-That man Nobu. Do you really like him? -No.
That's what I thought.
Do you like somebody else?
Don't worry about me Chiyo-chan. I'll be fine. Better than fine.
Mother plans to adopt me, so my dream of having some place to live out my life may come true.
I have to go.
-We could still win Sayuri. -How?
Hatsumomo has poisoned Dr. Crab against me.
Forget about him, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
The Chairman has been kind...
Sayuri! Nobu and the Chairman are business partners,
they would never bid against one another. It is time we cast a wider net.
Suppose there was a night in Myoko. Hundreds of men all in one place, eager to bid for you.
-What do you mean? -Where you are the object of all their fantasies.
The most famous Geisha in the Hanamachi.
-But I'm not. -You will be…
-Who is responsible for this? -Ask Mameha.
-I'm asking you Mother. -How come Sayuri gets to be the lead?
It's your own fault. You should practice more.
What did Mameha do, speak to the director in private?
Not every Geisha uses that kind of currency.
I'm looking forward to your performance. You know how I adore watching you dance... Chiyo.
They've all come,
the Baron, Nobu-san, our beloved Hatsumomo, and that dapper General of hers..
Anybody else? And even your old friend, Dr. Crab.
Big-sister, what if I dance poorly, what if I disgrace myself,
and no one takes interest?
Sssh,you will be glorious.
Now, it's time.
-Sayuri, you remember the Doctor. -I hope my performance pleased you Doctor.
-Aah, you danced with such profound fury. -I most humbly thank you.
It seems you've once again caught the Doctor's interest.
And I am most grateful. If you have heard any gossip...
-Ah yes? -Then I hope you will follow your own advice.
-And what would that be, pray tell? -Seek a second opinion.
Ah Chairman. Sayuri gave such a passionate performance, don't you think?
Indeed.
Mameha, did you invite the Chairman to my estate this weekend?
-It's my annual blossom viewing party. -Baron, I told you I can't go.
-I have an urgent appointment. -Taking care of a little nuisance,
or was that a naughty secret? Baron, wouldn't Sayuri look stunning…
-among the flowers on your estate? -Yes, very pretty.
-Be sure to send her along. -With a chaparone of course,
I'm certain Mr. Bekku will oblige.
That's a fine idea Baron, but Sayuri is required at the theatre.
-Mameha, I expect her there. -Nobu, coming Saturday?
All that way to see a cherry tree? I will leave that to the Chairman.
[You were] wonderful tonight. Excuse me.
-If you would rather not go. -I'd like to go very much.
Then be on your guard, every moment. There is a reason Hatsumomo wants you there.
Trust me, I know my Baron Sayuri.
He has a weakness for beautiful women.
And now, you are the most celebrated Geisha in all Myoko.
The most desired as well.
Sayuri, today, even the cherry blossoms are envious of her.
There's something I've been wanting to say to you for some time now.
I'd like to...
to thank you for your attention to Nobu-san.
Nobu can be a difficult man.
So you see dear, at parties, sake only in moderation.
And he disdains Geisha.
But he…
… he’s fond of you.
Because you admire him, I respect him more.
He would never tell you himself. He's far too modest.
We were fighting in Manchuria together, and there was an explosion.
He protected me from the worst of it.
As you might imagine, I owe him quite a debt.
Nobu has taught me a great deal, patience, for one thing.
I, in turn, have tried to teach him.
You have to savour life while you can.
The legend of the cherry blossom.
That is why Nobu likes you. We must not expect happiness Sayuri,
it is not something we deserve. When life goes well, it's a sudden gift,
it cannot last forever.
Ah Sayuri, there you go. I have a present for you.
Mameha asked me to show you my kimono collection.
It's quite venerated, my grandfather and father,
collected kimono before me.
I've given a number of valuable kimono to Mameha. I like to give presents to beautiful girls.
It's for you.
Come, have a closer look.
Isn't it lovely?
-Try it on. -The Baron is too kind.
I will happily try it on, with Mameha, when the Baron returns to Myoko.
Who knows when that would be?
Put it on now, don't be shy.
Don't worry,
I have experience in knotting kimonos, and untying them as well.
Please, Mr. Bekku is waiting.
Mr. Bekku is waiting for no one.
Please... stop!
Please stop now!
Sayuri, I only want to have a look.
No harm in that. Any man would do the same.
I heard a message on the wind.
So careless! You have ruined all our plans!
-I did nothing. -Sayuri, do not insult me.
I know the Baron better than that..
-He gave me a kimono. -You sold yourself for a kimono!
I did not sell myself. Today is the day I accept bids for your misuage (virginity).
