Original subtitles

OSHI NO KO

Got any fish yet,

Mister Ichigo Saito?

Tsk, you're here again?

I'm no longer the president or anything.

Come on.

The daughter of Ai, the one you considered your own daughter, is here to see you.

You're actually happy, right?

I'm telling you to stay away from me.

You're not going anywhere.

You, who were closest to Mama,

are closest to the truth.

You're not going anywhere until I find the guy who killed her.

Tell me who my father is.

I told you, I don't know.

If I knew, I would've gone and killed him.

Then give me all the contact details for everyone who was involved with Mama!

Not happening!

If I told you that, you'd go and meet them recklessly!

Even if they were nobodies back then,

they would've become executives 16 years later!

If you cause trouble with that lot,

who's going to be inconvenienced?

It's Miyako who's supporting Ichigo Pro now...

I'm already quite popular, mind you!

You're barely more than a surging underground idol.

Even if you were caught drinking now,

the tabloids wouldn't give you the time of day.

So, you'll introduce me to them if I get more popular?

If I become so popular that they want to see me themselves,

you'll introduce me to them, right?

Well...

You've said it. I'm holding on to that word.

Tell me how to gain more popularity, then.

You should think about it yourself.

Just like you did the other day...

Right! Doing exactly as you said, I actually got the reporter gig!

For Dig Deep*One Chance?!

Well done! That program has good industry ratings!

If it goes well, it will lead to some more gigs...

What...

You know,

I do trust your business acumen, back when you were the president of an entertainment agency.

I don't believe it was solely Mama's efforts that propelled an unknown idol group...

...to almost performing at a dome stadium.

Tell me. How can I make it big?

First and foremost, you have to deliver results on the job, before anything else.

Hello! I'm your reporter, Ruby! - Show your own character on the program.

Broadcasting live for today!

Yay! You watching me, Bro? - For example, just look at Aqua.

Come on, that's enough bringing my sister here.

I've had enough of her smug at home.

AQUA HOSHINO - OSAKO - YAGI

AQUA HOSHINO - OSAKO - YAGI He puts on an act of being

AQUA HOSHINO - OSAKO - YAGI a sharp-tongued cool guy.

When someone says something utterly nonsensical,

if the conversation turns to him, he'll cut it down to size.

SAWA

SAWA If everyone around him recognises it,

SAWA he's sure to get a pass.

Having a distinct character...

It's the most crucial element in variety shows.

My character...

Being cute, clever, and considerate, perhaps?

You mean stupid, rude, and cocky?

Make it more prominent.

Make your gestures, hand movements, and way of speaking sound silly.

Play the clown with all your might.

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR CAST

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR CAST For that purpose,

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR CAST the preliminary questionnaire is also important.

the preliminary questionnaire is also important.

If you write something safe and uncontroversial here, you're finished.

A bit of exaggeration is fine.

Bring on the utterly ridiculous stories.

Ya seem like a capable kid, but have ya ever failed recently?

Here it comes.

DEEP DIVE*ONE CHANCE!! Failed? I've never made a mistake.

Ah...

The other day, my house nearly caught fire!

Huh?! Why?!

I heard my friend had got really into making soap,

and I thought I'd like to try it too.

Then I cook some hand soap in a pot.

Some wicked stuff ya's saying.

Then it got absolutely burnt to a crisp, and the alarm went beeping!

The whole kitchen was filled with smoke!

Well, duh! Why'd ya do that?!

Hand soap is basically just soap dissolved in water, isn't it?

So, I thought if you dried out the water, it'd turn into soap.

Ya's gotta be an idiot!

*IT'S DANGEROUS, SO DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME Ya's gotta be an idiot!

*IT'S DANGEROUS, SO DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME Huh?! Me?!

Huh?! Me?!

You're talking about that time you accidentally put refill detergent

in the pot instead of oil, aren't you?

It's getting too hyped, it's turning into something else...

Ya's an idiot or something?

No way!

With Aqua's sharp-tongued character, I'm sure he'll react with...

You think I'm an idiot too, Bro?!

Of course I do.

The fact that I share the same genes as you is a hard pill to swallow.

That's so mean!

I knew it... She's grasping the essentials too tightly.

