Hakai (1962) - full transcript

"This is a story of the past.

"The past holds many points on

which subsequent ages should reflect,

"and as someone once said, this is because

events of the past are assured to be true."

- Preface to Hakai

Hakai

Transgression

Screenplay by Natto Wada

Based on the novel by Toson Shimazaki

Starring:

Raizo Ichikawa, Hiroyuki Nagato,

Eiji Funakoshi, Shiho Fujimura, Rentaro Mikuni

Kanjiro Nakamura, Kyoko Kishida,

Seiji Miyaguchi, Yoshi Kato, Haruko Sugimura

Directed by

Kon Ichikawa

Hey, come here.

I have salt.

You can have as much as you want.

Come here.

It's nothing for you to worry about.

People have long since

stopped visiting this place.

It's probably just someone on his way

to Kazawa hot springs.

He's my older brother.

I'm quite sure it's him.

We'll bury him on the mountain

at first light.

We have a custom of not keeping

a grave at the temple.

I am in great debt to you.

I found Mr. Segawa's body around

three days after he died.

That's what the constable said after we

called him up the mountain to investigate.

We all live in huts in mountain

valleys far from each other.

Sometimes we don't see one

another for days at a time.

I knew that Mr. Segawa had

a mean-tempered ox.

But he was an experienced farmer.

Nobody could've seen this coming.

Excuse me.

I just wanted to stop by

for a moment.

I believe that a cattle breeder named

Segawa lives in this area.

Ushimatsu, what are you doing here?

I'd like to ask you the same

question, Uncle.

That's my father's home,

isn't it?

Something happened, didn't it?

I beg you, please leave this

mountain immediately!

Is my father ill?

Is he injured?

Ushimatsu, he's dead.

He was gored by a bull. It happened

maybe three days ago.

Dead?

Last winter, I had appendicitis.

I thought I was a goner.

He came down the mountain in the

middle of the night to look after me.

That was the last time I saw him.

I knew it...

- I knew he was dead.

- How?

I only told you just now.

Did someone else tell you?

My father.

Three days ago,

just at the time that it was my turn

as night watch at the school,

I went out to walk the school

grounds after nightfall...

Ushimatsu!

Ushimatsu!

I realized immediately that

something had happened to him.

If only I hadn't hesitated

in coming here.

I had no trouble whatsoever

finding this place...

a place that he forbade me from

even coming near to.

I'm sure that it was my father's voice

calling me that night.

I'm sure the voice you heard

was my brother's.

I have no doubt.

I'm not just telling you this

out of pity...

But he wasn't calling you

to come here.

He was saying, "Ushimastsu, don't forget!,"

"Ushimatsu, hide the secret!"

Right until his final breaths.

He refused to see me for 10 years,

and I couldn't see him when

he died, either.

Such is the lot of the burakumin.

- Why was I born a burakumin?

- Stop that talk!

When you finished elementary school,

your father was determined you continue

on to secondary school.

He knew that he would never

be able to see you again.

My brother, you,

and my wife and I...

lived in this burakumin village in

Komoro for many years,

before we moved to the outskirts

of Nezu Village to conceal our past.

Your father was the elder of

the burakumin village,

so he knew that secrecy was

out of the question.

He left you to live with me and

my wife, and lived on this ranch.

He wasn't able to work in society

like a regular person.

Preventing you from suffering

the same fate...

was the only reason that

he lived like a hermit.

If you thoughtlessly reveal your

identity as a burakumin,

your father's entire life's work

will have been for nothing.

Father, I swear that I will never break

your commandment to hide my identity.

No matter the circumstances,

no matter who I meet,

I will never reveal this secret.

That's enough.

Now you must leave this place.

If you go along the ridgeline,

you'll hit the road to Komoro.

You won't get there before daybreak.

Catch the train in Komoro.

Uncle, please let me see my father,

just for a moment.

You're protecting the same

secret as me.

The burakumin code dictates that you don't expose

another member who is living outside their community.

The burakumin abide by the code...

but they're people too.

You can't always trust them.

Your father understood that.

Please. Just for a moment,

and then I'll be on my way.

It's only candlelight.

You might not even recognize him.

Make sure nobody sees your face.

A friend of the family has come.

- He wants to briefly pay his respects.

- That's fine.

Let him in.

The owner of the bull is taking it

to market tomorrow.

He said he would use the money he got

from the meat to pay the funeral costs.

That's very kind.

He should have just left the bull

alone when it got lost.

Instead, for some reason he felt

he had to go looking for it.

Someone saw him looking for the bull,

waist deep in waterweeds.

I think I heard him walking up and down

the mountains calling for the bull.

It made me flinch...

Maybe he wanted to die.

I don't think that Mr. Segawa

absolutely wanted to die,

but it seemed as if he was

shouting to the heavens.

Screaming from the bottom

of his soul!

It was the sadness, the feeling

of our burakumin village...

The agony of a man who could not

die without regret!

Blackie!

- 52kg, 300.

- 52kg, 500. - 44kg.

- He's unclean!

- Go away!

Oh, God!

He's unclean!

It serves him right!

He's unclean!

Purify this place with salt!

Oh, you're back.

I was passing by, and the landlord

said you had returned.

Thanks for taking care of things

while I was away.

I'm sure it was an imposition to handle

both my class and yours.

Forget about it. I assume you're back

so soon because your uncle recovered?

However, since he must've been gravely ill,

I would've stayed on a bit, just to make sure.

Ma'am, did I hear there was

some kind of disturbance?

Yes, it was a real nuisance...