But what kind of price can I hope to demand with a finger pointed at your back?
-He looked at me that's all big-sister. -You will be examined at the misuage ceremony.
-If you are found to be worthless... -I am not worthless!
I am not worthless.
How much longer is this bidding going to take?
Besides, who wants a plum when someone has already had a bite?
What is it? Twenty yen, thirty?
-This can't be the right amount. -I trust you agree, I have won the wager.
Sayuri's made history, no misuage has ever been sold for more.
Not even mine. Fifteen thousand yen.
Unbelievable. Thank you sister.
Of course none of it will go to Sayuri, or to you Mameha.
It goes to this okea. All fifteen thousand yen. To this estate.
-I do not understand. -That, Sayuri, you will inherit as my adopted daughter.
-What? -You wouldn't dare!
I'm entitled to do as I choose.
But you promised the okea to Pumpkin!
Look at her, still a virgin apprentice. Pumpkin!
Can't you adopt us both? Quiet Sayuri.
Now I'm no fool. Pumpkin would only be Hatsumomo's puppet.
How long would it take before you kick us out onto the street?
-I have given you my life. -Yes, and your impudence, your vile temper.
Who paid for that kimono on your back,
The rest in your ... The tobacco in that paper of yours? Who?
Don't exaggerate! You have never even had a patron.
Don't say it, don't say it! You chose that no good Koichi.
Peeking through your window at all hours of the night. Quiet!
Not like a Geisha, like a common prostitute.
Besides, you are getting old. But Sayuri, Sayuri's destined to become a legend.
My dear Mother. We will see. Won't we?
Sayuri, your room is too small. Take Hatsumomo's.
From now on, your name is Nita Sayuri..
-May I congratulate you both. -You may.
Big sister.Everything we wanted you made happen. Thank you.
-May I ask who? -Dr. Crab.
-Was Nobu disappointed? -Nobu did not bid. It was against his mighty principles.
Dr. Crab was opposed my the Baron, my Baron. Do you want to know the truth Sayuri?
He was the highest bidder. Forgive me, but I let it go to Dr. Crab..
-I think you understand why. -I swear to you, I am innocent.
Of course you are. No man would ever bid so much for a thing he had already taken.
It was my own fault. I did not protect you.
Celebrate this moment Sayuri. Tonight, the lights in the Hanamachi all burn for you..
My daughter...
You are a full geisha now.
What are you doing in my room?
I came to congratulate you.
Please get out.
Why little Chiyo, look what I've found.
His initials, how elegant.
You've been hiding your love for a long time.
-The sacrifice every Geisha must make. -Don't!
Is this where you keep it? Next to your heart?
Give it back!
I could be her. Now I am Geisha to this house.
I could be her. Were we so different? She loved once. She hoped once.
I might be looking into my own future. Until the real future came falling from the air.
-Korin, have you see Sayuri? -No... I don't know.
Chairman! They are sending us away but they won't say where.
Osaka, but you must not go. The city is a prime target.
Get your things, quickly.
Nobu and I are trying to find safe havens for as many people as we can.
Come.
Here, work certificates, nurse's aid. A friend of mine is the chief surgeon in Kamioka.
What about Sayuri? Can't we go together?
Don't worry, she will be taken care of.
Here we go.
-Sayuri. -Big sister.
Sayuri come. This is Alima, he will take you into the hills.
Nobu has got a friend there, a kimono maker. Anyone stops you, show them this.
- Do I have to go? -It's remote, you will be safe.
What about you? You said Osaka was dangerous..
Our factory is there, I have no choice.
Go, I will express your gratitude to Nobu-san.
A year without news, except news of death. Defeat. Shame. Rumours of cities…
… evaporating into clouds of smoke. Then another year, and then another.
Until the old life is a dream-life.
Was I ever a Geisha?
Did I ever dance, holding a fan? Who would hold a fan now... or paint their lips?
And then another year. Nothing. Rice… work.
Rice… work. Nothing.
Sayuri.
Sayuri, a man from Osaka has come to see you.
Nobu-san.
General Tottori was captured and tried as a war criminal..
-The Baron lost his fortune and committed suicide. -What about the okea?
-Mr. Bekku has gone, but the others... -Auntie and mother?
Indestructible as always.
-And the chairman? -As well as can be expected.
This is all that remains of our factories.
I'm so sorry Nobu-san.
Sayuri...
We want to rebuild, but to do that we will need your help.
What can I do?
Somewhere, under those rags, are you still the greatest Geisha in Myoko?
If a tree has no leaves or branches, can you still call that a tree?
