Original subtitles

A TOHO PRESENTATION

OLD SWEET SONG

Story and Screenplay: Kaoru Morimoto Cinematography: Kazuo Yamazaki

Editing: Yoshio Ebara Set Decoration: Kosaburo Nakajima

Assistant Directors: Kon Ichikawa, Yurio Takamatsu, Wataru Yanaga

Cast

Ranko Hanai

Jun Fujio Kokuten Kodo Eitaro Shindo Saburo Sawai Kajiya Morino

Kyozo Fuyuki Taizo Fukami Sozaburo Kikuchi Tokiichiro Osaki

Rei Ishikawa Yoshio Yamada

Chieko Ishii Rumi Ejima Hisako Yamane Rikie Sanjo Toshiko Ito

Directed by: Tamizo Ishida

Hyogoya Store

- The boat has arrived! - It's here!

Isn't that you, Sanji?

I thought I could pass quietly, but I was found.

Where have you been? You shouldn't pass my store without a greeting.

- Do you have any reason? - No reason particularly.

But I am not supposed to visit you often.

What did you say?

You're not supposed to come? That's bad.

- Your father told you not to visit us? - No, that's not it.

What is it, then? Don't make me feel uneasy.

Due to my talkative nature, I made a slip of tongue.

But this isn't a matter for you to be concerned about. Don't be mad.

If you tell, I will be blamed.

You're a weird one. All right, come in anyway.

Now, I can't refuse coming in.

How's business?

Well, it's not going good.

Our type of job is doomed.

It's not only yours. The slump is everywhere.

That's not the case for everyone.

Someone like you quickly changed from seed oil to petroleum.

- And got successful that way. - Not really.

The grass is always greener on the other side.

We are just busy without earning.

This depression seems deliberated.

The new government can't do anything about it. I dislike this uneasy world.

There's burning attacks and riots.

If Saigo-han of Satsuma moves to Kyoto and attacks, we will have a terrible time.

Saigo Takamori?

The hairdresser is coming. You want your hair done, don't you?

Omio!

What is it?

I told you already. The hairdresser is visiting you.

Thanks. Sorry for interrupting your practice.

Good day!

Thank you for coming.

It's really good. I have no ear for music, but whenever I hear her shamisen

in front of your store, my feet just stop unconsciously.

No kidding. Stop your flattery already.

No, it is true, ma'am!

Just now, I saw a lady that was listening intently and dreamily.

It makes me worry. She must be possessed by the shamisen spirit.

Don't say such an absurd thing. Right, Miss?

It's true, I don't mind if it's during daytime, but she also starts playing at night.

That always astonishes me.

I guess artistic accomplishment need such enthusiasm?

She's not going to be a performer.

Playing shamisen and singing averagely is enough for her.

Mr. Hairdresser, give her some preaching, will you?

Well...

I have to finish my lesson, so do it quickly.

Yes, Miss.

Satsuma?

It can't be.

But I heard this rumor everywhere.

The rebellion will not be settled without Saigo-han's move.

Well, people are saying...

My, my, Sanji-san, it's been a while since I've seen you.

Hello. Long time no visit.

In fact, I had visited at the end of last month.

Was it? I feel I didn't see you for long.

- Is your father fine? - Yes, he is, thank you.

Okane! Okane!

Don't bother. I'll leave soon.

No, please come in and have some rice with tea.

- Thank you. - Come in.

I was visiting Kuruwa district so I have listened to the songs a lot,

even though I have no ear for music.

But I can say that, even in Shinmachi and Horie, there are less than three people

that are as good as you, Miss.

Mr. Hairdresser, you'll not get anything with your flattering words.

Don't be silly! It's not just flatter since I know you well.

I am too old to attract women with flattering.

But it's a shame. Being an amateur while you're such a talented lady.

Should I go to Shinmachi?

You'd be popular there, I'm sure. You'd make a fortune easily.

