Themis' Uncertain Court (2026) s01e04 Episode Script
Episode 4
At Yaomi Transport, overtime work
was a common occurrence.
Did someone really die because of my dad?
I want to know the truth.
we switched to relay transport,
which involves swapping drivers mid-route.
Yet even so, overwork still occurred?
The accident was due
to the individual's own negligence.
Trusting the law isn't a bad thing.
There's a whistleblower.
It seems they want to talk to Mr. Ando.
Because of Mr. Ando's carelessness--
He said he can't testify.
If your judge hadn't messed up,
this wouldn't have happened.
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.
What do you want me to say?
I only know you up to age 12.
I can't find the right words.
That's the truth.
I want to ask you something.
It's something I couldn't ask
13 years ago
You said it would be better
to hide my condition from others.
Was that for my sake?
Or
was it for yours?
Were you ashamed of me?
That's not worth answering.
That's not an answer.
People believe what they want to believe.
I HAVE A SORE THROAT AND A FEVER.
I'LL TAKE THE DAY OFF. ANDO
I'm not skipping work.
I'm not skipping work.
I'm an alien.
My job is to judge
the conflicts of Earthlings.
Am I good enough for that?
THEMIS' UNCERTAIN COUR
EPISODE 4
THE LEGENDARY REBEL
40TH COHOR
37TH JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT ANNIVERSARY
What's wrong, hey hey baby?
Come on, cheer up
Let's get fired up as always
and go wild
Oh, do whatever you want
till it all falls apart
Woo, let's see how long--
I can't believe I can't be with you
on a night like this
Cheers.
You lost your touch.
You played a lot better back in the day.
Spend decades as a judge,
and that's what happens.
Is that your excuse?
It's your fault for showing up.
Secretary General of the Supreme Court
Secretariat! Everyone was terrified.
Stop. I'm just one of the guys here.
Then
if you're just one of us, I have
a favor to ask you about my retirement.
Working as a notary public in Tokyo?
Information about judges
has a way of reaching me.
How scary.
But that works out.
Notary publics fall
under the Ministry of Justice.
-Can you do something?
-No chance.
"Machiavellian."
A ruthless, iron-fisted master schemer.
That word was coined for you.
I wonder whose call it was
to keep me endlessly shuttling
between district court branches.
I'll say this just once.
Don't stand out again.
Gotcha.
I'll keep my head down
for my last two years.
My poor head I drank too much.
Good morning.
Hey, rich-girl lawyer.
It's about Mr. Ando
How is he?
What do you mean?
I heard something happened to him.
Yeah, he messed up.
He was absent yesterday.
His heart probably broke a bit.
I don't think it's broken yet.
-Based on?
-Experience.
I've had two cases before him
as defense counsel.
Rejected.
Not admissible as evidence.
For me, it's proof enough.
Loser buys drinks?
Bring it on!
Alright, we're on!
Same place!
You got it!
Good morning.
Good morning.
How are you feeling today?
One mistake or two
RESIGNATION LETTER
What is this?
Well?
Good morning.
-Mornin'.
-Good morning.
Good morning.
Judges' office.
Yes.
Understood.
-Chief.
-Yes?
The footage submitted
by the defense attorney has arrived.
Okay
That's quite a stack
It's for the last three months.
The defense said
they'd file a counterclaim
on the day of the third hearing,
five days from now.
The plaintiff will likely either
agree to settle or withdraw the suit.
No need to rush reviewing
the evidence, then.
Right.
I'll do it.
Mr. Ando.
This branch is losing money
because cases are piling up.
There are other things to do.
Yes.
I hear the bar association's talking about
filing a motion to recuse you as judge.
If that happens, you're off the case.
It's happened before.
But it never actually went through.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers used
to threaten me with that all the time.
At times like this, the best thing is
to show that you've already taken action.
A voluntary reprimand, basically.
Judge Ando, stand!
Yes, sir.
Be extremely careful
with important evidence and testimony.
I'll be very careful.
Good. Reprimand's over.
Way too lenient.
"Reprimand" sounds fancy,
but in the end, it's just a warning.
Mr. Ando.
The trial for the theft
of outdoor AC units is about to start.
Understood.
If your judge hadn't messed up,
this wouldn't have happened.
How about agreeing to a settlement?
You know
You used to be my hero.
Hm?
In the Okinawa military base
environmental suit,
and the Hokuriku nuclear plant injunction.
You pursued the truth honestly
and ruled correctly.
But now you've become spineless
and you've hit rock bottom.
Judges
can't live like rebels.
HOW TO BE A GOOD BOSS.
WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR SUBORDINATES.
Oh, Prosecutor Furukawa.
You were in charge of the trial
for the outdoor AC units thefts, right?
How did it go?
What do you mean?
I was just wondering how it went.
It was a mess.
I knew it.
Well, cut him some slack.
Ando's kind of mentally fragile
right now, you know?
No, I messed up.
What?
Something doesn't add up.
The community center in the area
likely has multiple outdoor AC units.
Why skip those?
Sorry.
I did steal them.
They had checkpoints on Kanhoku Highway,
so Route 17 was crawling with cars.
I thought I'd get caught if I was seen,
but no one said anything
JUNE 10TH, 2025, FROM 2 A.M.
