Themis' Uncertain Court (2026) s01e03 Episode Script
Episode 3
I don't do well in summer.
Due to noise sensitivity
related to being autistic,
low sounds are difficult for me to hear,
and high-pitched sounds echo unpleasantly.
So when I try to fall asleep
and hear that sound
the sound of a mosquito buzzing around,
it makes me go, "Ahhh!"
Well, something like that
makes me go, "Ahhh!" too.
Also, we've switched to cooler clothes
at work since it's hot.
But I can't let go of the feel of clothes
once my body gets used to them.
So, even in summer,
I wear long sleeves and a tie.
My sensory sensitivities make temperature
and humidity changes hard too.
The heat sometimes makes me dizzy.
Doing unfamiliar things can trigger
restlessness and anxiety, you know.
During this season, it becomes harder
for me to appear normal,
and I'm more likely to be looked at
strangely by others.
You haven't told anyone?
You haven't told your coworkers the ways
you experience things differently?
No, I haven't.
Actually, I haven't either.
Me neither.
I end up frustrating my coworkers
when I can't do things they find simple.
Raise your hand
if you've told those around you.
I have.
Is this something we should really
be telling other people?
It depends on the person.
Since it is a spectrum,
individual traits vary greatly.
Everyone is different.
More people have told
their peers than I expected.
A lot of today's participants were hired
through disability hiring programs.
I can't tell anyone.
You may want to tell someone one day.
So they can truly understand you.
No, that's not something I can do.
How would people feel being judged by you
given your developmental disability?
If you're serious about this line of work,
you shouldn't tell anyone.
I am an alien.
I live by mimicking Earthlings.
I can't let anyone know
who I truly am.
THEMIS' UNCERTAIN COUR
EPISODE 3
THE QUALITIES OF A JUDGE
Ahhh!
Behind electrical appliances, drains,
ventilators, bundles of wires, and more
"And more"?
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
YAOMI TRANSPORT CO. LTD
Who are you people?
I'm a court officer
from Maebashi District Court First Branch.
What?
On July 2nd, 2025,
one of your drivers, Yoshiyuki Sakuma,
caused an accident while on duty.
One passerby was involved, and both her
and Mr. Sakuma were killed.
Yoshiyuki Sakuma's daughter,
Eri Shinomiya,
believes the accident
was caused by overwork.
A request for preservation of evidence
was filed through legal counsel.
Here are the notifications from the court.
From 10:30 a.m.,
the judge and counsel for the petitioner
will commence evidence preservation--
Huh?
Mr. Ando?
Apologies for the delay.
Huh?
You still have an hour
until the process begins.
Are you okay, though?
I've fallen down twice on my way here.
Wait, if you count now,
it's the third time.
You overslept because of a mosquito?
Yes, a common house mosquito.
It happened late at night.
I was cleaning areas they might breed,
and stayed up too late.
Here you are.
DEFENSE COUNSEL
EIKO HOZUMI
So that's the Judge Ando
everyone's been talking about.
People are talking about him, then?
I've heard he's eccentric.
Next up, the news.
Thefts of outdoor AC units have surged
around Gunma Prefecture recently.
The stolen units are believed
to be taken to scrap dealers,
where valuable metals
such as copper are extracted.
We must protect the units at all costs.
What was that?
If they were stolen,
the AC would be unusable.
Using a screen door is terrifying,
and I don't want
to hear that whooshing sound
by my ears again.
You only look at people's mouths
when they speak, don't you?
You never make eye contact.
That
That's not true.
Take a look at this.
My granddaughter.
Isn't she cute?
And my other granddaughters, too.
I heard you had four daughters,
but all of your grandkids are girls, too.
That's an unusually high ratio of girls.
Since I live away from my family
I rarely get to see everyone.
Reluctance here, reluctance there,
spinning reluctantly everywhere
Even the reluctant guy has some soul
Um, Chief?
Apparently, a judge stuck unwillingly
in branch courts wrote it.
Only two more years
serving this miserable sentence to go.
Don't make it sound like you're in prison.
After I retire,
I'm going to live with my family in Tokyo.
I'll make a ton of money.
I'll become a notary public,
drafting documents for the state.
I've heard there aren't many
opportunities for notary publics in Tokyo.
That's why I'm pulling every string I can
and I'm starting to lay the groundwork.
-We're back.
-Welcome back.
A motion of preservation of evidence
with a plan to claim damages.
That overworked truck driver?
That's right.
In 2024 and 2025,
consecutive regulations were introduced
concerning work practices
and operations in the logistics industry.
Before and after the law was enacted,
around 200 hours of annual overtime
are no longer allowed.
There is a persistent driver shortage.
The logistics industry
is facing a mountain of problems.
Ando, why are you staring into my eyes
like that while talking?
I'm acting as I always do.
Sure, but if you go around
staring at me like that,
it'll make me blush and fall for you.
That would be a problem.
Mr. Ando, you really don't get jokes,
do you?
Anyway, let's handle this as a panel.
-Yes, sir.
-Yes, sir.
Are you ready?
Hey, are you sure we can trust Judge Ando
to handle this case?
You're certain?
I'm seriously nervous.
I felt the same way at first.
It's only excitement from here on out.
I'm looking forward
to seeing Judge Kadokura in action.
