"This film testifies to the courage of the Japanese people, who brought the country which had lost the war, back to life, and built a new civilization." "Produced by Toshiré Mifune Yﬂjiré lshihara" "Joint production with Kansai Electric Power Co, Ltd." "And other Japanese electric companies." "Nikkatsu Corporation" "THE SANDS OF KUROBE" "Produced by Akira Nakai" "Based on the novel by Séjiré Motoki" "Written by Masato Ide Kei Kumai" "Cinematography by Mitsuji Kanau Lighting effects by Mitsuharu Hirata" "Sound by Tetsuo Yasuda" "Art Direction by Masayoshi Kobayashi Hiroshi Yamashita Masao Yamazaki" "Assistant Directors:" "Toshi Aoki Mizuho Doi Hideo Miyau" "Film Editing by Mutsuo Tanji" "Cast:" "Toshiré Mifune" "Yﬂjiré lshihara Osamu Takizavva" "Takashi Shimura Shﬂji Sano" "J U kichi U no Ryutaro Tatsumi lsao Tamagavva Takeshi Katé" "Sumio Takatsu Eijiré Yanagi" "Akira Yamauchi Akira Terao" "Eimei Nitani Masahiko Naruse" "Fumie Kashiyama Tomoe Hiiro" "Aki Kavvaguchi Mieko Takamine" "Tame Kwabayaskﬂ Kmzf:" "Skim" "Shinsuke Ashida Eiji Okada" "Nagatake Shoji Keisuke Yukioka" "Eimnosuke Nagao Ad" Hwiehara" "Mizuho Suzuki Sayuri Kishido" "Takashi Koshiba Gisuke Makino Hideji Otaki Norio Mineda" "Sonosuke Niki Kenji Shimamura Taketoshi Naité Tappet Shimokavva" "Tsuneo Arakavva Jushiro Hirata Yﬂzé Harumi Yu Izumi" "Hyde Enoki Hiroshi Chiyoda Shései Muté Yuichi Sato Takashi Nomura Jun Miyazaki" "Keiji lshizaki Yoshinobu Ogavva Masao Uchikura Katsumasa Yamayoshi" "Daisuke Omi Masayoshi Miyasaka Aiko Mimasu Masao Shimizu" "Directed by Kei Kumai" "JUNE, 1956 (Shovva 31)" "Look, that's Kurobe over there!" "Amazing view!" "Indeed." "What's the height here?" "2,900 m." "The materials will be transported by air, from Tomiyama to Tanizoko." " The clam will be clown there'?" " Exactly it will be the highest clam wall in Japan ancl the fourth largest capacity in the world." "Building a dam in such a terrible place is crazy..." "Well, if you've had enough rest, let's keep walking." "Let's go!" "This is Moriyamafs team." "They're exploring the area of the future tunnel." "Somewhere around here will be the foundation of the clam." "This is that same cliff that a carrier fell off recently" "It's called Kagami-ivva." "The hole for the tunnel will be drilled from both sides of this cliff." "First, from the opposite side, and then from here." "Yes, it's going to be a hell of a task." "V\/hy'?" "We'll just need to remove parts of the cliff and some rock on the riverbank." "The road will run around somehow." "'Somehow'?" "Of course, you, as the one in charge, should have a clearer picture of all this." "But we conducted thorough research and came up with a project." "Even if we spent another ten years on research, with Kurobe, you can never be sure." "So we have to start the construction and carry on research at the same time." "KANSAI ELECTRIC POWER Co., Ltd." "FOR SATORU KITAGAWA" "FOR SATORU KITAGAWA Here's your appointment letter." "May 30." "I, as supervisor of the Kuro-4 dam construction... appoint Kitagawa and Takemoto as my deputies." "Kitagawa will be responsible for facilities 1 to 3." " Takemoto!" " Here." "You will be based in Unazuki, and responsible for facilities 4 to 5." "Until the completion of this ambitious project, you should be like brothers for each other." "That's all." "Reporters are waiting in the conference hall." "Well, get clown to work." "What is it'?" " Hirata!" " Yes'?" "Could you withdraw my appointment?" "Forgive me, but this project is a crazy idea." "Thank you, but I'd prefer not to be involved." "Kitagawa, I'm much olderthan you are." "Please, don't exaggerate." "Let's call it a day now, and I'll hear you out some other time." "Now go." "According to your expectations about the construction process in the Kurobe area... what's going to happen before laying the foundation?" "What kind of construction is it going to be and what do you expect to achieve with it'?" "There is no precise data that we could found our calculations on." "Is there a company capable of taking on such a project?" "Are you trying to say that the objective of this project... is unachievable'?" "Exactly" "You see... this is a special assignment." "The results of our calculations are presented in the project documentation." "We don't necessarily expect you to buy into them." "Of course, a company willing to accept this project... faces a certain risk, but you have to make a decision." "In the case of a special assignment, the only way is to start working." "Each company takes on one facility" "That is, five companies workjointiy." "With a complicated project like this, there's no other way." "General coordination of the construction process." "This way please." "Facility 3" " Kumagai Gumi." " Thank you for the trust." " Here you are." "Construction of the Kansai Electric tunnel and the underwater tunnel up the river." " This way please." " Thank you." "Facility 4" " Sato Industries." "Facility 5" " Taisei Corp." "Estimated end date is May 1968." "Pay attention that the construction will be carried out in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park." "This lends special meaning to the project." "Preserving the peacefulness of the area and preventing casualties... will require the utmost precision and caution." "Only the best staff must be allocated for this project." "You have to demonstrate the best cooperation possible." "We have already discussed the budget." "However, these figures are not conclusive, we need further research." "If you have any reservations, I'd like you to voice them in advance." "Please, raise any issues... during next week, until 23rd of June." "Come in." "Kitagawa is here." "Come in, please." "Hirata said you have doubts?" "Yes..." "I'm sorry to disturb you." "I'm very grateful, but I don't feel confident enough... so, if you don't mind..." " Shall we have a seat'?" " Of course." "You were in charge of constructing the Maruyama dam on the Kiso river." "In 1951, wasn't it'?" "Yes, but that was Maruyama, and now we're talking Kurobe, so..." "Of course, these two projects are not comparable." "However, you were the one who suggested... innovations in Maruyama, which were later used in the Sakuma dam." "That success led to the construction of Kuro-4." "You can't tell me you have nothing to contribute to this project." "You do know the state the country's power supply is in, don't you?" "Nowadays, they mostly burn fuel, and during peak load, the energy from water is what's lacking." "We have to ensure a sustainable power supply" "We desperately need a large clam with a controllable power flow." "Do you have any objections?" "Not at all, I'm well aware that only Kurobe is suitable for that." "However..." "The idea of Kuro-4 was developed in Nichiden long before the war." "The research has been concluotecl for 30 or 40 years now." "Nevertheless, Kurobe still inspires fear." "I understand your doubts very well." "And you're right." "Although what you said is true, I look at it from a different perspective." "Kurobe has to be built." "We need to start using the mountains." "Kansai Electric, with a capital of 13 billion, is undertaking a project worth 4O billion." "Both we and our partners realize that there will be no ordinary solution with Kurobe." "But this is business, Kitagawa." "In my opinion, starting a project with a 100% confidence in its success... is impossible in business." "If there is a 70% chance, I consider an idea feasible." "Otherwise, it's simply impossible to do business." "I have followed this principle all my life." "Besides..." "Hirata also thinks... that you're the only person capable of being in charge of this project." "Boss..." "I accept." "We have