Original subtitles

Adapted from a true story

— Samurai Marathon 1855 —

For 260 years,

Japan isolated itself from the world.

However,

after the 'Black Ships' entered,

Japan experienced a drastic change.

Yankee Doodle went to town riding on a pony

Stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni

Yankee Doodle, keep it up (Yankee Doodle dandy)

[ Ioki Suketora, Chief Minister to the Shogun ]

Mind the music and the step

And with the girls be handy

Hoi! Hayabusa.

Good day to you, sir.

I am Commander Perry of the United States navy.

I come in friendship,

bearing a letter from President Fillmore,

to be delivered directly to the emperor of Japan.

We know that the ancient laws of your Imperial Majesty's government

do not allow foreign trade, travel, contact

or congress of any kind.

But as the state of the world changes,

it seems to be wise from time to time to make new laws.

What is he saying?

I'm very sorry, my lord.

But he grunts like a hog.

I can't understand him.

May I ask him to speak more slowly and clearly?

I will convey your words to him.

Can you speak more slowly and clearly?

What'd the blighter say?

I believe that's Dutch lingo, sir!

Does anybody speak Dutch?

Please take these gifts

as a sample of new and exciting wonders we have to offer from the Western world.

This is the morse telegraph machine

with which you can send messages any distance instantaneously.

This is a daguerreotype

by which you can capture the exact and true imitation of nature.

The finest Kentucky Bourbon whiskey

aged 25 years.

This is a 45 calibre, rear-loaded,

metallic cartridge, single action, army revolver.

We call it the Peacemaker.

The arrival of the Black Ships

alarmed many samurai lords.

[ Annaka Castle ]

[ Itakura Katsuakira, Annaka Clan Lord ]

Is this me?

[ Lady Yuki, 5th daughter of Katsuakira ]

Not bad.

These are Western themed?

Yes.

Father, I copied them from a Dutch book in your library.

They're well drawn.

Kojiro, let him in.

Aye.

It's time you married.

I need a son-in-law to continue our line.

Tsujimura is from a good family. He'll make a good husband.

I'll never let you leave Japan.

America only has ugly barbarians.

You can't go to Edo either.

No chance...

We have no chance.

Kojiro!

- Move! - Sorry, Lord.

We've no chance!

- Kojiro! - Aye.

- Assemble all samurai. - Aye.

What just happened?

Our lives had tranquility.

Peace was enjoyed for generations.

[ Jinnai Karasawa, Annaka Clan - samurai / finance officer ]

Alright, Chiyomaru.

Almost done. Very soon.

It's finished! Done.

Good boy.

But my Kurosawa family has a secret.

Jinnai, come here.

Sit.

[ Shunnosuke Karasawa ]

This is the first Shogun (Chief Commander), Tokugawa Ieyasu.

And this is Annaka clan.

Listen, Jinnai.

This katana (sword) was given to our ancestors by Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Our Karasawa family has been ninjas for generations.

In Annaka, we are the Shogun's spies.

Our loyalty to Annaka clan is a front.

I'll pass our ninja skills to you.

We're the Shogun's eyes and ears.

( 'No change' ) We must immediately report any signs of rebellion to Edo.

Never let anyone find out. ( 'To Yanpo Apothecary' )

- Deliver this. - Yes.

Right away.

Blend in.

Don't stand out.

Do not excel.

Do not fail.

Never disgrace yourself.

Never get drunk.

Don't even tell your wife.

If the truth comes out,

we spies are as good as dead.

So, that's our Karasawa secret.

We've been spies for generations.

Hey, Okajima!

- Wake up! - What?

What the...

- You scored big. - Sh-She wasn't too bad.

Let's get Tsujimura.

Hurry up.

C'mon.

W-Wait up!

Nizaemon, w-wait!

Hoi!

Excuse me!

- Too bright... - Excuse me. Wake up!

Tsujimura! The Lord called us.

It could be war!

Grab his robe.

Get up.

Here we go.

- Hear a drum? - Yeah!

- Hurry up. - Alright.

The Lord is calling.

Okajima, let's go.

Get a move on!

What's going on?

What's going on?

What happened?

Is something going on?

What's up?

Why's Ueki taking so long?

Good morning.

- Karasawa. - Oh, there you are. - Sorry. Sorry.

Being finance officers doesn't mean we can be late.

Where's Ueki?

I hope he shows up soon.

What's going on this morning?

- I've no idea. - Let's go find out.

Here he is.

Ueki-dono (sir).

Too early in the morning for this fuss.

Sounds like a war is starting.

War?

- How? - How long ago was the last war?

Off we go.

Please go ahead.

Again?

