The Story of Tank Commander Nishizumi (1940) - full transcript
Sponsored by Japanese Culture Central Association
Celebration of Imperial Era 2600
Work of Art Festival
Shochiku
Oofune Eiga (Cinema)
Supported by the Department of War
Through the personality of Tank Commander Nishizumi,
I try to describe the spirit of our tank officers and men as
well as the actual circumstances under which the tank
fighters were facing during the Sino-Japanese Incident.
If the movie could urge the recognition of the importance
of mechanization in the Army I am especially pleased.
Imperial Era 2600
By Yoshimura Kozabura
For the memorial festival of the
lmperial Era 2600.
this movie is respectfully dedicated to the
souls of the war dead who protected Japan.
Biography of Tank Commander Nishizumi
Based on the novel by Kikuchi Kan
(published by Tokyo-nichi newspaper
and Osaka Mainich newspaper)
Scripted by Noda hogo
Starring
Uehara Ken as Nishizumi Tank Commander
Saburi Shin as Regiment Commander Hosoki
Kuwano Michiko as a local woman
Konoe Toshiaki as Takanashi chutaicho
Nishimura Seiji as captain Murayama
Matsumoto Koji and sergeant Goh
Isono Akio as private Uematsu
Iijima Zentaro as private Nishitomi
Yui Munenobu as private Fujitaki
Sakamoto Takeshi as private Goto
Tsumura Jun as private Moriyama
Hara Yasumi as private Arakawa
Ryu Chishu as Lieutenant Oosumi
Nara Masayoshi as Regiment commander Takori
Tokudaiji Shin and lieutenant Suzuki
Kofujida Shoichi as sniper
Saito Tatsuo as officer of 18th Army Group
Naka Einosuke as gun'i, military Dr.
English Subtitles: Maya Grohn
Director Yoshimura Kozaburo
It is said that men make history.
meanwhile the history also makes men.
The place where Captain Nishizumi Kojiro
was born is Kosa-machi, Kamimashiki-gun
Kumamoto prefecture.
The area of Higo including his birth place
had been well-known for a number of
royalist samurai since ancient times.
The sincere spirits of those ancestors
were rooted in the mind of local peoples
long and deeply.
that created the simple and
bold Higo-damashii spirit.
We can easily guess that, the captain who was
born in the place and became
a human in the place, must have been
influenced by those traditional spirits.
The house in which the captain was
born is located remote from town.
It was so called Soto-mura (exterior village).
Father was Sansaku, mother was Chiyo.
The captain was born as the second son
of the parents.
His father Mr. Sansaku was retired
soldier who joined Taiwan Expedition
and Russo-Japanese War.
Considering his father's background
he must have been motivated to
become a soldier since childhood.
Midorikawa river, which was located nearby
his house, was an ancient battlefield of
Seinan-no-eki.
It is said that the river, the old battlefield,
was captain's most favorite playing place
as child.
After graduated the local elementary
school, he went to a junior high school in
a town called Mifune.
In the school garden of the junior high
school, there was a monument,
On the monument, a writing of two words
Ko Chu (duty to lord and parents) by
Miyabe Teizo, who was a royalist samurai as well as
his senior in hometown, was engraved.
That was the principle of the education
of the school under which the captain
was educated.
Showa 5 (1930). April, he entered the
Military Academy when he was 17
years old.
He was born in January therefore he
was the youngest in the class.
But his classmates told that his ganbarism
(do-my best-spirit) was number one in the
class.
Showa 12 (1937), July, when Sino-Japanese
Incident broke out at Marco polo Bridge in
north China.
He was as young as 24 years old .
serving as a lieutenant of the army
infantry in the first tank regiment.
When the war fire spread into Shanghai,
he finally took the field as
shotaicho (platoon commander) of
Takanashi squadron of Hosoki regiment.
The situation of Shanghai area was, the Navy
Land Forces furiously fighting in town and,
the Dispatched Amy completed the
risky landing in the face of the enemy.
The enemy built the careful encampment
and fought back desperately,
the fierce battle around Kowanchin
(Jiangwan) continued.
Takaori Regiment Headquarters
Message!
Medical soldier!
Butaicho-dono (Commander),
Stained with blood all over.
How about the messenger soldier?
Seriously injured sir.
Take care of him well. When he became
able to speak, let me know.
Go back to my duty sir.
Good.
Hello. hello.
Hello. hello.
Hello, hello,
Matsuura!
Sir.
We can't contact Kaneda Regiment yet?
Not yet sir.
How about Hoshin?
Did you send the soldiers?
Yes sir. They went an hour ago.
I think we have to make contact that's the
only way.
Who can go?
One of us.
No more officer can be spared. Our force
cannot be maintained.
Gunso-dono (sergeant), are you all right sir?
Message from Kaneda regiment.
Where is butaicho-dono (commander)?
Butaicho is here.
What is the report?
Gunso-dono,
Hold on.
Yes sir.
No salute.
You can go.
Report?
Kaneda regiment reporting.
The regiment is,
The regiment, at 12:18,
reached the enemy close to Sokataku,
immediately advanced to Hozanjo castle,
The enemy, the enemy was in many
positions in Chinkataku and resisted hard
the regiment is now, now,
now fighting with them.
Fighting with them and?
the regiment...
the regiment?
You have done well.
I understand well.
Give him this.
Captain!
What?
Kaneda regiment responded. We got
contact.
Good.
Hello, hello.
ls it Kaneda regiment?
Kaneda regiment reporting.
Wait a moment sir.
13:10
On 13:10 the regiment,
the regiment controlled all the rivers
in front of Chinkataku, however,
the enemy is...
from Hozanjo, increased their forces,
they increased the number successively ...
they will counterattack soon.
the regiment is in high spirit for fighting but,
hey, can you hear me? Hey?
What's up?
Hello, hello,
Shotaicho-dono (platoon commander),
are you all right sir?
I heard that tank unit landed yesterday.
They did? Good.
Tanks will come.
Tanks?
I wish they come here soon.
ls it true? Sure.
Shotaicho-dono,
What?
Tanks will come sir.
What? Tanks?
What? Tanks?
Without tank unit our damage will be
bigger and bigger.
Hosoki regiment?
They are gathered at a village in xxxx.
Kandeda regiment will advance
for attack at 15:00.
Hosoki regiment will support them.
Hello, this is lieutenant colonel Hosoki.
No, telephone does not work yet.
When we advance we will start contact
them as we pass the front.
We stay here till 13:00.
We are staying at a place called
Seikataku. You can find us easily
To the headquarters of Kaneda regiment,
the adjutant was dispatched.
They say there are many victims.
In xx unit sir?.
Yes.
Hot!
Captain Takanashi,
Come all.
I think you understand already, but I
want to confirm.
The course of your squadron is,
pass through the crossroad,
This house was checked by Nishizumi
last night. Where is Nishizumi?
We sent for him sir.
He is in number 19.
19.
Shotaicho-dono,
Uematsu,
Where is shotaicho-dono?
There.
Shotaicho-dono!
What is it, Goto?
Chutaicho-dono is calling you sir.
I see. I'll come.
Nishizumi, where have been?
I was inspecting the tank.
Yes, we must check them carefully now.
This is our first battle.
Oh, you are in high mode.
Today's hero is Nishizumi?
No, all of us.
I am back sir.
What was that?
An order sir.
Order from Kanada
unit,
A squadron of Hosoki regiment must
advance for attack at once.
That is messenger from tank unit.
I'll go to see.
Yo, you are lnagawa. Long time no see.
From Hosoki regiment. Message sir.
Good.
Hosoki regiment is now on the
road Chinkataku, advancing for
Hozanjo kenmondaikai sir.
Hey, this tank unit. Move away, please.
We are in hurry. Move please.
Hey, tanks are going. Move away.
Move away!
What's the matter?
This.
Thank you very much for everything.
Construction is all right?
Yes, thank you. Tonight we will be able to manage.
That's good.
Excuse me sir.
Wait,
Take this sir.
Can I?
Thank you sir.
I hope we will meet again somewhere.
Be well sir.
Good-bye sir.
Do it quick.
Wait. I can't.
Go, go.
Enshu, Morimachi, a place for good tea.
Goto, you are in good mood.
O, excuse me sir.
You have good voice.
I am proud of my voice.
You are doing war with the nerve.
Do you think you are cooking good?
Yes sir. We are working hard for the
win of first battle.
We can't fight well with empty
stomach.
Napoleon said an army fights with
stomach.
Napoleon said so?
Yesterday, shotaicho-dono got off the tank in front of the enemy
and went scouting the creek alone for crossing river.
