Afrikaans
Akan
Albanian
Amharic
Armenian
Azerbaijani
Basque
Belarusian
Bemba
Bengali
Bihari
Bosnian
Breton
Bulgarian
Cambodian
Catalan
Cebuano
Cherokee
Chichewa
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Corsican
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
Esperanto
Estonian
Ewe
Faroese
Filipino
Finnish
French
Frisian
Ga
Galician
Georgian
German
Greek
Guarani
Gujarati
Haitian Creole
Hausa
Hawaiian
Hebrew
Hindi
Hmong
Hungarian
Icelandic
Igbo
Indonesian
Interlingua
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Javanese
Kannada
Kazakh
Kinyarwanda
Kirundi
Kongo
Korean
Krio (Sierra Leone)
Kurdish
Kurdish (Soranî)
Kyrgyz
Laothian
Latin
Latvian
Lingala
Lithuanian
Lozi
Luganda
Luo
Luxembourgish
Macedonian
Malagasy
Malay
Malayalam
Maltese
Maori
Marathi
Mauritian Creole
Moldavian
Mongolian
Myanmar (Burmese)
Montenegrin
Nepali
Nigerian Pidgin
Northern Sotho
Norwegian
Norwegian (Nynorsk)
Occitan
Oriya
Oromo
Pashto
Persian
Polish
Portuguese (Brazil)
Punjabi
Quechua
Romanian
Romansh
Runyakitara
Russian
Samoan
Scots Gaelic
Serbian
Serbo-Croatian
Sesotho
Setswana
Seychellois Creole
Shona
Sindhi
Sinhalese
Slovak
Slovenian
Somali
Spanish
Spanish (Latin American)
Sundanese
Swahili
Swedish
Tajik
Tamil
Tatar
Telugu
Thai
Tigrinya
Tonga
Tshiluba
Tumbuka
Turkish
Turkmen
Twi
Uighur
Ukrainian
Urdu
Uzbek
Vietnamese
Welsh
Wolof
Xhosa
Yiddish
Yoruba
Zulu
marezora
Adapted from Ikeido Jun's "Bones of Steel" (Kodansha)
Ikematsu Group / Field Supervisor Tomishima Heita
Hey! Cigarette.
You can't smoke here.
So noisy.
What did you say?
Hey!
Hey! Stop the concrete mixer!
Stop!
Pick it up!
I said pick it up!
What's the matter?
Supervisor, is anything the matter?
Tamaki dumped his cigarette in the concrete mixer.
Did you?
What's your problem?
Sorry about that. I'll scold him properly.
This wasn't a one- or two-time incident! I've caught him many times!
But it's just one cigarette after all, you don't need to be so strict.
So what will you do about the strength?
Strength?
The cigarette will absorb moisture from the wet concrete,
and the strength will drop in that portion only.
If there was a small earthquake and a crack forms in that portion,
what are you going to do? Huh?
Can your company take responsibility?
More importantly, can you live with yourself?
Pick it up!
That's enough! Heita!
Project Manager.
Hello, Manager.
Mr. Nagayama!
Masukawa.
Ikematsu Group / Project Manager Nagayama Tetsuo
Here!
And this youngster.
Just try doing this again.
I'll make sure you won't enter Ikematsu Group ever again.
I sincerely apologize, Manager!
Sorry!
Supervisor, I'm very sorry. I'm sorry.
You, apologize!
We're sorry.
We're sorry!
Quick! Take it out!
Take it out quickly!
Sorry, Supervisor.
Restart the concrete mixer!
Get back to work!
Heita, that's enough.
Get to work.
Supervisor, sorry!
Masukawa, I'm leaving it to you!
Heita! In this industry, you have to take the rough with the smooth.
Doing the right thing isn't always right.
But always doing irresponsible things is not right either.
Got it?
No. I don't get it!
You'll understand eventually.
But bear this in mind,
that is the key to survive in this industry.
A subcontractor like that… Just ban them immediately!
Heita! I'm counting on you.
Is that so?
Noted.
Alright, noted.
