I'm Hasumi Soichiro from Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Department.
Regarding this uproar,
please allow me to explain to everyone.
I deeply apologise
for causing much inconvenience to everyone.
However, I have never used my position as a prosecutor
to accept money and
I have never granted special favours in return...
The company Tomioka Seikou said that bribes were sent.
That's why you declined to prosecute, didn't you?
Regarding these accusations,
I deny all of them.
However, I acknowledge that
I had an improper relationship with a certain woman.
Do you mean this woman?
This disturbance is
all due to my lack of discretion and
although I have a wife and children,
I've committed a shameful act and I am aware of that.
However, this is about my private life,
and it is a problem between my family and I.
Investigation on the groundless accusations are currently ongoing,
and when the facts become apparent, I will report them.
With this, the press conference is over.
Have you contacted Tomioka Seikou's president?
Not yet. We're standing by at his house now.
I will go ahead first.
[Soichiro-san]
Hasumi Kyoko
Hasumi Soichiro
Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, Special Investigation Department Head
It's me. The press conference just ended.
Let's talk again when I return.
It's out.
#1 Family's Betrayal
A few months later
Two weeks ago, the 4-year-old
Hamaguchi Reina-chan disappeared.
She was last seen at a huge supermarket in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kawasaki City.
Without further ado, we have spoken to her parents.
Truth Report, request.
I was moving the things I bought to my car,
and when I turned away for a second, someone kidnapped her.
The police are looking high and low for Reina-chan
and the mysterious kidnapper, but
they have not found them yet. There's no way they can find them.
The culprit was nearby.
That's right. There is a high possibility that
the mother was the culprit.
Tada Masahiro
Lawyer
The mother who had maternity neurosis,
killed Reina-chan,
abandoned the dead body and rushed to the supermarket, pretending it was a kidnap.
Then, she put on an act worthy of an actress, cried and
sought help from the police.
He's saying whatever he likes.
The police didn't even announce the suspects.
Kamiyama Yoshie
Lawyer
But he can assert his right of free speech.
- This way, please. - Thank you.
Excuse me. I heard that there's a meeting at 10 am.
It's up one floor.
Madoka Michiru
Paralegal
For Internet TV, there is no regulation of self-imposed rules
like broadcasting laws or guidelines.
If we sue him for slander, we will likely get bogged down.
- Let's decline this request. - Oh, sorry.
- I've agreed to take up this case. - There he goes again!
Since the right of free speech is involved in slander,
you know how unpredictable it will be, don't you?
Even if we win the lawsuit, we won't make much money either.
But the publicity effect will be huge instead.
Kusakabe Naoya was formerly a popular terrestrial newscaster.
In other words, if we lose, it will be publicised extensively.
Tada-sensei, why do you want to cross such a dangerous bridge?
Do you want stimulation? Are you bored?
- We've been achieving results, haven't we? - That's true, but...
If we win a case that others won't take up...
Sorry, I'm late. I got the wrong room.
She's hired on probation from today.
Hasumi Kyoko-sensei.
Asahi Kotaro
Lawyer
I'm Hasumi Kyoko.
I look forward to working with you.
Come to my office later.
Then, moving on to the next case...
Yes, it's Miura Kana-san's case.
She's seeking damages for medical malpractice...
You did your legal apprenticeship together with Tada-sensei?
Yes, we're graduates from the same year.
You graduated at the top of your class and spent 3 years at a major law firm.
You were so excellent and yet, why did you leave?
I heard that you were a housewife for 16 years.
My son was sickly.
Um...
There's a gap of 16 years so
I don't think I can easily make a comeback as a lawyer.
- Actually, many places turned me down... - I'd expect so.
No matter how many qualifications you have,
you're only a middle-level lawyer without experience and already 44, aren't you?
If Tada-sensei didn't recommend you, we wouldn't hire you either.
Thank you for giving me a chance.
I will do my best.
What will you do with your husband? Will you divorce him?
Um, a divorce is...
Kamiyama-sensei, regarding Kusakabe's case,
it seems that he wants a settlement.
Well, I expected that.
Here you go. Chocolates.
It can't be helped. Then, let Asahi-sensei be second chair.
No, if that's the case, isn't Hasumi-sensei more suitable?
If we consider our client's care,
isn't a lawyer with children a better choice?
Practice is the best way to regain one's intuition.
I will do it.
If Tada-sensei takes responsibility for it.
The opposing counsel will come at 1 pm so
before that, let's go and meet our client.
Oh, that's right. I haven't shown you your desk.
Hasumi-sensei.
- I'm Asahi. - I'm Hasumi.
I'm hired on probation too and just started 2 weeks ago.
- Is that so? - Well, but
- Hasumi-sensei, you're amazing. - What?
Well, coming back as a lawyer 16 years later in this situation
really requires courage.
[An Elite's Adultery] The Tragedy of Hasumi Soichiro's Happy Family He Abandoned [Corruption]
...So if I represent everyone and say sarcastic remarks,
their feelings will be calmed down too.
