Original subtitles

Toho's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Work

A TOHO PRESENTATION

Produced by: Hashimoto Production

It's one minute 47 seconds longer than last time...

Is it because you were running too slow up here?

Hey, Shiro, come here!

Come here.

Good, good... Here, Shiro, there's water for you.

Here. Look, Shiro. Good boy, good boy.

Did you hear that, too?

No way you could have heard it. It's just my thoughts...

But, Shiro, I'll hear that flute someday again and I will meet

that stranger whom only both of us know.

LAKE OF ILLUSIONS

Reiko Nanjo

Daisuke Ryu

Tomoko Hoshino

Masahiro Mitsuda Hatsunori Hasegawa

Rino Katase Debbie Kamuda

Keiko Sekine

Kinya Kitaoji

Course A - Course B

Course B - Course C

Course C - Course D

Producers: Masayuki Sato, Katsumi Oyama Yoshitaro Nomura, Shinobu Hashimoto

Running instructor: Akio Usami

Cinematographers: Shunichiro Nakao Takao Saito, Masahiro Kishimoto

Music composer: Yasushi Akutagawa

Directed and Written by: Shinobu Hashimoto

Please, come this way.

Please, enjoy your stay.

Welcome. My name's Oichi.

Oichi?

Sister of Nobunaga Oda, married to Nagamasa Azai.

I am Ochi, who is Yodogimi's mother.

I see...

A lot of work was put into this...

This establishment's name is "Lake of Illusions".

So, you're Oichi from the Sengoku period?

But your outfit style is not that old.

At best, you look like a Meiji-era geisha.

You work in the textile industry?

Well, that's fine.

In fact, I'll do something better to you

than what I did to Nagamasa Azai in Odani Castle. All right?

Say, you have foreigners here, too?

You don't have to look at her.

Here!

"Odani Castle..."

Please, come in.

But, for this mediocre performance, it seems a bit too much of a stretch.

Even though I'm not related either to the real Oichi nor Yodogimi,

I'll make sure that you'll never forget this Ogoto's Oichi.

Ogoto's Oichi?

That's right.

All right...

What's that?

Don't you think that's weird?

No way!

Drop that already. You're not some kind of a racehorse.

I'm sorry. It's been raining for the past few days.

But, Rosa, what you've told me earlier... Is that true?

Yep, that's why can I meet up with you soon?

That's fine, although...

I would like to inform you all

that we will have a meeting after the closure.

We acknowledge your fatigue, yet appreciate your cooperation. Thank you.

Miss Oichi. Miss Oichi. Please, meet the office manager.

A leash for a dog wouldn't be bad solution.

I can't believe it... Compared to when she first came here.

But why does she run so much?

Managers have the lowest earnings.

It's crucial to get everyone back on track, even if it means taking firm action.

Ah, thanks for taking your time to see me.

Are you still running?

Yes, on my days off, my dog pulls me right to the Lake Biwa.

Are you planning to take the plunge, and run the Biwa Lake Marathon next year?

I'll take part in the March race.

Really?

It's a joke... I was just joking!

After all, I can't run without Shiro,

so I don't think I'll participate in a formal race.

That's true, running in a pair with a dog...

By the way, Oichi, because you don't really spend your earnings,

your savings must be probably around 20 million.

No, I don't think so. I guess it's around 18 million...

Let's take that money out of your Toyo bank account,

and transfer it to Shiga Fukutoku Bank?

The interest is the same over there.

In fact, our boss was compelled by an influential party to request this from you.

Manager, that's not going to happen.

Last year's summer

Oichi, look, here's that guy from the bank again.

He's so persistent...

You know, they say "The Buddha’s face is only seen thrice", but he's way too pushy.

Shiro, get rid of this annoying salesman!

Shiro! Shiro!

I'm sorry! Are you all right?

I'm okay...

I've always seen you running around that area with your dog.

Sand... A paved road.

Good all-round for mountain roads.

I had no idea such shoes existed until then...

And, besides that, Mr. Hirayama,

weren't you the one who said that dogs aren't allowed in the dorm?

But, otherwise, we'd get lots of complaints.

Then, when I asked for a house to live with Shiro,

did you do anything?

It was just Mr. Kurata who rented me a house in Shiga.

Oichi...

We're unable to offer advice regarding inquiries about your dog or running.

Listen, it wouldn't matter if that were just you,

but Senhime, Oraku and also a Christen Omiyo

have accounts at Toyo Bank's branch in Otsu, which operates in secret.

This is not good for the other banks, and they complain about it to our boss.

Well, I don't know if you're seeing someone who works at Toyo Bank,

I'm going to ask you to refrain from any solicitations like that in the future. Okay?

I am sorry for keeping you waiting. I will take you to Miss Oichi.

Okay.

This way.

Oichi, Yoshino's director bought you out. You'll have no further clients for today.

Do you want to leave the bath?

Is something wrong?

There are new apartments built in Osaka, Tsuruhashi.

And there... No, if you're down for it,

in the flats, there are new bathtubs and bathrooms.

If you could come over there...

I refuse.

