Original subtitles

It's been my dream to work here at Sangyo Chuo Bank.

However, we're not the only bank around, are we?

No, but

it has to be this bank.

My family runs a small business.

When I was in middle school,

our client company went bankrupt, and

my family's company was on the verge of bankruptcy too.

The scene of my father begging and pleading,

saying, "I'll figure out a way, I'll figure out a way,"

is still etched in my mind.

A few days later,

my father collapsed from exhaustion and passed away.

After my father's death, our local main bank

wasted no time withdrawing their loan, and

tormented my mother and employees.

At that time, the one who saved us

was the bank with whom we only had a casual business relationship,

the Sangyo Chuo Bank.

Your bank foresaw the potential of my father's industrial parts

and saved us by giving us a loan.

My mother took over my father's factory, and

she has been managing to keep it in operation to this day.

That is the reason I want to join your bank

and repay that debt.

I see. This concludes the interview.

If you don't hear from us by midnight tomorrow,

please understand that it wasn't meant to be.

I understand.

Sangyo Chuo Bank Job Interview Testing Center

Next person please.

1992 Sangyo Chuo Bank Initiation Ceremony

Just as I thought.

I knew you'd be hired.

I'm Tomari Shinobu.

You guys are athletes from Keio, right?

Same here. Economics at Keio.

I'm Kondo Naosuke with the kendo team.

You're Hanzawa Naoki, right?

I remember you from the interview. Pleased to meet you.

You too.

Incidentally,

I'm hoping to get into Project Finance.

Keio University, Department of Economics Tomari Shinobu

Now that I'm a banker,

I'd like to move billions of yen and

get involved in big projects that would have an impact on the future.

What about you?

Keio University, Business School Kendo Team Kondo Naosuke

As long as I can serve the society as a banker.

it doesn't matter where I go.

Wow, that's admirable. How about you, Hanzawa?

Where do you want to go?

I'm going to climb higher.

After getting to the top,

there's something I have to do.

The present Tokyo Chuo Bank, Osaka Nishi Branch Office

Do you realize? That's 500 million. 500 million!

Hanzawa, we incurred the loss because of you.

What's that look for?

Don't just stand there. Get down on your knees and apologize!

Hurry up and apologize!

That's not what you said.

- That time, you said all... - Forget it.

Now is not the time to be shifting the blame on each other.

I'll get down on my knees all you want if that will make you happy.

However, I believe our first priority is to get to the bottom of the situation

and recover the 500 million as soon as possible.

- Are you getting defiant on us? - You're absolutely right, Chief Hanzawa.

Please do whatever you can to recover the 500 million.

If you can't...

After the collapse of the bubble economy,

Sangyo Chuo Bank was left with massive bad loans (2.9 trillion yen).

In order to survive, they merged with Tokyo Daiichi Bank in 2002.

As a result, the No. 3 mega-bank in the world,

Tokyo Chuo Bank was born.

In the Kansai area, there are

approximately 50 branch offices.

Among those, this Osaka Nishi Branch Office,

along with Osaka Main Branch, Namba Branch, and Semba Branch,

is one of the Big 4 Branch Offices.

Now, 2 years after Hanzawa Naoki's

arrival, Osaka Nishi Branch was about to

face its most dire predicament to date.

3 months before the 500-million yen loan mishap

Ibata Kogyo, one of our major customers, went bankrupt, and

figuring it was a matter of time for us as well,

Osaka, Fukushima Ward Makino Seiki

our main bank, Kansai City, suddenly refused to finance us.

It's not so bad if that's all.

Even the 50 million we borrowed last time was seized from our account.

At this rate, it's certain that we'll issue a bad check this month.

- Please, please, help us out. - President Makino.

This endoscope socket.

- Have you applied for a patent? - Yes.

Here it is.

Yes. This is it.

The Patent Office approved it yesterday.

Please let me take a look at the manufacturing site.

Go ahead.

Most of the work is done by hand, isn't it?

This is where we make prototypes.

Once we get a big order, we'll put some of it on the assembly line.

But if you're making each one meticulously by hand,

the labor cost is enormous.

I'm making it a point to do it this way.

With our products, the sensory perception you can't get

without touching, seeing, and hearing the sound is what's important.

Makino-san, if I told you we'll give you a loan if you automate production,

what would you do?

Well...

I'll just have to look for another bank.

This is my policy.

That's one thing I won't compromise!

Is this a titanium engine valve?

Yes.

We made it specially for an overseas F-1 team.

They wanted one that was as strong and light as possible.

I see.

I've never seen a skill to cut titanium with such precision by hand.

You have wonderful skilled workers here.

There's a limit as to what computers can do.

Please cherish that policy of yours.

Then...

As a banker, I can't make any promises right now.

Until the request is approved.

However, I will do my best.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

However, I have one condition.

This patent is much too lax.

The substance nomenclature and use are too restrictive.

With a minor change, the same effect can be easily stolen.

Let's get this revised immediately.

Thank you.

A 30 million yen loan to Makino Seiki?

Tokyo Chuo Bank Osaka Nishi Branch Regular Meeting

Yes.

It's a matter of time before they go under.

Are you planning to pour 30 million down the drain?

No. I disagree.

These people developed a titanium endoscope socket with their uncommon skills.

That would greatly reduce the burden on patients.

The production of ultra light endoscope camera is also possible.

They've already acquired the patent for it.

Makino Seiki will turn things around in the near future.

You don't get it, do you? We don't care about the future.

There's only 1 week left until end of the term. 1 week.

In order to reach the sales target of 10 billion yen established by Headquarters,

we're still short 500 million. A measly loan of 30 million

- is just a drop in the bucket! - Measly?

That's just a self-serving rationale on the evil bank's part.

To the party getting the loan, it's a matter of survival...

Hanzawa-kun.

In my opinion, we've come this close to the target amount

thanks in large part to your effort as the Loan Section Chief.

That's precisely why we need your help to make this last push.

