To push forward with the development of a new prosthetic valve, the Gaudi Project, Tsukuda Kohei proposed
to Zaizen a joint development on a shredder system for the rocket engine that was being developed,
and in exchange, asked for Teikoku Heavy Industries' financial support for the Gaudi Project.
In order to persuade upper management to materialize the support to Gaudi,
Zaizen reaffirms how it's imperative that they win the competition against Sayama
and get the Tsukuda valve selected for utilization.
1 week later, although Tsukuda Manufacturing had rated higher than
Sayama Manufacturing in passing the combustion test...
The premise of Sayama's valve is joint development with us.
When the realization of our fervent wish to self-manufacture all key device is close at hand,
insisting to use another company's valve
is akin to betraying our company!
Subsequently, General Manager Mizuhara made the decision to utilize Sayama's valve.
Tsukuda and his employees were devastated by the news of the loss.
Tsukuda was to realize anew how important the business of rocket engine valve was
to Tsukuda Manufacturing.
Just around that time, the clinical trial of Kifune's long-cherished core heart,
the world's smallest and lightest artificial heart, had commenced.
Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly,
an unexpected turn of events occurred.
I'll be right there. Don't let that patient die no matter what.
Stop! He's a patient with an artificial heart!
Cause of death of the patient, Konishi Satoru-shi, is critical heart failure.
Although a mistake was made by Doctor Kasai, the intern on duty,
at first response in that a part of core heart was damaged
when he performed CPR on the artificial heart,
it can be concluded that that was not the direct cause of death.
Is that all right with you, Professor Kifune?
Even with the best treatment,
this was inevitable.
This was death by natural cause, not medical error.
Naturally, core heart had nothing to do with it.
The family of the deceased patient is requesting that an external investigation committee be set up.
We conducted an internal investigation
but there was no negligence on the hospital's part that could be considered medical error.
Didn't you explain that to them, Makita-kun?
- It's been difficult to convince them. - It's your job to get them convinced, isn't it?
Of course, there may have been a slight error with the initial treatment.
It's true that part of the core heart was damaged because
an incompetent intern performed CPR on the patient.
In the first place, that, too, is your fault for not leaving proper instructions.
I'm sorry.
Mishima Sensei, who I left in charge, had an emergency surgery...
Never mind the excuses! You knew
that patient was our precious clinical trial patient No. 1.
Your irresponsible behavior like that is causing trouble for all of us.
The way you do things is plain sloppy.
You're not qualified as a doctor who's entrusted with a patient's life.
You ought to be ashamed!
I'm sorry.
Please tell us the reason, Chief Sasaki. Why is our business suddenly getting cut by 50 percent?
Shirakawa Heavy Machinery
The higher-ups were skeptical about doing business with you to begin with.
But I told them you were supplying parts for the rocket engine to Teikoku Heavy Industries
and persuaded them. But now that it's gone...
That may be how we started, but in the 3 years we've been working with you,
we put our heart and soul into it.
Can't you trust that past experience with us?
We ended up conceding the business with Teikoku Heavy Industries this time, but
as far as the valve itself is concerned, ours was rated higher.
- We're expecting to make a comeback next time... - Then
come see us after you make the comeback. Whatever the circumstances,
you can't claim that your products are rocket quality anymore, can you?
This is the third client.
With our business in this situation, we can't afford to be looking for a company to support Gaudi, huh?
I bet Sayama used their hard sell tactic here too.
I hate to admit it, but they have the rocket quality now.
Looks like you're right about that.
President Tsukuda. Fancy meeting you here.
We seem to have a special connection after all.
- It's hard to believe it's just a coincidence. - I heard the difference at the competition at
- Teikoku Heavy Industries was razor thin. - Razor thin?
That's what we were told. We were probably just lucky.
Whether it was luck or capability,
the fact remains that Teikoku Heavy Industries chose your company.
We just have to accept that result with sincerity and hone our skills again.
I'm glad you feel that way. It's the best words of encouragement for us.
Please look forward to it.
To see our rocket launch.
Excuse me.
Losers have bigger mouths.
What was that?
It means sour grapes.
Is the joint development of the valve with Sayama going well?
Yes. That aside, I heard in passing that Zaizen went directly to President Touma
to object to the decision regarding the valve.
He came to see me several times about that matter too.
And every time, I have to remind him that I can't overturn what's already been decided.
The President won't do anything, will he?
Don't worry. I made arrangements beforehand, so
the President apparently flat out rejected him.
I'm relieved to hear that.
He empathized too much with Tsukuda
and lost his ability to judge calmly.
This may be the end for Zaizen.
- The clinical trial patient died? - Yes.