Good work today. We'll finish filling the wet concrete for the skeleton soon.
Please check it.
Heita.
Yes?
You're getting transferred.
Huh?
They want you to leave the field and go to the operations department at the head office.
O-Operations department?
W-Why?
Are you saying you don't need me here?
That's not what I mean.
It seems that Managing Director Ogata personally asked for you.
The Managing Director?
Yeah.
But… I joined this company because I wanted to build buildings…
I know that…
But think about it, Heita. This could be a great opportunity!
No one has ever been transferred from the construction site to the operations department.
I'm sure it'll be a good experience for you.
But…
Please do something about it!
I'm someone who works on site!
More importantly, you work for the company!
Well, isn't it fine?
Go learn from them for a while.
I'll call you back to the field after some time.
Don't forget what I told you this afternoon.
Doing the right thing isn't always right.
The Operations department is that kind of place.
Operations department?
It's similar to the business department.
You go to municipal offices and beg them to give you public construction projects.
Hakusui Bank / Shinjuku Branch Exchange Teller Nomura Moe
You studied architecture but you're going to business…
Seriously, it's out of my field.
But if you're going to be working at the head office, isn't it a promotion?
I guess that's what a banker would think.
For those of us working in manufacturing,
being removed from the field when you're still inexperienced…
It's not a good thing.
But you were appointed by the Managing Director, right?
That's right.
But why me of all people…
What's he like?
He's a hotshot.
He used to work in a major general contractor company but
when Ikematsu Group fell into financial trouble
the previous President scouted him and he restored the company in no time.
People like to say "Ikematsu Group has Ogata".
You mean someone that great took a liking to you?
No, no way.
But…
Maybe it's thanks to the Managing Director that I was able to join Ikematsu Group.
The first time…
I saw Tokyo's skyscrapers,
I was overwhelmed by its magnificence.
I thought, I want to try making buildings like these.
I want a job where I can give people dreams.
We are not a major company.
For example, a building like the Metropolitan Office.
Do you think we can build that?
Y-Yes, of course!
In reality, that is mostly impossible.
What do you think about a 9-storey rectangular building?
For example, something totally uninspiring like our company building.
Does this count as that dreamy job you speak of?
I think it is a little different.
Unfortunately, the buildings we build are mostly like that.
The kind of buildings that would make you look up in awe…
Not even one.
They blend into the surroundings as soon as they're finished.
Nothing but an ordinary building that no one will take a second look at.
Do you know why?
That's because…
B-Because the construction depends on the client.
If what the client ordered
is a characterless rectangular building…
What will you do?
There's nothing dreamy in this job.
I don't think that is the case.
Even if the appearance is ordinary,
That building still holds the client's dream after all.
It could be a new office building they've longed for…
It could be a warehouse they need to expand their business.
I-Indeed, it might be different from the skyscrapers that I looked up at…
But…
The fact that someone's dream of some kind lies in that building is no different.
Hmm! Didn't you say something good?
Not at all.
I was desperate back then!
I failed the interviews for every major general contractors and had to aim for the mid-sized companies.
I finally made it to Ikematsu Group's final interview.
Well, anyway…
To a salaryman, HR orders are absolute.
You'll just have to do your best.
Yeah.
Bottoms up!
Bottoms up.
Bones of Steel
Go to that corner.
Okay.
Umm…
I'll be working here from today. I'm Tomishima.
Ikematsu Group / Operations Department Shibata Risa
Hello, I'm Shibata.
I look forward to working with you.
You're just a kid! How cute!
Manager!
Ikematsu Group / Operations Department Manager Kanematsu Iwao
Then it's settled.
Alright. Excuse me.
What?
This is Tomishima.
Oh, so it's you!
I'm the Manager, Kanematsu. I look forward to working with you.
I'll be in your care.
We'll need someone who knows the field from now on.
That's why you're here.
Managing Director Ogata asked for you.
The operations department is under the Managing Director's direct control.
As for your job here…
For now, can you join Nishida in making the rounds?