I assume that you heard about it,

Mr. Segawa.

That wealthy man that came here from

Shimotakai for medical treatment...

Well, it turned out he was of

the burakumin caste.

He was removed from the hospital

and returned here.

Of course, we asked him

to leave at once.

People seem to think we knew,

but that we let him stay anyway...

because he was a big tipper.

What a nuisance!

I assure you that we had no idea.

We would take no money from

the likes of him.

That's unfortunate.

Please enjoy your meal.

He was kicked out of the hospital

and then the inn.

Then he had his back smeared

with salt.

Why couldn't he have

kept it a secret?!

Even if he'd tried, it would be exposed

and the same thing would've happened.

Aren't burakumin human?

I don't see any difference between

them and regular people.

If you do, let me know,

Mr. Tsuchiya.

The designation of the burakumin class was

something that suited the policymakers.

Their descendants were confined to live...

in a specific region and have a lower

standard of living than others.

This is a new age!

We are fighting in a war,

as children of the emperor!

I've been meaning to tell you,

but you should probably stop...

reading books by Rentaro Inoko.

Rentaro Inoko?

Yes. You sound like you're reciting

one of his diatribes.

You're mistaken.

The reason Rentaro Inoko risked his life

for the burakumin liberation movement...

was that he himself was

a burakumin.

You're a normal person.

You don't have to regurgitate his rhetoric.

Reading is important, but you must

maintain a proper perspective.

If it's all right, there's someone

I'd like to introduce to you.

- Who?

- Rentaro Inoko, of course.

I believe you'll dislike him.

Such public figures seem appealing from

a distance, but once you get to know them,

you'll find that their distinction from others

often masks numerous personal flaws.

You've got gall, saying that about

a man you've never met. He's a fine man.

Have you met him?

Well... of course not.

I think he has lung disease.

If you have death

breathing down your neck,

I imagine it could inspire

you to write great works.

But I guarantee you, no man from a burakumin

village could ever produce great ideas.

Stop, already.

It breaks my heart to hear you

of all people say such things.

You must be exhausted from your trip.

It's made you emotional.

Chasing a burakumin

out of town is normal.

Rest up, you'll feel better.

I'll see you tomorrow at school.

Look! It's human blood!

It's Japanese blood!

It's not different from anyone else's.

We have the same four limbs.

The same anatomy, the same blood.

Why are we discriminated against?

Why must it be a secret?

Father, tell me!

Help me!

Even his grave is hidden...

He just slipped away,

like a stray cat.

Mr. Segawa, glad I ran into you.

There's something I want

to ask you.

I imagine you heard that

I resigned my position.

Yes, the headmaster mentioned it.

The headmaster is a master of cunning!

The truth is, I was forced to resign.

He didn't like me taking

sick leave from work.

If I resigned due to health

considerations,

neither of us would lose face.

Fired in perfect health.

Newly published, "Record of Repentance"

by Rentaro Inoko

I worked there nearly 10 years.

My salary was a pittance.

Six months more and I would

have gotten a pension.

Mr. Segawa, can't you get them to

keep me on for six more months?

I'll see what I can do, but the

headmaster is a stickler for rules...

Thank you.

I mean it, thank you.

I envy you. You're young,

but the students already love you.

Even the headmaster sees it.

On the other hand...

I still have four small children.

Damn, I think I'm starting

to sober up.

Come to think of it,

where are you dragging that cart to?

The inn I'm staying at frequently

accommodates noisy guests,

- so I decided to move.

- Where to?

- Lotus Temple, in Atago City.

- Lotus Temple!

I'm sure you've no idea why I accompanied

you all the way to the temple...

and I have no intention of

telling you now.

Your name, sir?

Segawa...

Ushimatsu Segawa.

Welcome. Mother told me

you were coming.

Please come inside.

I'll get Shota to carry your

bags later.

Are you the daughter of

the abbot?

- Yes, my name is Shiho.

- Is the mistress away?

- She should return presently.

- And the abbot?

He's in.

I see him from time to time at the school,

but we've never been properly introduced.

He seems very affable.

I haven't that many bags,

so I'll bring them in myself.

Is there anything you need?

- I'm going out for a while.

- But why?

- To the bookstore?

- Please, don't go!

What book do you need?

I'll go buy it for you.

Don't worry about it.

You don't have to go right now.

Then you're not going

to leave, right?

- Sure, I'll stay.

- Thank you.

On this day.

On this fine day,

The Emperor was born

On this fine day,

His glory shined forth.

It became a fine day.

- That was great.

- I lost to you again, sir.

Even though I'm sure you worked into

the wee hours on your speech.

I'm sure nothing I had to say

was that compelling.

I found your interpretation of

the characters for...

loyalty and filial piety

to be quite moving.

I hope that it wasn't beyond

the students' grasp.

It was one of the finest oratories

I've had the privilege of hearing.

I heard that Mr. Takayanagi married

an extremely beautiful woman.

You must really have your hands full,

what with the election coming up.

Really? I hadn't heard!

Well, we are at war after all.

The wedding was a quiet affair.

I hope you don't take my silence

on the matter as a slight.

- Your wife is from Tokyo?

- Yes.

But I believe the real congratulations

should go to the headmaster.

The prefecture is honoring him

with an award.

He's to receive a gold medal.

Oh, well!

How about that?

That is indeed quite something,

headmaster!

I couldn't have done it

without all your help.

However, the decision is

still unofficial.

Please keep it quiet until then.

This is quite an honor for

Nagano's educational system.

