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.
Congratulations on your admittance. We have given you a 1-year contract.
How long shall I continue to do secretarial work?
If you are so dissatisfied, I won't mind if you go somewhere else.
Narumi-san, if you press all your work on me, I can't do my own.
From now on, be prepared.
Do you hate it so much? Our division.
I think Kazuki-san will be alright.
Do you know how much harm your insensivity has caused?
I have assorted some material about companies that look promising.
Still, it's unusual, isn't it?
People who consider a change of career in their 1st year
mostly want to work in a different industrie.
For me, this point is immaterial.
I want to establish a career in an international trading company quickly.
But, you're not interested in Futabi Trading Co, right?
Is there a reason for that?
My father is working there.
That's how it is. Isn't he the king of this industrie?
And you didn't want to ask your father for a favor, right?
I don't want an undeserved career by connections.
I want to make it all by myself.
- Aki-san. - Yes.
The invoice is fixed. Here please.
- Oh, thank you. - Ichinose.
- Yes. - What about the business report?
It's done.
Here please.
I go now making copies of the documentation on sea food
for the visit at 15 o'clock.
He has settled in very well, hasn't he?
A far cry from the child of patronage he was as intern.
Only because he was so terrible before.
Good work.
Good work today.
Because you involved her into the contract issues with section 3,
she is isolated now.
Kazuki-san.
Are you alright?
Why do you ask?
It's my fault that your position in the Resources division...
I'm sorry.
Don't worry. It's not your fault.
This is a problem that I must solve myself.
But still...
I hate being pitied like that. Just be as you always are.
I understand.
Kazuki, it seems you did it!
The finance director just gave her approval.
To that carbon emission rights project?
Yeah. It's almost like a wonder. Kazuki really makes a difference, right?
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
I wish I could celebrate it immediately tonight with you,
but financially I'm in a pinch this month. Sorry!
It's no special reason to celebrate.
Don't be shy. We're classmates, right?
Then... this evening.
You know, I just recognized.
With total commitment, we can overcome the current situation.
We must imitate Kazuki and devise a proposal. Give your best, Ichinose!
Eh? Me too?
We'll all push a project through. I will invite Kiriake too.
Let us 4 classmates become a legend.
- Planning a new business? - Yes.
I thought I should also try to think something up.
What happened? You're suddenly changed.
- Did you find a girlfriend? - No, that's not it.
Of course not. I admit your face is more or less okay,
but it's not of the type that attracts women, right?
- Yes. - When I was at your age,
every day when I left the company I went on a date.
I bet they only emptied your purse, right?
Right, right, right. And so I acquired my nickname.
It's "Leather Purse".
Those were hard times.
That was when I met them. Frontale, I mean.
Right, Fronta-kun?
- What were we talking about right now? - New business planning.
Ah, right...
Try it. Aki and I will put it under the microscope.
Yes!
This is the material about the new customer.
Kazuki,
your emission rights conception got the approval of the Finance department, right?
Yes.
I wonder what the chief will do.
Who will be put in charge of it, I mean.
Whoever it is, it will be alright.
But, Hiyama... Well, maybe you're right.
The director told me right now to withdraw the emission rights project.
Why that?
Why?
We were just instructed by the senior managing director in person
to take care of the biomass project.
We can't afford to use resources for such a project.
But this is an important project that has a bright future.
Could it be you regard this as your own project?
No, to think like that...
That's why we don't like women here. They're so conceited.
This was Hiyama-san's idea.
I think Hiyama-san has devised a good project.
That's why I wanted to assist him at least a little.
So, will you do it alone?
No...
Then, don't say unnecessary things.
The one who would hear the director's complaints is me.
This project is shelved.
Eh? The cargo ship?
I got it. By all means, keep me informed.
Yuki, what happened?
It seems off the coast of the Philippines a crack was found in the hull of the cargo ship.
What?
- Can't it return to the harbour of Davao? - If it keeps sailing in this condition,
there's a risk that it will sink so it's currently at anchor.
That's quite a disaster.
So it can't arrive till tomorrow.
For now, let's find a trader who's able to procure stainless steel.
- Contact the insurance company. - Yes.
A list of all traders is available in the General Affairs department.
Yes.
Pushing a project through is not so easy.
Myself, I needed 3 years.
Yes. I'll do my best.
Isn't it possible to transship the cargo to another ship?
- With that size it's impossible. - They could use an adequate crane.
It couldn't work safely in the fast flowing tide there.
