All language subtitles for Riyu.reason

A Nobuhiko OBAYASHI Film

Miyuki MIYABE's
~ RIYUU ~
(THE MOTIVE)

Directed by
Nobuhiko OBAYASHI

Arakawa Ward spreads along the
Sumida River in eastern Tokyo.

It is known as the hometown of a
gentle people who have warm hearts.

It began as a ferry terminus for water
transportation 1200 years ago.

In the 17th century the Senju Bridge
was built as the gate to the town.

The town thrived as more people
settled, enjoyed and prospered.

After the 1923 Great Earthquake of Tokyo
it changed into a business quarters.

Arakawa Ward became one of
the 35 wards of Tokyo City in 1932.

45% of it was destroyed in the war
but it's people rose from the ashes.

Japan's rapid postwar economic growth
encouraged urban development.

But many of the old alleys and rows
of small houses were left untouched.

After the war most of the young people
born and bred in this town...

grew to prefer suburban life and
moved away. Only the old folks remained.

The landscape of old streets and
weathered houses is disappearing.

This story begins in Koto Ward
downstream on the Arakawa River.

- Koto Ward Police Station -
- September 30, 1996 -

Prologue
- NOBUKO -
.

Prologue
- NOBUKO -
Stolen item: bicycle.

Stolen item: bicycle.

Color red. Type: woman's bike.

Stolen from behind
the school library.

What is the world coming to?

My fault. I left it there.

You don't have a seal do you?

I need it for the report.

Hi Nobuko... what is it?

Your grandma leave home?

Come here Nobuko.
They know about you.

Are you friends?
Who knows what?

Tell me.

Nobuko skipped basketball practice.

Oh, you're a point guard
on the team.

She'll get all of us in trouble.

She shouldn't be wandering around.

Fortunately I've found her.

Don't play hooky.

They'll hold all of us responsible.

What's the matter?

Come on in.

Nobuko?

- Nobuko Katakura -

You said you'd never wear
your Inn's clogs

because they were unsanitary,
didn't you?

Is your grandma missing?

Nobuko's family has been
running the inn.

But her mother wants
to close the inn.

So her grandma got angry.

She left home
but returned that night.

The family was quite frantic,
eh Nobu-chan?

The man in the magazine is there.

In the paper too.

The criminal of the...

...multiple murders.

Is he at your inn right now?

He's not condemned yet.
He's just a suspect.

His name is Ishida.

He's been at large for four months.

Nobuko you should calm down.
Let's be sensible.

Why would a murderer like him
stay at your inn?

Your parents could easily identify him.

Mr. Ishida really is there, uncle.

My parents know who he is.

Really?

Mr. Ishida asked me to go to the
police station and bring a cop.

He looks really weak and
can't walk a long way.

He said he's tired...
and he wants to give himself up.

Please come.

Officer, come to the inn.

Nobuko's not lying.
You should go.

You'll get credit for catching him.

You two stay here.

Sure.

Officer?

You're like a schoolteacher.

Nobu-chan?

Honestly, Mr. Ishida isn't a killer.

I believe you.

He's really suffered.
I pity him.

I see.
I believe you Nobuko.

Thanks.

But the multiple murders...

I never thought I'd get
involved in that case.

I remember the incident.
It was five months ago.

After midnight on June 2nd.

Chapter 1
- THE INCIDENT -
.

Chapter 1
- THE INCIDENT -
It was pouring rain with
lightning... a storm.

It was pouring rain with
lightning... a storm.

Oh, I found the body here.

I found out later...

he'd fallen from the 20th floor balcony.

- Super Sano-
I found him with Mr. Sato.

- Tenant Sato -
- Apt. 1225 -

Apparently he was a young man.

He was wearing a shirt.

He was dead,
so we didn't touch him.

No, he was laying face down
with his hands like this.

It was raining so hard.

Mr. Sato called the ambulance.

I called the ambulance.

I'll call the police.

I went to the office
and told my wife...

- Day of the Incident -
- June 2, 1996 -
.

- Day of the Incident -
- June 2, 1996 -
Naoko, call the police!

Hello, this is the office of
the New City Condos in Arakawa.

There's been an accident.

It was a police matter.

- Neighbor Kasai -
- Apt. 2024 -
I left the office after one.

Yes 1 a.m.

I always work till midnight.

Because of the weather
I called car service.

But the driver was new here.

The streets around here
are like a maze.

So I had to stay awake
listening to the radio.

I told the driver to go to
the basement parking level.

It was a little before two o'clock.

My husband was home so
I hurried to the elevator.

only one elevator works at night,
though there are many others.

Especially after 11 o'clock.

It's really annoying.

Car No. 4 was on the 20th floor
and it was coming down.

Someone was going
to the parking level.

No one would walk in that rain.

But it stopped on the first floor.

It had been five minutes
and I was irritated.

I didn't know what they were doing.

When it opened I hesitated.

I waited for him to come out.

I felt there was a passenger inside.

I'm pretty psychic.

I got in.

I knew it was blood.

I wasn't scared

I thought they'd carried out an
injured person on the first floor.

The surveillance video was checked.

A tall man,
his back to the camera and

his head down,
was caught on tape.

We couldn't tell the
color of his clothes.

No, it wasn't the dead man.

I didn't recognize him.

Oh, Ms. Kasai was also on the tape.

After this man got off
she got in on the parking level.

As she said, it showed her
looking at the blood.

When I got to the 20th floor
I heard the ambulance approaching.

I thought I'd guessed right
and was relieved.

When I approached Room 2025...

there were several blood spots
near the gate.

So the accident happened
in this room.

But I couldn't remember
who lived there.

But then that's normal in a complex, no?

I closed the gate.

The door was slightly ajar.

At the time...

I'm really sure...
I caught a glance of a sillouette.

I didn't hear footsteps.

But I saw him.

This statement caused
problems later.

This is a very unlucky apartment.

There are some houses
and rooms like that.

I don't mean people moving
in and out often.

People who intend to stay, sometimes
have to leave for various reasons.

The first to buy Room 2025
was a newlywed couple.

Oh, hello. This is Toshiko.

The husband was the son
of a wealthy family.

But soon after they moved in
they divorced.

Are they on it?

The wife bought the condo
but sold it in a year.

So the current owner

the third owner, is Mr. Koito.

Mr. Shinji Koito was a clerk.

But, at the time,
I couldn't recall his name.

There was no nameplate.

They were a couple in their forties
with a school-age child.

So the victim wasn't living here?

No matter how hard I tried...

I couldn't remember
if I'd met Mr. Koito.

I'd met Mrs. Koito.
She signed the contract.

They weren't remarkable.

They were good tenants.

They made no trouble.

Not a family likely to cause
a bloody incident,

or to have someone
fall from the balcony.

I really didn't know
what to think.

"SATO"

Ayami's scream woke me up.

I lay in bed wondering what it was.

Then Ayami rushed in.

I saw a man falling outside our window.

I finished my work

and came to watch the weather on TV.

It was just before two o'clock.

Too early for news.

A still weather map
with music was on.

I opened the window
to look at the sky.

I hate lightning and
I wanted it to pass.

Just then I saw it.

She said she saw someone fall.

So my husband went out
on the balcony.

It was really stormy...
he was soaked in an instant.

Call an ambulance.

While you're at it, call the super too.

So I called the police
and the super.

Someone fell. Yes.

I was upset so I don't
remember what I said.

My son came in.

Please come right away.

Hiroshi... Dear?

I'm going downstairs.
Look after Mom and Ayami.

