Original subtitles

Following the same manual, students dressed in the same outfit to look for job.

Hiding their true selves, they play the role of a capable person.

They respond with a smile while assessing the other person's reaction.

In preparation for the final tournament,

the team comes together as one to boost everyone's morale.

However...

what awaits them after receiving job offers?

Delicious.

That's good.

I've never seen such lively young people these days.

Thank you very much.

Sasagawa Naoya, 4th year at the company, I'm on a roll!

Being energetic is his only strong suit.

Manager Nishida, who said that's my only good point?

I'm also excellent at my job.

That's a good one.

Thank you very much.

What would you like to drink?

One more bottle of beer and a whiskey on the rocks, please.

Understood.

Sasagawa, where's the drinks?

Well, there's no need to rush.

Nishida, you're tough.

Ah, no...

Take care.

Thank you very much.

It went well, didn't it?

At least offer me a shoehorn.

Not very thoughtful are you?

I'm sorry.

You haven't done anything today.

I've been keeping the conversation going the whole time.

You're already in your fourth year.

Get it together.

Well, I did liven things up...

Huh?

Day in day out...

Good work.

pretending to be something you're not.

Can we really say that the job offer was a success?

If you think about it that way, during the interviews for a job change,

instead of playing the role of a boring corporate slave.

To ensure your compatibility with the company, show your true self...

Let's pause for a moment...

What's wrong?

It feels a bit stiff...

This seems like it could cause a backlash, don't you think?

- The wording is harsh, too. - Yeah.

What are you doing?

The president wants to shoot a PR video for Shepard Career

and planning to release it on the internet.

But the actors...

His words were like needles.

Maybe choosing Kurusu-kun was not a good idea.

I'm not doing it because I want to either.

Please ask someone else.

Wait a minute.

Well then...

I was in the Announcement Club in high school.

Hirosawa-chan...

- President... - Yes?

could you do it?

- President? - Huh?

- President... - Me?

Should I?

I'm barely using makeup today.

If you don't want to, I can do it instead.

- There's no choice but to do it, right? - Oh my...

Sure, go ahead from all angles.

Umm...

How about I produce the video?

Produce?

Yes, I create content on TikTok.

Have a look.

Wow! You can do something like this?

That's amazing.

- Right? - Yeah.

That's right, for things like this...

it's better to have someone with experience do it.

From now on, can I leave it to you Inukai-kun?

Thank you very much!

Alright, Hirosawa-san, let's shoot a viral video.

Okay.

Oh, then Yokoyama-san, please take care of the lighting.

Don't talk to me like that.

Huh? Are you shooting it over there?

Inukai, could you also film my part later?

Okay.

- Should I go here? - And then stand.

Yokoyama-san, you should turn it this way.

Inukai is amazing.

What's wrong?

Oh, nothing.

I think it's amazing to have a special skill.

I don't have anything like that.

If you search, you might find something.

No, there's non.

I've never had anything like that.

I think everyone has something they're good at.

Right? Kurusu-kun.

I don't know.

Hitsujitani-san, let's go.

Huh?

Lunch.

Yes.

Did I do something?

Why do you ask?

Based on my experience, when a superior calls you suddenly...

It's usually because you're in trouble.

Where do you think you are now working?

Sometimes I scold them and sometimes I praise them.

Praise?

I can't think of a reason to praise you right now.

Oh...

Then, what about today?

Meeting with job seekers.

He's a busy person so we decided to have a lunch meeting

I see.

Let's do it here.

Huh? Here?

He said he'd be here soon.

He wants us to order first.

Kurusu-san, this place has a review rating of 2.1

I've never seen a rating of 2.1 before...

Why not trust your own taste buds instead of relying on reviews?

Even if the appearance looks dirty and unpopular, the taste might be good.

I'm sorry it looks dirty.

Oh... sorry.

What would you like to order?

Then I'll have the Napolitan.

Please give us three of those.

Sure.

You're Sasagawa-san, right?

Yes.

Sorry for the wait.

No problem

I'm Kurusu from Shepard Career

I'm Sasagawa Naoya. Nice to meet you.

- Please. - Thank you.

I'm the assistant Hitsujitani.

Sasagawa Naoya.

- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

We ordered the Napolitan, is it okay?

Yes, it's my favorite.

I was just thinking about eating it.

That's good.

You joined Kisaragi Foods as a fresh graduate

and currently in your fourth year.

Is your job in the Sales Department of the Health Food Division?

Yes.

Graduated from Joto University, Faculty of Economics.

Member of the soccer club and have experience studying abroad.

That's an impressive background.

No, it's not that impressive.

Why did you consider changing jobs if you already work for a huge corporation?

Well, that's...

My current job is fulfilling and I enjoy it.

However...

It's the face of "let's work for three years" and the period has passed, right?

Huh?

Well, yeah.

Well actually, I'm not satisfied with the evaluation system at work.

I feel like my work is not being properly evaluated.

Properly.

I joined the company because I'm from a sports background and wanted to work in sales.

I've some confidence that I've been doing reasonably well for the past three years or so.

It feels like my achievements are not being recognized.

In other words,

you want to move to a workplace where your achievements are properly evaluated.

Am I being naive?

If there is an evaluation system that represents employee opinions...

It would be fine to express dissatisfaction.

But not all companies are like that.

Of course.

Well, our company doesn't have that kind of culture.

It's a company where the opinions of higher-ups are absolute.

I'm not sure if a young person like me can voice dissatisfaction.

In that case,

I'm thinking of taking a leap and testing my own potential.

If you give this kind of impression,

I think there are a lot of companies that would want you.

Really?

I'm happy to hear that.

Here, your Napolitan.

- Thank you. - Thanks for waiting.

- Here. - Thank you.

Could you please refill the water?

Hmm?

Oh, it's self-service.

- Let me do it. - Oh, sorry.

Thank you.

He's a reliable person.

He doesn't even look upset when you make sarcastic remarks.

He seems like the kind of person that companies want.

I guess it’ll be decided soon.

How is it?

Our Special Napolitan...

Isn't it delicious?

It's hard to say it's delicious.

What did you say?

Sir, I absolutely love how it taste.

It's the best!

Right?

Geez...

It's delicious.

By the way, Sasagawa-san...

Yes?

How long do you plan on wearing that mask?

Huh...

Huh?

Episode 3 [The three years period is no longer relevant]

Kurusu-san...

That Napolitan was a letdown.

Huh?

Your sense of taste hasn't returned?

When did you start having taste disorders?

A little before I quit my job.

Yes.

But my health is completely fine.

Well, that's not really the point.

You said he was wearing a mask earlier...

He's pretending to be a likable person to his boss.

That habit has become ingrained in him.

I was just thinking about eating this.

I absolutely love how it taste.

It's the best.

This might be quite troublesome.

Troublesome?

Why would you say that...

I've another appointment.

Please ask Yokoyama-san to do the research for me.

Yes.

I'm back.

Welcome back! You're just in time.

Watch my video.

Video?

Inukai filmed it, and just finished editing.

Wow, you work fast.

Here.

Wow!

Ah!

Job change is an encounter.

We career advisors are the matchmakers

between people and workplaces, so to speak.

It's nice, isn't?

- It's not? - Huh? No, not at all...

- It's not that but... - My face looks good in it.

- Let's check out my video too. - Huh? No good?

- You have one for Yamaguchi-san's too? - Yes, yes.

My family runs a temple.

Namu Amida Butsu, I was scared of ghosts.

Namu Amida Butsu...

So I work really hard.

See.

That's amazing.

It was his own request.

You can do this kind of editing too?

It's interesting.

- Right? - Yeah.

Refreshing, isn't it?

Inukai, is this okay?

This is okay in its own way.

Actually, there are companies that employ this type of editing for corporate accounts.

But for our company,

isn't it better to not put on a show in order to appeal to the masses?

Being natural is the best.

Well, that's true.

Got it. Then, let me redo the editing.

Being natural...

- Hitsujitani! - Yes!

How was it?

Kurusu Arashi's carefully selected terrible restaurant.

Wait, how did you know it was terrible?

I knew it.

Kurusu's ability to find bad restaurants is well-known.

Really?

Ignoring review sites and deliberately choosing the worst ones.

How was the interview?

Personally, he seemed like a capable person to me.

