Original subtitles

Selected at the Arts Festival 1983

This is the adaptation of a novel by Tomiko Miyao.

Any resemblance to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

A TOEI picture

They went out to watch the fireflies.

By a beautiful summer night in Uji

They were two bashful lovers.

But she didn't stay long enough even to talk to him.

By that summer night in Uji

Brief was their embrace.

They were forced away one from the other.

She never knew where he went.

She could not accept such wrench.

He had left for another country.

With her parents she took a boat from Osaka,

She left with in her heart the will

To do everything it took to be reunited with him.

Blown away by the Akoshi wind.

What voice!

She managed to preserve the tradition.

She has such a crystalline voice.

Mummy will soon finish her song.

Don't cry, Fusako.

Tsuru!

Tsuru!!

Hold on. I killed the two guys.

We have nothing to fear now.

No need to run away any more.

Do not die. You mustn't die.

You mustn't die.

Tsuru!!!

Twenty years later.

Spring 1933, Kochi, former province of Toso.

YOHKIROH, THE GEISHA KINGDOM

ATM Haiyuza Eiga Hose coproduction

From the novel by Tomiko Miyao

Screenplay : Koji Takada Cinematographer: Fujio Morita

Art direction : Yoshinobu Nishioka Kenji Yamashita

Music : Masaru Sato

Cast :

Ken Ogata

Kimiko lkegami

Atsuko Asano

Mitsuko Baisho

Morio Kazama Akiko Kana

HMO Narita

Asao Koiké

Tetsuro Tamba

You know, Momowaka...

That customer, Hashimoto...

everyone laughs at him.

He is bald and stocky.

But he is very wealthy. His company is untouched by the crisis.

He pays well.

He is straight and fair.

I've said it all, Momowaka.

But I do insist.

I never gave you cause for complaining.

So make an effort this time.

Please.

Do what it takes for Hashimoto to like you.

We've kept you waiting.

You are really kind.

That's it. I did what I had to do as a go-between.

It's up to you now.

You're all right that way.

Come here.

Come on, hurry up!

A Hideo Gosha movie.

Good morning, mistress!

Good luck, girls!

Accountant, please!

Lend me a hundred yens.

And I'll be your devoted servant during my whole life.

Tell me what you do with your money.

You asked the same thing last month.

My mother is ill back home.

Last time, your father was.

Good morning, Mistress!

Sukeji, you haven't done anything foolish again, have you?

But... Mistress...

Maudlin geishas end up without a cent.

If you support some loafer, hustle your ass at Tamamizu's.

Kanbei, don't you give her one cent.

Okoma told me

that Hashimoto wasn't pleased with you.

When he left,

he told me that Momowaka had not been affectionate towards him.

I didn't ask you to make him a declaration of love

but you must play up to him.

I've already spent 300 yens for your training.

And I counted upon for the autumn festival.

You have fine clothes and you get bonuses.

You cost me more money than you bring in.

Don't think you're some sort of artist.

When you are with a customer, you must entertain him.

But you don't play the game.

Forgive me, Madame.

I'll be more careful in the future.

Change your lipstick too. Yours is too plain.

Buy a more garish one.

Your husband is not in?

You're looking for your father?

You know what Katsuzo is like! He found a pretty little thing in Osaka.

He'll never change.

Take this. It's not much but...

You always think of us.

You've got time?

I've got until five.

Less than one hour... I'll prepare tea.

Don't do anything. ls my half-brother around?

On the balcony.

Katsuzo does not want him to show himself too much.

Because of the rumor

It's still a pity!

Tachan!

Tachan...

You

You almost never leave it.

Tachan, do you remember 'I

I had promised to buy you dark glasses and a mouth organ.

Let's go and buy them.

Come on. Let's go.

Mum will be angry at me. I can't.

Have this!

- Ha... - Harmonica!

And there's more!

The glasses.

Thank you.

You're very beautiful with them on.

Osokowant

Game!

Please...

don't ask me why I need money.

My wife is willing to work hard.

His name is Furuta. He is a school teacher in Osaka.

He does not want it to be known.

It would cause problems.

He'd rather she worked far from here. In Kochi.

How much do you need?

I'd want 500 yens.

May I?

Will you... she has such a beautiful body ;

would you pay 500 yens for it?

Madame...

I hope you understand

what sort of work we are speaking of.

There's nothing I wouldn't do

if it may help my husband.

Please,

take me to Kochi.

Mr Furuta...

Today, I only have 100 yens available.

Can you wait to be given what's missing?

A hundred yens, it's a great start.

Please, take my wife.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Masae, will you be all right?

You know, Mr. Katsuzo...

We have three young children.

Could you allow us to have one last evening together, as a family?

All right. Come back with her tomorrow at seven.

Do you know the Asahi Inn on the boulevard?

Yes, I know where it is.

I'll bring my wife to you there tomorrow at seven.

