THIS STORY IS BASED ON TRUE EVENTS
AND IS A WORK OF FICTION
OVER 30,000 SUICIDES SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW
Good day, ma'am.
Hello.
Our live ratings last night were at 25.3.
- Two points more than last week. - I see.
I mean, your talk yesterday was just phenomenal.
- Ratings skyrocketed... - Kazuko Hosoki.
The most famous fortune teller in Japan.
The line for her fortune-telling services
just goes on and on.
Her book, Six-Star Astrology, published in 1982,
has sold more than 50 million copies.
It holds the Guinness World Record for best-selling book on fortune-telling.
TOP RATINGS FOR SIX YEARS
When she began appearing on variety shows,
her blunt, unfiltered comments skyrocketed her popularity.
Dubbed the Queen of Viewership, she dominates the entertainment world
and has obtained tremendous fame and wealth.
Meanwhile, there is no shortage of people who loathe her arrogant personality.
From time to time, dark rumors make the headlines,
accusing her of being a phony fortune teller or a sham.
Who on earth is Kazuko Hosoki?
I'll take the life she's led so far
and turn it into a book.
Ms. Hosoki, good morning.
Morning, Kawatani.
This is the editor who wants to publish a book about me.
I've heard about you. I'm Yazawa, the chief director.
I'm Kawatani. I came to see the show today.
Please relax and enjoy.
Thank you.
Oh, Ms. Hosoki, this is the writer, Ms. Uozumi.
It's rude to just call her a writer when she's an author.
Oh, my apologies.
Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Minori Uozumi--
I don't need that.
For an author, their work is their business card.
I read your book.
It was an incredible read. I'm expecting good things from you.
Thank you.
So then,
those under the Saturnian Plus sign will enter a Great Calamity Period
for the next three years.
If you get married now, you'll die.
But I really want to get married in my twenties.
Then you should've done it last year. You had your chance, right?
How did you know that?
Who do you think I am?
She's Ms. Kazuko Hosoki.
Everyone in Japan knows her.
Oh, is that so?
So, listen.
There was a man you almost married, right?
Yes, but he cheated on me.
So you broke up?
Yes.
And you want to marry another man, without learning your lesson?
Why's that?
I mean, a woman's market value plummets when she turns 30. That's why.
Foolish woman.
You really are stupid.
"Stupid" is a bit harsh...
For TV, perhaps a different word--
Why not call a stupid person "stupid"?
Hey, you.
Why do you want to get married anyway?
To find happiness.
Wrong.
You just want the security that comes from fitting into the mold of marriage.
You say you're a comedian,
but you have no achievements and lack any womanly charm.
You know this, so the only thing you rely on is your youth.
Listen.
Are you gonna depend on a man your whole life?
A woman who won't work on herself
will just get swindled by some loser and fall into ruin.
What gives you the right to say that?
It's because I see your future as clear as day.
The way things are now,
you'll kill yourself.
I would never.
No, you will.
- I won't. - You will!
This is ridiculous.
You're free to doubt my words if you want.
But...
you are going straight to hell.
Wow, that was so intense.
I was on the edge of my seat. Right?
People eat that stuff up.
The whole world's at the end of their ropes.
Adults nowadays are so timid, they can't even scold dumb brats.
That's why they want a blunt woman like me.
I see.
But do you think that comedian will be all right?
Half of it's for show.
And the other half?
Absolutely real.
You're a quiet one, aren't you?
If you don't ask your questions now, we'll end up at the restaurant.
Ms. Uozumi's still nervous.
Right?
Tiara.
Wait over there, okay?
Hello?
I'm on my way now.
Oh, is that so?
You better make it up to me.
Yes, understood.
I'll be in touch.
By chance, was that the Deputy Prime Minister?
Something urgent came up, so he's canceling our dinner meeting.
Want to come instead?
I'll tell you all about myself over a meal.
Thank you. With pleasure.
Um...
How did it all start for you, Ms. Hosoki?
You asked if I had any questions.
Sorry for being so abrupt.
You're an amusing one.
You live in your own world like a true author.
How did it start, huh?
It was hunger.
Hunger?
Not knowing when your next meal will be
is terrifying beyond imagination.
You probably wouldn't understand.