a deal then." "Wonderful." " Goodbye." " Good luck." "I'm sorry for having disturbed you." "KUMAGAI GUMI" "Ah... it's you..." " I was told you wanted to see me." " I did." "You heard about Kuro-4, no doubt'?" "Yes." "A tunnel is going to be constructed there." "That tunnel is the main artery of Kuro-4." "If it doesn't work out, the whole project will fail." "Do you think it's feasible?" "Boss, there are a lot of employees in Kumagai Gumi... we'll get this job clone whatever it takes." "That's what I expected to hear from you..." "Hey!" "You've grown up so much!" "Plus, you've become a real beauty!" "Yuki..." "No, my name's Makiko." "Of course... there are so many girls in this house!" "Welcome." "Thank you for your help." "We've been expecting you." " We haven't seen each other in ages." " I'm very glad to see you too." "Oh yes..." "Yuki is the eldest." "She should be here soon." "Why did she decide to enter university?" "A kindergarten teacher's salary is too low." "Kimiko..." "So I won't be able to marry her anytime soon..." "Hold on..." "which one is adopted'?" "I think that's enough about that." "Don't you think?" "I would do the same thing if I didn't have a husband." "That means, you and I, we're in the same position." "Although... with the work on Kuro-4, which is expected to take about five years... you're going to end up an old maid." "Chief, and what's your son doing'?" "He's a loafer..." "He graduated from Kyoto University and works in an architectural bureau." "So he draws pictures then." "He didn't follow his father's footsteps." "No, he has a respectable job." "Education is such a burden." "Is he still single?" "I'm not sure there is a girl who would marry him." "Come off it..." "Listen..." "I suggest we unite the two." " Uncle, that's nonsense!" " I disagree." "You must be joking, Kunikada." "Just look, they both entered university... both received an education..." "Strike while the iron is hot, as they say" "What's his phone number'?" "Hello?" "Ivvaoka, it's for you." "Who is it'?" "Hello, who am I talking to'?" "I see." "Kunikida from Hazama." "What does he want'?" "What is it about?" "Yes... but what do you want'?" "His father is unwell." "Could he come immediately?" "His father needs to stay in bed and have some rest." "Tell him to hurry up." "It's urgent." "May I come in'?" "Yes!" "My name's ivvaoka." " You're here!" " It's been a long time." "Well... it was an emergency I'm sorry" "It doesn't look like someone dropped dead here." "You're a heartless son." "Welcome." "Please, come in." "Thank you..." "This way" "Kitagawa, here's the guy Do you like him?" "Nice to meet you." "I'm ivvaoka." "My name's Kitagawa." "I work with your father." " Well, have a seat." " Thank you." "Whiskey'?" "Or, maybe, beer'?" "Doesn't matter." " This guy is no good for a son-in-law." " What's going on here'?" "We signed a contract for the construction of Kuro-4 today" " We're leaving for Osaka tomorrow." " Kuro-4'?" " Yes." " What's going to be built there'?" "We're going to drill a tunnel in the Northern Alps." " Yes... this is Kitagawafs eldest daughter..." " I'm Yuki." "Hold on." "'Who will pour a drink for our guest?" "Eldest daughter is best suited for that." "Here you go." "Takeshi, actually I would like you to listen..." "What size is this tunnel going to be'?" "From Omachi to Kuro-4." "The total length is 5,400 m." " Ancl you're doing all the work'?" " Most of it." " It's no joke..." " Nobody asked your opinion, pussy..." " It's not like drawing pictures." " Can you do it'?" "What an idiot." "There is no such tunnel that I couldn't make with my own hands." " But it's along the Fossa Magna." " The what'?" "Fossa what'?" "..." " A tectonic fissure, stretching from ltoigawa to Shizuoka." " What is that?" "Even schoolchildren know that." "I have to admit, research of the area... of the future construction shows... that drilling is impossible there." "But what is that Fossa'?" "I only finished primary school." "Explain it to me." "Here is Hokkaido, here is Kyushu." "The Japanese islands... along the line from ltoigawa to Shizuoka form a curve." "Of course." "This area is called the Fossa Magna, that is, the Great Fissure." "In ancient times, the whole of Japan cracked along this line." "Geological structures to the West and to the East of that line differ drastically" " So what?" " The thing is... the Kurobe riverbed lies exactly on that line." "No one knows what kind of displacements of strata are possible in that area." "That's true." "But the construction is absolutely vital." "It has to be built." "You'll never know whether it's possible, unless you try" "Exactly... they don't teach how to dig holes in universities." "But you're starting the work, which might not end in success." "If it doesn't work out the first time, we'll try again." "But this first time might mean hundreds of metres." "You'll carry on, not knowing what's going to happen in the area of drilling." "Maybe, only a meter a day Maybe, not even a centimeter." "Rock slides, flooding..." "what are you going to do then'?" "Are you going to carry on working no matter what?" "Are you?" " When are you leaving?" " Tomorrow." "Turn it clown today" "Takeshi... when I signed this contract, I agreed to risk my life." "It's not your goddamn business..." "Kitagawa, please." "Talk to someone in Kumagai Gumi and ask them to dismiss my father." "Tell them that there is a more suitable person." "Shut up!" "Kitagawa, this is not a job for my father." "During the war, he worked on the construction of Kuro-3..." "You bastard!" "Mind your language!" "We're in Kitagawafs house!" "Sit clown..." "Genzo." "Kitagawa, I've been in construction since I was a child." "I'm like a mole, I was born to dig holes." "I go into a tunnel with a pick hammer... and this is the only time when I feel alive." "His mother left me." "In spite of that, I agreed to meet him today" "But this is the first time since his mother died five years ago." "No matter what he says, I will work there." "I will always be 'the best tunnel digger in Japan'." "So far, it has been the biggest enjoyment in my life." "I'm old now... and I can refuse such hard work." "But I've been waiting for this opportunity for many years." "This is the work of my whole life." "Maybe, the first and the last." "Kitagawa, for your company it may be just a big game... a show for President Otagaki." "But we both feel the same way" "This is the main thing." "If I give it up..." "I'll have nothing else worth living for." "Kitagawa!" "I'm fed up with this Kurobe." "I'm ready to blow myself up together with it." "So you rarely see your father too." "You know what he's like." "He's a harsh person." "Drilling tunnels is his only passion." "He's ready for anything, no matter the sacrifices." "Someone's blood..." "someone's life..." "He lives in tunnels and thinks this is the meaning of his life." "This is just the kind of person he is..." "Don't say that." "You know nothing about him." "But I've witnessed his other side since I was a child." "He sacrificed everyone for this hard work... workers, children, mothers, old people..." "Yet, I heard nothing but words of delight from him." "This is his nature." "Like a worm, he's ready to dig the ground until he dies." "That's what he's like." "I understand." "It's always hard with parents." "That's why..." "I stay away from my father." "The thought of his blood flowing through my veins... is unbearable to me." "That's why I ran away to Kyoto." "Thanks to that, you and I met." "It was a fun time." "It was before the end of the war, wasn't it'?" "We used to work at a plant then..." "you stole some copper wire." "We sold it, bought mountaineering equipment and