Original subtitles

IT WAS A FAINT DREAM

ART THEATRE GROUP OF JAPAN CHUSEI PRODUCTIONS

PRODUCED BY KINSHIRO KUZUI, AKIRA TOJO, TOSHIHIRO OKADA

SCREENPLAY BY SHIN OOKA

MUSIC BY RYOHEI HIROSE

PERFORMED BY C.A.P. ENSEMBLE

JANET HATTA

KOTOBUKI HANANOMOTO, MINORI TERADA, SHIN KISHIDA

In the mid-13th century on the Asian continent,

Genghis Khan's grandson Kublai had built up the Great Mongol Empire.

Attempting to place the Korean Peninsula and even Japan under its influence,

he demanded that Japan should pay tribute to him.

When a letter arrived suggesting the use of force,

it shook the Kamakura Shogunate.

When the Imperial Court received this letter from the Shogunate,

it turned pale at this unprecedented major incident.

After repeated deliberation, the response to the Mongol demand was a refusal.

Eventually, in 1274 and a second time in 1281,

the great Mongol army invaded the coast of Kyushu.

What's up with that lot?

The Mongol monsters seem to be attacking Kyushu.

To repel them, they're taking all kinds of scoundrels and sending them to Hakata.

We'd better make a run for it.

Help! Help!

Halt!

- Hey! What are you doing? - Mind your own business!

Damn you! Where are you taking him?

Let him go!

No! Punish her!

Yes, sir!

Hatsune!

Damn you, you murderers! Demons!

What did you say?

You'll pay for this.

Murderers like you are destined to burn in the demon's cauldron!

How could I kill people if I was afraid of those stories made up by priests?

More importantly, the crows are already after him.

- Brother! - Walk! Keep walking!

Move!

Brother!

Brother!

Such terrible things always happen to us.

Zenshoji, you seem as bad at poetry as ever.

In my old age, I cannot quite follow your lordship's wishes.

I am as weak as my poetry.

It no longer agrees with me, and I have said so many times.

You don't compose poems, all you do is drink.

You're a hopeless councilor of state.

Let this be the last time. Please forgive me.

The spring sun was like pork fat to my wrinkles.

And I fell pleasantly asleep.

Was it not the wine that made you fall asleep?

If you want love poems,

at this old age they will be meaningless anyway.

Behold the lively face of Saionji.

- What is it, old man? - I'm saying that I envy you.

Secret love. Love of ages past.

Love at daybreak. Love at midday.

Faraway love. Nearby love.

Love on a journey.

It's almost as if it was precisely for you

that Lord Tameie came up with these themes.

- By the way, Lord Tameie... - Yes?

I heard today that you were famed as a kemari player in your youth.

No, I wasn't that good.

No, his technique was truly splendid.

But it seems your honorable father had an incurable illness.

Indeed.

In his later years in his Mt Ogura retreat, he selected One Hundred Poems.

He wrote it out in classical poetic form and had it prepared for display.

The letters were bold and shaky, so it seems he even lost control of his hands.

But the elder lasted a long time.

He also seemed to get on rather well with the samurai from Kanto.

Unlike us, he seems no longer to have his eyes on practical affairs.

My dear Lord Sanjo,

that is because he took a bride from Lord Saionji's household.

Lord Tameie's mother was from the House of Saionji.

They are so unlike us,

who cower in the capital, fussing over ancient formalities like frogs in a well.

The Saionjis get on well with Kamakura.

Their wits are robust enough for that. Is that not so?

Is that not so, Lord Tameie?

It is so, Lord Saionji.

- Lord Tameie... - Yes?

What do you think is the secret to improving one's poetry?

- Well, my father Lord Teika... - Don't tell me about Lord Teika.

I want to hear your own thoughts.

Well, then, one does not necessarily need talent or learning to write poetry.

But it is important that it flows naturally from one's heart.

As Emperor Juntoku and Emperor Go-Toba said...

So, you'll tell us the words of Emperor Juntoku and Emperor Go-Toba now?

