Original subtitles

TOKYO CHUO BANK CHAIRMAN'S OFFICE

Hello.

Director Kunimatsu of the Financial Services Agency is on the line.

I'll take the call.

Hello. This is Nakanowatari.

How have you been, Director?

Yes.

Yes.

FSA inspection...

did you say?

TOKYO CHUO BANK OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 2

Almost a year had passed since Hanzawa Naoki was promoted from Tokyo Chuo Bank,

Osaka Nishi Branch to Operations Department 2, the nucleus of Headquarters,

otherwise known as the elite unit where the cream of the crop gathers.

At one time, Hanzawa was blamed for the 500-million yen loan mishap

and was about to lose his future as a banker.

However, he cleared his name brilliantly and

earned his current position.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

All right. We'll aim for 10 minutes as usual. Let us begin.

Hanzawa delivered outstanding results with tremendous energy, and

had come to make his presence known at the bank.

Everything appeared to be going smoothly, however...

Hanzawa, do you have a minute?

It's him again.

Your fan, Executive Director Owada, sent word that he'd like to have dinner with you.

I'm fully aware that you dislike that kind of socializing.

But this is the third time he's asked.

I'm starting to run out of excuses.

I hate to ask, but do it this one time as a favor to me.

Deep inside Hanzawa's heart,

black embers of hatred were smoldering.

I tell you, there's no other screw like this anywhere else.

With this screw, we can get back on our feet again.

You're the one who said you'd continue to finance us!

Please let go!

EMERGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING

From the beginning of next month,

an FSA inspection will be conducted at our bank.

Financial Services Agency (FSA) Inspection

is an examination conducted by inspectors from FSA

to ensure that the bank is conducting its business properly

and that there are no problems with the loan customers.

If a significant problem should come to light at that time,

the bank would receive stern orders to improve business operations.

If that happens, the bank would lose credibility

and the infrastructure of the business itself could be shaken.

The problem is the loan loss provision.

If we should end up having to come up with the loan loss provision,

the operation of our bank itself could be shaken.

To ensure that there was no mistake in our credit judgment of the borrowers,

I want you to investigate thoroughly once more.

With only 2 weeks to prepare for the inspection, I don't know how much we can do.

Can you possibly ask them for more time?

At this rate, our normal duties will...

Complaining about what's been decided already won't resolve anything.

This is precisely the time we need to unite

and overcome this crisis.

Please rest assured, Chairman Nakanowatari.

Looks like upper management was in quite a stir at the emergency board of directors' meeting.

- Is it something that affects the whole bank? - Probably.

Hey, Hanzawa. Are you listening?

At any rate, no matter happens at the top, we can only work on the job we have.

You're indeed the ace of Operations Department 2.

You think differently from us commoners.

I'd better get going. I've been called over to Iseshima Hotel.

Oh my, the white hope of Corporate Finance is quite busy, huh?

Corporate Finance Dept. Assistant Manager Tokieda Takahiro (originally from the former Tokyo Daiichi Bank)

Hanzawa, don't run out of steam going too fast.

You too, Tokieda.

By the way, have you seen Kondo lately?

No, not since we celebrated when I first got here.

He looked pretty busy.

I hear he's struggling quite a bit at Tamiya Electric.

Kondo's New Workplace Tamiya Electric Accounting Dept.

Is that right?

What do you think about asking him out for a drink tonight?

I'm afraid I have a minor business to attend to tonight.

Oh, really?

Hanzawa-kun, what are your thoughts on the current state of our bank?

To be honest, I fear for it.

The merger of 12 years ago was a joint merger outwardly.

However, once you look inside,

people from the former Tokyo Daiichi Bank accounts for practically all the major positions.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for all of us from the former Sangyo Chuo.

But Sir, you're up there.

I'm a mere Executive Director.

As long as Nakanowatari-san is sitting in the Chairman's seat,

we won't see the light of day.

Hanzawa-kun.

Won't you aim for the top with me?

Let's regain the prestigious days of the former Sangyo Chuo with our hands.

There's no other sake like this Tobihime.

It's sake brewed in Kanazawa. Have you ever tried it?

Ever since I first had it when I was assigned to Kanazawa Branch, this is the only sake I drink.

As I recall, you're originally from Kanazawa, aren't you?

Really? That's quite a coincidence.

That must mean you and I were destined to meet, huh?

My family in Kanazawa is

operating a small factory called Hanzawa Screws.

Screws?

Is that so?

Well, times are hard now.

Operating a factory must be tough.

But I'm sure your parents are heartened by the fact that

you've become such a respected banker.

My father...

passed away 25 years ago.

Dad!

Oh, is that right?

Weren't you still a child?

I was in the 2nd year of middle school.

You must've gone through a lot of hardship.

Hanzawa-kun, if there's anything I can do to help,

feel free to ask me anything.

Let's work together to

make Tokyo Chuo Bank a better bank.

Hanzawa-kun.

12 billion?!

Loss from investment failure has been confirmed.

You mean Iseshima Hotel?

But didn't we give them a loan of 20 billion just the other day?

Investment Failure To incur a loss from investments, such as stocks.

Torieda, who handled this loan, is your peer, right?

