Original subtitles

The ancient Roman god Janus was said to be able to see

both the inside and outside of things at the same time.

This story is a grand romance about a girl whose other heart

was peered into by Janus.

THE MIRROR OF JANUS

Suppose, you too, had another face…

IT'S TOO LATE! I'LL DISAPPEAR

PRODUCED BY DAIEI TELEVISION CO., LTD. FUJI TELEVISION

OZAWA

Hiromi, I demand an answer,

who is this man, Tetsuya Shindo?

Shindo is one of my classmates

and the Student Body President.

"Hiromi, this letter comes from

the depths of my heart, I love you.

Your melancholy smile captivates me,

sparking a desire to know you more.

Hiromi, will you go out with me? I eagerly await your response."

How filthy! What was this letter doing in your bag!?

I didn't even know it was in there.

Silence!

Your heart's carelessness makes you

an easy target for exploitation by men.

Did you forget I told you dating was strictly forbidden!?

-But Grandma… -I won't stand for this relationship!

-She's been extra harsh this morning. -Honey,

I feel so sorry for Hiromi.

-I'd better… -Don't!

Hiromi's been accustomed to it since childhood.

It's Hatsue's daily morning routine.

If I had the power to halt it, I surely would.

Still, she's been too cruel this morning.

But don't you think that's a bit sick?

If she's against Hiromi socializing with boys,

she should enroll her in a girls-only private high school.

Yet, she insisted that she should attend Midorigaoka.

-I don't get it. -There's no other choice.

Midorigaoka is the only prestigious school in the district.

Hatsue wants the best in all aspects of her life.

For that matter, it's normal to get love letters at her age.

When will she get the late Yukiko out of her mind?

Midori, that's enough.

It's taboo to mention Yukiko around here.

Hiromi, my intention isn't to punish you,

I aim to guide you towards becoming an extraordinary woman

in a world beyond pettiness, avoiding deceit.

As the daughter of this Ozawa Family,

I want you to be a high-class figure on the global stage.

To achieve that,

dedicate yourself to studies, and expand your knowledge.

Avoid wasting time on frivolities!

I understand, Grandma.

What's a lady's highest value?

Purity.

Very well.

Hiromi, keep this 10,000 yen handy

for any unexpected situations that may arise.

Please treasure it.

Yes, ma'am.

Now, bid farewell to Grandpa and prepare for school.

Yes, ma'am.

Grandpa, I'm off.

Dear…

-Are you all right, Hiromi? -Yes.

Junko's waiting for you.

Dad, Mom, I'm off.

-Take care. -Hiromi!

What is it, Mom?

It's nothing at all. Have a safe trip.

I will!

-Good morning! -Good morning.

That child appears to be in pain.

Yet our role as parents in name only

leaves us powerless to help her.

-I'd better go. -Take care.

-Shinshu University? -That's right.

Excelling in one subject can override poor overall grades.

Enjoying freedom at university is great.

The atmosphere is good too.

You've got it good, Junko. You're free to do as you please.

What are you saying? Isn't that the case for you as well?

Oh, I see.

In your family, your grandma's wishes take precedence.

-Good morning! -Good morning!

Hey, get outta the way!

Hey!

Takenaka, good morning!

It's Take!

-Amazing! -Don't get all touchy!

Do it in private!

-Listen, Junko… -What are you two talking about?

Hiromi, the Student Body President is waiting for you!

Shindo seems to be crazy about you, Hiromi.

Keep us posted. See ya!

-Good morning! -Good morning.

Good morning, Ozawa.

Good morning.

Ozawa, did you read my letter?

It wasn't sent without thought. I'm genuinely serious about us.

Shindo, I always thought of you as a respectable guy.

And yet, you went and did something like this.

It's just filthy!

You're so silly, Hiromi! Isn't it the same with Shindo?

His grades are outstanding and his future prospects are perfect.

-That's hard to find, Hiromi. -Exactly!

In the unpredictable world of encounters,

it's wise to have some insurance.

If a really kind person appears, you seize the opportunity.

Wait, you guys!

Bad news, it's the junior delinquent group of Ouka High.

-What do we do? -Hiromi, let's go.

-But… -Hey, you guys!

What's going on here?

It's Mr. Tsutsumi…

You're students of Ouka High, right?

Won't you stop this foolish act?

So you're Midorigaoka's wimp, huh? Piss off!

Ouch… Listen, I heard.

Why don't you just give back what you took?

Shut the hell up!

