Original subtitles

[ Hitotsubashi, Chiwakeda-ku, Tokyo 3-4-2 Shoronsha To the people in charge of "Mokuren Newcomer's Award" ]

[ Original Work - Mitsuharu Yanamoto ]

[ Hitotsubashi, Chiwakeda-ku, Tokyo 3-4-2 Shoronsha To the people in charge of "Mokuren Newcomer's Award" ]

[ Script - Masafumi Nishida ]

[ Hitotsubashi, Chiwakeda-ku, Tokyo 3-4-2 Shoronsha To the people in charge of "Mokuren Newcomer's Award" ]

[ Yurina Hirate ]

The first week sales of the newly published work is just 600 copies.

I wonder what would happen with literary works.

This elevator is going up.

[ Ayaka Wilson ]

[ Hitotsubashi, Chiwakeda-ku, Tokyo 3-4-2 Shoronsha To the people in charge of "Mokuren Newcomer's Award" ]

[ Shun Oguri ]

[ Hitotsubashi, Chiwakeda-ku, Tokyo 3-4-2 Shoronsha To the people in charge of "Mokuren Newcomer's Award" ]

[ Keiko Kitagawa ]

- Mr Ohtsubo. - Yes?

A manuscript for the Newcomer's Award came.

Ah, since we only accept entries through the internet,

the ones who missed the application guidelines are rejected.

Then is it alright to throw it away?

- Yes, please do. - Okay.

[ Director - Sho Tsukikawa ]

[ Hibiki Akui ]

Hibiki. [ Hibiki Akui ]

[ Hibiki Akui ]

Hibiki, don't read while walking.

Ah... Give it back.

That's dangerous, you know.

Besides,

didn't you just only read books all spring break?

I didn't.

There was something I had to do that I didn't get to read at all since the start of the year.

What were you doing?

None of your business, Ryotaro.

Ah...

Hey!

Geez.

Hibiki. Is that interesting?

At least tell me if it's...

Shut up.

Excuse me...

We kind of want to join the club.

Get lost.

Sorry but we're not looking for new members.

But please let us join. Aren't we all obligated to join a club?

If we were to choose which club we want to join, it would be the literature club.

Don't make me say it again. Get lost.

Hey, what're you doing? No new members.

Don't make me say it again. I want to join the club.

Are you looking down on me?

I'll kill you.

- Hey, wait... - Don't get in the way.

Ow!

Are you okay, Takaya?!

You're kidding. It's broken.

What're you doing, Hibiki?!

Since I've been told that I will be killed,

I just did it to prevent that.

Hey, seriously picking a fight is a bad idea!

Let's go, Takaya!

Wow...

- Mr Ohtsubo. - Yes?

Can I ask you to do the 20 pages of the second half?

Are you really going to retype everything in a file?

Since the deadline is tomorrow.

Stop it.

Even if you submit on her behalf, you don't know her address or contact details.

I'll make some random stuff up for now.

We were only sent with her work.

She'll definitely approach us sooner or later.

But what will you do if it won when you still don't know how to contact her?

I probably

became an editor just to make the world know about this work.

The people yesterday were probably just treating this place as a hang out.

And maybe, there really isn't a literature club.

So you also came today.

Ah, you were there yesterday.

Things sure escalated quickly, huh? Heard they won't be coming back.

Is that so?

I am Rika, second year, the president of the literature club.

Nice to meet you.

Ah, nice to meet you too.

- Nice to meet you. - Were you the one who arranged the books?

You figured it out? Yes, it was me.

What is it? Is there something about how it's arranged?

Don't you notice?

Huh? Hmm...

Even though the authors' names are alphabetical,

the shelf here, and here,

both start with "A".

Yes. Do you know why?

- Hmm... - 3, 2, 1...

The right side are interesting novels. The left are trash.

Correct! It's the first time someone actually got it!

I rearranged a book since it was in the wrong place.

Wrong place?

Ah, I see.

So you put Ryosuka Hamada's "Playing War" in the boring shelf.

True that his writing skill is immature.

It's just that the setting and the drama in the book were completely a novel idea.

But it was one of the books that had meaning in the literary world.

More importantly, we have a big problem. The members are only us three now.

If there aren't at least four members, the club won't be accepted.

But there may still be new students coming in.

Well, it's tough times. There are fewer kids who read novels.

Since my seniors retired, I've became the lone member.

So I've asked Takaya and his gang to take the place.

Can you place this book at the right bookshelf?

At the highest part.

Okay.

Thanks.

Your name's Hibiki, was it?

I more or less have an idea what kind of person you are

from yesterday's incident.

But you know, you aren't living alone

and society has rules.

This is the literature club and I'm the president. You're a junior and...

I'm sorry, President. I carelessly knocked down the shelf.

Since I'm your junior, I will take responsibility and fix it.

Then go find another member.

You were the one who drove them out.

That's why it's your job to find enough members.

Am I wrong?

Got it.

Join.

We don't have enough members.

Don't talk nonsense.

Besides, how about you pay up the medical treatment of this, huh?

I think I already paid with the fight you sold.

How very manly and cool of you to ask me

to pay up to an injury in a fight.

The hell you said, bitch?!

Let's go somewhere else.

You're right. It's not manly

to ask for money to settle a fight.

Then fall down from here.

If you fall down, I'm join the literature club.

Go on.

Huh?

I'm the one who broke your finger.

To settle that, you should push me.

Everything look different when you stand on a different spot.

So there's a world like that...

So?

Okay.

I admit your guts.

I get it that you're serious so get back here.

Come back here. Hey.

Hey!

Ah...

Ow...

Whoa. That scared me.

He said he would like to rejoin.

Huh?! What?! Really?!

Oh shut up. Got any complaints?

No...

I'm sorry somehow...

The new book of Mr Akihito Sobue

is released today.

Um, currently, our reporter, Ms Masaki is currently in the line

live at at Books Kinokuniya Otemachi branch.

Ms Misaki!

Hi!

Please have a look!

