Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival (1970) - full transcript
Cowritten by star Shintaro Katsu, this adventure pits Zatoichi against one of his most diabolical foes: a blind yakuza boss whose reign of terror and exploitation has made him nearly mythic. Guest starring the legendary Tatsuya Nakadai as a ronin haunted by a traumatic past, and featuring an unforgettable nude swordfight in a bathhouse, this twenty-first entry in the series is a fan favorite.
DAINICHI DISTRIBUTION PRESENTS
A DAIEI CO. LTD. PRODUCTION
A KATSU PRODUCTIONS FILM
ZATOICHI GOES TO THE FIRE FESTIVAL
Produced by SHINTARO KATSU
Original Story by KAN SHIMOZAWA
Screenplay by SHINTARO KATSU
TAKAYUKI YAMADA
Cinematography by
KAZUO MIYAGAWA
Art Direction by
YOSHINOBU NISHIOKA
Original Music by
ISAO TOMITA
Edited by
TOSHIO TANIGUCHI
Starring:
SHINTARO KATSU
REIKO OHARA, PETER
KAZUKO YOSHIYUKI
KO NISHIMURA, RYUNOSUKE KANEDA
KUNIE TANAKA
OSAMI NABE, JUN NAGASAWA
TOSHIE SHOJI, REIJI SHOJI
MASAYUKI MORI
TATSUYA NAKADAI
Directed by KENJI MISUMI
Excuse me, who's the daimyo
making the procession?
In the first half of the 1800s,
one powerful yakuza boss
built a massive organization
by methodically seizing control
over other yakuza bosses
in the eight provinces of Kanto.
Under the pretext of “honorariums,”
the organization collected
what amounted to illegitimate taxes
from peasants, townspeople
and merchants.
In addition, the boss received
as premium payments
a percentage of the house cut
from all gambling houses in the region.
Thus, an enormous amount of money
flowed into his coffers.
People called this powerful boss
Yamikubo,
in other words,
the shogun of the underworld.
I will pay the honorarium.
Please have mercy!
I beg of you.
Please! I beg you!
You came all the way from Edo?
No matter how unique she is,
a man tires of the same mistress
after a couple of years.
I came to sell the old one
and get a new one.
Ah, my mistress is up on the block now.
This beauty grew up amidst tea houses
in Ryogoku, Edo.
Untying her sash
will make your hands tremble.
Her snow-white skin
is pleasing to the eye.
Now, see this.
There!
What do you say?
Hand in hand, you lie with her,
and the tattoo will shudder and heave
as she climaxes.
At the touch of your skin on her skin,
the goldfish tattoo will twitch into life.
Take a good look
and feast your eyes on her.
Yes. It's my first time seeing
a mistress auction.
Your first time “seeing” it, eh?
I hear 50 ryo!
Do I hear any other bids?
- 60 ryo!
- I hear 60 ryo!
Any other bids?
Sold for 60 ryo!
She fetched only 60 ryo.
Did you lose money on her?
Since at least 10 ryo
will be deducted for fees.
Don't just sit there
with your finger in your mouth.
Have this beauty suck on it
for a change.
Her dedication will impress you.
She pulled out all her teeth
to become better at “sucking.”
They're all hussies.
Oh, there's a beautiful woman.
She has a nice figure
and glowing skin.
A real beauty.
For this beauty,
I'm keeping my mouth shut.
In the year 1185 ‒
You can see, masseur?
...and warships of the Heike
numbering in the hundreds
were facing off
along the coast of Yashima.
The feat of Yoichi the archer is famed
in the military epic Genpei Josuiki,
yet even the arrowhead
of the deadly arrow he held
would not have gleamed
as coldly as these eyes of hers.
I won't say any more.
I will add one more thing, however.
She was formerly the proper wife
of a retainer to the shogun.
Now, let's hear your bids!
- 50 ryo.
- Are you joking?
We're not selling her that low.
The bidding starts at 100 ryo!
- 150 ryo!
- I hear 150!
160 ryo!
180!
- 200 ryo!
- 201 ryo!
- I hear 201 ryo.
- 201 ryo and 2 shu.
Don't be ridiculous.
Let's hear real numbers.
250 ryo!
I hear 250 ryo!
Any other bids?
She's such a beauty.
She makes me cry.
- 280 ryo!
- I hear 280 ryo.
300 ryo!
300 ryo?
All right, I hear 300 ryo.
Anybody else? Any other bids?
Going once, going twice.
Sold!
Let's clap hands.
Congratulations.
Excuse me, sir.
Could I have my massage fee?
I'm sorry, but my fee is 23 mon.
You didn't finish, you get less!
This woman is mine! I own her!
Woman, you're coming with me now...
He's taking my woman!
She's mine!
Who the hell are you?
Here, please sit.
You narrowly escaped the clutches
of that despicable fellow.
But how did the wife of a retainer to
the shogun end up in a mistress auction?
I'm sorry. I completely forgot.
I'm no monster.
I'm just an itinerant masseur.
Were you kidnapped?
No.
You must be feeling leery,
finding out that a blind masseur
rescued you.
There's nobody here.
Let's go.
Idiots!
They won't come here again.
You're safe now.
I'm tired.
I see. Do you want to lie down?
Let me make you a bed.
Well, good night.
Something is poking
and hurting my back.
It's my wallet.
It shifted to the back.
Damn, that hurt.
Ma'am?
Even if you had become
that despicable fellow's mistress,
it might have been better for you.
You would have lived, at least.
I'm hurt! I'm hurt!
There, there.
What's wrong? Don't cry.
Good boy.
Don't cry.
All right, I'll show you how.
Watch me.
Thank you very much.
Out of my way!
Selling eggs, eh?
You can't do business here.
Why not?
You just can't.
We paid an honorarium with rice.
Do we have to pay an honorarium
for selling eggs, too?
Today, my boss is having
his name-taking ceremony.
It's a special day for my boss.
Do you understand?
Please stop. Don't do this.
Shut up!
Please stop.