If we can reach the sales target of 10 billion yen,

our Osaka Nishi Branch will be sure to capture

the prestigious crown as the Best Branch.

We can then live up to our reputation as the top branch in Kansai.

It will have a great impact on the assessment of all the employees working here as well.

In order to do that, we need another 500 million in sales.

Am I wrong?

Nishi Osaka Steel

just happens to have a need for a large amount of cash.

Go talk to them and finalize the deal.

Did you actually see President Higashida?

- Yes. - No matter how many times

- we went, he wouldn't see us. - Is that right?

- That wasn't the case with me. - Manager.

Forgive me for underestimating your abilities.

I think we can put Nakanishi-kun in charge now.

Manager, this is only Nakanishi's second year.

- Don't you think it's too much for him? - I don't think so.

To the contrary, a major first-class company like that

Loan Section

Kakuta

Kakiuchi

Nakanishi

will be a better learning experience for him than a small business.

Chief Hanzawa, please back him up.

It's part of your job to nurture your subordinates too.

Nishi Osaka Steel

Excuse me.

We're from Tokyo Chuo Bank. Is President Higashida...

Park there. The office is to the left there.

We've been waiting 20 minutes already.

Thank you for waiting. Please follow me to the President's office.

I'm Hanzawa with Tokyo Chuo Bank.

Nishi Osaka Steel President Higashida Mitsuru

I'm Nakanishi. Pleased to meet you.

Bankers' business cards. All they do is pile up.

So, what do you want today?

Well, our branch manager...uh...

We heard from our Manager Asano that you may be interested in getting a loan.

Ah, you mean the operating capital.

He insisted so I just said I'll listen to what you guys have to say.

I haven't decided yet.

We've been dealing exclusively with our main bank, Kansai City Bank.

If you suddenly want to do business with us,

you gotta show me some good faith.

If you don't mind, please tell us. How much do you need?

- I'd say about 500 or 600 million. - 600 million...

Please, sir. That operating capital, let us...

By all means, won't you let us review it?

Did you say review?

Don't be ridiculous.

You guys are the one who insisted on giving me the loan.

And now you say review?

If that's the way you feel, I'll just take my business to Kansai City.

You're okay with that, right?

Please let us review it.

Why didn't you get the loan?

I can't possibly see Nishi Osaka Steel's corporate culture as that of a blue-chip firm.

What do you mean?

President Higashida was completely unapproachable until now.

Isn't there a reason why he volunteered information about

his capital requirements all of a sudden?

- Let me check this out a little further. - There's no need for that.

Earlier, I talked to President Higashida directly

and told him we're proceeding with the loan.

It's a 500 million, 5-year, fixed rate, unsecured loan.

Nakanishi-kun, you're coming with me to get the necessary paperwork.

Please submit the request for approval by tomorrow morning.

Wait a minute.

- By tomorrow morning is impossible... - We don't have much time left.

Whether we can be the best branch or not depends on

whether this loan goes through or not.

This is the turning point for our branch.

Nakanishi, you can do it, can't you?

Yes...

I'll have them get the car ready. Nakanishi, get ready.

You can't come home? What do you mean you can't come home?

I can't dump everything on Nakanishi and go home first, can I?

Sure you can. Today's our wedding anniversary.

Make them give you special treatment.

Don't be unreasonable.

Do you know how hard it was to get a reservation at that restaurant?

Hanzawa's wife, Hana

Sorry. I'm really sorry.

It's not your fault at all.

That's why it pisses me off even more.

That request document or whatever,

why don't you have that manager who wants the credit write it himself?

I already took Takahiro to my aunt's.

It'd be too humiliating to go pick him up now.

I'm sorry.

I promise I'll make it up to you soon.

When's soon? It better be before our next anniversary.

Hello?

Hana-chan.

Here.

- How's it coming along? - I still have a ways to go.

I'm sorry. I'm making you stay too.

Don't worry about it. I'll get to catch up on my other work.

Thanks for the drink.

You really don't want to take over the factory?

You don't want to make these little screws, huh?

No.

But you know, Naoki...

this small, light, yet strong screw

is what's supporting Japan.

It is?

Yeah, it is.

You may not understand it now, but

there will surely come a time when you will.

Listen, Naoki.

You can do whatever you want.

But

remember, the most thing is people to people relationship.

You can't work like a robot, you hear?

Don't ever forget that.

"Pre-Lending Agreement"

Just as I thought, it's too soft.

We had the inexperienced Nakanishi

write it up in just one night. I guess it can't be helped.

How is it?

Yeah, you did well.

I'll go over it so bring me all the documents you got from them.

Hey, we're starting the meeting.

I'll be right there.

Nakanishi, leave it right here.

After that's done, go get some rest in the back.

Thank you.

Neither the manager nor the assistant manager can attend today due to other business.

They said to proceed by ourselves.

Business?

Apparently, they had some business to attend to first thing in the morning.

Excuse me.

Is something the matter?

That request for approval hasn't been reviewed yet.

You're too late. Manager told you first thing in the morning.

- Can you return it to me once? - We just sent it electronically to Headquarters.

I'll go talk it over with the Loan Department then. I told you

was an urgent request for approval.

Don't worry. I reviewed it and determined that there was no problem.

- However... - I...!

will take all responsibility, I said.

Hanzawa-kun.

For the sake of all the employees of Osaka Nishi Branch too,

please ensure that this request is approved.

Don't you think that's your duty as the head of the Loan Section?

If you insist that strongly.

Tokyo

Hanzawa-san.

Tokyo Chuo Bank Main Office

This will be a strategic plan that will impact

not only our branch, but all the Kansai branches as well.

A blue-chip firm with annual sales of 5 billion that was unapproachable for years.

Loan Headquarters

We were finally able to make inroads into that Nishi Osaka Steel.

If you can understand that.

However...

Have a seat.

Advisor Kawahara.

There are numerous iron and steel companies in the Osaka-Kobe area.

I beg your pardon, but do you know what our share is?

