Original subtitles

This afternoon, on the banks of the Fueno River in Yamanashi,

bloodstained clothing was found.

The bloodstains matched the DNA of Aoi Tachibana

who has been missing since the third of this month.

Mrs. Aoi's whereabouts are still unknown.

His whereabouts are unknown along with Mrs. Aoi.

They are also continuing to search for her son Shuuto.

Shuuto!

What is it?

Are you Shuuto…?

I'm Lion!

But just now, when I said Shuuto…

I don't know! You're stupid. I'm Lion, after all!

Lion used my towel.

FUENO RIVER, YAMANASHI PREFECTURE

CLOTHING FOUND AT FUENO RIVER

"Today, just after 3 p.m., on the banks of the Fueno River in Yamanashi,

bloodstained clothing was found.

The bloodstains matched the DNA of Aoi Tachibana,

who has been missing since the third of this month."

Missing…

MISSING

September 3rd…

MISSING: SEPTEMBER 3RD

Lion came here…

LION CAME HERE: THE 5TH

Two days later…

Aoi Tachibana…

Sister… Lion…

Shuuto…

FAMILY SAYS "I WANT THEM HOME SAFELY."

Could you tell us how you're feeling right now?

I just want to see both of them as soon as possible. That’s all.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused right now…

Is there anything you'd like to say to your wife and son?

I just want them to come home safely

and say, "We're home" with a smile…

Where are your mom and dad?

I don't know…

So he did have a father…

Mi!

-What is it? -What was that news?

Nothing important.

Mi, it's already time for bed. What's up?

Did you forget?

Then, let me know when you remember.

I saw the news.

Is this about you?

What do they mean by "missing"?

Please reply urgently.

Wait, Mi.

What's wrong?

We're about to leave.

-Good morning, Mi. -Good morning.

Thank you.

Let's step away.

-Bye! -Bye!

Lion.

-Lion. -Don't you have work too, Hiroto?

Yeah, but…

-Let's play catch at Grandpa Tora's house. -Wait a second, Lion.

Tell me.

Your name is Shuuto, right?

Where are your mother and father?

They're gone!

Gone?

That's right, they’re gone!

What on earth

is this child hiding?

As usual, it's never enough for you.

-Thank you for the food. -Please go ahead.

Is it good?

Yeah.

Good!

Hey, kid.

I bought something nice.

-Here. -What is it?

Is it for me?

I didn’t understand some of it.

So I just bought whatever looked easy.

Well, think of it as a way to pass the time.

Alright!

Are you going to study?

Hey, eat first.

So you like studying.

AOI TACHIBANA, AGE 36

How have things been lately?

How’s life with the three of you going?

It’s been tough, but we’re managing.

That’s good to hear.

But if the situation changes, we might not be able to stay like this.

I’ll have to consider consulting with the police again.

Did something happen?

No.

I just want them to come home safely,

and say, "We're home" with a smile…

It’s really hard, isn’t it?

Mr. Komori, if anything happens, don’t hesitate to talk to me.

You know, Mr. Komori, at work, I’m probably the only one

you can casually talk to.

Thank you.

Wait a minute, this is scary.

I’m closer to Komori than you are.

Sadamoto, you overheard everything, right?

No, I didn't.

But more importantly, isn't this your brother's drawing?

Wow, it's cute.

Can I take a look?

-This is… -It’s quite a work of art, right?

Your brother’s amazing.

-Hey, I might go see it. -Mind if I check it out?

ANIMAL ART EXHIBITION

MICHITO KOMORI

So he came to me because of this?

5:30:55, 5:30:56, 5:30:57, 5:30:58, 5:30:59.

-Sorry, Mi. -You're 59 seconds late.

It's bad to be late.

But besides that, Mi…

Yesterday, you came to tell me about this, right?

Tomorrow, there's an Animal Art Exhibition at the Asagao Zoo.

I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.

It’s okay.

Excuse me for interrupting.

Ah, Mr. Funaki.

This is a ticket to the zoo.

Are you sure?

