For my sake you're doing this dubious project.
Please be again the chief you always were. Please!
The chief certainly said it to show me that there is hope for me.
You gave someone like me a helping hand.
This alone is enough.
I didn't realize how much I afflicted him.
I will do what I decided to do.
Senior Managing Director! Here are people from the Audit department.
By order of the president we will conduct a special audit.
We're here to seize the documentation of the solar power generation project.
Chief...
It's true, the one who officially dealt with Teisyu was me.
Well then,
do you think the conditions you granted Teisyu were appropriate?
Don't you think this amount is too large?
That's...
What's all this about now?
All these deals were closed a long time ago.
There might be a problem with the compliance.
This is a new trading partner.
You may say we neglected our own profit in this 1st deal,
but for the future of the company...
Nowadays, such methods are no longer customary.
Did the senior managing director
inform you from the beginning about the commission.
No. I didn't know it before the contract was actually made.
You asked our local staff
to inquire into the agent company, right?
Did you do that because you suspected a fraud?
I just wanted to know the facts.
But as we know, Ichinose-kun made an allusion on the phone
that it could be a fraud by the senior managing director.
It seems all to be the senior managing director's conception.
This was only a remark about a vaque possibility.
He didn't know anything.
Before long, the outline of this incident was clear to everyone.
Dummy company?
That's how it works.
The agent company is registered in Shanghai,
but doesn't exist in reality.
What do you mean?
This agent company's external director
is nobody else as Akagi Planning's president.
And on top of that, he's Ebe-san's cousin.
In other words, between Akaki Planning and this agent company
he's the connecting link.
I see.
Ebe-san used this company
to rake in hundreds of millions as agent commission
and distribute them ad libitum.
Between himself, the person in charge at Teisyu, and Senior Managing Director Takano.
But, the contract was not yet made.
We don't know if he really wanted to distribute the money that way, right?
That's true with respect to this case.
In the past, for several of his own projects
Ebe-san gave orders to Akagi Planning
and raked in money.
If the same had happened in this case too is hidden in the dark.
Well, since it came to light before the contract was made, the senior managing director is saved, don't you think?
Had it happened after the money was paid, he'd be out.
Why did Chief Oda work on such a fishy project?
Because he wanted to make Ichinose-kun a regular employee.
If this project had been sucessful, he himself had become director
and could have kept him in section 3 as regular employee.
That's what I think.
What will become of section 3 now?
Aki-san.
- Where shall I put this? - This belongs here.
Are you satisfied now?
Having driven me out.
Is that the last you say?
- What's that? - Whose fault
is this here?
I have contributed my share to the company's sales till now.
I've done more than those guys who acquire no business at all.
But my dedication and the hundreds of millions of sales I've generated
earned me little appreciation.
The one who sucked the sweet nectar was always the guy above me.
Guys like us
can only engage first gear in this company.
Is that why you accepted kick-backs?
Disgracing the company, violating the rules,
wasn't that only in order to go the easy way?
Everyone is working dedicatedly according to the rules here!
If you were so dissatisfied,
shouldn't you have started your own business?
If that were so easy, I had done it long ago.
Ebe-san left.
The company had dismissed him as a punishment.
Senior Managing Director, the president will see you now.
It seems he wants to talk about the future arrangement.
- Ichinose. - Yes.
- Shredder this please. - Yes.
[Solar Power Generation Project]
The contract about the power plant business had been cancelled
and Teisyu protested against the steps we had unilaterally taken.
So Senior Managing Director Takano had to take the blame for a lot of turmoil
and was shunted off to an affiliate company.
It's a sad thing, isn't it?
After working more than 30 years for the company,
only you are here to see me off.
You're not responsible for this, right?
Even during the audit, you didn't spread the story.
There wasn't a single piece of evidence
that you committed a fraud.
Till now, I've made the company big with this method.
But, in Japan such methods are rejected.
More than anything else, compliance is emphasized
and there's little room for daring business.
