Original subtitles

The Story of the Late Chrysanthemums

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi Produced by Nobutaro Shirai

Original Story by Shofu Muramatsu

Adapted by Matsutaro Kawaguchi

Screenplay by Yoshikata Yoda

Period Consultant: Sheikichi Terakado

Art Director: Hiroshi Mizutani

Director of Photograhy: Shigeto Miki

Music: Shiro Fukai

Cast

Shotaro Hanayagi as Kikunosuke Onoe

Kokichi Takada as Fukusuke Nakamura

Gonjuro Kawarazaki as Kikugoro V

Kakuko Mori as Otoku

Tokusaburo Arashi as Shikan Nakamura

Yoko Umemura as Kikugoro V's wife

YEAR 1888 THEATER SHINTOGI (TOKYO)

I hold a grudge against you

You were born as a human

The time has come to take revenge on you

I am vengeful!

Now is the time

Take this!

Give me some remedy

I'll push you into the river

You'll be eaten by kites and die

That was terrible

Learn from him

You'll never be any good

You drew the curtain too soon!

Move over!

Useless, every one of them. Useless!

Kikunosuke's no good!

He's a born loser

But he's still young, master

And you were born good, master

Morita is the one!

I'm going to make him my successor

- Bring Kiku here - Kikunosuke?

- Yes, now! - Yes, sir

People say that since your son was born...

...you have turned you back on your adopted son

You mustn't scold him so

- Is this the 210th day? - It was rough going!

Really bad

He was especially bad today

The best he can do is boil bath-water

Father, you called for me?

- Kikunosuke! - Please, master...

How was I today?

He's very happy with you, because you were good

Aren't you, master?

Don't worry about it

Just keep training hard and you'll make it

I'm very grateful, father

What's wrong, Kiku?

How was I today?

Well...

- You're my friend - Then tell me the truth

You were good, very good!

Really?

I wonder

Fuku, let's go to Yanagibashi, my treat

Sorry, I'm busy tonight. Another time

- You're going to Teishin? - Yes

I saw you earlier

Thank you

Kikugoro is such a brilliant actor

So what's wrong with his son?

As they say, good father, bad son

Still, he's very popular, isn't he?

Nobody ever criticises him, that's why he doesn't get any better

He's spoiled

He's inherited the great name of Kikunosuke from his adoptive father

That's all it is

That's the only reason he's so popular

He's basking in his father's glory. Isn't that so?

Listen

Is he here?

Wecome, Kikunosuke. How long have you been here?

I didn't know

The new play is a great success

Everybody's been talking about you

So young and so good

I'm going home

That's a pity, because Eiryu will be here soon

And she so wants to see you

She'll be very disappointed

Why, here she is!

Eiryu, you are late

I came as soon as I could

Now he's angry because you're late

Don't blame me

Even the gods will abandon you one day

I'm so sorry

Are you angry with me?

But you're not angry any more, are you?

Leave me alone!

Oh, you're so unkind

But I understand

How could you be happy with someone like me?

I'm an old maid

I know how popular you are with the girls

Please be quiet

I can't

I've already been boasting about you and me to all the others

So if I can't marry you, I'll have to leave Yanagibashi

I'll have to leave town altogether

I'll leave Tokyo!

Because you made me lose face

You mean it's my duty to marry you to spare you the emarrassment?

Good evening

I thought you'd given up on him

You said so the other day

Did you forget?

That's not like you

Or have you simply lost your mind altogether?

And what about you?

Anyway, you're rude, barging into my room unannounced

Oh, so sorry

But could I ask you a question?

Why do I need your permission to come and see my boyfriend?

But between you and me...

Listen, Eiryu, everyone in Yanagibashi knows what you are

So don't put on airs

You know what they say

If you really want him so much...

...I'll let you have him

I don't mind

You don't have to go behind my back

You won't get away with it

Remember that

Take him away if you can

I'm not merchandise! Get out!

I'm so sorry about that, Onaka

You really walked into a trap here

Shall we start drinking all over again?

Oh, get out!

