Twenty-Four Eyes (1954)

1. 1954 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

2. "MASTERPIECE APPRECIATION SERIES"

3. Produced by RYOTARO KUWATA Based on the Novel by SAKAE TSUBOI

4. Director of Photography

5. Production Design KIMIHIKO NAKAMURA Sound Recording HISAO ONO

6. Lighting RYOZO TOYOSHIMA Music CHUJI KINOSHITA

7. Set Design KAKUZO SASU Set Decoration USHITARO SHIMADA

8. Edited by

9. Starring

10. Children in First Grade HIDEKI GOKO, ITSUO WATANABE

11. TAKERO TERASHITA, KUNIO SATO, YUKO ISHII YASUYO KOIKE, SETSUKO KUSANO

12. KAORU KASE, YUMIKO TANABE IKUKO KAMBARA, HIROKO UEHARA

13. Children in Upper Class HITOSHI GOKO, SHIRO WATANABE

14. TAKEAKI TERASHITA, TAKESHI SATO SHISAKO ISHII, AKIKO KOIKE

15. KAYOKO KASE, NAHOKO TANABE TOYOKO OZU, MASAKO UEHARA

16. TOSHIKO KOBAYASHI, KUNIKO IGAWA

17. CHISHU RYU as the Gentleman Teacher

18. SHIZUE NATSUKAWA, KUMEKO URABE NIJIKO KIYOKAWA, CHIEKO NANIWA

19. USHIO AKASHI, HIDEYO AMAMOTO

20. TOKUJI KOBAYASHI, TOYOKO TAKAHASHI, TOYOKO SHINOHARA

21. MAYUMI MINAMI, KIMIYO OTSUKA TAZUKO KUSAKA, KAZUKO MOTOHASHI

22. REI MIURA, YASUKUNI TOIDA

23. NAOTORA KINOSHITA, KEIKO GOKO

24. as Miss Oishi

25. Written for the Screen and Directed by

26. OF JAPAN'S INLAND SEA,

27. THE SECOND LARGEST, AFTER AWAJI,

28. IS SHODOSHIMA.

29. AS "AN ERA,"

30. TWO ERAS AGO.

31. FOR THE FIRST FOUR YEARS.

32. AND ABOVE,

33. TO THE MAIN SCHOOL.

34. The hammer rings out without pause

35. APRIL 4, 1928 Sparks fly and boiling water splashes

36. The wind from the bellows blows without end

37. The village blacksmith is hard at work

38. He's known by all as a stubborn old fellow

39. Early to bed, early to rise, and never sick a single day

40. He's proud of his arm, stronger than iron

41. Though his spirit is strongest of all

42. His labors earn him great rewards and he's far from poor

43. The blacksmith is famous and his business is thriving

44. Teacher!

45. Are you leaving now?

46. I said farewell to the cape. Now I'll say farewell to you.

47. I just said my good-byes at the boarding house.

48. You're moving on to the main school now.

49. Study hard!

50. What's the new teacher like?

51. She's very nice.

52. - A country bumpkin? - Not at all. She's a fine teacher.

53. But she's just a beginner?

54. Every teacher was a beginner once.

55. You plan to make her cry like you did me?

56. You'd better not. My daughter will be in her class.

57. - What's her name? - Miss Oishi.

58. "Big Stone"? Then she's very tall.

59. Names don't always fit.

60. Mine means "Little Grove," yet I'm quite tall.

61. Miss "Big Stone" is shorter than me - only up to my shoulder.

62. Then she's a pebble. Miss Pebble!

63. But she won't cry like I did.

64. I told her, "You might see children

65. on their way to the main school.

66. If they tease you, just pretend they're monkeys.

67. And if they're mean, pretend they're squawking birds."

68. Monkeys and birds, get flying! You're late for school.

69. Ding-a-ling!

70. Ding-a-ling man!

71. Good-bye! Be well!

72. Be a good wife!

73. Good morning.

74. - She looks tough! - A woman riding a bike!

75. Good morning.

76. She's tough! A "modern girl"!

77. Good morning.

78. A woman in Western clothes!

79. Must be the new teacher.

80. On a shiny new bike!

81. Good morning.

82. A woman in Western clothes just went by on a bike!

83. Must be the new teacher.

84. Looks like a man's jacket!

85. What's the world coming to?

86. Riding a bicycle and wearing a suit! A real tomboy!

87. Stop pushing!

88. Stop it!

89. It's pretty!

90. Haven't you ever seen a bicycle before?

91. Who wants a ride?

92. My house is over by that smokestack.

93. It's 50 minutes by bike, though it looks so close.

94. Yes, it's fine weather. Not too hot, not too cold.

95. And it's barely April.

96. I think I'll go have a look.

97. What am I going to do?

98. What's wrong?

99. That new teacher's got a teaching license and degree and everything.

100. Not like the bumpkins we usually get around here.

101. Is she smart?

102. Seems to be.

103. You didn't expect her to ride in on a bike.

104. Why send such a classy teacher here all of a sudden?

105. What's the principal thinking?

106. It's the opening ceremony. My speech has to be good.

107. - Keep your head high. - Okay.

108. Better wear shoes today.

109. You're right. I better look Western today.

110. Everybody line up!

111. You hear me?

112. Attention!

113. You're all starting first grade, right?

114. Let's line up. Come over here.

115. Are they all here? One, two, three, four...

116. Are there 12?

117. Yes, all 12 present.

118. Let's line up here.

119. Come on.

120. Everyone over here, quick.

121. I'll be your teacher starting today.

122. Make a straight line.

123. Good.

124. Look straight ahead. Where are you looking?

125. Look at me.

126. Arms out in front.

127. That's it.

128. When I call your name, answer in a loud voice.

129. I want to learn all your names right away.

130. Isokichi Okada?

131. Is Isokichi Okada not here?

132. He is.

133. Answer "here" when I call your name.

134. Isokichi Okada?

135. Sonki, answer!

136. Everybody calls you Sonki?

137. All right then. Sonki Isokichi?

138. Next... Takeichi Takeshita?

139. That's a nice clear answer.

140. Next... Kichiji Tokuda?

141. - Kit-chin! - Here!

142. So you go by Kit-chin?

143. K-l-T-C-H-l-N

144. Tadashi Morioka?

145. Tanko!

146. Only answer if I call your name.

147. Tadashi Morioka?

148. So you're called Tanko?

149. Nita Aizawa?

150. You're a little busybody, aren't you? And no need to shout.

151. What's your nickname?

152. Nikuta.

153. Nikuta? Does that mean you're a bully?

154. It's not nice to tease others.

155. Matsue Kawamoto?

156. What do they call you?

157. Mat-chan.

158. Misako Nishiguchi?

159. Do they call you Misa-chan?

160. Mi-san.

161. Mi-san? That's a cute name.

162. Masuno Kagawa?

163. Yeah.

164. "Yeah" sounds odd.

165. Say "here," Masuno.

166. She's Ma-chan.

167. Fujiko Kinoshita?

168. Your family used to be village heads, right?

169. Sanae Yamaishi?

170. Kotoe Katagiri?

171. Kotsuru Kabe?

172. Your father's the delivery man, isn't he?

173. The ding-a-ling man!

174. That's why people call you a bully!

175. Good-bye.

176. Big stone, little pebble!

177. Good-bye.

178. Big stone, little pebble!

179. She wrote down all their nicknames.

180. She said Mi-san was a cute name.

181. Playing favorites already! They probably gave her a present!

182. She asked Fujiko if her family

183. used to be village heads, like it was some big deal.

