"Spring, 1987"
"Study Session for Kochi's Future"
"Kochi Prefecture"
There is only one way to save Kochi Prefecture.
Pandas!
"Policy Planning Department: Ryujiro Nakahama"
Pandas can only be seen in Tokyo now.
Anyone who wants to see pandas has to go to Tokyo.
What if we have pandas in Kochi?
There will be more visitors coming to western Japan.
Plus, Seto Bridge will connect Shikoku and Honshu soon.
If we get pandas, Kochi will be the top tourist spot in western Japan.
Visitors will certainly hit our other tourist spots too.
Hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and gas stations for people who drive...
There will be countless places for visitors to spend money.
-What is he blabbing about? -That's enough.
I can't listen to this anymore.
It can never be done.
Kiyoto. Move to the Archive Department.
"Resignation letter"
"13 Years Later, Summer"
In Kobe, there are long queues to see the giant pandas in Oji Zoo...
-Have you seen those pandas? I want to go too. -Shall we go next week?
Kobe is experiencing a huge spike in tourists because of the pandas and it's expected to have an eight-billion yen windfall.
Oji Zoo is now expecting the next generation of pandas...
"12 Years Later, Spring"
-Lower the right side. -Right?
-Your left. -Okay.
"Hospitality Department"
-How about this? -That's good.
-It looks great. -Good.
Well, as you know, the governor sees tourism as Kochi's biggest challenge.
To strengthen the infrastructure, the Tourism Promotion Division has established the Hospitality Department.
Even though we're a small team, the prefecture has high expectations for us.
This name is very spirited. Fantastic!
-It's a great idea to call it "Hospitality". Right, Kakemizu? -Yes.
It sounds pretty good.
So, where shall we start?
Hmm?
Umm... I did some research online.
Many local governments tend to appoint tourism ambassadors.
What are tourism ambassadors?
They appoint celebrities, stars, or athletes from their hometown and commission them to promote the charm of the prefecture.
-That sounds good. -We have lots of famous people.
For example, Hirosue, Nishikawa Kiyoshi, Hazama Kanbe, Kitamura Soichiro...
Takachi Noboru, Shimazaki Wakako. The baseball player, Fujikawa Kyuji. The writer, Yoshikado Kyosuke.
That was amazing, Chikamori.
Well, I'm a Kochi public servant.
-It's going to turn out great. -That's right.
I'll contact them immediately.
"Yoshikado Kyosuke"
-Koizumi, make it twelve o'clock. -Okay.
-Chikamori, please handle this. -Okay.
Hello? I'm sorry for the abrupt call.
-This is the Tourism Promotion Division... -Kagawa Prefecture is now named "Udon" Prefecture.
Let's enjoy some udon.
-It's delicious! -Thank you very much.
Actually, I'd like to speak to Mr. Yoshikado to ask him for a favor.
Oh, is it Mr. Yoshikado speaking?
Yes, as a matter of fact, we're wondering if you'd be the tourism ambassador of Kochi.
What? Really?
Thank you very much!
Yes.
Yes. All right.
Yes, I'll send you the details.
Yes.
"Hospitality Department"
"Congrats, Kakemizu Takashi! Make your hometown proud!" "Become a governor!"
All right!
-Good morning. -Good morning.
Who is she?
Excuse me.
Oh.
She works here too.
"Myojin Taki" I've never heard of her.
-Spiffy list of names, huh? -That's right.
-Kakemizu, a call for you. -Okay.
-It's Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Yoshikado. -Okay.
Hello, this is Kakemizu from the Hospitality Department speaking.
34 days.
Pardon?
34 days, doesn't that mean anything to you?
Well...
It's been 34 days since I became Tourism Ambassador.
It's over a month.
Umm..
Have we done anything to upset you?
That's the problem.
Pardon?
"Broadcast"
I haven't received any contact for a month since your first call...
so I thought the plan has been cancelled.
What? No, it's not cancelled!
It's still in progress!
As you suggested...
we've been planning to add coupons on business cards to hand out and place them at information centers at Kochi station and the airport.
It takes some time to do that.
So why didn't you tell me about the current situation?
You didn't do anything until I called.
No, that's... I'm sorry...
Anybody with common sense would think it's been cancelled.
Don't just prepare a list of Ambassadors.
Do you want to know what you are lacking most?
Civil sense.
You are right.
That's because we're not the private sector.
"Hospitality Department" is a unique and spirited name. You might be filled with a sense of accomplishment easily.
But what good is hospitality if there are no guests?
You are absolutely right.
My prediction is that the coupons will fail.
They shouldn't be for free, but for discounts, or to cover losses.
As a last resort, try limited-time offers.
But it will get tangled in red tape and become a half-hearted job.
In the end, people will see it as a waste of time.
By next year, nobody will even remember the plan.
But how do we know, if we don't try?
I doubt it.
Can we discuss the next step?
What do you mean the next step?
-The next step if we fail? -That's right, waiting is a waste of time.
You...
But... please.
If you really take tourism promotion seriously go hire some outside staff.
Female. And young. And most importantly, she can't be a public servant.