But what I think is...

What is required above all is regular practice.

Even if one composes a beautiful poem on one occasion,

neglecting practice will make the next a merely mediocre work.

People will ask if somebody else wrote the poem,

and it might make them scornful.

Practice, you say?

That is indeed necessary.

By the way, Lord Tameie, do you enjoy the time spent composing poetry?

Well, whether it is enjoyable...

Those kind of things are not things that I usually...

"...think about." Is that what you mean?

Yes.

What a happy way to live one's life.

But I understand that a wind of futility blows

through even such an effortless way of life.

Your lordship!

The palace has just sent notice that the enemy crossed the Tsushima Straits,

passed Hizen Province and Matsuura.

They made landfall in Hata and brought terrible weapons called guns.

Just when the Mongol army approached and were about to pull their ships ashore,

there was a sudden rainstorm and countless ships sank in the breakwater.

The rest fled in panic towards the Korean shores.

Hearing about such tenacity of purpose, the people of the capital were overjoyed.

Is that so? Fortune still favors this country, then.

How auspicious.

Yes.

Let us also hold a celebratory feast here at Tominokoji.

I have not held one in my hands for a while, but I will play the biwa.

Gather together some accomplished dancing girls.

And on the occasion,

I might thoroughly tease Saionji for his lack of progress in composing poetry.

I'm afraid Lord Saionji is away negotiating with the military government in Kamakura.

Yes, that's true.

He's a good man, but a fool to be always busying himself with things.

Yes.

With Shijo having returned home, Tominokoji feels like a colder place.

The fleeting elegance has vanished.

I will write a letter to Shijo.

There is that matter of the maternity belt.

It must undoubtedly be hard to give birth with such a weak body as hers.

A message from his lordship.

He will ask a servant to bring the maternity belt tomorrow.

He asks me to look after my health,

so that I may give birth to a vigorous heir.

A maternity belt?

But you stopped wearing one two months ago.

Such matters must not be mentioned, not even in jest.

What a sinful thing it is to deceive his lordship in this manner.

For how long can he be kept in the dark?

This terrible falsehood will surely come back to wreak its revenge.

The thought of it... makes my hair stand on end.

You should not blame yourself.

It will affect your body.

Shijo, who was favored by his lordship,

had returned to her home to bear his second child.

But the child she was to give birth to was not his lordship's.

Before Shijo became his lordship's lover,

a young nobleman loved her deeply.

The child that Shijo was now about to give birth to

was the result of her secret trysts with the young nobleman.

Shijo's ladies-in-waiting called him Chief Councilor of the Mist at Dawn.

It happened purely by chance.

When Shijo had lied to his lordship

and was about to give birth to her illegitimate child,

the wife of her lover was also in confinement for childbirth.

I think it was destined to happen.

Every night, with breasts swelling with milk,

thinking of this lonely journey,

I must abandon this child.

I have an idea.

Everybody, you must never say a word of this to anyone.

This goes for the monks who prayed for an easy delivery to the ladies-in-waiting.

You must never reveal this to anybody outside.

Understood?

Now, prepare for the celebration.

The long-awaited child has been born to the House of Saionji.

A child? What did you say? A child has been born?

A child was born into the House of Saionji.

I can't.

This body belongs to his lordship.

You must not fall asleep. You must not fall asleep!

You mustn't fall asleep! Put strength into your hips and...

Deep breath!

Oh, a girl child.

Bring hot water.

Tell the messenger waiting by the back to be ready to leave at any moment.

Get some warm bedding and bring it here.

Is the baby going to the manor?

It's for the child's own sake.

As a mother, you must pursue what is best for the child.

What will his lordship say when he sees this child?

You cannot tell him that such a chubby girl, born in October,

was a premature birth.

Yes...

I knew all along that I wouldn't be able to tell him.

But I do not know what else to say to his lordship.

It is a terrible and regrettable shame.

But rather than letting this moment's faltering and affection become irreversible,

it would be better to quickly part with the child.

Twenty days have already passed.

