The Honest Fool (1964) Movie Script
1
A SHOCHIKU PRESENTATION
THE HONEST FOOL
Hajime Hana
Miyuki Kuwano
Hiroshi Inuzuka, Senri Sakurai
Isamu Nagato
Koji Mitsui, Tatsuya Ishiguro
Norio Hanazawa, Eitaro Ozawa
Toyo Takahashi, Chieko Seki
Mayumi Shimizu
Kanbi Fujiyama
Kiyoshi Atsumi
Original Novel: Shinji Fujiwara
Written by: Tai Kato, Yoji Yamada
Produced by: Shigeru Wakita
Planning: Kiichi Ichikawa
Cinematography: Tetsuo Takaba
Art Direction: Kiminobu Sato
Music: Naozumi Yamamoto
Editing: Keiichi Uraoka
Recording: Takashi Matsumoto
Lighting: Yasukuni Toida
Narrator:
Hitoshi Ueki
Directed by:
Yoji Yamada
He's looking over here.
He's gonna do it again!
He took one!
It's the Young Miss!
Alright, let's go!
Hup!
Hey, it's my turn!
Dumb kid!
You gotta aim for the other side!
That won't do it!
Try it and see.
No, no.
Not like that!
Put your arm...
Here, let me show you.
Hup!
How's that?
Give me those.
Move aside...
See? It's not about your hands.
It's all in the hips!
Hup!
There!
See?
Hi-yah!
I remember the day I met Yasu well.
It was, as I recall, in 1949.
That was 14 or 15 years ago.
Welcome home!
Did you see a strange man in
a soldier's uniform out there?
Yeah, he asked to stay in the temple for the
night, so I let him into the main hall.
The main hall?
Why on earth would you do that?!
What do you mean?
Because that disgusting man...
He said he'd come to see Mr. Ishidaya's son,
who he met in the war.
There's no way! Mr. Ishidaya
went to Tokyo, didn't he?
Even if he wanted to leave,
there's the railway strike going on.
So, he can't go home.
He's a nice guy though.
But you're so gullible!
The thief who stole the Buddha from
Myoshinji Temple is still at large!
What if he's the thief?!
Aw, there's no way.
Well, it's too late now.
We should at least bring the
Buddha in here, just in case.
Right, Natsuko?
I think it's fine. If he was the thief,
wouldn't he be more cautious?
Yeah, exactly!
Relax!
And who are you?
Wha...?
Be quiet!
Huh?
Father!
Father!
What is that...?!
Honey! Didn't I tell you?
Mr. Priest!
Ow! What are you doing?!
I'm not the burglar!
What?!
He ran that way!
Oh, really?
Yes! Ouch...
What do we do?
Is there a way out the back?
No way in hell. It's a cliff!
Then, he's trapped!
So, get ready, and hit him
like you hit me!
Okay!
Hey, do you know where he's hiding?
Where thieves always hide!
Alright! One wrong move,
and I'll beat you to death!
You scumbag!
I'm sorry!
Anyway, four temples were hit in the
Toyoura Police Station area alone.
Quite a mess you got there.
I wanted to show Mr. Hinode
just how strong this man is.
Good thing you just happened
to be here, huh?
It's the Buddha's guidance.
Caught a cold, huh?
No, no...
So, Mr. Matsumoto, where did
you get demobilized from?
From Siberia.
Siberia?
Natsuko!
Yes?
This man has returned from Siberia!
Oh my!
Do you, by any chance, know
someone named Sugawara?
Seinen Sugawara is my son.
Sugawara...
I recall a guy who was always
chanting sutras when someone died.
I think he was named Suga...
He was tall and pale,
not like his father.
Yeah, for sure...
That was him.
Oh!
How wonderful!
More of Buddha's grace!
Well, actually...
You're sure his name was Sugawara?
Yeah, I think that was it...
Please, remember!
Yes...
Let me see!
He's burning up!
Unfortunately, the doctor is out of
town and can't come right away.
I don't need... a doctor!
Oh, don't be like that!
I hate... needles...!
Please, don't say that.
Anyway, please take this fever medicine.
I can't. Medicine makes
me break out in hives.
This medicine will be fine.
Go easy on me!
What if you catch
pneumonia or something?
Don't mind me...
I'll take care of myself...
And how will you do that?
Can you call Bon for a minute?
"Bon"? You mean Seijuro?
Yes...
Mister! Is this good?
Perfect!
- What're you gonna do?
- Just watch.
Oh, my... Sorry I'm late!
How is the patient?
Well... You see...
A terrible fever?
Oh... It's much better!
Huh? You said it was an emergency!
Yes, I'm just as surprised as you are.
You sure are strong!
Mister, what did you do
before this?
Me? I worked in construction.
Traveling all over ever since I was a babe!
Skill and courage are a man's domain!
Hi-yah!
So, are you good in a fight?
Bon, come here a minute.
Ever since the day I was born...
I never lost a fight!
Wow, really?
Give it a squeeze.
Whoa...
Oh! A tattoo!
That's right.
Mister! Are you a yakuza?
"Yakuza," he says!
With a code of honor?
Oh yeah, I'm a man of honor, alright!
Make way!
Sei! Where did he run off to?
How am I supposed
to know? I'm busy!
Greetings!
"Greetings!"
Good job.
I hail from the land of Kanto!
"I hail from the land of Kanto!"
Kanto, oh Kanto, it is a large region!
"Kanto, oh Kanto, it's a, uh, big place!"
A large region!
"A large," um...
A large region!
A large region!
I feel silly!
Once a fool, always a fool
Well done, men!
My sister-in-law moved in here
the spring before the war ended.
That summer, my brother
went off to the army.
So, they were only together
for about three months, huh?
Yeah. My brother was pretty weak, so
I bet he was taken prisoner right away.
Did you get many letters?
Just one. This spring.
We heard he was laid up
in the hospital.
Well, that's no good.
But didn't you know him?
Well, uh.... yeah, sure.
Ever since yesterday,
Sis has been feeling good!
Really?
Long, long ago...
Seijuro! Load the wood in the bathtub!
Okay!
Hold on! I'll do it.
Right next to...
The beech tree forest
There was a small mountain
A small mountain
Sei!
It's a little lukewarm...
Sei!
What are you doing?
Oh, I just found a white magnolia seedling
in the hills behind your house.
Oh my!
A white magnolia!
It's a difficult tree to replant, but with
all this rain, I thought it might do well.
You didn't have to go to the trouble!
No trouble!
Next spring, when the
fragrant white flowers bloom...
I'm sure we'll all rejoice!
Oh, yes!
Well, I'll leave you to it, then.
Is something the matter?
Yes...
Actually, I have to apologize to you.
Why?
It's about your husband...
I was indeed stationed in Siberia.
But when I say, "Siberia..."
Well, it's a huge place.
I don't know if the man I met
was your husband or not...
I mean, there was definitely a
soldier who performed the sutra...
But was his name Sugawara...?
The other night,
I definitely thought so!
But afterwards, I thought about it...
And I didn't actually get his name!
Not just his name, but whether
he was pale or dark skinned...
I'm just not sure...
I see.
Young Miss!
Please, forgive me!
No... There's no way you could...
It's fine.
This is how it already was.
I still haven't lost all hope.
Yes...
Shortly after that, Yasu
told us he was going home.
Ever since Haru left, chopping
wood has been such a pain.
We could really use
a man around here!
Be that as it may...
We don't actually know
anything about the guy...
Or if he has a home to go back to.
Come on, he's not a bad guy,
even if he's a little short on brains.
We can't be choosey
in times like this!
Natsuko...
What do you think?
Yeah, huh...
I beg your pardon!
My thanks for all you've done!
You're leaving in this weather?
Yeah, it's no problem!
We were just talking about this...
Hey... Why don't you
wait until after it rains?
I really must go.
I can't take advantage of
your kindness anymore!
I'm sorry I can't repay you.
Yasu's simple reply must have
touched the priest's heart.
Mister!
Dad would like you to stay longer!
Yasu!
Father said you can stay for longer than
two or three days if you'd like!
I wouldn't dare!
You don't have to be shy.
Or is there somewhere you have to go?
Well, no...
I am just a poor traveler.
I have nowhere to be.
Then, why not stay? You can
return to your travels whenever...
No, but
That is...
Thinking back, it seems Yasu's fate
was decided by the Young Miss's words.
Long, long ago...
Right next to the beech tree forest
Good morning!
It was nice having Yasu around,
since he worked so hard.
Have a nice trip, sir!
Soon after, an event transpired
that Yasu would never forget.
Come one, come all!
See the Strong Man, Tokyo Tarzan!
In those days, this show was very
popular with the local girls.
Amazing!
This here is the only daughter of
Heihachiro Mondoya, the town chairman.
Of all people, she's
fallen for this big lug!
And so, after his performance,
they eloped.
What's going on?
They found Mucchan!
Where?
At a playhouse in Toyoura!
So, she was with the Strong Man
after all?
That's why Mr. Mondoya
brought backup!
- He can't do this alone, right?
- Right!
Charge!
Yessir!
That brute!
What have you done with my daughter?!
Don't make trouble!
- Call the police!
- Bastard!
Call the police, I say!
I'm free to love who I want!
We live in a democracy now!
Well, I suppose that's true.
But your parents are concerned for...
Don't even try!
After I turn 20, I'm free to choose who I
marry! Don't you officers know the laws?!
Of course I do...
Then, please leave!
This is no matter for the police!
But y'know...
Mr. Hinode came home empty handed.
Mucchan really snapped at her father!
She's unbelievable...
But she was deceived!
Now, she's out with the bathwater!
I guess she'll be sold off to the circus.
I guess so!
It's that guy's fault.
Poor thing...
Is there anything we can do?
Anyway! We need to find someone
even stronger than that man!
It's the only way!
I guess I'll do what I can...
Bon...
Bon!
What's up?
Do me a favor.
It's just between us guys.
Don't tell anyone.
You know the sword in the storehouse?
Sneak it out to me.
What for?
Just be quiet and bring it here, okay?
Hey, if it ain't Yasu from Jonenji Temple!
And what do you want?
Hey! Where the hell is the bastard
who took Mondoya's daughter?!
Where is he?!
This again...?
Don't try me!
Where is he?!
I said, "Where is he?!"
This way?
Stop hiding and come out!
Come and fight me!
So, it's you! What a joke!
Get out of here!
Shu!
Just go home!
What are you saying?!
Go home already!
Help!
Oh! Mutsuko!
Daddy!
There, there...
Word quickly spread
throughout the town.
He sliced down like this!
I heard he was covered in blood!
Bloodspray from his victims!
Zoom! Yasu swung his
sword through the air!
Folks must've gotten hurt!
Two or three limbs flew off
in an instant!
