Towards Fair and Free competition
What is the Fair Trade Commission?
Inspector Kazami Shinichi
Inspector Momozono Chiyoko
The Fair Trade Commission cracks down on violations of the Antimonopoly Act.
It's a government agency that monitors the market to ensure that the basic rules of the market economy are being followed.
(Restricting competition) Combined Business: Mergers, acquisitions, etc.
Unfair trade practices: Resale price restraints , Abuse of dominant position, etc.
Private Monopolization: Controlling and Exclusion models
Unfair trade restraints : Bid-rigging, Collusion, etc.
Fair Trade Commission
Acts which violate Antitrust Law:
I see. In other words?
It's about freedom of economic activity...
Could you please explain it a little more clearly?
Well, uhh...
Guardians of Competition
Urgent! Police officers on the move from Metropolitan Police Department. Undercover detective assaulted by a middle-aged man.
Public obstruction of justice incident.
Near the scene of a robbery-homicide in Shibasaki-cho,
suspect is approximately 40 years old.
Wearing a black hat and a khaki coat.
Car license plate number 3-4-5-SO-8-7-7-8.
He is fleeing in the direction of Kainan in a white passenger car.
All stations, proceed to Kainan and be prepared to find and arrest the suspect.
Metropolitan Police Department, out.
This is not good, the suspect entered a busy area.
2021 October 31
I don't see him on Central Avenue.
We'll search from the north.
He could be in the costume parade.
Search carefully.
- I don't see him in this vicinity. - I don't see him in this area.
- Ah! - Stop!
Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me.
- Go around. - Got it!
19:20, You're under arrest.
What!?
Eh?
Kaede, where's the culprit?
Detective, Section 1 Criminal Investigation Team Shirokuma Kaede
Stop the investigation? Aren't you making arrangements?
They told us not to pursue this matter anymore.
But I have seen the culprit's face.
I don't know what's going on either.
But the higher-ups think it's a problem that you let the culprit slip away.
But...
You're being dropped.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission, eh...
JAPAN FAIR TRADE COMMISSION
Come in. It's on the 8th floor at the far end.
Okay.
Notification of Personnel Changes
Just put up with it for a while.
Fair Trade Commission, Investigation Bureau
Order to report to duty at Investigation Bureau No. 6,
I'll bring you back to Section 1 again if you do well at your new post.
Investigation Bureau No. 6
Excuse me. I've been reassigned as of today...
Huh?
Ah! There you are. I'm sorry. Eh, If I'm not mistaken...
My name is Shirakuma Kaede, and I have been assigned to this office as of today.
I'm Momozono.
Inspector Momozono Chiyoko
Ah, we're not police officers, so there's no need to salute or anything...
Ah... Put your belongings here.
Investigation Bureau No. 6
Your seat is here.
Yes.
Welcome to Bureau 6. Shirokuma-chan.
"chan"?
By the way, where are the others?
We're doing an inspection.
This case...
involves suspected bid rigging by a major construction company.
Several construction companies discussed secretly before the bid,
which company will receive the order and how much they'll bid.
We're looking for evidence of that.
- Hello. - Oh, yes, yes.
I'd like to ask you a few questions.
We at the JFTC are trying to crack down on offenders in order for businesses to compete in a fair playing field.
The guardians of competition, so to speak.
Just kidding.
Guardians of competition.
Oh, this one, this one.
Ah, thank you.
Everyone, please stop your work for the time being.
We are the JFTC.
Pursuant to Article 47, Paragraph 1, Item 4 of the Antritrust Act,
we will be conducting an on-site inspection.
"Inspection"? Why are you bothering us all of a sudden?
- What? - What?
How are we going to do our work in the meantime?
No, no, no, give us a break.
Eh, yes...
Let's see, uhm, this...
We apologize for the inconvenience.
We'll try not to disturb you as much as possible.
Then let's begin quietly and without noise.
Yes.
Let me introduce you. Cap, Rokkaku.
This is Shirokuma-chan, who's joining our group today.
I'm the Team Cap Kazami.
Investigation Team Cap Kazami Shinichi
I'm Rokkaku Kosuke.
Inspector Rokkaku Kosuke
Shirakuma-san, from the rumor...?
- Rumor? - No, it's nothing.
Oh, are you new here?
Yes, this is Konno Mamori.
She's with the digital analysis team called DFT.
I can find out if your boyfriend's cheating on you, with my smartphone in 5 minutes.
DFT Konno Mamori
Call me anytime.
And we have another member on our team called Koshobu.
Speaking of which, where's Koshobu?
Ahh, he's off doing his own thing again.
What do you need this for?
This building is so big, it's easy to get lost.
Isn't it a little tough to keep it secure?