And if they used tugboats?
It takes too long to arrange that. It would sink in the meantime.
Oi, Yuki. What happened. Do you have trouble?
Yeah. A crack was found in a cargo ship.
A crack? That's trouble indeed.
Speaking of it, something similar has happened in the Sales department once before.
What did they do at that time?
Indeed. I think it returned to the harbour immediately and the cargo was reloaded to another ship.
That's not possible here. It can't sail back.
I see.
Well, sounds terrible. Good luck.
Let's go.
Isn't it possible to close the crack?
What are you talking? Don't say unnecessary things.
I'm sorry.
Wait a moment! What did you just say?
Welding?
Yes. I heard if the crack is welded in its current state,
the ship should be able to operate.
- Can it be arranged at once? - I'll check it as fast as possible.
Reserve a high-speed craft.
And arrange for divers and welders.
Yes.
Eh? Ichinose?
Yes. Thanks to him we were saved.
I thought I should inform you about the tip.
I see.
- I hope he didn't bother you. - No. Well then, excuse me.
We're back.
I have a very good feeling about Kishibe Foods.
- Oi, copy the material they gave us. - Yes.
I got a call from Yuki in the Steel division.
It seems their transport trouble is solved.
That ship with a crack, right?
- That guy gave the tip, didn't he? - Yes, yes.
You want to say that it was a lucky shot at best, right?
No, it's rather that he's paying attention.
It proofs that he's becoming a reinforcement.
What's wrong with you?
It's giving me the creeps.
What did you just say?
Kiriake-kun?
You're lucky, aren't you?
You have free capacities enough to worry about other divisions.
- No, it's not that I have any free capacities. - You must have!
You're in a small division with only 3 people.
There are no great jobs to be done.
What's that supposed to mean?
Exactly what I said.
I am different from you.
I didn't come here to have fun.
If you have time to be nosy,
doesn't it mean you have not enough to do?
As you can see, Detox Water
provides easily to be taken nutrients,
beauty effect, and diet effect
on which the domestic market has placed increasing value in recent years.
For the above mentioned reasons
we are confident that this business will produce stable earnings.
Thank you very much for your attention.
- Well done, Presentation Expert! - Thank you very much.
Stop teasing. Where's here a presentation expert?
What a difficult to read article is this!
It's only a long list of informations,
but the essence of what you want to sell isn't transmitted at all.
- How often do I have to tell you this? - Well, well, Chief.
In 1 month or so, it's not possible to reach perfection.
What I'm talking about is not a matter of time.
This guy doesn't understand the fundamentals of selling.
Yes...
Isn't there a method that works 100%?
This is the time to try it.
That traditional practice in the sales department.
You're right. Shall we try it after a long time?
Excuse me. Narumi-san.
Narumi-san.
I've tried again to devise a new business plan.
- Put it over there. - Yes.
Please study it.
- Out of the way. - Ah, sorry.
Hello, it's Narumi. Thanks, we're indebted to you.
Yes. Is it about the estimate? Yes. Please wait a second.
Yes, please. Yes. So the address is Hoshino Fiber.
Then, we will send you a mail later.
Is there anything else?
No...
When you've looked at my proposal, please tell me your impression.
- My impression? - Yes.
If you attach so great importance to my impression,
shouldn't you post that on your beloved intranet?
You will get a lot of responses.
Oh, oh. Are you angry?
That's strange, isn't it?
The one who did something wrong is you, so what are you angry about?
Do you know how people like you are called?
Sociopath. Sociopaths.
Next time, a young women would be good.
What's a sociopath?
Use this to buy goods and try to make a profit by selling them to anyone.
You're free to chose what you sell and at which price.
However, the time limit is 19 o'clock.
Yes.
But selling to your family is not allowed because that would be too easy.
Yes.
[From Career Change going] [Job interview 07/09, 11:30]
Kiriake-kun, prepare the conference room for our agenda.
Yes.
Make him weep for saying you couldn't sell.
Yes. I'll do my best.
I'll tell you a special secret with which you can definitely sell.
Eh? What is it?
As long as it can be bought,
continue selling!
What do you think? It's a witticism.
Yes.
- Oh, Yuki. - Oh, good work today.
Thanks for recently. You saved us.
- No... - What's that?
A cool guy like you expressing his gratitude to a rookie.
I'm your classmate but you never do that to me.
To you, it's not necessary.
Are you going out by yourself?
Well, we thought we should send him out for the traditional sales training.
The thing when you were lamenting you wanted to go home?
