Original subtitles

More news on the murder of the prostitute...

the woman's body was found in Shinjuku.

Report continues on the death of a prostitute...

Eh? What? Really? Wait a minute.

The media is off limits.

It doesn't matter... do it.

Cue remote.

Yes... I am here at the Shinjuku Leisure Center.

The soap brothel is located on the seventh floor.

This is where the girl was employed...

Stop this! You have no right to be here!

Do you want to switch back to the studio?

Ask him why he doesn't want her there?

Ask him for a reason.

Sir - why are you refusing to allow us to film here?

Because it's none of your business.

Were you the one who answered the phone call from...

- the man who killed the girl? - No!

Stop this! Go away!

SUBWAY SERIAL RAPE: LOVER HUNTING

We are losing ratings to the competition.

The program risks cancellation by the network...

we need something new.

Nozawa - are you listening?

As director, you are the most responsible.

You people have no direction... spontaneity is your only asset.

The coverage of the prostitute was terrible.

I heard the story from a crime reporter...

this girl didn't press charges.

Besides that, there were so many witnesses...

but nobody has come forward.

Gang rape is a criminal offence...

nobody needs to press charges.

The police question the credibility of the photos.

They presume the magazine is running a 'set-up'.

I'm thinking about exposing it.

What do you mean?

On our programme.

We could convince her to press charges on our programme.

You'd have to wring some sympathy out of the witnesses...

convince them as a woman.

We'd promote hatred for the crime of subway rape.

The magazine denied our request to release...

the identity of the photographer.

It's no wonder that the police won't take this case seriously.

But as you can see... there were so many witnesses to the rape.

I'm asking you: why didn't you help the victim?

Perhaps it was dangerous at the time...

but at least you could've reported it to the police...

Close up... #1 camera.

I'm going to call the victim "A-Ko".

A-ko... please be courageous, for the sake of all women.

Please press charges against your attackers.

I understand how painful this situation is...

because I am also a woman...

Hello...

- A viewer who identified the victim called us. - What?

Which line?

She's not there anymore. But we've got a name.

It's impossible. - But why?

Why? Because an anonymous caller isn't a reliable source.

And we don't have the right to betray a victim's right to silence.

This is no longer just a personal decision for the victim,

but rather, a significant matter for all women.

If you believe that the information is reliable, then go to the police.

The police have ignored this whole thing!

We can't depend on the police.

- The 'News Hacker' programme will expose the truth! - But...

Of course, I will consult with the victim first.

The best we can hope for is an appearance on the programme.

In the worst case... we simply broadcast her name.

Sometimes... I'm scared of you.

Something funny?

My ex-wife used to say the same thing.

She left you... because of that?

I wonder... if we're finished too?

Impossible.

I got my position as newscaster by sleeping with you.

So... if you dump me, I'll have to think about finding another job.

Things have changed around me: I'm not in a good position now.

The director of a failing TV show...

But...

I'm not a loser.

I'm Nozawa, from TV Tokyo.

And what is your business here?

I need to see Etsuko.

- She's out at the moment. - Where?

- She's at work. - Excuse me!

You are rude. Go away!

I stopped by her office first; she's been off all week.

You can leave now...

We received an anonymous call that she's the subway rape victim.

I must talk to her.

Somebody is lying.

Etsuko!

I'm not a rape victim!

Go away. Go away!

I met her. - How was she?

She refused the TV appearance...

but she agreed to us releasing her name.

Really?

She has confined herself to her house... very depressed.

You should ask her, as a woman, to appear on the TV programme.

Another problem when a rape victim doesn't testify...

is that the attackers are allowed to remain free.

They will continue to commit this type of crime... thus, new victims.

Miss Etsuko Kurosaki... please come forward.

I understand your pain... but be strong, protest this crime.

Just as we found you through a viewer's report...

we will also be able to discover the attackers' identities.

Again... to the witnesses: please come forward, for Etsuko.

I would say... that you have an obligation.

You allowed these rapists to harm her. Now you must act.

