To our good and loyal subjects:
We have decided to effect a settlement.
We have ordered our government to communicate...
On August 15th, 1945 Japan lost the war...
and surrendered to the Americans.
...endure the unendurable and suffer the insufferable.
I couldn't understand what the Emperor said.
It was very strange that no one cried.
Many were glad that the bombers would stop.
Only our teacher, Komako, cried.
Later, alone, I cried, too.
~ SETOUCHI SHONEN YAKYU DAN ~ ( MacArthur's Children )
The Supreme Allied Commander, MacArthur...
aboard his aircraft, 'Bataan'...
Produced by 'You/no/Kai' Yu Aku Masato Hara aboard his aircraft, 'Bataan'...
Produced by 'You/no/Kai' Yu Aku Masato Hara .
Produced by 'You/no/Kai' Yu Aku Masato Hara landed on August 30th.
Produced by 'You/no/Kai' Yu Aku Masato Hara .
Original story by Yu Aku
Screenplay by Tsutomu Tamura
Produced by Seikichi lizumi Kenichiro Yamashita Planning by Kazuo Kuroi Toshinori Ebina
Director of Photography: Kazuo Miyagawa
Art Director: Yoshinobu Nishioka
Music by Shinichiro Ikebe
Cast:
Takaya Yamauchi as Ryuta Yoshiyuki Omori as Saburo Shiori Sakura as Mume
Masako Natsume as Komako
Shuji Otako as the Policeman
Jiro Kawarazaki as Nakai
Juzo Itami as the Captain
Hiromi Go as Masao
Shima Iwashita as Tome
Directed by Masahiro Shinoda
Have you all finished?
Which parts do we have to erase?
The Principal is making his rounds.
To avoid errors, he'll tell us what to cross out.
What? Don't you know?
That's not quite true...
So, we'll start with your grammar books.
Erase all references to the Imperial Shrine.
All of it?
Next, The Sailor's Mother.
"In the 28th year of the reign of Emperor Meiji...
"a sailor on our battleship, Takachiho...
"read a letter and cried..."
Erase everything!
Be quiet!
Next... Souls Victorious in Battle.
Next... My Child, Rangoon Has Fallen.
Next... Korean Country Tales.
Damn! We lost Korea!
That's enough!
Ryuta!
All of you, let's start.
What we're doing today...
you must remember all of your lives.
From page 49 to page 50.
"My Uncle, commanding a troop abroad..."
should read "My Uncle, who works overseas."
My father went to Warrior's Heaven!
What's that you're saying, boy?
I'm talking about Ryuta's father and mine!
Such insolence!
And wipe that scowl off your face!
Japan's supposed to be at peace.
Hitting isn't allowed anymore!
Shut up! Stand in the hall.
Ryuta, erase mine for me.
He won't need it anymore. - What?
I don't have to come back?
Great! Goodbye!
You just wait, young man!
If you come here, I'll give you a present!
Miss Nakai, this is no laughing matter.
All of you! Back in your seats!
Won't anybody go and catch him?
Who's the class leader?
Ryuta. Ryuta!
Run after him.
I'm over here!
Saburo, cut it out!
Shut up!
Japan lost the war.
We no longer have a country.
What's school, anyway?
What's with textbooks?
I'm quitting school.
You'll get our teacher in trouble.
So, go back, stupid!
Are you so afraid of the Principal?
And so worried about our teacher? You're spineless!
Say that again!
Spineless! - Come back.
What's this? Is something wrong?
Looks like you fought with an octopus.
The textbooks. The forbidden parts.
We used ink... to black them out.
Here, wipe your faces.
Shall I give you a haircut?
No, thanks.
I've decided to become a Baraketsu.
A real tough one.
Quitting school to become a gangster?
Yes. I can't become an admiral anymore,
so I'll become a gangster instead.
And you?
I don't know what I'll do.
You're stopping?
Not yet. But wait for a moment.
To our returning soldiers, a heartfelt welcome!
We lost the war, but the mountains and rivers remain.
Our beloved island, Awaji, remains the same...
and welcomes you home with open arms.
Rest in the bosom of your loved ones.
Together we'll build a new Japan.
Together, with our sweat and toil.
I beg you to work toward this noble goal.
Mother!
I'm back!
Mrs. Anabuki...
You're doing a wonderful job.
I hope you've no black market goods under your apron?
Of course not. Just a little soap, that's all.
Let me see.
Don't resist.
You were so gentle with the returning soldiers.
Spare some sympathy for a war widow.
Mr. Ashigara...
Yes, I understand. I also lost a loved one.
White rice, eh? A whole bushel.
That's why I asked you to ignore it.
I can let you have some.
You're a criminal! I'm confiscating it.
