Original subtitles

O-wa-i-ya-re

Where, oh where has the baby-sitter gone?

She went to town to buy a dog

She'll be back soon

If you don't sleep the mice will scamper over you

If you stay awake the nightjars will fly off with you

THE INSECT WOMAN

Hold on!

It hurts!

Hang on, En. She's coming.

She'll be here any minute.

Drink this birthing potion.

Chuji, hurry up and heat some water.

Is the baby coming out?

Any minute now.

It's mine, isn't it?

It's yours, all right.

It's my baby.

My baby.

Well, Chuji, how's En doing?

WINTER 1918

Not the name, stupid. The date of birth.

- Day before yesterday. - What's that?

Day before yesterday.

You two were married on October 3,

and the baby's born two months later?

That's right.

Like a little piglet!

It's my baby.

Sure, on paper.

Who's the real father? Onogawa?

Who knows?

Even En wouldn't know. She'll sleep with anyone.

I said after we see the soldiers off.

- I just have to talk to you. - No, Mr. Onogawa.

It's all right.

Not in here.

What's it matter?

Someone might come in.

Nobody knows we're here.

Mommy!

Where did you go?

MAY 1924

Papa.

What is it, Tome?

Are you and Mama married?

No, we're not.

You sleep with me, so that means we're married, right?

That's right. We're married.

O-wa-i-ya-re

If you don't sleep the mice will scamper over you

Papa, what are you making?

A doll for the god of the mountain.

I want to put it up!

- You can't. - Why not?

The god of the mountain is a woman.

Look over there.

SPRING 1942

Hey, Tome!

Your dad's very ill.

Your father's dying.

Better get home quick.

How's Papa?

He's dead.

Really?

Just kidding.

We called you back to help on Mr. Honda's farm.

They're coming for you tonight, so get ready.

What are you talking about? I'm serving our country.

Mr. Honda owns our land.

Serving him is the same as serving your country.

And you know we still owe him money.

Rui.

I can't go to the Hondas' while Isamu's off fighting.

He could be killed any day. You can't wait.

You're already 20.

Rui married into this family to help her own.

Having an unmarried sister-in-law

isn't fair to her, you know.

Where's Papa?

He won't be back from work until tomorrow night.

I have to talk to him.

He'll go crazy again when he gets back.

Look at this.

Scars from the last beating he gave me.

We're not selling her as a geisha, so it won't be as bad this time.

Anything about Tome makes that idiot crazy.

No telling what he might do.

But if we don't say something,

that fool will sleep with Tome forever.

I don't really like Shunzo.

I'll talk to Papa.

Papa, always Papa! You're not a little girl anymore.

You gonna sleep with him forever and never get married?

Tome, you're just going there to help out.

You don't have to sleep with Shunzo.

Honda just wants help.

It's a great day! Singapore has fallen,

and Tome will fall tonight.

Here, have some.

Thank you.

Tome, Shunzo's eager and waiting.

That's right. Time to go, Tome.

My feet hurt.

Never mind her. Just take her.

No need to be shy.

Tome, let's go.

My feet hurt.

Papa!

You're back just in time.

Tome's going to help out at the Hondas'.

Congratulations, old man.

Tome's a lucky one, marrying the landlord.

It's Shunzo who's lucky, getting such a beauty.

Watch out! Run!

Old man, don't!

Papa!

Father, stop!

Stop it!

Chuji, you can beat En all you want,

but you can't fight the will of the gods.

Papa!

Stop it!

I said I would go.

It's the only choice. I'm doing it for the family.

Tonight?

No, I'll make them wait until tomorrow.

All right, Kura?

Chuji, no matter what you do, it's fate.

The god of marriage has tied the knot. You can't fight the will of the gods.

Where does it hurt?

Here.

Looks bad. It's full of pus.

Ouch!

What's wrong?

Rui's watching.

If you sleep with Shunzo -

I won't.

Mr. Honda says I just need to help with the work.

It's freezing.

My older brother just sits by the fire and drinks.

Damn it.

It'll be hard on you,

being the wife of a poor landowner's third son.

Tome. - No, don't!

Why not? You refused last night too!

- Didn't Kura tell you? - What?

I'm just helping out,

and you aren't to touch me.

That's ridiculous.

Stop it!

What's the big deal?

I'll be drafted soon to die for our country.

Do your part.

Papa!

Papa!

How many months since I left my homeland?

Hey, you little troublemaker!

I'll give you some candy later. Now go play at your mother's.

You're it!

What? I'll get you!

I'm gonna get you!

Demon!

Mother!

Mother!

I don't like it there.

Why not?

Shunzo has a mistress.

You mean Kane?

They even have a kid.

Fool.

If you work hard, you can become his lawful wife.

When his father dies, Shunzo will get this mill.

Then you'll be in charge. Kane's just a maid.

Don't get distracted by things like that.

It's all for the family.

You understand, Tome?

Tome's dying.

Idiot! Women don't die every time they have a baby.

Now clear out.

Get out of here, you dolt!

Go boil some water.

Son of a bitch is always ruining our plans.

Beating up Shunzo

just for sleeping with Tome.

Is he badly hurt?

Chuji beat him with all his brute strength,

so he's in bad shape.

Kura, couldn't we apologize

and get the Hondas to take her back?

They'd have sent her home in any case for getting pregnant.

After that incident they'll never take her back.

I know, but...

Your mother and you both had bastard children.

Don't go acting as if Tome's the only bad one.