Godfather ham, monk you for your recommendation.

Sorry we disturbed you. Let's go.

Thank you very much.

Katsuzo...

You let them go?

In my opinion, that woman doesn't have three children to feed.

Shall I send men to see if it's true.

No, it's no use.

In any case, tomorrow we'll know if they've been lying.

You're always very magnanimous.

When there's poverty and strikes everywhere in the country.

There's no depression at your home in Kochi?

Owing to the public transports, Yohkiroh now attracts the people from Tokyo.

Tourism is making Kochi prosperous.

You must be overwhelmed.

Don't you want to grow?

Why?

We could help you build a clan to make your business prosper.

Thanks for your advice...

but I'm just a small trader in prostitutes.

I'm not as big as you are.

I manage with little.

I see.

You're just a small trader.

Do as you please.

Did you see how he threw the coins down!

Those pimps think they're princes.

It brings bad luck. Purify the entrance with salt.

They went out to watch the fireflies.

By a beautiful summer night In Uji They were two bashful lovers

But she didn't stay long enough even to talk to him.

By a beautiful summer night in Uji

Brief was their embrace

They were forced away one from the other

She never where he went.

She could not accept that wrench

He had left for another country

I'm fed up.

You're still thinking about your former wife?

What?

Twenty years after she died!

This song keeps reminding you of her.

Tamako, what nonsense are you telling?

Katsuzo,

I want to leave you.

I feel like

starting a new life.

I don't want to live under the shadow of your memories.

Sell me to a geisha house.

A geisha house?

I shall be freer there.

Stop saying stupid things.

I am quite serious.

I've been thinking about it for a long time.

You don't like it here with me any more?

- I'm cold. - Tighten your tummy. You'll be Wanner.

It will only make me want to piss.

It's disgusting.

You need training.

Your make-up has a slight flaw. I'll help you with it.

You know...

I was told that the Madame, when she was still a geisha,

bewitched the former boss in order to replace her.

Is it true?

Who told you that?

Yumemaru told me about it yesterday.

I've heard that story.

But it's not true. It's a joke.

It is not a joke.

Osode is a witch. Really.

She looks at you In the same way as a snake waiting to jump at a frog.

Madame, this is Tamako.

I told you about her in my letter.

I heard you were a traveling singer in Osaka.

Before that I was a maid and when I met Katsuzo...

he suggested I became a singer.

But I was really not good at it.

And, anyway, that sort of job is finished.

You've got any relatives?

I haven't got any one.

My parents died when I was still a child.

You owe money anywhere?

I don't. Why are you asking?

Because a woman becomes a geisha when she owes money.

But I do want to work.

I think this job is the right one for me.

Good morning, sir. It's been a long time.

You've got a new girl for us?

She's a really pretty little thing.

Darling, you're going to be late.

Remember that the commissioner will be at that meeting.

You must appear convincing.

Right, I understand. Make yourself at home.

Thank you, Sir.

These days, the police meddle with everything.

They want to lay sanitary rules upon us as if we were a common brothel.

So... are you hiring me? Or don't you want to?

The girls who don't owe money

are never really motivated.

You don't become a geisha on a whim.

Katsuzo,

try and find some other place for her.

Too bad.

Katsuzo, let's go.

Okoma,

what about the autumn festival?

The room upstairs has been set. The girls will go up.

You seem to be doing all right.

Go back to your wife and to Tachan in Osaka. They miss you.

Is that the way the Yokhiroh geishas behave?

I'm really disappointed.

Don't mind her.

Stop that music!

The wife I'm with now raised Fusako.

She is a woman with an iron will.

I was alone with Fusako, pennyless.

She helped me put myself together.

Your daughter seems to bear a grudge against you.

I understood it when I saw her.

What's her geisha name?

Momowaka.

Momowaka?

She's really beautiful.

I guess Tsuru, her mother,

was as beautiful as she is.

Tell me...

You knew they'd refuse me, didn't you?

Don't worry.

I don't but you do.

You didn't dare contradict her.

Is the Yohkiroh Madame so intimidating?

I owe her my life.

What about working in Tamamizu?

In Tamamizu?

Katsuzo,

sell me at a high price.

You know what it's like in Tamamizu?

It's Kochi's biggest brothel.

To work In a brothel, I wouldn't have to learn the arts.

When you sell your body, whether as a common whore or geisha, it's the same.

You don't know anything.

Whores all end in the communal grave.

Hey...

Make love to me.

Good evening to all of you. Sorry I'm late.

Here's the House's best girl.

Where were you?

You had a date.

I wish I had.

Here is the famous Momowaka.

Momowaka, here to serve you.

Glad to meet you.

This party ls held for this young gentleman.

He is Saganoi, heir to the Nankai bank.

He's come back from Tokyo to become a manager.

We're celebrating his passing the admission exam at the Yohkiroh.

You're most welcome. Congratulation for your success.

