Dora Heita Production Committee Nikkatsu, LTD. Mainichi Broadcast, LTD. Yomiuri Advertisement Company, LTD.
Production Cooperation by Eizo Kyoto, LTD.
Mainichi Broadcasting 50th Anniversary Production
"At a certain fief..."
"At a certain small fief..."
Sign: "Town Magistrate's office"
Book: "Official Daily Logbook"
Honestly, I just don't get it.
Yeah.
"Magistrate:" an official appointed to run a region.
The new magistrate, due to arrive from Edo on the 19th...
...still hasn't shown up after ten days.
Something's definitely gone wrong.
Tell me about it... everything's going wrong lately.
Recently, all that the magistrates seem to be good at is resigning.
We've had three of them since last year.
Ominous rumors have been circulating since the new Lord inherited the fief.
It's enough to make even lowly secretaries such as ourselves nervous.
Oh, we're just recorders. All we have to do is write down the day's events.
But you know, if the new magistrate doesn't show up...
...what will we have to write about?
It's out of our hands, but on the other hand, we've got to write something.
"Today: the new magistrate has not yet arrived."
"Today: the new magistrate has not yet..."
So... he's the second son of Mochizuki Take- u-emon, the clan's senior advisor in Edo.
His name's Koheita.
What I've heard is that our Lord ordered him to take the post.
The rumor is that he's got a horrible reputation.
He is said to be a master of the martial arts, but also of utter immorality and debauchery.
He's nicknamed "Dora-heita."
"Dora?"
"Dora" like "Good-Time-Charlie;" it's from an old joke about alley-cats.
According to my sources in Edo...
...he's far better known as Dora-heita than as Mochizuki Koheita.
A magistrate called "Dora..." We're so screwed.
Dora-Heita
Executive Producer: Nakamura Masaya
Producer: Nishioka Yoshinobu
Based on the book "Machi-Bugyo Nikki" by Yamamoto Shugoro from Shinchosha Publishing Co.
Screenplay by
Kurosawa Akira
Kinoshita Keisuke
Ichikawa Kon
Kobayashi Masaki
Starring
Yakusho Koji
Asano Yuko
Kataoka Tsurutaro Uzaki Ryudo
Sugawara Bunta
Directed by Ichikawa Kon
This is a good summary.
You've found out quite a lot in just ten days, Koheita.
I didn't do it. I just put together what Senba dug up.
"Senba?"
Senba Gijuro?
Yeah, Chief Inspector Senba. Drink up, Yasukawa.
I'm not going to drink.
So I guess I'm not the only one who knows you're here in town...
...living outside the castle.
Yeah...
I thought I made it clear that it's dangerous for you to be seen with anyone but me!
Senba said the same thing.
"The same thing?"
He's just like me, born and raised in Edo; we've hung out since we were brats.
You met him two years ago when you came to Edo, didn't you?
No, he moved back here, so we just missed each other.
Oh.
I see. So that means the three of us are getting together...
...for the first time in our home territory.
Do you have a reason to be suspicious of Senba Gijuro?
Not at all. He's the best Chief Inspector we've had in years.
But...
...there's just one thing about him that doesn't sit right.
Does that have anything to do with me?
Well...
Bad rumors started spreading as soon as you were ordered to take this new post.
It was said that you're a licentious and hedonistic letcher...
...and thus unsuitable for the position.
And...
...there's evidence that Senba was spreading these rumors.
That's right, it was Senba.
What?
I asked him to do it.
Whatever for?
To make my job easier.
To have everyone in the fief be against you?
Look, Yasukawa, even you know that the whole fief is...
...hardly going to welcome me with open arms.
And as you can see from the summary, the cancer has infected the entire fief.
So half-measures just won't cut it.
They expected an honest magistrate, so if I give them the opposite...
...and they start out despising me, my job will be easier.
So you're going to play the role of Dora-heita the magistrate?
And what about the woman who scrambled out when I arrived?
What about her? Don't be ridiculous. She was the inn's maid.
Oh, the maids in this inn make their rounds in bedclothes?
It makes it easier for them when it's time to go to bed...
Hey! Listen to me... The clan's out to get you; it's worse than you think.
Lots of the young retainers would like nothing better than to call you out.
The young retainers are your problem; keep 'em in line.
There's one guy who's out of my control. His name's Masaki Go.
He's a first-rate fighter and an upright citizen.
Yikes. I can't stand goody-two-shoe types!
He leads a band of about 20 swordsmen... Yikes. I can't stand goody-two-shoe types!
...who call themselves The League of Heroic Gentlemen.
Never mind all that. Where's the rendezvous going to be?
Rendezvous?
You know, where we go to contact each other? Where am I going to stay?
Don't you want to stay at the magistrate's quarters?
Nope.
I need a place where I can freely come and go day and night.
"1-ri" =2.44 miles.
There's a small beach town called Arahama about 1-ri west of the castle.
There's an inn there called Nagame.
Old Mokubei, who used to work at my house, runs the place...
Nagame...
Old Mokubei, who used to work at my house, runs the place...
...Nagame in Arahama...
...and clan members don't go there, so it should do. ...Nagame in Arahama...
...and clan members don't go there, so it should do.
I bet the maids there are all...
...muscular daughters of fishermen.
Fear not, my friend. There aren't any maids.
You bastard...
What was that?
Just yawning. Are we finished now?
Sir Magistrate, I humbly beg permission to be excused.
Right.
Be careful going back; don't let anyone see you.
Sir!
Please also take care...
Sir Dora-heita!
"The new magistrate, Sir Mochizuki Koheita...
"...appears to have arrived at the outskirts of the castle...
"...but has not yet come to assume his post at the magistrate's office."
"Tomorrow, at the castle, after he formally takes up the post...
"...a group of senior officials shall hold a meeting...
"...to assess the qualities of the new magistrate."
I'm Mochizuki Koheita, newly appointed as magistrate.
How do you do.
What's with his attitude?
Utterly insolent.
Absolutely. Utterly insolent.
Lord Chamberlain, Imamura Kamon.
Deputy Lord Chamberlain, Uchijima Toneri.
Chamberlain, Ochiai Mondonojo.
Chamberlain and Superintendent of Magistrates, Honda Ikki.
Senior Treasurer, Sato Tatewaki.
Chief Inspector, Senba Gijuro.
Shipping Magistrate, Oshita Inosuke.
Wardrobe Magistrate, Sasaki Hyogo.
Accounts Magistrate, Sawatari Zusho.
Infantry Commander, Yasukawa Hanzo.
Superintendent of Constables, Kido Jinzaemon.
Secretary...
Okay, I get the picture.
I'll now explain why I've been appointed magistrate.
Ever since our Lord Izumi Nobuyoshi attained his position, three years ago...
...he has been actively pursuing the goal...
...of reforming his domain.
And yet, the problem of the Horisoto area remains unaddressed.
