Sisters of the Gion (祇園の姉妹)

SISTERS OF THE GION

Master,

all the familiar furniture being auctioned off like that...

I can hardly bear it.

Can't be helped.

Let's hope for the best.

Sadakichi,

you've been here a long time.

I'm sorry it had to end like this.

Master, I'm the one who's sorry - for not having been able to do more.

I've made arrangements

for you to work at Kageyoshi's.

His store is doing well.

Thank you for your kindness.

Miss, will you be leaving for your native town tomorrow with Mr Furusawa?

I plan to.

I'll help you pack, if I may.

Thank you. But I don't have much left.

Hardly more than what I'm wearing.

They're auctioning off all the things I brought as a bride.

No one else in town had as fine a dowry as mine.

But to return so miserably...

How will I ever be able to face my family?

Stop repeating that.

My ears ache. No one likes bankruptcy.

To think that even our child will have to feel small among other children.

I can't... I simply can't...

Complaints, then tears.

If you have so much to say

about this shop folding,

about your things being sold,

shout it outside.

Where are you going?

Out. I can't stand to look at you any longer.

- I can't live with you any more. - Wait!

Master!

Does anyone want flowers or tea?

I have flour, too.

Flowers or tea, anyone?

Does anyone want flowers or tea?

Flowers or tea...

- It's hot. - Welcome.

How are things at your store?

Hopeless. I'm at the end of my tether.

Why not sell something of mine? Would that help?

Not really.

Don't worry.

You've been so good to me. I'd like to help if I can.

Take anything you want from here.

That's enough.

I'm sick of it all.

Good morning, Omocha.

Welcome.

I'm becoming a member of this family.

- Thank you for welcoming me. - Is that so?

I'll do all your errands from now on.

Stop joking.

You're perspiring. Let me wash your things.

Go to the public bath. Wash away those unpleasant feelings.

Good idea.

So untidy-looking, sweating like that.

- Better go. - My fortune has indeed waned.

The drop of a single leaf heralding autumn - that's how it is.

Hurry back.

I'm opposed... to letting him sponge off of us.

What a thing to say.

I can't be indifferent to his plight.

His business failed. So what?

Don't talk like that. We have an obligation.

We can't do much, even if he does stay.

But we can try to comfort him.

Why should we?

We're in no position to help him.

Autumn's coming but we don't have new kimonos.

We're three to four months behind in rent.

It's not as if his coming here will add to our expenses.

Your attitude towards men is entirely wrong.

"Obligation?" I dislike that word.

I don't know how much he's done for you.

You've already repaid it.

You grew up in the geisha quarters. Maybe that's why.

I graduated from school. I can tell.

The men who come here use their money

to make playthings of us, that's all.

Men are all alike.

I don't need you to tell me. I already know that.

Then act like you know it.

Since men are that way, get all you can from them.

Never be the loser. Don't let a poor man live off us.

What has he done for you? Why feel so obliged to him?

He helped me become a fully-fledged geisha.

For what?

So you'd be able to give any man pleasure?

Isn't that all?

Turning us into playthings. Bought and sold like merchandise.

Men are our enemies.

Hateful enemies.

We should make them pay and pay.

You've been deceived by words like "obligation" or "human empathy".

Men do just as they please.

Sister, break up with Mr Furusawa.

When he comes back, tell him. Make him go away.

We can't get along with an attitude like that.

In the case of men solely seeking pleasure, what you say may be true.

It's different if there's an obligation.

Society has its rules.

Listen, Omocha.

What would people say if I did things your way?

They would be critical.

So you'll take care of Mr Furusawa to be praised by society?

Has that society ever treated us like human beings?

Why must we curry its favour?

If you continue like this, it'll be a slow death by strangulation.

Look at the other geishas who have saved up money.

- Good morning, Omocha. - Come to pray?

Would you like to hear something nice, Omocha?

What is it?

Someone is very fond of you.

That's nice. Who is it?

Mr Kimura of the dry-goods shop. He calls at your place often.

Him? Oh, bother.

Don't say that. Be kind to him.

- How silly! Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Good morning.

Good morning, I've been wanting to speak to you.

About what?

There's a dance performance on the fifth of next month.

Your sister wants to be in it.

- Can you arrange it? - Yes.

This is something I can't tell her...

so I'm telling you.

She's a skilful dancer

but does she have a proper kimono to wear?

It's a very exclusive affair.

My reputation would be affected.

Did you hear what she said?

After making us second-raters work like mad.

That's how she is...

Please help her take part in the dances.

It depends on the kimono she can get.

We'll manage somehow.

It'll be a good chance for my sister to find a wealthy patron.

Really, I worry for her.

- That's right. - Mother...

will you listen to my story? It makes me angry.

- You know that Mr Furusawa? - The man who went bankrupt?

Yes. He expects us to support him.

Thanks for looking after the house.

A little mouse didn't come and nibble you?

"You're late, you're late. It was the plaintive cry."

"The fault is mine and mine alone."

I'm so tired.

- Want some tea? - Thank you.

I bought this.

Do you think it will suit you?

I'll look better than a kabuki actor.

It's the season for woollen clothing.

Thanks a lot.

I also bought something that I know you like to eat.

See?

Wow.

- Good. - Isn't it?

Lunch will be here soon. Please be patient.

Thanks.

- Here's your order. - Thank you.

- Your money... - Thanks.

I'm sorry. I'll pay you next time.

Next time? My boss is very strict.

Don't forget.

Hello.

- Business good? - So-so. Not great.

Busy season is starting.

- Let's hope so. - Mr Kimura?

How are you, Omocha?

- You bad man. - What?

You said something to Umeryu about me.

You heard about that?

Yes, I did.

Keen on each other, are you?

- That's silly. - Don't tempt her.

- I'll behave. - See that you do.

- Mr Kimura... - Yes?

I need a new kimono. Do you have anything nice?

- Autumn wear? - Yes.

I have some with me.

I'm on my way to Hanamikoji Street with a very fine assortment.

Let me see them. I'll take one.

They are quite expensive.

There are cheaper ones.

It's not possible to lower the price.

Wouldn't rayon be better for you?

In which case, you might ask at some other stores.

You're being cruel.

Was what you told Umeryu about me a lie?

- I meant it. - I doubt that.

I'd be happy if it were true.

Listen...

I want my sister to dance in a fine kimono.

I need a good one for her.

- Yes, but... - Mr Kimura...