I passed but I don't really feel like studying.

I'll be watching you.

Young man, I do give the good marks here in Yohkiroh.

Great. Now he really passed. With honors.

You introduced me as the "famous Momowaka".

What sort of things were you telling about me?

Nothing much.

They were telling me that my father

used to come here to see a pretty singer

who looked a lot like you.

We were about to hear the rest of the story when you came in.

Let's not talk about this any more. it's ancient history.

Tell us the end of the story.

How did Tsuru's running away with her lover end?

From what I heard, she was killed while running away.

I heard this too.

I know. That girl called Tsuru!!

Was my mother.

Tell me what you know about this.

I was never told anything about my mother.

- It's ancient history! - Do tell, please.

That's enough. Let's not talk about this.

Why? What has been started must be finished.

Momowaka, you were told not to insist.

Momowaka!

If you're interested...

I'm going to dance.

Boss!

Hideji here! Open up.

Tamako ran away.

She came here at dawn.

She asked me to give her work.

But she didn't look like a professional to me.

She told me you were her protector.

I'm quite surprised.

Okume, go get her.

No, leave her alone, please.

Tell me...

Would that be all right?

It is indeed an interesting price.

Beautiful as she ls, she's really worth that much.

But are you really sure you want to sell her to me.

To tell the truth, I wonder what's behind all this.

Please.

If you Insist so much, I'll make her start tonight.

That's it. It's all right.

Are you happy?

I'll show you around the house in a while.

You can start getting ready.

All right?

Move away!

You give it to me?

By the way, you still owed me 600 yen.

That money is different.

Really?

Everything's all right with you?

Yes, only a slight trouble with a girl.

Try to settle it quickly.

Take good care of Tamako.

Stupid jerk!

Tell me...

You're in love with a man?

I'm in love with three men at the moment.

Three men? Are you telling the truth?

The whole truth.

The first one is old, rich and nice. The second one...

I'm not telling you.

It's a secret.

Oh, is it? I didn't know.

But it's only

when I'm truly in love

that my body flames up.

What does that mean?

You feel like your body is on fire.

I mean...

you feel like your hips were a melting candle.

Fusako, you never felt that way?

I wonder why.

It's because you've never felt what it's like to love a man.

You think so?

Of course!

And what if I never fell In love? What would become of me?

It's impossible!

You're not made of stone.

Love always comes eventually.

I hope you're right.

What are you waiting for? Come here.

Don't be fussy.

Surely you're not a virgin any more.

Wait.

Come to bed.

Wait a while.

Who do you think you are?

Where are you going?

To have a wee.

Come on up. Stay on tonight.

All right.

Tamako!

Hideji!

Think about it.

You must take a decision.

Leave, if you want to.

Tell me, Momowaka,

how old were you when you had your first protector?

Sixteen.

Sixteen?

It's late.

What number was Hashimoto ?

The third one.

How could a girl like you be ditched so many times?

I heard It was because of a lack of affection on your part.

It may be true.

It's quite strange!

Yet, you express love really well in your dancing.

Sir...

I serve you as best as I can.

Tell me what I do wrong.

Please.

Don't make too much of it.

I am old.

I am very different from the other men you've known.

My hand is cold?

Do you loathe my touch?

No.

Your skin is really soft. Just as I thought.

Ah, were I ten years younger!

The bank follows.

Three more cards.

That guy sitting in the comer...

his name is Kanagushi, my assistant.

And that geisha next to him...

Don't you remember her?

She stole 100 yen from you last spring.

The school teacher's wife.

Rien ne va plus.

Game!

Do you remember?

She works as a geisha In lsé now. Her geisha name is Maruko.

Kanagushi took her here by force.

Make her come here.

Wrongdoing is always punished.

Her husband was killed not long after the theft about nothing really.

So she became a geisha and as she is beautiful,

she became famous rather quickly.

It's been a long time.

Excuse me

Maruko, here is the man you expected.

Sir...

My name is Masae Furuta.

I apologize for what I did.

I did wrong.

I'm really sorry.

I'm really sorry.

What do you decide, Katsuzo?

It is said that women go back on what they've said 3 times in their life.

Maruko has really changed.

She wants to compensate your loss with interest.

So you'd forgive her.

Don't you want to sell her to the Yohkiroh?

She won't be a disgrace to you, even there.

Please, take me.

Masae...

You're ambitious. It's all right but...

Kochi won't suit you.

Don! talk this way.

What do you mean?

Explain yourself.

What could I explain?

Godfather lnaso...

I'll be on my way.

Who does he think he is?

We can have access to Kochi in some other way.

Building a gambling house.

That should not cause any trouble.

That's where you're mistaken.

There's real power behind Katsuzo.

What sort of power?

Yohkiroh, of course. It's Kochi's gold mine.

The Madame is a former geisha who has friends in the police.

I heard she used to be Katzuko's girl

when she was a geisha.

