Tsuruhachi and Tsurujiro
Original Story By Matsutarô Kawaguchi
Executive Producer Nobuyoshi Morita
Main Cast
Tsurujirô Kazuo Hasagawa
Tsuruhachi Misuzu Yamada
Line Producer Katsuzo Shino
CameraWork Takeo Ito Recording Yűzô Michigen
Setting Kazuo Kubo Editing Hirokazu Iwashita
Music Nobuo Iida Music Play P.C.L. Orchestra
Sahei Kameashi Fujiwara
Matsuzaki Heihachiro Ôkawa
Takeno Masao Mishima
Takemine Nakamura Kan Yanagitani
Bonpei Yamagata Nagamasa Yamada
Keiji Sakakida Gorô Fukuchi
Jyun Maki Kinji Fujiwa
Ryôji Oka Sumie Tsubaki
Tamae Kiyokawa Tomoko Ito
Directed by Mikio Naruse
I would like to talk with you about my mother's memorial service.
Certainly.
I have just you with whom I can discuss about this problem.
Also, my mother really liked you.
Now, I can earn my living as a performer. It's all because of your mother.
If she saw what you are now, she would be really proud of you.
Well, I don't know... By the way, I am wondering whether
I will be able to perform at the next Yuzabaro's show.
Why not.
If I can perform at his show, it would be great.
It would be all right. According to Omikuji, it will be a lucky year for you.
I will do my best.
Yes.
I didn't know that you had a mole here.
Where?
Here.
"Tsurujiro Tsuruhachi"
Welcome, Welcome!
May I help you?
Is their performance still on?
It's almost over.
Well, it's would be better to come tomorrow.
I guess so.
Their performance is so popular!
"Hacchobori Crisis," it's really so, isn't it?
"Hacchobori Crisis"?
It means, when Tsurujirô and Tsuruhachi are performing here,
there is no audience in Hacchobori Theater.
I see.
It's your turn.
Good job.
Tsurujirô sings very well, and Tsuruhachi's shamisen is as good as her master.
Yeah. I heard that she was her daughter.
Is she Tsurujiro's wife?
No. I heard that she was his sister.
They are not married?
Why you care about that?
Well, just I think it's dangerous...
Don't worry about that. They are no more than children.
I felt so good during tonight's performance.
Tonight's performance was much better that usual.
I think so, too. When we finished, I felt really good.
But, your play wasn't good at one part.
Where?
There...
You should play more rhythmical at that part.
Our master was good at that part. You should play like her.
I don't agree with you. I was right at that part.
No, you have to play like our master.
No, I did it correctly.
At any performance, Tayű is a husband and Shamisen Player is his wife.
A wife has to follow her husband.
So, if you don't follow me, we cannot perform together anymore.
If you can't, you don't need to play with me.
It was not me who asked to play together.
Even if I don't play with you, I can do a performance by my self.
Try it.
Don't forget who taught you to perform.
What? I don't know!
It was my mother who made you such a performer.
So what?
It's all because of my mother.
I 'm her daughter. I don't want to say such a thing,
but if not, you go too much into raptures.
None of your cheek! All right. I won't play with you anymore.
Me, neither.
Bye now.
Yuki won't play the shamisen like Toyo.
She is just criticized too much.
Anyway, go to look for Yuki.
But, I don't think it's a good idea, and I don't know exactly where she is.
That's why I am asking you to look for her.
I used to hear a bad rumor about her.
I don't care. I heard about Toyo, too.
Don't you know about her rumor with Yuzen?
Toyo is such a woman. I don't worry about her.
I don't know the truth.
And we have Meijin-kai. It's really important...
I don't worry about it.
You got a message from Hacchibori.
Hacchobori?
"I'd like to talk with you about my mother's memorial service.
Please come over. Toyo"
She is kidding.
What's that?
She asks me to come over to discuss her mother's memorial service.
So, you have to go.
If she wants to discuss with me, it's her duty to come to me.
But, it's about your master.
I don't want to go.
Then, you shouldn't go.
Hello.
Is she home?
Yes.
Mr. Yuzen (Mr. Matsuzaki) has come.
O.K.
Hello.
Thank you for dinner last night.
That's my pleasure.
And thank you for coming today.
I am really glad to help you.
I have no kith and kin, so I bother you so often.
I am all right. I am just a prodigal.
I asked Jirô to come too.
O.K.
I was surprised.
What?
Did you go to Toyo's place?
