"TOHO Co, Ltd." "THE BLACK BOOK" "THE BLACK BOOK AN EMPLOYEES CONFESSION" "Produced by Reiji Miwa" "Written by Shinobu Hashimoto Based on the story by Seicho Matsumoto" "Cinematography by Asakazu Nakai Production Design by Shinobu Muraki" "Sound Effects by Masao Fujiyoshi Light Effects by Hiromichi Mori" "Music by Sei lkeno" "Film Editing by Yoshitami Kuroiwa" "Assistant Director Hideo Onchi" "Cast:" "Keiju Kobayashi" "Chisako Hara, Akihiko Hirata, Tatsuyoshi Ehara" "Ko Nishimura, Chieko Nakakita, Ken Mitsuda" "Nobuo Nakamura, Maser:" "Ode" "Takamaru Sasaki, Kensuke '(awe" "Kazuya Oguri, Tadao Nakamaru" "Kin Sugai, Atsuko lchinomiya" "Asao Koike, Kiyoshi Kotama" "Directed by Hiromichi Horikawa" "Tokyo is like an endless sea." "With a population of 9 million people, it is the largest city in the world." "I live in a residential area in the north-west part of the city." "I lead a quiet life with my wife and two kids." "On weekends and holidays, we take a train to Shibuya." "It is Tokyo's business area." "One can call it the heart of Japan." "This is where I work." "Please, don't get me wrong." "My enterprise doesn't occupy the whole building." "Ours is only a part of the fourth floor." "My company was founded in 1922 and has a turnover of 1 billion yen." "Although it's not Japan's first, it consistently holds the second line." "TOWA-KEORI WOOLEN FABRIC" "My monthly income, including rewards and bonuses, is 75 thousand yen." "After deducing taxes and payments, it amounts to 57,740 yen." "However, twice a year I also get a 400 thousand bonus." "So I'm a high-ranking executive." "I'm Procurement Manager." "Managing a procurement department might seem like an easy job." "But I'm 42 and I have 13 years left till retirement." "I can't afford to lose my job." "lshino-kun, in my office." "Coming." "It was Mr Takeda." "Recently he became the Company Director." "A decision has been finalized concerning upgrading fire safety equipment... at Hamamatsu, Hikone, Kurashiki and Tokuyama plants." "I see..." "And what about the Takigawa plant?" "Warehouse expansion?" "It depends on the budget, so it's postponed till next year." "I see." "I'm on good terms with Director Takeda." "Since I'm not seeking to get his position... there's a chance I can keep my job even after!" "reach retirement age." " Ku rata-kun!" " Yes?" " Send this document out to all the factories." " Yes." " Umetani-kun!" " Yes'?" "Print it out and send three copies to the Hikone plant." "Yes." "Boss!" "All these people have to discuss each discount and each commission with me." "Ifs not something to be taken lightly" "Even a small commission can play a huge pan' later on." "The working day is over and employees are hurrying home." "If one observes from up here, they look like ants." "We been working in the company for 20 years, ever since I graduated... but the end of the working day still brings me a lot of joy" " Goodbye." " See you." "lshino-kun!" "Tanabe-kun is Warehouse Manager." "He's an important person for me." "He's the keeper of my stuff." "Since Toyo-Kaizo aren't meeting the deadline, vve turned to Kyokuto-Pulp." "Kyokuto-Pulp?" "Why not." "Would you like to go for a drink'?" "No, I'm going straight home today" " Bye." " See you." "Well... my private time starts now." "Coming!" "To Tosa..." "I like machine number 34." "You can play three times with a total stake of 50 yen." "To Tosa..." "Boss, you said you were going straight home." "That's right." "And before that, you said you were at a meeting, or at negotiations with a subcontractor." "You also said you were at the cinema..." " Give me a cloth, quick!" " Don't worry like that." "Here you go." "You have to be careful when you do the laundry many?" "Someone might notice." "This place is for women only" "Don't worry When I take things to the cleaner's, I check everything." " I see you're experienced in stuff like this." " I'll show you!" " Bye." " I'll accompany you to the road." " Don't." " Just once?" "I'll keep my distance." "Do you know him?" "Yes, it's my neighbor." "That's nothing." "He's not going to tell anyone." "I don't know him that well." "We only exchange greetings." "We don't even have anything to talk about." "Did that man see you'?" "No." "He was walking straighten, without looking around." "Alright." "I hope he didn't see you." "I look the same as usual." "I just greeted him, that's all." "And here's Sugiyama's house, the man I bumped into." "But why was he there at such an hour'?" "Although, he goes from door to door He's some son' of insurance agent." "So ifs no wonder." "Onishi attempts a left hook, but hits a block." "The end of the fourth round." "The break is only 5 minutes." "I know." "Love is suffering, love is pain..." " You're late today" " I went to the cinema in Shibuya." " Are you hungry'?" " I had dinner." "Okay)'" " Welcome home!" " Welcome home!" "Why aren't you sleeping yet?" "I've told them a thousand times." "Dad, did you go to the cinema?" " What'?" "Make me some tea." " Okay" "In the Seibu-no-Arashi cinema, they showed an Italian film called Bread, Love... and Dreams." "Bread, Love and Dreams." "Yes, exactly" "Did you like it'?" "It was okay" "Bread, Love and Dreams, then..." "What bread?" "It's the name of the film." "I see..." "Left..." "left... and a crushing blow!" "Onishi, come on!" "Again!" "Like that." "Right!" "Right!" "Hit him in the guts!" "Come on, Onishi!" "To the body!" "Higher!" "Yes!" "He won!" " He's good!" " That's what I like." " He's strong..." " He's the strongest!" "Thank you!" "Thank you!" ""Elections in the USA are about to start."" ""No