Daiei Productions Presents
AKASEN CHITAI
Produced by Masaichi NAGATA
Screenplay by Masashige NARUSAWA Based on a story by Yoshiko SHIBAKI
Cinematography by Kazuo MIYAGAWA
Art Direction by Hiroshi MIZUTANI Music by Toshiro MAYUZUMI
Cast
Mickey - Machiko KYO Yasumi - Ayako WAKAO Hanae - Michiyo KOGURE
Yumeko - Aiko MIMASU Eiko - Kenji SUGAWARA
Shizuko - Yasuko KAWAKAMI Kurazo Taya - Eitaro SHINDO
Tatsuko Taya - Sadako SAWAMURA Night watchman - Bontaro MIYAKE
Policeman - Daisuke KATO Yumeko's client - Jun TATARA
Yorie - Hiroko MACHIDA Otane - Kumeko URABE
Directed by Kenji MIZOGUCHI
MEMBER OF ASAKUSA CAFE PROPRIETORS' ASSOCIATION
PLEASE COM E IN
- I'll leave the suspect's photograph here. - Very good.
- Drink this, it's cold out. - I shouldn't, but... thanks.
Things are very uncertain in our line of business.
Caught you in a bad mood, have I?
The government says go right, we go right, they say go left, we go left.
We pay our taxes promptly and what do we get? No protection!
Take this place, for instance.
When the Americans arrived after the war,
they told us we had to provide protection for innocent women.
So we raised the money to build this place
and now they're talking about introducing anti-prostitution laws.
We haven't even paid off our debts yet!
- They can't do this to us. - You're right, of course.
But this government can't simply ignore public opinion.
Listen, Officer Miyazaki,
my family has been here for four generations.
And the Yoshiwara District is over 300 years old.
If prostitution is so unpopular, how come it's lasted 300 years?
Madam...
Oh... hello, officer.
Hey, Eiko, any good tips for me?
Come off it, officer.
I'm going straight now.
It's true!
I'm acting as a guide exclusively now.
Oh. yeah?
You don't have to keep tabs on me anymore.
- Madam, can I have a word? - All right.
Good morning, sir.
So, what do you girls think of this anti-prostitution legislation?
I'm all for it!
You can afford to quit, you've got a man.
But what happens to the likes of us if they close this place down?
Well, the government said they'll house you all in...
What are they called? Dormitories.
And they'll give you jobs, too.
Yeah? And will they give me one of those concrete apartments?
- I don't know! - Then I can live with my son.
That'd be wonderful.
Then I'll find a young husband.
That's because you're still young, Yumeko.
In the olden days, though,
we were seen as courtesans, trained in the arts of poetry,
tea ceremony, flower arranging and calligraphy,
and we were treated just like noble women.
Sounds a bit daft to me.
Morning, sir. Are you off out?
- I've lots of things to sort out. - Oh, I see.
I'm really busy.
I'm off to the Guild to meet a woman Diet member on a fact-finding mission.
- I'll leave with you. - All right.
- See you later. - See you later!
- Oh, good morning. - What are you doing here, Shiomi?
- Are they all done? - Yes.
Why are you having to deliver them yourself?
I can't get the staff. It'll be the death of me!
- At least you're popular with the girls. - You're kidding!
Tell the girls to go easy on their clients today.
Very well. See you later.
Thanks. What do I owe you?
- Pay me another time if you wish. - Sure? All right.
- Madam? - What is it?
- Oh, good day. - Good day, Yasumi.
Madam, maybe I will take the money now.
Let me see, for fixing the covers that's six thousand yen exactly.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
- Here's another bill. - For Mr Aoki, right?
To think that he used to have a thriving business employing five staff.
He's taken a fast fall because he leads such a fast life!
- Yasumi... - Eh?
- You're practically bleeding him dry. - No way.
Yasumi!
Thanks for taking me out to eat the other night.
It was my pleasure.
Here...
- A little spending money for you. - Wonderful!
Are you free tonight?
Sorry, there's no way I can do tonight.
My brother's not well, so I have to go to Ogikubo and see him.
Oh, really?
Well, get him something nourishing with this.
- I couldn't take that. - Go on, please!
Really? I'll take it then. Thanks.
- Hey, Yasumi! - See you later.
Listen, Yasumi, don't be like that with me.
- Just give me an answer. - Eh?
- You mean moving in together? - You don't sound keen.
Well, I can't decide yet.
I can understand why.
You're the number one girl here at Dreamland,
while I'm just a lowly knitwear salesman.
What are you talking about? It just sounds too good to be true.
Yasumi, I've gone and bought all the household goods.
All I'm waiting for is for you to move in.
Do you not want to?
Listen... I'll be straight with you.
A woman like me, working in a place like this,
- I'm up to my neck in debt. - With loans, you mean?
Yes...
to the tune of 150,000 yen.