Yes I did.
We are amazed your braveness.
It's not braveness but duty.
But you stopped a soldier who tried to
do so and you went.
We are very moved.
I rushed out because nobody but
me could know how to do.
It is not worth to be impressed.
ls it true?
These are arrived sir.
Rare.
How grateful sir.
One more.
Today's supper will be gorgeous.
now, the first battle, Hozanjo castle,
Now moving is Takanashi squadron.
Good.
Don't come out. It's dangerous.
I will go to check the creek if we can
cross or not. You must go back.
I will go sir.
No, you can't understand yet.
Go back.
Order!
Shotaicho-dono!
What?
Arakawa is.
Where was shot?
Belly sir.
No good.
Moriyama give him bandage.
Arakawa, can you hear?
I am shotaicho. Can you hear me?
I told you not go out. You fool.
Shotaicho-dono.
Hold on.
Not serious injury.
Hold on. hold on.
Signal of rush. Can you hear, Arakawa?
Our tanks destroyed barbed-wire
entanglements, now we are rushing
through the path.
Can you hear that?
Yes, I can hear sir.
Can you hear, Arakawa? Arakawa?
The main forces in Shanghai battle which
was led by Chiang Kai-Shek, was said
500,000 in front and
it reached 800,000 with the rear forces.
In a battlefield as small as 20 km between Woosung and Suzhou River,
there were a number of tochka and base of machine guns installed.
They used forests, bamboo groves, local houses,
graves and so on for their positioning,
and installed all of the modern weapons.
With them, they resisted desperately.
Therefore our army had to use huge amount
of energy and sacrifice many victims even to
capture single village or so.
For example, in the tank squadron to which Lieutenant Nishizumi
belonging to, Takanashi chutaicho was injured on
the head in the battle of Shukataku,
he was hospitalized and replaced
with Lieutenant Nishizumi, who led
the squadron since then.
He destroyed the enemy in Hokataku, Geppochin, Kokyo,
Fukurikyo, Nanso, Bakyo, Senkatakuto
he kept to move to Ratenchin, where
he faced the enemy so-called White
Wall House Enemy for 24 days,
they now are going to contact with the
first front in the north.
Look.
You must check this map so that you
will not be lost even if I died.
This is the road we are running now.
This is the creek of Maruto.
This is Ratenchin.
The purpose of scouting today is,
to find a possible way to Ratenchin.
I hope this bridge not fallen, but maybe
it did.
What's happening, Fujitaki?
We are hit sir.
Damn.
From where did they shoot?
Let's walk from here.
Yes sir.
What to do with the car sir?
You can leave it.
Take the key.
Yes sir.
Let's go.
Ready?
No!
Wait!
What are you doing?
Danger. Come back.
See?
Stupid.
Come, quick.
Listen, I will check if there is the bridge
or not. Wait here.
Let me do it sir.
Shotaicho.
Wait. Just wait.
Hey, dangerous!
Hey, we move there.
Head is too high.
They returned.
What happened?
Nothing.
Don't scare me. Stupid.
How was it?
The bridge fell down. The width of the
creek is 17 to 18 meters.
Crossing by tank is impossible sir.
Close to the bank, there is the enemy's
position surrounded by white wall,
the height 5 meters, length about 150 m.
That is White Wall House.
The leftward of the enemy's positioning,
about 70 to 80 m away. I could see the
the first positioning of friend army.
I see. Our army can be seen.
I will go sir.
Where to?
I will put this for signal to friend army.
Dangerous. I will go.
Give me.
Let Fujitaki do this sir. please.
Let me do it sir.
I will go.
This is my turn.
He was shot.
Fujitaki!
Are you shot?
Where?
Right arm sir.
Minor sir.
Fujitaki, give me your hand.
Stretch more.
This was erected by you, by your hand.
Thank you sir.
As soon as the White Wall House
was collapsed, the situation of the
front was progressed quickly.
meanwhile the army and the
navy were hailing to each other in
order to protect the concession.
hereby the preparation to launch all-out
attack on Daijochin (Dachang), the key
station of the enemy, had been in progress.
Takanashi tank squadron had to spend several
nights in a field around Nansho (Nanxiang).
It was the standby for the all-out attack
on Daijochin.
Gee, everyday rainy sir.
Uematsu, how many times you are watching
the sen-nin-bari (1000 person's stiches) today?
I am counting sir.
Counting?
I think this is cheating.
They say 1000 persons, but this is only 500.
Don't say that. It is given with good
intention.
Hey, what's the matter?
Sorry. voice uttered unconsciously.
Don't forget a sick man
sleeping next.
You are noisy.
See? Stop it.
Are you crazy?
It is Goto.
Seems so.
What happened on him?
Everyone is crazy somehow.
Everything is the fault of this rain.
How are you?
Still a little fever.
Ouch!
What?
Stomach pain again.
Go.
Please. come with me.
Where to?
There are full of dead persons.
How coward you are.
Please, first class private-dono.
Damn, you call me with ''dono'' only these
times.
Go, go with him.
But, look. Heavy rain.
Uematsu.
take one.
Thank you sir.
Shotaicho-dono,
If we capture Daijochin, what will happen next?
Next?
We are saying ''then triumphal return.''
The war has just begun.
At least it will take 5 to 6 years.
So long years sir?
The enemy is not only China. Big ones
behind them.
Actually, they are tougher.
The third powers try to prevent the
construction of New East Asia.
I think you know.
Yes I do sir. For example,
If you understand, that's enough.
The war has just begun.
That's long way to go sir.
Yes, it is.
It is, indeed.
Shotaicho-dono, are you going
somewhere sir?
Yes, I will see our men.
Give me my coat.
Hey, where are you going to?
Well, a little bit...
I see.
We go sir.
All right.
How about him?
He has still fever.
That's too bad.
I feel much better after looked by
doctor last night.
Don't you have a chill?
You must be in warm.
Go to my tent and bring my blanket.
Wait.
That's too good to me. I will get divine
punishment.
Don't be silly. Go and get it.
I go sir.
You shouldn't force yourself.
ls there no particular?
No sir.
The sound of your harmonica
is getting worse.
Yes sir, due to this rain, it got rust.
Protect the remains from rain.
Some men have loose bowels. Take care.
Yes sir.
Attention!
Number!
1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. ..
Salute to chutaicho-dono!
Face Right!
62 men under Lieutenant Nishizumi, all gathered.
Listen carefully.
Tomorrow morning, the squadron will
start to move to Daijochin finally.
Time will be informed later.
Each unit must be prepared for that. After
prepared, try to take sleep till next order.
Over.
Salute to chutaicho-dono.
Face Right !
October 26th, Daijochin fell.
That day, the Takanashi tank squadron
was working through the front as
spearhead.
On 27th, the next day, they quickly
moved to Soshu (Suzhou) riverside.
then they turned over for the day
and joined the main force Hosoki regiment,
they settled at Hinan University
in the north of Shingyochin.
But the next day they were suddenly
ordered to attack Nansho (Nanxiang)
The main force of the regiment
moved to Chinkagakusho.
Chutaicho Takanashi was injured again,
therefore, Lieutenant Nishizumi took the
control the squadron again.
Accordingly he joined the battles of
Shakataku and Manowan bay.
Yamabe,
Prepare for advance.
The first squadron reporting sir.
Good.
Takanashi squadron reporting,
The squadron, at 18:40, broke through the first
position of the enemy in Manowan, and currently
attacking their second position sir.
Hey, move away!
Dangerous! Move away!
All right. No problem.
You can go over me.
Chutaicho-dono!
Injured where sir?
Foot.
Foot was shot.
Hold on sir.
Don't worry. I am OK.
The first squadron reporting sir.
Takanashi squadron reporting.
The squadron, 19:20, controlled
completely the second and the third
positions of the enemy in Manowan.
Currently they take a rest around Chakataku.
Thank you.
You don't need to return.
You got soaked.
Yes sir. Rain started.
Rain.
It getting heavy.
Corporal Goh, chutaicho is here.
I inspected the vehicle sir. No problem sir.
Good.
Are you injured sir?.
No, nothing.
So, the rest is Yamabe shotaicho's tank alone.
When we were back, a tank followed
us. What is that?
It was Yamabe shotaicho-dono's sir.
Then they must come back by now.
Strange.
O, I can hear a sound.
Yamabe shotaicho-dono,
Yamabe chui (lieutenant)-dono.
They are late.
What happens?
O, returned.
Warrant officer Okada
I led the squadron and returned sir.
Good.
Must be tough work.
Where is Nishizumi?
Yamabe shotai-cho's vehicle is not back
yet, so he is looking for.
