Original subtitles

A TOHO-TOWA Presentation

A Sankyo Film Corporation Production

Screened Out of Competition at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival

Red light district. Asakusa, Tokyo.

Just for five minutes? You would be the first one today.

Come on, stop by.

Produced by: Yasuhiko Kawano

Executive Producers: Tokuhachi Shimada, Osamu Tanaka

You're half rotted.

Based on a novel by: Mikihiko Renjo Script: Haruhiko Arai

You're like a monster that fell into a pit of white powder. Bye!

You're awful. Go away!

Cinematographer: Kimiaki Kimura Art Director: Yokoo Yoshinaga Lights: Kiyoshi Miyazaki Recording: Tetsuo Sagawa

Come on there, Mr. Gigolo.

Editing by: Akira Suzuki Ass. Director: Tetsutaro Hagiwara

Kenichi Hagiwara

Mieko Harada

Mariko Fuji

Yuki Ninagawa

Let's go back.

Kanako Higuchi

Directed by: Tatsumi Kumashiro

It's hot!

I'm so hot!

Is it Sunday?

1923 - Taisho 12 -

The soldiers are here, so it's Sunday.

How much longer are you planning to stay in this business?

How should I know?

Ah, I'm tired.

Maybe this is all the luck I have.

If my luck doesn't change, it's no use.

It's the same how no luck comes to you.

How about one more time?

It's bad for business. Your boss will be upset.

It's fine, I do as I wish.

I feel bad for the soldiers

Stop!

- Ms. Mine! - Mr. Kato!

What are you doing in a place like this?

This is so embarrassing. My husband is here.

He doesn't even write poems any more.

I'm sorry. 5,7,5,7,7* just can't capture reality.

*The traditional syllable tanka form.

I'm part of a revolutionary group now.

What happened to poetry?

I'm still writing. I'm risking my life to write about the change of course in history.

Does coming to a place like this help write poetry?

He drowns himself in saké, women, illness and poverty and writes about it.

But women in a place like this won't do any good.

Women here don't even count as objects of decadence.

This is just an outlet for sexual desire.

Ms. Mine, please take these!

Kato?

I'll definitely pay next month.

You say next month but it's been four months already.

Excuse me, I'm letting myself in.

Ah, Master...

...if you don't pay even just a little, I lose face amongst other renters.

Are you making yourself suffer on purpose...

...like that poetry by Takuboku*: "I work and work and yet my life never gets easier?"

*Takuboku Ishikawa (1886-1912), known for his free style poetry

That place you frequent, Jyunikai-shita.

How much do those women there make?

It's 50 sen or 1 yen.

And it's more if you stay over.

But not even half of that makes it to the girls.

You're not planning to become one, are you?

Are you alright?

- Please, call a doctor! - Alright.

Is it the first time you coughed up blood?

When did it start?

Why didn't you tell me?

I was hoping it was contagious.

I wanted to get you sick.

Then you can write about it, can't you?

Saké, women, poverty and illness.

You would have it all. Write a poem!

Not about flowers or scenery, but about coughing up blood!

Please, try it again.

- Am I doing it fine? - You're very good.

Like this, like this.

Don't mind my feet. Just do as you wish, Master.

- Like this? - Yes, that's it.

- So, it's just a repetition of this? - That's right.

Sonoda, when did you get here?

Mr. Sonoda, don't just watch, come and dance!

Hey, Gakuyo, you know how to dance, don't you?

Why don't you teach Kotoe how to dance?

You're dancing on a tatami?

- Is it alright if I get her hems dirty? - Huh? It's fine.

I'm no good.

It doesn't matter.

I'll show you. Let's dance.

Kotoe, what's the matter?

Just dance!

What are you embarrassed about? What a bore!

Do you not like me?

Put your left leg forward. Please, listen to me, Ma'am.

That's right.

Put your hips closer to mine.

You just follow me.

How interesting, this is.

I'm feeling jealous right now. It's something I haven't felt in a long time.

Dancing is something that helps enliven marriage life.

Ah, Master...

That's the blood my wife coughed up.

I'm sorry.

Master, can I borrow some money?

I'm living in poverty...

...but I don't want to write about some disgraceful life style.

Even if I wanted to write about suffering from an illness...

...I'm completely healthy!

That's why I'm going on a journey.

I'll go see for myself the graceful world you mention in your poetry.

So, please...

...lend me some money!

I refuse!

Whether to use poverty as your advantage or disadvantage is all up to you!

I understand.

Is turning your life...

...into a work of art...

...the ideal?

For me right now, money is more important.

Please, help me!

- Please! - Let go!

Mr. Gakuyo.

For your wife.

Ma'am!

Please, let go.

Please, dance with me again.

Let g-...

Please, dance with me. I really like you.

"That wife of someone, metMerely by rail-chance."

"Haven't wePassed Yamashima yet?"

"She turns her pillow's vent,"

"Watching with woman's eyes"

"In sudden grief we leantCloser and closer to"

That's a poem by Sakutaro*.

*Sakutaro Hagiwara (1886-1942), a tanka poet.

I long for you

It's about Hakushuu*. It's a poem about his eloping with a lover.

*Hakushu Kitahara (1885-1942), Hagiwara'seditor and a tanka poet himself.