Serves you right!

Wecome home, sir

Otoku, what are you doing here at this time?

The baby's disturbed

He can't sleep in this heat

Let me off here

Go home now

Goodnight

He's a troublesome child, isn't he?

No, he's very good, usually

But he's not well tonight

He's got an upset tummy

But he's usually so healthy

Is father asleep?

He's still up. He's reading a new play

Damn

What time is it?

It's 2 already

He'll be going to bed soon. Let's stay in the cool air

Wind bells! Here, let me have one

Which one would you like?

One with a nice sound

I'll take this one

Thank you, sir

- Here you are - Thank you

Sounds nice, doesn't it?

There, he's not cross any more

I went to see you in the play today

Did you?

I took the baby home with me

Auntie was there

She was saying nasty things about your acting

I'm your baby brother's nurse...

...so it made me angry

But I'd never seen your latest play

So I went to see it on the way home

How was I?

Don't let your admirers' praise go to your head

You see, I watched you act

Was I bad?

Well...

Was I that bad?

I had to agree with Auntie

I don't care if you get angry, I'm going to be honest

Please...

One day soon, you will become Kikugoro the 6th...

...and it's only natural for you to enjoy youreslf sometimes...

...and find pleasure in the adulation of your admiring public

But you must not forget that you are an artist

As your father says:

your art is your life

Without it...

...even Kikugoro the 6th is just an ordinary man

Sorry to be so impudent

Thank you. Nobody ever said such things to me before

Don't mention it

Since I've already been rude, I shall continue

Please keep training hard and become a great actor

Then your father will be proud of you

You'll be his true successor

The evening dew will dampen the baby's clothes

It'll soon be dawn

We'd better go in

It'll be all right. Follow me

Please forgive me for speaking so impudently

- Otoku? - Yes

Thank you

- Has he gone to sleep at last? - Yes

I wonder where Kikunosuke is

He came home earlier. He's sleeping

You can go to bed now

I say, Matsu...

Was it last year when you fell into the river?

Two years ago

You struck a very impressive pose in the water

The master told me to do it again because I looked better in the water

He's cruel!

Auntie, where's Kiku?

He went out on his own to avoid the crowds

How is he these days?

He no longer goes gallivanting around town as he used to

He now comes straight home

He ignored my advice, then

But do you know the reason he's not here tonight?

What is it?

Otoku isn't here either

She's at home with the baby

We felt the fireworks would upset him

Is that what you think? Well, you're wrong

- You mean... - Don't be ridiculous

It can't be true

Be careful what you say!

Aren't you going to see the fireworks?

I don't enjoy them

I don't like the noise

Would you like to have something cool to eat?

We have watermelons

On the other hand, we should wait for the others to get back

- How many watermelons are there? - Five

So we can have one, then

Would you like some?

- Is it cold? - Yes

They've been cooled all day

It's big, it must be heavy

I'll cut it

Will you? Thank you

It's cold, really cold

I knew it would be

Otoku, come and help me

Hold it down

Good, isn't it?

Hold this for me

I'll do the rest

It's a good one

- Where are you going? - To the annexe

Here is fine

- But... - Yes, we'll eat here together

As you say

Let's salt it

And eat it

Don't be shy

Let's eat together

It's delicious

Go on, eat

Let me remove the pips

Listen, Otoku

Because everyone always praises me to my face...

...and says bad things behind my back

You were the first ever to criticise me

I'm very happy...

...that you're so happy

The geisha and all those other girls like me...

...just because I'm Kikugoro's son

They don't give a fig about my art

If I weren't Kikugoro's son, nobody would have noticed me

That made me feel so lonely

So when you talked to me the other day, I was happy

For the first time in my life I felt really happy

It was like drinking cool water...

...when you're on a long hike in the mountains

So I've been feeling truly happy on stage lately

Now I can act for you, feeling you're there

Your presence makes me feel secure and confident on stage

I'm going to be a great actor

I'm just beginning to feel I might be

What's wrong?

