Solomon's Perjury (Part I Digest)
After 23 years I return to this school, as a teacher.
Your legend has been passed down.
Surprised to earn our school trial had become a legend.
I want you to tell me the entire story.
It started on Christmas morning, 1990.
I'm afraid your classmate, Takuya Kashiwagi...
He's passed away.
The police concluded it was suicide.
An anonymous letter accused classmate Oide of pushing Kashiwagi to his death.
You hid the truth?
That accusation reached a TV station.
I didn't rip it up.
Our school went into panic mode.
He was murdered.
I bet Oide did it.
His death wasn't suicide, it was murder.
Rumor said Juri and Matsuko, both victims of Oide's bullying, had sent the letter.
Matsuko later died in a car accident.
Help!
Why don't you go help them?
You said we had to stand up to bullying
You're all talk. The worst kind of hypocrite.
People like you are the pits.
His words made my heart bleed.
I even considered killing myself.
But the will to live was stronger.
I stopped running from reality, I decided to fight for the truth.
We'll discover the truth.
Is wanting the truth such a bad thing?
But both of them can't be guilty.
Not in a real court case.
Then let's hold a trial.
Listen, let's hold a school trial.
No one told us why they had to die.
If you refuse this trial, I'll sue you for damages.
It could be interesting.
Oide, I want you to be the defendant.
This son of a killer will represent you.
Oide will come. I promise I'll get him.
Tell me, Kambara. Why push so hard?
It's as if Kashiwagi is putting me to a test.
He gave his life and he's asking me if I can do more than just talk.
You can broadcast the trial live from school.
That's what Kashiwagi would want.
What on earth are you doing?
Juri!
Our school ma! had one objective. To learn the truth
Shochiku Presents
In my mind, I saw you as a superwoman.
You held an actual trial at school.
Sorry, I'm no superwoman.
Frankly, I wondered if the girl portrayed actually existed.
At least now we can correct the legend.
And pass on what actually happened.
I'm surprised you didn't give up.
If it was me, I'm sure I would have.
The parents and teachers all opposed a trial, right?
You even got the police to cooperate.
To be honest, I was really very scared.
It was like being left alone in the wilderness.
Yes, it must have been an ordeal for you.
I gained courage and support from those I fought alongside.
You all worked hard to expose the truth.
We did.
But in the end...
As you already know...
an unexpected truth lay in wait to ambush us.
It was me who sent those letters of accusation.
I saw Oide and the others kill Kashiwagi. July 26, 1991
You were in class 2A?
Yes, in 2nd year. Class, 2A.
This uncalled-for trial will only hurt the innocent.
Yes, but one anonymous phone call is not real evidence.
Oide's house got burned down, right?
Everyone says my Juri set that fire.
I'll never forgive them for that!
Please use your influence to stop this trial.
Solomon's Perjury
Part II: Judgment
Good morning.
Juri's mom called me and spun a tale of lies.
She let it slip by saying my Juri.
Now she won't meet me or admit she made the call.
You're holding a mock trial at school?
Juri and Oide will give evidence, right?
Please ask them to participate in our TV show.
I refuse.
Like you, we only want the truth.
Your first broadcast was full of lies.
That's not quite accurate.
You remember the letter sent to Miss Moriuchi?
Of course, I do.
She never received that letter.
It was stolen before she even saw it.
What's that?
These prove she didn't rip it up.
Her neighbor had long been stealing her mail.
This woman?
YES.
It was she who sent you the letter.
Miss Moriuchi and her mother both say they'll sue you.
So promise me you will not talk to Juri or Oide.
Coming.
I'm Ryoko Fujino, a classmate of Juri's.
My name is Yukio Kosaka.
Yes?
You know Mr Mogi, from News Adventure?
The TV program, yes. But I'm very busy.
You called him, pretending to be a student.
But you let it slip by saying " My Juri."
What? I'm the adult here!
Ridiculous. You're the one having fantasies.
That's funny? I didn't call any reporter.
What mischief are you really up to?
Juri, do you have a minute to talk?
Go back upstairs.
Juri, this is really important.
Don't listen to them.
Sorry. I need to use the bathroom.
No, stop!
You can't just walk in!
Mr Mogi reckons your mom thinks you wrote those letters.
Did you?
You saw them kill him?
If so, we need you as a witness at our trial.
I'm the prosecutor, I promise I'll protect you.
We don't need your protection.
No TV coverage.
Out, both of you.
I'll prove Juri is telling the truth.
Enough! That's quite enough!
Please, call me.
Leave now. Get out of here.
Excuse us.
Ryoko Fujino FAX 3130-1239
I hate people like her.
We had one like her at my school.
Always forcing her version of justice onto everyone else.
You won't need her number.
In high school, you'll make friends at the same level as you.
I didn't realize just how stupid you really are.
So tell me how you feel, dear?
Try to understand.
One thing.
I only wanted to protect you.
Get off me!
I'll make you pay for these plants.
Stop it!
You cannot get away.
You're under arrest!
Oide's father set the fire so he could collect the insurance, right?
Here.
An employee of Universal Real Estate was also arrested for arson.
That has nothing to do with your trial.
Call when you want to order.
The night Kashiwagi died, Oide had a number of visitors to his home.
One was the real estate guy you arrested.
How do you know that?
Oide's mom gave that as his alibi.
If your prisoner testifies he saw him, that will lock-in Oide's alibi.
It's impossible.
Even if he can clear Oide, he's in jail. We can't let him out to testify.
But Oide's mom is not allowed to testify either.
Oide may be a rogue.
If he's innocent, it's my duty to prove it.
So please reconsider.
If there is other evidence, I'm sure Oide will participate.
I know we're asking the impossible.
