This drama is modeled after the true stories of Sakurai Shouichi.
However, the names of the others in it have been fabricated and do not reflect the true names of the individuals involved.
It is the truth that Sakurai Shouichi went undefeated for 20 years as a rep player, and his legend continues to be passed down to this day.
Supervising Director: Sakurai Shouichi
1970's
We've been waiting for you, Sakurai-san!
Will you save our chief's business and family?
Please, help us.
It looks differently from what you've told me.
Match has already started.
You won't leave us, right?
Sakurai-san!
Riichi.
Pon.
Tsumo!
6 000 / 12 000
Tsumo.
Mangan.
Ron.
Excuse me!
1 600
Ron.
32 000
Riichi.
Tsumo!
4 000 each.
Ron.
18 300
Riichi!
Tsumo!
16 200 each.
You are really strong.
Listen, how about a game without any tricks.
Riichi!
Pon.
Chi.
Pon.
Kan.
Ron.
Thank you.
It was a great battle.
Now I can finally retire from mahjong.
Sakurai-san!
Chief sends you his gratitude.
We're counting on you.
Shin Janki 3
The Man Undefeated for 20 Years!
East against West
Damn shopkeeper! What was this about?
We'll get late!
It's because of your noodles!
He had to say that there's no take-out in first place!
I would've taken udon or something else!
It woulde've been much faster!
We always buy a take-out before the game.
Now I'm not in the mood.
Well, next time let me cook you some food!
What? Can you even cook?
Of course!
I've never seen you cooking!
There's nothing I can do.
We're just passing through Tokyo, where can I cook for you here?
It so loud here! And so many people.
What even is this?!
I'm really sory.
You can warn them however you want, they will be late anyway.
Sorry, we're a little late.
You never come in time!
Ritsuko! Why does it keep happening?
Sorry.
Alright, calm down Mikami-san.
You better tell us
Did you prepare 10 millions in case of our victory?
Yes, of course.
Chiii.
Pooon.
Rooon.
East.
Going for cheap fast hands, huh?
Pon.
Riichi.
Rooon.
Sanshoku, Dora 1.
2 000
Damn, this moron just doesn't stop.
Pon.
Chi.
Riichi.
Just what I need, ron!
18 000
Chi.
Pon.
Ron.
White, Dora 3.
8 300 with honba.
Rooon.
2 000, please.
Pon.
Pooon.
Rooon.
5 200, please.
Let's go! Riichi!
Exactly what I needed.
48 000
Looks like it's over.
If by chance you get an offer to take part in a big battle that will take place in month, you will decline. Do you understand?
Ah, why did we even come, only the weaklings here.
This isn't interesting at all.
Ryu-chan, give me a little light.
Mikami, now I feel really confident.
You found excellent players.
Thank you very much.
And it seems this guys will stay away from the battle that will take place in a month.
The influence over Kasumigaseki region is at stake.
We will lose great profits, if Kanto faction accidentally wins.
And that's why you are entrusted with every dangerous pro of this region.
We won't let you down, Ryu is one of the strongest Kansai players.
They're just a bunch of weaklings so far.
You promised me some unreal mahjong, so far.
Are there any real Players here?
Рю! Мы пока что только разведываем обстановку, не смей зазнаваться!
I'm just a mahjong player, you said it yourself.
I don't know anything about your influence thing.
I just want to fight against a strong opponent!
To fight... and win!
That is my reason for living.
Mikami-han.
You are a player too, you have to know this feeling!
Ryu-chan, stop.
Now that's the spirit I can rely on!
Alright, let's drink tonight.
Mikami-han.
Tell me, who is the strongest player here?
Well...
Rumors are saying, the strongest is
This guy.
Sakurai Shouichi?
Oh! Sho-chan, welcome.
Hi, long time no see, Sho-chan.
Guess what! I won on boat racing yesterday, I'm feeling extra lucky lately.
Ron! Ippatsu!
Oh! Got Uradora! Haneman!
You didn't say "Riichi"!
But I rotated the tile!
Give me 12 000.
That's a chombo, don't you agree?
