Original subtitles

A SHOCHIKU PRODUCTION

OGORI

Based on the novel "Calamity Town" by Ellery Queen

THE THREE UNDELIVERED LETTERS

YAMAGUCHI STATION

TO HIGASHI-HAGI STATION

Produced by Yoshitar� Nomura, Akira Oda, Kogi Tanaka

Screenplay by Kaneto Shind�

Cinematography by Takashi Kawamata Art Direction by Ky�hei Morita

Music by Yasushi Akutagawa

Sound Effects by Tadahiko Yamamoto and Ryuji Matsumoto Lighting by Shotaro Kobayashi

HAGI, YAMAGUCHI PREFECTURE

Editing by Kazuo Ota Photography by Tadashi Kaneda

Assistant Director: Toshinobu Omine

Coordinator: Shobo Hayakawa

Directed by Yoshitar� Nomura

MITSUMASA KARASAWA

NAGATO BANK

Robert Fujikura? Who's that?

Oh, that recent letter mentioned him.

The grandson of my elder sister Kimie from California.

He's already here?

Alright, I'll be there soon.

Welcome home.

Where's he?

He's in the living room with Keiko.

This clock was probably made...

during the Edo period...

that is, 250 years ago.

- Really? - Yes.

The USA is only 200 years old.

Hello, Dad.

This is Robert-San, and this is my father.

My name's Karasawa. Welcome.

Hello. I'm Bob.

Have a seat.

How's aunt Kimie doing?

She's fine.

And what's grandma doing these days?

She's working on a farm.

Mum is trying to convince her to retire...

but she won't listen.

When did you arrive in Japan?

Four days ago.

I visited my friend in Tokyo.

I lived at his place for three days.

Ushiyama-sensei is here.

Take him to the library.

Yes.

- Bob-kun! - Yes?

We have a monthly dinner with our closest friends today.

There will be people who know your grandma.

- I'll introduce you to them. - Of course.

Dr. Ushiyama manages a hospital.

Nice to meet you.

My name's Ushiyama.

Keiko-San has two more elder sisters.

I've been taking care of them since they were born.

I know both your grandma and Kimie-San from way back.

You take after her a lot.

This is judge Hashimoto and his wife Kuniko-San.

Nice to meet you.

What brings you to Japan?

I've been doing Oriental...

studies.

In Chicago University, for three years.

And I'd like to learn more about the history of the Orient.

Besides, Japan...

is the country where my grandma was born.

That's why Japan interests me most.

That's why you're here?

Yes. To sponge off this family.

- This is Minegishi-San, he's a prosecutor. - Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

A public prosecutor you mean?

- Yes. - Yes...

He's a very powerful and intimidating man.

Actually, I'm rather meek.

Isn't it so, Keiko-San?

How should I know?

I'm sorry I kept you waiting. Everything's ready.

Here's a terrine.

The company is nice, but the food is even better.

Thank you.

Well, to Bob-kun!

Thank you.

Cheers!

You're late.

Will you have dinner with us?

Have a seat, Noriko.

We've been waiting for you.

Sister, please.

I'll probably go to bed.

Excuse me.

She's still unwell.

You haven't treated her well...

It's hard to treat someone who doesn't want to be cured.

But time cures all things.

It's been three years...

since he went missing.

And the Angel of Death came to the Katsusawa house.

But good things happen too.

In autumn, Keiko-San and Minegishi-kun...

are going to Hiroshima...

to meet Minegishi-sama's parents.

It's too early to talk about that.

Not at all.

You shouldn't hurry in such matters.

It's worth thinking it over carefully.

Who lives here?

No one. You can stay here.

For free?

You'll eat with us.

- We'll call you. - I see.

Through this window.

Here's the bathroom.

The bedroom is upstairs.

Make yourself at home.

Gorgeous! What a great room!

Why isn't anyone using it?

It...

was supposed to be for Noriko's sister.

Supposed to be?

Her boyfriend went missing.

What do you mean? He died?

Father built this wing...

for Noriko's sister and her husband.

But when it was completed and the wedding was arranged...

her groom suddenly disappeared.

Disappeared how?

He left and no one knows where.

That's a sad story.

Is that why Noriko-San got sick?

Well, have some rest. See you tomorrow.

Madam!

Ms. Reiko is calling.

Alright...

Here you are...

Sister, it's me, Noriko.

Yes, I'm fine.

Who...?

What did you say?

Toshiyuki-San?

What do you mean?

Hello? Noriko-San!

Hello?

Who called Noriko?

Reiko-sama.

Actually...

What?

It was him...

Noriko! Where are you going?

I'll be back soon.

Wait! Noriko!

Are you going to see Fujimura?

Why do you need to see him?

Wait!

Talk to him and then come back home.

Noriko!

Sister, wait!

Get in, sister.

Where are you going?

To Reiko.

Why?

Is Toshiyuki at Reiko's?

HOTEL - HOT SAUNA

Don't stand there. Come in.

He arrived from Hokkaido.

He left his job in a fishing company.

And he's now looking for a new job.

Well, I don't want to disturb you. I'll go clean my room.

My friend offered me a job.

But I haven't decided yet.

I was thinking about getting a job in a travel company on Okinawa.

I see...

Why didn't you stop her?!

And Keiko too!

Why did she take Noriko to him?

What was she thinking?

There was nothing I could do.

It was Noriko who decided to go.

Noriko doesn't know anything about men!