About ten Toyoura yakuza showed up!
Somehow, they all went down!
He got 'em all?
Yep! Two or three died, right?
This great hero can't hold his liquor!
Mr. Mondoya! Surely there's
something else we can do for him?
Like hook 'im up?
That's right!
Leave it to me!
Oh, look who's here!
Come on in!
As I told you on the phone earlier,
I am here to arrest
Mr. Yasugoro Matsumoto
on suspicion of intimidation and
unlawful possession of weaponry.
Alright, sir.
Cuff me.
You'll do no such thing!
Yasugoro is a real man!
He won't run or hide!
As I said, the police chief is my pal.
Don't even worry about it.
We'll get you out tomorrow...
I'd appreciate it.
We'll have a big party
when you get home!
Okay, everyone!
Off I go!
Alright!
Come on back, y'hear!
We'll find you a lady, too!
Thank you, everyone!
Three cheers for Yasugoro Matsumoto!
Hooray!
Hooray!
It turned out the Strong Man was a
felon with three previous convictions.
Yasu was released three days later.
Oh my!
Hey, Koman! See you tonight!
See you, then!
Bring Mr. Yasugoro!
How about Tiger tonight?
Or we could go to West Beach?
Sure, sounds good!
We've promised this man a good time!
So, the stories about you cutting
down a horde of men are untrue?
I wouldn't do that!
What about chopping off
one of the Strong Man's arms?
Of course not!
So, none of the things Mr. Mondoya was
saying last night were true, huh?
I just pulled out my sword
and scared him a little, is all!
Well... that's a relief!
Actually, the priest has been in a
bad mood ever since that day.
He said, "I can't let a murderer
live in the temple!"
I told him it was self-defense!
They wouldn't let you off so easy
if you slaughtered a bunch of people!
So, finally he agreed.
Really?
Wow, thanks.
So, behave yourself from now on, okay?
Yep! Sorry about that!
But you sure are strong!
I had no idea!
I guess so...
Shortly after that, Yasu
resigned from the temple,
and went to live in this house
under the care of Mr. Mondoya.
Yasu!
Hey!
You have a visitor.
Damn it, Yasu!
Aw, no!
I am a humble traveler
requesting assistance!
Are you the boss of this household?
Yes.
I beg your pardon as I enter.
Greetings.
G... Greetings...
Greetings.
Greetings!
Greetings!
Greetings!
By the Code of Honor,
I bid you greetings.
Yes, sir!
I will promptly introduce myself!
I apologize for my rude intrusion.
I hail from Upper Kiryu. My boss is Esuke
Maeda, a young member of the Maeda family.
My name is Hachiro and
I humbly request your patronage.
I'm sure one of his underlings
put him up to it.
Yasu's house has a reputation for being the
place to go if you need something.
Oh? Where'd they get that?
I think mostly from the
Okayama area Occupation Forces.
I also asked my daughter
to get some lotion.
It's not cheap, but it's American-made!
Wanna buy some?
Your skin won't be the same!
Is it really okay to be selling stuff
from the Occupation Forces?
Oh, there'll be hell to pay if he gets caught!
But that's just the kinda guy he is.
Keep up the good work!
Huh...?
Hey, hey...
Have a good day!
Welcome back!
I've been waiting for you.
Heya!
I need some soap...
- Got some!
- You do?
How about nylon stockings?
Finally found some!
Just for you, Shizu!
Come hell or high water!
Yasu!
Hey, Bon!
My sister-in-law wants you to come by.
Really?
I wonder why...
I bet Natsuko wants some of that lotion.
My mom's been spreading the word!
Oh, really?
- Yes!
- Where is it, Yasu?
How about that...!
Thank you!
Ah... That smells great!
How much?
250 yen.
Cut me some slack, Yasu!
For old times' sake!
Oh! Hello, Young Miss!
Check out this lotion!
Mother... This is for your hair!
For hair...?
Go wash it off!
Oh no!
Oh... For your hair, huh?
Darn! Guess I've been had!
But this one is quite good!
Yasu!
Yes?
There's a rumor going 'round...
If someone gets caught doing this,
they'll be shipped off to Okinawa.
It's fine! I wouldn't get involved
with anything shady!
You may have good intentions, but when
push comes to shove, you'll be on your own.
You've got a good point...
I mean, you've gone out of your
way to help people,
so don't ruin your good reputation.
Yeah...
That's what I wanted to
talk to you about.
Oh, so that was it...
Young Miss...
Thank you for your advice!
It's not that big a deal!
No! I am glad to hear it!
So, Yasu gave up the black
market business.
Then, one summer evening...
Hey!
Yasu!
Boss!
Where are ya?!
Hey!
Wake up and listen to me!
Hey!
Hey!
Boss!
Dammit!
Hey! What's that?
Alright! That's it...
Now, I'm gonna...
I got somethin' to say!
What's goin' on, Man?!
"What's goin' on," huh?
I'll tell ya what, ya bastard!
Dammit! To hell with the cops!
Go ahead and turn me in!
I ain't scared of them!
- Hey, man! Calm down!
- Sure, sure...
I can't calm down! Bastard!
What'd I do wrong?
Go ahead'n call the cops...
What the hell is going on?
Listen up!
I dunno what's so great
about that asshole Miya!
I was just goin' to meet
my lady and... Dammit!
I been patient my whole life!
I made it this far!
I can't stand it! Damn it!
A guy can only take so much!
Here's what happened...
Man went to borrow 2,000 yen
from Miya, the carpenter.
The stingy Miya lent the
money without fuss.
I'm home!
He saw that his wife had recently been
walking around with a swing in her step.
And Man knew what that meant.
Huh? What?
I'm home...!
His guess was right on the money.
And so, it went...
Miya
You wanna go again...?
Boss...
How could a man not lose his cool?
Miya is clearly at fault here.
You don't just take someone else's wife!
We're in the yakuza world!
We can't complain if we get stomped!
Yeah, this isn't a flea market
on people's wives here!
Please, Boss!
Shake him up for me!
Alright, you got it!
I can't back down when I see
someone in need!
Boss!
Thank you!
I'm in your debt!
We'll go out tomorrow, okay?
And that son of a bitch...
At first he might play dumb.
But then, you'll smash in
his flat-nosed face in!
Yeah.
I'll take care of it.
The hell're you talking about?
Are you pulling my leg?
I see how it is.
Playing dumb, huh?
Hey... Don't give me that look.
Let's talk it out. You'll see.
This is just a misunderstanding!
What do you mean?
You saying you never talked
to Man's wife?
Sure, we've known each other
since we were kids!
Just spit it out, already!
Spit what out?
Does Man's wife really have
feelings for me?
You jerk! I've heard enough!
- Hachi! Smash his face in!
- Yessir!
We'll make you fess up, you bastard!
You snake! Scoundrel!
Got that?! This is what happens
when you sleep around!
Suck on that!
However, Yasu was in the wrong here.
Oh, Man was just jealous.
He's out of his mind!
An outsider like you wouldn't know.
He's notorious in town!
No one wants to deal with him.
I had no idea.
He seemed serious...
You should have come to me for advice!
Miya is making a fuss about suing you.
There's only so much I can do!
I'm so sorry!
Your drinks...
It's okay, it's okay.
I managed to calm Miya down.
Just buy him a bottle.
That guy loves to drink!
Understood.
Well!
Boss...
Just a bottle of booze.
Not bad!
You fool! Just wait until she
hears about this...
She'll chew my ear off again.
The struggle for higher wages began
at a Tokyo-based canning factory.
The small-minded, dim-witted
plant manager
got flustered and fired the
ringleaders one-by-one.
One hanged themself, taking their own life.
The whole town was totally
caught up in the commotion.
And so, one morning...
The Chimney Man showed up.
Hey! Gosuke!
Hang in there!
Wow!
He did it!
Thank you all!
Leave it to me!
That's our guy!
Hey!
Hey! Whoops!
Honey, please!
What if you fall to your death?!
Honey!
Just wait, Ma'am!
Gosuke is the Union's hero!
No, he's a maniac! That's my underskirt
he's waving around! Honey!
Back off, cop!
Go arrest a burglar!
Mr. Hinode! You're sympathetic
to our struggle, aren't ya?!
What's that?
Either way, a man's life is at stake!
We can't just leave him up there!
What do you think?
The mayor is very concerned!
So, that's how it is?
Town Hall's on the side of the Unions?
The city remains neutral in the dispute.
But this is a matter of life and death!
If this guy makes news by falling down the
chimney, the town will be in big trouble!
He gets what he deserves!
I'm not responsible!
That's crazy! C'mon...
The damned Union is crazy!
Now, now
Don't be like that.
You've gotta budge a little here.
Somehow, The Chimney Man...
I refuse! Pisses me off!
Hurry up!
Mr. Hinode, what are you doing?!
Excuse me!
Welcome!
Is Yasu home?
The boss?
Yes.
The boss is in the back.
We need a favor, Yasu...
Or should I say, "Boss"?
Here's a little something for you.
Oh, thank you!
But, what's going on?
There's a man we need
you to deal with.
A man?
Depends on what you mean.
We, Chairman Mondoya and Councilor
Tatsumiya have come to you hand in cap.
Boss! Will you save this man's life?
His life?
Yes!
So...
...helping others?
That's right!
Hey, this is wild!
That fool Yasu climbed up
the chimney to get Gosuke down!
He did?!
Yep...
Well, that took some guts!
The town's in an uproar!
Gosuke! Don't fall for his tricks!
Where'd that guy come from?
Jeez!
I'm sure they sweet-talked
him into this!
He's hopeless!
Go back down already!
M-my legs won't listen to me!
Gimme a break! Why'd you climb up,
if you can't go back down?!
I-I didn't expect the ch-chimney
to shake like this!
What a fix!
Yes! Yes, yes.
Hello? Yes!
We now have no choice but to turn off the
furnace due to the risk of human lives.
Why don't you just get The Chimney Man
off there instead of shutting down?
Yes! Of course, we've taken
various measures.
The President is furious.
He's headed your way on the night train.
The President is coming?
If you don't do something about this
before then, your head will roll!
Yessir!
Understood!
Hey! President Akagi will
be here tomorrow!
What's going on out there?!
Here, drink up!
Oh, I couldn't!
Just have one! It'll calm your
nerves so you can climb down.
I don't drink!
Drink up, goddamn it!
I'll go to any lengths I have to
That is a man's...
Shaddup!
Hey, are they alright up there?
Well...
It was probably a bad idea
to let that guy go up there.
Stop! Please stop!
Yasu! Quiet down!
Hupsie...
Watch out! Whoa!
Sit down!
Shut up! I gotta piss!
Rain...?
Gosuke! Don't come down!
