Wow, it's huge. 50 stories high.
I moved here just last month.
Really? We only just moved in yesterday.
It's the Hamelin case.
In the fairy tail "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" by the Brothers Grimm,
a man playing a pipe lures the children from the town
and they vanish without a trace.
In the serial child abduction case going by the name of "The Hamelin case,"
so far, three children have gone missing, haven't they?
The worrying thing is the motive behind the crime.
According to information from the investigation team
the criminal has a twisted sense of justice
and is punishing neglectful mothers...
That's it! I'm kind of relieved.
You haven't changed after all.
You can make it up to me another time.
Did you find the necklace by yourself?
Erm... yes.
What's for dinner today?
Croquettes.
You're a liar.
Ah again?! Sora-chan!
Maybe you're going back to being a baby.
I'm not a baby.
Don't be so grouchy first thing.
I'm not being grouchy.
Is this handkerchief okay? No, this one's yours.
This is yours Kazuki. Thank you.
This new environment is tiring you and Sora out isn't it.
Why don't you take a break while Sora's at gym class.
What was it you said? About the coach?
He used to be your neighbour or something...
Ubukata Kohei-kun.
You asked him to keep quiet
about your life back then?
I'm your mother!
You only act like a mother when it's convenient for you.
Coming.
Good morning.
Actually, we've an urgent notification to make about smoking.
"A cigarette butt's been found in the grounds?"
It's a major breach of protocol.
Smoking is forbidden in all the communal areas of the Tower.
I'm informing everyone so they can thoroughly familiarize themselves with the rules again.
Excuse me.
Good job.
They're taking it this seriously.
It's like the secret police isn't it.
Drat, I forgot my packed lunch.
Sure. Thank you.
Take care. See you later.
Good morning.
Where are you going? It's a shortcut.
The bloodstain found at the scene has been confirmed
to belong to the missing child Kimura Kento.
Investigation team 1. Yes. Yamaguchi Mitsuteru-chan...
Holding down and inflicting violence on a small child! The perverted bastard!
Hmmm... maybe so.
What? Hmmm.
The three children all went missing,
in the town center, or shopping district.
In both places you'd be spotted easily.
If they really are a brutal, perverted bastard,
would they be able to grab a child forcibly and get away.
There'd be a lot of noise, and it would stand out.
But we've not had a single report like that.
That's true. In that case,
then taking Hoshi as an example,
he could have had an accident, and someone close to hand
could've used that to manipulate him.
They'd have to be exceptionally skillful to do so.
What a surprise! So we both live here!
Hashiguchi-san.
I'm sorry for suddenly inviting you like this.
I've received some delicious tea from my relatives.
Thank you very much.
Sora-chan, is that a Rabbit?
Sora-chan, don't get it dirty.
It's fine.
Come here.
She's shy isn't she.
What is it?
You are welcome to come visit me, and
bring Sora-chan with you.
Are you sure?
The truth is, because of the kidnappings...
I'm frightened to let her play outside.
The Hamelin case?
What on earth is the criminal thinking.
Punishing the mothers by
taking the children.
I can't understand it.
I understand a little... what they're feeling.
Pardon?!
After all. Having been blessed with a child
for a mother to then abandon her responsibilities in bringing up the child.
Who can forgive that?
If I happened across such a mother
I think I might want to kill them.
I'm joking. Did I shock you?!
Goodness me, don't scare me like that!
I'm sorry.
I'll make sure to be careful, so I don't get killed by you.
That's right, you be careful now.
Women sometimes lie.
Chuu, chuu.
You are not a bad mother.
You hide your true self
in order to become a lie.
Shinjuku station.
However, have you realized?
If the time comes when the lie is found out...
Shibuya station. The trains here, got you.
The person who's hurt is not yourself,
but rather perhaps
your nearest...
and dearest...
You're aware the Catering Department's results are bad this quarter.
And so the bosses are pressuring me to make cuts.
I'm having to transfer one person to our Osaka branch.
