Original subtitles

WOMEN'S DRESSING ROOM ENTRANCE

Minami!

Ruby!

We're doing the same job!

Yup!

It's so exciting!

Um.

You're Ms. Ruby, right?

M-My name's Mimi Yoshizumi.

I-I'm also here today for One Chance to Dig Deep's shoot.

Oh, really?

What a cute voice! Are you a voice actress?

N-No, I'm not anything like that.

Well, I guess it's a similar job though.

Hm?

And this person is?

Ah, she's a cosplayer that I worked with before on a different job.

I thought she'd be perfect for this concept, so I introduced her.

Nice to meet you, I'm Meiya.

I cosplay mainly for the shonen genre.

You're Minami Kotobuki, right? I always see your gravure photos.

Seriously? I really appreciate it!

Ms. Meiya, I'll make sure to look you up!

Oh, you don't need to look me up!

I do the erotic type, so it's not appropriate for minors.

Ah...

Was everyone okay with the last-minute costume change?

I was able to manage since I have a lot of original costumes.

Well, it was a lot of trouble, but I got by somehow.

I used one of the costumes at our agency.

Really, then that's good.

It wasn't a surprise. You know how TV industry people have that tendency?

How do I put this? They're kind of self-centered.

It'd be a problem if everyone was upset from it, so...

Looks like they were all over the place.

Well, the crew have it tough too.

That's right, you're part of the showbiz world after all.

Well, it'll take shape somehow.

They're pros too. Things like this happen every day.

Let's go!

Yeah.

Ms. Meiya.

I deeply apologize for causing so much trouble.

It's okay, I know the ADs have it tough.

Hey, how's it going?

Mr. Urushibara! You came?

Of course I'd come.

But it's darn hot out here!

Can't believe all these people dressed in hot costumes here!

Bro, is that guy the director?

Yeah.

Ugh, I don't like his face.

Don't say stuff like that.

Yoshizumi!

Uh, yes!

His voice is so loud.

Hey, who's that girl?

The cosplayer, Ms. Meiya. - Go ahead!

Ah! You're the one!

The one who does that pretty risqué cosplay!

Gosh, you look kinky!

Well...

You sure are sexy! Bigger's always better! Just kidding!

HOW MUCH DO YOU EARN FROM DOING ADULT CONTENT?

That's a little, you know...

DO YOU REALLY DATE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS?

Well, there are girls like that too.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD SEX WHILE YOU COSPLAYED?

I hope it went okay.

I had fun!

Then we're going home that way.

Okay. It was nice working with you.

Nice working with you!

"I knew it, TV is just awful.

Just because I'm the revealing type, they look down on me completely.

I accepted this interview because it was Tokyo Blade's cosplay,

but they told us to change it to originals the day before.

I didn't feel any respect for cosplayers whatsoever.

Don't they know how much work it takes to prepare?

To be honest, I'm shocked.

I think I'll take a break from cosplaying for a while too."

"These types of men act so high and mighty when they watch that content the most."

"I bet they all look down on cosplayers."

"Poor Ms. Meiya!"

"The TV staff is gross."

"TV's finished."

"Who do they think they are?" - "That's rude."

"I'll never watch One Chance again."

"If they properly communicated, it could've been prevented.

We all have to clean up after these bastards who can't do their jobs."

7.9M VIEWS

Ms. Meiya!

I offer my sincere apologies for our oversight in the interview!

Is there any way you can tone down your comments?

No. Can't you understand how hurt I was?

Just because I do adult content,

you sexually harassed me with questions unrelated to cosplay without my consent.

I still have self-respect, you know?

My health previously made me quit work,

so I decided to show more skin after debating if I should go on welfare.

But you treated it like...

That's where we also made the wrong decision of crossing the line.

The most unforgivable thing is the costume.

I heard it was an interview on Tokyo Blade,

that's why I even had my friend help me all night to finish my costume.

But you told us to change it last minute as if it's that easy.

Just so the other cosplayers never experience the same thing,

I've alerted everyone.

I don't intend to delete my posts.

Bro...

Next is about Dig Deep's case, Mr. Urushibara.

The higher-ups said to pull the cosplay episode for now.

An apology from the station is also being considered.

That's everything.

You know, don't offer interviews to those kinds of difficult women from now on.

She's got no sense of professionalism, leaking insider information.

Those are exactly the types who rely on rage-baiting.

Mr. Urushibara.

These ways don't work anymore.

You have to adhere to ethical guidelines nowadays!

Respect is necessary!

You say that times have changed?

That's right, it's just as you say.

And?

So what if it is?

What's this program's concept?

Why do you think it's done at an affiliated station?

Why do you think they use a director like me with a shady past?

To push the boundaries on a show that can't be aired on TV

within this society of growing restrictions!

Immorality and humor are two sides of the same coin!

The more taboo it is, the more interesting it is!