Family members are allowed in for free thanks to me.

Mr. Funaki, you're as kind as a Psittacosaurus.

Oh, that’s clever!

Though I don't really know much about the Psittacosaurus.

Mr. Onodera, your brushes are cool.

I'll use these brushes for tomorrow’s live painting.

Please give me one more ticket.

-I want to give it to Lion. -Lion?

The lion is already in the zoo, so it’s fine.

-I mean the human Lion. -Huh? What’s that?

-One more ticket. -Thank you.

Huh? The zoo?

Are there real lions there?

Yes.

Tomorrow, Brother, Lion and I will go to the Asagao Zoo.

-Yay! -That's amazing!

-Thanks for waiting, here. -Thank you. Okay.

-It's hot! -Okay.

Mayonnaise!

FAMILY SAYS "I WANT THEM HOME SAFELY."

IS THIS PERSON THE FATHER?

EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTION

Tachibana Construction…

UNWAVERING TRUST BUILDS TOMORROW

RESIDENT BRIEFING FOR YAMANASHI LINEAR STATION PROJECT

Shougo Tachibana…

Here comes Councilor Kamegaya.

He's going into a hotel with another young woman again.

You really love affairs, don’t you?

No, it's not that I like them.

-Then cover something more meaningful. -But it’s the editor who decides.

By the way, you’re free tomorrow, right?

Well, I’m free.

Okay.

Let's grab some food and go back home.

First, let's see the Asian Elephant.

Next is the Hartmann's mountain zebra.

Then, we’ll go see the black rhinos and the lions.

We're going to see the lions!

He's so energetic.

That’s an Asian Elephant.

The elephant’s distinctive long trunk is actually

a stretched upper lip and nose with muscles.

-Wow! -Whoa.

Moving on.

This is the Hartmann's mountain zebra.

There are only a few in Japan.

-Next is the black rhino. -Mi!

The black rhino has an upward-pointing, pointed lip.

Now, the Reticulated Giraffe.

The baby Reticulated Giraffe is about 1.5 to 1.8 meters tall.

The Reticulated Giraffe stands up within an hour of being born.

Mi, you're amazing.

Amazing.

The art on this poster is cute, right?

I heard they have merchandise.

I want to see. Let’s go, let’s go.

Both males and females have two to five horns covered by skin.

Next is the lion.

Next is the lion.

Wow!

So cool!

It’s a lion.

The lion is called the king of beasts.

However, young lions have a low survival rate, so it's hard to reach adulthood.

Really?

In the wild, there is a risk of being preyed upon by other animals.

So, are they safe in the zoo?

Yes.

This is a safe pride.

That’s good!

It’s okay.

I'm safe here in this house.

Safe.

What did Lion mean back then?

What’s wrong, Hiroto?

Shall we take a break soon?

-No! -No!

No?

At 1:30 p.m., we’re going to the Animal Art Exhibition.

That's right.

It’s 1:30 p.m.

We’re going in.

We’re going in.

Mi, did you paint this?

The animals have the colors of life.

The giraffe is 129C, the gorilla is Black 3C,

the elephant is 071C and 659C.

They all have their own colors of life.

Mi, that's amazing.

You're so cool.

Yes.

Mi, you have a unique talent.

Yes.

You're here,

Mr. Komori.

-Ah, Mio. -You remember me?

-Yes! -I’m so happy.

You really came.

I wanted to see your brother’s paintings.

This is my brother, Michito.

Nice to meet you, I’m Mio Makimura.

Here.

Michito, your paintings are really wonderful.

I’ve become a fan.

Fan. My number one fan is my mom.

Number two is my dad.

Number three is my big brother.

Number four is Grandpa Tora.

Number five is Mr. Funaki. Number six is Mr. Onodera.

Mi!

This is Mr. Funaki. Fan number five.

Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Mr. Onodera anywhere?

No.

-No, I haven’t. -You haven't?

Did something happen?

He suddenly disappeared.

The live painting starts at 2:00 p.m.

It's in 15 minutes.

