Original subtitles

It was 1920.

Born in 1901, the only daughter of a rich landowner,

Tokura Aya, was 19.

In the flower of her youth.

Her home was in Tokyo,

and Aya attended a prestigious women's university.

She was raised in the lap of luxury...

among the forerunners of the era.

She delighted in her new bicycle, a novelty in Japan.

Enjoying the breezes of her birthplace, Yonezawa,

Aya sped past fields and hills.

You might say...

this was the happiest time in Aya's life.

THE STORY OF THE CENTURY

Episode 1 ~ A Tempest of Love and Hate THE STORY OF THE CENTURY

Starring Matsuhina Nanako

Kuroki Hitomi

Yamaguchi Yuichiro

Harada Ryuji

Kasubue Mitsuko

Sugano Miho

With a special appearance by Izumi Pinko

Stop! You won't make it on that bridge!

Are you hurt?

I guess not. Good.

I'll get your bicycle.

Don't! Never mind that!

I have to! It's too expensive to leave!

I never saw anything like that.

I'll give it to you!

For helping me. It might be broken, though.

You gonna walk home like that?

I have to. I don't have my bicycle.

You're soaking wet.

Does your leg hurt?

I'm fine.

Where do you live?

My house is nearby.

Dry your clothes out. I'll take you home on our horse.

Kota?

She fell in the stream. Lend her your kimono.

She hurt her ankle, so I'll take her home on the horse.

Who are you Miss?

You ain't from around here, are you?

I'm from Tokyo.

Your son was very kind to me.

From Tokyo?

Where does she live?

Just a bruise. It'll heal fast.

Ma's work kimono, but it's clean.

Put up with this.

That's so rude!

It'll be dark by the time her clothes dry!

I'll borrow it.

My name is Tokura Aya.

I'll come back to thank you properly.

You're Mr. Tokura's daughter?

I'm sorry.

I'm taking you away from your work in the fields.

This is a tenant farmer's job, too.

I never thought you were the landlord's daughter, though.

I grew up mostly in Tokyo.

but I love coming home to Yonezawa sometimes.

Someday, I want to live here.

Say...

Isn't this work kimono becoming?

I feel like a farmer here.

That's why I said not to bring your bicycle from Tokyo.

But I asked Father to buy it for me...

because I wanted to ride it in the village.

Bicycle are for men! I'm glad it sank in the stream.

Wash the kimono I borrowed.

I'll return it when my ankle's better.

You needn't worry about that.

A servant will take it with a gift to thank them.

I borrowed it.

I should be the one to thank them.

You cannot visit that house!

Why not?

Father will finish his work here...

and return to Tokyo in a few days.

You will, too.

I can�t' go with my leg like this.

Take this to the station, too.

How'd this bicycle get here?

The Yashiro boy brought it early this morning.

I told the madam, but she said to keep it here.

She said we could ride it.

Miss!

Miss!

Miss Aya!

Come back!

Isn't this me?

I thought you were painting the scenery.

I met you at the stream, Miss Aya.

You were so beautiful, you didn't seem real.

I had to paint you.

You really want to paint.

Everyone has a dream.

But art supplies cost as much as a bale of rice.

We'd have to go without food for a month.

I bought these supplies

with my pay from working in the city last winter.

But that money was to supplement our farm income.

Ma cried when I spent it.

I won't paint anymore. I've made up my mind.

But this'll be a nice painting to remember it by.

Will you sit there for a while? I want some good sketches.

You're a coward, aren't you?

If you want to paint, go to Tokyo.

Paint as you work.

There are all kinds of jobs in Tokyo.

You just lack the courage.

I'm going back to Tokyo today.

I might be able to help you.

I'll leave my address and phone number.

Don't move!

If you want to paint, I wish I could help you.

But you know we ain't rich enough...

to spend so much time and money on it.

It might be different if you could make money from it,

but you can't leave the fields just to go and play!

I'm going to Tokyo.

Day after day, I work hard in the fields.

Yet we barely make enough just to eat barley-rice.

I'm sick of it!

We're stuck in a bog.

No matter how we struggle, we can't get out of it.

I don't wanna end my days here.

You crazy, boy?

What you gonna do away from the farm?

Even tenant farming puts food on the table.

Try going to Tokyo with nothing.

You'll starve to death for sure.

It don't matter!

It's better than clinging to this life...

and dying with regrets!

What'd that young miss put in your head?

We don't live in the same world as the Tokura girl.

We think different, too.

If you listen to her, sum'n awful will happen!

It ain't got nothin' to do with Miss Aya!

I jest wanna live where

there ain't no landlords and different classes.

There's gotta be a place...

where I can choose my own life.

I gotta find it.

If not, it don't mean nothin' to be human!

What fool ideas...!

Tenant farmers gotta die tenant farmers!

They can't be landowners!

That's stupid!

I'll be a great artist and show you.

Then it don't matter if yer a tenant farmer.

The way things should be!

I can't do that unless I get away from here!

Suit yerself!

Maybe you'll be happy to die in a Tokyo gutter!

I promise...!

I'll come back for you, Ma!

I'll come for you!

If you go...

I ain't yer ma!

I ain't pickin' up yer bones when you die in Tokyo!

TOKYO JULY 1920

Won't I get you into trouble?

A man like me with you in a place like this...?

We're only having sweet-bean soup.

We're not doing anything bad.

The sweet-bean soup is good here.