Prosecutor, please file
additional charges.
It was the usual Judge Ando,
actually even more so.
Full throttle.
Really
Is something up with Mr. Ando?
Nothing, never mind.
YOSHIYUKI SAKUMA
Let me be clear, I will never testify.
I'm not here to ask you to testify.
I came to apologize.
You chose to come forward once.
That must have taken courage.
And because of me, that path closed.
I'm truly sorry.
Also,
I wanted to give you something.
I have a spare.
This is for you.
Someday, it'll protect you.
Daddy,
I'm hungry.
Okay.
I want hamburger steak!
We're havingyakiniku today.
Any word from the plaintiff?
Like agreeing to settle,
or dropping the suit
Nope. Nothing.
The plaintiff was probably hoping
the whistleblower would reveal the truth.
So I guess she can't back down.
But if she gets countersued,
how long can she hold out?
Ando
Your eyes are red.
It's time to go home.
It's on my to-do list for today.
We'll help.
Hm?
It's our job as clerks.
Thank you.
Hey, hey, how can I leave now?
Fine, I'll help too.
Thank you.
I'm off.
Good night.
-Good night.
-Good night.
She never wavers.
Impressive.
May 11th, right?
Mrs. Yakumo,
can you?
Mr. Ando, eat something.
Thank you.
May 20th
-May 20th.
-Yes.
This is the last one.
How did it go?
No particular issues were found.
At least based on the submitted evidence,
the working hours were compliant.
Obviously. These were submitted
by the defense.
Ando, are you satisfied?
Hm?
The footage for May 15th and June 10th,
the days Mr. Sakuma was driving,
hasn't been submitted.
They probably just didn't have it.
Man, I'm running out of gas.
Gas?
He means alcohol.
The rich-girl lawyer always goes
to this standing bar behind the station.
It's good. Wanna come?
I need to go home to my husband and kid.
Sorry, I want to play
online games at home too.
Ando,
how about a quick drink?
You've got something
to tell me, right?
I'm sure you do.
You do, right?
Ando.
I'm going home.
Are you okay now?
You're over it?
All fine?
It's still here!
CAFE PALOMA
The stolen units are believed
to be taken to scrap dealers,
where valuable metals
such as copper are extracted.
They had checkpoints on Kanhoku Highway,
so Route 17 was crawling with cars.
The footage for May 15th and June 10th,
the days Mr. Sakuma was driving,
hasn't been submitted.
The stolen units
Route 17 was
May 15th and June 10th
the days Mr. Sakuma was driving
-One large draft, please.
-Coming right up!
Hey!
Hey, don't pretend you didn't see me!
You're a messy drunk, that's why.
Look who's talking!
Mr. Ando?
What's up?
I need to talk.
I knew it!
-Yes.
-I'm all ears.
-Two large beers.
-Got it.
Just oolong tea for me.
Sure.
So?
It's about the drive recorder's
missing footage.
The defendant's
in the outdoor AC units theft case
mentioned checkpoints
on the route on June 10th.
I asked the police to check
May 15th as well, just in case,
and there were checkpoints that day too.
What exactly does that mean?
Hold on a minute.
That's what you want to talk about?
Yes.
Let's put trial talk aside for now.
We'll go over it later.
Isn't there something else
you want to talk about?
Hm?
You know. Something
that's been bothering you.
Hmm
That thing in your desk.
On the far right.
Top drawer.
Stationery.
Your resignation letter!
What?! You can't quit! I don't approve!
Why would I need your approval?
Fair point
Look, Ando.
As your boss, and as someone who's been
around longer, I'm here to listen.
Why didn't you quit being a judge?
What?
How have you kept going all this time?
Wait, you want to talk about me?
Yes.
For real?
You've flipped the roles here.
Alright, seriously.
I think courts bend to power.
Japan runs on separation of powers,
with the courts
as the last line of defense.
But in reality, the executive
and legislature
control appointments and budgets.
The judges who keep their heads down
and play nice get promoted.
That's not true.
Then whose fault is it I'm being shuttled
between district court branches? Mine?
So why didn't I quit?
My family, for one.
And after a while
I just stopped thinking about it.
-Stopped thinking?
-Yeah.
I stopped overthinking every single case.
What kind of advice is that?!
It's practical advice.
Judges are expected
to increase case output.
And to judge based on submitted evidence.
That's the job.
Any objections?
So, Ando,
consciously stop thinking about things.
Once you do that, the worries
just vanish. Got it?
Stop thinking Stop thinking
Exactly Stop thinking.
Unbelievable
Stop thinking
Stop thinking Stop thinking
THIRD HEARING
First, we will explain how the court
reviewed the drive recorder evidence.
Judge Ando.
Of the three months Mr. Sakuma worked
prior to the accident,
footage from two days was not submitted.
We confirmed checkpoints
on the transport route on both days,
and asked the defense to re-check
whether the footage still exists.
It was overwritten.
It no longer exists.
I see.
Your Honor.
Don't you find that strange?
Think about it.
The only thing missing is the evidence
from the checkpoint days.
That raises a reasonable suspicion
of a cover-up.
Plaintiff's counsel,
we discussed this beforehand.
Did you find anything?
We uncovered a crucial fact.
