"Sports do not build character.
They reveal it.
Heywood Hale Broun."
All right. Yes, go!
Yes, go! Go!
Right here! Kick!
Kick!
The offense is struggling.
If they don't pressure the line and break the...
Steal the ball!
Yes! It's dangerous. That was close.
They should change him out.
The bench players have got this.
Go!
So noisy!
Why are you guys watching it here?
Why aren't you watching? This is the match of the year.
Whoever wins or lose, it doesn't concern me.
I've never had much interest in sports.
It's impossible for humans to eat and speak at the same time.
Unforgivable!
When did you get here, Igarashi?
It's not him!
Hey, Mr. Mustache. Long time no see.
(Katsura Kimihiko)
I was once a big fan of an independent baseball team.
It was a team beloved by its home supporters.
But everything changed when its owner changed.
I'm not interested in personal relations.
A sanctuary reform or whatnot, I'm not doing it.
I prefer to turn it into a team that I like.
Show yourself, owner!
The team was damaged beyond repair and sold off.
The players are struggling to rebuild the team right now.
I was once a fan of a minor league soccer team.
It was a team beloved by its home crowd.
But everything changed when its owner changed.
Some people say,
a club is not owned by the boss.
What?
But it is, isn't it?
Why did you dismiss Popovich?
He is the key player!
The owner fled after damaging the team beyond repair.
The team had to merge with another club.
That owner is this man.
He ruined my two beloved teams.
So you want to bait him.
Yes.
Okay. Let's gather information.
We're going to do something more fun than sports.
Seriously, President.
Can you not send such an embarrassing message?
Katsura Kimihiko, the CEO of Mosu Mosu Corporation.
With the success of the popular app, Mosu Mosu,
he became a billionaire at a very young age.
Married young, his wife divorced him due to physical abuse.
That's the worst.
How much is the team?
He seems to love sports.
He has bought numerous sports team and clubs.
These guys are totally useless.
Fire those who aren't doing their jobs.
Including that scout.
He enjoys carrying out dictatorial reforms,
such as dismissing high salary players...
and changing coaches.
He controls the situations by force...
and are at odds with the teams and fans.
I don't care about your playing style.
Just do as I say.
You guys belong to me.
You're my pet.
He is well-known for his malicious treatment...
and has been seen acting out on players.
Go on.
If you want to be fired.
That team is the worst.
Sell it.
Aren't there any better teams?
When the team breaks apart and can't perform,
he will throw them away like trash.
Rinse and repeat.
He hasn't learned a thing and is still looking to buy more.
But it seems like nobody is interested.
That's a given. He treats them like a three-second flame.
As if they're toys.
But for the rich, they are toys.
He buys clubs at a cheap price, do with them as he wishes...
and sell them at a profit when they're popular.
For a rich guy, no other business is as leisurely.
Sports isn't about making money.
It's something that warms up the heart.
It is dreams and passion!
Mr. Kensaku Morita.
"Professional sports is a money-making tool."
Match-fixing, acquisition and manipulating game results.
It can all be done for money.
This is professional sports.
What are you doing?
Mr. Katsura, who wishes to buy pro clubs,
has been going to ping-pong bars.
I see.
Katsura has been blacklisted in baseball and soccer worlds,
so his next target is professional ping-pong.
This is the ping-pong era.
There are seven teams currently going pro.
The best one should be Kamoi Miyu and Shikada Yuna,
the Tokyo Jets, belonging to the KamoShika combo.
Let's get them ready to sell!
Mr. Mustache, you're going to play an important role.
Okay. I'll do my best.
What about me?
As usual, you'll practice.
Chole sa!
Is the Olympics really fair?
Is it true Miyamoto Musashi never lost?
Did Gushiken Yoko really say, "Like this?"
Only the truth knows the path of the ball.
Welcome to the world of the Confidence Man.
(The Confidence Man JP: The Sports)
Summer training at the municipal boat bridge?
Those two are terrible.
A bunch of idiots that only know how to move their limbs.
Cheetah!
Let's go!
Tokyo Jets is made up of not just the KamoShika combo,
Kamoi Miyu and Shikada Yuna.
We recently imported national team players from China.
They are Yang Shan Shan...
and Zhang Bin Bin.
Our team's skill is a cut above the rest.
We urge you to come check them out yourself.
Good, doing well.
The pair over there is Kamoi and Shikada.
Let's talk at the president's office upstairs.
Shan Shan and Bin Bin would like to meet you.
Who is that man?
No idea.
So it's the amount of practice. I see.