Hakushu ended up in jail and the woman divorced.

They both got married.

But that marriage didn't last long.

Please, let me go!

It started raining.

A rain to keep you from going home.

I hope you're staying over.

Where I grew up, when it rains like this...

...the water that's usually still starts moving.

It's a canal, so it normally doesn't run like a river...

...but then it forms a current.

People call it Modori-gawa.*

*Literally "Returning River."

- Modori-gawa? - Uh-huh.

Even if you let a boat go, for some reason...

...it just comes back to where it started.

That's why it's called Modori-gawa.

Where is that?

Chiyogaura. The irises are beautiful there.

"Life is like wanderingto and fro"

"Don't bother fightingthe current"

I finished it.

You like to draw?

I like Yumeji*.

*Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934), famous poet and painter.

But he doesn't draw men.

I'm a woman, so I draw men.

I like his poetry too.

"The consequences of my own doing"

"The truth is lonely"

"And yet I can't letmy body go"

Life is like wanderingto and fro

Don't bother fightingthe current

Does Modori-gawa actually exist?

Maybe you made it up just because it has the right number of syllables, you idiot!

Idiot! Why would I?

To burn oneself to live life to its limits!

The realization of life!

For the experience!

You guys are a bunch of country bumpkin fags.

Hey!

What did you just say?

- I called you a bunch fags. - You bastard!

Do you know "The Other and Self?" "The Other and Self?"

It's one of Hakushu's poems!

"Truth be told, twosome is lonely"

"Truth be told, being alone is unbearable"

It's absolutely "being alone is unbearable."

Don't forget it, you fags!

- Gakuyo? - What?

"Welcome those that come, do not pursue those that leave"

Say, Master, what is the way of poetry?

How is it different from the way of the flower and tea?

- Isn't it the same? - What is happening here?

The same life style!

The same way to recite!

How is it different?

Judo for jujitsu. Kendo for sword fighting skill.

Those are the kind of times we live in now.

It's unfortunate, Gakuyo.

Am I being banned?

*Tekkan Yosano (1873-1935) and Akiko Yosano(1878-1942), two famous poets, husband and wife. Tekkan and Akiko's* romanticism...

...Takuboku's self-ridicule...

...Hakushu's sensuality, Mokichi's* chaotic ways.

*Mokichi Saito (1882-1953), poet and psychiatrist.

They were all eccentric in their own way.

But what do you think they all had in common?

What do you think it is?

It's something you don't possess.

They all got fame and praise.

- Gakuyo. - Huh?

You're just going back and forth between getting your name out into the world and whining.

That's why your poems are empty.

After being banned, I don't have to take this from you.

It's simple. What they possess and you lack...

...is "venom!"

That's why your poems are transparent and boring. They're harmless.

Venom?

Venom that sells well?

You fool!

That's the effect.

Thank you very much.

I will consider it well.

Take this fart, everyone!

- Gakuyo! - Have a pleasant time.

Oh, are you leaving?

Ma'am!

I want money and I want women too.

Ma'am, please wait!

Please wait!

- I'm asking you to wait. - What are you doing? Stop!

Ma'am!

Can you please have iced coffee at a café with me?

How about riding an elevator and watch Mt. Fuji with me?

- Get off! - Careful!

Get out of the way!

- Please, stop! - Get out of here! Move!

Please, stop! Ouch!

I'm on my way to Mitsukoshi. I'll be getting on an elevator there.

I like you. I'm crazy about you!

What do you think you're doing in the middle of the street?

I'm crazy about you!

I was kicked out of your husband's group.

Kicked out?

Once... just once!

Please, let me be with you. Please! Ma'am!

Give that back!

* "Paulownia Blossoms", poetrybook published in 1913.

- It's Hakushu's "Kiri no hana*." - Give that back! Give it back!

"We finally take the wrong path"

"We anxiously rendezvouson the streets of Tokyo"

"On that morning's poem"

"That morning, when your hand and mine touch"

"I kiss you even though you struggle for a moment"

Ma'am, this is Hakushu's "Adultery Poem."

"We finally..."

"We finally take the wrong path"

The Master has gone to bed already.

Is there something I can help you with?

That's fine.

Good night.

Good night.

Who is this?

It's Gakuyo.

Open up.

Please, go home. I'll call my husband.

I don't mind.

Please, go home.

Don't make trouble for me.

I brought you the book by Hakushu, "Kiri no hana."

Please, open up!

That filthy book... Please, throw it away!

Why do you...

...call it filthy?

You always have it with you when you go shopping.

My husband absolutely despises Hakushu.

Take it with you!

You've already betrayed your husband.

You love Hakushu's book...

...more than your husband. I'm the same!

Open up.

I may have betrayed him emotionally...

...but I can't betray him physically.

I'm not going to let you betray him alone.

It's the same with me.

Besides...

...I'm betraying my wife...

...and my Master.

Open the door.

You're prepared...

...for the consequences, then?

I'll come.

I'll come!

I'll come!

How dreadful!

Gakuyo... Gakuyo...

I'm scared!

For the sake of myfreedom and love...

...I am leaving your side. Love and understanding...

...didn't exist betweenyou and I.

Following my rationalityand courage...

...I choose this path.

You can't come in!

Stop, Mr. Sonoda!