Don't think you can get away with this!
This isn't a show!
You, blind man!
Take this for mocking me!
What? That's my wallet!
Give it back! Hey!
Ouch! You're hurting me.
Take me to this boss
having his name-taking ceremony.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
A gift of 20 ryo from Boss Shubusa.
Ichi, it's good of you to come.
Congratulations, sir.
- Make yourself at home and enjoy.
- Thank you.
A gift of 50 ryo from Boss Abura.
A gift of 10 ryo from Boss Zatoichi.
That must be some mistake.
My gift was one ryo.
Don't concern yourself about it.
But I do!
All of you bosses
have gambling houses.
You have many underlings as well.
When a game is held,
you get a big cut of the proceeds.
You also collect illegitimate taxes
from the peasants.
Your underlings are hard workers.
So, 10 or 20 ryo
must be nothing to you.
But I don't own a gambling house.
I can't squeeze money out of people
trying to make an honest living.
I earn what money I have
by kneading people's shoulders.
So please write down my gift
as one ryo.
Listen, Ichi.
It seems you carry a constable's hook
that makes good money for you.
But all I have are ten fingers.
Please correctly
write down my gift as one ryo.
How dare you repay my discretion
by making a scene!
I say, Ichi is your name?
There's something to be said
for living long.
That was a good point you made.
I'm humbled, Ichi.
I am called Ichi.
May I ask who you are?
This man is ‒
It's a harsh world out there
for a blind man.
Even if he acts with total sincerity,
the sighted don't treat him with respect.
He must feel rejected sometimes.
He might often refrain
from saying what he wants to say.
But you, Ichi.
You're an admirable blind man.
Why do you say that?
Wait.
Are you a blind man yourself?
A blind man suffers
many unpleasant experiences.
But you know what, Ichi?
The more unpleasant experiences
I suffer,
the more I can atone
for the sins of my ancestors.
That's what I believe.
None of us can be good
all the time during our lives.
We must all have a couple of ancestors
who've hurt somebody.
In other words, all of us owe some debt
to the world out there.
So, it's like both you and I
are paying back our debts.
I see.
That was such an enlightening story.
I feel like I'm seeing things clearly now.
“Seeing” things clearly, you say?
Treat Ichi with respect.
Yes, sir.
I'm terribly sorry
for making you wait.
My fellow bosses, I apologize.
Did you come here in a palanquin?
Yes.
I had been lying in bed
because of my illness,
and then I received a message
about this emergency meeting.
I hired an express palanquin
and hurried over here.
Condolence money.
The mistress auction you held
ended up a mess.
You didn't show up for Boss Hokuro's
name-taking ceremony.
Now I see, however,
what else can you expect
from a gravely ill and bedridden man?
As you're so frail,
I doubt you'll be with us much longer.
Take this condolence money and leave!
Hey.
Give him a respectful burial.
Well, let's begin.
At issue is what is to be done
with Zatoichi.
Make a mark on the tablet
if you're against the proposal.
Only one is against the proposal.
Therefore, it's decided
that he's to be killed.
Showdown!
Showdown!
Five and one. Even!
I won again. Thank you.
You're on a roll.
I'm winning so much at the game
commemorating your name-taking.
I hope you don't think me discourteous.
I think I'll join in.
Please do.
Begin the next round, please.
Place your bets.
- Even!
- Odd!
Place your bets.
Place your bets.
Excuse me, sir.
Place your bets.
Anybody for even?
Any more bets?
- I'm sorry.
- It's all right.
Even.
Could I place my bet with yours?
Yes.
All bets on the mat?
We have a game.
Showdown!
One and one. Even!
On! I'm so happy!
I knew it would be even.
Thank you.
I'm glad for you.
- Thanks to you.
Go on and place your bets.
I'm sorry, I'm leaving with my winnings.
Thank you.
Place your bets.
Anybody for even?
Place your bets.
Here you are.
Even!
Place your bets.
Why don't you stay a couple more days
instead of just one night?
Staying on as my guest
will greatly raise your reputation.
Thank you.
You know,
at the gambling house tonight,
there was this beautiful woman
who sat next to me ‒
Boss.
He's back again.
He says he wants to be accepted
into the clan no matter what.
That persistent kid.
When I tried to send him away,
he clung to a pillar.
These days, I can't seem
to keep out the young men
begging to join my clan
and work for me.
To wear a narrow kimono,
to twist the end of the topknot
in a stylish way,
to wear a sword
and walk with a swagger.
Young men must find it appealing.
Boss.
I beg you, it's my greatest wish.
Let me join your clan.
Make me a real man.
Make you a real man, eh?
Shut up!
Keep out of this!
Umeji, this man
is called Zatoichi.
He's a well-respected man
in our world.
I'm Umeji. Pleased to meet you.
I have girls working for me,
but I want to become a proper yakuza.
Listen to him!
Trying to get Ichi on your side
won't get you anywhere.
I'll predict whether or not
you'll become a full-fledged yakuza.
How many girls work for you?
Four.
Oh, I took in a new girl today.
So that makes five.
Ichi, what's your type?
I'll let you bed a girl you like.
Ah, we're here.
Oh, he's blind.
This is an important guest.
Here we are!
Now, let's drink!
You're very muscular.
Marvelous! That was great.
Can I have some sake?
I'd like some too.
How nice.
That's amazing.
Thank you.
That was a neat trick.
It's my treat tonight.
Drink as much as you like.
Wonderful!
Isn't there a larger cup?
Here, use this one.
Oh, that's great.
With this large cup?
Okay, that's good.
You're fantastic.
Amazing, I'm impressed.
All right, let's have fun until we drop!
Hear, hear, Mr. Masseur!
Hey, there, masseur ‒
Ichi, speak to Boss Hokuro for me.
All right.
Then raise 100 ryo tonight
and bring it to me.
100 ryo? That's impossible.
Hey! If you want to be a yakuza,
you've got to have the guts
to steal even from your parents.
All right? I'll be waiting for you
in the guest room.