- What was the cause? - It seems the patient's condition
- supposedly took a turn for the worse. - What do you mean "supposedly"?
According to my colleague from Asia Medical University,
there may have been a problem with the first response treatment.
- You mean it was a medical error? - Yes.
The deceased patient's family is asking for an investigation, but
the hospital spurned them, saying they did everything they could.
It must be agonizing for the family.
Don't you think it's strange?
If you were to choose a patient for a clinical trial you absolutely don't want to fail,
wouldn't you choose a relatively stable patient?
I'm wondering if there wasn't a different reason for the sudden change in condition.
- A different reason like? - For example,
malfunction of core heart.
Does it have anything to do with the leakage of the drawing you mentioned the other day?
An extremely high level of technological skill is required to manufacture that.
If Sayama had overlooked something...
- What about the next clinical trial? - Sounds like it's going to start soon.
What if the defect in core heart remains undetected?
There will be yet another casualty.
- The clinical trial patient died? - Yeah.
I guess they don't tell you anything, huh?
Is that valve really all right?
You're absolutely sure this is the existing product that's being supplied to Nippon Klein, right?
Of course it's all right.
In the first place, Yokota-san, why are you so concerned about that valve?
- Because I was in charge of it. - What?
The development of that valve.
But I could never get it working right and was replaced.
The one who took over the development was Tsukishima.
Tsukishima came up with the prototype in a matter of weeks as if it was nothing.
I know there's no way, but I can't get it out of my mind.
Can you verify for me?
- Verify what? - If Tsukishima really improved the precision
of that valve to call it a finished product. I tried everything and couldn't do it.
In other words, are you suspecting that Tsukishima-san's delivering
- products of unstable quality to Nippon Klein? - Yeah.
Then you should verify it yourself...
Tsukishima's permission is required to access the data.
I'm not involved anymore so there's nothing I can do.
- But you can... - That's like
saying I'm suspecting Tsukishima-san.
Come on, give me a break.
They're already out to get me as it is for my delay in the development.
One person's dead, you know.
If there's no problem, Tsukishima has no reason to hide anything.
I left Tsukuda and came here because I believed in this company.
I don't want to do anything that makes me look like I'm doubting the company.
That was really too bad about the unforeseen occurrence.
I've been concerned with the recent increase in inexperienced doctors.
So, how's PMEA taking this?
After I explained the circumstances, they agreed to treat this as an exception.
That's a relief.
That goes without saying. I don't have the time to be held back by something like this.
In regards to that, there's something I need to tell you.
Actually, the other day...
Are you sure there wasn't a malfunction with the core heart itself?
- What are you talking about? - There was a part that was damaged.
That was because Kasai Sensei damaged the valve by giving CPR.
I know that. But before that happened,
I heard core heart was sounding an alarm that was different from the usual.
- What? - Although he was told by Kifune Sensei
not to open his mouth unnecessarily out of speculation.
He must've said that on the spur of the moment to evade responsibility.
I heard Kasai Sensei was in a state of panic at that time.
Although that's understandable. He's still an intern after all.
You're worrying too much, Makita Sensei.
I'm not sure if he was convinced with that.
That damn Makita. Having the audacity to ignore his own blunder
and doubting core heart is preposterous!
Will he be all right? With his misdirected grudge against you and his delusional...
That's ridiculous! Makita's my immediate disciple.
The worst thing that can happen is to be stabbed in the back
by someone you consider your ally.
I suggest you take steps promptly
to prevent that from happening.
Your advice is on target as always.
It's much appreciated, President Shiina.
I'm asking you guys just to be sure.
You're sure there was no problem, right?
- Of course. - Yes.
I swear by heaven and earth.
All right.
Fine, then.
Kochi Chuo Medical Center.
In Shikoku?
It's our affiliate that's opening there soon.
I'd like for you to go there as the Chief of their Cardiovascular Surgery Department.
As Chief, mind you. Congratulations, Makita-kun.
Wait a minute, please. I've been working on core heart
prepared to devote my life to it.
- How can you tell me to go to Kochi now? - I'll bring you back in 2 years.
That's just around the time core heart should get approved to go on market.
That's precisely the time
you can be of great help to me again as my successor.
Chief? Shikoku? Don't make me laugh. How dare you mess with me...
I'm not Ichimura!
Hello. I'm Makita with Asia Medical University.
Is Sakuma-san... Sakuma Noriko-san there?
Excuse me.
- Yes? - Is President Tsukuda in?
Freelance Journalist Sakuma Noriko
Probably.
I apologize for dropping in without notice.
Sakuma-san. What is it that you want to ask me about?
You know of an artificial heart called core heart, right?
- Pardon me? - I'd like to ask you about the incident
that occurred the other day at Asia Medical University in which a clinical trial patient of core heart passed away.
