"When A Woman Ascends The Stairs" "Associate Producer:" "RYUZO KIKUSHIMA" "Screenplay:" "RYUZO KIKUSHIMA" "Cinematography:" "MASAO TAMAI" "Music:" "TOSHIRO MAYUZUMI" "HIDEKO TAKAMINE" "MASAYUKI MORI" "REIKO DAN" "TATSUYA NAKADAI" "DAISUKE KATO" "GANJIRO NAKAMURA" "EITARO OZAWA KEIKO AWAJI" "Directed by:" "MIKIO NARUSE" "On autumn afternoons..." "when leaves are falling," "the bars, during the day, look like girls without makeup." "No, that's not the way, guys." "You had a church wedding, you should kiss as they do in Europe." " Right, come on..." " Let's do that..." " Hurry up..." " Come on..." "No, that's not the way." "Come on, try again." "Junko, stop teasing them!" "Look how he's sweating." "It's funny." "She really liked the bar, and even so she went off and got married." "She did well..." "Getting married is what every worthy woman wants." "Well, that's not my goal." "I prefer to save up and buy my own bar." "Come on... cut the pie." "But... won't we wait for Mama?" "Hello?" "Mama?" "We're waiting for you." "What?" "Yes." "Come as soon as you can, OK?" "It was Mama..." "She's at a meeting with Master and the director." "With Master Komatsu?" " Yes." " Why?" "As usual. "You have to make money..." "lots of money."" "This wouldn't happen if she had her own bar." "The business has been doing pretty badly for the last two months." "Do you know why?" "But, sir.... she's making an effort." "Is it due to Mr. Minobe, perhaps...?" "Answer me." "Excuse me." "I was held up." "Mama... do you know where Mr. Minobe is going these days?" "They say he goes to Yuri's bar." "Remember her?" "A girl that used to work for you." "Minobe has contacts with many businesses." "Call him." "Get him to return here." "I'm not sure." "Business is business, Mama." "If business is bad this month we'll get a new Mama." "Understood?" "Do your best." "Yuri is ruthless." "He has no shame." "How can he ask me to do that?" "The truth is the business is very bad." "I know, but I refuse to call him." "It's not just Mr. Minobe." "I've never begged any customer to come to the bar." "And don't think it's a question of pride, it's just that I hate doing things that way." "I've always hated liquor, but I drink it." "I don't consider that important." "And why don't you start your own business?" "If I had the money to do it..." "Come on... don't take it like that." "There are lots of bars in Ginza that would hire you." "I hate that noise..." "What's going on?" "Well..." "I have to go." "My regards to Miyuki." "Mama!" "What's wrong?" "A girl from The Blue Bird has committed suicide." "So, the cards were right." "Cards?" "Yes, a fortune teller warned her she'd have bad luck, and look how it ended." "Oh, Mama...what a tragedy!" "Yes, it's horrible." "I'm sorry to be late." "Forgive me." "They say The Blue Bird was mortgaged." "I've been told it's due to a love triangle." "Are you sure?" "Yes, Kiyomi." "Her husband and her lover had even come to blows." "How old do you think that poor girl was?" "About forty..." "but she looked much younger." "Life is very unfair." "Yes, you never know what's going to happen." "Come on, women, don't speak that way." "Come on... somebody sing something." "Well... we have to catch the train." "Thanks for everything." "You're welcome." "I think I'll walk with you." "He didn't want to book a first class ticket." "It'll be cheaper this way." "You have to save for the future." "That's true." "You're very lucky." "At least, you had the chance to marry young." "Compared to the drunks, dealing with his mother will be very simple." "Sure." "Matsui... take good care of her." "You can come and visit us..." "We're close by." "Sure..." "Thank you." "When the office girls go home, we start to work." "What do you think?" "Do you think it's vulgar?" "No." "But I think the hairdo is more suited to a midwife." "Really?" "But it wouldn't look bad." "It's nice." "Look... two matches together..." "That's good luck..." "Mitsuko, don't behave like a cabaret girl." "It's dirty." "Don't you think you eat too much, Tomoko?" "Now I'll get heartburn." "Is this one cheaper than the other two?" "They're all cheap." "Well, if I get them all, will I get a discount?" "Please..." "Oh, please..." "How much is it?" "Darling, don't tell me that." "You haven't come to see me in a long time." "I feel very lonely without you." "Really." "Welcome." "No, that gentleman is the accountant." "Sorry to be late." "Let's see, Sachiko earns 100 yen..." "And Kiyomi..." " Here you are." " Very good." "And then it gets dark." "I hate going up the stairs." "But once I'm upstairs, I trust my good luck." "Hello." "Hello, how are you, Mr. Minobe?" "I haven't seen you in a while." "They phoned me so I've come to see you." "You had forgotten us..." "Excuse me." "Mr. Minobe has come." "Were you the one that called him?" "Yes, but don't worry, I didn't mention your name." "That doesn't make any difference." "Try not to meddle." "This is my affair." "It's business." "You know I don't like it." "Look at this... it's a tie pin." "Very nice." "You didn't even look at it..." "I bought it just for you." "For me?" "Yes, try it on." " Kyomi, give this to a client." " Come on..." " Good night..." "Hello..." " Hello." "You know what?" "Nowadays, it's very hard to get things." "It's not like before." "Did they get Tisu?" "Yes." "Next time they'll get me." "You really have a good job." "They pay you to be surrounded by girls." "That girl..." "she's crazy about you." " Yes, but I'm not interested." " Are you sure?" "I think a good director should leave his girls alone." "Yes, this might be true..." "but it's a pity..." "Welcome." "A lot of new faces here..." "but it's lifeless." "Oh, do you think so?" "That's because it's still early." "Right, Mama?" "That's because he had forgotten us." "Yes, of course." "Come here more often." " Stop making a fool of me." " This is one spiteful man." "Don't pay him too much attention." "He always plays the hard man, but then becomes charming." "We've known each other for a long time." "Really?" "Is that bad?" "I've directed many companies in my life." "I know what I'm doing." "All the places in decline are the same." "They're depressing." "I see." "And is Yuri's bar lively?" "Of course it's lively." "Would you like to go?" "Yes, I'd love that..." "It would be enlightening." "Oh... so nice to see you." "Mari!" "Know what?" "Mr. Inagaki came last night." "Really?" "Yuri used to work for me." "But