Nishida is…
Ah! There he is! Nishida, this is Tomishima.
Nice to meet you.
Show him the ropes.
Ikematsu Group / Operations Department Deputy Manager Nishida Gorō
Okay.
Come.
Managing Director Ogata Sōji
Come in.
Excuse us.
From today, Tomishima will start working here.
He will be joining meetings from now on.
We'll be in your care.
I'll be in your care.
How many projects have you experienced?
Three.
How was it?
Weren't you disappointed?
Not at all.
I've heard about your performance from Nagayama.
Do you know Mr. Nagayama?
Ikematsu Group / Managing Director Ogata Sōji
He's an old friend.
When I was at my previous company,
there was one time we collaborated with Ikematsu Group as a joint venture.
He's a pretty formidable man.
One time, when we were pouring wet concrete, he got scolded and transferred away.
Why?
Someone from my company at the time threw a cigarette into the wet concrete.
The same as you.
Begin.
Yes.
From the other day, the Construction Bureau's
Nishiazabu 1-chome roadwork went to Tobari Road.
Shiba 3-chome went to Itahara Group.
Well, both of these are small projects so…
We plan to throw away the small ones,
and target the underground passage project from Jingūmae 3-chome to 2-chome.
If this project is worth a few billions…
That project is by appointment?
Yes.
Make sure you get it.
Yes.
Nishida and Tomishima, you two go to the ward office.
Say your greetings and meet the Tiger.
Find out if there's any information about bidding.
Noted.
Yes.
Excuse us.
Excuse us.
Umm… What's "Tiger"?
Tora is Japanese for "tiger"
It's the Road Section Chief's nickname. He's called Hanai Toranosuke.
We'll go meet him now, so brace yourself.
Okay.
Excuse me, can you call Hanai Section Chief please?
I'm from Ikematsu Group. I came here to say my greetings.
If it's just greetings, we have a business card case there, please insert yours there.
If possible, we would like to greet him directly…
Would you please tell him we're here?
You're a vendor, right?
At this ward office we do not accept such greetings.
Hanai Section Chief! Good to see you!
Hey, you're causing me trouble, Nishida.
Sorry, Section Chief.
Actually, a newbie just joined us.
I thought we should say our greetings.
Come here.
Quick!
Pardon me.
Section Chief.
Sorry, thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Here.
Umm…
I'm Tomishima Heita.
Nice to meet you.
Hello.
Thank you for the tea.
Actually, I shouldn't serve tea to vendors.
Thank you.
Our company depends on you, so we came to greet you first.
And we heard that an order for a new project is due to be placed…
Actually, our business performance has been unsatisfactory lately…
So we were wondering if we could get a project where we can perform confidently…
That kind of thing is, you know… It's not good to discuss this separately.
After all, the ward office's catchphrase this time is "Clean & Clean".
Of course, I'm aware.
Is it around 15 companies?
Well, I guess that's roughly it.
You'll include us in the bidding candidates, right?
I wonder. I can't say anything, even to you.
Do I have to worry?
Well… If we pick a company with a good track record, we won't have to worry.
How much is it worth?
I don't know that.
A project that scale… Should be around 2 billions?
Now, now. Nishida.
I can't say any more considering my position.
Pardon me.
But Section Chief, I'm counting on you to appoint us.
Please.
Section Chief.
After I leave, wait a bit before you leave.
Noted.
Thank you.
Korezawa Construction. A rival company?
I'm Tomishima. Pleasure to meet you.
I'm Izumi, pleasure to meet you.
Tomishima, huh?
Korezawa Construction / Executive Director Izumi Hayato
Getting straight to the point…
About the Jingūmae underground passage project, I'm counting on you.
Ah, that. Yeah.
Mr. Izumi. We let you have the previous one.
This time, please arrange for us to get it. That was the promise, wasn't it?
Did I make such a promise?
Please don't feign ignorance…
Hmm?
That guy pulls the strings for all road construction in Kantō region.
But, he's not an opponent you can beat by ordinary means.
Right now, every company is desperate to get this project.