Unlucky you, I wanted to discard this tile too.
What the hell!
Please.
"Corpse found in dams bay".
It was a great battle.
Now I can finally retire from mahjong.
Sakurai-san.
Thank you for the last battle so much.
I came today with an unbelievable offer.
Please!
It will be the greatest battle in Japan's history!
Explain me, what is this?
Huh? Looks like this guy passed away.
I'm asking you!
Why are you so surprised? It happens almost with everyone, who loses to you.
Risk is too high.
This murder, it's on your head!
About the upcoming match, think carefully about it.
So, it was I who killed him..
I...
I killed him.
Riichi.
Pon.
Roon.
Mangan.
Oh! Got it.
3 000 / 6 000
Riichi.
Roon! Ippatsu.
Mangan.
No, haneman.
Only two players left.
No, only one.
What's going on?
We haven't played against him yet.
This man declines all offers.
He's not interested in money, it seems.
There's nothing you can do.
Don't sweat it, he's probably just afraid of you.
Ryu, don't bother so much about it.
Your tomorrow's opponent, Samejima, he's really strong..
So, he's the same Kuronuma-group second head, we heard so much about?
Kanto region underground pro no. 1
Did you hear about Nishimura Hiromitsu?
Yeah, he declined the position of second head and retired.
Strange guy.
It seems that Samejima already surpassed Nishimura.
He's different from weaklings you were playing before.
Of course we understand it!
Ryu! Are you even listening?
Hey! Ryu!
I can't agree with that...
How can I be no. 1, if I don't win against Sakurai?
Stop thinking about Sakurai...
Alright, let's focus on our current plans.
Tomorrow we're playing against Kuronuma-group.
We have to take the win!
Once we're on the top, you can play with Sakurai as much as you want.
Fine.
Do you think I am lying to you?
Our mission right now is to defeat all pro players from this region.
Understood?
I got hungry suddenly, I'll go eat something.
Hey, Ryu-chan, where are you going?
Where can I buy some sushi?
Ooh! Good evening.
There's only one left, right?
What about the kid?
Everything under control.
If by chance Ryu and Ritsuko lose.
Samejima's daughter will suddenly disappear.
We tracked down her location.
I knew you guys are professionals.
Samejima Hiromasa, Kuronuma-group second head controlled almost all underground business operations of Kanto region.
Mikami clearly understood, who was he playing against.
Pon.
Chi.
Ron.
1 000 points.
Chi.
Pon.
This guy is clearly bluffing, the real threat is his woman.
Ha! Looks like this fella understands something.
Tsumo.
4 000 each.
Chi.
Pon.
Riichi.
Tsumo.
Ippatsu.
Mangan.
You're playing good, brother.
Kokushi?
Time to finish with them.
Just what I need.
Look at this! 9 600.
Chi.
Pon.
Tsumo.
1 000 / 2 000 plus honba.
Hmm, let's play closed. Riichi!
Riichi.
Alright, tsumo!
Maaangaaan.
Riichi.
I know Samejia's next draw.
Kan!
If I win now, you will be paying for sekinin barai.
Unlucky you!
Baiman!
Alright, orasu.
If you don't win a big hand, you'll lose, brother!
Daburi, brother.
In that case, I will riichi too.
Sister.
Rooon.
Pinfu nomi.
1 500
You were so close.
So it is settled then.
You have to forget about your claims.
I'll keep my word.
I have to say, you were a good head for Kuronuma-group.
Hi, long time no see.
Old man Watanabe was the one who taught me the basics of mahjong.
What a curious case, both teacher and his student were crushed by you
I can imagine your battle.
It's a good thing that you were his last opponent.
I think he was happy.
I didn't know he was your teacher.
By the way, what are you doing now?
Joint-stock company "Nishimura Enterprise", director - Nishimura Hiromitsu.
Seems like I have a real talent for this sort of work.
Looking back, I have to thank you.
Then I immediately start our negotiation.
There should be no problems.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Thank you very much!
Then, I bid you farewell.
Goodbye.
Everything went well, right, chief?
Yes.
Finally, I gained freedom.