That’s right.

-Let’s search a bit more around the park. -Good idea.

I’ll help too.

-But… -Sorry, could you keep an eye on the two?

-Of course. We’ll wait here. -Sorry.

See you later!

Ah, Mr. Hiroto.

-He wasn’t over there either. -Same here.

Sorry.

I’ll head back to the venue and search again.

Okay. I’ll look over there.

The live painting will start soon.

You must be worried.

But your brother is also searching, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.

-I'll go to the restroom. -Huh?

I’ll go to the restroom.

Me too! I gotta pee!

I’ll wait here.

What’s wrong?

Do you hear Mr. Onodera’s voice?

Are you in there, Mr. Onodera?

I’ll take a look for you.

Mi, just stand up.

Stand up straight.

Are you Mr. Onodera?

Who are you?

I hear Mr. Onodera's voice. Mr. Onodera is here.

The live painting starts at 2:00 p.m.

In two minutes and 15 seconds.

I have a stomach ache.

But the audience is arriving.

It hurts.

-Mi, I’m going to throw it. -What?

-I’m going to throw it. -Throw…?

I caught it!

We’re almost about to start. Everyone, please wait a little longer.

We apologize.

Mi.

The live painting starts in 12 seconds.

Yeah, but we still haven't found Mr. Onodera.

Mi?

Huh?

Mi?

Huh?

Huh?

Mi?

Why?

What's going on?

Mr. Hiroto.

-Mi is painting now. -Huh?

Due to a sudden change of plans, Mi,

Michito Komori will be painting for us.

The show started?

Yeah.

It seems like everything is ready, so we will now begin the live painting…

Are you okay?

Mi, are you okay?

Calm down, Mi. Calm down.

I’m sorry.

Calm down.

I’m sorry.

Let’s go over there and talk.

It’s okay, it’s okay.

-Mi. -Here!

Why don’t you wear this?

Lion, wait over there for a bit.

It’s okay, it’s okay.

I’m looking forward to your painting, Mi.

Lion!

Barbary Lion, Angolan Lion, Cape Lion.

Barbary Lion, Angolan Lion, Cape Lion.

Barbary Lion, Angolan Lion, Cape Lion.

Barbary Lion, Angolan Lion, Cape Lion.

Barbary Lion, Angolan Lion, Cape Lion.

Barbary Lion, Cape Lion.

Barbary Lion, Angolan Lion, Cape Lion.

Mi, would you like to paint?

I’ll paint!

Mi…

Michito Komori also painted the poster art for the Asagao Zoo here.

He usually works for a company called Planet Eleven,

and is an up-and-coming artist.

We are excited to see what kind of artwork he will create today.

It’s coming together beautifully.

Amazing!

It seems the painting is finished!

Mi, your paintings are awesome!

Onodera, where were you?

Mi’s painting is really amazing.

Michito’s painting was incredible.

It was so powerful that it gave me goosebumps.

What’s wrong?

Well,

lately I’ve been seeing a lot of sides of Mi that I’ve never seen before.

Is that so?

Maybe I was the one limiting Mi’s potential all this time,

worrying about not bothering others,

or making things convenient for myself,

stuff like that.

I decided for myself who he was.

But…

ever since Lion came to our house, Mi has changed.

So, it’s a good thing that Lion came, right?

Huh?

It's meaningful that the three of you are together.

Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.

Not at all. Thank you.

But…

this lifestyle can't last forever.

Huh?

Tomorrow, I plan to go meet Lion’s father.

Lion has a father?

I just found out recently.

So, we can’t keep living like this.

But what about the bruises?

I’m planning to ask him about that too.

I see.

Hiroto, Mio!

Would you like to take a picture together?

Oh, sure.

I’m sorry to intrude.

Could the lady come a little closer, please?

-Yes. -Okay.

This is Ms. Mio Makimura.

Today, she became my fan.

Did you just say that yourself?

After watching you on stage earlier, I became an even bigger fan.

An even bigger fan?

Everyone, please stand a bit closer to each other.

