Original subtitles

Toho Eiga Co. Ltd.

The Battle of Kawanakajima

English Subtitle: Maya Grohn

Director: Kinugasa Teinosuke

We heard a man was caught who looks like a spy.

I heard a rumour a spy-like woman is hiding.

What? A woman?

- Be careful. - Alright.

He said a woman was hiding.

Stop.

The sound of water.

Thank god.

Hot! And this humidity.

It's fall now, yet so hot.

Compared to the last battle of 1557, this night moving is easy.

That time some got sick, that troubled us a lot.

We've learnt our lesson and move at night.

Someone's coming already.

What is it?

Is something wrong?

The dogs are barking a lot.

That's strange.

Hey, what happened?

War.

Whose war?

We don't know.

Calm down. We're the forces of the Uesugi.

We are from Uesugi. Steady on.

You don't need to escape. We're Uesugi's men.

Don't run. We are Uesugi's forces. I'm telling you.

I told you. Calm down.

Be careful!

Pull!

Alright?

Yes, sir. We can do it.

Hyaku, pull!

Don't hit the horse, sir. I will.

Taako!

We were astonished.

Nikichi panicked. That's why we made a fuss like this.

But thankfully, it was nothing.

Oryo!

Oh, this is your child.

Hey, that woman!

She, this child,

That woman.

She's suspicious. Wait! Stop!

Strange.

Where is she hiding?

She was really suspicious.

Don't shoot at random. It will be punished.

The shooting was done by a patrol man in the area.

Breaking the military rule. Unforgivable.

- Behead him. - Yes, sir.

Hira.

Maybe I should wait until Kawanakajima.

Tell him, to bring me

- another head instead of his. - Yes, sir.

How are you, Goro-maru?

Hot.

Yes, sir.

"Wait until Kawanakajima."

That is our master's way.

Hey, Ashimori.

I heard you changed your master four times.

But you have never met a master as good as our master, have you?

Don't be late.

Faster!

Hyaku, what are you doing?

Hurry.

What are you laughing at? Fix the load.

You made me...

Who is it?

What's up, sis?

You've got an injured foot?

Sis,

you were shot.

You need to stop the blood.

Stop the blood.

I know the kumigashira has some good medicine.

Hyaku!

You can't move?

That's a problem.

I'm busy now.

OK.

Hyaku!

Try to walk with the stick.

It's hot. If the wound gets infected, you're in big trouble.

I know the kumigashira has good medicine.

Is this the position of Naoe Yamashiro-no-kami-sama?

No. Naoe-sama is way over there.

You are Komatsubara?

You are Urano.

Isn't it hot?

What are doing with the horses?

Wash the horses first.

If you don't do your job, you'll get the whip.

What's up?

OK, OK. Don't be afraid.

It's shallow, look, Taako!

Hyaku, can't you swim?

You are saved.

Stupid thing. Don't cry.

If you cry now, what will you do in battle?

Hold on!

Now, in a shallow place, go wash the horse.

Kumigashira, he's a good man.

Wake up, hard hearted kumigashira is coming. He'll get angry again.

It's sis, we met before.

I found this bag there.

This is the talisman which my mum gave me.

Where did I lose it?

I lost it. That's why I fell in the water.

Thank you.

How about the wound on your leg?

Were you given medicine?

That's not good. I'll ask and get it.

You don't belong to this area, I guess.

Are you hungry?

You're staggering.

I know what it is being hungry.

I can get food. I can get my portion.

I can see you're hungry. Wait here. I'll bring some food.

Come here. Look.

Hyaku has got a beauty.

Hyaku? Who is the beauty?

Kumigashira, the woman I told you about.

I found her injured when I was looking for the cooking pot.

Kumigashira, your whip, sir.

I thought I'd lost it.

Hyaku, is this the woman who injured her leg?

Is it hurt?

All kumigashira are called now.

- At the open temple space, isn't it? - Yes, sir.

Finish your work quickly and get some sleep.

Tomiyama,

Tadami, Terukawa.

A circular letter. Don't misspell it.

Item: Kosaka Danjo of Shinshu Kaizujo castle

Signalled by beacon

to inform the Kai (Takeda) of our advancing.

Item:

Shingen has already departed from lwamizu-jo castle.

Item:

Koshiba Keishin temple betto (administor),

crossed Kawanakajima with 300-400 soldiers

and moved to Wada-toge ridge to supposedly join Takeda.

