[Kido talks to his son over why he still didn't appear for the job interview and the incident he caused at the Yakuza club]
There will be no report. The incident will be forgotten, but it cannot happen again.
Toru KidoI can't forget. I can't forget what I've done.
TTakeshi
What? What have you done?
Toru
What my unit did in Manchuria. To the villagers.
TTakeshi
It was war. It is in the past.
Toru
I can still hear their voices.
TTakeshi
You did those things for your country. You have no reason to be ashamed.
Toru
It is not shame that I feel. Something more than shame.
TTakeshi
We must look forward now, and draw our strength from the Empire.
Toru
The Empire. The Empire is not strong. The Empire is losing.
Toru
In China. The TV says we are winning there, but it is a lie.
Toru
We believe what we're told. We don't ask questions. I was not a soldier. You are not a detective. We are both puppets.
TTakeshi
I will not be spoken to this way. We are bound to our duty.
Toru
Duty? And what of your duty to your family? You left us. [as the elder Kido manhandles him out of the room over what he just said] No, NO!
TTakeshi
Get out of this house. Stand up. You are not my son. [Toru leaves]
[Kido suddenly has visions of watching a Nippon Professional Baseball game... with his son Toru as a child]
Toru Kido
Okudaira was a good trade for Yanaihara.
Toru
Aren't you going to eat your manju?
TTakeshi
You can have it.
Toru
Coach Egawa says he may move me to shortstop next season.
TTakeshi
Shortstop. That is a very important position. Very demanding. You must have impressed Coach Egawa.
Toru
[watches match] Ground ball to second.
Toru
Someday, I want to grow up and play shortstop for the Yomiuri Giants.
TTakeshi
Do not let your imagination run away with you.
Toru
Of course.
TTakeshi
You will serve in the Army.
Toru
[glumly] I'm sorry, Father.
TTakeshi
[looks in the distance] If you work hard enough, you will become a fine ballplayer. We will go to the park and practice fielding ground balls. [looks back at Toru] How does that sound - ? [but sees Toru is no longer there]
[Kido has agreed to join the Ninkyo Dantai Yakuza to save his son, and is seeing him off on a trawler bound for Japan]
[tries to talk to Toru but sees Yakuza man in earshot] Tell me, in the gokudo, do I outrank you?
YMYakuza member
Yes, saiko-komon.
Then go away. [man leaves. to Toru] There are things that must be said.
Toru Kido
You don't have to-
TTakeshi
I have failed you as a father. The first duty of a parent is to protect his child.
Toru
Stop.
TTakeshi
Let me finish. I never showed my true affection for you. I have so many regrets. I can only say that you will always be my son.
Toru
Come home with me. The invasion will begin soon.
TTakeshi
There is no going back. I have much to atone for, and I must start here.
Toru
[in Japanese] Goodbye, father. [boards ship. As the ship leaves, Toru salutes his father one last time]
The Man in the High Castle · 124 quotes