Freedom?
Nevermind, I was lost in thought.
Alright, we have to finish this project..
Yes?
Director, visitor came to talk to you about negotiations.
Understood.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
No-no, it's nothing.
We're working on a project in North Shinjuku, as far as I remember.
Nishimura-san, it's about another matter today.
But you were talking about negotiations...
It's hard to meet with you without the right cause.
Then what is this about?
Here's the thing...
Excuse me.
I've heard very interesting story from one of my acquaintances.
What story?
Story about mahjong.
My friend said that you were really strong.
It's all in the past.
A have nothing to do with mahjong anymore.
But wait...
If you're not going to talk about the job, then I have to ask you to leave.
There's gonna be an unbelievable match in Kasumigaseki in two weeks.
There are many people, who want to see you as a player.
I don't know who these people are.
But tell them that Nishimura is done with mahjong.
Nishimura-san, this will be a great help for my company. I'm begging you.
Please leave, this conversation is over.
Tenhou Mahjong
Hey, what' re you doing?
Aniki.
Long time no see.
What happened?
I can't work in restaurant for the rest of my life!
Did you have a fight with Tae-chan?
Real gambler doesn't need girls!
Did she kick you out?
Come on, please stop this questions!
Aniki.
I wish I can come back to mahjong one day.
Hey.
Do you want to play?
I do!
Rooon.
Mangan.
Ippatsu.
Oh! Sho-chan, welcome.
Who do I see! I don't remember ordering ramen.
This isn't about the delivery, I came to fight!
It can't be helped, there's nothing I can do with you.
Oh these young men!
You are welcome.
You are Sakurai Shouichi-san, right?
Hey, who the hell are you?
I'm from Osaka, my name is Tachibana Ryu.
Here's my wife Ritsuko.
I've heard there is an incredibly strong player in Tokyo, so I came here.
Can I ask you about the battle?
Hey-hey, who do you think you are?
Very well.
Aniki?
Thanks!
I was told there's no way you agree.
What are the rules?
I suppose, you'll be fine with Buu Mahjong.
Now that's just the best, looking forward to it!
Buu-mahjong.
Every player starts with 6 000 points.
Game is over when one of the players doubles his points up to 12 000.
Or when somebody loses all his points.
When one player satisfies winning conditions and other 3 are below starting points - that's "A Top".
When two players are below starting points and winning conditions are satisfied - that's "B Top".
It is forbidden to finish the game by dropping one player in negatives.
Every player tries to win with A-Top - that's the main goal of Buu Mahjong.
Pon.
Ron.
2 000
Won points are put on the table.
This way everyone can see, what they need to do in order to finish the game in their favor.
Pon.
Tsumo! A Top win and it was the last 2 pin!
Wins with tsumo are the most important for A Top.
I get the double token!
Alright, got it.
Second in a row, so your pay is doubled!
Double token.
Winner of last hand gets it and if he wins again, his opponents pay twice.
Nice, I'm feeling lucky tonight!
Riichi!
Pon!
I can't let Ryu be the only one who's winning!
Ron.
B-Top win.
I'll get chombo if I win this hand with ron. Fine, I'll tsumo it. (note.: with expensive hand like this he will instantly kill player who dealt in)
Pon.
Tsumo.
1 000 each.
Passed on ron from me, got furiten and drew his tsumo tile.
He's not half bad.
Pon!
Ron.
A Top win.
I haven't seen players like this in a while.
He's a tough guy.
Master! Master!
We finished.
Riichi.
Tsumo.
We're paying for A Top again!
That's it! This exact feeling!
Blood starts boiling in veins!
Pon.
Pon!
Tsumo!
Damn, how fast you guys are!
I can't keep up with you.
Alright, A Top win.
Tsumo.
A Top win.
Master! I'm out of money.
Sorry.
He is strong. He is really strong.
This person is unbelievable.
I haven't played with such strong players!
Daburi.
Pon!
Can you feel me burning inside?
I beg your pardon.
The defeat is ours.
Dear, what are you talking about?
I have a feeling, we're going to play again.
Have a good night.
Ryu-chan!
