Mama !
What is it ?
Papa. Papa's been arrested
Police?
They said he was cheating the customers.
Sing your song!
Come on, sing!
Louder!
One bottle makes your skin shine rosy
Two bottles make it shine like snow.
Try for yourself !
So this coloured water does the magic eh ? You fool
Stupid !
Her Lonely Lane
Executive Producers: Masumi Fujimoto
Mikio Naruse Tadahiro Teramoto
Screenplay by Toshiro Ide and Sumie Tanaka
From the novel by Fumiko Hayashi and the play by Kazuo Kikuta
Photography Jun Yasumoto
Production design SATOSHI Chuko
Music : Yuji Koseki
Starring
Hideko Takamine
Akira Takarada
Daisuke Kato
Keiju Kobayashi
Kinuyo Tanaka
Mitsuko Kusabue
Noboru Nakaya
Yunosuke Ito
Directed by Mikio Naruse
My mother and I are carrying bags
How hot it is !
Carrying a pack a girl totters through the city in the sun
Good day sir. Would you like to buy some
Very low price
Very nice, very low
I'm not buying
It's very hot in Tokyo.
My shadow on the white road is crawling like a black toad
Welcome home
isn't it hot ? How's business ?
Bad. It couldn't be worse.
Times are bad.
My work doesn't pay me much...
but I have nothing else.
I'm sorry, but will you give us time for the rent ?
All right
By the way, there's a letter from your husband.
Oh ?
No money with it, I'm sure. He should send us some.
Wouldn't she like being a bus conductress ?
conductress?
They pay 45 yen a month.
Afraid she can't do the work.
She's such a strange girl.
Why make so much smoke ?
Coal is bad
What did he father say ?
So much rain, he's not sold anything in Kyushu.
Let me see
I think I have to go to help him
He wrote he scarcely eats,
Bad luck, you and I are here living some place he can't live ?
Welcome home
Gotten hot, hasn't it ?
yes and it's only the beginning of summer.
Why act that way ?
Mr. Yasuoka spoke to you
I don't like him
Nor my father
Nor any man at all
Why don't you like your father ?
He's taken care of you since you were eight
You should thank him for that
I don't think I should.
You went to school, though
Did you forget it already ?
I worked through school, didn't I ?
I worked in factories, as a maid, and peddling
I earned my own living.
I even sent him money after I graduated from school.
Did you forget that too ?
You shouldn't say that.
I don't care.
We're no father and daughter,
You go to him, leave me alone!
I'll go on living if I have to become a whore.
Excuse me, would you like these ?
I bought some for you.
Thank you, it's very kind of you.
Going for a bath ?
yes, See you later.
Good day, and thank you.
He's very nice. Why don't you like him ?
Wonder how much he makes ?
He was widowed five years ago, Maybe he'll marry again.
None of your business.
Nor mine.
You still love Mr Katori, don't you ?
That student who brought you to Tokyo...
And when he finished school...
deserted you and went home.
Yes. I loved him...
And I can't forget him...
just like you love my father...
and won't be separated from him
I wish I could see you once more
I wish I had money now !!
I wish I had even ten yen
I wish I could buy a bowl of noodles.
It's no use writing a letter to him...
to a man who married a woman who is better than me
So this writing is only to console me.
How much do we have.
What are you doing ?
five yen
12 yen and 60 sen in all.
You take the money to go to Father
Don't worry... I am not a child anymore
I can take care of myself all right
Only thirty yen a month will do. But why can't I find a job ?
Had I five sen now, I could buy a sack of rice
Then, I'd have a nice boiled rice and pickled radish.
My wish is that simple
isn't there some way to make it come true ?
the line shortens little by little...
Some come out smiling and some disappointed
We are getting tired standing before the door.
Only two are wanted, but more than fifty girls have gathered here
Now, it's my turn at last.
He reads my personal history. examines my character...!
and appraises my appearance
After I am exposed to view for a while he says he'll advise me later.
I've got accustomed to this way of refusal...
but still it's stupid
I've powered my face very thick today
A picture of a country girl in town
I'm waiting for some theatre manager How does he look, I wonder
A tall man with glasses passes by me.
he's good-looking and well dressed
You're the applicant?
yes I am
He resumes walking.
So I follow him like a dog.
We enter a small bar
He says his troop is a touring company
and they lack actress so I could join any time
His handkerchief is peeping out of his breast pocket
His face looks thin, easy to forget.
By intuition, I feel something improper.
I endure anything, but being tricked by a man like him.
He unfolds my personal history with cigarette stained fingers
then pockets it.
Maybe what he needs is myself not my paper
he treats me to a glass of cider
and guides me to a hotel in which he has his office.
His office is a front.
A room without furniture looks strange.
He tell me lies, so I tell him lies.
No wonder the world is full of lies.
In due times he says he wants to play with me
I say it's absurd to say such things.
When I walk out of the room, a girl says she's brought noodles.
I smile my refusal and step out to the street.
but those red boxes of noodles linger before my eyes.
Will he eat all of the noodles?
I want to eat noodles.
I've found a job at a stock broker's office named Iwai
We'll give you 35 yen and in a month
Work hours are from 9 to 4.
By the way, can you keep accounts ?
What ?
book-keeping ?
I think I can
OK, we'll try you
35 yen a month with lunch !
What a wonderful world I see now !
Mother
You'd be surprises for your daughter's success if I sent you ten yen
The man leads me to a large desks.
As I sit before the desk like a block of rock
I become worried about what I've "said - " I can keep accounts."