But we've started this and we need to finish it.
I'm a police officer, I have my duty.
Before that you're my father, right?
Ryoko, calm down. That's not like you.
Not like me? You don't know anything.
Ryoko!!
Where are you going?
To see Oide.
To convince him to appear at the trial.
- Wait! - I'll go.
Ryoko!!
Are you crazy?!
Let's go back.
Ryoko.
I started to walk away when I saw Kashiwagi.
Looking at me coldly.
And then...
He said something, didn't he?
He asked why didn't I step in.
He said I was all talk, no action. The worst kind of hypocrite.
That shocked me, but I knew he was right.
I was too scared to interfere.
So I made up an excuse and I hate myself for that.
I wanted Kashiwagi to just disappear.
Many times I wished he would just go away.
But that's not why he died.
I know that.
But don't forget...
I found his body that morning.
Those dead eyes looking up at me.
Ryoko.
I imagined there was something he wanted to tell me.
I think it's time you went to bed.
Good night.
Sleep tight.
Good night.
Will you do as she wants?
What should I do?
Don't ask me.
Listen, Kinuko.
If we had...
I thought my family would always be safe.
After tonight, I realized that's not true.
If Ryoko had died...
I'd never have known the depth of her anxiety.
Not just you.
I've forced her to be the girl I wanted her to be.
It's not too late, is it?
You'll let the real estate guy testify?
No, that's impossible. But there must be a way.
What?
Do what you can, but don't get yourself fired.
You're right.
Want a beer?
Kambara Kimono Cleaners
Good day, my name is Noda.
Hello there.
Mother.
A friend of Kazuhiko's.
Hello there.
Good day, I'm Noda.
I'll just get him.
Never seen this before?
No, sir.
We remove stains from soiled kimono.
It's hot out today. Have this.
Thanks.
Kazuhiko, Noda is here to see you.
Give me a minute.
I'm pleased to see he's making new friends.
Not at all. I'm pleased to be his friend.
He's interested.
Fascinating, isn't it?
Sorry to keep you.
Before you go.
Here.
Thanks.
You too, Noda.
It's my husbands, though.
I don't need one.
You do. You'll get sunstroke in this heat.
Looks good.
It does.
Thanks for that.
Not at all. Now go on.
See you.
Take care.
Your mom's still young and beautiful.
You take after her.
Oh, sorry. I forgot.
She was my real mom's best friend.
After Mom's death they adopted me.
really?
Your mom would be happy.
Which mom is that?
What? You have more?
Kambara, wait!
Don't come back or I'll kill you, I said.
We have a new witness who can maybe confirm your alibi.
Fujino's dad's a cop.
Your enthusiasm is sickening.
Don't you want to put your mom's mind at ease?
That's the one thing you can do.
You're a cunning bugger.
The killer's son is just like his dad.
The blood of a wife-killer runs through your veins.
Take it back!
Shut up, dumb sidekick.
Take it back. Apologize.
C'mon Fatso, you're dead!
Doesn't that make you angry?
No, he's right. Maybe I will turn into a killer.
No way! That won't happen.
Then why not kill yourself before you do?
I've got no time to worry about the future.
Now is all I have.
If you don't want me as your lawyer, then fire me.
11 days until the school trial
I'm the bailiff. What's my role?
Your job is to assist the judge.
If Oide becomes unruly, you have to restrain him.
Got it.
Hey, Inoue.
Call me Judge.
Shall I use a mechanical pencil or a ballpoint pen?
Whichever you prefer.
It will all be wasted if Oide doesn't turn up.
Right.
Hey there.
- Good morning, sir. - Morning!
Oide's mother called last night to say he'll appear the trial.
We did it!
Good job, Kambara!
We did it!
Thank you.
Thank you, Kambara.
Thank you.
Good job.
Kambara kept a promise we all thought was impossible.
The stalled trial began to move forward again.
Thanks for coming.
Hot, isn't it? Cold barley tea.
Thank you.
Good evening.
No, stay seated.
- Good evening. - Sit down.
Our phone records for the 24th. And Takuya's photo.
Thank you for that.
Not at all.
These two incoming calls. One was me calling from work.
The other was from my wife's friend.
But we don't know who made these 4 calls.
No idea.
Crucial evidence.
If Oide and his gang had summoned Kashiwagi up to the roof...
it would be one of these four calls.
That's what we concluded.
Yes. What?
You want to know where I am?
This is a public phone booth at 7-18-3, Kiba, Koto Ward.
This one's from Taito Ward.
All 4 calls showed one unexpected consistency.
All made from public phone booths.
Thank you, sir. Excuse me.
That was also a public phone.
Shall we go look?
- Let's go. - Good luck.
That's it.
Unlike today, very few people had mobile phones hack then.
when not at home, everyone used public phone booths.
All 4 calls were made from different phone booths.
Miyagawa Obstetrics & Gynecology Approximately one hour apart, between 4 pm and 7:30 pm.
We visited houses and shops near to the phone booths.
Restaurant Ominato Asking if anyone had spotted Oide and his gang around there.
We assume they used that phone sometime around 6:30 pm.
I did see one boy.
A young fellow about your age.
It was snowing, he looked really tired.
I asked him if he needed any help.
When I did, he ran off.
You said that was just after 7:30 pm?
Around then, because I shut the doors at 8 pm.
That was the last of the 4 calls, right?
Is he among these photographs?
Please take a look.
Well, it was over six months ago.
But strangely, I do have good long-term memory.
My wife and baby were killed during the fire-bombing of Tokyo.
I wish I'd made them evacuate earlier.
But at that time, no one imagined Japan could lose the war.
Sir. Thank you very much.
Thank you, sir.
Coming.
Emergency Room
Don't run in a hospital!
