penny of ransom money from Godai?

It's the decision of the Chinese Communist Party.

I demand it as a party representative!

Shit!

Stop acting like a boss.

You Chinese are so arrogant. Who do you think we are?

The party may have given you an order to start the uprising...

... but it didn't order you to act rashly.

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

What kind of uprising is without risk?

We, Koreans, are the ones who're making a difference here!

Do you remember our slogan?

Death to landowners, capitalists and their stooges.

What you're saying now makes you sound like one of them.

Watch your mouth.

Don't you care?

Japanese agents and trade companies based in Mukden and Changchun...

... are planning to occupy Manchuria...

... using their connections in the Japanese Army.

And if we confront the Japanese now...

... their army, which is stationed in Korea, will cross the border...

... using that as a good pretext to join forces with the Kwantung Army.

They're only waiting for this!

And we don't have the forces to fight them now.

If you understand, you'll let him go now.

Damn!

Gee!

Darling!

Motoko!

Darling! Why don't you quit this job?

If you want to keep doing this, now you'll have to take me to Itsu.

I don't want to live separately anymore.

You should be grateful to Haku.

I'm alive thanks to him.

You just got lucky that I was there when you were released.

These are good times for university graduates.

And we, poor people, are doomed to unemployment.

Or suicide and murder of our children, nothing more.

Manchuria! Manchuria!

If Manchuria became ours...

... this crisis would end!

If only someone could suppress the cabinet.

- That would give free rein to the military. - Yes, exactly.

Damn them!

Oh...

Shit.

- Are you getting letters from your brother? - Not really.

He's still a recruit. They must be treating him badly.

My brother was drafted too.

But he's going to go to Manchuria because he doesn't want to be a soldier.

He can't do that.

Every Japanese has to become a soldier first.

Someone's father must have arranged it.

And that's why my brother doesn't have to become a soldier.

- It's unfair! - But it's true.

So what, rich families like yours can do anything?

- And poor people like my brother keep joining the army. - Poor fools!

Manchuria! We need Manchuria!

We should meet, we should meet...

- Let's have another drink! - Want some more?

SENDAI, SECOND DIVISION

Wakasumi, what's wrong with you?

My sister has been sold.

And we can't do anything about it because there's even no one to work in the field.

She's only 16.

Forget it and go to sleep.

Let cowards run if they want! And we're going to defend our flag!

Light bulbs that we produce are exported abroad in large quantities!

The factory works 24 hours in 3 shifts.

So why can't we make ends meet?

And why are our children starving?

Exactly!

The police are here!

The red flag, the people's flag Wrapped around the bodies of those who fell

Until the body gets cold Drops of blood are covering our flag

Raise higher our red flag We'll swear to protect it till we're dead

Move!

Let go of me! Shit!

Stop it! Don't hurt them!

Stop it already!

President!

Even though "dumping" has lowered our profits, maybe there's still a possibility to raise wages?

Godai doesn't only produce electrical goods.

If we give in to the demands of workers from this department...

... it's going to affect other departments as well.

You have to look at the bigger picture.

Yes, but there's still the opportunity to expand to Manchuria.

If you suppress the strike now...

... it may eventually lead to decreased quality of production.

It's bound to happen because they can't afford to lose their jobs even though they can't make ends meet.

Preventing that from happening is exactly the boss's job.

Are you trying to avoid responsibility?

That's exactly the reason why the reds don't respect you.

Maybe I should resign from my position as planning department manager and deal with supervision?

And not only supervision of the factory and research!

How about working as a supervisor and not going to Manchuria tomorrow?

I'd really like to see how much more effective...

... engineers and factory workers will be under your supervision.

President!

I've always respected Yatsugi-kun's opinion.

But today he's gone too far.

Tell the guys at the factory...

... that if they attempt something like that again...

... I'll use administrative means to deal with it.

In the future, I'm not going to negotiate with those who use demonstrations as an argument.

