This film is based on actual events which took place in Gifu in 1 978.
Names have been changed in consideration of the victim's families.
This case remains unsolved.
March, 1978.
Look!
I have a confession...I love you.
But why? I don't even know you.
But I know you very well.
What do you know about me?
Mayumi Sawada. You're on the track team.
You hate studying...You joke around a lot.
You live in a huge house. You have 2 older sisters...
And...and...
Everyone in detention idolizes you...
the reason you love me?
I also think we have a lot in common.
You have some nerve!
But I give you credit.
So I won't turn you down. I'll just pretend this never happened.
Thank you.
OK, now go!
Yes, ma'am.
Better luck next time!
Why'd you turn him down?
He's a nice guy.
Because Mayumi likes the captain of the track team.
Really?!
Hey! Keep it down!
What do you see in that greaseball?
He's cool.
She goes for the slick-haired
"old-school" actor type.
That's him all right.
No way!
Yes, it is!
He's going to college in Tokyo, you know.
What? Why Tokyo?
How should I know?
Who'd you hear that from?
A little bird told me.
Your little bird is usually wrong.
On your mark.
Get set.
Go, Hayashi.
You can do it, Osada!
See ya.
Bye. See you.
Bye!
See you.
Sir!
What is it?
Mr. Suzuki is here.
Hello.
What can I do for you?
We're opening a new department store in town.
We'd like to carry your eggs in our food section.
Thank you so much.
Your eggs are very popular amongst our customers.
Well, thanks.
How is your daughter, Sachiko?
Fine.
I heard she's getting married.
Yes...
Can you give this to her?
Thank you.
Nice doing business with you.
I'm home!
In here.
Yukie, you're home?
Of course. Sachiko's getting married.
But that's not until Sunday.
It's only Thursday.
I took a few days off to see my dear family.
You only live an hour away by train.
Mayumi, go change your clothes!
OK.
I'm taking a sip of your coke!
Oh my god! It's soy sauce!
The soy sauce bottle broke.
Why didn't you tell me!
Because you didn't ask!
Yuck! I need some tea.
I'm home.
Dad's home.
Everyone, get ready for dinner.
Yes, mom.
Did you meet him already?
Who?
Sachiko's fiance.
He came over to meet us.
What's he like?
His face looks like...
that uni-brow actor!
I know which one!
He looks nothing like him.
How's work?
We're so busy,
I barely have time to do laundry.
Why don't you come back home?
You can't be paid very much.
Why did you have to move out?
I want to be independent.
What about you, Yukie?
What?
Any wedding prospects?
I have no interest right now.
My job is my life.
What's your type, Mayumi?
Someone tall with good skin.
Maybe someone older.
Sounds good.
I think I want...someone rich.
Yukie!
Just kidding.
Joan of Arc was only 18.
Not much older than you...
Look at this.
What is it?
A list of all the girls that are after your sweetheart.
So many!
Gonna knock them off one by one?
But I'm not the fighting type.
You don't have to fight.
Bribe them, my dear.
Be a politician!
Sawada! Be quiet!
Sorry!
Captain!
Sawada.
I heard you set a new record at the preliminaries.
Yes! It was a breeze.
That's great!
I just did what you told me to do.
Did I tell you to do something?
When I joined track, you said, "Just keep on running."
Did I really say that?
I love it! He doesn't even remember!
I can't tell if you're serious or joking.
I'd never joke about something like that.
Sit down.
OK!
Thank you!
Isn't this your stop?
Captain!
You're graduating soon.
Yes, I am.
May l...
Never mind!
You're getting better at this.
Well, I am a professional, you know.
Remember when you used to
practice haircuts on me?
I looked like I was wearing a helmet.
You'll never forgive me for that, will you?
How's school anyways? Studying hard?
It's OK, I guess.
Any plans after graduation?
Not really.
There's nothing you want to do?
Nope.
Any boys you like?
Yeah.
What's he like?
He's nice. The dependable type.
He's smart and cool.
Like an "old-school" actor.
Your teacher?!
No, he's a senior.
You've got weird taste.
How come you're being
so nice to me, anyways?
It gets lonely living on your own.
You start appreciating things...
Any time you need to talk,
you can come to me, OK?
Thanks.
Can someone get the phone?
Sawada Residence.
Hi. It's me.
How are you?
It's been awhile.
Yes, it has.
I heard you're getting married.
Yes...
Congratulations.
Thank you...