We are rivals, but
may the best man win.
Excuse me?
Ah... nothing.
Are you ready?
Read the materials before we reach and get a grasp of the situation.
Situation?
Yeah... kind of.
Because of Kusakabe's lies,
Misato committed suicide.
She never did what he said.
I'm sure Reina must be alive somewhere.
Hamaguchi Naoki
Client
That's why I don't want a settlement,
but a trial to clear everything up. It's not about the money!
Hamaguchi-san, for slander,
even if the content of his remarks are not facts,
we might not win the trial.
It's hard to judge between right of free speech and individual reputation.
There's no guarantee that your wife's honour will be protected.
But if the other party offers a settlement,
there is room for favourable negotiation of an apology and a correction.
Do you think so too?
Sorry, she was just put in charge...
I want to hear the opinion of another person.
Um...
Hamaguchi-san, you have the right to decide
how you want this lawsuit to proceed.
But if I were the mother,
rather than protecting my reputation,
I would use the settlement money that I surely received
to search for my daughter.
If you find your daughter, your wife's name will be cleared too.
As expected of you. You persuaded him the first time.
- I was nervous. - Were you?
You're still the same old Misawa.
Oh, sorry. You're not Misawa now,
- but Hasumi-san. - Hasumi is fine, without the honorifics.
Tada-kun, I really appreciate your help.
If you didn't invite me to your law firm,
- I wouldn't be hired anywhere. - You're welcome.
But you're amazing.
A managing partner of such a good law firm at a prime location in Tokyo.
- Performance, performance. - What?
If I don't put up a bluff, I can't gain the clients' trust.
I see.
Hasumi, you should laugh like that more.
What?
You probably feel uneasy about many things, but in front of others, you're always composed.
Okay, I got it.
Let's go.
How long before you're back?
Is the other party's lawyer there already?
He's here. Well, he's here, but he's not a lawyer.
- Oh, excuse me. - Yes.
Sorry, please get me another cup of coffee.
- Sure. - And one more thing.
- Can you buy a bottle of milk too? - Ah... yes.
Hurry, hurry.
- Hello. - Kusakabe-san.
Well, sorry about this. I missed my lunch.
Sorry to have kept you waiting. My name is Tada.
- Yes, yes. - I'm Hasumi.
Yes, yes. Hello.
Hmm...
Sorry, but I don't carry my business cards with me.
Let me give you this instead. Goods from my programme.
Isn't the logo good? Nagareyama-san designed it.
You know, the one at the Olympics... Oh, but he was dropped from the Olympics.
We heard that your lawyer would be coming though.
He will be here later. Oh, more importantly...
You got any wet tissues?
Wet tissues.
Sure.
Hey, bring some wet tissues and a bib.
I came here before my lawyer did.
You see, if you lawyers decide on
a settlement by yourselves, it would trouble me.
Listen up.
I will never settle.
My remarks in my programme were
all facts obtained from reliable sources.
- By sources, do you mean the police? - That's right.
But the police did not officially announce
that the mother was a suspect.
I also have other special sources.
I understand. Then, I will speak to my client once more.
Oh, and please tell him this too.
Your client, Hamaguchi Naoki,
said to the press that I talked nonsense and told lies
so he sued me for slander.
That's why I will also sue Hamaguchi Naoki for slander.
I'm seeking damages in the sum of...
100 million yen.
You came to throw the ball back to us?
Yes, it seems that we will have fun playing catch.
Someone passed away, but you're saying that...
I know you.
That's right.
You're the wife of Hasumi-san, the former head of
Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Department.
If your husband is found guilty, he will lose his job
so you came out to work instead... That's what it's all about.
You're a model wife.
How beautiful!
It became yet another troublesome matter.
They're suing each other now so
both trials will be held at the same time.
For Kusakabe to win his lawsuit, he needs to prove
that his remarks in his programme are grounded.
On the other hand, for us to win our lawsuit against Kusakabe,
we have to prove that his remarks are groundless.
I handled a slander case in my previous law firm and
- by the way, I won, of course. - I'm not asking you.
- Never mind that. Hurry and take this off. - Sorry.
Kusakabe-san used to appear on TV, didn't he?
He was an outstanding freelance terrestrial newscaster.
Oh no, it's spreading out.
He continuously spouted direct remarks and even when
he got into trouble with the TV station, he didn't change his stance
so he left the TV station and joined the world of Internet TV.
As he doesn't mince his words even with politicians or corporations,
he has many core fans who support him tremendously.
This is unrelated to his past or his fans, isn't it?
Since he said the police are his sources, we will verify that thoroughly.
Tada-sensei, you're unexpectedly defensive.
What?
Find out the police's investigation circumstances back then.
Got it.
How do you find out their investigation circumstances?
This is Madoka-san's specialty here.
I have many friends who can give me information.
- Friends? - I'm closing the door.
- We're back. - Thanks for your hard work.
Kusakabe Naoya's programmes are stored as files in the cloud.
Cloud? Where is it?