Yes, although he's originally from Tokyo Daiichi Bank.

Unfortunately, he's been removed from this case.

Hanzawa.

Operations Department 2 Manager NAITO HIROSHI

I want you to take charge.

I want you to come up with measures to cover the loss of 12 billion

as well as a restructuring plan for the hotel as soon as possible.

Wait a minute please.

In that case, it's more fitting for the Investigation Department to take over. Why me?

- It's an order. - Order?

Whose order? Yours?

It's the Chairman.

Why the Chairman?

I have no idea. However, perhaps he thinks highly of you

for brilliantly recovering the loss of 500 million at Osaka Nishi Branch

which was thought to be an impossible task.

There's a 2-digit difference between 500 million and 12 billion.

Even so, we need you to do it.

We're getting an FSA inspection in 2 weeks.

They'll be targeting Iseshima Hotel for sure.

Surely you're not telling me to...

Consequently, you'll be taking the lead in the FSA inspection.

If they should determine that there's a concern

collecting the loan from the troubled Iseshima Hotel,

our bank will have to come up with an enormous amount of money to compensate for it.

Loan loss provision...

would amount to more than 100 billion.

If that happens, our bank would collapse, and

the Chairman will be fired.

There's only 2 weeks left until the FSA inspection.

Come up with a plan to cover the 12 billion-yen and a restructuring plan for the hotel.

You'll take it on, won't you?

Hanzawa!

Deputy Manager Hanzawa from Operations Department 2 is here.

Come in.

I'm counting on you.

In the event FSA determines that

Iseshima Hotel, which sustained an investment failure of 12 billion yen,

Financial Services Agency (FSA)

Tokyo Chuo Bank

Loan

Iseshima Hotel

is a troubled borrower,

Troubled Borrower

the so-called effectively bankrupt borrower,

Classifies as Effectively Bankrupt Borrower

in its investigation,

Tokyo Chuo Bank will be notified by FSA

to set aside as reserve fund an enormous amount of money

Reserve Fund

Notification to Set Aside Reserve Fund

in case that borrower goes bankrupt.

This is called a loan loss provision.

Loan Loss Provision

The entire amount of the loan loss provision

Loan Loss Provision

will be appropriated to expenses.

Supposing that the loan loss provision for Iseshima Hotel is 150 billion,

Loan Loss Provision

= 150 Billion Yen

if Tokyo Chuo Bank was anticipating an annual earning of 300 billion yen this year,

300 Billion Yen

Anticipated Earnings

it would have its earnings cut in half instantly,

Halved

Loan Loss Provision

150 Billion Yen

causing its stock value to plummet and

shaking the very foundation of its operation.

Iseshima Hotel's Classification as an "Effectively Bankrupt Borrower

Fall of Tokyo Chuo Bank

...that's what it means.

With only 2 weeks remaining until the FSA inspection,

coming up with the most effect plan to

Restructure Iseshima Hotel

and

Cover the loss of 12 Billion Yen

That was the mission assigned to Hanzawa.

The future of Tokyo Chuo Bank

weighed heavily on Hanzawa Naoki's shoulders.

Iseshima Hotel Main Office Building

Hanzawa-san and Onodera-san.

Tokyo Chuo is constantly changing our banker.

Iseshima Hotel Managing Director

HANE NATSUKO

I have a hard time remembering everyone's name.

I apologize for that. However, from now on,

the Operations Department 2 will do our best to support you in reviving your business.

You make it sound like we're going bankrupt.

There's a good chance you will.

Your investment failure of 12 billion cannot be overlooked.

Your hotel will be in the red for two consecutive terms.

At this rate, FSA will classify the hotel as a troubled borrower,

and we may be unable to continue the financing.

- If that happens... - It's your job to ensure

- that doesn't happen, isn't it? - We will, of course, do what we can.

However, in order to do that, it's imperative that you reconsider your business plan.

You're overreacting. There's no need to be that worried.

The investment failure was due to investment in stocks.

Operations Department 2 ONODERA JUNJI

It has nothing to do with the hotel business.

But that won't get us through the FSA inspection.

That's your problem, isn't it?

We're not running a business for the convenience of the bank.

In that case, we'd like you to return the 20 billion

we loaned you the other day for the time being.

Why?

The condition of the loan was that your business be in the black.

It's a different story if it's running in the red.

What you're saying doesn't make any sense.

All our financial condition was disclosed in our paperwork to you.

We never tried to hide the investment.

It's your fault for not detecting the loss, isn't it?

But now, you want us to return it for your own convenience.

You're just like a yakuza. I can't believe what I'm hearing.

I understand where you're coming from.

However, we'd also like to hear what President Yuasa has to say.

Can we possibly see him?

Unfortunately, he's abroad on a business trip.

Besides, I've been put in sole charge of this matter.

If you insist on getting the money back,

I'd like for you to get a consensus from the bank.

Fine. We will be working with that in mind.

Iseshima Hotel is a family business that's been ruled by the Yuasa Family for generations.

In particular, Yuasa Koudou, the previous president, was known as quite the autocrat.

Even after his son, Yuasa Takeshi, took over as president,

the fact that they've been unable to shake the old management style

is at the root of their poor performance.