"Unaddressed" is an inappropriate way of putting it.
It is just as Sir Honda says.
The Horisoto problem is most complicated, and riddled with ancient problems of precedent.
It is a situation that has no simple solution.
Lord Chamberlain...
Huh?
Does Superintendent Ochiai's opinion reflect official fief policy?
The Office of the Magistrate is under the auspices of the Superintendent.
It is therefore insolent for a mere magistrate to question him.
Never before have we endured such displeasing behavior.
Perhaps we should bring this meeting to a close.
I must agree with Sir Uchijima.
Sir Senba, what do you think?
He's wet behind the ears, and lacks a sense of propriety.
Indeed. It is as Sir Uchijima says.
We need not endure this any longer.
Chamberlain, please instruct us.
I also refuse to go on. Chamberlain, please instruct us.
Settle down!
My words are not the mere ramblings of a magistrate.
As proof, I will proffer the royal seal.
So, as a matter of protocol, I'm going to sit on the stage. Please, don't get up.
ATTEND!
"This ceremonial occasion of conferring the post unto Mochizuki Koheita...
"...is a singularly important matter to our clan...
"...therefore, know that his will is a reflection of my will...
"...and even if he is found in violation of protocols and regulations...
"...let there be no objections whatsoever, for such is my command."
LET THERE BE NO OBJECTIONS WHATSOEVER...
...for such is my command!
"59th year of the Sexegenary Cycle, 10th month, 7th day. Lord Izumi Nobuyoshi."
Then let me inquire...
Have you been given any special duties beyond that of magistrate?
Well... not really.
Then this makes no sense.
If you have been given no orders other than to fill your post as magistrate...
...why has our Lord presented you with his royal seal?
To put it simply...
...I think it's because he sees the difficulty of handling the Horisoto issue.
"Handling the Horisoto issue?" What do you mean?
The entire district needs to be cleaned up.
Horisoto is a nest of crooks.
Smugglers freely come and go at the port.
Its storehouses are filled to the rafters with contraband.
Robbery, fighting, and murder are commonplace, and to boot...
...the area is controlled by three so-called bosses.
They blatantly ignore our authority.
To turn a blind eye to that is a disgrace to the fief.
Nonetheless, organized crime in Horisoto is so ruthless and wily...
...that it is beyond the power of public officers to control.
Even experienced magistrates... three of them, in fact...
...have resigned in the past year out of sheer frustration.
So you're saying that I, too, will eventually give up?
Permit me to make an observation.
Our Lord in Edo... nay, our young Lord in Edo, has commendable intentions...
...and I appreciate your enthusiasm.
But I fear they are perhaps rooted in youthful perfectionism and reckless courage...
...as well as an immature understanding of the problems of the real world.
Our Lord is already 32 years of age.
There are fifty-year old babies that still crap themselves...
...and there are those who know the world all-too-well...
...who brush that crap under the rug and call matters settled.
Are your words an insinuation about us?
All I'm saying is that our Lord is not a mere youth that is ignorant of the world.
My reference to his youth is not a criticism.
Indeed, it is a fact that there is much that is undesirable about Horisoto.
But the tax revenue it generates is no small resource for our fief.
And just as every house needs a toilet...
...the world needs its share of filthy places.
It goes against the natural order to try and eliminate such places.
I wonder if our Lord can understand this. I merely speak from my elderly heart.
It is as you say.
And yet, "the cleanest room in a samurai's house should be his toilet."
Isn't that what we've all been taught?
Is that a violation of nature?
Koheita.
Hm...?
What, Senba?
Well done. But perhaps a touch overdone.
Just laying groundwork.
I spread bad rumors about you as you asked, but maybe I overdid it a bit.
All the hot-blooded young samurai in the clan are now out to get you.
So I've heard.
You knew all about that?
Not really.
You'd be wise not to trust Yasukawa.
Hey Senba. It seems to me like the council has its own gangs.
You think so? They certainly seem to walk in lock-step.
Yeah, when it comes to Horisoto, they are suspiciously unified.
Now, let's go our separate ways for today. I'll let you know if anything happens.
Yeah.
When are you getting started on Horisoto?
I don't know yet. First I have to let the chips fall where they may. See ya.
"Clan retainers are forbidden to enter Horisoto!
"-- Imamura Kamon, Lord Chamberlain."
Sign: "Checkpoint"
So this is Horisoto...
"Moneylender"
Okay... place your bets!
Outta the way!
That's an interesting way of sitting down. Huh? Well?!
Oh. Sorry about that.
Proprietor! Sake. Bring us about twenty bottles.
Forget it, just bring the barrel.
The barrel?
Brothers, hang out with me. Sake is better when you're not drinking alone.
Gee...
Proprietor! Bring us lots of appetizers!
That's it, I'm pissed off. I'm betting the rest of my bankroll!
I'm with the house, but... are you sure about this?
You've got spirit. You're no regular wanderer, are you?
Likewise, you seem too ladylike for this gambling joint.
You're right.
I'll be a-wandering off tomorrow myself. Let's play.
The dice are cast. Place your bets.
If the dough's insufficient, I'll bet my body.
I'll stake everything on even!
Come on, let's dance. Let's dance, dance, dance!
Let's dance, dance!
You sure live it up around here! Is business always this good?
Of course. People just come here to throw away money.
I came to throw away money, too. Let's get rowdy!
But no matter how rowdy we get, we're paid squat.
It's the three bosses that make all the money.
Hey. Guests are waiting downstairs. Get going.
And who the hell are you?
I run the show here.
Okay then. I'm buying out the contracts of all these ladies.
Buying out the contracts, huh?
There's a generous tip for you, too. Keep it.
This is a fortune!
Come on, let's celebrate! Let's dance and dance!
Take it away!
Proprietor. I'm back.
Out all night again? The sun must hurt your eyes.
Oh, it's bright all right.
You've been staying at my inn five days now, but have slept here only once.
Has Yasukawa shown up?
Yeah. The day before yesterday, and yesterday.
Oh... Hair of the dog? What hospitality!
Oh, you're awake.
I hear you don't like samurai.
That's what Yasukawa told me.
Yeah, I hate them.
Why is that?
Because they act big all day long instead of working.
Yasukawa is a samurai, too, you know.
He's different. It's a shame that he is a samurai.
I served his father, who was also a standup guy.
Those officials at the castle could've learned a thing or two from him.
So... the officials are that bad, huh?
All they think about is stuffing their purses. And they neglect their duties.
By the way... you'd better be careful. People are after you.
Oh, you mean those guys hanging around out front?
What...? You know about them?
They're just loyal retainers. They follow me everywhere I go. Ignore them.
Plaque: "Taigetsu-in Temple"
Get in.
When you said to meet at Taigetsu-in Temple, I thought to myself, "how austere..."
...but look at this place.
This is a tearoom that was built for worshippers.
Do they serve sake?
