Original subtitles

Attention!

Present arms!

THE ARMY

In 1866,

the Kokura fortress

was besieged by the Lord of Choshu.

In the same time, in the Shimonoseki Straits,

Western ships were waiting to attack.

Right then,

the fire of civil war was raging in Japan.

Fratricidal fights were the biggest danger for the country.

They're coming!

We're going. Take care.

- We'll catch up with you. Be careful. - Yes.

Hurry up, there's no much time. Take everything.

Hurry up, my daughter.

Come on, their almost here!

Tomonosho, stop daydreaming. Hurry up, we must leave!

Father, they'll win anyway. There's nothing we can do.

Shut up, don't talk nonsense!

Take care of the banner.

They're recruits, they worship the Emperor. They're better

Haven't you finished yet? Give it to me!

Our lineage is our wealth.

Don't forget this.

Takeuchi, what's happening?

I'm afraid everything's over.

Has the fortress fallen? Is that it?

Yes.

We set it on fire ourselves. Rather than...

Come.

Bring a bandage, woman.

It's only a scratch.

Thank you very much.

- Can you bring me a drop of tea? - Yes.

I want you to keep the "Great History of Japan" volumes for me.

Take them as a token of our friendship

All right.

My father dedicated his life to copying them.

The prince Mitsukuni compiled it in order to show

the bond between lord and subject.

I know that. I'll keep them like a treasure.

As a samurai, I'll die for my lord.

The situation will only get worse.

The Westerners are waiting for their moment.

This war between the clans must stop.

A lot of innocent blood is spilled.

Count on my gratitude.

Mr. Takeuchi!

Mother! Fire!

Come on, hurry up!

"THE GREAT HISTORY OF JAPAN - BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

1896, AFTER THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR

"THE GREAT HISTORY OF JAPAN - BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

June will be here any moment now. Then, July and August.

Summer brings change with it.

I ran away with my parents and my sister.

This stain of sweat is from that time.

You always tell this story these days.

It was a crucial period for me.

For one, Mr. Takeuchi gave me this book.

After that I met Mr. Yamagata.

I came to fraternize with enemy soldiers,

among them Yamagata, who was an officer.

While I was squandering my life, Yamagata was going up.

He then got important positions.

Now he's running the Defense Department.

Without any doubt, a great man.

Mother, is anything the matter?

- Why? - Just asking.

What could have happened? Waka went shopping.

- Winning the war is wonderful. - Why're you saying that?

The winners' houses are in a perpetual celebration.

- A pity nothing happens. - Fool!

Would you prefer a death?

Listen, Tomohiko.

Winning or dying is all the same. You have to fight for your country.

We must thank those who'll die for us.

- Don't you think so? - Yes.

- Mr. Takagi, are you in? - I'm coming.

- Bad news. - What? Please, come in.

Thank you.

You'll see: Russia, Germany and France will want us to give Liaodong back.

I heard that. It's only Chinese chit-chat.

I'm afraid you're wrong.

Bullshit! Too many of ours died there.

China gave us Taiwan and Liaodong in reparation.

The peninsula is ours.

- By the force of right. - Sure.

Those countries shouldn't interfere.

- It's not their business. - Categorically.

But I'm told officers and soldiers cry when hearing that.

- Like anyone else would. - I'm back.

- I'll make him his favourite dish. - Very well, Waka.

Mr. Takagi,

in the candy store I heard we were going to give Liaodong back.

That is not woman's stuff.

We must pay attention to important things.

Very well. I'm going.

- Where to? - Tokyo. To make myself heard.

- Tokyo? - Yes.

I won't calm down. I'll tell Yamagata what I think. He'll listen to me!

"Welcome home town of Kokura"

Father'd like this.

- The Tokio parade must be better. - That's for sure.

- Banzai! - A cable, ma'am.

"Mr. Takagi very ill. Come right away. Yamagata."

This way, please.

Come in.

Daddy.

Daddy, it's me.

- What happened? - I'm happy to see you.

Call if you need me.

The cable said you were very ill.

When I was shouting at Yamagata, I had a heart-attack.

- But now I'm much better. - I'm so happy.

