I'm glad you were able to come back to Tokyo.
It's not a big deal. You're on a transfer here too.
Right, my dear brother?
Yes.
Going from a PR firm to the Cabinet Secretariat,
that's one heck of a step up!
As deputy director, I only have a support role,
but I never imagined I'd be working for the national government.
I'm worried whether you can even do it.
-Don't do anything stupid and get fired. -How can you say that?
You may be joking, but you can't imagine the pressure that's on me.
I might even have to write a speech for the prime minister.
That's amazing! I wish you all the best.
I wish you the best too.
So pick up the tab sometimes, okay?
Fine.
-In here. -Thank you.
Ms. Matsuda.
-You can go in now. -Thank you.
Sorry. Thank you.
Kohei…
This is
the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office.
I think you know what CIRO does.
If information reaches the public unfiltered, it can cause confusion.
It's our job to filter out massive amounts of information.
First, determine all the people
who may be obstacles in this Eishin Academy affair,
including all the journalists and reporters pursuing it.
Yes, sir.
EISHIN ACADEMY PURCHASE
CHUBU LOCAL FINANCE BUREAU DELETE PAYMENT HISTORY
Good.
We'll submit these.
Thank you for all your hard work.
It's okay.
Let's trust Mr. Kurosaki.
Right.
Considering the circumstances, it's patently obvious
that favors were given.
Wasn't the PM's Office involved?
The Prime Minister's Office was not at all involved.
Once the records come out, it will be clear as day.
Since we weren't involved in it,
there certainly aren't records that will show as such.
Next question.
That was a definitive statement.
Yes.
NAGOYA REGIONAL PUBLIC PROSECUTORS OFFICE
They can't turn back now.
They could try to cover it up.
What a lot of commotion over just a simple discount.
It's not just a simple discount. This is a huge problem.
There's no reason for us to go chasing it though.
Isn't this exactly the kind of case where Special Investigations should be involved?
Let's wait and see.
It could be a lie made up by the press.
Statements in the Diet and the records don't match.
Don't try to clean up the documents.
Destroy all traces whatsoever of the price negotiations.
Do you plan on revising records every day
so they're in line with statements made in the Diet?
That's what we'll do.
I can't do this anymore. Please.
Suzuki!
Until now, I've always served loyally as a public servant.
I am proud to be a member of the Finance Bureau.
-Then continue this work. -But this…
-This is a crime. -Suzuki!
Call it what you will, but it's a breach of people's trust!
It seems to me
that you don't understand what the job of a national public servant is.
I told you.
I will bear all responsibility for this.
Then, at the very least,
take Kijima and the others off this task.
I'll do this alone.
At any rate, make sure it gets done.
Delete all digital files of the records before they have been altered.
Excuse me.
I'm Anna Matsuda of Touto News.
You work in the Finance Bureau, right?
I'd like to ask you a few questions. May I have a moment of your time?
What's this about?
You're Kazuya Suzuki, aren't you?
I'd like to ask you about Eishin Academy.
I don't know anything about it.
Welcome home.
-You sure are late tonight. -Yes.
Were you drinking?
Yes, a little. Just with some co-workers.
That's unusual. You could have called me to let me know.
I'm sorry.
Kazuya?
Are you okay?
Why do you ask?
I'm perfectly fine.
MAKE PROMPT PAYMENT
AFTER OBTAINING PROPER APPROVALS
WITHOUT REMOVING WASTE
AFTER REMOVING WASTE
CHECK NECESSITY OF REMOVAL
OPEN ISSUES REMAIN
REMOVAL WAS COMPLETED
ISSUES WERE RESOLVED
Matsuda of Touto News.
Regarding Eishin Academy,
the Ministry of Finance has yet to satisfactorily explain
the reason for the discounted price for--
Keep your questions brief.
They haven't provided a satisfactory explanation,
and there have been calls for
Finance Bureau Director-General Mouri to testify before Parliament.
Don't you believe the administration needs to provide
a proper explanation regarding this issue?
The administration and ruling party will have discussions on the matter.
Then as for the records of the negotiations that were shredded--
Please get to the point.
Do you believe that the handling of official documents was appropriate?
To the best of my knowledge,
official documents were handled in accordance with
document management regulations.