Oh well...
- Would you like a drink? - Eh?
Ah, yes. This one.
No sugar.
Items submission record
It's for Yamamoto-san's desk.
In the meantime, gather all the documents and receipts related to this.
The rest is on-the-job training. Watch and learn from those working around you.
Yes.
Excuse me, may I borrow this for a moment?
No, I need to use that for work now.
I see.
"I didn't know the JFTC was so weak."
That's what you're thinking right?
Well... uh...
There are about 300,000 police officers nationwide, right?
Yes.
The total number of JFTC employees is about 800 nationwide.
800? Only?
Ah...
Well, to put it bluntly, we're a weak government agency.
*Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
We're bullied by the Ministry of Finance, made fun of by METI*.
And we're shunned by prosecutors.
Aah...
What about the citizens? They don't know anything about us, do they?
We have no concessions, no human resources, and not much of a budget.
What in the world should we do?
Right?
Well, well, it can't be helped, there's no point in complaining.
Yes, smile, smile!
You're very positive, aren't you?
Rokkaku-kun is an obocchan*.
*a young master from a rich family
I see.
Ah, that person over there...
Hey!
When are you going to finish?
Ah~ I can't give you a clear answer.
Excuse me. I have a meeting to go to. Can I make a quick call?
I'm sorry. I have to ask you to refrain from making calls.
Ah! What?
What?
Hey, where are you going?
Wait!
Who's there!?
I'm trying to dispose of some documents related to bid-rigging.
What?
This.
We have to get rid of this right away. Please.
Yes, I got it.
I found you.
Secured!
Ouch!
You, too. Don't move.
Eh?
Oh...
Two secured!
What do you mean, "secure"? What did I do?
Documents about estimating the bid price for the road construction.
Basis of calculation for construction works
Records of internal meetings on bidding prices.
Basis of calculation for construction works
Tokyo Outer Expressway Construction Work Bidding Price Review Meeting
And you also tried to get rid of the documents for communicating prices to other companies.
Bid Price Estimate
Eh?
This is incontrovertible evidence of bid-rigging.
What?
The destruction of evidence constitutes a violation of Article 94 of the Antritrust Act.
Sales Department Manager of Civil Engineering Sales Division, Toyoshima Kohei.
Um...who are you?
JFTC investigator, Koshobu.
Investigator Koshobu Tsutomu
Please put all the confiscated materials over here.
Yes.
Bureau 6 will take care of the rest.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Are we going to check all of this?
Yes. We'll check how the money's flowing and who's involved with the bid rigging.
- We check them one by one. - Wow...
Yes, this is also on-the-job training.
Check all the documents and put them together in a list.
My eyes keep blinking.
Oh, um... I apologize for earlier.
Oh, it's okay.
Cap, is this the person?
She chased after some vegetables and let the culprit go.
There's a rumor she was forced to come here because no one wanted a problematic team member.
Don't say that.
I'm joking. Joking.
What's up with that guy?
He's got quite a resume.
He passed the bar exam at the age of 20 and graduated at the top of his class from the University of Tokyo's law department.
Eh?
Isn't he amazing? People like him are hard to find.
Serves you right, Ministry of Finance! Watch out, METI!
Someday I'll beat them into silence.
I'm sorry.
Yes, this is Bureau 6.
According to the documents here, the day after this e-mail was sent, the bid price was changed at an internal meeting.
But it just so happened that the bidding price had been raised just before the meeting,
and you were able to offer 100,000 yen less than Jogasaki.
What a lucky break. It was better than the price you had planned…
I didn't realize that the JFTC conducts questioning.
Momozono is quite resourceful.
She's especially popular with the uncles.
Oh, that's right, Koshobu. I'm counting on you to be her trainer.
Eh?
If you please.
Here you go.
It's all written in there.
"What we beat is not the price, but the door to discussion."
So cringey!
You're doing great, aren't you guys?
- Thanks for your hard work. - Thanks for your hard work.
Here, I brought you something.
Shirokuma, this is Honjo, Chief Inspector of Bureau 6.
I'm Shirokuma. Pleased to meet you.
Chief Inspector Honjo Satoko
The man you caught, Toyoshima-san.
He was the key man in the bid-rigging.
She really did a good job, right?
You almost got charged with assault, however...
- Can you shut up for a minute? - Yes. I'm sorry.
- Shirokuma, can I talk to you for a minute? - Yes.
Normally, the JFTC has a system of conducting inspections from bureaus 1 to 5.
But in order to expand the capabilities of the JFTC,
I have set up this team.
As such, please lend us your strength.
Yes.
And another thing,
Please take care of Koshobu.
What?
