Sakura...
the doctor says it's unlikely you'll regain consciousness.
But I believe you'll wake up.
"Sakura Kitano"
See this?
These are my workmates.
Everyone's so happy.
Say...
do you recall our second year?
When it almost killed me and...
I completely forgot what I was working for...
you saved me.
"May 2010"
Granddad,
it's already a year since I started working
at my dream company, Hanamura Construction.
I'm working in personnel,
so I'm not directly involved in the bridge project to our island.
I'll keep doing the best I can and I hope
I'll be posted to public works.
What are we going to do?
I don't know, it's so sudden.
Why aren't you happy?
Are you sure it's my baby?
How can you say that?
- What? - What do you mean
- by what? - What means what.
Is "what" all you can say?
How's your heart?
Take care of yourself.
"Granddad, it's been a year since I started working..."
I'm off to work.
Ow!
You deadbeat!
I've wasted a whole year with you!
Calm down, will you!
Shut up!
Get out and stay out!
Excuse me...
What?
Don't stop me.
It's not about that.
I'd be grateful if you'd clean up the mess later.
Good...
Very good.
This is bad.
Very bad.
Excuse me, I'm going up.
The door is closing.
Yeah, all my young staff are a complete waste of space!
Without me, they'd be completely lost.
Why do I always have to do everything myself?
I know...
I'm sorry but
would you mind calling back when no one is around?
You talking to me?
Yes.
Do you know who I am?
A colleague from my company.
"Our Dearest Sakura"
Good morning.
Sorry I'm late.
Sakura, you barely made it in time again.
Taking photos again?
Sorry.
Would you like to see?
Tokyo's buildings are so--
More importantly,
have you compiled the list of staff who haven't submitted
their commuting expenses?
Yes.
I've highlighted the staff who have moved and changed routes
to make it easier to read.
"Overtime list"
I certainly can't complain about your proficiency.
Thank you.
Good morning.
Everyone seems busy today too.
Now that the new recruit training has ended, we have staff transfers
as well as a cross-industry symposium and compliance training.
We have more work every year, so I wish you'd do something.
I know how you feel.
Would you please circulate this to every department?
What's this?
Overtime has been increasing
so it's an official memorandum from the top
to strictly comply with our company policy for working hours.
This could be a problem, especially for sales and construction.
It's the task of personnel to manage it.
Please go around to each manager
and advise them to ensure their subordinates
work efficiently to minimise overheads and expenses.
Then, I think you should do it.
No, no, no... they're more likely to heed a woman's soft approach.
Say...
Take Kitano along too.
With her convincing style and that face, who could refuse?
You're a great team.
Kitano, this...
Please circulate this to each department.
What is it now?
Why is working overtime bad?
Sometimes working overtime produces better results.
This is what the top wants.
Not everything the top decides is always for the best.
No, it's because...
Good questions, as always.
Why don't we say we're doing this
for our employees' well-being and for the working environment.
If staff can't say no to overtime,
the working environment will become oppressive and staff may get in.
I see now. No problem.
Boy, oh boy...
he always gives me the dirty jobs.
Then why don't you simply refuse and tell him he should do it?
I can't do that because he's my superior.
Yes, but if you think he's wrong--
Look, as I've already told you,
you can't just go around saying whatever you want in a company.
Will you ever grow up?
If you don't, you'll live to regret it.
There's not a single person in the world like you!
Hey... h-hey!
Are you listening?
Sorry.
A colleague told me the same thing a year ago.
So, isn't it about time?
Except...
I want to do what only I can do.
For Pete's sake.
We're here so watch what you say, okay?
Yes.
"Overtime Memorandum"
Please be sure that no one does more than 45 hours overtime per month.
- Will you see to it for us? - Yes.
I understand completely.
I'm learning a lot.
So, I'd be grateful if you would kindly review it.
Yes? Thank you very much. Good-bye.
Did you see the memorandum?
Sakura, long time. How are things?