Closer.

Oh, that’s good.

Mi, you're blushing.

It’s the color of the sunset.

The color of the sunset is made by mixing bright red and yellow 012.

Alright, I’m taking the picture.

One, two, three…

IS THIS ABOUT YOU? WHAT DO THEY MEAN BY "MISSING"?

PLEASE REPLY URGENTLY.

It's meaningful that the three of you are together.

Thanks for waiting.

It's okay.

I’m really sorry.

I didn't have anyone to take care of him today.

I used to work in childcare, so I’m great at taking care of kids.

Thank you.

It really helps since I also have Michito to look after.

By the way, where is Michito today?

On Sundays, he attends something called Cherry Class.

He studies with his friends there.

Oh, I see.

Well,

please take care of Lion.

Sure.

Bye, Hiroto!

I’m off.

What should we play?

Should we draw?

Sounds good.

Please, go straight.

It's sad that he has to work on a Sunday in his situation.

His brother is the company president, right?

He should let him rest.

It must not be a good working environment even though it's his family's company.

Even though the Tachibanas are usually in the management,

Shougo Tachibana is just an employee.

There's something dark about that.

From here on, Haruichi Tachibana, the president of our company

will explain further.

Currently, the population of the Gennou area is slightly increasing,

but in the mid-to-long term, it is expected to decrease.

Therefore, we will be engaging in

urban development as a linear town with people from other prefectures.

First, let me explain the new plaza in front of

the new Yamanashi Central Station on the Linear Line.

Aren't the residents making any noise in opposition to this?

Maybe they're getting a lot of money for moving out?

Otherwise, they wouldn’t be this quiet.

Hey, can’t you at least pretend to pay attention?

Sorry.

Excuse me, but were you taking pictures just now?

No…

Wait, are you a reporter?

Um…

Yes.

I'm sorry.

This event is restricted to residents only, so could you please leave?

Yes.

Uh… You too, please.

Figured.

The exit is this way.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hey!

Yes?

Mr. Shougo Tachibana--

Are you a reporter too?

I'm sorry, but could you please leave?

He's gone.

Huh?

Shougo Tachibana.

You came to ask about the missing mother and child, right?

Um… Yes.

Ms. Kudo, the car is out front.

Okay.

Want to come along for the interview?

Huh?

Let’s exchange information

as fellow reporters.

I'm Kudo from Weekly Shinsou.

And I’m Amane.

My name is Komori.

I'm sorry I’m out of business cards.

Which paper are you with?

Oh…

I'm a freelancer.

A freelancer? Covering such small local news? That's rare.

I'm just curious.

Have you already done some digging into this story?

Actually, we're just starting to gather information.

I see.

This is the Tachibana residence.

He’s been staying at the office and hasn’t come home for a while.

TACHIBANA

This is where my sister and Lion lived.

But why, I wonder…?

I can’t even imagine it.

Shall we look for someone to talk to?

Okay.

What is this place?

This is the daycare center that the missing Shuuto Tachibana attended.

I see.

Mr. Komori.

Excuse me, I’ll be right back.

Hello?

Sorry, is this a good time?

Yes.

It’s really not important, but where do you keep the plastic wrap?

It’s in the drawer on the right side of the cupboard.

Oh, the cupboard?

By the way, how’s it going?

Did you…

meet him?

Lion's father.

It seems it’ll take a bit more time.

I see.

Oh, I found the wrap.

Sorry to bother you.

Okay. See you later.

PLEASE FIND OUT IF HE MET THE FATHER

Was that your wife?

No, I’m not married.

Shouldn’t we be going outside for the interview?

What do you think about this disappearance, Mr. Komori?

It could be a murder-suicide of the mother and child, an accident,

or someone could have pushed them to their deaths.

But…

It's not confirmed that they're dead.

They’re dead for sure.

They found bloodstained clothes, remember?

Yeah, but…

Why do you think they’re alive?

Well, I hope they are.

I'm just hoping.

Hoping?

What a strange reporter.

So?