climbed Mae ho." "Yes." "After we came back, we bumped into a military adviser and everything came to light." "We were both in the third year then." "Yes... eleven years ago..." "In winter, we went to Takitani." "Then, to Kurobe." "But we didn't manage to climb the mountain." "This is where the tunnel is going to be." "Exactly" "You and I couldn't conquer the winter Kurobe." "We rambled around in cheap sandals not knowing the way like two fools." "But why not'?" "It's has to be done." "Our time calls for it." "The future of Japan's energy sector, for example..." "What does it have to do with the energy sector?" "My father would do it at 50 or at '100..." "But you and I, we learn our lesson." "Then, during the war, we slowly crawled up and rolled clown... knowing full well that a lot of people around us were dying." "Ivvaoka, this is sake talking now." "He's a coward, that's what he is..." "Ono..." "What'?" "The Fossa Magna Line... is, undoubtedly more dangerous than Tanna." "It is." "But it's like a game." "No matter who I talk to... my father or you..." "It's always the same thing." "This is insane." "If he dies, I'll despise him." "Idiot!" "Kansai Electric Tunnel, Nagano prefecture." "16 km from the city of Omachi." "Preparation for drilling the Eastern entrance in Iwagoyazawa." "1ST OF AUGUST, 1956" "Welcome!" "Thank you for the work done." "We'll take it from here." "Nice to meet in such a beautiful place." " Can we begin?" " Yes, go ahead." "Guys, let's begin!" "THE KUROBE VALLEY AND THE TATEYAMA RIDGE" "FACILITY 3" "The tunnel, 5.4 km long, will start in Omachi in the East." "ll will stretch along the Kurobe river." "The tunnel has to go through the foot of the mountain ridge." "Kansai Electric will drill from the opposite side." "Hazami Gumi is responsible for facility 1, the darn itse/I'." "Here, by the foot of Tateyama, the opening ceremony was held." "Our company Hazami Gumi, built the Maruyama and Sakuma clams." "It is well-known in Japan, as well as all over the world." "And now, we begin... building a fourth, enormous dam for Kansai Electric." "Thereby opening a new chapter in the history of civil engineering." "Unfortunately large machinery cannot pass over the Tateyama ridge." "That's why we have to start with primitive hand tools." "But before, during the construction of the Maruyama dam... dump trucks and bulldozers weren't available either." "Workers dug with shovels and took the soil away by truck." "Still, thanks to a collective effort, the dam was completed." "You can do it!" "Even without machinery only with shovels." "We'll dig with shovels and picks!" "I'm Ono, the foreman for this part of the construction." "I'd like to add a few words." "Even though we're starting to work manually... large machinery will be here very soon." "So be patient." "Besides, the opening of the Kansai Electric tunnel will open up a lot of possibilities." "The number of people working here will be growing all the time." "The work will take a long time." "This is a dangerous area, so be careful." "Don't take unnecessary risks." "Safety is the most important thing." "Should there be an accident," "Hazami Gumi company will take full responsibility for maintaining the family" "But I'm asking all of you to be careful to make sure this doesn't happen." "Exactly" "The canyon can contain up to 200 million cubic metres of water." "Length of the dam is 492 m." "Height is 186 m." "This is what has to be built first." "The subsidiary Kansai Electric, is responsible for facilities 4 and 5." "They are based near the Unazuki hot springs." "Here, the rail road from Unazuki to Kurobe can be used." "Mom..." "Are you alright?" "Yes, I'm fine." "I just got too emotional." "It's incredible." "If only I had known ten years ago... that it would be possible." " Do you know this area well?" " He's referring to Kuro-3." "Mori was present during the construction of Kuro-3." "He's an old resident." "He knows everything here." "That's why we put him on the team." "Kuro-S'?" "That's impressive..." "At that time, Keyakidaira was the end of the world..." "There wasn't anyone up the river from here." "Mori, we won't be able to work with all those emotions." "This is the Konetsu tunnel you know very well." "Yes, I've become a little too sentimental... in my old age." " Some rest, maybe?" " No, I'm good to go." "Well, let's go then." "In that place, the soil could get tens or even hundreds of degrees hotter." "And when it did, spontaneous combustion or explosions occurred." "But if you're afraid, you can't work." "So it was better not to think about it." "We produced energy for the victory" "At that time, it was no different from an order." "You had no choice." "When I think about it today it makes my blood run cold." "If hell does exist... it must be a lot like that place." "1938 (Shovva 13)" "Even though I spent a few years in that hell..." "I didn't think about it in this way then." "You just had to dig till your last breath." "A real worker keeps digging even when he's injured, even if he's dying." "Overall, about 300 workers died during the construction of Kuro-3." "Although, it would be more correct to say that they were killed." "I realized it only after I'd got out of the tunnel." "Odagiri!" "Hello." "Glad to see you." "Hello." " Nice to meet you." " Good afternoon." " How are your legs?" "Everything alright?" " I'm fine." " Is this your son'?" " He's still a rookie." "This is Kitagawa from Kansai Electric." " Nice to meet you." " You too." "Be strict with him." "Don't worry we'll find a job for him." "Here are people from Taisei Corp." " Hello." " Hello." "Long time no see... how's it going'?" "Have you finished digging the tunnel from Omachi already?" "No." "We arrived by helicopter this morning to meet Takemoto." "Which one is Sakuro'?" "You can't see it from here." "It's about 2 or 3 km that way" "So it's close." "Don't be stupid..." "Kurobe doesn't forgive mistakes." "One false step and you're a dead man." "Stay alert at all times." "I know." "FACILITY 5" "Facility 5 is the responsibility of Taisei Corp." "An underground room is being built to house a generator and a transformer station." "This hall is twice the size of the A/Iarunouchi building and 200 m deep." "KURO-4 POWER PLANT" "Facility 4 is being built by Sato Industries." "It is located even further down." "Between facilities 4 and 1, Hazami Gumi is constructing a 10 km connecting tunnel, plus an under/vater tunnel." "They are responsible for 70% of the work." "When this part is finished, they have to go to Mount Sakuro." "There is going to be another project there." "But first, carriers have to deliver the materials there via a rocky path." "At first, my father didn't really believe in the success of this project." "That's why he didn't say anything for a while." "It seems, he was even thinking about resigning." " Resigning'?" " Yes." "But I'm sure that the company somehow made him do it." "Can't this fissure area be bypassed in some way?" "I'd say it's fifty-fifty" "Maybe, it would be better for father to resign..." "Everyone would change their mind if they knew exactly what this work involves." "I've been thinking about how dangerous this Kuro-4 project is." "And now I realize that this fissure is really scary" "And now father's resignation..." "It's my fault." "I may have exaggerated a bit." "Not at all." "You explained everything very clearly" "Since my father... has gone there anyway is there a way to stop him?" "There will be casualties, no doubt, and the construction process will come to a halt." "In that case, father will have to resign anyway" "Decided to see your father?" "No, I wanted to see Kurobe one last time." "If Kansai Electric