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♪♪
♪ In a time long past ♪
♪ A Noh theater troupe took the world by storm ♪
No. Not that theater troupe.
This was a long, long,
long... long...
long time ago.
♪♪
The time of our ancestors, when Noh theater
was known as "sarugaku."
Japan was divided between two emperors.
Each emperor had their own court, and claimed to be
the rightful ruler of the entire nation.
In the Northern Court, the shogun yearned
for three sacred treasures,
known as the Imperial Regalia, ownership of which
would determine the one true emperor.
[man straining]
Ah. If only I just had one of them.
Even one sacred treasure!
[Tomona] If only...
♪ If only he had one treasure ♪
♪ If only, if only ♪
♪ He must have that treasure ♪
♪ He must have the sacred treasure ♪
♪♪
[Tomona vocalizing]
[drums beating]
[grunting]
[woman screaming]
♪♪
[screaming]
[all screaming]
[whooping]
[Tomona] A tale that took place in this country
600 years ago.
Our story, which was stolen away from us,
and forgotten.
♪♪
[Battle of Dan-no-ura]
[overlapping shouting]
[men yelling in pain]
[soft burbling]
[clicking softly]
[gasping]
[flies buzzing]
[villager] Huh? Who are those people?
[villager 2] What are they here for? Do you know?
[villager 3] No. What about you?
Have you heard anything?
[villager 4 scoffs] Not from down here.
[flies buzzing]
[young boy] What did you find?
[young Tomona] Nothing but junk!
[young boy] You've got visitors!
Tie it up!
[villager] Something big must be going on.
[villager 2] I just hope they're not here to cause any trouble.
[villager 3] Could be good news.
[man] We'd appreciate your help.
This is the location.
Right here.
Our family has been diving for Heike treasure
here in Dan-no-ura for 60 years.
I doubt we're gonna find anything like that
still down there.
I assure you we will. It's in a bag inside of a box
as tall as you or I, covered in clay.
- It looks nothing like treasure. - [gasps softly]
[Tomona's father] So, you've seen it?
Someone saw it.
It came in a dream.
[Tomona's father] Someone from a hidden Heike village?
[man] Are you going to help us or not?
[grunting excitedly]
Hmm.
♪♪
- [grunting softly] - [boat creaking]
Huh?
[yells]
They're so creepy.
Yeah, we have a lot of angry-looking crabs
like that one around here.
When they're under the water, they hide their faces from you.
Sent by the curse of the fallen Heike clan, no doubt.
Superstition!
The curse only affects things when they come out of the water.
♪♪
[grunting]
[Tomona sighs]
[gasps softly, grunts]
[both shout]
[groans]
[gasps]
[both shout]
[shouting]
[whooshing]
[Tomona] Papa!
Where'd you go?
- [man] Forgive us! - [man 2] Forgive us!
[Tomona] Papa!
- [grunts] - [Tomona] Papa!
I can't see! Where are you?
[bubbling]
[villager] What happened to those two men from Kyoto?
[villager 2] They ran off.
[villager 3] They just left after all that?
[villager] Unbelievable.
[villager 3] Well, did they at least pay?
[Tomona's mother] My husband is dead and my son is blind!
[wailing] How could this have happened?!
- Who were they? - [hair rips]
Who were the men who did this?
Who? Why?
Tell me why!
Why?! [sobbing]
[screaming]
[Tomona's father] That's right, Tomona.
Find who's responsible. I'm counting on you.
You're the only one who can set me free.
You must avenge me.
You must avenge the whole Io family.
Find the bastards who did this to us.
And cut them down.
[fly buzzing]
[wind gusting]
[loud crashing]
♪♪
[Taniichi] The rule of the Heike had come to an end.
Flags had been pushed back,
by the white flags belonging to the Genji.
[footsteps crunching in sand]
It was the final battle
on the sea of Dan-no-ura.
The emperor's grandmother got to her feet.
And spoke to the six-year-old that was her grandson.
"There is a city beneath the waves.
The Palace of the Dragon King."
So the young emperor left, carrying the sacred sword
of the Imperial Regalia, jumped over the edge
of the ship, and plunged into the water below.
[breathing heavily]
[Taniichi] Never to return.
None know if he found the Dragon King's palace.
Or if the palace was ever there.
Aah! My face!
[gasps] D-Don't touch me!
Hey, I know that story.
The sword that sank to the bottom of Dan-no-ura.
I know it!
Well, of course you know it.
Everybody knows the story of how the Heike were defeated.
It's quite famous.
Why are you sitting here singing about it?
To bring peace to the fallen warriors.
Soothing their souls is the reason
my colleagues and I are here.
Look. Itsukushima sanctuary's over there.
I'm sorry, I can't see it because I'm blind.
- Is that right? So are we! - [plucking strings]
[others joining in]
♪♪
You're blind, but you know how to play the biwa?
Playing the biwa is how we earn a living.
Tell me, what's your name?
I'm Tomona.
I'm looking for the hidden villages of the Heike.
I'm from Dan-no-ura.
TOMONA
This is my name. Here.
TANIICHI
[Tomona] "Taniichi."
You can read?
Of course I can read. Everyone in my family can...
Oh, see if you can read that stone marker.
CROSSING TO ITSUKUSHIMA
You've found your way to Itsukushima!
The shrine on the sea built long ago
by the Heike commander, Kiyomori.
[quiet chatter]
♪♪
[all chanting]
♪♪
[water rushing]
[chanting continues]
[Tomona gasps]
♪♪
[man] Hard to believe he's blind.
[Taniichi] I've been traveling with this boy
since he left Dan-no-ura two years ago.
Oh, you've come a long way, then.
[slurps]
[sighs]
Tomona here is searching
for the hidden villages of the Heike.
He believes there are untold stories to be found there.
I wouldn't mind finding them myself, if I can.