- We'll have to have a lavish celebration.

- I'm sorry to create a fuss.

Come in!

- I'm sorry to intrude.

- Don't worry!

We were just about to leave.

It's Mr. Kazama. He asked me to

appeal on his behalf.

Well, you've gone to quite

the trouble for Mr. Kazama.

I'll listen.

- I have a request...

- I know that!

Mr. Segawa has spoken of it

many times.

I was wondering if it would be

possible to receive a pension...

- following my resignation.

- Of course.

Look at the primary school

ordinances for yourself.

You could count the subsequent

five months as vacation time,

and then he would have worked

here for the full 10 years.

Mr. Kazama, I don't know what

you're thinking, but the time...

you haven't come to school up til now would

certainly seem to count as vacation.

You've taken time off as if there's

nothing wrong with it.

You've inconvenienced

other teachers.

The teachers share a strong bond

and see no inconvenience.

A strong bond!

That's an uncomfortable thought,

and it's unbecoming of a teacher.

Of course, if you report

to work every day...

for the remaining five months,

that's another matter entirely.

It's because he can't work

that we're here.

I am the headmaster.

This school, the teachers,

and the students are all under my care.

I cannot afford to turn a blind eye to

anyone trying to undermine discipline here.

Forget about your pension

and convalesce.

I'm afraid I've no choice...

but to follow your advice.

What?! You chattered on

about how you weren't...

going to leave today til you talked

some sense into the headmaster!

Yes! I'm sorry for the

trouble I've caused.

Forget about us!

I was only just recently appointed

headmaster of this school.

I would hope that you would

be more supportive.

At any rate, as I'm sure

you'll soon hear,

I am to receive a medal

from the prefecture.

I don't credit this to any policies that

I have personally implemented.

On the contrary,

Mr. Tsuchiya,

I couldn't have done it without

the help of your uncle.

He is the county educational

supervisor.

It has nothing to do with me.

It's of no use trying to reason

with young people.

The county educational

supervisor oversees us.

An order from them is obeyed

unflinchingly.

I'm sure you'll understand in time.

"Record of Repentance"

by Rentaro Inoko

Thank you.

Shall I wrap it?

I am a burakumin...

Sir! You are him,

aren't you?!

Mr. Rentaro Inoko,

I mean.

Yes... I'm Inoko.

I've seen your photo in books

and newspapers.

But I didn't expect to run

into you in the countryside.

You are?

Ushimastu Segawa.

I'm a teacher at

Iiyama Elementary School.

Oh, so you're Mr. Segawa.

The many letters that

you've written...

have been of great comfort.

You must forgive my

undue caution.

I thought I was ready to die

at any time, but maybe not.

Please meet my wife.

This is Mr. Segawa.

Pleased to meet you.

I read in the newspaper

the other day...

that you had fallen deathly ill.

As you can see, I'm well enough

to travel, so you needn't worry.

I'm staying with a friend in the

outcast section of Komoro.

The innkeeper in the village

wouldn't accommodate me.

Walking in the mountains helps

nourish my thoughts,

but my wife worries that the

mountain air is poor for my health.

I don't know what

to do with her!

I saw the announcement for your

new book, Record of Repentance.

Yes, it should be available soon.

To think that someday a thoughtful

burakumin may read my book and say,

"Look, a fellow named Inoko

wrote this,"

that would be enough.

That's the dream that keeps

me going.

I still want it.

It's a puzzling coincidence:

You entered the Nagano

teachers' school after I quit.

I was born in the south of Nagano.

Students from the same area spread

rumors that I was a burakumin, and...

it turned into quite an uproar.

I immediately confirmed that I was indeed

a burakumin and left the school.

In other words,

I was expelled.

I understand that you were studying

to be a psychologist.

I heard that you quit of

your own free will.

Me? That in a moment

of inspiration,

I decided to dedicate my life to

the rights of burakumin?

No, I hadn't the mettle for

such ambitions.

When I was a boy, the other children would

make sport of me, throw rocks at me.

I didn't understand.

In middle school, it hit me that

I had been born a burakumin,

and I cursed my parents.

I was angry that they had me,

and raised me.

I thought I'd have been

better off having...

no arms or legs than to

be a burakumin.

Where are you from?

Komoro.

Komoro? Really?

Pardon me for asking, but are

your parents still alive?

My mother died when I was four.

My father died some time ago.

No brothers or sisters?

I rushed here when I heard

my uncle was critically ill.

Fortunately, it was nothing,

so I'm going home.

I'm sorry for your troubles.

We had a rally in Komoro

last night.

People shouted, "Who asked the opinion

of a bunch of polluted people!"

Scalawags always show up for these events.

But even sadder than that,

is when burakumin live by

hiding their identity.

They want to keep things quiet,

but I pick at the scab until blood

flows and they resent me.

They feel small and persecuted,

trapped in their haphazard lives.

They close their eyes to reality.

It doesn't even occur to these brethren

to consider change to this disharmony.

The power wielded by the movement is

on the side of the burakumin.

Don't you want to fight

the good fight?

Look...

For better or worse, we're the ones who

were educated, and we have a duty.

I was once weak and,

as a coward, hid my identity.

Do you plan to live and

die a coward?

Mr. Inoko!

How about it?

I'm... not burakumin.

I see...

You must forgive me.

You must be very angry.

Can you forgive me?

Sir, don't be absurd.

It is I who must ask for

your forgiveness.

I sometimes get carried away.

Since my health is doubtful,

I never know when

I might expire,

and am desperate to find someone

to whom I may pass the torch.

