♪ Mr. Raccoon, Mr. Raccoon. Can't you play with me somehow? ♪
♪ No, I can't... I'm eating dinner now. ♪
♪ What's for dinner, I want some? ♪
♪ I am eating pickled plums. ♪
♪ Can I have a little crumb? ♪
♪ Don't be such a greedy bum. ♪
♪ Get your own. ♪
Yes it's true we raccoons like to live near humans.
But not to steal their food. Let me clear that up right now.
The reason we live by humans is because humans live on farms.
And where there are farms there are fogs and grass hoppers and mice and moles.
All sorts of things for raccoons to eat.
And then there's all those fruits that fall off the trees.
Which humans won't touch.
It's just so much better for us to live near a farm
than say, in some mountain highlands.
Then last spring this farmhouse was abandoned,
no one seemed to be coming back.
So, we decided to move in.
The house was just a dream.
It was a lovely level two bedroom with a loft,
garden, a huge yard for the kids.
Oh, we spent a glorious year living there.
But then...
Uh, we raccoons generally get along well with each other.
But um, all of a sudden things were different.
I go out looking for food.
And no matter where I went
there'd be a raccoon there.
More kept showing up, and then
fights started breaking out over food
and burrows, until one day...
Autumn, year 31, of the Pom Poko era.
So many raccoons have been displaced from their homes in Tama Hills,
that alliances begin to form. Finally, tensions rose so high
that the opposing alliances engaged in battle.
The leader of the red army was Gonta young hotheaded. A raccoon of action.
The blue army was led by Seizaemon older less quick to strike but still
a formidable opponent.
Although not a widely known fact.
Raccoons do walk on two legs when humans aren't around.
As you see here.
Each side eagerly pummeled the other.
But their battle was soon interrupted.
♪ Blue, blue kill the red. Red, red knock blue dead. ♪
♪ It doesn't matter which side wins you're all still all going to lose. ♪
♪ Kill 'em all who cares who side is who's. ♪
♪ Red may lose today but blue will lose tomorrow. ♪
♪ There are too many that know where to burrow. ♪
♪ When you win the battle where do you plan to stay. ♪
♪ While you all were fighting the forests went away. ♪
♪ Red will lose tomorrow and blue will lose today. ♪
♪ Slaughter everybody kill as many as you can. ♪
♪ Wipe each other out that's part of our plan. ♪
♪ Massacre annihilate shoot down the reds. ♪
♪ Do us this favor and we'll give you our thanks. ♪
♪ It's about time our numbers shrank. ♪
♪ Those of us remaining must keep our family small. ♪
♪ Have another cub and you will lose it all. ♪
♪ The forest is shrinking at such a rapid rate. ♪
♪ We must act soon let's hope it's not too late. ♪
Moved by Oroku's words.
The raccoons ceased fighting to have a look at the situation for themselves.
They were stunned.
The destruction stretch for miles.
The situation was far worse than they realized.
Don't you see this is madness.
This is not the time for us to be fighting each other.
In the 1960's, Japan was entering golden age of economic growth
and the demand for housing in and around Tokyo exploded.
Developers snapped up giant tracks of farm land and forest.
Creating a maze of poorly planned suburbs.
Then in 1967 the government decided to build a completely new suburb with
maximum residential potential.
They called the development New Tama.
The suburb would house over 300,000 people.
In less than 12 square miles of land.
To do so, they needed to clear forest,
level mountain's, demolish farms and fill in valley's.
It was the largest urban development project in history.
All to be built in the raccoons, Tama Hills.
Uh, clearly, we raccoons underestimated these humans.
Uh, in the past we had always thought that
humans were animals just like us.
But, you know, now we realized that these guys were powerful.
Maybe as powerful as "the Gods."
In response to the situation.
Raccoons throughout the region secretly gather at the abandoned Manpooko Temple.
Which was hidden deep in the forest of Tama Hills.
A motion was made that Osho, the temple's 105 year old resident raccoon
be the chairman of the meeting.
The motion was approved unanimously.
So, due to the severity of the current situation...
we must forgo our natural tendency to sleep during the day...
and be prepared to take action whenever necessary. Be it day or night.
Despite the fact that raccoons have trouble taking anything seriously.
They manage to agree to stop the development.
The motion passes and today's meeting is adjourned.
The raccoons quickly disbanded leaving it
to the elders to formulate the course of action.
The elders adopted a five year program with two objectives.
One: Research and monitored humans.
And two: Revive the ancient raccoon art of transformation.
Next they decided to bring in the masters
of transformation from Sado and Shikoku Islands.
Osho ask the elders, "Who will volunteer to go."
Although the plan was superb,
the journey was long and raccoons are notoriously lazy.
All the elders pretended to be asleep.
Well, let's wait for the young ones to go up...
then they can make the journey.
Huh?
Hamburgers!
The hamburgers which were provided to facilitate discussion
were enthusiastically received.
The discussion however immediately concluded.
Pom!
The raccoons began step one of the five year program
the very next day.
Dad, the signs say no dumping.
The best way to research and monitor humans they concluded
was to watch TV.
The situated the television in the main hall of Manpooko Temple
which became the group's official headquarters.
- Good evening. - Good evening.
The arrival of the television had an unexpected results.
Dozens of raccoons crowded into the temple,
watch TV all day,
and lost all desire to accomplish anything else.
To learn to transform you must achieve the...
highest degree of mental concentration.
So you can rearrange the very order of your cells in an instant.
Lesser forms of transformation such as changing color...
can be achieved by chameleon for example.
But the true art of transforming can own be practice by...
foxes, raccoons and a few cats.
Gonta!
The fact that you were able to change your appearance like that.
Means you've already mastered the rudimentary...
techniques of transformation.
This is something all of you will be able to do.
If you pay attention and practice!
At least in theory.
To begin the lesson, I will do a demonstration.
Aren't you supposed to put a leaf on your head?
Leafs are only for amateurs.
Haven't done that in a while.
1, 2, 3, pom pom.
With Oroku guiding the way.
The raccoons made steady progress toward their goal
of reviving the art of transformation.
The students were eager and enthusiastic.
And some were quite talented.
Well done, Shōkichi!
I've been fascinated with humans ever since I was a little cub.
I knew that according to raccoon laws, I wasn't supposed to go near them.
But that just made me even more curious.
And my dad always encouraged me.
He said that, "Careful observation of humans and their ways
was the key to transforming."
And getting near the humans was essential.
Over here!
My turn, catch!
Hey guys.
Keep it going.
Goal!
I guess that's why I'm a bit ahead of the curve today.
Unfortunately, not all the students were talented.
Some of them in fact were quite pathetic.
Oh!
To become adept at transforming requires technique
and extreme physical and mental discipline.
Unlike fox's who are known for being...
clever, raccoons are known for being lazy.
And those raccoons who weren't gifted transformers were easily distracted.
Hey there!
Ponkichi!
♪ Disturbing to every sacred high ground we can think of. ♪
♪ Some are this and some are that.. ♪
Back then, all I thought about was transforming.
I never dreamed that my friend Ponkichi might just wanna be a normal raccoon.
♪ Some are this and some are that. ♪
One day at dusk, as the moon rose above the mountain.
A man went walking through a familiar mountain pass.
He noticed a pine tree which somehow appeared...
different from what he had remember.
This distract the man as very odd.
So, he said aloud, "There's never been a branch...
on that side of the tree before."
And lo and behold the branch switched sides.
And then the man thought that look wrong too.
"That's not right there were branches on both sides, I'm sure of it."
And sure enough another branch appear.
Then all of a sudden there was a large crash.
What do you think had fallen out of the tree?
A raccoon!
That's right. And why do you think he fell? Gonta.
He was a loser. I wouldn't have fallen.
Good answer, thank you Gonta.