Best be careful with that. The last biwa priests
who uncovered new Heike stories are gone now.
[slurps]
Cut down. In the middle
- of the streets of the capital. - [growling]
- [blade slices] - [biwa strings twang]
Dozens of them.
And not one survived.
Is that so?
Some might call that a bad omen.
[man] And the culprit still hasn't been found, either.
They say it was some kind of bloodthirsty spirit.
[chuckles] Well, we must be careful then.
♪♪
[chuckles]
[bells jingling]
[dogs barking]
[brother 1] Ah! Stop! [laughs]
[brother 2] That tickles! [laughs]
♪♪
[bells jingling]
[crying]
♪♪
[bells jingling]
[Inu-Oh's father] No, no, no! Can't you get it right?!
When I'm gone, you two will inherit
leadership of the Hie-za!
To do that, you must be the best!
Do it again!
♪♪
[Inu-Oh's father] No! No! From the top! Again!
♪♪
[spirits chittering]
[birds chirping]
[spirits chittering]
Huh? Huh?
Uh, uh, uh...
Ah... wow. Huh!
Ha ha! Yeah!
♪♪
[exclaims]
[laughing]
- [grunts] - [gasps]
The hell?!
- [laughs] - [villager] What is that thing?
[villager 2] A child?
[villager 3] It can't be.
[laughing, grunting]
- A gourd? - Worn as a mask?
Oh, look at all these kids.
I-I'm gonna grab 'em, and I'm gonna take 'em with me!
[whooping, laughing]
Yeah!
Whoa!
[villager] Creepy.
What the hell is it?
[gasps]
[villagers screaming, gasping]
- Goodness me! - It's not human!
[Inu-oh laughing]
♪♪
[sniffing]
[Kyoto]
That smell brings back memories.
[Kyoto]
It's been a long while.
Over ten years since
- I last came to the capital. - Welcome back.
- [woman screams] - [Inu-oh cackling]
That odor is the smell of constant conflict and arson.
Nothing ever seems to change.
The Ashikaga Shogun does not have a strong hold
- on this region. Ah! - Here ya go.
The delightful smell of the capital, I can't get enough!
[vendor] Enjoy.
[insects trilling]
[hoofbeats]
[horse neighs]
[bushel rustling]
[birds chirping]
- Get on with it! - Now!
Come on. [grunts]
Let's go!
- Pull! Pull! Pull! - Go!
[clanging]
[hissing]
[whooshing softly]
[groaning, muttering]
It's been settled.
He may now use "ichi" in his name.
Thank you so much, Master.
- Hasuichi. - Yes.
Every biwa priest that's a member of this guild
takes the "ichi" from Master Kakuichi's name.
Tomona will now be known as Tomoichi.
No, no! You can't do that!
Uh, what do you mean I can't?
Tomona?
Who are you talking to?
Uh, no one at all.
TOMOICHI
TOMONA
[dogs barking in distance]
Okay, what's the problem?
If you change your name, I won't be able to find you.
Your name is all I can see.
The only way I can join the guild
is for them to call me Tomoichi.
But your name is Tomona! You're Tomona of Dan-no-ura!
[Tomona's mother] Who?! Why?! Tell me why!
You gotta set us free.
Use those arms and legs. Avenge your family!
[bubbling]
[sniffing] Huh?
- [samurai] Fire! - [samurai 2] Fire!
[samurai 3] W-What is that?! A gourd?!
- [glass shatters] - [samurai] It took my sword!
[Inu-Oh] Behold the dreadful gourd. [cackles]
[samurai] It's some kind of monster!
[Inu-Oh] I've got your sword!
- [samurai] Get away! - [Inu-Oh] You want it?
- [samurai] Give it back! - [Inu-Oh] Come and get it.
It's right here.
- [samurai] You monster! - [Inu-Oh cackling]
[Inu-Oh] I am the invincible gourd.
[laughs]
Hey, move, move, move, move, move, move,
move, move, move, move!
Hey! You're in the gourd's way!
Move!
I'm warning you.
Don't make me take my mask off.
[Tomona] You're wearing a mask?
Yeah.
What happens when you take it off?
[laughs] You'll see. You're in for a shock!
[laughs]
- Well? - Have you taken the mask off?
Yeah. This is my face.
What do you think? Take a good hard look.
[snickers]
I can't see.
- Huh? - Yeah, sorry.
That means, I didn't need the mask to begin with?
Uh, I guess not.
[Inu-Oh] Ooh, a biwa!
Do you know how to play it?
Hmm. Of course.
♪♪
- You're good. - I know.
Never heard this one.
I just play what I hear.
- I love it! - Well, then it's not over.
♪♪
[Inu-Oh] Here.
[sniffing]
- Got a name? - Yeah, it's called manju.
[slurps] Mmm. Good, right?
It is.
But I was asking what your name is.
Eh, what's yours?
- My name is... - Tomona!
Your name is Tomona!
My name is Tomona. Or, uh, I guess, Tomoichi.
[Tomona's mother] Who? Why? Tell me why! Who?! Why?!
- Tell me why! - Oh, you're with Kakuichi, huh?
He's got ties with the shogun,
so that group will just keep growing.
[Tomona] So what's your name?
- I don't have one. - Huh?
You don't have a name? What do they call you?
Huh. Nobody calls me anything.
[grunts]
See ya around, Tomoichi. Or is it Tomona?
Tomoichi, I think. Tomoichi!
Because I'm with the Kakuichi guild!
H-Hey! Hold on! How do I find you if you don't have a name?
What am I supposed to call you?!
I've actually picked a name for myself.
[Tomona] Huh? You picked your own name?
Yeah! I know exactly what I'm going to call myself!
And some day the world will know it.
'Cause I'll be the star of the Hie-za!
♪♪
[Buddhist chant]
GRAVE OF ASHIKAGA TAKAUJI
TOMOICHI
[chanting continues]
[final note plays in unison]
A delightful performance, Teiichi.
