Episode 01: Yotsuya Kaidan
Hoy! Who is that?
Dad! Dad, wake up.
Are you OK?
I had a nightmare.
Dad, he's here again. The landlord is collecting rent again.
You have to pay up today.
Please give me a few more days.
What? You're lazing around and you expect me to give you grace?
Master Dosan, please stop idling and do some work.
No problem.
But recently, no one is buying my talismans or using my services.
You should know that times are bad.
Being an exorcist won't earn you anything.
As long as you're willing, there are plenty of jobs available.
You can be a labourer or a servant.
You want to be a servant? Let me recommend you.
Nonsense. What servant?
Listen carefully both of you.
About 900 years back during the Heian Dynasty,
my ancestor enjoyed glory in the Capital.
Ashiya Doman, he was a great ''onmyoji'' (exorcist).
- Not again. - Again?
What do you mean? That's the truth.
Really? You came from such a famous family?
What happened to you then?
I know. It's all because...
Your ancestor, Ashiya Doman, committed a heinous crime.
- Shut up! - What actually happened?
I heard Ashiya Doman was very ambitious.
He conspired with an official
and cast a spell on the Emperor...
with the intention of eliminating him...
and taking over the country.
Never did he expect that he'd meet his match.
A court subject, Abe Kiyoaki, a highly- skilled exorcist, exposed him
and Ashiya Doman was evicted from the Capital. Am I right?
He deserved it.
That's why Master Dosan is in this state today.
That's called retribution.
Scoundrel.
Stop your nonsense.
You liar. Why don't you say
you're Abe Kiyoaki's descendant?
Wouldn't that be more impressive?
Scoundrel! I'll kill you!
That will stop your nonsense. Atrocious...
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Jinta, please take care of my father.
- No problem. - You lass.
Let's go.
Strange.
I feel cold suddenly. My back feels chilly.
Stop feigning illness.
Don't even try. Whatever, you scoundrel.
So that wasn't a dream.
Didn't I say?
I shouldn't head in the ''xuhai'' direction.
Jinta, let's go. Pretend we didn't see anything.
- No. We can't. - Go now.
- Listen to me, let's go back. - What do you want then?
His eyes are still wide open.
Keep quiet. What should we do?
Let's go. Pretend we didn't see anything.
- We must report this! - Up to you then.
That's right, this man is indeed my father-in-law, Tamiya Iori.
Do you know who did it?
I don't know.
I really wonder... how I should break the news to my wife.
If you manage to find the murderer,
please inform me.
I'm working for Kanbara Uneme.
My name is Tamiya Iemon.
That's so scary. Why are his eyes open?
Excuse me.
- Would you like to exorcise the dead? - Exorcise?
The master thinks
that the deceased's spirit has to be freed by performing some rites..
The charge is only 100 coins.
Don't do that, Jinta.
Don't forget you're still in debt.
Frankly, I fear corpses and snakes most.
OK, make it 50 coins.
No need. Thanks for your offer.
Miss Oiwa, you must be devastated.
Old Master was such a nice man,
why must this happen to him?
Just who did that to him?
That's what we need to find out.
So...
- Please avenge my father! - Of course I will.
My wife's father is like my own father.
I will do whatever it takes to find the murderer.
Master Iemon, that was well said.
Hearing your determination, as a member of the sect,
I must do something too.
I'm willing to offer whatever I can.
Master Ito, thanks for offering your help.
I'm so grateful.
By the way, there's something I wish to discuss with you, Miss Oiwa.
What is it?
Could you come to the sect's headquarters to be a servant?
Think about it. Even if Master Iemon wants to avenge your father,
please forgive me for saying this, your family is now penniless.
How can he avenge your father like that? Revenge requires money.
Without it, there's no way to find the murderer.
But I'm the wife of a samurai, after all.
- How can I be a servant? - I understand.
But Miss Oiwa, this is all for the sake of revenge. Just bear with it.
You can refuse if you're unwilling.
But hear me out first.
Other than for righteousness and your father,
I'm taking revenge for my own sake.