Your wife is at Shinagawa Station.

How do you know that?

I see now.

It was you all along.

Am I wrong?

Why did you come, hm?

Did you come to see the face of an idiot who was abandoned by his wife?

That's not it.

Then, what?

Do you want my approval?

It was just a one-time thing.

I have no interest in eloping!

So, please, go and get her.

I just wanted to write an amazing poem.

That's all!

Why don't you write a poem about your true feelings too?

The feelings of having your wife stolen! Why don't you?

I'll... I'll... have you arrested for adultery!

Don't touch me!

It's hot in a place like this, no?

Yes.

But I'm alright. It's just another month.

Please, eat this.

I didn't know what to bring.

I know you don't like sweets...

...but I made ohagi*.

*Red bean and mochi.

Forgive me.

I'm going to eat.

Delicious!

You're becoming a beautiful woman, being away from me.

Never mind about me.

Go back to the hospital.

Just forget about me.

I'm fine. I sleep better these days...

...knowing exactly where you are and not fooling around.

Takeo Arishima* Double Suicide in Karuizawa. The lover was a journalist for "Fujin Koron**.

*Takeo Arishima (1878-1923), novelist.

**Fujin Koron, a bi-weeklywomen's magazine.

Cremation in seven days.

An End in an Orderly Fashion.

I wonder how Kotoe is doing.

I've heard that someone like her was seen in Asakusa.

It's just a rumor.

Asakusa?

At Jyunikai-shita.

I want to fuck!

Mr. Sonoda.

It's raining hard.

Thank you.

The rain has stopped.

Thank you.

You'd be the first one today.

Wait, Master, I'll do a lot more than you bargained for.

Run!

Great Kanto EarthquakeTaisho 12 (1923), September 1, 11:58 AM

Help!

Kotoe!

Kotoe!

Somebody help! Somebody help!

Everyone! Please, do not worry!

The earthquake has stopped!

There may be smaller aftershocks, but it will eventually die down.

Mine!

Mine!

Are you alright? Are you alright, Mine?

I'm sorry.

I didn't even come see you when you were released.

Don't be ridiculous. Let's go to the hospital.

I don't want to!

You just came back.

Do you want to be flattened under the house?

The fire is heading this way too.

But you finally came home.

Please, let me stay with you at least for today.

No! I'm not Korean!

You're mistaken!

You're wrong!

- Where are you going? - To the hospital!

- There was a hospital on the way here. - They rejected us.

She's not hurt!

She has pulmonary tuberculosis. Don't touch her!

That's weird.

What are you thinking, trying to check her into a hospital at a time like this?

Let me through! Did something happen?

Koreans! Koreans are bombing places and spreading the fire!

Koreans are causing chaos!

- It's got nothing to do with me. - What did you say? You scum!

State your address, name and occupation.

Tokyo, Ishinogame, 1 chome 40. Gakuyo Sonoda, I'm a poet.

What the hell is a poet?

I write Japanese poetry.

That's clever! A Korean wouldn't write Japanese poetry!

- Say 480 yen 50 sen! - 480 yen...

...50 sen!

Hey! Try saying A I U E O!

A I U E O.

Isn't that enough?

State our emperors in order!

- Say it! - Try saying it!

Jinmu, Suizei, Annei, Itoku, Kosho, Koan, Korei, Kogen...

...Kaika, Sujin, Suinin, Keiko, Seimu.

- What's the matter? - Keep going!

- Just say it! - Have you forgotten?

- Hurry up! - Do it!

Chuai, Ojin, Nintoku, Richu, Hanzei, Ingyo, Anko, Yuryaku...

...Seinei, Kenzo, Ninken, Buretsu.

He won't be able to recite the names of the emperors.

- Who? - Mr. Kin.

He comes around now and then.

He brings ginseng and carrot candy.

The kids mimic him and follow him around when he comes.

He gives me a discount.

He always tells me that it's going to make me feel better.

Jyunikai-shita is completely burnt down.

You're worried about her!

I'm sorry.

Hold me! Just hold me!

Please, hold me!

Come on, Mine.

Hold me!

I don't want to go...

I don't want to go to the hospital.

Hang in there.

Everything crumbled to bitsHeart breaking rumor

Of my love choosingto become a prostitute

Do you know where the women at Jyunikai-shita are?

Please, tell me.

I know.

Excuse me.

Won't you come with me?

- How much is it? - I don't know.

Anything is fine.

That's no way to do business.

I'm new at this, so I really don't know. Anything is fine.

Follow me.

Please, in here.

Alright.

I'll pay you afterwards.

Yes.

Please, come again.

- Here! - W-wait!

Wait!

Ma'am!

You were safe!

It's my fault, isn't it?

Is this payback for what I've done?

It's not that I abandoned you.

I was with your husband discussing the matter.

I thought about you in jail.

- It's over! - No, it's not!

It's not over.

Go home. Please, go home.

- While I was in jail... - Let me go.

...I was thinking about you.

I was freed and I looked for you everywhere.

No.

I thought...

- ...you died... - Don't touch me!

...in the earthquake...

...that day.

That version of me did die!

I don't recognize your body anymore...

...because I've had so many men.

I beg you.

Stay at my house for a while.

I beg you, Kotoe.