I'm touched because what I said makes you as happy as that

I'll work very hard from now on

And I'll do my best to help and encourage you

I'll do everything I can for you

Thank you, Otoku

- It was so hot - We should have stayed at home

Welcome home

Onaka!

What were you doing?

Mending the collar of his night kimono

Go home, Otoku

I'm firing you

Why?

You'd better not ask

The baby's so attached to me

And I didn't do anything wrong

Lady, it's because of him, isn't it?

You have nothing to worry about

I'm completely innocent

Nevertheless...

Why are you being so kind to him?

What's behind it?

Is it because you hope that if things go well for you...

...he'll end up marrying you?

Is that it?

That's a terrible thing to say

Kikunosuke is an innocent boy

So stop teasing him

How terrible that you would think me capable of that

That certainly shouldn't be a reason to send me away

So what kind of relationship is it?

I just want to do whatever I can to help him...

...so he can become a good actor

But that's not a maid's job

He's got a great actor in his father, Kikugoro

And he's got me as well

No, his father lives only for acting

What I'm trying to say is...

...that I can be a nurse for his acting

That's my job, not yours

All you need to do is nurse the baby

You forget your place, and you are too ambitious

People are already talking about it and that's bad enough

So you're fired

Here's the hat

Kikunosuke, are you ready?

There are lots of very distinguished guests here today

And some actors too

So make sure you behave yourself as befits a son of your father

Good morning

Lady, where are the baby's clothes?

In the third drawer

I'll be with you in a minute

Mother

Where's Otoku?

I sent her away

Why?

You know why

- Wait. Have you seen Kiku? - He just rushed out

Oh, dear!

I'm sorry. Kikunosuke's gone

- Come home straight away - Yes, sir

- No - Is she out?

Wait. Is Otoku here?

- I don't know - Where is she?

She's not staying with us

Wait a minute

Wait

Take this

It's all right, just tell me where she is

- She's gone to a relative's house - Where is it?

I don't know

Just a minute

I'll be back tomorrow. Can you find out by then?

Goodbye

Excuse me

Are you Otoku from Iriya...

...by any chance?

Yes, why?

I sell tea at the shrine

I had a customer today who asked me to come and bring you with me

Who could it be?

- She's over there - So she came?

Otoku!

How did you find out where I was?

It wasn't easy

I found your house but couldn't go in

So I stopped a servant who was sent on an errand and...

- Kanekichi? - Yes

He was told to say nothing, to keep your whereabouts secret

But yesterday, I finally talked him into telling me

You went to so much trouble just for me?

I'd just found a real friend, only to have her taken away from me

I was lonely

Young master...

You made me very happy

But if we see each other often, they'll find out

It's not good for you

So we mustn't see each other again

I don't want that

No, we mustn't

We've been accused of something we didn't do

If we keep meeting...

...it will be true

I don't care, Otoku

I want to marry you

No, it cannot be

That would ruin your future

You're still young

I'm just a house-painter's daughter

That's got nothing to do with us

You would have to leave your home

I'll leave home, then

Kikunosuke, come here

Kikunosuke!

Come closer

Who's the girl you met today?

Everybody is saying you have been a fine son to me

You act well and you behave well

They say you are a worthy successor and that makes me very happy

So this news worries me

You should respect my decision

We sacked Otoku...

...because she was bad for you

Then you go after her and meet her...

...despite your own father's objections

If you won't heed my words, I'll have to take action

Tell me exactly how you feel about her

Kikunosuke

You mustn't worry your father

Think why you are so popular

They all make a fuss of you as the young master...

...only because of your father

It can be forgiven because you're so innocent...

...and you think that everyone is as innocent and honest as you

...just because you are the successor

She's not like that

You just don't know women very well

You're wrong!

You just don't know any girls apart from geishas and their kind

- They're all the same - No!

Otoku is different. She is pure and sincere

No matter! You have to obey your parents

Kikunosuke, come here!