As long as it can be bought, continue selling!
That's what our angry boss yelled at him.
In the end, you asked your mother to buy it, right?
You really have an unpleasantly good memory, really...
Training...
That's right. Shouldn't I send our guy too?
Why with you of all persons?
- Shall we go? - Wait.
Do you have already decided what to buy?
No, not yet.
Acting planlessly is only a loss of time, I think.
Then, do you have any idea?
How about something like that?
- Socio-kun. - It's Hitomi.
- Till afternoon, this... - I refuse.
He rejects it completely.
What happened? Are you angry about anything?
There may be something nasty in your private life,
but you can't bring that to the working place, can you?
Hey! Hitomi-kun, are you listening? Hey! Hey!
I'm very sorry.
I have a headache so I will leave early.
He left with a bang.
Get this done till afternoon.
Kazuki, it's noon.
- Yes, I will go. - We'll be in the conference room.
- Yes. - Ah, that's right.
On this occasion, can you make this payment?
Yes.
Kazuki.
You will now go to Namioka Coke Factory.
Until tomorrow, the coke must be transported to the container.
But the departure date of this coke is only in five days, right?
I want to have that handled ahead of time.
Chief, that's alright, isn't it?
It can't be helped. Go quickly.
Yes.
Are you going out?
Yes. To a supplier.
Are you going out too?
They made me so angry that I'll take the afternoon off.
When I'm together with that superior, I can hardly breath.
He called me a sociopath.
That's a person with antisocial personality disorder.
He should be called like that!
Say, say, shall I accompany you?
It's lunchtime soon.
A lot of people will come out so let's hurry.
Yeah. Where are you going?
The point-of-sale is already decided.
Thanks for the meal that time.
It was really delicious.
Sorry that we all came to feast.
Don't worry. You can come again anytime.
Thank you very much. We're all very grateful to you.
The only one of my senpais at seminar who still treats me well (senpai = senior)
is Nakayama-san.
That's well said.
So, what are you doing here today?
Actually, as part of our training
the company ordered us to sell something.
It's this.
You bought this to sell it to me?
No, that's not it.
Then, why did you come here to sell it?
Did you think because I'm your senpai I would buy it in any case?
No...
I'm sorry, but I refuse.
Selling to someone who buys only because you're his kohai (junior)
is not the purpose of this training.
This is an item that I don't need.
Too bad, isn't it?
But there's still time left so let's do our best.
Let's do our best?
I see. Then, I'll leave it to you. This is originally your exercise anyway.
- Strike? - Yes, that's right.
It's a very spontaneous thing.
I'm very sorry for not being able to inform you.
When will work be resumed?
I can't tell you yet.
I have been told the coke will be transfered to the container till tomorrow.
I'm sorry. Today, here won't happen anything anymore.
- I'm sorry. - No...
There's nothing we could do. Let's go.
Yes, it's Yoichi Bussan section 2, Resources.
Good work today. It's Kazuki. Is Hiyama-san present?
No, he's out of the office with the chief right now.
- What happened? - There's a strike
and the factory isn't working today.
I see.
Then, shouldn't you come back?
If you were a man, I'd say you could transport it yourself, though.
I'll inform Hiyama-san. See you.
What is it?
Excuse me. Because of the strike
you don't need this truck today, right?
Go slowly, go slowly!
The traffic light is red! Red! Watch out, watch out!
Brake, brake, brake!
Excuse me, excuse me! I'll only ask this once.
- You do have a driver licence, right? - Of course I have.
However, it's the 1st time I drive since 5 years.
Please give me a break!
Then, drive yourself, Hitomi-kun!
But I don't have a driver licence!
- Then, stop complaining. - Yes. Understood.
Excuse me for disturbing your break. Won't you buy a hand towel?
- Huh? - It's 150 yen apiece.
What do you want from us?
The design is simple and it's 100% cotton.
- It feels really good. - I don't need it.
No, don't say that. Please touch it once.
I told you I don't need it!
I'm sorry.
Oi! The break is over.
- Let's go! - Yes.
It's no use.
The people who need a towel already have one.
And if we offer them a bit cheaper? Maybe they'll sell then.
Excuse me. Wouldn't you like a hand towel?
- Each costs 110 yen. - No thanks!
It's a simple design and 100% cotton.
You're in my way.
They soak up the sweat very well and the feeling is really good.
I said, "No thanks"! Get lost!
I'm sorry.