I saw the parade, it was moving.

I'd have liked having been there.

I got mad when I heard about the Triple Intervention.

You see...

I was also very furious. I came to Tokyo furious.

Yamagata received me and agreed to hear me out.

I told him what was on my mind.

He said he shared my point of view,

that it was a common sentiment.

That the entire Japanese people shared it.

That he also found it intolerable.

What did he tell you?

When the three Powers intervened,

there were meetings hold to decide what our position would be.

They shouldn't have interfered.

Our soldiers died conquering that land.

We shouldn't give it back, but the army is not strong enough.

We must put up with this humiliation,

stifle our tears,

for the motherland.

On the 10th of May, His Imperial Majesty

announced a retrocession decree.

The burden of this terrible decision fell upon his men.

That's why my words were useless,

even if my ignorance made me rush on.

I crossed the line.

But I can not forget this imposition.

I'm sure that, in the end, we'll win.

- We'll take revenge on the Russians. - Yes.

Tomohiko, what'd you like to be?

- I want to be a soldier. - Really? Very well.

I want to go the Military Academy.

All right.

In 1883, the Emperor promulgated the Imperial Military Code.

Loyalty, courtesy, courage, honor and temperance.

Being a soldier is the best way to abide by His principles.

Yes.

Daddy, are you feeling all right?

- Open the window. - Yes.

- There's more hustle and bustle in Tokyo, than in the fields... - That's true.

I hardly notice the difference.

- Did you pay your respects at the castle? - No, I came right here.

Irresponsible!

On your first visit, you have to honor the castle.

- Go right away. - Good...

- Are you Tomohiko? - Yes.

I did my very best.

His last words were: "Be a good soldier, Tomohiko."

Unshakable determination and perseverance.

1904- Orders are given to destroy the Russians

While returning with his father's ashes, Tomohiko enlisted...

as an infantryman, but...

What happened to you?

Nishina!

- You're alive! - Yes.

Where were you wounded?

- I see they got you in the leg. - Guess so.

They wounded me a couple of times.

I wasn't able to fight in the Hoten campaign.

I'm worse.

Well, anyway, I'm here. Ever since we got here I've got a fever.

Already in the Academy you used to fall sick often.

I'm very unlucky.

Come on. A good soldier doesn't grumble.

I know. But what kind of a soldier is one that goes to war and can't fight?

I got the fever during the Shaga battle.

I thought they'd send me to Hoten,

but here I am.

I'm a mess, but I'm an officer.

My father'd be ashamed with me.

Enough!

It's not your fault. One doesn't choose being sick.

I'm so ashamed, I didn't write to my mother and wife.

- I haven't, not since I'm here. - Stupid.

Don't you think?

Imagine how worried they must be.

- You're neglecting your duty. - My duty is to fight.

- That's why I'd rather be dead. - What're you saying!?

A soldier doesn't get to choose when and where to die.

At least, you'll be able to fight when you'll get well.

Look at me.

I lost my place on the battlefield.

But I'll get another one in the future.

I have a goal.

Abide by the five Imperial principles.

I could devote my life to them.

Don't worry.

There're thousands of ways to serve one's country.

The sound of footsteps marks the return of the soldiers...

...from a heroic battle.

But a sad Takagi Tomohiko returns to his town,

not from the war, but from the hospital.

Sir.

- Mr. Komatsu has arrived. - Very well.

"The Great History of Japan - BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

Mr. Takagi,

Mr. Takeya and myself have talked about you.

Your shop is ancient and it'd be a pity closing it.

We'd rather put it off a couple of years,

and, in the meantime, help you keeping it afloat.

- Thank you. - Well, you have been sick.

It's not only about the borrowed money you have lost,

but also about your guarantees.

We're not that strict. Dedicate yourself to your shop.

I'm most grateful for your help.

There's nothing to it.

You spend a lot of time reading.

It's important studying books, but, as well, the real world.

You shouldn't guarantee too easily others' debts.

That's how the real world is, and its consequences.

- Have some tea. - Shouldn't have taken the trouble.

We're very grateful for your help.

There's nothing to it.

I'd like you to confirm something.

I heard that two officers in Yoyogi want to fly in an airplane.