There. I will send you the password.
Okay.
Asahi-san.
- Thanks for this. - Sorry, it's supposed to be my job.
It's fine. Just gathering information.
They can't win that case.
Good thing I wasn't put in charge of that.
Oh, how considerate.
Were you always in contact with Hasumi-sensei?
No, last time I met her was at her wedding.
Is she your ex-girlfriend?
I won't invite an ex-girlfriend to the same workplace.
Then, it's unrequited love, huh...
What's with you? Asking all these questions.
Well, you became defensive just now because
Kusakabe talked about Hasumi-sensei's husband, right?
I'm always kind to ladies.
Hey...
Stomach... Stop... Not the sides.
(Godzilla's theme playing)
Hello?
Kyoko-san?
You start work from today, right?
Hasumi Sachie
Soichiro's mother
What will you do about the children's dinner?
It's fine. I've prepared.
- Um, I'm at work so... - Shall I go over?
I will take care of the children.
Say... Go and visit Soichiro, okay?
I understand how you feel, but
he's suffering the most now.
Who would have thought that a day when
[Public Prosecutors Office]
we would face each other like this would come.
Speaking of Hasumi Soichiro,
is the man who exposed the illegal deeds of politicians and corporations one after another
and the next in line to become Public Prosecutor General.
Wakisaka Hiromichi
Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, Special Investigation Department Head
But now,
you're under investigation for bribery.
You look like you can't hold back your laughter.
Are you so happy that you took over my position due to luck?
Yes, I am.
I now know that you, who put on airs of being upright,
had self-interests like a human too.
If you don't admit to your crimes, this will drag out.
Isn't it better to go home quickly
and resolve your adultery problem with your wife?
You can't prosecute me if I don't confess.
Why don't you admit that honestly?
- Hey. - Yes.
Sasaki-san.
Say, Hasumi.
Sasaki Tatsuya
Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, Special Investigation Department
Sasaki-kun here was your subordinate
that you took great care of.
What a pity... He was betrayed by the boss he trusted and
not only that, to find out the truth, he was summoned for the investigation.
For the last time, why don't you man up
and show us your stance as a prosecutor?
We will ask you once again.
When you were the head of Special Investigation Department,
you investigated Tomioka Seikou for window dressing.
But you suddenly ordered the investigation to stop and declined to prosecute.
In return for receiving bribes from Tomioka Seikou,
- you favoured the company, right? - I deny.
Tomioka Seikou's president, Tomioka, has already confessed.
I deny.
Hasumi-san, thank you for your consideration.
Is the remuneration enough?
Right.
I will have another one.
This is a conversation between you and Tomioka, right?
Your defences are weak.
How will you talk your way out of this?
I'm going to my friend's house so I don't need dinner.
Sorry, Mom. Me too.
What...
- Congrats on making a comeback as a lawyer! - Congrats!
Wow, I'm really happy! Thank you.
- Explain to her. - Did you draw this for me?
- That's right. - Wow, wait a minute...
I'm so happy!
This is the character for "comeback", right?
Hasumi Hayato
Kyoko's son
It's written like this, isn't it?
Hasumi Ayaka
Kyoko's daughter
Ah... I'm bad at this.
Well then, thanks for your hard work on your first day!
What? "Thanks for your hard work?"
- Then, thanks for your hard work. - Oh~ thank you.
Cheers!
- Happy birthday. - Happy birthday.
- Thank you. - I made it in time.
You didn't~
It's fine. He came after all.
Here's your present.
A smartphone! Wow, what should I do?
You can take a bath now.
Ah! Wait...
How is Ayaka? At the new school...
Did anyone say something to her?
I don't know. I haven't heard anything from her yet.
What about you, Hayato?
- Did you have any unpleasant experience? - No!
We're fine. Do your best at work.
Oh, wait a minute.
What's a cloud?
Two weeks ago, the 4-year-old Hamaguchi Reina-chan disappeared.
Without further ado, we have spoken to her parents.
Truth Report, request.
I was moving the things I bought to my car,
and when I turned away for a second, someone kidnapped her.
The culprit was nearby. That's right.
There is a high possibility that
the mother was the culprit.
Tokyo Detention House
Subtitles by carameltz
How is... work?
It's going well.
You used to be more outstanding than me after all.
Looks like the house can be sold soon.
I've left the necessary documents here. Sign them.
- You're leaving already? - I only came to tell you that.
How are the children?
They're doing their best...
To smile.
Kyoko.
I have never accepted any bribes or granted favours in return.
But the matter with a woman is true, right?
Don't you think that this sin is even worse than bribery?
I heard from your lawyer.
That the woman is a journalist from Maicho Shinbun who got to know you from work.
It was only a moment of folly when you were drunk.
He said that you're deeply regretting it.
But why...
Why didn't you think of the children before you met her?
Destroying your family is a sin committed by your heart.
Can you let me atone for it?
In order to do that,
I will clear myself of suspicion and go home.
Sorry, but
you will hang in there by yourself.
I will take care of the children.
