Recall (2018) - full transcript

Akamatsu Transport

I can bow down
to our clients and the banks anytime.

But I can't do this.

Is it because...

he reminds you of your younger self?

No, it's not because it's Kadota.

I don't want to lay off anyone.

I don't want that either.

But the way things are...

we can't afford to take time
training young mechanics.

I know I'm soft. I know.



But I'll protect all 80 of
my staff and their families.

No matter what.

That's my duty as the boss.

Resume: Kadota Shunichi

Thinking back,
it was just another day at work.

Akamatsu Transport

RECALL

Am I going to get laid off?

Why are you asking that?

Everybody's saying
we might outsource all maintenance.

Come on.

We began as a little repair shop.

My dad and Taniyama made
it what it is today.

Why would we outsource
the heart of our company?



Mr. lida has been in touch as well.

Well, that's...

Hello, Akamatsu Transport.

Yes.

Thank you for your help.

We're...

a family here.

Why are you laughing?

- Just throw already.
- Boss!

Boss! We got a call...

Kohoku Central Police Station

Traffic Investigation Department

She died...

She died?

It was at that gentle curve
from Kohokudai to Kaminacho.

The truck dipped when I braked.

By then, it was...

When I came to my senses

I saw her...

lying prone a distance away.

It makes no sense...

Your speed?

Around... 40km/h, I think.

Noticed anything wrong with
the truck before that?

No, nothing.

You didn't hit anything prior to that?

The wheel?

The wheel flew off?

How's that possible?

He was heading to Yokohama Eon
from Sagami Machinery.

It was a mother and child.

The child had some scrapes.

The mother was taken to hospital...

but I heard she'd died instantly.

Who worked on Yasutomo's truck?

Taniyama put Kadota on it.

Kadota...

Funeral for Yugi Taeko

What the hell are you doing here?

I'm sorry.

Please allow us to offer our...

- Get lost!
- I'm sorry.

Is Mr. Yugi...

You're not seeing him.
Nobody wants her murderers here.

Get lost!

Get lost... scram!

I'm sorry.

Akamatsu Transport

Housewife Killed and
Son Injured in Accident

Freight Company to Blame?

Excuse me.

I'm sorry.

I should have kept
a closer eye on him.

I cannot just let you
off with a warning, Kadota.

We'll be investigated soon.

We could be shut down
because of your negligence.

What's that look in your eyes?

Get out!

You're fired.

We're from the Transport Bureau.

Who's in charge?

Me.

We're here to carry out an inspection.

Kindly supply us with these documents.

Operations records and staff rosters.

I'll use this desk.

Bring the documents here, please.

I'll use this.

Wheel diameter, one metre.

Weight, 150kg.

How did it fly off?

Boss.

Look what we found.

It was in Kadota's locker.

His checks went beyond
the legal requirements.

He even made his own check sheets.

He went the extra mile
to do his job right.

I shouldn't have blamed him.

I'll go see him.

Yes?

Are you... Shun's boss?

Yes, I am.

I thought so.

Please, come in.

Shun.

Shun has told me
a lot about you, sir.

I was going to tell you.

We're getting married.

I see...

I'm sorry, Kadota.

You went above and
beyond your call of duty.

I should've trusted my staff.

I was wrong.

I hope it's not too late to say this...

but will you come back?

Somebody needs to take responsibility.

That somebody shouldn't be you.

It should be me.

Please, Kadota.

Come back.

Kadota Check Sheets

It's true your staff have been thorough.

And you passed our inspection.

The Transport Bureau's too.

So why did the wheel
fly off, Mr. Akamatsu?

The public's taking
a keen interest in this case.

You can't pass the buck...

I'm not trying to pass the buck.

Hope Motors is analysing the cause.

Let's wait and see.

Before we take action.

Yes, I've heard about
the accident diagnosis.

But I'm just in charge of sales...

I haven't seen our truck

since your people took it
after the accident. Please.

The result means life or death for us.

Just ask your head office.

We have a longstanding
partnership, don't we?

We can't possibly divulge that.

Yes, of course.

You're in charge of sales

so you do the explanation.

Stop bothering us
with your constant phone calls.

Of course. Understood.

I'll do as you say.

Sorry? What do you mean by that?

I mean what I said, literally.

We can't use Akamatsu now.

Wait a minute, sir.

We'll compensate you
in full for your cargo.

It's not just about the cargo.

I don't want to say this, you know.

It's all over the newspapers.

That's bad for us.

The accident is still
under investigation.

We may not be to blame.

Isn't it because of faulty maintenance?

Our maintenance was fine.

Please let your superiors know.

If we lose Sagami Machinery...

You've received our best service
for the past 10 years.

The wheel flew off.

What else can it be,
if not faulty maintenance?

Bank Of Hope, Jiyugaoka Branch

I'm sure the police will find out
the cause of the accident.

I came today

to request for additional financing.

Financing for?

Working capital.

For cargo compensation and more.

Can you loan us 30 million yen?

You've lost your contract

with Sagami Machinery, haven't you?

Yes.

Other clients will fill the gap.

A loan of 30 million yen

wouldn't exceed our peak balance to date.

Filling the gap may take time

but we can repay your loan.

Only if we agree

to refinance you like before, correct?

Yes...

We depend on your continued support.
We've been doing business together for years.

Yes, we have.

However...

your track record
isn't the only factor here.

The issue now... is compliance.

Banks have a social standing.

If we finance a company
involved in a crime...

our ethics would be questioned.

I'm telling you there is nothing
wrong with our maintenance work.

You're saying we're involved in a crime?

Mr. Akamatsu.

Would wheels come off by themselves?

I've done everything I can, but...

the inspection's ongoing
so my hands are tied.

Please leave.

- You're home, hubby.
- Yeah.

Have you had dinner?

No, not yet.

Dad.

