Sanrizuka: Heta buraku (1973) - full transcript

Produced by: Ogawa

Production

At Sanrizuka,

protest against construction

of Narita Airport

has been going on for 7 years.

The New Tokyo International Airport Public

Corporation has destroyed old villages.

eroded their fields and

tried to confine the villagers

to the ear-shattering

environment of the airport.

This film is a documentary

of the people

of Heta and their fight

against the Corporation

in conjunction with Narita Shibayama

Opposition Alliance Group.

Interview with one of the

hamlet elders, Kizo Ryuzaki

There was a major fire

here in 1870 or 1871.

It started in the centre

of the village.

At the house of Monem.

The flames leapt from

house to house.

Burning Magobe's place...

Juzem's...

Niya's and Chozem's too.

After the fire they rebuilt.

Because it had burnt right

down to the end of town.

It's well known as the

Heta Conflagration.

Afterwards the Monem's

moved up into the hills.

After all, they were the

ones who started it.

The villagers didn't kick

them out.

They moved of their own accord.

Up to where they're

cutting wood.

Monem's neighbours paid

to rebuild his place.

It was the natural thing to do.

Was that where Monem's

place was?

Yes, it was.

Was that how they apologised?

There was no formal

decision made...

It just happened.

By moving they made

amends to the villagers.

Same thing happened at

a nearby hamlet.

The 7 families descend

from the Ryuzaki line.

Here in Heta you've got

the main branch.

The Tanakas descended from us.

And the other 5 from our

2 main lines.

So the 7 Ryuzaki families

form one clan.

Ryuzakis were samurai in

service to the Genji clan.

Who lost out to Toyotomi

during the Civil Wars.

Came to Heta and became farmers.

Each family has its own

style of house.

In our place for example...

The living room is to

the right of the workroom.

The others have theirs on

the left.

So they live on the left

and we on the right.

Every other house has

theirs on the left side.

Why do only the Ryuzakis

have it on the right?

I don't know.

The Ryuzaki temple's the

same, isn't it?

Yes, again the right side.

I suppose you could say...

It's to do with water.

The village water supply.

Being handy to the workroom.

Where the cooking takes place.

But perhaps it's not so...

Anyway, as for the reason...

I don't really know, we

just do it.

Grandad, over next to the

Magobe's...

Wasn't that a sake factory?

Can't make sake without

good water, eh?

Exactly. The water here

is excellent.

Very pure water.

In the old days...

They came from afar for

water to make sake.

They travelled here to

get water for sake?

Yes, it does require pure water.

It's very clear and pure.

- Previously the Miyasaka

Sake Factory -

Used to go up to the

hills to get water.

Our water supply is

natural, spring water.

Everybody uses it.

By the "hills" do you

mean that forest?

Where the sake factory was?

Yes, that's right.

Over there on the corner -

Was that road there in

the old days?

Which way did it use to go?

Over there by the

electric pylon.

Yes, you can see the bridge.

That pathway was the old road.

This road wasn't there then?

It was a paddyfield.

- Old Road -

The old road was wider

than most.

We used to call it "The Path".

The Path?

Anyone could use it.

And the landowner

couldn't complain.

It used to go up over there.

Then they built the

school up there.

And the students used it

to go to school.

And the owners couldn't

complain?

The old Mr. Tonojita...

A member of the Retired

Folks Action Group.

Very active member.

Joined every protest

demonstration.

The thing I remember most

about him...

He really loved the land,

that old fellow.

He taught me much.

About wild vegetables,

flora and fauna.

How to cook wild birds.

What was in season, nuts,

flowers...

And how to prepare them.

He taught all of us.

Why is that place over

there deserted?

The Niya place.

The village pariah...?

Yes, and they ended up leaving.

Well, the story goes...

It started 8 years ago...

When the anti-airport

group started...

As it became more and

more active...

Niya became an airport

supporter.

And the villagers stopped

socializing with them.

- The Niya House is now

Deserted -

At that time, old man Niya died.

Of course there was a funeral.

And the villagers planned

to attend.

Someone sent a message to

the committee.

Saying the old man had died.

The funeral committee?

Yes, of course.

Asking for help with the

funeral, but...

But no-one went.

But it wasn't an

organized boycott.

And then, when the Niyas -

Brought the body back

from the hospital.

No-one helped bear the coffin.

Because no-one went there.

Ended up taking him to

the crematorium by car.

And cremating him.

Here, we usually bury our dead.

It's not usual to cremate?

They couldn't bury him.

No-one to be pall bearers.

Or dig the grave.

Just the family attended?

Yes, and relatives from

outside the village.

And some nearby aquaintances.

Mainly people from

outside Heta came.

A small, quiet funeral.

After that they thought

they couldn't live here.

So they left the village.

Any other cases like that?

No, no others.

Shuku village divided into

pro and anti factions.

But still assisted at

funerals etc.

But here in Heta the anti

faction...

dominates and so others

think we're strong.

That's what they say, anyway.

Perhaps we wouldn't do it now.

Anyway, the anti group is

very aggressive.

And the funeral happened

right at the start.

Coincidental, really.

About the cremation.

As the Niyas bore the coffin...

someone started beating

on the alarm drum.

It really was coincidental.

The villagers heard it as

a summons.

The Niyas thought we were

going to attack them.

- Emergency Alarm Drum -

It disrupted their procession.

They thought we were

attacking the procession.

The villagers used it to

warn of danger -

- The Niyas Were Said to

be Moneylenders -

If the police came.

The Niyas misunderstood.

And were terribly shocked.

When in actual fact it

was a coincidence.

Which they misinterpreted?

Yes, they were terrified.

But it made our point.

We really didn't intend

to go that far.

- Narita - Heta Village

Narrated by Shinsuke Ogawa.

On September 16, 1971...

A group opposing the

compulsory acquisition -

of land for the airport

construction demonstrated.

In the demonstration 3

policemen were killed.

It was a coincidence.

None of the farmers,

students or workers -

died in the demonstration.

But the possibility of

death was high.

And what was coincidental

about it...

Is that the police are

attempting a frame-up.

To destroy the village of

we protestors.

And thereby break up our

opposition group.

So many police came into

the village.

They poked around and

upset the people.

Agitated the whole village.

This film documents...

How the tumult in the village -

was handled by the villagers.

The human solidarity,

the actions -

the villagers took to

deal with it.

Young men from Heta spent

the 1972 New Year in prison. January 11th -

The arrests started on December 8th,

the excuse being the death

of three policemen during

a demonstration on September 6th. There

is no happy new year for the villagers.

A further problem has arisen in connection

with the Tennami Public Graveyard

where one of their leaders,

Meiji Ogawa, is buried.

His family and the others

have signed the graveyard

over to the Corporation.