I'm sure the Company's workers will be working again and whistling some merry tunes very soon.

And those who want to protest can join the communist party...

... and go to prison.

Sorry I'm late.

- And sorry I made you worry. - Shunsuke-san!

Why are you talking to me like I'm a stranger? Is anything wrong?

Dear dad...

Dear dad...

Has something happened?

Today...

... I watched a strike being quelled at the factory.

And now I hate my father!

- Shunsuke-san! - Taki, leave him alone.

Is everything alright?

It's nothing. If he gets an idea... he'll keep thinking that no matter what.

And he'll think that while his father is a monster, he himself is noble and humane.

Let him think that.

When the time comes, he'll understand.

It won't hurt this family to have at least one humane person.

This is not funny! What are you going to do if he gets labelled as a communist?

I don't mind that at all.

Even judges and prosecutors now have family members in the communist party.

It won't be surprising if this family gets one too.

Shunsuke, you have a good heart.

But a good heart isn't enough for a man.

There's a war out there every single day.

If you win that war, you'll be a big man, like your dad.

But if you lose, your wife and kids will suffer all their lives.

And you'll be miserable.

I'm glad that you have feelings, Shunsuke-san.

But the truth is...

... the rich can never understand the poor.

Lies! Dirty lies!

The axis of the Japanese economy is the Dalian Port and the Mantetsu Railway.

But what if they built a port in Huludao instead... and stopped using the Mantetsu Railway...

... what do you think would happen?

Japan's influence would be reduced to zero.

This is exactly what Zhang Xueliang and Chiang Kai-shek are trying to do.

In that case, it's pointless to convince Japan not to get involved in a conflict.

Isn't it?

Well, done educating Eisuke?

Your nephew is more interested in that Chinese girl.

I see...

*speaking Chinese*

- She's the daughter of Big Rice Ball. - Big Rice Ball?

His real name is Cho Daifuku. He's a landowner and a lender.

He deals in everything: food, consumer goods, construction materials...

There's also that blond guy. That's his son, future doctor.

There's also another one - probably Japanese.

He has no manners!

He keeps staring at you.

It's not lack of manners.

Looking at a girl one fancies...

... is a way to her heart.

Isn't it, Zuiho?

What are you talking about?

Brother is kidding.

What kind of man is Godai-san?

They all profit on war and death.

He's coming...

Good evening!

I'm Eisuke Godai from the Godai Company.

Can I join you?

I'm Cho Ennen.

This is Doctor Hattori from Mukden Medical University.

And this is my sister Zuiho.

- Have a seat. - Thank you.

So beautiful!

He's very direct with girls.

He takes after you.

What's on officers Itagaki and Ishihara's minds?

What do you mean?

Yan Xishan and Feng Yuxiang went against Chiang Kai-shek, didn't they?

That means Chiang Kai-shek, who is alone now, might do something.

Right?

You should go to Lushunkou and sleep with someone.

Then you'll find everything out.

At least, much more than I know.

If something big happens, it might get tough.

If Hotenpyo and Hatayan stock drops, I'll go bankrupt.

- Be careful. - With what?

It's one thing to pass information about Zhang Xueliang to Chiang Kai-shek...

... but giving Chiang Kai-shek information about the activities of the Kwantung Army...

... might cost you your life.

That's what you're doing.

Who might start hunting me? Maybe you?

You're a fool.

Let's return to the room.

- Alright, Ennen-kun, let's go. - Okay.

Well, hope to see you again.

Good night.

Good bye.

Nice ass.

Flowing out of the flourishing city

The Kamo River is crying in soft splashes

Crossing the Sueshiro River

Keep walking.

Where are you taking me?

Shut up and keep walking.

Who are you with? Zhang Xueliang or the Nanking government?

Move it.

Who sent you?!

Search them.

Shit.

They're not just some local petty criminals.

They might be agents.

But who could have sent them?

Maybe Zhang Xueliang's people.

I'm a danger to them.