significant changes this time."" ""Yesterday evening, a young woman was strangled in her home in Mukojima."" "There have been a lot of cases recently" "First a flight attendant, then a businesswoman, and then a girl in Asakusa." "And now it's this one in Mukojima." "We live in a dangerous time." "You're at work, kids are at school, and I'm at home alone all clay" "I'm a bit scared." "Maybe vve should get a dog'?" "Exactly" "Chieko is also alone all the time over there." "She needs to be careful." " Good morning." " Good morning." "This is Sugiyama's wife. .." "That neighbor of mine from yesterday..." "No, no, there's no reason to worry..." " Listen..." " What'?" "Are you sure that man didn't say anything?" "There's nothing to worry about." "Alright." "Why did you ask?" "I imagined what your wife would do if she learnt about me." "She would show up at work, furious." "What a scandal that would be!" "I can't afford for that to happen." "All my years of hard work would go down the drain." "DETECTIVE TAMEO OKUDAIRA" " Take them to the reception room." " Yes." "Kozo Sugiyama'?" "Yes, it's your neighbor, an insurance agent." "I know him." "Hovv well do you know each other'?" "Well, vve exchange greetings when vve see each other." "If you saw Sugiyama-san, would you recognize him?" "Yes, I would." "So, did you see this..." "Sugiyama-san from Shinjuku Nishiokubo, 821... in one of the alleys... on June '16, at about 9:30 PM... five days ago?" "Why are you asking me about this?" "I don't understand." "You have nothing to worry about." "It's just that Sugiyama-san claims he saw you." "You don't recall?" "Did you see him or not'?" "Why would I go to that neighborhood..." " So you didn't see him?" " No." "YOUNG WOMAN MURDERED IN MUKOJIMA" "SUSPECT ARRESTED" "So that's what the investigator came about... ifs so disagreeable..." "Welcome home!" "Darling, it's terrible." "Sugiyama-san was the one vvho murdered that woman from Mukojima." "Yes, I read about it in the paper." "We couldn't have even suspected." "Two days ago the police took him to the precinct." "He looks like a peaceful man, one could never tell..." "Today investigators arrived to search his house." "There's such a fuss." "Rumors are circulating." "His wife is very pale and in tears." "And his kids... poor things." "He's facing life in prison." "No, it's the death penalty because it's premeditated murder." "I don't think so." "I think it was manslaughter." "Manslaughter?" "You mean, it was an accident?" "Yes, exactly" "If I tell Kuniko that the police talked to me..." "H!" "be in trouble." "But they can also come to my house..." " Nobody knows!" " Death penalty!" "Stop it immediately!" "He's our neighbor, don't you dare speak like that of him." "Alright." "You know, Kuniko, an investigator came to my office today to ask about Sugiyama." "An investigator?" "I wanted to say as soon as I came home, but there were children around." "All this gossiping is just going to hurt Sugiyama-san." "Sugiyama-san was in Shin-Okubo on the night of the murder." "He told the police that he had seen me there." "But there was no reason for me to be there... so I said that I hadn't seen him." "This story is weird." "Yes." "I'm confused." "And where were you at that time?" "I was in the cinema in Shibuya." "It was that night when I got home late." "Ah, that night..." "But it's weird that Sugiyama-san would say that." "Why would he name you as a witness?" "Maybe, he made a mistake." "YOUNG WOMAN'S MURDER IN MUKOJIMA" "The place, faces, testimony... everything matches." "And yet the time of the murder is doubtful." "We have to be sure about it." "The victim went shopping around the corner at 9 PM." "Her husband found the body when he returned home at 9:50 PM." "The forensic report confirms the time of death between 9 and 9:50." "I think vve can be sure about the time." "However, the suspect... was in a completely different part of Shin-Okubo at 9:30." "He maintains that he saw a Towa-Keori employee there." "As I wrote in yesterday's report..." " The employee didn't see him." " Exactly" "Mr lshino doesn't have any friends, or relatives, or business there." "He doesn't have a reason to go there." " Move?" " Yes." "But I'm seeing only you." "You don't vvant to see me anymore?" " It's not that..." " Still..." "You did see him, why not tell them about it'?" "You don't understand." "If I say that... hovv vvill I explain what I was doing there at such an hour'?" "The police vvill demand details." "Then our relationship won't be a secret anymore." "Not at all." "Hovv do you mean?" "It worries me a lot." "It's a huge scandal as it is." "During the investigation, the police vvill interrogate me more than once." ""Prevention is better than cure"." "You have to move as soon as possible." "But is that man really a murderer'?" "I can't even remember his face." "He just greeted you and rushed on." "But if he is a murderer, then why did he greet you'?" "If the police notified the press... they must have convincing evidence." "There's no doubt that Sugiyama did it." "Hey look at that." "One, two..." "One, two..." "Hold on a second..." " Lift it." " Okay..." "Thank you so much!" "Not at all." "We weren't doing anything anyway" "Take a turn." " Are you doing alright?" " One, two..." "One, two..." "Are vve disturbing you'?" "Not at all." "Thank you for coming." "I suppose you already know everything from the papers." "This murder of a young woman in Mukojima." "Today's conversation is a part of the investigation." "We believe you're a witness and aren't in any way implicated in the crime." "You're a respectable