He always gets diarrhea when there's trouble.

Yano, press my back.

Again?

I've an urgent letter for the Edo apothecary.

What is the Lord planning?

Could it be...

('Send medicine')

- Send this, please. - Certainly.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- I'm going now. - Okay.

- Mataemon. - Yeah.

Thanks for years of work but it's time you retired.

- Kojiro. - Yes.

Give Mataemon a good pension.

Aye.

Move up. Move up.

Make room.

Hello.

Where's Jinnai?

Here he comes.

Sorry I'm late.

Wonder what's up.

Raise your heads.

You all know

the Black Ships came to Japan.

The foreigners pressure Japan to sign a treaty.

The foreigners speak of peace.

I believe their true goal is to invade our nation.

There's been peace for 260 years.

Thus samurai have become weak and undisciplined.

We must become strong again.

Toughen our minds and bodies!

So, tomorrow...

at 5 AM...

there will be a foot race!

It's 36 miles of steep hills and rough terrain.

All who serve Annaka Domain— samurai and foot soldiers—

must run if aged under 50.

Lastly...

Whoever wins this foot race

will have his wish granted by me.

Anything he wants.

Understood?

Aye!

A foot race?

With my bad back.

No way I can run 36 miles.

Even with breaks.

We'd be back after sundown.

Right.

Well, no-one expects us finance officers to win.

Indeed.

Momose.

I need to win this race. I must.

If I win, it'll benefit us all.

- Hm? - Yes. - Got it? - Yes.

W-We'll run with foot soldiers?

- Foot soldiers. - Hironoshin!

Yes!

Come here!

- You're excited? - Yes.

- Eager to race? - Yes.

Of course you are.

No-one in this clan runs faster than he does.

Good luck.

Do you get it?

Get what?

I-I-I'm going to... b-b-break your feet!

Beat it.

Sir, may I run?

Hoi! You're in the way.

Get off the road, kid.

What's the matter?

Can I have my letter back.

It went out early this morning.

By now, it'd be...

I made an error and ordered the wrong medicine.

To your usual apothecary in Edo, right?

Just send them a new letter.

It will get to Edo in 3 days.

Karasawa, sir!

The race is a drill.

There's no rebellion.

I must retrieve my letter.

- Where is Lady Yuki? - She's not here!

Lady Yuki?

- Where is she? - I've no idea.

Where's Lady Yuki?

Move!

Yuki!

Tsujimura, you still want to wed Yuki?

Of course, my lord.

Then find her and bring her back.

Aye!

She shouldn't be too far.

She can't pass the Checkpoint.

Did a courier pass by?

Some time ago.

Show me your Pass!

Edo will send assassins.

I must stop them.

Hoi!

What have you got?

Samurai-sir, it's a yukata...

Okajima!

Bring the head and kimono.

Aye.

50 years of life, compared with the world's long existence...

is like a dream....

Ow, ow.

Old and rolling up and down hills.

- Is this the end? - Found it!

Kid!

What are you doing?

Picking mushrooms.

Find any?

A few.

Show me.

Not many.

I had a basketful but a samurai knocked it over.

What's your name?

I'm Fukumoto Isuke.

Fukumoto Isuke?

Are you...

Isuke?

You got so big.

You have Kanbei's eyes.

- You knew my dad? - Yes.

He was known as Kanbei the Spearman.

He once taught this old man spear techniques.

How many years have passed?

Mom thinks I'm just a kid

but I want to be a samurai like him

so I want to run in this race.

Isuke.

Well spoken.

Do you know how to run like a samurai?

To run a long distance,

put your hands here.

Straighten your back.

Don't lean forward, okay?

Your chin feels gouged by a knife.

Strength your resolve.

Move hands and feet like this.

Understand?

Try.

Okay.

- Your turn! - Okay.

Take this.

It's the same cloth as my yukata.

The one you wore this morning?

Yes.

If...I come first or second....

First!

I'm going for a run.

If you don't hurry, I'll beat you.

Alright!

- I'm going now. - Okay.

Dinner will be ready soon.

I won't be out late.

I want to run with Daddy.

Toyotaro.

Come in with Mom.

Oh, it's Uesugi-sama (Mr.)!

Sit down.

Well, join me at the teahouse.

- Okay. - Back there.

Turn around and go back.

It would take me a whole day to reach the Shrine.

You must've been born with golden feet.

- Please eat. - Excuse me.

Many people are placing bets.

You're the favourite by far, as expected, Uesugi.

So I want to ask you a favour.

I want you to lose.

Yes.

10 gold ryo.

If you agree to my request...

these ryo will be yours.

- 10 ryo? - Yes. (= 3 years of rice for family of 3)

Take one in advance.