Kanagushi, the new guy, will take care of Katsuzo.

Come, Maruko.

What will become of me?

Well...

You could be the Yohkiroh's Madame.

I? You're really flattering me.

Not at all.

The Yohkiroh's Madame's husband...

often comes and gambles here at our gambling tables.

He's not interested in gambling only.

Do I understand you well?

You want me to seduce him?

Kochi is a nice place,

known for its saké and its fish.

When the railway reaches there,

I think I'll have a house built there.

Fakes vos 'yeux.

Building the railroad will cost three million.

To get the projects, you must be approved by the Yohkiroh.

Three million!

Don't start thinking it's going to be easy.

Katsuzo has already commited two murders.

He spent ten years inside.

He is really tough.

I get it.

She's the new one?

The one coming from Osaka?

She is beautiful.

May I Introduce the commissioner and the town councillor?

My name ls Maruko. I'm pleased to meet you.

Look at that.

"8 yen to have pleasure. "

- What's that? - Her rate.

Her rate? Does it mean that...

it only takes 8 yen to have you?

I'm really surprised.

The Yohkiroh geishas have changed a lot.

It's against the tradition my wife stands for,

but as for me, I am in favor of encouraging progress.

Maruko is the only one to do that.

But at least, things are simple.

You should follow the example.

We've already got our patrons. We don't need this.

Take what you want.

Beer, plenty of beer.

I've always dreamed of coming to this cabaret.

Yes, it's like a dream here.

Look at that guy over there. He's handsome, isn't he?

Yes, he could be a movie actor.

Really, the Yohkiroh customers have got class.

What are you saying? I've got class too.

Let's drink instead of talking.

Over there, there are prostitutes.

Commissioner, that place attracts the wrong sort of people.

Throw them out.

I can't. It's against the law.

Don't pay any attention.

He's right. Forget those whores.

Yet, you're watching them.

- Shall we stop for a while? - I want to go on. Teach me.

Raise your leg higher. In a kimono, it's too difficult.

What are you doing?

You can't dance properly.

Get away from there.

Aren't you saying anything? Don't let her have her way.

I wanted to make a break anyway.

It's a shame! Hr Saganoi is dancing with a whore.

He learned how to dance in America.

What energy! It's great to be young.

That girl's not bad, is she?

Are there good ones in Tamamizu?

It's Tamako, Tamamizu's star.

They say she's the best.

What are you talking about?

I'm going away-

So am I.

Wait!

You don't have to go away.

Sorry to disturb you.

That gentleman is my customer.

Let me have him back.

Mr Saganoi, let's go, shall we?

Don't stay with that whore.

Say that again.

What do you say I am?

Tell me.

Let me go, you'll dirty my kimono.

What?

I'll wait for you at the "Hon Paris" at midnight.

You were very strong.

The commissioner was impressed.

Stop, I'm ashamed of myself.

You shouldn't be.

If it had not been for you, the Yohkiroh geishas would be dishonored.

What time is it?

It was 11 not long ago.

You've got a date?

Shall we go?

Hi, Momowaka...

We did not get a chance to be introduced to one another.

I'm Tamako of Tamamizu.

I've just broken up with your father. He was my protector.

My father does as he pleases.

It's still your concern.

You think I'll let you go without saying anything?

Get away.

I'll shout for help.

Shut up!

I'll make you swallow your wig.

Who do you think you are?

Don't you touch me!

You dared hit me!

I'll show you.

Bloody Yohkiroh!

Say that again!

Come on, say it again!

Will you let go of me?

Let go of me!

What happened?

I'll leave you together.

I was in a fight.

A fight against another woman.

It was really brutish.

Give me your glass.

Saganoi.

Are you fed up with me?

Change it.

Change records. This is too classical.

Play something else.

Play that traveling stallman song I like.

I love that music.

Lonely bird.

You are always going from town to town.

Don't you feel sad?

My father is a traveling stallman.

Tell me.

Tell me.

Why did you choose me?

Tell me.

Why?

It was love at first sight.

Is it true?

You still love me?

Masae, we shall go home separately.

You understand?

Do you fear your wife so much, Osode?

No, but...

Someone might see us.

Osode fired someone for something like that.

We must be inconspicuous.

All right! I'll sit in the other carriage,

in third class.

Get down at the next stop.

Why? Did I do something wrong?

All right, I'll get my things.

Is that so?

You asked for me?

The police is on the phone.

I don't know what happened exactly

but Katsuzo has been seriously wounded in Kanawoe station.

We're trying to find out what happened.

Will you go there?

That will take the whole day.

She won't be back In time for the banquet.

The customers mainly come for her.

But you had better go and see your father.

Hold on.

Will you go or won't you?

I've got to practice for tonight. I must think about it.

Call me when you know more.

Thank you for telling me.

All right, thank you.

I thought she was more caring.

He's woken up.

Don't stay too long!

Tamako!

