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Episode 206

A revelation was made to Oshin on New Year's day in 1940.

Yuu, whom she'd still considered a boy, was in love.

You're still up?

- You'll catch a cold. - I'm fine.

I'm wondering what to do about Hatsuko...

We have no choice but to send her home.

I guess they have it rough in the country, too.

Only the elderly and the women are there growing rice and crops.

It's good in a way... Hatsuko shouldn't be here.

But I feel so sorry for her... She wants to stay.

Oh, come on.

Who knows what will happen if we keep Hatsuko here.

Yuu is in love with her.

And Hatsuko probably feels the same about him.

You knew?

I was so surprised.

But I shouldn't be. He's already 18.

That's why we should send her away before something happens.

Why? We could keep her here for Yuu.

Don't be silly! Yuu is our eldest son.

I can't have my son marrying her.

We treated her like a daughter, but she's just a hired help!

How can you say such a thing!

What will people say?

What's wrong with Hatsuko?

Don't tell me you...

I think she'd do well as our eldest son's wife.

Oh, come on! Hatsuko is nice,

but she's just the daughter of a poor Yamagata sharecropper.

So am I...

But you're different.

How's that?

I was just the third son, I could do as I pleased.

But Yuu is our eldest son!

He has to assume family responsibilities.

Are we such an illustrious family?

I'm against it, no matter what you say.

Hatsuko is going home to Yamagata!

Parents are so selfish...

You can't force your will on your children...

Don't you remember?

Our parents opposed our marriage, too.

But we went on with it, and look at us now.

Besides, they're not talking about marriage right now.

They might even find others to love.

And if that happens, then so what?

But it's important to think of their feelings now.

You can't be too lenient about this.

I trust Yuu and Hatsuko. Let them be for now.

This is heavy, but take it with you.

What's all this?

Tempura cooking oil, rice and some sugar.

I don't need all this.

Your boarding house lady will appreciate it!

All right. I'll haul it.

It's so heavy...

If you're a man, you can carry that much!

Please take care of that matter for me. Promise me.

Hatsuko. Please look after Mother.

Will do.

We'll go with you to the station!

I'll write you.

Watch your head.

Bye

Hatsuko.

Hatsuko?

Hatsuko...

What's wrong?

- Hatsuko... - Mother...

I see...

This calls for a celebration!

It's just a sign that you've grown up.

Sit down.

Oshin could not help but look back upon her own life, and the path she took.

Thinking of Hatsuko, Oshin felt a tinge of pity.

- We have red rice with beans! - We're celebrating?

Yes. It's a very auspicious day.

What day is it?

- I'm home. - Welcome home.

Is that letter from my mother back home?

Wash your hands and have your snack.

She wants me to come home?

I graduate in a week. I'll leave then.

Hatsuko...

Father dislikes me.

Hatsuko.

He hasn't spoken much to me in the past three months.

He's very busy with his factory and all.

I hear all students will have to go to work in munitions factories.

If that is true, I'd rather go back to Yamagata.

If you're saying you don't like it here,

I won't try to stop you...

I want to stay with you always, but...

Then don't worry. I'll do all I can!

- I'm home. - I'm home.

People are all lined up outside the store.

Why are they lining up?

There's a food shortage, so they line up to buy early.

- But why? - Can't you figure that out?

I'm so sorry. The fish hasn't arrived yet.

We'll wait.

If you start lining up, there'll always be a long line.

Please wait until we're open.

You always say that,

but if we did that, we'd never be able to buy any fish!

Why is there a fish shortage?

No fuel oil. The boats can't go out to fish!

Young men are all in the service, too.

You'd better set a limit to how much people can buy,

or the early ones will buy them all up.

This isn't rationing. It's first come, first served.

If you don't like it, come earlier.

We all have to share and do our part!

If we did that, we'd all starve to death.

You only care about yourself? Traitor!

- What did just you say?! - Please stop.

I'm only selling fish to help all of you.

I'll do my best to sell to everyone here.

Oh sure! You people sell to the military.

Other fish stores had to close up for lack of fish.

You must be making huge profits!

It's like a war out there!

You sold out in no time, didn't you?

What a strange world we live in.

The food shortage is really serious now...

We're closing the shop!

What happened?

Somebody sent a letter to the military

saying that we're stealing from the military to sell at our shop.

Fish isn't rationed yet, and we've never sold

at high prices like the black market.

We've done nothing wrong!

The military knows that.

We get our fish because I wholesale to the regiment here.

But people are still complaining to the regiment.

There's nothing we can do, so why stay in business?

People are happy about the service we provide...

We can't be so concerned about other people!

We're in grave danger ourselves!

I won't get any more fish! We're closing the store!

It's finally come to this... They had opened this shop

as a way to get a new start on their marriage and to reconcile,

so Oshin had special memories tied to the store.

She felt a sense of loneliness as well as uneasiness about the war.

Soon the rationing of all foods would begin.

Episode 207

Why do you want to hold on to this store?

We started this fish store together.

I wish we could keep it open.

But when people accuse us of taking advantage

of our military connections for our own benefit,

it's not worth keeping the store open.

So what's the use of working so hard to keep it going?

What about our loyal customers?

You probably don't realize it,

but it's not as if there are no more fish.

People who have shut their stores down

still manage to sell fish secretly.

If one has money, one can still buy fish!

That means only people with money can buy fish and enjoy life's luxuries?

It can't be helped. There's a shortage of supplies.

I think rationing has to be instituted.

Rationing limits how much people can buy?

That's right. And it keeps prices in check.

People won't be trying to out-buy one another.

Then people will feel more prone to sharing. And that way,

the people can band together, and win this war, once and for all!

I wouldn't want us to have to sell at set prices.

That's not how to do business.

We'd become nothing but a rationing station.

I'll close the store down...

I don't want to become a mere rationing station.

I'll give it up.

Good.

Are you really going home to the country?

You promised to stay with us forever!

I have to go home after graduation.

Why?

I have your graduation clothes all ready!

Hatsuko is getting ready to go home to Yamagata.

I'd better start packing.

If I had been sold off to Osaka, who knows what might've happened.

But you let me stay here and go to school.

And you treated me like your own...

Mother... I've been very happy here.

It hasn't been decided that you have to go.

It's all right.

I'll go and buy my ticket home today,

so that I can leave the day after graduation.

Oshin had no words to say to her...