With nothing but rubble at my feet, can I still call myself a businessman?
I should have taken better care of you. Please, you saved my life.
I owe you so much in return.
The chairman and I need American financing.
There is a man, a certain Colonel Derricks who has the power to grant us a contract.
I showed him your picture. He asked to meet you.
I am not a persuasive man Sayuri, but if you, and a few Geisha,
would once again put on your kimono and join us,
we can show the Americans how hospitable our country can be.
How I wish Nobu-san. But that was a long time ago.
I have no doubt Sayuri, that you could still melt the heart of any man....
... no matter how resistant.
I am not accustomed to begging,
but please know that...
… if you consent, the Chairman and I would be most grateful.
The Chairman needed me. But I was a far cry from the Geisha I had once been.
The secrets of our hidden world were postcards now for girls back home.
Any street-walker with a painted face and silk kimono…
… could call herself a Geisha..
I looked for the one person who might help. Mameha.
The war was written on her face. Everything about her, not just her home, was less than before.
Sayuri, when my poor Baron filled his pockets with stones, I was desperate.
What could I do? I sold my kimono. I traded my jade cones for rations.
It was painful at first, but I have made my peace.
Now, I make a small but tidy living renting rooms.
-I am not about to go chasing the past. -It might do you good.
How?
To remind you that once with a single glance, you could bring a man like the Baron, to his knees.
Well, I did keep one kimono.
The Baron gave it to me when he became my patron.
Thank you big-sister.
So tell me. What do we know about entertaining Americans?
Chiyo-chan, is that you?
I have no right to ask favours of you Pumpkin, I know that .
Guess what? I only smoke Chesterfield's now.
I've wanted to apologise to you for so long,about the okea.
These soldier boys, you know who they've got me singing?
-It should have gone to you, not me. -Frank Sinatra...
-If it is in your heart to forgive me... -Sayuri don't.
The honest truth? I'd rather chew sand than go back to all that.
Then you are not angry with me?
Don't worry about me chica-dee.. I've got more clients than I can handle.
You see so at-home with these Americans.
They're bastards!
So, who's this colonel?
Sounds like top-brass.
He has the power to approve American funding for Nobu and the Chairman.
So, is he willing to pay us American dollars? Cash?
Don't waste my time. You think I'm a sucker?
I want sixty cases of Lucky Strike or I'm taking my business to Sgt. McFee.
I had to become a Geisha once more.
Mother had reopened the okea, but my powder-box was empty.
My charcoal had turned to dust.
And yet, it was my one chance to see the Chairman again.
Would he notice my weathered hands? The threadbare silk?
See...? You are yourself again.
The world had changed completely. Had he?
And would I finally find the strength to tell him all that I felt?
Just look at you Sayuri, it's as if the war did not happen.
I'm so glad to see that the Chairman's safe.
-Please accept my apologies asking this of you. -No
There's nothing I can't do to return your kindness.
I've wanted to tell you that... Sayuri!
May I present Colonel Derricks. Konichiwa.
My god, you're more stunning in person.
This is my associate Lt. Hutchins.
Sayuri is one of the mysteries of the orient I told you about.
-A mystery that perhaps you can solve. -Would you mind? Can we?
Yes, of course. Colonel?
Beautiful.
Hey, who likes whisky?
Chairman, don't tell me you've started the party without me.
May I present Pumpkin?
Gentlemen.
You haven't change!You look like a little boy!
Good for him,not too good for us!
-May we join you gentlemen? -Yes please,I could get used to this!
Back home a bath is nothin' more than a shower and a cold towel with a lotta soap. Right?
-But here you make everything a ritual don't you? -That is the art of turning habit into pleasure Colonel.
Spoken like a true Geisha. - If we are in business together, then perhaps we will visit you some day.
-I would like to see the United States. -I know a little game we can play.
-It's called truth and lies. -I know this game.
Back home we call it marriage.
No,I'm serious.Now listen closely,
Sayuri knows the rules.
And every married woman who didn't!
Each person says two things. One is true, the other is not.
If you guess right, the liar pays the price.
So it pays to lose? There you go.
Ok I go first.Let's see.
One day in Sapporo, where I was born, a fisherman caught a Token-fish...
The other story is the true one, and I haven't even heard it yet.
-Now you drink. -If I drown, it's all your fault.
Please, I am no match for these Geisha, they are expert in the art of deceit.
I'm an expert in one thing, and one thing only, Sake.
Sayuri, the truest story you know.
Once, when I was a little girl, on the banks of the Sunagawa,
a handsome stranger was kind enough to buy me a cup of sweet ice...