Someone's lending her some wisdom.

I see... So, Ruby can play that kind of character?

I could propose projects that make better use of the character, though...

And another important factor.

Be gentle with the assistant director.

That chap will become the director in due course.

A degree of calculation is necessary to make it big.

Mister Yoshizumi!

It sure is hot today, Mister Yoshizumi.

TEA Have some tea, Mister Yoshizumi!

What do you do on your day off?

Lately... Ruby's been fawning over me...

Why? Why would a rookie idol new to television fawn over an assistant director?

Maybe my face is her type?!

This slightly shadowy, immoral face...

Do you get enough sleep?

You always look so tired, I'm worried.

You think so?

Is it true that ADs just line up chairs and sleep whenever they have free time?

That used to be the impression, though...

REPORTAGE VIDEO'S SUBTITLES

HELLO. THIS IS YOSHIZUMI. But in recent years,

THE FILE IS ATTACHED TO THIS MAIL. PLEASE CHECK. just like any ordinary company,

just like any ordinary company,

if you work overtime, you'll get told off by HR.

Compliance is getting stricter too.

That doesn't seem that way to me, though!

Well, you see, our team's a bit of an old-school bunch in this industry.

Yoshizumi!

I told you to get those subtitles for the report video uploaded ASAP!

I just uploaded them now!

Too slow! I'm the one doing the editing, you know!

I'm sorry!

Also, what's the status of the appointment

for ‘We tried interviewing a restaurant that refuses interviews’?

They all turned us down!

Idiot! That's where you're supposed to show what you're made of!

If you can't do the job, then just quit!

It's people like you who are dragging everyone else down and causing trouble!

Got it?! - I'm sorry...

Oh, that's Director Urushibara from the production company.

Production company?

The station's production team alone doesn't have enough staff,

so external personnel are often involved in production.

Urushibara's the director there.

Is the director a higher-up?

You really don't know anything, do you?

Variety shows like this are generally produced by teams of around four groups.

VARIETY SHOW STAFF'S WORK

VARIETY SHOW STAFF'S WORK There are a few groups below

DIRECTOR: PRODUCTION AND EDITING the producer and cast,

OF ASSIGNED EPISODE and the director is the group leader.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ODD JOBS The ADs are literally their assistants.

Huh... I thought we were always working with the same team.

Director Urushibara was originally an employee of a key network station,

but apparently got sacked after causing trouble and moved to his current production company.

In fact, I heard that the Urushibara team has one AD on leave,

so they're managing with just one person.

That so?

I didn't think you'd be interested in the production.

Why the change of heart?

It's just that I've started to feel a sense of responsibility as a professional.

Isn't it good news to you, Bro?

I guess so.

The job of an AD is simple:

do everything you're told to do.

Location scouting, researching topics and subjects for coverage,

bowing to the onlookers,

pretending to be a cameraman,

DONE WITH THE TEMP EDIT YET? being forced to do the D's job,

ABOUT THE FIX being forced to do the D's job,

WE'RE USING THE PREVIOUS ONE, being forced to do the D's job,

SO REVERT THE CHANGES being forced to do the D's job,

arranging extras, location meals, and transport,

copying documents, making coffee, and being the porter.

I'd even clean the toilets if he told me to.

Even when I get home,

it's secret overtime.

As the recent decline in young people watching TV is widely lamented,

budgets have fallen to less than half their peak levels.

Despite reduced staffing,

shooting three or four episodes in a single day has become the norm.

Yoshizumi, we've got our next project for the new Dive Deep*One Chance episode.

We're interviewing cosplayers.

Uh... It's almost Summer Comiket, too.

Like, the hot anime these days... Tokyo Gray?

Or Clone?

Tokyo Blade?

That's the one.

Gathering cosplayers and have them cosplay as them would be visually striking.

Is the copyright in order?

If we're making them cosplay for our profits,

we'll probably need permission or it could become a problem...

Ah, I'll let the anime department know myself.

It's being broadcast on the anime channel too, so it's no problem.

Ah, well then... I'll research cosplayers available for interviews.

Just so you know, normal cosplayers won't do the trick.

Gotta make good use of an internet show's strength.