Koheita... you shouldn't be sending notes to my office.
If they start suspecting me, it'll make things difficult for us.
But... we should be safe here.
What's suspicious about the magistrate meeting with the Chief Inspector?
Your reputation is getting steadily worse.
Why don't you occasionally go to your office?
I don't need advice today; I need money.
Did you bring what I asked?
Doesn't the magistrate's office have any money?
How am I going to use money that I have to account for?
I'll pay you back as soon as the money from Edo arrives.
No rush with that. But just don't forget that Horisoto is dangerous.
You know that I've already been to Horisoto?
Knowing you, it wasn't hard to guess.
Well, you're quite right.
But really, I want you to watch yourself, no matter where you go.
I know... I'll assign you a guardian.
I can't work with someone tagging along.
Of course, we'll do it quietly.
Senba, are you doing this out of duty... or friendship?
Both duty and friendship.
Hey.
If you're looking for a fight, I'll take you on.
You guys...
You guys belong to the League of Heroic Gentlemen, right?
I am Masaki Go.
I am Inui Zenshiro.
I am Tori-i Kakunosuke.
You're the new magistrate, Mochizuki Koheita, are you not?
That's right. I'm also called "Dora-heita."
You boys heard about my bad rep and want to kick me back to Edo, right?
Your behavior is improper for a magistrate.
Don't you know that you are a disgrace to all samurai?
Who cares?
I don't care if you are magistrate, it's unforgivable!
By the way, what do you boys think about Horisoto?
It is a garbage dump of filth and iniquity.
You've heard about the recent turnover in magistrates.
They all resigned of their own accord, due to personal problems.
You're na�ve. They were forced to resign.
Do you have solid proof of that?!
Horisoto is a source of great revenue to the fief...
...therefore the upper officials turn a blind eye to it.
Anyone who interferes gets dumped.
Are you saying that Horisoto's influence has penetrated the castle?
It's not that unusual. All fiefs have this problem to some degree.
However, this influence has penetrated to the very marrow of our fief.
It's become so powerful that it can't be overlooked any longer.
If this is true, then we shall get the evidence...
...and denounce the conspiracy!
Do what you must, but keep your nose out of my business.
What do you mean, "my business?"
I'm going after the roots of the problem.
Looks like we're in for some rain.
"I open the window and there I see, on the branch of the plum tree...
"...a nightingale flapping its rain-drenched wings...
"...ring-ding-ding and ding-ring-ring."
See ya...
Wait!
Why do you stop me?
Masaki! Why do you stop me?
Oh, Sir Yasukawa.
You boys are after the magistrate, aren't you?
Yes.
I won't allow it.
Is this our commanding officer speaking...
...or do you speak as the magistrate's close friend?
Both.
Sir Mochizuki Koheita, the newly appointed magistrate...
...has still not visited his office.
Welcome.
I've had my fill... of booze, appetizers... up to my neck.
Hey bro, if ever you need my help around these parts, just ask.
And it's not because you're always treating us either. We like you, I mean it.
Hey... I hear that you're a skilled gambler.
You got it. Brother Hei here is a wanderer with the golden touch.
Your name is Hei? I'm in love!
Hey... Sake! What kind of appetizers do you have?
"Sazae:" a type of horned turban (snail) shell, this is commonly used in sushi.
I got pickled herring, seafood jerky, and grilled turban shell. Stuff like that.
Then give us the stuff like that!
Is this a joke?
What do you mean, "a joke?"
If you don't have stuff like that, then you'll have to grill yourself, teriyaki-style.
Bro, this guy won't taste good boiled or grilled.
He opened this shop by selling his daughter to our boss.
Me and my daughter are making a living, thanks to the graciousness of our boss.
Wake up!
I work for bosses that prey on people like him.
Some of that blood-money goes into my pockets. Just thinking about it...
...makes me feel pathetic. You understand, don't you, bro?
You know how I feel, don't you?
They're an organized bunch of complete assholes.
Take the cargo porters, for example. They're worked to death for pennies.
Not only that, they're just patsies for smuggling.
And what they earn, they give back for sake, women, and gambling. That's how it works.
They even get a cut out of crappy kiosks like this.
Even hookers scraping out a living at the reedy riverbanks...
...have to cough up the bosses' cut, which I, the daily collector, must deliver.
These three bosses...
Do they ever fight over their share?
Not a chance.
Those three are tightly knit.
Taju controls booze and women.
Saibei runs gambling, and Nadahachi handles smuggling and loansharking.
They're sewn together so tight that nothing gets between the cracks.
Magistrates rode into town but couldn't do a thing about it.
Maybe this is going to be harder than I thought.
Mokubei!
You in there?
Yes, sir.
Oh! Squire Yasukawa.
Is Mochizuki Koheita here?
Yes. Strangely enough, he is here today.
What's so funny?
Well...
Something's up?
Yes. Something's up?
Please go and see for yourself.
It's Yasukawa.
I'm coming in.
Umm...
Oh, there you are! What perfect timing! Come right in!
But... it looks like you have a guest.
Never mind...
She's not a guest.
Quiet, you!
I'm just getting started.
If you think you can slink away just because you have another visitor...
...you're dead wrong!
But he's my friend, and we were going to discuss some business...
Please... do come in.
Uh... yes.
Shut the door.
Yes.
Please come and sit here.
Uh... yes.
So if you are...
...this guy's...
...friend, then you're just in time. I want you to hear what I've got to say...
...then decide which one of us is in the right.
But Yasukawa doesn't...
Shut up. Don't interrupt me.
I'm a Geisha at Yanagibashi in Edo.
My name is Kosei.
I've known this man intimately for seven years.
And in that time, he's put me through the wringer.
His frivolity is the cause of all my hardship.
He says, "I only flirt with other women, but I'll never be unfaithful to you."
He says, "I'll never sleep with anyone else."
The other women said that was true, so I've been putting up with him.
But three months ago...
...he was appointed to a post by the Lord.
"I'm taking this opportunity to marry a senior official's daughter."
That's what he said with a straight face.
I said, "Fine, if you've found a proper lady and are settling down...
"...then I shall gladly step aside."
That's what I said to him, and I even gave him a wedding gift.
A wedding gift?
And you took it?
Yeah.
What's the matter with you?
That's not all.
When all the girls found out that he had left town...
...and I mean, ALL the girls, even the incredibly homely ones...
...they compared notes and found out that he'd suckered them all.
Women...
...they're all such pathetic tattletales.
You're a fine one to talk!
You transparent buffoon!
Then I had a realization.
He's not the kind of guy to settle down.
I had to find out for myself, so here I am.
And it was just as I suspected.
According to the proprietor, he hasn't said a word about any wedding...
...and he hardly ever spends the night at this inn.
That could only mean that he's living the same way that he did at Edo.
Yasukawa!
That old geezer gossips like a woman!