This shocked the Alliance who had built

a concrete fortress around it

for protection.

Heta, the birthplace

of the clan head Ogawa,

is particularly hurt

by this action...

A rare, heavy winter rain fell.

At that difficult time.

And in opposition to the

Alliance's policy

My kin surrendered a

graveyard to the airport.

The immediate family

didn't know anything.

There was nothing we

could do and it upset us.

The family of Meiji Ogawa

(deceased)

Today, Naokatsu first told

us about the graveyard.

I'd heard it from the

village official

So when he told us, I was

already aware of it.

Said he wanted to relocate

his father's grave.

And wanted we relatives to help.

When I heard what he

said, I too said -

We can't expect the other

villagers to help.

That's all I could say.

If I were in his position -

I would have done the

same thing.

The Heta villagers helped

the four Kinone families that remained

after the others had left

the village.

They shared the work

and the fighting but weren't informed

of the Kimone decision

to part with the graveyard.

Heta understood that they needed assistance

for relocating the remains...

But still the four young

men of Heta remain in jail...

Meiji's son, Naokatsu -

really wanted the

villagers to help him -

relocate his father's grave.

But they don't have the

right to ask us.

He came and talked to

Magobe and I.

We suggested that

whatever the conclusion -

He should take it up with

the village officials.

- Yuichi Hagiwara -

He came to my place

straight away.

Naokatsu told us what

they'd said.

And he asked me what

he should do.

I said don't ask the

villagers to help.

He did as I suggested.

The villagers kept to the

Alliance's policy

And refused to give up

the graveyard.

I nold Naokatsu that I

couldn't help him.

That's what I said to him.

The Leader Ogawa and Naokatsu -

always helped each other

out but because -

Naokatsu never mentioned

the graveyard surrender -

It's his responsibility

and Hanzem is upset.

Naokatsu's fields and his

house...

are his own, unlike the grave.

He'd never sell them.

He's joined the Alliance

and is working hard.

Over and above that...

- Hikoshige Uriu -

Regarding Meiji's body.

The problem of relocating it.

As villagers and Alliance

members -

how should we handle it?

If any of you have any ideas.

We'd like to hear them.

As I see it, the stand of

the Alliance, -

And the stand of the villagers -

Differ slightly.

The 3 remaining families

in Kinone Hamlet -

Including Naokatsu,

joined us last year.

The Corporation has undermined

the Kinone folk.

Most have left and the

hamlet is broken up.

So we've encouraged them

to join us.

Bearing that in mind -

how can we help the

remaining three families?

And what line should we

take in the future?

I want to think about

this as a villager.

When we had his father's

funeral.

We named it the Anti-Airport

Alliance Funeral.

We men dug the grave and

our women catered.

I won't say we did everything.

But we did the important things.

The Grave of Meiji Ogawa

In the Tennami Public Graveyard

The Tennami Graveyard,

Resting Place of M. Ogawa

Through the actions of

the Corporation

It now belongs to the

Corporation.

The issue of what Naokatsu

will do from now on.

Depends on whether we

support him or not.

We must stick by him.

I think Naokatsu and the

others want that, too.

And as for helping relocate

the grave,

The family feel they can't

really ask the villagers.

So they say...

There's a concrete wall

around the grave.

It's 30 cm thick and 180 cm

high.

- The Fortress Around

Meiji-san's Grave -

It's no small job to

demolish it.

Especially with our simple

farmer's tools.

It's no easy job for a

couple of men.

The Corporatioon is bound

to come.

That's not to say that

our fight ends here.

Even though we've lost on

the graveyard issue.

We must stand by them and

what is theirs.

If not, the Corporation

will do their worst.

And we're not going to let them!

We, the people of Heta,

must act -

before the Corporation does.

Therefore, we must join

together.

And, in this regard -

we must be close and united.

Using the death of the 3

cops as an excuse -

They're bound to come and

arrest more of our young.

And the Corporation has a plan.

A plan to break the bond

between Kinoe and Heta.

Which would bring Kinone

onto their side.

- The clan of Meiji Ogawa

Take Ogawa -

And effectively break-up

the Alliance.

Our young men in prison.

Are victims of the

Corporation's policy.

I'm not good with words.

But that's what I think.

Tomorrow's newspapers

may say that -

"Kinone Sold Out"

The villagers asked the

opinion of those close to

the imprisoned men.

Many of our followers are

now under lock and key.

Young Farmers Action

Group (YFAG) member

Shinji Ishii.

One thing that we must do is -

adopt the tactics of the

Corporation.

And never, ever give in!

For that reason, the Alliance -

in each and every village

must resolve its doubts

and join together.

- YFAG members -

It's very easy for all of us -

to call Naokatsu and the

others to task -

for what they've gone and done.

But if we say that -

if we dwell, on the sale

of the graveyard.

We'll lose the three families -

the only ones left in Kinone.

That's what I think.

And we have a responsibility -

to tell this to those in jail.

Even though we weren't

aware of it at first.

Because we are involved

in this -

we must cope with the

consequences.

Whatever happens as a result.

We must tell them frankly.

Because if we don't,

they'll feel betrayed.

Those 3 young men from

Heta in jail -

will feel it, I think.

Recently, the 3 lost

their leader -

Before he died -

He tried to save the graveyard.

By taking the leadership.

But, as you know -

he couldn't continue the fight.

Because he martyred himself.

He had a strong wish.

The wish that we would

save the graveyard.

But now we've lost the

graveyard.

And the Corporation has won it.

Now, the best thing that

we can do is -

not dwell upon this defeat.

What can I say? It's one

step backwards.

But we must do something.

To get out of this

vicious circle.

That's what I think.

We must try again.

To make Naokatsu and

the others in Kinone -

realize just how we feel

about it.

Therefore, we must help

the family members -

with the task of

relocating the body.

"After death, the spirit..."

"still fights against evil."

Is carved on his gravestone!

The last request of Meiji

Ogawa, our vice-chairman.

I believe his spirit

remains with his family.

And with us of the Anti-Airport

Alliance.

Therefore, those that he

left behind -

must respect the wishes

of his spirit.

Until the very end.

With his spirit we'll

oppose the airport.

The villagers themselves

decide to help relocate.

- The Villagers -

- The Tennami Public Graveyard -

They brought the remains

back to Heta Temple.

- Heta Hamlet -

The word "Heta" implies edge or corner.

1.000 years ago it was called "Hishitamura"

Located at the very

edge of the old Kazusa area,

Heta was one entrance to Hishitamura.

So the villagers also called

it Heta Entrance.

To all the people of the

Hishita area -

please gather - this is

an emergency!

This is the Hishita

Farmers Broadcast Center!

At this moment -

at the home of Sannomiya

in Heta Hamlet -

The riot police are

invading his house.

Please gather in front of

Sannomiya's house.

