APOSTASY
Based on 'HAKAI' by TOSON SHIMAZAKI
Production Adviser JIICHIRO MATSUMOTO
Produced by KOICHIRO OGURA
Screenplay by EIJIRO HISAITA
Cinematography by HIROYUKI KUSUDA
Lighting by MASAO MURATA
Production Design by ISAMU MOTOKI
Sound by TARO TAKAHASHI
Music by TADASHI KINOSHITA
Edited by HISASHI SAGARA
Starring
RYO IKEBE
YOKO KATSURAGI
OSAMU TAKIZAWA JYUKICHI UNO
MASAO SHIMIZU YOSHI KATO
EITARO OZAWA, EIJIRO TONO KAPPEI MATSUMOTO
YASUSHI NAGATA
CHIEKO HIGASHIYAMA SACHIKO MURASE
KENJI SUSUKIDA, ICHIRO SUGAI AKIRA YAMAUCHI
Directed by KEISUKE KINOSHITA
FREEDOM AND EQUALITY
RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
These three elements are guaranteed
to be protected by the new constitution.
However, the ghost of the feudal period still continues to linger.
The caste, system looms large in people's minds.
Clear social rankings were in place in the feudal society.
Of highest rank were the samurai, followed by the farmers,
then the tradesmen and villagers or "outcasts" at the bottom.
Society was controlled by submission and oppression.
The caste system was abolished in the Meiji-era,
bringing Equality to all people.
However, conventional perceptions
and mere ignorance were still in existence.
Contempt,
prejudice
and oppression continued to exist among the people.
IIYAMA-MACHI NAGANO PREFECTURE
Let's go. Let's go.
I heard he hides his caste so that he can go see his doctor.
I'd love to see his face.
You're out of your mind.
Thanks for your good work.
No filthy people are allowed here.
We don't accept villagers.
You're not welcome.
Please, calm down.
I understand why you're angry, but I didn't know his caste.
If you accept this person, all of us renters will have to leave.
That's right.
I understand.
We'll come back later to pick up our things.
Hey, Segawa.
We're now a modern society. What just took place is unacceptable.
If the adults keep behaving like that,
they're not good role models to the children
who are learning about equality at school.
I recommend the Confessions by Inoko-Sensei.
I just bought it and read a little as I walked.
He not only talks about civil rights, but he expresses it with all his force.
I'll pass it on to you when I'm done.
Thanks.
Tsuchiya and Segawa, wait up.
Kazama-Sensei, you seem to be in a good mood.
This must be fate.
Come this way. Follow me.
There's something I need to tell you.
Let's go.
- We're here. - Okay.
Welcome.
Why were you called to the principal's office?
He wants me to submit my letter of resignation.
If times hadn't changed,
a farmer like him would never have become principal.
- Did you write the letter? - I had no choice.
Weren't you entitled to a pension?
- I needed five more months. - That's unacceptable.
- Sorry I made you wait. - Here it comes.
I'm afraid we don't have much to offer.
Here you are. Have some hot sake with me.
It's a sign of the times.
What do you think of the ruins of the castle by the Chikuma River?
It's just a mulberry field now.
Descendants of samurai like us have no places like we did in the past.
My teaching career lasted 15 years.
I worked hard every day to earn my salary.
But towards the end of my career,
I started to wonder what I should be teaching my students.
It's as if I've lost my way.
Dad.
- Kazama, what's the matter? - Hello, Sensei.
- What are you doing here, Shogo? - Mom told me to find you.
I'll go home then.
- What's your Mom up to? - She's picking vegetables.
- That's good. - I'll go home soon.
How about I give you some money?
Don't tell your mom you got money from me.
- Okay. - Understood?
Tell her I'll be home soon.
A child with a stepmother is unfortunate.
When I resign from the school,
my wife says she can manage the books for a bank.
I don't know what I can do besides teaching.
We got in a fight about it and that's why I left the house.
I took a wrong turn in life.
I never should have remarried.
- Have some more. - No, it's your turn now.