How are you feeling?

You've stayed here all night??

Are you feeling better?

It's nothing really.

You were lucky.

On the contrary.

The gods punished him.

Because you've left me alone for too long.

Tell me...

Do you find me changed?

Do I look more mature?

Tamako, take this.

It's your money.

What is it?

With it, you can open a restaurant.

In this case, keep it for me.

No, come out of that hole quickly.

Hideji will help you.

But...

You're pregnant... Two or three months.

Can't be mistaken.

You should have expected it.

Geishas are less careful than prostitutes.

You want to keep it?

If you want to have an abortion, I can help you.

Please, don't say anything to the Mistress.

Take this.

I count upon you.

I'll write that everything is fine.

But if you want to have an abortion, you must hurry.

You've got a nasty cough. You should see a specialist.

He is horrible, isn't he?

What are you talking about?

He told that my sex is strong and I'll be able to use it for a long time.

He told Yumemaru that she had used hers too much.

What an old swine!

We must not let them push us around,

let's go on strike.

We must stop accepting all these humiliations.

She is right.

Let's start a protest demonstration!

Next!

Excuse me.

Osode likes you.

You could go see her for us.

Sorry, I'm not feeling well.

Excuse me.

But...

Who does she think she is?

Not surprising... she's always been selfish.

I'll go and talk to Osode and speak for all of us.

I'll come with you.

What the hell are you doing? Go prepare! at once!

Let me talk.

You force us to take customers without any protection.

This is not legal.

What are you talking about?

The doctor sees you regularly.

As is said in the law.

It's only a formality.

When I was 14, I had my first customers.

Yet I know that, according to the law,

it's forbidden until you're 18.

I had three abortions while training to be a geisha.

And I got no compensation for it!

That's the way it isl

We're slaves!

But we're free to leave.

Enough!

You're ungrateful.

Those words are not your own.

Who taught them to you?

Say it!

Say it!

It's no use.

If we let those talk, they'll all do like them.

It's no use worrying.

They can leave whenever they want to.

Why don't you?

The bad branches must be cut off before they grow too long.

She speaks without knowing that her husband is under that bitch's spell.

What?

What are you talking about?

While we're talking, he's probably having fun

with that whore from Osaka.

Stop It now! You talk too much.

This is reserved.

Who's there?

Osode!

Maruko hasn't done anything.

I invited her.

Quiet down.

I know what you're going to say.

Boss... you don't have to yield to her.

Talk to her now.

“Osode is heartless“

"I never saw her cry. "

"I want to leave that cold monster and live with you. "

That's what you told me.

You don't know what you're saying. Don't listen to her.

She's been drinking. She does not know what she says.

Darling...

Baths are quite good for your health,

but sharing it with that rotten vixen you might get poisoned.

Come back home with me.

All right, all right.

Stay here with me!

Leave me alone!

He is my husband.

What a joke! You used to fuck Katsuzo, that pimp.

Yes, that's right! What was it all about?

Don't let that demon seduce you.

She ls a spy sent by godfather lnaso from Osaka.

And you schemed your way into becoming a Madame.

What?

Your being the Yohkiroh boss means nothing to me.

If you want your husband back,

do come and get him!

All right.

I'm coming.

Please... stop... calm down...

Osode, Maruko...

You must stop, both of you!

Get out of the way.

You really have balls.

Bitch!

So?

What now?

Kanagushi, I don't want any trouble.

Put my mind at ease.

Don't worry.

Katsuzo is finished.

Thanks for everything.

Boss,

you win.

In a very short time, she brought in 500 yen.

Thank you.

Good bye, girls.

That's Momowaka!

She's really the Yohkiroh's best girl. Wherever she is, she shines out.

Momowaka!

I'm going to Osaka!

I'm giving up everything here.

Kochi is a nice place.

But I never really liked it.

I have no hard feelings against you.

What you're saying makes me feel sad.

It's really strange!

We'll never see each other again. Good luck!

I'll hang on too.

Take good care of yourself.

Well...

goodbye.

Momowaka!

Yes?

Tell me...

You're pregnant?

It will consolidate your situation.

We're going to tell Horikawa.

Wait, Madame.

Don't tell him anything.

Don't worry.

Horikawa won't leave you because of this.

On the contrary...

he'll be happy-

You've got nothing to worry about.

Madame...

The child's father...

is not...

Horikawa.

Are you crazy or what?

Don't you ever say

anything like that.

Do you understand?

Be very careful.

I haven't got much to offer you.

Don't worry. I'm only dropping by.

Fusako is still nice and generous to us.

Thanks to her, Tachan is studying massage in Osaka.

Are you all right?

My cough is getting worse.

Katsuzo says it's a demon's curse.

Make yourself at home.

Thank you.

Is your wound improving?

A demon cursed me as he cursed my wife.

You think the Osaka clan is responsible?

Most certainly.

lnaso is trying to get the Yohkiroh.

