You're tuned to "Life 's Bitter and Sweet"...
the radio show that listens to you. Let's take a phone call.
Hello?
Hello.
Good evening, ma'am.
May I ask your age?
26.
- Where do you live? - Senju.
According to your postcard...
your problem concerns a man who's a boarder in your house.
Is that correct?
Yes.
How old is he?
22.
Is he employed?
No, he's a student.
And the two of you are romantically involved?
Yes. He says he wants to marry me...
but there's opposition.
From his parents or yours?
His.
Has he tried talking to them?
Yes.
But they're adamant, is that right?
Yes, we decided to commit suicide together.
Heavens, no! You mustn't do that.
If you feel that strongly, you can always elope.
Life is far too precious.
His parents will come around.
But I'm afraid we've already done it.
Excuse me?
We've already committed suicide.
When was that, may I ask?
It's been some 30 years now.
30 years? This happened ages ago, then.
The problem is he's still alive.
What?
I'm the only one who died.
So you're saying you've been dead for 30 years?
That's correct.
I see. Where are you calling from?
Close by.
Close by?
Close to our station?
No, close to you.
Close to me? I see.
Fix that.
Yes, sir.
You... betrayed... me.
What are you saying?
Are you trying to accuse me of something?
- How's that? - Nothing's working.
Mr. Nogami! Mr. Nogami!
STUDIO NO. 6
BOOTH
Weekly Buzz, your source for entertainment news!
Time at the tone is 12 midnight.
Men fall in love with their eyes.
Women, with their ears.
Welcome to "Tokyo Love Lines" with Shingo Katsumata!
We've now rounded midnight.
And I, Shingo Katsumata, stand ready...
to navigate you through the stormy seas of love...
with single-minded devotion.
For the next 90 minutes...
I'll be responding to your calls live, so stick around, okay?
Let's start with email.
This comes from "Honey Bunny" Very cute.
"I finally mustered the nerve to tell a guy I liked him.
"It was a complete disaster.
"You know what he said to me afterwards?
He said, 'Don't tell anyone about this.'
Wow, what an asshole!
"Unforgivable!" Bunny writes.
I totally agree with you.
Even from a man's perspective, that's low.
Punch his lights out.
Which brings us to tonight's theme: "unpardonable words."
Something a love interest said that really got your goat.
Something a love interest said that really got your goat.
Words said in the heat of argument, perhaps.
Or a casual comment that still drives you nuts.
Words are bullets.
And I've been shot many a time.
I've been called a "womanizer".
Who me? "Mr. Sensitive?" Never!
But that's all ancient history.
Unpardonable words.
Our email and fax lines are open. Talk to us at...
shingo. love-lines.tokyo@kyodo.rt All lower case letters.
Shingo. love-lines.tokyo@kyodo.rt
Or by fax, it's 03-0356-5989.
Dial carefully. It's past midnight.
We wanna hear from you.
We're broadcasting from a different studio than usual...
one from the station's early days.
You see, we're moving to a new building next month.
So all our regular equipment is in boxes.
So today, we come to you from antique surroundings.
Cuing song!
I kind of like the retro feel.
It's a nice change of pace.
So here's our first song!
You are Mine by Serendy.
You're off the air.
Can't I at least have some better headphones?
There's mildew on these. They'll make me itch.
We'll look for some.
Pretty old-looking equipment.
I've used it before.
We learned on these machines.
Oh.
- Coffee? - No, thanks.
This better be just for today. It's dingy down here.
Don't worry.
The studio's being dismantled tomorrow.
STUDIO NO. 6
Make sure you turn off your radio.
You're on next. Good luck.
Will this be tossed?
I don't know. Might be worth something.
Stand by.
Oh, okay.
We'll go to the phones.
Unpardonable words on Love Lines tonight!
From Chiba, we have "Nasty"? Strange name.
Hello, Nasty.
Hello.
You're 12, so that puts you in the 6th grade?.
Yes.
Do you like school?
Not really.
Oh, that's too bad.
Let's see, what was I doing in the 6th grade?
I was in the band!
Are you in the band, Nasty?
- Yes. - What do you play?
Wait, let me guess.
The trumpet?
No.
Girls don't play the horn.
Snare drum?
