Original subtitles

Eh... the perfect crime that uses a father

And an evening meal.

It can't possibly work. Please keep watching.

Original Translation by Rizun Subtitle Work Team Translation, Timing and QC by ersby & GGib

Tamura Mazakasu

Furuhata Ninzaburo

Ichikawa Somegoro

Nishimura Masahiko

Screenplay by Mitani Kouki

Music by Honma Yuusuke

Directed by Kouno Keita

Produced by Sekiguchi Shizuo

I have a machine that can travel through time.

"Eh? Wouldn't that be a time machine?"

- "Didn't I just say that?" - "What will you do with it?"

"Well... I can do whatever I want."

"I could change the world in any way I choose."

"For example, let's say we go back three years,"

"when the film 'Titanic' hasn't been made yet."

"We can make it before James Cameron does,"

"and make a fortune. This is my dream."

Are you ready for tomorrow?

I feel fine about it.

I've never heard someone going out to drink this close to a performance.

Well, it's too late to worry now.

How did the new piece turn out?

I somehow managed to finish it. I wish I could've used your material.

- Not that again. - Sorry. I'll drop it.

Here you are. Hey... isn't this...?

You've seen him on TV, right? He's a hot property, unlike me.

Garaku-san, isn't it?

He's our teacher's star pupil.

- I always watch your plays. Enjoy. - Thank you.

But, what did you want to talk about?

The thing is, I have a favour to ask.

- Oh. - Are you free tomorrow?

- Tomorrow? I'm busy. - Doing what?

- A recital at the old folk's home. - You still do that?

I need whatever work I can get!

- What time? - Five. - And before?

I'll be telling everyone to go and see your show.

How about between 11 and 1 o'clock?

- I'm free. - Good.

- Why? - I have a rehearsal.

- A rehearsal before the show? - Yes.

Teacher specially asked me to.

I think listening to our teacher is the right way to focus.

That's not like you. Remember when you called him an idiot?

Well, from now on it's like me.

But I'm thinking about canceling as there's so much to prepare.

You're right. This is like you.

Therefore I wanted to ask you a favour.

- Could you take my place? - Are you an idiot?

It's too late to cancel.

How am I supposed to do it?

Just dress like me, and go in my place.

You moron. It'll be discovered for sure.

It'll be fine. Just wear my clothes and sit down,

he won't have a clue.

But it'll be just me and him. He's bound to know.

Also, his eyes aren't what they used to be.

And in the dark, he won't be able to see it's you.

Please. Just this once.

You said "just this once" last time.

I won't ask another thing for a week. A year. I beg you...

I guess I have no choice...

Let me treat you. Want to try somewhere else?

I know a place near here.

Sir, take us to your play next time.

Okay.

And can introduce me to Takizawa?

Sure. He's my friend.

Hey, why haven't I seen you on TV?

I don't care for it.

Whenever I mention it, he gets upset.

So what? It's just how I am.

You say that, but I can never quite believe you.

Screw you.

He's second this year. That's pretty rare.

I'm fine. I don't care about being a star.

I'm just fine doing my own Rakugo.

He looks cool when he talks like that.

I always do. You're too wet behind the ears.

Like Ippachi from "The Eel Flatterer".

That's not true. Ah, could you sit over there?

So, what is "The Eel Flatterer?"

Ah, it's a folk tale. What's it about?

- It's about a sycophant. - That's it.

- You didn't know. - Was it obvious?

You need to study the classics!

Ah, you're angry again.

But people say my brother is the best for new Rakugo tales.

Wow, that's great.

To be honest, for my recital

I wanted to do his story, but he absolutely refused.

Really? Why?

Because I am not writer.

I only write for myself.

I even offered him one million yen.

Eh? One million?

It's not about the money.

Stubborn, right?

Hey, what kind of stories?

Why don't you show them?

I don't want to.

UFOs and time machines will always come up in his tales.

- How cool! I want to see! - Please show us.

I don't usually show anyone... it's a little embarrassing.

Huh? Is that a new one?

I lost the old one.

- No way. - May I?

I've no idea where it could be.

Hey, the last I saw it was when you came to visit.

What will you do if a colleague picks it up? You'd be done for.

It's fine. I always made sure I had a copy.

You had a copy?

Of course. If not, I'd be in big trouble.

