Shochiku Presents
Miss Fujino. Sorry, it's Mrs Nakahara now, isn't it?
Did you do teacher-training here?
I wanted to but my application wasn't accepted.
The legend you created as a student probably scared them off.
Thank you.
How long since you've been here?
Not since I graduated, so that's 23 years.
Let me be the first to welcome you home.
Thank you. I appreciate your support.
Please.
That legend became our mission statement.
Passed down through a long line of principals.
It's been through so many tellings, no one knows the real story.
Then where should I start?
Do you have time?
I do,
but surety you're busy?
I have the time
and I'm eager to hear everything.
Yes, of course.
Back in the heady days when the Bubble Economy was about to burst.
Japan became a crazy circus of financial excess.
How did that look to a 2nd year junior high school girl?
Insane. As if all adults were rotten fruit about to fall.
Yes, I can relate to that.
December 15, 1990 After a steady, all-night snowfall, the town was blanketed in snow.
I was 14 and it was my first white Christmas.
I'd been assigned to care for the rabbits.
So I left for school earlier than usual.
Rattling nuts, rattling nuts
I feel a fart coming on
Through my bum
It will come
Aren't you supposed to leave early today?
I'll go now.
I'm home!
Hello Daddy!
Welcome home.
Hello kids.
Let's go make a snowman!
Okay, after nursery school.
- Hi Dad. - Did Santa come?
- Yes! - Great.
- I'll take that. - Thanks.
The snowman will have to wait.
Daddy worked night-shift. He's tired.
Let me just catch my breath.
Daddy is a detective!
You're under arrest!
Off you go.
Bye.
Have a good day.
It's Tokyo's 6th heaviest Xmas snowfall.
Where did you hear that?
That chick on TV who does the weather.
She's a qualified weather forecaster.
Yeah, that's her!
Do you have pets at home?
We did keep a crow.
A crow? Seriously?
Actually, it was injured and mom was nursing it.
So your mom likes animals?
But I don't.
So why take this job?
He's such a pig.
Let's go.
Let's go get help.
SOLOMON'S PERJURY
Part I SUSPICION
Here.
So Kashiwagi was in charge?
He looked after the pets?
My school never kept pets.
Some kids cleaned, others did school broadcasts.
We keep rabbits here.
And Kashiwagi was their keeper?
As I explained to you earlier.
He'd been absent since November 14th.
These two were filling in.
That's rather unfortunate.
Are you alright?
Shall I have your parents come get you?
I'm okay.
We'll both go back to class.
You don't have to.
I know.
Ueshima.
Ueda.
What happened, Miss? Are you alright?
The Principal will soon make an official announcement
that your classmate Kashiwagi has passed away.
We still don't know all the details.
What did you just say, Miss?
Your classmate...
Takuya Kashiwagi, I'm afraid he's dead.
I failed in my duty as homeroom teacher.
I wasn't able to be there for him.
He should have come to me and asked for my help.
I had no idea
But I did notice something fearful in his eyes.
Such a sweet, child-like face, framed by those haunted eyes.
I failed him.
I should have tried harder to find out what troubled him.
The funeral was held on the 3rd day of the winter break.
Despite finding no note the police concluded it was suicide.
That boy's not from our school, is he?
He hasn't moved from there. They were probably good friends.
I am Kashiwagi's junior high school principal.
On behalf of the entire staff, I express our profound sympathies.
We regret not recognizing the problems and taking measures to help Kashiwagi.
Excuses, I'm afraid, are all we have to offer.
And I fully understand how inadequate
that must sound to his grieving parents.
Miss Moriuchi?
Are you alright?
I'm so sorry.
Next stop is the Mitsukoshi Department Store.
For all your shopping needs.
Stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
The letters started arriving on the last day of the winter break.
Letter of Accusation
Takuya Kashiwagi's death was not suicide.
He was murdered.
I was there on Christmas Eve, when they kilted him.
I saw him on the roof begging for mercy.
Classmate Shunji Oide was the ring-header.
Students Hashida and Iguchi helped him do it.
They laughed as they threw him to his death.
I beg you to re-investigate Kashiwagi's death.
It's not fair to poor, dead Kashiwagi.
Please pass this on to the police.
So your daughter received the exact same letter as I did?
That's correct.
If these accusations are true, this is a very serious matter.
We have no evidence the boys named were anywhere near the school.
No reports of a fight or cries for help.
Therefore, we police still regard it as suicide.
So that means these are false accusations?
Yes, sent to my daughter because I'm a policeman.
I suspect someone in her class wrote them.
Only myself and Ms Takagi know of these accusations.
We see no need to tell anyone else.
Are you serious?
We must consult the other teachers!
Isn't that right?
I see no need to further hurt our students.
I fully agree with that, sir.
Juvenile Crimes will attempt to track down whoever wrote them.
If needs be, we will take the appropriate steps.
How can we help you with that?
The author is probably waiting on tenterhooks.
We need that person to know that the police are involved.