No.
Wrong again. I know! The harmonium!
The recorder.
Ah, yes, the recorder.
Very pretty instrument.
Except for the spit.
Okay, so tell me, Nasty.
What words hurt you? And who said them?
A boy in my class who I had a crush on.
He was moving away, so...
So you confessed.
I was going to. I waited for him on the playground.
And?
- "Stop staring, ugly!" - What?
He said, "Stop staring, ugly!"
Ouch! That stings!
He actually said that? "Stop staring, ugly?"
Yes.
That was mean! Really!
Come here, Shingo.
Yes, ma'am.
When I was a kid, my family moved a lot, too.
Because of my father's job.
I'm sad to announce that this is Shingo's last week.
His family is moving away.
It's hard, and boys your age are still just kids.
Romantic feelings bloom much later.
I was a latecomer myself.
At 12, I had absolutely no interest in the opposite sex.
Nor did they in me.
I'll write you, Shingo.
I'll write you, too.
Girls were like creatures from another planet.
I wouldn't be caught dead alone with one.
What's your family like?
I have two brothers, one older and one younger.
That boy wouldn't have said it...
if he knew you liked him.
Really?
I'm positive.
I'll bet he even liked you...
but was too shy about it to tell you straight.
Hello?
Interference.
We've got a bad connection.
Nasty, are you there?
You liar.
What?. Hello?
Hello, Nasty?
Hello?
Great, you're back. Sorry about that.
Anyway, does that make you feel better?
Yes.
Thank you for calling.
Shingo?
Yes?
- I'm your biggest fan. - Thanks. Good night.
She has that fresh innocence of youth. Oh, to be a kid again.
What was that noise, though?.
- Going to commercial. - Weird.
Don't go away. We'll be right back.
- So what was that? - A bad connection.
Just that one line.
The others were closed.
Paranormal activity?
Come again?
This is Studio 6, right?
What about it?
Is it haunted?
Supposedly.
By what?
A ghost DJ.
You're kidding.
According to the rumor, a DJ hung himself...
in that booth.
He haunts other DJs or something.
Stand by.
Make sure you turn off your radio, okay?
- She called you a liar. - What?
That last caller. She said you're a liar.
We're back with our next caller. Hello!
Hello.
You're "Momo" from Minato City?
What poisoned words did you hear?
I got married last month.
Congratulations!
My husband told me he should've married his ex.
- You mean his ex-girlfriend? - Yes.
Now, that's a no-no. That's truly nasty.
I hope you told him off.
I'm not one to talk.
Why's that?
Well, he was engaged to her.
Oh, I see. You stole him! Right from under her!
Yeah. So it's hard for me to get upset.
I can see how you might feel guilty.
In boxing news, last night's third-round knockout...
by middleweight Takano established him...
as the oldest defending champion ever.
He's 42 years and 9 months old! Amazing!
Yes, it is.
Commercial.
That was Mabuchi with the news.
Thank you.
Good night.
Good night.
- I gotta pee! - What?
- Make it quick. - It'll be fine.
Wait.
Mabuchi.
Good night.
- Dinner tonight? - No, thanks.
Come on, don't run off.
The deal was for one dinner.
I can't help it if I want to see you again.
2 a.m. in the parking lot!
No, I can't!
All right, let's heat things up!
Tomorrow's Tokyo Love Lines theme is...
"I'm in love and I'm stoked!"
Hungry?
This is the last time.
Good bye.
Okay, okay! Today's the last time.
Is that your fiance?
I know you're feeling guilty for stealing him.
But he chose you, too.
Yes.
So be confident, all right?
I can't say I've been in your position...
But what your husband said was uncalled for.
- As a man.. - Liar.
Huh?
Bad connection again.
Hello? Momo?
We'll just try to talk through it.
Can you hear me?
Liar.
Is that directed to me?
You're such a liar.
Look, I don't know how you're cutting in...
but show some courtesy to the caller. Why don't you fax us?
This is getting a bit creepy.
Hello, Momo?
Yes?
What a relief.
Sorry. We've got some technical problems tonight.
It's weird today.
So anyway, where was I?.
Oh, yeah, you've got a right to be confident.
Okay.
Okay... good luck. Thanks for calling.