Takuro. You're still up?

You're not a murderer, are you?

Of course not.

Don't worry and go to bed.
Good night.

"I never should've
taken over Dad's company."

"I'm not cut out to be a boss."

That's what you're thinking, right?

How'd you know?

Don't ever voice out those thoughts
before your employees, Boss.

Times like these
are a test of your worth as a boss.

Leave Takuro to me.

I'll set him straight, OK?

Taniyama.

Why do you think the wheel flew off?

Well...

I'd be hard-pressed to believe...

it's an isolated incident.

Without that 30 million yen
by next month, we'll be...

I'll figure something out.

Our situation should improve

once we're cleared in the investigation.

Everyone, stop working.

Stay where you are.

I'm from Kohoku Central Police.

This is Hope Motors' inspection report.

The cause lies with
the transport company.

In short, your poor maintenance work.

How can that be?

The time now is 9.03am.
We're commencing a court-permitted search.

Drop everything in your hands.

- And line up along the wall.
- Move it.

- Chop chop.
- Yes, sir.

We don't want to hold them up.

Sir, it's Akamatsu Transport again.

They want a re-inspection.

Unbelievable.

They've got some nerve.

I'm done talking to you.

I'll negotiate with Hope Motors myself.

Who do I talk to?

Please don't, sir. I'll be...

My employees' livelihoods are at stake here.

If I don't fight for them, who will?

- But...
- Tell me who to talk to.

- I wish I could...
- Just tell me!

But...

Sales Promotion Department.

Sawada?

May I know who this is?

Akamatsu from Akamatsu Transport.

It's regarding our re-inspection request.

One moment, please.

Thank you for waiting.

Unfortunately,
Sawada's out right now...

Typical corporate nonsense.

Sawada...

won't be back in the office today.

I'm waiting for his call.

I see.

Will Mr. Sawada be in tomorrow?

I think so.

You think so? Come on.

You should know if he will be in or not.

One moment, please.

Not this bloody music again...

Thank you for waiting.

He'll be in tomorrow morning.

Get him to call me then.

He hung up.

Sir, shouldn't you talk to him?

No point in doing that.

We're done with our report.

- Talking won't change anything.
- OK.

I came across an interesting tidbit, Boss.

There was an accident in Gunma
similar to ours a while back.

Mr. Fujita, the boss of Pacific Electric

brought it up in the passing.

So I did a little digging at the library.

Large Truck in Roadside Crash

Sounds like a normal accident.

The driver told Pacific Electric
the article left out some facts.

What facts?

The wheel came off

just as the driver entered a curve.

Of course, the police looked into it.

Their conclusion was that

it was caused by the company's
poor maintenance work.

Which was consistent with

the results of Hope Motors' inspection.

Theirs was a Hope Motors truck too?

I knew something was off.

It has been a week
since the police raided our office.

But you're still here. Not arrested.

Which means they can't prove anything.

In other words,
the police investigated us

but couldn't find
any evidence against us.

There must be a reason why that's so.

In here.

Nomura Land Transport

Sorry to be taking up your time.

Looks like we're in the same boat.

So... would you like to visit
the site of the accident?

According to the driver
the truck went off balance

and skidded sideways when he braked.

The wheel must've come off then.

Hope Motors blamed it on us.

Said we ought to have noticed

the tear and wear on the hub
and replaced it.

The hub?

But you're not required to check the hub
in the tri-monthly inspections.

Yes.

But we're just a small company.

We couldn't refute their report.

Let alone go up against
a huge corporation.

It's hard enough for
us just to survive.

Same with us.

- But...
- I know.

To be honest

a part of me was convinced

that Hope Motors' report was right.

Until you called me.

How often do you hear of

wheels coming off trucks anyway?

Besides, a small freight company like ours

would never have survived

if our maintenance was sloppy.

Isn't that so, Mr. Akamatsu?

Furthermore, the trucks in question

came from the same maker.

Do you really think that's a coincidence?

Are you saying both trucks had
some kind of a structural defect?

Didn't Hope Motors already get
in trouble for that three years ago?

Did you think that would make them

change their ways?

A huge organisation like theirs?

Yasutomo.

Are you OK?

I'm coming in.

Boss...

There's a possibility that
your truck had a structural defect.

I'm going to find out.

So, you don't have to quit driving. OK?

It's not that simple, Boss.

It's not that simple.

I don't think he
wants to drive anymore.

This accident has really
taken a toll on him.

Can you assign other duties to him

after this incident blows over?

I'm Akamatsu,
I have a 10.00am appointment.

Mr. Akamatsu? One moment, please.

Thank you, sir.

Please take this and wait over there.

Thanks.

I'm sorry, are you Mr. Akamatsu?

Yes.

I'm Kitamura from Sales.

Something cropped up
at the last minute for Sawada.

I'm filling in for him today.

May I know what can help you with?

You can't help me.

I'm not talking to anyone but Sawada.

- Sir...
- Get him to call me.

Any complaints from
Akamatsu Transport in Set a gay a?

Yes, there were.

You're well-informed.

No, I just heard.
Wondered what it's about.

They wanted a re-inspection.

Is anything the matter?

No, not exactly.

Did you make them back down?

I'm not so sure about that.

But I turned down their request.

You did?

Is there any problem?

Of course not.

I'll leave you to your work.

Hey Sawada, drinks tonight?

Muroi just came to see me.

Muroi? From Quality Assurance?

Yeah.

One of our trucks was in an accident
in Yokohama. Loose wheel.

I know. We work for the same company.

Remember?

Quality Assurance did the inspection.

Have you heard anything about it?

- Why?
- They might be hiding something.

Like what?

Like a mistake in the inspection.

The hub was damaged?

Yeah, in an accident just like ours.

Hope Motors blamed
their poor maintenance for it.

