I have been desperately chasing for a dream!
You came to us because your dream was destroyed? It's an affront
- to the people who are dedicatedly fighting here. - Taiseki Shisezu.
Under every single one of those lamps someone is fighting dedicatedly.
A high school graduate?
If they assign a badly qualified guy to you on purpose, could it be they want to get rid of you?
Let's team up as presentation partners.
- Then, will you team up with me? - It's like a tug of war.
In a team with a guy without confidence, skills, or knowledge like you,
they have a chance to shine themself. They all think like that.
One of my people was scolded!
One of my guys was scolded! One of my guys!
"One of my guys", he said.
Let's do it.
Let's team up as presentation partners.
- Oh, so early? - Good morning.
Last night was terrible, wasn't it?
- We had quite a hassle with the chief. - No.
He can get nasty when he's drunk. Really.
Accompanying the chief for a drink is physical labour.
He always drinks as much as he likes
and each time I'm the one who has the trouble.
Oh, Chief. Good morning.
Is that a way to talk about your boss? Are you so great already?
Ah, I hate that. It's a shock in the morning.
Chief, thank you for the invitation yesterday evening.
It was a very pleasant time.
I will do my best during the remaining time as member of section 3.
Wouldn't you like a cup of coffee?
Black, right? I'll bring it at once.
Then, for me with milk and much sugar, if you go anyway.
What's got into him since this morning?
- You don't remember last night? - Last night? I can't remember at all.
It seems he has teamed up with Hitomi-kun as presentation partners.
It's hard to understand.
Why did he turn down everyone's invitation and chose the eccentric Hitomi-kun?
Everyone invited him?
You didn't know? Well, it's only because they thought
in a team with him they'd look good themself during the presentation.
The presentation theme is already decided.
Culture and Trade. The preparation of the material is up to you.
I shall prepare it all by myself?
Yeah. When it's ready, I'll check it.
Say, would you answer me one question?
- What is it? - Why did you approach me?
You see, the other guys
will all try their utmost to make an impression.
Your good point is that you are modest.
If I should use an example, you are like those old Japanese wifes.
They always stand 3 steps behind their man.
They give their man the advantage.
Well, try to have an outline of the presentation ready by noon.
Alright.
Ichinose, let's go there to win!
How we structure the given theme is important.
Another section's instant ramen project?
Our people of section 1 have tried several times,
but they absolutely couldn't get a contact.
And now we shall take over?
If they want to pull out like that, the project is probably just a waste of time.
I understand. Okay, mail me the material please.
Is this for the presentation?
Yes.
Culture and Trade?
- Seems like a pretty hard theme. - Well...
So it's really that Miyawaki!
It's been such a long time, huh? I hope you are doing well.
Eh? Right now? Oi, that's quite suddenly.
Give me a little time.
How about in 1 hour?
Yes. Of course, I'll bring the material.
Yes. Okay. See you later.
- What happened? - Do you know Big Champion?
- That large supermarket chain. - Ah, the one with that commercial!
Big! Big! Big Champion!
Its president was my classmate in junior high school.
Big! Big!
They plan to produce their own new brand of instant ramen in a factory in Thailand.
For this business they are looking for a partner with experience.
That sounds promising, doesn't it?
Yeah. Till today, we had no contact at all, but now he'll tell me the story once again.
And if it goes well: Big! Bi...
Oi, Aki. I'm off to listen to this story,
so you take care of that Indonesian coconut business for me.
Yes.
One time only I wish I could come along.
Oi, you come with me.
I'll give you an opportunity to learn.
- Any complaints? - No, I'll go.
- Oh, Miyawaki! Have you been doing well? - Oda! Long time no see.
- Your hairstyle has changed a lot. - Well, yes.
- How many years has it been? - At the coming-of-age ceremony
we met for the 1st time so it's 28 years now.
28 years? It's a wonder that we meet again, right?
That's true.
So the former gang leader is now doing business in a trading company.
Gang leader?
Your subordinate?
Pleased to meet you. I'm Ichinose.
He has not yet reached the level of a subordinate.
He's an intern. I've taken him along for study.