You seem to be well too, Aoi.
Except, I think it'd be better if you lowered your voice.
Speaking your mind, as always.
Still sad about not getting public works.
Are you still aiming to become CEO?
Of course.
We don't work much overtime, so no problem.
I see.
Don't misunderstand.
It's not that we're not busy.
We have to scan all the newspapers.
There aren't many ladies' toilets on job sites either.
Talking about construction being a man's world.
What are you doing?
It's the job of personnel to manage labour issues so I'll make a report.
Seems like work is all you think about but
you're not going to spend your life working here, are you?
Of course I am.
You're the same, aren't you?
Tell me...
don't you think about getting married?
Tsukimura,
bring some coffee, would you?
Of course.
The fact is they only give us women menial jobs in any case.
Rentaro, do you have any concerns regarding overtime?
More than that, I just want them to allow me
to draw blueprints instead of shuffling papers all the time.
Keep your chin up.
You'll turn out to be a fine draftsman.
Could this be the design for the Misaki Island bridge?
Yes, that's it.
I haven't heard that for 12 months.
Do you have a complaint?
I think the design could be better.
The colour is also slightly wrong.
Be quiet! They'll hear you.
- Except-- - I told them too,
but they won't listen cause I'm still new.
Did you read the memo?
You surprised me!
Sakura, long time no see.
You seem busy, Kikuo.
Yeah...
I'm getting preferential treatment.
I'm in charge of this library project so
I liaise between design and the subcontractor.
I also meet local residents so I have a lot to do.
Hey, Kikuo!
Yes.
This is my colleague...
Hey...
you're the upstart from earlier.
What are you doing here?
I'm here to ask you to stop needless overtime.
Mr Kuwahara,
I'm Hino from personnel.
Please try to ensure
your staff keep overtime to less than 45 hours per month.
You know that's absurd!
Working in sales is a 24 hour job.
I understand but this is company policy.
Is this all you people in personnel do?
You got a problem?
Not at all.
We only want your cooperation.
Kitano...
- Hey, Kikuo! - Yes.
Did you finish your resume for the clients?
Sorry, I'm nearly done.
Hurry up and finish it, you twit!
We got to make it by the deadline.
I'm sorry.
"Management by Female Managers"
Time to go home, everyone.
We can't work overtime while telling everyone else not to work overtime.
See you tomorrow.
Good-bye. See you tomorrow.
Bye.
Good job today.
Good evening.
Hold up. What's the matter?
I was thinking of walking the office and telling everyone to go home.
Absolutely not.
If you did that, we'd all be scorned.
Besides, that would be overtime too.
If there's work to be done, I'm happy to do it.
Not everyone here is like you.
There's people here like me who have to go and get their kids.
I see.
Of course.
- Good night. - Do you know who I am?
I'll get back to you if something else turns up.
Yes, sure. Good-bye.
Hey, Kikuo...
Yes.
You often go to the library job site, right?
Yes. The workers all know me on a first name basis.
Then, go and tell them they need to advance their schedule by a month.
But... it's already a tight schedule.
Then tell them that next time, we'll get another subcontractor.
There's plenty about.
Please wait a minute.
They'll take that as a threat.
If we worry about subcontractors,
we won't survive as a general contractor now, would we, you twit!
Sorry.
Look...
If I'm being hard on you,
it's out of love for a fellow alumni.
Got it?
Yes.
Please...
what's the meaning of this absurdity!
Don't take us for fools!
Of course not.
Kuwahara underbid the client, didn't he?
He's always sucking up to clients.
Sorry.
In any case, it's impossible.
Can't you tell him to reconsider, Kikuo?
I understand. I'll figure something out.
"Mr Kuwahara"
A bill repealing limitations for murders...
Welcome.
Was passed...
This means that there will.“...
Huh?
Currently, old cases that are still open...
Everyone's here.
After Sakura showed us, we've all been coming here.
She makes anything you want too.
Do you have chilled miso soup?