I was glad we had a boy.
He's very dependable.

I waited for Mr. Sano.

We both went to the scene.

Oh, Mr. Sano.

Someone fell from there.

This way.

That's my room there.

So...
- Where?

He fell from there?

If I went alone
I might've be in trouble.

They always suspect
the one who finds the body.

Then the ambulance came.

A jumper?
- I think so.

No one touched him?
- Yes, we made sure of that.

So far so good but...

After that...

You called us?

Someone got hurt in a fight?

No!

Had someone else called the police?

My first experience.

But I sensed there
had been a mistake.

They seemed to suspect
Mr. Sano and me.

Of course
I had nothing to be afraid of.

But was it merely a coincidence?

A man got hurt in a fight.

Some men beat him up.

They fled.

That's what the police were told.
It was all mixed up.

So they questioned us thoroughly.

Don't shoot this lady.

Turn that off!

I said my sister saw someone fall.

They asked why we didn't
call the police first.

I was amazed.

The man might be alive.

Save him first.

He couldn't have been alive.

Sato residence.

I'm sorry, the TV crew
is here right now.

Yes, about the incident.

Then a second police car came.

You called us?
- It's here.

We took the police up to Room 2025.

There's blood in front of
Room 2025. This way.

Mrs. Kasai from Room 2024 told us
about the blood stains.

Hello? I'm Kasai, Room 2024.

I got a call.

Oh Dear?
There's blood near Room 2025.

This way.

As she said
there was darkening blood

near the door.

Here it is.

The door was closed.

So the cop put his ear to the door
for any sound in the room.

Excuse me...
It's Sano the super.

It's open.

I turned around...

Mrs. Kasai was almost crying.

I hoped the police would
let her go immediately.

The light switch.

Don't turn it on.

The door between the hall
and livingroom was open.

So we could see from the hallway,
by the flashes of lightning.

I guess they didn't want
to touch anything.

The police searched in darkness.

Over here.

Here's another.

We went back to the room.

Here.

The room was in disarray...

bedding in the middle...

the sheets all rumpled.

First I saw a hand...

then two legs jutting out.

They were thin boney legs.

An old woman.
Does she live here?

I didn't know she was in the family.

Don't you know?

Who lives here?

I got more and more confused.

I think I kept apologizing.

This one was younger.

She'd fallen curled up
like a baby.

The cop checked her pulse

but even I knew she was dead.

The back of her head was
bashed in and bloody.

Then I saw a man...
laying face down...

half out onto the balcony... as if...

he'd crawled there before he died.

But there were tracks
in the blood...

so he must have been dragged.

His whole head
was a bloody pulp.

Family members?

Reporting murders...

I was in a daze.

Their eyes were closed.

If not, I'd have gotten
out of there in a hurry.

I went to the balcony.

The wind was still blowing hard.

A blue vinyl sheet had
been spread out...

held down by planters...

but still flapping furiously.

Then many more officers arrived.

I just did what I was told.

The forensics people wore blue
coveralls like in the movies.

It was almost like watching TV.

The man Ms. Kasai saw
walking around...

Was he the...

...same man as in the
surveillance tape?

That would mean someone had
fled the room.

But no one knew who
he might be.

It's been five months.

I come and open the windows to
air the room from time to time.

Condos were investments
during the economic bubble.

Then the bubble burst.

There are 22 empty rooms
in two towers.

Half have been vacant
for over a year.

But Room 2025 has a
different atmosphere.

Call it unlucky...

TV shoots are hard work.

It's not as bad as it was initially, but

we still get press interviews.

Mr. Koito and his family
were registered in 2025.

Shinji Koito (41) Salesman

working for a Machinery company.

Shizuko Koito working
in a clothing store.

Takahiro Koito, elder son, 10 years old.
Attending Takinogawa Private School.

That's how they're registered.

It's dated April 1, 1992.

When it happened
I never imagined...

that the four people killed in
that room were all strangers.

They were from entirely different families.

How could that be?

Chapter 2
- TENANTS -
.

Chapter 2
- TENANTS -
I got a call from the police

I got a call from the police

when it was still dark on June 2nd.

- Hama Afternoon School -
- June 02, 1996 -

This is Hamashima School.

I'm Takako Koito.

Yes, Shinji is my brother.

Is something wrong?

I knew they
had moved to the condo,

but we've been
estranged for years.

Yet he listed me as contact
in case of an emergency.

I asked the office
if something had happened,

but they said they didn't know.

I gathered something happened
in the condo

and several people were involved.

So I got directions and
drove over.

I didn't have a clue.

I was worried about
Takahiro, my nephew.

I remember an incident.
It was five years ago...

He called me.

He rang me up
in the dead of night.

Hello?

Oh, Shinji.

You're calling at 3 a.m.
to borrow 5 million yen?

Shizuko put you up to this?

It might be a steal,
but it's a lot of money.

How can I come up with that much?

What about Takahiro's school?

It's private but third rate.

It had to be a private one.

Not for Takahiro's sake,
but for Shizuko's pride.

He was finally adjusting,
and now this.

For a sensitive boy like Takahiro
changing schools is stressful.

One day Shinji called me and said...

He can't relax at home.

His wife is always asking
him to hurry up and get a raise.

You only listen to your wife,
not to me.

He asked for it.

I wanted to say
"Serves you right!"

But he's my brother.
I feel sorry for him.

I didn't know but his wife Shizuko
was working in a boutique.

When I visited, his son was alone.

Oh, Takahiro.

The house was a mess.

- Takahiro -
- Shinji's Son -
The house was a mess.

- Takahiro -
- Shinji's Son -

Doesn't she clean?

"Doesn't she clean?"

I couldn't help saying that.

Anger seemed to give me energy.

I cleaned the whole house
and did the laundry. Then...

What are you doing in my house?

What are you doing?

You hate me because
I stole your lover.

So you're trying
to split us up.

Shinji called me that night.

Hello... Oh, you Shinji.

Shizuko told me.

- Shinji Koito -
Shizuko told me.

- Shinji Koito -
.

- Shinji Koito -
You were wrong, I'm appalled.

You were wrong, I'm appalled.

We're through.

That's what he said.

Next he asked for 5 million yen.

The condo was worth
100 million yen.

They paid 82.5 million,
but it was bought for 81.2.

That couple divorced...

and the wife sold it
for 72.5 million yen.

I checked it out.
It's fine. It's really a steal.

I was horrified but

Shizuko's family was wealthy.

They were putting up
35 million yen.

We're borrowing the rest
but I'm 5 million short.

So he asked me.

It's not the money but the risk...

I refused...
but before he hung up he said...

You're the only family I have.

See?

It made me sad.

I thought he had made
a big mistake in life.

Then the police called me.

Yes, I'll be right there.

I rushed over to the condo.

I thought they'd killed themselves...

because they couldn't repay the loan
and decided to die.

When I reached the condo
the rain had let up.

I told the officer by the squad car.

I'm Takako Koito.

We're expecting you.

I met the detective in the office.

I also met Mr. Sano, the super.

They told me everything
they knew at that point.

Where is Takahiro?

He's only 14.

He can't be the young man who fell.

That's clear.

Let alone the young couple...

and who is this 80 year old lady?

Shizuko's mother is barely 60.

So I asked to see the bodies.

They said I'd have to go to the station.

I went there in a police car.

No, it's not.

No!

Not him!

No!

I gave the detective
Shizuko's parents' phone number.

Oh, I see. Good.

They were staying in the
spare apartment there.