He's got a reputation as a rebel.
I've wanted to work on a trial with him.
Mr. Kadokura? A rebel?
As far as I know,
he's just some drunk old man.
I want to believe even the little guy
has a soul.
I see.
That defense counsel
is the Craftsmen of Law.
Huh?
Unbelievable, right?
Why on earth would a major company
represent a small transport firm?
About to find out.
All rise.
FIRST HEARING
Case No. 4 of 2025.
The plaintiff, Ms. Eri Shinomiya.
The defendant, Yaomi Transport Co. Ltd.
Now then, let's proceed.
Here are the details of the accident.
The truck Mr. Sakuma was driving
approached a downhill slope
and was unable to make a gentle curve,
tipping over.
Tire marks indicate the truck was driving
recklessly until moments before.
There is a possibility that Mr. Sakuma
had lost consciousness.
He was previously involved in
an overwork-related accident
which was recognized as work-related.
At Yaomi Transport, overtime work
was a common occurrence.
That was before 2024.
After the law was revised,
overtime work was within regulated limits.
If you look at the records,
you'll see that.
Isn't this about record tampering?
Objection!
That statement could amount to defamation.
Objection sustained.
Plaintiff's counsel, not in the record
doesn't mean tampering. Irrational claim.
I apologize.
However, if you look at this document,
you'll see it isn't reckless.
Take a look.
Your Honor.
Over here, not over there please.
Ah, right.
Small transport companies
have been going under in recent years.
Yaomi Transport is also unable
to replace drivers due to staff shortages.
If only overtime hours
are forcibly reduced,
naturally, the amount of goods
they can transport should decrease.
However, for some reason, Yaomi Transport
is still transporting goods as usual.
Don't you think that's strange?
It's thanks to business resources.
All we did was review
the four core business resources.
Labor, materials, capital,
and information.
Business resources.
Business resources. Business resources.
The shaking has begun.
The accident was due
to the individual's own negligence.
Mr. Sakuma suffered
from sleep apnea syndrome.
Due to his condition, he was in a daze.
And although he was aware
of his condition,
isn't it true he continued to drive?
Objection!
There is no such basis for that claim.
That statement is purely speculative.
Business resources.
This lawsuit is clearly a case
of the plaintiff shifting responsibility.
The accident caused a fatality.
The plaintiff doesn't want to think
her father is to blame.
That's why we are being sued.
Objection!
That remark
unfairly insults the plaintiff.
Judge Kadokura, we are in litigation.
Judge Kadokura, may I speak?
Before that, the plaintiff's counsel
has raised two objections.
Remind me?
First, the claim that the accident
was caused by a lack of sleep.
Second, the claim that the plaintiff
is trying to shift the blame.
Both objections are sustained.
If the defense wants to make those claims,
it must present clear supporting evidence.
We will comply.
Judge Ando, go ahead.
What are "business resources"?
"Business resources" is an abstract term.
Explain the steps taken for labor,
materials, capital, and information.
SPECIFIC MEASURES IMPLEMENTED
TO IMPROVE LABOR EFFICIENCY
-Good work today.
-See you tomorrow.
I'm going home. Goodbye.
Mr. Ando.
Won't you be hot on your way home?
Oh, right.
Oh, Mr. Ando.
You were the same as always
in today's overwork death case.
I was the same me as always?
Why did you observe the trial?
-It's a secret.
-I see.
Goodbye, then.
Wait, what're you in such a rush for?
Why are you following me?
You're going to Paloma, right?
I thought I'd go too.
No, I have plans today.
Oh, right.
Regarding business resources
You're curious
about the defense counsel's claim, right?
You can't go talk
to the defendants' company.
The court can't collect evidence itself
in civil trials.
I understand. That's why I'm going
to investigate the business world.
It's a field trip.
Thank you
for going out of your way to take me.
You owe me one.
What do you mean by "owe"?
Mr. Ando, why did you want
to become a practitioner of the law?
Why are you asking about that
in this situation?
It's something I've been curious
about for a while now.
The Compendium of Basic Laws.
When I was 14, I found
the Compendium of Basic Laws at home.
It was a book of society's rules
A textbook for how to live.
When I finished reading it,
I felt a deep sense of relief.
That was what drew me to the law.
Yes? What is it?
It's nothing.
The light has turned green.
Right.
Oh?
But why did you have theCompendium
of Basic Laws at home?
Do you have any family members
in the legal profession?
We will soon arrive at your destination.
Thank you very much.
Around here is fine, thank you.
Sure.
MAEBASHI CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
We'd get nowhere
if we stuck to work-hour rules.
We don't have enough staff.
Who is that guy?
I heard he's a judge.
A judge? Why?
Well, you know how
Yaomi Transport's getting sued?
Apparently, he's in charge of that.
He's been asking
about the logistics industry.
Speaking of, didn't you say
you used to work at Yaomi Transport?
I am Judge Ando from Maebashi
District Court First Branch.
-May I ask you a few quest--
-Got nothing to say to a judge.
The law is full of crap.
All you do is change the rules for things
you know nothing about.
The law is a set of rules made by humans
for humans and is thus not infallible.
It doesn't always protect
those in weaker positions.
Then what are we protected by?