And what if it's a Manchurian military clique connected to Japanese business?

I might be in the way of them doing their business.

Or they could be from the Kwantung Army.

If the President gets killed in a Chinese town...

... it will be a good pretext for the army to advance.

Officer Ishihara could have arranged it.

Officer Ishihara is not that kind of man, unlike you.

Really?

Find their accomplices and kill two or three of them.

We have to teach them a lesson.

October 1930. An uprising breaks out in Musha, Taiwan, against the cruelty of Japan's colonial administration.

But it is violently quelled by the police and the Japanese Army.

At the same time, Prime Minister Hamaguchi, who cut army funding, is killed by ultra-right forces.

- Uncle Tsuge! - Good afternoon!

Welcome.

Come in.

You may think it's impolite of me...

... but it turns out I have to go to Taiwan, so I've come to say goodbye.

This is so impolite...

Are you being transferred to Taiwan?

No, it's just a business trip. In order to investigate that incident in Musha.

In Musha? I see...

Right now they must be quelling what's left of the uprising, so it'll probably be tough there.

I'm leaving now...

... but if you like, you may come in and talk.

- You probably want to see Yukiko too? - Yes.

- Do come in. - Please.

Dad, you had old books about Taiwan in your library, didn't you?

I think I did. But they were so old, I'm not sure if they'd be useful.

- Can I see them? - Of course.

I'll show you. Come in.

Oh, Tsuge-san... Looking at you made me think...

... of Rikken Seiyukai's leader Mori Kaku.

Turns out, he was the one who asked Daisaku Komoto...

... to investigate the Musha incident. Did you know that?

No, I didn't know about Komoto-san's appointment.

Let's go.

Come in.

- Isn't it dangerous to go there? - I'm not going there to negotiate, but to investigate.

I heard those savages cut people's heads off.

Yes. It happened in this uprising too.

They have the custom of cutting off the heads of members of other tribes as a display of bravery.

They call it head-hunting.

I see.

And their women watch this ecstatically.

They watch men fight each other to death.

Women have moments like that.

Including me.

Do you know what I mean?

A man is trying to accomplish something that may cost him his life.

And I want to find out what this man means for me.

And what I mean for him.

If you were a daughter of a tribal chief...

... all the men would fight each other to death...

... in order to win you over.

And you?

What about you?

I'll fight.

APRIL, 1931

There's some strange guy over there.

Sixth carriage.

He's Japanese.

He must be an agent!

Darling, it might be dangerous. Here, take this.

- There's no need. - But...

Darling, be careful. I'll make rice flat cakes and will be waiting for you.

Madam, don't worry.

Don't forget the food!

Thank you!

Good bye!

Madam!

Good bye!

The national government announced the cancellation of exterritorial rights...

... as well as of concessions, lend-lease and the right to use railroads.

Does the cancellation of lend-lease also extend to Dalian and Lushunkou?

I think so.

And by cancelling the right to use railroads they mean Mantetsu.

If that's the case, Japanese troops and advocates of a tougher approach to China will be even more upset.

But Chiang Kai-shek probably isn't so determined about it.

His real enemy is not Japan... but the Chinese Communist Party.

Help!

Stay away!

We haven't done anything wrong to you!

Gee up!

Gee up!

Gee up!

Whoa!

Motoko!

Madam!

- Madam! - Motoko!

- Madam! - Motoko!

*speaking Chinese*

Madam was taken by the red villains.

Welcome!

How long has it been since you lost touch?

Five days now.

I would have sent Umetani at once, but he can't deal with kidnappings.

You've come here from Harbin, thank you for that. But could you go?

I'll go wherever you say.

I'll have a drink.

So the office worm couldn't crack the job?

I don't think so.

Takahata was doing well. Something must have happened.

But if I go there, it'll cost me a fortune.

What do you mean?

I mean Rehe.

I've just established an opium route.

And if I leave now...

... Zhang Xueliang's guys will take it all.