It's a long line.

On this release day,

fans who are called "Sobuests" are eagerly waiting

and flooding the bookstores nationwide.

[ Akihito Sobue Newly written full novel after 5 years White Zouérat Overwhelming interest! Akihito Sobue ]

Whoa...

Sir Kijima, isn't this amazing?

Well, it's a already a familiar sight.

He is truly a world renowned author.

Mr Akihito Sobue's new book after five years, "White Zouérat",

is the tenth novel he has written.

And it his first fantasy work. 800 thousand copies were first published...

Really? They said 800 thousand copies for first edition...

It's the first time in a while to hear some good news in the market.

I'm sure it would sell more if there's a movie adaptation.

That sounds good.

They shouldn't be that happy that a book from another publication would sell well.

Even though it's from another publication,

Sir Sobue also writes for us and even the judge of the Newcomer's Award.

It's not good at all.

We must become a monolith of the literary world.

If we just let it go like that, we'll just be a side competition.

Relax.

I know that we don't have to hurry if we don't know how to contact Hibiki Ayukui.

That's not what I intend to do, jerk.

I'm sorry.

Hello, this is Shoronsha.

Hi. I am Akui.

Yes. Thank you for your patronage.

I don't really remember calling you guys before.

I'm sorry.

Can you connect me with the guys in charge of the Newcomer's Award?

Ah, can I ask your name again please?

Hibiki Akui.

Akui...?

It's not "Ayukui"?

"Akui" is written like "eating a trout".

Hibiki Akui.

Hello?

I'm sorry. I'm the one in charge of the Newcomer's Award, Hanai.

How did you know my name?

Because I read your "The Fairytale Garden".

- So you've already read it? - Yes.

Was it alright that the manuscript wasn't a softcopy?

Yes!

Ah, um, it's not really alright.

But why did you submit it handwritten?

I didn't see the application requirements and I just find about them now.

So how was it?

It was unbelievable.

Even though I didn't know what period or country it took place,

a nostalgic scene expanded before my eyes.

I was thinking about how maybe this was the way for people to live as themselves in the world.

And I felt like you had the right interpretation about how to live a life.

It was interesting.

- Ms Hanai. - Yes?

Thanks.

Ms Akui, it starts from here.

With your novel, we'll revolutionize the literary world...

Huh?

What?

Aah!

Ah, you're back.

Where did you go?

Don't worry about it, it's done already.

What was?

Hey...

What? What is it?

Why did you suddenly start flirting?

Really now. What? Hey...

Hey, you...

I'm leaving.

Ah, how about club?

Today's the release date of a new novel.

Then see you tomorrow.

I wonder if she's talking about the new novel of Akihito Sobue?

I wonder.

- I'll also leave. - Wait.

Huh? What?

We'll start a club journal with the literature club.

- Huh? - What?

Please write a short story. One per person.

What?

Don't say that. Can you also tell Hibiki?

Okay.

Bye then.

What?! Only a page?!

Well, it's alright since I wrote something, right?

Geez...

Normally, people can't write so damn fast like you.

Ah, you know, she write novels on the net.

You don't have to tell them.

Your novels are really interesting.

What? You've read them?

Not the one on the net but last year's club journal.

Ah...

At first look, it's a common "boy meets girl" story,

but the perspective is new.

I felt the sense of style in chosen words more than anything.

Thank you.

How about you also write something?

Have you been quickly inspired with any ideas?

It's not quick

but during Japanese class, I felt a little fatigued after PE class.

The May breeze made the tree leaves shake, and I thought of a story about a young girl dancer.

I'm looking forward to it.

[ Millenium Tower Hibiki Akui ]

What will you do with Hibiki Akui?

I'm thinking of waiting her call for the second time.

It's already the time limit. The results of the first round will be out soon.

I'm going to ask the editor-in-chief for a direct appeal.

You'll definitely be turned down if you're going to ask him. Hey, hey.

Hey.

Hanai.

If by chance that masterpiece remained in the final round,

what will you do if it won?

The author has copyright over it,

but we have the right to publish it under application rules.

Even though we can't get the author's contact details, I think it won't be a problem.

We don't have any right to publish works without the author's consent.

The author also has the right to not publicize their works.

It really is a miraculous work. I'm sure with her work, the world would be...

That's too bad.

Please consider, Sir Kanda.

It's really too bad.

Are we done? I was in a middle of a call, you know.

Excuse me.

Hello? I'm sorry for cutting our call midway, Mr Sobue.

What did your subordinate say?

Is there any trouble involving an author?

Yes, it's troubling, but it's completely on our side.

Ah, that's right. I'll be counting on you again for next months' column,

and also being the newcomer award committee.

Yeah, the newcomer award.

Yes.

Which reminds me, my daughter

seems to be writing novels in her club.

Oh really? That girl?

I wonder if she would even win awards.

How was it? Can you see a glimpse of the second coming of Sobue?

No, she won't let me read it.

She's embarrassed since she's coming of age.

Isn't your daughter

in high school?

See, it's cute! Shall I put on the head dress too?

Why are we doing this?

Well you see, I bought these for a material for a novel,

but I thought they would suit you.

Come on, say "Nma~". Close your lips and open them.

Nma.

Okay! See? You look like a princess!

Are you making fun of me?

No, you really look cute.

I'm going to give these to you. It sure is fluffy.

[ "The Fairytale Garden" Hibiki Akui ]

Hey, just forget it already. [ "The Fairytale Garden" Hibiki Akui ]

[ "The Fairytale Garden" Hibiki Akui ]

I'm off.

- Hanai. - Yes?

You're going to Mr Sobue's place, right?

Yes. I'm going to get his writeup for the column.

I want to ask you a little favor to his daughter.

Okay...

Come in.

Good afternoon.

Fumi, long time no see. You're looking for Papa's manuscript, right?

Yeah. Also, I have to talk to you about something.

Okay. Come in.

Thank you.

Sir Kanda, the editor-in-chief,

seems inspired that the second coming of Sobue will make money.