The Labor Contract, Labor Standards,
and Worker's Accident Compensation Acts.
The law is a right given
to all citizens to protect themselves.
In simpler terms, it's a weapon.
Depending on how you use the weapon,
it can protect you.
Telling me all that doesn't help,
since I don't know how to use it.
Everything is written in here.
It's ¥15,950.
And the compact edition
is ¥2,530 yen.
Trusting the law isn't a bad thing.
Hey, Togashi.
-Let's go.
-Coming.
Many transport companies go out
of business even if they follow the law.
Revenue from deliveries for major clients
had been sustained through overtime work.
If working hours were followed,
they wouldn't survive.
So they continued as always
until they were shut down.
But there's joint government
and private support too, right?
For example
PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR PROJEC
TO SOLVE THE LOGISTICS CRISIS
CHANGE LOGISTICS IN JAPAN
The logistics industry
is currently facing its biggest crisis.
To overcome this logistics crisis,
we want to actively implement DX,
which stands for digital transformation.
We are
Implementing it will require
significant costs.
-Too much for small businesses.
-That's true.
Even if this were to be implemented,
most drivers are around my age,
so they couldn't keep up with DX.
Makes sense since you're against
the court going digital, too.
Important things become clear offline.
Very retro.
That's right, I'm of the retro generation.
So I'm in support of going out for drinks.
Anyway, the trend is that big companies
survive while small ones are left behind.
Also, what did you conclude
from your field trip?
I don't think Yaomi Transport's efforts
are enough to prevent poor performance.
It seems that overwork
has likely continued as before.
The cause of the accident
was the individual's own negligence.
Excessive labor is unthinkable
in this day and age.
We submit Defendant's Exhibit 37.
It shows the dashcam footage
from the truck driven by Yoshiyuki Sakuma
the day of the accident.
Part of Yaomi Transport's work
is carrying fresh produce
from rural areas to the Kanto region.
Before 2024, it is true that many drivers,
including Mr. Sakuma,
drove through the night to deliver goods.
However, once the regulations
were implemented,
we switched to relay transport,
which involves swapping drivers mid-route.
This practice was also followed
on the day of the accident.
Yet even so, overwork still occurred?
Just because relay transport
was conducted on long-distance routes,
it doesn't mean regular overwork
didn't occur elsewhere.
Now, we will submit the remaining data
from the truck driven
by Mr. Sakuma as evidence.
Please do so promptly.
Yes, Your Honor.
The cause of the accident
was Mr. Sakuma's own health issues.
There is also one other possibility.
Does the plaintiff
have any idea?
Huh?
You didn't know?
Your father
had been working a side job
without the company's knowledge.
We submit Defendant's Exhibit 38.
This is the payroll
from Mr. Sakuma's other company.
Mr. Sakuma
had a prior conviction for theft.
When the plaintiff was in grade school,
her parents divorced.
He rejoined society after that.
The plaintiff
is studying veterinary medicine
at a private university.
It's a six-year program,
so the costs are high.
Once the plaintiff started university,
Mr. Sakuma worked as a driver
and an on-site guard to pay child support.
If overwork did occur
he did it to himself.
That settles it.
Hmm
Hmm
Are you alright?
Let's go, Ando.
Okay.
They'll probably drop the case
after that, huh?
What's wrong?
Will the court propose a settlement?
Well, based on the current evidence,
the alleged overwork did not occur.
Hmm
Ando, can you tell me what that
"Hmm" is supposed to mean?
Reducing labor times business resources
equals maintaining sales.
I just can't believe that it works.
Hmm
Bye.
Wow, wow, wow.
I just received a call
from the secretariat.
It's about the wrongful death
damages claim due to overwork.
Someone wants to tell us the truth
about what happened.
There's a whistleblower.
There wasn't overwork
but it looked like there was.
There wasn't, but there was?
What does that mean?
It seems they want to meet
in person to discuss it in detail.
Wait a minute.
Why did that person contact the court?
Why not the plaintiff's counsel?
It seems they want to talk to Mr. Ando.
Me?
Why name Mr. Ando specifically?
His name's Kazuto Togashi.
Do you know him?
I spoke with him during my field trip.
He was in the audience today, too.
It seems he will be here
in three days at one p.m.
Is this something
a judge should be handling?
Well, he did ask for him by name.
Let's hear him out first
before we respond.
We'll attend, too.
Understood.
THERE WASN'T, BUT THERE WAS
There wasn't, but there was.
There wasn't, but there was.
There wasn't
TOSHIYA KISHIBE
HELLO. IT'S TOSHIYA.
I recently told my coworkers
about my condition.
That's because after a series of mistakes,
I felt I wouldn't be able to keep working.
I think everyone understands the ways
I experience things differently.
I also feel like they know
the real me now.
I wondered whether I could be a judge,
given my developmental disability.
Without clear rules
I always get confused.
But in the law,
everyone is held to the same rules.
I make judgments based on those rules.
Emotions are not needed at all.
I think it suits me well.
How about the person being judged?
What?
How would people feel being judged by you
given your developmental disability?
Discrimination and prejudice
will never go away.
If you're serious about this line of work,
you shouldn't tell anyone.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
I want to go to Genki Bathhouse.
Huh?
I want to go to Genki Bathhouse.
Huh?
