At Tsukuda Manufacturing, shaken from its counter claim against Nakashima Industries, appeared
Zaizen Michio, Managing Director of Space Development Business Division at Teikoku Heavy Industries,
with an offer to buy the valve system patent held by Tsukuda Manufacturing.
The valve was a major part necessary to stabilize the rocket engine
and an essential key technology for the Stardust Project which
Teikoku Heavy Industries was pushing forward with.
How about for 2 billion yen (approx. $16.5 million)?
To Tsukuda Manufacturing, who was having financial difficulty due to the lawsuits with Nakashima,
that was money they desperately wanted.
To sell, or to ask for a patent licensing agreement.
Opinions were divided, and Tsukuda, too, found himself unable to come to a decision.
Amidst all this, Tsukuda was called upon to stand in court
in the trial as a witness for the lawsuit with Nakashima.
That day, when he saw the shirt his daughter, Rina, ironed for him,
Tsukuda’s heart filled with joy.
The reason I was happy about my daughter today
is because there was a technician who made the iron,
thinking only about a way to smooth out the wrinkles from clothes more easily.
Patents should be there to protect technicians like that, but
once you let that control you and you're unable to think about anything but money,
there's no technological progress there.
It's better not to have patents like that.
Tsukuda’s enthusiasm turned the tide of the trial.
We, the court, are of the opinion that the claim by the plaintiff, Tsukuda Manufacturing,
that Nakashima Industries infringed on their patent
can be upheld almost across the board.
That recommendation to settle amicably was comparative to a victory for Tsukuda Manufacturing.
Isn't this your father's company?
5.6 billion?
Meanwhile, Zaizen was getting desperate.
If he should fail to buy the patent for the valve system from Tsukuda Manufacturing,
he would be going against the intent of President Toma's declaration to
develop in-house and self-manufacture all the main components. However...
If we can't use the valve system, the Stardust Project itself will be ruined.
That, we must avoid at all cost.
And Zaizen resigns himself to the fact that patent licensing agreement may be the inevitable choice,
but the decision Tsukuda reached was...
Have you decided already? Whether to sell the patent, or
stick with patent licensing agreement.
It's neither.
And 2 days later, the car carrying Zaizen was
speeding down the road to Tsukuda Manufacturing.
What do you mean 500 million yen over budget at this stage?
The thing is, there was a sudden change in specs from the Development Division...
Spec changes are an integral part of development.
It's your job to find a way to deal with it.
- Yes, but... - I don't want to hear any excuses.
- Zaizen. - Yes, sir.
You look a little pale.
Don't neglect your health, you hear?
Thank you for your concern.
Ever since we announced the rocket launch date,
I hear there's been a sudden increase in inquiries from
space venture organizations all over the world.
All eyes are on our Stardust Project.
I'm counting on you.
The problem is, what will President Toma think.
Now that Tsukuda's been awarded 5.6 billion in settlement money,
it's no longer feasible to use the power of money to get them to sell us the patent.
We have no choice but to accept the patent licensing agreement.
Are you sure we can cut a deal with Tsukuda if we go with the patent licensing agreement?
It's what they want.
First, get a firm commitment from them.
I'll talk to the President after that.
Zaizen was determined to do whatever he could to get a firm commitment
for the patent licensing agreement today, but...
I apologize for making you wait so long.
Not at all. Considering the amount of time you expended
in developing that patent, it's to be expected.
Tsukuda-san,
we're confident that we can make use of
your valve system more effectively than anyone else.
Please help us launch our rocket
with your technology.
Director Zaizen. I'm sorry but we can't sell you the patent.
I understand. We will be bending our basic policy, but
in that case, please let us use your valve system
in the form of a patent licensing agreement.
No, that's not it either.
Won't you let us supply the part?
Not by selling the patent or a licensing agreement.
Instead, we want to supply you with the valve we manufacture here.
Look, Tsukuda-san.
I hate to say this when we're the one who's asking for the favor, but
you were hoping for a patent licensing agreement just the other day, weren't you?
We, as the company, conceded as much as we could,
and came here today to wrap up the negotiation along that line.
But now, you say you want to supply the part. What is going on?
We appreciate your concern for us and apologize for sounding ungrateful, but
it's the answer we arrived at after anguishing over it.
Supplying the part means you're going to be our subcontractor.
- Are you okay with that? - Yes, I'm fully aware of that.
In the first place, can you even make it?
Excuse me for saying this, but a company of this scale
- manufacturing a product that meets our standards is... - Please don't forget.