However, I am unaware of the status of individual documents.
You'll have to ask the relevant agency.
DEMANDS FOR FINANCE BUREAU DIRECTOR-GENERAL TO TESTIFY
Excuse me.
I'm Anna Matsuda of Touto News. May I have a moment of your time?
-Sorry. Excuse me. -Regarding the Eishin Academy…
Again today, the opposition party
aggressively questioned the administration in Parliament
about the Eishin scandal involving the purchase of public land at a discount.
Why don't we summon those involved and settle this?
-That's right! -Do it!
Chairman, I request that Finance Bureau Director-General Mouri be summoned.
Most of the opposition party's questions today were…
PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT EISHIN ACADEMY RELATED
SALE TO EISHIN ACADEMY
COPY TO USB DRIVE
PERMANENTLY DELETE THESE 2 ITEMS?
YES
ANNA MATSUDA, TOUTO NEWS
RECORDS OF EISHIN ACADEMY CHANGES
Kazuya.
Did something happen at work?
Like what?
I mean,
lately, you never talk about work with me.
I can see on TV how difficult it must be for you now,
so I've been worried.
Sorry.
I was told not to talk to anyone about it.
That makes sense.
You're sworn to secrecy after all. Sorry.
I'm sorry. I just…
Who said you could look at that?
Why were you looking at my cell phone?
I had to. It just kept on ringing.
Kazuya.
What happened?
I'm sorry.
I…
I think I may have done something terrible.
Kazuya.
Kazuya…
EISHIN DOCUMENTS SUSPECTED OF BEING TAMPERED WITH
Matsuda.
Yes, I saw it.
Maicho beat us to it.
-This is an incredible scoop. -Right.
EISHIN DOCUMENTS SUSPECTED OF BEING TAMPERED WITH
I wonder who their source was.
It has to be an insider.
Good afternoon.
That's a hell of an article in the paper.
-I bet you're on tenterhooks. -Yes.
If this issue gets dragged out any longer, it'll turn into a quagmire for sure.
If we can't make progress on matters in the Diet,
people may lose faith in us.
You understand, right?
Yes.
Mouri.
I have a favor to ask you.
EISHIN DOCUMENTS SUSPECTED OF BEING TAMPERED WITH
I'd hate to think it's possible, but none of you leaked this, did you?
Do you know who it might be?
Suzuki.
What about you?
No.
I wouldn't do that.
At any rate,
we're bound to be busy handling this for a while.
If you learn anything about this, share it with us immediately.
For now, we'll wait for a decision from above.
-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.
Come in.
Excuse me.
You read the article, right?
Yes.
There are sure to be more forceful demands
in the press and on social media for the truth to be revealed.
Get help from our supporters on the Internet
to suppress reaction to it as much as possible.
Certainly, sir.
Also,
Finance Bureau Director-General Mouri will be stepping down.
It wasn't an easy decision,
but allowing this issue to go on any longer
would be a huge negative for the administration.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
I just think I am partially responsible for what's happened to Mr. Mouri.
Don't worry about it.
For those in the appropriate position, shouldering responsibility
is a fundamental part of any organization.
Yes, sir.
I'll be going.
…about last night's announcement
of Finance Bureau Director-General Mouri's resignation.
FINANCE BUREAU DIRECTOR-GENERAL MOURI RESIGNS
That was a sudden resignation.
I guess that means they fabricated the documents.
I wouldn't be so sure.
They could be sacrificing him so no more questions get asked.
Really?
Then who knows what you can believe in anymore.
-Yes. -I'm back.
-Welcome back. -Welcome back.
I informed the finance minister
of my intention to resign my position as Finance Bureau director-general.
This is about Eishin Academy, right?
What's this? You're showing some interest now?
Yes. In fact, that's my hometown.
Really? Is that so?
Goodbye.
-Bye. -Goodbye.
Mayu!
Are you free after this?
What for?
Don't be like that.
Well, I did what I could
to read up on current events, but I didn't understand them at all.
I'd also like to ask you about job hunting.
How come you're suddenly so interested in that stuff?
What? Is it a problem?
Be warned, my tutoring fees are pretty darn high.
Buy me breakfast.
Okay, sure.
Hold on a sec.