But Oshiho is very fortunate to be at Rengeji Temple.
I didn't send her there because I wanted her to be there.
It was due to personal reasons.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
I've returned.
It was a long day for you. You must be hungry.
Yes, I am.
'THE CONFESSION' BY RENTARO INOKO
I was with your father at Sasaya until now.
He must have been drunk again.
He's lonely.
The principal asked for his resignation. He was quite perturbed.
His resignation...
I can't believe they'd fire an experienced teacher about to qualify for a pension.
There's no good reason for it.
It's only because the principal wants to look good to the prefecture.
I've decided to handle this tomorrow.
Tsuchiya and I will protest strongly against your father's resignation.
I appreciate your help.
This is such an honor.
There are many schools in this prefecture.
But our principal is the only one receiving an honorable award.
This is a victory for us.
You make us teachers all proud.
I agree.
I must thank Mr. Gunshigaku for his kind words and arrangements.
It was nothing.
Sharing our good fortune is a beautiful gesture of the times.
This man here is my nephew.
He was recently transferred to this school.
I hope he can make the acquaintance
of such noble people as yourself, Mr. Takayanagi.
That's been our hope.
My name is Bunpei Katsuno. Pleased to meet you.
You're Katsuno. I've heard about you from the principal.
I'm Takayanagi. The pleasure's mine.
I hate to leave you, but I must get going.
We should get going, too.
Principal, we look forward to your continued contributions.
Thank you all for coming today.
I'm sorry I couldn't serve you anything.
Excuse me. Bunpei, please, see them off.
Thanks for your hard work.
So you're his nephew.
- Feel free to come see me. - Thank you.
The election is approaching.
That's why Takayanagi is acting so personable.
That's right.
What brings you all here?
Kazama-Sensei has a request for Mr. Gunshigaku.
A request for me?
Yes.
l was called by the principal yesterday.
Mr. Kazama, don't you want to discuss your life after resignation?
Let me speak for him.
Mr. Kazama was told to resign
He'd qualify for a pension if he stayed for less than half a year longer.
We'd like to ask you to reconsider regarding his pension.
I understand your concern, but we can't bend the rules.
Take a look at the enforcement regulations for an elementary school.
Could we ask you to postpone his resignation for six months?
Wait a minute.
The reason for his resignation is that his health is not optimal for teaching.
That was just a formality.
It wasn't his choice to resign.
His resignation was officially decided by the prefecture.
Mr. Kazama, you should speak up for yourself.
They just told us. I don't need to pursue it further.
- Don't give up so easily. - Is that all you wanted?
Please, excuse us.
Good evening.
Hello, Oshiho. Please, come in.
Excuse me.
Hello.
Nice to see you.
I brought over something I made.
Thank you.
Rice cakes for moon viewing.
How fortunate. I was just boiling water for tea.
I hope they taste good.
Well, let's see.
They look delicious. Let's have some.
Is the housekeeper not around?
He took the kids and Madam to the neighbors for dinner.
I'm sure they're having a grand time.
Please, come in.
I'll be going soon.
Oshiho...
It didn't go well.
We couldn't save your father's job.
We asked them to postpone his resignation
so he'd at least get his pension.
I appreciate your concern.
Your father turned out to be a coward.
In private, he speaks proudly as a descendant of samurai.
But he showed no backbone in front of the principal.
You're right.
I hate to say this,
but your father is haunted by the ghost of his feudal status.
He has a hard time facing reality.
Inoko-Sensei clearly stated in his book.
"If you still look down on villagers,
or honor the samurai or the noble,
you are still bound to the feudal way of thinking."
Did you hear Inoko-Sensei is in Komuro to give some talks?
It says so here.
What's he like?
You mean Inoko-Sensei?
He's a respected philosopher who publishes a newsletter in Tokyo.
New Dawn of Social Awareness.
We both admire Inoko-Sensei.
Although Segawa now has someone else to admire.
What a beautiful moon.
Your father didn't want to tell us.
Why did you come to Rengeji Temple?