It pleases me and my late grandfather, as well.
Although I'm certain he's getting impatient with my failed
efforts to unify the Northern and Southern Courts.
I have faith that you'll succeed someday soon, Lord Yoshimitsu.
Good of you to come, Kan'ami. Fujiwaka.
[Fujiwaka] Thank you, Shogun, for having us.
It is our greatest honor and privilege to perform
for you and your late grandfather.
We cannot express the extent of our joy.
Well, then why don't you start the performance?
♪♪
[men vocalizing rhythmically]
♪♪
[rhythmic vocalizing continues]
The music is exquisite.
And I'm sure the dance is as well.
Kan'ami and Fujiwaka are said to be the best
sarugaku performers in the entire world.
I thought I'd heard that of the Hie-za.
Hie-za is for the masses, but Kanze is for those of culture.
That much is evident by the shogun's
fondness for Fujiwaka's skill and beauty.
[chuckling]
[rhythmic vocalizing continues]
[Inu-Oh's father] You look like frogs wrestling!
How can you hope to compete with Fujiwaka?!
- [brother] We're sorry, father! - [brother 2] Sorry!
- [brother] Forgive us, please! - Apology not accepted!
[brother 2] Sorry! So Sorry!
You must practice like your lives depend on it! Do it again!
[breathing heavily]
♪♪
[exclaims]
It's not enough. It has to be beautiful!
The ultimate beauty.
- [brother] Yes, Father! - [brother 2] Of course, Father!
[gasps, grunts]
♪♪
[playing gentle melody]
Uh... [grunts]
[huffs]
- [brother] Father! - [brother 2] Father!
[Inu-Oh's father breathing heavily]
[grunts]
[Inu-Oh's father] What do you think you're practicing for?
You'll never perform on a stage with that
unsightly arm of yours!
You're a hideous monster!
[sighs]
[metallic rattling]
[Inu-Oh singing in Japanese] Before I can rise a star
I've got to dive in
Before the beast I set free
Can go to sleep
Hmm.
[Inu-Oh sighs] I've never understood it.
My back is covered in scales.
And my mouth isn't where it should be.
Neither are my eyes.
I can't even see through a normal mask.
But check out this arm!
Who else can do things like this?
[birds screeching]
But I can't perform with the Hie-za
because of the way I look.
Oh, stop complaining.
[Inu-Oh] Legs. Chest. Belly.
Every time I perform a new dance, it seems...
another part of my body changes as if it's being set free.
What do you suppose that's all about?
[Tomona] Hmm. Sounds to me like a curse.
- A curse? - Could be the work of spirits.
Oh, that may be what it looks like,
but I sure don't know any spirits.
Of course you don't, neither do I.
Wait. Yes, I do!
There's one spirit I can talk to.
Papa! Are you there?
Papa! It's Tomoichi! How've you been?!
Hello!
[Inu-Oh] Wait? Can you see him or what?
Oh, right, he can't find me because of this name.
Papa! It's Tomona!
Tomona of Dan-no-ura!
It's your son!
Papa! Are you out there?!
Can you hear me?!
- [Tomona's father] Tomona? - Whoa. You're so small.
How have you been?
I'm a spirit. What kind of question is that?
Good point.
I told you if you changed your name I couldn't find you.
Huh? You are Tomona of Dan-no-ura!
You probably don't know but your mother passed away.
- [shudders] - But she's moved on.
She died in peace.
She did? I'm glad to hear that.
I don't think I can stick around much longer.
- So take care of yourself! - Wait just a moment.
There's something I need to ask you!
Are there any spirits around here?
- You're looking at one. - Yeah, I know.
Any others?
Uh, okay. Hmm.
Yes, there are. They're all around us.
[Tomona] Are there any around him?
There are many.
Heike samurai possessing him because they can't rest.
Heike spirits? Heike?
All right, take care now.
[chittering]
I hear them. C-Can you hear them?
This is amazing!
[overlapping chittering]
- Can you see them? - Yeah.
In fact, I think I've been hearing their voices
ever since the day I was born.
So, what's troubling you?
Tell me! I'm listening.
Huh? Oh-ho-ho.
Oh-ho-ho! Ah, ah.
Incredible! I know exactly what you're saying.
I'll listen to your stories. One at a time.
I'll listen to every one of them.
Your stories will finally be heard!
[chittering continues]
Bear with me, I have a new tale I'd like
to sing for all of you today.
- [priest] A new tale? - [priest 2] Did he say new?
- [priest 3] He's acting strange. - [priest 4] Look at his hair.
[priest 5] What's that smell?
[priest 6] It's the scent of a prostitute.
[murmuring]
You're about to hear a story of a man.
A man who was searching for buried tales of the Heike.
♪♪
[singing in Japanese] There was a child born cursed
Surrounded by despair and sorrow
He took his meals on the ground with the animals
Eating with a face that looked like a dog's dinner
The spirits of the fallen Heike
Follow him everywhere he goes
A curse is lifted with each story he finds
The beast becomes a boy
What a strange fate
Hmm?
♪♪
The cursed boy of the Hie-za
Now takes the stage
Under the bridge at Rokujo
To begin his tale
Let's see how it ends
[crowd gasps]
Let's see how it ends
♪♪
[crowd gasps]
Let's see how it ends
Hie-za?
- That's what I heard. - Is that true?
Does he really have another son?
Who is he?
I thought Hie-za was at the shrine.
Yeah, they are.
At least that's where the old man's performing.
So who's at this bridge in Rokujo?
Someone else?
Does the leader have a third son?
Competing against his father?
- A showdown. - Yeah. Let's go.
♪♪
That's Hie-za's leader.
Wrong place. They said it was under the bridge.
At the river?
Another Hie-za performance.
- I-I hear it's really good. - Let's get over there. Hurry up!