Kurusu-san said he wears a mask so he's troublesome...

A mask?

Yes.

Now that you mention it...

he always has a smile on,

like he's putting on an act.

Well, being natural is the best, I suppose.

It's not a bad thing to interact with a smile, right?

It's a necessary skill for working adults.

Rather, a role model for sales?

I think he'll be good at his job.

- Right? - Yeah.

Yokoyama-san.

Yes?

The job seeker's preference is...

a company with a well-developed performance evaluation system.

Can I ask you to do some research?

Performance evaluation, huh?

Thank you for the job posting.

I've sent you the list,

were there any companies that caught your interest?

There were some promising companies but...

When I looked it up online,

there were few positive reviews...

When it comes to evaluations...

Are you talking about reviews on job search websites?

Yes.

People nowadays

want to know the true state of the companies they're interested in.

There's also websites where you can read reviews from real employees, right?

Yes, a lot of genuine opinions.

There is a lot of information in this world.

However, in the end,

making decisions about how to use that information is important.

You previously said

that you were dissatisfied with not being properly evaluated, right?

Yes.

If that's the case,

shouldn't you also evaluate yourself based on your own values?

Well, that's true, but...

First of all,

what aspects of yourself do you want to be evaluated on?

Huh?

If you say you're dissatisfied,

there must be some aspects of yourself that you want to evaluate, right?

Maybe it's my cheerful and positive personality?

Huh?

Sasagawa?

Takagi, what are you doing?

What a coincidence.

We used to work together at the company.

- Hello. - Thank you.

Takagi, what are you doing now that you have left the company?

Ah, well...

I'm sorry, but I've plans right now.

Sorry, but let's get a drink sometime.

Sure.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Thank you for the meal.

That guy joined the company and quit after two months.

Two months?

Our department is tough.

My batchmate, all of them ran away.

I'm the only one left.

I guess our generation

can't last more than three years.

Three years is a long time nowadays.

Huh?

Hurry.

Quickly.

Sorry.

Sasagawa.

Yes.

How about the restaurant to host Taka Insignia Holdings' Manager Yoshizaki this friday?

I made a reservation at a restaurant that serves Japanese sake, which he enjoys.

The review rating is 3.8.

Listen up.

This time, act properly.

Because your main job is to liven up the place.

Okay?

Yes.

Nishida-san.

Regarding distributing new product samples at the summer festival

I mentioned in the meeting the other day...

The flyer design has been submitted by the Sales Promotion Department.

Please confirm it.

About that, I just received a message about the release date...

What's up with this design?

It's totally no good at all.

I've given proper instructions.

Make the product name bigger and bolder.

Change the color here and here.

Change the font here.

These three must be fixed.

Tell them right away.

Yes.

Nishida-san, please check the documents.

I'm really sorry, I know it's a sudden request.

Well, we can still make it.

I'll fix it. It's my job, after all.

As always, thank you.

I'll leave it to you.

[Takagi Shuya] [Let's have a reunion!][When are you free?]

A reunion?

Welcome.

- Hey! - Hey!

I was surprised you wanted to have a reunion.

Huh? Me?

Remember, the other day...

Excuse me!

Please wait.

The woman who was with you followed me.

She said you really wanted

to drink with the batchmate who resigned.

Why?

Huh?

Oh, nothing.

Excuse me!

Yes.

Have you decided?

Well then, let's start with a draft beer...

I'll have a Cassis Orange.

I'll have green tea.

And a highball.

And one more draft beer, please.

Understood.

That's how you guys are.

You need to cooperate more, you know?

Anyway, it's fine.

Even now we're still talking about how amazing you are.

You've been in that department for over three years, right?

You're doing well.

Is Nishida-san still the same?

He's always making unreasonable demands every day.

So, what are you guys up to now?

I was worried.

I'm currently starting my own smartphone app company.

An app?

Wait, you are a president?

Yeah, well, it's finally getting on track.

You were featured in a business magazine recently, right?

Is that so?

Oh, I'm actually making a living through esports.

Esports?

Yeah.

I quickly realized that working for a company is not for me.

So, I decided to give my all to what I love.

Well, it's tough, but every day is fulfilling.

I've already changed jobs twice.