I open the large book the man has brought
It's book-keeping by double entry...
and utterly different from what I know
The sweat streams down on my face.
Long arrays of big figures that I haven't ever seen before
If I calculated and entered these numbers all day...
I would be insane by night fall...
But I use the abacus as if I was clever with it
though I was no good at all in using it
And the memory chills my heart
A telegram for you.
Thank you.
Have you found a job ?
was
Employment cancelled. Iwai
Bad news ?
Sorry I'll be late with the rent.
Wouldn't you like to be a bus conductress ?
45 yen a month? I applied for it once
Rejected ?
Because I'm near-sighted.
The world in which they calculate those big figures everyday...
I'm sure I wouldn't like it at all.
But as long as the big figures scare me...
I'll never be a millionaire.
Excuse me
You did this, didn't you ?
Miss Hayashi...
I wish you'd accept it.
Why ?
I can't bear to see you suffer.
Please take it.
I can't accept money without reason Thanks just the same.
Maybe I shouldn't.
I was afraid it might offend you.
Oh, no. I'm not offended at all.
You mean it ?
I feel relieved now.
I asked if there was a job for you at my factory
But no employment now
I've found a job.
Really ?
That's fine !
I went everyday to a job painting celluloid toys
It pays 75 sen a day Today, 2 months have been passed
I'm getting tired of painting toys like this...
all day long...
You're too beautiful for this kind of job.
I wish I have Fumiko's patience
Thought she'd give up in two days
This looked very hard at first, but it doesn't now.
Come on, hurry up!
You are always chattering.
Mind you. This is urgent.
What are you doing Kumiko? Slowing down ?
We are not machines
Make us hurry, pay us orderly
Sounds as if you were working for nothing. eh ?
We work a half-an hour extra-time every day...
But you never pay for it.
I'm disgusted with that work.
I think I'll become a bar hostess.
Bar hostess ?
Why don't you come with me ?
But, I have no other kimonos than this.
They lend you nice clothes.
You wear a white apron too Drinking and singing
Far better life than now
You can never pass a bookstore without stopping.
I'll be going. I'm in a hurry.
Good bye then
Think it over, will you, about the job ?
yes good bye.
Miss Hayashi
From your mother.
Thank you.
"I've been sick since I came over here. So I can't go out selling "
Father's business is not good at all
And soon it will be winter, I'm at a loss thinking of our future
I know you are making a bare living...
but will you send me some money even a little?
Miss Hayashi...
You had your supper ?
I got my pay today. So I bought two cutlets. Here you are
Thank you.
How is your mother ?
Is she fine ?
Mr Yasuoka, could you lend me some money ?
My mother is sick
That's terrible
I'm glad it's my pay day. How much ?
Ten yen please.
Tell me what you need. I have no family, so I can spare more.
Is it enough?
Yes. Thank you.
I'm sorry. It's selfish of me to ask you for it.
No. I'm glad you did.
I regret I bought this.
You shouldn't. You love books.
Ah. Poetry!
I once bought the poems of Takuboku.
His poems are wonderful.
This printing business has changed my hands. Look!
Mine too. The paint's stained my finger nails,
Miss Hayashi.
Fumiko
I think I could make our living on my pay of 60 yen
Will you please me
Maybe it's not right to ask like this...
Immediately after I made you a loan
I know I am nobody... nor good enough to be your friend
But I've seen you all these months, and I want to make you happy
Angry?
No.
But I used to be married.
I used to live with a man.
I am a widower, too.
I'm grateful to you for your kindness.
but I don't think I could lead a happy married life with you
I am very sorry. Mr Yasuoka.
Oh, don't...
Don't be. Miss Hayashi!
I'm happy to serve you.
Excuse me.
and what part do you play?
You come to see me ?
Yes. I will with a bouquet!
Gaef
What is it ?
Gaef. It's a name
Is it french ?
It is Russian
When the cherry orchard has been sold
He laments and says
The orchard is all white.
You haven't forgotten it Lyuba?
That long avenue runs straight- straight as an arrow
It shines during moonlit nights.
That's nice
Come her Fumiko. You like plays, don't you ?
A new girl?
Yes. Call her Fumiko
How do you do ?
You have charming eyes!
I'm near-sighted.
Be more romantic!
This is MR. Date. He writes poems and plays
He plays on the stage too
What were you writing ? Love letters ?
no
She writes poems and stories
Who is your favourite?
Heine. Whitman
And Pushkin.
How is she ?
Let me see your poems will you ?
"That night upon the table In a bar"
Cried the decoring face
"What matters if a crow crows in a tree"
The night is sad
My face in the palms of my hands
Tired in green powders.
Pulled the hands of twelve o'clock
Any more?
Yes at home
These are amazing.
She's good, isn't she?
I'd like to read more of your poems
I never imagined I'd read a poem in a place like this
What? A place like this?
My face in the palm of my hands,
Tired in green powders,
Pulled the hands of twelve o'clock.
That's good.
So good ?
Buy me a drink
Yes I will,
I'll treat everyone
To the poems found in a bar
I'm a red ball out in the fields
When the wind blows hard, I fly
Like an eagle high up in the sky.
"Come on wind, with your breath Come on wind, strike me, the red ball"
May I come in ?
yes ?
It's sunny outside. It'd be nice to take a walk
Ah, it's Sunday.
Would you like to take a walk with me?
Mr. Yasuoka. I'm sorry I didn't return you the money yet
That's all right.
I'd be happy if you forgot it
I don't understand you.
I really mean it.
As long as its unreturned...
I feel as if we were tied with each other.
