Why can't I get it right?
That's what I thought.
New Inspector Shirokuma Kaede
The person I am now, the person I want to be.
The only thing that was clear to me...
I wanted to be a detective again someday.
I just came out of the Information Management Office.
Team Cap Kazami Shinichi
Thank you.
Then let me explain the new case.
Yes... Eh?
- Is it just me? - Yes.
Koshobu was requested by Bureau 1 to assist in the investigation of a construction company's bid-rigging case.
Momozono and Rokkaku are investigating a case of unfair dumping.
- I see. - Yes, yes.
So, Shirokuma, why don't you take charge of this?
Ah, yes.
Huh? You... don't want it?
No, no, I don't mind, but... am I on my own?
Ah, okay, I understand.
You're a little nervous about working alone?
- Eh? - No, no, no, no.
I thought you'd be pleased. Uhm...
You see... Koshobu's not here, so
I thought this would be a chance for you to move freely.
"It's still too early for Shirokuma."
That's what Koshobu said.
But I... I said that's not true.
I'll do it!
If I solve this case,
I'll make Koshobu eat his words.
Then go do it.
Yes!
Guardians of Competition
Have you heard of 3 Star Market, the biggest online shop in the industry?
- Yes. Yes. I use it often.
Hmm.
An original fashion brand
is engaging in resale price maintenance.
We got a tip from one of the business partners.
Resale price maintenance?
What is Resale Price Maintenance?
It's when a manufacturer or brand
Retailer A
‎ ‎ Maker‎ ‎ ‎
‎Sell this product for 3,000 yen. If you sell ‎ ‎ ‎ it at a discount, we will no longer supply it ‎ ‎ to your store.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
pressures retailers to sell at a certain price.
PRESSURE
What's the problem with that?
It prevents retailers from giving discounts.
Consumers will no longer be able to choose stores based on price.
So, they end up paying more for a product that they could have bought at a lower price.
No matter where I go, I can't get it cheaper.
Well, perhaps
this President, Yamabe Junji
or the Head of the Branding Division, Misako Kurosaki is directing this effort.
When it comes to 3 Star Market's original brands...
Oh, this, ... It's UNCURRENT, isn't it?
Do you know it?
Of course I know it....
You don't know?
Of course I know.
Online shopping company Two Reach
On our online store,
When we were selling UNCURRENT's products at a discount,
We received a notice from 3 Star Market asking us not to lower the price.
So that's why you contacted us.
Yes.
Is there any evidence of this?
What about this?
We do not permit the sale of our products at a discount.
This could be evidence of pressure.
We will stop doing business with your company.
3 Star Market Corporation Head of the Branding Division, Misako Kurosaki
It would seem so.
These e-mails contain plenty of evidence.
Now all we have to do is go back, examine the evidence, and conduct an on-site inspection.
There are many other online stores that sell for UNCURRENT.
Shouldn't we talk to them just in case?
- You're right. - Then, let's go.
So you received it here, too?
Online shopping company All Factory
I didn't expect the JFTC to take action.
We've been having a hard time with 3 Star Market.
When did you start getting these e-mails?
- Let me check. - Okay.
Also, catalogs of the products you sell...
And a list of clients...
Well, I guess that's enough for today.
Yes.
Excuse me.
Uhm, are you from the JFTC?
Ah, yes.
I'm Tateyama from ONE SEWING.
ONE SEWING Designer Tateyama Rumi
Ah...hello.
You're looking into 3 Star Market, right?
Ah, I'm sorry.
I'm not supposed to discuss details.
I see.
Um... please, I need your help.
What?
If the JFTC exposes the fraud at 3 Star Market.
I'm sure our products will be chosen by more people.
We're an apparel company, but we also have our own original brand.
These are some of our products.
It's beautiful.
It's an interesting design.
Do you really think so?
We sell "one-of-a-kind" products.
Even the same product has a slightly different pattern.
No two are exactly alike.
Eh, you mean each piece is unique?
Yes.
30,000 yen?
Cap!
I know the price is a little high.
But if you try it on, I'm sure you'll be able to tell how good it is.
There are a lot of brands on the Internet.
If sales continue at this rate, my company has said they'll withdraw.
Withdrawal.
- Thank you for your hard work. - Thank you for your hard work.
The committee gave us permission to conduct an on-site inspection.
Really? That's great.
All the evidence you gathered was worth it.
Yes, on that note.
The on-site inspection plan is ready.
Oh!
And then I contact DFT, right?
You're getting the hang of it, eh?