Yamabe's?
That's bad.
Uematsu, here.
Yamabe!
Yamabe shotaicho dono!
Chutaicho-dono, isn't it better to look
for the road?
Yes, but it's too dangerous.
Yamabe!
Yamabe shotaicho-dono!
Chutaicho-dono, I am going to look for here.
Dangerous.
I am all right sir.
I go sir.
Be careful.
Yamabe shotaicho-dono!
Yamabe!
Who is it?
Chutaicho-dono.
Yamabe?
Uematsu sir.
Oh, what?
Yamabe juni-dono returned sir.
Yamabe returned? Good.
Yamabe!
Hey, good.
Good.
I'm sorry for worrying you sir.
No, nothing. Good.
Just good.
Shotaicho-dono,
I made these. Please use sir.
Thank you.
I made geta.
You did well sir.
This is very useful.
Thank you, thank you.
What is it?
Commander Hosoki waiting you at
pergola sir.
I see.
I wonder what is it.
Hey you must smile.
I am not good at it.
Oh no.
What's the matter?
Film is running out.
Gee.
Are you sure sir? The photo was taken?
Don't say.
Thank you.
Why don't you go back to the rear to
cure the wound?
I told you the same a while ago but you
evaded.
Nishizumi, the commander is very
concerned about you.
Make yourself fresh at the hospital.
Do so Nishizumi.
I am sorry for your concern sir.
But the wound is minor, no problem sir.
Considering infantry officer, I can ride
in tank and fight. That's grateful.
But the war will not be ended with this,
it will continue long.
You must take care of yourself now.
Murayama taii (captain)-dono, if you
were me,
are you going to be replaced just
because such minor wound?
Well,
In addition, currently Takanashi
chutaicho was replaced due to his
injury,
the squadron is under my control.
Commander!
Nishizumi would never accept the replacement sir.
Do you know this piece?
It is the song of Meiji-setsu
(Emperor Meiji's birthday).
It's already November.
Yes.
Look, fine weather!
I can't believe the fighting goes on in
front of my eyes.
Indeed.
Mails arrived.
Letters?
Hurry.
Tell them in the outside.
Mails arrived.
They look so happy.
Letters are the best.
Goto, you go too.
I go sir.
He has five children.
Nishizumi chui-dono,
you got a mail sir.
Thank you.
They arrived at a time. Big mess.
Well done.
Take one.
Thank you sir.
The mails to us not arrived yet?
Not yet sir.
You can't wait.
Well, not so.
From who?
Arakawa Tatsuji. Young brother of
Private Arakawa sir.
Nishizumi butaicho (commander)-sama,
He called me butaicho.
Sir, my big brother was war dead in honor.
I told my classmates that
my big brother died in honor while
listening horn rush.
I am proud of him.
All my classmates admired him, great
and great.
I won't cry for big brother's death.
Mother cried a little.
Then mother said me ''Mother is not crying''.
And she smiled a little.
I smiled too.
Goh, you must read after this.
Uematsu, you can go to sleep.
Maybe this is the weather of continent.
Suddenly got chilled.
Snow still
continues.
It will be piled up.
Where is shotaicho-dono?
He is here.
What is it, Goto?
A native woman gave birth to a child.
Baby?
How the baby?
The baby is crying and fine but,
the woman is injured.
Pity.
But giving birth in the battlefield,
that's a novel woman.
Matsuoka, call gun'i (military dr.)-dono.
But shotaicho-dono, isn't it funny that
military doctor for childbirth?
Funny or not, he is better than our caring.
I think I heard that the doctor in Araki
unit was obstetrician.
Go Matsuoka.
I go sir.
Where is the woman?
The house across the street.
All right. I 'll see.
Chinese baby is red like as Japanese baby.
No difference from Japanese baby.
It is not crying in Chinese, is it?
Of course not.
ls this the baby?
How about the woman?
She is groaning in the back room.
Looks weird. No one can come close.
Goto, bring the fire here.
You injured here.
Don't worry. Japanese soldiers will not
harm you.
What to do?
Goh, give back the baby to the woman.
Mother's love is not different.
Indeed.
Scary woman.
Morita gun-i-dono,
Here it is sir.
Dr. is not obstetrician sir?
I am pediatrician.
It is similar sir.
But Mr. Nishizumi is very kind man.
I never expect to see childbirth in the
battlefield.
Here sir.
Thank you for your coming.
But I must tell you I have no
experience of childbirth.
You don't? I see.
The woman was injured her arm. Please
look.
There?
Matsuoka, our unit has two cans of
milk, I think.
Bring that.
And if you find futon or blanket bring
it also.
I will do sir.
You are so kind as if you are her
husband.
This is piercing bullet wound.
Painful?
Now, little bit piercing.
She is not screaming like you.
Don't say.
Are you living this house?
Yes.
Why didn't you escape?
We are plundered by Chinese soldiers. I
failed to escape.
How about your husband?
I lost him.
Your husband left you and ran away.
He is cold-blooded.
He didn't leave me. I was lost.
I see. I said wrong. Sorry.
You speak Chinese very well.
I went for Manchurian Incident for a year.
I learned only a little then.
No, no, you are great.
Shotaicho dono, is this all right sir?
Good.
Oosumi chui-dono waiting you in the
room sir.
Oosumi what?
He said he was in the military academy
with you, now moved from North China.
I see. Good, Oosumi came.
My job done.
You are free sir.
Thank you for everything sir.
I see, I see.
Excuse me, lieutenant.
Thank you sir.
Matsuoka, send Dr.
I go sir.
Give him this.
Don't worry. Take a rest well. Give the
baby milk.
Take care of her.
I never expect you appear.
Appear? Don't say.
How about North China?
I realize that a gun bullet cannot hit me
so easily.
So you worked had badly.
Yes badly.
You also has done very well.
I was told.
Uematsu,
You talked too much again.
No sir. Just a little.
Don't talk much.
Sir.
Nishizumi,
What did you do with the picture of
Noguchi?
Noguchi?
Oh, I have.
See? I have here.
How about yours?
I have too.
Noguchi was fighting around North
China with you.
And now he is fighting around
in Middle China battles with you
too.
Anyway, Noguchi had bad luck.
Before graduation of Military Academy
he was dead.
So he is now pleased that he can fight
together with us.
Listen Oosumi, next, I want give him
a chance to enter Nanking with us.
That's no problem.
I am confident that I never be hit by bullet.
Me too.
Then we three will enter Nanking together.
Old trio will come back.
Finished sir.
Thank you.
Oosumi, you can stay tonight, can't you?
No. I can't.
My unit is camping a little bit rear from
here.
I heard your Hosoki regiment is camping
nearby, so I hurriedly came.
Now, I must come back.
See you again.
Anyway, nice to see you.
Yes, nice to see you.
Good-bye.
Be well.
You too.
Snow still continues.
Getting cold tonight.
See you!
Bye.
ls it true?
Yes. Come.
What's the matter?
Shotaicho dono,
What happens Goto?
The woman of the last night was
gone.
Really?
I guess that her husband came in last
night and left with her.
Disgusting woman.
She was treated so kindly by shotaicho-
dono, nevertheless...
I will throw her in creek if I meet her again.
Don't be so mad.
She must be more pleased with
her husband than my kindness.
But she ran away leaving her baby.
What? Leaving the baby?
Pity. The baby was cold dead.
I see. But we gave a mercy and
she thanked last night.
The baby was innocent.
Let's make a grave for the baby.
It is so small.
This is it.
What should be named?
Shotalcho-dono, it was sutego (abandoned
child). How about Suteko?
How about Shinako (Chinese girl)?
Grave of Shinako.
Yukiko (snow girl)?
Kumiko, absolutely.
Stupid, it is your girlfriend's name.
Leave it to me.
Mumeishi....(no name child)
Not mumei, but Munako.
I see. Nanashi-no-Gonbei (No name Gonbei).
This is not Gonbei but Gonko.
Shotaicho-dono,
Infantry Lieutenant calling you sir.
It's a long time since I we met last sir.
At a place near lnfun,
At Kokataku, I was given
tobacco from you sir.
Now I remember. Excuse me sir.
No change sir?
I'm fine. Nice to see you well.
I am still alive.
Now for Nanking?
When we enter Nanking, why don't we
have a drink?
Very good. It's a promise.
Excuse me.
I got bean blisters on my foot.
Walking a little bit hard.
You made it. This is good. Great
Shotaicho-dono, please pray first.
Wait, wait sir.
Goto, a baby does not smoke.
Yes, you are right sir.
For Nanking, Nanking. The capital of
enemy is getting close.