manages to build their tunnel, Kurobe will disappear forever." "So I decided to take a look at Kurobe while it's still intact." "I see." "In that case, how do you feel about... what we're doing here'?" "I'm opposed to it." " Let's drink to the opponent then." " To you." "It's great." "I'd also like to go trekking in the mountains." "But, apparently I'll be able to do that only when I retire now." "By the way Yuki asked me to give this to you." "Thanks a lot." "Is she well?" "Yes." "She isn't too worried about me working there'?" "She is." "Very worried." "It's my fault that I talked about the fissure so dramatically" "In fact, there's nothing to worry about." "The girl takes it too seriously" "I think she would, actually like the place." "Yes... when we first met, you mentioned the Fossa Magna..." "You were the only one to talk about it openly" "In fact, keeping silent about it would have been even more dangerous." "Well... actually I don't know much about it." "Ivvaoka, tell me... if something happens, could you take care of Yuki'?" "I've been thinking about it myself." "But would a rogue like me suit her'?" "Let's drink to the rogue." "Thank you." "You know what..." "We should invite your father and drink together." "No." "Please, don't." "It's better for us not to meet." "It ends in an argument every time." "Kitagawa, you just called me your opponent." "But my father is my real enemy" "I've come to see Kurobe." "But I'm also worried about Kuro-4, for some reason." "I want to stop my father somehow." "Your father has neuralgia, and he's not working at the moment." "Neuralgia'?" "You mean, he has knee-ache'?" "Neuralgia..." "Does it hurt here'?" "Not a bit." "And here'?" "No." "You're sweating." "Here, wipe your forehead." "What do you say'?" "You have to leave for at least a year." "You must be joking." "This is a decisive year for the tunnel." "It's also a decisive year for your leg." "If it gets worse, we'll have to amputate." "Think about it, and take a year off." "Then go ahead and amputate." "Both of them." " Alright, have some rest." " Doctor... doctor!" "Damn it!" "Chief, don't be stubborn." "Take some time off!" "Sayama and I will replace you." "We will come from time to time." " How much did we do last month'?" " 135 metres." " How much a day'?" " 7 metres a day" "If we do 10 metres a day we'll do 3,500 in one year." "Two months after that, everything will be over." "And I'll be lying in bed all that time." "We'll gain pace little by little." "Gain pace?" "You're an optimist." "We'll see when we get to the fissure." "Alright, I'll start injections from tomorrow." "Chief..." "You're useless, you should all be fired... so that real workers could be hired instead." "Everything has to be done according to schedule, no matter what." "Got it'?" "We have to ask for assistance tomorrow." "There might be a rock slide." "Hey!" "The weather is awful." "I've brought a guest with me." "Come in." "Welcome." "Thank you." "Should I leave?" " Why is that?" " He has a heart of stone." "It's my room." "Get out of here." "We've come here... specifically to see you." "So'?" "Do you have anything to say'?" "Let's talk seriously I don't want to argue with you." "I want to explain something." "So speak." "You're not a human being." "Do you really have human blood running through your veins?" "What drives you... is greed for money and fame." "You're like a prostitute." "Bastard!" "Talking to your father like that..." "For the sake of that greed, you're ready to do anything," "Make any kind of sacrifice," "Kill a man," "Worse than that... kill a child." "Yoichi, lay the explosive." "What are you waiting for, you cocksucker?" "Move!" "Yoichi, quick!" "Yoiohi!" "Why didn't you lay the explosive yourself?" "Why did you have my brother do it'?" "But even that wasn't enough for you." "You wanted to involve me as well." "That's why mother took me and went to Kyoto." "She never returned to Tokyo after that." "She didn't want to see you." "And now you're saying all those big words." "You have blood on your hands..." "my brother's blood." "Everyone was crazy at the time." " Everyone loved that construction." " That's a lie." "Everyone who was a human being... hated that construction, you were the only one." " It was for the sake of winning the war!" " Bullshit!" "One should be ready to die for their country" "There, you said it." "'One should be ready to die'." "You showed your true face." "I made you do it." "And you, finally did." "You, bastard!" "You..." "Good for you, father." "Your legs hurt'?" "It doesn't hurt for me." "It makes me laugh." "You, cocksucker..." "Bastard!" "Damn..." "Well..." "This is your true face now." "How dare you insult me, bastard!" "Stop it!" "Enough!" "Chief, enough!" "What are you doing, scumbags'?" "Bring some water!" "Move it, bastards... ivvaoka." "It was different during the construction of Kuro-3." "It was a military order, and death was deemed honorable." "Now, with Kuro-4, it's not the case." "This time, it's a nationwide project." "And now it's in full swing." "What you've just said are your own feelings." "And it's all in the past now anyway It's irrelevant." "My own feelings?" "..." "Not at all." "And it's not in the least irrelevant." "Doesn't the same violence take place today for the sake of duty?" "The budget of this project is 4O billion." "It affects 10 million people." "You have to understand that." "You said we'll experience rock slides..." "maybe we will." "If an accident occurs, it will be a misfortune for the victim's family" "But if we don't make this tunnel, the whole project will fail." "Companies will go bankrupt and a lot of people will lose their jobs." "You're bound to encounter rock slides." "Kurobe is a dangerous place, you know that better than I do." "That's why safety has to be a prime consideration here." "Otherwise, accidents are sure to happen." "The person responsible will be fired, but nothing will change." "In case of an accident, the person responsible will be fired, and there will be no more casualties." "Kuro-3 was built for the sake of peace." "That's what workers were told as they were driven with swords and rifles." "But today what's all this for'?" "What do you tell them'?" "For the sake of peace?" "Electricity?" "For the sake of Japan's prosperity?" "That's even worse... than my father killing a rookie." "Ivvaoka." "I expressed myself clearly:" "your father's time is over." "It's easy to blame your father." "But we have to turn a new page, move on." "It's very important." "If we don't do it, the dead won't rest in peace." "Kitagawa." "Is this your deep conviction?" "Do you really think so'?" "I do." "I do." "The weather is great." "It should be nice in the mountains tomorrow." "Yes." "Can I stay?" "Here'?" "For one night'?" "No, for a while." "Till winter..." "Or till spring." " Thank you for coming." " Not at all." "Looks like we should be careful here." "If we carry on with the same pace, we should stay on track." "I don't like this rock, though." "We need some props here, and that will take time." "Well... of course, safety of workers is the most important thing." "Kitagawa, looks like you take it really seriously" "Everything's fine, don't worry" "If you think about everything in advance, there's much less to worry about." "That's true..." "Hey!" "Go ahead!" "Let's remove the rock!" "Don't just stand here." "Chief, are you alright?" "Chief!" "Are you alright?" "What are you all looking at'?" "Get back to work!" "Get back to work!" "Now!" "Takeshi, are you happy now?" "Are you glad to see it'?" "Bastard..." "Scum." "Damn!" "Damn leg!" "Shit!" "Fucker!" "Chief, stop it!" "Take him to the doctor!" "Take him to the