she left last summer." "She knew how to treat a man." "Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long." "Mama, would you like anything to drink?" "My stomach is giving me trouble." "Are you loaded?" "Oh, yes..." "Maybe I'll even become a money lender." "You'll have to teach me some accounting." "Listen, don't you think I'm one of those." "I'm glad you're doing well." "Thanks a lot, Keiko." "I barely manage." "Liar." "You've bought a new car." "No, an old one that was on sale." "It's hard to get it started." "It's also a guzzler." "Don't complain, Yuri..." "You're always the same." "Don't meddle, Mr. Minobe." "Mama and I have a lot to talk about." " Mama, that's a beautiful kimono." " You like it?" "I'm glad you've come." "You know, those stripes suit you." "Your dress is also very pretty." "Will you shut up?" "I'm not paying to listen to all this rubbish." "Hello, come in." "Hello." "Is that man one of your customers?" "He owns a distillery." "He's rich." "Mr. Minobe." "I'm glad to see you." "Are you busy?" "No... just for the night..." "Business is bad." "Are you joking?" "Well, excuse me." "Goodbye." "He's an influential man." "He's the president of a big electric utility." "I helped to get him set up during the war." "Do you want me to meet him?" "Sure..." "If possible." "Yes, it's very easy." "I'm playing golf at Izu..." "You can come with me." "Thank you..." "But I don't know how to play." "It would be useless to go." "I'll play for you..." "Ok?" "Well, it's very sudden." "I don't know." "Excuse me..." "They've just phoned from your bar." "You've got a customer." "Good..." "Thanks." "Well, I have to go." "Think about this and give me a call." "Leaving?" " Yes." " Well, if you'd like I can give you a ride." "Thanks, but I'll get there faster walking." "Sure..." "Well, as you wish." "Come back soon." "The best to you." "Mama, I was passing by and..." "You don't have to lie to me..." "Come in without fear." "It's the first time." "Yuri keeps calling me." "We'll see each other later." " Really?" " Yes." "I'll be waiting for you." "Mama is very clever." "What were you talking about?" "Another one!" "What was I going to do?" "I was very worried..." "and didn't know which way to go." "That's why I changed to a new bar." "Very few leaves left on the trees." "I'm so glad to see you." "When did you come back?" "This morning." "I had a meeting at the company." "You can come in." "It was hard to find this place." "I'm sorry..." "It's just that I misplaced your card." "Hello, welcome." "He always drinks BlackWhite scotch." "Don't forget." "It's a very pretty place." "Thank you very much." "How's the money situation?" "Why do you always ask the same question?" "Because it's very important." "When I travel abroad, they always ask the price before buying." "Of course..." "But they also pay in advance." "Mama's got good company." "Is it true that she sent Mr. Minobe packing?" "Who told you that?" "We don't know anything, right?" "You're trained well." "Tell me..." "Am I red?" "It's always the same..." "I can't drink at all." "Why do you come then, Mr. Sekine?" "In truth, I can't stand being at home when it gets dark." "Do you have a wife?" "I'm sorry to disappoint you." "Do you want me to call Mama?" "No, leave her." "I'm not her only customer." "How considerate..." "I'd love to marry a man like you." "It's an honor." "Seriously." "Handsome men are all traitors." "Yes..." "Can I have a drink?" "Sorry to keep you waiting." "Yukiko... you can leave." "Have a drink, if you like." "Thank you, Mr. Sekine." "Listen, is it true... that Mama doesn't have a special customer?" "She's very virtuous." "Yes, but... some day something's going to happen..." "She's a woman." "Listen..." "Do you want to bet?" "Bet what?" "Who'll take her." "All right..." "All of Mama's customers are here right now." "Look..." "The richest is that one from Osaka." "But she prefers the banker." "What about the chubby one over there?" "She wouldn't get near him." "She'll go with him, then." "You've put on some weight, haven't you?" "It's strange..." "not with my debts." "Do you expect me to believe it?" "Yes, it's true." "Directing a small factory is complicated." "Yes, of course..." "You're thinner." "Really...?" "It's because I'm worried about my new bar." "But you're looking good." "Thank you very much." "Do you like Tempura?" "Yes, of course." "I will treat you tomorrow." "Oh, no." "I'm sorry." "I have to go with another customer to the airport tomorrow." "All right... maybe another day." "I'm really sorry." "Come in, come in." "Has Goda come?" "Yes." "And Mr. Fujisaki?" "Also." "Mama, a customer asked me to store this." "There's 500,000 yen inside." "I can't believe it..." "He's taken you for a fool." "It's true, Mama." "Look." "Fool..." "I'm sure he's done it to ask you for a date later." "Oh, dear... what was I thinking?" "Mr. Komatsu can hold on to it." "Mama." "Yes?" "Tell me... will you have lunch with me tomorrow?" "What time?" "Whenever it suits you." "I'll call you..." "Thank you." "Leaving?" "Stay a little longer." "I have to go see someone." "Serve my friends some drinks, please." "Listen... would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow?" "Yes..." "I'll call you in the morning." "Take care." "Between 11:30 PM and midnight, more than 15,000 women return home." "The best travel by car." "The second class ones by train." "And the worst ones go home with their customers." "Junko!" "Come on, Junko!" "You'll miss the last train." "See you tomorrow." "You're forgetting this." "My son's gift." "I'm sure he's up waiting for me." " Goodbye." " Until tomorrow." " Goodbye, Mama." " See you tomorrow." " Good night." " Good night." "Namiki, the front light's still on." "Thanks." "Is she drunk again?" "I'll take her to my place so she can rest." "Listen, Keiko, that kimono's too conservative." "Do you think so?" "Try to wear something livelier." "Yes...?" "Yes, it's the Carton." "Madam, a call for you." "Hello?" "No, we can't provide a geisha at this time of night." "Instead, we can offer you sushi." "All right, goodbye." "I'm pretty busy..." "so I'll be brief, Keiko." "I've paid up the 170,000 yen that your customers owed the bar." "I need your seal here." "It's just a formality." "Sure..." "I'll get the money and pay you back as soon as I can." "Well, I'm leaving." "No, don't come with me." "Has she gone?" "Yes." "Komatsu, could you get my pay for me again