In today's Japan, companies as well as people are not forgiven if they're not clean.
I couldn't keep up with the company's change.
You have been in the company for a long time.
Someday, you'll be the man who carries this company.
I don't think that it will end this way.
My new job is a sinecure, but I will return for sure.
Yes.
Unlike me, you might find it harder from now on.
Well, you will know that yourself.
Was that Guan Ming Transportation?
Yeah. At this late date, they want to reconsider the contract.
The whole company was in an uproar.
Because of this incident,
more of our previous Chinese business partners refused to deal with us
and this began to affect the other departments too.
- It's dead? - I'm sorry.
Oi, wait a moment. What are you saying right now?
This joint project of us and the Food division was approved by the top.
That's true, but the Chinese side
suddenly cancelled their offer.
I see.
Everyone knew
the origin of all this was that careless remark of mine.
What are you lazing around!
I'm sorry.
You're always like that, huh?
No matter what happens, you think it's your fault, right?
- But... - Don't say "But"!
This is my responsibility.
I asked Takeshita in Shanghai to gather informations.
Feeling and bearing the responsibility,
this is my duty and my privilege.
You should just do your work without any inhibitions.
Don't make such a face again.
Okay?
- Yes... - Your voice is too low. Okay?
- Yes. - Yeah, that's better. Let's go.
Yes. Of course we'll play Golf again.
Yes. Me, the amateur golfer, will be your partner.
That's not right.
This is a private matter, isn't it?
Even if I could corner him with this...
Yes, it's section 3. Oda is currently...
Ah, he's coming back. Please wait a moment.
Chief, a call from the personnel director.
You have been connected to me. I'm Oda.
You know that we're receiving a lot of claims from Chinese companies, right?
Yes.
Our measures so far don't seem to appease the companies in question.
Every department is severely affected by this trouble.
But if, in order to avoid further losses,
the individual who created this problem disappeared out of sight,
this would soothe the Chinese companies
and bring the situation under control.
What exactly do you want to say?
Dismissing the person who's responsible for this problem
would grant the company an urgently needed pause.
So before the company takes disciplinary actions,
wouldn't it be best if this employee resigned spontaneously?
What's that? They say you should quit?
If I quit, this would convince even the Chinese companies.
That's the standpoint of the company.
That's a joke. They say you did something wrong?
Well, it's a fact
that what I did caused a loss for the company.
Even so, if you quit the company at your age, what will you do then?
It's tough to find a new job.
I know.
Listen.
The company may be hell for you now,
but outside it's more hellish!
Pull yourself together and hold on!
Chief?
Delicious. This grilled Yellowtail is delicious.
It goes well with the beer.
Aki. You see, I...
You don't have to tell me. I know it approximately.
Anyway, in your heart it's decided, right?
If you allow me to say just one word,
I think this is a strange solution.
Pushing the blame all on you,
that's a little hard.
These Yakisoba (fried noodles) seem delicious.
What's wrong?
Is it okay if I quit the company?
Of course it's not okay.
We have 3 kids. If you quit on a whim, we'll be in trouble.
It's not on a whim.
What is it then? What will you do after quitting?
I don't know.
It's scandalous. What's the point of that?
The refrigerator perhaps.
The vacuum cleaner...
And... the air conditioner and 1 computer.
What are you doing?
Before I move out, we must distribute the household items.
What's with you, jeez!
[Letter of Resignation]
Oda...
Director, I'm grateful to you.
It's sad, isn't it?
Ichinose.
I'm sorry.
What's with you?
I'm only leaving the company. It's not like I'm dying.
Truth is, I should have made this decision earlier.
Listen. This is no reason to hang your head.
You understand, don't you?
Yes.
Ichinose, dispose of this.
Yes.
Okay. Then, I guess I should go.
Yes. See you this evening.
Chief Oda.
What's that? Did you all come to send me off?
Yes.
We are really grateful to you.
You're always so formal, aren't you?
That's true. You should change a little.
And you should behave a little more formal.
