Oh, that hurts!
Hey, let's hurry up!
Okay.
[ 2014 ]
From now, we'll now going to give our firm response...
...regarding the investigation report of the third-party commitee.
First of all,
at this moment,
I sincerely apologize for the improper accounting that was done.
I'm Haibara of Yamato Shinbun.
Earlier, you said it was an "improper accounting",
but it's a fraudulent accounting and it's a serious misconduct,
do you recognize it that way instead?
Over the past seven years, it's 150 billion yen.
Can you give an explanation as to why you did not take...
...appropriate actions sooner?
Well, as I said earlier,
the third-party committee said “improper accounting”…
Masaki, were there any changes?
Yes.
How's Haibara-san doing there?
As usual, she's on fire.
Right?
Yes.
Can you able to follow her?
I'll be leaving,
and you will be her sub-cap. [ Cap, a top reporter at a newspaper's local office ]
Then. Matsuoka-san, have you decided to change work?
Yes.
But it's still unofficial.
With the next change, finally there's a way for hope.
Thank goodness.
- Excuse me, from Yamato Shinbun. - Yes.
A weekly publisher wants you to go to the conference.
Weekly publisher?
Where is that?
Please, sir.
You're responsible for it too?
Long time no see.
Do you want to interview?
If you're an observer, you can't ask nor speak.
Understood.
Could you leave a business card?
That's the rules of the club.
Pardon me.
I'm now working at Shinjidai. [New age]
Give me yours too.
So you're being promoted as one's sub-cap.
How about you?
Like what you said,
will you be able to write a significant article?
I have no regrets.
Do you know him?
He's my colleague before.
Eh...
You have already known each other?
Why at a weekly publications...?
Yes. Matsuoka here.
That's what I said!
This half-cooked manuscript shouldn't be send!
Rewrite it in 10 minutes!
Oh, Matsuoka!
Wait for a moment. I'm almost finish.
Yes, sir.
I have already decided.
I'm going to enter politics division starting next week.
Politics? I mean, but...
I know.
You're scheduled to work at Finance Division,
but the situation has changed.
I can't believe that.
Anyway, I worked hard in the team for two years.
In the end, why politics...
It's an urgent situation.
Maiasa Shinbun calls for early retirement then recruits.
You know that?
The babyboomers who were caught in the conditions quit sooner than expected,
and it need someone who can be their immediate asset right away.
That's why, Politics Division was made.
Can you help me?
You'll surely return to the Economics Divison in one year.
As what you wish, you'll become the head of Finance later.
I promise that.
Okay.
Well then.
A safe with lots of cash was found...
...from a landfill in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Tax reporters are now hooking up on the scene.
Something happened?
Apparently, they found a safe with a lot of money.
- Safe? - Yes.
This morning, at 10 a.m.,
there was a report that...
...a safe with 150 million cash was found
From what was discovered, the safe is deep underground of the landfill.
Most likely that it may have been buried there unnaturally.
We talked directly to the construction site workers who were notified.
After the safe is buried,
it was said that it had never been opened.
That's all from here.
Shibata-san.
You've worked hard.
I have a material.
I came to congratulate you on returning to Investigation Division One.
Pardon me, I have to go now.
Look, see that.
A detective from the central office doesn't have anything to do with weekly publications.
By the way,
have you heard that a safe was found in a landfill in Minato-ku?
At a former home on the gulf coast, right?
What's with "by the way"? Did you come to let me hear that?
We didn't wrote that leaked material before, didn't I gave it to you later?
Actually,
I was a bit worried.
This is real.
It's quite old.
It seems to have been buried for a long time.
There's 150 million on it.
Have you known the owner of it?
The owners have to come to the mountains.
But everything went different.
How was it decided?
Don't write about this.
Judge it based from the source.
It's not Yukichi but Shotoku Taishi?
Based from what I discerned, this seemed to be from NFB.
If it's NFB...
You mean Nihon Fudosan Shinyo Bank.
But they don't have it currently.