Gosuke! Stay there!
Easy for you to say!
What am I supposed to do
with this guy?
Let him go!
Gosuke! Climb back up!
Easy for you to say...
I've... had enough...
Hang in there!
Are you okay?!
Is he alright?!
Boss!
Boss!
Well done!
Mr. Mondoya!
Mr. Mondoya!
We're fighting for our lives out here!
And the town council hires
this yakuza goon?!
- Now, now...
- What?!
We are indeed outsiders in this dispute.
But it's about putting human life first.
What?! Then, what in the hell...
Pipe down over there!
You got a problem?!
Why you!
That bastard!
Dammit!
Did I do good or what...?
Young Miss...!
Damn!
You wouldn't believe what
happened the other night!
Some idiot named Gosuke, right?
He climbed up the chimney...
So, we had to get him down!
Well, I'm not one to back down
when someone asks for a favor.
So, then...
So, then...!
So, anyway, I thought you'd be
pleased to hear that I helped out!
It played out like this...
What?
Is something wrong?
I heard most of your story last night.
Oh, really? Sorry...
Most of those factory workers
come to this temple,
so I heard all about it.
Oh, I see...
It sounds like that factory
manager is a terrible person!
Ah... I suppose so...
I'm sure there must be a good reason why they
have been arguing like that for months.
Yeah, gotta be!
To climb up the chimney like that,
Gosuke must have been desperate!
Yeah...
So, why would you, who doesn't know anything
about their struggles, intervene like that?
Are you saying I was in the wrong?
What's past is past!
But from now on,
stop trying to impress me!
Oh, Yasu is here?
Young Miss...
I'm busy...
I'm sorry for my short-sightedness!
I'm going out for a short run now!
Don't stop me!
Don't stop me!
Wait!
President! I'd like a word!
We have reasonable demands...!
President!
Welcome, Mr. President!
- Mr. President!
- Don't leave us to die!
Ah... Oh no!
What are you?
Who was that?
He climbed up the chimney on our behalf!
I'm glad to make your acquaintance!
My name is Yasugoro,
the paltry rascal!
Boss! The manager here is
ruthless and rash!
I wasn't helping out for
this jerk's sake!
As the boss, the Union
are your underlings!
How can a boss not listen
to those under him?
I, y'know, really owe the Union!
And until I can pay back that debt,
I'm not leaving!
Got it?!
Beat me, slash me! Do your worst!
You...!
- I've made up my mind.
- Yes?
Mori!
Yes!
Why did you let him go up the chimney?
Take responsibility and return to HQ!
But, President...!
Kusaka is now in charge!
We'll have to give them a small wage increase.
Tell the Union that is final!
President! Thank you so much!
What a great boss!
I am truly impressed!
Not bad for a hick town.
Their boss has a good head on his shoulders.
Hey, everyone!
Listen up!
They have agreed to
the wage increase!
Really?!
Really! That yakuza...
I mean, Mr. Yasugoro...
Y'know, who took Gosuke
down the chimney...
Oh! Here he comes!
Mori, it seems you're too old-fashioned
for business management these days!
Yessir.
What's done here is done.
Let that punk get the praise.
Yasu!
Wow, I misjudged you!
I'm sorry!
Yasu, please say something!
Well, I...
I, um...
Come on, Yasu!
A wanderer blows with the wind!
I wasn't born or raised in this town...
But I feel a sense of duty here,
where I happen to hang my hat!
And so...
I stuck my neck out in front
of the President!
And it worked out!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Okay! Let's sing!
Arise, all ye that hunger!
Go!
C'mon, Yasu! Sing!
Arise, all ye that hunger!
The sun is shining
I'll go as far as I have to
Isn't that the soul of a man?
If we're going to expand this plant,
we're going to have to do something
about the town council.
Yes, sir.
The times, they are a-changin'
Ninkichi Kira is a man, isn't he?
I lived my life, just like Ninkichi
This world of duty and humanity
Thus, Yasu became the town's
unexpected hero.
Boss!
Huh?
Keep your hands tucked in
when they are idle.
Like this?
Yessir.
Shoo!
Oh my!
Boss!
Wow! What a sharp kimono!
Not too high-falutin?
No! Looks great, Boss!
How manly!
That's enough!
Boss, you shouldn't talk so
casually to commoners!
Oh, really?
Dignity is most important!
I see! Things have gotten
tough for me, huh?
Yessir.
Okay. Let's give it a shot.
Here?
It's fine!
Yessir.
So...
First, you open the front door.
"I beg your pardon as I enter!"
I know that part!
What's next?
You take three steps forward,
and then one step back.
Try it...
"Greetings."
No, not yet.
The other party, y'know, says...
"My guest, please make yourself at home."
"My guest, please make yourself at home."
Yes! And then I say...
"I will do as you ask and take my post."
Got it, Boss?
One hand forward?
That's just what they do in the movies!
The real way is to put both hands like this.
That's first.
"Greetings!"
"Greetings..."
Boss... Speak from your stomach.
"Greetings!"
"Greetings..."
Boss, to meet you on this day,
it is nice to finally make
your esteemed acquaintance.
Oh, come on. Don't be so formal.
Sit up. Please.
You wanted to discuss an "Outlaw Man"?
"The Rickshaw Man."
Ah, that's it!
I'm not too familiar with that play.
Oh, but folks from all around are singing its
praise! It's the smash hit of the season!
Wow! You do "The Rickshaw Man"?
So cool!
That, Matsugoro!
What a man!
He's a little like you, Boss!
Is he really a guest of yours?
No, he's a lowly cart-puller.
But then... He falls in love with a
beautiful, high-born married woman.
An unrequited love...
She has a cute little boy.
And the man, Muhomatsu,
affectionately calls him "Bom"!
I see...
He can't say what he feels inside...
A common theme in humanist dramas.
I prefer wandering gambler
stories, personally.
"Tonight is our last,
here on Mt. Akagi!"
Now, that's moving!
Well! I was born easy to please!
Anyway, drink up!
The Rickshaw Man
Matsugoro...
How are you feeling?
Young Miss...!
Get well soon!
I hope you'll go back to your
old self, Matsugoro.
Young Miss...
Yes?
Matsugoro?
I'm sorry for what I did to you!
What do you mean?
My...
...mind is filthy!
Huh?
Young Miss!
I...!
I am sullied!
Matsugoro!
Someone! Anyone!
Someone come help!
Matsu...!
Young Miss...!
Matsugoro!
Matsugoro!
Ma'am!
Matsu is a pitiable man!
He...
He was...
...in love with you!
I didn't...
I had no idea!
Best in Japan!
Maestro!
Boss...?
"I am sullied," huh?
Great line.
Hachi?
Sir?
By "sullied" he doesn't mean
stained with dirt.
Yeah, I got that.
"I am sullied," huh?
That's got a real ring to it!
Seriously...
What a great play!
Let's go back tomorrow!
Yessir...
Sis!
I just saw Yasu! He said to say "Hi"
to you, because it's been a while!
Really?
Oh yeah
He gave me this ticket.
What?
"The Rickshaw Man"?
He wants to go with you!
No way! I don't watch this stuff.
Why not?
Your mother might want to go.
Okay!
New town council, new mayor...!
Soon after, the mayoral election began.
There was a fierce battle between the new
cannery forces and Mondoya's old guard.
It's good old Mr. Mondoya!
Hello! Nice to see you all!
Let's all wish Mr. Uragami the best of luck!
We wish Mr. Mondoya the best of luck!
Mr. Tatsumiya endorses Mr. Mondoya!
And the old guard was defeated.
Uragami Elected Mayor
So, the town changed and developed.
Meanwhile, Yasu was trying to make
great progress in his own way...
So...
Today, we will see
the gambling hall opening ceremony!
I would like to thank all of you for
traveling so far to attend this meeting.
And...
I, Heihachiro Mondoya,
will be your host.
Uh, and I...
We happily accept your offering
of sak cups in our honor.
Uh...
As it is known,
there are various time-honored traditions.
As far as I'm concerned...
This is happening while people are asking
us to clean up the streets! Outrageous!
If left unchecked, I fear they
could become a crime syndicate!
Yes, yes. Nip it in the bud!
I feel sorry for Mr. Mondoya,
but we have to crack down on this.
Alright, let's kick this off!
I'm in!
Alright! Who's next?
Half on Two Roses!
Well then!
Let's roll!
Match!
What's wrong?
Nobody move!
All of you are under arrest
for gambling!
Hey, hey! What's this all about?!
Gambling is a crime!
Bullshit! Have you forgotten
everything I've done for you?!
That was then, this is now!
Ow, ow, ow!
Unhand me! Yasugoro Matsumoto
would never run and hide!
If gambling's so bad, what about
horse racing?! You bastards!
Damn it!
Word spread quickly.
It was the first bust in the
Toyoura Police Department history!
And it was Yasugoro!
Must've been a real hassle!
"Come quietly!" He said, drawing his pistol!
Even Yasugoro was stopped in his tracks!
He's no match for a weapon like that.
They drew their pistols!
That shut him up!
Yasugoro?
He cried and apologized for everything.
Thing's went downhill, huh...
Tatsumiya
I'm sure he's learned his
lesson this time.
So, I came to you in the hope
that you could help him out.
Ma'am...
Don't you think you're
a little too kind?
Sir?
Well, you can stop worrying about him.
Leave him to me.
I think that the reason why he stayed in
town is because he came to rely on us.
So, I feel kind of responsible for him.
But this time, he had it coming.
That may be so...
But he has a tendency to
be easily misled.
Ma'am, if you keep this up,
strange rumors will go around.
Rumors?
Ah, well, you're a beautiful young lady.
And your husband still hasn't
returned from Siberia.
It's the kinda thing that gets
people wondering, y'know?
Unfortunately, he was not wrong.
This man, a junior high
teacher from Osaka,
fell head-over-heels for
the young lady.
And that's all they needed to know.
Wh-what's this?!
Are you gonna hurt me?!
Hey, hey! Getting chummy with the
Young Miss, huh? Who d'ya think ya are?!
That's my business!
You have no right to interfere!
Oh? What d'ya think this is?
A demo-crazy?
You mean, "Democracy!"
Say it correctly!
Shaddup!
I look after the territory while
my boss is away!
I can't let some guy come in
and mess with his girl!
N-now... Don't resort to violence...
Don't talk big!
You bastard!
Ouch! Ouch!
Shut up!
Ah! Forgive me!
You sonnuvabitch!
Wait!
Of course, the teacher left town
without a word.
Come back here!
Finally, Yasu came home.
Whassup!
Eek!
Yo! Bon!
What's wrong? You sick?
I just got outta jail.
Is the Young Miss home?
Yeah...
Don't look so sour!
Long, long ago...
Excuse me...?