Those who can create interesting content within regulations are great,

but a genius like that doesn't exist here.

I'm well aware of being told that it's sexual harassment or unethical.

But I gotta feed my wife and kids too.

I don't got a choice.

I do feel bad about the costume change.

I was also pulling all-nighters from editing and whatnot.

I'll take responsibility for it.

Forgive me.

It might be over for him.

Old TV staff have no choice but to leave.

MAYSUKE: WHAT IS TV?

How many more years do I have to continue as an AD?

I get pushed around by the director,

and get bound by sponsor directions and regulations.

I work like a slave and can't even get a day off.

Even if I became a director, the next hardship's just waiting for me.

There's no freedom.

That's not true. I'm sure if you get to the top--

You know how people tend to fall off cliffs and die in thriller dramas?

You know why?

Because if someone's killed by drugs, the medical field sponsors get mad.

If someone's killed by a knife, kitchenware makers do.

If someone's killed by a car, it's car manufacturers.

Consideration, consideration, consideration...

As a result, an accident that doesn't anger anyone is the safest.

How to list the order of the cast names, where to place the snacks,

do this or do that and we get fined, a bunch of ridiculous customs everywhere.

There's no freedom here.

I do think Mr. Urushibara is a harassing old geezer

and a reckless, awful person that can't even communicate properly,

but it's true that whatever he creates is interesting.

Ugh, it's spreading.

What's gonna happen to me?

Maybe I'll get fired.

Are you in trouble?

I brought a good project proposal.

Will you have a look?

One Chance to Dig Deep!

Our show has dug deep into various topics that can't be aired on TV up to now,

doing interviews that pushed boundaries.

But this time is special!

We'll be broadcasting a special topic!

I see. It does sound like a One Chance to Dig Deep concept.

Is this your idea, Yoshizumi?

No.

It was a plan brought to me by Ms. Hoshino, the reporter.

Director Urushibara and I revised it a little.

Oh yeah, she came to this show through her own project proposal too.

This says we're calling the cosplayer girl to the set, but is she okay with it?

Yes. Ms. Hoshino is working on it.

That girl knows what she's doing. It's pretty risky though.

It sounds interesting. Let's do it.

Isn't our show's special trait to push the boundaries?

I think it'll be a hit.

Does everyone know of this post?

That's right! This show's interview became a big issue and it went viral!

Several hundred critical comments flooded the post!

Therefore, our interview subject this time is our show itself!

The problematic TV show side!

And we invited to the set Ms. Meiya, the cosplayer who raised the problem!

We're going to dig deep into why this problem happened!

Bow!

First, I'd like to ask something.

Why are you so upbeat about it?

Because I've done nothing wrong!

If anything, I was dragged into the backlash!

You could say I was a victim of this show's poorly managed system!

Um, first of all, Ms. Meiya,

we sincerely apologize for our show's staff causing you so much trouble.

We thank you for coming on stage today despite being in an awkward position.

Well, I just wanted to...

Meiya, I think you're right!

That show's direction is wrong!

They tend to put me through a lot of trouble too, so I felt a bit relieved!

Well, that's good to hear.

But you think it's really okay this way?

You're relieved the annoying TV staff got burned. You want to leave it at that?

With this backlash, TV will have a harder time using cosplayers now,

so it might prevent people who want to become famous through cosplay.

That's...

If you don't properly convey what's okay and what's not,

it won't solve the root of the problem.

If you really want to raise the issue,

I don't think you can convey everything just through social media.

If you feel that you want to speak up for the sake of the cosplay industry,

I'll support you.

I'll try to steer it in the right direction,

so you want to try conveying it together?

I am not looking for an apology.

Just so that this doesn't happen again,

I want to know what caused the problem and demand changes to prevent it.

Now, let's recap the issue in order as we hear some of the insiders' comments.

COPYRIGHT ISSUE

First, we have this! The cosplay copyright issue!

At first, the staff told all cosplayers the shoot was for Tokyo Blade's costume,

but it was changed last minute and it caused a lot of trouble!

Regarding this, here's the comment of the director in charge of this show.

At first, I notified the company staff in charge of anime,

and we applied for Tokyo Blade's license from its anime production committee.

I thought it would completely go through,

but after I checked, the license didn't get approved.

We were short-staffed and I had no time or mental capacity,

so I neglected my duty. That's what caused this.

Regarding this, we have a comment from the TV station's staff in charge of anime.

Normally, the production committee makes the decision and it gets approved.

But Tokyo Blade is known to be strict for that.

It seems like it needs to go through the author's check once.

That means the check won't make it in time for the interview day.

That's what I told the director.

But it looks like he wasn't able to even check his emails.

Looks like it's complicated.

This goes off topic a little,

but why is Tokyo Blade so strict on licensing approval?

It makes me wonder.

So, that's why we went and dug into it!

I'm Dig Deep's reporter, Kana Arima!

I'm in the same idol group as Ruby called B Komachi!