That I came here to ask you to write a novel and make you debut.

Sounds like him.

But after he let me see your novel,

and said that

you already talked that you will soon debut, really surprised me.

True.

And what I would like to talk about is your screen name.

Screen name?

Aren't the novels you wrote in the internet only credited as "Rika"?

Yeah.

That old man said that it should be written as "Rika Sobue".

Ah, I see.

Looks like he wants to grandly publish your name

as Akihito Sobue's daughter.

Of course, you also have an option to not do that.

Your talent alone have enough value to get your works published after all.

Really?

Hm?

Ah, well, I'm just thinking...

If I submitted my work to the newcomer award, do you think I could've won it?

The quality of your novel is not like that of a newcomer.

There's no way it would be dropped in the prep reading and the first round.

But the authors who're judging the final round have their own preferences.

Of course.

Sorry for asking something weird.

Ah, let me give me a little time to think about my screen name.

Okay. You can take your time.

Is the column with you?

Ah, it's in the study. I'm going to make some coffee so you can get it there.

Okay, got it.

Are you Rika's friend?

Who are you?

This is Sir Sobue's study, you know.

Did you get permission to come in?

Who are you?

I'm the editor supervising Sir Sobue.

This isn't a place where anyone can just come in. Please get out.

It's none of your business.

It does. I've told you.

I supervise Sir Sobue...

Like I said, it's none of your business.

What do you mean?

Isn't this the room where Akihito Sobue writes his novels?

What does have this place have to do with an editor?

Although I have nothing to do with the composition,

it's also an editor's job to support the author.

And that includes chasing outsiders.

Come on, get out.

Aren't you just thinking you're also a creator?

So what if I am?

So editors are also creators, huh?

Yes, that's what I intend to be one.

Does this have anything to do with Sobue's novels?

Well... Not yet.

Then it's none of your business.

Just get out.

Huh?

Ow...

I told you to get out.

Hey!

Wait! Hey!

I kinda heard a loud noise.

Aah!

Hey! Wait! Hibiki! What're you doing?! Geez.

Fumi, are you okay? Sorry about her.

Why should are you apologizing? I did nothing wrong.

Well, I'll listen to your side later, Hibiki.

Hibiki?

Your name's "Hibiki"? What's your surname?

Akui.

Really?! You're Hibiki Akui?

Huh?

I'm Hanai! I received your manuscript!

Ah...

I see! So it's you!

I've always been waiting for your call!

Because I haven't given up on you!

I'm very sure that with your talent, you'll surely win the newcomer award!

Please tell me your contact details!

I read your text.

First of all, good work with the screening on the second round.

But it's just that

I thought you would send 100 entries.

But why would you only just send one entry?!

You'll understand once you read it.

Huh?

I told you, you'll understand once you read "The Fairytale Garden".

How was it?

Well, let's see.

It feels like the amateurs did their best.

Ah...

Ah, but only "The Fairytale Garden"...

Well, was nice...

That's quite rare that you'll praise a stranger's work, Nisshy.

No, no, it's not that I'm praising it.

That girl named Hibiki Akui...

How old is she?

Sorry. I can't tell others personal information of the writers.

Umm... Is she older than me?

Do you want to know that much?

It's like the concept of

present, past, and future are broken.

To be honest, it's the first time I saw such talent.

I see, Hibiki remained until the final round.

That's off the record.

I know.

It's only natural that she'll make it into the final rounds. But she has to win.

Ah, are you really sure?

You'll be credited as Rika Sobue in your debut work.

Yeah. Besides, many people will most likely

read it if I do that.

Also, you were the very first

who evaluated my novel.

Okay.

Just that if "The Tower of Four Passing Seasons" will be published,

I think there are some places that needs to be revised.

Could we discuss them now?

Yes.

Papa.

Ah, sorry. Were you in the middle of work?

Hm? It's alright.

You see, it's been decided that my novel will be published.

I see. It's going to be tough.

Yeah.

I will get it published with my full name.

But I will prove to them that I gave my true abilities.

I see.

[ 49th Mokuren Newcomer Award ]

[ "The Fairytale Garden" - Hibiki Akui - Outstanding ]

[ The End ]

Ah...

Ah...

Ah...

Then how much do you read novels?

20-30 each month.

That's amazing for a high schooler to finish a book per day.

What for is this question and answer?

Sorry. Our editor-in-chief

wants us to know more about the author we are in charge with.

Do you have a boyfriend?

I'm leaving.

Sorry, sorry. This will be the last.

So you like novels?

Yeah. I love them.

I like both reading and writing them.

It's like that it's directly touching my heart.

Ah. Can I ask you one more thing?

There's more?

Why didn't you add your contact details even if you submitted your work?

As I said on the phone before, I only wanted to hear people's impression about it.

I just wanted to verify my sense of worth.

It never crossed my mind to be a novelist.

Mr Sobue's daughter to debut?

Yes. Heard she has somewhat pretty good writing style.

I've met her many times in parties but she seems an airhead.

Besides, just because she can write good compositions,

they will debut her?

Akihito Sobue sure has tumbled down.

No, no. His new work is currently now in fifth printing.

That "White Something" or whatever?

He's only good in the business, restraining himself in exposure and just stir up things to talk about.

If asked to appear on TV and lectures like me,

he just always refuses them.

I really want to follow his example.

Oh.

Ah, Mr Kijima, Mr Ohtsubo, long time no see.

You came today to accompany your father?

No. I came for a preparatory meeting with Fumi, and also accompanying a friend.

Go to the shop ahead of me.

Ah, okay.

I've heard that you're going to debut?

Ah, yes.

Are you happy that you're going to debut with your Papa's name?

I know right.

Well, to be honest I really feel pathetic about it.

Why're you foolishly laughing?

No reason...

So it's a high school girl's debut by just halfheartedly fooling around just because her father is a famous novelist, huh?

You really have a good father.

No, I'm not halfheartedly fooling around.

I seriously like novels.

