Original subtitles

She was constantly worried about not producing any breast milk.

She's under the impression

that children will become dumb without mother's milk.

At first I thought of her as a sociable mother,

but then she kept on

pestering me about my child's sleep schedule

and whether or not I was producing milk.

She kept on comparing her child to others, like the waking-up time, sitting posture.

I guess she was impatient

or couldn't accept it.

Because the other children were growing faster.

Apparently she once said it.

"I wish I didn't give birth."

Saka no Tochuu no Ie

Episode 1 Saka no Tochuu no Ie

Translation: HPriest @ d-addicts Twitter: @hpriestsubs

This is mine! Translation: HPriest @ d-addicts Twitter: @hpriestsubs

This is mine!

- This is mine! - Hey!

- Calm down. - You shouldn't do that.

Boys sure must be a handful.

But in 10 years it might be the opposite.

So they say.

Even in junior high, boys are still nothing but idiots, right?

Ah, that's right. We decided on a kindergarten.

Really? Where?

Our neighbors send their kids there as well.

It's really nice.

- This looks nice. - Yeah.

- I'm not going home! - Moe too!

You promised to go home by three.

- I don't want to! - Moe too!

No shouting!

We'll stop by the supermarket. What do you want for dinner?

- Oudon. - Oudon?

Let's go buy that then.

Come on, let's go.

~ Hello, hello, Tortoise, Mr. Tortoise

~ There's no one in the world like you

~ No one walks as slow as you

~ Why are you so slow?

- I'm glad it didn't rain. - Me too.

Okay, let's go.

After this it's time for your nap.

( Kanagawa District Court )

- I'm back. - Welcome home.

Papa!

Hey sweetie, I missed you.

You're as pretty as ever.

Say...

Do you remember the letter I got from the court last fall?

Ah, the one about you being a lay judge?

Yeah, I got another one.

It says I was picked as a possible lay judge.

Wow, that's what they look like? I've never seen such a letter before.

Yeah, but since I got Ayaka

I called them to decline,

but they said a child is no reason to decline.

But you're still only a candidate, right?

Yeah, six people will be picked from a drawing.

They summoned close to 50 or 60 people.

Wow, there's nothing to worry then.

Maybe I'll have another one.

Wait, I'd rather have some rice.

But what if I actually get picked? Attending a trial...

We can discuss it when the time comes. No need to worry about it now.

Although I doubt you'll get picked.

You've never won a lottery or anything.

Right?

Ah, that's right.

I heard about a nice kindergarten today.

Didn't we already pick a kindergarten?

Yes, but I told you about their low acceptance rate,

so we need to think about a possible alternative.

Ah, you did.

She'd rather not see anyone today either.

I see...

Please take care of my wife.

The subject of today's trial

is a murder case from August 7th, 2017.

The name of the accused is Ando Mizuho. She was unemployed at the time.

The name of the victim is Ando Rin. She was eight months old at the time.

The first-born daughter of the accused.

I'm now calling the numbers of the lay judges that were picked.

Number 11.

Number 13.

Number 16.

Number 18.

Number 23.

Number 26.

Those six people will serve as the lay judges.

Next, the two supplementary lay judges.

A supplementary lay judge still has to attend the trial

and fill in as a lay judge in case of a vacancy.

I'm now calling the numbers.

Number 6.

Number 10.

The people whose number got picked are now being lead to a different room.

I hereby pledge to perform my professional duties

in a fair and sincere manner and in accordance with the law.

You can find the schedule for the trial starting tomorrow in documents in front of you.

Do you have any questions?

Say, it's that case, isn't it?

The baby that got killed because it didn't meet her expectations.

It's got to be that one, right?

With the show-off of a mother who had nothing but designer clothes.

I saw it on TV.

We're dealing with such a famous case?

That's a nasty one, isn't it?

But the circumstances are still unclear, right?

That's correct.

We're asking you to judge

without any prejudice and with the information gathered inside the courtroom only.

Sit down there.

All rise.

The court is now in session.

May the accused please come to the front.

Thirdly, her motive.

First Public Hearing Thirdly, her motive.

