Soda Master (2026) s01e05 Episode Script

"Secret Society Jupiter"?
Comrades,
I am glad you have gathered.
The time has finally come
to put our plan into action.
Our goal is but one!
To build a New World Order.
Yes, world domination!
Let us claim every woman in this world!
Come on out.
Matilda.
Matilda,
we are family.
Yes, Supreme Leader.
The world shall be ours.
Jupiter is family!
Jupiter is family!
Who’s there?
Yoshii?
Yoshii.
Run away while you still can.
And forget about tonight.
Miss…
Don't worry about me.
I am a spy, here to stop
the ambitions of that secret society.
I will stop their world domination plan.
Now,
hurry up and run.
-Jupiter is…
-…family!
This way.
I outlined our game plan
for the first hearing.
Please take a look.
PLAN A / PLAN B
For now, we are proposing
two potential plans.
Plan A is, of course, the original.
Maintaining innocence
and fighting the charge.
What is Plan B?
To put it simply, you admit
to part of the bribery charges
and aim for a suspended sentence.
You want me… to admit to it?
We can end the trial quickly.
Even if I'll have a criminal record?
He's just saying this is one way to do it.
It's our job as the defense team
to propose every possible option.
It’s your trial.
You should decide.
Keep up the good work.
-We will.
-Goodbye.
Hey!
Yes?
Do you remember "Jupiter"?
Jupiter?
Yes.
That rental video store
that used to be in Tanbe.
I'm looking into its owner.
Are you still obsessed with that nonsense?
This is a critical moment in your life.
Stay focused.
Matilda, the art teacher
who disappeared 37 years ago.
Chasing that mystery,
we got a clue about a man
who reeked of alcohol
and who was stalking her.
Then, our informant,
a reformed teenage gang leader,
revealed a shocking truth.
If anyone had feelings
for your teacher, it would be him.
Rumors were, he had a criminal record.
Who do you mean?
The owner of Jupiter.
They say Ken Takakura
and Yusaku Matsuda are secretly shooting
a Hollywood flick, in Japan!
A Hollywood movie, in Japan?
Well, Japan is the second biggest
economic power now.
We're a huge market for movies.
I think we’ll see more of this.
Japan is amazing.
Well, some say China
might overtake us in the future.
China?
Yes.
Are you filming this?
There!
This is the owner of Video Jupiter.
He happened to be in a video
I took long ago.
There’s a rumor
that he had a criminal record.
Can you look into it?
We only called him "the guy from Jupiter,"
so we don't know his name.
You said you wouldn't come here anymore!
Come on, you would be lonely
if we stopped coming.
From a privacy perspective,
giving someone's record
to a third party isn't exactly proper.
You’re still coming up
with reasons not to do your job!
What was your name again?
Officer Tsurumi.
Tsurumi, do you have someone
you could call a mentor?
A mentor?
Can't say I do.
I also believed I didn't.
But…
since her remains were found,
I keep remembering Michiru Miyashita.
Now I realize,
that person was our mentor.
Her death was our fault.
I'm sure of it.
Please, help us.
So, even the video store owner
was a criminal?
We don't know for sure yet.
Was this town full
of gangsters or something?
It wasn't just this town,
1988 was full of dangerous people.
To us, he was just a friendly,
movie-loving guy.
Half a Loaf of Kung Fu…
The Fearless Hyena is a must-watch!
The Young Master, Spiritual Kung Fu,
and Shaolin Wooden Men too.
I keep telling you, my home
only allows one hour of TV a day!
Let's watch at mine or Kikuhara's.
Our parents know each other.
They'll find out!
Show me a real man who grew up
without a beating from their parents!
Oh, Mr. Bright.
You can watch them here.
In the break room in the back.
You're doing it wrong!
-How?
-It's like this!
Hey. Are you making this your clubroom?
The store owner said it’s fine.
You're loyal customers.
I also want to support movie lovers.
Here, ramune.
-Thank you!
-Here you go.
