Takaha Gekidan “The Good-Story Murders”【SUB】

Takaha Gekidan ／ The Good-Story Murders

Playwright/director/actor Takaha Aya has a reputation for strong plays with keen human insight. She created this work for her own theater company, inspired by the social situation of the pandemic.
The setting is Japan in the near future, where the economy has stalled, the gap between rich and poor has widened, and the average lifespan has fallen to 50 years. People seek stories that will embellish their deaths and give their deaths meaning, and “beautiful obituaries” consequently command top prices. One day, the vagrant Sosuke and his mute little sister Maru are visited by the famous biographical writer Miyoshi Toko at their home in the slums of Kabukicho. Sosuke’s talent in piecing together stories from fragments of discarded books and magazines has attracted Toko’s eye, and she has come to ask him to write the world’s most ridiculous obituary, offering him money and a position as her successor. Toko has her own hidden motives, while Sosuke gets caught up in the pretensions and work of a writer. This ambitious work aimed to make the theater experience barrier-free by using a sign language interpreter to play the role of Maru while interpreting the lines of others as well.

2021
Ekimae Theater

Presented by: The Japan Foundation (JF) (https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/)
In cooperation with EPAD (https://epad.terrada.co.jp/)

＜Performance Credits＞
Written and Directed by TAKAHA Aya
Performers : Machida Mizuki, KAKIMARU Michie, TAKAHA Aya, FUKUMOTO Shinichi（Rappa-ya）,TANAKA Yuka
Sign language interpreter : TANAKA Yuka
Sign language supervision : YONAIYAMA Yoko
Stage Manager : SAKURAI Kentaro
Lighting Design by KOBAYASHI Aiko
Sound Design by TANAKA Ryodai（PaddyField）
Costume Design by CHIBA Kanako
Video Documentation and Editing : MATSUZAWA Nobuhira（catalysm & Co.）, OOTAKE Shogo
Subtitles Programmer : TOKURA Yuka
Assistant Director : AIDA Takeshi
Publicity Design : HAO Mariko
Production Coordinators : HANDA Momoko, MURATA Shion
Organized by Takaha Gekidan

＜Subtitling Credits＞
Chinese Translation (Simplified): Shu LIN
Chinese Translation (Traditional): SWSG
English Translation: YAMAGATA Mirei
French Translation: Eléonor Mahmoudian
Spanish Translation: Karla FUJI

＜Promotional Text＞
ONOUE Sora

End date of distribution: 25/1/2027

タカハ劇団
美談殺人

深く人間を洞察した骨太な作劇に定評のある劇作家・演出家・俳優の高羽 彩が、感染症禍の世相に想を得た自身主宰の劇団作品。
舞台は経済が行き詰まり貧富の差が拡大したうえ、人の平均寿命が50歳にまで低下した近未来の日本。人々は、自身の死を飾りたてて〝死にがい〟を見出すための物語を求め、そのための「美談」が高額で売買されていた。ある日、スラム化した歌舞伎町で声の出せない妹マルと暮らす浮浪者・宗輔の前に、絶大な人気を誇るトップ美談作家・三好瞳子が現れる。ゴミ山にある書籍や雑誌の断片を繋げて物語にする宗輔に、作家の才を見て取った瞳子は、金と自身の後継者の地位をエサに、宗輔に「最高にくだらない美談」執筆を持ちかける。その裏には瞳子自身の抜き差しならない「事情」があり、宗輔は作家の虚飾と業に巻き込まれて……。マル役に手話通訳者を起用し、他の登場人物の台詞も同時通訳しながら演じるなど観劇のバリアフリー化にも臨んだ意欲作。

2021
駅前劇場

製作（オンライン配信）：国際交流基金 (JF) (https://www.jpf.go.jp/)
製作協力：一般社団法人EPAD (https://epad.terrada.co.jp/)

＜公演情報＞
脚本・演出：高羽 彩
出演：町田水城、柿丸美智恵、高羽 彩、福本伸一（ラッパ屋）、　田中結夏
手話通訳：田中結夏
手話監修：米内山陽子
舞台監督：櫻井健太郎
舞台美術：稲田美智子
照明：小林愛子
音響：田中亮大（PaddyField）
衣装：千葉奏子
記録映像：松澤延拓（(株)カタリズム）　大竹正悟
字幕操作：都倉有加
演出助手：相田剛志
宣伝美術：羽尾万里子
制作：半田桃子、村田紫音
主催：タカハ劇団

＜オンライン字幕＞
簡体字字幕翻訳：林舒
繁体字字幕翻訳：SWSG
英語字幕翻訳：山縣美礼
フランス語字幕翻訳：エレオノール・マムディアン
スペイン語字幕翻訳：富士 迦楼羅

＜広報文＞
尾上そら

＜カンパニーウェブサイト＞

TOP

配信終了日：2027年1月25日

Good evening. This is the 8 o’clock news. The average life expectancy of the Japanese is on the decline again. The government announced that life expectancy, which has been declining steadily since 2020, has now fallen to 49.8 years old, according to statistics.

It is expected to fall under 47 years old in three years. Experts say that shorter life expectancy is causing economic stagnation, and widening the gap between rich and poor, thereby further shortening life expectancy. With death becoming more imminent, the demand for scripted obituaries is increasing,

Giving people the chance to design how they want to die. It’s quite expensive. Yes. – Six million yen… – Yes. That’s for the basic course. There’s also a more reasonable course. – It costs more than our wedding. – True. Where did you have your wedding?

– In Mejiro. – At the Chinzanso? Yes. I love that place! My friend also got married there. Really! It was in June, so we saw fireflies. Yes, they have wild fireflies in their garden. It was beautiful. Back when we had our wedding the area was a lot safer.

It was nice and quiet. It was kind of a stretch for us, but we splurged. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Yes. And it was well worth it. – It gave you wonderful memories. – Exactly. Speaking of once in a lifetime… This is another event that only happens once.

Right. – Is this your first time at a shop like ours? – Yes. I see. Do you know how much time your husband has left? Yes, the life expectancy test said he has one to three years left. I see.

I hear that the test results are pretty accurate nowadays. Very accurate. The doctor gave us his word and said, “You’re definitely going to die soon!” So you have one to three years left. I think it’s a good time to purchase your obituary. Let me explain the process.

I think it will give you a better idea. As the obituary coordinator, I will be asking your preferences on how you want to die. An ideal type of death that gives your life a splendid ending. Based on that, we’ll suggest a few options.

Once you agree to that, we’ll select an obituary script writer, cast, and crew for you and give you an estimate. Once you agree to our estimate, myself, the writer, crew, and you will discuss the details. The writer will then write the script for your obituary.

And from there on, you’ll start preparation so you can proceed with the script. On the day of your death, our cast and crew will act according to your obituary and you can experience your death exactly as requested. Maybe you can think of it as… an extravagant flash mob.

A flash mob! Like the one we had when you proposed. That’s right. Oh, how nice! Sir, I’m sure your death will be wonderful too. I’m excited. So, who’s going to be his obituary writer? You’ll get to choose from script writers that we work with. They’re all very talented and experienced.

They all have 4.5 star reviews from the bereaved. Um…is she available? No, don’t ask. Why not? – It’s your dream to die with an obituary written by her. – Yeah, well… It doesn’t hurt to ask. Right? Please. Is Ms. Miyoshi Toko available to write my obituary? Ah…Ms. Miyoshi.

She’s such a wonderful obituary writer. He’s a big fan of hers. Her writing is dramatic, yet classy. I heard that when she writes obituaries, the lifetime income of the bereaved goes up by 20 million yen. It helps the grandchildren get better jobs, too. Having Ms. Miyoshi write an obituary is truly honorable.

But there are a few points to clear. Yes. – First, the cost. – Of course. Ms. Miyoshi is incredibly famous, so her writing fees are expensive. Can we ask how much? For one page with 400 letters, it’s at least one million yen. One million? That includes the introduction fee.

Ms. Miyoshi only takes writing requests via introduction so the fee includes our negotiation fee. There’s also the issue of time. Ms. Miyoshi is a very popular writer, so there’s a waiting list. Even if she accepts, you might die before your turn comes. Some people even make reservations for their babies while they’re pregnant.