man." "That's why your testimony is very important to us." "We have to ascertain all the details." "A lot depends on hovv precise your testimony is." "I'd like to familiarize you with the circumstances of the case." "On the night of June 16, a murder occurred... in a residential building in the third district of Mukojima." "The victim was a young housewife." "No signs of struggle were found on the body" "Which points to the fact that she knew the murderer." "Some things disappeared from the cupboard... as well as 5,400 yen in savings." "We suppose the murderer knew where the money was kept." "The murder weapon was an iron cord." "Fingerprints were found on it." "Things on the table suggested that there was a guest, and they also had fingerprints on them." "There were also fingerprints on the doorknob." "All of them belong to Kozo Sugiyama." "She wanted to iron some things." "But the iron was broken, so I fixed it." "What exactly was broken'?" "A lead broke off." "And what happened next'?" "We'd just bought that iron, it was fine." "Do you know Sugiyama'?" "Last year, vve bought insurance on his advice." "Who recommended him to you'?" "My wife's distant relative." "Is it true that he had a special relationship with your wife?" " Or is it not'?" " It's not true." "Although once, Sugiyama-san said that he couldn't pay a bill." "And he begged so much... that my kind-hearted wife, without consulting me... paid him 10 thousand yen upfront." "Wow... 10 thousand yen?" "It's true." "She did lend me 10 thousand yen." "I thought to myself all the time, "I have to pay her back as soon as possible..."" "But I had so much work that I couldn't do it." "Hovv did you explain that to Michio Toyama?" "I apologized and said that I would pay her back soon." "What did she say'?" "She didn't like it." "But I asked her to wait at least one more clay" "She set the deadline at the end of July and then I left Toyama-san." "What time was it'?" "About 7 or 7:30." "And then'?" "I went to Kototoi-bashi on foot and got on the bus to Ueno." "From there, I went to Shin-Okubo." "To Shin-Okubo'?" "I decided to visit Takagaki-san in the third district of Nishiokubo." "The term of payment was coming to an end... so I felt obliged to notify him." "Besides, I had a debt to Toyama-san." "I was forced to ask someone for money" "It was on my way there that I saw lshino-san." "What time was it'?" "I left the Shin-Okubo station at 9120... so it must have been about 9:30." "After you saw Mr lshino, you went straight to Takagaki'?" "No, I didn't." ""My not'?" "When I got there, I understood that it was too late." "It wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation, so I changed my mind." "I decided to go back home instead." "That part is clear." "Tell me again about that encounter in Shin-Okubo." " Was lshino-san alone?" " Yes." "Hovv exactly did it happen?" "I was walking, thinking about my business... and I was very surprised when I saw him in such a place." "I was so taken aback that I automatically greeted him." "lshino-san greeted me as well." " Are you sure he did that?" " Yes." "That's what Sugiyama claims." "And, if that's true...... then Sugiyama couldn't have been at the scene of the murder... at the given time." "The victim was seen near her home at 8 PM." "Yes... she bought a watermelon." " It was shortly after 8'?" " Yes." "Why didn't she buy anything else?" "She saw the time on the television." "Her husband was supposed to come home after working overtime." "Did he definitely come home after 9'?" "Yes, there were three of them." "And then they rushed home." "What time did you come home'?" "Well... it was around..." "Was the light on'?" "Everything was the same as now." "Did you call the police at once?" "Excuse me, I have to take a picture." "Did you call at once?" "Get a grip on yourself!" "I saw everything... and I immediately ran to the concierge." "The call to the police precinct... from the victim's husband came in at 9:52." "Therefore, the murder must have taken place between 9 and 9:50." "But the suspect was crossing the Sumidagawa river in the eastern part of Tokyo... at the time of the murder." "That's another part of the city But he's confident that he saw you." "If that's true, the investigation has to take a different direction." "I need you to tell me, lshino-san." "On Thursday June 16, 8 days ago... did you go straight home after work'?" "Sugiyama is not a murderer His encounter with me is his alibi." "But if I confess, what will happen to me?" "Welcome back." "Nothing significant happened while you were away" "It's a terrible misfortune." "You vvant to help the poor man, but there's nothing to be done." "What's wrong?" "You're so worried because you have to go to the police?" "Pull yourself together." "I didn't think you were so sensitive." "Second ball... throw... strike..." "Inside. .." "The score is even." "Out... there's no runner"... third base." "Batter's box..." "Takahashi is on his third pitch." "Kamiyama... third ball... throw..." "Strike." "Great shot!" "Amakawa and Yamano are on the run." "And there it goes!" "Double." "Sprint..." "Past first base..." "Second base as well..." "Out..." "Sprint to the second base..." "Takahashi..." "Second ball." "Toda's second pitch." "Throw!" " Who is it'?" " Yoshikawa." "Lame throw." "Why don't you support him?" "Or can you do better?" "I could until last year." "Now everything's different." "Professional players earn up to 20 million yen." "And he only gets 13 thousand." "He's just a poor student who'll be happy to find a job after graduation." " You're so poor'?" " So