I see. It's bad since I made you come here,
but could you wait a little bit?
My previous meeting is still in progress.
- We don't mind. We'll wait patiently. - I'm sorry.
- Do you have the reference material? - Yes. We've brought it along.
Yes. Here please.
It's one of our previous joint-ventures for a similar project.
That will be helpful. I'll let my secretary make a copy.
Look up the investment ratio and the profit distribution ratio.
Yes.
In earlier times, he was a timid kid that was bullied.
- Really? - Yeah.
I protected him from this.
He called me "Gang leader" and it became my nickname.
His nickname...
Without being asked he run off to buy me a drink.
I often told him to stop acting like a gofer.
And now the gofer is president.
No one had expected this.
- This looks promising, doesn't it? - Yeah. I have a good feeling.
Sorry that I let you wait. Please have a seat.
It's 1 hour already.
- Shall I take a look around? - Stop it already.
It will be an important meeting.
Yes.
Are these your children?
Every day at home is hell.
Every day, they wake me up early in the morning,
and on my holidays they cry, "Play with us, play with us!" so I can't get a rest.
That's right.
Here, look at this.
At Father's Day, I got this from my children.
[Papa, do your best] Papa?
Even if I lost it somewhere, everyone should know to whom it belongs.
That's true.
They would be too scared to touch it.
What are you laughing so childishly?
We are visiting a customer. Pull yourself together.
I'm sorry.
I'm truly sorry. I really let you wait.
There's nothing better than being busy. Well, let me begin to explain.
Sorry.
Yes, it's me.
Understood. I'll come immediately.
One moment please. Give me the address once more.
Understood. Then, see you there.
I'm sorry, but I urgently have to leave now.
I see. Then, let me explain only one point.
I've taken a short look on that material,
but the profit estimation seems to be a bit vague.
This is only for your reference. Here are the new data.
No, I really don't have time now. I'll call you again.
I see. Well, alright.
- I'll be waiting for your call. - I'm sorry.
It's fine.
We'll meet again in this matter.
Yes.
Is something wrong?
No, it's nothing.
Yes, thank you.
Good-bye. Oh, welcome back.
How was it?
It was no success?
There's nothing as tricky as negotiating with your classmate.
Why?
Because it's about business.
No matter how good your relationship is, here it's about being top or bottom.
You don't want to bow your head to your old friend
so you won't back off from secrets and lies.
Negotiating with a stranger is far more easier.
This looks promising, doesn't it?
How stupid.
Without understanding anything
I rashly spoke these words.
I got this from a senpai who's in another trading company. (senpai = older classmate or colleague)
Properly arranged, it's perfect material for the presentation.
It sounds rude, but you won't hear an offer from anyone but me.
Why?
Kazuki-san, you're much too talented.
They are all afraid that in a team with you only you will be noticed.
No, that's not...
Yes, they are.
They all know it.
That you've formerly worked for Futabishi Trading Co.
I'm sorry, but I don't like such methods.
Alright.
Well, let's think about it together during the next meal.
Good work today.
You will team up with Nimura-kun, right?
I haven't agreed yet because I considered working with you.
It's alright. Let's both do our best.
In Japan's unique culture, the roots of the general trading company
date back until the final stage of the Edo period.
Lame. That's too lame.
With this, we will only get lost in the shuffle.
I thought in a speech about Culture and Trade
we should begin with the enviroment in which the trading companies were build.
But it should more express your personal originality.
For example... like this.
Every morning, I eat curry for diet reasons.
They say curry contains a variety of spices which burn fat
and this causes the diet effect.
Most of the spices which are used in Japan
are imported from foreign countries.
By trade,
spices that have been transported from foreign countries
create a new culture. In other words, trade
is not only an exchange of goods and money, but also a root of culture.
Hitomi-kun is able to put his imaginations instantly into words.
That's a feat that I don't master.
How is it? Did you understand a little what I mean?
Yeah... I'll think it over once again.
No lame stuff anymore!
I trust in your sense.
Right away this evening? At what time?
Alright, alright. Then, let me take care of the shop.
No, it's fine. What are you saying! See you then.