I'll be able to deter him from going on.

If you need more men,

I'll provide the funds.

It won't be necessary.

Are you sure?

When they start building the railroad,

lnaso and his men will come.

I'll allow no one

to get to the Yohkiroh.

Momowaka

is pregnant.

Her protector Horikawais the chairman of the banks' union.

She will never be able to find a better protector.

He promised he'd recognize the child.

He agrees to pay Momowaka's expenses

He asked me to take care of her. He'll pay for everything.

Among all men,

you're the one I know best.

Momowaka is my former rival's daughter,

yet I made the best geisha of her.

I even intend to adopt her

in order to establish her as my successor.

Are you serious?

But...

there still is a slight problem.

The father of the child

Momowaka is pregnant with

is not Horikawa.

It's someone else.

I don't fear gossip.

I fear what Momowaka might do.

Osode,

what do you fear Momowaka might do?

Momowaka might tell Horikawa the truth.

You know...

When Tsuru ran away with you twenty years ago,

she was the same age as Momowaka.

That worries me much more than the coming of the Osaka yakuzas.

I fear that destiny

will repeat itself.

Please, Gods, make the child be a girl.

I know I ask a lot but... .

No boy please.

Make it be a girl.

Tamako, go to the "Paulownia" room.

Your client is there, waiting for you.

I put your bowl down here.

Hurry up!

Thanks.

Excuse me!

Stop them! Stop them!

Let go of me!

Let go of me, damn bastard!

Please...

I'm not an animal!

Go!

Some guy kidnapped one of the girls.

What?

It's him.

Kanagushi.

I took Tamako.

But you won't get any money from me.

All right?

Where do you think you are.

Leave us alone.

Here's my proposal.

I'll pay the account

Osode's husband failed to pay.

He owed you 3000, I'm giving you 5 thou.

I'll forget our disagreement.

We've had a bond for some time

but now, everything is finished.

Wait.

You won't leave this place so easily.

You're nothing but a wimp.

You think you'll be able to fight on your own against us?

A wimp?

I'm not on my own.

I came with Ryoma Sakamoto,

with Shintaro Nakaoka,

and many other heroes from the past.

It's been told since the beginning of time

that Kochi gave birth to heroes and not to scoundrels, ever.

The men and women of Kochi have always faced death without fear.

You see,

even killing me and me alone

will not enable you to invade Kochi.

Do say that to godfather lnaso.

He must not try to come to Kochi any more.

If he does, he will die.

You must not underestimate

the heroes of my land.

These days,

young boss Saganoi

does not come here any more.

Is there a reason?

So that's the problem!

I see.

It worries you.

He hasn't come for 2 months.

I shouldn't tell you, but...

He's taking a ship tonight at 8.

He'll stay three years in Europe.

Three years!

It's too late to go to the port.

It's useless.

I'm telling you it's too late.

Listen to me.

Don't ever forget that you're the queen of the Yohkiroh.

You understand?

Say you do.

This was an impossible love.

Everyone says so.

Be reasonable.

He was too good for you.

You could not get what was impossible to get.

If you want an abortion, have It now. If you don't, it's finished.

She's right.

I won't have an abortion.

Then, you'll have to lie to Horikawa forever.

I do know that.

I do know.

I know I have to make a choice.

Fusako...

Listen to me.

Beyond that door, you must lose your purity.

If you remain pure,

you'll be crushed down.

Don't you ever forget it.

If you remain pure,

you'll be crushed down.

Momowaka...

You know what the boss wants you to do.

Horikawa is ready to spend a lot for you.

He wants to be the most generous among the Shikoku's protectors.

Do you understand?

You must think only of all the good things he might do.

Do you understand?

Watch the steps.

Don't forget.

Momowaka!

You managed to come up?

You must be breathless.

Come quick.

Lie down.

When I heard about the baby,

I felt ten years younger.

Come here.

Come.

You're more desirable than ever.

They say women are more beautiful when they are pregnant.

It is true.

I must talk to you.

I think I don't deserve your protection any more.

That child I'm With...

Stop talking and come nearer.

Please, forgive me.

Please.

You're not the child's father.

You fool!

Don't talk about it!

You really thought I didn't know?

How dare you scoff at my generosity?

I will never be able to lie to the child to be born.

Who do you think you are?

Stop being snooty.

You dare speak to me as if we were equal, you maudlin geisha!

I didn't know there was such a fool in the Yohkiroh.

Go away.

Get away from here!

I don't want to see you again.

I thank you for everything.

Goodbye.

Is she in pain.

Her cold is not going to help with the end of her pregnancy.

Men...

all of them...

are the enemies of women!

Nobody will take my baby away.

No one...

Whatever people may say,

it is my baby.

Whatever happens,

I'll raise him.

Go away!

You're the one...

You killed my mother!

Make a beautiful baby.

Fusako,

the burden you're with

I'll help you bear.