Award Certificate 2nd Place Shirokuma Kaede 58th National Karate meet
Ah.
Section 1 Criminal Investigation Team Omori Tetsuya
I bought you a Kamaya bento. You like it, right?
As expected of you, Tetsuya.
What's this? A JFTC video?
Wow, so few views.
The JFTC is not a well-known job, right?
Kaede, here.
If you're going to continue at your current job...
I hope you'll seriously consider me.
What do you think?
I'm sorry.
I want you to wait just a little bit longer.
I can't end things like this.
If I get a good result at the JFTC,
I might be able to become a detective again. That's why...
I understand. I'll be rooting for you.
Thanks.
All right, then. Let's eat.
Yeah.
What is this character?
"Dokkin" means Antitrust
It's creepy.
Seriously.
We have a new case.
3 hotels in Nikko city, Tochigi prefecture,
are suspected to have formed a cartel of wedding price rigging.
- Wedding? - What?
I'm sorry.
The target hotels are Classical Hotel, Onsenkyou Kizuna,
and Hotel Amazawa, operated by the Amazawa Group.
All three companies raised their prices 5 years ago.
The prices are said to be exactly the same.
Hotel Amazawa
Classical Hotel
Onsenkyou Kizuna
What is a cartel? A cartel is an agreement between companies to adjust production volume and sales prices in the market.
Due to this cartel, the average wedding cost in Nikko City is 13% higher than the rest of the country.
Wedding fees 13% higher than other regions
It is calculated that each couple pays an extra 500,000 yen each.
Moreover, there are few other hotels in the area where weddings can be held.
The three companies practically have a monopoly on the wedding industry.
State of Monopoly
The three companies appear to have made a combined profit of approximately 1 billion yen.
1 Billion Yen of Unfair Profits
1 Billion?
The owners of these three hotels must be having a secret meeting somewhere.
The important thing is to find out where the secret talks take place.
The Taxation Bureau is especially interested in the Amazawa Group.
They seem to be hoping to gain a foothold there via our investigation.
I'm counting on you.
Yes.
Momozono and Rokkaku, you will listen in on Toyoshima...
I'll bring you back to Section 1 again if you do well at your new post.
Koshobu and Shirokuma, please investigate.
Yes, sir.
Ahh... The air feels great.
Tobu Nikko Station
I know it's a little late for this, does Tochigi prefecture have a local office or... jurisdiction?
Don't they have a local JFTC office?
No, there isn't.
Our area of responsibility is Kanto Koshinetsu.
Gunma prefecture
Tokyo metropolitan area
Chiba prefecture
Niigata Prefecture
Saitama prefecture
Yamanashi prefecture
Tochigi prefecture
Nagano prefecture
Kanagawa prefecture
Ibaraki prefecture
Kanto Koshinetsu
Isn't that too big?
Hi Auntie! One pack of fried sweet potato.
What are you trying to buy?
It's alright.
We don't have much time left. Let's get to the site quickly.
Hey, hey, hey...
We're going around the city for the rest of the day, so a taxi would be a luxury.
What?
A rental car... And I have to be the one driving?
That's because I'm a paper driver*.
*possesses a driver's licence but rarely drives.
Oh, do you want some food?
We need to talk about work.
The person in charge of the hotel in question...
President of Classical Hotel, Ando Masao.
President of Onsenkyou Kizuna, Masaoka Ichiro.
And Executive Director of the Amazawa Group, Amazawa Unkai,
These men are the power figures in the area.
We think they are the cartel's central figures.
This is Hotel Amazawa.
Where do we start?
Ah...
Welcome.
Would you like to check in?
Thank you sir. Would you like to check in your luggage?
Oh, this is...
Congratulations for today.
That's Amazawa Unkai.
We're very honored to have been able to assist in this beautiful wedding.
Amazawa Group Executive Director Amazawa Unkai
Thank you.
Preying on people's happiness is unforgivable.
We have to find out where they're meeting secretly.
Koshobu?
Congratulations, Kousuke.
Kousuke, congratulations.
I see you're all friends.
Then let's go have dinner afterwards...
Hey, hey, hey!
I'm sorry. This is no time to be picking up women.
What?
- Shirokuma. - Yes.
Will you marry me?
Eh?
Thank you for waiting.
I'm Usui, the head of the bridal department.
Hotel Amazawa, Head of Bridal Department Kenji Usui
Let's get started right away.
When do you plan to get married?
What? Ah...
In 6 months, it'll be our third year anniversary since we've been dating, so around that time.
- Right, Kaede? - Ah, yes.
Ah~! But... she likes the hot season.
So let's postpone it a bit, around summer. Right, Kaede?
Ah, yes.
We are flexible to accommodate changes in plans and cancellations.