Did they try to blame loose bolts
for excessive hub vibration?

I checked the truck's hubs.

I have a column for "hub wear"
in my check sheets.

You'll see when the police
return my check sheets.

So that's why I wasn't arrested.

You saved us. All of us.

Boss...

Can't we do our own inspection?

I'm sure Hope Motors has
whole panel of top-notch specialists.

But Hope Motors aren't the only folks

qualified to inspect the machinery

to find out the cause of the accident.

- A third-party inspection?
- Yes.

Our only choice is
to go on the offensive.

Boss, we heed you to concentrate on
resolving our financing issue.

Well...

it's not a bad idea, I guess.

It's up to you, Boss.

But there's just one problem.

We don't have the hub with us.

We sent the truck for repairs
after the inspection

and Hope Motors replaced the hub.

In other words, Hope Motors

holds the pivotal evidence.

Please don't do this.

They're a huge corporation.

So what? We're Akamatsu Transport.

First, I'll drag Sawada out of his hole.

About time, Sawada.

Had to deal with a troublemaker.

Welcome, sir.

- Beer for me.
- Yes, sir.

Who's this?

Kato from R&D.

He was my protégé in Sales
when he first joined.

- I wasn't your protégé.
- Yes, you were.

- No, I wasn't...
- Yes, you were.

Are you drunk already?

I couldn't listen to this sober.

Now, without further ado, young Kato.

Yeah.

I hear Quality Assurance
and the R&D bigwigs

have been holding secret meetings.

- Who told you?
- Is it true?

I'm very well-informed.

So don't bother denying it.

Your beer, sir.

Let's get this straight.

I won't say I heard it from you.

I'm not your protégé, Komaki.

We're back to that?

Spit it out, protégé.

All right, yes...

there have been secret meetings.

It's highly confidential.

Confidential? Spill it already.

Give me a break, Komaki.

They are called T-meetings.

Quality Assurance holds them
and they are highly confidential.

T-meetings?

T as in tyre.

Tyre?

Why the focus on tyres?

What's the significance?

We need to talk. Come with me.

I'm in a meeting. Can't it wait?

No. I need to talk to you now.

I hear there was a similar
loose-wheel accident in Gunma.

Hey, have you been drinking?

That doesn't matter.
Those T-meetings...

are you a part of it?

A series of T-meetings was held
to assess the Gunma incident.

The result was S1

but it was downgraded to S3, wasn't it?

This is a Quality Assurance matter.

Stay out of it, Sawada.

Open your eyes for once, you idiot!

If it were just
a Quality Assurance matter

why would I poke my nose in?

Quality Assurance graded
an S1 defect as S3.

There is only one reason for that.

To cover up a recall!

That's the only explanation.

Just keep your mouth
shut and sell your cars.

All you're good for
is sucking up to the customers.

Stay the hell out of
high-level management matters.

What? Come back here, Muroi!

What was that about?

I'm really sorry.

Sawada...

So you like getting drunk
and shooting your mouth off?

My apologies.

Have you been talking
to anyone else about it?

No.

But if they are
covering up a recall

like they did three years ago

this time we'll really...

All right.

I'll get Quality Assurance to back down.

But you're part of
this organisation too.

You really ought to remember that.

I'm sorry, sir.

Sawada.

Forget about it.

What do you mean, sir?

Enough of your questions.

I'm just relaying the orders myself.

Orders from Director Hanahata?

Something like that.

Is our company on the level?

Don't worry.
Trust the management.

Sir, it's Akamatsu Transport again.

What now?

They're not asking for
a re-inspection anymore.

They want the parts
from their truck back.

What parts?

The hub.
They'll inspect it themselves.

Is their hub with us?

I've asked Quality Assurance.

They do have it

but they refused to return it.

Why won't they give it back?

It was taken apart for analysis

so it's unusable now.

Mr. Sawada.
Akamatsu Transport is on line one.

Hello, Sawada here.

So, you do exist.

How do you do.

I want my hub back.

It's...

in no state to be returned.

It was taken apart for analysis

so it's unusable now.

A kid's excuse, if I ever heard one.

I don't care if it's in pieces.
Return it now.

It's not that simple, Mr. Akamatsu.

We inspected it on police request.

It's needed for their investigation.

They didn't ask you to hang on to it.

I can't presume to speak for the police.

Quit making excuses.

Please understand that
our hands are tied too.

You expect me to understand?

I'll talk to those in charge

and do all I can
to get your part back.

Mr. Sawada.

Is there another reason

why you can't return the hub?

Don't mess with small businesses.

It's a matter of time
before this leaks out.

Who would do that?

- Don't mess with big businesses.
- Say what?

Someone has to reform this company.

My daughter's starting school.

It's your fault for getting married.

You were once married yourself.

Biggest mistake of my life.

Give me back my wedding gift.

So, my man Muroi...

let's see if you attended the T-meetings.

Where did you get the password?

Access to Quality Assurance files
is strictly limited.

I checked which computers have

and an R&D one showed up.

Your protégé?

Bingo.

No way.

Kano Takes hi...

Bank Of Hope, Head Branch

Bank Of Hope, Head Branch
This is a much less ambitious plan.

This is a much less ambitious plan.

We were overly optimistic
about our new "Jet" brand.

Unfortunately, our consumers
can't seem to grasp its uniqueness.

We're trying, but we may have to

lower our profit estimate by 25%.

I hope you understand.

Has the Yokohama accident...

been resolved?

It was due to faulty maintenance.

It's infuriating.

So, that's the verdict?

Yes. Well, getting back
to the issue at hand...

Miura will explain how we aim
to improve performance.

Yes, sir. To better
the Jet brand image...

20 billion yen?

A credit line request.

They're part of the Hope Group too

but their plan's too slipshod.

Would you consider
letting us handle the job?

Yes. Well, that did happen, sir.