Associate Advisor in Charge Kawahara Toshio

- Is it about 30 percent? - No.

- It's 5 percent. - 5 percent?

Nishi Osaka Steel's main bank, Kansai City Bank's share is

approximately 40 percent.

It's not an exaggeration to say this is our chance to cut into their stronghold.

If we can take over as their main bank with this loan,

the difference between the two banks will decrease to 20 percent.

20 percent?

Banking on the future prospects, I'd like you to think that it's worth the risk.

Of course, if Headquarters decides it's too risky, we will back out.

I ask you for the right decision.

All right.

Are they here?

- I'll go talk to the top immediately. - Thank you.

I give up.

So, what happened this time.

Whenever you beat up on me, something's happened without fail.

Osaka Main Office Systems Section Kondo Naosuke

Are they making you do something you don't agree with again?

Are you all right?

It's not that big of a deal.

Okay, if you say so.

Oh, that's right. Tomari's coming to Kyoto next week.

He said let's get together for a change.

Anyway, you gotta vent.

Don't hold it in. Otherwise, before you know it...

I know. That's why I called you.

Back then, I should've swung this around mindlessly too.

- Birthday party? - Yeah.

Tokyo Chuo Bank Company Housing

Assistant Manager Ejima's wife's.

I wonder what should I get her.

- How much should I spend? - It doesn't matter, does it?

- It's the thought. - No, it isn't.

Little things like that are what determine your status at company housing.

If I mess up, it could affect your career too.

Status and career have nothing to do with company housing.

They do too. They definitely do.

They still think of me as one of the outsider faction from Tokyo.

Faction...Give me a break, Hana. I get enough of that crap at the bank.

Then buy me a house.

I don't enjoy going to birthday parties either.

But as long as we live in company housing, I have no choice.

Manager Asano bought a house for his wife in Tokyo

and she stayed behind with their children, didn't she?

Ah~. I wish I could've done that too.

Sure, when you're a branch manager, it might be time to buy a house.

Oh really? Then what about Kondo-san who started the same time you did?

I saw Yukiko-san the other day. She looked extremely happy.

I heard he built a lovely home in Kobe.

That's your peer, Kondo-san.

They always go out to a nice restaurant on their wedding anniversary.

That's your peer, Kondo-san.

They always take a trip abroad once a year! That's your peer...

Okay, okay, I got it. I'll try to follow the example of

my peer, Kondo-san! Geez, that guy's amazing.

See, you can be loud too.

Announcement from Accounting. At 17:05, calculations checked.

Thank you very much.

Yes. Yes. All right.

Advisor Kawahara. Thank you for your help.

Hey.

It's been approved.

All right!

The loan to Nishi Osaka Steel

in the full amount of 500 million yen was approved by Headquarters.

The Best Branch Office is Osaka Nishi Branch Office.

Branch Manager Asano Tadasu, Assistant Branch Manager Ejima Hiroshi,

to center stage please.

Chairman Nakanowatari Ken

Congratulations on being selected as the Best Branch Office.

Thank you.

Executive Director Owada Akira

Director Kishikawa Shingo

Now, the road to the executive position is wide open for Manager Asano.

He's an elite who's been at Headquarters,

moreover, in the personnel field, all this time, right?

The only criteria he was lacking to be a director was field experience.

That's probably why he wanted the title of Branch Manager of

the Best Branch Office at all cost, don't you think?

Now Asano-san's all set to return to Headquarters with the next personnel rotation,

Kyoto

and after a year, he's sure to get promoted to an executive post.

Of course, that's if he still has that guy's support in the background.

- That guy? - Director Owada, of course.

Not only is he the most successful guy from old Sangyo Chuo,

he's also the youngest and fastest to climb all the way to the position of Director.

Director Owada and Asano-san are connected by a big fat pipe.

I can imagine how pleased Director Owada is to get the best of

Chairman Nakanowatari and

the folks from the old Tokyo Daiichi this time around.

But rumor has it that most of the credit goes to you

that Osaka Nishi Branch came this far.

- You're guaranteed a post at Headquarters now. - I don't know about that.

Congratulations, Hanzawa-kun. You're another step closer to your dream.

What's that?

You said you're gonna be the chairman. At the entrance ceremony, remember?

I going to aim higher, or something like that.

Please talk to us even when you get up there, Chairman Hanzawa.

You misunderstood. That's not what I meant.

Hey, Hanzawa. When you get up there, don't you be like those idiot supervisors.

In spite of the merger,

old Sangyo Chuo and old Tokyo Daiichi keep dragging each other down.

Unless that kind of outdated structure of factions is eliminated,

- we won't get better in the true sense of the word! - Hey.

- Did I say something weird again? - No.

You're absolutely right.

Bathroom.

He appears to be doing okay.

If only he didn't get that disorder, he had the capability to get ahead.

3 years ago,

Kondo who became the first among his peers to be promoted to Deputy Section Chief

Akiharaba Higashiguchi Branch Office

was put in charge of acquiring new accounts at the new Akihabara Higashiguchi Branch.

T-time deposit, investment trust...

Kondo arrived with fanfare as an extremely capable individual, but

he had trouble getting results and was tormented.

To matters worse, everyone's expectation of him

resulted in the branch manager's ill feelings towards him instead.

The designated products haven't been selling at all!

What about the loan amount?

What the hell is this? I swear, what promising hotshot.

How useless can you be!

In the first place, why are you sitting down when I'm on my feet.

Go on home. It doesn't matter whether you're here or not.

Go. Go on. Go.

Go. Go.

Go. Go. Go on.

Go. Go on.

Go. Go. Go.

Go!

Kondo was diagnosed with stress-related schizophrenia, and

was ordered to take a 6-month leave of absence.

- But he's doing well now, right? - Yeah.

He said it's unlikely he'll ever go back to a managerial position at Headquarters,

and had a house built in Kobe. He's hanging in there.

Oh, I got some personnel news.

Valuable information 3 days before it's announced from my spy in personnel.