Both Shinji and Takahiro
were alive.

I was really, really relieved.

We'll go talk to them
in Hino City.

I'll go too.

No, I'm afraid this is part
of an official investigation.

We'll take you home.

I've been a teacher
for a long time

so I'm used to being involved.

I'd never been shut out of
important matters.

So I was a little miffed.

But as soon as my brother's
family was found safe

they got involved
in this murder case.

Four people had died in the condo.

Shinji is selfish and stubborn,

but he's got his good side.

My parents worked hard
and raised him right.

He couldn't have done it.

Impossible!

They weren't living there
and they didn't own it anymore.

I never thought of it.

Okay everyone.
Open your books.

The four victims
who were murdered

Chapter 3
- KATAKURA HOUSE -
The four victims
who were found murdered...

Chapter 3
- KATAKURA HOUSE -
early this morning have
yet to be identified.

early this morning have
yet to be identified.

Last night's storm has passed...

and the police are hard at work.

The condo where
the murders took place...

was built 13 years ago.

- Owner Katakura -

No one's safe anymore.

We should be careful
especially with all our guests.

We should think about hiring
security guards.

Maybe...
but we don't have the money.

Our house is getting old too.

The bubble has burst you know.

Good morning.

Going out?

We have to take our chances.

What is this world coming to?

It's not easy for me to survive.

Be careful.

- Katakura House -
- Living Quarters -

Playing video games in the morning?

It's not morning anymore.

A boring Sunday.

I'm starving.
Where's Mom?

It's still early.

Hey that's you.

Grandma!

Grandma what's wrong?

Haruki, get Mom.

Hurry up.

We called the ambulance
but she looked all right.

They wanted to keep her
for observation

so I'll bring her some clothes later.

Nobuko, be more careful.

But she was really in pain.

She was faking it.

She's no schoolgirl.
She didn't have to.

But Grandma said...

It was probably food poisoning.

No problem.

She made it sound
as if I poisoned her.

She's being spiteful...

because I won't make Nobuko
keep the inn going.

Be careful Nobuko.

There was a murder in Arakawa Ward.

It's a boring Sunday.
Nothing to do with us.

Not a thing.

At that point we didn't think
that murder case...

would eventually involve us.

Not a hint of it.

Chapter 4
- NEIGHBORS -

Shinji Koito has disappeared.

They were gone
by the time we got there.

No way!

No way... but it's true.

Well they must know something.

We'll go look for witnesses.

It's legwork that solves these cases.

You want to withhold
the tenant name list?

Is that the unanimous
decision of East Tower?

We do want the criminal apprehended.

The murder happened in West Tower.

But as citizens with rights...

even in a murder investigation,

personal information
should remain confidential.

That's the majority opinion.

We like living in a condo...

because we can keep to ourselves.

So I don't know anything
about our neighbors.

I mean it.

Thanks.

I'll be working in the next room.

I have no idea who the person I saw
in 2025 that night could be.

He might have been the murderer.

I think, that as a witness,
my words carry weight.

He bothers me.

My mother used to say

what a big family our neighbor had.

Sorry for shouting.
My mom's hard of hearing.

only when it's convenient for her.

That old lady... I'm old too, but

she was older than I am.

But she was well taken care of.

Her daughter-in-law was sensible

very sweet...

And her husband...

About 50.
I wonder what his job was?

He wore suits and used an umbrella

to practice his golf swings.

Her eyesight is still very good.

The couple had a younger sister.

Heavy makeup, loud clothes...

I work in a bar,

so I'm pretty good judge
of character.

What?

She ignored me
when I said hello.

There was a son too.
About 20 years old.

He'd sometimes wear a suit...

but I doubt he was attending college.

He was ill-mannered as well.

There was a boy,
a junior high student.

He left early each morning...

his school must have been far away.

Another man who was around 40

wore a suit and always
seemed to be busy.

I thought he must be
a relative of some sort.

But that means there were
seven people in 2025.

That's a big family.

And four of them were murdered.

One more question.

Did you ever see all seven
at the same time?

Now that you mention it no,
only separately...

I saw them at different times too.

I didn't see the old woman
until this spring.

Be quiet. We'll go soon.

Are we done?

Thank goodness it cleared up.

I was still wearing my winter coat.

The old woman in the wheelchair and

the lady pushing her were in the elevator.

Thanks for helping.

She thanked me for helping her.

Then...

Is there a post office nearby?

I told her to turn left at the gate...

and go to the second traffic light.

She recited the directions...

as she walked to the gate.

The woman in the wheelchair

smiled all the time but didn't speak.

Her eyes were watery...
she couldn't see well.

I thought they must have
just moved in.

The place where I saw that boy...
was over there.

It was just after New Year's.

Hey you!

He looked pale.

I asked him if the
boom box was broken.

It's brand-new
and you're trashing it?

Then I'll take it.
I can have it fixed.

You can't take it.

If I don't dump it

my mom'll wallop me.

Your mother tells you
to be wasteful?

No...

Then I'll take it.
Anyone who finds it can keep it.

Did you throw it away?
You forgot this.

You're his mother right?

I was just asking him
if I could keep this.

Who are you?

We live on the 8th floor
of West Tower.

Liar.

No one living here would
pick through garbage.

So I got pissed off.

I'll have my mother visit you.
Where do you live?

Wait. You can't call me
a liar and just leave.

Suit yourself.

What's wrong with your mom?

She's ill.

Don't take the boom box.
It may be unlucky.

We live in West Tower too.

Which floor?

20th.

We're the Koitos in Room 2025.

But we're moving out soon.

That's the only time I saw him.

Like he said, they must have moved.

I hoped we could be friends.

Sorry.

When the Koitos disappeared...

I knew it wasn't good.

He could be the murderer.

From the management company's
point of view

it's bad to have victims
in a bullding.

But it's even worse
to have a murderer.

And when you have both

the damage is exponential.

Know what this is?

Yes, a slide.

For emergencies.

So the Koito family and
the murder victims

changed places in Room 2025?

Yes. They were squatters
who moved in this spring.

I don't know if they're pros or

just people who were being used.

Squatters?

people who illegally occupy a unit
instead of it's legal occupants.

As many condos are being auctioned off,
these cases happen often.

But what for?

This is from my grand-daughter.

Money of course.

Money counts.

That'll never be my problem.

"Restaurant Takara"

"Closed Today"

Chapter 5
- SICK WOMAN -
.

Chapter 5
- SICK WOMAN -
I'm back.

So you were out.

I did some shopping and came back.

I was worried about Ayako.

You studying?

Playing.

An essay I'm writing for the SF Club.

How's Ayako doing?

I haven't seen her, don't know.

Didn't Yusuke cry?

Nope.

Go peek in her room.

I did but she isn't there.

Ayako?

Maybe she's gone shopping.

Her bag's gone. Strange.

She must have taken it.

Dad's gone to see if her car's still here.

Her car's gone.

Driving with Yusuke?

But she had a cold.

Gone to the doctor?

She would have left Yusuke...
or said something.

She'd have taken a taxi
to the doctor's.

I went out because you were here
to watch her. - I know.

Sis!

She's burning up.

What's wrong?
Where were you?

Ayako!

You can ask her later.

There was blood on the baby's wrap.

I instinctively hid it.

She's so cold.

Yusuke where did your mom take you?

The fender's dented.
The car's muddy.

It went through dirty water.

When did you wash it?

Day before yesterday.

Was it there last night?

It must have been.
She was at home.

But it's been driven some distance.

Did she go out in that storm
last night?