We can even set up the flowers on the day of the wedding.
We will make adjustments to accommodate your wishes on the day of the wedding.
- Even on the day of the wedding? - It's for the customer's sake.
May I try on this dress?
Yes, please.
Alright!
Kaede, why don't you try it on too?
What?
Yes, please!
I'd like to see Kaede in a dress.
You look beautiful.
It's very pretty. -Really?
Ta-da! Oh! You look beautiful.
Then I'm going too.
Ta-da!
Congratulations for today.
Thank you very much.
Due to this cartel, the average wedding cost in Nikko City is 13% higher than the rest of the country.
The three companies appear to have made a combined profit of approximately 1 billion yen.
If you have any friends who are planning to get married, please contact us.
We also offer a referral bonus.
Oh really?
Thank you very much.
Congratulations for today.
We held 20 weddings this month. The number has been increasing steadily since last month.
We are happy to have been a part of so many people's happiness.
Executive Director, here is this month's...
We have to bring more and more happiness to this town, right?
Oh, wait...
Wow!
It's not "wow" anymore.
Don't just leave me alone.
Or rather...
You really wore it!
Why did I have to tour the wedding hall with my colleague before my boyfriend?
And such a rude one at that...
Even so, Amazawa Unkai is quite the player.
Hmm?
It's not just hotels.
He's also into restaurants, leisure, and charities.
Successful Agricultural Entrepreneurship
Seminar
He's involved in quite a wide range of businesses in this town.
Organizer : Hotel Amazawa
We offer enriching lives
Safe, total care service
Tochigi Nursing Home Support Office
Amazawa Group
Huh?
There was one in front of the station too.
- What are you trying to buy? - It's alright.
Immediate solution to water-related problems!
Shimoko Waterworks Co. Amazawa Group
He's investing in various businesses in this town.
Tochiza Homes Real Estate Amazawa Group
Tochihikari Agricultural Machinery
Amazawa Group
Nichido Funeral Home Amazawa Group
And those girls from earlier.
I've worked part-time for the Amazawa Group before.
Me too.
Then let's go have dinner afterwards...
Hey, hey, hey! I'm sorry.
Shirokuma, you didn't notice?
I guess you weren't that good a detective.
Here's our guest. You came all the way here.
- How was it? - Eh...
I think it's good, but the fee is a little high.
I'm sure the prices are the same in this area.
All three companies raised their prices 5 years ago. The prices are said to be exactly the same.
It suits you perfectly, ma'am.
Welcome back.
- Do you have a feeling for anything in particular? - No, not yet...
I guess so, uhm...
I can't believe you go back to Tokyo every time.
That's because I don't have to pay for accommodation.
What the... how much money do you have?
Welcome back.
Toyoshima-san.
I've just finished the hearing.
It's Shirokuma-san and Koshobu-san, isn't it?
Thank you very much.
Huh?
I've told you honestly everything I know.
I feel much clearer now.
Oh, I see.
Excuse me.
Dad.
Mitsuki.
What happened?
Uhm... what did my father do?
It's fine. It's nothing. Let's go home.
She must be worried about what her father did.
You tried on a lot of dresses, didn't you?
Brings back memories, of my wedding.
If it were me, I'd probably go with this.
This is nice too, right?
Okay, that's enough.
It costs 500,000 more than in other areas. 500,000.
That's more than two months of a young man's monthly income in this area.
I can't allow them to get away with this.
Shirokuma, you seem strangely keen.
That's right.
No, not really...
I mean...
Please don't talk about it while eating dumplings and fried potatoes.
But you brought these as souvenirs from Tochigi.
These are really good.
Now, now, now.
Anyway, let's keep going and uncover the secret meeting place.
Yes.
Okay?
That's a nice color, isn't it?
What color?
2021, November 25th 9th day of investigations.
Who....?
What's going on? No way. Is it a murder case?
It's an attempted murder case.
President Ando is currently unconscious and in critical condition.
According to surveillance footage, the perpetrator is between 170cm and 175cm tall.
He was wearing a black hoodie, gloves, and a mask.
No fingerprints left at the scene.
Do you think this has something to do with the cartel we're chasing down?
...Ando was stabbed with a knife and is still in critical condition...
As expected, there's a commotion.
It has nothing to do with us.
Congratulations.
We've been expecting you.
Here are the photos.
I found him. Our person of interest.
Eh?
Amazawa Unkai.
Yeah.
I wonder where he's going.
I wonder.
But isn't it strange...
The person in charge of another hotel would come here at a time like this.
Certainly.
Then, Shirakuma, please check the parking lot.
If Onsenkyou's Masaoka's car is here,
then there's a good chance this is where the secret meeting is taking place.