I'm back...
Oh...! Nice to see you!
Ah...! You too...!
It's been a while.
Just spent a little time
in the joint...
But I guess the life of a yakuza lands you
in the slammer from time to time.
Well, anyway
I really goofed up this time!
You've caused me a great
deal of trouble.
I did?
What do you mean?
Listen up...
I don't know how it got started,
but after you got arrested...
It gives me shivers just thinking it!
Stay out of this for a sec.
The whole town is talking about
you and our daughter-in-law.
Huh?
I'm a priest, after all.
Think of how this reflects on me.
And poor Seijuro...
There's no telling what they're
saying to him at school!
Bon...
I see...
I can't even go out anymore.
It's so embarrassing!
This is all because you drop
by the temple too much!
You understand?
Huh?!
Yes...
Boss, have a drink.
You've been at it hard all this time.
What? Just water?
Yeah, the liquor store won't
take our credit anymore.
It's so insulting!
I don't need booze.
How about some tea?
Sorry, but we're all out of
charcoal and tea leaves.
Jeez. What the hell have
you been eating?
All I've had is water for
the past two days.
Boss...
It's a cold, harsh world...
Hachi...
Sir?
You know the rumors about me
going around town?
Rumors?
You mean all the tales
of your victories?!
I heard a good one!
About you and the Young Miss...
Son of a bitch!
Dammit!
It's the dumbest freaking crap!
They've been running their mouths,
and now the entire town is ridiculing me!
They can say what they want about me,
but leave her out of it!
I didn't know...!
Bring them to me and I'll cut
them down! Go on!
Boss...!
You dare to disobey me?!
You bastard!
What, goddammit?!
They made me look like a damn fool!
Damn it!
Goddamn it all!
Damn it! Those assholes!
Boss...!
Oh! Shut up!
Act like you didn't notice!
Yessir.
This sucks...
Someday, you'll muster your gumption...
Right, Boss?
Yeah...
Indeed, his prediction did come true.
What a beautiful day.
Congratulations.
We are pleased to announce
the Yamagata family engagement.
Congratulations.
Please, kindly accept the betrothal gift
which I have brought.
Thank you for your servisse
as matchmaker.
We accept your betrothal
gift with pleasure.
Mr. Yamagata...
Yeah...
He sometimes comes over, y'know?
The factory accountant...
A college-educated hunk!
I heard he got engaged!
Oh, dang! To who?
Who do you think?
I wonder...
Who? Just tell me!
Her...!
Huh?!
C'mon, Tatsumiya...
Hey, tea.
Yes, sir!
Sorry!
Hey! Scram!
What if somebody sees?
Who cares?
We're already engaged!
Wow!
The factory manager told me this morning!
In the next year or so,
I'll be working in Tokyo!
Wow, wonderful!
But this is between you and me...
Yes!
Be careful.
Oopsie-daisy!
Three scary guys with beards came in!
Got it...
No, but a bunch of dynamite came
rolling out of their briefcase...!
Officer!
What's wrong?
Shizu... Some weird guys...
Oh dear...!
Oh my!
Sir?
Mr. Tatsumiya, emergency!
Shizu has been kidnapped!
Those bastards!
To do something so stupid
in broad daylight...?!
Ma'am! Have you seen three
suspicious individuals?
Gee...
Let's try over there!
Quickly, everyone!
Quickly, quickly!
My dear Shizuko...
This is how the fiasco began on that day.
Help!
Shuzuko!
We're coming!
Proceed with caution!
Dammit!
Heya, heya, heya!
Hey, coppers!
Get down!
I can't even with this...
Retreat! Retreat!
It's too much! Run!
Captain, watch out!
Hey! You running away, Hinode?
It's dangerous!
What about Shizuko?!
Come one step closer and boom!
One wrong move, and the girl gets it!
Got it?!
Dad!
That's what you get!
Wait! It's dangerous!
Shizuko!
What a commotion!
Right, Natsuko?
It's bad!
Where were you?!
What happened?!
Someone got hurt! C'mon!
It's not safe!
Shizuko!
Mr. Tatsumiya!
Are you alright?!
I'm fine!
Go save Shizuko!
What's going to happen
to my daughter?!
That's why I'm asking the
prefectural police for backup...
You're saying you cops can't do
anything until they show up?!
Well... Those guys are unstable!
If more people get injured
on this, well...
This is crazy!
What will happen to Shizuko?!
She's an innocent young girl!
They say they'll kill her
if we come near.
You want her blood on our hands?!
Fine! The police are useless!
Enough dawdling!
Chief, do something about this!
Come on!
Please!
Can't someone...
Can't you help my daughter?!
She was just about to get married!
Everyone!
Listen up a moment.
We cannot rely on the police right now.
That's right!
When I was in charge around here,
this kind of incompetence
was absolutely unacceptable!
If we can raid gambling halls,
but not arrest violent criminals,
what will be the future of this town?!
This is the mayor's responsibility!
That's right!
The mayor is here!
It is outrageous to claim
that I am responsible!
Ever since elected, I undertook the
objective to clean up this town!
Shut up!
Don't say another word!
Your fancy lip service won't help!
What do you mean, "lip service"?
You have no right to talk to me like that!
What will happen to Shizuko?!
Now, now, everyone!
Please leave this matter to the police!
I mean it!
The prefectural police
will be here soon...
While you say that, my daughter...!
They're on their way!
Okane!
Okane, are you here?!
Dear!
Okane! I'll go get her!
What are you saying?!
They're lunatics! You'll die!
So, what should I do?
Who the hell is gonna help us?
Who's it gonna be? Huh?
Who will help us?!
Well??
Hey, isn't there anything you can do?
Go ask Yasugoro!
Oh!
That's right!
We've got him!
Yeah!
Yasu! Are you here?!
Yasu!
- Yasu!
- Boss, please save Shizuko!
Please, Boss!
I'd owe you my life!
Please!
We can't rely on the cops
or the city council!
Yeah!
We have no choice but to turn to you!
Well...
Boss! Careful what you say.
I'm afraid you'll have to decline!
Why the hell is that, Hachi?
Your life is important!
These guys are madmen with explosives!
Hachi! That's enough!
If the boss was such a coward,
we wouldn't have asked him!
Please, Boss!
We don't have time!
Boss! Listen to me!
Underlings don't get a say!
So, where are they holed up?
The Jonenji Temple mountains!
Jonenji?
Yes!
The Missus at the temple was very
concerned! She said, "Go ask Yasu!"
Right?
Yeah, yeah!
The Young Miss...?
She sure did!
Mr. Tatsumiya, that's...
Be quiet! You wimp!
Alright!
I shall go save Ms. Shizu!
Thank you!
Boss!
Hachi! What good is a man
who doesn't help those in need?
Thank you!
Thank goodness!
Young Miss!
Young Miss!
Young Miss!
What is it?
Why did you tell them to go get my boss?
You sent him off to die!
What?
I wouldn't say anything like that!
Really?
Dammit!
So, Tatsumiya played us for fools!
W-wait!
What in heaven is going on?
Young Miss! Please stop him!
The boss is on his way to
the backwoods to rescue Ms. Shizu.
Oh no!
We can't let him die!
Nice to see you!
I'm off to help some people!
Oh, come on!
It's no big deal!
Leave it to me! Flowers will be in bloom
around here again, you'll see!
Boss! The Young Miss didn't ask
them to get your help!
C'mon, Yasu!
Quickly, now!
We gotta go!
Sure...
Please, Yasu! Hurry!
Yasu!
Yes?
Are you sure you can really save her?
D... Don't joke around like that...
It's never been a mistake
to help someone before...
You've been really lucky so far!
Somehow things've worked out,
but everyone is taking advantage of you!
The truth is, you're not as Strong
as they think you are!
You have to think about that, okay?
How could you say that?
You should value your own life!
I'm at a loss here...
So then...
What will happen to Shizu?
That's right!
Come on, Boss!
Boss! Please!
Young Miss...!
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!
You fool.
Fool...?
Yasu! Are you going to save her?
You're the only one who can!
Good luck!
Boss! Don't go!
Boss!
Please, don't go!
Lay off!
You're a coward, just like they said!
Just watch me!
This is what a real fight looks like!
Let's go!
Boss! Boss!
Shizuko!
Dad!
Hey, hey, hey!
One step closer and she gets it!
Stay where we can see you!
Murderers!
Damn them!
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Take this you sons a'bitches!
Dad!
Shizuko!
Thank god!
Oh, thank god...
Boss!
Boss!
Boss!
Boss!
Boss! Watch out!
Boss! Behind you!
Boss!
Boss!
And so, 15 years after that...
The temple changed.
Long, long ago...
Right next to the beech tree forest
There was a small mountain
Good morning!
Express delivery!
Coming!
Thank you.
Dear!
Yes?
You have mail!
Oh?
This is that boy, Seijuro...
In other words, it's me.
Hachiro Enomoto...?
Gunma prefecture?
Oh, wow!
Yasu died!
That's right.
Yasu didn't die back then.
Miraculously, he survived thanks to
the Young Miss's devoted nursing.
He drowned in a pond...?
That's no way for a boss to go out.
"Boss"?
Yeah, he stayed here for a bit when I was
a kid. He was a real piece of work!
He passed away?
Yeah, that's it for him.
"That's it"?
You're so bad!
Oh! I should let my sister
in Osaka know!
By that I meant the Young Miss
who now lived in Osaka.
After about two years,
we got notice of my brother's death,
and she remarried.
I recall that about a week before
she left for the wedding...
Oh, Yasu! You startled me,
walking in without saying anything!
Over here...
Okay...
Please, be careful!
Congratulations on your
future nuptials...
Oh, so formal...
Thank you.
In this condition,
I can't even see you off.
Young Miss...
I wish you many years of happiness.
You too.
I wish you a healthy life.
Thanks.
Smells great, doesn't it?
The magnolia you planted
is blooming beautifully.
Yes...
What's wrong?
I...
I'm sorry.
Young Miss...!
I am sullied!
I...
...am sullied...
What happened?
Did you step in some mud?
No...
That's not it...
You don't seem dirty to me.
Oh...
I don't, huh?
The boss's once-in-a-lifetime
love confession
wasn't a wasted gesture.
If only he could see,
Yasu would have understood that.
Oh? Shizu!
Hello!
Returning home?
Yes, for a bit.
Ah, you always look so young!
Tokyoites sure are different!
Listen to you!
Ah! Well!
Oh, Yasu passed away.
Yasu...?
The boss from back when you were up
in the mountains with the explosions!
Oh! That guy!
Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
Yeah... We lost a good man.
Now, Japan is without a titan among men!
May Buddha have mercy...
Well, if you'll excuse me.