♪♪
[singing in Japanese] The spirits gather round him
In their search for eternal rest
He sings the tales
Of the lost and the wretched
[excited crowd chatter]
[clamoring]
A child brought into the world with no name
Crying among voices of despair and misery
He stands on his own stage
And dances unfettered
Just the way he is
[whooping, laughter]
♪♪
Maybe he's not so different from us after all
Rising from the darkness
And climbing up to the sky
To write a tale in the stars
Let the world know your name
[cheering, laughter]
Come on, people
Let's see how it ends
[screaming] Let's see how it ends
This is our tale
Let's see how it ends
Let the world know your name
♪♪
[Inu-Oh] My name is Inu-oh.
"The Burial Mound of Arms."
By me.
- Here we go! - [crowd gasping]
- [laughter] - [growls]
In 1184, at the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani.
Heike Commander Tadanori's right arm was chopped off
below the elbow.
[crowd gasping]
As was his head!
[all gasping]
[singing in Japanese] His arm was taken
And so was his head
Tadanori led a cavalry of 100
But every one of them turned and ran!
That's right! A motley crew of 100
Every single one of them fled for the shore
No... It isn't true... Look over here...
At this persimmon tree
The tree is bare now
But one day fruit will grow
Who fled by ship?
And where are the Heike troops?!
Where?
Ow!
[rhythmic clapping]
[Inu-oh whoops]
Let me see your hands!
Put your fists in the air!
[Inu-oh chuckles]
[whooping, cheering]
♪♪
Hey, hey...
[singing in Japanese] 1,000 warriors in the water
Trying to board a fleeing ship... We're going down!
They chopped off the arms
That clung to the sides of the ship
But their cruelty was in vain
The sea had the ship in its grasp
The many arms that reached up
Were cut off by those above them
Let go! Don't let go!
All that was left of the soldiers
Were their arms hanging from the ship
Only their arms!
To think that Tadanori's guards
Had turned and run
They ran... Turn back!
Hurry back to Lord Tadanori
But they were already too late
They found no head and no body
Only his right arm remained
Unable to save their lord
All they could do was gather up
The countless arms that washed ashore in sorrow
And mourn the souls that had been lost
They begged the dead for forgiveness
But how could they ever redeem themselves?
The arms of 1,000 fallen soldiers
And the arm of Lord Tadanori!
They built a burial mound for the arms
And prayed the dead would find peace...
Now clap!
[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[crowd gasping]
♪♪
[singing in Japanese] From the branches of the persimmon tree
Grew 1,000 arms
This is the Burial Mound of Arms
And this is where we begin!
[crowd gasping, cheering]
[murmuring, laughter]
Huh?
♪♪
- Inu-oh? - Yeah.
The guy can move like nothing you've ever seen before.
And he has the best voice I've ever heard.
He gets the whole audience to clap their hands
and move to the beat and sometimes everyone sings along.
Hie-za's leader is good but he's no Inu-oh.
That's right, the old man is old news.
Inu-oh's too exciting.
I can't wait to go see Inu-oh.
- Truly amazing. - I had a lot of fun.
He gets the whole crowd to go wild.
[woman] He never takes off his mask.
From what I hear, you can't find anything
like it anywhere else.
The spirits of fallen warriors dance and sing along.
Spirits?
The Heike tell their stories through him
and dance with him.
Well, that is new.
And the music is great.
It's got a strong beat, it's so captivating!
So good!
It really makes you want to dance.
- [grunting] - It's Inu-oh!
[laughing]
♪♪
[man] We have to go to Kiyomizu!
It's Inu-oh! He's from Hie-za, too, and he's performing!
- [excited chatter] - [man 2] Yeah!
- Let's go see Inu-oh! - [man 3] Inu-oh's the best!
♪♪
Best show around Talk of the town
[singing in Japanese] Best show around Talk of the town
A monstrous arm becomes a human arm
Was it really a curse?
What's gonna change next?
Ah! [gasps]
[singing in Japanese] The fallen Heike gather round him
In their search for eternal rest
He listens to them and tells their stories
Dancing and singing
As only he can
Even the leader of the Hie-za
Can only watch from the shadows
Inu-oh climbs into the sky
How far do you think he can go?
Let's see how it ends
[cheering]
[Tomona singing in Japanese] Come on, people
Let's see how it ends
Hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, let's see how it ends
A one-time performance
Never the same story twice
"Burial Mound of Arms, " "Shigemori"
What's he gonna do next?
You don't want to miss it
[crowd cheering]
[Tomona singing in Japanese] Hey, let's see how it ends
Come on, everybody
Let's see how it ends
Ow!
Hey, you. Hey.
Are you seeing this?
You're watching, aren't you?
Yeah. I can see you, too.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah!
[woman screams]
[singing in Japanese] Scales on his back, hair on his chest
But maybe that'll change right before our eyes
Just one time, a one-time performance
The moment we've been waiting for
This is our moment
[Tomona] Ow!
♪♪
This is our moment!
- There you are. - I couldn't wait.
- We dance along with him, right? - Rumor has it he's cursed.
INU-OH
- [crowd gasping] - [man] Look!
[Inu-Oh] "The Whale."
By Inu-oh.
- [gong clangs] - [excited chatter]
[Inu-Oh] 1185, Dan-no-ura.
Heike Chief Commander Munemori sees Genji troops
approaching, and calls for a diviner.
[woman shrieks] Inu-oh!
[rhythmic stomping and clapping]
[man] Inu-oh!
- [woman] Inu-oh! - [woman 2] Inu-oh!
[Inu-Oh singing in Japanese] A huge, huge whale
A huge whale is coming
Your turn!
A huge, huge, huge whale
[crowd singing] A huge, huge, huge whale
A huge whale is coming
[Inu-Oh singing in Japanese] He stakes it all on 1,000 dolphins
If they turn and swim back the Heike win at Dan-no-ura
- Yeah! - [crowd singing]
A huge, huge, huge whale
Sing it!
