Original subtitles

TOHO COMPANY, LTD.

Produced by Sanezumi Fujimoto and Masakatsu Kaneko

Based on the novel by Seicho Matsumoto (Published by Shinchosha)

Screenplay by Yoshio Shirasaka and Eizo Sugawa

Cinematography by Yasumichi Fukuzawa Lighting by Choshiro Ishii Art direction by Yoshiro Muraki Music by Toru Takemitsu Sound recording by Toshiya Ban Sound mixing by Hisashi Shimonaga ⠀

Assistant director: Kiyoshi Nishimura Editor: Yoshitami Kuroiwa Optical effects by Kazunobu Sanpei Processed by Kinuta Laboratory Production manager: Takeharu Shimada ⠀

BEAST ALLEY

Starring

Junko Ikeuchi

Keiju Kobayashi Yunosuke Ito

Eitaro Ozawa Susumu Kurobe Tadao Nakamaru

Yoshio Tsuchiya Bin Moritsuka Yoshio Inaba ⠀ Michiko Otsuka Takamaru Sasaki Koreya Senda

⠀ Noriko Sengoku Kiyoko Hirai (Daiei) Kin Sugai ⠀

Akira Tani Toru Ibuki Yasuhisa Tsutsumi Shigeki Ishida Hosei Komatsu Sen Yano Somesho Matsumoto Masahiko Arima

Katsumi Tezuka Hideo Shibuya Kenzo Echigo Akio Kusama Ryusuke Saijo Seiji Ikeda Hiroaki Kurahashi Kyoko Mori Midori Chigusa Yoshiko Miyata

Ryo Ikebe

Director: Eizo Sugawa

Excuse me...

Mr. Fukuhara from Asakusa sent me.

Thank you for coming.

- You can go. - Okay then.

- Shall we? - Yes.

Right this way.

- Fukuhara's messenger has arrived. - Very well.

Thanks for coming all this way.

How much did you bring?

Checkmate! Game over!

- It's a cold one today. - That messenger again?

I'm getting sick of it. How long are they going to be in there?

Once they're at it, they don't finish before dawn.

You girls should really get some rest when you can.

See. There you go.

I'll go.

You really have a nice figure, don't you?

I'm surprised men leave you alone.

If you talk like that, I'll have to go out first every time.

She's single, right?

When she's here, sure. Every Sunday she's in a rush to get home, though.

May I come in?

Sorry for calling so late.

No, not at all. It's my job.

What's your name?

My name is Tamiko.

How long have you been here now?

About a year and a half now, I suppose.

Does it pay well?

Huh?

Come on, now.

A girl as beautiful as you...

You'd be in demand wherever you went.

I'm too old.

Will there be anything else?

Well, please pour me a cup.

All right.

Ah, am I tired.

You know, right?

What's going on downstairs...

I do.

It's my first time.

They made me come.

You must be tired.

I'll return once more before you turn in.

Wait.

I don't mean to impose, but I'd like to talk with you a little more.

You make about 30 thousand, right?

Including tips, it's about that much.

Not much, is it?

Well, meals and accommodation are included, so...

Is there a man in your life?

No. No, there isn't.

Don't you want more money?

What?

What a waste that a woman like you...

Um...

It really is a waste.

- G'morning. - Good morning.

Thanks for your help. You can leave now.

Yes.

You look well.

Is that so?

It's 'cause you're eating all that good food.

It's not like I'm a guest there.

I've been stuck in bed for 2 years now.

But I can imagine the things you do

when you're at work.

There you go again.

Don't touch that!

Why not?

When you're not here,.

I stare up at it, imagining it's you.

You're going to make Oseki jealous!

She's just a half-witted cleaning woman.

Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think I don't know anything?

I've known for over 6 months now.

If you were able to work,

I wouldn't have to work as a maid at such a place.

You sweet talked me. "Quit your job at the cabaret club." "Marry me."

And in the end you spent all the money on stocks.

I'm working to feed you.

To pay Oseki's wages.

I'm sorry.

This brain disease keeps me in bed

and all I can think are bad thoughts every day.

Tamiko.

Tamiko.

So early in the morning, what are you thinking?

You mean you'll let other guys do it,

- but not your own husband? - What are you saying?!

The girls at the inn are all prostitutes.

You sell your bodies. That's why your tips are so high.

Go ahead and ask them how I'm spending my days at the inn!

You liar! You'll sleep with anyone!

I told you, go ahead and ask them!

Ask the manager! Ask the girls I work with.

Stop it!

Tamiko!

Miss Narisawa?

Are you all right?

You have it tough, having to take care of him.

Did something happen?

No.

You're back, are you?

Come over here,

Tamiko.

Don't you dare say no to me.

I'm your husband.

Now, come here.

Why are you dressed like that?!

That's hideous! Take it off!

Was it a fat one last night?

Did he hold your neck like this?

Did you make love to him like this?

Stop it!

Stop.

I'm going to do

what he did to you last night.

Get off me!

Was it like this?

- Do you like it? - Stop it!

You called?

What do you think?

Is it silk? It's wonderful.

It came to 80,000 for both sides, you know.

It's something girls like me can only dream of.

By the way, Tami, you remember the guest we had from Shirotae?

I do. He's quite the gentleman.

Right, Mr. Kotaki.

He's the Manager at the New Royal Hotel, you know.

He says he wants to see you tonight.

Me?

Can you go meet him at his hotel?

He's done a lot for us, sending foreign customers our way and such.

What does he want?

Please, go ahead.

I'm sorry to make you come all this way.

It's not anything terribly important.

- How do you like it? - It's good.

- Good evening. - The usual.

You look busy, as always.

That's for sure.

They keep dragging this ol' man around.

Where were you today?

I had to go to the Kogyo Club for a small chat.

And who might this be?

She's an acquaintance of mine.

This man is...

How should I put it?

He's well known in business and political circles. Mr. Hatano.

And Kotaki here is such a mystery that he's beyond introduction.

Nice to meet you.

Did you bring it?

Yes.

What do you think?

It's quite something.

This is the star ruby.

Wear something like this and you'll look dignified at any table.

I can imagine. Just looking at it is exciting.

Sir, there's no chance you can say no to this.

It's the pride and joy of our collection.

How much is it?