You sure like those personnel news.

Of course I do.

Personnel movement's everything at a bank.

Hey, another one of our peers is getting shipped out.

Kyoto Branch, Section Chief Saito.

Kishitani Securities, post of Sales Department Chief.

He's getting loaned out, huh?

Loaned out sounds good, but

but in actuality, he's getting shipped out with a one-way ticket.

He can never come back to the bank again.

If you screw up even once, you get shipped out right away.

That's the reality of working for a bank.

Let's be careful, huh?

2 months later,

what Tomari feared

became a reality for Hanzawa.

Negative balance? The last financial statements forecasted a positive balance of 100 million.

- How can it go red in just 2 months? - I don't know.

I've been trying to call Accounting Section Chief Namino to verify, but I can't reach him.

Credit file.

Were you the one who photocopied these financial statements?

When I asked for the financial statements, this is what they gave me.

Did you see the original?

- Did you see the original of these copies? - No, I didn't.

Window dressing...

That can't be.

Then, that 500-million yen loan...

Let's go.

Window dressing refers to the manipulation by a company of its financial statements

to improve the appearance of its performance or liquidity.

The intent is to raise the stock value, or

mislead the bank in order to borrow money it has no way of paying back.

Oh please, what window dressing?

Then how do you explain this financial deficit?

Well...I'll have to look into it.

I'll look into it.

Please show me your general ledger. I'll add it up.

It's at our accountant's office right now.

I see. Well then, please show me the receipt for your corporate tax.

I'd like to compare it to the copy that was previously provided to us.

Is that at the accountant's office as well?

- Let me meet with the President. - The President is currently out.

- What time will he be back? - I'm not sure.

Nakanishi, bring me change of clothes from my house.

I'm staying until I see him.

- That's absurd. You're distressing me! - We're the ones who are distressed!

Namino-san, you're the Accounting Section Chief, aren't you?

Saying you don't know anything isn't going to cut it.

Is the President there? He has a call from Iida Scrap.

President, President Iida is on line 3.

Hanzawa-san!

Wait a minute. I'm telling you, the President isn't here.

You can't go in there like that!

I thought you were here.

Seeing you guys' face makes me wanna puke. That's why I was hiding.

President, depending on the circumstances, you may have to

return the 500 million we loaned you.

Banks sure are high-handed, huh?

I only got the loan because you guys insisted.

It's a different story if window dressing was involved.

Supposing...supposing, mind you,

for argument's sake, let's say we did window dress.

That would make you guys

a bunch of boneheads who couldn't

even spot that and loaned me the money.

You can leave now.

1 month later,

Nishi Osaka Steel bounced a big check

and went bankrupt almost too easily.

What are the chances of recovering the 500 million?

Both the company building and the residence

have Kansai City's foreclosure notice stuck all over the place.

I'm not sure if there are any other assets in reserve.

What's President Higashida saying?

Ever since his check bounced this morning, his whereabouts is unknown.

The fact that the window dressing was overlooked is at the root of all this.

Exactly.

Why couldn't you spot a simple window dressing like that?

You know very well that we weren't allowed the time to do that, Assistant Manager...

That's just an excuse!

Do you realize? That's 500 million. 500 million!

We incurred the loss because of you.

What's that look for?

Don't just stand there. Get down on your knees and apologize!

Hurry up and apologize!

That's not what you said. At that time, you said you'll take all...

- That time, you said all... - Forget it.

Now is not the time to be shifting the blame on each other.

I'll get down on my knees all you want if that will make you happy.

However, I believe our first priority is to get to the bottom of the situation

and recover the 500 million as soon as possible.

- Are you getting defiant on us? - You're absolutely right, Chief Hanzawa.

Please do whatever you can to recover the 500 million.

If you can't...

Best Branch Office Osaka Nishi Branch Office

A few days later

On July 14th, Osaka Chuo Branch, Namba Branch, Tennoji Branch, and

Osaka Nishi Branch will be having a joint barbecue party.

Company Housing Monthly Tea Party Osaka Nishi Branch Group

The assignment of task is as follows. Loan Section will get the foodstuff...

Assistant Manager Ejima Residence

You're still young, you've got to be more attentive.

Your husband may be one of the more high-ranking managers in here, but

that doesn't mean you're high-ranking.

Besides, if you think about his current situation, you wouldn't dare come late like this.

And so, why were you late?

What's the reason?

I wanted you to have this, so

I went to Minami in the morning to get in line, but it took longer than I expected.

Oh my, it's Soemoncho Roll.

Thank you also for the scarf you gave me for my birthday.

Not at all. Don't mention it.

But I'm sorry.

Ejima's wife Sanae

My husband said it was too somber for me, so

I gave it to Yoshie-san.

You don't mind, do you?

Not at all. Please don't worry about it.

For you too, I set aside one of my spare scarves

meaning to give it to you.

Kakuta's wife Mitsuko

Kakiuchi's wife Yoshie

Look. It's lovely.

What a wonderful choice as always, Sanae-san.

It suits you well, Hana-san.

Your husband will fall in love with you all over again.

Thank you very much.

Speaking of your husband... Loan Section Chief,

is he doing all right?

What does naked mean?

What do they mean you were robbed of 500 million stark naked?

What is this, as soon as I get home.

The assistant manager's wife was concerned and told me all these things.

She asked me if my husband was doing all right.

So, naked refers to

an unsecured loan given by the bank based on just good faith.

It means our bank provided a loan of 500 Nishi Osaka Steel

and they pulled a fast one on us.

- So that's what it means. - Do you really get it?

If that's the case. why do you have to take the responsibility?

No matter how you look at it, it seems to me the problem is Manager Asano.

As things turned out, I'm responsible too since I followed the Manager's order.

Why did you follow such an order? It's not like you to do whatever your boss says.

It's a given that salarymen follow their supervisor's order.

If this loan was successful, I may have had a chance to go back to Headquarters.

You wanted to go back to Tokyo too, right?