There are lots of girls much better than me.
Why do you like a girl like me ?
There are not.
Yes, there are.
There may be, but not to me.
A guest, Miss Hayashi!
Will you excuse me ?
Mr Date! It's been a long time.
I was touring around the country.
Come in.
Be careful on the stairs.
Come in.
Work today ?
Yes, I'll go in the evening.
My. You have good books!
I'm surprised.
I had more.
But I had to sell them.
Well, that's life...
but, that's what makes you write.
It's sunny. Would you like to take a walk?
Our poet group is going to publish a book.
Won't you join us ?
Really ?
I've come to tell you that.
I'm so happy.
I'm envious...
There's something about you that...
let's you be happy
Aren't you happy?
Do you think a man who is happy and contented
would leave his home for over two months?
Well then, you and your wife...
You have one ?
Yes, but she is no good
She makes me feel as if I were imprisoned
What's so funny?
Forgive me
They say when a man speaks to a new girl
he usually speaks ill of his old girl
You've been hurt
Is it impossible for us to have our own happiness in this world?
You enjoy teasing me
Teasing?
I'm the one who's teased.
I know how I feel toward them.
So I'm afraid of myself...
afraid and disgusted...!
That's why...
Fumiko!
I am in love with the Buddha.
When I kiss him on his cold lips.
My heart trembles with awe and joy...
"And the stream of my blood runs backward"
I'm back
Welcome home,
I'm back
Any job?
Bar hostess or waitress at a sukiyaki restaurant.
Want some cake?
Imagawayaki?
Cake for the common people.
This will be my supper.
It's pity that you're here with me
and I don't earn our living by myself.
Don't worry. I'll earn what I eat somehow.
I don't mind working at the restaurant.
One sukiyaki!
My wish is...
that you sit in a quiet room...
and write poems and stories...
But you couldn't afford your wife's living either.
Don't want it? I'll eat them all then.
Give me one.
Good isn't it?
Yes it is.
Your wife... is she beautiful?
Yes, she is.
Why don't you go back to her, then?
You're cruel.
Why don't you understand that I need you now?
Only now, is it?
You little fool!
I am lonely
Could anyone ever be bad to such a sweet girl?
Oh. I wish I were rich!
If I were rich, I'd never let you worry about money.
I'll be broke soon.
Writings poems doesn't make money
Must work on the stage.
But you don't like it.
Certainly not.
I can't stand making a show of myself
I'll work from tomorrow on
I think I can earn our living
One sukiyaki!
Good isn't it ?
Where are you from ?
The mountains of Tanba.
Where is Tanba?
I don't know
Get you there
Have another, Tanba monkey
Monkey ? All right. Monkeys like to drink.
Don't make her drink too much. She's new here.
Come here, Fumiko!
She takes care of them
You have other things to do
Really! Getting drunk at your first night!
Madam wants you now
I walked out of the bar
Actually I was fired
Is he in ?
he's been out all afternoon
Did you fin a job ?
Don't worry. You'll get your rent all right,
Would you lend me needle and thread?
Didn't you buy them yet ?
I forgot. The seams have gone,
Well, I'll fix it for you.
Thank you. it's very kind of you
Oh. Fumiko!
Kyoko Hinetsu?
Is it all right?
A friend of his.
An actress. She works with him.
Be careful, though. Your man is handsome.
Don't worry.
Dear Haruhiko.
"in the night we rehearsed The cherry Orchard..."
"I became your wife. though not formally."
"and we have been actually man and wife ever since."
"You said you'd marry me when you got money."
"But now, you've taken another woman into your room."
I hear she's a maid...
it smells like a woman's room.
Does she stay here?
Of course not. I share this room with solitude
She sleeps in a room downstairs.
Honestly?
Honestly.
She came here with my drunken friends.
We've slept here that night.
And on the morning I woke to find her dusting and washing...
As if she were my maid.
I don't think she lives here only as a maid
Why are you so sceptical?
You know why.
I can't stay away from you any longer.
We'll be together when we're married.
Then when will that be?
When I have money as I told you.
I could ask my parents for the money for our wedding.
Could you?
Naturally. I'm their daughter after all.
Darling!
Hello
Why are you back so early?
This lady
Who is she?
Miss Kyoko Hinatsu. an actress.
she writes poems too
You know her name, right?
You don't have to tell her that
Just tell her I'm your wife.
I am also his wife.
What did you say?
I am his wife.
Miss Hayashi
My wife is this lady
Is she the one who was in hospital?
Or another woman?
Does this matter?
Miss Hayashi
Does a husband call his wife like this?
Now, we don't need you here. You can go.
Let's have a drink together here
With your maid?
Not with you. Not now. Not here!
Wait!
We'll talk later.
Back to the life of a hostess again...
I felt like I was going crazy.
And my heart wanted men crazily...
Encore - Once more
Let her rest. She is sweating
Gosh. It's hot. Give me a drink.
You are born in Kyushu?
How do you know?
Your way of talking.
You're right
I travelled a lot when I was a child.
Nagasaki, Sasebo... and other towns in Kyushu...
I changed school seven times
This is all I have now.
But I need a little more.
No, Mother. I didn't expect you tonight.
But Papa caught a bad cold. He's getting worse.
Money?
Yes. but don't.
Better than nothing
Take it
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Tokiko is working hard enough.
Don't push her too much.
I know.
Your mother's come again?
Work harder and earn more...
Or you'll have to do worse.
Fumiko, you dance well. So here's a tip for you
Thanks
Our girls don't know how to entertain men
Let it be a lesson
Fumiko!
