Original subtitles

As of today, I will be taking over as the new CEO of Kodama Productions,

in place of my father, who is now bedridden from illness.

I am Yoko Kodama.

My father built this company from the ground up

and made it into what it is today with help from many talents and employees.

I plan to make this company flourish even more,

and contribute to the innovation of the industry as a whole.

I look forward to your support.

Many of our talents joined because of Mr. Shigeru's charisma.

Doesn't feel like Ms. Yoko can live up to him.

You think we'll lose cohesion?

I just hope the talents won't start leaving us.

I will create a new Kodama Productions with my own strength.

The winner of the Kodama Productions Next Star Audition 2020 is…

Ms. Yuri Hara!

Congratulations!

Come to the center of the stage.

To achieve that, I will create a new star.

Yuri.

I've landed a lead role for you in JBS's Wednesday 9:00 p.m. drama slot.

-What? -Filming starts next month.

The actor they'd hired had to drop out, so they offered you the role instead!

But I'm still--

You'll be fine! This is a very rare opportunity.

It's a premium time slot! And for a series, no less.

You'll be famous overnight!

Okay.

Do your best, okay?

I will.

Isn't it too soon for Yuri?

The filming starts so soon.

JBS practically begged me to.

The conditions aren't ideal, but I secured a main role for their April series too.

But if the ratings don't turn out well, she'll get bashed for certain.

It's too much for her to handle. She needs more experience--

We'll pass up opportunities if we take our time.

Now is the time for Yuri to get her name out.

Don't you even get that?

But she's--

You're no longer in charge of Yuri.

NEW QUEEN OF LOW RATINGS YURI HARA

DISASTROUS PERFORMANCE BY LEAD ACTRESS

How's Yuri doing?

She managed to finish filming, but she seems pretty shaken up.

She might need a break.

What are you saying?

Her next shoot is coming up soon. What about that?

Excuse me.

Hello?

What?

Yuri…

Yuri…

Yuri…

You monster!

You people killed Yuri.

Give me my Yuri back.

Give her back.

Give my Yuri back!

Yuri's parents are threatening to sue the agency.

They're saying she killed herself due to the agency's overzealous approach.

How should we respond?

Call Kondo, the journalist.

A SAD FATHER-DAUGHTER STORY ACTRESS YURI HARA

THE REASON FOR SUICIDE WAS A FINANCIAL DISPUTE WITH HER FATHER

YASUO KONDO, FREELANCE JOURNALIST

It was a shame what happened to Yuri.

But there's nothing we can do about someone's personal troubles.

Is that really so?

I think we share part of the blame for what happened to Yuri.

Are you saying it was my fault?

You can't nurture actors by giving them lead roles that they haven't earned.

I will nurture actors with a different method.

Are you saying you plan to go independent…

and leave us?

Do you really think you can antagonize Kodama Pro and still get by?

Thank you for all you've done for me.

-Kuryu's leaving us? -Yes.

He says he won't renew his contract.

Don't tell me…

Yes.

He's signing with Ioka's agency.

Tell the program directors of all TV stations to deny Kuryu any roles

and that we'll withdraw our talents if they don't comply.

Yes, ma'am.

JOINT COMPANY INFO SESSION

Ma'am, do you have a moment?

Sorry.

-It's about JBS TV's special drama. -Yes?

The actor starring alongside Mr. Aso is going to be Kuryu Fujiwara.

How is that possible?

JBS wouldn't dare do that.

Well…

apparently, the chairman allowed it.

What is the meaning of this?

Meaning of what?

Why did you allow Kuryu to get the role?

Why do you side with Ioka to this extent?

Do you hate me that much?

Don't flaunt your own pettiness!

A US-Japan joint production.

We'll make the announcement after the JBS special drama conference.

So it's finally time.

Let's make sure your American debut goes well.

Which is why…

What is it?

I'm counting on you, okay?

Of course.

I'm very grateful to you.

I'll repay the favor.