I want to go to Genki Bathhouse.
Oh, if you're going to Genki Bathhouse,
head diagonally left at the Y road ahead.
I don't get what you're saying.
Huh?
Um, uh, please wait a moment.
I'M HAPP--
Ahhh!
Excuse me, could you please help me?
I want to go soon.
I It's on my way home,
so I'll take you there.
P Please wait a m moment.
I'M HAPPY FOR YOU
Thank you for waiting. Let's go.
GENKI BATHHOUSE
Here it is.
Oh, it's Genki Bathhouse!
Thank you very much!
No bag.
No bag.
Ahhh!
You're saying
someone went through your bag.
So, does that mean nothing was stolen?
Correct.
Kazuto Togashi
contacted the secretariat.
He said he can't testify.
Why the sudden change?
Apparently, it got out
that he was meeting directly
with Mr. Ando.
Does it have anything
to do with Mr. Ando's belongings?
You said this Togashi guy
was in the audience, right?
The plaintiff's counsel most likely
caught wind of him being in contact
with Ando
and started digging into him.
They probably used a detective.
Most likely.
I've heard that the Craftsman of Law
collaborates with a detective agency.
I'm heading
to the Maebashi Central Logistics Center.
But
Mr. Togashi already quit his job.
It seems he suddenly became unreachable.
The defense counsel took him in.
They're one step ahead.
They'll make sure
he doesn't try to talk again.
Hey, Ando.
Why did you forget your bag?
A message from an acquaintance.
Escape from a mosquito.
A foreign tourist asked for help.
Three things happened simultaneously.
That's your reason?
That was the reason.
Such important information must be handled
with the utmost care.
And yet
You left the bag with said information.
An inexcusable mistake.
We should inform
the plaintiff's counsel about this, right?
What a mess.
It's unclear what the cause is.
We just don't know.
However
We know Ando left his bag.
And the whistleblower
said he can no longer testify.
We believe these two things
are somehow connected.
Right now, I'd like to offer
my sincerest apologies.
I am very sorry.
Using dirty tricks, huh?
I'm just the fall guy.
In any case, one thing has become clear.
You're hiding an inconvenient truth.
We will offer a condolence payment.
What was that?
How about we settle this?
For ¥500 thousand.
Don't be ridiculous!
Ms. Eri Shinomiya,
how about it?
Go ahead
and say what you think.
I
I hated my father.
My father committed a crime,
and then divorced my mom.
Then my mom
She started to work so she could raise me.
Wanna go take a photo?
I was always alone.
I resented my father.
Look what you're putting us through.
Do you know how hard Mom
has to work every day?
Pay child support at the very least.
I don't want to see you ever again.
Don't come back here.
I never saw him again.
I didn't even know
he was paying child support
until after he passed away.
I didn't know a single thing about him.
That's why I want to know
what happened in the end.
Did someone really die because of him?
I want to know the truth.
I want
to continue the trial.
I can sympathize
with how you feel.
Now then, let's move on
to the countersuit.
We're suing you.
We're seeking
¥8 million in damages.
Defense counsel,
are you serious?
Due to Mr. Yoshiyuki Sakuma's negligence,
someone has died.
The company must pay
significant compensation to the family.
And yet the plaintiff
has filed a lawsuit, shifting the blame.
The company's public credibility
has been ruined.
We believe it's a reasonable amount.
We will file the lawsuit in one week.
Goodbye then.
Clearly a SLAPP lawsuit.
They're filing a high damage claim
to intimidate the plaintiff.
So it would seem.
However, unlike overseas, it's difficult
to authorize a SLAPP suit in Japan.
If your judge hadn't messed up,
this wouldn't have happened.
Well
maybe I'll get drunk tonight.
How about it?
Want to get a drink together?
No, thank you.
You won't join even if I asked, huh?
Actually
I don't want to be around you right now.
Mr. Kadokura
I often forget things in my daily life.
And I can't do more
than one thing at a time.
Ms. Ochiai
I don't understand jokes.
I tend to take things literally.
I try to pass as normal.
But
I don't fit the norm.
I
I
I understand now.
The Maebashi Court First Branch's
judges are completely unreliable.
The Maebashi Family Murder case
Even if we request a retrial for it,
it may not be properly considered.
They even carried out the death sentence
on someone who maintained his innocence.
The legal world's Pandora's box.
Are you really considering
joining the defense team?
That's precisely why.
Go ahead and start building the evidence.
I will.
CAFE PALOMA
Oh, welcome!
Um
Has Mr. Ando come in today?
No. Actually, he hasn't
come in for the past few days.
He used to come in almost every day,
so it's thrown me off.
He must've gotten sick of
my ketchup spaghetti.
Mr. Yuki?
Go ahead. I'll meet you there.
Yes, sir.
It's been a while.
It was December 13th, 13 years ago.
The day I told you in this cafe
that I wanted to become a judge.
I've continued working as a judge
while keeping that part of myself hidden.
However
I can't do it anymore.
If I were a defendant, I wouldn't
want to be judged by someone like me.
I'm not suited to be a judge.
I think I should quit.
Wouldn't you agree?
Dad.
He told me I shouldn't tell anyone.
It's a letter of resignation.
You can't quit.
I just want to know the truth.
Please, I just want to work!