With that kind of face?

Yes, with this masked face.

Really? Shouldn't it better if you just look down on literature?

Like do compensated dating.

You're terrible.

Ah, so you're already doing it some old man? Huh?

You're doing it for around 20 thousand? That much huh?

Sorry for the wait.

Sir Kijima, are you alright?

What's with you? Who the hell do you think I am?

Hitoshi Kijima. A novelist who used to be popular a long time ago.

We're really very sorry.

Apologize. I'm sorr...

I'm really sorry. I'm sorry.

Why would you kick him, Hibiki?

Of all the people, that's Sir Kijima. Do you understand?

He's a writer who won the Akutagawa Prize, you know. He's also a judging committee of the Newcomer Award.

Wait, why didn't you hit him then?

Don't you want to help a friend when she's being made fun of?

Even if I did, there are other ways.

Not through violence.

Thank you, Hibiki.

But the reason I just let him make fun of me

was because I don't want to be a burden to Papa.

Did what I do a burden?

Yeah.

Just kidding. I was also somewhat at my limit.

Don't worry. I will be responsible for my own actions.

It's alright already.

You know, in a society of adults,

nobody can take responsibility for their own actions alone.

It just means that when you get reckless, many people will be affected.

Remember that.

Why is he here in Shoronsha?

For collecting information in a magazine.

Is he currently on it?

He's probably in the bar in front of the building.

Ma'am, can I help you?

So you're Hibiki Akui?

Why do you know who I am?

Ohtsubo told me.

Yeah, when he asked me who "Hibiki" is, I told him

you're a finalist in the Newcomer Award and he wants to read your work.

Have some business with me? What is it?

I just forgot to say that

the reason I kicked you has nothing to do with Rika.

I've just wanted to hit you for a long time now.

If you got a problem, do anything to me.

Hibiki, just what are you doing?

Huh? She kicked you?

Why do you hate me?

Sir Kijima, she's actually a good girl.

Can't you tell?

Hibiki!

I don't.

Since I'm living honestly everyday, I don't know why some

high school girl who I've met for the first time would bear such a grudge.

But if I'm going to force out a reason,

is it because my current novels are boring?

Yes. You used to be a genius, right?

Like the story of your debut work of a sanatorium during wartime,

the story where a girl takes care of an old woman.

Although it's a common theme where one's opinion of life and death was

used many times, it wasn't written in a regular death.

That's only until you won the Akutagawa Prize on your fifth work.

From that point on, your compositions only feel repetition of dejavu of the same story.

Nothing was interesting at all.

The work of novelists are not to just line up Japanese words.

Isn't it their job to move people's hearts?

You're currently not a novelist.

You're just some old man who shows up on TV.

Sir Kijima, I deeply apologize about this.

It's just as you say.

The time when I had talent was so long ago.

Since winning the Akutagawa Prize,

there really isn't anything I want to say

anymore to this world.

I read your "The Fairytale Garden".

To witness such young talent,

I see the reality even though I don't want it.

I'm going to entrust

impressing the world to you.

Huh? Then why do you still keep on writing?

What?

What?

Huh?

It's a force of habit.

You'll understand that someday.

This sensation of having come to terms with your own world and reality.

I see.

Sorry if I'm the only one drinking.

Don't be. I'm envious as someone who can't drink.

I can't stop crying when I read the manuscript, Yamamoto.

It's a masterpiece. I wonder if you'll be able to get the Akutagawa Prize this time.

I'm sorry.

Even though I've already asked you thrice just to be

rejected in the end.

Don't say that. Instead, we've talked that

you'll be accepted next time for sure.

Yes.

This time for sure, it's going to be filial piety.

No, it won't make it in time.

Since Sir Sobue has hurriedly went on a trip for research,

so he'll be absent.

There he goes on research trip.

Since I've securely received his results of judging,

I would like to start the screening meeting of the Mokuren Newcomer Award.

Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

"The Walking Time" by Deku Kaneda.

"The Fairytale Garden" by Hibiki Akui.

"The Neighbor" by Ryosuke Nurikawa.

Isn't it refreshing to be covered with sand?

Hm?

You don't have to read when you're on the beach.

Why not? She's free to do what she wants.

Then why would she even come to the beach?

You won't be able to write a good novel when you're just always sitting on a desk.

Hey, Ryotaro! There's a crab here! A crab!

Okay!

Who cares about a crab? That's just a crab.

Yes, hello?

Yeah.

Okay.

It's Fumi.

Yes?

Got it.

Since we're on a beach, I'm hanging up.

So you won the Newcomer Award?

Yeah.

I see.

So you're also

going to finally debut next month under "Mokuren".

Yeah.

My book will be released on November.

Okay.

Then that means

we'll both be candidates for the next Akutagawa Prize.

I'm after Akutagawa.

I see.

I'm not really good being hospitable.

Why don't you ask someone who's good at thoughtlessly smiling in front of customers?

It's not about being good or bad at it. It's work.

It's not really a work I'll be doing forever. I just can't yield.

Which reminds me, you're aiming to be a novelist, Tanaka?

Normally, 28 is the age where you already get results you know.

It's time to accept reality and give up when you didn't achieve your dream at that age.

What do you mean "normally"?

I don't care who you're comparing me to, but don't lump me with some commoner like you!

How dare you! You're fired! Fired!

- Hello. - Hey.

- You're going out? - Hello?

I'm Ohtsubo from Shoronsha.

Is this Mr Kohei Tanaka?

Yes.

Have you read this month's "Mokuren"? The winning works has been published there.

No, not yet.

Are you just being modest?

New writers usually say that.

You should read it objectively since you'll learn things.

Okay...

Then you haven't read the other writer's work who won, huh?

Other writer?

Yes. There are two writers who won this year's Newcomer Award.

Seriously?

Akui.

Ah, Kijima.

You should call him Sir Kijima.

Just what are you wearing?

When I said to come with her best clothes, she came wearing that.

Isn't it cute? I got it from Rika.

