All language subtitles for Twiceborn.2020.HDRip.XviD.AC3-EVO

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July 15, 1991

Satoru Ichijo

And the defendant is ordered
to pay all legal costs.

The explanation for this
verdict can be found

in the report for this case.

This court is
officially adjourned.

Good afternoon,
I'm Miho Tachibana,

reporting to you live
from the Tokyo Dome.

The Satoru Ichijo at the Tokyo
Dome event is happening here,

later this evening, and
already, there are crowds

who are hoping to
be the first inside.

Satoru?

Have seen
the promotional ads

- in the newspaper.
- Hmm.

Chiaki, do you know him?

Yeah, a bit.

We went to the same college.

Oh.

As I'm sure you're all aware,

the media coverage
of him and the growth

of Taiyoukai has been
nonstop, to say the least.

Oh, ho! I see you made it.

Can I get
you something to drink?

- Four beers, please.
- I'll be right back.

Took your time getting here.

- It's been a while.
- This is great.

Our favorite watering hole.

You got that right.

It's good to see you
again, Hiratsuka.

So you're a professor now?

Not anytime soon.

All I do is write my thesis

and give lectures,
and that's it.

Sounds like a lot of work.

And you, Yamamoto, tell me,

are you busy at the
Ministry of Finance?

Oh yeah.

You're a prosecutor,

and you work for the
defense agency, huh?

Sure do.

Looks like we're all doing
okay in our career choices.

Who would've guessed that?

Here you go!

- Ah, thank you.
- Pass it over.

- Here.
- Here you go.

- Thank you.
- Thanks.

All right then,
to our reunion.

Yeah.

Cheers!

Not just
the spiritual world.

He has written about
other subjects as well,

like mindsets, theory of life-

That's good.

So I guess he's
not gonna show, huh?

I don't think that he can.

Tell
us about his career

on the lecture circuit.

Yes.

Although Mr. Ichijo has
published many different books,

he's well known as a lecturer

and gives speaking
tours all over Japan.

Of all people, who
would've guessed him.

He just took off, didn't he?

Completely out of our reach now.

Attending the
event here today.

This is by far the largest crowd

that Mr. Ichijo has
ever given a lecture to.

It will be interesting
to hear the message

that he'll be giving
us all tonight,

right here at the Tokyo Dome.

It's really quite
a feat to be able

to hold an event of this scale.

You have to have
incredible drawing power

to pull that off there.

Mm-hmm.

Mr. Ichijo is clearly a
man of enormous charisma,

but what kind of people does
he seem to be attracting?

Miss Tachibana?

Miss Tachibana, will
you answer that?

Huh? Uh, yes.

I saw...

To Ms. Chiaki Minase

On the World of
Values in Hannah Arendt

"My dearest,

why don't we listen for
the voices of the wind?

On a cold hill in Umegaoka,

it blows from nowhere,

telling me restlessly that
our love may go astray.

Kawashima, Tokushima Prefecture

Why don't we listen for
the voices of the wind?

Yoshino River

Hair Salone Ichijo

Please, God,
may Satoru be successful.

Ladies
and gentlemen,

welcome to an evening with
Satoru Ichijo at the Tokyo Dome.

Your attention, please, soon
we will start the event.

- During the lecture-
- Oh, Mr. Hinata!

- Mr. Hinata!
- Mr. Hinata!

- Ah!
- This way!

Miss Nakamura.

Have a seat here.

- You sure?
- Uh-huh.

Wow.

It's been a long time.

You haven't changed at all.

Mia, you're so big now.

- Yes.
- Middle school?

No, I'm in high school.

Toho Company Co., Ltd.
70th Anniversary Party

Welcome.

We are pleased to celebrate
the 70th anniversary

since our foundation.

And we owe all of it to
the hard work and devotion

of every single employee.

I thank you all.

Because of each and
every one of you,

our once small trading house
has become a very large one.

We are now one of the top
seven in the world in sales.

Now that we've reached
this major milestone,

we can all be very proud.

But rather than
rest on our laurels,

we're going to continue
to grow and expand.

Thank you very much.

Thanks.

Here you go.

See you tomorrow. Bye.

What did you think?

It was great, wasn't it?

He was even more
charismatic today.

Let's come again.

Absolutely.

Mr. Satoru Ichijo,

you're not the person
that I used to know.

Twiceborn

Executive Producer & Original Story by
Ryuho Okawa

Screenplay by Sayaka Okawa

General Producer
Hisaaki Takeuchi

Producers Taiki Fujigaki Hidetoshi
Momiyama Yoichi Utebi

Music by Yuichi Mizusawa

Directed by Hiroshi Akabane

Satoru Ichijo
Born on July 7, 1956

Satoru, you were born

in this humble
home in Kawashima.

Who knew that one day the whole
world would know about you?

I'm your mother,

but even I never imagined that.

God taught us that we
choose how to live our lives

and that it's imperative
we choose a virtuous life

of our own free will.

You understand?

Well, that will
be all for today.

Thank you very
much for the lesson.

Satoru, get your hat.

It's chilly tonight.

Come on.

It's freezing.

You were
such a mischievous boy.

But once you started
elementary school,

you spent hours studying,
to everyone's surprise.

And you were always the
top student in your class.

Still, you'd say, "I
have to study three times

as much as everyone else."

You were very disciplined.

And you continued working hard.

Hey, Satoru, don't
forget to eat this later.

Thank you, Father.

Good work.

Satoru, I heard that you scored
the highest in the class.

Yeah.

But there are lots of
people all over Japan

who are at the top
of their class.

The people at the
top are always special,

even those who are in the
countryside, you know.

There are lots of
people in this country.

Who knows how many geniuses are

among the top
students out there?

When you
were 10 years old,

My Dreams: 1. Scholar
2. International person

you had two dreams.

One of them was that you
wanted to be a scholar

and share your thoughts
with the world.

Another one was that you
wanted to work internationally

so that you would be able

to expand your
horizons as a person.

Works of Ogai Mori

Strait Is the Gate
by Andre Gide

Satoru's been elected president
of the student council?

Yes, also the captain
of the tennis team

and the chief editor of
the school newspaper.

Plus, he's always
our top student,

leading the second by
more than 50 points.

Not to mention he was top in
the recent nation mock exam.

I hope he
is not hurting himself

by working so very
hard like this.

And there's more, Mrs. Ichijo.

Top students tend to
get picked on by others,

but for some reason, just
one word from Satoru,

and everyone listens
to what he's saying.

They'd follow him anywhere.

Such a smart student,

and popular as well.

Just being his
teacher makes me so proud.

Tokushima Prefectural Tournament

Match!

You entered
Jonan High School,

the top school in
the prefecture,

while undergoing intense
training in kendo.

You also studied furiously
during the two-hour round trip

on the train, every day.

I just went out today.

I was a bit concerned
after yesterday.

Oh, you can say that again.

Hello, sir.

Sit here.

Oh.

Thank you very much.

But, uh, I'm okay.

Tomei University Law School

And...

A11467!

Satoru Ichijo

You're number's there!

- Yeah!
- It's there!

You're number's there!

Let's go! Let's go!

- Congratulations!
- Let's go!

Let's go!

Ready!

Go, go, go!

Congrats on getting into Tomei Univ!
The future depends on you!

You got into the
prestigious Tomei University.

I hardly did anything.

You did it all by yourself.

And then you left for Tokyo.

Hey!

- You!
- Hey.

Hey.

That's a tough book
you're reading.

Being and Time by Heidegger

It's not even one of the
books that's on the exam, is it?

Yeah, I'm just
reading it for myself.

Oh.

Are you from the countryside?