Please take down the license plate numbers of all the cars in the parking lot.
Hey, what are you doing there?
Oh, thank you for your hard work. I'm investigating...
Huh?
Koshobu Tsutomu: New message received
May I ask your name?
Unkai has exited the hotel.
Um, I'm in a bit ...
a bit of a hurry.
Hold on!
Where are you? Where did she go?
Why do I have to run away from the police?
Did you do something wrong, running out of breath like that?
I tried taking the license plate numbers, I looked suspicious, so I had to go.
Did they suspect you after all?
More importantly, where's Unkai?
There, there, there...
Shirokuma, follow him.
So the JFTC gets to stake out and tail targets, eh?
Are they going to see Masaoka?
Then, does that mean they're going to the secret meeting place?
There was an attempted murder.
Maybe the two who are left are meeting to discuss the situation.
That makes sense.
That guy looks like the one who stabbed Ando.
Maybe...
He'll know we're following him.
Ah!
Wait a minute!
Wait...
You're overdoing it a little.
He just fainted. He'll be fine.
Uhm... who are you?
Uh...well...we're just a couple passing by.
I'll call the police immediately.
They're back.
You guys were really splendid.
It was splendid, but...
It's fine. You saved someone after all.
Well... But because of that Unkai found out JFTC's moving in on him, didn't he?
- The JFTC? - That's why....
we were just tracking the subject.
Is a government agent supposed to act like a cop?
I think Unkai asked those police and leaked the information that you were JFTC.
The police don't understand the importance of JFTC's work at all...
Ahem!
I'm sorry.
No, you're right.
Shirokuma-san.
You're going to say it's my fault anyway, right?
No, this.
Parking ticket?
You know, the rental car from when we chased after Unkai.
What? They issued us a parking ticket?
But, it's during business hours, on police business...
Yes, this is Bureau 6.
Understood.
Things are going to get troublesome.
No, I was surprised. I can't believe that an official from the JFTC,
was investigating us.
It seems there's some kind of suspicion regarding our company.
I have absolutely no idea.
I was hoping you could tell me if there is anything illegal going on.
I can't answer any questions regarding the investigation.
However, I will give a stern lecture to the staff members who caused all this trouble.
Ill leave it up to you.
Hey, hey, Koshobu.
- What are you doing? - I just want to meet him.
Well, well, well.
Oh hello. And you came all the way all the way here.
You guys were hanging around at the hotel earlier.
- What are you doing? - Calm down... Usui.
If you've done your research on me, you'd know,
I'm involved in several charitable projects.
I'm doing serious work for the sake of this world.
Making it difficult for me to do so unilaterally,
what's fair about that?
Um... may I ask you something?
The man who tried to attack you...
How did he know that you would pass by that place at that time?
I don't know. Even if you say so.
Then, by the way, one more thing.
Are you guys doing it after all?
A cartel.
Ko-Ko-Ko-Koshobu!
How dare you say that! Ah, I'm sorry.
She insisted I ask you.
So what do you think? Executive Director Amazawa.
I see.
So I'm under suspicion for the wedding cartel.
There's no way I would have tainted the happiest event in people's lives, their wedding.
There's no way I would do such a thing.
There are no limits to your rudeness. Hmph.
That's funny.
I only said cartel.
Did I say wedding?
Ah.
That means you happen to know, right?
If you have time for this nonsense.
Why don't you do something more useful for the citizens?
Excuse me.
Koshobu.
What are you trying to do, revealing our play?
It's obvious already anyway.
Well, it's true. Asking them directly might be a good idea.
But why did you point at me?
Because he's scary.
Does that mean you don't care what happens to me?
I wonder what's going to happen to this case.
It depends on how the top will decide.
What do you mean by "the top"?
At the top of JFTC, there is a chairman and four commissioners.
Important matters are decided by the five members.
I'm Honjo, the head of Investigation Bureau No. 6.
A conclusion has been reached.
This matter will be shelved for the time being.
- Shelved? - In short, it's almost terminated.
But there is a chance to reverse the situation.
Really?
Prosecutor Midorikawa. - Good work.
Public Prosecutor on Secondment Eiko Midorikawa
She's seconded from the Public Prosecutor's Office.
She was Koshobu's classmate at Tokyo University.
Long time no see, Koshobu.
Are you Koshobu's new partner?
Partner... I don't think it's quite like that.
Sorry. Sorry to keep you waiting.
- What shall we eat? - The usual place is fine.
Ishida Masaki...
Yes, from the other day.
He runs a flower shop called Flower Shop Ishida.
Flower Shop Owner Ishida Masaki
And he is currently a suspect in two cases.
The first case is the attempted murder of Classical Hotel's owner, Ando.