The writing is so small.

I don't understand any of it.

From Asakusa Bentenyama at sunset

the tolling of the bell

had a gravely deadened sound.

Bong...

Did you hear?

There was a break-in.

Really?

It happened today during lunch break.

Is there anything worth stealing?

The most valuable thing was our teacher's spare false teeth.

The development on science has been impressive indeed.

Things that were once science fiction

can become reality.

Professor! Professor!

What do you want now?

What is this? What are you hiding?

Is it something to eat?

You moron. I've completed my time machine.

That was my story!

You noticed?

- What do you mean "noticed"? - I wanted to do that story.

Oi, you!

You stole my script!

Calm down. Let's talk about it.

I want it back.

Careful with this fan. It's important.

I won't let you tell that story. - Please...

Did you think I'd agree? Idiot!

Please, I've been practicing so hard.

Like I care!

- Please! - Let go of me!

Let me perform your story, or it'll just be forgotten.

- Like I care! - Please!

What's this? Were you following me?

You may as well just leave.

- Listen. - I refuse!

It's too late.

I can't change to a different story now.

That's not my problem.

Everyone said how good it was.

Of course. I wrote it!

- Please. - Nope.

I can't change it now.

Let me tell you, if you perform it, I'll ruin you!

Then my only option is to kill you.

So please reconsider.

If you want to kill me, then do it.

But you don't have the guts.

I can make it look like suicide.

If you die, everyone will think you killed yourself.

Because you couldn't face not being the star of the show.

What are you saying? Have you gone mad?

I don't want to kill you, so please reconsider.

- Get out. - But...

This conversation is over! Leave!

Hurry, it's about to begin!

Kuraku-san from Kirakuya has arrived.

- Finally. Let me deal with him. - Okay.

Sorry to keep you waiting

I am Kuraku from Kirakuya.

- I apologise for being late. - This way please.

Where is Furuhata-san?

He went to the coin-op laundromat.

He went where?

Over there.

It's nearly time to examine the scene.

What about forensics?

They're just finishing.

I hate being in small places with lots of people.

I understand.

Let's go in five minutes.

Yes.

Please.

Thanks.

What do you think?

It's been in there since I arrived.

A teddy bear.

There's someone who washes their teddy bear this late.

What kind of person do you think they are?

Well, there must be a reason why they are washing it at this hour.

Maybe a father bought it for his daughter,

but he dropped it in a river on his way home.

Look, it's badly damaged.

Even the eye is coming out.

It's certainly not new.

Yes, you're right.

It must be a young man.

A young man?

A young man who has lately run into women trouble.

How can you tell?

That teddy bear probably belongs to his girlfriend.

If we think about it's condition,

she's had it since she was young.

And so, when his girlfriend was out, I expect

he somehow got the teddy bear dirty.

And he had to wash it.

The question now is, how did it get dirty in the first place?

Somebody threw it out the window?

- But who? - Another woman.

The motive of the crime was jealousy.

This girl visited when his girlfriend wasn't there

and asked him to leave his girlfriend.

She became angry while they were arguing

and threw the teddy out through the window.

The man isn't serious about this girl.

So when this girl left he gets the teddy and washes it here.

Must be something like that.

Thank you for the lesson.

It's almost the time. Let's go.

Yes.

It's dried.

What happened to this teddy bear?

It's a present for my daughter,

but it fell into a river.

How is it this worn-out?

Worn-out teddy bears are fashionable now.

Didn't you know?

- Where have you been? - Where's the corpse?

It was taken away.

I bought a newspaper.

Aren't you getting too friendly?

How is the situation?

We're currently looking evidence for both murder or suicide.

Cause of death was...

A cut through carotid artery causing serious bleeding.

The neighbour saw the blood flow

under the door and called the police.

What?

Today is Saturday.

I forgot to record "Love Love Love You".

Carry on.

The victim is Takada Wataru, 38 years old.

He's a rakugo storyteller. His stage name is Kirakuya Kuraku.

- He's not famous. - I've never heard of him.

Imaizumi, should we tell him?

Shut up, I was just about to.

- Sorry. - What?

Actually I noticed one thing.

The victim had this tightly in his hand.

This means he was in great pain,

as he grabbed onto the nearest thing.

Maybe it's a dying message.