The police -

just recently -

finally released him on bail.

And then when -

he tried to meet with

his family.

Young Mr. Aikawa from

Sakashioka -

Just after he was

released on bail.

They re-arrested him.

The parents...

His fellows at the YFAG

Had no time to even greet him.

In connection with the

July 26th incident.

They re-arrested him.

Today, again the police -

Have unjustifiably

arrested 3 others.

And they have a warrant

for one more.

And now, yet again -

with some intention -

they've come to the house

of Sannomiya in Heta.

They've invaded his house.

To the people of Hishita -

your attention please.

We ask each and every

one of you.

To gather immediately.

At the house of Sannomiya

in Heta Hamlet.

Please gather.

Go to the grave!

To the grave of the dead boy!

Last year on October 1st,

the son of Sannomiya - suicided,

leaving a note which started - "I hate

those who brought this airport on us..."

Go to the grave and pray!

You cruel bastards.

- Old Man Miyasaka -

The first time in our

country's history.

You come investigate at

the house of the dead.

Go pay your respects

at his grave.

You kill him and dare

come here to his house...

Think of how he must feel.

How dare you come here brazenly?

You know Fumio's in his

grave, don't you?

You have the face of men

but not the spirit.

We'll sound the alarm

and kick you out.

You're not coming to get

us, we're gonna get you.

You're no better than gangsters.

Police came to the house of the dead Fumio

because he was a member of the YFAG -

they took away an empty

oil drum...

We farmers buy our oil in drums!

You drum thieves!

Plainclothes cops!

Plainclothes thieves!

Next time we'll have to

pay for a new drum, too.

Why are you taking that drum?

Everybody with a car has one.

Are they forbidden to us?

Shit!

Up to this point over 40

youths had been arrested.

The women gather to

honor the gods.

She offered two-pronged

radish to the god.

It's my turn and I want

to make it funnier.

- At the Public Hall -

Mrs. Tsubaki makes phallic

doll - important offering.

The funnier the better.

The last time our fraternity -

only had small radishes.

And so, to make it interesting -

we decided to make the phallus.

It represents the important

part of the god

Koyasu-sama. Simply put,

"father of children".

Because it's the father

of children.

And it's very important.

The phallus - god of

safe births & upbringing.

And mark of respect to

the god Koyasu-sama.

This radish represents

the male organ?

That's right.

We do it as a mark of

respect to the gods of -

safe births and upbringing.

Where I was born we

consider it -

to be very important.

And over and above

other offerings -

this is the most

important thing -

and we treat it like a god.

Here they used to only

offer 2-pronged radishes

But since last year -

When you came here to film.

You thought it was interesting.

And we had a lot of

laughs making it.

It is very funny.

Yes, making the phallus

of a man.

In the village where

I was born -

We don't peel the radishes

and they're much longer.

So they look like this.

Do they use the dragon's

beard there, too?

Yes.

You call this, "Dragon's

beard", don't you?

As the pubic hair.

Without it, it's not

very realistic.

And these sweet potatoes.

Crudely put, they're the balls.

Compared to the radish,

they're small, eh?

Maybe I should cut it smaller.

With the hair you can't

see the balls.

You can't see them.

I don't know what the

next person will do.

I said "Take a good

look!"

The Heibe clan's matriach -

Taka Tsubaki.

In the village the clan

is called "Heibe".

their surname, perhaps

their first ancestor's.

She is one of the

staunchest fighters.

She's often appeared in

our production -

of the fight scenes in

The Narita Series.

Thanks for suggesting

the sweet potatoes.

It's a good addition.

They're very realistic.

Yes, without the balls -

it won't serve the purpose.

Compare it to your own.

Which is better?

The harder, the better.

This old lady -

came as a bride from Kuju Kuri.

Kuju Kuri is a fishing village.

And it's apparent in -

her way of thinking,

festivals, relationships.

Her way of doing things -

show very well that she

is from Kuju Kuri.

The radish that she's prepared.

The phallus that

she's made from it -

shows the influence of

a fishing village.

I was the one who

thought this up.

They didn't use to make

it like this.

How was it before?

They'd take a

two-pronged radish -

and offer it with the

leaves still on.

But we completely revamped it.

We're first among those

who take it in turns.

So we thought we'd

make it like this.

But we don't know what

the next lot will make.

Tonojita's group is the

next in line.

Remember this when you leave us.

Give you something

to laugh about.

How Heibei made a work of art.

That's one finished.

Next, pour rice over it.

Even with their boys in

jail, the rites continue.

Which is the front?

Shall I put it up higher?

- They Pass it on to

Next Years' Group -

Tsubaki & Aoyagi this

year Uriu & Ryuzaki next.

The handing-over ceremony.

Four women carry the small box.

And solemnly make a circle.

Inside the box is a book.

Recording the names of

those born in the hamlet.

If the child's name is

recorded in the book -

it means the child is accepted.

That's their custom.

So, brides coming from

other villages -

worried about their

children being recorded.

If it wasn't written

in the book.

It meant they weren't accepted.

It was very important

in the old days.

You haven't cleaned up

after yourselves.

Thanks for your help.

I've got a present for you.

Thank you.

Those Next in Line Accept

Responsibility for it.

The hamlet has many

fertility rites like this -

dating fom ages past.

Ones for men, women, old

people, children, etc.

They've almost disappeared.

But recently, here in Heta -

they've been revived.

In order to fight the

outside world -

the villagers have drawn closer.

Realized the value of

the folk-rites -

and treated them

with due respect.

Not just the old things

are valued.

Many new groupings,

clubs in the village.

Women's Action Group.

Young Farmers Action Group.

Retired Folks Action Group.

These groups are the

basis for tomorrow's -

historical rites, I think.

- From Winter Thru Summer -

Hanzem's great-grandmother is now 86 years

old. And she always had a word for us.

I came here as a bride

when I was 20 years old.

The following year we

cleared new fields.

My husband and I spent a

total of 7 years -

clearing the new fields.

Worked hard for 7 years.

Then came back here.

Because he got sick...

In the head.

He soon got well.

But once he attacked me.

He almost killed me.

Fortunately, the knife didn't -

hit a vital point.

His father was the head

wood-cutter -

that's why there was a

big machete in the house

That machete...

My husband...

At the new land...

He became ill.

And our relatives came

to get us.

At the time, my husband...

Wanted to stay there

with the children.

"I want to stay here."

He said.

But one of the relatives

talked him into -

coming back here to his

father's house.

And so we came back here.

At 20 years old,

she went by horse

to the virgin land carrying 2

sacks of possessions.

They laboured to clear new fields

and earnt pence making charcoal.

As was the custom,

they assumed his father's debts.

After 7 years of toil her

husband left to pay the debt

but she saw him hide the

money under a tree, and flee.