- Is it true? - It seems so.

They're no birds...

If they make it, it'll be heroic.

- That's why they want to try. - They'll surely crash.

Why take the chance?

They won't accomplish anything.

That's sheer madness.

They should better practice shooting than play birds!

What you say is out of line!

Don't be that sure. The army is not for playing around.

These men put their lives on the line.

Know what?

You should shut up.

How dare you talk to me like this?

Brat!

Excuse me.

If you are so insolent, don't expect me to help you.

Mr. Komatsu.

Forgive him, please.

Mr. Komatsu.

I'm sorry.

I know I shouldn't have, but I couldn't help myself.

Don't worry about it. He was wrong. But, sometimes, it's better to be quiet.

Yes. Anyway, I shouldn't have got angry.

Don't say that. You had your reasons.

I'll go right now and ask him to forgive me.

- Don't talk about the shop. - Why not?

The debts are not mine.

When I'll have paid my debts, I'll make a fresh start.

- Did you think what we'll do for a living? - Not yet.

But, first, I'll pay the debts and buy a smaller house.

- I think that's a good idea. - Really?

The shop's not working. We'd be better of as shopkeepers.

Buying merchandise, selling it, making a profit.

I'd feel safer like this and I think you would also.

But it pains me to break off with the tradition of our ancestors.

It is my fault.

I failed as a soldier, and now as a businessman.

- I'm good for nothing. - That's not true. You were a good soldier.

You always say, houses included, that attitude makes the valor,

and that's what you show each and every day.

I'm proud of the way you...

...stood up to Mr. Komatsu.

"The army is not for playing around."

"Those men put their lives on the line."

"Don't be that sure."

Did you notice the way he looked?

Don't worry, we'll be fine.

The boy will take care of us, like you did, don't you think so?

Shintaro.

The boy will take care of us the same way you take care of him.

Isn't it so, Shintaro? You'll take care of us.

Ten years later

Fukuoka

- Nice, isn't it? - I should say so.

Really beautiful.

- You said you wanted three, didn't you? - Yes, three.

- And soap for the laundry. - We've got a new one.

- O yes? - You should try it.

- Mother. - Yes?

- Can I put it down now? - Wait, I'll take it now.

You're like a girl, always at home.

- But he helps me a lot. - That's lucky.

- Your change. - Thank you. Goodbye.

Let me clean you, you're all sweat.

Shintaro, are you coming?

You should go and play with them.

We'll be at the river.

I'll go change the baby.

Shintaro.

Go with your friends.

Children should play.

You stay all day long shut in the house.

Come on, son, go out and play.

Go, kid. At times, he looks very frail.

- He's still young. - That's not the only reason I say that.

Frail kids are more reliable.

Maybe so, but you pamper him too much.

Leave him to me.

A mother knows what her child needs.

Even so...

Don't worry. This one'll be strong.

I can see that from the way he carries his chest.

He'll be like a fairy tale hero.

He'll take care of you two.

You said the same thing about Shintaro.

Be patient, they're both very young.

You'll see how Shintaro will be big and strong.

With a stubborn father like his...

Leave it be, or I won't find it later.

It's better here.

I'm running the shop. Please, let it be.

- Hi, it's me. - Let it go already.

- Hi, please, come in. - Thank you.

Hi, doctor. How're you? Have you come to challenge me?

No, I've been losing all the time lately. Though a doctor, I haven't won even once.

Would you be interested in teaching?

Teaching? What?

An old school mate, Mr. Sakuragi,

has a foundation.

He's a good man, he gives money for public works

He has more than 300 workers in his factory.

It just happens he's looking for a teacher for his sons.

You might be interested.

- Please. - Thank you.

It's a good opportunity.

I've told him about you and he wants to meet you.

I thank you, but... I don't know if I'm qualified.

What? You're too qualified.

Educating young people is important.

What's the matter with you?

Don't cry, boys don't cry. Tell me what happened.

He wouldn't dive, so they picked up on him.

Diving would've been foolish.

Cone on, don't cry.

- Good afternoon. - I'm coming.

Well, I was thinking about finding another job.