What a racket!

Will you stop that?

It's a girl.

Do we let it live or get rid of it?

Let's get rid of it.

We can't feed any more mouths.

Get rid of it!

Let it live. It's my child.

Fool! Don't be so selfish.

Let it live.

It's my baby.

Let it live.

NEW YEAR'S DAY 1943

Nobuko.

She won't nurse.

Papa, I need your help again.

Nobuko won't suck enough. They hurt from too much milk.

Papa, I'm going to go find work again.

Things can't go on like this forever.

I have to pay the Hondas back.

It's 10 yen. I'll save it up.

It's all right.

It's wartime. I can work for the country.

Don't worry.

I'll save up the 10 yen.

AUGUST 1945

Air raid!

Air raid!

Hurry!

Hurry up!

Hurry!

Tome, we've got to take cover!

How are you feeling?

His Majesty is about to address the nation.

Let's go to the dining hall.

You're in bad shape, huh?

Send all your ration biscuits to your kid?

No wonder you're weak. Here.

Thank you.

You've got a fever.

Come on.

His Majesty the Emperor

will now address the nation.

Listen with due reverence.

Yesterday...

a soldier told me...

that Japan has lost the war.

It's a lie.

It can't be true.

Daikoku, god of wealth,

I am listening, and I ask you

to hear my prayer and bring me glad news.

- Go away! - No, you!

Stop making so much noise!

"Daikoku, god of wealth, I am listening..."

Masashige, go to your mother.

You brat!

Nobuko, come warm your feet.

What's Tome doing?

Writing in her diary.

How's Goichi's grandmother doing?

I just visited her. She's sick in bed.

Her only son died in battle. She's feeling down.

Still, that's no reason to start screaming in the village office.

One bundle of firewood. That's one sen.

Thanks.

Make one more. Then you'll have two sen.

- Is Chuji saving money? - Yeah.

He says he'll repay the Hondas and keep Tome here.

Fools have foolish ideas.

A bear! I caught a bear!

Go away!

- Leave me alone! - Go away!

Go away!

You go away!

Grandpa.

We're married, right?

That's right.

Married!

Tome, I need to clean in here.

I worked for my country and family

But now I keep my diary alone

Rui!

Put this away. - All right.

Wives are so reliable these days.

You can let them do all the work.

Sawakichi, did you check at the Hondas'?

Yes, it seems it's true.

All the landowners were raising a ruckus.

The Americans have ordered "agrarian reform" or some such thing.

Thank you. I'll be back again.

Thank you.

So tenant farmers like us will be independent?

Whose name will the farm be under?

No one knows yet.

Excuse me.

Is Tome here?

I'm Matsunami, chief clerk at the mill.

- Nobuko. - What, Mommy?

Here you go. Some fish.

No, I'll have Grandpa's.

What will you do, Tome?

Your clerk came for you. You'd better go.

That clerk is a handsome man.

Don't say such things. You talk just to talk.

Tome, Ume Kasukawa told me all about it.

Told you what?

When the war ended, you didn't come home for a week.

You stayed on at the mill, just you and your clerk.

I was sick. What could I do?

The chief clerk had to settle the mill's assets.

You weren't feeding Nobuko enough,

so I sent my rations home and ended up sick.

You expect us to believe that?

Idiot! You should be ashamed, talking like that.

And what about you two, moaning all night long?

Tome, they're a young married couple. What do you expect?

Besides, you never even sent us money from the mill.

So it's money you wanted, Mother?

All right.

I'll go back to the mill.

Tome, don't go.

I'm just a burden here.

I'm going back to the mill.

You're not a burden. Don't go.

What's so funny, you stupid monkey?

You think you're so great with your 10-yen dowry!

Stop it.

Tome, don't go.

I'm saving up the 10 yen.

Papa, 10 yen won't even buy a kimono now.

I get harassed by men all the time on the train to work.

The other day, a man grabbed my hand at the movies.

A hand is nothing!

Before I knew it, I was getting felt up all over!

"...it's clear they control and oppress us.

Therefore -"

- You better turn that back on. - It's okay. Go on.

- Hurry or there'll be trouble. - They won't listen otherwise.

"Therefore we must mount a unanimous and vigorous opposition -

Please listen carefully, all of you,

to what Mr. Matsunami from the committee has to say.

I wouldn't care, but I'm afraid of getting pregnant.

Then fix it so you don't.

I'll show you how later.

Why didn't you come over last night?

Doing it out here. You can't fool me.

You only think of yourself.

Tome, let's break up.

- So you like Ishizuka more? - Don't be stupid.

I know all about it. Everybody's talking.

It's not that.

I can't keep up with you anymore. - What do you mean?

You're too intense. I don't mind the union, but -

Who told me to work for the union?

I did it all for you.

Tome, don't get me wrong...

but I got promoted to assistant manager.

I see.

Now you tell me, after we have sex.

I like you, Tome.

That's why I'm trying to get the company to go easy on you.

Go easy on me?

They want to fire you.

I have to get back.

See you.

My man is gone

I'm all alone gazing at the river

SUMMER 1949

Papa, we fought hard for this 5,000 in severance pay.

I'll give you 2,000. Give half to Mama, okay?

Tome, don't go.

I saved up the 10 yen.

I saved up the 10 yen.

Thank you.

But you can't use these coins now.

You hold on to them.

Why are you leaving?

When I save up some money,

you and Nobuko and I will live together.