Before you ask, I'll tell you why.
In general, women love to travel, and they are picky about the locations.
They are also budget conscious.
So if your female test subject approves, the plan will succeed.
You got it?
I see.
Don't brush off anything the staff says, no matter how minor it is.
The staff's opinion is ten times more valuable than those petty officials who always complain.
What?
We got it.
And also...
look up the "Panda Plan".
Panda Plan? What is that?
You can ask the old-timers.
Okay.
If the prefecture can accept the man who came up with the Panda Plan...
he can offer sound plans for tourism, not just band-aid solutions.
That's all.
Have you heard of the Panda Plan?
Panda Plan?
I've no idea.
Thanks a lot.
-Do you know the Panda Plan? -Nope.
-It's an old plan. -I've never heard of it.
Panda Plan?
-Just stay away from it. -That's right.
Panda Plan? It has nothing to do with me.
Just forget about it.
Panda Plan?
-Hey, Taki! -Yes?
Oh.
Nothing.
Can you help him with some research?
-He's from the Hospitality Department. -I'm Kakemizu.
I'm Myojin Taki, a part-timer here. Nice to meet you.
-What information are you looking for? -Well... it's about the Panda Plan.
Panda Plan? In Kochi?
Yes. I heard someone suggested it before.
I want to know all about it.
I got it. It sounds interesting.
Huh?
Please give me 30 minutes to finish my current task...
and then I can start with the research.
I'm not sure how much I can find here...
but I'll give you an update by five o'clock.
Should I send it to the Hospitality Department?
Yes, please.
Umm..
Yes, what is it?
Miss Myojin, were you ever a professional cyclist?
No.
Of course not.
Well then, I'll see you later. I have to go back to work.
Miss Myojin brought this for you.
Okay.
It's only been three hours.
Kiyoto Kazumasa.
Miss Myojin!
Yes?
-Thank you. -It's nothing.
-Thanks, you are really awesome. -Is everything okay?
Yes! I didn't tell you much, but I got all I want to know.
I'm glad to hear that.
You even found out Mr. Kiyoto's current whereabouts.
He's a consultant and runs a bed and breakfast.
I read the Panda Plan...
and I think he took tourism in Kochi very seriously.
So I thought he must still be doing something in the same field.
If it were me, I would do so. So I called up the Tourism Board.
I see.
You're really awesome, Miss Myojin.
Thank you.
-Thank you very much. -Don't mention it. I'm glad to help.
Pandas?
Are you bringing them here?
No... it's not like that.
-Sorry for asking such a question. -Not at all.
I sometimes find this bicycle leaning against mine.
The owner must be a flake.
Yeah, I guess.
Actually, its mine.
What?
I'm so sorry!
-It's too late. -Sorry.
Oh!
Go hire some outside staff.
Female. And young. And most importantly, she can't be a public servant.
Miss Myojin, you work part-time here, right?
Yes.
-So you're not a public servant. -That's right, I'm just a part-time staff.
-Is your contract up soon? -Yes.
-Do you have any plans after that? -Not yet. I want to work locally, but it's hard to find a local job now.
-It is, right? -Yeah
I'm Myojin Taki. I'll work my best.
Nice to meet you all.
It's easier to call you "Taki".
-Nice to meet you, Taki. -Yes, nice to meet you too.
-You'll be Kakemizu's assistant for now. -Okay.
Miss Myojin.
Voice out whatever you think, please.
No matter how trivial it is, we'll take it seriously.
-Compared to those petty officials, we respect you ten times more. -What?
-Right, Kakemizu? -Absolutely right.
I got it.
-Umm... Kakemizu. -Yes? What is it?
It's just that you can call me Taki. Everyone does that.
No, this is a workplace...
and I feel awkward to call young women by their first names too soon.
-Kakemizu, you're really a decent man. -As a man, should I be happy to be called "decent"?
Why not? A decent person is certainly better than a bad one.
-Is that so? -Yes.
Mr. Kiyoto Kazumasa is running a Japanese Inn called "Kiyoto" near the port.
And he offers tour consultations for travel agencies and the like.
He has a daughter named Sawa, and she helps out at the inn.
I think she is managing the inn rather than just helping.
Really?
Yeah, according to my research, they don't have any other staff.
Mr. Kiyoto is busy with other work, so I assume it's Sawa who handles the inn.
I see.
You're amazing, Miss Myojin.
Not at all. It's just a guess.
No, I'm learning a lot from you.
This is why I said you are really "decent", Kakemizu.
"Decent" again?
I wonder what kind of person Mr. Kiyoto is.
I'm sorry. If you're looking for a room, we are fully occupied today.
Actually...
Feel free to park here if you're just sightseeing.
Or if you're lost, I might be able to help you.
No, it's not like that.
Is Mr. Kiyoto Kazumasa here?
My name is Kakemizu, from the Kochi Prefectural Office.
Prefecture?
Kakemizu!
What are you doing?
What do you want from my father now?
Ah..
I couldn't reach him on the phone, so I decided to visit in person.
Sorry for intruding.