Would you like to wash off the stains of labor

and perhaps go out in the garden?

We have notified his lordship that the girl was stillborn.

If you keep hesitating and looking so sad,

his lordship will notice if he pays a visit.

Just now, a messenger has arrived from the mansion bearing sad news.

The prince...

The prince has suddenly passed away.

The prince?

He started coughing two days ago, and his young body kept trembling.

This morning, his eyes were blank.

Then, just before noon, he passed away without a struggle.

Even the prince was struck down in retribution for his mother's sins.

How it hurts.

My dear child, forgive me.

It was your mother who should've gone to the place of darkness instead of you.

When the wind blows

Waves of flowers wash over the rocks

And struggle across the current of a mountain river

How good it would be to abandon this world like Saigyo the priest.

Ever since she lost her father, Shijo always thought about this.

His lordship's mother looks so youthful. She doesn't look 60 years old.

She's still young.

It really was a merry celebration.

I'm completely drunk!

No wonder,

since you danced to the beautiful voice of your lover, the general.

Even his lordship, who is so masterful, was surprised.

In any case, what do you think of how Lady Shijo was decked out?

Flaunting his lordship's affection like that!

She rode with his lordship in his carriage to visit the Empress Dowager.

People were saying, "Here comes an imperial upstart!"

They said it so it would be heard,

but Shijo passed by, pretending not to hear.

It's not strange

that this would make her highness jealous and treat Shijo so harshly.

Shijo has been by my side since she was little.

She was brought up like my own child.

She knows the depths of my heart and can hone in on the finest details.

That's why I often make her walk with me.

But careless people tell her imperial highness suggestive gossip,

and so recently she's started to treat her badly all the time.

Is that so?

Her mother was the late Sukenodai.

I believe you knew her.

Oh, she's her daughter?

I remember her.

A beautiful person.

You were certainly very fond of her when you were young.

Speaking of which, she resembles her mother very much.

As her father, State Councilor Masata, has recently passed away,

I can be said to be her surrogate father now.

Shijo, this high priest is my younger brother.

We have different mothers, though.

My learned brother, please keep Shijo in mind from this day onwards.

Having to deliver a letter

to Itsuki-no-Miya village on his lordship's whim

struck me as a rather arduous task.

But once I was out of town,

my mood improved for some reason, and it was an exhilarating feeling.

Who is in the village of Itsuki-no-Miya?

Do you not know, Mei?

It's an imperial princess who serves at the Ise Shrine.

A person of chastity.

I met her when I was little, so this is truly nostalgic.

I heard that they'd appeared in the capital recently. It's a Buddhist incantation sect.

Buddhist incantation?

Whether your faith is strong or not,

just chanting the name of the Pure Land Buddha

will guarantee your unconditional rebirth in paradise.

I see it's different from the teachings of the hermits on Mount Eizan.

Well, I don't know how much it differs.

Whether it's Tendai or Shingon teachings,

they're all teachings for exalted nobility like his lordship or your ladyship.

But by doing what they do, the Pure Land chanters teach

that even beggars and the sick can partake equally

in the joy of the Pure Land.

You're very knowledgeable on such matters, Mei.

Is there something wrong?

That monk looks strangely similar to the high priest.

Maybe I'm seeing things, but he seems to have something red in his eyes.

You're probably unaware that, having loved you,

your face lingers in my mind.

I have only just returned from long service at the shrine at Ise.

I am completely ignorant of the ways of the world.

How should I reply to a poem like this?

Moreover, though we have different mothers,

your lordship and I have the same father.

Your first response should be as full of praise as possible.

But his lordship says that he loves you above anybody else.

What a beautiful picture scroll.

I had much help from your father with my preparations for going to Ise.

I also vaguely remember the time when you were born.

I was five or six years old.

Your father was dancing with joy after the courtiers told him.

It's now almost three years since my father passed away.

Often, not even those kind of tidings are heard in Ise.

You must also have played catching crabs by sunlit coves.

There were not many occasions like that.