He didn't return. Time passed

and she heard he was back in Heta.

Gathering her 3 children

she went back to the village.

It was in November of

that year...

By the lunar calendar...

The night of November

23rd it was.

Very early in the morning.

He got up and sat by the hearth.

Told me to cook breakfast.

Even though I knew he

was ill, I said yes.

And so I got up.

And, very soon after.

He went out to the kiln.

He waited for me

with the machete.

So I went up to the kiln.

Thinking that if I did

something constructive -

it might calm him down.

As I was thinking...

I went to grab a piece of wood.

Perhaps I moved first...

Or maybe he struck

my head first...

I fell down.

The lady from the next house.

She's the mother of the

old man next door.

We'd often worked

together in the fields.

As I lay, my husband

hacked my legs twice.

He cut them twice.

And the pain was so bad

I couldn't stand.

So I crawled over to her house.

I screamed at her to wake up.

"Catch him!" I shouted.

And I could see him

running away -

across the paddy field.

On the other side of the field.

There's a pathway that

rises slightly there.

On the left side in the

bushes there's a well.

And he fell into the well.

Not deep enough to drown in.

It belonged to the

neighbouring hamlet.

Very, very shallow.

That night, the Hyoem

family from

across the way -

They were observing the

equinox festival.

And all the men were there.

They'd been gambling all night.

When they heard all the

commotion.

They came running to the well.

And pulled him out.

They made a fire to warm him up.

And lent him a dry kimono.

Then they all helped

to carry him -

to the temple, where he

was locked up.

He was in there for 10 days.

I stayed there and the

doctor came -

every day for a week.

If he'd hit my cranium,

I'd have died instantly.

I've still got the scar.

The blood poured out.

My eldest boy was 5 then.

When he saw me crawling,

covered in blood -

he cried, because he was

so young.

So, I had him stay at

the house on the corner.

Now the Koyabas live there -

At that time it was our

relatives, the Kados.

They really looked after

my little boy, Waichi.

- After that he Recovered

and they had 8 Children -

I had a hard time.

I've been here for ages.

Came when I was 19 and

now I'm 86.

I've had a long life.

When you get to this age

you can die anytime.

When I die...

If I don't have a

funeral photograph -

It'll be hard for my kin -

to get a photographer to

take the picture.

If you can take one of me mow.

You'll save me a lot of worry.

When I was 18.

There was a man who

wanted to see my photo.

And I was going to...

Can you make a print

from the film?

Yes, we can.

We'll make one for you.

I'm so happy.

The matriarch of the

Hanzem line is 86 years old.

We went to her house to

do some filming.

But she didn't quite

understand -

the difference between a

movie and still camera.

So she thought we'd come

here to take the -

formal portrait

displayed at funerals.

She saw it as her final act -

so she wanted to look her best.

- The Matriarch at 18 -

She had them brush her hair.

And then arrange it.

We thought it was

alright as it was.

- The Matriarch Talks

About Gambling -

Furthermore, she got out

a very thick -

deep purple, formal cushion.

And arranged her own

bonsai tree next to ner.

There she was, a tiny

lady, sitting royally -

on her cushion next to

the bonsai.

"What shall we talk

about?", she asked.

I'll never forget the

image she created.

When she first came here

at 20, gambling was rife.

In the old days in Heta -

If three or more men

gathered, they'd gamble.

I really hate gambling.

That's why we had to

clear the new fields.

Did gambling really affect you?

Yes, very much.

I hate gambling.

It's a way to get money

without working.

Rolling those dice -

Odds or evens -

And the winner grabs

all the money.

He'd put a little aside

each time he won.

And we'd have to buy

food with that.

Why did they gamble?

The men loved to gamble.

Why did they like it?

All of the men in Heta

loved gambling.

After I came here my

father-in-law -

was arrested twice for gambling.

While he was in jail -

they had him husking

rice and wheat.

Then he took the husker

and - BANG!

That's exactly what he did.

And they got so angry with him.

So then they switched him over -

to making fishing nets.

He got quite good at netmaking.

That's a true story.

I had it hard in the old days.

Did your generation have

the chance to go to school?

They built the school

when I was 13.

There were four in my family.

I was the eldest.

The first born.

So I looked after the others.

When I was 13, there were

girls going to school.

But I didn't go.

If I'd taken the baby with me -

I'd be able to write my name...

That's why I hate elections.

You have to write your

name, I hate that.

Now I can't even walk there.

When I was 13 -

girls were going to school.

A long, long time ago.

- Gambling Disappeared When

the Movement Started -

So you've seen many

changes here over the years?

Yes, many changes.

Changed completely.

The gambling has slowly

disappeared.

No-one here left to play.

It's four kilometers from -

the station at East village

to Heta.

So my parents advised

against me coming here.

"Such a remote far-away

place", they said.

So why did you come?

He was so persistent.

And finally talked them into it.

You fell in love with him, too?

I guess I did.

A long, long time ago.

- Suddenly She Chanted a

Sutra For Us -

These words of the

Buddah save all life.

I've prayed for you.

Thank you very much,

grandmother.

Please have a long, long life.

Thank you very much.

You said you wanted to talk.

That's why I spoke of

the old days.

Whenever we have prayers,

even at a funeral.

I'll say a prayer for you.

I'll get the priest to join me.

There's no-one else, only me.

- The Next Day -

- Early morning, July

5th, 1972 -

- Haruo Ryuzaki was

Arrested Again -

My son, Haruo -

they've just come and

arrested him.

I wonder if they've also taken -

young Masahiko of the

Tsukinuki clan?

No, not yet.

I don't know if they're

both involved.

The warrant was for...

...assault resulting in death?

Something about

"assault..."

Can't remember if it was

that or not.

Hey! You bastards!

You've no cause!

You're all fools!

- Haruo's Father -

Masahiko's not in the vehicle.

- The Police Came to

Masahiko's That Afternoon -

This time they had a lot

of charges.

Obstruction of justice.

Assault and assault

resulting in death.

Resulting in death...?

Death? You're kidding?

Why charge him with that?

I want to see the arrest

warrant.

He's here, there's no hurry.

Read it carefully.

You've plenty of time.

Let him read it.

Head every word of it.

"The Hotta Army and..."

Get back, get back.

Get those cars back.

Just pull those cars back.

You can't just come barging in.

You bastards!

Why the hell do you come

barging in here?

This is a private road!

Who's in charge?

Which one of you idiots

is in charge?

Don't upset them.

"Assault resulting in

death", it says.

"...resulting in death"?!

What did Haruo's say?

Haruo Ryuzaki's?

His was the same.

That's not true!

Read the next page

carefully, too.

Are you in charge?

I want to know who's

in charge here.

What's his name?

Who's in charge?

How do you read that character?