I want to offer you a settlement.
Don't mock the judicial system.
Due to noise sensitivity
related to being autistic,
low sounds are difficult for me to hear,
and high-pitched sounds echo unpleasantly.
So when I try to fall asleep
and hear that sound
the sound of a mosquito buzzing around,
it makes me go, "Ahhh!"
Well, something like that
makes me go, "Ahhh!" too.
Also, we've switched to cooler clothes
at work since it's hot.
But I can't let go of the feel of clothes
once my body gets used to them.
So, even in summer,
I wear long sleeves and a tie.
My sensory sensitivities make temperature
and humidity changes hard too.
The heat sometimes makes me dizzy.
Doing unfamiliar things can trigger
restlessness and anxiety, you know.
During this season, it becomes harder
for me to appear normal,
and I'm more likely to be looked at
strangely by others.
You haven't told anyone?
You haven't told your coworkers the ways
you experience things differently?
No, I haven't.
Actually, I haven't either.
Me neither.
I end up frustrating my coworkers
when I can't do things they find simple.
Raise your hand
if you've told those around you.
I have.
Is this something we should really
be telling other people?
It depends on the person.
Since it is a spectrum,
individual traits vary greatly.
Everyone is different.
More people have told
their peers than I expected.
A lot of today's participants were hired
through disability hiring programs.
I can't tell anyone.
You may want to tell someone one day.
So they can truly understand you.
No, that's not something I can do.
How would people feel being judged by you
given your developmental disability?
If you're serious about this line of work,
you shouldn't tell anyone.
I am an alien.
I live by mimicking Earthlings.
I can't let anyone know
who I truly am.
THEMIS' UNCERTAIN COUR
EPISODE 3
THE QUALITIES OF A JUDGE
Ahhh!
Behind electrical appliances, drains,
ventilators, bundles of wires, and more
"And more"?
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
And more
YAOMI TRANSPORT CO. LTD
Who are you people?
I'm a court officer
from Maebashi District Court First Branch.
What?
On July 2nd, 2025,
one of your drivers, Yoshiyuki Sakuma,
caused an accident while on duty.
One passerby was involved, and both her
and Mr. Sakuma were killed.
Yoshiyuki Sakuma's daughter,
Eri Shinomiya,
believes the accident
was caused by overwork.
A request for preservation of evidence
was filed through legal counsel.
Here are the notifications from the court.
From 10:30 a.m.,
the judge and counsel for the petitioner
will commence evidence preservation--
Huh?
Mr. Ando?
Apologies for the delay.
Huh?
You still have an hour
until the process begins.
Are you okay, though?
I've fallen down twice on my way here.
Wait, if you count now,
it's the third time.
You overslept because of a mosquito?
Yes, a common house mosquito.
It happened late at night.
I was cleaning areas they might breed,
and stayed up too late.
Here you are.
DEFENSE COUNSEL
EIKO HOZUMI
So that's the Judge Ando
everyone's been talking about.
People are talking about him, then?
I've heard he's eccentric.
Next up, the news.
Thefts of outdoor AC units have surged
around Gunma Prefecture recently.
The stolen units are believed
to be taken to scrap dealers,
where valuable metals
such as copper are extracted.
We must protect the units at all costs.
What was that?
If they were stolen,
the AC would be unusable.
Using a screen door is terrifying,
and I don't want
to hear that whooshing sound
by my ears again.
You only look at people's mouths
when they speak, don't you?
You never make eye contact.
That
That's not true.
Take a look at this.
My granddaughter.
Isn't she cute?
And my other granddaughters, too.
I heard you had four daughters,
but all of your grandkids are girls, too.
That's an unusually high ratio of girls.
Since I live away from my family
I rarely get to see everyone.
Reluctance here, reluctance there,
spinning reluctantly everywhere
Even the reluctant guy has some soul
Um, Chief?
Apparently, a judge stuck unwillingly
in branch courts wrote it.
Only two more years
serving this miserable sentence to go.
Don't make it sound like you're in prison.
After I retire,
I'm going to live with my family in Tokyo.
I'll make a ton of money.
I'll become a notary public,
drafting documents for the state.
I've heard there aren't many
opportunities for notary publics in Tokyo.
That's why I'm pulling every string I can
and I'm starting to lay the groundwork.
-We're back.
-Welcome back.
A motion of preservation of evidence
with a plan to claim damages.
That overworked truck driver?
That's right.
In 2024 and 2025,
consecutive regulations were introduced
concerning work practices
and operations in the logistics industry.
Before and after the law was enacted,
around 200 hours of annual overtime
are no longer allowed.
There is a persistent driver shortage.
The logistics industry
is facing a mountain of problems.
Ando, why are you staring into my eyes
like that while talking?
I'm acting as I always do.
Sure, but if you go around
staring at me like that,
it'll make me blush and fall for you.
That would be a problem.
Mr. Ando, you really don't get jokes,
do you?
Anyway, let's handle this as a panel.
-Yes, sir.
-Yes, sir.
Are you ready?
Hey, are you sure we can trust Judge Ando
to handle this case?
You're certain?
I'm seriously nervous.
I felt the same way at first.
It's only excitement from here on out.
I'm looking forward
to seeing Judge Kadokura in action.
He's got a reputation as a rebel.