Sexually assaulted by Aso?

The other party came to us.

It was your leadership that made Mr. Aso into the face of your agency,

which is precisely why if people found out about this,

you would be forced to take responsibility.

I expect the public will react quite strongly,

especially considering the subject matter.

For next year,

we'll give Buncho exclusive rights to sell calendars featuring our idol talents.

On top of that…

I'm sure you need another scoop in exchange.

An alleged affair by celebrity actor Kuryu Fujiwara.

Should get plenty of attention, no?

KURYU FUJIWARA DRANK AND CHEATED WITH AN UNDERAGE GIRL

This is fine.

Everything's proceeding smoothly.

Or so I had thought.

WILL

Mom.

Riko.

She's asleep.

They said she would survive.

Thank goodness.

How did this happen?

What happened?

Pardon me.

Ms. Hirata?

Oh dear.

Excuse me. Are you an acquaintance?

Not quite.

Here's who I am.

I'm Kondo, a freelance journalist.

I was gathering information from your daughter about a certain case.

What a close call, though.

She almost got away.

They do say dead men tell no tales.

What do you mean?

Wait.

You don't know?

-It's pretty big news-- -Wait.

Let's talk outside.

What are you up to?

Even coming all the way here.

What am I up to? Just gathering information.

You wrote that article, didn't you?

The one saying Riko made up the assault for money and publicity.

Yes.

And I plan to write a follow-up to that one soon.

About how the hostess who claimed sexual assault had a relative,

who happens to work for Weekly Buncho.

What if Weekly Buncho made her lie to get a big story out of it?

Now that's a scoop.

Can I get…

a comment on that?

What are you even thinking?

My sister almost died.

All because of your made-up article.

What gives you the right?

As if you haven't done the same thing as well.

Whether it's made-up or not, it just has to get the public's attention.

Isn't that what our job's all about?

Anyway, I'll scram for today.

I'll come again.

I see. He visited you at the hospital?

He's the freelance journalist who wrote the article on Riko.

You should watch out too.

Thanks for informing me.

Please stay with Ms. Riko for now.

Bye.

Ma'am.

How's Ms. Riko?

Her life's not in danger.

That's good.

But we're back to square one regarding the sexual assault.

We can't expect Ms. Riko's cooperation as she is now.

The criticism against Ms. Riko seems to have dialed down for now.

They're just bored by the lack of new info.

If we pursue Aso for the sexual assault,

they'll attack her again with baseless speculations.

Just like with Yuri.

Ms. Saki.

I'm sorry.

It's about Mr. Fujiwara's online drama.

He's been let go.

One of his co-stars was with Kodama Productions,

and they raised a complaint.

That's just…

I'm sorry.

I tried to negotiate with them to let him stay on, but it didn't work.

I'm so sorry. It's all my fault.

It's not.

I should have supported you properly.

You did more than enough to get things going.

I'm sorry.

Do we let Fujiwara…

I'll tell him myself.

Sorry to call you here all of a sudden.

It's fine.

It's a shame about that online drama.

-Your comeback was so close. -What?

You haven't heard?

You've made the wrong decision.

But I'll give you a chance.

It's not too late for you.

I can guarantee you a comeback and turn you into a star.

I wonder if Ioka could manage the same thing.

EXCLUSIVITY CONTRACT

THE WRITER OF RIKO'S ARTICLE CAME TO THE HOSPITAL.

HE MIGHT BE CONNECTED TO KODAMA PRODUCTIONS.

FREELANCE JOURNALIST, YASUO KONDO

ACTRESS YURI HARA SUICIDE

YASUO KONDO, FREELANCE JOURNALIST

Excuse me, you can't just--

Ioka.

What is this? How rude of you--

It was you. First Yuri and now this.

What are you on about?

Riko Hirata tried to commit suicide. Thankfully, she managed to survive.

Who? I'm afraid I've never heard that name.

Ms. Riko tried to go public about being assaulted by Aso.