What's after "Yoshikawa"?

Han. Han Yoshikawa.

Get Masahiko's jail bag.

Where are you taking him?

We are taking him to

Matsudo lockup.

Matsudo?

Do you want to check it?

Not if it's only his

necessities.

His clothes...

Are there mosquitoes in

the lockup?

Yes.

He'll need money.

There's a little in the bag.

Send him straight back!

There's a long-sleeved

shirt in there.

You can sleep in it.

Don't kick him out in the

middle of the night again.

Bring him back without fail!

Without fail!

You're all fat pigs.

Give it your best, Masahiko!

You should use your

bloody heads!

If you did, you wouldn't

be doing this.

Taking such a serious

young fellow.

Drive him back here!

You big ugly bugger!

They're our tools, not weapons.

Keep your head up, Masahiko!

Don't let them get you down.

Don't worry about us.

We'll manage.

Let go, he can walk.

No violence, please.

Keep your chin up.

Don't worry about us.

We'll do the worrying.

Good luck!

I'll go along.

You treat him carefully.

And bring him back by car.

You understand?

- Masahiko, Don't Worry

About the Watermelons -

The riot police came

here this morning.

They were watching your place.

So many mosquitoes, I

couldn't sleep last night.

So earlier this morning.

I heard them shouting.

They woke you up?

But you've a good son, there.

He's got a good attitude.

My grandson, Haruo read

the warrant.

He threw it back in their faces.

Again they're arresting

our boys.

State Power - Riot Police

We farmers opposed to

the airport construction

are angry at your tactics.

We will do whatever we can.

Young men of Heta.

Join together and raise

your voices -

at the injustice done to

Masahiko.

This is the Hishita

Farmers Broadcast Tower.

This Day They Arrested

the Following Young Men

****HIROKO RETYPE

THIS ONE USING hamlet

Asakura Hamlet: Kenichi Akiba

Sakashioka Hamlet: Akira Saitoh

Shuku Hamlet: Hideo Yanagawa

Toho Hamlet: Shoji Shimamura

Nakago Hamlet: Akira Kiakawa,

Shigeo Tomura, Katsuo Maeda

Higashi Hamlet: Susumu Ogawa,

Hiroshi Ogawa

Heta Hamlet: Masahiko Uryu,

Haruo Ryuzaki

Yokobori Hamlet:

Yukio Ono

Activity Starts in the Village.

July 26th.

They were indicated for

assault and assault resulting in death.

August 1st.

- The Situation is Worse

Than They Expected -

No matter how good the

conditions -

people soon tire of the

same institution.

That's what the Central

Committee has asked us to do.

- Village Rescue Squad

Member, Yuichi Hagiwara -

Hospitalized or

imprisoned by the police

They've held them these

past 30 days.

Dragged away from their homes -

seeing no-one but their

interrogators every day.

They're normal boys so

they must really -

be suffering, I think.

If it was Koyaba instead

of his boy -

I doubt he'd last three days.

They're suffering and

bearing up well.

Even when they're in jail -

surely they're worried

about us here.

About their own work.

How we're managing without them.

That's all they're thinking of.

Feeling isolated and alone.

The poor boys -

Listening to lies and

false statements.

Being told that the others

have confessed, etc.

Each and every day.

To the point where they

can't believe anyone.

They're bound to start

doubting...

And they're burdened

with that load.

To relieve them of the burden -

we must take up their work load

so they've a home to

come back to.

Because if we don't -

then "Rescue Squad" is

just meaningless words.

We should have discussed

this matter -

When they first came

here to arrest them.

That was last December.

At that time the YFAG

took up the burden.

So we didn't have to

worry about it.

But now most of them

have been arrested.

In the beginning those

who were released -

carried the load for the

next to be arrested.

Not just visits but

meals and everything

But this time -

They've got most of them

and none have returned.

So now the Parents Alliance -

must take up where

they've left off.

And we parents -

must provide support in

every village.

The main Alliance is

busy building the tower.

In front of the runway.

So it's left to us to

support our boys.

That's what the Central

Committee have

asked us to do.

Juzem from the Committee,

I and two village officials -

went to visit them today.

We must make more efforts

at this kind of support -

now and in the future.

We've got to consider

their feelings.

Our concern for them must not -

become a burden to them.

We're all busy with our

work and our fight.

But we must -

We must join together and

work together.

The most important thing

to encourage the boys in jail

and help their families

with their chores.

- Fater of Jailed

Haruo, Katsue Ryuzaki -

I'd like to say something.

Since my son was arrested -

some of you -

have helped with visits and

food for him -

and helped us on the farm.

We appreciate it.

And as a result we're

still here.

In my opinion -

we are obviously

oppressed in the fighting

And we've been fighting

for 6 - 7 years.

As it now stands my son

is in jail -

and has been for a month.

You've all been very

supportive to us -

and you've taken up the

burden of our worries.

I can't speak for my son.

But I feel badly about what

we've brought on you.

I think you've all been

too kind towards us.

And so, from now on -

in the matter of visits

and flood for him -

I think it's sufficient -

to visit every 10 days

or 2 weeks.

We've brought our troubles

onto all of you -

and what I'm saying now,

my words alone -

will seem perhaps a little cold.

But please don't judge

me harshly.

Thank you very much.

I disagree with that.

Before, when some of our

boys were released -

their parents told them -

how everyone had pitched

into help.

I think that's wrong.

Because they, our young men -

went to jail in place of

the rest of us villagers.

So, they shouldn't feel

they owe us -

for the visits and

helping out on the farms

The arrested Masahiko's

mother - Sumiko Uriu.

Sorry that our need has

kept you from your work.

Not at all.

We are keeping up with it.

So the families of the

imprisoned boys -

should not feel that

they owe anything -

in the way of debt to us.

Your suggestion would

distance us from you.

That's not our intention.

I feel the same way as

Mr. Ryuzaki.

It's not necessary to

visit them every day.

He can survive without it.

That may be so but they

are fed -

and they won't starve.

You don't have to...

We're not overdoing it.

We'll continue as we have been.

- If the villagers feel

constrained the human

relationship will suffer

We're well aware of the

pressures on us all.

And since they started

arresting -

The Young Farmers Action Group

The newspapers have

carried stories saying -

that our opponents feel

we're starting to crack -

because of financial hardships.

The authorities have

made detailed studies -

of how this whole thing

is affecting us -

financially and emotionally.

So therefore, in the

worst case -

they arrest all our boys -

then we won't be able to

do anything.

Not even to pay their bail.

That's what they want to

happen as soon as possible.

So if we stick close together -

they can't do anything to us.

Because the worst they can

do is to take our boys.

And we shouldn't help

them to do it.

We've got to stick close

together.

They have, and will

continue to make -

multiple arrests for the

same supposed crime.