Listen, in
college, it's all about

how well you use the notes
the past students left behind.

Really?

- Uh-huh.
- To land a good job,

when you're outta here,
you got to be efficient.

The more A's you get,
your chances are better

of getting into a ministry.

Hey, look!

That's Chiaki Minase.

Her dad's a Tomei alum and
a judge, and he's famous.

Morning.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Man, she's hot.

Chiaki Minase.

I'll never
forget you, Satoru.

Every one of us would
eventually become aware

of your extraordinary
insight and genius.

Become the wisest man in Japan!

All right, here we go.

I want to learn,

and I want to use what
I learn for something.

Those two passions carried
me all throughout my youth.

Then one day...

Yes?

Mr. Ichijo, a telegram.

Oh, thank you.

Father in critical condition.
Come home ASAP.

No.

So how is he?

Oh, he's fine, no worries.

He'll be released

from here soon.

He's good. I see.

Nobutada Ichijo

How is he?

He's got an acute
stomach ulcer.

Luckily, we got here quickly,

so they could save his life.

But they told me that
he'll have to stay here

for at least a whole month.

Oh, really?

Uh-huh.

I'm glad he's alive.

Father?

Hey there, Satoru.

Oh, Satoru.

Mom must be relieved and
happy if you're around.

Seriously, you need
to look after Mom more,

while I'm away.

Your school's nearby.

Oh, oh, yeah, sorry.

Satoru.

God forbid, if anything
happens to your father,

I want you to know this.

Don't worry about us.

We'll be just fine, okay?

If you want to study,
you can work part-time

and still be able to
go to graduate school.

Mother.

Mm-hmm.

What an ungrateful son
I've been until now.

If Father can't work anymore,

maybe I should give up
on becoming a scholar

and get a job to
help out back home.

Mr. Ichijo, how are
you feeling, today?

- Hello, doctor.
- Huh?

I really have cancer, don't I?

Until we do more tests and
an endoscopy, I can't tell.

Please tell me
the truth, doctor.

Well, just let me
do my job, all right?

You worry way too
much, you know.

Look at this fine
son you've got here.

You need to try harder
to get well for him.

What are you reading?

Max Weber.

Oh, that's fantastic.

That's a great
book to start with.

- Your, uh-
- Yes.

Future is bright.

Thank you.

He was way smarter than
any of us were back then,

so I thought he'd become
a scholar or a politician.

Yeah, but he's
the type who goes

for what he thinks is right.

Mm-hmm.

In a way, he might be the
most successful of us all.

Honestly, though,

what he's doing now
is totally beyond me.

He was always doing things
way beyond our understanding.

You remember, that
paper he wrote

for Professor Ohara's class?

- It was so complex.
- Ah!

- I remember that one.
- I think it was

on "The Origins of
Totalitarianism," wasn't it?

By Hannah Arendt, that's it.

Hm, that's right.

He said, "Brilliantly
unlocking the secrets of Nazism,

there's no question who
the leading philosopher

of the 20th century
is, Hannah Arendt."

Your work is mature.

On the World of Values
in Hannah Arendt

If you can double the
length of this paper,

in terms of an
acceptable thesis,

it would be considered well

above the level
needed for passing.

Uh, thank you.

That being said,

since you're capable of
such philosophical thought,

I wonder if you're suited for
a pragmatic subject like law.

Tell me, are you devoting
time to studying law?

Uh-huh.

Oh.

It was like I was living
in a moment forever.

My dearest

I'm sorry. After you.

Why don't we listen

Oh, no, after you, I insist.

For the voices of the wind?

Here you go.

I can't.

It's okay.

On a cold hill

Thank you.

In Umegaoka

It blows from nowhere

Telling me restlessly

That our love may go astray

Dear
Miss Chiaki Minase,

My dearest...

Why don't we
Listen for the voices of the wind

See how vivid

The lingering snow looks

What blows over it

Is an everlasting

Gentle wind

To Ms. Chiaki Minase

Oh, there is something there

"My dearest, why
don't we listen

That looks trembling

for the voices of the wind?

On a cold hill on Umegaoka,
it blows from nowhere,

Oh, my dearest

telling me restlessly that
our love may go astray.

It's too immature

Why don't you listen for
the voices of the wind?"

To call it love

Yet it's too awkward to
Call it friendship

Our hearts are

At the mercy of the wind

Out of nowhere it brings
An eternal feeling

On the World of Values
in Hannah Arendt

That resembles noble sadness

"For Arendt, living humanely
and freely are the same thing.

To live freely is to join
political activities.

In other words, having political
freedom makes you human.

If you don't have it,
you're living like an animal

or a slave, at your core.

After the rise of Marxism,

the society gave
undeserved praise

to labor as a political value.

It's a shame that people are
now working like slaves."

This is difficult.

I understand exactly what
you're saying, Professor,

but I don't agree with
your view on the Cold War.

Honestly, I think your view

- is completely wrong.
- Hey.

Wow.

Maybe you are right, Satoru.

But it's not wise to
challenge the professor

in front of the class like that.

But there is no doubt that
communism will collapse soon.

I just said what I
knew to be correct.

Hey, criticizing the
professor's gonna hurt

your grades, you know.

They say that silence
goes further than eloquence.

What?

Too much talking
will cost you.

I'm talking about you.

I remember
the joy of walking

in the summer evening.

I loved being engrossed in
a book on a warm autumn day.

I experienced such
happiness repeatedly.

An Inquiry into the Good
by Kitaro Nishida

You've been sending your
poems to Chiaki Minase?

Are you serious?

Mm-hmm, and I
sent her my paper

on Hannah Arendt,
the other day, too.

- Whoa.
- Seriously?

You sent that out
of the blue to her?

That's brave.

When I read your paper, it
gave me such a headache.

Yeah, I guess it's a little
difficult for you guys.

Uh...

Listen, Satoru.

I think you're
making it difficult

for Chiaki to respond to you.

Well, that's not what I want,

'cause to me, she's like a
personification of eternity.

Uh-huh.

I want her to never forget
that I existed in this world.

That's all that I ask.

Anyway, we'll
put in a good word

to Chiaki for you,
as well.

My dearest Chiaki

Let's take a walk together quietly

Let me hold the sleeve of your Yukata

And tell you a fairy tale

But you're looking away

Watching only fireflies

My dearest Chiaki

At dusk of the early summer

Putting my arm around your shoulder

I never feel lonely

Nothing makes me lonely

I never

Dear Satoru,
I am very sorry,

Feel sad

but I'm not the ideal woman
that you imagine I am.

Nothing makes me sad

Satoru, know that I think of it.

Those letters were
letters for the future.

Your 13 letters were filled
with clear yet eternal words.

They were telling me to
remember you in your youth.

Perhaps I was being tasked to
serve as your time capsule.

Here you go!

- Ah, just in time.
- Thank you.

- Yours.
- Thanks.

It was difficult to
see him heartbroken.

And,
Kurosawa, what you said

to him was unnecessary.

Oh, yeah,
I felt bad about that.

I just stoked his
competitive fire

by telling him you're
not really a law student

if you don't even try
to take the bar exam.

Imagine my surprise

when he suddenly started
studying for the exam really hard

because of what I said.

Yeah, I remember
that, even then,

he was trying to find the
right path for himself.

And it really seemed

like college classes
were not a challenge.

According to Karl
Popper, and I quote:

Closed societies believe
in the unprovable,

like gods and the afterlife.

The society that's
free from superstition

and believes in science
is an open society.

A theory from the
empirical sciences-

- What's the matter?

Oh, nothing.

Do you think that it's
acceptable to be teaching

about atheist theory and
philosophy at a university level?