It seemed to be a bank with bad credit.
Well, it's not even reliable money.
- Ah, yes. That's right. - Right. That's the case. Yes.
Say,
where is the manager's desk?
I'm Matsuoka who'll work here starting today.
Good morning!
The manager is here.
Good morning, Atsuku-san.
In today's morning news, the case of Kawatani done by his secretary was overlooked.
His ankle that got injured from the traffic incident is almost cured.
It's prospected that he'll return to public service one week after.
What shall we do?
I don't know Maiasa's source but the back part of the article has been removed.
After contacting the Secretary General's [SG] official residence and his sister,
we learned that the plastered ankle will be removed soon.
Is it okay to post a follow-up article in the evening papers?
Hey!
You there.
Ah... I'm sorry.
I'll be taking care of you from today.
I'm Matsuoka.
What do you think?
Pardon?
Were you listening?
It's about whether or not to post...
...an article that SG Kawatani is about to return to public service...
...in the morning paper.
Since it was removed on the back part, I think it must be published.
The return of SG Kawatani...
...is significant to change the direction of the Ashihara administration.
The Maiasa can't just omit it and keep silent.
I've been studying politics for the time being.
But I'm not qualified for it.
It was just this photo.
Kawatani's ankle is not the only one injured,
his cervical spine is also severly damaged.
He still needs to have oxygen support.
Do you think he can return to public service in a week under this state?
Then, did the Maiasa has made misinformation?
To see Nagata-cho's reaction,
the prime minister's secretary deliberately gripped that faked information.
That's why all of you...
...didn't able to verify it with your own eyes.
He successfuly confused you.
I'll find out right away who's the SG's successor.
It's chairman Miura Seicho.
Kawatani had resigned three days later.
Where did you got these information?
I'll provide a manuscript.
I told you to give me your battle-ready forces.
Anyway, for one week,
you'll be working at the Prime Minister's official residence.
The cap from there is Nomizu.
I understood, sir.
After that, where will I belong to?
I'll decide for it after assessing your aptitude.
Well, it's not a world where amateurs can do it.
Don't do anything unnecessary.
I have been told to help you.
If you don't need me, then please return me to the Economics Division.
If you run away within half a day,
I'll do that.
Gosh, we've been already continuously doing stakeout for 5 hours.
I came here for the literature, so I'll hope you'll give your best.
I wanted to do celebrity interviews then make gravures.
Even with the desk at Shigemori,
I'm not even interested in celebrity affairs, drunk-driving...
...and troublesome idols.
Then,
how about...
...this?
What is this?
Don't tell the desk about this yet.
It's about the money on a safe.
The numbers 8 and 1 here...
...the year this money were issued by the Bank of Japan.
This combination of letters and numbers...
...indicates which bank the Bank of Japan designated the money.
In this case, it's the Nihon Fudosan Shinyo Bank.
In other words, what was in the safe...
...was being issued by the Bank of Japan in 1981.
Even the money was supplied to the Nihon Fudosan Shinyo Bank.
I guess so, but what's interesting about this?
Nihon Fudosan Shinyo Bank...
...seems to have been rumored to be connected to politicians and gangs.
It's from the politician's wallet.
This is the story.
A politician's wallet?
This money... may make someone in peril.
The Prime Minister is here!
Don't cross the line there!
Prime Minister Ashihara, good morning.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
What happened to the Secretary General?
- Prime Minster! - Please!
- A word please, Prime Minister! - Prime Minister Ashihara!
Matsuoka, this is getting bad,
but can you attend the regular meeting of SG to be done by Kondo?
Kondo-san's?
One of Kondo-san's reporter took a rest due to poor physical condition.
Well, they only do the usual questions and answers,
so you just need to listen and input them.
I understood.
Last night, it occurred in the East China Sea.
Regarding the trouble between fishing boats,
the government regards the fishing boats of both countries as accidental.
We think that we're not on the stage to do negotiation through diplomatic channels.
Please go ahead.