Can you please tell your father that I'm here?
How dare you show your face here. Leave now!
At least take my card, please. Just let him know that I was here.
No!
I heard about Mr. Kiyoto from the writer, Yoshikado Kyosuke. So I came to visit him today.
Just give him my card, please.
Please.
-Are you okay, Miss Myojin? -I'm fine.
I'm sorry. You got wet in order to protect me.
Don't say that.
One victim is enough.
If I can't even protect a woman from getting wet...
what kind of man am I?
-"Decent" again? -Yes.
Miss Myojin, would you mind driving on the way back?
-You can drive, right? -Yes, I can.
-It seems like she hates the prefectural government. -That's right.
I wonder if she'll give him my card.
But Sawa's facial expression changed when you mentioned Yoshikado.
-What? Is that so? -Yes.
Hospitality Department? Such a department exists?
They've called many times, right?
And you didn't tell me, right?
How do you know?
They wouldn't just show up out of the blue.
They must have called first.
If they did some research, they would know that I'm not here every day.
-Am I right? -But they are from the prefectural government.
Did you forget how hard our life became after they kicked you out?
-If it's about work, the government is a big spender. -Huh?
Why did you accept the card of a government guy who showed up suddenly?
Well?
What's wrong, Sawa?
-I splashed water on him. -Huh?
I had to take it, or he wouldn't leave.
That's not good. No matter how angry you are, it's immature to show your anger.
"Under construction" Their website is useless.
It doesn't look like these people are very motivated.
They probably put all their energy into the name.
Tomorrow's the only day I'm free.
What? You're going to meet those government guys?
I don't choose my clients, even if they're from the government.
He was desperate enough to leave the card, so he must have his reasons.
-That might be true... -Call him in the morning and tell him I'm only available tomorrow.
Me?
Don't act like a child.
You created the trouble, so you have to fix it.
Here.
Got it?
Yes.
-Hello, Kakemizu speaking. -This is Kiyoto.
I sincerely apologize for my behavior yesterday.
Not at all. I'm very sorry for our sudden visit.
Mr. Kiyoto is available today. Can you come?
Yes! Of course!
Yes.
Yes, I got it. Thank you.
Mr. Kiyoto is willing to meet us?
What's wrong?
Nothing, his daughter sounded very reluctant though.
She must have been forced to do this.
She was so grumpy that it was kind of cute.
-Welcome. This way please. -Thank you very much.
She could at least have said sorry.
Thank you for meeting us.
No problem. I like young people better than old ones.
Those stubborn oafs are so difficult to talk to.
You youngsters might not know this...
but I caused some trouble at the prefetural office with the Panda Plan.
My name is Kiyoto Kazumasa.
I've heard a lot about you.
Did you hear that, Sawa?
Even these youngsters know me. My heroic story must be pretty famous.
Please go ahead.
Ah. Excuse me.
First, let's deal with an important matter.
"Compensation Money"
My daughter was very rude to you yesterday. I'm very sorry about it.
No... we came here uninvited. I can't accept it.
No, I can't let you refuse it.
We won't be on equal footing if you dont accept it.
I won't hold what happened yesterday against you.
It's my principle.
I won't listen to you unless you accept it.
But I'm a public servant, I really can't accept the money.
Kakemizu, you brought your suit to the laundry this morning, right?
Yeah.
Do you have the receipt?
Well, what if we accept the cost of laundry from you?
It was 1,560 yen.
I got it.
You have your principle too.
Sawa, go get the money.
Okay.
Confirm it, please.
Excuse me, can you write "Compensation for laundry" on the envelope?
And sign it, please.
What?
Sorry to trouble you, but things are very strict with the ombudsmen...
so we have to do this, please.
Umm..
I got it.
-Is this okay? -Thank you very much.
No problem.
Are you a public servant?
No, I'm not. I'm just a temporary staff.
Someone advised us to hire a young female citizen.
-I see, that's why you're so different. -No, I...
Now, tell me why you're here.
Yes, please let me.
Would you work for the Hospitality Department to help Kochi's Tourism?
Please.
You mean the Hospitality Department wants me as a tourism consultant?
If possible, yes.
Let me be clear first. I won't propose any half-baked plans to the government...
and my services don't come cheap.
We can have a discussion on that.
Even if we fail to reach an agreement, I will still charge for the discussion.
Sure, it's been approved by my boss.
Let me ask one question then.
Who put me into your head?
Pardon?
As you just mentioned...
it must be the same one who suggested the young female from the private sector.
Am I right?
It's our Tourism Ambassador, Yoshikado Kyosuke.
He said you have big ideas unlike anything we'd come up with.
Do you know him?
Shall we decide on a date?
Pardon?
I still can't believe it.
-I didn't think he'd accept. -I thought so too.
By the way, don't you think you were a little too harsh?
Harsh about what?
Making Miss Sawa sign for the laundry bill.
She was the one who splashed the water on you...
so I thought it was only logical to ask her to sign it.
But you have to consider Miss Sawa's feelings towards the government.
That's a different issue.
Was I wrong to do that?