Ishida's store supplied flowers to Classical Hotel.
But the contract was terminated last month.
Was it really Ishida who stabbed Ando in the first place?
Hmm?
Ishida has the same features as the murderer in the first case.
Height-wise, yes.
But the culprit was wearing gloves.
He was also wearing a hoodie and a mask to hide his face.
In the second case with Unkai, he didn't wear gloves, and he didn't hide his face.
That's true.
Even though they're similar in height, it can't be said that they're the same criminal.
Yeah.
Shirokuma, right?
You caused some trouble in Section 1 Criminal Investigation Team and got transferred to JFTC, right?
The police and the prosecutors will find out who did it.
It's not your job.
About the second case, Ishida said...
I deliver flowers to Hotel Amazawa, but I was also told to do all sorts of crazy things...
I had no intention to kill him.
In other words, he was bullying the hotel's supplier.
So you're telling us to investigate the so-called supplier bullying.
Yes.
Okay, then. I'll do it.
The Prosecutors' subordinate is the JFTC, right?
Koshobu.
Why did you go to the JFTC?
You know, you could've gotten into a better place.
It is a good place.
The bill please.
2021 December 1st
Flower Shop Ishida
Excuse me...
Oriental Poppy
Beautiful flowers will bloom in spring
Welcome. Can I help you?
We're from the JFTC.
My name is Nanase, Ishida's wife.
Ishida's wife Ishida Nanase
Here are our books.
I'll take a look. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule.
It looks like a lot of your sales come from wedding and funeral deliveries.
Yes.
*Popular songs sung on the streets by Enka singers from the late Meiji period to the early Showa period
By the way, does your husband like Enka*?
Eh?
He seems to have bought dozens of tickets to Enka singers' dinner shows.
And hundreds of thousands of yen worth of Osechi* vouchers.
*Osechi are traditional Japanese New Year foods. The tradition started in the Heian period. Osechi are easily recognizable by their special boxes called jūbako, which resemble bentō boxes.
Why so much?
Did you buy them from Hotel Amazawa?
Bought?
Right?
It can't be helped.
The amount of flowers we can deliver is determined by how many coupons and tickets we buy.
No way...
We bought 1 million yen worth last year.
I'm horrified when I calculate how much we make back from the flowers we sell.
That's not all. Even if we deliver the flowers for the wedding,
there are cases where the type of flowers are changed right before the ceremony.
Or, they have to be redone after setting up on the day of the wedding...
We can even set up the flowers on the day of the wedding. We will make adjustments to accommodate your wishes on the day of the wedding.
We're responsible for everything.
Do you have any proof to back that up?
We don't have any records or evidence...
But if you testify to what you just said...
I'm sure we can put an end to the supplier bullying.
Please stop it.
If you do that, we'll lose our business.
I cannot cooperate.
What?
Huh...
Then what are you going to do?
What do you mean...
For example...
Cut off the deal with Hotel Amazawa.
Huh?
If you don't get away from your dependence on weddings and funerals and focus on storefront sales, your business foundation will be unstable.
Hey Koshobu...
If we lose business with Hotel Amazawa, we'll go bankrupt.
That's why, you should at least make half of your sales through over-the-counter sales?
Ideally that should be 70%, but even half would change your business structure.
Uhm... I think that's enough.
Does "that's enough" mean you don't mind if this store goes out of business?
That's not what I meant...
We're working as hard as we can too.
We sell our products every day at prices that barely meet our costs.
There are many elderly people around here with weak legs and hips.
We deliver to them for free.
Even on an ordinary day,
just buying flowers and decorating them is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
We want to provide even just a little bit of that kind of happiness to the people in this area.
I think that's a good intention.
So, in order to do that...
Nanase-san, could it be...
For my child's sake...
I can't let the store collapse.
What was that? Why did you do such a terrible thing?
Terrible thing?
She was in a bad situation, why did you have to say all those things?
Don't you feel sorry for them?
What are you talking about?
People who are weak need to look at reality.
Ishida is still trying her best.
Koshobu, just because you think you're smart,
you look down on them.
Is she really trying her best?
Huh?
I mean, isn't it you who's looking down on them?
Every time you say "poor thing" or "terrible thing"...
Like an overprotective mom.
Then...what do you want me to do?
When you're in a weak position, there's nothing you can do.
You have to fight even if you're weak.
What?
It's Momozono.
Yes.
Toyoshima Kohei just passed away.
Eh?
He jumped off a building two weeks ago.
He'd been in a coma this whole time and passed away yesterday.
Toyoshima was ordered by his boss
to act as a liaison for bid rigging among construction companies.
From the perspective of the colluders, Toyoshima was a traitor for breaking his silence.