I have been in this business for long,

so I am in charge of many heads since they first appeared.

Whenever I see them debuting, I know who will be successful.

You could call it my instinct.

And you think that about me?

I don't trust an hairdresser's instinct.

Don't be silly. You don't know about that.

In Shinmachi, I am more busy finding girls than doing their hairs.

Before hiring a new girl, they say: "show her to Mr. Hairdresser."

Then, if I became a geisha, I'd have to ask about your opinion?

Oh, come on! If the madam heard such a thing, she would be upset.

But I want to do a Icho-gaeshi hairstyle on your head.

Expanding it boldly here.

Have a tea.

Thank you. She has a good straight hair.

That must be helpful for an hairdresser.

- Sanji-san came to visit. - Really?

- For what? - What do you mean "for what"?

All right! Come after you're finished.

No, no! Don't load that way or it'll damage the bottom.

Can't you see it's high tide now?

For how many years are you doing this?

Fool! Pull! Fool!

Yes, like that!

Taizo, you are harsh to them as always.

They heard enough and didn't mind how hard I yelled.

How's business?

Not well. This new system is making me dizzy.

Everyone seems to be talking nonsense and I can't understand anything.

I can't stand a rickshaw in which men and women can sit together.

- Wow, such thing was invented? - See? You're interested now.

Young people nowadays...

What's up with your loosen face?

Maybe you're thinking of riding together with Omio-han.

Calm down, calm down.

You'll succeed the store after the manager is dead.

And then you'll be able to marry Omio-han. Good luck, handsome man!

What are you talking about?

Hi, the weather is great, isn't it?

I was going to my lesson.

All right, you can go.

If you are here, I can't go. Or else, mom will complain.

Are you upset?

Oh, I'm not. But I told you not to come.

I didn't intended to come.

On the way back from Kyomachibori,

your father found me and insisted me to come in.

If you don't listen to me, I won't listen to you either.

Maybe I'll marry Taizo from the store.

Taizo? The manager of this store?

Yes, he is loyal and hardworking.

And he always listens to everything I say.

But your parents would not accept it.

It doesn't matter to me, anyway.

I'm leaving.

You are a scary woman.

Why don't we go for a little walk?

- Leaving so soon? - Yes.

They might need me at home, so I'll visit again.

Please, stay with us. You can have dinner as well.

Sanji-san, you can have your dinner. I will go to my lesson.

You can practice later.

- Let's go. - Yes.

Takuma Kohei

Shino?

Yes, sir?

No need to heat it. Bring it here.

- But it's not cold. - Shut up.

You're taking a long time.

I'm sorry.

You don't have to bother.

- I'm leaving now. - Stay more with us.

What are you going to do?

Haven't you decided yet?

The situation is urgent.

Saigo will do it, no doubt.

This is not the time for Satsuma or the samurai under the shogun.

We poor samurai have no other choice but to join the army under his control.

Even if everything ends unsuccessfully, that will give a good place to die.

I'm thinking of becoming a rickshaw puller.

"Only after hardship do the aspiration get determined."

"A man should die in battle, rather than surrender himself."

Takuma-san, do you understand this poem by Saigo?

Our family has a long family rule: we do not buy assets from our offspring.

Good, see you in Satsuma, then.

- Excuse me. - Are you leaving already, sir?

- Sorry for the inconvenience. - Excuse us, sir.

I wish I had money!

What are you going to do about your lesson?

It's fine, since you're here, we can just walk like this.

That's strange.

Aren't you happy, though?

What do you mean?

What do people think when they see us walking together?

I wonder about that.

They don't know I always get scolded by you.

- That's funny. Come closer. - No way.

- People are watching. - And let them watch.

They envy us!

At home, you're cold as ice, but outdoors you are like a different person.

What a strange woman!

Listen, Sanji-san, aren't you courageous enough to run away with me?

What?

I'm asking you why don't we elope?

Eloping, huh? You shouldn't joke about that.