Your letters were so very

compassionate.

This is why I tell you to

at least wear socks.

It's winter and you've

caught a chill.

May I come in?

Mr. Segawa?

In the name of the Buddha.

I was wondering if you know

if it's true that...

Mr. Keinoshin Kazama was

fired as a teacher.

How did you know?

So it is true.

The abbot heard a rumor

and was worried.

Is Mr. Kazama a relative?

- He's Shiho's real father.

- Shiho?

Shiho's mother died somehow,

and she didn't get along with

Mr. Kazama's second wife,

so we let her live here

as our daughter.

- Really?

- It was drink.

My husband did everything

in his power.

Mr. Kazama vowed time after time

to quit the bottle,

but he never lasted.

Finally, my husband gave up and told him

not to come here til he gave it up for good.

So what's the story about

his four small children?

They were born of other women.

Shiho's half brothers and sisters.

She had an older brother,

but he died in this war.

In the name of the Buddha.

One!

Two!

Some of these are just chaff.

The sparrows might've gotten some of it,

but the weight is on target.

69kg... this is good,

unshelled rice.

But you didn't count the

container weight.

It's too late to weigh the

container now.

I'm sorry the sake's cold.

Stop crying! Aren't you supposed

to be the older brother?

She took it and ate it.

Shut up!

I can't believe it.

People who take things

without asking are thieves!

Get out of here, I can't raise such

an unscrupulous child!

Are you going to take

six 40 liter bags?

40 liters?

I'm taking 85 liters?

80 liters?!

No, not 80.

I'm taking 85 liters.

Landlord, please take it all!

- I don't need any of it!

- Just a minute now...

Forget it, I quit. I'm not

sharecropping here anymore.

I take care of everything

around here,

and the would-be breadwinner just

sits around and drinks all the time.

There's no way I can make ends meet.

I give up!

I can't take it!

Disgraceful,

weeping in front of a guest!

I'll be back.

As penitence,

couldn't you stay home...

and help me,

just once a year?

I may be living in a hovel now,

but my family...

once lived in a samurai residence

near a castle on a prominent road.

You want me to do the

work of a peasant?

I wasn't exactly penniless

when I married you.

I had a lot more clothes than your

precious Shiho at Lotus Temple.

If you won't till the land, why don't you

be a bookkeeper for a bank?

Have you forgotten I'm ill?

An illness called laziness,

caused by too much drink!

I said, I'm sick.

I'll be dead soon.

That is to say, what becomes of

people after they die?

It's a question that

no one could answer.

The ancient gods of Shizuoka

were incredibly devout men...

who became the monks of Shibutani

and formed their teachings.

After the sixth year,

they became gods and the protectors

of our town of Iiyama.

In the name of the Buddha.

That's quite a group in there.

The head priest is delivering

a sermon.

I left because I don't like it when

so many people gather here.

This town is strongly Buddhist.

Aren't you going in to listen?

- I never feel comfortable at temples.

- It's cold out here.

- Actually, I have something to tell you.

- What is it?

I asked about the natural sciences instructor

position at Nagano teachers' college.

Oh, the opening at Tokyo agricultural

sciences university. Did you get it?

Yes, the letter just arrived

at the inn.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

It means I can finally dedicate myself to

botany without having to leave Nagano.

I'll be leaving Iiyama at the

end of the month.

So it seems.

You're leaving, too.

I'm a bit envious.

It's like I always told you,

You'd have been snapped up ages ago, had you

put in a request to the teachers' college,

Then you could be teaching at junior high,

or at a teacher's college.

You're a much better teacher

than I'll ever be.

You're being wasted on

primary school students.

I prefer playful children

that will listen to me.

I'm satisfied with the tranquil lifestyle

of a countryside teacher.

I want it to be like this forever.

Is that her?

Kazawa's daughter.

Yes, she's Shiho.

She's cute.

Mr. Segawa!

I'm sorry to disturb you

while you're studying.

What can I do for you?

I see you around the

school quite frequently,

but I've never had the

opportunity to meet you.

I'm Risaburo Takayanagi.

Pleased to meet you,

I'm Segawa.

You're serving in quite an

honored teaching position,

so I'm sure that you spend little time

involving yourself in worldly affairs,

but elections are slippery

events indeed,

and you can't predict the

outcome until it's over.

You can't let your guard down,

not even for a moment.

I hope I can count on

your support.

I haven't the skills to assist

in a campaign.

I should've mentioned it before, but I heard

your father died in a terrible accident,

and I wanted to offer my

sincerest condolences.

Thank you, but I think...

there's been some misunderstanding.

My wife's relatives knew

your father.

Nobody knows about my

wife's family.

Nobody knows where you came from,

other than my wife and me.

Do you understand?

Your wife's family?

I trust you know

Rokuzaemon from Komoro?

He's the richest man in the area.

Let's just say that I married

a burakumin girl to finance my campaign.

Please understand my

circumstances.

Otherwise, I'm prepared for you and I

to stab each other and die right here!

I give you my word on that.

I haven't the faintest idea

what you're talking about.

My wife and I were on

the same train...

to Komoro when you went.

Maybe you were on that train,

but if so,

I didn't notice you.

Then do you continue to insist that you

don't know what I'm talking about!?

I don't know what you're

talking about.

If I lose this election,

it will be the end of me.

I beg of you, please don't tell people

about my wife's family.

I'll do anything I can in return.

I've never gossiped about

you before now,

and I don't plan to in the future.

Furthermore, I don't need

any favors from you.

That's all I needed to hear.