It's 1.8 million.

That's expensive.

It's 25 karat, sir.

You're a long-time customer, so it's already discounted, of course.

1.5 million.

- Don't be unreasonable. - I'll pay in cash.

Take it.

Could I ask for just 50,000 more?

Sure, why not?

All right.

All right, perfect. Thank you very much.

You can go now.

When shall I come to see you next?

I don't want to see you any time soon.

There are only so many women to give jewelry to.

Don't be like that.

Well, then. Until we meet again.

What's wrong?

It's just... so much money being spent like that.

The thing about money is,

you just need to know where to find it.

I was quite poor too. Long ago.

Life is all about opportunity.

If you grab hold of the right opportunity, the rest is like riding a wave.

It'll take you further and further in the right direction.

Well, I'm returning to my room.

Kotaki.

Excuse me.

What does that man do?

Him?

He's a lawyer.

He's been living here for 2 years now.

That can't be cheap.

You're right. It's 10,000 yen per day.

Wow...

Come upstairs with me.

Upstairs?

It's an opportunity.

Come in.

Yes.

Please don't misunderstand.

I'm not trying to have my way with you.

Mr. Hatano simply wants to have a talk with you.

Why would that be?

He must like you.

He wants me to be his mistress?

I doubt it's that.

But I can guarantee you can be happier than you are now.

Financially as well.

How about it?

Would you like to become my tool for a while?

It's as if you're putting me in a car without a destination.

If I were to become this 'tool' that you speak of,

what is it you'll have me do?

First, you'll have to rid yourself of your dependent.

How did you know about him?

If it's too much for you to handle on your own,

I can be of use at any time.

Stop right over there.

Come now.

Have a drink.

Drink 3 cups, one after the other.

Put on some lipstick... it's all gone.

Can you get the cook to make something for me?

I'm a little hungry. Enough for two people, okay?

Hold me.

Don't do anything stupid.

- Even just for tonight... - Calm down.

You don't want me?

It's not that.

Then what?

We just can't.

Someone's coming.

I have your food.

Here you are.

Have a nice evening.

No one suspects a thing.

Everyone thinks you've been here this whole time.

That's right...

You were here drinking with me from 11:30 pm to 2 am.

Hello. Yes, this is the Hosenkaku Inn.

Tamiko? Yes, she's here.

What?

Miss Narisawa.

This all must be quite a shock for you, with what happened to your husband.

By the time I realized there was a fire, it was already too late.

And with your husband being disabled...

Are you the wife?

I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm Hisatsune, from the Investigation Division.

LET'S CREATE A BRIGHT FUTURE, FREE OF VIOLENCE

Did you tell Miss Oseki about the charcoal grill?

Yes.

I always asked her to keep it away from the sliding doors.

To prevent a fire from happening.

That's also what Miss Oseki was saying.

But after questioning her further, it's quite unclear whether

she left it away from the door.

I guess she's not so bright.

You were at the Hosenkaku Inn when the fire broke out, correct?

Yes. I was with a guest.

- And that can be confirmed? - Yes.

Did you have insurance?

Huh?

You didn't have any insurance on your house or your husband?

No, nothing at all.

Oh, I see.

I think I'd like some coffee.

Would you join me? There's a place I frequent nearby.

Dealing with a fire can be truly troublesome.

There's no end to the problems that arise.

If I can be of any help, just let me know.

Thank you very much.

The fire department and police are looking at the fire as accidental.

So assuming nothing strange turns up, you shouldn't be bothered much.

Please give me a call if you need anything.

Yes.

I will. Thank you for your help.

All right then.

- Ah, let me... - No, it's fine.

- Receipt, please. - Okay.

I can be reached at the Investigation Division. Ask for Hisatsune.

I suppose I should go to your workplace and give them the rundown.

Are you here about Tamiko?

Yes, I'm here about the fire. Is she here?

- You from the insurance company? - Yes, I am.

She didn't even bother to settle all the insurance matters?

- She quit. - When?

Yesterday.

But she just lost her husband, and...

How much was the house insured for?

No, actually...

Did she have any relatives you know about?

I don't know.

As far as we knew, she was single.

She didn't mention her husband at all?

She's very attractive and popular among the customers...

You mean, there may be a man?

I wouldn't know about that,

but on the night of the fire, she was drinking alone with a guest.

The name of the guest?

Do I have to say?

Good morning.

Did you sleep well?

I did. Thanks to the medicine you gave me.

Good.

I've already talked to the inn manager, so no need to worry.

Room 807.

It's fine, it's fine.

I have guests right now. But they'll be leaving soon.

Yes.

So where were we?

So what have you decided, Mr. Okamura?

Well, it's quite a pressing matter.

And I talked it over with the secretary general.

I see.

I take it your opinion represents the Azabu side as well?

That's a peculiar question.

You're the ones who stand to benefit most from this.

Look, we're just trying to bridge the gap here.

You people are the ones who always come to us for help.

It's not that I really mind.

But your narrow mindedness is the reason

you're incapable of handling a single corporation president.

Right.

If it's really too much for you people to handle,

I don't mind taking matters into my own hands.

In any case,

we must have Taiyo Roads do the construction.

We'll work on it as soon as we return.

Come in.

Well, we'll be leaving then.

Were we interrupting?

They were just the usual politicians looking for money.

Such a bother.

I was thinking of taking her to that place.

That's not for me to permit.

Ask her yourself.

I want you to accompany me somewhere.

I'd appreciate if you came along without asking any questions.

I understand.

You wanted to see me?

Were you at the Hosenkaku Inn on the night of the 20th?

Yes.

I believe that was the 20th.

I was drinking there from about 10 o'clock onward.

Do you stay there often?

I often refer foreign tourists there,

when they want to stay in a Japanese-style inn.

I see.

Were you there with anyone?

No.

There was this woman, Tamiko...

Yes?

She was keeping me company the whole time.

Is there a problem?

- Would you like some? - No, I'm fine.

There's no problem, really.

That night, Tamiko's house burned down,

killing her husband.

Oh?

I'm looking into it a bit, just in case.

Ah, that's good.

Someone said they saw a strange woman resembling Tamiko wandering around.

But if you say

that you were together the whole time,

there's no problem at all.

Indeed.

Where is she now?