Hmm...
Even you can't convince him.
Jeez, what a stubborn man.
I'm sorry. I will definitely make him confess as soon as possible.
Yes, this is for your sake.
You wouldn't want to pity him and be considered
as an accomplice to your former boss, right?
The higher-ups are treating this matter seriously too.
We must prosecute him and find him guilty.
Yes, sir.
Don't forget.
Your boss now isn't Hasumi...
But me-- Wakisaka.
Tokaji Ryota
Tokyo District Public Prosecutor
Thanks for your hard work.
Oh, thanks for your hard work.
Site of incident
This is the site of the incident, huh?
Aren't there any customers
who saw Reina-chan at that time?
Ah, the police seemed to have investigated that thoroughly.
There's a rumour that the mother killed the child, right?
- Because of maternity neurosis. - Don't say that.
Stop it.
Maternity neurosis is because the mother loves the child, isn't it?
As the mother wants to raise the child properly, but can't.
Here's the security camera footage submitted to the police on the day of the incident.
What kind of friends do you receive this footage from?
The shop's cameras captured the figures of parent and child,
but not the child's face in any of the footage.
The child didn't move at all.
The mother said that her child was sleeping though.
We can't tell whether this is really her child.
Excuse me. Evidence from Kusakabe has arrived.
A memorandum?
It's a record of when and where Kusakabe met anyone.
- The names have been redacted. - To keep his sources confidential, huh?
- This K refers to the police. - Um... and one more thing.
Kusakabe just began a special broadcast of his programme.
I'm going to protect my right of free speech so
I have decided to fight this out in court.
One of the lawyers from the other party is Hasumi Kyoko.
Well, as expected of an up-and-coming group of lawyers.
You have to hand it to them for hiring the wife of a scandalous prosecutor.
Let's send applause for their courage.
Truth Report, request.
I'm very sorry.
I think you should take me off this case.
I could become a material of his attack
so it might inconvenience us.
Such a thing will happen again.
Will you step down from the defence every time?
- If I were you, I would use it to counterattack. - What?
An ordinary housewife is suffering from her husband's scandal, but
makes a comeback as a lawyer for her children,
and fights desperately for the weak as their spokesperson.
I will use that aspect as a selling point.
But... this method is kind of...
Do you have any other value now?
Everyone has to fight with the cards that they have.
Even me. Among the cards that you have now,
that's the only card I want.
I asked you to look at her in the long term, didn't I?
Then, show her ability to me who doesn't know her 16 years ago.
If she doesn't produce results, we can't employ her.
Besides, have you told her yet?
That matter.
- By any chance, have you heard? - What?
Oh, am I mistaken?
Oh well... It's unfair that I'm the only one
who knows so I disliked that.
What?
I said that I'm also hired on probation, remember?
It's decided that only one of us will be retained.
Let's do our best.
Oh.
You're still here? What about your children's meals?
I've prepared in advance so it's all right.
- Do you have a moment? - Sure, give me a minute.
I will finish this soon.
Do you remember those?
From the time us graduates went to Okinawa.
As I thought!
Everyone bought the same pair.
So you still have these!
On the contrary, I'm scared of throwing them away. They're amulets.
I didn't throw mine away. They're around somewhere.
I bet you definitely threw them away.
It's just like you, Tada-kun. This delicate aspect.
That's why you didn't tell me, right?
You didn't want to put unnecessary pressure on me.
- What? - About Asahi-sensei and me.
That only one of us will be formally employed.
That guy...
Sorry, I should have told you earlier.
It's fine. I'm actually relieved.
I was scared of causing trouble
to you if I were forcibly hired.
Not at all...
But if it's a competition, I can bear my own responsibility.
It's all right.
As a lawyer, I have a gap of 16 years, but
I've done my best in my own way, doing housework and raising children,
so I don't think that will be useless.
Hasumi-san.
You really haven't changed at all.
Oh, and I noticed something.
The type of news shown on
Kusakabe's programme has gradually changed.
- News on his programme? - Yes.
Just in case, I looked back at the news before the incident.
Let's see.
Hmm...
This is interesting.
- Put this together for the cross-examination. - What?
We will do the next oral argument together.
- I'm going to speak in court? - Yes.
Impossible!
Besides, if I appear at the counsel table, Kusakabe-san will again...
The public isn't that simple.
Even if Kusakabe attacks you about your husband,
not everyone will agree with him.
Hasumi, you have to do
what you got to do now.
Are you going to let Hasumi-sensei speak in court?
Yes, she noticed something interesting just now.
I've also obtained very interesting information
of the police's preliminary investigation.
Okay.
You examined it well.
It seems that Hasumi-sensei's probationary salary is 70% of a novice lawyer.
You're well-informed.
Do you know how much I earn?
Half of that.
That's too little.
Yes, it's too little.
I will consider raising it by 20%.
Thank you.
What should the content of the questioning be...
Next...
I will present his communication with the operating company...
She rushed to the supermarket, pretending it was a kidnap.
Then...
