All language subtitles for Hi no ataru sakamichi (1958) V.O.S.English

Nikkatsu Corporation

SLOPE IN THE SUN

Original Story by
Yojiro Ishizaka

Produced by Seio Sakagami

Directed by Tomotaka Tasaka

Starring

Yujiro Ishihara
Mie Kitahara

Izumi Ashikawa
Tamio Kawaji
Yuji Odaka

Hisako Yamane
Koreya Senda
Isamu Kosugi
Yukiko Todoroki

TASHIRO

Baron, Baron!

Come here!

Hello.

Hey, listen.

If you're selling pens and paper,
ask the lady in the kitchen in the back.

I sell nothing.

I'm Takako Kuramoto,
applying to tutor here.

What?
You are?

Listen.

You have to be bright, healthy...

And I have one more condition.

Any idea?

No...

It's this:
you must be good-looking.

What a thing to say!

Hey...

As for me...
I have just one rule...

Understand?

What do you mean...
one rule?

It's basically simple.

About touching
your body a little.

That's okay, no?

I don't accept such a rule.

Give it up.

It's a rule.
It's my rule.

How insulting!
I'm going back.

Hey, wait.

Hold it.

Don't get angry
about this.

You can hit me if you want,
but don't go back.

Shinji, what's up?

Who's your visitor?

Ah, brother. This girl...

...she's applying for the job of
Kumiko's tutor.

But she says
she wants to leave.

It's your fault.

Excuse me,
I'll be right down.

My brother is way more of a
gentleman than me.

And he does not have rules like me.
You can trust him.

I'm sorry if my brother
was rude to you.

Please come in.
My mother and sister are waiting.

Welcome.

I'm Mr. Tashiro's wife.
My name is Midori.

Nice to meet you.

Kumiko, please introduce yourself.

I am Kumiko Tashiro.

Tutor, you will notice
that I walk with a limp.

I may act a little spoiled,
but please don't mind me.

But I don't care if people talk
about bad legs in front of me.

Now, now, Kumiko.

She talks first about things
that bother her most.

As a child, when she was playing
she got hurt.

But if you don't look carefully,
you hardly notice it.

Well, please sit down.

Ah, if you don't mind...

Kumiko!

Tutor, that's a chair made abroad...

...but the springs being too hard,
we never use it for guests.

Whose idea was this?

It was Shinji's idea.

He wanted my next tutor to sit in it.

And I agreed.

I'm sorry, tutor.

He is hopeless.

Miss Kuramoto, when Shinji
or Kumiko like someone

they're in the habit of teasing them.

And you always try to explain things,
but have no opinion yourself.

Look who's talking!
If you were a little more thoughtful,

...instead of your limp,
you could have told her...

...that you swim the 400m at school.

Then she wouldn't feel
so embarrassed.

And because I am lame -

they have prepared
a huge dowry for me.

Kumiko, not in front of a guest.

Did you wash your hands?

Shinji, where are you going?

I'll eat here by myself.

I can't compete with my brother.

Say, I feel insulted.

Do as you like.

Miss Kuramoto, you
must be from the North, no?

Yes, from Hirosaki.

- Hirosaki, that's in Aomori, right?
- Yes.

Our gymnastics teacher
is from Aomori.

He has such a queer dialect.
Like...

"Everyone, put on your short pants
and gather in front of the iron bar."

And tells funny things
about Aomori like

"We have rare birds
like crows and sparrows."

And miss Kuramoto,

have you been working
through college the whole time?

No, this will be the first time.

My family can pay for my studies,
so that is no problem...

...but if I want to buy extra books...

...I soon use up my allowance.

So I have to work part-time.

We asked for a tutor, but you will
not so much be teaching Kumiko.

She is clever enough...

But we need someone
she can talk with.

Who can teach her about life.

Then maybe I had better leave.

I do not have the qualifications
to teach her about life.

And I do not want to be a preacher.

Well...

we don't want a preacher.

I have to go out
alone sometimes, right.

So if you just come with me to
plays or performances, it's enough.

It's all right to just
eat and chat with her.

Tutor, won't you take
a look at my room?

Sure, I'll have a look.

Mama, could we have some
tea and sweets in my room?

All right.

New acquaintances
always look at my legs.

I'm sorry.

I'm used to it,
so I don't care.

Is this you, Kumiko?

My brother Shinji drew it.

He said it's my
deformed mentality.

That face looks like this.

How mean to paint you like this.

But I like it.

Shinji and I don't
belong in this house.

Somehow we always seem
to do the wrong thing.

But Yukichi is quite the opposite.

He is mother's favorite.

Because he is so perfect,
we look so inferior.

My brother Yukichi is so
kind and considerate -

and so handsome.

I'd say -

his fault is not having faults.

What does he study?

He is a medical intern.

Quite an attractive man.

Yes, he really is.

The nurses all talk about him.

My friends are crazy about him.

And yet he is not engaged
nor does he have any girlfriends.

Perhaps girls look
like fools to him.

Then he might think
I am foolish too?

Oops... I'm sorry.

I didn't realize praising him
would be insulting you.

I'm really sorry.

Mama keeps telling me...

...when I first meet people, I talk
as if I've known them 5 or 10 years.

On the other hand, what people
say is all the same to me.

Really?

It's true.

Then I'll ask something...

...only an old friend
would ask you,

Kumiko, how -

did your legs get injured?

No...

I can't!

I'm sorry.

But I was anxious to know.

I'm not angry.

But I just can't.

Someday in the bath
I'll show it to you.

This bone is a bit twisted.

So...

But you're bright, right...

Your mother?

My brother Yukichi.

He is good.

I wonder.

I have no inspiration at all.
Just boring.

Auntie!

Oh, it's you, Miss Kuramoto.
You just came back?

Yes.

Welcome back. Been shopping?

A big box was delivered.

A box of apples.

From home.

Father claims there are no
better apples than from Aomori.

Yes, I'll agree with him.
Because it's a local product.

I'll ask Tamio to bring you the box.

Thank you.

Won't you come in for some tea?

Thanks.

Ah, come to think of it,
I've never seen your room.

That's right, so you should.

I'll go and tell Tamio first.

Oh, Tama.

Where have you been?

Tamio, could you take this box of
apples to Miss Kuramoto's room?

I'll be in her room.

OK.

What a nice, clean room you have.

Ah, I prepared a pillow to sit on.

Eh? You really shouldn't do that.

It's bad karma,
showing your shoes.

But I just bought them.

I want to admire them.

They're a decoration.

There.

Thank you.

Mr. Tamio was singing
just now, right?

Poor him. He really
wants to be a composer.

But that does not make
any money, so...

...he sings American songs, which
seem to be popular in night clubs.

Oh, I see.

I don't get it at all.

That would be Jazz, right?

But he earns money with it
and takes good care of me.

So, although at my age I just work
in a restaurant, I'm really happy.

Working in a restaurant
is difficult. isn't it?

In a way.

But when I was young, I was
a Geisha, so I don't mind it.

Oh, thank you.

Mum, gossiping again?

No, she was telling me
what a good son you are.

Ah, that again.

He feels embarrassed.

Where is the hammer?

It's OK, I'll open it myself.

Such things are meant for men.
That's the proper way.

You already told me so.

Sorry about that.

I will treat Tamio to dinner
when I get paid.

Are you working?

Starting today I'm a tutor.

You know Asia Books?
The President asked me...

The President of Asia Books?

Oh aunty, do you know him?

Not at all. Why should somebody
like me know Mr. Tashiro...

Miss Kuramoto,
there will be a party tonight.

So I must be at work early,
and I must prepare Tamio's dinner.

Tamio, be careful not to damage
the apples when you open the crate.

I'll bring some apples later.

Thank you.

Sis, it's OK to talk to my mother
but don't gossip too much.

Women like that, don't they...

We can't be helped...

When Mother sees you,
she talks her head off.

You should not say that
about your mother.

It's my mother, I can say what I like.
She's like a bit sour sometimes.

Well, I never...

Say, Sis...

What?

Is it OK to visit you next time?

OK. But when I first met you
I thought you were bad company.

If you agree with that,
then please don't bother.

If not, then come.

I am surprised.

This is the first time
I've been called bad company.

But I don't mind.

Really?

But I think I am fine,
so I'll drop by.

Is that OK, Sis?

OK.

But stop calling me "Sis,"
I have a name.

Sure.
I should say "Miss Kuramoto," right?

I don't like it, though.

Miss Kuramoto, this is for you.
Bye now.

Welcome back.

Is Midori at home?

Everybody went to a concert,

but Mr. Shinji is in his room.

Evening, Papa.

Why the noise?

If mother were...

I knew she's not home, so...

I'd like to drink your whiskey, Papa.

Run when she returns,
quickly flee to your room!

Why didn't you go too?

You like music.

Yes, I do.

But I hate formality.

What if I sneezed?

Or did something wrong?

So she went with
Miss Kuramoto instead.

Say Papa, what do you think of
Miss Kuramoto?

She's nice.

Kumiko likes her.

Papa, the more I like
and respect a person -

the more I want to be
disliked by him.

Otherwise I won't feel safe.

Papa, do you understand
such feelings?

No.

Can't you be more
youthfully cheerful?

Cheerful?

Nonsense.

Is your life cheerful?

Life is not all that easy...

When Miss Kuramoto first came here
I liked her very much.