Enough. I hate betrayal.

I was betrayed!

Being betrayed...

...I learned what it's like for the first time.

- I beg you. - Just buy me, then!

Otherwise, you have no business here.

I have no business with someone who doesn't want to pay for me.

Don't come here anymore.

This place will be taken down and will be gone by tomorrow.

Hey you, why don't you stop by a glass of saké?

Hey there, Mister. You came, after all!

Come on up!

- Mister! - Do you have money?

Come closer.

Hey mister, come on up!

Come on, let's go.

Let's have lots of fun tonight.

Miss, let's play a lot, huh?

That's right!

Don't come near me!

I'll lick that filth off of you!

I'll lick that woman filth!

No!

Help!

You bastard!

What the hell are you doing?

Stop messing around!

Take that! You fool!

Do you want to die?

Let's die together!

"Even my thoughts are betrayed bypoverty, as the autumn wind blows"

"Why, there's a praise of my poetry, eventhough it's only two or three lines"

"Terrorists' desperation, though it feltfar fetched, seems closer to heart"

"How many times, how many times did I give in"

"And I regret it"

"Saké and women, they destroy me"

"Pigeons, oh pigeons..."

"...tears of prisoner 387"

"Red dahlia, red dahlia, what is a personal crisis?"

They're amazing!

- What are you trying to do? - Can't you tell?

Don't die, please!

- Stop it, please! - Mind your business!

Stop it, please!

Stop it!

You're brought to life without any will of your own.

- I'll die whenever I want to! - Please, stop!

By the way, who are you?

Fumiyo Katsuragi.

I've written you many times, but you never wrote back!

I'm not a star of any kind, you fool!

Go home! I have nothing to do with someone like you!

Go home!

I'm a fan of your poems.

What? You know nothing.

All the poems here are by someone else.

Hurry up and go home.

You're what people call a golden opportunity...

...but I make it a policy not to deal with a piss stinking kid like yourself.

Hurry up and go home!

If you're not going, why don't you play some violin?

I'll die with some background music like a star.

Can you play "The Canary?"

Hurry up and play!

I don't want to.

If you're a fan, then do as I say!

- I don't want... - Play!

No, no! That hurts!

Play! Play!

I don't want to!

Just play it!

Hurry up!

"The Canary!"

That's right.

Here I go.

Teacher!

Teacher!

Teacher.

Teacher!

Go home.

- Teacher. Teacher. - Go home.

No, no, no!

No!

Die, die, die!

Die! Die!

Is it a funeral?

Yes, for Osugi* and his family.

*Sakae Osugi (1885-1923), a famous anarchist.

- What happened to your hand? - It's nothing serious.

I was with them this morning.

They just barged in, fired on them and took three lives.

- Those bastards! - So, what they said are...

Yes, all lies.

They can't rest in peace like this.

Anarchists Sakae Osugi, Noe Ito and theirnephew are killed by Martial Law Troops.

We're not going to remain quiet much longer.

What are you up to?

I finally see the light somewhat.

Beauty in disarray, huh?

Your typical interpretation!

- You know I loved Mie? Take care of her! - I'll never forget...

...that poem

Do you hear me?

The Canary...

I've come to deliver your violin.

Thank you.

Please, wait.

Do you do things like that to anyone, Teacher?

What thing?

Do you kiss just anyone?

I don't kiss women I don't like.

That doesn't even qualify as a kiss.

A real kiss...

...is called "osashimi."

Teacher.

I want a "osashimi".

Well, pay up, will you?

The woman I love became a prostitute.

- I'm sorry. - You.

Did you think you can get away without paying?

You've got some nerve!

What do you plan to do?

You may think I'm a fool, but I wanted to save her.

I wanted money!

How are you going to deal with this?

I'll pay, I'll pay!

You do that.

I know someone. I'll go talk to him now.

Can you let me see her for just a bit?

Please, leave.

Accept this.

Is this payment to never see your daughter?

Yes, please.

Mr. Sonoda.

I'm Ayano, Fumiyo's sister.

On the 10th of next month, Fumiyo is going to Kyoto.

There's a performance for her music school.

I'm going with her as her guardian.

Can you please meet her there?

You're going to let me see her?

Please, promise me that you won't make her crestfallen.

She is crazily in love with you.

I don't know what to do if...

What?

I got it! You're Ayano!

You're the woman who eloped with the chauffeur and survived!

Mrs. Ninomiya?

I don't want her to follow the same fate as I did.

Your lover saw you covered in blood after you were hit by a train.

Your lover thought you were dead and hastily followed suit.

I see!

So, you are Mrs. Ninomiya!

Mine, I'm going to do something that's going...

...to make me extremely famous.

Ah, I'm glad you came!

I'll clear a room in a minute.

I came to see Kotoe.

She's in the midst of business currently.

Hey, you can hear her, no?

Move!

What are you doing?

Am I not good enough for you?

Shut up!

Boss!

See you again!

Come back again!

Please, stop this!

How long are you going to stay in a syphilis laden place like this?

You came here when you're afraid of syphilis?

There's nothing...

...left for me to do...

...but to die for you.

I've forgotten about you. That's why I'm still alive.

- Hey, mister! - Yes?

- Do you have tangerines? - I do!

Can I have two? I'll send you the money first.