One moment please.
Oh. Yes.
Chief! Chief!
Chief, the President wants you to come right away.
The President wants to see you. Yes.
In other words, are you saying that the patient's sudden death is due to a malfunction of core heart?
Yes. But I'm afraid the hospital may be covering it up.
- Do you have solid evidence? - Actually,
the family of the deceased had doubts from the beginning.
As I was gathering data, I discovered the information I just told you.
In order to obtain solid evidence, I'm going around talking to the concerned parties.
I have two questions regarding this matter.
Firstly, core heart is touted as the materialization of
the world's smallest and lightest artificial heart, but
was there something unreasonable in the design to start with.
The other question is, if there was no issue with the design,
could the malfunction have occurred for some other reason.
I'd like to hear your opinion regarding these points.
- But why us? - I heard this while gathering data, but
is it true that at first, you got the order from Nippon Klein
and manufactured the prototype of a part for core heart?
We can't comment on that as it concerns business transactions.
Besides, we don't specialize in medical devices.
There's too little information from what you just told us. I don't think we can be of much help to you.
What if I had the drawing?
Your company has the capability to manufacture a valve system for rocket engines, right?
If you have the drawing, won't you be able to point out
whether there's a flaw, or if there's a possibility of a flaw?
May I interject? As I recall, Sakuma Noriko-san is
that Sakuma-san who's been getting attention these past few years for gathering information on the subject of
medical errors, aren't you?
- Is that true? - Due to various reasons,
- I've been working on that subject matter. - I think what you're working on
is truly admirable and meaningful.
However, we are currently working on developing a prosthetic valve called Gaudi.
- Gaudi? - If we actively cooperate with you on this case and
should get embroiled in a medical lawsuit,
wouldn't it affect the approval of Gaudi?
If that happens, Tachibana and other engineers' effort would've been for naught.
I will never disclose your name or cause you trouble.
You never know where information can leak from.
I really feel bad for turning you down, but as a board member of this company,
I don't think we should get involved.
Now that we lost our business with Teikoku Heavy Industries,
the success of Gaudi is our pressing business.
This is not the time to be distracted by something else.
Is it okay if I ask you a question too?
Yes.
I heard that medical lawsuit is a difficult battle for the family of the deceased.
Why are you, a freelance journalist,
so concerned about that matter?
I'm sorry. You don't have to answer if you don't want to.
5 years ago,
I lost my husband due to a medical error.
But the hospital refused to admit their mistake, and
tried to cover up everything.
Even if I filed a lawsuit,
I had no chance of winning.
That's why
I wanted to do what I could to support those people in the same painful situation.
That's what I thought
and chose this path.
I assure you, I'm not doing this out of curiosity or ambition.
I just want to know the truth.
This involves
human lives.
- All right. - President!
- We'll cooperate. - Thank you.
Yama.
Okay? Tono-san.
Tono-san.
I guess I have no choice.
But do you really have the drawing?
I do. I brought a copy.
- How on earth did you get this? - I'm sorry, but I can't disclose the source.
What do you think?
It's difficult to tell if core heart has a flaw just by looking at this.
- I see. - Can we borrow this for a while?
- Of course. - Also, if we can get some kind of
experimental data besides the plan, it will be even more helpful.
Got it. I'll see if I can get a hold of something.
Tsukuda-san, thank you in advance for your help.
This is our plan.
Numbers are exactly the same.
There's no doubt. I designed this.
So it was Nakazato as we suspected.
It probably went to Sayama Manufacturing from Nakazato,
and was provided as is to Nippon Klein as the new valve.
That idiot!
Okay, it's all right. It's all right.
It's totally fine. Totally fine.
- What do we do, President? - In any case, let me handle this.
This is where Kamiya Sensei comes in.
Thanks.
I won't say anything to Tachibana and the guys yet.
I want to let them concentrate on the Gaudi prototype for now.
- Let's do that. - But this isn't looking too good...
Damn that NASA bastard!
Tsukuda Rina-san, why do you want to come work for our company?
I've been studying aerospace engineering for the past 3 years at the university,
and in the future, I would like to be involved in the research and development of rockets...
- Okay, rejected. - Hey, why?
It's not coming across at all. Your desire for wanting to work at our company.
It's not like I'm looking to work for your company, Dad.
It's a mock interview. Do it seriously.
I'm totally serious.
If I was doing the hiring, even if the words don't come across,
I'd choose someone who can convey her true feelings.
That again. Forget it. I was a fool for asking you.
- Be serious, will ya? - Rina, Rina. Here.
Izumo Taisha, Katori Jingu, Yushima Tenjin (shinto shrines). I got them all.
Thanks.