I wanted you to know I came to Tokyo.

...that I'm not a coward.

I'm glad you came.

You have courage! Just as I thought!

I owe it all to you, Miss.

If I hadn't met you, Miss,

I would never have made up my mind to come to Tokyo.

I wanted to thank you for that.

Are you painting now?

Are you studying at a teacher's house?

Oh, no.

I have to earn a living first.

I'm an apprentice stockbroker, now.

Stock broker?

I didn't finish grade school.

That's the only kind of work I can find.

If you don't paint, being in Tokyo is meaningless.

I can't paint...

without money.

I will someday.

I want to see your paintings.

I can't do anything to help, but I'll always root for you.

This is all I have with me.

But this might help a little. Take it.

Please don't do that!

This isn't why I wanted to see you.

I wanted you to know how determined I was.

I'm sorry. That was rude of me.

The next time I come, I'll bring a decent painting.

I'm home!

Father!

Are you ill?

Such unlucky talk!

But he never comes home so early.

And where were you? School ended long ago.

I went with a friend to have sweet-bean soup.

I'll go and change.

Aya....

We'd like to talk to you.

That's why Father came home early today.

We've found a husband for you.

Husband?

The wedding's in the fall.

Wait...What's this all about?

The other party seems to like you.

It was speedily decided.

I think he's the perfect husband for you.

I refuse.

I'll choose my own husband.

The feudal era is over.

This is the Taisho Era, a new age!

Parents can't arrange marriages anymore...

Don't be impertinent!

Who do you think gave you this life of luxury!?

Don't talk as though you can live on your own!

You didn't train her right.

That's why she's so disobedient!

It's your fault!

Beat some respect into Aya!

Father?!

It's not your fault, Mother!

Taking it out on you like that...! It's cruel!

It's painful for Father, too.

He knows everything.

That's why he spoke so. To save face.

That's selfish!

Tyrannical!

Aya...

Listen to me.

The Tokura have been landowners for generations.

We rent land to tenant farmers...

and live on profits from the rice harvests.

Father invested the money in stocks and did very well.

During the munitions boom of the recent World War (I),

our stocks soared, making us even richer.

But when the war ended,

the economy worsened worldwide. Stocks plummeted.

Your father panicked and borrowed money...

to cover his huge losses.

But that made things worse.

At this rate...

he'll be forced to sell off the lands of our ancestors.

If we lose our lands to the creditors,

the Tokura house will be destroyed.

Is that what happened?

Your father is suffering by himself in silence.

Don't my brothers know this either?

I'm sure they will, sooner or later.

But Father was doing his best to solve the problem

without causing anyone else to suffer.

That's when...

a man offered to pay all our debts...

for your hand in marriage.

Father refused at first.

But now, it's the only way to save the Tokura house.

It's not because I want you to marry that man...

that I'm telling you this.

I just want you to know...

the difficulties of the Tokura and Father's true feelings.

If we lose everything...

we should just live within our means.

Only...

I wanted you to be prepared for it.

And I want you to understand Father's feelings...

and be a little kinder to him.

I understand.

Please pretend that I don't know about this.

Once Father's resigned to losing everything,

he can prepare to start all over again.

Can you tell me...?

Are you classmates of Miss Tokura Aya?

Has Aya gone home?

Miss Tokura quit school long ago.

She quit?!

She's getting married.

Married?! To whom?!

That's all we know!

What a beautiful bride!

How fortunate the groom is.

Thank you.

I'll tell everyone she's ready.

Aya...

Are you sure about this?

Mother..,.

I'm marrying because I know I can be happy.

I told you, it's not for the Tokura house or for family.

Aya...

Quite grand.

The betrothal gift was enough to buy a house.

so they can afford the finest wedding kimono.

Impressive.

The groom made his millions in the munitions boom.

He probably wants to elevate his status...

by marrying a girl from a good family.

So he'll be good to Aya.

You're lucky!

Be grateful to Father for finding you a good husband.

Or Heaven will punish you!

Ma!

I'll never paint again!

Thank you for waiting.

The wedding will now commence...

between Yokoyama Heikichi, head of the Yokoyama house,

and Tokura Aya, only daughter of Tokura Naomichi.

First, the exchange of wine cups...

This was the first time...

Aya had ever met Yokoyama Heikichi, her future husband.

If this would save the Tokura house and her family,

Aya had decided to give up her own happiness.

That night,

a grand reception was held at the Yokoyama mansion.

The guests included admirals and generals...

and leaders in government and business.

The son of poor farmers in Kyushu,

Heikichi came to Tokyo...

and worked as a houseboy for a politician.

Thus, he became friendly with military leaders.

He started a company that supplied military goods...

and became rich from the World War (I).

His designs seemed clear to Aya.

What a fine wife you have!

In Yonezawa...

The Tokura were illustrious samurai landowners!

As son-in-law of Tokura Noamichi,

your status and name are secure.

A political career is even possible.

And such a rare beautiful bride, besides!

Lucky devil!

Please be kind to my son and his wife.

Rear Admiral of the Japanese Navy,

His Excellency, Sasaki Takashi...

Thank you for your help today.

I shall do my best as part of the Yokoyama family.

Please help me.

Shall I fix some coffee or Japanese tea?

I must become familiar with the house...

so that I can do things.

Congratulations, Madam.

These are our housekeepers, Tome and Aki.

I'm Aya. I shall be counting on your help.