How are we supposed to discuss business here?
You be quiet.
Now that the game's up, you're coming back to Edo with me. Depend upon it.
No, that would be a problem.
Why would that be a problem?
Are you implying that I'm in the wrong?
Well no, nothing of the sort, but...
...well, Mochizuki here...
...he's still got official duties to perform, you know.
As if that matters to me!
Until he comes clean to all the women back in Edo...
...I'm not backing down!
Hey you!
Where's the restroom?
Oh... is that why you've been so fidgety?
Ah... Okay... Go left down the hall, then to the right is the kitchen.
Go past it to the back.
Got that?
Excuse me.
Don't you dare run away!
Of course.
Serves you right.
It's good to finally see you put in your place!
Say what you want. You don't know the joy of having women fight over you.
And from what I've just seen, that's a good thing.
But in all seriousness...
...I came to give you a warning.
The high officials got word that you're violating the prohibition against entering Horisoto.
There might be an inquest at the castle.
How did they find out?
I don't know! Why do you have to be so reckless?
Hey!
I'm busy today.
Where are you going? I'm busy today.
Where are you going?
I got work to do.
And what about that woman... Miss Kosei? I got work to do.
And what about that woman... Miss Kosei?
I leave her to you. Be good to her.
Hey! I leave her to you. Be good to her.
You're running away?
What am I going to tell her? I can't do this! Come back here!
Please come back! Bastard! You tramp!
HEY!
ANYBODY HERE?!
What can I do you for?
Is this the house of Taju of Tomoe of Horisoto?
What's the matter, guy? Cat got your tongue?
I'm asking you if this is the house of Taju.
And you are...?
None of your business. Go tell Taju that there's someone here to see him.
Bastard. That's Boss Taju to you.
Your two samurai swords won't impress anyone in Horisoto.
Then what will? The blood and tears of women?
Asshole!
What's the matter? Do I scare you?
Your buddy's passed out over there.
Maybe you should go help him up.
I am Taju of Tomoe.
What is your business with me?
I'm Mochizuki Koheita, the magistrate.
Sir Mochizuki?
I can't say much for the way you welcome your guests.
My apologies... My apologies!
Please pardon the rudeness of my boys.
If you'd like, please come in.
Let's do that.
They're just unconscious. Splash some water on them. That'll bring them back.
I am humbly grateful.
Hey! Don't just sit there like a lump!
Show him in.
Yes sir. Come in, bro...
I mean, Sir Magistrate, please come in.
A fine mansion you've got here, huh?
I hear you're rolling in dough.
I am indeed grateful. I owe it all to our Lord's wise administration.
Good for you.
Yes, good for you.
Well no, maybe it's not very good for you.
You're serving me tea and cake?
It's only to freshen the palate.
Are you kidding?
You've heard of Mochizuki Koheita's reputation, haven't you?
I didn't drop in for tea and cake. Don't mess around.
Oh, please, accept my apologies.
I have heard the rumors.
I didn't want to go overboard and offend you. Just in case.
Bring on the ladies. A bunch of pretty ones.
As you wish... and so...
Coming!
Oh, it's Mr. Hei!
My Hei!
You girls know him?
I'm so glad you're here.
Hey, all of you!
Mind your manners. This man is a magistrate.
What?! A magistrate?!
It's all right, it's all right. I'm just Mr. Hei to you.
Come on, let's party!
Taju. You're a good guy. I like you.
Let's not be strangers.
I know what, let us be joined in brotherhood.
I wasn't prepared to be a proper host. But please stay and enjoy yourself.
Aw come on, lighten up. I'm offering to join you in brotherhood.
Here, let's seal it with this big cup.
Oh my... this is too big for me.
Here, pour.
Yes.
Please.
There.
Well done, well done, well done!
Now it's my turn.
Here.
Yes.
Taju. This cup will seal our bond of brotherhood.
All right?
A man of your position should not say such things, even in jest.
I'm dead serious. I'm a samurai, and we mean what we say.
Good. Here goes.
There! From this day on, you and I are brothers.
Yes...
Even! Odd! Even!
Even! Odd!
Even.
The dice will be cast.
The dice are cast.
Boss Saibei, that moron Yozaemon's gone bust again and wants a loan. What should we do?
His daughter's a fine specimen. Lend him 2-ryo with her as collateral.
What...?! Only 2-ryo?
That's plenty.
But the girl is only 13... That's plenty.
If we take her to Taju of Tomoe in a couple years, I can get at least 40-ryo for her.
I see, so you're getting quite a bargain.
Jackass!
As far as I'm concerned, it's too expensive!
Oh... bro...
Summon Saibei!
Saibei is now before you.
Pardon me, but might you be the new magistrate, Sir Mochizuki Koheita?
Right! So you know, huh?
Oh, of course.
And... how can I be of assistance?
Saibei... I want to gamble!
You've got a place for high-rollers, don't you? Take me there.
A... A 1,000-ryo box?!
Both of you...
You guys call yourselves...
...the bosses of Horisoto?
Brother Nadahachi... this guy is out of control.
Brother Nadahachi, it's true.
I can't believe... that he knocked out Yasu of Watonai.
He said that he first showed his tattoo, then jumped him...
...then all he remembers is going head over heels, and everything going black.
The same thing happened to your best goons, Gin and Kichigoro, huh?
Yes, the exact same thing.
Saibei...
What happened at your place?
Well, it was pretty amazing...
...and finally, he staked his entire 1,000-ryo box on a single roll.
And he said, if I win, I'm buying up all the poor girls you're holding as collateral.
Then what?
We lost.
You lost?
How could this be? You lost?
I thought your method was to let them win a bit, then take them for all they've got.
But you see...
He insisted on shaking the dice himself.
So I gave him loaded dice that only roll odds.
But after he shook them, they came out even.
I've never seen anyone pull such an amazing move.
That's terrible.
Not only that...
After the deal, he opened up the 1,000-ryo box.
It was filled with nothing but nails.
You've got to admit, he's a worthy adversary.
The guy's on a roll. And I didn't mean to do it, but...
...we even shared a cup of brotherhood.
What?! You, too?!
You, too...?
I'm so ashamed.
He's got both of you...
...right where he wants you.
I've been told that he's an extraordinary man.
And so... I suspect that he has some hidden goal in mind.
If he keeps this up...
...he'll take us for everything we've got.
"Dohyo:" the ring in which a sumo match takes place.
Not a chance... we've just entered the sumo-wrestling dohyo.
The match has not yet begun.
Yeah, but... what's our enemy's next move?
I have no idea.
Perhaps he'll pay you a visit next, brother Nadahachi.
Compared to the other magistrates, this guy's in a class by himself.
We have no choice... but to make him disappear.
Because my pockets are deep...
...much, much deeper than yours.
Sir Mochizuki Koheita, the newly appointed magistrate...
...has still not visited his office.
Had we known that we were always going to write the same thing...