Today, I'm here on behalf of Ruby for an interview!

Can you tell where I am?

That's right! I am at the publisher right now!

Regarding the current cosplay issue,

we will be interviewing Tokyo Blade's author, Abiko Samejima.

Long time no see, Ms. Abiko!

We thank you so much for making time for us in your busy schedule!

Not at all! If you're coming, Ms. Arima, I'll make time any day!

I'm really glad.

Let's get straight to the point.

We hear that getting Tokyo Blade's licensing approval requires your consent.

It's true that the author's opinions are reflected in licensing approval sometimes.

For example, our publisher

usually doesn't give licensing approval to individuals at figure events.

But there are actual cases where the author's okay with it.

But if you don't keep an eye out, they try to sell ridiculous stuff!

Like a super revealing figure with bouncy boobies!

Or like an erotic pillow case!

I see.

And the representative tends to be a woman in these cases.

So I've almost gotten talked into it before.

That's the same tactic manufacturers use to make idols wear skimpy bathing suits.

But for cosplay, my checks aren't needed.

Of course I'll decline if it's for an erotic shoot though.

Rather, the editors tell us

to make designs that'll make lots of people cosplay at Comiket.

Is there anyone who complains about it?

Basically in copyright issues,

if we can see love for the work, the authors won't say no to it.

Plus, companies in the production committee

invest money to obtain merch and song rights.

We have to consider that fact as well.

The checks are just a way to weed out the merch that lack respect for the work.

Even if my publisher wanted to sue an individual,

I intend to stop it if I can see that there's love for my work in their piece.

But I will never defend the trend-chasing doujinshi creators

who make easy money off selling assault manga online!

Read each company's policies or FAQs and please do it at your own risk!

Besides, those don't even bring in--

That's all from the scene!

Copyright issues are quite complicated!

Ms. Abiko looked well as usual.

Next is regarding the interview questions!

Ms. Meiya, what kind of questions did they actually ask you?

Like if I had a fetish of showing skin

or if I've had sex while cosplaying, those kinds of questions.

If we have an equal relationship or if it's in a private setting,

I can stand some dirty jokes.

I'm not saying that I hate everything.

But that's only if there's mutual respect or trust built up between each other.

If everyone had respect for cosplay culture,

made checks beforehand, and felt you cared for us,

I would've trusted and respected you too, and things wouldn't have been this way.

Dirty jokes without any respect are just sexual harassment.

From the last-minute costume change that lacked consideration this time

and the actions that belittled cosplayers, I could not feel any respect from you.

However, I do understand now that you also have complicated reasons.

I'm not that angry anymore.

If you can show that this will never happen again,

I don't mind deleting my post.

Ms. Meiya...

Director Urushibara who caused this issue says he deeply regrets it too.

But if you just handled this as a mature grown-up and ended it,

wouldn't it leave a bad taste in your mouth?

What?

Do you really feel relieved, Ms. Meiya?!

Not exactly.

Right?!

That's why I've made a suggestion!

A suggestion?

To pay for all the numerous remarks that lacked respect for cosplay

as well as to make up for all the cosplayers' effort and hard work,

wouldn't a purge like this be good?!

Mr. Urushibara, it's time for your purge!

Please enter!

Ms. Meiya as well as everyone of the cosplay industry,

I deeply apologize for all the trouble I've caused!

How I over prioritized the show's entertainment

and lacked the respect for everyone is an undeniable fact!

Nothing can excuse what I did!

Going forward, we will incorporate third-party opinions

and we promise to change our system to treat interview subjects with respect!

I sincerely apologize!

Wait a minute.

You're completely horsing around!

Hey, my dumbass sister,

what are you making a middle-aged man wear to apologize?

Nothing will get across apologizing in a cheap costume like this.

Don't you know the idiom, "an eye for an eye"?

A purge over cosplay is more funny using cosplay, right?

I'm saying the problem is that it's too funny.

Don't make us laugh in a serious setting.

I have no intention of doing that!

Is this handmade?

Yes.

Why Princess Saya's costume?

It was my favorite character after reading the manga.

You don't even know how to sew on a button properly.

Your sewing is rough and because you redid it so many times, the fabric's damaged.

I made the same mistakes when I started too.

Wasn't it a lot of work?

Yes. I had no idea it would take so much work.

This one week, every time I went home, I would work on this up late.

If someone suddenly told you that this costume wasn't needed or wouldn't be used,

how would you feel?

I would completely snap.

If you can understand that, that's good enough for me.

That's good it looked like it wrapped up nicely!

They've made up with Ms. Meiya and she deleted her post too.

Plus it was entertaining as a show.

Looks like that summer Comiket interview will be partly changed and streamed too.

I'm glad the shoot we took didn't go to waste!

Ruby.

How much are you involved in this?

No.

How much of this was set up by you?

What are you talking about?

Subtitle translation by: Kanami Kitabayashi