A huge whale is coming
[crowd singing] A huge whale is coming
[Inu-Oh singing in Japanese] The dolphins will show us who fortune favors
Whose side will you take, dolphins? What's the future hold?
- Ha ha! - [crowd singing] Whose side will you take, dolphins? What's the future hold?
- Ha ha! - [crowd singing]
A huge, huge, huge whale
Come on!
A huge whale is coming
- Everybody now! - [crowd singing]
A huge, huge, huge whale
[Inu-Oh-singing in Japanese] A huge whale
[crowd singing in Japanese] A huge whale is coming
[vocalizing] A huge whale is coming
♪♪
[song fades]
[gong clangs]
[crowd cheering]
[woman] Inu-oh! [laughs]
[man] Inu-oh!
- [drums beating] - [crowd clamoring]
- [man 2] Munemori! - [man 3] Munemori!
[men chanting] Hey! Hey!
- Hey! Hey! - [man] Munemori!
- [man 2] Munemori! - [man 3] Munemori!
[woman] Mun-e-mori!
[cheering continues]
[whooping]
- Munemori! - Munemori!
- [all] Hey!
[chanting, cheering continues]
[Inu-Oh singing in Japanese] Tired of waiting for the 100-year whale
1,000 dolphins that turned away from the Heike
- Sing it! - [crowd singing]
The whale didn't come
The whale didn't come!
[Inu-Oh singing] The Heike have fallen... But it isn't over!
You think I'd let the story end here?
[crowd singing] The whale is yet to come
[Inu-Oh singing] I've been waiting and waiting
100 years for the whale to return
- [Inu-Oh vocalizing] - [crowd singing] 1,000 dolphins, 10,000 dolphins
Waiting 100 years for the dolphins to come
[Inu-Oh singing] Waiting for the day they swim back
From the distant shore across the sea
[crowd singing] We've been waiting for so long
Still waiting for the whale to come
[Inu-Oh singing] Because I still believe
No matter how long it takes
How...
[crowd singing] Waiting for it to come
Still waiting for it to come
[Inu-Oh vocalizing] Still waiting for it to come
[Inu-Oh vocalizing]
Waiting for it to come
[crowd singing] Waiting for it to come
[Inu-Oh and crowd singing] Singing until the whale comes
♪♪
[Inu-Oh vocalizing]
[crowd gasping]
Ow!
[Inu-Oh singing] Whale!
[vocalizing]
[vocalizing continues]
[chanting, cheering]
[vocalizing]
[high-pitched vocalizing]
Yeah!
[vocalizing continues]
[whooping]
[crowd gasping]
♪♪
- [grunts] - [object shatters]
Why is he calling himself Inu-oh?
And how could he do this?!
I'm supposed to be the star of the Hie-za!
The whole thing was my creation!
All of its accomplishments belong to me!
[shudders]
Who told him all these new stories?
Where could he have found them?!
It's not biwa anymore, he's taken it too far.
Tomoichi's getting carried away.
And he wears makeup, dresses like a prostitute.
He's giving us a bad name. Polluting what we stand for.
It's unforgivable!
I can't believe he's letting his hair grow so long.
It's unbecoming. Biwa priests shave their heads.
- [Teiichi] Have you seen them? - [others gasping]
- [priest] No. But I've heard. - [priest 2] Master Teiichi!
I would love to see it.
See how far they'll go.
I find it very exciting, don't you?
[plucking strings]
[laughter]
You won't even remove your mask at a party?
Don't you know Inu-oh's story?
Apparently he's hideous.
Oh, that's just a publicity stunt,
it's all part of the show.
[Inu-Oh] You, sir, are correct.
W-Wha...?
The story of Inu-oh is fiction.
In truth, the face hiding under this mask
is devastatingly handsome.
If that's so, then why hide it under the mask?
Why wouldn't I?
Because even my handsome face... is just another mask.
What does that mean?
It means everything is fiction.
[laughs]
[grumbling]
So are you handsome under there or not?
Surely we won't have to wait
much longer to find out, will we?
[laughing]
What's the rush?
[wind gusting]
[biwa strumming nearby]
[chuckles] Don't you wanna drink?
I don't care for parties.
[Inu-Oh] You should get a new biwa.
How long are you going to keep strumming that old beetle?
I happen to like this biwa.
[slurps]
You know, I think I finally get it.
The Heike spirits aren't a curse.
They're not trying to make me suffer.
All they want is... to let the world know they were here.
I think they just want to be acknowledged.
That's all they're after.
And we're helping. And I'll keep going.
I'll sing their songs, and tell their stories.
That's how we honor their memory.
It seems like the more hell we raise,
the louder they get when they cry out in joy.
They're just saying, "We're here."
We are here, aren't we?
Inu-oh, I've decided.
I'll keep singing "The Inu-oh Chapters."
I'll spread them everywhere.
But I'm going to do it under a new name.
Tomoari.
Tomo... ari?
Yeah. A name that means: "We're here."
You and me, we're both right here.
- [strumming biwa] - Ha.
Oh... I like that.
[both laugh]
[announcer] Music that will get you on your feet
TOMOARI'S TROUPE [announcer] Music that will get you on your feet
TOMOARI'S TROUPE
and make your body move!
Biwa and taiko like you've never heard!
They're the talk of the town: the troupe of Tomoari!
Twists and turns galore!
These are "The Inu-oh Chapters"!
Sit back, and enjoy the show!
♪♪
[screaming]
♪♪
- [snaps] - [music stops abruptly]
[birds chirping]
What's this new biwa music I'm hearing about?
That's the Tomoari troupe.
He decided to leave our guild and create his own.
His innovative music is gaining quite
the following all across the country.
I wonder how far and wide it will...
That's no good.
No good at all.
We will be unifying the courts very soon.