Taking advantage of that situation, Managing Director Hane

tried to make a name for herself.

She must've figured she could push aside the Yuasa Family

and step in as president if she could post a profit

- As a result, they incurred a loss of 12 billion. - Yeah.

Director Hane is laying the groundwork that she was ordered by President Yuasa

and had no choice, but

I believe she actually did it on her own.

But we couldn't see through that and ended up giving them a 20-billion yen loan.

It couldn't be helped. It's only been 3 months since you were assigned to Iseshima, right?

No matter what the circumstance, it's my fault for not detecting it!

Besides, their sub-bank Hakusui Bank

held up on a 10-billion yen loan that was in the works fairly early in the game.

Hakusui held up?

Are you saying that Hakusui had detected the investment failure?

Probably.

If I had been more careful when it was handed over to me from the Kyobashi Branch,

I may have been able to stop the loan.

Didn't the handing over go well?

They only gave me the perfunctory information.

Kyobashi Branch is where the current Branch Manager Kaise, and prior to him,

Manager Kishikawa and Executive Director Owada, three members in a row

from the former Sangyo Chuo were branch managers.

It's like a stronghold for those from Sangyo Chuo, so to speak.

So when a big client like Iseshima Hotel was snatched away by

the Corporate Finance Department, where a lot of us from the former Tokyo Daiichi is gathered,

I'm sure they weren't happy.

That's ridiculous. Pulling each other's leg within the same bank.

Kaise-san, the branch manager, is all about looking good and maintaining his pride.

Plus, his subordinate, Kozato,

is quite a cunning devil himself.

They're much better informed than me in regards to Iseshima.

If you want more information, go talk to those two.

I'll do that.

I apologize.

For passing the buck to you.

That's for sure. You'd better treat me sometime.

I'd love to, but

that won't be possible for a while.

Don't tell me you...

I've been transferred to

an affiliate in Nagoya.

Take that! In a director's position even.

Fight it, Tokieda!

- This didn't happen just because of you. - It's a waste of time.

The decision's been made already.

That's how banks operate.

You should know that better than anyone else.

I'm glad you're the one who's taking it over.

I'll leave the rest to you.

You mean Hakusui had detected the investment failure?

How was Hakusui able to detect it when

a capable man like Tokieda couldn't?

Not only that. We're also a markedly better bank. There's no way they had more information than us.

Something's going on here.

Do you have any connection to Hakusui's main Loan Department?

Main Loan Department, huh?

Abu.

- Abu, Abu, Abu... - You okay?

There's Abu. Remember? He played rugby.

- Aburayama! - Yes, Aburayama. We were in the same seminar.

You know him well too, don't you?

Yeah, we used to drink at Torisei in Hiyoura all the time.

He's the deputy manager of the Loan Department at Hakusui.

Tokyo Chuo Bank Kyobashi Branch

Deputy Manager, as I already said,

I have nothing to do with that anymore.

If it's about Iseshima,

I've passed on everything to Tokieda-san.

Kyobashi Branch Deputy Manager KOZATO NORIO

Please ask him.

I heard from Tokieda that the handing over didn't go too well.

Surely you're not saying that it was our fault that

- the investment failure went unnoticed, are you? - Certainly not.

But apparently, Hakusui had noticed it.

Do you have any idea how they knew?

How am I supposed to know about other banks.

At any rate, I've passed on everything I know.

Excuse me.

It's time for my next engagement.

Please give me a break.

Excuse me.

Kyobashi Branch Manager KAISE IKUO

- Is he gone? - Yes.

He was asking persistently about Iseshima Hotel.

Kozato.

Troublesome matters should be... You know what to do, right?

Yes, sir.

Kondo.

Hanzawa's Peer KONDO NAOSUKE

Hey.

- Are you here for business? - Yeah.

To ask for this term's loan.

Sorry, I haven't been able to ask you out for a drink.

I've been pretty busy myself. That makes two of us.

Are things going well?

I'm getting by somehow.

Oh, shoot. I gotta go.

- Let's have a drink soon. - Sure.

See you.

That's why I'm asking where you got these numbers.

How many times do I have to say it. Jeez.

I came up with them from discussions with the president and sales manager.

Under the present situation, we can't project any further.

In the first place, you don't even have a written mid-term plan.

The President and I are currently in the process of writing up a plan.

I'm sure we can have it ready by our next meeting. If you can give us a loan based on this...

This won't work. Do it over.

Please wait. If we can't get a loan by the end of the month,

we won't be able to keep going.

I'll fix whatever it is that needs to be fixed.

So can't you please give us a loan based on this? I beg you.

Kondo-san.

Are you sure you're a former banker?

You're a disgrace.

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40 40 140 140 140�

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What are you planning to do, Kondo-san!

I'm sorry. President,

have you had a chance to think about the mid-term business plan?

Business plan?

Even without anything like that,

Tamiya Electric President TAMIYA MOTOKI

we had no problem getting a loan until now.

Are you sure you're not the cause of the problem?

It doesn't have to be detailed at all. Please...

Do you know what Mozart said?

When he was pestered for his composition, he said,

"Don't worry. It's already composed."