Aki, make a reservation for 7 o'clock at a shop that's suited to entertain clients.
Roger that. Is it that classmate of yours?
Yeah. Ichinose, you will attend too.
- It's a continuation of your studies. - Yes.
I'm sorry for the way I treated you.
So I thought I should invite you today and apologize for letting you wait.
What are you saying! It was an important negotiation.
Such things can't be avoided. Here.
- Besides... Oi, Ichinose. - Yes.
We've tried to compile a simulation-assisted forecast of the return for the next 5 years.
Here it is.
- 5 years, right? - Yeah.
I wonder if this is adequate to this kind of business.
Aren't you already working with Marutomo Bussan?
I know on that same day
Marutomo Bussan was also called.
Could it be you used our material in the price negotiations with them?
So what?
I thought just to do you a favour
I should tell you the whole story once again.
Well, I appreciate that.
That's why this calculation is based on our best possible conditions.
Your best possible conditions?
That thing, your calculation,
is absolutely ridiculous.
Marutomo Bussan
say our profits will be 10% higher.
I understand.
Let us make a new offer based on their numbers.
No, we will work with them,
so we don't need any further numbers from you.
What a nerve!
Okay, Mr Yoichi Bussan?
We will do for you what we can.
That's why I'm begging you to work with our company.
You're very eager.
You go that far in order to sell something to us?
Bowing one's head to a classmate is an undignified picture.
It's pitiful.
If I was you, truly,
I had given me a good ticking-off.
No wonder that after all those years you're still a simple chief.
That's true.
That's why I want to get this project up and running in one go.
That's why I'm begging you to give us a chance, President.
I said enough of that.
No more talk about business. Let's drink happily.
- You're right. - Huh? Seems the sake is out.
- Oda, order some. - Ichinose.
Yes.
Didn't you understand?
It's an order, Oda.
What's that? Really funny. Understood. I'll go order it.
No, I will...
Nonsense. If you ordered, it wouldn't be a pun.
Oda should order. That goes without saying.
Seems he's really nothing but a gofer.
Excuse me, Chief. You should claim your ballpen back.
From the beginning, he had not the intention to make a contract with us.
If I claimed it back, it would mean defeat. Miyawaki! Take this taxi.
That's right.
I think this is yours.
Then, please reconsider this matter.
You're pretty persistent, aren't you?
Get going!
Excuse me... this...
Ichinose, hold him properly too.
Yes. Sorry.
You only call me to take care of you when you're drunk.
I had always thought only the victor is strong.
But, today I learned this is wrong.
People who fight are all strong.
Oi, Ichinose, lend a hand too.
Yes!
Good morning.
- What? You have a hangover? - Yes.
What a pathetic guy. Be careful with drinking alcohol.
Don't drink more than you can tolerate.
That's a cardinal rule for every salaryman.
This man has no recollection at all.
Are the preparations for your presentation advancing? No, not really.
You've teamed up with Hitomi-kun from section 2, right? Why did you choose him?
He is really good at presenting.
And I'm not used to speak in public.
So you acquired a weapon that you don't have yourself.
- Yes. - Seems you have become a little clever.
Thank you very much.
Oi! The atmosphere at that place is peculiar.
Even guys who are used to hold a speech turn white in the face.
I've seen a lot of failures there.
The quality of the presentation will decide if you pass or fail.
For your preparation read it aloud numerous times.
- Yes. - Ah, and
- meet the time schedule. - Yes.
Yeah. Not bad.
Summarize the material in that direction. When can you be ready?
- By tomorrow. - Okay. Then, please do it.
Once I'm done with the material,
let's practise to present it aloud.
No, there's no need for that.
Reciting something that you've memorized word by word has little impact.
Look at the facial expressions of the audience and the atmosphere of the place
and then decide on what you'll focus your speech.
- Still... - Don't worry!
I am called "The Magician of Words".
You concentrate on the compilation of the material.
Alright.
Thus, we began to prepare for the presentation test
with full force.
A greater independence from oil and natural gas...
Where's that data?
As the presentation test approached,
throughout the company
everyone's eyes were focused on practising.
I guess the first half of the description is a little too long.
I think so too.