I'm quitting after another year of this work.

Quitting?

Yes, I'm going to quit, and get married.

So, your lover...

I am still uncertain about the identity of that person.

There's a paulownia tree behind my house.

When I was born and while my grandfather was alive,

my father and I,

for my wedding in the future,

planted this tree with the intention of crafting a large chest out of it.

So, you want us to stop wearing traditional hairstyles and kimono uniforms?

That's correct. The era of Turk bathhouses is over.

We've entered the technological epoch.

I want to make changes as quickly as possible.

Isn't this just one of Yodogimi's selfish whims?

Shimada is attracted to her, and that's why he tries to get along with her.

But, in this bathhouse, she doesn't have a decisive vote...

Well, as there are no particular suggestions,

we'll have yet to determine new uniforms.

Traditional hairstyles are dropped as of today.

I'm completely opposed to it.

When I put up my hair and wear a kimono, I don't feel like my true self...

I feel as if I'm a different person.

It's only because I feel like a different person

that I am able to do this bathhouse job!

I don't know who are either Oichi or Nagamasa Azai, and have no interest in them!

But I speak of them like a tape recording...

And if the traditional hairstyles and kimonos are to disappear, I will...

I will quit!

Oichi...

You see, the manager said we're free to choose our clothes and hairstyle.

Freedom means doing whatever you wish.

If you want to wear traditional hairstyle,

then it's fine for you to do that.

Otsu

Is that so?

September is at the end of our fiscal year, so it would be difficult to look at your quota.

I've placed around 300.000 from your savings into a term deposit.

That's all right.

But, Mr. Kurata, that's not enough for this month...

You know Christen? She came to me last evening,

and told me "I'll go home soon", but just before going to America, she wants to swim here.

What? Miss Rosa?

How typical of you!

Did you spend a lot on sushi in New York?

When I came to Tokyo, they were much better, but also way more expensive.

No way... Then, you came to Lake Biwa just to try carp and sweet fish sushi?

No, I came to Biwa to see Buddha statues.

Buddha statues?

That's right. Sushi is great, but when I came to Japan I fell in love with Buddha statues.

I went to see the eleven faced Avalokiteshvara statue

at Dougan temple in Takatsuki, near Nagahama.

Dougan temple in Takatsuki, Nagahama?

You didn't know that, Oichi?

No idea.

I've heard of Hikone and Nagahama, but I've never actually been there, up in the east.

I see. That Bodhisattva has 11 faces!

Really?

Among them was the face of Oichi, when she quarreled with Yodogimi.

Why are you giving me that, Rosa?

But your face really looked like his!

What's so similar about it?

The back of my head?

Good morning!

Ah, Mr. Sekiguchi! I'll save up the running points for today.

Hm? Why's that?

I'm going to take Rosa with us.

She really wants to see

where me and Shiro do the running.

What a beautiful place! I'd also love to run here.

In the midst of cherry blossoms, running here with Shiro...

How great!

Yeah...

What's that?

Chikubu island.

And what's that?

Tsuzura Ozaki, the northernmost end of Lake Biwa.

So, nobody lives further up from here?

No, from Oura, you can access the toll road parkway.

That will lead to the village called Sugaura at the end of that peninsula.

That's the village we saw on the way up here.

Yeah...

A land-locked island for a very long time... Is there any legend about it?

About that...

Actually, in the past there was a legend...

"When you're out fishing, by the end of the summer,"

"you could hear a flute whistle from that Tsuzura Ozaki".

Really? Mr. Sekiguchi, is that true?

But, Oichi, that's an old story.

Nowadays, no one had ever heard something like that in Sugaura.

Not a single person... But is there something about that flute?

No, nothing at all.

All right, time to beat my previous record.

Going to run faster than your previous times?

Yes, I'm gonna beat C course!

Beat it?

Woah, that's splendid! 59.9 seconds!

Under one minute! It's a new record!

Here, here...

Even in the most picturesque places,

running is not that easy. I guess you can say that.

Autumn...

Autumn in Japan...

What are you doing, Rosa?

Below and above us. These men are all here!

Huh?

Look at all of their different faces! I'm sure there's one that looks just like Oichi.

Look, doesn't he look just like me?

But this one isn't just any kind of a person. That's Mr. Kurata from the Toyo Bank.

He's serious, makes no mistakes, and uses efficient business strategy.

But I also thought...

Oichi, if you have to choose a partner to marry,

that should be him! He's the best.

Oichi.

Thank you for everything.

I'm not going to work anymore there. I'll go back to the dorm and pack up my things.

Tomorrow, I'll pick up my savings from Mr. Kurata at the bank and go to Tokyo.

And then, from Haneda, no, from Narita, I will cross the Pacific Ocean.

These statues... Did they make Rosa leave the job?

Rosa, once you're back in the USA, take care of yourself.

You, too, Oichi.

Shiro, you take care of yourself, too. You'll run north from Lake Biwa.

Be just as you always are.

F-4 Phantom? 15 Eagle...

Yes, eagles must have already arrived...

Mass industries in Japan - Classification G -

Participation are so poor and limited that it cannot reach

the state of licensed quarters which existed before 1945.