Also, to the photographer who shot the rape...

as a fellow member of the media, I say 'shame on you'!

You should be the first to come forward.

The switchboard operator is complaining about the calls.

The response is terrific!

Let's celebrate! - Okay!

The photo is so powerful... like being there.

You can almost hear the victim's screams.

Depending on how this progresses, we should expect high ratings.

Through the roof!

But can you imagine... if a rape scene were to be shot on video?

- It would be super-powerful! - Incredible!

That's not funny!

A joke - just a joke.

There's nothing to joke about.

You act like a superhero, or something!

What does that mean?

Don't act so innocent. You're on the same team.

We're using somebody else's misery to get higher ratings.

- That's the truth. - Stop it!

If we blame the witnesses for not coming forward...

we should also blame ourselves.

We should all be ashamed... including you.

I'm not the one making fun of the situation.

The witnesses weren't making fun of the situation either.

They all say the same thing... like you.

Enough of this lecture!

- It's nothing. - Sorry, she's a bit drunk.

And you - were you drunk?

What do you mean?

Could you film a rape in progress?

If that were my job.

Since we started focusing on the subway rapes...

our ratings have dramatically improved,

despite many complaints from women's groups.

The sponsors are worried about the development of this case.

What do you mean by 'development'?

They are concerned about how it will end...

after such a strong start.

So the sponsors are concerned... but they like the high ratings!

Of course. This is a news show... not an entertainment programme.

We must be careful how we handle things.

I think we can maintain it.

How far?

Until the police press charges.

We have already received information about the attackers.

We are investigating now.

What if the police arrest them first?

The police haven't even opened the case yet.

Unless the victim or witnesses make a report...

they won't open one.

Here she comes.

- Director Nozawa... - What?

- Would you please... - Excuse me. - Right...

From 'Shutter Magazine' - Mr. Todoroki.

He is the photographer.

What do you mean by saying...

it wasn't your responsibility to do anything?

I am a photographer.

What if I encounter a fire? The first thing that I think about...

is to shoot a picture, not about trying to put it out.

If there was a war, I would shoot photo's of people getting killed.

- So that's why you didn't intervene to try to help this girl? - Right.

- Illogical! - No, it's not.

I'll be honest... to me...

the photos are more important than the girl.

What if I had tried to help? They'd have destroyed the film.

- But... - Let me finish...

I believe that I followed my responsibilities as a photographer,

by releasing the photo's to the media for exposure.

I presented the opportunity for prosecution in a criminal case.

But, instead, you blamed me...

and described me as the shame of the media on TV.

Why didn't you talk to the police?

Because of the low credibility of the photo's...

the police haven't opened a case.

You haven't fulfilled your responsibilities yet...

Mr. Todoroki...

I need your address and account number.

For what reason?

- The fee. - I don't want it.

It's our policy.

It's Sachiko... I'm going to New York tomorrow afternoon.

If you want me to get anything for you, call me back. Bye.

I'm Tanaka, from 'Weekly Media'.

We are putting together an article about "today's woman"...

and we'd like to conduct an interview with you.

My number is 361-1390... Weekly Media. Call me, please.

I'm Todoroki, from 'Shutter'...

Since the program, I've been thinking about going to the police.

I've decided to go tomorrow.

I admit that I wanted to cover up my shame at being there...

and not doing anything. I'm happy about meeting you.

Hello?

It's me. I have big news...

we located the attackers.

Is that right?

You know we've been investigating all the reports...

many were false, but we finally got the one we were waiting for.

We're going into action tomorrow.

Tomorrow? Without telling the police?

Of course. We can't afford to miss this opportunity.

You will challenge those rapists on TV.

The case will be solved on our TV show.

It will be a terrific hit.

It's impossible.

Why?

Todoroki from Shutter just left a message for me.

He's going to go to the police in the morning.

Things will change once they open the case.

We'll be in trouble with the law if we keep this secret.

Besides, ethically this is wrong.

Don't worry about it.

We're simply following up on reports from our viewers.

That doesn't mean that we're hiding anything.

But...