You look like a fool. Did you dress up by yourself?

Someone who dress up like... Hey!

Nice to meet you, Tsuruko Tachibana.

I deeply apologize, Ma'am Tachibana.

Shake my hand.

So it's you. Nice to meet you.

I like your novels.

Thank you. So she's really just 15 years old.

Yes.

I can't believe it.

I find "The Fairytale Garden" really good.

Thank you.

So you're Hibiki Akui?

Kirihiko Yoshida.

That should be Sir Yoshida.

Shake my hand.

"The Fairytale Garden" was fantastic.

Thanks. Your "Melody of Light" was interesting.

Thanks.

- Can I introduce him to you all? - Okay.

He's the winner, Mr Kohei Tanaka.

Congratulations.

Thank you very much.

Anyway, to the judges,

if you're ready, please go to the assembly hall.

To the two winners, please wait here for awhile.

- Then, Hanai. - Okay, understood.

- Congrats. - Thank you very much.

I'm looking forward to your works.

- Congratulations. - Thank you very much.

Come on, Hibiki. Properly greet him.

Both of you are in this month's "Mokuren" after all.

Your novel is self-conceited.

Hibiki!

Since you won together, get along with him.

Come on, how about shaking his hand?

Ow!

Ah, excuse me, Mr Tanaka. What are you doing?

Well, I just put a little strength in it.

Hibiki.

The literary world is no place for kids.

Just what're you wearing? You just want to be popular, right?

I can tell even without reading your work.

Hey, hey, hey, hey. Calm down.

You don't have to pretend to be angry, little girl.

I'm really gonna hit you.

Hibiki! Please, please, please calm down.

The awarding ceremony will begin soon. I would like to ask

the two winners to go to the venue.

Come on, it's going to start.

Once it's over, we'll calmly discuss about this.

Let's go.

We'll continuously ask them to write new works from now on

and greatly liven up the literary world with the strength of these youths.

Congratulations to the two of you.

I heard she's just 15 years old.

So she's still in high school.

She's cute.

If her works sell well, she has the potential to spring up like an idol.

Take good care of her.

Okay...

We would like to hear from the winners.

First would be Mr Kohei Tanaka. Please say a few words.

Um...

I'm Kohei Tanaka.

Even though I won,

I'm not really satisfied at all.

I have no intention of staying here so I'm not happy at all.

I intend to change this current literary world.

And I will use my talents...

Hibiki!

We'll quickly take you to the hospital.

You don't have to.

Dammit.

The southbound train will soon be passing through.

Since it's dangerous, please stand behind the yellow line.

The southbound train will soon be passing through.

Who told you that you can leave?

What's with you?

You're scaring me. Get lost.

Aren't you the one who started the fight?

You said you'll hit me so that's why I hit you.

If you want to hit me, hit me.

That's just a figure of speech.

One more thing.

I don't mind if you say it's boring.

But only decide after you really read it.

If you don't, that's just unfair.

True.

I should...

I'm sorry!

Won't you apologize?

I'm sorry I hit you.

Give me a break! Just what were you thinking?!

If you are going to be sued, the editor-in-chief said you work won't get published!

It's alright. We made up.

It's not that easy.

It was the same with Sir Kijima.

Not because the other person yielded, it won't be a serious matter.

Are you saying that I'm wrong?

Originally, I think the other party is at fault.

But whatever the reason may be, violence cannot affirm them.

Please.

Promise me that you'll never do something like this ever again.

I don't want your talent to just end like that.

[ Pig in the Pigsty ]

So it's going to be out soon. [ Pig in the Pigsty ]

[ Pig in the Pigsty ]

Yes. [ Pig in the Pigsty ]

[ Pig in the Pigsty ]

"Pig in the Pigsty" will first be published for 4 thousand copies.

But I think it would sell more.

Even though you're aiming for the Akutagawa Prize, I believe that it would still sell well.

Yes.

Our guest for today

is Ms Rika Sobue whose debut work is out now!

Thank you for having me.

Actually Ms Rika here,

is the daughter of that famous Akihito Sobue.

I'm actually a Sobuest.

Thank you very much. If you'd like, please read my book too.

Of course!

Um, Ms Rika's novel, "The Tower of Four Passing Seasons"

has been highly praised for the sense of language used

that is unlike the Japanese language.

Let us now present what the story is.

A girl who lives alone in a "tower of four passing seasons" which

has four seasons each day and one year passes.

[ On Sale starting November 3 (Sat) Akihito Sobue's daughter sudden debut!! ]

What's up?

I just read "The Tower of Four Passing Seasons".

Huh? So the one you wanted to talk about was about my novel?

Yeah. What I can say about your novel is that...

Sorry. Can we put this off for another month?

The candidates for the Akutagawa Prize will be announced on December 20.

Will they pick you or me?

It would highly unlikely to be the both of us.

It's not about the number of copies sold, as I think there will be real evaluation there.

We'll know if whether my novel is interesting or not after a month...

It was lame.

The hell is this?

Enough! Stop already!

Anyway, let's not be friends this whole month.

It's regrettable.

But it's been decided that we won't publish "The Fairytale Garden" as a book.

What?

If Hibiki Akui caused problems later,

it would be troublesome in the future.

But the published issue of "Mokuren" is selling well.

The evaluation of "The Fairytale Garden" itself is...

That's not it. The problem is the author herself.

That girl is nuts, she's not normal.

But without a doubt, she's a genius.

I have no plans to argue with you regarding that!

Besides, you have Rika Sobue now.

- But... - Understand?

Hey, everyone's so gloomy! Brighten up! Brighten up!

Let's have fun with work, okay?

Brighten up! Brighten up!

I see. 200 thousand copies at once.

Huh? What a weak reaction!

Because I'm not convinced at all.

It's the top in the literary works in the second half of the year.

That's because you properly fixed some parts.

You're the one who completed writing it.

Hibiki!

Sorry, can you go out and buy some things for me?

Okay!