White dog... white dog... white dog...

Running girl... running girl... running girl...

Listen, Shiro, which of these statues will it be?

There are so many of them...

Is this person an illusion? No, he's absolutely not!

Shiro!

Don't go over there!

Shiro!

Shiro!

Shiro!

Shiro!

You're running with your dog?

Yes, he pulls me forward to run.

Then, perhaps we could meet later again?

Yes, absolutely!

Uhm...

Would you mind having a coffee in the arboretum?

Maybe next time... I have to go back to Tokyo now.

Tokyo?

Shiro, come here... You are truly a gift from God.

You're not only running, you've also let me meet that person.

I never knew who he was, but I saw and heard him play that flute.

And this time... This time, Shiro...

No need for that...

Is it still raining?

Yeah, what a weird weather.

Once more, the stormy season arrives.

Oichi, Shiro's tag number is 32301, right?

Yes, it is 32301 from Shiga Prefecture.

An health clinic in Kata... No, it's not confirmed yet...

Apparently, someone who was fishing found it and called us.

A dog with that tag number was found lying on the shore of the Wani River delta...

Oichi!

Shiro!

Shiro!

Shiro...

What? Shiro? Shiro has passed away?

And then...?

I have no idea who could have done this...

His head was hit.

The left side of its head was crushed, which led to immediate death.

The weapon that killed it is a steel object, about 1 cm in diameter.

When did Oichi meet Shiro?

Yeah, about that...

Last year in May... In May.

After Oichi arrived at Ogoto...

Was it May or June?

Probably around that time.

Anyway, he was a very smart dog.

- That's right... - She'll miss him a lot.

When I came to Ogoto, it was around May...

But I can't think about it anymore...

What's that? Can you just stop following people? You have nothing to do with me.

I'm not going to cry about him.

But my tears...

You... you've been waiting for me here?

Over there! Did you come from there?

Come here, this way. Follow me.

Wait! Wait for me!

Here... go ahead.

Ah, that's fine...

It's still hot, so don't get burned.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Miss Ozaka, the manager said yesterday

that it would be best for you if you returned back home for a while...

I want to see the eyes of the person who did that to Shiro...

I'm not going back home until I do that!

Is the compensation for damages cleared, Mr. Onishi?

That's right.

When we deal with a criminal case, there's a lot of emotion on the victim's behalf.

If we pursue this as a civil case now, it will cause complications.

I don't see how compensation can solve this.

If there are both civil and criminal law cases,

why is it difficult to distinguish between them?

Mr. Onishi, well, that's what she just said...

Call Shiga station.

Arakawa? It's Onishi from the main precinct.

A dog was killed the day before yesterday. Have you heard anything about it?

Yeah, two days ago. What?! You know something?

This is Yoshidaya store, where a knife was lent.

Yes.

Excuse me.

Blade length is 17.8 cm.

It's thickness is about one cm.

So, not only this knife, but also a chopping board was lent?

Yes, the man also brought this...

He looked in his 30's and didn't seem to be a bad person.

And also, back then, the real Eri Saijo came to this beach.

This is true... That's the autograph she gave me back then.

♪ Isn't love intruding?

♪ And it bothers me now

♪ Just, just a friend, even though

♪ He's the second one whom I miss

I've told everyone concerned to come to the beach.

The day before, there were 40 witnesses, today it's just 12 or 13 people.

But I think that's enough.

Eri Saijo and other people, three or four women and six or seven men,

arrived here in three vehicles.

Yes, that's right.

Here!

Thanks!

They used knives borrowed from Yoshidaya.

Eri, come see this.

So, the man who was preparing the carp, started chopping it into pieces.

Yes, yes...

And then, the dog barked.

Yes, that's right.

- What happened after that? - After that, Eri...

Miss Eri called that dog.

Hey...

The dog didn't fall right on the spot, it actually ran off, right?

Yes, that's right.

Which way?

Over there.

Over there?

Yes, that's right.

So, not there?

No, it was that way.

There's no mistake...

I'm sure...

The diagnosis from the health clinic is that the death was immediate.

But it seems the dog actually ran in the opposite direction.

This road... After all, it was this road...

Shiro is unable to enter rivers or water.

Really?

But I took him so many times on this road towards the lake.

This is where he died.

If there was a bridge, it would be much easier to get here, so it was quite a long way for him.

But why this place?

Shiro died when he was hit.

Huh?

He tried to run to my place.

But the road...

Shiro should have known it. It's the same road that we always used.

It's the only one on the western side of Lake Biwa.

He just had to go by the lake, to get to my place...

That island must be quite lonely.

But, Shiro, I have you.

Oki island...

This Oki island is me now.

Miss Ozaka.

I hope this case will be resolved soon.

The perpetrator must be one of the men who was with Eri.

We know the address and there are many witnesses.

Please, solve it within a day or even an hour!

Yes, yes, I'm sure she will appreciate

all the help that you've given her. Thank you!

Oichi, we know the culprit. Sit down.

Sun Metro, the group that Eri belongs...