I just couldn't tell you before because I thought you'd reject me.
150,000 yen?
I'll get it from somewhere.
Listen... why don't you spend the day with me?
- No way, I've got to buy some stock. - Come on, come on.
- No, I can't... - Come on.
I'm so lonely without you!
Yasumi?
What is it?
Sorry, but...
I'm sorry to have to ask, but could you lend me 200 yen again?
I've run out of money for make-up.
Thanks ever so much.
I'll give it back to you with 10% next payday.
Come on in, come and enjoy yourself.
- Come on. - You're too old for me!
What did you say? You lout!
What do you think, madam?
She's a real find. She'd be perfect for this place.
She'll be a gold mine!
Hey, wait here.
Just call me Venus.
Hey!
Come on in!
I'm new in town, come on!
Let go of me! I work here!
- Who the hell is this? - She's having a laugh!
She scares me.
Mickey! Mickey!
This is her, madam.
- I like her look. - She's a real find.
- Give us a drink, will you? - No way.
- What kind of a girl is she? - Come on! She's a good girl.
Mickey's old man has a trading company in Kobe.
But he's a bit of a playboy so she ran away from home.
Then it was all downhill for her from there.
She got used and abused by some American,
and within a year, she became hardboiled as hell.
- And then I... - I've heard enough.
- Stand up for me. - Hey!
- What do you think? - Very good.
Beautifully proportioned.
That's my girl!
Good evening.
It's cold today, isn't it?
- How's your husband? - Same as usual.
They say there's flu going around. You have to take care.
Thanks for the advice.
It's tough being married, isn't it?
Your lover makes geta for a living, right, Yorie?
But business has been bad lately and he can't afford to visit.
I miss him.
He'd be off like a shot if he knew that you had debts of 120,000 yen!
I envy you, Yumeko.
Your son's almost grown up, only another year or so to go.
I hope he'll look after me, but it might take longer than that.
You with the glasses! Come on in!
All takings are split 60-40. Are you all right with that?
- It's not much, but here you go. - Thanks.
- Sorry I'm late. - Don't worry, I'm used to it.
But watch it, Hanae. You're not exactly a member of the idle rich!
Sorry.
- That's why I prefer my girls to live here. - I see what you mean.
- Come on in, boys. - We'll be back later.
Hello, gentlemen, won't you come inside?
The gentleman in the raincoat! Come on inside!
THE DREAM LAND SALON
Hey, want to come in for some fun? Come on!
Hey, come on, sir! Won't you come in forjust one drink?
Hey, sir! Won't you come inside, sir? Come on in!
Come on, I'll offer you a special service. Come on!
Come in for some fun, laddie!
What a cutie you are!
- This is Dreamland, isn't it? - Yes, this is Dreamland. Let's go!
Can I just ask you, does Kayo Kadowaki work here?
Kadowaki? Who's that?
She's my mother.
Don't be such an idiot!
Kadowaki? You mean you're Yumeko's kid?
- What? - You're a good-looking lad, aren't you?
Hanae!
- Come again. - This is Yumeko's son.
Really?
Wait here. I'll go and call her for you.
Yumeko?
Your son's here.
I can't see him dressed like this! Just send him away.
- But he came especially. - I beg you.
Really?
Oh, how charming...
- What did you say? - Ow!
I've been missing you all day. Come and stay with me.
Yumeko, what's up with you?
Sorry about that.
You should've gone out to see him.
Why do you feel so uncomfortable in front of him?
It's for his sake that you have to work here, isn't it?
You've got yourself in debt trying to bring him up.
He ought to realise how hard you have to work to make ends meet.
What's he doing away from home, anyway?
Maybe he was after some pocket money.
- He looks like a good kid. - You think so?
He looks more like my late husband every day.
I'd like to make him a suit for New Year.
I'll just have to work harder.
Hey, you in the hat! Are you coming in?
Hey, MN'-!
- Come and have some fun! - No, leave me alone.
Come on, it'll be fun.
Get off me!
Get lost, then.
You, the student! Come in and have some fun!
- No way! - Come in.
You give me the creeps!
Oh, long time no see!
It's good to see you.
You can stop the flattery!
Dreamland is my private hotel, just you remember that.
I'll see you over there. Take this for me.
Hey, are you from Osaka?
Hey... I never expected to hear a western accent in the Yoshiwara.
- You from Osaka? - No, Kobe.
Kobe? It must be because Kobe's a port town that your accent's like that.
I stay in Kobe at least ten days a month.
- Been here long? - I arrived today.
No way? Let's have a drink.
HEY, a glass!
- Here's to me and you. - "Me and you"?
- Come see me some time. - We'll have to see, won't we?
What's your name?
- Mickey. - Sounds like a cartoon character.
Hey! Come on, let's go up to my room.
It's too early. You go up. I'm not in the mood yet.
Better luck next time. Come on, you, let's go up.