Even without them, it'll be pretty difficult to get all the opium of Rehe.

But let's deal with it later.

And now, go straight to Itsu.

What if it turns out that Takahata is dead?

- President! It's Takahata! - Takahata?

President! I need some money and guns.

What happened? Where's your wife?

I don't know. She must have been taken by the red villains.

They say that in that carriage that came from Changchun was an agent of the Kwantung Army.

So they got mad that the promise was broken and attacked.

And they took Motoko instead of me.

And you want to get her back with money and guns?

I can't say I don't understand how you feel...

... but that's probably pointless.

Do you suggest I just sit on my ass?

Do you want to die?

I don't care what happens to me.

All I care about is Motoko.

She has to live.

Now we have to wait until they show up.

Takahata-san, they're here.

Gee up!

The boss is waiting! Let's go!

*speaking Chinese*

Where's my wife?

I want to see her! Where is she?

If a young woman is among hundreds of horny men... anything might happen.

You knew it could happen... if you didn't keep your promise.

Where's my wife?

She's not here.

Communists took her.

Communists?

*speaking Chinese*

We can show you the way only up to here.

Don't take off the band.

*speaking Chinese*

*speaking Chinese*

Long time no see, mister from the Godai Company.

This is ransom money.

Where's my wife?

You wife's dead.

Dead?

It was a suicide.

What was the reason?

How do I know? I have no time to think about that.

- You do have time to drive people to suicide. - What did you say?

Ask him - he knows the details.

- How did she kill herself? - She hanged herself from a tree.

I was going to use her as a housewife... and wait for the ransom to be paid.

But as soon as I turned my back...

There's nothing to be done.

What did you do with the body?

I buried it by that mountain.

Is there anything else you want to know?

Is your being anti-Japanese about kidnapping women, raping, and killing them?

What did you say? I'll kill you!

If you want to know what we're doing here, bring the military!

Do you even know how many Koreans were hanged and tortured to death?

By your kind!

My father, my mother...

... and my only brother who took care of me when I was little!

They were all chased away from their homes like dogs and hanged on trees!

They were killed during the Man-se Demonstrations.

MARCH 1, 1919: THE KOREAN MOVEMENT SAM-IL ORGANIZED A DEMONSTRATION, DURING THE QUELLING OF WHICH 30,000 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.

Shit... I...

We, Koreans, will never forget what happened that day.

You're talking about a few Japanese women?

If you didn't want your wife to be killed... you should have stayed in Japan, where you belong.

None of this wouldn't have happened!

Takahata-san!

We should probably leave.

I want to find Motoko's body.

Thank you so much.

Rice chips and pastry!

I'm not trying to justify myself, but...

When I joined the army, I thought I was punishing myself.

But when I started my training... I felt like I got off easy.

And when I was in my second year and had to stand up for newbies... I even felt proud of myself.

But now, if I go to Manchuria and have to shoot the locals...

This is war. There's nothing you can do about it.

Maybe.

Probably this is what I'll tell myself too when the time comes.

But whose war is it? Who is it for?

Haiyama-san, and how are you doing?

They say many writers have been arrested lately.

Unlike you, I'm a coward.

I can't do anything worthy, so I just paint pictures.

Do you remember the poem "The One at the Factory" that you told me?

Yes.

He walks with the people And fights with the people

He laughs with them And despairs with them

He prints the manifesto and sticks it on the wall Without complaining, without saying a word

Even when he's the only one in a cell He knows he's not alone

He knows their struggle is in vain

But despite all the hardships, his brothers carry on

Haiyama-san, I always wanted to be that man.

But even Yamagawa-san died in prison.

And I broke seeing my leaders and comrades betray us.

I wasn't able to become that man from the poem.

- Are you asleep? - No.

- Let’s talk about things then. - Alright.

I looked for that girl you were talking about.

- It doesn't matter. It's in the past now. - Wait.

I found her. But she was already married.

Don't worry about me.