I've wanted to work on a trial with him.
Mr. Kadokura? A rebel?
As far as I know,
he's just some drunk old man.
I want to believe even the little guy
has a soul.
I see.
That defense counsel
is the Craftsmen of Law.
Huh?
Unbelievable, right?
Why on earth would a major company
represent a small transport firm?
About to find out.
All rise.
FIRST HEARING
Case No. 4 of 2025.
The plaintiff, Ms. Eri Shinomiya.
The defendant, Yaomi Transport Co. Ltd.
Now then, let's proceed.
Here are the details of the accident.
The truck Mr. Sakuma was driving
approached a downhill slope
and was unable to make a gentle curve,
tipping over.
Tire marks indicate the truck was driving
recklessly until moments before.
There is a possibility that Mr. Sakuma
had lost consciousness.
He was previously involved in
an overwork-related accident
which was recognized as work-related.
At Yaomi Transport, overtime work
was a common occurrence.
That was before 2024.
After the law was revised,
overtime work was within regulated limits.
If you look at the records,
you'll see that.
Isn't this about record tampering?
Objection!
That statement could amount to defamation.
Objection sustained.
Plaintiff's counsel, not in the record
doesn't mean tampering. Irrational claim.
I apologize.
However, if you look at this document,
you'll see it isn't reckless.
Take a look.
Your Honor.
Over here, not over there please.
Ah, right.
Small transport companies
have been going under in recent years.
Yaomi Transport is also unable
to replace drivers due to staff shortages.
If only overtime hours
are forcibly reduced,
naturally, the amount of goods
they can transport should decrease.
However, for some reason, Yaomi Transport
is still transporting goods as usual.
Don't you think that's strange?
It's thanks to business resources.
All we did was review
the four core business resources.
Labor, materials, capital,
and information.
Business resources.
Business resources. Business resources.
The shaking has begun.
The accident was due
to the individual's own negligence.
Mr. Sakuma suffered
from sleep apnea syndrome.
Due to his condition, he was in a daze.
And although he was aware
of his condition,
isn't it true he continued to drive?
Objection!
There is no such basis for that claim.
That statement is purely speculative.
Business resources.
This lawsuit is clearly a case
of the plaintiff shifting responsibility.
The accident caused a fatality.
The plaintiff doesn't want to think
her father is to blame.
That's why we are being sued.
Objection!
That remark
unfairly insults the plaintiff.
Judge Kadokura, we are in litigation.
Judge Kadokura, may I speak?
Before that, the plaintiff's counsel
has raised two objections.
Remind me?
First, the claim that the accident
was caused by a lack of sleep.
Second, the claim that the plaintiff
is trying to shift the blame.
Both objections are sustained.
If the defense wants to make those claims,
it must present clear supporting evidence.
We will comply.
Judge Ando, go ahead.
What are "business resources"?
"Business resources" is an abstract term.
Explain the steps taken for labor,
materials, capital, and information.
SPECIFIC MEASURES IMPLEMENTED
TO IMPROVE LABOR EFFICIENCY
-Good work today.
-See you tomorrow.
I'm going home. Goodbye.
Mr. Ando.
Won't you be hot on your way home?
Oh, right.
Oh, Mr. Ando.
You were the same as always
in today's overwork death case.
I was the same me as always?
Why did you observe the trial?
-It's a secret.
-I see.
Goodbye, then.
Wait, what're you in such a rush for?
Why are you following me?
You're going to Paloma, right?
I thought I'd go too.
No, I have plans today.
Oh, right.
Regarding business resources
You're curious
about the defense counsel's claim, right?
You can't go talk
to the defendants' company.
The court can't collect evidence itself
in civil trials.
I understand. That's why I'm going
to investigate the business world.
It's a field trip.
Thank you
for going out of your way to take me.
You owe me one.
What do you mean by "owe"?
Mr. Ando, why did you want
to become a practitioner of the law?
Why are you asking about that
in this situation?
It's something I've been curious
about for a while now.
The Compendium of Basic Laws.
When I was 14, I found
the Compendium of Basic Laws at home.
It was a book of society's rules
A textbook for how to live.
When I finished reading it,
I felt a deep sense of relief.
That was what drew me to the law.
Yes? What is it?
It's nothing.
The light has turned green.
Right.
Oh?
But why did you have theCompendium
of Basic Laws at home?
Do you have any family members
in the legal profession?
We will soon arrive at your destination.
Thank you very much.
Around here is fine, thank you.
Sure.
MAEBASHI CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
We'd get nowhere
if we stuck to work-hour rules.
We don't have enough staff.
Who is that guy?
I heard he's a judge.
A judge? Why?
Well, you know how
Yaomi Transport's getting sued?
Apparently, he's in charge of that.
He's been asking
about the logistics industry.
Speaking of, didn't you say
you used to work at Yaomi Transport?
I am Judge Ando from Maebashi
District Court First Branch.
-May I ask you a few quest--
-Got nothing to say to a judge.
The law is full of crap.
All you do is change the rules for things
you know nothing about.
The law is a set of rules made by humans
for humans and is thus not infallible.
It doesn't always protect
those in weaker positions.
Then what are we protected by?
The Labor Contract, Labor Standards,
and Worker's Accident Compensation Acts.