- Let me finish this. - Come on, let's go.
You're such a ball-buster!
- You still here? - It's been so bad for business.
You should call it a day. There's always tomorrow.
I guess so. I might try my luck a little longer, though.
- Take care of yourself. - See you tomorrow.
Hi, darling.
He's been crying a lot. I don't want the neighbours to start complaining.
Really?
Listen, sweetie, you mustn't cry and make your dad fret.
- Have you had supper? - Not yet.
There's still some leftovers from lunch so I didn't bother cooking.
Let's go in there and get something to eat.
Welcome.
- Two bowls of soba, please. - Two soba!
All right!
Your cheeks are really flushed.
You've got a fever again.
No wonder. You haven't taken your medicine for ages.
I think the germs might have built up resistance,
so taking any medicine may be a waste of time.
I'll get you some tomorrow, anyway.
It costs about 1300 yen, doesn't it?
Don't worry about me, I can do without.
But that's about all we can afford to do.
There's no way I can afford to send you to hospital.
We'll just have to do what we can.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
- You remember Mr Yamada's wife? - Mr Yamada...?
He also lost his job with me during the restructuring at work.
Oh, the one with the beautiful wife?
It turns out, after she was admitted to the infirmary for TB...
they told her she's not got long to live.
You know Yumeko from work?
Well, her son came by to see her today.
She really flew into a panic.
He seems like a really nice lad.
He'll grow up to be like that.
He's so cute... How could we contemplate suicide now?
He's even saying "mama".
I'm glad now we decided not to commit suicide.
For sure.
God, it tastes good, this soba.
The Anti-Prostitution Bill, which has been defeated in recent years
is expected to be presented to parliament once more.
The Lower House Judiciary Committee summoned numerous people
from a variety of backgrounds to canvas their opinions.
Proponents of the bill are enthusiastic,
but equally vocal are those in the trade who oppose the legislation.
Difficulties are expected ahead.
Mrs Takehisa MP, in describing the proposal, commented...
Welcome back, master.
"Prostitution is an unforgivable evil, forcing women to sell their bodies."
Business has been so bad this New Year.
Even our number one, Yasumi, earned little.
Mickey owes us.
She works hard, that one, but she fritters all her money away.
Oh, welcome home.
- How did it go at the Diet? - That's the last time I ever go there.
I was in the visitors' gallery,
and one speaker from the opposition had the nerve
to call us in the trade "inhuman"!
They couldn't careless if we starved to death.
Politics is absurd!
Did Mr Awai do anything?
He's just a spineless bastard.
We voted him in to take care of matters like this.
- Now he's forgotten all his promises. - Typical.
Madam, what do you think of this material? Isn't it lovely?
How much?
6000 yen over five months, and 1000 yen down payment today.
Hey, call all the girls in, will you?
- Thanks. - I'll keep it till you pay me 1000 yen.
- That's unfair. - What about you?
- Can you sub me some? I'm flat broke. - Again?
- I lent you some money only yesterday. - It's gone. A thousand will do.
You've only been here a month yet you owe more than all the others!
You can pay it back first.
I could always quit and make plenty on my own.
Here...
Now that's more like it!
- Do you think that's wise? - And one more!
It's our responsibility to take care of our girls.
Is everyone here?
I have something important to tell you all.
The Anti-Prostitution Bill is going through parliament right now.
You probably heard about it on the radio.
They say it's a law that will protect you, but that's rubbish.
You will be the ones that'll suffer.
How will you survive if you have to go to jail for soliciting?
Hanae, how will you support your sick husband and child?
And Yumeko, are you going to be able to retire?
Yasumi, how are you going to save any money?
Are you willing to work as a labourer, Yorie?
Mickey, what will you do for spending money?
Do you understand what I'm saying?
The only people who really protect you are us, the brothel keepers.
We run these establishments to provide you with work so you won't starve.
You don't have to resort to suicide, any of you.
We make up for this government's insufficient welfare policies.
We act more like social workers!
They talk of human rights and welfare,
but these politicians don't understand what you have to endure.
We're the only friends you really have.
The politicians don't know what they're talking about.
Why can't we sell our bodies if we so choose?
If the business collapses, we can walk the streets.
We can choose our own clients. No griping madams hassling us.
- Hey! - Shut up, you silly girl.
So, what I'm saying is, don't get taken in by all their rhetoric.
Just consider what'll happen to you if they suppress our business.
Don't let them make fools of you. Understand?
Right, back to work! Go and get yourselves ready.
Mickey, there's a client to see you.
I wonder who that is.
A daytime client? There are some weird guys out there!
What a body!
You're like some pedigree race horse!
I'm off to Osaka tomorrow. Fancy coming to Atami with me?
Haven't you got an appointment with Yorie?
I don't care about that old slag!
What? You still around?
The madam told me you'd gone home sick.
You're a real man about town! What the hell are you doing here?