...we could've made a stamp that says, "Sir Mochizuki Koheita..." and so on.
People in the castle say that because Sir Mochizuki is so negligent and useless...
...he'll probably outlast his predecessors.
Had he been competent, they say, he would've been replaced by now.
You know that the deputy magistrate went to the castle yesterday, right?
Yeah.
The high officials are going to hold a meeting about Sir Mochizuki.
Sir Mochizuki's been violating the ban on entering Horisoto...
...and they're going to decide on whether or not to censure him.
I use this medicine called Banpuku pills.
It works immediately.
Oh no, Deputy Lord Chamberlain.
What works best is to drink an egg mixed with hot sake before retiring to bed.
What works depends on the person.
First, you let the doctor make the diagnosis.
Then you decide which medicine to use.
Banpuku-pills have been used...
...for generations in my family, and are considered a most precious miracle.
It offends me that you'd compare it to ordinary medications.
Banpuku-pills, egg-sake, whatever the treatment...
...I'm just saying that non-professional diagnoses can lead to trouble.
Now now, both of you...
...we're here today to discuss an important matter.
Oh yes, that's right. So how did we get on this subject in the first place?
That's it! The Lord Chamberlain sneezed. Then we started talking about cold remedies...
...and we all went off on a tangent.
So it's my fault?
Anyway let's get back on track!
What measures should we take regarding the conduct of magistrate Mochizuki Koheita?!
How do we resolve this issue?!
I ask for the frank opinions of this council!
The conduct of Mochizuki Koheita can only be described as negligent and unruly.
But, as long as he's holding our Lord's seal over our heads...
...there's nothing that we can do.
Be that as it may, we cannot keep turning a blind eye!
Criticism of Mochizuki from within the clan is fast eroding their trust in this council.
I hear that Sir Honda is being held chiefly responsible.
That's the prevailing opinion...
How dare you accuse me of being solely at fault!
You're the Superintendent of Magistrates, so of course it's your fault.
But it was our Lord who appointed him!
So why did he send Mochizuki Koheita here without consulting us?
How am I supposed to know what our Lord was thinking?
Some Deputy Lord Chamberlain you are.
Now now, both of you, calm down.
Nevertheless, if we let Mochizuki Koheita keep running around...
...our dealing with Horisoto will...
What have we done that's wrong?
We made expedient political decisions in order to improve the finances of the fief.
Is that a sufficient explanation?
For the sake of political harmony, we've all reluctantly taken unwanted bribes.
We didn't want to make waves, that's all.
And in any case...
...we aren't the ones in direct contact with Horisoto anyway.
It's not us.
Right. Not us.
How do we handle Mochizuki? Interrogate him?
No, it's no use.
Then...
We must regretfully agree that he has to be eliminated.
Lord Chamberlain.
Let us bring today's council proceedings to a close.
I think I've caught a cold for real.
Hung over?
Hey...
I'm glad they're letting me use this place.
Last night was my third night here.
Is there some reason why you're avoiding the Nagame Inn?
I don't recall mentioning Nagame to you.
It's my business to know things.
I also know all about Yasukawa's plans.
You're very clever...
I can't go back there for a while.
Why?
Because... well, never mind.
Well...
So you can sew, too.
I'm also a woman, believe it or not.
Um... where's Koheita?
You tell me and we'll both know. He hasn't been back since.
I'm wondering where he's hanging out. You're his buddy, aren't you?
Don't you have the responsibility of finding out where he is?
Don't tell anyone that I'm staying here.
Yeah.
How's the investigation going?
I've got nothing to add to your original report.
It was quite useful.
All we need to do now is wait for their next move.
You mean the three bosses of Horisoto?
No...
Who, then?
The connection between the castle and Horisoto.
Whoever it is, they've kept well out of sight.
By the way...
...they've cancelled your interrogation.
Too bad. I was looking forward to it.
The fact that they cancelled the interrogation means that you have to be on guard.
I'm fully aware of the inherent dangers.
There's no point in coming out alive, without completing the assignment.
Hey... and take the guards off me.
Do the guards get in the way?
Miss Kosei. I believe it's in your best interests to return to Edo.
Not a chance.
I'm not budging from here until I drag him back with me.
I don't think Koheita can go back so easily. I hear he's doing important work here.
A man's work is his play. I'm a woman, so it's not my concern.
Excuse me...
Okay, everything's all set.
How did you know to look for him here?
I'll chase him to the banks of the River Styx if I have to.
Men have reason, women have intuition.
Wow. Quite impressive!
Is Horisoto far from here?
No, it's not that far.
Wait a second. You're not going to Horisoto, are you?
He's been going there, hasn't he?
Please don't. It's no place for an unaccompanied lady.
Murderers, robbers, kidnappers, smugglers...
...the place is teeming with every conceivable evil in the world. You'll be risking your life.
See ya...
WAIT! WAIT JUST A MINUTE!
And away she goes...
Don't turn around. I'm holding a knife to your back.
You guys in front, freeze.
All three of you, put your hands in your sleeves.
Do it now!
Good. Now let's have your names.
Kamogata... I'm from Kamogata...
I can't hear you. Speak up!
We're from the League of Heroic Gentlemen.
Trying to assassinate me, huh?
I know some guys in the League of Heroic Gentlemen.
Let's see your faces. Take off your hoods!
A little too old for the League of Heroic Gentlemen.
The enemy is getting nervous.
I'd better turn up the heat.
We're here.
Thanks. Now, about your tip...
Yeah.
Oh bother, where could he be?
How's business?
I'm looking for a man.
"Looking for a man?" Join the club.
The castle's been cracking down...
...so hardly any men from the castle come to Horisoto anymore.
You don't look familiar...
I came all the way from Edo.
I don't care if you came from Edo or not...
...you don't do business around here without talking to me first.
Hey, you've got it all wrong. I'm just here looking for a man...
Hey girls, come over here!
She doesn't belong here. Beat her up and run her out of town!
You're making a mistake.
Get her!
Stop!
Money!
Hold it, sister...
You just saw something you shouldn't have.
This here's illegal European booze.
But if we pour it into sake barrels like this...
...then we can take it anywhere, and do business out in the open.
You guys...
...are smugglers, aren't you?
That's why witnesses are a problem for us.
I don't care what you do. I'm just looking for a man.
Oh? Do you love him?
That's none of your business.
I wish I could take you to him. But you're about to have some bad luck.
You'll have to disappear.
Bastard, let go!
Who are you?
It's you!
Get him!
Birdbrain!
Idiot!
It's almost dawn.
At last, we're alone.
Edo's hundreds of ri away.
A long distance for a woman to travel alone.
It's getting harder and harder to make a living in Edo.
But this place is truly the pits.
It's the same everywhere.
Hey...
I'm serious.
About what?
I'm taking you back to Edo with me, no matter what.
It's my duty as a woman.