You'll just ignore the letter?
You promised me you'd investigate.
Of course we will take action.
The school will offer counseling to Kashiwagi's classmates.
Counseling?
Yes, but it's a trap to find out who sent the letters.
But the letter writer saw him killed.
Ryoko.
It's natural for you to be upset.
You found that poor boy and you received the letter.
But now it's time to trust the police and the school.
They're working hard to protect all students.
C'mon, give me a hand.
Sure.
Sorry I was late home.
You must be starving.
I met Hiroto from the Blue Hearts Band.
He's so thin. Like a stick-figure.
I asked him if he actually eats.
I said no more fried tofu.
Soybeans are an excellent brain food.
No meat, no oil. Just vegetables, I told you.
After Paul McCartney went vegetarian his music went downhill.
Who cares?
At least let me see a dermatologist.
Juri, you're over-reacting.
Acne is not a disease, it's part of growing up.
A part I don't want!
Don't get upset. Stress only makes it worse.
Just relax and let it heal naturally.
Your father will be holding a new exhibition.
There's no end to it for an amateur artist.
Here's some advice.
Never marry an office worker with a secret passion for art.
He'll never make you happy.
I'll have that chicken skin if you won't.
Juri's folks are opposite to mine.
Her dad's artistic, her mom's a music journalist.
Juri's really unique. Plus she's super-smart.
It sounds like you admire Juri.
You're a police officer, right?
Juri said when you start asking questions, you're investigating.
You're asking if this is an investigation?
No.
Why don't you believe Kashiwagi committed suicide?
No real reason.
But how can it be suicide without a farewell note?
Do you have any information?
No, If I did I'd tell the police or a teacher.
Matsuko was very concerned about you.
What did she tell you?
Nothing. She was just concerned.
Detective.
What do you know that you're not telling us?
What makes you think that?
That's what it seems like.
Matsuko said so, too.
Matsuko.
How was your interview?
Why hassle us? Why not arrest Oide?
They're wasting time.
They're just lazy.
Maybe they'd believe you if you told them what you saw.
Did you tell them?
Never! I don't break promises.
You still expect someone to protect us?
I'm sorry, Juri.
If they find out, they'll kill us, like they killed Kashiwagi.
Then it'll be all your fault.
Excuse me.
Let me pass.
Check out Miss Pimples!
Ugly!
Looks like leprosy!
Pimple germs on my bag.
Hey, look this way. Monster.
Stop it! Please stop it.
Stop bullying her!
Your face sucks.
Get off her!
Butt out, Fatso.
MOVE!
Shut up, will you!
What's this for?
Give it here.
No, don't! Give it back!
Give it back to her.
That's the reed for her clarinet!
Stop looking at me, Pimple-face.
Stop it!
- No! - Not her face!
Stop it.
Say you're sorry.
Apologize for your face making me sick.
- Sorry - Louder!
I'm sorry my face makes you sick.
Stop it!
Someone help us!
Please help us.
Are you Okay?
Wait for me.
Poor Juri.
HBS News Bureau Etsuo Mogi
Why is a television reporter visiting me?
This was sent to Ms Moriuchi.
The homeroom teacher of your 2A class.
Someone forwarded it to our News Adventure producers.
I believe you also received this same letter?
I have no comment. Please leave now.
One of your students was murdered.
As principal, aren't you responsible?
The police ruled his death to be suicide.
We have nothing to hide. This is a complete fabrication.
We'd like to interview those involved.
That letter is simply not true.
The murdered boy's homeroom teacher
Suicide, not murder.
Please calm down, sir.
His homeroom teacher ripped this up and threw it away.
Fortunately, a neutral 3rd party forwarded it to us.
I found it in the garbage.
I couldn't allow such important
evidence to be destroyed.
We in the media will not let her get away with this.
Ms Moriuchi has only been teaching for 2 years.
She would never rip it up and throw it away.
We shall see. My program always exposes the truth.
Prepare yourself for that.
Ms Emiko Moriuchi.
I'm from HBS News Adventure.
Did you rip up and throw away evidence of murder?
No, I---
Don't deny it.
What kind of teacher destroys evidence about the murder of her student?
Have you no shame?
I'm sorry, I don't know. I wouldn't do that.
Don't run off! We demand an explanation.
A TV crew interviewed me.
What for?
Just questions about our homeroom teacher.
They asked me about Ms Moriuchi, too.
They reckon it was murder, not suicide.
I never believed it was suicide.
Now you're a TV star!
He asked about Oide. Did he do it?
I wouldn't be surprised. You know how violent he is.
He's capable of it.
That's scary.
Did you see it on TV last night?
Tell us about Oide.
His folks are really rich.
Timber merchants, I believe?
Oide's wallet is always full of cash.
Apparently, his father made a fortune in the Bubble.
His dad buys Oide's way out of trouble.
You shouldn't say that.
We'd like to hear more about that.
You three weren't involved?
We're innocent. Stop hassling us.
But you did fight with Kashiwagi one day in the science lab.