But we sailed to Futaminoura Beach,

as well as the islands of Toshi, Gosen and Toru.

On Gosen Island, we picked seaweed as offerings to the gods.

On Toru, we passed between big rocks that hung down like a ceiling.

We watched the fish dancing about between the twinkling waves.

There were also pleasures very different from the games played in the capital.

And it's the realm of the poet Saigyo.

I have resolved in my heart that I will visit it someday.

You look well, Mother.

You look fresher than usual, and this makes me very happy.

Your lordship also seems to be in good health, as always.

I am happy to see that.

It just so happens that today

the princess who returned to the capital from Itsuki-no-Miya will pay a visit.

Wonderful.

I believe your lordship has not yet met her.

Yes.

I hear that she's as lovely as the pure river that flows at Ise.

I gave birth to both your lordship and the new high priest.

Just the two of you,

but blood relationships weave a mysterious thread through life.

The fact that today your lordship will meet your sister,

born to a different mother,

may be part of that thread.

On another matter entirely,

I hear rumors that there has been some misunderstanding

between your lordship and your younger brother, the new emperor.

Your ears have been hurt by trivial talk.

It's something I cannot stomach.

What is it?

It's about the Crown Prince.

The current emperor is my younger brother.

My brother has real power over governmental affairs,

but a promise was made that my son would be the next emperor.

However, that promise seems to have been broken.

I even heard rumors that you might enter the priesthood.

Yes, I was so upset at one point that I said as much.

As opposed to when it concerns oneself, or when it concerns one's child,

I learnt that one can be overcome by a hideous anger.

But it seems that Lord Tokimune changed the outcome in your lordship's favor.

Yes.

The era is now upon us when even internal court affairs cannot be resolved

without help from the Eastern Provinces.

Washing in pure forest water is supposed to make a woman beautiful.

Your highness is truly an example of that.

Someone who has spent her time oblivious to the harsh changes in society

does not know how to answer such a remark.

Your honorable mother must surely be delighted by your return.

Yes.

I would like to send my thoughts to Itsuki-no-Miya.

Shijo, please let her know.

You are too hasty.

I am supposed to show her Imperial Highness the area around Saga tomorrow.

So at least wait until tomorrow evening.

One mustn't lose a single day to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

You speak only to suit yourself.

In any case, just tell her.

Cherry blossoms may be beautiful,

but the branches are weak and the flowers easily scatter.

Once you have plucked the flower,

you quickly begin to think of your next lover.

That does not satisfy a woman.

Whether a man or a woman,

both parties must deal with it intelligently.

Attachment corrupts love.

It is only in singular instants of truth

that the most fragile flowers of love bloom.

And then they scatter.

A refined mind lets a flower fall freely.

But it does not lament forever.

I feel sorry for her Imperial Highness.

Are you not jealous, Shijo?

Did you not just say that a refined mind does not feel jealous?

I certainly did.

I think you are the only woman who understands my heart, Shijo.

I find your heart difficult to understand.

It's almost three years since your father passed away.

Yes.

Who protects you as your guardian now?

My mother's uncle Lord Zenshoji.

But as he is growing old, he seems quite helpless of late.

I can understand that, if it's Zenshoji.

But a woman who serves at court needs a strong guardian.

There are also expenses to consider.

Are the charms of Fushimi to your liking?

As the poem by Fujiwara no Shunzei says:

"When you open the door in the morning and look out on Fushimi,

"behold the mist-shrouded River Uji."

I always wanted to greet such a morning in Fushimi.

Thank you.

It is indeed wonderful to watch the gentle spring rain through the mist.

While the sun hides away in the distance.

So even a lover of politics like Saionji

naturally speaks appropriately in this abode of tranquility.

Or is it because you have a new woman in the capital?

My lord, before the wine goes to our heads,

I want you to reveal to me, here and now, the secrets of poetic style.

Having received such hospitality, it would be rude of me not to tell you.

So, let us sit over there, and I shall fulfill your wish.

I also have a small favor to ask.