But our entire staff is dedicated to

ensuring the absolute safety...

Choryu Weekly
Enomoto Yuko, journalist

So, lzaki...

what companies do you do business with?

Is this an interview?

Is that why you called me?

Did you think I wanted you back?

We were never together.

Oh, so that's how you see us.

Come on, you dated
Yamashita in university...

Who do you do business with?

I'm sure you can tell me that much.

Other companies in the same group
and their affiliates.

I want you to keep this between us.

A whistle-blower in Hope Motors
reached out to us.

About a recall cover-up.

A recall cover-up? Not again.

Yes.

Hope Motors was exposed for
covering up a recall three years ago.

Their sales tanked and
they hit crisis mode.

Bank Of Hope kept them afloat.

But their market performance
is still suffering.

Has Hope Motors really mend its ways?

That's what I want to know.

I want your opinion.

So this whistle-blower...
what did he say?

I can't tell you just yet.

I need to verify the information first.

But if this goes public

Hope Motors will be in
worse trouble than ever before.

Because this time, someone died.

That accident in Yokohama?

Hello, sir.

I'm Akamatsu, here to see Mr. Shindo.

- Certainly, sir.
- Thank you.

Financial Statement

Tax Payment Certificate

30 million yen...

Yes. Will you consider it?

Yes...

but I can't make any promises.

It's the way our bank works.

We have procedures to follow.

We'll take every
circumstance into account.

Thank you.

About my credit line request.

I'd like to know how it's going.

We're still reviewing your request.

We've supplied every
necessary document.

We've received them,
as we did the last time.

We trusted them then
and gave our approval.

But your performance has
fallen short of your estimate.

Therefore, we cannot simply
accept your estimate this time.

How dare you...

What an insulting thing to say.

Our relationship is built on trust.

This feels like a betrayal.

Director, I can't work with
such a hostile account manager.

Kimoto, are you sleeping on the job?

Re-educate your junior staff.

If necessary, find a new manager

and speed up the process. Got it?

Understood, sir.

- Izaki.
- Yes, sir.

You turned down Hope Motors?

I did.

Did you mention the information
you got from that weekly magazine?

I can't ask him directly.

They are an arrogant bunch.

That makes the situation even trickier.

Someone is dead because
of what they did.

Why should we help a company like that?

All right. I'll talk to Ma kit a.

About their credit line request...

continue to stand your ground.

Don't approve it until they
produce a more credible plan.

Got it?

Are you sure?

I've got a plan of my own.

Recently, a Quality Assurance computer

was accessed without authorisation.

This has been deemed
a serious breach of security.

We request assistance
from Sales Promotion Department

to find the culprit.

Mr. Akamatsu?

Let me introduce myself.

Do you mind taking a look?

Hope Motors Recall Cover-Up

It's about Hope Motors' recall
cover-up from three years ago.

I believe it's happening again.

Sorry, Sawada.
I know this is a surprise.

- Beer.
- Yes, sir.

What's this about?

Allow me to explain.

I heard you were behind
the unauthorised access

to uncover more information
about the T-meetings

and I had him invite you.

Don't worry, my lips are sealed.

But you need to be careful.

Don't do it again.

Actually, Sugimoto here

has an issue with
those T-meetings too.

They shouldn't even be having
those meetings in the first place.

What are you going to do?

It may be futile

but I'm doing something.
Whatever I can.

Your beer, sir.

Thanks.

Look.

Articles on the cover-up
three years ago?

It was unforgivable.

Look here.

"An external fact finding committee
will be set up to investigate the matter.

"Chief of Quality Assurance

"Kano Takes hi will lead

"a new internal ethics committee

"to revamp the company's
monitoring system."

Kano Takes hi

was promoted to Executive Director...

Yes.

Kano and the other executives

are the ones leading
the cover-up this time.

Mr. Sawada?

Are you Mr. Sawada?

Yes...

I'm Enomoto of Choryu Weekly.

May I have a word with you?

Finally, some progress.

The wind's in our sails.

If the media's onto it too...

is there really a cover-up?

Yeah. I'm going to throw this
in Hope Motors' face.

Justice is mine.

Bring me some wine!
Quick, I'm thirsty.

- I'm not your maid.
- You're right.

I'll get it myself.

- Orange juice for you?
- Thanks.

Letter Of Notification

OK.

Sawada Yuta

Customer Strategy Chief, Sales Promotion

Quality Assurance's
T-Meetings Recall Cover-Up

You want me to bring this up to the top?

A magazine's already looking into it.

It's just a matter of time before
this scandal hits the newsstands.

If this document reaches
the CEO before that

at least our section
won't be held responsible.

I see... you're meticulous as always.

Director Hanahata.

Yes, sir.

This came to me from the president.

Do you know Section Chief Sawada
from Sales Promotion Department?

Yes, but by name only.

Did he send it directly
to the president?

No, it came to me through Hanahata.

Hanahata's like an
unarmed neutral country.

He's of no threat to us.

Sawada is the problem.

Who is it that's leaking information?

Anyone suspicious in Quality Assurance?

Yes, you could say that.

Who?

Subsection Chief Sugimoto.

Sugimoto?

He attends the T-meetings
as Muroi's assistant. A young chap...

Now that you mention it,
I remember him.

Right. One moment, please.

Our phone records list three calls made
from Quality Assurance to Choryu Weekly.

Other staff I spoke to think it was Sugimoto.

But I don't have any direct evidence

so I can't be sure.

"Can't be sure"?

Aren't you a director?

Sorry, sir! I'll talk to him.

No, don't.

I don't want a confrontation.

The days of firing
whistle-blowers are over.

We'll make him resign.

Understood, sir.

As for that section chief Sawada...

don't provoke him.

But, sir...

He's just a lowly section chief.

If he really wanted to

he could've leaked the information.