Hey, there, masseur
Where are you going?
Ichi.
Wake up, Ichi.
What's the matter?
I stole the money.
Here's 100 ryo.
You stole it?
Give me the rope over there.
This one?
What are you doing?
They chime pleasantly.
A treat to my ears.
What's going on?
It's a charm to test
if you'll become a real man or not.
Go to bed now.
Tell me, did you sleep well?
You couldn't, right?
That's good.
If the sound of gold coins
doesn't keep you up all night,
then you're beyond saving.
Take the money back to your father.
Become a man who can walk
with his head held high.
The women at the bathhouse
are young and pretty.
The women at the bathhouse
are young and pretty.
The young woman who sat next to me
at the gambling house ‒
Oh, the women will go
into the bath with you.
It's a very enjoyable bathhouse.
The floor is slippery. Be careful.
I will.
Welcome. Thank you.
- Even!
- Odd!
Could I place my bet with yours?
Thank you.
Ichi.
I had a nice bath.
Well, have a seat.
Could I have a cup of tea?
Bring his tea quickly!
I heard you were attacked,
so I was on my way with my men
to bring you back safely.
Drop your swords!
Oh, no.
I'm sorry.
You shall be killed at my hands only.
Zatoichi is simply a nuisance.
He's like a tiny stone
hidden in the rice.
Boss Men has gathered fellows
who are good with swords.
It's better to use somebody
who has no skill with the sword
or in killing people.
Those of us who are blind
are starved for affection.
Love will be a better weapon
than the sword
to kill a blind man.
Why don't you put her to use?
Sir?
I will.
Who is it?
I won at a game the other day,
thanks to you.
Oh! It's you.
My, I'm pleased
that you remember me.
I'd like to thank you in some way.
Will you come with me?
Yes.
Welcome.
Thank you. Please come again.
- Please enjoy.
- Thank you.
Have some sake.
That's great. Thank you.
But ma'am, you are ‒
Call me Okiyo.
Okiyo?
That's a pretty name, Okiyo.
You must be wondering
why I'm traveling by myself.
Well, yes. Why is that?
If you must know,
I don't like gambling, in truth.
I hate yakuza.
Oh, I see.
I hate men.
Well, even if you hate men,
men won't leave you alone, I'm sure.
But you know, Ichi.
Yes?
I guess it's not going to be easy
to make you like me.
But it is.
But no matter how well I dress
or make myself up, you can't see it.
I can sense a beautiful woman
right away.
By her scent.
Oh, this?
Ah, it smells good.
Your cup is empty, isn't it?
Okiyo, you're a kind woman.
Oh, no. I'm sorry.
I spilled sake on your kimono.
Forgive me.
Wait!
Sorry.
Excuse me, could we have our bill?
How much is it?
- I'll bring the change.
- Keep it.
Thank you.
Let me tie your sandal straps.
- Please come again.
- Thanks.
Come with me.
Please give me a moment.
I remember you.
Why do you want to kill me?
For this.
Chrysanthemum?
She used to love chrysanthemums.
You slept with my wife, didn't you?
No, I never did.
But even if I deny it,
as I am a man after all,
you won't believe me.
But if ll were to admit
to sleeping with your wife...
It doesn't matter who does the job,
as long as Zatoichi is killed.
My task is to see it through.
I killed all the other men.
You are the last man.
The last man?
When I kill you,
my wish will be accomplished!
Go.
Am I cleared of the crime?
You give me
my only purpose to live.
If I kill you now ‒
You'll have nothing to live for.
I will kill you someday.
Thank you. Take care.
Hello. Isn't it a nice day?
Yes, indeed, it's a nice day.
Why, it's you!
What have you been doing?
Where do you go every day?
You don't work and wander about.
- A man has a man's business to do.
- What business?
Why don't you work like a man?
- Listen, darling.
- Don't call me that!
Show me your behind
like you always do.
- Stop it.
- Come on.
Sweet-talking me now?
What an idiot.
I can't believe you fell for it.
Go to hell!
Go to hell yourself!
Stupid woman.
- You kicked me!
You started it.
What are you doing?
What am I doing?
I'm kicking you out!
That'll teach you.
Don't you get sassy with me, woman!
Now I'm really mad!
- You gonna fight me?
- Damn right!
I won't stand being insulted!
You think I don't know
you're fooling around?
What are you going on about?
Get off me!
You bastard!
I'm gonna Kill you today, for sure!
You're crazy!
You can't get away from me!
Stop running, coward!
You dare look down on me, I'll kill you!
Could I have a cup of tea?
He's a customer.
- Oh, my.
- Pull yourself together. Wait on him.
I'm awfully sorry.
Hey! What do you think you're doing?
Do you have to flirt
with every woman you see?
Don't be so jealous!
- Why shouldn't I be?
- Don't hit me.
Oh, that felt good.
You're a pervert.
Serve them tea.
This way, please.
Bring their tea quickly!
Thank you for waiting,
here's your tea.
Thanks.
Hey, masseur.
Do you know a Zatoichi?
I'm Zatoichi.
I've finally found you!
I've been up and down every main road
looking for you.
I have an express message for you.
Oh, I see.
I've delivered it now, all right?
Thank you.
Okiyo, could you read it for me?
All right.
I'm afraid I can't read this letter, Ichi.
I see, it's not surprising that you can't.
Is it from a woman?
So there's a woman in your life?
No, the letter isn't from a woman.
It's from a man
who's regarded almost like a god
among the people in my trade.
One of these days,
I hope to see this man ‒
Rather,
I hope to hear his voice in person.
There's going to be a grand gathering
that's held once a year, so this is ‒
An invitation to the gathering?
Yes.
Are you going?
Well...
Thank you.
I'm a blind bird without destination.
I'll go and see if I get lucky.
Thanks for the tea.
Thank you very much.
Take care.
The air is nice and cool, isn't it?
What's the matter?
Oh, no. This isn't good.
Let me ‒
It's best to lick on a wound.
Give me your foot.
Does this hurt?
All right now.