what." "I don't have a rich daddy like you do." "Matsuzaki-san, do you live nearby?" "I live near the Oi-machi station." "But I don't have enough money for food, so I come here..." "First ball... he slowly swings his arm... pitch..." "Throw... and it's done..." "He takes the risk..." "And here's the head umpire, Noda-san." "Excuse me." "And he announces his decision." "The score is even." "Oh, you're here'?" "Is anything wrong?" "Where have you been?" "I was watching TV with the students from room 15." "With students?" "They helped me move a few days ago." "They're such nice guys." "I bet they're spending their parents' money Today's students are slackers." "It's so hot in here..." "What a pleasant breeze!" "Come here..." "You knew I'd come today" "I was just watching TV." "I'm not guilty of anything." "Not guilty?" "Buy me one too." "Then I won't have to go elsewhere." "Chieko!" "No.._ no.._ no.._..." " Chieko!" " No." "Boss, you're weird today" "Excuse me..." "Coming!" "My name's Sugiyama." "ls your dad at home'?" "Just a moment." "It's our neighbor Sugiyama-san." " Take her to the living room." " Okay" "Darling, what does she want'?" "I'll find out when I talk to her..." "I'm sorry I kept you waiting." "I apologize for disturbing you on a private matter on the weekend." "My name's Okazaki, I'm Sugiyama-saws lawyer." "My name's lshino." "Have a seat, please." "Hovv can I help you'?" "I have to say vve have a request." "It concerns what happened to Sugiyama-san." "Having studied Sugiyama-sans case, I've come to believe he's innocent." "The prosecutor..." " Help yourselves." " Madam, you needn't have bothered." "It's so hot." "I'm sorry for having disturbed you." "The prosecutor, having studied all the evidence... hasn't reached a definite conclusion." "However, the situation isn't favorable." "Sugiyama-san has been formally charged with murder." "At the same time, according to Sugiyama-san... on the night of the murder, he saw you." "This changes the situation dramatically" "Sugiyama-san has pointed out this fact to me more than once." "So I've decided to come to you and clarify this point again." "I can't consider my duty fulfilled... . until I hear from you personally" "Tell me what really happened." "You really didn't see Sugiyama-san?" " Darling!" "" What'?" "You should give a clear answer." "Either you did or you didn't." "Well..." "Madam, please." "Maybe, lshino-san did see him... but he just couldn't remember." "Anyway a claim from only one side isn't valid." "Maybe, Sugiyama-san made a mistake." "But it's very important..." "Allow me..." "Yes, please." "Darling, did you see him?" "Or did you not'?" "If I had seen him, I'd..." "So why don't you say that?" "Madam, in the Shin-Okubo alley my husband, most definitely..." "Darling, but that day you went to the cinema in Shibuya, didn't you'?" "You came home and told us you'd been to the cinema." "Kimiko asked you questions about it." "Bread, Love... and something else." " An Italian movie." "Bread, Love and Dreams." " Yes." "So, that night you went to the cinema in Shibuya'?" "Yes." "Are you ready?" " Just a minute." " Hurry up." "Madam, I'm sorry we've taken up so much of your time." "Let's go." "I beg you!" "Help us!" "Please!" "Say that you saw him!" "Even if you didn't see him..." "Just tell a lie." "Even if it's not true, just tell them..." "My husband can't have committed a murder..." "Madam, it won't help." "Even if it's not true..." "Just help my husband!" "lshino-san, please, help him." "Say that you saw him." "What a dreary Sunday" "I can still hear her cry" "I just can't get over it." "But, frankly speaking, I feel sorry for her." "Hovv Sugiyama-san could have mistaken you for someone else... is beyond me." "Sugiyama-san saw you... and you didn't see him..." "It's weird." "Listen..." "You really didn't see Sugiyama-san?" "After all, if you didn't see him... just say that you didn't." "Didn't I do exactly that?" "Somethings wrong..." "you're unlike yourself." "Why is that?" "Tell me the truth!" "I have!" "Alright, I believe you." "You couldn't have been mistaken." "Be careful." "If you have trouble at work... hovv vvill vve look people in the eye?" "It's not only about us." "We're responsible for our children's future." "Let's go to sleep now." "I'll turn off the lights." "Morishita and his girlfriend vvill sleep in the bungalow." "Really?" "That's fine, isn't it'?" "We can sleep together too." "I'd rather sleep alone." "Why don't you vvant to'?" "I'm leaving." "But it's Sunday Even if you go back, your daddy won't come." "Daddy?" "That 40-year-old man with a briefcase vvho comes from time to time." "It's my uncle, my mother's younger brother." "Uncle?" "Uncles can be different." "What an unexpected encounter!" "I'm sorry" "I put aside some money every day but I've managed to collect only 30 thousand so far." "Is this hovv you spend your time?" "You've come to Enoshima to have fun with a woman?" "First, you play mahjong, and then you spend time like this?" "You lost and decided to run away?" "Bastard!" "You owe me your finger." "Nitto Fishers has no future." "I'm with Hokubu Electric now." "Hokubu Electric?" "Yes, the area is developing very fast now." "That's good." "What's wrong with you'?" "You look weird." " I'm fine." "We have to be careful." "We're going through a midlife crisis." "What's wrong?" "Are you sick?" "Here you go." "At work, everyone's been saying you're sick lately" "Do you have trouble at home'?" "The trial is soon." "So that's what it's about!" "It still bothers you'?" "Since it's come to trial, this time... if I don't tell the