I wish Kazuki had come.
You promised, didn't you.
That you'd cast away your current mother to know who your real mother is.
Yes.
I'll tell you everything.
About what happened with Yumiko, a long time ago,
and about the sin,
we committed.
Yumiko, Kazuki's mother...
committed murder.
What!
Ah, I'm sorry... Hello?
It's all going bad,
I'm in the middle of something at the moment...
About the side job you did, if you're asked
-don't say anything unnecessary. -Pardon?
I'm asking you to help me as a friend.
Don't ask the girl, or me, anything unnecessary.
Give this to Asou for me.
Here's 100,000.
Kenichi?
Is it about time we head home?
Kenichi, what is it?
It's a bit...
Kazuki, we're home. I'm coming in okay?
I reckon he might still be with Yumiko.
I'll go and see.
Okay.
Is Takano Kenichi-san at home?
-Who might you be? -The police.
The police?!
What is all of this?!
-Where is your husband at the moment. -He's at work.
We have a warrant for his arrest.
An arrest warrant?!
We've also permission to search the premises.
Okay, hurry up!
Do you know a Asou Takefumi-san?
-Yes. -We'd like you to come in for questioning.
Will you accompany us to the station?
Very well.
-What is this?
-It's okay, I didn't do anything to be arrested for.
But...
Ask Detective Aramata about the Yumiko case.
-Detective Aramata? -He will definitely help.
Please,
take care of the kids.
The children are surely waiting for you to come home.
This is the last train. The train will be departing momentarily.
Mummy? Where's daddy and Kazuki?
They'll be home soon.
Women sometimes lie.
A worthless lie as a temporary measure,
or possibly a determined lie
putting your life on the line.
As the evening draws in,
you pray that the lie becomes the truth.
It's fine, they're definitely coming home.
Sapporo?! You're in Hokkaido!!
I'm with Sasaki Yumiko-san.
Tomorrow,
we're going to my birth mother's home,
and I'm going to be able to meet her.
I'll decide what I'm going to do after that.
-Bye... -Wait Kazuki!
Hello?
Good morning.
Hey, isn't this Hiroko's husband?
-He's been arrested? -Not yet it seems.
-The police came yesterday evening. -Shh!
I can't believe it.
A criminal, living here in the tower.
According to Maeka Chaiki's testimony,
after she was taken away by car,
she got lost in the mountains and wandered around for several days...
I wonder if that's true. We've been searching in a radius of 10km
but we've not found any hints at all.
Well, there's no need to rush. All we can do is believe her.
So what about the strange pipe?
I'm looking into it.
But if the criminal made the tune himself...
-It won't be of any help. -Indeed.
Ara-san, you have a visitor.
This is confidential but, your husband merely
got caught up in Asou Takefumi's crimes.
He should be able to go home sometime today.
Thank you very much.
But I never thought he'd be
the same Takano Kenicihi from the case 14 years ago.
Would you tell me about that case?
Once you know, what will you do?
-I want to get my son back. -Get him back?
He's with Sasaki Yumiko-san at the moment.
He's about to start living with her.
Certainly,
I can't hold it against her for blaming me.
I didn't notice my son was being bullied.
But she deserted him.
Trying to take him back, after all this time
isn't it unbelievably selfish?
It's certainly true you might think that.
-If you didn't know better. -Pardon?
Very well. I'll tell you everything.
It was more than 14 years ago
when she killed someone.
This is the house were you were born.
The scene of the crime was
was the house in Hokkaido where Yumiko Sasaki and Takano Kenichi-san were living.
I just happened to be there on a police training course,
and I took charge of the case.
Yumiko originally came from these parts.
Her mother was more than strict, she was overly interfering.
These days you might call her abusive.
During her high school years she left home.
She supported herself doing part-time work whilst attending university.
However, it seems she couldn't tell her boyfriend, Kenichi Takano-san
-what kind of work she did. -Why was that?
She was a hostess.
But she took the opportunity, of getting married, to quit.
However, one of her customers, was a nasty piece of work.
Even after she quit, he was persistent in approaching her.
Now we'd call him a stalker.
It's started to snow, it's cold isn't it.
Before long Kazuki was born,
and Yumiko moved with Kenichi-san to Hokkaido because of his work.
But even there, the stalker followed her.
You can't escape me!
Without telling Kenichi-san about it, she reported it to the police.
However at that time, there weren't any laws in place,
and while, we the police, were fumbling around,
finally on the evening of Christmas Eve
finally a crime occurred.