And that man blinded her.

Didn't you understand that enough three years ago?

As soon as he called...

But the call came from Reiko's.

Is she there alone?

With that man?

I'm sorry I've been away for so long.

Mother... father...

Come in.

Let's go inside.

You're not welcome in this house anymore.

Leave.

Father...

Why did you come?

Three years ago, you humiliated Noriko.

Have you forgotten what you did to this family?

I did a terrible thing, I admit it.

This is not what happened, father. I was the one at fault.

Toshiyuki-San wanted to live independently...

but I acted as a child and refused to understand him.

But today we talked and I understood everything.

Noriko.

You mustn't see each other anymore.

No, father.

We decided to get married.

Noriko!

We want to get married.

- Please... - Bastard!

Father!

And you've come here hoping to get my consent?

No.

However...

if you don't give your consent...

I'll have to take Noriko-San.

I...

will leave with Toshiyuki-San.

Stop talking nonsense!

Noriko, apologize.

Apologize to your father!

Apologize!

How someone as inexperienced as you...

can live without parents?

Why do you need to get married?

I'm sorry.

Silly girl!

I'll make only one offer.

Let's forget about these three years.

He will work in my bank again.

And you will both live in the wing.

If you don't accept this and leave this house, don't expect any help from us.

I'm doing this to restore the reputation of our family.

Hello.

Who are you?

Are you that guest from California?

I'm the owner's daughter.

In that case, you should hurry. The wedding has already begun.

Actually, I wasn't invited.

And why haven't the groom's parents...

come to the wedding?

He doesn't have a family.

- How? - Don't you understand?

He doesn't have parents or siblings.

Well, he has a younger sister, but I don't know anything about her.

Help yourself.

Thank you.

And where does he come from?

From Tokyo.

And where did he live in Tokyo?

Why has someone from Tokyo come to such a place anyway?

Oh, stop it already...

Well...

Aren't there any places that can compete with Tokyo?

Everyone can choose where they want to work, can't they?

You have a point.

Toshiyuki is a coward.

- Why do you say that? - Because he is.

Doesn't the fact that he ran away three years ago...

prove his cowardice?

He realized that he didn't belong to the Karasawa family.

But he came back.

Maybe he grew up.

He clearly loves Noriko.

Or maybe he's after something else.

Money?

Not only money, lifestyle as well.

Everyone likes comfort.

Especially a pussy like him.

No one wants to be alone.

I think he started courting Noriko for no particular reason.

Just because she's the owner's daughter.

I wouldn't mind that either.

Anyways, I talk too much.

I'm banned from this house.

I was disinherited. Got it?

Well, I'm off.

Bye-bye to this house.

Let's run that way.

And where are the newlyweds now?

They went to London, then to Paris, and then to Switzerland, I think.

- Jealous? - Of course.

I'd also like to travel to Europe for my honeymoon.

So you'll go with Minegishi-San.

Here's the postcard.

From Rome.

"Dear sister, how are you doing?"

"We're having a real Roman holiday here!"

Thank you.

"My husband is very sweet. I'm so happy we got married."

"I don't know when I'll see you again."

"I'm absolutely happy right now."

"Noriko, from Rome."

How do you like that?

She sounds even more enthusiastic in my postcard.

She's obviously happy.

Do you want to get married?

Reiko-San.

You're so pretty. Why aren't you married?

Are you trying to court me?

Oh, come on.

Stop it.

What do you have against marriage?

Well, you see...

seven years ago, there were some actors performing in Hagi.

And I had feelings for one of them.

We eloped.

- Together. - I see.

Father was against us being together, so we eloped...

- Do you follow? - Yes.

A year later he left me.

Why didn't your father forgive you?

Once he has made up his mind...

You know what men are like.

I do.

But he forgave Noriko-San.

I know I made a mistake.

But I never admitted it.

I just can't.

But this time everything is going fine.

Father and Toshiyuki-San seem to get on.

Yes. They really hit it off, didn't they?

They have no guts to leave their parents' home.

Right, it's time for you to go.

Why?

Keiko.

If you hook up with him, you're going to be in trouble.

With me?

Don't worry about that.

I'm the one who will be blamed anyways.

Let's go home.

Thank you!

- Put it over there. - OK.

- Keiko! - Yes?

These must be Toshiyuki-san's things.

- They arrived from Hokkaido this morning. - Really?

Where should I put them?

Probably to Toshiyuki-san's room upstairs.

Indeed.

- Osaki-San! - Yes?

Ask someone...

to take these upstairs.

Yes.

I can take them.

Yes, Bob can do it.

That's right.

I'm so sorry you had to move.

Don't worry about that.

- Welcome back! - Here we are.

Welcome home.

Mum!

- Welcome back. - Finally, we're home.

From Bombei to Bangkok and then to Hong Kong.

That must have been terrible. Did you manage to sleep?

- Darling! - Yes?

- Thank you so much. - You're welcome.

Thank you for your reference letters.

You've been very kind to us.

This is for you, Dad.

- And this is for Mum. - Thank you.

- What is it? - This is for Keiko.

And something for you too, Bob.

- For me? - Of course.

Thank you.

Which place was the best?

Rome.

- Right, Toshiyuki-San? - Yes.

You're heartless. I had to go shopping alone.

- It's just that... - Excuses.

I almost got lost.

But eventually I found my way.

I should have stopped and come back to the hotel earlier.

Heartless Toshiyuki-San.