Osaka? Who on earth is it?
What me?! But I just moved...
To the Celebrity Tower.
It's not really for celebrities. Celebrity Takano-kun.
How are your results this quarter. Huh?
Am I the only one who thinks they're lacking?
I'll try to make it up, somehow... 2 million yen by the end of the month.
A deposit of 100,000 yen, would also be acceptable.
Who knows, maybe you'll get a new contract.
In that case. I'll do something about your transfer.
If I can't do it?
Osaka's a nice place you know.
See here. My Jun-chan found a butt
in the grounds on the east side.
Children don't know anything about them,
what they got burned, what can you do?
They don't understand adult standards.
It was you wasn't it. Who sent everyone the picture.
What!
The criminal tossed it from the balcony on the east side.
It's clearly one of the new people who've not obeyed the rules.
Or else, one of the lower level residents.
But, only one butt was found wasn't it.
See here. The problem is not how many butts are thrown.
The problem is the fact that one of the clear rules has been broken.
Ye... yes.
By the way, your apartment's on the east side isn't it.
Of course I don't believe the culprit is from your family.
My husband has given up so...
A Baby Shower? What's that? Don't you know?
It's relatively common in America.
But we're in Japan.
A baby shower is a party to celebrate the expectant mother.
Naomi-san on the 34th floor, is just entering the second trimester.
I thought we could hold one for her.
That sounds fun! There's a handmade diaper-cake to isn't there.
A cake would great. It'll make the kids happy too.
A diaper-cake is a nappy.
You decorate a nappy with flowers and ribbons and make it look like a cake.
You give it to the baby when it's born.
Don't tell me, you've not heard of that either!
No, I'm sorry.
Being ignorant of things is only cute while you're in your twenties.
Well, it's fine. And so everyone.
I'd like someone to help with the organization.
I'd like to, but I'm busy with next weeks Halloween preparations.
What about you Aki-san?
I can't. After all, I don't know anything about it.
That's fine. I will give you exceptionally detailed instructions.
No, but... I think this is a chance
to improve you relationship with everyone.
Wait, wait...
Is it such a difficult job to organize a baby shower?
It's not that it's difficult. It's just you get practically no time to yourself.
That bad? You'll be completely worn down.
It's impossible. Definitely impossible.
It's true that after your father died
I left you and ran off with a man.
But I had no choice. I had to run from the debt collectors.
Welcome back.
I'm having to transfer one person to our Osaka branch.
2,000,000 yen by the end month.
A deposit of 100,000, would also be acceptable.
Who knows maybe you'll get a new contract.
In that case. I'll do something about your transfer.
It's no smoking here.
Ah, I'm sorry.
No, no... In truth I'm dying to have one too.
But my wife's a real pain about it.
You too? I've pretended that I've quit.
It's pretty pathetic really.
Even though I look this way, outside they call me Mr Managing Director.
You run a company? Ah, you might have heard of it.
It's an event planning company.
"Asou Partners"
Ah! It's really famous!
Shhh. Sorry.
Wow that's amazing.
Hey, there's no need to be that surprised.
I never imagined such a successful MD would live here in the Tower.
He said he was interested in what I said about our catering services
and that he might make a purchase.
Wow, that's amazing.
So, would you talk to the other mothers.
Get the mother group together, and hold a tasting party for me?
What? The MD, his wife and kids would also be there.
He wants to get the opinion of the other mothers and children.
So you want me to...
Ayaka-san, what is it?
The person smoking on their balcony,
They're a member of your family, right. What?
"My husband's given up smoking." That's a lie, isn't it.
What are you talking about? My husband really has given up.
How amusing. You're his wife, and you don't know.
Well then, let me tell you!
A little while ago, your husband was in the top floor bar, and about to start smoking.
My husband?! I think you've got the wrong person.
What is it? Darling.
You've given up smoking haven't you?
Darling?
I'm so sorry for what my husband's behaviour.