Don't get angry! Get undressed and get in with me.
You bastard!
- Bastard! - What...?
I swallowed a load of water, you whore!
- If I'm a whore, what's that make you? - I'm the client!
You bastard! Bastard!
All right, I'm going to my room!
Hey, Mickey! You've humiliated me!
- You know what our rule is here! - Rule? What rule would that be?
It's all right to steal money here, but you never touch another's client!
- Don't forget that! - All clients are idiots anyway.
If he's that important to you, put a leash on him.
Yeah... Mickey's right.
I'm ready to face anything.
You can suit yourself.
It's like when you buy fish, right?
It's only natural that you'd choose the freshest fish.
And it's the customer's right to choose.
You should look at yourself in the mirror.
What happened, Yorie?
Listen, come and have some tea and cakes with us.
Want some? Madam's angry because business is so sluggish.
Yorie, you shouldn't be mad at Mickey.
She's not to blame. Come on.
It's not that. I'm fed up with this work.
I'm just a country girl with nothing but mounting debts.
My life's just wretched.
Oh, I hate it.
How I wish I could just walk out and go and marry my lover.
Take a look at these.
What's all that?
Are you thinking of opening a shop?
I console myself by buying this stuff,
dreaming of the day we can get married.
Yorie, do you want to get married that much?
Yeah...
Then go and get married.
Look at this in yesterday's paper.
The courts have decided that our debts are null and void.
That means you can quit here and your debts are cancelled.
However much you owe, the owners can't collect.
- Is that true? - Of course it is.
So tonight, you should pack all your things.
Then you can take them to my place.
Yes, let's do that.
That'll teach that stingy madam a lesson!
But won't it create problems for us later?
We'll deal with that when it comes.
We really have something to celebrate. I can party like this any time!
What's so good about marriage anyway? Nothing.
The only difference is that it's a long-term contract.
She's off again!
I'm really happy you've made your decision.
Don't let things get you down, hang on in there.
Anyway, I've never felt happier.
The women who work at Dreamland are the scum of the earth.
Just be a good wife
and take good care of your husband.
However hard it gets, don't ever think about going back to that place.
You must never go back! Understand?
Of course she can go back if things don't work out.
No, you mustn't say that!
You must never go back there... ever.
Yorie...
Here... a wedding present from me.
What is it?
It's a travel coupon.
If it all goes wrong, you can use that to come back.
- What? - Yorie, don't listen to her.
What a bitch.
Here...
- This is from me. - What's that?
A set of rice bowls for newlyweds.
What? How old fashioned!
This is from me.
Oh, look!
It's so you don't oversleep when you get a normal job.
Yorie, here's my present.
It's a savings account with 500 yen to start you off.
And a seal for your account book.
Great! Now you can save all your pennies just like Yasumi!
That's the idea.
I feel bad accepting all of these presents from you.
They're really beautiful rice bowls, Yumeko.
These rice bowls have always reminded me of my late husband.
It must be 20 years ago
when we were married at the Manchurian Railways Club.
I was overjoyed when I received them as a wedding present.
Thank you.
I was so young in those days.
I am a maiden of sixteen years born in Manchuria
Next March as the spring snow begins to thaw
And the flowers burst into bloom...
Welcoming the spring...
I will leave for the next village to wed my fiancé...
I'm so happy, the happiest I've ever felt in my whole life.
But I really hate having to leave you all!
I really envy you.
I remember they were good times.
I'd really like to see my son.
Oh, the car's arrived. Get ready, get ready.
Come on.
Driver!
Good luck.
Give our best to your husband. And send us some photographs.
No more servicing customers back home, you'll soon get caught!
Good luck!
God, I thought that would never end!
Welcome, madam.
I hate the countryside. You have to wait an hour for the next bus!
It's so inconvenient.
Well... I'll have a bowl of noodles, please.
All right.
I'm just borrowing your mirror.
Which village are you heading to?
No village in particular. I come around these parts sometimes.
You can wipe off your rouge,
but you can't disguise your trade as a working girl.
- Good evening. - You've come!
Sorry I haven't been in touch recently.
How's father's sickness?
He's still bed-ridden as usual.
Poor thing.
You're only my daughter-in-law, yet you take such good care of us.
Oh, it's a pleasure.
Come on in.
You're always in such good health, you're very lucky.
Tell me, is Shuichi getting along all right in Tokyo?
It's good for him that he works in Tokyo rather than hanging around here.
I hear that the toy factory pays him quite well.
You mean, he isn't here?
Didn't he go to see you, then?
When was that?
It must be almost a month now.
He said he had something to discuss with you in Tokyo.
He sent us a postcard only the other day, as well.
I wonder why he hasn't seen you.
- Do you still have the postcard? - Yes.
It should be over there, in his desk drawer.
Hello?
Eh?
You're the owner of the factory? Hello...
l am Shuichi Kadowaki's mother.