The key is how you make arrangements amongst them.
Arrangements, as in…
Yeah
Deciding everything about the bid.
Which company will win which bid.
What's more, how much they'll win the bid for — all Izumi's work.
It's not ideal.
But as long as you comply,
you can get enough projects to somehow survive.
Do you get it?
In other words…
Collusion?
That's right.
If there's no collusion, what would happen?
Natural competition.
In other words, it will turn into a price war.
Even if they win the bid, they can't survive with that price.
There's no point getting an order if they would make a loss.
That's where arrangements are necessary.
So basically, we're participating in collusion too?
That is to say, collusion is a necessary evil.
We need you to be on the same page with that.
But isn't it odd?
Our company has declared an anti-collusion stance, right?
They're all talk.
Even with all that lip service, as long as the structure doesn't change there will always be collusion.
Even if it's illegal?
So what?
Surviving is more important.
Do you want to frequent Hello Work?
Hello Work is the Japanese government's Employment Service Center
Listen, Heita.
The operations department is our company's glory.
Business department stretches the price of the order, we stretch the profit.
No matter which general contractor, the operations department always handles collusion.
We're the same.
The anti-collusion stance is just a downright lie to keep a good public image.
Right, Gorō?
Welcome to the world of collusion.
So slow.
Cheers!
About the underground passage construction in Jingūmae… We're having some trouble with arrangements.
According to my investigation, there are a few new faces among the companies invited to the bid.
New faces?
Seems that it was the ward mayor's new policy…
To open the doors for public works even to companies with not much track record.
Have you talked to them?
Yes.
Izumi told us to take it with them personally, so
the other day I went around
to probe whether they would partake in the arrangements.
However, there was one company that did not seem pleased.
What company?
Tokita Construction.
This company.
What kind of company do you think it is?
It's a new company that has only been around for 5 years, with around 30 employees.
The President, Yamamoto, resigned from the major company Manobe Group.
I can tell that by looking at this!
What kind of circumstances is this company facing?
What are their intentions in joining the bid? That's what I'm asking.
Their profits are about the same every year.
Some years they're running at a loss
They probably didn't get as much profit doing private projects as they'd hoped,
so they're extending their reach to public projects.
If they're experiencing this much loss,
they must have their back to the wall.
They should be trying to maintain their profit margin. Would we be able to win by price?
It's the opposite.
They'll be desperate to win this project.
Even if they'll be making a loss, as long as they got their retainer fee
they'll be able to take care of their urgent bills.
A cornered company is scarier to deal with.
Nishida, try getting in contact with Tokita's Business Department again.
Okay.
Excuse me.
It's showdown. Get ready!
Yes!
If it's about that, we have declined.
Please don't say that...
My God.
President!
Tokita Construction / President Yamamoto Seiji
Is the Ikematsu Group
telling us to be complicit in their bid rigging?
That is the same thing as telling us to be complicit in a crime.
But public works are not as sweet as you think.
Even if you win the bid by arrangements, the profit margin is nothing to boast about.
If you want a real competition,
even that profit margin will vanish.
But isn't that a fair competition?
That's how our company has survived.
In this day and age, there are companies that would drop their prices to negative profit just to win the bid.
That can't be called fair competition, can it?
Negative profit or not,
as long as they can win the bid, you can only call that a fair result, can't you?
Anyway.
Pardon my rudeness, but I must ask you to leave.
We have no choice but to change our tactics.
How should we proceed?
Tokita Construction got their start with Manobe Group.
It seems that they've also received projects through Manobe.
The only way is to take our negotiations to that side.
If it's a request from Manobe there is no way they can reject it.
I see.
We can't lose to Tokita.
-Nishida! -Yes, sir?
Team up with the Cost Estimation Department and Procurement Department to revise our quote.
Knock down outsourcing and material costs as much as possible.
Yes sir.
-Heita, I want you to pay attention to all this. -Yes sir!
Alright then.
From 56,000 yen to only 39,000 yen?!
39,000 yen! That's cutting it close!
We absolutely want to secure this project.