Sasuke, why do you think the raccoon fell from the tree?
He had to use both of his arms to make two branches.
Very good. And what lesson should we learn from this story. Shōkichi?
That were overly accommodating towards human.
We're too eager to please.
That's right. We raccoons are to good-natured.
We shouldn't, … try so hard to please.
This is where we all go wrong. Do you understand?
- Yes, Master Osho. - Yes sensei.
So, what do you do if you hear, ♪ Mr. Raccoon, Mr. Raccoon ♪
♪ won't you sing with me somehow? ♪
♪ No we can't we have to study now. ♪
You see! All of you just fell for that.
Don't be so gullible.
The raccoons tried to stay focused
on researching humans and learning to transform.
But once winter had ended, the flowers and trees
were blossoming and love was in the air.
Recalling Oroku warning not to have any more cubs.
The raccoons decided to refrain from romance.
Until their battle for Tama Hills was won.
It was left up to the females to fend off the male's advances.
The females were remarkably successful.
Meanwhile, the New Tama development project was picking up steam.
Forest were cleared the earth was leveled
and the construction zone grew bigger every day.
The raccoons watched with anger and sadness...
as their forests were stripped bare.
♪ Hey there Post Man, what did you drop? ♪
Since the females were now free from the duty of raising cubs.
They too began to try their hand at transforming.
When the male's tried to transform into women or children
the results were neither convincing nor pleasant.
But with the females participating the males
followed their example and quickly improved.
Naturally the females soon wanted to try their hand at transformed into men
but they experienced similar problems.
Oh, ah, I would like all the male's to stay after class today please.
Osho decided it was time to let the male raccoons in on a little secret.
Now then, noticed this fine red blanket we're all sitting on.
Want to know what it is?
My raccoon pouch.
It's 150 square feet and it retracts quite nicely watch.
Finally, it was time for the transforming
students to test their skills in the real world.
The exercise was conducted like a driver's training lesson.
The students ventured into the streets of Tokyo,
while accompanied by advanced instructors...
who could help out in case of emergency.
Sasuke, Sasuke.
Get over here!
Sasuke!
Come on.
Transforming requires extraordinary amounts of energy.
Especially when assuming human form.
The dark circles or masks commonly seen around raccoons eyes.
Are the results are sheer fatigue.
Even the most experience raccoons carry pick-me-ups
so they can replenish their strength at a moment's notice.
Even so, if their pick-me-up isn't fast acting enough.
Out pops the fur, then the tail, and within seconds
the raccoon is back to his original form.
The recent rise in popularity of fast acting energy drinks.
It is almost entirely due to the needs of transforming raccoons.
To graduate from basic training
the students had to pass one final test.
Each was required to go out into the world and earn at least $10.00
- through honest labor. - Replacement.
Some raccoons work in teams and took turns impersonating the same human.
Are you all right?
One raccoon posed as a monk and collected donations.
One female work in a bar but spent all her money on energy drinks.
One raccoon hit the jackpot at the Pachinko Parlor.
One lazy raccoon broke into a donation box...
but all he found were a few of pennies.
Rather than show up empty handed he transformed
a pile of leaves into a pile of dollar bills.
When I told you to go out into the world...
and make some money I did not mean it literally.
Soon after finishing the tests Gonta received an urgent report from home.
He raced through the forests to witness the devastation for himself.
The construction had reached his childhood...
home. Gonta went mad with grief.
He hurried back to headquarters
and forced Osho to call a meeting of the elders where he announced.
"Change of plans we began attacking the humans NOW!"
I am completely opposed to that.
- Why is that? - It's way too soon.
We're still in the first year of our five year plan.
We've all completed basic training.
Let's put our skills to work.
Oroku what you think?
Are your transforming students ready for battle?
It's true they've mastered the basic techniques but...
But what?
They need practice even the smallest...
mistake and our secret will be discovered.
One question Gonta?
I think that your anger over what happened to your childhood home,...
might be clouding your judgment.
No, my judgment is not clouded in the least.
This action will benefit all of you.
I guarantee it.
Of course his judgment is clouded.
Don't forget, it wasn't long ago that Gonta...
was trying to take over some of our territories.
Shut up! We raccoons from my part of the woods...
will attack with or without you.
If Gonta's going to risk his life then I'm going to help him.
Are you sure, Shōkichi?
Shōkichi, thank you.
So there!
You can stop us now. We're off to fight some humans.
Not so fast!
You can stop us!
Pay attention I have one final peace of advice to give to you.
If the humans catch you transforming,...
there is a trick that you can use to protect our secret.
So, uh, what is it?
Pretend that you're a dead fox.
Summer: Year 32 of Pom Poko era.
With Gonta in charge 10 young raccoons
put their new transforming skills to work
and executed a surprise attack against humans.
The battle has finally begun.
- Here they come! - Ready!
All right! This way! This way! This way!
Now!
We did it! Yay!
Disaster struck today, at the New Tama development site.
at approximately 2:30 in the afternoon
a series of bizarre accidents killed three workers.
And destroyed a section of a residential complex
which was under construction.
police suspect that the accidents were caused by
reduced visibility and soil erosion from heavy rains.
but the seriousness of the accidents
and the fact that they occur simultaneously.
is causing local residents
to express some concern.
many citizens believe there are fundamental
problems with the New Tama project.
and they requested that the
development plan be reviewed.
Yay!
Hold on everyone.
This isn't a time for celebration.
Three humans died because of us.
Shouldn't we be paying our respects to those...
poor people who are victims of this operation.
Well, I have to agree with Osho.
Raccoons, we should have a moment of silence for the unfortunate victims.
And then, right after that, we can celebrate.
Hurrah! Hooray! Hurray!
All pray.
I'd like to say a prayer for the victims of this operation.
We wish that we could save our forest without harming any humans.
That was never our intention but our forest is near and dear to us.
We save our forest! We save our forest!
We saved our forest!
Hey, it's Gonta!
You are my hero!
Hey, you did it, Shōkichi.
Nice work Gonta! You youngsters have brought back hope...
to this old heart of mine. Well done son. Well done.
Well done? We're not done. That was just practice.
Raccoons, this war has just begun.
We will not stop attacking until we have battered,...
pulverize, and squeezed to death...
every last human in Tama Hills.
Shōkichi, you should say something too.
And then we'll plant fruit trees.
And in a few years all have to do is eat fruit.
Let's slaughter some humans.
Kick out humans!
OK, OK will beat up some more humans, but first...
we need to have a little victory celebration.
Yeah, but there's one thing I'm worried about.
What now?
Do we really wanna get rid of all of the humans.
Of course we do.
Can we just a few of them live around here, like the old days.
No way! The world is crawling with humans. Like roaches.
We need to destroy as many as we can.
See your point, but you know what? I can't stand humans either.
Although some of them are not so bad, but mostly I hate their guts.
It's just that.
What, Ponkichi?
It's just that, if we get rid of all the human then that means,...
we'll never eat tempura again.
Or beef jerky.
Ooh.
Or popcorn.
Hamburgers, Doughnuts, potato chips,...
pepperoni pizza,...
chicken wings!
Oh, I can taste it.
Hum, so then, do you think it would be all right...
if we kept a few humans around, Gonta?
We have no choice.
A good decision by Gonta yet again!
♪ Shine, shine, shine on Gonta. ♪
♪ Pom pom-pom pom pom pom-pom-pom. ♪
♪ You show the world what we can do. ♪
♪ Why don't we tell you too. ♪
♪ All the kids are cheering for you. ♪
♪ That's the truth we adore you. ♪
♪ Hail to Gonta ♪
nevertheless a government spokesman stressed
that the people of Tokyo are in such desperate need
of living accommodations that the New Tama
development project will not be delayed
despite today's tragic accidents.
What was that?