If that's what you want.
This feels so good.
- You look exhausted, Kikuo. - Huh?
Nah, I'm fine... hardly any overtime today.
Actually, I know you're under a lot of pressure.
Everyone knows Kuwahara sucks up to the executives, but
- he is tough on his staff. - Not at all.
A lot of people have quit because of him.
He's got a bad rap in design too,
always asking us to change designs on no notice.
Why does the board continue to put up with him?
Because he's the best salesman by a long shot.
In the end, it's all about numbers, not his personality.
Nothing worse for a salaryman than to work under a tyrannical boss.
I think that compared to you, we all got lucky.
No...that's not true.
Mr Kuwahara is an alumni, he really looks out for me.
Once he decides something, he's unstoppable no matter who it is.
- Here you are. - Wow.
Which is why you can't go on working like this.
You're taking it all too seriously, Kikuo.
Just nod your head then take it easy.
Like you?
Hey now, that's rude!
You're being quiet, Sakura.
Have you anything to add?
Well, it's time for me to go.
You're leaving?
I'm sorry.
I'm walking home today too.
Thank you for the meal.
She hasn't changed a bit.
Well, see you tomorrow.
Granddad,
it turns out the boss of my colleague is really awful.
When I caught up with him today,
it seems his manager is causing him so much stress.
If this goes on, there's no way he'll be able to do a good job.
Good night.
"Sumida-ku, Tokyo..."
"Dear Granddad..."
"Personnel Department"
Mr Kurokawa...
would you please check these overtime reports?
How is it? Steadily improving?
Sales division hasn't changed at all.
The second and third year staff actually worked longer.
This Kikuo Shimizu's hours are crazy.
"Overtime hours - 94:50" Does he get any sleep at all?
Go and show these figures to sales and tell them
they need to remedy this without delay, will you?
That's most definitely your job.
I'm no good with that Kuwahara.
He's so obstinate. I can't get through to him at all.
It's the same with me.
Anyway, I've got a meeting with welfare.
Is that right?
Shall I go?
Are you sure?
Yes. It's my job.
That's the spirit. Right, I'll leave it to you.
I understand.
Please...
don't say anything weird.
Okay.
"Sales Division"
Kikuo, what's the meaning of this?
Why didn't you lay it on the line
and tell them to hurry up?
Well...
They're already doing their best.
Can't we...
go to the client...
and ask them to stick to the original schedule?
Don't make me laugh.
Good work takes time--
Everybody knows that, you twit!
Good job in less time is the sign of a true professional.
Sorry.
So, go and tell them to speed it up.
Let me be clear.
Don't bother returning until they agree.
Got it.
What? You again!
Will you allow Kikuo to go home on time today?
Huh? What are you babbling about?
We asked everyone to reduce overtime but your division has not improved.
I'd be grateful if you would reduce overtime.
How do you expect us to adhere to this?
Sales has its own way of doing things.
This is company policy so would you explain that to the CEO
and director of sales?
You brazen little girl!
Look here,
don't tell me what to do!
I can't comply.
It's the role of personnel to create an environment
where everyone can excel.
How dare you lecture me!
Hey Kurokawa!
What are you telling your people?
What do you mean?
That girl is complaining to me about my methods
when she knows nothing about sales at all.
I knew he shouldn't have sent her.
Kitano, that was wrong of you.
I only relayed what you told me to tell him.
Yes, but it's how you go about it.
Sorry, Kuwahara.
This one's a stickler for the rules.
I'll reprimand her.
Well...
did you hear that?
What's with that face?
I know... so even if it's only a token amount,
please try to cut down on overtime?
Look, I know how hard it is but I have to uphold company policy.
We were colleagues so you know what it's like.
I'm envious of personnel.
Just sit at your desk every day and do what the top tells you.
When they tell me to improve the numbers and get results,
I'm running all over the place rain, hail or shine.
Kitano, what did I tell you?
Whatever the truth, sales always look down on personnel.