They performed in Kyoto.

She had one day off before her next stop in Nagoya

She spent that day, sightseeing Lake Biwa, before continuing her group's trip.

So, the band came from Tokyo to Kyoto. And then, stayed in Hikone.

Hikone?

Apparently, Eri has a powerful patron in Hikone.

Unfortunately, the weather was poor the next day,

as she traveled on a motorboat provided by a generous patron.

She went to Chikubu island. And from there towards Tsuzura Osaki.

- Hello! - Thank you for coming, right this way!

The plan was to visit Tsuzura Ozaki, but, due to the weather,

the patron took her to the south.

That's where they bought the large carp.

Takehara, from the planning department, takes pride in cooking live fish.

Takehara from the planning department?

However, when they finally arrived in Shiga, there was no suitable lake shore,

so they exited the national highway to Ono's Minamihama beach.

What happened next, you already know.

The other party also confirmed what happened next.

So, in order to solve this incident through a discussion,

the planning manager will come here from Tokyo.

So, when do you think you'll be able to meet him?

Manager? Is this discussion a settlement?

He's just going to give me compensation?

Yes.

Don't give me that! I don't want money for Shiro!

Oichi, I understand that you'd want him in prison.

But, because it's an incident, it will be only documented.

Documented?!

The documents will be sent from the public prosecutor's office to the court.

The court will give him a formal sentence, but then, it will be suspended.

No one would ever go to jail for killing a dog.

Thanks...

That's fine...

I'm fine with that.

Then, a settlement is fine?

Don't make fun of me!

What?!

I will take the killer to court.

I can't wait to see his face when he hears the verdict!

Oichi...

This is my condition! Otherwise, what kind of...

No matter what shall happen, I'm not backing down!

What kind of a dog shall we give her as a gift?

I wonder... One that runs well.

A setter or a pointer dog...

But, you know, there are many newcomers who aren't close to Oichi.

What if it's done by those who know her best?

That's fine. It's better to have volunteers, rather than all the staff members.

Listen, does anyone know a dog store here, or something like that?

And someone willing to pay a high price for a well-running dog?

Among us, does anyone know such a person?

I know.

In Gifu, there are great conditions for dog hunting, up in the mountains.

But if you want a dog, can't you simply find yourself one?

Because her cherished "toy" is gone,

there's too much of a fuss about getting a new "toy" for her.

I think it's all ridiculous and there's no further point in it.

Yes, that's right...

That time and, again, back then I heard it...

I want to go there, but...

I've told you before.

There's nothing we can do, without a further permission.

"While I was preparing the carp, a dog came by and attempted eating it."

"As it jumped on me, I instinctively used my knife, to protect my safety."

This is unbelievable!

Your opponent has a powerful lawyer.

Not a lot you can do...

"The dog didn't die on the spot."

"It ran without issues for more than two kilometers."

"The diagnosis from the Otsu clinic that the dog died instantly was wrong."

"There's a need for another autopsy report."

"But, if the body was already cremated,"

"this can be considered as an intentional destruction of evidence."

This is what Sun Metro told me.

This is the statement of your opposing party, after the investigation made in Tokyo.

"Please, put an end to these baseless accusations."

Baseless?

Yes, in other words: "A dog was killed without breaching any legal basis".

"I'll involve the police if you keep insisting I willingly killed your dog."

"You're unmistakably threatening my involvement in the commercial business."

"According to the complaints, the accuser is a 22-year-old woman."

"There are some aspects of the case that cannot be taken as her sole act."

"There is possibly some background relationship."

"Perhaps this woman is affiliated with yakuza."

"If this is not true, then please disclose me her status and occupation."

"Otherwise, I will have to deal with this further unreasonable behavior."

Here you go.

That's fine, it's mine...

- No worries, it's heavy. - Please, have this.

Come with me.

I didn't use that knife ever since, but I can't just throw it away.

Yes, that's right. I heard that this incident was investigated in Tokyo, too.

Yes... yes...

Yeah, thank you. Miss Yoshidoya...

The police station informed me that the case is closed.

Since the knife is no longer needed as evidence, you can keep it at your place.

Tuesday

So, as I said earlier, today...

About Takehara...

Doesn't the entire incident involving Takehara appear peculiar to you?

On that day, touring Lake Biwa with Eri Saijo,

committing such a violent act in her presence...

If he did an atrocity like that, then is Eri fine with such things?

Or should I assume that Sun Metro's chief himself

has murdered my dog?

Don't be ridiculous!

When this happened, the chief was in the USA.

If he was in America, how could he be near Lake Biwa?

So, he was in America back then?

That's right.

I don't know which part of America he was in.

What?!

Why wouldn't he let me meet him?

Maybe it was Eri Saijo who killed my dog?

I'll tell that to the newspapers agencies and magazines

Hey, what do you mean?!

Miss Ozaka, you are legally incapable of doing anything about it.

What are you planning to do?

This is about the dog I loved.

I don't want to leave that carelessly behind.

If I meet the killer, listen to their details, and find no possibility for action,

- I would accept that and let it go. - I see.