Well, I'm a Christian myself.

But to be honest,

I don't get this
whole afterlife.

I see.

There might not be any
professor I can learn from here.

Mock Bar Exam
Top student in April: Satoru Ichijo

Mock Bar Exam
Top student in May: Satoru Ichijo

Mock Bar Exam
Top student in June: Satoru Ichijo

You failed?

You got top score on the
exam six times in a row.

Yeah.

I passed the short
answer part easily,

but then I criticized the
existing law in my essay.

- You did that again?
- Huh?

What did we tell you
about doing that on exams?

You know you're gonna fail

when you criticize existing
law on the exam like that.

Though I didn't pass
the essay part, either.

It's just that I
can't help myself

but to point out what
is ideologically wrong.

So what are you
going to do now?

You want to be a professor.

You should continue
here at the lab.

But you've read
like 1,400 books.

Are you okay not staying here?

Political science and
jurisprudence can't teach us

what's right and what's wrong.

I'd rather unify all the
different philosophies

and create a new ideology
that will last forever.

Not sure what you mean,

but it doesn't sound you're
lookin' to land a job,

at least not right away.

But you are going to work
somewhere, aren't you?

Mm-hmm.

For starters, I'm gonna look
for a job near my house.

- What?
- Huh?

Remember how worried we were

when he said he was
joining a trading company?

- That's right.
- Oh, yeah!

And he doesn't even
drink or play mahjong.

With the professor's referral,

he could've been at the
Maicho paper or Bank of Japan.

- Ah!
- Such a waste!

Didn't he say,

"I want to test myself by
starting out from zero?"

Yeah.

Well, I guess he did really.

In the end, it looks
like everything happened

just the way it was supposed to.

With a law degree.

Mr. Ichijo started working
for the Toho Trading Company,

only to leave at age 30
to establish Taiyoukai.

I'm less than optimistic
about our future.

Yes.

If only he was still here
to get us through this.

Hmm? Him, huh?

What's done is done.

Nothing we can do.

I should've paid
better attention.

Me as well.

I'm just as guilty.

I'm the one who insisted that
we absolutely had to hire him.

I feel exactly the same.

At his job interview,

I tested his patience by
speaking way too harshly to him.

But he didn't even flinch.

Look at you.

You're the public servant type.

You're not suited to
work for a trading house.

You rarely come
across a young man

as tough as he was.

I take it that's
why you called upon me

to recruit him personally, huh?

At that time, he was...

Mr. Goto.

Why the pinstripes?

I really like it.

Oh, so you are Satoru Ichijo?

We are actually looking for
unique individuals like you.

It might sound unusual
for a Tomei graduate

with a law degree
to be a trader,

but you see, I graduated
from Tomei like you.

Then tell me, why did
you decide to work here?

Weren't you offered other
professional choices,

like banking maybe?

Mr. Ichijo, that's no way

- to speak to a-
- Ah, it's all right.

Ah.

Why did I choose to work here?

Banking is mentally stimulating.

That's for sure.

But trading's more than that.

It's also stimulating,
but you can dream big.

Dream big?

Obviously, you're intelligent.

But at the same time,

you're a dreamer.

Someone like you should
come work in trading.

Intelligent and a dreamer.

Hmm?

Ichijo, we'd be honored

to have your talents
at our company.

Mr. Goto, please, you
don't have to do that.

Happiness Essays by Carl Hilty

I want to be a
thinker, after all.

With graduation drawing near,

I could feel my passion growing.

Ooh, ooh, ooh!

Ooh!

All right.

Got a good haul today,
didn't we?

Satoru, what's wrong?

The life of a
fish is fragile or transient.

I should look back on my
life and reflect on that.

When I read your paper,

it gave me such a
headache.

Yeah, I guess it's a little
difficult for you guys.

Mom must be relieved and
happy if you're around.

Seriously, you need
to look after Mom more,

while I'm away.

Your school's nearby.

Oh, oh, yeah, sorry.

Why did I say things

that hurt other
people's feelings?

When did I throw away
their acts of kindness?

Where does this
selfishness come from?

God forbid, if anything
happens to your father,

I want you to know this.

Don't worry about us.

We'll be just fine, okay?

If you wanna study,
you can work part-time

and still be able to
go to graduate school.

Satoru is a really good guy.

He's just super honest

- and straightforward.
- Uh-huh.

So pretty please.

Could you please answer
his letters, just once?

Father, Mother, my friends,

I've been given so
much in my life,

but all I was focused
on was my own success.

When did I ever
cast aside my needs,

and just how much have I ever
devoted myself to others?

Once more, want to restart,

want to be reborn.

I can say that that was when
I experienced my first death.

It meant that I had
to bury my false self.

March 23, 1981

Is someone trying to
tell me something?

What?

Good news.

Good news?

Is it like the Gospel
in Christianity?

Who are you?

Tell me your name.

Nikko.

Nikko?

The first spirit to contact me

by automatic writing was the
monk Nichiren's disciple Nikko.

On that day, my life was
completely turned around.

One week later, Nichiren
started contacting me.

Please tell me.

What am I supposed
to do with my life?

Love people, nurture people,
and forgive people.

Love people, nurture
people, and forgive people.

So this means this is my mission

and what I have to
accomplish in this lifetime.

From now on,

you're going to prove the
existence of the afterworld.

Nichiren

Your work will bring happiness
to all people in this world.

I do understand what
you're telling me.

But I, I'm not sure if I'm
ready to do such a mission now.

I think, at first, I
need more experience

and to establish my
professional career.

I understand.

My task is to
herald the beginning

of your spiritual communication.

You'll be visited by
various other spirits soon.

Socrates

This is how
I learned of my mission

to spread the truth about
the spiritual world.

Does this mean that more
than half of them are

under the influence
of evil spirits?

You are right.

How can they protect themselves?

The law of the same wavelength?

So their state of mind
attracts evil spirits.

Here you go.

Mr. Iida, is it
true what they say,

that you worked with Mr. Ichijo?

- Yeah.
- Wow.

Were you friends, too?

No, I was always
giving him a hard time.

But I couldn't hate him.

No matter how harshly
I treated Satoru,

Tokyo, 1981

it never bothered him.

He was as strong as steel.

Take care of this.

Right away.

Exports and Foreign Exchange Div.

Hey, you'll only make enemies
reading books like this.

Don't be cocky 'cause
you're a Tomei grad.

Sorry, sir.

The Miracle of Mind Dynamics

Satoru, come here!

Yes, sir.

What are you doing?

You wrote $27 million
instead of 27 million yen.

Are you out of your mind?

- Oh, so sorry.
- You're in currency exchange!

You're a Tomei graduate!

Don't you know the difference
between yen and dollars?

I'm very sorry, sir.

I'll fix it right away.

Could you be slower?

Learn to use an abacus!

I'm sorry.

I never learned to use
an abacus in college.

No more excuses!

Oh, Mr. Iida.

He indeed gets
crazy angry like that,

but he said no excuses.

Remember, he's right about that.

Thank you very much.

Oh, so even he had
a freshman moment.

Yeah, for the first year
at least, but he learned,

so quickly he
surprised everybody.

If you're a man

Even if you make an enemy

Of the whole world

There're times

Hello, it's Satoru.

When you must fight

Your message, I received it.

Yes.

Thank you.

Satoru, did you
finish that document for me?

Yes.

There's

Here you go.

Nobody

You can count on

Make it simpler.

Because

This world might

Right away.

Turn against you

And deny

Everything

Hello, foreign
exchange division.

About you

Yes, thank you very much.

At that moment

How do you fight your way?