184. Village heads? They're nearly broke!

185. Class, where does the emperor live?

186. Nikuta.

187. The emperor lives in the closet.

188. Why do you say that?

189. Isn't he hiding in the school closet?

190. That's not the emperor. That's just his picture.

191. This little school doesn't have a proper place for his picture,

192. so we fixed up the closet to keep it in there.

193. It doesn't mean the emperor himself is in there.

194. The train chugs along puffing white smoke

195. Choo choo choo choo choo choo

196. Through the tunnel across the railway bridge

197. The train chugs along

198. The train chugs along puffing white smoke

199. Through the tunnel across the railway bridge

200. Mother Crow, why do you cry?

201. Because I left

202. My seven precious babies

203. Back on the mountain

204. They're precious, so precious

205. It opened, it opened

206. What has opened?

207. The lotus flower has opened

208. And the minute it opened

209. It closed again

210. Before I even knew it

211. It closed, it closed

212. What closed?

213. The lotus flower has closed

214. And the minute it closed

215. It opened before I even knew it

216. I hope the rain stops tomorrow.

217. Your school is so far away.

218. Today I asked the other teacher

219. why people there aren't more friendly.

220. He laughed and said my suit and bicycle

221. are too flashy and make people uneasy.

222. It's discouraging.

223. Don't let it get you down.

224. People will always talk.

225. Am I to walk there in a kimono? It's ten miles round-trip.

226. A bike's not exactly a luxury.

227. That's what I said!

228. I told him I bought it on installments

229. because I couldn't walk all that way.

230. And you still haven't paid it off.

231. The other teacher saves every penny he can.

232. A woman buying on credit... he must think it's an outrage.

233. So do the villagers, I'm sure.

234. People say he volunteered to teach out there

235. so he wouldn't spend money on socializing.

236. I made my suit myself out of your old kimono.

237. Yet they keep calling me a "modern girl."

238. There's nothing you can do.

239. They'll understand someday.

240. They say it's hard

241. for young female teachers to start out there.

242. And older men who never made principal

243. are sent there as their last assignment.

244. They'll send you to the main school in a year.

245. The school year's a third over, and it'll soon be vacation.

246. Don't lose your spirit.

247. Patience, patience.

248. Takeichi Takeshita?

249. Kichiji Tokuda?

250. Tadashi Morioka?

251. Nita Aizawa?

252. Matsue Kawamoto?

253. Misako Nishiguchi?

254. The day I began teaching

255. was also the first day of school for those 12 kids.

256. They looked so small and anxious.

257. Those 24 eyes looking up at me

258. were so adorable.

259. I don't want those adorable eyes

260. to ever lose their sparkle.

261. You know, Mother, none of those children

262. has time to play after school.

263. Most have to care for younger siblings

264. or help with farming or fishing.

265. It's a poor village.

266. So I shouldn't let a little rain get me down.

267. Now you're talking!

268. I'll carry on, no matter what anyone says.

269. That's the spirit.

270. Well, that's enough for today.

271. The banker's wife always wants everything in a hurry,

272. but this kimono won't make her daughter any prettier.

273. She's too fat and too plain.

274. Mother, the rain stopped.

275. Really? That's good.

276. And the stars are coming out.

277. SEPTEMBER 1

278. Is it always like this after a storm?

279. You all help pick up the stones?

280. Teacher!

281. How's Nita?

282. The walls of his house fell in. He was in his closet, soaked.

283. We could see inside.

284. He sat in the closet looking up at the sky.

285. In the closet?

286. He was trying to take the emperor's place.

287. Young lady!

288. What's so funny?

289. Other people's misfortune?

290. My father-in-law fell off the roof. I suppose that's funny too!

291. I'm sorry.

292. Then why laugh when others suffer?

293. Making the kids clear the path!

294. Well, not near my house!

295. You just want it cleared for your bike!

296. Well, you can do it yourself!

297. A teacher cackling at others' misfortune!

298. I set her straight!

299. Let's stop now.

300. It seems I got carried away.

301. Let's go to the seashore.

302. Little crab whisks up

303. Some shaving foam

304. Old man crab clicks his nippers proudly

305. Snip, snip, snippety snip

306. In comes Rabbit

307. He's a customer

308. "A haircut, please, and make it quick"

309. Snip, snip, snippety snip

310. Rabbit's in a hurry

311. Teacher!

312. We found a rare seashell. Come look!

313. - What kind? - Come look.

314. What did you find?

315. It's all right.

316. Go get the other teacher.

317. Tell him I broke my leg and can't walk.

318. Miss Pebble is hurt!

319. Somebody come with us!

320. Someone come help!

321. I don't think it's broken, but she needs a doctor or masseur.

322. Take her to Dr. Soka in Nakamachi.

323. It'd be quicker by boat.

324. Not in this weather.

325. Do do do re mi mi mi so so so la so

326. That doesn't sound right.

327. I only went to grammar school. I never learned to play the harmonium.

328. With Miss Oishi out, it's more work for you.

329. Oh, she's got it worse.

330. You're right.

331. It's more painful to tear a tendon than play a harmonium.

332. She may not come back to school.

333. Her mother's furious about the whole thing.

334. She says her daughter is irreplaceable

335. and she won't send her to this miserable village again.

336. I don't blame her.

337. But Miss Oishi's out for now, so we need a substitute.

338. I'm tired of teaching sewing in her place.

339. I have no time to make money on side work.

340. Enough talk. I'd better practice.

341. I've got to learn this.

342. You're right.

343. Miss Oishi teaches them corny old folk songs.

344. It's like an Obon festival.

345. If you learn to play well, the students will respect you.

346. The crags of Senbiki...

347. Do do do re mi mi mi so so so la so

348. Let's all sing together, okay?

349. Why aren't you singing?

350. I've done all I can. You won't learn if you don't try.

351. Everybody on your feet.

352. Stand up.

353. Here we go.

354. You're impossible.

355. Sing whatever you want, and I'll listen.

356. Ready? One, two, three, go.

357. Teacher, what should we sing?

358. Anything.

359. I know! "Chirp, Chirp, Plover."

360. I know that one. Ready?

361. Chirp, chirp, plover

362. On nights when the plover sings

363. Even with the window closed

364. It's still so cold

365. I hate that music class.

366. I like Miss Pebble's songs better.

367. When's she coming back?

368. I wish I could see her face.

369. She's in the hospital.

370. She was, but she's out now.

371. Maybe she'll be back soon.

372. I hope so.

373. She can't even stand up yet.

374. Let's all go visit her.

375. Yeah, let's go to her village.

376. She said her house is near that smokestack.

377. Nita, how long does it take to get there?

378. It's not far.

379. The bus hardly had time to honk and we were there.

380. I didn't even have time to eat a bun.

381. Liar! That only takes a minute.

382. Even a fast bus can't get there in a minute!

383. I started eating it at the shrine

384. and still had it in my hand when I got off.

385. - You telling the truth? - Yes.

386. - Then hook pinkies. - All right.

387. I want to go see Miss Pebble.

388. - Let's go! - Yes, let's!

389. We'll run all the way there and back.

390. Let's sneak away after lunch.

391. Don't tell your folks or they won't let you go.

392. We'll sneak out.

393. - We'll meet by the grove. - Good idea!