Tenacious, aren't you?
True.
How could I have fallen so much in love with you?
Your father was worried about you, too.
Oh... you saw my dad? How was he?
I dropped in to say hello before I came here.
My dad was quite the player in his day.
A playboy, and a constant visitor to the red-light district.
But everyone says he's an upstanding retainer.
He's tough as nails.
Uncompromisingly loyal.
Our Lord wanted to appoint him Lord Chamberlain in Edo.
So what happened?
He refused outright.
Why would he do that?
It's my dad's belief that younger people should be given the political posts.
You've inherited his stubbornness.
Nah...
I'm his equal at nothing.
I'll make sure to fix that.
After I take you back to Edo.
I'll be finished here soon.
You have to stay put until then.
"In greatest confidence.
"We have, as of yet, not had the opportunity to meet.
"Today I will host a small banquet at my home...
"...and I humbly request that you honor us with your presence.
"I have therefore placed a palanquin at your disposal.
"Hachirobei of Nadani Mercantile.
"To his honor, Sir Mochizuki Koheita, magistrate."
All right.
Let's go.
A woman?!
Who are you boys?
Where's the magistrate? Who are you boys?
Where's the magistrate?
"The magistrate?"
Oh...
I haven't seen him since last night.
Where was that?
It's not like it's any of your business, but it was in Horisoto.
He ignored our warning about going there!
It's inexcusable!
You boys...
...what do you want with him?
I will speak frankly.
Go ahead.
We have come to kill him.
So here you are, just as I thought.
If you know these boys, best to send them back home, right away!
Someone in the League told me that you were up to something. I came as fast as I could.
Mr. Yasukawa...
...the magistrate ignores our warning, and persists in his licentious activities.
We cannot endure it any longer!
If you guys lose control and kill Mochizuki...
...you'll be letting the high officials exploit you.
What do you mean?
Lord Chamberlain Imamura is retiring soon, due to poor health.
Several people lust after his post, namely, the Deputy Lord Chamberlain, Uchijima...
...and the Superintendent of Magistrates, Honda.
Whose side are you taking?
Don't be an idiot. I don't take sides, I have no interest in politics.
But the magistrate's actions are a disgrace to our fief!
HEY! MASAKI!
If Mochizuki Koheita were indeed a threat to our clan...
...I'd take his life with my own hands!
Bad trouble!
Bro's... I mean, the magistrate's life is in danger!
What?
Boss Nadahachi invited him to Horisoto, and he's on his way there in a palanquin.
He agreed to go?
No one invited to Boss Nadahachi's place comes out alive!
Who are you guys?
We work for Nadahachi, Taju, and Saibei.
Are you Nadahachi?
Pleased to meet you. Yes...
...I am Hachirobei of Nadaha Mercantile.
You greet your guests with style, don't you?
My humble thanks.
I've pledged brotherhood with Taju and Saibei, but not with you.
Come, give me your pledge.
I must humbly refuse.
What do you mean? I thought you invited me here to make a pledge.
There are many ways of making a pledge.
Hey, Taju and Saibei.
Break the cups that pledged you to Sir Mochizuki here...
...and take back the pledges of brother- hood you were tricked into giving.
We will. We will.
Oh well. I better take back my pledge, too.
But I don't have my cup.
So I'll use this one instead.
Nadahachi.
This makes us even.
Happy now?
I see...
"You see?" What do you mean by that?
You exceed your reputation.
What would you say...
...about becoming my adopted son?
Adopted?
Yes.
Sir Mochizuki...
...you are the second son of Senior Councilor Mochizuki Take-u-emon.
In samurai society...
...the second son...
...is condemned to a life without prospects.
No matter how able a man you might be...
...the first son will inherit his father's household.
Your talents and your valor are thus wasted.
How would you like to succeed me as ruler of Horisoto?
You're one crafty old geezer!
After speaking to you man to man, I'm even more impressed.
It would greatly pain me to have to kill you.
Then don't kill me.
If I execute all of you and clean up Horisoto, I can go back to Edo.
Is our execution... unavoidable?
Of course. It's my job to clean up Horisoto.
In other words, I have to yank the three roots of corruption.
Bastard...
In that case, you're not getting out of here alive.
I'll chop you to bits and feed you to the fishes!
Taju!
Yes!
Don't just sit there looking stupid! Get the bastard!
All of you, get in here! Get in here!
Don't let him get away!
You leave me no choice.
Ouch, ouch, ouch!
Sir Mochizuki...
I, Nadahachi, know when to give up.
You've defeated me with splendid skill.
I say nothing in my defense.
Do with us as you will.
Nadahachi... and Taju and Saibei!
I command you to report to the castle on the morrow.
I came here to deliver that message to you.
Be there, and be prepared!
Sign: "Checkpoint"
Hey!
Halt! Samurai are not permitted to enter Horisoto! You will get punished!
Oh yeah? Yeah?!
I don't care! I don't care, I don't care, I don't care!
Hey. Where's Nadahachi's mansion?
Um, Boss Nadahachi is... um...
Hey, Yasukawa. Came to greet me?
"Got feet:" Japanese ghosts do not have feet.
You still got feet?
Feet? Sure.
I'm so glad!
I am the magistrate, Mochizuki Koheita.
Nadahachi of Ogashi, Saibei of Tsugimachi...
...Taju of Tomo-e. Lift your faces.
Attend.
Our Lord commanded me to undertake the reform of the area known as Horisoto.
Upon close investigation, I determined it to be in a state of chaotic lawlessness.
Thus, those who have usurped Horisoto, namely, Nadahachi...
...Taju, and Saibei, the above named...
...should certainly suffer the penalty of death. However...
...our Lord is merciful, and therefore will commute their sentence to banishment.
However!
This commutation applies equally to all who have worked under them...
...and if perchance even one of them should violate the above...
...he shall bring down the sentence of death upon all of them.
If you have any objections, then speak now!
For if you have any objections...
"Seppuku:" another term for Hara-kiri.
Se... seppuku!
I understand. I have no objections.
Taju and Saibei, what about you?
As long as I have agreed, they won't shake their heads.
Isn't that right, Taju, Saibei?
Indeed.
No complaints, then?
Okay guys, you can relax now!
Oh... I'm glad that you've agreed.
Sorry, but I had to play hardball.
All I really wanted to do was bridge the gulf between samurai and civilian...
...magistrate and bosses of Horisoto, and work it out man to man.
Though you guys have raked in a bundle...
...by disregarding the laws of the fief...
...I won't be asking you to give the money back.
Use it to fund legitimate businesses, and make an honest living.
If the authorities had come after us using force...
...we would have resisted to the death.
But when faced with your tactics...
...we can only succumb.
I understand.
We will leave.
Good!
Now I want to discuss something.
Huh?! We're not done?
It's unfair to just judge you guys.
We need for the Council to admit what they've done.
What... do you mean?