Mr. Ida, as both Sun Metro and Miss Saijo are innocent,

I don't believe that it would look good, leaving this incident unclear.

Well, I think for the agency,

it would be better to clarify this incident.

I will talk to the chief and get his approval.

The carp cooking was neither done by the chief, nor by the planning staff member.

That day, a special guest was invited.

A guest?

Because he's quite famous...

Well, I'll tell you his name. It's the composer Keisuke Hinatsu.

Composer?! The composer Keisuke Hinatsu?!

A composer who plays the flute? Could it be...?

Could it be that the man at Tsuzura was... Hinatsu?

I must see this Hinatsu from Tsuzura, as soon as possible.

My home address...

Or if that doesn't work, could you use professor's home phone number?

I've previously mentioned that we don't handle personal matters here.

I bear professor Hinatsu's child in me...

If the professor thinks that's a lie, then...

If that's the case, then give birth and come back with the child's blood certificate.

Ah, I'm sorry. I thought you were in charge of the Aoyama's juvenile section.

So, who did you want to see? Let's go and talk for a moment in the station.

I would like to have a picture of the professor.

What for?

I live in the dorm of an electricity company and everyone there is his fan.

We would like to enlarge it, and bring it to his concert.

I don't have a single photo to give you.

Winter Flower Towada

Trip to Chuzen Temple

Sunset at Lake Shinji

To the North, where Mashu River lies

Fragrant woods of Inawashiro

It's not here... It's not here... Why "Lake Biwa" is the only missing?

Wednesday

A new composition will be released in October.

Starting on the 20th of November, a series of concerts will be held in the Kansai region.

From Osaka, to Kyoto, and then, Kobe.

Excuse me...

Would you happen to have a photograph of professor Hinatsu?

Or, perhaps, could you tell me his home address or phone number?

It would be complicated for our agency to give such information.

Complicated?

We can't reveal such private details, regardless of your intentions.

Shiro!

Shiro!

Thursday

Last time, it was the picture, now it's a dog from Lake Biwa.

What in the world do you want?

You may have heard about it from Sun Metro, the group Eri Saijo is involved with.

Ah, about that... But the professor is currently busy. That's as far as I can tell you.

He can't talk to me because he is busy?

But haven't you seen what happened the other day?

That girl from Hiroshima is giving us a hard time.

After leaving from here, she tried to kill herself

How can you compare that with your inquiry about the dog's cause of death?

Then, would he be able to meet me after work?

I think so, but this year his schedule is very busy.

Well, maybe you could speak to him next spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.

Keisuke Hinatsu must have done that to my dog...

The circumstances are completely different between that girl and my dog.

The professor is currently out of Tokyo, doing an interview for his new composition...

He's not in Tokyo? Then, when will he return?

In the final week of this month.

All right, I'll be back by then.

My dog's ashes are still with me, so next time I come,

I'll bring this, along with the urn.

It still has Shiro's bones in there.

If there are no limitations to contacting him and there's a valid reason,

you should be able to meet and discuss this matter with him in person.

Then, why is it that every time I try to reach him,

he's either busy or occupied with work?

That's why I want to ask you...

Somehow! That somehow the police would reach out to Hinatsu,

and make him meet me... I'm begging you!

You're leaving me perplexed... However, that falls beyond our responsibility.

Your responsibility?

In other words, it's impossible.

Impossible?

There's no legal reason for us to do that.

If you are trying to force another party to meet,

it would be better not seeing them at all.

This is our current stance as the police.

Friday

Professor Hinatsu?

No.

My apologies.

His interview was such a bland lie.

I will see Hinatsu, no matter what it takes...

What are you doing here?

It's about Hinatsu's music project.

Where did you come from? What is your address?

We have some questions for you, come with us to the police station...

- Come on! - Come with us! Come on!

No! No!

I've had enough of this!

I don't care whether Hinatsu is that man from Tsuzura or not!

I just hate him...

I detest Hinatsu!

No, it seems as if everybody in Tokyo...

Everybody is protecting him!

Oichi?

Oichi!

Rosa!

It's you, Rosa!

Rosa...

Rosa...

What's wrong, Oichi?

Shiro was killed!

He was killed, Rosa!

My... my Shiro...

30 minutes... It's still 30 minutes before our agreed time.

But I cannot wait no more.

Excuse me...

Miss Oichi?

Yes.

Here you have.

Please, go right in.

I didn't have time to translate it, because you came here so early.

So, I'm going to translate it to you now.

"Keisuke Hinatsu, composer, 33 years old."

"Address: Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Skycorps 611. Telephone number: 476-2201."

"Birth place: Shinjo, Yamagata prefecture. In 1966, he moved to Sendai."

"At the Tohoku Folk Festival, he was scouted by the Swing Top Records."

"There was a rise of the young people moving to the large cities."

"He performed songs about his hometown,"

"but he had no real interest in his hometown's regional culture, nor its lifestyle."

"No drug-based convictions. Last year's income was 67 million."

"Personality Criteria - A. Linear Prognosis - Stoic A1."

"Relationship with the record company, friends and women"

"is conventional, without going out of the ordinary."