394. Let's go!

395. Kotoe, aren't you going home to eat?

396. I can't sneak out with Grandma there. I'll skip lunch.

397. I'll bring you some beans. Wait at the grove.

398. Miss Pebble will be surprised.

399. You think her leg still hurts?

400. See, the Achilles tendon is here. This big muscle got torn.

401. - Big kids! - What do we do?

402. Hide!

403. Keep quiet!

404. Why are you hiding down there?

405. Hello.

406. Have you seen our Kotoe? No, I haven't.

407. I don't see my Sanae anywhere either.

408. - Nice weather, isn't it? - Yes.

409. Have you seen Sanae around?

410. I haven't seen our Matsue either.

411. - I can't believe Fujiko's gone too. - Where would she go?

412. Our children are gone. Is Takeichi around?

413. How strange for all of them to disappear.

414. Is Kit-chin around?

415. He was here for lunch.

416. Where did they go?

417. The first-graders are all gone!

418. Then Masuno's probably gone too.

419. Did you see a group of 7- and 8-year-olds go by?

420. No.

421. I saw them outside the stationery store.

422. Maybe they went to a puppet show.

423. Without money?

424. Maybe they're gaping at the posters.

425. What will that little fool say when she gets home?

426. Should we scold them?

427. We can't exactly praise them!

428. Here, wear this.

429. You sure you just ate one bun?

430. I don't know. It was my first time on a bus.

431. So you lied?

432. No, but I was watching the scenery, not eating.

433. So you just held it in your hand?

434. Kotoe, we have to keep walking.

435. I'm hungry.

436. Come on.

437. Mother Crow, why do you cry?

438. Because I left

439. My seven precious babies

440. Back on the mountain

441. They're precious, so precious

442. Mother Crow sings

443. It's Miss Pebble!

444. Miss Pebble!

445. What's going on?

446. We wanted to see you.

447. We didn't tell anyone we were coming.

448. Well, you'd better all get on the bus.

449. Go on!

450. I made a lot, so eat all you want.

451. - I want more. - Eat what you have first.

452. It's good my doctor's visit ended early or I'd have missed you.

453. That's right.

454. Seconds!

455. Me too!

456. Here we go. Look at the flower.

457. Here we go. Ready?

458. Look at the flower!

459. Steady now.

460. All done.

461. Good-bye!

462. Good-bye, Teacher!

463. Hisako, is your head off in the clouds?

464. Thank the principal.

465. Has it been decided who'll take my place?

466. Yes, we decided at our staff meeting. Is something wrong?

467. No, I'm just...

468. in a bit of a fix.

469. What kind of fix?

470. I promised the children I'd return to school.

471. Now that's a surprise! Can you get there by yourself?

472. Your mother says you can't ride your bicycle.

473. Hisako, the principal has been very kind.

474. If you transfer her to the main school,

475. in just 10 days she can start taking the bus.

476. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

477. Your replacement is to be Mrs. Goto.

478. We planned to ask her to retire next year,

479. but she could work three more years at that school,

480. so she was very happy to accept.

481. Things worked out quite well.

482. Isn't that nice?

483. She's like her father... a bit stubborn.

484. Yes, like him in all the worst ways!

485. The principal was a friend of your father's.

486. That's why he's being so accommodating.

487. Pardon me.

488. What's all this?

489. Thanks for treating the children the other day.

490. It was nothing.

491. I was very happy to have visitors.

492. Their parents sent along a few things:

493. A quart of rice, two quarts of beans,

494. These are dried sardines.

495. Two more quarts of rice and a quart of beans.

496. It's Miss Pebble!

497. Miss Pebble's coming!

498. Miss Pebble!

499. Does your leg still hurt?

500. Can you ride your bike yet?

501. It may be another six months.

502. So you'll come by boat?

503. So you'll walk all the way?

504. Let's go to the school.

505. Teacher!

506. How's your leg? We've been worried.

507. Thank you.

508. I'm very grateful for the rice you sent.

509. I want to thank you for the lovely beans.

510. I sent sesame.

511. Ah, thank you for the wonderful sesame.

512. Thank you for the lovely card.

513. Actually, I meant to send something, but I was too late.

514. Please forgive me!

515. Thank you for the wonderful presents.

516. Oh, it was nothing.

517. Forgive my bad habit of always meddling.

518. Not at all.

519. You know...

520. I can't ride my bicycle for quite a while,

521. and the school is so far away.

522. Limping along on my crutches, it would be night before I got here.

523. That's why I can't...

524. If you take the boat, we'll come meet you every day.

525. Really? And see me off every evening?

526. Yes. Right?

527. Thank you.

528. I wish I'd known that sooner.

529. I'm afraid it's too late.

530. I've been transferred to the main school.

531. I'll be waiting for you there when you're older.

532. I just came to say farewell.

533. Another teacher will be coming soon.

534. Study hard.

535. I love this little village,

536. but with my leg like this, it's impossible.

537. Teacher, we're sorry!

538. It's all right.

539. All children play pranks.

540. It was just my bad luck.

541. What's this? She came all this way just to see you.

542. You should be laughing instead of bawling.

543. Are you better now, Miss Oishi?

544. Yes, thank you.

545. There's no figuring out women and children.

546. If you want to cry, go ahead! Cry all you want!

547. So much for teaching my lesson!

548. Teacher!

549. Come back to see us!

550. Come back when your leg gets better!

551. You promised!

552. Good-bye, Teacher!

553. Let's send her off with a song.

554. This time let's sing "The Crags of Senbiki."

555. One, two, three...

556. Mother Crow, why do you cry?

557. Because I left

558. My seven precious babies

559. Back on the mountain

560. They're precious, so precious

561. Mother Crow sings

562. Go take a look

563. In my old nest on the mountain...

564. AS DAY FOLLOWED UPON DAY.

565. OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS...

566. INCIDENTS TOOK PLACE,

567. THROUGH THE GREAT DEPRESSION.

568. LAY IN STORE...

569. JOYS AND SORROWS.

570. Night falls in autumn

571. Upon our encampment covered in frost

572. A flock of crying geese

573. Passes overhead

574. Moonlight once shone

575. Upon our planted swords

576. That moonlight of olden days

577. Where is it now?

578. Above the castle ruins

579. The moon rises at midnight

580. Its light remains unchanged

581. For whom does it shine now?

582. Nothing along the fence

583. But the creeping vine

584. No sound from the pines

585. But the howling wind

586. The lights in the heavens

587. Are forever constant

588. But the fates of those on earth

589. Forever rise and fall

590. Will you choose to shine upon us

591. Even to this very day?

592. High above the castle ruins

593. O midnight moon!

594. There's the principal!

595. Good morning, sir!

596. Why are you all here?

597. To greet Miss Oishi's fiancé.

598. How did you know?

599. From Kotsuru's father, right?

600. He's an engineer on a tourist ship. Everybody knows that.

601. We want to see his mug.

602. If you stare at him like that, he'll crack!

603. Is Miss Oishi coming?

604. She's getting prettied up at home.

605. Ooh, isn't that nice?

606. Miss Oishi is very pretty.

607. Let's follow them!

608. I'd be too embarrassed.

609. I'll get yelled at if I don't get home.

610. Why? This is a special day.

611. It was hard enough getting out to join you.

612. Yes, go home and help your parents.

613. School starts in five days. That's why we have to have fun now.

614. Is that any way for sixth-graders to talk?

615. You're practically grown-ups! Get to work!

616. The boat's coming!

617. He's so fat.

618. No, her fiancé's behind that man.

619. He's all right.

620. Matsue!

621. What do you want?

622. Stop playing around.

623. Your mother's having the baby.

624. - Really? - Hurry home.

