Episode 05: Banchosara Yashiki
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You can't play with that.
They're not toys.
Really stinks!
- Go away. - So smelly. Let's go.
Sir, would you like to buy one?
The paper amulets are created by an exorcist
who mastered the skills of his forebears way back in the Heian era.
They can drive away evil spirits.
It's only 10 cash per amulet.
- Exorcist? - Exactly.
- Who is this exorcist? - Who?
Yours truly.
- You? - Yes.
Is it really effective?
Of course it is.
Made only 10 cash after a day of hard work. Very disappointing.
A fight!
Jinta, what's going on?
He's Aoyama Harima, a great commander
with an annual remuneration of 700 koku of grain.
He's dealing with the gang.
My hand...
Welcome home.
Bring wine.
Master, no!
Please calm down!
Don't do it!
- So meaningless. - So meaningless.
- What did you say? - You spent so much time making these
- but they don't sell. - Don't be silly.
I'm not doing it for money.
This is a good deed. It's for the protection of the people in Edo.
Your father has a heart of gold.
People often say this. It pays to be kind.
Really? But I don't see it at all.
- So smelly. So smelly. - Sorry.
- Is Mr. Ashiya Dosan in? - Yes.
Father.
It's you.
This isn't at all effective.
That's the situation.
- A woman's dead spirit? - Yes.
The maids have all left because they're frightened.
5 of them left this year.
6, actually, including the one who left yesterday.
The house is neglected without any maid to clean the place.
I'm at my wit's end.
When did the spirit first appear?
About a year ago.
Please tell me the whole story.
Sir, I suspect it's Okiku's dead spirit.
Okiku?
She was a maid serving the Aoyama family.
She died a year ago.
How did she die?
My master beheaded her.
She was beheaded?
Two years ago, Okiku came to work for the Aoyama family.
She was the only daughter of a formerly rich family.
Her parents perished in a fire and the business was sold.
She ended up as a maid.
She was very hardworking and had a good heart.
As she was from a rich family,
she was familiar with all forms of etiquette.
Being a maid was hard on her.
One day, it happened.
- Master! - Okiku, what have you done?
The poor woman. She merely broke a plate.
It was the rule of the Aoyama family.
The rule had to be followed.
Okiku must be nursing this hatred.
A woman's heart can be so wicked.
Ever since her death,
bad things have been happening to the Aoyama family.
The maids would either contract some incurable strange illness
or get injured in accidents.
And our master...
I don't wish to say like this.
After that incident, he suddenly changed.
He became as blood-thirsty as an animal always getting into fights.
He wasn't like that in the past.
But now, he seems like a man possessed.
As a result, the marriage arrangement fell through.
So what is your purpose here?
Just an amulet isn't good enough.
Please perform some rites.
Well...
The Aoyama family is a highly reputable family.
The dead spirit has brought an eeriness to the mansion.
It'll be terrible if this matter reaches to the Shogunate.
I beg you.
Please save the Aoyama family.
This is a token sum. Please accept it.
3 taels of gold!
So sorry I was impolite.
Sir, this way.
Please place the sword there.
Straighten it.
What're you doing?
Master, this is Ashiya Dosan, an exorcist.
He's highly skilled.
Exorcist?
I asked him here to exorcise evil spirits.
- Leave. - But Master...
- Were you told the place is haunted? - Yes.
The maid who worked here saw the ghost.
Fraudster.
Absolute nonsense! You're a liar!
- You can't lie to me. - Master, cool down.
Get out of here or I'll kill you.
Master.
Darn it!
He doesn't know what's good for him.
He deserves it if he's killed.
Sir, wait for me.
I am very sorry. Please forgive my Master.
Shut up!
I've had enough today.
- Let me explain. - Forget it.
He misunderstands me while I am trying to help him.
- Please forgive him one more time. - I have no time for you. I'm going.
- Can you please... - Don't trouble me.
- Sir! Sir! - Get away!
Sir!
So noisy.
Who's that? Sayo!
Sayo.
Who is it? Coming! Who is it?
Sorry to disturb, I'm the maid from the Aoyama family.
Jutao sent you?
He sent a young woman here in the middle of the night.