The main force moving from Koin
(Jiangyin) area along the southern
coast of Yangtze,
the left wing force moving from
Kotoku (Guangde) through hill zone, and
the center force chasing the
fleeing enemy.
Now they were continuously moving
toward Nanking for full attack.
Nanking Castle Fell
December 13, 1937
I brought this sir.
Thank you.
He is late.
On the telephone he told that he would
come by 18:00.
Oosumi told you so?
Yes sir, the lieutenant himself said so.
So this is it.
Yes sir. With dozen of this and
tobacco, a petty officer came.
He said it was from Lieutenant Nakamura of
Mizuno unit. You will understand by that.
I see. Take one.
Thank you very much sir.
Remember? After the Kozanryo
battle. we stayed Kokataku for
a couple of days.
At that time an infantry was in trouble of
making camp and stayed a night with us.
Yes, I remember now.
He was the officer of the unit.
I gave him a half pack of tobacco.
We met at Kotakuto.
It was the last.
Did he die in battle?
Yes.
He looked gentle old man.
We promised to drink together when
we enter Nanking.
He was suffering in walking.
Was he?
No, you can sit.
He is late.
What?
Shotaicho-dono,
They say we will go Joshu (Xuzhou)
next.
We don't know yet.
Shotaicho-dono,
Since landing, in Shanghai and
Nanking, my duty was cooking sir.
Day and night, just cooking.
I know. I know.
I didn't assign you in fighting, but.
there was no particular reason.
Maybe I can promise for next time.
Maybe you are considering that I have
big family, so
if you cared about it, I don't feel good sir.
No. I don't.
Please.
I waited long.
Sorry, sorry.
Excuse me sir.
I had to visit many people for greeting.
Greet visiting? What is it?
I will return.
Return?
I came you for farewell.
North China again?
No, I got an order to return Japan.
Oh, you will return?
Yes. I'll be back and wait you.
That is waiting in vain.
I will be the soil of Continent.
Oh. excuse me.
ls it your kakizome (first calligraphy in
the year)?
Yes, not good, though.
If Britain and Soviet start anti-Japan I would go
to Mt. Himalaya or Urals to show the spirit of
Japanese man
Mt. Himalaya or Urals, that what you are.
Why don't we talk all over the night?
If it will not disturb your duty, I am OK.
No problem. One sleepless night is nothing.
Well, then,
With this picture, talk the three of us.
Mine also.
Give Noguchi one.
Sure.
When you are back Japan you must
give back this picture to his father.
Your Noguchi was fighting in North
China and Middle China with you.
His father must be pleased.
Yes, I will do.
I will go Kumamoto after all.
if you want me to deliver your message
to your family,
Me?
Nothing.
Let's start.
Defeated in Nanking, the government
of Chiang Kai-shek moved to Hankou,
and strengthened the guard around
Joshu (Xuzhou).
In early May, the encircling operation
of Joshu had begun from two-sides of
south and north.
Hosoki regiment departed Nanking on 11th.
On 15th, gathered at Shudaisho in
southwestern Nanpeichin.
On 17th, the main force joined
the enemy attack in Shuenshi.
Takanashi squadron crossed the
big river and advanced to the
north coast.
They were ordered to destroy the enemy in
Kotaisho area.
All of you must stay.
I will go to check the crossing point of
this creek in front of us.
Shotaicho-dono, let me do it sir.
You must wait.
Shotaicho-dono, I will go sir.
You must wait too.
Stay, OK?
Goto, shotaicho-dono is out. Are you
ready (for guard)?
I see.
Uematsu,
I will go to report chutaicho-dono.
I will go sir.
You must wait.
All right?
Damn!
Goto, Goto, shoot the canon.
Shotaicho-dono, shotaicho-dono,
Uematsu, carry that side.
Shotaicho-dono,
Nishizumi, Nishizumi.
Me, chutaicho. Captain Takanashi.
Chutaicho-dono,
Your wound is on thigh, minor.
Hold on.
Nishizumi shotaicho reporting sir,
Crossing the front creek is impossible sir.
The squadron can attack from left side.
Gun'i-dono (Dr.)!
Morita gun'i-dono!
What?
Thank god.
What is it?
Please give treatment sir.
Sorry. Field hospital is nearby. Go there.
Gun'i-dono, it's serious.
You don't remember? I am Matsuoka
of Takanashi unit of Hosoki
squadron of sir.
Takanashi unit? Who is wounded?
Shotaicho-dono sir.
Lieutenant Nishizumi sir.
Lieutenant Nishizumi?
Nishizumi wounded?
Was he shot?
Yes sir.
Right femoral region was shot through.
Bleeding is serious.
I met him around Bakachi.
He will come back by tank?
Sir.
If it is just piercing bullet wound he will
be all right.
But it's getting dark. I hope they can
find the way back.
Shotaicho-dono,
Shotaicho-dono,
Nishizumi chui.
Who?
Morita gun'i-dono sir.
Morita gun'i?
Me.
What happened?
Long time no see sir.
Why you are here?
Just came across.
Thank you.
Sorry I am not kunyan (girl).
You can joke. You will be fine.
Yes I am all right. I won't die with this.
Yes, you must work harder.
Yes, I do. It has just started.
Yes, yes.
I'm in a hurry. Excuse me.
Thank you for everything.
See you again.
Again.
Take care.
Leave it. Deliver to me later.
Thank you sir.
Hey, you.
No hope.
If you want to hear something from
him, do it now.
What did gun'i-dono say?
Goto.
Has gun'i-dono gone?
Sir.
He must be in hurry. I am sorry.
Let me ride in tank.
What's the matter?
You look strange.
You look depressed.
Don't worry.
I won't die yet.
Goto.
What's up?
My wish of joining battle was fulfilled.
nevertheless you....
What are you talking? It's unlike you.
Now, let me get into in tank.
Uematsu,
You also look depressed.
Matsuoka,
Listen, you three.
you must become better and better
soldiers. Learn from the seniors.
Do you understand?
This sounds like my will.
Now, let me get into tank.
Fix the attachment.
I won't die yet.
Being alive, I go to Kanko, Busho and
Jukei, anywhere.
Nishizumi will never die.
Medical soldier!
What's happening?
ls there no medical soldier?
Nishizumi?
This is Murayama.
Left chest piercing wound.
Where happened?
Shigeishi, in ruined castle sir.
Murayama,
Murayama,
Butaicho-dono (commander),
I never expected you would be shot.
I regret sir.
But, the squadron has destroyed the
enemy in Shueichin.
Well done.
I was reported.
How about Takanashi?
Not returned yet.
Nishizumi was shot.
Nishizumi was shot?
Butaicho-dono,
ls he all right?
The man,
the man is too valuable.
I don't want him die now.
I wish I could take his place to die.
Murayama!
Butaicho-dono,
What I did was,
for His Majesty the Emperor...
Terada,
The first tank regiment. the second
squadron, chutaicho, army infantry,
Murayama Saburo.
Showa 13 (1938), May 17th, 18:30,
war dead.
At the headquarters of the first regiment.
due to left chest piercing bullet wound.
Repeating sir; the first tank regiment,
chutaicho of the second squadron, army
infantry, Murayama Saburo....
The enemy attack!
Tell them, be calm. Not much.
I am staying here.
Butaicho-dono, the
enemy's attack sir.
Their forces?
A battalion sir.
Gun'i-dono, please.
What?
Ootsuka was shot.
Ootsuka?
I will go to the headquarters sir.
Bring my gun.
Butaicho-dono, lieutenant
Nishizumi returned sir.
What's wrong, Nishizumi?
You are gone.
lkenaka, isn't he shotaicho-dono?
Hey, go to guard.
You too, must go.
We go to the position sir.
Goto.
Man must die once.
Shotaicho-dono was human too.
He was war dead in honor.
Shotaicho said, don't show a depressed face, a
while ago.
Stop is. It's a shame.
I am OK.
What? idiot!
Means, forget it.
Are you serious?
Whom you are talking of?
He is our shotaicho.
Uematsu, can I hit him?
No. Let's go.
I tell you Goto, our shotaicho was
no ordinary shotaicho whom we
can forget easily.
I know.
I, also.
Damn!
Noisy night.
Sleeping well.
He was busy man.
He looks like alive.
Thus the body of the lieutenant became
the soil in south Kankisho but,
his soul remains alive in the soldiers of his
squadron whom the lieutenant loved and
trusted than anyone else.
And kept protecting the squadron as
same as when he was alive.
The soldiers of the squadron also, kept
to hold his soul their own hearts,
and fighting bravely in Joshu and
Kanko in order to build the new East
Asia.