I'm the spitting image of my deceased mother.
His new wife is upset about that.
I remind my father of my deceased mother whenever he sees me.
And his new wife knows that well.
I lost my mother when I was eight.
I live far from my father.
Same with me.
Looks like we both have distant relationships with our parents.
We need to stay strong.
We'll be rewarded with happiness.
- l'll be fine on my own from here. - Are you sure?
There are no sad roads.
Be careful.
Good night.
Good-bye.
Please, help me up.
There's something I need to tell Ushimatsu.
Don't strain yourself, Brother.
Let me up.
Ushimatsu.
Listen to me carefully.
I'll end my life hiding at the foot of the Eboshi Mountains.
But I want you to go out into the world and work hard.
There's only one way for a villager to make it in society.
Continue to hide where you came from.
If you face any anger or sadness...
and forget to hide your caste,
that's the moment you'll be cast out by society.
Don't reveal it.
Don't let anyone know your caste.
Don't you ever forget that.
What's the matter?
I thought I heard my father's voice.
It was strange.
Are you sure?
He kept repeating my name.
Doesn't your father live near Komuro?
He's 20 miles away. It must be your imagination.
It must be your nerves.
I'm glad I made it in time.
Good morning.
I guess it wasn't his nerves when he heard his father's voice.
Isn't it amazing?
Family ties are very strong indeed.
I was also surprised to receive a telegram.
Mr. Segawa never talked about his father.
Please, take this with you.
Thank you.
I appreciate your kindness.
You didn't make it here in time.
He kept asking when you'd arrive.
He went to look for a lost cow and fell off the cliff.
Everyone's waiting for you.
Ushimatsu, there's something I need to tell you.
You must never forget what I'm about to tell you.
Your father's last words were for you to hide your caste.
That's the only way for a villager to make it in this society.
Your father was unlike any of us.
He was ambitious in his nature.
He was also aware of reality.
He knew he'd never be respected in society, with his status.
That's why he decided to live deep in the mountains.
But he wanted his children to achieve what he couldn't himself.
He stayed away from society...
to prevent your caste from being known.
He refused relationships with others.
That's why he ended his life here at the foot of the Eboshi Mountains.
You take this to heart and respect his wishes.
I also have a request for all of you.
Even if you run into Ushimatsu in town,
you must not acknowledge him.
You must not greet him.
This isn't easy for me to ask.
This is the wish of the deceased.
And this is what's best for Ushimatsu.
I hope you'll forgive me.
Ushimatsu...
We're the outcasts of society.
We're all humans.
I don't understand why we have to be treated this way.
But you're well educated.
We want you to change the way of thinking in this society.
Please, make a difference for us.
NEW DAWN OF SOCIAL AWARENESS
Mr. Inoko, are you trying to provoke an uprising in Komuro?
I'm sure you know about the backward people who live beyond the river.
We don't want them agitated by demands for their equality.
I didn't come here to start a riot.
Many young men in this town share my philosophy.
They want to establish a branch here to spread my philosophy.
There might be a small group whose thinking is too radical.
But we preserve our traditions here in Nagano.
There are also rumors of threats against you.
That's exciting to hear.
As you can see, I carry no weapon. My ammunition is my speech.
If people are afraid of that, it would motivate me to fight on.
I'd be happy to lose my life for this cause.
One of your avid readers is here.
Segawa?
Yes, I remember him. Please, bring him in.
Yes, right away.
I have thousands of admirers throughout the country.
Therefore, I won't stop my fight even if you want me to.
You must be insane.
- Let's not waste our time. - Let's leave.
We hope you reconsider.
Fools.
He's in the room over there.
You must be Segawa.
Thanks for coming to see me. Come join me.
Yes, thank you.
I'm Ushimatsu Segawa. I apologize for my sudden visit.
I'm Inoko. Please, come in.
You won't believe what those two asked me to do.
They have no problem with me speaking about civil rights.
But they told me not to touch on the outcast
or the Enlightenment movement.