Yeah, then, what?
I have a big news for you.
Your stories are always exaggerated.
It's real big news for your life long fortune.
Why don't we sit down somewhere to talk?
So, you invite me to a coffee shop.
We can talk anywhere.
Here you go.
Don't you want to eat something?
No. I'm all right.
So, what's your story.
Well, it's about a girl who is a unique girl of a family in Nihonbashi.
Her parents run a glossary shop. She is so beautiful and her family is so rich.
What you think?
I don't know. I don't see your point.
Then, she wants to do performance with you.
Well...
This is my story. Her parents are big fans of you
and they hope you to be her husband.
Stop it. It's so foolish.
I 'm doing my best for you. I'm just your assistant, but I really think about your life.
I know, I know.
Then, does she play well the shamisen?
Well, I think, she does not so bad.
She is rich and beautiful, but for me, her shamisen play is much more important.
I know. Anyway, let's go to see how she play. She is waiting for us.
What's wrong?
But...
It's all right.
How was that?
She is really good.
So, do you accept her?
But doing performance is not easy. It's so complicated.
I am not in rush about performance, if you can take care of her at your place.
Well, I have to think about that, too.
Thank you very much. Her father is also a big fan of you, and...
Well, thank you for coming. I am sorry I have to leave.
Mr. Sahei, go to see them off.
Thank you very much.
No, this way.
What's that play? It was almost sick.
It was not because of her shamisen, but of sweets you ate.
They bribed you, right?
No way.
Hello.
What's wrong with you?
I waited for you for a long time.
Someone came to see me.
It was a young girl whom I saw outside? Is she your pupil?
Yeah, she is a pupil, but
... ask Sahei.
You seem to have a story... She must not be just a pupil.
Her family run a glossary shop at Nihonbashi, so, she is rich.
She seems a good pupil.
She is not just a pupil. Am I right, Sahei?
Yeah, she is not just a pupil.
What? Tell me!
Her parents hope me to be her husband.
Well, it's sounds great. You can be a good couple.
She is rich and beautiful.
And she is good at shamisen, isn't she?
Ah, yeah, ...she is so..so.. good...
It sounds perfect. You should marry her.
Yeah, maybe...
Why not?
Yeah, I think so...
Sahei, should I marry her?
Why do you ask to someone else about your marriage?
So, I will marry her.
Sounds good. You don't need to care about someone else.
I will play a show with her.
So, I am saying that you should marry her.
I will.
Her shamisen play is very good, even though she is so young.
If they don't have the arguments, it will be perfect.
I heard about that. Are they really on bad terms?
When they are on good terms, it's so good. However, when they are on bad, ...
Aren't they attracted each other?
Well...I am not sure, maybe yes, maybe not.
I think that they should get married.
But, if they have arguments so often, they cannot live together.
It was not easy to let them play at this Meijinkai's show.
I guess. They are really young.
But, because of them, this Meijinkai's show was so successful.
They got a real popularity by this show.
So, as performers, it will be much more important after this show.
You have to take care of them.
Yes, but they don't listen to me.
It was great.
You played exactly like your mother tonight, or you were better than her.
She was good at teaching, but on the stage, her play lost some vivacity.
It didn't possess the force to vibrate all around the theater.
I was so impressed by you.
Do you really think so?
You think I make a compliment?
No, I don't, but..
I owe all my success as a performer to her. Now, I can play at the stage of Meijinkai.
Yeah, my mother really took care of you.
I 'd like to do her memorial service with you.
Sure.
Why don't you have a tea ?
Here.
She is here.
Thank you.
Someone came to see you.
Hello.
Is she here?
Yes. Mr. Mukôjima is here.
Hello. Please come in.
You have a lots of fun.
Did you see my show?
Yes, finally.
Thank you. Jirô, Mr. Mukôjima is here.
Hello.
Your show was very good.
Then, do you have plans tonight?
I was going home.
If you have no plans, why don't we have dinner together?
You mean, you're inviting us?
Yes. Let's go out to have something good.
How about Jirô?
Sorry, I have plans tonight.
Where are you going?
I have to come to see my friend.
But, Mr. Matsuzaki is inviting us. Why don't you go with me?
Maybe, next time.
Anyway, I'd like to practice for tomorrow. You have a little time, don't you?
We can practice tomorrow.
We can practice anytime. Tsuruko, pass me a shamisen.
Well, I wait for you at hall.