We developed that valve system before you folks did at Teikoku.
Please let us supply the part.
Fine then. We'll take it back to the company and
discuss with the top if there's a possibility of procuring the part from you.
- Thank you. - We'll put it up for discussion, but
frankly, I can't guarantee that we'll be able to carry out your wishes.
If we can't,
will you agree to a patent licensing agreement?
That
would depend on the reason, I guess.
They can't be serious. There's no way they can undertake supplying the part.
- It's impossible technologically. - But the patent is in their hands.
We can't deny the fact that they beat us to it.
I apologize for that. What shall we do?
We won't do anything. After waiting for a while,
I'll tell Tsukuda we tried, but the answer was no.
- Can that president be convinced with that answer? - We have to convince him.
If we can't, it's all over for you and me.
Damn these presidents of small businesses.
They're under the misunderstanding that they can always get their way.
Tomiyama. I don't care what it is,
find some material that we can use to convince Tsukuda.
You mean find Tsukuda's weakness?
We don't have the luxury to be picky about the means to achieve our end.
Why is there a need for us to be the part supplier?
We're an engine manufacturer, not a company that makes money from patents.
We make the parts and sell them to Teikoku Heavy Industries. That's the natural thing to do.
But if we go with patent licensing agreement, an enormous amount of royalty will be coming in every year.
What's more, we can earn it at no risk and no cost.
It's not just a matter of money. This is a matter of our dream and pride
as an engine manufacturer.
What value is there to pride...
This patent was possible precisely because the President was here.
I think it's only natural that he decides what to do with it.
God knows how much of the profit from the products Sales Dept. 2
ran around frantically and sold was pumped in to develop that valve.
Those products exist because the President was here too.
Are you trying to say that Sales Dept. 2 alone is keeping this company going?
I...if at all possible, would like to
supply the parts for a rocket engine.
To get the chance to be directly involved with a rocket engine is an amazing thing.
It's a great shame to forgo this opportunity and settle for just selling the patent.
I envy you guys who just have to make things without any worries.
But you know, what if the launch fails
and they say it was because of our valve?
Can you vouch for the huge compensation we'll have to pay?
We don't make defective products like that.
If there's an accident and they put the blame on us,
Teikoku Heavy Industries or Tsukuda Manufacturing, who do you think people are going to believe?
We don't have a chance.
That's how it is, isn't it, President?
Someone has to be held accountable.
You're the one who developed that engine.
May I interject?
Sure. What is it, Tono-san?
It's true that we escaped financial difficulty for the time being
with the 5.6 billion settlement from Nakashima.
However, once we pay back Hakusui the entire loan in the amount of approximately 2 billion
and take some out for other expenses,
we're not in a position to sit back and take it easy.
It's just that we escaped bankruptcy. The company itself is still in the red.
Which choice will be more beneficial for Tsukuda Manufacturing 10 years later?
If, by taking on the development of a rocket engine and
that ties in to a new business,
that may be more profitable.
If you consider the future the of business,
to get the money for a while and then just sit and watch
would seem like letting the opportunity slip away.
Who knows how much risk is associated with an optimistic expectation like that.
Is there any business that doesn't have any risk?
Spurred by that statement by Tonomura,
Tsukuda Manufacturing decided to solely pursue the path of supplying parts for Teikoku Heavy Industries.
And that news spread quickly within the company.
However, there were also many young employees who did not agree with this course of action.
Thanks for your hard work, guys.
I think you've already heard by now, but
there's a possibility that we may be supplying our valve system to Teikoku Heavy Industries.
Nomura's team was in charge of developing it, but if it comes down to supplying the parts,
- I want you all to work together as a team. - Wait a minute.
We have to complete the prototype of the new Stella model by the end of the month too.
Of course that's important too. Talk it over with Nomura and work it out.
I'm counting on you, Nomura.
That evening, three employees representing the opposition faction,
Ebara, Sakota, and Mano came to see the President.
No matter what we said, I thought you were impressive.
But why supply parts now?
I'm of the same opinion too.
The trial with Nakashima is now over and our debts have been paid back.
If we can start getting the patent royalties, we'll be secure for a while, right?
Why is there a need to opt for a troublesome path like supplying parts?
I understand what you're trying to say.
But you know,
what will be left after making money with the patent without doing anything?
We'll have the money.
We're sick and tired to being in a situation where we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow.
I understand.
I'm sorry.
- Then... - But you know,
I want to launch a rocket with
the engine I made myself.
I want to do that at our company.