Wouldn't it be good if you bought some hand towels
and displayed them in your shop?
The design is simple and it's 100% cotton.
I have enough of that.
- You're a nuisance. - No, the feel
is absolutely great. Here. You must... you must touch it please.
Won't you buy a hand towel? It's 110 yen apiece.
Ah, how about a hand towel?
This is a very inexpensible hand towel.
110 yen apiece.
- Excuse me, won't you buy a hand towel? - No thanks.
No, here please. Please feel the touch.
Don't molest me!
- What's all this good for? - I'm sorry.
Give up already.
What a meaning should this exercise have?
Let's trade it between you and me.
We just have to report that we made a profit, that's all what matters.
No, we can't do that.
They have given us this exercise, so shouldn't we try properly till the end?
Wouldn't you like a hand towel? 110 yen apiece.
Damn it.
- Hand towel... - Be like that!
You never complain
but show that naive, unselfish, I'll-do-my-best-at-whatever-it-is" face.
I'm tired of that already!
The reality is not as sweet as you think.
What's impossible is impossible. No matter how much effort you put into it,
something that can't be changed won't change!
Well, I guess you never had to struggle hard,
so you won't understand.
I do understand.
There are things that can't be changed
no matter how hard you try.
I know that.
But unlike people like you, if something is not perfect,
I just try to do what I can.
If we do not continue to sell, we had no right to buy it.
Wouldn't you like a hand towel? 110 yen apiece.
- It's no use. - Hand towels...
The remaining time is 30 minutes. There's no way to sell them all.
I got it. Well, it's alright.
I will stay here until I have sold them all.
Welcome back.
Hiyama-san, Kazuki called and said there's a strike at Namioka Coke.
Strike? That's an annoying story, isn't it?
- Yeah. - Where is she?
Well, I told her to come back, but she's not yet here.
Could it be she's lazing around somewhere?
- How was it? - I've talked with the person in charge.
They said they'll wait till one more round trip is over.
It's really crazy, your way of doing things.
I can't think of any other way to do it.
If you know the right way, I wish you'd tell me.
Listen, Kazuki. You're excellent
and if you hang on for a while, the day they recognize it will come.
This won't happen. I learned that at my former workplace.
It's time for me to change myself.
It's very difficult to change oneself.
It's easier than waiting for other people to change.
You're damned hard, aren't you?
Just like you. No matter how hard it is, you always seem being well.
Are you making fun of me?
I am
hard pressed to pay the monthly rates for my scholarship loan.
- Really? - Yeah.
When I was small, my parents divorced
and since then I've lived in deep poverty.
You've struggled hard, right?
You're really making fun of me, huh?
That's not what I mean.
Okay, shall we go back?
Oh no! Another hell drive!
It's from the company.
Is it okay not to answer?
I'll report when it's all over.
Excuse me.
Ichinose?!
Eh? Ichinose-san?
He's wearing a suit. Seems he really found employment.
He's often been here, has he not?
If I was him, I certainly couldn't do that.
Ah, excuse me.
What brings you here today?
I want you to buy this.
As part of our company's training I must sell them within a given amount of time.
The fabric isn't bad. It's 110 yen apiece.
Ichinose!
Yes.
It would be better if you had not come.
It's true, if you asked the people here, they would be willing to buy.
But, could you then say you had done your job?
If I was your superior, I wouldn't want that.
I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about.
Don't use an easy way out.
- Professional Go player? - Yes.
I think it was since he was 7 years old, right? When Ichinose began to play Go.
He really had great talent.
Even when he was still in elementary school, he was able to win against a pro.
Then, why didn't he become a pro?
Well, there's an age limit for becoming a pro.
Still, without those domestic problems
Ichinose-san had certainly become a pro.
Domestic problems?
Well, the situation at home was difficult.
They were indebted and he had to work part-time.
Thus, his ranking declined.
Everyone had expected so much from him, right?
There are things that can't be changed
no matter how hard you try.
I know that.
You didn't sell them?
I will inform the chief.
Earlier, I was too harsh.
The rebuke I received from my senpai before your eyes,
how shall I put it... it was embarrassing.
As for that, I am like you.
I have been rebuked for doing the same.
Selling things is difficult, isn't it?
It must be something that people need.
Today it's really hot.
Thank you.
Something that is needed...
Let's go!
- I'm so tired. - Excuse me.
- You guys again? - We're sorry for disturbing you earlier.
I told you we don't need it.
We didn't come to sell only hand towels.
This is perfect for the hot season.