Her whereabouts. She quit the inn.

That's an odd thing to ask.

No matter how much I liked her company,

why would I know that?

No, you're completely right.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Bye then.

Welcome.

Hello.

- Right this way. - Okay.

This place has a great garden.

Please wait here.

All right.

Hey, look. There's koi fish.

Wow, there are.

Let's take a look around.

What's wrong?

It's nothing. I just felt like I was being watched.

If you need anything, just clap your hands and I'll come.

It suits you.

I'll take you to meet him now.

All right.

Before that, I should let you know,

he is bedridden with a mild case of palsy.

How old is he?

He will soon be 77.

Does he have any family?

His wife passed 8 years ago.

They didn't have any children.

Right this way.

What should I do for the patient?

- Keep him company. - Be his nurse?

No.

My name is Yoneko.

I have been here for nearly 10 years now.

Pleased to meet you.

Excuse me.

I have brought her for you, sir.

Your name is Tamiko, is it?

- Yes, it is. - How old are you?

She is 31.

Did she have a man?

It seems she's been married before.

Come closer.

I'll leave you with him now.

Come closer.

Give me your hand.

That Fudo-sama sure has a creepy face, doesn't he?

That's not Fudo. It's Aizenmyo.

What kind of Buddha is he?

He saves men and women from worldly desires and lust.

You like Buddha statues?

Buddha statues don't betray you, do they?

What about women?

They do.

And you're no different.

Then why did you choose me?

Because I like your body.

So the person watching me in the garden and in the bath,

was you.

Are you famous?

I may be well known among certain people.

Businessmen? Politicians?

Not quite.

Mr. Oyama is here to see you.

Help me up.

Please help him up like this.

You will be staying here for only two nights.

Only two nights...

You'll be paid 200 thousand for two nights.

If he takes a liking to you,

then we'll discuss that later.

Hello. This is the Bar Association.

Certainly.

Ah, I found it.

It's here in this old registry.

Shigetake Hatano, Attorney-at-law. Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1905.

Graduated law school in 1926.

Passed the bar exam in the same year...

What's this?

It's just that the address is Xinjing, Manchuria.

The New Royal's Mr. Kotaki isn't a hotelier by trade.

He was given the job by the hotel's parent company, Toyo Construction.

We're going now.

I don't know much about before then.

But I heard that he was repatriated from Manchuria.

HOTEL ASSOCIATION

Manchuria...

NO PARKING

Right in here.

What is it?

I'm in the middle of work.

You're so cold.

I just barely made it out of that strange house.

What happened?

You're terrible.

Why?

Putting me in a place like that.

Is that so?

I thought you were prepared for anything.

I was prepared. After what I did...

But...

You can quit at any time, you know.

What a mean thing to say.

Are you telling me to return to my old way of life?

What's that man they call 'Gramps' like?

As if you don't know.

I don't really know him. I've never met him.

That man wants to live longer. That's why he wants me.

Even though he's lost his manhood long ago.

Gramps has the same illness as my dead husband.

So I understand what it's like being sick with that illness, but...

Mr. Kotaki.

You're the one who made me do what I did.

I know.

So we're in this together, so to speak.

I guess so.

It's true. Remember that.

You know, you're the only reason I'm enduring what's happening over there.

For some reason, Gramps has been encouraging me to have an affair.

He even said,

"Never betray me. But affairs are okay."

Apparently a girl who he liked before betrayed him and ended up dead.

But I wouldn't mind dying if it were with you.

You're drunk.

Don't play games with me.

- But... - Are you trying to embarrass me?

Do you have any other girls?

Well...

Do you or don't you?

That's a tricky question.

Just tell me.

I'm going to get out up here.

Not yet.

It's risky for us to be near Gramps' house.

Are you really that scared of him?

You don't want to lose this opportunity, do you?

Where were you?

Seeing an old friend.

Having an affair?

No.

Come on. Get over here.

Hurry up.

Give me your hand.

Show me your hand. We'll see if you've been having an affair.

Who is he?

Don't be silly.

You can't hide it from me.

He's someone you don't know.

How was he?

Stop it. It hurts.

Is it the hotel manager?

What?

I'm right, aren't I?

He already has a lover. Do you know?

He does?

The hotel president's daughter.

Hatano said the daughter's really fallen for him.

All of a sudden you don't look happy.

Such beautiful skin.

The skin of an unfaithful woman

has an indescribable moistness.

So that's why you told me to have an affair.

Where are you going?

Shopping.

Hello? Is this the New Royal Hotel?

Can I speak to Mr. Kotaki?

He's not there?

MANAGER'S OFFICE

Room 823?

I saw them by chance on my way here.

Kotaki and the president's daughter going into the room.

Are you and Kotaki together?

I'll leave that to your imagination.

Does Gramps know?

He said it's okay to have an affair.

You really are serious, aren't you?

Well, I suppose you are a woman in the prime of your life.

Gramps likes you.

He's saying he's going to live longer thanks to you.

Have a seat.

I mean, you have to make it worth my while.

I'm not getting enough out of this.

Leave it to me. I'll see what I can do.

- Really? - Yes.

By the way,

the president here doesn't have a daughter.

But Gramps said he did.

He's teasing you.

But I just saw Kotaki.

That's a guest.

And if Kotaki is with her, she must be a very special guest.

Want me to call him?

The manager's office.

Yes, it's me, Hatano.

There's someone who barged in here who just has to see you.

Can I send her over?

See?

Why did you use the answering service?

Because I really wasn't here.

Yeah, right.

You were kissing that guest in room 823, weren't you?

Give me a break.

Hey, can't you stop working on that?

This work has to be done.

If you don't stop, I'll tear those papers up.

You have no right doing that.

Yes, I do.

Our relationship isn't a typical kind of relationship.

You're crazy.

Won't you lock the door?

- Don't be unreasonable. - But I like you.

Don't mistake this office for a bedroom.

Once you get a woman going, you can't simply turn her away.

Did you even get Gramps' permission to go out today?

No.

- You should get going then. - No.

You're just like a child.

I'll leave if you promise to meet with me.

Okay, I promise.

I'm not going to let you go.

Okay, I'll leave.

Give me a kiss.

What is it you wanted to discuss?

Well, I've come to believe that

the fire wasn't just an accident.