So what do you think? What should we do, dear? I knew the chances were slim, so I’ll have your writers write my script. Right, then let’s get your estimate ready. When would you like to set your date of death? Umm… Based on your test results…

It sounds like you’ll be dying in one to three years? Then let’s set it at three years from now. Right? But the years left to live varies depending on people. If you set it too far from now, you still might die earlier than that date. What should we do?

You may live for three more years, but… Um… Do I pay a cancellation fee if I die earlier than expected? We’re sorry. If you die earlier than the date, you still pay 100% of the fee. What do other people usually do? Many of our customers choose a death date that’s earliest.

Then let’s set it at one year from now. This is a nice opportunity. Sure. Shit! Hey, Maru! You. Don’t just stand there. Help me. Have you found anything there? You have to look carefully Not like this. Like this! Search every page to see if there’s any money in there! Hey, Maru.

Get to work. Listen. Trash searching must be done seriously. Especially out here in the Kabukicho district. Finding something valuable used to be as easy as picking your nose. Leftover food, electronics, metal scraps were easy to find. But we’ve picked them all, and now they’re all gone.

No one throws away anything valuable anymore. What’s left are old books, newspapers, magazines. Just trash that’s inedible and worth nothing. But… Once in a blue moon there’s a secret stash between the pages… The holiday gift money someone forgot about! The money the wife hid from her husband! Now go find it!

Look very carefully! That’s enough, go look for the next book. Yes! You’re not doing this just for yourself. This is for everyone. Look through each page and each book for all of us. What are you doing? You can’t even read. Careful! Like this! Like this! You’ll find it if you believe you can.

Turn it upside down and shake! Nothing! Look, money! Get off! I found it! It’s just a flat rock. A stupid flat rock! How is it? This area has already been searched. At least ten times… Or twenty. No, fifty. One hundred million six hundred thousand times! Stop, why are you arguing.

No matter how much we search, not even an insect in sight. I’m starving. If only there were some books we can sell… They won’t sell. Lately all the books are digitalized. The pages are digitally condensed. No one buys real books anymore. Maru, don’t you have any ideas?

Is there a way to turn this trash into gold? “This book isn’t just an ordinary book. Tired from working all day? If you place it on the floor, it turns into a chair. Place it under your head, and it’s a pillow. Place a pot on it, and it’s a coaster.

Place it between the pages, and it’s a bookmark. You can also use it to firm your child’s jaws. There’s even more! You can protect yourself if you’re attacked. And it even becomes a weapon. Avoid that punch and hit his nose with the corner. Go behind him and hit his head with the cover.

Use it as a light weapon! So convenient! Yet it fits into your business bag. This amazing item now for a special price! 990 yen, tax included! Anyone interested? Anyone?” Just kidding. Hey, stop it. Stop it…stop! Stop…. Stop it! Look around, you idiots! There are a countless number of these books.

This is just trash. I give up. There’s no one who would ever pay for these books. Even if there were, they’d have no money. Shut up! Stop conversing with your growling stomach. Let’s burn them. If we burn them all, at least we’ll be warmer. Right? We would feel better too.

Easier to find something valuable too. Let go! I’m gonna burn it all! Stop it. Paper burns up very quickly. The fire won’t last you a night to warm yourselves. Your Excellency! If you’re hungry, go to the Toho Building. They’ve started the cookout. I’ve told them to keep some food for you. Sosuke, wait.

Wow, thanks! No big deal. Thanks so much always! No, thank you! You take good care of everyone. No, they’re taking care of us. You’re helping each other out. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Extra, extra! Read all about it! They’re putting out a special edition.

Someone rich must have died. How do you know? All special editions ately are options people added on their obituaries. Options? The rich die exactly according to the script they paid millions for, and are bragging about it. They’re saying, “Look! I died, and it made the news!”

It’s all just publicity. I wonder how much they pay for it. I see. If they’re rich enough to distribute that trash, they should distribute that money to us. Did you find anything on your end? No. Things are getting worse. Kabukicho isn’t living up to its reputation as Tokyo’s dumpster.

It wasn’t like this when I was young. The trash bins were filled with leftover food, and we could steal all we want from the idiot drunks. The hostesses would give us money after work. And look how it is now. Men can’t afford to buy women, and all the women are gone.

All the brothels have now become our sleeping space. On top of that, no one throws away anything valuable. What has happened to the Japanese? They’ve become so poor, they have no trash to throw out. Darn, I want a drink. I’m jealous.

If I was born back then, it would have been a lot easier to feed Maru. If I was born back then, it would have been a lot easier to feed Maru. Maybe. Don’t worry. I’m a good brother. I can feed my younger sister. See?

Little by little, we’re saving money. Someday we’ll get your throat fixed. Hey, Sosuke. Can you do me a favor? What is it? Can you lend me some money? What? Money? There was another baby who was abandoned. Again? Yeah, he’s so young, and we need to give him milk. But there isn’t any milk.

So can you lend me money to buy some? No. I don’t need much. I don’t have any money. You do, you have the money for Maru. No way. I can’t give it to you. I’ll pay you back. No! You have no way of paying me back. Well…I can find a way. What way?

Um…I can ask them to give you an extra piece of bread at tomorrow’s cook out. Are you kidding me? A piece of bread? Aren’t you worried about the baby? Who cares? Hey, Sosuke! Who helped you get this far! Everyone in Kabukicho scraped pennies to help pay for your milk!

Now it’s your turn to pay it forward. Maru, that’s not fair. I said I can’t! Give me that! I said, stop it! Knock it off! Ouch… Sorry, Your Excellency. Are you okay? How’s your back? Can you get up? I’m sorry. This is all I can give you. I’m really sorry. Damn.

Why does it have to be like this? Yeah, if only we had money. Extra, extra! The foreign minister has died in Geneva! Extra! Get out of here! Hey! Don’t you see all this trash? We’ve got enough. We’ve got no time to be playing games of the rich.

Don’t take it out on her. She’s just doing her job. I’ll take one. Thank you! – Hey! – Who cares! It’s free! Thank you! Don’t ever come back! Give us money! Not newspapers! The foreign minister is dead. Don’t read that trash.

“Foreign Minister Matsuoka was killed in the midst of gunfire during his stay in Geneva where he was attending the UN General Assembly. He was accidentally shot while he was helping to evacuate civilians. He helped save children from terrorists. Ha! A very well scripted obituary. This is?

He must have paid so much for it. How much? For this scale…a hundred million yen for sure. A hundred million? See? That name, Miyoshi Toko Her scripts are really expensive. She takes one million yen for 400 letters a page. A million for 400 letters! How much per word is that…? I can’t calculate!

Yeah. I just know it’s really expensive! Miyoshi is the best writer of her generation. She’s been in charge of all the obituaries of politicians who’ve died in the past few years. This is good? Huh? I mean…it’s so ordinary. It’s like something we’ve heard of before,

Like a summary of random magazine articles. Yeah? Anyone can write this! Even I can! “The doctor said you’ll die one month from now due to an incurable disease…” “…So you break up with your lover to not cause him any trouble.”

“You decide to die quietly in the forests of Yakushima Island…” Wait up, Sosuke. Have you memorized the content of all of the books here? – Not just here. All of the books in Kabukicho. – All of Kabukicho? Of course. I’ve been flipping through pages everyday. That’s not normal.

I’m serious about my trash digging. “You decide to die quietly in the forests of Yakushima Island…” “And then your lover came searching for you.” “‘Please marry me’, he says”. “You struggle, but decide to say yes…” – “And one month later…” – One month later…?

“Dressed in a white wedding gown, held in your lover’s arms…” “Your life comes to an end near the roots of the Yakushima cedar tree”. Wow, Sosuke! I never knew you were so talented. Talented? This is nothing. Even you or Maru can do this. Really? Those obituary writers are so greedy.

If I can make money for this, I’d be a millionaire. Can you sell me that obituary? How much is it? I’m surprised. Who knew there was a homeless… I mean a freelance obituary writer like you. Freelance? It means you have a free lifestyle.

– Did you call me an obituary writer? – Aren’t you? How much is that obituary? This obituary? About the Yakushima cedar tree? Yes. How much for “The Bride With One Month Left to Live”? What? Listen, lady. This area isn’t a place for an elegant lady like you to wander around.

There isn’t a place in the world that I’m not allowed to wander around. What!? How much can I pay you for that? I’m sorry I don’t have a lot of cash today. Everything is cashless nowadays. Hey, Sosuke! Come here. That lady wants to sleep with you. What?