It was needles to say an unfortunate accident.
Gonta, the mastermind behind the dangerous attacks against the humans
now suffered multiple fractured and internal injuries
that would take nearly a year to heal.
The situation plunged the raccoons into depression.
But the raccoons soon realised their attack had not been a complete waist.
Some of the human who sold their land to the.
New Tama developers were highly superstitious.
I think it was a bad idea to move those
shrines just to make way for more housing.
Can you elaborate?
All those accidents. Maybe the spirits were exacting their revenge.
Weren't there many sacred objects moved to make way for New Tama.
Yes, there were dozens of them. That's what worries me.
I asked the developers to hold the proper ceremonies
before moving them but...
And what are your thoughts about the situation professor?
Your basic spirit or deity is generally associated with a certain location.
If someone moves that spirits shrine or statue
this spirit will become extremely agitated
and wreak havoc on those responsible.
I'm sure if this is just the beginning of your problems.
Maybe we can save Tama Hills after all.
Shōkichi immediately led the raccoons back into action.
A man with land for sale in the section of Tama Hills
tour his property with two New Tama developers.
To the landowner surprise he saw far more
sacred statues on his land than he remember.
He told the developers, "I better give this more thought".
And he postponed signing the contract to sell his land.
Meanwhile, in another section of Tama Hills.
A priest was holding a ceremony at the Shrine of the White Fox.
Which was slated to be moved.
Look!
A raccoon appeared on the roof disguise as the white fox himself.
The fox's eerie cry so overwhelmed the ceremony participants
that the relocation proceedings were brought to an immediate halt.
The witnesses to the event bowed down to the fox
and vowed that it's shrine would be left where it was.
The raccoons were on a roll.
The raccoons played tricks on trespassers all over the forests.
Each trying to outdo the other.
Go away.
Put that away.
Take it away!
Pick up that tempura, you don't want to be a litter bug.
Huh, tempura.
Leave it there.
Uh, is everything oke here miss?
Miss. What happened?
I have no face.
Help! Somebody help!
I-I-I just saw a...
- A murder? - N-N-No.
- It was a…! - Not a murderer?
Well, that's too bad.
T-T-There was a woman.
Was she a vampire?
No no, she look like aah...
Was it something like this?
Did she look something like this?
The raccoons took great pleasure in frightening the humans
and because raccoons have a weakness for throwing parties
every time they scare a human they had to celebrate.
Gonta however, so no reason to celebrate.
Although his wife did all she could to nurse him back to health,
she could not soothe Gonta's frustration for being out of the fight.
Furthermore, Gonta's, thought his fellow raccoons were acting like wimps.
So, did either of you watch the news yesterday.
They ran a peace entitled New Tama ghost town.
Featuring an interview with the policeman we scared.
But the news crew started laughing so hard that the police man ran off.
What good did it do?!?
You idiots! You think that will stop the developers?
Don't just frighten them!
We need to hurt them!
Inflict some serious pain!
Not again!
Just as Gonta predicted, the development did not stop.
Rivers were paved with concrete.
Forest trails became cement roads.
Massive amounts of building materials were trucked in
and the construction of thousands of New Tama Apartments got underway.
The raccoons pranks however had not been forgotten.
Tabloids and talk shows continued to give nationwide coverage
to the strange occurrences at the construction sites.
The raccoons became more and more confident of ultimate victory.
Autumn: Year 32 of the Pom Poko era.
By way of a enthusiastic game of rock paper scissors.
The raccoons chose two representatives to seek
out and the world's most advanced Transformation Masters.
The young and dashing Tamasaburô was...
chosen to travel to the Island of Shikoku.
While the husky and robust Bunta was chosen to travel to the Island of Sado.
So, on the night of the next full moon
the two raccoons said their farewells
and set off on their long and dangerous journeys.
What's that smell?
While they waited for Bunta and Tamasaburô to return
the raccoons continued haunting the construction sites.
The raccoons seem to enjoy using their transforming skills
whether it helped prevent the New Tama development or not.
- Out with demons! - Daddy!
I'm starting to get nervous.
What if our little pranks aren't doing any good at all.
What if the humans level the entire forest, then where are we going to go?
Maybe Gonta's right. The only way to stop them is to get violent.
I don't want to have to hurt anymore...
humans. It just doesn't seem right to me.
But what they won't stop. Then what. To be or not to be.
Hum?
Okiyo?
What's going on? Are you oke?
Is something wrong with your neck?
Oh!
I was posing.
I was hoping you'd tell me that I looked pretty.
Oh, sorry.
Ow, now something is wrong with my neck.
Well, you looked pretty.
No. Too late.
But I mean it.
OK, but I could use some practice.
Everyone loves that song, don't they?
It's stupid, but I kinda like it too.
Hey, do you like the hunter song?
Uh-huh.
It's, pretty good.
My dad used to…
♪ There once was a hunter who shot a big raccoon. ♪
♪ Who fried him up and ate him... ♪
Did you know a hunter shot my grandfather?
Sorry, I didn't know.
Uh-huh.
It's oke.
My grandfather wasn't fried up and eaten.
The hunter sold his pelt for a whole lot of money.
Well, you got beautiful fur too.
Really!
It's so nice of you to say that.
So, what about the hunter's song?
Oh, my dad used to sing it to me, when I was just a cub.
Sounds like your father was kinda strange.
Uh-huh... he'd sing,...
♪ "Fried him up and ate him." ♪ Really loudly.
And then he'd give me a lecture.
About what?
He'd say, "Did you hear that son?"
"Even in children's nursery rhymes."
"Humans sing about how they love to shoot us."
"And then fry us up."
"Humans are sick cruel heartless beast and don't you forget it Shōkichi."
Hey, wanna play ball with me?
Oh, sure. Right now?
Here, I'll make one.
Hey, let me try that.
♪ Mr. Atkin, where you from? Higo, sir. Higo, that is where? ♪
♪ Kumamoto, sir. Kumamoto, that is where? Senba, sir. ♪
♪ A Ratka came from Senba and he wandered into town. ♪
♪ Along came a... ♪
When are you going to do that plan you were talking about?
The Operation Twin Star?
I don't think I'm going to do it anymore.
Why not? That was such a wonderful idea.
Hum.
Why don't we do it? Just you and me.
Are you serious?
Yeah. Don't you think I can do it?
No it's not that. It's just...
That I...
Come on Shōkichi, I'm dying to do something.
Then lets do it. I think that you and I can be really frightening together.
How sweet.
Hello?
Well, look what we have here. What can we do for you girls?
Where is our home?
We just got back from our trip to the stars,...
and our home's gone.
A trip to the stars?
We travel from the red-eye of the Scorpion,...
to the swollen Cygnus’s great wings.
Around the coils of Hydra the Water Snake...
to the forehead of the Little Bear Cub.
And we sprinkled each day with dew and frost.
As we journey along the stars.
Hey, what the heck is wrong with you?... Ahh!
We're cold and we wanna go home.
Mister, do you know what happened to our home?
Not-not me!...
I-I-I don't know anything about your home.
Don't look at me! Come on, get out of here!
We should call the police. Let them deal with it.
What are you doing?
Now you get off of there!
Come on come down!
T-T-They must be spirits.
What do you mean spirits?
Please, please spirits don't be angry! W-we didn't mean to destroy your home!
Ah come on. Hold on a minute. You wanna' raise? We can work something out.
Come on guys, wait!
Look I don't care how much you pay me. I'm getting out of here!
I've never seen anything that creepy in my life.
Hands down.
Don’t do this to me. Please.
People warned me that Tokyo was a scary place, but this is way too scary for me.
And if you know what is best for you, you’ll get out of here too.
Hey come on you guy's...
Someone or something doesn’t want this project to happen.
Surprisingly the racoons decided to celebrate.