We understand about your dream. But this isn't the time to talk about it.
What we have a problem with is the company.
True, I'm a technician who started out as a researcher.
As a company president, there are times I may err in my judgment.
But I've been running the company like this until now.
Tsukuda Manufacturing is a manufacturer.
Our objective is to make things.
If a small business like us can provide the valve system
of a full size hydrogen engine to that Teikoku Heavy Industries,
how amazing is that?
I want to give it a try no matter what.
Trust me. I promise to make it a success.
All the more so if you're a technician,
I don't think you should be saying things like that so casually without any basis for it.
Is the company your personal belonging?
That's not how I feel.
Then let me ask you something.
When you decided on this course of action,
did you even think a little bit about us?
Anyway, it's too much to bear if you think you can promote your own dream by exploiting the company.
- I don't think it's like he's exploiting the company... - What?
- Are you his ally? - Being a foe or ally has nothing to do with it.
I just think the President's a pretty interesting guy.
Interesting? What part of him?
Even at his age, he has something he wants to do, and he hasn't given up on it.
That kind of foolishness is our company's good point, right?
Hey man, can you make money with your dream?
I'm saying that because of President's self-willed ways,
I'm not happy we're not getting what we should rightfully be getting.
- What's that? - Money, of course.
- We're getting plenty. - No we're not!
- Meat's burning. - I'm sorry.
We got all that money from the settlement,
but there hasn't been a word about giving us a bonus or anything.
- That's for sure. - All you've been talking about is money.
Aren't you being selfish?
Of course you'd agree with the President.
It's your team that developed the valve system after all.
If we can supply the parts successfully,
you'll get credit for it.
Is that what it is?
We're making things together in the same development department.
Who cares about who gets credit or whatever.
- Are you jealous? - Who says I'm jealous!
Hey, sit down.
This is the best lane condition for me.
Dry zone in front of the pins, carry down on the right side.
Aim for the hooking point around the 6th board 45 ft.
This is when I use the oil on this inner side,
put a topspin on it, and throw the ball to the right side!
What the hell!
You wanna play too?
I have a favor to ask.
I want to borrow some money.
Money?
What do you need it for? Aren't you getting enough allowance?
Please let me borrow 100 million yen (approx. $829,000).
100 million...
Hiromi's family business went bankrupt. They have a debt of 100 million yen and they're having a hard time.
She has to transfer to another school soon. So please help them.
I see.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Your company got lots of money recently, right?
100 million isn't that big of a deal for you.
I can't do that, Rina.
Why not?
Our company was on the brink of bankruptcy until just recently too.
One wrong step, and I could've been like your friend's father.
I'd like to help out your friend too.
But...
what is it...
If it's money you got as a handout from someone
and not money that you earned yourself,
I don't think you can be happy.
That's just high sounding talk.
Basically, you're just like Mom.
All you care about is yourself.
- Hello. - Congratulations.
- Oh. - Shouldn't you have called me right away?
Who was it that introduced you to Attorney Kamiya?
- Sorry. I appreciated your help. - Never mind. It's too late now.
That aside, is it true you're going to supply parts to Teikoku?
How did you know?
It hasn't been decided yet. We're still waiting for their answer.
That's so like you.
But if you really want to do it,
aren't you at the wrong place?
I would think you have the skills to get in anywhere.
A company where you can get more directly involved with a big space venture.
You still have regrets, don't you?
- Did you hear about Takamori Denko? - What about them?
They had financial difficulties and were acquired by a major foreign firm.
- Were they in that much trouble? - I hear they're currently
looking for good technicians in order to reorganize.
A foreign firm would probably pay you good money as long as you have good skills, huh?
Don't you think you'd definitely get paid more than you're getting now?
I'm thinking about doing a simulation as if we're supplying parts to Teikoku
- Do you have time tonight? - Of course.
Then ask around for a few more people too.
If you'll excuse me.
Mano, you came at just the right time.
As parts supplier for the valve system,
I'm afraid we simply won't be able to keep up with the manual processes.
So what?
I want you guys to get together with Nomura and help out too.
Unfortunately, that's impossible. We have our hands full with Stella.
That may be so, but this is our crucial point. The least you can do is...
The thought itself of providing parts when we barely have the manpower doesn't make sense, does it?
I've been working on the development of Stella with pride until now.
I want to put all my effort into the development of the next new model.
If you think that's wrong, you can fire me.
How did it go? Did you find any material we can use to convince Tsukuda Manufacturing?
I'm sorry. We haven't found anything as of yet.