Women like her have a voracious sexuality. Watch out. Don’t be silly. How is 30,000 yen? Or 50,000? I’ve never done this before, but if you’re okay… No, no, no! But Your Excellency, 50,000 yen! Maru is watching. Maru! Please don’t judge me for doing this. No, I’m really not interested in sex with you.

I really want you to sell me your obituary. You seriously want to buy it? Hey, lady. Do you enjoy making fun of the poor? I’m serious. Look! The trash turned into money! Do you want more money? – I do! – Sosuke! I have a bigger job for you.

It’s larger in scale, and a lot more rewarding. What is it? Can you write me the most ridiculous obituary in the world? Can you write me the most ridiculous obituary in the world? The most ridiculous obituary in the world? If you can write the kind of ridiculous obituary I want,

I’ll give you my life. What? Every connection I’ve made in life, all my clients, copyrights to my obituaries, my royalties. I’ll give you all of that. I want you to be my successor. I want you to be my successor. Wait, what? Who are you? I’m Miyoshi Toko.

I’m the greedy obituary writer who made a fortune with this obituary for the foreign minister. This is it, Your Excellency! This is how you turn trash into gold! Don’t do it. Nothing good is going to happen doing business with women like her. But didn’t you see?

I made 50,000 yen out of an obituary based on trash! If I take after her business I can make more money – enough for Maru’s treatment! Do you seriously think Miyoshi wants you to take after her business? Even if it’s a lie, we have no choice to refuse.

If she’s being serious, we can buy milk for babies. Not just milk! We can feed everyone in town! We can make money from the dumb rich who want to pay for stuff like this! I know, but… Are you his agent? Agent? Is this enough for your commission?

Have you made up your mind? Are you in? Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of you until you write up the ridiculous obituary. Every step of the way. Thank you. Welcome to the club, young obituary writer. Watch out, because I’m strict to my new writers. Yes, ma’am!

Now give me a final draft of this obituary. Otherwise I can’t sell it. Yes, ma’am! What’s your name? Koizumi Sosuke. This is the 12 o’clock news. Leaders of countries around the world have offered their condolences and praise for Foreign Minister Matsuoka’s courageous acts in protecting civilians from terrorists.

The Cabinet’s approval rating which had been stagnant has recovered to 21%. And the Nikkei Stock Average reached a high of 30,467.75 yen for the first time in 3.5 years. The yen rose slightly in the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market and is expected to rise further next week.

In the foreign minister’s home prefecture Yamaguchi, locals are flocking to purchase red bean cake made in the shape of his face. local people are flocking to purchase red bean cake made in the shape of his face.

The governor of Yamaguchi has announced the construction of the Yosuke Matsuoka Memorial Museum which is planned to open in March of next year. What are you going to do? Um… What are you going to do? She should be calling me soon. You said the same thing to me three hours ago.

But she should really be calling me soon. How can you tell? Because I know how she is. What? When she gets in the flow, her face sort of… Her face? expands. It’s true. When she writes, she tends to clench her teeth. And when her writing peaks, this area bulges out.

When I saw her last time, it was this big! Was it? It was. It was 1.3 times bigger. By the time it’s 1.5 times bigger, the script is complete. Right, right. Enough of your nonsense to buy time. It’s really, really almost ready. Be quiet! I’m sorry.

It must be hard having a bad boss like her. I’ve worked as secretary for a long time so I understand. – I’m an apprentice. – Same difference. But she’s really working hard on it right now. I don’t care if she’s a bestseller. She’s not a professional if she can’t keep a deadline.

I’m sorry. This is someone’s life we’re talking about. Is Prime Minister Inukai not well? No. He can’t even debate in congress nowadays. Doctors say he won’t last another year. A year? What are you going to do? Even the average person takes one year preparing for their obituary.

How is there not even a word written for the prime minister of Japan! I’m sorry! It’s the obituary for the prime minister. We need to prepare a splendid death for him no matter what. That is my role as the prime minister’s chief secretary. Yes…

If we can get ready for his death, it’s fine. But what if he dies before the obituary is ready? We’ll be screwed. It will be unheard of. Um…can we postpone it? Postpone what? His death date? You writers have no notion of time. How can you say that about someone who is dying?

Maybe he can resign from politics and take time to rest. Don’t be boring. Politics runs on a very delicate balance of who, how, and when people seize power. I’m sorry. The Cabinet’s drop in approval ratings is unprecedented. Prime Minister Inukai needs a decent obituary for when he passes.

Otherwise the opposing party could take over the government. Imagine then what the USA, France, and England would do. China’s power is expanding, and tensions are rising in Asia. Japan’s future depends on this obituary! I’m sorry! Why do writers always lack common sense? No one has ever submitted anything by the due date.

If I say I want it today, they’ll make me wait til the afternoon of the following day. They say, give me two or three hours! If I say nothing, they won’t contact me for weeks. What’s wrong with writers? They must think they’re free to rewrite the concept of time.

Not all writers are like that. Your boss Miyoshi Toko is exactly like that. She’s extremely busy. Then you’re responsible for this. It’s your job as an apprentice to manage her schedule. If the prime minister dies, will you commit seppuku in penance? I’d do that if I were you.

Let’s not go that far. We’re not samurais. It’s that serious. Um…not to make excuses, but it’s the first time that Ms. Miyoshi has been in such a slump. She has never missed a deadline. But lately she’s acting very weird. As soon as she arrives at the office,

She starts playing games or goes for a walk. Is she sick? It doesn’t look like it. How was her life expectancy test? I hope she’s not dying anytime soon. She just took the test, but the results aren’t in yet. I see.

I think she must be feeling the pressure about writing the script for the prime minister’s death. That’s no excuse. Right. So I told you “not to make excuses”. Then what are you talking about? – I want you to understand. – Understand what?

– I want you to understand. – Understand what? That this isn’t my fault. That’s called an excuse. Has she called? Not yet. Um… What. What if we asked another writer? The prime minister’s death script? Someone other than Miyoshi? Who can write something like that? Me. What? I can.

Are you kidding me? You’re just an apprentice. I’m not just an apprentice! I’ve been studying under her for ten years. I’m in charge of writing the plots and drafts of her scripts. Right now she’s reading my new piece.

If she likes it, she’s going to let me make my debut as her successor! If she likes it, she’s going to let me make my debutas her successor! You’re going to be her successor? Yes. So I can take care of any work she can’t do. No, no.

I know I don’t have any credentials. But I’m the only apprentice that she’s had. I understand her more than anyone, and I know her style. If you let me write, I can write an obituary just like her. I have no professional experience, but I can write better than a plain obituary writer.

So please… Then have Miyoshi kill herself. What? I don’t care if you’re her best apprentice. As a client, you need to convince me. If she’s still alive, I’d want her to write. Well… But if Miyoshi Toko dies? That’s a good reason to ask her best apprentice instead of some random writer.

Get it? If you really want to write, you need to go that far. You must be kidding. Ten years. What? All other writers are making a decent living on their own. But look at you. You’ve worked under Miyoshi for 10 years and still have no career.

She’s eaten up 10 years of your life. Don’t you just hate her? Not at all! She extracted your youth, all in the name of her creativity. Extracted? But don’t worry! I’ll help you. As a politician, you get to know lots of people. What are you talking about?

Don’t worry, they’ll all sympathize with you. No one will blame you for killing her to get your youth back. Stop it! I respect Ms. Miyoshi very much. Every word she says, every letter she writes… has given me an incomparable experience.

If I were to be reborn, I want to be the letter she writes. How dare you say that! I get it. I’m sorry. This is not funny. Whether this is funny or not is up to Miyoshi. What? I’m starting to lose my temper. Either she completes the prime minister’s obituary…

Or she takes her own life. Or someone kills her. How can you… Don’t underestimate what a politician can do. I’m going to report everything you said to Ms. Miyoshi. Do you think I care? That will help motivate her. I’ll wait three more days. Tell her to show me an outline or a plot.

I want something that will show me her integrity. Thank you! I really mean it when I say three days. Not five days including the weekend. I understand. Send my regards to Ms. Miyoshi. Ms. Miyoshi…! This way, Ms. Miyoshi. Watch your step! Oh!