The most important thing is for you to be careful over there.

And when you come back from Manchuria, we can live together again.

I'll be waiting for you here.

If you don't come back, I'll be sad.

I'll be back!

Kohei, don't believe anything!

Don't believe any men, women, or ideals. Not until you know for sure.

Learning late is not shameful.

It's the only way to avoid regrets.

If you meet someone nice, watch his actions.

If you meet someone higher up the ladder... watch how much effort he's making.

And how he talks to other people.

Words and acts can reveal the nature of man. You need to be able to discern it.

Whatever someone says, don't follow them until you feel a response in your soul.

We have no one but each other, brother.

But I can't do that much for you.

I'm very sorry.

Don't cry.

Let's fight!

Brother!

Shunsuke is not going to be a soldier.

The Godai family's youngest son?

A son of a bourgeois can afford that!

It's not fair!

Brother! Stay safe!

Come back alive!

JUNE 6, 1931. CAPTAIN NAKAMURA SHINTARO AND SERGEANT ISUGI NOBUTARO...

... FOLLOWED BY A RUSSIAN AND A MANCHURIAN SET OFF TO GONGAN WITH THE MISSION TO MAP THE TERRITORY AND DO RECONNAISSANCE WORK.

FOR TEN DAYS STARTING FROM JULY 6...

... COMMANDERS OF THE KWANTUNG ARMY SEISHIRO ITAGAKI AND KANJI ISHIWARA WITH A FEW OF THEIR SOLDIERS...

... ARRIVED TO EXAMINE THE BORDER BETWEEN USSR AND MANCHURIA TO DETERMINE THE POSSIBLE LOCATION OF THE MILITARY ACTION.

CAPTAIN NAKAMURA AND SERGEANT ISUGI, WHO WERE REPORTED TO HAVE GONE MISSING, WERE ACTUALLY ILLEGALLY DETAINED BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.

ALL THEIR PRIVATE BELONGINGS WERE CONFISCATED, THEY WERE KILLED AND THEIR BODIES BURNT IN THE MOUNTAINS TO HIDE ALL THE EVIDENCE.

- Dad, you have a telegram from Manchuria. - Thank you.

"The closing of the deal is expected towards the 19th."

Something happened?

Or is it too early to say?

- Yukiko, could you bring some cognac? - Alright. I'll have some too.

I'd like this to stay between the two of us.

Something is about to go down in Manchuria.

Of course, Japan is going to be behind this.

And keeping that in mind...

... I'm planning to build a factory to produce equipment there.

It might seem like a reckless decision now...

... but after mining starts there, it's going to be too late.

And when mining starts, there's going to be demand for mining equipment.

It's impossible to develop the whole of Manchuria... only with used equipment from Japan.

Besides, stalling might play into the military's hands.

Waiting for them to give us permission to work there is not an option.

Yukiko-sama, Tsuge-sama is here.

Uncle Tsuge? May I?

I get your point. But what about the funding?

It might be a bit challenging, even for you.

I'm on good terms with a rich guy named Ichirai Zenbe.

Kanazawa?

Yes.

- But why so suddenly? - Probably the reason is that...

... I criticized our colonial policy in my report on the Musha incident.

So you're going to Manchuria too?

I'm a military man. If there's an order, I go anywhere.

There's little time left until dispatch, so I'll be leaving.

Say hello to everyone from me.

It's like in that old song.

Madam, should I accompany him?

He was the one who started it in Manchuria! You must be nervous.

We're being made fools of!

MEMBERS OF THE MANCHURIA YOUTH LEAGUE

The Kwantung Army is dependable.

And we, the Manchuria Youth League, are the only ones who tell them to take initiative!

This is one of the flyers that were thrown out...

... of a 16th division plane over the northern region yesterday!

Rise up, defenders of our land!

We won't allow our interests in Manchuria to be trampled over!

Military expenses for the Russo-Japanese War were 2 billion yen, investments were 1.7 billion yen, but 200 thousand people died.