[ Pig in the Pigsty ]

In the year 1882, Hirobumi Ito studied in Europe to investigate the constitution.

[ December 20 (Thu) ] In the year 1882, Hirobumi Ito studied in Europe to investigate the constitution.

[ December 20 (Thu) ]

He studied under Gneist in Germany, and Stein in Austria,

and learned the German style constitutional system.

After returning home, he became the government adviser of Kowashi Inoue, Miyoji Ito, and Kentaro Kaneko.

It would be better if the two of them would make up soon.

I was in the same middle school with Rika.

It's the first time I saw her having dispute with someone.

I guess the reason she can get along with anyone is because she doesn't show her true feelings.

Hibiki probably is

the very first person that Rika got along with.

I see.

Yes, hello?

Ah, Yamamoto.

The candidates for Akutagawa Prize have been announced.

It won't be strange that "The Fairytale Garden" would get selected.

Or it would be Rika Sobue's.

"The Tower of Four Passing Seasons" sold 250 thousand copies after all.

I know right.

It's somewhat a great uproar here.

- Ah, Hanai! - Yes?

Did you get any call from the secretariat?

- Yes. - So which is it?

- Both. - What?

Just now

the candidates of the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize were just announced.

Yes. To some extent, they're in the expected range.

But who would have thought, huh?

In other words, we were surprised.

And here are the works that are candidates of the Akutagawa Prize.

These are the five works novels that are candidates but what we would like to pay attention to is this novel,

"The Fairytale Garden" by Hibiki Akui. That author, surprisingly, is just 15 years old.

Sir Kijima, if the novel were to win, then that would mean that author would be the youngest in history, right?

Yes. Ms Risa Wataya was 19 years old when she won the award being the youngest so far.

Anyway, for the viewers,

we would like you to remember this "The Fairytale Garden".

And now, here are the candidates for the Naoki Prize.

Please have a look.

Actually "The Fairytale Garden"

has been chosen both in the final round of the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize.

This is quite an accomplishment.

Setting aside winning the prizes, it has been 60 years since a work

has been nominated on both.

And to think the novel came from just a 15 year old girl.

Ms Rika Sobue, who has also been attracting attention

as a high school girl writer, sadly missed the nominations.

Indeed.

Well, it is a fact that her work sold well though.

So to put it simply, "The Fairytale Garden" is...

Guess who?

The girl who got nominated on both Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize.

What?

Oh.

You can't just trespass into people home's like that, you know.

But I rang the bell.

Oh, sorry. I didn't hear it.

I tried to look for you in school but you weren't there.

So...

Today's the promised day, right?

I want to make up with you.

Huh? What are you talking about?

This goes far beyond that.

You got nominated on both, you know.

You'll be getting mag interviews and TV appearances.

You'll be a hit in the media.

You won't have time to get along

with an average girl like me.

So how about

quitting the literature club?

The hell?

I mean, you just read books all the time when you're in the club.

And besides

it's not like we're really friends.

Goodbye then.

No, Hibiki! You've got it all wrong!

It's fine.

I don't think that's what you really feel.

I'm sorry, Hibiki.

Please don't say you'll quit the literature club.

I won't.

I'm sorry.

Right.

So now that we made up,

can we pick up were we left off last month?

"The Tower of Four Passing Seasons" was lame.

It was just an essay where the plot and structure was pretty.

I think you had something you wanted to express,

but I don't know what happened.

Can we stop that?

You got nominated on both prizes you know.

This has nothing to do with the prizes.

This is about your work as much as it is about my work.

I guess when I rewrote it multiple times,

I lost sight of what I wanted to write about.

Rewrote?

In the beginning, I only wanted to write about a country where the four seasons pass in a span of a day.

But Fumi said there wasn't enough drama.

So we decided to make it an "outside world".

It became a completely different story from the one I first envisioned.

Hibiki...

Rika.

So Fumi told you to write a lame novel?

If you accepted the criticisms and still wrote the novel based on them,

and it resulted in a lame story, then that's the fault of the writer and that's you.

Don't shift the blame onto others.

Enough already, I can't write anymore...

I am...

...not like you who's a genius.

Good job. To think she's nominated on both.

I've always watched over such great talent!

It will already be big news even if it's not yet the awarding.

Can you publish the work in book form soon?

Of course, Mr President. That is already in the way naturally.

There were rumors of

the violent behavior of Ms Hibiki Akui

who have both been nominated in Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize.

What do you think Mr Minowa?

This is startling.

Why now?

I'm sure because now's the time.

We have to put out stuff that can't be asked at interviews.

Isn't it better to ask her parents?

Okay.

You're Ms Hibiki Akui, right?

I'm Yano from "Weekly Truth Report". Can I ask you a few questions?

I don't want strangers to write anything they want about me.

Delete the photos you just took and leave.

Okay, but just a minute of your time.

What's your reason for starting to write novels?

Ah, then let me change the direction of the question. Do you have a boyfriend?

Of course you have one, since you're a present day high school girl.

Who is he? Is he a hottie?

Huh? Could it be you don't have one?

Even though you're a high school girl?

Of course, that just means that your boyfriend are novels, huh?

Ah.

Ah...

Hey!

Yes?

What did you just do just now?

What?

Don't give me that. What's this?

Ah...

- Hey. - Yes?

Those are yours, right?

Ah, um, the company I work owns it.

Ah then, let me ask your name and contact details.

Ah, I can't tell you that now. I'm sorry.

Ah, I made contact with Hibiki. She's definitely the one.

She got violent again so things got a bit out of hand.

Yes. Since she was shaking when I was asking her,

I'm sure I could grasp her next time.

The elevator door is closing.

- What?! - Good evening.

Hey, you can't just...

Is this your son?

Could you not just go through my stuff?

Yuta. Where does he live?

The child has nothing to do with you.

But I'm also a child of my father and mother.

Looks like we can finally talk.

Don't make an article about me.

I think you're misunderstanding.

Weekly magazine journalists aren't your enemy.

It would be a great publicity if you were featured.