Don't interrupt when I'm explaining.

Sorry.

Maybe it's dining message.

The victim wanted to tell us who the criminal was.

And so he left this dining message.

Wait. What is a "dining message"?

Imaizumi, it's "dying". "Die" plus "ing".

A dining message would be written on the white board at the canteen.

Well, he died in the kitchen, didn't he?

Saionji, what is your opinion?

The question is, does the dried fish have a meaning?

Why can't I call it a dining message

since he died in the kitchen? Eh?

Okay... I understand.

I found out some information about Kirakuya.

Apparently he was expected at a party in the city tonight.

Well, then, let's go and have a look.

Imaizumi, I'll leave the rest to you.

Have another drink.

No, I can't.

Don't make a fuss,

he has work tomorrow.

- When did it happen? - This evening.

I can hardly believe it.

Sir, Sir! Bad news.

What?

Kuraku is dead.

What?

His throat was sliced at his house.

Seriously?

This is a policeman.

Nice to meet you.

But what happened?

We still can't tell if he was murdered or committed suicide.

Do you know any reason why he'd want to kill himself?

It's all so sudden.

I can't think straight.

I heard that Kuraku was quite shy.

Excuse me.

Detective Furuhata.

This is Master Kirakuya Tsuiraku, host for this party.

Nice to meet you, I am Tsuiraku.

This is Master Garaku.

I've seen you on TV.

Thanks.

That new show is interesting.

I always make sure I see it.

What was today's party about?

We're celebrating the opening day of Sir's performance.

"Sir"?

This person here.

Wait a minute.

- He called me. - Called?

When Kuraku-san called, he sounded very depressed.

What did he say?

He said he'd lost all hope of getting into the final show.

When did he call?

During the evening, on my mobile phone.

Wait, there should be a record of it.

But it's not until next week when we know who will act in the finale.

That is weird. How could he possibly know?

Yes, it was 6.30pm when he called by mobile phone.

This is his mobile number.

Take a note of it.

Okay.

I will tell teacher about it.

Sorry to trouble you.

Sorry, but may I go now?

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Master, how long have you known Kuraku?

He was my senior.

Kuraku-san was holding a dried fish when he died.

What does dried fish mean to you?

Dried fish? Nothing comes to mind.

I see.

Thank you.

- Keep an eye on him. - Garaku-san?

Most people say the same thing when told that a friend has died.

"When did it happen?"

Furthermore, he'd spoken to him recently.

But he didn't ask once.

Do you know why?

Because he already knew.

Is Master Garaku here?

He was in the staff room just now.

Excuse me, but

We've met before haven't we?

You're that detective! This must be the third time now.

Yes, there was the SMAP concert.

And Master Kuroikawa, too.

That's right.

Another murder investigation?

Why is does it always happen to me?

Furuhata-san?

- Is that you, Furuhata-san? - All the best.

You perform at trendy places like this too?

I want young people to see me, too.

People have a stereotype when they think about Rakugo.

I want to update its image.

I see.

Everyone calls you sir.

I don't really approve.

Why not?

- You're not very familiar with this world. - Forgive my ignorance.

The previous generation, Kirakuya Guraku

is the 7th generation.

He is my father.

Oh, really?

Yuuraku is my uncle.

I see.

That's why you are "sir".

How can I help?

Actually, it looks like he killed himself.

So it was suicide after all?

Were you aware that there was a break-in yesterday?

Yes, I heard. Is it related?

Well, no money was stolen.

There was just one thing missing.

I spoke to the secretary,

- I don't recall her name... - Sekitei?

That's her.

She said they'd all had a meeting

after which, this notebook had disappeared.

The master's notebook?

Yes, it's about the storytellers for this year's finale.

Could it be. . .

Furthermore, we found a lighter at the scene

which had Kuraku-san's fingerprints.

Wait, you mean...

In Kuraku-san's house, on his desk...

We found this photocopy.

What do you think?

The names of the storytellers for the finale are here.

But Kuraku-san's sadly isn't.

- So... - This may be his reason for suicide.

These people all joined the school after he did.

Really?

He must have become disillusioned

as his juniors overtook him.

But he didn't have to kill himself.

Suicide hasn't been confirmed just yet.

The thing about the dried fish is puzzling me.

Dried fish?

