THIS STORY TAKES PLACE BEFORE THE 1957 BAN ON PROSTITUTION.
OFFICIAL ENTRY 1963 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
TOEI COMPANY, LTD. Presents.
A HOUSE IN THE QUARTER (GOBANCHO YUGIRI-RO)
Produced by HIROSHI OKAWA.
Based on the book by TSUTOMU MINAKAMI.
Directed by TOMOTAKA TASAKA.
Music by MASARU SATO.
Starring:
KOGURE MICHIO YATSUKO TAN'AMI, KANEKO IWASAKI
CHOICHIRO KAWARAZAKI MINORU CHIAKI, EITARO SHINDO
and YOSHIKO SAKUMA.
Katsue... Katsue...
Tell Katsue to come.
Dear?
Dear? It's Katsue.
I've come from Kyoto.
Recognize me?
Katsue from Yugiri.
We have a lot of new girls at your Yugiri now.
Just like the old times... before the war.
Master! It's Hisako.
I came with Madam to see how you were.
Everyone at Yugiri was looking forward...
to seeing you one more time in Kyoto.
He died in such a lonely place.
It was seven years ago. He came back here, saying...
Kyoto would be incinerated by fire bombings.
It was during the war.
He wanted to live in the country.
So he gave me the House of Yugiri,
and retired here to Yosa.
He was a lonely man with no family.
ISAKU SAKAMAE
I'm a woodcutter working near Mitsumata.
My name is Katagiri.
I brought Ya with me,
hoping you would take her with you, Madam.
You want me to take your daughter to Kyoto?
Yes. You would be doing me a great favor.
You do know what kind of business I'm in?
It's not a respectable occupation.
I know. But I have two younger girls at home.
Ya is the oldest.
Her mother has tuberculosis and can't...
work in the fields any more.
We need money for her treatment.
So when I heard you were back...
I came here at once.
I see. Then why don't you come in?
Thank you.
We need money to eat.
I'll leave her in your hands.
Please use her as you see fit.
Come closer, young lady.
- Ya. Ya? - Yes?
Ya is really a fine girl.
She's never been sick, did well at school...
and she has an even temperament.
So your name is Yuko? What character do you use?
The character that means 'evening'.
That's part of my business' name.
That's right.
If you are okay with what we do,
I could take her under my wing.
It's been six years since the war ended, so Japan has changed.
It's not like the olden days...
where a girl was sold into prostitution...
and all her earnings were taken away.
It's not like being sold into slavery.
Of course, you could try to find a job in Kyoto.
But you could be tricked by a bad man...
and you'd be forced to street walk.
In comparison, we're legal,
so we have a better class of customers.
And you can take a night off if you're sick.
You're not forced to work.
It's all up to the prostitute.
You see? Will you agree to go?
I don't care where I work.
If Madam pleases, please take me with you.
Then I will take Yuko.
Thank you. I leave her in your hands.
I'm leaving on the morning boat, is that all right?
Once we're in Kyoto, I'll do what I can.
- I'll take my leave. - Good night.
What a fortunate turn of events.
She'll make a lot of money for us.
Yuko of the House of Yugiri. Sounds great!
Yes it does, Madam.
This is probably the Master's doing.
So she's going?
Yuko...
I guess we won't be coming here anymore.
Good-bye.
Ma said she'll be watching from the hill.
Sister!
Madam. That's the Joshoji cemetery.
The myrtle tree is in bloom.
That's the temple where you had the funeral.
My village is near there.
Isn't it beautiful?
Is this your first train ride?
But this line has too many tunnels.
I like coming out into the light from the dark.
Yuko, we'll be in the Fifth Quarter soon.
Welcome home.
Welcome back.
Madam is back!
- Welcome home. - What a sad task.
- Welcome home. - It's good to be home.
- Welcome home. - Thanks.
People upstairs, Madame home.
You're back at Yugiri.
- How sad for you. - Thank you.
Offer him some incense.
Listen up, everyone. This is Yuko.
She'll be working with you from now on.
She's 19, so she's the youngest.
Make her feel at home, won't you?
That's Hinagiku... Keiko... Matsuyo...
Kiyoko... Teruchiyo...
Danko... Momiji...
They're all your sisters.
Hisako here has been here the longest.
Make sure you learn from her.
Hisako, nice to know you.
You must say "Miss Hisako".
Miss Hisako, nice to know you.
You have to tough it out.
And... er...
You can't remember all their names at once.
Everyone, nice to meet you.
There, that's good. You'll get it in time.
And this is Auntie.
Hello.
Oh, Hisako...
- You had a call earlier. - From whom? - Need you ask?
- What'd you tell him? - That you'd be back tonight.
Then I have to hurry Thanks.
Yuko, bring your things and come with me.
Grandma... this is Yuko, the new girl.
