We found evidence...
of Yoshioka Keigo being abused at home.
The mom...
was eavesdropping on him.
Keigo's voice. They're all gone.
I got violent...
toward Hinata.
What did you do to my daughter?
What did you do? Get out!
I will have your head if you dare to hurt Hinata!
What is Kasumi planning?
She said what happened to Keigo...
was the same as what happened to her back then.
She wants to find out the truth.
Did you see the contents?
Yes.
The one who caused Yoshioka to be targeted in class...
was you, wasn't it?
Yes.
It was me.
I caused him to be targeted.
But...
I only planted the seed.
Seed?
You saw the student profile, right?
I prepare these data whenever I receive a new student.
How is their personality?
What is the best way to approach them?
What needs to be improved? I write all these down.
(Problems since junior high school)
I started meddling with Yoshioka...
at the start of June.
Watanabe.
Come here.
What is it?
I shouldn't be asking you this,
but how are things lately?
Did you cause any trouble in class recently?
Trouble?
Nothing of that sort.
Really?
Yes.
I see.
Maybe Yoshioka is mistaken.
Did Keigo say something?
No, nothing.
Looks like everything is fine.
We'll end the homeroom here today.
By the way, Yoshioka.
Yes.
Please see me at the office later.
All right.
Well then, keep working hard.
Yes.
Keigo.
Do you have a problem with me?
What?
Stop your pretense.
What are you talking about, Junya?
Tell me straight to my face if you've got a problem.
Watanabe's animosity toward Yoshioka started from there.
But that was because Watanabe decided on his own will to act out.
I told you.
I only planted the seed.
But you provoked him to do it.
He rallied the other students to gang up on Yoshioka.
That was Watanabe's wrongdoing.
Same with the recording.
When Hasebe caused the ruckus,
I saw Watanabe at the side recording the ordeal.
He was the one who decided to kill himself.
Hey.
(Copying)
(Completed)
Mr. Kirishima.
Thank you for your hard work.
I took the video, but I didn't upload it.
He tried to defend his actions,
but he is actually more superficial than what he presumed.
Even if I didn't do anything,
he'd still share it on the Internet sooner or later.
So you were the one who uploaded the video.
Did you just find out?
Why?
Why did you do these things to your own students?
This is my way of educating.
You should know how teachers are mostly powerless nowadays.
The guardians start complaining whenever something happens.
It's impossible to properly teach the problematic students a lesson.
This doesn't mean I support corporal punishment.
I'm just trying to redefine a teacher's worth in the school.
If we only need to teach knowledge, you can get it in the tuition class.
A teacher's worth in the school?
It's rethinking how we approach a problem.
Giving out the proper penalty...
before they step into the real world.
For instance, having subtle favoritism...
or writing a less than stellar review for the school survey.
Most teachers are doing these things every day.
It happens everywhere in the society too.
Are you saying it's not wrong for a teacher to do that?
Of course, it's wrong.
I am not qualified to be a teacher.
But to be treated this way,
they themselves are problematic to begin with.
Don't you feel any guilt toward the students at all?
Besides,
Yoshioka is already...
I think you should blame that crazy mom for his death.
Don't try to pin it on me.
You too...
kept the fact that Yoshioka confessed to you a secret.
Ms. Hinata.
I like you.
I want you to be my girlfriend.
It happened a day before he killed himself, right?
There is a bigger likelihood that it pushed him over the edge,
compared to what I did.
I...
I don't think I'm blameless in all this.
That's because you are too naive and rigid.
I'm not going to blame it on you...
nor am I going to feel guilty about it.
You and Shirai Kasumi probably think that I'm the biggest culprit.
Too bad, I'm just a little pawn in the big scheme of things.
Yoshioka's mom is the real killer.
That's already been settled.
Is that so?
If the school finds out the truth...
I will probably be penalized.
At the same time,
everyone would hear about Yoshioka's confession.
And you...
will lose the trust of the students.
