All language subtitles for Apostasy

APOSTASY

Based on 'HAKAI'
by TOSON SHIMAZAKI

Production Adviser
JIICHIRO MATSUMOTO

Produced by
KOICHIRO OGURA

Screenplay by
EIJIRO HISAITA

Cinematography by
HIROYUKI KUSUDA

Lighting by
MASAO MURATA

Production Design by
ISAMU MOTOKI

Sound by
TARO TAKAHASHI

Music by
TADASHI KINOSHITA

Edited by
HISASHI SAGARA

Starring

RYO IKEBE

YOKO KATSURAGI

OSAMU TAKIZAWA
JYUKICHI UNO

MASAO SHIMIZU
YOSHI KATO

EITARO OZAWA, EIJIRO TONO
KAPPEI MATSUMOTO

YASUSHI NAGATA

CHIEKO HIGASHIYAMA
SACHIKO MURASE

KENJI SUSUKIDA, ICHIRO SUGAI
AKIRA YAMAUCHI

Directed by
KEISUKE KINOSHITA

FREEDOM AND EQUALITY

RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

These three elements
are guaranteed

to be protected
by the new constitution.

However, the ghost of the feudal
period still continues to linger.

The caste, system
looms large in people's minds.

Clear social rankings were
in place in the feudal society.

Of highest rank were the samurai,
followed by the farmers,

then the tradesmen and villagers
or "outcasts" at the bottom.

Society was controlled
by submission and oppression.

The caste system
was abolished in the Meiji-era,

bringing Equality to all people.

However, conventional perceptions

and mere ignorance
were still in existence.

Contempt,

prejudice

and oppression continued
to exist among the people.

IIYAMA-MACHI
NAGANO PREFECTURE

Let's go. Let's go.

I heard he hides his caste
so that he can go see his doctor.

I'd love to see his face.

You're out of your mind.

Thanks for your good work.

No filthy people are allowed here.

We don't accept villagers.

You're not welcome.

Please, calm down.

I understand why you're angry,
but I didn't know his caste.

If you accept this person,
all of us renters will have to leave.

That's right.

I understand.

We'll come back later
to pick up our things.

Hey, Segawa.

We're now a modern society.
What just took place is unacceptable.

If the adults keep behaving like that,

they're not good role models
to the children

who are learning
about equality at school.

I recommend the Confessions
by Inoko-Sensei.

I just bought it
and read a little as I walked.

He not only talks about civil rights,
but he expresses it with all his force.

I'll pass it on to you when I'm done.

Thanks.

Tsuchiya and Segawa, wait up.

Kazama-Sensei,
you seem to be in a good mood.

This must be fate.

Come this way. Follow me.

There's something I need to tell you.

Let's go.

- We're here.
- Okay.

Welcome.

Why were you called
to the principal's office?

He wants me to submit
my letter of resignation.

If times hadn't changed,

a farmer like him would never
have become principal.

- Did you write the letter?
- I had no choice.

Weren't you entitled to a pension?

- I needed five more months.
- That's unacceptable.

- Sorry I made you wait.
- Here it comes.

I'm afraid we don't have much to offer.

Here you are.
Have some hot sake with me.

It's a sign of the times.

What do you think of the ruins
of the castle by the Chikuma River?

It's just a mulberry field now.

Descendants of samurai like us
have no places like we did in the past.

My teaching career lasted 15 years.

I worked hard every day
to earn my salary.

But towards the end of my career,

I started to wonder what I should be
teaching my students.

It's as if I've lost my way.

Dad.

- Kazama, what's the matter?
- Hello, Sensei.

- What are you doing here, Shogo?
- Mom told me to find you.

I'll go home then.

- What's your Mom up to?
- She's picking vegetables.

- That's good.
- I'll go home soon.

How about I give you some money?

Don't tell your mom
you got money from me.

- Okay.
- Understood?

Tell her I'll be home soon.

A child with a stepmother
is unfortunate.

When I resign from the school,

my wife says she can
manage the books for a bank.

I don't know what I can do
besides teaching.

We got in a fight about it
and that's why I left the house.

I took a wrong turn in life.

I never should have remarried.