You're tired. Go to bed.

Alright.

You prepared a room for us?

I don't know if you'll like it.

Let's go see it.

So pretty!

- Finally, we're back. - It was a long journey.

Welcome!

Sato-sama! It's for you.

It's Fujimura, deposits department.

What did you want?

Yes. What for?

What?

Sister?

Tomoko?

I see...

I see.

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Yes.

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello.

Here I am.

Tomoko-San is over there.

Hey!

Hi, brother.

Welcome home.

Thanks.

I'm here, brother.

Why...

I shouldn't have come?

It's just that it's so unexpected.

We're glad to welcome your sister.

Why didn't you invite her to the wedding?

There were certain circumstances.

I thought she was working and wouldn't be able to come.

If you'd invited me, I'd gladly have come.

Although...

maybe I wouldn't have been able to make it.

Noriko, let's have dinner together tonight.

Father will be back earlier.

Of course!

Excuse me, I need to rest.

I'm so tired.

Train journeys are so exhausting.

We can have dinner tomorrow.

Which room should we give her?

Maybe the one opposite ours?

- Do you agree? - No...

She'd be more comfortable in a hotel.

I'd take a room next to yours, so we could talk.

Take me there, please.

I'll do it.

Rest well.

Brother, will you take the suitcase?

Come in.

Only two people live in such a big house?

Yes.

You're lucky.

I'm happy for you.

I was worried about you, so I came to have a look.

Here's the bathroom.

There's the kitchen. The rooms are upstairs.

How long will you be staying?

Would you like me to leave immediately?

Here's your room.

You can put your things here.

And where is your room?

Over there.

It's really close.

Well, have some rest.

Brother!

Will you come to me later?

We could talk.

I need to take care of the dinner.

- See you. - Bye.

- Good morning. - Morning.

- Good morning. - Morning.

Hi.

Would you like to have coffee with us?

With pleasure.

Bob!

Morning.

- Morning. - Morning.

Hi.

And where's my brother?

He's gone to the bank.

Already?

Alright then, we can go another time.

I can show you the town.

Is everything alright?

It tastes a bit weird.

I'm sorry.

I'll have some more.

Tomoko-San, what have you seen in town?

I was in Matsushita.

And I saw many lanterns near the big temple.

It's the Tochoji temple.

It's so funny.

The fence there is so old.

And there must have been something interesting there because there were so many people.

I felt hot, so I drank some beer.

You drank beer in the daytime?

Why not? Beer is like water.

Like water?

Oh I'm sorry.

I used to work...

in a pub.

Noriko, have you ever been in a pub?

No, never.

It's not exactly an upper-class place though.

No one cares about it, Tomoko. Stop talking about this nonsense.

Really?

No.

Carry on.

Working in a pub is tough.

You walk about 10 km a day.

Your legs and your butt get sore.

And there's a lingering smell of beer.

If one spends a year there...

they become a drunkard.

Who told you that?

I saw it myself.

Living in the lap of luxury...

people become really weird.

You're saying funny things.

Do you like bunraku?

Is that the puppet theater?

There are performances in Yamaguchi next week.

We can get you a ticket too if you like.

Great! I'd love to see it.

Tomoko, how long will you be staying?

I'd like to see the performance.

It took you so long to get here.

You should rest and have fun.

I'm having a meeting there.

I'll go and buy tickets now.

Why don't we invite Minegishi-San too?

What do you say now?

Where should I put this?

- Downstairs. - Alright.

It's heavy. We should call someone from the house.

It's fine. But I didn't expect this from Toshiyuki-San.

Are all these books on Economics?

- Will you manage? - I will.

I'm sorry!

I'll pick it up.

Where should I put it?

What happened?

Is everything alright?

Yes. It's nothing.

You're so pale.

I'm a bit dizzy.

- I'll take it myself. - Thank you.

Keiko!

You're still not ready. You're not coming?

I feel a bit sick.

That's not good. We invited Minegishi-San.

It's not my fault.

What is it?

You don't want to talk to Minegishi-San?

Don't exaggerate.

I just don't want to go.

I see.

Then you can stay.

I'm sorry. Keiko is unwell.

Unfortunately, she can't come.

I see. Well, shall we go?

- Yes. - After you.

Come in.

Are you sick?

I just wanted them to leave me alone.

I have to write an important essay today.

I'd like to see the performance of course, but studies are more important.

You write very well, Bob.

You should have gone.

Minegishi-San will be lonely.

It's more important to read these letters.

That's true.

When Noriko-San read them, she was so scared.

Is this the book?

Yes, this is the one...

But there are no letters here.

She must have hidden them somewhere else.

The book was opened on this page.

The letters must have been here.

Yes.

What kind of book is it?

"Treating Poisonings". It's on toxicology.

Toxicology?

It references arsenic here.

Arsenic?

Symptoms.

Treatments.

Antidotes.

What a terrible book...

- Keiko-San! - Have you found them?

This is my brother-in-law's handwriting.

There's no address. It's not clear who these letters are for...

"Sister, I've been very busy, so I couldn't write."

"My wife got sick today."

"It doesn't seem to be serious, but it's unclear what it is."

"Doctors can't identify the disease."

"I'll write later. Toshiyuki. August 11."

But it's not August 11 yet.

So the letter was written in advance.

Keiko-San!

If you take small doses of arsenic, doctors can't say what the problem is.

This is weird...

It must have been written after reading the book.