tomorrow?" "Sure." "Listen, Keiko..." "He'll ask for interest." "I think I'll get a taxi." "Can you take care of Junko?" "When I come home from work," "I'm completely drunk." "It's too much to have to pay 30,000 yen for rent." "But, unfortunately, we have no choice." "Like wearing expensive clothes and perfume." "Junko!" "Oh, you've come alone." "Mama also wanted to come, but some relatives she hasn't seen in a long time arrived." "She asked me to transmit her apologies, Mr. Fujisaki." "Hmm..." "I understand." "We would be grateful..." "if you'd pay us, Mr. Fujisaki." "I've spent too much this month." "Well..." "Let's see..." "Could you wait until next month for these two?" "Right..." "These are bills from the old bar." "If you could..." "Mama has some... difficulties." "Yes, exactly." "Her uncle and aunt from Nagoya arrived this morning." "She asked me to convey her apologies." "What do I do?" "I'm minding her bar." "Yes, come again to our bar." "Don't forget..." "Yes." "Goodbye, sir." "He didn't like it at all when I told him." "Well... an excuse is better than a straight no." "You know so much..." "Every day I learn something new." "Listen, Mama, who's your favorite customer right now?" "I already know who it is." "It's Mr. Fujisaki, right?" "I don't dislike him." "But in our job we have to treat them all like lovers." "We can't love just one man." "That's very sad..." "I want to find a rich man." "If only I had those 500,000 yen." "Come on, let's not talk shop now." "Here." "It's for you." "Thanks a lot." "What a good breakfast." "Like the omelets at the restaurant." "You know, my husband used to love omelets." "Well..." "I hate cooking." "Even rice?" "There are electric cookers." "I knew you'd say that." "But you should learn." "If not, you'll have a hard time when you get married." "It was like that for me, at the beginning." "Beginning?" "When you got married?" "I admit I wanted to ask you about your husband." "I'm sure he was very handsome." "There's a photo of him on the family altar." "Have a look." "What do you think?" "A little too fat for my taste." "I'm disappointed." "He wasn't very cute, but he was a very good man." "Perhaps that's the way I saw him because he was ten years older than I." "I was just a young girl with dreams who had just finished school." "But he died very soon." "I wish I had been kinder to him." "He looks like a strong man in the picture." "Was he ill?" "No, he got run over by a truck..." "He was unlucky." "Poor man." "That's why it's so hard for me to forget him, you know?" " Tell me something..." " Yes?" "Mama, is it true you placed a love letter next to his body?" "Who told you that?" "It was Mr. Komatsu..." "He says you confessed it once." "You shouldn't feel ashamed because doing something like that is very romantic." "I think it's a wonderful gesture and it makes him have a lot of respect for you." "How silly you are..." "It's not true." "He just said that..." "In truth, it happened in a story I read." "In a story?" "Well, that's a disappointment." "But he was a very good man." "Is that why none of the men can tempt you?" "No, it's not that..." "It's because it seems very dirty to me." "It's my way of thinking." "I think a woman loses her charm if she starts to fool around with men." "Yes, but... don't you feel lonely sometimes?" "Yes, of course..." "That's why I drink brandy and go to sleep." "That way, I don't have to think about it." "But that's terrible, Mama." "Sometimes the brandy doesn't do it and I clench my teeth to avoid crying." "Really?" "How silly you are." "A real woman should never be easy." "That's one of the axioms I've always followed." "I don't mean to criticize those that don't follow it... but I think that if you let them lead you on, it's very hard to stop." "Maybe I think that way because I'm a coward." "Stop thinking and eat." "The food's going to get cold." "I'll get it." "Oh, Mama." "Wait a second..." "Open the door, please." "What's going on?" "Money?" "30,000 yen?" "I don't have so much money." "Besides, I have to pay for my kimono." "If you wait a little longer, I'll also give you your monthly pay, OK?" "And how's it going over there?" "Have you already cooked marinated cabbage?" "Bring some when you come and see me." "Yes." "Don't catch cold, OK?" "Good morning." "Have they already paid you?" "Let me eat something first, I'm hungry." "Mr. Fujisaki has paid, but Mr. Goda says he won't pay unless you go see him." "He has the money, but he didn't give it to me." "Well, then I'll go collect tomorrow." "The same hotel, right?" "Won't he try to seduce you?" "I think he likes you." "I wouldn't be surprised." "I'm sure he'll try something." "But, he won't have any luck." "I've heard a lot of girls say the same thing." "Do you know Nobuko, from Club 8?" "Nobuko was a first class woman." "She was very strict." "She fell in love with a guitarist." "Now she's working at a third rate boarding house." "I've been in this business a long time." "I've seen many like her." "What do you mean by that?" "I'm just saying what I've seen." "A very good marmalade." "I'm really grateful that you've come." "Just today I've had to take five kimonos to Yuri's bar." "To Yuri's bar?" "Her business is going well." "Do you also want one?" "I'd love to buy it, but I haven't finished paying for the last one." "You can pay whenever you want." "You know I trust you." "All the men are leaving in a hurry." "That's not very educated." "Come on, stay a bit longer." "Watch it, don't stain my shirt." "You're just like all the others." "You never keep your promises." "You always said you'd never touch the girls in your bar, didn't you?" "When I said that, I was referring to women like Mama." "Oh, that's very nice." "You sleep with me, and talk about another." "There's not many women like her, not even in Ginza." "I... understand." "What?" "That you do with me what you can't do with her." "Hogwash." "Come on, get dressed." "The time..." "What?" "The money." "You said you liked me." "But I have to get paid." "I'm a professional, remember?" "Now I'm making more than in the other bar, but I'm also spending much more." "It's a vicious circle." "It's crazy." "The owners get most of the money, don't they?" "How old are you?" "What a shame." "How old do you think?" "Thirty?" "It's a good critical point." "You should decide now... if you're going to get married or have your own bar." "Tell me, do you want to open your own