I promise to pay the balance.

Please agree.

Is that alright?

I'm hungry.

You can't wait till your dad is back?

Have a little bit.

Alright.

Just a little bit.

You're back.

It's a gift.

Gift?

Ooh...

Amazing!

What's it for?

A lord I met on the road bought me a meal.

Eat it with Toyotaro.

I see.

You should eat this, Daddy.

That's right!

Eat it today and tomorrow.

No need.

You two can eat it.

Then save it for after the race. We'll eat it together.

Daddy will win.

It'll be fun.

Here you go.

Let me ask you—

If I won the race tomorrow

or if I got a lot of money,

which is better?

Which do you think?

Winning the race, of course.

If you win,

the Lord will grant you a wish.

You can become a samurai.

Eat a little.

Isuke!

Mom, I'm back.

Isuke! You're so late, I worried.

Kiyo-dono (Mrs).

Mom, this is Kurita Mataemon. He knew my dad.

- Would you like to come in? - Yes.

It's just a humble house.

Watch your step.

Please.

Sorry to disturb you.

Thank you.

Excuse me. This way.

- Isuke, take him inside. - Okay.

Well, excuse me.

What a fine sake.

Thank you.

Did he sell today's mushrooms?

Isuke.

Where's today's mushroom money?

I kept it safe for him while he was training.

That's very kind of you.

Oh, that much? Isuke, well done.

Isuke will make a fine samurai.

I surely hope so.

A child who loses a parent grows up stronger.

I heard you taught him Nanba. (ninja running form).

He should be taught by his family.

It's hard without a dad.

So thank you.

- Do you have kids? - No.

Mom!

Who are you?

I mean no harm.

I haven't seen you before.

Are you from Annaka clan?

Hm?

Sorry. I'm very hungry.

I haven't eaten since this morning.

This scoundrel had her kimono.

No way!

No way!

- How about the race? - Shut up!

The race will proceed.

Understood?

Aye.

Delicious.

Glad you like it.

Where are you headed?

I'm going to Edo.

Edo?

What for?

Mm...

Alright, eat first.

You'd have your reasons.

You have a travel Pass?

No Pass and those clothes...

You won't pass the Checkpoint.

[ Edo Castle ]

[ 'To Yanba Apothecary' ]

What are they up to?

Haiyabusa.

You're originally from Annaka.

Yes.

Ever miss home?

No.

We don't have time to persuade the other side.

That being said,

we must act discreetly.

Take these with you.

Take me with you!

This is no kid's game.

I want to join your cause.

If you're ready to die, tag along.

Let's go. Move.

Does everyone on Black Ships have a gun?

Yes.

Even bigger ones.

How vicious.

That they are.

However...

a war must be won.

Please return safely.

It's just a race.

Chiyomaru and I will wait for you at the castle gate.

I will be back.

- Next! - It's 36 miles.

Next!

Next!

Next!

Finance officer, Ueki Yoshikuni.

Ueki Yoshikuni...

Move! Step aside.

Annaka clan, Tsujimura Heikuro!

Here you go.

Next!

Here.

- Next. - Next.

Former guard, Kurita Mataemon.

Kurita, you're signing up too.

The edict didn't disqualify those over 50.

Next!

Your name?

Itanoma Kumanosuke.

- Okay, next! - Aye.

We'll begin the race.

Run like true warriors for Annaka.

Aye!

Off we go!

Start!

Hubbie.

Daddy.

Daddy.

- Daddy. - Hoi!

Uesugi, hey!

Uesugi-sama!

Keep our agreement.

R-Remember your place.

- Are you okay? - Yeah.

- Then I'll go ahead - Yeah.

- Sure it's alright? - Yeah.

He said to go ahead.

I won't go ahead of Ueki without permission.

He told us to go on.

The West runs like this!

- How? - Like this.

- That's western style? - Yes.

It's not for me.

Isuke! Try that.

I'll stick to the style I'm used to.

What's wrong?

- You're okay? - Yes, just my back pain.

Back pain? Bear it.

Take care. Leave him, let's go.

Leave him or we won't make it.

Tsujimura, wait up.

- Go on! - Go ahead!

How far?

A-Almost there.

Wait up, Okajima!

- Should be here. - Is that it?

There it is!

Be careful!

Are you okay?

What's this crap?

Give me water too.

Let's go!

Hurry up.

Let's go! Off we go....!

Go!

You idiots, lift!

Nizaemon, change places!

Lift. I must win.

Lift.

Can't you run faster?

- Let's go. - Don't drop him!

Hurry up!

Alright, let's go.

Let's go, Okajima!