625. You can't walk all the way back.

626. Matsue, pack your father's lunch box tight,

627. but leave room in your own.

628. It's too big.

629. Mother, I'd like a new one with a lily on it.

630. When will you get me one? When I can get up.

631. That same day?

632. Wait a minute. Who's going to pay for it?

633. Wait until your father earns some money.

634. - I'll buy you one. - You will?

635. Just be patient.

636. I wish you'd stay home today.

637. I don't feel so good.

638. Matsue can stay. Times are too tough to take a day off.

639. See you later.

640. Hurry or you'll be late for school.

641. - You don't need me here? - No, don't stay home.

642. It's your first day in sixth grade.

643. But come home right after school.

644. Don't mention the lunch box again in front of your father.

645. He's having trouble finding work.

646. But Ma-chan and Mi-chan have lily lunch boxes.

647. You promised to buy me one this year.

648. I'm ashamed of this old one.

649. Teacher!

650. - What is it? - My mother had a baby girl.

651. Congratulations! What's her name?

652. Nothing yet. I'm going to choose it.

653. - Have you thought of one? - Not yet.

654. I see. What would be a nice name?

655. You seem happy. What is it?

656. Mother's going to get me a new aluminum lunch box

657. with a lily on the lid.

658. That's nice. A lily, eh?

659. Wait! That's a good name for the baby.

660. Lily... Yuri. Name her that.

661. Yuriko... or Yurie.

662. I prefer Yurie. Yuriko is so common these days.

663. - You smell nice. - What?

664. Just like a bride.

665. - What's going on? - They're rushing someone to the hospital.

666. Maybe appendicitis?

667. Mat-chan, what's the matter?

668. You're very kind, but unless the baby dies,

669. I can't let Matsue go to school.

670. I know it's hard on her...

671. but now that I'm a widower,

672. I don't know what else to do.

673. Mat-chan, this lunch box has a lily on the lid.

674. Use it when you come back to school.

675. Help your father here at home.

676. I'll be thinking of you at school.

677. You're such an admirable girl.

678. She kept asking for that lunch box.

679. Thank you.

680. In any case, the baby was premature.

681. Without her mother's breast,

682. she hasn't much chance of surviving.

683. She'll be better off that way.

684. In a home as poor as this...

685. what happiness could she hope for?

686. Teacher!

687. Mat-chan's baby sister died.

688. My grandma went to offer condolences, and Matsue's dad was drunk.

689. He kept crying, "It's better this way."

690. The poor baby.

691. Good morning, Teacher.

692. Good morning.

693. What is it?

694. They arrested Mr. Kataoka.

695. The police are still here.

696. - What did he do? - They say he's a Red.

697. Mr. Kataoka a Red?

698. How could that be?

699. He'll be released soon for lack of evidence.

700. It's most unpleasant.

701. - How did this happen? - A teacher friend of his in Onomichi

702. was filling his own students' heads with antiwar ideas.

703. He and his pupils printed an anthology, Seeds of Grass.

704. The police thought Kataoka had a copy.

705. I've seen that pamphlet.

706. It didn't seem Red to me.

707. Say that and they'll think you're a Red too!

708. What on earth for? I thought it was well-written.

709. I read some of the stories to my class.

710. "Barley Harvest" and "Soy Merchant's Chimney" were good.

711. That's dangerous material! Where did you get it?

712. - A copy was sent here. - Where is it now?

713. - In my classroom. - For heaven's sake!

714. Quick, show me where it is!

715. That was a scare. We teachers have to be patriotic.

716. What a fright you gave me!

717. I think it took years off my life.

718. ONOMICHI MIDDLE SCHOOL, CLASS 3

719. "Dear Matsue, I was so sad to hear about your baby sister,

720. but these things happen in life.

721. Never stop loving her in your heart.

722. Please try to feel better.

723. When will you come back to school?

724. I look at your empty desk every day

725. and think of you."

726. Now...

727. who gets a newspaper at home?

728. And who reads it?

729. Just three of you?

730. Who knows what a Red is?

731. No one, of course. How about a capitalist?

732. It's a rich person.

733. That'll do for now. And what's a worker?

734. Your late father was my friend. That's why I'm worried.

735. Can you imagine your mother's grief if you got into trouble?

736. The students know all about Seeds of Grass and Mr. Kataoka.

737. They asked why he was arrested.

738. Then you simply say you don't know.

739. You have to be careful what you say these days.

740. Proletariat, capitalists...

741. you don't discuss such things with your students!

742. I'll be more careful.

743. Please do that.

744. Being too outspoken can only hurt you.

745. Teacher.

746. It's about Mat-chan.

747. Did you give her my letter?

748. I took it to her house. A strange woman was there.

749. She took Matsue to Osaka on the night ferry.

750. She's being adopted by relatives.

751. Matsue cried and said she wouldn't go

752. and held on to the beams of the house.

753. Her father was calm and gentle at first,

754. but then he started slapping and punching her.

755. Nobody could stop him. Finally she agreed to go.

756. Everybody was crying.

757. I cried too as I went to see her off,

758. but Mat-chan didn't say a word.

759. Konpira comes from the shadows Kirakirara!

760. AUTUMN... OCTOBER He flashes his golden staff

761. And clears the fog from the mountains and seas

762. Once again now!

763. Konpira comes from the shadows

764. Of the mountain's fresh leaves Kirakirara!

765. This shrine belongs to Konpira

766. Guardian deity of seafarers Rarararara!

767. Keeps you safe in stormy weather Lights the way with his lantern

768. Until you drop anchor

769. Once again now!

770. This shrine belongs to Konpira

771. Guardian deity of seafarers Rarararara!

772. I wish Fujiko and Sanae could have come.

773. Mi-san too, though she's an only child.

774. That's why she couldn't come?

775. - She might catch a cold. - She said that?

776. She'll get two times what the trip would have cost.

777. Mi-san told me herself.

778. There are other ways to get money.

779. But getting to see Konpira is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

780. I'm using my money from fishing.

781. I sold eggs,

782. and Sonki and I raided our bank accounts, right?

783. My folks said I had to use my own savings.

784. Your parents are stingy.

785. My dad bought me this uniform.

786. What's wrong with your shoes?

787. Can you walk in those?

788. I wear size 10, but my dad says my feet grow fast.

789. What size are those?

790. Eleven.

791. Fujiko's family is deep in debt so she couldn't come.

792. Their big house is about to be repossessed.

793. They've got nothing left to sell.

794. You shouldn't talk about such things.

795. You want to be a midwife, don't you?

796. A good midwife doesn't gossip.

797. Let's sing some more.

798. Let Ma-chan sing.

799. Masuno, you're the best singer in school.

800. - Sing "Moon over the Castle Ruins." - I like "Song of the Beach."

801. Walking along the beach

802. In the morning light

803. I'm reminded

804. Of things from times past

805. The sound of the wind

806. The shapes of the clouds

807. The tide coming in

808. The colors of the shells

809. Wandering the beach

810. In the evening light

811. I'm reminded

812. Of people from times past

813. The tide coming in

814. The tide going out

815. There's the tourist boat!

816. Oishi, don't fall overboard.

817. Leave me alone!

818. There's her husband's ship!

819. Teacher, wave!

820. Aren't you going to wave?

821. There he is. I know that mug. Hey, Mr. Pebble!

822. Yashima Bay and its pale waters are a reminder

823. of young Minamoto archer Nasu no Yoichi.