If we eloped, I wouldn't be able to feed you.

But you are fond of me, aren't you?

Yes, I am, but I can't fill my stomach just by looking at your face.

It would be different if you could feed me smartly, though.

I'm not sure about it. I would like to do it,

but I actually can't.

See? It's an impossible thing.

Why would we run away, anyway?

Usually, eloping is done when the parents oppose,

or there is someone else you love.

I never heard of a couple that eloped when their parents allowed the union.

But it's exciting because it's not usual.

That's silly. We shouldn't elope just to joke around.

Do you want to marry me or not?

What do you think?

With you, it's like predicting tomorrow's weather.

If I ran away with Taizo from the store, what would you do?

I guess I would only know after that happened...

What a discouraging man!

Talking to you is like punching the air.

Well, talking to you makes me dizzy.

What a pity. I wish I could dislike you.

Oh, my. Are you okay? What happened?

Hey, we should take her somewhere.

But we don't know who she is.

That's true. Our house is close from here.

Hey, stand strong. Hold on!

It was nothing serious in the end.

That woman is hungry.

After a good night rest, her temperature will go down.

Her consciousness will recover soon.

Thank you for everything, sir.

But I recommend her staying here for a night.

Yes, we understand.

Thank you.

- Thank you. - See you.

Take care.

How's the girl, anyway?

They really got into trouble.

I'll leave now.

No, you must stay.

Do you feel helpless without me?

When she's awake, you must go warn their house.

I see. I'll be the messenger.

We've gone too far to turn our backs.

- Come tomorrow in the morning. - Tomorrow again?

Of course!

No, no. Don't move.

I have to go. My home.

I have to return home!

What are you saying?

Calm down, yes? As soon as you recover, we can send you back home.

Where am I?

Hyogoya in Nishiyokobori. This is not a suspicious place. Don't worry.

Father... I can't...

I can't go home anymore.

Where do you live?

Your family must be worried. We have to tell them where you are now.

It's fine, please don't tell them!

I can't go home!

But what you just said...

Excuse me, excuse me.

Yes, I'm coming.

- Welcome, sir. - Good evening.

Is something wrong, sir?

Sorry for visiting during the night. Is this Kohei Takuma's house?

- It's indeed his house. - Do you know...

Oh, shoot, I forgot to ask her name!

At any rate, do you have a daughter? Around 16 or 17 years old?

I do have one.

What happened to my daughter?

Nothing really. But she's now at Hyogoya in Yokobori because of something.

Hyogoya? In Yokobori?

The doctor said not to move her tonight.

But she will be able to come back tomorrow.

I came here as a messenger to tell you not to worry.

Was she hurt?

No, no, not at all. You don't need to worry about that.

I will bring her back tomorrow.

Thank you very much, sir.

Tell me how she's feeling? Is she sick?

No, she is not. Anyway, when she comes back tomorrow, do not ask her anything.

- All right, do not ask questions. - Okay.

But...

That's everything, then. Good bye.

Thank you for coming.

- Please give them our thanks. - Sure.

Dear, I wonder what happened to her?

Dear!

- I don't know. - We will see tomorrow, I guess...

- You can go take her. - Yes, but...

I don't want to do it.

But I have work to finish tomorrow.

You had time to leave the house when I was absent.

You think I'm not aware?

When I was young, I lived there. I just wanted to take a look.

So, you should go.

"Only after hardship do the aspiration get determined."

To you.

Nishiyokobori means Senba?

You cannot forget an old dream.

We have different breedings. I can't help it.

I should have died in the Ueno Mountain.

- If only I didn't have a child. - There you go again.

I became querulous. Ah, give me that box.

But Saigo-sama was the commander who attacked Edo castle,

and he was your enemy.

"A man should die in battle, rather than surrender himself."

After that, enemies have lost their meaning.

Please pity Shino.

I do. I will do anything for her.

Whatever I can do, I will.