- Months ago. - Iguchi, shut up.
Then get back to school.
Being absent only fuels the rumors.
Shut up, you old hag.
Detective Sasaki to you.
The entire school reckons we killed him.
No way we're going back there.
Is that how you feel, Hashida?
All three of us decided to skip school.
Tea.
Thank you, Nurse.
You asked to see me?
Please.
Miss Detective...
Up until now I've kept this to myself.
I heard Oide's gang talking about Kashiwagi's death.
Saying what?
Everything went perfectly.
It's true. I'm not lying.
It took courage to tell me that.
Thank you.
She's after revenge, you say?
A number of students said Juri was being bullied by Oide and his gang.
And Matsuko, too?
Juri concocted the plan for revenge and Matsuko assisted her.
I'm quite sure those two wrote and posted all the letters.
Under questioning, I'm sure they'll both confess.
Please don't question them.
Parents are already saying counseling is just an excuse to force confessions.
Just a moment.
If they confess, the media will back off.
Schoolgirl fantasies are not national news.
But your approach sets student against student.
And that will encourage even more bullying.
I'm very sorry Detective Sasaki.
But I'm the principal, it's my responsibility.
Now if you'll excuse me I have a staff meeting.
I appreciate your efforts on behalf of our students.
A question, sir.
Most of us were not informed about these letters of accusation.
You obviously, don't trust your staff.
Stop trying to pick a fight.
It's not about trusting you teachers.
We didn't want the students to be unduly alarmed.
Do you know who wrote the letters?
Unfortunately, no. Nor the reason why they were sent.
Sure about that?
Your mistrust of us is an issue.
But more importantly, why did Ms Moriuchi rip hers up and throw it away?
I never received any letter.
Do you really expect us to believe that?
Even if I got one, I'd never throw it away.
I'd immediately inform the principal.
But I didn't get any letter.
Perhaps the Post Office failed to deliver it?
I asked the Post Office to check their records.
They say, at 10am on Jan 7th.
An item of express mail was delivered to Ms Moriuchi's residence.
Then you did get it?
I didn't!
Too much trouble, so you ripped it up!
Badgering Ms Moriuchi won't solve anything.
There was no reason for her to throw it away.
It didn't accuse her of anything.
You're just sticking up for a fellow basketball coach.
Did the letter rip itself up?
I would never be so irresponsible.
Please believe me.
Tears won't wash this away, that's for sure.
Mr Principal.
So you're “protecting the students“ with such weak, illogical excuses?
Please believe me. I'm not lying.
Get out!
I understand your anger.
But that doesn't change the facts.
Shut up!
I'm seeking the truth about your son.
Enough of your guff!
Do you know who I am?
Dad, no!
- Stop it. - Let me go!
Answer the question! Did your boy kill him?
I could report you for assault.
Who sent you here?
Your son was named in the letters.
Get lost!
I'm always happiest when I'm eating.
Nothing wrong with that.
Eat when hungry and starve neither body nor soul.
Anyone who calls you fat is a mean, unhappy person.
You should laugh in their faces.
We all face obstacles as we grow up.
I won't let them bring me down.
I'm much happier than they'll ever be.
Very well put, Matsuko.
But ignoring them won't work. So I've got a plan for revenge.
Good on you.
That's the spirit, girl.
Excuse me?
Hey, Ryoko!
A classmate?
Yes, since primary school.
I remember you, Ryoko.
Hello there.
You left this on your desk at school.
I did. Thank you, Ryoko.
That's very kind.
Sorry to come so late.
No. Just wait.
Do you like sweets?
I'll walk her home.
One for me, too.
My favorite is sweet-bean rice-cakes.
Me, too. I love that salty tang.
Like apples in the garden of Eden. My mom says.
That's a clever way to put it.
Now I'm all excited.
I'm down to the last bite.
We should get Juri and go have sweets one day.
I hope we're all in the same class next year.
What's wrong?
I'm sorry, Matsuko.
Sorry for what?
Nothing at all.
This is far enough.
See you at school tomorrow.
Be careful.
You too, Ryoko.
Why do you walk away?
Didn't you say we should never ignore bullying?
I'm in a hurry.
It's our duty to help, you said.
I have to take care of my brother and sister.
Be honest. You're scared they'll bully you, too.
You're a hypocrite, Ryoko.
You're doing nothing. Why pick on me?
Dare you say that to Juri and Matsuko?
You're all talk, no action.
The worst kind of hypocrite.
No!
Stop it!
I'm sorry my face makes you sick.
Help!
Thanks for coming.
In here.
I hear the graduation ceremony went well.
I handed in my resignation yesterday.
The others all refused to believe me.
I suspect someone stole the letter.
I checked my mailbox that day, but it was empty.
Someone must have taken it before I got there.
You'll investigate that, won't you?
You live in the Edogawa district, don't you?
That's out of our jurisdiction.
I'll contact the police there.
But I doubt they'll investigate a missing letter.
Have you considered a private detective?