That's mine! - Let go!
You must pay for that. - Come along with me.
I'll pay if I have to, but don't take the rice.
Make your statement at the police station.
Captainl
Captain Hatano!
Sorry I'm late.
We've been out fishing since early morning until now.
Nakai, you've turned into a real fisherman.
This is my daughter, Mume.
Sorry to impose. I'm Mume.
I'm Nakai. It's no imposition at all.
When I was a cook on your father's battleship...
he was very kind to me.
Nakai is fatty's dad.
The other was the Captain of a battleship.
A commander or rear-admiral, I bet.
A battleship commander is a captain.
A commander? A rear-admiral?
Hey, you two! You talk too much.
My name is Mume Hatano.
Please show me to the school.
Mume?
It means 'brave woman'. An old-fashioned name.
I'm Saburo. This is Ryuta.
He's the fifth grade class leader.
I'm a fifth grader, too.
Father, I'll go submit my school transfer.
Mr. Nakai, what's our new address?
Number 43...
Kousaka, Tsuna Province, Hyogo District.
Take my seal with you.
Nakai, I'll go report to the police station before they ask for me.
Police station?
Is there an officer here?
Yes: Ryuta's grandfather.
It's over there.
Why do you have to report?
I may be designated as a war criminal.
By the Occupation Forces? - Yes.
I don't want them to think I'm hiding.
I'll brief the police on my career.
I'm a Baraketsu.
I'm gonna fight the Yankees!
What's a Baraketsu?
A bad guy. It means gangster.
I'm a gangster. So, if the Yankees come...
we'll save your dad. Right, Ryuta?
But isn't your Grandpa a policeman? That makes it difficult.
I'll be a gangster, too.
We won't let them land on the island.
Under international law, the Geneva Convention...
I'm quite sure I'll be prosecuted.
So before I am, I want to spend some time here...
cleansing my soul in natural surroundings.
I'm an imposition on Mr. Nakai...
Yes, that's why I suggested he keep the matter very quiet.
What are you saying?
He's resigned to his fate. Can't you understand?
Mr. Hatano, I'll do whatever I can.
I'll help you where I can.
Go get my good casting rod.
The only attraction here is the good fishing.
So, catch some fish and eat to your heart's content.
Here.
He's so busy with police duties.
He has no time to use it. Please do.
Miss Hatano!
This is the textbook for 5th graders. I just finished crossing out parts of it.
Thank you. Am I in your class?
No, I'm in charge of the boys.
This is Mr. Watanabe, who teaches the girls.
I'm Watanabe. I'll see you in class tomorrow.
Okay.
The man you're staying with, Soji Nakai, is a relative of mine.
My name is "Nakai", too, but the students call me Komako.
You can come to me if you're ever troubled.
Hey, Fatty! - What?
Carrot!
From now on, you're all gonna be gangsters.
Why do I have to be a gangster?
Because the Yankees are coming.
And we're all gonna protect Mume and her father.
I can't bear it!
This is no time for jokes.
The Yankees may not land in the harbour.
They could land anywhere,
that means we'll have to keep watch all around.
But what about school?
Stupid! We'll take turns sneaking out to watch from the hilltop.
Mume and her dad are staying at my place.
Fatty, no one talks directly to them!
Only me and Ryuta can. - Why? - "Why"?!
If you've got something to say to her, go through us.
You don't know what she's going through.
I have a question. - What?
Do Yankees have big dicks?
Are they... bigger than this?
Don't be stupid! - My Dad said so.
Like beer bottles... - Beer bottles?!
That's a lie. - You're lying.
Say you're sorry!
Report!
No vessels sighted.
Where's Fatty?
Getting a haircut.
Watching the harbour in the mirror.
Ouch! - Bad luck.
And the Captain?
Fishing at the wharf. - Catch anything? - One small fish.
You're a real fisherman!
Thanks to your rod I caught a few.
I'm really grateful to you.
I haven't felt this good for many years.
The Inland Sea is famous for these delicious fry...
sprinkled with a few drops of soy sauce.
How are the blow-fish? I just caught one.
They're dangerous for amateurs. Be careful.
I'll ask Nakai how to cut out the poison sac.
If you get a touch of poison, bury yourself naked in the sand.
Bury myself naked? - Yes, up to the neck.
The fishermen swear by it.
Sister...
Welcome back.
Are you going fishing, too?
No - I never have any luck. I'm going out.
I'll go to a town nearby.
Will you come along?
Me?
They'll talk if we drink around here.
So, let's go dancing in Akashi town.
Dancing?
You should quit your job. - Goodbye, Teacher.
Goodbye!
I'll go home.
We'd have a great time.
My mates are all dead.
Hey, let's go!