How's Miss Moriuchi?
Surgery is over, she's in the ICU.
Did they get her attacker?
No, she's gone missing again.
It's all my fault.
Why do you say that?
I showed Mr Mogi her photo. So maybe...
Don't you worry about that.
I discussed that with this gentleman.
I'm Kawano, a private detective.
Mr Mogi called repeatedly asking me to find Minae Kakiuchi.
But I refused.
No one knows where she is, so no reporters spoke to her.
You got that, Fujino?
The attack on Miss Moriuchi was not your fault.
Ryoko?
Prosecutor Fujino.
Don't you dare quit.
Not a chance.
So, like Matsuko, you believe Juri's lies?
I initiated this trial, I have to see it through.
I'll do whatever I can to help you.
I can testify to whatever you want to know about Matsuko.
Enough is enough. Stupid trial.
It's an insult to our late daughter.
Grow up. That's not Miss Fujino's intention.
I won't be appearing at your trial.
Where are you going?
For a smoke.
Sorry, don't mind him.
Not at all.
Matsuko was always talking about you.
She said you're smart, beautiful and very understanding.
She looked up to you.
At today's concert, they'll play one of Matsuko's favorite pieces.
Memorial Concert for Matsuko Asai We had no idea.
So many of her friends sad about losing Matsuko.
It's comforting to know she's held in such high regard here at school.
Well...
No matter what our trial unearths...
I'll do my very best for Matsuko.
Memorial Concert for Matsuko Asai. Thank you, Matsuko
You're skin has really cleared up, hasn't it, Juri?
Because all that stress is gone from your life.
I'm glad we took up your suggestion to see a dermatologist.
Forgive me for being so silly.
I want to talk to Fujino. Please call her and set it up.
No, sorry. I absolutely forbid it.
Can I join you?
It's me, Fujino. I'm coming in.
Thanks for getting in touch.
May I sit down?
I was just trying to...
Juri Miyake is dead!
Liar, you deserve to be hung!
"Ugly acne, ugly acne, ugly acne, ugly acne, ugly acne, ugly acne"
Die! Juri Miyake
This is terrible.
My mother hid them.
Your voice came back?
Yes, after I cried.
This hate-mail would make anyone cry.
I want to appear at the trial.
Matsuko and I saw them kill him.
You don't want me to testify?
Isn't that what you've wanted all along?
Why were you and Matsuko on the roof in a snowstorm?
The police said it was very strange to be there at that hour.
That's why they ruled his death a suicide.
Please, tell me the truth.
I'll do that at the trial.
I'll tell the truth in my testimony.
So let me appear as a prosecution witness.
Okay, and I'll be there for you.
You two, take this.
Here?
Is this okay?
Hey, Kambara.
The last of the four calls Kashiwagi received that night.
From a phone booth near to an electronics store.
Yes, Noda told me.
The storekeeper didn't recognize Oide or any of his gang.
What do you want me to say?
Who do you think made that final call to Kashiwagi?
He did.
What do you mean? Who's "he”?
Like I said, he did.
Why would Kashiwagi call his own home?
Maybe he wanted to talk to his mom or dad.
He could do that anytime.
I think he was very troubled.
About what?
About killing himself.
Have you ever seen this boy?
I already told your fellow students.
I didn't see any of the boys in these photographs.
I see. Sorry to trouble you.
He was positive the boy on the phone wasn't Kashiwagi.
That put an end to Kambara's theory.
But why would Kambara come up with such a transparent story?
That made me even more suspicious that Kambara was somehow involved.
Hey.
That boy isn't from our school, is he?
He hasn't moved from that spot.
Probably a good friend of Kashiwagi's.
Do you know why Kashiwagi died?
No, I haven't seen him since primary school.
Not until I saw that TV program.
It's time for the final rehearsal. Let's head to the gym.
I'll meet you there.
I have a question for you, Kambara.
What is it? You look very serious.
You came to Kashiwagi's funeral.
But you lied by saying you learned of his death from the TV.
Why did you lie?
What are you really up to?
Answer me.
It's too early to say anything.
So you admit that you're hiding something?
But I will never hide from this trial.
I want you to believe that.
August 151991, the anniversary of the end of World War II.
The day our trial began.
Good morning, that way please.
August 15, 1991 School Trial - Day 1
"It is prohibited to use difficult legal terms."
The judge is entering. All please rise.
Good morning, everyone.
You look cool, Inoue!
Please be seated.
With that cape, do we get a magic show?
Silence.
Judge, can I go take a leak?
NO, hold it!
The comedy show begins!
Silence, please.
- Be seated. - Silence.
Silence, please.
You show 'em, judge!
These kids have worked hard organizing this trial.
To find out why our Matsuko and Kashiwagi had to die.
They're determined to reveal the truth.
So let them get on with it.
If you please!
Everyone sit.
Thank you, sir.
August 16, 1991 School Trial - Day 1 It was you who called the police Mr Tsuzaki?
Judge Please note that this court is not an actual trial.
Even if we find anyone guilty, there will be no punishment.
You may ask why have we gone to all this trouble?
Our motives and purpose will become clear as the trial progresses.
Inoue, do I record this?
Call me Judge. No, not until we actually start.
I made a mistake.
This hearing will last 5 days.
The prosecution and defense will battle it out to reveal the truth.
This court is now in session.
The first witness was Detective Sasaki.
From the start, she said Kashiwagi's death was suicide.
Please be seated.
Defense counsel, begin your direct examination.
My name is Kambara. I am the defense lawyer.
I shall begin my questions.
Ready.
I believe you're fully aware of Oide's long list of behavioral problems.
Yes, I have arrested and admonished him repeatedly.
He affectionately calls me the "Gold Hag".