Come

I'm quite determined about Otoku

But your father doesn't want to be publically shamed

Otoku was your baby brother's nurse

She's agreed to give you up

So it's only you who is making things so difficult

None of you believe it, but our relationship is pure

I'm very glad to hear it

You shouldn't have sent Otoku away

You shamed her and destroyed my happiness for no reason

Kiku, do you know what people are saying?

They think you're in love with a nursemaid...

...and that the family is angry

Your father has been far too kind to you...

...not to have thrown you out altogether...

...even though he has his own son now

So you'd better think of him more...

...and work a little harder

Kikunosuke

An actor must be adored by his public

Only then can he shine

You're only just beginning to acquire that adoration

I'm tired of adoration

I'd be glad if it was for my own merit

But I'm living in my father's shadow

That's a terrible thing to say

I don't want to be "the 6th"

And I don't need the family name

- I want to try on my own - You'll be helpess on your own

I'll prove that I can do it

Take your selfish arrogance and get out!

Apologise at once!

Apologise to him now!

Father, I beg you

Let me marry Otoku

Please, father

I beg you!

Silence!

Kikunosuke!

Osato!

Good evening

Who's there?

Is Otoku here?

Who are you?

My name is Terajima

Otoku isn't here

Where is she?

Look here, we've been given strict instructions

We can't let you see her

That's all I can say

Shut the doors!

Excuse me

- Please take this to the girl - Certainly

And bring back her answer

Young master

I think you were wrong

You were much too harsh with your father

Matsu!

But we'll talk about it later

Just come home now, please

I promise you that I, Matusuke, will take care of it all

But you must come back and apologise before it's too late

I can't apologise

And I won't go back

I see

In that case...

...come and stay at my place

Let me hear all about it and how you feel about the girl...

...and then we'll decide what to do

Come, young master, please come with me

Let's go

If you insist on doing your own thing...

...then go and make yourself a fine actor

Tamizo is a brave family man

He'll be happy to take you in

But remember

You shouldn't be too dependent on his kindness

You must work and train very hard

Do you understand?

Let's go

Kiku-chan!

I heard you're going away

I beg you, come back home now, please

You don't understand

But you mustn't anger your father so

You must consider your name and family

Say no more. I've had enough

Let me come with you...

...and apologise to him

It's too late

I'm on my own now

And I'll come back successful

Where is she?

Who? Otoku?

Matsu, did they tell her to stay away from me?

I don't know

Well, goodbye

Won't you change your mind?

Don't try to stop him

Please forgive me

Take care of yourself

You too. Goodbye

Young master, keep well

Goodbye

One year later

- Where are my sandals? - I don't know

Watch out!

I'm sorry, I was trying to get my sandals

Thank you

What's wrong?

I know the young master is backing him...

...but the boy's reputation is not good

Maybe we should give the role to someone else

Tamizo is backing him. Let him do it

- But... - It's all right

Let him play it

- What else? - No, I'll go

Uncle

How do you feel?

Well, thank you

I've come back to life

I'm no ordinary old man

Doctor, I'm getting better, right?

Uncle

My acting is not getting any better

I'm afraid I must be a terrible burden to you

Don't be silly

Don't worry about what the others think

Let me tell you this: an actor cannot improve...

...if he gets too much praise too soon

None of us was any good when we were young

We just stay aboard and keep paddling

Thank you, master

Tamizo is at your side

Thank you

It looks like it's going to rain, so I thought I'd bring this

Very kind, thank you

Kiku-chan, what's bothering you?

Tamizo...

I'm no good

You and uncle always stand up for me

He's just cheered me up once more

But I feel I should go away

Where would you go?

I'm not good enough for your theatre

So I'll join a touring troupe

Or, Otsuru, maybe I should ask your father to train me...

...and become a masseur

Listen, Tami-chan

When you are young...

...it's so easy to waste your time

You must keep training in your art and do it well

Otsuru, I'm going home

Goodbye, then

Young master, they want your hairpin

Then give it to them

Young master!

When did you come?

Just now

I came here straight away to see you on the stage

That is a surprise

I didn't expect you

We didn't know you had a secret sweetheart

Why didn't you come to Osaka with me?