I'm Hayama from the Maiasa Shinbun.
What will be Prime Minister Ashihara's speech at the next UN General Assembly?
UN General Assembly will continue for a long time.
With Japan's consistent commitment to bring peace,
I will transmit a message about that right thing.
I understood. Thank you.
Please go ahead.
I'm Matsuoka of Yamato Shinbun.
Well, the other day,
regarding information on SG Kawatani's return to public service,
there was a setting that was made confusing,
what do the SG think about that?
I can't answer that question on behalf of the government.
Please ask about that towards the party.
Since you were positioned at the official residence,
there's a rumor that you dare gave the wrong information.
As the administration's spokesman,
please let me know the SG's opinion.
I can't give an opinion in each of that rumors.
Then, what can you say as a politic individual?
Rather as that individual,
I'm someone who's on the government's side.
I'm afraid I can't answer that as the party's movement was hard to see.
- One more question. - That's enough.
At a landfill in Minato-ku,
an old safe with 150 million was discovered.
The public seems created a fuss,
so how do the SG think about it?
What kind of question is that?
The police should investigate about it quietly.
I understood. Thank you for the answer.
Is there anything else?
Then, we'll end up to here.
You must read the atmosphere.
Say, from the Yamato Shinbun.
I'm from Maiasa Shinbun, but you asked a lot of questions.
Eh?
Don't bring up again that misinformation thing in front of Kondo-san again.
I didn't ask that question with that intention.
I'm saying you should have gone out since you don't know the rules!
Please stop that.
[ Prime Minister's office press club ]
Matsuoka, what have you done?
I just checked and see what kind of person Kondo is.
I assumed that we will have Q&A, but he didn't know.
I asked a question for which I didn't got an aswer.
Well...
On the whole part, it didn't make any sense at all.
I didn't even looked at Kondo's expression,
and I just lined up some obstacle questions.
It's different there from the Economics Division.
What's the core question here is that...
since it's Nagatacho's style, you'll just have informal talks and listen to the answers.
Then, you must have hated it.
That's not true, though.
Eh?
You'll have an informal talk at 6:30.
You were called by Kondo-san.
Infomal talk?
It's a round-table conference where only Kondo's reporters can participate.
I have never heard of such exception from him.
It seems that you were able to participate in Kondo's informal talks.
Yes.
Regarding the fishing boat issue on the East China Sea,
I've heard the government's real intention on it.
Maybe, you're happy about it.
No...
It's just informal talks. Don't get it wrong.
Together with the beat reporter, we're able to get a following-the-crowd article.
I can't even expect some scoop which is just from us.
Okay.
Enter in the top league.
From there,
a political reporter can get real information.
What is top league?
The view you see changes dramatically.
Enough with the Prime Minister.
Get something from SG Kondo tomorrow.
[ Top League ]
[ Episode 1 ]
- Ohata. - Yes.
Where did Sakai go?
I have no idea.
Geez...
I was being hated by our president.
I don't like to take scoops that were just gotten here and there.
Ah! Then, what about this?
I have written a proposal.
Next month, an Academy actor will come to Japan.
It will be a long interview then gravured. [ An image produced from etching a plate through an intaglio process and producing a print from it. ]
Haven't this Academy actor had an affair?
That's impoliteness.
Shocking confession, industry's backside, corruption, scandal...
Other than these, just leave that elsewhere.
Enough with that. I'll be on a stakeout.
The dog is just fine.
I'm sorry. It's just okay. I like dogs.
I'm emotionally attached to it.
I'm Sakai from Shukan Shinjidai.
You're Kubo Tamio-san, right?
It may be rude, but I've been waiting for you.
I've heard that you worked at Nihon Fudosan Shinyo Bank.
Can you tell me more about it?
That bank went bankrupt 20 years ago.
Are you interested in these old stories?
Did you know that a safe...
...was found in a landfill in Minato-ku?
I saw it in the news.
Actually, it was said...
...that the money in the safe was from Nihon Fudosan Shinyo Bank.