Item:

according to reports, the situation is very tense in places.

From now on,

each team must be prepared

for every possible attack by Takeda during the advance.

Item:

for the advance tonight, our lord...

What should we handle, sir?

What does he look like?

Like a travelling monk.

Is he in the garden?

Yes, sir.

Release the rope.

No problem. Speak in front of him.

According to the report the force from the north has arrived, sir.

Did you hear?

Uesugi is going to the Hokkoku road.

This is already the fourth battle at Kawanakajima against Shingen-dono.

The best enemy to fight.

This time we should finally decide the war.

Tell what I said just now to Shingen-dono.

Damn, sleeping so well.

Sis, aren't you eating any more. Eat!

You must eat.

Sis, do you have a mother?

You don't.

My mother is a good person.

She expects me to be promoted

to samurai status by my feats in this battle.

Where are you from, sis?

Zenkoji.

Zenkoji must be a nice place.

I was brought up in the mountains of Echigo, so I don't know Zenkoji yet.

But we'll pass Zenkoji soon.

We might meet there again.

Is your wound painful?

I hope the medicine is working well.

It's the hot season.

Eat this before it goes rotten.

No warm water?

Hyaku, are you still awake?

The departure time is tonight at ten.

You must sleep now.

A woman.

If you stay too long around here you'll be suspected.

Hyaku, where is Hanbei?

He wanted to sleep under a tree.

Under a tree again?

It makes it difficult to find him.

Ani-ya (brother).

How about your sore thigh? I was given good medicine.

Goro-maru, my sore thigh is nothing.

Don't walk around without permission. Think about your duty to our lord.

But brother, this medicine...

No need.

There are no brothers in war.

You are serving a boss far higher than me.

In addition, this is your first battle.

None of this "brother".

How is our lord?

He is fine.

You are a lucky man.

Our lord favoured your small deeds

and made you his servant in attendance.

Don't forget your privilege.

- Why did you show it someone? - Show what, sir?

Don't speak. You showed my letter to our lord.

No, sir.

Then what have you done? Given it to our lord?

No, I didn't.

Did you throw it away?

Rest assured, sir.

I burned it.

Burned it?

Why did you burn my letter without permission?

For your own sake, sir.

Goro-maru!

What, sir?

Unreasonable!

Where to, sir?

I think Ashimori is missing.

Ashimori Koheita, missing?

Ashimori must know the departure is at ten.

What's happened to him?

Kaiga's cart?

Must be hard always at the rear. But you are too far behind. Go on.

Hanbei, Inoji, Hyaku, be careful.

The road is bad.

The load is broken.

No, back.

Watch out!

Taako!

Hold on!

Hyaku,

crying can't bring the horse back to life.

Pack it in.

It must be painful.

You were a good horse, Taako.

Now we have a problem.

Rokusuke, Hanbei, Yoshi, find another horse.

We mustn't be late.

We can obtain a horse and cart there. Go.

Hyaku, come!

Hyaku!

Is anyone there?

They were scared and ran away.

Did you find anything?

I found a cart, sir!

Kumigashira, there's something in the house.

What is it?

Hanbei, bring me a light.

You are the woman from this morning.

Hyaku, come here. It's that woman.

Hey, sis, why are you here?

I got lost, I was looking for a place to rest.

How about the villagers?

The armies are going to the south, so I told them "no problem", but,

they were so scared.

Did you find a horse or cow?

I think they tied a cow in the valley, out back.

The valley?

Sis, how about your wound?

Can you walk?

I'm all right now.

The medicine's been effective, I'm sure.

We are going to lzuna.

Why don't you ask kumigashira if you can follow us?

It's not safe for a woman walking alone at night.

Good. You follow us.

Hey, is your team the sixth?

Yes.

Amagaki-sama's big load should be in this village?

No, no, go ahead.

Around 12 kilometers.

12 kilometers?

That's a lie. It's not far.

Kumigashira, why don't we take a small break.

Pity you.

OK. Have a rest.

Hyaku, you are thoughtful!

Is your information considered accurate?

Is Genza back?

You said the sickness occured at Kamanashigawa didn't you?

How many sick, did he say?

About 300.

They are very weak.

Dismissed.

Shall we attack?

All out attack at Kamanashigawa.

According to our information,

the Kai sick have increased

and it's quite impossible for them to advance.