Before long, the Imperial Regalia will finally be ours.
And when that happens, the shogunate's power
must be undisputably absolute.
Master Kakuichi's tale of the Heike
will be the only version people hear.
Uh...
[snaps]
[Shogun] The stories everyone knows already.
We'll be just fine without any new ones.
Uh...
The last thing we need
is for a new movement to start up.
The people need to put all their faith in the Ashikaga.
Is that clear, Teiichi?
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu will be holding
a party in Kitayama soon.
He's expressed his desire for the Hie-za to perform.
I am unworthy of such a great honor.
To be invited to perform for the shogun himself,
after dedicating so many years to my craft...
- No, not you. Inu-oh. - [grunts]
INU-OH
But, sir. I am the lead performer of the Hie-za.
As I understand it, Inu-oh's following
has grown much larger than yours.
The request for Inu-oh comes from Nariko, the shogun's wife.
Otherwise, I'm sure the Kanze troupe
would've been invited as usual.
Because Kanze is the shogun's favorite style, after all.
There's something you must tell me.
Rumor has it that hiding under the mask Inu-oh wears
is the hideous face of a monster.
We'd like to know if that's true.
- He's, um... - Because you should know,
Lady Nariko is with child right now.
And we have to take that into consideration.
She's in no condition to see anything disturbing.
If anything were to happen to her,
the person responsible would have to be executed on the spot.
Do we understand each other?
Yes, that makes all the sense in the world.
[birds chirping]
- Inu-oh, that's amazing! - The shogun himself.
[Inu-Oh's father] The shogun has made one more demand of you,
and it's very important to him.
You must perform your final act without the mask.
[gasps]
He says he wishes to see the face
that's hidden beneath it.
He's used to watching Kanze performances,
and Fujiwaka is so handsome,
he often dances without a mask at all.
Yes, but Inu-oh can't!
[Inu-Oh] And if I refuse?
Then they'll rescind the offer.
But if they see how hideous your face is,
you may lose your head entirely. Hmm.
- You're better off not... - I understand.
I'll accept.
- And I'll do as he says. - Uh...
On one condition.
I want a biwa player.
[singing in Japanese] Now the time is drawing near
For the man born into a life of curses to shine like the star he is
A dance before the shogun
A once-in-a-lifetime performance
[crowd cheering]
Sing, dance, go wild
Ow!
Deliver peace to every last Heike spirit
With the performance to end all performances
Come and see how it ends
[man gasps] He's taking his mask off at the end.
[man 2] I hear he's quite handsome.
[man 3] He's finally going to show his face.
- [man 4] The mask is coming off. - [man 5] I hear he's hideous.
[man 6] We're about to find out. All will be revealed.
INU-OH
You hear he's taking off his mask in the final act?
We're going to see his real face.
[man] I can hardly wait.
What an honor for a biwa priest
to perform at an event like this.
It seems Master Teiichi taught his student well.
- [man] Inu-oh! - [man 2] Inu-oh!
[man 3] Inu-oh!
- [man 4] Inu-oh! - [man 5] Inu-oh!
- [man 6] Inu-oh! - [man 7] Look over here!
- [man 8] Inu-oh! - [Nariko] Inu-oh!
Do you think we're going to see the dragon this time?
Please don't get so excited, my dear.
You're in a delicate condition.
[Nariko] But Inu-oh is about to perform for us.
How can I sit still? Everybody loves him!
From commoners to aristocrats and even the samurai!
You should support him more.
You want to keep him on our side.
Better than obsessing over Fujiwaka.
[giggles]
[inaudible]
[Tomona] The spirits are more excited than usual.
[Inu-Oh] They know it ends here. This is it.
Either they finally find their peace, or I lose my head.
Either way, it's over.
For us, this could be our last show.
[Tomona] Come on. We're only just getting started here.
The spirits will find peace soon enough,
but we've still got a long way to go.
- [crowd chanting, cheering] - [woman] Inu-oh!
[cheering, laughter]
- [man] Inu-oh! - [man 2] Inu-oh!
No matter what happens, you and I are both right here.
Everyone put a fist in.
Now let's do this!
[Nariko] Yeah!
"The Dragon Commander." By Inu-oh.
[Nariko] The moon's getting close to the sun.
[Inu-Oh, men singing in Japanese] Your body drifts
Out to sea
Past, present, and future...
Become one
Are you alive?
Or are you dead?
Like a spirit
Unable to find your way
Try to remember
Your name
Commander of the Heike
Remember who you were
Dreams and illusions
Beyond the Palace of the Dragon King
Truth and loyalty
What did they mean?
♪♪
[man] We cannot allow you to go out there.
This is Hie-za's stage right now.
[singing in Japanese] You threw yourself into the sea
Believing you would find
The Palace of the Dragon King
If you seek peace
With faith unwavering
You'll find your way
[crowd gasping]
[Inu-Oh] What's wrong? The spirits aren't moving on.
- Why? - [Tomona] What are we missing?
[Inu-Oh] Why can't they find peace?
[Tomona] There's another story.
One we still need to find.
[group singing in Japanese] There's only one path to the dream
[group singing in Japanese]
This is the way of the Heike
Forgotten memories of the fallen clan
Saved by a monster and a blind priest
- It's time - To dream
Dare to seek
- A dream - So bold
- It makes you laugh - Out loud
[singers harmonizing]
♪♪
Where are the voices? Why can't I hear them?
- Answer! - Answer us!
What is it?
Something's keeping you here
Break through! Break through!
The time has come to reveal the truth!
Dive deep and find it!
[gasps]
♪♪
The stories of the regalia are true.
There really is a curse.
[man] We'll just have to keep it hidden.
This is what the shogun needs.
To unify our nation.
It's terrifying.
But he can't bring the courts together without the regalia.
[young and old Tomona] I already know this story.
Show me Inu-oh's.