The evening celebration was especially grand
in honor of the spectacular performances by both Okiyo and Shōkichi.
Hooray!
Way to go!
That night for the first time in weeks
the construction workers barracks were dark and silent.
But the next morning...
There seemed to be and endless supply of humans.
No matter how many the racoons got rid of
more showed up to take their place.
Now some of your employees have suggested that these
incidents are the work of foxes or raccoons.
What I'd give for that to be true.
We could just skip the criminal investigation
and put out a few animal traps.
The raccoons feared the humans were catching on to their secret.
You must admit the similarities between these
events and the old folk tales are uncanny.
How would you explain these similarities?
That's easy. Who's ever making up these stories
isn't even clever enough to come up with something new.
We did not make anything up! We saw it with our own eyes!
Fine you win.
Yeah, little racoons and foxes from old folks
tales are responsible for all these incidents.
As soon as you catch one in the act,
you give us a holler. We'll exterminate it for ya'.
That is... if it doesn’t just transform away.
Shōkichi began to worry, whether using
their transforming skills was the right thing to do.
He was not the only one.
As you all know, there was a time a few hundred years ago...
When transforming was openly performed by racoons.
It was a highly respected art form...
and was a popular subject for the artist and writer of the time.
But unfortunately we racoons went to far.
We were to conspicuous with our skills.
And we aroused the resentment of humans.
Since then, we’ve been hunted for our pelts...
and our fur has been used to make paint brushes and tooth brushes.
This is how the humans exacted their vengeance.
And remember the last few decades have been very peaceful for us...
because we've shown restraint with our transforming.
When humans see racoons these days they generally just ignore us.
This was not always the case.
The ability to transform is a double-edged sword.
So, be sure to use your sword with discretion.
We can not afford to evoke the hatred of the humans yet again.
Following Oroku lecture,
the young racoons spirit were dashed.
Furthermore, Autumn was now upon them.
A time of year when racoons need to find plenty of food
so they can store ample fat and grow long fluffy coats for the coming winter.
The young racoons focused their attention and there transforming skills
on finding as much food as possible.
Now more than ever they needed the advice of experts.
They were desperate for the masters from the island to arrived.
Then finally one day, an unfamiliar raccoon arrived in Tama Hills.
Hey it's oke, I'm a raccoon too.
Huh?
Thank you.
You seem to be quite exhausted. How far did you say you have traveled?
From Fujino Woods.
Oh, is that on Shikoku Island or Sado?
Uh... neither. It's just on the other side of the mountains.
Huh, what do you mean?
Aren’t you a Transformation Master?
Transformation Master? Oh no. I’m sorry, you were expecting someone else?
That's oke well just have to wait a little bit longer.
Right, not your fault that all.
So, what brought you to Tama Hills then?
I was trying to find out.
Who in the world keeps dumping dirt...
into our drinking water and on top of our homes?
Truckloads of dirt which had been excavated...
at the New Tama construction site.
We're being illegally dump all over the Fujino woods.
The dirt polluted the streams and cause frequent landslides.
Which devastated the forest.
The animals of Fujino Woods.
Knew something had to be done.
To find out where all the dirt was coming from.
They decided to send a raccoon.
The raccoon disguised himself as a human.
Snuck aboard one of the dump trucks.
Which was responsible for the illegal dumping.
Unfortunately, he was not skilled at the art of transformation.
The swaying of the truck and the stress of the journey
so exhausted him that he was unable to maintain human form.
It's not just Fujino that's in trouble, its other woods too.
And now there are garbage dumps and golf courses all over the place.
First, the developers dig up Tama Hills and cause us to suffer...
then they dump the dirt on Fujino Woods and cause you to suffer as well.
The insanity just never ends.
Mmm.
Yeah, I was shocked when the dump truck brought me here.
I just assumed all the dirt was coming from some enormous...
construction site in the middle of Tokyo.
But were in the country side here.
I'd never dream they'd dig one forest so they could...
Dump it on another.
Why would the humans do such a thing?
So, if we find a way to stop the New Tama construction,...
we'll be saving all the raccoons in the Fujino Woods...
as well as the Tama Hills.
You think it's possible to stop the construction?
All of you here are so accomplished at the art of transformation.
I bet with your impressive skills,...
you could easily stop the development.
It'll be a piece of cake.
It's, not that simple.
We've tried everything we could think of.
If only Bunta and Tamasaburô would return with the Transformation Masters.
I wonder why we haven't heard from them?
Soon winter was upon them,
but there was still no word from Tamasaburô,
Bunta or the Masters of Transformation.
Food was scarce and the raccoons needed to use all their energy for forging.
Therefore, they were unable to continue transforming.
And all the work they did, haunting the construction sites was soon forgotten.
The media quickly moved on to the usual celebrity and political scandals.
♪ Snow, snow, snow's falling down. ♪
♪ Snow's falling down but we're still cold. ♪
♪ We'll free Santa's ice cream. Ice cream covering the ground. ♪
♪ Now just pass the fudge and caramel. Pom, pom, pom, pom, pom. Pom, pom. ♪
New year day, year 33 of the Pom Poko era.
All of Tama Hills was covered with a blanket of snow.
And most of the construction workers had already returned to their hometowns.
And were enjoined the holidays with their families.
Push!
- Wait for us! - Will help.
Hey, that's our rig.
What's going on?
What?
Oh no!
What, raccoons?
♪ We smashed your tractor? ♪
♪ But you made our home a construction zone. ♪
♪ If you don't want to be so accident prone. ♪
♪ Keep off our forest and will leave you alone. ♪
Hey, don't point the finger at us.
The raccoons did it. We all saw it with our own eyes.
Get off our backs.
Nevertheless, police still suspect these workers were responsible.
And that they were inspired by the numerous pranks
which occur at this construction site last fall.
Police are searching the area for footprints.
But the snow around the crime scene has already melted.
Why in the world could do that Shōkichi?
I don't think there was anything wrong with what we did.
You should have done more than that.
No. Shōkichi was just trying to encourage the raccoons...
who can't transform by letting them help out.
Should we be worried Osho?
Mmm, I think we'll be oke this time.
It was just as Osho predicted.
No one believed that the raccoons were responsible for the incident.
Rather, most believe that the construction workers were guilty.
Due to lack of evidence however, the men were released.
To this day the case remains unsolved.
Soon, it was springtime.
And love was in the air once again.
After refraining from romance for an entire year
the raccoons were unable to control themselves any longer.
The air was filled with the sounds of lovers' quarrels,
and sweet nothings,
and the raccoons courted each other until even the skies turned rosy.
Hey, wait up!
Wait for me!
Come on Gonta, you gotta catch me.
Don't tease me! Hanako!
Wait!
As soon as it's springtime everybody goes crazy.
All of a sudden they wanna get married and have families.
Nobody seems to remember Oroku's warning.
That were not supposed to have any cubs.
The second the sun hits their fur they fall in love.
But not us, you don't see us chasing after each other like we're lunatics.
We can handle not getting married.
And not having cubs, don't you think?
Of course we can.
I'm so pleased. It's just what I'd hoped you'd say.
You're, wonderful!
Yeah, we can hold off. I don't need to kiss or cuddle or rub noses or…
Oh, Shōkichi!
That was a mistake…
Kiyo and Shōkichi were soon married and had...
four charming raccoon cubs within the year.
Ooo. Wahh.
During the previous Autumn.
Tamasaburô had managed [Kinchô Daimyo Shrine]
To reach the Island of Shikoku [Kinchô Daimyo Shrine]
Despite a long and difficult journey. [Kinchô Daimyo Shrine]
Despite a long and difficult journey.
As soon as he arrived he presented his request for help
to Kinchô the IV, one of the Masters of transformation.
But then he collapsed and was gravely ill for many weeks.