I think we have to stop the game…
… if Pumpkin drinks any more Sake, she will pass out.
Ooh,that is the true story...
So, what is the protocol?
- Excuse me? -Suppose I wanted to see you in private...
I beg your pardon Colonel, that is not a Geisha's custom.
If it's a question of price?
If there were a price, you could never afford it.
I saw the two of you whispering. You have arranged some kind of twist, haven't you?
What did you promise him?
Your company, nothing more. He seemed to expect a great deal.
If I wanted a common whore, I could have hired one.
-What are you trying to say?. -Just the idea of you, with him,with any man,
you would be dead to me.
Can't you see that I want you for myself?
You have ruined me. Before we met I was a disciplined man.
I should have listened to him.
I must beg your forgiveness Nobu-san.
I was foolish to think you would barter me away.
Please, don't insult me again.
If he ratifies our contract, then I will be a man of means again.
There is nothing I want more Sayuri, than to become your patron.
-I already owe you far too much. -I will not be refused.
-Please don't... - We are tied to each other. I know you feel it too.
I never meant to mislead you.
Sayuri…
I do not like things held out before me, that I cannot have.
When you first introduced me to Nobu, I was such a fool to give him my attention.
-You cannot refuse him, you must not. -But Mameha...
-What is he to think? He safeguarded your life! -So he owns it?!
Sayuri, I know what it is like to try to scrape by without a patron.
I would do something,anything else.
Leting rooms,scrounging for every meal? Is this the life that you want?
-I want a life that is mine! - Nobu has never treated you with another other than kindness.
-I don't want mere kindness. -What? What more can we expect?
We're Geisha.
You had feelings for the Baron didn't you?
-I never allowed myself that. -Don't lie to me.
-In time, you learn. -I don't want to learn!
Sayuri!
We don't become Geisha to pursue our own destinies.
We become Geisha because we have no choice.
-Pumpkin! -What is it, what's wrong?
-Nothing. I have a favour to ask, that's all. -Ask.
At nine o'clock, bring Nobu to the pool, on the far side of the garden.
Not a minute before, not a minute after. Yes?
And please, do not tell Nobu that I will be there waiting.
-It's a surprise? -Yes. It's a surprise.
-Wait! -Are we doing this or not?
Yes?
Chairman? Chairman!
How could you? You don't know what you have done.
-But I do. -I do not understand.
-Why did you have to bring the Chairman? -Because I know how you feel about him.
A long time ago, you took something from me. The only thing I ever truly wanted.
Well... now you know how it feels.
The heart dies, a slow death, shedding each hope like leaves...
... until one day there are none. No hopes. Nothing remains.
She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes like deep water.
It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for Geisha to feel.
Geisha is an artist of the floating world.
She dances. She sings. She entertains you,whatever you want. The rest is shadows. The rest is secret.
Sayuri, quick quick, the tea-house just called. You are to meet a very important client tonight.
-Who? -It must be Nobu.
Yes.
He's going to be one of the richest men in Osaka.
He'll want to honour his promise, to become your patron at last.
It's about time, finally. A return on my investment.
-Giko, maybe one day, you'll be as lucky. -No Geisha can ever hope for more.
Chairman! Where is Nobu-san?
-He won't be coming. -Is something wrong?
He knows what happened. It is not in his nature to forgive.
Chairman, what happened on the island...
Please, you do not have to explain. But I have shamed myself so deeply…
… past all forgiveness. No, I am the one who must be forgiven.
-I do not understand. -Perhaps if you had only known the truth.
The truth?
Some years ago, I was on my way to the theatre, I saw a little girl weeping by the Sunagawa,
-I stopped to buy her a cup of sweet ice. -You knew I was that little girl?
Didn't you ever wonder why Mameha took you under her wing?
Mameha came to me because of you.
I wish you could have told me long ago.
What could I do? I owe Nobu my life. .
And so, when I saw he had a chance at happiness with you, I stood silent.
But...
But I cannot any longer. I hope... it is not too late.
Don't be afraid to look at me - Chiyo.
Can't you see? Every step I have taken, since I was that child on the bridge,
has been to bring myself closer to you.
You cannot say to the sun “more sun,” or to the rain “less rain.”
To a man Geisha can only be half a wife.
We are the wives of nightfall. And yet to learn of kindness…
… after so much unkindness. To understand that a little girl with more courage than she knew,
would find that her prayers were answered. Can that not be called happiness?
After all, these are not the memoirs of an empress, nor of a queen…
… these are memoirs of another kind.
-Original subs: unkown -Fix: PyrSos_