Perhaps one could solve this for you.
Can you think of anyone who'd deliberately torment you?
Yes, there is one.
Him.
Who's “him?“
My student, Kashiwagi.
Miss Moriuchi, Kashiwagi is dead.
He died before the letter was written, or sent.
No, it was definitely him.
I couldn't save him so he's come back to haunt me.
Miss Moriuchi...
Japanese Folk Tates
Everyone connected with Joto No. 3 Junior High School"-
tuned in to watch Saturday's News Adventure program.
Sorry, kids.
We want cartoons!
Welcome to News Adventure.
Tonight, we report on a school murder and cover-up.
Our chief correspondent Mogi reports his findings.
Good evening.
Last Xmas, a body was found at Joto 3 Junior High School.
Identified as a 2nd year mate pupil of the school.
Initially, it was passed off as suicide.
But in February...
new evidence came to light when we received an anonymous letter.
The letter accuses fellow classmates of murdering the dead boy.
Here is the letter we received.
It had been torn in half.
That was no suicide. Kashiwagi was murdered.
I was there. I saw everything.
I saw Kashiwagi thrown from the roof by fellow classmate "O".
Students “H“ and “1“ helped him do it.
Victim Takuya Kashiwagi (14)
It's not fair to poor, dead Kashiwagi.
Please pass this on to the police.
Mogi reports from the scene.
You tore up this letter and threw it away, correct?
No, I---
Don't deny it.
What kind of teacher destroys evidence in the murder of her student?
Dead Boy's Homeroom Teacher Have you no shame?
I don't know.
I wouldn't do that.
Don't run away!
What else is this teacher and the entire school hiding from us?
My boy killed no one!
Who on earth is that man?
Is his son really a schoolmate of yours?
Yes, same class.
But I stay well clear of him.
Answer the questions.
He committed suicide because of #bleep's# bullying.
Everyone knows #bleep# killed him.
That makes more sense
So #bleep# is known for bullying?
Yes, all the time.
This boy has a long record of delinquency and other, worse crimes.
Shockingly, in each case, his father has bought the victim's silence.
All charges were withdrawn.
Murder Scene
The school rejects any suggestion of involvement in a cover-up.
Police insist the case is closed.
Can we trust this rush to judgment?
This is the anonymous letter from a viewer.
The teacher who tore it up should he punished.
Saw it on TV, did you?
You're not from our school.
A friend of Kashiwagi's?
Yes, same class at primary school.
What was Kashiwagi like back in grade school?
“why'd you ask?
I never really talked to him.
But one time he asked me a question.
After I die?
Yes, if you were reincarnated.
A rabbit or a human being?
A person, obviously.
Rabbits stink, they poo everywhere.
NO way.
What's so good about people?
Why do you ask?
Would you rather be a rabbit?
No rabbit has ever told a lie.
They're pure and honest.
But people never are.
I'd much rather be a rabbit.
Did Kashiwagi smile?
Yes, but a forced smile.
Like he had to push it out.
I'll never forget that.
But I wish I could.
When I heard he'd killed himself, it made sense.
But the TV said he was murdered.
I found his body.
By the side gate.
Can you do me a favor?
Maybe meet up again sometime?
You're insane!
Crazy bitch!
It's nothing. Just a quarrel.
Die bitch!
He'll regret this.
I'll never forgive him.
Are you Okay?
After the TV show, parents demanded the school explain their conduct.
An urgent meeting was called.
I am the principal of Joto No. 3 Junior High.
Detective Reiko Sasaki has a few words.
My name is Sasaki. I'm a detective.
You cops blew it!
Fix your mistakes and restart the investigation!
The letter states the boys laughed as they threw Kashiwagi to his death.
If that's the case, then where was the witness at the time?
That area of rooftop is only visible from one place.
The rooftop, where it supposedly occurred.
Does that sound plausible?
Who was up there at that hour? And why?
A school roof at night?
What possible reason is there for being up there?
Claiming “someone saw something“ is not proof of anything.
And there are other unexplained irregularities.
Why didn't the witness call the police?
Keeping silent doesn't make any sense.
Most people would call the police, or an ambulance.
Exactly. Failure to do anything proves they couldn't have been there.
When she said that, they soon shut up.
What's wrong?
I'll go see Juri.
I'll be right back.
Take some sweets?
No need.
Be careful.
Then what?
Everyone agreed her explanation made sense.
Did you see the news about Matsuko?
She always hangs out with Juri, right?
Ryoko and Matsuko were classmates last year.
Morning.
Weren't you in the same class as Matsuko Asai?
What was she like?
Why do you ask?
It was on the TV, newspapers, too.
Matsuko was in the paper?
Hit by a car last night. She's in intensive care.
You're kidding.
Rumor says suicide, because she wrote the letter.
No! She witnessed Kashiwagi's murder, so Oide had her killed.
Really?
Are you Okay?
I'll get the nurse.
Your pulse is rather fast.
You feel nauseous?