"He does only what he is satisfied with, and does not care about the rest."

Oichi.

Today, I've translated from English quite a lot.

I'm really grateful to you, Rosa.

But all you really had to do was to give me his photo,

along with his address and phone number.

She works in this place? Why in the world Rosa go to Ogoto?

But it doesn't matter anymore...

I've got what I wanted thanks to Rosa.

Oichi.

I've lied to you last time, but I'll be actually leaving Japan this weekend.

I am really going back to the States.

If you need anything, write me a letter.

But, Rosa, you'll always be Rosa to me.

That's right, and you will always be Oichi to me.

This business of revenge.

Maybe it would be better for this man not to exist in this world,

but, Oichi, if you kill Hinatsu, that won't bring Shiro back to life.

Shiro, your grave is here, for eternity.

Farewell...

This man, this man... No one will stop me.

That's fine. Let it be.

I will run after him to the very end, until he gets tired.

However, there's time and distance to consider before that.

That's strange... Two km, It's not even two km yet.

Hinatsu sees me from behind. He must enjoy dragging me along after him.

No, his tempo from the start didn't change. He's just running in small steps.

Somewhere, he will stop somewhere...

Until then, I shouldn't worry. Just run at my own pace.

Komazawa Olympic Park

Okay, Shiro, here we go!

All right, I shall keep this distance!

Here, I will stick to him at this straight line!

Fine, I'll make you run until you collapse!

Shiro! Let me run!

Wasn't that too fast? I've told you, it's one week.

So, where are you now?

I took the bullet train to Kyoto, but because it's connected to the Kosei line,

I'm now at Ogoto station.

You're at the station? The dorm number is 502. Yes, that's right.

By the way, Oichi, in case something urgent happens, will that Toyo Bank's

employer help you?

Mr. Kurata?

Welcome back!

This is the new certificate.

Thank you.

By the way, Miss Ozaki...

I'm grateful for your help, but I'll be transferred to another branch.

Transferred? To which place?

To Kawasaki in Kanagawa prefecture.

Kawasaki?

So, we're going to be apart...

Yes.

When will you go there?

Very soon. Monday next week. The day after tomorrow

The day after tomorrow? Can we have a farewell meal now?

Well, my friends are holding a farewell party today.

What about tomorrow?

Tomorrow?

I don't mind if it's in Otsu or Kyoto, I just want to have a meal with you.

Please, let us have it!

After having a meal in Hikone, we should go to the area beyond Nagahama.

Let's drive beside the lake.

So, you want to go to the east coast of Lake Biwa?

That's right, I'm sorry for being so selfish.

It's fine, especially with such nice weather.

It feels so weird. It's been two years since I was in Ogoto.

But this is my first time crossing this bridge.

Hey, can we stop for a moment?

It's so wide!

Lake Biwa looks the widest from here.

Yes.

However, we're so up high!

Lake Biwa is really wide!

Hikone

What's that?

Is something wrong?

Historic Site - Ruins of Odani Castle

Odani Castle? Is it really in this place?

Odari ruins, I believe it stood during Sengoku period and was under Asakura... no, Azai...

Let's forget about your work today.

I'm sorry, for talking about such an unimportant thing...

Today is my first farewell date. I only want to have good memories.

That's right, our journey to the east of the lake is filled with wonderful memories.

Trip to the east of the lake?

To the east of Lake Biwa.

Our little trip...

What's the matter?

It's Rosa! What Rosa said...

What?

There's no doubt, this is Nagahama's Dougan temple in Takatsuki!

National Treasure The Eleven Faced Avalokiteshvara statue

That's true indeed. He has many faces...

Yeah...

Does his back resemble you of someone?

No, that's not it, look over there.

That's our branch chief.

Whenever we fail or make mistakes, he always makes that face and laughs.

He laughs in a cruel way.

I guess it's the same with people.

To bear many faces... No...

One person can have many faces.

Our journey to the east side of the lake concluded at Chomeiji temple.

Stop the car!

It's an island!

An island indeed...

Do you know its name, Mr. Kurata?

That's Oki island.

Oki island?!

Yeah.

Oki island...

This is Oki island...

I thought about this Oki island...

as a lonely island, all alone...

But there are so many houses on the other side...

So many people...

There are so many people living on it!

Are you okay?

Yeah...

Hey, there is even a parking space here.

However, no matter how hard you climb,

you won't receive blessings unless you step onto each of these stone steps.

That's right. Yes, you're absolutely correct

My marriage to a man working in a bank...

There are many things that lie ahead of me...

But I will overcome it all, together with Mr. Kurata!

This man... It's definitely this man!

Why me and Mr. Kurata...

This is Shiro's grave that you've made.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

There are two observation spots at Lake Biwa.

Here, and...

Lake Biwa's bridge...

Lake Biwa bridge?

It may look wide, but...

Doesn't it look completely different from here?

This flute comes from here.

About 400 years ago, this northern area of Lake Biwa was ruled

by Azai Nagamasa, who lived in Odani Castle, in Asai.

He had a wife named Oichi.