She can override Ryuzo's objections and let Hatsuko stay,

but she also knew that Hatsuko was aware of how Ryuzo felt about her.

The day of her graduation finally came.

You look great!

It's as though you grew up all of a sudden.

Thank you. I know fabrics are hard to get now.

I wanted you to remember this special day.

I wanted you to have that dress.

Thank you very much.

Go on to your ceremony now.

Are you really going back to Yamagata tomorrow?

Wait till Yuu comes home.

He'll be shocked to see you.

You're so pretty!

Isn't Yuu coming home?

It's spring vacation.

I'm going to the ceremony.

- I'll go, too. - Me, too.

- Welcome home. - Father, look at Hatsuko!

She sure is pretty.

She was a mere child when she first came to us.

We're going now.

I need to talk to you.

I will be opening up another factory.

We'll be making military undergarments.

Just simple things, but we'll be producing a lot!

You're going into clothing manufacturing now?

I have to do what they want me to do!

Listen...

Of all the people doing business with the regiment,

they chose me! I guess they really trust me.

It makes all our hard work worthwhile.

We have our hands full with the kamaboko factory!

We have to consider fortune and luck.

When the chance comes, we have to grab it!

Miss out, and one will never succeed.

Will you be able to do it?

Yes. It's clothes for the military.

We'll get all the fabric and workers we need.

And we will never go out of business.

I need a favor from you...

I want you to manage that factory.

Me?

It's not much work. The workers will sew everything.

You'll be handling quality control and the factory operations.

I don't have anybody else to ask... If you're at the factory,

we'll need Hatsuko here to manage the house.

It'll be hard to get a good housekeeper now.

We can count on Hatsuko. We need her here.

Just watch out that Yuu and Hatsuko don't get too close to one another.

The future is ours for the making!

By the time Yuu graduates from college,

we will be an established company!

Wait!

- I'm home. - Welcome home!

I've graduated.

Thank you for taking care of me for so long.

This is my diploma.

Congratulations. You worked hard.

- Did you take a class picture? - Yes.

Then make sure your mother in Yamagata gets one.

She should be the first one to see it.

I'll change clothes and help you.

Before you change, go and get a refund on your train ticket.

The situation has changed. We need you here.

I'm sorry for your mother back in Yamagata, but...

We'll write her an apology later.

What happened?

Father is always deciding things on his own...

I never know what he will do next.

I'm just happy that you can stay with us.

Father says I can stay?

He wants you to stay!

Really?

We'll be needing your help more than ever.

Did you hear Tei?!

I'm so glad!

Hatsuko will be staying with us.

I guess it was meant to be.

But I'm worried about your father expanding his business so much.

He won't listen to me anymore.

I guess I'll just have to do as he says.

Will you be coming home for your spring break?

We'll be waiting.

Mother!

- Yuu? - What's going on?

I wrote you that we were moving, didn't I?

Moving? I didn't know.

I guess the letter didn't reach you in time.

You're lucky you caught us. We were about to leave.

Why are you moving? Did something happen?

Your father found us a new house.

He sure is adamant about things, isn't he?

He says we have no reason to stay here,

since we're not running the fish store anymore.

I guess it's goodbye to this house now...

Is that all for this load?

So you're back!

We'll be moving into a big house.

You can enjoy your spring break in comfort.

Hurry and finish up before it gets dark.

Father seems so energetic.

- Isn't he? - Come on, and get to work!

This is it!

It's close to our factories. It's perfect.

We're here!

Come on inside.

Welcome home!

I'm home.

Yuu is home, too.

We're all done with the cleaning.

- There are so many rooms. - And a big bathroom, too!

Come inside and see.

What did I tell you?

I'm impressed. There are six rooms!

I've always wanted to be able to afford a home like this.

What about the rent? It must be very high...

Don't worry. We'll manage!

We shouldn't live like this in wartime...

It's too extravagant.

I serve our country. Don't worry!

Oshin was concerned...

How could Ryuzo afford a house like this?

Episode 208

Stop playing and help!

- Watch out. - Ouch!

Come on. Help me clean up!

I don't know how much you make,

but this house is too luxurious for us!

- You're still talking like that? - I don't blame her.

First, you start selling fish to the regiment.

Then you open a kamaboko factory.

Now you even have a military garment factory!

And now, we have a big house. We are all worried.

I'm not being reckless.

It takes money to run a big business,

but your profits are a lot bigger, too.

There are no guarantees that we will succeed.

But we can't go bankrupt as long as we keep selling to the military!

And the way things are,

Japan will never be without a military even if the war ends.

So just stick by me.

By the time you graduate from college,

I'll have our family business all built up for you!

I have a student exemption from the service now,

but who knows what will happen after I graduate.

You're only in your second year of high school.

You have five more years before you graduate from college.

- The war can't last that long. - That's true.

It has to end soon, or Japan won't be able to keep going.

I'm sure the government knows that.

But of course, we make a living off the war.

Stop saying such terrible things.

It's because of the war that we get to live in a big house like this.

The house is for military officers,

but we got it since there were no takers.

- What about the rent? - I pay the regiment.

We owe this house to the military?

Who is the real owner? He must be rich.

He works for the military, too. He is in Korea now.

Then he'll be coming home one day...

We'd better take good care of the house.

I hear he's going to settle there in Pyongyang.

Maybe he'll put the house up for sale.

We could buy it if you like. We'll have the money soon enough.

I can't relax in a big mansion like this...

You're too used to being poor!

I like a house with a garden...

- Father! - Yes?

The bath is ready. Let's take a bath together.

Yuu, join us.

- I'll wash your back. - I'll be right there.

Father sure sounds confident.

He's a man after all... He used to ask for my advice.

But lately, he goes ahead and makes all the decisions now.

He yells at me if I say anything. He has changed...

It's all right.

Everything used to be on your shoulders,

so you can relax now.

I guess so...

I remember how I'd given up on him,

and decided that you and I would just make it on our own.

Now he's proven himself to be an entrepreneur.

I just don't like being so dependent on the military.

You can't say that.

Father is just being a good businessman.

Besides, he is not doing anything wrong.

He's just doing his part.

As he says, he's serving his country.

Businesses are all being geared to serve the war effort.

And he's taking a lead in the effort!

I guess it's all in how you look at it, isn't it?

The times require it. One must serve the military.

Father realizes that.

Just follow his lead.

I'll go, and wash his back.

Aren't you glad?