At least give us some time to think about it!
Please do.
Thank you very much.
-Well damn. -Do you think it'll work out?
Huh?
In the case of our upcoming project,
the materials make up about 60% of the overall cost.
So if we want to lower the construction cost, we have to get the materials cheaper.
This time, we might have no choice but to beg and cry for it.
In any case, our goal is to secure orders immediately.
Yes sir.
Let me find Omiya-san...
Isn't this the place we went to introduce ourselves earlier?
-Oh right. -Please let me help as well.
Well, why not? Aim to get the raw material costs down by 5%.
Yes sir! I'll make a copy of this!
We definitely want to win this contract no matter what!
Yes, please.
Wait, no! That...that actually won't work for us.
If you could just-
Huh? Seriously?
Listen, this time that number just won't cut it.
Aren't we friends?
Alright, let's shorten the deadline for payment.
How's this?
No good. Still not low enough.
Seriously? How can I possibly cut more than this?
Don't give up! Make sure your material for the meeting tomorrow is convincing.
Yes, sir.
Ikematsu Group Sasazuka Dormitory
Gosh…
Sir, we absolutely want this to be a deal that benefits both of us.
Even if you say that, I can't do it for this price!
We're counting on using your high quality materials for construction.
Please lend us your support! We're begging you!
Please!
Ask all you want, but I can't do the impossible!
No, please don't say that sir! We're begging you here!
-Impossible! -Please!
Mr. Ogata?
This is rough... We're almost there.
Hello?
Oh, hi there!
What?
-We'll go with the price you suggested. -Really?
Okay, thank you so much.
Keihin Suppliers is in!
Really? They were so hesitant yesterday! Why the sudden change?
Who knows? Anyway, we'll be able to make it!
You're right.
Okay!
Well done.
Thank you sir.
Well? Did you learn something?
Yes. I was able to see a whole new world that I was never exposed to at the site.
I didn't realize how difficult it is
to secure even just one successful bid.
But I do have a question.
And what's that?
We've reduced the costs this much already.
I can't help but think we could be the most competitive bidder, even without rigging.
Let's say we did it one time.
But listen up.
There are more than 5 million people involved in the construction industry in Japan.
Most of them are small companies
who are able to put food on the table because of bid-rigging.
If there's a price war every time
small businesses are the first to go bankrupt!
The subcontractors who helped us cut costs this time are no exception.
If they go under, even big companies will be in trouble.
You need to realize that we're not alone in this industry, Heita.
Yes sir.
Bid-rigging?
Isn't that illegal?
It's probably necessary.
How can you say something like that?
-It's not very convincing. -Why?
If bid-rigging makes business run smoothly…
Then why is the Ikematsu Group so financially unstable? Isn't that suspicious?
-Did you see our financial statements? -I just asked around in the loans division.
And what's more… the president of the Ikematsu Group
often comes to our bank.
I just have a really bad feeling about this.
Can't your bank just lend us more money?
Even if we wanted to it's not that easy!
Then there's the issue of the bid-rigging behind the scenes...
Doesn't the Ikematsu Group know about bank compliance laws?
If you get arrested your career will be over.
Well aren't the banks just a bastion of ethics?
Then what the hell should I do?
Are you saying we should pull out of the collusion and win an unprofitable bid?
How would I know?
I'm just giving you advice I can as a bank clerk
There's no point getting mad at me.
I'm not mad.
Can we stop talking about this? It's our first date in a while...
Hello?
How are you? Are you eating well?
Yeah I'm good. How are things there?
Same as always.
I'm thinking I might come up to Tokyo soon. What do you think?
Should be okay as long as it's on a weekend.
Okay.
I'll find a hotel so won't you please let me meet your girlfriend?
Let's all get dinner!
Um… well, I'll have to ask her about it
but that sounds okay with me.
Great. I'll call again soon.
Okay, bye.
Here is the list of companies who will be supporting the Ikematsu Group
Korezawa Construction Limited
in the upcoming bid.
-Understood. -Thank you.
Huh? What about Tokita Construction?