Someone wants to see you
This is Fumiko
Miss Fumiko Hayashi?
You wrote the poem A workwoman's Song. eh?
We liked it very much
Pardon me. I'm Shirazaka of the Pacific Poet
"Oh, the author of "The square moon"?"
Yes. Did you read it?
I'm Uenoyama.
I know your poetry too. The proletariat sings.
A Workwoman's song was very good.
Smelled the sweat of the poor.
It's because I'm one of them myself.
Why don't you join our group? What do you say?
He belongs to the red Flag Union
You'd get mixed up in a riot and picked up someday.
That would never happen to me
I'm poor but I don't like the red flag.
You mean it's hopeless?
There's a lot of poor people who have no time for such things
This gentleman seems very quiet.
Pardon me. He's Fukuchi, winner of the Pacific Poets award.
You can't tell. I might refuse it.
There are all strange, aren't they?
Really strange.
Then will you write for us?
Will I write for your magazine?
We're counting on you
Nobody can write poems like yours. No woman among us.
Yes, I will!
But no pay for it
That doesn't matter.
I want money but all of you write for nothing, don't you?
That's right
In token of my thanks, I'll buy a bottle
Looks like we are being bribed.
What's the matter?
Oh. my face?
When you're writing at the desk...
You're beautiful indeed.
Really?
If I was beautiful to our customers they'd tip me more.
I wish I could write like you
I envy you
Someday you'll be a great poetess.
I have a reason to write poems.
My life is not all like this. My life won't end this way.
I tell myself this
I don't think I'll become great
I can't write difficult things because I have little learning.
But you can't write poems without it.
You could do better if you had, but it's not indispensable.
I, too, think I must not live like this. I have to do something.
But nothing turns out,
My father is sick and my mother is weak.
I've borrowed money from you again.
Don't let it worry you
Your mother reminds me of my mother who is in the country
We quarrelled often when we were together...
But I miss her very much now that we are far apart.
I'd like to see her dressed in gorgeous kimono
sitting on a silk cushion and eating her favourite food.
just once in my whole life.
Who is? Fumiko again? Turn the light off!
Oh, shut up!
Hello miss Hayashi
Oh, Mr Yasuoka
It's been a long time
I called at your former lodging house a few days ago
They gave me your address.
Not very nice place isn't it?
You're living in here ?
Yes.
You can't study here, can you
No. Just earning enough. It is all I can do now
He was a bad one, that Mr Date!
Geisha girls?
Yes.
I'm sorry I can't return the money yet but I will.
Don't let it worry you. I told you so, didn't I?
I really mean it.
I must be going now.
You're very kind.
Please call me any time if I can be of any help to you
Remember that
Thank you
Good day
Good afternoon
The girls walking down the street look like a sole in a stream
I wish I could be like them
Oh God! Wherever you are
Answer me, Are you really standing around me?
I don't think you like a girl like me
I can't see through you, you God!
Yet, I can't help by pray you
That I may today sell this story
We don't usually buy children's stories by unknown writer
But this is my best work.
Don't you like it?
Leave it here anyway.
We might buy it, but we wouldn't pay you much
Maybe less than thirty sen per page.
twenty sen per page will be enough.
Ten page
I yen and 50 sen in all.
That'll be all then
Well, keep looking hard.
Read Andersen.
Yes, I'll read Andersen
Eight!
Nine
You all right?
I am all right
Ten
Great! She drunk all ten glasses
I can't believe it
Did she drink 10 glasses ?
Now your bet !
Ten yen against her drinking 10 cups
A bet is a bet
That's wonderful. Let's celebrate Fumiko!
I should get some too, shouldn't I?
Oh. good evening.
Is she in? Tokiko?
Tokiko!!
Bring some drinks, quick
Good evening
Come on, entertain them well
Are you already going?
Yes. See you soon
Thank you very much
Tokiko. You are more beautiful than ever
Pretty like a jewel Not like this dunghill
is it me who is the dunghill?
Exactly. You sluts are no better than dunghills.
That is not proper language.
Well, Tokiko. Can I keep you company tonight?
What do you mean, keep me company?
To sleep with. And you know that.
Keep quiet!
She's so naive. That's why I'm fond of her
Then don't teach her such words.
She'll become a slut like you...
unless somebody protects her. And I will do it.
There are girls at the "Golden Star" that are for sale for 50 sen.
What a talk!
None of our girls are like that.
Sure. Not worth that much by far
35 sen at best.
A 35 sen whore. That's a laugh
You fools!
To hell with you!
What's this?
Fumiko!
How dare you!
I called fools fools, that's all
You drank too much. Go!
Take her away girls! Hurry!
Come, Fumiko!
Everybody knows whether or not he's good looking.
Look at your face in a mirror
What?
No hard feelings now. Tokiko be nice to you
You too Mr. Nishihara
A man... a man has to do it. he does not eat
when we're starving...
who could blame us if we sold ourselves for ten sen!
Shut up, Fumiko!
Come on! take her away
You talk big, but don't know nothing
Get out, you swine
And what are you?
Get out and what?
Fumiko! You're fired
You can't talk me like that!
Understand?
Stop it! She's drunk, that's all
How disgusting. Let's go!
Then, why don't you drink next door
Tokiko, you go with them and make them happy
Please enjoy company
Please cheer up and have nice time and good drinks
What a jerk!
Good riddance
You're right.
Is Fumiko in?
Mr Shirasaka!
Oh, there you are.
One beer please
This is Miss Fumiko Hayashi Miss Hinatsu
She's a member of our group. She writes poems too.