Why is that? We're all colleagues working together.
It's because admin doesn't produce anything.
Sales believe they're supporting people like us.
More to the point, Kuwahara is cranky, so don't go near him again.
Don't bother sales anymore! Got it?
Yes.
"Message"
You have one message.
How are you, bro?
Thanks for the money you sent.
Everyone is thinking of you working so hard
for the big company in Tokyo.
See you later.
"Humanity, Justice, Loyalty, Piety" "82nd Cheer Squad Kikuo Shimizu"
"Home"
"Incoming call Mr Kuwahara"
Hello, thank you for today.
Kikuo, get over here now.
The director I'm entertaining is a senior alumni.
You need to show your face.
Yes, except...
it's late--
Stop complaining and get over here, you twit!
Yes.
Please consider us for your new office tower, director...
Ah...sir!
Alright, alright.
Don't just sit there!
Fill his glass!
- I'm sorry, sorry. - Ah, thanks.
This fellow here was on the cheering squad.
Now I'm showing him the ropes.
Yes! Thank you!
Say director, let's have a round of golf.
Great idea.
I won't lose this time.
You come too, Kikuo.
Ah... I don't have any clubs.
Not to worry.
I have extra clubs.
To thank me, we'll need a lift so you drive the car.
Sorry... I don't have my licence.
So go and get licenced!
Sorry.
At very least, liven things up, why don't you?
Say, sing our university song?
- Good idea. - I'd like to hear it.
Hurry up!
Yes!
Are you okay?
You look exhausted.
I'm perfectly well.
You've hardly eaten a morsel.
I drank too much last night.
You've got a good appetite.
To do a good job, you need energy.
I'd better get going.
Will you be working... late again tonight?
No, I don't think so. See you.
Work's done, so I'll head straight over.
Yeah, thanks.
Something wrong?
Waiting for your date?
No.
I'm going to stop Kikuo from working overtime.
Huh? Then just go to him.
My manager told me not to go there again so I decided to wait here.
Hurry up and get a taxi.
Sorry.
- Hey Kikuo... - Yes
- we're short on numbers. - Ah, yes.
I don't think it's wise to confront Kuwahara again.
It's my job.
Kikuo...
working late again?
Please don't.
Your hours are too long.
Hey!
You were told to stay away.
Who do you think you are?
I'm Kikuo's colleague, Sakura.
- Sakura Kitano. - Get out of here...
you little pipsqueak.
Mind your own business.
If you force Kikuo to work long hours and he dies
from overwork, your management will come into question.
Are you prepared for that?
- Sakura... - Huh?
Besides, the letter "busy" is written as "losing your heart".
Working to the point of exhaustion
makes you feel lost and affects performance.
Research confirms you don't need to work long hours to perform.
- How dare you! - Sir,
she's a little strange.
She doesn't know her place.
It was you at last year's initiation, wasn't it...
the one who griped to the CEO.
It was my opinion, not a gripe.
If you keep that kind of thing up, you'll be fired for sure.
Instead of worrying about others, how about growing up first?
Let's go, Kikuo.
Yes.
I have a dream.
To build a bridge, to my home island.
So what?
I have a dream.
To make trusting friends that last a lifetime.
I have a dream.
Work with my friends to...
build structures that bring happiness to many.
I'll never compromise my dreams.
Should Kikuo become ill and have to resign,
I could never forgive myself.
Talking about a pain in the neck!
Hey, Kikuo!
So what's it to be?
Are you coming with me or are you going to listen to that pipsqueak?
Sakura...
I'll be alright.
After all, I was in the cheering squad.
In addition...
unlike you...
he's my senior alumni. If he abandons me...
it'll be over for me.
Mr Kuwahara's the reason...
the company hired me.
Sorry.
You've got to put her in her place.
We're late now, thanks to you.
Sorry.
That's why you shouldn't have bothered.
He's bad but it's partly Kikuo's fault too.
He needs to look out for himself, like me.