We three are alone, at last!

Bring wine. We shall celebrate as a family.

Yes, Madam.

I'll help!

You needn't help.

You needn't do anything.

But...

You're the precious bride of the Yokoyama house.

...Our house front bride.

Not a storefront girl, but house front bride?

Right.

Some people dismiss you as an upstart tycoon...

But Aya will lend prestige to the Yokoyama house.

There's a mania for things foreign these days,

so husband and wife must attend functions together.

You must dress in your finest gowns...

to enhance Yokoyama Heikichi's prestige...

as his wife.

That is being a good helpmate to your husband.

Then you can do whatever you wish here at home.

I'm sorry, I planned to wait for you,

but Tome insisted I bathe because you would be late.

I had much to discuss with my mother.

I'm sorry to come so late.

If you wish to bathe, I could scrub your back...

Remove your clothes.

I want to see you naked.

Stop! Stop it!

Don't!

Husband...!

You don't want a farmer's son to touch you?!

Don't get high and mighty!!

That night, Heikichi did not return to Aya.

Good morning, Madam.

Good morning.

You're up already?

You should take your time.

There's nothing to do anyway.

Where is the Master?

You mean Heikichi?

He went out and never came home.

He probably stayed at someone's place.

What happened?

Leaving his bride and going out on his wedding night...!

What a terrible boy.

I'm afraid I offended him.

But he startled me.

How awful.

Even if you've led a sheltered life,

you've learned what married people do together, right?

Yes.

Well then...! Even if you don't like him,

you agreed to this marriage, didn't you?

You must bear it and perform your duties well.

I'm sorry.

That's not a serious matter, though.

Whether there are such problems or not,

you are still husband and wife.

I waited up for the Master and didn't sleep,

so I'm not very hungry.

I waited to have breakfast with you!

You can do as you please.

But you are a member of this family now.

You must dine with us at least.

I must insist on that.

Let us start.

Aya, tell us if there's any food you dislike.

We should learn the Young Madam's preference.

Madam, the Master has returned.

He's leaving right away, however.

I'll help Heikichi change.

Only I know where everything is.

The Madam must be the one to look after Master.

He wants no one else.

I'm sure you must know, Madam...

The Master came from Kyushu at the age of 15,

and when he became houseboy to a politician,

the Madam also worked there as a maid.

Since then, they've worked together...

to achieve these heights.

Theirs is a bond beyond anyone's imagination.

Young Madam...?

Welcome home.

Heikichi's things are all in my room.

You needn't worry about anything.

Good-bye.

I won�t' be home tonight, either.

Ah, well. It's these social obligations.

Good-bye.

Starting today, you must make social calls.

I've selected your attire. I'll accompany you.

I shall count on you to do well as the Yokoyama bride...

and not embarrass us.

Will the Master come home tonight?

He stayed out last night.

We won't know until today.

His work schedule is quite irregular.

What kind of work? Where does he sleep?

Why should you know that?

A woman should not concern herself with a man's business.

All a wife needs to do...

is to fulfill her duties as a wife.

What a beautiful color!

I had it dyed to complement my kimono.

You needn't worry. My mother sent some kimonos.

Anything would be fine if you were alone.

But you'll be making calls with me.

Our dress must complement each other.

Kimonos are a trifling thing.

If they enhance your prestige as the Yokoyama bride,

I'll spare no expense on the best.

Though Aya's days were controlled...

by her mother-in-law Ito,

Aya had everything she could want.

But her husband, Heikichi used worked as an excuse...

to go out constantly, never staying home.

Aya never saw him.

It was as though he was avoiding Aya.

Aya no longer knew why she was even there.

Though she hoped for a good conversation with Heikichi,

the opportunity never arose.

Young Madam is tall, so Western dress suits her well.

How proud the Master must be...

to have such a beautiful wife.

Aren't you ready yet? Heikichi is ready to leave...

That's the wrong gown...!

Since we're going with the Master today,

I wore one of my favorite gowns.

I told you I was going too.

Our gowns will clash terribly.

Have her changed into the gown I selected.

Attending a grand dinner ball as husband and wife,

Heikichi and Aya made a beautiful couple.

But as always,

Aya had no opportunity to speak to Heikichi.

Heikichi said he had work to do,

so Aya and Ito went home without him.

It looked as though Heikichi would stay out again tonight.

Aya had borne the unbearable,

but her patience was failing.

I just hate these uncomfortable gowns!

I must get this off!

It's awful for you, too, isn't it dear?

Let's just retire tonight. ...Goodnight.

I must speak to you!

Can you spare a moment after you change?

Make it tomorrow. It can wait, can't it?

Tonight, please! I wish to go home to my parents.

Is there some emergency?

I can't bear living in this house anymore.

I wish to divorce.

Very well. Let us discuss this.

I'll come down after I change.

Forgive me for making this request when you are tired.

Why are you unhappy?

I made you do no housework and took good care of you.

Yes, indeed.

The Madam cherished you as her dear daughter-in-law.

I have no ability to be daughter-in-law here.

It doesn't matter whether I'm here or not.

Why not?

You're serving wonderfully as the Yokoyama daughter-in-law.

I'm very grateful to you.

But the Master has no need for me.

We've been wed for six months,

but he never comes home to this house.

My son has never slept in this house.

This is nothing new.

Why does he stay away?

It seems he has a lover and stays there.

He can't bring women to this house, where I live.