So I wanted her to dislike me.

What do you think I did?

I don't know.
Did you insult her?

Not as such.

I pointed at her forehead,
and touched her breast.

My rule!

Shinji!
What a disgraceful thing to do.

Against our honour!

You talk of honour?

Please...

What would your mother
say if she knew?

It might make her happy to know
that I'm a no good delinquent.

Shinji,

what's the matter
with you tonight?

Go to bed.

I don't want to.

I want to talk with you some more.

Papa,

the woman
who gave birth to me...

Is she still alive?

Did you say something?

I did, Papa.

I asked if the woman who
gave birth to me is still alive.

Shinji!

You kn...?

Yes, Papa.

I know.

So you knew all about it.

I thought that some day
I should tell you about it.

But mother was against it.

I wonder why.

Mother thinks you don't
know anything.

She is confident she has brought
you up like her own child.

The old bag!

What did you say?

The old bag!

Idiot!

You insult mother!

After all she has done for you.

I'm sorry to have insulted
your wife. I apologize.

Mother was most
considerate toward you.

That's it.

Her being too considerate
was what made me suspicious.

Not when we were alone, but...

...when other people were around.

And you too.

What did I do?

Papa and Mama are
the opposite of each other.

You are kind when we are together,
but cold when others are around.

Among the three of us,
only I was treated that way.

It made me think.

Right Papa?

Were you -

thinking like that?

Papa, you don't have to worry.

No matter how I was born
I'm satisfied with life.

As long as I live, I can paint.

There's music to listen to...

There's God to pray to...

There's alcohol to drink...

There's you to talk to...

The dog to play with...

There's no end to it!!

Indeed living is nice, Papa!

But Shinji, I beg of you.
Don't give mother a hard time.

Because she believes you think
she is your real mother.

Don't be silly.

Are you lying because
you have been drinking?

Mother realizes
I know the truth.

And you know that she knows it.

Why can't you be frank
when we're alone?

You're living -

within a castle made up of lies.

Isn't it stifling?

What do you want me to do?

Nothing at all.

I just want to know.

I want to ask you
my first question.

Is my real mother still living?

I don't know,
I really don't know.

Tell me about her.

She was an open-hearted
and good woman.

Her name was Some-roku,
and she was a Geisha.

Was she handsome?

Look at your own face
in the mirror.

You resemble her.

Say, Papa, did you love her?

You were born between us.

Children can be had with violence too.

What?

Was it with money...

that you bought her love?

I am right, no?

Shinji!

You insist on
a reply no matter what?

Yes, Papa, I want to know.

Well then...
my reply is this.

Papa, I won't hit back.
So you can put the bottle down.

You're old fashioned.

Why get so excited?

A man gets bored at home
and has an affair with a geisha.

That's all, right?

So Papa, please be calm
and sit down.

I'm sorry I hit you.

Papa, listen to me.

I'm glad you hit me.

It showed courage.

Neither you nor Mama
show your emotions toward me.

They go past me to my
brother and Kumiko.

So that's what I wanted.

Thanks.

Listen! Mama has returned.

Don't show any excitement.

Be calm.

You were sipping whiskey
and reading a book.

Be calm.

Welcome home.

Any call from Tomiko?

No.

Darling, I'm home.

How was it?

The concert.

It was really wonderful.

Hello, Papa.

(A song of a drunkard)

Too bad.

He is drunk.

I'm going up to lecture him.
He's trying to spite us.

It's just like him.

Tell him that song is a disgrace.

I'll tell him to sing the
hymns that Mama likes.

Were you drinking
together with Shinji?

No, I was reading this book.

This book?

I never knew you liked cooking.

I just picked up anything at hand.

You can't read without glasses.

You're in a bad mood.

I'm not.

I'm taking a bath.

Read your cookbook.

Where's brother?

Bringing Miss Kuramoto home.

Getting in the mood with music
and taking a walk in town...

It's nice.

As long as you sing
songs like that,

she won't go out with you.

What?

After the concert we had dinner
at a restaurant in Ginza.

I was not hungry so
I couldn't finish my beefsteak.

Mrs, may I finish her plate?

I'm so hungry.

Yes, please help yourself.

She finished it?

Yes.

I come to like her more and more.

Shinji, were you drinking with Papa?

Yes, but if Mama asks you,
please say no.

You had this talk with Papa?

Kumiko, even you already knew
I'm not Mama's real son.

Everybody knew it
and pretended not to...

And is your real mother still living?

He said he really doesn't know.

Would you like to meet her?

Yes, if she is alive.

But I want just to know the truth.

I'm not worried
that she might be dead.

I don't mind what kind of person
she is. She is still my mother.

She must be pretty,
because Papa went astray...

When I asked Papa, he told me
to look in the mirror.

Then...

Then she wouldn't be,
right?

No, I mean she must have looked
pretty to someone

who loved her.

But had a funny face to anyone else.

You made a very smart remark.

What else did you talk about?

He hit me.

What a thing to do!

Thinking about it,
Papa is unfortunate.

He was left with me,
a symbol of his unfortunate past.

Don't insult my Mama, please.

I'm sure -

that Mama appreciates
many of your good qualities.

Don't dislike her.

I don't.

But I'm not grateful either.

Shinji, what do you intend
to do from now?

I'm going to make it
clear with Mama.

Then with my brother.

But what for?

I don't know.

But this household
is made up of lies.

I'll smash them.

You talk about lies.

But if you go on peeling an onion,
in the end there's nothing left.

In order to keep
a large household together,

lies are often necessary.

Cement has to have sand.

When did you become a sophist?

Even I can observe things.

But as the situation stands now,

we must unite by
acknowledging the truth.

So, brother, although I'm Mama's
child, do you love me?

Yes.

I was the one who caused
your everlasting injury.

But I never felt
the need to apologize.

It feels as if
I'd injured my own elbow.

Terrible! But strangely even now
I can't get angry.

Because you are my brother.

My! You reek of liquor.

When I marry...

I wonder if I could ever love
a man who smells of alcohol.

It sounds strange, somehow.

- Good night, brother.
- Good night.

I'm happy to have confirmed
we really feel like brother and sister.

Confirmed again, right!

Miss Takako, don't you like alcohol?

No, no.

Ah, I am relieved.

Here's to becoming good friends!

Please.

Alcohol is quite different from juice.

Maybe it's not for you.

It's OK, I want to experience
how it feels to be drunk.

Are you OK?

Sure, I'm OK,
since I'm with you.

You trust me like that?

Ah, let me light it. I just got this
but haven't had a chance to use it.

Is working at our place not too hard?

Because Mama and Kumiko
both have nasty habits.

No problem, since I also
state clearly what I want to say.

Mama is very happy.

She says that since you came
she got quite cheerful.

She makes too much of it.

Kumiko and me
sometimes skip study...

We talk about men, love and
how bad capitalism is.

Your mother might be disgusted.

No, no.

You act a bit strange sometimes,
but every rose has its thorn.

Takako, your eyes got a bit red.

It's no good, my face.

Don't look too much at me, please.

Somehow I don't seem
to get this part right.

It's enough for now.
Think about the neighbours.

I want to compose
a good song quickly.

Mother, don't you think I
just look like an average man?

Or maybe a tiny bit better.

Not just average.
I attentively gave birth to you.

If you grow up a bit,
you'll be more like a man.

Is that so? But it's meaningless
when your family praises you.

However, I have not once
been rejected by a woman.

But you're absent-minded. You wouldn't
notice if a woman fell in love with you.

Perhaps it's better like that...

You like playing with women?

That might be so,
but there's nobody right now.

I need to study
in order to make a living.

Ah, that's better.

Auntie, I'm back.

Welcome!

Miss Kuramoto, please come in.

No, no.

I drank a bit to much,
so my face is a bit messy.

I'm not hungry and
I won't have supper.

Good night!

That so?

- Well, good night.
- Good night, Sis.

Sorry...
Did you have to wait?

I just came.

You asked your mother?

No, no. I told her
we're going to a movie.

I see.

Well, as your tutor, I shall consider
a movie about the same as jazz.

My favorite singer is Jimmy Koike.
He's a Handsome Boy.

I wanted you to see him
at least once.

Is jazz something to look at?

You're right.
I wanted you to hear him...

It's over there, tutor.

It has been quite a while...

Did Non-chan come here?

Non-chan was here
the day before yesterday.

What is Jimmy singing today?

"Seven o'clock". If you like
I can introduce you to him later.

No thanks.
I'd rather watch from a distance.

But he's a wonderful fellow.

Your order?

Coffee and cake.
Make it a good one.

Yes, at your service.

He remembers your face.

I had quite a different idea
of these places.

But there are young people
and a healthy atmosphere.

Is this a place to meet a boyfriends?

We wouldn't think of it.
It's just for music.

And now we take pleasure
in presenting Jimmy Koike.

He will sing
"7 O'Clock".

I bet you were surprised.

I was astonished when
I saw you.

And Kumiko was surprised
when you waved.

If I knew Jimmy was an acquaintance
I would not have acted so enthusiastic.

But why are you Jimmy Koike?

It's my stage name.
My friends called me Jimmy.

Koike is my father's name.

But you knew very well
we were there.

From the stage
you can see really well.

And I like Miss Tashiro
for some time.

Because her way of walking
is a bit strange?

Totally not.

From the stage, her eyes sparkle.
She's really impressive.