Can I ask something?

First of all, why did you do such a thing yesterday?

I wanted money.

What were you going to do with the money?

I wanted to give it to my father.

Is your father a bad man?

He is a good man, a very good one.

But he has no luck whatsoever.

I don't know why your father needs the money, but your behavior is self-harming.

I don't mind the consequences as long as father is happy.

- Do you have a mother? - I do.

Does your mother think like you do?

I think she also does.

I see.

That's good.

You are happy.

The madam is a tough woman, so you should be careful.

She couldn't have her own child.

So she persuaded a maid who was working at the store to be master's lover.

You mean Omio is not the madam's real child?

When I started working here I was a kid, so I wasn't aware.

But the madam and the mistress were living under the same roof.

So, what is the mother of Omio-han doing nowadays?

Let's see... I've heard she became a geisha and went to Edo.

Wonder how she's doing.

I wanted to talk to you.

About what?

About Omio.

What's up with Omio?

She is so close to Taizo, so I worry if there's something between them.

Don't be silly!

We can't understand what she's doing.

And she brought this girl who looks like a beggar.

I guess we can't predict the behavior of a young girl.

Leave her alone.

She told Sanji-san not to visit her often.

She really said that?

You must take care of her too.

She keeps ignoring the both of us.

We're not even sure about the direction this store will take.

While we are in good condition, we should settle her future.

Hey, don't bring bad luck.

We don't have to worry given our current situation.

But we never know.

She's a girl, so if we arrange her marriage, we'll have to prepare

many things to prevent her from feeling ashamed.

Especially since me and her are not blood related.

I know, I know. We will talk later.

When I'm rich, I'll give my daughter a splendid banquet.

Your last banquet was a long time ago.

Okay, I'm leaving now.

Are you going to the mansion of Satsuma, the Shimizus?

What are you up to now?

I'm thinking about something. If it goes well, I'll earn a lot.

Please don't make stupid speculations.

- I'm going now. - Take care, sir.

You sure came early.

You told me to come early.

He helped carrying you.

Thank you for yesterday.

It was nothing, really.

What's wrong? Don't stare at her like that.

You know, despite him behaving weirdly like this, he's not a bad man.

Do not be afraid.

Come on!

Don't bad-mouth me.

You making it sound like I am woodsman.

Anyway, I'm glad you're fine now.

Can you go back home now?

I am fine. I can go home.

All right, prepare everything. I will send you back.

I know I asked you to send her back home, but...

I changed my mind.

Huh? Again?

Don't you like to stay in this house?

If you don't like it, then it can't be helped.

Well, it's not that.

Because it is so sudden.

You don't like a woman like me?

You can say it openly.

I have been thinking since last night.

If only I had a big sister like you...

Why don't you stay here like this is your sister's house?

What do you think?

Whatever I think, you will do what you want. It's needless to ask.

But I still want to hear your opinion.

That's alarming. Whenever you grin like this, nothing good happens.

Oh, you surprised me!

What's the matter? Huh?

Nothing, sir.

I don't deserve your tenderness.

You are too good to care for a girl like me.

Anyway, I will go to her house.

Thank you, but I decline.

Do you? If you say so, then that's all.

I will return and tell her so. Sorry for bothering you.

Dear.

This is none of my business, but yesterday...

your daughter was about to sell herself to a rickshaw man.

Is that true?

Why would I lie to you?

Mr. Messenger of Hyogoya-san, please take care of our daughter.

Do you accept it, then?

Thank you! I'm glad I managed to visit you.

I ask you, please. I never thought she would go that far.

Do not laugh of the selfishness of a father.

How could she...

It's okay, it's okay. Life is a matter of luck, anyways.

A daimyo and a night beggar, both will have a laughing day.

You're an amazing man.

Why am I amazing?

If someone else told me what you did, I would have to cut him down.

Please don't do it!

I came here as a messenger. Cutting me down would be unreasonable.