doctor, now!" "Doctor?" "What for'?" "I have to be here." "We have to keep digging!" "Let's keep drilling!" "Sayama, tell them." "Sayama, don't do this." "Bastards!" "You cocksucker!" "Let me go!" "He's going to Omachi." "I wouldn't mind going with him." "Well... shall we go on'?" "To work!" "What's the meaning of life?" "Our program today attempts to find an honest answer to that question." "From the studio we surveyed a lot of people. .." "You're already up'?" "It was Yuki and lwaokafs idea." "And then they just left me." "I'm so angry with them." "No wonder." "Why would they want schoolgirls around?" "And where is Makiko?" "She tried to walk on the ice for 20 minutes, but got tired." "She's in her room now, having some rest." "She's so frail." " So Kurobe lies over that ridge?" " Yes." "And you have to get there..." "You left Kyoto to see Kurobe for the last time." "Ancl now, it's going to be only from inside the tunnel." "Frankly speaking, it sounds a bit boring for me." "The tunnel is right underneath us." "It's 500 metres deep." "A lot of miners... work there in three shifts, 24 hours a day" "Being alongside them..." "I see great guys who sincerely love their job." "We, who received higher education with no difficulties... are no match for these people." "However... these guys, exactly like my father... can't live without it." "That's why I'm worried about them." "In order to understand it, you have to be there... it's not enough to just sit back and watch." "So you're not going back to Kyoto?" "No." "FACILITY 3 ENTRANCE TO THE TUNNEL" "The Kansai Electric tunnel was successfully advancing by 10 metres a day." "About 1, 700 metres had already been covered." "But at the end of April..." "It doesn't seem to be going that well this month." "No, it's not..." "The rock is harder now." "There was a rock slide again yesterday" "But it was the first one in a month." "Overall, we were advancing pretty well lately" "But today we managed to do only 1 meter." "There's friable granite everywhere, ancl today there was water leaking through it." " Water'?" " Yes." "Streams of it." "Anyway I have to go boss." "Kitagawa." "VWI you be able to meet the deadline?" "There are three months left till the end of July" "Yes... we'll manage." "Boss, it's for you." "From the construction site." "Ivvaoka asks you to come immediately" "I'm coming." " What happened?" " Nothing yet." "Hey what is it'?" "It's collapsing!" "There's a cracking sound and stones are falling down." "Let's get out of here!" "Are you alright over there'?" "!" "It's you, Kitagawa'?" "Be careful here." "One-two!" "Come on!" "If we manage to set the prop, we can carry on our work." "But one prop isn't enough to protect everyone from falling stones." "Trust me." "One!" "Two!" "30TH OF APRIL, 1957 (Shovva 32)" "The rock seems to have shifted a bit." "Shall we go on'?" "Our chief is lucky While we're here, he gets breakfast in bed." "Kitagawa, we have to conduct a thorough geological survey" "Alright." "In any case, be careful." "Should there be any danger, get everyone out." "I've said it before, but I'll say it again:" "we don't want any casualties." "This is my only request." "The work continued all night." "At midnight..." " We're done." " Well?" "Looks like the danger has passed." "So..." "let's try'?" "It's time." "We haven't blasted in a while." " Only a bit." " Alright." "Let's lay the explosive!" "Get down, everyone." "We're laying the explosive!" "MAY, 'I 4A.M." " How is it'?" " How's the wall?" "No rock slide." "Everything's fine." "Great." "7 ANL." "Stop!" "The machine has hit a post." "The rock is damaged." "What'?" "The rock is shifting'?" "Abe, get the props." "Welders, here!" "Welders!" "Pull back!" "Guys, watch out!" " Try to prevent the walls from collapsing." " Yes." "Move it!" "Move it!" "Hold on!" "Set the props!" "Get sliders and grooved piles!" "Bring a log here!" "One more!" "Evacuate!" "Take cover!" "Now!" "Take cover!" "Idiots!" "If you run away I'll beat you to death!" " Bastards!" " Chief!" "Get the fuck off me, bastards!" "Have you shit your pants?" "Chief..." "Cocksucker!" "Stop it!" "Deserters!" "Get him out of here!" "END OF PART ONE" "PART TWO" "2ND OF MAY, 1957" "This is the area of displacement." "As expected, it goes along the Fossa Magna." "That is, it's connected to the fissure along the ltoigawa-Shizuoka line." "In other words, during this geological period... some rock in the shape of a wedge... penetrated the massif between Narusavva and Akazavva, and fractured it." "The fissure has a complicated three-dimensional shape, which is difficult to reflect here." "Ancl now, about the water flow." "The water is considered to have trickled through the ground over a long period of time." "It then crushed the walls of the tunnel and burst inside." "Cracks between rocks kept widening and the gaps expanded." "It caused the 'sudden flow' phenomenon." "That is how I imagine it." "How big is the displacement area?" "Well... it's the whole line between Narusavva and Akazavva." "After it, there should be solid rock again." "But it's only our assumption." "The water poses a problem." "What if it continues flowing without stopping?" "There's a 3,000 meter high mountain above us." "It's not the Pacific Ocean." "It'll run out eventually" "The basic research is finished." "Let me present the results." "Our first task is water drainage." "For that, we need guiding tunnels on the left and on the right of the main one." "They will serve as tail race tunnels." "Our second task is restoring the bearing wall." "For that, we will need to build an 8-meter concrete block... right before the area of collapse." "It will provide a springboard for further advancement." "Then we will be able to recover the lost part very quickly" "The third task should be performed along with the second one." "We have to build a wooden construction like this... and get it to the working area as soon as possible." "We'll start drilling from here and will be able to gauge the size of the displacement area precisely" "Those are the three bases of our further action." "Well done!" " The directing..." " What'?" " The directing channels will go here!" " Alright." "The first one - right from here." "This way it won't damage the area of collapse." "I agree." "Let's start immediately" " Come on." " Yes." "Bring grooved piles!" "Harder!" "Push it harder!" "Well... should we carry on'?" "We mustn't stop." "We've been working non-stop since yesterday" " An urgent letter." " What'?" "You have an urgent letter." "On the 30th, Makiko became anemic and fainted" "'She's had bed rest and daily blood transfusions since.'" "Late spring suddenly came to Kurobe." "The situation with the tunnel was getting worse." "Construction of the first drainage channel started on May 3." "Until the middle of May, about 20 metres were covered." "However, the pressure of the rock was increasing." "In June, drilling became difficult and rocks/ides started occurring." " Hey!" " What's wrong?" " What is it'?" " An-chan!" " Hey!" " An-chan, wake up!" "He must be exhausted!" "What's wrong?" "It's gas." " Gas!" "Evacuate!" " Gas!" "Evacuate!" "NOW!" "After 100 metres, we reached a point where dangerous gas seeped in." "We had to abandon the first drainage channel." "60 metres from the first channel... we started to drill a third one, but managed only 20 metres in 9 days..." "The spurt is too strong!" "In the same way, we had to abandon the third channel and move on to a fourth one." "However, on the ninth day..." "Although, during the drilling of the second channel, there were rock sides... little by little, we managed to cover 49 metres." "Run!" "Get out of here!" "It's useless." "It's been 50 