Yes.

"I didn't want to scare you..."

"but now I have to tell you everything."

"My wife's illness is serious."

"I'm doing everything I can to help her. Toshiyuki."

"August 20."

"Sister, my wife has passed away."

"Her heart stopped beating today."

"She was more important than anything for me."

"And now she's gone."

"That's all I can tell you."

"Come as soon as you can. Toshiyuki."

"September 1."

"My wife has passed away."

What does it mean?

He's going to poison my sister?

That doesn't make any sense.

Of course.

But what are all these letters for?

It must be someone's joke.

Right. They thought we wouldn't find out about these letters.

In any case, we mustn't show that we've seen them.

- We have to put them back. - Yes.

- I've brought them. - Thank you.

What are you doing? Don't touch my things!

Sorry.

So pretty. Where did you buy all this?

In Paris.

You shouldn't have bought in Paris.

Don't you know that there are lots of clothes shops around here?

You could have gone to Yamaguchi instead.

I don't like it!

Noriko-San, here you are.

Thank you.

We've got some food from the house.

Put it in the center of the table.

OK.

What about this?

Bob, you're here too?

Yes. I'm helping Noriko-San today.

- He's very handy. - He is.

We can finish it upstairs.

Alright.

Bob, will you put some music on?

OK.

Brother!

- Done? - Yes.

- The dinner is ready. - It's about time.

I'm so hungry. I didn't eat the whole time in Yamaguchi.

Look at the dress I bought.

- Good afternoon. - Nice to see you.

- The food looks delicious. - You wife cooked it.

Not true. A lot was brought from the house.

Tomoko-San!

Is there only old stuff here?

Don't you have anything new? Rock, maybe?

Do you like that kind of music?

Come to the table.

- I want to have a drink. - Of course.

- Would you like some wine? - No.

Some beer?

I'll have some wine.

I'll bring it.

And where are wine glasses?

Will these do?

Here you go.

- And for you. - Thank you.

Well, cheers.

Cheers!

Cheers!

- Would you like some? - Thank you.

What is it?

Noriko!

Noriko! Are you alright?

Open it.

- Sister... - Noriko!

Are you sick?

Open it.

- What could it be? - Hey!

Are you alright?

What happened?

I just felt sick.

- Darling! - Yes?

Excuse me. I'll go to my room now.

Of course.

Everything will be alright.

It's August 11.

Like in the letter.

It's disturbing.

Someone here did it.

My brother-in-law opened the wine.

But we all drank wine.

I took the glass.

Here it is.

This is Noriko-san's glass.

We'll find out if there was poison here.

That's right.

I have a friend in the epidemiological center.

Good luck.

See you.

Come in.

The lady...

- What is it? - She wants to see you.

You scared me.

Maybe you should stay at home? Are you alright?

I'm fine.

I just felt unwell last night for some reason.

I need to go see the doctor.

Will you take me?

Yes.

Sister!

Yes?

All this is very suspicious.

"All this"?

I read the letters.

I'm sorry.

When you were away, I found them in the box.

And now I'm very worried about you.

At first...

I was very surprised.

But then I realized it was nonsense.

But those letters say that...

Apparently, this is all...

someone's joke.

And we swallowed it.

And now they're laughing at us.

Don't tell anyone about it.

Or you'll be in trouble.

But why are you searching the rooms?

Maybe you're the criminal.

I'm kidding.

Why are you looking at me so seriously?

Go start the car.

Yes...

- Thank you. - Not at all.

Go home. I'll come back on my own.

Are you sure?

A good friends of ours works here in the laboratory.

But why didn't she go to Ushiyama-sensei?

I don't know.

Where now?

- To the epidemiological center. - OK.

YAMAGUCHI EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CENTER

Is it ready? Have you found anything?

Nothing suspicious.

And no traces of arsenic.

What is all this fuss about?

False alarm?

Yes...

But it's good that we were wrong, isn't it?

That's true.

Japanese people talk about "being concerned just in case".

Is it something like "better safe than sorry"?

These strange Americans!

No need to worry.

Symptoms resemble a common cold.

Take this and go to bed.

The doctor gave me a medicine.

To sleep better.

It will do you good.

Is this a teacup?

Yes.

Can I take a picture?

Go ahead.

- Can I hold it? - Sure.

Wow!

- It's heavy. - It is.

PAWN SHOP

Welcome back.

My brother isn't back yet?

No.

He always comes back so late.

He's preparing for an inspection.

I have some doubts.

You need to be watchful.

Shall we have dinner?

I'll have some more beer.

The woman is sitting here bored...

while the man is doing his own thing.

And no one cares.

It's no fun drinking here. I'll go to my room.

Please... this is for Tomoko.

Alright...

He wants me to lend him some money.

What?

I'm not joking.

A man from the Karasawa family wants to borrow money.

- Please... - Alright, go.

- Go home. - Are you alright?

I'll take him.

Toshiyuki-San, get up.

- Let me go. - Come on.

Let's go home.

That woman is a bitch. I'll kill her!

Take his shoes off.

Darling, what happened?

Reiko called and asked to take him home.

Are you alright? Want some water?

Leave me alone!

Go to your room.

Do you need help?

What's all this fuss? Leave me alone.

Thank you, Keiko.

Will you manage on your own?

Alright, good night.

Keiko!

Don't tell parents please.

I'm really worried.

Why did he ask Reiko for money?

Also, I saw him...

near the pawn shop.

