Your family must be proud of your position as assistant to the First Lady.
No.
I guess we won't be meeting for a while.
Thank you. I appreciate it. Thanks.
You've got a kid on the way too. You're on a roll, Murakami.
It's all thanks to you, Kohei. You taught me a lot.
Do you do flattery now too?
No! That's seriously how I feel!
I'll go back to being an ordinary employee,
but these were good times.
Thank you so much.
Kohei.
Are you sure you're not tired? You've probably been working too much.
Not at all. I'm perfectly fine.
I really hope you never change, Murakami.
What?
You know how they say the position transforms the man?
No matter how high up you climb, I want you to stay the way you are now.
Yes. Of course I will.
-Good. Let's tie this one up tonight. -Okay.
Thanks.
-Cheers. -Cheers.
It's the prime minister's wish.
BELOVED MAYUMI, THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING BY MY SIDE.
I'M SORRY I WAS A HOPELESS HUSBAND WHO CAUSED YOU TROUBLE.
Happy birthday!
-Happy birthday. -It looks great.
Okay, Hayato. I've got something for you.
Here. Happy birthday.
Yes!
Open it!
-What could it be? -I wonder what's inside.
What could it be?
Hayato, tell your daddy thank you.
Thank you!
Take good care of it. And let Natsuki borrow it too.
Hayato and Natsuki have a present for Daddy too. Right?
-Really? I didn't know about this. -Yes!
-What is it? -Here it is.
-Let's give it to him, Hayato. -What is it?
Come on.
-Here you are. -Thank you.
What is it?
-Can I take a look? -Sure!
DADDY
NATSUKI, HAYATO
We drew it together.
-Really? -Right?
This is great!
When I told them your job had changed, they wanted to cheer you on.
Yes!
This makes me so happy.
Thank you.
-You're welcome. -Thank you.
-You're welcome. -This is a really great picture.
-Isn't it? -You've gotten good.
This is so great.
Sorry. Excuse me.
-Excuse me. -Good job!
-Can I see it? -Look.
Wow! That's so cool!
Hello?
We've got trouble.
An employee at the Chubu Local Finance Bureau committed suicide.
He's the one who did the tampering.
Matsuda!
We received a report regarding the Eishin affair.
Someone from the Chubu Local Finance Bureau committed suicide.
Who?
Kazuya Suzuki in the Property Administration Department.
When did he die?
Late yesterday afternoon.
Where are you going?
You know something about this?
Yes.
He was desperate, like he'd been driven into a corner.
Don't let it bother you.
It happens a lot in this line of work.
I realize that.
But it was the week after I visited him.
Oh, there's another thing.
We've received orders from above to cancel questioning of the others involved.
How come? We can't let it end like this!
I understand that.
But when this kind of thing happens, we have to follow orders from above.
He was apparently a very devoted employee.
He was.
The public sympathizes with this kind of emotionally charged incident.
It needs to be dealt with swiftly.
What is it?
I never thought anyone would die over this.
It's wrong for you to feel responsible.
We'll be bashed in the press for a while.
Find out who'll be problematic and dig up some dirt we can use on them.
Yes, sir.
CABINET SECRETARIAT KAZUYA SUZUKI
Yes?
We, too, are perplexed at the suddenness of this.
Suzuki was known at the office for his work ethic.
What happened at the office?
We're still looking into it.
Isn't it related to the recent scandal?
Mrs. Suzuki.
From now on, if there is anything that we can do to assist you,
we plan to do our best to help you.
"From now on"?
Did you hear anything at all from Suzuki about this incident?
My husband maintained his oath of secrecy to the end.
He didn't tell me anything.
Is that right?
Why did you come here?
Did Suzuki leave anything behind?
For example,
like a suicide note.
Don't you worry. We're on your side.
Even if he did leak some information,
we will handle it properly.
He didn't leave…
a suicide note.
Are you sure?
Will you…
will you please leave?
I have nothing else to tell you.