As a samurai, it will be disgraceful if I don't.
I don't feel good having to live in your house.
I also know that sect members are saying behind my back, that I'm useless.
So this revenge is a good chance to salvage my reputation.
Oiwa...
You must help me with this.
In that case...
I'll do as you say.
So you've agreed?
I'm sorry, Oiwa.
I'm sorry for letting you suffer all this while.
Don't say that.
For you, I can take any hardship.
As long as you say it...
I don't mind suffering. You don't need to apologize.
Oiwa has made up her mind,
the rest is up to you.
Stop working. The funeral hasn't ended. Why are you doing this?
I want to earn some money.
How much can you earn?
You're working so hard for that meagre sum. Is that worthwhile?
Although I can't earn much,
I wouldn't mind if it can help you.
Forget about it.
Miss Oiwa, time to go.
Sorry to make trouble for you.
Please don't say that. We're all struggling for life.
Get up now.
Come, clean up all the things.
Life is still long.
We don't know who we'll be taking care of yet.
All packed.
Let's go.
Oiwa,
I'll pick you up after the revenge.
Be quick. You must pick me up soon.
Take care.
Miss Oiwa, time to go.
- Settled? - It was smooth.
My wife has set off.
That means you can bring Okoto home today?
Once I receive what you promised me.
I will pick up your concubine.
Hang on Iemon, you mustn't misunderstand.
Yes?
I've no intention of giving Okoto to you.
It's just that my wife is jealous of her and always bullies her.
I can't stand it anymore. That's why I got you to look after her.
I thought you wanted her to be my wife.
That's what it appears to be.
But when she's with you, I will still look her up.
So you'd better treat her well.
That means I'm just acting as a guardian for your concubine?
Don't forget that I give you everything you want.
Fine. As long as I'm paid, You can do whatever you please.
Master, did you call for me?
Okoto, you are here.
Your wish is finally coming true.
I can be with Master Iemon?
I'm so happy.
I'm sorry, Miss Oiwa.
Something cropped up at the other side, so we can't go over today.
We will definitely reach tomorrow. Let's rest here for tonight.
I'll take my leave then.
What do you want?
Miss Oiwa, I've been admiring you. Pity me and and accept my love.
Despicable.
If my husband finds out,
he won't let you off!
Tamiya Iemon actually knew about this long ago.
He sold you to me for 5 taels.
- Nonsense! - I'm not lying.
Iemon is not a good man.
Oiwa...
I don't look like this but I actually have lots of savings.
I'm a loan shark.
I advise you
to forget that man and live with me.
Miss Oiwa...
Iemon...
What is all this about?
I should be asking you that.
Takuetsu, what happened?
Miss Oiwa seemed to have misunderstood my intention.
- Did you attempt to rape her? - No, no... I wouldn't dare to.
Fool. You just have to sell her into prostitution.
Who is she?
My new wife. Master Ito gave her to me.
Aren't you avenging my father's death?
I've never thought of taking revenge.
Don't tell me you've been lying to me all this while?
Why did you do that?
I'm one who hates suffering.
Do you think I married into your family because of you?
Let me tell you. Instead of being a vagrant,
I thought I would rather lead a comfortable life in your family.
Never did I know that your father, Tamiya Iori, is a pauper.
I could only blame myself and so, I suffered for three years.
But beside being poor,
I'm really sick of having a nagging wife like you.
Takuetsu, I've sold this woman to you.
It's up to you to sleep with her or sell her away.
Miss Oiwa...
Iemon, you're so mean.
Do you regret being my wife?
No. I feel more at ease now that I can speak freely.
Have you noticed any change here?
Is that your baby with that old man, Ito?
No, the baby belongs to you, Iemon.
Absurd. I don't like children.
Not to mention other people's children.
I will raise the child myself.
You just have to let the child run the Tamiya family in future.
You want the child to be the successor of Tamiya family?
Yes. But all expenses will be paid by Master Ito.
I see. Let's do just that.
Okay.
I'll let the child head the Tamiya household then.