- Have some more.
- No, it's your turn now.

But Oshiho is very fortunate
to be at Rengeji Temple.

I didn't send her there
because I wanted her to be there.

It was due to personal reasons.

I'm home.

Welcome back.

I've returned.

It was a long day for you.
You must be hungry.

Yes, I am.

'THE CONFESSION'
BY RENTARO INOKO

I was with your father
at Sasaya until now.

He must have been drunk again.

He's lonely.

The principal asked for his resignation.
He was quite perturbed.

His resignation...

I can't believe they'd fire an experienced
teacher about to qualify for a pension.

There's no good reason for it.

It's only because the principal
wants to look good to the prefecture.

I've decided to handle this tomorrow.

Tsuchiya and I will protest strongly
against your father's resignation.

I appreciate your help.

This is such an honor.

There are many schools
in this prefecture.

But our principal is the only one
receiving an honorable award.

This is a victory for us.

You make us teachers all proud.

I agree.

I must thank Mr. Gunshigaku
for his kind words and arrangements.

It was nothing.

Sharing our good fortune is
a beautiful gesture of the times.

This man here is my nephew.

He was recently
transferred to this school.

I hope he can make the acquaintance

of such noble people
as yourself, Mr. Takayanagi.

That's been our hope.

My name is Bunpei Katsuno.
Pleased to meet you.

You're Katsuno.
I've heard about you from the principal.

I'm Takayanagi.
The pleasure's mine.

I hate to leave you,
but I must get going.

We should get going, too.

Principal, we look forward
to your continued contributions.

Thank you all for coming today.

I'm sorry I couldn't serve you anything.

Excuse me.
Bunpei, please, see them off.

Thanks for your hard work.

So you're his nephew.

- Feel free to come see me.
- Thank you.

The election is approaching.

That's why Takayanagi
is acting so personable.

That's right.

What brings you all here?

Kazama-Sensei has a request
for Mr. Gunshigaku.

A request for me?

Yes.

l was called by the principal yesterday.

Mr. Kazama, don't you want
to discuss your life after resignation?

Let me speak for him.

Mr. Kazama was told to resign

He'd qualify for a pension if he stayed
for less than half a year longer.

We'd like to ask you to reconsider
regarding his pension.

I understand your concern,
but we can't bend the rules.

Take a look at the enforcement
regulations for an elementary school.

Could we ask you to postpone
his resignation for six months?

Wait a minute.

The reason for his resignation is that
his health is not optimal for teaching.

That was just a formality.

It wasn't his choice to resign.

His resignation was officially decided
by the prefecture.

Mr. Kazama,
you should speak up for yourself.

They just told us.
I don't need to pursue it further.

- Don't give up so easily.
- Is that all you wanted?

Please, excuse us.

Good evening.

Hello, Oshiho. Please, come in.

Excuse me.

Hello.

Nice to see you.

I brought over something I made.

Thank you.

Rice cakes for moon viewing.

How fortunate.
I was just boiling water for tea.

I hope they taste good.

Well, let's see.

They look delicious.
Let's have some.

Is the housekeeper not around?

He took the kids and Madam
to the neighbors for dinner.

I'm sure they're having a grand time.

Please, come in.

I'll be going soon.

Oshiho...

It didn't go well.

We couldn't save your father's job.

We asked them
to postpone his resignation

so he'd at least get his pension.

I appreciate your concern.

Your father turned out
to be a coward.

In private, he speaks proudly
as a descendant of samurai.

But he showed no backbone
in front of the principal.

You're right.

I hate to say this,

but your father is haunted
by the ghost of his feudal status.

He has a hard time facing reality.

Inoko-Sensei clearly stated in his book.

"If you still look down on villagers,

or honor the samurai or the noble,

you are still bound
to the feudal way of thinking."

Did you hear Inoko-Sensei
is in Komuro to give some talks?

It says so here.

What's he like?

You mean Inoko-Sensei?

He's a respected philosopher
who publishes a newsletter in Tokyo.

New Dawn of Social Awareness.

We both admire Inoko-Sensei.

Although Segawa now has
someone else to admire.

What a beautiful moon.