824. Some 760 years ago, in this tranquil cove,

825. the brief glory of the Taira clan disappeared like a springtime dream.

826. Here the final battle between the two clans took place.

827. White sails cross the sea of green islands,

828. and cool water laps at the shore.

829. Yashima Bay is blessed with lovely scenery

830. and legends that are now beautiful poetry.

831. Ritsurin Park, in Takamatsu City,

832. occupies 185 acres at the foot of Mt. Shiunzan.

833. It's one of Japan's most famous parks,

834. along with Kairakuen, Kenroku, and Korakuen.

835. Mrs. Oishi, do you feel ill?

836. No, I'm fine.

837. You are now at one of Shikoku's main attractions,

838. Mount Zozu.

839. Rising 1,700 feet above sea level,

840. it's the site of the Konpira Shrine.

841. It's 785 steps from the base to the main shrine,

842. and another 583 steps to the inner shrine.

843. Deity of seafarers, protector of safety and prosperity,

844. Konpira has many fervent devotees.

845. Mrs. Oishi, you look pale.

846. I'm tired and feel chilled.

847. - Did you take any medicine? - Yes, seasickness pills.

848. But some hot udon would be nice.

849. I'll go with you. We have time.

850. I'll let the other teacher know.

851. Udon in broth is good for a cold.

852. Let's try over there.

853. One tempura.

854. Mat-chan!

855. Welcome!

856. So you weren't in Osaka? You've been here the whole time?

857. May I ask who you are? I can't have her going outside.

858. This was my teacher. She was very kind to me.

859. I'm Mrs. Oishi, from Shodoshima.

860. Well, well! So kind of you to come.

861. Please come in.

862. Get them some tea.

863. Please join me, Mrs. Tamura.

864. Thank you.

865. I've been wondering what happened to you.

866. But I'm glad you seem well.

867. This is Matsue, a former pupil.

868. You seem to be working hard.

869. Yes, she's a big help.

870. There's so much to do in a restaurant.

871. Matsue, the donburi is ready.

872. Are you ladies sightseeing here?

873. Yes, on a school excursion.

874. Isn't that something!

875. You must be tired.

876. It can't be easy running all over with so many children.

877. How about a bite to eat?

878. What should we do?

879. - Do you have noodles? - I'm afraid we don't.

880. Welcome.

881. We have all kinds of donburi.

882. There's not much time, so we wanted something light.

883. I see. Well, at least enjoy your tea.

884. Thank you.

885. Two crab donburi.

886. Are you catching the next ferry?

887. It'll be leaving soon.

888. - Shall we go? - Aren't you going to talk to her?

889. She's quite busy.

890. Matsue, don't just stand there.

891. Come say good-bye. Your teacher's leaving.

892. Sorry to have inconvenienced you.

893. Please forgive our poor hospitality.

894. Mat-chan...

895. take care.

896. Write to me, and I'll write too.

897. Good-bye.

898. Take care of yourselves.

899. Teacher!

900. Teacher, where did you go?

901. Since I'm an only child,

902. my mother

903. wants to send me

904. to a prefectural high school.

905. But even just looking at numbers

906. makes my head hurt.

907. I want to go to sewing school, where there are no exams.

908. From now on...

909. if women don't have jobs,

910. they'll have a hard life

911. like my mother.

912. That's why my older sister

913. is working as a nurse

914. at the Red Cross.

915. I want my sister

916. to send me

917. to a teacher's college

918. so that I can become...

919. Fuji-chan, why aren't you writing anything?

920. What's wrong?

921. What is it, Fuji-chan?

922. Can't you tell us?

923. Come with me.

924. I have no hopes for the future. What can I write?

925. You don't have to write then.

926. I know how hard things have been.

927. I really wanted to go on the school trip.

928. I don't even know

929. how much longer we can stay in our house.

930. It's someone else's now.

931. It's all right. Don't say anymore.

932. I don't know what to say,

933. but these hardships aren't your fault,

934. or your parents' fault either.

935. These things happen for a lot of reasons.

936. So don't lose heart.

937. Just keep your spirits up.

938. Maybe I'm asking the impossible.

939. I don't know what else to say.

940. But if you ever feel like crying, come to my house.

941. We'll have a good cry together.

942. So you're really dropping out?

943. But you like school, don't you?

944. Why not stay at least another year?

945. You're a good student. I'd hate to see you go.

946. Shall I speak to your family?

947. It's too late. I already promised.

948. Promised what? To whom?

949. I promised my mother I'd quit school

950. if I could go on the school trip.

951. That's too bad.

952. So there's nothing I can do?

953. My sister will be starting fifth grade.

954. If I stay in school, who'll cook at home?

955. It's my turn to fix the meals.

956. Your sister cooked until now?

957. Your mother goes out to fish every day?

958. Almost every day.

959. That's why you wrote one day

960. you wished you were a boy for your mother's sake.

961. Yes, I feel sorry for her.

962. But Kotoe,

963. it's not your fault you were born a girl.

964. In any case, it's a shame.

965. But at least when my sister finishes sixth grade,

966. I'll get to work for a dressmaker.

967. And when I'm 18, I'll be a maid in Osaka.

968. I'll spend all my money on clothes, like my mother did.

969. And then you'll get married?

970. Yes, you'll get married...

971. just like your mother.

972. I'm going to middle school.

973. After I graduate, I'll fish until I'm drafted.

974. Teacher, I can become a sergeant major, right?

975. - You want to be an NCO? - They get a monthly salary.

976. I'll go to college and become a second lieutenant.

977. Stop bragging.

978. I'd go to middle school if there weren't entrance exams.

979. Why do you want to become soldiers?

980. I won't inherit anything. It beats being a poor fisherman.

981. I'll inherit the rice shop, but I'd rather be a soldier.

982. Really? You'd better think it over.

983. Are you against soldiers?

984. No, but I prefer fishermen and rice merchants.

985. So you're a coward.

986. That's right. I'm a coward.

987. Mother, I brought the teacher.

988. She won't listen to a thing I say.

989. I know she has a good voice,

990. but lots of girls in Japan have good voices.

991. The shamisen is more fitting for a restaurant owner's daughter.

992. What good are school songs here?

993. She insists on attending a conservatory in Tokyo,

994. so she wants to go to high school.

995. Her father's absolutely furious.

996. Please talk some sense into her.

997. She sulks all day and won't eat a thing.

998. Masuno, listen to what your teacher says.

999. Don't be so mule-headed.

1000. Tell her if she goes to the conservatory, she'll be no help

1001. to her family at all.

1002. It's not my place to interfere.

1003. I understand you and your husband's position,

1004. but I know how Masuno feels too.

1005. No! She's talking nonsense, grasping at rainbows!

1006. I've known Masuno since she was

1007. just a little girl in first grade.

1008. She was so adorable.

1009. Masuno...

1010. your happiness means everything to me.

1011. I feel so bad that I can't say more now.

1012. But you know, all the boys want to become soldiers.

1013. I'm worried sick about losing even a single one.

1014. I'm happy I don't have to worry about that with you girls.

1015. I want you to grow up happy and healthy.

1016. I'd like to help you realize your ambitions,

1017. but there's nothing else I can say for now.