- Take care of her. - Hello.
That's everyone here.
This is your room.
Come here.
This is Keiko's room.
Once you start working,
you can decorate your room as you wish.
But you can't start working right away
I'll take care of it, so you take it easy till then, OK?
Oh, you should write to your family.
Do that, then.
Hey come on in. We have pretty girls.
Mister, you can't hide from me.
- You were here two days ago. - Hush!
Which one was it?
Hina, you have a customer.
Hi!
I've been thinking about Yuko's initiation.
How about Nishijin's Takesue...
Well? What do you think?
That's a good idea.
He'll come running if you call.
- You think so? - He'll come at once.
She's his type.
It'll be sad for Yuko, but it's a festive occasion.
The only memory I have...
is that I cried on the night of my initiation.
Now those were the days.
Welcome. Hisako's back.
Where was she?
Isamu?
Thank you.
I missed you.
Fat chance! I bet you were having fun.
Welcome.
Dirty old man!
Nishijin 4057, please.
Madam, can I have the insect repellent coil?
It's over there.
Are there mosquitoes upstairs? Oh, Hello?
Is this Takesue?
Is this Nishijin Control House Takesue?
Could you please get the boss on the phone?
Oh, it's you, Katsue. What's up?
Hmm... Hmm... Don't pull my leg.
Why would such a girl come to your place?
You're trying to fool me again.
Oh, come on. You always say that.
I'll get angry.
It's hard to talk over the phone.
Why don't we meet in Tenkyu?
I'll be there shortly.
- You have a phone call. - Thank you.
So she's like a gift from the Master?
Yes. And she's a great girl.
She's an innocent child.
I need someone nice to initiate her.
Say something, Takesue.
I thought of you...
Okay If you insist, I'll do it.
Can you come tomorrow?
No. I'm meeting customers at Gion.
I'm no good when I'm drunk.
Slow down. You're just going to meet her.
I just want you to meet her and agree to it.
Isn't that Kikuichi?
Are you okay with that?
She's a fickle thing.
Beer.
I'll have a gin fizz.
So you're here.
What do you want with Takesue?
Good evening.
What about you? Hanging on to that guy...
Are you jealous? Let's dance.
I said, let's dance.
Hey!
- You know the bar Michi? - Sure.
I'll slip out of my meeting,
so meet me there with the girl around eight.
- Yuko? - Yes?
Oh, so you're still up.
You're writing a postcard?
I'll find a desk for you up in the attic.
Oh, thank you.
KUNUGIDA SEIJUN c/o HOKAKU-JI, KYOTO.
Go to bed now,
so you can have breakfast with the others. OK?
Good night, then.
- We have a nice girl. - Oh yeah?
- Are you sure? - Of course. - All right? - Yes.
- What do you want to do? - And you?
Why don't you both come in? Come on.
Hinagiku?
- There's 2,600 yen. - Thank you.
- Danko? - Yes!
- You're spending too much. - I've been eating too much!
- Keiko? - Yes. Thank you.
Yuko?
You go with the others to the bath early
so you're ready to go out.
- Keiko? - Yes?
When she comes back from the bath,
put a touch of makeup on her.
- Welcome. - Good evening.
Sit down.
Welcome. Your order?
I'll have a whiskey.
Bring her some juice.
Sit on this side.
Welcome.
This is for the last time.
I'll have a whiskey too.
- Been waiting long? - No.
Yuko, this is Mr. Takesue.
He's a good customer of ours.
Why don't you come over here?
It's okay Sit there.
This is Yuko. She's just come from Yosa.
She's really a babe in arms.
I want you to be her surrogate father,
so she can ask you for advice.
Sure thing. Let's go have something to eat.
That's a good idea.
I'm getting a little peckish.
Come here.
So when's the next exhibition for your shop?
I'm shooting for the end of November,
but I think realistically it'll be in December.
Oh, what's wrong?
Do you need the bathroom?
It's back down the hallway.
- She's cute! - I told you.
- And she's a virgin. - Are you sure?
You don't believe me? She's not like the girls in Kyoto.
Can't tell with girls these days.
But she's all you said she was.
So, will you pay for her?
Sure, you've convinced me.
How much?
That's up to you.
The poor girl's mother has tuberculosis and...
can't work.
So I want her to have a nice patron.
That way she won't have to worry.
So like I said, how much?
There is a going rate.
She's worth 20,000 yen.
20,000?
It all goes to her.
You are deflowering her, after all.
If I were a man, I wouldn't be concerned about the cost.
I'd agree right away.
All right. You win.
She's coming.
You know...
Do you think you can take a customer tomorrow,
like the rest of the girls?
The man you met, Ta-san, owns a large store.
His wife died five years ago...
and he's lived alone since then.
He's the boss of all the Nishijin merchants.
Ta-san says he likes you very much.