My child? Where is my child and how is she?

She's growing up in sound health.

In your care?

Our daughter was brought into this world because of our indiscretion.

I cannot help but feel concern for her!

Please, please tell me.

I beseech you!

I feel very much the same.

The girl is growing up healthily.

At least believe that.

If I said she was in my care,

that would only cause you more heartbreak.

Therefore, I will say only that she is healthy.

Can you not understand how it pains my heart?

Thank you so much.

Please bring the girl up to be healthy and pure.

They will hear us in the other room.

In any case, you are even more beautiful than before.

I understand Lord Konoe's long-lasting infatuation with you.

Lord Konoe?

It has been a while since I've been this pleasantly intoxicated.

I'm suddenly overcome by sleepiness.

What an enjoyable day it has been.

Lady Shijo?

I have something to tell you.

Will you come for a moment?

Lady Shijo, I believe you can hear me.

Lady Shijo?

Just go. I don't mind.

Your lordship.

What a fortuitous encounter.

His lordship is so compassionate.

Such beautiful skin.

I have not felt like this for so long, Lady Shijo.

Leave it in my hands,

and I, Konoe, will be happy to take on your guardianship.

I shall never let you want for anything.

Your lordship, you shall reap your reward.

Hail to the Amitabha Buddha.

Hail to the Amitabha Buddha.

The evil spirits have been exorcised now.

The evil spirits took possession of your lordship's body for five days.

They provoked a high fever, made you confused and made you moan.

You were terribly ill at ease.

Are you saying I was consumed by illness for five days?

- Yes. - I see.

And did the high priest perform exorcism the whole time?

Yes, he put his heart and soul into it.

He hardly had time to sleep.

A man invests so much emotion in a woman.

In my dreams,

the high priest said he longed for you all the time.

He kept pestering me about it.

In order to cure my illness,

a priest who has no equal in this world exorcised me at the risk of his own life.

But he was in two minds.

He couldn't suppress it.

He could not leave with your body by his side.

Lordship, you're saying that in jest!

Why did you say something so awful?

This is no jest.

I also have no adverse feelings toward my younger brother, the high priest.

But I am concerned for you.

If you invite a man's resentment,

that man's soul could eventually drag yours down to hell.

Frankly, the high priest seemed to be tormented by his feelings.

If his love sickness intensifies, whatever his lineage or social rank,

even if he overcomes his demons and achieves his goals,

his resentment will grow.

Don't you already know this from reading the Tale of Genji?

This is terrible!

He will finish by tomorrow.

Once he's done, I will journey to the capital tonight.

For the sake of the high priest, why don't you fill his night with despair?

Lordship, why do such a terrible thing?

More and more...

...your lordship seems to me like the worst person in this world.

- What are you doing here? - Please forgive me.

Just this night, please!

Don't wake his lordship! Whether it takes me to heaven or hell,

all I want right now is to throw my body on yours!

I beg you! I beg you!

Listen to me! Please listen to me!

My raw desire has stained my reputation as an outstanding monk.

I shall atone for it by holding a service by the altar.

I shall pray for the Imperial Court and political stability.

And I shall pray for the well being of all living creatures.

Just look at the state of me!

Since I first saw you, every time I see your face, I can't stop crying!

When I try to meditate, you appear in the holy mantras.

When I burn incense, I see you in the smoke.

Since I shaved my head and put on my black priest's robes,

I never thought I would feel such desire!

What evil have I done?

That woman!

Dainichi Buddha, from now on, I will devote myself to the mantras.

Sun Goddess Amaterasu, I will pray to countless gods of Shohachiman Shrine.

I must either abandon all thoughts of you,

or you must fulfill this love of mine!

Tonight is the time!

Make your decision! Make up your mind!

I humbly... I humbly... I humbly beseech you!

High priest... have mercy on me.

High priest...

Nothing else matters, as long as I am with you.

We could live in a cottage swept by the sea breeze,

with my body burnt by the sun.

Or we could go to the mountains.

By a babbling brook, far from everybody.