I think there's something between those two.
Komako's so young to be a widow.
Without a man...
What's a widow?
Mother and Father-in-law, I bid you both good night.
Good night.
It's time for bed...
and your brother-in-law isn't back yet.
He said he was going to Akashi.
Chasing girls, eh?
I don't mind if he buys a whore...
as long as he stays off the drugs...
and takes care of his body.
Those drugs ruin the body.
I have to prepare for school tomorrow.
You're the only one who can help Tetsuo.
Don't pretend you can't hear!
I... I didn't mean...
Think of the family for once!
Don't forget that we have 50 boatmen...
and 20 line fishermen to control.
Help straighten out Tetsuo and save the family.
Please... please give me more time.
Sister... Komako.
Answer me.
I know you looked.
I know.
Because I've taken drugs.
My senses are acute. Sister!
Unlock the door. Do you hate me so?
Forgive me... I'm still not ready.
I want to hold you.
My dead brother would want the same.
Please open the door.
Carrot, can you see anything?
Nothing.
Fatty, you're late. - Sorry.
We have no whirlpools here.
Then why are there some in Naruto Channel?
Who can answer me?
Miss Hatano.
Compared to here, Naruto is very narrow...
with many reefs. - That's correct.
Teacher, I have to go to the toilet.
I can't hold it. - Go ahead.
Act your age.
Did you see that? - First time.
Romping with Tetsuo last night?
Where am I posted? - You know! The hilltop.
Ryuta! What's wrong with you today?
You took your time.
Sorry.
Where's Kanda?
And Takase?
And also Teruo?
I'm back. - Welcome home.
Grandpa's been looking for you. - Really?
This will make the place look like a shop.
Are the Yankees coming?
I had something to tell you,
but you couldn't be found anywhere.
What is it?
Dinner's ready.
Where did you get that alcohol?
When I went to the mainland to report, I got it from a doctor there.
How is it?
It just makes you drunk.
What were you going to tell me?
Ryuta, those pictures that you drew...
You must destroy them.
Because the Yankees are coming?
Yes. They'll be here tomorrow.
You mustn't tell anyone. I don't want the people upset.
They'll come to our house?
Yes. They have much to investigate.
If they see your pictures, they'll be angry.
It's only pictures, I know, but this is a police station.
I have to turn in my swords and things.
It's okay, I don't mind.
You want me to do it?
I'll do it myself.
Your late mother collected these...
since you were in kindergarten.
I've kept them since you came to the island.
There must be about 50 here.
Give them to me.
Look: your mother wrote something here... - Really?
"Starting when he was five years old...
"whenever I gave him a crayon...
"he would sit and draw pictures.
"If he keeps on practising...
"I hope he will become better and better.
"I'm keeping these as mementoes.
"October, 1940...
"The 2,600th year of our Imperial Dynasty.
"Signed, Yoshie Ashigara."
Hey... - What? - Isn't that the S.S. Nagato?
My father served aboard her.
I never drew the Nagato. - But that's the Nagato! - No!
I can tell by the shape. - No!
I only knew the Musashi, Yamato, Haruna...
The Yubari, Yura...
All sunk in the Pacific Ocean.
Why did you come here?
To thank your grandfather. - Thank him?
My father nearly died last night.
Blowfish poisoning.
He ate it?
I told him not to risk it.
You told him that burying was the antidote.
You buried him in the sand?
No. As I was digging, he got better.
Almost as if it were a spell.
I'm glad he's all right.
Did you dig the hole by yourself?
Yes. Dad said not to tell anyone,
so I borrowed a shovel from Nakai.
But the moon was waning and I was afraid.
Here. - What is it? Medicine?
No. Raw alcohol.
Mix it with water and give it to the Captain.
From the policeman? Thank you.
The Yankees are coming tomorrow.
Your grandpa said so?
No. I'm telling it to you.
They're coming for my father? - I don't know.
I just wanted to let you know.
Ryuta...
It was sad about your pictures.
I felt for you.
Good night.
The Americans are coming! - The Americans are coming!
They just rounded the peninsula.
Are you sure? - Yeah.
Your grandpa might need you at the police station.
Can I go? - Of course. Run!
Let's go to Mume's house.
Do Yankees have big dicks?
Are they... bigger than this?
Don't be stupidl - My Dad said so.
Like beer bottles...
You go over there.
Carrot, you watch Mume.
They'll be here soon.
It'll be late.
What's that?
TOGETHER WE'LL WIN THE WAR
Tear it down, quickly! TOGETHER WE'LL WIN THE WAR
They're here!
Welcome.
It's nothing at all.
There are cannons here? - Yes.
It's an old, unused battery.
How far from here? How long will it take by jeep?