He didn't know smoking on the balcony was forbidden,
so it seems he did have a smoke a couple of times.
But he said he definitely didn't throw his butt.
I don't think we can trust the word of someone who's shown themselves to be a liar.
It would be surprising if he didn't throw it. That's...
Everyone, please let's not give poor Aki-san such a hard time.
Dropping rubbish and glibly lying,
it's the person who does it that's at fault.
They probably had a poor upbringing, don't you think?
That's right.
By the way Aki-san.
My husband told me that
your husband is involved in the catering business.
You're the MD's wife?!
He said your husband is desperate to increase his sales.
It tough isn't it, when all you can do is spend your life clinging to the company.
All the mother's will be there for the baby shower, so
wouldn't it be good a have a food tasting at that time.
That's true. Thank you very much.
In return.
I'll leave the organization of the baby shower to you.
She really said to do a food tasting party?
But in return I'm being made to do something really tough.
Ah, I really owe you one!
That's my wife. Thank you.
That's my wife. Thank goodness.
Thank you. Sure.
Here you go. This is a list of the invitees.
Of course invitations are to be handwritten.
All of them hand written?
One by one, putting your heart into it.
How about here?
It's too plain, cramped and unfashionable.
It won't do at all.
This is more flashy, just right for a party...
What about a Jacuzzi?
A Jacuzzi? How would you use it?
Obviously, it's for drinking champagne.
Champagne in the bath?
It's a must! You'll sort it okay.
A champagne bath...
Ah, this is hell.
Here you go.
Sora-chan! It's not something that needs watering. Ah...
I'm home.
Ah, preparations for the baby thing.
That's great, have fun with it.
On the day of the baby thing,
you're going to do the food tasting too, right.
You've got to make it a success.
The truth is, if the MD's wife likes it...
That's it, I've had it!
What?
The food, cleaning, washing picking up and dropping off, the baby shower.
And on top of that I have to help you with your work?!
I'm not your servant!
What's this all of sudden. I'm telling you I can't do the food tasting.
What are you saying. It's for my work.
You could make a bit of an effort. What's this?
You're saying I'm not making an effort? No, no. For all our sakes I'm...
This all started because you were smoking.
Surely it's got nothing to do with that. Yes it has!
Why are you always causing problems for me!
I told you not to be so
...grumpy.
Why won't you understand.
What is a good mother?
What kind of mother is that?
for a mother to then abandon her responsibilities in bring up the child.
I think I might want to kill them.
Sora is fine.
Why did this happen...
There's just so much to do...
Hello?
In the serial kidnapping case otherwise known as the Hamelin case,
The third suspect victim of kidnapping is suspected to be Kimura Kento.
At this time, there are currently no leads
and so there is concern for the safety of the children.
The statement today, made by the mother differs to the one previously given?
That's right. Let's look at the article in Touzai Sports.
The mother had stated she'd gone out to the supermarket.
But according the police investigation, it wasn't to the supermarket,
and she's admitted to being at her lover's house.
She was having an affair wasn't she. Did you see the reports?
We've all know about it for ages.
Everyone? Our mother's group is quite tight knit so,
we all knew she'd met a young man.
Mother groups are frightening. The police information system pales in comparison.
Still, because of that, I feel like I'm getting an idea of the criminal.
Do you know something?
The criminal's aim is to punish mothers.
The first mother's sin was neglect.
The second mother's sin was gambling addiction.
And this time it's adultery.
In each case, the mother's group was aware of the sin.
Yes. Which means that...
the kidnapper infiltrated the mother's group.
Infiltrated, in other words
the kidnapper is a woman.
What kind of women do you like?
Pardon? Older? Younger? Who was your first love?
Well that a bit... Go on, it's fine, tell me.
Ah, by the way. Takano Aki-san. She's not come to gym class since that first time.
Who knows. Her daughter wants to come though.
Why? It's nothing.
So, what was your first love like?
It was the lady, at dry cleaner's, next door to me.