Yes... I'm grateful to you.
Kazuki, don't try too hard, okay?
For you, being a little more relaxed would be just right.
Well then!
Oi, what are you doing?
We're here to see you off, of course.
It's too sudden. It's always like this with you.
I guess you're right. It's always like this, isn't it?
Thanks for your hard work.
I'm sorry. You told me to be careful.
That's true.
I told you but you wouldn't listen, right?
It was always the same.
Make a career, you eternal chief!
You are the one to say this! Now my hip hurts.
There's only 1 thing I regret.
I wonder if I can ask the both of you?
That's why you will never get married.
Hey, don't make fun of me please.
If I wanted to marry, I could do it at once.
No. That's absolutely impossible.
- Right, Ichinose? - Eh? Ah, yes.
- For Aki-san, it's impossible. - I told you!
How can you say such a thing!
Right. That's a bit disrespectful towards your superior.
But, Chief, haven't you started this?
I wish I had at least once been able
to hold a wedding speech for a subordinate before I quit.
Then, I'll let you do it when I marry.
However, an unemployed old geezer will be awkward.
I guess that's right. A job change at my age is difficult.
"Difficult", you say? It will be definitely impossible.
You should encourage me and say, "You can do it". Right?
That's true.
Well, I'm just realistic. Ah, excuse me for a moment.
- Toilet time! - Let's go to the toilet! [A Japanese commercial slogan]
Shut up!
Damned, he's really a man without delicacy.
That's why he can't get married.
Excuse me. I also need to go to the toilet.
What's with you? He's old enough to go without a chaperon.
- Excuse me. - Then, let's go to the toilet!
Yes.
Aki-san...
Don't leave the chief alone.
You have certainly seen his sad face earlier.
Yes.
- Let's go to 1 more bar. - Stop with it.
Why did you drink so much today? Oi, Ichinose. The bag, the bag.
Yes.
Damned, getting drunk at other people's farewell party!
There's a taxi, a taxi. Oi, Ichinose, hold him.
- Taxi! - Let's go to 1 more bar.
- I'm not drunk. - Okay. Drive home.
Drive home! It's alright.
- No, still 1 more bar... - See you.
Okay, tell her the destination.
Then, I'll go this way.
Yes.
- Excuse me, Chief... - I'm sorry.
I didn't watch over you till the end.
- No. - Then, go home.
What is it?
Okay, come with me till to my house.
It was a joke. A joke!
You're giving me the creeps. Go home!
Excuse me.
Ichinose!
Give your best!
Yes.
We all are dedicatedly fighting here.
Stop behaving like a spoiled child!
Idiot! Don't over-intellectualize it.
Don't be conceited!
One of my people was scolded!
I'm begging you. I'm begging you.
Do your best.
In a company, endurance wins.
As long as you stand with both feet firmly on the ground,
there's hope.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry.
I will find the best way.
I'll prove that I can protect you.
It was my fault.
I'm so sorry.
January 2017
When the new year began, just as Chief Oda had wished,
the company had regained its composure.
- Ichinose. - Yes.
Have you send the information about the business visit to ABC Steel?
Yes. I've also sent a mail to the Steel division.
I see.
Aki, what about the delivery delay of the Vietnamese coffee?
Our local staff is corresponding with them.
Since then, Chief Kobayakawa has been managing section 3 too.
Ichinose, for now, fix only this number.
Rumors within the house say that section 3 will be absorbed by section 2.
And since then, for each department
a compliance check was ordered.
This here is completely different from the proposal.
Can you explain me the circumstances?
Of course. Well...
And this here too.
Well...
This proposal...
What's wrong?
- Well, this... - I see.
You don't know, right? Well, it doesn't matter.
I will ask Hitomi-kun about the details of this proposal.
He will know it.
Didn't you leave the making up of all documents completely to Hitomi-kun?
Yes.
Try at least to grasp their content.
I'm very sorry.
Hey, what... what's wrong? What happened?