About half a day. It's about 1,500 metres up.
It's very steep and there are many steps.
I doubt that a jeep could make it.
What? They're not coming here after all.
What if I call them? - Stupid!
Don't do it!
Hey, Yankees! - Fatty!
Why don't you come here? Come and fight me!
FAITHFUL TO THE EMPIRE
- KILLED IN ACTION - GUADALCANAL
Hey! Gimme gum!
Today is a very glorious day.
We are blessed with a visit by our Occupying Forces.
I wanted to show them how we place the nets around here,
but they said they didn't want to see that.
I then offered them a feast and bed for the night,
but again they refused my offer.
They said they'll camp out.
They're as hard as the stones they'll sleep on tonight!
Don't turn on the light.
Tetsuo.
Tonight... there are many guests.
So what?
If you make a sound, it's you who'll be ashamed.
That's not fair.
Fight me if you want. Run away if you want.
I don't care if they know.
I'll get you!
What are you? - I don't care.
Everyone says it's strange that we're not together.
Let me go!
Right... Get out!
Open the door and run.
I'll chase after you.
Right in front of them all!
I mean it!
Try and escape!
You're cruel...
Tetsuo... You're cruel.
I'm not cruel.
I'm not... I love you.
Not just your body...
I love you... I love your soul.
Japan is under occupation.
The Army of Occupation is on this island.
But our souls are not under occupation.
Therefore, don't have low opinions of yourselves.
Don't sneak around.
But, on the other hand, don't butter up to them either.
These are the rules that you must observe.
Our spirit... will never be occupied.
Be very fair... and keep your heads held up high.
Live straight...
What's wrong with her? - I don't know.
Why's she so upset?
Aren't you getting along with Komako?
Don't joke with me.
I overpowered her and took her.
Why don't you marry her?
Well... to tell you the truth...
She's good for sex... But marriage?
She'll never let me do it again.
What should I do?
What a miserable relationship!
You're supposed to be a man!
If you can do it once, you can do it 100 times.
Because she's a woman, she's supposed to wait...
and think, "When will he strike next?"
It makes me sick to listen to you.
Why don't you attack me, just once?
There's a lot that I could teach you.
Really?
I'm serious.
Shintaro! Darling!
Come to think of it, it's been more than two years.
I've waited for you.
It must've been hard.
I left the woman I loved...
to travel around, doing Army shows.
No chance to settle down.
Roaming with the wind. - Stop it.
I'll never forgive you if you leave again.
What about my haircut?
Still here? Go chase after Komako.
It's great to be back here.
Whenever I return, it's like coming home.
What?
Have you heard that Komako's engaged to Tetsuo? - Really?
The fishermen say so. - They're lying!
A lie! You tricked me!
Who's that?
You're from the town?
Stay back! - What do you want?
Don't come any closer, or I'll kill you!
"If you do, I'll kill you."
Like an old movie. - What's so funny?
If you come any closer, I'm sure to kill you.
I'm a gangster.
Sorry to upset you. I'm not a bad person.
You're strange. - You're probably right.
I hired a boat to drop me on the south side.
See! Why didn't you come into the harbour?
Strange men... should do strange things.
He's a returned soldier.
If you are, you have to go and register.
I'm different from the others.
But you wouldn't understand.
What grade are you in? - Fifth.
Komako is our teacher.
You're the first ones that I've met.
It must be fate.
I thought that I should leave.
What's he talking about?
Will you ask your teacher to come here?
What's that? - What's she got to do with you?
I just want to meet her.
What's your name?
My name? - You don't have one?
I suppose I do.
Fool! Don't play games with me! Ryuta, let's go!
Wait!
What's this? It's very heavy.
It's a baseball.
Show it to Komako.
She'll understand.
She'll know, and she'll come.
Wait here.
You haven't gone home yet?
He said, "Give it to her."
He's at the shrine.
Is he? - He has a crutch.
He's lost a leg.
He's still alive?
He said, if I gave you the ball, you'd come.
He's waiting. Please go to him.
He came to see you.
I... can't...
I can't... face him.
Now I understand!
He's your husband.
He's the one we all thought was dead. - Shut up!
HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONS - 1937 -
Teacher, let's go. I'll lead.
If you can't go there... Shall I bring him here?
Thank you.
Don't tell anyone about him, all right?
Right. We didn't see a strange man with one leg.
Ryuta didn't get a ball.
What will you do?
"Komako cannot meet with you...
"Please forgive me.
"It's hard, but please leave the island.
"Goodbye."
Hey, Mister... - Mr. Nakai...
Don't die! - It's sad about Teacher.
I understand. I won't die.
Promise us you won't kill yourself.
I promise.