- Thank you. - Alright.
Well, it happened again, didn't it? Gave me a chill.
Let's go to our next caller... on a different line.
We have "Kongming" from Komae City.
I take it you're a Chinese history fan.
Hello?
Yes, hello.
What painful words were you forced to endure?
There's a girl I like at my office.
Go on.
Well, one day everyone decided to go out for a drink after work.
I struck up a nice conversation with her when..
Liar.
Hello?
Oh... so what humiliating words did you suffer?
I just told you.
Yes, of course. Um...
"Your breath stinks."
What a rude girl.
No, it wasn't her.
Right... Well...
Were you listening?
Of course I was.
It was a coworker, right?
Yes.
What a jerk.
And he said that to you in front of her?
- Yes. - What a bummer.
It wasn't funny.
No, of course not.
Anyway, this colleague and I work together a lot.
He's popular with the women.
But not with the men.
He's kind of a womanizer.
When have I lied?
It's another girl, isn't it?
You say I call too much or I smother you, but the truth is...
there's someone else.
There you go again. Lighten up, will you?
You make it sound like it's all my fault.
What about you?
That's why I'm saying we're just not right for each other.
I don't bring you any happiness.
You're better off without me.
Liar.
You're such a liar.
Liar... You're such a liar.
Shingo?
Oh... maybe your coworker has a crush on her as well.
That's what I said.
Right, I know.
What are you doing?
I don't think you're listening to me.
Yes, I am. I'm listening.
Is it because I'm a guy?
Certainly not.
It's just that your problem is a bit complicated.
How's that?
I mean... we need to cut away to a song.
Are we done?
Our time's up, I'm afraid.
She called you a liar, didn't she?
The woman who cut in.
Gee, I don't know. Is that what you heard?
Here's a blast from the past!
Monica by Koji Kikkawa!
Wait, no, it isn't. That's what's written here, though.
I know. It's RC Succession!
The song slips my mind.
You're off the air.
What is this?
Problem?
It says here you'll cut to the song Monica.
Hey, you're right!
Don't give me that.
You're the director, right? Pay attention.
What?
Nothing.
We had a slight emergency.
Like what?
Mabuchi is missing.
Does she know we changed studios?
I can't reach her cell phone. I left a message, though.
The news slot is coming up soon.
You've got a date.
Knock it off.
You break up with me so you can rush off...
and sleep with someone else.
Pathetic.
What?
Who's pathetic?
You're such an asshole.
I hate you! I hate you!
Ouch! Watch it!
With a look like that, I'm glad we're through!
The response is amazing.
What was that noise?
Whatever it was, it was creepy.
Shingo, I heard it.
A woman's voice.
I heard it, too.
It gave me goose bumps.
Yeah? So what?
We run with it... switch to a horror theme.
Stand by.
Forget it. Not interested.
Why not?
Lots of mail tonight.
Here's one from a "Asumin."
"About that noise earlier...
I heard squeaking sounds in the background..."
Yes, I did, too.
It sounded like a rusty metal gate or something.
I heard that long ago...
there was a large hospital where your station is now.
Maybe there's a steel gate that's still standing.
Gee, I don't know about that.
Let's read another one, shall we?
It's "Gashippo" from Nerima.
"Shingo, good evening. About that voice..."
Come on now, everybody...
Yes, it was a bit weird.
But this is a talk show dedicated to romance, right?
And if it is some kind of curse...
why should it be targeted at me? So let's move on.
From a "Gashippo"... "Good evening." Good evening.
"I don't mean to boast, but I'm real sensitive to paranormal activity.
And it seems to me that woman has an axe to grind with you."
Perhaps, but we all heard it, right? Me, my staff, you listeners.
Next we have "Cleanup Batter Yamada" from Shinjuku City.
"Evening, Liar Shingo..."
That hurts, Yamada.
I know that's what the woman seemed to say...
but not to me. It's a crossed connection, remember.
Next...
"I could hear a cell phone strap jangling in the background.
So she must be calling from a cell phone."
I see. But can a cell phone cut into a fixed line like that?.
I HEARD A WOMAN'S VOICE.
Let's get back to our main topic, shall we?
How about a letter on that?
Can't find any?
There should be a lot of them.