She put on an act worthy of an actress, cried and sought help from the police.
What kind of news do you show on your programme?
- I'm back. - Welcome home. Take the laundry out.
Got it. What's for dinner?
The genre of news shown is due to the programme...
The population has been decreasing again and again...
In the first place, the pension system now is...
In the end, we should think of what to do about
the financial resources for social security...
[Courthouse]
Tada speaking.
What's wrong?
Last time I was in court was 16 years ago.
I was still in middle school.
Ah... I see.
- Let's go. - Okay.
Ah, well...
Oral argument
Well then, counsel for the plaintiff...
Yamanaka Hirotaka
Judge
You may begin.
- Um... Kusakabe-san. - What is it? Lawyer Hasumi.
On your programme...
- What!? - Okay.
Please speak louder.
Sorry.
What kind of news
do you show on your programme?
Politics and social problems. Oh, right.
Like the bribery suspicions on your husband, Prosecutor Hasumi, too.
Ignore him. He's trying to make you waver.
Please continue.
Um...
Sorry...
Counsel, what's wrong?
Your Honour, I don't mind waiting.
Ichihara Kengo
Kusakabe's lawyer
After all, the opposing counsel
only made a comeback as a lawyer after 16 years
because her husband was arrested.
Be quiet.
Kusakabe-san, I have examined the news
shown on your programme.
When the programme first started, it was like what you just said.
It showed news of politics and social problems...
Too bad! Objection. The relevance to this case is unclear.
Counsel, what's your opinion?
If you have nothing, I will sustain.
Please clarify the purpose of the question.
The type of news shown on the programme has changed recently...
Too bad again.
As I've said, what's the relevance?
Say, isn't Hasumi the one with the adultery scandal?
Yes, the one who had a rendezvous at that hotel.
Okay, okay. Counsel for the plaintiff,
if you don't have a question, please end this.
Your Honour, I'm Tada the counsel.
The purpose of the question just now is to ascertain whether
the defendant's programme had run out of ideas.
In the beginning,
the defendant's sharp commentary about politics and social problems
was the format of the programme, but
recently, there are more reports on celebrity gossip and entertainment news.
That is the basis that he had run out of ideas.
And how is that relevant to this case?
I will explain now. Kusakabe-san.
In July, the website's operating company
sounded you out about ending the programme, right?
Because of a decrease in number of views.
To continue the programme,
there was a necessity to provide a huge story.
Then, this incident caught your eye, and you jumped the gun
and made those unfounded remarks, didn't you?
Objection! This is clearly an insulting question.
Well, it's fine. It's fine.
Like what you said, it's true that
I was sounded out about ending the programme.
Every week, scandals are exposed one after another
in weekly magazines like "Marumaru Bomb".
But you see, I will never use false information.
I'm not such a despicable person.
You see, as a journalist,
that's right, I have my pride.
Is that so...
Then, please tell us how you gather information.
I'm the same as all the journalists with conviction.
That's right. I pick up information from reliable sources,
verify it, examine it carefully,
and then, I convey it in my own words or put it in writing.
Only because of such down-to-earth work, news reporting exists.
Your sources come from the police this time
so in this memorandum, does K-san refer to a police officer?
Yes.
A trustworthy person in a respectable position.
When did you hear from this K-san that the plaintiff's wife,
Hamaguchi Misato-san, was a suspect?
It's written in the memo. 5th August.
Your Honour, I will like to use the monitors to present
plaintiff's exhibit no. 17 to the defendant.
- May I? - Go ahead.
The incident occurred on 2nd August so
5th August was still at the preliminary investigation stage.
- Well, that's how it is. - However, from what we found out,
the police had narrowed down the suspects to
people with previous criminal records of targeting children
and investigated them during the preliminary investigation.
- Objection! - Who did you hear that from?
Same as Kusakabe-san.
Based on reliable sources, we met directly with the people who were investigated by the police,
listened to them and verified their stories carefully--
Information obtained after repeated reviews.
Your Honour, the testimonies have been made into a list.
I will submit it as additional evidence.
All right, I understand.
While we were conducting down-to-earth investigation, we found out that
the police had also investigated Misato-san.
As their preliminary investigation didn't produce results, they changed its direction.
However, the problem is...
At that time, it was September already.
In other words, when you said on your programme
that Misato-san was a suspect,
on 16th August,
Misato-san had not been considered for investigation yet.
How do you explain this?
Um, I obtained insider information.
Right, if I'm not mistaken, on 5th August,
I heard that the mother had been named as a suspect.
But, but...
Regarding this matter, I considered the impact on society as a whole
and also hesitated about what to do.
Right, but well... When I thought about the child,
I decided to make this public.
This child was almost
killed by her mother before too.
- Before? - During the mother's late trimester,
she tried to abort the child.
- Abortion!? - It seemed to have been maternity neurosis...
Hey! Don't lie!
She would never do that!
What the heck are you saying!? Don't spout nonsense!
I assert my right of free speech...
Who the heck did you hear that from?