Do you know what it means to take customers?
Do you?
Yes, I do.
I see.
Don't you like Ta-san?
He says he likes you. Don't you think it's best...
to do it with someone you know the first time?
Yes?
Thank you.
So when Ta-san comes tomorrow, you'll take him?
Thank you, Yuko. Thank you.
Omine, go buy some sticky rice at the black market.
It's a celebration for Yuko.
FIRST STEP TO INDEPENDENCE SAN FRANCISCO TREATY
Yuko, I wore this when I was a geisha way back when.
- Wear this tomorrow. - Thank you.
I've asked Ta-san to give you 20,000.
You can help your folks back home.
Ta-san's a great customer for you.
So no matter what he does,
you just close your eyes and let him, okay?
Flowers, flowers.
Fresh flowers.
- Over here. - Thank you.
Flower seller in the red light district...
The wrinkles on her face remind me of my mother.
Not good.
Yuko, want some flowers? I kept some for you.
Thank you...
but I don't have a vase.
That's right. Oh, Hisako has some.
I'll ask her for you.
Is Miss Hisako here?
Could you lend a vase to Yuko?
Take whichever one you like.
Thank you. I'll borrow this one.
Thank you.
Keiko, join me for tea?
I have some cookies. You too, Yuko?
Yes. I'll just put the flowers in water first.
Everyone, come to my room.
We're celebrating for Yuko.
In the olden days, we'd have had a feast,
but no one bothers nowadays.
We still have food shortages,
so it's only red rice and simmered veggies.
But you all celebrate for her.
Yuko, congratulations.
- Congratulations. - Thank you. - Let's eat.
What's wrong, Yuko?
- Don't you like red rice? - I love it.
I was just thinking about when I had it last.
Thank you, Madam. Thank you, everyone.
Madam, I want a drink.
It's broad daylight!
I don't know, I feel like cutting loose.
I agree!
Oh, welcome.
Madam, Mr. Takesue's here.
Welcome. Thank you.
You can deposit this in your bank.
Thank you.
You've talked to the girl, haven't you?
She doesn't know a thing. Please be kind to her.
Oh, very good.
So, Ta-san, come this way.
Already? Okay then.
Ta-san, when you're done, you do right by us.
- Or else... - I know!
Boy you women!
Yuko? I'm coming in.
Yuko, it's Ta-san.
So, Ta-san...
There're five of you. Of course we have the girls,
but 1,800 yen for all of you - that's impossible.
It's still early yet. Give us a group discount.
- Welcome. - How much for the bunch?
How dare you! We're individuals, you know.
Have a heart!
We leave at 5 a.m. for a location shoot.
- Oh, okay then, 2,000. - Agreed!
- How will we choose? - Leave it to me.
You girls line up, and so will we.
There'll be no complaints, you hear.
Ready start!
I guess it's you and me, babe. Let's go.
Hey let's have a good time.
"Going my way"?
Then I'll go with you.
I like that she's not talking.
We have a lot of customers tonight.
Teruchiyo's still waiting.
But Mr. Kuniki called, and he's coming by
I'm here.
- What, nobody's here? - Welcome!
Teruchiyo! Mr Kuniki's here.
Hey you're late. Have you been fooling around?
Hey wait, I have to talk to Madam.
Madam!
Hey I got you some noodles from Matsunoya.
- It's hand-made. Only place in Kyoto. - Thanks.
It's really delicious!
Okay let's go.
- Katsue. - Yes?
She's not a virgin.
Don't lie to me.
I'm not asking for my money back.
She's worth 20,000 and more.
Katsue, she has a very rare body...
From her right shoulder down...
she has about 100 of these spots...
- Spots? - Yes.
Lots of freckles.
When she gets excited, they turn red.
Since her skin is so white, it's indescribable.
Also...
She has a baby breast.
- What's that? - You don't know?
Above her breasts, she has another small breast.
And on it there's this cute tiny golden nipple.
Is that so?
But she wasn't a virgin.
But I don't care. Katsue, she's mine.
Katsue, bring me some sake.
And order something to eat from Azuma. Something cheap.
Has the customer left?
He's sleeping.
How did it go with Ta-san?
He gave me a check for 20,000.
That's great for Yuko.
She's got a sugar daddy now.
Welcome!
Katsue, where are you?
Dinner, this late?
I just got back from a dance recital.
- I need to talk. - What is it?
It's about Yuko. I'm in love with her...
Why don't you give her to me?
You never change, do you?
Don't change the subject.
I want her, at all costs.
She has a great body
I've been with a lot of women, but never anyone like her.
I can't concentrate at work.
Tea.
I'm certain she gave her body to someone before.
That's not true. I can tell these things.
She didn't act like a virgin... so bold.
I don't believe you.
I've operated a brothel for years. I know.