He's an employee at your factory.
I hear that you're treating him very well, sir, thank you very much.
Well, he's such an inexperienced kid.
A mere country lad...
Thank you so much, sir.
Yes. Thank you, sir.
Do come again, sir.
Government offices are always busy after New Year.
I can't believe that.
I think you're just being hen-pecked.
Don't joke about that. I lost my wife and child in an air-raid.
I'm a widower.
It's a sad life being a widower.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that.
I'll be sure to give you the special "wife service" next time!
- I'll hold you to that! - Drop by again soon.
What are you doing?
You fool!
Why can't you understand?
Can't you see the misery I go through having to sell my body?
You ought to understand by now!
I'm no good.
I'm not good enough to accept the sacrifices you make.
So why do we keep struggling along?
Listen to me, we haven't stolen anything,
we've committed no crime.
But we couldn't survive if I didn't sell my body.
How can we call Japan a civilised country
when I cannot buy even the baby's milk?
I'll live to see how the country fares.
And I will live to witness, with my very own eyes,
the eventual downfall of prostitution!
With my own eyes, I'll see it!
Oh, this whole thing's really starting to vex me!
All you hear is the Diet and the press constantly denouncing us.
No customers are dropping by, and no girls want to risk working.
How can we afford to work to an 11:00pm curfew?
You girls have got to sell yourselves more!
Yasumi, you're the top earner.
Not much to choose between the others.
Yumeko, why don't you work harder if you've a son to support?
Nothing for you, Mickey.
You're in even more debt.
Another sub, please!
- Hello. When did you get here? - Sorry I'm so late.
- Anything wrong? - No, nothing.
Here, five days' pay for you, which comes to 1200 yen.
But you still can't pay back the instalments, can you?
Listen, do something about your scruffy appearance, too.
You're supposed to be for sale.
I shall, madam.
Mickeyl
You owe me 1500 yen, remember?
I'm flat broke.
- I'll take this ring, then. - You will, will you?
It only cost me 1000 yen. Oh, well, I've made 500 yen!
Bitch!
And for your trip to the country, you owe me 2000 yen.
Look, I'm sorry, but can you wait for the rest?
I've only got 200 yen left. Please.
I'm fed up of hearing your excuses.
Before you have to ask, here's what I owe you for medicine.
Thank you. Any time.
And your interest...
50 yen, right?
- Where is he? - Welcome.
Master, it's Mr Nomura from the union for you!
I refuse to talk to any more politicians and reporters...
I'm here to tell you the quilt-maker has left town.
- The quilt-maker? - Yes. And he's in debt to many people.
- Does he owe you? - I lent him 30,000 yen for new stock.
Little cheating bastard!
It's happening all over the place!
Welcome!
Oh!
- Good day. - Good day.
Who was that?
Her? She's in the typing pool at the office. She looks after me.
She's dressed pretty smartly.
Her father owns a restaurant.
What's her name?
Why do you need to know her name?
Miss...? Miss Yasuhara.
I'll go and say hello to her.
So you're Miss Yasuhara...
l am Mr Kaneda's wife.
I wanted to thank you for all the kind assistance you give to my husband.
Not at all. I'm indebted to Mr Kaneda for his generosity.
Welcome!
I hope he's always well-mannered towards you.
Of course.
Please excuse me.
Mr Aoki...
Here's the 150,000 yen I promised you.
Oh! You've made me so happy!
I won't forget this. You don't know how much you've helped me out.
I am so lucky to have a man like you in my life.
Listen, when can you quit Dreamland? You can come round to mine tonight.
Well, you see,
it's difficult to explain.
What is it? Not more debts, I hope.
I only got out of hospital two days ago.
I'd been brought in with kidney trouble.
- In hospital? - Yes.
And now you have more debts?
Sorry.
Yasumi, 150,000 yen is a lot of money for a man on my wage.
I have no more to give you.
I only started back at Dreamland today, so come tonight.
You're angry with me.
All right, from now on I won't trouble you ever again.
I couldn't possibly ask you for any more.
How much do you need?
100,000 yen.
100,000, eh?
- Good evening. - Welcome.
Powdered baby milk, please.
- This vitamin-enriched one is 270 yen. - That should cover it.
I always have to buy the stock in with cash, though...
- Welcome. - Thanks.
I'd like some of your cold cream.
- This one? - Yeah.
And this...
I'll take this as well. Put it on my tab.
Let me see, Mickey...
- Look, you still owe me 1600 yen. - I know!
Come over and see me after closing time. I'll do you for special.
Hey... Is that you, Yorie?
What happened to you?
Quickly, come inside.
Welcome.
You look so thin.
It's been awful.
It didn't work out with your new husband?
You're back so soon? That was quick.
It was just a wild dream.
I only realised afterwards.
He didn't want me, he just wanted someone to help him.
He couldn't afford to hire anyone but I was free.