Mr. Segawa, you have as

much to lose as me.

Please think about it.

I didn't even know how

to apologize!

I could see that you

were depressed,

but I thought you were just

upset about your family.

It isn't the first time the abbot's malady

has manifested itself this way.

But I didn't think that he

would lay a hand on you. It's pitiful.

Mother, please don't worry.

Whatever happens,

I'll never let him touch.

I'm going to send a letter

to my sister in Nagano.

I'm going to ask him for

a divorce.

Hopefully that will open his eyes.

Were it not for that malady,

he would be a fine abbot.

Sorry to disappoint you,

but we don't have anything today.

Just some river fish and

tofu drippings.

That sounds fine.

And a glass of sake.

Hey, Segawa.

What in the world brings you

to a joint like this?

I'll sit with you.

Have a drink.

That's a surprise...

I never thought you'd buy

me a drink.

This fleeting life,

like a dream

Time just slips through

your fingers.

You think about tomorrow and the next day

and pretty soon you're 50.

Times have changed, too.

I don't know what you think when you see

the remains of the castle by Chikuma River.

Covered in brambles and weeds.

Mulberry fields on every side.

All of the samurai living

in poverty.

Working in government offices.

Or as school teachers, leading

ultimately meaningless lives.

Well, there's nothing as

useless as a samurai.

In truth, I was one of them.

Even if your job is miserable,

if you quit, you've nothing

to do and you're kaput.

You can kill time fishing.

Grave: The Deceased,

Keinoshin Kazama,

Private First Class

And nap all day when the

weather's disagreeable.

Thirsty, eh?!

Are you going to

cut loose tonight?

I suppose moderation is best

in all circumstances.

No one would be surprised

to see me drunk,

- but when you drink, Segawa,

people worry. - Why?

Because you and I are different.

I'm old. My life is over.

But you're a young man,

with a bright future.

Shiho!

Father!

I apologize for the inconvenience.

I know he's nothing

but a nuisance.

Shiho, what are you doing here?

Father, there's no one here.

- It's like no one lives here.

- I'm fine on my own.

Let's get you to bed.

You've been drinking.

They all left...

They left me.

One day, when I came home,

no one was here.

Back to her hometown,

I guess.

Those poor children!

Ryukichi and Susumu, having to go

to an unfamiliar home.

What?!

Their mother will raise them

to be splendid peasants.

I pity their mother, too.

Take a good look at her.

This is the kind of daughter

I have.

She's crying for a stepmother

who hated her.

She's just like her mother.

Right down to her face and

the look in her eyes.

That was the main reason

my second wife hated her.

There was nothing that

I could do about it.

Father, I'd like to live here

with you again.

I could sew or do other work.

What are you talking about?

I plan never to return to

Lotus Temple again.

Segawa, did Shiho do

something disgraceful?

What happened?

The abbot's wife said she

would divorce him.

- What he did to me...

- The abbot?!

Hey, Segawa, my wife used to

complain constantly.

She said that the abbot

was a lecher.

Such shameful behavior for a man

of his position in the monastery.

But even an animal

wouldn't lay a hand...

on his adopted daughter.

Shiho, I want you

to come back,

but as you can see,

this is how I am now.

Iiyama is distinguished for the

care it places on its temple.

You could have a happy life there.

I will always be grateful to

the abbot and his wife...

for raising me since I was

13 till now,

but I will not return to

Lotus Temple.

I could never just leave

you here...

to live on your own.

Father, I beg you.

Please go to Lotus Temple tomorrow

and tell them I'm living with you now.

Shiho, there's sake on that shelf.

Bring it here.

Don't you think you should

cut back a little?

Recently, nothing goes down

but sake.

My stomach can't handle

solid food.

The doctor told me he couldn't

find anything wrong.

I don't have a fever.

What do you think, Segawa?

Do you want the daughter

of a pauper?

She's from a good samurai family.

- If you want her, she's yours.

- Father!

I'm not of samurai stock.

I'm the only one who cares

about the samurai.

My last wife was a peasant!

Did you hear?

- About that teacher, Mr. Segawa?

- No, I didn't.

They say he's a burakumin.

I heard there's someone who can

prove it, so there can be no doubt.

- Who?

- I shouldn't say.

A councilman shouldn't

speak too freely.

Mr. Segawa, we don't have to

study today, do we?

No one else came,

because of the snow!

Mr. Segawa, let's play!

Wait a little while longer.

And try to keep quiet.

Now go.

Speech by Rentaro Inoko

Essentially, this whole thing blew up

because Mr. Segawa is just plain weird.

This isn't a joke.

We wouldn't put up with it

if he were a burakumin.

Townspeople like gossip.

Rumors about all the teachers.

- It just depends on the rumor.

- Of course...

That's why we can't afford

to ignore this problem.

Whenever I speak to Mr. Segawa

about the burakumin,

he always changes the topic.

He dodges the issue and

turns pale.

Don't you think it's strange?

He has seemed a bit

melancholy recently.

- They say you can tell a burakumin

from his face. - Precisely!

As outcasts from society,

their dispositions are extremely warped.

Such a fine young man could

never be born of the burakumin.

That alone should prove that

he is not a burakumin.

Mr. Tsuchiya, what then would

you make of Mr. Rentaro Inoko?

He's... an exception.

Be logical. Then, Mr. Segawa

is an exception, too.

If you can tell from the face,

that would make you the one.

Yes, your face is very swarthy.

- And extremely foppish.

- How absurd!

Accusing me of being

a burakumin!

You never could take a joke.