You knew, yet let me marry him...?

A marriage partner is another matter.

How terrible! That's insulting...!

You have no right to blame me.

If you had loved Heikichi as you should,

he would come home properly.

I arranged the marriage in hopes that he would.

I'm the one who should complain.

I've erred in my judgment.

I'm not suited to this family. I'm leaving.

No you can't.

After that expensive wedding,

society accepts you as the Yokoyama daughter-in-law.

How can you get a divorce now?

I don't care what people will think of the Yokoyama!

Heikichi has lovers and

never looks at me. Why should I stay?!

Mistresses are the mark of capable men.

If it angers you, have the gumption to win him back!

If you can't win your own husband's heart,

you can't resent others!

You are the legal wife.

Have pride.

Even if your husband goes to other women,

you must sit proudly as the wife.

If you cannot be so broad of mind,

you'll never succeed as the wife.

I have no such ability.

I can't take pride in being the wife!

I'll only be miserable!

Really?

Then I suppose any further discussion is useless.

Divorce will be fine.

However, I don't know if you're aware of this...

in exchange for your hand in marriage,

Heikichi agreed to pay your family's enormous debts.

That's been arranged now.

That will be canceled too, won't it?

If that's fine with you,

you can return to the Tokura right away.

Since it's late now, why not go tomorrow?

Our automobile will take you home.

Tome, have the automobile ready.

Yes, madam.

Very well, then.

Young Madam!

Shouldn't you see the Madam first?

There's nothing more to discuss.

Good-bye.

Miyo burst in with the news that you'd come home.

I thought you couldn't bear it any longer in that house.

I nearly had an attack!

But I saw that fine automobile outside...

I felt relieved, because it's the Yokoyama's automobile.

It's been six months, hasn't it?

I wanted to talk to you,

but maybe Father feels hesitant before the Yokoyamas.

He says, "She's a Yokoyama now. Don't bother them!"

So I couldn't visit or anything.

Is Father well?

Very well.

Mr. Yokoyama's support has helped greatly.

The banks will finance Father now.

Even his new business is doing well.

That's what Chikara and Hitoshi were saying.

Miyo told us you were back.

You didn't run away from the Yokoyama, I hope?

Why should you worry about that?

Of course! Yokoyama's a terrible womanizer, after all.

Chikara...?

Aya's not a child. She should know her husband.

They say...

Yokoyama used his women to make it to the top.

He secures women for men who might benefit him.

That's how he got the contracts to supply the army.

It's because of the women...

that he became a wartime tycoon overnight...

Stop it.

Aya doesn't have to know that.

Remember...

You're Yokoyama's indisputable legal wife.

The wife has power!

If he has mistresses,

you must be able to smile and look after them.

Otherwise, you can't be a good wife.

Aya went home to the Tokura yesterday.

She wants a divorce.

If she doesn't want to come back,

you needn't go for her.

It's partly your fault!

Even if she's just a wife for show,

you can't ignore her for six months.

Aya's a woman too.

It's pitiful.

Of course she'd want to divorce you.

You don't seem to have feelings for Aya,

so I'm not worried.

If she doesn't come home, just grant her the divorce.

Good-bye, sir.

Mother allowed me to visit my parents.

Welcome home, Madam.

My parents were very happy. Thank you very much.

I'll have dinner at home tonight.

I'd like to relax at home sometimes.

It's nice to dine with just family, isn't it?

My work kept me away from home.

You were lonely, weren't you?

I'm sorry.

I'll come home as often as possible from now on.

I won't let you be lonely anymore.

Those are arms that held other women.

Don't ever touch me again.

I'll be your wife for show.

Just let me be.

Please don't worry about me. Go to whomever you wish.

But please look after my family.

I'll be counting on your help.

All right.

If that's what you want, I can't complain.

From then on, Aya resolved to live quietly...

as the Yokoyama wife, her freedom taken away.

As usual, Aya dressed in beautiful gowns.

doing her wifely duties together with Ito.

Others regarded her with envy,

but Aya was in an abyss of loneliness.

Three long years thus passed.

Aya has accepted this life as her fate.

but it was about to change drastically.

At noon on September 1, 1923...

the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred.

Not knowing what had happened,

Aya lay beneath fallen beams and pillars,

spent and unconscious.

This was early fall in Aya's 23 years of life.

Miss Aya!

I'm here! Help me!

Miss Aya!

Help! I'm here!

Miss Aya! It won't be long! Hang on!

Kota!

Grab my hand! I'll pull you out!

Are you alright?

Thank goodness! I thought you were dead!

Where's Mother and the others?

I don't know.

They might have taken refuge elsewhere.

I must find them!

There's no time!

There're fires spreading everywhere.

We've got to get away.

Can you walk?

My leg...!

My workers brought a cart. That'll take you to my house.

I'll carry you to the cart.

Hurry!

OUTSKIRT OF TOKYO SEPTEMBER 1, 1923

Get that box over there.

We'll be safe here.

Slowly.

My house. I live here with these men.

You must be hungry. I'll fix something right away.

I'll leave this here.

Heat up the bath.

They're Sabu and Ken.

Thank you. You save my life.

If you hadn't come, I might have been killed.

We were in our office in Ginza when it happened.

When it got dangerous, I thought of you.

I borrowed a cart from my friend and dashed over.

Faucet won't work.

We probably have no electricity either.

Sabu, use the well water for the rice and cook it over the fire.