Your father didn't want to tell us.

Why did you come
to Rengeji Temple?

I'm the spitting image
of my deceased mother.

His new wife is upset about that.

I remind my father of my deceased
mother whenever he sees me.

And his new wife knows that well.

I lost my mother when I was eight.

I live far from my father.

Same with me.

Looks like we both have distant
relationships with our parents.

We need to stay strong.

We'll be rewarded with happiness.

- l'll be fine on my own from here.
- Are you sure?

There are no sad roads.

Be careful.

Good night.

Good-bye.

Please, help me up.

There's something
I need to tell Ushimatsu.

Don't strain yourself, Brother.

Let me up.

Ushimatsu.

Ushimatsu.

Listen to me carefully.

I'll end my life hiding at the foot
of the Eboshi Mountains.

But I want you to go out
into the world and work hard.

There's only one way for a villager
to make it in society.

Continue to hide
where you came from.

If you face any anger or sadness...

and forget to hide your caste,

that's the moment
you'll be cast out by society.

Don't reveal it.

Don't let anyone know your caste.

Don't you ever forget that.

What's the matter?

I thought I heard my father's voice.

It was strange.

Are you sure?

He kept repeating my name.

Doesn't your father
live near Komuro?

He's 20 miles away.
It must be your imagination.

It must be your nerves.

I'm glad I made it in time.

Good morning.

I guess it wasn't his nerves
when he heard his father's voice.

Isn't it amazing?

Family ties are very strong indeed.

I was also surprised
to receive a telegram.

Mr. Segawa never
talked about his father.

Please, take this with you.

Thank you.

I appreciate your kindness.

You didn't make it here in time.

He kept asking when you'd arrive.

He went to look for a lost cow
and fell off the cliff.

Everyone's waiting for you.

Ushimatsu, there's something
I need to tell you.

You must never forget
what I'm about to tell you.

Your father's last words
were for you to hide your caste.

That's the only way for a villager
to make it in this society.

Your father was unlike any of us.

He was ambitious in his nature.

He was also aware of reality.

He knew he'd never be respected
in society, with his status.

That's why he decided
to live deep in the mountains.

But he wanted his children
to achieve what he couldn't himself.

He stayed away from society...

to prevent your caste
from being known.

He refused relationships with others.

That's why he ended his life here
at the foot of the Eboshi Mountains.

You take this to heart
and respect his wishes.

I also have a request for all of you.

Even if you run into Ushimatsu in town,

you must not acknowledge him.

You must not greet him.

This isn't easy for me to ask.

This is the wish of the deceased.

And this is what's best for Ushimatsu.

I hope you'll forgive me.

Ushimatsu...

We're the outcasts of society.

We're all humans.

I don't understand why
we have to be treated this way.

But you're well educated.

We want you to change
the way of thinking in this society.

Please, make a difference for us.

NEW DAWN
OF SOCIAL AWARENESS

Mr. Inoko, are you trying
to provoke an uprising in Komuro?

I'm sure you know about the backward
people who live beyond the river.

We don't want them agitated
by demands for their equality.

I didn't come here to start a riot.

Many young men in this town
share my philosophy.

They want to establish a branch here
to spread my philosophy.

There might be a small group
whose thinking is too radical.

But we preserve our traditions
here in Nagano.

There are also rumors
of threats against you.

That's exciting to hear.

As you can see, I carry no weapon.
My ammunition is my speech.

If people are afraid of that,
it would motivate me to fight on.

I'd be happy to lose my life
for this cause.

One of your avid readers is here.

Segawa?

Yes, I remember him.
Please, bring him in.

Yes, right away.

I have thousands of admirers
throughout the country.

Therefore, I won't stop my fight
even if you want me to.

You must be insane.

- Let's not waste our time.
- Let's leave.

We hope you reconsider.

Fools.

He's in the room over there.

You must be Segawa.

Thanks for coming to see me.
Come join me.

Yes, thank you.

I'm Ushimatsu Segawa.
I apologize for my sudden visit.

I'm Inoko. Please, come in.

You won't believe what those two
asked me to do.

They have no problem with me
speaking about civil rights.