He hasn't because he still thinks
he has a chance of getting promoted.

What if he finds out he won't be?

We don't know what he'd do.

There's a way of dealing
with men like that.

Hello, Sawada here.

Good morning. I'm Hamasaki
from Human Resource Department.

Good morning.

We're from the IT Department.
Stop working and move away from your desks.

Come on, guys.

It has begun. The witch hunt.

They're checking all the computers
in Quality Assurance.

Human Resource Department called me.

Human Resource Department?

I bet they'll try to demote me.

Thank you.

I hear you wrote
an interesting report.

What's this about?

I was impressed.

It wasn't anonymous
and you stated your opinion clearly.

Anonymous documents get mothballed.

That's our company's way.

Before you speak
you have to state your name.

May I ask you something?

What's your idea of the ideal workplace?

There's no point in talking ideals.

Each company has its strategies
and are structured accordingly.

Well then...

what's the most attractive aspect
of working for this company?

Generally speaking, of course.

Well, generally speaking...

product development.

Designing, naming

and sales promotion of new vehicles.

Most who apply to work here
would say the same.

And you're one of them?

Yes, of course.

If you so wish

I can transfer you
to Product Development.

But on one condition.

Leave your current problem
to your successor.

Put the unnecessary concerns behind you

and focus on our ambition.

It's for your own good.

Or rather...

the good of the company.

Akamatsu Transport

Let me do it, sir.
It's the only solution.

I'll lay the groundwork myself.

It'll end this issue once and for all.

Did something happen?

Well, you seem to be in an awful hurry.

How do you do? I'm Sawada
from Sales Promotion Department.

I finally got hold of you.

This way, please.

We've given close consideration
to the contents of your letter.

My department failed to give
due attention to your requests.

For that, I have no excuse.

Please accept my apologies.

Also, I'll do my best to expedite

the return of the truck parts.

So you're saying you'll return it?

That's our intention.

However...

However?

However, our organisation's ways

can be difficult for
outsiders to understand.

To be honest, I can't be sure
when we can return it to you.

As a way to make up for it,
I have a proposal for you.

I imagine you're
suspicious of the delay

in returning the
parts of your truck.

It's natural after
how we've treated you.

We apologise deeply for that.

I've heard that already.

Could you talk like
a human being for once?

This is our proposal.

Until those truck parts
are returned to you

would you allow us
to compensate you?

It's not what you requested

but please accept this
token of our sincerity.

Please give it your
full consideration.

How much will it be?

Mi yashiro...

We need to know the actual figure
to consider your offer.

100 million yen.

What do you say?
Will you consider it?

Mr. Akamatsu, please.

I implore you.

Thank you.

- Mi yashiro.
-Yes?

What would my father have done
if he were offered 100 million yen?

He'd probably take it

to protect the staff
and their families.

Having principles
doesn't pay the bills.

What are you doing here?

Give it a rest!
He doesn't want it!

Get lost! Scram!

Mr. Yugi?

I went to your house several times.

Honestly, the sight of you people

makes me want to snap.

We're very sorry.

Why are you apologising?

I hear you're
claiming you're innocent.

Well...

You're just paying lip service.

What the hell is wrong with you?

You people think
only of yourselves.

Someone is dead, and all you care
about is covering your own hides.

What did my wife do wrong?

Did she dash out onto the road?

Did she ignore a red light?

No. She was just
walking on the sidewalk.

So, why did this happen?

Are you even human?

What if it were your family?

Think about it!

Imagine coming home
to an empty house!

You won't be able to go on like nothing's wrong
if you grasped the magnitude of what you've done!

Why...

Why us?

There are lots of people
out there who want to die.

Why did this happen to us?

Here. You can have one too.

Thank you.

In Memory of Yugi Taeko

Mummy told me she'd be
making hamburg steak for dinner.

I was really looking forward to it.

It was a sunny day

and Mummy was smiling.

If I could have one wish come true

it would be to talk with Mummy again.

I've considered your
compensation proposal.

Yes.

I respectfully decline.

Wait a minute.

Your proposal isn't sincere at all.

It's like slapping us in
the face with a wad of bills.

I wish I'd declined there and then.

I know it's rude of me to say this

but how much will it take
for you to change your mind?

Money's not the issue here.

Look at this.

In Memory of Yugi Taeko

Read it.

And you'll understand why.

Mr. Akamatsu!

If I say I'm going to do something
I get it done.

I'll fight to the very end.

Boss.

Fighting for the victim

is an honourable thing to do.

But...

you do know that by not taking the money
you've doomed our company, don't you?

You've abandoned our
staff and their families.

You, who vowed to protect them.

Please remember that.

Suit yourself.

That was your last chance.

What's wrong with him?

He should've taken the money.

He knew the consequences.

The expose on Hope Motors
will be published.

Next Monday.

The truth is going to come to light.

Including who the real killer is.

I heard it's going to press on Monday.

Got it.

Hey. Listen to me, Komaki.

I respected you. I did.

But this is one hell of an anti-climax.

Then you fight.

I'd fight if I could!

If I could...

At least you got promoted, Sawada.

Congratulations!

It'll last till the magazine comes out.

The article's coming out?

I'm not telling you.

Good morning.

Choryu Weekly

Hello?

The article has been shelved.

Shelved? Till next week?

No. We're no longer able
to run any stories on Hope Motors.

It's not postponed,
it's dead in the water.

Dead? But... but why?

A management decision.

That's all I can say.

You know how much we spend
on advertising every year...

in Choryu Weekly
and other Choryu publications.

Besides Hope Motors

Bank Of Hope and
Hope Heavy Industries do too.

It's huge.

Who'd run an article that
jeopardises all their publications?

No company in their right mind would.

Market forces, huh?

Market forces.

Today...

we've come to request that

you repay all outstanding loans to date.