Now, I'm entrusted with the role of project leader,

it seems like I won't quit easily.

Can't quit, huh?

Not at all...

So, everyone here

feels like they've found their place.

What about you?

What are you up to these days?

Ah, well, I...

Your main job is to liven up the place.

Right now, I'm working on a pretty big project.

Someting like that...

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Thank you very much.

That was really delicious.

Thank you for the meal.

Well, I'm heading this way.

Ah, I see.

Let's have a drink again.

Yeah, let's drink again.

Good luck.

See you.

See you.

It was a lively reunion, wasn't it?

You're here?

I'm sorry, Sasagawa-san.

I'm the one who asked.

Why are you doing this?

You mentioned that your former colleagues

ran away from the company.

But actually,

everyone seems to have found a job that's suited for them.

Sasagawa-san,

what were you doing during that time?

The three years period is no longer relevant.

If you haven't gained any new skills or accomplishments,

it's as good as wasting time.

Kurusu-san, that's going too far!

I'll take my leave for today.

Excuse me.

Sasagawa-san!

Do you have a moment?

Sorry about that sharp-tongued remark.

He doesn't mince words.

No, Kurusu-san was right.

What have I been doing the last three years?

I couldn't last three years at my previous company.

Did you change jobs?

Which company did you join?

It's an advertising agency called Ichinomiya Planning.

Isn't it a major company?

Why did you quit?

I couldn't get along well with my boss...

Now that I think about it, he was quite the bully.

But at the time,

all I could think was that it was all my fault...

So,

I think it's amazing that you could last three years.

I'm not sure about that.

Like those guys...

I don't even have a job that I can proudly say I'm doing.

What can I do?

Should I give up on changing jobs with these feelings?

Only you know the answer to that.

I'm sorry.

No...

Yeah, you're right.

Here, a dessert for your tired bodies.

A soothing tired milk pudding.

Thank you very much.

This one's on the house for you two.

Although I say that,

I'm not very confident about this one.

Really?

Thank you very much.

Let's dig in.

Let's eat.

Yeah.

It's delicious.

Really?

That's great!

By the way, my senior at work

said Sasagawa-san is a role model in sales.

Me?

If he can always be smiling at work

he must be outstanding.

There are no bad people

when it comes to someone with a beautiful smile.

Someone who cares about people around them

is an amazing person.

I also fell in love with Hokkun's smile.

Really?

Yeah, I was attracted to your smile at first.

But then I fell in love with your seriousness and work ethic.

"Work ethic"?

Yeah!

Like suggesting new menu items.

He actively and continuously made suggestions on his own.

That's when I thought, "This person is reliable."

I wanted you to be able to rely on me.

I thought it was cool.

Hey, could you not get all lovey-dovey?

Sorry...

Well then, please enjoy.

Thank you.

[Attached is the revised sample of summer festival flyers.]

[Please get confirmation from Nishida-san. Good job as always.]

[Good luck. I'm counting on you..]

The three years period is no longer relevant.

If you haven't gained any new skills or accomplishments,

it's as good as wasting time.

Alright.

So, Sasagawa-kun you were in the soccer club?

Yes.

That explains why you're so energetic.

Being energetic is his only strong suit.

This premium sake is really good.

It's in the same category as my favorite Seto Nishiki sake.

As expected,

Section Chief Yoshizaki can tell the difference.

Sasagawa-kun, what year are you in?

I'm in my fourth year.

I've great expectations for energetic young professionals like you.

If you have good ideas, don't hesitate to share them.

Indeed, your advice is spot on.

Right?

Then, may I've a little of your time?

Huh?

Regarding the PR collaboration for the upcoming product with your company,

I was thinking if we could appeal to a wider target audience.

I've brought a proposal.

Hey!

Here, we have three options...

Well, well.

This is...

a bit unpleasant?

I apologize.

Hey, Sasagawa, put this away.

But...

Oops, we should probably head home soon.

Yes, you're right.

Please don't say that.

No,

thanks to him I remembered about tomorrow's work.

I'll excuse myself.

I'll call a taxi.

Sasagawa, you call the taxi.

Section Chief.

Sasagawa!

Yes!

I'm sorry.

We need to start over.

Let's have a meeting to apologize.