And so caught a cold?

We weren't sure she was here.

You mean she left
without telling me?

This isn't good.

Maybe Ayako had another
fight with him.

Yeah, it had to be him.

But he's Yusuke's father.

Ayako, where are you going?

Bathroom.

How could this happen?

Because Grandpa died.
She loved him.

Because he spolled her.

When Ayako said

"I don't want to go to school."

He said, "Okay sure."

He was funny.

When she confronted her teacher.

Sir? I don't like to study.

School is like hell for me.

She caused a problem...

That fool!

It's not the amount of knowledge one has.

That mindless foolish,

stupid, oafish lout!

He should go
and finish himself!

That was embarrassing.

Sis likes the restaurant business.

Don't be foolish.

We did this to give you two
a good education.

Ayako is a loyal person.

Call the ambulance!

She had pneumonia...
but it wasn't serious.

There's no need for us to stay.

We must go.

But we're her parents.

We don't want Yusuke
to get sick.

I'll stay a little longer

so take Yusuke and go home.

Will I die...

What?

Do you think I'll die?

You must be dreaming.

Don't be afraid.

Young people don't die of pneumonia.

A shot of antibiotics...
and you'll be cured.

I mean...can I die?

Come on.
Where were you anyway?

Today... last night?

I want to die.
I really... want to die.

Don't Sis...

I... I killed Yuji.

You did...

In the news...

that murder in Arakawa Ward?

That's him. That's Yuji.

I pushed him and he died.

There were other bodies
in that room.

I was scared.

Scared to death.

The time was 8:05 p.m, June 2nd.

Frankly I was relieved when I heard

that it wasn't a robbery case.
A real estate deal was the cause.

I'm sorry for the victims but...

real estate is a shady business.

It didn't happen to me.

But I've heard a lot about problems
with auctions and squatters.

Late on the afternoon of June 2nd,

Mr. Koito went to the police...

Chapter 6
- FAMILY ON THE RUN -
and things became clearer.

Chapter 6
- FAMILY ON THE RUN -
.

Chapter 6
FAMILY ON THE RUN
When the police went to question him

When the police went to question him

they ran away.

But that night he turned himself in...

at a station near his hotel.

The police said he was
fleeing to Yamanashi.

Dad, they'll find us
if we keep driving around.

We should go back.

His son urged him to surrender.

I'm sorry.

The police called early on June 2nd.

Yes. Shinji Koito is here.

I'm Shizuko.

Takahiro's here too.

Takahiro was calm.

It was my husband
who was frightened.

He was half-crying
when he phoned...

the real estate guy...

the guy he asked to
reclaim the condo.

There's been a murder in Room 2025.

The police are looking for us.

What should I do?
What should I do?

What we did was against the law.

To have someone live
in an auctioned condo...

to try to get it back.
That's illegal.

We'll go to prison if we get caught.

Let's run.

If you won't, I'll take Takahiro.

We left by the back door.

But he'd done it without my knowledge.

My son and I were victims as well.

He ruined my life.

I don't even want to hear his name.
I've had it.

My son said driving around
wasn't a good idea.

So we went to a hotel.

- Hachioji View Hotel -
- June 2, 1996 -

My husband was exhausted
holding the phone.

My son went to him and said...

Dad... it's serious, four people
have been killed in our condo.

I'm scared.

So am I.

I think running away
isn't a good idea.

Because you didn't kill anyone.

It was only one of
many cases we handled

but it got a lot of press.

It seemed to galvanize the public.

Koito defaulted on his loan payments.

and Room 2025 was put
on the auction block.

It was purchased by a Naozumi Ishida...

yes, the person of interest
who went missing for 4 months.

Koito had Ishida's name and address
so we went to Ishida's home.

He lived in a rented apartment
near Urayasu, Chiba.

He lived in Room 202.

It was the evening of June 2nd...

- Heim Eiwa -
- June 2, 1996 -

Where are you?
You didn't even go to work.

The police are here.
They want to see you.

They came a while ago.

Is that so?

Well you've been gone
since this morning.

A crime was committed
in the condo you bought.

Do you know?

What?

Where are you now?

Come home.
You must explain.

Can I talk to him?

"They won't believe me."

"But I haven't killed anyone."

"I'm innocent.
Take care of the kids."

"I knew that condo was bad news."

That's what my son said.

You don't think he'll kill himself?

Chapter 7
- BUYER -
.

Chapter 7
- BUYER -
We didn't know about this
until two days later,

We didn't know about this
until two days later,

until June 4th.

It didn't break in the
newspaper until the 5th.

The purchaser's name,
Naozumi Ishida,

was already in the news.

It was him on the
elevator surveillance tape...

the night of the murder.

Ishida's mother confirmed it.

The police were now looking at...

Hayakawa...
the owner of Ikki Real Estate.

A very shady character.

I didn't like it when I heard he was
involved... no, it gave me the creeps.

- June 5, 1996 -

Hayakawa... Run!

- Hayakawa -

The police were rather embarrassed...

that this man had been there
under their noses all along.

The detectives kept returning...

so I was privy to what was going on.

But Hayakawa had some
redeeming qualities.

He may have broken the law but...

boss Hayakawa saved our lives.

I hope he gets off lightly.

It wasn't much...

but the toy shop was
handed down from my father.

When I couldn't pay back a loan,
it was put up for auction.

It meant we'd have to leave
as soon as the new owners arrived.

It meant after everything,
my life had been meaningless.

I'd lost what had been handed
down to me by my father.

It was like a magic trick.

Hire someone to live here in the store.

The new owners couldn't easily
get them evicted.

That's when he came.

I'm Hayakawa.

Mr. Takemoto told me about you.

The new owners would sell cheap...

since there was a sitting tenant.

Then he'd fllp it for a huge profit.

He'd give us a cut from the profits.

So there came a scary looking guy

and a sleazy looking woman.

I'm sorry but we'll
have to live here now.

I'll take care of the
things in the store.

I love toys.

He looked like a child.

I was to blame for
losing the store...

I couldn't make a go of it.

But... we could get some money,
move out,

and live in a place like this.

It wasn't a bad deal.

I hear they do this all the time.

They've been doing it for centuries.

That's what the lawyer said.

But we wish to remain anonymous.

That was the condition
for doing this interview.

Chapter 8
- OBSTRUCTION -
.

Chapter 8
- OBSTRUCTION -
"Lawyer Tomura's Office"

Chapter 8
- OBSTRUCTION -
.

I believe Ishida was
a victim of the times...

of the inherent problems
with real estate deals...

the process of auctioning...

the squatters who skirt the law.

When I took Mr. Ishida's case,

I looked into the previous owner,

Shinji Koito, and this is what I found.

Hello? Hi. Do you have a minute?

This is Mr. Hayakawa.

Koito met Hayakawa
of Ikki Real Estate...

at the Akira Toy Shop.

I'm Hayakawa.

Here's my card.

Koito was a really hard worker.

His company made video game machines...

working with an electronics company.

We want your feedback on
the new video game machines.

It was a breakthrough.

He was put in charge of development...
a group leader.

He was promised he'd get a job
with the electronics firm.

No new computer language
needed for the software.

- Early summer, 1990 -

Oh, excuse me.

Times are bad when lawyers are busy.

Koito was probably caught in
a situation beyond his control.

He canvassed all the small shops

even down to the tiniest shops.

He asked them for their comments.

When he went to Akira Toy Shop
he was introduced to Hayakawa.

They accidentally met at the shop...

but they hit it off right away.