Do you think Oide is involved in this current case?
No, I don't.
Oide's crimes are generally much less complicated.
When angry, he lashes out. If he wants something, he takes it.
He simply hasn't the patience to maintain a month-long vendetta.
Especially after a trifling fight at school.
Let me move on.
The door to the school rooftop is usually locked.
However...
What's wrong, Fujino?
Janitorial Custodian. Relax.
Thank you.
Hang in there, Fujino!
The key was locked in the Janitorial Custodian's office.
How do you think Kashiwagi opened the door?
I guess he used some tool, like a screwdriver.
The padlock is a very simple type.
Did you find that screwdriver?
No, it was not found on the rooftop.
If it wasn't found there, was it on Kashiwagi's body?
No, it was not among his belongings.
Isn't it possible that someone else, perhaps Oide, opened that door?
But Oide and his gang were never there.
Did you question Oide and the other two?
Yes, we did.
Could Oide have lied to you?
Oide and I have developed a trust between us.
You never suspected Oide, so you never confirmed his alibi?
Isn't that correct?
Correct, we did not investigate that.
That's all for my cross examination.
Thank you.
August 16, 1991 School Trial - Day 2 It was you who called the police Mr.Tsuzaki?
Yes, I did.
Later that day...
the police informed you his death was most likely suicide, correct?
Yes, they did.
What did you think, sir?
I also assumed it was suicide.
Can you explain why?
Kashiwagi had been absent for an extended period.
Did you try to persuade him to return to school?
Yes, I did.
But he wasn't receptive.
Especially just prior to his death.
He said no matter how many times we asked, he'd never return.
Kashiwagi himself said that to you?
Yes, he did.
He was distant, like he'd lost the passion to live.
As if he was in despair about his life.
Thank you very much, sir.
You hid the letter of accusation and you lied to the students.
Was that a cover-up, to protect the school?
Was there a cover-up?
Not at all.
We were trying to protect our students, not the school's reputation.
But your cover-up led to the death of Matsuko.
You call that protecting your students?
No, you're right.
My lack of foresight caused the death of an innocent student.
And I was responsible for the damage to our entire student body.
Mr Tsuzaki made some bad judgments.
Especially his fatal mistake of dealing with the press.
But still...
Ryoko?
What about the other teachers who did nothing?
At least Mr Tsuzaki tried to protect us.
He took full responsibility for his mistakes by resigning as principal.
He'd talk to any student, anytime. And he always spoke to us as equals.
Every single student here knows that.
Thank you for all your efforts, sir.
Well done, sir.
Not at all.
Are you heading home now?
I wanted time off, but my superiors insist I return to duty.
You have my sympathies.
Did you hear about the attack on Miss Moriuchi?
Yes, I visited her in hospital.
I'm sorry the entire responsibility for this incident fell on you and Miss Moriuchi.
No need for that.
It wasn't a lie that I did my best to protect the students.
But the way I tried to deal with it didn't work out too well.
Two students ended up dead.
There's no excuse for that and I don't expect forgiveness.
I'd better be heading back in.
But still...
The students know what you tried to do.
I'll never forget the integrity you displayed during this entire process.
I hope you get a new job as soon as possible.
The second witness was Miss Moriuchi, 2A's homeroom teacher.
The insane hatred of Minae Kakiuchi led to her stealing our teacher's mail.
And the devastating attack on Miss Moriuchi.
We can never forgive Mrs Kakiuchi for what she did.
But do we have the right to condemn her?
Please remember.
Miss Moriuchi insisted she'd never thrown away the letter.
Everyone called her a liar.
I did, too.
Now, I apologize from the bottom of my heart.
I am so very sorry.
As his homeroom teacher, what was your impression of Kashiwagi?
It was my first time.
My first assignment as homeroom teacher in my 2nd year of teaching.
I always worried about how I appeared to my students.
I tried be loyal to them.
I thought I managed that reasonably well.
But it felt as if Kashiwagi could see through my shallow charade.
Was Kashiwagi a difficult student? Hard to handle?
Yes, he was.
So I regarded him as a difficult student.
I stopped myself from getting too involved.
I couldn't understand him, so I was afraid of him.
How did you feel when you heard Kashiwagi had been found dead?
I was shocked.
But...
At the same time, a sense of relief.
I knew I no longer had to squirm under his unrelenting stare.
I was not ready for such pressure from my students.
That's why I'm here today, to apologize to them.
I'm so very sorry.
I have no plans to ever return to teaching.
But I thank 2A students for giving me this chance to set the record straight.
School Trial Court
Emiko?
I'm okay.
Sorry to turn up so suddenly.
But Mrs Kakiuchi wants to apologize before surrendering to the police.
Go on.
After what I did to you...
I became so afraid I wanted to kill myself, but I couldn't.
I am so sorry for ruining your life.
I am so sorry...
Let the police do their job.
August 17, 1991 School Trial - Day 3
Juri was the 3rd days witness. Like Oide, she was a key to the trial.
Why can't I? I'm supposed to be on trial.
It's only while Juri is testifying, that's all.
I never agreed to this. It's your decision, not mine!
You can't control yourself.
If Juri feels threatened, she'll refuse to testify.
So the judge has barred you from the court.
Please repeat after me.
I, Juri Miyake.
"Swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Please be seated.
Begin your examination.
Miss Juri Miyake, thank you for cooperating with this court.
I'll do my best not to upset you with my questions.
But please be aware some questions may be difficult.
If at any time you need a break, please say so.
I won't need a break.
But...
I don't like everyone staring at me like this.
I'm not on show here.
So where are we supposed to look?
Rest assured, no one here thinks that.
Please feel safe as you testify.