Without recognizing the villagers as equal human beings,
we can't guarantee the equality of all people.
Please, use the cushion.
How is it in Iiyama?
I recall that you teach at an elementary school there.
I hear Iiyama is quite progressive.
I'm looking forward to speaking in Iiyama.
Actually, Iiyama is quite old-fashioned.
But they're employing you as a teacher.
When I was forced out of a teaching job at a teacher's college,
they even threatened my wife behind my back.
I doubt Mr. Segawa has any reason to worry about that kind of danger.
Oh, I see.
I should be more careful.
You're such a keen admirer of mine.
Sorry if I assumed too much.
Let's not worry about this anymore.
People of society... Well, I hesitate to call them people of society.
I felt belittled and hid my identity in the past.
They used to abuse us then.
But once I announced that I was a villager,
nobody wanted to hear it.
I'm feeling a bit tired.
Would you like to go for a walk with me?
It'd be my pleasure to accompany you.
You may know a member of the prefectural assembly in Iiyama.
His name is Takayanagi.
Takayanagi.
Yes, I know of him.
What type of person is he?
I can only guess up to a point.
Because he needed more funds for the upcoming fall elections,
he married a woman from the village to collect a dowry.
He tried to take advantage of her social status.
The bride's parents knew everything, but agreed to the marriage.
How can this be considered a real, human marriage?
Sensei, are you all right?
He'll calm down soon.
I get like this often. I'm sorry about it.
Thanks for the handkerchief.
It's as if his hardships have turned into a sickness.
She's worried about my condition.
That's why she accompanies me everywhere.
Are you saying I'm your guard?
I'm resigned to losing my health for my work and mission.
I want to do all I can to advance the movement.
I want at least to designate someone who can be my successor.
That's my only hope.
By the old castle of Komuro.
Beneath white clouds a wanderer grieves.
Green chickweed not yet grown lush.
Young grasses flot yet burgeoning.
From silver-paneled hillsides.
The thin, sun-struck snows melt away.
Autumn in Nagano passes quickly. The winter is approaching soon.
The air here is very clean.
Are those the Hida Mountains?
Just beautiful.
Sensei.
What is it?
I've learned about your wife from some of your books.
I believe she's from a normal family.
That's right.
What about it?
I imagine she went through hardships from the associated pressure.
- For marrying me? - Yes.
She had a hard time.
I married her because she's an understanding person.
But I think it took her some time to fully comprehend.
But our life together resolved everything.
Mr. Segawa,
status is an old-fashioned way of thinking.
Love comes from a deeper place.
Mr. Tsuchiya and Mr. Katsuno are here. Can you prepare some tea for us?
Did you know Inoko was from a village?
That's probably the source of his philosophy.
He preaches civil rights.
He also has lung disease.
That also plays a part.
Facing death himself probably deepened his thinking.
Hello.
Welcome.
We've come for a visit again.
I have a hard time believing the truth of his philosophy,
especially knowing where he came from.
Why is that?
His background or status shouldn't affect his philosophy.
It comes from how a person lives his life.
You're prejudiced.
Prejudiced? I think I'm quite realistic.
You're the ones who are prejudiced. Segawa is the worst.
You can't have a heart-to-heart talk with him.
I think Segawa is hiding something.
Stop talking nonsense.
Those look delicious. They must be very sweet.
After our wedding, we visited Enoshima and Kamakura.
We had such a hectic schedule.
That all sounds good.
May I ask where your wife is from?
She was born in Tokyo.
Is that right?
When we get back, we need to get ready for the election.
Oshiho.
He's back.
Hello, I'm back.
Welcome back.
I've just returned.
Welcome back. You must be tired.
I'm relieved to be back.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I'll prepare a bath for you.
Mr. Katsuno visited twice looking for you.
I wonder what he needed from me.
- He didn't say anything specific. - I see.
Let me carry that for you.
- That's okay. - Let me help.
But I get to eat one in return.
Mr. Takayanagi is back with a new bride.