Sir.
I'd like to find out more about the team going pro.
How about we talk over lunch?
I'll treat you to some eel.
Really?
It's nearby.
- That's too kind of you. - Not at all.
- That shop is really good. - I love eel.
But the best dish there is the eel liver soup.
Sounds good.
But personally, my favourite is the red miso soup.
We'll definitely become a popular team that leads the league.
You'll definitely benefit from it.
Ouch.
We waited in the office, but the KamoShida duo showed up...
and asked to practice.
We played for 15 rounds with pro players.
Of course, we didn't even score one point.
Were you exposed?
Of course, during the 16th rally.
These two are terrible.
Did you just realise?
We had to run with our tails between our legs.
Why didn't Katsura come?
Mr. Mustache, what did you do that revealed yourself?
Well, I'm not sure.
That guy suddenly said he wasn't interested and left.
Did he leave according to plan?
He did. At least I think so.
But maybe this role is too hard for me.
I got found out. I'm sorry.
Don't worry about it.
This time it's really Igarashi.
Dako asked me to find out more about Katsura.
He was never that interested in ping-pong.
But he has been going to ping-pong bars, right?
He went for the sexy bartender, that's all.
You should've told us sooner.
Who said this was the ping-pong era?
You did.
His real passion...
is this.
It's this.
The Mustache Dance?
No, this.
The Mustache Dance followed by...
Catch?
Mustache?
Anything else?
Katsura has his heart set on acquiring a pro basketball club.
He has gone over all the possibilities,
but every one of them turned him down.
(Slam Dunk)
(Mr. Anzai.)
(I want to play basketball.)
(Steps on how to dribble)
(The left hand is to hold the ball.)
Basketball is much easier.
After all, we've got Boku!
I never played basketball.
Are you kidding?
You're so tall, but you have never played it.
What have you been doing in life?
I was too preoccupied with your trickery.
If Katsura has contacted all the basketball clubs,
it will be hard for us to take over an existing one.
We'll just have to create one and sell it to him.
And then we'll disappear without a trace.
Wow, cool!
I'll do my best.
You've already blown your cover. You're out of the plan.
Damn it. I see.
Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything.
Wait for our good news.
Thank you.
The hometown will be here.
(Atami)
(Treasure House)
The problem is with players.
Serious players will not be willing to help us.
That's why we are going to scout for casual ones.
That hurt, you jerk!
I hope you didn't mean them.
They were pretty popular until high school.
But they got into some trouble and became delinquents.
Hey, you guys!
Let's forget it.
Hey man, yo!
We need to go!
How about a match with us?
If you guys win,
I'll let you guys join a fun adult game.
Hey, what?
Show me what you've got
If you can't play basketball
Then get on the bus
Warming the bench
Eyes glazed over
Why?
I think they're uncontrollable.
We should make a run for it.
Dako!
Are you Hanbara Atsushi?
You were once a talented player that lost yourself in gambling...
when you had a slump and thus abandoned.
You were a national team substitute.
Meat skewers! They're delicious!
How tall?
I'm not asking about the kebab.
I meant you.
(Atami Cheetah! The city of Atami supports you.)
I'm Hanbara Atsushi.
Here.
A national team inactive substitute for the past 15 years.
Ismail.
Here.
A kebab seller that has a height advantage.
Abu Bakar Abdul Iyebo.
Abu Buba Bubu?
Let's go with James.
An African dancer who is clueless about basketball.
- Wolf. - Hyena.
- Puma. - Real names?
- Shimura Shoichi. - Shoji.
- Shozo. - Here.
Here.
An anti-social group of delinquents.
Who's going to buy this mishmash team?
Mr. Katsura is looking for a team to call his own.
That's all he cares and dreams about.
He'll definitely buy.
How are we going to make them look professional?
We'll enter amateur competitions and win.
- That's impossible. - Of course, it is.
Don't you have anything else to say, you big idiot?
Listen up. We're starting the boot camp right now!
Sir, we're really hungry.
- Right? - Yes.
You girls are a handful.
What do you want to eat? Meat or fish?
We want meat.
I'm so sorry.
I wasn't looking.
(Atami Cheetahs)
(We are looking for crowd funding!)
Thank you.
(Atami Cheetahs Crowd funding)
(Crowd funding for Atami Cheetahs To Take Part In The Pro League)
(For our dream of going to the pro league!)
Hanbara Atsushi, once deemed a jewel of Japanese basketball.
He finally made a comeback after a long break.
Budding speed stars, Shimura Shoichi,
Shoji,
Shozo.