1018. There's really nothing more I can say.

1019. What is it?

1020. Mrs. Oishi.

1021. Please sit down.

1022. People are saying you're a Red!

1023. You must be more careful!

1024. I'm afraid I don't understand.

1025. What do people say I did?

1026. I warned you about this before.

1027. There are things a teacher must not discuss with her pupils.

1028. I can't think what I might have said.

1029. I didn't tell them anything that was wrong.

1030. That's where the danger lies.

1031. You're young.

1032. You blurt out everything that enters your head.

1033. You can't do that these days!

1034. Watch your words or you'll get in trouble!

1035. Watch what words?

1036. Ever since Japan established Manchukuo,

1037. there's been tension on the Soviet border.

1038. We have air-raid drills even on this island!

1039. The whole country is banging the war drums,

1040. while you keep saying it's silly to become a soldier!

1041. I just don't want my students killed.

1042. It won't do!

1043. But I just...

1044. Just don't say anything.

1045. See nothing, hear nothing, say nothing!

1046. Our sole duty as teachers

1047. is to raise citizens to serve the nation.

1048. We look up to our teachers

1049. So grateful for their kindness

1050. The years on the playground

1051. Have passed so quickly

1052. We look back

1053. On those precious days

1054. But now we must part

1055. And say good-bye

1056. The friendship and kindness

1057. Shown every day

1058. Will stay with us

1059. The rest of our lives

1060. We'll fend for ourselves

1061. Work hard and make our names

1062. But now we must part

1063. And say good-bye

1064. We'll never forget

1065. The school's familiar windows

1066. The glow of the fireflies

1067. The snow so deep and white

1068. We'll never forget the years

1069. We have spent here

1070. But now we must part

1071. And say good-bye

1072. Mother?

1073. You're awake?

1074. - Where's Mother? - She went shopping.

1075. How do you feel?

1076. Better. A little sleep did the trick.

1077. That school excursion wore you out.

1078. No, it's the baby.

1079. Don't worry. Just pop it out.

1080. Easy for a man to say.

1081. - Hurry up and have it. - Don't be silly.

1082. It'll make coming home that much more fun.

1083. I'm sure our baby will be adorable.

1084. But your work's probably made you sick of kids.

1085. Want some tea? No, thanks.

1086. The truth is...

1087. I'm fed up with teaching.

1088. School starts in two days. Maybe I should resign.

1089. Why?

1090. I'd like to quit and start a candy shop.

1091. I've done my best for my students for six years,

1092. but we're not allowed to establish any real bonds.

1093. The only thing tying us together is the state-approved textbook.

1094. What hypocrisy!

1095. "Loyalty" and "patriotism" from dawn till dusk!

1096. My boys all want to become soldiers. It's awful!

1097. It's the times.

1098. Can you stop the war by running a candy shop?

1099. I should've listened to my mother. "Never marry a seaman."

1100. You begged me to marry you!

1101. What will happen if war breaks out?

1102. Our lives will be cut short.

1103. You'll be drafted onto a ship that could be sunk at any time.

1104. I could be widowed with a baby on the way.

1105. Say, if I'm quitting, why don't you quit too?

1106. We could be farmers.

1107. No, thanks, but you quit if you like.

1108. I will. I'm going to tell Mother.

1109. Aren't you being a bit impulsive?

1110. No!

1111. Well, your mother's too old for surprises.

1112. She needs glasses to do her sewing jobs.

1113. You get to listen to the putter of your ship.

1114. But I'm serious. I've had enough of teaching.

1115. - Hisako! - She's back.

1116. Some students are here.

1117. Really?

1118. Welcome!

1119. Pardon my appearance. I was sleeping.

1120. I'm so glad you came.

1121. Good day.

1122. Come inside.

1123. We have to catch the next bus in 15 minutes.

1124. Really? Catch the one after that.

1125. Then we won't get back until dark.

1126. I see.

1127. Wait and I'll walk you to the stop.

1128. Isokichi, what's that hunting cap for?

1129. I'm not going on to high school.

1130. You're really quitting?

1131. Thanks for all you've done. Take care.

1132. Wait. I'm coming with you.

1133. What will you do now?

1134. I leave tomorrow for an apprenticeship in Osaka.

1135. My employer will send me to night school.

1136. It's all decided? What kind of work?

1137. - A pawnshop. - You'll be a pawnbroker?

1138. No, just a clerk. I'll work until I'm drafted.

1139. Well, be a good clerk,

1140. and write to me.

1141. Takeichi, when does school start?

1142. In two days.

1143. Hisako!

1144. Are you really quitting teaching? Yes.

1145. I'll tell you about it later.

1146. You're quitting teaching?

1147. That's right.

1148. It won't be any fun without you two there.

1149. Wait here. I'll go change.

1150. Come inside.

1151. Be sure to visit on your holidays.

1152. I want to see you all grown up.

1153. You were my first students, and my last.

1154. Now we'll be good friends.

1155. You too, Takeichi.

1156. Fujiko and her family moved to Hyogo yesterday.

1157. Yesterday?

1158. Five people and their stuff in ding-a-ling man's boat.

1159. All they had were futons and pots.

1160. Her parents never did any heavy labor.

1161. Everybody's afraid they'll become beggars.

1162. I see.

1163. How awful. I feel so bad for Fujiko.

1164. Thank you for everything. Take care of yourself.

1165. Be well.

1166. Good-bye, and take care.

1167. Attacking injustice in heaven's name

1168. In loyalty and bravery our soldiers have no peer

1169. Let's send them off with a cheer

1170. Now they leave their parents' land

1171. "We won't return alive unless we've won!"

1172. They vow with courage in their hearts

1173. They'll crawl through the grass

1174. They'll dive into the sea...

1175. AS DAY FOLLOWED UPON DAY.

1176. THE WAR WITH CHINA,

1177. WITH GERMANY.

1178. To what can we compare

1179. Our army engineers' meritorious deeds?

1180. We'll support our engineers, with hoes in their hands

1181. We'll support our infantry, with rifles in theirs

1182. Our army's shells

1183. Will silence the enemy

1184. Heaven and earth resound with their booms

1185. The enemy's resolve will falter

1186. In the face of our volleys

1187. We will dance to the top of their forts

1188. Despite their barbed wire...

1189. Hello?

1190. Kotoe, it's me.

1191. No, don't get up.

1192. I wanted to visit sooner,

1193. but the baby keeps me so busy.

1194. Thank you for coming.

1195. Are you home alone?

1196. Everybody's out fishing.

1197. I'm always alone during the day.

1198. I'm really glad you came.

1199. I wanted to see you.

1200. Me too.

1201. I always want to see you.

1202. All I do is look at that picture.

1203. Ah, that picture.

1204. I often take it out too.

1205. You were all so young.

1206. I hadn't eaten when we set out. I got so hungry on the way.

1207. I was the first to cry.

1208. You were all crying when I ran into you.

1209. It makes me laugh to think about it.

1210. The noodles you gave us were so good.

1211. I still remember the taste.

1212. Now all of you are grown.

1213. I heard that Misako found a husband

1214. and had a wonderful wedding.

1215. That's right.

1216. She's lucky to be an only child.

1217. And Sanae's now a teacher at the main school.

1218. She graduated with honors from a teacher's college.

1219. I ran into Kotsuru in Osaka.

1220. She's an honors graduate in midwifery.

1221. That's right. She writes to me sometimes.

1222. I'm the worst off of all.

1223. Teacher, I don't...

1224. have long to live.