I can put up with poverty. Being with you is enough for me.

And then...

If only we can live with our soon-to-be-born child.

That is good enough for me.

At peace with the three realms of existence

and with no reason to mourn.

Is not all of creation about to go up in flames?

Even when I put all my heart into transcribing the Five Precepts,

my handwriting becomes like Shijo's, all by itself.

I wrote this sutra by copying your handwriting.

I have this foolish obsession of being united with you again

when I am reincarnated.

Thinking about it, it is despicable.

Why do you go so far?

When I leave this world,

I want this sutra to be offered as kindling for the funeral pyre.

I want to be wrapped around your body forever in the rising smoke.

High priest...

Why do you say such terrible things?

On the days when I cannot see you,

I will never take off this short-sleeved gown that we exchanged.

I pray silently for the day we are reborn and meet again in the Pure Land.

The baby that was born to them

was secretly taken away by a servant of the imperial palace.

This was for the child to be brought up properly as a member of his household.

The fruit of the love between the virtuous priest and the high-ranking noblewoman

was taken care of in secret

on the orders of the palace, which disliked any scandal.

The last Mongol invasion ended in shipwreck and defeat due to a huge storm.

The sacred tree of Kasuga Shrine was brought to the capital in protest.

It was a long time before the sacred tree was taken out of the capital again.

There was unrest in the streets.

The Shogunate planned to repel the invasion

and conscripted the thugs of Yamato and Yamashiro Province.

Epidemics spread far and wide.

Lordship?

What is it now?

I wonder how the high priest's child is being brought up.

Forgive me.

On sleepless nights with my breasts swollen with milk, I think of my unfortunate child.

- You say "unfortunate"? - Yes.

You think the high priest's child would be happy growing up by your side?

I mean, to have just one glance...

You seem to have caught my half-brother's anxious nature!

The child is being raised in a suitable home by a suitable person.

Calm yourself.

Would a child not want to be with its parents?

Shijo!

Where you are today places the parents and child on separate paths!

Shijo, you'd better listen.

My father abandoned me from a young age.

And after all, I am undoubtedly the son of that man.

When I was three, I was crowned emperor.

At sixteen, the throne was handed over to my ten-year-old brother.

Now I'm merely a retired emperor by name.

The crown was taken from me in my prime

and I've spent 20 years with no role!

The blood of a poet and musician runs thickly in my veins,

but not that of a ruler.

Being apprehensive about this, my father the emperor shunned me.

But look, governance now lies in the Eastern Provinces.

Having imbibed the teachings of Zen monks from Fusa Province

who despise the Mongols,

has Tokimune not dashed ahead impetuously?

And meanwhile, what has the capital done?

My younger brother went to Ise in the face of this national disaster!

And all he could do was pray.

That's right.

I never thought I'd become like my father the emperor.

And this father completely disregarded me!

The pestilence from the capital shows no signs of abating.

It only seems to be spreading more.

They say it is rare for a family not to have suffered death.

To avoid being struck by the illness,

people have shut themselves in their houses.

There is only a scattering of people to be seen in the capital.

The high priest must be busy at prayer.

The high priest...

It's the high priest...

The high priest...

It's the high priest...

The high priest...

Now, stop crying and tell me. What has happened?

Three days ago, he came down with a strong fever and collapsed.

A short while ago, he passed away.

How terrible.

He asked me to bring this to you, Lady Shijo.

Just before he passed away, and although he was in great pain,

he rose and put on the gown he had exchanged with you.

He told me to leave it on him.

Soon after, he drew his last breath.

Mei...

Your ladyship has taken well to travelling.

Mei, there are no "ladies" here now.

No matter how many times I tell you, you have that habit of speech.

- We are nuns. - Yes, yes.

My stomach has been bothering me for a while.

I wonder what it could be.

And the color of your face...

This is surely because you were walking under the midday sun.

There you see, my lady.

I told you to take a rest,

but you insisted on arriving at Itsuku Island by sunset.

- Oh, Mei! - My lady!