She was the younger sister of the famous Oda Nobunaga. She had a maid

named Mitsu.

Outer citadel, Oichi's room

Mitsu was a fisherman's daughter who lived near Katata on the west coast of Lake Biwa.

She served well to Oichi, and Oichi, in return, was granting special gifts to her.

No, she was actually perceiving her, as if she was her alter ego.

I beg you pardon. Gifu's persimmons from Lord Nobunaga.

Right this way.

Come on, let's go.

Mikawa, what's going on with Mitsu?

About that... My Lady restricted me from intervening into it.

Oichi, Wakasugi is the member of the Azai clan, who is in charge of Miyahara's castle.

Mitsu is good-looking and has good temper.

Don't you find it odd to hand her over to a man who rules just one castle?

Lord Wakasugi, who reigns a single castle, is unsuitable for her.

Inspection of Oichi's boating space

Mitsu, if this is your request, I will notify my husband.

And make him come to the castle.

However, shouldn't a marriage be congratulatory?

Why would someone like you marry some nameless samurai?

I went all the way across Lake Biwa to the north, to meet with that person.

He came to this Odani Castle.

What?

This has been passed down in my family for generations.

If someone blows it by the lake,

they must marry the first woman they encounter at that moment.

So, Mitsu, you were the spirit who came near him, by the lake.

What?

That story begins with a man, playing a flute and a girl who was living by the lake.

It's a legend of unfulfilled dreams...

If that's the case, whoever appears in future generations

is the reincarnation of someone unable to achieve their dreams.

That's right! I see things with my very eyes and walk on my two legs.

At the very least, I strive to live the life I want in this world!

Mitsu...

There may be no one else in this world as happy as you.

Huh?

You're always in an illusion...

No, you're dreaming and aligning your life with those dreams.

Oichi presented Mitsu a white kimono for the approaching wedding

The Lord was betrayed!

Lord Nobunaga was struck from behind, while attacking Asakura in Hokuriku-Echizen.

That bastard!

And I gave Azai the most beautiful woman in the world, my youngest sister, who controls Omi!

I will eradicate every single one of them!

From that moment, the northern side of Lake Biwa plunged into war.

After the battle of Anegawa, Yoshiyasu Nagao prepared for a battle

against the Oda army, staying at the Matsuo mountain fort, overlooking Sekigahara.

Mitsu had lost the track of when her celebration was to be held.

Mitsu, it's Ibuki! I can see Ibuki!

But isn't Matsuo mountain on the other side?

From here... We can't see it from here.

August of the following year, Tensho era, year one.

Nobunaga Oda invaded Omi like a tsunami, with a large army of 50.000 men.

Azai's troops are uncertain if they're able to protect Sir Manpukumaru.

We want to ask you to protect us and the castle.

From now on, don't run away or fight against any other armies.

Please, face Oda's army as soon as possible.

I understand.

So...

Lady!

Even without the ceremony, you will become the wife and part of the Nagao family.

If you have any questions, Yoshiyasu and his army

will protect both you and young Lord Manpukumaru with their lives!

We will certainly fight Oda... Now go, Lady!

Yes, sir!

I'm not going to listen to Nagamasa's begging to spare his life!

No, it's not Nagamasa!

I wanted to ask for protection of Manpukumaru.

We came here in shame, seeking for help.

Manpukumaru?

Azai is on his own from now on!

I beg your pardon!

We sought help from an influential person here, we hope not to leave disappointed.

Please, take action to safeguard the future of Manpukumaru.

Azai Nagamasa committed suicide, leading to the dissolution of the Asai clan

Azai Nagamasa's eldest son, Manpukumaru, was executed by impalement

Nagao family put their lives to protect and defend

Manpukumaru, brought to the Oda, was impaled on Nobunaga's orders

However, Azai's fate does not end here yet.

To Katsuie Shibata and Hideyoshi Hashiba, who would be successful in that war,

Nobunaga promised to grant them Oichi.

The cruel fate of Lord Manpukumaru will haunt me for the rest of my life.

I cannot raise up my eyes anymore!

I will commit suicide!

It was me, who told you to rely on my brother...

I will cut my stomach and go to the underworld!

Wait, Mikawa!

If you want to kill yourself, go to Odani Castle.

There are many temptations in this world.

That man just now... That man...

I will take Biwa's water and bring it to Nobunaga!

What?! Is this water from Lake Biwa for me?

Yes, sir!

Behead her right away!

No, hang her upside down!

Hang her upside down and throw her to the depths of Lake Biwa!

It's a steep slope where you can't go now.

It's below here, near the water's edge.

The executioner fulfilled Mitsu's last wish.

She wanted to wear her white kimono for her wedding with Yoshiyasu.

She's already dead now, let's stop at Sugaura.

We'll come back here tomorrow morning and will sink her to the bottom of the lake. All right, row!

Yes, sir!

Then, morning came.

Who's that suspicious man? Row!

Yes, sir!

All right, cut it!

My name is Masanobu Nagao.

This flute has been passed down through my family for generations.

I loved playing it since I was a child and my grandfather taught me how to play it.