- Here you go! - Thanks for your service!

Here they go!

I'm going to die with another woman.

I'm going to die in pursuit of your shadow.

I'm going to pretend I'm dying with you.

Did you want to have some fun?

Pay me first if you want me! That's the rule!

If you still love me...

...please contact me...

...at the hotel in Kyoto I'm staying in.

Then, I'll reconsider.

"Kyoto."

"Katsuragawa."

Are you threatening me?

"Yoshinoya."

No, I'm betting on you!

This tangerine is really sweet.

I'll be waiting.

Are you waiting for someone?

- I'm waiting for a woman. - Wow. I see.

You remind me that Gion poem from Master Yoshii*.

*Isamu Yoshii (1886-1960), a tanka poet and playwright.

What time is mail delivery?

About now.

If not, tomorrow around noon.

Is that it?

You were waiting for a letter?

I'm waiting for a letter from Tokyo.

It won't come today.

I'll bring it as soon as it arrives tomorrow. Please, wait.

- Do you want "osashimi", until then? - Relax and enjoy.

You're going to killnot only myself...

...but a woman youdon't even know.

You're going to killa young woman...

...with skin that's so pale...

...it shields her fromany kind of filth.

Kotoe.

Taken by the current, with no destination

I burn the wordsl wrote in a letter

Master, the woman you were waiting for is here.

Teacher!

Teacher!

I thought of dying...

...if I couldn't see you.

The wait before coming to Kyoto was so painful...

...that I thought about dying.

It's the truth.

It's really true.

We were able to meet.

It's just for one night.

- Tomorrow too. - Really?

If I can't see you again, I don't want to live anymore.

When I think about you...

...it's like a mandala.

- Teacher... - A naked mandala.

I was drawing your vagina. Your vagina over and over, like an idiot

We could die together. Do you understand?

Yes!

We may have no choice but to die together.

No!

No!

If you die, Teacher...

...will anyone cry for you?

There's no one.

I'll cry if you die. I'll be the one to cry!

If you were to die...

...I will cry too.

The one who should cry for you ends up dying too, right?

So, there's no one.

Be honest. You want it badly.

Yes, I do.

Until today... my damaged soul...

...my damaged soul.

I was wondering where to put it.

My brain going mad...

...and my body rotting with syphilis.

I thought that's what I wanted!

But what I gained...

...wasn't syphilis. It was both my wife's illness...

...and...

...criticism...

...from the world.

Like Isamu Yoshii...

...I can drink saké and have sex with women...

...and temporarily...

...forget my damaged soul.

But when rationality returns, what remains is only the sorrow.

I was just...

...mimicking Isamu Yoshii's poem.

On top of that, I realized something comical.

The damaged soul was in my heart all along.

I love you! I love you!

Remain a virgin, stay beautiful.

How about it?

Will you not die with me anymore?

No! I want to.

I want to die!

Let's die.

Relax.

I won't wake up, right?

There's no suffering.

Give them to me with your mouth.

Teacher! We'll always be together!

I'm happy.

Teacher.

I wonder if I can color your lips well.

Thank you.

Coloring her lipswith my finger

A dedicated lifeon her lips

Of the dying woman

Poet Gakuyo Sonoda Double SuicideAttempt at Katsuragawa in Kyoto.

His Lover is the Daughter of thePresident of the Fifth Bank.

Found in Katsuragawa yesterday morning. Was it Double Suicide with Drugs?

The Small Boat of theCouple Drifts on Katsuragawa.

Back to Back Young Couples'Double Suicide in Spring.

Another couple found dead at Arashiyama. Effect of "Katsuragawa Poetry."

It's amazing how well your work is selling. Right, Master?

This is to celebrate the printing of the second edition, right?

My work is basically a way to look at things. It's useless poetry.

People say that double suicides became popular...

...because people were touched by my poetry.

Sometimes I think that may be true, sometimes it feels like a dream.

So, you are untroubled by feelings of remorse after confusing young minds?

For instance, you have no intention of quitting being a poet?

Absolutely not! This is who I am!

Actually, it's the society and the law...

...that is the problem.

I'm listening.

Isn't the course of action I've taken an obvious choice...

...for anyone in my shoes?

That's right.

Fumiyo Katsuragi is under heavier surveillance now.

What if you're able to see her? Would you commit double suicide again?

I didn't commit a double suicide to make poems.

If I can see her again...

...I'll kiss her...

...ask for forgiveness...

...and commit double suicide again.

The woman you loveis someone else.

"Katsuragawa Poetry's" Daughter of the Presidentof the Fifth Bank Committed Suicide by hanging.

You tried to fulfill that love...

...by coloring yourFumiyo's lips.

Discovered in a Tree in theirYard Late Last Night

I cannot...

...bear to see myTeacher this way.

So...

...I've decided to dieon my own.

Don't throw it out yet.

That iris...

...has two buds on one stem.

After the first one...

...the second bud blooms.

That's why you can't throw it out yet.

Were you not going to be with me when I die?

But I'm glad you were able to write good poetry.

I'm glad your poetry was finally accepted by the public.

I'm still taken aback. I'm almost afraid.

Are you not able to make good poetry unless you experience something like that?

Perhaps.

If I die...

...will you write poems about me?