'THE CONFESSION'
'EQUALITY FOR ALL' BY RENTARO INOKO
I'm back.
Mr. Takayanagi wants to see me?
I apologize for coming while you were out.
I heard you had a misfortune in your family.
Did you return from the funeral yesterday?
Yes, that is correct.
Make yourself comfortable.
We were on the same boat yesterday.
It must have been our fate to float down the Chikuma River together.
About that...
As we've been brought together by fate, I'd like to discuss something with you.
It's related to your family background.
I know a bit about it.
You might have heard.
I recently got married.
She's from a neighboring village.
What a small world it is.
My wife told me she's known you since childhood.
- What would you like to know? - Listen, Mr. Segawa.
The reason a politician like me married a woman from the village
is because I had no other choice.
I wanted to take the lead
in saving an unfortunate woman and give her a better life.
But ignorant people out there don't understand my intentions.
They're spreading false rumors.
That's my point.
You're the only one who knows our background.
And we're the only ones who know your background.
That's why I'd like to talk to you.
We won't disclose your background to anyone.
Can you pretend you don't know my wife or her background?
If you won't accept my request, I'm ready to kill myself now.
I'm not asking you to end your life.
But I want you to know how serious I am.
As you know, the election day is approaching.
I would truly appreciate your cooperation.
I must at least get to the election.
Mr. Segawa, I beg you with all my life.
I don't understand what you're telling me.
Then what are your intentions?
I have no intentions.
I hate to be involved with other people's lives.
There may be no need for you to talk about me.
The same goes for me.
I may not have to disclose where you come from.
The need may not arise.
But I'm not completely satisfied with just letting it go.
I've come far to visit you today.
I hope to be able to discuss this matter openly with you.
But I have nothing to discuss with you.
I guess you can simply end it that way.
Is there any chance you'll talk to me?
No, there isn't.
- There isn't? - No.
- Mr. Segawa. - I have nothing to say to you.
Is that how you treat a politician who's down on his knees asking for help?
Please, leave.
I'll leave now.
May I come in?
My father's not doing well.
My stepmother has gone back to her family home.
I've decided to ask for some time off to care for my father.
Is his condition serious?
His asthma has gotten worse and he doesn't get out of bed.
We have no one else to care for him.
I'm sorry to hear that.
My father and my stepmother haven't been on good terms for a while.
She decided to go home now that he's sick.
I sympathize with you.
I brought something I made for you.
It's not very well made, but I hope you'll use it.
Thank you.
Please, take care of yourself
SELF IMPROVEMENT LEADS TO SUCCESS
I'm having a hard time understanding your point.
You just beat around the bush.
But, Principal,
you have to be cautious about something that can ruin a man's lifelong reputation.
Lifelong reputation?
If what I've heard is true,
Segawa won't be able to work here once it's out in the open.
He could become a social outcast.
That's really serious.
I told you so.
You must know I don't intend to hurt Segawa by telling you this.
Then, how about this, Katsuno?
What if I say I heard it from someone else?
There's only the two of us here.
How much are they going to insult us?
You should look at the faces of all the teachers here.
And find the face of an outcast from the village.
Maybe it's the lady-killer, Katsuno.
That can't be.
Hey, they're coming.
Katsuno, have you heard the horrible rumor?
Yes, I've heard it.
I won't believe it easily since it could be a serious matter.
I wonder who it is.
I hope it's not you.
Stop kidding me.
Stop talking trash.
You can't tell someone's an outcast just by looking at his face.
And what are you going to do then?
How can you call yourselves educators?
I'll see you later.
Dear Oshiho,
I was a coward.
I was a liar.
I have a secret I haven't told you.
You'd be disgusted with me.
I know...
you won't be able to face me.
I cannot take your disappointment.
I'm a...
Oshiho.
Nice to see you. My father will be very happy.
Please, come this way.
No, I don't need to go any further.
I haven't seen you for a while. I wanted to find out how you are.
Thank you for coming all the way. Please, come in.
Is there anything wrong?
You look a little pale.