1225. What are you saying? You have to keep your spirits up.

1226. Teacher, I've suffered so much.

1227. I know.

1228. You've been through a lot.

1229. Do you remember what we talked about

1230. during recess that day in the sixth grade?

1231. I certainly do.

1232. I wanted to grow up

1233. and pay my mother back for all her kindness.

1234. I was happy to go to Osaka and become a maid.

1235. Yes, I remember.

1236. You were the brightest girl in the class,

1237. so I hoped you'd go on to high school.

1238. But you went to work for your family's sake.

1239. Teacher...

1240. I worked so hard that I got sick and had to come home.

1241. My parents

1242. won't even come near me.

1243. I'm left alone all the time because I have tuberculosis.

1244. But you know...

1245. you're not the only one who's suffered.

1246. I saw Mat-chan eight years ago on our school trip.

1247. She had a hard life as a waitress.

1248. Fujiko's family went bankrupt.

1249. Kotsuru's been writing to me.

1250. She's now working in a café in Kobe.

1251. I can't imagine her life is easy either.

1252. You'd think Masuno would be happy at her parents' restaurant,

1253. but she runs away to sing and always gets dragged back.

1254. There aren't many happy people around.

1255. So don't think you're alone.

1256. Try to cheer up.

1257. I'll come visit as often as I can.

1258. It's nothing, but I brought these for you.

1259. Thank you.

1260. Our soldiers leave home

1261. Bravely vowing to return victorious

1262. They won't die before achieving great deeds

1263. On hearing the bugle's call

1264. They see a sea of flags before their eyes

1265. They spend the night in camp

1266. With their bullets, tanks and bayonets

1267. In their dreams their fathers tell them

1268. "Don't come back alive!"

1269. With calm eyes they stare at enemy skies

1270. With smiling faces they think

1271. "May today's battle drench me in red."

1272. They will never forget their comrades

1273. Who died laughing

1274. "Long live the emperor!" Were the last words on their lips

1275. Ah, those faces

1276. Those voices

1277. My wife and child

1278. Urging me on to great deeds

1279. Flags were waved so hard

1280. That they tore in pieces

1281. Now they flutter again in the distance

1282. Far off in the clouds

1283. The duty of a soldier

1284. Is to die

1285. For the sake

1286. Of his emperor

1287. The cap of my comrade

1288. Who laughed as he died...

1289. Soldiers all in a row marching with their guns

1290. March, march, march

1291. I'll heat up some sake.

1292. Handsome soldiers I want to be a soldier

1293. Mother, you think it's something to celebrate?

1294. There you go again.

1295. He only got furlough because he's sick. They'll send him off again.

1296. Stop arguing.

1297. Mother, I'd like some sake.

1298. It's war. There's nothing we can do.

1299. What's wrong with those kids?

1300. Daikichi, be quiet in there!

1301. Are they too dense to see I'm upset?

1302. They're just kids having fun.

1303. Come to Daddy.

1304. Don't start crying. That won't help.

1305. I want you to grow up big and strong

1306. to take care of your mother and grandmother.

1307. I'm leaving for the war.

1308. Come on, let's sing a song.

1309. Soldiers all in a row

1310. Marching with their guns

1311. March, march, march

1312. FOUR MORE YEARS PASSED,

1313. AND THE WAR IN ASIA SPREAD.

1314. WHITE GRAVE MARKERS GREW.

1315. They fly again today through the inlet's misty skies

1316. The vast cloud of our hopes

1317. Has finally taken shape

1318. Navy student pilot

1319. You do not fear death

1320. Your wings

1321. Are the wings of victory

1322. Break through

1323. Across the turbulent seas

1324. And strike the enemy's fleet

1325. I wish I was in middle school.

1326. That way I could enlist.

1327. Are you that eager to die?

1328. After all I went through bringing you up,

1329. you want me to cry the rest of my life?

1330. You'd be the mother of a hero honored at Yasukuni.

1331. What's so special about that?

1332. Being your mother is enough for me.

1333. You know, Daikichi,

1334. I just want you to be a normal human being,

1335. an ordinary person who values life.

1336. No one else talks like that.

1337. They may not say it, but that's how they feel.

1338. My teacher doesn't talk like that.

1339. That's why I quit teaching.

1340. - Coward! - Coward!

1341. Fine by me. I don't need people's praise.

1342. I just love the three of you.

1343. Hisako.

1344. Mother, can't you sleep?

1345. Are you in pain?

1346. You'll feel better soon.

1347. I'll make some nice rice porridge tomorrow.

1348. What's wrong?

1349. Are the blankets too heavy?

1350. Mother, what's wrong?

1351. Daikichi, come here!

1352. Go get the doctor. Tell him to hurry.

1353. Mother, you'll be all right.

1354. Tell him to come quickly!

1355. At ease!

1356. Oishi, your mother's here.

1357. Mother, what is it?

1358. Daikichi, your father's dead.

1359. I just got the notice. I ran right over.

1360. We must be strong, Daikichi.

1361. You understand?

1362. VICTORY AT WAR!

1363. AUGUST 1 5, 1 945

1364. Attention!

1365. Present arms!

1366. Order arms!

1367. We've called you here on short notice

1368. to hear the voice

1369. of His Gracious Majesty the Emperor

1370. broadcast on the radio

1371. as he addresses the entire nation.

1372. Listen attentively and with reverence.

1373. Present arms!

1374. Daikichi, don't be so glum.

1375. Now children can go to school like children again.

1376. Let's eat.

1377. Mother, we lost the war. Didn't you hear on the radio?

1378. I did...

1379. but it's good that the war is over.

1380. Nobody else will be killed in action.

1381. The survivors will return.

1382. We couldn't die for our country.

1383. Thank goodness for that.

1384. Are you glad?

1385. Stop talking nonsense.

1386. Are you?

1387. Your father was killed.

1388. He won't be coming back.

1389. Aren't you going to cry because we lost?

1390. I cried all right.

1391. I cried for the dead.

1392. Please help!

1393. Somebody, please!

1394. Doctor!

1395. She fell out of a tree! Please help!

1396. Yatsu!

1397. Daikichi...

1398. Mrs. Oishi!

1399. Doctor!

1400. You were so small,

1401. and so hungry.

1402. No wonder you climbed that persimmon tree.

1403. You had to. You were starving.

1404. You didn't do anything wrong.

1405. Poor thing...

1406. still clutching that unripe persimmon.

1407. A YEAR AFTER THE WAR'S END

1408. APRIL 4

1409. It's finally clearing up.

1410. Is it your first time to the cape?

1411. Yes, I never had any reason to come.

1412. Of course not.

1413. I never thought I'd be teaching in that schoolhouse again.

1414. It's been 18 years.

1415. Almost two decades.

1416. I can row you in the rain,

1417. but not if it's windy.

1418. Don't worry. If there's a storm, I'll walk.

1419. That'll tire you out.

1420. Don't be silly. I've still got some life in me.

1421. I have to raise you and Namiki to be fine young men.

1422. You could use a bike.

1423. We can't afford one.

1424. They're so expensive.

1425. Are you tired?

1426. I'm all right.

1427. You're good at rowing.

1428. Another child of the sea.

1429. Anyone can row.

1430. There was a child named Takeichi Takeshita.

1431. He was just a first-grader then, but he offered to row me home.

1432. That was long ago.

1433. He was killed in the war.

1434. - A pupil of yours? - Yes.