A hundred of them?

Something even better than "Katsuragawa Poetry?"

Even two hundred.

Hey, wait.

I'm not going to live long even if I stay there. I might as well choose my own death.

- It's either die or get killed. - What am I supposed to do?

He killed Osugi!

He even killed an innocent child who had done nothing!

I've promised revenge!

Do you have that right, dear?

You talk about revenge and revolution as if you're wonderful, but what about me?

You don't even think about me. I'd be left behind.

Please, let's go back to the hospital

Why did I have to work for you all this time?

You!

I'm glad for your success. I guess you can create a work of art if you risk your life.

Did you really plan to die?

Of course!

I wrote the poem because I didn't die.

Your poems are life's garbage!

No matter what you do, garbage is garbage!

The same thing applies to Osugi, whose colleagues were all persecuted.

Don't compare his death with your lousy songs of a failed suicide!

Osugi's neither a poet nor is he one...

...who conceals the possibility of taking his own life.

He's a true revolutionist!

I am a poet day and night.

It doesn't matter how I die. I rather not think about it.

Before being a poet, we're all human! Day and night!

Let me go!

Kato, are you thinking of dying?

You were once a poet. Why don't you write before you die?

Shut up!

Someone once said.

"Those who give up on yesterday..."

"...let go of today and think about tomorrow, will go out to sea."

I feel exactly the same.

You fool!

Your version of tomorrow is completely different from mine!

You just want to have your name recognized as a poet.

My tomorrow is...

...for Japan's revolution, for the anarchy of Japan!

Why don't you write about it?

Why don't you write about me?

I guess making money off someone who hung oneself...

...wouldn't look too good, huh?

I refuse.

Then, you can come to the funeral and pay your respects!

Let go of me!

Who are you dying for?

Who am I going to live for?

Go home.

I just wanted to be happy with you.

You can't even make me happy!

Make me happy!

Go home.

We both make women cry.

You should be persecuted.

The revolution is coming.

- Let me go! - No!

Don't go!

Dear! Wait!

Dear!

I beg you!

I think I'm going mad. My head is aching.

I want to go home.

Retaliation of the AnarchistsTargets Military Headquarters

He's targeting the Army General.

I'm about to go crazy.

I'm going mad.

I'm about to go crazy!

You wanted to make him better.

It hurts!

I'm sorry.

He's an idiot. He doesn't even consider your feelings.

I'm sorry.

The guy before was so much better.

Kato is on the run with a bomb. It's so much more serious than the others.

*Police Headquarters. If he damages even one step at Sakuradamon*, he'll be sentenced to death.

I want to find him before that happens.

You don't want him to be sentenced to death, do you?

- I'm sorry. - Right?

You'll let me know if he stops by, right?

I'm sorry.

We'll put him in the Police Hospital.

I hear his illness has gotten worse.

I'm counting on you.

Yes.

I'm sorry... I'm sorry.

- I'm counting on you. - I'm sorry.

Dear?

Dear?

Is that you?

- Is that you? - Everyone's gone.

I went to spy on them.

The police came, right?

What are you planning to do? What are you planning to do about it?

- What's that? - It's a bomb.

I managed to get one.

All you do is make me worry!

I'm a real coward.

I've been wandering all around Tokyo with a bomb...

...but I can't use it.

I thought...

...about getting rid of it a number of times.

I can't stand myself!

I want some saké.

- Kato! - Dear!

- You're under arrest! - Run away!

Kato!

Run away!

- Hurry up! - Kato!

Kato!

Don't dare to resist!

- Kato! - Dear!

- Run away! - Kato!

Don't come near me!

Dear! Dear!

D... Dear.

He doesn't even count as a small fish.

What an embarrassment.

It's not an embarrassment!

Dear!

No! Wake up!

Wake up. Wake up, yes?

Okay? Wake up at once.

Wake up, yes? Yes?

Let's wake up. Let's wake up, yes?

Are you going to die?

No.

I've already lost one life.

There's no point in living.

I'm serious.

You're smiling, Gakyuo.

I'm serious!

So am I!

I'm really going to die this time with another woman.

Three people will die for your sake.

You're wrong.

That woman, Fumiyo...

...she died for you.

No.

She died because she realized that I was in love with you. It's your fault.

It's all your fault.

If you had listened to me then, none of this would have happened.

What a selfish point of view.

You're crazy.

Yes.

I'm crazy.

I'm crazy for you.

I'll be at a hotel that looks over Chiyogaura River.

I actually wanted to commit a double suicide with you.

You should have been my way out.

We should have died together.

You put on a lot of makeup.

I've been living in the dark for so long.

I can't remember what my face looks like.

I try really hard to remember but...

I want a room facing the station.

Why?

We have one, but it's noisy with the train and such.

That's fine. We're only going to sleep for a little bit.

Right?

Can I see the station from the room?

Why do you want a room with a view of the station?

You can see the entire platform from there.

The platform?

This way, please.

- This is the room. - I'm afraid to die.

Why don't you go take a bath?

Right here.

Thank you.

Will the sun hit the room in the morning?

Yes. It's raining today, but...

...on a sunny day, the sun comes in the room the morning. This is the only one.

I'm sorry for listening in.

The other rooms face the river and face south.

What's the matter?