Biography of Tank Commander Nishizumi
END
Celebration of Imperial Era 2600
Work of Art Festival
Shochiku
Oofune Eiga (Cinema)
Supported by the Department of War
Through the personality of Tank Commander Nishizumi,
I try to describe the spirit of our tank officers and men as
well as the actual circumstances under which the tank
fighters were facing during the Sino-Japanese Incident.
If the movie could urge the recognition of the importance
of mechanization in the Army I am especially pleased.
Imperial Era 2600
By Yoshimura Kozabura
For the memorial festival of the
lmperial Era 2600.
this movie is respectfully dedicated to the
souls of the war dead who protected Japan.
Biography of Tank Commander Nishizumi
Based on the novel by Kikuchi Kan
(published by Tokyo-nichi newspaper
and Osaka Mainich newspaper)
Scripted by Noda hogo
Starring
Uehara Ken as Nishizumi Tank Commander
Saburi Shin as Regiment Commander Hosoki
Kuwano Michiko as a local woman
Konoe Toshiaki as Takanashi chutaicho
Nishimura Seiji as captain Murayama
Matsumoto Koji and sergeant Goh
Isono Akio as private Uematsu
Iijima Zentaro as private Nishitomi
Yui Munenobu as private Fujitaki
Sakamoto Takeshi as private Goto
Tsumura Jun as private Moriyama
Hara Yasumi as private Arakawa
Ryu Chishu as Lieutenant Oosumi
Nara Masayoshi as Regiment commander Takori
Tokudaiji Shin and lieutenant Suzuki
Kofujida Shoichi as sniper
Saito Tatsuo as officer of 18th Army Group
Naka Einosuke as gun'i, military Dr.
English Subtitles: Maya Grohn
Director Yoshimura Kozaburo
It is said that men make history.
meanwhile the history also makes men.
The place where Captain Nishizumi Kojiro
was born is Kosa-machi, Kamimashiki-gun
Kumamoto prefecture.
The area of Higo including his birth place
had been well-known for a number of
royalist samurai since ancient times.
The sincere spirits of those ancestors
were rooted in the mind of local peoples
long and deeply.
that created the simple and
bold Higo-damashii spirit.
We can easily guess that, the captain who was
born in the place and became
a human in the place, must have been
influenced by those traditional spirits.
The house in which the captain was
born is located remote from town.
It was so called Soto-mura (exterior village).
Father was Sansaku, mother was Chiyo.
The captain was born as the second son
of the parents.
His father Mr. Sansaku was retired
soldier who joined Taiwan Expedition
and Russo-Japanese War.
Considering his father's background
he must have been motivated to
become a soldier since childhood.
Midorikawa river, which was located nearby
his house, was an ancient battlefield of
Seinan-no-eki.
It is said that the river, the old battlefield,
was captain's most favorite playing place
as child.
After graduated the local elementary
school, he went to a junior high school in
a town called Mifune.
In the school garden of the junior high
school, there was a monument,
On the monument, a writing of two words
Ko Chu (duty to lord and parents) by
Miyabe Teizo, who was a royalist samurai as well as
his senior in hometown, was engraved.
That was the principle of the education
of the school under which the captain
was educated.
Showa 5 (1930). April, he entered the
Military Academy when he was 17
years old.
He was born in January therefore he
was the youngest in the class.
But his classmates told that his ganbarism
(do-my best-spirit) was number one in the
class.
Showa 12 (1937), July, when Sino-Japanese
Incident broke out at Marco polo Bridge in
north China.
He was as young as 24 years old .
serving as a lieutenant of the army
infantry in the first tank regiment.
When the war fire spread into Shanghai,
he finally took the field as
shotaicho (platoon commander) of
Takanashi squadron of Hosoki regiment.
The situation of Shanghai area was, the Navy
Land Forces furiously fighting in town and,
the Dispatched Amy completed the
risky landing in the face of the enemy.
The enemy built the careful encampment
and fought back desperately,
the fierce battle around Kowanchin
(Jiangwan) continued.
Takaori Regiment Headquarters
Message!
Medical soldier!
Butaicho-dono (Commander),
Stained with blood all over.
How about the messenger soldier?
Seriously injured sir.
Take care of him well. When he became
able to speak, let me know.
Go back to my duty sir.
Good.
Hello. hello.
Hello. hello.
Hello, hello,
Matsuura!
Sir.
We can't contact Kaneda Regiment yet?
Not yet sir.
How about Hoshin?
Did you send the soldiers?
Yes sir. They went an hour ago.
I think we have to make contact that's the
only way.
Who can go?
One of us.
No more officer can be spared. Our force
cannot be maintained.
Gunso-dono (sergeant), are you all right sir?
Message from Kaneda regiment.
Where is butaicho-dono (commander)?
Butaicho is here.
What is the report?
Gunso-dono,
Hold on.
Yes sir.
No salute.
You can go.
Report?
Kaneda regiment reporting.
The regiment is,
The regiment, at 12:18,
reached the enemy close to Sokataku,
immediately advanced to Hozanjo castle,
The enemy, the enemy was in many
positions in Chinkataku and resisted hard
the regiment is now, now,
now fighting with them.
Fighting with them and?
the regiment...
the regiment?
You have done well.
I understand well.
Give him this.
Captain!
What?
Kaneda regiment responded. We got
contact.
Good.
Hello, hello.
ls it Kaneda regiment?
Kaneda regiment reporting.
Wait a moment sir.
13:10
On 13:10 the regiment,
the regiment controlled all the rivers
in front of Chinkataku, however,
the enemy is...
from Hozanjo, increased their forces,
they increased the number successively ...
they will counterattack soon.
the regiment is in high spirit for fighting but,
hey, can you hear me? Hey?
What's up?
Hello, hello,
Shotaicho-dono (platoon commander),
are you all right sir?
I heard that tank unit landed yesterday.
They did? Good.
Tanks will come.
Tanks?
I wish they come here soon.
ls it true? Sure.
Shotaicho-dono,
What?
Tanks will come sir.
What? Tanks?
What? Tanks?
Without tank unit our damage will be
bigger and bigger.
Hosoki regiment?
They are gathered at a village in xxxx.
Kandeda regiment will advance
for attack at 15:00.
Hosoki regiment will support them.
Hello, this is lieutenant colonel Hosoki.
No, telephone does not work yet.
When we advance we will start contact
them as we pass the front.
We stay here till 13:00.
We are staying at a place called
Seikataku. You can find us easily
To the headquarters of Kaneda regiment,
the adjutant was dispatched.
They say there are many victims.
In xx unit sir?.
Yes.
Hot!
Captain Takanashi,
Come all.
I think you understand already, but I
want to confirm.
The course of your squadron is,
pass through the crossroad,
This house was checked by Nishizumi
last night. Where is Nishizumi?
We sent for him sir.
He is in number 19.
19.
Shotaicho-dono,
Uematsu,
Where is shotaicho-dono?
There.
Shotaicho-dono!
What is it, Goto?
Chutaicho-dono is calling you sir.
I see. I'll come.
Nishizumi, where have been?
I was inspecting the tank.
Yes, we must check them carefully now.
This is our first battle.
Oh, you are in high mode.
Today's hero is Nishizumi?
No, all of us.
I am back sir.
What was that?
An order sir.
Order from Kanada
unit,
A squadron of Hosoki regiment must
advance for attack at once.
That is messenger from tank unit.
I'll go to see.
Yo, you are lnagawa. Long time no see.
From Hosoki regiment. Message sir.
Good.
Hosoki regiment is now on the
road Chinkataku, advancing for
Hozanjo kenmondaikai sir.
Hey, this tank unit. Move away, please.
We are in hurry. Move please.
Hey, tanks are going. Move away.
Move away!
What's the matter?
This.
Thank you very much for everything.
Construction is all right?
Yes, thank you. Tonight we will be able to manage.
That's good.
Excuse me sir.
Wait,
Take this sir.
Can I?
Thank you sir.
I hope we will meet again somewhere.
Be well sir.
Good-bye sir.
Do it quick.
Wait. I can't.
Go, go.
Enshu, Morimachi, a place for good tea.
Goto, you are in good mood.
O, excuse me sir.
You have good voice.
I am proud of my voice.
You are doing war with the nerve.
Do you think you are cooking good?
Yes sir. We are working hard for the
win of first battle.
We can't fight well with empty
stomach.
Napoleon said an army fights with
stomach.
Napoleon said so?
Yesterday, shotaicho-dono got off the tank in front of the enemy
and went scouting the creek alone for crossing river.
Yes I did.
We are amazed your braveness.
It's not braveness but duty.