Why now?

The hired maid, Miss Oseki,

she was saying that you and your late husband didn't get along very well.

As if you can believe that crazy woman.

She isn't that stupid however. In any case, we'll find out soon enough.

No matter how dim one is, one always remembers their habits.

In other words, someone snuck in after Miss Oseki left,

splashed something like alcohol around the house

and made it look like the stove had caused the fire.

Let's say you've lost all affection for your husband

and you're working at such a gaudy place like the inn.

It's only natural to hate coming home and seeing the face of a gloomy, sick person.

Exactly what are you trying to say?

There's a place right over there that serves a nice cup of coffee.

I told you to call me if you needed help,

out of kindness.

And yet you said nothing and disappeared without a word.

That's why I began investigating. Starting with your whereabouts.

Near your house, on a back road to the highway,

there's a life insurance office.

That night upstairs, some salesmen were playing mahjong all night.

There were 5 of them. And 1 sat out each game.

At 1:00 am, a dog was barking quite loudly,

so one of them opened the window

and saw a woman getting into a cab.

If you go back down that road, it leads to Hosenkaku.

If you have to go back and forth in a short time, you use a cab.

That salesman was a big baseball fan

and he noticed the cab company's name on top, Swallows (baseball team name).

Since it's just a small company, we found the driver in no time.

It was the middle of the night.

And the woman was beautiful, so he kept looking in his rear view mirror.

He said he wouldn't have any trouble identifying her.

People do consider me a good detective, you know.

Some of those I've put away were even sentenced to death.

Are you trying to scare me?

I wanted to climb the ranks too, when I was young.

But no matter how hard we work, us detectives in the field know

we'll either end up working as security or as night watchmen.

To be honest,

the idea of working diligently has started feeling ridiculous.

The real bad guys know how to avoid getting caught.

And make a fortune committing crimes.

Only good people commit crimes out of circumstance,

get caught, and lose everything.

- It's the same for you, isn't it? - What?

It's just an assumption.

But when a few assumptions start piling up, they stop being assumptions.

But that night, I was...

Witness testimony isn't always reliable.

Especially from those with a vested interest.

What's more, you visited Kotaki again today.

I've searched all over for you.

Is that so?

Where are you staying?

Kito's house in Azabu.

Kito in Azabu...

Kota Kito's house?

That's right.

You know him?

Kito's a major player, manipulating politics from behind closed doors.

It was Kito who got Ichiro Oyama elected in the last presidential election,

defeating Yonosuke Kurihashi at the last minute.

Well, I have no idea about any of that.

What are you doing at Kito's house?

You're very suspicious of me, aren't you?

I'll tell you all about it.

Why don't we meet tonight?

Tonight?

You want my body, don't you?

Tonight at 8.

Come to the estate.

Enter from the back, there's a tea house there.

No one will see us there.

Hey, Tsune!

Well, hello.

Don't have a quick story for me, do you?

Figures you'd ask.

Things are too peaceful. I've no work.

Katsuragi, hold on.

Ex-political supporter. Ex-freelancer in Manchuria.

Made a fortune from Manchurian coal during the war,

then did some shady dealings with the military.

And with the money since the war ended,

he's manipulated politics behind the scenes.

Why are you interested in Kota Kito?

Well, one of my relative's kids is going to be a maid there.

Kito's well-connected.

Every time there's been a major corruption case in the political world,

Kito's always said to be behind it.

Politics is a dirty business.

But politicians don't like getting their hands dirty for money or other privileges.

So Kito does that for them,

which leaves them in his debt.

And he's got the Shinshu-kai, the Patriot League

and other right-wing groups on his payroll.

I'm sure plenty of them are at the house in Azabu.

He's calling for you.

Where were you?

I ran into someone when I was out shopping.

Did you see Kotaki?

Of course not.

Doubtful... but no matter.

Well, hurry up and get undressed.

What are you saying? This early in the day?

Don't irritate an old man.

Stop it. Don't put your hand in there.

Come on.

Look, I'm naked up to my knees.

Your knees are so delicate.

Stop! That tickles!

Come on. Untie your belt.

This is a little too much.

You're going to shorten your lifespan, you know.

I'll live longer if I enjoy myself.

If you're not going to take it off, I will.

How odd that something like this would be hiding your smooth, supple skin.

Ah, you're looking at that watch again. Take it off already.

If you're rough like that...

- Don't worry. - My kimono!

I'll buy you as many kimonos as you want.

Takeru?

Who left the door open?

What are you doing?

In a place like this, at a time like this?

At times I just need to be alone.

Really? I thought perhaps you were meeting with someone.

As if I'd be doing that.

Well, let's hope so.

Because it seems there was a strange man snooping about.

That has nothing to do with me.

Who said that it did?

Why is it you always follow me around like that?

I've been made responsible for everything that goes on here.

Is it only that?

Or is it that you hate me?

I bet Gramps got tired of you.

You're just jealous of me.

How unbecoming for someone your age.

Shut up!

I know that you always come to peek at us.

But Gramps is obsessed with me.

He has no interest in your body.

What are you doing?!

Damn you!

You tramp!

Get off me, you old hag!

You!

You stupid old hag!

MANAGER'S OFFICE

You're early.

Mr. Kurotani.

You're here quite early.

Gramps said he wanted to read the newspaper.

Oh, really? He's up early today.

Yes, he is.

SIGNS OF DANGER IN THE CITY

I will now announce what we know so far.

The name of jewelry designer Akiko Hibara, age 26,

SIGNS OF DANGER IN THE CITY MURDER IN LOCKED HOTEL ROOM VICTIM WAS A JEWELRY DESIGNER

could not be found on the Tsurumi Ward hotel registry.

FEMALE HOTEL GUEST MURDERED

That doesn't make sense.

Testimony has it that she'd been staying there for 5 days.

The autopsy puts the time of death between 8:00 and 10:00 last night.

That's all.

What a coincidence.

It's truly troublesome.

Hotels are built on a mutual trust

between us and the customers.

I hope you can find the culprit

and restore the honor of the hotel as soon as possible.

A murder is halfway solved once the victim is identified.

You really can't remember, Mr. Kotaki?

We have no small number of guests, after all.

Even as a manager, there's no way to remember every single guest.

We're in a jam.