What's going on with them?
I don't get it.
Hey, Ryu-chan, what's the matter? You were saying the tricks are fine!
This was not the regular match!
That damn tile replacement ruined everything!
But we won!
I can't play shit with you!
Stop following me, for God's sake!
I was doing it for you!
Fool!
You idiot!
Do you have an idea, how is important this matter is?
Oh come, we just had a little fun.
Moron!
Gossips about your battle are everywhere.
I'm sorry! It was my mistake, I should have stopped him!
Shut up!
Barely started working and already thinks highly of herself!
Woman has to keep silent.
Your duo is disbanded.
Dear?
What do you say, Ryu?
We'll have to play against Sakurai sooner or later.
With partner like her you stand no chance.
Shall you play with me, we'll become unbeatable.
Yes.
That's right.
If I see next to Ryu again, you'll get beaten.
Excuse me, you can't visit him without an arrangement!
Move aside!
Wait, please!
I've tried calling you many times but without any result.
So I had to come without invitation.
Listen, I know this man, sorry for not warning you.
Okay.
Second head.
You're the second head, if I'm not mistaken.
Do you know what's going on?
Yes, I heard you got crushed.
Death of Kuronuma-group is just a matter of time now.
Unless we will win a big match against Kansai.
I'm ashamed to tell this.
But I'm not strong enough.
Aniki!
Save Kuronuma.
No, save our region!
I'm begging you!
Please leave?
You don't hear me?!
Don't act all high and mighty!
Are you afraid of losing your firm?
Or just afraid of losing?
Sorry, it was a mistake to come here.
I thought you were better than this!
Sorry for such a sudden meeting.
It's alright, what happened?
Have you heard about the upcoming match in Kasumigaseki?
Yes.
I decided to play for Kanto region.
And that you have to know about this.
I'll have to break my word.
So you want to play?
Do you think you will be able to return to your regular life after the match?
It seems there's no way to talk you out of this.
Nishimura? The same Nishimura, you mean?
Letter says: "Nishimura Hiromitsu and Kajiwara Asao will represent Kanto region".
Nishimura wasn't the part of your plan.
Exactly! Our sources were confident that he will not play.
It seems we'll have to face an incredible opponent.
What are we gonna do?
I don't think we are going to lose with Ryu, of course.
But still, maybe we need to take the precaution?
Damn, everything was going according to the plan..
The things are heating up.
But I've taken some measures already.
What? What does it mean? Why are we refused?
I can't add anything new, the answer contains only official refusal.
My duty is to inform you about it.
But you were saying everything will be fine!
Project has already started!
Unfortunately, my authorities aren't that high.
Chief! Give me your chief!
He has a meeting.
Then I'm driving to your office right now!
Nishimura?
Yes, what do you need?
Please, follow us.
What's going on?
Move!
Let go of me!
Shut up!
What are you doing?!
Let go of me!
Sorry for our little harshness, Nishimura.
My name is Takeuchi Katsumata.
What do you need from me?
I want talk to you about your project refusal.
Your honor stands on the line.
I know a few people in the board of the bank, that refused you.
So it was you who made it?
What an impolite young man.
Stop fooling around!
I've heard you are planning to play in Kasumigaseki.
I think, for a man retired from mahjong to lose once is not a big deal.
I am going to win.
You are confident in your abilities, that's commendable.
But where are you going to work after this victory?
Or do you wish to walk the path of underground pro once again?
You're a smart man.
Forget about this.
Decision on recommencing the project is on you.
That's all I wanted to say.
I'm sorry, but we're closed.
Excuse me, can I have you for a moment.
I'm about the Kasumigaseki battle.
Nishimura-san was going to play.
You already know about this.
Takebishi faction reached an agreement with the bank.
If Nishimura wins the match, his project will get canceled and his company will go bankrupt.
And what do you suggest I do?
Ryu-chan doesn't use dirty tricks like these scoundrels!
Play against him!
I...
I ruined your game the last time.
Please, I own him this battle.
I can't let you go there.
Everything's decided already.
There's no turning back from there.
I can't let you die.