I ended up working till midnight every night.
I was exhausted with all the cooking and cleaning as well.
- He treated me like a slave. - But you married him.
You have to expect a little hard work.
You should've realised that beforehand!
I know, I was such a fool!
But he was so poor.
No matter how much he worked, he couldn't even afford a kimono.
Then I started thinking about returning here
where at least I could earn my own money.
Once you get into the habit, it's very difficult to turn down.
Please forgive me.
At first I tried to get a decent job.
I really tried hard, but I couldn't get anything that would pay.
Nothing over 5000 yen, right?
I even went down to the Employment Offices,
but they said there was no legal business
in which a woman could earn 15,000 yen.
That's true!
All I can do is to have a word with the madam for you.
Yasumi, here's this month's interest that the yakitori restaurant owes you.
It was like getting blood out of a stone.
Really? Thank you. There's your tip.
That's a lot of money.
Don't touch it.
That's not a very safe place.
Listen, it'd be better in here.
It'll be fine in here until you go to the bank tomorrow morning.
Good idea.
Is all this money yours?
I've struggled with poverty all my life...
Listen, do you know they call you "Miss Moneybags" around here?
They can say what they want.
It's amazing that a girl your age can be so organised like this.
There's nothing amazing about it.
The reason I came here
was to make bail for my father who got mixed up in a corruption scandal.
I had to make the 200,000-yen bail.
My life was ruined for just 200,000 yen!
Just for money!
I hate poverty!
Mickeyl
What? I'll have something to eat later.
It's not food.
Eiko's brought a client along for you.
Is it busy already today?
Two idiot clients before I even have lunch?
Hey, grey-haired romancer...
Papa?
Have you come for me?
You're such a disrespectful daughter!
Rumours about you have been spreading like wildfire.
Everyone at home knows you're here in the Yoshiwara.
Pack your things at once.
You don't want to?
Your mother was worried sick about you.
Is mother still mad at me?
She's dead.
What?
What did you say?
Your mother died last spring.
You drove her to an early grave.
She's dead?
- And that's her father? - Yeah.
Add up all her debts and stick 10% on top.
It's not like I've done anything wrong.
Mickey isn't a juvenile,
and I didn't kidnap her!
Father or no father, he can't just turn up suddenly and snatch a girl back!
He doesn't settle the matter simply by paying off her debts.
70,200 yen in all.
Hey, Tasuko...
Listen, Michiko...
I came for you because your sister Takako is getting married.
One of my customers is a good match for your sister.
He might overlook the fact that you're a delinquent,
but if he hears you're in the Yoshiwara
then the marriage would be off.
Your elder brother graduated from college with honours,
yet he can't get a government post because of you!
Really? So that means I've got to come home?
Exactly.
We're an old, established family in Kobe.
My trading company's doing really well.
But people have started talking.
If you were to come home, everything would be all right again.
Also, I got remarried recently...
What? You got remarried?
And less than a year after mother's death?
Who is she, then? Not that geisha from Kyoto?
Is it that slut from Osaka?
Any mistress would do you!
Something you wouldn't understand
is that the wife is the axis of the household.
The public just won't trust a family-run business with no wife.
Axis of the household, you say?
Your business won't prosper without a wife?
So why didn't you treat mother better?
She was always in tears over you and your hedonistic lifestyle.
Why didn't you change your ways while she was alive?
Remember how I begged you, in tears?
Why are you putting on such airs of respectability now?
You know what? I'm only following your example.
I've been having a good time just like you, Papa.
You have no right to stop me from doing anything.
I don't give a damn if Takako remains a spinster.
You're the one to blame!
Now it's your turn to suffer, Papa.
You can suffer and cry out all you want.
Then maybe you'll understand how mother felt.
And you can stop this pathetic father-figure act.
And don't try telling me you've never visited the Yoshiwara before, Papa.
Don't look at me like that!
Do you fancy trying it again?
Only 1500 yen for you!
It'd be the last word in debauchery.
You won't forget it for the rest of your life! Come on!
What do you think you're doing?
Not up for it?
In that case, you can get out! Get out!
I'm staying here!
If you force me, then I'll go and join mother!
Sir, just one thing...
Bastard! What a melodrama!
I'm going to have a bath and watch a Marilyn Monroe film!
Yes? This is Dreamland.
One moment please.
Yumeko, it's for you.
- For me? - Some young man.
Chance would be a fine thing!
Hello? This is Yumeko...
Sorry, but I'm booked up this evening...
Shuichi? Is that you, Shuichi?
Why do you keep phoning me here? What do you want?
I can't stand it any more. Stop calling me.
Don't be like that.
Why didn't you tell me that you were coming to Tokyo?
You idiot.
Listen, Shuichi, I'd really like to meet up. Where are you?
There's something I need to discuss with you.
Where are you?
I can't discuss it over the phone.
Please can we meet?