To think Miss Tashiro
was Sis' pupil...

Hey! Stop calling me "Sis"
in front of people. It sounds funny.

Especially housemaids and such
really hate that.

But you're close friends,
it sounds nice.

I'll go phone your mother
that we will be eating out.

OK.

Yes. Of course it is all right.

Thank you for taking the trouble.

Our cat's name is Kuro, and every
night she goes to sleep with Baron.

Baron is our Great Dane,
and 20 to 30 times bigger.

Baron sleeps with his legs
stretched out like this.

And Kuro sleeps curled up
between them.

What a dog.

Baron eats out of
wash basin this big.

But when he starts,
Kuro objects...

Baron has to wait his turn.

Kuro gets right into the basin to eat.

And Baron just waits,
circling around it.

How funny.

Instead of a dog, we have
a cat in our apartment.

Her name is Tama, and she
sleeps with mother or me.

Do you know how she
decides with whom to sleep?

I have no idea...

I found out that she chooses
the one that smells of alcohol.

It took me 6 months
to find out.

So one day I offered her
a bowl of rice wine.

She lapped it up like water
and then began to totter.

She couldn't keep her eyes open.

Under mothers' influence,
Kuro would sing hymns.

Hymns!

So we part here.

I wish you would visit her apartment.
Then you could visit me too.

If Miss Kuramoto says
it's OK to come.

I haven't visited her once.

I really look like I'm pestering her
like an old lady.

Goodbye.

So long.

Miss Kumiko phoned to say that
there's a class meeting

and she would be about an hour late.

I see.

I'll take a walk
in the garden.

And Mrs. Tashiro?

She went to a celebration
at a relative's house.

I see.

Baron, don't bark.

Don't bark.

Baron, you're hopeless.

It's rare that people feel so free.

Hello. Why are you
sitting in there?

Away from humans.

It's dirty.

Are humans so clean?

Won't you step into
my living room?

It's nice.
Quite a different atmosphere.

Won't that dog bite?

It's OK.

As long as you're no threat
to me, he is friendly.

Baron, down!

Come in.

Sorry for disturbing.

Studying paintings?

Don't you like paintings?

I like looking at them,
but that's all.

I'll paint you.

I don't like to be stared at.

Say, Miss Kuramoto,
do you know that painters...

...can visualize the nude
of a woman they like?

Would you get angry?

You can imagine anything,
but saying so is rude.

The truth is often rude.

I'll be rude once more.

You were caressing the lawn.

And your bare feet were
dancing over it.

I enjoyed watching you.

And I thought:

"Now she wants to caress
the lawn, warmed by the sun."

"Soon she surely will want
to caress a young man."

What are you saying?

If you keep saying
such rude things...

...I never want to speak
to you again.

Is it so rude to state the fact
that men and women fall in love?

That...

That may be so, but I would like you
to keep your thoughts to yourself.

Women will get angry
if you say things like this.

But I wouldn't say it to just anybody.
Only to someone who understands.

Won't you marry me?

Thanks, Miss Kuramoto.

- Now listen...
- No.

This time it's about myself.

I'm not a real child
of Mama here.

I'm the son of a Geisha.

Her name was Some-roku.

Do you know her?

No.

You mustn't!

Let me go!

You know something I don't.

I don't know anything.

Hold the dog!

He reads my emotions.

Tell me.

I'll tell you, so hold the dog.

When I get out of here
I will marry you.

So talk.

Your mother is in my apartment.

- What's her name?
- Tomiko Takagi.

What kind of a woman is she?

She's very nice.

What does she do?

She is a maid in a restaurant.

Is she poor?

Her 18 year old son is working too,
so they are not poor.

You're friends?

We are.

Did you know this before?

It dawned upon me
when you mentioned Some-roku.

I see. Thanks.

I shall never speak to you again.

I object.

What you told me
will help everyone.

That's the way I feel.

So don't feel guilty.

- I'll never...
- Speak to me?

May I come in?
It's me, Takako.

Come in.

What's the noise?

It's a method of expressing
my emotions.

"Miss Kuramoto from downstairs,
please come upstairs."

"Just like this? "Just like this?"
That's the noise.

That is not why I came up.
There's something I want to tell you.

What's that?

I thought it over and
I'm not mad at you.

So I won't finish with you yet.

It's because you think
I'm an a kind of fool.

At least you've often thought so.

I'm sorry.

How did you know?

Because you always forgive me.

How long do you intend to
stand there? You scared of me?

I'm not scared.

That cat dislikes women.

Just like Yukichi...

So, miss Kuramoto,

please introduce me someday
to my mother and brother.

I don't think I should interfere
in other people's family affairs.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

I'll visit them
when I feel like it.

That's me, no?

I didn't capture you very well.

Please stay where you are.

If you come closer
you might cause some trouble.

How silly.

It's not a nude,
I'm glad...

I've never wanted to be painted.

I don't mind
if you destroy it.

May I have it?

Sure.

Thanks.

Different horn. I thought
it was the old bag.

When she's so nice.

Me, when I'm in a bad mood -

I call her bad names everywhere,
even at school or on the train.

Ever since I was a child
I've been calling her names.

But she does not mind.

Mama has quite a brave character.

She continues to hold her
grip over us all.

And has brought me up all
these years as her own child.

The old bag!

Saying these things is mean
to your brother and sister.

I'll say anything in front of Kumiko.

She looks like
she agrees with me.

But Miss Kuramoto,

besides her, what do you think
of my younger brother?

Tamio?

He's nice to his mother
and he's a good singer.

I think, compared with you,
he is more serious.

Probably because
he lives with his mother.

You're very clever!

In a short time you
found all my weaknesses.

You sound like a professor
praising his student.

To me,

you're an elementary schoolgirl
with somewhat round breasts.

I heard Tamio sing once, but he
really wants to study composition.

Composition! Why would he choose
such an unprofitable line of work?

Just like you, studying painting
and making no money.

I already said you're smart.
What should I say next?

Why don't you say next that
I'm an exceptional beauty?

I'm going.

- Don't come close.
- I won't.

Ah... the warmth of your hips
is still here.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Are you going home already?

Yes, because your mother and
Miss Kumiko are not at home.

It's a pity.
I hurried back to see you.

Won't you take
a walk with me?

All right.

It's such a nice warm day.

Where shall we go?

Ah! Let's buy and
eat baked potato.

I love them more than rice.

Next holiday Kumiko
is going to your home?

Yes, I promised to teach her to ski.

I might follow you.

On skis, you can't beat me.

I'm a bit worried.
Will Kumiko be able to ski?

If she's not hindered,
her skiing causes no trouble.

She said this once...

...if everyone had to wear skis,
no one would notice her limp.

It doesn't worry her anymore.

Please come under the coat.
Otherwise it's too cold.

Don't you want to eat it?

No, just looking at it
is enough for me.

I peeled this one for you.

Do you think it's too "bourgeois"
for your stomach?

It's not that...

...truth is that I'm attracted to someone
who likes potatoes more than rice...

Well then, goodbye.

It was fun.

It was the first time someone else
than my mother peeled a potato for me.

Goodbye.

Tamio, Happy New Year. Please
take care of me this year again.

Yes.
Happy New Year.

Say, Tamio...

Being just the two of us
this New Year's morning...

...is a bit lonely, so may I
take out your father's picture?

Why not, mother.
He was your husband after all.

Happy New Year.

Tamio, why don't you
pay your respects too?

I don't like that.

I'll do it when it suits me. He did some
terrible things, so why should I pray?

You may feel that way,
but I can never forget him.

You mean because I was born?

I don't mean that, Tamio.

I mean he was the only man
who took me seriously.

I know he treated me terribly.

But he was earnest.

He beat and kicked me.

I really suffered.

But when he died
everything faded away.

Except that he took me seriously.

Remember Tamio, if a man is
earnest, that is what counts.

Like I would understand!

To love a drunkard...

You'll get a wife someday, and

if you really love her, there's
no harm in hitting her sometimes.

That's no joke!

I have had enough.

If I come to like a modern woman, with
too strong a spirit, I will do the leaving.

Let her beat you, as long as
she is serious and truly loves you.

If she feels like that,
it can't be helped.

I for one won't hit women.

Say, mother.

About that brother I have,
I won't accept him, but...

...was his father serious?

Oh no!

Cultured people lack seriousness.

They value appearance.

But I do hope someday
to have the opportunity,

to thank the lady who
fostered your brother.

How touching.

You can thank her as you please.

But I won't recognise him
as my brother.

But Tamio...

Isn't it lonesome to have no relatives
or friends we can depend upon?

I don't care for myself,
my years are limited.

But you have a future ahead of you.

Don't make such a face.

Your fathers may be different,
but he's your only brother.

He is the only other human being

that was born from the
same mother as you.

Not to accept him is going
against the will of God.

God or no God.

It's useless.

Mother, I don't need a brother.

Even if we should accept
each other, like you want...

...he'd be proud and insolent.

And I'd feel small and miserable.

I'll be independent.

Don't worry about me.

You bore him, so if you want
to see your son, that's up to you.

Just leave me alone.

You're unkind. You won't
understand how I feel.

But you started all this.

Please don't cry, mother.

I won't always be alone.

I'll find a nice girl
and get married.

Then I won't be alone anymore.

And with grand children around,
your life will be busy.

I've been thinking about it.

My wife has to be
kinder to you than to me.