Your company could go under soon.

Before that happens...

please repay your debts.

If you can't...

we'll have to resort to legal actions

in line with our contractual agreement.

Bank Of Hope has accelerated
your repayment schedule?

Yes, that's right.

If that happens, your accounts and finance

will be used to offset the loan.

What?

I have a 20 million yen fixed deposit

and settlement fund with them.

Plus, I'm expecting a payment on the 20th...

If so...

I hate to say this...

but it's over for you.

Letter Of Resignation

Why?

"Are you even human?"

Even after Mr. Yugi said that to us...

I persevered for our staff's sake.

I took so much abuse from our clients...

I can't take it anymore.
Please forgive me.

I see.

I understand.

I'm sorry.

Boss...

Thank you.

I won't forget your efforts
to help us get through this.

- Please forgive me.
- Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I know the timing can't be worse...

but this came for you.

Yokohama District Court

Yugi Masashi versus Akamatsu Transport

Jurisdictional amount: 150 million yen

Mr. Yugi's suing us?

The insurance company says

he's suing over our actions

not the size of the payout.

This could be the end of us.

Isn't it a bit late to say that?

Are you even human?

Isn't it because
of faulty maintenance?

The bank decides if you're worthy.

I hate to say this...
but it's over for you.

It was caused by your
poor maintenance work.

You're back.

The school called me in.

Takuro was fighting.
With a bunch of kids.

He's OK. Leave him alone for now.

Why would he do that?

I've been telling him...

"If those bullies call your dad a murderer
tell them they're wrong."

What bullies?

Take Note!
Takuro's Dad Is a Murderer!

You Don't Deserve to Live!

I've taken care of it.

You can't fight an invisible enemy.

You've just got to face them head-on.

Face them head-on?

I talked to every one
of his classmates' mothers.

"Surely your child didn't post this?"

The online posts got more vicious

until the thread got shut down.

I see.

Don't get any strange ideas, OK?

This isn't over yet, Boss.

A year ago, I was put in
charge of Customer Strategy.

I'll put what I've learnt to use
in Product Development.

There's a lot I wish I had done

but I'll leave it to
my successor, Nagaoka.

I'll sure we'll work
together again sometime

and I look forward to it.

At least show me what you wrote.

It might contain something I can use.

- I can't do that.
- Why not?

I may be a journalist

but I'm a Choryu Weekly
reporter first.

A Choryu employee.

I can't show a shelved
article to a third party.

Honestly, I'm frustrated too.

But all the web articles
were taken down as well.

A site criticizing Hope Motors
was deleted from the server.

You're going up against Goliath here.

I can't give you my article.

But you can have this.

A list of accidents

involving Hope Motors vehicles
in the last three years.

Your specialist knowledge
may come in useful in uncovering the truth.

It's also a list of people

forced by Hope Motors

to either accept
poor maintenance work

as the cause, or give up.

That's what happened
to everyone on that list.

You're the only one

who's sticking to your convictions
and standing up to Hope Motors.

You got promoted

while you got demoted to Osaka.

You did well for yourself, Sawada.

I went about it the wrong way.

I shouldn't have gone anonymous.

I should have used
my name like Sawada did.

Because I didn't...

the company could demote me
without getting any backlash.

Demoting a whistle-blower
would have caused a scandal.

The weekly magazines
would have pounced.

So...

you're the one who
tipped off Choryu Weekly?

I joined Hope Motors
because I loved the company.

That's why I fought.

I fought, but...

Yeah.

What became of the whistle-blowers?

Opportunists like them

are unhappy about how
they've been treated.

You just have to make them feel
appreciated and useful.

Our bank works very differently.

We make sure they never get promoted.

We only make them feel that way.

I didn't say things would
actually improve for them.

The world is no place for those fools.

Anal yee these surveys
before tomorrow's meeting.

These are over a month old.
Why now?

Don't ask me.
I guess they came in late.

Still, why the rush
to get it out by tomorrow?

Why? It's all you're
capable of right now.

What else can you do?

We doubted the results of
Hope Motors' inspection.

But we couldn't disprove them.

Neither could you, right?

I've got to go.

Shimamoto Transport, Numazu

We have enough trouble staying afloat.

I know, but...

Just butt out.

- Please, let me...
- Leave already.

At least hear me out, please?

Inaba Transport Services, Ishikawa

Kuroda Express, Osaka

Why do I have to tell you anything?

You're a professional?

Then admit you messed up.

- Well...
- This is pathetic!

- Let's talk...
- Get the hell out!

I'm busy. Quit bugging me.

Hey there, sir!

Our boss is away
so I'll speak on his behalf.

Would you be interested
in working in Takasaki?

They don't mind taking in young staff.

Well, Akamatsu Transport is...

I think you know what's going on.

Our boss...

He's still fighting, isn't he?

Well, I suppose he is.

But...

with the way things are right now...

I decline.

Kadota, you've got a kid on the way.

That's fine.

Even if it's only just me...

I'm staying with our boss to the end.

No...

matter what.

I'm with Kadota.

If our boss hasn't given up,
neither will we.

I believe in our boss too.

- I'll stay.
- I'll fight.

It's about your accident.

Sorry, I can't be of more help.

Thank you. Excuse me.

Here, the analysis of the survey.

You've done it?
Thanks. You may go.

Well, since I analysed the surveys...

You're not needed here.

Back to your desk, Sawada.

What's this?

Back to your desk.

Who did this survey analysis?

Oh, we farmed it out to Chiyoda Survey.

Chiyoda Survey?

It was outsourced? When?

About three days ago.

Is Man a be aware of that?

Of course he is. I told him.

You've been to all these places?

Yes. I'm hoping to make a breakthrough.

I see.

Hey, I don't see
that company on this list.

How did you compile this list?

I didn't do it myself.