SUSPICIONS DEEPEN DIRECTOR-GENERAL MOURI IS TAKING FALL BY RESIGNING
It's no good. I still don't get it.
How many times do I have to explain it to you?
Ultimately, what's the big deal?
I don't know a whole lot of details.
But basically only people close to the PM are getting favorable treatment.
Really? So what's wrong with that?
Are you really a university student? Study up on democracy, would you?
Okay, I get it!
By the way…
-Yes? -You know this reporter?
I sent you a link.
No, I don't know her. What is this?
Watch it.
Matsuda of Touto News.
Regarding Eishin Academy,
the Ministry of Finance has yet to satisfactorily explain…
She drills the chief cabinet secretary with questions,
but she gets totally dissed on Twitter.
…and there have been calls for…
She's incredible.
I could never do that.
…a proper explanation regarding this issue?
I think she's pretty great.
She's got real conviction.
Please go ahead.
As for the records of the negotiations that were shredded--
Hey.
Please get to the point.
But, you know, I don't think
a single reporter pressuring them like this changes a thing.
It seems like everything in politics is decided by the bigwigs.
Do you seriously believe that?
Well,
I wouldn't say I'm serious about it. But it's always been like that, right?
Are you okay with that, Ryo?
I don't really know.
Well, if it means we've got peace.
-The hell it's acceptable! -That hurt!
-What? -I'm going to class.
Okay.
Thanks for breakfast.
How's your progress?
Good. I'll finish a list of opposition lawmakers
and reporters by the end of the week.
-I see. -Yes.
The public is going to become even more riled up soon.
What do you mean?
Finance Bureau Director-General Mouri will testify before Parliament.
-I was involved-- -You can rest easy, Murakami.
If we can ride this out, it'll be forgotten in a few months.
Just hold out until then.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION
I can't take it any longer.
I cannot accept this. I want you to reconsider.
After Mr. Mouri's testimony tomorrow, things will go back to normal.
That's not the problem here.
Please understand, Suzuki.
I know this has upset you,
but stick this out for your family's sake. Okay?
As I thought, it was you.
That day…
what did you want to tell me?
The day after your call, that article came out.
Was the leak…
from you, Mr. Suzuki?
It wasn't me!
Then if there's anything you know, please tell me.
I…
I don't know anything.
Tomorrow,
Finance Bureau Director-General Mouri will testify in the Diet.
What are your thoughts?
-I have nothing to say to you! -I'm sorry.
Then I have one final question.
-Would you quit following me? -Mr. Suzuki.
I saw the record of your transfer.
You were reassigned at an unusual time, yes?
It was different than the usual timing for transfers.
Can you tell me
why you were transferred?
Mr. Suzuki?
Excuse me.
If you're asked about anything problematic,
avoid answering by claiming you could be criminally implicated.
I'm sure the questioning will be brutal.
Can you handle it?
No problem.
Mouri…
I appreciate the hard work you've done over the years.
We will now commence the Budget Committee meeting.
As part of our examination of budget implementation,
we will now conduct witness testimony regarding the falsification of documents
related to the land deal made with Eishin Academy Educational Corporation.
Are you Yoshikazu Mouri?
Yes, I am.
Then, as stipulated by law, the witness will be sworn in.
Everyone, please stand.
I, Yoshikazu Mouri, swear that I will tell the truth according to
the dictates of conscience, without hiding anything
or adding anything.
I'd like you to tell us the truth about why the documents were altered
and who ordered that it be done.
Mr. Mouri.
FORMER FINANCE BUREAU DIRECTOR-GENERAL YOSHIKAZU MOURI
First, as for the altering of approval documents that took place
at the Chubu Local Finance Bureau,
the alterations were done within Chubu Local Finance Bureau.
That is undeniable.
This is a specific case regarding documents
held at the Chubu Local Finance Bureau
related to a former public waste site.
He admitted to it.
He's admitted to the fabricating.
When it comes to specific cases like this…
He said it.
…we don't normally consult the Cabinet Secretariat,
and we don't notify them.
He's just taking the fall so they can cut their losses.
Yes.
No notification was made to the Prime Minister's Office.
This was something that only happened within the Finance Bureau.