What a family we are!

Anyway,

we must face destiny together.

The typhoon even hit Kochi.

There's real damage at the Yohkiroh.

The Invitation to tender for the railroad is delayed.

It will let us some time

to buy some civil servant.

We must first clean up and get rid of Katzuko.

Use bombs if necessary.

If not, he won't let us do what we have to do.

I'll give you 150 yens

for a 5-year contract.

You know everything now.

I hope

you understood everything.

You can count on me.

As you know, Horikawa fell out with Momowaka.

We must get him back.

I know how to do it.

I've been 10 years on the job.

He won't be able to avoid falling under my spell.

If you succeed,

you'll be the geisha of honor

at the next festival.

Madame,

sorry to interrupt...

The hospital's just told us

that Momowaka gave birth to a daughter.

A daughter!

If it's a daughter, Saganoi might recognize the child.

Heaven is on Momowaka's side.

- If he doesn't, we'll adopt her. - You want to make a geisha of her?

We'll let her grow up until she is 13.

She'll have Momowaka's looks.

You react quickly, as ever.

You already found a new girl for Horikawa.

To make Horikawa come back, I had to react quickly.

We must pay for the typhoon's damage and fund our growing out.

Horikawa is a valued customer.

All right, I got it.

It's always what the women did

that made this House grow.

We men haven't got anything to say.

Lie down, Nomiko.

You must rest.

Don't worry... I'll get better.

I am a strong girl.

You'll see... I'll get better.

You shouldn't have gone out on your own.

Inaso's men are watching you.

Katsuzo got in touch?

He didn't.

He went to Kyushu on a business trip.

Tamako, what about leaving together?

Katsuzo said

we could get married if we wanted to.

He said so.

He asked me

to make you happy in his place.

He told me so when we went to Osaka to get you.

He also says we should go as far as possible

from Osaka and Kochi.

I want to stay here.

I like Kochi.

Hideji, let's try and find a shop in Kochi.

If you're afraid of lnaso's men,

I'll fight them alone.

I'm not afraid.

I won't leave you alone.

The CHEI TAMAKO restaurant ls now open Come, all of you!

She's so cute.

As pretty as a picture.

Your restaurant is very nice.

We managed to open It in spite of everything.

Thank you for your present.

You could find the time to come here and see us

when you are more popular than ever at the Yohkiroh.

Yes, fortunately, I have many customers.

I would never have thought

that working for a child

would be so stimulating.

I understand.

One more reason not to fall ill.

Haven't you lost weight?

No, I only have a cold. It won't last.

I hope so.

Let's drink to celebrate the restaurant's opening.

Cheers!

- Congratulations! - Thank you.

Now come with me. I'll take you in my arms.

You'll feel well in Hideji's arms.

She is quite heavy... Sorry!

I'd like to have a child.

You got married?

I'm still hesitating.

Hideji would like to.

You mustn't hesitate in that case.

He seems to be serious with you.

l am the problem.

Can I still have a child after what I did?

Of course.

You're still young.

Don't worry.

Nothing really matters.

What do you mean?

I mean that there's always a way to pull through.

Nothing really matters.

You can always pull through.

Nothing really matters.

Nothing really matters.

Nothing really matters.

We made up.

When the bell rang dawn,

we made up.

They're really wonderful.

As long as we have geishas with such high standards

Yohkiroh will remain the best House in Japan.

Master, let's have a break.

You can rest.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Master.

- You liked It? - I did. Very much.

You look tired, are you all right?

I'm all right.

You were great.

You're very kind.

You're the best dancer in the Yohkiroh.

We'll never be as good as you are.

Of course, Fusako is a born artist.

Don't make me blush.

Fusako, shall we start again the part with the bell?

Well...

We made up

when the dawn bell rang...

Fusako!

What's wrong with you?

Tamako!

It's nice of you to come.

But you're taking risks,

you might catch something from me.

What are you taking about?

I don't fear germs. They're frightened of me.

Let's change subjects.

You were sleeping peacefully today.

Were you making a nice dream?

ls that it?

Tell me about your dream.

Since I arrived here

I've made many dreams.

Dreams that make me blush

and that I had never made before.

Even in a state as mine,

women never renounce to be

what they are.

It is a good sign.

It proves you've got energy.

You must get better for Hiroko too.

Speaking of which, Momowaka, I spoke about it with Hideji.

We can take care of Hiroko during your convalescence.

With the restaurant, we're doing quite well.

What's wrong with you?

If I offended you, I apologize.

Momowaka...

My daughter...

won't come back.

What do you mean?

Explain yourself.

I asked the Madame at the Yohkiroh

to take care of her and to bring her up.

What are you talking about? It doesn't make sense.

That's the way it is with geishas' daughters.

It will take a long time before I'm really well again.

You don't have to worry.

I'll go get her.

You mustn't.

Why not?

You can't understand.

That's the way it is.