It's an ice-cooled hand towel.
Of course, later on you can use it as a normal hand towel.
Please try it once.
It's truly chilling.
This feels good.
Won't you all use this?
It's 100 yen apiece and ice-cooled at present.
I'll take 2 more.
- Thank you very much. - Give me 1 too.
- Yes! Here please. - Here please.
- Thank you very much. - Thank you very much.
It's a simple design and 100% cotton.
Thank you very much. They are pre-washed
and have a high absorbency.
It's 100 yen apiece. Here please.
It's 100 yen apiece. There are still more.
There are still more!
Thank you very much.
What time do you think it is!
Sorry that I let you wait.
If you couldn't sell it, just come back!
We've sold everything.
And we've made a profit.
Seems it wasn't easy to sell.
What did you learn from this?
Selling an item that's needed to people who need it,
that's what it's about.
It's something so obvious, but I didn't know it.
Rework the project once again and submit it to me.
Yes!
You are back?
Yes, right now.
Then, I'll go home too.
Have you been waiting for me?
Good work.
Yuki-san!
Could you teach me once again beginning from the basics?
See you tomorrow.
Yes.
I'm sorry. Even though you introduced me to so many companies...
Have you really decided to quit changing your career?
Yes.
Why so suddenly?
If we don't continue to sell, we have no right to buy.
Pardon?
And from now on, I'll do my best in this company.
Oh, it's Hiyama-san.
That's bad.
You!
- Good work today. - That's not good work!
What unnecessary things are you doing!
I'm sorry. Still, as I've been told,
- the coke has been completely transfered. - You idiot!
If anything had happened, what would you do then? Huh?
If any worker had been injured,
our company had trouble now.
I've been worrying.
I will do the rest myself.
You go home now.
I'm very sorry.
Good work today.
Understood. I'll come at once.
- What happened? - It was the director.
It seems he wants to talk about Ichinose's project.
Doesn't that make the pulse go quicker!
You did it, Ichinose! Seems it will be approved.
Eh? Ah, yes. Thank you very much.
Okay! I'll go to the director's office.
- Have a nice day. - That's great, Ichinose!
- Thank you very much. - Tonight, let us treat him
- to his favorite food. - Good idea.
- What does that mean? - As I said,
I won't pass this project on under Ichinose's name.
I can't agree. This is something he devised all by himself.
You may say so, but putting a guy in charge
whom no one may know 1 year from now, that won't do.
Is it because he's a contract employee?
It's not that I like to say this.
But, this is a company rule.
Once you eat this shop's Tanshio (beef tongue),
- you're already addicted. - Okay, let's go there.
- Is that alright, Ichinose? - Yes please.
Ah, Chief, to celebrate Ichinose tonight we decided for Yakiniku (beef).
Of course, it will be your treat.
Chief?
Could it be... something is wrong?
A contract employee can't be in charge of a project.
That's what the director told me.
Then, his project...
It won't carry Ichinose's name.
Only regular staff can be in charge of a project.
What is that?
This is too much!
I... won't become a regular employee?
If I put in effort, I can become one someday, right?
No.
You won't.
Ichinose...
Before I knew it I had forgotten
that I'm different from everybody else here.
Chief, why did you say this terrible thing?
If he
gives his best, why shouldn't he become a regular employee?
No high school graduate has ever become a member of our regular staff.
That may be true,
but wasn't it better not to say it so clearly?
I don't want him to cherish false hopes.
I unvoluntarily started to cry and desperately tried to hold back my tears.
I had thought I could accomplish the same as everybody else.
How stupid of me.
Ichinose...
It's completely wrong!
What has this to do with being a contract employee?
"This is a company rule." Don't make me laugh!
Aki-san, it's alright already.
It's not alright!
Listen, Ichinose. I can say only this.
Neither me nor the chief
have even once seen you as a mere contract employee!
We think you're our colleague with whom we work together.
Because that's how it is.
During these 3 month, you and me have always been working together.
I know you inside out.
Whatever you've done or said,
I remember it perfectly.
You're straightforward,
you're good at making copies,
you have a cool face,
you're 23 years old,
you're slim...
Well, that's about all.
If we properly think about it, I don't know much about you, huh?
Well, anyway.
If anything happens in the future, don't hesitate to come to me.
- Okay? - Yes.
Today, it's my treat. Let's drink a lot more!
- Come on, have some more. - Thank you.
Yeah, that's right.
Let's drink, okay?
Oi, are you alright? We're at home. Okay...