And we should be more detailed about the merit of this proposal.
Everyone was fighting desperately to survive here.
- Maybe we should inflate the 2nd half a bit. - The 2nd half?
Yes. This is probably the most important point of the presentation.
If we hammer this on the screen, bang, bang, bang...
we improve its power of persuasion.
And so we reached the day before the presentation test.
- Nagai. - Yes!
Tomorrow is the test, right?
- Go home earlier today. - Yes.
Well then, excuse me.
- Ichinose. - Yes.
You go too.
But there are still documents to organize.
It's alright. I can do that.
- Prepare for tomorrow. - Thank you.
Then, I'll do that.
Excuse me...
For this month here I'm truly very thankful.
Excuse me, I have to go now.
Oh no.
Right now, I felt some pain in my breast.
Are you stupid?
It would be good if he passed, wouldn't it?
No, he will pass!
It's not so easy.
It would create an unwanted precedent if a high school graduate with connections got hired.
If he can't convince everyone with his presentation, he won't make it.
[From Hitomi: Come onto the rooftop.]
- Oh, there you are. - What's wrong?
When you come tomorrow, put on this.
I've selected a suit that will look good on you.
I didn't mention it, but I noticed it from the beginning,
that lame suit.
If you wear this suit and work hard this month...
If you show up moderately and nondescriptly
in such a sober suit, you're digging your own grave.
Yes. It fits, it fits.
- No, I don't want it. - Why?
Don't you think you're strange?
If you wear the same outfit as everybody else, it kills your individuality.
Being told to think the same as others, to walk in the same direction,
that's disgusting, isn't it?
We have to get rid of such things.
Tomorrow, let's together spread our wings. Here!
I told you I don't want it.
What are you so mad?
Keep out of my affairs.
You've pressed the preparation on me and didn't do anything yourself.
From now on, don't press me for anything anymore.
Sounds like I'm terrible.
In the presentation, I'm the leading actor.
That's why we said it's your task to prepare the material, right?
I know that.
You think that's the only thing I could do, right?
Let's not quarrel.
What's wrong? This doesn't resemble you.
What doesn't resemble me?
Shall I always silently obey you?
No, it's not like that.
I bet you also talked big that I had connections and was easy to use.
Huh?
I know myself
that I won't actually pass.
Nevertheless, I'm fighting desperately...
Oi, wait a moment.
What was that right now?
You don't think you can pass?
Is that what you've thought all the time?
Answer me.
Oi!
Don't be silly!
Not even once have I regarded you as a child of patronage or such!
I honestly thought you and me would go there to win.
So what is that now?
What the heck is it!
Alright already.
Don't get in my way tomorrow.
It's awful.
I ended up saying the worst possible things.
It can't be helped that you're nervous now.
You will be alright. You've been the best at everything.
- I'm leaving. - Good luck.
It's somehow strange...
And on the following day,
lined up like beads on a string we frivolously
greeted the presentation test.
And now, for our final recruitment decision,
we will begin the presentation test.
Senior Managing Director Takano, a few words please.
Trade is an extremly volatile business.
Its right to exist has been questioned countless times till today.
For us, there's only one way to survive. Permanent evolution.
We don't need conservative elite students,
but people who can adapt to changes. Good luck!
Is that the intern who was in section 3?
Yeah.
It's useless. I'm so nervous that my stomach hurts.
That's over once you're onstage.
Kazuki-san, give your best.
The presentation time is 10 minutes. After that, the question-and-answer session starts.
And now, the 1st team, Nagai-kun and Maeda-kun.
Yes! Ah... sorry.
Calm down! Oi!
Our presentation theme is
"The Price Collapse of Vietnamese Coffee".
Please look at the screen.
By thorough reduction of human... resources
the coffee bean supply had been... stabilized.
But in Brazil... in Brazil's coffee plantations
automation has already been introduced.
Although Vietnam is proud to be the world's 2nd largest producer...
On slide 3,
the usage of KPI seems wrong.
Excuse me... KPI, you say?
I'm the one who's asking!
Idiot! An intern should have learned that.
Next team.
Then, the pair Oshimoto-kun and Doi-kun please.