clays since we entered the fissure area." "No matter how many new channels we dig, the result is the same." "We have to carry on with the main tunnel somehow." "Hold on..." "I think, there is a way" "We're trying our best to find new directions." "But there's a limit." "We have to consider the situation carefully" "The fissure area crosses the main tunnel like this." "That's why Kitagawa put forward a plan." "First, we made one channel for as long as we could." "We tried to keep drilling." "First, from here..." "Then, from here." "But all our efforts were futile." "In fact, all four channels act as a drainage system." "So, if four channels aren't doing the job, we need another one." "The fifth channel has to start here..." "I think, we should start immediately" "Of course, it's going to make the drilling of the main tunnel easier." "At the same time, we have to maintain the other channels." "If there are any other suggestions, please, speak out now." "So, there are none." "Sooner or later, the water's going to run out anyway ivvaoka, it's for you." "Ivvaoka speaking." "What'?" "Matsumoto?" "What happened?" "Makiko... is really bad." "How bad'?" "She has leukaemia." "She's had it for over a year... she's in the Kyoto University clinic." "For over a year?" "They can't do anything in the clinic." "Chemotherapy can only alleviate her condition and delay death." "Today's medicine..." "Does your father know?" "It's better not to tell him now." "It's a decisive moment in the construction of the tunnel." "Is this fissure area that difficult?" "Everyone risks their life here." "Really?" "Yes." "I understand you very well... you want your father to quit this dangerous work and come back home." "At least, for the sake of Makiko..." " What if there's an accident]?" " No one's going to be hurt." "You sound exactly like my father now." "Ivvaoka, you're starting to think more and more like him." "Am I'?" "No, I have different ideas." "Is it because you see the workers every day'?" "I have to understand them." "You've changed." "This work has changed you." "You used to be different." "I can't forget the time we first met." "Now, I'm alone..." "This project should have been thought through better." "Did you get what you wanted, Kitagawa'?" "You can't build the tunnel without pushing your workers." "Thinking about those constant rock slides... makes workers nervous." "Kitagawa, in the worker's mind... if the engineer says everything will be alright, it means everything will be alright." "You have to believe in yourself." "Many more people will be hurt in the fissure area." "You don't have to explain anything or apologize." "This fifth channel isn't working out either." "Is it worth repairing it'?" "What's wrong with him?" "He's fine." "He wants the National Safety Award of the month." "Leukaemia, you say..." "Today's medicine can't do anything." "Even if we tell Kitagawa everything, what can he do'?" "I saw him at work today" "The construction is in such a state now that it can drive him crazy" "It's better not to say anything for now." "It would be good if he could see his daughter under some other pretext." "I keep thinking about it." "I'll notify the head manager." "Come in." " You're back?" " Makiko, what's wrong with you?" "It was so difficult for me to come here, and you're crying." "Father, why so suddenly?" "I had some business in the head office, and I had time to drop by" "Thank you." " I'm glad you're here." " Is she anemic?" "Yes." "It turns out, she has a lack of red blood cells." "What a weird disease." "Why would our daughter have a poor people's illness?" " Indeed." " Here." "Thank you." "Here's one more souvenir." "So beautiful!" "And this is for Yuki." "From ivvaoka." "He wrote it this morning." "He did'?" "And here's a dried mountain flower one university teacher gave me." "Very beautiful." "VWI you come tomorrow'?" "I'll come next time I'm here." "'I haven't told Kitagawa...' 'how serious Makings condition is.'" "'Try to delay it for as long as you can.'" "'Please, don't tell him about it yet.'" "Darling, the bath is ready" "No, I have to go." " VWI you come again soon?" " Well..." "I have to get back to work today" "Father... stay at least for one night." "I can't." "I promised to get back." "Well..." "Alright." "Tell me if you need anything." "OK)'" "Give my greetings to Makiko." "Father, only for one night." "Please!" "We'll go to Makiko again tomorrow morning." "Yes!" " I'll come again next time." " It's always 'next time'!" "You promise to come all the time!" "What's wrong?" " Please..." " Yuki." "What are you hiding from me'?" " Makiko..." " Mum!" "Kayo!" "Our girl has one year left to live..." "What are you talking about?" "!" "One year?" "What does she have'?" "She has leukaemia." "What about treatment?" "There is no treatment..." "Kayo!" "Is this your damn Fossa Magna'?" "It's not your goddamn drawings." "This water might be the end of the whole construction." "If these subterranean waters are connected to the Sea of Japan... it's over." "Shit!" "You know, father... this January all the wells dried up." "That's true..." "I had to melt snow to make some rice." "These mountains accumulate water." "When January comes, the water will subside." "Stop bullshitting me!" "Workers in the tunnels were impatient and desperate." "Their families were also concerned, which added fuel to the fire." "They had to lie in their letters and telegrams." "FATHER, I'LL BE BACK SOON..." "MUM, I'LL BE BACK SOON..." "TOSI-IIKO, I THINK, I'LL BE BACK SOON..." "Hey!" "What's going on here'?" "Enoki!" "Takeyama!" "Boss!" "I called the foreman, Tsukamoto!" "Here I am." "How many workers do you have'?" "Fewer than 500." "But there should be 700!" "In this situation, there are fewer and fewer of them." "Have you tried looking for replacements?" "Have you lifted a finger at all to get new people?" "No matter how hard I try it's not so easy!" "In that case, the current three shifts have to work day and night." "Got it?" "!" "You're only pretending to be working!" " Kitagawa, please, wait." " Get to work." "Kitagawa, what's going on'?" "Is someone dissatisfied with our work'?" "But we're making progress." "You understand, don't you'?" "Look, we're running out of resources." "Machinery... people..." "Everyone's trying their hardest to get ahead." "We're not capable of doing more than that." "The management are the ones to blame." "How much do you need?" "What are you talking about?" "About the fissure area!" "How much do you need to get through it'?" "What do you mean?" "500 million'?" "700 million'?" "Maybe, a billion'?" "How much do you need?" "Kitagawa." "Don't bother continuing this." "Stop pleading ignorance, you're perfectly aware of the situation." "This construction should be earning money but drilling only wastes it." "Watch what you're saying!" "We can't afford to fail in this!" "So let's stop bargaining." "I'm meeting Otagaki, the company president." "I have to explain everything clearly to him." "So tell me, please, how much you need." " This won't help." " Not true!" "Alright, I'll speak openly" "You know the budget of the project." "But, even in the case of success, the profit is very insignificant." "It's not only about me." "The other businesspeople are in the same situation." "The thing is... in two or three months from now... we'll realize that it's impossible to get through this fissure area." "You're underestimating the seriousness of the situation." "You saw what's happening at the construction site now." "There's no progress." "You won't take no for an answer... but my company is responsible for the tunnel." "I have to anticipate the consequences." "Sooner or later, we'll have to