Sorry, I'm just don't want to look like a fool.
We're all impressed by your courage in appearing here today.
On Christmas Eve, December 24th, last year.
Tell us what happened that day.
Okay.
That evening, did you go out at all?
Miss Miyake?
No, I didn't go out.
I was at home all day.
I didn't witness the murder, but Matsuko did.
That evening, about 11 pm, Matsuko went to a convenience store.
She saw Kashiwagi, in tears, being dragged out by Oide and his gang.
She followed them up to the roof of the school.
Then Matsuko, alone, wrote those letters of accusation.
She asked me to go with her to post them.
That's all I did.
If you don't believe me, ask Matsuko - if you can.
How dare you say that?
Hold back, Mariko.
Please be seated.
Please sit down.
Order in the court.
Miss Miyake.
Please tell us the truth.
That was the truth.
So you didn't see Oide throw Kashiwagi off the rooftop?
You merely heard it from Matsuko Asai.
Is that correct?
YES.
I didn't witness anything.
That ends my questioning of the witness.
Defense Counsel, begin your cross-examination.
I'm Kambara, Oide's defense lawyer.
I've nothing more to say.
I already told you everything.
Coward!
Don't leave now!
Silence! Silence, please.
No, don't.
Silence! Silence, please!
August 18, 1991 School Trial - Day 4
We gave up any hope of the arsonist testifying.
But my detective father fixed that.
He convinced the arsonist's lawyer to testify in his place.
I am Tsutomu Konno, a defense lawyer.
My client is accused of setting fire to the Oide home.
Last Christmas Eve...
He attended a meeting at the Oide home to plan an insurance scam.
My client says these discussions took place from 9 pm to 2 am.
Did your client actually see Oide during that time?
Yes, he says he did.
What time was that?
There was a TV in the kitchen playing the NHK News.
The onscreen clock showed just after midnight.
That confirms my alibi, doesn't it?
Perhaps.
Did your client exchange words with Oide?
My client did say good evening, but he was sulky and didn't reply.
But they met, no mistake?
No, none at all.
Right on!
Thank you.
Thank you very much, sir.
That ends my examination.
Questioning of the suspect, Oide, began that afternoon.
In a gym, full of students who had been bullied by him.
It was a very strange atmosphere.
Silence.
Defense counsel, continue your examination.
Yes, sir.
Do you remember meeting the arsonist that night?
Nah, if I did, I would said so.
Be serious!
Get real!
I see. Let me ask another question.
Last year, on Christmas Eve, were you on the school roof?
Nah, wasn't me.
Did you meet up with Yutaro Hashida and Mitsuru Iguchi?
- I don't know. - I can't hear you!
How should I know what they did?
- So no meeting? - I said no!
That lawyer dude just proved I didn't kill Kashiwagi.
Watch your mouth!
You jerk!
Silence, please.
Until the jury returns its verdict, you are neither guilty, nor innocent.
Please bear that in mind.
I'll beat you up after this ends.
Defense Counsel, please continue.
Did you kill Takuya Kashiwagi?
No, I didn't.
You did!
- Tell the truth! - You killed him.
But you're here accused of killing Kashiwagi.
Please explain why.
It's obvious. Those lying letters.
So you maintain you have been unfairly and falsely accused?
I said that from the start. I was framed.
Why would anyone want to frame you?
Why?
I'm asking why would someone write letters to frame you?
How should I know? Go arrest them and ask them.
What about you?!
Show some respect!
I'm asking for your opinion.
Why would anyone want to frame you?
He did it!
We want answers!
Silence!
Let's move on to other questions.
There are many, so please answer with a simple yes, or no.
Yes, or no will do.
You entered Joto 3 Junior High 2 years ago in April.
Did you ever smoke cigarettes behind the gym?
I saw you smoking!
That's nothing to do with this trial.
Please answer with a yes, or a no.
Yes, or no?
- No. - Liar!
Tell the truth!
That same year, in June.
Did you kick a girl's school bag and then stamp on her back?
What's your problem, jerk?
Yes, or no?
Who the hell said I did?
That's not the question. Is it true, or not?
Please answer.
And I asked who's accusing me?
You remember that assault? Then answer yes.
Silence!
What's going on here?
In July, did you strike a classmate with an umbrella?
Did you threaten him for "blocking your way."
I can't remember everything.
Here's a list of accusations.
Please answer yes, or no. Are we clear?
Sure.
Did you take a boy into the toilets and beat him up?
Did you order him to lick the floor clean?
Yes, or no?
After you were arrested...
Did your father make a financial settlement with the boy's parents?
What the hell is this?
Hey, Judge. Shut this jerk up.
Silence!
Did you say "Your pimply face makes me sick. Don't come to school."
Have you ever called a schoolmate "a pig?"
Did you break something belonging to a girl you called "a pig?"
Did you stamp on her face and call her "a monster?"
Juri?
Are those things I listed actual facts?
Please answer me.
I am asking you a question, Oide. Answer me.
I didn't kill Kashiwagi.
That's not the question.
I didn't kill him!
That's not what I asked.
When you were bullied at home...
Did it feel good to take it out on someone weaker than you?
When you knocked down a fellow student, did you feel strong and powerful?
We were just fooling around.
So these accusations are true?
The answer is yes, isn't it?
YES.
Did any of the students you attacked enjoy your fooling around?
Did any of them beg you to stop?
Did any cry in pain, or humiliation?
Have you ever considered the feelings of those you lashed out at?
How much pain those you bullied had to suffer?
Did you ever once even think about them?
I'm quite sure someone did try to frame you.
You didn't kill Kashiwagi, but there were false accusations.
I do not condone that attempt to frame you.
But what if the person who wrote the letters was a victim of your bullying?