You're turning to all the gods now?
So? I'll pray to God or Buddha to make my dream come true.
I can't be worried about how I look.
That's it. You were being yourself.
- You're hired. - Are you stupid or what!
Are you stupid or what.
- Sakuma Noriko? - Yes.
She's a former reporter for Maicho News.
She won the nonfiction award last year and she's been getting a lot of attention.
Many of her articles deal with revealing medical errors and hospital-acquired infections.
And you say this woman's snooping around about core heart?
She's asked us and Sayama Manufacturing for interviews but we've turned them all down.
- Then what's the problem? - There's something that bothers me a bit.
According to a subcontractor who was interviewed,
he was shown the drawing by this woman reporter and was asked for his opinion.
The drawing?
But there's no way it could have leaked from our company. Which means...
Are you trying to say it leaked out of our research lab?
That's absurd.
The only ones who can make copies of that plan would be doctors...
- Is it Makita? - Because of this recent incident, I heard
Makita Sensei is being transferred to Kochi.
Well, I guess I should've fired him.
No, that would only make matters worse.
A person's true nature appears when placed in a difficult situation.
If that's the case, we don't know what he'll do in the future.
Then what should I do?
This is one time you have to consider the loser's reasoning too.
The loser's reasoning?
In other words, a way out for the loser.
Makita Sensei took all the responsibility for a young doctor's incompetent treatment.
- Take that into account for now... - Are you saying I should let him off the hook?
It's safer to keep a disobedient workhorse within eyeshot and tame it.
Yes indeed. It may be better to sweet-talk him into
keeping his mouth shut rather than having him shoot his mouth off to a shady journalist.
I swear, these damn journalists!
It's because things like that happen that
doctors and manufacturers who try to develop medical devices are disappearing.
There's no such thing as perfect medical care in this world. Medical care
is the cumulative effect of past failed experiences and
the endless accumulation of hypothesis and substantiation!
It sounds like a journalist acting like champion of justice is writing rubbish
and feeling proud of herself, but
they're the very cause that's holding back the progress of medical care in this country
and jeopardizing the lives of patients!
It's about time, isn't it?
When will it be completed?
By the end of the month, for sure.
Then I guess I'll wait until then.
President, is it true that the clinical trial patient died?
Yeah.
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want you to worry unnecessarily and delay the progress of your work.
I don't know who told you, but there's nothing for you to be concerned about.
There was no problem whatsoever with core heart.
- Is that true?! - Of course.
That's the conclusion we reached after a thorough examination.
That's a relief.
Don't worry about anything and
just concentrate on successfully improving the valve as soon as possible.
- Yes, sir. - But
if you can't make it on time, you know what will happen, right?
You'll never be an engineer for the rest of your life.
I'll make sure of that.
You mean my transfer to Kochi is canceled?
I decided to keep you by my side
and help me out after all.
- Professor. - Makita-kun.
I'll pretend the matter with the drawing never happened.
So you shouldn't go any further...
You know what I mean, right?
After that, Makita notified Sakuma Noriko that he was unable to cooperate anymore.
The Sales Department's been sounding out various companies like Mishima Juuki and Himekawa Shoji,
but we haven't found any company yet that's willing to support Gaudi.
- I see. - The initial response is good, but
as soon as they hear that we lost our business with Teikoku Heavy Industries
they suddenly change their attitude.
In regards to the prototype, Tachibana's team is working hard on it.
The result of the endurance test will be out in 28 hours.
I think you can expect a good result.
As long as we can't find a company to support us, we'll have to at least make progress technologically
and hope for the best with PMEA.
But will that reviewing official Takigawa be satisfied with that?
He's clearly hostile towards us.
Excuse me for a moment.
- Hello, Tsukuda speaking. - This is Sakuma.
I'm calling about the experimental data you were talking about the other day.
The source I was counting on is no longer available.
- I see. - I'm sorry.
Also, have you found out anything since from the drawing?
Actually, I'd like to talk to you about that.
Is there a day you can come here?
I see. Perhaps next time.
My research paper didn't go through this time too.
Is it because of Professor Kifune again?
I wonder what medical science really is.
Sometimes, I no longer know.
Why I'm doing research,
why I'm a doctor.
Isn't it because you want to save sick people?
In the end, things like status and fame in the medical association
are nothing more than a display of self-satisfaction.
Doctors become doctors
when they face their patients, I think.
Even doctors who are good at manipulating like politicians,
and doctors who love to make money,
when faced with a human life, will try to somehow save that life.
Isn't that what a doctor is?
I'm sorry if I sounded like I was preaching.
Sensei, you have a visitor.
Keita! You're here?
Yeah, to see Kiyoto.
Oh, yeah? How have you been?