When I find a place, I'll get in touch with you.
Masakichi...
Masakichi, are you saying you've forgotten me?
Be quiet! As you can see, I'm not a fine figure of a man.
Three long years ago, I left this town...
and travelled far, like a migrating bird.
And, like a bird...
Like a broken record!
I know not who you are.
I beg you, release me.
Dearest, is it you?
Have you forgotten me, your wife?
Begone!
Hey, sexy!
Flash more leg!
"We've waited..."
No. Say my name...
"Shintaro, I've waited..."
I'll say it myself.
What a man!
You have me, don't you?
Then cease your weeping.
You know that I'm your sister-in-law.
The world would never forgive us.
What are you saying, Okuma?
When word of my brother's death reached our ears...
you and I, on the beach, beneath the moon...
Didn't we consummate our love?
Therefore, do not say that it never happened!
You must've told them about Komako.
They fed me cakes and goodies...
and pumped me with questions.
You two! - What? I nearly fell!
Come with me. - No. We have good seats.
Please tell me you love me.
Pay heed to my plea.
Please say that you love me.
You're becoming a bad boy. I don't like you.
I didn't know they'd make a play out of it.
You two are the only ones here who've seen her husband.
So you're responsible. - You're right.
What will you say to her?
Everyone will think that the play is the truth.
Will they? - They will.
They'll run her off the island.
Then she can go to the Kompira Shrine.
The shrine in Shikoku? Why?
He wrote to us.
You don't understand anything.
What do you mean?
This was meant for Komako. - Why?
Because he's put his address.
He wants her to contact him. I'll give it to her.
All right? - Yes.
What's wrong?
It scratched my nipple.
Oh... yeah?
They appeared recently.
I'm the only girl in class who's budding.
Don't tell anyone.
Where are you going? - To the gangster festival.
"Ryuta and Saburo...
"Thanks for your help last fall...
"when everything seemed to be against me.
"It's true that I didn't want to live.
"But after I met you two, I changed my mind...
"and decided to live.
"I'm staying with a comrade.
"And I'm working in the shrine office.
"As you know, it's the shrine of the Sea God.
"If you should visit here on a school excursion...
"please bring your teacher.
"Nakai Masao."
Cheers to our plans for cultural exchange!
This island is so out of touch. If only Shintaro could be around more often!
How are things going with the Fund for the Promotion of Culture?
We're still working on it, asking around and such. - I see!
Tetsuo, your father said it himself. As the vice-chairman of the town council,
he wants everybody to support the arts! Right?
You call that worthless play "art"?
Wait a minute. You're complaining about our theater?
Theater? Don't make me laugh! It's nothing but garbage!
How can you say that about our efforts?
I'll say it a hundred times over! It's garbage!
Now look here: if you don't calm down, I'll have to resort to violence.
My thoughts exactly!
Get off me!
Don't try to stop me! Take back what you said!
Tetsuo!
Have you seen Shintaro?
How should I know where that geezer is?
I haven't seen him since morning.
Maybe he's gotten tired of you.
Don't be so mean! Have you seen him or not?
Can't you tell you've been dumped?
How dare you!
We've got trouble! Shintaro might've run off with the cultural fund money!
Find him!
Come in.
Girls! What a stink!
Be quiet.
Starting next term, you'll be co-ed.
How can we study with girls?
You mean you're a scholar?
Stay there.
We'll start assigning seats.
You'll sit together.
The world is made up of male and female.
You should know about each other...
boys about girls, girls about boys.
I'll call out your names.
Yoshie Imoto.
Ryuzo Yoshino.
Etsuko Yoshida.
Takeshi Kayumi.
Haruyo Hamagami.
Teruo Nakai.
Junko Ito.
Mamoru Takase.
Mikako Moro.
Kisuke Orihara.
Ryuta Masaki and Mume Hatano.
Ryuta? - What?
Ryuta, you're the class leader, so you'll sit in front.
You'll be my assistant.
And what about you?
I'll be advising you. I'll watch you from here.
Is that democracy?
The ship won't leave for awhile...
so please go ahead and talk.
Here's your schedule:
Tonight you'll stay at Kobe police station.
You'll leave for Tokyo early in the morning...
and you'll go straight to Sugamo Prison.
I'm to be arrested and held in Sugamo Prison.
I'll explain why.
I had over 1,800 English POWs aboard my ship, the San Jose.
We were sailing from Singapore, bound for Japan.
Right after we left Shanghai, a submarine attacked us.
Many men were lost.
I was in charge of the rescue party.
And because I didn't rescue the injured POWs, I've been...
classified as a Class B war criminal.
I don't know what will happen.
I've engaged a Japanese lawyer to defend me.
But I have no regrets.