But then an article defaming her came out. That was your doing, wasn't it?

Do you have any proof of that?

Yasuo Kondo.

I could never forget.

That's the reporter who wrote an article about Yuri Hara,

after her suicide four year ago.

He made it seem like her suicide

was caused by financial disputes with her father.

You orchestrated that too, didn't you?

If people knew that work-related issues might have caused her suicide,

it would be seen as a management failure and damage the agency's reputation!

Are you done yet?

I don't have time for your speculative nonsense.

Do you not feel anything?

Do you value your agency's reputation that much?

You'd sacrifice lives for it?

You think that's acceptable?

You're the one sacrificing lives!

What?

What did you ever do for Yuri Hara and Kuryu Fujiwara?

You failed to provide a suitable stage for them or to protect them from harm!

On the contrary,

they both lost their future because they were involved with you.

And you dare speak to me of management?

Kuryu learned his lesson the hard way.

I talked to him just now.

With Kuryu?

If he returns to us,

I promised to get him lead roles in at least two TV dramas per year,

as well as four ad contracts.

And earnings upwards of 200 million yen in the first year alone.

You sold him out to a weekly magazine!

-And now you-- -The choice lies with Kuryu.

I'm curious what choice he'll make.

Aren't you?

EXCLUSIVITY CONTRACT

Please leave a message after the beep.

Hey, Kuryu?

I need to talk to you.

Can you call me back?

Ninomiya?

Her condition is stable for now.

She's fine.

I see.

Besides your sister, Aso assaulted others too.

I went and talked to a couple of them.

What?

They saw your sister's post and found the courage to speak out too.

If multiple people give their testimony,

his agency can't just dismiss it all as lies.

But why?

If I hadn't given up on the article…

this wouldn't have happened to her.

I'm really sorry.

Kanade…

you should write the article.

Make sure your sister's actions weren't in vain.

I'll get in touch later.

Riko!

They're all talking about me.

But none of them are listening to what I said.

The truth won't get through to anyone!

I wonder what will happen if I die.

Will they believe me then?

Or will they just insult me more?

Riko!

Trust in me.

I'll make sure…

the truth gets out.

Ms. Saki.

Thanks for coming.

-I'll have what she had. -Yes, sir.

The online drama…

didn't work out.

Is that so?

I'm sorry.

I just…

couldn't accept the old ways where the agency's influence

determined everything.

That's why I created Rafale.

To try to change the industry, at least a little.

But really, what I couldn't accept most of all was myself.

I couldn't protect Yuri.

In the end, I haven't changed a bit since then.

I ruined your future, too.

I'm sorry.

Here you go, sir.

You met Ms. Yoko, right?

Yes.

I heard about the offer she made.

Whatever you decide, I promise to respect your wishes.

I thought about dying.

After that scandal…

I lost my family, my work, everything.

MET AT A BAR AND SPENT THE NIGHT AT A HOTEL

On TV, they were spreading rumors about me.

And on social media, people were telling me to go die.

I was genuinely about to lose it.

Even death seemed better than going through all of that.

It really did.

But…

In that moment…

you visited me, Ms. Saki.

It's because you stayed by my side…

that I was able to pull through.

You're the reason I'm still alive.

I'm only here now because you were there for me.

That's why I have no intention of leaving Rafale.

No matter what.

Kuryu.

If we give up now, nothing will change.

Think of the industry.

Also, I showed the contract from Kodama Productions to Mirei too.

And guess what?

Can you believe this?

What are these terms?

The agency takes a 70% cut?

Absolutely unbelievable.

They're mocking you.

She was pissed.

What?

That their cut was too high.

Even Rafale would be better than this, she said.

Wait, "even" Rafale?

Well, yeah.

I'll keep following your lead, Ms. Saki.

Thank you.

Tomorrow at 10 a.m.,

I'll meet another talent who was assaulted by Aso.

She's willing to testify?

Yes.

She hadn't even told her own agency about it yet,

but Riko's post gave her the motivation.