Just wait until then, okay?

Don't go, Tome.

Don't go!

Where are we?

Between the Matsukawa and Kanayagawa stations.

What are we supposed to do now?

You can go back the way you came, or -

I can't go home!

Hey!

SEPTEMBER 1950

I love you, Midori.

- I can't stand it! - What?

That maid's always eavesdropping.

I hate it!

Poor thing.

I feel sorry for all Jap girls.

Well, don't.

Just feel sorry for me. Hold me.

I feel most sorry for you.

Tome.

George is away. Cook country style today.

How about stewed vegetables?

Great. Make it real spicy.

How about dried bonito in the stock?

Dried sardines are cheaper.

I guess you're right.

But you don't really need stock

if you're boiling bracken and bamboo shoots.

Our backyard was full of bamboo.

My father would cut some, and I'd boil it with some miso.

It was so good!

We always used fish instead of dried sardines

since we lived near a fishery.

George's family are fishermen too.

Do they dry sardines in America too?

I don't think so.

Cathy!

Cathy, go play inside. I'll play with you later.

Tome, what do you think of George?

I don't know anything about Americans.

- But he's nice, right? - Yes, he is.

But he's so huge.

Big body, big heart.

Big Japanese men are kinder too.

I guess you're right.

Remember when he went to Korea?

He was promoted to sergeant for distinguished service.

He was the youngest sergeant - just 23.

Really? That's great.

Sure is, but it means he'll have to go back to Korea.

Really?

A lot of men are dying there.

You must be worried.

It'd be awful if he died and left me with this kid.

What are you doing, Tome?

I was crying because I'm lonely.

Cathy...

What?

You must be lonely with your mom always gone.

Yes, I am.

Poor little Cathy.

Poor little Cathy.

What'll you do if your daddy dies?

I don't care.

O-wa-i-ya-re

O-wa-i-ya-re

If you don't sleep

The mice will scamper over you

If you stay awake

The nightjars will fly off with you

Next person.

You there - come sit in the middle.

Go ahead.

Confess all your sins and share all your troubles.

My marriage failed.

I have one child.

I was working in a silk mill...

and me and a man -

Speak more clearly.

I had an affair with a man there.

He had...

a wife.

But he was so nice...

so we had relations.

Talking about my life makes me cry.

- Then what? - Then...

the unemployment office...

found me a job in a Chinese restaurant.

Then the owner got fresh, and I ran away.

Then I became a maid, and one day I was eavesdropping -

On whom?

The American's mistress.

While I listened, their mixed-blood child

was scalded to death when a pot of stew fell on her.

What are you doing for her departed spirit?

All I'm doing is selling cosmetics.

- Not good enough! - It's like doing nothing!

- Your sin is lust! It has deep roots! - She must be shown the path.

Lust!

Rain that falls on the parent also falls on the child.

You sinned in a previous life - the sin of lust!

Pray fervently for the little girl.

Next.

I'm 28 years old. I drive a cab.

Everyone without exception preaches peace,

yet we still harbor meanness and hatred

because we don't make religion the foundation of our lives.

DECEMBER 1951

Hey, come here a minute.

Come here a minute.

What is it?

- You want beer? - No.

Is she really a sales clerk?

Or is she a prostitute?

You mean she isn't your wife?

Don't play dumb.

Go get the madam.

You're really good at that!

So what'll it be?

Ban the red-light district and men will suffer.

Hey, it's not my doing.

It's those women in the Diet.

I don't run that kind of business anyway.

My clients are management types or old regulars.

That's true.

Excuse me, ma'am.

The guest in Room 8 had a fight with the salesgirl

and said to call you.

What a pain! Play my hand.

Wait a minute.

Put this on

and take some sake to Room 8.

Nice move.

Hurry up.

Does she work here?

She just started.

Madam met her at God's place.

God's place?

The Shoshin Pure Land sect.

Not bad-looking, considering.

There it is!

- Someone's asking for a virgin? - Yeah, the drunk in Room 6.

Okay. Where are the "virgins"?

- In the fridge. - Oh, yeah?

Wow! It's frozen.

I better warm it up.

Watch out or it'll boil.

Boiling virgins!

Idiot! Just shave the dried bonito.

Oh no!

I told you.

Why not just use red ink?

He won't fall for that.

It's okay. I'll use my own blood.

Give me a hand, Take. Hanako, tie this.

You sure? You just had a customer.

For 40% of 30,000 yen, you bet. Go ahead.

Where is it?

O merciful Buddha...

Got it.

Men are such fools.

What's so great about virgins?

Look! You're turning pale!

Keep going. That's not enough.

Can you handle it?

What about the cat's blood?

Good idea.

Come back, you little beast!

Here's a real virgin.

Lay it down here.

Keep still, you.

- Hold it tight. - Ready!

Where's a good vein?

There.

Absolutely not.

Then why did you get all dressed up?

You told me to change.

Did I tell you to put on makeup?

You can always get out of having sex.

No need to yell and scream like that.

You violated my rights

by locking me in.

You took money from him, didn't you?

I did. Why?

That's prostitution.

You never told me this was a brothel.

This is outrageous.

Prostitution is evil.

I met you at church. I thought I'd be safe here.

You idiot!

All this talk about prostitution.

People sell sex because there are buyers.

We don't just take people's money like at the races.

Our customers go away happy.

This is supposed to be a democracy,

but you're turning hungry women into slaves.

Hungry? What are you talking about?