"The composition is...

in here."

Even if we don't submit a business plan every time,

a company of our size should have no problem.

- However... - Anyway,

please try to use your head a little.

Like asking your acquaintance at the bank to pull some strings.

There's plenty of ways to get it done, isn't there?

You're here precisely for that reason.

Use whatever connections you have and search high and low.

City banks, local banks, credit unions. Whatever you can get by the end of the month.

Or else we'll be in deep trouble.

Don't rely on Tokyo Chuo anymore.

We'll have to find the money on our own.

Be prepared to stay out there until you have a loan in your hand. You got that?

Can't even finalize a continuation of the loan, and yet, he's the department manager.

It must be nice to be an ex-banker.

Ogawa. It's rude to talk like that

to Mr. Ex-Banker.

Tamiya Electric Accounting Section Chief NODA HIDEYUKI

Oh, but I suppose that's why you're here,

Mr. Ex-Banker.

I find it hard to believe that the paperwork Kondo prepared was inadequate.

I can only think that this Kozato guy doesn't have discerning eyes.

But Hanzawa, this isn't the time to be worrying about others.

Concentrate on Iseshima Hotel. How's the restructuring plan coming along?

What's there to come along when President Yuasa's gone overseas and I can't even talk to him.

All Director Hane does is persist that the bank is at fault too.

She won't even try to listen to us.

Are you sure you're gonna be okay?

Hanzawa. Tomari.

Hakusui Bank Loan Department Deputy Manager ABURAYAMA TETSUYA

- Abu, how you been? - Good.

Looks like you gained some weight.

Not just some, quite a bit. I still go to Ramen Jiro's once a week.

- Big Double Yasai Karakara me*? - I'm too old now. I have to settle for a small double.

* Extra ramen noodles, extra chashu x 2 plus extra vegetables, spicy x 2

So, what's up?

- Actually, it's about... - Iseshima Hotel.

You got it.

Deputy Manager Hanzawa's wife is joining us for the first time today.

As wives of husbands who all started out at the former Sangyo Chuo,

Director Kishikawa's Residence

I hope we can keep our acquaintance for a long time.

Of course. I'm honored to be included in your group.

Speaking of Deputy Manager Hanzawa, he's the ace of Operations Department 2,

which is considered a superstar even within the bank.

We're the ones who are honored to make acquaintance with the wife of someone like that.

No, not at all. He isn't all that great...

There's no need for you to be so modest.

He's been entrusted with a critical mission for this next FSA inspection, hasn't he?

So what, if this FSA inspection doesn't go well,

Company Housing in Tokyo

you're going to have to take responsibility again

and might get transferred out somewhere?

- It may come to that. - What do you mean it may come to that?

I'm not moving. It's only been a year since we came back.

- There's no way I'm moving again. - I'll do my best so that it doesn't come to that.

Why did you accept such a difficult challenge?

What can I do? It's the Chairman's order. I couldn't say no.

The Chairman's order?

That's awesome. How cool is that~

- You think that's cool? - Heck yeah.

But why did he choose you?

Have you ever restructured a hotel before?

Just once, a long time ago.

Really?

Deputy Manager Hanzawa, who is in charge of Iseshima Hotel,

would like your consensus to request

immediate repayment of the 20 billion-yen loan. Please give it your consideration.

What is the Operations Department's opinion?

We request immediate repayment.

I am of the same opinion.

I believe it's wiser to close an open wound when you can.

Will Iseshima be all right if we pull out the 20 billion?

Deputy Manager Hanzawa is of the opinion that we should pull out

the entire amount for now, and give them a loan after a re-evaluation.

I see.

- Well then... - One moment please.

A short while ago, we received a call from Director Hane at Iseshima Hotel.

From Hane-san?

Iseshima Hotel's loan from its sub-bank, Hakusui Bank, was discontinued,

and they also incurred a loss of 12 billion from investment failure.

If, at this point, we take away 20 billion yen from them,

she stated that their business foundation itself will be shaken, causing a major crisis.

Director Kishikawa,

the Chairman personally appointed Deputy Manager Hanzawa as Iseshima Hotel's banker.

Are you implying that he erred in his judgment?

That is certainly not what I meant.

But wait a minute.

If we were to force them to repay the 20 billion

and if, as a result, Iseshima itself was to go bankrupt,

we're certainly putting the cart before the horse.

Chairman. In this regard,

we ask for your careful judgment.

In other words, we won't ask Iseshima Hotel to repay the 20 billion.

- Is that right? - That's right.

But I'm still supposed to find a way to get through the FSA inspection?

Fine. If that's the opinion of the Board of Directors,

let's wait and see for a while. However, that decision is wrong.

No matter what the circumstances are,

we should not depart from the bank's principles.

We should not be lending money that can't be recovered.

I understand what you're saying. However,

this decision was approved by the Chairman as well.

Why is Iseshima Hotel refusing so obstinately to return the 20 billion?

From Iseshima's perspective, if we're forced into providing a loan loss provision by FSA,

it would be more of a blow to have their future funding stopped.

In spite of that, they're not only refusing to return the loan, but

they're not cooperating with our plans to deal with the FSA inspection.