Your family told my parents not to let me out of the house

I thought so

But when I heard of your troubles, I couldn't take it any more...

...so I ran away

I've been very unpopular in every role I've played here

I completely lost faith in myself this last year

This wouldn't have happened if you'd been with me

If you hadn't arrived tonight, I would have been gone for good

It's all my fault

I had confidence when I left Tokyo

But now I know - I'm just no good

That's not true

I can see the improvement you made

No one else could see that

You've acquired a quality you never had before

You mustn't give up now

What you were unable to do in Tokyo...

...you've managed to acheive here in Osaka

Do you really think so? I hope you're right

I am, so keep up your spirits

I will

This is it

- I'm home - Welcome

Welcome

Come in

I'm surprised you live in such a place

Thank you!

There's the cushion - it's for you

Is that all you brought?

There's more. But I left my things at the station

We'll go and get them tomorrow

Can I stay here?

Of course, we are married now

No, I just want to help you become really good and then take you home

Then what?

Then...

I don't know

Don't be so distant

Have some

The play's over

You can tell by that drum

it's all different from Tokyo

Won't you rest a little?

You need it

But I promised to have this finished by noon

I wish you didn't have to do this kind of work...

...but it won't be long now

Bear with me

Don't worry

Look, Otoku...

Gonta and Koremori can be great roles

And Yoshitsune are family plays, right?

So if I perform these roles well I might change my bad reputation

Of course, I'm sure you will

I can do it

I'm sure this time

I'm sure too

- The furniture's arrived - Really?

Be careful

I don't mind if you get hurt, but don't scratch the mirror

Don't say that!

Can't you be a bit more careful?

I'm sorry

Take it back down, please

Will you came here for a minute?

It's wonderful Where did you get it?

It's for you

To be a good actor...

...you need a proper dressing-table

It's wonderful

I'm so happy

It's a lovely mirror

- Can't I have one like it? - Impossible

What about money?

Don't worry about it

I sold things I didn't need

Thank you

Otoku is an admirable woman and very resourceful

Excuse me!

Kiku-chan, it's terrible! The master has died

Uncle?

But yesterday he was...

It was so sudden, we're all shocked

I'm worried

We had to make a few changes in the cast

I'm sorry about that, but...

...we have to lay you off

I'm sorry

I know it will be hard for you, as you were counting on these roles

We've got Onishi's travelling troupe here

It will bring us more business

Please think about it

Well, what do you think?

I'm sorry

With old Tamizo dead, our theatre feels like a funeral

It must be a great shock to you

Won't you come with us?

We'll give you an advance

Good pay - the best!

How much advance?

Let me see... 15 yen?

How about it?

Here you are

Can't you stay and train in Osaka in stead of going on the road?

I don't want to leave, but what about next month?

Without uncle, there's nothing we can achieve in Osaka

All we can do is quit

And I'm sure you'll enjoy it too

- Don't you agree? - Definitely

Four years later

- That's not enough - That's all we've got

We can't work under these conditions

Then quit!

Can you go without your leading actors?

We can get on very well wihout any of you!

You're just ham actors

Go wherever you like!

All right, I will. Give me my wages.

I don't have them

Don't be like that

Fighting again?

They waste time over money...

...but what about the play?

I hate it

I know we shouldn't be in a travelling troupe

It's been four years

You picked a bad man to share your life with

You can always leave

It's for you that I feel like this

I can't bear to see you wasting yourself on this touring

It's none of your business, I like it

I'm doing all right

They like anything you do, it's fun

Forget it and give me some money

Going out?

Out to enjoy myself

There's no money!

But we got some yesterday

I put it aside to buy you new socks and underwear. Yours are too old

Give it to me

You've changed so much

There you go again

I don't need your advice

Can't you speak nicely to me once in a while?

Don't forget how you felt when you left Tokyo

How did I feel?

It's a lost dream

Give me that money

I will not

You were going to make it on your own

You said so yourself

So I have, haven't I?

I can play any part, even children's roles

You won't listen to me

- Give it here - No!