bar?" "Are you joking?" "Not at all." "I'm serious, it depends on you." "I wouldn't be capable." "Yes you would, and you would be successful." "Money is not a problem." "How much would you need?" "Premises cost approximately a couple of million yen." "Fine, it'll be easy then." "I had lent... some money which was returned unexpectedly." "An honest man." "Look." "In cash." "An unexpected income." "I can't take it home." "My wife would spend it." "And bank interest is just six percent." "You can keep it." "Do whatever you want with it." "But... would you lend it to me?" "Well... things are going well for me anyway." "I go to the bar a few times a month just to see you." "It's silly that we can't meet outside the premises." "So... well, what do you think?" "Mama..." "I think it's a fair deal." "Think about it, if you will." "It's time you stopped working for others." "Mama... come on, accept it." "Sir, will the lady be staying for dinner?" "No thanks, I've got a lot of things to do." "Well, I have to go." "I'll give you an answer next time you come." "Excuse me?" "Oh, Komatsu?" "I wanted to ask you for advice." "Well, it's not a bad deal." "Does it look good to you?" "My opinion doesn't count." "But... you could have your own premises." "When I first met you, not too long ago... you were a cashier." "Yes, that's right." "And now I have to decide between getting married and having my own place." "No decent man would have me, so I think I'll give it a try." "It's strange that you acquiesce now... after resisting for so long." "What's going on?" "Do you think that if I had yielded" "I wouldn't find something better than Goda?" "I think I'll open a contribution book." "If ten men pitch in 100,000 yen I'll have a million." "Then I could return the money with the proceeds from their drinks." "Sure." "Just being a lover is worthless." "I can also contribute if you wish." "Really?" "I'm grateful." "But you don't really have to bother." "Both Mr. Sonoda and Mr. Ito, or Matsubara..." "I'm sure they can pitch in 200,000 each, can't they?" "You'd have 600,000..." "The rest would be easy." "There's also Fujisaki, a big shot banker who could pitch in 200,000." "No, not Fujisaki." "Why not?" "Nothing in particular." "Don't you want his money?" "That's right." "I know a place for sale." "Where?" "Let's go and see it." "BONGA BAR" "Think about it, it's one of the lowest prices in the market." "The only drawback is that you'll have to share the services." "You'll have to make up your minds quickly, there are two other interested parties." "Yes, we'd like to talk about it." "Sure, I'll be at the bar downstairs." "Well?" "It'll need a few repairs." "It's not bad as a start." "I'll work as a waiter." "Will you be expensive?" "No, not at the beginning." "Komatsu, will my customers come if they have to use the washrooms downstairs?" "Of course they will." "They'll come to see you." "Come on, let's see how it would look." "Come on, ask me for something." "Dry Martini?" "Of course." "Komatsu, have you been a bad boy?" "You've got lipstick on your shirt." "Yes?" "So many girls nearby, there's always one that stains my shirt." "So...?" "Will you take it?" "I don't know." "We haven't decided yet." "There are better places, but they're more expensive." "Mama." "Yuri." "What a surprise." " How are you?" " Fine." "I'd like to talk to you." "Shall we have some tea?" "Yes." "Mama, are you still angry with me?" "Why do you say that?" "Of course not." "I wanted to apologize for taking away your customers." "I'm sorry, really... but it was the only way to keep my bar." "Sure, don't worry." "Does Mr. Minobe still come around?" "Yes." "It might be the light, but you look thinner." "Just between us, I'm losing a lot of weight... due to the debts, you know?" "It can't be." "I heard you bought five kimonos for Christmas." "But they weren't for me." "I bought them so I could later pawn them." "What do you think?" "Isn't it rash to do something like that?" "I've sold the car and my golf suit." "I borrowed money for the start-up and now I'm in a terrible mess." "I don't find it funny, Yuri." "So what are you going to do?" "Best way out is suicide." "I don't see any other choice." "Sleeping pills are pretty effective." "Yuri!" "Easy, it'll be a false suicide." "I don't feel like dying." "I'll just fake it, so I can get rid of my creditors." "Are you surprised?" "I'm impressed." "I thought you didn't know what life was about." "Everything seemed to be going fine for you." "You're really daring." "Don't make me flush, Mama." "This conversation is very strange." "I hope all goes well with you, Yuri." "You know something?" "I'm going to open a bar myself." "Really?" "I'm so glad!" "Listen, we have to drink to that tonight." "For the women that work in this neighborhood life is a constant struggle." "A struggle I cannot lose." "I grabbed my contribution book and visited company after company." "Some promised me more than I expected... others, much less." "I hate talking about money with the man I love." "I think the idea is fantastic." "I'll be returning the money... by letting you drink for free when you come." "That way you make sure of having a full house, eh?" "Brilliant idea." "It wasn't my intention." "Jokes aside, I'd like to collaborate." "The only problem is... that banks can't lend money without collateral." "So that the only solution is... to pay 30,000 from my own pocket." "Us bankers keep other people's money, but we don't have much ourselves." "Yes?" "Could you come out for a minute, sir?" "Excuse me." "I shouldn't have come." "Mama." "Hello." " Collecting?" " Yes." "Are you depressed?" "No." "Not at all." "Well, they haven't paid me, but at least I've found you." "Come with me." "What a scent, Mama!" "What perfume are you wearing?" "Black Narcissus." "It's an expensive one..." "The scent is more intense here." "Really?" "I heard you were about to open your own place." "Do you already have the money?" "No, just promises for now." "Can I also count on you?" "Eh?" "I don't think so." "No?" "Why not?" "Nothing in particular." "Let's leave it at that." "That's not fair." "Tell me." "All right." "I think a bar is not the place for you." "I think it would be better if you were to marry a good man." "You're the first person to say that." "All the others agree with me." "Don't think I'm saying it because of the money." "It's just that it grieves me... to see you surrounded by that gang of