Frankly speaking, I'm annoyed that my plan was found out.
After all, it's more beneficial for all parties...
to have a good relationship with the school counselor.
(Episode 9)
I'm going out.
Are you not eating breakfast?
No.
Okay. How about dinner?
I've decided to make vinegar pork after a long time.
I'm not sure when I'll be home.
Is that so? I'll leave some for you.
This can be considered abuse, right?
This is unbelievable.
It's not normal behavior.
She installed tapping devices in the kid's room.
What was she thinking?
It's not surprising that he wanted to die for being treated this way.
That mom is terrible.
I think she wanted to know exactly what her son was thinking.
- That pushed her... - See you later.
into doing it.
This is typical toxic parenting.
The term "toxic parent" has become more common.
Cases of parents being overly pushy or neglectful are on the rise....
and they're causing serious mental harm...
to the children.
(Eavesdropping and other strange behaviors of toxic parents...)
(who drove their son to suicide.)
(Eavesdropping since his first year)
Ms. Hinata!
Listen!
Is it your boyfriend again?
Technically speaking, it's my ex. We broke up yesterday.
I see. Why?
I didn't think our personalities matched.
I had enough of his hot and cold.
But when I said we should break up,
"It's your fault."
He said that to me.
Don't you think it's too much?
Indeed.
Right?
I'm going to find myself a better man next time.
You scared me. What is it?
Are you okay, Ms. Hinata?
Usually, you don't even listen to my love stories for five seconds.
Really?
You're making me worry.
Did something happen between you and your fiance?
You're pretty sensitive when it comes to that, Ms. Oomiya.
Was I right?
(Kirishima's computer data)
What do you plan to do after this?
Ms. Aizawa is worried about you.
She doesn't want you to get into trouble.
To be honest, I think it's better that way.
I can sense...
that you're unsure.
Why?
Even though...
Mr. Kirishima was the one who instigated the problems,
But the fact is, the one who bullied you...
was me.
(Yoshioka Makiko received a text on the morning of November 24.)
(It said, "Mom, it's your fault I'm dead.)
How is it staying at the hotel?
I'm sure it's not very convenient.
It's fine.
My dad also thinks that it is better for me...
to stay at the hotel instead of home.
I see.
When can we find out whether the welfare center...
is going to take action regarding my case?
They will decide after speaking to your parents.
If it's going to benefit you,
they might let you go home.
I wonder.
Mom probably hates me.
Dad is living with another woman.
There is no place for me there.
To Mom,
Keigo had been her inner pillar all the while.
Because he was very kind.
Unlike me.
That's not true.
You're kind too.
Last time,
I asked Keigo something.
Hey.
Yes?
Does Mom...
hate me?
Of course not.
I think she likes you.
But...
you know she's not very good at expressing herself.
Hearing that,
it made me feel even more lonely.
I thought...
Keigo could understand Mom's feelings that I couldn't.
I'll have to quit my job.
It's all over the news.
The divorce agreement I gave you two years ago, can you hand it in?
You've been patient for the sake of Keigo.
I...
wanted to have a proper family.
For the children...
and for myself.
What...
did I do wrong?
Where did I go wrong?
You're overbearing when you do that.
Ms. Hinata.
I...
called my mom recently.
I thought I should meet her.
Really?
I...
haven't seen her since the incident.
I can't live with you anymore.
Thank you for taking care of me.
I think after our separation,
I'd be able to face her with a more level head.
And...
regarding Hasebe.
I hope you'll go out with me.
Can't it be me?
I'll meet my mom...
and then give him my answer.
I see.
I support you.
Thank you.
You're a strong person. Really.
I should learn from you.
Learn?
From me?
Yes.
One by one,
I...
need to face it.
When I was 12 years old,
I stopped replying to the diary that Mom started writing...
since elementary school.
She got angry at me over that.
I was stubborn and refused to give in.
Because...
I didn't want to add to the promises I couldn't keep.