admit that it's impossible." "Really impossible." "Iwaokafs brigade... are very persistent and greedy people." "You know their foreman." "If it was about money they would do it." "Those men are ready to give their lives." "But even they can't do it." "They scream 'Hurrah?" "and keep going." "I've been able to manage different kinds of people." "But this time, I'm powerless." "I thought that anything could be achieved with money" "But this time, money is useless." "If people can do it, it's possible." "If not - it's impossible." "Ye u} e vvrgngl" "If you give people money training and time, everything is possible." "That's absurd." "There are still many things man can't do." "Take cancer, for example." "People have been struggling with it for a longtime, but they still can't beat it." "If you give a man money training and time, will it help him to recover?" "Even cancer can be treated." "It's curable!" "Doctors only say that it's not." "It's like an axiom which they have accepted." "But people can make the impossible happen... with their soul... their heart... because they won't believe, won't accept." "It's the same with the fissure area." "7 m 30 cm in June." "2 m 4O cm in July" "It's unbelievable." "7 cm and 7 mm a day on average." "The fissure area is a hard nut to crack, but it's certainly not impossible." "When the rock resists, one wants to penetrate it at least a little bit... at least by a centimeter or a millimeter..." "Who's going to prevail, nature or man?" "And it's like that till the end!" "Fujimura, please..." "I need to know your decision." "Fujimura..." " Sayama, one more prop." " Alright." "Incredible." "It looks like you're going to make it." "There's a dangerous area ahead." "It's better for you to stay back." "We're just getting in your way now." "Anyone could do it." "All we have to do is try" "Just try and you'll see." "Yes, I see..." "I see..." "Thank you very much." "Well, let's go." "What other technical solutions are there'?" "What do you say'?" "Well... there's also the shield method." "Shield method'?" "Yes, it involves a hermetic metal pipe, inside of which high pressure is maintained." "It supports the surface and allows continued drilling." "It is used during construction of underwater tunnels." "Are you sure'?" "Yes." "However, the equipment is rather costly" "Besides, it's quite difficult to switch to a new method." "Hold on." "If it's only about money the problem can be solved easily" "We should have a reserve." "You'll get as much money as you need." "Don't hesitate to request anything you need for the construction." "Even if we don't need the equipment after wards, don't worry" "Even if we need it only temporarily it makes sense to get it." "Fujimura, what do you think?" "Well... yes." "What about the drainage channels?" "There are enough of them in the project." "If you need any more, tell me." "We'll make a hundred if need be." "We need to make multiple channels above the fissure area, like an umbrella." "They will allow the draining of all the water." "Actually we have already started this work." "Then hurry up." " Everything according to the highest standards." " Yes." "Gentlemen from Kajima Corp... in order to get through the fissure area... we need an additional 1 billion 100 million from you." "If it's not enough, we'll find a couple of hundred million extra." "The atmosphere seems to have become less tense." "The situation was quite unpleasant." "It wasn't like this before." "Yes, an increased budget allows us to be more at ease." "He's here." "I'm sorry that I kept you waiting." "It's nothing." "Come in." "Fujimura, I only have one request to you." "Given the circumstances, I have to ask you..." "What is it, President?" "Fujimura... I would lie... if I said that I don't value the honor and the money... which my high position gives me." "However, at the moment, they are not as important for me." "The thing is, during the month after the war..." "I lost two children..." "my eldest son and eldest daughter." "My eldest son died of fatigue and malnutrition." "Soon after that, my eldest daughter passed away after a long illness." "I lost the most important things in life." "Apart from Kuro-4, I have nothing else left to lose." "That's why I'm asking Kumagai Gumi..." "You puzzled me." "I'm afraid, I can't help you very quickly" "Yes, you can... we could begin using the shield method starting from December." "There are only three months left." "We have to intensify the construction process." "But that requires separate consideration." "Otagaki, you refuse to give up." "By next winter, we will have passed the fissure area." "There is still a lot of water now..." "That's why we should start in December..." "Do you agree?" "It's..." "Otagaki." "We'll do it as soon as possible." "Thank you very much." "A weight off my mind." "I put my complete trust in you." "Goodbye." "That goddamn machinery will help us get through the fissure area?" "Man can make any kind of tunnel." "When we dug the hot tunnel, we managed to do it without machinery" "We dug it with the blood and sweat of workers, and we succeeded." "It has been like that since the old times in Japan." "How is this job different now?" "Those pussies, what can they do against us'?" "We don't give a damn about difficulties." "We can handle this job." "Right, guys?" "We have to think only about digging that tunnel." "Because of this leg, I can show up at the site only occasionally" "So, you have to... do your best without me." "Clear?" "Clear?" "!" " Yes." " There!" "Alright, get to work." "Yes." "You scolded them like a teacher scolds his students." "Then again, boring lectures always put people to sleep." "By the way I'm going to get married." "V\Ath Kitagawafs daughter." "It's none of your business, but I decided to tell you anyway" "FISSURE AREA" "Meanwhile, at Site 1, a tunnel was being built from the opposite side..." "What is it'?" "Why are you just sitting around?" "Boss!" "We're tired of this work." "If we carry on drilling, it will be the end of us." "The water level will rise to the ceiling in no time." "There won't be enough time to escape." "Think about the hot tunnel at Kuro-3." "We also had to deal with the fissure area more than once there." "You have to fight, you sons of bitches!" " Times have changed." " Exactly" "FACILITY 4" " SATO INDUSTRIES" "VWI the Kansai Electric tunnel be opened or not'?" "While they're digging it, we might as well relax in Nirvana." "The deadline will be pushed back anyway" "Still, it wouldn't be right for us to sit back here..." "Why not?" "If we don't make progress... people at Site 3 will lose confidence." "So what?" "And if we keep digging from this side... it will be a kind of support for them." "I don't know about that." "Even if we hack our way to them..." "I doubt our feelings will get through to them." "Man, this work really got to your head." "Let's get to work." "What was that?" "You escaped under cover of night." "None of you can be trusted." "We're not going to sell our lives." "What'?" "Who said that?" "Come out." "Why?" " Stop it!" " You cocksucker!" " Chief, stop!" " What did you say'?" "Bastard!" "You're protecting these bastards?" "Chief!" "Chief, enough!" "Father, stop!" "Don't!" " I'll show you, scumbags!" " Ouch!" "Come here!" "Bastards!" "Did you hear the siren?" " Did the drainage channel collapse?" " No!" "Kawamura and Yamada died." "Notify their families." "Why don't you do it'?" "It was your idea... to dig that drainage channel." "You're the one who killed them!" "Is this a joke'?" " Bastard!" " Hold on!" "I totally agree with you." "That drainage channel should have been closed a long time ago." "But for now, it's the only way" "We