It's all your fault

Here

I'm so sorry

Forgive me

Go out and enjoy yourself

Aren't you going out?

Then go to your room and sleep

Otoku

Keep this money

But...

Take it!

Listen, everybody!

Something terrible has happened

We were told to leave

But there are days left in our contract

You're unpopular, so you're out and women wrestlers are in

Who do you think you are?

We're human beings

So let's talk like human beings

Talk?

Get out of here!

- Where's our manager? - Wait!

From what we hear, he's run away

- Who are you? - Women wrestlers

We weren't told anything about it

Maybe not, but your manager made a deal with us

This man says you're leaving tonight

Forget about them. You there, get busy

Wait till the manager gets here

I don't have time

Get to work. Now!

- Listen to me! - Where is your manager?

Listen, the manager and the boss have run off

You see? You talk too much

Move over, you're in our way

How dare you?

Get out of here!

What shall we do?

What are you going to do?

There's nothing we can do but go to the director's place and talk to him

Nice to have a place to go to

Are you staying?

Five sen for two

This way

1 sen and 8 rin for bedding

You must have caught a cold

You should take more care

I saw an advert for a play today

It's a Tokyo drama

A drama?

They charge 1 yen 20

That's a month's food money

Where is it?

In Nagoya, Suehiroza

Who's in it?

Shikan... and Fukusuke...

Wonderful!

This is a gift from the gods

You can go and see Fukusuke and talk to him

I can't. I won't let Fuku see me like this

Maybe he'll give you a part

He won't

He might have done if I were still in Osaka

But not in the state I'm in now

But you've improved

I don't think your acting's got worse

People say that if you do well in Nagoya...

...your next step will be Tokyo

You'll come back victorious

It's time to put it to the test

Please try

It's no use. You can't go asking favours from an old friend

He wouldn't see it like that

You should know how things go by now

I'll just have to stay on the road. It's easier

What about all that work and the training? It'll all be wasted

Forget it

At least we can still eat

Our luck will soon change, you'll see

What's wrong?

Are you ill?

This is terrible

Wait here! I'll go and buy some medicine

- Someone to see you - Who is it?

She says it's about Mr Terajima

Did you say Terajima?

It's Otoku!

How is Kikunosuke? Is he here too?

I've come about him

Please, come in

It's been hard, then?

The hard times have helped his art

Even I can see how much he's developed and improved

It's obvious that no matter how good one is...

...it doesn't count if you don't carry a great family name

Please, won't you help him get back to Tokyo?

He'll get worse if he keeps going as he is now

He desperately needs help now. Please help him

I beg you

We've had news of him

Father and I have tried to speak to master on Kiku's behalf

But master kept saying Kiku was useless and no good as an actor

You see, Kiku made master lose face

What about giving him a part in our play?

If he's really good, I'm sure master will reconsider and relent

Please, father

Which part could he play?

He could do Sumizome, replacing me

That's crazy

After his low-grade work with the travelling troupe...

...he could never tackle such a big role

The public would never accept it

- Don't you agree, young master? - I do

But if you let him...

If you and young master give your permission, I'm sure he will manage

Please give him a chance

- Please, young master! - Fuku!

Yes, I agree

- You agree? - Yes, I do

Thank you

Look, lady, if he does well...

...I'll go and talk to his father myself

I'll try to persuade him to take Kiku back

That's what you want for him too, isn't it?

Yes, more than anything in the world

If he's still no good, there's nothing I can do for him

But, lady, if he is good... will you give him back to the family?

Otoku-san

This is a very hard thing I have to demand of you

You mean, we have to part?

Yes, I'm prepared to do that

Stop here!

Kikunosuke, wake up

Kiku-chan

Fuku-chan

- You did that? - Kiku-chan...

We have a lot to catch up, but I want you to come with me now

Who is this woman?

How did she get here?

Where did you come from?

I come from Shimoku-machi

Who are you? What is your name?

Sumizome is my name

Sumizome?

They named you after this cherry blossom?

A fine name

This is a game

We both know that

Truth...