Something's not right.

For the time being, everything's going according to our plan.

But that banker by the name of Hanzawa

seems to be sniffing around about this and that.

Not that he'd be able to do anything before the FSA inspection.

I'd like to continue a good business relationship with your bank for a very long time.

Even after I become the president of Iseshima.

Togoshi-san.

You're the person who was in charge of accounting at Iseshima Hotel,

Togoshi Shigenori-san, right?

- Who the hell are you? - My name is Hanzawa. I'm with Tokyo Chuo Bank.

There's something I'd like to ask you.

I have nothing to say to the likes of you.

I heard about you from Hakusui Bank's Aburayama.

Iseshima Hotel, while incurring a loss of 12 billion due to investment failure,

tried to cover that up.

You gave a tip-off to Hakusui Bank, didn't you?

Thanks to you, Hakusui was able to hold back on the loan.

So what if I did?

Togoshi-san,

why did you tell Hakusui and not us?

Under normal circumstances,

wouldn't you consider telling the main bank first?

You're a hopeless fool, aren't you?

You don't know anything.

Don't tell me...did you inform our bank as well?

But it was hushed up.

Yeah. What's more, you guys at Tokyo Chuo

snitched on me to Iseshima instead.

In the end, I could no longer work at the hotel, and

was picked up by this company.

I'm like a waste material myself.

Who at our bank did you talk to?

Our banker at the time, who else!

Now that you know, get out of my sight.

If you don't, I might end up beating you up.

Togoshi-san,

for what Tokyo Chuo Bank did to you,

I apologize on behalf of the bank. I'm terribly sorry.

Cut it out. What difference does it make now!

Aburayama told me that thanks to you, they weren't deceived out of a loan,

That he's grateful to you.

I, too, stand by the courageous action you took.

Won't you lend me a hand one more time to track down the man

- who suppressed the information you gave? - You've got to be kidding!

You don't expect me to trust you guys, do you?

Don't you ever show you face in front of me again.

Where in the world did you come up with this talk about a tip-off.

Weren't you told of the 12-billion yen investment failure

by Iseshima Hotel's Accounting Section Chief Togoshi?

- That's news to me. - No, you knew about it.

Togoshi-san said he told you.

That's just nonsense spoken out of unjustified resentment by the man who was fired by the hotel.

- It's foolish to take everything he says seriously. - Kozato-san.

If you want to speak the truth, now's the time.

I've had enough already.

Don't let it get to your head just because you made deputy manager at your age.

If you insist on making false accusations against me,

I can contact upper management at Headquarters

and make an issue out of the way you do things, you know.

I dare you to do it if you can.

However, when your misconduct is exposed in due time,

I'll show no mercy. It's double payback.

Remember that.

This guy is hiding something.

Why did he hush up the tipoff?

Did Director Hane, who wanted to get the loan,

ask their banker, Kozato?

No, Kozato's a wimp. He doesn't have the guts to take such a big risk

that could get him fired should he get found out.

It's hard to believe that Director Hane will deal with him.

Is there some big shadow moving in the background?

Unless I can track that down, we won't be able to get through the FSA inspection.

President Yuasa.

I just returned to Japan a short while ago.

I thought I should see you as soon as possible. When I tried to contact you,

I was told you were here.

- Pleased to meet you. I'm Tokyo Chuo Bank's... - Hanzawa Naoki.

I'm the one who asked Chairman Nakanowatari to assign you as our banker.

Iseshima Hotel President YUASA TAKESHI

I met you once a long time ago.

Do you remember the conference on measures to support the restructuring of Dai-Tokyo Hotel?

What are you afraid of?!

If you're prepared to reform your management policies,

Sangyo Chuo Bank will do everything we can to support you.

You were there?

I had just graduated school and was in training at that hotel.

Is that so?

Please.

When the main bank and most other banks were pulling out,

you, alone, aggressively looked for ways to support us,

and even attended our management meetings and

made every effort to revive the hotel.

I've come in contact with many bankers to date, but

I never met a person like you before or since.

What made you go that far?

If there's even a slight chance a patient can be saved, no doctor will sit back and do nothing.

It's the same thing.

I believed that I could save Dai-Tokyo Hotel.

That's why I gave them my assistance. That's all.

To those discerning, accurate eyes of yours,

how does the current Iseshima Hotel appear?

It's a mortally wounded goliath.

But it's not dead yet.

There's got to be a way to save it.

I did what I could to come up with a new restructuring plan.

We've been focusing on domestic and Western clientele until now, but

I'm thinking about gaining customers mainly from Asia.

I already signed contracts with major travel agencies in Shanghai and Singapore.

That's why you went abroad?

I've also commissioned Narusen to develop the latest IT system.

You mean Narusen, that IT venture?

By the end of the year, overseas customers will be able make reservations directly through our new system.

In addition, I'm planning to invite experts from the outside

and hold meetings to discuss innovation.

In short, are you getting rid of

the bad tradition that had been tying down your business?

Bidding farewell to your father, the autocratic manager.

Can I take it to mean that?

If you're prepared to do that,

I'm sure you will be able to revive your company.

Thank you.

But first, the FSA inspection.