I have your change of clothes ready.

Mother can feel safe with you being here.

I will do all I can to take care of the chores.

You should find time to read books, too.

Books can teach you more than school.

I have books I would like you to read.

I want you to be a wealth of knowledge.

People are losing a sense of themselves these days.

Reading can prevent that.

What about dinner?

I've already eaten. I have sugar, miso and matches.

This much? These are all rationed items.

I gave away some tempura cooking oils, and I got these things in return.

You shouldn't be giving away oil from the factory.

Everything is fine as long as I produce my quota for the military.

The leftover oil is all ours!

Some people have more sugar than they need,

but they lack cooking oil. This isn't black marketing.

We traded items out of friendship. That's all.

You're making illegal use of military supplies.

What if people find out?

Everyone is doing it.

And everybody is careful. Nobody will ever know.

I don't like it... It's as if we were profiteers.

Oh, come on!

We'd starve if we only depended on rationed items.

They're going to start rationing charcoal,

and soon, even rice will be rationed.

Rice, too?

But the military will help us out with that, too.

Is the bath ready?

- No bath today. - Again?

I told you not to be stingy about using firewood, didn't I?

The neighbors will talk if they see that we make our bath everyday.

They can see the smoke!

Tonight, the neighborhood committee's having a meeting.

Shall I attend?

I'll go. Get my clothes out.

Good. I was worried.

I'm sure this isn't just a bunch of ladies having tea.

What is this committee all about?

It's a local governing body.

So that we can fully cooperate with the government.

The committee keeps tabs on all war resisters.

Are we all required to join?

Of course! This is a time of national emergency.

We all have to take part. As a service.

So it's not just a neighborhood thing, is it?

We operate under government orders.

- Hatsuko. - Yes?

- May I come in? - Yes, please.

You're reading?

- What is it? - The Man'yoshu Poems.

I've never heard of it.

It's a collection of ancient verses.

Yuu gave me the book.

Yuu reads books like these?

He's studying more than I realize.

He can probably outthink me now.

It's pretty hard for me to understand, too.

But I can sense why Yuu wants me to read it.

He wants me to be able to understand

how the people of old used to think.

That's nice.

Did you want something?

I got your mother some fabric. It's real cotton.

And I have some sugar to send her, too.

You don't have to...

I can't do much, but she wanted you home.

But since we're keeping you here, I want to make it up to her.

Let's help each other out.

Yes, we'll all work together.

It's so late. What was the meeting about?

It was our first meeting.

Not everybody knew what the committee is all about.

I had a hard time explaining things to them.

You must have worked very hard.

I'll be leading the committee from now on.

I'm busy, but I couldn't say no. I've taken on another task.

You're being much too nice!

The people trust me because they know I work with the military.

This new task will give me a lot of power.

It's a big job with big benefits!

We won't regret helping other people!

Oshin was disappointed in Ryuzo.

It was just a small neighbor- hood committee after all.

She was afraid for him.

How far will Ryuzo go before he was satisfied?

It sent a chill up her spine.

Episode 209

In the spring of 1941,

Hitoshi and Nozomi both entered middle school.

And although the rest of Japan was suffering from wartime shortage,

the Tanokuras were fortunate that they faced no such difficulties.

One day, they had an unexpected visitor.

Shoji!

It's you, Oshin?

What a surprise!

Why didn't you let me know you were coming?

I saw the name on your door,

but I couldn't believe this was your house!

I'm so glad to see you.

Please come in!

Have a drink.

You sure have come up in the world...

We're always talking about you,

because you send us goods that are hard to get.

You live in a mansion!

It's a rental. We'd never be able to buy it.

What does your husband do for a living?

He handles goods for the military.

No wonder... I guess some people profit from the war.

We're still poor as ever...

How is Yuu?

He lives in Kyoto.

He'll be in his third year at the high school there this spring.

What a difference between Yuu and my son...

My son is nothing but a poor sharecropper's son.

He left home when he was 15

to join the military's junior flight program to help out the family.

Sadakichi enlisted?

We managed only to get him through primary school.

But he beat out middle school boys to win enlistment.

That's great... He's with the Navy at Kasumigaura?

No. He's in the army. At a new flight school.

He will be a pilot, and an officer, won't he?

That's what we thought...

But without going through Officers' Candidate School,

he can't get commissioned.

Besides, they said he wasn't fit to be a pilot, so he was transferred to be a mechanic.

So what! Mechanics are important, too...

What's so good about it?!

Sharecroppers' kids can never get ahead!

He is 19, but he still looks like a kid.

He's going to Fukuoka, so I wanted to see him.

Did you see him?

Yes, in Fukuoka.

I figured it might be the last time I'd see him...

He smiled as he left for war...

He said he was going to fight for the Emperor!

He saluted me...

Sure. As a Japanese male, it is an honor.

Now I'm a father of a son of war...

He's the same age as Yuu.

He went through a lot as a sharecropper's son.

He even enlisted because we were poor...

I'm so sick of being a farmer...

I hear your brother is here!

This is my older brother.

I'm Ryuzo. I'm pleased to meet you.

I'm sorry to barge in on you like this.

We're so glad you came! Let's all go out to dinner.

He's a special guest.

Oshin, you come too. You must have a lot to talk about.

We'll treat you to some good fish.

Oshin, you sure are lucky to have a good husband.

I really had a good time tonight!

It's the first time I've been to a restaurant like that.

He's finally gone to sleep.

He's so happy. Thank you for everything.

Give him some goods to take home.

And if it's not too rude, give him some money, too.

I feel so badly for him... His son is in the army,

and he's the same age as our son, Yuu.

I know money won't solve all his problems,

but we should do all we can.

Thank you.

Shoji left the next day.

He seemed pitiful, and Oshin no longer hated him.

Through Shoji, Oshin first realized

how close the war had come to the people of Japan.

December 8th, began like any other morning.

Morning!

- Good morning. - Morning.

Hurry, or you will be late for school.

We have exams today. We stayed up until 2 a.m. studying.

This is a special news bulletin from Army and Navy Headquarters.

Our naval and land forces have engaged

the United States and its Allies in the Western Pacific.

We are now in a state of war with the United States,

and England in all theaters of operation.

I'm home!

- Yuu! - You're home!

I was going to stay at school to study over the vacation,

but there's no heat in the buildings!

They say Kyoto is very cold in the winter.