So I always tell myself,

"Tamio, don't get fooled
by the appearance of a girl."

You are a real son to me.

I'm so happy.

Tomiko!
Mrs. Tomiko!

We invited her to go to the shrine!

Your mother should be ready, no?

Yes!

Mother, they're waiting for you.

Tell them I'm coming.

She's coming.

They're all nice friends of mine.

Go down and greet them.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Tamio, sorry to borrow your mother.

Happy New Year.

We are listening to the snow
falling softly.

I am writing this
by a warm stove.

We went skiing
yesterday and today.

Miss Kumiko's bold skiing
kept me in suspense.

Every time we fell into the snow,

and came crawling out,

we would laugh and laugh
at each other.

And then we would talk
about how we could push

that dandified Tamio-san
into the snow.

Best wishes to mother.

Takako.

Happy New Year. Kumiko.

It's a Happy New Year.

Is this Mrs. Takagi's room?

That's right.

Is she in?

She's gone out.

But your name is also Takagi, right?

I'm her son.

You sing, don't you?

I've heard your songs.

To be frank, you lack style
and you're only imitating.

How rude!
And who would you be?

My name is Shinji Tashiro.
I am your brother.

And I am also the
brother of Kumiko Tashiro.

Haven't you heard my name?

I... don't know such a name.

What's the idea coming here?
Want to throw your weight around?

Please leave.

You're touchy.

Tell your mother that
Shinji Tashiro came to see her.

KURAMOTO TAKAKO

Good evening.

You're a friend of Tamio, right?

Tamio is out now,
but come right in.

We're having a New Year's party.
Just old people, but won't you join us?

Come on in, young man.

The only males here are
those two old cranks.

What are you...

You're just in time.
Let's have a drink.

Be nice to him because
he's a friend of Tamio.

You a musician too?

I'm a painter.

You're a painter!

I really love paintings.

That new painting of Mt. Fuji
at the bath house. Wonderful.

The painter is a customer of mine.

How about...

Say, don't you think so?

I gave her a life of luxury.

I took her to the theatre,
to hot springs.

She made the restaurant I inherited ...

... from my father go bankrupt.

And that bitch -

she draws every cent I've got,

and takes off with a young punk.

And here I am working as
a cook for a living.

Hear me.

Never again will I
believe a woman.

Those creatures called women
are worse than beasts.

There he goes again.

All men and women in this room,
have been the victim of cheating.

We were all trampled on and
victimized, but it's good to be alive.

I'm sorry,
I am ashamed to be a man.

I'm really sorry.

Don't fuss, let's sing,
dance and be merry.

Mrs. Oyone,
please play the shamisen.

Come, let's dance.

I'll play Mamurogawa, OK?

Washa Mamurogawa
no ume no hana koorya

I am the plum flower of Mamurogawa

anata mata kono machi no uguisu yo

And you are the nightingale of this town

I'll dance too.

hana no saku no
o machi-kanete koorya

You could not await my blooming

tsubomi no uchi kara kayotte kuru

You went back and forth
around my bud

yume wo mita (3x)

I was in a dream (3x)

anata to sou toko yume ni mita

There I saw you in my dreams

san kudo no sakazuki o koorya

I drank three,
nay, nine cups of sake

itadaku tokoro de me ga sameta

And I woke up
where I was drinking

Hey, get out!

(leafing through New Year's cards)

I am back Mama. Good night.

Shinji, let me see your face.

I had some drinks, Mama.

It's New Year's,
so that's OK.

If you like, you can have
some of Papa's drinks.

No thanks.
I have had enough.

Where's Papa?

Out golfing.

An empty home on New Year's.

I was meeting some people myself.

Don't be so tight.

We just had a phone call
from Mr. Hirosaki.

He said Yukichi sprained
his ankle while skiing

and went to the hospital
with Miss Kuramoto.

But there is no need to worry.

So Miss Kuramoto is
taking care of him?

That'll go well...

How so,
after you've been alone so long?

Say Shinji...

...everybody is away tonight.
Only you and me are at home.

Recently we didn't have
a chance to talk together.

Let's have a little chat.

There're some things
we need to tell each other.

OK, Mama.

Let's be frank.

I know you can.

Have you already met with
your birth mother?

So you have indeed.

Mama, I met her today.

But I did not tell her.

Today?

And what did you think?

Do you intend to leave this house
and live with her?

No, I want to stay here
together with you.

Because I belong in this family.

I wish the same.

If you should leave us now...

...our Tashiro household
will go to pieces.

Shinji, please look me
straight in the eyes.

I am, Mama.

I don't clearly know whether
I love you or not.

But I do know you are
a person with backbone.

Whether I am glad you are
that kind of person or not,

I really don't know.

Surely you're happy,
because you're broad-minded.

No flattering, please.

I've often heard you
calling me an "old bag".

Mama, that's true, I surely have.

But it's only because
I admire your backbone.

You talk exactly like me.

Let's respect each other's opinions.

And is there anything
you wanted to ask me?

Why did you adopt me, Mama?

Any idea yourself?

I'll tell you.

You wanted me to always be
beside Papa

as a lasting symbol of his mistake.

Such a mean interpretation can
be true, but it's often wrong.

But I won't deny it.

However...

If God asked me
why I adopted Shinji,

I would face Him and reply:

"Shinji was born under
adverse circumstances,"

"but I did not want him to suffer."

Then did you love me?

Yes, probably...

Love is not something present
from the start. It has to grow.

I think I know you better
than anyone else.

Maybe because of all the hardships.

Shall I prove with one example
how well I know you?

It's this: You keep silent
about a certain accident.

I'll be blunt.

It was not you who injured
Kumiko, it was Yukichi.

You're wrong, Mama.
I did it, it was me.

I did something wrong.

We are quite alone now.
No need to put on an act.

But Mama, it really was my fault.

My brother and Kumiko know it.

I did it, I tell you!

In the beginning, you resented
being falsely accused.

But later you felt you
were obligating us by...

... letting us believe
you were responsible.

Whenever you talk about
how you injured Kumiko,

you must feel a certain
sense of superiority.

But only I knew
the way you truly felt.

I always wanted to talk to you
about this one day.

I want you to know that you
have not obligated me in any way.

I...

I did it.

You're wrong.

That day I called Yukichi
to my room.

I asked him how you were playing
when Kumiko got injured.

I said I would not give him away,
and asked for the truth.

You had brought out a long
ladder and were playing circus.

Kumiko, climb higher.

Yukichi, it's dangerous!

Better let her down.

You weakling!

Shinji, don't let go.
Kumiko, you're safe.

I've just climbed up.
It's quite high.

I can see harbor,
it's so pretty.

Just then a butterfly fluttered close.

I gathered insects
so I wanted to catch it.

Shinji, don't.

It's you.

Shinji, it's you.

Shinji, it's your fault. Right?

My back hurts!

Yukichi told me...

...it was you who wanted to catch the
butterfly and had let go of the ladder.

Then I immediately knew it was
not you, but Yukichi who had let go.

That's...

No, Shinji.

I know the character of the child
I bore better than anyone else.

I instinctively knew he was lying.

You may wonder...

...why I didn't make Yukichi
tell the truth.

The reasons are complicated indeed.

Firstly, I didn't want to
hurt Yukichi's pride.

I blindly loved my child.

The reason for my blindness...

... was because I saw...

he was very intelligent,
but lacked a sense of morals.

This constantly worried me.

And secondly,...

to admit that he was not my child, but
Papa's son with a Geisha was b...

I'm sorry, Shinji.

It was thoughtless of me.

To tell Papa that my son
had injured her...

I couldn't bear to lose his respect.

Shinji, you must think I am
a very coldhearted woman.

I don't, Mama.

Because it was I who did it.

Even Kumiko knows.

When the ladder started to
fall, she said "Shinji, no!"

She saw me let go.

Kumiko called your name
instinctively.

She knew in a time of emergency, you
were more dependable than Yukichi.

Me, me! It was me!

Anyway, regarding Kumiko's problem,
both you and Yukichi are liars.

But when I compare your lies,

I feel ashamed being Yukichi's mother.

Though you pretend to have done wrong,
Yukichi is receiving the biggest penalty.

His conscience hurts him every
time the subject is mentioned.

Particularly,...

... he has an inferiority complex
toward you.

Therefore, try as he may,
morally, he is doomed.

No wonder.

He started with a falsity.

And he sees that every day
in the form of Kumiko's limp.

I fear someday he may
do something terrible.

Shinji.

Do you have the heart
to protect Yukichi?

I do.

But I have my own reasons to do it.

I will believe you.

I feel much lighter
having said this.

Because you cannot sneer at us
any more concerning Kumiko.

Shinji, come over here and
show me your face once more.

So what are your intentions
with Tomiko Takagi?

When I met her,
I thought she was quite rigid.

She seemed to want relationships.

She seems to have a son called
Tamio from a different father.

He seems to be a jazz-singer.
Quite a strange fellow.

It would be nice to meet him.

It's OK to do as you think.

It's gotten late,
let's end with a truce.

So this was our
New Year's Day's evening.

It's OK, Mama,

Anyway I will always see
you as my mother.

Good night.

Good night.

You're back?

What, are you still awake?

Sorry we kind of shut you out today.

It was probably quite lively, no?

Yes, it was interesting
and everybody had great fun.

I treated them to rice cakes.