If we don't get through that, your hotel and the bank will both go bankrupt.

Hanzawa-san.

For both the 12 billion investment failure and

failing to report that sooner,

I apologize deeply.

Didn't Director Hane do everything on her own?

Even if she did,

it's my fault for allowing her to do it.

All right.

Then, President, if you can finalize the restructuring plan and

and look for ways to cover the 12 billion as soon as possible.

- Got it. - And...

I have one more favor to ask.

I, too, would like to pass the loan through for Tamiya Electric if at all possible.

Thank you very much.

Are you taking me for a fool? Huh?

Just because you want a loan badly,

how dare you bring in an unrealistic fake business plan like this.

Fake...Surely you can't mean that...

- What. - Nothing...

Won't you tell me specifically

what's wrong with it? So that I can fix it.

I'm telling you that it's your job to find the answer.

Can't you even understand a simple thing like that!

No wonder you got kicked out of the bank.

Listen.

Come back with more realistic numbers.

Otherwise, I ain't giving you a loan even if it kills me.

426000 426000�

336000 336000�

2121 210�

1214 1001

1214 1001

1214 1001�

12�

Are you sure you're a former banker? You're a disgrace.

If you can't do anything, what was the point in getting you from the bank.

It's rude to talk like that to Mr. Ex-Banker.

Kondo.

Hanzawa...

I...

Come with me for a bit.

Think back of our college days.

Kondo!

What?

- Nothing. - Got banged up on your head too much?

Thanks.

Hello. How have you been, Togoshi-san?

You're late.

I don't appreciate getting called out suddenly like this.

I'm busy too what with the FSA inspection coming up.

Hey, give me a draft.

Give me one more.

Sounds like Iseshima's getting singled out for the FSA inspection, huh?

You're well informed. But that's none of your business.

Since you don't belong to Iseshima anymore.

- Whose fault is it that I'm like this... - Isn't it your own fault?

I told you there was going to be a loss of 12 billion.

- Why did you ignore it? - That again?

And to think I took time out of my busy schedule to meet with you.

That's all over already.

- Nothing's over for me yet. - No, it's over.

You're to blame for everything.

It's because you did something outrageous like blowing the whistle.

But you hushed it up and snitched on me to Director Hane, didn't you?

I told you that's a misunderstanding. I told my boss like I was supposed to.

It wasn't me that covered it up, but someone above me.

- Who was it? - That's none of your business.

If you're gonna keep on talking nonsense, I'm leaving.

No, you need to stay and talk. Although it's not with me.

Some bankers these days are idiots, huh?

You never know who's sitting at the next table, but

here he is, loudly babbling insider information without a care.

That's for sure.

So you knew a loss was going to be sustained, but you didn't report it.

That could get you in trouble, huh? Kozato-kun.

- You guys... - Okay, let's hear

- what really happened. - I don't know what you're talking about.

We recorded your earlier conversation in its entirety.

Giving lame excuses at this point in time would only be unsightly.

Kozato, from Togoshi-san's tip-off,

you knew that Iseshima was going to have a huge deficit.

In spite of that, you covered it up, and proceeded with the loan.

Why did you do that?

Remember what I told you. If the truth becomes known later, I'll show no mercy.

Answer me, Kozato!

I'm sorry.

But believe me. I

did report it to Manager Kaise.

But I was told to wait and see how goes it goes for a while...

You did everything on Manager Kaise's order?

- I don't believe you. - I'm not lying.

- Please believe me. - Where's the proof?

- Proof? - I'm talking about the proof that

you reported the tip-off to the branch manager.

You didn't just tell him verbally, did you? There should be a written report.

There is, but it's among the files to be moved temporarily.

Where are those files right now?

In the vault at Kyobashi Branch.

But before the FSA inspection starts,

the Branch Manager's supposed to take them to his residence.

- His residence would be tricky. - When's he transporting them?

Tonight, at 10:00. By car.

9:15 PM

We're gonna go get it right now.

Are you serious? It's too late already.

Do you think I can leave a dangerous thing like that with you guys?

Just think what would happen if FSA gets a hold of it.

We'll get orders to improve business operations at once.

And Tokyo Chuo Bank will lose credibility.

I'll take it before the FSA inspection starts.

But that's impossible. You know that

only the section chief in charge can enter the vault, don't you?

You gotta try first before you say it's impossible.

Anyway, let's go.

If I cooperate, you'll overlook what I did, right?

Why would I do that?

You'll just get a slightly less severe disciplinary action, that's all.

But if you don't cooperate, I'll broadcast your earlier conversation throughout the bank.

If that happens, you're

fired without a severance pay.

Kyobashi Branch Employees Only Passageway

In order to open the door of a vault at the bank,

an 8-digit pass code must be entered first.

Next, the key is used to unlock the door, but

Key Box

that key is stored in the key box, and

to open that key box,

yet another pass code is required.

These pass codes are

controlled by a different section chief in charge every week,

and even the branch manager does not have access to them.

It's already 9:30. At 10:00, the Branch Manager and Section Chief in Charge will be here.

- Where's the desk of the Section Chief in Charge? - Over there, in the back.

- Where's he from? - Was it Nagoya?