truth, I'll feel I acted dishonestly" "Why'?" "Nobody cares." "You saw him, but said you didn't." "No big deal." "At first, everything was fine, but..." "But what?" "What's the matter?" "It doesn't concern me, so it's not important." "Sugiyama is not a murderer." "What'?" "I lied." "I was questioned at the precinct a few clays ago." "Then, two days ago Sugiyama's lawyer came to my home." "Us coming across Sugiyama is connected with the Mukojima murder." "If vve said that vve saw Sugiyama, vve would prove his innocence." "If you say that now, you'll have problems." "It'll be obvious that someone convinced you to give untruthful testimony" "But I did..." "The guy committed a crime because he was in a difficult situation." "People act unpredictably in such circumstances." "But I did see him." "Really..." "After all, why would you go to Shin-Okubo'?" "You've been asked many times before." "You said you had no reason to go there." "First of all, you'll have to say... vvho you went to see in Shin-Okubo." "But I did see Sugiyama-san..." "Sugiyama is the real murderer." "Period." "If you try to collude with him now it will end badly" "So far, you've said you didn't see him." "Now you're saying that on the night of June 16, you were in Shin-Okubo." "And that you greeted Sugiyama." "But no one can confirm your words." "I can't accept your confession without a witness." "A witness..." "Exactly" "There is a witness." "It's a woman." "A woman?" "MR ISHINO'S CONFESSION" "SUGIYAMA IS NOT A MURDERER?" "DID NOT WANT TO TALK" "A TURN IN INVESTIGATION OF MURDER OF YOUNG WOMAN" "I SAW SUGIYAMA" "Resignation?" "Why are you doing this now?" "Do you realize what position you've put me in'?" "I'm sorry" "It's not only about my ovvn reputation." "You ruined everything that Towa-Keori had built for 40 years." "You should be fired by the board." "Please, let us in!" "Umetani-san, turn around." "Just for one minute." "Go away!" "Leave!" "Hovv long have you had an affair with your boss'?" " Hovv much did he pay you'?" " 20 thousand a month'?" "Were you planning to get married?" "Well..." "If that comes to pass..." "I'll have no choice but to commit suicide." "And I'll be too ashamed to stay in Tokyo..." "But going back to the village vvill be even worse." "All my life vvill go down the drain." "Why did it all happen?" "You shouldn't have greeted him." "You could have pretended you didn't know him." "So it's all my fault?" "I told you that night that you shouldn't accompany me." "Those were the words of a selfish person." "You stall every time when leaving." "You drink tea and smoke, trying to put off leaving." "But why did it have to be Sugiyama in that place at that time..." "I'm so tired of it." "Why worry about it'?" "It's not our problem." "Why ruin your whole life because of it'?" "We saw a stranger." "After all, it's Sugiyama's problem..." "Exactly He was just unfortunate." "Besides, if he's not the murderer... they vvill find the real one eventually and he'll be saved." "And everything vvill be alright." "Exactly Sugiyama vvill be saved." "In that case, why do vve need... to confess that vve saw him?" "Exactly..." "That's what vve should do." "That's what I thought from the very beginning." "We have nothing to worry about then." "Now I know what to do." "Do you have the June issue of Film Review?" " The June issue of Film Review?" " Yes." "Okay..." "June..." "June..." "The film begins with a scene... where a coach is crossing the valley..." " And Indians..." " Indians on horses." "And Indians on horses are observing the valley from up the mountains..." "They see the coach in the valley" "And they attack it." "What time did you leave work?" "About 6 PM." "Did you see anyone?" "I saw Warehouse Manager Tanabe-kun near the office building." "We exchanged a few words." "And then?" "I headed straight to the railway station and went to Shibuya." "As usual, I changed to the Tamagawa line and went home." "But it was still early so I decided to go to the cinema first." "The case of Kozo Sugiyama, charged with burglary and murder." "I declare the trial open." " Let's hear the witnesses' testimony..." " lshino... witness number one, Teichiro lshino." "Is Mr lshino here'?" "Yes." "Witness, come here." ""I swear to tell the truth..."" "the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."" "Witness, do you know Kozo Sugiyama'?" "We're not friends, but I know him, he's my neighbor." "Hovv well do you know each other'?" "We see each other in the morning and in the evening, and vve exchange greetings." "If you saw Kozo Sugiyama... would you recognize him?" "Yes, I would." "Witness, on the night of June 16, at about 9130... did you see Kozo Sugiyama near 861 Nishiokubo in Shinjuku?" "No, I didn't." "Where were you at that time?" "After work I went to the cinema in Shibuya." "What was the cinema called?" "Shibuya Cinema." "Hovv long did the film last'?" "From about 7 till 9:40." "After that..." "Your Honor!" " Do you vvant to ask a question?" " Yes." "But your attorney is asking questions now." "I don't mind." "Then go ahead." "lshino-san, I'm sure that I saw you... in the alley in Shin-Okubo at about 9:30." "I greeted you, and you greeted me back." "Didn't you'?" "No, I didn't." "why" " Why are you lying?" "lshino-san, it's a matter of life or death for me." "But I don't remember seeing you." "It's ridiculous." "lshino-san, please, tell the truth." "But I was in the cinema in Shibuya..." "In the cinema?" "Why are you lying'?" "I'm not lying." "At that time, I was in the cinema in Shibuya." "Witness, hovv long were you in the cinema?" "From about 7 till 