drunks." "I don't know why you got started in this nasty business... but I think your real place is in a home." "Don't get offended..." "I'm just saying what I think." "Look, I'll pitch in 100,000 yen." "It's Christmas again." "I hate it." "A new dress and selling lots of tickets." "Look who's here." "Hello, girls..." "Kiyomi..." "Are you all right?" "Yes, I'm fine, Mama, but the bar is in the doldrums." "By the way, have you heard?" "Yuri has done something terrible..." "I know." "You know?" "She committed suicide." "Calm down, she just faked it." "She's very smart." "What?" "How could she have faked it if she's dead?" "Dead?" "Yes." "I already went to burn some incense a while ago." "She mixed some sleeping pills with a lot of brandy." "It wasn't a lethal dose but she mixed it with alcohol." "I'm sorry if I've upset you." "I just came to express my condolences." "The sum of all that I had sold her wasn't that important." "You can pay me whenever you want." "Thank you." "I'll consult with my relatives first." "As things are, I suppose I'll get laid off." "Yes." "I'm sorry." "Yes." "Well..." " My condolences." " Thank you." "I could have prevented her from doing it." "No." "She was unlucky, that's all." "Even if she didn't mean it, she would have ended this way." "I'm sorry to speak this way, but I was against this from the beginning." "She was too young to have her own bar." "Even a man who knows a lot about the business cannot be assured of success." "And when it comes to a woman, it's even harder." "When you fly too high, you may end up falling." "Good morning." "Excuse me, Mr. Minobe sent me." "I'm Toshiko, Yuri's mother." "I know she caused problems." "Please forgive her." "Yes." "We're very sorry about what happened." "You see..." "It's hard for me to speak about this now, but nevertheless... the sale of Yuri's premises only covers 1,500,000 yen of the debt." "Mr. Minobe would appreciate you paying the remaining 300,000." "I've brought the papers." "You just have to sign." "Do I have to do it now?" "I haven't even buried her." "Of course, forgive me." "I'm only an employee." "Tell me, why do you think she's dead?" "She thought she could get rid of the creditors faking her death." "And... and... in the end she died in earnest." "And why do you want so much money?" "I'm sure you can get it." "Ask the owner." "I swear I'll return it." "The boss has an obligation to help us, doesn't he?" "Listen, when I get it..." "Why don't we go out one day?" "Don't even dream about it." "Komatsu, are you in love with Mama?" "I don't usually tell stranger's future, but you seem like a mature woman." "I can see the word "sake" written in fire behind your head." "Is sake related to your work somehow?" "Yes." "I work in a bar, you see." "I understand." "What do you want to know?" "If I should buy a bar or not." "Pick a card from the deck." "The cards say yes..." "But you must wait." "If not, you'll be a rudderless ship." "Fortunately, time is on your side." "You must wait patiently." "Oh, I see you'll get a marriage proposal." "Are you sure?" "Work helps me forget." " Good evening." " Come in." "Hello." "Mr. Minobe, aren't you in the wrong bar?" "It looks like you're hiding from me, Mama." "Why haven't you called me?" "This is my friend," "Mr. Horiuchi of Asahi Steel." "Good evening." "Pleased to meet you." "Likewise." "I see she's more beautiful than what you told me." "It's an advantage to know men... from the steel industry." "I'm indebted to him for having brought me here." "I see." "But be careful... this gentleman is not to be trusted." "Be careful with what you say." "It's a shame about Yuri, isn't it?" "Yes, poor girl." "She should have mentioned she had debts." "All in all, it's just a million yen." "But have you already sold the bar?" "It's a trifling sum." "You're a miser." "Just what I needed." "No, wait, bring me a gin and tonic, please." "Sure." "Don't worry, I'm paying." "Don't tell me you're going to get drunk." "Mama, Komatsu is calling you." "What do you want?" "Don't treat him badly." "Minobe is a good customer." "Do you understand?" "Do you want me to flatter him?" "Forget it." "It's your job." "Customers bring money." "I said no." "It was him that made me leave the other bar, don't you remember?" "Who does he think he is?" "He killed poor Yuri... and a few days after burying her, he's got the nerve to return." "How disgusting." "I can't stand him." "Please understand." "I can still smell the incense... that I burned at Yuri's house." "Poor little Yuri." "And you're asking me to go on flattering him." "I can't stand being next to him." "Don't take it this way." "Come on, customers pay to have a good time." "And what does that matter now?" "Do I have to remind you?" "Your job is based on getting tips from your customers." "You can earn a lot." "Some are very generous." "That's why you have to do it." "Nobody will force you if you're not willing." "And if you don't like it, well, look for an office job." "Pig!" "Komatsu, come down." "Mama's vomited blood." "What!" "Mama, are you all right?" "Quick, call the doctor." "And you, call a cab." "Sorry about the trouble." "It was a stomach ulcer." "It's been four weeks." "I spent Christmas in bed and New Year too." "I even missed the seven herbs holiday." "Can I come in?" "Dad!" "Hello, ma'am." "Hello, ma'am." "Thank you for visiting." "I would have liked to come before, but it was impossible." "I've been busy with Akasaka restuarant and the bar." "The work is never done." "You shouldn't have bothered, ma'am." "I've asked Mr. Komatsu about you every day." "You look well." "Thank you very much." "The ulcer wasn't too serious." "I'm glad." "Look." "I've brought you a bit of turtle soup." "I'm sure it will do you good." "Thanks." "Here, this is to buy some fruit." "Thank you." "This is my first time here." "It seems there's still something left of old Tokyo." "I really don't have much to offer." "I hope you like this." "You're very kind." "The lady has brought some turtle soup." "Thank you very much." "Here." "Heat it up tonight." "Only a few privileged ones can afford this soup." "It's a very expensive gift." "He seemed like a very kind man." "Yes, he's full of goodness." "And that boy... it's his son, isn't it?" "Yes." "He had polio." "It must be very hard for him." "Don't go too far." "He's just turned four." "He should be at school, but he needs an operation." "Life is very unfair." "Is your