Good morning.
It's 8:00 a.m. on 1st of April .
Today's weather forecast for Tokyo is overcast
with a predicted high of 24 degrees.
Sakura, is there anything else?
If not, I'll play a song from your morning playlist.
The new era name is Reiwa.
Hey Sakura, do you remember?
Ten years ago, I was the first person to hurt your feelings.
Excuse me.
Would you mind moving to where you won't impede commuters?
Let's go.
Wow! She's got nerve.
Right! Let's go with this.
From the outset,
Sakura never, ever gave up on any task until she was satisfied.
It's no good. It's no good at all.
Wheelchairs can't get around here so this needs to be changed.
Not again.
We only came together for training but Sakura believed in us.
Thank you. You're a big help.
Not at all. Say...
we're all in this together so let's take a picture.
Although we put on brave faces, we were really quite anxious.
But Sakura gave us the courage to stand up and be counted.
I have a dream.
Rentaro...
- Aoi. - Let's go.
Hey! Aoi!
- Rentaro! - Kikuo.
Yuri.
How's Sakura?
She's got a serious brain contusion and may not regain consciousness.
It can't be.
Please Sakura, open your eyes.
We...
don't want to live in a world without you.
"April 2009"
Stop it. The neighbours will hear us.
They're still asleep.
Grandad, how is your heart?
Today is my company initiation.
I'm proudly wearing the suit and shoes you bought for me.
Wish me luck.
Where shall we go?
Anywhere you like.
Excuse me...
Everyone can hear you in there,
so please be mindful of families with children and keep it down.
- Yes. - Yes.
Thank you very much.
"Hand-made croquettes”
Excuse me, please don't block the street so commuters can pass.
Thank you very much.
This is good. This is very good.
"Hanamura Construction Co., Ltd"
Hello, I'm at the initiation and I owe it all to you.
I'll do my best not to disappoint everyone who helped me.
Right!
Good-bye.
The future of this company will be...
in good hands with me.
Congratulations.
Tetsuya Nogami...
Congratulations.
Good morning. I'm Keio University graduate, Yuri Tsukimura.
"Initiation Ceremony 2009"
This is bad. This is really bad.
- Sakura Kitano? - Yes.
The ceremony's about to begin.
I'm sorry. I saw a lot interesting buildings so I was taking photos.
- Would you like to see? - Not now.
Hurry up and get in.
In completing these three big projects over the next 10 years,
I want this company and you all to shoulder the heavy responsibility of
contributing continually to the future of Japan
in ways our competitors can only dream about.
This is what I want you to be...
- passionate about. - What a windbag.
Further, we've embarked on a plan of reform in the company
which encourages open discourse between staff regardless of rank.
So when you happen to see me, don't hesitate to stop me
and share your thoughts and ideas with me.
Here!
Yes?
May I share my thoughts with you?
Yes... by all means.
First of all, I thought your speech was too long.
What?
You had some good points but they got lost in your long sentences.
Then, you mentioned the Bayside Hill Hotel would have 670 rooms.
However, I believe the correct number is 760 rooms.
Also, you used the word "continually”
whereas a more appropriate word would have been "unceasingly.”
That's all.
What is she thinking?
That was great.
That's exactly what the CEO was hoping for.
In actual fact,
our CEO made his speech deliberately long and threw in some errors
to test if any of you were listening.
You got them all correct.
A splendid job.
Thank you very much.
Well sir, please continue.
However, you may like to shorten it a tad now.
Sure, sure.
So continuing with these reforms is Hanamura Construction's...
"Recruit Training Overview"
I'm Sumire Hino and will be in charge of your training.
The training is for three weeks.
In the last week, you'll be divided into teams of five
and make a model of a structure you want to be a legacy for Japan.
I'm Kurokawa in charge of personnel.
On the last day, your models will be judged by the CEO and directors.
The best model will be awarded the CEO's prize, so do your best.
- Yes. - Excuse me...
Yes?
Will the results of the judging influence our postings?
"Announcement of Postings”
That's a very good question.
Thinking about that is also part of your training.
Please check the team lists on the last page.
Names with circles have been assigned as team leaders.
"Team D Leader: Sakura Kitano"
Why didn't they select me?
Yuri Tsukimura!
Yes?
- Kikuo Shimizu! - Yes.
Rentaro Doi!
What now?
Aoi Kijima!
Huh.
I'm Sakura Kitano from the same team.
I don't know why I was chosen as team leader
but I'll work my fingers to the bone so please extend me your support.