Not only would he be blamed, but his family and relatives would also be harassed.
So Toyoshima...
It's the hardest thing when someone dies.
That...
That's Todo Kiyomasa, a bureaucrat at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kiyomasa Todo
He is said to be a candidate for future prime minister.
But why would someone like that be at Toyoshima's funeral?
He had many relationships with construction companies, didn't he?
- Don't worry - You did too much.
the train was broken...
Are you acquainted with them?
No.
Mitsuki.
You're the one who was looking into my father, right?
Why did my father have to die?
Why?
Still working at this hour, huh?
Why did Toyoshima have to die?
Toyoshima
left a suicide note.
"I'm deeply sorry."
"Please forgive my relatives and family." he wrote.
That's not right, isn't it?
Toyoshima had the courage to testify in order to stop the bid-rigging.
It's no surprise Nanase doesn't want to testify either.
Flower Shop Ishida...
2021 October Stock Ledger
Is this their ledger?
Don't tell me you stole it?
I remembered the numbers.
You remembered? You remembered all the contents?
I have a good memory.
With this, we might be able to conduct an on-site inspection of Hotel Amazawa.
Wait a minute.
If we do that, Nanase's store will be suspected.
They might cut off the contract. They might even have to close down.
How are you going to help anyone by getting emotionally involved like that?
Shirokuma, you're only concerned about Toyoshima's standing and Nanase's convenience.
There may be people who suffered because Toyoshima's bid-rigging.
People might have been hurt.
But if there had been no bid-rigging in the first place,
Toyoshima would not have died.
If there was no corruption, no one would be sacrificed.
Stopping it,
is our job.
With this, we might be able to conduct an on-site inspection of Hotel Amazawa.
Excuse me.
I got the approval.
Now fight them with everything you've got.
Finally, tomorrow is the on-site inspection.
This case will be conducted under the leadership of Investigation Bureau No. 6.
I would appreciate it if you all could assist us.
Shirokuma-chan, put the printer in the bag.
Yes.
We are looking into Hotel Amazawa's bullying of their suppliers.
Abuse of a superior bargaining position is an illegal act.
Furthermore, if we gain a foothold in this case,
I think we can use it as a springboard to take down the main target, which is the wedding cartel.
Everyone, let's do everything we can to obtain physical evidence.
2021 December 7th Day of on-site inspection
Let's go.
We are the JFTC.
Pursuant to Article 47, Paragraph 1, Item 4 of the Antitrust Act,
an on-site inspection will be conducted.
I am Nagasawa, Hotel Manager.
Hotel Amazawa Hotel Manager Nagazawa Toshiya
For today, our Executive Director, Amazawa is here.
Please speak to him about the details.
Please, come this way.
I've already informed the Executive Director.
Please go ahead.
- Eh? - I'll leave you to it.
If you'll excuse me.
I wonder why he's so frightened.
Rokkaku.
Eh?
I understand.
- Let's go. - Yes.
We are here for an on-site inspection. I am Inspector Kazami.
Here is the notice.
Well then, we shall begin at once.
I refuse.
Eh? Hmm?
Refuse?
Please leave this hotel right now.
Huh?
If you refuse, in accordance with Article 94 of the Antitrust Act, there will be penalties...
Hahaha...
Excuse me.
It's imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 3 million yen, isn't it?
Please go ahead, impose the penalty on me.
Are you going to put me in jail?
You can't do that, can you?
This penalty has never been invoked.
If I refuse an on-site inspection, it is simply JFTC's responsibility.
There's no way the prosecutor's office is going to step in to clean up the mess.
Am I wrong?
If you can arrest me, go ahead.
I see. I understand.
If that's your attitude, we have other options.
Did you record our conversation?
Of course.
Your refusal to allow us to conduct an on-site inspection
will definitely work against you later on.
Please be prepared for that from now on. Am I right, Cap?
Prepare yourself.
What do we do now?
Eh?
I can't believe he turned us down. It's unprecedented.
Eh?
What should I do?
Hey, what the heck...
What? But earlier, Momozono...
But earlier, you were cutting him down like nothing.
I was really frustrated, so I just said something back.
Eh, but, you know... what about the recording?
Of course there isn't. I was just playing along.
Eh?
That's because, there is no such thing, as a search warrant, like a police raid,
for an administrative inspection by the JFTC!
Keep it down.
Is the JFTC that weak?
What are we going to do? What are we going to do?
Rokkaku? Where are you?
Speaking of which, where did Rokkaku go?
I'm keeping an eye on the hotel manager from earlier, as you said.
Repeat what I'm about to say.
Huh?
Uhh, in a loud voice.
Oh.