I've told you to not feature me.

Are your parents authors or something?

No.

You worked really hard to write that novel, right?

Or have you been learning to write since childhood?

Not really.

Then it's alright to write anything about you.

You just realized you're a genius, right?

The role of a genius

is to be envied and resented

by those people without talent, right?

Don't feature me.

Fine.

But...

You won't be able to run away anymore.

Ah, someone came out. Who are you?

People of the press, please listen.

Um, since she's only 15 years old,

please refrain from making reports about her.

Ms Akui? You're Ms Akui, right?

A few words about your act of violence please!

Sorry! Since it's dangerous, please stop taking pictures!

Please move back! Sorry!

Since it's dangerous, please move back! Please stop taking photos!

Since this happened,

I think you have no choice but to apologize in front of the press.

Apologize?

Adding the fact that you hit Mr Tanaka,

you must apologize to everyone.

Why should I?

I already apologized to him.

Why should I apologize to everyone then?

[ The announcement of the winners of the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize is finally tomorrow! ]

Come in.

- I'm back. - Welcome back.

This is from France.

Thanks.

Ah, that's right. I've read your "The Tower of Four Passing Seasons".

What?

If I would say the truth,

it doesn't have qualities that I would openly praise.

But you know,

if there is a shelf of interesting novels, and a shelf of boring novels,

I will put it in the shelf of interesting novels.

Let's meet each other at 1PM tomorrow then.

Isn't the announcement of the winners really late? Wouldn't it be better if we meet by then?

How about going out to dine or go sightseeing until the announcement of the winners?

Think of it as my treat.

Are you sure?

Tomorrow will be an important day to you after all.

That's what I think.

Ah, I want to go to the zoo.

Zoo?

[ Hibiki's Home Number ]

Yes?

Ah, Rika. Long time no talk.

Yeah.

Wanna go see alpacas tomorrow?

Alpacas?

Fumi said she'll come along with us.

I'm gonna go buy tickets then. Fumi said she'll come along with us.

Fumi said she'll come along with us.

Okay.

- Ah. - Sorry for the wait.

Ah...

Guys, this will our sponsor for the day.

Thank you for treating us.

- Hey. - Hello.

Wait...

What's going on?

I don't wanna waste the day if I fail.

So I wanted to have a main activity.

Now it's the literature club's field trip.

I'm gonna go buy tickets then.

- Takaya. - Hm?

Why don't we look at the map of the park over there?

Ah, good idea. Let's go.

Hibiki.

I ended up writing again.

I remembered why I started to write.

I see.

Sorry that I got grumblingly got anxious.

Welcome back.

Here goes. Okay, say cheese.

- Oh! Looks good. Here. - Thanks.

Whoa!

Whoa.

What? It got photographed with us?

- It got photographed? - It did.

Really? Awesome!

Alpaca!

Alpaca!

Okay, say cheese!

How clumsy.

Isn't it squeaking?

Ah, it's really squeaking.

It's not squeaking with me at all.

Really?

You're early.

That's in place of your parents.

I give that to you to get you nominated.

Okay.

Thank you very much.

Um, since it's already 5PM,

we would like to start the judging of the Akutagawa Prize.

If you please.

We would like to start the judging of the Naoki Prize.

If you please.

I wonder if we would make it in time of the Night Parade?

Hm? That sounds nice!

But going to the Sky Tree is also nice.

Sky Tree.

Sky Tree. Sky Tree.

Sky Tree. Sky Tree.

Wait, wait. You guys.

Have you forgotten why we went to Tokyo?

Sky Tree.

Sky Tree. Sky Tree.

Hey, please be quiet really.

Yes, hello?

This just in.

The winners of the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize have been decided.

The ones awarded with the Akutagawa Prize are Hibiki Akui's "The Fairytale Garden"

and Miyuki Toyomasu's "Corpses and Flowers".

Quiet down! The Naoki Prize!

The one awarded with the Naoki Prize is

Hibiki Akui's "The Fairytale Garden".

Hey, hey. I'm confused...

[ Hibiki Akui "The Fairytale Garden" Miyuki Toyomasu "Corpses and Flowers"

Hibiki Akui "The Fairytale Garden" ]

Congratulations.

Thanks.

As expected of you.

- Come on, Hibiki. - Okay.

We'll be watching the news!

Will she be okay?

Be careful now!

Bye bye.

It's really strange.

The selection committee doesn't have good tastes.

"Is the personality of the author and their works irrelevant?"

This will be discussed by Mr Hitoshi Kijima.

Mr Kijima, we heard that Ms Akui

assaulted you before.

Yes. She kicked me in the face.

That's awful.

What do you think as a victim now that she won the prize?

Well, to be honest, I am angry.

- If that's the case... - But even so,

if I would choose who should win this year's Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize, it would be without a doubt "The Fairytale Garden".

What?

It was that overwhelming.

It's a masterpiece.

What? I'm somewhat turned off.

So in the end, it's just a rigged preference topic?

But does it matter if she's cute?

Well, that's no good. That's not it.

Have you lot read "The Fairytale Garden"?

Huh? He's scary.

Huh? We haven't read it.

You have no right to criticize if you haven't read it.

My heart shook when I read it, you know.

Please wait for a few moments for the Akutagawa Prize

and Naoki Prize awarding ceremonies.

Please wait for a few moments for the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize awarding ceremonies.

Ma'am Akui, thank you for coming...

- Miyuki Toyomasu. - Huh?

I like your novel. Shake my hand.

Ah, really? Thank you.

I also really like your "The Fairytale Garden".

Thanks.

Congrats, Hanai.

No, I didn't do anything.

Didn't you pick up the abandoned manuscript?

Thank you very much.

But I wonder if it's alright.

If she does something here,

things won't be irreversible.

I will protect Hibiki.

Even if you do...

Thank you for waiting.

We will now commence the Ryunosuke Akutawaga Prize and Sanjugo Naoki Prize.

- Ooh! - It's Hibiki!