I understand.
My life on the island has ended.
Mume, what will you do?
Officer!
I wasn't able to help him.
I'm sorry.
Captain!
Nakai... about my daughter...
I'll escort her to Tokyo.
She's rather selfish, so she doesn't want to go...
to her brother in Tokyo.
Do you love our country life so much?
Nakai, I'm sorry to burden you with this.
Can she stay a little longer?
Certainly, Sir. There's no food for her in Tokyo.
I'll help you work in the fields.
Mume, are you leaving?
Teacher, I'm going to stay.
How's it going?
They did it!
Add 10 cubic centimeters of water to the test tube, and let it float.
Mark how far it sinks.
Next, replace the water with seawater and fill until...
the tube sinks to where you marked it.
What is the volume of the seawater?
And then, try it with alcohol...
and repeat the same tests.
My brother! - Saburo, why are you standing there?
I broke the rules and saw a movie.
Which movie was it?
Youthful Twenty. Japan's first 'kissing movie'!
Who are you people?
I'm Saburo's guardian... Actually, I'm his brother.
And I'm his sister.
Is what they're saying true?
Yeah...
My brother is a returned soldier, and she's been in Osaka.
How about that, Teacher?
I thought that maybe a circus had arrived.
Very funny. That's democracy for you!
If you have to talk, please wait until after class.
We just came to say hello. - Thanks for your help...
and for your kindness to Saburo.
Stop that!
Ryuta... we really shouldn't.
They're so sweet!
Stop it!
You never had any candy like this before.
Aren't the candies great?
There's more where that came from.
Don't act stupid!
In your seats!
I'm just handing out a bit of my good fortune.
The vanquished Japanese are starting to rebuild.
That's how it should be.
Don't treat them like puppies. This is a classroom.
That's an old-fashioned idea.
Like the old slogan, "No Pleasure Before Victory".
You should teach them to strive until they get it.
The people's desires come first.
Like you, suppressing your natural desires...
and losing your humanity.
Have you finished? - I forgot...
Yes: I'm taking Saburo.
Why? Is something happening?
Yeah. We're christening my new boat.
We've named her Masaki. - Really?
Yeah. We'll need a crowd. All of you, come on!
Let's go!
Did you forget the candy?
What is it?
Be strong... Ryuta.
Let's start a baseball team.
And so, we formed a team.
My Grandma used Mr. Nakai's ball as a model...
to make baseballs. They were terrific.
YOUNGSTERS' CLUB
Not quite... it should be bigger.
How can it be bigger than that?
Any bigger and it would look like a fan.
That's how it should be.
If it's so soft, you can't catch a hard ball.
It's not like catching insects.
A local carpenter made the bat.
The shape was great, but it was very heavy.
Mume, try it.
Once more.
Let's start.
Miss Hatano!
What is it? - It's DDT.
What's DDT?
It's General MacArthur's idea.
You Japanese are so dirty. Infested with lice.
That's why typhoid is so rampant.
Not me! I won't put up with it!
Wow! What a sexy broad!
Maybe this isn't important...
but the barbershop has become a bar.
That looks delicious! - What a big fish!
An 'opening night' present for everyone to eat!
Thank you.
See what a great place it's become!
Here you are, Tetsuo.
Tetsuo financed the place.
Apparently, he left home to live in Akashi town...
and only came here to collect his money.
Hey, you shouldn't wear those in here.
You're dirtying up the place!
Are you telling me what to do?
That's enoughl
His type fits right in at this bar.
Welcome! Masaki, we've been waiting for you.
I've been busy.
I'm forming a company.
A company?
Saburo, you'll be a director. - Really? - Yes.
Hey... Beer!
And the 'Barakatsu' quit school.
It seems he was in the black market...
with his brother and sister.
I'm sorry I have nothing good to report.
Yoko!
You're back!
Look at you two, all dressed up! You surprised me!
Really? We went for the modern look like you,
and had dresses made in Kobe.
We'd look right at home in Tokyo!
What a bunch of whores. The three of them, they're the three whores!
Whores!
What did you just say? Who are you calling a whore?!
The three of you! You're the three whores!
You little brat!
Fatty!
Ryuta!
Are you okay?
Yeah. - Cheer up!
Did you boys come to his rescue?
Yes! Please let him go!
You guys apologise, too!
Do you boys know what he said to us?
Yes. - What was it?
Whore...
Idiot... He didn't say it that cutely.
He yelled it loud enough to break all the glass around.
Made total fools of us...
That isn't something easily forgiven.
He called us girls "whores", you know!?
I'm so mad, I could kill!
Let me go! - Shut it!
I can't believe I got called a whore by some backwater island kid!
I'm sorry! I apologize for what he said, as someone from this island!