Exactly 60 years ago,
this entire area was devastated by fire.
Hey, you damn brat! You're hurting business!
Scram!
Shoo!
Move over!
- Let go! - It's mine!
Please let me through!
Excuse me!
Sorry, please let me through!
Excuse me.
Please let me through.
Excuse me.
Akiko, push!
Kazuko!
Hisao. Sachiko. Push harder!
Go!
Kazuko.
I'm hungry.
See how Sachiko's being patient?
You're a boy, aren't you, Hisao?
Excuse me.
Sorry, please let us through.
Coming through.
Sorry, please let us through.
This country became a mess.
Because of men who started a war they couldn't win.
And the ones who paid the price were...
Women, I presume?
Yes.
Women have always drawn the short end of the stick.
Kazuko, what are you doing?
Come help me.
You're opening a store here?
We're building it together.
Me too?
That's right. Come on, hurry up and help.
Over here.
Our appearance was the least of our concerns.
Each and every day,
we were desperate just to survive.
I’m truly sorry!
I promise to pay you back by next week.
Can't you scrape together some money by selling kimono or something?
I sold my last kimono to buy this.
You spent what little you had just to get swindled.
This imported beer is just barley tea.
How stupid.
How about we sell your body?
That's what I'd like to say, but you're not exactly a looker.
The weak end up being prey.
In this day and age,
the blame goes to the gullible, not the liar.
Let's go.
Hisao, let's go.
What?!
My father got this from the GHQ.
He said we can't come back until we sell it all.
Guess I don't have a choice.
Twenty yen per bottle.
That's 400 yen.
Fifty yen.
Fifty yen per bottle. That's 1,000 yen.
It's American beer.
Fine.
Thank you!
Thank-- Ouch!
This is barley tea!
You tricked me, you damn punk!
Hold it!
Hold it! Whoa!
Wait! Hey!
Hold it!
Hey, you damn brats!
Move over!
- You're in the way! - Move!
You're in my way!
Wait, you brats!
- Wait! - Ouch!
Ouch!
Hisao, are you okay?
You shameless brat.
Gimme my money, or I'll call the cops on you!
- You... - Kazuko.
Let go!
Give it back! That's my money!
What?!
Give it back!
You're so annoying!
You brat.
Those are some scary eyes.
Stupid child, doing whatever you please.
There's no way a kid like you could sell off those fakes.
Akiko.
It's not Kazuko's fault.
But the police could've caught her.
It's all my fault.
I'm sorry.
- Mom. - Yes?
The weak are considered prey, right?
The blame goes to the gullible, not the liar.
Lying to people is wrong.
God is watching over us from above.
Kazuko.
People who do bad things go straight to hell.
Kazuko.
Sachiko, you're awake?
I'm hungry.
Me too.
I'm hungry.
Here.
What about you, Kazuko?
Don't worry about me.
It's fine.
Come on. Eat up already.
I'm sorry.
The taste of that worm
will stay with me until I die.
Ten years have passed since the war.
Buildings rose from the ashes,
and the town slowly came back to life.
After breaking free from hunger,
the people were now controlled by desire.
Desire?
Yes.
After getting what they want, their eyes move on to the next thing.
Asking for more and more.
Thanks again, as always.
That was delicious.
Stop by again, okay?
Thank you for coming.
Oh, Sachiko, go up front.
Okay.
That was 28 seconds!
She really cried in less than 30 seconds.
That's amazing, Kazuko.
I told you. Faking tears is easy.
Gentlemen, just as you promised, that will be 100 yen each.
- Here. - You got us good.
All right, thank you.
Kazuko, how could you actually take money from them?
It's fine, Ms. Mine.
Mr. Nakazono, please don't encourage her.
A bet is a bet. Kazuko won fair and square.
She could actually become an actress.
Those tears would work on any man.
When you're famous, don't forget to drop by for a drink.
Well, I'm not too sure about that.
A movie star can't be found hanging in this shabby part of town.
- Exactly. - That's true.
Sorry. Let's meet on the big screen.
Stop spouting such nonsense.
Please don't inflate her ego.
After high school, I'm sending her off to a proper job.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
Akiko, you look pale. Do you have a fever?
Mom, can I go rest at home for an hour?