Are you’re okay with my place? We could go to a cafe. How are you going to a cafe in that outfit? I’m sorry. It’s fine. This is fascinating. I never get the chance to come to a place like this. Fascinating? That street we walked on was so cool.

So many people are just sleeping on the ground. Aren’t they cold in this weather? Of course they are. Oh, so they just live with it? It’s a special skill. I guess you can say that. – It’s so fascinating! – Isn’t it? – It’s so fascinating! – Isn’t it?

Oh, and those cardboard houses. Are there really such perfectly sized boxes for a human being to fit sideways? They build it to perfectly fit themselves. They’re artisans! And you have a roof over your head? Well, I just live in an abandoned building that used to be a brothel.

What are they in line for? There’s a cook out. It’s like a barbecue! How fun! And what are the people there saving their spots for? They’re waiting for the recruiter to give them cash jobs. Cash jobs? Recruiter? You won’t get it even if I explained.

So should we start talking about my job? The ridiculous obituary? I’ve been jotting down a few ideas… Look over there! They’re fighting! It’s like entertainment to them. They’ve got nothing better to do. And there are children too! There are people who abandon them. Oh… What’s wrong?

I think my wallet got stolen. What? I’m so sorry. Let’s talk somewhere else. How fascinating! I’ve never been pickpocketed. Kabukicho is like an amusement park. Better than I expected. You can see Godzilla from there. What! Really! Yes! There. And over there. Between those two buildings.

Keep your eyes there, but tilt your head to the right… A little more…little more. There! Oh, wow! Why is there a Godzilla in the middle of Kabukicho? I don’t know. Who know what they were thinking. How fascinating… Oh! Sorry. It leaks when it rains there. Are you offended? No, why?

Wait, where are you going? – Let’s reschedule. – No, wait! You feel annoyed about doing this job. I don’t. I’m happy to do this. Then let’s get started. Yes! Please, have a seat here. Is it too dark? A little, but it’s fine. How does that work? It’s fascinating.

What do you think? I’ve been jotting down a few ideas since we last talked. Sosuke! Has she paid you yet? Your Excellency. Well, well! If it isn’t the great writer, Ms. Miyoshi. How is Sosuke doing? Are you drunk? How did you pay for it? The great Ms. Miyoshi paid for some celebratory sake.

Thank you, thank you. You shouldn’t feed him sake. It’s fine. It costs nothing. I’m not talking about money. Master… Master… Oh, the great master… See what happens? Be careful. I’m fine. You’ll get hurt. What’s that? It’s cold. The rain is leaking through the roof. It’s leaking? Hehe, it’s leaking! Is he your father?

No, he takes care of all the homeless in the area. That’s why he’s called “His Excellency”, Actually, no. I am the 40th Prime Minister of Japan! That scared me. When he gets drunk, he claims he’s the prime minister. Citizens and officials will come to my funeral, and their tears will flood Yasukuni Shrine.

We get it. Go to sleep. – Okay, okay. – No, Sosuke, you don’t get it. Fascinating. Some people dream of things they know they could never experience. He’s just a mumbling drunk. It was never supposed to be like this. I just wanted to help you guys as prime minister. Okay, okay.

I’m in the middle of a meeting with her. Sosuke, let’s go get money from the rich.,, Yeah! And fix that leak. The leak! Over there. That leak on the roof. There, and there too. Okay, okay. There are a lot of leaks! We have to fix all the leaks in Kabukicho.

So much to fix, because I’m prime minister. Yes, okay. Good night. Good night. There you go. My goodness. Do you always take care of him? I owe him a lot. And to everyone in Kabukicho. Have you always lived here? Ever since I was young, with my sister. Your sister?

She can’t talk, so don’t mind her. I see. What happened? Is she ill? Her throat was burned when she was a baby. Because she wouldn’t stop crying, she got hot water poured down her throat with a kettle. Oh my gosh. By her parents? We don’t know, actually. I don’t remember. I see.

So I took Maru with me and ran. Maru. I named her that, because she was a round baby. She’s still round. That’s cute. So we came to Kabukicho, and His Excellency took us in. That’s the story. I see. I wonder how much surgery for her throat would cost. I don’t know.

If you become my successor, she can have any surgery she wants. Awesome. So that would be your obituary. What? “He was a poor but honest man who worked hard for his sister and friends.” My life story isn’t made up. It’s not like that.

I mean, my life isn’t as beautiful as the obituaries you write. I read what you wrote. Yes! It sucks. What? What do you mean, “what”. What the hell is that writing? But…isn’t this story good? A girl who was raised by wolves… No, no, no.

…killed the legendary white snake that was sleeping at the foot of Mount Fuji. After she stopped the eruption of Mt. Fuji, she fell into the caldera and died. It’s bad from the start, and after that, too.

Who is this girl who was raised by the wolves? Does she even exist? Then, how about… This story, where he wakes up to find himself in someone else’s body? No one ever wakes up in someone else’s body. But apparently it’s popular.

If they die in someone else’s body, whose obituary does it become? Is the body’s, or the soul’s? Ever heard of the word “reality”? But all obituaries are fiction! An obituary is the climactic story of the life of someone who actually exists.

Even if you were to lie, you have to lie within the framework. Really? You write too many stories about incurable diseases and memory loss. There are so many samples like that. Also, make it more ridiculous. It’s already quite ridiculous. I know. It’s really ridiculous, but within that ridiculousness,

You’re trying too hard to make it dramatic. Of course, it’s an obituary. I don’t want that. No drama necessary. How can I say this? It has to be ridiculous, but… like unfruitful? A story you can’t make anything out of. I don’t get it.

I want you to be particular about how ridiculous it is. Then what is the obituary that you want? “A meaningless death”. Okay. A death that doesn’t determine the value of someone’s life. You know when a loser turns into a good guy the moment he dies?

People say, “All in all, he was a good person”. Or, “He died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones”. Or, “He was a decent guy”. Something that is rid of all that. An obituary that’s just about “death”. Something neither acceptable nor unacceptable. Please write an obituary like that. Isn’t that bland for an obituary?

Well, it doesn’t have to be nice. But for now let’s call it an obituary. Do people become stupid when they become rich? Go back to sleep. A meaningless death. You’re talking about us. We rummage through trash, eat what we can, and when we can’t live any longer, we die.

We don’t create anything, nor do we leave anything behind. It’s worse than a stray cat’s death. Nothing wrong with that. People pay for stories like that? Yes, they do. Such idiots! People who buy obituaries are idiots. Stop. And that’s why obituary writers like me make money.

The rich don’t know how to live a real life. That’s why they spend money on obituaries. They should give us that money! I said I will. Thank you very much. You’re polite when it comes to money. Please. Sosuke’s our star. You better not take advantage of him! What? Stop it!

Sosuke, are you taking the rich’s side? They live on the money they extract from the poor. Not me. Poor people can’t buy obituaries. Sosuke… It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It’s all their fault. Okay, okay. I’m the prime minister! We get it. I need a drink. Then go get some more.

Ms. Miyoshi! Thanks! Thanks a million. Don’t drink too much. Don’t trust people like them. Now we can talk quietly. Yes. Are you using these for reference? Kind of. Dazai, Mishima…and Dostoevsky! Yeah. No. You have to refer to more mindless material. Like gossip magazines or tabloids. Magazines are probably better.

Why do you want to die like that? Why a meaningless death? Dunno. Dunno? Isn’t this about your death? Mine? Oh, no, this isn’t for me. What? Sorry, I should have explained. It’s not my obituary I want you to write. There’s another client. Think of this as a job offer.

But whose obituary am I writing? Not telling you. What? You’re writing about a meaningless death. If I give you information, you’ll be biased. Write it without knowing whom it’s for. Are you playing with me? Don’t be boring. Rich people are weird. Tell me, Sosuke. What does it mean to live?

You two must know what it’s really like to live. Living is about trying not to die. That’s not enough for some people to live. Anyway, everything you showed me today is useless. No! Do you have the final draft about the dying bride and Yakushima cedar? Is this a go?

No, idiot. This is for reference. Reference? Let me know when you have more stories. Good luck! Yes, ma’am! And submit it by the deadline. You’re a professional. When is the deadline? Here is the obituary! Phew… I knew she would keep her promise! She always makes the deadline in the end. What is this?