Oh, pardon me,
Fumiko, you were Date's girl once. What do you know?
who was the first?
I was before her...
and I was after her.
Is that so?
Then Fumiko was between you.
I tell you what...
We're through, he and I.
Really?
He was impossible. Thinking too much of himself
Yes indeed
he believed handsome men are almighty
I'll make a proposition.
Why don't you two publish a magazine.
Just two of us?
Yes. And you can beat men down with your poems.
I can't beat men down anyhow.
I can't stop loving them though they beat me.
How honest you are!
But we need money.
I'll pay you up
My parents send me money every month
We could afford to drink with that money. But that's nothing.
I'll vote for the magazine.
Your poems must be read by people. If not, they are useless.
It's your secret, isn't it?
A magazine for two of us, but I'm only an addition, aren't I?
Why?
Because you are in love with Kyoko.
You shouldn't mention it.
Don't hide it from us.
Let's publish that magazine together
What do you like the title to be ? Couple
Two women who used to be the wives of one man
Interesting, isn't it?
Shall we start it, then?
Let's do it
It's settled. I'll arrange to have it published soon.
You must be very happy
He's still at it
I'll marry you when I want to.
Wish that 'd be soon.
this sounds sad.
Don't make me feel too sad.
Come to my place Fumiko, when you feel lonely.
You give me the meaning of life I give you the pleasure of life.
How harsh
You want to be the food and drink of your woman?
I meant, love that much.
That's the same thing.
But it's clear cut. I like it
Well, I don't know
Let's have a toast!
Come join us everybody! Let's drink!
I've written a children's song.
But I don't know if it can sell.
I've stopped expecting.
Yet, I write and write like a fury.
And still, silly things well up in my mind...
Sweet and dear memories of this and that.
God bless my soul! Amen!
Is Fumiko in?
Is that you, Mr Fukuchi?
Come in, please.
I'm glad you've come.
I have no place else to go in this rain.
It's a pity I have nothing to treat you to.
I had 5 sen this morning...
So I bought some candy. My ration for today.
Aren't you working?
Not for several days.
Look at my legs.
All swollen up
When you push, it makes a pit. See?
Eat lots of barley.
That's my problem, to eat lots
Lots.
What would you like to eat now?
Boiled eggs.
What else?
Taiyaki cakes
What else?
Strawberry jam.
What else?
Chinese noodles
what else?
You're mean.
My stomach's growling.
Let's go eat them all. I've money today.
I sold an essay.
That's great! Why didn't you tell me that first?
That's nothing.
It's only occasional they pay us for writing.
Don't take things that way.
Someday you'll be able to earn your living
You're too optimistic.
Not exactly.
Sometimes I wish I would die.
Late in the night, I take a walk.
I don't think, honestly, I wish to die...
"But I say "I wish I would die"
"Then, I feel somehow at ease."
To feel at ease is a pleasure you can get without a penny.
The whiteness of the stone makes them look light,
Someday I'll become a tombstone like that... someday.
"Will I be able to become a ghost?"
A ghost need neither to eat nor to pay rent,
The affection for parents, the torment from the sense of repayment...
They vanish like smoke.
Encircled among a family of new stones which belong to nobody yet...
The mason is sleeping peacefully.
When the day breaks he cuts and dresses the stones, and makes money from them.
It goes the same way in any business,
I think I will marry Mr Fukuchi.
Hello Fumiko.
Hello Hatsuko, come in.
As you see - Not very well. Come in anyway.
All the girls are well?
About half of them left after you'd gone.
Really? How is Tokiko?
That's why I came. I'm entrusted with the money...
She told me she'd borrowed.
6 Yen and 50 sen.
What's become of her... married?
If it were marriage... but.
Mistress of that construction workers' boss
She gets 80 yen allowance monthly.
I met her once She wore a nice kimono.
Let's have some noodles.
Don't worry. Someone's waiting for me today.
Going to that pawnshop.
So far?
An old friend of mine. Gives me more than the others.
So long!
Good-bye!
I sold my futon. Fukuchi says that one is enough for us two. I paid the rent overdue.
I bought rice and curtain with what was left and came to him.
We've eaten nothing since morning. Sitting down in the room.
We both write without expectations.
How about eating something nice?
Curry rice, pork cutlet of beefsteak?
Any money?
Well, without food we can't live.
No collector will come till tomorrow morning. So...
Can you manage tomorrow?
Tomorrow is tomorrow.
Miss Hayashi
Look! Postal order
Three Yen!
For the stories I wrote 6 months ago.
30 sen a sheet. wonderful!
Thanks, thanks! I'm grateful to Buddha!
No use to worry about tomorrow,
A lucky wind already blows for us.
Let's celebrate whatever we like.
Curry rice, pork cutlet or beefsteak?
Shut up!
We're hungry.
Let's go out for dinner
Got 30 sen for a sheet. don't get so excited.
As if you're already rich.
Send my manuscripts off now.
You mean at once?
That's right
Can't you wait tomorrow...
So for mister Fukuchi
I've read his story, and I'm sorry to say
It's unsuitable for our magazine
I should like to ask of you just one more chance.
No use to keep it.
Excuse me, I am busy.
Give me a cigarette!
just a moment, please.
Dinner's ready
Cigarettes
I'll go to buy cigarettes. Please eat this.
Don't you like these?
Cigarettes!
Paid 5 sen for beancurd
3 sen for sardines.
And 2 sen for pickles.
Look! I made 3 kinds of dishes.
Don't you appreciate my cooking?
Don't boast about it.
