Mifune Toshiro Rare 1980s Interview 三船敏郎 with English Subtitles - Work in progess - Part 1

Tonight's host: Mr Tamori Good evening My name is Shimada Yoko, your co-host Tonight we have our favorite guest Mifune Toshiro with us Good evening to you all Mr Mifune, I was told that you were born in China Yes, I was born in China Where in China? A place called "Chintao" "Aoshima" in Japanese At this time, in Dailan Northern China was under administration of our troops, the Kantogun, Japanese Army The entire region? Yes My uncle also lived in Manchuria during that time Is that so? Sorry, I didn't know that Please tell us about your life in Manchuria My father grew "menka" (cotton) in Manchuria for 10 years Menka? You mean "wata" (cotton) No one knows that you mean by "menka" That's it! That's right! During this time the situation was dire As commanding officer of the Kantogun, General Yamashita realized more troops were needed in the South Pacific Theater Therefore, he ordered the entire elite force of the Kantogun to be transferred from Mainland China to fight the Americans in the south Pacific theater I was a memember of the Seventh Army Aviation Unit before being transferred back to Japan in Shiga Prefecture Before the war ended, there were 10,000 men strong ready for action At the War's end, I was actually stationed at the Kamikaze squadron headquarters at Kumamoto in Kyushu Therefore, that was the reality of life How was it like in the Army before the War's end? Well, that's a tough question for over 5 years I was part of a unit at the time assigned to various duties behind the front line wearing my uniform with Army insignia shewn on the shoulders What was your rank? "Jotohei" (Private First Class) I was a bloody Jotohei for 6 years during the war! Is that right?! No kidding! Mr Mifune you were a Jotohei! No kidding! Unlike others, I was a gentle and kind Jotohei Is that right? The Kantogun (Japanese Army in Manchuria) was infamous for its hazing rituals at the time Recruits were frequently severely beaten up Did that happen to you when you first joined the Army? Hazing and bullying were common practices Was it really hard for you? "Private Second Class Mifune Reporting for duty" "You freaking low life ***!" Unbelievable That's brutal! I was beaten to such a degree my face was badly swollen that several of my teeth were knocked out