Can you walk?
Ichi, let me borrow your cane.
Ichi!
- Okiyo!
Okiyo! Are you all right?
Okiyo!
Ichi!
Ichi!
Ichi, hang in there!
Thank you.
Take this.
Take this.
For me?
I'm so sorry.
Are you all right?
Good-bye.
Don't go.
Don't go to see the man
who sent you the letter.
Okiyo!
Okiyo?
- We have rooms available.
- Our bath is ready.
After I saw you last,
my parents disowned me.
I didn't become a real man.
My girls deserted me.
It's all your fault.
I beg you.
Make me your henchman.
Make me a real man.
Don't be so down
just because a woman left you.
Seven women deserted me.
Ichi, I heard you're being pursued
by all sorts of men.
If you have me with you,
you can relax when you go to sleep.
I love you.
Hold me.
Hold you?
That's right.
And then what?
I feel lonely.
But I don't.
What are you doing?
Come on.
If I kill you,
I can become a real man!
Boss Hokuro said he'd give me some turf
and make me a real man if I killed you.
Fool!
You know what a real man is?
A man who can walk
with his head held high!
Make yourself scarce quickly,
or your head
will come off your shoulders.
You're reborn now.
Become a real man in the true sense.
All right?
Understand? Then go.
I'm a man, I can't leave like this.
You can't?
Then what will it take
to make you leave?
Let me hit you.
Let me hit you!
You'll really go home? For sure?
I'm a man.
I don't go back on my words
once I utter them.
All right, then.
There's nobody around, is there?
Nobody's around.
No need to flinch.
I haven't hit you yet.
So long.
Ichi!
So long.
So long.
- Okiyo is back?
- Yes.
Is something wrong?
Just the other day,
when I visited him unannounced,
he stepped down in his tabi socks
to the dirt floor
and washed my feet.
Oh, who did this?
Migi did.
Boss Migi did?
In his tabi socks?
It seems Migi has learned
how to be humble.
I think he'll do all right
making a living in our business.
No, I still have a lot to learn.
By the way,
when tomorrow's
grand gathering is over,
I'm planning to retire.
What do you think?
Retire, sir?
I will pass my entire turf
over to my successor.
You can't be serious.
Your vast turf stretches
over the eight provinces of Kanto.
Nobody but you can preside over it.
Is that right?
Yes.
That is the honest truth.
You can do it.
I can't possibly fill your shoes.
I name you as my successor.
I can trust you.
Are you saying this in all truthfulness?
I will make the announcement
at tomorrow's grand gathering.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you, sir.
I have longed to be blessed
with this honor.
I've worked very hard
so that this day might come.
Once I succeed the boss, I will oversee
our interests with renewed devotion
and follow the proper way of the yakuza.
I entreat you
for your continued support.
Congratulations.
The “proper way” of the yakuza, eh?
Congratulations, sir.
Congratulations, sir.
Boss.
Okiyo, is that you?
Good to see you back.
I've decided to make your father
my successor.
Thank you, sir.
Did you take care of Zatoichi
as you were told?
I'm asking you
what became of Zatoichi.
Ichi has no intention
of going against you.
And he does no harm to others
unless he's provoked.
He was pleased when he received
your invitation, so please ‒
Boss.
Please spare Ichi's life.
I beg you.
I see.
Ichi gave you this lily, en?
Did my sister come back?
Men, what brings you here?
The Big Boss
is throwing a party in your honor
since you will be succeeding him.
Let's go.
Welcome, sir.
Thank you for the invitation.
You spotted him?
No grand gathering before today
or in the future could boast
of being attended by so many bosses
from all over the country.
Indeed, it could only be realized
by the power the Big Boss enjoys.
I'm just a blind man.
I am simply a blind man
who holds no power.
We still have some time
before the games
of the grand gathering begin.
Please feel free to enjoy yourselves
with food and sake until then.
Thank you for your courteous address.
We respectfully accept your kind offer.
A one-on-one game
between you and me?
Is that the entertainment for tonight?
I want you to wager your life.
I must wager something in return.
How about this?
I accept the challenge.
Is Okiyo your ‒
Odd.
- Showdown!
Will you make the call?
Ichi.
There is no way for you to win
this challenge.
My esteemed guests,
the highlight of tonight's entertainment
will start now.
Do enjoy it thoroughly.
Look! Look!
Everybody, take a good look!
Well?
How did it go?
How burned is he?
Big Boss!
Everybody,
it would seem the real entertainment
is about to begin now.
What are you all waiting for?
Finish him off!
Ichi!
Show yourself or innocent lives
will be lost because of you!
Ichi! Please show yourself!
She's alive.
Ichi!
Ichi, I beg you! Help!
Show yourself!
Big Boss, I will kill Ichi!
Let me borrow your sword!
Father!
We yakuza are outlaws
who walk the back roads of society.
But instead,
you arrogantly ride in a palanquin
in the middle of the main roads,
and force people who make
an honest living to kneel down to you.
And you kill innocent people
as if they were vermin.
Do you call that making atonement
for your ancestors' sins?
A man like you
shouldn't be allowed to live.
On behalf of the sun god,
I will punish you.
Ichi, hear Okiyo die
with a beautiful cry of agony.
Stop!
Good.
Walk straight ahead towards me.
That's right.
Walk slowly toward me.
I like to take my time
with my pleasures.
You're just a common, blind fool, after all!
What happened?
To me?
Did something happen to me?
It's quiet.
Why is it so quiet?
Zatoichi is mine to kill.
Don't kill Ichi!
Thanks to you,
I escaped my death earlier.
You're still determined to kill me?
I hold my grudges
to the end!
You loved your wife very deeply
to the end.
To love.
To hate.
It wouldn't be good to love her.
Ichi.
I am now ‒
You hate me.
Hate you?
That would imply I was in love with you.
Don't flatter yourself.
Ichi, you're all that's left to me now.
Take me with you.
A sighted woman
can't fool a blind man.
Ichi.
Hey, masseur!