All right.
Mrs. Suzuki, watch out for the press.
If anything is said in the wrong way, it could cause irreparable damage.
We'll be going now. Goodbye.
Ryo.
Ryo! Over here.
Uncle Kazuya…
Please enjoy the meal. Thank you for coming today.
Ryo, thank you so much. I know you're busy with school.
It's okay.
This is unbelievable. The Finance Bureau sure is coldhearted.
How come not a single one of his co-workers came?
Aunt Mayumi.
I've seen things in the news.
Does this mean Uncle Kazuya was involved in that?
-He didn't do anything illegal, right? -Ryo!
I mean, there's no way Uncle Kazuya would do anything illegal.
And even if he did, he must have been forced to do it.
You're right.
There's absolutely no way Uncle Kazuya would ever kill himself.
Allow me to express my condolences.
Did you notice any changes in Kazuya Suzuki before his death?
Hey! Let us through!
Ryo, I'll get the car. Take care of Mayumi for me. Excuse me.
How do you feel about the Finance Bureau?
-Hey, back off! -Was Mr. Suzuki involved in the tampering?
I said cut it out!
-Can you give a statement? -Comment, please.
I said cut it out!
-Mrs. Suzuki, a comment, please. -A statement, please.
Please.
Mrs. Suzuki, a comment, please.
Mayumi.
Yes?
I have a friend in a civic organization that's looking into this affair.
Can I ask them if they can help somehow?
It's just insane that they would let it end like this.
For them to treat Kazuya like a scapegoat…
I won't stand for it.
I'll park the car.
-Okay. -Thank you.
What?
Is she a friend?
No, but I know her.
Are you Mr. Suzuki's family?
I'm Anna Matsuda of Touto News.
Allow me to express my sincere condolences at your sudden loss.
I've been covering the Eishin Academy affair.
I spoke to Mr. Suzuki a few times before his death.
What do you want?
The day before the article about document tampering appeared,
I received a call from your husband.
What?
I can't be certain,
but I believe your husband wanted to tell me something of extreme importance.
If there's anything you might know,
can you please contact me?
Hey!
You there! What do you think you're doing? How rude!
What's your problem, Ryo?
Well, I…
How can you do that at a time like this?
We're his family! Have some consideration for us!
Good morning.
I think it looks fine.
Boss! Can we talk?
What is it?
Why isn't this Eishin article on page one?
Matsuda, it's a little late for that.
It should get more attention. This makes no sense.
There was simply something better for the front page.
Besides, this kind of thing happens all the time.
A man has died!
What's more, the administration denies any involvement.
Since they deny it, there's no reason to make a big deal of it.
-But-- -Fine. But you listen.
The politics reporters are having all kinds of trouble because of you.
They're getting pressured.
There are other reporters who do their jobs more tactfully than you.
You've got to think more about the newspaper as a whole.
What do you mean by "more tactfully"?
Are you telling me to bow to authority?
Matsuda…
At any rate, bring us more solid proof.
We're done.
Excuse me.
How much longer?
I'm checking on it now.
I've been waiting for over 30 minutes.
I'm looking for someone who can help you. Please wait a little longer.
NATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE ETHICS CARD
It's all okay. Take it to her.
Chief, you're not going to see her?
Is there a problem with that?
No.
Thank you for waiting. Here they are.
Now that things have come to this, I'm not sure what to say.
Where is the bureau chief?
He's very busy right now.
Why won't he see me?
Do you plan on forgetting all about my husband?
No. Absolutely not.
I am terribly sorry.
Mr. Kurosaki.
My husband…
greatly revered you.
I am terribly sorry.
KOHEI MATSUDA
WORK HISTORY
CURRENTLY UNDERGOING TREATMENT
Illness?
KOHEI MATSUDA ILLNESS
KOHEI MATSUDA DEPUTY DIRECTOR
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
Data shows that the younger generation desires stability.
In other words,
they have an extreme dislike for change and criticism.