We hold onto our chastity real tight. Do you understand?
What's that mean? - She says they're not loose.
I understand! Please let Fatty go! Come on, guys!
Please!
I guess I can forgive you. - Thank you!
You really thought it'd be that easy?
We had our pride as women insulted.
You'll have to do something...
really embarrassing for us to forgive you!
All of you, pull your pants down.
Do it. - I don't want to!
Me neither! - That so?
Then you don't care what we do to him!?
Do what she says! Please, Ryuta!
Just do it.
Now pee in the water there!
One, two, three!
...15... 16... 17...
That makes 365 steps. Are you tired?
I'll wait here.
What does that mean? - You go first, Ryuta.
If he wants to meet me, bring him here.
What a stupid idea!
He's handicapped. Don't you understand?
How many steps were there?
I'll go back and count again. - Mume!
Leave her and come with me.
His office is in the front, there.
I wrote to tell him you were coming.
The January mornings were beautiful.
The sun rose behind the visitors,
while the moon was still shining above.
I wondered if...
you would come to the shrine for New Years.
I'm sorry...
Whenever a young woman in a kimono came by,
I'd find myself looking her way.
I'm still a man, even in this sorry state.
I heard you started teaching the students to play baseball this spring.
I'd tried to forget how the town looked,
but I started to think of it again.
I wanted to go home so badly.
Can I... come home now?
Before that... there's something I need to tell you.
Is it about Tetsuo?
I... I betrayed you.
And that's why... I couldn't welcome you.
I upset Tetsuo.
There's a job with the Agricultural Cooperative...
I'll take it.
Thank you.
I'll show them how to grow flowers.
Flowers?
Living on the Inland Sea has become hard.
All the returnees are out fishing.
They're over-fishing the waters.
We've got to think of the future.
And we have to make use of the land.
Those small island fields?
At school, I was very interested in botany.
And I did research for one year.
The temperature is the same as Hachijyo Island...
and will support tropical plants.
It's always warm on the south shore.
Even in winter, when there's no wind...
a shirt is all that's needed.
And that's where those wild daffodils grow.
That land will make good fields.
In the army hospital, I often thought about the island...
when I pictured the daffodils, I could see you.
And my heart...
leaped for joy.
Masao! Thank you!
Thank you!
You think Teacher is okay? - She'll be fine!
What's wrong? You're shaking!
Look at this!
These grooves make it easy to grip.
This is a real baseball!
Are you going to take it?
It fell from the sky. It's a present from the shrine god.
You there! Did a ball fly up here?
Yes! We have it!
Could you throw it over here?
Nice throw! You've got a good arm!
Excuse me, but are you playing baseball over there?
We're practicing.
Can we watch? - If you want!
So this is a real baseball field!
Marugame High, Takamatsu Middle. - Takamatsu High, Sakade High. (Shikoku schools are renowned for their baseball teams.)
What are you doing?! Can't you catch that? Not good enough! You have to do better!
Mistress, he's back!
What's wrong, Baraketsu?
You can't join the team. - Why?
Go play with your brother. - I can't.
They shipped out early this morning. - Did they?
Somebody stole 10 bags of wheat.
They're saying it was my brother...
and Ryuta's grandpa came around. It's terrible!
So they're thieves, are they?
I don't know.
They say husbands never help when families move.
They're right, aren't they?
Why don't we make a baseball team for the kids?
There are 9 of them.
But you... - You can be the trainer.
Me? - I'll be the coach.
All you think about is flowers and baseball.
You think I'm the type whose ideas never make money.
Saburo... come here.
I like 'The Giants'. - How about 'The Senators'?
'The Tigers'!
The Kosaka Tigers! - Sounds good.
Eat your fill. - Thanks again.
We've got to make some money.
To beat the other teams, we'll need gloves, mitts...
balls and bats. We need money.
But how? - We'll have to work.
Mume... - What?
The Americans tested an A-bomb yesterday.
On Bikini Atoll. And they used the Nagato as a target.
...71... 72... 73...
Sorry, no odd jobs. We've got a man here now.
A man? - That's right.
Shintaro!
When did he get back?
Last night!
What the heck!
I'm sorry. Maybe next time.
Hey, you!
What?
Come here. We've got mail from overseas.
The balls came!
A letter from abroad.
From abroad? - From Singapore.
The mailman said it's the first time.
"Mume, I hope you're fine.
"I was transferred from Tokyo.
"Now I'm in Singapore Prison.
"How's school?
"I enjoyed my stay on the island.
"But we can't impose on Mr. Nakai forever.
"It's hard, I know, but you must start...
"to think about returning to Tokyo.
"I don't want you to worry about me.