I hope you'll be very happy.
Thank you.
I just called to tell you that.
I wanted to tell you in person, but...
No...
Well...I have to go.
Congratulations.
Am I pretty?
You look beautiful.
Can I come visit you sometimes?
Of course, you can.
You're going to be the only one left,
so take care of mom and dad, OK?
I know.
Can I ask you one more thing?
What is it?
Can I have your room?
Sure. Just keep it clean.
Really? Yay!
Haruko, more sake!
Thank you.
Thank you for coming.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
When are you coming home next?
I'll be back soon.
You girls used to play here all the time.
Ages ago.
You'd never come home before dark.
I can't believe Sachiko's gone.
It's not like she's gone forever.
We can see her anytime.
I guess.
I'll be going then.
I'll walk you to the station.
It's all right.
Mayumi, tell him how you feel, OK?
What?!
See ya.
Can I shake your hand?
Go ask him for a keepsake.
A button from his uniform.
He probably gave them all away.
Give him your present.
You're being so shy!
I'll bring him here.
Junko, no!
I'll go.
Captain!
Congratulations on your graduation.
Thanks.
Potholders? Wow.
Actually...they're gloves.
I didn't have time to do the fingers.
They're really nice.
I want to show you something.
Will you come with me?
We used to train up here.
I'm out of shape, now that I quit.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
I bet even Kaoru and Junko
can outrun me now.
They're kind of slacking off lately.
You can beat them.
You three are really close, huh?
We've been best friends
since grade school.
I envy you.
I don't have friends like that.
I wanted to see this view
one last time, with you.
Oh, yeah.
Here.
This is...
A button from my uniform.
I want you to have it.
What is it?
Good night.
Remember I'm sleeping
in Sachiko's room from tonight.
Good night.
Sulfuric Acid
It burns!
Mr. Suzuki!
Where's Sachiko?
Where's Sachiko?!
Mr. Suzuki...
You...
Why didn't she pick me...?
You...
You made a fool of me!
But it was self defense, right?
Still, he killed someone.
His daughter's ex-boyfriend, no less.
Supposedly...
Supposedly what?
There was bad blood between them.
So it wasn't self defense?
I heard the mom was
having an affair with him.
So the dad went crazy
and killed them both.
No way!
I heard his head was blown off.
Oh my god!
Poor Sachiko. Losing her mother
so soon after the wedding.
I hear they're living apart now.
Why isn't she living with her husband?
You know how it is. People talk.
Sachiko used to date that man, right?
Her dad's chicken farm
Iost a lot of business.
Most of his business came from
that man's department store, right?
Poor Mayumi. He poured acid on her face
thinking she was Sachiko.
At this point in time,
this is the best we can do.
The acid penetrated
through most of the bone.
Any further surgery
may jeopardize her life.
I'm very sorry.
I'm sorry girls.
She's still not feeling well.
I see.
We'll come again.
I'm really sorry.
School's starting soon.
I wonder if she'll be able to come.
I hope so.
Let's try again tomorrow.
Hello?
Sawada? It's me.
Captain...
I'm sorry about your mom.
Thank you...
How are you feeling?
OK.
When are you leaving for Tokyo?
Tomorrow.
I see.
I'm right near your house.
Can I see you?
Sorry...
I see.
Is it OK if I write?
Of course. I'll write, too.
Cheer up, Sawada.
I always liked your smile.
Thank you.
Bye.
What is it?
I've decided to go to school.
What?
Why not?
But you're not completely healed...
I can't stay cooped up forever.
Morning.
Mayumi?
You're well enough to come to school?
Yeah.
Sorry I couldn't see you guys
when you came to visit.
Never mind about that.
You sure you're OK?
Yeah.
So, what class are you in?
Class F. Same as you.
That's good!
We're all together again.
Yeah.
We'd better get to class.
How was school?
It was OK.
Oh.
Have you been seeing Kenji?
We talk on the phone.
I see.
We had a million calls today...
Debt collectors again?
I'll take care of it.
You don't have to worry about these things.
Maybe we should take a family trip.
It's been awhile.
Sounds good.
Ikeda! Mutant Girl's coming.
Cut it out.
You had a crush on her, right?
Now's your chance.
I didn't have a crush on her.
Liar! I heard your confession in the stairwell.
I told you I didn't!
Go!
I can't believe Mutant Girl
came to school.
Mutant Girl?
Mayumi Sawada in F Class.