Oh, I see.

Since his condo was being auctioned...

he asked Hayakawa for his help.

- Autumn, 1995 -

47.5 million yen?

That's cheap.

This is bad.

Hayakawa thought of himself
as something of a savior.

They could have given him the chance

to sell the condo...

and pay back the loan.

The mortgage company
could have agreed.

But they foreclosed and auctioned.

Why couldn't they have
been more sympathetic?

So I wanted to help those people.

You might call it obstruction but...

It's obstruction because...

he's obstructing the purchaser
from living in the property.

Ishida bought such a property
so he's a victim as well.

Including the fact that
he fled that night...

he was a victim of circumstance.

Chapter 9
- HOUSE WANTED -
.

Chapter 9
- HOUSE WANTED -
I still dream about it.

Chapter 9
- HOUSE WANTED -
.

Chapter 9
- HOUSE WANTED -
I was never there...

but in my dream
there's a lot of blood.

It's probably my father's blood.

June 1st, the day before the murder...

it was my 20th birthday.

On the 2nd I went to a movie...

then my girlfriend
treated me to dinner.

When I finally got home,
it was after 10 p.m.

When I got there,
a man in a suit came out.

You're Naomi, Naozumi's son?

Yes.

I thought Dad was in trouble.

Grandma was white as a sheet.

I've never seen her quite so upset.

Grandma told me about it.

I thought the world
had come to an end.

"What have you done?"

I was convinced Dad had done it.

That's when the phone rang.

I thought it was Dad calling.

Everyone was watching me.

My mouth was dry.

It was from my sister.

Oh, it's you, Yukari.

If it was late or if it was raining,

my brother would come pick me up.

My friends were envious.

But that night
he came with two men.

It frightened me.

Since my friend was in the car...

I didn't ask what it was.

When I got home
Grandma started crying.

My brother told me about the murders...

and that Dad had run away.

I felt sorry for my sister then...

and angry with Dad.

But I couldn't get angry at Dad.

I regretted that I had wanted
to live in a condo.

It was a mistake to try to buy it.

When I was young.

This bar was new.

You see the chimney of
Nittai from the window.

It was 14 years old.

Now you can see the
condo's twin towers.

The press said that the suspect

for the condo murders was this Ishida.

I knew who it was right away.

That was Mr. Ishida the driver.

He used to come here quite often.

About the time the chimney came down...

and the twin towers were built.

The condo was built on Nittai property,

so no one else had to be evicted.
Thank god.

I headed the town association then.

Yet...

It's not pleasant
you know, Mr. Ishida

watching something new go up.

I felt left behind.

I worked for Nittai...

ever since I came to
Tokyo as a teenager.

I never thought when I quit

that the company would disappear...

and a condo would go up in its place.

You followed your boss
to work for his new company.

Did you get severance
pay when you left?

Sorry I wasn't eavesdropping...

but I heard anyway.

Did you make a go of it?

So you got the
short end of the stick.

When a company falls
a lot of people get hurt.

But you should use your experience

as a long haul driver
to make lots of money.

Then buy a condo on a high floor...

and look down on your old company.

I was joking to cheer him up...

I never dreamt that he'd really do it.

I begged Dad to buy a house.
He was desperate.

You city folks prefer
coffee to tea.

I hope it tastes all right.

Naozumi started working
for Sanwa Transport.

He started making a lot more money.

They paid according
to actual work done.

He felt he could pay back a loan,

so he talked about buying a house.

I said I wanted a dog.

A big dog like a Saint Bernard.

Their mother passed away
right after Yukari was born.

He would do anything
for his children.

But at first we were
looking at houses.

I didn't want to move.

I liked my school and friends.

Chlldren get the strangest ideas.

About that time
there was an incident.

A robbery-murder case.

A mother and two children were
killed while the husband was away.

That really put him off the idea.

His children meant
everything to him.

Then all of a sudden last autumn...

It all started over an argument...

Chapter 10
- FATHER AND SON -
It all started over an argument...

Chapter 10
- FATHER AND SON -
.

Chapter 10
- FATHER AND SON -
Why does it have to be Tokyo University?

Chapter 10
- FATHER AND SON -
.

Because it's good.

Toyo Tech University is third rate.

Go to Tokyo University.

Because it's famous?

Doesn't this mean that
you don't value your life?

Yeah, I'm just an uneducated driver.

Are you saying your life
was a waste?

Don't you have any pride?

We're not talking about me.

You think a person's value is determined
by which University he went to?

You look down on yourself
and co-workers,

thinking your lives are useless?

Poor man!

Yes, I was just the child
of a sweet shop owner.

After junior high
I went to Tokyo to work.

I got my truck license
when I was 22.

For what?
It was all for you kids.

I don't want to hear it.

I have my own life.

Don't you dare...

Dad didn't come home that night.

When we fight in our house...

it's the parent that runs out.

Isn't that strange?

They usually get along very well.
They rarely fight.

But once they start, they can't stop.

But his regret that
he didn't own his own house,

was learned from his father.

Naozumi's father, my husband Naotaka,

married into my family's
sweet business.

Matsue City has long been
famous for sweets.

What's worse Naotaka's
mother was a trial bride.

Do you know what that means?

This was an old custom that was
prevalent up until World War II.

Before being married officially,

a bride lived with her husbands'
family to see if she could fit in.

Naotaka's mother didn't get
along with her mother-in-law.

She was sent back and later on
married someone else.

But she was already pregnant.

The child was adopted
by a fisherman's family,

and he grew up as the
eldest of six children.

He always said...

They say women are homeless.

but I'm a man and I'm truly homeless.

I kept telling him
this is your home now.

No, I just take care
of this sweet shop,

so I'm still homeless.

Naozumi inherited this sentiment.

He said he didn't want to
inherit the sweet shop.

Although he could have
worked in a nearby city,

he was only interested
in going to Tokyo.

He probably wanted
to get far away...

from what he thought
was not his home.

That made me very sad.

When he left,
my husband seemed to age...

eventually he died.

Sachiko, the mother
of these children...

was a good wife to Naozumi.

She was a relative of
his boss at Nittai

working for a credit
union in Arakawa.

They had an arranged marriage.

But three days after Yukari was born

she had a stroke.

I was living alone in Matsue...

so I came here to Tokyo with
my husband's memorial tablet.

I've only been back once
to visit his grave.

Dad looked sad and angry
at the same time.

He said "I'm not a good father."

"I'm worthless."

"I'm of no use to you kids."

So I said to him,

That's not true.
I love my family.

I'm happy I'm part of this family.

Brother was just angry and upset.

When you're angry you say
what you really feel.

That's what Naomi truly thinks.

He told Grandma he was leaving.

Living alone is a rite of passage.

You too?
You want to leave too?

You're taking this too seriously.

We don't have a business to inherit

nor a fortune that
we have to protect.

We're all free,
so let me do as I please.

That's when he said...

Is that so?

It would be different
if we had a fortune?

That's what it comes down to?

He was deep in thought...

and that's how he decided
to buy a house.

When I was a kid,

Dad was my hero.

"Sanwa Transport Inc.
Harumi Warehouse"

"Chief of Outgoing Operations."

A long title. That's my job.

Chapter 11
- HOUSE FOR SALE -
A long title. That's my job.

Chapter 11
- HOUSE FOR SALE -
.

Chapter 11
- HOUSE FOR SALE -
It just means I'm in charge...

Chapter 11
- HOUSE FOR SALE -
.

Chapter 11
- HOUSE FOR SALE -
of loading out operations.

of loading out operations.