You have stated that the alterations took place within the Finance Bureau,
but please allow me to reconfirm this.
Did the prime minister or the First Lady
direct you or the Finance Bureau to conduct these alterations?
Mr. Mouri.
No, they did not.
He's asserting everything under oath!
Did the prime minister's secretary direct you to do it?
Mr. Mouri.
No, he did not.
Were these alterations made
in order to remove the prime minister's
and the First Lady's names from the records?
Mr. Mouri.
As for the details of the alterations that were made,
since I could be criminally implicated, I cannot answer that.
Mr. Masato Ono.
Did the chief cabinet secretary, deputy chief cabinet secretary,
secretary to the prime minister, or finance minister direct you to do this?
Mr. Mouri.
No, they did not.
It was done entirely at the discretion of the Chubu Local Finance Bureau.
The First Lady's name appears numerous times in these documents.
Didn't you get the feeling that the administration was somehow involved?
Since I could be criminally implicated, I cannot answer.
I mean…
You've got to be kidding me.
This testimony is useless!
You're completely evading all the difficult questions!
-That's right! Explain! -Chairman!
This testimony is meaningless.
-Do an investigation! -That's right!
I'm sorry.
Why are you apologizing?
Isn't it pathetic that your husband has ended up like this?
Of course it's not. You know that.
Sometimes I see a police car drive by.
Every time I do,
I wonder if they're coming to arrest me.
Get some rest.
You've been working non-stop for a while.
I'll be back again tomorrow.
Mayumi.
Thank you.
You get plenty of rest.
Mr. Suzuki, you have visitors.
Excuse me.
It's nice to meet you.
I'm Yagawa from the Nagoya Regional Public Prosecutors Office.
I think you've already been told.
I have nothing to say about this.
I know.
Naturally, you have the right to remain silent, Mr. Suzuki.
If you can only answer the questions you can answer, that is fine.
You don't need to answer anything you don't want to.
You can even remain silent throughout.
Then…
I would like to remain silent.
Excuse me.
May I sit?
Mr. Suzuki.
The only people who know the truth behind the Eishin Academy affair
are you and your co-workers.
We cannot allow this issue to just fade away.
Won't you please…
tell us the truth?
I…
did my job for the sake of the Japanese people.
That's what I've always done!
I refused to do it.
I told them I didn't want to. I told them it was a cover-up.
I…
wanted to do a job my wife could be proud of!
Mr. Suzuki.
I wanted to be a husband she could be proud of!
What…
will happen to me?
Don't worry, Mr. Suzuki.
We don't want to know what you did.
We just want to know what you know.
INVESTIGATION STARTS AFTER BEING PRESSED BY MEDIA
Articles on the Eishin scandal are getting smaller by the day.
I won't let it end just yet.
Suzuki!
How are you feeling?
I'm not sure.
But they say I can go home next week.
That's good news.
Apparently,
the leak about the altered documents was from someone in Eishin Academy.
I'm sorry I suspected you.
Is that so?
Earlier, a public prosecutor visited me.
They paid me a visit too.
That made me worry about you, so I came to visit.
Mr. Kurosaki.
Yes?
Do you remember our time at the Shizuoka Local Finance Office?
Yes.
You were so kind.
You were so much more talented than the others
that you got promoted at an unbelievable pace.
Everyone admired you.
I have something to give you.
These are records of all the alterations that I was involved in.
I haven't shown anyone.
I'd like to…
entrust this to you, Mr. Kurosaki.
I'll visit again.
Mr. Kurosaki.
Can I ask you one thing?
What is it?
Did you have me transferred here
in order to alter the documents?
Of course I didn't.
I'm glad to hear that.
ANNA MATSUDA
CONFIDENTIAL
FAMILY
KOICHI MATSUDA (FATHER) DIED 1992 IN ACCIDENT
MITSUKO MATSUDA (MOTHER) DIED IN SAME ACCIDENT
KOHEI MATSUDA (ELDER BROTHER) SEE ATTACHMENT
ABOUT MR. KOHEI MATSUDA, HER OLDER BROTHER
KOHEI MATSUDA
Kohei…
I'm home.
Kazuya?
The characters and events that appear in this work are fictitious
and do not depict real life.
Subtitle translation by: Brian Athey