Oh, her.
I could never come to school looking like that.
Have you ever seen her without the mask?
No way.
It's supposed to be hideous.
They can't do any more surgery.
She'll never find a husband now.
How could anyone stand to watch her eat?
Her dad killed someone, right?
I can't believe it. He shot a guy.
Her dad must be crazy, too.
Stop it! That hurts.
Stop!
Ow! Stop!
Aren't you going to ask me what happened?
Is it difficult to watch me eat?
No.
I don't care what they say about me...
But they were talking about dad!
You'd do the same...
I know how you feel...but,
don't bring any more attention to yourself.
It's for your own good.
To Mayumi Sawada
From Seiji Moriyama
How are you?
College life is so busy.
I'm studying hard every day.
My apartment is small and dirty,
but I do my own laundry
and even cook a little bit.
Your "gloves" are really
coming in handy.
I saw scenes of our town
on TV the other day.
It reminded me of the view
we saw together.
Dear Captain,
I'm glad to hear you're doing well.
My burns are healing little by little.
I'm going to school again.
I had to quit track but,
thanks to you, I've taken up sewing.
I'm really getting into it.
I'm currently making some cushions
for you to sit on while you study.
I'll send them soon.
Sincerely, Mayumi.
Mayumi, it's me.
Hey, dad.
What are these?
Cushions.
Oh...
Why so many?
I can't seem to get it right.
What's wrong?
There's nothing wrong.
How's school going?
It's fun.
I see.
What do you want to do
when you graduate?
Well...I'd like to go to Tokyo.
Tokyo, huh?
Don't stay up too late.
I won't.
It's just us now.
Yeah.
Dad had life insurance?
Yes.
His will said to pay off the debts
and the employee's salaries.
I'm sorry.
Why should you be sorry?
It's all my fault, really...
If I hadn't broken up with that man,
mom...and Mayumi...and dad...
It's not your fault.
I'm moving back home.
What?
But your job...
It's so important to you.
I can commute from home.
We'll have a lot to deal with.
There'll be more rumors...
Don't worry. I'm pretty thick-skinned.
Yoshizawa Hair Salon
Yuki, you can go now.
But...I have to finish this.
Let Akemi finish up.
You'll miss the last train.
Thanks, then.
Sorry, Akemi.
It must be hard for you.
Don't worry.
I won't let it affect my work.
See you tomorrow.
How's school?
Are you still writing to that guy?
Yeah. What about you?
How's work?
Great. I'm practically managing the shop now.
The owner's really good to me.
That's nice.
I'm thinking of getting a job, too.
I can't expect you to support us.
I've already applied for a part-time
job at the supermarket.
What about Kenji?
I don't know what's going to happen...
Are you getting a divorce?
You guys don't need to worry about it.
Anyways...
we have to stick together, right?
You're right.
Thank you.
Mutant Girl
I heard she was on the track team.
Was she really the fastest
runner in high school?
Yeah, she was.
I heard a rumor...
that her sister's "ex"
poured acid all over her face.
Yeah, that's the story.
That must have been horrible!
What does she look like
underneath the mask?
Don't talk about stuff like that.
I heard she had a boyfriend
who went away to college in Tokyo.
I don't think it was that serious.
Do they still keep in touch?
Has he seen her face
underneath the mask?
Ask her yourself.
I thought you guys were really close.
I heard you guys were best friends.
I wouldn't say best friends...
Would you?
You talk too much, you know?
Sorry.
Gather around.
Dear Captain,
How are you?
My sister Yukie moved back home recently.
My sisters and I are all living together again.
How did you like
the cushions I sent you?
I've joined the Sewing Club
and I'm getting pretty good at it.
I've made new friends in the Club and
we compete to see who sews the best.
I can even make clothes now.
I'm working on an outfit for you.
I'll send it soon.
Change makes life more interesting.
Do you feel that way, too?
I'm discovering another side of myself.
I hope to hear from you soon.
To Seiji Moriyama
From Mayumi Sawada
Seiji, what's wrong?
It looks like it's going to rain.
Let's bring in the laundry.
OK.
I'm returning this.
I don't want a divorce.
Why don't I move in with you?
We should live together.
If Yukie and Mayumi don't mind, that is.
Kenji...
But what will...your parents say?
Don't worry, I'll talk to them.
I really appreciate it,
but can you wait awhile?
Until Mayumi graduates high school?
OK.
But remember,
I'll always be here for you.