I thought so, you seemed like you had a thing for older women.
Is that true? You'll really contract with us?
You seem to have a good cost performance.
For the time being I'd like you to cater a 6 day event. The budget is 2,000,000 yen.
Thank you so much. I'll have the contract documents drawn up straight away.
However, I'd like to wait till next month to make the contract.
Pardon?
My wife and friends are very excited about the tasting party.
I understand. Would you be able to pay the deposit by the of the month...
What's this? Are you saying that an event company is dodgy and can't be trusted?
No, no. That's not it at all.
Piddling amounts don't interest me. I'll pay the whole lot, in one go, at the beginning of next month.
Ah, but... Also, I don't like to be pestered.
What have you been up to today?
Playing rock paper scissors with a monkey.
Monkey, rock, paper scissors.
Ah, I lost.
Ah, the gym coach.
Thank you so much for helping me the other day.
Ah, roasted sweet potatoes. Pardon?
Do you remember? When I'd fought with my friends and was down,
you treated me to a roasted sweet potato from the shopping district.
I'm sorry, I don't have the time.
Why don't you come to the gym class?
Pardon?
Did I do something wrong?
The truth is, after you moved.
Things at home...
became complicated.
Complicated?
It was about when I was a first year uni student.
The shop went out of business.
Things with my mum...
And the neighbours...
It's complicated.
I see.
And so. I wanted to put some distance
between myself and the people from that time.
I didn't want the story to spread around, because
I was worried the children would end up feeling that same as I did.
Feeling the same?
Feeling embarrassed because of their parents, that kind of thing.
So, how about this?
I won't talk to anyone about that time. Pardon?
Let's make it so that, this is the first time we've met.
But...
It's fine, I'll keep my promise.
Hey Sora-chan, you want to come to gym class don't you.
Yes!
Yay!
That's great, thank you.
How do I do it? On my marks.
Monkey rock, paper scissors. Rock, paper, scissors.
Rather than a monkey, isn't it more like a gorilla?
Asou Partners? The event planners?
Yes. We've agreed to a contract amount of 2,000,000 yen.
That's amazing! That means the transfer is cancelled.
Thank you very much!
What about the deposit? Pardon?
Come on!
I told you to get the deposit, didn't I. It's only 100,000 yen.
By the end of next month definitely...
That's not good enough. 100,000 by the end of the day.
So the criminal's a woman. It makes sense.
Have you figured something else out?
Our Kami-san. She gets cuter every year.
But, she stuffs herself on ramen every day.
The missing children, they're all exactly that age.
That's right.
Hey, if you were the criminal,
grabbing a child that age, in town, without be noticed however you think about it.
It would be impossible.
Children,
cry and make a fuss. They're hard to deal with.
The criminal is using
some sort of magjc flute aren't they.
100,000 yen by the end of the day.
I'll pay it all off, at once, at the beginning of next month.
It's just for a little while.
It's just a little while. It's just an advance.
I'll carry out the formalities.
Yes, the nappy-cake preparations.
Have the trial one done by this evening.
And send me a picture.
What?! By this evening?
Of course. And also...
What were you talking about earlier.
Pardon? With Coach Ubukata.
Could it be you know him?
No.
Erm... He was just inviting us to come to gym class.
Well that's fine. But don't be making a pass at him okay.
A pass? He's mine.
I'm home.
It's quite the mess.
You live in a fancy apartment, but the insides are like this.
How did you get in?!
Sora-chan opened the door for me.
I tried to call you many times but you didn't pick up.
Look, this is Ame-chan's too.
Granny gave it to me.
Let's open it up and see.
Go over there and play.
Thank you.
Please leave.
Here you go. It's from the monk tending Dad's grave.
He says he's cleaning the grave and would like us to come.
You've got the free time surely. Free time?
I've no idea what you're doing making these silly things, anyhow...
Leave! Wait.
What are you saying to your parent!
Parent? Then you know.