Are you sure? Don't push yourself.
I just need to rest a bit.
I'll be back.
Hey! Wait, Akiko!
- What? - Get some proper rest at home.
I said I'm fine!
Akiko...
Is her day job pretty tough?
She's working overtime every day.
Ever since the Korean War boom, the factories have all been busy.
They work you to death and give you peanuts.
The economy's great, but workers don't get their share.
I never want to become like Akiko.
But her salary's paying your tuition.
Be grateful.
I'm here!
Hey!
Sit and have a drink.
There's another guy in line. Let's finish this quick.
I see.
Okay, thanks for the food.
Thanks.
See you later, future star.
Thank you!
Thanks.
He sure likes his women.
I'd rather spend money on booze than women.
Another glass, Kazu.
Sure.
What do you want to be when you finish high school?
Well, um...
Are you really planning to be an actress?
I know it's not that easy.
But...
But I refuse to be poor. I want to make a lot of money.
I see.
SECOND NEW FACE CONTEST LOOKING FOR NEW STARS
HOSTESS CLUB WHITE GLOVE HIRING HOSTESSES
HIGH EARNINGS AGE 20 AND UP
Excuse me.
Who is in charge here?
That would be me.
RESUME: KAZUKO HOSOKI APRIL 4, 1935
Twenty years old, huh?
Aren't you in high school?
No.
We'll say you're 20 here, got it?
When can you start?
Oh, I could even start today.
Then you're hired.
Thank you.
Looks like you've never worn makeup before.
It's fine. We'll teach you.
Um, there's one thing I'd like to say upfront.
What?
I refuse to sell my body. No matter what.
Don't worry. We're not that kind of place.
Morning.
Oh, a newbie?
Yeah.
Kazuko's gonna start working here today.
This is Lily, our number one hostess.
It's nice to meet you.
Looks like it's your first time doing this kind of job.
But I'm used to serving customers.
I help out at my family's oden stall.
An oden stall?
You must be kidding.
Lily, please take good care of her, okay?
Yeah, okay.
- Welcome. - The doors are open.
- Hello. - Come on in.
- Rough day, huh? - Watch your step. Welcome.
Open your mouth.
Okay.
You've become a woman now.
Now, go to table five.
- I'm counting on you. - Yes, sir.
Mr. Yokoyama.
Yeah?
You've been kinda cold lately.
You don't even invite me to dinner.
Did you find someone you like more?
I'm just busy with work, okay?
Okay, then shall we meet outside next week?
- Really?! - Yeah.
I'm so happy.
How old are you?
I'm 20.
You just became an adult, huh? I'm jealous.
What do you do during the day?
Well, I work at an office.
I see.
Working two jobs must be hard.
I have to earn enough for my little brother and sister's tuition.
Stop talking about your personal problems.
You're ruining Mr. Yokoyama's drink.
No, not at all.
Are your brother and sister--
Ashtray.
It's full.
You aren't very attentive, are you?
Mr. Yokoyama, let's dance.
Sure.
Mr. Ochiai.
What kind of person is the guest at my table?
Oh, he's the president of a company called Yokoyama Textile.
He may not look it, but I hear he had a rough childhood.
Why do you ask?
No reason.
RAT POISON
Kazuko, where have you been so late?
Do you have makeup on?
I decided to work at a hostess club.
A hostess club?!
It's okay, it's not a shady one.
I'll keep going to school during the day.
I can't help out here anymore, but I'll bring my wages home.
- That's so sudden-- - I'm tired. Good night.
Kazuko!
Hello?
Is President Yokoyama available?
Enjoy.
Welcome.
I apologize for inviting you so suddenly.
I don't mind.
But you need my advice?
Instead of advice,
I was hoping to find someone who would listen to my story.
When I thought about who I can trust,
your face came to mind.
Is that so?
You can tell me anything.
My family... was incredibly poor.
During and after the war,
we could've died of hunger at any moment.
I'm sorry for bringing this up so randomly.
Why am I talking about this?
I was the same.
Those were truly difficult times.
I worked as if my life depended on it
and finally got to where I am today.
I'm sure it's hard for you too, but if you work hard--
What's wrong?
I'm so happy
to receive encouragement from someone as wonderful as you.