Oiwa.
Iemon... Please let me stay with you.
I really... can't leave you.
I feel so upset...
I can't bear to leave you.
I feel like dying, but...
I just can't make it. Please... let me come back.
This is no longer your house.
Scram!
You have no right to talk to me that way. I won't let you have the Tamiya family.
Okoto has given me the details.
How will you handle Oiwa?
I don't know. She fell ill after that day.
I don't know what to do.
It is best that she dies.
It's not so easy.
She's a difficult person to deal with.
Does she really think that we can do nothing to her?
It's okay.
You have to be ruthless to be a great man. Don't ever try to piss me off.
What can you do then?
What's this?
Medicine for Oiwa. It's very effective.
Are you sure it works?
Do you expect me to try it?
How do you feel?
I seem to feel better compared to yesterday.
Really?
I'm a man. I can't cook or do the laundry.
So I hope you'll recover soon.
Sorry to disturb...
Good evening.
Oiwa, you should be resting. Why are you up?
I'm very sorry about that day. I'm worried for you,
so I'm here to visit.
- Get lost! - Please don't say that...
Miss Oiwa, why don't you recuperate at my place?
Recuperate at your place?
Staying here might do you more harm than good.
You shouldn't be staying here. Please let me take care of you.
No...
No matter what you say, I won't leave Iemon.
Can't you tell?
That man is a heartless skunk.
Nonsense. He still treats me well.
This medicine he gave me is the best proof.
Look, I brought the medicine too,
here, take it.
Miss Oiwa, I think you're totally unaware.
Don't you want to avenge your father? Who do you think is the murderer?
How would I know? I'm still investigating.
Let me tell you...
It's your husband, Tamiya Iemon.
Nonsense.
Think about it...
Who is the one preventing Ito's concubine
from coming to the Tamiya family?
It's your father, Master Iori, isn't it?
I don't want to listen!
That man is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Miss Oiwa, what happened?
Miss Oiwa...
What's with you, Takuetsu?
Oiwa, didn't you take the medicine I gave you?
I really hate you, Iemon.
You killed my father
and now you're thinking of killing me.
I really hate you.
But I hate myself too...
I hate myself because I know you killed my father,
yet I can't stop myself from loving you.
Master.
I'm staying here for a while.
What did you feed Oiwa with?
None of your business. Quick, shut all the windows. Go!
Give me a cup of water after that.
Iemon...
please let me stay with you.
Master, why do you want to kill me?
Give me water.
Aren't you...
- Your face looks... - What's wrong with my face?
There's an evil aura on your face.
What?
I'm back.
Welcome back.
We have a guest?
He'll be sleeping over tonight.
Sorry to disturb.
Not at all. As long as you don't mind our place.
Sayo, this samurai is pestered by an evil spirit.
Stay over at our neighbour's place tonight.
Sayo, paste these talismans on the seams of the windows.
Take a seat inside please.
This rope separates the nether world from us.
It's also the divider between life and death.
No matter what happens, do not cross this boundary.
Gather all north, south, east, west forces!
Iemon.
Iemon, please open the door.
Iemon, please open the door and let me in.
Iemon.
You devil. Why are you still pestering me after your death?
Cool it, ignore her! Don't go out!
Oh no, she's too strong for me.
You're already dead. Why are you still seeking revenge?
Your name is Oiwa, right? Why are you still feeling sorrowful?
Forget him.
Forgive him and you'll be spared from misery.
Get him out of your mind.
Wait. Miss Oiwa. Wait!
Iemon is looking for me?
Why is he here at this hour?
He wishes to stay over for the night.
He seems out of sorts.
Oiwa, where are you?
Iemon...
What are you doing, Iemon?
He's crazy. Somebody help!
Didn't I say?
I won't let you have the Tamiya family.
He's mad. Catch him.
He's mad. Kill him now.
- A mad man. - Don't let him off...
You can't escape...
Oiwa, you win.
My body and my life are all yours.
Take it!
Women are indeed fearsome, yet sorrowful creatures.