How I felt, the night you disappeared.
The neighbours pretending to be sympathetic.
Do you know how embarrassing that was?
I expect you would do. If you're my mother.
I shall tell you why
I'm giving my utmost doing that.
I'm working my damnedest
to not be a mother like you.
An embarrassing mother
just like you,
So, is that the result?
Sora-chan.
Bye-bye. I'll be back again.
Bye bye.
Mama, I want to go play.
Now is not the time.
You live in a fancy apartment, but the insides are like this.
I'll turn down Hiroko-san.
Yumiko-san?
I've baked a cake.
How about some tea?
So that's what's been going on.
I understand in my head that I have to do it.
But my body just won't play along anymore.
*Ubukata*
And so. What are you going to do now?
As things are, it's going to cause a problem for everyone.
I feel bad but, I'll have to ask someone else to do it.
It's disappointing.
I know that. I'm disappointed with myself.
That's not what I mean.
Why didn't you say something earlier?
If you had, I would've been able to help you much earlier.
Doing the housework and child rearing perfectly,
and on top of that, mastering the mother's group work as well. It's too much.
Yumiko-san...
When things get tough, you should rely on me.
That's what friends are for.
Mummy.
I'm hungry.
Ah, that right.
So, let's do this.
Let me borrow this.
The truth is, there was a time when,
I wanted to know all the details of
how to welcome a new baby.
For the sake of the baby to come,
let's give them a wonderful party.
Yes, thank you so much.
Right, just 11 more to go.
Shall I put Sora to bed?
Thank you Kazuki.
Let's go to bed.
Dad's late isn't he. Is he not coming to the baby thing?
Yes. It seems he's busy with work.
Also, having a man there would stop the mothers from being able to relax.
Shall I help you? What?
It's Sunday, so the least I can do is help lay up the food.
I'll help too.
Are you able to help?
I'll do the balloons. Hey.
Right, let's all work together!
Yes.
Thank you.
Hmmm, that's not bad.
Hello?
Treasure hunt... Start!
You mustn't slip.
The theme is an ocean theme park.
I came up with it, thinking of Naomi-san, who loves the sea,
and the healthy baby boy on its way.
Thank you. It's wonderful.
Congratulations. Congratulations.
Hey, Aki-san, who did the catering?
My husband's company.
It's all organic.
It all looks really good.
Thank you very much.
Here you go.
Thank you. Thank you.
It's going well.
Thank you, it's down to your guys help.
Mummy, when it's finished can I have a balloon?
When it's over, I'll ask everyone if it's okay.
Okay.
Hiroko-san You're late aren't you.
Everyone, please take a glass. Let's have one more toast.
Hiroko-san, thanks to you, it's been a success.
Everyone, I have something I'd like to share.
Today's wonderful baby shower is all down to Aki-san's hard work.
Please, a round of applause. Thank you.
Gosh... Hiroko-san had to explain to me everything,
I had no idea.
No, it is I that had no idea.
In comparison to the difficult upbringing you went through,
It's almost embarrassing how little I know. Pardon?
It seems you had tough times in your youth.
Everyone, Aki-san was brought up
at dry cleaners on the lower side of town.
Her father rode the wave of the bubble economy and opened many branches.
But he had trouble with financing and went into bankruptcy
hounded by debt collectors.
That must have been most troublesome.
Moreover, after her father passed away
her mother cast her aside and ran off with another man.
Aki-san was left all by herself.
Surviving by doing various part-time jobs.
It's almost like "The Little Princess."
Don't you think it's a moving story?
When I think of all the work Aki-san has put in today.
In a different way, I feel it's deeply moving.
To Aki-san,
and to a healthy birth for Naomi-san. We pray for your great happiness. Cheers.
Cheers.
Why did you do that?
You see, I hate lies.
Lies?
Weren't you the one who said you didn't know coach Ubukata.
The lady who lived next door to him...
It was you wasn't it. Hiroko-san...
I've never felt so insulted
in my entire life.