had to try all the options." "Besides... it did the job until we found new ways." "I think, they tried to light the fuse for too long." "Why did they have to wait'?" "Why did they wait until the last moment'?" "Because they hired dumb fucks like you for this project." "Kawamura came here together with me." "He wanted to earn some money so that his younger brother could go to university" "V\Ath dynamite, you must never wait until the last moment..." "Idiot..." "Fool..." "Abe, you're a piece of shit." "Go back to your Kyushu and mine your coal." "What did you say'?" "!" "All you can do is stand with a stick in your hand!" "He was a simple guy just like you." "And now he's dead." "We're going to die too!" "You gave us that drainage system instead of money" "Exactly" "You'll get your money..." "Don't worry Abe." "You and us, we're different." "Different?" "Thanks to whom have you earned your living up to now'?" "Enough of those big words." "We dug that terrible tunnel for you." "You made us dig that tunnel so that you could make a profit." "Whether we get through that fissure area or not... you'll get your money from Kumagai Gumi anyway right'?" "I don't want to die." "I got it." "You're free to go." " Get out of here." " Fine." ""Bit!" "So that's what you bastards think about me'?" "We have a deal." "So long." "No!" "He's not like our chief." "He put his life on the line for us." "You dumb-ass, this accident is his fault." "Nobody knows if you're a scholar or a birdbrain." "Even though your approach is different from his... it was hard for us to work." "Either way we had to dig that tunnel like badgers." "Everything's clear." "You're free to go." " Get out of here." " Alright." "Come on, get out." "Bye-bye." "To hell with them." "150 people have left already" "Doesn't matter." "They were pussies." "Only one out often people is good enough." "We have to pay the ones who are left." "Pay?" "Money... yes, this is the most suitable time." "They'll see money and they'll want to dig that tunnel again." "Takeshi, you're getting the grip of things little by little." "Wrong!" "What is'?" "They did hard work." "They should be paid accordingly" "Fine, they'll get a pay raise starting from tomorrow." "Everyone will get paid according to the amount of work done." "You're a lousy manager." "The subterranean waters are subsiding!" "Look, the subterranean waters are subsiding!" "Ten drainage channels had been made so far." "With a total length of 500 m." "At the end of the channels, 124 wide boreholes were drilled." "The total length of the boreholes was 2900 m." "The channels' walls were strengthened with 130 lit res of grout." "By that time, the dry season had started in Kurobe." "'Starting from October, we switched to 'selective drilling"." "'By the end of November, we had done 26 m, Le. 84 cm a day.'" "'There is much less water now.'" "'I think, if we do a good job this month, we'll get through the fissure area.'" "'Makiko has to be present at our wedding.'" "'I talked to your father, and we decided' 'to hold the wedding ceremony at the end of the year'" "We did it!" "We passed the fissure area." "2ND OF DECEMBER, 1957 02135 PM." "The passage through the fissure area is completed." "The distance from the entrance of the tunnel - 1,863.6 m." "Width of the fissure area is 82.6 m." "Sister, you are a perfect match..." "Why cry at such a moment'?" "I cry because I finally saw my sister..." "You look so different now!" "There's so much majesty in you." "Facility 4 - connecting tunnel and drainage systems." "The work is advancing according to schedule." " Kenichi!" " Are you alright?" "What happened?" "' Are You okay?" " Wake up!" "Kenichi..." "Kenichi!" "It's your dad." "Do you recognize me'?" "Mum will come tomorrow too." "22nd of February, 1958." "The work on the tunnel is advancing from both sides." "In a few dozen metres, the two sides are expected to connect." "Perfect." "Yes!" "Listen everyone!" "Let's try with pick hammers first!" "Then we'll see if we need more dynamite." "If a pick hammer gets through, everyone will get 30 thousand yen." "Where is the second cart?" "Get it over here!" " Ivvaoka!" "The phone!" " Coming." "Well, where is that cart?" "Hello..." "Is that you'?" "Are you laying the explosive'?" "What'?" "It's too early yet." "We're coming to you!" "Get back!" "Lay the explosive and get back." "Get back, now!" "Reporters, get back!" "It's dangerous here." "Get back!" "Quick!" "Get out of there!" "Damn!" "It didn't work!" "23RD OF FEBRUARY" "How much did you cover today?" "Idiot!" "They used to do more than that twenty years ago!" "I heard something..." "are you in the tunnel'?" " How much'?" " 2,671 m 30 cm." "We covered 2,671 m 30 cm." "Are you sure you dug in the right direction?" "What'?" "Hello?" "Idiot..." "He's going to measure everything again." "Fool." "Get well." "Thank you very much." "Makiko." "Sister..." "I" "I can't get up." "You can't get up all of a sudden?" "It's because of the fever." "Once the fever is gone, you'll get up again." "Don't be afraid, Makiko!" "24TH OF FEBRUARY" "25TH OF FEBRUARY" "I don't like this sound." "Damn!" "It's done!" "Hold on." "We had only three hours of sleep." "We've been working all night since 6." "Really?" "It's time to get some rest." "We've been working since 6." "Kitagawa, it's not the right time to rest." "Let's go on." "We mustn't over strain people." "If a pick hammer gets through to the other side, I'll pay 50 thousand yen!" "Hurry UP!" "Bring a wrench!" "07:40 PM." "Let's do it!" " Do it." " Yes." "Hurrah!" "Chief!" "Chief!" "Chief!" "Chief!" "May the consecration ceremony begin." "Iwaokafs brigade, step forward." "Salt!" " Thank you for your hard work." " Thank you." "Hey!" "ivvaoka!" "I'm here." "Oh..." "Hey look!" "Look at that!" "Look!" "The wind..." "The wind from the Kurobe river." "Hurrah!" "Hurrah!" "Hurrah!" "Hurrah!" " Ivvaoka, is the boss here'?" " What is it'?" "A telegram." "'Kansai Electric." "Kuro-4, Site 3.'" "'Makiko died." "Yuki.'" "Let's drink to our success!" "Let's drink!" "Let's drink!" "Hurrah!" "Hurrah!" " Kitagawa, say a few words." " Please." "I'm grateful to each of you!" "All of you have done a great job!" "The tunnel, which everyone expected so much... is finally ready today thanks to a collective effort." "We started in the summer before last... and we have been working on it for over a year and a half." "Everyone was waiting for this day... with bated breath." "And we have succeeded." "Thank you very much!" "And congratulations!" "You bastard..." "you got through the fissure area... with the help of those goddamn machines." "It was supposed to be my tunnel." "You also worked there." "You advanced with the help of machinery" "Not like before." "Father!" "This is Takeshi, do you recognize him?" "Yoichi, lay the explosive." "What are you waiting for'?" "Get out of there!" "Watch out!" "Yoichi!" "Get back!" "Quick!" "Run!" "Yoichi!" "Get back!" "Yoichi!" "Run, you bastard!" "Get back!" "Yoichi!" "Yoichi!" "Yoichi..." "Yoichi..." "You bastard... why did you leave the pick hammer?" "Give it to me." "Chief!" "Leave him..." "We are 1 £50 metres away from the entrance to the Kansai Electric tunnel." "Because of the fissure area, there were discussions whether the construction of Kuro-4 was possible at all." "But the findings of Japanese engineers and the use of innovative technology... allowed the construction to finish in April, 1958." "Driver!" "Stop here, please." "The fissure lies on the right from the bus." "Its location is marked by signal lanterns, which you can see there." "DEDICATED TO YOUR EXPLOIT" "Oh... it's time to get on the bus." "Father, are you coming'?" "What?" "..." "Yes." "THE END"