Episode 02: Ugetsu Monogatari
45, 46
47, 48
49...
One last night left.
Why doesn't the Divine Pot make a bubbling sound?
It's a bad sign.
I beg you. I must marry Shotaro.
If I can't marry him, life will be meaningless.
This has always been our custom when picking a son-in-law.
The sign says that marrying Shotaro will bring you misfortune.
Please let us marry. Father, Mother, I beg of you.
I'll pray day and night. I'm even prepared to die a cruel death.
I'll carry on begging till the Divine Pot approves of the match.
Divine Pot, please!
But the sign says that the marriage won't come to a good end.
Enough.
I didn't expect you to be so superstitious.
The Divine Pot didn't make any bubbling sound, but so what?
Do we have to follow the signs of a pot
to see if we can marry? Isn't that stupid?
I swear to Heaven that I'll marry Shiryo.
I'll take care of her forever whatever the signs.
Shotaro.
Well said, Shotaro.
Since you're sworn to Heaven, there's nothing you can't overcome.
No.
Shotaro, Shotaro!
Only one last night left.
One last night.
I can't drink anymore.
Father!
I'll suffocate to death.
Father! Careful.
Didn't the boss at Ukiyo Street need you to make a prediction?
It's not to make a prediction.
That wicked man wants me to cast an evil spell on his wife.
I won't do such a thing. That's so heartless.
What's that?
Mr. Oyake wants you to make a paper charm for him.
- I did it while you were sleeping. - What powers do you have?
Will your charm work? You can't paint a few strokes to deceive Mr. Oyake.
Father!
So stingy of him to pay so little.
Are you an exorcist?
I can tell you possess great powers.
Who are you?
Of course I do, I don't go for fame and fortune.
But the Ashiya family once...
That's wonderful. I need someone like you to help me.
What do you want me to do?
The Shrine of the Divine Pot is just a little ahead.
The Divine Pot can predict marriages and
I need you to borrow it for me.
- The Divine Pot? - Yes.
My younger sister is about to get married.
We need the Divine Pot to predict the future of her marriage.
Is that so?
By boiling some water in the pot, it's possible to predict
if it's a good or bad marriage.
If it's a good marriage, the pot will produce bubbling sound.
If it's bad, the pot will be silent.
However, the person who moves it must possess great powers.
Otherwise, the pot will sound a warning
and that will disturb aggrieved spirits.
- Aggrieved spirits? - Don't worry. You'll never have a problem.
But this isn't my forte.
Some other day.
No. The matter has to be settled today.
The man's family will be proposing the match tomorrow.
Please don't tell anyone about it.
I don't wish my sister to feel uneasy should anything happen.
I understand.
Leave it to me. Borrow the Divine Pot, right?
Anybody in?
Is there anyone inside? Good, there's no one.
I can go in.
It must be torn.
- Don't open the door! - Who are you?
Who is inside?
Please, you must not open the door.
What demon are you?
You're the one who's a demon.
Someone sent me here to borrow the Divine Pot.
I'm an exorcist.
Don't be so afraid,
- let me in. - No!
Why not?
Only one night left.
It's the last night.
By the first light tomorrow, I'll be safe.
If I should take even half a step out before morning,
my life will be over.
For the past 49 days, I've locked myself up here.
Whatever it is, please wait for one more night.
My family was well-known in Oden-Uma Street
where we had a big business.
But now, I'm reduced to this state.
It's all my fault and I can blame no one.
In the past, I indulged in wine and women,
leading a life of debauchery.
Young Master, you're back.
Young Master has returned.
Welcome home.
- Are you taking the meal? - No, I'm going out.
But you just came home.
Shotaro!
Scoundrel! You came home to get money again!
Father-in-law, calm down! I apologize on his behalf.
I loafed about and often made my father angry.
I even took money from the shop to spend.
I enjoyed myself drinking and womanizing everyday.
- It's cute. - Yes.
- Why is it you? - Shotaro.
You spied on me! A woman shouldn't do that.
You should have asked for my permission.