With the child raising not going well First Public Hearing

With the child raising not going well

such as not producing mother's milk and the baby constantly crying,

the accused began to nourish hatred towards her first-born daughter.

Finally, her hatred reached the point

where she felt like she'd be better off without her

and became intent on murdering her.

After repeatedly abusing her daughter,

she murdered her

by dropping her into a bathtub filled with hot water.

Also, it's been concluded that there was no problem with the state of mind of the accused

and that she had a clear intent to murder her daughter at the time.

Mizuho-san had no intention of murdering Rin-chan.

It also was clearly an act of diminished capacity.

Without getting any help from her husband,

she was reaching the point of a mental breakdown.

This is the exact opposite.

At the time of the incident

she wanted to give Rin-chan a bath, but Rin-chan wouldn't stop crying,

and afraid of getting scolded by her husband again,

she panicked.

The next thing she can remember is her being violently shaken by her husband

and being shouted at for killing their child.

Even if you were to conclude she was intent to kill her daughter,

I'm asking you to take her extremely limited accountability at the time into consideration

when deciding on a sentence.

Secondly, about the act itself.

Mizuho-san has no intention of denying what she has done to Rin-chan

and admits the charges against her.

When you're raising a child, I think it's normal

for a mother to have moments where she hates her child.

But in her case

I feel like she wasn't fit to become a mother in the first place.

Aachan, what's wrong?

Your mama is here for you, look.

- No! - Ayaka, I'm sorry for being late.

- Let's go home. - No! I don't want to!

Don't be selfish, come on.

No!

Her arms are gonna come off if you pull her like that.

Look, you could just let her stay the night here.

We don't mind.

Hey, don't just decide that for yourself.

Why not?

All you do is play shogi by yourself anyway.

When I talk to you all I get is "ahh" or "uh-huh."

It would be much more lively and fun with you here.

But I think she's going to cry again later.

She's still in her "no" phase and won't listen at all.

Aachan is a good girl.

When we went shopping today

and I told her, "Mama doesn't want you to eat chocolate,"

she immediately complied.

We picked another candy.

It was only a small additive-free cookie.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Right, Aachan?

Hello?

I'm sorry about that, Risako-san.

Aachan, she's...

Where is my mama!?

Look, she's crying! I told you.

She won't listen at all, no matter what I tell her.

I'll come and pick her up right away. I'm sorry for the trouble.

Mama, please, carry me!

We have to hurry, your papa will be home soon.

Carry me!

- I'm back. - Welcome home.

I'm sorry, but I only had time to buy an oven-ready meal.

Sure, I don't mind. Can you get me a beer?

Sure, my bad.

You know, today's trial.

It's about a mother who killed her own child.

It was still a baby, a mere eight months old.

Her own child! She abused it and dropped it into the bathtub.

Maybe that woman wasn't meant to be a mother.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't bother you with such a story.

No, it's fine.

I don't really have any major troubles, so maybe I can't understand.

I'm producing enough breast milk.

Ayaka isn't that much of a handful either.

- I'm gonna start eating already. - Ah sorry, it's already that late.

You can take it easy with dinner during the trial.

I don't mind oven-ready meals and I can eat out as well.

Okay...

Don't work too hard.

Take your time readjusting to society.

You're always saying that.

"Don't work too hard."

Thanks.

Where's that coming from?

Maybe I'll get back to work once Ayaka is in kindergarten.

We're going to need money for her upbringing.

Special Report: Abusing her own child to death Shining a light on the true character of Ando Mizuho

We only have a few fragments

to paint the full picture, but...

We heard from people who know her

that she properly greeted them in the morning and during the day

and she also was often seen with her child at the nearby park,

making her seem like a normal housewife.

Even all of her friends who met her since she gave birth

said that they didn't get the image

of her having trouble raising her child at all.

While there are mainly good impressions,

she isn't without shadows.

There are people who have a darker impression of her, too.

People have various facets.

What kind of person are we dealing with here?

This Ando Mizuho

always had a strong desire to stand out.

She probably must have seen her child as a tool to compete with her surroundings.

Second Public Hearing

Picture three and four Second Public Hearing

show the crib of the victim. Second Public Hearing

show the crib of the victim.