You're making things up so you can have her.
Enough with these wild accusations!
I said I didn't care if she wasn't a virgin.
I don't intend to make a big deal...
out of a little mistake in the past.
I think she has a rare and beautiful body
that's why I want her.
Let's go inside.
If she wants to be your second or third mistress,
that's up to her.
So what did she say?
Well, I haven't said anything to her yet.
A prostitute wouldn't take me seriously.
"Men are beasts, don't believe a single word they tell you."
Isn't that what you teach those girls?
So, it's best you ask her...
then Yuko will consider it in earnest.
But her father in Yosa entrusted her to me.
If you were to take her...
you'd have to compensate everyone all around.
Or I'll lose face.
Money again?
Of course, Ta-san.
"Though she's been in Kyoto for less than a month,"
"a customer wanted her so I gave her away"
I can't say that.
I would be blamed.
Put the money aside for a moment.
Think about it: Is a woman happier selling her body
or is she happier living in a house she's been given?
I think the answer is clear.
Then why don't you try to convince her?
If she says she wants to go,
it's for her good, so I'll help you.
Madam, here's the money...
Welcome.
I'll go to Yuko's room. Call her.
Yuko.
Hello.
- How are you? - Well, thanks. - Let's go.
He's been here eight days straight!
He must have a strong constitution.
That's how he built up his business from a lowly apprenticeship.
Oh, how unusual. You're leaving?
I have to prepare for the spring exhibition.
I have to go.
Come back soon.
Hey hey hey! How dare you?
I'm gonna punch you out.
If you think you can, be my guest.
- I'll punch you! - Yeah, just try!
Ouch! How dare you!
Yuko, can I come in?
I cashed the check so I could give you the money.
It's 20,000 yen. You earned it. Take it.
But the house needs to take 40%...
That's 8,000 yen.
For the first year, until you can pay your own way
we split your earnings 60 - 40.
So I'll take the house's 8,000 yen.
All the prostitutes here started this way.
So take the 12,000 yen.
Thank you.
That's all yours, to do what you wish with.
But, Yuko...
I hope you're not going to send it all to your father.
Well... I want to save some,
and if I send it to Pa, it'll all go for no good,
so I'll send some to Ma separately.
Do that.
Then your work will be well worth it.
Thank you so much, Madam.
Thank you for so much money
I'll take it.
Good for you.
Ta-san really likes you.
He says he can't live a day without you.
He's a good man. Rich, too.
Maybe you should just sleep with him,
and not take any other customers.
What do you think?
Didn't Ta-san ask you to do that?
No, nothing.
I see.
Madam, thank you.
You made it possible for me to have this money.
Thank you. Thank you so much.
I'm going to send this to Ma right away.
Thank you.
Yes, do that. We'll talk again soon.
Sleep well tonight.
Good morning.
Good morning, grandma.
Where's Madam?
She's out. She said she'd be back soon.
LADY CHATTERLEY TRIAL SENTENCE HANDED DOWN
- I'm home. - Welcome home.
Yuko, I made a savings book for you.
- Here you go. - Thank you.
Madam, there's 1,000 yen in here.
That's a gift from me.
Thank you.
Madam, can I go outside?
How unusual. Sure, go ahead.
Are you going to send money?
Yes. And I'll also put some money in the bank.
And I'd like to do a little sightseeing.
Okay Take care.
Thank you. I'm going now.
I'm home.
There you are. You were gone a long time.
Auntie?
I'll take customers from today so please put me in.
If you do that, Mr. Takesue will be angry
I don't care. He's not the only man in the world.
- Madam, I'm home. - Welcome home.
You're late. Where were you?
I went here and there.
Madam, Yuko said she's taking customers tonight.
What?
You're taking walk-in customers?
Ta-san will be upset, Yuko.
I told Ta-san I'm taking other customers.
I'm not that fond of Ta-san.
You...
- You went to Hokakuji Temple? - What?
Yes.
- There's the dress you ordered. - Thank you.
Do you know a monk named Kunugida Seijun?
Do you know a student monk named Kunugida?
Do you know Kunugida Seijun?
Seijun? He's here.
He is?
Welcome. Come inside.
Why don't you just take a look?
They're all pretty girls.
Take a good look.
Th-th-that girl.
That girl's new,
so I'll have to charge 500 yen.
Sure. I h-h-have 500 yen.
Are you sure?
Come in.
Thanks, auntie.
This way.
Welcome.
Auntie...
Be on the lookout for Ta-san.
Yuko's changed a lot.
Yuko, it's time.
Please come again.
You're leaving? Thank you.
Please come again.
- Thanks for the food. - It wasn't so good...
It was delicious. Thank you.
Oh good, you're just in time.
What's good about it?
Oh, Yuko's waiting. Go to her.
Leaving?
Good-bye.