We submit Defendant's Exhibit 78.
Please watch this security footage.
On June 10th,
before passing through the checkpoint,
Mr. Sakuma stopped his truck.
He called some colleagues
and transferred cargo.
The same thing happened on May 15th.
What this shows
is deliberate concealment
of overloaded transport.
Until now, the defense
has blamed the accident
on Mr. Sakuma's illness,
and overwork from a second job.
But immediately before the crash,
he was swerving.
It is extremely likely he lost control
because the truck was overloaded.
At Yaomi Transport,
drivers were forced to overload.
This is the reality behind the defense's
claimed "business resources."
Defense counsel, your response?
Frankly, I'm shocked.
We haven't verified these facts yet.
That's just sophistry.
Think about it.
Why is the president of Yaomi Transport
absent today, of all days?
It's clear he's being cautious
now that the cover-up has been exposed.
We believe the core issue
involves All-Time Express,
which outsourced to Yaomi Transport.
Isn't it likely the same practices
occurred at other subcontractors?
Objection.
That's pure speculation.
Sustained.
Your Honor.
Identifying who forced the overloading
is a critical issue.
We will promptly file suit
against All-Time Express
and request a consolidated trial.
We also request testimony
from Yaomi Transport's president
and one more witness.
One more witness?
A board member of All-Time Express
and COO of the National Logistics
Industry Organization,
Yuichiro Kagami.
Did you instruct subcontractors
to overload trucks?
Absolutely not.
The recent wave of regulatory reforms
seems to be one of the causes.
Those regulations were implemented
to protect the logistics industry.
So logistics come before human lives?
-Excuse us. We have to go.
-Excuse me.
Man, what a huge mess
Whoa, the internet's on fire too.
Even Minister Sajikihara
was dragged into it.
It's blown up big time.
The Justice Minister?
He was the central figure pushing through
the regulatory reforms in 2024 and 2025.
I've got a bad feeling about this.
What is this? Instant karma?
Crap.
You understand, don't you?
If this escalates,
it'll be bad for the Justice Minister.
Ideally,
you'd like this to involve
just a mid-size company.
The election's coming up.
Tell me
Does Yuichiro Kagami
have ties to the political world?
Bingo, huh?
Maybe it's
a revolving-door deal?
Bingo again?
Anyway,
it means the big shots are watching
the trial's outcome, right?
Including the Ministry of Justice.
Got it.
I'll handle it carefully.
What's wrong?
I'm scared.
What?
I'm afraid I'll make another mistake.
That fear makes me push
myself even harder.
I tried not to think
to escape that fear.
But no matter what,
I can't stop thinking.
If the truth isn't uncovered,
someone's life could be ruined.
Are the submitted documents accurate?
Are the testimonies truthful?
If I don't know what I don't know,
I'll never know what I need to know.
Even if you don't know
what you don't know,
you still have to rule.
I'll handle it this time. Leave it to me.
I've got this.
Like what you said before?
It's in your hands now.
Handle it properly.
Properly how?
Jaaang something like this.
I still
don't understand that.
Don't stand out again.
You've become spineless
and you've hit rock bottom.
Kanako's on board
with the two-household setup!
But Dad, you'll need to keep earning
even after retirement.
And make sure there's space
for us to stay over.
Why not three, four households?
-Any objections?
-None!
Grandpa, good luck at work! See you!
Impossible
But I'll manage
FOURTH HEARING
Mr. Kadokura
Mr. Kadokura, it's time.
Alright. Let's go.
Oh. That's rare. What brings you here?
I helped preserve the evidence.
I wanted to see how this ends.
Please answer honestly.
The overloading was done
company-wide, correct?
That's correct.
He admitted it
Because of that,
Mr. Sakuma lost his life--
It was Mr. Sakuma's idea.
He said overloading would help.
That it would make work easier.
Order.
Plaintiff's counsel, continue.
Even if
Mr. Sakuma suggested it,
why didn't you, as president, refuse?
I couldn't.
There's a severe driver shortage.
Mr. Sakuma was senior. He ran the site.
He threatened to quit with everyone else.
I opposed it.
But they wouldn't listen.
I see.
The dead can't speak.
There it goes again
Any further questions?
I'd like to question Mr. Yuichiro Kagami.
All rise.
I swear
that the evidence I shall give
shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
Yuichiro Kagami.
What is your view on Yaomi Transport's
overloading practices?
It's deeply regrettable.
You had no knowledge of it?
None whatsoever.
We would have terminated the contract.
Many small transport companies
are going bankrupt.
Only Yaomi Transport stayed profitable.
Did it not strike you as odd?
Despite the hardships,
several companies are growing.
And then, regulations
are restoring the logistics industry.
So this was just Yaomi Transport's issue?
That is my understanding.
Regardless,
we accept supervisory responsibility
for the accident.
Not only Yaomi Transport,
but our company is also prepared
to compensate the plaintiff.
Your Honor.
The defendant will pay
80% of the claimed amount.
We request a settlement.
They're trying to bury it with money.
A classic move.
Plaintiff's counsel?
Please, give us a moment.
Your Honor. The plaintiff wishes to speak.
Proceed.
What is
a trial, really?
Every time,
people say whatever suits them,
and the truth keeps changing.
But
I just want to know what really happened.