"Our Dearest Sakura"
I'm Aoi Kijima.
I'm Kikuo Shimizu. Call me Kikuo.
Kikuo.
And you?
- Yuri Tsukimura. Nice to meet you. - Yuri.
- Who are you? - Rentaro Doi.
- Doi. - Doi?
Well then, I suppose I'll see you tomorrow.
Thank you. See you tomorrow.
Something wrong?
Shouldn't we discuss about tomorrow?
I also want to get to know you.
Well, let's get acquainted, shall we?
- Good idea. - Great.
Yes, it's good to build team spirit for the model competition.
So where shall we go?
I know a cheap pub that's good.
Sorry, I'd prefer a quiet place
and I hate cigarette smoke.
How about cheap and tasty Chinese restaurant?
Sorry, I'll pass if we're going Chinese restaurant.
In that case, I know a nice French place.
Except I can't afford to eat expensive.
Truth, we can't agree on anything!
Let's ask our leader.
I know a place.
It's non-smoking, not Chinese, quiet, cheap and delicious.
Here we are.
"Cafe Request"
Haruki Murakami's latest novel
published under the title 1Q84...
Hello.
Welcome.
Is this place any good?
It's just a coffee shop.
The food's good and they serve alcohol.
They'll make anything you want.
So even sashimi or deep fried chicken?
If that's what you want.
Really?
Anyway, let's kick off with beers all round, okay?
Okay, five beers please.
Sorry, I'll have oolong tea.
You don't drink?
No. Right now, I feel like oolong tea.
So much for team spirit.
Okay, four beers and one oolong tea.
Here's your sashimi and fried chicken.
They really can make anything.
It's really good too.
I found this place when I was scouting the office.
Speaking of which, where are you hoping to get posted?
I want to know as well.
How about you, Yuri?
Anywhere except construction sites.
So that would mean
- public affairs, for instance? - Maybe.
- Public affairs is... - That's wonderful.
It would be great if someone pretty like you can relay our dreams.
Possibly.
And you, Rentaro?
I was hoping for design.
- Design? - For that you've got--
I adore design.
It takes a special person to be able to manifest our dreams from scratch.
I don't quite think of it that way.
Let's ask Kikuo.
Me...
I'm okay to go anywhere I'm needed.
You don't have a passion for somewhere?
At uni, I was on the cheer squad.
I guess I prefer to support people working in the front lines.
- You were on the cheer team-- - I see.
Having Kikuo to back us up
will enable us to concentrate on our work.
That makes me happy.
It's good our team has a good mix.
Don't you think?
Where would you like to work?
I'd like to be in urban development.
Why?
Just confidentially...
I heard that most past CEOs started out in urban development.
What?
- Which means, you want to be CEO. - No, no, no.
It's fantastic to be so passionate when you're so young.
Please become CEO and work with us to realise our dreams.
When you say it with that look on your face, I feel pressured.
Say, why the poker face all the time?
It seems strange in view how keen you are.
I'm sorry.
My Grandad also tells me I'm too serious and has to lighten up.
Besides...
I was a bit nervous at today's initiation.
You were nervous!
Despite that you still gave the CEO a piece of your mind.
That was because he told us to share our thoughts.
No matter how many mistakes the CEO makes, there's a time and place.
He's our leader so I want him to make better speeches.
Well yes, I suppose.
So what's your dream post?
I want to be in...
public works.
Public works?
Bridge building falls under public works.
That's unusual for 2 woman.
I'm from an island in Niigata called Misaki.
Hanamura Construction won the bid to build a bridge to Misaki,
which has been the dream of islanders for a long time.
So I wanted to join Hanamura no matter what.
I see.
Right.
Let's make a toast to our leader, to winning the CEO's prize
and that everyone gets their dream post.
- Great. Cheers! - Before that,
let's take a photo.
As a memento of us joining Hanamura together.
Okay, I suppose.
Talk about selfish.
Would you mind?
Are you ready?
Say "colleagues."
- Well, I'm off. - Huh?
- Really? - It's still early.
We're here to get acquainted and there's all this food.
I've begun walking home to strengthen my legs.
May we please have the bill.
How selfish.
5,000 yen.
1,000 yen each.
So see you tomorrow.
My initiation went well, Grandad.
I got to speak to the CEO so I think it was a fruitful day.
Also, it was wonderful to meet four of my fellow recruits.
Just like me, they joined because they all have dreams.