-No, I just meant... -If I overstepped the line, I'm sorry.
I'll keep my nose out of it next time.
Hey, hold on a second!
I'm sorry.
It's my fault.
If you hadn't been there, he wouldn't have been so easily persuaded.
I apologize.
You did a great job, but I just shot my mouth off.
I... I'm not that good.
What?
After graduating from college, I couldn't find a job.
I got a part-time job at the prefectural office...
and finally earned a daily wage.
But my contract was almost up and I didn't know what to do.
So when you asked for my help, I was very happy. I really want to do a good job.
I would ask my parents about proper business manners...
and what they think about the prefectural government every night.
You helped me to join the department... and I really want to do my best to help.
I'm not that good.
I'm sorry.
I...
Have I been helpful?
Of course!
I need you to be my assistant.
I really need you a lot, Miss Myojin.
I'll be in trouble without you.
-Really? -Of course.
It's my first time to be told that I'm needed.
Thank you.
I'm the one who should be thankful.
Let's get going.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
What is it?
-It's delicious. -Yes. It's been a while since I ate ice cream.
Are you feeling better now?
Pardon?
Hmm?
I was just jealous. Please don't mind me.
Jealous? What do you mean?
Let me introduce myself again.
20 years ago, my Panda Plan caused trouble in the prefectural office.
I'm Kiyoto.
-Mr. Shimomoto. -Yes?
About hiring me as the tourism consultant...
is the Hospitality Department really serious about this?
That is our intention.
Our goal is to make Kochi a travel spot...
but we are not doing a good job.
We're aware of the limitations of our thoughts.
We've been told what we clearly lack is civil sense.
I can't disagree with that.
But rather than to start to observe the citizens' mindset now...
it's faster and more effective to ask for help from a private citizen.
Therefore, we really hope that Mr. Kiyoto can accept the job.
I got it.
Since this is a large-scale project...
my services will also cost much.
How... much?
One proposal costs...
One hundred thousand yen?
Ten million yen.
That's my initial price.
But I've worked here before, and I know very well about prefectural budget.
So, I'm willing to offer one plan, sundry expenses aside...
for five million yen.
This is my bottom line.
I see.
Please let us consider it.
However, can we hear your plan first before we discuss about your pay?
Boss...
Very well.
Kochi is abundant in nature.
Ocean, mountains, rivers...
and a sky we can see wherever we are.
What's more, it's been well preserved.
If there's one thing Kochi can brag about, it's nature.
That's true.
On the other hand, that's all Kochi possesses.
Pardon?
The landscape makes urban development difficult.
We've got a highway, but it's still hard to get around.
There's very little flat land, making it difficult to attract investment.
That's why Kochi's revenue remains the lowest in the country.
Why?
But you just said nature is Kochi's best asset.
Exactly, Mr. Chikamori!
Exactly what?
A change in your thoughts.
If Kochi tries to urbanize itself, nature will be a burden.
But, in Japan, it's rare to see rich nature condensed into a small area like Kochi.
The failure to develop it has left it untouched, which is a blessing.
Based on that, what I have in mind for Kochi is...
This. "Kochi: Land of Outdoor Leisure"
Without unnecessary development, and using existing nature spots and facilities...
we can create a place of outdoor leisure.
Do you think it will work?
This is...
We should definitely buy it.
But would the prefectural government agree to this?
It's our job to make sure it does.
Kochi is the only place where this plan can be done.
But...
It's not "our" job...
It's my job.
Boss...
All right.
I'll get right on discussing it with the chief.
Chikamori, draft up an estimate.
Okay.
-Koizumi, please assist Chikamori. -Got it.
-It's going to be great. -Yes.
"Voice of the Sea"
"Yoshikado Kyosuke"
"Prefectural Government, Kakemizu"
Yes?
Hello? This is Kakemizu from the Hospitality Department.
I'd like to update you on our progress.
Mr. Kiyoto paid a visit to our office today.
-You've learnt to give me an update even though I didn't ask. -Yes, thank you very much!
That is not praise. It's just common sense.
Excuse me.
So, how did it go? What kind of bomb did he drop?
It wasn't a bomb, it was amazing.
-He plans to use all of Kochi... -Ah...
Hello?
You're Mr. Yoshikado, right?
Oh, nice to meet you.
What are you doing here?
Why shouldn't I be? I am from Kochi.
Oh, right.
-You recognized me. I'm impressed. -I'm your fan.
Do you need a lift to somewhere?
-Where are you going? -To Kiyoto Inn. We want to thank him.
-I'll come with you then. -To the inn?
I was planning to go there anyway.
Are you staying there?
Umm...
Hmm?
What exactly is the relationship between you and Mr. Kiyoto?
That's a good question.
Father and son at one time. But not anymore.
It's not that uncommon, right?
Kochi leads the country in divorces.
But it's kind of strange to say "not anymore".
-Excuse me, I didn't mean to intrude. -It's okay.
Mr. Kiyoto and Sawa.
My mother and me.
It was a second marriage with kids.
So I used to be his son, but then they got divorced.