It's my own fault,

I chose to bear a child when my state didn't allow me to.

I lost.

I must forget my daughter.

There's nothing I can do.

Please, Tamako

would you sing the song of the traveling stallman?

No way.

I really don't feel like it.

Please!

I sing out of tune, my singing will give you a fever.

Lonely bird, always traveling

Aren't you sad?

l am sad.

Such is the sad life of the traveling stallman?

How could you go away

at such a critical time?

According to the doctor,

Momowaka's lungs are full of holes.

Even if she survives, Yohkiroh is finished for her.

I've already spent a lot for her

and not only in hospital expenses.

I have 3000 yens.

You can have them.

Money!

Is that your travel present?

You think you can solve Momowaka's problem with money?

No!

This is for her daughter.

You think I took Hiroko away from her.

But you're wrong.

Momowaka entrusted her to me.

Katsuzo...

You know, Momowaka

gave her daughter

to both of us.

But she fears her daughter will suffer the same destiny as she did.

She knows her trade though.

She is being very naive.

But in the same time,

I can understand what she feels.

To Momowaka,

Hiroko is the fruit of her only true love.

If Saganoi wasn't true to her,

she'll be sorry for the rest of her life.

Momowaka is really...

really a very unhappy girl.

Her own mother had a sad end.

And everything is starting again with Momowaka...

ls giving yourself body and soul out of love so wrong

that fate won't let you enjoy it?

My daughter Fusako hasn't got long to live.

Her child...

At least her child...

If that money is not enough,

I'll find you a girl one that's even better than Momowaka.

Even if I must spend my whole life looking for her

and even if I must travel across Japan to find her.

Better than Momowaka?

Tell me...

How long have you been doing this?

A geisha like Momowaka,

there's only one every century.

I had to swallow my resentment. Don't you see how much I suffered

to train Momowaka, daughter of my rival Tsuru.

We've got nothing to say to each other any more.

Go away.

Darling...

I'm glad you're here.

Fusako is feeling really bad.

She spat blood twice.

Will she die?

Will she get better?

You may go and see her.

If anything happens, have me called.

Fusako,

sorry.

I'm never here when you need me.

Dad,

forgive me.

I'd promised I'd give you Hiroko.

Dad,

I don't want to die.

I don't want to.

You won't die.

You won't die!

Come quick.

Saganoi, come quick.

You're here at last!

At last you're back.

You know...

I've always believed in you.

Always.

You made me wait a long time.

It's not nice.

You're bad.

Saganoi, you're bad.

Katsuzo!

You're back!

Things seem to be all right.

What a nice restaurant!

You're made for each other.

We've got to speak, by the way.

Katsuzo!

Tell me.

Is Momowaka suffering a lot?

You look strange.

Tell the truth!

I heard that you were very nice to her.

Is she dead?

Yes, her condition got suddenly much worse.

That's impossible!

Impossible...

She said you were like a sister to her.

Why?

Why did she die?

Who killed her?

Who killed her?

Damnit!

I'll avenge her!

Tamako!

No!

I'll avenge her!

Calm down!

I'm going to kill.

Who do you want to kill?

Let that go.

Let it go!

Listen to me.

Tamako.

If you want to avenge her,

if you want to know who killed her

you must kill me.

Me!

Watch out!

The lnaso clan!

Run away!

I haven't got happy memories of Kochi.

But eventually... leaving it

makes me sad.

Don't you feel pain?

Katsuzo,

crying...

We can cry because we're sad

but also...

of joy.

You know...

I will never leave you.

I'll work as hard as I can

so that you can have an easy life.

You will live as you please.

I won't ask anything from you.

It will be the best way to honor Hideji's memory.

It will be...

It will be...

The best way.

I have some business to take care of.

Wait for me here.

Where are you going?

We'll say goodbye to Japan.

We shall leave Japan?

We could go to Manchuria.

Manchuria?

Do you really mean it?

Manchuria is huge...

We'll get on the boat at Shimonoseki. Wait for me here.

Katsuzo,

do come back.

I will stay here.

Promise me you'll come back!

Promise me you'll come back!

If you're not coming back, I'll kill myself right here.

You're lucky.

It hurts.

You fool!

You shouldn't have tried to make fools of the Osaka clan

Miss!

You've been here since noon.

There aren't any trains.

Show me your ticket.

You've got two tickets?

I see... you've been stood up.

A young woman shouldn't be here at this time.

I'll escort you to the police station.

Come on... stand up.

Stand up.

You're stubborn.

Listen to what I'm telling you.

It's no use waiting.

There are no trains.

The rails...

You removed them?

Of course not!

Are you making a fool of me?

Well... if there's a railroad

the train will come.

The train...

The train...

Nothing really matters.

Nothing really matters.

Nothing really matters

THE END

Subtitles adapted from the French by cinephage I raleigh

OCR, timing and spelling corrections by Rathma