What is he thinking?
Please come in.
Father, what are you doing, talking to yourself? It's scary.
Result of too much sleep?
I'm going out.
You don't wish to come into my house?
Oh, you can't enter.
I have too many protective amulets.
Are you Miss Okiku?
You were beheaded and I can understand your grief.
Come to your senses. Leave.
Wait.
Please... wait.
Let me finished.
Please save Harima.
You want me to save him?
Don't you hate him for killing you?
No.
Then why do you appear?
You can't forgive him?
No forgiveness is needed when I don't even hate him.
Why?
He killed you.
Don't speak of him in that way.
He gave me a new life.
What is it going on?
I beg you.
You must save Harima.
Wait.
No... I'm defeated.
- Great swordsmanship. - Your strokes are still so deadly.
Your opponent couldn't fend you off.
I'm not that good.
- Okiku. - Yes!
What's the matter? You're blushing.
- Nothing. - Because she saw you like this.
You see.
Master is blushing too.
Don't talk nonsense.
- Okiku, prepare the meal. - Yes, Master.
Everyone is full of praise for you.
They're attracted to your looks and personality.
They envy me for having such an outstanding maid.
- Don't tease me. - I feel the same way.
I'm a little drunk.
- Why are you looking at me? - Nothing. I'm sorry.
- Okiku. - Yes.
Please give me an honest answer.
Do you like to work under my protection?
That was the happiest time of my life.
I'll never forget it.
- Okiku. - Yes.
I want to marry you.
You are not willing?
Both my parents are dead. I'm homeless and have no background.
I'm not good enough for you.
This is my mother's hairpin. Please accept it.
I swear I'll marry you.
This is my love token.
I felt as if I was flying up into the sky.
I was so happy.
One day,
his aunt from Koishikawa visited the family.
You're already 25.
By your age, another man would have been married with children.
Tell me, how long are you going to stay a bachelor?
Harima, do you remember Lord Okubo's daughter, Miss Fujie?
Yes, I remember her.
She's 18. She's a beautiful, kind and sensible girl.
As for her background, well, just look at her father's position.
Lord Oubo is paid a remuneration of 2500 koku of grain every year.
He wants you as his son-in-law.
This is an honor to our family. I'm really happy for you.
Yes.
Think of your future.
You'll go very far in life if you marry his daughter.
Why are you hesitating?
Frankly, there is a woman I love.
Who is she?
Okiku.
- Your maid, Okiku? - Yes.
That's so stupid and ridiculous.
- My feelings are true. - Think about it carefully!
You're a commander with a yearly remuneration of 700 koku of grain.
The daughter of an ordinary family isn't fit to be your wife.
The Aoyama family cannot have such a daughter-in-law.
I will not allow it as long as I live!
Okiku.
Yes.
You heard it?
I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
Do you think I'll agree to the match?
I'll tell them I want to marry you.
- But... - What?
You're a commander whereas I'm only a maid.
So what if you're a maid?
- But... - I'll get angry if you go on.
Don't worry. I'm a samurai warrior.
I'll hold on to my promise to death.
After that day, his aunt often visited him.
She hoped to persuade Harima.
Then one day...
How do you do.
Okiku.
The one in the center is Rokubei, he's 26.
He's an honest man. What do you think?
You're not getting any younger
and should think of your future.
He is a nice guy.
Rokubei and you are a perfect match.
You can consider marrying him. Don't be conceited!
Everyone has his own destiny.
Go against it and you'll meet with misfortune.
Not only will you suffer.
The Aoyama family may have to pay for it with their lives.
Have you understood my words?
Master will receive his annual remuneration soon.
Lord Okubo wants to marry his daughter to him.
Master Harima's future is paved.
The match cannot be turned down.
Perhaps the Aoyama family may grow even more influential.
That's right.
Lord Okubo personally proposed the match.
If he is turned down, the consequences are dire.
What will happen?
It's a show of great disrespect.
Master Harima will never get promoted again.
He'll never go far.
Sen, Lord Okubo is visiting this evening.
I'll prepare food and wine.
We are to serve the guest using the Korai plates.
Korai plates? The heirloom?