THE END
Proofread by Carlo V and kagetsuhisoka
A SHOCHIKU PRESENTATION
THE HONEST FOOL
Hajime Hana
Miyuki Kuwano
Hiroshi Inuzuka, Senri Sakurai
Isamu Nagato
Koji Mitsui, Tatsuya Ishiguro
Norio Hanazawa, Eitaro Ozawa
Toyo Takahashi, Chieko Seki
Mayumi Shimizu
Kanbi Fujiyama
Kiyoshi Atsumi
Original Novel: Shinji Fujiwara
Written by: Tai Kato, Yoji Yamada
Produced by: Shigeru Wakita
Planning: Kiichi Ichikawa
Cinematography: Tetsuo Takaba
Art Direction: Kiminobu Sato
Music: Naozumi Yamamoto
Editing: Keiichi Uraoka
Recording: Takashi Matsumoto
Lighting: Yasukuni Toida
Narrator:
Hitoshi Ueki
Directed by:
Yoji Yamada
He's looking over here.
He's gonna do it again!
He took one!
It's the Young Miss!
Alright, let's go!
Hup!
Hey, it's my turn!
Dumb kid!
You gotta aim for the other side!
That won't do it!
Try it and see.
No, no.
Not like that!
Put your arm...
Here, let me show you.
Hup!
How's that?
Give me those.
Move aside...
See? It's not about your hands.
It's all in the hips!
Hup!
There!
See?
Hi-yah!
I remember the day I met Yasu well.
It was, as I recall, in 1949.
That was 14 or 15 years ago.
Welcome home!
Did you see a strange man in
a soldier's uniform out there?
Yeah, he asked to stay in the temple for the
night, so I let him into the main hall.
The main hall?
Why on earth would you do that?!
What do you mean?
Because that disgusting man...
He said he'd come to see Mr. Ishidaya's son,
who he met in the war.
There's no way! Mr. Ishidaya
went to Tokyo, didn't he?
Even if he wanted to leave,
there's the railway strike going on.
So, he can't go home.
He's a nice guy though.
But you're so gullible!
The thief who stole the Buddha from
Myoshinji Temple is still at large!
What if he's the thief?!
Aw, there's no way.
Well, it's too late now.
We should at least bring the
Buddha in here, just in case.
Right, Natsuko?
I think it's fine. If he was the thief,
wouldn't he be more cautious?
Yeah, exactly!
Relax!
And who are you?
Wha...?
Be quiet!
Huh?
Father!
Father!
What is that...?!
Honey! Didn't I tell you?
Mr. Priest!
Ow! What are you doing?!
I'm not the burglar!
What?!
He ran that way!
Oh, really?
Yes! Ouch...
What do we do?
Is there a way out the back?
No way in hell. It's a cliff!
Then, he's trapped!
So, get ready, and hit him
like you hit me!
Okay!
Hey, do you know where he's hiding?
Where thieves always hide!
Alright! One wrong move,
and I'll beat you to death!
You scumbag!
I'm sorry!
Anyway, four temples were hit in the
Toyoura Police Station area alone.
Quite a mess you got there.
I wanted to show Mr. Hinode
just how strong this man is.
Good thing you just happened
to be here, huh?
It's the Buddha's guidance.
Caught a cold, huh?
No, no...
So, Mr. Matsumoto, where did
you get demobilized from?
From Siberia.
Siberia?
Natsuko!
Yes?
This man has returned from Siberia!
Oh my!
Do you, by any chance, know
someone named Sugawara?
Seinen Sugawara is my son.
Sugawara...
I recall a guy who was always
chanting sutras when someone died.
I think he was named Suga...
He was tall and pale,
not like his father.
Yeah, for sure...
That was him.
Oh!
How wonderful!
More of Buddha's grace!
Well, actually...
You're sure his name was Sugawara?
Yeah, I think that was it...
Please, remember!
Yes...
Let me see!
He's burning up!
Unfortunately, the doctor is out of
town and can't come right away.
I don't need... a doctor!
Oh, don't be like that!
I hate... needles...!
Please, don't say that.
Anyway, please take this fever medicine.
I can't. Medicine makes
me break out in hives.
This medicine will be fine.
Go easy on me!
What if you catch
pneumonia or something?
Don't mind me...
I'll take care of myself...
And how will you do that?
Can you call Bon for a minute?
"Bon"? You mean Seijuro?
Yes...
Mister! Is this good?
Perfect!
- What're you gonna do?
- Just watch.
Oh, my... Sorry I'm late!
How is the patient?
Well... You see...
A terrible fever?
Oh... It's much better!
Huh? You said it was an emergency!
Yes, I'm just as surprised as you are.
You sure are strong!
Mister, what did you do
before this?
Me? I worked in construction.
Traveling all over ever since I was a babe!
Skill and courage are a man's domain!
Hi-yah!
So, are you good in a fight?
Bon, come here a minute.
Ever since the day I was born...
I never lost a fight!
Wow, really?
Give it a squeeze.
Whoa...
Oh! A tattoo!
That's right.
Mister! Are you a yakuza?
"Yakuza," he says!
With a code of honor?
Oh yeah, I'm a man of honor, alright!
Make way!
Sei! Where did he run off to?
How am I supposed
to know? I'm busy!
Greetings!
"Greetings!"
Good job.
I hail from the land of Kanto!
"I hail from the land of Kanto!"
Kanto, oh Kanto, it is a large region!
"Kanto, oh Kanto, it's a, uh, big place!"
A large region!
"A large," um...
A large region!
A large region!
I feel silly!
Once a fool, always a fool
Well done, men!
My sister-in-law moved in here
the spring before the war ended.
That summer, my brother
went off to the army.
So, they were only together
for about three months, huh?
Yeah. My brother was pretty weak, so
I bet he was taken prisoner right away.
Did you get many letters?
Just one. This spring.
We heard he was laid up
in the hospital.
Well, that's no good.
But didn't you know him?
Well, uh.... yeah, sure.
Ever since yesterday,
Sis has been feeling good!
Really?
Long, long ago...
Seijuro! Load the wood in the bathtub!
Okay!
Hold on! I'll do it.
Right next to...
The beech tree forest
There was a small mountain
A small mountain
Sei!
It's a little lukewarm...
Sei!
What are you doing?
Oh, I just found a white magnolia seedling
in the hills behind your house.
Oh my!
A white magnolia!
It's a difficult tree to replant, but with
all this rain, I thought it might do well.
You didn't have to go to the trouble!
No trouble!
Next spring, when the
fragrant white flowers bloom...
I'm sure we'll all rejoice!
Oh, yes!
Well, I'll leave you to it, then.
Is something the matter?
Yes...
Actually, I have to apologize to you.
Why?
It's about your husband...
I was indeed stationed in Siberia.
But when I say, "Siberia..."
Well, it's a huge place.
I don't know if the man I met
was your husband or not...
I mean, there was definitely a
soldier who performed the sutra...
But was his name Sugawara...?
The other night,
I definitely thought so!
But afterwards, I thought about it...
And I didn't actually get his name!
Not just his name, but whether
he was pale or dark skinned...
I'm just not sure...
I see.
Young Miss!
Please, forgive me!
No... There's no way you could...
It's fine.
This is how it already was.
I still haven't lost all hope.
Yes...
Shortly after that, Yasu
told us he was going home.
Ever since Haru left, chopping
wood has been such a pain.
We could really use
a man around here!
Be that as it may...
We don't actually know
anything about the guy...
Or if he has a home to go back to.
Come on, he's not a bad guy,
even if he's a little short on brains.
We can't be choosey
in times like this!
Natsuko...
What do you think?
Yeah, huh...
I beg your pardon!
My thanks for all you've done!
You're leaving in this weather?
Yeah, it's no problem!
We were just talking about this...
Hey... Why don't you
wait until after it rains?
I really must go.
I can't take advantage of
your kindness anymore!
I'm sorry I can't repay you.
Yasu's simple reply must have
touched the priest's heart.
Mister!
Dad would like you to stay longer!
Yasu!
Father said you can stay for longer than
two or three days if you'd like!
I wouldn't dare!
You don't have to be shy.
Or is there somewhere you have to go?
Well, no...
I am just a poor traveler.
I have nowhere to be.
Then, why not stay? You can
return to your travels whenever...
No, but
That is...
Thinking back, it seems Yasu's fate
was decided by the Young Miss's words.
Long, long ago...
Right next to the beech tree forest
Good morning!
It was nice having Yasu around,
since he worked so hard.
Have a nice trip, sir!
Soon after, an event transpired
that Yasu would never forget.
Come one, come all!
See the Strong Man, Tokyo Tarzan!
In those days, this show was very
popular with the local girls.
Amazing!
This here is the only daughter of
Heihachiro Mondoya, the town chairman.
Of all people, she's
fallen for this big lug!
And so, after his performance,
they eloped.
What's going on?
They found Mucchan!
Where?
At a playhouse in Toyoura!
So, she was with the Strong Man
after all?
That's why Mr. Mondoya
brought backup!
- He can't do this alone, right?
- Right!
Charge!
Yessir!
That brute!
What have you done with my daughter?!
Don't make trouble!
- Call the police!
- Bastard!
Call the police, I say!
I'm free to love who I want!
We live in a democracy now!
Well, I suppose that's true.
But your parents are concerned for...
Don't even try!
After I turn 20, I'm free to choose who I
marry! Don't you officers know the laws?!
Of course I do...
Then, please leave!
This is no matter for the police!
But y'know...
Mr. Hinode came home empty handed.
Mucchan really snapped at her father!
She's unbelievable...
But she was deceived!
Now, she's out with the bathwater!
I guess she'll be sold off to the circus.
I guess so!
It's that guy's fault.
Poor thing...
Is there anything we can do?
Anyway! We need to find someone
even stronger than that man!
It's the only way!
I guess I'll do what I can...
Bon...
Bon!
What's up?
Do me a favor.
It's just between us guys.
Don't tell anyone.
You know the sword in the storehouse?
Sneak it out to me.
What for?
Just be quiet and bring it here, okay?
Hey, if it ain't Yasu from Jonenji Temple!
And what do you want?
Hey! Where the hell is the bastard
who took Mondoya's daughter?!
Where is he?!
This again...?
Don't try me!
Where is he?!
I said, "Where is he?!"
This way?
Stop hiding and come out!
Come and fight me!
So, it's you! What a joke!
Get out of here!
Shu!
Just go home!
What are you saying?!
Go home already!
Help!
Oh! Mutsuko!
Daddy!
There, there...
Word quickly spread
throughout the town.
He sliced down like this!
I heard he was covered in blood!
Bloodspray from his victims!
Zoom! Yasu swung his
sword through the air!
Folks must've gotten hurt!
Two or three limbs flew off
in an instant!