The point guard from Turkey,
Ismail.
Possessing out-of-the-world physique, the power forward,
James.
And a breakout star from the University of California...
who almost made it to the NBL,
Kento Yamaguchi Simon.
Lastly, a basketball legend known as the ultimate weapon,
Igarashi.
Let's go, guys.
The team is led by a professor from New York Basketball Institute,
the master of strategy, Nobu Ikegami.
Meanwhile, I'm the team manager.
I used to work in the regional tourism board, Muto Ai.
That was Atami Cheetahs.
We've had many years of experience as the municipal club.
We were then acquired by a local corporation with more funding.
We were working toward going pro...
when our owner suddenly passed away.
We're currently facing financial issues.
If we can't secure financial support soon,
the team is in danger of disbandment.
So we decided to start a crowd funding project.
This is a pretty good team.
It has a good record against strong opponents.
Thank you so much for your help.
It's no big deal.
Thank you for your help.
Not at all. We should thank you.
Thanks to you, the founder of the team...
was able to witness the victory.
I'm sure...
he would've been proud.
Ouch! My finger!
Ouch.
They're terrible.
Everything is possible with some editing and CG.
I'll personally be involved with coaching and team management.
Please do so.
We hope you'll provide your invaluable assistance.
How much?
The cost of operation is 250 million yen a year.
I can't believe we got him so easily.
I'm surprised too.
It was as if he was buying a second-hand car.
This money is just the appetizer.
We'll inform the players right away to pull back.
There's been a change of plans. We're not retreating.
Why? We need to disappear before Katsura shows up.
Katsura said he wants to see the team in action...
before he decides whether or not to sign a three-year contract.
So I entered the team into a league.
This league is made up of 16 teams looking to go pro.
Are you guys crazy?
We have a chance to win if luck is on our side.
And we'll be doomed if it's not.
You need to stop thinking we're doomed before we play, idiot!
Once he sees us play, he'll know we're trash.
We just have to run if that happens.
We're talking about three times more money, it's 750 million.
Let's try it first, okay?
Do you want to eat me too?
You're making me sick. Go away.
(JB Cup, Amateur Basketball League)
(Day 1)
They're good.
What are we doing here?
Katsura is here.
Be confident!
The coach will say a few words.
Do your best.
Cheetahs!
Go!
(Ryonans versus Cheetahs)
We expected to lose...
But we didn't expect such a horrible loss.
It's all over.
We need to run.
Gather around.
Eat up. Don't be shy.
You need energy.
I'll watch all your future matches on the Internet from now on.
What?
I've been wanting to lead a team with guts like yours.
This is how sportsmen should be.
I agree.
- Right? Eat up. - All right.
We are digging in.
Can I have 10 more portions of backstrap and tripe?
(Live broadcast, Atami Cheetahs)
(Go for the top!)
(Go! Go! Cheetahs)
(Kochen versus Cheetahs)
(Kamakura versus Cheetahs)
- What are you doing? Hey! - What?
- Stop that. - Shut up!
You shut up!
Hey, stop! You guys!
- Go away! - You're so annoying!
That's enough.
(Sans versus Cheetahs)
Should I play?
You're the ultimate weapon.
- Send me your photo. - Okay.
There you go.
What is this? Mosu Mosu.
The referee today was being unfair.
You guys had no chance of winning.
As long as you guys did your best.
We're so lucky to have a considerate owner like you.
You're our role model.
Entrails for 10!
Good morning!
Good luck with practice today.
At this rate, we will get 750 million yen.
What's the matter?
It's weird.
We have been losing badly, but Katsura is still cheerful.
What is he really thinking?
Dako.
You've realised his true intentions, right?
True intention?
What do you mean?
Dako.
It's nothing actually.
What Mr. Katsura wants is a lousy team.
A trash team.
Trash team?
There are two reasons why the rich buy sports clubs.
Some are passionate about sports.
The rest do it as a form of tax evasion.
He belongs to the latter group.
Tax evasion?
With the wealth that he has,
Mr. Katsura can get any team he wants.
But he didn't do so.
What if that team started making money?
What he wants is a losing business.
The supposed reforms of baseball and basketball teams,
dismissing famous players and capable coaches...
were all ways to cripple the teams.
So did he buy our team because we were hopelessly bad?
But I've seen through him.
Dako, when did you realise?
At the ping-pong place.
Mr. Mustache failed to bait him while following the script.
Back then, I questioned if he really wanted a strong team.
Why did you make us practice so hard then?
Because you guys have to at least look like a pro team.