Anyway... there's a meeting tomorrow. Be there at 1 o'clock.

What's wrong? You have a scary face.

Can you stay tonight?

Why?

Nothing special.

What a rare occasion... you asking me to stay.

You two are not doing well.

Good morning.

He's here.

- Is that him? - Yes.

Are you Mr. Nozawa?

I need to talk to you.

The photographer who was on our programme... got killed.

Since he appeared on your programme, I'm looking for information.

Subway rape?

- Yes. You didn't know about it? - Well...

I see... the police thought that the photos were a set-up.

Unfortunately, my specialty is homicide.

I get the picture.

No witnesses came forward - that's why there was no case.

But we took this seriously...

because of us, one of the witnesses did come forward... the best witness.

The photographer. And now the case is taken seriously.

Somebody doesn't like what's going on.

The victim of the rape?

Or maybe... the rapists themselves.

This is turning into a 'B' mystery novel.

If so - your responsibility will be under scrutiny.

What's that?

If you hadn't exposed all this... then there would have been no murder.

If there were no media, there would be no murders?

I'm not saying anything so extreme...

Easy, easy, easy.

By the way, do you know the identity of the victim?

Yes.

There was a tip-off from a viewer and I went to meet her.

But she denied the rape had taken place.

Sorry - I'm allergic to pollen.

- How about the rapist? - I don't know.

Then - just in case - we need to know the name of the victim.

- Yes. - Right...

- Why did you lie to me? - About what?

Etsuko Kurosaki denied having being raped.

Trust me on this...

You didn't answer my question.

If I'd told you the truth...

then you wouldn't have done the report.

I don't know what's best...

but I won't direct a programme worrying about my conscience.

- All for the ratings? - So what?

The viewer is interested only in 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.

And if guilty... then 'how'?

Isn't that him?

Let's go.

- Get the microphone ready. - Right. - Hurry!

Excuse me - I'm from 'News Hacker', TV Tokyo...

are you Tatsuya Iwabuchi?

- What is this? - Are you Tatsuya?

Don't film me. Get away!

We've received reports which claim that you were one of the rapists.

Mr. Iwabuchi - is that true? Please answer. Were you one of the rapists?

Go away. Leave me alone!

- Chase him. - Answer my question!

If you didn't do it, then just say so.

I don't know anything about it.

But look at this picture - it looks exactly like you.

Whatever!

So you're admitting to it?

I didn't rape anybody.

Then what are you doing in this photo?

Just playing.

Is this your idea of 'playing' with girls?

I said I don't know.

- But, are you admitting to being the man in this photo? - Move away!

Does that mean 'yes'? Will you answer me? Is that a 'yes'?

After that report, the man from the photograph ran away.

As you could see, Mr. Iwabuchi was ambiguous in his responses.

First he denied everything, then he said that it was just 'playing'.

My suspicions about him have now become deeper.

'News Hacker' has not yet given up...

but goodbye for tonight.

- Good job! - Great! - Thanks.

Hello.

Suicide...

Etsuko Kurosaki.

- When? - Last night.

I wonder if Etsuko Kurosaki killed Todoroki?

Todoroki had witnessed her rape and didn't help her.

Instead he took photo's and publicised her pain.

That's reasonable motivation.

Then she committed suicide.

If you're right, then the rape case murder and the suicide...

How does this affect Iwabuchi and the other rapists?

In a court of law, if someone rapes and kills a girl...

they would be blamed for the murder.

If a rape victim commits suicide...

then the attacker would not be accused of her murder.

They should be punished.

Right... So, this case needs more help from us.

Even if they are arrested, they'll only be charged with rape.

We need to accuse them on TV...

of causing all the tragedy surrounding the rape.

The victim, Etsuko Kurosaki, committed suicide...

what do you think about this?

Well... poor thing.

You don't feel anything? She died because of the rape!

Open up! Iwabuchi - open the door. Talk to me!

Stay there. During the programme, we'll do a live report.

You should do it. The viewer identifies with you.

I'll get a stand-in here at the studio.