For you too, Miss.
The school won't allow it.
The baseball club is using an outside lot.
So our club should be able
to use a movie related facility.
You're amazing, Fujimaki.
They can study movies all they want here.
I won’t tell anyone.
Don't let the school find out.
All right!
Good for you.
Okay. Heave-ho.
Oh, it's nothing.
TANBE MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOVIE RESEARCH CLUB
Wow, you're good.
Right?
TANBE MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOVIE RESEARCH CLUB
Okay, I'll take the shot.
Say chee--
Oh, sorry!
Sorry, one more time!
Okay, say cheese!
Isn't 1988 a bit too easygoing?
Thinking back, there was
an adult corner right next to us,
and "those" videos were piled up
in the corner of the clubroom.
Seriously?
In 1988, the erotic and the everyday
coexisted without distinction.
Not sure I like this diversity…
This whole area right around here
was the adult corner.
Over there,
there were just rows of intense stuff.
-What harassment is this?
-Simple sexual harassment.
Sorry.
But thinking about it,
there’s no reason for him to be so kind
to some middle schoolers.
You mean Matilda was his target?
It was right under our noses,
I should have realized sooner.
To me he was like
Soichiro from Shape Up Ran.
The student who kept peeking
at Ran changing clothes.
He's a total pervert.
That manga was terrible.
Yes, but it was the best.
Right from the first chapter,
Soichiro goes to wake up Ran…
-Some chapters were surprisingly touching.
-Yes.
All right, you old men.
Even if Matilda was the target,
we don't know if he was a stalker.
If he had a record, it's likely.
We don't know his crime.
No matter the crime,
a criminal is a criminal.
Then you would be one too, Yuen…
-What was that?
-Sorry.
He's not a criminal yet.
He's a defendant! You're too hasty.
Just kidding, I'm only kidding.
My bad, that wasn't funny.
You’re so on edge.
Anyway, let's find the Jupiter guy.
All right, Kam-Bo and I will look for him.
I'll help.
Yuen.
You have your hands full with the trial.
We'll let you know if we find anything.
PLAN A
PLAN B
I want to talk. About the divorce.
Can you… give me a break for now?
I know a few lawyers too,
and they all say
it will be hard for you to win.
They say after years
of a war of attrition, you’ll lose.
And in the worst case,
the company might claim damages from you.
Our company wouldn't do that.
Can you say that for sure?
It's better for us to separate now
and protect our assets.
It may sound harsh, but…
It's not good for Aya to have
all this commotion because of you.
Making a mess of our family
right now is much worse for her.
-It’s already enough of a mess!
-You’re doing this for yourself.
You just don't want your career
to be ruined because of me.
Is that wrong?
I quit my job to support you.
And while staying home,
I’ve been steadily chasing my own dream.
Little by little, the number of students
in my classes grew, I published a book…
I finally made it this far!
It’s only just the beginning for me!
Am I not allowed to protect my own job?
PLAN B / PLAN A
Plan B?
Yes.
I would like to hear
about it in more detail.
To summarize, you admit
only to the bribery
of Executive Committee member Sakurai.
But there's no recognition of it
being a bribe, it was just customary.
The amount is small,
I don't think it will lead
to imprisonment.
Will Mr. Sakurai accept this?
He's already agreed to it.
In essence,
if Mr. Sakurai and I take the fall,
the Tazawa Group
and Mr. Kagami will be protected.
Yuta.
Don't think we are
making you the fall guy.
We are a company that protects
its employees. You know that, right?
You'll be doing the group
and the chairman a huge favor.
You can finish the trial quickly,
return to the front lines,
and go back to your old life.
Well, it is a clever move.
Is a suspended sentence guaranteed?
It's a trial, nothing is guaranteed,
but this option lets
the prosecution save face.
There's room for a settlement
behind the scenes.
Mr. Yoshii.
Manager Komatsu.
What brings you here?
Oh, I see. It’s tough, isn’t it?
Glad you're doing well.