But she might face intimidation from her agency or Kodama Productions

if she comes forward with her story.

She wants to continue her activities in the industry.

Could you help her out?

Of course. I'll help in any way I can.

We can't let this injustice continue.

Being forced into ignoring unacceptable behavior is just outrageous.

Good evening, sir.

What have you been digging into?

Did you think I hadn't noticed?

I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone.

I'm scared to do it even now.

But when I saw Riko Hirata's post online, I knew I couldn't just stay quiet.

We promise to keep our sources confidential.

Thank you for being brave.

We'll make sure your courage isn't wasted.

I'll be talking to another person tomorrow.

With this many testimonies, they can't talk their way out of it.

Only thing left is how to make it public.

Weekly Buncho would be the best option, considering its reach.

I doubt the editor-in-chief will allow it. It's more likely that he'll cover it up.

Should we go with a different medium?

Hello there.

Sir?

Why are you here?

You were making some strange moves.

I just kept watch.

Sorry for barging in.

Please take my card.

You seriously plan to publish an article on Aso's sexual assaults?

It won't just be Buncho.

You'll be blacklisted by basically all publishers.

I'll live with that.

You want to help your sister at the cost of your career?

How touching.

That's not it.

Her being family is irrelevant.

As a reporter, I feel like this is the right call.

In that case…

put it in Weekly Buncho.

What?

What a fancy office, by the way.

You'll write it no matter what, right?

Then write it for Weekly Buncho.

But why?

You suppressed the article before.

What are you plotting now?

When Ninomiya first came to me,

I thought it was a tough sell with only one person's account.

However, the story's different if you have several people's testimonies.

A big scoop like this has to go to Weekly Buncho.

I plan to mention the connection between Weekly Buncho and Kodama Productions.

And your collusion with Yoko Kodama.

Go right ahead!

It could ruin your career.

You might even be dismissed from your job.

I would expect nothing less.

It's been long enough.

I applied to the early retirement program.

I'll get a hefty severance payment too.

Organizations are best used to your benefit, you know?

I'll be waiting for your draft.

You've got a nice agency.

Excuse me.

Weekly Buncho sent us this.

REQUEST FOR VERIFICATION

HIDETO ASO'S SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS

Yes?

I just received a questionnaire from Weekly Buncho.

This must be a mistake.

It's not a mistake.

What do you mean?

Well, the tides have turned.

Of the times?

You betrayed me?

Betrayed?

Sounds like what a weekly magazine would do.

A friend in need makes for a good scoop indeed.

I expect you understand what will become of your standing after doing this?

Sure.

I gave up on becoming the managing director.

I'm not really the type to lead an entire organization.

Goodbye then.

Tell all the news stations not to cover this.

And stop the article from coming out!

-But-- -Just do it, whatever it takes!

This is the final draft.

HIDETO ASO'S SEXUAL ASSAULT LINK BETWEEN KODAMA PRO & BUNCHO?

Kodama Productions did not respond.

We'll send it to the press then.

We can finally put an end to everything.

Thank you.

Ma'am.

Excuse me.

A visitor for you.

Akashi?

We need to talk.

WEEKLY BUNCHO NOVEMBER 6 ISSUE

Excuse me.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ALLEGEDLY FAKED CREDENTIALS

Looks like it went well.

I would like to thank all of you for coming here today.

Just as we informed the media outlets in advance,

I called you here to discuss the details of an article

which was to be published in today's issue of Weekly Buncho,

and contained allegations of sexual assault by Actor A.

What is this?

Didn't you stop the article?

I saw the questionnaire you sent.

And you came to stop us?

It's pointless.

No. That's not why I'm here.

The article defaming Ms. Riko Hirata, the leak about Fujiwara's scandal,

and the scandal article after Yuri Hara's death.

I arranged all of them as directed by Yoko Kodama.

I am truly…

I am truly sorry for what l did!

I know what Aso did to Ms. Riko…

and to several other women.

