Plum Crane
Atsu: I know this place. Cranes liked to gather here. (Inhales) “Breathe energy into your lines,” Father used to say. (Exhales) We painted so many of these with Father back home.
Careful Pincers
Atsu: The coasts of Ezo are full of life.
Crashing Waves
Atsu: I wonder what’s up here. Stones stand against the waves… Watched over by the mountain.
Season’s Colours
Atsu: The colours of Ezo have always been bold.
Free Skies
Atsu: I envy birds that can fly above the mountains.
Peaceful Kotan
Atsu: Nature watching over its people.
Drying Bark
Atsu: The Ainu seem so at peace.
Frozen Moment
Atsu: The deer seem at home despite the cold.
Howling Pack
Atsu: The wolves must love it here.
Lost Flight
Atsu: How many cranes would be here if not for the war…
Defiant Roots
Atsu: A tree reaching out in a sea of wildflowers.
Mount Yōtei
Atsu: Mount Yōtei. The heart of Ezo… and its people.
Chasing Frogs
Atsu: Jubei and I used to chase frogs here. They came for the fireflies.
Chatting Crows
Atsu: Crows… Always chatting. Or eating.
Imperial Sakura
Atsu: The castle must have looked so peaceful among the sakura.
Song of Well-Being
Atsu: (Deep breath) Rolling hills… And the wind in my hair. Mother believed happiness came from the small things. And without them, our soul becomes sick. (Pleased sigh) She was right.
Song of Shrines
Settler: Does that instrument sound as beautiful as it looks?
Atsu: You play that shamisen?
Settler: I have my moments.
Settler: I’ve always wanted to learn, but I never got around to it. They say good music is the best way to please the kami.
Atsu: My mother used to play songs at shrines in the grasslands.
Settler: Do you follow in her footsteps?
Atsu: Maybe I should start. A song for the kami should be unpredictable. Like nature.
Settler: To me, kami are… light. Like a feather swaying in the wind. All these ronin who come from the south… They don’t appreciate Ezo. Even clan Matsumae wants to mould it into something else.
Atsu: It’s home.
Settler: It’s home. Oh, forgive me if I seem quiet. Your song. It makes me want to listen to the sounds of nature. I’m sure the kami will appreciate that song of yours. Maybe they’ll guide you to their shrines just to hear it.
Atsu: Maybe.
Those Who Leave
Ronin: A few coins for a poor musician?
Atsu: Here.
Ronin: Many thanks for your generosity. I see you have your own shamisen. I’d like to hear its sound. Will you play for me? You have skill… Perhaps you can help me with something… Follow me. Who taught you to play?
Atsu: My mother.
Ronin: I have been trying to compose a new song, but the notes…
Atsu: They don’t always come easy.
Ronin: Would you build us a fire? It’s nice to have company again. I used to play with another under the stars. When he left, my love of music went with him.
Atsu: But you still play.
Ronin: Out of habit, not passion.
Atsu: You just need to find it again. Tell me about your friend.
Ronin: He was… courageous. And a little reckless.
Atsu: I’ll try to capture that.
Ronin: Yes, I can hear his spirit in that tune.
Atsu: Now, we need to include yours.
Ronin: Me? I am… cautious. Tempering.
Atsu: A good complement.
Ronin: That is us… chasing the horizon.
Atsu: Why did he leave?
Ronin: He was not content to be a musician. He wanted to win back his honour by fighting for Lord Saito.
Atsu: Hm.
Ronin: I fear I will never see him again.
Atsu: Your song is not yet complete. Let’s finish it.
Ronin: It’s as if you heard my heart.
Atsu: It just needed a little hope at the end.
Ronin: You have given me that and more. Please, take that song with you.
Atsu: Thank you… And I hope you see your friend again.
Song of the Ainu
Ainu: (Frustrated sigh) I can’t do this. I just can’t.
Atsu: Having trouble?
Ainu: Oh. You’re here. I am trying to compose a song… I was hoping to be further along by the time you arrived.
Atsu: Does this have something to do with your… acapo breaking your old tonkori?
Ainu: (Sigh) It is not easy to talk about.
Atsu: My mother used to say, “You never have to hide from your shamizen.” Is it the same for the tonkori?
Ainu: It is.
Atsu: Then why don’t we try playing — together.
Ainu: Our music is about finding a flow that does not end. I can hear it… You are a quick study. I was too. Desperate to prove I was good enough to acapo. He taught me everything I know. There was another who wished to learn from acapo. Jealous, I stole their tonkori. So acapo broke mine as punishment. If I could make my own tonkori and a song that showed regret and humility, I’d be redeemed. But it’s been… challenging. Being on my own.
Atsu: It’s easier for mistakes to haunt us when we are alone. But life… it goes on.
Ainu: Like the flow of music.
Atsu: You were right. Words come easier when you play.
Atsu: Do you think the kotan will take you back?
Ainu: Time will tell. At least I got to share this with someone who understands.
Atsu: I do… More than you know. My friends call me Nitankaspa. You should too — if you like.
Ainu: Thank you for playing with me, Nitankaspa. I hope you find forgiveness.
Ainu: Katkemat! My friend! Over here!
Atsu: Nitankaspa. I see the kotan has welcomed you back. Tonkori intact.
Ainu: Now that the music I play is my own, I seem to have earned back what I lost. Thanks to you.
Atsu: All I did was listen.
Song of Vanity
Ainu: (Deep breath) It’s so cold here. But beautiful. Is that why people stay? Captivated by the snow. Waiting for spring. (Pleased sigh)