The law is a right given
to all citizens to protect themselves.
In simpler terms, it's a weapon.
Depending on how you use the weapon,
it can protect you.
Telling me all that doesn't help,
since I don't know how to use it.
Everything is written in here.
It's ¥15,950.
And the compact edition
is ¥2,530 yen.
Trusting the law isn't a bad thing.
Hey, Togashi.
-Let's go.
-Coming.
Many transport companies go out
of business even if they follow the law.
Revenue from deliveries for major clients
had been sustained through overtime work.
If working hours were followed,
they wouldn't survive.
So they continued as always
until they were shut down.
But there's joint government
and private support too, right?
For example
PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR PROJEC
TO SOLVE THE LOGISTICS CRISIS
CHANGE LOGISTICS IN JAPAN
The logistics industry
is currently facing its biggest crisis.
To overcome this logistics crisis,
we want to actively implement DX,
which stands for digital transformation.
We are
Implementing it will require
significant costs.
-Too much for small businesses.
-That's true.
Even if this were to be implemented,
most drivers are around my age,
so they couldn't keep up with DX.
Makes sense since you're against
the court going digital, too.
Important things become clear offline.
Very retro.
That's right, I'm of the retro generation.
So I'm in support of going out for drinks.
Anyway, the trend is that big companies
survive while small ones are left behind.
Also, what did you conclude
from your field trip?
I don't think Yaomi Transport's efforts
are enough to prevent poor performance.
It seems that overwork
has likely continued as before.
The cause of the accident
was the individual's own negligence.
Excessive labor is unthinkable
in this day and age.
We submit Defendant's Exhibit 37.
It shows the dashcam footage
from the truck driven by Yoshiyuki Sakuma
the day of the accident.
Part of Yaomi Transport's work
is carrying fresh produce
from rural areas to the Kanto region.
Before 2024, it is true that many drivers,
including Mr. Sakuma,
drove through the night to deliver goods.
However, once the regulations
were implemented,
we switched to relay transport,
which involves swapping drivers mid-route.
This practice was also followed
on the day of the accident.
Yet even so, overwork still occurred?
Just because relay transport
was conducted on long-distance routes,
it doesn't mean regular overwork
didn't occur elsewhere.
Now, we will submit the remaining data
from the truck driven
by Mr. Sakuma as evidence.
Please do so promptly.
Yes, Your Honor.
The cause of the accident
was Mr. Sakuma's own health issues.
There is also one other possibility.
Does the plaintiff
have any idea?
Huh?
You didn't know?
Your father
had been working a side job
without the company's knowledge.
We submit Defendant's Exhibit 38.
This is the payroll
from Mr. Sakuma's other company.
Mr. Sakuma
had a prior conviction for theft.
When the plaintiff was in grade school,
her parents divorced.
He rejoined society after that.
The plaintiff
is studying veterinary medicine
at a private university.
It's a six-year program,
so the costs are high.
Once the plaintiff started university,
Mr. Sakuma worked as a driver
and an on-site guard to pay child support.
If overwork did occur
he did it to himself.
That settles it.
Hmm
Hmm
Are you alright?
Let's go, Ando.
Okay.
They'll probably drop the case
after that, huh?
What's wrong?
Will the court propose a settlement?
Well, based on the current evidence,
the alleged overwork did not occur.
Hmm
Ando, can you tell me what that
"Hmm" is supposed to mean?
Reducing labor times business resources
equals maintaining sales.
I just can't believe that it works.
Hmm
Bye.
Wow, wow, wow.
I just received a call
from the secretariat.
It's about the wrongful death
damages claim due to overwork.
Someone wants to tell us the truth
about what happened.
There's a whistleblower.
There wasn't overwork
but it looked like there was.
There wasn't, but there was?
What does that mean?
It seems they want to meet
in person to discuss it in detail.
Wait a minute.
Why did that person contact the court?
Why not the plaintiff's counsel?
It seems they want to talk to Mr. Ando.
Me?
Why name Mr. Ando specifically?
His name's Kazuto Togashi.
Do you know him?
I spoke with him during my field trip.
He was in the audience today, too.
It seems he will be here
in three days at one p.m.
Is this something
a judge should be handling?
Well, he did ask for him by name.
Let's hear him out first
before we respond.
We'll attend, too.
Understood.
THERE WASN'T, BUT THERE WAS
There wasn't, but there was.
There wasn't, but there was.
There wasn't
TOSHIYA KISHIBE
HELLO. IT'S TOSHIYA.
I recently told my coworkers
about my condition.
That's because after a series of mistakes,
I felt I wouldn't be able to keep working.
I think everyone understands the ways
I experience things differently.
I also feel like they know
the real me now.
I wondered whether I could be a judge,
given my developmental disability.
Without clear rules
I always get confused.
But in the law,
everyone is held to the same rules.
I make judgments based on those rules.
Emotions are not needed at all.
I think it suits me well.
How about the person being judged?
What?
How would people feel being judged by you
given your developmental disability?
Discrimination and prejudice
will never go away.
If you're serious about this line of work,
you shouldn't tell anyone.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
I want to go to Genki Bathhouse.
Huh?
I want to go to Genki Bathhouse.
Huh?
I want to go to Genki Bathhouse.