apartment empty?" "Junko is keeping it clean for me." "Well, don't worry." "Now you have to rest." "Your health comes first." "Well..." "Well, taxes are taking away all the money." "Could you collect some?" "Yes, of course." "I'm sorry I forgot." "I'll take care of that..." "Good day, Mr. Goda." "Mama won't let anybody in, but you can go in." "Go ahead." "This is very pretty." "Rent must be very high." " What is that bag?" "A present?" " Yes." "Thank you." "So this is the bedroom." "The bed is warm." "You shouldn't touch it." "Where's Mama?" "In the hospital." "I'd like to go and see her." "Which hospital?" "She hasn't told me, Mr. Goda." "Oh, come on." "Seriously." "Mama wants to keep it a secret." "Why?" "Something that shouldn't be seen?" "Mama is not that kind of a woman." "She only loves you." "Come on, don't make fun of an old man." "And what are you doing here?" "Minding the place." "Then I'll return some other day." "I'm leaving." "Don't go." "You can have some tea with me, even though she's not here." "Don't misbehave, Mr. Goda." "Or Mama will whip you." "Here's your tea." "Sit down." "Tell me, what were you doing?" "I just wanted to check if Mama had a lover." "Shameless!" " What's this?" "It tastes like medicine." " Really?" "You'll never get married this way." "I don't really want to." "You'll be a spinster." "Yes, sure..." "Whatever you say." "What do you mean?" "Mr. Goda, you're very dull." "Fool." "You know?" "Some day I'll have my own bar in Ginza." "It's my dream." "That's fine..." "but first, take a look in the mirror." "How rude!" "Mama still hasn't answered about the bar." "Has she said anything to you?" "Nothing." "Listen, Mr. Goda..." "What are you doing?" "Well..." "I want my own bar too." "My God." "What a disaster." "I'm getting older by the day." "All sick people think that way." "You may be right, I should go to the beauty salon." "Do you want a massage?" "Not now." "I don't have much to do." "Come on, lie down." "All right." "How's that?" "Does it feel good?" "I used to do it for my boss, when we traveled together." " Brother..." " Yes?" "Were you this considerate to your wife?" "Maybe not so much." "Is that why she left you and the boy?" "Excuse me." "The owner came round to see me today." "Really?" "Look, she gave me this." "Keep it." "Thanks." "I'll keep it." "How's it been?" "Let me smoke a cigarette." "No, that one's empty." "Take one from here." "Thanks." "Lately I've been thinking... about the good old times." "The best years were when your father bought the fish store." "And we were able to send you to a good school." "And your daughter-in-law?" "What did she say?" "She says she has no intention of coming back." "All couples do the same." "You don't have to go." "She also asked me if you were doing well as an insurance broker." "You lose money because you're too good to people and they take advantage." "You have to go to court, right?" "I saw your lawyer at the bus stop." "Why did you hide it from me?" "Because I trouble you enough." "Now you talk." "After getting into trouble all your life." "You've always been too naive." "How could you sign those papers?" "Yes, I may be too good." "I'm an idiot!" "I saw they were selling these pies." "They're hard to find." "Have one." "No thanks." "Come on, they're very good." "I don't want any, thanks." "So, don't eat them." "But I bought them for you." "You don't like simple things anymore." "Of course I like them, mother, but I'm not hungry." "Do what you want." "But remember:" "being too extravagant isn't good." "Do you think I'm extravagant, mother?" "Aren't you?" "You live in an apartment instead of living with your family." "That's not the reason I moved." "Why, then?" "Come on, tell me." "Customers go to bars because of the atmosphere." "We create that atmosphere and get paid for it." "That's why we live in apartments, wear expensive perfumes and travel by taxi." "If they found out I live in this place, none would hire me." "I wouldn't be attractive, no matter how good looking and sensual." "Well, it's a shame that you're here." "You should be in an expensive hospital." "It's more your style." "Please, mother!" "Isn't it true?" "It would be a better match for that extravagant kimono." "Listen, how many times do I have to say it?" "It has nothing to do with extravagance." "It's business, you've already told me that." "I only do it because of job demands." "Our look is everything." "Perhaps you don't want to believe it... but I'm a very conservative woman." "And I know I'd get more customers if I dressed more provocatively, but I don't do it because I don't like to wear such clothes." "Provoking is vulgar." "And you tell me I'm extravagant." "All right." "I said I understand." "Why don't you drop the whole thing then?" "Do you think I enjoy working in that bar?" "I spend my life drinking and humoring the customers." "It's disgusting." "I hated it from the first day, but at least I make a living." "I keep thinking about what I could do to start my own business." "But you think I'm extravagant." "I know it's not the right life for me, but how else could I give you 20,000 yen a month?" "Tell me and I'll quit this job." "Of course, insult me!" "I know I'm a burden to you." "Quit, if you wish." "Enough..." "Leave me..." "I don't want to see you now." "I... it's all my fault." "She doesn't have to pay for the lawyer." "I'll go to jail, if need be." "Don't worry." "I'll speak to her later." "I'll ask her when she's in the mood." "This is for you." "No." "Don't tell her." "Excuse me." "Hello." "Hello, I'm Mr. Sekine." "Sekine?" "No, I'm ashamed to see him here." "Tell him I've got a high fever." "Come on, why won't you see him?" "Make him leave, please." "Yes, of course, I understand." "I was passing through and wanted to see how she was." "Oh, I'm really sorry, but she can't see you." "All right." "Here, give it to her." "She must be very worried." "Well..." "Take good care of her, please." "He's a very kind gentleman, don't you think?" "How did he find out I was here?" "That's irrelevant." "Chubby people are usually very good people." "I'm sure his wife feels very fortunate." "Sekine isn't married." "What?" "Listen, Keiko, don't you think that man looks a lot like Yasuo?" "I still remember what a good husband he was." "I think I'm going to start working next week." "But you aren't well yet." "I have no choice." "That's the reason the owner came to see me this afternoon." "I