- The chief knew it! - Eh? Knew what?
- That it was all my work. - Eh? What?
You get a reward if you're told this, right?
Eh? What?
- That Toguchi-kun? - Yes.
Thank you.
He was terribly drunk at the New Year party.
Hiyama-san and I had to take care of him the whole time.
- Quite a task, wasn't it? - Yes.
Sorry, I'm doing all the talking.
So, what did you want to tell me?
Actually, it's about Ichinose-kun.
Chief Oda asked me on his last day.
Can you help Ichinose to become a regular employee?
He cared for him until he quit himself.
Now, I'm doing this together with Chief Kobayakawa,
but in the current situation it's difficult.
Almost all temporary contracts will not be renewed this year.
I see.
However, I want to do whatever is possible.
If there's anything I can do, please let me try it.
I don't want to have regrets that I did nothing at all.
Thank you.
Then, let's all join forces.
Yes.
Presently, with Chief Kobayakawa's and Aki-kun's support,
I'm compiling Ichinose-kun's track record up till now.
When he has this document,
Director Uno will have a conversation with the director of Human Resources.
In my division and in the Steel division
aren't there projects on which Ichinose-kun participated?
Let's add this to his track record.
Alright. We will support you.
Please do so. Chances are high that a lot of people will protest.
Yes.
If that's so, there something that I can do too.
It's been a long time.
I'm Hitomi in section 3. I previously caused a turmoil on this board
by writing bad things about my superior.
This time, I write on this board because I have a request.
I want the contract employee Ichinose Ayumu-kun who's currently working in section 3
to stay in this company.
Therefore, I want him to become a regular employee.
Is this for him?
Yes.
The track record is crucial for for the appointment as regular employee.
- When it's finished, show it to me. - Yes.
Thank you very much.
It's alright.
I'm indebted to him because of that matter with the cargo ship.
Since the time he was an intern,
he was ridiculed as a high school graduate with connections
and has been exposed to a lot of prejudices.
However, he didn't let himself get blown away
and survived countless challenges at this place.
Hiyama-san,
do you know where the file of the Carbon Emmission Rights project is?
Eh, isn't it in there?
No. It's nowhere to find.
If you're looking for that, it's in the lowest drawer.
Even when the project he had planned
was not credited to him
on the grounds that he's not a regular employee,
he fulfilled his duties to his department till today
without ever uttering a single complaint.
- The retail business was Ichinose's idea? - Yes.
And he contributed a big part to the presentation for the directors.
Then, because I have summarized this here,
you will cover his time on OJT
and the Toyo Steel incident.
Yes. That was the contract that was revised, right?
Moving forward step by step,
he received results faster than any of his classmates.
He has the talents that Yoichi needs.
Each of you please raise your voice so that he can stay in the company.
Here is a list of Ichinose's contributions to the company.
Please have a look at it.
There's no way to give only him a special treatment.
I know that very well.
But all these people have done a lot only for him.
It's not only his track record, he's also well liked by his colleages.
Please give this point your consideration.
You may say so, but...
I'm begging you!
No... Please wait a moment, Uno-san.
- There is a possibility? - Of course there is.
Making Ichinose a regular employee has been set on the agenda
for the next meeting of the top management.
It's thanks to everyone's support.
Thank you very much.
Oi, it's not yet decided. Don't celebrate just yet.
Isn't Aki getting too emotional?
Chief Kobayakawa, you are getting too emotional.
The final decision will be made on the meeting at 15 o'clock.
- Wait just a little longer. - Yes.
Please give us your support.
- You bow your head too. - Yes. Please give me your support.
Hey, I'm not the one who decides this.
Ah, yes, but still... Please give us your support.
- There's still no result? - So it seems.
Today, I'm totally restless the whole day.
Don't worry. I just spoke with Hiyama-san and the others.
They said Ichinose-kun had good chances with that track record of his.
I see. The celebration will be tonight, right?
I just wanted to say the same.
Then, take care of the place please.