She's wearing a black hood.

Who's behind her?

Isn't that Fumi?

Ah, it's really her!

And we will now start.

Ms Hibiki Akui, please say a few words with winning the prize.

I'm Hanai, an editor of Shoronsha who is in charge of Hibiki Akui.

I beg your pardon but since she's only 15 years old,

all the questions that will be asked to Hibiki Akui tonight

will be answered by me in her behalf.

In addition, as you can see with her appearance, please understand that

it was decided that her exposure would be refrained to protect her privacy.

Hey, are you serious?

Um, then Ms Hibiki Asui,

what are your thoughts in winning the prizes.

I'm happy.

She said she's happy.

Now then,

we will now move to the question and answer.

If you have any questions, please raise your hand.

I'm Ozaki of Dainichi TV.

If you won't be able to answer yourself,

why did you even showed up today?

That's because she won the...

I'm asking Ms Hibiki.

She said that it would be rude to not show her gratitude for receiving the award.

Hey. Are you serious we're going to do this?

Besides, what's with that editor?

Do we really need to do this?

Um, I'm Yano of Weekly Truth Report.

I have a lot of questions. First of all...

I will answer directly to you.

Hibiki, don't say anything rude.

Okay.

Uh, then...

There are negative comments in the society to award

the person who caused assault.

What do you think of this matter?

Let me hear your opinion.

What?

I am currently talking to you.

It has nothing to do what the society is saying.

What's your opinion?

I think...

I think it would be better that you, Hibiki Akui, should break off from writing.

I don't think there are people who wants to read a work of someone who can't

control their emotions and hurt others.

You're talking for someone else again.

Say if you want to read them or not.

I have no desire to read it the least!

That's why you're asking me to stop writing?

Indeed if you act violent.

I intend to continue writing.

I don't care what other people say. I write because I want to.

I will continue writing as long as there's something I want to write.

I want to live like that.

Then I have a question to Ms Hanai.

What?

How much were you

involved in the contents of "The Fairytale Garden"?

Since "The Fairytale Garden" was a submitted work,

so I wasn't really involved...

Alright. Since a 15 year old girl's

novel just won both the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize,

that it's a bit of an unbelievable feat.

This might be a very rude question.

But did that girl really write "The Fairytale Garden"?

Excuse me?

Ms Hanai, you're also the editor in charge of Ms Rika Sobue, right?

So you published two consecutive popular high school girl authors.

Did you by chance touch up any of their novels?

Isn't there any possibility that you wrote them?

So what can you say?

Of course, I wouldn't do...

Hibiki!

Hibiki, no!

That's all for the conference!

Excuse us! Please make way!

That's all for the conference.

[ 160th Naoki Prize Winning Work 160th Akutagawa Prize Winning Work ]

Hibiki, why?!

Why did you do that?

Because just now...

I know!

I understand that you won't let him get away for

finding fault with your work!

No.

I intended to be quiet

no matter what they said.

But he was intentionally nasty toward you.

I couldn't let him get away with it.

Ms Akui, with what happened,

we won't be able to publish your work.

Sir Kanda!

It's a pity.

I see.

Here.

Thank you for today. Bye.

Hanai.

You have a lot of things to do before minding her.

You wanna die?

Weren't you just touching the railway gate?

None of your business.

- Just screw off. - No, it's my business.

If I find out that some guy committed suicide here tomorrow,

I'd feel sick.

Tell me why you wanna die. If it's good enough, I'll leave you be.

I am...

...a novelist.

I've been doing this for 10 years but nothing has come from it.

I wasn't able to make anyone happy.

If 10 years didn't work out, it's better to do it for 11 years.

That's what I've always thought.

But...

I only was able to write only lame titles.

I'm already fed up.

If you're not going, then I'll just leave.

I also write novels.

Don't put me with children's work.

If you've worked on novels for 10 years,

I'm sure some people out there found them interesting.

And I might be one of them.

You don't sell, your works are trash, therefore you must die.

Why are you then finding fault to your status to the people who find your works interesting?

Yeah...

True.

What's your name?

Hibiki.

Hibiki...

Could you be...

Actually, hang on. What're you doing? Hurry and come here.

If I leave, you intend to kill yourself, right?

Dying because you write nothing but crap? That's just stupid.

O-Okay! I won't! Just come on and get over here!

Dazai also said this:

"If you're an author, die after making one masterpiece".

I get it. Hurry! Aaah!

I will not die yet.

Since I do not remember writing a masterpiece.

We will do our best to not do something like that again.

Yes. Thank you very much.

- Hey, Hanai. - Yes?

It's yours. Line number two.

Okay.

You're now currently talking to Hanai.

Ah, Fumi?

- You know... - Hibiki?

Hibiki, listen.

It's been decided that "The Fairytale Garden" would be published!

After the previous conference,

the editor-in-chief said this might be a chance anyway.

In fact, there are heaps of orders that arrived that the first print would be...

...a million copies!

I see.

Thank goodness.

Fumi.

Hm?

A new story came to my mind.

If I finished writing it, could you also be

the first to read it?

Sure.

Ah, if it's a million copies, how much would I be getting?

Huh?

If a book's 1400 yen, 10% of a million copies would be

140 million yen?

Okay.

What? Ah, Hibki?!

Be sure to explain to your parents.

It's alright. It's not like I'll let my parents pay.

Don't you understand your situation?

Your family might have to pay a hefty fine

to the railroad company for what you did.

It might be hundred thousands, and it seems someone even paid a hundred million in the past.

It's alright. I think I would be able to manage.

[ Yurina Hirate ]

[ Ayaka Wilson ]

[ Masanobu Takashima ]

[ Yuya Yagira ]

[ Yukiya Kitamura ]

[ Toru Nomaguchi ]

[ Mizuki Itagaki Sho Kasamatsu ]

[ Daisuke Kuroda Kazushige Komatsu ]

[ Eisaku Yoshida ]

[ Shun Oguri ]

[ Keiko Kitagawa ]