I can understand how that person felt.
Venting her rage in letters was the one thing that kept her alive.
That was her lifeline.
A plea from the depths of her tormented soul.
Come on Juri, let's leave.
I'm okay.
Imagine the pain and torment you caused.
You wounded her very soul.
Juri!
The nurse's office.
Sure.
Please, clear a path.
Silence!
Everyone, be seated.
Excuse me.
What do you want?
Is she any better?
She's fine. Thanks for asking.
Mom.
Leave me alone with Fujino.
Please.
If there's any trouble, I'll be right outside.
Are you alright?
Why did he attack him?
He's supposed to be Oide's defense lawyer.
Why?
To me, it seems like he was doing his best to cover for you.
But what for?
Why would he stick up for me?
I think...
Kambara was trying to save you.
Save me?
I never asked him to.
Why do I have to let him protect me?
I don't get it, either.
But when the verdict comes in tomorrow, and everything becomes clear...
We may get some explanation.
I'm sick of your stupid trial!
Listen Juri.
This trial is not about hurting you.
Please show some faith in us.
Make sure you come tomorrow.
I will be here to protect you.
You can't do that.
No one ever stands up for me.
If you were at home, you couldn't know what happened up on the roof, could you?
Of course not.
I didn't see anything.
And you're my accomplice. You're just as guilty as I am.
You can't plead innocent now.
That's unfair, Juri.
No, you're just stupid for helping me.
Let's go apologize to Oide.
Are you crazy'?
But he didn't kill Kashiwagi.
Because of us, everyone thinks he did.
You want me to go and say sorry?
Then he'll really kill us.
His gang are evil, but what we did is worse.
Have you forgotten what they did to us?
I'll go and tell my mother the truth.
I'm sure she'll say exactly what I just said to you.
When you do wrong, you must apologize.
You plan to betray me?
You're my friend.
I don't want to hate you.
Matsuko!
Juri?
Matsuko.
Matsuko...
What did you say to her?
Get out.
Leave now.
Come on, move.
See you tomorrow.
Get out.
I'm taking you out of this school and arranging a transfer.
But I feel better after seeing Oide exposed like that.
That boy...
That Kambara...
He is...
He's really something, that boy.
He's just pretending to sympathize with Oide's victims.
I'm the only one who will always protect you.
My Juri.
My poor Juri.
I'm so sorry.
Please forgive me.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
This is Kambara's mother and father.
This is Ryoko Fujino.
Okay, I'd better be going.
Thank you.
- Thank you. - See you.
Apparently you have some questions?
I know this hospital.
The Miyagawa Obstetrics and Gynecological hospital.
Near where the first call was made from.
That's where Kazuhiko was born.
I rushed to the hospital when Asako had him.
What about the other three locations?
Do you recognize any of them?
Look, dear!
You recognize this area?
Before his mother was murdered...
Kazuhiko and his parents lived in this house.
August 19, 1991 School Trial - Final day
I'm just finishing, sorry.
Ready for this?
If I said I wasn't afraid, I'd be lying.
But I'll see it through to the end, no matter what.
Listen, Ryoko.
The truth may end up hurting you.
But you'll always have a safe place to come home to.
Ryoko.
Do your duty as prosecutor right till the end.
I will. Thank you.
Bye bye, Ryoko.
Wish me luck.
- Good luck. - See You later.
All rise for the judge.
Good morning everyone.
Please be seated.
Members of the jury.
Initially, we were scheduled to hear both sides' closing arguments today.
Then you were to retire to consider your verdict.
However, this morning the Prosecutor approached me with new testimony.
Miss Prosecutor, can you please explain this to the jury?
Yes, sir.
New evidence has surfaced which will greatly affect the outcome.
Two new witnesses, I believe?
That is correct.
This has the name of the 2nd witness blacked out.
Can you say why?
At this moment, I cannot reveal the name of the witness.
Then are you able to bring that witness into this court?
Yes, sir.
Any objections from the defense?
None here, sir.
In that case, I shall allow these new witnesses to testify.
Thank you very much, sir.
Okay.
I shall call the first witness.
Good morning, sir. This way, please.
Hey there.
Thank you.
Thank you for coming today.
Your name please.
My name is Shuzo Kobayashi.
For many years I have run a humble electronics shop in this area.
Thank you for your polite introduction.
Last Christmas Eve, around 7:30 pm.
You witnessed a boy of our age in the phone booth opposite your store.
Is that correct?
Yes, no mistake.
According to our investigations, it appears the boy you saw...
made the final call to Kashiwagi's home.
Among the photos we showed you, you couldn't identify that boy.
He wasn't among them.
Do you still have no idea of that boy's identity?
No, he's here now.
Could you please point him out for us?
That's him.
No mistake?
No, that's him.
Please silence.
Silence in the court.
Thank you very much.
Judge, I'd like to call my 2nd and final witness.
May I?
I call 3rd year student of Toto University junior high, Kazuhiko Kambara.
Silence!
Both counsel, approach the bench.
What's going on? What mischief are you plotting?
No mischief. I've already spoken to Kambara.
To arrive at the truth, Kambara's testimony is imperative.
Please Judge. Give me the chance to testify.
I've promised Fujino that I will tell the truth.
Listen, Kambara.
This is not for you.
I'm only allowing it because I have a duty to finish this trial.
I, Kazuhiko Kambara...
"Swear to tell the truth... and nothing but the truth."
Swear to tell the truth... and nothing but the truth.
Please be seated.
What's going on? Why is he a witness?
Please begin your examination, Miss Prosecutor.
This is a list of phone calls made to Kashiwagi.
These are the four booths the calls originated from.
The person who called Kashiwagi from these phone booths was you, wasn't it, Kambara?