But you stopped a soldier who tried to
do so and you went.
We are very moved.
I rushed out because nobody but
me could know how to do.
It is not worth to be impressed.
ls it true?
These are arrived sir.
Rare.
How grateful sir.
One more.
Today's supper will be gorgeous.
now, the first battle, Hozanjo castle,
Now moving is Takanashi squadron.
Good.
Don't come out. It's dangerous.
I will go to check the creek if we can
cross or not. You must go back.
I will go sir.
No, you can't understand yet.
Go back.
Order!
Shotaicho-dono!
What?
Arakawa is.
Where was shot?
Belly sir.
No good.
Moriyama give him bandage.
Arakawa, can you hear?
I am shotaicho. Can you hear me?
I told you not go out. You fool.
Shotaicho-dono.
Hold on.
Not serious injury.
Hold on. hold on.
Signal of rush. Can you hear, Arakawa?
Our tanks destroyed barbed-wire
entanglements, now we are rushing
through the path.
Can you hear that?
Yes, I can hear sir.
Can you hear, Arakawa? Arakawa?
The main forces in Shanghai battle which
was led by Chiang Kai-Shek, was said
500,000 in front and
it reached 800,000 with the rear forces.
In a battlefield as small as 20 km between Woosung and Suzhou River,
there were a number of tochka and base of machine guns installed.
They used forests, bamboo groves, local houses,
graves and so on for their positioning,
and installed all of the modern weapons.
With them, they resisted desperately.
Therefore our army had to use huge amount
of energy and sacrifice many victims even to
capture single village or so.
For example, in the tank squadron to which Lieutenant Nishizumi
belonging to, Takanashi chutaicho was injured on
the head in the battle of Shukataku,
he was hospitalized and replaced
with Lieutenant Nishizumi, who led
the squadron since then.
He destroyed the enemy in Hokataku, Geppochin, Kokyo,
Fukurikyo, Nanso, Bakyo, Senkatakuto
he kept to move to Ratenchin, where
he faced the enemy so-called White
Wall House Enemy for 24 days,
they now are going to contact with the
first front in the north.
Look.
You must check this map so that you
will not be lost even if I died.
This is the road we are running now.
This is the creek of Maruto.
This is Ratenchin.
The purpose of scouting today is,
to find a possible way to Ratenchin.
I hope this bridge not fallen, but maybe
it did.
What's happening, Fujitaki?
We are hit sir.
Damn.
From where did they shoot?
Let's walk from here.
Yes sir.
What to do with the car sir?
You can leave it.
Take the key.
Yes sir.
Let's go.
Ready?
No!
Wait!
What are you doing?
Danger. Come back.
See?
Stupid.
Come, quick.
Listen, I will check if there is the bridge
or not. Wait here.
Let me do it sir.
Shotaicho.
Wait. Just wait.
Hey, dangerous!
Hey, we move there.
Head is too high.
They returned.
What happened?
Nothing.
Don't scare me. Stupid.
How was it?
The bridge fell down. The width of the
creek is 17 to 18 meters.
Crossing by tank is impossible sir.
Close to the bank, there is the enemy's
position surrounded by white wall,
the height 5 meters, length about 150 m.
That is White Wall House.
The leftward of the enemy's positioning,
about 70 to 80 m away. I could see the
the first positioning of friend army.
I see. Our army can be seen.
I will go sir.
Where to?
I will put this for signal to friend army.
Dangerous. I will go.
Give me.
Let Fujitaki do this sir. please.
Let me do it sir.
I will go.
This is my turn.
He was shot.
Fujitaki!
Are you shot?
Where?
Right arm sir.
Minor sir.
Fujitaki, give me your hand.
Stretch more.
This was erected by you, by your hand.
Thank you sir.
As soon as the White Wall House
was collapsed, the situation of the
front was progressed quickly.
meanwhile the army and the
navy were hailing to each other in
order to protect the concession.
hereby the preparation to launch all-out
attack on Daijochin (Dachang), the key
station of the enemy, had been in progress.
Takanashi tank squadron had to spend several
nights in a field around Nansho (Nanxiang).
It was the standby for the all-out attack
on Daijochin.
Gee, everyday rainy sir.
Uematsu, how many times you are watching
the sen-nin-bari (1000 person's stiches) today?
I am counting sir.
Counting?
I think this is cheating.
They say 1000 persons, but this is only 500.
Don't say that. It is given with good
intention.
Hey, what's the matter?
Sorry. voice uttered unconsciously.
Don't forget a sick man
sleeping next.
You are noisy.
See? Stop it.
Are you crazy?
It is Goto.
Seems so.
What happened on him?
Everyone is crazy somehow.
Everything is the fault of this rain.
How are you?
Still a little fever.
Ouch!
What?
Stomach pain again.
Go.
Please. come with me.
Where to?
There are full of dead persons.
How coward you are.
Please, first class private-dono.
Damn, you call me with ''dono'' only these
times.
Go, go with him.
But, look. Heavy rain.
Uematsu.
take one.
Thank you sir.
Shotaicho-dono,
If we capture Daijochin, what will happen next?
Next?
We are saying ''then triumphal return.''
The war has just begun.
At least it will take 5 to 6 years.
So long years sir?
The enemy is not only China. Big ones
behind them.
Actually, they are tougher.
The third powers try to prevent the
construction of New East Asia.
I think you know.
Yes I do sir. For example,
If you understand, that's enough.
The war has just begun.
That's long way to go sir.
Yes, it is.
It is, indeed.
Shotaicho-dono, are you going
somewhere sir?
Yes, I will see our men.
Give me my coat.
Hey, where are you going to?
Well, a little bit...
I see.
We go sir.
All right.
How about him?
He has still fever.
That's too bad.
I feel much better after looked by
doctor last night.
Don't you have a chill?
You must be in warm.
Go to my tent and bring my blanket.
Wait.
That's too good to me. I will get divine
punishment.
Don't be silly. Go and get it.
I go sir.
You shouldn't force yourself.
ls there no particular?
No sir.
The sound of your harmonica
is getting worse.
Yes sir, due to this rain, it got rust.
Protect the remains from rain.
Some men have loose bowels. Take care.
Yes sir.
Attention!
Number!
1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. ..
Salute to chutaicho-dono!
Face Right!
62 men under Lieutenant Nishizumi, all gathered.
Listen carefully.
Tomorrow morning, the squadron will
start to move to Daijochin finally.
Time will be informed later.
Each unit must be prepared for that. After
prepared, try to take sleep till next order.
Over.
Salute to chutaicho-dono.
Face Right !
October 26th, Daijochin fell.
That day, the Takanashi tank squadron
was working through the front as
spearhead.
On 27th, the next day, they quickly
moved to Soshu (Suzhou) riverside.
then they turned over for the day
and joined the main force Hosoki regiment,
they settled at Hinan University
in the north of Shingyochin.
But the next day they were suddenly
ordered to attack Nansho (Nanxiang)
The main force of the regiment
moved to Chinkagakusho.
Chutaicho Takanashi was injured again,
therefore, Lieutenant Nishizumi took the
control the squadron again.
Accordingly he joined the battles of
Shakataku and Manowan bay.
Yamabe,
Prepare for advance.
The first squadron reporting sir.
Good.
Takanashi squadron reporting,
The squadron, at 18:40, broke through the first
position of the enemy in Manowan, and currently
attacking their second position sir.
Hey, move away!
Dangerous! Move away!
All right. No problem.
You can go over me.
Chutaicho-dono!
Injured where sir?
Foot.
Foot was shot.
Hold on sir.
Don't worry. I am OK.
The first squadron reporting sir.
Takanashi squadron reporting.
The squadron, 19:20, controlled
completely the second and the third
positions of the enemy in Manowan.
Currently they take a rest around Chakataku.
Thank you.
You don't need to return.
You got soaked.
Yes sir. Rain started.
Rain.
It getting heavy.
Corporal Goh, chutaicho is here.
I inspected the vehicle sir. No problem sir.
Good.
Are you injured sir?.
No, nothing.
So, the rest is Yamabe shotaicho's tank alone.
When we were back, a tank followed
us. What is that?
It was Yamabe shotaicho-dono's sir.
Then they must come back by now.
Strange.
O, I can hear a sound.
Yamabe shotaicho-dono,
Yamabe chui (lieutenant)-dono.
They are late.
What happens?
O, returned.
Warrant officer Okada
I led the squadron and returned sir.
Good.
Must be tough work.
Where is Nishizumi?
Yamabe shotai-cho's vehicle is not back
yet, so he is looking for.
Yamabe's?
That's bad.