What is it, Mr. Segawa?
Please, tell me.
Thanks for your concern, but it's nothing.
Anyway, please, come in.
Father, Mr. Segawa is here to see you.
Mr. Segawa!
Hello, Oshiho.
Nice to see you.
What did Segawa want?
Maybe he came to tell you the horrible secret.
Secret?
That's right.
There's a rumor going around town that Segawa is from an outcast family.
I see. So he didn't tell you anything.
I can't believe he's hiding it from you.
But I guess that's understandable.
I didn't believe it at first, but I guess it's true.
Apparently, there's proof.
He's an unfortunate man.
He'll be an outcast and soon no one will respect him.
I have a bad habit of talking too much.
Would you like to go for a walk with me?
Oshiho.
Oshiho, wait.
Hey, where did you go?
It was nothing.
You look pale. Are you all right?
Yes, I'm fine.
I've been watching you lately.
You look like you're troubled by something you can't solve on your own.
Why don't you tell me what you're going through?
You can ask for my advice. Just tell me.
I may be able to help you.
This lamp reminds me of our dorm days.
Do you remember those days?
We used to argue a lot.
You no longer have the same enthusiasm.
Tsuchiya, I need to rest. I don't feel well.
That doesn't sound good.
Maybe you caught a cold.
I'll prepare your bed.
Your bed's ready.
Thanks.
Why don't you take some time off?
I'm fine.
Segawa, you must know you can tell me anything.
Take care of yourself.
A SPEECH BY MR. RENTARO INOKO, AUTHOR OF 'EQUALITY FOR ALL'
- What a surprise. - Oh, it's you.
It started pouring all of a sudden.
What's that?
I don't believe this.
What's your take on Rentaro Inoko?
THE POPULAR 'EQUALITY FOR ALL' BY RENTARO INOKO, NOW AVAILABLE
I've also heard that rumor.
It's a serious issue we're all discussing.
I can't send my children to a school taught by an outcast.
BARBER
Really? That Segawa?
It's an undeniable fact.
We have a credible witness.
Who's the witness?
I shouldn't disclose that.
I was told not to name names.
The town leaders are planning on crushing Inoko-Sensei's speech today.
They must be scheming something.
Now with this rumor about Segawa, I'm getting fed up with this town.
There must be a good reason.
- A reason? - That's right.
What are you arguing about?
I just asked Segawa why he's interested in researching Inoko's work.
I don't understand your approach.
Let me put it in a different way.
Let's say there's a crazy person here.
A normal person won't feel any special sympathy towards him.
Because there's no specific reason to feel troubled by him.
Sounds interesting. Please, continue.
But let's say there's a person who has his own struggles and troubles.
And he sees the crazy person.
He'd sympathize with the crazy person.
That's my point.
Segawa feels something that connects him to Inoko.
Inoko must resonate with you somehow.
That's true. Otherwise he wouldn't be able to understand Inoko's philosophy.
What do you mean by that?
- You need a good brain. - A brain?
Inoko's philosophy would resonate with any intelligent human being.
So you call that philosophy?
That fellow is just a daydreamer to me.
Maybe a foolish dreamer.
Or just a crazy chap.
Katsuno got that right.
As you say, Inoko-Sensei is a crazy man.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to write such a controversial confession.
You call him Inoko-Sensei, but he's only an outcast from a village.
A country bumpkin can't construct rational ideas.
- A country bumpkin? - That's right.
He shouldn't be out in public.
He's more suited just to stay in his village and keep quiet.
So you're saying you're a noble and intelligent person.
And Inoko-Sensei is just an ignorant outcast.
I thought you and Inoko-Sensei were both equal human beings.
Don't waste your breath on him.
Don't get involved.
You called Inoko-Sensei an outcast.
That's right.
If he had just stayed in his village and kept quiet,
he wouldn't have gotten sick.
He refused to hide the frustration of being an outcast.
He's standing on the front lines of his life's battle.
He's fighting with determined spirit.
Don't you see the sorrow in it? Don't you find him courageous?