I'm sorry, but my desk is a real pigsty.
Nothing? I guess not.
Let's go to a song.
Not again.
Here's Helpless by The Spring Breeze.
Keep those faxes and emails coming.
Let me remind you the theme is "unpardonable words."
I said, "Forget it."
Excuse me?
I'm not doing a horror special.
Look, more "spook" mail!
Forget it!
But there's only one here about "unpardonable words."
Then make something up, for God's sake!
Isn't that your job?
Writing for TV and radio?.
Yes, but...
But what? Do you have a problem with that?
Excuse me...
Have a seat right here.
Thank you.
Who are you?
Mabuchi's replacement from the News Desk.
How do you do?
Pleased to meet you.
Start the news after the next commercial.
Good luck.
Can you tell me how Mabuchi does this always?
Does what?
You know, prepares for going on the air.
She checks the text.
Is this your first time?
Yes. I'm still in training.
I was the only one left at the News Desk.
I'm sorry.
Hey, I don't mind.
You'll be making a comment afterwards, right?
Very briefly.
How should I respond?
Uh... normally?
How does she respond?
I'll bet she says something witty.
Not especially.
But I should say something interesting, right?
Don't I have to comment on the news?
Just go with the flow.
Mabuchi is so good at that.
She's got a lot of listener fans.
I don't want to let her down.
Jesus...
Excuse me?
It's just the news. Nobody will care.
You are too self-conscious.
Stand by.
Now the news from our biggest newsroom prospect!
The charming Okazaki!
Now for the news.
Strong typhoon winds are reaping heavy damage in Kyushu.
A male pedestrian was struck by a torn off roof...
and 40 people were injured when broken glass...
rained down on shoppers at a local shopping arcade.
Some trains have been delayed for over six hours...
while 140 others have stopped running altogether.
224 canceled flights have stranded some 60,000 travelers.
In other news...
a female body was found floating off the Izu Coast this morning.
About 5'7", late 20s to early 30s, slim, with shoulder-length hair.
Her clothes were intact.
Give me back...
the time you stole from me.
And that's the news.
And that's the news.
Shingo?
Yes... thank you, Okazaki.
Which story interested you?
Uh, yes... I'm a bit concerned about that typhoon.
Something needs to be done.
I mean, a flying roof? Come on.
What about the woman in Izu?
Oh, that? Yes, it's horrifying.
There's so much crime these days.
You think it was a crime?
Well, I'm not sure.
It's a famous suicide spot, but you suspect foul play?
Do you think she was killed?
I wonder.
Well, thank you, Okazaki. We'll see you later for sports.
Look, let me make the comments from now on.
I'm sorry.
Now my ears itch! Where are those headphones?
Still looking.
Who is?
What's so funny?
- Stand by. - Hey!
Turn off your radio, please. Good luck.
The other day I overheard my boss talking about me.
She's like a corpse dredged from a river. It's creepy.
No personality.
You think she's got a pulse?
No, we weren't referring to you.
It's someone else, I swear!
You found that unforgivable?
When someone says that, they are talking about you.
Are you involved with this boss?
Heavens, no.
Well, our show's about lovers or people you like.
It is?
Sounds to me like you're just a little paranoid.
I'm paranoid?
No, I mean... all I can tell you is just to ignore it.
Thanks for your call.
Let me re-clarify. Today's theme is "unpardonable words."
Words uttered by a romantic interest only. Next caller, please.
My boyfriend and I went to a wedding the other day.
Look at the slit on this skirt.
You think it's too sleazy?
I should've gone with the other one instead.
This is too sexy for a wedding.
Don't worry about it. No one's looking.
Nobody cares.
That's what little brothers say, not boyfriends.
That's what little brothers say, not boyfriends.
Okay, maybe no one does care.
It's just the news. Nobody cares.
Wouldn't you be offended by that?
No, I see your boyfriend's point.
What?
He was just reacting to your constant fussing.
My constant fussing?
Yeah, be careful. Moving right along.
We have "Mu" calling in from Shinjuku City.
Hello.
Let's see, you're in junior high.
Don't you have school tomorrow? It's late.
Tomorrow's Foundation Day at my school.
So you're off then.
What are your unpardonable words?
No, this is about that voice.