I remember that night well.

We were celebrating.

Ishida's son Naomi had been
accepted into college.

We were happy for him.

So, with Kanai, the manager
in charge of refrigeration...

the three of us
came to celebrate.

We all had sons.

It was in the spring,
two years ago...

This is on us tonight.

You sure have your work
cut out for you.

Private colleges cost a lot don't they?

But children are
what keep you going.

You lost your son Kanai.

I lost a son too.

He got into the college
of his choice?

Yes, Toyo Tech University.

Not well known but
my son's first choice.

They have great teachers
in his field.

Ishida looked very happy.

It must have been
a little after that...

that he heard about the
condo being auctioned.

He didn't have enough on his own

and wanted to know
if we could help him.

He wasn't pushy of course.

I asked if it was risky,

but it seemed he had done
a lot of research...

and the terms were good.

His successful bid
was 55 million yen.

The original price
of the condo was...

107.2 million.

It was really a good bargain.

Ishida was a steadfast man.

He said this would be
a legacy for his kids.

Let's drink to our future.

We were really having a good time.

But gradually...

Ishida became morose.

He became very quiet.

To tell the truth...

the current residents
won't move out.

What kind of people are they?

Something's going on.

Something very strange.

Chapter 12
- YOUNG MOTHER -
.

Chapter 12
- YOUNG MOTHER -
Sis?

Chapter 12
- YOUNG MOTHER -
.

Chapter 12
- YOUNG MOTHER -
Remember what you said that night?

Remember what you said that night?

I do.

You weren't dreaming were you?

If only it wasn't true, I'd be happy.

It was on the news...

There were three others...

Yasutaka?

Yeah?

I'm sorry.

You always apologize.

On the news...

they said this man Ishida did it.

Then I won't get caught right away.

That's the kind of man he is.

Do you know Ishida?

I met him that night.

But when I went to see Yuji before...

the two of them were arguing.

It was a month ago.

So you were still seeing him.

I thought you broke up with him.

Sorry.

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

Are you going to the police...

or are you going to keep silent?

I want to be with my baby.

I'll die if they take him from me.

That day I got sick...

I knew I had to do something.

But I couldn't.

Watching Yusuke sleep...

I just couldn't.

I'll protect you if I can.

No, I will protect you.

I'm sorry Yasutaka.
I really am.

I want to kill him.

I want to kill Yuji Yashiro.

But he's already dead.

Damn!

I have no intention
of marrying Ayako.

What do you mean?

I have no intention of marrying anyone.

I don't believe in having a family.

Is your belief more important
than Ayako and the baby?

Ayako knows how I feel.

I don't want a child.

That...

was carelessness.

There's no point in discussing this.

That's all then.

How selfish you are!

I'm sorry.
Don't be mad at him.

He's suffered a lot.

He didn't get along
with his parents.

So he doesn't know
the love of a family.

So he can't understand.

About family, parents, and children.

No one has taught him.

That's why I...

I won't allow it.

You are not to see him again.

Promise me you won't see him again.

What about the baby?

The child of a man who doesn't care.

I want it.
It's mine as well.

Did you tell Mom and Dad about Yuji?

They were busy taking care
of you and the baby.

I couldn't burden them with any more.

I wonder why I told you.

Because it's easy talking to me.

I guess.

So you got back together with him.
With Yuji.

But that was my second
visit to the condo.

Whlle we were apart,
he'd moved there.

So he was living in Room 2025?
- Yah.

The first time I visited,
I was surprised.

It was luxurious.

So the other victims were
his family members?

No. They weren't.

The other victims were
not his family.

No.

Not at all.

Chapter 13
- FAMILY WITHOUT A PORTRAIT -
.

Chapter 13
- FAMILY WITHOUT A PORTRAIT -
Even after we moved, I'd come here.

Even after we moved, I'd come here..

We didn't move,
we fled in the night.

All my school stuff was still here.

And...

Do you know what
my mom was up to?

She was getting cash.

She bought appliances
on her credit card...

then sold them to a
middleman for cash.

She used the money
to repay the loan.

But she was just getting
deeper into debt.

But she'd buy things
like a boom box,

so I opened the box.

Mom was very angry
when she got home.

I'm home, Tadahiro.

You've ruined it.

I tried to repack it as it was
but it wasn't the same.

Mom got very angry.

Go throw it out.
Right now.

There were microwaves and stereos.

So when I came back the first time...

I was surprised
someone was living here.

It was Satoko Sunagawa.

She was surprised to see me too.

Because I'd used my spare key
to get in.

Who are you?

I'm...

Are you Mr. Koito's son?

Yes, I came to get some of my things.

Hello.

That was Tome Sunagawa.

They were both very kind.

We've rented this room
from your parents.

So please give them my regards.

But if I told them,
Mom would find out...

that I'd been here
and get hysterical again.

So I said to them...
Could I live here?

My school's nearby.

And you're much kinder than my Mom.

She was at a loss as to what to say.

Tsuyoshi was using my room then.

But I never met him.

He came home late... only to sleep.

The other man was
always in the park.

He pretended to practice his golf

using his umbrella like this...

Satoko!

That was Nobuo Sunagawa.

The police told me later.

He was a salesman for
a real estate company.

- Nobuo Sunagawa -

But he retired after
he hurt his back,

and was hired by Hayakawa
as a squatter.

Thank you. I'll do my best.

You're helping people too.

Thank you.

This is my room.

I can be myself here.

This room is full of memories.

Our family album.

We used to take pictures together.

I made this myself.

Once when I was looking
at the album...

How nice!
Family photos.

It was Mrs. Satoko.

We don't have a photo album.

My family lives apart.

But they're gone now.

I'm all alone.

Chapter 14
- THE LIVING AND THE DEAD -
.

Chapter 14
- THE LIVING AND THE DEAD -
Coffee and tuna sandwich: 370 yen.

Coffee and tuna sandwich: 370 yen.

Hey, isn't your name Satoko Sunagawa?

Yes.

I knew it.

You know...

They say here you were
killed in a condo.

A fruit sandwich.

Must have the same name.

It must feel creepy.

Have a good day.

My usual.

It's fresh from the oven.

Your name's in the papers.

You know those murders in Arakawa?

Another guy said so too.

I'll leave the paper here.

A little past nine in the morning

the sandwich stand closes for a break.

During the break

in the parked minivan
right here...

Satoko eats breakfast
with the owners.

The owner prepares the meal

mostly for Satoko's sake.

The owners are a retired couple

who used their retirement money

to open the sandwich stand.

But since they were shy people

they hired Satoko to operate the stand.

Today the couple have brought

some rice balls and
warm miso soup.

Thanks you so much.

Thank you.

They like you so the
stand's doing great.

You're a godsend.

Oh, watch it you'll burn yourself.

This...it's my husband.

What?

"The four murdered squatters who lived

"in 2025 instead of the Koito family

"Nobuo Sunagawa, wife Satoko,

"son Tsuyoshi and his mother Tome."

This is my family and me.

You? But you're right here.

Right. So this Nobuo...
is he your husband

who disappeared 15 years ago?

But the names are all...

Call right away.

Here's a phone.

Tsuyoshi. That's my son.

The crime scene? All right.

I'll go there later.
I'll call again.

Yes, I saw the papers...

and thought it
must be a mistake.

We were just saying
we should call you.

Tome? Oh she's fine.

I see, thank you.

Satoko, your son's on the phone.

We gave him our cell number.

Oh, Tsuyoshi? It's Mom.