Master considers this a special occasion.
Okiku, come and help me.
Be very careful.
This isn't a set of ordinary plates. It has more than 200 years of history.
For the sake of the prosperity of the Aoyama family,
the first master of the Aoyama family, Master Todato,
left word that these plates must never be sold.
- It's a family heirloom. - Yes.
Break just one plate and you'll be beheaded right away.
This is a family rule.
Fortunately, up till now, all 10 plates are in perfect condition.
Don't say I am a nag. Be extra careful.
- Okiku. - Yes.
The feast tonight is a special one.
Special?
I'll tell Lord Okubo and my aunt at the feast
that I'm marrying you.
Aunt will give up trying to persuade me.
- You can't do that. - Don't worry.
Just leave it to me.
- Please reconsider it, it'll affect you. - I've decided.
No one can change my mind.
I'll call you out later.
I can't stop trembling. My neck is aching.
- Sen! - Yes.
- Can you come over? - Coming.
Thanks.
- Sen! - Coming.
I'm coming.
Everyone has his own destiny.
Go against it and you'll meet with misfortune.
Lord Okubo is marrying his daughter to him. Master Harima’s future is paved.
I'm going to tell them that I'll take you as my wife.
Break any of these plates and you'll be beheaded.
I've decided. No one can change my mind.
- Oh no! Master! - Okiku, what have you done?
Okiku, if this was an accident, I can forgive you.
But if it was deliberate, I'll cut off your head.
It's not true.
Sen said she saw you do it deliberately. She is wrong, isn't she?
No. She is right.
- I'm very sorry. - Why?
Okiku, tell me the truth.
I don't have another solution. I had to do it.
What?
I can't be your wife.
I am not fit.
You should marry Lord Okubo's daughter. The Aoyama family...
Is that why you deliberately broke the plate?
I think if I'm not around,
you'll change your mind.
Why did you do such a foolish thing?
I don't wish to kill you.
Get out of here!
I don't wish to see you again. Leave.
Please kill me.
I've never thought of leaving you.
I can never do it.
I broke the plate because I can't forget you.
It's the only solution.
I'm begging you for the last time.
Please kill me.
Then I can take my longing and love for you to the other world.
Why?
Only then can you forget me. Grant my wish.
Okiku.
I have...
nowhere else to go.
You sacrificed your life for love.
You want me to save him. What is that about?
He doesn't value his life.
Please pass this message to him on my behalf.
Tell him how precious life is.
I understand. I'll do my best.
Thank you.
Miss Okiku.
You're amazing.
Few people would make such a sacrifice for love.
- Yagoro, fetch a physician. - I'll go now.
Jutao, what happened?
- Someone wounded Master's friend. - Wounded?
Master insists on taking revenge for him.
Please dissuade him. This way please.
Master, wait! Calm down!
Why have you come here again?
- Master, don't go. - Don't stop me!
I saw Okiku last night.
I spoke to her.
Any more nonsense and I'll kill you.
Do you believe me now?
Okiku begged me to save you.
She hopes you'll live well. Live well for her sake.
She's very worried about you.
She wants you to cherish your life.
Master...
They've come here.
- Master, don't go. - Get lost!
Do you want to upset Okiku?
Okiku...
I'm coming with you.
Master...
Miss Okiku, I'm sorry.
I failed to save him.
They become husband and wife in another world.
Episode 06: The Warring Period
It's the hour of the Boar now (9 pm~11 pm) now.
It's the hour of the Boar now.
The peonies are beautiful in full bloom.
You're setting off?
Yes.
This may be an even fiercer battle.
It could be the last time I see such beautiful peonies.
If I come back alive,
I wish to be with you.
We'll lead a life the way we want to.
That's our pact. I'll come back.
Wait for my return.
This flower will keep me company on the journey.
I hope you'll feel the same.
When you see the flowers, it'll be just like seeing me.
All right.
Let's give this flower a name.
Snow flakes... Snow...
Spring snow!
Spring Snow... It's a lovely name.
I'm leaving.
May you return in victory soon.
Didn't you promise me...
that you'd come back?
250 years later
November, Edo
- Done. - Yes.