All right. I'll come after the practice.
Sahei, please discuss with him where to go.
Yes.
Good bye, Jirô.
Good bye.
I forgot to tell you something, but your play wasn't good at one part.
Where?
There...*somewhere I hear Otono A sound of *
My master taught me to sing stronger, but I think you play too weak.
What you think?
Wait, lets' see...."Kutsuwa no"
There, you have to play stronger.
It's enough. I play correctly. We shouldn't play stronger at that part.
But, our master played so nicely. I still remember.
I'm not as good as my mother.
Your mother played....
That's enough. I can't play as you like.
Why don't you take her from the tomb for tomorrow's show?
I just said how good your mother was.
I play differently from my mother. I play my way.
I don't think we shouldn't just follow our master.
Certainly. The performance should be improved.
By discussing with each other, we can improve our performance.
But, as I don't agree with your opinion, I can't discuss this with you.
Well, if you don't want to, you don't need to listen to me.
Don't think yourself as a master, just by a tiny reputation.
What? Say that again!
Stop! Stop it!
Wait!
She is bitch!
Jirô seems a difficult person.
Yes. We are always disputing.
But he is your partner. You should be nice to him.
But, when he says something stubborn, I really want to break up with him.
I don't think it a good idea. I think the best way for you is to marry him.
I have never thought about that. It would be difficult.
You don't?
Jirô neither.
Well, you never know.
No, never.
If you break up with him just for such tiny things,
it won't be good for your performance.
I might say too much, but a couple should help each other,
even with some misunderstandings.
I know, but I don't want to get married just for my performance.
Certainly, it's out of question, if you dislike each other.
You marry me?
What?
Will you marry me?
Yes, please.
Really?
Sure.
It won't work. You are not serious.
Yes, I am serious.
It's so beautiful outside.
Where are we going?
Just follow me.
But we have been walking for a long time. Do we walk all around Tokyo?
We go to see Yuki.
Do you know where she is?
I heard that she was working at a shoes shop, somewhere in Yotsuya area
...Maybe, we will find her.
You're kidding. Let's go home.
No. If you want to, go home by yourself.
You can't find her, only by such little information
as "a shoes shop in Yotsuya".
Even though it's not good idea, I won't play with Toyo anymore.
Anyway, let's go home.
No, I won't.
I am going home.
He wants to play by himself, so I go home.
Wait, I will talk with him.
No, it's thats enough. I don't want to play the shamisen for him.
You are both so selfish.
Anyway, come with me.
It's so troublesome, Jirô.
There is no trouble. I can play by myself.
It won't be good. You began to play as Tsuruhachi & Tsurujirô.
We won't accept your solo performance.
Why not?
It's out of question.
So, you mean, my performance is not good enough to play by myself?
Jirô, you do know how it works in Meijin-kai, don't you?
Yes.
It is exceptional to be selected for Meijinkai, even though you are so young.
All tickets for this season have been already sold out.
If you are really professional performers,
you shouldn't bring your silly problems to such a big event.
But...
No excuse. Toyo, Dayu and a shamisen player should help each other.
As you are woman, it 's you who have to compromise.
But, the more I give in, the more conceited he becomes.
That's not me, but you.
No, it's always you.
Stop it. It is certain that each has own claims. It seems that,
for you guys, your prides are more important than your performance.
The performers should give priority to the audience.
Even though your performance is good, if you do not have the audience, it's no use.
You can perform, because of the audience. You have to remember that.
If not, you will lose even such a big popularity.
Jirô, what you think?
You are right.
And you, Toyo?
I am sorry.
I am satisfied that you understand the thing so quickly.
So, you are reconciled, aren't you.
Yes, I am sorry.
I am so sorry.
I am sorry.
No, that's my fault.
No, that's mine.
I think it's a good chance to make them reconciled.
Then, I plan to invite them for a short trip,
Because they made our show so successful.
I think Onsen hot spring would be good.
It's so beautiful, isn't it?
I feel so saved by just coming here and seeing such a beautiful landscape.
Yeah, because we live always with a crowd.
Mr. Takeno got a call from Tokyo and he's already left.
Really? So, should we leave, too?
But, you came all the long way and the booking is for a couple of days.
What you think?
Well... it took so long time to come here.
Yes, why don't we stay here for a night?
What?
Why don't you take a hot bath?
At the hot bath, I was embarrassed.
Why?
Because they mistook you as my wife.
Really?