To mom,
I was...
Hello.
Sorry for calling you so late.
Are you free right now?
Yes.
Are you done with work?
I'm on my way home.
How about you?
I'm already at home.
I see.
It's been a while since we met,
I was thinking we could have dinner if you were out.
I wanted to meet and talk over things properly.
Kazu.
I think we should...
stop seeing each other.
Are you saying...
I'm sorry for being violent with you.
But...
breaking up over that one time...
I must say that I can't accept it.
I won't do it again.
I promise.
If we cancel the wedding now,
my parents will be heartbroken.
It's not your fault.
The problem is with me.
What do you mean?
I...
I really enjoyed our time together.
You're nice.
You've been so supportive.
But,
I finally realized.
Although we've dated for three years,
I have never once imagined...
how it'd be...
for us to be married...
and start a family in the future.
I...
think I have been avoiding it all this while.
I have yet to have the courage to stand up to my mom.
Hinata.
I...
I think...
it's the same for you too.
What you wish for the most...
is for your parents to acknowledge you,
right?
Sorry.
I have said too much.
The point is,
at this moment,
I am unable to respond to your feelings.
I...
am very sorry.
(Recording from Yoshioka Emiri)
Kojima.
You sure seem to be relaxed.
We just received some intriguing news.
What?
- Is it entertainment-related again? - It's part social news.
Imasago Yuka, who was condemned last year for adultery,
was arrested.
Arrested?
For doing drugs?
No.
For murder.
Gosh, this is huge.
An active celebrity actually killed someone.
The Internet has blown up.
It's on all the news portals.
I'm one of her fans, you know.
I was feeling down when she was caught cheating last year.
Now it's murder.
But after this news broke,
Yoshioka's suicide case has totally been buried.
I'm not sure whether to be happy or not.
Mr. Kirishima.
Yes?
How are the students of Class 1B doing recently?
Nothing special.
I think they've calmed down.
Excuse me.
Calmed down?
I'm not sure whether that's worth being happy about either.
That's all the reminders.
If there's nothing else, homeroom...
Sir.
Yes, Sawai.
We suggested this to you before.
We'd like to pay our respects at Keigo's house.
Can't we do that?
You have all seen the reports.
Yoshioka's family is problematic to begin with.
So don't feel obliged to do anything.
Are you saying...
that Yoshioka's family has problems and we don't?
If possible,
I'd like to apologize for the things I've done.
Me too.
I wish to send him off properly.
I understand where you all are coming from.
But this is just a form of self-satisfaction.
From the school's perspective, we don't want to make things worse.
Time will heal all wounds.
Focus on your own life.
That's all.
I see.
Mr. Kirishima said that.
He is probably right,
but we don't feel good about it.
I guess so.
Honestly speaking, we don't know either.
If we went to apologize, everything would be settled.
We know it won't happen like that.
Settled?
It's tough, isn't it?
What matters to us...
is finding out what Yoshioka was thinking.
I asked you about it before.
Why did Yoshioka die?
I still don't understand.
Me neither.
I've seen the news.
He would've been angry that his mom eavesdropped on him,
but I don't think that was bad enough to kill himself.
Ms. Hinata, thank you for your hard work.
You too.
Are you free today?
How about dinner together?
I still have work to finish up.
- How about tomorrow? - Hey, Mr. Kitami.
- What? - You're being too pushy.
It would be obvious I told you the secret.
Mr. Kirishima.
Thanks for your hard work. What is it?
The students told me about what happened during homeroom.
I see.
They're quite determined.
Even though it has been settled.
In their minds, the matter has not been settled.
You should try and see things from their perspective.
You already know where I stand...
and yet you're asking for the impossible.
Anyway, the one who should counsel and advice them...
is your responsibility.
Mr. Kirishima.
Why did you have to do that to Yoshioka?
I have reasons to penalize him.
When Yoshioka joined the school,
his mom spoke to me.