The ground plan is for the ground floor.

The arrows indicate from where the pictures were taken.

Next.

Picture five and six

show the bathtub in the bathroom following the incident.

The arrows in the ground plan indicate from where the pictures were taken.

The bathroom has a rectangle bathtub with a depth of 50 cm.

Said bathtub was filled with hot water.

There's a huge difference between the image people have of her

and Ando Mizuho's actual character. That alone is very scary.

According to the police

her daughter didn't grow up as she expected and so she hit her, pinched her,

and even pressed a pillow on her face.

That's difficult to imagine, isn't it?

Ando Mizuho also testified

that she only has a vague memory of the moment she killed her daughter.

Will that make a big difference when it comes to her sentence?

When the husband discovered what happened,

he found the bathtub overflowing with hot water and the tap still running.

The cruelty of the murder, whether or not she had the intent to kill...

Apparently the child was still breathing when the husband found them,

but did she actually do anything to save her?

Also, her mails and blog posts.

Everything is going to affect the sentence.

Their house is on a slope.

The child had been crying the whole way up.

It's in the nature of children to cry, but at some point you got to scold them.

Yes.

I should be done here by six.

See you then. Okay.

This is much more of a nuisance than I prefer.

I had to ask my mother-in-law to take care of our daughter.

I'm not surprised.

We should be allowed to exchange names, right?

I'm Haga Mutsumi.

I'm Yamazaki Risako. It's a pleasure.

This trial must be tough when you have a small child yourself.

A little bit...

What about you?

We don't have children.

Being immature and occupied by my job, it's never been on my radar.

How careless of me, huh?

Excuse me, but could you please come back inside?

- Yes. - Yes.

The accused

testified that she felt cornered.

Being her husband, did you ever notice anything of that sort?

I think I wasn't supporting her enough.

I knew that my wife was tired,

but given that it's only been a few months since delivery,

I was told by a friend that this is normal.

So I had my mother come and help out for the time being.

What did you tell your mother?

"Mizuho isn't herself, I need you to help us."

It only was for a month since my wife wasn't too fond of it.

And why is that?

Because she doesn't like being told off by my mother

and also believes that our daughter is growing slower

compared to other children.

What made her think that way?

One time, she...

She was told by a public health nurse about things

other children can but our daughter can't do yet.

Did the accused make an effort to change that for the better?

No.

She got angry

and stopped caring about raising her altogether.

Leaving our daughter crying while watching TV...

How did the behavior of the accused change from thereon?

She began to abuse our daughter.

There were signs of beatings and pinches on her legs and bottom.

She promised that it was an accidental slip and that it won't happen again,

but three weeks later I once again noticed marks left by fingernails.

How did you handle the situation?

I consulted with a friend

and arranged for the public health nurse from before

to come and pay us another visit.

However, the incident happened two days before her visit.

Any thoughts as to why?

I think she didn't want our daughter to be seen like that.

She didn't want others to think of her as an incapable mother.

And that's why...

...she killed our daughter, I think.

I heard that you were blessed with a child after receiving infertility treatment.

Who was the one who brought up infertility treatment in the first place?

My wife.

Was there actually

any problem with your child's growth?

I personally didn't think so.

I went to consult with a doctor myself

and I was told that everything's normal.

When you noticed the shift in her behavior,

did you encourage her to seek medical help?

No.

I didn't think it was that bad yet.

Isn't the reason why you didn't seek a child consultation center

because you were afraid of the public opinion yourself?

No!

To be honest...

I didn't really know

where to go or who to ask...

But...

I do believe

that I could have prevented this

if I had assessed the situation more properly.

What a fine husband, huh?

Right? I doubt he's putting on a performance.

I'm already feeling sorry for him.

Still...

These days, no matter how considerate a husband might be,

the wife still finds things to complain about.

No idea, I'm still single.

Well...

Isn't it more like that for men it's hard to fully understand women?

So, you know...

It's hard to grasp the situation with just his testimony.

But...

Nevermind.

Go ahead, you're free to say anything.

But I'm...

I'm just a substitute.

It's fine! We're all in this together.

- Right? - That's right.