So he's a stranger now.
We're not related by blood.
Does it make sense?
Yes, I'm sorry.
But the bus stop you were at goes the other way from the inn.
Good afternoon.
Long time no see.
Why did you bring him here?
Pardon?
Are you alright, Kakemizu?
Mr. Yoshikado, Sawa...
It's okay, she won't go far.
You can't just let her run off. It's getting dark.
Nobody around here would dare lay a finger on Mr. Kiyoto's daughter.
Huh? What the heck are you talking about?
Sorry, it's my fault that he went after Sawa.
I should apologize to you instead. For the fact that he ran after her.
Hmm?
Because you lost the chance to go find her.
I guess you might know where she went.
Sawa, hold on a second, please!
Don't call me "Sawa"!
-Okay, Miss Kiyoto... -What?
Let's go back, it's dangerous.
You don't need to be worried about me.
Are you upset that Mr. Yoshikado is back?
Is your relationship with him that bad?
-It's not like that! -Then why did you hit me?
Because you're always butting in!
What?
Our family fell apart because of the prefectural government.
Why are you asking my dad for help now?
Why did you bring him here?
I apologize for everything!
Huh?
Without considering your family's background...
asking your father for help was way out of line!
I sincerely apologize!
Stop groveling.
Shall we go back together?
You're really weird.
I'm sorry.
I'll go home even if you didn't ask.
Okay.
Ah...
What?
The one who recommended your father was Mr. Yoshikado.
What's wrong?
We should have said hello to Mr. Kiyoto before we left.
Maybe you need to be a little more sensitive.
What do you mean?
Why did you run after Sawa anyway?
Because Mr. Yoshikado did not.
That's what I'm talking about.
It wasn't your business.
My "business"?
Sawa just freaked out.
She didn't need you to go after her.
I think we should have left right after that.
Mr. Yoshikado wouldn't have just let her stay out.
When you chased after her, he lost his chance to go find her.
You seem to know a lot about him.
You said you're a fan of his, right?
What's that supposed to mean? What are you implying?
Nothing.
We'll be seeing more of him.
Good for you.
Let me get down, please.
-Are you kidding? -Stop the car!
I'll go home by tram, don't worry. Let me get down, please.
Fine, suit yourself.
Hello?
Ah... I was thinking to leave a message. Can you talk now?
Yes, I've pulled over.
-Are you angry? -No.
-Sorry about Sawa. -No.
I should have stayed out of your business.
I guess Taki said something about that to you.
Why?
Why are you calling her Taki anyway?
What the heck are you talking about? Is she there?
-No, she told me to let her get down near the tram station. -Huh?
Are you nuts?
Why does everyone call me "nuts", "nosy" or "not sensitive"?
-Why? -Whatever, just go get her, moron.
Bye.
Hey, wait...
What the heck?
Miss Myojin.
I'm sorry.
I'm fine. Don't worry about me.
-Of course I do worry about you. -I'm fine.
But I'm not.
Please go back with me.
I can't leave you here.
But... you ran after Sawa even though she could walk home...
but you could just leave me here.
So let me be.
Please...
Don't think that way.
Somehow...
I felt like I was losing something very important.
I could have picked you up.
Part of me is a coward like everyone else.
Kyo...
I'm home.
-Sawa, I'm starving. Please get me something to eat. -Okay, sure.
Hey, it's you.
-You look good. -Yeah.
You should have called more often.
I'm thinking of staying here for a while.
I'm curious how your plan is going.
-Collecting materials for your next book? -Good idea.
So what's it like? Your Hospitality Department plan.
-It seems like you set all this up. -Tell me about it.
Here you go.
What? Something wrong with the plan?
-No... it's delicious! -Huh?
Your cooking's improved, Sawa!
Of course, we are running a business.
We have to be professional if customers are paying us.
You're right. I'm sorry.
There's more.
So?
-It's interesting. -Really?
-You've matured since the Panda Plan. -Cut that haughty tone.
Drink.
Time to dig in.
Wow! Bonito! It's been a while.
All right, let's drink up.
Kochi's main business is tourism and agriculture...
but we're ony allocated 700 million yen out of 400 billion.
It's ten or a hundred times less than other departments!
What can we do with such a small budget?
I can't take it anymore!
-Chikamori is griping a lot more recently. -Yeah.
-But... -Yes?
Boss said complaining is not a bad thing.
What?
Complaining shows dissatisfaction.
-He never used to have any complaints. -I see.
It means he seriously wants to make Mr. Kiyoto's plan come true, right?
You're right.
The governor said our most urgent task is to improve tourism in Kochi.
So why is there no budget for us?
Finances are tight, obviously.
Therefore, to improve public finances...
They've always been tight, that's why we need to get more tourists.
If we had that budget, we wouldn't need to get more tourists here.
But to make it happen...
Don't use money, use your brains to find solutions.
Superficial solutions won't solve the problem!
That's why we're trying to...
Chief!
As a matter of fact, we can't do anything about the budget.
But just waiting is a torture too.
-I want to do whatever I can. -Yeah, let's believe in our boss.