Are you stupid! I'm asking which he's from. Tokyo Daiichi or Sangyo Chuo.

- He's from Sangyo Chuo. - How old is he?

- Maybe 42, 43? - All right. Then...

What are you going to do?

Hey, what the heck are you doing?

Found it.

The pass code has 8 digits.

Just in case you forget it, taping it under the desk like this

is the bad tradition of a group of us that entered Sangyo Chuo during the Bubble Era.

But the key. There's a different pass code for the key box.

1214

The last four digits never change. 1001.

Thanks to you, I came here numerous times and was terrorized by you every time.

To escape from reality, I memorized these numbers.

All right!

There they are! Those two boxes.

They're here.

Give it up!

Hey Hanzawa, we'd better stop here...

- We're dead. They're almost here. - Close the door.

- What? - Just close the door for now.

Oh, good evening, Manager.

What are you doing here, Kozato?

I thought I'd help you bring the files out.

- Really? Thanks. - Not at all.

Chief Haide, if you can get to work at once.

What're you doing? Give him a hand.

Bring them out.

Hey, what're you doing? Hurry up!

Kozato, do something.

If they close the door now, we're stuck here till tomorrow morning.

Why the hell are you standing still. Move it!

I'm terribly sorry.

I'll bring it out right away, so can you go ahead and take that one first?

You'd better hurry.

Let's go.

That's why I told you it was impossible.

You're wrong. Where there's a will, there's a way.

LOSS OF 12 BILLION YEN DUE TO INVESTMENT FAILURE AT ISESHIMA HOTEL

This matter to be discussed at a later date

Banker in Charge

(Kozato)

Branch Manager

(Kaise)

Manager Kaise

will have a lot of explaining to do later on.

You're a lifesaver, Kondo.

If you weren't there, we wouldn't have been able to open the vault.

No, I'm the one who should thank you.

About the loan...

Kozato! I'm telling you one more thing.

I hear you're balking to approve Tamiya Electric's request for loan.

That's because, uh...the required information is...

While it's true parts of President Tamiya's vision in the mid-term plan is hard to grasp,

but even you take away that part, it's realistic and well-written.

- What's wrong with it? Tell me. - That's uh...

The Branch Manager told me not to easily approve loans before the FSA inspection...

Is everything someone else's fault?!

Guys like you aren't qualified to make credit decisions.

Approve it tomorrow! You got that?

I knew it, but still, you're amazing. You haven't changed a bit.

When I'm with you, I feel as if I can go back to being the old me.

You haven't changed a bit either.

You're in there fighting for Tamiya Electric.

Your title or where you're at may change, but you're still you.

Right?

Togoshi-san, thank you.

Thanks to your cooperation,

we're starting to see what's going on.

You don't have to thank me for anything.

In the first place, I wanted to give Kozato hell too.

And I'm going back to work for Iseshima Hotel.

Is that right? I'm happy for you.

You put in a word for me, didn't you? To President Yuasa.

I have one more favor to ask...

It's about Togoshi-san, who once worked for you.

President Yuasa called me personally and apologized.

He said you told him what had happened.

I just told him the truth.

In all honesty, my distrust for Tokyo Chuo Bank won't go away.

But

as slight as you are, you're like a wild boar. The fact that you're our banker

is my only ray of hope.

Please save Iseshima Hotel.

I'm counting on you.

As your banker, I will do my utmost best.

That report you got. Whose signature was on it?

Branch Manager Kaise's.

If I say this, all the effort you put into it

may have been for naught, but

the relationship between the previous Kyobashi Branch Manager and Iseshima is shrouded in darkness.

The previous branch manager?

Kaise is merely the entrance to that darkness. He's the lizard's tail.

Instead, it's someone further up...

Hanzawa.

Executive Director Owada would like to see you.

He's the one at the center of the darkness.

Look for evidence against him.

Good morning.

Everyone, I have something to say.

I got a call from Tokyo Chuo Bank. The loan has been approved.

It's about time. It sure took a long time.

Considering you're Mr. Ex-Banker.

I apologize for my lack of ability.

From now on,

I'll work harder to serve this company.

Please give me your cooperation.

There's no need to push yourself. We'll just keep on doing what we've been doing.

Right, Chief?

That's right.

To get straight to the point,

I'd like to write up a detailed plan for the future.

Can you get me the financial statements through the last term?

Kondo-san.

How many times do I have to tell you?

I'll take care of everything.

Please leave well enough alone.

You...

you just worry about getting money from the bank.

You're Mr. Ex-Banker after all.

Okay, let's get back to work.

Think back of our college days. Kondo!

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Guys like you aren't qualified to make credit decisions.

Approve it tomorrow!

Your title or where you're at may change, but you're still you.

Right?

Noda-san.

Please.

Please bring me the financial statements.

Stop pestering me. I told you to stay out it.

Noda!

I said bring me the financial statements.

Let me tell you one thing.

Right now, I'm

the Accounting Department Manager at Tamiya Electric.

Don't you ever

call me Mr. Ex-Banker again.

Noda.

Answer me!

Ogawa!

That goes for you too.

What is it that you wanted to ask me?