Oh, Tokita.
The Managing Director told us to try to go through the Manobe Group but...
it was difficult.
I see.
Do we know any
details about what will be included in Tokita's bid?
Nope, it's probably all under the table.
Under the table?
No matter how clean the government supposedly is
no new company should be getting the bid that easily.
And Tokita has no experience with public works projects.
Of course it would make no sense.
So you're saying there's someone in the government...
Dammit! So much for "clean" politics...
I'm sure it's money.
If we knew for sure,
that Tokita was secretly moving funds we could tear them down.
-Nishida? -Yes?
Do you have a copy of Tokita's credit rating?
Yeah.
What is it Heita?
My friend works at this bank.
She might be able to tell us
if there are illegal funds moving back and forth.
-Hey! -What's this urgent business?
Well, make it quick. It's our peak hours.
Oh sorry, but I have a favour to ask.
Tokita Construction is one of your bank's clients, right?
Why are you asking?
I need you to check and see if they've been sending money
to staff at the city ward office.
In the past 3 months, any large transfers around 1 or 2 million yen to any personal accounts?
Are you crazy? I can't do something like that!
Why not? Didn't you say
it's easy to look up account transfers and stuff
-on the computer? -That's not what I meant.
It may be be easy for me to check the destination of money transfers,
But I can't just share that information with anyone!
We have confidentiality agreements!
Our ability to get the bid is riding on this.
It's not like I'll do anything bad with that information.
I just want to confirm if they've been secretly moving money under the table.
Listen Heita, I don't care why you need it.
I can't share a customer's personal information
just because you ask me to.
Even if it's illegal money?
Yeah.
Moe, no one has to know! Please!
Heita, no matter how much you ask I just can't do it!
Oh…
I'm too busy!
Wait! Hey!
Dammit!
-Your boyfriend? -Yes.
Did something happen? Looked like you were arguing
No, it was nothing.
He works for the Ikematsu Group, right?
Hakusui Bank / Shinjuku Branch Loans Division Sonoda Shunichi
Right. On the sites?
Not anymore. He was recently transferred to the head office.
The operations department.
Oh, the "collusion department."
Well, that's what people call it anyway.
Those people think that bribery is a necessary evil.
The reason they do it is cause the company is unstable.
I guess it's easier to buy results than to improve by actual effort.
You should tell your boyfriend to be careful.
Lately the police have been cracking down on bid-rigging.
I will. Thank you sir.
Seems like you two have a nice vibe going on!
-What? -Huh?
If I were you I think I'd try for that "promotion."
Geez…
-I apologize! -Well, it can't be helped.
I definitely think that Tokita is doing something illegal.
But it wouldn't be fair to your friend if we forced her to break rules
just to get that evidence for us.
But it's just a little checking…
Each industry has their own rules to follow.
I mean, bid-rigging isn't exactly legal.
Well, we'll do what we can. Let's try not to get impatient.
Nishida!
Make an appointment with President Yamamoto from Tokita.
Will you be attending sir?
Yes.
Understood.
Tokita…
I'm sure you've already heard what I'm about to say from Izumi over at Korezawa Construction
But won't you cooperate with us President Yamamoto?
I think this deal would actually have many benefits for you.
Well then, will you let us take over construction on the project?
I think that's fair.
But of course...
The fact that you've come all this way to see me Mr. Ogata
tells me that you want to win the bid yourselves.
Am I right?
I'm not here about this one project.
Can't you try to think long term with us?
I don't particularly agree with that way of thinking.
And why is that?
You think that with everyone working together
and sharing the profits, everyone benefits.
That would certainly be the best course of action
if everything was shared evenly.
But the reality is
the big companies have an edge in securing the biggest and best projects.
While all we'll get is cheap, low quality bids and builds.
We'd barely keep our heads above water.
It would stop our company's growth permanently.
You're being unrealistic if you think that
the competitive bidding process will bring you any profits.
In the case of public works projects, it'll turn into a ruthless price war.
If you insist on this pointless fight, everyone loses.