Have a ride on my horse!
It's all right.
I'm on my way back.
I'll give you a discount.
Have a ride.
It's all right.
It's all right.
Shit. “It's all right,” he says.
What's all right, huh??
It is all right.
It's all right this way.
THE END
A DAIEI CO. LTD. PRODUCTION
A KATSU PRODUCTIONS FILM
ZATOICHI GOES TO THE FIRE FESTIVAL
Produced by SHINTARO KATSU
Original Story by KAN SHIMOZAWA
Screenplay by SHINTARO KATSU
TAKAYUKI YAMADA
Cinematography by
KAZUO MIYAGAWA
Art Direction by
YOSHINOBU NISHIOKA
Original Music by
ISAO TOMITA
Edited by
TOSHIO TANIGUCHI
Starring:
SHINTARO KATSU
REIKO OHARA, PETER
KAZUKO YOSHIYUKI
KO NISHIMURA, RYUNOSUKE KANEDA
KUNIE TANAKA
OSAMI NABE, JUN NAGASAWA
TOSHIE SHOJI, REIJI SHOJI
MASAYUKI MORI
TATSUYA NAKADAI
Directed by KENJI MISUMI
Excuse me, who's the daimyo
making the procession?
In the first half of the 1800s,
one powerful yakuza boss
built a massive organization
by methodically seizing control
over other yakuza bosses
in the eight provinces of Kanto.
Under the pretext of “honorariums,”
the organization collected
what amounted to illegitimate taxes
from peasants, townspeople
and merchants.
In addition, the boss received
as premium payments
a percentage of the house cut
from all gambling houses in the region.
Thus, an enormous amount of money
flowed into his coffers.
People called this powerful boss
Yamikubo,
in other words,
the shogun of the underworld.
I will pay the honorarium.
Please have mercy!
I beg of you.
Please! I beg you!
You came all the way from Edo?
No matter how unique she is,
a man tires of the same mistress
after a couple of years.
I came to sell the old one
and get a new one.
Ah, my mistress is up on the block now.
This beauty grew up amidst tea houses
in Ryogoku, Edo.
Untying her sash
will make your hands tremble.
Her snow-white skin
is pleasing to the eye.
Now, see this.
There!
What do you say?
Hand in hand, you lie with her,
and the tattoo will shudder and heave
as she climaxes.
At the touch of your skin on her skin,
the goldfish tattoo will twitch into life.
Take a good look
and feast your eyes on her.
Yes. It's my first time seeing
a mistress auction.
Your first time “seeing” it, eh?
I hear 50 ryo!
Do I hear any other bids?
- 60 ryo!
- I hear 60 ryo!
Any other bids?
Sold for 60 ryo!
She fetched only 60 ryo.
Did you lose money on her?
Since at least 10 ryo
will be deducted for fees.
Don't just sit there
with your finger in your mouth.
Have this beauty suck on it
for a change.
Her dedication will impress you.
She pulled out all her teeth
to become better at “sucking.”
They're all hussies.
Oh, there's a beautiful woman.
She has a nice figure
and glowing skin.
A real beauty.
For this beauty,
I'm keeping my mouth shut.
In the year 1185 ‒
You can see, masseur?
...and warships of the Heike
numbering in the hundreds
were facing off
along the coast of Yashima.
The feat of Yoichi the archer is famed
in the military epic Genpei Josuiki,
yet even the arrowhead
of the deadly arrow he held
would not have gleamed
as coldly as these eyes of hers.
I won't say any more.
I will add one more thing, however.
She was formerly the proper wife
of a retainer to the shogun.
Now, let's hear your bids!
- 50 ryo.
- Are you joking?
We're not selling her that low.
The bidding starts at 100 ryo!
- 150 ryo!
- I hear 150!
160 ryo!
180!
- 200 ryo!
- 201 ryo!
- I hear 201 ryo.
- 201 ryo and 2 shu.
Don't be ridiculous.
Let's hear real numbers.
250 ryo!
I hear 250 ryo!
Any other bids?
She's such a beauty.
She makes me cry.
- 280 ryo!
- I hear 280 ryo.
300 ryo!
300 ryo?
All right, I hear 300 ryo.
Anybody else? Any other bids?
Going once, going twice.
Sold!
Let's clap hands.
Congratulations.
Excuse me, sir.
Could I have my massage fee?
I'm sorry, but my fee is 23 mon.
You didn't finish, you get less!
This woman is mine! I own her!
Woman, you're coming with me now...
He's taking my woman!
She's mine!
Who the hell are you?
Here, please sit.
You narrowly escaped the clutches
of that despicable fellow.
But how did the wife of a retainer to
the shogun end up in a mistress auction?
I'm sorry. I completely forgot.
I'm no monster.
I'm just an itinerant masseur.
Were you kidnapped?
No.
You must be feeling leery,
finding out that a blind masseur
rescued you.
There's nobody here.
Let's go.
Idiots!
They won't come here again.
You're safe now.
I'm tired.
I see. Do you want to lie down?
Let me make you a bed.
Well, good night.
Something is poking
and hurting my back.
It's my wallet.
It shifted to the back.
Damn, that hurt.
Ma'am?
Even if you had become
that despicable fellow's mistress,
it might have been better for you.
You would have lived, at least.
I'm hurt! I'm hurt!
There, there.
What's wrong? Don't cry.
Good boy.
Don't cry.
All right, I'll show you how.
Watch me.
Thank you very much.
Out of my way!
Selling eggs, eh?
You can't do business here.
Why not?
You just can't.
We paid an honorarium with rice.
Do we have to pay an honorarium
for selling eggs, too?
Today, my boss is having
his name-taking ceremony.
It's a special day for my boss.
Do you understand?
Please stop. Don't do this.
Shut up!
Please stop.
Don't think you can get away with this!
This isn't a show!
You, blind man!
Take this for mocking me!
What? That's my wallet!
Give it back! Hey!
Ouch! You're hurting me.
Take me to this boss
having his name-taking ceremony.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
A gift of 20 ryo from Boss Shubusa.