I'm meeting with
the Business Federation, excuse me.
Come see the guys at the office.
They'll be happy.
Do your best at the trial.
You're still awake?
No need to worry about me.
No matter what happens,
I'll still be your daughter.
This is a problem between you and Mom.
Video Jupiter Co., Limited.
Representative Director, Tetsuo Hiruta.
It’s the guy from Jupiter.
So he was president.
And?
In 1987, he rented this building.
In 1992, the shop was bought
by Tatsuya Video,
the biggest industry player.
In 2015, it became a phone shop.
It was briefly a gym,
and became a cafe three years ago.
Oh, even I didn't know that.
-Right.
-Wait, but…
That’s just the building's history.
What happened to Tetsuo Hiruta?
We're looking, but we have no leads.
Any word from that police guy?
Of course not, that blockhead.
Is your trial going to be okay?
I'll admit to part
of the charges and end it.
That’s what the company wants.
-What?
-You're fine with that?
You're not in the wrong, right?
I have a family.
I must be realistic and take my life back.
That's the wiser choice.
I see.
Can you make some space?
Oh, sorry.
Some weirdo just came in.
There are so many empty seats.
Why sit there?
Hello, I happen to be off duty.
What? The blockhead!
Remember my name already. It's Tsurumi.
You look stylish out of uniform.
I looked into your guy.
Really?
That's amazing.
I knew you would be swayed by our passion!
Hakuba, remember? He's the police guy!
Hakuba, the usual.
Honey Milk Tea with light syrup, right?
What? Are you two close?
He’s a regular.
He comes here almost every day.
Every day? We're here often too.
How have we not met?
I usually avoid it when you show up.
Seriously?
But Hakuba kept nagging me
to help you old men out.
Oh, so that’s how it is.
So it was her.
Tetsuo Hiruta’s record.
"Distribution of Obscene Material."
Obscene material?
He was illegally making
and selling adult magazines.
They called them "Vinyl" or "Underground,"
the regulations were very loose.
He was convicted in '83.
I remember now.
At first, Video Jupiter
popped up quietly in the suburbs.
Our parents banned us from going in.
It was definitely not a store for kids.
So, adult-only?
Yes. Until it moved here
and became a general video store.
So Hiruta came
from the you-know-what trade, huh.
"You-know-what"?
So even that guy had a hidden side.
Yeah.
I also…
remembered something.
When was it…
When was it?
Did I forget a textbook or something?
Late one night, I went to Jupiter.
Come on out.
Matilda.
Jupiter is family!
Jupiter is family!
Who’s there?
Yoshii?
Yoshii.
Then, when I woke up, Matilda was there.
I am a spy, here to stop
the ambitions of that secret society.
Hurry up and run.
She let me escape.
Secret Society Jupiter.
You mean Hiruta formed
a bizarre cult aimed at abducting women?
Yes.
Don't just say "yes"!
This is just Mr. Yuen's delusion.
Delusion?
It happens often with them.
Past delusions and fantasies
get blurred with memories,
and they can't tell them from reality.
It's a trait of Middle Schooler Syndrome
in middle-aged men.
What kind of symptom is that?
Don't you dare pity us!
However, unlike normal daydreaming,
their fantasies are often
based on real experiences,
which makes them hard to dismiss.
It's troublesome.
Anyway, Hiruta had a criminal record,
and Matilda was involved
in a suspicious organization.
-Let's find him.
-Can't we put out wanted posters?
This is as far as I go.
Leaving already?
I don't plan to waste
my day off with you old men.
I'll tell you about
one interesting blog, though.
Search for "House of Jupiter, Bangkok."
Bye.
Thank you, uh…
It’s Tsurumi.
-Oh, yeah.
-See you.
"House of Jupiter, Bangkok."
"A mysterious Japanese man
who built a harem in Bangkok"?
What on earth is this?
It looks like a blog
by the president of a ramen chain.
It says he lives in a palace
in Bangkok with many girlfriends.