So, with your permission,

I want you to meet someone.

Do you have time now?

This is Kuwabara.

Nice to meet you.

You can call this man "sir".

Your father's performances were exceptional.

Thank you very much.

He knows a lot about things like Rakugo.

What was your stage name?

8th generation Nante Kotta [holy cow].

- Please finish your preparations. - Yes.

Sir, the new programs are finished.

Are this for the show?

It looks good, doesn't it?

It's great.

This is bound to make Rakugo fashionable again.

Can you smell something?

Is it this?

Sorry...

Ah... yes. Kuraku was holding this when he died.

If we assume it's not suicide,

could he be giving us a clue as to the killer?

That's assuming he was murdered.

Yesterday, I asked you what dried fish meant to you.

- You couldn't think of anything. - Right.

Have you come up with anything since then?

Not really.

I see.

- The Sir is busy, please hurry up. - Sorry.

That's not right.

Is there a mistake?

It should be 7th generation,

but they've written 6th generation.

Is that right?

I can't just leave it.

Really.

I'm ready!

Please go ahead.

Sir.

Please hear him out.

Doraku's name should mean "Road of Happiness".

But people kept writing it as "Road that Falls Down".

What's the meaning of this?

"A Box of Dried fish" is a classic Rakugo story.

I expect it had slipped your mind

since you were too worried about your concert, right?

But Kuwabara told us that, in classic Rakugo,

it could only refer to the play with this title.

I'm sure you understand, right?

Yes.

The story concerns a son who goes out without his father's permission.

He uses his friends to come up with an alibi to explain his actions.

Which brings me to my question...

Ah, that's enough.

I wanted to ask, what is your alibi for that evening?

I understand.

I'll confess.

I am the criminal.

Only joking.

From 7 o'clock I was here at a meeting.

Then I went to the party.

When he died...

Yesterday, he went to Kameido to perform in old people's home.

He finished at 6.30pm.

- At Kameido? - Yes.

So he won't have got back before 7.30.

He must have died after that.

Well, I suppose so...

And it takes at least an hour to drive from his house to here.

So I couldn't make it before 7 o'clock.

But what about this?

Isn't it just coincidence?

Coincidence, you say?

May I interrupt?

Those people who work in Rakugo know all about "A Box of Dried Fish"

If Master Garaku is the criminal he would have noticed this for sure,

and he wouldn't have left it there.

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

I keep trying, but you...

Is that all?

Thank you for everything.

You're pretty good. Want to join us?

I'd love to!

- Then... - Thank you

So can you get this corrected?

Yes, I got it.

Sir.

I'd prefer it if you didn't call me that.

Then what should I call you?

- "Master" is fine. - "Master". I see.

Master, I just thought of something you can help me with.

Sorry, I'll leave the moment we're finished.

- Okay. - It's the newspaper.

Newspaper?

The newspaper that was still in Kuraku-san's mailbox.

But I was told that the newspaper delivery was at five o'clock.

So Kuraku-san should have taken the newspaper when he got home.

But why did he ignore it and go straight inside?

Of course, it could be that when the newspaper arrived,

Kuraku may have already died.

But that's impossible.

Then who performed Rakugo at the old people's home?

It can't have been his ghost.

That kind of story isn't popular just now.

But what if somebody acted as Kuraku-san?

What an imagination! Maybe he simply didn't notice the newspaper?

You're just thinking too hard about it.

If it's such a problem, just call the home and ask them who it was.

Actually I went there this morning.

And?

I showed them a photo, and they all confirmed he was there.

Of course.

Sorry, I have to leave now,

although I'd like to continue.

You must be busy.

I'll be back later.

Sorry for troubling you.

Furuhata-san, we found it.

You found it?

Yes, although there is no video,

a person at the home says they recorded it.

That should be enough.

Master, someone recorded Kuraku-san's performance

at the old people's home yesterday.

Are you interested?

We can find out if it's real

once the professionals have analyzed it.

How will you know it's his voice when he's already dead?

Don't worry,

he left tapes of him practicing in his home.

Only when the quality is good though.

Please.

- This is the beginning? - No, it starts halfway through.

Seems he was well-received.

We can't make out his voice if it's like this.

We should pass it on anyway.

In this condition?

- Just take it there. - I understand.

Furuhata-san, I'll be going.