I see.
In the first place, it's not even a matter of convincing him.
That president is the very person who caused the failure of the rocket launch 7 years ago, isn't he?
I'd be afraid to use valves made by a guy like that.
It's obvious we can't trust him. Yet, he has the nerve to talk about supplying parts...
They're all the same.
A small factory owner talking big about things he can't even do and dragging along everyone around him.
Anyway, keep on looking a little more.
We'll take our time for a while, and
I'll reject Tsukuda's request.
Sounds like he's getting new equipment again.
Seriously...give us a raise first, I say.
He pays us peanuts but tells us to do this and do that.
I can't take it anymore. I'm quitting.
There's got to be a better place to work.
Zaizen's father ran a small factory.
His father, Nobuo, was, above all else, a domineering man, and
once he made up his mind to do something, he turned a deaf ear to everyone.
Saying he was going to develop a new product, he'd make huge investments
but ended up failing every time, and pushed the burden of the loss
onto his employees and family.
From now on, it's plastic. Hey,
it turned out well, didn't it? The day will come soon when this will be used all over the world.
That's my dream.
Michio, what was it that you wanted to do when you joined Teikoku Heavy Industries?
There's no way a major corporation will take notice of a piddly company like this.
Look at you. Getting into bigger debts, can't even give your employees a bonus and having them quit on you.
Have you ever said a word of apology to Mom?
Are you satisfied doing what you please?
That man called Tsukuda
is the same way too.
I'd like to try a few so that we can respond to any prototype Teikoku Heavy Industries might request.
First, if we can make this spring unit a little shorter,
I think it would work much better.
Then let's make six prototypes with different lengths.
I apologize for calling you out so suddenly today.
I got your name from Yamagishi-sama who worked with you before.
I'm Aoyama with Takamori Denko.
Hey, Yamazaki.
Yamazaki!
Did you know?
Don't tell me you didn't know!
Is it true
that you guys are being scouted by Takamori Denko?
Well, is it?
I guess it's understandable.
Even if you were, there's no way you'd admit it, huh?
You're not seriously thinking about quitting, are you?
If you don't want us to quit, can you reassess our salary?
If you'll excuse me.
Mano!
Hey, Kawamoto!
Wait. Can I talk about myself?
What is this, out of the blue.
7 years ago, at the time the President offered me a job at this company,
I was working for Asrotechnika.
Asrotechnika's that industry leading blue chip company, isn't it?
You quit that company to come here?
- Yeah. - Why?
The dream.
That time, he called me and practically forced me to come see his company just once.
I went thinking it was going to be an interview, but
before I could even talk, he took me right into the development lab.
I just can't seem to get this part here working right.
It's not getting any power. Can you take a quick look?
- This sure is light. - It's the lightest motor boat engine in the industry.
With a little more effort, the power should increase.
To tell you the truth, even at Asrotechnika
I couldn't get a job as a researcher and was working in product management.
It's a major corporation so the pay was good. I convinced myself that was good enough for me,
while I lived a humdrum life.
But when I got to tinker with the prototype engine that time,
it was so incredibly enjoyable.
Let's go, No. 1!
When I saw it actually work for the first time,
I decided.
- Shall we do it? - Let's do it.
Ready, go.
Good, good... Go, go!
Say, Yamazaki-kun. Do you have a dream?
- Excuse me? - I do.
Right now, it's just a small boat, but some day I want to launch a rocket
with an engine I made myself that exceeds the limit of 11km per second and can escape the gravity of earth
high into the skies.
I'm going to do it.
I'm going to do it for sure!
That more than the brand name or good salary of a major corporation,
this place called Tsukuda Manufacturing,
where I can make things with my own hands, was better suited for me.
I heard this later, but in order to make that prototype engine,
the President immersed himself in developing it
without going home for almost a month and hardly getting any sleep.
What's more, he didn't have a decent facility like we do now,
and since there was no funding from the company yet
he got together all the money he had and applied it towards manufacturing expense.
More than anyone else, the President puts himself on the line,
takes on the risk,
and is seriously trying to make his dream come true.
I, for one, am glad that
I get to make things with a man like him.
I'm glad I joined this company.
What about
you guys?
When are you officially signing the contract?
I'm talking about the contract with Tsukuda.
You're proceeding with the patent licensing agreement, right?
Currently, we are working on an agreeable amount for the royalties.
I see. Any further delay in schedule could be fatal.
Hurry up and get that contract signed.
What? What's the matters?
No, it's nothing. I'll do as you wish.