Granddad,
my colleague is under pressure but I can't do anything to help.
If I grow up...
as everyone says...
do you think
it'll help me find a way to help him?
Except, I'm not sure if I even know what it means...
to be an adult.
Also, I miss your croquettes.
"Incoming..."
"Receiving"
"Being an adult means..."
"..knowing your weaknesses..."
"..maybe...I'm not sure."
Hello...
Ah sorry, it's Sumire.
What is it?
It's about Kikuo Shimizu.
He had a breakdown.
Sakura...?
Kikuo, are you alright?
Yeah.
What are you doing here?
Sorry...
I was reading the design plans for the library you're in charge of.
Actually...
it's good.
It's very good.
The Scandinavian design makes for an unusual exterior but
the interior is calming.
It's walled in glass and yet...
the design means the sunlight doesn't hit the books.
There's good access to shelves,
carefully planned open spaces,
and gentle slopes for children and elderly.
The whole concept exudes the designers' desire
to make a relaxing space for visitors.
I see you're still...
passionate about buildings.
Yes.
You're the same, aren't you?
Sakura...
is your job hard?
Why do you ask?
It's because...
you want to build a bridge to your island...
so you wanted public works but...
you were sent to personnel instead.
Looking back...
I'm happy I was posted to personnel.
How come?
I only know this now, but it's because personnel works
across all divisions.
And that all divisions...
help to support the company.
Public Affairs work hard all day to promote the company
and improve the company's image.
Through a repeated process of trial and error,
design creates wonderful plans from nothing more than ideas.
In order to realise cities and towns for people to live happily,
Urban Development meets repeatedly with governments and the public.
The people in Sales have a hard job forging connections
with our customers.
Personnel is always thinking about
employees' well-being and a better work environment
which will lead to improved performance, even if only a bit.
As a company, working together, we build buildings.
"Tachikawa City New Library Project Basic Design Proposal"
Sakura, you're amazing.
Compared to you...
what am I?
I haven't been...
sleeping much of late.
In the morning...
I dread going to work.
Kuwahara yells at me all day long...
for a time, I thought I'd to quit.
But I have to support my family,
so I couldn't.
At some point...
I forgot why I was working.
I also said ...
I want build a house...
for my family one day.
But it's impossible now.
Why is this happening to me?
All I ever wanted...
was to be in team and support...
those in the front lines.
Sakura...
tell me...
what should I do?
Let me see...
I don't know.
Well, see you tomorrow.
You're leaving?
Sorry.
I've nothing helpful to say.
Except...
maybe just now...
you took a step to becoming an adult.
How?
My Granddad told me...
being an adult means admitting your weaknesses.
I'm not sure...
if that helps or not.
One more thing...
I think...
your desire to support your workmates is...
wonderful.
So much so I hope you can hold onto that desire forever.
However...
the person that most needs your support now...
I think is you.
Hit your backside...
as hard as you can.
The only person that...
can do that is you.
"Hanamura Construction"
This is bad.
This is really bad.
Sorry, going up.
Good morning.
Morning.
Taking photos of buildings again?
Yes, would you like to see?
Not really.
I heard Kikuo had a breakdown.
Yes.
How is he?
The doctor said he'd recover after a night's rest.
It's from Kikuo.
"I'm going to face up to Mr Kuwahara"
Has he lost his mind?
You're not going to Sales, are you?
Don't do it.
You'll only make things worse.
Kuwahara told you to stay away.
Speaking of which, why are we tagging along?
We're all concerned for Kikuo.
No, it's because you want to see it unfold.
And you don't?
Kikuo...
What are you doing?
We could ask you the same.
Could it be you're afraid?
- Ah... no. - Just as I thought.
What are doing, you twit?
Don't make me repeat myself!
No client will accept this, you blockhead!
What in hell is wrong with you?
Actually...
can I ask you a favour?
What is it?
You told me earlier...
to slap my backside...
but it's just no good.
Would you do it for me?