It's exciting to think I'll be working with them for a long time,
until we all retire.
"Fax letter from Sakura"
Is that another fax from Sakura?
Let me see.
I said show me.
Why does she send faxes?
It'd be nice to hear her voice on the phone.
I don't like telephones...
cause my hearing's no good.
In truth, you didn't want to let her go, did you?
Who would've thought Sakura would make it big in Tokyo.
But I suppose that's how it is.
She's dreamt of having a bridge to this island since she was little.
I suppose it's because of what happened to her parents.
Okay, everyone stand around the room.
I'm Kikuo Shimizu from Hanamura Construction.
That's a little too keen.
I'm Rentaro... Doi from Hanamura Construction.
Please try to brighten up.
I'm Aoi Kijima from Hanamura Construction.
Lose the grin.
I'm Yuri Tsukimura from Hanamura Construction.
That's good except hold the card this way.
I'm sorry.
I'm Sakura Kitano from Hanamura Construction public works.
We have not decided about your post yet.
Sorry.
We're about to walk out on the scaffold.
Follow the instructions and take care to avoid injury.
Yes.
- Hey watch out! - Are you all right?
She's good.
Wait, wait! Are you okay?
Public works is my dream post.
Finished at last.
See you tomorrow.
Huh, what is it?
Shall we discuss the model we have to make?
I'm exhausted.
Do any of you have any ideas about what to make?
Whatever will win us top prize.
Can't you be more specific?
What I mean is...
it should have an impact on par with the other teams
and also fits within the company's business plan.
In other words, you've got no ideas.
That's what we're here to discuss.
You want to do design so tell us your idea.
Okay.
I thought we might make a model of
the Skytree before construction on it is completed.
That's nice except...
what if our design is inferior to the real one?
You're right, that would be bad.
So, what's your idea...
Yuri... I mean, Ms Tsukimura?
Sorry.
I want to work in admin so I can't help.
That's right.
What about you, Kikuo?
How about house for kids, parents and grandparents?
Someday, I want to build one for my family in the country.
That's ridiculous.
Huh, why?
Hanamura doesn't build detached houses.
I'm sorry.
We can't agree on anything.
What should we do, Sakura?
Let's make a bridge to my island.
I don't think the design is ready.
So I'd like us to think about it and model it.
I see.
If we try to design an actual company project beforehand,
it will show our eagerness to contribute.
- It's perfect! - Great.
I've thought about the design so will you take a look?
This should be good.
You have no eye for drawing.
Sorry.
Why can't Rentaro work from Sakura's concept?
Please help me.
Look at that bridge. It's fantastic!
This is what she wanted.
The balance between the road and the arches needs work.
This is much, much better.
Great!
It's decided.
However, the design could be a little better.
This is very good.
Are you sure?
Let's simplify this section.
I'll do it.
Where's the problem this time?
This is it.
It's just as I imagined.
It's brilliant!
Rentaro, your aspiration for design is well founded.
That's fine except...
you can smile!
Sorry to keep you waiting.
You're back.
Please take one.
That's thoughtful, Kikuo. Thank you.
Here you go.
Are you okay?
Did you cut yourself?
Oh no.
That's enough for now.
She can't draw and she's very clumsy.
How are the recruits coming? Any issues?
It's about that Sakura Kitano.
She's blind to people's feelings and may not be fitting in.
Is that so?
It was you who decided to hire her.
How could you?
That's a good question.
Good.
It's very good.
Great. First prize here we come!
So let's go with this!
Hooray!
Huh! What now?
There's no colour.
It's the bridge to the island so...
it needs to have colour.
So what colour do you want?
My island is beautiful and covered with greenery
so it needs a colour to match.
How about...
this?
It should be a little brighter.
This?
It's too bright.
You need to be more specific.
Sorry.
I can picture it in my mind but I can't express myself.
How about the colour of the Golden Gate bridge?
What colour is that?
Something like this?
That's good.
That's very close.
Except something's not quite right.
If I'm right, I think it's a dark orange colour.
That's it.
You've done it again. It's just as I imagined.
I'm impressed.
Yuri, you have such good taste.
Okay, okay.
You're cute when you smile.
It's ready at last.
So, shall we call it a day?
I think so. Let's go.
Thank you everyone!
Not again. What now!
There's no island.
Huh, island?
It's an island bridge so...
it needs to connect to the mainland.
Does she mean a diorama?
I know this means a lot to you but...
We don't have the materials.
I'll buy them and bring them tomorrow.