Miss Myojin, are you free next Sunday?
I've been thinking the same thing.
It feels great, coming back here again as an adult.
I feel the same too. I didn't think much of it when I was a kid.
It's fun how everything is all mixed up.
-Mixed up? -Well, there are agricultural products, seafood products...
clothes, plants, flowers, and daily goods.
-You can find everything here. -Indeed.
Look, they even sell spades and hoes. Who would buy them?
-Look, chainsaws too! -Oh, there are old stamps too.
-Ah... are those potato vines? -Look at those spaghetti squashes.
-This is making me hungry. Let's go eat something! -I want to eat potato tempura and sweet rice balls!
I saw them back there. Let's go!
Delicious.
Yes, indeed. Delicious.
When I look around here...
I feel like I'm in Southeast Asia even though I've never been there before.
For those from big cities, this might be something new...
but for local people, this is normal.
-Hey there! -Mr. Kiyoto! Hello.
-Doing fieldwork? -Yeah, something like that.
Will you take an excursion with me?
There's something I want to show you.
Or would you two rather be alone?
What? No, it's not like that. Let's go.
-Mr. Kiyoto, is this the right route? -Well, I'm not so sure.
Umm... you have a navigation system. Why don't you use it?
-I can kind of understand why not. -What? Kind of?
-I thought we got lost. -The roads should be improved.
It looks wonderful.
Good afternoon!
-Kakemizu, let's go. -Go? Where?
Do you mean...
This will be part of the plan. You have to try it out.
What? But it's kind of sudden.
Actually, I'm no good at these kind of activities.
Is that so? Should I ask Taki then?
-No way, I can't let a woman do this. -Kakemizu?
You're right.
So please go on a run with him. Give it a shot.
All right.
Are you okay?
I'm fine, I'll be okay...
Coach.
Are we jumping off from here?
It looks like we're committing suicide.
Actually, I'm not a coach, just a flyer.
-What? Why? -There's no budget for that.
As a public servant, you should know that.
Both beginners and paraglide lovers enjoy this place a lot.
They're the treasure mountains of Kochi.
Treasure mountains...
All right! Run at your full speed! Don't fall!
What?
Okay, let's go!
Wait...
We're falling...
Is that him?
Ah. That must be him.
-Kakemizu's flying. -Yes, he's flying.
Awesome!
How can it be so amazing?
The treasure mountains!
Kochi is great.
Kochi is great!
Kochi is incredible!
-Miss Myojin. -Yes?
No...
Taki!
Yes!
Taki!
-Here you go. -Thank you.
Here you go.
Please come again.
Are you running this inn with your husband?
Yes.
-Your face is turning red. You must be newlyweds. -No...
-Let's go. -Okay.
-Good luck. -We'll be back for sure.
Thank you very much. We'll be waiting.
-We'll try our best. -See you.
Thank you very much.
Why did you lie to them?
If they believed so, there's no need to deny it.
-Why not just say we are siblings? -That's a lie too.
-Sorry for bothering you. It's rude of us. -The government's always rude.
I'm really sorry.
You're amazing, Sawa! They all look so delicious.
You showed up suddenly, so I can only make this.
-Can I try a bite of this? -Go ahead.
Bon appetit!
Delicious!
-Wow! It looks great! -Eat your fill.
-Yes, bon appetit! -Bon appetit!
-Delicious! -Isn't it?
Taki, how do you feel about today?
What's wrong? Just speak your mind.
Okay.
Needless to say, there are not enough road signs.
And the facilities need improvement too.
Facilities?
How so?
It was like a log cabin for men.
There are many things to mention, such as no proper dining area.
But the worst part was... I'm sorry to mention this during dinner.
The toilet. It was really dirty.
Female guests would never want to go back there.
-I see. -It might seem like trivial things.
but it will be what women talk about.
Such as, "The toilet was awful".
Women would talk about things like the food and the toilets.
Indeed.
It's definitely important, but...
-We wouldn't know if we don't see it in person. -That's true.
Well, let's dig in.
"Hospitality"
Well, when we invite guests over, we do a lot to make sure they have a good time.
We'll tidy the room, clean the toilet...
-and prepare something delicious. -Yeah.
That's called hospitality, right?
If all the people in Kochi think that way, it'd be great.
-Sorry, I shouldn't brag like that. -No.
Kakemizu, you sounded pretty cool actually.
Wow, it's so beautiful!
Amazing.
-Are you okay? -Yeah, I'm good.
Amazing!
Miss Myojin, you're so fast!
-There it is! -Where?
-There! Over there! -Oh, yeah!
-I can see it! -It's so huge!
-Awesome! -It's massive!
Kochi is great.
It's great.
Yes!
About the Kochi leisure land plan, I got a response from the government.
The conclusion is...
we have to continue our research and do feasibility studies, that's the conclusion.
-What does it mean? -It wasn't rejected outright.
It's under consideration. That's what it means.
What? No wonder people say the government sucks.
-But we don't need to give up the leisure land plan now, right? -Right. That's right.
There's one more thing.