They're recording who

goes to visit and when.

As well as what's in the

parcels we take.

That's for sure.

It's one source of

collecting data about us.

They'll use it to decide

such things as -

how many to arrest next time.

That's how dirty they act.

Our ties are the most

important thing for us.

They know that and they

try to split us.

They did it by taking our boys.

And we can show that

we're not splitting -

by increasing, not cutting

our support for them.

Recently when the

mothers visited them -

they gave a little money

to each of them.

And the boys complained

about the amount.

They replied, "It's not

the amount -"

"it's the spirit in which

it's given."

And when the authorities

hear things like this -

they take them into account.

So, we must remember -

that all we say and do

stacks up -

and encourages our boys

in prison.

So even if we're busy on

the farms -

we must still support them.

And show our defiance to

the authorities.

On the other hand,

during harvest -

we suffer if they're not

here to help.

And if the authorities

know that -

they'll think they've

scored another victory -

towards breaking up the village.

Put yourself in place of

the cops.

Even we could come up

with that tactic.

And if they do destroy us -

it means that the 6 years

we've dedicated -

will have been meaningless.

The airport is still not

built...

Because we've fought it

all the way.

The press say they can't

start flying for 6 months.

The cops, especially the

top brass -

are planning ways to break

us apart...

And no doubt going into

great detail.

After the 3 cops died

our Alliance -

has steadily lost mementum.

A speech by a Construction

Ministry official stated -

the building of a new dam

claimed only a few lives.

And now the police are

using the 3 deaths -

as justification to finish

the airport construction.

- Eisuke Ishii -

The police haven't yet

murdered any of us -

according to the letter

of the law.

But they have indirectly

caused some deaths.

Here in Heta there have

been victims.

And the cops have covered

up these deaths.

the cops will do everything

to use the 3 deaths -

as an excuse to smash our

Alliance.

Every single activity that

we've carried out -

has been done properly.

But by indicting our boys

for murder -

the cops have skillfully

manipulated the mass media -

into describing us as criminals.

It's obvious how they're

using our boys.

We've must taken this into

account in our strategy.

It's not really our boys

that they're after.

- Seiji Akiba -

They want to smash us

and destroy the village.

That's why they arrest them.

They're taking our boys

as a form of blackmail.

If they know that we

understand their tactics.

It's going to really upset them.

So we must understand this.

The innocence of our boys

will turn to guilt -

if they do manage to

smash our Alliance.

If we let them set the

pace then, truly -

our sons will be judged

guilty of murder.

If we do our best they

will be found innocent.

Village Official -

Nobuyoshi Ogawa.

They're not just

oppressing our boys -

they're also oppressing us.

The important thing is

for us to realize -

that each of us is being

oppressed.

We must each make sure

we realize this.

It's easy enough to

understand the words -

But we must also

understand the meaning.

And do something to counter it.

That's what we must do.

If we don't, then our

efforts at assistance -

will be a burden on them.

In order to prevent the

destruction of the village -

they must help those who've

lost their bread-winners.

When the situation stretches out,

the family hesitates to ask for help.

If I have to go and ask

them what they need -

then they're reluctant

to ask for our help.

So I'd like the

neighbours to judge -

their needs and report

them to me.

It's the best way to do it.

For all concerned.

And we won't be wasting time.

One more thing...

Let's not get too formal.

By asking "what do you

need?"

Sometimes I don't have

time to go and check.

And we shouldn't call

out in passing.

What do you think?

I agree.

The best way for all concerned.

If we do it well.

Without making it too formal.

So no more calling for

help from outside.

For the time being.

Keeping it within the

village is the best way.

And when our fight ends,

we should keep it up.

- One Week Later -

In the heat of summer a detective came

to the house of the suicide Fumio. Why now?

- Fumio's Father, Takeji

Sannomiya -

One was a Section Chief,

detective Watanabe.

The other was in uniform.

He's from nearby.

The detective, I've

never met before.

How can I say it...?

You should have heard him.

He was really ill at ease.

And tried to be friendly.

What did he want to say?

What could I say?

We kind of stood

shoulder to shoulder.

He expressed sympathy

over the death of Fumio.

"The thing is..." he said.

"We didn't think he was

so involved"

He seemed very

sympathetic about it.

"The other boys being

questioned said -"

"Fumio was their leader

when it happened."

That's what he said to me.

I heard him out in silence.

"But it's sad about Fumio."

Then he went on to say -

"I'm here to find out

what he did -"

"on the day of the

incident."

"Perhaps you can help

me there."

Of course I told him

that I didn't know -

anything about his activities.

And I know nothing about

what happened that day.

And that's the truth.

"Is that so?" He said.

And didn't press me at all.

He seemed sympathetic.

Kept trying hard to be

understanding.

He kept his cool.

So I didn't let down my

guard either.

I just listened to what he said.

And then I said to him -

"I don't like talking to

you about this -"

"But I think my son was

a great man."

"A very great man."

"And I still think so."

"no matter what anyone

says about him." -

"I'll never change my

opinion."

"And from how on -"

"I'll never entertain

the possibility -"

"that my son was a fool."

"And so, I've nothing to

say about him to you"

That's what I told him.

He said, "Is that so?"

Then asked me one more question.

- The police Suspect

He Remove Pages From His Son's Will:

Hence the Investigation.

"You found his will" He said.

- Mother of the dead

Fumio, Shizue Sannomiya -

"Did someone take a few

pages from his will?"

- Would a Bereaved Father Remove Pages

From the Will of His Son? -

They suspect that I did it.

As if I could do such a thing.

Suspecting people is

their business.

If you hadn't seen me -

When I found Fumio -

You couldn't understand

how upset I was.

I would never do...

The house of Sannomiya -

is trusted and respected

by all -

the villagers in Heta.

Because they're good,

hardworking folk.

Whenever something

happens in the village -

Sannomiya is one of the

first to be consulted.

Their first-born son, Fumio -

committed suicide as a protest -

against the airport

construction last Fall.

The villagers have

treated them carefully.

When the detective came

out of the blue -

asking questions.

It upset the villagers

very much.

So much that they held a

meeting.

Shown in the previous scene.

At that time, the

detective visited -

other villages in the Alliance.

Asking questions at the

homes of the arrested boys.

They went from house to house.

And the story was

different at each place.

Upsetting the families of

the boys.

It seemed as if he was

trying to -

make each family

suspicious of the others.

Trying to find the

villagers weak points -

and upset the harmonious

balance.

Then smash the Alliance.

It was so obvious what they

tried to do.

As far as the indicted

boys are concerned -

They don't think they're

innocent till proven guilty.

They must find them guilty.

They don't have a shred

of evidence.

So they're looking for

witnesses.