And lies

Play on charm

With hidden intention

If that is so...

...we must part here

- You really amazed me - Thank you

- You did very well - With your help

Kiku-chan, that was very good, you were excellent

- You did very well - Really?

- I'm sure your father will be pleased - Thank you

Thank you, uncle

I'm so happy. It was an excellent performance

Fuku-chan, this is all due to your kindness. I'll never forget it

No, it's all due to your hard work and training

Go on, take off your wig now

Now you can go back to Tokyo in great style

It will be wonderful news for your father

Every boy should be sent on such a hard journey

Otoku!

We can go home!

Really?

And I want to go home, as you'll be coming with me

It's hard to believe, isn't it?

I never dreamed this would happen

It's true

My honour is vindicated

I worked hard so I could go back to Tokyo...

...but I never thought I'd have so much praise

I knew it

I knew you'd be good today, I never doubted it

I knew you would amaze them all

And they were amazed

This is the reward for all your hardship

It's been such a long, hard journey

Hasn't it?

Even so...

...I was so anxious I couldn't bear to watch you perform

I just stood under the stage the whole time...

...and prayed

Funny, isn't it?

So now you really are happy

All is well, then

You can go back to Tokyo with your head held high

Are you well?

I'm happy and so relieved

Let's celebrate

Excuse me!

I want to order a real feast for two

With all the trimmings

Everything must be fresh

- And plenty of sake! - Is that all?

Are you sure we can afford all that?

We musn't be extravagant, you know

Sir, this came for you

Of course we can afford it, because we're so happy

You can be your old selfish self again

I ordered this for you

You can't go to Tokyo dressed like that

Well, do you like it?

It suits you

Such a pretty pattern

Start sewing it now. It must be finished by our last performance

You must get ready

You'll be leaving soon

You're right

I'll go now

I'll thank them and come right back

There, Otoku, we'll start our celebration together then

Don't worry

I'll be right back

Take care

Otoku's gone!

- Where's Otoku? - She was there just now

Kiku-chan!

She's left this letter for you

Was it you, Fuku-chan? You told her to leave me

You tricked me, saying we were going together

It was me, Kiku-chan. I told her to let you go

Why, young master? Why did you do that?

Just sit down and listen

She'd already made up her mind

We both wanted you back in Tokyo

And now that you've proved yourself...

...your father will take you back

But not if you are with Otoku

- That is my business - But, Kiku-chan

But what?

You don't know how Otoku really feels about it

- Don't I? - You don't

Stop this!

Kikunosuke is probably right

You have the wrong idea about our relationship

I can never be happy if I have to go to Tokyo without Otoku

Listen, Kiku-chan!

You've been through a lot

But on your own, you'll always be stuck at the bottom

As Otoku said: a family name is very important in the theatre

Under the name of Kikugoro, you will shine in Tokyo

If you want to succeed, you must accept the demands of your public

Without her, success means nothing

I want to be with her always

I'll keep looking until I find her

Listen to me

Think of how Otoku must feel

What about her?

The hard life on the road has drained her strength

Now that my luck has changed, I want to give her a good life

Listen, Kikunosuke

You must obey her wishes

Otoku wants you to go to Tokyo and excel in your art

It's what she wants. That would give her the greatest happiness

Don't go looking for her

I'm not asking you to do it for us

Do it for Otoku

Fuku-chan

Why would she want it that way?

For five long years we lived through such hardship and suffering

Her love and kindness always soothed my pain away

I could go through anything with her

Oh, foolish Otoku

Why have you gone?

Where are you now?

Otsuru!

Uncle

Who is there?

Sister!

It's you , sister

I'll get a light

We didn't know where you were, you never wrote

It's good to see that you are well

Where's Kikunosuke?

We had to part

You have parted?

Why?

I didn't enjoy living with him any more

You have changed so much. You look different

Really?

Yes, I must have changed

It's the first time for six years that I've seen you happy

Even the air feels fresher, and I feel lighter

Uncle playing the lion king with Fukusuke as the cub

That's what Kiku wanted

- I'm relying on you - And I rely on you

Morita-san

After we finish our run here, how about going to Osaka?