Luckily, Kinchô had a daughter,
Koharu, who stayed at Tamasaburô bedside and...
miraculously nursed him back to health.
With the coming of spring the bond between the two young raccoons deepened.
And Koharu soon bore Tamasaburô three cubs.
Inside the shrine, the elders of Shikoku Island held
a meeting to discuss the situation in Tama Hills.
They all agreed that putting a stop to the New Tama project
would send a much needed message of hope to raccoons
in similar situations all over the country.
But the elders were divided as to who should go to Tama Hills,
who should stay behind to govern Shikoku Island,
and if any of the masters died while on this dangerous mission.
Who should replace them.
Even after months and months of discussions,
they were unable to reach a consensus.
Father the elders never stop talking,...
they should get outside.
It's such a beautiful day.
I can't believe that they've been debating for over six months now.
I'm beginning to wonder if they'll ever come to a decision.
I hope they never decide what to do.
Tamasaburô…
I beg you, don't go back to Tama Hills with the Transformation Masters.
The thought of you being so far away from me and the children...
I can't stand it!
It breaks my heart!
Ah, darling. I too wish we could stay together forever.
But you must understand…
No we don't understand.
Why can't you stay here with me.
The Masters can make it to Tama without you...
I'll talk to father and the elders.
Why don't you stay behind and be father's successor?
While Tamasaburô struggled to decide whether or not leave Shikoku Island.
Bunta roamed the fields and mountains of Sado Island.
Searching for the islands Master of Transformation.
Oddly, not a single raccoon on the island
knew the whereabouts of the renowned master.
Back in Tama Hills the raccoons were facing some serious problems.
Their woods were continuing to shrink due to the New Tama development.
The recent baby boom double the number of mouths they had to feed.
And poor summer weather brought about a serious food shortage.
The chestnut and persimmon trees on witch they always
relied provided no where near enough food to go around.
Having no where else to turn the raccoons
with transforming skills went in search of human food.
Despite all their efforts they were still unable
to collect enough food to sustain the raccoon community.
Finally, even raccoons who couldn't transform
began scavenging around human homes.
Desperate to find anything to feed their cubs.
Inevitably many raccoons lost their lives on the roads and in animal traps.
I can't take this anymore!
We got to stand up to the humans now!
Even if it cost us our lives!
Right Shōkichi?
Wait a minute… have you healed yet Gonta?
Of course I have! Watch this!
You're better than ever.
Hey, we should have a party and celebrate.
There's no time for a party, it's time to attack!
Hold on Gonta, but I think that we should wait for the...
Transformation Masters to arrive before we plan another attack.
What is wrong with you, Shōkichi? You're too young to be such a big coward.
You're wrong, we can't underestimate the humans.
If we attacked them head on they will destroy us.
We have waited long enough!
Calm down, give Shōkichi a chance to speak.
I propose we adopt three policies while we wait for the masters.
One: Have the raccoons that can transform...
go to the city and gathered food.
Then we'll all share the food equally.
Two: Train every one in traffic safety.
Yeah!
Three: Organize rescue squads to free any raccoons caught in traps.
That's it.
Shōkichi, you sound like a human. Are you sure you're ready a raccoon?
Yes! And don't you ever doubt it!
Well then, assuming will work out all the details...
later I think we should take a vote.
All those who agree with Shōkichi's proposal…
Stick 'em up!
Agreed!
What kind of nonsense is this Gonta?
Shut up! It's for real.
Anybody who dares to oppose me from now on will be killed by my private guard!
- Got it? - Yeah!
You need to think about what you're saying Gonta.
You'll address him as sir Gonta!
Raccoons! We all know the humans are dangerous!
But if we attack without concern for ourselves we will win.
As the old saying goes,...
"When a mouse is cornered he will bite a cat!"
- He's a mouse? - He's not a mouse.
He means that if we're desperate enough we can beat anyone.
That's right. When a mouse is cornered he...
can find the strength to defeat a cat!
Is what I said.
But we're not mice though.
Why would we want to beat up a cat you know?
I'm starved. Sure would like to have a mouse to eat right about now.
- A good mouse tempura can't be beat. - Yeah.
Not true. Plane deep fried is better.
I don't know, I think the tempura batter is what really makes it.
The thought of the crispy tail makes my mouth water.
What is the matter with all of you?!?
I say that.
♪ That mouse tempura is the best. Oh yes it is. ♪
See, Gonta. We can't fight, all we can think about this food.
I think it's best if we wait for the Transformation Masters to get here.
Sorry about that.
If only we could have held off on having more cubs.
But nobody wanted to listen.
I guess it was too much to expect from every one.
You're wrong!
Instead of reducing our ranks we should be reducing the number of humans!
The forest where we used to live are now occupied by swarms of humans!
Their the ones who are the intruders!
We should kick them out!
Kick out the humans!
Kick the humans out!
Kill them all!!!
Little did they know, at that very moment…
Hey, taxi!
- Wow look! - Oh my goodness!
I'll go tell them you're here.
Tamasaburô!
The Masters from Shikoku Island are here!
You did it, Tamasaburô!
Raccoons, on our way here we witness...
the devastation that is occurring in your forest.
We feel your pain.
Call all the raccoons in the area, we will hold...
a meeting tonight to address this problem immediately.
Autumn: Year 33rd of Pom Poko era.
The masters had finally arrived.
The raccoons gathered to greet them, their hope restored.
I am pleased to see such a fine moon out tonight.
Fellow raccoons, I am Hage of Shikoku Island.
In a few days I will be 999 years old.
Raccoons, why is Tama Hills ravaged by development...
while our island is nearly untouched.
That's because we raccoons of Shikoku never...
stop haunting our forest and our mountains.
Therefore, the humans on our island are well...
aware that disaster will befall them...
whenever they dare to enter our territory.
In fact Master's Kinchô, Hage, and myself.
Are so good at frightened humans.
The various forms the three of us take are worshiped...
in shrines and temples all over the island.
My name is Gyobu and I have led the raccoons...
of our island to peace and prosperity.
I can lead you there, as well.
Allow me to formally introduce myself as well,...
I'm the Kinchô the IV.
In order to frightened every last human being out of Tama Hills.
Voilà!
We've decided to execute Operation Specter.
Our plan which relies on our mastery of transformation.
This plan requires extreme amounts of mental energy.
So much energy in fact...
that any one of the three of us may not survive.
But my fellow raccoons we the Masters of Shikoku are willing to take this risk.
If we all combine all our efforts at successfully carry out this plan...
the humans will be so frightened...
they will never set foot in Tama Hills again.
Yeah!
And then…
once the human beings are fully primed with fear...
we'll be able to stop their infernal development...
of destruction of the forest once and for all.
Mark my words we will prevail.
We have brought to a boat, a boat that will swiftly ferry...
the raccoons of Tama Hills back to an era of greatness.
Fellow raccoons, we promise you we are now in this boat together!
What a spectacular moon.
There is nothing better than moonlight.
Let us all bow our heads and pray to this gorgeous full moon...
that Operation Spector will be safe sound and extremely successful.
The Masters immediately began a special training regimen.
To prepare the raccoons for Operation Spector.
Congratulations on your 999th birthday Master Hage!
Thank you, everyone. Thank you.
Thank you.
Master, will you reenact the tail of the young samurai who shot the fan.
Ah, I'll need some help.
Yes, today's the day.
Winter: Year 33 of the Pom Poko era.
After months of preparation the day for Operation Specter had finally arrived.
The winds were calm. The skies partially cloudy. Temperature 55°. Humidity 65%.
Perfect transforming weather.
♪ Pom ♪
♪ pom ♪
Raccoons have always been able to transform
themselves into simple ghosts and goblins forms.
For Operation Specter to be successful
the raccoons had to become much more advanced.