Are you sure?

I'm sure.

I thought everyone would get worried...

so I didn't tell anyone.

Someone must be threatening him.

Please, I need 500 thousand.

If you have this money, give it to me.

500 thousand?

What for?

I need it very much.

Don't ask any questions, just give me the money.

Darling...

Please.

I'm begging you!

It's impossible.

Why?

I can't just give you 500 thousand like that...

I've been very worried about you lately.

There are rumors circulating in the bank.

Do you remember what my father told me?

So that's true?

That's the way you are...

What's going on?

My brother is drunk and up to no good.

The two of you are too different.

You've been raised differently. It's no use.

Think about it. It's better for you to get divorced.

He lives in such a luxurious house...

but he can't get 500 thousand.

You must be the one to tell him to leave.

QUICK LOANS

I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT MY WIFE'S ILLNESS IS VERY SERIOUS

I'M DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO HELP HER

Morning.

Hello.

Coffee?

Yes, please.

Here you are.

Thank you.

- Here you go... - Thank you.

Having a late breakfast?

But it's Sunday.

Thank you.

Morning.

Morning.

No milk, please.

Good morning.

Morning.

Sister, today after dinner, I'm meeting Minegishi-San...

and we're going to rent a boat.

A sail boat or a motor boat.

We're going to have dinner in the hotel on the coast.

Would you like to come?

But he invited only you, didn't he?

We can rent two boats.

Bob, are you coming?

I can't.

I need to work on my essay.

It would be nice though...

The coffee is cold.

Sorry. I'll change it.

I'd go with you.

Will you take me?

You're only going to bother them.

I'm bothering everyone here too.

- Noriko, what is it? - Sister!

- What happened? - Are you alright?

How are you feeling?

What is it?

Noriko!

What is it?

- Don't come in! - Hey!

Sister!

- Sister! - Hey, Noriko!

Open up!

Let me try it.

Noriko-San!

Are you alright?

Take her upstairs.

- Hold her legs. - How are you feeling?

- I'll call the doctor. - Noriko!

Noriko! Wake up!

Leave me alone.

Go away!

- Noriko, it's me! - Go away.

I want to be left alone!

Lady!

What's wrong?

She's hysterical. We'd better leave her alone...

What happened?

Noriko!

Is anything wrong?

She calmed down.

I gave her an injection of tranquilizers.

Tomorrow she'll be fine.

You should rest too. There's nothing to worry about.

But why?

Can we step out for a minute?

Noriko took poison.

- Do you know why? - No.

Why did Noriko drink it?

I'm not sure...

if it was by mistake or on purpose...

What do you mean?

You know something!

Noriko had a bottle of magnesia...

in her bathroom.

It's an antidote for arsenic.

So she was afraid of being poisoned with arsenic?

I don't think there are substances like that in the house.

Of course not.

I have to report this to the police...

No way!

Minegishi-kun!

What?

Before reporting to the police, you have to find out the details.

But...

Where was the poison?

Who gave it to Noriko?

It's better if you investigate it yourself.

I know how to investigate it...

but it looks like a real crime...

There can't be any crimes in my house.

We'll do as I said.

Keiko-San, where were you?

I was standing next to this column.

And you, Toshiyuki-San?

I was over there.

And you?

Here.

And Noriko-San over there?

Yes.

In the coffee that Noriko-San was drinking...

a small amount of arsenic was found.

Nothing was found in the other cups.

There are only Noriko-san's fingerprints on the cup.

However, since it was a solution of arsenic...

anyone who was near the table in the morning...

could have poured it into the cup.

Tomorrow I'm going to ask Noriko-San some questions.

Enter.

Good morning.

Good morning.

How are you feeling today?

I'm fine.

Could you excuse us?

But I can talk in front of everyone.

Please.

I had the arsenic.

What for?

When I went to Hiroshima University...

a Thai medical student gave it to me.

I told him that I wanted to get rid of vermin in my garden.

That's it.

And where is this student now...?

Back in Thailand.

I put it on the shelf and forgot about it. And yesterday I found it.

I didn't need it anymore, so I threw it away.

Some of it must have stayed on my hands.

It doesn't look like it.

I was in a hurry in the morning, and I must have forgotten to wash them.

And where's the bottle now?

I threw it in the garbage...

It was careless of me.

I'm sorry.

It was so reckless of her. We apologize.

Not at all...

We're very sorry.

Good bye.

Can I talk to you for a minute?

Do you know anything about what's going on with your sister?

No.

I see...

I don't fully believe what Noriko-San is saying.

But if you say...

You have to keep an eye on your sister.

I will...

Sister, did you tell the truth?

The truth?

Is anything bothering you?

What do you mean?

Do you know where I got this?

From the pawn shop.

Your husband pawned it.

I know.

He needed money urgently, and I gave him the ring.

Bob, show her.

Did you know about this?

This is between him and me.

And stop pretending to be detectives.

Sorry, but...

Bob and I were doing this because we're worried about you.

I understand.

My husband is a shy man.

He's afraid of consulting with me, and that's where all the problems come from.

After he comes home today, I'm going to talk with him.

Don't tell anyone about any of this.

Please.

I think my sister is lying.

I think so too.

That's why we have to carry on with our investigation...

- I'm home. - Welcome back.

It's so hot outside.

Is your sister feeling better?

Yes.

Great.

NAGATO BANK

Fujimura-kun is here.

OK.