A bride with only one month left to live? Yakushima cedar? “Dressed in a white wedding gown, in her lover’s arms…” “her life comes to an end”. What? Is this how she wants the prime minister to die? Why does the prime minister have to die in a wedding gown? That’s not it!

This isn’t something she wrote. This isn’t her style, and she’d never write an obituary like this. The author’s name isn’t hers! Koizumi Sosuke. Who is that! I don’t know! Are you saying that Miyoshi submitted an obituary written by somebody else just to buy time? I’m so sorry!

Get Miyoshi over here now. She’s not picking up? She’s not picking up. Um… I haven’t been able to reach her since she gave me the script. She hasn’t been home either. Do everything you can to find her! I’ve already looked everywhere possible. Isn’t there a hint somewhere? Did you write this obituary?

I did. What the… How do you know Ms. Miyoshi? Who are you? What is your relationship to her? What’s in it for me to answer your question? What? I’m just a client. A client? What kind? For obituaries. Obituaries? Are you writing her obituary? No, I’m writing one for someone else. Someone else? Who?

No idea. I really don’t know. Hello! Ms. Miyoshi! What are you doing? What’s up? I’m asking you that. How can you just abandon your work? I edited this based on what you told me. Show me. Ms. Miyoshi! I gave you the script. There’s no way you can trick Mr. Takeda with that writing.

He’s the one who told me to just give him whatever. This is terrible. Too much meaning and not ridiculous enough. What? How about this part? I tried to be creative. This part is the most unnecessary. I told you to be careful with the outline.

Rather than looking at the details of the scenes, think of the flow of the whole story. Hang on. What are you doing? Are you teaching him how to write an obituary? Is there a problem? If Takeda isn’t happy, he can find someone else. You know he can’t do that. Yes, he can.

Are you making him write it? Why would you make a bum like him do such an important job? If you have writer’s block, let me help you! Who the hell is she? Don’t worry. Ms. Miyoshi. Am I not good enough? Have you read the script I sent you? The script?

The obituary script I wrote. I sent it to you. Oh. How was it? Sorry, I haven’t read it yet. What? My bad, I’ve been very busy. I sent it to you three months ago. I told you, I’m busy. You know best.

But you have the time to teach him how to write obituaries. What I sent you isn’t long – and it’s an obituary for an ordinary man in his 50’s. It’ll only take 30 minutes to read. Fine, I’ll read it. Send me the file. I told you.

I already sent it to you three months ago. I don’t want to look for it. Resend it. My email folder is a mess right now. You make me wait for three months, and you can’t spare the time to go through your inbox? Shut up. If you’re gonna complain, you’re free to quit. What?

Don’t be so committed to me as my apprentice. There are plenty of jobs out there. I can introduce you to an obituary coordinating shop. Ms. Miyoshi. I’ve worked under you for 10 years. Yes, and you’ve had enough, right? Any shop will hire you for maximum salary. That’s not the point.

I don’t want to be some cheap contract writer whose scripts get bought up by these shops. I worked so far to get here to become a professional freelance writer like you. Being freelance is tough. I don’t recommend it. It’s better you get a stable salary every month. But you said…

You said I can make my debut as your successor. What, is that true? You, be quiet. Who are you, anyway? I’m the one who is taking her position. I’m her successor. Right? That’s her fountain pen. Sorry. Did I really say you’ll be my successor? What? Maybe I was drunk. Sorry.

Forgive me, can you forget about it? No, no, no. – Let’s talk somewhere else. – Sure, my place? Um…I guess. Tell Takeda I’ll meet the real deadline. The real deadline is up. I’m so sorry. If the client says they want it on a certain date, that is the real deadline.

What is she thinking? Like there’s some secret deadline? I’m sorry. And now she’s making a bum from Kabukicho write the prime minister’s obituary? What’s wrong with her? I don’t know. That’s why I said you should have her commit seppuku. It’s because you spoil her. I’m sorry.

I’ll make sure that I take over her work. Why? Isn’t the bum writing the prime minister’s obituary? Let’s see how it goes. Pardon? She probably thought that if a bum was her ghost writer, it won’t be easy to track him down. She’s losing her touch.

As long as I get the script with her name on it, I don’t care how. Give her the support she needs. Support? You’re her apprentice. It’s your job. I guess… Make sure she meets the real deadline. I knew it. There was a real deadline. Maru, you’ll get wet. She didn’t approve again.

I don’t get it. Maybe: She wants it ridiculous, and now she complains. Yeah, I’ll stop writing for today. If I spend too much time writing, I can’t find food for us. But now it’s raining. It’s so cold… This rain reminds me of when we first came to Kabukicho.

I held you in my arms. It was so cold. Give me back the fountain pen! What? You stole it from her. Give it back! Hello… Good morning. This is the 7 o’clock news. The scaffolding of a construction site collapsed in Shinjuku last night, involving one passerby who died from the accident.

Obituary writer Okamoto Miyuki died as she tried to protect obituary writer Miyoshi Toko who was with her at the time. She pushed Ms. Miyoshi to save her from the falling scaffold, and took the fall instead. Ms. Okamoto had a bright future ahead of her as Ms. Miyoshi’s successor

And many are grieving for a death that came too soon. Ms. Miyoshi commented on her death, saying “She was the one and only person who could take over my position. Words cannot describe how I feel for losing such a wonderfully talented young writer.” Wow.

The news came out exactly how you wrote it. I told you you’ll be fine. Do you always kill people like this? No way! Wow… If this is possible, you can kill as many people as you want. No matter how many you kill, one obituary will let you get away.

Don’t be stupid! The only reason you got away this time is because I wrote the obituary. Amazing. Obituary writers are amazing. Hello. Oh. My condolences on your loss. How terrible. Thank you for the kind words. I’m quite used to death announcements, but it’s very sad to lose someone younger than me.

Wow, you actually think so? Hey, I’m not some cold-hearted villain. Okamoto worked very hard. I talked to her a lot more than I talk to you. You may be right. Are you the new apprentice? Apprentice? Okamoto told me about you. You handle a lot of big projects by Ms. Miyoshi. Um, well…yeah.

We can call him an apprentice. What kind of outfit is that? You need to dress better when you visit places like this. Sorry. Okamoto was very jealous of you. She always wondered why Ms. Miyoshi chose you. She admired her incredibly. She even wanted to be reborn as your writing.

She can be too much sometimes. In that sense, having her master write her obituary was the most ideal way for her to die. I’m glad I could finally return her the favor of working for me for these ten years. That’s great. You really think I would buy that? Pardon?

You killed her, didn’t you? You could fool the public, but not me. I asked her to support you and only you. She took the job without any complaints. Of course she never said anything about dying so soon. And look what happened? She’s suddenly dead. With an obituary written by Miyoshi Toko.

And now you took over her position. Can you explain what is happening? This is unbelievable! This is the worst thing an obituary writer can do! We’re screwed, Ms. Miyoshi. Hmm… You said we’d be okay. We’re okay. How? Guys. Can’t you at least try to hide the fact that you did it?

– Hey, I have no idea what you’re talking about. – Too late. You can go ahead and report me. Hey! What would I be charged for? For assisting a murder? Or covering up for the murderer? I guess they’ll be really mad at me. Come on. You’ll simply be charged for murder.

It was self-defense! We’ll see you in court. Hey! Go ahead and tell anyone you want. Wow, you’ve got some nerve. And you seem to have a strong sense of justice. What? We’ve been working together for a while now. How many politicians have I written legacy obituaries for?

Both hands wouldn’t be enough to count them. Count for me, Takeda. I’m sure everyone will be disappointed from the other side to know that their obituary writer is a criminal. But what can I do, they’re all dead. Dead people can’t complain. Do you believe in spirituality? I believe none of that.

But this might affect your reputation. You’re involved with a criminal. Bummer. Finally it was time for you to run for office from Prime Minister Inukai’s hometown. And now your dream to be prime minister ends here. But I guess justice weighs bigger for you. It’s up to you. Go ahead. See?

If he really wanted to report me, he wouldn’t be here. Right, Takeda? Come on, we’ve known each other for so long. Just say what’s on your mind. What is it? Well… This wasn’t quite how I imagined things would go on my way here. So I’m speechless. Then let’s try it again.

Show me the flow of how you imagined it would go. The flow? Take it from where we left off. – Cool, thanks. – Sure. This is unbelievable! This is the worst thing an obituary writer can do! You are not getting away with this. Mm hmm. Listen up.