- Don't be a weakling! - But I can't complain.

Our soldiers in Manchuria are having a much harder time.

We might all be called up for war soon.

Yuu...

Why are you digging up the garden?

- We want to plant some vegetables. - But is a rental property!

Your father is buying the house from the owners.

- It must have been expensive. - I don't know,

but the seller has decided to settle in Pyongyang.

What will you do with the crops you raise?

Vegetables are in short supply, so we want to be self-sufficient.

That's true. Since we're at war with America.

Just concentrate on your studies. That is your job.

I'm ready to enlist at any time.

If I could, I'd like to fight now.

What are you saying...

Boys my age are all in the service.

I can't just sit back and do nothing.

Don't be silly!

What about those midget sub- marines that attacked Pearl Harbor!

Those guys really showed the Yamato spirit.

It's a must for a Japanese male!

Are you serious?!

A woman could never understand how patriotic a man can be.

I'm ready to go out, and sink American ships!

[Hong Kong Surrenders]

Thou Shalt Not Die (Kimi Shinitamou Koto Nakare / 君死にたもうこと勿れ) by Yosano Akiko (与謝野 晶子 - 1848-1942)

This is an old book. Why did you keep it?

I got it from a certain man when I was a child.

Now I'm giving it to you.

You can read it, and realize why I've kept it for so many years...

My younger brother, I love you so.

Yet, they have placed a weapon in your hands to kill.

At age 24, they told you to kill and then die.

You are to run our family business in Sakai.

So, do not go and die...

Oshin was afraid for Yuu. He was glorifying war.

All boys his age were being educated to praise war,

and to fight for their country.

But Oshin wanted her son to know how she felt about it...

Episode 210

The news of Japanese victories at Pearl Harbor and other fronts,

filled the people with excitement.

The whole nation stood united. Everyone hoped for final victory,

nobody complained of material shortage anymore.

Oshin, too, believed that Japan would win.

And she was willing to do her part to the fullest.

But she was very afraid of having Yuu become a soldier at the front.

It was her motherly instinct to protect her son.

Mr. Takagi's third son is going to the Army's Officers' Candidate School.

You convinced him to go?

Yes. He's a good boy.

His parents support the idea, and he has good grades in school.

Poor boy... He's only 14 or 15 years old.

We need more fighter pilots. We need more men helping out.

What if one of the boys that you talked into going there gets killed?

It's for our country! Nobody wants our boys to die.

But in order to win, we need more men!

Will you send Hitoshi and Nozomi, too?

Of course! It's our patriotic duty.

We can't let our personal feelings get in the way.

We must all serve our country.

Ryuzo and Oshin never dreamed that Japan would eventually lose the war.

In April of 1942,

Yuu was accepted into Kyoto Imperial University.

At the time, Japan was still winning many victories

in the Pacific and morale was high.

But by 1943,

dark shadows began to be cast over Japan's fortunes of war.

Father made fun of us when we began this garden.

Now he appreciates it!

He didn't think we would be short of food.

What a surprise!

Welcome home.

What brings you home?

These potatoes look good!

What about school?

You don't have to work at the factory?

There's not much work... No fish to make kamaboko.

Your father is mainly at the garment factory now.

You knew he was coming home?

Well...

I guess you two can sense these things.

So it's finally come.

I was ready for it. But Mother doesn't know yet...

I thought she'd know by know...

I don't think she noticed it in the newspapers.

That's why I couldn't bring myself to tell her...

But I'll tell her.

How long can you stay?

Did you leave your rooming house in Kyoto?

I mailed my important belongings,

and I told the lady there to get rid of all my other things.

That's good.

I will get something ready for you!

I'll tell her myself.

What is it?

I'm returning this book to you.

I'll get in trouble if they catch me with it.

Yosano Akiko was an anti-war poet.

She was calling out to her younger brother at the front to not die.

That won't work today.

- That book is... - I know.

I know how you feel.

I want to respect your wishes, too.

But one can't do his best at the front if one is afraid to die.

You're going?

There used to be student exemptions until now,

but it no longer applies to students in humanities.

I'm already 20, so I'm of age to serve.

I came home to tell you that I'm going.

So that's it... I'd read in the papers

that some previously exempt college students might be drafted.

But your father said nothing to me.

And I was afraid to ask...

He was keeping it from me!

- He was just worried about you. - You said nothing to me, either!

So I thought everything was all right!

I'd already decided.

Rougher times are ahead ahead for Japan.

America isn't that easy to beat.

But we must not lose!

I'm willing to give my life for that.

I want to do it for my family, and for my homeland!

I want to fight in order to live in peace.

I won't regret risking my life.

I was sent out to work at age seven...

Work was so hard that I ran away in the snow.

It turned into a blizzard and I was lost.

And a deserter saved my life.

I was with him in the mountains all winter.

He was a very nice man.

His name was Shunsaku.

He taught me a lot of things.

He always said that man should never kill one another.

He said that if I were ever involved in a war,

I should do my best to oppose it.

I can still remember his words...

He gave me this book.

But I didn't oppose this war... I couldn't!

Now I can't even protect my own son from it...

I should've done something to oppose it!

I didn't stand in the way of your father's work.

He's a war profiteer.

But I ignored it for the sake of my children.

I never dreamed that my own son would one day have to go and fight!

Now...

Now I don't know why I held on to this book!

You stopped me from going to Officers' Candidate School.

If I'd gone, I never would've been able to enjoy my youth as I have.

That's enough for me.

If something should happen to me, I don't want you to be sad.

I was able to live happily until the age of 20 because of you.

But Yuu...

I'll be all right.

I'm ready to die, but I won't die easily.

I'll come home safely.

Oshin...

Let's send him off with a smile.

If you cry, Yuu will suffer more.

Don't worry about your mother. I'll always be at her side.

Go and do your duty!

- Mother! - Yuu, be a man!

You will never understand how she feels!

You will never know the sacrifices she made to raise me.

I was always with her.

When she ran that eatery in Sakata.

When she was peddling fish in Ise.

She's not like you!

To die is easy...

But those who are left behind must suffer forever.

It's too cruel to think...

that hundreds of thousands of mothers, just like my own,

will have to suffer.

Killing one another isn't the only cruel aspect of war.

The ones who suffer the most are those

who have lost their loved ones, and have to go on living.

That's the cruelest part of war!

I wish I'd been born into a world without war...

I might not have been a filial son.