No, don't.

Don't.

Don't.

Do you want to drink water?

No, sir, I don't want a drink.

Don't drink. Endure.

I'm sorry for my unserviceable condition, sir.

You'll be fine soon.

Have a little more patience.

One more dead.

We caught a man called Ashimori Koheita of the Echigo (Uesugi).

Ashimori?

Bring him here.

Is it?

Impossible to move for 4 to 5 days, sir.

A strange man came in.

He asked to be hired by you, sir.

Who is it?

He said Kenshin's hatamoto (close retainer).

Name?

Ashimori Koheita.

I showed his face to our spy, who assured his identity.

He said he knew all the strategies of the Uesugi. What should we do?

I'll meet him.

Bring him here.

Our lord Shingen.

I have heard you are of the Uesugi.

You told that you know

all the strategies of the Uesugi.

Yes, sir.

The whole force is 13,000.

It's divided into two,

the main force moves across the ridge along the Iiyama road to Zenkoji.

The other part advances to Hokkoku Kaido and joins the main group at Zenkoji.

Moving at night,

the main force is moving around Ina now.

Then?

Move to Kawanakajima and Kaizu-jo at once.

Kaizu castle?

Kenshin-dono...

advancing to Kaizu?

Yes, at the point, against lord Shingen's troops.

I see.

How many times

have you changed your master?

You look like a newcomer

to Katayamajo castle in Echigo.

Thank you.

Kansuke, release him.

You are less than a komono or jignin (the lowest rank).

Have you decided, my lord?

Fighting against the sick.

However...

No.

I will stop moving for a while.

My men are tired too.

Is it true?

Departure is stopped?

The order for departure was stopped.

The order is, take the time to rest.

Stop the departure.

Did you hear that the departure is postponed?

Why?

That is the great thing in our lord.

Hearing that Takeda is suffering with the sick

he decided to postpone departure. Because it's not fair.

For the enemy?

You'll never find such a great master as our lord.

I'd throw my life away for my lord.

Do your best too.

It's grateful that we can get a rest here, kumagashira.

Where is my juban (underwear)?

My juban?

Sis, are you washing? I can do it.

Hyaku!

Our departure is postponed. You can take a rest after you've tied the cow.

Kumigashi, we found an onsen.

Hot spring (onsen)? Thank God.

Hey, here's an onsen.

Sis, they found an onsen.

Go there and dip your feet.

An onsen is the best thing for a wound.

What is it?

So we were frightened and ran away.

But you must have noticed that there was no need to escape.

We never heard such a thing, did we, boss?

We heard that a battle would start there.

Battle? That is at Shinano.

You will fight at Shinano?

Then you can't go to Zenkoji?

No problem.

Before Kawanakajima no big battle will happen.

Are you going to Shinano, sis?

Ask the boss. We are travelling here and there anyway.

Sis, sing.

Without a fee, No. Don't you think so, boss?

We'll pay.

Sing. Sing!

Oshino-chan! Boss, Oshino-chan.

Where have you been? We've been looking all around.

I was looking for you too.

It's good, that we could find you.

Oshino.

Where have you been?

Leaving your flute and drum,

I thought you escaped for Echigo during all the fuss.

How could you, boss.

Sis, you lied, you are not from Zenkoji?

Boss, he saved me.

We are lucky, boss. We found Oshino-san.

Kaiga Magokuro

What's the matter? You are deep in thought.

Anezaki's wife is carrying an armour box.

She asked to be allowed to join us.

That's Anezaki Yoshiro's wife?

She saw us passing this village and couldn't restrain herself.

Couldn't she?

Now you must have understood.

I am impressed by your brave heart.

However,

war is not a woman's job.

I'm sorry to contradict you, sir.

My late husband Yoshiro died of illness

when my lord departed for the Battle of Kanto.

In his will, he told me to make use of the armour

for serving our lord.

I understand that.

If a samurai dies of illness before battle it must be terribly regrettable for him.

But a woman's duty is to keep house.

I ask you to pray for the soul of Yoshiro.

So am I not allowed to follow you?

Kenshin accepts only your goodwill with appreciation.

Then, at least on the way to Zenkoji?

Oh, yes, the grave of Yoshiro was at Zenkoji.

Yes, yes, you can follow us to Zenkoji.

Chiyono, Kenshin promises to use this armour in the next battle.

Thank you very much, sir.