9:40." "After that I went home." "Did you see anyone you knew in the cinema?" "No, I didn't." "So, you didn't see anyone from the time you arrived to the time you left the cinema?" "I didn't." "Hovv many people were in the cinema?" "I think it was almost full." "But I don't remember exactly" "What was the movie called?" "There were two movies." "The first one was Hopalong Cassidy Returns and the second one was Bread, Love and Dreams." "Could you briefly summarize the plots of the two films?" "Yes." "First, Hopalong Cassidy Returns." "The film begins with a scene where a coach is crossing the valley" "Indians..." "Indians on horses are observing it from up the mountains." "And they attack it." "Finally, everything is back to normal." "I go to work and Chieko is with me." "I probably won't have to go to court or the police anymore." "I remember it all like a bad dream now." "lshino-kun, in my office." "Yes." "What is it'?" "I'd like to introduce my friend's son, Komatsu-kun." "Pleased to meet you." "My name's lshino." "In your department, there's a very pretty girl." "She's sitting two tables to the right from the boss." "What's her name?" "Chieko Umetani." "Furukawa-kun." "Yes." "Ask Umetani-kun to bring the plans from my table." "Yes." " Umetani-kun." " Yes'?" "Boss is asking you to take this to the director's office." "Okay)'" "Come in." "Thank you." " Well?" " What'?" "If she doesn't mind, I'd like to get to know her better." "You have good taste." "You see, it's time for Komatsu to get married, and there are a lot of options." "But no girl is quite right for him." "My wife is getting worried." "Today when I was getting ready for work... she started harassing me about it." "And I said there's a nice girl in the procurement department." "Today's young people are too cautious." "It's the first time we're walking here." "Someone might see us, or vve might come across someone." "We can't travel together, vve can't go to the cinema together." "I keep hearing that from you." "I have the impression of being at work again." "What should I tell you as your boss'?" "First of all, I vvant to know your opinion." "You're a free person." "And what if vve like each other and get married?" "It's quite modern." "It's a good way to arrange your life." "But you wouldn't like it, would you'?" "If you don't recommend I do it, say a definite no." "Just say "Chieko Umetani is my woman."" ""I intend to leave my wife and children in order to marry her."" "You're behaving like a coward." "You vvant me to say that you can dump me'?" "Don't you?" "Fine." "Let's end this conversation." "Sooner or later, we'd have to break up anyway" "Do you think it's the right moment'?" "Yes." "This incident with Sugiyama-san was decisive for me." "Frankly speaking, I still can't recover from that nightmare." "Listen..." "All this time, I felt like something has to happen." "Is this a chance for both of us'?" "Well..." "let's say goodbye to each other today why don't we drink to it, Boss'?" "Chieko is right, ifs time to break up." "But I'll never find a woman like that again..." "No." "We have to break up..." "What is it'?" "Why didn't you knock?" "It's so late." "Did you have a date?" "Go away or I'll scream." "Go ahead." "I'll shut your mouth first." "What do you want'?" "You can change." "I won't look." "Don't worry" "What is it'?" "It's inappropriate." "I have a request." "Can you lend me some money'?" "How much'?" "30 thousand." "Are you kidding'?" "You can get it from lshino-san." ""Teichiro lshino, Procurement Manager at Towa-Keori"." "This guy vvho comes every night forgot his card." "Matsuzaki-san, you didn't tell anyone?" "I'm sorry Don't be mad." "Just ask lshino-san for money" "Why would I do that for you'?" "Because I'm in trouble." "I need to wash my face." "Leave." "Do you vvant me to tell everyone?" "The company's employee is having an affair." "Procurement Manager from Towa-Keori is sleeping with his subordinate." "If I take this piece of news to reporters, they'll pay me good money" "I'm just kidding." "Don't worry" "I'm begging you." "Towa-Keori is a reputable company" "I can hand the letter straight to the director." "I'll do it." "It's not an empty threat." "But this money... lshino can lend it to me." "It's impossible..." "I beg you." "But..." "Excuse me." "SALE" " Come over here." " What is it'?" "Hovv about this one?" "Volume 1,8 liters. 4,500 yen." "Say yes, Umetani-san." "It's ridiculous!" "I have to choose a present for myself?" "It's a rice cooker..." " You already have one?" " Yes." "But it's so handy" "Hovv about this one?" "It has a timer." "You can put it on and go to sleep." "It's exactly what newlyweds need." "Wow... you're knowledgeable about it." "I was told that when I was sleepy..." "Today's young people are so hasty" "In my time, people got to know one another during their engagement." "And there was a lot of time until the wedding." "Yes." "There was a wedding ceremony But nowadays people vvant to simplify" "The wedding has turned into a party and money is spent on the honeymoon." "Yes." "But she doesn't have relatives here." "That's why I'm asking you to play the part of Umetani-kun's family member." "Ask your wife to come with you." "Okay)'" "There's a visitor." "He's waiting in reception room 4." "I'm sorry for the intrusion." "What do you want'?" "I'm sorry for this unexpected visit." "I'd like to borrow some money from you." "You vvant to destroy me'?" "It was over." "We settled everything." "And now this student demands money from me." "I didn't expect this from you." "What are you doing to me'?" "I