No, I'm okay.
I felt a chill, but I'm better now.
You're not running a temperature.
Better you go home and rest up.
A friend of Matsuko's.
She made the effort to attend,
but it proved too much for her.
Is it Juri Miyake?
Yes, Matsuko's best friend.
Give me a minute.
School Nurse speaking.
Oh, I forgot. Of course.
I'll be right there.
Sorry, I've been summoned to a staff meeting.
I'm okay now.
I'll be right back.
How do you feel, Juri?
What's that?
Is that right?
That's such a pity, isn't it?
Yes, of course.
What are the funeral arrangements?
So soon?
Yes, my daughter and her were very good friends.
Juri will definitely attend the funeral.
Thanks for taking the trouble to call. Goodnight.
That you, Juri?
Are you Okay?
Juri?
If you're pretending, I'll be very upset.
I...can't...speak.
Juri? Are you sure?
You're really unable to speak?
Juri?
Matsuko would never do that.
Our Matsuko didn't write any letters!
Not even if a friend egged her on. Not a chance!
I accept full responsibility.
If I'd spoken to Juri sooner, and found out the truth
this would never have happened.
She was just popping out to see her friend, Juri.
I never liked that Juri. Right from the start.
But when I warned Matsuko, she was furious with me.
She said I didn't know anything about Juri.
It seems both Juri and Matsuko were victims of bullying.
But that's no excuse for what happened.
Matsuko had been bullied before, but she overcame that.
We told her not to let bullying ruin her life.
Was that a mistake, Mr Principal?
What should I have said to her?
Tell us if you know.
We need to know.
Good morning to all of you.
Good morning, sir.
I regret to announce Principal Tsuzaki has handed in his resignation.
Quiet, all of you.
I have been appointed acting principal.
It's my sincere wish that peace will be restored and all students remain safe.
Let us raise our spirits in song.
The school song.
Dawn of the new world
Young and fresh lives
Holding dreams in our hearts. With determined, shining eyes
Together we team of truths
We are the students of Joto No. 3 Junior High
You're a detective?
YES.
I have no idea why you're here,
but is our Juri a suspect?
Not at all.
But she was the last person to talk to Matsuko.
Do you remember that?
Did you two discuss anything important?
Juri?
Juri please. Take deep breathes.
In-out, like that.
Are you Okay?
Sorry, you must go.
I insist.
I must ask you to leave.
You're only upsetting her.
Please, just go.
Go away!
Leave!
You should quit.
Make the other band members happy.
Why's that?
Not enough clarinets to go around.
You can barely read music, anyway.
I like the band, I don't want to quit.
Is it more important than me?
Shall we go?
One more thing.
What?
Fat people look terrible playing instruments.
Except for the bass drum.
What?
No need to be so nasty.
Don't get involved.
We're friends, okay?
Friends don't say such things. Apologize.
No, that's just how Juri and I talk.
You should join the band, Juri.
Then we can still walk home together.
I'd rather be dead than line up like a fool playing that crap music.
See? She's always joking.
C'mon Ryoko.
HEY, Ryoko.
Please don't hate Juri because of me.
She's really very kind.
Matsuko?
Thanks anyway.
Why do you walk away?
Didn't you say we should never ignore bullying?
I'm in a hurry.
You said never pretend we don't see it.
I was still obsessed by Kashiwagi and Matsuko's deaths.
It was the beginning of summer, 1991.
It was too much to bear, not knowing my direction in life.
I kept returning to the scene.
You're all talk, no action.
That's the worst kind of hypocrisy.
Kashiwagi saw me running away.
His accusation lay heavy in my heart.
It drove me to consider killing myself.
But I chose to live.
I decided to face, not run from reality.
That was the answer to everything.
These are his eyes.
A nose, a mouth.
Cheeks.
It was suicide. No one killed Kashiwagi.
We're still not convinced.
You told me to stick up for Matsuko, didn't you?
Now she's dead, so I can't.
I still don't know why she had to die.
There's no need to upset your father.
Both the police and school held thorough investigations.
What more do you want?
I don't know.
But is it so wrong to want the truth?
Just forget it? Pretend it never happened?
Ryoko.
Miss Ryoko Fujino, isn't it?
I was told you received one of the letters.
From a reliable source who I shall not name.
I've nothing to say to you.
Juri Miyake was your classmate, correct?
Apparently, Juri and Matsuko wrote those letters.
Rumor says Juri had Matsuko killed.
The letters said Oide's gang killed Kashiwagi, but that's unrealistic.
So why did those two girls write that he did?
How nasty.
What's nasty?
You coming in to destroy our school again.
Didn't you cause Matsuko's death?
How's that?
You know something about her death?
Students know best what goes on at school.
We'll find out for ourselves.
If those letters are true, and who wrote them.
Was Kashiwagi killed, or was it suicide?
We'll discover those truths by ourselves.
Little girl, that's not possible.
In late June I got a call! from a classmate, Noda.
He wanted me to meet someone.
Been waiting long?