Uncle, nice to see you.
This way, please.
Did you see how Segawa confessed his own secret?
Unless he's from a similar background, he wouldn't have gotten so worked up.
So what if he's from a similar background?
Tsuchiya, it sounds like you're confirming Segawa's background.
I don't know a thing about it.
This is supposed to be a venerated place of education.
I challenge your sneaky practice of spreading rumors.
You should be ashamed.
Mr. Gunshigaku is here as well.
Please, take a seat.
No need to sit down.
Principal, we're here make a complaint.
We're used to complaints.
Are you here to discuss the issue of Segawa?
That's right. This is all your responsibility.
Inoko's speech is also taking place today.
So there's quite a commotion in town.
We've been discussing that matter.
I'm asking Mr. Gunshigaku for his advice.
Do you have any good solutions?
What if there aren't? We're gathering all the parents here.
A SPEECH BY MR. RENTARO INOKO AUTHOR OF 'EQUALITY FOR ALL'
This way, please.
Stop.
What are you doing?
Inoko, are you here to disturb the peace in Iiyama?
You forget your place as an outcastl
- Don't destroy the freedom of speech! - Shut up!
Please, stay strong.
We need to leave here.
We must hurry.
Are you all right?
Please, stay strong.
- Oh, no. - Inoko-Sensei.
Thank you for waiting.
I appreciate you all coming.
I hope you understand the need for urgency.
That's fine.
We have many parents gathered here.
The licensed teacher at issue has disappeared.
Are you in pain? We're almost back to the inn.
Inoko-Sensei, please, stay strong.
Please, don't die.
Father, are you all right?
I heard you're his schoolmate.
And you're a good friend of his.
Please, tell us if he has confessed anything to you.
He hasn't told me anything.
Even if he didn't tell you, you might have noticed something.
No, nothing.
I don't understand why Segawa isn't here.
Have you checked Rengeji Temple?
I guess it's time to show my trial skills.
Mr. Kazama, look what Segawa caused by not showing up.
He must be scared of disclosing his background in front of the public.
Segawa is not the type you think he is.
I know that well.
So you defend him.
I find it odd for a person of samurai descent like yourself to defend him.
Katsuno, enough.
What do you say?
We can't do anything without the defendant.
How about we leave it up to the principal?
There's no point waiting for his confession.
What you're saying is
there isn't any hope for Segawa to clear his name from this.
I know Segawa will show up. He'll come here.
Mr. Tsuchiya.
What will happen?
The rumor could be true.
Then why doesn't he just come here and tell everything?
I can't stand them heaping all sorts of abuse on Mr. Segawa.
So what you're saying is...
you'd still care for Segawa even if the rumor were true.
- He should be discharged. - That's right!
- He needs to leave this town. - That's right!
Please hold on, everybody.
It's unfair to decide in his absence.
Can you give him a little more time?
Tsuchiya, we don't have much of a choice since he's hiding from us.
- What did you say? - I found him.
He's with Rentaro Inoko.
Sensei...
Mrs. Inoko.
I was a liar and a coward.
I meant to confess only to Inoko-Sensei.
I know it. He knew it, too.
He would've been happy to hear it from you while he was still alive.
He was worried about you struggling on your own.
He worried about me...
Segawa-Sensei.
Is Segawa-Sensei here? There you are.
Some people from the school are here.
They say it's an urgent matter. They're waiting for you.
Mrs. Inoko, I'll go face them.
Inoko-Sensei,
I feel I'm facing the world for the first time.
I have no more regrets.
In order to gain respect for discriminated people,
you risked your life to walk a righteous path.
It's my fate to walk the same path.
Segawa.
You're causing some trouble.
There's a rumor that someone at school is from an outcast village.
We need you to testify.
Segawa.
I know you won't fear anyone and you'll tell us the truth.
- They're finally coming. - They're here now.
No need to take off your shoes.
I'm sorry to make you wait.
I believe you have gathered today to discuss the issue of...
the rumors of a teacher with an outcast background.