If you'll excuse me.
Zaizen-kun.
You can't afford to fail anymore.
Yes, sir.
What did he have to say?
He said to get the deal on patent licensing agreement wrapped up ASAP.
- What about the parts supplier issue? - There's no way I can tell him.
There's one interesting news about Tsukuda.
I heard about it from an acquaintance at Takamori Denko.
There seems to be people within Tsukuda's Technology Dept. who oppose supplying parts.
There's a possibility a few key technicians may be hired away by Takamori Denko.
Under those circumstances, there's no way they can manage to supply parts.
- Is that what that means? - Yes.
Get me an appointment with Tsukuda.
I'm sorry for troubling you to come all the way here today.
I apologize as well for not giving you an answer sooner.
- The reason I came today is... - Would you like to take a look inside?
- Pardon me? - Why, of course.
On second thought, I realized I asked to be your supplier without even showing you the factory.
There's no way you can make a decision, right? I'm sorry for the oversight.
- No... - Come on in.
Please. Come in.
This is the Sales and Accounting Departments.
Hey, everyone. Zaizen-san from Teikoku Heavy Industries is here.
Welcome.
If you want to know about our financial situation... Oh, there he is.
Please ask that guy standing in front of the safe.
He controls our safe all by himself like that.
Wait a minute, President. He's going to take you seriously.
And this old-timer here is the head of our Sales Promotion Dept. 1, Tsuno.
If we start doing business with you, he will be your point of contact.
I look forward to working with you.
And this guy here with the scary face is the head of our Sales Promotion Dept. 2, Karakida.
Both of our sales department chiefs are quite tenacious.
If it comes to that point, you'd better brace yourself.
Give us a break. In front of our guest, huh?
Then, this way next please.
Tsukuda-san, the reason I came today isn't for something like this...
Yes, I know. The crucial part is the production department, right?
I'll take you there now. Come, let's go.
This is the production unit for our main product, Stella.
Hi there. Now that the lawsuits with Nakashima Industries have been settled,
little by little, orders are coming back.
President, thank you for the treat yesterday.
Did you take the carryout to your daughter for me?
Yes. She said it was delicious and scarfed it down.
- Let's go again, huh? - Yes, definitely.
- Kudo. - Yes.
President, this Kudo here is quite a fast learner.
- Is that right? Are you having fun? - Yes.
- I can't take it anymore. - There's got to be a better place to work.
From here is the Technology Development Department. Good morning.
This is where the staff and I mull over ideas.
Frequently, we find ourselves messing around with metal
and struggling with the blueprints, and before we know it, it's morning.
Beyond this is the development lab.
By the way, is everything all right with your Technology Development Department?
Anyway, come take a look first. Come on in.
Hey, do you have a minute? Director Zaizen from Teikoku Heavy Industries is here.
Just carry on as usual. I want you all to show him how you work.
- Hello. - Nice to meet you.
This way please.
What's class is this cleanroom?
It's 5.
5?
We are extremely strict about the cleanliness factor.
Cleanroom Class 5 The amount of dust particles floating in the air in the room is the same level as that of above the clouds.
It's to reduce particles larger than 0.1 micron to 100,000 per 1 cubic meter.
As a result, every time we weld or grind the material,
we wash it thoroughly in this cleanroom.
Depending on the product, we're frequently here washing it for a whole day.
- That long? - Even the least bit of crude particles getting mixed in
can be the cause of major accidents.
Actually, it's something I learned from my mistake.
And here, we have Tsukuda's patented products.
- Do you do it by hand? - Yes.
May I take a look?
Go ahead.
This is amazing. There's no burr.
Burr - a rough edge or ridge left on the metal by the action of a tool or machine
I didn't know this kind of skill still existed.
We demand a high level of quality from handwork skill such as this.
Especially when it comes to valves that have to deal with liquid hydrogen,
we use materials like nickel alloy that's hard to process and weld.
Oh...thank you.
Do you make your prototypes by hand as well?
People are often surprised by that. Doing it by hand, unlike using a machine,
gives you food for thought.
For example...
halfway into boring the holes, you realize they may be better if positioned differently.
Sometimes you notice things in the design before the product is assembled.
Doing it by hand, rather than
a computerized automated machine, gives us more flexibility.
When it's handmade, there are fewer instances of something not working right after it's made.
As a result, working efficiency goes up.
Are you saying that precision is higher by hand?
Shall we test it?
This is a valve part for a hydrogen engine.
Using a computerized machining center for the entire process,
the part can be made in only 30 minutes.