Not really.
Kazuhiko Kambara, this is Ryoko Fujino.
How do you do.
Pleased to meet you.
You're not from our school, are you?
I attend Toto University High.
Good school. You must be smart.
He is!
Kashiwagi and I attended the same primary and prep schools.
I told him about you wanting to find the truth.
He asked to meet you.
Do you know something about how he died?
No, we never met after he transferred here.
I only heard about his death off the TV.
But that's why I want to know how and why he died.
So do we.
But we don't know how to go about it.
It boils down to either Juri or Oide are lying.
It's still not proven that either girl wrote those letters.
The whole school suspects either Juri or Oide are guilty.
It's not just suspicion. Most actually believe it, right?
Yes. But both of them can't be guilty.
Not in a real court case, anyway.
What is it?
That's it.
That's the solution.
What is?
Hold a trial.
Wait a minute.
Where would we hold it?
Isn't that obvious?
Hold a trial at school?
That's where it all took place.
Don't be silly.
The school would never allow it.
Stop this silliness and go take a bath.
There are no rules against trials at schools.
Ryoko, please.
I don't need your approval. I just want to be open.
Not so fast. Come sit here.
This could ruin your academic record.
After the trial I'll study for the exams.
Don't forget this will really upset some teachers.
And affect their assessment of your conduct.
I don't care.
You've been class president 3 years in a row.
All that hard work could disappear in a flash.
Anyway, I've decided to do it.
Be realistic!
Finally, I know what must be done.
We have to unearth the truth.
Trust me, Mom.
You're sure about that, sir?
Sure, go ahead.
I was never happy with the way the school handled things.
Keep your eye on the ball!
Sir!
Pass it!
Where should we start, sir?
First, you'll need a trial schedule.
How long does a trial last, sir?
With preparations you'll need at least 3 weeks.
So that puts it at around August 15th.
Schedule 5 days for the actual trial.
That's not much to go on.
Wretch! I've spent hours planning this out for you.
No time to lose!
Yes, sir.
You'll need a prosecutor and defense lawyers.
And someone real smart to be the judge.
Yes, sir.
In Japan the judge decides, not a jury, like in the west.
Yes sir, we've already thought about that.
We decided a number of students should look at the evidence, sir.
A jury of peers, eh?
Yes, sir.
That's probably the fairest way.
YES, Sir!
Thank you so much!
Thank you, sir.
Give 'em hell!
Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
Excuse us, sir.
We did it!
Come on. Get down!
Juri's unable to speak and she's not in school.
Right.
That'll make it difficult to put her on trial.
That's for sure.
So maybe just try Oide?
YES.
He swears he's innocent. I believe him.
Why's that?
You've never even met Oide.
It's not about Oide.
I just find that whole scenario to be implausible.
What do you mean?
The Kashiwagi I know would never take bullying.
Nor go to a rooftop in the middle of the night.
Still...
How about I serve as Oide's lawyer?
We have no connection and I'm not prejudiced against him.
Will you take the role of prosecutor?
It has to be someone who believes those letters.
Someone who can prove Oide is guilty.
Unlike you, I'm not convinced it was suicide.
And Oide is capable of murder.
So I'm stuck with being the prosecutor.
Ex-2A class members assemble here.
All 3rd year was in the gym deciding themes for graduation essays.
We gathered ab' ex-2A class members for a discussion beforehand.
We told them about our planned trial.
Ryoko told me earlier about this mock-trial.
At first it seemed like too much hassle.
But until we get to the real truth, it will never be over for us.
I want the truth!
I may not be much help.
I agree with Mariko.
Thank you very much, Mariko and Kosaka.
Here.
Will you help too, Inoue?
Next March, I sit an exam to enter my high school of choice.
If we hold this trial, will I still be offered a place?
I'd start with a major disadvantage.
I don't have a single second to waste.
You know how selections work.
So you'd rather do nothing?
Come on, we're starting.
Everybody in your places.
What's this? Get back into your class year.
Come on! Stop dawdling!
That includes you, Ryoko.
Start discussing your 3rd year essay themes.
Forget 3rd year. I want our 2nd year problems resolved first.
Then do that in your own class.
Teachers don't pick themes. We do.
You can all shut up.
Miss.
Our 2A class lost two students last year.
It's natural you all feel sad about your dead classmates.
As class president, you feel you bear some responsibility.
Me? Responsible for what?
Being unable to control your classmates.
It's my fault they're dead?
That's not what I said! Calm down!
Our dead classmates can never graduate.
And you want us to write stories about our happy schooldays.
She's right.
Then make that your theme.
Listen!
Write of their deaths affected you.
Your realization of how fragile and precious life is.
Far too many fine words and not enough truth.
Fine words?
All we've been told is vague stories.
Given little information, and dragged into scandal.
But no one's told us the real truth.
Isn't that right?
We still don't know how or why they died.
Was it really suicide? And an accident?
That's quite enough!
That TV reporter came and asked me who murdered Matsuko.