- Shinzaburo. - Yes.
What are you doing? You're so slow.
I'm sorry.
Leave it. Clean the area outside.
Yes.
Such exquisite snacks! They melt in the mouth.
- Master. Master... Have you chosen? - Quiet! I need time.
Hurry up. Take a look at this.
So lovely! How much is it?
20 coins.
That's too expensive. Forget it then. You can't afford it.
You're looking down on me.
- Father... - You're the monster.
What are you doing here?
Nothing. The Boss is showing me some new snack foods.
We don't have money for this.
Lower your voice!
Are you buying or not?
Please leave if you're not buying. I'm very busy.
Welcome, sir.
Welcome.
- The usual, please. - All right.
There you go.
- What? - Let's go.
Sayo, what a pity. Such exquisite cakes!
Wish I could have a few bites.
What are you doing?
Sorry! I'm very sorry.
Are you blind? You didn't see my master?
Jinta, he didn't do it on purpose.
You throw water at customers you don't like. Is that how you run a business?
Sorry, it's not deliberate.
Jinta, stop scolding him. It's an accident. He's apologized.
No. Master. We can't let him off just like that.
The weather is so cold, and he made you all wet.
An apology isn't good enough.
I'm sorry, sir. He is a clumsy fellow.
- Shinzaburo, you're in trouble. - Forget it, sir.
You can take my box of cakes if you wish.
- No. - Don't stand on ceremony.
The shop owner wishes to make up for it. Do accept it.
All right, on both your account.
I won't refuse you. Thank you very much.
Wait! We can't accept it. We're not taking your things. So sorry about that.
Sir, I can't simply take your things. I'm the renowned Ashiya Dosan.
This is a very effective amulet.
I sell it for 5 taels. Please accept it.
Lad, you'll have woman trouble.
Take this.
I hope my amulets can protect you from harm. Take care.
Let's go back.
The two paper amulets look exactly the same.
Sir, thank you.
- You've made enough trouble. Get back to work. - Yes, sir.
- I'm sorry. I'll get you another box. - That's all right.
But I have a favour to ask of Shinzaburo.
Come... I just want you to chat with someone.
I'm not good at talking.
Shinzaburo, please help as a favour to me.
Miss Otsuyu has always been weak in health.
I often come to check on her condition.
She has no friends. I hope you'll chat with her.
- But why me? - I think you're a good man.
Shinzaburo is the cake and pastry chef of the snack food shop
which you often patronize.
He takes his work seriously. I believe you'll get along.
Physician Yamamoto, I do understand your intention.
Thanks for your concern.
But this is too sudden and it's frightened Missy.
I'm sorry, Oyone.
But Missy must be tired of facing an old man like me all the time.
Am I right, Missy?
Oyone, make some tea for the guest.
- Yes. - I'll help you.
I'll do it.
- Let me help you. - It's really all right.
Oyone, you look rather pale too.
You're doing your best to take care of your missy.
What if you fall ill too?
Missy is often ill.
It's my responsibility to take care of her.
You're such a good girl.
- What? - Oh... nothing.
- Could I ask... - What?
I seem to have met you somewhere before.
I have the same feeling, too.
- You feel the same way? - Yes.
But I've been weak in health since I was born.
I hardly ever get a chance to go out.
Shinzaburo. Did we meet...
...before?
I remember this.
It's like we knew each other before.
He is always like this. He's been working in the kitchen.
He's working the dough differently.
Wonder what he's doing.
This is...
I made these cakes specially for you.
Can I look at it?
Yes, I hope it's to your taste.
They're so beautiful.
Thank you very much.
Missy, I'll make some tea.
Thank you.
What have you named the cake?
A name?
Why don't you give it a name?
Snow... Snow...
What about Spring Snow?
Spring Snow?
It's a nice name.
- Really? - Yes.
Why the peony?
The first time I saw you, I had this feeling.
My favorite flower is the peony.
Actually, it's not just my favorite.
Since I was a little girl,
I've had a special feeling whenever I see the peony.
It's been the same for me.
When I see a peony,
I've this feeling that I've left something behind.
This is the first time I've created a new type of cake.
In the past, I thought I lacked this ability.