I have some money here.
I borrowed this from my parents for you.
Stupid fool! Don't be a busybody.
Please find some time for your parents. Father-in-law and Mother-in-law
are worried about you. Mother-in-law always wonders
if you have enough to spend. If you need my help, just tell me.
Tell my father I'm not going home for the time being.
Shiryo often brought me money and daily essentials
but kept it from my father.
She took care of the business and my parents for me.
You had such a good wife.
How could you still fool around and neglect her?
You're right. I was blinded by my carnal desires.
It was all right yesterday, But now...
Thank you for taking such good care of my husband.
If you can't give me your word today that you'll leave my husband,
I'll be forced to end my life here.
Shotaro abandoned his parents and the family business
to be with you.
How could he ever have a future going on like this?
The business would have failed if I hadn't been looking after it.
I am sure, you do not want him to be called an unfilial son.
I beg of you, please leave my husband today.
Haru.
Haru!
Haru disappeared on that day.
- I'm counting on you. - Thank you for your patronage.
I finally went back to manage the family business.
Father and Shiryo finally smiled again.
Shotaro!
This pair of birds are cute, aren't they?
I bought them at the marketplace.
The moment I set eyes on them, I knew you'd like them.
Come.
Sir.
Sir, where are you going? Come and have a chat.
Haru?
You're Haru?
Why are you in such a place?
Haru,
why have you been reduced to soliciting in the streets?
Why did you leave me without a word?
Haru, don't go. Haru.
- Let me go! - Don't go!
if I'd remained by your side, you wouldn't have returned home.
I wanted to end my life several times, but I didn't have the courage.
I wanted to see you again.
I hate myself for being weak.
Why can't I forget you?
I hate myself.
I finally realized it was Shiryo who told Haru to leave me.
On learning the truth, I became muddle-headed again.
Shiryo, you've been having a hard time.
Why do you say that?
Shiryo, you're too good to me.
I don't know how I can ever repay you.
Don't be silly. So long as you understand what I'm doing,
I'm happy.
Shiryo.
Shotaro.
A few days ago, I saw Haru.
I went out for a walk and saw her in the street by chance.
She's been reduced to soliciting.
Her life is really miserable. It's all I brought to her.
Did Miss Haru tell you anything?
We merely chatted. She didn't say much.
Shiryo, I wish to give her some money,
so she can go back to her hometown.
She's an unfortunate woman. Her parents left her when she was a child.
If she goes back to her hometown and starts a small business,
she should be able to get by.
That's great. It'd be best.
But Father is in control of the finances.
It's beyond my power to help her.
Travelling and living expenses will add up to quite a big sum.
What should I do? I am at my wit's end.
This money should be enough.
Thank you.
Let's take the money to Haru now.
No, don't bother.
All right.
This money is for your travelling expenses home.
You don't have to do that sort of work again.
Make good use of the money.
You can start a business in the village.
Take care of yourself.
Shotaro, what are you doing?
- Haru, let's go. - Yes.
Don't blame me.
Wait...
Why did you lock me up? What are you going to do?
You still don't understand?
I'm taking the money you stole
and leaving with my little beauty, Haru.
I don't wish to see you again.
Why?
If I've done anything wrong, I'll change.
Please don't leave me.
Shotaro.
Stop acting pitiful.
Each time I see you pretending to be virtuous,
I'm filled with disgust.
Shotaro...
Shotaro.
Don't abandon me. My Shotaro.
Shotaro.
Cruel Shotaro.
Why?
Do you remember swearing to Heaven
before the Divine Pot that you'd take care of me all your life?
You broke your promise and even made use of me.
You've broken my heart.
It's my fault for not accepting the signs of the Divine Pot.
This is the retribution.
I'd nurse this grievance even in death. I hate you!
Divine Pot, give me power. I'll take revenge on you, Shotaro.
What's the matter, Haru? Are you tired?
My fault for not stopping to rest.
We'll take a rest in that inn.
Come.
Your wife is ill?
We've been travelling a long time. She's exhausted.