Yoshizawa Hair Salon.
One minute, please.
Yuki! Phone!
Who is it?
Don't know. Sounds like your sister.
Excuse me.
Hello?
It's me.
Mayumi? What's wrong?
I'm scared! When are you coming home?
What are you talking about?
Just hurry home!
What? Where's Sachiko?
She's going to be late...That's why...
I'll be home as soon as I can.
OK.
What's wrong?
What is it?
What happened! Mayumi!
You look exhausted lately.
You don't look so good either.
Really?
How did it go with Kenji?
It went OK.
But I think something's wrong with Mayumi.
Like what?
She's been locking all the doors.
It's like she's scared of something.
She called the shop today, too.
She said she was scared.
I know the local kids are saying
our house is haunted.
She must be depressed...
The kids at school must be
saying things to her, too.
Yesterday in Gifu Prefecture,
two high school girls
were stabbed to death by a woman
wielding a pair of scissors.
The woman is currently at large...
The police are treating this as a
homicide and a manhunt is underway.
At about 5 pm yesterday
in Gifu Prefecture,
Junko Muraoka
and Kaoru Yamamoto (1 7)
were attacked on the way
home from school
by a woman wielding a pair of scissors.
The victims were rushed to the hospital,
but died an hour later.
Mayumi, these girls went to your school.
The woman was wearing a red dress.
Muraoka/Yamamoto Funeral Service
Are you OK?
Who would have thought...
Your letters...
sorry I haven't written back.
I heard you've been through a lot.
With your dad and all.
How is...college?
Pretty good...I guess.
When are you going back to Tokyo?
Tomorrow, around noon.
Can I see you...tomorrow morning?
I'd like to go see that view again.
I've been through so much lately...
It would help me...
to see that view with you.
OK.
Mayumi! What happened?
Can you cut my hair?
Does it have to be today?
It does.
But I'm all booked up.
Oh...that's OK, then.
Wait!
Sorry to put you out like this.
Never mind.
Are you going to see someone?
The guy I told you about.
Your pen pal in Tokyo?
He's back in town now.
Is everything all right?
Like what?
Remember, we're here for you.
Thanks.
They don't have any leads on that homicide.
This can't be happening.
Not in a small town like this.
How's school?
It's OK.
Um...I was talking to everyone yesterday.
We...aren't going out, are we?
There were rumors
that we were seeing each other.
Does that bother you?
No...but I gave you my button
because Junko asked me to.
I always thought of you as a little sister.
I never thought of you as a brother.
Well...um...
Is it because of my face?
No! It's not that...You're pretty.
Even like this?
Am l...still pretty?
Um...I...
I'm seeing someone.
Thank you very much.
Yuki.
Yes?
This is going to be our new shop.
Wow, it's big. The location's great.
Do you want to run it?
The concept, the decor, everything?
We're targeting the younger crowd.
I think you'll do a great job.
What I'm asking is,
do you want to run the shop?
Do you mean it?
Of course! That's why I'm asking!
I'd love to!
Good!
A male college student
has been reported missing.
The police have mobilized
a search party in the area.
Seiji Moriyama (18) of Teito University
has been reported missing.
He was last seen in Gifu
attending a classmate's funeral...
Another incident...
The names of the classmates whose funeral...
Did you hear Moriyama is missing?
Who's that?
He was captain of the track team.
He came back for the funeral
and hasn't been seen since.
Another incident?
They don't know yet, but...
Wasn't he dating that Mutant Girl?
Apparently that's what she thought.
I heard he denied it
in front of everyone.
Who can blame him?
Missing: Seiji Moriyama
Thank you.
Can you excuse me for a minute?
They asked me to run the new shop.
Wow! That's great!
I can't believe it.
Where is it?
Near Unuma station.
That's closer to home.
Your dream is coming true.
It's going to be a lot of work,
but I'll be paid more.
Wow!
Who is it?
I wonder who it could be?
Is Mayumi Sawada here?
I have some questions
regarding Mr. Moriyama.
I heard rumors that
the two of you were dating.
When did you last see him?
At Junko and Kaoru's service.
You haven't seen him since?
No, I haven't.
And we weren't dating.
That was just a rumor.
I see...
Do you have any idea where he might be?
No, I don't.
Moriyama was a senior
on the track team, right?
Yes.
Did you do things together?
Go shopping, maybe?
We didn't know each other that well.
I see...
What is it?