We normally use well water

and we have firewood, so this won't bother us,

but it must be difficult for city people.

I wonder if the Tokura are all right?

It's still too dangerous,

but I'll check on them as soon as possible.

Do you and your men always do the kitchen work?

Yes. I can't afford to take a wife, yet.

It's enough with the workers.

Easier, too.

Aren't you going back to the country anymore, Kota?

I bought up much of the land around here.

Someday, trains will run through here.

and this will become residential area.

I plan to build homes and rent and sell them.

This house was already on the land,

and I moved in, because I couldn't bear to tear it down.

In only three years? You've done very well, Kota.

Thank to my job at the stock exchange.

Nothing's riskier than stocks,

but nothing is as lucrative either.

Weren't you earning money in order to paint?

I've given up on painting.

I didn't know who I was doing it for anymore.

Making money got to be more interesting, I suppose.

With Tokyo in ruins, we can't move for the time being.

You can't walk on that leg, either.

Stay here a while.

We'll go to check on your family for you.

Thank you. I'll be staying here.

Please help me.

How's the water?!

Thank you. It's just right.

In the country, we had a bathtub like this.

How nice it was.

I'm sorry. All we have is men's clothing.

We don't know how to cook anything fancy, either.

Please put up with it.

I enjoyed it.

It's the first time I had such a merry dinner.

Sabu's laid the quilts out.

You'll be all right alone, won't you?

I'll be going now.

Good night.

It's still dangerous in Tokyo. They say there's even rioting.

I've learned where the Tokuras are.

They've gone back to the country.

I made contact with friends in Yonezawa,

and I finally received word today.

Your family is safe.

Really? Thank goodness.

I intend to inform them that you're safe.

If the Yokoyamas are safe,

they must be worried about you, too.

I could just inform the Tokuras.

I'm sure the Yokoyamas will find out from them.

Please don't!

I'm not returning to the Yokoyamas.

If no one knows where I am, they might think I'm dead.

You can't do that. They'll find out someday.

Then let me stay here just a little while longer.

I feel such peace within...

maybe that's true happiness.

But this place has nothing.

I don't need anything.

Even with all the luxuries in the world,

if your soul is empty, that's not living.

You're as good as dead.

I had no hope.

It was hell.

I didn't know.

I didn't know how it was.

You looked dazzling as a bride.

You were born in a different world from us.

I thought wealth suited you.

I used to stand at the gate of the Yokoyama mansion.

I saw you go out in the automobile sometimes.

I felt relieved that you looked happy.

I wanted to be part of your world someday...

where we could laugh and talk as equals.

That was when I gave up painting.

I was wrong somehow. I thought you, Miss Aya...

Don't call me "Miss" Aya.

Aya, I thought you belonged to a different world.

But I was wrong.

You cherished the painting of me.

Thank you.

When I saw the painting,

I knew the kind of life I wanted.

I've finally found...

the courage to leave the Yokoyama family.

I'll be waiting for you to become Tokura Aya again.

Please let me.

Aya, I've come for you. The automobile's waiting.

You're safe?

I'll repay the man who took care of you here.

You needn't change. Get into the automobile.

I must talk to you!

We'll talk when we return home.

I'm never going back there. Please divorce me.

Is that how it is?

You and that Yashiro...?

Mr. Yashiro saved my life during that earthquake!

Don't say such terrible things.

Don't you think I don't know anything?

You were friendly with Yashiro, a tenant farmer.

You live with him here for a month,

and expect me to believe nothing happened?

You may think what you wish.

Are you familiar with the term "adultery"?

Adultery?

Society extols "Taisho Democracy"

and equality between men and women.

But when a wife sleeps with another man,

her husband can have her prosecuted for adultery.

Do you want that?

If their daughter is sent to prison for adultery,

what will it do to the good name of the Tokura?

But if you'll return to the Yokoyama house,

I'll overlook it.

After all, it was a natural disaster beyond our control...

that forced you to stay here.

But if you insist on leaving me,

you'll be removed from the family registry...

and charged with adultery.

Of course,

even Yashiro will be ostracized by society.

If you're resigned to that,

you needn't come back.

I'll never...

speak with you again.

Now that she knows you're safe,

Your mother is waiting at home for you.

She'll probably be terribly disappointed.

Wait.

I'll change first.

Never mind.

The Young Madam is coming.

Aya!

Where were you anyway?!

Why didn't you let us know you were all right?!

We all thought you were dead...!

The Yokoyama house was destroyed,

and all of Tokyo was in ruins. I didn't know whom to call.

On the ruins of the house.

I left a note with our temporary address.

I was in the outskirts of Tokyo,

and I'd heard that there were still aftershocks,

so I couldn't come to search for anyone.

You owe everything to the Yokoyamas.

They insisted you were alive.

They searched everywhere.

worried that you might be hurt somewhere.

You should be grateful to them!

I was reunited with Heikichi three days after the quake.

When he learned you were missing,

he took some men and went searching for you.

He was convinced that you were alive.

We spared no expense in searching for you.

How you cherish Aya. Thank you very much.

Aya?

You must do your best to repay them.

To celebrate Aya's safe return,

let us drink a toast with some wine I've saved.

I've summoned a good chef as well.

Let us invite Aya's father and celebrate.

Thank you very much. He'll be very pleased.

This was a pleasant evening.

Even your father was merry, like a different person.

Do men change so when business goes smoothly?