understand." "Could you see your brother's lawyer before returning to the bar?" "I think money can fix everything." "You have to help him, he's your brother." "I can't!" "I don't have any money right now." "I couldn't let my brother go to jail, even if I didn't have the money." "I'd been out for a month and everything seemed strange." "It's as if I were in a different bar." "Junko and Tomoko weren't there either." "A brandy." "No soda?" "No, just like last night." "Mama, do you still get tired when you work?" "Yes, a bit." "Listen, they're all very well dressed." "10,000 yen each one." "Only 10,000?" "Are you kidding?" "No, it's true." "Kiyomi sold them to the owner before Christmas." "Really?" "She retrieved the clothes... that Yuri had pawned... and sold them at several bars." "She must have made 300,000 yen with the business." "Good for her." "But she spent it all on whisky." "She got it through the black market." "Hello." "Hello." "Komatsu had to go out for a moment." "I know." "I come as a customer today." "A White Horse, make it a double." "I haven't seen you in a while, Mama." "I know..." "Listen, you have to be kind to the customers." "I've quit the smuggling business." "If they caught me again, I'd go to prison." "Don't be mean..." "Listen, I know you feel lonely." "I've got an idea." "Why don't you keep me company?" "Come on, you won't regret it, Mama." "If I pay, I'm a customer." "Ahh..." "Mr. Sekine." "Are you leaving?" "Yes." "But... come in." "No, I'll take you home if you want." "Are you sure?" "All right." "I'm glad you're all right." "Yes... thanks for visiting." "You drive very well." "I drive safely." "I don't drink when driving." "You won't have much fun at our bar, then." "I'm looking for someone to love." "Are you joking?" "Listen..." "I'd never date a girl if I didn't intend to marry her." "I'm grateful." "Mama..." "What is it?" "Well..." "Would you laugh if I proposed marriage?" "Yes, no need for an answer, I know it's ridiculous." "I just wanted to get it off my chest." "You can forget it." "Goodbye." "Kozo..." "What do you want?" "I'd like to talk to you, if I may." "Can I come in?" "Of course you can come in." "Are you tired?" "What is it?" "Say it out loud." "You see, the lawyer told me... that the sentence was suspended today." "You didn't have to come to tell me that." "I knew it already." "Is there anything else?" "You've come to ask me for more money." "It's not for me." "Is it for Yoshio?" "Murata says... that if they operate now... he could start walking... before the school year starts." "Without any help?" "Yes... the thing is... he'll need massages for some time after the surgery." "As he is now, he can't go to school." "I'll tell him it's not possible." "That it's too expensive." "So why did you come?" "I'm sorry." "I'm useless, a good for nothing." "Tell me, how much will it cost?" "Leave it, I'm just selfish." "Although... perhaps you could ask the owner of the..." "Shut up and tell me the cost." "Eighty thousand yen, more or less." "Eighty thousand?" "There's no need to pay it all at once." "If you help me this time, I'll never ask you for money again." "Kozo, I've heard this one before." "It's true." "I've made up my mind!" "Listen, Keiko..." "If you do it, I won't bother you again." "And you won't see me again if you don't want to." "So..." "Help me for the last time." "Do it for unfortunate Yoshio." "What do you say?" "Eh?" "Please." "Take all the money, I'm used to it!" "You all take advantage of me!" "Keiko..." "Leave." "I'm tired." "Come in." "You don't mind?" "Please." "Go home." "Think about it, all right?" "You don't mind?" "I just want to give you something." "I forgot to do it before." "Here." "Open it later." "Don't leave!" "You can stay." "Are you sure?" "Absolutely." "Well... can I open it?" "Of course." "Black narcissus." "It's the one you told me you liked." "Mama..." "Hey, Mama." "What's the matter?" "Come on, Mama." "Why are you crying?" "All right, I'll take this one." " Hello, Mama." " Hello." "Have you bought a tie?" "I heard somebody made you a proposition." "The fortune teller told me." "She got it right, didn't she?" "You were very lucky." "Goodbye." " How are you?" " Fine." "Look." "Listen, I still don't have it... but I plan to pitch in money for the hospital." "Thank you very much." "Don't be so formal..." "You're going to be my wife." "That's true." "I never thought I'd become a businessman's wife." "Good morning, Mama." "Mama, you look different today." "Really?" "Mama..." "Junko wants to talk to you." "Why?" "She's leaving and wants to say goodbye." "Don't get mad, Mama." "You want to say goodbye?" "Why, Junko?" "The thing is Mr. Goda is going to lend me money... to open a bar." "Mr. Goda?" "Congratulations." "I'm glad for you." "What a relief." "Tell me, do you already have the premises?" "Yes." "Over a sushi restaurant." "It's a shared washroom, but I don't care." "What's wrong, Mama?" "Nothing." "Congratulations, Junko." "Yes?" "Yes, that's right." "Mr. Sekine?" "He's not in at the moment." "Who are you?" "Sekine is your husband?" "Are you serious?" "Yes." "Yes." "Don't hang up." "Don't hang up." "Don't hang up." "I'm ashamed to say it, but my husband has always had problems with women." "He proposes marriage very frequently." "I've had to stand up for him several times." "A few days ago he took our neighbor's car and I haven't seen him since." "I don't really care, I'm not the jealous type... but our neighbor is very angry." "That's why I called you." "He forgot his address book at home so I've called all the women there." "He's not a bad man." "But he likes to pretend." "He tell lies to women and then thinks they're true." "It's just the way he is." "I'm sorry to have troubled you with my call asking you to come here." "You're such a beautiful woman." "I hope you didn't believe his lies." "Did you?" "Another one." "Mama, do you think you should?" "Of course I do." "Welcome, sir." "Good evening." "You don't look like you've been ill." "Well..." "I'm fine now." "You can't imagine how much I love you." "Oh, I'm sorry." "Who's that?" "She's not worthy of you." "Is she drunk?" "Mama, come..." "What's wrong?" "Come on." "Here, take care of her." "Don't touch me!" "Leave me alone!" "What do you want to do?" "I want to drink till I die." "Mama!" "Who does that geisha think she is?" "I'll steal him." "I hate you!" "How is Mama?" "Going to a night club with the customer." "The