But they told me
not to touch on the outcast

or the Enlightenment movement.

Without recognizing the villagers
as equal human beings,

we can't guarantee
the equality of all people.

Please, use the cushion.

How is it in Iiyama?

I recall that you teach
at an elementary school there.

I hear Iiyama
is quite progressive.

I'm looking forward
to speaking in Iiyama.

Actually,
Iiyama is quite old-fashioned.

But they're employing you
as a teacher.

When I was forced out of a teaching job
at a teacher's college,

they even threatened my wife
behind my back.

I doubt Mr. Segawa has any reason
to worry about that kind of danger.

Oh, I see.

I should be more careful.

You're such a keen admirer of mine.

Sorry if I assumed too much.

Let's not worry about this anymore.

People of society... Well, I hesitate
to call them people of society.

I felt belittled and hid
my identity in the past.

They used to abuse us then.

But once I announced
that I was a villager,

nobody wanted to hear it.

I'm feeling a bit tired.

Would you like to go
for a walk with me?

It'd be my pleasure
to accompany you.

You may know a member of
the prefectural assembly in Iiyama.

His name is Takayanagi.

Takayanagi.

Yes, I know of him.

What type of person is he?

I can only guess up to a point.

Because he needed more funds
for the upcoming fall elections,

he married a woman
from the village to collect a dowry.

He tried to take advantage
of her social status.

The bride's parents knew everything,
but agreed to the marriage.

How can this be considered
a real, human marriage?

Sensei, are you all right?

He'll calm down soon.

I get like this often.
I'm sorry about it.

Thanks for the handkerchief.

It's as if his hardships
have turned into a sickness.

She's worried about my condition.

That's why she accompanies me
everywhere.

Are you saying I'm your guard?

I'm resigned to losing my health
for my work and mission.

I want to do all I can
to advance the movement.

I want at least to designate someone
who can be my successor.

That's my only hope.

By the old castle of Komuro.

Beneath white clouds
a wanderer grieves.

Green chickweed not yet grown lush.

Young grasses flot yet burgeoning.

From silver-paneled hillsides.

The thin, sun-struck snows melt away.

Autumn in Nagano passes quickly.
The winter is approaching soon.

The air here is very clean.

Are those the Hida Mountains?

Just beautiful.

Sensei.

What is it?

I've learned about your wife
from some of your books.

I believe she's from a normal family.

That's right.

What about it?

I imagine she went through hardships
from the associated pressure.

- For marrying me?
- Yes.

She had a hard time.

I married her because
she's an understanding person.

But I think it took her some time
to fully comprehend.

But our life together
resolved everything.

Mr. Segawa,

status is an old-fashioned
way of thinking.

Love comes from a deeper place.

Mr. Tsuchiya and Mr. Katsuno are here.
Can you prepare some tea for us?

Did you know Inoko
was from a village?

That's probably
the source of his philosophy.

He preaches civil rights.

He also has lung disease.

That also plays a part.

Facing death himself
probably deepened his thinking.

Hello.

Welcome.

We've come for a visit again.

I have a hard time believing
the truth of his philosophy,

especially knowing
where he came from.

Why is that?

His background or status
shouldn't affect his philosophy.

It comes from how
a person lives his life.

You're prejudiced.

Prejudiced?
I think I'm quite realistic.

You're the ones who are prejudiced.
Segawa is the worst.

You can't have
a heart-to-heart talk with him.

I think Segawa is hiding something.

Stop talking nonsense.

Those look delicious.
They must be very sweet.

After our wedding,
we visited Enoshima and Kamakura.

We had such a hectic schedule.

That all sounds good.

May I ask where your wife is from?

She was born in Tokyo.

Is that right?

When we get back, we need
to get ready for the election.

Oshiho.

He's back.

Hello, I'm back.

Welcome back.

I've just returned.

Welcome back.
You must be tired.

I'm relieved to be back.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'll prepare a bath for you.

Mr. Katsuno visited twice
looking for you.

I wonder what he needed from me.

- He didn't say anything specific.
- I see.

Let me carry that for you.

- That's okay.
- Let me help.

But I get to eat one in return.