He's nothing like when he begged me for help.

Supremely confident.

The earthquake made a shamble of my mansion,

but I'll rebuild it to be grander than before.

Bear with this temporary residence for now.

I have no intention of staying here.

I only returned to settle this with you.

I still want a divorce.

Aya...

I can't be charged with adultery.

Nothing happened with Mr. Yashiro.

After a month with him, you expect me to believe that?

Even if something did happen,

how can you accuse only me of adultery?

You should consider the things you did.

Don't be impertinent. It's different for men.

How?! Aren't we all human beings?!

How can men be allowed what women can't...?!

Japanese law says so!

Wives are provided for by men.

They can't be allowed to betray their providers!

The law protects against such immoral acts.

The law is wrong! Condemning only women...!

Are you so anxious to leave me?!

You want to be with him so badly?

Of course, your family doesn't need my help anymore.

You've fulfilled your duty in marrying me.

The Tokura won't suffer even if you divorce me.

So maybe you think you can leave, but you can't!

I've got pride. I don't want a woman who hates me.

But I don't want Yashiro to have you.

I'll never let him have you.

You're mine forever!

What's so good about him?

You wouldn't let me touch you,

but you let HIM?

Is that why you can't forget him?!

Stop it!

How many times did you let him?!

HOW MANY TIMES?!

After that night, Aya gave up the idea of divorce.

Heikichi had forced himself on her,

and she was terrified of the jealousy in his eyes.

After a month with Kota...

and knowing happiness as an ordinary woman,

Aya could no longer bear life at the Yokoyama house.

But should she leave,

Aya would be charged with adultery...

and drag Kota to ruin as well.

When Heikichi lay with the empty shell Aya now was,

she detested him...

and lived silently in blackness.

But even that would no longer be possible.

Heikichi's invited very important men tonight.

You must appear. Understand?

I asked never to appear at such functions again.

How long must you continue your willful ways?

You won't be a good wife to Yokoyama Heikichi.

You must help to entertain guests...

in order to keep Heikichi from being embarrassed.

If I am serving poorly as a wife,

I shall leave at any time.

I would welcome a divorce.

I won't attend the party.

Heikichi!

Did you hear that?! Will you still keep her here?!

She doesn't want to go. You take her place.

How did you get to be such a sissy?!

Are you still in love with her?!

Say something!

I swear, you're hopeless!

Aya, what's wrong?

Isn't she pregnant?

Don't you think, Madam?

Pregnant? You're having a baby?

Isn't that wonderful?

You have two children by your mistresses,

but Aya had none.

I was worried that she might be barren.

But now you can't divorce her.

Aya will grow even more impertinent.

Be firm with her, Heikichi.

Is it Yashiro's child?

Is it?!

It's yours!

Liar!

Palming off his child on me?!

How big a fool do you take me for!?

I won't be the father of that wretch's child!

Don't have that child!

It should die! It should die!

Going out, Madam?

I'm going to visit my parents.

The Madam is out preparing for tonight's party.

Please refrain from going out in her absence.

I'll be right back.

I have strict orders from the Madam.

I cannot allow it.

If you insist on going I shall accompany you.

I won't take order from you!

Young Madam...!

Aki!

Aki! It's terrible! Stop the Young Madam!

Sabu!

Miss Aya!

What's the matter?

Please...

Lend me money.

Come inside first.

No one will bother us here.

The baby...

I want to get rid of it.

I asked Yokoyama for a divorce.

But he thought I was having an affair with you,

and he threatened to prosecute us!

So I gave it up.

Then I became pregnant...!

That's wonderful.

If you're a mother, a new life will open up for you.

I don't want it!

I don't want to have Yokoyama's child!

Not his child!

The child will be yours.

Please give up this dangerous idea.

It's not because I begrudge you the money.

I'd give up my entire fortune for you!

If you'll marry me,

I'll welcome the child, no matter who the father is.

I'll be its father.

God gave you this precious life.

You shouldn't kill it...!

I know!

I know a mother should never do such a thing!

But I don't want Yokoyama's child!

If I have it, I might never be able to love the child.

I might hate it forever.

But without your husband's permission...

It's the only way!

I know of a midwife...

who does this sort of thing.

I'm going there tonight.

I'll go with you.

I don't want to involve you. I'll be fine alone.

I prefer to be alone.

Please do as you wish.

Only let me drive you there, at least.

Did she really say she was coming to our house?

Yes.

It's your fault. You shouldn't have let Aya go out alone!

I'm sorry, sir! It was so sudden...!

She'd never gone out alone, so my guard was down...!

I never dreamed she'd lie about it...

Excuse me.

The police are here. They wish to see the Master.

The police?!

Whatever do they want?

Don't go out! I'll see them!

Thank you for waiting.

Yokoyama Heikichi?

Yokoyama Aya is your wife?

Yokoyama Aya was arrested for an illegal abortion.

Abortion?

She was hospitalized

at a disreputable midwife's place after an abortion.

This is clearly a case of illegal abortion.

So we'd like you to come down to the station...

to answer some questions.

It was probably a child with a secret lover, wasn't it?

Your husband could bring charges of adultery also!

Were you aware of this when you were having an affair?

The child was my husband's.

Did he tell you to get rid of it?!

No.

My husband knew nothing of this.

It was all my doing!

A midwife can be punished for performing an abortion!

You must have paid her a lot of money!

How much?

Who lent you the money?