W-w-wait.

Move.

Out of the way.

Don't underrate me.

Where have you been?

Nature's call.

[ Annaka Castle ]

Is the Checkpoint close?

[ Sekisho/Security Checkpoint ]

You're Tsujimura Heikuro?

Indeed.

Proceed.

Thanks for your service.

Okajima, Momose, come on!

Kakizaki Kazuma?

Yes.

- Proceed. - Thanks for that.

Foot soldier, Uesugi Hironoshin.

Yes.

Proceed.

Thanks for that.

Here.

Karasawa.

Didn't know you're so fit.

I'm not. I'm exhausted.

You're a strange guy.

Are you okay?

Hoi!

Should we pass the Checkpoint without Ueki?

Well...

If we arrive too late, we'll look bad.

Let's go through without him.

Go through.

By the way, did you send Ueki a year-end gift?

Year-end gift?

I gave him manjus*. How about you? (*sweet buns with red bean paste)

- Me too! - I did too.

- You too? - Me too. - You also?

We all gave manjus?

Karasawa, you?

- What? - Ueki's year-end gift.

I see. I gave him nothing.

- Nothing? - You got him nothing?

That's why you don't get promoted.

Well, someone should go back to check on Ueki-dono.

For sure.

Right, Karasawa?

I'll go.

- I count on you. - Thanks.

- Counting on you. - Thanks.

Sensei (Teacher).

- You okay. - I'm fine.

- Isuke. - Sensei.

The Checkpoint is near.

Mataemon-dono!

What's wrong?

Go ahead.

Without you?

Isuke.

Look after Mataemon-dono.

Don't push yourself.

Let's go.

Are you okay?

- It's slippery. - Yes.

- It's downhill. - Yes.

Are you okay?

Everyone, well done for making it this far.

Help yourself to water, cucumber and fresh rice cake.

This way to get Return Passes.

Tsujimura Heikuro.

Uesugi Hironoshin.

Kakizaki Kazuma.

Thank you.

This is the midway point.

Those with a Return Pass are cleared to go back.

O-Okajima Togo.

You okay?

Pay your respects at the shrine here before turning back.

- Let's go. - Yeah.

I'll get food.

- Yeah, food. - Okay, right now.

C'mon, Okajima!

I'd like to win first place.

But Tsujimura decided he'd be first.

That's for sure.

Show your Pass.

Hold it!

One moment.

You're Lady Yuki, aren't you?

I'm not!

Move! I'm not her!

I'm Kumanosuke Itanoma.

If we let you pass, we'll lose our heads.

We beg you!

Our Lord, your father,

said we can't allow you to pass this Checkpoint!

I beg you!

I beg you.

The Lord ordered us to detain you.

My Lady, please forgive us.

Please understand our position.

How dare you rest?

Aren't you samurai? Get going!

Oh, ow, ow....

Sensei!

- Ow... - It's cramp.

Don't push yourself.

- It hurts. Go ahead. - No! - Go.

I won't leave you.

Never mind. Hurry and go.

Mom instructed me.

What did she say?

I must repay your kindness

and protect you when needed.

Okay. Isuke, off we go.

Okay.

Ueki-dono?

With a horse...

Not for the race.

Is it possible...Ueki-dono?

Jinnai.

Our party from Edo arrived.

They'll strike as the exhausted runners reach the castle.

So let's go.

Is this all due to my letter?

You did your job.

I made a mistake!

This is just a harmless race.

Nobody is conspiring against the Shogun.

You know this as well.

That's not the point.

It's not the Annaka we serve. It's the Shogun.

We can't let them return.

- You're wrong. - Jinnai!

Remember who you are.

We are spies in Annaka.

We are only spies.

Mercy costs your life.

But...

I see.

Then you die.

Ueki-dono!

Oh? I see.

You fool!

What were you thinking?

Murata-dono?

Who are they?

Where did you come from?

Show your Passes!

Did you hear us?

Stop!

Somebody! Anybody!

Don't!

Please...don't kill me.

Please don't kill me!

Somebody save me!

Stop! Hey, stop!

Stop. Please save me....

Stop it...

Once officials see this slaughter, Annaka is done for.

Tsujimura-dono!

Take a left just up here.

Follow me.

Don't touch me!

You're Lady Yuki, right?

Karasawa, who are you really?

Let me see your wound.

I'll do it myself.

Thanks.

What happened?

Bandits attacked the Checkpoint.

I must return to the castle.

Lady Yuki, there's something I can't tell you.

Okajima.

Is this really a shortcut?

Y-Yes. It is.

Wouldn't it be better to stay on the path?

This bypasses the Ch-Checkpoint.