I'm truly sorry.
My son caused you a lot of trouble.
No, no, no, no...
Excuse me, can I offer you at least a cup of tea?
Well, but only one cup.
- Here please. - Thank you.
Itadakimasu.
Excuse me, Madam... do you have any questions?
Ah, no...
- Excuse me. - No, no...
Say, what has he been doing before he joined us?
Well,
he's not the type of guy who speaks about himself.
That boy has always been playing Go.
- Go? - Yes.
From his 7th year until his 22nd, all the time.
For so long?
Then, did he aim to become a pro?
Yes. Until this year,
I cheered him on because he liked it so much.
It's really something great.
Yeah, but for a parent it's a bit worrying too.
This boy knew only the world of Go,
so couldn't he be a little naive?
Ah... well, a little perhaps.
I hope he hasn't been a nuisance to you all.
No, he's absolutely no nuisance.
He always works hard and dedicatedly.
After hearing what you told me, I now understand him little better.
So he has been working hard and dedicatedly since a long time, right?
From now on, he will be alright.
Thank you very much.
Please take good care of my son.
- Morning. - Good morning.
I'm sorry for yesterday.
No, compared to taking care of the chief it was almost a pleasure.
- Ichinose! - Good morning.
As for your project,
we have decided to pass it on as project of section 3.
Any objections?
No. Thank you very much.
Ichinose, give me the marketing material.
Yes.
There are some things that never change,
and somehow I was glad about it.
I got it.
- Oi, Ichinose. The sales statistics. - Understood.
Section 3 was in full swing
to get the new business started.
It's become delicious, hasn't it?
If the sweetness got a little more suppressed, don't you think this one would go?
- How's that one? - Chief, this is the new design proposal.
Oh, oh, oh, that looks good.
It takes countless meetings with the manufacturer and the suppliers
before a prototype can be made.
2 weeks before the sales launch,
please start the intended PR activities.
Yes.
What do you think of presenting this in grand style on a tasting event?
And depending on the final product,
a sales strategy must be devised together with the retailer.
Thus, 3 month passed in the blink of an eye,
and finally the new business was scheduled to begin next month.
Collapsed?
Please wait a moment. Is this information reliable?
I got it.
Chief?
The retailer we have chosen has collapsed.
And what will become of the product now?
We have no choice but to recollect it completely.
Recollect you say,
but shall we carry the stockpile in our arms?
As it seems we will suffer a huge loss.
Let's search for a replacement retailer immediately.
No, that's not possible.
Only DAYSMART offers these exeptional conditions for drinks.
We won't find another retailer so quickly.
Then we must think up another solution.
- Another solution... - Ichinose.
This is your project.
If you come up with any idea, say it.
Yes.
Kazuki, send this fax for me.
Yes.
Say, you have a free hand now, right?
Yes.
Next month, the Vietnamese rice husks business begins.
Can you take care of it?
Yes.
Understood.
- Hiyama. - Yes.
- You leave it to her? - Yes.
It's not so difficult that Kazuki couldn't handle it.
Good work today.
I've compiled the quotation. Please check it.
- Kiriake-kun. - Yes.
Is it not correct?
No. It's about time for you to plan a new business too.
Yes.
Somehow it seems I'm the only one for whom nothing will change.
- You are too pessimistic. - That's right.
I think it's better not to yammer too much.
Too lightly. You take things too lightly.
You have it good, you guys.
You get along well with your superiors recently.
I think I should call Ichinose.
He will listen to me with more empathy.
Don't do that. He has to deal with some trouble and will be busy.
If that's so, then you both must console me.
That's the worst.
- Hello. - Hitomi-kun, what are you doing right now?
I'm drinking with my classmates.
I see.
You're always so helpful.
Actually, I have a request for you.
I want to apologize for what happened till now.
I'm in Ginza right now. Could you come here for a moment?
Yes.
Alright. See you then.
What happened?
Seems Narumi-san wants to apologize to me.
So he really came to understand me.
That's great, isn't it? Shouldn't you better go quickly?
You're right.
Sorry. I'll be right back.
Good work today!
Hitomi-kun, goal!
The time is exactly 27 minutes and 32 seconds. I win!
Eh? What's this all about?
We're playing a game in how many minutes can a superior call his subordinate.
My time prediction was the closest.
I must have a good understanding of you.
Right, right?
Huh? What's that?
Damn it!
Eh? You swear at your boss?
So he's really a sociopath, right?