Keiko, the student's with Yuko.
- You mean Kunugida. - His name's Kunugida?
Yes, that's what Yuko says.
I have a funny feeling about him.
He's so gloomy
I think he may do something desperate.
Really? They're very friendly.
Oh? You just keep an eye on them.
Madam, Ta-san's here.
What shall we do?
- When he comes... - If I come, what?
Welcome.
What's wrong?
Go tell Yuko.
What? She has a customer?
Well, er... but he'll be going soon.
You didn't come for 10 days.
Can you blame her for looking elsewhere?
Forgive me.
Who is he?
I don't know. He's a walk-in.
Don't pay him any heed.
So he's a rival?
Too bad, since the exhibition's tomorrow.
Where's it going to be held?
At Murasakino.
The garden there is world famous.
It was my idea to show...
Nishijin obi and cloth in the garden.
Oh, the customer's leaving.
I'm going to see what he looks like.
Good-bye. Come again.
He looks pretty gloomy.
- A student? - Seems that way.
What nerve, for a student!
Imagine his poor parents...
Their hard-earned money wasted on prostitutes.
Too bad. Just too bad.
Ta-san, I'm sorry I'm so sorry.
If I'd known you were coming,
I wouldn't have taken a customer. Forgive me?
Let's go. Hurry Hurry...
Don't pull so hard!
Hurry - I'm going.
Ouch! That hurts, Katsue.
I bet you had a lover before you came here.
I knew it. It's written all over your face.
Was that man really a walk-in?
He's a student? Kind of creepy.
- How old is he? - He said he was 21.
- Name? - Kunugida.
Kunugida?
You like young students?
- No, I don't. - Really?
Students are okay
but you also have to take customers you don't like.
It's better not to be in this business too long.
I'll talk to Katsue...
Will you come live in a house I prepare for you?
We've had over 5,000 orders.
We're going to make a ton of money.
Excuse me.
The third apprentice from the front...
is his name Kunugida?
Yes. He's from Hokakuji.
Hokaku? Hokaku Temple is one of our branches.
That's why they're here: To study the sutra.
Oh, thank you.
Hokakuji is a venerable temple.
An apprentice from the temple here?
Even a Hokakuji apprentice...
can visit a prostitute. It's not against the law.
Monks used to frequent this red light quarter...
to get a taste of female flesh.
It was a kind of training for them.
But what I don't understand is...
how a student can get all that money.
It's a big temple that charges admission.
They may be well-off.
Don't be daft. No matter how wealthy the temple,
no master will give a trainee money and time to visit a prostitute.
That's true.
So, after the exhibition I talked to the head monk.
I told him Kunugida frequented Yugiriro...
and was in love with a prostitute...
It's bad for your reputation.
Really? I didn't know. What an oversight.
I'll tell the Abbot at Hokakuji,
and tell him to remedy the situation.
Thanks for letting me know. Thank you.
You did a good thing.
Meddling is sometimes not good,
but this was for a good cause.
You think? If what I did puts Kunugida back...
on his path to scholarship, it's all to his good.
- That was my motive. - I agree.
Do you still want to live with Yuko?
If she says yes.
What about Kikuichi?
Kikuichi? She's different from Yuko.
She's flirty and calculating.
She has many men on a string.
I'm not devoted to Kikuichi.
My devotion is for her only.
Katsue, it's getting cold.
I'll go drink with Yuko tonight.
Order sushi for the two of us, will you?
Oh, three. One for you.
You can eat here all alone.
How about something for Auntie and the others?
Plain noodles will do. Do it in secret...
If upstairs hears, they'll want some too.
Well, did you think it through?
Why Won't you apologize?
Do you understand what you are doing?
The reason you think the world is ugly...
is because your soul's dirty.
- I... - Don't make me angry!
Until you realize you are shirking your training...
I forbid you to be seen in public.
You will not go to school.
You will try to be one with the Buddha.
Wipe the halls of the temple, like a servant.
Smell the dirty rag as you rinse it...
and think of what you've done.
Pluck the weeds from the garden.
Pluck each weed by hand.
And think about what you've done.
Training, not sex is the better teacher.
Now that the world knows about what you did...
you should be expelled.
But your father and I trained together.
Consider this the mercy of the Buddha.
Do you want to see my poems?
It was selected as one of the final entries.
'In the Brothel' by Yugiri Keiko.
What a title!
"I do not long for the place of my birth,"
"but for the blue skies above the forest..."
"of the shrine."
"The cold slap-slap of the slippers in the hall..."
"reminds me I am accustomed to this brothel life."
"My tired eyes in the early morning..."
"see the fake flowers given to me by a stranger."
Keiko, you are so good.
The Yosa peninsula where you're from...
must be a beautiful place.
Above the cliff by the sea,
there's a cemetery filled with myrtles.