I did a little investigating and...
Mu, please.
We're not going there, okay?
This is a love advice program.
I'm sorry... good night.
For our next caller, we have "Kongming" from...
You again.
Yeah, we kind of got cut off before.
Well, we were done.
But I thought you'd give me some advice.
Advice?
"With single-minded devotion."
That's what you said.
Yes... yes, I did.
Well, I didn't sense that earlier.
Okay. Forgive me.
Let me see, the words that really hurt you were...
"Your breath stinks," right?
A coworker said that in front of the girl you like.
- Right. - Well, that was very mean.
You said that already.
Okay, well, what would you like me to say to you?
What should I do?
Should I talk to him?
In his case, it may not work.
He doesn't sound like the type who would listen.
You'd be wasting your time.
Just live with it?
Live with it? Well... yeah.
Do nothing?
Not nothing.
I can't leave it like that.
What do you suggest? Getting even?
Well, yes.
That's not a mature response.
If you need revenge at every turn, you're a troubled man.
I'm troubled?
Well no, not "troubled" but...
How am I troubled?
Hello?
We've got other callers.
- Wait. - Next caller, please.
- I agree. - With what?
You're a liar.
Whatever. Next caller.
There isn't one.
Hey, let's play a tune.
One by H20. Remember them?
Here's their classic piece, Chest of Memories.
Give us a second here.
Your problem is you don't listen!
Thank you and good night.
You're off the air.
What a freakin' lunatic! He needs medical help.
Hey, what did you just do?
Sorry, unfamiliar equipment.
You said you learned on it.
I'm sorry.
Gloomy bitch.
What?
She did it on purpose.
For what reason?
I don't know!
Then I doubt it.
You're one to talk. You keep giving me weirdos.
My mistake.
It's not funny.
Headphones!
Oh, we're looking.
Who's looking?
Who are you?
Chess Master Kakizaki.
How do you do?
Pleasure.
You'll be on after the commercial.
Start with the story of your first crush.
That would be kindergarten.
Wow, that early?
Yes, I suppose it was.
I can't wait to hear it. Milk it all you'd like.
If we have more time...
No sex appeal, no personality...
probably really repressed, if you know what I mean?
Very gloomy and even a pervert isn't interested in her.
A total mood crusher.
No, we weren't referring to you.
About what?
Hey, don't be rude.
I'm not much of a talker.
I'm not much of a talker.
You'll do fine. Five minutes pass quickly.
I'm asking this out of curiosity.
Do good chess moves work in romance, too?
Today's guest, Mina.
I'm Mina. Pleased to meet you.
Pleasure's mine. I'm Katsumata.
Please sit down.
We want you to talk about your very first crush on a boy.
Whatever you are comfortable to talk about.
You don't have to be "pacific" I mean, specific.
Forgive me. I'm a big fan, so I'm nervous.
I'm honored.
Stink!
You're in dire need of a breath mint today.
He is?
Well, can you smell that?
Feel free to tell him so.
A coworker said your breath stinks right in front of a girl you like.
I haven't had much luck in the romance department.
So I could use some tips.
I'm no expert, either, but...
I just try to give it my all, be it in chess or in love.
I see.
That's the key to winning, huh?
I don't know. I hope so.
You cut yourself shaving?
Yeah, I have sensitive skin.
Can't I at least have some better headphones?
These will make me itch.
We'll look around.
You think you're funny, huh?
Where are you going?
To take a leak.
Not now. You're on in a few seconds.
Stand by.
It's 1 a.m. and time for a Love Lines studio guest.
With us is the "Chessboard Prince" Grand Master Kakizaki.
I'm not "Grand Master" anymore.
I'm afraid I got demoted to just "Master" last year.
I'm so sorry.
You're written down on my paper as "Grand Master."
Some call me "Ex-Grand Master."
Let's try that again, shall we?
We're honored to have Chess "Master" Kakizaki.
- Pleasure to be here. - Thanks for coming.
This is the segment in our show...
where we pore over guests' "love resumes."
Let's talk about your first love.
It was in kindergarten.
What a fast mover!
We know about your record speed to top of the chess ladder but...
I fell quickly, too.
I'm a big fan of this show.
I often relate keenly to what people say on it.