Really, I can't believe it!
- Scary, scary, scary! - Well, well, I'll forgive him.
My body may be small, but I have a big heart.
That's so great!
Okay! Then, shall we go to the 3rd place?
Hitomi-kun, you can eat it all up before you go home.
And then pay with this.
I don't need the change.
Eat heartily, okay!
This is the limit!
How about we sell it ourselves?
Are you saying we should perform as retailer?
- Yes. - Look,
we're a trading company that has only business relationships to other companies.
How could we sell it ourselves?
Still, there's no rule saying
that we can't do retail business, right?
Well, there's no such official rule.
But inofficially, such a rule exists.
No, what he's saying
- is not so bad. - No, no, it is bad!
Are we really bound by such an unofficial rule?
If nobody begins anything new, no new things will ever be born.
No, Chief, please wait a moment. The impact on other divisions may be too big.
I know that.
But it's worth to make the proposal.
In the sales conference I'll confront the director with it.
Don't say unnecessary things in front of the chief.
This is bad.
- Sell it ourselves? - Yes.
There's no precedent for us doing this, is there?
Do you know in which situations this could bring us?
- Of course I do. - Do you really know?
What will the retailers who are our customers think about it?
If we sell a similar product cheaply, they'll be annoyed.
If we sell dearly, they'll offer a better price. Whatever we choose, we'll be cornered.
Our own divisions concerned wouldn't stay silent too.
The probability that it will receive in-house criticism is high.
However, for the current Yoichi, a new business...
Infuriating others is not a business!
Oda, let it be already. Let's put an end to this story.
Section 3?
Yes. Seems they're planning to enter retail.
Again such a crazy thing. Who would approve such a plan!
That's true indeed.
Kazuki, are the Vietnam documents ready?
Yes. I'll send them now.
Have you heard of that business plan of section 3?
Yeah.
Come!
There's quite a rumour going on.
They say section 3 is planning to enter the retail business.
Everyone is mad.
"Does section 3 want to pick a fight?" they say.
Was that Chief Oda's idea?
Ah, no... mine.
Yours?!
Withdraw that immediately!
As it is now, section 3's reputation will rapidly deteriorate.
Good work today.
Seems you're considering a strange business.
Are you serious?
Yes.
I will propose it once more to the director.
I see.
If that's so, let us hear the story at the official place.
Chief.
I'm sorry.
I have made a mistake.
What mistake?
Without thinking I said something irresponsible.
My plan to enter retail,
please let me withdraw it!
Withdraw it? Since when are you so important?
Don't be conceited!
This is something that I decided.
- I'm sorry. - In 1 week,
we will have the opportunity to present it to the executive directors.
Ichinose, investigate the risk of excess inventory and the break-even point.
The only way to convince the top brass is collecting data.
Yes!
Chief, are you really going to do it?
Yeah.
Do you stick to this project
for Ichinose's sake?
Because this project wasn't passed on under his name?
Don't over-intellectualize it. It's just because I want to do it.
If there's any criticism, I will bear the brunt.
You guys have nothing to worry about.
I will show you, and him too.
If you stand with both legs firmly on the ground,
what can happen to you?
The size of the Japanese market for health food
is currently estimated at 1.5 trillion yen and growing year by year.
For today's women, preserving their health and fitness stand in the center of attention...
The days passed with creating a brochure
for the presentation to the directors.
Among this, in the last year, Japanese women...
We did countless rehearsals
to list the merits of the new retail business.
- It's 3 minutes. - Rrrr...
Waterrrr... Detox Waterrr.
In other words, Detox Water
as a means to secure the supply of vitamins and enzymes
which are destroyed by heating
should be in great demand in the future.
But somehow we got stuck.
Let's take a short break.
- Yes. - Yes.
Chief, are you worried about anything?
What do you think of this presentation?
The preparation is perfect.
It has strong arguments in favor of entering the retail business.
With this, you can counter any criticism.
You think so?
I don't believe that I can convince the top with that.
This presentation is in front of the top management.
Your insecurity is due to the pressure.
I wish it was like that.
What are you doing?
Sorry.
What's that? Are you finally becoming strange?
- It seems you have no fever. - I'm alright.
I've got a little fixed.
Fixed?
On the content of the presentation.
Giving an overview on the significance of the business
is the established way to begin a presentation.
Is there anything wrong with this?
If you want to tell something at all costs
somehow it sounds like an excuse.
The significance and merits have been positioned as they are
in order to avoid being criticized for doing retail business, have they not?