Thank you.

Good luck with the investigation.

Nope... no good...

I'll write it myself.

It can't be that hard.

Sorry for the intrusion.

Hello again.

Are you about to start recording?

You're just in time, Furuhata-san. Give me inspiration.

- About what? - Today is Ougiri's answer.

These people are useless.

Wait a minute,

shouldn't you come up with this on stage?

Of course, some is improvised.

It's about half and half.

Is that so?

Furuhata-san, I've been looking for you.

Oh, you. What is it?

Why do you always leave me out?

You were even nice to Kuwabara-kun.

He knew a lot about Rakugo.

I know about it too.

Really?

Jungenbu jungenbu...

That isn't enough.

Why am I always left out?

This is my junior, Imaizumi.

- He seems upset. - He's always like this.

It's sad, it didn't use to be like this. It's your fault.

- Sorry. - Why don't you sit down?

Ignore him. Really.

You mentioned "Ougiri's answer".

The idea is to come up with an observation about life

where something good and bad happens at the same time.

You should start by saying "Banzai!" while crying.

Then I'll ask "What happened?"

Please think of something.

I see.

You understand? I understand.

You guys think as well.

Something good and bad at the same time...

Why did you come here?

Oh yes, the autopsy results came in.

- You needn't have. - Not at all.

Kuraku's time of death is earlier then we expected.

Maybe as early as 4 o'clock.

- Really? - Yes.

Means the one who performed at the old people's home was a fake.

That's a nice fan.

You use this in many different ways.

Like chopsticks or a fishing rod.

Could I have a look?

Be careful, this is valuable.

This is famous, isn't it?

You understand?

I do, I do. Is there a story behind it?

- It was handed down to me. - From your father?

- Correct. - Is that so...

And you always use this on stage?

Well, I use it on TV, too.

It's almost a good luck charm. Please don't fool around.

Just give it back.

But isn't it going to be difficult?

To prove whether it was him or not performing Rakugo.

Indeed.

And how's the sound analysis going?

- Still in progress. - It was pretty noisy.

Sorry, how about this?

You've done it?

Banzai! Banzai!

What happened?

I avoided stepping in dog shit, but stepped in human shit instead.

Bring me some ink.

Was it bad?

Next time you say something like that, I'm going to paint your face.

It's hard.

How about this?

Please.

Banzai! Banzai!

What happened?

I'd finally memorised our Prime Minister's name

when the Prime Minister changed again.

Satire. I like it.

- I'm grateful. - Thank you.

Is that all?

You try your best, too.

But Furuhata-san, I don't understand.

Why must you assume that somebody killed him?

He stole the list of storytellers in the finale from the office.

Therefore, he had been emotionally cornered in.

It seems straight-forward suicide to me.

That's if Kuraku actually stole that list.

- But... - Got it!

Banzai! Banzai!

Somebody ask me.

What happened?

I saw two sausages in my hot dog,

but one of them was my finger!

Bring me that ink.

Was it that bad?

You really brought it?

Since you have the ink, you may as well continue.

But there's one thing that really bothers me.

As far as we can tell, the thief tried to open the safe,

the alarm rang and he escaped.

But he had the name list.

So why did he bother opening the safe?

Maybe he was trying to make it look like a break-in.

But there was a small safe on table.

Wouldn't that be easier?

If he was pretending that he came to steal something,

he should start with that.

Maybe the thief knew the alarm would ring if he touched that safe.

Then people would know the time he broke in, as he wanted.

- Why would he want this? - To give himself an alibi.

From this we can say that Kuraku is not the thief.

He had no reason to set off the alarm.

How do we know that? Because it wouldn't give him an alibi.

It's nearly time! Everyone get ready, please!

Seems it's nearly time. Well, good luck.

I'm looking forward to it.

But let me tell you this...

I was practising with Master at the time.

If you check, he'll surely confirm it.

I understand.

I'll use your idea.

I'm honoured.

You did well yesterday.

Your material was very good.

We had an audience of 1,512. Some had to stand.

And all this with the regret of Kuraku's recent passing.

Yes. - Excuse me.

A police officer is here to see you.

- The police? - Yes. About Kuraku-san.

- Is it Furuhata-san? - Yes.

He's quite a character. Allow me to deal with him.

He's just here.