Me?
- Aki-san. - Yes.
I've finished the modification of the proposal for the expansion of the Detox Water stores.
Oh, thank you.
Chief Kobayakawa...
It was in vain.
Thank you very much.
Hiyama-san, as for the Myanmar matter,
the other side wants us to send them a written estimate.
Alright. They'll receive a mail from me.
Yes. Thank you.
Oi.
Is that alright? Are you not going to see him off?
Today is his last day.
It's fine. We decided it all together.
This April, I will be working for this company in my 2nd year.
I'm in the Iron and Steel division and my name is Kiriake.
As your senior today,
I would like to talk to you who are all busy with job hunting
about what it means to work in a company.
Some of you who are present here now
will have self-confidence, but I think there are also some who have not.
You live under different circumstances
and there will be differences in your education too.
I'm sure some of the people I'm facing think
this will be another lost day,
or why didn't I work harder,
or have other regrets.
But, when we become a member of society,
these are all things of the past.
This here is a new start line.
From now on, you will be facing several new walls
and how to overcome them, that's the important question.
No matter how brilliant you have been before,
once you're exposed to the rough sea of society,
this brilliance disappears in an instant.
Occasionally, you will encounter a wall you can't surmount
no matter how hard you struggle.
There will be days when you're shedding tears all alone, without anyone to consult.
At such times, please take a look around.
Around you are colleages who are fighting the same battle.
Pleased to meet you. From today on, I'm in your care.
- I had to refill the toner. - It can't be helped.
When it seems you're in a desperate situation,
these colleages will certainly come to your help.
Actually, the person who's telling you all this,
seriously considered to quit this company
shortly after I had joined it.
But the person who brought that disoriented me back on track
was one of my classmates.
If he had not been there,
I wouldn't be standing here now.
And there's 1 more thing.
If you work dedicatedly,
there are not only your colleages around you,
but also a superior who will always give you a helping hand.
Oh, have you tidied up?
Yes. This is the conference material from the Machinery division.
They've also mailed us the agenda.
Thank you.
Aki-san.
Thank you for taking so good care of me. (Taihen osewa ni narimashita.)
It was troublesome to take care of you. (Taihen osewa shimashita)
See you then.
Yes.
It's not important where you work.
It's whom you meet
and what kind of relationships you establish.
Even if you can no longer
work at the place of your hope,
if you are able to build strong bonds
with your superiors and colleages,
you will be fine wherever you go.
Thanks for taking care of me.
June 2017
Say, Ayumu.
Shall I ask you a question?
Sure, go ahead.
Let's see.
No, no... You must ask in Japanese. The answer is in English.
Ah, that's right. Okay.
Well...
- Your... Eh? - Eh? The Japanese parts too?
No, I can't read this.
Hiyama-san. The person in charge at NS Energy said
they would like to leave the decision to us.
Really?
I think we can make the contract in the course of this week.
Kazuki, you've wrestled that grumpy old director down very well.
No, it was easy. Because he's a women lover.
It was a joke. I thoroughly explained the advantages and disadvantages
of working with us and so gained his trust.
Impressive. It's the first time I see the chief like this.
Women are scary indeed, aren't they?
- Fix it. - What?
- Once again? Why this? - Full-width and half-width are mixed.
Isn't that okay? If it's readable, what does it matter?
It's not okay. Steel is the basis of all industry.
For this very reason it's extremly important to think of the basics.
Ah, it's lunchtime. Excuse me, I'm going to eat.
Oi, Sakurai!
Narumi-kun, is the proposal not yet ready?
Well, the proposal...
If you mean this, it's done.
As expected of you.
Speed is my specialty after all.
- You're so reliable. - He was brought up by me.
Today, there is a short conference, but shouldn't we go for a drink later?
Narumi-san, here's a customer for you.
I am Narumi.
So you are the guy who has made a pass at my wife!
This man pretends to work
but has a rendezvous with the wife of his trading partner.
Narumi-kun, is this really true?