From their point of view -

the boys in jail know

something -

and they think they can

make them talk -

by sowing doubt in the

homes in the Alliance.

That's what their tactic is.

We don't know where

they'll come next.

But they will come to

the village.

on any little pretext.

So we must understand

the reason -

behind their excuses for coming.

They'll act cool,

they're professionals -

and they'll pick up any

information.

Without fail.

If they come, sound the

alarm and kick them out.

That's all we can do.

It's only going to get

harder for us -

from now on.

You're right.

It's not the kind of

action we can see.

It's not like dealing with

riot police or being hit.

At least we could see them.

Now we don't even get that.

We won't be able to

anticipate things.

If we can see our opponents -

we can call the others

to battle.

But if we can't see them.

It's hard to fight back.

Remember that no-one

showed us what to do -

When we first started

our struggle.

Let's think like we did

back then.

That's the key to

solving this problem.

None of us should doubt

the others.

That'll breed distrust

between us.

For example, in my work

as an official -

I have to go out every day.

And I've come to worry

about my own fields.

But if we really think

about it -

our protest has become our work.

And our boys have been

in jail over a month.

So helping out every 3-4

days is our duty.

I firmly believe this.

If we do, we'll never

doubt each other -

and our village will be

a model of solidarity.

I think that's what we

should strive for.

We all have our own problems -

even without the drama

of our protest.

Those problems pile up.

And affect our relationship

with each other.

Let's go back to the beginning -

as our tactic to fight

this new problem.

So if someone says -

"Today I don't feel up

to it..."

"OK, I'll take your place."

No matter how minor the help is.

It's important to build

up that trust.

The 20 indicted boys were not released

for the O-Bon Festival

- In the fields -

As for me -

just the other day -

when I went to see my boy.

There was a woman

sitting next to me.

Asked where I was from.

I told her, Heta.

She said she was -

from Saku village.

And both her husband and

son had been arrested.

She was half-sobbing as

she told me.

At first the cops came

to get her husband.

He was trying to protect

his forest.

And they caught him up a tree.

No-one else from Saku

was arrested -

Said she felt like a

fool losing both.

Then she said -

"I've caused trouble for

the villagers."

"I've no place to hide."

"That's wrong!"

I told her.

"But..." she said.

"Only our house..."

She was sobbing the whole time.

How sad...

Each village is different, eh?

- Each Village is Different But They Share

The Fate Of Their Boys Being Arrested -

Tears were running down

her face...

I told her not to be too upset.

But she said -

"Why don't they let

our boys go?"

She was very worried.

The people in Saku -

cry when they visit the jail.

The boys cry too, I hear.

When we leave the jail -

we always ask if they

need anything.

They never do.

We Heta mothers are very strong.

So we never cry.

We never cry when visiting.

And neither do our boys.

Each village's different

and the people, too.

That's what I thought.

In villages where the

ties are loose -

the mothers soon cry.

Here in Heta, we're all

part of the Alliance -

But in the villages

where they're fewer -

the women tend to cry.

That's right.

Because the village bonds

are strong -

that makes us strong.

Because of everybody else.

In places where the bonds

are weak -

they have no energy.

There's a big difference

in the spirit of -

those parents from

committed villages -

and those who are not.

It's harder on them.

When everyone's not committed -

the villages with loose bonds -

with less opposition -

they tend to tears.

If I lived in that village -

If I were a mother from there -

I'd probably cry, too.

- Mother of the Arrested

Haruo - Tomo Ryuzaki. -

My relation's boy from

up in Iwayama -

last March during

watermelon planting -

he was first arrested.

The next time was during

the tomato harvesting.

His mother just gave up and

spent her time crying.

Her uncle was pro-airport

and she asked him -

to go visit her boy in jail.

My husband told her not to.

But she was so busy.

She ended up asking him to

help in the fields.

And we looked after her

boy in jail.

But her relatives helped

in the fields.

Even the pro-airport ones.

In Iwayama village -

The family helps in the fields.

Relatives of those in

jail helped with harvest

and all the crops are in by now.

I hope that no-one -

complained about helping out.

But someone would've

said something.

Up in Iwayama -

those whose boys are in jail -

round up the villagers -

get their cars out and

ask them to -

go visit their boys.

Right, let's start.

This is a harvesting scene.

It's now the harvest season.

They sell the rice from

this field -

And use the money for

Alliance activities.

For example, bail money.

And the many other uses

that arise in their fight.

The men have a field, too.

This field is village property.

It's interesting to note

that when those -

who were pro-airport

left the village -

they abandoned their fields.

And then, those fields -

sprouted weeds and bushes.

When the farmers see

these fields -

It makes them feel as if

their flesh is rotting.

So they went in,

cleaned and planted...

The fields of those who

left are used by all.

The police and the Corporation -

look upon it as trespass.

And bring in their laws.

They call it larcency

and trespass.

Arresting the farmers

for their crimes.

But in reality -

the sight of these

wasted fields -

full of weeds and abandoned -

repelled the farmers like

their own flesh rotting.

- October 3rd: Night -

- The Young Men were

Released on High Bail -???

They're back!

Welcome back!

Welcome home and thank you.

Thank you very much, everybody.

Thank you.

At the front of the Public Hall.

Thank you very much for

all your assistance.

You've been in for so

long, haven't you?

Yes, we finally came home.

Good to see you.

Don't you think I've gotten fat?

I didn't use any energy.

I got fat.

How is your health?

I'm fine, thank you.

Thank you, for everything.

I really appreciate it.

Yes, all of them are released.

Everyone's fine.

We had a lot of time to talk.

Thirty cells in a row...

And the ones on the end

were lookouts.

- That night all of the young men were

released and returned to their villages -

Good work.

Haruo and Masahiko have

spent 90 days in jail.

Tonight they're back home.

They have fought a

battle that we -

couldn't imagine. And

tonight -

they're back home

where they belong.

During their absence

their families too -

suffered much and bore a

heavy burden.

For these 90 days, thanks

to all the villagers -

the students and Ogawa

Production.

Your visits, your gifts

of food, your labour -

attending the trials.

The many things you've

done to help.

We offer our heartfelt thanks.

Your assistance and support -

helped to bring home

our boys, today.

The trials have yet to come.

And there are many

things unfinished.

But we will continue with

the ties we've forged.

Let's continue!

Thank you all for

coming tonight.

What an excellent speech!

Truly great.

Since my son, Masahiko -

was arrested last July 5th -

90 days have passed.

Tonight - he has returned.

- Masahiko's Father

Hikoshige Uryu -

And it's all because of

you people.

Recently, when we were

so busy with harvesting

your kind assistance -

to my son and my family.

Visits, gifts and your

help in the fields.

I can't find words to

express my gratitude.

Thank you so much.

We must make a fresh

resolve to hamper -

the airport construction

to the very end.