It's been said.
We already testified to it.
Your father led the overloading.
I don't believe it.
Are you trying to raise the settlement?
This is unacceptable.
Your Honor.
We will countersue!
Your Honor.
That countersuit is improper!
Your Honor.
We want to file the motion.
Your Honor.
Don't make a mockery of the court.
Your Honor.
What did you say?
I said don't mock the court.
A court
exists to uncover the truth.
If the truth isn't revealed here,
then it's as if nothing happened.
A convenient truth isn't enough.
Your Honor, calm down.
Calm down? Someone's dead.
Why did Mr. Sakuma
have to die?
Why did Ms. Suzue Matsukura, a passerby,
have to get caught up in it all?
If we pretend this never happened,
it will happen again.
I understand
your position as workers.
But you don't live just to work.
Objection.
The presiding judge is showing bias.
Sustained.
And overruled!
Formally, I would approve it.
But following the rules blindly
can hide the truth.
This is a case where we must see it.
Isn't this countersuit
meant to intimidate the plaintiff
into withdrawing the lawsuit?
We request
recusal of the presiding judge.
Dismissed. The motion is only meant
to delay the proceedings.
Defense counsel
If you object to my conduct,
appeal immediately to the High Court.
The court
will issue evidence preservation orders
for drive recorders and violations
to all subcontractors of All-Time Express.
Agreed.
Agreed.
To pursue the truth
and deliver judgement.
This is the duty of a judge.
The court issued an order
for preservation of evidence.
We don't care. Go home.
Obstruction of official duties.
Chief, I am truly sorry!
I deeply regret my behavior,
which was unbecoming of a judge.
I will accept a formal warning.
But could you spare me
a financial penalty?
You see, I have many grandchildren,
and expenses keep piling up--
Hello?
Hello?
Damn it, he hung up.
Haah, I really didn't handle it well.
How's it looking?
The evidence is piling up.
But just because the subcontractors
were overloading,
can we hold All-Time Express
responsible too?
The administrative office just called
I didn't say what I knew
because I signed an NDA.
And I was paid.
But every time I see my son,
I can't stop thinking
about Mr. Sakuma's feelings
for his daughter.
What?
That's why
I decided to use a weapon.
"Article 90 of the Civil Code:
the NDA violates public order
and morality."
"Article 708:
payment for illegal cause
doesn't bind you from testifying."
I'll return the money.
Mr. Sakuma raised the issue directly.
To Yuichiro Kagami.
Are you aware other subcontractors
are being pushed the same way?
I'm in a hurry.
Mr. Kagami, please wait!
Take measures to increase delivery fees.
At this rate,
there will be accidents.
I just want to work properly.
Mr. Kagami!
He pleaded over and over,
desperately asking for improvements.
Mr. Sakuma told me once.
"At this rate, I can't face my daughter."
"I want to face her proudly,
with a smile."
Dad
Inform Mr. Yuichiro Kagami
he may face criminal charges under
the Industrial Safety and Health Act.
Thank you so much
for everything you've done.
Whatever the reason,
it's true that my father
took someone's life.
But
I'm glad I got to know him.
I'm truly grateful.
Ando, what's wrong?
Mr. Togashi, you're using
the weapon incorrectly.
Huh?
"Article 708 of the Civil Code:
unlawful causes do not require repayment."
You don't have to return the money.
But it's dirty money.
There's no such thing as dirty money.
What's so funny?
I'm glad I didn't file a recusal motion
against you, Judge Ando.
And
What about me?
I'm glad I believed in you,
legendary rebel.
Mr. Kadokura, this is going
to cost us dearly.
Stop thinking Stop thinking
Excuse me?
It just depresses me.
By the way, what was that rhythm
you were keeping in court?
Yeah, I wondered about that too.
It was rock.
I shouldn't have listened
to it before court.
Now it's stuck in my head.
It's this one.
I've heard this.
It's RC Succession's
"Ameagari no Yozora ni."
Correct!
When I was younger,
I often listened to this before court.
Eventually I stopped, though.
Oh?
Ooh, Ando, you like it!
Judge Ando, stand!
Yes, sir.
Not like this.
Like this.
Like this, like this.
Yes, like that. Faster!
Yes, that's it!
Like that!
That's good!
Mr. Ando?
Mr. Ando!
What's going on?
Your head was bobbing strangely.
Hey, wait.
I made a bet with Mr. Kadokura.
We debated
whether you'd break as a judge.
I won, so he had to pay the check.
Oh, sorry for betting on you.
It's okay. But I haven't stopped thinking
about resigning as a judge.
I still have my resignation letter.
Why?
I'm afraid I'm not good enough,
so I want to quit.
But
I love the moments in court
when the lies disappear.
I want to quit, I don't want to quit.
I go back and forth.
I keep changing my mind.
It's natural to have doubts.
Your job is to judge people.
Doubts are yay.
Doubts are yay?
Yes.
Doubts are yay!
Doubts are yay!
Doubts are yay
I hate the law.
When my dad was supposed
to have committed the crime,
I was three and with him.
There's no way he's guilty.
My father
was killed by the law.
IN THE NEXT EPISODE
Who's that?
There were no procedural errors.
She's gone missing
from protective custody.
She might take her own life.