Ah, I see.
It amounted to 150 million.
If you know who owns it, that will be a scoop.
Kubo-san, for about 15 years since 1970,
you' have been coming to the General Affairs Department of that bank, right?
If you remember the major clients at that time,
I hope that you could tell me about it.
That's been ages ago.
Even if I say something about it,
I don't think it will be useful for you.
Is that so?
If you remember something again,
please contact me.
Does that guy, Kubo Tamio, know something about that money?
Probably.
I checked it,
at that time, the GA department of that bank...
...was in-charge of a special mission.
Mission?
The approaching extortionists tries to exploit the bank,
and interacts with gangsters.
Kubo Tamio, the director,
should have been aware of all the suspicious cash flows.
You're really into it.
Even if that money is dangerous,
the money that was issued in 1981,
the fact that those were crisp banknotes,
had been talked 30 years ago.
Every case has its statute of limitations.
Why make it a scoop?
It's not just an enormous amount of money.
But,
a few years after the money was issued in 1981,
do you remember what happened later in 1984?
It's a Cluster case.
I see.
At that time, America's largest aircraft maker, Cluster,
devote a huge amount of money...
...to the Japanese business community to market aircraft.
The Prime Minister at that time was arrested.
It's the largest post-war scandalous case.
Cluster has distributed three routes for the money.
First,
Nichia Airlines, which was considering purchasing a passenger aircraft,
received an illegal rebate from Cluster.
It handed money to the Diet members and strong bureaucrats of transportation administration.
Nichia Route.
The other was a Japanese agency for Cluster.
It's Teito Commerical Affairs, the Teito Route.
Regarding these two routes,
everyone involved were arrested,
and it's about to be settled at once.
However.
the last one,
the Tsutsumi Route...
...was not on the full picture currently.
As you know,
it's the money where Tsutsumi Tadao, the leader of a political party, was involved.
Tsutsumi is already dead.
The money that was allegedly strewn by politicians...
...through Tsutsumi route during his lifetime...
...approximated to 3 billion.
At the present, it's valued at 12 billion.
That 12 billion has disappeared somewhere.
The money in this safe may be related to the Tsutsumi route.
You're really sure about that?
Regarding that Cluster incident.
No matter how much it is, the case itself is too big.
Money hidden on an old safe...
A bank where gangsters are connected...
Coincidence with the period...
It's worth to be checked just with these.
If we hit it, it will be a big scoop.
What have you talk to the Ryoko Heavy Industries' president?
Well,
Just small talks like what's real GDP... [ gross domestic product ]
I have a little idea about it,
so I asked a top-level executive about that.
Isn't it about exporting railway infrastructure to Southeast Asia?
What a raw story are you saying.
Right.
After that,
I asked for consultation regarding golf competition.
Consultation for golf competition?
Have you finished matching the words?
Matching?
Don't even know that? You're a reporter.
Regarding rules of the politics division,
how did the interviewee answered,
when making an article,
so as not to be different in each company,
every word must be matched.
I'll read it as I have taken notes.
Question: What have you talk to the Ryoko Heavy Industries' president?
Kondo-san's answer is...
Are we finished for Kondo-san today?
Say,
thanks from before.
Politics division is different from others.
You'll get used to it soon.
But this same article will just be posted anywhere.
On the contrary, we need to be the same.
The politicians calculate and talk about everything.
How to surpass your rivals.
How to appeal to the local voters.
It's the job of the politics division to accurately write such articles.
You'll not return to the press club?
I'm going, but...
Please park the car for a while.
We've went on our own ways one hour later,
then each of them came out.
They were specially called by Kondo-san.
Maybe.
But, what is this?
Could it be that it's about that.
About that?
Ever heard of Top League?
Yes, but I don't know what that means.
They are reporters who thoroughly encroach any politicians,
get special information directly...
...through one call or e-mail,
...and are privileged to hear politicians' real intentions.
In the Top League,
the view you see changes dramatically.
I want to be in the Top League someday.