Your secret lover?!

Your husband?!

I go the money myself.

My husband really doesn't know anything about this.

If you did this on your own,

extenuating circumstances won't be considered!

You'll be imprisoned for a year!

It was my sole responsibility.

I'm prepared to receive any punishment.

How dare she dirty the Yokoyama name!

What drove her to this?!

I hope you spoke to Aya?

She refused all visitors. I couldn't see her.

I wanted to get her a lawyer, at least.

That's ridiculous!

Arrange for a divorce at once!

No divorce!

Don't talk nonsense!

We can't have a criminal in our family.

Even the Tokura are disowning her!

Why do you cling to such a woman?

Open your eyes!

Aya's my wife! No one can tell me what to do!

At that time, abortion was against the law.

Aya enlisted no attorney, put up no defense,

and accepted her punishment.

It was the maximum penalty of one year in prison.

Aya refused all visitors,

enduring life in prison.

Aya cherished this time as important...

in being born anew.

Aya was released after serving her term in prison...

in early spring of 1925.

But during the time in prison,

when Aya had resolved to live a new life...

a surprising change had occurred.

Welcome back. You've borne it well.

I couldn't do anything to help you.

How painful it was for me.

What will you do now?

The Tokura family says they've cut all ties with you.

Now that your brother has taken over,

your parents probably can't object.

There's no one at home now.

Last fall, my mother died of a brain hemorrhage.

She did?

I didn't know.

I dismissed Tome, Aki and all the other servants.

Being all alone, I haven't been cleaning the house.

After you've come out, too. I'm sorry.

I hurried out to meet you this morning.

so I haven�t' had time to tidy up.

Forgive me for causing you this terrible trouble.

Perhaps I should have divorced you...

before you caused that problem.

My mother complained quite bitterly about it.

But no matter what anyone said,

I didn't want to divorce you.

I thought, once you were free,

you'd run to Yashiro.

I couldn't let him have you.

I didn't want to lose you to him.

You don't know this, but before we got married,

I visited your home to see your father.

That's when I saw you in the garden, playing with your dog.

I couldn't believe such a beautiful creature existed.

I lost my heart.

Love at first sight, I suppose.

When your father told me about his debts,

I offered to pay them if I could marry you.

I knew it was a contemptible thing to do.

But for a man like me without breeding or status,

money was my only weapon.

I was so happy when we were married.

I wanted to give you everything.

I wanted to cherish you forever and ever.

But I didn't know how to truly love a woman.

You were too grand for me.

I'd started out with nothing, a country boy from Kyushu.

I didn't know how to approach you. I was at a total loss.

So, after the first night, when you rejected me,

I couldn't bring myself to touch you again.

I'm telling you this now...

because I want you to know before we divorce, how I felt.

And I want to apologize.

I want you to forgive me.

After you had a criminal abortion...

just to avoid having my child,

I knew how much you hated me.

That's why I had to make you understand...

and apologize to you.

I still don't want to lose you...

or let Yashiro have you.

That still hasn't changed.

But I can't make you happy anymore.

I lost big on a venture.

And I turned to the stock market to recover my losses.

But it failed, and I lost everything.

I sold this house.

And the automobile.

I had no automobile to bring you home in,

so we had to take the train.

That was painful.

At least I paid off all my debts.

But I will soon have no place to live.

I will have to start all over again.

I have no right to keep you with me.

I've finally resigned myself to divorce.

You can't return to your family anymore.

You can go...to Yashiro.

He's on the rise now.

He has a good feel for real estate.

He's sure to be a success.

I can give you to him without worrying.

I can go to Manchuria without regrets.

Manchuria?

Someone has asked me to come.

Manchuria is a new frontier.

Just as I first started out from Kyushu,

I'll build a dream again.

I'll make it come true again.

I've sold off most of my things for cash,

but I haven't touched any of yours.

Have Yashiro move them out for you.

Though it was only for a short while,

I was proud to have you for my wife.

That was the brightest period...

of my entire life.

Thank you.

Truly...

Thank you.

Tomorrow...

your name will be removed from my family's registry.

Arrange for your things to be moved out tomorrow.

Yashiro is probably waiting for you.

Hurry and go.

Please sell all the things you've kept for me.

Yes...

You wouldn't want anything that reminds you of me.

I'll get rid of them.

I'll send the money to you.

I'll use that money to go to Manchuria with you.

Please take me with you.

I don't want any pity now.

It's not pity!

All during the year that I was imprisoned....

I searched my soul...

trying to learn what I wanted.

But I still hadn't found an answer when I was released.

I only knew that I wanted to choose my own life.

Now, I finally know how I want to live!

I can take you as you are now...

and follow you!

I might be able to do something for you now.

I don't need luxuries.

Even if we have nothing,

we can help each other as we go along.

I want always to be with you.

And though we're poor,

we can be one in heart as husband and wife.

It won't be that simple.

I have nothing, and Manchuria is a strange land.

You needn't embrace a life of hardship.

I want to go with you!

Now, I want to.

That's the most important thing to me.

Good morning.

Sir! There's a guest! The one you've been waiting for!

A wood-burning kitchen is inconvenient for you,

so I'm having a new house built for you next door.

You came just in time.

Please give me your opinions. You'll be living there.

You've done so much for me, Kota.

All I've caused you are endless trouble.

I'm sorry.

I'm finally free now.

And I'm able to decide my own way of life.