But, at least I wouldn't have been an unfilial son...

Oshin was full of regrets...

She knew that she alone could not oppose the war.

But she felt guilty for never having opposed it.

Episode 211

Draft exemptions for students in humanities

were done away with, and Yuu returned home,

having moved out of his dormitory in Kyoto.

This all came as a shock to Oshin,

who had believed that all students were exempt from service.

Why? Yuu hasn't even graduated from college yet!

The war is getting more serious...

The battlefields have spread throughout the continent and out to the Pacific.

They need more men.

They don't have to draft college students!

There are kids who enlist at age 14 and 15.

Think about that...

Yuu goes in on December 1st. That's more than a month away.

Let's just have him relax here until then.

What will happen after that?

Usually, there's a three- month basic training period,

and college graduates go on to officers' training.

Either way, one can't get out of the service.

Maybe he'll be sent abroad.

He'll only be free until he joins his unit...

Nobody is saying that he's going to die!

He'll be free once this war is over.

He only has to bear it until then.

We can't let our own worries harm him.

Let us all send him off with a smile.

Hatsuko.

It's finally come to this. But I'm ready. As a man!

I'm glad you're here.

My family will be safe, with you here.

Please help Mother always.

You'll be here for a while yet.

While you're here, I'll make you all your favorite foods.

Tell me what you want to eat.

- May I come in? - Yes.

Your father brought home yokan sweets for you.

You can still get yokan?

I feel badly for all the others,

but we don't suffer from food shortage yet.

What will happen to Japan? We must win this war.

Otherwise, half of our people may starve.

The food in the Army isn't good lately.

You get very little to eat, and you have to train hard.

I can take it.

But I realize what you went through to raise me.

So I'm not going off just to die.

I'm ready for death, as well as life.

But I still feel badly for you.

Unlike some patriotic mothers,

I'll never tell you to die for your country.

I want you to live your life as you choose.

Yuu.

All people think differently.

I don't think like your father, and he doesn't think like me.

You and I don't think alike.

So if you think something is right...

Even if it's going to war, I won't stop you.

But if you don't believe in the war...

I wouldn't mind if you ran away from it.

Mother...

I'm telling you to live a life without any regrets.

I don't want you to feel badly for me.

That's just makes me feel worse.

Your life is yours alone.

Thank you.

Maybe I won't be a filial son.

But I want you to forgive me if I'm

because it's the path I chose for myself.

Let me give you a massage.

- I'm fine. - I want to do it.

Those shoulders carried me... I went everywhere on your back.

I'm coming home.

I'll come home to give you a massage again.

I promise!

For a month, nobody in the family mentioned the Army,

and Yuu was quietly preparing himself.

The day came for him to join his regiment.

Drape this over your shoulder.

I don't want it!

I refuse to be sent off like that.

The people of the neighbor- hood want to send you off!

You can't refuse them.

I want to go quietly on my own! Please let me do it my way.

All departing soldiers get a send-off!

You can't just do things your way!

If that's Yuu wish, let's ask to cancel the send-off.

I don't think such rituals have any significance.

What do you mean?!

Can't you appreciate other people's kindness?!

Let's not fight over this...

- I'm sorry if I sound selfish. - It can't be helped...

I'll ask them to cancel the send-off.

Never mind.

People just feel an obligation, that's all.

I've had to send off people, too.

I don't even want you or Father to see me off.

I want to go alone.

I just want to slip away unnoticed.

The time has come to give you this.

I've been putting it off.

I've sewn a lot of these 1,000-stitch belts,

but I never dreamed I'd have to make one for you.

Thanks.

Please take care of yourself, and be sure to come back.

I had to do a lot of soul searching...

I couldn't decide if I should tell you this or not.

But I want you to wait for me.

I want you to be my wife.

I realized that when I was going off to Kyoto to go to high school.

I love you.

I don't know when we'll be able to get married.

I may never get to see you again.

But I still want you to wait for me.

Will you wait for?

I'll wait for you.

So please come home...

I'll come home.

I will... I'll come home to you.

Goodbye.

Never mind.

Yuu left the Tanokura house alone.

Oshin could hardly keep her composure...

Episode 212

Yuu, who was still a student was forced to join the military.

Oshin received no word from him. Now it was already May of 1944...

I wonder how Yuu is doing...

We can't help him at all. Is he getting enough to eat?

What's the use of worrying?

We gave up our son to our nation.

I want you to forget about him for now.

I hear army training is very hard.

I wish I could make sure that he's all right.

How many times will you bring this up?!

You can never know how a mother feels!

We have food to eat, but I feel so sorry for Yuu...

Who knows when we'll run into shortages, too.

We're in a state of emergence.

Don't think that you'll always get a second portion.

We, citizens, must unite to win this war!

We'll have to get used to substitute foods.

No flour dumplings for me... And no potatoes!

Soon you won't be able to choose.

In Tokyo and Nagoya, they have air raid drills.

This is no time to be depressed about Yuu.

I'd rather join the Air Corps now.

I'm sick of working at the munitions factory.

Hitoshi!

Don't rush it. You'll be drafted soon.

A letter for you!

Coming!

Thank you.

How are you? I'm well, so don't worry.

On May 30, I will be allowed to receive visitors.

If you're too busy, you don't have to come,

but I just thought I'd let you know.

Yours sincerely, Yuu

That's tomorrow.

Yes, I wish he'd let us know sooner.

What if that letter hadn't reached us in time?

The mail service has gotten very slow.

I can't take tomorrow off. I have new workers coming in.

You won't be able to go?

I have bigger responsibilities at work.

I can't stay away.

But you can see your son.

I'm sure I'll see him soon enough. You go.

I'll take the children, too. They all miss him.

Don't be silly!

The children have jobs at the munitions factory.

They can't stay away from work!

There may not be another chance to see him!

Don't you understand the situation we're in?

We need more fighter planes, and we need parts.

The munitions factories are working overtime!

They can miss one day...

I'm talking about the need for unity and spirit!

Otherwise, we'll never get through this emergency!

I quit!

- I'm home. - Welcome home.

I'm sorry to be late, I had to put in overtime.

You must be starving.

Yuu can have visitors tomorrow.

But we can't go, Father won't let us.

He's worried about us missing work at the factory.

So what if we only miss one day?

That's no way to be!

What if everybody were as selfish as you.

We all have to unite and fight...

All right! I hear that every day!