Excuse me.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, sir.

He has a kind nature. Please forgive him.

He's an interesting man for sure.

Cutting someone down is not nice, though.

The daughter of Hyogoya-san is odd, but she is a good girl deep inside.

You can rely on her.

Can we take such a favor from the daughter of Hyogoya-san?

It's not much, you know? It's just...

Have you heard about the daughter of the store?

No, sir.

It's all right, isn't it, sir?

Do not worry. I know the people are doubting...

of what Saigo sensei is doing, but we, being under his tutelage,

are disgusted with the ignorance of people.

That's out of question.

The depression will be gone.

After the war, the economy will recover as well.

Tokyo Exhibitions...

That is the first step for the boom.

During next year, the stock markets in Tokyo and Osaka will be opened.

Hyogoya, this is the time for you to be patient.

Don't you think so?

I understand well, sir.

I'm a very determined man,

so I will buy and keep on buying until my store collapses.

In exchange, I'll wait for the prices to jump up.

To Hyogoya, this is the greatest gamble.

We should celebrate in advance for digging out a mine of money.

Why don't we go on a drinking spree?

Thank you.

Hey, lady-killer, what will you do for me?

After I returned from Tokyo, you don't give me any jobs.

The master speculates prices, the daughter plays shamisen,

and you write letters?

What will you do for me?

I have no time!

You're improving.

May I come in?

Wait a moment.

I got a letter from a client, Misakiya.

On our book, the load is to be delivered.

But they said the goods didn't arrive yet.

Oh, that one, huh?

I had an idea and passed it somewhere else.

I will tell Misakiya that myself.

Will that be okay?

No problem, I will pay back it twice soon.

Will you think about the store?

I asked you to negotiate the matter,

because I thought it'd be good for the store.

We haven't payed the warehouse dealers and others now.

We will not be able to manage the increasing debt.

I know, that's why I am running around and got 30 investors.

By using money that we didn't need to pay and establish a company.

How come we don't have a boat to load the goods?

What do you mean?

If we don't have a boat, we can't keep the clients that we had secured.

The orders we got are getting spoiled.

Don't worry, I have a plan.

No, that doesn't help.

Give me the money now.

Shut up!

It's not urgent, anyway.

Wait a little more.

The return will be ten times bigger.

We can buy a steamship later on.

Master, please stop daydreaming and care about your store.

We should wait quietly until Saigo-han starts a fight.

What?

Yes, sir. If it happens, the boats will be in short greatly.

- Our business... - Stop it, you know nothing!

But the public will...

Shut up! You are just an employee. Don't talk back to me!

Let me talk to the master myself, yes?

Let's continue.

Just ignore it.

Where did you apply the money from Misakiya-san?

Wherever I wanted.

Then, let me tell you something.

Omio! Omio!

Stop with the playing, yes? We're talking about an important matter.

This is not the time to play shamisen.

- Sister. - Don't worry.

Don't worry, tidy up the room.

Izulni-ya All oil wholesale store

Thank you. All right now.

Hey, was that one just now the master's lover?

- You idiot! - Idiot?

Sorry to keep you waiting.

I've been handling our product since morning. It smells.

Obsessing of cleanliness.

You did it again, did you?

Even you can do this job.

You don't know. When I work, I work hard.

I wanted to show you.

Is your business successful?

Since the advent of lamps, it's not that good.

It's still half oil, half paper lamps.

It makes our work difficult.

Seed oil is tasty, but after lamps arrived, it smells a lot.

That's not good.

I could marry you, but...

the idea of handling oil is not so nice.

People like you, who only care about themselves, will not stand any spouse.

I care about myself because nobody cares about me.

You are always doing what you want.

You can't say you are not cared at Hyogoya.

I was born just to keep the bloodline of Hyogoya.

So, they can't blame me if I do anything but that.

If I marry you, and have many children,

one of them will be the successor of Hyogoya.

Father is satisfied with that.