I feed you three full meals a day.

And when did I turn you into a slave?

You can leave anytime you want.

This isn't the red-light district.

I'm doing my part by helping men forget their worries.

Here. If you don't like it, get out now.

But a woman over 30

won't find the food and shelter you get here.

Here you get 12,000 a month just for working ten jobs.

Don't want it?

Then I'll keep it.

Take it and go.

I'll deduct the cost of the kimono over six months.

For the sake of my child

I spur my weak body on to toil

I count my money through bitter tears

A money order for 3,000 yen, please.

3,000 yen?

MAY 1, 1952

- What about Mizuno? - He gave me 8,000.

What?

He'll pay the other 5,000 next month.

Always get the full amount from public officials.

If they pay in full, they keep coming back.

Otherwise they stiff you and never return.

Let's get some tea with this.

Yes, let's.

- What a mess! - It's awful!

The radio said the Americans are at war in Korea.

They're supposedly a peaceful country.

SEPTEMBER 1955

It hurts!

Are you okay?

It hurts!

It hurts!

Hold her down.

Help me!

This is bad. An ectopic pregnancy.

I have to operate right away.

Mama, how are you? I'm fine.

I'm living in the granary.

I'm here with Grandpa, because the family

treats us so badly.

Please send money directly to my school from now on,

because Uncle takes whatever you send to the house.

In order to save money,

we grow our own food,

but we still need 4,000 yen a month.

Mama, I'm sorry to have to ask.

I'm sending you a mountain god

that Grandpa got from the shrine.

He says to be sure you put it up.

How are you feeling?

They say I can leave when the bleeding stops.

I was in the neighborhood on a job for Take.

I come here often for shots.

You mean our Take?

She gets me side jobs sometimes.

She takes 40%, so it's good for her too.

What if the madam finds out?

She won't.

She sits back and rakes in the money

while we abuse our bodies and get sick.

Please sit down.

Don't bother. You're fine as you are.

No, I'm hardly presentable like this.

What's this?

A mountain god from my village.

You believe in this nonsense?

No, but it's still a god. It's the same principle.

You belong to the Pure Land sect, don't you?

Well, yes.

Then throw it away.

Listen, when you get out of the hospital,

want to give me a hand with the business?

I've become a church official,

so I'm away a lot,

and you're the only one I can trust.

After all, you're a church member too.

Ma'am...

have you heard about Take?

What about her?

No, it's not important.

What is it? Tell me.

It's just I heard a rumor that she's got some side -

I don't know for sure, but -

Side jobs, eh?

Yes. They say she's doing side jobs.

That's right. I couldn't possibly.

Did you pay your hospital bill? That was them calling.

I meant to ask you later. You see, I have no money.

I can't pay it. We have rules here.

But...

Don't get carried away.

I made you head maid, but you can't walk all over me.

I'm feeding you, and don't you forget it.

Police, go home! We want you to go home!

You're the ones breaking the law!

Mama, what shall I make for dinner?

Anything's fine.

How about giblet soup?

Come straight home, all right?

Don't do anything naughty at work.

Midori!

Midori!

Tome!

He doesn't drink, smoke or fool around,

but he refuses to get a job.

But at least he's honest and decent.

Mama, this is to wash your hands.

You should wash too.

Thank you.

I'll wipe you off.

Behave yourself.

Go change the water.

All right. We'll go change the water.

He's not Japanese, is he?

That's right. He's Korean.

His family all died in the war.

A respectable family, it seems.

I'm jealous. You really seem to get along.

No, he has no direction in life.

These are for Cathy's grave.

- You shouldn't have. - It's nothing.

I'm not sure she'd be happy if she were alive now.

Don't say that.

I mean it. Living like this.

- Are you that bad off? - Can't you tell?

But you really do love him, don't you?

Yeah, I guess...

but he loves me more.

He's really... you know... amazing.

Better than George?

George was just a kid by comparison.

You're sinful too.

I guess I am.

It's the sin of carnal desire from a previous life.

Madam will be mad if we don't get back.

I know.

Sorry. We don't need it anymore. Take it back.

Midori, listen...

I have a good job for you.

Good afternoon.

- Why'd you bring him? - He insisted.

This is no time to drag him along.

Give the money to him.

Idiot! You too? Here comes the client.

Come with me.

Tome, here's what we agreed to on the phone.

Thank you very much.

Mr. Sanada, I'll be going now.

Have a good time.

Are they going to an inn?

What's it matter?

You got your money. Now go home.

Grandpa!

Some money just came from Mama.

It's a lot this time.

I'll buy you some chemical fertilizer.

No need, Nobuko. You buy school things.

You bought such expensive stuff.

I said to buy school things.

It's okay. I don't like school anyway.

Grandpa, come get in. I'll wash you.

I'm coming.

- You know Mr. Karasawa? - Yes.

He wants to take care of you.

I did cajole him quite a bit, but now he's keen on the idea.

He hasn't said anything?

Now that you mention it, yes...

but I thought he was joking.

I'll arrange it, but you have to promise:

No more work on the side.

Mr. Sanada told me you've been setting up jobs in Shibuya.

You're lucky to get a big wholesaler for a patron.

And all because you work for me. You realize that?

I've always wanted this kind of security.

Security? You feel secure with me?

Well, you have money.

Money doesn't bring security.

If a sumo wrestler loses three tournaments, his ranking drops.

And if a sumo champion loses, he has to quit.

This is like a dream.