I'm fine. I even played soccer at school yesterday.
Oh, yeah?
Kiyoto will get better too, right?
We'll be able to play soccer together, right?
Yeah, of course.
So that you can do that, Mr. Sakurada and those young folks who came from Tokyo the other day
are working hard to make a part to cure him.
Kiyoto will be happy to hear that, huh?
Let's get going, shall we? Kiyoto-kun's waiting for you.
Okay. Bye bye.
What a fool I am.
I'll go see Professor Kifune.
Go see him? Surely, you're not...
I'm going to ask him to co-develop Gaudi with me.
Just because Professor Kifune and I are at odds with each other,
the fact that we can't move forward just for that simple reason,
that cannot be!
I can't let Gaudi come to an end because of something like that!
Gaudi Project Prosthetic Valve Endurance Test
We made a change to the shape of the hinge.
We got quite a positive response from our previous test.
This is it, for sure. This time for sure.
5 4 3 2 1
200 hours have elapsed.
Shutting down!
Maximum cardiac output, 6 liters, and
systolic pressure of the valve is less than 10 millimeters of mercury.
Baseline cleared.
It's a success!
Well done.
You guys...really did well.
Thanks!
Go give them kudos. Give kudos to them!
President. I was just getting ready to call you too.
The prospect's finally looking brighter for the prototype of Gaudi.
- Really? - Yeah.
We were able to clear the minimum baseline.
We can face PMEA now, Mano!
Is Ichimura Sensei there?
The thing is...
I'm here today to ask for a favor.
What is it? You're being so formal.
Won't you give us your help with our development project?
What's your development project?
It's the development of a new prosthetic valve that you have an interest in too.
Ah...that project.
Yes.
That's too bad. The clinical trial for core heart has started now
and I don't have time for anything else anymore.
If you had agreed to it back then,
I may have been able to do something about it.
I can't help you anymore.
As I recall,
this is what you said at that time.
That Gaudi was your idea or something like that.
If that's the case, why don't you just keep plugging away at it.
It's not for me to get involved.
The thing is, we're having quite a difficult time at the meeting with PMEA.
So? That sounds like a convenient reason for you, Ichimura-kun.
I apologize for my rude behavior back then.
However, for the sake of the children who are waiting for this prosthetic valve,
as soon as possible...
as soon as possible, I want to get it implemented.
Anyway, good luck.
Please wait. Then at least,
if the reviewing official from PMEA should seek your opinion,
can you put in a good word on the significance of the development of the prosthetic valve?
I can't do that.
I'm an outsider, after all.
Sensei!
We're putting all our heart and soul into developing the prosthetic valve.
We're working desperately to save as many patients as possible.
Please. Sensei, please!
Please!
You're pathetic, Ichimura.
Is that right? He turned you down, did he?
I'm truly a failure no matter what I do.
That's good!
It's because I empathized with Ichimura Sensei's idea,
Sakurada-san's feelings, and the bright future of the development
that I decided to participate in the Gaudi Project.
There's no room for Professor Kifune there.
Kifune Sensei used to be a doctor whose first priority was human life.
But in an organization called the university hospital,
he got consumed by ambition
and became a different person.
How can we open the eyes of someone like that?
Perhaps...
he'll have to suffer setbacks.
- Setbacks? - That's my gut feeling.
Long time ago, I, too, was one of those who failed and suffered a setback.
I find it hard to believe that Professor Kifune would suffer a setback.
Tsukuda-san, this next meeting with PMEA...
what do you think about canceling it?
Are you sure you're okay with that?
Turning down Ichimura Sensei's request for help.
That Gaudi Project won't be progressing any further anyway.
- Isn't that right? - Yes.
That's probably how it will end up.
When they finally reach a dead end,
I'm planning to extend a helping hand.
That comes from your deep parental love too, doesn't it?
Leak? Was that plan stolen?
I'm 99 percent positive.
Nothing's going our way, is it?
So, do you know who did it?
- That... - Sensei, we've been waiting for you.
There's something I really want to show you today.
This is the endurance test result of the new Gaudi.
What the...
What's this?!
The baseline's been cleared.
Those guys aren't hardly satisfied with this yet.
They're working day and night to make an even better product.
So I can't cancel the meeting with PMEA.
Even if our chance of winning is slim,
I can't let their effort go to waste.
Please take a look, Sensei. At their work.
Ichimura Sensei is here.
Tachibana.
Sensei, we did it.
We completed the new Gaudi.
I saw the data earlier.
It was amazing.
But it was tough for you, wasn't it?
Every time we got discouraged,
we looked at those pictures.
"Don't give up, work harder,"
they seem to be telling us.
How are Keita-kun and Kiyoto-kun doing?