That's nonsense.

Sanji-san.

Have you ever thought you were born from someone's tool with no will?

Do you think such a person can be happy even if she's in a beautiful kimono?

Are you thinking about your natural mother?

So, you knew about it?

From whom did you hear that?

I'm not a child. I came to know it naturally.

What do you think about your natural mother?

She's a woman who is too good-natured to be used as a tool.

She alone was ashamed and ran away.

She is a coward.

Still, would you like to see her?

Don't say that.

Maybe it would be pleasant.

It's useless to think about it, though. I should think of myself alone.

When I wasn't aware of the circumstances of my birth,

I felt the world was beautiful and I had many things to do,

but since I found what my role is, I lost interest in everything.

I don't know what I should do now.

Eloping, setting fire, or throwing myself in the water.

Look, Omio-han, I want you to meet someone.

Who? Who do you want me to meet?

I was going to visit you about that.

It's a good occasion, so let's go.

Hey! Come here! I'm going out!

You are being rash. Who is this person?

It's okay, you'll see soon.

Did you call, sir?

Will you give me a kimono?

And an haori jacket, strings, tabi socks and geta footwear too.

What a cute girl!

Do you want me to buy one?

- How much? - What are you going to do with it?

- Is this okay? - Yes.

- Here you have. - It's fine, keep the change.

Thank you!

It suits you!

Don't upset me!

Where are you going? It's here.

- Such a place? - It's called Jukkenroji.

Jukkenroji? Isn't that the place where Shi-chan lives?

I want you to meet someone that lives in Shi-chan's house.

I have no business with Shi-chan's parents though.

All right. Be quiet and follow me.

- Excuse me. - Welcome, sir.

Thank you very much for everything.

There's no need to greet.

- Where's the master? - He's out, sir.

Is that so? That's even better.

If the master were at home, I'd have to ask you to come out.

Am I needed for something?

I want you to meet someone.

Omio-han, come in.

Wait!

Hey! Hey! Omio-han!

Thank you for earlier, miss.

Come on! Don't rush out so suddenly.

Gosh, I'm sweating.

Is that my real mother?

She is living together with Shi-chan's father.

Don't follow me.

Good bye!

Where have you been until now?

Spending her time, I suppose.

Welcome home. You came back so late.

Don't you want to have dinner?

Everyone has already had it, but I wanted to eat with you, so I waited.

You go eat. I don't want to.

- Something happened? - Nothing, I just told you to eat.

Wait.

What is it?

After you have dinner, will you do an errand for me?

Where to?

To Izumiya-san in Yotsubashi, you know where it is.

While you're eating, I'll write a letter, and you'll go deliver it.

But if I go now, I'll have to walk back in the dark.

- You don't want it? - That's not what I meant.

- But it's not a nice thing to ask, sister. - Don't call me "sister".

Just go eat your dinner.

How was she behaving when she got back home? Was she acting differently?

I never saw her behaving like this.

- How does she treat you usually? - She always treats me good.

The master and madam do not share a word with me throughout the day,

but she cared about me a lot.

I might have done something uncalled for.

Something happened today?

I have done something stupid.

I was absent-minded and have done something without thinking.

What was that, sir?

I heard her crying when she wrote the letter.

I don't want anything bad to happen.

I don't think that such a thing will happen.

The only way she expresses her sorrow is by being mad.

That's why I'm worried. I hope you can do something.

It's out of my reach already.

I can't do anything but watch her quietly in the distance.

If I do something now, that will complicate things further.

So, while this is going on, it's better if you stay here for a while.

What?

In this letter, she asked me to keep you temporarily.

So this is related with me, after all?

No, no, it has nothing to do with you.

But... I'm almost sure.

There was something suspicious.

What is it?

She yelled at me when I called her "sister".

"Sister"? Have you been calling her that?

That's because she insisted.

And I also wanted to call her that way.

"Sister", huh?