Oh, if you're going to Genki Bathhouse,
head diagonally left at the Y road ahead.
I don't get what you're saying.
Huh?
Um, uh, please wait a moment.
I'M HAPP--
Ahhh!
Excuse me, could you please help me?
I want to go soon.
I It's on my way home,
so I'll take you there.
P Please wait a m moment.
I'M HAPPY FOR YOU
Thank you for waiting. Let's go.
GENKI BATHHOUSE
Here it is.
Oh, it's Genki Bathhouse!
Thank you very much!
No bag.
No bag.
Ahhh!
You're saying
someone went through your bag.
So, does that mean nothing was stolen?
Correct.
Kazuto Togashi
contacted the secretariat.
He said he can't testify.
Why the sudden change?
Apparently, it got out
that he was meeting directly
with Mr. Ando.
Does it have anything
to do with Mr. Ando's belongings?
You said this Togashi guy
was in the audience, right?
The plaintiff's counsel most likely
caught wind of him being in contact
with Ando
and started digging into him.
They probably used a detective.
Most likely.
I've heard that the Craftsman of Law
collaborates with a detective agency.
I'm heading
to the Maebashi Central Logistics Center.
But
Mr. Togashi already quit his job.
It seems he suddenly became unreachable.
The defense counsel took him in.
They're one step ahead.
They'll make sure
he doesn't try to talk again.
Hey, Ando.
Why did you forget your bag?
A message from an acquaintance.
Escape from a mosquito.
A foreign tourist asked for help.
Three things happened simultaneously.
That's your reason?
That was the reason.
Such important information must be handled
with the utmost care.
And yet
You left the bag with said information.
An inexcusable mistake.
We should inform
the plaintiff's counsel about this, right?
What a mess.
It's unclear what the cause is.
We just don't know.
However
We know Ando left his bag.
And the whistleblower
said he can no longer testify.
We believe these two things
are somehow connected.
Right now, I'd like to offer
my sincerest apologies.
I am very sorry.
Using dirty tricks, huh?
I'm just the fall guy.
In any case, one thing has become clear.
You're hiding an inconvenient truth.
We will offer a condolence payment.
What was that?
How about we settle this?
For ¥500 thousand.
Don't be ridiculous!
Ms. Eri Shinomiya,
how about it?
Go ahead
and say what you think.
I
I hated my father.
My father committed a crime,
and then divorced my mom.
Then my mom
She started to work so she could raise me.
Wanna go take a photo?
I was always alone.
I resented my father.
Look what you're putting us through.
Do you know how hard Mom
has to work every day?
Pay child support at the very least.
I don't want to see you ever again.
Don't come back here.
I never saw him again.
I didn't even know
he was paying child support
until after he passed away.
I didn't know a single thing about him.
That's why I want to know
what happened in the end.
Did someone really die because of him?
I want to know the truth.
I want
to continue the trial.
I can sympathize
with how you feel.
Now then, let's move on
to the countersuit.
We're suing you.
We're seeking
¥8 million in damages.
Defense counsel,
are you serious?
Due to Mr. Yoshiyuki Sakuma's negligence,
someone has died.
The company must pay
significant compensation to the family.
And yet the plaintiff
has filed a lawsuit, shifting the blame.
The company's public credibility
has been ruined.
We believe it's a reasonable amount.
We will file the lawsuit in one week.
Goodbye then.
Clearly a SLAPP lawsuit.
They're filing a high damage claim
to intimidate the plaintiff.
So it would seem.
However, unlike overseas, it's difficult
to authorize a SLAPP suit in Japan.
If your judge hadn't messed up,
this wouldn't have happened.
Well
maybe I'll get drunk tonight.
How about it?
Want to get a drink together?
No, thank you.
You won't join even if I asked, huh?
Actually
I don't want to be around you right now.
Mr. Kadokura
I often forget things in my daily life.
And I can't do more
than one thing at a time.
Ms. Ochiai
I don't understand jokes.
I tend to take things literally.
I try to pass as normal.
But
I don't fit the norm.
I
I
I understand now.
The Maebashi Court First Branch's
judges are completely unreliable.
The Maebashi Family Murder case
Even if we request a retrial for it,
it may not be properly considered.
They even carried out the death sentence
on someone who maintained his innocence.
The legal world's Pandora's box.
Are you really considering
joining the defense team?
That's precisely why.
Go ahead and start building the evidence.
I will.
CAFE PALOMA
Oh, welcome!
Um
Has Mr. Ando come in today?
No. Actually, he hasn't
come in for the past few days.
He used to come in almost every day,
so it's thrown me off.
He must've gotten sick of
my ketchup spaghetti.
Mr. Yuki?
Go ahead. I'll meet you there.
Yes, sir.
It's been a while.
It was December 13th, 13 years ago.
The day I told you in this cafe
that I wanted to become a judge.
I've continued working as a judge
while keeping that part of myself hidden.
However
I can't do it anymore.
If I were a defendant, I wouldn't
want to be judged by someone like me.
I'm not suited to be a judge.
I think I should quit.
Wouldn't you agree?
Dad.
He told me I shouldn't tell anyone.
It's a letter of resignation.
You can't quit.
I just want to know the truth.
Please, I just want to work!
I want to offer you a settlement.
Don't mock the judicial system.