Once they made a slip, they were shot down one by one.
- Ah, that's... - What have you learned in this month?
You don't know a thing about the fundamentals of a trading company.
I'm sorry.
- Oshimoto-kun. - Yes.
In your example trade, there's no risk diversification
in order to avoid trouble.
In case of a weaker yen, how are we going to deal with that?
I'm sorry. I have learned something.
Next team.
Then, the pair Kazuki-san and Nimura-kun please.
Yes.
The theme we've chosen is "Stable Supply of Raw Materials for Steel Manufacturing".
In Japan, the factories which produce coke for raw steel manufacturing
are aging progressively.
Please look at the slide.
In 5 years since 1995, coke imports have grown to more than the 5-fold.
Currently, it's mainly imported from China...
- Quite impressing, isn't she? - Yeah. She's cute.
Against this background,
we have examined the feasibility of Vietnamese coke
as supply for mass production. For the concrete realization,
we would propose the following steps. Please move on to the next slide.
Kazuki-san is really great.
That was all. Thank you very much.
The idea was well presented.
But, in case our outmoded domestic facilities get modernized, what will happen then?
In that case, it will be sold to South-East Asia.
- Is it so easy to find a buyer? - Yes.
In South-East Asia there are more and more blast-furnaces,
so we think the sale is secured.
How did you put up this schedule till the start of mass production?
I'd like to hear the answer from the author.
Yes.
Well, eh... mass production...
This was one of the points that mainly I elaborated,
so I will answer instead.
This schedule until the start of mass production is based on the assumption
that until June next fiscal year the joint-venture company in Vietnam will be established
and at the same time the trial operation can begin.
Japan's consumption of resources
is one of the highest in the world.
As is shown in this graphic,
Japan's GDP is the 3rd highest in the world and these economic activities
require a large consumption of resources
and of energy.
Even though the current price decline of resources is remarkable,
the resources situation will become more and more severe.
He is accustomed to do presentations, don't you think?
He could immediately be brought into action.
You think so? Knowledge alone doesn't sell goods.
Continuing to secure a stable supply of resources,
I think this will be our responsibility as trading company in the future.
It will present an even bigger challenge than the resources business today.
Thank you very much.
Finally, it's our turn.
Isn't it about time?
Then, the pair Ichinose-kun and Hitomi-kun please.
Yes.
Hitomi-kun.
The theme we've chosen is
"Culture and Trade".
As we think, culture and trade...
He has stopped.
What's wrong with him?
The atmosphere at that place is peculiar.
Even guys who are used to hold a speech turn white in the face.
I've seen a lot of failures there.
Such... if we want to sell such things,
whether they carry the uniqueness of Japan or not,
seen from a global perspective, there should be potential.
And...
He blew it. He had to explain slide 2 first.
Now, nobody knows what he means.
What are you talking about?
Seems you've completely lost your train of thought. Are you alright?
Sorry.
What about "We go there to win"?
What "Magician of Words"?
Seems he's completely frozen.
What can I do?
As it is now, we will go down together.
Excuse me. Excuse me!
I will perform it.
That idiot...
This is... the era of globalization.
If products are alike and the conditions as well,
it's obvious that the more expensive one won't sell.
That's a platitude. He's just rehashing what he's read in a textbook.
The product quality...
the customer satisfaction, on what does it depend?
This is... price, function, performance,
reliability, safety, and such things.
In other words, a variety of aspects... can be listed.
It's over, isn't it?
Depending on age and social position or the location of the country...
You are just reading this document.
Can't you tell it a little more in your own words?
I'm sorry.
Well, depending on the location of the country,
the importance of these factors will vary a lot.
From the perspective of the manufacturing industry, in addition to the product quality
there are a variety of factors like manufacturing cost and speed
that must be taken into consideration.
Thank you. From here on, I will continue.
There are 5 minutes remaining.
In order to find good products, it is necessary for us traders
to cooperate peacefully and considerately and build friendly relationships.
Once we've build friendly relationships,
we will consider where the wonderful products of all those companies can be sold.
For example, a product that's closely connected to people's lifestyle...