understand." "Then why are you'?" "It's not only my fault." "You're also to blame." "What'?" "We did it together." "Watch what you're saying!" "You really think it's all my fault?" "So you have nothing to do with it'?" "What choice did I have'?" "I'm also upset." "What should vve do now?" "Maybe vve should just ignore it'?" "We can't ignore it!" "Why have you come to me'?" "Giving money directly to Matsuzaki will be a mistake." "I don't know what to expect of him." "If there's a witness, he can't deny it." "It vvill be more reliable if you're present." "If anything goes wrong, I can go to the police and accuse him of extortion." "lshino-san, Matsuzaki is not a bad guy" "He's just in desperate need of money" "I know that there are honest people like you." "But nowadays there are also a lot of ones like Matsuzaki." "Besides, 50 thousand is too much." "I can't let him keep me on a string." "Tell him that I'm ready to give him 30 thousand." "You spoke to the guy from Towa-Keori about money" "It's a pretty cruel deal." "But you have no choice, you have to graduate." "I understand that." "So what's your plan?" "Tomorrow, at about 7 PM at your place, I'll get the money" "And that vvill be it." " So, tomorrow at 7." " Yes." "This leak sensor looks new, but the inside is old." "That's not good." "It's not." "But now vve have to deal with it." " Hello." " It's Tanabe." "I'm in reception room 2." "Okay)'" "Do something about it." "Kasei Petroleum shares went up 183 yen this morning." "Thank you." "Here's the money and the receipt." "Still, it's a shame." "If vve waited a couple more weeks, they'd go up another 200 yen." "Well, children grow up." "We'll have to build another room." "It's admirable... to spend your savings on kids." "There'll be a retirement bonus, then..." "Alright." "It's nice to have savings, but the house is also important." "You're a real head of family" "Number 35." "Procurement department." "The money is ready" "I see..." "Thank you." "We arranged for tomorrow at 7." "I'll give him the money and it vvill be over." "Thank you so much." "Don't bother." "Try to be a good wife." "I vvill." "Thank you again." "For everything." "Today is your last day with the company" "Well... goodbye." "Goodbye." "Forgive me." "With hindsight, it was a huge risk." "Even if ifs boring and routine... the company's prestige and peace at home are above all." "Better safe than sorry." "Dinner is ready" " Hey Kuniko!" " What?" "Hovv about vve go somewhere next Sunday?" "All of us together'?" "Yes." "We haven't done that in a while." "It's so unusual." "Yes, it's been a long time." "Hovv about vve spend a night in Hakone'?" "Okay although it's a bit early to admire autumn leaves." "But the air is so fresh and clear there." "You've been so gloomy for the past couple of months... that I almost got depressed myself." "I vvant to go to a baseball game." "It's better to watch baseball on TV." "You can't see everything on TV." "Besides, I can put my glove on." "What about you, Kimiko'?" "I vvant to go to the theater." "You know nothing about the theater." "Actually I do an acting class." " Look, my sister's an actress!" " Shut up!" " Calm down." " But I..." "Alright, we'll go." "Novv, where would I like to go'?" "I know!" "To the Tama zoo." "Is it something for little kids?" "Based on the existing evidence and witnesses' testimony... vve can state that Kozo Sugiyama murdered Michio Toyama." "Apparently he did it because of money" "Such a crime has a profound effect on the community" "It's a real atrocity" "This man committed an act of unthinkable brutality" "Working in insurance, he exploited his occupation." "Such people are trusted and allowed into the home." "People of this profession possess the gift of the gab." "But the defendant used his profession to commit an evil act." "A crime like this... breeds fear among people." "Based on the aforementioned reasons... there are no grounds for lenience." "I firmly believe that the defendant... deserves capital punishment." "What's the weather going to be like tomorrow'?" "It's Sunday and we're going to the Tama zoo with the kids." "Really?" "We're going to the Ueno zoo." "Really?" " Look." " What'?" "Boss is in a good mood." "It's so unusual." "Here." "Goodbye." " Goodbye." " Yes, see you." "Are you coming'?" "I don't know..." "Isn't it too late?" "It's okay Let's go to Yurakuza?" "Yes, let's go there." "Well..." "I just have to give Matsuzaki the money, and that'll be it." "Coming..." "It's only 4..." "Morishita-san!" " What'?" " Let's go ice-skating." "Okay I'll come clown in a moment." "Are you kidding'?" "We have an arrangement..." "I'm sorry I helped arrange it." "I provided my flat for you." "The rest is your own business." "Bye!" "Who is it'?" "This is for Morishita-san from the guard, to thank him for his help." "I'm expecting someone." "Alright, thank you." "Oh yes... this shouldn't be eaten alone." "Hayakawa-san, I'm sorry to disturb you." "It's a headache for me too." "My brother did it to protect my honor." "This guy seems to be doing well." "It's not nice, of course." "But this money vvill serve as compensation for you." "There's nothing to worry about." "Everything vvill be settled this way" "At 7 then'?" "Still nothing." "I drew up a precise plan for him." "He's half an hour late." "It's already 7:30." "Matsuzaki!" "You're not lying to me, are you'?" "Trust me." "Trust you'?" "That's what you've been telling me all along." "Hayakawa-san, you have to believe me." "I'm not lying." "I'll pay today" "I will." "Why would I lie to you'?" "You were the one vvho tricked me in mahjong." "What'?" "In