Uematsu, here.
Yamabe!
Yamabe shotaicho dono!
Chutaicho-dono, isn't it better to look
for the road?
Yes, but it's too dangerous.
Yamabe!
Yamabe shotaicho-dono!
Chutaicho-dono, I am going to look for here.
Dangerous.
I am all right sir.
I go sir.
Be careful.
Yamabe shotaicho-dono!
Yamabe!
Who is it?
Chutaicho-dono.
Yamabe?
Uematsu sir.
Oh, what?
Yamabe juni-dono returned sir.
Yamabe returned? Good.
Yamabe!
Hey, good.
Good.
I'm sorry for worrying you sir.
No, nothing. Good.
Just good.
Shotaicho-dono,
I made these. Please use sir.
Thank you.
I made geta.
You did well sir.
This is very useful.
Thank you, thank you.
What is it?
Commander Hosoki waiting you at
pergola sir.
I see.
I wonder what is it.
Hey you must smile.
I am not good at it.
Oh no.
What's the matter?
Film is running out.
Gee.
Are you sure sir? The photo was taken?
Don't say.
Thank you.
Why don't you go back to the rear to
cure the wound?
I told you the same a while ago but you
evaded.
Nishizumi, the commander is very
concerned about you.
Make yourself fresh at the hospital.
Do so Nishizumi.
I am sorry for your concern sir.
But the wound is minor, no problem sir.
Considering infantry officer, I can ride
in tank and fight. That's grateful.
But the war will not be ended with this,
it will continue long.
You must take care of yourself now.
Murayama taii (captain)-dono, if you
were me,
are you going to be replaced just
because such minor wound?
Well,
In addition, currently Takanashi
chutaicho was replaced due to his
injury,
the squadron is under my control.
Commander!
Nishizumi would never accept the replacement sir.
Do you know this piece?
It is the song of Meiji-setsu
(Emperor Meiji's birthday).
It's already November.
Yes.
Look, fine weather!
I can't believe the fighting goes on in
front of my eyes.
Indeed.
Mails arrived.
Letters?
Hurry.
Tell them in the outside.
Mails arrived.
They look so happy.
Letters are the best.
Goto, you go too.
I go sir.
He has five children.
Nishizumi chui-dono,
you got a mail sir.
Thank you.
They arrived at a time. Big mess.
Well done.
Take one.
Thank you sir.
The mails to us not arrived yet?
Not yet sir.
You can't wait.
Well, not so.
From who?
Arakawa Tatsuji. Young brother of
Private Arakawa sir.
Nishizumi butaicho (commander)-sama,
He called me butaicho.
Sir, my big brother was war dead in honor.
I told my classmates that
my big brother died in honor while
listening horn rush.
I am proud of him.
All my classmates admired him, great
and great.
I won't cry for big brother's death.
Mother cried a little.
Then mother said me ''Mother is not crying''.
And she smiled a little.
I smiled too.
Goh, you must read after this.
Uematsu, you can go to sleep.
Maybe this is the weather of continent.
Suddenly got chilled.
Snow still
continues.
It will be piled up.
Where is shotaicho-dono?
He is here.
What is it, Goto?
A native woman gave birth to a child.
Baby?
How the baby?
The baby is crying and fine but,
the woman is injured.
Pity.
But giving birth in the battlefield,
that's a novel woman.
Matsuoka, call gun'i (military dr.)-dono.
But shotaicho-dono, isn't it funny that
military doctor for childbirth?
Funny or not, he is better than our caring.
I think I heard that the doctor in Araki
unit was obstetrician.
Go Matsuoka.
I go sir.
Where is the woman?
The house across the street.
All right. I 'll see.
Chinese baby is red like as Japanese baby.
No difference from Japanese baby.
It is not crying in Chinese, is it?
Of course not.
ls this the baby?
How about the woman?
She is groaning in the back room.
Looks weird. No one can come close.
Goto, bring the fire here.
You injured here.
Don't worry. Japanese soldiers will not
harm you.
What to do?
Goh, give back the baby to the woman.
Mother's love is not different.
Indeed.
Scary woman.
Morita gun-i-dono,
Here it is sir.
Dr. is not obstetrician sir?
I am pediatrician.
It is similar sir.
But Mr. Nishizumi is very kind man.
I never expect to see childbirth in the
battlefield.
Here sir.
Thank you for your coming.
But I must tell you I have no
experience of childbirth.
You don't? I see.
The woman was injured her arm. Please
look.
There?
Matsuoka, our unit has two cans of
milk, I think.
Bring that.
And if you find futon or blanket bring
it also.
I will do sir.
You are so kind as if you are her
husband.
This is piercing bullet wound.
Painful?
Now, little bit piercing.
She is not screaming like you.
Don't say.
Are you living this house?
Yes.
Why didn't you escape?
We are plundered by Chinese soldiers. I
failed to escape.
How about your husband?
I lost him.
Your husband left you and ran away.
He is cold-blooded.
He didn't leave me. I was lost.
I see. I said wrong. Sorry.
You speak Chinese very well.
I went for Manchurian Incident for a year.
I learned only a little then.
No, no, you are great.
Shotaicho dono, is this all right sir?
Good.
Oosumi chui-dono waiting you in the
room sir.
Oosumi what?
He said he was in the military academy
with you, now moved from North China.
I see. Good, Oosumi came.
My job done.
You are free sir.
Thank you for everything sir.
I see, I see.
Excuse me, lieutenant.
Thank you sir.
Matsuoka, send Dr.
I go sir.
Give him this.
Don't worry. Take a rest well. Give the
baby milk.
Take care of her.
I never expect you appear.
Appear? Don't say.
How about North China?
I realize that a gun bullet cannot hit me
so easily.
So you worked had badly.
Yes badly.
You also has done very well.
I was told.
Uematsu,
You talked too much again.
No sir. Just a little.
Don't talk much.
Sir.
Nishizumi,
What did you do with the picture of
Noguchi?
Noguchi?
Oh, I have.
See? I have here.
How about yours?
I have too.
Noguchi was fighting around North
China with you.
And now he is fighting around
in Middle China battles with you
too.
Anyway, Noguchi had bad luck.
Before graduation of Military Academy
he was dead.
So he is now pleased that he can fight
together with us.
Listen Oosumi, next, I want give him
a chance to enter Nanking with us.
That's no problem.
I am confident that I never be hit by bullet.
Me too.
Then we three will enter Nanking together.
Old trio will come back.
Finished sir.
Thank you.
Oosumi, you can stay tonight, can't you?
No. I can't.
My unit is camping a little bit rear from
here.
I heard your Hosoki regiment is camping
nearby, so I hurriedly came.
Now, I must come back.
See you again.
Anyway, nice to see you.
Yes, nice to see you.
Good-bye.
Be well.
You too.
Snow still continues.
Getting cold tonight.
See you!
Bye.
ls it true?
Yes. Come.
What's the matter?
Shotaicho dono,
What happens Goto?
The woman of the last night was
gone.
Really?
I guess that her husband came in last
night and left with her.
Disgusting woman.
She was treated so kindly by shotaicho-
dono, nevertheless...
I will throw her in creek if I meet her again.
Don't be so mad.
She must be more pleased with
her husband than my kindness.
But she ran away leaving her baby.
What? Leaving the baby?
Pity. The baby was cold dead.
I see. But we gave a mercy and
she thanked last night.
The baby was innocent.
Let's make a grave for the baby.
It is so small.
This is it.
What should be named?
Shotalcho-dono, it was sutego (abandoned
child). How about Suteko?
How about Shinako (Chinese girl)?
Grave of Shinako.
Yukiko (snow girl)?
Kumiko, absolutely.
Stupid, it is your girlfriend's name.
Leave it to me.
Mumeishi....(no name child)
Not mumei, but Munako.
I see. Nanashi-no-Gonbei (No name Gonbei).
This is not Gonbei but Gonko.
Shotaicho-dono,
Infantry Lieutenant calling you sir.
It's a long time since I we met last sir.
At a place near lnfun,
At Kokataku, I was given
tobacco from you sir.
Now I remember. Excuse me sir.
No change sir?
I'm fine. Nice to see you well.
I am still alive.
Now for Nanking?
When we enter Nanking, why don't we
have a drink?
Very good. It's a promise.
Excuse me.
I got bean blisters on my foot.
Walking a little bit hard.
You made it. This is good. Great
Shotaicho-dono, please pray first.
Wait, wait sir.
Goto, a baby does not smoke.
Yes, you are right sir.
For Nanking, Nanking. The capital of
enemy is getting close.