I talked to a staff member, and apparently,

Mrs. Tachibana was having an affair with a younger man.

-An affair? -Yes.

She ran away with the child because of it, or so the rumor goes.

Oh, it's just a rumor.

But before she disappeared, she told the daycare

that the child would be taking a break.

I see.

So, it was planned.

Alright, let’s start digging into Mrs. Tachibana’s workplace.

Yeah.

Wait, Ms. Kudo!

Wait!

Hold on! Wait!

Wait a second!

It was about three weeks ago.

She suddenly said she wanted to quit her part-time job.

Did anything seem different about Mrs. Tachibana?

She seemed a bit down.

I asked her about it.

Any rumors about a man?

Huh? No, no.

She and her husband got along well.

Her husband often came to pick her up from the store.

KASUMI

There’s something elusive about Aoi Tachibana.

Maybe she wasn’t the type to get close to anyone.

I see.

So, what was she really like?

Huh?

You’re not really a reporter, are you?

What’s your connection to the Tachibanas?

Really?

Were you the one she was having an affair with?

No way.

Hey, quiet down!

Sorry.

Could it be…

that you are…

Aoi Tachibana’s younger brother?

Is that it?

How did you figure that out?

Huh? It was just a hunch.

A hunch?

That’s impressive.

But then, why pretend to be a reporter?

That was on

the spur of the moment…

I only lived with my sister for a few years when we were kids,

so I barely have any memories of her.

So I thought maybe I could learn more about her.

So, you didn’t even know she had a child?

Correct.

Well, whatever. I’m hungry.

Ma'am, make something for me.

For me too.

Uh, well…

The restaurant isn’t open yet.

And fries too.

Um… I’m going to talk to Shougo Tachibana again.

Then I’ve got some good info for you.

Do you know something?

It looks like she's going to ask for an expensive drink in exchange.

Huh?

Here we are.

Are you okay?

-Another drink, please. -You like alcohol?

Yes, I do.

He's not coming.

I can't imagine someone would come to a place like this in his situation.

Welcome.

Amane.

Yes?

Don’t get too rowdy.

I know. We’re still working.

What’s up?

Were you on the phone with a girl?

-No, it wasn't a girl. -It wasn't?

Damn it.

Do you have any plans after this?

Looks like it’s time to head home.

Alright.

I can always come back later.

There's no need to meet him here.

I'm sorry.

I think I’ll come back another time.

-Huh? That’s too bad. -Welcome.

He’s here. It’s Shougo Tachibana.

Hey. The man who just walked in, does he come here often?

Yeah. He’s a regular.

I’m going to the restroom.

Is this…

the face of a man whose wife and child are missing?

I just want them to come home safely, and say, "We're home" with a smile…

I'm home.

Welcome home.

Lion is sound asleep.

Thank you so much.

-Welcome home, Brother. -Mi, you’re still awake?

Yes.

Michito really wanted to show you something.

What’s this?

I drew it with Lion.

Lion wanted to draw with me.

Lion and I drew it together.

That’s amazing, Mi.

Me, my brother and Lion are all part of the same pride.

Let me take a good look.

A good look?

A good look, huh?

A long look.

Okay, look as long as you want.

I’m going to sleep.

Good night.

Mi…

It’s the first time he’s drawn a picture of people.

-Thank you for today. -Sure.

I’ll make sure to return the favor.

Alright, at the Italian place near the station.

Got it.

But more importantly, how did it go

with Lion’s father?

Actually, I couldn’t say anything.

I don't think I can return Lion to him.

So,

the three of us will stay together a little longer.

I see.

I think that’s a good idea too.

Thank you.

What was that?

-A glass broke. -What happened?

There’s trouble.

A glass broke.

There’s trouble.

There’s trouble, there’s trouble.

The police are investigating the possibility that

the body is Aoi Tachibana, who has been missing since the 3rd of this month.

Why did she die?

Dying is lonely.

It’s sad.

It's because it's times like these

we should smile and celebrate a birthday.

Brother, are you crying?