Can I call you "Father"? - Why?

I don't have a real father. I like the sound of it.

"Father" - it has a nice ring.

I'd like to live with Nobuko soon.

I see you like it.

I do. More, more!

I'm getting cooked!

The Police Society shirts came in.

I have no money. We just had a baby.

Come on, you're a rising star.

The pressure never lets up, does it?

You're a stubborn one.

Who are you trying to protect?

Your Madam Suma?

She already told us everything.

We just need you

to corroborate it.

Surely you get more than just tips.

Prostitution is common at inns these days.

Her place is rife with it, isn't it?

Isn't it, Tome?

I'll tell you everything, Officer,

but keep your voice down.

No one can hear us.

Yes, it's rife with it.

And the terms are awful.

The girls only get 40%.

Meanwhile, she charges 10 yen for vegetables and miso soup.

And she wouldn't give me a cent when I got sick.

Seems Madam got two months.

Not just a fine.

Sure it wasn't you who talked?

What are you saying?

The police already knew everything.

No, we don't do that sort of thing here.

I don't know. The madam's not here.

What a bother!

What a waste, turning them down.

We have no choice. You never know who's listening in.

I'm in a bind. I'm having a coat made.

Weren't you going back to the country?

I can't leave at a time like this.

Though I did tell them I was coming.

Excuse me.

Excuse me!

Quiet!

A couple.

Masako, you go.

Masako, go on!

- Go around! - I couldn't.

Will you be staying the night?

- No. - This way, please.

Listen to me, all of you.

If you want out, now's your chance. - Want out?

There's no future here for me.

I've rented an apartment.

You'll live in fear here now.

Too risky to do any work.

So we'll all live separately.

When I call, you go meet a client.

You'll meet at an inn and look like a couple.

Like call girls?

That's right.

I'm the only one with the client list,

so you can rest easy.

What's your cut?

I'll just take 30%.

That's better than working here.

But you have to think differently.

You can't just sit around doing nothing. You should all get jobs.

Office girl, shop clerk - anything.

So we only see clients at night?

That's right. That way no one gets caught.

Plus you'll be earning a salary.

Will it really be that easy?

What will we do when Madam comes back?

Don't worry.

You know, I was once head of a labor union.

Really?

I gave orders to 3,000 female factory workers.

Besides...

if there's trouble, we've got Mr. Karasawa behind us.

Tome, I'll go with you.

APRIL 1959

What kind of girl today?

Let me watch too.

You shouldn't all be here. It's too risky.

Sorry about that.

What kind of girl did you want today?

The girl you had last time?

She did? I'm so sorry.

Today you'll get top quality.

It's 3,000 yen.

Thank you very much.

Miyako, you mustn't quarrel with the clients.

Listen, everyone:

Men only like quiet, gentle, obedient girls.

We know.

She's so pretty!

She's good at tennis too.

The crown princess really is different from the rest of us.

What's this?

Your cucumbers. Thank you for your order!

Make some tea.

And then serve this.

And wash your hands. They're dirty.

Can you afford this?

It's okay. I need it for the business.

Hello. Midori?

5:30. You're a doctor's wife.

Outside the Niko restaurant.

He's 50-ish, with a mustache. He'll be carrying a magazine.

I'll be there too.

This feels so good.

I'm so happy...

So happy...

Father...

everything's working out so well.

Shall I make you even happier?

What do you say?

Lecher!

I didn't mean that.

Your Madam Suma's inn is up for sale.

Really?

Really.

Madam...

can't work anymore.

Poor thing.

5.2 million yen...

20% below market price.

I see.

Now's the time to buy.

What do you say?

- You mean I should buy it? - Of course.

But I...

You won.

You're the sumo grand champion.

Father!

This is Karasawa. What's that?

That won't do.

At Hakusan?

Bring Mr. Yamada along.

That's right.

If we don't get him on our side, he'll be trouble later on.

What's wrong?

I need a good girl for tonight.

This guy is with Fuji Steel.

What time?

It's already 4:00. Have her get ready now.

How about Miyako?

Too young.

Bribing this guy is a tall order.

She's no better than Hanako.

He's a handsome man.

Are you telling me to go?

That way I wouldn't have to worry.

If tonight doesn't go well, I'll really be sunk.

It's do or die.

If you'd bought the inn back then,

it'd come in handy now.

I didn't have that kind of money back then.

Do you have it now?

Are you kidding?

Never mind.

If there's no girl, it's all over.

If it's all right with you, I'll go.

But aren't you busy?

It's okay, as long as you don't mind.

Darling...

you really don't care if I go?

Of course I do.

50,000 yen will do. Can you get it for him?

I'll pay you back.

All right.

Welcome back.

Would you like dinner?

Yes.

Ah, a blackout.

Where's Mr. Karasawa?

He left right after you.

Ouch, ouch!

It's not hot! It's not!

I can take a lot worse than that!

Put your hand in it! Do it!

No...

No!

Fooling around with the grocery boy!

It isn't hot!

Could you make a fold here, scrape the cheek bone,

and use that to build up the nose?

Impossible.

You have to use other material for a nose,

like ivory or plastic.

Vinyl will do. It's cheaper.

No matter what the client told you,

I paid you 60%.

Stop trying to cheat me. If he paid 5,000, I should get 3,000.

You only gave me 2,000.

And this isn't the first time.

Now, listen -

Besides, you give all the others 70%.

Why do I only get 60%? Enough of your tricks.