I'll dispatch the TV van.

I understand.

- What did he say? - A stakeout.

It's me. What?

Follow them... onto the subway.

Make sure that the microphone is working.

- They're heading to the subway. Activate the lines. - Okay.

This is Nozawa... leave all the telephone lines open.

Excuse me... you raped Ms. Kurosaki on this subway.

Isn't that true? Answer me.

You raped her in front of eye-witnesses.

You're pissing me off!

What are you doing?

You want to know what happened?

Stay on her!

- Don't come near me! - Shut up!

Keep shooting!

But...

Do it! You're a news cameraman...

I'll take full responsibility.

Listen to me!

Help me!

Don't touch me! No!

Eh? We don't have time to answer your questions.

We're busy now!

Eto...

By the end of the programme, the ratings were at 74%

Yes, in spite of a huge number of complaints.

She doesn't answer her phone.

Change the newscaster. How about Ms. Kimura?

No. I want Ms. Shimamura.

- Shimamura! - Yes, sir.

- You will take over Eto's position. This is a big opportunity. - Yes.

- Good luck. - Yes. - I'll change the credits.

- Please talk to the executives. - All right.

Miss Eto has been missing since yesterday's subway attack.

Ms. Eto - you tried to convince Ms. Kurosaki to press charges...

You may have received support from the viewers...

and now I'm asking you for the same thing: come forward,

and face your attackers for the sake of women everywhere.

It's me, Saeki. Eto - I know you're in there.

I came here to apologise. Please open the door.

I don't blame you for hating me. I don't expect your forgiveness.

This may sound like an excuse... but I was just following orders.

Nozawa demanded that I keep shooting.

I handed in my resignation today.

I just wanted you to know.

They surrendered?

- Yes. You didn't know? - No.

They turned themselves in, but their bail was paid....

by TV Tokyo.

They bailed them?

High ratings are more important than the law.

Have some.

We discovered that Ms. Kurosaki was innocent of Todoroki's murder.

She had an alibi for the time of death.

Then who did it?

Somebody who stood to benefit from his death...

Are you saying...

Director Nozawa?

If Todoroki had reported to the police, then a case would have been opened...

and Nozawa would have lost his opportunity...

But he also has an alibi.

- An alibi? - Yes.

He claims he was with Ms. Shimamura for the whole night.

You know Ms. Shimamura, right?

- Did Shimamura corroborate? - Yes.

Viewers prefer more subtle make-up.

Eto!

You may appeal more to the male viewers like that.

Are you okay?

I took your suggestion and went to the police...

but the rapists had already surrendered themselves, and been released.

We sometimes say things which are contradictory on TV.

But actually, the director forces us to say those things.

What are you trying to say?

I don't blame you...

I also became a newscaster by sleeping with Nozawa.

No... I'd rather say that I'm worried about you.

He will also use you and then dump you.

He's always walking a tightrope...

he's okay as long as everybody keeps holding onto the rope tightly.

Ms. Shimamura... standby, please.

Yes!

Are you okay?

Your plan was successful.

How much did you pay the gang? Tell me.

You're crazy!

Are you Rinko Eto? May we interview you about the rape?

Bastards!

The man's name is Yoshida.

He was arrested for possession of illegal drugs,

and it turned out...

he was actually wanted for murder...

The detective is here again.

Ah, hello.

Excuse me...

What do you want?

Just a bit of your time.

I'm working here.

I'm working here, too.

I'd guess Eto said something to you...

but I have an alibi.

Yes, I've already checked with Ms. Shimamura...

But somebody who took sleeping pills isn't a reliable alibi...

You recommended her to take those pills.

End theme.

Subtitled by Lord Retsudo for ADC

starring KANAKO KISHI

MEGUMI TAKAHASHI

SAYAKA HITOMI

SAYAKA KIMURA

YUKIJIRO HOTARU

FUMIAKI TOBAYAMA YUTAKA IKEJIMA

plus REN OHSUGI SHIRO SHIMOMOTO

Written and directed by SHUJI KATAYAMA