Yes, that's correct.
All were very short calls. May I ask what was said?
I was at locations Kashiwagi had ordered me to go to.
There was no need to say much.
What did Kashiwagi order you to do?
Go to each location in a fixed order and call him at a fixed time.
Like some sort of game?
YES.
But, for the two of us, a very meaningful game.
What's up?
How's school?
Nothing special, same as always.
Don't say that. That's not very interesting.
I haven't talked to anyone recently. You never see me any more.
What did you ask me here for?
Without that, you wouldn't come?
Sorry, I didn't mean it like that.
I'm thinking about dying.
When I think about this terrible, meaningless world, I'm better off dead.
Death isn't the answer.
Why is that?
Then tell me, what's the point in living?
Don't say "Your poor parents" or "You'll know when you grow up".
Why does everything have to have meaning?
You have options to change. Changing schools is the easiest.
But you can't just give up and die.
How do you stay sane?
What does that mean?
How can you lead a normal life after what happened to your parents?
Don't you feel guilty that only you survived?
Of course it's painful.
But I do want to erase it from my memories.
All you've done is just ignore what actually happened.
You've never faced up to reality
That's why you're all talk. You're a hypocrite.
And you expect to change my mind?
Then...
How can I convince you I'm not?
That's easy.
He told me to return to places I shared with my family and tell him how it felt.
If I did, he promised not to kill himself.
You went along to stop him killing himself, is that right?
YES.
But it also gave birth to feelings I'd forgotten I had.
What feelings?
It was just as Kashiwagi said...
I had refused to face up to the reality of my past.
So maybe I needed to reconnect with it.
Wasn't that painful?
Yes, very painful.
But above that...
it also brought back the good memories, too.
My parents weren't always unhappy.
When my dad wasn't drinking he was a kind, hardworking man.
He and Mom mostly got along well.
Before the game, I'd tried hard not to think of my parents.
But that buried the good times, the good memories, too.
So that "game" he made you play brought back those memories?
YES.
Things I didn't understand when I was 7, suddenly made sense to me.
And I owe all that to my step-parents.
When I thought back to my late parents...
it made me appreciate my step-parents.
When you called Kashiwagi, did he ask how you felt?
He didn't want to know that until after the game.
Face to face, so he could see for himself.
So Kashiwagi didn't expect a positive outcome from this game, did he?
He expected you to get upset, become depressed, isn't that right?
I'm at the final checkpoint.
Did you finish all the steps?
Yes, it's over.
There's a lot to tell you but it's late, my folks will be worried.
Can we meet up tomorrow?
No way. It has to be tonight.
No sorry, tonight is impossible.
I'm exhausted, mentally and physically.
Be on the roof of Joto 3 Junior High at 11:30 pm.
You must come.
That's too late.
The game is not over!
Don't be so selfish. I'm not going.
If you don't turn up, I'll kill myself.
There's a little gate near the big side gate.
I'll leave everything unlocked for you.
What's wrong, lad? Is everything alright?
He wanted you on that rooftop late at night.
Kashiwagi planned that from the start.
So I did as he asked me.
Last year, on Christmas Eve, at 11:30 pm.
Did you come to Joto 3 Junior High School?
Yes, I did.
Who was there on the roof?
Kashiwagi.
On his own, standing by the safety fence.
What did you think when you saw him there?
It made me scared.
What were you scared of?
I don't know.
During the game, you told him you also had good memories.
You remembered happy times and good memories, correct?
YES.
What was Kashiwagi's reaction to that?
He got angry-
What made him so angry?
He said I was weird.
That I was lying, that I must have felt bad.
So Kashiwagi blamed you?
Yes, he did.
I sensed he understood I really did feel better afterwards.
But he couldn't accept that, could he?
No, he couldn't.
He said my reaction was worse than he'd expected.
What does that mean?
Kashiwagi said that me feeling better was the worst possible outcome.
That's what he said.
It's worse than I expected.
Worse than you expected? What do you mean?
If you really do think like that, you're beyond help.
Good memories?
When you went to where your father killed your mother?
I'd kill myself before I'd admit that.
Didn't it hurt you? No, you're too dull to feel anything.
It's a sin for someone so dull and empty to keep on living.
But I still choose to live.
The game's over.
You don't get to decide that.
No son of an alcoholic killer can order me around.
You'll become an alcoholic and you'll beat your wife to death.
And your children, too.
You don't get to decide that.
That's your fate.
Someone like you, with bad blood, has no right to live.
You're just scum, you're nothing.
Kazuhiko Kambara doesn't deserve to have a decent life.
We were never really friends, were we?
I can't take it any more.
If you leave now, I will jump.
Do as you like.
If you're that eager to die, go ahead.
When did you learn that Kashiwagi fell from the roof to his death?
The next day. On the TV news.
How did that feel?
Were you scared?
YES.
Have you told anyone else about this?
No, I haven't.
I didn't plan to ever tell anyone.
These were the events you experienced last Christmas Eve...
between 11:30 pm and 00:30 am. Is that everything?
Yes, it is.
You've testified that only you and Kashiwagi were on the roof that night.
Yes, that's right.
Oide didn't kill Kashiwagi.
You knew that from the start.
Yes, I did.
You didn't say anything? Jerk!
You knew all along?
You knew I was innocent, but you kept quiet?
Answer me, Kambara!
Back to your seat!
Calm down, Oide.
Say something!
Sit down, Oide.
You will be seated now!
Okay.
Return to your seats.
Be seated.
Please continue.
Miss Prosecutor, continue.
You offered to be Oide's defense lawyer.
Why?
I knew it was a false accusation and I felt sorry for him.
Yesterday, you laid much blame on Oide.
Was that to protect him?