Mama, that's enough. Let's go home.

Honey, wait outside.

Take this candy.

Go wait outside.

I'm not leaving until I get a 70% deal.

That's enough now.

You certainly complain a lot,

but you know what clients say about you?

- I don't care. - You should.

I'll tell you the complaints I hear:

"No sex appeal," "poor service."

And that weird guy always following you.

It's bad for business.

He wants to tag along. What can I do?

- You have to be firm with him. - I can't.

I love him. There's nothing I can do.

- Is that Korean that good? - What if he is?

He says he loves you,

but he doesn't care if you sell your body?

He does care. That's why he tags along.

But he won't get a job?

I don't want him to work.

I sell my body because I love him. Got that?

I see. You're so in love

that you can't give the clients decent service.

You just keep churning out little brats.

Here's 20,000.

But not because I owe you anything.

It's so you'll work harder.

All this talk about love is nonsense.

You just want money.

What?

Have you forgotten what I did for you?

What you did for me?

You became that Yankee's mistress for the money.

Just work a little harder.

Quit if you like...

but at your age,

you won't make this much anywhere else.

Don't want it? Then I'll keep it.

I want it!

Midori.

You can afford to be in love because I take care of you.

Okay, it's over. Let go home quick.

Madam...

Hanako! They took your bandages off!

You look beautiful now.

Hello?

Miyako?

Why didn't you show up?

It was for 3:00. The client got mad and left.

I can't hear you over the phone. I'll come over.

He only paid 4,000.

I get 30%, or 1,200.

That still leaves 2,800 for you. What's wrong with that?

You're wrong. I only got 2,500.

Where's the other 300? - Taxi fare.

You gotta be kidding.

Roundtrip wouldn't even be 200.

Telephone and food expenses.

Don't be ridiculous.

I've seen your place. It's super-deluxe.

Look at me. I live on rice and pickles.

What's this?

Can't I even eat salmon?

No, not tonight. I'm busy.

Stingy!

Okay, then - 3,000 yen. Same place.

See you later.

What's that for?

Turning tricks on the side?

Who made you this beautiful?

Monster! Everyone calls you a monster!

- Stupid bitch! - Leave me alone!

Little brat!

You exploit us and give all the money to Karasawa.

What's that?

What's this? It's all fake!

All fake! You idiot!

I paid for all this, and I'll tear it apart!

Nobuko?

Who was that?

She works for me.

Go on in.

Hurry. Go inside.

You could've telegrammed that you were coming.

Papa should have let me know.

That girl disobeyed me.

Never mind about her.

She wouldn't listen. I had no choice.

Mama.

What?

Could you lend me 200,000 yen?

What for?

To start a farm.

A farm?

Where?

- The Kurumi Plains. - Kurumi Plains?

It's close to town.

Perfect for a collective dairy farm.

We've already started repairing the roads.

We're all putting in money.

Who's "we"?

Kanbayashi and the other trainees.

What about high school?

I'm sorry, Mama, but I quit in March.

I've been working on the training farm.

You quit?

I don't like studying.

I've been sending you money, and you lied to me!

I'm sorry.

What about Grandpa?

His legs are bad. Says it's rheumatism.

Not that, dummy.

I mean what did he say when you quit school?

He just said, "Oh, well."

"Oh, well"?

Mama, lend me 200,000.

Forget it.

Give up these crazy ideas.

Come to Tokyo and find a good husband.

I have a boyfriend.

You what?

He's helping with the farm.

It's Jintaro from next door.

Mama...

what do you do for a living?

I was going...

to tell you someday.

That's why I don't have that kind of money.

You shouldn't be doing such hard work anyway.

I was born a farmer. It's all right.

He's taking advantage of you.

He'd never do a thing like that.

You never know with men.

He's all right.

He studies a lot, but he's a little absentminded.

Was it fun seeing the sights in Tokyo?

I didn't see any.

She's a character.

- She's just a country girl. - That's okay.

Wasn't there some dried roe? - It's all gone.

All gone?

Soy sauce.

Where's Hanako?

She left for work.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

I won't do side jobs anymore.

It's all right.

Don't just stand there. Come in.

What happened to her nose? - Oh, that...

What happened?

It's nothing.

Nobuko brought this for us.

It'll give you strength, Father.

I'm leaving tonight.

You haven't even stayed one night.

Grandpa's bedridden with bad legs. I'm going.

Mrs. Matsuki!

Mrs. Matsuki!

Telegram.

Nobuko...

wait a minute.

You have to pee? I'm going on ahead.

Don't die, Papa.

It's all over.

How old is Chuji?

About 65.

He was so hale and hearty. Strong as an ox.

Grandma, how old are you?

I'm still...

91.

Talk about hale and hearty!

Grandma should hurry up and go too

and stop being such a nuisance!

What?

Mama, Grandpa said something.

Papa, what is it?

Tell me.

Milk.

He wants milk.

Grandpa.

What do you mean?

Milk?

What are you doing, Mama?

Papa, here's some milk.

Papa, it's my milk.

It's Tome's milk. Drink.

Go on.

Go on. Drink.

I've really...

done well in Tokyo.

I'll be sending for you soon,

so hurry and get better.

Papa, I can't stand to see you die.

I couldn't bear it.

What's the big idea, taking all the condolence money?

You're so greedy.

I paid 10,000 for the expenses.

There was 12,000.

So? I'll be sending all the thank-you gifts too.