Hearing amateur cosplayers spouting about their love for the series...

...is totally boring.

Those who make money by revealing themselves online and through subscriptions,

or those who profit by selling self-produced DVDs.

Go find girls who might be willing to engage in provocative talk.

Cosplayers are probably all just a bunch of attention-seeking wankers.

It'll make for good publicity, too.

Send a DM on Twitter, and you'll gather about ten people together in no time.

Ten...

I'm terribly sorry!

I want to do a joint cosplay of Blue Summer at Summer Comiket,

so I don't plan on doing Tokyo Blade...

Our circle engages in cosplay activities strictly within the scope of personal pursuits,

and many of our working members react negatively to the idea of TV filming...

I actually use Photoshop a LOT, so I might look different from the pics (lol).

So I'll have to pass this time, I'm afraid (sweat).

Gather in no time, my foot...

The cosplay community has a lot of people who aren't particularly fond of TV...

The Summer Comiket is next week...

Looks like I won't get much sleep tonight either...

A long face...

What's wrong? Did you get forced to do another exhausting job?

Anything I can help you with?

Well...

Um...

Ruby... do you do cosplays... or something?

I wish I had an umbrella.

Aqua...

What, you're here to pick me up?

I mean, it's raining.

I heard your set was close to my place,

so I just happened to drop by.

What?

Nothing.

Sharing an umbrella~

Hey, I got your own umbrella here.

Don't need that.

Yeesh...

I'm aware of it.

Aqua was drawn to Kana...

Maybe I'd noticed it since long ago.

I'm trying not to dwell on why he chose to date me,

instead of Kana, as it probably isn't a very pleasant thought.

To be honest, I'm not particularly interested.

Aqua is being incredibly kind to me,

so that's fine.

He always looks out for me and never leaves my LINE messages unread.

On rainy days, he always comes pick me up with an umbrella like this.

He's doing a good job as a boyfriend.

For me, if he can fulfil that, then it's necessary and sufficient.

To desire more would be bad karma.

He hasn't seen Kana for ages and apparently has cut off all contact with her.

It feels a bit over the top and overly self-conscious, which makes me go "hmm", though.

If I consider it Aqua's own process of coming to terms with his feelings, I can understand it.

I can clearly sense that he's trying to face me directly,

so I'm convinced.

KUROKAWA When does your work start tomorrow?

At 9 o'clock at the studio in Fuchu.

I see. That's early.

Take a bath and go to bed early today.

Sure.

Thanks, Aqua.

Later.

The fake relationship that began on the show...

The lying Aqua is trying hard not to lie to me.

I am delighted by that.

Little by little, lies become truth...

I can get behind that.

But...

If he has an affair with another woman, I'll kill him.

I know you're a womaniser, okay!

I have my eye on you!

Huh?! Me as a cosplayer?!

We're doing cosplayer interviews for our next project in DD*OC.

But, the interview negotiations don't seem to be going very well.

You said you were interested in joining the show, so I was wondering.

Well...

Well, I DO do a bit of cosplay-ish stuff in magazines,

but I'm just a gravure model in the end.

I ain't never cosplayed in an event, too.

To announce me as a cosplayer would be kinda lying, no?

Lying, huh?

Maybe.

But...

It's a TV gig! Can't let this one slide!

You've got a distinct personality, I'm sure it'll sell on TV.

DD*OC apparently has an impressive line-up of scriptwriters.

It also gets incredibly high ratings in the industry!

If it goes well, it might lead to your next gig!

That's... true.

Of course, I'm not forcing you.

I'll be there as a cosplay reporter too.

I just fancy working with you, you know.

I'll have a word with the manager first.

Sure.

Yeah, I've been doing nothing but gravure work lately and my career ain't been expanding,

so this opportunity really is a godsend.

But, the cosplay community is a delicate world built upon the tacit consent of rights holders.

PLUG THE MUZZLE - NO CP - NO UNEDITED PICS They are strict about local rules and etiquette.

NO LOW ANGLES - NO LONG ITEMS They are strict about local rules and etiquette.

NO SOCMED UPLOAD NO DOING IT DOWNTOWN They are strict about local rules and etiquette.