Next time, I'll definitely do it properly.

Don't come back anymore.

Are you misunderstanding something?

Your only strengths are your enthusiasm and energy

so you should do it with all your might.

You've been doing it for three years, right?

Isn't that your job?

No one is asking for your suggestions.

Good evening.

I tried to do what I could think of.

As you said,

I didn't want to think that I wasted my time.

But,

when my boss scolds me,

I finally understood.

My three years, there was nothing.

No,

I knew.

For me,

I've had no substance to begin with.

Because there was nothing...

I desperately smiled to be liked.

Wearing a mask...

If I kept doing that,

I told myself that

I would be recognized someday.

I'm an idiot.

Even if I continued that for another three years,

I wouldn't gain anything.

I'd like to ask you to disregard the job change.

Even if I luckily get into another company,

I think I'd just be a bother.

For me,

there's nothing in my work that I can be proud of.

Excuse me.

I also wore a mask.

Huh?

I used to be completely devoted to my job.

But one day, I had an accident

and couldn't work as I wanted to.

Kurusu.

Yes?

Even though I know I can't work like before.

Still, I want to be recognized.

I was scared of being told that I wasn't needed.

I was deceiving myself with a smile.

Those were the days of wearing a mask and living a lie.

But it didn't work.

What am I working for?

Who am I working for?

I lost sight of that.

I couldn't even fake a smile anymore.

And then,

My heart broke...

But you still have time.

From this time forward,

you should properly face yourself.

It's a job opening at a food manufacturer called Cook Energy.

Although it's a small to medium-sized company,

It's a company with a CEO renowned for fostering growth,

and they assess employees from various perspectives.

Maybe you'll notice something

if you go for an interview.

Please let me have the interview.

I...

I want to change.

I'll contact you again.

I'm sorry, I overheard everything.

I see.

I'm leaving.

You stayed out late.

I see, so you heard everything.

When I think about the harsh words towards Sasagawa-san

and how I can relate to them...

I realized I didn't understand anything about Kurusu-san.

You see, Kurusu-kun...

He has been harsh on job seekers

since he began working here.

I've received complaints like "Fire that man!" multiple times.

It got to the point where I couldn't defend him anymore.

But you know,

he said this...

A job that doesn't suit you can kill a person.

Huh?

A job that does not suit you

will kill you from within.

And sometimes, it kills someone else.

That's why I can't overlook it.

Killing someone?

This person carries his own past

and treats job applicants

with his own sense of justice.

I finally understand that.

The person who can guide a lost sheep

was once a lost sheep themselves.

That's why I trust him.

He works with his own convictions.

That Demon King...

[Cook Energy Cooporation] [7 p.m. (Around 1 hour)]

Alright.

Sasagawa, what's going on?

Yes?

This is a flyer for the new product we'll be distributing at tomorrow's summer festival.

The release date has changed,

but it hasn't been updated!

It has changed?

This is the first time I heard it.

What?

I told you, didn't I?

Please confirm it.

About that,

I just contacted them about the release date...

What's up with this design?

It's totally no good at all.

The product name should be bigger and bolder.

At that time, you might have forgotten to mention the release date...

Huh?

I told you, didn't I?

Didn't you just miss it?

No, even after that, when I asked for the final check...

Nishida didn't say anything...

There's no way I would forget to mention it.

Anyway, make them fix it right away! Hurry!

I'm sorry!

What's the deadline?

If we reprint it right away...

We need to have everything done by 7 a.m. tomorrow.

I've asked the vendor to stop the packaging process.

Let's take everything back

and redo the packaging work ourselves.

Let's divide the tasks and get moving.

First, let's fix the flyers.

I'll call the printing company.

Understood.

Sasagawa-san do you understand what you're saying?

I understand.

Please allow me to decline the interview.

I understand the circumstances.

It's an arrangement made

even though it was inconvenient for other party.

Can't you make it?

I can't just do nothing.

There won't be another chance.

The samples have arrived!

Please take care of it.

We've been working as a team.

I'm sorry.

Let me help too!

Please do. Okay, then, that one.

Yes.

Yes, I'll take it.

Decline?

Is there nothing we can do?

It was his decision.

If you'd like, please eat this with everyone.