About ten Toyoura yakuza showed up!
Somehow, they all went down!
He got 'em all?
Yep! Two or three died, right?
This great hero can't hold his liquor!
Mr. Mondoya! Surely there's
something else we can do for him?
Like hook 'im up?
That's right!
Leave it to me!
Oh, look who's here!
Come on in!
As I told you on the phone earlier,
I am here to arrest
Mr. Yasugoro Matsumoto
on suspicion of intimidation and
unlawful possession of weaponry.
Alright, sir.
Cuff me.
You'll do no such thing!
Yasugoro is a real man!
He won't run or hide!
As I said, the police chief is my pal.
Don't even worry about it.
We'll get you out tomorrow...
I'd appreciate it.
We'll have a big party
when you get home!
Okay, everyone!
Off I go!
Alright!
Come on back, y'hear!
We'll find you a lady, too!
Thank you, everyone!
Three cheers for Yasugoro Matsumoto!
Hooray!
Hooray!
It turned out the Strong Man was a
felon with three previous convictions.
Yasu was released three days later.
Oh my!
Hey, Koman! See you tonight!
See you, then!
Bring Mr. Yasugoro!
How about Tiger tonight?
Or we could go to West Beach?
Sure, sounds good!
We've promised this man a good time!
So, the stories about you cutting
down a horde of men are untrue?
I wouldn't do that!
What about chopping off
one of the Strong Man's arms?
Of course not!
So, none of the things Mr. Mondoya was
saying last night were true, huh?
I just pulled out my sword
and scared him a little, is all!
Well... that's a relief!
Actually, the priest has been in a
bad mood ever since that day.
He said, "I can't let a murderer
live in the temple!"
I told him it was self-defense!
They wouldn't let you off so easy
if you slaughtered a bunch of people!
So, finally he agreed.
Really?
Wow, thanks.
So, behave yourself from now on, okay?
Yep! Sorry about that!
But you sure are strong!
I had no idea!
I guess so...
Shortly after that, Yasu
resigned from the temple,
and went to live in this house
under the care of Mr. Mondoya.
Yasu!
Hey!
You have a visitor.
Damn it, Yasu!
Aw, no!
I am a humble traveler
requesting assistance!
Are you the boss of this household?
Yes.
I beg your pardon as I enter.
Greetings.
G... Greetings...
Greetings.
Greetings!
Greetings!
Greetings!
By the Code of Honor,
I bid you greetings.
Yes, sir!
I will promptly introduce myself!
I apologize for my rude intrusion.
I hail from Upper Kiryu. My boss is Esuke
Maeda, a young member of the Maeda family.
My name is Hachiro and
I humbly request your patronage.
I'm sure one of his underlings
put him up to it.
Yasu's house has a reputation for being the
place to go if you need something.
Oh? Where'd they get that?
I think mostly from the
Okayama area Occupation Forces.
I also asked my daughter
to get some lotion.
It's not cheap, but it's American-made!
Wanna buy some?
Your skin won't be the same!
Is it really okay to be selling stuff
from the Occupation Forces?
Oh, there'll be hell to pay if he gets caught!
But that's just the kinda guy he is.
Keep up the good work!
Huh...?
Hey, hey...
Have a good day!
Welcome back!
I've been waiting for you.
Heya!
I need some soap...
- Got some!
- You do?
How about nylon stockings?
Finally found some!
Just for you, Shizu!
Come hell or high water!
Yasu!
Hey, Bon!
My sister-in-law wants you to come by.
Really?
I wonder why...
I bet Natsuko wants some of that lotion.
My mom's been spreading the word!
Oh, really?
- Yes!
- Where is it, Yasu?
How about that...!
Thank you!
Ah... That smells great!
How much?
250 yen.
Cut me some slack, Yasu!
For old times' sake!
Oh! Hello, Young Miss!
Check out this lotion!
Mother... This is for your hair!
For hair...?
Go wash it off!
Oh no!
Oh... For your hair, huh?
Darn! Guess I've been had!
But this one is quite good!
Yasu!
Yes?
There's a rumor going 'round...
If someone gets caught doing this,
they'll be shipped off to Okinawa.
It's fine! I wouldn't get involved
with anything shady!
You may have good intentions, but when
push comes to shove, you'll be on your own.
You've got a good point...
I mean, you've gone out of your
way to help people,
so don't ruin your good reputation.
Yeah...
That's what I wanted to
talk to you about.
Oh, so that was it...
Young Miss...
Thank you for your advice!
It's not that big a deal!
No! I am glad to hear it!
So, Yasu gave up the black
market business.
Then, one summer evening...
Hey!
Yasu!
Boss!
Where are ya?!
Hey!
Wake up and listen to me!
Hey!
Hey!
Boss!
Dammit!
Hey! What's that?
Alright! That's it...
Now, I'm gonna...
I got somethin' to say!
What's goin' on, Man?!
"What's goin' on," huh?
I'll tell ya what, ya bastard!
Dammit! To hell with the cops!
Go ahead and turn me in!
I ain't scared of them!
- Hey, man! Calm down!
- Sure, sure...
I can't calm down! Bastard!
What'd I do wrong?
Go ahead'n call the cops...
What the hell is going on?
Listen up!
I dunno what's so great
about that asshole Miya!
I was just goin' to meet
my lady and... Dammit!
I been patient my whole life!
I made it this far!
I can't stand it! Damn it!
A guy can only take so much!
Here's what happened...
Man went to borrow 2,000 yen
from Miya, the carpenter.
The stingy Miya lent the
money without fuss.
I'm home!
He saw that his wife had recently been
walking around with a swing in her step.
And Man knew what that meant.
Huh? What?
I'm home...!
His guess was right on the money.
And so, it went...
Miya
You wanna go again...?
Boss...
How could a man not lose his cool?
Miya is clearly at fault here.
You don't just take someone else's wife!
We're in the yakuza world!
We can't complain if we get stomped!
Yeah, this isn't a flea market
on people's wives here!
Please, Boss!
Shake him up for me!
Alright, you got it!
I can't back down when I see
someone in need!
Boss!
Thank you!
I'm in your debt!
We'll go out tomorrow, okay?
And that son of a bitch...
At first he might play dumb.
But then, you'll smash in
his flat-nosed face in!
Yeah.
I'll take care of it.
The hell're you talking about?
Are you pulling my leg?
I see how it is.
Playing dumb, huh?
Hey... Don't give me that look.
Let's talk it out. You'll see.
This is just a misunderstanding!
What do you mean?
You saying you never talked
to Man's wife?
Sure, we've known each other
since we were kids!
Just spit it out, already!
Spit what out?
Does Man's wife really have
feelings for me?
You jerk! I've heard enough!
- Hachi! Smash his face in!
- Yessir!
We'll make you fess up, you bastard!
You snake! Scoundrel!
Got that?! This is what happens
when you sleep around!
Suck on that!
However, Yasu was in the wrong here.
Oh, Man was just jealous.
He's out of his mind!
An outsider like you wouldn't know.
He's notorious in town!
No one wants to deal with him.
I had no idea.
He seemed serious...
You should have come to me for advice!
Miya is making a fuss about suing you.
There's only so much I can do!
I'm so sorry!
Your drinks...
It's okay, it's okay.
I managed to calm Miya down.
Just buy him a bottle.
That guy loves to drink!
Understood.
Well!
Boss...
Just a bottle of booze.
Not bad!
You fool! Just wait until she
hears about this...
She'll chew my ear off again.
The struggle for higher wages began
at a Tokyo-based canning factory.
The small-minded, dim-witted
plant manager
got flustered and fired the
ringleaders one-by-one.
One hanged themself, taking their own life.
The whole town was totally
caught up in the commotion.
And so, one morning...
The Chimney Man showed up.
Hey! Gosuke!
Hang in there!
Wow!
He did it!
Thank you all!
Leave it to me!
That's our guy!
Hey!
Hey! Whoops!
Honey, please!
What if you fall to your death?!
Honey!
Just wait, Ma'am!
Gosuke is the Union's hero!
No, he's a maniac! That's my underskirt
he's waving around! Honey!
Back off, cop!
Go arrest a burglar!
Mr. Hinode! You're sympathetic
to our struggle, aren't ya?!
What's that?
Either way, a man's life is at stake!
We can't just leave him up there!
What do you think?
The mayor is very concerned!
So, that's how it is?
Town Hall's on the side of the Unions?
The city remains neutral in the dispute.
But this is a matter of life and death!
If this guy makes news by falling down the
chimney, the town will be in big trouble!
He gets what he deserves!
I'm not responsible!
That's crazy! C'mon...
The damned Union is crazy!
Now, now
Don't be like that.
You've gotta budge a little here.
Somehow, The Chimney Man...
I refuse! Pisses me off!
Hurry up!
Mr. Hinode, what are you doing?!
Excuse me!
Welcome!
Is Yasu home?
The boss?
Yes.
The boss is in the back.
We need a favor, Yasu...
Or should I say, "Boss"?
Here's a little something for you.
Oh, thank you!
But, what's going on?
There's a man we need
you to deal with.
A man?
Depends on what you mean.
We, Chairman Mondoya and Councilor
Tatsumiya have come to you hand in cap.
Boss! Will you save this man's life?
His life?
Yes!
So...
...helping others?
That's right!
Hey, this is wild!
That fool Yasu climbed up
the chimney to get Gosuke down!
He did?!
Yep...
Well, that took some guts!
The town's in an uproar!
Gosuke! Don't fall for his tricks!
Where'd that guy come from?
Jeez!
I'm sure they sweet-talked
him into this!
He's hopeless!
Go back down already!
M-my legs won't listen to me!
Gimme a break! Why'd you climb up,
if you can't go back down?!
I-I didn't expect the ch-chimney
to shake like this!
What a fix!
Yes! Yes, yes.
Hello? Yes!
We now have no choice but to turn off the
furnace due to the risk of human lives.
Why don't you just get The Chimney Man
off there instead of shutting down?
Yes! Of course, we've taken
various measures.
The President is furious.
He's headed your way on the night train.
The President is coming?
If you don't do something about this
before then, your head will roll!
Yessir!
Understood!
Hey! President Akagi will
be here tomorrow!
What's going on out there?!
Here, drink up!
Oh, I couldn't!
Just have one! It'll calm your
nerves so you can climb down.
I don't drink!
Drink up, goddamn it!
I'll go to any lengths I have to
That is a man's...
Shaddup!
Hey, are they alright up there?
Well...
It was probably a bad idea
to let that guy go up there.
Stop! Please stop!
Yasu! Quiet down!
Hupsie...
Watch out! Whoa!
Sit down!
Shut up! I gotta piss!
Rain...?
Gosuke! Don't come down!
Gosuke! Stay there!