- Are you saying it's my fault? - That's not what I'm saying.

The reason you want to get to the top is because of what happened in the past, isn't it?

About your father.

Why do you always clam up when we start talking about this?

I'm going out for a while.

I can't be standing still for something like this.

I just happened to be in Okayama on business. I wasn't planning to come this way, but

I was a little concerned.

- Sorry for causing you concern. - That's okay, Don't worry about it.

More importantly, what are the chances of recovering the 500 million?

To be honest, we still don't know anything.

Whether Higashida has enough hidden assets to pay us back.

Even if we want to ascertain that, Higashida's in hiding

and we don't even know where he is.

Did you really look for him? I mean, seriously.

Hanzawa, look for him even if you have to hire a detective.

Is something going on?

Lately, your Branch Manager Asano's been

in frequent contact with Headquarters.

The other day, he even took the time to make a one-day trip.

Do you know why?

It's to lay the groundwork.

Asano's claiming that you're solely responsible for that loan blunder.

Listen. The cause of this loss

lies in your incompetence as the Loan Section Chief

because you overlooked the window dressing which

naturally would've been spotted under normal circumstances.

That's Asano's story.

That's what he told Director Owada too and he's maneuvering behind the scene.

I hate to say this, but right now, you're the lizard's tail.

At this rate, they're gonna put all the responsibility on you and cut you off.

You've got to recover it, Hanzawa.

You've got to find Higashida and do whatever it takes to

squeeze 500 million out of him.

More than likely, you'll be called to Headquarters within a week.

They call it a hearing, but in reality, it's an inquiry commission.

What's more, the members are all Asano's supporters.

They're planning to force you to admit to the mistake and

make you Asano's scapegoat.

You know what lies ahead, don't you?

One way ticket to no man's land, huh?

The time limit is 1 week at the most.

Before that, do whatever you gotta do to scrape up 500 million!

You got that, Hanzawa?

That's the only way...

I can't survive anymore.

So what you're saying is that the loss of 500 million yen was caused entirely by

this Loan Section Chief Hanzawa who went forward with the loan at his own discretion.

I am extremely inconvenienced by all this as well.

I'm very sorry for causing you much worry.

I'm not that worried. I took you under my wings.

You would never make such a mistake.

I'll leave everything to you.

Thank you. I will deal with it immediately.

Also,

that Best Branch Award.

Some thought it should be forfeited, but

I dodged the issue, so don't worry.

Thank you again.

If you'll excuse me now.

Asano-kun.

Make sure...

he takes full responsibility.

Problems like this can come back to haunt you.

Yes, sir.

Bankers who are loaned out with a one-way ticket,

after about 3 years,

find their salaries cut down to

that of the company they're loaned out to.

They suffer a huge blow financially,

and above all else,

their pride as a banker is torn asunder.

With 1 week left

and no new leads to find Higashida or to recover the 500 million,

Hanzawa was standing at the crossroad of his life.

Kobe, Nada-ku Kondo's new house

I'm home.

Welcome home~. Ho-ney.

Just kidding.

Give me a break. I really thought I came to the wrong house.

I'm not too used to this house either.

I'm sorry. But I really wanted to do that once.

At a lovely house of my own.

I'm so jealous of you, Yukiko-san.

It's so comfy here, I overstayed my welcome before I knew.

- If Hanzawa puts his mind to it, he could... - No way, no way.

He doesn't have that kind of resourcefulness.

If you'd like, come visit us anytime.

It'll keep Yukiko occupied too.

Have you had enough beer already?

I have to be at work earlier tomorrow.

The Manager wants to talk to me about something.

You look kinda happy.

Could it be about a promotion?

- Is it? - I don't know yet.

According to rumors, it could be.

What's this very picture of a happy story.

It's not for sure yet.

I'm so envious I feel a nosebleed coming.

Excuse me while I use your bathroom.

I hope the rumor's true.

I'm sure it is.

You've been working hard ever since you came here.

I owe it all to your support.

I have to make up for the time I lost when I was sick.

I just arrived now.

I told you not to worry. I'm just a little tired.

Are Saori and Reio already...

Sorry, I'll call you back.

What brings you here at this hour?

The boss takes credit for his subordinate's good deed.

The subordinate takes responsibility for his boss's blunder.

When I first joined the bank,

I heard cynical remarks like that all the time.

- What are you trying to say? - Manager Asano.

What are your thoughts on who should be responsible for this loan blunder?

You're quite abrupt.

Naturally, everyone who was involved, including me...

I'm wholly responsible.

That's what I hear you've been telling

Director Owada and other Headquarters personnel.

That's some kind of a mistake. Who's saying that?

I confirmed it with my peers.

Am I

a lizard's tail?

Please answer me.

I'm sorry, Hanzawa-kun.

But someone has to take the blame for this.

But if I do,

the entire Osaka Nishi Branch will be scarred.

Hanzawa-kun. Please endure it now for everyone's sake.

You also said it was for everyone's sake when you ordered me to get the loan approved.

Are you telling me now to get shipped out for everyone's sake?

I promise I'll bring you back in 2 years. You can rest assured.

I've been in the personnel field ever since I joined the bank.

I'm sure I can help you. Trust me. Please.

"I will take all responsibility."

I heard you clearly say that.

Was that a lie?

I don't trust

anything you say.

What do you want me to do then?

You've been talking all this time like you did no wrong, but

the fact is, you couldn't spot the window dressing.

That's unmistakably your responsibility as Loan Section Chief.

How dare you strike back at your superior after causing a 500-million yen loss.

I'm the one who's inconvenienced. Good bye.

Fine.

You'll be happy if I recover the 500 million, right?

Please do so.

I'm looking forward to it, Chief Hanzawa.

If I succeed in getting it back,

at that time,

I expect you to apologize on your knees.

Is that a deal?

If you can do such a thing.

You're pathetic, Hanzawa.