I knew…

and turned a blind eye to it all this time.

If it's not too late, I want to provide my testimony.

Please!

Akashi.

Why did you suddenly decide that you want to testify?

I want to stop Kodama Productions and Ms. Yoko herself, with my testimony!

If you're truly willing to provide your account,

it will raise the article's credibility.

Are you really sure?

I'm prepared.

I understand.

I'll start editing at once.

Please wait!

Can we stop the publication?

-What? -Ma'am, what are you saying?

If we keep going, we'll be no different from Kodama Pro and their methods.

I think we should take responsibility for the information we put out there.

If we don't, we can't truly change the current situation.

In the process of our independent investigation,

we obtained several testimonies

from people who were sexually assaulted by Actor A.

Given the similarities in his methods,

we think there's a high likelihood he regularly engages in sexual assault.

As for the particulars of this case,

we shall not share any details as we have handed the case over to the police.

Furthermore, an article was posted online,

defaming a woman who tried to speak out about this case,

accusing her of faking it for settlement money.

The contents of this article are utterly baseless,

and we are considering legal action in response.

Are you talking about the accusation against Hideto Aso that blew up online?

Wasn't that a false accusation?

-Right. -What about it?

As I said earlier,

I will not share any details as to the particulars of the case.

Then why did you hold this press conference?

-Give us an explanation! -Right!

If you're not going to tell us anything, how do we know your claims are true?

-Yes! -Exactly!

Give a proper explanation!

I will now call upon Ms. Ioka, representing Rafale,

and Hirata, a Weekly Buncho reporter,

to explain the purpose of this press conference.

I'm Ioka, CEO of Rafale.

I have been investigating Actor A's sexual assault allegations,

alongside Ms. Hirata, who is a reporter.

But as was mentioned earlier,

I decided that it was best not to share the details of the investigation here.

Nevertheless,

I called upon you today

to ask you to reexamine what gets treated as truth

in news reportings these days.

Weekly magazines, TV, and online news.

Faced with a torrent of information in various media,

how can anyone be sure whether that information is true?

I'll tell you how. It gets reported because that's what the facts say!

-Yes! -Exactly!

I agree that facts are indisputable, but the truth is a different matter.

That's because the truth that the news media portrays

is fabricated by arbitrarily omitting and twisting the facts.

And at times, that fabricated truth…

can take lives.

Ms. Hirata over there is a reporter for Weekly Buncho, right?

What do you make of Ms. Ioka's comments just now?

I share the same sentiment as her.

Are you saying that you've been reporting twisted versions of the truth until now?

Perhaps I have.

It's all too easy to twist the truth to your liking in a magazine article,

while avoiding responsibility by keeping your name and face hidden.

Today, we chose to avoid that by speaking directly to you.

Are you accusing us of spreading fake news?

Let me ask you then. How many of you can swear

that you've only ever written factual information?

Journalism provides a great service to society

by bringing concealed facts to the public's attention,

through magazines or otherwise.

But there's a negative side to it too.

I don't think it's controversial to state that some amount of scandals

are portrayed in a skewed manner due to industry power dynamics.

Those with authority dilute the truth and spread narratives of their liking.

And sometimes,

the news media itself manufactures a truth that's more likely to stir up the public.

People then believe that manufactured truth

and use it as justification to bring harm to others.

Sometimes, even threatening their lives.

Let's stop perpetuating this cycle.

Do you have any proof of such manipulation of information?

For one example, the higher-ups at Weekly Buncho

were in a secret alliance with a major talent agency,

and suppressed an article on the aforementioned sexual assault allegations.

Sir, did you know about this?

In addition to that,

this major talent agency ignored the situation, despite being aware of it,

and even tried to cover it up using its influence.

An inside source confirmed that to us.

Was that you?

Furthermore, as for why this incident happened in the first place,

I am of the opinion that an old-fashioned and flawed management style is to blame.

While Actor A himself obviously deserves punishment for his alleged sexual assault,

the victims of his assault did not simply remain silent.