Mr. Takayanagi is back
with a new bride.

'THE CONFESSION'

'EQUALITY FOR ALL'
BY RENTARO INOKO

I'm back.

Mr. Takayanagi wants to see me?

I apologize for coming
while you were out.

I heard you had a misfortune
in your family.

Did you return from
the funeral yesterday?

Yes, that is correct.

Make yourself comfortable.

We were on the same boat yesterday.

It must have been our fate to float
down the Chikuma River together.

About that...

As we've been brought together by fate,
I'd like to discuss something with you.

It's related to
your family background.

I know a bit about it.

You might have heard.

I recently got married.

She's from a neighboring village.

What a small world it is.

My wife told me she's known you
since childhood.

- What would you like to know?
- Listen, Mr. Segawa.

The reason a politician like me
married a woman from the village

is because I had no other choice.

I wanted to take the lead

in saving an unfortunate woman
and give her a better life.

But ignorant people out there
don't understand my intentions.

They're spreading false rumors.

That's my point.

You're the only one
who knows our background.

And we're the only ones
who know your background.

That's why I'd like to talk to you.

We won't disclose
your background to anyone.

Can you pretend you don't know
my wife or her background?

If you won't accept my request,
I'm ready to kill myself now.

I'm not asking you
to end your life.

But I want you to know
how serious I am.

As you know,
the election day is approaching.

I would truly appreciate
your cooperation.

I must at least get to the election.

Mr. Segawa,
I beg you with all my life.

I don't understand
what you're telling me.

Then what are your intentions?

I have no intentions.

I hate to be involved
with other people's lives.

There may be no need
for you to talk about me.

The same goes for me.

I may not have to disclose
where you come from.

The need may not arise.

But I'm not completely satisfied
with just letting it go.

I've come far to visit you today.

I hope to be able to discuss
this matter openly with you.

But I have nothing
to discuss with you.

I guess you can simply
end it that way.

Is there any chance
you'll talk to me?

No, there isn't.

- There isn't?
- No.

- Mr. Segawa.
- I have nothing to say to you.

Is that how you treat a politician who's
down on his knees asking for help?

Please, leave.

I'll leave now.

May I come in?

My father's not doing well.

My stepmother has gone back
to her family home.

I've decided to ask for some time off
to care for my father.

Is his condition serious?

His asthma has gotten worse
and he doesn't get out of bed.

We have no one else
to care for him.

I'm sorry to hear that.

My father and my stepmother haven't
been on good terms for a while.

She decided to go home
now that he's sick.

I sympathize with you.

I brought something I made for you.

It's not very well made,
but I hope you'll use it.

Thank you.

Please, take care of yourself

SELF IMPROVEMENT
LEADS TO SUCCESS

I'm having a hard time
understanding your point.

You just beat around the bush.

But, Principal,

you have to be cautious about something
that can ruin a man's lifelong reputation.

Lifelong reputation?

If what I've heard is true,

Segawa won't be able to work here
once it's out in the open.

He could become a social outcast.

That's really serious.

I told you so.

You must know I don't intend
to hurt Segawa by telling you this.

Then, how about this, Katsuno?

What if I say I heard it
from someone else?

There's only the two of us here.

How much
are they going to insult us?

You should look at the faces
of all the teachers here.

And find the face of an outcast
from the village.

Maybe it's the lady-killer,
Katsuno.

That can't be.

Hey, they're coming.

Katsuno,
have you heard the horrible rumor?

Yes, I've heard it.

I won't believe it easily
since it could be a serious matter.

I wonder who it is.

I hope it's not you.

Stop kidding me.

Stop talking trash.

You can't tell someone's an outcast
just by looking at his face.

And what are you going to do then?

How can you call yourselves educators?

I'll see you later.

Dear Oshiho,

I was a coward.

I was a liar.

I have a secret I haven't told you.

You'd be disgusted with me.

I know...

you won't be able to face me.

I cannot take your disappointment.

I'm a...

Oshiho.

Oshiho.

Nice to see you.
My father will be very happy.

Please, come this way.

No, I don't need to go any further.

I haven't seen you for a while.
I wanted to find out how you are.