Mr. Segawa, haven't you researched

Rentaro Inoko's writings extensively?

Just what kind of a man is he?

He's not a philosopher,

or an educator, or a clergyman...

- He's a freethinker!

- A freethinker?!

If you ask me,

he's a daydreamer.

In fact, he's some kind

of a madman!

Give it a rest...

You always get worked up when

you talk about Rentaro Inoko.

Let's go outside.

It's because you're suffering inside,

tortured by your own thoughts,

that people misunderstand you.

That you could be a burakumin...

What if I were a burakumin?!

Get a hold of yourself!

The school checks where teachers

are from before hiring them.

These rumors are completely

groundless.

Just talk to me.

You've no reason to

keep secrets from me.

Talk about what?

What's bothering you and

every other young man:

Love.

Love?

I noticed that you suddenly

moved to Lotus Temple,

and that you've been

glum ever since.

I understand that Shiho

has a sordid history.

That was the time that you

became dejected, wasn't it?

We went to the same teachers' college,

and we're posted at the same school.

Why don't you level with me?

If you open up and

ask my advice,

maybe I can't help,

but I'll try.

I've had such feelings before.

But, the truth is...

she died a long time ago.

That's what it is.

She's dead.

I don't think I could ever

feel that way again.

I can't.

That's all I can tell you now.

Forgive me.

All of the teachers at the school

speak highly of you.

But some people in the

town no longer...

wish to send their children here.

I apologize for this commotion.

On the contrary, we understand

that this must be difficult.

We are simply concerned for you.

Thank you.

The truth is that I have

noticed telltale signs...

once or twice in his behavior.

But I cannot simply leap to the conclusion

that it's due to his lineage...

and fire him right on the spot.

On the other hand, I cannot stand

by as parents, students,

and even other teachers,

nurture rumors about him.

Perhaps if he requested

to transfer...

to another school, this matter

could be solved quietly.

I understand completely

the spot you're in.

The school's honor must

not be compromised.

Rentaro Inoko

In a sluggish economy,

these books won't sell.

I'll take the

English-language book.

But these are brand new.

I haven't even read them.

I don't know what to say...

I'll give you 55 sen

for the lot.

55 sen?

I'll take it.

I guess I took you by surprise.

I should have told you

I was coming.

My wife said as much.

I didn't know that you'd moved here,

so I stopped by the boarding house...

in Takasho City

before I came here.

Is something the matter,

Mr. Segawa?

You must be sick.

You're shaking.

You seem feverish.

You must sit down.

I only intended to see

you briefly.

Who... who are you?

Me? I'm Inoko:

Rentaro Inoko.

I'm Segawa...

I'm not sure if you have

the wrong person,

but I've never met you before.

Your name sounds familiar...

I do believe that I've

read your books,

but I've never met you before,

and at any rate,

I don't know you.

Mr. Segawa.

I've made a terrible mistake.

There are many who are sympathetic

to us burakumin...

And we gratefully accept their sympathy.

We do so because their

understanding and sympathy...

more than anything

gives us strength.

Still, I'm always careful.

Depending too much on people's

sympathy and compassion...

makes one feel like a beggar

with his hand out.

There's something that I'm

even more cautious of:

that is being so vigilant of avoiding

stooping to the level of a beggar...

that I become hard-hearted and rebuff

innocent acts of kindness.

I've made doubly sure to be

alert to both dangers,

but it seems I have again

made a mistake somewhere.

I'm sorry that you went out in the cold

to look for someone that you...

were unable to find.

I'm sorry; there must be many

people with the same name.

There must be many people

who look alike.

My eyesight has suffered

since I fell ill.

I often mistake people

for others.

It's a nuisance for people

dear to me.

It's sad.

I'll let myself out.

You don't seem well.

Please take care.

What are you doing here?

I came to greet the guest,

but he had already left.

Mr. Segawa, you should rest.

Did something happen to him?

Maybe the flu.

He's a bit shy, but we should have

adopted someone like him.

We should've gotten a son

from the start.

Shut up!

I don't need your sarcasm.

I'm not being sarcastic.

If we don't have someone to take care of us,

what will become of us?

It's raining again.

What happened!?

What is it?!

Has someone gone

to fetch the police?

Mr. Inoko!

- Who is it?

- Who knows?

He's your guest; we'll leave

him with you for now.

He was with attorney

Murakami.

He left right after the incident.

So, he's not my guest.

If you leave him here,

all of my other customers will leave.

The police are busy

investigating this incident,

and we can't just leave

him outdoors.

I knew it had to be

something like this.

I don't mind keeping

the body.

When my husband had

a relapse in Komoro,

a man named Murakami

helped us greatly.

I understand he's

a lawyer from Ueda.

He did so much for us,

but my husband became involved

with the election.

I only found out later...

but Mr. Murakami is running

against Mr. Takayanagi...

in the upcoming Iiyama election.

He was trying to use

my husband.

I told him,

but he said he didn't care.

Mr. Takayanagi had married

a burakumin girl...

just to get at her

rich father's money.

He said that it would be worth it...

just to expel such

a base man from politics.

He left early this morning

for a campaign speech...

Letter of Resignation

I hear the killer was

hired by Mr. Takayanagi,

because his wife was

a burakumin.

It's more frightful to think of Inoko

exposing that fact at a campaign speech.

Still, Inoko was

an important man.

Children,

I have an announcement.

- An announcement?!

- An announcement!

This will be my last day

teaching you.

I have to say goodbye

to you all.