What's the matter?

I'm scared.

The second bud is wilting.

I'll change it right away.

Leave it be. I like dead flowers.

Why?

The first one dies and the second one blooms.

- I like flowers like that. - Why?

What's wrong?

You're quite odd.

What's wrong? Hey.

But you're very knowledgeable.

One time, I tried to discard an iris which had a wilted first bloom.

My wife scolded me, saying it would have a second bloom.

It was then I realized that a wilted flower could bloom once again.

Why?

- What's wrong? - Your wife is beautiful.

- Thank you. - Why?

Take this.

Thank you very much.

The bath is nice.

You should go too!

What's the matter?

It's so quiet and such a nice place.

I should have come here many times.

Many times before!

Excuse me.

Is there a pharmacy nearby?

There's one, if you walk down the street in the opposite direction of the station.

Is something wrong?

My companion has a stomach cramp.

Shall I call a doctor?

It's chronic. He says he'll be fine with medication.

He doesn't like shots.

I don't like them either.

Let me borrow this.

Behind the painting

A graffiti of a woman's nameA feeling of nostalgia

It was more hassle than it's worth in this rain, huh?

But I never know when it can happen again.

I feel like an idiot.

What happened?

You're all wet? What happened?

Hey!

Where were you? Hey!

What happened?

Tell me. What were you doing?

What happened? Tell me!

You had the runs, huh? Are you okay? I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Can you go give this back?

I'm sorry.

Are we going to die even if it's raining?

When are we going to die?

Tonight.

I might have gotten pregnant that time.

Did you lose the will to die?

All this time, I may have been waiting for Kato to die.

The thought just popped into my head.

And now...

...my body feels so much lighter, like I'm floating.

Are you not able to forget about Ms. Fumiyo?

It's alright, you can tell me the truth.

Am I a replacement?

That's right.

You're brutally honest!

I'm going to die with you, after all!

You could be nice and tell me that you like me, no?

It's not like you tagged along because you liked me either!

Do you really think that way?

You're awful!

I followed you because I wanted to die with you!

I know...

...that I'm just a replacement for the Katsuragawa woman.

But even then...

...I wanted to die with you, that's why I came with you!

Tell me that you like me!

I was waiting for you to ask me to die with you.

Just tell that you like me!

I'm scared... I'm so scared.

Tell that you like me!

That you like me!

Say it!

I thought I wasn't going to make it in time. The train ride was so long.

I'm relieved.

Let's go home.

Let's go home.

Let's go home!

I can't.

I'm the one who suggested the double suicide.

She's completely convinced.

You said if I came, there would be another way!

It was a childish threat, but...

...if you love me that much...

...if you're going to have a place for me...

...if you're going to bet on me for a second time...

...I thought I should believe in you again.

I feel bad for your wife...

...but I thought I would be with you.

Even if I have to live with the shame for the rest of my life.

Even if I'm criticized...

...about being a prostitute.

That's what I was thinking when I bought the ticket.

I made a mistake!

Why?

"Sosei?"

In the dimming lightAt a distant station

Steps out a shadowwithout an umbrella

Behind the painting

A graffiti of a woman's name

A feeling of nostalgia

A painting?

In the back of?

Graffiti?

Just like the apparitionShe cuts her hair

A dream of lifeA wish to die as the woman now gone

She wishes to die as the woman now gone

As I sing and paint her lipsAs I did before

To light the pathTo the other world

In the shade of a blossomThe warmth of hands clasped together

A fleeting lifeAgain by the river bed tomorrow

A flower is rebornln the morning sun

You're coming back to life?

You'll dirty yourself!

Stop! You'll become filthy like me! Please, stop!

Stop it.

I'm happy!

So happy!

You go back first.

I won't commit double suicide.

I'll convince her.

I don't have a place to go back to.

You can go to my place.

The landlord lives next door.

Ask him for the keys.

I can trust you, yes?

I don't want to be abandoned again.

I can't...

...stoop any lower!

I know.

This is not a river and yet there's a current.

Where does it lead to?

I'm afraid.

It's strange.

How foolish to be afraid of something when we're going to die.

The water is turning!

Afraid... I'm afraid!

Just like the apparitionShe cuts her hair

A dream of lifeA wish to die as the woman now gone

Ms. Fumiyo had short hair, didn't she?

"A dedicated life..."

"A dedicated life..."

"...on her lipsOf the dying woman"

Can you do it to my lips too?

To mine too?

She wishes to die as thewoman now gone

As I sing and paint her lipsAs I did before

Just do it! Hurry up!

Please, forget about that woman!

Gakuyo, I'm not letting anyone else have you.

I am...

...scared of dying!

But I'm also sick of being jealous!

Be only mine!

If not, you'll die alone.

I love you!

We're going to die together.

We're going to die.

To light the pathTo the other world

In the shade of a blossomThe warmth of hands clasped together

Are you scared?

No.

But I feel like I want to live a little bit more.

I don't want to die with dirty socks.

The flower by the window...

...it had completely wilted.

Will a wilted flower bloom again?

- That would be a miracle. - That's right.

"A fleeting lifeAgain by the river bed tomorrow"

"A flower is rebornln the morning son"

"A flower reborn", that means that you come back to life, right?

I was going to die without saying anything, but I saw your notebook.