You wanted to see me?

You know very well what I want to talk about.

How have you been getting on with your work lately?

You do understand...

You're now a part of the Karasawa family.

You should be ashamed of yourself!

Do you have anything to say?

If so, go ahead.

For his birthday?

It has to be done.

Are you serious?

We should arrange a great party.

He needs to get more self-confident.

Father...

Father is very worried about you.

Thanks.

Sorry we gave you reasons to worry.

I'll invite my friends-musicians.

Thanks.

When is your husband's birthday?

Soon. September 1.

I'll tell him.

September 1 is the date of the third letter.

Why didn't you tell Noriko-San about it?

Sister thinks it's someone's joke.

I'm very concerned about it.

SISTER, MY WIFE HAS PASSED AWAY

TODAY HER HEART STOPPED BEATING. SHE WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN MY LIFE

Happy birthday!

Let's have a drink.

I want one.

- To you! - Cheers.

This is a good occasion to get drunk.

Am I right?

Brother!

There's nothing left. Bring some more.

- It's hot in here. - Thanks.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

Brother!

- For us too. - Of course.

- One more glass. - That's enough for you.

- I'll drink as much as I want. - Enough!

I said that I want more. What's wrong with you?

Give this to me.

- But it's... - Cheers.

Cheers.

Noriko!

- Noriko! - Sister!

Sensei, quick!

- Water! - Right away.

- Quick. - Some water!

Hurry.

Put her face down. We must induce vomit.

Bring that bottle from the bathroom.

- With the white powder. - Magnesia? OK.

- Noriko. - Noriko!

- Everything will be alright. - Noriko!

Here's water.

- Lift her. - Alright.

Hold on, Noriko!

Noriko!

How are you feeling?

She drank only a little bit, it's nothing serious.

I got it.

Here.

Let's carry her upstairs.

She's dead!

Tomoko!

I'm calling the police.

Everyone stay where you are until the officers arrive.

I was busy at that moment.

I don't remember if anyone entered or left.

It must be a mistake.

There can't be any crimes in this house!

We'll check everything.

It could have been a heart attack.

- Boss! - Coming.

Excuse me.

Karasawa-San!

Traces of arsenic were found in the glass that the victim was drinking from.

A solution of arsenic, to be exact.

Doesn't make sense...

There are fingerprints of three people on the glass.

Apart from the victim, your daughter Noriko-San...

and her husband Fujimura-San touched it.

Excuse me.

I need to question Fujimura-San and your daughter.

Noriko-San can't talk now.

Not till tomorrow morning.

Do what you have to do.

Alright.

Go ahead.

Let's go to your room upstairs.

Fujimura-San, did you mix whiskey and water?

Have a seat.

Yes.

Did anyone help you?

No...

So you put the glasses on a tray and brought them yourself.

Did anyone touch them?

Mr. Robert says the same thing.

So...

your sister...

drank from your wife's glass and dropped dead.

When your wife took whiskey from your tray...

how many glasses were there?

Four... maybe five.

So your wife's glass...

was the closest one to her...

and that's why she took it.

Witnesses say that too.

But I...

Are you suspecting me?

It's our job to suspect everyone.

I didn't do it!

You're wrong... it wasn't me!

I don't understand anything myself.

I don't understand...

why it happened.

No!

I took the glass myself.

My husband didn't force me to take it.

Noriko-San!

Last time you claimed that you took poison by mistake.

This fact makes me doubt your words.

Why?

You suspected...

your husband, didn't you?

Suspected...?

You think my husband is guilty of this crime?

It's...

It's impossible!

But at the moment we don't have any other suspects.

Given the circumstances, we have to arrest him.

Arrest?

Why?

You don't have any evidence!

Your husband was the one who mixed and brought drinks.

No one else touched the glasses.

Is that evidence?

And that's enough to arrest him?

But, sister...

there's also no evidence that it wasn't Fujimura-San.

He was the only one who could have put arsenic in the glass.

Keiko...!

Did you tell the police about the letters?

You're the one who wants to accuse him of this crime.

That's what it's about!

If it wasn't for those letters, the police would have never suspected him!

Noriko!

What letters are you talking about?

Noriko-San?

Or should I ask Keiko-San about it?

Noriko!

I'm sorry.

I should have told about them earlier.

It's my fault.

Come with us.

We're taking your husband to the precinct.

Darling...

Forgive me.

It's all my fault.

Let's go.

Darling!

- He's not a criminal! - Noriko!

- Don't go! - Calm down.

- You mustn't worry. - Noriko!

- Don't go! - Don't worry.

- Calm down. - Mum, no...

You need to rest. Calm down.

Think about your health.

Sensei!

Noriko is...

Now we can say for sure...

Noriko-San is in fact...

pregnant.

Is she?

Yes.

It's his child...

That's not good.

Giving birth to a child in such circumstances...

But it's not going to happen right now.

She's only on her fifth month.

Do something.

Impossible.

It's murder.

NAGATO BANK EMPLOYEE ACCUSED OF MURDER

ARSENIC FOUND IN WHISKY GLASS

DIRECTOR KARASAWA'S DAUGHTER'S HUSBAND ARRESTED

It's in your best interests. So speak!

We have all the evidence!

Did you write those letters in advance?

Why did you do it?

Are you going to just keep quiet?

It's not going to help you!

Cut him some slack.

Fujimura-kun!

Do you know that your wife is pregnant?

Is that true?