But, just like my mother and father, I didn't believe this legend.

However, after graduating from university, and going to a research institute in America,

strangely, I started to feel this flute.

My work specialization is space science and space pulsars.

I will be returning to the States soon to study magnetic fields,

and will be venturing out to the stratosphere.

It's a terribly unknown, and ambiguous space.

It's a place that will make you want to believe in this legend.

Mitsu died here, leaving behind a grudge, but ten years later...

I don't want to hear it!

It's too late... too late!

And besides...

I'm not that disillusioned!

I am...

No...

I am...

Oichi...

I am Oichi...

I have no choice but to follow my destiny, Oichi's destiny!

I've made a chest from my paulownia tree behind my hometown house.

As you predicted, I'm getting married to Mr. Kurata.

Actually, there was somebody else I liked.

But to catch him...

Maybe it was an illusion...

I suppose I just continued chasing after these illusory man and white dog.

Rosa, perhaps all I ever had was this large Lake Biwa.

I would like to ask you to send my message and my gift to that illusory man.

Michiko Ozaka To Rosa

NASA, Houston, Cape Canaveral.

A Japanese man, living somewhere in this world, with an American citizenship.

A space pulsars researcher, Masanobu Nagao.

I think that should be enough for you, Rosa.

Tell him to meet Miss Mitsu on some faraway planet.

I am sending my bestowal, so that his journey will not be interrupted.

There's only two days left...

You should relax before that...

You'll be able to accomplish it.

A bathhouse girl running with her white dog...

You're so cool, I'm getting feverish.

If you settle down in a normal world again and would want a new dog,

I have some connections in Ogoto and other places.

Thank you, Miss Yodo.

But, for me, the only dog was Shiro...

But why would you, Miss Yodo, help me?

Because I am Yodogimi.

And you are Oichi...

Once in a while, I should show my "mother" filial piety.

See you...

Please, this way.

My name's Oichi.

Yodogimi is in great demand,

I assumed that you knew about that today.

But, in fact, Oichi has far better service and manners.

But there's something off with this girl...

Ah, because you are so famous, she's made such a face...

Oichi, this is your rare chance to be with professor Hinatsu.

Please, guide him!

Come on, Oichi!

Please, go ahead.

Excuse me.

Professor, I am deeply sorry, today Oichi is a bit...

Besides her, we have some fresh and top quality performers...

No, I'm fine with Oichi. I fancy her name.

If she is Oichi, she's Yodogimi's mother, and had many affairs in Odari Castle.

It would have been entirely different if she had another name, like Koto-Naishi.

Koto-Naishi?

She was Yoshisada Nitta's mistress.

After hearing that Yoshisada was killed in battle at Fujishima,

she went to Lake Biwa to commit suicide in grief.

Did you come here today seeking more than just enjoyment?

No, I'm here just to have some fun.

But to be really good and get into what you're doing,

it's better to have some connection with the work.

Considering a sorrowful poem about a woman who threw herself into the depths of Lake Biwa,

wouldn't it be beneficial for me to visit the lake a few times?

Professor, that's a very good idea!

If that happens, our business will prosper!

To think about the grudge of a woman who sank in Lake Biwa...

That's great!

Hinatsu, from now on I'll be running after you at my own pace.

There are too many people on this highway... You will turn right at some point.

This bathhouse girl is the owner of that white dog.

There's no doubt about it, but...

He came back all the way from Tokyo to Lake Biwa... That's where I'll finish him!

But where do I remember this same running pace...

That's right!

That woman had a surprisingly strong endurance...

I was concerned about her sudden burst near the third corner in Komazawa.

She could have got me there.

This road culminates in a dead end, curving to the left.

It's been only two km since the start, we'll be soon by the river's coast.

Even if you run there, it's a dead end.

One turn, after the other will lead to the highway again!

You want to run in a secluded place, near the lake...

Even if you go to the highway, you'll have to turn right at some point.

Here it comes!

I'll make you run to the coast of Tenjin river!

Come on, Shiro, we just need to endure it a little more!

Shiro...

Please, let me run!

Shiro, I can't run anymore!

Shiro!

I have to run! More!

She's just completely hooked onto me...

I think I'm gonna fall now...

No, I'm going to shake her off!

Closed to traffic

Shiro!

I'm fine, you go first!

I won! I have won!

Shiro...

Mr. Nagao...

Miss Yodo...

Rosa...

And also... Mr. Kurata...

I won!

It's my victory!

I don't need you to remorse about the woman who sank in Lake Biwa!

Roger!

Roger!

Thank you, Bill.

I suppose I just continued chasing after these illusory man and white dog.

Perhaps all I ever had was this large Lake Biwa.

That's fine!

This flute will stay here forever, above the rotating Earth...

No, eventually it will float above the swamp that was once a lake.

By that time, it would have vanished into obscurity, unknown to all.

But, then...

It'll be fine as it is.

For Oichi from Ogoto

Lake Biwa.

Even if this Lake Biwa disappears,

until the solar system disappears in 4.5 billion years from now,

this flute will remain like this...

Above this Lake of Illusions.

THE END