The opposition party eagerly criticizes the administration.
But the more they demand change,
the more they scare off the younger generation.
Those people don't understand this.
If you put on a show for the public with this in mind,
it will be easy to stay in power.
I see.
This is extremely helpful.
Let's put this in election pledges and campaign materials right away.
The younger generation gets the majority of their news online.
The best approach is to focus on building up your image there.
That reminds me.
Is the Eishin Academy affair working out all right?
I heard that someone has died.
Sorry to worry you.
Opposition questions and stories in the papers are causing trouble.
They make a big deal over the tiniest of things.
They have nothing better to do.
They live by a misplaced sense of justice.
If you know of an effective way of handling it, please tell me.
Most certainly.
I wish something could be done about that.
How can you live a proper life under these circumstances?
I know it's been difficult for you, Mrs. Suzuki.
You must be exasperated.
Your husband was murdered by the Ministry of Finance.
We should take appropriate action.
We will give you our support.
What do you mean by "appropriate action"?
We'll file criminal charges.
We'll introduce you to a lawyer who specializes in this.
Mayumi, let's ask for their help. I'll assist you with that as well.
Even though Kazuya was busy with work, he was always like a father to Ryo.
I can't sit by and do nothing.
Thank you.
But… I'm afraid.
There are many ways this can be handled.
You don't have to appear in public.
We will press charges as a civic organization.
Let's do this, please.
Let's do this.
This way, please.
Excuse me.
I am Ryo Kinoshita, a junior in economics at Higashiyama University.
It's nice to meet you.
-Please have a seat. -Thank you.
This is unusual nowadays.
I see that you're a newspaper deliveryman, Mr. Kinoshita.
Yes, I am.
Why did you take work delivering newspapers?
Well, my mom's a single mother, so I'm doing it for the scholarship.
Is that right?
Let's get to some questions.
Has there been anything in the news recently that has interested you?
Let's start with you, Mr. Nakano.
Yes. The Eishin Academy scandal.
I see. What is your opinion about the Eishin Academy scandal?
Due to pointless and endless probing,
the Diet is unable to function properly.
The Diet is where topics such as foreign relations
and the economy should be debated.
I don't believe it is meaningful to debate insignificant issues there.
What about you, Kinoshita?
What do you think?
Well…
I mean,
someone has died over this, so I would disagree.
Then would you like to tell us your opinion?
Well…
I'm sorry. I don't really have one.
Let's move on to the next question.
Thank you.
What happened to you just now, Ryo?
Nothing.
Nakamachi Trading is closely aligned with the current administration.
At least it was a practice interview.
If it wasn't, you'd be slitting your own throat.
You may be right.
What's gotten into you? You've been acting funny.
Now's when the real job hunting starts.
I'm meeting with some alumni after this. See you around. Bye.
-Hang in there. -Thanks.
Ryo?
Oh, Mayu.
What?
You look awful in that suit.
Jeez. Who asked you?
It feels weird seeing you in the daytime.
How come?
No reason. I didn't know you wore makeup, Mayu.
Of course I do. Most women do, you know.
I guess so.
You actually are looking for a job.
Yes. How about you, Mayu?
Well, I'm trying to get into trading companies or consulting.
Places with good salaries first.
I want to pay off my student loans quickly.
Really? As usual, you've got your act together.
Considering the times, you've got to look out for yourself.
You know, things sure are getting crazy in your hometown, Ryo.
Have you seen the news?
TRAGEDY OF CHUBU FINANCE BUREAU EMPLOYEE'S SUICIDE OVER SCANDAL
IS THE REAL CULPRIT FORMER FINANCE BUREAU DIRECTOR-GENERAL MOURI?
Yes.
I thought a national civil servant would be a good job.
They get a stable salary and a huge pension.
But I'm glad I chose a private company.
I mean, he committed suicide.
What's wrong?
What?
Nothing. You're right.
-It must be rough. -Yes.
Kohei. It's been a while.