- You're making azuki paste. - I'm making ohagi cakes for Yuu.

Let me help.

I'm all right.

If I can't go to see him, I want to at least do this much.

No matter what Father says, you're coming with me.

I'm sorry I had to put you to work.

We get up early, so go to bed.

- Mother. - Yes?

I've decided not to go.

Don't be silly. Father doesn't have to know.

We'll leave separately, and meet at the station.

But...

Hatsuko...

Yuu wants to see you. And you miss him, too.

So I want you to come.

- Ryuzo. - Yes?

I'll be leaving now.

Okay.

Any message for Yuu?

Tell him not to worry about home, and to serve his country well.

Here. Bring him some money, too.

Don't cry in front of him. Don't embarrass him.

Hatsuko has already gone off to the factory.

Breakfast is ready, so please help yourself.

Bye.

Look, Mother!

Yuu!

Thanks for coming!

You look so rugged now!

- I train every day. - Have you lost weight?

I've gotten fatter. Don't worry.

Sit down.

I've been selected for officers' training.

I'll be going off to Officers' School soon.

I'll be training till the end of the year.

That means you'll get to stay in Japan.

But in times such as these, one never knows.

They must be short of officers to take me.

I'm proud of you. The training here must be so hard.

How's the food here? Have you gotten enough to eat?

Look.

This is ohagi!

I had mochi rice, and I used lots of sugar.

She stayed up all night making these.

I was dreaming of these ohagi cakes!

I'll have some right away.

How is Father?

He couldn't get a day off.

Hitoshi and Nozomi had duties to perform at the factory.

I'm glad they're all right.

Let's all eat.

These are good!

We already ate.

I can't possibly eat all these by myself.

You can eat the leftovers later. That's why I made so much.

I have canned goods, and clothes, too.

I didn't have time.

I only got the postcard yesterday!

Give us more time to prepare next time.

Your father wants you to have money for emergencies.

Mother...

The military doesn't allow us to have any extras.

Why?

They'll check our belongings, and if they find this stuff on me,

the whole unit will be punished. They'll beat you until you faint.

They throw water on us to revive us, then they beat us again!

It's all part of our survival training.

What are they doing to you?!

Don't worry! I'm all right.

I have a buddy here.

His family is in Manchuria, so he has no visitors.

May I share my food with him?

Yeah.

Thank you very much for those ohagi cakes.

I'm glad you're my son's friend.

Please take care of my Yuu.

He helps me.

I'll bring you some treats the next time.

He and I will live and die together.

We'd better be going now.

Please find time to write to us once in a while.

Yes, I will.

Thank you.

Hatsuko... Thanks.

Yuu!

The meeting was short-lived...

Oshin felt the war tearing her son away from her...

She now hated the war with a vengeance.

Episode 213

- Oshin. - Yes?

Saipan fell on July 7th.

The Americans wanted Saipan to launch air strikes

against our cities, so we might be in danger.

There are a lot of munitions factories in this area.

They wouldn't bomb us...

We can't leave,

but maybe we should send Tei off where it's safe.

You want to send her to another family?

She's only nine.

If there's an air raid, how will she survive?

She'd only be in the way of the adults trying to escape the air raid.

It'll be tough on her to live with another family,

but it's better than putting her life in danger.

It's our duty to allow our daughter to live safely.

If she's the only survivor, she won't be happy!

But, Oshin!

Don't worry about it. The Americans can't bomb Japan.

You talk as if Japan itself was a battlefield.

That's ridiculous!

We'd better get used to the idea.

- I'm home. - Welcome home.

Two more children transferred out again today.

They're going to live with their grandparents in the country.

I'm losing friends fast... They want to escape to a place

where there won't be the possibility of being bombed.

Do you want to go to your grandmother in Saga?

Ryuzo...

Saga has nothing but rice paddies, so it's safe.

My parents are well. Tei will be well taken care of.

Why send her so far away?

Will we all go together?

Well... The rest of us have work to do here.

You'll go by yourself.

No! I'm not going anywhere.

I'm staying here with you. I'm not scared of air raids!

Tei!

Please don't send me away.

I'd never do that!

You and I will always be together.

Just think it over.

Mr. Hamamura's daughter is very sick...

There's no medicine for TB.

And she doesn't have any nutritious food to eat.

- Excuse me. - Yes?

- Hello. - What can I do for you?

I came to bring your daughter something.

We head the neighborhood committee,

but we haven't been able to help much.

Please take this for your daughter.

What is it?

I have eggs, tororo potatoes and chicken for your daughter to eat.

Oh, my...

I'd heard that you live a life of luxury

because you all work for the military.

I guess you do live high!

Did you steal these goods from the military?

No...

- I can't accept them! - I got these from farmers.

I respect the neighborhood committee,

but I refuse to accept handouts from you people!

Please leave!

Oshin felt a sense of sadness...

The war was making people bitter. She hated this war even more.

One day in September, they got a letter from Yuu.

I had another visitation day the other day,

but I didn't let you know because I realized

you're all very busy with your jobs.

When you and Hatsuko visited me last spring,

I made sure I etched your smiles in my memory,

knowing it would be a while before I saw you again.

That's enough for me,

and although I might not be writing you very often,

please don't worry.

Please give my best to Hitoshi, Nozomi, and Tei.

And please look after your own health.

To my parents from Yuu

He's still in officers' training.

Are they sending him off somewhere?

I'm sure the army hasn't told them where yet.

I hope it's not overseas!

Or are they sending him into the battle zone?!

Maybe your brother can find out for us.

Please, ask him!

Even if my brother is a Lt. Colonel in the army,

what good will it do to ask him that?

You can't go to see him.

At least we'd know if he'll be safe or not.

I can't be kept in the dark about it!

I gave up being his father the day he left to join his regiment.

We've given him over to the nation.

No matter where he goes,

it's all right as long as he does his job well.

Ryuzo!

It's a mess in here, so please go into the parlor.

It's okay. I'm not a guest here.

I was just sewing buttons on uniforms.

Thank you for your service.

It's been a long time.

Thanks to you, Ryuzo is doing well working for the military.

I only gave him the opportunity to succeed,

and the rest was all up to him.

I didn't know Yuu was in officers' school.

Ryuzo hadn't told me.

We didn't want to burden you. Yuu decided it all on his own.

I was surprised to read the letter.

I still think of Yuu as a little boy.

I guess we're getting older...