I think I'll go speak with your friend Sakuragi.

What a heat! Unbearable.

- A cigarette? - No, I don't smoke.

Really? That's odd. I couldn't live without smoking.

My wife gave me something for you.

Please...

What a nice watermelon!

Thank you, but I couldn't accept.

- Why not? - I don't know if I'll hire you.

Accepting it would mean a compromise.

Don't misunderstand me. It was my wife's idea.

Even so, I couldn't accept.

I've been told you fought in the war.

- That's true. - I did also.

- Really? - As a performer.

My family has been in haulage for years.

That's why I'm always in when a war breaks.

I help the army with the supplies.

Even then,

I knew Japan must strengthen its military power.

Even if it was ten years later, that war was different from the one with Russia.

In that one, while going up the river Zin,

the foreigners resisted. They wouldn't let us enter the city.

But we managed to get in in the one with Russia.

We went in from everywhere, until they offered us their houses.

I stayed with an Italian family.

And all that thanks to the military might of Japan.

I'm afraid I've talked too much. It's high noon already.

It's not much, but, please...

- I came at the wrong moment. - Not at all.

Besides, I've made you wait. I haven't stopped talking.

Please, eat

- Well, then... - Please.

Forgive me, I've been wanting to ask you...

- How much do I owe you? - What?

- For the food. - Is this a joke?

You see...

You shouldn't have invited me to lunch.

You thought the watermelon was a bribe,

so I'll pay for my lunch.

Don't you think so?

Don't eat, then.

Nobody's forcing you.

I can't accept the money. It'd be absurd.

You don't appreciate kindness.

Neither do you.

There's nothing to be afraid of. Close your eyes.

Come on, I'm here, nothing will happen to you.

Please, try. Don't be afraid. Dive.

Come on, you can do it.

Come on, dive.

Shintaro.

If you don't dive, you'll never be a soldier.

Have you talked to Sakuragi?

Yes, he's an imbecile.

Mother, look!

Son, are you all right?

You have won a watermelon.

Come on, eat it.

Hey, kids! D'you want watermelon?

- So, you talked with Sakuragi, then... - Yes, I went to see him.

- Please. - Thank you.

He's working you work for him.

- This is impossible. - Seems you've made quite an impression.

He wants to hire you as a teacher.

I don't accept. He's rude.

Don't judge him like this.

He's not a bad guy, and not an arriviste.

He's a self-made man.

You should know him better!

I thank you for your interest, but I'll reserve judgment.

Shintaro, I've brought you an apple.

I'm through, at last.

Moron!

How many times must I tell you?

Don't be so careless!

Don't you listen?

Ask for forgiveness on your knees.

You're big now, don't cry.

I've told you to put your soul in what you're doing.

That's all your country asks from you. You should've known that already.

You've treaded on the book. It's our legacy, are you proud of yourself?

Tell me! Will you be more careful from now on?

Come on! Ask for forgiveness!

I can't go on anymore!

Woman, let the kid go. He's heard you already.

- He only made a mistake. - It was more than that.

He was wrong and he has apologized.

- Leave him alone, he's sorry. - You're too lenient with him.

What a sultry weather...

Shintaro, why don't we go to the fair?

Would you like to?

Come on, stop crying.

Eat it before leaving.

Look, daddy.

D'you see that one? It's Sakuragi, from my class.

Mr. Sakuragi.

- What a coincidence! - It's a pleasure meeting you.

Glad to meet you, too.

Thank you for trusting me. I'll begin tomorrow, if it's all right.

It'd be a pleasure. I'm happy you have accepted.

- Have you done your homework? - Yes, but problem three...

You'll see you won't be sorry.

Ten Years Later

Shintaro!

Hi!

- Holiday? - I'm going at the military checkup.

- A cadet can become an officer. - Yes, but I'm not sure.

- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon.

I'd rather enlist as a soldier, like everybody else.

There're two years as a recruit.

Yes, but he has to pass the checkup.

They easy that afterwards everything is easier.

I'll be happy to see you there.

- I have to go. - Goodbye.

- Take care. - Yes, sir.

- I'm home. - Welcome.

Hi, anything to eat?

Is that all you can say?