Stop going on! All right, all right, I'll see you.
I'll wait for you outside the factory tomorrow afternoon, around 3:00.
Listen, just now I got a call from my son. He wants to see me tomorrow.
He probably wants me to move in with him.
Isn't it wonderful having a son?
You're so lucky.
Mama!
Mama, over here! What are you doing?
Oh, Shuichi!
I'm so glad to see you, so glad.
I've been really worried about you, I just wanted to see you again.
You've no idea how worried I was not to see you at Grandpa's.
It's great to see that you've found work.
I have to work or I'd starve!
Well, of course you have to.
My, how you've grown.
It feels a bit strange walking alongside you like this.
Is work interesting?
How much are you earning a month?
The pay is low when you start.
But that's fine with me. I'll make my own living.
I'm studying at night school to be an electrician.
Really?
Is that true?
You want to become an electrician?
An electrician, eh?
That's wonderful.
You'll be able to live with me, then, won't you?
Business isn't going too well for me.
The future looks bleak.
And I'm getting on.
I'll get into trouble if you keep phoning the factory.
Why? Surely you're allowed a phone call from your mother?
They're ever so polite to me on the phone.
Everyone at home knows what you do for a living!
I was too ashamed to stay there, that's why I left.
What are you on about now?
Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
You know what you are?
How dare you speak to your mother like that!
I have to do what I do at my age, because I wanted to raise you!
- Don't you criticize me! - Isn't it your duty to raise me?
What?
Listen, Shuichi,
I won't be allowed to work much longer.
There'll be laws to stop me working.
What will become of me then? You're the only one I can turn to.
I've been waiting a long time to be able to live together.
Listen, I'm begging you, don't be angry with me.
This is the last time you'll ever see me.
I never want to see you again.
I'm no longer your child!
Shuichil How can you be so cruel to your mother?
I hate you!
- Shuichi! - Dirty whore!
Hey, you! Come in for some fun!
- Sorry to keep you waiting. - Oh, it's here! Come on, it's my treat.
Really? Thank you.
Yumeko, Mickey's treating us. Come and eat.
Thank you so much.
I think Yumeko's gone a bit strange since her son disowned her.
What a terrible son.
They're all so selfish.
They only acknowledge their parents when it's convenient for them.
Untrustworthy fools, the lot of them.
Hey, go ahead and eat that, it's for you.
Go on, it's for you.
Go on, eat it.
Thank you.
Tastes good!
Best food I've ever had!
- Funny girl! - Where are you from?
I'm from Kyushu.
Iizuka City.
Eh, Kyushu?
What are you doing in a place like this?
My dad had a terrible accident down a coal mine
and now can't work.
You poor thing. She'll fall into the clutches of clients soon enough.
Wasn't it the same for all of us? I was sold as a teenager for 2000 yen.
Hey, Yorie!
Oh!
- Good evening, gents! - Where's Yumeko?
She's over there. Yumeko?
Yumeko, I've missed you.
What's wrong? Had the hysterics again?
I'll cheer you up, come on.
I've been bored to death, stuck in the mountains lately.
I need the full service tonight. Your master's back!
Don't look so down. I've plenty of money...
l am the wife of Mr Osamu Kadowaki. Yes, I am...
lam a maiden of sixteen years born in Manchuria
Next March as the spring snow begins to thaw
And the flowers burst into bloom...
Welcoming the spring...
Yumeko? Master! Master!
Master!
Madam!
Yumeko!
He'll be waiting for me there...
Shuichi... Shuichi.
- Come here, it's dangerous. - Yumeko! Yumeko!
She's completely gone.
Call the doctor, quickly! And get Officer Miyazaki.
They'll welcome me with crashing gongs and beating drums...
When I arrive in my carriage festooned with ﬂowers...
- What's all that about? - It's nothing.
Really?
- Yasumi, did you pay off your debts? - Yes. All of them.
That's good.
Let's pack and go on honeymoon then.
That's a bit sudden.
Look, I've already bought the tickets to Beppu.
Tomorrow, we'll be relaxing in the sand baths.
"Y;
I would never make a good wife for you.
WW not'?
I'm a woman who has sold her body.
You'd regret it later, I know you would.
Don't be so silly, I'm not that kind of guy.
I won't do it, I won't go.
Yasumi, have you deceived me all along?
I scraped together 300,000 yen to buy somewhere to live with you.
Listen, honey,
I asked you for money to help me get out of this business.
You can't give money to girls like me and grumble about it afterwards.
So, you never had any intention of marrying me?
- You deceitful bitch! - If you want to hit me, then hit me.
You're a businessman, right?
Well, I sell my body just like you sell your wares.
It's just a business transaction, isn't it?
So stop whinging over a little lost money.
All that money I gave you was from my business!
I wanted to marry you so much that I embezzled it all!
And I chose Beppu far away so I could escape the authorities.
Please, run away with me! Please!