From now on, Hitomi-kun's presentation had changed beyond recognition.
In Japan, there's a lot of good and cheap products.
In regions with a growing number of children,
baby goods produced in Japan with a high safety standard
should be in demand.
To consider what people of other cultures demand
and then choose the right products for them, this is...
When he observed my dull presentation, he regained his coolness
and found new inspiration.
It was typical of a kibitzer.
If it was your turn to move, what would you do?
I'd make a tactical move to go into close combat.
That's the best move.
For a kibitzer,
who is just observing and can overlook the board calmly,
such a move is easier to see than for the both
who are sitting opposite one another.
In other words, we think if culture and trade
means taking full advantage of one's imagination to select a good product,
then it makes practical sense.
This is all.
They've made a nice comeback.
The material was well done too.
- I have a question for the author of this document. - Yes.
If you had to sell anything to your partner, what would you sell him?
To Hitomi-kun?
If he gets stuck here, it's over.
What could I sell him?
What shall I answer?
Don't remain silent.
Say something.
I'd sell him a suit.
For what reason?
As one can see, he dresses with care.
He thinks our business suits look lame.
- They kill our individuality. - Don't talk unnecessary stuff!
That's why... to him,
I'd sell this suit.
Every morning, we put on this suit,
ride a crowded train,
walk the same streets,
and come to this workplace.
After we've arrived here,
we check our mail,
prepare for a conference,
negotiate on the phone,
without a moment to rest.
Sometimes, we are forced to shoot some sudden trouble.
In the course of today? That will be definitely impossible!
- Of course it will! - Let's assemble a delivery free from defects.
Oi! It's your turn now.
It happens that we are scolded by a strict boss.
Stop behaving like a spoiled child!
Don't show your face here again!
Sometimes, we have to bow our head to someone we don't want to bow to.
Please work with our company.
Please reconsider this matter.
Since the moment we enter society,
we spend most of our lifetime on work.
And all this time we are wearing a suit.
The suit is the combat uniform in which we fight here.
In it, we compete with our peers and support our colleagues
in order to protect our family.
For our advancement we have to grit our teeth
and continue working no matter how hard it is.
Everyone here is fighting dedicatedly.
But, nobody can fight all by themself.
Our business is teamwork.
We give what we have
and receive what we're lacking.
Our work is a mutual giving and taking.
The suit certainly doesn't kill our individuality,
it proves that we're comrades.
I,...
as his comrade who's fighting with him together,
would sell Hitomi-kun this suit that he's lacking.
Hitomi-kun,
how is it? Will you buy this suit?
I'll buy it.
He wouldn't, don't you think?
I'm sorry. Can you repeat that please.
Don't ask him. Come here.
- Yes. Excuse me. - It's all written in here.
- Check it out. - Yes. I'll study it.
Thanks for taking care of me.
- What are you so sentimental! - I'm sorry.
You should be relaxing with your classmates. Go quickly.
Yes.
Excuse me...
thank you for this.
Why am I so sentimental?
[ 1 week later ]
Yes, it's Ichinose.
Yes. My son is very grateful to you.
I'm back.
He has just come home. Please wait a moment.
Ayumu!
There's Yoichi Bussan on the phone.
Yes, it's Ichinose.
Yes.
- Good morning. - Congratulations!
- Thank you. - As expected from the elite.
Good morning.
- Long time no see. - Good morning.
I knew Kazuki-san would also be at the head office.
Are only 3 of us at the head office?
- Yeah. - No, there's 1 more.
He's coming, he's coming.
Yes, I got it. Immediately, yes.
Oi! Aki, make 3 copies of this.
- Wait just 1 minute please. - I have to leave now.
- Do it quickly! - I can't! This here
- must be mailed immediately. - I can make the copies.
You!?
From today on, I'm assigned to section 3.
I'm Ichinose Ayumu.
Pleased to meet you!
- What's that? Won't you greet me? - I'm sorry.
Oi! Make the copies quickly!
Wait, wait, wait, wait! Please copy this immediately.
Yes.
Again, a new door opened for me,
and behind this door a new battle will begin.
And from now on it will be a real battle.