Machining Center A numerically controlled machine tool
We use that at our company too. It's a superb machine.
We'll put a finish on this part by hand.
Yamazaki.
Now then, split up for each respective part as usual and get going.
Nomura, where's Miyashita?
- I'm sorry. Miyashita wasn't feeling well today. - Ah~ that's right.
If we knew about this, we could've found someone to cover for him, but...
Isn't there anything you can do about it?
I can do both processes, but it would take twice as long.
I apologize for making an unreasonable request. It's my fault for coming without notice.
- Please don't worry about it. - We apologize.
No. If we're given the opportunity to supply our parts to you,
we'll have to deal with unforeseen circumstances like this.
Mano.
It's different from your usual work, but you can do it, can't you?
Zaizen-san, he's still young, but he's an outstanding technician
who's in charge of developing our main product, Stella.
Mano.
I'm counting on you.
Mano.
I'm counting on you.
I'm sorry for making an unreasonable request. Please don't mind it anymore.
- I guess I'll do it then. - No, President. Let me do it.
I'm a technician who started out in the field of technology too.
- I can still keep up with you guys. - By that argument, that goes for me too.
Fine.
I'll do it.
Please.
Mano.
All right. Let's get to work.
Lapping Process (Metal Mirror-Finishing)
- How much was that compound? - It was 7.0 microns.
I think you can start bringing it down to 3.5 microns.
- Don't leave any compound on the threaded part. - I know.
Deburring Process
Remove the burr meticulously.
Any burr left behind can lead to major malfunctions.
Let me take a look.
A little bit more.
- We're done. - All right.
- Is President Tsukuda always like that? - Yes.
Uh...Director Zaizen.
Do you, perhaps, resent President Tsukuda?
Resent him?
You're one of the people who suffered damage from the failure of the rocket launch 7 years ago, right?
That's why I thought maybe you...
But that accident wasn't the responsibility of President Tsukuda alone.
It's just that someone had to take responsibility.
That's why the President...
Please don't misunderstand the President.
He's a little different, but
he's a fine researcher and a fine technician.
Zaizen-san, we're ready. Come on over.
This was made entirely by the machine.
And this was finished by hand.
Please verify the finished products.
All right?
Nomura.
This is the machine-made product.
And this is...
It has no diffuse reflection at all.
By removing rough edges from the surface, diffuse reflection is eliminated.
When the cut edge is rough, you get a lot of diffuse reflection.
We raise the surface precision to the utmost limit.
This kind of precision is absolutely necessary to stop any leakage from the valve.
What do you think? Have we convinced you?
The grinding accuracy of 1/100 mm of a machine
can approach 1/1,000 mm through tactile sensation of a skilled worker.
This precision indeed is the technology of our company that enables a rocket to launch reliably and safely.
It's a wonderful technology.
All right!
Tachibana.
The product of that technology
is this valve system for a full size hydrogen engine.
It can't be taken outside yet, but
please, take a good look at it.
The main pressure regulator valve
3.4 mpa in 0.2 seconds...
...10 times the mission time...
5,600 seconds?
This surpasses Teikoku Heavy Industries'
valve system.
Bore holds, grind, polish.
No matter how much technology advances, those are the foundation of manufacturing.
That's what I think.
Zaizen-san. I ask that you consider letting us supply the parts once again.
May I ask you a question?
Yes?
Why did you think of making something like a valve for a rocket engine?
It's technology that may go to waste for your company.
In spite of that, why?
Well, if I had to give a reason,
it's the challenge.
- Challenge? - Yes.
The highest degree of reliability is required from technology that goes on board a rocket,
all the way to the very last screw.
That kind of research is sure to be valuable in future production activities.
It's worth doing precisely because it's difficult.
No matter how difficult the problem, there's always an answer.
If you take on the challenge, you can find the answer for sure.
That's...what I believe.
I remember now.
I felt the same way when I first joined Teikoku Heavy Industries.
But somewhere along the way,
with pressure from work and obligation, I had forgotten about that kind of passion.
Apparently,
this company is not the small business I know.
If I had succeeded my father's company just like President Tsukuda,
would that company have survived
and would something have changed?
The fact that your company developed all the key device for the rocket with your own technology
is getting a lot of attention in our country too.
Mr. Toma.
Make sure your Stardust Project is a success.
We will succeed.
Please look forward to it happening next year.
Thank you.
Zaizen, are you serious?
Yes.
Please allow me to consider the possibility of procuring the parts from Tsukuda Manufacturing.