You know I wanted to enter the politics, right?
Yes.
It feels regrettable to know what Matsuoka did,
but I didn't resigned.
Someday, I'll absolutely...
...encroach into the pockets of the politicians who drive Japan...
...and let them see what's happening in the country.
I'm going home.
Okay.
Thanks for letting me see the press club's official residence.
What?
Do you know anything about Akutsu-san?
I heard that he's the top league in Nagatacho on its entirety.
He is always the head batter.
Sorry, I made you wait.
Would you like to eat rice with tea?
Can you leave work earlier tomorrow?
I have to meet the deadline for the manuscript...
Well, probably, it's fine.
What's the manuscript you're doing now?
This journal...
It's this one that made you do much interview this time.
Yes...
After all, politics is more busy than the finance.
Right... Sorry for that.
Today, I have talked with Haibara.
- Your colleague, Haibara-san? - Yes.
I think you're good friends.
I guess so.
It would be nice if you work with your colleague, Sakai-san, too.
A young Diet member of the Democratic Party had gotten a bribe one time.
It was a scoop that Sakai-san have commenced.
It was a waste to quit from what he is right now.
He was an excellent newspaper reporter.
Hey.
Wait a second.
Tell me why will you quit.
I detest this.
Being a newspaper reporter didn't mean anything to me!
What the heck is that reason?
It has it's meaning!
If you think so,
that's good for you.
Sakai!
I have bough this.
Which one would you like, curry or pizza?
I usually eat meat,
then have this curry.
I mean, please go home also.
You have almost live here.
It's just a waste of time.
What smell is that?
I just went to a bathhouse.
It doesn't smell anymore.
Sakai-san was a political reporter in the Yamato Shimbun, right?
He's a former one.
Why did he quit?
Aren't newspapers have the easiest way doing coverages?
I hate weekly magazines as they just put your name there,
and sometimes refuses to receive a caller.
You should have just hated reporters.
The truth doesn't always roll over during a reception interview.
Then,
did Sakai-san able to reach for the truth?
That safe is gold.
Even the editor-in-chief didn't found it a big deal to be reported, isn't it?
What are you saying?
I will help.
Rather than for entertaining gossips,
if you could get a scoop, you'll be able to get through what you want to do.
You... are unexpectedly gutsy.
What do you mean "unexpectedly"?
Tomorrow, I'm going to see the person concerned,
by then, read through this.
Yes, sir.
What's wrong? Look here.
Kubo-san.
Sorry, I wasn't able to help the other day.
Actually, I forgot to tell you at that time.
The money was in the safe,
but it was issued in 1981.
Is it okay to spill out such thing?
I have that information,
and I'm the owner of it, so I can announce it by myself.
Regarding that money in that safe,
is it related to that so-called Custer case?
What do you mean by that?
Tsutsumi Tadao is involved with the Tsutsumi Route's money.
That's what I inferred.
Tsutsumi Tadao received a bribe from that Cluster,
asked the Japanese government to buy an anti-submarine patrol aircraft,
and gave money freely to the politicians.
Some of that money were sourced...
...from the works you have done.
Wasn't it Nihon Fudosan Shinyo Bank?
Tsutsumi, who was the wire-puller, had died,
and Tsutsumi Route was buried in the dark.
I want to elucidate that darkness.
Please cooperate with the interview.
Do you know about the phrase, "the last straw"?
Eh?
It's an Arabic old saying.
Arab nomads put their luggage on the camels,
while going back and forth on the desert.
Camels... don't only look carefree,
but they are strong animals.
With just little water, they carry hundreds of kilograms of luggage,
and able to walk for months.
However, camels are also gore creatures.
Of course, they have their limits.
In the end, just putting even a piece of straw...
can make their spine breaks.
That safe and cash...
...may be the last straw for Japan.
Is that what you're trying to say?
After all, you know something, right?
Touching it lightly will be dangerous. Am I not right?
Well, just forget it.
I'll be able to grab for some clues again.