Hey Mom. Are you okay?

I just read the papers.

Do you really think it could be Dad?

I knew something awful
would happen.

I have to go identify the body.

You probably don't remember his face.

Tsuyoshi, come home early tonight.

I can't wait to see you.

Sure.

Thanks.

Bad news?

Good news.

Perhaps she sensed something...

My son's back.
Nobuo's come back.

The body was indeed my husband Nobuo.

It's been 15 years since I last saw him.

The other three
were not from my family.

They were all strangers to me.

So who was the Satoko
who was killed in Arakawa?

We now go to Ueda City in Shinshu.

Chapter 15
- HOMECOMING -

- Ueda, Early Autumn, 1996 -

I really had to think about it.

I know it sounds cruel,

but I was afraid of police involvement.

It wasn't the trouble of burying her.

We were always worried
about Katsuko.

Katsuko?
She was my youngest sister.

It's been more than ten years now...

since she ran away from home.

She wasn't a calculating person.

She took things to heart, very naive...

fell in love all the time.

She'd follow a man anywhere.

This is Sanae my wife.
I named the restaurant after her.

I worked in a bar in Tokyo...

when Sanae and I met.

It was her idea
to renovate my family's restaurant.

Now it's popular.

This was taken shortly
before Katsuko left.

She's the one next to me.

It was just when we renovated the place.

She's pretty under all that makeup.

She'd change depending
on the man she was with.

Right after that...

there was trouble with a man
and she left.

We had to put up with it
so many times.

One rainy fall day Katsuko left.

On June 13th, 1996...

It didn't look like her
but somehow I knew.

Blood is thicker than water.

We went to the station in Arakawa

and I identified the body as Katsuko.

They brought her out
from the morgue.

The detective had put flowers
by her body.

She was without makeup,
smiling even...

I thought Katsuko must
have been happy...

I understand she had been embalmed.

The family is supposed to pay the fee,

after they identify the body.

The cost of 150,000 yen was a shock.

So Katsuko never returned here.

After she ran away...

she was murdered...

It's been ten years since all that.

I wasn't born here but...

it's a lovely place, this valley.

My sister returned.

Not as Katsuko but Satoko Sunagawa.

We're going to make sure
she rests peacefully

as Katsuko again.

Following Nobuo Sunagawa

and Satoko, real name Katsuko Akiyoshi,

we now know the identity
of the third victim,

Tome Sunagawa.

Her real name is Hatsue Mita, age 82.

According to an attendant

at the nursing home in Shizuoka...

She just disappeared one day.

She was very healthy
for an 82 year-old.

She went shopping that day.

Usually she would be back
by early evening...

but she never came back.

We contacted hospitals and the police.

Eventually they found her bag

in a garbage bin near the station...

only her wallet was gone.

Several witnesses came forward

who saw a gang mugging her.

Hatsue was dragged about and fell

and hit her head.
She said she was fine but

when she sat down on a bench
she looked disoriented.

She must have lost her memory.

We worried something bad
had happened to her...

but someone kindly helped her...

and she was leading a happy life.

That's what we chose to believe.

Her daughter and granddaughter
identified her body.

And her body was brought back here.

The funeral was held here
at the nursing home.

This was her home.

Those two left in a hurry...

without taking her remains.

It's already fall now.

Hatsue's remains are still with us.

Even though not related by blood...

those who love you are
your real family.

Because of the Sunagawa family situation

the police asked for the public's help.

We received a lot of
calls here as well.

I didn't know there were
so many missing people.

Some were crank calls.

Some people can be very cruel.

I was saddened by the experience.

It made me think.

What kind of people
inhabit this world?

I wondered about the people who

live in these condos
that I supervise.

Speaking of crank calls,

the first call to the police
that night...

came from the East Tower...
but she wouldn't give her name.

A woman came forward later.

I saw people struggling.
I'm positive.

- Day of the incident -
- June 2, 1996 -

But it was raining so hard

I closed the sliding doors.

But I thought I should
inform the police.

Just calling the police
frightened me.

That's why I didn't give my name.

whatever they asked...
I just said yes, yes.

I just wanted the police to come.

I never dreamt it would
turn out like it has.

But I tell you what I did see.

On that stormy night...

it was a baby.

I'm a woman... I could tell.

A woman was running.

She was holding a baby in her arms.

She was running away.

Yes, it was a woman. It wasn't a man.

Chapter 16
- AYAKO -
.

Chapter 16
- AYAKO -
Yuji had run away from home.

Chapter 16
- AYAKO -
.

Chapter 16
- AYAKO -
His father was an alcoholic...

His father was an alcoholic...

He hadn't been home for years.

"He's probably dead," he said.

"My mother was a floozy
always with a man...

"having their babies...
Well... I'm one of them."

He left home right after
I finished junior high.

They haven't discovered who he is yet.

Although he was with Mr. Sunagawa,

Yuji didn't consider them family.

He met him when he was 17...

and pretended to be his son.
But he said,

"But I'm a boarder.
I get paid to be there."

One day he said,

"Ayako I'm going to be rich."

"I can get 10 million yen."

"I have this great plan," he said.

And this man Ishida was involved?

Don't ask leading questions.

Sorry.

That day if Yuji hadn't come,

I would have given up on him.

But he came.

He kept his promise.

He talked to Mom and Dad...

got yelled at... and left.

I wasn't just another girl to him.

He's afraid of having a family.

But Yuji and I can be a family.

I can be his wife and his mother.

When I first met Yuji...

he took me to his place.

Where?

Up on a roof in Tokyo.

Beautiful stars were just overhead.

I said to him,

"The stars look almost within reach."

Then he said, "Don't reach for them."

"I come here to look down
on the stars."

"See? Down below,,,
there are just as many stars."

"Someday..."

Someday, I'm going to reach down
with my hands and pick up those stars...

That's what he said.

- Spring, 1995 -

What a cute young couple.
Where are you going?

To the doctor.
The baby has heat rash.

Oh, you have heat rash.

Hope he gets better.

I wonder if babies dream.

What is he dreaming about?

I have to do something
about Mr. Ishida.

But he promised me.

Promised?

What I can't bear is...

Remember Tokiwa
my junior high teacher?

When I said I wouldn't
go to high school...

You'll end up a loser.

"See? I told you so, didn't I?"

He'd say so in his conceited way.

Chapter 17
- NOBUKO AGAIN -

"Katakura House"

Mom's not home yet.
Maybe it's for real this time.

Why does my family run away
all the time?

She'll come home soon.
Your mother has nowhere to go.

I guess so.

Oh, miso soup.

We don't do breakfast here.

This is for our family.

Do you need a room?

You don't look so good.
Are you ill?

No?

We don't interfere with our guests.

Just obey our rules.

Room 4, on the second floor.

It's at the end.

Dad... I've seen him before.

Hello.

One second Nobuko.

A customer?

Teenagers are so fashionable now.

"Prime suspect for murder..."

Can I borrow this?

Sure.

She's still a kid.

Should I go to the police?

You stay here.

Your Mom's back.

She's frying dumplings
in the kitchen.

She knows fried food is bad for me.

She wants to kill me.

What's the matter?

What...it's so messy in here.

My name is Katakura.

I'm Naozumi Ishida.

Are you ill?

I'm not sure. I have a weak liver...

I've been running since June
and I'm tired.

No one's suspected you till now?

No, even though I saw myself on TV.

That was a strange feeling.

Mr. Ishida?

Don't think badly of us
for calling the police.

Your daughter recognized me?

No... it was me.