I wouldn't have accepted the money if I'd known that.
What?
Give it back! That 300,000 yen is worth more than my life!
That money's important to me, too.
If you really loved me, you'd let me keep it.
At least give me my money! I can't lose both you and the money!
Stop it! I can't bear weak men like you!
And don't visit me again.
Madam, help!
Master!
He'll me!
He's killed her.
Yasumi!
Quick, get a doctor!
Hold on, Yasumi.
Yasumi! Yasumi!
Just popping out.
Come and see me sometime.
Goodbye.
A murderer and a lunatic in one night? It's enough to drive you mad.
Let's call it a night.
The Anti-Prostitution Bill has been defeated once again.
Review of the controversial bill came to its final phase...
And she's registered in...
Thank you for your help.
- Shimane Prefecture? - Yes.
Thank you, doctor.
Sorry for the trouble, doctor. How is she?
Let her rest tonight. She'll be back at work tomorrow.
- Really? Thank you. - Thank you so much.
- Hey, has Yumeko gone? - Yes, finally.
Yumeko will have her very own concrete apartment now, won't she?
- Right, we'll get after this guy. - Thank you, officer.
- Otane, I'm going up to bed. - Very well.
Thus the Anti-Prostitution Bill has been killed off
much to the consternation of its proponents
who see it as nothing less than a betrayal of Japanese women...
See? It's failed again.
- The public would never have it. - Course not.
This issue will have far-reaching political ramifications
and any further developments on the bill will be closely scrutinised.
- Tasuko, crack open a bottle. - All right.
- And get some sushi for the girls. - Let's celebrate.
- Bring some sake! - See, girls? Didn't I tell you?
Hanae, now you can look after your sick husband and your baby.
Yorie doesn't have to work as a labourer.
And Mickey, you can have whatever spending money you need.
We make up for the inadequate policies of this government!
We're more like social workers!
The politicians are all talk. They have no idea of the hardships you endure.
We are the only ones who look out for you!
Understand?
Right, from tomorrow you'll have to get cracking, girls. All right?
- Yes. - Yes.
- Hanae, there's someone for you. - Me?
- What about the sushi? - Oh, yes.
Phone for a five-person set, will you?
- Have a drink yourself. - For me?
Listen, I told you never to come here, didn't I?
The landlord has evicted us.
And we can't sleep rough because the baby will catch cold.
Please, I don't need to hear this.
Sorry...
We'll be in the kids' playground.
Listen...
I'll come home with you.
I'll ask the master to lend us some money for the rent.
Really?
FURNITURE, FUTONS, BEDDING
Oh, hello, master. Welcome.
Many thanks for the wonderful flowers that you sent.
- You've got plenty of stock. - Please have a seat.
- It's very impressive. - Thanks to you.
You're a great success, you deserve the praise.
- I wish the women MPs could see this. - Not at all.
- Mistress... - Are the kimono packed?
Yes, madam.
Pack these covers, too.
Please, make yourself comfortable.
I want something more colourful to suit a young girl.
Well, how about this?
It doesn't appeal to me.
She's got to look really pretty on her debut.
Afternoon, madam.
- Thank you so much for the flowers. - Not at all.
- How's business? - I'm doing my best, thank you.
And thanks for placing your orders with us.
How much are the cushion covers?
- Do we get a discount? - Of course.
Let's call it 7000 yen. And you can pay later.
This is a present for you on our first day of business.
Oh, thank you.
- Give them the winter covers, too. - Thank you, madam.
- See to that. - Yes, madam.
- Thank you for the business, madam. - Good luck.
Thank you.
Here.
Mickey.
Excuse me!
I hope you will patronise my new business, ladies.
We can also arrange loans, should you require the service.
How does she do it?
She ruins that guy that owns the quilt shop and then buys his business.
And Aoki, as well.
Well, she won't sleep well at night having deceived so many men.
Deceive or be deceived.
The only way to quit this life is to do what Yasumi has done.
She's smart.
- Thank you. - That's Yumeko's futon.
It's cursed, that's why they're getting it recovered.
- I wonder how Yumeko is doing. - Having sweet dreams, I hope.
Young girls look so attractive in make-up, don't you agree?
The prettier the clothes, the more money you'll make.
Listen, Shizuko,
you're no longer a child so I know that you understand.
It's not me that's forcing you into this business.
You know, don't you? Your mother wants this.
She needs you to start sending money to her as soon as you can.
It's against our wishes, mind you, but that's what she wants.
We'll just have to see how you get on.
To be honest, we don't make a habit of hiring virgins.
What a lovely girl.
Hungry?
Fate can't be helped, can it?
There's no way out now.
Listen, you've got to lose your virginity some time,
so you may as well charge some idiot for the privilege.
Copy what I do and look lively!
You, sir, in the beard! Come in and have some fun!
Come on in...
Idiot!
Please... come in...