Kenichi-san took his son out for a walk and that was the chance the stalker had been waiting for.
I said you can't escape me!
The man forced his way into their home,
I said you can't escape!
and attacked her.
Once I've killed you, I'm gonna kill your kid!
It seems that he screamed that
after he'd killed her he'd kill her child.
Strangely enough, at the time,
in her mind
she felt she didn't have any alternative.
'Kazuki will be back soon'
'I don't want him to experience anything traumatic.'
And for that reason only
she carried the body into the back garden
and desperately scrubbed down the bath.
At the trial, she pleaded legitimate self defense, however
the judgment handed down was murder due to excessive self defense.
She was given 2 years imprisonment.
Divorce?
Please.
What are you saying, there's no need for us to break up.
I don't want my child to become the son of a murderer.
I don't want his future
to be taken away from him, because of me.
Yumiko was firm in her resolve,
all Kenichi-san could do was give in to her.
Obviously what she did was a crime, she killed someone.
But as things were it wouldn't have been strange
if eventually the stalker brought harm to Kazuki.
In other words, you might say Yumiko was prepared to
throw away her own life to protect her son's.
Ah, forgive me.
In truth, I have a son that passed away.
I find myself wanting to support her.
You don't remember do you.
You were only here up to the age of 1.
You're an old friend of my mother's?
Yes.
Why is it, my mother want's to meet me now?
She said that until now, she'd been uncertain about it.
If she told you why she let you go
it might be a burden on you.
A burden?
But she's said she's resolved herself.
Because it's you, she believe that
surely you will be able to accept the truth.
Does my mother know me?
She's been watching over you from a far.
Please let me meet her.
I will.
But before that, there's something I want you to promise.
Promise?
Can you promise to never see Aki-san ever again?
In other words, you might say Yumiko was prepared to
throw away her own life to protect her son's.
It's granny!
-I've brought cake. -Thank you!
You should have at least let me know you'd been released from hospital.
Is something up?
So that's what happened.
The hatred you felt for that Yumiko woman,
it's gradually disappearing isn't it?
If you thinking of Kazuki's happiness
then letting him stay with her is something to consider.
You mean letting go of him?!
I'm saying this now but,
when I left you,
it was a lie that I ran off with a man.
But I thought that unless I said that,
you wouldn't be able to move on.
You're lying surely!?
But you know, after that,
I was chased by debt collectors, and went through a terrible time.
I thought it was a good thing you weren't caught up in it.
I thought it was a good decision to live separately from you.
I don't think living together is the only correct decision.
If you think long and hard about
what would make Kazuki the most happy, then the answer will come.
This school is famous for it's liberal traditions.
It has a photography department too.
A photography department? I can attend too?
Of course.
What do you think? Can you start over again here?
You can forget all the sad things that have happened up to now.
You can be born anew.
This is the place where you were supposed to be brought up.
Erm... but...
Is what you said earlier true?
That I can't see my Tokyo family again?
You want to meet your real mother don't you?
I do.
She has resolved herself to tell you everything.
If you don't have the same resolve...
I understand.
I'm sorry, finally I've been released.
How are the kids?
In Hokkaido...
I haven't been able to contact him since he said he was going to live there.
That's kidnapping. Let's go to the police.
It's not kidnapping. Kazuki chose to go.
What are you saying! Yumiko's obviously talked him into it.
-You'll wake Sora. -That woman,
she'll do anything to get what she wants.
But the way she feels about Kazuki isn't a lie is it.
What's the matter with you Aki-chan.
Hello, Kazuki?
It's Sasaki.
Hello Kazuki?
It's Sasaki.
Yumiko-san.
What the hell are you thinking!
I called because I wanted to let you know.
Kazuki-kun has decided to live here with his mother.
-What are you saying?! -Tomorrow
he'll come by to pick up his camera and luggage.
But that will be the last time.
Isn't that right?
-Bye then. -Hey wait!
Shit!
When he gets back, even if I have to tie him up, I'm not letting him leave.
There's no way you can do that, is there.
Don't you think it's frustrating?
Of course I do!
Of course it's frustrating.
But he's already in high school.
He has his own thoughts and feelings.
I know that, but...
Anyhow, let's try to sit down with him and have a proper talk.
The most important thing
is that he's happy.
Aramata-san, I've found out what the tune is.
10 years ago, it was registered for copyright.
This is the person who created it.
A professor at a university hospital?