She's on the fifth month.

She didn't tell you...

because she didn't know herself.

Besides, she didn't trust you.

She thought that if there was a child...

everything would go back to normal!

CASE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION

I'll take these.

- 150 yen. - OK.

MIHOKO OKAWA = Correspondent =

Are you Toshiyuki Fujimura's friend?

I am.

So what do you want?

I was in university with him.

I know him very well.

Fujimura-San isn't capable of murder.

This must be a mistake.

I'm absolutely convinced that Fujimura-San is innocent!

Simply because you know him?

Yes.

It's impossible for a person's character...

to change so much in a few years.

Everything changes.

Especially, when it's about money.

Still, you believed Fujimura-San...

and let your daughter marry him.

You probably knew Fujimura-San very well.

That's why I want people to hear from you that he's not a criminal.

I won't talk to journalists.

But if you don't say anything...

newspapers will make something up.

And that might hurt your family.

You might write one thing and others will write another.

I won't do it.

Hold on!

I want to know the truth.

Do you really believe that Fujimura-San is guilty?

Answer this at least.

It doesn't matter.

Sorry I kept you waiting.

- Keiko! - Yes?

Leave us, I need to talk to Minegishi-kun.

Alright.

Minegishi-kun.

A criminal can't be a member of this family.

I hope that you'll soon become a part of our family.

The reputation of the Karasawa family will be tainted, and so will yours.

What are you trying to say?

Are you going to give up marrying Keiko?

No.

Then you have to understand me.

If you want me to drop the case...

as if nothing happened...

then I can't do it.

I have to follow this through.

Then, you have to distance yourself from this case.

Don't you think so?

Even if you tell me to do it...

I won't.

Excuse me.

May I?

Come in.

Am I disturbing?

No.

I wanted something from you.

What is it?

A piece of advice.

That's not a good idea.

My grandmother used to tell me.

Everyone should live the way they think is right.

So any kind of advice is useless.

It's cruel...

Keiko-San.

What?

I've been thinking.

I had this idea...

it's very curious.

What is?

I've been thinking about those letters.

What about them?

All of them were written in advance...

in August and September.

It's too long ago.

Those letters...

have nothing to do with the events of this year.

So they refer to past events?

Exactly.

That's why I have to go to Hokkaido urgently.

I'll go with you.

No... I...

Let's go.

We have to find out everything about Fujimura's life on Hokkaido.

KUSHIRO CITY

KUSHIRO FISHING COMPANY

Yes, a bit more than two years.

Here, in the third room.

With a woman.

- With a woman? - Yes.

They lived together. She must have been his wife.

Is this him?

Yes, it's him!

But he didn't use to dress so well...

At first, he worked in the bar near the station.

This girl arrived from the new territories.

That place is empty now. Everyone left.

And all the old people died.

She worked well.

She said she wanted to earn some money to go to Tokyo.

But soon she found herself a man.

Actually, her mother...

works at the seaweed factory.

You can go there and talk to her.

I told Tomoko...

to break up with that man from Tokyo.

I don't know why he came to Kushiro.

He must have been running away from a relationship.

He was lonely.

So he started looking for a woman.

Where are you going to go in this hour?

Let's make love.

Let's do it.

Why don't you want to have sex with me?

Stop it. Your mum is going to hear us.

So what? It's fine!

Let her see how much we love each other.

We can do it with her watching too!

You don't want to make love in front of mum?

Stop it!

Do you want to escape from me?

Leave me and run away?

No way.

I'm not going to let that woman from Hagi have you!

Wherever you go...

you won't escape me.

We'll always be together!

Always.

Please, don't leave. Where are you going?

Leave me alone!

Don't go!

No...

So...

she died?

She was troubled.

Fujimura-San...

was a good, kind man.

I don't know what he had on his mind...

or what he really wanted.

But there was a hole in his soul.

So...

he suddenly broke up with Tomoko and left.

Then I told her...

not to go looking for him.

But she did anyway.

Tomoko...

was crazy about Fujimura.

I told her to forget him, but he wouldn't listen.

I don't need this money.

It's not enough?

You thought this money would help you get rid of me?

Did you really think that?

Bitch! You lied to me!

You're a fool.

We're not like those people.

You'll never be happy with her.

If it wasn't for you...

I'd be completely happy with her!

I'll kill you!

You want to kill me again?

You already tried to kill me on Hokkaido...

You can't kill anyone.

That's why you didn't do it.

You can't escape from me!

Tomoko!

Please, leave me alone.

Tomoko!

Shit...

I'll kill you!

I won't leave you...

I'll kill you, bitch...

Go ahead! Kill me!

You love that woman.

I understand now.

And you hate me, I know that.

I have nothing left to live for.

So kill me!

Kill me now!

I'm sorry I didn't write you.

Okawa-San studied in university with you.

And she came to me asking for information about that incident.

She wanted to meet you.

I work in the news now.

When I learnt about what happened from the papers...

I couldn't believe it, so I took time off and came here.

Well...

now we've met.

I don't believe what the newspapers say.

I can't imagine you being a murderer.

You denied having anything to do with the crime after you were arrested.

Why are you refusing to explain anything?

What are you hiding?

Nothing...

Even if I tell everything, no one will believe me.

I will.

No.

You won't be able to do anything either.

Why not?

Do you want to be convicted of this murder?

Thank you...

for visiting me.

Tomoko-San was born and grew up here.