Where you going?
Here's cigarette money.
Good bye!
What shall I do?
I don't know
Keep on living with him - I'll be tough as steel.
I'll be a woman with neither smiles nor tears.
I want to make a fire - gather and burn empty bales and leaves.
I've no wish to live on under these conditions.
No energy at all.
I want to burn his papers
Come back to the room to take out the important papers.
Take out three of his poems and hold them over the fire.
Poems will be nothing but ashes.
I hate him, yet I hesitate to burn them.
After all I can't burn them and take them back.
I carried my husband's transcripts to publisher every day.
but nothing change
To Miss Hayashi, c/o Mr. Fukuchi.
Hope I'm not wasting your time
No, You've come at a good time
Miss Himatsu and Miss Murano are here
I introduce you to Miss Murano,
Mr. Shirasaka...
I've come to ask to make us a loan.
Oh, I see . All right, I understand.
Come on in, anyway.
My. It's Fumiko! It's been a long time!
Hello, Kyoko.
This is Miss Fumiko Haashi of the Pacific Poets.
Mrs Fukuchi..?
That's right.
This is Miss Murano, a rising writer.
Ho do you do?
Please to meet you.
Miss Murano lives not far from your love nest
About five minutes walk
We haven't yet attacked your love nest...
Could we come one day?
Yes, please.
You have a fine reputation among us.
You're carrying his manuscripts to publishers?
You couldn't do it if you married Mr. Shirasaka?
Don't worry about me. I would carry her manuscripts.
There'd be no better husband in the world.
Why don't you get married?
A waiting game?
I'm back.
Must be hungry.
I bought taiyaki cakes.
Have some.
Can't trick me like this!
What's the matter? Why are you angry?
Your manuscripts...
They didn't sell.
I went to all the publishers
but it was the same thing. And finally I was getting tired of it.
I ran from one publisher to another only for you.
What does this mean?
A letter came with it.
We regret to inform you that your novelette brought this morning
is unsuitable for our magazine, hence returned herewith.
Returned so soon!
Sooner than your return!
Don't tell me you were carrying my stories
I did carry yours, too...
But something had to be sold, my own at least.
I've had enough of married life with you
Don't say that, please!
I want to settle with you here, after all.
Excuse me
Is Fumiko in?
Mother!
It's been so long.
Come in Mother
My mother has come from the country.
I am Fumiko's mother.
Please take good care of her.
Don't you want to wash up?
Yes, I will. Thank you.
This is the left-over from lunch.
It hasn't gone bad. You can eat it.
Where you going?
He seems like he's afraid.
Are you happy? with him?
he's nice to me sometimes...
But if I'd come to marry someone again...
I'd marry a carpenter or even a rickshawman...
but never a writer!
All is the same in the country...dull as usual.
Times are at their worst now.
Do you have some money?
No more than 30 sen now
What are you going to do?
If I could stay here....
for several days, father will bring his goods here
What are they?
He bought some baskets intending to sell them here
They'll never sell at all.
Business is poor in Tokyo, too?
You'd better go back home...
before father comes up.
But I arrived here only today!
What else can we do?
We have no extra bedding here
Your husband is late
He won't be back tonight.
It happen often?
I got used to it
Won't you come back to the country with me?
After these two years and a half, your face look so hard.
It's my myopia. It got worse.
Come back to the country and start a new life!
Shall we you and I live together go peddling again?
You're unfortunate in your marriage.
I hear TB can be cured by drinking a soup made of horse shit
But what's good for the poor man? Double suicide?
Money, money, always money
They say money is circulating among people but
Although I work, it doesn't get to me.
Here it is!
Are you at home, Fukuchi?
Fumiko, are you there?
Nobody in?
Shall we come in?
Without invitation?
Nothing to steal, eh?
Good day.
They're out.
Better house than I expected.
Guess the rent is 8 yen.
I don't like poems with trade mark of poverty.
Because you're well bred and rich. eh?
Her poems - like open dust-bins.
shake contents and throw them out just to see them.
something of physical disgust?
Some people like her poems Call them naked
That nakedness...
She wants to show off her nudity
As if to say I'm so poor, don't you think...
it's like standing on a stage
That's bitter criticism but...
There's nothing of a love-nest around here
Do they get on well together?
Fukuchi is selfish...
Perhaps TB naturally made him so
She chooses and loves handsome boys only..
You can't blame her on that score.
If so, you should be desperate.
You're welcome, nice to see you.
Hello!
We were waiting for you.
No locks. May tempt a burglar.
Fukuchi is not here?
Went to the hospital?
How's he lately?
There's nothing definite
How are things?
Well, Yasuko wants to talk to you. So I brought her here
Mrs Hasegawa wants to read your stories and Kyoko's.
Poems?
She prefers prose...
Maybe it will appear in her magazine
You're ambitious, so may want to write for a large magazine like...
But it's good though for a debut.
Of course, if they take me, I'll be so pleased.
I'll write too.
Please send them to me, both of you.
Deadline is May 31.
Only one is chose. So...
don't blame us if you fail
How are you?
Welcome home
Fumiko, are you going to write for the magazine?
Yes I am.
You may consider this a chance but don't disgrace yourself
That sounds strange Fukuchi.
A writer like you can not understand
You don't understand neither
Fumiko loves you.
A tough girl like Fumiko is good for you, a sick man
Be reasonable
imbecile
What? I'm advising you out of kindness.
Do you want me to give material to one...
who works to feed her husband and is proud of it?
Let's go Good-bye!
We'll come again
Good-bye!