Reizo, if you don't wise up you won't get your diploma.

The boy has taken after his father.

Yes. Had he been a different sort, he'd have been a soldier.

He's frail. He sells all day long.

He'll soon take the army checkup.

He should take care.

With such an ailing father,

it'll be hard for him to pass it.

We'll see if he's lucky.

Attention!

Salute!

Left turn!

At ease.

70 soldiers, captain, sir. Count.

24 in section 2, 4 missing.

20 present, captain, sir.

Soldiers. About-face!

Let's say the Imperial Code.

Bow!

Attention.

You must repeat the corporal's words.

Is that understood?

Attention.

Begin.

First, Loyalty is a soldier's first duty,

First. Loyalty is a soldier's first duty.

All those living

on the lands

of our Emperor

must totally give themselves

in body and soul

to all actions

destined to serve Him,

There's quite some time since you haven't sung this one.

I've at last broke free from the grudge that had been eating me for a year.

Shall we toast for him?

It's time to turn the lights off.

Shintaro must be sleeping.

I feel relieved.

Like from a big burden.

True, it's been hard for you too.

The boy is frail. I was worried.

Had he not passed the checkup, he'd have been ashamed.

That's what was worrying me.

As we've brought him up for 20 years, people would've blamed us.

Yes, you're right.

They are not our boys, they belong to the country.

We had to surrender them in a good shape.

For now, all's well.

- I hope he'll do his best. - I'm sure he will.

He's not ready.

The army is not for sickly men.

Shintaro has our blood.

He won't shame us. Take care of it.

Present arms!

At ease!

Hat's off.

Salute.

Someone was behind the China Incident.

It happened three years already.

Now, the same thing happens

with anti-Japanese provocations

going ahead in Manchuria.

These are U.S. Manipulations looking for a pretext to meddle in Japan��s interests.

In few words,

the fox and the badger are setting us up.

All this operation is designed to fight against Japan.

We must counter-attack.

650 years have gone by since the intended Mongolian invasion,

and, ever since, we've shown that no one messes around with us.

You're a good speaker. I congratulate you.

Your allusion to the Mongols has touched our very soul.

I've always liked this story. It turns my patriotic feelings.

What d'you think about Manchuria? D'you think Japan will attack?

Yes, if it goes on. There already are more than 800 incidents,

and the government is doing nothing.

If war breaks, they'll send the army.

Yes, without any doubt.

My son fires a machine gun. Will he go on the front?

Without any doubt.

Our sons start with an advantage.

But I'm afraid that Tsunekichi's shortcomings might keep him out of it.

If he were that feeble, he wouldn't be among the candidates.

This is the land of the Gods.

Without any doubt, the Divine Wind will blow for us.

The Divine Wind is not enough.

Think about the Mongolian invasion. Japan was in danger.

They had good weapons and a good strategy and we didn't.

But, thanks to the Divine Wind, we won.

Do you mean we'd have lost without the Divine Wind?

It was possible.

- And we'd have been a Mongolian colony? - Without the Divine Wind, yes.

What're you saying? You haven't heard my speech. I know...

I know we'd have won, even without the Divine Wind.

We defeated their landing detachment in the Bunei War.

We forced them to retreat to Korea,

and only a small number landed in Shiga.

They feared us for the solidarity of our troops, for their discipline.

- Have you forgotten that? - Of course I haven't.

But, no matter how brave you are,

with antiquated weapons and strategy you are lost.

That's what I was saying.

Even so, in the end we'll win.

Yes, but I'm saying it again, it was the Divine Wind.

Enough already!

How many times must I tell you!?

We'd have won even without the Divine Wind.

Calm down. These are old stories. You take them too seriously.

It makes you laugh?! You're so narrow-minded.

You base your patriotism on strength. You underestimate your country.

I don't want to talk to you anymore.

Tomohiko.

How dare you talk to me like this?

A Japanese having honor...

...would never say we won thanks to the Divine Wind!

Don't you doubt my honor!

Of course I doubt it! I'm sure your blood is not pure.

Shut up!

I fought as a volunteer in the wars against Russia and China.

And I'm now organizing the local militia.

You've offended me.

