Big Time Gambling Boss (博奕打ち 総長賭博)

TOEI COMPANY, LTD. presents

It's time for us to start looking outside of Kanto and Kansai.

There's room for growth, not just in Japan but also on the continent.

Guns, ammunition, jewels, drugs as well.

Frankly speaking, it's dirty business.

But it would fall under the national policy of continental expansion.

The Kawashima group already have a foothold over there.

Our issue is how to organise our men on the ground.

Arakawa, could your Tenryu clan help us?

Mr Kawashima is suggesting

that all of our groups come together to create a national patriotic front.

It pains me to say this but...

we're only simple gamblers, we don't get involved in that kind of work.

Furthermore, using youngsters for such dangerous work.

I don't like it.

Arakawa, I thought you'd know better. After I've introduced you to Mr Kawashima as well.

I think we're finished here.

Spring 1934

Masakichi Arakawa, who had lead the Tenryu clan to dominate Tokyo's Koto district

suffered a stroke and collapsed. Recovery was deemed impossible.

Boss.

"CHOOSE THE NEXT BOSS"

As per Arakawa's wishes, all six family chiefs would meet to choose his successor.

Arakawa's sworn brother, Tasaburo Senba took charge of proceedings.

Their choice of successor was unanimous.

Head of the Nakai branch, Shinjiro Nakai, was chosen as successor.

The boss has given his blessing, he chose you.

Everybody here is in agreement as well. Why won't you accept our decision?

Gentlemen...

I am honoured by your recommendation. However...

I sit before you, proudly wearing the Tenryu crest.

But I originally joined the Yakuza world with the Nishihama clan in Osaka.

I am not an original member.

Moreover, there is someone more deserving than I.

Now is not the proper time for me.

Who are you talking about?

I believe it should be Matsuda.

Matsuda is still in jail.

He got five years.

There's still two to go.

He'll get parole.

We can't forget, three years ago, he gave his all to deal with the Sakura clan.

He paid the price too, for the sake for the whole clan.

Even if he doesn't get parole

I believe we should wait for his release and choose him.

I disagree.

I understand that he is next in the line of succession.

And no one doubts his loyalty to the clan.

But, he got himself caught, he's no longer fit.

To say nothing of his personality.

Matsuda likes to see things through personally.

We can't afford to wait until he gets out. We need to choose a leader now.

We could elect an acting leader in line with the code.

If Nakai won't accept the position

Ishido would be our only other choice.

Not only is he bright and forward-thinking

but he's also the boss' son-in-law. I assume there are no objections.

Senba, I'm not willing to outstep Matsuda and Nakai. I hope you can understand.

We can hear from you later. Well, what does everybody think?

Senba, I insist we choose Matsuda.

The debate spilled over to the next day. It was unanimously decided.

Ishido would become the boss. Only Nakai was in disagreement.

Ishido may have been in your service before.

But not anymore. Treat him with respect as your boss.

Certainly.

I want you to be the one to tell Matsuda.

Another thing

we still need to formally announce the boss' retirement

and celebrate Ishido's promotion with a high-stakes gambling party.

It will be a once-in-a-lifetime party

showing the pride of the Tenryu clan.

Ishido is still young, however, so I am counting on you to support him.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

It was planned that clan leaders from across the country would gather

at Shuzenji Spa, Izu prefecture for the gambling party in half a year.

Nakai sent out word to his men across the country.

Preparations began immediately.

BIG TIME GAMBLING BOSS

PRODUCED BY HIROSHIGE GOTO AND KEICHI HASHIMOTO

SCREENPLAY BY KAZUO KASAHARA

STARRING

KOJI TSURUTA

JUNKO FUJI HIROKO SAKURAMACHI

HIROSHI NAWA HARUMI SONE

TOMISABURO WAKAYAMA

DIRECTED BY KOSAKU YAMASHITA

Is she here?

Welcome. Kumi?