That guy, Moriyama...
When you came to the shop,
you said you were going to see him.
I didn't...
I didn't see him.
We're not going out.
What do you mean?
About what?
I think you know something.
I don't know anything.
Really?
I told you, I don't.
Sachiko!
What?
Isn't Mayumi acting weird?
Like she's hiding something?
Like what?
When she came to the shop,
she said she was going to see Moriyama.
But she didn't, right?
But...what if she did?
What if she's lying...?
Why would she lie?
They still haven't found
the woman with the scissors, right?
And they're all from the
same high school, right?
I wonder if there's a link.
And now that boy's missing, too?
I bet he's already dead.
You shouldn't say that.
The woman was wearing a red coat, right?
I thought it was a red dress.
It was a coat.
I think it's a guy from their school.
He'd have to be pretty strong.
A guy dressed up as a woman.
A guy with a grudge. It has to be.
Stop talking about it.
It's depressing.
Excuse me.
What?
I don't feel well.
Can I go home early today?
Are you OK? What's wrong?
I think I just need some rest.
Sure, go home.
You can't afford to get sick.
Thank you.
I think...I'm pregnant.
Really?
Yes.
Should I keep the baby?
Of course!
No more living apart, though.
But what will your father say...
This is our life. Not theirs.
What can they say
if we tell them you're expecting?
But...
It'll be a fresh start for us.
You have to tell Yukie and Mayumi, too.
I have to talk to you.
You scared me!
I found this in Mayumi's room.
What is this?
Blood stains.
She's involved somehow...in those incidents.
What are you saying?
Look at this.
We have to go to the police.
Sachiko...
We can't.
What?
Promise me, you won't...
Do you know what will happen
if we go to the police?
What do you mean...?
Our names will be all over the news.
As if we don't have enough
problems already.
We won't be able to live anywhere.
It would ruin everything.
It's an important time
for you too, right?
If this gets around,
you can forget about your career.
What should we do, then?
Just give me a little time...
Please...
The police and local search parties
are doing their best.
His classmates and relatives
have been so worried.
If he's alive,
we want him back as soon as possible.
Please call in with any information.
Anything!
The tabloids are saying
this could be another murder case.
Why...? He's such a good kid.
Why would anyone want to hurt him?
I feel so sorry for his mom.
He's probably dead already.
Right, Mayumi?
Mayumi! What's wrong!
Are you OK?
I'm sorry, Mayumi...
What?
There was no other way...
What are you talking about, Sachiko?
I put rat poison in Mayumi's juice.
But Mayumi's going to die!
Call an ambulance!
We have to kill her!
It's the only way!
Sachiko...
Help me!
You have your career to think about, right?
You want to have your own shop, right?
Hurry!
Do you understand?
Yes...
What are you going to say?
Mayumi...went to a hospital in Tokyo.
Right...that's it.
Are you OK?
You look white as a sheet.
I'm fine.
Is it a customer?
Sorry...Mayumi...I...
I didn't know...
I didn't know...I didn't mean to...
Mayumi...
Why...?
Help!
Sachiko...
Am l...pretty?
Have you heard about the
"Slit-Mouthed Woman"?
The long haired woman
wearing a mask and a red coat?
I thought it was beige.
She stops you on the way home
from school and asks, "Am I pretty?"
If you say "Yes", she takes off
her mask and says "Even like this?"
Her mouth is slit all the way to her ear.
Really?
So is she pretty? She was really pretty before.
And if you say, "You're ugly"?
Either way, she kills you.
But if you say "hair gel" she'll spare you.
Her boyfriend used to wear hair gel.
That's just a story kids made up
so they wouldn't have to go to school.
It sounds pretty ridiculous.
If you give her a lollipop,
she'll go away.
Why a lollipop?
I heard she runs 100 meters
in 3 seconds flat.
Scary!
On May 18, 1978, a serial killer
claimed 13 lives and injured 52.
Police found evidence linking them to
murders of 2 other high school girls.
A witness at Yoshizawa Hair Salon
identified Mayumi Sawada as a suspect.
A knife and large quantities of blood
were discovered in the Sawada residence.
Prints on the knife matched those of
Sachiko Sawada, but not the blood type.
The blood type matched Mayumi Sawada
but due to lack of advanced DNA testing,
conclusive links were never made
and the case remains unsolved.
Seiji Moriyama's body was never found.
Mayumi Sawada's whereabouts
are still unknown...