Take a rest when it's break time.

I'm used to not taking breaks.

By the way, it's not like you have to stay.

The work is our job, after all.

No, I'll do it.

You're having a tough time too, huh?

Nishida-san, right?

Seriously, so selfish.

The other day...

I apologize for the trouble.

My subordinates are all useless.

Nishida-san, it's hard on you too.

You're absolutely right.

Excuse me.

This is a special sake, Setonishiki.

Huh?

Isn't this something that wasn't offered here?

Actually, the other day, Sasagawa-sama

brought it here and asked to have it served

especially to Yoshizaki-san since it's your favorite.

All the way here?

Yes, as an apology for last time.

This is surprising.

Trying to fix the mistake on your own.

He's a promising young man.

Make sure you train him well.

Well...

you're right.

Finaly it's done.

It's 6:50 a.m., we made it on time.

Good job everyone.

Well, should we stop by the sauna on our way back?

But it's really like you, isn't it?

Huh?

You never give up on your work, do you?

You even handle menial tasks with care

and never forget to consider your colleagues.

Your sense of responsibility is too strong.

If it wasn't for your request, we wouldn't have done it.

Thank you so much!

Well then, I'll leave the report up to you.

A strong sense of responsibility...

I've something to be proud of?

It's alraedy too late.

This is not the time to take a rest.

Huh?

Wait, why are you here?

I'm glad it ended safely.

Umm...

Your interview,

it has been rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. this morning.

Huh?

Well, but...

Kurusu-san implored them to give it one more chance.

I'm good at begging on my knees.

He's not actually doing that.

But they said they could make time this morning.

I pulled an all-nighter so

my appearance and everything is a mess.

Isn't that perfect.

Now you can remove the mask

and face them as who you really are.

And besides...

It seems you had something after all.

A strong sense of responsibility.

That's a very strong quality you've developed.

It seems that the three years

you spent were not a waste of time.

You'll be fine, Sasagawa-san.

Actually,

I just wanted to escape from a terrible boss.

A boss who doesn't acknowledge me.

That's why I came to talk about changing jobs.

Now I've come to realize

that I want

to work under a boss

who is respectful and values people.

This place is not where I belong.

But now,

I'll stop seeking validation or excuses.

Stop the excuses...

It's not an excuse.

It's natural to desire recognition from someone.

Work is built on connections with people.

A boss who doesn't praise their subordinates

is not worthy of being a boss.

However,

appeasing such a boss

or trying to be someone you're not is ludicrous.

Please confront as your true self.

Sasagawa-san looks relieved.

A strong sense of responsibility.

An epitome of a professional.

It's difficult for us to recognize our own strengths.

Humans do what they're good at unconsciously.

That's why it's important to confront ourselves.

Indeed.

This time, it's thanks to you.

Huh?

Umm...

Excuse me.

Sasagawa-san!

Do you have a moment?

Decline?

Is there nothing we can do?

Being able to empathize with job seekers as if it were your own matter.

That's your strength.

Huh...

Please wait.

Did you just praise me?

That's creepy.

Huh?

No, wait a moment.

Please accept this.

Yeah.

Hey.

This...

What do you mean by this?

Thank you for your guidance.

I heard Sasagawa-san have decided to change jobs?

Yes.

From now on,

it seems like he can do it without pushing himself too hard.

So, he's going to take off the mask.

That's good to hear.

Please take a look at this.

This is a video that Inukai filmed for me.

The one that was uploaded to the internet.

My family runs a temple.

Finally, the number of views has exceeded 80!

With this,

I might be able to boast about it at my next matchmaking party!

Even if you boast about it, it's only 80.

There's a possibility that it's all coming from him.

Huh?

Hey, Kurusu-kun's video going viral?

I secretly filmed it.

500,000 views?

Huh? Amazing!

But...

If he finds out, he might get angry.

Hello.

Do you have a reservation?

No, but I wanted to register here.

Thank you.

If you'd like, I can assist you.

Well...

I'd prefer it to be by Kurusu Arashi-san.

By Kurusu-san?

Do you know each other?

I'm his ex-girlfriend.

I see. Just a moment...

- Huh! - Huh!

Ex-girlfriend?

Long time no see.

Riko...