It looks beautiful from the sea.
Graves so close to the sea?
Arable fields take up most of the free space.
So we have to bury the dead...
in unusable land by the sea.
So the graves are on top of the cliffs.
There's a temple there,
and the myrtles grow all around it.
When the wind blows, the petals fall into the sea.
You could easily write a poem about that.
- Yuko? - Yes?
A customer.
We're not open yet. Who is it?
It's your usual student.
Kunugida? Please have him come in.
Thank you.
Just a moment.
Welcome.
Come in.
You're soaked.
What's the matter, Seijun?
They know I-I-I come here.
I was reprimanded.
I c-c-can't c-c-come here anymore.
They t-t-told me not to go to school either.
I h-h-have to do samu from now on.
What's that? Some sort of punishment?
I can't see people... I can't speak.
A-a-and, I have to do chores around the temple.
One more hardship for you.
I don't mind the h-h-h-hardship.
I came because I was worried about something.
I b-b-brought you medicine.
You s-s-said you were troubled by night sweats.
So I b-b-bought medicine for you.
You s-s-shouldn't catch cold.
Especially because of your mother.
This is g-g-good medicine.
Get s-s-some water, now.
Where did you get the money?
I don't need my watch for my chores.
Take t-t-two every f-f-four hours.
Here, I'll give it to you.
Back home, you always fed me fruit like this.
When it rained, we played in the main hall.
Once, we fell asleep in the hall...
When we awoke it was dark and we were surprised.
Yuko?
Madam, Yuko's room is dark...
but she isn't with a customer.
Maybe you should check up on her.
Yuko?
Yuko? I wonder what's wrong.
Yuko, what's the matter?
Silly girl! What's wrong with you?
What time do you think it is?
Well, the pill the customer gave me...
made me sleepy
I must have fallen asleep.
I don't recall putting down the bedding.
- Was the customer Kunugida? - Yes.
Then he must have put me in bed.
Yuko, come talk to me up front.
- I wonder if Yuko's been poisoned. - That's outrageous!
Have you heard anything suspicious?
No... But I think Yuko likes that student.
And Kunugida comes so often:
He must like her, too.
And that's why they might do it.
I'm sorry Madam.
Yuko, are you sure you're not sick?
Sometimes I have night sweats.
I told Kunugida, so he brought me some pills.
Isn't he a trainee at Hokakuji?
You were fooling me.
Matsuyo!
She was orphaned by the atomic bomb.
It's all right now.
It's going away Come this way
I was so engrossed, I didn't hear the thunder.
Then all of a sudden, she threw me aside!
- I'm sorry. - Are you all right now?
I think I'll go home.
To continue,
you knew him before you came here, right?
Yes, I did.
He's the son of Joshoji Temple back home.
You wrote a postcard to Hokakuji, the night you came here.
Yes, I did.
And what did he say when he saw it?
He didn't object to your being here,
and just came to buy your favors?
Madam, he didn't come here to sleep with me.
I said I would give myself to him.
Why would you do that?
It's my body And I love him.
Then who's been paying for your time?
Since he's an apprentice, he doesn't have any money.
So I've been giving him the money.
Are you sure you're not being deceived?
Just because you've known him since childhood,
is that a reason to sleep with him?
It's your hard-earned money.
But I've not wasted my earnings.
I feel sorry for Kunugida...
That's why I keep him company.
So tell me, why do you like that man?
Madam!
Kunugida can't speak.
When he speaks in public, it comes out jumbled.
He has a bad case of the stutters.
After junior high,
he was forced to come to Kyoto...
to train at Hokakuji temple.
But since he stuttered so, everyone made fun of him.
He was bullied every day...
And his disposition turned sour.
He was so traumatized, he became mean and withdrawn.
Just reading the sutra was a trial for him.
Even now, he suffers at the temple.
But they sent him to college.
Yes, but even there he is scorned for his stuttering.
He hates to study now, and he comes to me.
He's just babying himself.
Every person has his faults.
To blame others for his own shortcomings is a big mistake.
If you love a man so dangerously
you're going to have a hard life.
I'm used to hardship.
Until the day his spirits lift,
and he sees the world in a brighter light, I'll be there for him.
Madam, he has no friends.
There is no one he can confide in.
He is truly alone.
I just hate the man who is taking your money.
If you say you're happy
then it's none of my business.
But Yuko,
you should listen to good advice.
So you hate him that much, too?
Madam!
We don't do anything when he's here.
We lie in bed... but he doesn't touch me.
Besides, he said he won't come here again.
Listen up, everyone.
"The prostitute association..."
"will protect the livelihood of its members,"
"and help in developing the profession."
Isn't that strange?
- Can I speak? - Of course.
I agree about protecting our livelihood,
but what does "developing our profession" mean?