What's wrong? My lady?

My lady!

My lady!

I do apologize. Suddenly, my body felt...

Don't mention it.

It's women's karma to have a hard time,

so we have to help each other.

It must have been painful.

Karma?

You had the high priest's baby inside you, but you didn't realize.

You had a miscarriage.

A nun and a high priest?

The ways of men and women don't ever seem to change.

What unusual visitors you had today.

What? Oh, it's you.

Not long ago, you were talking about the red-eyed monk,

but now you're sleeping with nuns, eh?

You're so silly. They had some hardship so I'm letting them rest a while.

So, are you not doing any business tonight?

Wait a moment.

Still not finished?

You can wait over there. I'll lend them that room.

Alright, then...

This red-eyed monk that the gentleman just mentioned,

might he be a wandering priest who dances?

So you know about him?

Yes, he has a red line through one of his eyes.

According to him, even lowly women like me and people with syphilis

are embraced by the Buddha if we sincerely chant "Namu Amida Butsu".

That's what he teaches.

He doesn't use difficult words, and he's always most grateful.

In this port alone, several "women of pleasure" have gone with him.

I stayed behind. But I do enjoy sleeping with men, after all!

You can't stop doing something you like when it earns you money!

Now, get a good night's rest.

She's always so vulgar!

She's such a noble person.

Until now, I have lived my life understanding nothing, doing nothing.

My late father said that if I was ever at a loss, I should turn to Buddhism.

Now I feel that, for the first time, I understand why.

When Shijo went travelling in this manner,

the world she had inhabited until now seemed like an illusory dream.

You're quite an accomplished painter.

She really is.

I have never seen anyone paint scenes from the capital as well as this.

Look, it is a carriage. It's taking shape.

- Will a person pull it? - No, stupid. It'll be an ox.

- Look. Don't push! - Stand back. Stand back.

Oh! It's like you said. It's an ox, a black ox.

Sister, you should stay here with us for a while.

- Don't you think? - Yes!

I would love to hear more about life in the capital.

And I would like our children to learn how to read and write.

Did you say you were going to Kishu next?

We plan to walk the Kumano pilgrimage.

That'll be rather hard for a nun.

Why don't you stay here for a while and set off when you've rested?

What shall we do?

Well, it's a very kind offer, so maybe just for two or three days.

Excellent!

Now that a beautiful noble nun has come here from the capital,

it has improved the reputation of this house.

We are so proud.

And the children keep asking for you to teach them things.

Bring it out.

Here, sir.

This is by way of appreciation for the picture you painted.

Please.

Hail to the Amitabha Buddha! Hail to the Amitabha Buddha!

A poem by Saigyo...

The smoke from Mt Fuji floats on the wind and vanishes into the sky

Like that smoke, who knows where my thoughts will float?

There's no smoke today.

In the old days, I would recite this poem

and contemplate the transience of human life.

It would bring tears to my eyes.

Ladyship, you have become truly resilient.

I wonder why his lordship's face appears in my mind when I recite this poem.

Five obstacles stand in the way of a woman.

She may be pure of heart in her pursuit of enlightenment,

but should the lotus seat open up to her,

she will be denied Buddhahood.

Five obstacles stand in the way of a woman.

She may be pure of heart in her pursuit of enlightenment,

but should the lotus seat open up to her,

she will be denied Buddhahood.

A woman has five impurities.

It is said that she cannot reach the Pure Land.

But even the pure lotus flower is born from the mud.

Even a female incarnation of the appetites of the flesh

is turned into a pure Buddha by chanting the Lotus Sutra.

That way, my lady.

We're alright.

Now, then, sisters, here's a fowling net. Please use it.

It's nothing special, but it'll keep you dry.

I'm on the way home from a business trip. I've been away for three months.

- Thank you for your kindness. - Don't mention it.

This downpour's strong. We might get flooded.

I think it's best if you wait before you continue your journey.

My house is over there. It smells a bit moldy, but you can stay for free.

It must be hard for a noblewoman.