♪♪
[heartbeat thumping]
[singing in Japanese] What's going on in the capital tonight?
Wicked thoughts, murder plots, dreamed up wars
Severed heads, empty beds, cruel and hungry lords
Much ado about nothing
[20 years ago]
♪♪
[grunting]
No, no, no! It's not enough!
This isn't what I want!
[mask voice] What is it you do want?
[grunting softly]
[thunder crashes]
- [grunting] - [thunder crashing]
♪♪
[gasping softly]
[mask voice] What do you desire?
[Inu-Oh's father] I want...
I want to be the greatest star alive!
[mask voice] If that is your wish...
I shall give you special stories to tell.
In the secret villages
where the last of the Heike survive...
they are hidden.
Tales of greatness beyond your wildest dreams.
Sealed away from the world.
The biwa priests have been there,
and uncovered these stories.
But they can be yours if you so desire.
A simple trade: one story for each priest.
[sword slashes]
[spirits chittering]
[Inu-Oh's father] They're mine.
- [slashing] - They're all mine!
[breathing heavily]
Mine and mine alone!
It's not enough.
It's still not enough.
I need you to give me more stories!
[mask voice] I'd be happy to.
For a price.
Give me the radiant innocence of your unborn child.
[you and old Tomona] You can't!
[mask voice] That is all I ask of you.
[young and old Tomona] No, don't!
[shudders]
Go on, take it.
[whimpering]
You can have whatever you want!
[young and old Tomona] Stop! He'll die!
Inu-oh will die!
How could you do this?
Help him!
Somebody! Please!
Someone help!
[chittering]
[gasps]
- We found it. - Yes, we did.
Did you see it?
Yeah. Everything.
♪♪
[group singing in Japanese] Even memories
Float among dreams
This is where the Heike are found
In a tale of dreams
We gather here to sing
The Dragon and Beast Sutra
Our song all we have
To reach the palace under the sea
[hissing]
No. This isn't right.
I should be on that stage!
Why? Why not me?!
Why that monster?!
I'm the star! I should shine the brightest!
[mask voice] What's the matter?
Are you not the brightest star?
I'm not, but I should be! This is all wrong!
[mask voice] Then tell me: do you wish for more?
Of course I do! Get rid of that monster!
♪♪
[mask voice] Are you referring to the child you gave to me?
[Inu-Oh's father] Yes! Destroy him!
- [group singing] - [spirits chittering] Is it there?
Is it there? Is it there? Is it there?
The palace is there
Get rid of that monster now!
[mask voice] You made a promise to me.
Are you taking it back?
You're telling me to destroy what you've already given to me.
♪♪
[breath quivering]
[grunts]
[mask voice] It is you who shall be destroyed instead.
[group singing] The Palace of the Dragon King
It's there, it's there, the palace is there
No longer lost
After waiting so long
To be found by the seekers
Delivered by song
We've finally reached the Palace of the Dragon King
[thunder crashes] We've finally reached the Palace of the Dragon King
[vocalizing]
Our hearts
Here together as one
- [boy] Hurry up, let's go! - [boy 2] This way!
[horse sputters]
[neighs loudly]
Today, by decree of the shogun, Tomoari's troupe is disbanded!
These so-called new Heike songs are an affront to his glory!
[grunting]
- [man] Master Tomoari! - [samurai] Move it!
Get out of the way!
- [horse neighs] - [samurai] Stand back!
- Move! Out of the way! - [people gasping]
- [samurai] Everyone stand back! - [samurai 2] Quiet!
Hear this: Kakuichi's troupe is the only guild
recognized by the shogun!
From now on, only the official songs
are permitted to be performed!
- Please, no! - [horse neighs]
We ask forgiveness! [groans]
[whimpering]
[panting]
- [grunting] - Wha...?
[dogs barking]
Master Teiichi!
- Watch it! - Master Teiichi!
Master Teiichi! Master Teiichi!
[Teiichi] Tomoari?
[Tomona panting] It's my troupe. The samurai are after them!
Why aren't we allowed to sing our songs anymore?
What did we do to deserve this?
Master Kakuichi has completed the definitive
book of the Heike.
From now on, the only stories we can tell
are the ones that are written in that book.
But what was wrong with our songs?
This is the will of the shogunate.
No. Those songs are Inu-oh's stories.
And my story is singing them; they're ours!
How can they just take them away from us?!
[Teiichi] Tomoari, I understand you're upset,
but change your name and come back to us.
My name is Tomoari! I chose it for myself for a reason.
Because "We are here!"
Inu-oh has agreed to this.
He will never perform the new Heike,
nor will he tell his own story ever again.
- Don't fight it. - Liar!
I don't believe you.
Those are our stories!
Those songs belong to us!
- Tomo! - He's made his choice.
Tomoari!
[screaming] No!
- [samurai] Tomoari! - [Tomona] No! No, no!
[samurai] Your troupe is hereby disbanded.
- No, no, no, no, no, no! - And you are under arrest.
- Come with us! - No!
- [grunts] - Let's go!
Hurry, tell them. Tell them you're Tomoichi now.
- [shouts] - Do not resist!
This is Tomoichi!
Of the Kakuichi guild!
Stop the violence. Come now, Master Kakuichi's
in charge here.
Please stop! He won't perform any music
that's not in the book again!
[straining] My name is Tomoari!
And I tell the stories of the lost spirits!
Tomoichi! Your name is Tomoichi!
- [shouting] - You have to tell them!
- Hurry! - [Taniichi] Just stop!
[Tomona] I will not let you take our stories away!
[grunts]
- [Teiichi] No. - [Tomona] Taniichi?
- [priest] Taniichi? - [priest 2] Tani...
[samurai] He got in the way.
- [Teiichi crying] Taniichi! - [priest] Taniichi!
[priest 2] Taniichi!
My brother!
How could you do this?
[grunting]
- I am Tomoari! - Stop! Tomoichi!