Ryuta. Throw the ball from behind your ear.
Uniforms!
Who bought them for us?
I've no idea.
Can I try it on? - Sure.
I wonder who it was?
I don't know. They were sent in care of the school.
That's not important...
What's important is to develop a good team quickly.
Mume!
They look great!
They finally got them.
Grandpa!
Where'd you get those great uniforms?
Somebody donated them.
They look good on you.
Right! Let's go!
That proves there are no good men in Kosaka!
What's wrong with the women?
We're all equal now!
Let's see your female players!
Nakai, let's stop.
We don't want to insult you.
No way...
Quitting would be an insult.
To tell the truth, the problem is our team.
They want to stop.
No. We can't.
Even if it's 100 to 0.
Don't be stupid! - You're stupid!
You agreed to seven games. If you quit, you're in the wrong.
Let's go. - You've sure got guts!
Because you were a champion.
I just want them to continue.
That's your mistake.
I said at the start...
mating thoroughbreds with mongrels, breeds mongrels.
Watch how you talk about us!
Did I say something wrong? - Don't you know?
Mongrels! I was just stating the truth.
Bastard!
Shintaro!
What's this? Where are you going?
I'm quitting.
Don't be stupid. - You're the stupid one.
Where do you think Setsuko's gone?
What do you mean?
She's just visiting Osaka.
She met Shintaro in Osaka.
Is that true?
Miyo are you telling the truth?
Yes, she is.
Miyo! Wait!
Please, stay a little longer.
If you both leave, we'll go broke.
That's your problem.
The days of well-to-do fishermen-farmers are over.
The big money's in Osaka and Tokyo.
Goodbye.
Sir...
It's your brother.
My sister, too? - We think so.
What are you doing?
Baraketsu...
What? - Your hair's gotten long.
Want me to cut it?
Ow! - Sorry! I must be rusty.
You've always been this bad!
Really?
What's wrong?
They were good people...
Things were so lively back when those two would come by every night.
Ryuta! What are you doing?! - Go to practice!
You're from when the battery was destroyed.
Mr. Anderson was just telling me about his plans.
It's been a while!
What brings you here today?
He's returning to America.
Retracing his steps.
Photographing all the places he's been.
A kind of sentimental journey.
I'm quitting the army and going home.
America, land of the free! I envy you.
Why don't we have a game?
Everybody, listen!
Mr. Anderson wants his team to play us.
A Japan-America All-Star game!
Excuse me.
May I ask your name?
My father?
Your brother came here from Tokyo.
What is it?
Her father?
He was executed. In Singapore.
What will you do, Ryuta?
I want to play the Americans.
You all understand?
We mustn't play against them.
They killed Mume's father.
It's too late to cancel.
Mume, will you play? You're sure?
All I can do is fight and beat them.
I'll play and we'll beat them!
That's right!
A grudge match! We must win!
By fair means or foul.
Let's go!
Let's start!
Baraketsu planned to win by any means...
but the dog changed all that.
The dog helped us to even the score.
And Masao ruled a draw.
Later on, everyone said that the dog must have been...
the reincarnated spirit of Mume's father.
Ryuta!
You look so grown-up in that kimono.
Komako gave it to me.
Well... - Don't be so shy.
There's something I want. - What?
A uniform. Can I keep mine?
Of course, but where are you going?
Back to Tokyo? When?
After the festival. - So, you're leaving?
Ryuta, we're parting, but let's meet again in high school.
But Tokyo is so far away.
If we can't, then let's meet at the University.
And if we don't?
Or else... we can work at the same place.
If we want to, we'll meet again someday.
No? - It's not that...
I have to go to the toilet.
Stay here and stand guard.
Look the other way.
Sing a song. - Why?
I don't want you to hear.
Right. I'll sing, then.
What'll I sing? - Hurry up.
Mume, are you really leaving?
Don't stop singing.
You're terrible!
You stopped singing and you heard me! I hate you!
Mume.
I'll never speak to you again!
Tom is a boy.
Mary is a girl.
Mary is Tom's sister.
And we call her, "a sister".
And Tom can say about himself:
Does sayonara mean "good-bye"?
Only when you'll never meet again.
And when you'll meet again, the words are...
"So long".
Now, back to page one.
What's keeping them?
Go and look. - What?
In the fields... The flowers!
Stop the shipl
What kept you? Hurry!
Take our flowers with you.
They'll last four or five days.
Don't forget us.
Come back again.
We'll grow them until we're old.
Someday we'll have an island full of flowers.
Please come back...
to the place where your father lived out his last days.
Mume!
Once more.
English translation by E. J. Walton, Tokyo, H. Eisenman/Titra, New York
Subtitles transcribed & timed by lordretsudo