Ishihara-san! Is your sword made of bamboo?

We disapprove of your conduct!

Silence doesn't make anything clear!

Speak out!

You said that the Kwantung Army is weak.

You said my sword was made of bamboo, and you're right.

But even through we're weak and have bamboo swords...

... it's more than enough to beat Zhang Xueliang's army!

As your leader...

... I can promise one thing...

If the fighting starts, it'll take less than two days to take Mukden!

Everything will be finished instantly.

How are things in Mukden?

I think Amakasu-san has gone to Harbin.

So he's not going to Kando?

Even though Kando is easier to take...

... strategically, Harbin is more important.

- Do you want me to rub your back? - Yes.

Not now!

Starting from tomorrow, there might not be enough time to relax together.

Stop it!

The Kwantung Army is sure to get involved. The question is - how much?

Is it going to be an occupation or a pro-Japanese government?

That's what I wanted to ask you about. That's why you're here. Don't say you don't know anything.

Mr Tatekawa is coming from Tokyo headquarters...

... to prevent the use of force on the part of the Kwantung Army.

What?

He might already be in Mukden.

- What is it? - So today then.

SEPTEMBER 18, 1931, AROUND 10:20 PM

MUKDEN AREA, LAKE RYUJO

CAPTAIN IMADA, THE KWANTUNG ARMY COMMANDER

It's Itagaki. What? The enemy is ignoring the explosion?

Open fire!

Alarm!

Attention!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...

6! 7!

There's a battle going on in Mukden. Even the Changchun regiment is getting ready for dispatch.

Understood.

A detachment will probably be formed with volunteers in the city.

Guys from the company should join under Shigita's command. We also need six armed men to protect the warehouse.

Good!

What are you doing, Reita?

Madam, could we have your boy?

If he can be useful to you.

Kid, are you brave enough to join us?

- I am! - Do you know Takahata's house?

Then run and tell Takahata to get all the Chinese workers.

And tell him it's an order from me.

After that, they must get all the carts ready and wait for me.

Yes!

Hold on.

If some of them try to escape, you can apply what you've been practising.

- Are you sure? - I'll take responsibility for that.

When they gather, return to the factory.

We'll see how useful you are after that.

Are you sure those Chinese guys won't start a riot?

Ensure that the orders are passed.

- Contact at once! - Yes!

Since the Chinese Army...

... blew up the Mantetsu Railway, which is crucial for our interests...

... it's natural for the army to get in position.

CONSUL AGENT SATOSHI

Who gave the order?

Was it your commander?

Commander Honjo is currently in Liaoning.

I took the command, since this incident calls for an immediate response.

Anything else?

Yes. Since the Chinese aren't going to resist...

... I want you to stop the Japanese Army right now.

I've called the General Consulate many times.

- It's too late! Emergency powers have been granted. - It's not late!

If you order to call off the military now, the General Consulate will proceed using diplomatic means.

Does the General Consulate want to suspend our emergency powers?

Is that what they want?

Bastards!

OPERATION STAFF: MAJOR HANATANI

No one can stop the Kwantung Army!

I'll fucking kill you!

Have you ever heard about abuse of power?

What?

The ground forces criminal law, point 35:

"A commander who initiates military action against a foreign state without due reason is to be sentenced to death."

You bastard!

Point 38, "Initiating military action without due reason and without orders..."

"... is punishable by death or life sentence..."

- Shinozaki! - Are you trying to obstruct me?

Let's go.

Hold on.

At this very moment, the destiny of Japan is being shaped.

If in a situation like this, we can name a spade a spade...

... we, diplomats, are left with our hands tied.

Are we really so powerless...

... before the military, even though...

... they don't know what they're doing?

And if so...

... then I need to resign as a diplomat right now.

Second department.

You too, get out of here!

If I see you again, I'll kill you!

What the hell are you doing over there? Attack and take Nanling by the morning!