Since I met Miss Otsuyu, I just want to make cakes for her.
Very naturally, my hands began working.
It's delicious.
This is the tastiest snack food I've eaten.
Mr. Shinzaburo, you're good at your job.
Thank you.
I should be thanking you instead.
Please carry on making the same cake for me.
All right.
December
Careful, don't get scalded.
January
It's really delicious.
Even a picky person like me cannot criticize.
Thank you.
I'll have another one.
What's the matter?
Oh, I understand.
It's too lovely to be eaten.
Miss Otsuyu, your complexion is much rosier.
You're like a changed person.
Shinzaburo, when spring comes, let's admire the peonies together.
- All rights. - It's a date.
Yes.
Excuse me, I have to go.
Miss, Master has come to visit you.
- Mr Yamamoto, how are you? - It's has been a long time. How are you?
- Fine. Thanks for taking care of Otsuyu. - Not at all.
You must be Shinzaburo.
Oyone has told me about you.
I'm Otsuyu's father, Hirasa Eimon.
Father, something must have brought you here.
I was here yesterday.
Oyone told me Shinzaburo had taken you out.
- I'm sorry. - You needn't apologize.
I didn't expect Otsuyu to grow so healthy.
I'm very surprised too.
Mr. Shinzaburo, thanks for your help.
Otsuyu can be a healthy pretty bride.
It's a good match.
The young master of the flower shop likes you.
He's asked for your hand in marriage.
Are you referring to the most famous florist in Edo?
Yes. They have a big shop.
It's much bigger than my textile shop.
Father, what are you saying?
They know you're weak in health and do not expect you
to do any work when you're married into the family.
They'll hire workers. You needn't worry at all.
- But... - Mr Yamamoto, what do you think?
Well, it's a good idea.
Indeed, I don't make much from my small textile shop.
If Otsuyu marries him, she'll have a happy life.
As her father, it'll be a load off my mind.
I'm taking Otsuyu home in a few days.
Thank you for taking such good care of her.
Hold it.
This is a small token.
Do you understand? Don't visit Otsuyu again.
I don't care for the money.
Don't overrate yourself.
You're an ordinary cake and pastry chef.
Don't ever dream of marrying my daughter!
And don't look for her again!
4 months later
Spring
I'm back.
- Welcome back. - Welcome back.
- Let me. - Yes.
Enjoying the blooming flowers alone?
It's you, boss.
Shinzaburo.
Thinking of your girlfriend again?
No such a thing. I have no girlfriend.
Oh, it's okay.
But you are so capable, it's hard to believe that you have no girlfriend.
It's just that fate hasn't knocked on the door.
Be patient. Girls are always out there.
Thanks for your advice.
It's the hour of the Boar now.
Mr Shinzaburo.
Miss Otsuyu!
It's wonderful! I've finally seen you again.
No.
Mr Shinzaburo.
You're a married woman.
Why do you say that?
Missy turned down the match.
- What? - It was Father's wish.
I won't marry a man I've never met in my life.
But he... can make you happy.
Is that why you stopped visiting Missy?
You even changed your place of work.
I'm just a nobody.
I've never thought so.
To me, to have met you
is the greatest happiness of my life.
Miss Otsuyu.
I'll leave now. Missy, stay here.
I'll come back for you before morning.
Please don't leave me again.
Otsuyu.
7 days later
It's the hour of the Boar now!
I'm so glad! I thought you'd never come again.
Last night, the night before and two nights before, wasn't I here?
I've been waiting since morning.
It's you.
Really! You disappeared without saying a word.
I'm very sorry.
I understand your feelings. How's your work?
I'm working as a cake and pastry chef in another snack food shop.
- Good. I'm relieved. - I'm thinking of getting married.
You know the girl too. I hope you can help me.
I'd be glad to help. Which family's missy is it?
It's Miss Otsuyu.
Shinzaburo, did I hear you right?
What do you mean?
You look so pale.
Have you become muddle-headed too?
Speak for yourself. I'm fully conscious.
- You really don't know? - Don't know what?
Miss Otsuyu is dead. She died 3 months ago.
I thought it was Miss Otsuyu's death that had reduced you to this state.