Ichi, it's good of you to come.
Congratulations, sir.
- Make yourself at home and enjoy.
- Thank you.
A gift of 50 ryo from Boss Abura.
A gift of 10 ryo from Boss Zatoichi.
That must be some mistake.
My gift was one ryo.
Don't concern yourself about it.
But I do!
All of you bosses
have gambling houses.
You have many underlings as well.
When a game is held,
you get a big cut of the proceeds.
You also collect illegitimate taxes
from the peasants.
Your underlings are hard workers.
So, 10 or 20 ryo
must be nothing to you.
But I don't own a gambling house.
I can't squeeze money out of people
trying to make an honest living.
I earn what money I have
by kneading people's shoulders.
So please write down my gift
as one ryo.
Listen, Ichi.
It seems you carry a constable's hook
that makes good money for you.
But all I have are ten fingers.
Please correctly
write down my gift as one ryo.
How dare you repay my discretion
by making a scene!
I say, Ichi is your name?
There's something to be said
for living long.
That was a good point you made.
I'm humbled, Ichi.
I am called Ichi.
May I ask who you are?
This man is ‒
It's a harsh world out there
for a blind man.
Even if he acts with total sincerity,
the sighted don't treat him with respect.
He must feel rejected sometimes.
He might often refrain
from saying what he wants to say.
But you, Ichi.
You're an admirable blind man.
Why do you say that?
Wait.
Are you a blind man yourself?
A blind man suffers
many unpleasant experiences.
But you know what, Ichi?
The more unpleasant experiences
I suffer,
the more I can atone
for the sins of my ancestors.
That's what I believe.
None of us can be good
all the time during our lives.
We must all have a couple of ancestors
who've hurt somebody.
In other words, all of us owe some debt
to the world out there.
So, it's like both you and I
are paying back our debts.
I see.
That was such an enlightening story.
I feel like I'm seeing things clearly now.
“Seeing” things clearly, you say?
Treat Ichi with respect.
Yes, sir.
I'm terribly sorry
for making you wait.
My fellow bosses, I apologize.
Did you come here in a palanquin?
Yes.
I had been lying in bed
because of my illness,
and then I received a message
about this emergency meeting.
I hired an express palanquin
and hurried over here.
Condolence money.
The mistress auction you held
ended up a mess.
You didn't show up for Boss Hokuro's
name-taking ceremony.
Now I see, however,
what else can you expect
from a gravely ill and bedridden man?
As you're so frail,
I doubt you'll be with us much longer.
Take this condolence money and leave!
Hey.
Give him a respectful burial.
Well, let's begin.
At issue is what is to be done
with Zatoichi.
Make a mark on the tablet
if you're against the proposal.
Only one is against the proposal.
Therefore, it's decided
that he's to be killed.
Showdown!
Showdown!
Five and one. Even!
I won again. Thank you.
You're on a roll.
I'm winning so much at the game
commemorating your name-taking.
I hope you don't think me discourteous.
I think I'll join in.
Please do.
Begin the next round, please.
Place your bets.
- Even!
- Odd!
Place your bets.
Place your bets.
Excuse me, sir.
Place your bets.
Anybody for even?
Any more bets?
- I'm sorry.
- It's all right.
Even.
Could I place my bet with yours?
Yes.
All bets on the mat?
We have a game.
Showdown!
One and one. Even!
On! I'm so happy!
I knew it would be even.
Thank you.
I'm glad for you.
- Thanks to you.
Go on and place your bets.
I'm sorry, I'm leaving with my winnings.
Thank you.
Place your bets.
Anybody for even?
Place your bets.
Here you are.
Even!
Place your bets.
Why don't you stay a couple more days
instead of just one night?
Staying on as my guest
will greatly raise your reputation.
Thank you.
You know,
at the gambling house tonight,
there was this beautiful woman
who sat next to me ‒
Boss.
He's back again.
He says he wants to be accepted
into the clan no matter what.
That persistent kid.
When I tried to send him away,
he clung to a pillar.
These days, I can't seem
to keep out the young men
begging to join my clan
and work for me.
To wear a narrow kimono,
to twist the end of the topknot
in a stylish way,
to wear a sword
and walk with a swagger.
Young men must find it appealing.
Boss.
I beg you, it's my greatest wish.
Let me join your clan.
Make me a real man.
Make you a real man, eh?
Shut up!
Keep out of this!
Umeji, this man
is called Zatoichi.
He's a well-respected man
in our world.
I'm Umeji. Pleased to meet you.
I have girls working for me,
but I want to become a proper yakuza.
Listen to him!
Trying to get Ichi on your side
won't get you anywhere.
I'll predict whether or not
you'll become a full-fledged yakuza.
How many girls work for you?
Four.
Oh, I took in a new girl today.
So that makes five.
Ichi, what's your type?
I'll let you bed a girl you like.
Ah, we're here.
Oh, he's blind.
This is an important guest.
Here we are!
Now, let's drink!
You're very muscular.
Marvelous! That was great.
Can I have some sake?
I'd like some too.
How nice.
That's amazing.
Thank you.
That was a neat trick.
It's my treat tonight.
Drink as much as you like.
Wonderful!
Isn't there a larger cup?
Here, use this one.
Oh, that's great.
With this large cup?
Okay, that's good.
You're fantastic.
Amazing, I'm impressed.
All right, let's have fun until we drop!
Hear, hear, Mr. Masseur!
Hey, there, masseur ‒
Ichi, speak to Boss Hokuro for me.
All right.
Then raise 100 ryo tonight
and bring it to me.
100 ryo? That's impossible.
Hey! If you want to be a yakuza,
you've got to have the guts
to steal even from your parents.
All right? I'll be waiting for you
in the guest room.
Hey, there, masseur
Where are you going?
Ichi.
Wake up, Ichi.
What's the matter?
I stole the money.
Here's 100 ryo.
You stole it?
Give me the rope over there.
This one?
What are you doing?
They chime pleasantly.