I'll be waiting here, tomorrow at 1:00.
Make sure to properly say your final goodbyes.
Have you heard of musical therapy for those with dementia?
I'm embarrassed to say no.
We play music to those suffering from dementia and have them put on performances.
It's a rehabilitation that leads to an improvement in their symptoms.
In order to maximise effectiveness we developed a tune anyone could perform.
It was made for experimental purposes.
How many patients have had this treatment so far?
It's still in the experimental stages so only around 100 people.
Could we have a list of all patients and anyone else connected?
Mio-chan, come on.
Be careful now.
Okay, let's go.
Kazuki!
We're all going camping.
-What? -Welcome home Kazuki.
Look, look. Your dad's really getting into it.
What about your job?
This is no time for work.
Because my son's come home to me. Right Aki?
I just came back to get my luggage.
We know, we're not going to try and force you to stay.
But for today at least, let's all have fun together and make memories.
-Sora-chan, give me a hand. -Okay!
Here we are!
-Kazuki, take a picture. -Whoa, Kazuki.
Finally, goal!
You did really well Sora!
Daddy's specialty risotto is ready!
-Digging in -Thank you.
-It's delicious. -How is it? Is it good?
Delicious.
-There's lots so eat up. -It's yummy isn't it.
Yep.
Kazuki, your mother and I
we don't want to let you go to Hokkaido.
We want the 4 of us to all live together.
But if you say you have to go, no matter what,
you want to leave your family and go to Hokkaido,
then won't you talk to us about it.
Kazuki, please.
I was always afraid of walking in town.
Every corner I turned, I felt they were lying in wait for me.
The guys that were bullying you?
Yes.
But if I go to Hokkaido, I wouldn't be worried any longer.
For the first time in ages, the future seems bright.
And that's not just about the bullying.
I want to talk to my real mother.
Why she had me, and why she gave me away.
If I don't ask,
I've a feeling it will always be niggling away at me.
Please let me go.
It's I who should be lowering my head to you.
I'm sorry for not talking to you
about your real mother.
I lacked confidence that
I could tell you in a way that wouldn't hurt you.
I kept putting it off and it became harder and harder to say anything.
That goes for me also...
But things will be different from now.
The next time we see you,
I want to be a mother you can be proud of.
So please go.
Go and talk with your real mother.
No matter what conclusion you come to,
we will support you.
Won't we.
Thank you.
That's right, Kazuki?
Tomorrow, before you go, you have to go to the hospital don't you?
Yes.
You won't see Aki-san again.
Can you promise me that?
Thank you very much.
That's a pretty tune.
It's Hamelin's tune.
What?
Chiaki-chan.
You're not supposed to be here.
-I'm tired. -I'm sorry.
Aren't you Takano Kazuki-kun.
I've been worried about you. How did things go?
Did you explain to your parents why you were taking those pictures?
No...
Kazuki, it's time.
Sora, your brother has to go.
Eh! Where to?
He's just going out for a while.
You and I can look after the house.
Okay then, Kazuki?
When you get back, we can do the Christmas surprise
for mummy and daddy.
Sora, I too...
Come on, let's go.
Sora, come here.
Take care.
Hello?
Are you sure you don't want me to come with you to the airport?
Yes.
Okay then, take this with you.
What's this?
Well Hokkaido's cold isn't it.
A thick jumper and socks, and pocket warmers and tangerines.
Ah, and also the sandwiches you like so much.
-I can't eat that much. -It's fine.
Ah, yes and also... these.
Sora wanted me to give them to you.
Don't catch a cold.
You know your throat's susceptible to them.
Keep warm, gargle and eat tangerines.
Okay.
Before I knew it, you've gotten so big.
You used to be such a tiny thing.
What?
The first time I held you,
you were only 2 years old.
You had tiny hands, just like an autumn leaf
You held my hand so tightly
When I thought I was going to be your mother,
I was worried
but also happy, you were adorable.
My heart filled with joy.
Kazuki.
Thank you for being with me.
Thank you
for making me very happy.
We're out of time aren't we.
Take care.
Come back whenever you want. I'll be waiting.
Sora, did you call someone?
-There's a criminal living here. -I think they should be made to move.
Could we have your signature?
Aki-san. Hiroko-san's husband got your husband
involved in some unfortunate business didn't he?
No...
Aki-san, won't you sign this too?
'A request to have criminal households evicted.'
The incident's been reported in the media and lots of journalists are hanging about aren't they.
I'm worried about the effect it'll have on the children.