ONLY SKIN COLOUR STOCKINGS

Gotta put some countermeasures in place or I'll be smelling burnt.

I thought Ruby hated these kinds of fake projects the most...

Has she started getting tainted by the dirty adult world?

I'M SORRY,

BUT I'LL HAVE TO TURN DOWN YOUR OFFER! Another rejection message...

APOLOGIES FOR THIS! Another rejection message...

Is there any interesting girl...

Bro, you got any Type C cable?

Preferably the Thunderbolt one.

Okay... What are you using it for?

I wanted to test if I could move my 3D model in VR.

Huh?

Mimi, I need your advice...

MIMI'S ROOM Huh?!

N-No way! Not the TV!

I-I'm a cosplayer from home, and all my pics are Photoshopped!

I beg you!

Your cosplayer account's got lots of followers,

and the director would surely be convinced!

What do you think my job is, anyway?!

They'll definitely find out through my voice!

Mimi Yoshizumi.

She's my sister, a cosplayer and a VTuber.

"VTubers" refers to the collective term for individuals who conduct streaming activities,

using avatars synchronised with their movements via technology,

such as 3DCG models or Live2D.

The market capitalisation of major operators

MARKET CAP has reached ¥200 billion

Within the metaverse market, it attracts considerable attention,

and appears to be a dazzling industry at a glance,

but its movement has reached maturity,

with the total number of active VTuber channels exceeding 10,000.

It is clearly a saturated market.

KOMIMI SUZUNE - 310K SUBSCRIBERS

KOMIMI SUZUNE - 310K SUBSCRIBERS Mimi's VTuber name is Komimi Suzune.

KOMIMI SUZUNE - 310K SUBSCRIBERS She has 310K subs.

I grew concerned about my sister's future as she became a shut-in,

obsessed with cosplay livestreaming,

so I suggested she become a VTuber, which was becoming popular at the time.

For the past three years I've been in charge of her management,

and she's been diligently streaming gameplay almost every day.

NEKOMIMI - MORNING CHINA I know you're still running your cosplay account,

LET'S DO OUR BEST TODAY, MEOW and doing home cosplays!

How do you know?!

It's only natural as your brother!

You also did Tsurugi's cosplay, right?

You've written all sorts of nasty things about me,

but if you appear on the show, I'll let it all slide!

That's sly...

So? Got any cosplayers already?

Well, somehow.

We've got an okay from Minami Kotobuki's office,

so it's starting to take shape somehow.

I see. That's great.

What cosplay will I do, then?

You'll be the supporting character from Tokyo Blade...

Wow, that's amazing!

Wasn't it a real hassle getting permission?

Maybe?

But, I'm not in charge of that...

My brother told me this...

He said it's real hard getting the permission for Tokyo Blade.

The author, Miss Abiko, is a complicated person,

and most of the time, the editor would just turn it down.

Huh... I see...

I'd better confirm just to be sure.

Here is the list of cosplayers who agreed to be interviewed tomorrow.

This one's so cute.

Oh, she's from Kureha's place. No wonder she's got the rack.

This girl's fine too.

Yoshizumi, just like your name, huh?

So, um...

I'd like to make sure for the last time...

We'll be doing Tokyo Blade tomorrow...

Am I right?

No, I don't know.

Huh?

Wait.

This is Urushibara. Sorry for the sudden call.

About the copyright for Tokyo Blade I asked you the other day...

Yes.

Ah, is that so... All right.

Yes. It's okay.

See you.

Yeah, not gonna happen.

Wait! This isn't what I was told!

I've already asked the cosplayers to do Tokyo Blade cosplays!

Just tell them to cosplay something else!

That's too sudden!

I told you, didn't I?

I'd get the permission, but you gotta get some substitutes ready!

He didn't say that for real!

Anyway, just contact the interviewees.

Tell them to do something original or copyright-free...

Just make it feel slightly less like Tokyo Blade.

Okay?

What the heck? That's too sudden.

But I just gotta do it.

I'm sending apologies here and there now.

What about Ruby's costume?!

It's too late to make something new now.

But I can't let the talents wear something weird!

Gosh...

I have a free-size costume, so have her wear that!

How tall is she?

Sorry! And thanks!

EPISODE 26: CALCULATION