I think it was compiled
based on a news database.

In that case, what about accidents

that weren't reported in the news?

I guess they wouldn't make the list.

I see.

What is it?

Well, there is a company like yours

that did their own analysis.

They called us up a bunch of times.

From Toyama.

A company called Toyama Logistics.

They insisted the cause of their accident
was a structural defect of some sort.

Good morning...

Note that the new
vehicle proposal deadline

is around the corner...

This is it. This is my chance.

Mr. Akamatsu?

Sorry to bother you. I'm Akamatsu.

I'm Aizawa.

General Affairs Chief, Toyama Logistics

You've come a long way.

I'm the one who reached
out to Mr. Takamori.

I couldn't sit back and do nothing.

I hear your truck's
propeller shaft came off.

What was the cause?

Poor maintenance work.

According to Hope Motors, that is.

But that's absurd.

Come with me.

Inspection Certificate

You could've used
this to fight back!

My boss is an
ex-employee of Hope Motors.

He learnt his trade
there when he was young.

He said it was no big deal,
so I had to let it go.

My name card says
I'm the General Affairs Chief...

but I didn't use to be.

Not until after the accident.

I was the Chief of Maintenance.

I've been working maintenance
for more than 20 years.

This was a slap in my face.

It's like everything I've done
had been negated.

Your accident was
caused by a hub fracture?

Yes...

Ours was a propeller shaft.

Mr. Takamori's was a gearbox.

I found out that the accidents...

all share the same primary cause.

The clutch housing.

Clutch housing failures
triggered most of the accidents.

It's an undeniable structural defect.

Defective trucks
are murder weapons on wheels.

Abetting that is no different
from abetting murder.

But...

the pathetic thing is,
there is nothing I can do.

That's why I agreed to meet you.

I've got to do something. So...

I want you to have this.

Vehicular Accident Analysis Report

The results of my
internal inspection.

The report sent to
the Transport Bureau

was the one my boss
got from Hope Motors.

Let me say one thing.

Mr. Akamatsu...

These documents are my heart and soul.

Why are you here?

I heard you'd probably
be in at this time.

Well, I'm an early starter.

- Good morning.
- Hey.

Is the accident investigation
still ongoing?

Yes, it is.

Did you investigate
what I called you about?

The accident in Takasaki.

I did. So what?

Do you still think my company
is to blame for the accident?

I can't discuss that, you know.

We're suing to get
our truck parts back.

You think I don't know about that?

Do you know this then?

This report is a smokescreen
for Hope Motors' recall cover-up.

Think about what's written in there.

After you.

I'm Nagaoka, the new section chief.

Where's Mr. Sawada®?

He was transferred
to Product Development.

A promotion.

OK, it's done.

New Vehicle Proposal, Sawada Yuta

I'll be frank, Mr. Akamatsu.

I'm not a pushover like Sawada was.

What brings you here?

Do you know what this is?

In July last year

Toyama Logistics truck
was involved in an accident.

That's the inspection
report from Hope Motors

that was submitted
to the Transport Bureau.

In that report,
Hope Motors made it clear

that propeller shaft detachment

is extremely rare and unusual.

And your point is?

This is a list of companies
whose trucks got into accidents.

I wore my shoes down visiting them.

Hope Motors blamed them all
for poor maintenance work.

From what I heard...

several of these accidents in question
were caused by loose propeller shafts too.

It's not rare at all.

Your sham report makes no
mention of the other accidents.

That's absurd.

The cause was poor maintenance work.

Did you even check if Toyama Logistics'
maintenance was up to standard?

I must admit...

I didn't.

Then how dare you come here and...

Because there was no need to.

It was a new truck, Mr. Nagaoka.

The truck in question was bought
one month prior to the accident.

It had only done 320km.

Impossible.

Are you still going to blame it
on poor maintenance?

Your sham report was
to serve one purpose.

Prevent the Transport Bureau from

finding out about the recall cover-up.

Recalls are immensely expensive.

With this report, Hope Motors gets
to save billions, or tens of billions.

At the cost of human lives.

How did our Transport
Bureau report get out?

I can't believe it got out...

much less end up in Akamatsu's hands.

If it's submitted
to court as evidence

it'll be a disaster for us.

Can you fix this?

You mean accept
Akamatsu's assertions?

That's not what I meant!

We'll get nowhere engaging with him!

Why didn't you realise

the danger of that report getting out?

Why didn't you offer a compromise?

- I'm very sorry.
- Sorry.

You're useless.

Sawada was a lot more competent.

From now on,
ignore Akamatsu Transport.

Yes, sir.

Sawada, about your proposal...

The first screening was just held.

Yours didn't make the cut.

I see.

I thought it was a brilliant proposal.

Thanks.

Was it at least a close fight?

Actually, it was the first to go.

No matter what you come up with...
it'll never be approved.

Not because of the contents

but for political reasons.

Hello, sir...

Boss!

Just as we feared.

Bank Of Hope

Repayment Acceleration Notice

You believe what's in that report?

Takahata, it came from
the suspect, no less.

I checked with the Bureau.
It's genuine.

This raises a lot of questions

but how does it affect our case?

We completely trusted Hope Motors'
verdict of poor maintenance.

Wait a minute.

If it were indeed a structural defect
that would make Hope Motors our suspect.

So we raided Akamatsu
Transport for nothing?

That raid was your idea.

Don't you care how
this reflects on you?

The investigators can't
do anything to us.

If they come...

we'll stand our ground resolutely.

Will the data your company provided
to the Transport Bureau stand?

Quality Assurance and R&D

have the original
data under lock and key.

Not one drop of it will leak out.

In other words...

they have no evidence
to prove our report wrong.

Sawada, I want you
to hold on to this.

What's in it?

Minutes from the T-meetings.

And all the information
on the recall cover-up I could collect.