I'm here to tell you...
that I am that teacher.
I'd like to resign from the school effective today.
I'm going to live without secrets from now on.
I'd like to follow in the steps of Inoko-Sensei.
I plan on devoting myself to a social movement.
For three years after my graduation, I taught at this school.
I'd like to express my gratitude to all of you who helped me during my tenure.
I sincerely thank you.
Thank you all very much.
I'll prepare my letter of resignation.
Segawa, thank you.
- I'm glad you told the truth. - I'm sorry.
I've always regretted not telling you.
Don't worry about that.
I don't want you to worry.
Tsuchiya.
You bastard!
- What are you doing? - Father!
- Let me go. - What are you doing?
You, too?
You're the daughter of a samurai family!
Have you no shame? Defending an outcast!
Mr. Kazama, so what if you're a samurai descendant?
What's wrong with Segawa's background?
One person is not worth more than another!
You're one rude bastard!
Father.
Don't run. Stay there.
Are you all right?
- Dad. - Can you get him some water?
My students.
I must say good-bye to all of my students.
That's because I'm from the village.
Until a short time ago,
I played many fun games with all of you.
I also taught you geography, Japanese and arithmetic.
Until today, I've devoted myself to making you into proud humans
capable of individual thought.
I wanted you all to grow up to be healthy adults.
That was my mission in teaching.
My hope for your happiness will not change.
Everyone,
I hope you'll remember me when you all grow up.
Please, remember me as your teacher.
I have the same feelings as all of you.
Just like you, I eat the New Year's ceremonial soup.
Just like you, I ran a race on Sports Day.
I hope you remember that.
But there's one thing I have to apologize to all of you for.
I taught you to be honest at all times.
But I was the biggest liar of all.
I didn't have enough courage.
I was a coward.
I hope you'll forgive me.
But I've decided not to be a coward anymore starting today.
I'm going to make a fresh start.
I'll work my hardest to contribute to a society where...
everyone can be treated equally.
It doesn't matter if you're from the village.
All discriminated people must unite
so that we can all live in freedom and with equal opportunities.
That's what I want to work for.
I want you all to study very hard.
I also want you to hope for a new society
that will soon become a reality.
Please, take good care of yourselves.
Good-bye.
It's a shame to lose such a good teacher.
He finally confessed.
He's quite an actor, too.
Stop it now, Tsuchiya!
Stop, Tsuchiya!
Where do you think you are, Tsuchiya?
That's what I was going to ask you.
If this is a place of education, you are certainly not doing so.
Segawa, wait.
Please, take care of Father.
Mr. Segawa.
Oshiho, thank you for all your help.
I don't care what other people say.
Mr. Tsuchiya.
I don't want to say good-bye,
whatever other people may say.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
Oshiho, let me ask you.
Will you promise to support Segawa?
Then, will you marry him?
Is that okay with you?
Hey, you're such a lucky guy.
I can't believe your father approved of your marriage.
He didn't approve.
But my stepmother was coming back.
So I needed to leave the house.
Now I understand.
You'll walk the path I've taken up until now.
My husband...
he's very fortunate.
He now has a very capable successors.
�The boat is leaving now!
The time has come to say good-bye.
This sleepy town got quite worked up over the recent incident.
The young people have been awakened.
I won't forget about this town even after moving to Tokyo.
Thank you for your help.
Oshiho, don't worry about your father.
The priest promised he'd talk to your father.
Thank you.
Segawa, take good care of yourself.
Thanks. Same to you.
Please, watch over my husband's grave.
I will.
Please, pay a visit to the temple.
I hope you'll make a good wife.
Please, take care of yourself, too.
Please, be careful.
Sensei!
Segawa, do a good job.
Thank you.
Good-bye.
Sister!
Thank you!
Sister!
Good-bye, Sensei!
Don't forget to study hard.
Good-bye.
Take care.
Bye to everyone.
Good-bye, Sensei.
Stay healthy.
Thanks.
Be well.
Good-bye.
THE END