If you want me to stay silent, you better follow what I say. So that’s the flow you imagined. This is awkward. You will write the obituary for this person here exactly how I tell you, exactly by the deadline I want. Understood? The end. That’s the end. You get my point, right?

Show me what you got. I see. It’s a list of people who are dying in one to three years. Military officials, politicians, and billionaires who want you to write their obituaries. They would be delighted to have you write their obituaries.

So I need to write their obituaries at the best timing for you, so they can die for reasons that are convenient for you. Now that you’re past 50, are you feeling pressure? You could say that. Is that a deal? Sorry. What!? I’m really busy. I can’t write obituaries for 11 people.

After all of that, you say this now? – He’ll write them. – Me? He’ll be your ghost writer? No, he’ll write under his own name. – Congrats, you’re making your debut. – What? That’s impossible. These eleven people won’t approve of an unknown writer with no credentials.

He’s going to be my successor. This guy? Can you convince your clients somehow? Tell them, “Miyoshi’s appointed successor is going to write your obituary instead of her.” You’re good at making people believe what you say. Well… I’ll make sure to oversee his writing. But… Don’t worry.

I’ll make him write so you can become prime minister. But what about the obituary that she asked me to write? You can leave that for now. Take care of these eleven people first. If these eleven people die, that changes the course of things greatly. Yes!

Carry on with the plot that you’re already writing. Yes, ma’am! Off you go. Yes! Hang on. Here’s an advance on your payment. I’m sure you’re gonna need it. Yes. Wow! And get some new clothes. – Yes! – Hey! I need a receipt for that. I’ll send it to your office.

Why did you choose him as your successor and not Okamoto? Because he’s like a protagonist. He’s the character who climbs up the ladder to success from hell. He’s the character who climbs up the ladder to success from hell. Okamoto was fine, but she’s always like an extra. Poor Okamoto.

What did she die for? Oh. She died to protect the master she admires. Even if it meant that she abandoned her future as my successor. Look, Maru! Hey, Maru! Maru! I’m going ahead! Okay? I’m going ahead, Maru! Maru! Maru! Look what I got, Maru! Your Excellency! Your Excellency! What is it?

I got work! From that lady? No, from some arrogant politician with glasses. Shut up! What? Sorry. I’m out of alcohol, so I’m irritated. You’ve been like that a lot recently. Don’t worry about it. Okay. So then… Are you done writing the meaningless obituary? You’re now her successor? Well, not quite.

But it looks like I’m making my debut first! My clients are elite politicians! Eleven of them! What? Ms. Miyoshi’s amazing. She negotiates everything on the spot, and before I knew it, I was making my debut. The arrogant guy in the suit couldn’t say anything back. It all sounds pretty sketchy.

Are you still saying that? Aren’t you glad I’m making money? Then Sosuke… Can you lend me some money? What? Was there another abandoned baby? Well, not really. No. Come on. You’re going to buy alcohol again. No, no, no! It’s not that. I have a headache.

It aches really bad. I need to drink to make it go away. It hurts because you’re drinking. Fine! Shut up! You’re acting really weird lately. Are you digging in the trash? I don’t need money anymore. Ms. Miyoshi is giving you money, right? What are you using it for? Nothing.

Then you must have money. I said fine! Okay then. Hey, Maru. What do you want if we get money? Let’s buy clothes and go to the public bath. Or maybe the hair salon, too! You must think you’re rich. What? Have you forgotten?

You wanted to do something else with the money you took from the rich. I haven’t forgotten. You wanted to save all the bums in Kabukicho with that money. You wanted to fix Maru’s throat. Clothes? Hair salon? I need it for work. Can I trust you ? I’m worried about you. About what?

Can you swear? That you won’t abandon us even if you get rich? I got this with my expense money. I was told to buy clothes, but I bought baby formula instead. Are you happy? That’s all you got? Slow down. Sorry. My head ached so bad, the words came out wrong. I know.

Glad you got the job. So, whose obituaries are you writing? Not sure, but I got some reference material. Inoue Junnosuke, Dan Takuma… I’ve seen their names in the newspaper. They’re total losers! Really? Listen, Sosuke. They’re the reason why we are so poor. They deserve to be killed. No, no, no.

We’re not killing them. Their death date is set, and I’m just writing their obituaries. It’s not what you think. There are two kinds of rich. The rich who extract money from the rich, and the rich who extract from the poor.

Strangely enough, there are more rich people who extract money from the poor. Why is that? They should take money from the rich. The rich should crush each other! That’s true. These people are trying to extract money from the poor. I see. You should write total crap.

Like, “They died because a dog bit them.” No! I won’t get paid if I write something like that. You have my permission. You’re a rich guy who extracts money from the rich. I’m not rich yet. How dare you talk back to me! I am the 40th prime minister of Japan! Behold!

There we go again. Go to sleep. Let me go, you peasant! Gosh, you’re strong for an old man. Let me go! It’s all because of the plague. Now that people’s life spans are shorter, their values started to get skewed. Dying became more important than living. Such idiots. Okay, okay. Sosuke.

Go extract money as you can from the stupid rich. And even if you do get rich, don’t ever sell to poor people like us. Don’t worry. Poor people don’t buy obituaries. That’s right! We’re smart! Yes. And we understand what it means to live more than anyone. Yeah! Dunno.

What is Maru saying? She’s asking “Why do people buy obituaries?” Why do people buy obituaries? Yes. Your sister is asking a difficult question. I need some space. Having you read my work is nerve-wracking. Get used to it. I’ve read it. How is it? It’s terrible. What!? Your writing hasn’t improved at all.

Isn’t Takeda’s deadline coming up soon? Well… This would get me in trouble. Is it that bad? This has to be different from the ridiculous obituary I asked you to write. You need to make it dramatic and meaningful. It’s too difficult. The minister’s actions aren’t consistent in your plot.

You have to convince the reader why the protagonist took certain actions. I have no idea what politicians are thinking. You’re getting paid to write what they’re thinking! Try to understand what human desire is. Desire? People act in order to fulfill their desire.

And it’s their course of action that builds a story. Right. So if there is a big desire that leads the narrative, the story naturally has a beginning, middle, and end. Desire… A good story depends on how much people sympathize with the characters’ motives.

So a character’s desire has to be primitive and simple. Like being hungry, sleepy, or wanting sex. It needs to be intuitive. Some people don’t care about world peace, but everyone understands hunger. I see. So what is the biggest fundamental desire that is just as basic as hunger, sleep, and sex? Um… Money?

That’s only secondary. People want money to satisfy their desires. People don’t just want money per se. They want fame? Getting close. This is a desire that is deeply linked to fear. The desire to not die, or to live longer? I guess you can include that. You don’t get it? I don’t.

The basic desire equivalent to the three biggest desires… is the desire to know that their life has meaning. I need a bigger hint. That’s the answer. People want a reason to live. And they’re anxious. They wonder why they’re alive, and why they were born. They wonder if their existence means anything,

And search for its meaning with their over-evolved minds. We can even say that people’s sole reason for living is to find why they were born. The average lifespan has shrunk in the last few decades. They die right when their life starts to get on track. Then what happens?

They think, “I haven’t accomplished anything yet!” “I don’t even know if I’ve made someone happy, nor if I’ve contributed to society!” “Am I just going to die as a nobody?” “Why was I born into this world?” This is why they buy obituaries! Oh, now I see.

The obituary writer’s job is to meet their desire. To tell the dying people that their lives were meaningful, through a beautiful story. To tell the dying people that their lives were meaningful,through a beautiful story. This is the 8 o’clock news. The former Minister of Finance Inoue Junnosuke was shot to death.

Mr. Inoue received three gunshots near the entrance of the elementary school where he had been visiting as a supporter for an election campaign speech. The shooter was arrested on the spot. He was part of the leader of a terrorist group led by Inoue Nissho.

The police are investigating the possibility that this was an organized terrorist attack. This is the 11 o’clock news. Business leader Dan Takuma was shot in front of the Mitsui Bank headquarters. The shooter was lying in wait for him at the bank.

The police are investigating the link to the murder of the former Minister of Finance. We’re here in Roppongi at the office of Mr. Koizumi Sosuke, the bestselling obituary writer! Thank you for having us here today! My pleasure. What a beautiful office you have! What do you like about your office?