Jiro, I wanted to tell you something.
About what?
I am going to get married.
So, did you meet someone?
Yes.
But, you've never told me until now.
It happened all of sudden.
So, is it certain?
No, it's not so, but...
Who's that?
You know him.
Is he performer or not?
It's Mr. Matsuzaki.
At Iwazen.
Yes.
Ah, it's Mr. Matsuzaki.
So, you can be Madam Iwazen.
You will be a such a woman.
I think, a woman has to marry someone, someday.
Then, you quit our show?
I think so.
What's wrong, Jirô? Are you all right?
If you quit, what can I...
Toyo, please forget it. If you want to get married, please marry me.
So, do you like me?
You didn't know that?
But, we were always fighting.
because I like you.
So, why didn't you say so to me?
We grow up together since 17 years, and I thought you knew that.
But... I thought I could be your wife, so, I just waited your proposal
every single day. But, you, you always tempted me to dispute.
Then, even though I liked you, I began to lose my hope to marry you.
Then I began to think that you don't like me.
Right. You are right.
If you like me, I won't marry anyone else.
So, you won't...
No, never.
I also don't want to quit my performance. But, as I am a woman,
sometimes, I felt so lonely. Then, I thought that I had to be married as soon as possible,
not to live lonely in future. So, Jirô, please stand by me.
Sure. But, please promise me not to see Mr. Matsuzaki anymore.
If you don't want me to, I won't see or talk to him any more.
Please.
Toyo, I want to run a theater, but what you think?
You said that before.
Because, I don't know until when we can stay popular performers.
Then, how much money do you need?
Well, at least 20000 yen.
20000 yen...
Still I don't have enough, but I will realize my dream, then I will marry you.
What you think?
Then, how much do you have now?
To tell you honestly, I have just 3500 yen.
How long did it take to save that?
About three years.
So, it will take long time to save 20000 yen. Until then, I cannot be your wife
We will be so old...
If you really want to I have some amount of my mother and of my saving.
If we put them together, we could do it anyhow.
I don't want use your mother's money
If we use the money for our performance, she would be happy about that.
I know what you mean, but...
It's all right. Let's do that. I cannot wait 10 years for my wedding.
it won't be such long...
Why not. It took you 3 years to save 3500 yen.
If it's 20000 yen, it would be more than 10 years.
I don't want to wait such a long time.
I'd like to get married as soon as possible, even tomorrow.
By the way, you really do not have problem with Matsuzaki?
Don't worry. If I say that I want to marry you,
he will absolutely congratulate us on our marriage.
I don't know why, but I don't like him.
It's so strange. He is really a nice person.
I don't know.
Anyway, I won't see him anymore, if you don't want me to.
Let's stop here.
Why don't we go to find a place for our theater?
Yes. That's a good idea.
I have to think about the name for our theater.
I don't know what is good for it....
Here you go.
Thank you.
I heard that the owner wanted to sell this theater. What you think?
It sounds good. This is a nice location.
So, I think it will be a little bit expansive.
Anyway, the location is important.
Then if we want, we can reconstruct the building.
I think, it sounds great. Why don't you go to ask the details?
I heard that the ex-owner passed away and his son took it over.
However, as he is a student, it bothers him to run a theater.
I see. But we have to find the administrator of the theater.
I would like to ask Mr. Takeno.
Yeah, he would be good. So, why don't you ask him to open negotiations?
Yes. He'd be good at negotiations.
It would be really nice, if we can run this theater.
Welcome, welcome!
Kotobukitei? What you think?
I don't know, but I don't think it's good.
Well...Hukuyoshi?
Uhmmm....
Then, adopting my family name, Matsuki-tei...
No, I don't think so...
How about, adopting Toyo's family name, Yoshikawea-tei...
Masago-tei, Taishô-club, Yoshikawa-tei...
So, what is good?
You've thought so much.
I still have another...
Even though you think of a name, that theater is still not yours.
I know, but, I don't want to be flurried when I begin to run the theater.
Well, maybe...
Please think about that, maybe you have some ideas.
Well... How about Kotobuki-tei?
I've already said that, anything else?
Matsukaze-tei?
Anything else?
Yanagawa-tei?
Yanagawatei? It's a little strange. Then?
Senkô-tei?
What?
Toyo and Jirô...Jirô-tei? It's not so good.
Anyway, I think both are good for you; to marry him and to run a theater.
As I am from a performer's family,
I prefer to make my living from my performances.