It's not my responsibility.
You've got a heart of steel.
was a common occurrence.
Did someone really die because of my dad?
I want to know the truth.
we switched to relay transport,
which involves swapping drivers mid-route.
Yet even so, overwork still occurred?
The accident was due
to the individual's own negligence.
Trusting the law isn't a bad thing.
There's a whistleblower.
It seems they want to talk to Mr. Ando.
Because of Mr. Ando's carelessness--
He said he can't testify.
If your judge hadn't messed up,
this wouldn't have happened.
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.
What do you want me to say?
I only know you up to age 12.
I can't find the right words.
That's the truth.
I want to ask you something.
It's something I couldn't ask
13 years ago
You said it would be better
to hide my condition from others.
Was that for my sake?
Or
was it for yours?
Were you ashamed of me?
That's not worth answering.
That's not an answer.
People believe what they want to believe.
I HAVE A SORE THROAT AND A FEVER.
I'LL TAKE THE DAY OFF. ANDO
I'm not skipping work.
I'm not skipping work.
I'm an alien.
My job is to judge
the conflicts of Earthlings.
Am I good enough for that?
THEMIS' UNCERTAIN COUR
EPISODE 4
THE LEGENDARY REBEL
40TH COHOR
37TH JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT ANNIVERSARY
What's wrong, hey hey baby?
Come on, cheer up
Let's get fired up as always
and go wild
Oh, do whatever you want
till it all falls apart
Woo, let's see how long--
I can't believe I can't be with you
on a night like this
Cheers.
You lost your touch.
You played a lot better back in the day.
Spend decades as a judge,
and that's what happens.
Is that your excuse?
It's your fault for showing up.
Secretary General of the Supreme Court
Secretariat! Everyone was terrified.
Stop. I'm just one of the guys here.
Then
if you're just one of us, I have
a favor to ask you about my retirement.
Working as a notary public in Tokyo?
Information about judges
has a way of reaching me.
How scary.
But that works out.
Notary publics fall
under the Ministry of Justice.
-Can you do something?
-No chance.
"Machiavellian."
A ruthless, iron-fisted master schemer.
That word was coined for you.
I wonder whose call it was
to keep me endlessly shuttling
between district court branches.
I'll say this just once.
Don't stand out again.
Gotcha.
I'll keep my head down
for my last two years.
My poor head I drank too much.
Good morning.
Hey, rich-girl lawyer.
It's about Mr. Ando
How is he?
What do you mean?
I heard something happened to him.
Yeah, he messed up.
He was absent yesterday.
His heart probably broke a bit.
I don't think it's broken yet.
-Based on?
-Experience.
I've had two cases before him
as defense counsel.
Rejected.
Not admissible as evidence.
For me, it's proof enough.
Loser buys drinks?
Bring it on!
Alright, we're on!
Same place!
You got it!
Good morning.
Good morning.
How are you feeling today?
One mistake or two
RESIGNATION LETTER
What is this?
Well?
Good morning.
-Mornin'.
-Good morning.
Good morning.
Judges' office.
Yes.
Understood.
-Chief.
-Yes?
The footage submitted
by the defense attorney has arrived.
Okay
That's quite a stack
It's for the last three months.
The defense said
they'd file a counterclaim
on the day of the third hearing,
five days from now.
The plaintiff will likely either
agree to settle or withdraw the suit.
No need to rush reviewing
the evidence, then.
Right.
I'll do it.
Mr. Ando.
This branch is losing money
because cases are piling up.
There are other things to do.
Yes.
I hear the bar association's talking about
filing a motion to recuse you as judge.
If that happens, you're off the case.
It's happened before.
But it never actually went through.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers used
to threaten me with that all the time.
At times like this, the best thing is
to show that you've already taken action.
A voluntary reprimand, basically.
Judge Ando, stand!
Yes, sir.
Be extremely careful
with important evidence and testimony.
I'll be very careful.
Good. Reprimand's over.
Way too lenient.
"Reprimand" sounds fancy,
but in the end, it's just a warning.
Mr. Ando.
The trial for the theft
of outdoor AC units is about to start.
Understood.
If your judge hadn't messed up,
this wouldn't have happened.
How about agreeing to a settlement?
You know
You used to be my hero.
Hm?
In the Okinawa military base
environmental suit,
and the Hokuriku nuclear plant injunction.
You pursued the truth honestly
and ruled correctly.
But now you've become spineless
and you've hit rock bottom.
Judges
can't live like rebels.
HOW TO BE A GOOD BOSS.
WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR SUBORDINATES.
Oh, Prosecutor Furukawa.
You were in charge of the trial
for the outdoor AC units thefts, right?
How did it go?
What do you mean?
I was just wondering how it went.
It was a mess.
I knew it.
Well, cut him some slack.
Ando's kind of mentally fragile
right now, you know?
No, I messed up.
What?
Something doesn't add up.
The community center in the area
likely has multiple outdoor AC units.
Why skip those?
Sorry.
I did steal them.
They had checkpoints on Kanhoku Highway,
so Route 17 was crawling with cars.
I thought I'd get caught if I was seen,
but no one said anything
JUNE 10TH, 2025, FROM 2 A.M.
Prosecutor, please file
additional charges.