Development of our profession is counter to...
the development of a moral society.
Do you think prostitution will cease to exist?
If the system and a man's drive both cease...
But that's not likely.
So we should form an association and work towards progress.
If prostitution is abolished, girls from poor families like us will have no place to go.
Anyhow, we work at the crossroads of good and bad,
so I don't oppose forming an association.
But I'm not going to protest against Madam...
for being a capitalist.
Do we have to wave a red flag in protest?
If we join a protest parade...
all the people in town would be happy.
That would lead to the development of our jobs.
I thought red cloth was just for underwear!
Yes, we have experience with red cloth.
That's right.
If all the prostitutes went on strike...
all men would go crazy.
Now that would cause a social problem!
So are we agreed on forming an association?
Yes!
And our rep from Yugiriro will be Hisako?
Yes!
Where's Yuko? Shall I go get her?
My it's snowing!
Yuko? What's wrong?
Everyone, come quick! Madam, call the doctor!
Takesue Store.
It's you, Katsue. I was going to stop by tonight.
Bad news. Yuko coughed up blood.
Hello? Hello?
She has tuberculosis?
You're distant.
We won't trouble you.
She's my charge, so I'll take care of her.
But why don't you come see her?
Oh yeah, sure. But we're very busy right now.
We have a lot of orders...
stemming from that spring exhibition.
I see. That's good for you.
I guess that's it, then.
I guess.
Be strong, Yuko.
The doctor said you'll be fine.
If you rest, the bleeding will stop.
All right?
Don't think about your home.
If you do, you'll get sad.
Just think of us, and take it easy.
All right?
Don't think about your mother.
Madam, I'm sorry Please forgive me.
Don't talk rubbish.
Madam, my savings book is in that basket.
You can use it to put me into the hospital.
I want to go to the hospital.
Sure, wherever you want to go.
But for a while, you should stay here and rest.
How hard you've worked!
This is the savings book I opened for you...
So you've been saving every month?
Madam, use that money and make me better.
I don't want to infect the others.
So put me in a hospital as soon as possible.
How fine you look, Keiko!
You don't look at all like a prostitute.
No? Some guy winked at me on the train coming here,
so I glared at him.
This is some candy from Madam.
This flower is from me.
Everyone pitched in for your clothes.
- Thank you. - Do you like it?
What a wonderful view!
You can see all the way to Mount Kinugasa.
Yuko, does Kunugida come to visit you?
I see. Don't be angry for what I'm about to say...
He's very gloomy isn't he?
It's society that's made him that way.
But he used to be an outgoing person.
Only I know that.
When we were young, we'd climb the myrtle tree...
and play together. That's how I know.
Then why did you tell him you were a prostitute?
Because I wanted to see him.
I was really sad when I had to come to Kyoto...
But maybe I could see him if I came.
That was my only hope.
I wanted to see him. So I wrote to let him know.
I think of him as my elder brother.
He also says that he forgets his loneliness...
when he is with me.
He must remember how we climbed the myrtle tree.
That's why I asked him to come to Yugiri.
You used to sing when he was there.
When he sings with me, he doesn't stutter.
But if he sings alone, he stutters.
He used to cry about that.
That's why I used to sing with him.
When I sang with him,
I felt like I was the best singer in the world.
That made me happy.
Have you told him you're here?
My illness is very dangerous.
It's better I don't see him.
But isn't it sad not to see him when you can?
Keiko, I forbid you to go to Hokakuji.
Don't tell Kunugida that I'm sick.
He will lose all hope.
I won't go, if you feel so strongly about it.
How was she? Doing well?
Yes. She had color in her face...
But I felt sorry for her.
True. When she was well, he came around all the time.
Now that she's sick, he won't come at all.
Men are all like Ta-san.
I don't mean Ta-san. I mean Kunugida.
Him?
I shouldn't say this, but...
I have a feeling Ta-san split those two up.
In fact, I'm sure of it.
Kunugida doesn't have to come.
He's a good-for-nothing.
He means a lot to her.
They're like brother and sister.
What do you mean?
He and Yuko are connected spiritually.
Nothing happened between them.
Madam, think about it:
Ta-san, who said he loved her,
hasn't been around once since she's been sick.
But Kunugida, who truly loved and watched over her,
was torn apart from her.
Not only that, he doesn't even know she's sick.
Can't you see who truly loves her?
Madam, ask everyone here.
They'll all agree with me. Ask them.
You're looking for Seijun?
That's right. Could you ask him to come here?
He's studying, so I can't let you see him.
Please, just for a minute?
They'll scold me if I accept this. Wait here.
Go to that little gate and wait there.
Thank you.
Are you Kunugida?
I'm sorry to bother you. I won't be long.
I'm the owner of Yugiri.
Yuko coughed up blood and is hospitalized.
There's still hope...