- Apologies for the intrusion. - Please...

Please come in.

- We meet again. - I was just giving my report.

I appreciate all your work. How's the investigation?

I seem to be going back and forth.

Kuraku was too sharp in here.

He killed himself because he was upset about his talent.

Do you think so?

Every storyteller has to be part idiot, or they can't go on.

Thinking too much is bad.

Although his performances weren't funny,

he was good at writing.

- Really. - Yes.

He studied the classics well,

so in his new stories, you can find traces of traditional works.

I would have liked to hear one.

When Nobukatsu is doing new material,

it's rather shallow as he knows nothing about classics.

He's talking about me.

You're Nobukatsu? I see.

I kept telling him to study classics, but he wouldn't listen.

You don't have to tell him that.

I always say, a new Rakugo story is a good thing,

but are there new stories that have been loved longer than classics?

Such a thing can't exist: they're classics because they're old.

That was the punchline.

Ah. How amusing.

Teacher, please listen. Furuhata-san thinks that Kuraku-san was murdered.

Really?

We're still not completely sure.

And he thinks I'm the killer.

- Hold on... - There's no point hiding it.

If it was murder, you may well be the killer.

Teacher...

As a boy he used to put stones on tracks to try and derail trains.

I see.

Did you murder him? Confess already.

Furuhata-san also thinks I broke into the office.

Wait a minute.

Did you do that as well?

Teacher, you're my witness.

I was here, remember?

When did it happen?

Just after 11 o'clock.

It's a shame, but yes, he was here at that time.

He was sitting there, listening me.

Just here?

Now do you understand?

Was anyone else here?

This guy doesn't know anything.

Rakugo practice is strictly between master and student.

Is that so? Just you two.

Thank you for your time.

Did you get what you wanted? - More than enough.

Allow me to leave first. Excuse me.

And I'll be going too.

Furuhata-san, please wait.

If Nobukatsu is the criminal, what would his motive be?

There's the problem.

A Rakugo performer with a high reputation

would need a good motive to kill his less-talented senior.

It's a tough question.

If you know something, please let me know.

Do I have the right to remain silent?

Of course, but we could use any help.

It's impossible. I can't betray my students.

Sorry.

Your nephew...

- Was he maybe a subject to blackmail? - No.

Was he jealous of Kuraku-san?

Who knows.

Is that so.

Thank you for your time. Please excuse me.

But, you see, Furuhata-san.

Yes?

This is just a general observation, you understand.

Every performer has some trouble inside.

There is no such thing as a cool-headed performer.

Even I am not confident in my talent.

I sweat while I sleep.

I've even started wetting the bed.

That's quite some punchline, huh?

Thank you very much. Excuse me.

We'll add a love story to the sinking of the Titanic.

The public hate it when stories are too obvious.

We'll call it "Titanic".

- Are you listening to me? - It'll be great!

There's a bit where the lovers stand on the ship's bow together.

- Isn't that dangerous? - It's the best scene!

Sorry, this all sounds unoriginal.

Take your stuff.

And take this too.

Your ramen is ready!

Please enjoy!

I can't believe my plan didn't work.

I guess I have no foresight at all.

You can tell this shop is narrow.

Look how thin they cut the meat.

That explains the lack of customers.

Wait, I've got it.

This time we'll use this to go back and take a photo of a mammoth.

It sounds like a good show.

Furuhata-san.

Speaking honestly.

Who do you prefer... Me or that little guy?

I can't stand it any more.

If I could turn back time...

You didn't wash your ink off.

I have.

- It's still between your eyebrows. - Really?

You can't see it when you're angry, only when you're not.

So you just keep looking angry.

Imaizumi-kun, you've been a great help.

If my assumption is correct, then I can solve the case with this.

The dying message definitely points to "sir".

And Kirakuya Garaku has left conclusive evidence proving he is guilty.

What could it be?

Please continue for the answers.

You're watching Furuhata Ninzaburo.

What gathering is it today?

He said he had to talk to you.

- I'm very sorry to disturb you. - Let's get on with it.

I will automatically fall asleep after 10 o'clock.

I see.

You performed well today.

Thank you.

Really impressive.

Furuhata-san, you left halfway through. I saw you.

- Something came up. - That was rude.

Sorry about that.

Furuhata-san. What do you want?