The Masters taught them to utilize not only their own energy.
But also the energy of the world around them.
In fire, earth, water, and air.
The training was so physically taxing and intense,
its nearly beyond description.
All the raccoons participated. Whether they could transform or not.
And together they generated and focus phenomenal quantities of power.
That night the fighting spirit of the raccoons was greater than ever.
In fact their enthusiasm was so boundless.
They began transforming into a parade of frightening
specters long before they reached the human city.
♪ Pom ♪
♪ pom ♪
Hey, look at that?
Woah.
What is that?
Woah.
Make the trees bloom with flowers!
Hey what's going on?
What's going on?
Let the trees bloom with flowers!
Look!
Hey mom, we're missing the monster parade!
Honey, wait.
I used to see stuff like that too when I was a kid.
You know, monsters in the closet. That kind of thing.
You know when you're young they seem so, so real.
I swear I saw these ghost.
Dancin' on my ceiling.
Just have another drink you'll see them again.
Isn't that weird? Now where do you think you see that?
Do you think ghost really exist?
Huh? Don't be stupid.
It's your brain playing tricks.
It must be… your brain plays tricks on you when you're young.
Things like the bogeyman and monsters in the closet.
They're all in your head because of…
all the scary stories people tell you as a kid.
It plants the seeds in your brain.
So, as a kid you think it's real.
Kids are suckers because there's no way those ghost stories are real.
Still… they frighten you have to death.
Yup.
The brain is scary that way. You think things...
and then you see them whether real or not.
You ima... imagination.
There really are monsters out there.
See, we talk about ghost and you start to see em.
Hi, dear.
Ahh!
Honey!
FIRE BURNING BRIGHTLY!
WATER FLOWING SWIFTLY!
Ahhh!
The trees!
Master Gyobu!
He's gone.
Master Gyobu!
- That was unreal! - Come on honey let's go.
Mom!
I've never seen anything like that my whole life!
Aw, is it over already?
That was really great wasn't it mom.
- Yeah. - Alright bedtime, let's get inside.
Oke.
Hey, don't forget to brush your teeth oke?
OK mom.
That was amazing. I feel like I just woke up from a dream.
I know. What in the world you think that was anyway.
I don't know.
- Maybe they were UFOs. - Some things you just can't explain.
Long ago when various raccoon families were feuding on the Island of Shikoku.
Yoko Labelle then allied himself with the enemy...
his betrayal led to the downfall of his clan.
Yoko so profoundly regretted his actions that he took a solemn vow.
To devote his life to further injustice.
We must ensure that his sacrificed to this cause was not in vain.
We must continue his noble quest for justice.
And we must vow that we will keep fighting until our day of victory.
♪ Praise to Gyobu. ♪
♪ Before he got here our lives were a mess. ♪
♪ But Operation Specter was a big success. ♪
The raccoons were so convinced of their success
that even the ones on monitor duty pay no attention to the news.
Big success. Big success. Big success.
The videotape is completely blank.
I have no idea what happened.
It came through this crack and then it flew around the kitchen ceiling
It was terrifying.
I swear, there's no way someone could have stage that.
Uh yeah, something strange is definitely going on in New Tama.
I'd like to move out but I just can afford to.
Tune in at midnight tonight for a special program
which will cover this evening's bizarre events in greater detail.
The more the humans investigate Operation Specter...
the more they'll be forced to admit...
that what they experienced was not their imagination,...
a dream, or a hallucination,...
But irrefutable fact.
Then they'll turn to science and technology and their fancy machines.
When that fails to solve this mystery the humans will finally be humbled.
And now since they've witnessed something...
they can't explain no matter how hard they try,...
they will be forced to realize that humans are not...
the only worthy form of life in the universe.
Raccoons, the changes may take time but why wait to celebrate.
It's time to party.
Come on its time to sing and drink and dance until alights out, yes.
♪ We're dancing we're dancing. Master Hage Hage Hage Hage. ♪
The next day however,
events took an unexpected turn.
It appears that the massive parades staged yesterday.
In a recently constructed portion of the New Tama residential complex.
Was a publicity stunt for Wonderland.
A theme park now under construction in the area.
Police say the responsible party will be
fined for staging a parade without a permit.
You're kidding!
However, residents of the New Tama complex remain convinced
that what they saw yesterday could not have been a publicity stunt.
That's more like it!
The president of Wonderland admitted that last night's parade
was an unauthorized promotional event.
It was not!
Let me uh... apologize for any inconvenience.
you might have had from our little parade.
Who is that guy?
Our intention here at Wonderland Theme Park was just to let the community know.
How wonderful our wonderful Wonderland Theme Park will be.
So, we thought the best way er... Was to er...
Give the public a taste of Wonderland for free.
As the park's president I take full responsibility for the decision
to stage this unauthorized but truly spectacular event for free.
Liar oh.
We've received an overwhelmingly positive response to our parade.
Yeah the public's enthusiasm quite frankly was astonishing.
Because of this I must admit
I do not regret my decision to hold this parade in the least.
I'll have you know, that even if I have to go to jail for this
I believe that your positive reaction was worth it.
Is this for real?
He stealing credit for all of our hard work!
I believe that your positive
- You liar! - action was worth it.
The news sent the raccoons into a state of panic.
Meanwhile, at Wonderland headquarters, the president
was desperately searching for those responsible for the parade.
No way, are you nuts? We can't back down now!
Just find out who put on that parade?
And then hire them all!
Yeah! Throw as much money as you can at them.
Pay them whatever they want!
What if raccoons are the ones that did it?
What you mean raccoons!
I don't care if it was raccoons or penguins or gopher's.
You go find them and get them working exclusively for me!
Uh, wait a minute… why did I say raccoon's?
Oh I'm sure you're just joking.
Where'd you come from?
Who are you? You're not supposed to be in here!
Don't worry, your assistant let me in.
I'm Ryûtarô. I called you earlier remember?
Uh-huh.
I am the only one who could possibly lead you...
to the ones responsible for that spectacular parade.
But I require my fair share of the business.
Forget it! How about a $ 1,000,000.
While Ryûtarô negotiated highly lucrative terms for his partnership.
The raccoon's were dumbfounded.
This bizarre human had completely stolen their thunder.
And at first they railed against the unfairness of it all.
But soon the sheer hopelessness of their situation
began to sap their will to fight.
Meanwhile, with no footage of Operation Spector.
Media coverage quickly petered out and the public
soon lost interest in the whole affair.
You're a fox, isn't that right?
You have a good eye.
Indeed, I am a transforming fox. I am Ryûtarô, at your service.
I am honored to meet such a world renown...
raccoon's such as yourself Master Kinchô.
I've heard much about you.
I am nothing more than a sixth in a long line.
So, what business brings you all the way out to our forest?
I wanted to congratulate you on the fabulous parade you staged.
You knew we were behind it. Did you?
Of course. And I give you my condolences...
for Wonderland stealing all the credit.
Thank you.
Of course, as a fox you would understand that it was raccoon's.
I wasn't surprised by what happened after the parade Master Kinchô.
How's that?
Ryûtarô was needless to say as sly as a fox.
He and his silver tongue lured Kinchô...
into one of the swankiest clubs in Tokyo.
Welcome.
Now don't you worry all the girls here are fox's too.
What's the problem? Don't you like them this way?
Were you rather they were foxes?
Or perhaps you prefer they were raccoon's...
I'll get right to the point then.
There's no future for the raccoons of Tama Hills.
They'll die off soon. Just like the foxes.
So, that's what happened to all the foxes.
Yes, I'm afraid so.
Except for those of us with transforming skills.
We have learned to survive by living among humans like this.
As humans?
It's the only way to survive if you plan on living near Tokyo.
And that is why I wanted to meet with you today.
To invite you raccoon's to live the same way as we do here.