Ahh, I understand!
Then, we've been authorized to conduct an on-site inspection!
- What was that? - We were denied the inspection.
Well, it's going to be all right.
- What was that all about? - Where's the hotel manager?
Over there.
Hotel manager? What do you mean?
Don't act on your own.
But Koshobu told me to...
Oh, but we can do an on-site inspection, right?
Eh? Ah...
Wait right there!
Open up! Open it!
Wait!
Hey! Wait!
Hey! Whoa!
Where are you going! Get out of the car!
Watch out, watch out, watch out...!
Stop!!!
Thank you, Momozono!
I don't know what's going on, but it's up to you now!
I said stop!
Koshobu!
I've got it...
I'm really sorry.
I never thought that he would refuse to allow us to conduct an on-site inspection.
That can't be helped.
But we did get one thing out of it, didn't we?
How is it? Can we get the data?
I don't know.
If an amateur tries to open it forcibly, the files might be damaged.
Oh, I see.
You put an unrelated sign on the front.
Nikko City Meeting of Business Organizations
But inside is the base for the on-site inspection.
Seriously,
this is where you were supposed to bring in a mountain of documents confiscated from us.
Such a pity.
What are you doing here?
I wanted to ask you to return my computer.
That's the computer. Give it back.
This...
We did not authorize an on-site inspection.
We have no obligation to give you anything.
The JFTC sure is arrogant even though they don't have the power.
This was thrown away by Nagasawa.
Huh?
I just picked up what I found in the river.
Ah... Yes! When Mr. Nagasawa threw it in the river.
This computer became ownerless and belongs to the person who found it.
Certainly, that's right.
Yes, he just picked up what he threw away. There should be no problem.
Then, one more thing this time...
Earlier, at the time,
when you were almost attacked by Ishida...
Eh...
That was all for show, right?
For show?
That day,
you must have found out we were following you, right?
And, in order to find out who we were,
you came up with the idea of using Ishida.
Can you come to this place I'm about to tell you, right now?
And another thing...
A knife?
At that time, you were Ishida's major customer,
so he couldn't go against you.
Wait a minute. Hello? Hello?
He had no choice but to comply.
Executive Director Amazawa.
Did you bring it?
And then...
Wait a minute!
I'll call the police immediately.
We got caught, and the police found out we were JFTC.
Certainly, that would make sense...
If that's the case, why didn't Ishida tell the truth to the police?
I wonder if he has some kind of a weakness.
Nevertheless,
you went to such lengths to find out who we really are, didn't you?
You must be doing something very sinister, after all.
What do you think?
It's not just a cartel.
Or maybe you're even bullying suppliers.
Bullying? That's bullshit!
November 7, 12 tickets to a dinner show for 216,000 yen bought from Hotel Amazawa.
The following week, he purchased 6 more tickets for 108,000 yen.
On November 21, he purchased 10 Osechi vouchers from Hotel Amazawa for 240,000 yen.
The supplier was under duress to purchase all of these, wasn't he?
That's...
Are you still saying this is bullshit?
He bought it because he liked it. That doesn't prove anything.
There's nothing a weak public agency like yours can do!
Even if we're weak,
we will still fight.
Have you ever heard of abuse of a superior position?
It means to abuse those who are in a weaker position and unilaterally disadvantage them.
We absolutely cannot overlook these kind of offenders.
We will thoroughly denounce them.
That is what we, the JFTC, are here for.
Get ready to do your utmost to avoid great embarrassment later on.
To all of you at the JFTC,
if you'll excuse me.
That was close.
Eh, by any chance.
The reason you were giving instructions to Rokkaku-kun at the hotel earlier...
was to make the hotel manager take out the computer?
Well, it looked like it was very important.
So that's what it was.
You're good, Koshobu!
Next time tell me! Oh man...
Warm yourself up! Oh, God.
Why didn't you hide it right away?
When we came here...
You should've just put it away when we came here.
It was impossible.
Is something bothering you?
Not at all.
I'm just having a little game with Koshobu at the JFTC.
Did you say Koshobu?
There's nothing for you to worry about, Todo-san.
We've already taken care of it.
I'm counting on you.
Hurry up!
Good morning.
What's going on?
We've gotten ourselves into trouble.
We've received information that you may have been subject to abuse.
Can you talk about that?
Well, six long-established flower shops in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, have colluded to commit fraud.
It's obvious that the hotel is being bullied.
- What's this? - This Unkai guy made the first move.
Making themselves out to be the victims, instead of the perpetrators.
All six stores have said they won't do business with us from now on.
They're restricting our business partners.
If we resist, we'll really be in a tough spot.
We're really in a situation where we can't do anything.
No way...
How dishonest can they be?