Well, what do you think we should do?
Reverse the order completely.
Oi. Are you saying something funny again?
Please look at this map.
We think it's a matter of course that the north is up there,
but in fact the earth is floating in space and there is no up and down.
For example,
if we want to emphasize the importance of Australia,
by turning the map we can place it in the center of the world.
But if we turn the map back to its original position, it doesn't stand out.
I think I got it.
If we stick by the book,
the things we want to tell the most get buried.
Maybe that's why we felt we got stuck.
Don't tell me you're going to modificate the material now.
- The presentation is tomorrow. - So what!
- There's still 9 hours time. - That's true.
Staying up the whole night again. Ichinose, let's do it!
Yes.
Okay.
Then, please begin.
Yes.
Please look at the screen.
In the year 1992, an ordering mistake of Machinery division 1
lead to a large leftover of non-standard hydraulic pumps.
In 1998, Food division 2 caused
a large surplus stock of pasta
which were nearing their expiration date.
In 2003, Steel division 1 ordered the wrong quantity of coil springs and had a large leftover.
Wait a moment! What's that?
That's no presentation of the retail business.
The declaration of war.
The curtain for Chief Oda's battle has opened.
As you can see, all those troubles in the past
were caused by surplus items which our company had ordered.
Seno-san, as director of the Machinery division at that time
you can remember this, right?
- And as director of the Food division, Yamazaki-san too. - Don't be silly!
What's the use of raking up these old stories?
- That's right! - What are you thinking!
"What the hell are you trying to convey?"
This question is spreading all over the assembly hall.
These incidents caused a combined loss of 500 million yen.
And of course,
this is the result
of our staff in those divisions doing their best
to dispose of the surplus items quickly.
But for a company,
reducing the loss to a minimum is the right decision.
What are you talking about all the time?
Supposed
we had not disposed of these leftover goods
but sold them with our own hands,
what had happened then?
Please look at the next slide.
The value of the pumps was 22 million yen,
the pasta 11 million yen,
and the coils 33 million yen.
The estimated total profit would have amounted to about 50 million yen.
In other words, if we had avoided the 500 million loss
and realized the estimated total profit, the combined benefit would have been 550 million yen.
This is a number
that we should certainly not ignore, right?
The atmosphere in the assembly hall had changed
and they listened to the chief attentively.
Yoichi Bussan
was founded 1872 by Koga Yoshikuni
who walked from door to door
and sold cotton seeds.
Our origin
is to deliver needed things to people who need them.
This is our mission as traders.
Whether it's retail or wholesale,
for people in need this doesn't matter at all.
It's delivering the goods.
We think by going back to our origin
we are fulfilling this mission.
With this said, let me now
as Yoichi's first retail product
explain the Detox water business.
Please have a look at the brochure we handed over to you.
Within 3 years, we aim to reach a sales volume of 5 million cases per year.
We are confident that this project will become a success
and a pillar of the new business of Yoichi.
There was no one who wanted to jeer anymore.
With this, section 3's presentation is over.
Thank you very much for your attention.
I heard the person who suggested this business is a rookie.
Yes. It's Ichinose.
Yes.
Why did you make this suggestion?
Yes...
Well...
I have learned something.
Selling things is difficult.
But selling together with a colleague can be fun.
On top of that,
you can make the people who bought happy.
Seeing those faces is an incredibly gratifying experience.
Did you do that training?
Yes.
I see.
That's why you have no fear
to make such a bold proposal, right?
No.
Well...
Is there yet another reason?
That is...
That is because it's our company.
I thought because it's our company, we can do everything.
Our company...
That doesn't sound bad, does it?
Yeah. It's good to hear that once again, right?
Let's continue with this project.
It will become busy now.
Section 3 will need more staff.
We'll try to arrange that immediately.
Yes. Thank you very much.
I will inform the president about this.
Yes!
Thank you very much.
Chief, good work today.
Let's not get cocky.
The real battle starts from now.
Yes.
Now that we've pushed the project through,
the criticism from other departments will become stronger.
It may cause some nasty remarks.
But...
just stay calm.
In a company, endurance wins.
As long as you stand with both feet firmly on the ground,
there's hope.
Yes.
You're ready with the documentation, aren't you?
Yes. I've also summarized the additional material we received from our partners.
Okay. Oi, Aki, what's wrong?
Good morning.
Long time no see, Chief Oda.
From today on, I've been transfered to here.
This was the beginning of the end of section 3.