- I won't run away and hide! - Stop.
- I decide what my name is! - Stop. Stop this, Tomoichi!
[Tomona] No one else! No one!
No one can take that away from me!
- Stop, please! Please! - [Tomona screaming]
Let me go. Let me go!
Let me go! Taniichi!
Brothers!
[groans softly]
- [birds chirping] - [shovels digging]
We finally have flowers here that dance
as beautifully as you do, Inu-oh.
My lord.
Your performance was incredibly powerful.
Truthfully, it was too magnificent for this world.
You are most kind, my lord.
However, Inu-oh, your Heike stories take too many liberties.
No more of that.
You my use only Kakuichi's stories from now on.
With all due respect, Shogun, the stories I perform are...
[Shogun] Tomoari's troupe has been disbanded.
The songs of Inu-oh must not be performed.
Therefore, the biwa priests who perform them must be stopped.
- You understand. - [breathing heavily]
To attain unity, we must first have order.
Do not see that biwa priest again.
[breathing heavily]
And what happens if I refuse to surrender
the stories that I lived and suffered for?
[Shogun] Do you wish to see that priest of yours beheaded?
[laughing]
Of course, I'll gladly forget about them all.
No one shall hear those stories ever again.
As for the priest, he and I are finished, as well.
From now on, my lord, I will only perform for you.
Inu-oh is yours. I'll dance for your eyes only.
Splendid. I'd hate to be deprived of seeing you dance.
My lord!
[dog barking in distance]
[groans softly]
[grunting softly]
[Tomona singing in Japanese] "The Inu-oh Chapters" were banned
by the same shogun who wanted the Imperial Regalia...
The despicable Ashikaga who stole
my father's life and my mother's dreams.
Who's out there?
[young boy] I-I don't know, sir.
Not once, but twice...
What's that you've got in your hand? Not once, but twice...
He robbed me of my light.
Hmm. He robbed me of my light.
That biwa priest wants me to take him to the shogun's grave.
- [hoofbeats] - Hmm?
May the gods punish the Ashikaga!
[horse neighs] May the gods punish the Ashikaga!
[horse neighs]
Punish him!
Don't let anyone know you spoke to him. Punish him!
Don't let anyone know you spoke to him.
[biwa strumming]
[murmuring]
[Tomona singing in Japanese] Listen, everybody. Listen.
Listen to my voice.
Let it never be forgotten.
[grunts] Let it never be forgotten.
[grunts]
My name...
No matter what happens to me my true name is...
[sword slashes] No matter what happens to me my true name is...
[Tomona gasping]
And shall always be...
- [sword slashing] - [biwa clangs] And shall always be...
- [sword slashing] - [biwa clangs]
[Tomona coughs]
[laughs softly]
Tomona of Dan-no-ura!
[sword slashing]
[no audio]
INU-OH WENT ON TO BECOME THE GREATEST PERFORMER OF HIS TIME
YET HIS NAME HAS SINCE BEEN FORGOTTEN
AND ALL OF HIS SONGS ARE THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN LOST.
AS FOR YOUNG FUJIWAKA, HE WOULD LATER CHANGE HIS NAME TO ZEAMI
AND HIS MANY SONGS AND TREATISES HAVE SHAPED NOH AS IT IS KNOWN TODAY.
♪♪
[Tomona] ♪ A long, long time ago ♪
♪ How long has it been? ♪
♪ So long, longer than we know ♪
[bachi snaps, clatters]
I don't know how long it's been.
But I'm here, and have been, for so long.
[Inu-Oh] I've been looking for you.
For 600 years.
You're Tomona again.
No wonder it was so hard to find you.
Here you are.
You chose that name for yourself, didn't you?
Because we're both here, right?
Remember, Tomoari?
[bubbling]
[exhales]
Inu...
You still have that old beetle?
Can you play it?
Of course I can.
♪♪
- Nice. - I know.
Nothing's changed.
- Not at all. - This is great.
Let's keep it going!
♪♪
[Tomona] Inu-oh!
[Inu-Oh] Tomoari!
[Tomona] Inu-oh!
[Inu-Oh] Tomoari!
[Tomona] Inu-oh!
[Inu-Oh laughs] Tomoari!
[Tomona] Inu-oh!
[Inu-oh laughs] Tomoari!
♪♪
Avu-chan (Queen Bee) Mirai Moriyama
♪♪
Original Work THE TALE OF THE HEIKE: THE INU-OH CHAPTERS
Written by Hideo Furukawa Published by KAWADE SHOBO SHINSHA Ltd. Publishers
Screenplay Akiko Nogi
Character Creation Taiyo Matsumoto
Music Otomo Yoshihide
Animation Supervisors Yoshimichi Kameda, Satoshi Nakano
Character Designer Nobutake Ito
Assistant Director Fuga Yamashiro
Animation Directors: Shuto Enomoto, Kenji Zemba, Tokuyuki Matsutake, Takashi Mukoda
Atsuko Fukushima, Yasuhiro Nakura, Hideo Harigaya, Toshihiko Masuda, Nobutake Ito
♪♪
Art Director Hideki Nakamura
Color Coordinator Yuko Kobari
Director of Photography Yoshihiro Sekiya
Editor Kiyoshi Hirose
Sound Director Eriko Kimura
Sound Effect Katsuhiro Nakano
Sound Recording Takeshi Imaizumi
Historical Background Supervisor Yoshihiko Sata
Noh Supervisor Keizo Miyamoto
Noh Performance Supervisor Hirotada Kamei
Biwa Supervisor & Composer Yukihiro Goto
♪♪ Biwa Supervisor & Composer Yukihiro Goto
♪♪
Presented by "INU-OH" Film Partners
Domestic Distribution by Aniplex, Asmik Ace
Animation Production Science SARU
Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
[music fades]
English Subtitles by Annie Iwasaki Translation Editor David Boyd