Toho Company Co., Ltd.
First Kashiwa Dorm

Faith is

Mother Teresa visits Japan.
Unseen

Trading and a Letter of Credit
Love is easily broken

Dream is fragile, but still...

You have to go the distance

If you're a man, fight it out

Sage Ninomiya's Evening Talks

You must not lose

Operation Manual:
I. General Theory

Because you have a mission

There must be someone

You did this?

What is it?

Who believes,

I made an operation
manual on foreign exchange.

Supports, and loves you forever

It covers everything.

This should make
it clear to anyone

who needs to know how
our business works.

Hey, take a look at this.

Somewhere in the universe

You've mastered it already?

Yes.

It was for my own sake as well.

But if you're a man...

That surprised me.

It was simple and
easy to understand.

He had written a manual
explaining everyone's job

in the department.

So he was highly
competent after all.

What about that
special ability he has?

Well, there were rumors
he was conducting exorcisms

on days off, but it didn't
interfere with his work here.

I never thought
that he'd beat me

in the trading
business examination,

and I'd lose my chance
to go to New York.

Yes.

The office was a tough
environment for me,

because I had psychic abilities.

How
many times do you have

to make the same mistakes?

- I'm really sorry, sir.
- Hey, you moron!

Don't sorry me.

- You stupid now?
- I asked you

when are you gonna get it done?

- Tell him to get goin!
- No apologies!

- Right now!
- Right now!

- Hey, did you hear me?
- Now I said!

You idiot!

That's awful.

Oh divine spirits in heaven,

give me the light.

Nichiren

Goddess Amaterasu

You are clearly
different beings.

Ryoma Sakamoto

And what each of you
tells me is consistent.

So there's no question that
the spirit world really exists.

But who would
believe me if I tried

to tell the world about this?

Nichiren

There's no
better time than right now

for you to teach the
whole world the truth.

So you said there were
different spirits coming

to visit you.

Is it still going on?

Yes, it is.

But in this world, I'm
a very busy businessman.

But they keep talking to
me, regardless of that.

Amazing.

It must be tough for
you, working there,

when you're so spiritually
sensitive, you know.

You really are a trooper.

Hmm, thanks, Father.

Oh.

We have been having
conversations

through automatic writing.

But I wonder if these
spirits could use my lips

to speak and tell
what they think.

Wow, really?

So are there any spirits
visiting with you today?

Mm-hmm.

But it might be
hard believing me.

You see, it's Jesus
Christ who's here today.

Before I gain the
spiritual power,

I didn't go under a waterfall
or ever go in a cave.

I only did one thing.

I looked within and tried

to correct the
mistakes in my mind.

Toho Company Co., Ltd.
First Kashiwa Dorm

Satoru, can I sit here?

Of course.

Recently, my shoulders
feel really heavy.

Am I possessed or something?

What?

I'm more spiritual
than the others.

Suffer! Suffer!

You're right.

You may be possessed.

I knew it.

Can you see it now?

Suffer!

Do you think that
it can be removed?

Hmm?

I can try to exorcize it.

I think that'll make it go away.

But to keep the evil
spirit from returning,

you must tune in to
God with your mind

and start living positively.

It's the only way
it won't come back.

I got it.

I promise.

I won't tell anyone.

Get rid of it, please.

Mm.

Evil spirit who
possesses this man,

I command you to leave
his body right now.

It feels so much lighter now.

Thank you, Satoru.

Satoru.

In July 1981,
my subconscious opened up,

and then Buddha spoke
sternly and passionately

about my mission to
spread the truth.

You're
the Buddha reborn.

Your mission is to save all
people by spreading the truth.

Buddha

Unify all religions on earth,

to establish a
new world religion

and open a path to
a new civilization.

If that's my mission,
it's incredible.

But the way that I am now,

I don't have the experience
and life-training

to teach and guide others.

Besides that, I need more time

to deepen my understanding
of the spirit world.

But despite my inner conflicts,

my life was about to
take an unexpected turn.

To New York?

Yes, just for a
year as a trainee.

Congratulations.

On the trading business exam,

you had the highest score
in the finance section.

So now you'll learn about
finance, internationally.

Mr. Ichijo, congratulations
on your move to New York.

Thank you.

- This is so great.
- Congratulations.

All right, time for a toast
to Satoru's move to New York.

Cheers.

Cheers!

Congratulations.

Way to go.

- Congratulations.
- Well done!

Thanks.

It looks great.

I didn't think you'd beat me

in the trading
business examination.

So tell me, while
you're in New York,

will you continue
doing exorcisms?

Huh?

Don't play stupid now.

Do you really think
you're going to be able

to work as a trainee there?

It isn't over.

I haven't given up on this yet.

Now what?

Uh, hey.

Mr. Iida,

it's just that I've
never been overseas.

Really? That right?

And somehow, I
was the one chosen

to take the job in New York.

You're right. Am I
really able to do it?

Seriously, you kidding?

I have never heard of a
business trader crying

over being sent to New York.

- Stop it.
- Listen!

When you get sent to New York,

it means the company put
you on the fast track.

You get promoted earlier,

one year for London,
two for New York, if...

Oh, wait.

Don't tell me.

You didn't know?

Huh?

Hey!

Aren't you friends with Timmy?

Timmy?

Satoru.

Oh, yes.

I never thought
that that would ever happen.

I said all those
rude things to him.

New York, 1982

Understood.

Hello.

Hi, what was the
buying rate this morning?

I just need to make sure to
hedge the exchange risks.

Pardon?

Any
English speakers?

Satoru, it's okay. I got it.

Hey, Timmy!

You went to Tomei, and you
can't even speak English?

Test scores don't mean anything
if you can't speak English.

What the hell am I
supposed to do with you?

I'm sorry.

Hello.

Hello, I'm Tom, the
loan officer from New York Bank.

Can I talk to Mr. Tomonaga

about the deal we
made the other day?

Is there anyone who
can speak to me about-

- I can.

I'm in charge of finance here.

How can I help you today?

That's how my battle
in New York started.

Uh-huh.

Ah ha ha Ah ha ha
This is the Big Apple

I came here

This is the Big Apple
Oh oh

I love New York
I love New York

Because this city changed my life

If you imagine
A spotlight from the universe

It certainly hits New York

With eight million people
Having each story to tell

Life has ups and downs

People from all over America

Full of ambition to make it to the top

Gather like

Here you go.

Wild animals

Thank you.

Keep fighting
In this concrete jungle

People from Asia, Africa
Europe, and Australia

Become New Yorkers

All right, according
to the textbook,

please describe the process

The desperate battle continues

for starting your own
business or project.

Okay, there are five steps
to launching a new venture.

I have to survive

And what are the five steps?

Uh, develop concept,
uh, research market, uh,

In this jungle

create business
plan, obtain funding,

If I fall, no one cares

and put staff in place.

- Perfect.
- Thank you.

If I give in to the pressure
That's only as far as I can go

Are you afraid of Caucasians?

Shall we continue?

All right, both exchange rates

Are you afraid of Harvard?

and interest rates are
interrelated to domestic monetary

You think you can survive in this city
Being afraid of them?

and fiscal policies.

Now divergencies among
countries do indeed occur.

You can't be intimidated

It has to do with the
policies and divestment

in the countries' exchange rates
and interest rate movement.

By blonde Caucasian women

Fight it out if you're a man

Keep your heart unbreakable

Tiger, it's your mission

A Japanese tiger

Run through this city

Hi, this is Ichijo,
returning your call.

Climb up to the top
Of the Empire State Building

About your request, I've
already spoken to them,

so don't worry, everything
is under control.

Beat King Kong

Thank you.