Now hold on a minute!
I know we may sound a little strange but allow me to complete the picture.
You won't be living like ordinary humans. You'll be filthy rich.
You'll be extremely well fed.
And you will be working in the luxurious environment of Wonderland Theme Park...
with your fellow transforming raccoon's.
You're insane! Do you think we'd work for those...
liars who stole credit for our work!
Let's not get upset.
It's a fact that it's time for you to live as humans.
But here's the problem.
♪ The human world requires wealth and greatness ♪
♪ so how will you make the money you need? ♪
♪ You use the skills you have and you will succeed. ♪
And where do you think you can earn the most money for your skills?
I'm afraid that would be your great enemy, Wonderland Theme Park.
They tell me that you'll get benefits too.
Let me just show you the amount of your monthly salary.
And of course I will be the only one who knows your raccoon's.
It'll be our little secret.
So, how about a little snack?
It's not good to make big decisions on an empty stomach.
I've heard such fabulous things about the food on Shikoku Island.
It must be hard on you. Eating the measly...
scraps you can find at Tama Hills.
That's not important to me.
I'm concerned about this.
The raccoon's who can transform can live as humans,...
but what happens to the raccoon's who can't transform?
Those who can't transform will have to fend for themselves.
It's sad but only the fittest can survive...
in order for the species to continue.
We foxes were also forced to abandon those who couldn't transform.
So, they all died.
Yes. We had no other choice.
Ah! It's not fair!
Look on the bright side, you raccoon's unlike us...
foxes can eat just about anything.
Those who can transform might do all right.
Meanwhile, the elders gathered at the temple to consider
what might be done to improve their depressing situation.
We'll ferry you back to an era of greatness.
We were idiots to think those old geezers...
could help us out in the first place.
Mmm, reminds me of the saying,...
"Don't sell the pelt till you caught the raccoon."
Now, no one could have anticipated the outcome of Operation Spector.
You shouldn't blame the masters for what happened.
Why don't humans respect us? They never say "Sly as a raccoon."
They all say "Sly as a fox."
Isn't that weird?
You're worried about stupid human sayings at a time like this?!?
No Gonta, I'm just saying that we need to study the humans a bit.
Shut up! It's Time To Challenge All The Humans To A Fight To The Death!
Control yourself, Gonta!
It seems to me that we raccoons have finally come...
to a point where we've absolutely no choice.
We must reveal to the humans that we were...
the ones who stage Operation Spector.
Have you lost your mind Osho?
We can't let the human know. That's an ironclad rule. You know that.
She's a right Osho if the humans find out...
about our transformation abilities...
they'll never stop hunting us down.
Yes but, it's just not fair.
Somebody else got the recognition for our spectacular masterpiece!
I just can't take it, I wanna scream! We Raccoons Did It!
Osho, what could we do to convince the humans that we were responsible?
We would need to get the message out to the whole world.
We can write to the television stations or the newspapers.
Yeah but, the humans were just think that it...
was somebody playing another prank.
Then one of us could go on TV and prove it to them.
Ah, give me a break. It's like Operation Spector.
They'll think it's staged and we'll be exploited again.
See, were just wasting time.
Gonta was right.
The debate dragged on until morning and still they didn't have a solution.
See, just wasting time.
But if we run out into the world and start attacking the humans...
they're going to turn on us and wipe us out.
We won't let them know it was us. How many times do I have to tell you.
Something that's small won't be effected.
Oroku's right the only answer is to do something big.
I think that we need to regroup and launch...
another even bigger Operation Spector.
Huh?
What makes you so sure things won't turn out just like last time, Shōkichi.
Because, all of us have experienced now.
We can do it even better.
Huh, you are just stalling because you're afraid to fight.
If I didn't know better, I'd think you are a little girl.
Don't make fun of girls Gonta.
I'll show you how girls fight.
All I meant was that if he were a girl he'd be the sissy kind.
Yeah well, this sissy is gonna start getting...
ready for Operation Specter Part II.
By yourself? No one gonna listen to you.
What! You think they'll follow you?
Shut up you!
Hey, break it up!
Listen everyone…
I have a proposition. Please take a seat.
All we have to do is use our transformation skills...
the same way we did for operational specter.
Operation Spector clearly overwhelmed the humans and won their admiration.
So much so indeed that a human being is tried...
to claim responsibility for our great work!
So, how could we possibly benefit from this?
How can you make an egg a stand on end?
Mm mm-mmm.
Sound impossible?
This is how Columbus did it.
- Ooh. - So that's it!
He must have a very clever solution.
The solution is, from this day forward will be living as human beings.
- Ahh! - That's stupid.
Now hold on. You should all take a moment to consider it.
Yeah but, what about the ones who can't transform?
This is stupid.
From the Tama Hills Raccoons.
The raccoons were incensed by Kinchô's proposal
without Osho things quickly fell apart and the meeting adjourned.
For months now Operation Spector had taken...
precedence over preparing for winter
the raccoons scrambled to find food for their families.
But Gonta spent his time rounding up raccoons
who wanted to participate in guerrilla warfare.
Master Hage rounded up the raccoons who couldn't
transform and started a Buddhist dancing cult.
At 999 the raccoon had finally gone senile.
♪ I'll have to rent a boat and sail to heaven. ♪
♪ So if you would like to join me just jump in my boat. ♪
♪ Come sail with us to Nirvana with my Buddhist guards in town. ♪
Well, that's a depressing sight.
Hage has been mentally sound for all these years and he spends...
a few months in Tokyo and he's completely lost his mind.
Tokyo is a strange place, Tamasaburô.
I don't understand the people here at all.
If we were to have executed Operation Specter...
on Shikoku Island it would have worked beautifully.
Offerings at our temple would have tripled.
Master Kinchô please take me back with you to Shikoku Island...
and train me to following your footsteps.
There's nothing that would value more.
I see. Tamasaburô?
Yes?
Do you honestly wish to become my successor?
Yes, Master Kinchô.
I've been hoping you would say that.
However, you must assure me...
that you're not making a selfish decision...
and abandoning your fellow raccoons just to get back to my daughter.
Are you?
Of course not master!
Only…
Only what? Tell me.
Even you Master Kinchô have lost the support of the other raccoons.
So what good can we achieve by staying here?
There is something. Come with me.
Wow, what an amazing place!
Do you like it? The people that you're about to employ...
assured me that this visit would be memorable.
Look, I'm everywhere!
Unbelievable! This is worth every dime.
Hurry up and get it! Hurry up and get it!
And so the raccoons of Tama Hills
not only got their revenge on the credit stealing Wonderland president.
They also obtained a substantial sum to finance future operations.
The president ran to the authorities to report the theft of
$ 1 million by a pack of raccoons...
But this time no one would listen to him.
Meanwhile, Gonta and his crew of rebels were taking
various steps to prevent further clearing of the forest.
Are you oke?
Attention all environmentalists...
you must not interfere with our attempts...
to exterminate this snakes in the Tama Hills area.
If you do not leave the area immediately...
you'll be subject to prosecution for trespassing...
and for possession of dangerous weapons.
This is your last warning.
Leave the area now or you will be a arrested and remove by force.
But Gonta and his army of rebels refuse to budge.
They're threatening tactics kept the police, snake exterminators,
and construction workers at bay.
Even as night fell both parties remained at an impasse.
Don't just sit there. Gonta's out there risking his life.
We all need to get out there and help him.
Can't you hear that? The riot police are already here. It's too late Shōkichi.
I'm gonna see what I can do!
- Shōkichi I'm coming with you! - Sasuke you too!
- Are we ready? - Yes!
Now, let's hear the kamikaze motto.
" Even if we should fall in the heat of battle.
Our deaths will not be in vain.
Our sacrifice is certain to rally our brothers...
to fight on until the day of victory."