Certainly, that's the way to go.
I am sorry, but I am so selfish.
No, it's O.K.
As my father supported your mother, I also want to support you.
We are supporters of your family.
Then, did you find someone for the administration of your theater?
Yes, we asked to Mr. Takeno. I guess you know him.
I've never talked to him, but I saw him several times.
We asked him everything.
It won't be polite to ask you, but do you have enough money?
We don't have much, but if we put all together, we can do it anyhow.
I see. But, you will need money for lots of stuffs.
If you want, please feel free to ask me.
Thank you very much.
Hello.
Is she home?
No, but she won't be late.
Hello.
I went shopping to Ginza.
I've just arrived.
What's that?
I am thinking the name of our theater.
Did you get something good?
It's not easy to choose one.
Let me see.
Tsuruga-tei...it sounds good.
I thought so, too. Tsuruga-tei... It would be the best one.
I think it's good.
Look good?
Yes, I think it the best.
Tsuruga-tei, uhmmm, Tsuruga-tei...
"Tsuru-ga-tei"
Coming Soon!
I found an article about us with a picture.
Madam, please let me see, please, please.
A couple who loves each other...
Stop it.
I'll read it to you.
They are talking about the rumour of your marriage.
Stop it.
Jirô looks so happy in that picture.
You also look so happy.
Ah, you turned red.
Jirô, I think we've all done, but please take a look to verify.
Mr. Matsuzaki? Do you know this guy?
He supports the shows since your master's time.
But, I don't know whether we should invite him or not.
Why not, he helped a lot to buy your theater.
What?
Didn't you know? He lent you money.
Jirô...
What's wrong?
How come you can say "what's wrong"? Now, I know everything!
I don't know what you are talking about?
It was not the money of your mother, but from Matsuzaki!
How come you could do that!
Wait, Jirô.
Shut up! Don't tell me any excuse. You said you'd not see him anymore!
Because you hoped to run a theater and I wanted to marry you.
I asked him for some, and he helped me as our supporter.
He really congratulated us on our marriage
and he lent me money by his generosity.
But, why didn't you tell me that you borrowed money
from Matsuzaki to buy Tsurugatei!?
Because as you don't like Mastuzaki, I thought you would get angry.
So, I didn't tell you his name.
No way. Even Matsuzaki, no guy would lend his money
to someone who refused his proposal.
Please don't say that.
Don't tell a lie. I won't marry you.
I won't perform with you. Do you understand?
All right. I won't explain to you anymore. Go and do what you want.
You must have been his mistress.
What?
It must be.
I am really disgusted with you. Please admonish him.
I am sorry, but I am really tired of her.
I don't want to repeat it, but you became popular because of
your performance with her. If you are separated, I cannot help you any more.
If I cannot live by my performance,
I don't mind teaching to make my living.
I am completely tired of him. I won't listen to you anymore.
But, you are just performers. If you discuss it, you will see what you are.
No, I don't need it. I asked money of Mr. Matsuzaki,
because I wanted to marry Jirô as soon as possible,
but he thought that I was his mistress. It's so disgusting.
I see...
It's over. I'll marry Matsuzaki, even if I have to ask him.
You are "Happaku"... Your fortune for this year is...
It would be a year of extremes both in a positive and a negative sense.
If you have been successful until now,
you might lose your luck by a tiny accident this year.
It looks really bad...
Stop it, it's enough.
But, what will you do from now on? Takeno is really upset.
No theater will accept you, if you play alone.
I will not play at the theaters where my soul is judged as imperfect.
But, you cannot make your living in that way...
I know, but I don't mind to go to countryside, if I can play by myself.
It is the audience who judge whether my performance is imperfect or not.
What are you doing?
Sahei, you really worked well for me, but it's over.
Why?
I want to live alone for a while.
Why?
Please let me go.
No one can count on the popularity. "Tsuruhachi & Tsurujirô" were so popular.
But after Jirô separated with her, all changed.
Certainly, Tsuruhachi's shamisen was really good.
Tsurujiro's performance was also good, though.
It's the mystery of the popularity.
It's not only business which we cannot count on.
We cannot count on not only the weather in autumn, but also the popularity.
Hello.
I head that your wife was sick.
no, we just are having a baby.
Congratulations.
It's no more " congratulates." It's our seventh baby.
There is no limit to congratulates on having a baby.
It's not such simple.... I head that Tsuruhachi got married...
you didn't know that?