The wife those letters talk about is Tomoko-San.

Exactly.

Toshiyuki-San was going to murder Tomoko-San.

He wrote those letters to his real sister in order to ensure his alibi.

That's right.

So there must be the real sister somewhere.

I think so.

The murder that was planned on Hokkaido Fujimura-San committed in Hagi.

Noriko didn't know that, so she got it all wrong...

Poor thing...

I think something else happened.

Darling!

The baby was born prematurely...

And how's Noriko?

I don't want Fujimura's baby...

Noriko.

It's Fujimura's baby...

And my baby...

My baby...

During that party...

you were watching Tomoko-San closely, and I was watching Toshiyuki-San.

Yes.

I kept a good eye on him.

I'm sure that Toshiyuki-San couldn't put arsenic in the glass.

And Noriko-San chose that glass herself.

And then Tomoko-San took the glass from her and drank it.

Even if...

Toshiyuki-San had wanted to murder Tomoko-San all along...

was it all accidental?

No.

So who put arsenic in the glass?

There's only one person...

who could put arsenic in the glass that night...

and then make Tomoko-San drink it.

No.

It's can't be true.

Noriko.

- Call him. - Noriko!

Call him... quick...

Hurry...

Darling...

Darling, forgive me...

Darling...

Noriko...

I'm so sorry...

Noriko!

Since I'm here...

make love to me.

Stop talking nonsense.

Please, give me love as a farewell gift.

If you refuse...

I'll call your wife.

- Calm down. - Noriko!

Noriko...

No... stay away!

- Noriko! - Don't!

Noriko! Take it easy!

Hold on... don't leave...

Forgive me, darling...

Forgive me!

Darling...

Don't do it!

Please, don't!

I'll kill you...

I'll kill you!

I'll kill you!

Stop it!

Brother, I didn't do anything to hurt you!

- Oh. - Sorry.

Give it to me!

But it's...

To you!

Cheers!

It's not true.

It's not true!

Don't you dare say that!

My sister couldn't have done it.

She didn't do it...

I let my imagination take over.

I didn't see what actually happened.

To use these letters...

to murder Tomoko-San and blame Toshiyuki-San for it...

it's a terrible revenge.

But...

I think Noriko-San is capable of doing it.

Noriko-San was confident...

that you'd read the letters.

That's why she put them in that box.

And then when the police and Minegishi-San arrived...

she started telling everyone about them. That's how she tricked everyone.

I think she was acting and her life was at stake then.

I don't want to hear it!

I did everything I could.

She was too weak...

The baby was born prematurely...

but it can be saved.

This doesn't make any sense.

Noriko died.

And the baby survived.

For...

For that man...

Noriko died because of you.

What?

Reiko!

Go away.

Didn't you understand?

Noriko?

The baby survived.

It's a girl.

The funeral is tomorrow.

I filed an application and you got permission to attend.

Thank you...

Last night...

Keiko-San and Bob-kun returned from Hokkaido.

They went to Kushiro.

They met Tomoko-san's mother there.

Now when Noriko-San is dead...

do you want to tell us the truth?

What?

I think you have something to say.

I was the one who wrote the letters.

They were about Tomoko's death.

No... I killed her.

And I killed Noriko...

as well.

I see.

See you tomorrow.

Fujimura! Stop!

Stop the car!

Quick!

Hurry!

Release!

To the right... some more...

Fujimura-kun...

thought carefully about the letters he wrote...

weighed up the facts...

and probably figured out who the murderer was.

That's why he decided to bear the guilt...

and committed suicide.

Fujimura-San...

loved Noriko.

But he knew I wouldn't leave this unfinished.

It's my fault.

She was the one who thought of this solution.

Her?

That journalist who left the car with the engine on?

But why?

Probably...

she's Fujimura's real sister.

Sister...

Sister?

You knew it all along?

No, I understood it only later.

She learned about what happened from the newspapers, and came at once.

And when she saw her brother...

she realized that he wanted to protect Noriko-San and accept the guilt.

That's why today...

she left the car with the engine on...

and helped him escape.

Your job is to establish the truth.

Are you going to make a public announcement?

No.

There's no evidence in this case.

Besides, in these circumstances...

given that he confessed and committed suicide...

a public announcement isn't going to achieve anything.

It can only harm.

I totally agree with you.

It's over.

Only the three of us know the truth.

No.

There's one more person.

Your father.

Why was he trying so hard to prevent the investigation?

It's parents' intuition.

Apparently, he knew who the murderer was.

WE'RE HAVING A REAL ROMAN HOLIDAY HERE

MY HUSBAND IS VERY SWEET. I'M SO HAPPY WE GOT MARRIED

Noriko - Komaki Kurihara

Toshiyuki - Takao Kataoka

Keiko - Ai Kanzaki Bob - Ryo Hikime

Tomoko - Keiko Matsuzaka

Reiko - Mayumi Ogawa

Okawa - Keiko Takeshita

Minegishi - Tsunehiko Watase

Sumie - Nobuko Otowa Mitsumasa - Shin Saburi

Eitaro Ozawa, Masakane Yonekura, Tanie Kitabayashi

Yosuke Takita, Keizo Kanie, Yoshio Inaba Miyoko Nakamura, Toru Takeuchi

Mizuruka Kubo, Yudai Ishiyama, Noriko Masuda, Matsuko Shiga, Hideaki Komori

Directed by Yoshitar� Nomura

THE END