- Ladyship... - This way!

Mei, I realize that you're also a woman.

I am not saying that it is vulgar.

After all, the man appeared to be very kind.

Yes, even I did the same, time and time again, in the capital.

But, unlike you, I never voluntarily rushed headlong into improper conduct.

Never once have I crept into a man's bed.

I was a pitiful woman.

Mei, I hope you live happily.

"Dear Mei,

"I write these few strokes of the brush, madly in love with you.

"Enticed by the birdsong at dawn,

"I saw the sun rise on my own.

"I am not the least worried for you,

"and I pray for your happiness.

"From this moment,

"I must enjoy this journey on my own."

- Just look at Jirozaemon Taira. - He's the retired general.

Look at the shogun blowing his nose!

I'm sure he's quite scary. All these exalted people are...

- The other way round! Turn it around! - Yes, but...

This is how the palanquin of a trusted person should be carried!

Turn it backwards!

In today's world, you have to be from a warrior family, not lowborn.

In today's world, you have to be from a warrior family...

Lady Shijo, Jirozaemon's wife is asking for a favor.

She wants to know how to sew a gown from fabric she got as a wedding present.

She would like to learn from a person who has come down from the capital.

Will you accept this request from a lowly Kamakura person like me?

I will keep your identity secret from the others.

These sleeves are wrong.

For a garment with a center like this, the sleeves should be flat, not round.

What an arrogant nun, acting like she was somebody in the capital!

But she's beautiful, isn't she?

I'm sure she's already caught the eye of my husband.

When I first caught sight of you some days ago,

I thought you were a person of high status who had disguised herself.

Just as I thought!

Your slender arms...

Your supple nape...

Your thin blood, you don't find in a warrior's daughter.

Do not laugh at my coarseness.

I may be coarse, but I cannot help desiring someone like you.

Maybe...

Maybe...

Although you're a nun, you're still a woman, so maybe...

How would this have been if he'd been like Tokimune Hojo?

How would it have been?

Has something happened in the lord's mansion?

Don't come near, nun. You'll just get in the way.

I once had a small connection to him.

Please tell me what's happened.

What has happened in his lordship's house?

Lord Tominokoji has passed away.

His lordship?

Amida Nyorai, who sheds light through the ten quarters of the world,

gather into your radiant heaven all who call upon your name.

In the distant past, through my late father's connections,

I knew the lord of this manor, the poet Saionji Nyudo.

Maybe it is because I have aged,

or maybe it's because you're dressed as a nun, but I do not remember you.

Who were you?

I discarded my name by the roadside long ago.

There is just one thing I want to ask you, Lord Nyudo.

Forgive me for asking you to think back.

You want to ask me something?

A long time ago,

you took in a baby at this very mansion.

Do you remember, she was born in the winter and you played with her?

Oh! It's you!

Lord Nyudo, I am but a humble nun who has forsaken her name.

That baby girl, who grew up in this mansion,

might she not be the very same person

as the one who has now become a celebrated poet?

I ask because the former baby's mother would like to know.

Please tell the mother this...

The person who has become a highly regarded poet

was, indeed, born in this house.

The woman who was her mother was a radiantly beautiful person.

Now that I have aged,

I shall never again see such a beautiful dream.

Not as ugly and decrepit as I have grown with age.

Thank you so much.

When the mother learns that her daughter has grown up safely,

she will surely be overjoyed.

And if I may trouble you with this,

would you, as her adopted father, present her with this picture scroll?

I have painted shoddy scrolls for a long time.

Painting has served as my travelling companion and my livelihood.

I desire nothing more.

The days are bright, and I own nothing superfluous.

The only gift I can give is this.

This is a most excellent scroll.

Not even the painters in the capital display such skill as this.

I thank you for your undeserved kindness.

I remember seeing this monk...

...somewhere a long time ago.

Do you, sir?

Yes, there was once an eminent person...

The high priest, who was the brother of the deceased lord,

looked very much like this man.

But he never roamed the land dressed in such tatters and rags.

DREAM