It must be with Yozen.
That's it. I don't understand what women think.
What?
I am sorry. Then I got to go.
Jirô, why didn't you get married to Tsuruhachi?
You missed a really nice woman.
No way. She wasn't nice.
Because...
It's none of you business.
Why don't you have dinner with me?
You can ask me if you play the shaminsen better.
So, still I am not good enough...
No, you are not good enough.
Thanks.
Bye now.
Mr. Takei, could you help him?
Where is he now?
I heard that he was performing somewhere like Itabashi...
It's already passed one year... anyway, he was really stupid.
It seems that Toyo lives a really happy life.
Yes. She is loved by all her family.
She enjoys her play. It was the best choice for her.
Everyone is ready.
All right.
Today, you have a big audience,
even though they might have no ears for you performance.
I've never seen such a performer who doesn't perform,
but just is sleeping and drunk.
Sir, please stop and forgive him. I'll tell him later.
Please apologize to him.
You have to apologize to him.
You don't know how to apologize! I'll never forgive him!
He is just drunk. Please forgive him.
If you two were not here, I would teach him a lesson.
Please. I'll tell him later.
Today, I can forgive him, because of you guys.
Thank you very much.
He's a silly guy.
Why did he drink so much?
He will be sick one day.
His performance is not so bad, though.
" Tsurujiro."
If you stay with me.
Sure. Please promise me not to see Matsuzaki anymore.
If you don't want, I won't see him anymore.
You promise?
Yes.
Why don't you let him leave.
I am sorry, but we have no more vacancies.
It's too small for us!
Why don't you kick him out?
He has no money, does he?
Why don't you ask him to sleep at the garage.
If you want, I can give him the boot.
Try it, if you can.
How come you can say such words!
Get out!
Can you? Try me!
Go ahead! Let me leave!
Fuck you!
I know that I shouldn't say it now. But, I am so sorry for Jirô.
Even though he lost his popularity, still he is a performer.
I'd like to let him play on the stage somehow.
So, what he is doing now?
He was in the countryside for a while.
But, now, he is back to Tokyo to do some performances,
even though his performance is not good like before.
It seems that he is always drunk.
He is drunk...
Yes... He used not to drink at all.
Even though we separated like that, he was someone with whom I grew up with.
I was really worried about him.
I am sure that he regrets.
Meijinkai's show will begin on May 15. The members are all the same.
Then, I would like to put "Tsuruhachi & Tsurujirô" in the list, anyhow.
Meijinkai?
Yes. I know that it's not easy to ask you who have already retired
of the performer's life and who lives as someone's wife,
but I really want to ask you to help him.
I don't know whether we can play at Meijinkai's show,
even though we play together now. Two years have passed.
Mr. Takeno says that he can help him, if you play with him.
I am sure that your performance will be popular like before.
Even if it is less popular that before,
I am really happy just to let him play in the Meijinkai's show.
But, I don't know whether he want to play with me or not.
He cannot say no. If he refuses, I'll never forgive him.
I think my husband will accept it, if I explain well.
Please ask him and I'll wait for you good response.
Bye now.
Tsurujirô, someone is waiting for you.
For me?
Yes.
Please, this way.
Ah, it's you.
You shouldn't be disappointed. I looked for you everywhere.
Long time no see. You look fine.
Not so fine. But I am still alive. Why did you come?
I have a something to ask you.
I don't know what you want to ask me, but I am not like before anymore.
It's not just about myself, but also about my performance.
I don't know about yourself, but I think your performance is still good enough.
Even though you lost your popularity, this place is...
I'd like let you play on the stage again.
Stage? I used to think about that, but not anymore.
I really appreciate your kindness, but please leave me alone.
So, you really don't want to be a popular performer like before?
Meijinkai will have a show in May and I try to let you play there again anyhow.
Don't worry about me. It won't work.
Toyo says that she wants to play with you.
Really? Did she say so?
I went to see Toyo and she said that she would be glad to play with you.
You really don't want to regain the popularity?
Long time no see.
Yes, long time no see.
You look fine.
Thank you. You do, too.
Hello. Long time no see.
Thank you for taking care of her.
No, it's me who thank you.
Why don't you practice, even a little bit.
Then, I should leave.
I will come to see Mr. Suzuki.
All right.
I'll go and get my shamisen.
Don't think of anything except for your performance and Meijin-kai.
Alcohol, either. It's also not good for you.