I need solid evidence.
Huh?
There should be records of your capital and material dealings with the castle.
We never kept any records like that. We're not that stupid.
We burn them every time.
In that case, forge them.
Huh?
Base them on what you can remember, and make me some new ones.
Magistrate, you're even worse than we are!
They couldn't have agreed.
They did. All three of them swore an oath sealed in blood.
That's hard to believe.
I'm glad you said that. I thought you wouldn't believe it, Senba.
What do you mean?
Yakuza have a code of honor, just like feudal lords and samurai.
I want you to think about that.
After agreeing to leave...
...Nadahachi gave me a warning.
"There is one man who has been our link to the castle."
"He's cunning and acts his part perfectly, so people hold him in high regard."
"As long as he's around, Horisoto will never be cleaned up."
My excursions into Horisoto were leaked to the council.
Even the League of Heroic Gentlemen knew.
There was only one man who knew all the details.
A group of "Heroic Gentlemen" attempted to ambush me. When I took off their hoods...
...I saw that they were the Chief Inspector's men. And there's more...
I got Nadahachi's invitation here at Taigetsu-in Temple.
There was only one man who knew that I was at Taigetsu-in Temple.
Senba. That would be you.
What's the matter? Senba Gijuro.
Aren't you going to draw your sword?
Now is your chance.
Cut me down.
I rolled the dice on behalf of the fief's finances. It was a big gamble...
...but the dice came up snake-eyes.
That's all.
I sent word to you from Edo to investigate the situation.
The report you gave me was lucid and accurate.
That disguised you for a while...
...but the disguise you've put on must be taken off some day.
What'll you do, Senba?
Senba!
Forgive me... I betrayed you.
Everything was my fault.
You idiot! Hang on!
At least... let me die like a samurai.
Senba!
Members of the Council...
As of yesterday, the great cleansing of Horisoto has been completed.
Nadahachi of Ogashi, Saibei of Tsugimachi...
...and Taju of Tomoe, all have been sentenced to eternal banishment.
Well done.
Mochizuki...
Yes.
Must you sit at the high platform just to deliver your report?
I am here in the name of our Lord.
I know you are.
But the Horisoto issue has been resolved...
...so you're back to being nothing but a lowly magistrate.
SILENCE!
Woops, sorry.
As representative of our Lord, I have grave matters to discuss today.
Chief Inspector Senba committed hara-kiri yesterday...
...as I'm sure you all know.
Senba was the covert link between the castle and Horisoto.
He took the illicit profits from Horisoto and used them to shore up the finances...
...of this impoverished fief.
Wait!
This accusation warrants serious consideration.
Right. It amounts to saying that our clan...
...has been financing itself with taxes collected from criminals.
If such an accusation were to be made public...
...the Shogunate would certainly hear of it, and there would be hell to pay.
Are you aware of that?
Of course I am.
But it's essential for me to set the record straight by conveying something to you.
When Senba slit his stomach, with his dying breath...
...he said that it was all his fault.
He was an outstanding man.
Indeed. He tried to use his own death to cover up the wickedness of his clan.
Nevertheless, the evil roots of this fief's association with Horisoto...
...reach far higher. My investigations have uncovered these roots.
Masaki! Enter!
These were confiscated from Nadahachi, Taju, and Saibei.
They are detailed records of all of your dealings...
...in monetary and material matters with Horisoto.
Senba's last words were that it was all his fault.
But it is now clear that Senba was only following orders...
...from the senior retainers of this Council.
Mochizuki...!
What are you going to do with those records?
Our Lord has commanded me to make a complete report.
Therefore I will show them to him.
Mochizuki, you must not!
Our Lord doesn't know anything! What do you think will happen if he sees them?
Lets see... he will certainly take strict action when he finds out about all the dishonesty.
If he's inclined to be merciful, you'll all be banished.
But I rather think that you'll all get the death sentence.
However, if I were to rock the boat and expose the internal affairs of this fief...
...the Shogunate will certainly start an investigation.
And as you can imagine, that would not be in the clan's best interest.
If you want to extricate yourselves from this mess, all of you have no choice...
...but to withdraw from government.
What?!
Are you telling us... to resign?
That is not for a magistrate to decide.
If you resist, I will show these to our Lord!
What course will result in the least damage to the fief?
Think about it.
The decision on what to do with these records...
...depends upon what you senior retainers choose to do.
I'm getting too old for this.
I've been thinking about retiring from my post as Lord Chamberlain.
Me, too. Just the other day, my son and I...
...were considering whether or not I should retire.
There is no point in my staying if the Lord Chamberlain and his Deputy are resigning.
You're going to quit?
Only if you do.
Then I, too, have no choice but to quit.
All right then.
You've all decided to resign...?
Indeed, I applaud your determination to do what is best for the clan.
So...
...what do we do to replace the revenue from Horisoto?
My investigations have revealed...
...that this fief has vast plains and hills that are yet to be cultivated.
Ill-gotten gains might fatten our wallets, but they won't make the people happy.
Too much of anything is a bad thing.
Moderation is good.
Let samurai and townsfolk seek true prosperity...
...and cultivate the land that has been given to us.
This will inherently nurture our love for the living land. Our homes will be secure...
...and good people will rejoice!
HEY!
Dora-heita... Well done!
Well, Yasukawa, I couldn't have done it without you.
Masaki and others are rejoicing, too.
You've got lots of work ahead of you. Do your best.
Yeah.
How's she doing?
"She...?"
Oh... you mean Miss Kosei.
She said she never wants to see you again. She's furious.
Then maybe she went back to Edo.
Oh, she's gone all right!
Whew!
Yasukawa, I know you think I'm quite the player, but I'm not, you know.
So you're madly in love with Miss Kosei, and her alone?
Well, you're getting warmer...
Then why do you keep running from her?
I swore to myself that I wouldn't get involved with a woman...
...until I return to Edo and report to our Lord.
No kidding.
Deliver this to the magistrate's office for me.
A notice of resignation? You're resigning?
Of course! My job here is done.
I wonder why our Lord picked you to solve the Horisoto problem...
Everybody's good for something.
There's always a right person for the right job.
I suppose that he found me to be suitable.
Our Lord has a wily sense of humor.
Oh yeah... I don't need this anymore either.
Hey! Our Lord's seal is on that!
Don't you have to return it to him?
No I don't. I wrote it myself.
Wha...?!
What?
Our Lord's handwriting is not this good.
Yikes!
Figures... so, you didn't return to Edo, huh?
Hey you!
We still have a score to settle!
Yasukawa, you're a bastard...!
Please, just wait a little longer!
I can't wait any longer. I won't wait!
Then I'm running!
Hey! Anybody here?
Hey!
Sell me that horse out front! The one carrying all the Miso barrels.
Ain't my horse to sell.
It belongs to that drunk sleeping it off over there.
Oh!
Hey! Hey!