The sound proof walls. They help me concentrate on my writing. I also like the nice view. Wow! Look at this! You can get a wonderful view of Tokyo! Mr. Koizumi is known for his debut obituary pieces of the former Minister of Finance Inoue Junnosuke and business leader Dan Takuma.

Of the former Minister of Finance, Inoue Junnosuke and business leader Dan Takuma. The plot was a sensational series involving two different people and showed the noble ideology of their fight against terrorism. Thanks. I got the idea of linking Mr. Inoue and Mr. Dan’s obituaries

Since their requested death dates were close to each other. The two were very close when they were alive, so they both liked my suggestion. I see. How did you choose the theme? They are both accomplished individuals. A plain style of death wasn’t enough to honor their great career.

That’s why I used an antithesis against their career. With a big action comes a big reaction. Expressing that has allowed the greatness of their deeds to be known. Mr. Koizumi, you’re also known for your traditional writing technique. You don’t use a computer.

A writer should always create with just pen and paper. It also doesn’t cost any money. Money? Never mind. Okay, well any new pieces coming up? Of course. Luckily I’ve been receiving lots of requests. I’m sure that my obituaries will keep the news headlines busy. How exciting!

Do you get your bold imagination from your mentor, Ms. Miyoshi? Well… Sorry to say this but… I think I owe this more to my own talent. I see. I grew up homeless in Kabukicho. The experience I gained there continues to inspire me to write.

Your own heroic life story has also garnered attention. Heroic, you’re exaggerating. Many citizens sympathize with your upbringing. Unfortunately, there are many people who live a life like me. Do you have a message to your fans out there? You…can change the future. Thank you!

Lastly, can you tell us a bit about your sister? We hear that you became an obituary writer to earn money for her vocal surgery. That’s enough. Who is this guy? Sorry. Your Excellency. Your Excellency? Wait for me outside. Oh, come on. How dare you treat your agent like that. He’s your agent?

Sorry. We’re filming now. He reeks of liquor! Sorry. I’ll get him out of here. Sosuke’s on a tight schedule. Hey! Are you not going to listen to your agent? Okay, I’ll leave for now. I have one last question. When is Ms. Miyoshi going to be retiring? Are you still at it?

It’s been a while since she has published any new work. When will you be succeeding her position officially? Ask her yourself! “I’m sure that my obituaries blah blah blah…” Who do you think you are? Shut up. Getting an interview, eh. Quite the bestseller you’ve become?

I told you not to come to my office. I thought you were busy, so I came to help clean your office. I thought you were busy, so I came to help clean your office. That’s not necessary. The office will only get dirtier with you around. That’s not nice.

This is an important time for me. I can’t have you wandering around me. It will affect my image. Hey, you got any alcohol in this office? I need a drink. You need to go. I’ll arrange a ride for you. Here. Come on. I gave you money the other day. That was nothing.

What? How much money have I given you so far? Kabukicho is a mess right now. All the homeless towns have been wiped out so homeless people are gathering in Kabukicho. There just isn’t enough to eat. I know, but… You swore. You said you’d never abandon us even if you got rich.

There’s a limit to that. I’m not a loot bag. I get it. What? You’re being stingy. Now that you can make a living, you don’t care about us anymore. That’s not the point! You traitor. Just go! You know the baby we saved the other day? It died.

There was no money to buy milk. Naturally it died. It had no energy to drink porridge. It’s because you’re obsessed with money and abandoned us. You killed the baby! Screw you! You guys killed the baby! What did you do with the money I gave you!

You wasted it on alcohol, gambling, and drugs! You even ate up all the baby formula! Sosuke… We really don’t have anything to eat. That’s not what I gave you the money for! You’re the ones who killed the baby! There’s something I learned from earning money.

There’s a reason why some people can’t earn any money, Opportunities are everywhere, but they don’t reach out their hand to take it. I took that opportunity and worked hard. No matter how many times my writing was criticized, I kept writing. And look at you? What have you done?

All you do is envy the guy who tried. And you beg me for the money I made and try to drag me down. Do you have any idea why you’re so miserable? Ever thought of that? Don’t you think it’s your own fault?

Why in the world should I give someone like you money? I am the 40th Prime Minister of Japan! Shut up, you drunk! If I were prime minister… I’d smash this country into pieces! This is all the cash I have. I use cashless payments lately. This is the last time I’m doing this.

Have you treated Maru’s throat? Huh? Yeah. I’m gonna take care of it someday. Someday? I need more money for the surgery. I wasted a boring amount of money on you guys. I see, I see. Someday I’m going to get it done.

Once I write up the meaningless death obituary as Ms. Miyoshi told me to, and once I succeed her position. That’s when I’ll pay for her surgery. Oh? You’re not her successor yet? Shut up. I know it’s soon. Will that day ever come? Does she really want you to be her successor?

Maybe she’s just leading you on and one day will pretend she never asked you? No way. Her money is too valuable to her. Just like you. I’m not like that. Whatever. This is the last time I’m seeing you. That was my original plan. Since I’m dying,

I was hoping to ask you for money until the day I die. Wait, you’re dying? Yes. Already? Already. I’ve lived a lot longer than the other guys. Perhaps too much. Did you get your life expectancy check? I can’t pay for that! I just have a gut feeling.

I can pay for your hospital bills. I don’t need it. Money can’t reverse time. I looked everywhere for you! What are you doing out here? I really like it here. I’m apartment searching. I think I want to live here. In Kabukicho? You really shouldn’t. It stinks, it’s filthy, and it’s dangerous.

I heard you moved out to Roppongi? You’re quite popular now, aren’t you? You don’t need to be my successor anymore. What? What is it? You have to keep your promise. I know. So have you written up the meaningless death story? Yes! I’m gonna get a go from you today. I hope so.

What version is this? Version 21. Wow, you’ve come a long way. But I can see you’ve improved. The obituaries for Muto Sanji and Nagata Tetsudan were pretty good, though I had to make some edits. Thank you! Then is this good? Nope. What? It’s too serious. There’s too much meaning in the death.

Rewrite it. From scratch? It’s easier that way. I can’t just edit parts of this. The plot itself has too much weight. But I think… it’s impossible to make the prime minister’s death meaningless. It’s pushing too far. What? Did I ever tell you this was the prime minister’s obituary? Huh?

No, you never told me. I just assumed it was. Just judging from Takeda’s attitude. Well…whatever. In any case, I asked for the obituary of a meaningless death. You need to keep that promise. Ms. Miyoshi. Do you really plan on making me successor? Are you regretting your promise? What are you so irritated about?

It makes no sense. I’m doing really well as an obituary writer. I live up to your name as your student. But why won’t you approve? Because that’s what we promised. I’ll make you my successor when I’m happy with the meaningless death obituary. I told you from the start.

But you haven’t. So I don’t approve. End of story. No. You just changed your mind. You’re scared that I’m going to take your whole life away from you. Scared? Why would I be? Because I have more talent as a writer. Oh, you really think so? It’s the truth. TV, radio, newspapers…

The obituaries I wrote are all the rage. And what about yours? No one talks about your obituaries anymore. Of course! Lately I don’t write. It’s not that you don’t write. You can’t write. Get your phrasing right. Okay, so what? I can’t write. So what? You’re jealous of me. You’re hilarious.

We’re both busy people. Time is precious. Let’s stop playing silly games. I’m not playing any games. You’re the one who’s not taking this seriously. I’ve been telling you the same thing from the start. Write up an obituary of a meaningless death that I can be happy with.

Then I’ll give you my whole life. That’s it. I’m going to show this obituary to Mr. Takeda. Why? The client is the prime minister. I’ll have him hand this directly to the prime minister. Even if you don’t approve, if the prime minister does, I’ve done my job.

I told you. There’s no point unless I’m happy with it. No! The public will approve of me as your successor if I write up the prime minister’s obituary as requested directly by you. Then your opinion wouldn’t matter anymore. You really think so? I do! Ms. Miyoshi. Yes?

You told me to understand human desire if I want to write obituaries. I was born with nothing, so I wanted everything in this world. I know what human desire is more than anyone in the world. More than you, who has everything. I have the talent as an obituary writer.

Then do your job and write me a good one. I’m looking forward to it! I told you! I’m not going to rewrite this! Mr. Takeda! This is the prime minister’s obituary I wrote. Sorry it took so long to give it to you. Ms. Miyoshi took forever to approve it.