Easy for you to say!
What am I supposed to do
with this guy?
Let him go!
Gosuke! Climb back up!
Easy for you to say...
I've... had enough...
Hang in there!
Are you okay?!
Is he alright?!
Boss!
Boss!
Well done!
Mr. Mondoya!
Mr. Mondoya!
We're fighting for our lives out here!
And the town council hires
this yakuza goon?!
- Now, now...
- What?!
We are indeed outsiders in this dispute.
But it's about putting human life first.
What?! Then, what in the hell...
Pipe down over there!
You got a problem?!
Why you!
That bastard!
Dammit!
Did I do good or what...?
Young Miss...!
Damn!
You wouldn't believe what
happened the other night!
Some idiot named Gosuke, right?
He climbed up the chimney...
So, we had to get him down!
Well, I'm not one to back down
when someone asks for a favor.
So, then...
So, then...!
So, anyway, I thought you'd be
pleased to hear that I helped out!
It played out like this...
What?
Is something wrong?
I heard most of your story last night.
Oh, really? Sorry...
Most of those factory workers
come to this temple,
so I heard all about it.
Oh, I see...
It sounds like that factory
manager is a terrible person!
Ah... I suppose so...
I'm sure there must be a good reason why they
have been arguing like that for months.
Yeah, gotta be!
To climb up the chimney like that,
Gosuke must have been desperate!
Yeah...
So, why would you, who doesn't know anything
about their struggles, intervene like that?
Are you saying I was in the wrong?
What's past is past!
But from now on,
stop trying to impress me!
Oh, Yasu is here?
Young Miss...
I'm busy...
I'm sorry for my short-sightedness!
I'm going out for a short run now!
Don't stop me!
Don't stop me!
Wait!
President! I'd like a word!
We have reasonable demands...!
President!
Welcome, Mr. President!
- Mr. President!
- Don't leave us to die!
Ah... Oh no!
What are you?
Who was that?
He climbed up the chimney on our behalf!
I'm glad to make your acquaintance!
My name is Yasugoro,
the paltry rascal!
Boss! The manager here is
ruthless and rash!
I wasn't helping out for
this jerk's sake!
As the boss, the Union
are your underlings!
How can a boss not listen
to those under him?
I, y'know, really owe the Union!
And until I can pay back that debt,
I'm not leaving!
Got it?!
Beat me, slash me! Do your worst!
You...!
- I've made up my mind.
- Yes?
Mori!
Yes!
Why did you let him go up the chimney?
Take responsibility and return to HQ!
But, President...!
Kusaka is now in charge!
We'll have to give them a small wage increase.
Tell the Union that is final!
President! Thank you so much!
What a great boss!
I am truly impressed!
Not bad for a hick town.
Their boss has a good head on his shoulders.
Hey, everyone!
Listen up!
They have agreed to
the wage increase!
Really?!
Really! That yakuza...
I mean, Mr. Yasugoro...
Y'know, who took Gosuke
down the chimney...
Oh! Here he comes!
Mori, it seems you're too old-fashioned
for business management these days!
Yessir.
What's done here is done.
Let that punk get the praise.
Yasu!
Wow, I misjudged you!
I'm sorry!
Yasu, please say something!
Well, I...
I, um...
Come on, Yasu!
A wanderer blows with the wind!
I wasn't born or raised in this town...
But I feel a sense of duty here,
where I happen to hang my hat!
And so...
I stuck my neck out in front
of the President!
And it worked out!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Okay! Let's sing!
Arise, all ye that hunger!
Go!
C'mon, Yasu! Sing!
Arise, all ye that hunger!
The sun is shining
I'll go as far as I have to
Isn't that the soul of a man?
If we're going to expand this plant,
we're going to have to do something
about the town council.
Yes, sir.
The times, they are a-changin'
Ninkichi Kira is a man, isn't he?
I lived my life, just like Ninkichi
This world of duty and humanity
Thus, Yasu became the town's
unexpected hero.
Boss!
Huh?
Keep your hands tucked in
when they are idle.
Like this?
Yessir.
Shoo!
Oh my!
Boss!
Wow! What a sharp kimono!
Not too high-falutin?
No! Looks great, Boss!
How manly!
That's enough!
Boss, you shouldn't talk so
casually to commoners!
Oh, really?
Dignity is most important!
I see! Things have gotten
tough for me, huh?
Yessir.
Okay. Let's give it a shot.
Here?
It's fine!
Yessir.
So...
First, you open the front door.
"I beg your pardon as I enter!"
I know that part!
What's next?
You take three steps forward,
and then one step back.
Try it...
"Greetings."
No, not yet.
The other party, y'know, says...
"My guest, please make yourself at home."
"My guest, please make yourself at home."
Yes! And then I say...
"I will do as you ask and take my post."
Got it, Boss?
One hand forward?
That's just what they do in the movies!
The real way is to put both hands like this.
That's first.
"Greetings!"
"Greetings..."
Boss... Speak from your stomach.
"Greetings!"
"Greetings..."
Boss, to meet you on this day,
it is nice to finally make
your esteemed acquaintance.
Oh, come on. Don't be so formal.
Sit up. Please.
You wanted to discuss an "Outlaw Man"?
"The Rickshaw Man."
Ah, that's it!
I'm not too familiar with that play.
Oh, but folks from all around are singing its
praise! It's the smash hit of the season!
Wow! You do "The Rickshaw Man"?
So cool!
That, Matsugoro!
What a man!
He's a little like you, Boss!
Is he really a guest of yours?
No, he's a lowly cart-puller.
But then... He falls in love with a
beautiful, high-born married woman.
An unrequited love...
She has a cute little boy.
And the man, Muhomatsu,
affectionately calls him "Bom"!
I see...
He can't say what he feels inside...
A common theme in humanist dramas.
I prefer wandering gambler
stories, personally.
"Tonight is our last,
here on Mt. Akagi!"
Now, that's moving!
Well! I was born easy to please!
Anyway, drink up!
The Rickshaw Man
Matsugoro...
How are you feeling?
Young Miss...!
Get well soon!
I hope you'll go back to your
old self, Matsugoro.
Young Miss...
Yes?
Matsugoro?
I'm sorry for what I did to you!
What do you mean?
My...
...mind is filthy!
Huh?
Young Miss!
I...!
I am sullied!
Matsugoro!
Someone! Anyone!
Someone come help!
Matsu...!
Young Miss...!
Matsugoro!
Matsugoro!
Ma'am!
Matsu is a pitiable man!
He...
He was...
...in love with you!
I didn't...
I had no idea!
Best in Japan!
Maestro!
Boss...?
"I am sullied," huh?
Great line.
Hachi?
Sir?
By "sullied" he doesn't mean
stained with dirt.
Yeah, I got that.
"I am sullied," huh?
That's got a real ring to it!
Seriously...
What a great play!
Let's go back tomorrow!
Yessir...
Sis!
I just saw Yasu! He said to say "Hi"
to you, because it's been a while!
Really?
Oh yeah
He gave me this ticket.
What?
"The Rickshaw Man"?
He wants to go with you!
No way! I don't watch this stuff.
Why not?
Your mother might want to go.
Okay!
New town council, new mayor...!
Soon after, the mayoral election began.
There was a fierce battle between the new
cannery forces and Mondoya's old guard.
It's good old Mr. Mondoya!
Hello! Nice to see you all!
Let's all wish Mr. Uragami the best of luck!
We wish Mr. Mondoya the best of luck!
Mr. Tatsumiya endorses Mr. Mondoya!
And the old guard was defeated.
Uragami Elected Mayor
So, the town changed and developed.
Meanwhile, Yasu was trying to make
great progress in his own way...
So...
Today, we will see
the gambling hall opening ceremony!
I would like to thank all of you for
traveling so far to attend this meeting.
And...
I, Heihachiro Mondoya,
will be your host.
Uh, and I...
We happily accept your offering
of sak cups in our honor.
Uh...
As it is known,
there are various time-honored traditions.
As far as I'm concerned...
This is happening while people are asking
us to clean up the streets! Outrageous!
If left unchecked, I fear they
could become a crime syndicate!
Yes, yes. Nip it in the bud!
I feel sorry for Mr. Mondoya,
but we have to crack down on this.
Alright, let's kick this off!
I'm in!
Alright! Who's next?
Half on Two Roses!
Well then!
Let's roll!
Match!
What's wrong?
Nobody move!
All of you are under arrest
for gambling!
Hey, hey! What's this all about?!
Gambling is a crime!
Bullshit! Have you forgotten
everything I've done for you?!
That was then, this is now!
Ow, ow, ow!
Unhand me! Yasugoro Matsumoto
would never run and hide!
If gambling's so bad, what about
horse racing?! You bastards!
Damn it!
Word spread quickly.
It was the first bust in the
Toyoura Police Department history!
And it was Yasugoro!
Must've been a real hassle!
"Come quietly!" He said, drawing his pistol!
Even Yasugoro was stopped in his tracks!
He's no match for a weapon like that.
They drew their pistols!
That shut him up!
Yasugoro?
He cried and apologized for everything.
Thing's went downhill, huh...
Tatsumiya
I'm sure he's learned his
lesson this time.
So, I came to you in the hope
that you could help him out.
Ma'am...
Don't you think you're
a little too kind?
Sir?
Well, you can stop worrying about him.
Leave him to me.
I think that the reason why he stayed in
town is because he came to rely on us.
So, I feel kind of responsible for him.
But this time, he had it coming.
That may be so...
But he has a tendency to
be easily misled.
Ma'am, if you keep this up,
strange rumors will go around.
Rumors?
Ah, well, you're a beautiful young lady.
And your husband still hasn't
returned from Siberia.
It's the kinda thing that gets
people wondering, y'know?
Unfortunately, he was not wrong.
This man, a junior high
teacher from Osaka,
fell head-over-heels for
the young lady.
And that's all they needed to know.
Wh-what's this?!
Are you gonna hurt me?!
Hey, hey! Getting chummy with the
Young Miss, huh? Who d'ya think ya are?!
That's my business!
You have no right to interfere!
Oh? What d'ya think this is?
A demo-crazy?
You mean, "Democracy!"
Say it correctly!
Shaddup!
I look after the territory while
my boss is away!
I can't let some guy come in
and mess with his girl!
N-now... Don't resort to violence...
Don't talk big!
You bastard!
Ouch! Ouch!
Shut up!
Ah! Forgive me!
You sonnuvabitch!
Wait!
Of course, the teacher left town
without a word.
Come back here!
Finally, Yasu came home.
Whassup!
Eek!
Yo! Bon!
What's wrong? You sick?
I just got outta jail.
Is the Young Miss home?
Yeah...
Don't look so sour!
Long, long ago...
Excuse me...?
I'm back...