The next day, Hanzawa, while looking for Higashida,

decided to gamble on a ray of hope

and paid a visit to Takeshita Kinzoku, a company that went bankrupt

in a chain reaction due to damage caused by Osaka Steel.

Excuse me. Is anyone here?

Stop!

- Let go! I have no other choice. - Please calm down!

Hanzawa-san! Hanzawa-san!

What is it? At this hour.

- Komada Kogyo went bankrupt. - What?

They probably couldn't raise the money. Their check is sure to bounce tomorrow.

Half of our profit comes from Komada Kogyo, you know.

You said you'll give us new work so we turned down other jobs

and set aside a production line.

It's the same for us too. What are you going to do, Hanzawa-san?

Hanzawa-san, can you make the payment on time?

Don't worry. I'll figure something out. I won't cause any trouble for you.

I'll go talk to the bank tomorrow. I promise,

I won't cause you any trouble.

Please wait. Please!

- I'll go find new customers. Please. - At any rate,

if you can't make the payment by the due date,

this property we have as collateral will be sold.

Please don't do that. Take a look at this please.

This screw is made of resin. It's light, weighs only 1 gram.

It has a safety holding value of 1,470 newtons.

There's no other screw like this. I can get back on my feet with this.

So please.

That's not what we agreed on. You said if I mortgaged the property

you'd continue to finance us. That's what you said!

Please let go.

Please, I beg you. I don't care about us, but

all the related factories and suppliers will go under too. I beg you.

Sangyo Chuo Bank-san, please spare them at least!

Please, I beg you. I beg you!

Hanzawa-san! Are you here?

I'm Ida from Uchimi Credit Union.

I'm here to discuss the plastic screw you were talking about. Hanzawa-san!

- Dad. - Hello.

Someone from Uchimi Credit Union's here. Dad.

Dad...Dad...Dad!

7 years later

- You're working for a bank? - I got an unofficial offer earlier.

Why bank of all places?

Uchimi Credit Union's a respectable bank that saved you and me, right?

I've already decided.

I'm going then. I have a night bus to catch.

Night bus?

Uchimi's headquarters' located in Kanazawa, isn't it?

I'm going to Sangyo Chuo Bank.

Why?

Why are you going to that bank?

Dad might as well have been killed by Sangyo Chuo Bank.

Why did you apply to that bank?

- Did you forget about Dad? - How can I forget?

That's why I'm going.

Are you okay?

Seriously. Why would you, who only stepped in to stop me, faint?

Takeshita Kinzoku Kogyo President Takeshita Kiyohiko

With you like this, I can't die even if I wanted to.

- I'm sorry. - So, who are you?

You got some business with me?

I'm Hanzawa from Tokyo Chuo Bank, Osaka Nishi Branch.

I thought perhaps you might know the whereabouts of President Higashida.

Are you nuts? If I knew that, I would've gone there already and beat him to a pulp.

Yes, I'm sure.

Is that all you want to ask me?

If you're done here, leave and go about your own business.

President Takeshita. We're both victims of Nishi Osaka Steel.

Why don't we join forces and look for Higashida?

You idiot! Don't be ridiculous.

It's true we went bankrupt because of Higashida.

But before that happened, I went to countless banks and pleaded.

I went to your bank too.

But everywhere I went, I was refused at the door.

Banks are just as bad as Higashida!

Get out.

I said get out!

- Grab your stuff and get outta here! - Takeshita-san.

Even if you died,

Higashida won't feel any pain whatsoever.

I'll find that guy no matter what.

I'll make him suffer more pain than what you and I had to endure.

I believe in people's good will, but

if they screw me, I'll screw them back. Double payback.

That's my style

If there's anything I can do, please call me anytime.

How did it go at Takeshita Kinzoku?

At any rate, I'm planning to go check out other places today.

They're Regional Taxation Bureau.

I'm Kurosaki, Supervisor of Investigation Department, Regional Taxation Bureau.

Who's the branch manager?

I'm Asano, the branch manager.

We're conducting an inspection. Your cooperation please.

Assistant Manager, I'm going to let you handle this.

Certainly. First, let me take you upstairs. Please watch your step.

To a bank, there's nothing more bothersome than the Taxation Bureau's inspection.

They burst in without any warning, and

wielding their power of the state, demand massive amount of documents.

Write down the documents we want you to provide.

Savings account Nos. 2622375 through 2622875, and the past year's...

I'm sorry. Can you repeat that please.

Don't make me say it more than once. It's a waste of time.

However, the majority of these inspections is

a front to hide who and what they're really investigating.

Who they're actually investigating

is just one company or individual out of that pool.

- And a copier too. - You can make copies over there.

It's too much trouble going back and forth every time. Just bring it in.

Hey, you guys...

We will be happy to cooperate as long as it doesn't interfere with our normal duties.

That's right. You do have normal duties, don't you?

Then let's bring down the shutters, shall we?

- Be careful with that gay guy Kurosaki. - Do you know something about him?

He's loaned out to the Taxation Bureau now, but

previously, he was an auditor at Financial Services Agency.

- Financial Services Agency? - He's the guy that did the audit

a year ago that drove Daido Bank to bankruptcy.

Some said he went overboard, and

he was sent to the Taxation Bureau until the heat dies down.

So he's got animosity towards banks, huh?

But isn't it odd?

Look at the timing. The accounting period just ended.

In spite of that, they made a move this fast. There must be a reason.

For example,

to investigate a company that went bankrupt.

- You mean Nishi Osaka Steel? - I can't prove it yet, but

there's no way they'll tell us the subject of their investigation.

Isn't there some way we can find out?

Nakanishi.

Go get Matsushita-san from General Affairs.

Where's the copier?

Haven't you guys noticed?!

Hey, where's the copier!

The copier. You're slow as a snail.

- I'm sorry. We're not used to doing this. - Hurry up and bring it in.

Seriously, bankers don't have any physical strength. They're useless.

- This is fine here. - No, let us...

I said this is fine here.

Or do you enjoy peeping?

Well then, we'll leave it here.

Get it in here, quick!