Tomorrow's Saturday.
It's too much for one person.
Thanks to everyone's efforts, we've come this far.
I suppose if we want to win, we don't have a choice.
I guess you're right.
Thank you very much.
Well, see you tomorrow.
What's this?
Can we make dirt with this?
Will this do?
Sakura, you're late. What kept you?
Forgive me.
It's my first time in Omotesando and there are so many nice buildings.
Huh, what is it?
Yuri, you're dressed so...
metropolitan, in a manner of speaking...
I mean, you're all dolled up.
Thanks.
As for you...
your look has personality. It's a bit nostalgic.
Thank you.
The lady who runs the island's only haberdashery recommended this to me.
Oh, is that right?
Sorry to keep you.
Thanks a lot, Kikuo.
The finish line is in view so we'll have to push hard this week.
What's the matter?
You look like a girl that's just seen a space alien.
I'm sorry.
It's just that...
this all seems so surreal.
On top of that, you all speak standard Japanese.
I was the only student in my class at primary school
and I dreamt about this.
Sitting in Omotesando like this, chatting with friends.
Is that so?
As we're all here, do you want to go to Omotesando Hills?
Great ideal
Let's go, Sakura.
Something wrong?
There's no people or cars.
Bridges carry people and cars so it won't look real without them.
Well yes, except...
You're taking it too far and there's no time.
It'll be fine if we work as a team.
I'll go and buy what we need.
Hold on a minute!
Wait for us!
Look at the time.
Time has flown.
Doing this brings back memories of school festivals, don't you think?
Except, this is work.
All of you...
are you confident of being able to support yourselves going forward?
Why the sudden interest?
Truth be told, I'd still prefer to be studying.
However, I was told to grow up and get a job.
What do you expect? You can't stay a student forever.
Are any of you worried if coming to Hanamura was the right choice?
If I had a time machine, I'd sure like to see 10 years from now.
How about you, Sakura?
I was thinking how wonderful it will be when this bridge is built.
Why do you want a bridge so much?
If we had a bridge, my parents might still be alive.
What do you mean?
When I was small, my mother became ill and needed treatment off island.
However, the ferry that day wasn't running due to a typhoon,
so dad launched our boat.
- Then the both of them... - Yes.
So, who raised you?
My Grandad.
Which is why I want to build this bridge
while he's still alive.
Say...
we could use your story for our presentation.
We could say how much islanders have longed for a bridge.
Not only is it for future generations,
it's also for those who died for lack of a bridge.
We could say it's our hope that this bridge will warm the hearts
of island residents every time they use it or something like that.
I'm touched.
That sounds good.
Thank you very much, Aoi.
You've put my feelings into words.
Except the way you put it is a hundred times more touching.
Okay, okay. I'm just not used to seeing you smile.
Right, leader. You add the finishing touch.
Thank you very much.
"Misaki Island Bridge"
- Hooray! It's finished! - Great job.
- We'll get first prize for sure! - If we're done, that is.
Thank you very much, everyone.
Despite the fact I'm clumsy, can't draw
and not good at speaking,
I was able to realise the bridge of my dreams.
I didn't do much.
That's not true.
Kikuo, you supported us by bringing refreshments,
cleaned up our mess, carried our bags
and helped in all sorts of ways.
Thank you.
Do you think you can maintain that smile?
Sorry, I can't smile unless I'm truly happy.
Oh, of course.
Well, we've received our first salary,
so why don't we grab a drink?
Great ideal
Will you never stop? What now?
This can't be good.
This is bad, this is really bad.
What is? Tell us!
The load bearing capacity is insufficient.
The structure will collapse if there are snow drifts.
You can't take northern Japan's snowfall lightly.
The design is so wonderful I forgot about the durability.
It looks fine to me.
I agree.
What are you doing!
If snow accumulates here, it will create stress at these points.
The deadline's tomorrow.
This is good enough. It looks perfect.
You're taking it too far. It's just a model.
If I know it's flawed, I can't pretend and lie.
I can't give up when I know it can be made better.
You're the same too, right?
Yes, except what if we don't make the deadline?
We can make it if we all pitch in.
Hold it right there.
You've gone on and on about your dreams and ideals and so
we've all stuck by you but have you no clue how hard it's been for us?
It's all well and good to state your beliefs without compromise
but it doesn't work that way when you're in a team.
Being an adult means you have to obey unreasonable requests
and accommodate selfish clients.
However, there's not a single person in the world like you!