Goro-maru, deliver the armour box to Kunieda.

Come in.

Someone, lead her.

It's reported they crossed the Kamanashigawa, sir.

They crossed?

Did you send someone to the Hokkoku road?

Yes, sir.

Tonight, we depart at ten.

Yes, sir.

Check that everything is on.

Hyaku-san.

Hyaku-san.

Oyakata (boss)!

There!

Seems like he committed seppuku.

Ashimori Koheita

To Kaiga Goro-maru-dono, retainer of the Uesugi

Kaiga Goro-maru?

I know him!

Oyakata, can we go Zenkoji?

What? To Zenkoji?

???

Proclamation of War

Eiroku 4 (1561) August by Uesugi Kenshin Terutora

Good. Making jinda miso.

Now I'm excited. Kawanakajima at last.

Where is your team crossing?

- At Koichi. - Koichi. I see.

Vanguard, second group, the spear group,

Spear and arrow groups must be prepared for departure by six.

Line up with the top of Sengenbashi.

The second line, Onikojima Yataro, the fifth team, gun group.

The gun group withdraw from the current position at once.

Follow the Yamauch Genbanokami

and be controlled directly by the main force.

The rear, Murakami Mitsuryoji, the third arrow group,

the arrow group stay in your current position,

and take orders from bugyo Oida. Move.

Do you understand?

Next, Aiga Nlagokuro...

Lead your men to move to Saikawa at once

and prepare for crossing the river.

For the job, Shibata Suonokami and the gun groups will guard you.

Understand?

Yes. Thank you, sir.

If you catch a suspicious man like a spy, report it to HQ immediately.

If he resists, you can cut him down.

Gosuke, do your best.

Yes I will, kumigashira.

How about your shoulder?

Like this, sir.

Ninoji.

Are you ready?

Hyaku.

Kumigashira.

Kumigashira, I will fight till I die.

Yes, life or death.

Saikawa is a dangerous point. The enemy will attack at any moment.

This is a totally different job, not like pulling a horse or cow.

Do your best.

Drink.

Kaiga, I was asked to give you this.

To Goro-maru. Who from?

Ashimori Koheita?

Oh, I remember, you must go Saikawa.

- Fine, I'll deliver it. - Thank you.

Wait. When you meet my brother...

Hey, you must prepare quickly.

I met her again.

Hello, sis.

Are you fine?

When did you come, sis?

Tell my brother. Maybe we won't meet again.

Serve our lord with devotion. That's the only wish as his brother.

Tell him so.

Be assured.

Kaiga, do your best.

Thank you.

I met her there again.

Hurry, men.

Thank you, my foot is fine now.

Good.

Hurry.

Sis, you were from Echigo, weren't you?

I told you Zenkoji without thinking, sorry.

That's nothing.

I have something to ask you.

What is it?

This here is a matter of life or death.

Maybe I won't go back to Echigo alive.

Give this to my mum.

There's money inside.

Are you going back to Echigo?

I am. Where in Echigo?

Konparudori.

Sis, Mikkaichi.

Mikkaichi?

If you don't meet mum,

you can use it, sis.

I'll deliver it, I will.

Mikkaichi.

To Goro-maru from Ashimori;

... therefore, I am determined to commit seppuku.

Kaiga-dono, I couldn't find the armour box I kept.

The armour box?

Nobody took it down from the horse.

Where is Chiyono-dono?

Chiyono-dono is missing too.

Chiyono-dono too?

It is said the Uesugi took up positions as shown here.

I see.

Saijozan mountain.

Saijozan mountain.

Look! Kaizu-jo castle.

Hey, we can see Kaizu-jo!

There! That's Kaizu-jo.

So close.

My lord, Shingen will take position at Chausuyama mountain

in order to block our retreat.

In that case, Saijozan would be blocked both front and rear.

The risk is likely.

Should we defeat Kaizu-jo before that?

My lord!

My lord,

Shingen was positioned at Chausuyama mountain.

The lookout reports that, sir.

Chausuyama?

The Takeda are positioned on Chausuyama. Can you see?

Yes, I can see.

The Takeda force took the position not only at Chausuyama but, look!

The light. Here and there.

Closer than Chausuyama.

That village too.

That is the enemy's headquarters.

The enemy settled at Chausuyama. Trying to block our retreat.

If our retreat is blocked, there's a big problem.