What did you say? Tell me!
Is there something I'm forbidden to say?
She hit her!
No Miss!
Get your hands. Cut it out!
What's going on here?
Think! You're a teacher.
Let go!
Let me see inside.
Say ahhh.
There's a deep cut in there.
What have you to say for yourselves?
We're very sorry.
We've decided it was necessary discipline.
Ms Takagi.
In emergencies, when no other methods are available.
Physical punishment is acceptable.
But in this case Ryoko wasn't harming you, or any other students.
All she did was state her opinion.
It was not discipline, it was assault.
You need to admit that.
I do.
I'm very sorry.
That's all I have to say.
Thank you, Inoue.
It wasn't for you. It's for justice.
Excuse me.
Mr Principal.
Yes, what?
Let us hold the trial.
You've no right to drag other students into your crazy scheme.
You'll only stir up more trouble.
Mr Principal.
Yes?
If you refuse to allow a trial...
I'll sue over the assault of my daughter.
It could be interesting. An educational experience.
Thanks Mom.
I know you had a meeting today.
Too late for that, you naughty girl.
If you decide to fight this out, I'll stand by you.
Thanks, Mom.
See you.
You've got no time for tears.
The trial is going ahead. Please join in and help.
School Trial
We have an explanatory meeting next Wednesday.
Any help will be appreciated.
We immediately began recruiting students to help with the trial.
At first, they showed little interest.
Please help.
Please help us find the truth.
We want the truth.
Move.
I forbid anyone to join this stupid trial.
That's not right.
Give that to me.
You'll earn a black mark on your report.
Some teachers opposed any form of trial.
They went out of their way to pressure the students.
Nothing to see here. Move!
But that spurred some to join our crusade.
And recruit others to the cause.
The first to come over were Matsuko's fellow band members.
Some of the teachers are being unfair.
I agree!
Let's confront them.
How?
March to the staff room.
Play and march!
Great idea!
Let's do it.
While the trial is in progress practice is suspended.
Let's do it!
The team were determined to clear coach Miss Moriuchi's name.
Joto 3 never give up!
Then Mr Kitao did something that shocked us all.
Letter of Resignation
What's the meaning of this?
If I don't show equal courage, how can I face my students?
That was so cool, sir.
Damn suit.
Isn't it a winter suit?
I'm a coach. I've only got one suit.
What about your family, sir?
Forget that. I'm 59 years old.
So old? You could be my grandpa!
So you retire next year?
Retiring a year earlier won't bother me.
You sound disappointed.
I'm not likely to get promoted to principal, or deputy.
Might as well go out with a bang.
But why do you support us, sir?
Because you asked me to.
Teachers are the first to jump in when students do something wrong.
This time, you're doing right.
Give it your best shot.
Everyone line up for a memorial photo.
Come on, all of you.
Thanks to Coach Kitao, we were given a room to prepare for the trial.
Say cheese.
That's good!
Kambara and Noda became defense lawyers.
Here we go.
Mariko and Kosaka were chosen to assist me as prosecutor.
The jury was picked and other votes assigned.
That seems to be everybody.
No, we're missing one very important role.
Yes, we need a presiding judge.
Not in a jury trial.
That only requires a regular judge.
Sorry.
Someone smart, like Kambara.
Aren't we forgetting our smartest student?
Didn't Inoue refuse when you asked him earlier?
Back then, I didn't realize just how determined Ryoko was.
Didn't you fail to get into the same school as Kambara?
Big mouth.
I had the flu during the exam. I wasn't strong enough to finish it.
Failure to prepare property.
It sure is.
One role is more important than lawyers or prosecutors.
Any trial needs a firm, but fair, controlling hand.
Inoue is the only student capable of being a fair and just judge.
Your honor.
I object to that leading question.
Objection sustained.
Kawano Detective Agency
That's her.
Yes, your neighbor, Minae Takeuchi.
Most every day she goes through your mailbox.
Why would she do that?
Her husbands cheating on her, he wants a divorce, she's in shock.
But why target me?
Neurotics often direct their venom at totally unrelated people.
Still staying with your parents?
Yes, my mother insisted.
I suggest you stay there or find a new apartment.
Why me? She should leave, not me.
She has left.
According to her husband she's gone missing.
She no longer lives there.
What's wrong?
Here. Can't you see?
That's Kashiwagi. He is angry with me.
I'm so sorry I couldn't save you.
Another disaster struck just before the holidays.
A fire broke out at suspect Oide's place.
They lost their home and the timber yard.
Where's Grandma?
- What? - I can't find Grandma.
She's still inside!
really?!
No, you can't go in, sir.
Let me go! My mother's inside.
You can't go back in.
Mom! Mom!
Days tater, we went to see Oide at his temporary accommodation.
It's very important.
We're sorry about your grandmother.
Your face is all swollen.
Who are you?
Your dad must have really hit you hard.
But I don't believe you killed Kashiwagi.
What's he on about?
We want you to appear at our trial. As the accused.