I think you know something more. I'm certain of it.

So, please tell me.

If she doesn't like to be called like that, I'll stop doing it.

Is this really something I shouldn't know about?

Frankly, I don't know what to do.

I can't guess what a woman is thinking.

- I'm leaving. - What are you doing?

I am in charge of you. And I told your parents that you are...

in custody of Hyogoya, so I'm responsible for you.

It doesn't matter. Leave me alone.

Hey, where are you going?

Just leave me alone!

It's enough. Go back inside now.

If I let you go, I will be killed by your father.

It's fine, I don't care anymore.

That's absurd! Don't you mind if I am killed?

You must have something against me, then.

That's not true.

Wherever I go, I only create trouble for people.

A woman like me shouldn't be anywhere.

That way, father could do whatever he wanted,

the Miss of Hyogoya would be fine without me,

and I'm sure you'd be fine without me as well.

I wanted to do be a good person, but...

I found myself always doing something wrong.

So a woman like me should not be close to anyone.

I was wrong.

I could have told everything to you.

I will tell you everything I know. Please calm down.

Come now.

Hey, what are you thinking about?

Nothing.

Don't hide it. It's about Shino, isn't it?

All right.

I will bring her.

- Don't go, I beg you. - I'll go.

- I can't stand it either. - Don't go!

- If you insist, I'll go myself.. - Hey.

What's the matter?

Why are you stopping me? Last time, you said you didn't want to go there.

I see.

You know something, as I suspected.

I will do the washing, sir.

No, it may sound strange, but I want to wash my clothes by myself.

Oh my!

So, you now know why the maids come in often but do not stay long.

I will try to do a satisfactory job.

Since you came here, the house looks so clean.

Father is very pleased, as well as me.

I hope that is true. But even if it's a lie, I'm glad to hear it.

It's true, for sure. He told me to forget Omio-han and marry you.

When will you marry my sister, by the way?

Don't ask me. I don't know!

I am prohibited to visit her since then.

It's the same for me. I don't know when she'll want to see me again.

Do you still want to see her?

Because she's my real sister...

I definitely want to.

- Is that so? - I want to!

Sometimes, I tried to visit her secretly.

But you told me to wait.

Yes, I think you should wait a bit more. Give me the soap.

I feel sorry for my sister.

I understand her feelings.

Behind her back, me and father stole her mother.

Sometimes, you say some really terrible things.

Sanji.

Sagamiya-san in Kawachi sent us an express messenger.

- Is it all right if I give him the goods? - That's okay.

We can't collect their debt other way.

We can't help it.

Is that so? If you say so, it's all right.

Oshino-han, you work so hard everyday!

- But I... - No, no, you're helping us a lot.

Have you heard it? Saigo-han did it at last.

Huh?

The newspapers say that he started a war against...

the new government by surrounding Kumamoto castle.

Thanks to that, the rice market is a mess!

- That's bad. - What's wrong?

What happened, huh?

Father!

Oshino-han is the daughter of Osoyo-san?

Is that so? What a surprise!

I didn't know that at all!

I don't think anyone knew, but what a coincidence that is.

As you know,

she worked as a geisha before, so I guess she had something in her past.

I was prepared for that.

But I never imagined these shameful events that would involve you as well.

Now that I've heard it all, I feel relieved.

That's why I'm visiting to show you my gratitude.

I'm glad you came to visit.

The thing about Osoyo-han was done with my agreement.

If she kept staying here, I'd end up taking care of her as well.

But she disappeared recently.

I think that's in her nature.

Now she's making her mother and me worry, feeling uneasy at home.

She is not favored by nature.

Where are you living now?

Komatsubashi-minamizume, the so called Jukkenroji.

It's as you can see.

You're the father of Shi-chan, am I right?

Indeed I am. Are you perhaps Omiyo-san?

Thank you for taking care of my daughter.

- You came for money, right? - That's a rude thing to say!