Thank you for coming all the way.
Please, come in.

Is there anything wrong?

You look a little pale.

What is it, Mr. Segawa?

Please, tell me.

Thanks for your concern,
but it's nothing.

Anyway, please, come in.

Father, Mr. Segawa is here to see you.

Mr. Segawa!

Hello, Oshiho.

Nice to see you.

What did Segawa want?

Maybe he came to tell you
the horrible secret.

Secret?

That's right.

There's a rumor going around town
that Segawa is from an outcast family.

I see.
So he didn't tell you anything.

I can't believe
he's hiding it from you.

But I guess that's understandable.

I didn't believe it at first,
but I guess it's true.

Apparently, there's proof.

He's an unfortunate man.

He'll be an outcast
and soon no one will respect him.

I have a bad habit of talking too much.

Would you like to go
for a walk with me?

Oshiho.

Oshiho, wait.

Hey, where did you go?

It was nothing.

You look pale. Are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine.

I've been watching you lately.

You look like you're troubled by
something you can't solve on your own.

Why don't you tell me
what you're going through?

You can ask for my advice.
Just tell me.

I may be able to help you.

This lamp reminds me
of our dorm days.

Do you remember those days?

We used to argue a lot.

You no longer have
the same enthusiasm.

Tsuchiya, I need to rest.
I don't feel well.

That doesn't sound good.

Maybe you caught a cold.

I'll prepare your bed.

Your bed's ready.

Thanks.

Why don't you take some time off?

I'm fine.

Segawa, you must know
you can tell me anything.

Take care of yourself.

A SPEECH BY MR. RENTARO INOKO,
AUTHOR OF 'EQUALITY FOR ALL'

- What a surprise.
- Oh, it's you.

It started pouring all of a sudden.

What's that?

I don't believe this.

What's your take on Rentaro Inoko?

THE POPULAR 'EQUALITY FOR ALL' BY
RENTARO INOKO, NOW AVAILABLE

I've also heard that rumor.

It's a serious issue
we're all discussing.

I can't send my children to a school
taught by an outcast.

BARBER

Really? That Segawa?

It's an undeniable fact.

We have a credible witness.

Who's the witness?

I shouldn't disclose that.

I was told not to name names.

The town leaders are planning on
crushing Inoko-Sensei's speech today.

They must be scheming something.

Now with this rumor about Segawa,
I'm getting fed up with this town.

There must be a good reason.

- A reason?
- That's right.

What are you arguing about?

I just asked Segawa why he's
interested in researching Inoko's work.

I don't understand your approach.

Let me put it in a different way.

Let's say there's a crazy person here.

A normal person won't feel
any special sympathy towards him.

Because there's no specific reason
to feel troubled by him.

Sounds interesting.
Please, continue.

But let's say there's a person who
has his own struggles and troubles.

And he sees the crazy person.

He'd sympathize with the crazy person.

That's my point.

Segawa feels something
that connects him to Inoko.

Inoko must resonate
with you somehow.

That's true. Otherwise he wouldn't be
able to understand Inoko's philosophy.

What do you mean by that?

- You need a good brain.
- A brain?

Inoko's philosophy would resonate
with any intelligent human being.

So you call that philosophy?

That fellow is just
a daydreamer to me.

Maybe a foolish dreamer.

Or just a crazy chap.

Katsuno got that right.

As you say,
Inoko-Sensei is a crazy man.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be able
to write such a controversial confession.

You call him Inoko-Sensei,
but he's only an outcast from a village.

A country bumpkin
can't construct rational ideas.

- A country bumpkin?
- That's right.

He shouldn't be out in public.

He's more suited just to stay
in his village and keep quiet.

So you're saying
you're a noble and intelligent person.

And Inoko-Sensei
is just an ignorant outcast.

I thought you and Inoko-Sensei
were both equal human beings.

Don't waste your breath on him.

Don't get involved.

You called Inoko-Sensei an outcast.

That's right.

If he had just stayed in his village
and kept quiet,

he wouldn't have gotten sick.

He refused to hide the frustration
of being an outcast.

He's standing on the front lines
of his life's battle.

He's fighting with determined spirit.