Ah Ah

And about the issue
of the shrimp situation

and the problem with an
approved route to Japan, I-

- Sir?

Currently, we're building
a shrimp farm in Ecuador,

and we're trying to establish
a trilateral trade block

with the U.S. on
board as a buyer,

to sell the product to Japan.

Right. Next.

Yes.

Budweiser beer goes
down relatively easy

and is popular in the U.S.,

but it's not available
in Japan yet.

If we streamline all
the production line

and establish an
import route to Japan,

we can expand the
base of our customers.

- I'm sure of it.
- So, Timmy!

Sir?

Can you drink this beer?

No, I don't drink.

In New York,

he was studying international
finance in grad school,

and while working as the company's
youngest finance officer,

he oversaw trade
for a trillion yen

and foreign exchange
for the trade block,

as well as the company's
domestic interests.

Amtrak train number 69!

Have a good day.

Dear Satoru,
Long time no see. We're doing well.

Please take care.
Love, Mom.

Mother.

Thank you.

Do I really have a mission
to spread the truth

to people all over the world?

You do.

Jesus Christ

Right now, conflicts and
wars are breaking out

all over the globe.

That's why you need to
tell the world, right away,

what true love is.

- Give me the bag!
- No, no!

- Come on, I need the bag!
- Stop it!

- Give me the bag!
- Get away!

- Come on!
- Get away from me!

- Hey!
- Stop!

Let her go!

- Somebody, help
- I'm calling the police.

Are you okay?

Thank you.

Satoru?

Chiaki?

Satoru, thank you
for saving my life.

Of course.

I'm just glad that you're okay.

Um, so tell me what
brings you to New York.

I'm here on a
short-term study program,

to learn about the
U.S. legal system.

Oh, interesting.

And why are you here?

Uh, I'm here as a trainee
at the New York facility

of our trading house.

You ended up working
in the trading business?

That's just so hard to believe.

Surprised, are you?

A little.

I'm curious.

Do you still write your poetry?

No, I haven't been able
to find the time for that.

Oh, I see.

Satoru, thank you
so much for tonight.

No, thank you.

We didn't really talk to each
other much back in college,

so this is kind of our
first real conversation.

I guess so.

So I'd be glad to walk you
to your home, if you'd like.

Oh, no, that's all right.

Someone's coming to get me.

Over here!

Let me introduce
my fiancé, Miura.

Satoru, it's been a while.

We were in the prefectural
association at Tomei, remember?

Ah, Miura, that's right.

Chiaki and I are here together
for a short-term program.

We are hoping to get married
by the end of this year.

Well, that's great.

I'm happy for you.

My father likes him, too.

You see, like my father,
Miura is also a judge.

Oh, I see.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

I hope you find happiness.

I'm sure that you will.

- Right, let's go.
- Mm-hmm.

Bye.

Oh my dearest, it's
too immature to call it love,

yet it's too awkward
to call it friendship.

Our hearts are at the
mercy of the wind.

Why don't we listen for
the voices of the wind?

Good morning.

Ah, good morning.

Hey, Satoru,

you're different than the other
elites from Japan, you know?

You're always modest.

- You think?
- Yes.

I've never met anyone
like you before.

You're fast and
accurate in your work,

but you never show off.

Your American
colleagues have begun

to notice your work ethic.

And it seems to me they're
now feeling like they need

to raise the level
of their work performance.

I'm just trying to do my best.

Hey, have you gotten a
chance to go to Blue Note yet?

Hey, Ichijo!

Yes, sir.

Can you take care of this?

Of course.

Hey, about what we discussed.

Still workin' on it.

- I'm counting on you.
- I'm on it.

- Mm-hmm.
- I'm sorry to interrupt you.

Sir, will you stay as well?

Mm-hmm.

Are you planning to
use commercial paper

to finance a local project
here in the United States

without the proper approval
from the Japanese bank,

in order to avoid the
higher interest rate?

So what?

Totally unacceptable!

Don't we need to have
head office approval

for this type of transaction?

Yes, but there's no way
the head office would approve

of this if we asked.

We want to finance this project
locally with Sunny Bank,

without bothering
the head office.

We'll get a huge infusion
of funds at a cheaper rate.

Ends justify the means.

With all due respect,

we need to at least speak
with our main bank about this.

They have a branch right
here in New York City.

If they think we've
gone behind their backs,

they're sure to retaliate.

Japanese banks are inflexible
and not worth the trouble.

The foreign banks
work a lot faster.

We can't do this!

They finance us with billions.

If we make them lose
face, by doing this,

our relationship will be ruined.

You have to look
at the big picture,

not just see what's
beneficial now.

Looking back now,

I guess he had the
better judgment.

The head office was
furious with us.

And I was sent back to
Tokyo because of it.

I remember.

I heard that he was the only
one who opposed the deal.

One mistake will get
you sent home, right away,

which you'd want to avoid.

He came back and
declined the offer

to become a resident officer.

A resident officer?

No one has ever
been offered that.

If you decide to take it,

it's five years in New York.

Five more years?

Can I afford to stay in New
York for five more years?

What's wrong?

I'm honored that
you've offered me this.

You, you turned it down?

Do you know it's a huge
promotion when they ask you

to be a resident officer?

I know, Tina.

But I need to go back to Japan.

Is that really what you want?

It's okay, Tina.

Thanks for everything.

Hey, Timmy!

You've been such a pain in
the neck over the past year,

but I think I understand now.

It's not that you're a bad
person or anything like that.

You're just a country bumpkin.

It's his way of
complimenting you.

Here, let me pin it on you.

Thank you.

Mr. Goto, congratulations,
it's well-deserved.

Mr. Isobe, so good to see you.

President of
Sumiyoshi Bank, right?

Thank you so much
for coming tonight.

I truly appreciate
your presence.

I'm glad to be here.

The Toho Company has always
been a special client

of our bank.

Thank you so much.

Do you still remember when
we gave your company loans

at the prime rate for the
first time in history?

Ah, that was
because of Satoru.

I'm sure that he's
greatly missed

by all in your company.

Sumiyoshi Bank, Ningyocho Branch

Tokyo, 1983

Back in
Japan, Satoru worked

in the finance division
as a negotiator

in charge of 20 major banks.

Can we please discuss
the interest rate?

The prime rate is what
we'd like to have.

The prime rate, huh, really?

I don't think that can happen.

In an environment
rife with variables,

I'm afraid most companies
have exposure to risk,

so we can't just-

- However, the prime rate is

what you offer the most
creditworthy companies.

Isn't that right?

Our trading firm has sales
that rank seventh in the world,

and we're very strong
with our cash flow

and firm financial footing.

I believe we're among
the most creditworthy.

It's all in the report
in front of you.

While it's true the prime
rate is occasionally offered

to a few of the most creditworthy
companies in our business,

the truth is we only offer
it to our own affiliates.

That doesn't make sense.

The prime rate is meant
for blue chip companies

who are strong enough
to borrow from banks

with minimal risk to you.

If you can offer
that rate to us,

we'll make you the first
bank of choice for all

- future financial needs.
- That would be

quite unprecedented,
coming here alone

and making a demand like
that without company backing.

Excuse me, sir.

I do not lie ever.

On behalf of my company,

when I say yes, the deal's done,

when I say no, it's finished,

there are no other choices.

My decisions are absolute.

I came here with full authority
to make a final decision.

Finance Division

Please excuse me, ma'am.

Could you tell me

where Mr. Ichijo's desk is?

Of course.

Right there.

Thank you.

That's the Sumiyoshi
Bank branch manager.

The branch where all of
Sumiyoshi's execs are assigned?

Isn't he a board member too?

Hello.