Who are you kidding!?

Dumbass!

Mr. Tsutsumi…

Hey, you girls! That's enough.

You're disgusting.

Stop showing off, dumbass.

The Student Body President is amazing!

On the other hand, when it comes to Mr. Tsutsumi…

Are you okay?

Sir, you're bleeding…

Hiromi! Why did you run away?

Because I got scared.

-You're such a coward! -You shouldn't do that!

Let's go.

What did Masaki and his friends do?

Please wait!

Mr. Endo, Mr. Sunaga, what's going on here?

Are you even a teacher?

These guys have been smoking in the school bathroom all morning!

Masaki, is that true?

-I'm sorry. -That's no tone to say sorry.

It may fly with this wimpy teacher, but not with me.

I'll beat some sense outta all of you!

-Please, don't. -Wimps don't have a say here.

Wait, the use of corporal punishment

goes against the dignity of the student.

It's my job to discipline the students!

Keep your mouth shut!

2ND YEAR CLASS C

Yeah, that Mr. Tsutsumi is such a weakling.

He always lets Endo give him a trashing.

He can't help being a spineless teacher.

He took a beating from those junior delinquents at Oka High.

-He's good as a punching bag, though! -Right!

You should've lent him a hand, Takenaga.

Don't be absurd.

You're the one always telling me to steer outta trouble.

I hate it when you're like this, Takenaga.

Still, the Student Body President was so cool, wasn't he?

Well, Shindo's father is a cop, so like father, like son.

That has nothing to do with it!

Shindo just has a stronger sense of justice than others.

Hey, Hiromi, you should totally go out with Shindo!

She's right!

The prohibition of corporal punishment is idealistic.

The escalating youth delinquency stems from adults

coddling their children,

blurring the lines of morality.

These individuals deserve a beating!

Physical pain will help them grasp the distinction

between right and wrong.

Corporal punishment is violence.

What do you mean, by "violence"?

It degrades individuals.

Regardless of a student's wrongdoing,

violence harms both their self-esteem

as a learner and their human dignity.

This can pave the way for bullying,

as their frustrations find an outlet on the weak.

Spare me that crap!

Then, Mr. Tsutsumi, how do you propose handling unruly students?

I feel empathetic listening would be the right choice.

By addressing their worries,

we can collaborate and find solutions.

Sounds a bit idealistic.

Those naive ideas lead students

to start smoking early in the morning!

Beating students for smoking won't address the core issue.

Adults see smoking almost as a natural entitlement.

Beating the students for it won't convince them.

We have a school code.

That school code doesn't mention corporal punishment anywhere.

What!?

Then I'd like to ask you, how should a teacher

appropriately handle a student's violent behavior?

Teachers must never resort to violence with their students

under any circumstances.

Enough nonsense!

Do you really believe your timidity

will see you through these hard times?

Hold it, you've said enough.

Mr. Endo and Mr. Tsutsumi hold different views,

each with its own set of arguments.

While Mr. Tsutsumi's ideas may seem appealing in theory,

I'm not a supporter of impractical idealism.

Principal, what's your take on this?

While I don't advocate for

corporal punishment in every situation,

there are moments when a teacher

must assert authority.

However, it's crucial to approach this with both sternness

and a commitment to caring

for the student's overall well-being.

Punishment devoid of understanding

is merely an act of violence.

As a result, the students are set

to undergo a three-day suspension,

adhering to the school's policies.

Mr. Tsutsumi…

I couldn't say this at the meeting,

but I support your views.

Thank you.

All rise!

Bow!

Mr. Tsutsumi, what's gonna happen to Masaki?

He'll face a three-day suspension.

The teacher's conference today

established consequences for rule-breakers.

Mr. Tsutsumi, are you perhaps being

too lenient with your students?

This lax approach is why Masaki

bends the rules with no consequences.

Get it together, Mr. Tsutsumi!

Have you heard what they're saying about you at school?

I believe I'm being called the "wimp teacher."

How can you stay so composed?

Doesn't being dubbed a "wimp" bother you?

You got me there.

I get really irritated when I see you.

The label of "wimp" really suits you best.

Wimp! Wimp!

I present, the spineless wimp teacher!

Mr. Tsutsumi may be wimpy, but he's far from spineless.

I see him as a truly courageous person.

It's this courage that allows him not

to turn a blind eye to delinquents.

-Hiromi… -No way!

What's the matter with you, Hiromi?

Hiromi must have feelings for Mr. Tsutsumi!