It was the usual Judge Ando,
actually even more so.
Full throttle.
Really
Is something up with Mr. Ando?
Nothing, never mind.
YOSHIYUKI SAKUMA
Let me be clear, I will never testify.
I'm not here to ask you to testify.
I came to apologize.
You chose to come forward once.
That must have taken courage.
And because of me, that path closed.
I'm truly sorry.
Also,
I wanted to give you something.
I have a spare.
This is for you.
Someday, it'll protect you.
Daddy,
I'm hungry.
Okay.
I want hamburger steak!
We're havingyakiniku today.
Any word from the plaintiff?
Like agreeing to settle,
or dropping the suit
Nope. Nothing.
The plaintiff was probably hoping
the whistleblower would reveal the truth.
So I guess she can't back down.
But if she gets countersued,
how long can she hold out?
Ando
Your eyes are red.
It's time to go home.
It's on my to-do list for today.
We'll help.
Hm?
It's our job as clerks.
Thank you.
Hey, hey, how can I leave now?
Fine, I'll help too.
Thank you.
I'm off.
Good night.
-Good night.
-Good night.
She never wavers.
Impressive.
May 11th, right?
Mrs. Yakumo,
can you?
Mr. Ando, eat something.
Thank you.
May 20th
-May 20th.
-Yes.
This is the last one.
How did it go?
No particular issues were found.
At least based on the submitted evidence,
the working hours were compliant.
Obviously. These were submitted
by the defense.
Ando, are you satisfied?
Hm?
The footage for May 15th and June 10th,
the days Mr. Sakuma was driving,
hasn't been submitted.
They probably just didn't have it.
Man, I'm running out of gas.
Gas?
He means alcohol.
The rich-girl lawyer always goes
to this standing bar behind the station.
It's good. Wanna come?
I need to go home to my husband and kid.
Sorry, I want to play
online games at home too.
Ando,
how about a quick drink?
You've got something
to tell me, right?
I'm sure you do.
You do, right?
Ando.
I'm going home.
Are you okay now?
You're over it?
All fine?
It's still here!
CAFE PALOMA
The stolen units are believed
to be taken to scrap dealers,
where valuable metals
such as copper are extracted.
They had checkpoints on Kanhoku Highway,
so Route 17 was crawling with cars.
The footage for May 15th and June 10th,
the days Mr. Sakuma was driving,
hasn't been submitted.
The stolen units
Route 17 was
May 15th and June 10th
the days Mr. Sakuma was driving
-One large draft, please.
-Coming right up!
Hey!
Hey, don't pretend you didn't see me!
You're a messy drunk, that's why.
Look who's talking!
Mr. Ando?
What's up?
I need to talk.
I knew it!
-Yes.
-I'm all ears.
-Two large beers.
-Got it.
Just oolong tea for me.
Sure.
So?
It's about the drive recorder's
missing footage.
The defendant's
in the outdoor AC units theft case
mentioned checkpoints
on the route on June 10th.
I asked the police to check
May 15th as well, just in case,
and there were checkpoints that day too.
What exactly does that mean?
Hold on a minute.
That's what you want to talk about?
Yes.
Let's put trial talk aside for now.
We'll go over it later.
Isn't there something else
you want to talk about?
Hm?
You know. Something
that's been bothering you.
Hmm
That thing in your desk.
On the far right.
Top drawer.
Stationery.
Your resignation letter!
What?! You can't quit! I don't approve!
Why would I need your approval?
Fair point
Look, Ando.
As your boss, and as someone who's been
around longer, I'm here to listen.
Why didn't you quit being a judge?
What?
How have you kept going all this time?
Wait, you want to talk about me?
Yes.
For real?
You've flipped the roles here.
Alright, seriously.
I think courts bend to power.
Japan runs on separation of powers,
with the courts
as the last line of defense.
But in reality, the executive
and legislature
control appointments and budgets.
The judges who keep their heads down
and play nice get promoted.
That's not true.
Then whose fault is it I'm being shuttled
between district court branches? Mine?
So why didn't I quit?
My family, for one.
And after a while
I just stopped thinking about it.
-Stopped thinking?
-Yeah.
I stopped overthinking every single case.
What kind of advice is that?!
It's practical advice.
Judges are expected
to increase case output.
And to judge based on submitted evidence.
That's the job.
Any objections?
So, Ando,
consciously stop thinking about things.
Once you do that, the worries
just vanish. Got it?
Stop thinking Stop thinking
Exactly Stop thinking.
Unbelievable
Stop thinking
Stop thinking Stop thinking
THIRD HEARING
First, we will explain how the court
reviewed the drive recorder evidence.
Judge Ando.
Of the three months Mr. Sakuma worked
prior to the accident,
footage from two days was not submitted.
We confirmed checkpoints
on the transport route on both days,
and asked the defense to re-check
whether the footage still exists.
It was overwritten.
It no longer exists.
I see.
Your Honor.
Don't you find that strange?
Think about it.
The only thing missing is the evidence
from the checkpoint days.
That raises a reasonable suspicion
of a cover-up.
Plaintiff's counsel,
we discussed this beforehand.
Did you find anything?
We uncovered a crucial fact.
We submit Defendant's Exhibit 78.
Please watch this security footage.