I'm so sorry, my hand slipped.
Aki-san, would you clear that up for me?
You've plenty of experience from your part-time work, so I'll leave it to you.
If you'd like, I'm happy to pay you an hourly rate.
Mummy.
Mummy, are you being bullied?
No... no.... That's not it Sora-chan.
Your mummy is a wonderful person who
will happily clean for her friends.
Isn't that right Aki-san?
Come on Hiroko-san,
please be more careful.
I'm sorry.
If you like one, please take it.
They are really good.
Especially when you're feeling down.
If you want to talk, I'd be happy to listen.
In secret.
Um, really good.
Soft and fluffy.
Have you heard of "Bewitched?"
It's an old American drama.
I wanted to be a mother like that.
She was...
bright and cute,
just like the sun.
But before I realized it,
I'd become just like my own mother.
A mother that's an embarrassment to her children.
I have an acquaintance.
A female high school student.
Even though she should want to play,
she worked her hardest at part-times jobs,
for the sake of her parents who were burdened with debt,
it seems she wanted to help with the household finances.
She said it was because she loved her parents.
That was you, when you were at high school.
After that,
I don't know what happened between you and your mother.
But at that time
you were your mother's pride and joy.
A very cool young lady.
Who cares if it's shameful.
Your children understand.
They undoubtedly adore their mother
who works so hard.
Ah... Ah... How is it?
Hello. Hello.
Kazuki, Sora, what are you doing?
Mummy, welcome home.
We were waiting for you.
Mummy, are you surprised?
Did the two of you clean up for me?
Sora said she wanted to clean, just like her mummy. Right.
Sora, what are you going to do if you spill your milk again?
I'm going to wipe it up myself.
I'm not spoiled any longer.
Mummy?
Sora-chan, do you like our home?
Yes, I love it.
Right.
I understand.
Sora-chan, you seem to have
suddenly grown up.
I'm really impressed.
Ah, Kazuki.
Thank you so much for today.
I'm just popping out. I should be able to get some good shots of the sunset.
To Kouhei-kun. Thank you for today. Takano Aki
I guess I have to return it.
It seems the food tasting went down really well.
So, when do you think you'll be able to complete the contract?
What, you're not going to?!
Well, I don't really know what's going on but
my wife's got her knickers in a twist about it.
Jun-chan, we're going!
To be honest, I could do without this,
but for the time being, until my wife's mood improves I can't complete on the contract.
Well that's just how it is.
Ah wait!
Takano About the Asou Partners contract.
When are we getting the remaining 1,900,000?
I'm really hungry.
So what shall we eat then.
Hey hey hey. Isn't that the transfer student?
Ah, seriously
he looks like he's with a bad crowd.
I understand. I'll be there straightaway.
What is it? Information's come in
that there's a florist who's seen the culprit.
Didn't you know?
There was a party to celebrate the end of the baby shower.
Pardon?
Didn't I get a balloon?
Pardon? You saw the criminal didn't you?
Yes, yes, I saw them.
Why did you think they were the criminal?
They were wearing a large mask.
and black gloves.
They bought those.
Yellow carnations.
One message.
It's Hiroko. Thank you for yesterday.
I'd figured that you might come from such a background
But I never imagined you'd be old friends with Coach Ubukata.
They were fair skinned. Fair skinned.
And had a slender build. Slender.
I thought they were a woman but...
But? It was a man!
A man. Really?
Don't be in such a rush. Yes, but
if the criminal's a man, it doesn't fit our criminal profile.
Being able to approach children without putting them on guard,
casually slipping into the mother networks.
That's why we said it's a woman.
Even if it is a woman. We can't say that she could do it all on her own.
What? But if there's an accomplice
that's a different story. An accomplice.
What on earth is the criminal motive?
And how meticulously must they have built their plan.
What is it Sora-chan?
You can't sleep?
I had a bad dream.
It's alright. There's nothing to be scared of.
Come sleep over here.