But it's not as if Hiroko-san did anything...
This is for the sake of our precious children.
The next time I see you,
I want to be a mother you can be proud of.
I can't.
Isn't this the same as bullying?
Didn't Hiroko-san put you through quite the ordeal?
Certainly I think Hiroko-san has her flaws,
But then, doesn't everyone?
Even you. ... me too.
Being a mother is a hard job.
And because it is, as mothers we should be there for each other.
And forgive each other for our flaws.
Shouldn't we support each other?
What a fine speech.
But you can't raise children with fine words alone.
I told you, didn't I.
If the mothers hate you, your child won't be able to make friends.
Even so, that's fine.
I
For the children, I want to be a mother they can be proud of.
Excuse me.
Shun-chan.
Will you play with Sora?
-Shun-chan, let's play. -Sure!
Off I go.... Ah that was no good.
It just needed a little more. One more time.
What are you doing?
Hurry up and go home, your mother's waiting for you.
I'm going to see my real mother...
Who is your real mother?! Who else could it be but Aki-san!
You're hardly one to be talking.
In the middle of the night secretly meeting with Aki-san.
Whose the one who hurt Kazuki?
Let's be really clear, about your feelings for Aki-san.
Maybe it's hard for you to say in front of her son.
Certainly it's true. I loved your mother.
But your mother doesn't think of me in that way, not in the slightest.
She wouldn't even give me an inch.
She was always only thinking of
you and Sora and your father.
You must surely realize that too.
It's time, let's go.
Aki-san told me that she considered you to be part of her.
Is there another mother that can say that?
Kazuki...
Thank you Kazuki.
I was waiting for you to return.
Mother can be a bit spacey, but she's always thinking of us.
Delicious.
Thank you.
What is it?
It hurts.
What?
Somehow, right here hurts really badly.
Thank you, I'm so happy.
It suits you.
Thank you. Thanks to you and Sora
When I'm with you all, the bad stuff gets blown away.
Somehow, I feel like my mother's...
crying...
Kazuki-kun...
-Mummy. -I'm sorry, what is it?
-It's shaking. -Thank you.
-Hello? -It's me.
What is it? Did you forget something?
-I'm coming home. -Where to?
Home.
Home? What about Hokkaido?
I've decided against it.
What about your real mother? You wanted to meet and talk with her?
It's fine.
Finally I've realized.
My family is
Dad and Sora,
and you.
There's nothing worse than being separated from your family.
Erm...
About the pictures the police suspected me for.
When I was in town
and I saw a mother, I'd think
'I feel bad for that mother's child,' or
'I'm envious of that mother,'
and without realizing it I'd taken lots of pictures.
I never thought there'd be such a fuss. I'm sorry.
And for other stuff too. The other things I've done.
I'm sorry.
I'm coming home now.
Sora asked me to get a surprise,
I'm coming home straight after.
Aki?
Kazuki said he's coming home.
-What?! -Once he's bought a surprise.
The surprise is supposed to be a secret!
That's right.
Even though it's a secret, he let it out.
Come on, don't cry.
I asked my teacher you know.
To please help.
What?
Daddy.
What is it? What did you want to discuss?
I've heard about it all from Aki Takano-san.
Destroy the sand castle?
Pardon?
It's where you thrust a sticks into the center of the sand castle
and then hack away at them until they break.
At first you made friends with Aki Takano.
Next you got to each of the children.
Finally, according to your calculations the family should break apart.
It sounds like a fun game.
Was the timing not right?
Sasaki Yumiko, give it up.
Is what you're doing really for Kazuki's sake?
I'm sure you know. The methods you're using
can't lead to happiness.
-One more time. Really try to remember. -What?
Was the person, you were with, a man?
It wasn't a woman was it?
Which is it?
Chiaki-chan, could it be
there was both a man and a woman?
-Two of them? -Yes.
The Hamelin kidnapper is the work of a woman and man
I've also got some information.
The people who had music therapy.
Asagiri in Yamanashi prefecture?
From where Chiaki-chan was found about 20km away there's a deserted village.
Finally we might be closing in on them!
Shunsuke isn't here, do you know where he is?
Kazuki's not back yet...
Maybe he's puzzling over the surprise.
It's Hamelin's tune.
That tune...
Hello?
Mother? I'm going to the police.
-What? -I...
might have seen the Hamelin criminal.
Criminal? What do you mean?
It's the Hamelin...
Hello?
Kazuki?!
Kazuki...