Listen. Shirasaki said that your poems are dirty like...
like shaking a dust-bin and spilling it
I live that way.
I can't write a false story.
Dust bin. He said it!
I agree with him. I'm tired of you.
Get out and leave me.
No. I won't.
Why not?
I don't like you, either. A man like a rotten woman.
But any man will do for my husband.
I've come to know that how often I divorce and remarry...
A man's still a man.
I've another reason...
I've found a better girl so go away.
I asked you to come with me, if you feel lonely, you remember?
I'm still lonely
I have a girl
Better bring her here.
Alright, I will.
Please.
I'll sleep with her
I don't care
Whatever you do. I'll stay. I'm your wife.
stay if you like
Do you like me so much?
No, I hate you!
Applaud me with clapping hands just for escaping from a man
Oh god. What should I do...
Shall I die?
I'm driven to the end. No hope to live. Merciless...
Didn't you ask a day off on account of toothache?
Can't serve guest but can study.
Going to be a teacher?
Pardon me please.
You're a new comer and already pretending illness only after 2 weeks.
A good customer?
Why come to this place?
Have you no cigarettes?
Aren't you hungry?
Poor stupid boy!
What do you like? Chinese fried rice?
Anything will do.
Who is he?
her husband maybe
What sort of man?
Fried rice.
All right
And one beer
Who's he? He's handsome but looks tired.
Why do you grin? I'll hit you.
When will you come back?
I left the house
when you told me to go away
That's your last bottle.
Let's go home together tonight.
No, not tonight.
Then tomorrow
Well
Good afternoon
Oh! welcome.
have you written yet?
Yes. I've sent it yesterday
Full of confidence
Not at all
I've finished and went to Yasuko...
She was out. Will you take this to her?
Yes I will.
Tonight, I'm going to Hokkaido with him
With Shirasaka?
Yes. To see his parents
At last. Congratulation
He finally won
He's a good person.
He's not very reliable, but it may last
Oh! Hello!
Congratulations!
Thank you.
Reasonable greetings from you
he's become a little more kind
Is it alright about my stories?
Excuse me.
Good luck to you
Is Miss Hayashi in?
It's very nice of you to call on me.
I got your letter.
the earlier the better I thought.
Please come in
Nice house !
You couldn't speak ill of me even a single word, could you?
Can't I call it a splendid house?
Much better than those lodgings.
He's my husband.
How do you do. I'm Yasuoka.
I've known her ever since she lived in Hongo.
I'm Fukuchi.
Isn't he well?
No. Tuberculosis.
I wrote to you after thinking it over and over again.
Can't manage the sum you want.
I brought only 20 yens here.
I always make unreasonable demands on you.
Oh, no! I was rather pleased you remembered me.
Thank you very much
It's a great help.
Fumiko, what's that?
For your medicine.
Well, I see.
Please thank him.
He's been so good.
Don't be so formal.
Ah! What are you doing.
So I hit her.
I don't want to sell my wife's chastity.
Who else lend us money? I've borrowed as much as I can
I earn no tips, sold nothing No other way than asking him
He loves you, I know.
If to love to be kind are the same thing.
Get money by using love for her husband?
She has not the least affection for me.
We're merely old friends.
I don't like to borrow blindly.
Yet, I have to borrow money.
You know the fact yet you live on that money.
What?
stop it
Get out of here
stop it
I am leaving. This time , I'm really leaving
Never come to you again. You, madman.
I'm sure I can live quite well without you.
Come to me if you're lonely You said so proudly
But it was you who came to me every 2or 3 weeks.
What! Get away!
I won't be cheated again, even if you ask me in tears.
Or with a smile or a shout.
I don't care for you any more. I don't know you!
Wonderful
A wandering Life Fumiko Hayashi
Is it really her work?
Day after day she was writing so seriously
How much you will get from it?
Well...
Let me see
Fumiko, you've a guest - A lady.
It's you! Good afternoon
Why did you call me here?
Stop! don't use violence.
Congratulations, Fumiko.
Thank you...
I had no intention of coming here.
But Kyoko asked me to be a witness
Witness - You exaggerate.
No, I don't
I'm sorry I was a little late bringing your story to Yasuko
Do you think you can be over with sorry?
Delivered 10 days after the deadline.
10 days...
Such much late?
Your story had been chosen for publication
and we needed no more manuscript
I thought Kyoko couldn't write... so I didn't urge her
She took her work back anyway.
Nobody reads her work
Lost chance that may never come again
When I got her manuscript
I thought what would I do if mine was inferior to hers
I had no intention to let it be delayed purposely.
I left him that night
I put your story in my parcel and left the house.
I should have sent it to Yasuko that night.
Badly wanted to read it through.
I intended to send it on the following day
But I got no job at any cafe
Days passed before I found a place in a cheap hotel
So, you kept the story and the deadlines passed
I'll give up writing forever!
I never wanted to stop you. What shall I say...
My fate...
My wandering fate...
has interrupted your chance.
Stop talking you say
your don't rely on others for it
'Help yourself', you want to say...
That'll be enough, Kyoko
You've stepped your first step. But remember
Not everybody would bless you. This is not especially for you
For most people
The higher the mountain, the stronger the wind
Stride ahead, step by step
Let's try our best
let's go now Kyoko
I'm surprised
Terrible woman
Mine is better and I've beaten her
That's true. Don't be beaten.
I won't be
Are you still working. Don't you want to sleep?
The noise of my pen is disturbing you?
If I wanted, I wouldn't hear it.
You'll let me write?