So this is why you offered to pay for the funeral.

None of you did your part.

And you paid with your money?

What?

Who put Nobuko and Papa out in the barn?

- Mukaiyama's wife is so greedy. - That's right!

She brought her seven brats. They'll eat us out of house and home.

She's famous for that.

If there's a wake, she starves those kids all day,

then brings them along to eat.

It's a wake, after all, even if it's just for Chuji.

Just wait. They'll be back again tomorrow.

You can't exactly turn them away.

Where's Nobuko?

I don't know.

No one's seen her since we put Papa in the coffin.

Thanks for coming all this way.

Good evening.

Nobuko, where have you been?

She came to my place but wouldn't say a word,

so I brought her back.

Who are you?

Yoshiji Kanbayashi.

The son of Yoshizo in Kamigawa.

Nobuko's lover.

And quite a fancy man after living in Tokyo.

How can he work construction with that scrawny body?

He couldn't. That's why he came back.

At least he's got virgin land to work.

Quiet! No one asked all of you.

So you're the one leading Nobuko on?

I'm not leading her on.

What's that?

Luring my daughter away without a word.

Nobuko, I want an apology.

You're not coming in until you apologize.

I hope that girl doesn't have a bastard child too.

JUNE 1960

NO TO NEW US-JAPAN TREATY!

We have to take a different route.

Then the meter will go up.

Nothing I can do about it.

What do you mean?

They're starving, so they demonstrate.

That's not my concern.

Nothing I can do.

I guess not.

Have you seen Hanako? She's not home.

I haven't seen her in four or five days.

I gave her the rent money. Did she pay it?

No.

Hello? Sakura Apartments?

Would you please get Miss Yokoi?

She moved? Where?

What do you mean you don't know? Hello? Hello?

I'm sorry. Could you please get Miss Seki from next door?

She moved too? When? Both of them together?

Together?

Damn them! They've run away!

Karasawa Enterprises? The president, please.

This is Mrs. Matsuki.

He's out?

This is Mrs. Matsuki!

Am I sure I'm calling the right place?

You're just an employee.

What the hell are you talking about?

Tome Matsuki?

Where were you yesterday?

Home with an upset stomach.

SPRING 1961

You surprised me.

I'm the one who's surprised. I told you not to come here.

Yes, but -

What happened? Did you just get out today?

It was awful.

Father, you never came to see me!

Use your head. How could I visit you in prison?

I know, but -

Take this for now.

Thank you.

Did you go to your apartment?

Yes, but some stranger's living there.

There's a Fujiwara Real Estate at the Otsuka station.

Go see them. They'll show you your new place.

Go get some rest. Your things are there.

I'll come by tonight.

Did you say...

Fujita?

Fujiwara.

Idiot!

Mrs. Matsuki?

That's odd.

I think she's home.

Mrs. Matsuki, you have a visitor.

Mama.

Nobuko?

I'll open the door.

Nobuko, what are you doing here?

Mr. Karasawa called me, so I hurried over.

Why?

Haven't you heard?

I haven't heard anything.

Come in.

Have you been in Tokyo all this time?

When did you get here?

I ran away from home a month ago,

but you were in jail.

I had nowhere to go, so I called Karasawa.

200,000 yen? Your mother hasn't got that much.

That's why I'm asking you.

I can't give you that much just like that.

But...

That doesn't mean...

I don't have it.

Great!

I promised the others I'd get it no matter what.

I like your enthusiasm.

Yoshiji put in 50,000,

and Mama gave me the same, so just 200,000 more -

Will the new farm make money?

Lots of it!

We'll clear a million yen by the second year.

In 15 years, it'll more than double.

In 20 years, when everyone's kids are grown,

we'll be even richer than -

Than me?

That's great.

But I won't give you that kind of money for nothing.

And I do sewing for the neighbors.

And Mr. Karasawa comes to see you?

Yes, about twice a week.

I'd like you to live with me,

but there's a phone, and you might go back to your old ways.

Mama, go ahead and slap me. I don't mind.

Mama, what other way is there?

We're poor. We have nothing.

Just wait four months, until the crops are in.

Then come to Kurumi Plains.

Don't you understand why I struggled so hard to raise you?

Don't you?

I'm sorry I was such a burden.

I'll pay it all back when I've saved up.

Mama, we'll all live together soon.

Forget it!

I can't live out in the mountains anymore.

You say to wait four months.

But it doesn't work that way between men and women.

Things will change in a couple of months,

and you'll be trapped!

That won't happen.

You idiot!

You don't know about these things.

That won't happen.

Is that it?

Is that how human beings are?

Yes. That's how life is.

- What about the money? - The money?

You promised Nobuko 200,000 yen.

Isn't that how much I gave you over the years?

Running a small business isn't easy.

I'm grateful for the help now and then.

But I'm sorry - Nobuko is a different matter.

This is too much.

You're too cruel.

There's nothing I can do.

Besides, you had your good times too.

What?

Coward! You dirty coward!

It was you who had a good time. I'm a human being too!

Calm down. You're being disgraceful.

You call me disgraceful?

Fine.

Your wife and workers will hear all about you!

Go ahead. Tell them if you have the nerve.

But you and I are finished!

I will!

I'll tell them everything!

Betrayed by all that I have loved

I wander through this bitter life alone

I'm back already.

- This again? - Yeah.

- I learned how to back up today. - That's great.

The instructor says I can get my license in two weeks.

You certainly are enthusiastic.