You're confusing me.
What is that nonsense?
Is Miss Otsuyu dead?
- Yes. - Why are you cursing her?
This isn't a joke.
Miss Otsuyu fell ill after you disappeared.
I did my best but still couldn't save her.
She lost the will to live totally. There was nothing I could do.
If you won't stop talking nonsense, I'll get angry.
I should be the one to get angry!
Oyone, her maid, passed away too.
She blamed herself for her missy's deteriorating condition.
She took care of her day and night. In the end, she died too.
You're such a good actor.
- What? - I won't be tricked.
It's the hour of the Boar now!
I have to get home quickly.
Where were you? I've been looking for you everywhere.
Otsuyu.
Why bring me here? I'm very busy.
You said I could ask you for help.
I want to be with you forever.
I wish to be with you too.
But...
You don't love me?
Don't be silly.
What are you doing? This is an invasion of others' privacy.
Why is he talking to himself?
He's alone?
- Can't you hear a woman's voice? - A woman's voice? I don't hear anything.
Please... stay with me forever.
You really wish to?
I don't wish to part with you again.
Hold me tight... Shinzaburo.
Ghost!
Oyone made that lantern for her missy.
Miss Otsuyu!
It has her missy's favorite flower, the peony.
No, that's not possible.
You still don't believe it?
There was nothing I could do.
Here... Look at yourself.
You're just like a dead person.
I saw Miss Otsuyu at your place.
She's no longer from this world.
Do you understand it, Mr Shinzaburo?
Though she died, she couldn't give you up.
I've seen this sort of thing far too often.
It's the hour of the Boar now!
Remember, do not step out of the boundary.
And don't answer her.
If you still wish to live, remember my words.
- She's coming. - What now?
Mr Shinzaburo. Mr Shinzaburo. It's me, Otsuyu.
Mr Shinzaburo, please open the door.
Mr Shinzaburo...
Otsuyu, I...
I can't see you again.
Why? Haven't we agreed?
Don't answer!
We've agreed to admire the peonies together.
You even made a cake called Snow Spring for me.
You told me you wanted to be with me forever.
You'll never leave me.
Don't go, Shinzaburo.
- We've agreed on it. - Forget it!
Miss Otsuyu, whatever you may have agreed on,
you're from different worlds now and can't be together.
We're from different worlds?
What should we do now? Missy...
I remember now.
We knew each other... a long time ago.
Did you hear her? They were supposed to be together in their past lives.
Their past lives?
Before you left, you told me you'd come back.
Yes. I promised you to come back.
We've met again.
I will keep my promise. Let me go.
Shinzaburo, if you don't wish to die, don't go out.
Let go of me!
- Mr Shinzaburo will die? - Let go of me!
- I merely want to see him. - Let me go!
Oyone, talk to your missy.
Miss Otsuyu, listen.
You're no longer human.
If you won't come to your senses,
Shinzaburo will die. Do you have to do this?
Missy!
Oyone...
Tell me, I can't see Shinzaburo again?
Oyone...
Don't go! You can't go out! Shinzaburo, don't go!
Otsuyu... Let me out!
Oyone...
I want so much to be with Shinzaburo.
You died because of me and have been staying by my side.
It's all my fault.
I'm very happy. I'm contented too.
I've seen Shinzaburo again.
I'm really contented.
- Otsuyu! - Don't come over!
Please forgive me.
You're leaving on the journey by yourself again.
Don't say that. It's all right.
Otsuyu.
I should apologize to you.
I should never have thought of taking you with me.
I don't mind. I wish to be with you.
I'm contented just to hear you say that.
I hope in our next lives, we'll meet again.
You must carry on living for my sake.
Don't forget to carry on making my favorite cake, Spring Snow.
Regard it as the happiness you've brought me,
spread this happiness to all the people in the world.
Otsuyu.
Thank you... Shinzaburo.
We have to part again.
But we've met again.
We'll see each other again. I'm sure we will.
I don't know when it will be.
But I believe the day will come.
Otsuyu.
For Otsuyu's sake, you must carry on living.
You'll meet again.
Snow in spring.
Year 2003
Spring