1435. When I call your name, answer "here" in a loud voice.

1436. Satoru Kawasaki.

1437. Katsuhiko Yamamoto.

1438. What spirit!

1439. You all answer nice and clearly.

1440. Makoto Katagiri.

1441. Are you Kotoe's little sister?

1442. Kotoe died, didn't she?

1443. Chisato Kawamoto.

1444. Are you related to Matsue?

1445. My mother's in Osaka. She sent me this uniform.

1446. So you're Matsue's daughter?

1447. Katsuko Nishiguchi.

1448. Is your mother's name Misako Nishiguchi?

1449. You look just like she did at your age.

1450. Hiroshi Shono.

1451. In the fields of rape blossoms

1452. The setting sun grows dim

1453. A thick mist frames

1454. The distant mountains

1455. A spring breeze blows

1456. And you gaze up at the sky

1457. The evening moon rises

1458. Amid the faint aroma of blossoms

1459. The fires in the village

1460. The color of the woods

1461. People walking the paths through the fields

1462. The croaking of the frogs

1463. The tolling of the bell

1464. All grows hazy on this misty moonlit night

1465. Mrs. Oishi!

1466. Misako!

1467. My daughter said you went home this way.

1468. It's so good to see you.

1469. I wanted to see you again.

1470. What a coincidence that my daughter will be in your class.

1471. Please take care of her.

1472. It'll be my pleasure.

1473. When I heard you were back on the cape, I cried for joy.

1474. Two generations. It's such a rare thing.

1475. I owe it to Sanae.

1476. She's teaching at the main school.

1477. I thought I was too old, but she recommended me.

1478. Sanae, Kotsuru, Masuno and I talked it over.

1479. We want to have a party for you at Masuno's.

1480. You're all very kind. Thank you.

1481. No, we're all very happy to do it.

1482. Seeing all of you again...

1483. how wonderful that will be!

1484. Tadashi wanted so badly to be a soldier.

1485. I suppose he died happy.

1486. Look over here.

1487. He preferred being a soldier to running a rice store.

1488. Now he's ended up here.

1489. Nita's grave is here too.

1490. He was so big and loud,

1491. but not a mean bone in his body.

1492. On our school trip, his uniform was too big,

1493. and so were his shoes.

1494. Mrs. Crybaby!

1495. You've already got another nickname.

1496. It was Miss Pebble before. Now it's Mrs. Crybaby.

1497. Mrs. Crybaby!

1498. The bus would be quicker.

1499. Are you tired already? You're such a weakling.

1500. I'm not tired at all!

1501. I don't mind walking.

1502. Isn't that best?

1503. You're having a picnic today, so we'll walk.

1504. The bus costs money.

1505. And it wouldn't be a picnic.

1506. Mother, we'll play on the temple grounds,

1507. but what if your party lasts a long time?

1508. You can play on the beach below the inn.

1509. What if the village kids tease us?

1510. Then tease them back.

1511. What if they're stronger?

1512. Then bawl your head off.

1513. They'll laugh at us.

1514. I'll laugh at you too.

1515. If I hear you crying, I'll clap my hands and laugh.

1516. Will you see the beach from the restaurant?

1517. I imagine so.

1518. Will you check on us once in a while?

1519. All right. I'll look out and wave.

1520. Go on now.

1521. Don't leave your lunch boxes behind.

1522. See you later, Mother.

1523. Mother, what if it rains?

1524. Silly! You'll just have to think of something!

1525. Teacher!

1526. We have a surprise guest. Can you guess?

1527. A surprise guest?

1528. We'll put our faith in you if you guess right.

1529. Oh no, the moment of truth has come.

1530. A surprise, you say?

1531. Could it be two people? Fujiko and Matsue?

1532. So close!

1533. - Am I right? - You have to choose one.

1534. Then Matsue.

1535. It is Matsue!

1536. She came from Osaka.

1537. Did she really?

1538. I haven't seen her since the school trip.

1539. Teacher!

1540. We've been expecting you. Welcome.

1541. Thank you. I'm so glad to see you well.

1542. Kotsuru, you're so plump! Just like a midwife!

1543. Watch what you say.

1544. Teacher, I'm Matsue.

1545. I'm so glad...

1546. you could make it, Mat-chan.

1547. I really am.

1548. When Misako wrote, I knew

1549. I could never face you all again if I didn't come,

1550. so I swallowed my pride and rushed here.

1551. Teacher, forgive me!

1552. Let's go.

1553. Teacher!

1554. I could hardly wait. Please come in.

1555. Thank you for hosting this party today.

1556. - What about Sonki and Kit-chin? - They haven't come yet.

1557. It's a gift from all of us

1558. for coming back to teach at our school.

1559. Let's sit down and relax.

1560. Today we get good and drunk.

1561. Sonki's here.

1562. Sonki's blind now. It must be hard.

1563. It was kind of him to come.

1564. He made it back alive, but it's tough.

1565. He's studying to be a masseur. He lives at the tofu merchant's.

1566. He's said a few times he'd rather be dead.

1567. Poor boy.

1568. That means he didn't see any way to go on.

1569. - You kept us waiting. - Sorry I'm late.

1570. Sonki, it's been so long.

1571. Teacher! Yes, it's been a while.

1572. Five years.

1573. That's right. And look what a sorry state I'm in.

1574. Enough of that. This is a cheerful occasion.

1575. Sonki, you'll sit next to Mrs. Oishi.

1576. Only Kit-chin isn't here yet.

1577. - Who wants soda? - I'll have sake.

1578. - So will I. - Just a minute.

1579. Maybe I will too.

1580. Sonki, would you like some sake?

1581. Just one cup, in your honor.

1582. Thank you all for the bicycle. It was so thoughtful.

1583. Don't thank me. I couldn't give much.

1584. That doesn't matter.

1585. Thanks to you all, I can ride to school now.

1586. You're all here?

1587. You're late!

1588. What a huge fish!

1589. Teacher, it's been so long!

1590. Yes, it certainly has.

1591. Kit-chin, don't leave the fish there.

1592. I caught it especially for Mrs. Oishi. That's why I'm late.

1593. It's huge! I'll have them prepare it.

1594. Thank you.

1595. Thank you for going to all this trouble.

1596. Mother Crow, why do you cry?

1597. Because I left

1598. My seven precious babies

1599. Back on the mountain

1600. They're precious, so precious

1601. Mother Crow sings

1602. May I see the picture?

1603. That's right. We didn't show it to Sonki.

1604. It's as if you can see it.

1605. Yes, I can see it perfectly.

1606. Teacher is here in the middle.

1607. Takeichi, Nita and I are in front.

1608. Ma-chan is to the right,

1609. and Fujiko's over here.

1610. Mat-chan is clasping her hands with her pinky sticking out.

1611. Walking along the beach

1612. In the morning light

1613. I'm reminded

1614. Of things from times past

1615. The sound of the wind

1616. The shapes of the clouds

1617. The tide coming in

1618. The colors of the shells

1619. Wandering the beach

1620. In the evening light

1621. I'm reminded

1622. Of people from times past

1623. The tide coming in

1624. The tide going out

1625. The color of the moon

1626. The light of the stars

1627. We look up to our teachers

1628. So grateful for their kindness

1629. The years on the playground

1630. Have passed so quickly

1631. We look back

1632. On those precious days

1633. But now we must part and say good-bye

1634. THE END