What?
The plan is going well. What's the problem?
This is totally different from what we thought.
We want to prove Katsura wrong.
Don't worry about it.
Just go on losing and we'll get the 750 million yen in no time.
We'll leave once we get the money.
Before that, just pretend to work hard and lose the matches.
(Three weeks later)
Dako.
You haven't been attending the matches recently.
Yes.
It's fine as long as they continue to lose.
They are losing, right?
Yes.
But the situation has changed a little.
Cheetahs!
Hey! That's a foul!
Referee, do your job!
(North)
Why are you guys going so hard?
If we become popular, the three-year contract will...
Number Four is very fast. Stay on him.
Stay alert when defending, screening and supporting.
We need to focus more on shooting two-pointers.
You three need to stop losing the ball.
And you need to get the rebounds.
Listen up!
Coach.
Hanbara is at his limits.
Take him out and substitute that guy in.
That guy?
The ultimate weapon.
Good idea.
As expected of the owner. Let's do that.
Sorry,
but the point of the ultimate weapon is to keep him secret.
- That's the strategy. - This is the owner's order.
The coach should be in charge of the formation.
You guys are my possessions.
We'll do as you say.
Igarashi, you'll substitute Hanbara.
Just watch. Did you think I can't play basketball?
This is called...
"First impressions are the strongest."
Could he be...
- Throw! - Stay calm.
(Igarashi. Playtime: 16 seconds)
- Do it. - All right!
(No smoking)
- Do your best. - Good luck.
Igarashi!
I love you!
Igarashi!
Let's get ready.
"Twelve losses, but they are not giving up."
"Hanbara Atsushi, middle-aged new star overcomes obstacles."
This is a special report on Cheetahs.
When did these two do the interview?
They are quite eloquent.
They made it sound so impressive.
We gave James an American identity, but he said he's from Ghana.
The clubhouse has been abuzz with activities.
The merchandises are selling like hotcakes.
A lot of media are lining up to interview the players.
What are Boku and the rest doing?
They gathered at 6am to practice.
Summer training at the municipal boat bridge?
You guys might be popular, but if this continues,
the Cheetahs will start to make money.
The three-year contract will go up in smoke!
What will you do then?
We just want to win a match.
Wake up, Boku!
You can't win!
Richard, say something.
I think...
we should let them win.
Coach!
This is game over.
He is calling.
This is a list of the new players.
Hanbara is past his prime.
The three brothers are problematic.
James is lacking in skills.
Igarashi needs to go too.
Get on with the recruitment. Put them on the next match.
These players have no record to speak of.
You agreed to listen to my orders, right?
You guys can go too if you disagree.
We'll definitely do what you want.
All right. It's all over.
Due to your passionate actions, the team is now popular.
Mr. Katsura can no longer evade his taxes.
So, most of you are dismissed.
New players will join the team starting tomorrow.
So is this team disbanding today?
Yes!
Thanks to you guys, the three-year contract is off.
But at least we still have the 250 million yen.
We'll leave now.
Okay, pack up.
What about the match?
Didn't you hear what I said?
There's no need to continue with the act.
Our goal is money, right? We got the 250 million yen.
Ms. Dako.
I don't need...
the money.
Ms. Dako!
Even if we leave now,
there is nothing out there for us.
Ms. Dako.
I've learned how to shoot.
Ms. Tako.
I'm not Tako. It's Dako.
Ms. Dako, I want to play basketball.
How dare you say such a famous line?
Dako.
Is there a way to keep this team?
There isn't.
We should let them win at least once.
I want to win too, just one time.
Dako, just one more match.
That's all we ask for.
Let us play this match.
Please!
(Katsura Kimihiko)
Help him!
Cover him!
Hey, take the ball and go!
(Cheetahs)
Good!
Watch the defense.
Keep it up! The first half will be over soon!
No foul!
Good job!
Go!
Good job, guys.
- Boku, get the rebounds. - Yes!
- Three of you, support Hanbara. - Yes.
- Mr. Kebab, watch your position. - Yes.
- James, you need to score more! - Yes!
- And me? - You wait!
Cheetahs!
Go!
You guys go ahead.
I clearly fired them. Why are they still playing?
You have got some guts to oppose my orders.
Say goodbye to the three-year contract.
You all are fired.
Also, I want my 250 million yen back for breach of contract.
You are...
This is the 250 million yen.
We would have returned it to you without you asking.
There is no way we'll work with someone who hates sports.
Not just hate.
We despise you if you're doing this for revenge.