I heard a rumor that

you're investigating some kind of misconduct at Kyobashi Branch. Is that true?

Yes. It's true.

That doesn't sound good.

With the FSA inspection right around the corner,

as Executive Director, I can't very well disregard rumors of misconduct.

Tell me the details, if you don't mind.

What's wrong, Hanzawa.

Tell us everything you know.

All right.

The truth is, there was an individual who tipped off the bank that

Iseshima Hotel incurred a loss of 12 billion.

However,

Branch Manager Kaise and Deputy Manager Kozato at Kyobashi Branch

suppressed that tipoff and

although they knew we'd sustain a loss,

they worked around it so that Iseshima's 20-billion loan would be approved.

Kaise-kun and Kozato-kun did that?! Do you have proof?

I do.

What kind of proof? Let's see it.

- I can't show it to you right now. - How come?

I'm safeguarding it as the most important temporarily moved file.

What's more,

behind this misconduct,

there's a possibility someone else gave orders to Manager Kaise.

Until it becomes clear as to who that is,

I believe it best to refrain from disclosing it too easily.

I see.

But then, if it's someone who can give orders to Manager Kaise...

First, the previous branch manager at Kyobashi Branch. Manager Kishikawa.

Was it you?!

- You must be joking. - Oh, it's not you.

If it's not you,

the branch manager at Kyobashi Branch before you, me.

Before me, it was Ito-san who went to Teikoku Jukou.

- Before that was... - Unfortunately,

the branch managers prior to you

have all retired.

Those who were previous branch managers and still active

are just you two.

That's not good.

At this rate,

we're going to be turned into suspects.

That's our Hanzawa-kun. Even his jokes are top-notch.

I didn't intend for it to be a joke.

As Iseshima's banker,

I think it's only natural that I suspect you two.

In any case, Kyobashi Branch is

the root of corruption at Iseshima.

- That's what I'm suspecting. - That's my point.

When I was the branch manager there,

there were absolutely no problems.

This problem arose as soon as the responsibility was transferred to Corporate Finance.

Corporate Finance Department, which is lead by the former Tokyo Daiichi,

is precisely the root of corruption. That's what I believe.

The loan to Iseshima was already approved

prior to the transfer to Corporate Finance.

In spite of that, you

pushed off all responsibility to Tokieda, who was only assigned there for 3 months,

and transferred him out, didn't you?

Personnel management is everything at a bank...

That must be how you've been

getting rid of people who get in the way, people who become unnecessary.

Please tell me one thing.

What kind of a bank is it that Executive Director Owada is aiming for?

- What is this, out of the blue. - That's all right.

Why, of course

the best mega-bank in the world that supports this country's economy.

Our mega-bank cannot collapse.

That, we have to defend to the end. If we should collapse,

do you know how many millions of people will be out in the cold?

In order for the bank, this Japanese economy, to survive,

some sacrifice is inevitable. I'm being realistic here.

- Don't you think so? Hanzawa-kun. - No.

That's not what I think.

Banks are nothing more than money lenders, Executive Director.

We're here to lend money and make money off interest.

That's all.

Isn't that precisely why

we need to ascertain who we lend money to with discerning eyes,

and bear responsibility for those people's future?

Refusing to lose out to competition, rivalry between factions. That's all fine and dandy.

But there's one thing we must not forget.

That's the fact that we, bankers,

aren't working to protect the bank,

but to protect the working people of this country.

Citizens don't exist for the bank, but

banks have to exist for the citizens.

We must not forget that belief.

We are not

working for our superiors or the organization.

No matter how small the business is,

as long as they're working earnestly,

we don't have the right to trample on their livelihood.

Sure, I understand.

But you know,

we're both basically saying the same thing.

It's just a matter of difference in perspective.

You understand, don't you?

Let's get back to the subject. What were we talking about?

Somebody suppressed the tipoff regarding Iseshima Hotel.

Who that somebody is, and why he did that,

I don't know yet.

But it's a fact that

Iseshima Hotel sustained a big damage because of this issue.

I...

as their banker, will do everything I can to protect Iseshima Hotel.

Even if I have to grovel in the ground, even if I have to get down on my knees,

I'll revive Iseshima.

In order to do that,

no matter who my opponent is,

I'm prepared to fight with everything I have.

Please remember that.

Get down on your knees?

That's just a worthless show for people who want sympathy.

It means nothing.

It's true, I've had many folks cling on to my legs.

But it didn't make sense to me.

The folks who did that, every one of them,

they were incompetent people.

You probably wouldn't understand.

The people who get down on their knees...

their desperation,

their frustration...

Executive Director Owada.

If I'm unable to save Iseshima Hotel,

for all the disrespectful things I said to you,

I will get down on my knees and apologize.

However,

if you're the one who ordered the cover up,

please get down your on knees and apologize.

Don't push your luck, Hanzawa!

I'm talking to the Executive Director. I'd appreciate it if you didn't break into our conversation.

Fine.

If you can do such a thing, that is.

Go ahead and give it a try.

FSA INSPECTION DAY 1

Financial Services Agency, Inspection Bureau. I'm Chief Inspector Kurosaki.

We will now conduct the FSA inspection.

Nice to meet you.

Long time no see.