- Do you really think so? - Yes. Don't you think it's a good idea?

Well, try it

Kikunosuke is very popular there, and having succeeded here...

why not succeed not in Osaka?

Good idea. I'm Sure that Kikunosuke will also think so.

Why not close the deal before we change our minds?

- Are you ready? - Absolutely!

It's decided then

How you've grown!

Who are you?

Don't you know me?

No!

No wonder

Is that an offering?

Yes, New Year is over

Kikunosuke, what are you doing here? They're all waiting for you

I pushed my cub...

...from the top of the mountain

He went through trials and tribulations to test his strength

He has no experience...

...but having gone through much hardship...

...we are together again

The plants celebrate the two lions' reunion

No matter what you say

We never gave up hope

What a happy outcome

Look!

They are carrying a lantern with your name on it

You know Osaka very well

Will you show us the town between shows?

Kikunosuke!

Osaka is your second home

So you should be at the front of the boat parade today

You'll stand on your own at the front and greet your public

- Where are you going? - I must see Kikunosuke

I have some business with him

Let him come

I know Kikunosuke personally

Kiku-chan!

Why, you've become so fine!

It's been so long. You did so much for me

- But Otoku... - That's why I am here

She's staying with us

She's at your place?

She's not at all well

It's been getting worse since the start of the rainy season

She wouldn't let us tell you about her

But the doctor says she might die tonight

So I had to come and tell you

I know there have been many problems between you...

...but you must come with me to see her now

But...

Come and see her before it's too late

Kiku...

...go and see your wife!

An actor can't achieve his art by talent and hard work alone

Skill is not enough

Otoku helped you, not sparing herself

If it hadn't been for her, you wouldn't be where you are now

I want you to go to her now

And thank her for me, as your father

Father

Go now! You can join us later

It's very bad. You must inform her relatives as soon as possible

- Father's already gone to tell them - I see

Call me if she gets worse

I'll come at once

Thank you so much

Stop here

Father!

Otoku-san, Kikunosuke is here. He has come to see you

Why did you tell him? I told you not to.

I had to.

We were not supposed to meet ever again

Please go away

Please, sir, leave this place

Don't worry, Otoku, it's all right

I have father's permission

Your father?

Yes, he said I should go and see my wife...

...and thank you on his behalf for making you the artist I am today

Did he say that?

Otoku, I'm in Osaka for a short season. I made a triumphant return

Now that we are together, my life is fulfilled...

...as well as my art

Did your father really give his permission?

We can finally get married

We can go out into the world as husband and wife

That's right

My husband

Now...

...you should go. They will be about to begin

- Don't lose any more time. - Calm yourself, it's not important

- They can have it without me. - No, your public expects you

The parade makes no sense without you

Please, you should go to the parade

When it's over we'll have lots of time

Unless you have someone else expecting you

- There is no one else. Right, Otosha? - Of course not

- My love. - What?

I will listen the music from here and imagine you parading and greeting...

- ...your public. - But I want to stay here with you.

If I am your wife, and all at last accept me as such...

if I have this honor, then...

...you should do what I ask of you. And I want you to go

- I will go if that is you want. - I will be here, waiting for you.

- Return to me when you finish the parade. - I will return

My love, I am so proud of your success

- it's all because of you. - Hurry, you mustn't lose any more time.

I will wait for you here and imagine you parading beside the river...

...amid the applause of your public. I've never been so happy as I am now

My love...

They'll see the parade, and the whole world will know your worth

They'll see and parade by in the name of our love

Yes

You are the best actor in the world and I the happiest woman in the land...

Thanks to you

Wait for me, Otoku, wait for me

I love you

- Otosha. - Yes, I'm coming.

Will she be all right?

I couldn't do anything for her before

and now that I can...

Otoku, don't die!

You mustn't die!

Uncle...

Go and have a look at the boat parade

I want you to tell me all about it

Please, hurry!

Yes, I'm going

Sister, the medicine

Sister!