I'm sorry to have written you about our problem...

It's only natural for a mother to want to know

where her son has been taken to.

But it's all a military secret.

I know, and I'm sorry I asked for your help.

Yuu has been sent off to the south.

- The southern front? - They shipped out Hakata.

By the time I checked, the ship had left.

Yuu is no longer in Japan?

He's aboard a ship on the high seas...

Will he reach his destination safely?

Oshin...

Don't ever have regrets!

I wanted to tell you this personally.

That's why I'd put it off.

Thank you for coming to tell me.

Even if the information is classified, I had to tell you.

Thank you... I won't have to worry anymore.

At least I know now that I can't go to visit him.

Now I know that he's no longer in Japan...

Don't worry.

Maybe he's safer abroad than here in Japan.

The Americans have mauled us in the south,

but some areas are still safe.

Soon the Americans will rule the air and seas all around Japan.

The bombing will start.

And American troops may try to invade us.

Rather than Yuu, worry about defending Japan!

We'd better be ready to defend our own country.

Oshin felt better hearing that Yuu might be safer overseas,

but she was now concerned about the danger from Allied bombings.

She'll send Tei away. She'll do as Ryuzo suggested.

I'd thought about sending you to Saga,

but it's too far for us to come and visit you, so...

I told you, I'm not going anywhere!

You'll be with the family of one of our employees.

It's a nice place! About three hours from here.

We can visit you any time.

The people are nice, and they have six kids.

You'll never be lonely!

I don't care! I'm not going!

- Tei. - Why do I have to go away?

I told you! What if we get bombed?

I'm not scared of bombs!

You don't know what it's like to be bombed!

You don't either.

She's only nine.

That's why she needs to be in a safe place!

I will go if we really get bombed.

It'll be too late then.

Then we'd all be dead... but we'd be together.

Adults can evacuate easily, but kids can't.

It's just until the war is over!

I want Mother to come with me.

I have to take care of the house.

I'll look after things here. You can go with Tei.

You have your work at the factory.

You couldn't possibly do both.

You promised never to send me away!

Stop this nonsense!

We want to send you away so that you'll be safe.

Can't you understand that?!

If you won't listen, we'll stop caring for you!

Do you understand?!

Episode 214

We'd better go to the train station.

I'll go, too.

I'll carry your things for you.

But you have work to do at the factory.

We'll go straight from the station.

We won't be seeing Tei for a while...

She's not going far away. We can see her anytime.

I hope those people are really nice.

They are nice.

I've met them before.

In the country, food is plentiful,

and they'll be taking very good care of you.

So don't worry.

Don't catch a cold.

If you feel sick at all, be sure to take some medicine.

I've put some medicine inside this bag.

Tei...

I had to work from morning until night, but I never cried.

You can go to school there, and make new friends.

Try to get along with the people there.

Cheer up!

- Excuse me! - Yes?

I'm Tei's mother.

Thank you for agreeing to take her in.

Don't mention it. She sure is cute!

We have many children here.

At least she'll be safe from the bombings.

I have brought some goods for you.

You gave us a lot of things the other day, too.

I'm so happy that you're helping us out.

Besides, she eats a lot.

You've already paid us.

But money isn't very useful these days.

We're happy to get these packages of needed goods.

We'll be bringing you more.

Don't worry about Tei. We'll take good care of her.

Hey!

Please be good to her.

Make sure you listen to the people here.

She's a little spoiled, so feel free to scold her.

I'll be strict with her as I am with my own girls.

Please give our best to your husband.

I'll see you later, Tei.

- Mother! - Tei.

- Mother! - Tei!

You must be tired. Get some sleep.

I shouldn't have sent her away...

We don't even know if there will be bombs.

Tei looked so sad...

Our garrison on Guam has been wiped out.

Our troops are fighting to the last man on much of the southern front.

They're counting on the Kamikaze Attack Force.

Only suicide planes can protect Japan now.

We don't only have to worry about bombings,

but the American troops could be landing here at any time.

But at least Tei will be safe now.

We can fight without worrying about her.

She might be sad now, but she'll understand.

You're still up?

Yes.

I want to enlist with the Youth Flight Corps.

I'll go and apply tomorrow.

Hitoshi...

I was going to join the Navy next spring,

but the army will let me fly sooner.

I heard the news about Kamikaze Forces.

Stop this nonsense!

Special attack means you won't come back alive!

I know. I'm not afraid to die.

As a Japanese male, I expect to scatter early

like the beautiful cherry blossoms.

How can you say that...? Your life is not yours alone!

I'm giving my life up to my country.

It's an honor!

I'll go happily.

Oshin!

I will not allow you to join some suicidal group

in the name of empty honor!

What's wrong with dying for my country?!

I didn't raise you to die meaninglessly!

What's so meaningless about the Kamikaze?!

Don't you sympathize with all those who already died?!

That's enough!

You're not old enough to make decisions.

Wait until you're older to join the service.

You'll only regret it if you went in now.

How can you say that?

You always tell the boys in the neighborhood to sign up!

Hitoshi...

So why are you trying to stop me?!

- Hitoshi! - Leave him alone!

He's just excited about the Kamikaze because of tonight's news, that's all.

No use talking to him now...

I'm home.

Welcome home.

I brought you this.

I have to go out to dinner with some people.

It's rice.

Hitoshi hates substitute meals.

We need to give him proper nutrition.

We can't spoil him...

People eat nothing but potatoes now.

He'll eat anything once he gets hungry enough.

Hitoshi works. Let's feed him rice when we can.

He's stopped talking about the Youth Flying Corps.

I guess he has gotten over the idea.

I hear students are signing up in droves all over.

They all heard the news about the suicide pilots.

I guess so... The papers and the radio glorify them.

I'm home!

Welcome home.

Isn't Hitoshi with you?

What is he up to now?

- He didn't come home? - No.

That's strange... He's been gone since lunch.

We all thought he went home sick.

He left without telling anyone?

Nobody knew where he went.

He can't just skip out of work!

It's gone. It's not here!

I keep all the money you give me in this drawer!

Maybe you put it somewhere else.

No. I put it in here for safekeeping.

Hitoshi has taken the money. He knows where I keep it!

He's left home!

What does he plan to do?

He's planning to enlist in the Youth Flying Corps!

He's gone off to join up on his own!

It can't be...

Did you hear anything about this?

Two of our classmates signed up and left.