Tell me about it.

I understand you were a left-wing activist as a student.

What?

Don't take it personally, but this is a tricky job.

When I've got a case, I also have to do some needless investigating.

It's a tough job.

I heard that you went to Manchuria during the war.

What kind of work did you do?

That was quite a long time ago.

It was like I was expelled from my home.

I wandered around the countryside in misery.

But what does that have to do with this?

As I mentioned, we just have to do some routine investigating.

That's a relief.

I thought I was a suspect for a moment there.

Oh?

It's time for the news.

Authorities are making every effort to identify the victim.

Oh, they're covering the case.

None of the names on the hotel registry correspond to the victim.

This part of the investigation is proving difficult.

NEW ROYAL HOTEL, WHERE THE MURDER TOOK PLACE

Additionally, a wallet containing eight

10,000 yen bills was left at the scene.

It is seeming more like a crime of passion than a robbery.

Some fingerprints were also found at the scene.

Since none of these fingerprints were the victim's...

Hello, this is Kotaki.

Regardless, we believe that this could be crucial

to solving the case.

I need to see you about the incident.

No. I'm telling you it's related.

I'm not lying.

Unfortunately, I have company now.

Expressway Corporation President Kagawa

- Yes. - has submitted his resignation.

EXPRESSWAY PUBLIC CORP. PRESIDENT KAGAWA WHO RESIGNED FROM HIS POST

He has resigned, citing health reasons.

- No. - He will leave his official duties...

And spend time recuperating in his hometown of Kyoto.

In any case,

the police are here to talk about the incident.

So another time.

Due to the snowfall near Maibara last night...

I'm sorry about that.

Not at all. Well, we won't take any more of your time.

Is that so? I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Ah, I'm sorry, but I seem to have lost my pencil.

- Do you mind? - Here, have a new one instead.

Thank you very much.

Well, then.

You go on ahead. Get this to forensics.

Yes, sir.

Hello there, miss.

- Is that what Mr. Hatano used? - What?

I'm just going to borrow this.

The prints on the fork you brought are whorl pattern.

But the prints from the door are loop pattern.

So the fingerprints for the pencil and fork are completely different types...

How about checking the fingerprint registry?

I guess we'll have to contact the National Police Agency,

and see what they have to say.

- All right. - Oh, thanks.

The Metropolitan Expressway Corporation was established...

Ah, I'm fine.

2 years ago.

The goal is to build 4 highways and secondary roads,

that stretch throughout Tokyo.

Since the budget for that work is huge,

there's been a lot of lobbying from the construction industry.

The president then is essentially a gateway for politicians.

But President Kagawa, who used to be an engineer, wasn't at all flexible.

He must have been a thorn in the side of the Oyama faction in power.

I see.

You got something, didn't you?

What?

No, just a lead right now.

Hello.

We've discovered something big.

We cross-referenced the fork prints you brought in with the fingerprint registry.

These prints belong to a coal miner by the name of Kyozo Tomiura,

who was once a suspect in a murder at a Kyushu coal mine in 1928.

But Hatano, the lawyer...

The name Hatano's registered with the Bar Association.

All I can tell you for certain is that these aren't Hatano's fingerprints.

- What were the details of the murder? - I don't know, it's an old case.

I wonder if the Kumamoto district court still has the court records.

First, I'd like to inform you regarding the incident you've inquired about.

Enclosed is a summary of the verdict.

The accused, Kyozo Tomiura, was found not guilty,

according to evidence from the prosecution on February 17, 1928 at 6 pm.

At the Kotake coal mine run by president Kota Kito, in Kotake village, Fukuoka Prefecture,

Tomiura was accused of murdering protester Genpachi Hasegawa by strangulation.

But the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence.

Kota Kito...

- Detective. - Yes?

We got something on the woman.

You do?

It turns out she wasn't a jewelry designer.

She was working in Gion, Kyoto.

A geisha?

What did you say?

Keep investigating the case.

I'm just telling you not to look too deeply into that woman.

Nonsense! Is that what the Chief is saying?

No, it's not him. It's coming from higher up.

There's something I haven't told you.

I happened to see President Kagawa

of the Expressway Corporation walking into that woman's room.

President Kagawa?

At first I thought he was responsible.

But seeing that there's pressure to kill the investigation...

It may be someone who wants President Kagawa to resign.

In other words, someone who opposes him.

I discovered something curious.

On that same floor is a lawyer named Hatano,

who's connected to Kito of the Oyama faction.

The murdered Genpachi Hasegawa

was always protesting the coal miners' unfair treatment.

Unlike now, in those days, laborers were abused like rats in a cage.

Tomiura, or in other words, Hatano,

was asked by Kito to dispose of Hasegawa,

but was found not guilty due to lack of evidence.

So, who's the real Hatano then?

He must have switched identities in Manchuria.

It would have been easy to do in the midst of that great war.

Hasn't President Kagawa gone to Kyoto to recuperate?

That's nearby.

He is calling for you now.

Is that so?

He has a visitor.

Please bring them some tea.

You won't bring it to them?

He asked for you.

It was solely with your help that I was nominated as the new president

of the Expressway Corporation.

Here you are.

And you.

I will forever be in your debt.

I will humbly do anything in my power

to be of service to you.

Remain here.

Is the transfer of office with Kagawa complete?

Thanks to you, everything went smoothly.

That's good to hear.

Feel free to come to me if you ever need anything else.

Yes.

We shouldn't impose upon you any further,

- so we will take our leave now. - Very well.

Here.

- No need to show them out. - But...

Don't worry about those fools.

That's a corporation president?

Japan is in trouble.

- Remove your belt. - Yoneko will come.

Who cares?

I won't give it to you if you don't do it.

Give me what?

This here.

All right now. Come here.

I'll put it on your delicate finger.

It's nice, isn't it? It cost nearly 2 million.

I see...

Does it make you happy?

With me you can have all kinds of nice things.

You're terrible.

Don't be shy. It's only the two of us.

A woman should be a lady by day and a whore by night.

Where's Mr. Hatano?

He was here this morning.

He took the afternoon train to Kyoto. You want to see him?

Not especially.

It's just that when I'm trapped in here,

I feel the need to talk to people from the outside world.

You'd rather see the hotel manager then, right?