Got it, scum?

You!

ARTILLERY BATTLE IN NANLING, CHANGCHUN

It feels weird.

It's hard to imagine that people are about to start killing each other.

- What are you thinking about? - I'm not thinking about anything!

Attack!

Damn! Our enemies aren't going to let me retire in peace.

I was thinking about the same thing.

After I retire, I'm going to buy out my sister, find myself a bride and...

Shit! If it goes on like this, they're going to kill us all.

Let's try to run to that wall.

Shimegi, cover me. I'm going to try to get to that wall.

Alright!

Let's go!

Attack!

Shit...

Cover me!

Great! Attack!

Evening news!

Evening news!

"Takuro Shimegi has died."

Evening news!

I'm back.

What are you doing here?

Evening news!

Rain is the worst thing.

Subscribers get angry if papers are wet.

And if it's always sunny, peasants are unhappy.

Well, to each his own.

I got this. Here.

What happened?

Kohei-kun...

What an idiot... he died...

It's been three years, since Zhang Zuolin.

Doctor, now you know Japan quite well. What do you think?

China wants to solve problems through negotiations.

But Japan refuses to talk.

Then they go to war.

You treated me to some old sake to hear that?

Yesterday...

... the Korean Army crossed the border and entered Manchuria.

They did that to protect the home front...

... South Manchuria and Mukden, after the Kwantung Army went north.

Perhaps you're trying to say that you're a free man.

A man who only fights disease.

But since you're Japanese...

... you can't turn a blind eye to what's happening.

It's your compatriots who are now killing Chinese soldiers who aren't even trying to resist.

Stop it.

If someone hears us, we'll get in trouble.

I see there's a free seat. Can I join you?

There are only doctors here.

So I hope you can find another seat.

Shut up!

You're Chinese! You came to this hotel...

... because it's guarded by the military and the city isn't safe anymore.

Am I right?

At least buy me a drink as a sign of gratitude to the Japanese!

Who are you anyway?

You don't look like a military man. Or like a traveler.

You must be one of those who want to move to Manchuria.

In that case, you have to be friendly and work side by side with Manchurians.

If that's too hard for you, you have to leave this land. Since your presence is going to affect us negatively.

- What did you say? - Wait!

- I know what you're trying to do! - What?

This asshole insulted me!

- Do you know that? - I do.

Do you want to start a fight?

Even for this girl?

Interesting.

What's your name?

- Eisuke Godai. - Godai?

I'm surprised there's someone in Manchuria who doesn't know about us.

Kyosuke Godai is my uncle.

He's my father's younger brother.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I forgive you this time, but only for Mr Godai's sake.

But I'll take the sake.

And we meet again!

Thank you so much.

I'm very sorry, but I have to go now...

I see. Well, good night.

Wow! She's gorgeous!

*speaking Chinese*

Who is it?

Oh it's you! What can I do for you?

Woman!

*speaking Chinese*

*speaking Chinese*

Is it okay to leave Zuiho-kun alone?

Even if there was a threat of some dangerous infectious disease... you wouldn't be that worried.

When people are in the state of war, there's no cure.

Are you happy?

You can call for help if you want.

There are lots of Japanese soldiers outside. And in the hotel too.

You know very well that I can't do that.

If you did the same thing a year ago, when we just met...

... I could have forgiven you.

Mukden wasn't yet occupied then.

You could have been in trouble then.

That time you seemed a gentleman.

So what?

Would you like to see a non-gentleman once more?

What have you gained? Manchuria? Manchurians?

You have to kill me and escape.

Otherwise, I'll put a price on your head.

Stop with these jokes! Where do you think you are?

This is not Manchuria anymore, this is Japan!

It's you!

Doctor, Zuiho-kun doesn't need to be examined anymore.

At least today. I've done it already.

Get out of there, Godai's kid!

People like you are a disgrace to Japan!

Get the fuck out of here!

Write an article if you can. It'll be a pleasure to read it.