A treat to my ears.
What's going on?
It's a charm to test
if you'll become a real man or not.
Go to bed now.
Tell me, did you sleep well?
You couldn't, right?
That's good.
If the sound of gold coins
doesn't keep you up all night,
then you're beyond saving.
Take the money back to your father.
Become a man who can walk
with his head held high.
The women at the bathhouse
are young and pretty.
The women at the bathhouse
are young and pretty.
The young woman who sat next to me
at the gambling house ‒
Oh, the women will go
into the bath with you.
It's a very enjoyable bathhouse.
The floor is slippery. Be careful.
I will.
Welcome. Thank you.
- Even!
- Odd!
Could I place my bet with yours?
Thank you.
Ichi.
I had a nice bath.
Well, have a seat.
Could I have a cup of tea?
Bring his tea quickly!
I heard you were attacked,
so I was on my way with my men
to bring you back safely.
Drop your swords!
Oh, no.
I'm sorry.
You shall be killed at my hands only.
Zatoichi is simply a nuisance.
He's like a tiny stone
hidden in the rice.
Boss Men has gathered fellows
who are good with swords.
It's better to use somebody
who has no skill with the sword
or in killing people.
Those of us who are blind
are starved for affection.
Love will be a better weapon
than the sword
to kill a blind man.
Why don't you put her to use?
Sir?
I will.
Who is it?
I won at a game the other day,
thanks to you.
Oh! It's you.
My, I'm pleased
that you remember me.
I'd like to thank you in some way.
Will you come with me?
Yes.
Welcome.
Thank you. Please come again.
- Please enjoy.
- Thank you.
Have some sake.
That's great. Thank you.
But ma'am, you are ‒
Call me Okiyo.
Okiyo?
That's a pretty name, Okiyo.
You must be wondering
why I'm traveling by myself.
Well, yes. Why is that?
If you must know,
I don't like gambling, in truth.
I hate yakuza.
Oh, I see.
I hate men.
Well, even if you hate men,
men won't leave you alone, I'm sure.
But you know, Ichi.
Yes?
I guess it's not going to be easy
to make you like me.
But it is.
But no matter how well I dress
or make myself up, you can't see it.
I can sense a beautiful woman
right away.
By her scent.
Oh, this?
Ah, it smells good.
Your cup is empty, isn't it?
Okiyo, you're a kind woman.
Oh, no. I'm sorry.
I spilled sake on your kimono.
Forgive me.
Wait!
Sorry.
Excuse me, could we have our bill?
How much is it?
- I'll bring the change.
- Keep it.
Thank you.
Let me tie your sandal straps.
- Please come again.
- Thanks.
Come with me.
Please give me a moment.
I remember you.
Why do you want to kill me?
For this.
Chrysanthemum?
She used to love chrysanthemums.
You slept with my wife, didn't you?
No, I never did.
But even if I deny it,
as I am a man after all,
you won't believe me.
But if ll were to admit
to sleeping with your wife...
It doesn't matter who does the job,
as long as Zatoichi is killed.
My task is to see it through.
I killed all the other men.
You are the last man.
The last man?
When I kill you,
my wish will be accomplished!
Go.
Am I cleared of the crime?
You give me
my only purpose to live.
If I kill you now ‒
You'll have nothing to live for.
I will kill you someday.
Thank you. Take care.
Hello. Isn't it a nice day?
Yes, indeed, it's a nice day.
Why, it's you!
What have you been doing?
Where do you go every day?
You don't work and wander about.
- A man has a man's business to do.
- What business?
Why don't you work like a man?
- Listen, darling.
- Don't call me that!
Show me your behind
like you always do.
- Stop it.
- Come on.
Sweet-talking me now?
What an idiot.
I can't believe you fell for it.
Go to hell!
Go to hell yourself!
Stupid woman.
- You kicked me!
You started it.
What are you doing?
What am I doing?
I'm kicking you out!
That'll teach you.
Don't you get sassy with me, woman!
Now I'm really mad!
- You gonna fight me?
- Damn right!
I won't stand being insulted!
You think I don't know
you're fooling around?
What are you going on about?
Get off me!
You bastard!
I'm gonna Kill you today, for sure!
You're crazy!
You can't get away from me!
Stop running, coward!
You dare look down on me, I'll kill you!
Could I have a cup of tea?
He's a customer.
- Oh, my.
- Pull yourself together. Wait on him.
I'm awfully sorry.
Hey! What do you think you're doing?
Do you have to flirt
with every woman you see?
Don't be so jealous!
- Why shouldn't I be?
- Don't hit me.
Oh, that felt good.
You're a pervert.
Serve them tea.
This way, please.
Bring their tea quickly!
Thank you for waiting,
here's your tea.
Thanks.
Hey, masseur.
Do you know a Zatoichi?
I'm Zatoichi.
I've finally found you!
I've been up and down every main road
looking for you.
I have an express message for you.
Oh, I see.
I've delivered it now, all right?
Thank you.
Okiyo, could you read it for me?
All right.
I'm afraid I can't read this letter, Ichi.
I see, it's not surprising that you can't.
Is it from a woman?
So there's a woman in your life?
No, the letter isn't from a woman.
It's from a man
who's regarded almost like a god
among the people in my trade.
One of these days,
I hope to see this man ‒
Rather,
I hope to hear his voice in person.
There's going to be a grand gathering
that's held once a year, so this is ‒
An invitation to the gathering?
Yes.
Are you going?
Well...
Thank you.
I'm a blind bird without destination.
I'll go and see if I get lucky.
Thanks for the tea.
Thank you very much.
Take care.
The air is nice and cool, isn't it?
What's the matter?
Oh, no. This isn't good.
Let me ‒
It's best to lick on a wound.
Give me your foot.
Does this hurt?
All right now.
Can you walk?
Ichi, let me borrow your cane.
Ichi!
- Okiyo!
Okiyo! Are you all right?
Okiyo!
Ichi!
Ichi!
Ichi, hang in there!
Thank you.
Take this.