At that time, please tell me who owns that money.
I got a response.
We'll gather information and hit for it again.
Yes, sir.
Those three seems to have spread rumors again.
They're Kondo-san's favorites, you know.
Indeed.
Good morning.
Oh, good morning.
Before it was Matsuoka-kun,
now that the environment has changed, you must be surprised.
Yes, a bit.
A politician doesn't talk at all during a press conference.
During the congress, we keep arguing while spitting saliva,
but at night, we get along well in a compartment of a restaurant.
It's troublesome.
Tadokoro-san, are you the top league of Prime Minister Ashihara?
So you know it.
We eat and drink in secrecy expensed by government secretariat.
What I mean to be colluding with him...
No...
But even if I had to get in someone's pocket,
I can't still hear for the truth.
How do you get into the top league?
Tadokoro-san.
Oh, you're here.
It's been a long time we haven't met together. Let's go and eat.
Oh, want to join with us?
By the way, he is...
...the one who have returned to the Economics Division after one year.
Then.
Excuse us.
You look frantic.
You must know your position.
Regarding measures to prevent child abuse,
a ministerial meeting was held before today's cabinet meeting.
We take the child abuse cases seriously,
and it has been decided to drastically strengthen its prevention measures.
Then, if there's are no more questions, we'll end here.
[ 【Guide for the informal talks】 Kondo's office secretary, Miyazaki ] [ To Matsuoka-sama of Yamato Shinbun ] [ Kondo will hold an informal talks today at 10:30 pm. ] [ The place will be at Princess Hotel at Chiyoda-ku. ] [ If you want to participate and ask for a reserve, please give your e-mail and I'll send you the details. ] [ From the member of the Lower House, Kondo Douke's government-paid secretary, Miyazaki ]
My apologies.
I'll be late than what was planned.
I'll get there as soon as possible.
Okay. Understood. Just do well.
Sa-chan, what have you done?
I'm Matsuoka-san.
This way, please.
Please wait here.
Recording and writing memos are prohibited here.
I see. I understood.
Ishikawa-sensei mentioned the dissolution of the political faction's study meeting,
what do you think about it?
Did he said that?
He's trying to tighten the members of the faction, isnt' it?
At this time, there are no two-letter-word "dissolution"...
...in Prime Minister's head.
When the going-poorly main faction goes like this,
they'll just talk irresponsibly and do whatever they like.
Matsuoka-san.
It's just fine if it's a note to be shared inside the department.
Okay, sir.
I have no idea about it. My apologies.
Then, have a drink.
We'll talk for a long time.
Thanks for this.
Thank you for having your precious time today.
See you next time.
Good work today, sir.
Good night.
Say, you who just return to the Economics Division,
has someone backed you up?
I don't have one and I don't know about that.
Well, nice to meet you.
Just leave him be.
At first, I was also persistent.
I'm leaving ahead.
Let's go together.
Go ahead. You've worked hard.
Matsuoka speaking.
Are you finish there?
Yes.
Then, come over here.
Eh?
I'll let you see the backdrop you've never seen.
Did you heard from me why he quit?
Eh?
Being a newspaper reporter.
...Yes.
I have to catch on to it.
Before he even knows...
Being a newspaper reporter didn't mean anything to me!
What the heck is that reason?
It has it's meaning!
He's rapidly being caught in the depths.
Like what you said, will you be able to write a significant article?
What do you mean by that?
Breaking news.
A robbery occurred on the streets of Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City.
Two men were stabbed.
Apparently, both of them were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
The victims were Kubo Tamio-san, 80 years old,
- Koda Genki-san, 80 years old... - Sakai-san, this person...
The culprit is still on the run,
and the MPD is now pursuing its whereabouts.
The stature of the man who run away...
Wait for me, Sakai-san!
He had worn a beige shirt and black trousers.
Excuse us, let us get through.
Excuse me.
Don't step on the traces of the corpse.
Robbery...
No...
This is not a robbery case.
I've been waiting for you, Matsuoka-san.