Actually, I have something to report.

It wasn't Kuraku-san who performed at the old people's home.

- Do you have any proof? - I do.

Actually, we couldn't do it with the recording.

- There was too much noise. - Right.

But I made a mistake.

One second please.

Actually, we had the proof all along.

Where did I put it?

There it is. . . this is the tape.

Understand?

This laughing is the evidence.

Unfortunate, Kuraku-san could never make his audiences laugh like this.

Everyone said so. His concerts are always quiet.

But think about it,

he would already be famous if he was able to do this.

- Right, master? - Not even I could do that.

It's as if they're being tickled.

A good observation.

Garaku-san was popular today, too.

You should have seen it.

- I know his Rakugo well. - I see. He has quite a knack.

It's really rare to make audiences laugh like that in your generation.

What are you talking about?

He thinks I performed disguised as Kuraku.

It only takes half an hour to drive there.

You can arrive by 7 o'clock if you leave at 6.30.

You killed Kuraku-san.

And you broke into the office and stole the list of actors.

I have an alibi. I was rehearsing here with my master.

Master, this may seem rude...

- but how old are you? - I'm 75 years old.

75 years old? You don't look it.

I dye my hair.

Is that why.

But you're not wearing glasses.

Is that not the Edo style?

I know you wear them because of these indentations here.

When I wear a kimono, it would look odd if I wore glasses.

Is that so.

When I came the other day, the plastic lining for your food

was too small for you to see.

Indeed. You're very observant.

If this room is dark, it must be hard to see anything.

Isn't my face currently blurred as well?

Yes, just as you say.

Is that so.

During the practice, the one sitting in front of you wasn't your nephew.

It was probably Kuraku-san.

Kuraku-san had been tricked into being your replacement.

- Like in "A Box of Dried Fish"? - Exactly.

This was the meaning of his dying message.

As your teacher said, you should study the classics.

- Keep your nose out! - It can only be you.

Yesterday you knew that Kuraku-san's name was not on the list.

Didn't you say that Kuraku-san called you at 6.30pm?

You said he seemed depressed because he wasn't on the list.

But...

He was already dead at that time. The autopsy confirmed it.

How can a dead man make a phone call?

It was you who called using his mobile phone.

How did you know that he was not on the list?

Because you had stolen it.

And the decisive one is this...

I heard from Kuwabara just now

about how a fan can represent many things in Rakugo.

It can be a pipe.

A brush.

Or a letter.

Or a sake cup.

What is this? So what is this?

This is a fan.

This is the punchline.

I guess it wasn't very funny?

- A little. - Sorry.

I got carried away.

And so...

This...

These are chopsticks.

Fan should be held close like this.

You would never express chopsticks when opened. Am I right?

Yes, if it's open, then it represents a rice paddle.

But tonight...

You acted out eating ramen when it was open.

Remember?

That struck me as odd. Why would you do that?

This has happened to me too.

Sometimes, after you use it as a letter, you forget to close it.

Is that the case?

You knew that I was in the audience.

And that I was in the first row.

So you couldn't close the fan.

If it was open, no one would know.

But when it is closed, your link to the murder becomes clear.

Please. Could you show me your fan.

When it's open.

You can only see the picture.

But...

This fingerprint here belongs to Kuraku-san.

I will get this checked. - May I take a look?

Of course.

He touched it with his bloody hands.

The story I did was written by him.

I thought as much.

It was too good for you.

But if he performed it, the audiences wouldn't get it.

It'd be funnier if I did it. Obviously.

But he wouldn't give in.

You saw, right?

Their reaction.

Everyone was laughing together.

They laughed at what I said and what I did.

It was excellent. - It would have been impossible for him!

That was your motive?

Very disappointing.

That's all.

There was no need to kill.

What a moron.

The story doesn't matter.

Your audience comes to see you.

You had something special.

What more is there?

Everyone else had to work hard because they lacked what you had.

Other skills come along later.

There was no hurry.

Kuraku didn't have to die either.

You didn't need to kill.

You idiot!

Furuhata-san, please take him away.

Let me know to which prison he'll go.

The trial is before that.

As it can't be helped, I'll make a sympathy visit.

I'll take everyone along.

Be prepared!

This incident is work of fiction. Furuhata Ninzaburo is a fictional detective.