Keita was discharged and he's all well now.
We haven't found a prosthetic valve that's suitable for Kiyoto yet.
Keita asked me to bring this to you.
"Thank you for the plastic model kit the other day."
"After you all left,"
"I heard from Ichimura Sensei that you were making an important part to cure our disease."
"That made me really happy."
"Since then, I was able to go home."
"But my friend Kiyota can't get surgery yet"
"and he's still in the hospital."
Let's play soccer together, okay? We're all waiting for you.
"I want to play soccer with Kiyoto."
"There are lots of friends in this world who are suffering from the same disease like us."
"For the sake of Kiyoto and all those friends,"
"please hang in there."
"I'll be rooting for you."
We may not get through PMEA, but
let's go at them with everything we got so that we don't have any regrets.
For these children's sake.
Yeah.
Come on, Sensei. Here.
Take it in your hand and look.
Excuse me...
Yes!
The prototype passed the test, but
why is there a possibility that won't it get through PMEA?
The thing is, the relationship between Ichimura Sensei and Professor Kifune is a bit...
Day of Third Meeting with PMEA
I'll be going then.
Help us out, Yui.
Help us out.
I'm heading out!
Rina said she doesn't have any job interviews today so she'll lend them to you.
- What's this? - Rina's hanging in there so
you do your best too.
You have a meeting with P something or other today, right?
- I wonder what happened to the President. - Surely, he didn't run away, did he?
- He would never do that. - I'm just kidding.
I hope he didn't oversleep.
I'm sorry. Just barely made it. I'm sorry.
What were you doing on an important day like this?!
I was called out for a bit...
It's now 1 o'clock.
We will now begin the third pre-review meeting
in regards to the development of the prosthetic valve Gaudi.
Thank you in advance.
The meeting's begun.
This time, as a result of much research by Tsukuda Manufacturing,
we bring to you the latest prototype of the prosthetic valve which has evolved into
a far better performing product than the one we've shown you before.
Please show it to them.
I'd like to proceed by talking about the content of the experiment
and the results thereof, in addition to our observations.
Just a minute please.
Before you get into the prototype and so forth,
have you rectified the problem we pointed out to you at the previous meeting?
Oh, my. You're clamming up already?
Were you able to obtain the support of a major corporation
with a license to manufacture and sell? That's what I'd like to hear.
President Tsukuda, you asserted in no uncertain terms at the last meeting, didn't you?
That you'll find a corporation like that without fail.
Now... let us hear it.
I'm sorry.
In regards to that matter, we are currently in the process of conducting earnest negotiations.
Excuse me? In other words,
you haven't found one yet. Is that what you're saying?
I'm sorry.
Then why did you folks come here today?
Yamanobe-san, let's call this meeting off. It's a waste of time.
PMEA Leader of Review Officials in Charge Yamanobe
If that's the case, Tsukuda-san, why don't we reschedule the meeting for another day?
Even if it's rescheduled, I believe the result would be the same.
Please, can you at least take a look at the prototype?
It's truly a work of art.
It's true that we may not have the money since we're not a major corporation.
However, the passion and technology that went into the development of this prosthetic valve
- are apparent if you take a look at this prototype. - Singing your own praises, huh?
I take my hat off to your creativity to extol a mere prosthetic valve to that extent.
A rosy development story indeed.
However, the treatment of valvular heart disease
has been ongoing without any problems.
Gentlemen, am I wrong? Isn't that right?
Then why bother?
This prosthetic valve you call Gaudi...
Don't you think it's an useless object?
- Excuse me, but... - You're wrong there.
It's true that prosthetic valve surgeries are being performed already.
But that doesn't mean all the children who need the surgery can get it.
For the simple reason that there aren't prosthetic valves in a suitable size,
there are children in Japan right now whose surgeries are being held off,
whose condition is worsening, and can't even play with their friends.
Right here in Japan.
Our group may consist of all small companies,
but there are lots of children waiting for this Gaudi to be completed and tested in a clinical trial.
Can the sanctity of life
be measured by the size of the company?
I don't think so.
Regardless of what kind of a company it is, if the product was made
with passionate devotion and in good faith
and with a strong will to protect human lives,
it should be measured, not by the size of the company,
but at the very least by the fundamental debate as to
how superior that product really is!
Takigawa-san, earlier
you asked us why we came here today, right?
That should go without saying.
There's only one reason we came here today.
It's to save the lives of children suffering from a disease!
This Gaudi is the testament to the effort these guys
who took on the task for that very reason and
the fruit of our technology.
Don't look away and please take a good look at it!
Okay, that was very commendable. Are you done with your speech now?
Now then, the meeting is adjourned for today.
The next meeting won't be necessary anymore.