A trial?
Your fellow students will reach a decision from the evidence.
You think that's funny?
If I'm guilty, will the cops arrest me?
No police or teachers will participate.
It'll all be done by students.
Don't be stupid. Beat it.
Don't you care that the TV accused you of killing him?
That's crap! Obviously.
Strangers call and blame me.
No, don't.
My grandma's dead, Mom's having a breakdown.
My family’s been destroyed.
Oide, stop it.
You've got no idea!
Stop it.
Prove you're innocent and the calls will stop.
Your mom will get back to normal.
You've never had a vicious father.
My father killed my mother.
What?
When he drank, he'd go crazy.
He'd lash out at me and Mom, just like you did now.
He beat my mother to death.
I'm used to being beaten up.
At least your father's not a killer, like mine.
I'll tell the world. I'll prove you're innocent.
These are press clippings about my father.
Husband Beats Wife to Death Kills Self
There's pages of them.
This son of a killer will represent you.
If you'll let me.
Ryoko.
Did you know?
No. I had no idea.
He certainty stopped Oide in his tracks.
After hearing that story, anyone would.
I'm more scared of him than I am of Oide.
Me, too.
He's no ordinary kid.
Because his father killed his mother?
Why are you upset?
Because it's not Kambara's fault.
Children don't choose their parents.
But I still feel sorry for him.
I do, too.
Feeling sorry is too simple an emotion.
Don't get so defensive.
What about those videos you wanted us to watch?
Televised American trials.
Ryoko's mom got them to teach us court procedures.
So they're not porn, after all?
You really do suck.
You want our case files for your mock-trial?
YES.
All your information concerning Kashiwagi's death.
Time, place, autopsy report.
And any evidence gathered from the scene.
We'd really appreciate it.
Listen, Ryoko.
Don't you think this investigation will end up hurting some people?
We already bear deep scars from this.
What if someone confesses to writing the letters?
Can you protect them?
Yes, in our own way we can.
But there's something more important we must face.
And what's that?
You police and the school covered up the person who wrote them.
But did you investigate the allegations in the letters?
Whoever wrote them wasn't looking for protection.
They wanted to be believed.
That was our housekeeper's day off.
Shunji was home all day but I didn't see him.
Not much of an alibi, is it?
If your father said stay home, you wouldn't defy him, right?
Never'.
Perhaps it isn't a great alibi.
But if you tell the truth, the jury will know that.
Please appear.
He's changed. But he once rescued a stray dog.
- Don't Mom. - Why not?
His dad called the dog-catcher.
He stood crying, watching them drive away.
Don't you dare laugh.
I'm not, I was born this way.
This is unusual.
Welcome home, dear.
Friends, eh? They haven't all abandoned you.
They're not friends.
I'm his lawyer, Kambara.
I'm his assistant, Noda.
You're the ones dragging this idiot to a mock-trial?
Go ahead.
He came to me in tears, begging to go on trial.
Don't you dare disgrace me by losing.
We won't.
That's why we're here today.
I was thinking I should appear as a witness for Shunji.
What?
I should go.
Did you ask me first?
Please don't hurt her, Dad.
Did I give you my permission?
Answer me!
Not here, please.
Stop. I'll call the police.
You'll what?
Go away.
I won't go to your trial.
That's like admitting your guilt.
Get lost.
Next time I see you, you're dead.
Now go!
Beat it!
So no trial now?
Then what do we do?
Keep on preparing to go to trial.
I will definitely get Oide to come.
Maybe not right away.
But he will appear.
That's all, Judge.
All our work will be wasted.
- I gave up summer camp for this. - me, too.
Oide will come. I promise I'll bring him.
Tell me, Kambara.
What?
Why are you trying so hard?
It's not even your school. What drives you?
I feel I'm being put to a test by Kashiwagi.
He gave his life and he's asking me if I can do more than just talk.
You're all talk, no action.
More than anyone else here, I'm determined not to lose.
Attention Mr Mogi of News Adventure.
I'm Soaking forward to the upcoming student trial.
Finally, someone is taking my allegations about Oide seriously.
I want you to broadcast the trial live from Joto No. 3 Junior High.
I want all Japan to know what really happened here.
Especially for Kashiwagi's sake.
Juri?
What's this?
What on earth are you doing?
Why write this?
Juri!
Why are you doing this?
Tell me what's going on!
Ryoko Fujino
Mizuki Itagaki
Anna Ishii
Hiroya Shimizu
Wu Tomita
Koki Maeda
Ayumu Mochizuki
Kuranosuke Sasaki
Yui Natsukawa
Hiromi Nagasaku
Ham Kuroki
Tomoko Tabata
Kimiko Yo
Yutaka Matsushige
Fumiyo Kohinata
Machiko Ono
Executive Producer : Tadashi Osumi
Original Story by Miyuki Miyabe
Screenplay by Katsuhiko Manabe
Wrecked by hum Narushima
English Subtitles by Stuart] Walton (Sprout)
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