The main force moving from Koin
(Jiangyin) area along the southern
coast of Yangtze,
the left wing force moving from
Kotoku (Guangde) through hill zone, and
the center force chasing the
fleeing enemy.
Now they were continuously moving
toward Nanking for full attack.
Nanking Castle Fell
December 13, 1937
I brought this sir.
Thank you.
He is late.
On the telephone he told that he would
come by 18:00.
Oosumi told you so?
Yes sir, the lieutenant himself said so.
So this is it.
Yes sir. With dozen of this and
tobacco, a petty officer came.
He said it was from Lieutenant Nakamura of
Mizuno unit. You will understand by that.
I see. Take one.
Thank you very much sir.
Remember? After the Kozanryo
battle. we stayed Kokataku for
a couple of days.
At that time an infantry was in trouble of
making camp and stayed a night with us.
Yes, I remember now.
He was the officer of the unit.
I gave him a half pack of tobacco.
We met at Kotakuto.
It was the last.
Did he die in battle?
Yes.
He looked gentle old man.
We promised to drink together when
we enter Nanking.
He was suffering in walking.
Was he?
No, you can sit.
He is late.
What?
Shotaicho-dono,
They say we will go Joshu (Xuzhou)
next.
We don't know yet.
Shotaicho-dono,
Since landing, in Shanghai and
Nanking, my duty was cooking sir.
Day and night, just cooking.
I know. I know.
I didn't assign you in fighting, but.
there was no particular reason.
Maybe I can promise for next time.
Maybe you are considering that I have
big family, so
if you cared about it, I don't feel good sir.
No. I don't.
Please.
I waited long.
Sorry, sorry.
Excuse me sir.
I had to visit many people for greeting.
Greet visiting? What is it?
I will return.
Return?
I came you for farewell.
North China again?
No, I got an order to return Japan.
Oh, you will return?
Yes. I'll be back and wait you.
That is waiting in vain.
I will be the soil of Continent.
Oh. excuse me.
ls it your kakizome (first calligraphy in
the year)?
Yes, not good, though.
If Britain and Soviet start anti-Japan I would go
to Mt. Himalaya or Urals to show the spirit of
Japanese man
Mt. Himalaya or Urals, that what you are.
Why don't we talk all over the night?
If it will not disturb your duty, I am OK.
No problem. One sleepless night is nothing.
Well, then,
With this picture, talk the three of us.
Mine also.
Give Noguchi one.
Sure.
When you are back Japan you must
give back this picture to his father.
Your Noguchi was fighting in North
China and Middle China with you.
His father must be pleased.
Yes, I will do.
I will go Kumamoto after all.
if you want me to deliver your message
to your family,
Me?
Nothing.
Let's start.
Defeated in Nanking, the government
of Chiang Kai-shek moved to Hankou,
and strengthened the guard around
Joshu (Xuzhou).
In early May, the encircling operation
of Joshu had begun from two-sides of
south and north.
Hosoki regiment departed Nanking on 11th.
On 15th, gathered at Shudaisho in
southwestern Nanpeichin.
On 17th, the main force joined
the enemy attack in Shuenshi.
Takanashi squadron crossed the
big river and advanced to the
north coast.
They were ordered to destroy the enemy in
Kotaisho area.
All of you must stay.
I will go to check the crossing point of
this creek in front of us.
Shotaicho-dono, let me do it sir.
You must wait.
Shotaicho-dono, I will go sir.
You must wait too.
Stay, OK?
Goto, shotaicho-dono is out. Are you
ready (for guard)?
I see.
Uematsu,
I will go to report chutaicho-dono.
I will go sir.
You must wait.
All right?
Damn!
Goto, Goto, shoot the canon.
Shotaicho-dono, shotaicho-dono,
Uematsu, carry that side.
Shotaicho-dono,
Nishizumi, Nishizumi.
Me, chutaicho. Captain Takanashi.
Chutaicho-dono,
Your wound is on thigh, minor.
Hold on.
Nishizumi shotaicho reporting sir,
Crossing the front creek is impossible sir.
The squadron can attack from left side.
Gun'i-dono (Dr.)!
Morita gun'i-dono!
What?
Thank god.
What is it?
Please give treatment sir.
Sorry. Field hospital is nearby. Go there.
Gun'i-dono, it's serious.
You don't remember? I am Matsuoka
of Takanashi unit of Hosoki
squadron of sir.
Takanashi unit? Who is wounded?
Shotaicho-dono sir.
Lieutenant Nishizumi sir.
Lieutenant Nishizumi?
Nishizumi wounded?
Was he shot?
Yes sir.
Right femoral region was shot through.
Bleeding is serious.
I met him around Bakachi.
He will come back by tank?
Sir.
If it is just piercing bullet wound he will
be all right.
But it's getting dark. I hope they can
find the way back.
Shotaicho-dono,
Shotaicho-dono,
Nishizumi chui.
Who?
Morita gun'i-dono sir.
Morita gun'i?
Me.
What happened?
Long time no see sir.
Why you are here?
Just came across.
Thank you.
Sorry I am not kunyan (girl).
You can joke. You will be fine.
Yes I am all right. I won't die with this.
Yes, you must work harder.
Yes, I do. It has just started.
Yes, yes.
I'm in a hurry. Excuse me.
Thank you for everything.
See you again.
Again.
Take care.
Leave it. Deliver to me later.
Thank you sir.
Hey, you.
No hope.
If you want to hear something from
him, do it now.
What did gun'i-dono say?
Goto.
Has gun'i-dono gone?
Sir.
He must be in hurry. I am sorry.
Let me ride in tank.
What's the matter?
You look strange.
You look depressed.
Don't worry.
I won't die yet.
Goto.
What's up?
My wish of joining battle was fulfilled.
nevertheless you....
What are you talking? It's unlike you.
Now, let me get into in tank.
Uematsu,
You also look depressed.
Matsuoka,
Listen, you three.
you must become better and better
soldiers. Learn from the seniors.
Do you understand?
This sounds like my will.
Now, let me get into tank.
Fix the attachment.
I won't die yet.
Being alive, I go to Kanko, Busho and
Jukei, anywhere.
Nishizumi will never die.
Medical soldier!
What's happening?
ls there no medical soldier?
Nishizumi?
This is Murayama.
Left chest piercing wound.
Where happened?
Shigeishi, in ruined castle sir.
Murayama,
Murayama,
Butaicho-dono (commander),
I never expected you would be shot.
I regret sir.
But, the squadron has destroyed the
enemy in Shueichin.
Well done.
I was reported.
How about Takanashi?
Not returned yet.
Nishizumi was shot.
Nishizumi was shot?
Butaicho-dono,
ls he all right?
The man,
the man is too valuable.
I don't want him die now.
I wish I could take his place to die.
Murayama!
Butaicho-dono,
What I did was,
for His Majesty the Emperor...
Terada,
The first tank regiment. the second
squadron, chutaicho, army infantry,
Murayama Saburo.
Showa 13 (1938), May 17th, 18:30,
war dead.
At the headquarters of the first regiment.
due to left chest piercing bullet wound.
Repeating sir; the first tank regiment,
chutaicho of the second squadron, army
infantry, Murayama Saburo....
The enemy attack!
Tell them, be calm. Not much.
I am staying here.
Butaicho-dono, the
enemy's attack sir.
Their forces?
A battalion sir.
Gun'i-dono, please.
What?
Ootsuka was shot.
Ootsuka?
I will go to the headquarters sir.
Bring my gun.
Butaicho-dono, lieutenant
Nishizumi returned sir.
What's wrong, Nishizumi?
You are gone.
lkenaka, isn't he shotaicho-dono?
Hey, go to guard.
You too, must go.
We go to the position sir.
Goto.
Man must die once.
Shotaicho-dono was human too.
He was war dead in honor.
Shotaicho said, don't show a depressed face, a
while ago.
Stop is. It's a shame.
I am OK.
What? idiot!
Means, forget it.
Are you serious?
Whom you are talking of?
He is our shotaicho.
Uematsu, can I hit him?
No. Let's go.
I tell you Goto, our shotaicho was
no ordinary shotaicho whom we
can forget easily.
I know.
I, also.
Damn!
Noisy night.
Sleeping well.
He was busy man.
He looks like alive.
Thus the body of the lieutenant became
the soil in south Kankisho but,
his soul remains alive in the soldiers of his
squadron whom the lieutenant loved and
trusted than anyone else.
And kept protecting the squadron as
same as when he was alive.
The soldiers of the squadron also, kept
to hold his soul their own hearts,
and fighting bravely in Joshu and
Kanko in order to build the new East
Asia.
Biography of Tank Commander Nishizumi
END