Hey! Who did you hear it from? Come here!
- Shut up! - Please refrain from speaking out of turn!
- Hey! Don't mess with me! - Be quiet.
During today's broadcast, Kusakabe spoke about the trial
and also mentioned your wife.
Is it possible that your wife kept it from you?
Excuse me. It's from the office.
Yes.
Can you tell us which OB-GYN clinic your wife went to?
I knew that...
She struggled to raise our child.
But I was busy with work too...
I think she had a hard time.
You...
Do you believe your husband is innocent?
What?
Sometimes...
I cannot believe in Misato...
But I can't live like that.
First of all, shall we open the curtains?
Throw away the trash, vacuum the floors,
do the laundry and eat something good.
Don't watch the TV or check the Internet.
You will cherish your everyday life and spend it.
Does it ever get easier?
No...
But...
You get stronger.
- Strawberry. - Strawberry?
- Eat strawberry. - You want to eat strawberry?
Thanks for your hard work.
Hasumi-sensei isn't with you?
She went back already. She has kids.
Tada-sensei, I know that Hasumi-sensei is having a tough time but
- I don't want you to favour her. - What?
If she's working due to financial problems,
why don't you do something for her?
I'm a love supremacist so
I don't care for stolen love.
Hey, what are you saying?
Hasumi-sensei might be desperate, but I'm desperate too.
I will not favour anyone.
You don't have to worry.
- Wait... - Do your best.
- I give up. - You can still do your best.
You're the lawyer, right? I heard from Hamaguchi-san.
Have a seat.
Um, is it true that his wife, Misato-san,
tried to abort the child in her late trimester?
No!
She was spotting at home late at night so
she just quickly took a taxi here.
Why didn't her husband know?
He was away on a business trip.
There was nothing unusual so
she told me not to tell her husband as she didn't want to worry him.
Only the people in this clinic would know what happened that night.
Do you know of any staff here who'd spread a false rumour?
Of course not.
You have an idea...
Don't you?
After Kusakabe Naoya's broadcast, it spread online
and became a rumour among the nurses.
That an external staff who went in and out could have spread the false rumour.
External staff?
Cleaning staff.
The night when Misato-san was spotting and went to the clinic,
the cleaning crew who were there are these 3 people.
As it was late at night,
no other staff came in.
It's highly possible that one of these three
could have leaked the information to Kusakabe.
But wait... Wasn't Kusakabe's source the police?
According to my investigation, the police were not aware of
Misato-san's alleged abortion.
Then, Kusakabe might have other sources
that don't come from the police.
Those recent shady entertainment news could have come from this source too.
Like this false rumour.
Then, if we find this source, we might be able to prove that
Kusakabe's remarks were groundless.
I will meet all 3 people and find out who is the source.
Um... Can you let me meet them?
They will be wary of you.
If any of them is Kusakabe's source, they should know the name "Hasumi".
Because I'm known... I will meet them.
I'm Hasumi, a lawyer.
What business does a lawyer have with me?
Actually, as a reference to a current lawsuit,
I'm seeking opinions of people who work in cleaning companies.
In other words, it's to ascertain whether the other party
- knows Hasumi-sensei? - No, it's not like that.
The truth is I'm still a novice lawyer at this age.
Oh? Really?
You might not remember so I will tell you first.
My husband is a prosecutor and
actually, he was arrested for allegedly accepting bribes.
Hasu... Hasumi...
Then, you're that...!?
I was a full-time housewife, but now I have to earn a livelihood.
You're right... How is it? You have children, right?
Well~ it sounds tough. Are you okay? How are you doing?
She will meet all 3 people, tell them she's Hasumi Kyoko and
- leak them different pieces of information. - Information?
If one of those three is Kusakabe's source, and then
Hasumi appears in front of him or her and
provides information that will make Kusakabe happy,
- what will the person do? - What!?
She will deliberately leak information to Kusakabe?
Well then...
Feed those three with different baits, and let's see which will reach Kusakabe.
- Sorry to have kept you waiting. - Yes.
- I'm Hasumi, a lawyer. - Ah.
Actually, I hope to seek some opinions for a current hearing...
Hasumi Kyoko-san...
- Here! - To your left!
I told you to kick higher, didn't I?
You're strict as usual, Your Honour.
- Don't call me Your Honour. - Thank you.
This is tiring!
I heard. You two were graduates from the same year?
What?
Komiya Takeo
Judge
Hasumi Soichiro's wife. She joined your law firm?
Well... yes.
Don't make the public and prosecutors your enemies.
Well~ the prosecutors are desperate too.
Now that someone fell under suspicion,
Hayashi Mikio
Soichiro's lawyer
the organisation needs to appeal its self-cleansing ability to the public.
My husband fell under suspicion...
Doesn't it mean there's a problem with his actions?
No, your husband insisted, "I declined to prosecute Tomioka Seikou
because the investigation cleared them of suspicion."
And, "I have never requested any money either."
A few days later
Information disparity or education inequality...