They were robbed of their voice and forced to live in fear, shame, and solitude.

No matter how esteemed they may be or how many fans they may have,

someone who tramples on another's dignity doesn't deserve to stand on stage.

I refuse to let Actor A get away with what he's done.

However, I believe there's more that needs to be done.

He is a product of the old system that yet exists in the entertainment industry.

The management was lenient on him due to his status, and no one could condemn him.

The women who fell victim to him

were faced with the fear of losing their careers if they stood up against him.

He was allowed to roam free and create even more victims.

This incident could very well be called a man-made tragedy,

caused by the negligence and irresponsibility of the industry.

You used to be a part of Kodama Productions before, didn't you?

Why didn't you speak up back then?

-Right! -Answer that!

It's as you say.

I was once part of Kodama Productions.

I can't deny that I overlooked many issues,

all to stay in line with the agency's customs.

I can't erase my past.

I share part of the responsibility.

That's why I'm sitting here today.

Nothing will change just by wallowing in regret.

There are systemic issues that we need to put an end to.

Favoritism, negligence, success built on sacrificing others.

We can't hand over such customs to the next generation.

I believe that putting an end to these customs

is a duty borne by all of us, but especially myself as a participant.

This is how we take responsibility.

I call for a third-party investigation into the actor involved in this case.

As well as the agency he is affiliated with.

If the agency suffers from systemic issues,

then I believe it should be dissolved entirely.

You don't know a thing.

You don't know a thing!

To hell with your preaching!

Ioka is right!

We have to take responsibility!

Responsibility?

Why do I have to take responsibility?

Ms. Yoko, what's going on with this press conference?

Why haven't you stopped it?

It's your job to--

Who do you think you are?

Whose fault do you think this is?

Ma'am!

The agency's been backed into a corner because of you!

It's your fault!

It's your fault!

Do you even know how hard I've had to work?

All because of you!

-Do you have any idea what you did?! -Ma'am. Please stop.

Calm down!

-Ma'am! -It's all your fault!

Issues with the agency's customs?

Well, I didn't create them.

My father did!

I was trying to change them!

Until this happened!

It's true that you inherited the company from Mr. Shigeru.

But you didn't try to change the agency at its core.

If they pulled in numbers or were popular enough,

you'd overlook any unreasonable behavior.

And if something happened,

you'd hire a reporter and bend the truth to protect the talent's reputation.

But we should have changed our ways.

And if we couldn't, we should have ended it.

That was…

Mr. Shigeru's final wish.

The dissolution of Kodama Productions.

That's what was in the will that you kept hidden.

The chairman knew that the customs of Kodama Pro

had fallen behind the times.

I expect she'll be angry.

Once she finds out.

Why not tell her directly?

Do you really think she'll listen?

She takes after me.

I could only ever teach her the methods I knew myself.

I'm leaving her…

in your care.

Screw that!

How dare he act like that now?

He never did anything fatherly for me.

He clung to the agency until the end…

and died as if he was running away.

And then he does this at the end?!

Why have I…

What have worked for all this time?

Pardon me.

I came to this conference today for the sake of someone dear to me,

and above all, to grant myself an opportunity to move forward.

Even if my voice is small,

I wanted to let it be heard instead of choosing silence.

But now,

I am certain that all the people in this venue and those listening to us elsewhere,

have received our message loud and clear.

I believe that at this very moment, we are standing at a crossroads.

We live in a time of great schism between the old and new values.

But I believe that it is in that very chaos

that true change can manifest.

It takes courage to change.

The act of speaking out is accompanied by pain.

But despite that…

I want to believe.

That we have the power to change.

It is not someone else who will change, but all of us individually.

Speak up.

Have doubts.

Have empathy for the pain of others.

That is what will help bring about change.

The future…

is not to be awaited, but to be created.

I hope that this moment can be the start…

of that change.

Subtitle translation by: Saim Ul Hassan