So this guy is Tetsuo Hiruta?
I can't tell.
It says he goes by the name Tetsu
and runs a mysterious organization,
"House of Jupiter."
It’s him,
running a secret society in Bangkok.
Did he really get
all the women in the world?
He killed Matilda and fled the country.
Let's go to Bangkok.
No, I don't have that kind of money…
I also can't just leave my shop and mom.
Then I'll go alone.
Is a defendant allowed to go overseas?
I would end up becoming a fugitive.
It says Mr. Tetsu returns to Japan
on the first of every month
to run "secret meetings"
at the House of Jupiter.
What?
Seems there's a House of Jupiter
in Japan too.
He's there on the first of every month.
Today is…
December 1st.
Hiruta is in Japan now.
But we don't know where in Japan.
Maybe it will show in a map search?
A map search? No way…
I mean, a secret society
wouldn't be on the map…
-Found it!
-What?
House of Jupiter, Japan Branch,
Lake Kawaguchi.
Let's go.
Mt. Fuji must look great from there.
Oh, my shift is only
until 1:00 p.m. today.
That Tsurumi guy turned out to be useful.
But those guys
often turn out to be playboys.
Watch out, Hakuba.
We’re here.
"House of Jupiter."
What should we do?
Okay.
What? They have an intercom!
What? Come on!
Wait up!
Don't move!
Everyone, hands up!
Supreme Leader, I have found
some suspicious individuals.
Oh!
Run away!
After them!
Ouch!
It hurts!
Here, eat up.
Thank you.
You can go get more yourself.
Thank you.
Come on, sit down.
Those were just BB rounds,
but are you okay?
They hurt quite a bit.
I would have welcomed you
if you had just rung the doorbell.
This brings back memories.
Sorry, I didn't think
you would remember us.
Of course, I remember!
You all did that thing…
You all still look young!
You look youthful too, Mr. Hiruta.
Call me "the Jupiter guy,"
like you used to.
Oh, the Indonesian market
is starting to go up a bit.
Oh, buy. Buy now.
Yes.
So, what exactly
is this "House of Jupiter"?
You didn't know?
No.
This is my villa.
Everyone here is an entrepreneur
or an investor.
Well, it’s a members-only salon.
Mr. Tetsu is our investment mentor.
We hold study groups
like this once a month.
Exchanging information, networking.
Golf, fishing, motocross,
survival games… we just play all the time.
So, what are you here for?
We are looking into Matilda.
You remember her, right? Ms. Miyashita.
Your teacher?
She disappeared on New Year's Eve in 1988.
And recently, bones were found
in the Tanbe swamp.
Do you know anything?
You let us use the room
because you liked her, right?
She was a fine woman.
Sexy, and a bit dangerous.
There was a man stalking her.
You have a criminal record, don't you?
I saw it.
I saw you making Matilda join
some strange organization.
All right, everyone, gather around.
And pay attention.
Today’s lecture is "My 1980s."
"The Rise and Fall of Video Jupiter."
My family was poor,
so I jumped from job to job
right after high school.
I made it into a small publishing house,
but it went under,
so my buddies and I
started making erotica.
It sold like crazy.
No-panties cafes, telephone clubs…
The 80s were the golden age
of the sex industry.
Then, as an example to others,
I got caught
and spent seven months in jail.
After that, I came to Tanbe,
and sneakily started a small adult shop.
Then with the video boom,
I switched to video rentals.
That was a big hit.
I moved to a bigger store immediately.
Movies of your choice, at home,
whenever you wanted.
It was a revolution.
Thank you!
I worked from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
until I collapsed.
Shall we rent Beverly Hills Cop?
I like the Michael J. Fox one.
Why do I have to pay extra?
It said "One week, okay" on the sign.
That’s for older titles.
Since this is a new release,
there are late fees.
Is this a scam?
What a dirty business you're running.
Don't say such unpleasant things!
OWNER-RECOMMENDED MOVIES
OVER HERE
What is it?