Don't you see the sorrow in it?
Don't you find him courageous?

Uncle, nice to see you.

This way, please.

Did you see how Segawa
confessed his own secret?

Unless he's from a similar background,
he wouldn't have gotten so worked up.

So what if he's from
a similar background?

Tsuchiya, it sounds like you're
confirming Segawa's background.

I don't know a thing about it.

This is supposed to be
a venerated place of education.

I challenge your sneaky practice
of spreading rumors.

You should be ashamed.

Mr. Gunshigaku is here as well.

Please, take a seat.

No need to sit down.

Principal,
we're here make a complaint.

We're used to complaints.

Are you here to discuss
the issue of Segawa?

That's right.
This is all your responsibility.

Inoko's speech
is also taking place today.

So there's quite a commotion in town.

We've been discussing that matter.

I'm asking Mr. Gunshigaku
for his advice.

Do you have any good solutions?

What if there aren't?
We're gathering all the parents here.

A SPEECH BY MR. RENTARO INOKO
AUTHOR OF 'EQUALITY FOR ALL'

This way, please.

Stop.

What are you doing?

Inoko, are you here
to disturb the peace in Iiyama?

You forget your place as an outcastl

- Don't destroy the freedom of speech!
- Shut up!

Please, stay strong.

We need to leave here.

We must hurry.

Are you all right?

Please, stay strong.

- Oh, no.
- Inoko-Sensei.

Thank you for waiting.

I appreciate you all coming.

I hope you understand
the need for urgency.

That's fine.

We have many parents gathered here.

The licensed teacher at issue
has disappeared.

Are you in pain?
We're almost back to the inn.

Inoko-Sensei, please, stay strong.

Please, don't die.

Father, are you all right?

I heard you're his schoolmate.

And you're a good friend of his.

Please, tell us if he has confessed
anything to you.

He hasn't told me anything.

Even if he didn't tell you,
you might have noticed something.

No, nothing.

I don't understand
why Segawa isn't here.

Have you checked Rengeji Temple?

I guess it's time to show my trial skills.

Mr. Kazama, look what Segawa
caused by not showing up.

He must be scared of disclosing
his background in front of the public.

Segawa is not the type
you think he is.

I know that well.

So you defend him.

I find it odd for a person of samurai
descent like yourself to defend him.

Katsuno, enough.

What do you say?

We can't do anything
without the defendant.

How about we leave it up
to the principal?

There's no point
waiting for his confession.

What you're saying is

there isn't any hope for Segawa
to clear his name from this.

I know Segawa will show up.
He'll come here.

Mr. Tsuchiya.

What will happen?

The rumor could be true.

Then why doesn't he just come here
and tell everything?

I can't stand them heaping
all sorts of abuse on Mr. Segawa.

So what you're saying is...

you'd still care for Segawa
even if the rumor were true.

- He should be discharged.
- That's right!

- He needs to leave this town.
- That's right!

Please hold on, everybody.

It's unfair to decide in his absence.

Can you give him a little more time?

Tsuchiya, we don't have much of
a choice since he's hiding from us.

- What did you say?
- I found him.

He's with Rentaro Inoko.

Sensei...

Mrs. Inoko.

I was a liar and a coward.

I meant to confess
only to Inoko-Sensei.

I know it. He knew it, too.

He would've been happy to hear it
from you while he was still alive.

He was worried about you
struggling on your own.

He worried about me...

Segawa-Sensei.

Is Segawa-Sensei here?
There you are.

Some people from the school are here.

They say it's an urgent matter.
They're waiting for you.

Mrs. Inoko, I'll go face them.

Inoko-Sensei,

I feel I'm facing the world
for the first time.

I have no more regrets.

In order to gain respect
for discriminated people,

you risked your life
to walk a righteous path.

It's my fate to walk the same path.

Segawa.

You're causing some trouble.

There's a rumor that someone at school
is from an outcast village.

We need you to testify.

Segawa.

I know you won't fear anyone
and you'll tell us the truth.

- They're finally coming.
- They're here now.

No need to take off your shoes.

I'm sorry to make you wait.