You're Mr. Kirishima, right?
Yes, I am.
I am the mom of Yoshioka Keigo...
from Class 1B.
I wanted to come and greet you.
You're too kind.
I hope you'll look out for Keigo.
That boy is quite sensitive so I'm very worried.
All right.
I will do my best.
Previously,
you taught at Aoba Chuo High School in Sendai, right?
Is there a problem?
I hope you'll be more careful that the same problem...
doesn't repeat itself.
Problem?
Yes.
In my previous school,
a female student accused me of sexual harassment.
I was forced to resign.
That mom must have heard about the incident.
If she hadn't brought it up on purpose,
I wouldn't have set my eyes on Yoshioka.
What a foolish guardian.
Actually,
they might not do the same things,
but most of the guardians are foolish.
"My child is very sweet. I hope you'll watch out for him."
If a problem arises,
they are quick to give excuses.
When the parent doesn't know how to express love...
or educate in the right way,
it's easy for the child to go astray.
What do you expect teachers to do in such a situation?
Is that what started it all?
The way you're treating students now...
is because of what happened in the previous school.
I...
wonder about it myself.
I'm sure nothing good is going to come from the students...
visiting Yoshioka's house.
That mom would probably say mean things and they'll get hurt.
I know at least that much.
I'll be off.
See you.
Ms. Hinata.
Are you okay?
Mr. Kitami.
Perhaps,
did you and Mr. Kirishima get into an argument?
The atmosphere in the office was a little heavy just now.
It's nothing.
Thank you for asking.
If you don't mind,
you can come talk to me if you're troubled.
I...
am on your side.
You're such a good person.
You're able to express your feelings so sincerely.
What?
I guess I'm too simple-minded.
Let me make you some coffee.
Thank you.
(Yoshioka Emiri)
Thank you for coming.
I called the sister, wanting to give this to her.
She told me to give it to you instead.
These are the recordings the mom made.
Emiri wanted me to give it a listen.
The people are talking about the celebrity killer now.
They're bored with this case. There is no use for me to keep this.
You really stick to your guns, don't you?
This is what I do.
But I do have my opinions.
People get riled up when something happens.
When a new thing pops up, their attention quickly changes.
You've said it yourself.
They have fun with these incidents.
Those pretending to know everything,
they say we should take heed.
It's all bluff.
If humans actually learned from their mistakes,
the world would have been a much peaceful place.
In Yoshioka's case report,
a commentator from a TV station said this.
He killed himself...
because he wanted to be free from his mom's clutches.
It was the ultimatum that he gave up his life for.
Hearing that, I suddenly saw how foolish the idea is.
Why?
Because he failed to see that the outcome...
is validating the act of suicide.
Wasn't there a point in time when a kid who killed himself...
wrote down the names of his bullies in his will?
It was all over the media.
Others kids that saw the news became inspired.
They could do the same if they were bullied.
They believed people would help avenge them.
Aren't you part of the media too?
That's true.
I'm done with beating myself up for it.
Looking at how things are,
this case will probably be swept under the rug.
There is no will.
Why was the whole room painted in black?
Who is the real culprit?
The puzzle hasn't been solved.
The real culprit?
You think the mom is at fault, right?
That's just a conclusion deduced from her eavesdropping.
If we put aside the eavesdropping and threatening of other students,
I won't deny that his mom loved him.
Here, give it a listen.
(Tsubakigaoka High School)
(Recording from Yoshioka Emiri)
Kei, I made you tea.
Thank you.
You're working very hard.
You need to know your limit.
Okay.
Mom.
What is it?
I'm sorry for worrying you.
What are you talking about?
It's a given that I'd worry about you.
My goodness.
Let me see.
What are you working on?
This question?
How about the one before?
Kei.
Hello.
You've reached the counseling room at Tsubakigaoka High School.
Is it Ms. Aizawa?
This is Mochizuki.
Mochizuki? What's the matter?