I don't want you to go on here.

Neither do I. With your leave, I'm going. Goodbye.

In the meantime,

China offends Japan who answers with her troops.

The British and the American are really to blame.

The crucial moment for war in Asia has come.

The war breaks out.

The Japanese army enters Hoten

China attacks Shanghai

Japan counter-attacks

The U.S. Impose an ultimatum to Japan.

Mother.

- I'm back. - I knew you'd come today.

Last time I waited the entire day.

Oh my, oh my...

Daddy!

Daddy, he's an officer!

- I've just arrived. - What a surprise!

How are you, doctor?

How you have changed... You're a real man.

You're so handsome.

And look so good.

You've been through so much...

I'll make you a great supper.

You've made it, after all.

- Yes, they took pity on me. - Don't be so modest.

Won't your unit go to China?

Yes, of course.

Really? This is wonderful.

- Tsunekichi has already left. - Really? He went to the front?

Will you also go?

No.

- Why not? - I'll train the recruits.

Who do you think you are to train anyone?

Did you volunteer?

Lots of times.

I even begged, but they wouldn't listen.

You must have not put your soul into it.

How come Sakuragi's going and you are not?

Even so, I'm very proud of you.

My child, an officer. That's fabulous.

One has to obey orders in the army, you know that.

- Yes, that's true, but... - Supper's served.

- Go it, come on - I'm going.

I brought these for you. Please.

Fujita-san, why don't you let him win for once?

He's taking it on the whole family.

Make yourself at home.

Shintaro.

Congratulations.

I'm proud. You have three stars.

I owe it to you.

Thank you.

Make some tea.

Mother.

There's something I want to ask you.

Tell me.

I'd like father to stop arguing.

Sakuragi and I are comrades.

Quarrels between our fathers don't concern us.

Let them settle them between themselves.

We're friends and now, with him gone on the front,

I feel guilty.

I now it, my dear.

I know he understands what I'm feeling in this situation.

On the other hand, there's no room for sentiments in a war.

Of course.

You never know when the end might come.

But I don't want to die worrying about trifles.

D'you understand?

Daddy.

I want to talk to you about Mr. Sakuragi.

- Don't mention this name. - All right, but...

Our son and his are comrades in arms,

and Shintaro wants you to make up with Sakuragi.

Obey him.

You always talk about the Imperial Code,

you say you have to act with honor,

but, in Sakuragi's case, you don't follow your words.

Don't lecture me. Tell Sakuragi that.

It's his fault.

Tsunekichi might not make back from China.

Shintaro could also die.

That's the price of wars.

It's not fair to make them worry more than they have to.

Don't you think so?

Go and see Sakuragi.

He's in Shimonoseki,

supervising the loading.

Settle your differences.

This was your best play.

- Tell me, Sakuragi. - Everything's loaded, sir.

- We can set sail whenever you want. - Thank you.

You did a good job.

If I could, I'd go to Shanghai.

I'm not much help around here.

You're very brave.

Tell me, how's the war going?

I only know what they tell me.

The artillery...

...sunk a ship, a destroyer.

They landed

in a populated area, on the banks of the Yalu river.

They sent the machine guns.

That's for sure.

There were artillery soldiers, from the Ikari and Murakami battalions.

Wouldn't you know something about my son, Sakuragi Tsunekichi?

I have no news about individual soldiers.

It seems we lost more than anticipated.

War is not like maneuvers.

But I put my faith in our army.

They're only 100 meters away from the enemy,

and they obey the order to fight until the end.

The last one alive is to throw the weapons and ammunition in the river.

The men march forward with a pride...

...only known to the Japanese.

Of course.

At last we've taken Lushunkou.

Those fighting in the first line suffered a lot,

but on the 22nd, before dawn,

the clouds thickened...

...and hid the moon.

The troops placed themselves in an attack position.

They cut the wire fences,

and under a heavy fire opened a couple of breaches.

Some from the engineering unit died,

but a very clever captain...

...threw a smoke screen

Even so, the attack unit,

had numerous casualties.

- But then... - One question, please.

What unit was that?

The Ikari battalion.

The infantry cut the wire fences,

while the engineers corps...