- Could we stay here for a few days? - Of course.
The sun is setting. Stay for a few days.
You can resume your journey when she's better.
I hope you don't mind the simple room.
You feel terrible?
No, not at all.
What are you doing?
I dreamt that Miss Shiryo took me to a river.
There were so many broken rocks in the river.
Ms. Shiryo kept calling to me. She said I'd feel better when I went over.
Haru.
Haru!
I didn't know if Haru was dead or still alive.
I looked for her everywhere, but there was no news of her.
I build a tombstone for her
and visited her grave every day.
This place is so deserted, yet you come every day.
You too, sir.
Every time I come to sweep the tomb,
I see you paying your respects, too.
The person you're mourning must be very important to you.
My wife is buried here.
Since her death, I've lost interest in everything.
So I come visit her every day.
My mistress is also grieving, sir.
She's been very sad since my master passed away.
She's even become seriously ill.
Madam sends me here with flowers and incense
to pray to Master on her behalf.
Is your mistress seriously ill?
I heard you've fallen ill mourning for your husband.
I've just lost my wife too.
We're in the same sad situation.
I hope you don't think it's presumptuous of me to visit you.
I'm overwhelmed by your thoughtful gesture.
In this cold heartless world, there's still someone as kind as you.
Shotaro, it's been a long time since we last met.
I shall let you know tonight,
how deeply you've hurt my heart.
My Shotaro.
I didn't know where to run to.
I didn't know how to escape from the ghost.
I wandered about in the city of Edo.
Sir, stop! I said stop!
Do you know a ghost has been following you?
Poor man.
What are you talking about? I don't find anything wrong with myself.
It won't be easy to settle the trouble you've caused.
The spirit has taken a woman's life.
But her hatred hasn't been appeased.
She'll kill you either tonight or tomorrow.
It can't be.
She really won't let me off?
Listen carefully. Within 49 days from today,
you are not to step out of this shrine.
Do as I say and you might still live.
If you can endure for 49 days, you'll be fine
on the morning of the 50th day.
If you make a careless mistake within this period,
no one can save you.
When night comes,
the ghost will do everything she can to make you open the door.
Follow my instructions or I won't be able to save you either.
How hateful you are!
You have pasted paper charms here to stop me from going in.
Aren't you lonely, Mr. Shotaro?
How dare you use these amulets to hurt me! I won't forgive you even more.
I hate you to the marrow.
There are paper charms here too.
Shotaro.
The ghost came to harass me every night.
No matter how I begged, she wouldn't let me off.
Shotaro.
Shotaro, I've brought you food.
Why do you reject my kindness?
It upsets me.
It's all your fault for being so heartless.
I regret for being so arrogant and conceited in the past.
I showed no respect for the gods.
I've ended up in this terrible state
and have only myself to blame.
Poor creature.
Whatever difficulty we face, we should pray to the gods sincerely.
Since long, long ago, we...
If I can survive the ordeal,
I'll become a monk.
I'll pray for the repose of Shiryo's soul.
I'll help her to attain enlightenment. I've decided.
What should I have said to her?
No way. I'll forget about borrowing the Divine Pot.
To save a life is better than building a 7-storey pagoda.
I'll have to disappoint her. Bye.
Shotaro.
Do you really mean what you said just now?
Yes, I mean it. Shiryo, I beg of you.
Put aside your hatred and seek rebirth.
Good. You've truly repented.
I hope you can forgive me too for trying to take your life.
Forgive me too for killing Haru.
Please forgive me.
It's all my fault. I've done wrong, Shiryo.
Please forgive me.
My Shotaro, I'm going to seek rebirth now.
Shotaro.
Haru?
Are you Haru?
Haru!
It's all over now. It's been hard on you.
You can come out now.
I've missed you so much, Haru!
No, that's Shiryo's ghost.
Why do this?
No... Don't come out!
You don't have to worry now.
Open the door and come to me.
Hey!
Where are you?
Where have you been?
The Divine Pot predicts good tidings with its bubbling sound.