I like how you
drink up that way.

Mr. Isobe.

You must be Satoru
Ichijo, correct?

Yes.

I'm told my staff was unable

to counter your
argument the other day.

I'm not
sure what to do.

Mr. Isobe, as I
said the other day.

I'm fully aware
that your profits

from us will decline a little.

But we are as creditworthy
as Sumiyoshi Trading,

your affiliate, or any company
with which you do business.

There's no rule that says the
prime rate can only be offered

to your affiliates.

You're required to
post all the companies

that receive the
prime rate from you.

I'm sorry to keep
you waiting, Mr. Isobe.

How can we be of help to you?

I'm good.

I only came here to see
what kind of person he is.

I was just leaving.

Ah, okay?

You've got a good
man right there.

Ah.

Satoru,
how have you been?

I've been visiting publishers,

showing them your
spiritual messages.

But because of the content,

I haven't been able to find one
that will publish your book.

They all say that with so
many messages from God,

it's too good to be true.

But I'll keep doing what I can.

Don't get discouraged.

And keep working hard.

Love, Dad.

Buddha

The Developmental Stages of Love

Eisaku Isobe, Branch Manager

My mind's made up.

If we're gonna lose, let's
be graceful about it.

We will apply the
prime rate for you.

Thank you, sir.

We'll have less return
from your company,

but I think that we
can cover the loss

from our other contacts.

I'll talk to our main office

and get you
contracts right away.

Thank you very much.

Although, what do
you want in return?

In return, we want nothing.

Personally, though, I would like

to see you rise
to great heights.

That's what I want from this.

Sumiyoshi Bank is giving
us the prime rate now?

That has never happened before.

Yes, the other major
trading companies,

well, they only
get subprime rates.

This is highly unusual.

Who negotiated the deal?

Satoru Ichijo from finance.

Oh, that guy who
was in New York.

So he got the request
approved by the bank?

He's a real go-getter, isn't he?

Yes.

Yoshizawa got two billion
from the Fujiyama Bank.

And he got that with
interest of 6.8%.

But Satoru got the
exact same two billion,

except he got 6.3% interest
from the Sumiyoshi Bank.

That saves us 50
million yen in five years.

That's just exceptional.

Do you know his career track?

Yes, the executive track.

Next month, he goes
to Nagoya branch,

which is like a more
compact headquarters,

so he'll learn management there.

It'll be a great place for
him to learn the next step.

In Nagoya,

Nagoya, 1984

I met the kindest people of
all my days at the company.

But I didn't know,
by a twist of fate,

I would end up
suffering the most.

Toho Company Co., Ltd.
Nagoya Branch

Mr. Satoru Ichijo, it was
like you came down from heaven,

just to appear before me,

but only for a brief moment.

This is Miho, the branch
manager's secretary.

I have an executive from the
Owari Bank holding on the line.

When I told him that
the manager wasn't here,

he asked if he could
speak with you instead.

You can put him through.

Thank you very much.

Hello, this is Satoru.

Can I help you?

Mr. Ichijo again?

Yes.

He gets all the calls
directly from bank executives.

It sure seems that way, right?

He's the elite of the
elites, don't you think so?

You don't get to meet a
single Tomei grad every day,

and he's good at his job.

What more can you ask?

I guess.

It's really just that I
wouldn't like him at all

if he was just another
money-grabbing,

aggressive financial
toady person.

What do you think, Miho?

I don't know.

Well, whenever I talk
to him on the telephone,

he seems like a nice enough guy.

Hey, look, it's Miss
Hard-to-Get, Miho Tachibana.

She is something.

She's the one who's
turned down dates

from just about everyone here.

Yeah, but she's so gorgeous.

Excuse me, but the deputy
manager would like to see you

in the conference room,
by the end of the day.

Okay, I'll see him later.

Have a good day.

Satoru, let's go eat.

Mr. Hinata.

Ryotaro Shiba, nice.

Ry么ma! Volume I

Looks like we have the
same taste in books.

Wow, that means
a lot, coming from you.

Thank you very much.

So what's goin' on?

I see that Miho's been coming

to your desk quite often lately.

Oh no, it's not like that.

She's just doing
her job, paperwork.

Oh!

I wish I were young again.

Let's go.

Uh, sure.

While
Satoru was climbing

up the bright career ladder,

things were far from
glamorous here in Kawashima.

Spiritual Messages from Kukai

So, by the way,

I'm thinking about
opening a tutoring school.

A tutoring school?

Mm-hmm.

And once we get
our business going,

we'll be able to support you,
and you can leave your job.

I mean, the one
thing I was good at

was studying, at least.

So the two of you
think you're ready

to start a new business.

Starting a business

doesn't always guarantee
success, you know.

With this business plan,

you'll go bankrupt
in three years.

Don't do it.

Toho Company
Sept / Oct Issue '82

Contributed Articles

By Satoru Ichijo,
New York Branch

Sharing the greatest legacy.

As a legacy
to the next generations,

I may not leave them my
money, business, or thoughts,

but I hope people
will tell the story

of a man named Satoru
Ichijo who was born in Japan

to serve the next generations.

His courageous yet graceful
life became a legacy

for the world.

That's how I want
to be remembered.

Incredible.

You have quite the philosophical
side to you, Mr. Ichijo.

Huh?

I read your article

in the company
newsletter, the other day,

which was published a while ago.

Oh no, I didn't
know it was sent here.

No, I think it's amazing.

Hmm?

I'd like to make a
difference in this world,

something meaningful
to let everyone know

that I was here and existed.

Oh, is that right?

Actually, I'm thinking
about leaving this company

and be independent someday.

Independent?

Yes, I used to think

that I would eventually
find a special someone

that I would want
to devote my life to

and of course get married,

but I can't seem to meet anyone.

Oh.

I want to move in
another direction

and work on honing my skills.

Oh, please, promise me you
won't tell anyone about this.

Oh, of course not.

You're really smart, talented,

and a person beaming
with confidence.

I'm sure you'll be successful
in whatever field you choose.

- Oh, you think so?
- Mm.

Maybe I could be a journalist.

It would be amazing

to tell the world
everything I've learned

and all that I've discovered.

That would be amazing.

But why are you
telling me your dreams?

Oh, I'm sorry.

I don't know why.

But, for some reason, I just,

I just felt like telling you.

Oh.

I knew you'd come to
this event, Miss Nakamura.

Of course.

What I recall, Satoru
was like god himself.

That's how I saw him.

You see, back then,

actually, in the dorm,
I was bullied a lot.

Look what you did!

Why are you so slow?

Get back to work now!

Mom, no, don't do it!

I'm sorry, so sorry.

Good morning.

I should end my life

and my daughter's.

Hey there.

Stay strong.

What?

I'm going.

But I'll be back by six.

That sounds good.

Have a good day.

Here, I'll take that.

Ah, thank you.

See you later.

He must know
everything about me.

Hi there.

I'm back now.

Oh, welcome back.

Listen.

I told the department
you did nothing wrong.

So don't worry, you'll be fine.

You really did that for me?

Oh, I cannot thank you enough.

If I were to lose my job here,

I wouldn't be able to
support my daughter.

Don't worry.

You've been so very kind to me.

I really appreciate that.

Thank you.

Miss Nagoya Beauty Contest!

Shh!

Oh, sorry.

There's a chance that it
just might help my career

in the future.

So I'm thinking about
entering the contest.

Oh, I see.

I really respect your courage
doing something like this.

But do you think I
have chance of winning?

Yeah, I'm sure you'll
be the next Miss Nagoya,

or at least you'll be
the first runner up.

Mr. Ichijo, would you
mind taking me to the venue.