Mr. Kiyoto has to be shut out.
That's what they've decided.
-Why? -Exactly, that's really mean!
-Boss! I can't accept it! -Quiet!
Stop making a fuss about it.
It came down from the top.
Come to think of it, those decision makers at the top are the same generation as Mr. Kiyoto.
That means they kicked out Mr. Kiyoto when the Panda Plan was proposed.
And now...
when Mr. Kiyoto presented another innovative plan...
they wouldn't accept it as well.
It's that simple.
No way.
Let's protest it. He proposed this plan. Without him, we can't proceed!
That's right. Without him, we'll stop.
That's the right thing to do!
Don't do that.
Mr. Kiyoto.
I've already accepted it.
Why?
The plan belongs to the government from the beginning.
They just want me to be the adviser.
Then they'll buy the plan for the price I suggested.
But...
Mr. Kiyoto...
I am deeply sorry for our incapability.
What are you talking about, Mr. Shimomoto?
You've done your very best. I know that for sure.
The outcome is totally different from 20 years ago.
That's thanks to you, Mr. Shimomoto.
I'm happy that everyone wants me to stay.
Thank you.
He might have known this would happen from the beginning.
If he knew, then why did he still do it?
Well, it's just a guess, but I think that...
he's been wanting to do something for Kochi.
So he tried to teach us a lot of things.
That's what I think.
He hasn't changed a bit since the Panda Plan.
Mr. Kiyoto.
Who came up with the plan, and who carried out the plan. He doesn't care about that.
That's how much he loves Kochi.
What's wrong, Miss Myojin?
I... I'm an awful person.
What do you mean? Why are you awful?
I was slightly...
I was a little relieved just now.
When the boss gathered us with such a long face...
I thought the plan must have been rejected.
So... I thought, "Well, that's the end of my job here."
"I'm not needed here anymore."
I was thinking that I have to start looking for a new job.
But it turned out that the plan wasn't rejected...
so I could continue to stay here. I felt really relieved.
It was awful of me.
I only thought about myself.
I was so selfish.
You're not.
It's natural to think like that.
But, you don't need to confess your thoughts.
It's okay to keep it private.
I confessed it because it's you.
I don't want to lie to you.
I see. Thanks.
I understand.
But, Miss Myojin...
Kakemizu?
I want to work!
I want to work hard!
Let me prove myself!
Even a public servant wants to work hard!
I want to work too!
Please let me try!
I want to work!
Please let me work!
Please give me a chance too!
I love to work!
I'm a public servant and I want to work!
Me, too!
Let me work more!
Here.
Thank you.
-All the screaming made me thirsty. -Me too.
-So, Miss Myojin... -Yes?
Someday...
One day...
I... I mean...
When I'm a little more... When I become cooler...
When I become a reliable man...
When I become like that...
At that time...
Can I call you Taki?
What?
No, I...
I see.
I'm shocked.
What?
Oh, nothing.
-Kakemizu. -Yes?
Good luck with everything.
I'll wait for that day.
Yes, I'll do my best.
What the heck?
Why are you letting them do this to us again?
I won't forgive them. Ever.
Kakemizu and his team will take over from now on.
Even though they're inexperienced.
Huh?
Why are you two not angry at all?
It's all good, isn't it? My plan has been sold.
You have the money to renovate the kitchen now.
Huh?
You just told me yesterday that you wanted a new oven.
Then you can make clam gratin for our guests.
It's good.
It's not good at all!
Don't get so mad.
It all worked out, thanks to the Hospitality Department.
Thanks to them for what?
-For getting Kyosuke to come back. -Huh?
-You're so late. -What?
Sorry, I feel really bad about what we did to Mr. Kiyoto.
-Let me stay here. -Huh?
You really say "Huh?" and "What?" very often.
Huh?
Umm... although I don't like you staring at my room, actually it's okay, but could you stop looking so bored?
It's not my fault. Your room is boring.
Well, I'm sorry. Why did you come here anyway?
The old man went out, and I felt uncomfortable there.
-What? -What?
It's nothing.
Being with Sawa makes you feel uncomfortable?
Is that what you meant?
Hey, you like this?
Okay! I will have this, please.
Thank you very much.
Kyosuke.
Hey Kyosuke, which one looks better on Sawa?
The blue one.
-Blue suits Sawa. -Is that so?
I'll take blue.
Thank you.
Brother.
That sounds kind of cute.
After that, my mother met another man and left me behind.
But they aren't related to me.
I couldn't let them look after me...
so I left for Tokyo alone.
Couldn't you have just stayed with them?
-I couldn't. -Why?
You're pretty slow, aren't you?
It was tough being siblings with her.
-Do I need to spell it out? -Sorry.
-I mean... what happened after that? -I asked her...
if she would come to Tokyo with me.
Will you come to Tokyo with me?
Sawa.
I'm sorry.
It was over.
So, when we asked you to be the tourism ambassador...
-were you thinking, "This is my chance"? -What the heck are you saying?
-I... -Forget it then.
Umm... can I say one thing?
Not really, but okay.