They're finding fault and causing a fuss over minor matters.
I will like to say one thing to all the politicians.
In the first place, 1 out of 4 people in Japan is...
To be honest, it's a gamble.
Even if A leaked the information this time,
it does not necessarily mean that it's the same person
who spread the false abortion rumour.
In the first place, it might not be any of these three...
You're right.
But if my prediction is correct, there's a possibility.
Prediction?
And there's one more matter.
Now, here's the very popular sticker.
I will give it to 15 people this week. Apply here.
Then, I will see you again next week.
- Too bad! - Truth Report, request.
It can't be helped. Let's think of our next step.
Finally, I will like to add an extra piece of information.
There's a familiar lawyer, Hasumi Kyoko, in the trial that I mentioned.
What a pity. It seems that if she loses my trial,
it's decided that she will be fired by her law firm.
If that really happens,
please come to work as an assistant for this programme...
Who did you feed this bait to?
I didn't spread any false rumour.
But Date-san, you are Kusakabe-san's fan, aren't you?
You were holding that notebook the previous time too.
Hasumi Kyoko-san...
Kusakabe-san's fan.
You were at the clinic when Misato-san came.
You leaked my information to Kusakabe-san.
When 3 coincidences overlap,
it can only be an inevitability, right?
Third oral argument
Plaintiff's counsel, please begin your questioning.
Kusakabe-san's zealous fans
will sometimes gather together.
What do the fans talk about in those meetings?
Things like Kusakabe-san's secret email address.
He has a secret email address that only core fans know.
If we send something interesting to that email address,
he will use it for his programme.
Which is to say, these core fans are Kusakabe-san's source.
- Did you also email him? - Several times.
Please face the judge when you speak.
What's the content of your email?
About Hamaguchi Misato-san trying to get an abortion
during her late trimester.
- Is that a fact? - No.
Did Kusakabe-san contact you to verify your information?
No.
Why did you send false information to Kusakabe-san?
All my friends around me had their emails accepted.
But mine was never accepted...
So I thought that if I wrote something extreme, he would use it.
Please face the judge.
Then, were you happy when it was used in the programme?
No, no...
- I was surprised. - Why?
I wrote him another email to say
that I made it up.
I regretted lying.
Kusakabe-san did not check your lie thoroughly and
made those groundless remarks. Or perhaps,
he later knew that it was a lie but left it as it is?
This is no joking matter!
I receive hundreds of emails every day so
I don't have the time to read every one.
- Kusakabe-san. - No, no...
Besides, I didn't read any email saying that it was a lie.
Then, did you read the first email?
The defendant shall refrain from speaking out of turn!
Kusakabe-san, even if you say that now,
- it will only leave a bad impression. - Yes.
Yes, yes.
Cross-examination
Well then, the plaintiff's counsel may begin.
Kusakabe-san, do you acknowledge that you accepted the email from
the previous witness, Date-san, without questioning or verifying
and then made those remarks?
Yes.
- Well then... - However...
I only acknowledge my remarks on the abortion.
Lawyer Hasumi, proving one matter doesn't mean
that all matters have been proven.
I said the mother was a suspect
because there is reliable evidence.
Bastard.
Well then, Your Honour.
Before I continue my questioning, please allow me
to submit an email from Kusakabe-san's source as additional evidence.
Moreover,
I will also conduct my questioning while showing the email and video.
Hmm, the evidence no. is
- plaintiff's exhibit no. 20? - Yes.
All right, I understand. Go ahead.
Kusakabe-san, the previous witness
testified that your core fans are your source.
Am I correct?
Well, it happens.
The witness testified, "My friends had their emails accepted
so in spite of myself, I sent something that I made up."
What are you trying to say?
We've obtained a testimony from her friend whose email was accepted
that she sent information to you that Misato killed the child.
We have also verified that the information was groundless.
Looks like the competition got overheated.
This is the email she sent you.
I will read a part of it.
"The mother is lying."
"The mother who had maternity neurosis
killed the child, abandoned the dead body and
rushed to the supermarket, pretending it was a kidnap."
And this is what you said in your programme on 16th August.
That's right. There is a high possibility that
the mother was the culprit.
The mother who had maternity neurosis
killed Reina-chan, abandoned the dead body and
rushed to the supermarket, pretending it was a kidnap.
"Then, she put on an act worthy of an actress, cried and
sought help from the police."
Then, she put on an act worthy of an actress, cried and
sought help from the police.
In order to deceive the public,
she made up a fictional kidnapper.
Truth Report, request.
Your remarks were not based on the police, but on this email...
- Objection! - Your Honour!
This line of questioning is insulting the defendant.
This questioning is the core of this lawsuit.
Objection overruled.
The witness shall answer.
It's true that I saw the email.
But I only borrowed the expressions.
I've verified the content thoroughly!
Please look at the time the email was sent!
It's five minutes before broadcast.
Are you saying you verified it thoroughly in 5 minutes?
You ran out of ideas and
actively started to use information from fans.