Unbearable to think someone is working while you sleep
Our exhibition coming soon
I'm irritable
Are you a printer?
Not an independent printer yet.
I'm writing day and night.
Even if my fingers hurt, I won't stop writing
It will hurt your eyes to write in this dark place
Let me see
I've some tools. I'll bind it for you.
Is it tiresome?
It's interesting.
it's wrong to say interesting.
You've had bitter experiences
I never asked anybody to read my manuscripts.
nor to have them bound by another person.
first experience
Thank you.
Simple job!
Hide me, please.
What's the matter?
Where has she gone?
That whore came in here, didn't she?
No such girl here.
If you hide her, you'll be punished, too.
Awake and stand up, everyone!
Get up! get up!
Stand up! I've caught you.
I say stand up!
She's not a street-girl... was sleeping with me.
Think I don't know what one look like.
Are you in her gang ?
Neither I nor she are prostitutes.
Come with me
She is not that sort.
Come along with me.
Wait a moment, please.
What?
She's not a whore. She's a writer.
Writer?
here's her story, just finished.
Her name?
Fumiko Hayashi.
Fumiko Hayashi?
Never heard of it. Come on!
Officer...
Want to come with us?
Don't worry, Mr.Printer.
Sounds interesting. good experience!
keep my story, will you? Don't forget.
Rising star in the library A Wandering life - Fumiko Hayashi
A WANDERING LIFE Coming-out parity
Nice? selling her own tale of poverty.
And the world welcomes it
We'll dry up if we take no food like that
Was she loved by so many men?
The heroine is always a beauty.
The printer said to be very kind to her.
No special relations with her
Nearly closing time?
Neither Date, nor Fukuchi came after all
Kyoko didn't come either.
She's decided this morning.
You've come!
Came to offer congratulations to her.
You'd better not...
I think it's alright. Go on!
My name is Fukuchi - appearing in wandering life by Miss Hayashi
I am the model of a cruel and effeminate man.
What shall I say about this book?
To praise or criticize...
depends on the result of her work
Once we were a couple but now strangers to each other
Admit her as a writer, I myself can be also a writer even if talentless...
let me see it as though strangers to each other.
Fumiko...
Remember Shirasaka's words came from hatred of your poems?
just like stirring a dust-bin, and scattering the contents.
I agreed with him.
But lately I read them over again with hatred.
and found that scattered contents of the dust-bin...
are a true beauty, not of false.
Fumiko. A wandering life is a fine work
but a bit too many tears to make one weep.
And in some parts, you draw me as a bad man.
I conclude with a quote from you
anything can't be of any help
Congratulations for your book.
I praise your talents and efforts
Fumiko, you were completely judged up by Fukuchi
Can't help it
Now the stage is open for you Do your best !
Win or lose, only by writing
I will write!
If I won't, people will say that a wandering life is my sole work.
A wandering life is not all of myself
Here "A wandering Life" is not all of me
The year 1951
When did you come?
Been here with no lunch.
She ignores the deadline.
4 pieces for magazines 2 novels for the papers,
Healthy woman!
Whenever I see her picture in the papers I remember the old days.
I've got old now. She invited me to live with her.
I came up from the country. She gave me these funny clothes.
Anniversary service?
No, this is for daily wear.
Although I don't like this style,
I'm not allowed to take it off.
Oh, I see
I'd prefer country wear
better keep a shop or so, but...
She's probably seen a noble lady in that style, somewhere.
She wanted to let you wear that...
All through her happy times.
She was wishing and dreaming of it.
I'll wear it if Fumiko is pleased.
This is not for a person of today.
Sorry! I kept you waiting Mr Yasuoka.
Mother. It looks good on you
Very noble style.
Like Yozei-in in the '47 Ronin'
You think it looks funny?
Don't think so.
Come this way, please.
Men from the publishers and newspapers are waiting for you.
Serve them tea and cakes and say you're sorry,
Mother. You may take it off as it's hot today.
Yes. Thank you.
Really, you're very busy.
I refuse they say I consider myself a real writer.
I heard you became a company president
A small printing shop. To avoid heavy taxes.
You used to help me kindly,
If it was not for you, I should have died of hunger
You're really a good-natured man
Because I loved you.
Strange person you are
How about your wife?
I didn't marry.... Simple life.
Hope not because of me.
Don't be concerned.
After the death of my wife, I preferred to be single.
Attracted by you a little.
Please be at ease.
Excuse me.
three men came to see you.
who?
One from a charity society.
Society to help the poor, then refuse him.
The poor must work. No other way for them
It's the Society for Handicapped children.
You may contribute a small sum
Then a man came up from Kagoshima.
He says he's your father cousin.
He asks to let him stay here tonight.
Let him stay at hotel tonight Ask him to leave tomorrow
Give him travel expenses
Next is a young man from a literary group.
Asking for monthly help: as you're in sympathy with the poor
Call him a fool and that he should
Work and earn money for his own magazine.
Do you think I'm cruel.
No -
Please tell me the truth.
One only knowing the present you...
might call you a cold person.
Nobody knows you've experienced the pain of starvation.
There are no relatives, no strangers for a person in this world.
Born alone and to die alone.
Unless he helps himself, who will help him.
Pardon my preaching to you, a writer.
You're very pale.
I didn't sleep yesterday.
nor the day before yesterday.
Take care of yourself.
Thank you.
May I see your garden?
Of course. I'm collecting azaleas.
Really?
welcome home.
You'll catch cold. Haven't you slept?
I wanted to...
Take care of yourself.
Yes. I'll sleep now.
It's all right.
Resting always makes it better