It cost some money
but everybody was happy.

They said I must be happy
because my son earns money.

I felt so good...

A good feeling...
But at quite an expense.

Often the same with me too.
I don't like it.

But Tamio, it's good to be
able to make others happy.

Did you have dinner?

Yes, and I had a few drinks.

Ah, with your painter friend?
What's his name?

What was it again...

I only call him by his nickname.
But he's a strange fellow.

He danced and sang with us.
He was a very nice fellow.

I like his type very much.

But he plays pachinko and
teases the girls working there.

And he's rough.

Is Tama with you?

No, not here.

Where could she be?

Tama is probably also having
some New Year's party.

A New Year's party, sure...

But even so...

Mother, it's snowing.

Is it?

Yes?

A telegram.

Such a stupid fellow!

"Brother, don't get a sunburn. Shinji"

It proves Shinji wants
you to return quickly.

Mr. Tashiro can go home pretty soon.

The doctor said "The patient can
run like a short track runner."

That's no joke.

With this telegram from Shinji,
I suddenly want to go back to Tokyo.

That is, you could
go back together with Kumiko.

So you would leave me alone
with my leg, like I was a burden.

Were you thinking that?

Not at all.

Then are you glad?

No.

Well, let me show you
something interesting.

Please get my crutches.

Look carefully now.

That is very mean!

Sure, I kept silent.
Because I wanted to befriend you.

I don't mind
having done a bad thing.

I wanted to get to know you.

Do you disagree with me lying?

It's not disagreeable, right?

Takako, I loved you
from the beginning.

And do you love me?

I'm going home.

I am not angry.

I am really very happy.

You love me, don't you?

Yes.

Takako, won't you marry me?

Please agree to marry me.

I'm home.

Hey Sis.
You took your time coming back.

I've been using your room.

You're welcome.
Thanks for taking care of it.

Auntie kept it nice and clean.

And decorated with flowers too.

Yes, I bought those.

It's strange...

You look prettier than when you left.

Can you notice
if a woman gets prettier?

Well, I'm surprised at you.

If I've grown any prettier,

it's due to my home town's
white snow and good food.

When I say prettier,
I mean you've grown sexier.

Don't tell me snow and
food makes a girl sexier.

Is aunty well?

Yes, she is in her room.

I'm going back.

But I am boiling water.

If you want me to stay,
I'll go back a bit later.

I've brought a little gift
and I'll pour some tea.

But first, I want to change
to working clothes,

so Tamio, turn around
and close your eyes.

Ah, the closet is
nice and clean too.

Mother arranged it and
also washed your underwear.

I don't like it.
Who opened my closet?

It was me.

I was curious how the
inside of a girl's closet looks.

Your smell was very distinct.
It made me miss you.

You're terrible.
I should ask you to leave.

But it's OK, though.
Don't be stingy with your smell.

I was just sniffing,
nothing that harms you.

That's true but...

You know the time
I first saw you...

I felt, "this girl will do."

What does that mean, "will do"?

It means that you'll understand.

You're modest, you're
kind and a little mean.

When and how was I
a little mean, I wonder?

Is it OK now?

Oh, I forgot.
Yes, it's OK.

What did yo want to ask me?

Is it about Kumiko?

It's a bit related...

Shinji Tashiro came.

Did he come alone?

Yes, he made a fool out of me.

He pretended to be my friend
and was singing with everybody.

That sounds just like
what Shinji would do.

What did they sing?

It was "Mamurogawa ondo".

"I am the plum flower of
Mamurogawa..." That one, right?

So I was about to drag the guy out
and throw some stones at him.

But he bundled off.

He? You mean Shinji ran away?

Yeah, and if he comes back, he's
going to get some more, that hoodlum.

You say you will, but he's your
brother, born from the same mother.

I won't think about
him as my brother.

And aunty doesn't know
anything yet about this?

She doesn't know.

Why don't you tell her?

Because I think she'll
cry and make a big fuss.

She would cry
because she'd be happy.

Come to think of it, it's strange.

Shinji is the brother of
both you and Kumiko.

Does Kumiko know?

What do you mean?

That we have the same brother.

Of course she doesn't know yet.

To Kumiko, you are only Mr. Koike.

What would she do
if I told her?

I see! So that's what
you wanted to know most.

Not exactly, but...

But I am worried. If she
finds out, won't she avoid me?

When I heard she was his sister,

I was so surprised
and had enough of him.

Of course,
Kumiko will be astonished.

But later she will realize...

...that you are not related by blood...

...and that you can get married.

I didn't mean it that way, really!

I just thought it better
that she knew about it.

You don't want to lie
when you go out with her.

That's it. My conscience
won't permit it.

The point is when and how
should she know.

Someone has to talk to her.
There's no other way, right?

Don't talk in riddles.

You want me to tell her, right?

Yes.

Maybe I should not
have told you...

That's not it.

Tutor, was Jimmy very worried?

Tamio was worried that once you
knew, you would dislike him.

He was concerned about that.

He thinks the same thing as me.

I wish I could meet Jimmy
right now.

I wanted to thank you
for taking care of me.

No, no.

Has your ankle completely healed?

Yes, like you say.

I'll go and change.

Tutor,

did you become
close friends with Yukichi?

Yes, because I went to see him
at the hospital every day.

Everyone seems to fall
for my brother Yukichi.

Please come in.

Say, Miss Kuramoto...

...please have dinner with us tonight.

The Tashiros want
to express their thanks.

Thank you very much.

It's rare that the
whole family is here today.

Oh, will Shinji also be there tonight?

Yes, he promised me.

He is not someone
to break a promise.

If you finished studying,
how about taking a walk?

Tutor, let's go. When can
talk while we take a walk.

What do you want to talk about?
I would like to know too.

It's a serious story.

I cannot talk about it to you yet.

I see, it's a secret.

Mama is a bit strange...

It's so warm here...

Yukichi came back, right?

If Shinji comes back we'll
be all gathered for once.

That's right. They're always
travelling without telling where.

About Shinji, he said he met
Tagaki Tomoko on New Year's.

He told me everything.

I see.
So he finally met her.

He said something to you also, right?

Some time before,

he wanted to know something
he was uneasy about.

He was quite angry,
I was at a loss.

I wanted to tell you
but I had no chance yet.

I am sorry.

Even without telling,
I already understood.

You were never
any good at making excuses.

I seem to lose to both you and
my son. But this way it's peaceful.

You think it's OK if it's peaceful.

But you seem to be hurting
Yukichi and Kumiko a bit.

Because of that
our home is always in turmoil.

This is the best one
of your recent works.

The composition is good,

and your touch is not
rough the way it used to be.

Thank you, Mama.

I think so too.

Congratulations
on your good work.

I know you wouldn't flatter me.

Kiri, bring us some tea.

Pretty colors.

I'll lend it to you to
look at it every day.

That dull head of yours may
discover what I call beauty.

So I'm dull!

Sure.

For example, you think
my brother is handsome.

Those good looks are
for teenagers.

Forgive me for not thinking
you look better.

From the point of view of a painter,
my looks are far superior.

Shinji, come here.

It seems Papa has something
to say to all of us.

Shall I leave the room?

No, please remain.

Because you are like family,
Miss Kuramoto.

This is not really new to you.

I'm sure you already
knew about it, but...

...the time has come for me
to lay before you the facts...

so you may judge for yourselves,...

...that's what I decided
after consulting your mother...

You may be aware by now
of what I am going to say,

but it's about Shinji.

To put it plainly, Shinji was not
born between me and your Mama.

He was born between me
and another woman.

I am ashamed to have to
confess this fact to you.

But when I think of the suffering
my mistake caused you,

there is no comparison.

Above all, I express my
apology to Shinji,

and, of course, also to Mama.

As for myself,

I want to ask you not to
condemn Papa simply on the...

... grounds of what has happened.

I share responsibility also
having caused Papa to do this.

I deeply regret that your
father and I were not...

... an ideal couple you
could be proud of.

Yes, but as I said a moment ago,
you were vaguely aware of it.

But I could not let the issue
lie as it was.

I knew eventually someday I
should state the facts and ask you

to understand the situation.

That's what I thought.

Although Mama says she is
responsible too...

... it was all my own fault.

Not entirely. I think that Mama
didn't have enough sex appeal.

That could be an explanation.

But such explanations...

I never knew about it.

If I had, I wouldn't have
been so nice to him.

But Yukichi,

let's take this opportunity

to re-welcome
brother Shinji into this home.

As unworthy older and
younger brother, right.

Shinji, let's get along...

Just your unworthy sister.

Fine.

Firstly, I'm grateful to Papa.

If you hadn't been fickle,
I wouldn't exist.

Human existence
transcends all ethics.

Thank you, Papa.

And then I must thank
my broad-minded Mama.

You never tried to force me
to become your own child.

You provided me with a
healthy environment.

What else could have given
me greater happiness?

Mama, I thank you.

I am grateful for the sound
conclusions you have reached.

Let's put an end to this subject.

Miss Kuramoto, I'm sorry.

So, since we are all together
let's sing a song.

Whenever the family is all
together, we form a chorus.

Please join us tonight.

At times like this, Papa must
use his loud voice to sing.

So, let's sing.