I think you all know...

in these mountains,

there are five types of people:

Former samurai, merchants,

farmers, clergymen,

and there's a group called

the burakumin".

Even now, burakumin live in groups

separate from the town,

and some of them work

as farmers.

Those who work as farmers conduct

what they call pilgrimages.

Once a year, they visit

their fathers and grandfathers

with a sheaf of rice and

check on their wellbeing.

I'm sure you know that if

they visit your house,

they are to eat from

special bowls on a dirt floor,

and under no circumstances to set one foot

past the threshold into the living quarters.

And if an errand takes you to

the burakumin neighborhood,

you can accept a cigarette,

but you are by no means

to accept a cup of tea.

Such is the lowly position

of the burakumin.

If a burakumin came into this

classroom and taught...

language and geography,

how would you feel?

The truth is...

I'm a burakumin.

You're not adults, but you're also

not so young that you...

have no understanding of

the matters of this world,

Please remember what

I've told you.

In the future,

after 5 or 10 years,

when you look back on your

days in primary school,

please remember that you once

had a teacher named Segawa,

when you were in the

fourth grade,

and when he revealed

his status as a burakumin,

said goodbye, and left.

He drinks spiced sake on

New Year's Day just like me,

and on the emperor's birthday

he sings the national anthem,

and he said that he would pray

for our good fortune.

Also, that the reviled

burakumin,

like you,

were born into this world...

as defenseless,

innocent babies,

and remain the same as you

until their dying day.

Please remember that

I plainly explained that...

we're neither monsters,

nor animals.

I...

As your teacher,

I've tried to...

teach you how to think clearly.

To stay on the straight and narrow

path and never to lie.

For this reason, I'm ashamed that

I hid the fact that I am a burakumin.

Please, forgive me!

I will probably never

teach again.

The days I've spent with

you all in the...

three years I've been

at this school,

are probably the happiest

in my life.

Walking along the Chikuma River

with you singing;

shoveling snow together

after the blizzard;

losing at tennis;

marveling at how quickly

you grow.

They are a flood of

memories for me.

This classroom and...

how all of you smell like the

sun on dry grass.

Your healthy faces in your

fine school uniforms.

These are memories

I will never forget.

You made a person like me...

your friend for such

a long time.

I would like to express

my gratitude.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

When you get home,

please tell your parents about me.

Tell them...

I'm sorry that I concealed

that I'm a burakumin.

Please tell them that

I told you everything.

Forgive me!

What's wrong?

- Mr. Segawa admitted to being a burakumin.

- He told his fourth grade class.

He knelt and apologized,

telling them never to discriminate.

Let's go!

Forgive me!

What are you saying?

Get a hold of yourself!

Letter of Resignation

You're ready to quit?!

I understand.

I know how you feel.

Leave everything to me!

You stay here!

Father, it's all done now.

You made sure

I was educated.

I learned to feel free.

That freedom cost

you your life.

You spent your life buried

in the mountains,

and I betrayed your wish.

I abandoned Mr. Inoko,

and he died as a result.

Today, I've abandoned

my father,

and when I cry,

I can no longer carry

your memory in my heart.

I am alone.

I abandon my name, love,

and spend my life wandering as an act

of contrition for my transgression.

Father, what do you need?

It's heavy...

My chest is heavy.

This blanket isn't enough to

keep you from catching a cold.

Is that better?

I'm sorry to intrude,

but I'm looking for Mr. Segawa.

Mr. Segawa? No.

That's strange.

I wonder where he went.

Did something happen to him?

He left school, but hasn't

returned to the Lotus Temple.

I thought he might be here.

- I'll go with you.

- To where?

To look for him.

Thank you.

Segawa!

Are you all right?

He can't be dead, can he?

It would be so tragic.

I can't imagine his suffering.

Mr. Segawa didn't get to choose...

his mother and father.

Shiho, you have to

help Mr. Segawa.

He was fond of you...

But because of his lineage,

he abandoned thoughts of you.

I don't know what to say,

but I've already decided

to be with him.

- For the rest of your life?

- Yes.

His hands are like ice.

Miss Shiho...

You'll freeze to death out here!

I can never make this

up to you.

No, it is I who must apologize.

If I had been even a little

understanding of your situation,

you would have told me first.

Since I aspire to be a botanist,

I can't lie and say that I don't

understand nature as it is.

Casually dividing up

humanity into classes,

and putting the burakumin

on the bottom rung.

It makes me sick that I never

doubted it for a moment!

I couldn't blame you

if you hate me.

Please forgive me!

Mr. Tsuchiya!

I just learned everything

from Shiho...

She wanted to help look for you

without even asking why.

When I told her what happened

at school today,

she just said that she

felt badly for you.

She also said that...

she's ready to spend

the rest of her life with you.

Shiho, that's impossible.

I'm touched by the sentiment,

but I can't let you get involved in

the miserable future that awaits me.

But... Mr. Inoko married.

What about her?

I understand that she isn't

a burakumin.

Really?

I saw it in Record of Repentance.

Did you read it?

When Mr. Segawa came to the temple,

I knew that he was reading it,

and I borrowed it.

Mr. Inoko's wife's mother was

deadset against the marriage,

but her father eventually

gave implicit approval.

He endured painful gossip at his job

as a government official till retirement.

A woman can get her way

if she is determined.

It will be a long, sad trip with

my husband's remains.

I'm glad that you're

coming with me.

But Mr. Segawa, why did you

resign as a teacher?

I don't think there was any reason

for you to confess.

If people spread rumors about

you being a burakumin,

then they're still just rumors.