That's wonderful.

You and I both waited for that day.

We made it through a long, arduous time.

Ever since the day I met you at the stream,

though I knew we came from different worlds,

I wanted to become a man who's worthy of you.

So I left home and worked hard in Tokyo where you were.

I intend to do everything I can to make you happy.

I've come to say good-bye today.

You've always been the man of my dreams.

Because of you,

I was able to bear the hardship of my marriage.

But now I have no right to pursue that dream.

I've decided...

to return to Yokoyama.

I have no idea what the future holds for us.

Only we two, who have lost everything...

can start over again...!

That's the risk I'd like to take.

Is that so...?

If you made that decision for your own self,

I have no objections.

I only pray...

that you'll truly be happy this time. That's all.

If I can do anything to help you now,

please tell me.

Whenever you need me,

I'd like to watch over you and help you.

Thank you.

But please don't worry about me anymore.

I'm leaving for Manchuria at the end of the month.

Manchuria?!

To a place called Dairen. That will be our home.

I'll probably never see you again.

Kota...?

Aren't you going to paint anymore?

Please continue to paint.

I loved your paintings.

I loved you when you painted.

In March 1925...

Aya and Heikichi left Japan for Manchuria.

The only family member who went to see them off...

was Aya's mother, Fumi, who had come secretly.

But mixed in the crowd, bidding Aya a silent farewell

...was Kota.

Aya couldn't see him.

You're a fool.

You're finally able to live freely now.

It's still not too late.

You can still get off the ship.

I'm finally free.

I can finally choose the life I want.

This time, I've chosen you for my life's partner.

Of my own free will.

Eight years went by.

In Manchuria,

Heikichi joined a Japanese trading company.

And Aya was a busy homemaker and mother.

With little time to think about the turmoil in Japan,

Aya lived fully from day to day.

She was satisfied with her peaceful, happy life.

DAIREN, MANCHURIA JUNE 1933

One day,

a young woman came with a child of about three...

to the Yokoyama house.

May I ask your name?

I'm Yashiro Yuka.

Kota's wife.

Kota?!

Forgive me for coming without notice.

I know it was rude of me.

But I have to see you.

Please come in.

Pardon the mess. I have a child...

What do you say?

Hello.

Please don't bother...

After moving here, we lost touch with Kota.

We heard even here...

that he now owns a leading real estate company.

Is Kota well?

Kota passed away.

He fought in last year's Shanghai Incident...

and died honorably in battle.

In battle?

Kota...?

Have you heard of the "Human-Bomb Trio"?

Yes. Three soldiers carried a bomb and...

Kota was there.

I didn't know.

When he received the draft notice,

someone offered to arrange an exemption from service.

But Kota said it was an honor to defend our country...

as an Imperial soldier.

He joined the Yamagata regiment.

We said good-bye to him at the gate.

His parting smile was the last thing we ever saw of him.

Leaving such a sweet child behind...

How Kota must have regretted it.

This child is Kota to me now.

I can go on because he left me this child.

It's as if Kota was with me.

Only one thing bothered me.

This portrait.

It was in my husband's room even before we were married.

I asked him many times about it.

But he would only laugh

and said nothing.

After my husband died,

and his mother came from Yonezawa,

she said, "Was Kota still keeping this painting?"

That was the first time

I learned that he wanted to be an artist.

And that this was the only painting he ever kept.

Then my mother-in-law told me about you.

Is Mrs. Yashiro well?

How she must be grieving.

Mother is very strong.

She said "He served our country well".

"What greater honor could there be?"

She didn't shed a single tear.

And yet...!

She wept for the first time when she saw this painting.

She said no matter how much he loved you,

you were always beyond his reach.

She said he had always kept you in his heart.

I'd never known that either.

So I simply had to meet you.

My father was transferred to a new post in Shanghai.

So I left my husband's company to our workers,

and I moved to Shanghai with my parents.

Then I decided to come here.

Is that so? I'm glad you did.

I thought perhaps you should have this painting.

But after meeting you...

I think I'd like to keep it.

I want to cherish his dream of becoming an artist.

I want our son to cherish his father's memory.

I'm keeping this painting.

Please do.

Kota was truly fortunate to have met you.

Why didn't you marry Kota, though?

I still can't understand it.

It probably wasn't in our destiny.

Mommy...

Sit nicely.

When our child are grown,

I hope all men can be equal

and free to live as they choose.

I don't want war.

It kills men with so much to live for.

And not only Kota.

War robs their families of happiness, too.

I want no more of it.

A world with no class distinctions

or war.

Where we can love freely...

and protect our ordinary but happy homes.

Will such a world ever come?

Wouldn't it be nice if it were so...

by the time our children are grown?

Contrary to Aya and Yuka's simple wish,

Japan plunged into the War in the Pacific.

And Aya and Yuka were both caught up in its horrors.

Later, a son was born to Aya.

When Heikichi was drafted to fight in the south,

Aya returned to Tokyo with her two children.

But unaware that her husband had died,

Aya died in the air raid of March 10, 1945,

leaving her two children behind.

After the war, land reform was enacted,

abolishing the landlord-tenant farmer system.

As absentee landowners,

the Tokura lost their land to the tenant farmers.

The crimes of adultery and abortion were abolished.

Women gained equal rights as men.

But Aya never saw this new era.

How would her daughter and son live in this new era?

And is Aya watching over them from above?

TO BE CONTINUED