Take this.
For me?
I'm so sorry.
Are you all right?
Good-bye.
Don't go.
Don't go to see the man
who sent you the letter.
Okiyo!
Okiyo?
- We have rooms available.
- Our bath is ready.
After I saw you last,
my parents disowned me.
I didn't become a real man.
My girls deserted me.
It's all your fault.
I beg you.
Make me your henchman.
Make me a real man.
Don't be so down
just because a woman left you.
Seven women deserted me.
Ichi, I heard you're being pursued
by all sorts of men.
If you have me with you,
you can relax when you go to sleep.
I love you.
Hold me.
Hold you?
That's right.
And then what?
I feel lonely.
But I don't.
What are you doing?
Come on.
If I kill you,
I can become a real man!
Boss Hokuro said he'd give me some turf
and make me a real man if I killed you.
Fool!
You know what a real man is?
A man who can walk
with his head held high!
Make yourself scarce quickly,
or your head
will come off your shoulders.
You're reborn now.
Become a real man in the true sense.
All right?
Understand? Then go.
I'm a man, I can't leave like this.
You can't?
Then what will it take
to make you leave?
Let me hit you.
Let me hit you!
You'll really go home? For sure?
I'm a man.
I don't go back on my words
once I utter them.
All right, then.
There's nobody around, is there?
Nobody's around.
No need to flinch.
I haven't hit you yet.
So long.
Ichi!
So long.
So long.
- Okiyo is back?
- Yes.
Is something wrong?
Just the other day,
when I visited him unannounced,
he stepped down in his tabi socks
to the dirt floor
and washed my feet.
Oh, who did this?
Migi did.
Boss Migi did?
In his tabi socks?
It seems Migi has learned
how to be humble.
I think he'll do all right
making a living in our business.
No, I still have a lot to learn.
By the way,
when tomorrow's
grand gathering is over,
I'm planning to retire.
What do you think?
Retire, sir?
I will pass my entire turf
over to my successor.
You can't be serious.
Your vast turf stretches
over the eight provinces of Kanto.
Nobody but you can preside over it.
Is that right?
Yes.
That is the honest truth.
You can do it.
I can't possibly fill your shoes.
I name you as my successor.
I can trust you.
Are you saying this in all truthfulness?
I will make the announcement
at tomorrow's grand gathering.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you, sir.
I have longed to be blessed
with this honor.
I've worked very hard
so that this day might come.
Once I succeed the boss, I will oversee
our interests with renewed devotion
and follow the proper way of the yakuza.
I entreat you
for your continued support.
Congratulations.
The “proper way” of the yakuza, eh?
Congratulations, sir.
Congratulations, sir.
Boss.
Okiyo, is that you?
Good to see you back.
I've decided to make your father
my successor.
Thank you, sir.
Did you take care of Zatoichi
as you were told?
I'm asking you
what became of Zatoichi.
Ichi has no intention
of going against you.
And he does no harm to others
unless he's provoked.
He was pleased when he received
your invitation, so please ‒
Boss.
Please spare Ichi's life.
I beg you.
I see.
Ichi gave you this lily, en?
Did my sister come back?
Men, what brings you here?
The Big Boss
is throwing a party in your honor
since you will be succeeding him.
Let's go.
Welcome, sir.
Thank you for the invitation.
You spotted him?
No grand gathering before today
or in the future could boast
of being attended by so many bosses
from all over the country.
Indeed, it could only be realized
by the power the Big Boss enjoys.
I'm just a blind man.
I am simply a blind man
who holds no power.
We still have some time
before the games
of the grand gathering begin.
Please feel free to enjoy yourselves
with food and sake until then.
Thank you for your courteous address.
We respectfully accept your kind offer.
A one-on-one game
between you and me?
Is that the entertainment for tonight?
I want you to wager your life.
I must wager something in return.
How about this?
I accept the challenge.
Is Okiyo your ‒
Odd.
- Showdown!
Will you make the call?
Ichi.
There is no way for you to win
this challenge.
My esteemed guests,
the highlight of tonight's entertainment
will start now.
Do enjoy it thoroughly.
Look! Look!
Everybody, take a good look!
Well?
How did it go?
How burned is he?
Big Boss!
Everybody,
it would seem the real entertainment
is about to begin now.
What are you all waiting for?
Finish him off!
Ichi!
Show yourself or innocent lives
will be lost because of you!
Ichi! Please show yourself!
She's alive.
Ichi!
Ichi, I beg you! Help!
Show yourself!
Big Boss, I will kill Ichi!
Let me borrow your sword!
Father!
We yakuza are outlaws
who walk the back roads of society.
But instead,
you arrogantly ride in a palanquin
in the middle of the main roads,
and force people who make
an honest living to kneel down to you.
And you kill innocent people
as if they were vermin.
Do you call that making atonement
for your ancestors' sins?
A man like you
shouldn't be allowed to live.
On behalf of the sun god,
I will punish you.
Ichi, hear Okiyo die
with a beautiful cry of agony.
Stop!
Good.
Walk straight ahead towards me.
That's right.
Walk slowly toward me.
I like to take my time
with my pleasures.
You're just a common, blind fool, after all!
What happened?
To me?
Did something happen to me?
It's quiet.
Why is it so quiet?
Zatoichi is mine to kill.
Don't kill Ichi!
Thanks to you,
I escaped my death earlier.
You're still determined to kill me?
I hold my grudges
to the end!
You loved your wife very deeply
to the end.
To love.
To hate.
It wouldn't be good to love her.
Ichi.
I am now ‒
You hate me.
Hate you?
That would imply I was in love with you.
Don't flatter yourself.
Ichi, you're all that's left to me now.
Take me with you.
A sighted woman
can't fool a blind man.
Ichi.
Hey, masseur!
Have a ride on my horse!
It's all right.
I'm on my way back.
I'll give you a discount.
Have a ride.
It's all right.
It's all right.
Shit. “It's all right,” he says.
What's all right, huh??
It is all right.
It's all right this way.
THE END