On June 10th,
before passing through the checkpoint,
Mr. Sakuma stopped his truck.
He called some colleagues
and transferred cargo.
The same thing happened on May 15th.
What this shows
is deliberate concealment
of overloaded transport.
Until now, the defense
has blamed the accident
on Mr. Sakuma's illness,
and overwork from a second job.
But immediately before the crash,
he was swerving.
It is extremely likely he lost control
because the truck was overloaded.
At Yaomi Transport,
drivers were forced to overload.
This is the reality behind the defense's
claimed "business resources."
Defense counsel, your response?
Frankly, I'm shocked.
We haven't verified these facts yet.
That's just sophistry.
Think about it.
Why is the president of Yaomi Transport
absent today, of all days?
It's clear he's being cautious
now that the cover-up has been exposed.
We believe the core issue
involves All-Time Express,
which outsourced to Yaomi Transport.
Isn't it likely the same practices
occurred at other subcontractors?
Objection.
That's pure speculation.
Sustained.
Your Honor.
Identifying who forced the overloading
is a critical issue.
We will promptly file suit
against All-Time Express
and request a consolidated trial.
We also request testimony
from Yaomi Transport's president
and one more witness.
One more witness?
A board member of All-Time Express
and COO of the National Logistics
Industry Organization,
Yuichiro Kagami.
Did you instruct subcontractors
to overload trucks?
Absolutely not.
The recent wave of regulatory reforms
seems to be one of the causes.
Those regulations were implemented
to protect the logistics industry.
So logistics come before human lives?
-Excuse us. We have to go.
-Excuse me.
Man, what a huge mess
Whoa, the internet's on fire too.
Even Minister Sajikihara
was dragged into it.
It's blown up big time.
The Justice Minister?
He was the central figure pushing through
the regulatory reforms in 2024 and 2025.
I've got a bad feeling about this.
What is this? Instant karma?
Crap.
You understand, don't you?
If this escalates,
it'll be bad for the Justice Minister.
Ideally,
you'd like this to involve
just a mid-size company.
The election's coming up.
Tell me
Does Yuichiro Kagami
have ties to the political world?
Bingo, huh?
Maybe it's
a revolving-door deal?
Bingo again?
Anyway,
it means the big shots are watching
the trial's outcome, right?
Including the Ministry of Justice.
Got it.
I'll handle it carefully.
What's wrong?
I'm scared.
What?
I'm afraid I'll make another mistake.
That fear makes me push
myself even harder.
I tried not to think
to escape that fear.
But no matter what,
I can't stop thinking.
If the truth isn't uncovered,
someone's life could be ruined.
Are the submitted documents accurate?
Are the testimonies truthful?
If I don't know what I don't know,
I'll never know what I need to know.
Even if you don't know
what you don't know,
you still have to rule.
I'll handle it this time. Leave it to me.
I've got this.
Like what you said before?
It's in your hands now.
Handle it properly.
Properly how?
Jaaang something like this.
I still
don't understand that.
Don't stand out again.
You've become spineless
and you've hit rock bottom.
Kanako's on board
with the two-household setup!
But Dad, you'll need to keep earning
even after retirement.
And make sure there's space
for us to stay over.
Why not three, four households?
-Any objections?
-None!
Grandpa, good luck at work! See you!
Impossible
But I'll manage
FOURTH HEARING
Mr. Kadokura
Mr. Kadokura, it's time.
Alright. Let's go.
Oh. That's rare. What brings you here?
I helped preserve the evidence.
I wanted to see how this ends.
Please answer honestly.
The overloading was done
company-wide, correct?
That's correct.
He admitted it
Because of that,
Mr. Sakuma lost his life--
It was Mr. Sakuma's idea.
He said overloading would help.
That it would make work easier.
Order.
Plaintiff's counsel, continue.
Even if
Mr. Sakuma suggested it,
why didn't you, as president, refuse?
I couldn't.
There's a severe driver shortage.
Mr. Sakuma was senior. He ran the site.
He threatened to quit with everyone else.
I opposed it.
But they wouldn't listen.
I see.
The dead can't speak.
There it goes again
Any further questions?
I'd like to question Mr. Yuichiro Kagami.
All rise.
I swear
that the evidence I shall give
shall be the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
Yuichiro Kagami.
What is your view on Yaomi Transport's
overloading practices?
It's deeply regrettable.
You had no knowledge of it?
None whatsoever.
We would have terminated the contract.
Many small transport companies
are going bankrupt.
Only Yaomi Transport stayed profitable.
Did it not strike you as odd?
Despite the hardships,
several companies are growing.
And then, regulations
are restoring the logistics industry.
So this was just Yaomi Transport's issue?
That is my understanding.
Regardless,
we accept supervisory responsibility
for the accident.
Not only Yaomi Transport,
but our company is also prepared
to compensate the plaintiff.
Your Honor.
The defendant will pay
80% of the claimed amount.
We request a settlement.
They're trying to bury it with money.
A classic move.
Plaintiff's counsel?
Please, give us a moment.
Your Honor. The plaintiff wishes to speak.
Proceed.
What is
a trial, really?
Every time,
people say whatever suits them,
and the truth keeps changing.
But
I just want to know what really happened.
It's been said.
We already testified to it.