This is not a safe place.

Why don't you move to the place where I'm staying? There's a free room.

Speaking Japanese can make me pass for a Japanese woman?

It's not about that.

Let me protect you.

I'll stay here.

I don't care that there are Japanese people here.

I'm not the one who should be ashamed. They are.

I'm just a doctor, and there's nothing I can do to help.

I've never wanted to be in the military so much.

Doctor!

Leave me alone today.

Come back some other time.

Alright.

You have to lock the door.

Fool!

If the Godai family is left with such a stupid heir as you, it's not going to last long.

Think! The Chinese are not our only enemies.

Don't you understand that even the Japanese are waiting for the chance to start killing each other?

No one calls me a fool, even my uncle!

Fool!

Raping Cho Daifuku's daughter and hiding behind the army!

If Cho Daifuku wants...

... they'll tear you into pieces in a second.

It'll cost them nothing.

Don't worry about me.

Raita, show him.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

Is this a joke?

On the 19th, in the morning, three men were killed by this guy.

They couldn't even cry for help.

This is not Japan!

If you want to live, you need to realize that.

- Call Shigita. - Yes.

The president is calling.

Shigita, I want you to take Eisuke and go to Harbin.

Going there will teach him a lesson.

To Harbin?

Do you think Eisuke can do that?

Something bigger is needed to influence the Kwantung Army.

After all, there...

They say the smallest spark can start a war between Japan and the USSR.

If you want them to advance immediately...

... a few more Japanese people have to be killed, right?

More killings?

You're the one who's responsible for Motoko's death.

You have no problem sitting here as if nothing had happened...

... after your subordinate's wife was killed for the sake of deal with the army.

I'm not surprised to hear about your plans to kill people.

But how many more people need to die so you get enough?

Why exactly do you still work for Godai?

I want to see how you manage to live with yourself... living off war and having killed my wife.

President...

Leave him alone.

He lost his woman, whom he loved very much.

No wonder he's full of anger.

There'll be even more of that feeling... when the war starts.

OCTOBER 24, 1931: THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS PASSES A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS FROM MANCHURIA

NOVEMBER 16: THE JAPANESE ARMY OCCUPIES QIQIHAR

JANUARY 3, 1932: THE JAPANESE ARMY OCCUPIES JINZHOU

January 1932

A hand grenade was thrown at the Emperor's horse carriage while he attended a military parade.

February 9 of the same year,

the League of Blood proclaimed its slogan "Killing of one to save the many", and shot former Finance Minister Junnosuke Inoue...

... who was against military expansion in Manchuria.

THE FIRST INCIDENT IN SHANGHAI TAKES PLACE. THE EMPEROR SANCTIONED THE GROUND FORCES TO ADVANCE.

THIS HAPPENED ON FEBRUARY 18.

Kanazawa. Kanazawa. Final station.

Passengers traveling to Nanao and Wajima...

... please go over the bridge and proceed to train on track 4.

Kanazawa. Kanazawa.

What are you doing here?

There's someone I want to meet here.

Is that going to be a problem?

When are you going to go to Shanghai?

In a couple days...

I can take care of myself.

Let's go!

Are you going to marry Tsuge-kun?

Not yet.

- Is it just for fun then? - No.

I don't understand.

Tsuge-san is a good man.

He must be thinking about how to arrange it better now.

Was it a reckless decision?

Never mind. We can't change what happened.

But I'd like to know what's on your mind.

I probably have too much of everything.

And there's nothing I want.

Even if I wanted to get married, I'd probably be able to marry anyone.

Through my father, of course.

But there's nothing that excites me.

Hmm... you're spoilt, aren't you?

I want something I could be passionate about.

Be it a man or a job.

I'm just trying to be very engaged in something now.

Yukiko...

March 1932 War reaches Shanghai.

The whole world turned its attention to these events.

In the meantime, the Kwantung Army was reinforcing the new Manchurian state.

THE END