What we hadn't yet done was already a poem!

You sneaky...

This double suicide will be unsuccessful as well!

You...

You cut your hair just now!

I figured I'd do exactly the same as your poem.

Gakuyo! You were fooling me!

You were acting from the minute you asked me to die with you.

But we're really going to die.

I swapped the drugs.

Eh? What drug?

That's right.

What you took earlier...

- ...was the drug I brought. - Wait!

I swapped it with yours.

You fool!

We're going to die!

We're going to die!

- No! - Throw it up!

Do you really want to die that badly?

Throw it up!

No!

I was able to foresee...

...your emotions...

...facing death...

...and I was moved.

No!

I can't let you die!

But...

...you're the one who suggested we die together!

Gakuyo, the water is swirling.

The boat is going in circles.

In circles!

You tried to kill me!

So what?

We can't die here.

If we die here...

...it won't be at all like I wrote in my poems!

- Go away! - I want to be by your side!

You fool!

Gakuyo.

I don't have much strength.

The drug is taking effect.

I was irritated...

...at the people who made fun of my poetry!

- I was so frustrated. - Gakuyo.

Gakuyo.

So damn frustrated.

And yet I couldn't let go of poetry!

- I'm freezing. - I love poetry!

I really love poetry!

I did anything for poetry!

Deplorable character...

...decadent lifestyle.

But it didn't suit me. I was stubborn.

You have suffered.

Once I realized...

...I was sick of myself.

I can't see!

I was sick of myself and yet I couldn't do anything.

Gakuyo...

...I can't see well.

I tried frequenting brothels and prostitutes.

I even tried making my wife miserable.

Let's have sex.

Yes.

Get on top. My legs won't move.

Takuboku...

...Takuboku was poor.

That's why he and his poetry were accepted.

I created my poetry first.

I...

Then, I made it happen.

It was easy to fool Fumiyo.

It was really easy.

But she died too!

Fumiyo...

...found out that she was a replacement for that woman...

...and died!

What woman?

The woman I committed adultery with.

The woman who came after you earlier.

You knew?

Gakuyo.

It was a lie that you had a stomachache, right?

You wrote the graffiti behind the painting.

I did write it.

Is the iris going to bloom again?

It will.

I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for killing you.

It must hurt, right?

I can't let you die here.

Gakuyo! Everyone will be amazed by your poem about rebirth.

Forgive me.

Alright!

Will you die with me?

I'm serious for the first time.

Gakuyo.

It's so dark. It feels like I've died already.

I'm scared. I'm so scared.

Let's die together.

It's not a lie anymore.

I'm happy.

I love you.

I really love you.

Can someone help us?

I beg you, help us!

Help her!

Even if it's just her!

Gakuyo.

Gakuyo.

You've attempted double suicide in Kyoto before also.

That time, you both survived.

This time, you're the only survivor.

Your companion died by slitting her wrist.

Were her socks clean?

What? Her socks?

Were her socks clean?

I see. I'm not sure.

In any case, Master...

...did you kill that woman by pretending to commit double suicide?

Maybe, in the end, I did kill her.

Then you slit her wrist?

Can you explain it in detail?

We just took pills together.

I don't know anything else.

That's strange, isn't it?

If he had been found a little later, he would have died too.

He was saved because of Modori-gawa.

I guess the drugs didn't work on the woman.

She must have woken up to find her lover unconscious.

She thought he was dead and killed herself. Isn't that it?

There's news.

Huh?

Another body was found in the river.

Where?

Near that same bridge.

A woman in Western clothing.

A double suicide and a suicide on the same day?

I hope the place doesn't become famous for such things. Well, take care of yourself.

How strange!

The second bloom is flowering again.

It was completely wilted.

As a fleeting life

Wilts again tomorrow

A flower is rebornln the morning sun

I need you to take the remains. It's really a hassle.

I don't want them, not even the bones.

In that case, he'll be treated as an unidentified person.

Please, do.

Well, then.

Gakuyo Sonoda was one of the manytalented poets of modern times.

In 1912, he published his first poem in a magazinecalled "Kurenai", and wrote 5000 poems thereafter.

In 1925, he ended his ownlife out of madness.

His most representative works,"Katsuragawa Poetry" and "Sosei"...

...are recognized as pinnacle examples of Japanesepoetry and command animportant place in its history.

Cast

Kenichi Hagiwara (Gakuyo) Mieko Harada (Akane)

Mariko Fuji (Mine) Kanako Higuchi (Kotoe)

Yuki Ninagawa (Fumiyo) Shino Ikenami (Chie)

Masaya Takahashi (Katsuragi)

Toshio Shiba (Kato)

Mariko Kaga (Ayano) Masakane Yonekura (Akimine Murakami)

Executive Producers: Yasuhiko Kawano, Tokuhachi Shimada, Osamu Tanaka

Directed by: Tatsumi Kumashiro

Based on a novel by: Mikihiko Renjo Script by: Haruhiko Arai

Cinematographer: Kimiaki Kimura Art Director: Yokoo Yoshinaga

Lights: Kiyoshi Miyazaki Sound Technician: Tetsuo Sagawa

Music Directors: Nobuhiko Shinohara, Hideki Ishima, Kenichi Hagiwara