Thank you.
Thanks for coming.
Thanks for your continued support!
- Enjoy. - Thank you.
Welcome.
Yeah!
Amazing!
Last month's sales
have hit a record high.
This is all thanks to your hard work. Thank you.
Well, then.
Time to announce it.
Last month's number one most requested hostess is...
Kazuko.
Come here.
Congrats.
Keep it up.
Yes, sir.
Have a good night.
Night.
Good night.
Hey, do you smell something?
You're right.
I wonder what it is. Daikon? Konjac jelly?
Oh, it's the smell of oden.
Gross. Reeks of poverty.
Maybe it's hard to get off once it's seeped into you.
Have a good night.
Good night.
Mr. Ochiai.
Can I borrow this outfit today?
Yeah.
Sure.
Have a good evening.
Kazuko.
What happened?
I see.
Got it.
I'll tell them to stop.
There's no point.
They'd never admit they did it.
It's okay.
I'll protect you no matter what.
Kazuko.
Are you free this Sunday?
It looks incredible on you.
But... the price is way too much.
Consider it a gift.
To celebrate becoming number one.
I want to walk the streets of Ginza with you in that outfit.
Do you come to Ginza often?
This is no place for a casual walk.
The people, the shops... Only the best gather here.
Just walking here makes you feel fancy, doesn't it?
Yeah.
I'd feel awkward without this outfit.
Would you like some flowers?
Thank you.
Here.
Thank you for your business.
Here you go.
Thank you.
My dream is to open my own establishment in Ginza.
Wow, how wonderful.
I swear I'll make it happen.
You'll be with me when that happens.
Mr. Ochiai, I--
I know.
It's your first time, right?
Hey.
What kind of books do you usually read?
Oh? Anna Karenina.
What's it about?
To put it simply,
it's a story about an upper-class lady
who falls straight to hell.
Oh, really?
Kazuko.
You kinda remind me of Anna.
What? That's awful.
I’m going to live a happy life.
Someday,
let's open that place in Ginza.
I need funds to make that happen.
Yeah.
I'll keep racking up money.
Welcome, come in! You'll find only the best here!
If you're with me, I'll take you anywhere, Hitomi.
Thank you.
- See you. - Yes, please stop by again.
- Thank you for coming. - Thank you.
Don't do that, Mr. Yokoyama.
Kazuko.
We're going to a hotel now.
Let's not joke around like that.
I'm not joking.
It's already been settled.
From now on, you will spend the night with me once a week.
I'll pay 20,000 a month.
I already paid Ochiai in advance.
Okay?
You sold me?
- Tell me it's not true. - Kazuko.
Kazuko, let's talk.
Say something!
You said you'd keep racking up money.
- Not with my body! - It's for our dream!
We need money to make it happen.
Grow up.
Looks like you woke up from your dream.
Didn't you?
Ochiai tricked you.
He seduces the women who look profitable and sells them off.
I bullied you because Ochiai ordered me to.
He gains your trust by acting like he saved you.
It's his modus operandi.
Was your first date in Ginza?
He said he wanted to open a place with you, right?
Being Mr. Yokoyama's mistress will be a good hustle, don't you think?
Where were you?
Never mind.
I was worried since you disappeared so suddenly.
About Mr. Yokoyama, let's talk--
What the hell?!
MOBIL KEROSENE
That's...
You can't be serious.
Stop!
Don't do this, okay?
I was wrong!
Forgive me! Please, I'm begging you!
I'm sorry!
Please don't set me on fire!
Don't do it!
- I'm sorry! - So pathetic.
RAT POISON
Sold off by the first man I ever slept with.
Well, the blame goes to the gullible, not the liar.
So, did you survive?
How silly.
If I had died, I wouldn't be here.
Well, I guess that's true.
I was still naive back then.
What a stupid thing to do.
Were you really trying to die?
What do you mean?
If you've attempted suicide before,
saying "you're going to kill yourself" on TV seems crazy.
Ms. Uozumi.
S-Sorry, I was out of line.
Just as I expected.
You have guts.
That comedian will end up like my old self at this rate.
That's why I warned her.
She can still turn things around.
What happened after your suicide attempt?
Subtitle translation by: Chul Woong Kim