That's what we must

resolve to do.

I would like to say a

word of thanks.

- Haruo's Father,

Katsue Ryuzaki -

Today marks the 90th day

since Haruo's arrest.

In this time, your gifts -

your visits, your help

with our fields -

your kind thoughts and deeds.

The encouragement you've

given us all.

I have no words to thank you.

Today, Masahiko and Haruo -

are back in our midst.

Even though they've

been arrested -

their spirits have not

been imprisoned.

And they'll continue the fight.

I firmly believe.

The fight we now face -

Is different from the past.

It's no longer a contest

of strength.

It's become political

and more difficult.

We must strengthen our

ties and work hard -

to stop the airport. My

son, myself - all together.

Thank you all for everything.

That's all I have to say.

During the 90 days

I spent in jail -

- Masahiko Uryu -

sometimes I was lonely -

but your visits, your gifts.

and your support gave me

strength.

Thank you very much.

Haruo, you must say thank you.

Thanks to everyone.

Thank you everybody.

- Haruo Ryuzaki -

Today we returned to

our village.

I can hardly believe -

that I'm back home again.

I'll probably take a

couple of days.

I will never give up the fight.

They've pushed me

right to the edge.

There's nowhere else to go.

It's a new start.

I feel there's a new

beginning for us.

Now, more than ever,

we'll be oppressed.

And our fight will get

harder and harder.

I will fight to the end.

For the Narita Shibayama

Opposition Alliance Group.

I want to be found innocent.

But I don't care if I'm not.

More important to stop

the airport -

by any means at all.

That's what I want above all.

We often hear the phrase

"Giving in".

But we will never, ever give in.

Why? Because this is

our home.

Even if we receive long

sentences -

we'll come back here,

to our homes.

There's no other place to go.

Whatever we do, there's

no place to run to.

Our minds are made up.

All of us.

We know what we've done.

And we know what we

haven't done.

We'll stick with the truth.

We have no way - or

reason to apologize

to those 3 who died.

- While Imprisoned -

Many, many times -

I wished I were a student.

"I'm giving up the

fight." They said.

"Going back to Tokyo."

"It's not my fight."

I couldn't say that.

I can never break my

bond with you.

My home is here,

in this village.

As you well know.

We're not politically

sophisticated.

That's their strong point -

and our weakness.

Yesterday I went

guarantor for bail -

and went to the courthouse.

They said "Your son may

destroy -"

"vital evidence."

And I said -

He's the firstborn of a farmer -

raised to be the head of

the family one day.

And he works hard.

He'd never destroy evidence

or obstruct justice.

And he'll never run away.

That's what I told the judge.

His name is Judge Kondo.

The morning I was arrested -

I first thought to escape.

I ran out when I heard

the alarm.

And saw the police nearby.

At the house of my friend.

Perhaps they won't come,

I thought.

But as I did, they came

down the hill -

heading towards my place.

I thought of running to

the mountains.

But just for an instant.

Your grandfather told us that -

"You've got plenty of time

to get away" He said.

You replied...

"Anyway, they'll catch

me sometime."

Then they came and took

you away.

He told that tale many times.

You were busy with the harvest.

You were the best worker of all.

In retrospect, escaping

wasn't such a good idea.

But it seemed so at the time.

Yes, yes.

It's not something that

ends with escaping.

You put your youth into

the watermelons.

Those melons were due

out the next day.

It wasn't such a good idea.

I didn't expect it.

If I had I wouldn't

have been so shocked.

Assault resulting in

death, wasn't it?

They got you that morning?

I wasn't at home then,

they got me later on.

I'd been sleeping in the

Ogawa Pro building.

It was like a dream.

When I saw the warrant.

"Assault resulting in

death", it said.

I thought it was some mistake.

I thouqht I'd be out

in 2-3 days.

But when I got there...!

If you're tired go to bed.

We slept ten hours

a day in jail.

We'll follow your lead.

You've suffered so much

in there.

Your dad can go tell

your grandfather.

"Your grandson's free."

It'll all come out in the trial.

Were your cells nearby?

We were 10 cells apart.

A gangster was next door.

He handled it better than me.

He'd been in for a year,

murder charge.

Not at all afraid.

When the cops came he

told them off.

He kept trying to cheer me up.

I saw his friends when

they came to visit.

In two big Lincoln Continentals.

Another one of them came

in a Ford Thunderbird.

Most were about 23-24,

the oldest around 28.

The one next to me was

from Kisaratsu.

The fishermen there

received a big settlement.

About 20 or 30 million yen.

The gangsters took 7 or

8 million off them -

in one night of gambling.

He often had 50 or 60

million in cash.

Never, ever told on their boss.

And they were in jail -

taking the place of their boss.

It helps them advance.

Get out after 6-7 years.

And live the good life.

But it's better not to

go in at all.

For the average person.

It was hard for me -

But you visited and

encouraged me.

And you all waited for me.

So it was worth it.

But the boys from Iwayama -

they looked fine...

But were really suffering.

This village of ours, Heta -

all pulled together.

So I could trust in you all.

We've fought since I was a boy.

But the village always

remained firm.

Heta has spoiled us young men -

but whatever happens to

me, the village remains.

That's what kept me going.

I dreamt that my ties

to the village -

were cut and I couldn't return.

I was separated from

the village.

In thought and deed.

I was a man without substance.

And the villagers, too.

It was terrible.

The jail was hell.

- Days Later at the Public Hall

the Women Hold a Ceremony -

Buddah, we honour and

worship you.

The morning glory is

bedecked with dew

only in the morning

That's the only time it is alive

Buddah, like the flower,

we, too, are shortlived

We believe in the Buddah

We cannot be without prayer

While we offer prayers to you

We are in your holy garden

Flowers are from the heavens

The brilliant, holy five colours

When we pick the flowers

And gaze on them

Every flower Every single flower

They are all imprinted

with your prayer

Praise to The Lord Buddah

I believe in the Lord Buddah

- Will They Come to

Destroy the Village? -

We thank Narita Shibayama

Opposition Alliance Group

& Heta Opposition Alliance Group.

Film Crew & Editing Staff

Shinsuke Ogawa, Katsuhiko Fukuda, Mareo Yumoto

Yoko Shiraishi, Chizuru Nakano,

Seiji Iwasaki

Photographer: Masaki Tamura

Assistant Photographer: Koichi Kawakami & Tadashi Hara

Recording:

Yukio Kubota

With assistance from: Koichi Asanuma &

The Science Film Corporation

Production Staff: Toshio Iizuka,

Naeki Tadokoro, Haruo Nosaka

Shusuke Honma, Sadatoshi Mikado,

Heta Village, Sanrizuka.

Filming finished in

April, 1973

Translated by: Wordsmiths

- Tokyo -