Katare me de shi ma-gokoro
hisashiki mukashi no

Tell me the tales that to me
were so dear, long, long ago

utae yukashi shirabe o
sugishi mukashi no

Sing me the songs I delighted
to hear, long, long ago

nare kaerinu aa ureshi

Now you are come,
all my grief is removed,

nagaki wakare aa yume ka

Let me forget
that so long you have roved,

mezuru omoi kawarazu
hisashiki ima mo

Let me believe that you love
as you loved long, long ago

Ai shi komichi wasureji
hisashiki mukashi no

Do you remember the path
where we met, long, long ago?

ge nimo kataki chikai yo
sugishi mukashi no

Then, to all others my smile
you preferred, long, long ago

nagaemai hito ni home

Love, when you spoke,

na ga kataru ai ni you

gave a charm to each word,

yasashi kotoba nokore ni
hisashiki ima mo

Still my heart treasures the praises
I heard, long, long ago

Mama, maybe I'll take
Miss Kuramoto for a ride tonight.

That is OK, if she is wants to.

Shinji, where do you suggest we go?

I'd say...

Somewhere around the
Noborito golf course.

Okay, I'll do that.

But don't send me a telegram
in the middle of the night.

I won't.

- Bye.
- Please come again.

Miss Kuramoto, this...

You must have been surprised.

Yes, there are not
many families like that.

Somehow false, and yet
somehow noble.

Each individual faces life
with a firm confidence.

I felt a clear,
transparent atmosphere.

PART 2

I'm sorry to disturb
you while studying.

Mother invites you to lunch.

Thanks!
What's the occasion?

Nothing special.

Only mother brought home
part of a banquet.

Ah, like that.
I'll be glad to come.

Say, Sis, it's very strange.

Please look at this.

It's from Kumiko, right?

OK if I take a look?

"Meet me in front of the Jingu Gaien
art gallery at 7 a.m. on the 11th."

"I'll be waiting for you.
Kumiko"

See, strange, right?

Not strange at all.

She'll be waiting in front of
Gaien tomorrow morning at 7.

It's a nice letter.

Sis, you're slow.
It's 7 in the morning!

I'm still sound asleep
when she wakes up at that hour.

It is crazy to meet
at such a time.

Come to think of it, it is.

7 a.m.

You're right.
That'll be hard, for sure.

but tomorrow you need to get up
with the milk men to meet her, right?

Shall I lend you my alarm?

I have not decided
to go or not.

For her to get there by 7,
getting up at 5:30 will not do.

A girl takes time
to fix and comb her hair.

Then she has to take the train,
go to Gaien and wait.

It would be strange for anyone.

Don't ask me.

Don't be nasty.

You got a nice painting, Sis.

It's a picture from Shinji.

What? That guy drew it?

That cannot pass as a bridge.

Awful.

Tamio, what are you doing?

Please bring Miss Kuramoto
with you.

I'm coming.

My! It looks delicious.

Who is it?

It's the friend from
the New Year's party.

Please, come in.

Tamio, what's the matter with you?
Isn't he your friend?

I don't know the guy.
He's no friend of mine.

I don't know
what kind of fellow he is!

But he came on New Year's...

I'm sorry.

I'm not a friend of Tamio,...

... I'm his brother.

Tamio's brother?

Yes, his brother.

I'm your son, Shinji Tashiro.

Yes, he is, auntie.

I know because I'm the
tutor of Shinji's sister.

Really?

So you are Shinji?

I...

I am Tomi.

I cannot look you properly in the eye...

...since I could not take care of you.

Don't apologize, mother.

He is not a daytime ghost.

Showing up suddenly like this, it's
disgusting he calls himself brother!

I wish you'd get out of here.

Tamio, don't talk like that.

Get out.

There's no reason
for you to hate Shinji.

Unlike him, you were
brought up by your own mother.

He was...

I appreciate the fine way in
which you brought me up.

I had no shoes to wear
when I went to school.

I had to steal vegetables
which I ate raw.

I won't forget it.

What are you saying! I did what I
could but it was beyond my power.

I once was so hungry,
I stole a piece of bread.

I had to listen to the baker
lecturing me all the time.

And you apologize,
bowing to the floor!

At that time...

...unlike me,
he was living a lavish life.

I don't want a brother like that.
I have had enough.

He is lying, Shinji.
Tamio never stole any bread.

He was a good child,
first in his class.

There is no need to be
ashamed of him as your brother.

Mother.

I don't think it is bad
for a hungry child to steal bread.

But...

it's cowardly to hold a grudge
against the past,

and harbor an inferiority complex.

What!

Tamio, Shinji is just saying
good things about you.

Shinji...
Why do you treat Shinji so special?

We are brothers, so why are you
discriminating against me?

That's...

Don't say such silly things.

What are you saying?

What about me discriminating
against you for once?

Mr. Tamio. Special Mr. Tamio.

Boss Tamio. Honored Mr. Tamio.

Satisfied?

You bastard!

Please don't be foolhardy.

You're so old fashioned.
I get it, I'll get going.

Forget the past.

Be sensible.
Look at it a bit more loose.

I'll show you how some day
how to be your brother.

Excuse me, mother.

Weren't you a bit too rough on him?

I think it was just right.
Suits him right.

Bastard!

I'm getting to like him.

Won't you show me your room?

Come in.

It's nice.

Like my dog house.

Ah? I painted that one.

Thanks.

Good morning.

I doubted if you
would come so early.

I was surprised because
you wrote 7 a.m.

I have no other choice,
In the morning I have school,

in the afternoon
the air is dirty,

and the night belongs to adults.

So for us,
only this time remains.

That's right.
And the morning air is so pure.

It feels like it's been
a while since we met.

That's true.

You've changed a bit.

You too.

How?

You became more adult.

You too.

We both had some troubles, right?

Sure we had troubles!

Yesterday, your brother Shinji came.

Did you welcome him?

I didn't.

I felt he might come
between you and me.

I wonder, are we so intimate?

But I don't like it.

I don't like us
having the same brother.

Did you weep
when Shinji came?

Mother did.

And you?

Who, me?

I...?

Don't lie to me.

Well, I... wept.

That's no good.
I'm disappointed.

Although you like jazz,
you're old fashioned.

Your brother said so too.

Let's walk a bit.

You're pretty.

Do you think so?

I do.

Do you think I said
something pretentious?

I do not.

I am happy. Because it's
you who praised me.

It's heavy. All textbooks?

Breakfast and lunch as well.

You didn't eat yet, right?
Let's eat together somewhere.

Yes but only if you have enough.

That's OK.

What are you thinking?

When I was a second grader
I once went to that hospital.

Were you sick?

I felt ashamed in the women's group,
so I had a doctor check my body.

With mother?

No.

I went all by myself.

Kumiko Tashiro.

Mrs. Tashiro.

Is Kumiko Tashiro not here?

Are you the patient?

I'm Kumiko Tashiro.

I see.

Come in.

Miss Tashiro, over here.

Haven't you come here
by mistake?

This is maternity.

Yes, I know.

You're Dr. Shiozawa, right?

I checked you are here
on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Why did you want to see me?

Rumor has it that you are
very rude to patients.

If you think I am such a rude doctor,
why did you choose to come here?

Well, I feel a rude doctor
knows his business best.

But why did you come
in the first place?

I want you to check if
I can bear children.

Doctor, please look.

Ah, it's your leg.

Yes, my lower back.

Sit down.

I've had an inferiority
complex since childhood...

because I think
I cannot bear children.

Wait a second.

Isn't it premature...

...for a first grader
to think about having children?

You are a gynecologist,
yet you don't know such things?

Do you examine only the body
and not the spirit?

You are very frank.

Say, nurse...

Did you think about bearing
children in elementary school?

Let me see...

It never occurred to me.

But what she says...

... reminds me of an
unconscious longing.

Of course, it was
nothing physical.

I see.

My oversight.

You look very healthy.

You are a pretty girl
with personality.

Your back problem has nothing
to do with bearing children.

As a specialist, I guarantee you.

Doctor, how can you say that
without examining me?

It's experience.

You may have experience,
but I came to be examined.

You're stubborn.

I'm being sympathetic.

I know without examining you.

A scientist should disregard
sentimentality.

What!?

When my children get too fresh,
I slap them on the cheek.

It's discipline.

But I can't with you.

All right, I'll examine you.

Get behind there.

Why are you shaking like that?

You're perfectly healthy.

I diagnose that you can
have plenty of children.

Well, are you happy now?

I really will be happy...

...in a couple of weeks.

But now...

Now?

I wish you take a dose
of poison by mistake...

...and suddenly die.

Because I saw your body?

I'd like to satisfy you,

but I have a family
to take care of, so...

I can't die for your sake.

I'm sorry.

In a few minutes this feeling...

... will surely disappear.

I'll be going home.

Please do.

You're a little upset but...

...when you go out...

....don't forget to pay.

I won't.

Well, I must go to school.

The first lesson
will just be finished.

Will you be OK?

Let me practice:

Teacher...

I had a stomachache this morning
and wanted to skip class.

But it feels a lot better now...

Really? Weren't you
loitering on your way?

You smell of earth and grass.

But go to your seat.

Are you Mr. Tashiro?

I am.

I'm Kamijima.

I need to talk to you so
won't you come with me.

This is weird.

You look just like a gang.
I haven't got a clue, but...

...I'll go along with you.

But I'm hungry.

Will you treat?

Soba or sushi,
anything you want.

As long as you
just get in the car.

Get in.

Yuri!

Yes?