It could be tax evasion,
but to react so strongly towards his own team gaining popularity...
is much too odd.
Mr. Mustache.
Can you help me check something on Katsura?
The more you find out the better.
You were never good at sports since young.
So you developed a hatred toward sports.
Come on!
- Get over here. - Come on!
Catch the ball, Katsura!
Back! It's at the back.
Go back!
You should quit.
Kick the ball!
You were bullied and ridiculed.
You refused to go to school because you hated PE.
I like you. Please go out with me.
- Okay. - Thank you!
Be it middle school or high school,
the girls you liked were all taken by the sports clubs' captains.
It's delicious.
I'm glad.
The app you created as a student was a massive hit,
but your happy marriage with a beautiful wife...
didn't last very long.
What is this?
You caught your wife cheating.
And the guy happened to be a soccer player.
After the divorce,
you locked yourself at home for some time.
And then you started managing sports clubs.
I've been wanting to lead a team with guts like yours.
You use money to order them around as you please.
By doing this,
you're seeking revenge on sports, the biggest obstacle in your life.
Mr. Katsura.
We understand how you feel, but what you're doing is wrong.
Sports itself is not the problem.
Shut up. Who do you think you are?
What do you know?
People who do sports...
are a bunch of idiots who only know how to move their limbs.
They are only thinking about women.
They're just animals, despicable animals!
And I...
made a name for myself with this!
Smart people...
treat those single cell animals as their pets.
What's wrong with that?
I feed them what they deserve!
Boku.
If Hanbara doesn't get a break,
I'll have to play.
Boku, get on the court.
Let's get a free throw.
Free throw!
Sorry.
You're right.
Those three brothers...
do seem like they are single cell animals.
- Hey! - Hey!
- What are you doing? - Stop!
But even single cell animals can evolve to become humans.
That's the power of sports.
Realizing your talent and finding your own position.
That is also sports.
No.
It's not just about people who are good at sports.
Mr. Kebab had no talent whatsoever in sports.
But he practiced shooting over and over again.
Hanbara is pretty much an old man.
He walks like a robot.
His stamina is probably worse than yours.
But many people place their hopes on him.
Hanbara!
That was beautiful, Hanbara!
(Sanno versus Cheetahs)
Nice shot!
The last minute! Put everything into the defense!
Besides,
People who really hate sports...
wouldn't want anything to do with it.
You actually like it, don't you?
I mean, you took part in all sorts of sports clubs as a kid.
Baseball, soccer, swimming and judo.
Despite being bullied...
and sidelined.
You actually love sports...
very much.
Mr. Katsura.
I'm giving you a chance to be the owner of this great team.
Whether you sign the three-year contract...
or take the 250 million yen and continue your hatred,
it's up to you.
- Hey! - Hey!
Hanbara!
Cover him!
Last five seconds!
Go!
The left hand is to hold the ball.
Go in!
We won!
No count!
Cheetahs!
This is the Atami Cheetahs, who is new to the pro league.
The team is rallying around their captain, Shimura Shoichi.
Stay calm, Three Brothers. Pass safely.
Defense! That's it!
Good shot! James' slam dunk is so good!
Abu Bakar Abdul Iyebo scores!
The announcer is awesome.
Look at the crowd. It's a full house.
Delicious Turkish kebab for sale.
Ismail is selling kebab on the stands.
He's throwing the food to the customers.
That's a point guard for you.
Hey, those three fans are all pregnant.
That's because they married the Three Brothers.
- Really? - Yes.
Hanbara Atsushi, their interim coach,
is going on the court.
Here comes the legend!
Let's have a word with the coach and captain.
We finally got the win!
A word from Shimura.
We are grateful for your support.
Thank you!
He is all grown up.
Let's hear from the owner too.
I'd like to thank the original members of the team.
The ex-player, coach and manager...
that I've lost contact with.
You showed me how wonderful sports truly is.
Thank you.
Lastly, please say a few words to your fans.
Thank you for always supporting us.
So noisy!
Why must you watch here?
Why aren't you watching Cheetahs' match?
It was their first win as a pro team.
Cheetahs?
Who?
Are you for real? It's the team you created.
I have no interest in sports.
It's a waste of energy.
Isn't there a sport you would like to try?
A sport I want to try?
Tennis or whatnot, I'll play with you.
Let sweat purify your dirty heart.
(The Sports, End)
It's the finale.
We'll be welcoming Sato Ryuta to our biggest scam yet.
This has been Igarashi reporting.
I messed up.
(The Confidence Man JP will be adapted to film!)