For the sake of a lively discussion, it's better to be frank about your feelings.

No matter how troubled you might be,

that's no reason to resort to abuse.

Especially for a mother...

Well, a mother is still a human being.

If it's true what the defender said and she was cornered by her husband

to the point of becoming mentally unstable...

It couldn't get any more tragic, right?

How did you personally support her

when you realized that she got tired of raising your child.

In order for her to relax and get some sleep,

I took care of our daughter on the weekends.

Sounds appropriate.

I consulted with a friend since I didn't know any better.

You took care of Rin-chan on the weekends,

but what about the weekdays?

On weekdays, my job wouldn't allow me to get home earlier than 10 or 11 pm.

But you made sure to come home every night?

No.

There were drinking parties with our clients

and I stayed at capsule hotels when I missed the last train.

In other words, for five days out of a week

Mizuho-san had to take care of Rin-chan

all by herself until late at night or possibly the next morning.

Am I correct?

Yes.

I'm trying to sleep here.

Is it true that according to the protocol

you once told her,

"You're lacking as a mother" ?

I might have said that.

We finally got a child,

but she said stuff like: "I don't think she's cute,"

or "if only I didn't give birth."

I didn't want her to say that in front of our daughter.

Did you ever consider that this could be a postpartum depression?

I did!

That's why I tried to encourage her.

"Everyone is going through the same experience."

"Let's not be so pessimistic."

I really did.

But if all she heard is that she's lacking,

I feel really bad

for my wife

and my daughter.

Thank you very much. I know this isn't easy.

By the way, during today's testimony

you repeatedly mentioned a certain friend.

Can you please tell us more about that person?

It's an old and close friend.

Could you please be a bit more specific?

It's my ex-girlfriend from college.

But you continued to stay in touch with Hisashi-san?

I'm a mother myself, so I could relate to him.

That guy...

He's been in touch with his ex-girlfriend from college all the time,

talking about his wife.

Did it seem like he had an affair?

It didn't seem that way.

The thing is,

she knew it would be wrong to butt in,

but apparently she just couldn't leave it alone.

I had him introduce blogs about parenting

and helpful books to his wife.

If she were to realize that there are other mothers out there with similar troubles,

maybe it would have given her a peace of mind.

She gave me the impression of a good wife and wise mother

who has no trouble balancing her family and career.

Assuming that the accused

really thought of herself as an inferior mother

and she knew about her husband

getting all kinds of advises from such a capable woman,

wouldn't that have lowered her confidence even further?

Maybe she isn't a self-declared celebrity

like they make her out to be on TV

but the actual victim who was cornered by her husband.

- Which means... - That's incredible.

You read all that?

Those are my own thoughts...

You shouldn't get all that enthusiastic as a mere substitute.

But we're all supposed to...

You better not embarrass yourself.

I'll take another beer.

Those oven-ready meals are way too salty after all.

Sorry.

Ah, you're home.

Did you eat?

What? Why the long face?

Oh? Were you waiting for me?

I think we should try it one more time.

Try what?

In vitro fertilization.

I'm not buying it!

Even they managed to get a child!

They?

Ah, the trial thing?

There's no way they can expect us to remain impartial.

Why even bother about who is at fault?

- They should put both of them in prison. - Slow down now.

We both agreed there won't be any more treatments.

Only one more year.

It didn't work out for the past five years.

I'm still only 37.

The doctor told us that it might not be related to age.

Why?

Didn't you say you want children?

I do, but this is scary.

I don't want you to get all frustrated again.

My mother finally gave up as well.

Let's not go through this again.

I'm happy with just the two of us.

Stop it.

We shouldn't waste it.

Waste it?

I'll find a different hospital.

You make sure to keep it safe.

I'm back.

I canceled the birthday party.

Huh? You mean Yuma's?

I was thinking about reserving a place in Ebisu,

but we don't have enough money.

Who cares about the location?

As long as she's happy.

You know, when I was a child,

a whole hotel lounge was reserved for my birthday.

I feel bad for her.

I should take a bath.

Hey.

Same thing tomorrow, okay?

I know.

Third Public Hearing

When did you and the accused get married? Third Public Hearing

When did you and the accused get married?