Though I don't have any stories nearly as exciting as your other guests'.
I had a big crush on my kindergarten teacher.
Is that your fiance?
My kindergarten was a long way from home.
A 30-minute walk one way.
But I tell you, I never dreaded it.
Because she was there.
Thinking back, she must've been in her 30s at the time.
Her name was Ms. Midori.
My heart would start racing whenever she came near.
And yet, I liked playing tricks on her.
Halfway through the year, she left to get married.
I'll bet she only remembers me as a mischievous kid.
I mean, that's what I was.
Sounds like a beautiful memory.
I don't know... it's rather embarrassing, actually.
I'd just as soon forget.
Yes, but isn't that the way it is for most first crushes?
- Quite true. - Yeah.
Well, let me thank our special guest, Chess Grand Master..
I mean, "Master" Kakizaki. Thank you.
I enjoyed it. Thank you.
Sports after this commercial.
You're off the air.
Wonderful job.
Thank you.
If you hurry, you can go to the can.
No, that's all right. I'll hold it.
Stand by.
What happened to your face?
You're on, Mabuchi.
Here are today's sports results.
In Sumo, Kaiko's bid for promotion to Grand Champion was dashed...
when he suffered his third loss of the tournament to Hosho.
In other main match-ups, Tamanoumi defeated A wataikai...
Hakuo out-muscled Karyuzan...
and Mineshima ousted Bunbuyama...
throwing the tournament lead...
into a three-way tie with four matches to go.
In athletics, rookie long-distance runner, Mako Oba...
finished second in today's International Marathon...
with a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes and 14 seconds.
The coach Manabe said he was satisfied with the result.
That's it for sports.
Kaiko's a champion.
Not if he loses today.
We're going to a song.
Let's hear a song.
What song is this now?
Look at that. My script is blank.
How strange. It's been such a...
strange day.
I believe this song is..
You're off the air.
Gotcha.
Shingo?
Shingo?
Our sponsors are here. Can they enter the booth?
I'm kind of going over my script right now.
What's wrong with Shingo today?
It's an old studio with lots of problems.
I'll say. Half the machinery doesn't work.
Poor Shingo.
Headphones!
What the hell took you so long!
I just need one.
I got them!
New headphones!
That's okay. I'll use these.
Well, we're about out of time.
The weather forecast for the metropolitan area tomorrow...
calls for heavy rain due to the approaching typhoon.
Strong winds and high surf warnings have been issued.
The Weather Bureau asks that you remain indoors as much as possible.
You're listening to Tokyo Love Lines. It's been quite an eventful night.
Tomorrow's theme? "Breaking up with someone you like."
Breakups you never get over.
Don't miss it.
You can email us at...
shingo.love-lines.tokyo@kyodo.rt All lower case.
Shingo.love-lines.tokyo@--
Nothing's on.
Just Shingo's mike.
Where's it coming from then?
Shingo?
The phone lines are all off.
Uh... where could that sound be coming from?
I think from inside the booth.
From Chiba, we have "Nasty"? Strange name.
Hello, Nasty.
Hello.
You're 12, so that puts you in the 6th grade?
Yes.
Let's see, what was I doing in 6th grade?
I was in the band!
Are you in the band, Nasty?
Yes.
What do you play?
The recorder.
Ah, yes, the recorder. Very pretty instrument.
Do you like school?
Not really.
Oh, that's too bad.
What words hurt you? And who said them?
A boy in my class who I had a crush on.
He was moving away, so...
So you confessed.
I was going to. I waited for him on the playground.
Stop staring, ugly!
I said, "Stop staring, ugly!"
Ouch! He actually said that?
Yes.
That was mean! Really!
You swear you didn't do anything?
Is that right? She just fell off?
Liar.
You're such a liar.
Come here, Shingo.
Yes, ma'am.
I'm sad to announce that this is Shingo's last week.
His family is moving away.
I see. Where are you calling from?
Close by.
Whose voice is that?
Close to our broadcasting station?
Shingo, we're going to a song.
No, close to you.
Close to me? I see.
Liar.
You're such a liar. I died but you didn't.
That's not fair. I'm talking about you.
We're going to a song!
What's wrong?
Shingo!
What are you doing?
Shingo!
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