Your father led the overloading.
I don't believe it.
Are you trying to raise the settlement?
This is unacceptable.
Your Honor.
We will countersue!
Your Honor.
That countersuit is improper!
Your Honor.
We want to file the motion.
Your Honor.
Don't make a mockery of the court.
Your Honor.
What did you say?
I said don't mock the court.
A court
exists to uncover the truth.
If the truth isn't revealed here,
then it's as if nothing happened.
A convenient truth isn't enough.
Your Honor, calm down.
Calm down? Someone's dead.
Why did Mr. Sakuma
have to die?
Why did Ms. Suzue Matsukura, a passerby,
have to get caught up in it all?
If we pretend this never happened,
it will happen again.
I understand
your position as workers.
But you don't live just to work.
Objection.
The presiding judge is showing bias.
Sustained.
And overruled!
Formally, I would approve it.
But following the rules blindly
can hide the truth.
This is a case where we must see it.
Isn't this countersuit
meant to intimidate the plaintiff
into withdrawing the lawsuit?
We request
recusal of the presiding judge.
Dismissed. The motion is only meant
to delay the proceedings.
Defense counsel
If you object to my conduct,
appeal immediately to the High Court.
The court
will issue evidence preservation orders
for drive recorders and violations
to all subcontractors of All-Time Express.
Agreed.
Agreed.
To pursue the truth
and deliver judgement.
This is the duty of a judge.
The court issued an order
for preservation of evidence.
We don't care. Go home.
Obstruction of official duties.
Chief, I am truly sorry!
I deeply regret my behavior,
which was unbecoming of a judge.
I will accept a formal warning.
But could you spare me
a financial penalty?
You see, I have many grandchildren,
and expenses keep piling up--
Hello?
Hello?
Damn it, he hung up.
Haah, I really didn't handle it well.
How's it looking?
The evidence is piling up.
But just because the subcontractors
were overloading,
can we hold All-Time Express
responsible too?
The administrative office just called
I didn't say what I knew
because I signed an NDA.
And I was paid.
But every time I see my son,
I can't stop thinking
about Mr. Sakuma's feelings
for his daughter.
What?
That's why
I decided to use a weapon.
"Article 90 of the Civil Code:
the NDA violates public order
and morality."
"Article 708:
payment for illegal cause
doesn't bind you from testifying."
I'll return the money.
Mr. Sakuma raised the issue directly.
To Yuichiro Kagami.
Are you aware other subcontractors
are being pushed the same way?
I'm in a hurry.
Mr. Kagami, please wait!
Take measures to increase delivery fees.
At this rate,
there will be accidents.
I just want to work properly.
Mr. Kagami!
He pleaded over and over,
desperately asking for improvements.
Mr. Sakuma told me once.
"At this rate, I can't face my daughter."
"I want to face her proudly,
with a smile."
Dad
Inform Mr. Yuichiro Kagami
he may face criminal charges under
the Industrial Safety and Health Act.
Thank you so much
for everything you've done.
Whatever the reason,
it's true that my father
took someone's life.
But
I'm glad I got to know him.
I'm truly grateful.
Ando, what's wrong?
Mr. Togashi, you're using
the weapon incorrectly.
Huh?
"Article 708 of the Civil Code:
unlawful causes do not require repayment."
You don't have to return the money.
But it's dirty money.
There's no such thing as dirty money.
What's so funny?
I'm glad I didn't file a recusal motion
against you, Judge Ando.
And
What about me?
I'm glad I believed in you,
legendary rebel.
Mr. Kadokura, this is going
to cost us dearly.
Stop thinking Stop thinking
Excuse me?
It just depresses me.
By the way, what was that rhythm
you were keeping in court?
Yeah, I wondered about that too.
It was rock.
I shouldn't have listened
to it before court.
Now it's stuck in my head.
It's this one.
I've heard this.
It's RC Succession's
"Ameagari no Yozora ni."
Correct!
When I was younger,
I often listened to this before court.
Eventually I stopped, though.
Oh?
Ooh, Ando, you like it!
Judge Ando, stand!
Yes, sir.
Not like this.
Like this.
Like this, like this.
Yes, like that. Faster!
Yes, that's it!
Like that!
That's good!
Mr. Ando?
Mr. Ando!
What's going on?
Your head was bobbing strangely.
Hey, wait.
I made a bet with Mr. Kadokura.
We debated
whether you'd break as a judge.
I won, so he had to pay the check.
Oh, sorry for betting on you.
It's okay. But I haven't stopped thinking
about resigning as a judge.
I still have my resignation letter.
Why?
I'm afraid I'm not good enough,
so I want to quit.
But
I love the moments in court
when the lies disappear.
I want to quit, I don't want to quit.
I go back and forth.
I keep changing my mind.
It's natural to have doubts.
Your job is to judge people.
Doubts are yay.
Doubts are yay?
Yes.
Doubts are yay!
Doubts are yay!
Doubts are yay
I hate the law.
When my dad was supposed
to have committed the crime,
I was three and with him.
There's no way he's guilty.
My father
was killed by the law.
IN THE NEXT EPISODE
Who's that?
There were no procedural errors.
She's gone missing
from protective custody.
She might take her own life.
It's not my responsibility.
You've got a heart of steel.