Shouldn't we attack their headquarters now?

That's the enemy's HQ.

Lord, look, the sea of lights.

Are they still panicked?

The light is just a bonfire.

It's a common strategy.

- Tell them not to worry. - Yes, sir.

Listening, Atsumori started to cry,

A samurai is prepared for death anytime, nevertheless,

Shinobi-no-mono (ninja) has returned, sir.

The Uesugi force is having fun with a tsuzumi (small drum).

What do you think?

Kenshin is thinking of something.

For example, getting support from Echigo and attacking our rear.

No, we will enter Kaizu-jo castle.

Then, we will be divided into two parts.

One part leaves this castle,

and from the north of Zozan

from Saijoo,

turns and goes across the mountain.

Goes to Morigadaira.

Comes to the back of Saijo-zan mountain.

Attacks the rear of the enemy by surprise.

You see? Then the enemy at Saijozan

will be surprised and probably move.

So the other force,

which should have been placed ashore at Kawanakajima, will defeat them.

Do you understand?

This is our trap.

Defeat them here,

set a net to catch them here.

Good idea, sir.

Kosaka Matanobu, attack the rear of the enemy at Saijozan.

Departure is at two tonight.

Secretly, as you know.

We are ready, sir.

We'll leave this castle at four.

Here, we cross

from Hirose to Chiguma.

Our position is Kawanakajima Hachimanmae.

I see. Then...

I couldn't get close to the castle,

but noticed men and horses getting active

and the air is full of cooking smoke.

I see.

Come close.

They will move.

That is Shingen.

The middle of the night?

Or dawn?

They will surely attack.

From where?

They won't use their full force to attack

at Kawanakajima.

Backs to the river...

He...

or me?

Now,

is the time for battle.

We will move down the mountain at four.

The route is

to come to Amenomiya, then cross to Ogase.

Then, from lchinomiya to the Zenko-ji road.

Our move must be done in secret.

Now we are going into battle.

Tora-no-gekoku.

This must be done in secret.

The order is to tell the lowest ranks that we are going back to Zenkoji.

Tell them if we meet the enemy

we'll attack them and force our way through.

Take three days food, and collect large and small loads at the riverside.

I'll tell you the details later, but now, prepare for battle. Understood?

One more thing, light bonfires and burn everywhere on the mountain.

It seems to be beginning at last.

As I keep telling you, keep calm and carry on.

Hyaku, are you ready? Do your best.

Kaiga, the 8th team. Line up.

Hold tree branches in your mouth.

Reporting, sir!

What is it?

The enemy.

The enemy.

It shouldn't be. Are you sure?

Ouga's forces have now arrived or will soon arrive at Morigadaira.

But, two ninjas reported they heard the noise of people and horses.

Strange.

Send Hatamoto to watch.

Strange. He doesn't come back.

What's the matter?

Not returned yet?

Neither the first nor the second have returned, sir.

Uesugi attacking!

Form a pincer movement!

The 8th team has been beaten, sir.

No, it's hasn't.

Open the ammo.

Gun!

Don't you have a gun?

Yes, we do.

The enemy!

Arrows!

Hanbei, give out the bows and arrows, quick.

Hanbei!

Come someone. Carry the arrows quick!

Hanbei!

It's alright. Don't die!

Don't leave!

Rokusuke, lnoji, Hyaku!

Inoji!

Inoji!

Kurosuke!

Kurosuke, hold on!

It's me, kumigashira.

Hyaku!

Chiyono-dono!

Anija (elder brother)!

Goro-maru!

Where is our lord?

I told you to never leave our lord.

Go.

Go now.

There are no brothers in war.

Go! If something happens to our lord, what will you do?

Go!

Anija!

Hyaku!

Kaida, are you alright?

Our lord Kenshin attacked the main enemy forces,

but unfortunately missed them.

And now he is safely back at headquarters.

Our lord is safe?

Good.

Kaida, are you all right?

I'm all right.

Okuma!

Hyaku!

Hyaku!

It was so horrible.

I'm still shivering.

It was dreadful fighting.

Which side won?

Which is which...

Well, it's a terrible situation.

Full of guns and flying arrows.

Did you see it?

I did. At the Gonju watermill.

When I realized, I found I could do nothing but freeze.

It was a huge battle.

I have never seen such a great battle.

Hyaku-san!

THE END

Subtitles: Maya Grohn corvusalbus edit