I thought all the computers in Quality
Assurance are under strict supervision.

Officially, this computer
was scrapped three months ago.

It stopped working,
so we bought a new one.

I realised later it
was a software problem

and restored it.

So officially, it doesn't exist.

We have luck on our side.

You're giving it to me?

It'll be of no use to
me when I'm in Osaka.

I couldn't think of anyone else
to entrust it to.

I trust you, Sawada.

Is this it for us?

In Memory of Yugi Taeko

Mummy told me she'd be making

hamburg steak for dinner.

I was really looking forward to it.

It was a sunny day

and Mummy was smiling.

Mr. Akamatsu...

I knew that someone
died in the accident.

But it didn't feel real to me.

I didn't put myself in their shoes.

For the first time,
you sound human.

Mr. Akamatsu.

I'm not your enemy.

I'm just one small cog in the machine.

Talking to me won't change anything.

Yours was the only face I saw.

I heard about the report
for the Transport Bureau.

It'll be buried...

by your faceless enemy.

I'm keeping my faith.

That all my efforts

will resonate with someone...

and a miracle will happen.

Faith's all I have left.

Why would you go to such lengths?

It was a sunny day.

On that sunny day...

a life was brutally snuffed out.

Let's never forget that, Mr. Sawada.

It's the least we can do.

Mr. Izaki!

You've got to approve
our credit line.

It may not affect you,
but it does me!

Finally.

I've been waiting for this.

Sorry, I've failed you all.

I'll wind up the company...

Boss... Boss!

Where's the remote control?

I'm right outside
Hope Motors' head office.

At noon today
Prefectural and Kohoku Central Police

raided the premises on suspicion of
Road Vehicles Act violations.

Hope Motors is thought to have
falsified accident data...

Kanagawa Prefectural Police

OK, that's as far as you go.

Make it snappy!

We don't want to hold
them up now, do we?

- Here too.
- Yes, sir.

Raid on Hope Motors' Head Office

Raid on Hope Motors' Head Office

All right!

Boss!

Despite support from group company

Bank Of Hope, Hope Motors' performance...

I knew you'd do it, Sawada.

It's not over yet.

I'll say it again.

The report for the Transport Bureau
was merely inexact.

We were in the process
of correcting it.

You raided that
freight company, didn't you?

Are you admitting you made a mistake?

Well...

I'm setting aside my pride.

You're not here just because of inaccuracies
in the report sent to Transport Bureau.

They are called the T-meetings, right?

T-meeting

Date: March 20th, 2014.

Venue: Conference Room.

In attendance: Executive Director Kano,

Quality Assurance Chief Kashiwabara

and 20 others.

Audit Countermeasures

Audit Countermeasures This is evidence proving
that you were aware of the structural defect

This is evidence proving that
you were aware of the structural defect

and you chose to cover it up.

Akamatsu Transport's truck hub
was perfectly fine

up until the moment it fractured.

You knew, and ordered covert repairs.

All the directors were aware of it.

After the last recall scandal
and change of president...

it became standard practice
to keep recalls a secret.

All of that is clearly
documented in here.

So what do you have to say, Mr. Kano?

Where is that laptop from anyway?

You can't intimidate me with these
unknown documents of dubious origins.

Hope Motors

Hope Motors is a prestigious company.

Recalls won't hurt the company's
reputation but corruption will. Get it?

I saw the victim's body.

I wish you could have seen it too.

Get it? You killed that poor woman!

You did it

with your self-preserving friggin' pride!

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Makita. Kimoto.

You're stepping down.

What do you mean?

I won't let our bank's
reputation be jeopardised

by your relationship with Mr. Kano.

That means your opinions
aren't worth listening to.

Mr. President!

Hope Motors Directors Arrested

Hope Motors Directors Arrested
I still think I was right.

I still think I was right.

You're just lucky
things turned out this way.

- I get it, Miyashito.
- No, you don't.

That's why I'm sticking by you.

You're our president.

If I leave you to your devices

who knows what else you would do?

Thanks.

Hope Motors must be really desperate
to agree to a merger.

I guess.

Did your bank ever had the intention

of approving their credit line?

How would I know?

Director Makita, Hope Motors' lifeline,
was forced out.

"Bank Of Hope isn't Hope Motors' wallet.”

"We do not support corrupt companies
even though we're under the same group."

I'm sure someone in the bank
must have felt that way.

Well...

I'm afraid you've lost me there.

That's one way of taking down Goliath.

Want to date again?

We were never together, remember?

Ha run a Bank

Payable to Akamatsu Transport

Sum: 300 million yen

This should cover it.

I never would've guessed.

Ha run a Bank's taking on your debt?

Impressive. I'm envious.

Are you sure about this?

You'll get burnt.

We took all circumstances
into consideration.

People like you give banks a bad name.

- How dare you!
- Mr. Komoda.

I follow compliance principles too.

Come in.

Pardon me for imposing.

I went to see my lawyer earlier

to withdraw the lawsuit.

I'm truly sorry for the awful things
I said to you. Please forgive me.

Raise your head, sir.

Mr. Yugi, please don't do this.

Mr. Akamatsu.

Yes?

Hope Motors...

What have they done?

I want to know.

Why did my wife have to die?

It's a long story.

It all started one day

when I was discussing
layoffs with my staff.

Looking back, it was
just another day at work.

One phone call changed everything.

One Year Later

Mr. Sawada.

There's one thing I don't understand.

Could you explain it to me?

All I found was the
Transport Bureau report.

It wasn't enough
to expose the cover-up.

Even so, everything came to light.

How did that come about?

Was it because someone in Hope Motors

blew the whistle on the company?

Beats me. I have no idea.

Still the corporate man, huh?

It's the only way
I know how to survive.

Go.

I never want to see your face again.

Same here.

It's another sunny day.

Yeah, it is.