No one gets by in this world just by looking out for themselves.
Won't you consider the important history
of collaboration in our industry?
I don't want to create bad blood between us.
But we're all trying to make a living here.
We absolutely want to win this contract.
That's all this is about.
-What time is the bidding tomorrow? -10 o'clock.
I'll be there.
Yes, sir.
Don't forget anything!
I won't.
Normally department managers do the bidding.
But this time, Managing Director Ogata will be there.
Do you know what that means?
That shows how serious we are this time, right?
This time it's a battle with Tokita.
I'm sure he'll be thinking over his options until the second or third round.
A situation might arise,
where we have to change the bid price right there in the moment at the venue.
In those situations, regular managers have no authority.
But the Managing Director is allowed to make those snap decisions.
I guess he's expecting to make an emergency decision.
I'll be here standing by. Heita, I'm counting on you.
Yes, sir.
-Managing Director Ogata! -Wonderful to see you again.
I'll take that.
We will be starting shortly.
We will now begin.
Bidding for the "Jingūmae Underground Road Project"
Please present the specifications and details of your bid.
Thank you.
The bidding is now finished.
Please wait while we open up the bid sheets.
We will now reveal our budgeted price.
The minimum bid price we are looking for is
2.24 billion yen.
The current bids are all over budget.
There were no bids that met our budgeted price.
Even though we already cut it so much...
We will now begin the second round.
As soon as you are ready please place your bids.
Sir, what are you thinking?
-Heita, get me a calculator. -Yes, sir.
Put this in.
Yes, sir.
Thank you.
We will now announce the results.
In this bid,
there are two companies who have made offers below our
operating budget.
Ikematsu Group
2.22 billion yen
Tokita Construction
2.17 billion yen
2.1 billion?
The winning bid is 2.17 billion yen.
The highest bidder is Tokita Construction.
Tokita Construction representatives, please present your cost breakdown statement.
To everyone else, thank you for your cooperation today.
Managing Director…
Just what the hell were you thinking? Unbelievable!
You couldn't even get a middling, low-rate company to listen to you?
My apologies, sir.
Ikematsu Group / President Matsuda Atsushi
Listen, Ogata.
What was the point of you going out and handling things directly?
Did you even cut costs?
We cut right to the limit.
Then how did they beat us?
With that amount, Tokita will definitely run a deficit.
It's likely that they just wanted the contract to build their track record.
Listen, I know you know our financial situation.
If the Operations Department doesn't secure contracts
business dries up.
Are you saying you wanted this contract, even if it meant operating at a loss?
At the next Transportation Bureau council,
You absolutely must win the contract!
Yes, sir.
As you just heard, we need to do everything in our power
to win the bid for the next subway construction project.
Listen up.
The fate of our company absolutely depends on it.
We have to get it.
Got it?
Yes, sir.
I can't believe the way the president talked to us!
-We all tried so hard... -It's because he's a spoiled, 6th generation president.
He doesn't know anything about the real hard work of construction.
Just how big is the next subway construction project?
200 billion.
200 billion?!
Who on earth could make the arrangements for a project of that scale?
There's a "fixer", a big shot.
Someone that big exists?
Yes. The Emperor.
The Emperor?
Large scale construction projects in the Kanto region are usually decided by the Emperor.
He's the biggest fixer in this industry.
Big politicians are involved behind the scenes.
Manobe Group / Business Department Manager Nagaoka Noboru
With regards to the next subway construction project...
I want you to handle the arrangements Mr. Mitsuhashi.
Yamadate Group / Advisor Mitsuhashi Manzō
I'll see when the time comes.
Public Prosecutor’s Office
Large-scale construction on the Yamanote Line worth 200 billion enters its first phase
Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office / Special Investigation Department Prosecutor Nomura Takanobu Kitahara Shinji
Subway construction?
200 billion yen.
Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office / Special Investigation Department Deputy Naitō Hajime
We need to move on this.
Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Pardon me.
Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office / Special Investigation Department Clerk Shimano Ichirō
I've prepared the investigation materials.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.