That is the kamikaze spirit.
♪ If you don't want to be so accident prone. ♪
♪ Keep off our forests and will leave you alone. ♪
♪ Amen. ♪
- Special forces! - Make way!
- Wait! - Don't do this!
Now!
Gonta.
Although Gonta and the rebels fought bravely
their battle did end with their deaths.
Mr. Raccoon?
Mr. Raccoon, Mr. Raccoon.
Meanwhile, in another part of Tama Hills…
a television reporter and his crew arrived.
Mr. Raccoon?
Please come out there's no need to be afraid.
Feel free to take whatever form with which you feel most comfortable.
I and the entire staff of Action 8 News are on your side.
We're your friends.
Apparently there hesitant to show themselves.
♪ Mr. Raccoon Mr. Raccoon won't you talk to me somehow? ♪
♪ No we can't we're too hungry now. ♪
Unbelievable they answered!
So, the raccoons letter we received was indeed real!
Please come out raccoons! We've read your letter...
and we want the world to know all about your troubles.
Woh!
There they are! There they are! Raccoons! Raccoons! Wait!
Just tell us, are you raccoons responsible for the Wonderland parade?
Of course we are!
Can you give us some proof. Why don't you transform...
yourselves into something for our viewers.
Otherwise no one will believe you.
Not every raccoon can transform into something else.
That's why if our woods disappear will not know where to go.
Raccoons listen please.
If you don't give us some form of prove,...
this news report will look like it's a hoax.
Aren't you the ones who requested this interview in your letter?
This is for your own good.
- Osho?… - Mmm.
We have no choice. I think it's time that we tell the humans everything.
He came out! He came out!
A ceramic raccoon figurine is walking towards me…
Mr. Raccoon, a-a-a word for our viewers?
We'd like to say... That we were ah…
Yes?
Go on.
Oroku!
WE WERE THE ONES WHO PUT ON THAT PARADE!
The forest of Tama Hills are our home.
So, you can't keep destroying them all.
This plea is from every living creature in the forest.
♪ The ones you loved yesterday are gone today. ♪
♪ The ones you love today may be gone tomorrow. ♪
♪ We do not know what the future will hold… ♪
Master Hage the last surviving witness of the age of the samurai
was 999 years old.
Over the years he had earned many honors and seen many fascinating sites.
But now he had seen enough and he decided to bid the world, farewell.
With a song of triumph the raccoons stretch Master Hage's pouch to the limit
and turned it into a magnificent ship,
trimmed with gold, and loaded to the hilt with exotic treasure.
Dreaming of their heavenly destination
a large number of raccoons who couldn't transform
boarded Master Hage's great ship.
They danced and sang in joyous celebration...
of leaving this world of suffering behind.
And so, on that kind of moonlit night that Master Hage adored
the ship set sail down the Tama Hills river.
Pulled along by a balmy breeze.
Gently the raccoons drifted off towards Nirvana.
They partied like never before.
And the Pom Poko sound of the raccoons beating on their bellies like drums
could be heard throughout the Tama Hills until the wee hours of the night.
Although they knew the raccoons aboard a ship were happy
the raccoons that were left behind could do nothing but weep.
As if in a dream, the ship sailed past forest and fields shrouded in mist.
The raccoons aboard the ship strained to see through the fog
and catch a glimpse of their glorious destination.
Despite the fact that the closer they got...
to paradise, the closer they were to death.
And so the ship crossed over to the next world
and the raccoons sailed away
on a trip from which they would never return.
Bye!
Well, I guess we're no match for the humans.
Bunta? Bunta, is that you?
Bunta!
Tamasaburô!
- It's Bunta! - It's good to see you.
You made it!
- Welcome home. - Sasuke! Shōkichi!
How was your journey Bunta? Were you able to reach.
Sado Island and locate their Transformation Master?
Yes sir, however, my news is quite grim.
Many years ago when food was scarce he was… killed by a hunter.
How sad…
I was looking forward to meeting him.
I'm very proud of you, Bunta.
So, what has been happening to our forest?
It's only been three years, I feel like Rip Van Winkle!
We did everything we could to try and stop it.
But every inch of the wood has changed!
How could the land be so transformed?
We're so sorry. This must come as quite a shock.
So the humans did all this themselves.
That's right. They transform all of Tama Hills.
But how! Only raccoon should be able to do that!
We're the only ones!
Who do you think you are, you stupid humans!
Raccoons are the ones who transform things! How could you do this!
How could you do this!
The only way this makes any sense is if all you humans are raccoons!
You're all stupid, evil, selfish, raccoons!
No!
How about one last try?
Let's use whenever strength we have left to...
put Tama Hills back the way that it was.
That's an idea. We'll show those humans the right way to transform this land.
Mmm, that sounds like fun.
I can remember every last little detail of the way things used to be.
Oh yes! Time for one last gorilla attack!
Wait, it's already too late. It won't do any good.
Oh, it'll be fun. Let's have some fun!
Good idea. It's our playful spirit that keeps us raccoons.
And that's what really matters.
Right?
Yeah, so then will you give us a hand Kinchô?
Yes, of course. Although it may end up looking like my home instead.
- Ponkichi? - Here I am!
Want me to round up all the raccoon's?
Yeah, you mind lending us some energy?
No problem.
Hey look!
What is it?
Wait for me!
Oh, that looks just like my mother.
Yoshi? It's Yoshi!
Yoshi!
Oh!
That's us! That's us when we were cubs!
- Hey! Raccoons! - Aw, there's so cute!
- Aren't those raccoons? - Uh-huh.
I wonder what they're doing here?
They don't usually come so close to the city.
Hey, wait raccoons! Don't go!
Aw, they're gone.
I wish we could have fed them something.
I wonder if they can change their form like in fairy tales?
After that, our last hurrah, Manpooko Temple was knocked down.
And the New Tama development continued without delay.
Soon residents settle in and the town...
became an ideal place for humans to live.
In fact the hill where the temple stood is now
the most popular section of the development.
Also, I'm happy to report that revealing ourselves
to the humans did have a positive effect.
Now humans are concerned about preserving nature.
And they're setting aside little bits of the forest
that they develop for parks and nature preserves.
Even the newspapers published articles proposing
various ways to help humans and raccoon's to coexist.
Unfortunately, these changes came too late...
for our group of raccoon's to benefit.
Some of us tried moving to the other side of Tama Hills
where some forest and farmland still remain
but there were raccoon's already living there of course.
And with all the construction and traffic in the area
it was a daily struggle to survive.
So, we finally gave in and followed Kinchô's advice.
Those of us who could transform followed in the fox's footsteps
and started living as humans.
Some raccoon's sold real estate
and unable to resist the money they could make
promoted leveling even more forest.
I got a prime piece of forest just waiting to be developed.
I now have a desk job. While my wife Okiyo works at a snack bar
but most could barely handle the stress of living in the human world
and they wanted nothing more than to return to the hills.
I'm constantly impressed by the humans
it takes a lot of stamina to live the way they do.
Eventually many of the raccoon's quit their desk jobs
and started begging and living in the streets.
As for Ponkichi and the others who couldn't transform
they adopted a lifestyle perfectly suited for raccoon's.
They lived for the moment.
Knowing their lifestyle was dangerous they made
sure to fully experience life each day
and never letting the destruction of their homes
or accidents on the road get them down.
They had cubs, relaxed, ate, drank, and died...
all too quickly.
Ponkichi!
It's Shōkichi!
You look great!
No, you look better.
Shōkichi!
Uh... Hello.
Many of you have probably heard.
Someone on the news saying how animals are disappearing because of development.
I don't think that's quite accurate.
It's true that some raccoon's can transform and disappear although,...
What about things like rabbits and badgers.
They can't transform, so where do they go?