- You're jealous. - You...

Come on now.

Why so quiet all of a sudden?

I don't feel so good.

You're just trying to get me to let my guard down,

- so that you can try something again. - I'm serious.

Tamiko, I'm going to be sick! Go get something!

ALL JAPAN PATRIOT ALLIANCE OPENING CEREMONY

- That's the Industry Minister. - You're right!

Come on, come on, get out of the way.

Come on. Make some space.

Excuse me. I understand Mr. Hatano is here.

What?

Mr. Hatano, from Tokyo.

Right. And you are?

Actually, never mind.

Come with me.

Hey!

Thank you for coming.

Don't sit in front.

Thank you for coming.

- Sir, the Minister is here to see you. - All right.

So...

What is it?

I'm here serving you to make you younger.

But when you go and suddenly get sick like this,

it makes me feel uneasy.

Don't you worry.

I won't be dying any time soon.

I can't have you go and die either, you know.

But you said so yourself,

"I thought I was going to die."

What do you want?

Hmm...

I've always wanted to have my own little restaurant.

You can have as many of them as you want.

Really?

What?

You're not happy with that?

I mean, you say it so casually.

What are you going to give to Miss Yoneko?

She's gotten awfully quiet lately.

Not even calling her here, the poor thing...

Enough!

Don't even speak of her.

Hello?

Oh.

It's Mr. Hatano.

Oh, he's come back already.

Let him in.

What has happened to you?

I suddenly started feeling sick.

I'm such a nuisance for everyone.

- Here. - Oh, thank you.

You gave me quite a scare there.

But I'm relieved to hear it wasn't anything serious.

It must've been a surprise to you too.

It was the middle of the night, so I didn't know what to do.

- I'll get you some tea. - Thank you.

Oh dear, there's nowhere to set it down.

Really?

Yakuza gathered from all over Japan?

It was quite the event.

The Minister of Development and the Minister of Defense,

they both sent wreaths of flowers.

Right.

Those people need to be organized.

So that they can be useful in case of a leftist revolution.

As it is now, they're firing pistols and pulling out knives.

Over trivial things like bumped shoulders

or minor embarrassments.

If they keep that up,

they'll never be able to change Japan's rotten political system.

That's exactly right.

Here you are.

Hey, everyone. Listen up.

This is the victim who was found in the forest in Isehara.

The Kanagawa police department can't ID her.

One theory is that she was brought there from Tokyo.

Take a look at this.

Oh, she's naked.

Oh my.

Wow.

This is...

- Yes? - Nothing.

Hello. Is this the residence of Mr. Kito?

Yes, this is the life insurance company. May I speak to the head maid?

Yes, that's right. Miss Yoneko.

Back to her hometown?

I see.

- Thank you. - Kota Kito's at a hospital in Myogadani.

On the commissioner's orders,

I'm heading out to watch over some big shots visiting Kito.

Heard some ministers are going to visit him.

To Azabu, please.

- To Shinjuku, please. - Which one is it?

You can't! I'm on my way back to the estate now.

I have to tell you - Miss Yoneko was found dead.

Who was cooking for Mr. Kito?

Miss Yoneko was.

So since you came, she was of no use anymore.

Therefore, Yoneko poisons Kito's food out of jealousy.

He finds out and then kills her for it. That makes sense.

Kotaki quit the hotel.

If you get too carried away with Kotaki,

you'll end up like Yoneko.

I haven't seen him at all lately.

But, where is he now?

You're curious about Kotaki?

I've got my hands on some interesting information.

Did you know? He used to be a communist.

He did some shady jobs when he was off in Manchuria.

He must've met Kito and Hatano over there.

And Kotaki, he spends a fortune collecting art.

Heaven only knows how he got all that money.

But I'm sure that's how they're hiding their wealth.

I'm leaving. All that has nothing to do with me.

I won't allow it.

Why not?

You made a promise to me. You haven't fulfilled it yet.

I'll scream.

Scream all you want.

If you do, I'll charge you with murdering your husband!

Go ahead.

- You hate me that much? - Stay away from me!

If you don't do what I say,

both you and Kotaki will be finished!

What are you doing?! Stop it! I'll tell Mr. Kito!

I...

Goddamn it...

"I'll tell Mr. Kito!"

So this is why you took time off?

Exactly one week after her death,

as I was watching over Yoshiko Amano's parents' home in Kyoto,

I saw President Kagawa quietly enter the home.

The fingerprints on the innkeeper's ledger at the inn

where the president was staying,

and the ones at the hotel in question match perfectly.

So then, why have you been keeping such important info to yourself?

I mean, I couldn't decide what to do.

What I think happened is,

that Mr. Kagawa opened the door and went inside,

without knowing that the woman had been killed.

Well, at any rate, it's quite a breakthrough.

I really appreciate it.

Isn't a transfer letting him off too light?

I've had some investigating done on this Hisatsune.

A bad apple like him

can spoil the reputation of the whole police force, you know.

That's very true. I'll give some further consideration to his dismissal.

That would be for the best.

Well, I should be going.

Thank you for your visit.

I apologize for the unfortunate circumstances.

Tamiko.

Yes?

He's leaving now.

Take care.

Hisatsune.

Yes?

The commissioner's here.

Is it about the case?

Just get in there.

Yes, sir.

My resignation?

Nonsense! You're claiming I just eat and drink whatever I want for free.

But it's something all the officers before me have done.

More often than not, the other party's offering to treat us.

People at your level may not be aware of this,

but investigations often don't work if one goes strictly by the book.

Everything has a front door and a back door.

That's why we tolerate pawn shops buying stolen goods.

Among detectives, that goes without saying.

What all this really is,

is just an excuse to get me to resign, isn't it?

In asking for your resignation,

I'm doing you a favor.

Why are you still up? You've got an early morning.

Hey.

Are you sure you're not mistaken?

I'm ashamed to admit this, Katsuragi.

I wanted to take credit for this case,

and I ended up falling for that woman.

I thought it'd just be the prosecutor's office,

but even the police are coming under pressure.

So then, Kagawa was forced out as president

after Kito and his men framed him for his girlfriend's murder?

And that Tamiko woman, also...

Right. You're only leaving out the woman found murdered in Isehara.

What? That too?