I’m looking for a movie.
Right.
Action is over there,
period dramas are there.
If you want Toei Yakuza films, then…
Do you have Audrey Hepburn films?
They're right over here.
Hey! Don't you have any blondes? Blondes!
In the back, right!
"This business is going to keep growing."
Convinced of that, I made my move.
Yes, I became a franchise.
First, I tried to take over
the entire Tanbe area at once.
I met you guys around then.
Oh, right.
I used to hold workshop sessions
for those who wanted to join the business.
Comrades, now is the time
to put our plan into action.
Let's break free from old customs,
and take over the world
with this new business.
I even asked that teacher
to participate once.
Until now, male customers were the focus,
but from now on,
female customers will be the key.
We need the help of people like her.
Let's spread Video Jupiter
all over the world.
Women and families.
Jupiter will become
a store loved by families.
Oh, okay.
Who's there?
Oh, I just waxed the floor.
The big corporations moved in,
but I never lost.
I kept winning.
Once I expanded to 18 stores
and dominated the region,
Tatsuya offered to buy me out.
"Now is the time." I sold the whole lot.
It was 1992,
right before the bubble burst.
Perfect timing!
-Yes!
-You're amazing!
Since then, I've been investing
in various interesting businesses.
I've given up on Japan.
Now, I focus on Southeast Asia.
Things are just getting started
over there.
So you beat the bubble collapse?
I'm envious.
I lived in good times.
The Japanese economy
was strong and chaotic.
The underdog could overthrow the top.
But now…
Anyway, what are you guys doing now?
I'm a barber.
I'm a film director,
but not a successful one at all.
As for me…
I know. I saw the news.
You guys are the "Lost Generation,"
after all.
Victims of the 30 lost years.
How terrible.
Are you a student?
Oh, yes.
Do you have hope for Japan’s future?
Of course.
All right, this must be fate.
From today, you’re all members
of the House of Jupiter.
Are you sure?
I'll share my knowledge if you want it.
If you don't use this,
if you don't live smartly,
you can't win.
For example,
you, a barber.
I've had my eye on you.
I sensed business potential.
Japanese barber techniques,
service, and hospitality.
They would surely be a hit overseas.
My shop is mostly just local
elderly people and kids…
That kind of defeatist attitude
is what’s wrong with Japan!
Go on the offensive!
Demand for Japanese content
is increasing, right?
Yes…
But Japanese directors
don't make any money.
True.
You need to create a new scheme.
No, I can only make films.
If you keep saying that,
you'll be left behind by the world!
Your trial will be difficult.
Anyway, the important thing
is to protect your assets.
Japanese laws are crap.
But there are loopholes.
Even in a divorce, you can make sure
your wife and kids don't take everything.
I'll teach you thoroughly.
What will you do after you graduate?
I don't really know what I like yet.
That right there. That’s the worst part
of Japanese education.
What you "like" doesn't matter.
I didn't really like movies either.
Really?
Yes. I studied them
for the sake of business.
It actually works better that way.
People who talk
about "fulfillment" or "small joys,"
those soft-hearted types,
will just sink along with this country.
Working for low wages,
having it all taken away
by mountains of taxes,
and dying without receiving
a decent pension.
That's the majority.
They are ignorant and foolish.
There’s no future if you stay like this.
You have to realize that quickly.
You have to break out.
Listen, you guys. Come back every month.
I’ll definitely help break you out.
Let's all help them become "winners"!
Yes!
Let's win a wonderful life!
Yes!
Let's win!
What have you all been doing?
What?
Riding on the economic growth
built by generations before you,
only caring about winning…
For 30 years, did you watch
this country suffer and laugh?
Why does winning or losing matter?
What's wrong with everyone
living modestly?
I don't want you lecturing
Mr. Yuen and the others.
There isn't a single thing
I want to learn from you.
Nice.
You are so young. It's great,
that kind of spirit is important.
Hakuba.
We're the same as him.
True.