geisha was very angry." "But she's drunk." "Her customer wants to go and so does she." "Nothing I can do about that." "Fujisaki, today I'd go anywhere with you." "But I don't know if you want to be seen with a woman like me." "Come on, Keiko." "You should stop drinking." "Fujisaki... they say you have all the women at your feet." "I like you though." "We women like men like you." "Seriously." "I know." "Come on, it's very late." "If you drink like that, you'll get sick again." "I'm glad you're here." "I've come to tell you that the tax auditor is coming tomorrow." "Prepare all the books." "All right." "You're absolutely drunk." "I'm sorry to trouble you, Mr. Fujisaki." "Are you ill?" "No, just thirsty." "Do you want some water?" "Yes, please." "Don't thank me." "I've drunk too much..." "Did I say anything improper?" "No, don't worry." "Thanks a lot for everything." "I have to go now." "No, don't!" "Please." "I love you!" "I've always loved you!" "Leave me alone, please!" "What's the matter?" "I was dreaming." "I was crying in the dream." "And when I woke up, I was really crying." "What was the dream about?" "Something to do with my husband." "You can never know what a woman is thinking, even when she's in a man's arms." "Light one, please." "It was a strange dream." "He was about to return from a business trip, and I was going to the port to wait for him." "I found it strange that he was traveling by ship, but it was just a dream." "He had already arrived and was waiting for me at the dock with a gift." "Do you know what it was?" "Tender onions, a whole bunch of radishes and potatoes." "We got married just after the war." "In those days, food was an unreachable luxury." "That's why he was bringing me a whole basketful." "But when I saw it I became sad." "That's understandable." "Was your husband a good person?" "I love you, but if I had a husband it would be better." "Because he'd always be with me." "I hate it that we only see each other once in a while." "But I'm happy now." "Are you sure?" "Don't you regret anything?" "Not at all." "Though there is one thing that worries me." "And what is it?" "When my husband died, I wrote him a letter and put it with a picture by his side." "In it, I told him I loved him and would never be with another man." "Then, I asked the priest to bury him with it." "Do you think what I did is strange?" "I have to go." "No, stay a while." "I can't stay." "But, it's still early." "I'll make you some coffee." "No, don't bother." "I wanted to tell you, but I didn't have the courage until now." "They're transferring me to Osaka." "When was that decided?" "Before the New Year." "I'm leaving tomorrow." "But I won't forget you." "I'll call you, I promise." "And I want you to know that I'd love to help you open your own bar." "I promise I will help you." "Fujisaki, I..." "I've always loved you." "I love you too." "So?" "I love you more than I love anybody, but I don't have the courage to destroy my home." "It's selfish of me, but I can't help it." "I bought these shares when they were cheap and now they're worth 100,000 yen." "Keep them, they're yours." "I was going to leave them here and go without saying anything." "But I'm a weak man and couldn't do it." "We've only spent a few hours together but I won't forget you." "Well, take good care of yourself, OK?" "I saw Fujisaki coming out." "Why are you crying?" "Did he hit you?" "You know, I've always respected you." "Because I thought that a woman who struggled so much was something to admire." "But you've let me down." "I'm very sorry, but I'm not as good I seem." "Mama, do you love that man?" "Tell me!" "I neither love nor hate him." "Besides, he's moving to Osaka." "Then, you're nothing but a fool." "You should be ashamed." "Or did you forget that letter you wrote?" "That's not true..." "Don't lie." "They've told me." "Last year I got drunk... and went to ask the priest." "Komatsu, why did you do it?" "You're asking me?" "Don't pretend you don't know." "You've known it for a long time." "You know very well that I love you." "But I've kept it inside of me." "It was unbearable." "I even seduced one of the girls." "Some director, don't you think?" "I couldn't bear it without knowing, so I went to ask." "The priest said it was true, that you had left him a letter." "So, I swore I'd never touch you." "But now you've become a vulgar whore." "Can't you understand it, Komatsu?" "It was you who suggested it." "You told me to please Minobe, didn't you?" "I remember, you told me to fling myself at him and not to stop in the middle of the road." "That's why I decided to go all the way, without thinking." "What's wrong with that?" "Listen." "I really love you." "Keiko, marry me." "We'll open a bar together." "Go away." "Go away, or I'll scream." "You hate me, don't you?" "How could I hate you?" "The truth is that these marriages never turn out well." "We know each other too well to live together." "Leave, please, go home." "Leave, I want to be alone." "Can't you understand?" "Mama." "You're really in love, aren't you?" "I understand." "I won't come again." "It would really be a big help." "But we just started out and I have no money to pay your salary." "It's all right." "Did you leave the Carton due to a problem?" "Did you have a fight with Mama?" "I'm tired of that place." "I may go back to Club 8." "But I'll help you whenever you want." "Thanks a lot." "Goodbye." "See you." "Mrs. Fujisaki?" "I was really looking forward to meeting you." "I'm Keiko, from the Carton bar." "I'm pleased to meet you." "You've been very kind to my husband." "I'm very glad your husband got a promotion." "Thanks, that's kind of you." "Your husband lent me this and I wanted to return it to you." "Should I accept it?" "Maybe I'll ask for it again some day." "I see." "Here, it's for the children, just a trifle." "Thank you very much." "Thanks." "Please, take good care of yourselves." " Goodbye." "Have a good trip." " Have a good trip." "She's very good looking." "She doesn't look like a bar girl, does she?" "Can I open it?" "I want to see what it is." "A little later..." "The return was as distressing as a cold winter's day." "But some trees blossom... no matter how strong the wind blows from the north." "And I have to make myself strong, like the millenary trees so I can withstand the northern wind." "Hello, good evening." "It's so good to see you." "Hello, everybody." "Hello, good evening." "THE END"