I believe Kito's hospitalization

was an attempted poisoning by that woman, Yoneko.

The hospital declared it an overdose, however.

I see. But that's a bold assumption.

Katsuragi,

I'm a lowly detective who was fired for doing something stupid.

But you know me well, right?

You simply have to write this article.

Please!

Okay, Tsune. I'll do it.

I'll hold onto this for now.

- Hold on. - What is it?

This is my last hope.

It's not that I don't trust you, but...

I see.

In that case, do you want to meet the Chief Editor?

And?

He's on his way.

Hey, calm down. It'll be fine.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

What do you think?

I'm afraid that since the information isn't very reliable...

That's not true!

There's a witness to the murder committed by Tamiko Narisawa.

It's all in here. The driver of the Swallows taxi...

That hasn't been confirmed.

And the connection to Kito is quite weak.

The murderer of the woman at the hotel still hasn't been identified.

But we have Mr. Kagawa's fingerprints.

You boldly declare Shigetake Hatano,

or according to your investigation, Kyozo Tomiura,

as responsible for the crime,

and yet this too is nothing more than speculation.

Chief!

This is coming from the higher-ups.

Well, considering the public nature of newspapers,

we can't use this level of information.

I'm telling you! They're working together!

For your position,

you seem to be making very subjective judgments.

I do sympathize with you.

He doesn't give up.

He did do his research well.

Fortunately, that reporter's someone I often give information to.

And he made some copies for me.

They always make us out to be the bad guys, don't they?

They certainly do.

Naturally, I've taken all the appropriate measures,

so no need to worry about that.

How has Tamiko been doing?

She seems to be behaving.

Take her out once in a while for me.

I'm sure she wants to see Kotaki too.

She has poor taste.

You get more and more beautiful every time I see you.

I suppose that's thanks to you, sir.

You're full of compliments.

Rub my back for me, won't you?

Where?

My lower back, where the hip bone sticks out.

That's a weird place.

Oh, that's right.

I almost forgot.

Sir, what do you think of this?

- How much is it? - 8.5 million.

But Kotaki says he'll knock it down to 7 million for you.

The things he brings - the quality is high, but the price is also high.

Right. You hadn't heard.

Kotaki quit the hotel and opened an antique shop.

An antique shop?

His dream is to take a nap,

surrounded by famous antiques that he has collected.

What an odd man.

Hey, whenever Kotaki comes up, you always stop.

Are you curious about him?

That's because he's been so good to me.

Since when?

Hmm... about a month now?

Is that so?

He doesn't care to mention it to me at all.

Hey, that hurts.

Hey, don't take it out on him.

So, will you be buying it?

It wouldn't be of any use over here. Buy it and take it to Oyama's place for me.

It'd be a good fit over there.

He's clueless about antiques, but he likes buying expensive things.

I know he's a snob,

but that's about the only useful trait for politicians today.

All right. Let's go run it over there.

Mr. Hatano.

Can you help him with this?

So where does Mr. Kotaki have his antique shop?

You want me to tell you?

Please.

Shibamura Heights in Akasaka. He runs it out of his apartment.

Around where in Akasaka?

Hitotsugi St. You'll see it right away. Don't attract too much attention.

KOTAKI, ANTIQUE DEALER

Is this Mr. Kotaki's?

Yes. But he's out right now.

Oh? I'll wait for him.

Where did Mr. Kotaki go?

Mr. Kurihashi's residence.

Mr. Kurihashi?

I see. He'll be home soon though, right?

Probably.

And who are you exactly?

Are you his secretary?

Or... his girlfriend?

How rude of you to ask.

My shift is over, so...

Go ahead. I'll watch the place for you.

You needn't worry about me.

I've known Mr. Kotaki for much longer than you.

Is that so? In that case, I'll be going.

A senior member of the Yoshimatsu crime group has been shot dead in Kyoto.

Police are investigating

MASANOSUKE HIGAKI (52), WHO WAS SHOT TO DEATH

what they believe is a power struggle between the gangs behind this.

Just days ago in Kyoto, the leaders of these yakuza groups gathered

to form a nationwide organization under the name All Japan Patriot Alliance...

Oh, it's you.

"Oh, it's you..."

Is that any way to greet someone you haven't seen in a while?

It's being considered as a manifestation of the conflict...

So you went to see Mr. Kurihashi?

Who told you that?

The girl who was here.

That blabbermouth.

Isn't Mr. Kurihashi an enemy of Gramps?

You've learned a lot, haven't you?

Well, of course.

When you get left alone in a place like that,

you have to know things even if you don't want to.

I'm an antique dealer. So I'm in and out of all kinds of places.

I'll prepare some tea.

Kiss me.

They say you used to be a communist.

And you used to steal antiques from Manchuria.

It's just like you.

Who'd you hear that from?

From that detective.

So that's why you like vases and Buddha statues.

You're like Gramps.

You're someone who can't trust others.

It's only 1:00. You can still catch a cab.

I'm not going home.

Kito will be angry.

Don't worry.

Gramps is in love with me,

so he'll look past it.

This is the least he can let me do...

If he doesn't like it, then he'll just have to buy me more restaurants.

We'll have to straighten everything out,

while Gramps is still alive.

Things will end up badly if you aren't careful.

I know.

Why was Miss Yoneko really killed?

If you're going to ask that, let me tell you this.

Mr. Kito has his fair share of enemies.

His biggest enemy is Yonosuke Kurihashi.

The Kurihashi faction that lost the leadership election

is trying to take down Mr. Kito.

So, that's why they bought off Yoneko.

Bought off?

She must've been very upset too.

You played a role in that.

Mr. Kito also sensed something wasn't right.

So, we needed someone to find what was really going on in the Kurihashi faction.

Then that's why you became an antique dealer.

But aren't you at risk,

going in and out of that enemy faction?

Except I've never even met Mr. Kito.

I'm scared.

You should go home now while you still can.

I don't want to. You and I are in this together.

I'll be with you until the end.

Thanks for meeting me.

- Would you like one? - I'm fine.

It seems the other day a woman was found murdered in the woods up ahead.

Right.

The night before the body was found,

it was transported here by truck from Tokyo.

Is that so?

You didn't see a strange truck parked in the area that night, did you?

I don't know...

Please try to remember.