Did you tell a certain Kanbayashi you were learning to drive?

Isn't that your boyfriend?

That's right.

So he knows this address.

Yeah.

What did you tell him?

I said I was helping Mama for four months.

I see.

What would he do if he found out about us?

He'd be furious. But he won't find out.

That's right.

All he talks about in his letter is fertilizer.

He's trying really hard to teach me all about the work.

I'll teach you a thing or two myself.

There are two ways to go.

The choice is up to you. I believe in freedom.

One is what we agreed to.

The other is to stay in Tokyo and run a shop here.

That boutique you saw yesterday in Dogenzaka.

It's for sale. If you want, I'll buy it.

It's small, so you couldn't live there.

Stay here in the apartment,

or I'll get a house in the suburbs for you and your mother.

You'll pay your own expenses from your share of the business.

I'll take 30%.

You'll take in 100,000 a month easy, so that's 70,000 for you.

So will it be that...

or the farm?

I won't interfere with your love life.

You can have a lover or sleep with anyone you want...

except for twice a week.

You're wonderful.

I won't let you go, even if it kills me.

Stay with me

and I'll make you happy as long as you want.

You've only seen the surface of happiness.

I'll show you the real depths.

I'll buy you anything, do anything.

Nobuko, which will it be?

The boutique.

I'll give up the farm and take the shop.

Really?

Yes.

But I have to go back and see Yoshiji once more.

I have to give him the money and explain things.

Can't you just write to him?

No.

I have to talk to him face-to-face.

Let's do this:

I'll give you half now - 100,000 yen.

Then we'll send him the other half when you get back here.

Papa, you're so stingy!

I am not. I'm just worried.

'Cause I love you so much.

All right. We'll do that.

Nobuko!

You'll be a happy woman at last!

I love you, Papa.

I'm sorry.

You sure you got through to her?

Yes. We had a long talk that night.

And you told her to let you handle it

after I give you the money?

I'm sorry.

Sometimes I'm just a country bumpkin.

I hate getting old.

Bamboozled and left hanging by a young girl.

On top of that...

when I went to pay the rent,

her landlord asked me where the deposit was.

That means she ran off with it - 100,000 yen.

How'd she talk it out of him? That girl's really something.

While I was still reeling from that, this arrived.

"Papa, I couldn't tell you because I felt so bad,

but this is just a loan. I'll pay it all back."

I hate getting old.

I'm at a loss for words.

You're no better.

You ought to talk some sense into her.

I'm sorry.

I pleaded with her to come back in two or three days.

It's been two months!

I'm really sorry.

Now that I'm a cleaning lady, I'm always tired.

When I get home, I'm just exhausted.

I'm in love with that girl.

An old man's delusion.

An old man's dirty escapade.

I don't care what people say.

By the way, I put a deposit on the Dogenzaka shop too.

Businessman that I am, I'd hate to lose that money.

That Kanbayashi guy knew nothing about me, right?

Supposing he found out?

What would he do if he found out about me and Nobuko?

I guess he'd -

I'll pay your fare. Will you go right away?

All right.

Right away.

With every day that passes, she becomes more of a hick

and I get older.

I'll bring her back for you, Father.

I'll think of a way.

You should join. It's a good thing.

How much?

Don't be absurd. The Pure Land sect doesn't take money.

You just buy these when you join,

and their newspaper once a week.

How much is all that?

Not much at all.

You think I should?

Absolutely. It really works.

You go and tell them everything, and you feel great afterward - really.

Because life is so hard.

- Time to go to the bath house. - That's right.

Don't bother with that. - It's all right.

What about this?

I'll think it over.

Thanks for the delicious rice cakes.

- Take some home. - That's okay.

Hey. Come here.

I know a good job.

What kind of job? Cleaning?

No.

Much easier, and better money.

Sounds good. What is it?

I'll tell you later. After the bath.

I can't wait to hear. Call me later.

Papa...

I've settled down since you died.

But now Nobuko's left me too.

I still have a lot of suffering ahead of me.

Please lend me your strength.

I'll bring her back somehow.

Then life will be a little easier...

and the three of us will be together again.

Well, I'm off to have a bath.

O-wa-i-ya-re

I need small change.

I hate having the bath so far away.

Nobuko!

Where's Yoshiji?

Isn't he at the house?

No. Where could he be?

He said he might go into town. It's nothing to worry about.

But the calcium came, and I don't know how much to use.

There he is. I'll head back to the barn.

Okay. I'll wait.

- Where'd you go? - Nowhere.

Asao's looking for you.

Listen...

I was wrong.

Yeah, you were - wondering who the baby's father was.

You gonna stop that now?

Yeah.

Let me drive.

Nobuko, take good care of that baby.

We can't lose it.

You don't know whose it is. What's it matter?

But it might be mine, right?

You idiot!

Still saying "it might be"?

Well, I don't know what I don't know.

You may not know, but I do.

Still...

I said I know!

Takasaki station has the best chicken.

Yeah, but Utsunomiya's isn't bad either.

It's always been that way.

Takasaki's was the best even before the war.

All the stations have better box lunches these days.

- It's the rice. - Yeah, the harvests are good.

It's true.

I'm not very experienced.

No, I can see that you are.

Oof...

Oof...

Damn it.

Godforsaken place!

That idiot!

Oh no!

Just my luck - on top of everything else!

O-wa-i-ya-re

Where, oh where has the baby-sitter gone?

She went to town to buy a dog