-Are you an idiot? -Huh?
Go home now!
What are you doing...
in such a dark place?
Kyo...
Didn't you go to see your friend?
Sorry I ran away.
I was such a coward.
I made use of the department.
I wanted to be back with you.
I love you.
Can I come back?
What's going on with you two?
I'm sorry.
I made her cry.
Hmm?
I want to marry your daughter.
Do whatever you like.
I...
-I haven't agreed yet. -What?
What's that about?
Well, it's not a sophisticated proposal.
-This road needs repairs too. -Yeah, you're right.
Somehow, the Hospitality Department seems dead since Mr. Kiyoto left.
You're right.
It was fun before. It felt just like before a festival.
But I haven't given up yet.
I'll never give up.
-It might be one step at a time, but I'll carry out his leisure land plan. -For next week's program...
our guest is the writer, Yoshikado Kyosuke. He'll talk about his upcoming book.
Mr. Yoshikado is from Kochi. His new book is about the staff at Kochi prefectural government. It's apparently a unique comedy...
so we are looking forward to that.
-Did he say "comedy"? -Yeah, he did.
How could it be a comedy when we're working so hard?
You're right.
Kakemizu?
Why are you looking so serious all of a sudden?
Mr. Yoshikado is on set!
Good afternoon. -Please come this way.
-Nice to meet you. Thank you for coming. -Nice to meet you too.
-Please have a seat. -10 seconds before commercial break ends.
8, 7, 6, 5 seconds...
4, 3, 2...
Today's guest is popular writer, Yoshikado Kyosuke.
-Welcome to the show. -Nice to meet you.
I'll just get straight to the point.
-You're writing a book about the people working in the Kochi Hospitality Department. -Yes, I've almost finished research.
I think you can call it a tourism novel.
A tourism novel? I'm not that familiar with the term.
Yes, it just popped in my head.
But, this Hospitality Department has a great plan for tourism in Kochi.
Here's the model for the main character, Mr. Kakemizu.
-Stay on him and follow. -10 minutes left in the segment.
Oh my... what's going on?
My name's Kakemizu, from the Kochi Prefecture Hospitality Department.
-Welcome to the show. -Nice to meet you.
We have a big plan for tourism in Kochi.
Please allow me to explain.
-May I? -Yes, please go ahead.
Kochi has a lot of nature.
Ocean, mountains, rivers...
and a sky we can see wherever we are.
We have it all.
What Kochi can be proud of is a wealth of nature.
I see.
On the other hand...
that's all Kochi owns.
Umm... what does that mean exactly?
He's ripping off from dad.
Hey, Kakemizu, you shouldn't be saying that on TV.
Quiet and listen.
So, in order to take advantage of that as much as possible, without unnecessary development, and using the existing nature spots and facilities...
this is our plan, which is to create a place of outdoor leisure.
-I see. That's quite an interesting plan. -Yes.
But is such a plan possible to carry out?
What?
I'm not sure.
Pardon?
Well... I mean... we don't know yet.
"Governor's Office"
Umm... that's...
I was born in Kochi, and I entered the local government.
To be honest, the main reason why I chose that route was job security.
I was assigned to the Tourism Promotion Division. That was by chance too.
It wasn't due to some strong desire.
Of course I love Kochi, the place where I was born.
But that's because I grew up here.
Nothing more.
Umm...
Right after I got the job...
there was a gathering of public servants from across Japan.
Frankly speaking, I was trying not to stand out at the gathering.
"Kochi? Oh right, Kochi."
"Is that so? That's tough. Don't give up."
I didn't like that kind of expressions on their faces...
but I myself ended up acting in the same way.
"I'll do my best."
But I didn't mean what I said at all.
I hated it.
I sometimes envied those from other prefectures.
It's natural to be proud of the place where you were born.
However, that feeling alone isn't enough to show guests hospitality.
When we welcome people to Kochi, as their hosts...
we should fully understand how amazing our place is.
That's most important.
If we don't know how great our place is, we shouldn't invite people over.
But...
I can honestly say it now...
that Kochi is a great place.
I can say it with all my heart.
Kochi is really and truly fantastic.
I really want everyone to know how great it is and to come enjoy it.
To make it come true...
The Hospitality Department will do the best we can.
We want to thank today's guests. Mr. Yoshikado Kyosuke, and from the Kochi Hospitality Department...
-I'm Kakemizu. -Mr. Kakemizu for gracing our show.
-Mr. Yoshikado, thank you very much. -Thank you.
Mr. Kakemizu, any final comments?
Taki!
Moron.
We'll have a commercial break now.
"Governor, Ryujiro Nakahama"
I didn't expect you to say that.
-You're a public servant. I won't take responsibility. -Come on.
-You might get fired. -What?
Kochi has a long coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
In addition, there are mountain ranges along the coast.
In Kochi, people are working hard every day.
The future of Kochi looks bright.
Now, big smiles. Okay?
Good.
All right, back to work.
Your smile looks like a natural-born public servant.
-Is that so? Is that a compliment? -Who knows?
Wait, Taki!
Hospitality Department.