Thank you for your hard work.

I'll leave the clean-up to you.

Ohtsuka.

- Did you erase all the data? - Completely.

Okay. All right, then.

A lot of copiers these days can save data internally.

We have to take precautions.

I bet those guys did this on purpose.

- Chief. - Matsushita-san, please.

I sure hope they didn't find it.

It's still here. They didn't find it.

Laptop.

The data in the machine

is gone, as expected.

We just have to hope the data's still on this external hard drive.

We're counting on you, former technician.

It's here. It's up.

- Bingo. - There's a ray of hope now.

- What does this mean? - Nakanishi.

Normally, Taxation Bureau won't bother investigating a bankrupt company with debts.

Investigating on a large scale like this means...

- I see. - It means there may be

enough money left somewhere that we can get a hold of.

I can never beat you.

It was a good match today.

But it's unusual for you to call me out.

Did something happen?

Naw. I just thought you might be feeling down.

I figured I'd get you fired up a little.

I see.

Thanks to you, I feel energized.

Thanks.

Actually, I just happened to overhear something.

In regards to Nishi Osaka Steel.

- Are you sure? - Yeah.

A vendor I know who used to frequent Nishi Osaka Steel

happened to see him. That guy's sure to be there.

Toritani Zosen

Namino-san. Namino-san~.

Your application for insurance.

I need your signature immediately.

Okay. Can you bring it here?

- Sorry to trouble you. - That's okay.

I finally found you, Namino-san.

I swear, I knew nothing about window dressing. Higashida did it all.

There's no way that you, Nishi Osaka Steel's financial watchdog,

wouldn't know, is there?

May I see the off balance sheet?

- I don't have it. I got rid of everything. - No, I'm sure you still have it.

You never know when President Higashida might turn the table on you.

He's that kind of a guy.

To use it as a trump card if that happened,

you kept the real books with you at all times.

Please show me the books from the past 3 years.

There, are you happy now? Take this and leave.

Where's Higashida now?

I don't know. We haven't been in contact after the company went bankrupt.

I'll change my question then.

Where is Higashida hiding his money?

No way. Why would...

Window dressing wasn't the only thing you folks were doing. Weren't you also evading taxes?

If that's the case, there's a good chance there's money hidden somewhere.

Tell me the whole truth.

- How much and where is the money? - I really don't know.

Come on, give me a break!

I just want to forget about it~.

Quit saying whatever suits you.

Because of you guys, do you realize how many people were driven to the brink...

I won't let you forget that easily!

Tokyo Chuo Bank is planning to file a damage report with the police.

- Police? - If that happens, it won't be just Higashida.

You're an accomplice too.

I swear, I don't know anything in regards to the money.

In regards to the money?

Higashida's probably

with a woman called Miki...

Room 806 of a luxury condo in Maiko.

That's all I know...

Namino-san. Medication?

What did you do to him? He's prone to attacks from his chronic disease.

Listen, Naoki.

You can do whatever you want.

Remember, the most thing is people to people relationship.

You can't work like a robot, you hear?

Don't ever forget that.

I'm a filthy money lender.

- Hello. - Hey, Hanzawa.

Didn't Kondo tell you anything?

But it's unusual for you to call me out.

Did something happen?

Naw.

Kondo!

Yuki-chan.

You guys go on ahead.

Hanzawa, you didn't have to come all the way.

- Why didn't you tell me? - You were going through a tough time too.

I didn't want to give you unnecessary worries.

Which is a lie.

Actually, I couldn't bring myself to tell you. That I was getting shipped out.

I know very well that I won't be returning to the bank anymore.

If you screw up even once in the past, you can't ever recover.

Apparently, that's the way banks operate.

But I'm glad I was able to help you in the end.

Hanzawa. I don't want you to get crushed by this.

You hang in there, Hanzawa.

You too, Kondo.

The train will be leaving. The doors are closing.

I see. So the top folks at HR cut off

Kondo who was carrying a bomb with his disorder. Damn.

You know, Hanzawa.

You can't be just worrying about Kondo.

It sounds like your hearing's coming up in the next couple of days.

How are things going over there?

Maiko, Hyogo Prefecture

I tracked down Higashida's hideout.

I'm staking out at his girlfriend's condo right now.

All right. We can figure something out if you can snag Higashida.

- Don't let him get away. - Yeah.

Fukushima Delivery Service.

Miki-san.

- You're Miki-san, right? - Who are you?

Is President Higashida in your room right now?

Higashida? I don't know.

It's no use playing dumb. I know you and Higashida...

Higashida.

Higashida-san.

I'll be right back. Bring the car back around.

- Well, well, if it isn't Tokyo Chuo Bank's - Hanzawa.

President Higashida. Please pay back the 500 million we loaned you immediately.

That's asking for the impossible.

You're well aware that the company went bankrupt, aren't you?

- Wasn't it your intent from the start to deceive... - That's not a very nice thing to say.

Your bank begged me to get a loan, so

- so I got a loan as a favor to them. - At any rate,

please come to the bank with me.

I refuse.

You bastard!

Hey, you ever heard this saying?

"Banks lend an umbrella on a clear day,"

"and take it away on a rainy day."

You guys make money by taking money from the weak.

Who are you to act so righteous!

Try saying something!

Please come with me.

Miki, let's go. Taxi! Come, hurry.

Quit messing around with that pocket change. Hurry!

Move it.

I'm sorry. We lost them.

They probably won't go back to that condo anymore.

This banker...sure is an eyesore.

"Banks lend an umbrella on a clear day,"

"and take it away on a rainy day."

Hello.

This is Nakanishi. We just got the call.

Tomorrow at 9:00 am at the Main Branch Conference Room,

the hearing investigation will be held.

All right.

Is this the end of the road for me?

Here, wear this.

Naoki's fighting tie.

- This one will do for today. - Oh, come on.

Just take it with you.

There.

We're having all you can eat homemade gyoza tonight.

Don't drown your disgust in alcohol and come straight home.