I don't know why, but
if you'd come along,

I feel like I might have
a chance of winning.

You mean, you pointed out
the flaw of Mako Bank's logic?

Yes, the 8% fixed rate
was outrageously high.

They'd been demanding
that for way too long,

and it's costing us.

We're losing money
on a bad deal.

They're too arrogant for
us to keep on as clients.

You are a hard
negotiator, Satoru.

I guess that means we're
going to have to cut them off.

We gonna be okay?

Don't worry about it.

I'd never make a decision

that could hurt this
company in any way.

Hmm.

We may lose Mako
because of this,

but I've already had a
meeting with Maruyama Bank

to fill the void.

Ah, congratulations.

Thank you.

But I didn't win the top prize.

Yeah, but I told you,
Miss Nagoya or runner-up.

And you were right.

By coming in second,
you'll stay humble

and prepare for the
next opportunity,

so you can fly even higher

and achieve a bigger
success in the future.

And that's one way to
look at it, I suppose.

I must say you really
are stoic, Mr. Ichijo.

Oh, let me take your picture,

just one or two.

Maybe right over here?

Okay.

I got it.

Thank you.

A little bit to the left.

Okay.

Ready?

Now.

One more?

Say cheese.

Let's see what we got.

The developmental
stages of love?

The love I
speak of is the kind

of love you keep
giving to others,

unconditional love.

But I believe there are
four stages of love.

"Fundamental love,
nurturing love.

After that, there's
forgiving love.

And finally, you will
reach love incarnate.

This is my theory of the
development stages of love."

Ah, don't read it out so loud.

No one has ever written
about love before,

especially not in the
company newsletter.

Actually, I don't think
there's anyone like you,

at our company or any
other company in the world.

Are you giving
me a compliment?

Yes, of course.

Hey, according to this,

love between a man and a woman
is part of fundamental love.

So does that mean it's just
the first stage of love?

Mm, that's right.

Romantic love or neighborly
love is the most basic stage.

It's the easiest for
everyone to practice.

The most basic stage.

Then there's nurturing love.

It guides people
to a better place.

Forgiving love teaches you
to forgive your enemies.

When one reaches love incarnate,

your very existence becomes
the spirit of the age,

the highest form of love in
the developmental stages.

Okay.

I guess that, for you,

romantic love is a
very low level of love.

Uh, sorry, that's not true.

It's not true?

Well, I mean,

the time that we get to
spend together is important,

at least, to me, it is.

You're
just being nice to me.

Should we go back now?

Yes.

Ah, thank you.

Hello.

Ah, Father.

Yeah, I'm really good.

I'm home!

Yeah?

You finally found a publisher?

Ichijo Tutoring School

Yes, I did.

It's a small independent called
Ryubin Publishing Company.

They say they'll publish
your spiritual messages.

Spiritual Messages from Nichiren

You can use my name if you want,

so your company won't
find out about it.

It's happening.

Amazing, that's great.

Father, thank you.

Mm, yeah.

Yes!

Oh, Mr. Hinata,

- good night.
- Huh?

Yeah, I used to think that
I had him all figured out.

But I realized that I
didn't know him at all.

Yeah, but I think

that we both felt something
about him was special,

and it turns out he was.

Yeah, there's one time,

when his colleagues
went to a hostess club,

Satoru had a car, so they
talked him into driving them

to the place, that
night.

Ah.

But then, on the
way to the club,

they decided to make a
U-turn and head home.

Being with him made them
feel a little bit guilty

about doing it,

like clubbing with a monk.

He worked so hard,
as a businessman

and was even studious
in his private life.

He sure was.

Yeah.

Oh my.

Satoru continues
to buy more books.

Oh, I had no idea, Satoru.

Poems by Satoru Ichijo
"Love: Before and After"

Self-publish!

I've been writing
poems since college.

I wanted to publish
them as a book.

That's fantastic.

That's awesome.

All right, I'm gonna go
out and promote them.

Oh, thanks so much.

Listen up!

Who wants to read
Satoru's poems?

Satoru writes too?

- Huh? Satoru?
- You really need

to read this.

Maybe I'll give it a read.

- Okay, I'll take a look.
- And you too!

You wrote this one
for a girl you were

in love with in
college, didn't you?

What?

How'd you know that?

It's pretty obvious
when you look at it.

In any case, I'm sure that she
was happy to be loved by you.

I don't know.

Hey, is this about me?

Sacred Girl

Why no, of course not.

Sorry, I gotta go.

Spiritual Messages from Nichiren

Nobutada Ichijo

Satoru Ichijo

I'll take this.

Thank you.

It's 980 yen.

Would you like a cover?

- Yes, please.
- All right,

let me get it for you,
I'll be right back.

So what was it

that made him decide
to leave our company?

Was he upset about
being sent to Nagoya?

No, that wasn't it.

He was back in
Tokyo for a while.

After that, we were
talking about sending him

to Germany for a little while.

Hmm?

If I remember correctly,

didn't he write a future
plan for the company

while he was in Nagoya.

Am I correct?

Yes, it was a
fantastic proposal.

That's why we called
him back to Tokyo.

This is gonna be passed
way up the ladder.

My only concern is
what the CEO will say.

Basically, in the long run,

property prices will go down.

If we keep investing
heavily in property,

it'll lead to
financial instability.

The exchange rate is
currently 240 yen per dollar.

In a few years, it'll be under
200, in the 190 yen range.

That's so ridiculous.

It'll be 250, or it
might go back to 300 yen.

No.

I'm thinking, eventually,
it might even be under 100.

We need to plan
ahead, just in case.

I'm not sure the
CEO will approve

of such a drastic
change right now.

The final decision is his.

But for the future
of the company,

I think he should
at least listen

to his staff's recommendations.

Well, at this point,

I don't think that your
idea is gonna be approved.

But I have high
expectations for you.

Keep working hard at your job,

and you'll be leading this
company in the near future.

Spiritual Messages from Nichiren
From Kukai

Jesus Christ
Goddess Amaterasu

Socrates
Ryoma Sakamoto

I'll take this.

Thank you.

Spiritual Messages from Nichiren

Did you know this
is Satoru's book?

I know.

So you bought one, too, huh?

Yup, I was curious.

Hey, Miho, have you seen this?

Satoru Ichijo

When will I be ready

to start teaching the
truth to the world?

Should I follow my calling?

Or should I stay and follow
the path of my career?

Soon the
dharma wheel will turn.

Nichiren

In heaven, Tathagata and
Bodhisattvas are preparing

Princess Kozakura

to help you.

It's just...

You're kind-hearted,

so you feel like
you owe the company

for investing so much into you.

Yes.

Oh.

Satoru,
are you in there?

Yes.

Can I come in?

Mr. Hinata.

Ah.

You seem to be a
little down, lately.

I'm a really good listener.

Thank you.

But I'm fine, thanks.

So, what's this?

A broken heart, possibly?

Oh, no.

It's not what it seems.

Miho sure is cute.

Honestly, I wonder,

if any woman can live up to
someone as virtuous as you are.

Huh?

What do you mean by that?

Yeah, not that
I know anything.

But you work 10 times
harder than all of us.

And you're always studying
at some insane level, too.

I mean,
look at this room.

If Miho saw it, I bet
she'd be horrified.

That's true.

Oh, oh, sorry.

Are you okay?

You see?

I'm so sorry.

You've
got so many books here.

You've read them all, right?

Yes.

That's incredible.

Toho Company Co., Ltd.
Christmas Dance Party

Look, Satoru's sitting alone.

And Miho is, too.

Bring them over here.

Okay.

Hey, Satoru, you need to go over

and ask Miho to dance with you.