I see.
It brought tears.
You're very strong.
Sorry.
Somehow...
it's given me courage.
You want to make a bet? 1,000 yen that Kikuo loses?
We can't both bet on the same thing.
Quit it, both of you.
Umm, Mr Kuwahara...
Oh, Kikuo, feeling better?
Yes, thank you.
Take it easy for a while...
no need to work late.
- Thank you. - Now...
go to the library site
and convince them to bring the schedule forward.
The client has got me under the gun.
Besides...
they're more likely to have pity since you've just had a breakdown.
- Yes, except... - If that doesn't work,
then get on your knees and apologise!
Hurry up and go.
No.
What did you say?
I...
I won't do what you ask.
Have you lost your mind?
When I...
first met Sakura,
I thought she was like me.
Hard working,
and looking out for others.
However...
I realised I was wrong.
Sakura...
She has passion and a clear purpose in her work here.
But I had none of that.
I wanted to support everyone.
But actually...
I'm indecisive.
I don't have the courage to speak my mind to others.
But the biggest difference between Sakura and me...
is that fact I'm not...
facing the challenges of my job.
This library project...
I'm indifferent to it.
While that should be the most important thing.
So just like Sakura,
I want to do the job
that's before me in my own way.
I don't want to be forced.
I want to do it how I think it should be done.
Do you realise...
the consequences of what you're saying?
I could crush you... like a bug.
Sir, you have a call.
Shut up and take a message!
It's from the library site.
A water main has burst.
What?
I'll go.
It's my project.
Kikuo, that took courage.
I knew you could do it.
I never doubted you.
You two are unbelievable.
Thank you, everyone.
Sakura...
catch you later.
I'll go too.
You better not.
This isn't a kid's show.
She's right. It's Kikuo's project.
We have our own work to do.
This is bad.
This is really bad.
Hurry!
There, there.
Kikuo!
Sakura! What is it?
It's lunch time...
so I brought you some food.
This is insanely delicious.
It's great you could stop the water so quickly.
It's thanks to Kikuo's help.
That's right.
I suppose we could try to...
bring the schedule forward for Kikuo's sake.
Let's do it.
Let's give it our best.
Everyone...
thank you very much.
But...
I want you all to put the quality of your work first.
No matter how small,
I'm prepared to help.
Please remember that.
Kikuo...
I'll continue to support you.
Because I think you will be a much stronger person than me.
Thanks.
Seeing you smile like that gives me strength.
By any chance, is she your girlfriend?
No, she's not.
Sakura is my colleague.
Say, let's take a photo.
Here we go.
Hurry.
Say "colleagues".
Sakura...
that time you slapped my backside...
it really hurt.
"Sakura Kitano"
But thanks to you...
I feel as though I discovered my calling in life.
I'd love to tell you about it.
So please get better and wake up...
Sakura!
Granddad,
thanks for your fax.
Thanks to your advice, my colleague was able to mature.
I'll keep trying too...
like him.
Sorry I'm late.
Taking building photos again?
Give me a break.
Let it go.
The hours being worked by Sales have come down.
Hey Kitano...
would you make copies of the list of staff transfers?
Yes.
Regrettably, you didn't get posted to public works.
I see.
However, I've got good news and bad news.
Which will you hear first?
I think your mind's made up.
The good news is Kuwahara's being transferred from Sales.
So Kikuo won't have to worry about him anymore.
And the bad news?
Kuwahara's new post is...
director of public works.
Good morning.
I heard...
about your dream of building a bridge to your island home.
Yes.
I'm telling you now.
You'll never come to public works as long as I'm alive.
Too bad.
There's something I forgot to tell you.
I think your cologne is a bit too strong.
What?
It may cause discomfort to people around you so...
Just in case.
Is it true you're getting married?
Is that your dream?
Shut up about your dreams!
You think you need dreams to live?
What exactly are friends for life?
You make me sick.
Argh!
If you don't shut up, I'll drop you over.