Oh...! Nice to see you!
Ah...! You too...!
It's been a while.
Just spent a little time
in the joint...
But I guess the life of a yakuza lands you
in the slammer from time to time.
Well, anyway
I really goofed up this time!
You've caused me a great
deal of trouble.
I did?
What do you mean?
Listen up...
I don't know how it got started,
but after you got arrested...
It gives me shivers just thinking it!
Stay out of this for a sec.
The whole town is talking about
you and our daughter-in-law.
Huh?
I'm a priest, after all.
Think of how this reflects on me.
And poor Seijuro...
There's no telling what they're
saying to him at school!
Bon...
I see...
I can't even go out anymore.
It's so embarrassing!
This is all because you drop
by the temple too much!
You understand?
Huh?!
Yes...
Boss, have a drink.
You've been at it hard all this time.
What? Just water?
Yeah, the liquor store won't
take our credit anymore.
It's so insulting!
I don't need booze.
How about some tea?
Sorry, but we're all out of
charcoal and tea leaves.
Jeez. What the hell have
you been eating?
All I've had is water for
the past two days.
Boss...
It's a cold, harsh world...
Hachi...
Sir?
You know the rumors about me
going around town?
Rumors?
You mean all the tales
of your victories?!
I heard a good one!
About you and the Young Miss...
Son of a bitch!
Dammit!
It's the dumbest freaking crap!
They've been running their mouths,
and now the entire town is ridiculing me!
They can say what they want about me,
but leave her out of it!
I didn't know...!
Bring them to me and I'll cut
them down! Go on!
Boss...!
You dare to disobey me?!
You bastard!
What, goddammit?!
They made me look like a damn fool!
Damn it!
Goddamn it all!
Damn it! Those assholes!
Boss...!
Oh! Shut up!
Act like you didn't notice!
Yessir.
This sucks...
Someday, you'll muster your gumption...
Right, Boss?
Yeah...
Indeed, his prediction did come true.
What a beautiful day.
Congratulations.
We are pleased to announce
the Yamagata family engagement.
Congratulations.
Please, kindly accept the betrothal gift
which I have brought.
Thank you for your servisse
as matchmaker.
We accept your betrothal
gift with pleasure.
Mr. Yamagata...
Yeah...
He sometimes comes over, y'know?
The factory accountant...
A college-educated hunk!
I heard he got engaged!
Oh, dang! To who?
Who do you think?
I wonder...
Who? Just tell me!
Her...!
Huh?!
C'mon, Tatsumiya...
Hey, tea.
Yes, sir!
Sorry!
Hey! Scram!
What if somebody sees?
Who cares?
We're already engaged!
Wow!
The factory manager told me this morning!
In the next year or so,
I'll be working in Tokyo!
Wow, wonderful!
But this is between you and me...
Yes!
Be careful.
Oopsie-daisy!
Three scary guys with beards came in!
Got it...
No, but a bunch of dynamite came
rolling out of their briefcase...!
Officer!
What's wrong?
Shizu... Some weird guys...
Oh dear...!
Oh my!
Sir?
Mr. Tatsumiya, emergency!
Shizu has been kidnapped!
Those bastards!
To do something so stupid
in broad daylight...?!
Ma'am! Have you seen three
suspicious individuals?
Gee...
Let's try over there!
Quickly, everyone!
Quickly, quickly!
My dear Shizuko...
This is how the fiasco began on that day.
Help!
Shuzuko!
We're coming!
Proceed with caution!
Dammit!
Heya, heya, heya!
Hey, coppers!
Get down!
I can't even with this...
Retreat! Retreat!
It's too much! Run!
Captain, watch out!
Hey! You running away, Hinode?
It's dangerous!
What about Shizuko?!
Come one step closer and boom!
One wrong move, and the girl gets it!
Got it?!
Dad!
That's what you get!
Wait! It's dangerous!
Shizuko!
What a commotion!
Right, Natsuko?
It's bad!
Where were you?!
What happened?!
Someone got hurt! C'mon!
It's not safe!
Shizuko!
Mr. Tatsumiya!
Are you alright?!
I'm fine!
Go save Shizuko!
What's going to happen
to my daughter?!
That's why I'm asking the
prefectural police for backup...
You're saying you cops can't do
anything until they show up?!
Well... Those guys are unstable!
If more people get injured
on this, well...
This is crazy!
What will happen to Shizuko?!
She's an innocent young girl!
They say they'll kill her
if we come near.
You want her blood on our hands?!
Fine! The police are useless!
Enough dawdling!
Chief, do something about this!
Come on!
Please!
Can't someone...
Can't you help my daughter?!
She was just about to get married!
Everyone!
Listen up a moment.
We cannot rely on the police right now.
That's right!
When I was in charge around here,
this kind of incompetence
was absolutely unacceptable!
If we can raid gambling halls,
but not arrest violent criminals,
what will be the future of this town?!
This is the mayor's responsibility!
That's right!
The mayor is here!
It is outrageous to claim
that I am responsible!
Ever since elected, I undertook the
objective to clean up this town!
Shut up!
Don't say another word!
Your fancy lip service won't help!
What do you mean, "lip service"?
You have no right to talk to me like that!
What will happen to Shizuko?!
Now, now, everyone!
Please leave this matter to the police!
I mean it!
The prefectural police
will be here soon...
While you say that, my daughter...!
They're on their way!
Okane!
Okane, are you here?!
Dear!
Okane! I'll go get her!
What are you saying?!
They're lunatics! You'll die!
So, what should I do?
Who the hell is gonna help us?
Who's it gonna be? Huh?
Who will help us?!
Well??
Hey, isn't there anything you can do?
Go ask Yasugoro!
Oh!
That's right!
We've got him!
Yeah!
Yasu! Are you here?!
Yasu!
- Yasu!
- Boss, please save Shizuko!
Please, Boss!
I'd owe you my life!
Please!
We can't rely on the cops
or the city council!
Yeah!
We have no choice but to turn to you!
Well...
Boss! Careful what you say.
I'm afraid you'll have to decline!
Why the hell is that, Hachi?
Your life is important!
These guys are madmen with explosives!
Hachi! That's enough!
If the boss was such a coward,
we wouldn't have asked him!
Please, Boss!
We don't have time!
Boss! Listen to me!
Underlings don't get a say!
So, where are they holed up?
The Jonenji Temple mountains!
Jonenji?
Yes!
The Missus at the temple was very
concerned! She said, "Go ask Yasu!"
Right?
Yeah, yeah!
The Young Miss...?
She sure did!
Mr. Tatsumiya, that's...
Be quiet! You wimp!
Alright!
I shall go save Ms. Shizu!
Thank you!
Boss!
Hachi! What good is a man
who doesn't help those in need?
Thank you!
Thank goodness!
Young Miss!
Young Miss!
Young Miss!
What is it?
Why did you tell them to go get my boss?
You sent him off to die!
What?
I wouldn't say anything like that!
Really?
Dammit!
So, Tatsumiya played us for fools!
W-wait!
What in heaven is going on?
Young Miss! Please stop him!
The boss is on his way to
the backwoods to rescue Ms. Shizu.
Oh no!
We can't let him die!
Nice to see you!
I'm off to help some people!
Oh, come on!
It's no big deal!
Leave it to me! Flowers will be in bloom
around here again, you'll see!
Boss! The Young Miss didn't ask
them to get your help!
C'mon, Yasu!
Quickly, now!
We gotta go!
Sure...
Please, Yasu! Hurry!
Yasu!
Yes?
Are you sure you can really save her?
D... Don't joke around like that...
It's never been a mistake
to help someone before...
You've been really lucky so far!
Somehow things've worked out,
but everyone is taking advantage of you!
The truth is, you're not as Strong
as they think you are!
You have to think about that, okay?
How could you say that?
You should value your own life!
I'm at a loss here...
So then...
What will happen to Shizu?
That's right!
Come on, Boss!
Boss! Please!
Young Miss...!
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!
You fool.
Fool...?
Yasu! Are you going to save her?
You're the only one who can!
Good luck!
Boss! Don't go!
Boss!
Please, don't go!
Lay off!
You're a coward, just like they said!
Just watch me!
This is what a real fight looks like!
Let's go!
Boss! Boss!
Shizuko!
Dad!
Hey, hey, hey!
One step closer and she gets it!
Stay where we can see you!
Murderers!
Damn them!
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Take this you sons a'bitches!
Dad!
Shizuko!
Thank god!
Oh, thank god...
Boss!
Boss!
Boss!
Boss!
Boss! Watch out!
Boss! Behind you!
Boss!
Boss!
And so, 15 years after that...
The temple changed.
Long, long ago...
Right next to the beech tree forest
There was a small mountain
Good morning!
Express delivery!
Coming!
Thank you.
Dear!
Yes?
You have mail!
Oh?
This is that boy, Seijuro...
In other words, it's me.
Hachiro Enomoto...?
Gunma prefecture?
Oh, wow!
Yasu died!
That's right.
Yasu didn't die back then.
Miraculously, he survived thanks to
the Young Miss's devoted nursing.
He drowned in a pond...?
That's no way for a boss to go out.
"Boss"?
Yeah, he stayed here for a bit when I was
a kid. He was a real piece of work!
He passed away?
Yeah, that's it for him.
"That's it"?
You're so bad!
Oh! I should let my sister
in Osaka know!
By that I meant the Young Miss
who now lived in Osaka.
After about two years,
we got notice of my brother's death,
and she remarried.
I recall that about a week before
she left for the wedding...
Oh, Yasu! You startled me,
walking in without saying anything!
Over here...
Okay...
Please, be careful!
Congratulations on your
future nuptials...
Oh, so formal...
Thank you.
In this condition,
I can't even see you off.
Young Miss...
I wish you many years of happiness.
You too.
I wish you a healthy life.
Thanks.
Smells great, doesn't it?
The magnolia you planted
is blooming beautifully.
Yes...
What's wrong?
I...
I'm sorry.
Young Miss...!
I am sullied!
I...
...am sullied...
What happened?
Did you step in some mud?
No...
That's not it...
You don't seem dirty to me.
Oh...
I don't, huh?
The boss's once-in-a-lifetime
love confession
wasn't a wasted gesture.
If only he could see,
Yasu would have understood that.
Oh? Shizu!
Hello!
Returning home?
Yes, for a bit.
Ah, you always look so young!
Tokyoites sure are different!
Listen to you!
Ah! Well!
Oh, Yasu passed away.
Yasu...?
The boss from back when you were up
in the mountains with the explosions!
Oh! That guy!
Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
Yeah... We lost a good man.
Now, Japan is without a titan among men!
May Buddha have mercy...
Well, if you'll excuse me.
THE END
Proofread by Carlo V and kagetsuhisoka