Jirô, please make yourself comfortable.
I don't know whether I can play as well as before. I haven't practiced so much.
Me, neither.
"Meijinkai"
You have regained your popularity, congratulation.
Still one more day, but this show is so successful.
It was not just because of us, but I am really happy to hear that.
This success was because of you.
There were so many fans who have missed your performance in the last 2 years.
I don't know.
I'll tell you in detail later, but Teigeki is offering you a stage.
Teigeki?
They are offering you a stage on a opening performance next month.
Thank you very much.
I recommend you to accept their offer.
Such an opportunity must seldom occur.
Jirô, I can do that.
Then, I will talk to you later. Please come with me.
Yes.
It would be amazing, if we can play at Teigeki!
But, can you?
Well, I have to ask to my husband, but...I'm sure that he will accept.
I don't know...
Why not. My car is ready?
I will go to check.
Toyo, are you sure you wish to perform at Teigeki?
Yes. Now, I really want to play again. I would like to regain our popularity.
If you can, I am really glad, but... I don't know what your husband will say.
I am sure that he will accept. If not, I will divorce him.
No kidding!
I'm not kidding, Jirô. I really thought so on the stage.
But...
Listen to me, Jirô. Today, I was fascinated again by our performance these five days.
It is what make me alive. Like mother, like daughter.
I cannot change my nature. If I didn't play today,
I might have finished my life as Matsuzaki's wife.
But, now, I am sure that I cannot live like that anymore.
Also, it was not by my will that we broke off before.
Please don't tell me that. I am too tired of my stupidity.
Jiro...
Your car is ready.
Thank you.
Jiro, I can give you a lift.
No, it's all right. I have a place to go.
Then, bye now.
Hello
It's good.
Their performance is better that before.
They got a maturity.
They must keep this big popularity for a while.
So, next stage is in Teigeki, isn't it?
It's not yet certain.
Why not? It's almost certain.
Toyo, take your shamisen.
Shamisen?
Because your play wasn't good at one part.
Where?
It's a part of "Mago-Uta."
Why? What wasn't good?
What? Your part was completely bad.
Completely?
"Kutsuwano otomo isamashiku"
Yes, there. If you play like that, I cannot sing well.
But, it's my solo part. It's none of your business.
But, a performance needs a harmony.
If your play is bad at one part,
you will break the harmony of the total performance.
You said it was "bad"?
Yes, It was completely bad. I can say that it was a completely bad performance.
Jirô.
As you didn't practice for a long time,
your shamisen play is not enough good any more.
Toyo, please wait.
Sahei. I played the shamisen, because you came to ask me.
I know.
I played because you asked me to help him.
I know.
You have to know that you could play in Meijinkai's show because of me.
You have to appreciate that, but...
I know, but...
You have to remember, I will never play with you!
Toyo, please wait.
Please let me go.
Are you disgusted with me?
Yes..
Were you really disgusted with me?
I am completely disgusted with you.
Give me a sake.
Yes.
Even though her play wasn't good, you shouldn't have gotten angry like that.
Then, you cannot perform at Teigeki, even though she wasn't...
Actually, she is a real shamisen player. I won't see such a women player again.
But, you said...
It wasn't true. Her shamisen play was much better than my songs.
Actually, I was so impressed by her play.
So, why you said such a thing.
If not, she will begin to play again.
She says that if her husband doesn't accept, she will divorce him.
Divorce...
Yes.
That's why you said that?
For two years, I have been tired of my performer's life,
It's not a long lasting job.
Tsuruhachi doesn't know how miserable life is after losing popularity.
Certainly, I 'd like to regain the popularity by playing with her.
We might regain the popularity for a while, but it won't last so long.
Now, she has a nice husband and she can live happily as a rich man's wife.
Our performance and temporal reputation can not allow her such a life.
I've never loved a woman except for her.
Even though we separated because of a tiny argument, I still love her.
I didn't know...
I said that to let her go. She will never play on the stage.
I think it's better for her.
Don't you think so?
I see.
A stage in Meijin-kai's show was our tomb.
I am really glad of it. Anyway, I can survive anyhow.
Don't look at me like that.
It's late!
Yes, I am coming.
Here you go.
I want to drink a lot tonight.
All right.
I'm so surprised. It is the first time that you agree to drink with me.
Drink as much as you want.
All right. I will drink until I get dead drink.
Please another sake and bring me a big glass.
Here.
Let's drink.
The End