The doctor said they might be able to operate.
Will you go to her?
She's not asking for you,
but I feel sorry for her. I can't leave it alone.
She's at the Higashiyama Hospital, on the 3rd floor.
She'll be there until they operate.
She can see Mt. Kinugasa from her window.
When I see her gazing at the mountain, it makes me cry.
Please, go and visit her.
I've said what I wanted to say
I just wanted to let you know.
I'm glad I got to see you.
Well, I'll be leaving now.
T-T-Tell Yuko... thanks.
Tell her it's over, so d-d-don't worry.
T-T-Tell her.
What do you mean, "It's over, don't worry"?
T-Thank you. I-I'm really busy right now.
W-when I-I'm free, I'll go visit her, I promise.
Tell Yuko, d-d-don't worry...
Please.
Is Seijun here?
It's coming from the direction of Mt. Kinugasa.
Don't worry the fire's far away.
Did Hokakuji Temple burn down?
Did it?
HOKAKUJI TEMPLE DESTROYED KUNUGIDA SEIJUN SOUGHT
Katsue, did you read the papers?
Wasn't I right?
You're a cold person, aren't you?
You were right about Kunugida.
But, but...
You take his side? He's a most wanted criminal.
He was a bad man, just like I said.
Hey, Katsue?!
ARSONIST KUNUGIDA SEIJUN ARRESTED
"Kunugida Seijun, who set fire to Hokakuji temple,"
"was being questioned at Nishijin Station,"
"when he cut his throat with a razor he had hidden."
"He was rushed to Nisseki Hospital, but died."
Madam, this also says he died at Nisseki Hospital.
That could be Takesue again.
I'm not answering it. You take it.
This is Yugiri. No...
It's Higashino Hospital, asking if Yuko is here.
She's not here. Is something the matter?
Yes... WHAT?
Yes. We'll watch out for her.
Thank you for calling.
Yuko said she was going for a walk and hasn't returned.
Madam, I think Yuko's going to kill herself.
She must be feeling desolate because of his death.
Maybe she went to Nisseki Hospital.
She read about him in the papers and just had to go see him.
When I went to the hospital after you, she told me...
Kunugida is to be pitied.
People say he's a criminal,
but I know he's a good person.
He's a kind and good person.
He brought me medicine when I was sick.
He's a kind, gentle person.
He didn't really want to burn the temple down.
Because the people there tormented him,
they forced him to do what he did.
He told me he wanted to die many times.
Everyone from the priests to the novices...
teased him about his stuttering.
They must have driven him mad.
I'm the only one who knows how he feels.
He set the fire because...
he wanted to escape, but he couldn't.
He couldn't go back to Yosa; He had nowhere else to go.
So in desperation,
he was forced to set fire to the temple.
I can see it clearly.
He was a victim, not a criminal.
Yuko cried when she said that.
Keiko, will you go to Nisseki Hospital?
Please.
Wait.
I went to Hokakuji and saw Kunugida.
Madam, you did?
I told him about Yuko's illness.
He said to tell Yuko, "it's over, don't worry".
I wonder what he meant by that?
It's over...
If he meant the arson,
it means Yuko knew about it.
She would be in terrible trouble.
What do you think, Keiko?
Are you fearing for Yugiri's reputation...
if Yuko was an accomplice?
I don't think Yuko knew about it.
She didn't even want him to know she was sick.
How would she know a thing like that?
Rather, I think he set the fire because you told him.
No. That's not possible.
Maybe Yuko went to Nisseki Hospital...
but she's not going to commit suicide.
I have her savings book.
Her entire savings of 80,000 yen is in there.
She wouldn't die leaving all that money behind.
She has responsibilities to her family
to her sick mother and little sisters.
She can't die. She must be alive.
She'll come back to Yugiri.
So don't worry.
There's no guarantee that she will.
After she met Kunugida at the Nisseki,
she couldn't go back to her own hospital.
She wandered around without anyone to talk to,
and she might have wanted to end it all.
If she did, it's all your fault!
Oh, please!
Do as you please, Keiko.
Go look for her till you're satisfied...
but I won't.
I don't want the world to ridicule her.
She must be left alone,
so she can grieve in private.
I know she'll come back.
When she does,
let's welcome her back without a word.
Do you agree?
We can't wipe her sadness away.
It's a deep, deep wound.
Only time can heal her.
Do you understand?
Keiko, Madam's right.
Yuko will come back... To Yugiri.
But Madam...
where do you think she is?
Yuko, Yuko!
When did you come home?
Why didn't you tell us?
Did something sad happen?
Yuko...
Why did you have to die?
Yuko.
Come... Your Ma's waiting.
She got better because of you. She's waiting.
Both your sisters are waiting for you.
THE END Subtitles ripped by qianqian Proofread & retimed by lordretsudo