Kasumi has gone missing.
She is not answering calls.
I'm worried that she has gone after Mr. Kirishima.
Why are you in such a rush?
Where is Mr. Kirishima?
He left not long ago.
(Tsubakigaoka High School)
Kasumi.
Juli called you, didn't she?
Did she say I might be going after Kirishima?
Yes.
- That's why... - I saw him leaving just now.
I hesitated about attacking him.
I didn't do it.
The one I cannot forgive...
is the last person who pushed Keigo over the edge.
That's why I attacked the two people who were on the news and Internet.
I became suspicious of Kirishima...
because I had a feeling that...
he was the one who created the opening for me to be bullied.
He pretended to be a caring teacher.
But he turned a blind eye over what happened.
After talking to Ms. Miyazaki,
I realized that the same thing is happening.
What about Yoshioka's mom?
I knew that the woman coddled Keigo too much.
Also,
she probably eavesdropped on Keigo...
because of me.
She started eavesdropping one year ago...
after Keigo left home, right?
It was the day...
when Keigo pushed Juli down the stairs for me.
Besides,
I'm the one responsible for dirtying Keigo's hands.
He was actually a kind soul.
Why did you set them free?
Domestic rabbits will not survive in the wild.
You're just killing them by doing this.
That's what the feeders believe.
Giving them food...
and a comfortable place to live.
They think the other party would be grateful for their care.
I think that's very selfish.
There's no way out if you're kept in a cage or an aquarium.
Keigo.
I don't think what I'm doing is right.
I'm just setting them free for what I believe in.
So...
he set the rabbits free.
I still don't get it.
Why did Keigo...
asked to do such a thing for me?
I don't want you to dirty your hands.
I'll do it.
Because I want to.
It's better like that.
If I had told him no...
If I had stopped him...
Keigo might still be alive right now.
I will never know...
since he is dead.
I can no longer ask anything.
It's the same for me.
I didn't understand his feelings.
What?
The day before he died,
he confessed to me.
He told me to go out with him.
Sorry for not telling you.
Maybe...
that was his signal for help.
Did you reject him?
Yes.
What a wimp if Keigo killed himself because he was rejected.
I think it's time for me to find a resolution too.
Resolution?
I can't say for sure,
but I believe that it's wrong to be fixated on finding...
who caused his death.
What I should be doing...
is not to find the culprit.
Ms. Hinata.
Can you accompany me to the police?
Sure.
Let's go.
Please...
pass this along for me.
(Kirishima's computer data)
Did you want to see me?
I heard from Ms. Aizawa...
about an additional report on Yoshioka's case.
To be honest, I'm shocked by the contents.
I wanted to hear it from you.
Do you have something to say?
Shirai Kasumi made a copy of the data...
in Mr. Kirishima's computer and passed it to me.
Mr. Kirishima.
You...
It's just as you saw.
Do as you wish.
I'm sorry to inform you this.
In order to keep this from the other students and teachers,
I hope you'll tender your resignation.
All right.
But...
Before that,
I too have something to report about Ms. Aizawa.
If it's regarding Yoshioka's confession to me,
I've already reported it.
Just like you said,
I'm also a person full of secrets.
I'm ready...
to bear responsibility for that.
(Resignation letter)
So you came prepared.
I'm back.
Welcome home.
I'm about to cook.
It's stew. Do you want to eat?
Yes.
I'll come and help you.
All right.
- Please do this too. - Okay.
You've always liked stew, right?
Yes.
(Tomorrow's promise)
(To 12-year-old Hinata)
(The last episode)
A tragedy happened at school.
There's one person...
that I cannot forgive over this matter.
That person is...
Quit? Mr. Kirishima?
Another teacher has resigned.
Punishing the students and guardians that displease you,
is that the kind of education you are hoping for?
I don't think there's anything wrong with what Ms. Aizawa said.
Being criticized by me isn't something to be happy about.
Lastly, I'd like to tell everyone...