Oh, no, I could never.

Sure, you can.

We're just the guys
to help you out.

Hey, Miho, will you dance
with this guy, please?

Yes.

- Huh?
- Good for you.

So what are you laughing at?

It's, it's just
that you're actually

- a really good dancer.
- No.

I told you that
if I met someone

that I could devote my life to,

I wouldn't have to
have a career myself.

Do you remember me saying that?

I'm starting to think
that maybe I don't have

to become a journalist.

What?

You're
the Buddha reborn.

Your mission is to save all
people by spreading the truth.

Buddha

Unify all religions on earth

to establish a
new world religion

and open a path to
a new civilization.

You've been working
hard towards your dreams,

and I think that I
like that Miho better.

So,

are you sure?

I am, yeah.

I can't bear to see you leave
everything you've strived for,

for the dreams of another.

Tell me.

Who are you really?

I can't say yet,
not even to you.

Then when will you tell me?

Please, just give
me a little more time.

Understood.

Hey, can you foresee my future?

You can actually
see it, can't you?

What are you talking about?

Please.

Won't you do it just this once?

All right, just a little.

Please let me see it.

Show this person's future.

KTT Flash News time.

Miho Tachibana reporting
from the studio.

Okay, great!

Thanks a lot.

- Thank you.
- Good job.

- Thank you so much.
- You did great.

Really?

Yeah, can we do a
little meeting after this?

What is it?

Did you see something
that was horrible?

Oh, no, not at all.

It looked like you'll be

a successful
television broadcaster.

And you'll also be blessed
with a nice family.

Did you see who it is
I'm going to be with?

No.

I'm sorry.

I couldn't see that.

I see.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's so late.

I'll take you home.

What?

It won't open.

If it won't open, that means...

It's no problem.

I can get home on
my own. Don't worry.

Wait a second.

I'm sure I can get it open.

I hate to say this.

It looks like we'll have

to go our separate
ways now, Satoru.

Thank you for a wonderful time.

Goodbye.

Ah, I live my life with faith in you

It's so fragile

So hard

So vain

If I am allowed to

Do what I could do

At all cost

I'm starting to think

that maybe I don't have
to become a journalist.

I will devote my life

Who are you really?

It looks like we'll have to
go our separate ways now.

Thank you for a wonderful time.

To you

Let my love

Goodbye.

Burn inside

How could my longing

Possibly be your obstacle?

Oh no

I can't forgive myself

Ah Ah Ah
I have to let go of my love

That must be

Good work.

The way

Need a ride?

No, thanks. I'm okay.

I have to

Okay.

Choose

Take care.

No matter where
I am in this world

All right, pack it up.

Satoru, your
prediction came true.

My soul

Will be

But on that day,

Always with you

weren't you trying to tell
me something important?

Guiding your way

December 8, 1985

Maybe I should stay
at the company until I'm 45.

Then when I leave as
a company executive,

it'll be easier for people
to trust and follow me.

Absolutely.

You'll most likely be
an executive in your 40s

and may eventually
become president.

By staying there, you'll
make many people happy.

The happy couple!

Is that my
future if I keep my job?

If you quit now,

it will all have
been for nothing.

You'll betray those
who trusted you.

We are putting our
heads together now,

working on a solution.

We're trying our best to
minimize the loss now, sir.

Your family
will be reduced to poverty.

You won't be able to make
Miho Tachibana happy.

If you can't even make
the woman you love happy,

how can you make
the world happy?

Stop it!

It's my job to bring
happiness to everybody.

Keep your job
and get promoted to the top.

You should earn a
sufficient income

and marry the one you love.

You've worked so hard.

You deserve respect and power.

That's what real
human happiness is.

That's what real
human happiness is?

I know now.

You're the devil!

Insolent boy, how could
someone like you become a savior?

Through my entire life,

have I lived in a
way that causes me

to be targeted by the devil?

No, I've always been
diligent and done my best.

Nevertheless, a powerful devil
came to obstruct my path.

This, in fact, is proof
that my mission is real.

Devil, the fact that
you're attacking me

so fiercely now means
that it's time for me

to stand up for
what I believe in!

I will destroy this devil.

And I will attain
enlightenment here and now.

You, devil, get away now!

Get away now!

I don't need an income.

Die for the truth.

I won't be afraid
of losing my life.

I don't need a career.

I don't need a reputation.

I don't care what
others say about me.

I'll abandon everything
I have in this life

and die at this moment.

This was my second
death, at the age of 30.

I decided to give up everything

and start empty-handed.

Here you go.

Ah, thank you.

I'll be right back.

Kantoh TV made me an offer.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Mm.

Hey, let me buy
you lunch today.

Thank you.

Then I'll have the curry.

Are you sure that's
all you're going to eat?

Mm-hmm.

- Is it good?
- Mm-hmm.

It's good.

Mm!

It is good.

I had fun today. Thank you.

Next time, it'll be on me.

Okay, but not the curry.

All right.

So, see ya.

Yes.

I had no idea that day was going

to be the last time I'd see him.

He was aiming for something
I couldn't even imagine.

And on that day, he
disappeared from my life.

Mr. Osamu Hinata

Mr. Hinata, I'm
being sent back to Tokyo.

But I wanted to tell
you that I'm planning

to quit the company.

Alongside my work
at the company,

I've been in contact with heaven

and publishing
messages from spirits.

I apologize for hiding my
activities from you, my friend.

But it's time for me to leave.

For the next several decades,

I'll be teaching the truth to
lead humanity to happiness.

I am destined to become
a religious leader.

Please understand.

P.S., please give
my regards to Miho.

Letter of resignation

Please.

Hey, is this-

- Thank you for everything.

No, wait.

Hey, Satoru, come back!

Satoru!

Mr. Goto!

Satoru submitted this.

Did you stop him?

I tried.

How could you let this happen?

Spiritual Messages from Jesus Christ

Hey, Timmy!

Tell me this isn't true.

I only speak the truth.

That is what actually happened.

Sorry for insulting you,

it's just I had no
idea you were so holy.

And me as well.

I thought you were trying
to get a promotion.

It was
July 15th, 1986.

I had just turned
30 on July 7th.

I quit my job and took a
step forward into freedom.

The Laws of the Sun

I decided to devote my life

to teaching the
truth to the world.

The activity that started

from my tiny studio apartment
quickly spread far and wide.

The Ushigome Public Hall

The Hibiya Public Hall

Ryogoku Kokugikan

Makuhari Messe

Now is the time to
spread God's words

to the whole world.

July 15, 1991

Because I am your
eternal master.

Provided by explosiveskull
https://twitter.com/kaboomskull

That was

And that is

A very harsh path

No one understands me

Not even my best friends

Not even my family

Not even my girlfriend

No one understands me

I must go with myself

I must go with myself

How could I tell anyone

How tough it is

I am all alone

Training myself over and over

I must walk this path alone

From the midnight darkness

I come out

Believing

Daybreak will come

I must go with myself

I am lonely

I feel loneliness

I must go with myself

When I walk alone

No one knows my loneliness

Father, Mother, Brother

My colleagues, my boss

My beloved

You'll only see me from a distance

As I gradually

Fade out of your sight

In the dark before daybreak

Not knowing where I go
Or which path I take

Which river I swim across

Whether I attain the enlightenment

I never know

The future is not yet to be seen

Be persistent

Be indomitable

That is how I must live

Only my will can help

And encourage me

All I can do is just to walk

Toward daybreak

Yes, for sure

The sun shall rise again

The sun shall rise again

Ah Ah Ah

My twiceborn will come

I believe it will

Ah Ah Ah Ah