At first, you might have verified information properly,
but truths that no one believes in are aplenty.
Objection! This is clearly a leading question based on guesswork.
You were driven into a corner and finally,
used an email that was sent 5 minutes before broadcast entirely.
Then, you checked with the police as an afterthought,
found out that the mother was considered for investigation and
as it matched your information, you continued to comment with relief.
- Objection, Your Honour! - It's my reporting!
- Defendant, watch what you say! - No, please let me speak!
Lawyers pretending to be reporters are totally different!
For a long time, I've managed to shed light on hidden truths!
Truths that opportunistic people in power can't obtain!
For tens of years, I've been reporting them!
Don't mess with me! Because of your selfish pride...
- Onlookers shall remain silent! - Misato was sacrificed!
Do you know how much she cherished our daughter!?
She even took on my responsibility and did her best by herself!
What... what was your reporting for?
Hey, doesn't it exist for people to live on?
- He's right! - Yes!
No further questions.
Let's sit down.
Well then, both sides have finished.
Defendant, please return to your seat.
Day of verdict
I will now deliver the verdict.
The countersuit's plaintiff Kusakabe Naoya's request
for damages from slander
is denied.
The main suit's plaintiff Hamaguchi Naoki's request
for damages from slander
is denied.
The reasons for this ruling are...
Why are both denied? What's going on?
It means both claims are not accepted.
- Yes, yes, yes. - Kusakabe-san.
Congratulations on your victory!
It means the right of free speech won.
The right of free speech is an important standard
forming the foundation of society.
Without it, the citizens' other rights are at risk.
We cannot assert the claim that he obtained information from
the police on 5th August is false.
I think it was judged to be that.
Let's appeal and take this to High Court.
Sorry, excuse me...
I just received this information.
Hamaguchi-san!
Hamaguchi-san.
Metropolitan Police Department just contacted us about Reina-chan.
What!?
A childless couple who stays in Hachioji
supposedly took her from the supermarket.
The neighbours who saw the trial's news
reported it to the police, apparently.
Is she okay?
Yes.
Journalists have the mission of protecting the right of free speech.
From now, I will also fearlessly continue
to report on truths one after another.
I'm doing my best too!
Excuse me! Please make way!
I'm Hamaguchi! Reina's father!
Hello?
What is it?
- The trial is already over. - We will appeal, of course.
Since the daughter is alive,
your remarks have clearly been proven that they are not facts.
- What!? - We just got hold of her safely.
We can thoroughly investigate your remarks of false rumours up to now,
and submit them to the police with additional evidence.
Well, if you wish to settle, we're seeking damages of
100 million yen.
That mother was innocent, wasn't she?
Although she was suspected.
That's right.
Father might be the same too?
I hope so.
Yeah.
Although you can eat this dry-aged beef directly,
- try it with salt. - Okay!
Well then, to finalising a settlement of 80 million with Kusakabe...
- Cheers! - Cheers!
Good thing the child was found, but
we lost the trial so it was risky.
Hey! Time to flip it.
I'm late~!
I closed the negotiations of an IP infringement's settlement with good conditions!
- Well done! - Don't give me that smug look.
Come on! Hurry and eat.
- Oh, sorry. - Just pepper will do for you.
- Why? - Don't have that with sauce.
- Oh no! - I told you to have it with salt...
Thank you.
- This is due to your investigation, Madoka-san. - It's my job.
Why don't you divorce him quickly?
He's corrupt and even cheated on you.
I have children and the truth isn't out yet.
If the parents are useless, it's better not to have them.
Aren't you actually scared?
Of taking the first step.
That might be true.
My mother married 3 times.
The second time she did, I left the house.
I rarely see her now. Maybe that's why...
I have a strong attachment to family...
You quit being a lawyer for that too?
I got scared when my child was born.
Of whether I can raise this child as my top priority.
Before I became a paralegal, I was at the Public Prosecutors Office.
What?
I was a public prosecutor's assistant officer.
I worked under your husband for 3 years,
and then I was fired.
You shouldn't trust your husband too much.
- Step out. - What?
- But... - Just step out!
Now that we're alone, shall we be honest with each other?
You accepted bribes from Tomioka Seikou, didn't you?
Why don't you resign to your fate already?
Right, Hasumi-san~!?
Has Wakisaka noticed that matter?
Be careful. If he finds out...
I told you we have Tomioka's president's testimony, didn't I?
Crush that testimony. Bring this to a non-prosecution.
The matter that you asked.
I have looked into Kamiyama & Tada Law Firm.
The person who invited your wife to this law firm
is the managing partner, Tada Masahiro.
- Good morning. - Morning.
- Oh yes. - What?
I'll give you one of those. To celebrate your comeback.
What?
- Here. - May I really have it?
- Isn't it your amulet, Tada-kun? - Come to think of it,
you had all kinds of mishaps because you threw them away.
That's what you meant? Thank you.
When you were drunk last time, you said it, didn't you?
That there's a woman you can't forget.
Surely she isn't Hasumi-sensei?