I brought him along.

I see.

Please wait a second...

OK.

You talked about soba from the
neighborhood. Could I have some?

You're a nuisance.

Hey, go get some soba!

We want to have a bite too,
so get five.

Make it two for me...

OK, bring six!

Yuri, if you don't come out it'll be
difficult to continue this conversation.

I'm coming.

Where is he?

Hey, isn't this guy Tashiro?

This guy?
No, this isn't him.

You guys, I hope you didn't
treat this gentleman rough.

We asked him to come politely!

You're really a bunch of fools!

We've slipped up.

Hey Kamijima, this lady's
name is Yuriko, isn't it?

Yuriko is holding back
because I am here,

but do you know
what she'd shout at you?

She'd say: "The man I want
is not a homely boy like this.

But a better and much
more handsome one."

But you're good looking.

I must apologize.

Please go now.

But you can slap each one
of these guys if you like.

Don't be funny.

It is not only their fault.

It looks like I'm the brother
of the man you want.

You are Yukichi's...

...younger brother, Shinji.

No wonder we made a mistake.

I thought he was kind of dumb.

You shut up!

Ken, what a mess you've made.

You think you're a gangster,
but this isn't even funny.

You blame me, but this guy
is a strange guy.

He just wouldn't respond to us.

He was so indifferent,
we got mixed up.

Of course he'd be indifferent.

I'm awfully sorry.

I'm Yuriko Kawakami,
fashion model.

I'm ashamed of the way we met.

Ken, take him back home
in the car.

I'm sorry I'm looking like this
on our first meeting.

It's more like a privilege...

...to meet a fashion model this way.

If you were your brother,

I would say something different.

Well, how about telling me instead.

I have time since
the soba is still not here.

Surprised?

Not really.

I know -

I've caused you agony
in the past.

And you've endured it.

What's this about?

I know you'll never talk.

That's why I'm asking you
another favor.

You see...

The hint for this plan
came because they mistook...

you for me and
took you to Yuriko's.

Welcome.

Make it real hot.

Watch out, something is showing.

That's no good.

But it comes in handy.

A piece of octopus.

It ran away on all eight
of his legs.

How about squid?

Good enough.

I don't make sense, do I?

Mama, I want to talk to you.

I thought so.

You two talked it over.

I guess it's bad news.

Papa's home, so better
talk in a low voice.

I asked the advice of Yukichi,

and we decided the only
way was to ask you.

How unusual.

Till now you've always
handled your own problems.

This time I can't.

I've gotten myself into
trouble with a girl.

What, you?

What kind of woman?

A fashion model.

Unbelievable!

You're not the type to
attract a girl with that job.

I can't believe it.

Mama, you're cruel.

Do I look so
unattractive to women?

I didn't say that.

I mean a girl who is
conscious of her beauty...

...will not likely fall
for a man with your nature.

It's no use arguing about it.

She's got bad friends -

who are threatening Shinji.

That's no good!
Why are they threatening him?

For money.

She had it all planned out.

Right, Shinji?

Yes.

I'm terribly sorry.

She wants a million.

But I think it can be settled
at one third.

Shinji, did you treat this
fashion model so cruelly?

I know about it.

I heard -

she had been pregnant twice.

And when he got tired of her,

he had affairs with other
members of her group.

How horrible!

Shinji, is this true?

Mama, I'm ashamed.

I'm born with it.

Shut up.

I was not asking you.

Shinji, take me to this girl.

I want to talk to her myself.

Mama, you had better not.

She's surrounded by hoodlums.

Please let me handle it this time.

Are you so sure you can
handle hoodlums?

Maybe I can't.

But they mistook me for Shinji
and took me to her place.

I told them I'd settle it.

You might make things worse.

So Mama, let me handle it.

You're a good brother.

Shinji, you must be grateful.

Mama, I'm sorry.

Yukichi, I'll give you the money
tomorrow.

It went off well.

I'm indebted.

I'm going out for a while.

I'd like to talk to you.

Oh! Midori.

This manuscript is
really fascinating.

It's gonna be a best-seller.

What were you...

I'm...

I'm so terribly distressed.

What happened?

It's Shinji.

That fool.

I'll talk to you later.

What are you doing, Shinji?

Ah, it's you, Mama.

You were shouting rather strange.

I felt so ashamed.

I just didn't know
what else to do.

What are you ashamed of?

What?

About that girl.

Liar!

You were disgusted
with your own lies.

Listening to both of you
with your well-planned lies...

I felt like shouting myself.

Mama, I really don't know
what you're talking about.

I replaced you and Yukichi
in my mind as I listened.

You can imagine how miserable
I felt listening to you.

That role as bad guy you took...

...was that to satisfy your
sense of superiority?

That's cruel, Mama.

Say such things
in front of him.

Yukichi is probably
drinking somewhere.

He may lack conscience,
but after such down-right lies,

what can he do but get drunk?

Say, Mama, what made you think
that we were telling lies?

Rather, I'd like to ask you...

...why you two came up with the
same type of lie as with Kumiko?

The same with you, Mama.

If you knew, why didn't
you expose him immediately?

Now I understand.

That was your purpose -

of telling another lie.

You wanted to put me in the same
position as with Kumiko's accident.

And have me expose Yukichi.

So that was it?

I wasn't thinking such difficult things.

I only thought that
if you had told him before...

...he might have been
a different man.

So...

...you wanted to hit me
where it hurts most.

But you are right, Shinji.

I could not do it.

That Yukichi was raised
with such a character...

...is nothing but my fault.

I feel like exposing his character...

...is like exposing myself.

But what if I did?

Or was forced to?

What would happen to him?

Yukichi would be humiliated
to the point of dying.

Could he go on living?

That's why I pity him.

The more he hides his conscience,
the more I feel sorry for him.

I just can't...

Mama, I understand.

Say Shinji.

After you're all married,
Papa and I intend to live alone.

But if Papa should die before me,

and I can't get along,
I was thinking of...

...living either with Kumiko
or with you.

Will you take me in?

Yes, sure.

Mama, you're not very happy.

Don't be deceived by sentiments.

I might start to be mean to you.

Don't be caught off guard.

I won't.

We saw Yukichi walking,
getting all wet in the rain.

I was returning from the opera
with Miss Kumiko...

but he didn't stop our taxi.

And?

And when I met him
on the Ginza later...

For a regular date?

No, it was a coincidence.

Really?

Don't move.

Your dog is not here today?

The dog is on a date today.

Next door.

What did he say?

He said...

...you had a fight with hoodlums.

And he had mediated
the controversy.

Did he say that?

Yes,

but what was
it all about?

Tell me.

Didn't he tell you?

Why do you want me to
tell you what he wouldn't?

Don't tell me if you
don't want to.

There is nothing I have
done that I can't talk about.

If I killed someone,
I'd talk about it.

Please don't bother.

I was a fool to want to hear
about your blunder.

I don't want sympathy.

I played around and did
wrong to a fashion model.

Then she demanded money from me.

Brother fixed it up.

I don't believe it.

But it is the truth!

I got her pregnant twice,
destroying her body.

Then I got tired of her...

...and went after her friends.

Stop it. I don't believe you.

I thought it was something
we could laugh about.

I'm not such a puritan
as you think I am.

I fulfill my desires.

I am a typical Jekyll and Hyde.

And I don't care what
you know about me.

I don't care because
you're nothing to me.

Shinji, you're insulting me.

Why do you say that?

I don't think I'm
wonderful myself, but...

...I don't like to be
insulted by you.

On the contrary,
you insulted me.

That mean look you had when
you asked about my blunder.

I'll never forget it,

so I told you everything
you wanted to know.

I'm such a person.

We had better part.

I won't. I don't believe you.

No way you could be so filthy.

No matter what you say,
I just know it isn't true.

I want to understand you better.

I want to know everything,
your weaknesses too.

That's why I definitively
won't part with you.

Do as you like, but I warn you
I'll get you into trouble.

I ruined the life of
that fashion model.

I'm such a person.

And I'm not ashamed of it.

I'll lock it.

Cool down and
carefully think it over.

- I'm home.
- Hello.

Going out?

Say, Kumiko.

Go and see the new
female dog we have.

She's pretty.

But she's excited and may bite.

What's this, not a
new dog but my tutor!

What a mean thing for him to do.

I'm glad I came home early
to ask you for advice.

I was waiting for you.

You don't seem to be
angry at all.

No, I'm not.

I'll get even with him.

So what was on your mind?

It's a naughty scheme
with good intentions.

I'm curious.

Brother!

I knew roughly where you'd be
but we had to look quite a bit.

Good afternoon, Shinji.

We happened to meet Tamio.

We brought delicious fruits and cakes.

Let's eat together.

Let's look at Shinji's painting.

Come on.

I won't go.
You tricked me.

I would never have come.

Me too. If I'd known
you were bringing that punk,

I wouldn't have told you
where I would go.

I just don't like him.

I'm going back.

Wiseguy!

Hey, wait a minute.

Remember?

I said I'll show you
I'm your elder brother.

I think it's time to show you.
The place is just right, too.

Or maybe you're scared
and want to run?

What?

Tamio, please don't.

And you too.

The girls planned this.

We don't need their humanism.

But this is women's sense.

Don't you think so?

I don't know.

I just dislike you.

Who does he think he is?

I'll show you who I am.

The ladies can sit
over there and watch.