fact, I don't have to pay you anything." "Hovv much longer'?" "The traffic is very heavy now, so 7 or 8 more minutes." "Alright, don't drive too fast." "I don't vvant to have an accident." "Nothing's going to happen if I'm 15 minutes late." "Morishita-kun!" "What's the problem'?" "We had an arrangement." "What a mess!" "Morishita-kun, get up!" "Get up!" "We'll put the TV here." "No, it's better to put it in the next room." "Maybe a couch then'?" "Probably..." "Right here." "Yes." "In this room then'?" "Yes." "The victim was supposed to receive money in your room'?" "Yes." "Who was he supposed to receive it from'?" "From lshino Teichiro, a manager from Towa-Keori." "Manager from Towa-Keori'?" "Yes, lshino Teichiro." "Familiar name..." "He was a witness in the Mukojima murder." "Oh, yes..." "What a coincidence!" " Are you sure it's the same man?" " Yes." "Why was lshino... supposed to give money to the victim?" "He had an affair." "An affair?" "So, tomorrow at 10..." "Goodbye." "Umetani-san!" " Excuse me." "Are you Chieko Umetani'?" " Yes." "Please, come with me to the precinct." "Chieko Umetani from room 23 was Teichiro lshino's lover'?" "Yes." "At the same time, Chieko Umetani... had a sexual relationship with the victim?" "Yes." "Having learnt about it, lshino tried to pay the victim to break up with Chieko Umetani." "So, lshino wanted Chieko Umetani to belong to him alone?" "Yes." "Did Matsuzaki accept?" "Yes." "What was the sum'?" "Matsuzaki demanded 5O thousand." "lshino-san offered him 30 thousand." "Are you Umetani'?" "Blood was found under his fingernails." "We're determining the blood type now." "What'?" "Just a moment." "They're asking when the results vvill be ready" "In about two hours." "So, when you entered the room..." "Matsuzaki was already dead'?" " Is that so'?" " Yes." "What time did you leave work today?" "Since it's Saturday soon after 12." "And then'?" "Then I went to Yurakucho and spent some time playing pachinko in Bambino." "Till about 2:40." "You remember the time so precisely?" "That's because I arranged to meet Matsuzaki at 7." "I see..." "And then'?" "Then I spent some time in a pub in Ginza." "What's the name of the pub'?" "New Ginza." "I left it after 4." "Then?" "Then I went to Shimbashi and went to the cinema." "To the cinema?" "Every time you say that you went to the cinema." "A cigarette?" "What's the cinema called?" "Shimbashi Orion." "Hovv long were you there'?" "From 4:10 to 7, give or take a few minutes." "Did you see anyone in the cinema?" "No, I didn't." "When you were entering or leaving the cinema, you didn't see anyone?" "No." "So, there are no witnesses vvho could confirm that you were in the cinema." "No, but I was there..." "STUDENT FROM JOHOKU MURDERED" "SUSPECT" " MR lSHINO" "ALIBI IS DOUBTFUL" "MURDERER HAS WIFE AND CHILDREN" "So, lshino-san... are you going to tell the truth'?" "I am." "If you confess... you'll feel better." "But I..." "You arrived with the money" "Despite the arrangement, Morishita wasn't there." "Matsuzaki was alone." "No, that's not true." "Since Morishita wasn't there, you got angry" " You decided not to give him the money" " That's not true." "You started arguing about the sum." "Matsuzaki demanded 5O thousand." "You offered him 30 thousand." "A fight broke out." " That's not true." "Suddenly you noticed a knife." "You unconsciously grabbed it." "The next thing you remember is Matsuzaki lying on a tatami, covered in blood." "At that moment, you realized that you'd killed him." "No... no!" "You got scared and ran away" "You threw away the knife." "You don't remember where." "Then you aimlessly roamed the city" "A while later, you found yourself near your home." "You came in and stood there motionless." "Then you heard a policeman's voice." "No, that's not true." "lshino-san!" "If you say everything as it was... you'll feel better." "Your trousers and socks have the victim's blood on them." "The blood type matches!" "Your fingerprints were found in the room." "No." "lshino-san, there's no point arguing with forensics." "Apples and grapes were brought to Matsuzaki's room at 5." "Matsuzaki ate those grapes." "Judging by the degree of digestion, he was killed between 6 and 7." " I was in the cinema at that time." " In the cinema..." " I'm telling the truth." " You're always in the cinema." "I lied about Sugiyama, but I'm not lying now." "I did see Sugiyama." "What'?" "You saw Sugiyama'?" "So it was true'?" "But now we're investigating the murder of a student, not of a woman." "Some other time, we'll talk about that too." "I'll tell you everything." "That time, I wasn't in the cinema." "I was in Shin-Okubo..." "You were in the cinema that time, and this time too." "You're always in the cinema." "I don't believe you." "You lied last time and you're lying now." "No, this time I really was in the cinema." "There were two films," "Beauties of the Night and Women Are Weak." "When I arrived, Beauties of the Night was already on." "It was the scene where the main hero, a poor musician... wants to escape reality by falling asleep... and goes to bed." "At first, he dreams that his opera is successful." "He tells his boss's wife about his feelings." "But he can't find peace." "His dream goes on." "He goes to war in Arabia." "He dreams that he receives a medal and falls in love with an Arab girl." "But he can't find peace there either..." " Don't touch me!" " Move!" "They let me go." "Sugiyama-san was also released after my confession." "But what will happen to me now?" "I lost my job and my family" "Why?" "What did I do to deserve this?" "THE END"