Sakurai!
And what are you doing here?
I'm replacing Nishimura.
What?
If I win, you leave Nishimura alone.
And if you lose?
Do whatever you want.
Stop with your negotiations, everything's clear already!
Do you agree?
I'm fine with it.
I think nobody will argue if Sakurai-kun plays as the replacement.
It's decided then.
Unpredictability is what the battle of East against West lacked.
Rules of the battle: 10 hanchans, winner is the one who gets the most points.
The confrontation of East against West will get decided like this:
East is represented by Sakurai and Kajiwara, West by Mikami and Ryu.
Winning player brings his region control over the disputed territories.
Pon.
Chi.
Tsumo.
Mangan.
Riichi.
Pon.
Tsumo.
500 / 1 000
Chi.
Pon.
Tsumo.
700 / 1 300
Not bad.
It wouldn't be fun the other way.
Pon.
Riichi.
Chi.
Ron.
Mangan.
It was a suji tile, of course, but to discard sou here?
Is he an idiot?
Pon.
Chi.
Riichi.
Pon.
Ron.
Haneman.
So he's the part of the plan too.
You bribed trash.
What are doing, Ryu?!
What's with you?
Sorry, my hand slipped.
Ryu!
Stop behaving like a fool.
First hanchan ended with Mikami winning.
I'm sorry, but in this match you have no allies.
Pon.
Ron!
12 000
Riichi.
Tsumo!
6 000 each.
Don't get too cocky.
Riichi.
Tsumo.
Baiman.
Kan.
Riichi.
Kan.
Riichi.
Wait a second.
I'm declaring kan on this 1 man.
What?
Four kans end the round, am I wrong?
You're out of your mind?
Excuse me, I don't get it.
Don't get it?
Stop fucking around!
What do you mean? Sakurai-han could win with his next draw, it's better to avoid it.
Mikami.
It seems you completely forgot how to play.
What did you say?
I can't let it all end so ugly!
Mikami-han.
You too, Kajiwara-san.
Shame on both of you!
Doesn't player's blood flow in you veins?
Sorry for all this rambling.
You big shots.
Shall we continue?
Yes.
Match continued.
But Sakurai was still in a tough spot.
It was almost impossible to turn the tables until Kajiwara was helping his opponents.
With this hand I will win the hanchan.
Riichi.
This tile will not pass against Mikami.
Tsumo!
Let's check the Ura Dora, nice!
6 000 / 3 000
I'm sorry...
Riichi.
What will you do, Sakurai-han.
Riichi.
Just what I need!
I declare ron too.
What?
18 000
Now this is interesting.
Really-really interesting.
These brats are making fun of me.
Riichi.
I'm sorry, but I'm doing it too...
Riichi.
I can't let them surpass me, or I'll lose all my flow.
Riichi!
6 man - kan!
3 man.
Discard 3 man!
Kan!
Tsumo!
Rinshan, Dora 9 - baiman.
As the middle of the match passed, Kajiwara remembered about his player's pride too.
This tsumo win has blown away all plans and strategies of the West.
The battle turned into a harsh meat grinder between four seasoned pros.
Situation went at a boiling point, nobody yielded in the battle of tricks and readings of the flow.
Tiles, carefully shuffled face-down indicate fair game without any cheating.
The game went to it's final stage - orasu.
Difference in points is almost non-existent.
Winner of this round becomes victorious in today's match.
Sakurai...
got his tenpai.
Now it's starting.
Riichi!
Pon!
This tile... I can't discard it.
No, he's not in tenpai yet.
Riichi!
Pon!
Kan!
Damn, why am I suddenly so afraid?
This exact tile...
will lead me to victory!
Riichi!
Pon!
Go ahead, try to ron me!
There is only one 2 pin left in the wall.
There will be no draw.
The battle will get decided right now.
I will be the winner!
Tsumo.
6 000 / 12 000
Mister Sakurai won.
What happened?
I will probably never play a game like this.
It was interesting, right?
Victory or defeat - it doesn't matter.
Go to her.
Russian translation: Anchan
English translation: Hag Kamikaze