It's true that I want money, but...

that's not the reason for my visit.

I'm giving money to you, so leave now!

- Leave now! - Omio!

This is my house and I don't want visitors like you.

When I watch you, your wife and Shi-chan, I feel sick to my stomach!

Never come again! Leave!

Wait!

He did it, he did it!

Saigo-han has surrounded Kumamoto castle.

Omio-san, let me take this money!

I am beyond all sense of shame now!

Dear, where are you going?

Satsuma, of course.

Do you have money for traveling?

Wait, you need preparation for travel.

No need. It will be the place where I'll die. Move!

Dear!

I was given money by the daughter of Hyogoya. Be well!

Dear!

Shino.

Good day.

Were the debts settlement interesting?

No, I found nothing good.

You should have bought hina-dolls or something!

Is that snow?

Yes, it is.

Mr. Hairdresser, my doll which costed 12-yen, was sold for 80-sen only.

Father's precious hanging scrolls and tea objects were sold for nothing too.

When we lost a fortune, everything loses its value.

I guess we never know the ups and downs of life.

Even Hyogoya-san met such misfortune, I don't know what will happen to us.

Everything is transient. We can't help it.

But now, you can finally do a tsubushi hairstyle on me.

Don't say that. I told you I wanted...

to do a tsubushi hairstyle on you, but not in this kind of circumstance.

Take it easy. From now on, I'll need your help.

When I go to Kuruwa, be sure to introduce me around.

Sure. I'd do that even if you didn't ask me, you know?

I talk about you at every tea-house I visit. I'm already advertising you.

Thank you. If I become successful, I'll reward you.

Don't be silly. What kind of reward?

You've been so nice to me for so long, it's time for me to help you back.

But I wish I wasn't needed on this occasion.

The young master of lzumiya and Oshino-san are visiting.

Are you still staying with us?

I have to wear a kimono now.

Ask Sanji-san to wait, and call Shi-chan here.

Yes.

You can leave too. Our situation will not get better.

They were working hard while this house was getting bankrupted.

I feel sorry for them.

The miss will be wearing her kimono, so she asked Oshino-san to come alone.

I see. Thank you.

Go ahead. Don't cry, okay?

No tears.

You've gained weight since you went to Izumiya.

Your skin color is good also.

- Do you think so? - Are they treating you well?

Mr. Hairdresser.

She's a good girl, isn't she?

- She's my sister. - Wow, is she really?

She is beautiful too.

I wouldn't want her to be a geisha.

I know. We can't make everyone turn into a geisha.

You becoming one is enough.

I will go to Shinmachi from now. Will you help me dress my kimono?

Mr. Hairdresser, please start.

Excuse me. I came to receive from Kugetsu in Shinmachi.

Ah, welcome.

What's wrong? You look depressed.

It's as if your shop got bankrupted!

I heard you were in bed. Are you fine now?

When your life changes, you can't be sick for long.

I visited many times, but you pushed me out.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Really sorry.

But I'm fine. Don't worry about it.

I was almost your wife. I should have married sooner.

You made me wait for nothing. What about now?

It's too late now. I have a lot of things to do.

I'll restart my life.

You are not afraid to live anymore?

So many things happened at the same time. That cleared my thoughts.

People say we become wiser when we get poor.

When I become a geisha, I'll become rich. Right, Mr. Hairdresser?

Yes, excuse me.

Don't you run away!

Good day, sir. Thanks for your continued support.

- Thank you for everything. - It was nothing.

I have something to ask you.

I'm listening. What is it?

Take care of that girl.

- And her mother too. - I will.

If you like, keep her for life.

I think I know her feelings without having to ask.

I wonder about that.

I will leave now. Take care.

Please stay there.

If you see me off, it'll be harder to part.

- Sorry I kept you waiting. - No problem.

- Rain is starting to fall. - Yes, unfortunately.

THE END Subtitles: kagetsuhisoka@KG Translation: Maya Grohn