Uncle!

Your dad will be back from his trip soon.

Mr Matsuda will be coming home soon?

Minoru, what are you going to say to papa when he's back?

Let's hear it. - Welcome home!

That's a good boy!

Shinjiro.

It's true? He's coming home?

Yes, it's true. He's being released on parole this week.

You're certain?

Of course. I've just checked at the station.

I'm so happy for you.

Isn't this great, Minoru?

You've done so well.

Thank you.

I'll go and let the others know.

Oto!

Oto. She's calling you.

Oto, Mr Matsuda is coming home!

The chief?

Oi, did you hear that?

Thank you both for your service these three years.

Honestly speaking, you're both like sons to me.

From now on, help Matsuda to restore his name in the clan.

Please accept this as a humble parting gift.

Nakai.

Mrs Nakai, gentleman and friends

thank you for everything.

Accept our humble apologies for any trouble we have caused you.

Well... it's finally time to take these back.

TENRYU CLAN, MATSUDA LINE

Oto. Kiyoshi. Congratulations.

Although, you still have many challenges ahead.

Take care of each other.

Mrs Nakai, thank you for everything.

Well then... about the succession.

Let me be clear, no one is to tell Matsuda before I've spoken with him.

That includes you two as well.

Chief!

Oto... you've put on weight. - Just a little.

Kiyoshi, you've grown a lot as well!

It's just us. We didn't have time to tell the others you're back.

It's alright. I've got you two, that's enough for me.

Nakai, I've put you through a lot. Thank you.

Congratulations.

Ishido. Thank you for everything while I've been away.

Your wife is doing well too.

That's great.

Brothers, nothing will separate us again!

Boss, it's Tetsuo. I'm home.

I'm sorry for leaving.

He is pleased.

Boss, I'll never go anywhere again.

I'm here for you, use me in any way you see fit.

Tomorrow we're throwing a party in Kinsui. Everyone is going to be there, will you?

It would be my honour.

Miss!

Welcome home, darling.

I've missed you. Minoru...

What do you say?

Welcome home, Papa.

Wow, you've grown so big!

Tsuyako, stop that!

Leave it to me. Take the night off, take a bath.

It's been three years, after all. You can take tonight off.

Oh, stop teasing me.

Sugi, Mizu, Hide... I couldn't protect them...

I got them killed.

Thanks to you, we don't have to worry about the Sakura clan anymore.

Really? Finally, some good news.

How about taking Hiroe and Minoru on a spa trip? Don't worry about money, I'll sort it.

It's a nice idea but... First I need to get back in the game.

Bring everyone back together.

Matsuda.

I've got a favour to ask you. Hear me out.

A favour?

What could you want from me? I've just got out of jail.

Things changed out here while you were inside.

You haven't heard all of it yet.

You're not going to like what I'm about to say, but don't get mad at me.

Shinjiro, I've changed as well. I'm a different man than three years ago.

What is it?

Have a look at this...

There's a new boss?

Congratulations! You finally made it.

Let's have a look.

KOHEI ISHIDO

Ishido?

How...?

What the hell is this?

The whole clan, including the bosses, agreed it.

I recommended you but they wouldn't listen.

I'm fine, but why didn't they choose you?

Ask anybody and they'll say it should be you.

I'm originally from Osaka. I couldn't accept the position.

That doesn't mean it should be Ishido!

He's below both of us.

I can't accept this!

Matsuda, in our world all we have is the clan. You must understand.

Never mind our feelings, we have to accept their decision.

You should know better than anyone.

Boss Arakawa officially approved it. I have as well.

Please, don't make a fuss about this.

You're still coming to the party tomorrow.

I'll go, if you insist.

Greetings, everyone.

Bosses, comrades. I report back to you, ready to serve.

I am looking forward to working with you again.

Welcome back. Come in.

Ishido, sitting wherever we want these days?

No? Then why are you in Nakai's seat?