In order to move the body,

they would have had to leave the truck somewhere for a while.

I don't know what time it would've been,

but you didn't see a truck parked around there,

with no lights on?

You see, we're here doing work, so...

I might have seen it.

You did?

That night

I was thinking of going to get some ramen, so I headed toward the station.

And I saw a truck parked in a strange spot with no lights on.

I thought they might've gotten a flat tire, so I looked into the truck cabin.

And what did you see?

You a detective?

No, I'm not.

Are you a reporter?

No, I'm related to the dead woman in a way.

I don't want to deal with the police.

I'm simply trying to confirm some suspicions on my own.

I see. Let's not talk to the police.

I was actually just thinking of having a smoke.

Would you like to take a walk?

Hey, cover for me, will you?

- Okay. - Let's go.

The man in the truck cabin was actually someone I know.

That's why I haven't gone to the police or the papers about it.

Someone you know? What's their name?

Can you keep a secret?

Yes, of course.

I'm begging you, please tell me their name.

I won't cause you any trouble.

I won't cause any trouble for that person either.

Please tell me. What's the man's name?

The man is...

Me!

I wonder if that's Gramps and he knows I'm here.

Don't be silly.

I'm sure he could figure it out.

Either way, if I don't answer, it'll seem even more suspicious.

Yes, this is Kotaki.

What?

What is it?

It's Mr. Hatano.

Mr. Kito has collapsed.

He said to get home right away.

When?

He passed right at 2:00 in the morning.

I heard some groaning and came rushing over.

He said he was in pain, and was holding his head.

We go back a long time, don't we?

Over 30 years now.

I'm sure it was very frustrating for you

to be so sick in your later years.

But you've done exactly what you wanted,

and you've done it to the best of your ability.

You were what every man aspired to be.

Thank you for coming.

It was really quite a shock. I'm still in disbelief.

And just as his great vision was about to become a reality.

It's such a shame.

Getting all of the country's crime groups to unite,

then once they're no longer a threat, crushing anyone who gets in the way.

Then finally, assuming all the power as one's own.

Only Gramps could come up with such an exquisite plan.

But it was a lot of work for me,

the one who was actually doing all the running around.

So, the incident in Kyoto the other day was Mr. Kito's doing...

Gramps is gone.

But I'll make sure to bring his vision to life.

And it will become a great boon

to the Conservative Party in the future.

I'm counting on your political influence, Mr. Hatano.

The men are very excited.

And they need to be given what they deserve.

As for that new construction project,

you'll let Taiyo Roads take care of that, correct?

Yes, of course.

I'm sure Gramps will be very pleased that his dying wish is being fulfilled.

It's rewarding for me too.

Mr. Hatano.

Yes?

Kurotani is carrying out the antiques from Gramps' room.

Don't worry, it's fine.

Where is he taking them?

To your beloved Kotaki's place.

Mr. Kotaki? Why?

If we leave them there, they'll take it all as taxes.

Like bees to honey.

So starting tonight, you'll be taking over for Gramps?

Look.

Is it going to be okay?

You mean your future?

Trust me.

In any case, we'll worry about it after the funeral.

I know, but I just wanted to make sure.

I wonder if Gramps died of irritation because you didn't come home.

Don't joke around like that.

You're making it sound like I killed him.

He must've died happy thinking about the woman he was in love with.

Stop it.

So what am I supposed to wear?

Just dress normal tonight. Act like you don't know anything.

- I've finished moving the main items. - Thank you.

There seems to be an unfamiliar face in the crowd today.

Please be careful.

Tell the young men to be on the lookout.

Okay, I've cleared the tea room for you. Why don't you take a rest?

Well, it is going to be a busy night.

Tamiko. You're free now, aren't you?

Thank you.

Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

It's the end of an era.

Yes, it is.

So what do you think of what Mr. Hatano said?

Without Kito, he's powerless.

Indeed.

Oh no!

Mr. Hatano's been stabbed!

Kotaki, open the door.

Open the door, Kotaki.

Come on, hurry.

Mr. Hatano has been killed.

What's going on here?

I've sold it all.

Everything Kurotani brought over?

Who notified you?

Do you know who did it?

One of Kurihashi's men?

Once Gramps died,

the power balance was disrupted.

Gramps' funeral hasn't even been held yet.

Hello?

Thanks.

We're leaving.

Leaving?

Leaving the city?

That's right.

Absolutely not.

Then what will become of everything I've done until now?

Are you saying you'll take care of me?

It's less a question of whether you're going to come with me...

And more a question of whether you want to live.

Where are we going?

CHIKUSEN HOT SPRINGS

Did you find this place by yourself?

No.

Kurotani told me about it.

Kurotani?

So he's the one who's been contacting you, then.

What's wrong?

There's just too much going on.

So a woman who killed her husband...

Is rattled by this.

That's completely different.

I did what I did to survive.

Everyone else is just trying to protect themselves too.

Who killed Mr. Hatano?

I don't know.

But Mr. Hatano's done some pretty horrible things himself.

With Mr. Kito's death, the forces connected to the Kurihashi faction

had the chance to turn the tide in their favor.

- That's why... - Please stop.

Fine.

I'm done thinking about it.

Good idea.

Forget about it.

Come on, let's have a bath.

At this point, I have no choice but to follow you.

You've put on some weight.

That's embarrassing. Don't look.

Seems like we'll be together for a while, doesn't it?

I didn't even have time to shave today.

What's this?

Oh, the ring?

Gramps gave it to me.

I saw it in the murdered woman's hotel room.

To think, the person who brought the ring to Gramps

was Mr. Hatano.

Come to think of it, that's all I ended up with.

If the police get involved now, I'll be the one blamed for that too.

Even if they knew the truth,

it's more convenient that way.

If they put all the blame on me,

they won't have to rummage around in the rotten innards of politics.

Then I'll be your witness.

You didn't do anything directly, right?

But the police know you killed your husband.

It's just not fair.

You never know who will betray you in this world.

I don't care anymore.

Because you're the only one for me now.

Hey, hurry up and join me.

I will.

Is the water hot enough?

It's fine.

Kotaki!

You know what?

You're going to have to take care of Gramps in the next life too.

Kotaki!

Help!

Somebody help!

BEAST ALLEY

THE END