I haven't killed anyone.

Please tell that to the police.

They only say 'a person of interest'...

so they're not saying
you're the murderer.

Can you do me a favor?

What's that?

I'd like your daughter
to make a call for me.

Takarai Restaurant.

Mr. Ishida?

Mr. Ishida asked me to call you.

He says he can't keep
his promise any longer.

Hello? Hello?

He'll be arrested,
so we should run. Is that it?

I don't know.
He just asked me to call.

Where is he?

I can't tell you.

I called anyway.

A baby was crying.

Grandma, dumpling.

Chapter 18
- FUGITIVE -
.

Chapter 18
- FUGITIVE -
The world's a strange place.

Chapter 18
- FUGITIVE -
.

Chapter 18
- FUGITIVE -
Even after being cleared, I'm still running.

Even after being cleared, I'm still running.

No, not from your people.

Publishers say I could make
a lot of money...

if I told my story.

At a time when family ties
are unraveling...

a story of murder
bringing people together.

It's a very modern topic.

I bet the readers would love it.

We'll ghost write it for you.
Of course, we could publish it...

without your permission.

Freedom of speech is guaranteed.

Who cares if it's not true?

So long as it makes it
more interesting.

People's motives are unfathomable.

People make up their own stories...

to keep on living.

Of course I refused.

I did need the money
but my mother was against it.

Don't even think of
getting money that way.

If you make money that way...

people will hate and resent you.

That's how the world is.

Haven't you learned your lesson?

I want to forget everything.

But... just as this wound won't heal,

it's not easy to forget.

I got this fighting with Yuji Yashiro.

I was trying to save
Ayako and her baby.

But time is a great healer.

Now that things have settled down,

I wanted to tell my side of the story...

so that the public can know the truth.

But now not many people
are interested.

The murders have become
a thing of the past.

We'll leave this place
for 10 million yen.

That's what he said.

I didn't believe him so I asked...

Is this Mr. Sunagawa's idea?

He doesn't know.

But if you pay, I can persuade him.

"Sunagawa had been paid by Hayakawa...

"to break the law.
He could put a stop to it."

That's what he said.
I didn't like it.

So I talked to Sunagawa.
He said,

10 million yen?
No, that's news to me.

"Tsuyoshi might kill me.
But if he did,

"you'd be accused of the murder,"
he said.

So I decided to talk to them together.

That's why I went there...

to Room 2025, the night of the storm.

The door was open...
so I went in.

The three of them
were already dead.

It was a scene from hell.

He was on the balcony
spreading a sheet.

He was planning to
wrap the bodies in it.

Just then the doorbell rang.

I knew it.

Ayako said "I knew it."

Although... I didn't know her name then...

it was the first time I'd seen her.

Later I found out she came

because she'd had a hunch.

A woman's intuition?

Ayako loved that man.

But she hadn't expected to see this.

Why did you do this?

Why?

I did it for you.

Why are you interfering?

Damn! It's all your fault.

You should have taken the deal.

Why can't I get what I want?

The baby slept through
the whole thing.

Then Ayako said...

Yuji... I'll call the police.

Then he said,

Shut up!

Just do as you're told.

He meant it. I reacted.

It happened in an instant.

I didn't see it happen
my back was turned.

I heard a scream and when I turned

he was no longer on the balcony.

Ayako was crouched on the sheet.

When I went to her...

He fell.

What? Ayako said she pushed him?

I don't believe it.

He must have fallen on his own.

Ayako snatched the baby
from my arms.

She was protecting
the baby with her body.

I knew I had to protect
this tiny life.

So I said...

I didn't kill these people. But...
both you and I will be suspected.

If you leave and say nothing,
about my being here...

I won't say anything about you.

She nodded.

There was a strange beauty
in her face.

Tell me.

What's your name?

Ayako. Ayako Takarai.

She told me her real name.
I was relieved.

I kept the promise
I made to Ayako-chan that night.

That kept me going
during those four months.

I felt a deep bond with that girl.

Tea.

Thank you.

Thanks for talking to us.

Now I know what really happened.

Oh, what's the baby's name?

I never asked Miss Ayako its name.

The baby is Yusuke.

The Yu is from his father.

- Story published: June 1998 -

- Screened in: 2003 -

Chapter 19
- SURRENDER -

I remember that girl Nobuko.

She was gripping the umbrella...

like this...she was
protecting her dad.

She was serious.
It made me homesick.

She reminded me of my daughter.

I didn't want them to
think I was a killer.

That's why I decided.

I called again myself.

In the end... I'd better call myself.

Ayako's father asked me
to wait one night...

for them to sort things out.

Ayako needed time to decide.

Could you give me one night's grace?

Mr. Katakura agreed.

- Day of Surrender -

In the car coming here
my wife called

telling me Ayako was
at the police station.

I'm sorry to have caused you trouble.

And the baby?

A neighbor is taking care
of him today.

The store's closed today.

How can this be?

Both of the baby's parents
are murderers.

Untll she gets out...
we'll raise him.

Go to the station and
get the officer.

Have them send a patrol car here.

Sure.

So why do I feel like crying?

Epilogue
- THE GHOST -
.

Epilogue
- THE GHOST -
And so Mr. Ishida took possession of 2025.

Epilogue
- THE GHOST -
.

Epilogue
- THE GHOST -
but he put it up for sale immediately.

but he put it up for sale immediately.

But after what had happened,
there were no buyers.

The Koito boy still visits.

Other than that no one comes at all.

I believe the boy is
the owner of the place.

I don't want anything.

You always lose the things
you hold most precious.

The Kitabatakes in 2026 moved away.

The mother moved into
a new nursing home.

We had nothing to do with
what happened next door.

Please leave us alone.

Visitors?

No.

After all, I feel nostalgic.

I asked to be a boarder here, remember?

I thought it would be easier
living here.

But that Tsuyoshi...
no, that wasn't his name.

The guy who fell... was also a boarder.

His name was Yuji Yashiro,
or so they say.

- Yuji Yashiro -

I can't remember when...

the rumors about the ghost started.

Yuji's ghost.

A pale man... looking down
from the balcony of Room 2025.

When yours eyes meet
he falls into darkness.

No, I haven't seen him.

But... what's strange is...

it's Yuji's ghost,

not one of the others.

And the shadow Ms. Kasai
saw that night?

No one was alive in that room
at that point.

Was Yuji's ghost already walking?

I saw it. I really did.

I don't care if no one
was alive by then...

I really saw it.

I told this story a hundred times.

The same thing over and over again.
Even at school.

I felt like a celebrity.

Now I'm not sure
if I really saw him fall

or if I saw his ghost.

I don't know.

He's an enigma.

He was the monster.

But I'm just like him.

I think about this a lot.

If I had lived with them,

and if they got in my way
would I have killed them?

Would I have killed them?

"Could I have killed them?"

"That is Takahiro's question."

"Yuji himself wouldn't know
the answer."

"Yet in the not too distant future

there may be an answer."

"It might appear or be made to appear."

"only then can Yuji leave this earth."

"Till then he will wander
the West Tower."

"Untll the day no one fears him

I will be among those
who look for his shadow."

I'm thinking of retiring
and leaving Tokyo...

and going back to the country.

It's probably changed a lot...

but it's where I was born.

Once there, I want to think about...

not only Yuji...
but what has become of us.

Beneath the blue country sky.

- Winter 2004 -
- The Present -

"At this moment he could be anywhere."

- subtitles reworked by salmond -

Directed by
NOBUHIKO OBAYASHI