Hiromi, that's lovely!

Taking a stand for your loved one, how dramatic!

Hiromi and Mr. Tsutsumi would make a nice couple.

Take care not to be rough, focus, and handle with care.

-You can't do that! -What?

Hiromi! You broke it, didn't you?

It was you, right?

Hiromi, what's wrong!?

It's late… It's too late!

I'm losing myself again…

Hiromi! Just wait!

It's useless to run away. Don't hide, come out.

Come out!

It's late… It's too late!

Help! Somebody, help!

Help me!

-What're you staring at, bitch? -Where did you come from?

Hey, wait! Mess her up!

You bitch!

-Shut it! -Why you bitch!

Shut your face!

A key!

Hiromi felt a moment of confusion.

Why do I have this with me?

And where am I?

Is that the old Nippon Maru?

Then, this has to be Yamashita Park in Yokohama.

But that's impossible!

It's 9:00 PM?

I can't recall the last six hours.

Where was I and what did I do?

My 10,000 yen for emergencies is gone.

I must have taken a train from Shinbashi.

This green ticket is from the Shonan Train,

and this looks like a shopping receipt from Yokohama.

I took a train to Yokohama

and went shopping?

What's going on with me?

The shattering glass,

the scent, the impact's echo.

When they converge, I disappear.

This echoes a childhood incident,

during the 1st or 2nd grade.

I regained awareness to discover myself on a swing

in an empty park at midnight.

Oh, no. Grandma's gonna hit me again!

Were you messing around with that vulgar boy?

I demand to know your whereabouts and actions.

You're planning to remain silent!?

Grandma, please forgive me!

Do you think you can be forgiven!?

I order you to spit it out, you little witch brat!

Right now!

Confess, you little wicked girl! Now!

Grandma, forgive me! Forgive me!

Grandma, I'm sorry…

Forgive me…

-Mr. Tsutsumi! -I'll urge her to forgive her.

Don't! Hatsue's not the kind that you can just stop.

-But… -Mr. Tsutsumi…

I'm sorry!

That hurts, forgive me…

You're the spitting image of Yukiko, the licentious woman

who brought you into this world.

She was a fool, deceived into birthing you, a bastard child,

only to be discarded like a rag

to then chose to sink herself into the sea!

Grandma, please, don't speak bad of my biological mom!

How is it speaking bad when it's nothing but the truth!?

I took you in,

and entrusted you to a married couple,

all for your own good.

Do you realize the effort I invested to ensure

you wouldn't end up like Yukiko?

And what do I get in return?

You skipping school and fooling around!

Grandma, I'm sorry…

I promise I'll never do it again!

Trying to fool your grandma with your smooth words?

You carry Yukiko's licentious blood,

and the devil lurks in your flesh!

I'll rid you of that evil!

I'm sorry…

Forgive me!

I'm sorry…

Mrs. Ozawa, can you please find it

in your heart to forgive her?

I did ask you to avoid getting angry with her, didn't I?

We're not entirely certain of her guilt yet.

Oh dear, Mr. Tsutsumi, this is a misunderstanding.

How could I possibly be upset with my sweet granddaughter?

Hiromi…

How about you and I take a nice bath together tonight?

I'll even scrub your back.

It's starting again.

That thing that hadn't happened for a while,

it's starting again. I'm scared…

I'm so scared…

Miss, would you like to sip on

a drink or dance the night away? What's your preference?

Hey, not so fast!

Can I get an answer at least?

Hey, are you listening, missy!?

Seriously? You broke bastard!

You're really asking a lady out with chump change?

What was that!?

Your driver's license is the most valuable thing in here.

You dumbass!

You bitch, I was almost run over!

Don't underestimate me!

Try a better approach tomorrow.

I saw you back there. You put on quite a show.

And you are?

Name's Tatsuro. What's yours?

My name's Yumi Onuma.

Yumi, huh?

Save yourself the trouble of trying to win me over,

I hate clingy people.

That's harsh…

I like you. Shall I show you around Roppongi?

Hey, just a sec,

I'm not like that guy just you met.

Our meeting doesn't feel like a first encounter,

it's tinged with nostalgia.

It's hard to part ways like this.

My folks lock me up, and my every word

triggers endless study sessions.

It's like my chest is closing in, suffocating me.

I've always yearned for freedom.

-That's why you ran from home? -To hell with home,

parents, and school!

Yumi, meeting someone like you has been my dream.

Meeting?

Yeah, meeting!