Like a bullfight.

At times like this, when women try
to stop us men, we get more excited.

It's like seeing red.

All right.

We'll just sit and watch
while peeling an apple.

Let's go, tutor.

Let's sit here.

What would you like?

Apple.

Come on.

Let's see if a no-good
singer can fight.

I don't want a cowardly brother.

Shit...

You bastard!

I wonder if Tamio is dead.
He doesn't move anymore.

Come on, Tamio...

Are you satisfied?

Or do you still not have enough?

OK.

I'll admit you're my big brother.

I do.

I'll admit I'm your kid brother.

Tomio, you lost the fight.

Shinji made you fall,
you did not get up...

I thought you were dead
or something.

When all of a sudden
you began to cry...

... I cried too.

I feel so happy.
You've got a nice brother.

But I admire the way
you persisted till the end.

Though you have a black eye...

and were beaten up...

...Don't worry.

I like and admire you
all the more.

Everything turned out...

...for the better.

You can cry.

You can go ahead and cry
as much as you want.

I'm sorry about it.

Is it spoiled?

Don't think about it.

But doesn't that bruise hurt?

Not at all.

I have a wonderful idea.

Let's all celebrate tonight.

I agree!

Let's all drink together.

To my ruined painting.

And to my bruise and black eye.

I was bullied when I was a kid.

I always fought back.

I'd throw stones.

But I'd get beaten up in the end.

I wouldn't stop.

But if we had only
been together then.

Tamio looks happy.

But they're letting us women
dance alone. How impolite!

But let's leave them
alone for a while.

Tamio, are you drunk?

I only feel drunk.

I was just a bit flustered.

I was quite surprised.

Saying 'brother', 'brother' all the time.
Two men dancing, I felt embarrassed.

So it's better if we fight?

You're drunk! Terrible.

You must be thinking Tamio is cute,
calling you 'brother' all the time...

You probably feel very happy.

I won't be sentimental about it.

But to know there's another
being born from the same mother...

Not a bad feeling.

Is that all?

Just a bit.

Everybody, attention please!

I want to thank you all
for coming in such numbers tonight.

I've been watching you all
enjoying yourselves in this club.

And among you I noticed...

...the promise of our jazz club:
Jimmy Koike.

The reason I was able to
spot him in this crowd...

...was because he was
dancing with a boy.

We would like Jimmy to
sing a song for us.

Jimmy Koike, go ahead!

- What should I do?
- Go, go!

Good evening, everybody.

I'm Jimmy Koike.

The manager said my
dance partner was a boy.

It's true.

But I am not like that.

I like kind girls...

... better than boys.

I'm happy...

... and a little drunk.

So I may sing badly, so
let's sing this song all together.

And be merry.

I'll sing "7 O'Clock."

He's good tonight.

Tamio, take a look at those two.

It's been strange for a while now.

Those sparkling eyes...

... and how they stare at each other.

Well, they're older than us.

They probably have emotions
we are not aware of.

Just leave them alone.

Ah, you smell of alcohol.

But I'm worried.

It looks as if Miss Kuramoto
was going into a trance.

You should apologize
to Miss Kuramoto.

Such dreadful action in front
of so many people!

I don't blame her
for being angry.

Apologize to Takako.

Go on, apologize.

I won't.

She was asking me for it.

She was.

She wanted to know
everything about me.

That's why I showed her.

I definitively won't apologize.

I'm not ashamed of
anything I did.

I understand the way you feel.

But women want to be
handled more gently.

You seem to know a great deal
about women.

She handed me a handkerchief.

To wipe my wet hands,
she handed me a handkerchief.

I knew that she loved me.

She forgave me everything.

At least that's what she said.

And that is why
I had to kiss Takako.

I wanted to hold her
ever since I first met her.

I wanted to hold her
close to my body.

Yes...

How I've longed for her.

I have.

Well, OK...

I'll go home and think about it.

Kumiko, please have your
geometry done by tomorrow.

Yes, I'll have it all done.

Tamio...

You take Kumiko safely
home tonight.

Yes, I'll take her home.

Brother, you...

I'll stay behind and have
another drink.

I'm sorry, Tamio.

I should not have hit you.

I'm sorry, OK?

I've had quite an
experience today.

Tamio, fold your arms behind you
and grab your hands.

Close your eyes.

Like this?

Now we're even.

You stand here and
watch me enter the gate.

Then you can go.

Goodbye.

Mrs. Kuramoto, I'm back.

Welcome home. I have
returned the key to Tamio.

Thank you very much.
Good night.

Goodnight.

Mother...

What is it?

Are you still awake?
Is there anything?

You return here every evening
and keep complaining...

... saying things to yourself.
What the heck are you saying?

"I'm gonna kick him,
that boy of mine."

If a woman lives alone for too long
she will start talking to herself.

I have nobody to consult
so I can only consult myself.

I would not ask you
to listen to my problems.

Say, Mother...

Is there anything else?
If so, be quick about it.

Did you get a girlfriend?
Who is she?

I won't say anything.

Please tell me quickly.
I don't like hesitant people.

I would sometime like to see the guy
who came here as my brother.

Sometime, here?

You mean Shinji?

Shinji...

Did you meet Shinji somewhere
and become friends?

That's right.

I decided to call him my brother.

I see.

That's good.

I am relieved to hear that.

But mother...

... that brother is quite big. And he
does not understand many things.

If I don't look over his shoulder
there's no knowing what he'll do.

Don't be impertinent. What can
you do looking over his shoulder?

At this age he will be
making advances to women.

Not too successful.
Can't bear to watch it.

Do you know how to make advances
yourself? When did you learn that?

You can only make advances
to a woman once in your life.

Then she'll be your wife.

I won't consent to you becoming
good at doing weird things.

No, no, mother.
I have no idea.

But Tamio,

I have lived quite a hard life, but ...

Both you and Shinji...

I am very happy the children I bore
have become respectable people.

You might regret
feeling good about it.

I might start giving
you trouble from now on.

Once a boy starts liking
a girl, his parents' luck ends.

But I would like to meet
the girl you like shortly.

You did not fool around,
so you can get a good girl.

You bet!

You will live long, Mama.
So take it easy.

Shall I hand her to you?

Please do.

Tamio, there's one thing
I want to ask you.

Whatever you do,

please do not ask Shinji
for any money.

Don't do such a shameful thing.

Don't underestimate me, mother.

I see, Tamio.

Let's go to sleep.

What an insolent,
shameless man he is!

But I just can't get myself
to despise or hate him.

And that's why I
despise myself.

But what can I do?

My eyes...

They seem to emit
something wild and savage.

That I possessed such
passions within me,

I was not aware till today.

And I feel the same passions -

emanating from him.

When I'm alone with Shinji...

...there are times I hear him
calling me from deep inside his body.

But...

perhaps...

that may be the voice
inside my body...

...echoing back at myself.

It's true I thought
I loved Yukichi.

That's why when you said
you loved me -

I had to walk in the snow
like a fool -

to suppress my happiness.

But...

you were too perfect for me.

When I was with you I had
to always be on guard.

I had to try to be a woman
worthy of your love.

But when I was
with Shinji,

I never had that feeling.

I could be myself.

I could be frank and natural
and never feel embarrassed.

And now I have come
to realize why.

I know Shinji got into
trouble with a woman.

In spite of this, I couldn't get myself
to hate him when he kissed me.

On the contrary,

I recall that savage kiss with a
sweet memory I can never forget.

It's because I'm in love
with Shinji.

It's the only explanation.

So you are in love
with Shinji and not me?

You talked a lot just to say that.

And you did it very kindly.

Hey, Shinji.
You did pretty well for yourself.

With a geisha as mother...

blood relatives are frightening.

Stop it, Shinji.

Shinji, it's OK.

I've thought I should be
beaten up by you.

That's why I insulted you.

But it's enough.

You hit hard.

I don't want to get disfigured.

You may think it's strange,

but it's true.

I dislike human beings.

I'm serious.

It's about Yuriko.

We told Mama a big lie about her.

Ever since then...

I wanted to go away
and live somewhere else...

away from Papa and Mama...

I hated to be in their vicinity.

I had enough of my life,
that started with a lie.

It's difficult to remedy it,
but if one tries hard enough...

Well, I must examine my patients.

Shinji's a fine boy, but he
has an inferiority complex

which makes him seclude himself.

I've taken advantage of
that nature since he was a child.

For example, the affair I told you
he had with a fashion model...

No, I...

No, Shinji.

Let me tell the truth.

It was I who got into
trouble with the...

That's enough.

I just want to say this to Takako.

Have you noticed how his
paintings lack force?

It's the inferiority complex
within him.

Your love can free him of it.

I've heard enough about myself.

I feel like running away.

Never mind.

I'm going, surgery begins.

When I see them cutting
into people's bodies, I feel better.

Giving the handkerchief to me...

...proved your love.

It surely was an expression
of your love.

Your emotions were what
made you do it.

And...

And?

And that's why I kissed you.

Well, you said so.

Someone might come.
Let's go.

It went well, right?

They said it will heal and
not be noticeable anymore.

Wonderful!

You see men pacing the corridor
when their wife is having a baby.

That's the way I felt now.

Don't be silly.

Better be careful.

I know how to use
my fists with men.

But isn't it wonderful?

After 10 years...

I'll walk without a limp.

Yes, let's take long walks together.

THE END