Despite those things, he is innocent.
Is that what made you confess?
YES.
Couldn't you simply tell Kashiwagi's parents, or the police?
Wasn't there another way?
Even if I did go to the police, or to Kashiwagi's parents...
I wouldn't have been punished.
Kashiwagi needed help and I walked away.
I wanted him dead.
If I had told the truth from the beginning...
Matsuko would still be alive.
This court should be judging me, not Oide.
Please punish me for his murder.
What do we do with Kambara?
Was abandoning Kashiwagi a crime?
Maybe. But I'm happy for Kashiwagi.
How come?
He wasn't all alone. He had a good friend in Kambara.
Maybe you're right.
After hearing Kambara's confession...
the judge suspended closing arguments and statements.
He instructed the jury to begin deliberations.
Let's believe in ourselves, and others, too.
We'll be fine.
So we have a verdict.
Silence!
The jury will re-enter the court.
The accused will come forward.
Oide, take the chair.
Foreman of the jury, Mr Takeda.
Yes sir.
Have you reached a verdict?
Yes, we have.
May I see it?
Please read your verdict.
Yes, sir.
We find Oide innocent.
This court finds the accused, Shunji Oide, innocent of all charges.
The accused, return your seat.
I hereby declare this school trial closed.
It's not over yet!
Kambara?
I'm the real criminal.
You must find me guilty.
Calm down, Kambara.
Listen to me, Judge.
And the jury, too.
You need to punish me.
Killing Kashiwagi isn't my only crime.
I hurt so many of you because I didn't tell the truth.
I took advantage of you all, especially Fujino and Noda.
I maneuvered them into holding this school trial.
Because I wanted them to punish me.
This court will not punish anyone.
This trial is not about punishing you.
After my dad beat my mother to death, he hung himself in a prison toilet.
He should have served his sentence.
But he was a weak man.
He believed that killing himself would pay for his crime.
Now I must do the same thing.
But you didn't kill Kashiwagi.
You're wrong, I did. I told him to do it.
You're not the only one who deserves punishment.
I watched Oide and his gang tormenting Juri and Matsuko.
I was scared, I ran away.
At first they were picking on Juri.
Matsuko threw her bag at Oide in an attempt to save Juri.
Both of them cried out many times, asking for help.
He stomped on Juri's face.
Her mouth was bleeding.
But I was too scared to step in.
I just stood by and watched.
Perhaps Matsuko stepping in to help her friend...
was the reason Juri didn't kill herself, like Kashiwagi did.
If I'd had the courage to step in and defend her...
maybe Matsuko wouldn't be dead now.
I'm so sorry Juri.
I'm so sorry Matsuko.
Kashiwagi saw me shrink away from helping them.
He never forgave me.
He said the same horrible things about me.
That was deeply wounding.
But, up on that roof, you told Kashiwagi...
you had chosen to live.
That's exactly how I felt.
The same as you.
That's why I can't blame you.
No one here has any right to blame you.
Then this trial was meaningless.
No, you're wrong.
If I hadn't been involved in this trial...
I wouldn't have had the courage to face the future.
I think everyone here feels the same.
We all have to carry our sins...
until the day we can overcome them.
Judge!
I hereby declare this school trial over.
Please proceed slowly.
No Pushing, please.
Thank you for attending.
Thank you.
Thank you for assuming such a difficult role.
There's an even more difficult task ahead.
Preparing for high school entrance exams.
That's right.
I'd forgotten all about that.
See you.
It's all over.
Good work.
I'm sorry about all this, but I was innocent.
Shunji no!
It's okay. He has a right to hit me.
Thank you so much.
Prosecutor Fujino!
Hello, sir.
Hello.
Good work, well done.
Thanks Dad.
This calls for a beer, but you're all too young.
Any excuse to drink.
For sure. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Sharing a nice cold beer would be a fitting end.
I can almost taste it!
C'mon Dad, you're embarrassing them.
Which boy do you fancy?
Cut it out, Mom!
Juri!
Let's go.
I'm so sorry I blamed everything on Matsuko.
Matsuko will always be watching over you, dear.
I'm so sorry. Forgive me Matsuko.
Thinking about it now...
I realize we could only have done it because we were 14 years old.
Excuse me.
But much good came from the trial.
Since then, the school has had no bullying or student suicides.
Now I understand why.
I finally get it.
That's why your school trial has become a local legend.
But that's a high hurdle to jump for someone who's just been transferred here.
I have no confidence.
You'll do just fine. You're not 14 any more.
The older we get, the less these things hurt us.
And we get better at dealing with problems.
That's how it was for me. What about you?
Same here.
Now I'm just another middle-aged wife and mother.
But listening to you today reaffirmed my belief.
Dampen the voice in your heart and you will see only what you want to see.
And believe only what you want to believe.
That's the scariest thing of all.
May I ask one last question?
Go ahead.
What happened to the others involved in the trial?
After the trial finished, we all...
We became very good friends.
It's all over.
I don't know what to say to you.
If you want to appeal, you'll face Noda, not me.
No way.
I want my normal life back.
We didn't let any of them beat us, did we?
See you.
Ryoko Fujino
Mizuki Itagaki
Anna Ishii
Hiroya Shimizu
Wu Tomita
Koki Maeda
Ayumu Mochizuki
Kuranosuke Sasaki
Yui Natsukawa
Hiromi Nagasaku
Ham Kuroki
Tomoko Tabata
Masahiko Tsugawa
Kimiko Yo
Yutaka Matsushige
Fumiyo Kohinata
Machiko Ono
Executive Producer Tadashi Osumi
Original Story by Miyuki Miyabe
Screenplay by Katsuhiko Manabe
Wrecked by Hum Narushima