- What about the gyoza skins? - Homemade, of course.

I'm off then.

I'll see you later.

They're going all out.

Taking the trouble to reserve

the conference room at the Main Branch with its undisguised air of intimidation.

According to our investigation, Chief Hanzawa

hardly looked at the document that you prepared,

and forwarded it on to the Loan Department. Is that true?

Uh...no, that's...

Nakanishi-kun, right?

Your desire to cover up for your superior is admirable, however,

depending on your answer, the way we deal with you will change.

Answer carefully, now.

Listen, Hanzawa. Don't say more than you have to.

Even if it's not the truth,

just say "Yes," "I'm sorry." Other than that, don't say anything.

If this is a losing battle anyway, damage control is all we can do.

This guy Ogiso from HR who's in charge of this hearing

is the sly old fox who drove Kondo until he got sick.

If you make lame excuses and add fuel to fire,

you'll be following Kondo's footsteps.

In this situation, it's smarter to quietly let it go.

If everything goes well, you can start over. Okay?

Start over?

Start what over?

You guys make money by taking money from the weak.

Who are you to act so righteous!

Banks are just as bad as Higashida!

Remember, the most thing is people to people relationship.

Don't work like a robot, you hear?

Okay.

Dad...

Loan Section Chief Hanzawa, please have a seat.

- Thank you, but this is fine. - Suit yourself.

I'm sure you know, but the reason we asked here today

is in regards to the loan you made to Nishi Osaka Steel.

According to your report, the loss of 500 million was due to

the fact that the company's financial statements were being window dressed.

However, in our opinion,

the fact that the window dressing was overlooked in the early stage

is a far bigger problem.

Please tell us why such an oversight occurred.

I was told it was an urgent request. Therefore, I did not have enough time to examine it.

You mean you sent it up without examining it carefully?

Current Deputy Manager, Human Resources Ogiso Tadao

I can't believe you're the Loan Section Chief.

Even if it's not the truth, just say "Yes," "I'm sorry."

Other than that, don't say anything.

In spite of not doing a thorough examination,

I understand you

strongly pressed Advisor Kawahara to approve the loan.

I heard you coerced him.

Because of your irresponsible examination,

we incurred a loss of 500 million.

What's your thought on that?

Don't just stand there. Say something!

First of all, isn't an apology in order?

I

apologize deeply.

Loan Headquarters Sadaoka Takayuki

In regards to this loan,

I'm

I'm partially responsible, and for that, I apologize.

- Partially? - However,

I object to the fact that I alone am being held accountable

for this whole matter.

In regards to that request for approval, I was merely following my superior's order.

The document was snatched away prior to my examination, and

was sent on to Headquarters.

At that time, Manager Asano clearly stated that

he will take all the responsibility.

Are you shifting your responsibility to your manager?

We talked to both Manager Asano and Assistant Manager Ejima beforehand.

Both of them said that was never said.

I'm simply telling you the truth. That was the Manager's agenda item.

You're aware of that too, aren't you?

- What does that mean? - There's no deep meaning.

Manager Asano's former subordinates, Sadaoka-san, Ogiso-san.

You seem to feel no remorse whatsoever.

If being amiable can bring back 500 million, I will do so, but

that's a waste of time.

Can you please quickly end this senseless farce?

Watch your mouth!

You brought disgrace those of us from the old Sangyo Chuo Bank!

The old Sangyo Chuo.

The old Tokyo Daiichi.

That is of no concern to me!

Enough is enough! No matter what, you, the Loan Section Chief, is

- responsible for overlooking the window dressing! - Yes, absolutely.

But by the same token, Headquarters' Examining Division is just as guilty.

- Say what? - I provided the same material to you.

The Loan Department spent 3 days approving the loan,

yet they couldn't spot the window dressing.

That's because you coerced them into it!

Will the Loan Department approve the loan if they're coerced?

In that the case, I'll coerce them every time from now on.

If that's all it takes to get approval, it makes life a lot easier for us.

Our policy is to let the field handle its business.

We respect the field's decision above all else.

That means that the final responsibility lies with the field office.

If that's the case, why do we need you?

What's the use in having a Headquarters Examination Division if it can't be held accountable?

A Loan Department like that is worthless. Do away with it!

Don't be writing everything that suits you, record keeper

Take down what I'm about to say.

I'll recover the 500 million no matter what.

I'd appreciate it if you don't ever interfere again.

Hey, you sure talked big, but can you really collect the 500 million?

You made an enemy of your manager.

What can you do by yourself?

Hanzawa.

Yes, Hanzawa speaking.

This is Takeshita at Tsutenkaku. Do you remember me?

Of course I do. What's going on?

I want to knock the socks off that little shit Higashida too.

I heard you loaned 30 million to Makino Seiki

and saved them, huh?

This is my policy. That's one thing I won't compromise.

Please cherish that policy of yours.

I've known President Makino for a long time. He was real grateful.

He said he's glad you were the one in charge.

I don't trust banks, but

I trust you, Hanzawa-han.

Let's do it.

If they screw you, you gotta screw them back, right?

Absolutely. Double payback.

Yes. Yes. I should be back in Osaka in the afternoon.

I swear, that's so like him.

Hey, don't try to be like him.

There's something I want to ask you too. I'm not sure what time I'll be there, but

I look forward to talking with you.

Chairman.

- If my memory serves me right, he's... - Do you know him?

He's Osaka Nishi Branch's Loan Section Chief Hanzawa, right?

I hear he's an extremely capable man.

However, Chairman, he is currently

being held accountable for the 500 million yen loan mishap.

Oh, is that right?

Are you getting rid of him?

I left that decision to the branch manager.

What is your opinion, Chairman?

Is he worth more than 500 million?

Owada-kun, people's value can't be monetized.

That's what I believe.

Us bankers are given the power to move enormous amounts of money.

If we feel so inclined, it's a power that can

make or break one person's life.

That's precisely why bankers should be looking at

people, not money.

That's what I believe.