You have no objection to that, do you? Leader Yamanobe.
Actually...if you don't mind, I'd like to continue the discussion a little more.
- Further discussion won't... - I have a question too.
About the material, in regards to the strength evaluation of the cobalt-chromium alloy.
Compared to other material,
how much of a difference did you see?
Let me answer that first.
Compared to nickel-titanium alloy which is typically used in medical devices,
the cobalt-chromium alloy is approximately 30 percent stronger.
Has your company actually produced something with this material?
We have, just once.
We used it for one of the parts for the rocket engine valve.
Does that mean
this is made from the same material that's used in the part for a rocket engine?
Yes.
That's quite a surprise.
As if you have something to be smug about. I heard you lost the competition
for that rocket engine business to another company and you no longer have it.
Bragging about that level of technical capability won't do you any good.
After all, that's the subcontractor level of a major corporation, right?
No, Takigawa-san. We're confident that our technological capability
is one thing that's definitely not inferior to any major corporation.
If you'd like, whenever you have the time,
please come visit our company. I'm sure you'll be convinced.
That's a good idea. If you'd like,
please come visit our factory too.
Don't be ridiculous.
It's obvious you're trying to get special treatment by doing something like that.
We always treat everyone fairly and equitably
- from an objective standpoint... - Fairly and equitably? Objective?
Is that really true? Takigawa-san.
- What...what are you trying to say? - I apologize if I'm wrong, but
there's a rumor that you frequently dine with
the developer of core heart, Professor Kifune, and pass on information to him.
How should I interpret that?
What are you talking about?
Professor Kifune and I are strictly associating as developer and review official.
It's that kind of relationship. That groundless rumor is...
These are pictures of you and Professor Kifune when you met a number of times a month.
You seem very supportive of him although you say you're fair and equitable.
Come to think of it,
you were also pushing us to go talk to Professor Kifune, but
did you have a hidden agenda?
For example, a plan to take over our Gaudi Project.
Of course not.
I gave you that advice for your sake...
Weren't you asked by Professor Kifune?
That's absurd... On what grounds!
This is something that was handed to me by my supporter a little while ago.
I was flabbergasted when I saw this picture at that time.
So I thought about cutting a deal with you even if I had to use this,
to make you approve the development of Gaudi.
But I was wrong.
Even without something like that, this Gaudi is
good enough to be recognized by you all.
It's a masterpiece of prosthetic valves!
You've got to be joking. In the first place, what's wrong with having dinner together?
Professor Kifune and I were discussing the future of medicine.
But here you are, taking pictures secretly like peeping tom...
That's despicable. You ought to be ashamed.
In the first place, we were having a high-level discussion you folks can't possibly understand...
Gaudi? Don't make me laugh.
I'll crush out that prosthetic valve just like this.
Come on, drink up.
Oh...
What's wrong? Takigawa-san.
If you'd like, I have a recording from that time as well.
That so-called high-level discussion of yours... shall I
- let everyone here listen to it now? - Stop your bullshit!
Do you think you'll get away with this?
Gentlemen, the meeting is canceled. It's canceled for today...
Takigawa-san, don't get the wrong idea.
I'm the leader and will decide whether to continue this meeting or not.
You don't have that authority!
Now, let me see that picture.
Just show me the picture!
You are a disgrace to PMEA!
Please leave.
Get out!
I'm sorry you had to witness such a disgraceful scene.
I have a suggestion.
If you've accumulated this much experimental data,
why don't you take it one step further to an experimental stage with large animals?
However, the support of a corporation that has a license to manufacture and sell
is something you must have.
So in parallel, please find that company as soon as possible.
Without fail.
We've been giving it some serious thought since our previous meeting as well.
We believe you're developing a good product.
Please continue with your experiments to materialize Gaudi as soon as possible
and save all those children.
We'll do our utmost best!
Thank you.
Thank you!
I'm glad. I'm really glad.
Mano, come here!
President, thank you!
Listen up.
This isn't the end. Clinical trial,
approval from the Ministry, market survey.
There's a ton of problems ahead of us. This is where the real battle begins!
Thank you very much for this.
Did it help you out?
What? Then that came from Sakuma-san?
The collusion between Professor Kifune and PMEA
has a bearing on core heart too, so I've been meaning to investigate it anyway.
So that's what it was.
I heard Takigawa-san was removed from his position as PMEA's reviewing official.
Takigawa-san may be gone, but the clinical trial
for the core heart itself is supposed to resume soon.
Does that mean they see no problem with the death of the first patient?
The only lead we have right now is the possibility that
the plan your company designed was stolen by Sayama Manufacturing and was passed on to Nippon Klein.
So I have to do whatever I can to prove that.