In June, 2013.

And where did you meet before your marriage?

A friend introduced us during a dinner party.

Did you know that the accused

had an affair with a married man before your marriage?

I only found out recently.

Is there anything else you didn't know about?

I heard that she frequently received

expensive designer bags, shoes and purses from that man.

Maybe she isn't a self-declared celebrity

It had to be five stars.

She said she wouldn't even bother with anything less than that

for our marriage ceremony and engagement gifts.

...but the actual victim who was cornered by her husband.

She also wanted our child

to go to a private kindergarten

with children of celebrities.

You better not embarrass yourself.

Aachan, we're going home.

Ayaka.

I made some food for you to take home.

I know you must be too busy to make dinner.

That much... I'm sorry about that.

Say, you bought that toy for her, didn't you?

It's fine.

Right?

Since Aachan has been such a good little girl.

Hey, another bottle.

Ah, sure.

Alright, it's time to go. Get ready.

That hurts!

I'm not hurting you, come on.

- It hurts!! - Hey, she must be sleepy.

It hurts? Where?

Don't cry.

Carry me!

I want juice!

When we're home.

Now!!

Aachan Mama!

You startled me.

This auntie here

immediately recognized Aachan's voice.

You know, my husband's mother came over today,

so I went to karaoke with some friends.

I haven't felt that great in a while.

Where are you coming from?

My husband's parents watched over Ayaka.

Same as us then?

- It's a lifesaver. - Yeah.

But aren't they buying them too much stuff?

They do!

Moe once mentioned that she likes cider

and the next day they got us a whole box of cider.

How do you handle that?

- Do you tell them to stop? - I can't say that...

So I try to convince myself that the cider fell from the sky and forget about it.

I like your style. It's so refreshing.

I think you're much better than me.

No way.

You are!

You even make her afternoon meal.

You don't use the TV as a babysitter. You're always calm and collected.

You're impressive.

I'm tired, carry me.

Sorry.

I can't carry you right now with this bag.

Carry me!

I will carry you at home.

Let's go, come on.

No!

Acchan, juice!

- Let's drink juice at home. - No!

Okay then, I'm going without you.

- Aachan! - No!

Papa!

Ayaka?

Papa!

- What are you doing here? - It's not what you think!

It's not what you think!

She wouldn't get up...

So I left for a bit and watched from over there.

What? What are you doing?

I'm telling you, she wouldn't budge

and I can't carry her with this bag.

So you just leave her here?

I didn't!

I thought she would calm down like this.

I was watching her from the corner.

She tends to comply when you ignore her for a bit, you know.

Anyway, let's go home.

You alright, Aachan?

You must have been scared.

Look how much she made.

Isn't that great of her?

Could you turn on the bathroom heater? I'll be using it soon.

Is that how you always treat her?

Come on, I explained myself.

She was throwing a huge tantrum.

So I stepped away for a bit and was waiting for her to calm down.

I know she's crying on purpose when I'm near.

I was only hiding for a moment!

Children get kidnapped in supermarkets and pachinko parlors all the time.

I'm sure those parents thought the same way.

"I'm right by her side and won't let her out of my sight."

Do you understand?

Leaving her at such a place.

People call that child abuse!

Abuse?

Hold on a second.

You're blowing this out of proportion.

It's just that with the trial going on...

Stop acting like your presence holds any signification.

Being a lay judge of all things.

You should quit if you can't handle it.

Apparently you can't do it and raise our child at the same time.

Even though I told you not to work too hard.

That's already too much...?

Want me to call the courthouse?

Other people with children are doing it, too.

You don't have to be ashamed to admit that you can't do things others can.

What if you overestimate yourself

and cause something you won't be able to recover from?

This is way more serious than you think!

Ah, mother?

Yeah, thanks for the meals.

The food from the supermarket is way too bland after all.

You didn't tell her that I asked you to do this though, right?

She's really sensitive at the moment.

Also, I'm sorry to ask you,

but could you let Ayaka sleep at your place tomorrow?

She doesn't seem like herself,

- I need you to help us. - I need you to help us.

Translation: HPriest @ d-addicts Twitter: @hpriestsubs