It's Murakami. We worked together at the Ministry of Economy.
You taught me a lot in our bid for the Olympics.
Kohei.
What happened to you, Kohei?
CHARGES FILED AGAINST FORMER FINANCE BUREAU DIRECTOR-GENERAL MOURI AND OTHERS
Come in.
Yagawa, the indictment has arrived.
It's in the papers too. Have the brass made a decision?
Yes. Reopen the investigation.
Got it.
-Yagawa. -Yes?
Apparently, the brass are already under a lot of pressure.
Make sure you do it by the book.
I know.
If Special Investigations is moving,
do you think the PM will resign if they find a connection?
He did say he wasn't involved right in public.
If that happened, this would be a historic event.
That's for sure.
-It says there's a criminal investigation. -Right.
I guess they've found some evidence, huh?
Yeah. Guess there's no shifting blame now.
I wouldn't be so sure.
How come?
I mean, they've always done that kind of thing.
Really?
Special Investigations involvement doesn't mean much.
-But it's a criminal investigation, right? -Yes.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO CHUBU LOCAL FINANCE BUREAU
Nagoya Regional Public Prosecutor Special Investigations.
Who's in charge here?
The Nagoya Regional Public Prosecutor Special Investigations
have entered the Chubu Local Finance Bureau to conduct a search.
The search is happening at this very moment inside this building behind me.
Will the points that have been obscured until now, such as the altered documents…
THE PRESS MUST HOLD THOSE IN POWER ACCOUNTABLE.
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PURSUE AND KNOW THE TRUTH.
I PRAY FOR A FAIR DECISION. #EISHINACADEMYSCANDAL
Investigators from the Nagoya Regional Public Prosecutor
have just left carrying cardboard boxes.
The items seized in the search just keep on coming.
There appears to be a large number of documents seized in the search.
Will the altered documents involving the Eishin Academy affair come to light…
Nakagawa here.
Right. I apologize for the trouble.
THE PRESS MUST HOLD THOSE IN POWER ACCOUNTABLE.
-Go ahead with it. -Right.
Please check this.
We'll look into this very thoroughly.
-Let's go. -All right.
5 MONTHS LATER
Sorry.
-A decision came faster than expected. -That's for sure.
If they implicate the PM, this will make the front page for sure.
NAGOYA REGIONAL PUBLIC PROSECUTORS OFFICE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM
Let's begin this press conference.
First, I'd like to report about the Eishin Academy case.
Regarding the 24 people placed under investigation,
including former Finance Bureau Director-General Mouri, we've decided
not to prosecute any of them.
Order, please.
Order, please!
What is the meaning of this?
As for the tampering with official documents,
the tampered documents were related to the discounting…
This makes zero sense to me!
How can you decide not to prosecute so early in the investigation?
Do you want to fight the Supreme Public Prosecutor
and the Ministry of Justice?
Then that means the people at the very top made this decision!
This makes no sense at all to me.
Deal with it!
-We're interrupting this program. -Mr. Kitamura!
We now bring you breaking news.
Sorry for interrupting this program, but we have an urgent news flash.
The Nagoya Regional Public Prosecutor has decided not to prosecute
former Director-General Mouri and others for tampering
with Eishin Academy documents due to insufficient evidence.
In response to this, the Ministry of Finance
will make an announcement about an investigation
into this affair and their decision regarding Mr. Mouri.
The finance minister has stated that he will
strive to prevent future recurrences and to regain the trust of the people.
MOURI AND 24 OTHERS NOT TO BE PROSECUTED IN EISHIN ACADEMY SCANDAL
What?
-What is it? -Nothing.
MOURI AND 24 OTHERS NOT TO BE PROSECUTED IN EISHIN ACADEMY SCANDAL
Is that right? Understood.
Start putting out the fires.
Wait a minute.
This is…
This affair is now over.
The characters and events that appear in this work are fictitious
and do not depict real life.
Subtitle translation by: Brian Athey