- What? - I've been thinking, but
something just isn't right.
If I may say so myself, if it was produced exactly according to the plan,
there's no way a malfunction would occur.
You said it would be extremely difficult to complete that, right?
Yes.
But if they were unable to complete it,
what was the core heart that was used in that clinical trial?
It's contradictory, isn't it?
Or else, they made an unfinished product look like a finished product.
That means...
That Sayama's telling an outrageous lie.
In any case, we won't find the answer by talking about it here.
Then why don't we attack the heart of the castle?
The heart meaning...
the NASA bastard, right?
Thank you for setting aside your time for me today.
- What I'd like to ask you about today is... - Core heart, right?
Knowing that, you're still willing to do the interview?
Of course.
I have nothing to hide.
There's no need for me to escape either.
Go ahead and ask me anything.
Thank you.
But before that...
I asked them to come.
Since I'm a total amateur when it comes to technical matters,
I thought I'd have Tsukuda-san sit in.
Do you have a problem with that?
No. I don't mind at all.
But Tsukuda-san...
I must really have a special connection with you.
It seems that way.
- Have a seat. - Thank you.
Let me get straight to the point.
You know what this is, don't you?
Yes, of course.
People with the media are scary. How did you get a hold of something like this?
- I'm afraid I can't answer that. - I know, right?
Excuse me...may I ask the questions from here on?
Shiina-san.
The exact same thing as the drawing for this valve
exists at our company.
Do you have any idea how that happened?
What are you trying to say?
I don't know how it got there, but
I'm wondering if our plan leaked out
- and got into the hands of Nippon Klein. - I'm not sure...
I got the order from Nippon Klein
and manufactured it exactly as told.
If you have any questions, shouldn't you be asking
Nippon Klein, not me?
Is Nakazato doing well?
Ah...
I guess he used to work for you.
You said you developed it according to the plan, right?
- Were you able to do it? - Of course.
It's not that easy to complete that.
The truth is, it hasn't been completed, has it?
That's why the fatal accident occurred. Am I wrong?
Excuse me for saying this, but we're the manufacturer who won the competition
and supplying rocket engine valves to Teikoku Heavy Industries.
How can we be unable to do what your company can do?
Why don't you stop beating around the bush
and say what's on your mind.
Reservation is a virtue of the Japanese people, but
it's a negative attribute in business.
Then at the risk of sounding rude, I'll ask you without reservation.
Isn't that the plan Nakazato stole from our company, which your company took over
and submitted as a proposal to Nippon Klein?
That's why we ended up conceding the development of core heart to your company.
Furthermore, if it had some kind of problem at the developmental stage,
it triggered the cause of death of a clinical trial patient.
Couldn't that have happened?
Give me a break, Tsukuda-san.
There's no way something like that could've happened.
Did this journalist perhaps
put things in your head regardless of whether they were true or not?
I want to satisfy the feelings of the bereaved families.
That's the only reason I'm pursuing the truth.
Liar. How can you say that so brazenly.
They don't even write lines like that for third rate dramas anymore.
Watch your mouth! You should know that her husband...
I know. He died because of a medical error.
He's such a good husband, huh?
Thanks to him, you're quite a celebrity now.
How much did you make by using your husband as material for your book?
- That's enough! - Tsukuda-san.
You just don't get it.
Because of people like her who make a big deal out of anything and everything as
medical error or cover up, and mistakenly consider that to be journalism,
medical care in Japan is one lap behind world-class level.
Ultimately, you're putting the patients' lives in jeopardy.
All because of your sound argument brandishing, self-satisfying horseplay,
the approval of effective drugs and medical devices is being delayed
and lives that could have been saved are being lost.
Right now, you're blocking core heart from saving many lives all over the world.
What you're doing
is the same thing as murder.
That's definitely not true!
At least one clinical patient has died.
We have to take that reality seriously and
do everything in our power to face up to it so that
the same mistake never happens again.
She's sounding the alarm for that.
Shiina-san, weren't you trying to make core heart
to save people's lives too?
But if you were swayed by the prospect of a quick profit and covertly sent out an unfinished product to the world,
and as a result, caused a patient to die,
that's not an unfortunate accident but an inevitable consequence.
In that sense,
aren't you more of a murderer?
If you insist on going that far, show me the evidence.
Show me the evidence!
If you insist on getting in our way when you don't even have evidence,
I'll take legal action.
That's fine.
As you wish, I'll find out everything about you.
What you've made so far, what kind of work you did,
what kind of an engineer you are.
I'll find all that data and strip you naked!
We have a first-class journalist on our side.
We can get all the information we want. Try hiding anything if you can.
No matter how much you try to smooth things over,
technology doesn't lie!