Youth is all about connecting with people like you, no?

Being with you is like an adrenaline rush.

Forget money and status,

just walking together is enough for me.

You're an interesting kid.

After all, in your company,

even this ordinary town feels like it belongs to me.

That's right.

This whole city belongs just to us!

That's the spirit.

-It's the Yajuu Clan! -Yajuu Clan?

They're a gang of delinquent girls who rule Roppongi after dark.

Check it out, that's their leader, Ryoko Azuma.

Let's get outta here!

Yumi!

Let's head to Roppongi.

Are you serious? You really shouldn't.

If you get involved with the Yajuu Clan, you'll be killed!

Yumi, you saw what just happened, didn't you?

You crave an adrenaline rush, right? Well, so do I.

I'd sacrifice everything to ignite my soul with passion!

-Yumi… -I'm through living like a puppet.

I'm all about living on the edge!

Pushing my heart, pushing my body,

slicing through life like a knife, I want to burn!

Look,

I'll become a radiant star!

I've been waiting so long for someone just like you!

-Help me! -Piss off!

-Who the hell was that!? -Great question.

She said she drifted down from the land of the stars.

It's better to avoid eye contact with them.

They're delinquents from Ouka High,

closely affiliated with the Yajuu Clan.

It's been a while, Tatsuro.

Allow me to introduce you.

This is Yumi Onuma, she's like an older sister to me.

And this is Kyoko, our trustworthy barkeep of "Trunk."

Welcome. Friends of Tatsuro are friends of mine.

Nice to meet you.

She's out of sight! Whoa…

Tatsuro, I'd advise staying clear of that girl.

-How come, Kyoko? -I can't put my finger on it,

but I get the feeling that she's trouble.

-Shut up! -Stop that noise!

Stop it.

I won't let you cause a scene at my bar.

Tatsuro, let's go dance.

Tsutsumi, you aspired to be a teacher

since your freshman year.

That passion hasn't faded at all, has it?

That high school of yours is pretty rough, isn't it?

Yeah, our school used to be calm, but recently,

more students are causing trouble, and it's becoming a headache.

-With you around, it'll be fine. -Well, if even you face consequences,

the delinquents won't stand a chance.

Come on, have a drink!

Get up!

How many times must I say this?

You made a promise to me!

I need you to get yourself organized!

What's with that look!? Don't you get it!?

Let's head for some karaoke.

-Yeah, let's go! -Karaoke, huh?

-What's up, Tsutsumi? -Oh…

I think I recognized someone. Sorry, I'd better go.

Hey, Tsutsumi!

We can't let outsiders stroll through Roppongi

like they own the place!

I'll deal with you guys. Come on!

That hurts! What the hell, you bitch!?

Who are you?

-That hurts! -Let her go already.

You've won this battle.

Why would you do that? What's the point of all this?

I'm Yumi Onuma.

I can't stand anything half-assed. And who the hell are you!?

I'm Tsutsumi, a teacher at Midorigaoka High.

At first, I thought you were my student,

but there's no way. You're a totally different person.

Yumi, they're the Yajuu Clan!

Yumi Onuma, is it? You've got some guts.

-And you are? -You dumb bitch!

Who doesn't know Ryoko Azuma, the Yajuu Clan head!?

Yumi, where did you little stray troublemaker run from?

I forgot. All I recall is savoring

the refreshing breeze in the Milky Way last night.

If you wanna run your mouth like that,

then you got yourself a fight. Mess her up!

Shut up!

If you wanna brawl, let's gamble with our lives.

None of that half-assed crap.

Stop! That's enough!

Is violence a remedy for loneliness?

A way to warm your heart?

You claim it sparks your souls,

but it only leaves your heart colder,

exacerbating the sense of isolation.

-Isolation? -That's right.

-You're just lost in isolation. -You fool!

Shut it, teach.

Your sermon ain't warming a damn thing in me!

So, shall we get it on?

Yumi, I'll take it from here!

Yumi! Yumi, where are you?

Tatsuro, let's meet again!

That was Yumi! She made it out in one piece!

Teach, I'm in love with that girl.

I'm in love! I'm in love!

Yumi, just who on earth are you!?

Yumi sprinted.

Yet, she herself did not know the reason why.

She was compelled solely by the fear of losing herself.

Just who is this mysterious girl suddenly wandering

the nocturnal streets?

That's a world that is only visible through the Mirror of Janus.

TO BE CONTINUED Subtitles by: GEO9875 & menhera