They were both good friends with Hitoshi.

Hurry, and bring him back!

It's no use... He must have his mind made up.

- Ryuzo! - Let him do what he wants!

We can't even be sure of our own safety.

No place is safe for any of us now...

It's his own life.

Let Hitoshi live his life without regrets.

Hitoshi joined the Youth Flying Corps in Mie prefecture.

He too had gone off to where Oshin couldn't reach him.

That November, Tokyo and other cities became targets of bombing raids.

Oshin felt good about having sent Tei away,

now that the bombing had really begun.

I hope Tei isn't hungry.

We've done all we could in supplying her with food.

We'd get word if there was a problem.

She must be lonely there.

I hope we can bring her home soon...

How long must families be split up?

It can't be helped.

But once the war is over,

our family can once again enjoy dinner together.

Mother...

Oshin had suffered much hardship.

But to be apart from three of her children...

This was the hardest time of all for her...

However, the war was to bring her more suffering...

Episode 215

It was 1945, and spring was in the air.

I hear the Tokyo bombing on March 10 was really bad.

Most of downtown Tokyo was destroyed,

and there were many casualties.

Do you think this little shelter can protect us?

Many people taking shelter were spared.

But I wish I had a bigger and stronger one built.

It's too late now...

I never thought we'd ever need one.

With the way things are,

maybe Yuu is safer in the South Pacific than we are.

I'm glad Tei is safe in the countryside.

Too bad I don't get to see her very often.

Maybe it's better... She'll get homesick if you visit.

She writes in her letters that she's doing fine.

I'll send her soap and sugar if I can get some.

We sure don't want Tei to suffer as we do.

I'd better get back to the factory.

Can you find out about Hitoshi?

Oshin...

I just want to know when he'll be finished with his training.

Once he's done,

they'll probably send him in as one of the suicide pilots.

They need pilots,

but I'm sure they won't be sending out the new recruits so soon.

Besides, he'll let us know if he's ordered to go.

Even if it should come to that,

we'll have to send him off with a smile.

He volunteered for this.

Tei!

What's wrong, Tei?

Tei! What's the matter?

You didn't tell those people you were leaving?

How did you get the train fare?

I tagged along free with a stranger. A lady.

Why did you do this?

I'm not going back there anymore!

Tei...

What happened?

You always wrote to say you were doing well.

That's because they watch me when I write letters.

And they only feed me one bowl of soup,

while their own kids get their fill.

That can't be true!

I give that family a lot of supplies, so that they'll feed you well!

It's true! I'm telling the truth! I tried my best to endure it!

She's full of lice...

You weren't bathed? They never washed your clothes?!

I thought you two would be angry if I came home,

so I tried to hang in there. But I can't take it anymore!

Tei...

I had no idea you were suffering...

We'll never send you away again.

If we're going to die in the bombings, we'll die together!

Mother...

I'll let you bath today.

And I'll cook you a pot full of white rice!

Tei.

Stay here tonight, but you'll go back tomorrow.

What are you saying?

Don't spoil her. Other kids have it tough, too.

Those people mis- treated our daughter!

Everyone has it tough!

When times are hard, people change.

We can't condemn them for it.

We should be grateful that Tei is safe there.

You'd better learn to persevere.

Your mother had it 10 times worse than you at your age.

I don't want her to go through what I did!

That's why we did our best to raise them all.

But we weren't able to protect Yuu and Hitoshi!

If it weren't for the terrible war...

- Oshin! - It's the war's fault!

Putting innocent children through such hardships!

Stop fighting!

Watch what you say in front of the children!

You'll go back tomorrow.

But Ryuzo...

She came here all by herself, so she can go back by herself!

You'll be all right, won't you?

Tei left the next morning on a crowded train.

Oshin remembered what Shunsaku had said.

He told her that she might one day be involved in a war.

He had also said that if that should ever happen,

she should resist it with all her might.

She blamed herself for not having resisted.

And she blamed herself for now keeping her own

from serving in the war.

- Mrs. Tanokura. - Yes?

Mrs. Morita's son was killed.

That boy who's serving in Manchuria?

No, the younger boy in the Navy.

His training base was recently bombed.

He was killed here in Japan?

The bombings are everywhere...

We'll be holding a wake for him.

I'll tell my husband.

Isn't your younger boy in the Navy, too?

You must be worried.

Morita was two years ahead of us in school.

I'll go offer him some incense.

His body hasn't arrived home yet.

Mrs. Morita didn't even shed a tear.

Is she so happy that her son died an honorable death?

That's the proper attitude for the Japanese.

You should learn from her!

I'm glad that my two sons are serving our country.

But if anything should happen to them...

Yuu and Hitoshi will be all right.

There's no use worrying about them.

??

With the bombings becoming more frequent,

whenever we are together I begin to wonder

if it's the last time we'll spend with each other.

We won't die that easily. Even if the Americans invade us!

You'll fight with bamboo spears?

It's all in the spirit! Mind over matter!

It sure is quiet tonight...

We should catch up on our sleep tonight.

Where are they bombing now?

We'd better get into the shelter!

I'm staying out.

We'll never get any sleep if we ran into the shelter whenever the siren sounded.

It's more dangerous to doze off at the munitions factory.

Many people can get hurt.

You are both too casual about the sirens.

I'll go patrol the streets.

That's the attack warning signal! Turn off the lights!

Once you hear enemy planes, get in the shelter!

I guess our time has come.

Never mind me, escape to a safe place!

Mother!

They're really here! Let's go into the shelter!

Never mind me!

I'll stay here and protect our house!

We can't afford to lose this house.

My children need this house to come home to!

If you're hurt, I'll never be able to face Yuu!

We'll watch the house. You go!

Do we have enough water?

Put water into every available container.

It's dangerous! You'd better get into the shelter!

Hurry!

Nozomi, water!

Get more water!

What are you doing? Get in the shelter!

Hurry and run!

If we don't escape now, we'll never make it!

Isn't that where our factory is?!

Yes. There are many military factories in that area.

Ours might be burning, too!

Forget about the house. The fire will surround us soon.

What are you waiting for? Hurry!

Nozomi!

Oshin!

Hurry! Put out that fire!

Oshin was determined.

It was her duty as a mother to protect the house

to which her children would return.

It was already July, 1945, just before the end of the war.

Translation: UTB Channel

Thanks to Avallac'h and XrayMind at D-Addicts.