What the hell are you doing!
Oi! Oi! Are you running away? Oi!
Wait, wait, wait! Wait, wait, wait! Hitomi-kun!
- Help me! Help me, Hitomi-kun! - Are you his accomplice?
Eh? You think I'm his accomplice?
No!
It's amazing, isn't it? A brawl in the company.
That's true indeed. Even I was severely beaten up.
Just in order to be popular,
Narumi-san took a loan to buy a car for 10 million yen.
- 10 million? - Isn't that crazy!
That guy is an idiot I really don't need.
Even if you fight, in the end you somehow resemble an inseparable couple.
Surprisingly, you suit each other, don't you?
Damn it! Stop with such jokes.
- Sorry, I'm late. - Ichinose, long time no see.
- Sit down, sit down, sit down. - Excuse me!
- Excuse me, 1 beer please! - Understood.
Cheers!
As usual, you're all drinking here, right?
In this 2nd year, it has become much more rare, hasn't it?
- Today is the 1st time since 2 weeks. - Is that so?
That's why we should be happy to meet like this.
It's been a sad thing, right?
Not being able to drink with Kazuki-san lately.
- Oi. - Yes.
You should have invited me earlier.
Then, we would have met all together much earlier.
All together...
Ah, well... Ichinose-kun, what are you doing now?
- Job hunting. - In what industry?
I know a lot about trade,
but I still don't have a Master degree in English.
So I wonder if I shouldn't search in other industries too.
That would be a waste after all the experience you got at Yoichi.
During a dinner with my father your story came up for discussion
and he was interested. Shall I introduce you to him?
Your father is a manager of Futabi Trading, right? Isn't that good?
Thank you. Still, I'll try myself for a little longer.
Alright. You can call me anytime.
You really like Ichinose too, don't you?
- Wait, wait... - What do you mean with "too"?
- Eh? Too... - Shall I explain it?
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
- I'm back. - Welcome home.
Listen, Ayumu.
This evening, this company called and invited you for a job interview.
They said you should come tomorrow at 10 o'clock.
No, I can't remember having applied there.
Is that so? Then I don't understand it.
They said I should tell you their best regards.
Well, what can it harm to go?
You can do it.
Give your best!
At the first appropriate opportunity you say that again.
Here?
[Shodo International]
Punctual to the minute.
- Chief? - Come in, come in.
Come in quickly.
- What is this here? - My own company.
- Eh? - Don't look so surprised.
I'm sorry.
As you can see, it's a small company.
There's no guarantee that it will be sucessful.
And I don't know how long I can pay you a decent salary.
Still, if you don't mind these things,
won't we work together again?
What's with you? You heard me so give me an answer.
I'm sorry.
You won't, right?
No.
I'm very glad.
Please take good care of me!
Really? Really?
- Yes! - Hurray! Hurray!
Oh, a visitor right away.
- I will open. - No, no, no.
Sorry for disturbing.
Hey, hey, why do you close the door?
It's me. I'm Aki. Aki.
It's true, I've always made a secret of this, but...
You will wear your usual wig. This is a condition for joining.
- Eh, joining? - You knew it?
- That I was wearing a wig? - Everyone knew it.
Eh? Is that true?
Since you aren't wearing your wig, go home!
Then, I'll wear it.
I'll put it on. I have it with me, for any eventuality.
It's here. I'll put it on quickly.
- Like this? Yes. That's it. - No, no, that's not right.
- Now it's okay. - Ah, like this.
Eh? Mustn't it be more like this?
Stop with this! Don't mess up other people's wig!
- Okay! Let's start working at once! - Yes. Ichinose, make a copy!
- Yes! - It's not yet the time for copies.
First, we have to change this layout.
You're so rational, aren't you?
It's definitely more rational than copying. Okay, let's begin with this.
- Yes. - Aki, you too.
Please wait a moment.
- Aki-san, please hold it. - 1 - 2 -
My new battle starts from here.
But, now I'm not alone.