For 30 years, we complained
about politics without doing anything.
That hurts to hear.
Mr. Hiruta.
I'm thankful for your offer.
For the longest time,
I also only cared about winning.
Even now, I'm trying
to navigate things "smartly."
But…
hearing you speak just now,
I feel intensely ashamed.
Don't make fun of people
who are living earnestly!
Even if they are foolish or clumsy,
those who live honestly, and earnestly…
They are the ones
who deserve the most respect!
I…
I’ve stumbled…
I may have stumbled,
but I don't want to become like you.
It’s a kind offer,
but I won’t join this group.
I'll pass as well.
Me too.
You guys are also young.
It's probably because…
I remembered Matilda.
Even if you are mocked, embarrassed,
even if you're covered in mud…
You should be able
to keep calm and go forward.
Isn't that what makes a person cool?
Creating something means
being subjected
to both criticism and praise.
Those who don't stop creating,
despite that, become creators.
Do you want to be
on the side that critiques?
Or the side that's critiqued?
Your life belongs to you.
You should do what you truly want to do.
Yoshii.
Yoshii?
Are you okay?
I think it's just a light concussion,
but you should probably get checked.
You came to get this, right?
Yes.
It's late, go home.
Forget everything you saw today.
Miss.
Are you joining them?
Don't worry, I'm just here
because I was asked to.
I can't say no,
since he lets us use this room.
But don't tell the school.
I bet video stores
will be profitable in the future,
but I don't live to become a millionaire.
Then, Miss…
what are you living for?
I'm searching for that.
Mr. Hiruta. Anything is fine, so…
Please tell us about Matilda.
I was quite serious about her.
Just like in business,
I thoroughly investigate
the person I'm teaming up with.
That's why I backed off.
What do you mean?
She was a dangerous woman,
one you stay away from.
What do you know about Matilda?
I don't make dangerous bets.
Please tell us!
You guys should back off too.
Some things you're better off not knowing.
-Please tell us.
-Ask yourself!
You yourself chose to forget.
The truth behind what happened
should all be right here inside you.
In middle school, you didn't get it,
but today, you should be able
to understand.
Though…
I don't know if you'll like what you find.
Okay, finish your meals! No leftovers!
PLAN A
Plan A, please.
I deny all charges.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Representing the group,
we want you to go with Plan B.
It's my trial.
It's the company's trial too.
What's wrong with you?
No matter how you look at it, B is better.
I don't want to bargain like a coward.
I want to fight this fair and square.
Such naive thinking.
I can't let you make a decision
that affects the group's future!
You aren't a kid.
-Where are we going?
-Just come along.
Do Emi and Aya like sweets?
Excuse me?
This is…
Castellas.
But…
Don't make me lose face.
Accept it.
Let me protect you.
You and your family.
Okay?
Memories of distant days
sometimes wash away the dirt
in a person's heart.
But you can't swim through reality
with a heart that has no dirt.
Because we are adults.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Well, guess I better study.
Welcome back.
Thanks.
I'll admit the crime
and aim for a suspended sentence.
That's what we decided.
We can return to our original life soon.
We can live as we always have.
I can protect your job too. So…
DIVORCE FORM
EMI YOSHII
We can't go back to how we were.
The trial doesn't matter.
We've been over
for a long time, haven't we?
Mom!
What if you cause a fire?
I was just… An egg…
Don't use the stove.
I'll kill you!
Hajime! Go away! Over there!
I'm sure Mr. Tetsuo Hiruta was right.
All right.
Some things,
you're better off not knowing.
Let's call it a day.
You have school tomorrow.
Okay, goodbye.
Bye.
Okay, bye.
Bye.
-Let's stop rolling.
-Yeah.
Bye.
-Let's stop rolling.
-Yeah.
This guy…
We only understood what
he really meant a little while later.
Goodbye!
TANBE MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOVIE RESEARCH CLUB
Hey.
Open up.
-Okay.
-Yeah?
Subtitle translation by: Quang N.N.