And while I'm at it...
we don't think of you as a colleague.
You're just a recruit who was lumped in the same team as us.
Don't latch onto us as a newly hatched chick
latches onto the first thing it sees, believing it to be its mother.
Well, she didn't pull any punches there but...
I feel more or less the same.
That sudden change of demeanor startled me.
The time for being a brat is over.
Let's be adult about this, Sakura.
I understand.
Well then...
I'll excuse myself.
She didn't say "See you tomorrow."
"Hand-made croquettes”
How are you feeling, Grandad?
I got my first pay today so I'll remit it to you.
I miss eating your croquettes.
"Incoming"
"Sa...
"Sakura, I love you"
"Because, there are...
"things only you can do"
"Model Judging”
Good morning sir.
This is our conceptualization of...
Where is Sakura?
It must have been quite a shock being told off like that.
Are you blaming me?
No, no. That's not what I meant.
Next is Team D.
Where's your team leader?
Last night, she wasn't feeling well.
Wow, that's a splendid bridge.
Our model is a depiction of the Misaki Island bridge project.
Not only is it for future generations,
it's also for those who died for lack of this bridge...
- Then-- - The concept is great.
It's a wonderful design too.
- Thank you. - So tell me,
that you also considered the load bearing capacity.
Well, that's...
Let me see.
I'm sorry I'm late.
That one was a prototype. May I replace it?
- Please. - Thank you very much.
Let me see.
It's splendid. Don't you think so, sir?
Well, yes, of course.
Thank you very much.
Next is Team E.
She actually remade it.
If we'd only known, we could've helped.
It's too late for that now.
I'll announce the winning model.
The winner of this year's CEO Prize for models by new recruits is...
Yes, it's...
Business Tower by Team F.
No way.
Ours is heaps better than theirs.
What's going on.
Excuse me.
You again.
What is it?
Why did that business tower win the CEO prize?
Well, that's because
it perfectly embodies the kind of legacy project
our company wants to leave behind.
I disagree.
W-What!
That's 2 mode of a project you completed 10 years ago.
Could it be that team thought They'd win by modeling it?
Could it also be that the directors knew this and gave it first prize?
It's not good to raise trivial objections just because you lost.
I thought that the entry worthy of the CEO's prize was...
Team A's creche.
What?
It's wonderful. The originality of the raised grounds
and functionality which takes children and staff into account
Structures like this are exactly the kind of legacy we should build.
That's all.
Is that your personal opinion?
Or, is that the consensus opinion of your team?
Let me remind you that even though you've begun training,
it's not too late for us to reject applications from recalcitrants.
So what's it to be?
Well...
The views I expressed are my own.
I see.
I still think about it.
What, if at that time I said
I felt the same as Sakura. I wonder how it would've turned out.
Even though she thought of us as her friends...
We didn't stand up for her.
Sakura, please forgive us.
We understand now.
Why was I so mean to you?
I had no dreams or passions like you and...
I just felt so ashamed.
"There are things only you can do"
Thanks for the fax last night, Grandad.
Today we receive our postings.
I hope I can go to public works.
"Postings Announcement”
Moving along...
- Rentaro Doi. - Here.
Design Department.
Well done.
- Aoi Kijima. - Here.
Urban Development.
Understood.
- Kikuo Shimizu. - Yes!
- Sales Department. - Yes.
- Yuri Tsukimura. - Here.
Public Affairs.
Understood.
That's everyone.
Sir...
Sakura Kitano is still to go.
- She's fired. - What?
I'm joking.
Sakura Kitano...
Here.
I won't fire you but I'm assigning you to personnel.
Sakura!
"Dear colleagues!
Let us create something better tomorrow."
Huh?
When Gaudi was building the Sagrada Familia...
that is what he said to the staff, daily.
I love this quotation.
In actual fact, aren't you disappointed?
After all...
you're the only one who didn't get their dream post.
I have a dream.
To build a bridge to my island home.
You've already told us.
I have a dream.
To make trusting friends that last a lifetime.
I have a dream.
To work with my friends to...
build structures that bring happiness to many.
I'll never compromise my dreams.
I'll do the things only I can do.
Well, see you tomorrow.
Yes, Sakura.
You kept on doing things your way for the next 10 years
and caused one problem after the next.
This is good. This is very good.
If you force people to work crazy hours
and Kikuo dies from over work, your management will come into question.
Are you prepared for that?
What should I do?
Hit your backside as hard as you can.
"This is a work of fiction"