If people ask you to your face

whether you're burakumin,

avoid answering.

Then you won't be lying.

That's all you had to do.

I don't mean to be rude,

but if you're not a burakumin,

the whole thing must seem

incredibly simple.

It says in the constitution

that all people are equal.

My husband said that burakumin

were normal people,

and that it was wrong to

discriminate against them.

If that's the case, then why conform to

the errant convictions of others?

If you're a normal person,

why not live like one?

When I think of my husband,

I have no regrets.

He couldn't forget the hatred of being

born a burakumin till his dying day.

That's probably what made him dedicate

himself to the rights of the burakumin.

I guess I wanted a more

ordinary husband.

But it's because of men like

your husband...

that people's attitudes change.

They say that history is not borne

of the unwashed masses,

but from the deeds of great men.

I disagree...

Maybe it's because I'm a woman,

and detest violence.

I do believe that a day will come when

this problem will cease to exist...

And not because other activists like

my husband will take up the cause,

but in the natural flow of time.

I don't believe in such dreams.

Really?

You claim that all of society

scorns the burakumin,

and yet Mr. Tsuchiya,

Shiho,

the abbot,

and even his wife...

all learned that you were

burakumin,

but their feelings didn't

change a bit.

Even in your narrow circle of acquaintances,

there are several such people.

If you checked around Iiyama,

I'm sure you'd find more.

If you checked around the

whole country, still more.

Of course, some people will

stand in your way,

but it's the same for everyone.

Normal people accept hardship...

as the natural course of things.

You must accept that suffering

is a part of life...

and not blame it on being

a burakumin.

- You mean, keep a stiff upper lip?

- Yes.

And not to become an activist

like your husband?

Yes.

But do I have to stay in Iiyama?

I don't think I can go to

Tokyo with you.

When I was a young girl,

I worked at a nursery school.

I'd like to return to that school,

if possible.

Tokyo will bring endless misery.

I understand.

Would you like to come?

Mr. Tsuchiya, I'd like to have

a farewell party for you.

When would be convenient?

I don't need a farewell party.

Least of all because I'm not quitting.

I'm not going to Tokyo.

Why not?

Just yesterday,

you were still planning to go.

Why are you not allowing the children

to see off Mr. Segawa?

Is it because of his lineage?

And in my case, I get a party for being the

nephew of the County Educational Supervisor?

Watch your tongue,

Mr. Tsuchiya!

My uncle is a conventional man,

but he detests irrational thinking.

You tell the students you're doing all

in your power to keep Mr. Segawa here,

but the fact is, you're treating him as

if on holiday and have written him off!

If I appeal to my uncle,

what do you think he'll do?!

Are you blackmailing me?

You have absolutely no understanding

of your students! I pity them!

That's why I'm not leaving

this school!

Mr. Tsuchiya, listen up...

The first criteria for engaging in a

teaching position in a regional area is...

an understanding of

the common man.

I couldn't serve in this

post if I just...

dedicated myself to higher thought and

avoided vulgar interests.

At dinners, I must sit with

Buddhist monks and Shinto priests,

learn customs of drinking

local sakes,

and use the regional dialect

passably.

Otherwise, I'd be shunned.

I'll concede that I no longer

think as an educator.

I placed a higher priority

on my position.

Looking back, I remember my...

boundless enthusiasm for education

when I was young.

It gives a man pause.

Let me carry it.

That's not necessary.

It looks heavy.

I was just thinking...

Are human bones really

this heavy?

Or is it the urn that they're in?

Did you meet Mr. Inoko when you

were at the nursery school?

It seems so very long ago.

It also feels just like yesterday.

I think I want to take the

mantle from Mr. Inoko,

but I don't think I could ever

aspire to his level of success.

Still, I can't suppress my desire...

to spend my life following

in his footsteps.

I apologize for disregarding

your advice,

but this is the path for me.

I don't know why I'm crying.

Despite my adamant protests,

when I think of how happy my

husband would have been...

He would have been so proud.

He has a fine successor,

and even if I can't understand the

machinations of a man's heart,

thank you.

I'd like to thank you on

his behalf.

Please excuse me.

I didn't think we'd

make it in time.

Is it really true that

you're leaving?

Isn't Tokyo far away?

Will you ever come

back to Iiyama?

I'll be away for a while.

Iiyama is my second home.

I'm sure I will return.

I loved this dictionary.

It's in poor shape now,

but use it at the school.

Mr. Segawa,

here's some hardboiled eggs.

My mother made them for you.

Isn't that Shiho?

Thank you.

Excuse me.

How's your father?

He spits out solid food.

Water is the only thing

that goes down.

He's been asleep all morning.

That's the bell of

the Lotus Temple.

I said goodbye at

the Mountain Gate.

The abbot's wife gave me wooden

prayer beads as a going away present.

Shota made them.

She also gave me some grass sandals

with covers, for walking in the snow.

That's probably Shota

ringing the bell.

Everyone's lives change,

but Shota just stays the same.

He has no family, no wife,

no children...

Shiho, if I call for you

from Tokyo,

...would you come?

- Yes.

You must be Shiho.

This is of tattered and

of no value,

but you'll need it until you

get to the train.

How kind. Thank you.

Thanks for everything.

Thank you.

I thought that it would be

you who saw me off.

Life's funny.

I'll see you in Tokyo.

You sure will.

Until then.

Goodbye!

Ushimatsu left Iiyama in December 1904,

the first year of the Ruso-Japanese War.

THE END

Translation: scannon

Timing: lordretsudo