What are you talking about? The prime minister’s obituary? Miyoshi submitted that to me a long time ago. What? You’re the one who wrote it! “Prime Minister Inukai was shot at his residence by young military generals.” It was right after you completed the obituaries of Inoue and Dan.

Miyoshi brought it to me herself. She told me that you completed it. What? It was really well written. I still haven’t… Especially the lines, “Let’s sit down and talk!” “No need for talk!” reflected the Miyoshi-ism in your writing. There you go! Wait a minute. Has the prime minister already died? Oh, my goodness.

Do you ever read the paper? He died in peace the other day. Oh, are you the kind of writer who loses interest in your work once it’s complete? Wait, so… Whose secretary are you now? Oh, my goodness. You don’t know that either? Goodness. I’m the Minister of War now.

What? Were you even in the military? Thanks to your obituaries, everyone’s died so easily. So there’s not enough people. I’m the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Domestic Affairs, Education, Commerce, and Munitions. Is that even possible? The world has been unstable lately. It’s easier when one person can make all the decisions.

Keep up the good work. Next you’re writing the obituaries of Saito Minoru, Takahashi Korekiyo, and Watanabe Jotaro. The title is the February 26th Incident, was it? I look forward to it. I’m very grateful, Koizumi. Thanks to you, we’re speeding up history by ten years. Thanks to me? Yes! One more thing.

I have another job offer for you. What? We’re about to start a war, but the opposing party says Japan lacks military strength and is disagreeing with me. I want to shut them up. A war? I want to start selling obituaries written by you for low-income people. For one-and-a-half sen.

That’s so cheap. The size of a postcard. Since they’re cheap obituaries, the content can be simple and clear. Like “dying for the nation”. What? I’ll whip something up regarding the story, so you can just lend me your name. Lend you my name? It’ll be easier for you.

And what a great chance for those who live their lives without meaning. For just one-and-a-half sen, they can be gifted with a grandiose meaning to their lives, like “dying for the nation”. This would get them excited to go to war zones.

And this solves the issue of military strength that they’re so against. You’re using the obituaries as a bait to send people to war? Isn’t that a brilliant idea? Who are you going to sell them to? We can start with the homeless wandering around Kabukicho.

They’re unproductive and aren’t good for the city’s scenery. If we can wipe them out, we’re killing two birds with one stone. You’ll be even more famous as an obituary writer! No, I never do business with the poor. Nonsense! Business is easier when you sell to the poor and you can make more money!

There are so many of them. I said, no! I’m never lending you my name for this. Ask Ms. Miyoshi to do it! Her days as a writer are over. You’re the best obituary writer in Japan now.

Her days as a writer are over. You’re the best obituary writer in Japan now. You climbed up the ladder from being homeless. Everyone loves your success story. Miyoshi isn’t the one with name value. It’s you! Will you take this job? No.

I don’t like that attitude. You can’t be choosing work like Miyoshi does. I said, no! Oh, dear. You seem to be misunderstanding your position. What? You don’t have the right to say no. But if you’re fine with letting the world know that you’re a murderer, I’ll say no more. Um…

I’ve known Miyoshi for a long time, but not you. You becoming a criminal doesn’t affect me. Understood? Hang on. At least let me write the content. I’ll write it so their obituaries are more meaningful. Not something vague like “They died for the nation”. Sorry. It’s already on sale. It was rather urgent.

You writers tend to extend your deadlines, and I didn’t want that. No… This nation is going to change. The islands in the far east suffering from poverty, famine, and disease will rise together with Japan for the prosperity and union of Asia! I don’t have any! I don’t have any obituaries!

Stop it! What happened to you guys! You never needed anything like this. You rummage through trash, ate, slept, got in fights, and laughed – that’s all you needed! Obituaries! Obituaries for sale! Buy your obituary today! Your Excellency! Hey Sosuke! Get your obituary here! What are you doing!

Sosuke, I got a job! An official told me to sell these obituaries! It’s the first time I had a job in ages! Don’t sell them! – But you wrote them, didn’t you? – I didn’t. – But your name is on here. – Just stop. Give it back!

You told me to work harder. I did, but… There are other jobs out there. No, there aren’t! Have you forgotten? You told me not to do take money from the poor! The poor can take money from the poor. Don’t be so selfish! Why not! Everyone’s happy. See?

Look how excited they are to buy an obituary. How wonderful. I never imagined that people like us could ever buy obituaries! Why! You said these obituaries were stupid! Sosuke. We too want a meaning for our existence if we can have one. We’d just given up on the idea from the start.

But it doesn’t mean we want our lives to be meaningless. Stop! They’re all lies! They’re all made up just to get rid of you! Purchasing them won’t add any meaning to your lives. Please… They’re all lies! You’re ruining it. They’re all lies… Why are they so excited?

It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. They want to believe that their lives had meaning. That’s all that matters. It’s true for you, too. The purpose of your life is to earn money for your mute sister, isn’t it? Yeah? And that’s okay. What are you talking about? That’s right. You’re okay.

Right, Maru? What are you doing? I don’t need this. They’re all just flat rocks. Maru? Maru? Maru? Where are you? Maru! Maru! Obituaries for sale! Obituaries! Obituaries! Here you go. Maru, where are you! Maru! Maru! Where are you, Maru! Maru! Maru! Where are you! Maru! Maru! Maru!!

Having received the imperial decree to declare war, I hereby express how deeply I am moved. My presence is small, but I devote myself entirely to your mission with all my heart. It is my greatest wish to offer myself to the Emperor.

I believe that my fellow citizens shall also be ready to sacrfice themselves and feel the honor of protecting the Emperor. The key to victory is to believe wholeheartedly in the nation’s victory. 2,600 years since our nation has been founded, yet we have never once lost a war. Hooray! Maru!

Where are you! Maru! Maru! Maru!! Maru, where are you! Ms. Miyoshi! I can’t find Maru. Great work! It’s finally complete! What? Thank you. This is exactly the meaningless death that I asked you for. I knew I was right about you. What are you talking about?

I asked you to write an obituary for me. An obituary that doesn’t determine the value of someone’s life after their death. This is exactly what I wanted! Out of the blue, multiple lives get consumed contrary to their will. There’s no plot nor logic to it –

Just hundreds of thousands of millions of names, personalities, and lives get engulfed in the numbers. Deaths so massive that individual stories can’t possibly be deciphered! I wanted to die getting lost in that mass! The obituary of a meaningless death… was for yourself? Honestly, I’m sick of it all.

I’m tired of thinking about the reason I was born, for everyone, and for myself. After writing so many obituaries for people, I realized how hypocritical everything is. People who have had such lousy lives try to tell a beautiful story of their deaths in the end.

What’s the point of all that? They’re just taking advantage of their death to improve their reputation. Isn’t it horrible? All I want… is to die for no reason. Great job, Koizumi Sosuke! You wrote up the obituary that I wanted! I never wrote such a story! Yes, you did!

All of the obituaries you’ve written have led to this grand finale! But Takeda told me to do it. But you wrote it! I revised it as you told me to. But you wrote it! No… This script was written by you. Everything I’ve written was directed by you from the start.

Do you think you can get away with this? How could you do such thing, just for your ideal death? This is so messed up! It doesn’t matter if I can’t get away with it. I’ll be forgotten someday. You would never be forgotten! You’re the one who wrote this story of destruction.

Obituary script writer, Miyoshi Toko! Your name is going down in history! You’ll be mentioned in textbooks, and featured every summer for the NHK special documentary series! No I won’t. It’s your name that’s going down, Sosuke. My career as a writer is over, Nowadays your name is the talk of the town. No.

I only wrote what you asked me to write. Now that you’ve written up the obituaries of meaningless deaths, you will be my successor. Thank you! Obituary writer, Koizumi Sosuke! Man… We can’t clear this up in a day. Who are these people? Dunno.

Probably the homeless who used to live here, but who knows. They’re all burnt up. Can’t even tell if they’re male or female. They’re all burnt up. Can’t even tell if they’re male or female. What are you going to do with them? We’ll have to process them as John Does.

Let’s go. This is endless. This person… has two gold caps on his teeth. Height is not too tall. Wearing a thick ring on the thumb with a green rock on it. And… a mole on the neck. And… And…