Sell me your horse with the Miso on it!
Wha...? A horse with Miso on it?
Yeah.
I done never eaten...
...no horse with Miso on it!
Cut that out! Now listen carefully!
I'm saying that I want to buy your horse!
It's an emergency, I need a ride to Edo.
How about 10-ryo, and you keep the Miso?
What?! 10-ryo?!
Hurry, damnit!
10-ryo... I've gotta be dreaming...!
Come on, go! Please!
Go!
Oooh! Dora-heita, you're not getting away from me!
She's catching up! Go! Please!
Today, again, Sir Mochizuki Koheita has not visited his office.
I just got this from Squire Yasukawa's messenger.
He brought us Sir Mochizuki's notice of resignation.
He claims he's resigning, but I bet he was fired.
Of course, he has to have been fired. That's his punishment for being incompetent.
But, from the day of his appointment until he was relieved of duty...
...the magistrate never came to his office. Not even once.
Now that has to be some kind of unprecedented, all-time record.
Book: "Official Daily Logbook"
Yakusho Koji
Asano Yuko
Kataoka Tsurutaro
Uzaki Ryudo
Sugawara Bunta
Otaki Hideji
Ishikura Saburo
Ishibashi Renji
Kato Takeshi
Kohyama Shigeru
Ujiki Tsuyoshi
Bito Isao
Edoya Nekohachi
Kishida Kyoko
Nagatsuma Akira Akatsuka Makoto Honda Hirotaro
Mitani Noboru Tsukayama Masane
Sugawara Kaori Matsushige Yutaka Kuroda Takaya
Isayama Hiroko Suzuki Yayoi Watanabe Azusa
Yokoyama Akio | Yamamoto Tetsuya Go-o Shiro | Aki Goro Kagawa Kuronosuke | Shibamoto Tadashi Kaji Haruo | Kawasaki Hiroshi
Morioka Takami | Aoki Tetsuya | Sugita Rintaro | Takemoto Satoko | Maeno Yuka | Ikeda Katsushi | Oishi Akihiro Moroki Junro | Odajima Takashi | Kamata Eiji | Yanagihara Kyoko | Shinpo Asa | Natsuyama Goichi | Sasaki Toshinori
Hirai Yasushi | Kato Masaki | Sakata Susumu | Hamada Kei Harada Itsuo | Nohara Kenji | Ono Koichi | Matsuo Katsuto Higashida Tatsuo | Maruo Yoshihiro | Takagaki Kiyoshi Kanda Takeo | Osako Hideki | Nemoto Kazuya
Kondo Go | Motoyama Riki | Nakajima Takahiro | Tabuchi Keiya | Kawai Tsuyoshi Miyako Kyosuke | Yamaguchi Hideshi | Nakano Tsuyoshi | Endo Kosei | Masujima Takeyuki
Akashi Keiko | Nishiguchi Shizuyo | Ueda Kozue | Yamamoto Akiko | Otani Kuniko Yamamura Satoko | Kaneko Tamami | Kamizuru Ryoko | Takano Yumiko | Mouri Keiko
Executive Producer: Nakamura Masaya Produced by: Nishioka Yoshinobu Original story by Yamamoto Shugoro, "Machi-Bugyo Nikki" from Shinchosha Publication Co.
Screenplay by Kurosawa Akira Kinoshita Keisuke Ichikawa Kon Kobayashi Masaki
Produced by Sarukawa Naoto Sakai Minoru Tsuruma Kazuo
Cinematography: Isohata Yukio Art Direction: Nishioka Yoshinobu Lighting: Shimomura Kazuo Recording: Otani Gon Orchestration: Ohashi Tetsuya
Edited by: Osada Chizuko Assistant Director: Ogasawara Yoshibumi Production Assistant: Nishimura Ikki and Matsueda Akira Orchestration Assistant: Saito Teiichi
Music by Tanikawa Kensaku
Special Thanks: Morichi Takahide and Takeyama Hiroshi
Design Cooperation: C.A.L
Assistants to the Director: Tanaka Mikito, Oka Tetsuro, and Soejima Hiroshi Assistants to the Cinematographer: Tanikawa Shohei, Kusaka Makoto, Kinbara Miho, and Oumi Kazuhiro
Assistants to the Art Director: Marui Kazutoshi, Kamon Ryoichi, and Kurata Satoko Assistants to Lighting Coordinator: Furukawa Masaki, Suzuki Kenichi, Kido Yoshiaki, Iwashita Kazuhiro, Mitomi Keiko, and Hikida Jun
Assistants to the Recording Artist: Okazaki Toshio, Konishi Susumu, and Nishimura Noriaki Set Design: Fukui Keizo, Shimamura Atsushi, Shimizu Yosakichi, Gohara Keita, Kamada Yasuo, and Hoshizaki Nami
Special Effects: Nishimura Isao and Shiomi Yasuhisa Sets: Kajitani Kazuo | Set Assistant: Fukuda Toshio Costume: Inui Yasunao, Saito Ikuko, and Ninomiya Yoshio | Hairdresser: Soga Tsuneo
Makeup: Yamazaki Kunio, Takazaki Mitsuyo, and Takeshita Fumi Coiffeur: Nishikawa Yuriko and Hirose Kiyomi
Record-Keeper: Kawano Emi | Assistants to the Editor: Saito Mitsuko and Yamashita Kenji | Negative Editor: Aoki Chie | Re-Recording: Hayashi Mototsugu Recording Engineers: Okubo Masao and Takeshima Naoto | PC Operator: Asari Naoko Effects: Saito Masatoshi and Hayakawa Takahiko
Design: Ogawa Toshihiro | Swordplay Choreographer: Uni Kanzo | Stills: Hashiyama Naomi | Titles: Shimada Productions Advertisement: Baba Kiyoshi and Horiuchi Kei Casting: Okahara Nobuyuki
Production Committee: Ora Takeharu, Kawakami Kunio, Honma Koichiro, Ishihara Kiyoyuki, Kadokawa Hiromi Iguchi Shinichi, Sakurai Isoo, Yanagihara Chiaki, Matsumoto Tsutomu, and Utsunomiya Hiroyuki
Cooperation: Shochiku Kyoto Film Studio, Koeishinsha, Shin-ei Art Technology, Hashimoto Komuten Mizumoto Brothers Construction, Saga Films, Toho Costumes, Yagi Wigs
Takatsu Mercantile, Kodak LTD, Eklan Acting Troupe, K&U, Japan Action Club Toei Acting Studio, Kanebo Cosmilion Kansai Location Service, and Nikkatsu Studio
Cinematography Cooperation: Miroku no Sato, Mitsui-ji Temple, and Omuro Nin-na-ji Temple Lodging Cooperation: Kyoto All Nippon Airways Hotel and Toho Sound Studio Presented in DTS STEREO | Tokyo Laboratory
Directed by Ichikawa Kon