Help me!

- Careful, you idiot. - Sorry, sir.

Let's go.

Okajima! Don't move.

Move!

Tsujimura-dono!

Momose is waiting for you in the gorge.

Hoi! Wait!

Okajima! You traitor!

Crap!

Right on!

Crap...!

Tsujimura?

Tsujimura!

Lady Yuki!

You're alive.

Lady Yuki!

Grab my hand.

Lady Yuki.

I'm glad you're alive.

Karasawa, explain.

What the hell's going on?

Edo sent people to attack and kill us.

You take the horse.

I'll round up our men and order them to return.

Karasawa, protect the Lady.

Lady, stay safe.

Good luck!

Go!

Karasawa, you're not at fault.

Ueki is missing!

Where could he have gone?

Okajima!

Have you seen Karasawa and Ueki?

Have you seen Tsujimura and Momose?

- No. - We haven't.

We lost Ueki so we're worried.

Ueki-dono must be somewhere.

You're different today, Okajima, like a fox or raccoon possessed you.

Really?

No, I'm just in a good mood...

You really can talk with no stutter.

Okajima is a spy.

Annaka is under attack. We must return at once.

Run like your life depends on it.

Aye!

Follow me!

- Let's go! - Yes, let's go!

- Wait here to ambush them. - Aye.

Same crappy town.

Get ready!

Let's hurry!

You never had any manners.

Did you leave your town defenceless

to send out your men to make trouble?

So you think we're starting a rebellion?

You and your clan are a disgrace.

You'll be wiped out.

Japan is changing, Lord.

This is the Colt 45.

Also called "Peacemaker".

You might need that in a barbaric place like America.

But not here...

You scum, Hayabusa.

You won't get far with this, Hayabusa.

Don't get carried away.

My men are on their way back.

Who did this?

What happened?

Crap. The foe is heading to the castle!

Let's get them!

Charge!

Get down!

Follow me!

Tsujimura-dono!

Hurry!

My Lady!

We must return to the castle.

Let's go back!

Return to the castle!

Aye!

Let's run.

Start running!

Hironoshin!

I'll pay you 10 ryo to let me win!

How about 20 ryo?

Yuki...

Father!

Kojiro...

You too...

Thank goodness.

Kakizaki-sama.

Misuzu...

My Lady!

For you to eat.

Chiyomaru.

Heikuro-sama, I'm grateful.

Thank you.

Please look after our town.

My Lady?

- Sensei. - What's that?

What is that?

What...

They're dead!

All dead...

They're all dead!

Is he alive?

Come on.

Dead...

Isuke.

We must protect the Lord.

Let's go!

Okay.

- Isuke. - Yes.

This just burdens me.

- Isuke. - Okay.

Isuke!

- Isuke! - Okay!

- Isuke. - Okay.

Isuke, almost there.

Isuke...

Isuke.

Isuke!

You're here!

My Lord!

Well done.

I commend everyone who completed the race.

Your courage and endurance are heartening.

Now I'm certain, whatever trials lie ahead for us,

we'll face them together, strong and united.

- Come and lie down. - I'm okay.

Excuse me!

I abandoned my duties.

I will commit hara-kiri (ritual suicide).

But I have just one request.

Please spare my family!

Stop!

This man protected Annaka!

And he saved your life.

Hold it.

It seems Karasawa Jinnai mistakenly ordered the wrong medicine from Edo.

Is that so?

Yes.

Karasawa, you need to send a new order to Edo.

You understand, right?

Aye.

Father.

I'll deliver the order to Edo myself.

Alright.

This treaty marks the end of an era

and the beginning of a new era!

An era of great benefit for our two great nations,

Japan and the United States.

He said Japan and America will usher in a new era.

Japan welcomes the arrival of a new era.

Twelve years after that race...

the age of the samurai came to an end.

ANNUAL SAMURAI MARATHON - ANNAKA CITY

The race held by the Annaka clan in 1855 was the origin of the Japanese Marathon.

Original novel by Akihiro Dobashi

Weapons of the samurai * yari - spear yumi - bow katana - curved sword wakizashi - short sword (assists katana; also for seppuku/ritual suicide by disembowelment)

Jinnai's hidden weapons * kunai - throwing knives shuriken - throwing stars

Weapons at Security Checkpoint/Sekisho/Barrier * sasumata - two prong spear-fork tsukubo - pushpole

Weapons of the onna-bugeisha (female warriors from the nobility) * naginata - polearm with curved blade kaiken - sleeve dagger yumi - bow

"Let thy step be slow and steady, that thou stumble not." - Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616)

BluRay subs & Rjgman56 subs (combined/edited by Premamaris)