...made bombs from whatever they had at hand.

Three men died while making them.

They were looking for the smells of openings.

Finally, they got on the other side...

...and took the fortress.

Were there many casualties?

Yes, unfortunately.

In the machine gun squadron also?

I do not know much about that.

Have you seen a list of casualties?

I'm telling you I don't know anything.

What do you know about Sakuragi Tsunekichi?

Imbecile!

You only care about your son. Alive or dead is all the same.

What matters is winning the war, don't you think so?

Behave like a man.

Here's a real man.

You were alive!

Why didn't you tell me anything? What a joy! How are you?

I don't complain. I was in China.

- Serving your country? - Sit down.

Thank you.

Years ago I lectured you...

...about how a soldier dies.

Until now, I haven't done much.

What're you saying!

You were close, why didn't you say anything?

They sent me here five days ago.

I see. All right then...

You haven't aged much. Well, maybe a little.

Sakuragi.

I've come to apologize.

We should make up. We owe it to our sons.

It's I...

...who asks your forgiveness.

Mr. Nishina thinks the same way about this...

...and he made me reconsider.

My belated apologizes.

And I also ask for forgiveness from Mr. Nishina.

Quite the contrary. You shouldn't raise your voice, nor allow me to get mad.

It's touching to see two old comrades,

like you, getting together.

It almost makes me envious.

I don't have any old comrades.

And what about me, then?

Am I not your comrade?

We're comrades for life.

- Isn't it so, Nishina? - Of course.

All Japanese, we comrades.

Sakuragi, is of a great help to the country.

Thank you. Thank you a lot.

Yes?

Sakuragi speaking.

Yes, he's just come. Don't hang up.

Takagi, your wife's on the phone.

My wife?

Hello, yes.

Hey, I can't hear you!

Wait!

Don't hang up.

- Fantastic. - What happened?

My son left for the front.

- Congratulations! - That's great.

- You must be very proud. - Yes.

The truth is that I'm relieved.

My darling.

Hello?! Darling?! I'm coming to dinner.

- It was really good. - There is more, if you want.

- You eat, mother - No, I don��t want anymore.

All right.

- No one cooks like your mother. - I'm stuffing myself.

I'm full.

Very good.

- It was delicious. - Yes, very good.

Father, would you like me to rub your back?

No. Let your mother have one. You're not her son for nothing.

- Come close, mother. - No, let your father have it.

Come on, let me massage you.

All right, but only a little.

- Reizo, take these away. - Yes.

More gently.

You're very strong. That's so good!

Is it all right here?

Further up.

- Here? - Yes, there.

D'you like it?

Yes, very much. It makes me sleepy.

- I'll give father one. - All right.

In times of war, dying is a natural thing

but it shouldn't be useless.

Remember the five principles.

Don't think...

...about conquering fame.

Leave behind all selfishness.

Dedicate your entire life...

...to the service of your Emperor,

or you won't be a worthy soldier.

Watch your health; a sick soldier is a burden.

Yes.

Don't drink water if it's not boiled.

I won't.

- Take good care of yourself, son. - Don't worry.

Everything will be fine. You should take care of yourself.

I'll live to be 80,

or 100 years, won't I, daddy?

Reizo, you do what mother tells you, all right?

Reizo, your brother took care of you when you were a baby.

- You must be grateful to him. - Yes.

He is a mature and honest man,

and that thanks to your mother.

Mrs. Takagi.

Are you going to see them off?

No, I'd rather stay at home. I always end up crying.

That's not a bad thing.

My nose reddens and men don't like that.

Don't say that.

These are only excuses.

I'm sure he'd like to see you there.

No, he's life belongs to the Emperor.

I don't wear any makeup anymore.

- Darling, the parade! - I'm coming.

"First principle: A good soldier

must loyally serve his country."

"Second principle: A good soldier

must follow the rules of decency."

"Third principle: A good soldier

must respect heroic acts."

"Fourth principle: A good soldier must never forget

that loyalty can never be betrayed."

"Fifth principle: A good soldier

never boasts about his exploits."

"The Great History of Japan BY MITO MITSUKUNI"

Shintaro.