I believe you have gathered today
to discuss the issue of...

the rumors of a teacher
with an outcast background.

I'm here to tell you...

that I am that teacher.

I'd like to resign from the school
effective today.

I'm going to live without secrets
from now on.

I'd like to follow
in the steps of Inoko-Sensei.

I plan on devoting myself
to a social movement.

For three years after my graduation,
I taught at this school.

I'd like to express my gratitude to all of
you who helped me during my tenure.

I sincerely thank you.

Thank you all very much.

I'll prepare my letter of resignation.

Segawa, thank you.

- I'm glad you told the truth.
- I'm sorry.

I've always regretted not telling you.

Don't worry about that.

I don't want you to worry.

Tsuchiya.

You bastard!

- What are you doing?
- Father!

- Let me go.
- What are you doing?

You, too?

You're the daughter
of a samurai family!

Have you no shame?
Defending an outcast!

Mr. Kazama, so what if you're
a samurai descendant?

What's wrong with
Segawa's background?

One person is not worth
more than another!

You're one rude bastard!

Father.

Don't run. Stay there.

Are you all right?

- Dad.
- Can you get him some water?

My students.

I must say good-bye
to all of my students.

That's because I'm from the village.

Until a short time ago,

I played many fun games
with all of you.

I also taught you geography,
Japanese and arithmetic.

Until today, I've devoted myself
to making you into proud humans

capable of individual thought.

I wanted you all to grow up
to be healthy adults.

That was my mission in teaching.

My hope for your happiness
will not change.

Everyone,

I hope you'll remember me
when you all grow up.

Please, remember me
as your teacher.

I have the same feelings as all of you.

Just like you,
I eat the New Year's ceremonial soup.

Just like you,
I ran a race on Sports Day.

I hope you remember that.

But there's one thing
I have to apologize to all of you for.

I taught you to be honest at all times.

But I was the biggest liar of all.

I didn't have enough courage.

I was a coward.

I hope you'll forgive me.

But I've decided not to be a coward
anymore starting today.

I'm going to make a fresh start.

I'll work my hardest
to contribute to a society where...

everyone can be treated equally.

It doesn't matter
if you're from the village.

All discriminated people must unite

so that we can all live in freedom
and with equal opportunities.

That's what I want to work for.

I want you all to study very hard.

I also want you to hope
for a new society

that will soon become a reality.

Please, take good care of yourselves.

Good-bye.

It's a shame to lose
such a good teacher.

He finally confessed.

He's quite an actor, too.

Stop it now, Tsuchiya!

Stop, Tsuchiya!

Where do you think you are, Tsuchiya?

That's what I was going to ask you.

If this is a place of education,
you are certainly not doing so.

Segawa, wait.

Please, take care of Father.

Mr. Segawa.

Oshiho, thank you for all your help.

I don't care what other people say.

Mr. Tsuchiya.

I don't want to say good-bye,

whatever other people may say.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Oshiho, let me ask you.

Will you promise to support Segawa?

Then, will you marry him?

Is that okay with you?

Hey, you're such a lucky guy.

I can't believe your father
approved of your marriage.

He didn't approve.

But my stepmother was coming back.

So I needed to leave the house.

Now I understand.

You'll walk the path
I've taken up until now.

My husband...

he's very fortunate.

He now has a very capable successors.

�The boat is leaving now!

The time has come
to say good-bye.

This sleepy town got quite worked up
over the recent incident.

The young people
have been awakened.

I won't forget about this town
even after moving to Tokyo.

Thank you for your help.

Oshiho, don't worry about your father.

The priest promised
he'd talk to your father.

Thank you.

Segawa, take good care of yourself.

Thanks. Same to you.

Please, watch over
my husband's grave.

I will.

Please, pay a visit to the temple.

I hope you'll make a good wife.

Please, take care of yourself, too.

Please, be careful.

Sensei!

Segawa, do a good job.

Thank you.

Good-bye.

Sister!

Thank you!

Sister!

Good-bye, Sensei!

Don't forget to study hard.

Good-bye.

Take care.

Bye to everyone.

Good-bye, Sensei.

Stay healthy.

Thanks.

Be well.

Good-bye.

THE END