- 3 Star Market? - Uh, yes.
I was wondering what you thought of Tateyama's brand.
- So? - They're facing difficulties.
Was it the price?
No, it's more like... Look at this.
Over here.
It's at the bottom. It doesn't stand out like this.
The top part is almost completely UNCURRENT?
That's right. Look.
Excuse me.
Thank you for your hard work.
Oh? Koshobu isn't here?
He hasn't come back yet.
I wonder where he went already.
I see. You're helping Bureau 1's bid-rigging case, Midorikawa?
Yes. I'm gathering past collusion documents for the prosecutor's office.
Public Prosecutor on Secondment Midorikawa Eiko
You're in charge of this case all by yourself, right?
Ah, yes.
Good luck.
What?
She's in a good mood, isn't she?
Whaaaat?
You're only just noticing that now?
Midorikawa...
She likes Koshobu.
Eh!?
That's because Shirokuma and Koshobu are separated now.
- No way! Is that so? - That's absolutely true!
You're so insensitive.
As an inspector, you must be able to sense people's emotions.
Koshobu.
Please look at these.
Yes.
Online shopping company 3 Star Market
Everyone, please stop your work for the time being.
We are the JFTC.
We will now conduct an on-site inspection.
DFT Konno Mamori
Which desk is Kurosaki at?
Wait a minute.
3 Star Market President Yamabe Junji
What do you mean by on-site inspection? What did we do?
We suspect that you are pressuring companies that sell UNCURRENT's products not to lower their prices.
Such transactions are in violation of the Antimonopoly Law.
Head of Branding Division Misako Kurosaki
Kurosaki. Do you know anything about this?
Do you recognize these e-mails?
Yes.
There's no mistaking that you sent them?
There's no mistake.
Why are you doing this?
Because...
I think the desire to protect the brand image was very strong,
so we got too eager about it.
Is that so?
Yes.
I will not allow such a thing to happen again.
Of course, we will apologize to all the companies involved.
So... this time round,
please don't make a big deal out of this.
Please, I beg of you.
They seemed apologetic and are cooperating with our investigation,
I don't think we need to conduct any more on-site inspections.
Well, they don't seem malicious.
- Then, I'll go tell everyone. - Okay.
Since you said you would cooperate with us in submitting the documents,
we'll end the on-site inspection now.
I'm really sorry about that.
Please submit these documents by the due date.
Understood.
Is that also from UNCURRENT?
Yes, it is.
That's very nice.
Thank you very much.
I'm sorry about before, I put too much responsibility on you.
No.
But I'm sure from now on, other online shops
will start offering discounts and sales on UNCURRENT products.
Even if these administrative measures damages 3 Star Market's image,
the fact that we are the largest in the industry does not change.
What's important is that UNCURRENT remains a popular brand.
People will buy just because it's popular.
What's wrong?
What we're doing is right, right?
Of course we are.
We promised that together we would make UNCURRENT the number one brand in Japan, didn't we?
That's right.
I see. So work is going well.
- That's great. - Yeah.
- Actually... - Yeah.
Something good happened to me too.
Eh?
Section 1 Criminal Investigation Team Omori Tetsuya
I got a promotion.
- Does that mean you're a Captain now? - That's right.
- That's amazing! Here, here, here.
The case that caused you to be sent away... I'll properly investigate it one more time.
I'll make sure you get back here as soon as possible.
And then...
Once various things settle down, is it okay if
we move forward with this?
The topic of marriage.
Oh, that's right.
Thanks for your hard work.
I received the corrective action report from 3 Star Market.
They apologized to all the companies.
Then all that's left are the administrative measures.
I can't believe it went so smoothly.
- Well done, Shirokuma. - Thank you.
Next, I'll ask you to take care of Momozono's case, okay?
It looks like things are tough there, too.
I got it.
Thank you for your hard work.
You got involved with the subject of the investigation again, didn't you?
What?
Inspector Koshobu Tsutomu
I heard that the on-site inspection was stopped halfway.
That's not true.
They were really sorry for what they did, and didn't seem malicious.
That sounds like you're supporting them, aren't you?
I'm in charge. Please shut up, Koshobu.
Well, well, well... We've successfully solved the case, right?
In any case, it's not good getting caught up by superficial things.
For example, when everyone sees this, they start buying it.
But in fact, they were never given a choice, even though they seem to have a choice.
- I'm choosing properly. - Are you really?
- Well then, I'm going back to Bureau 1. - Okay.
Yes, this is Bureau 6.
I understand.
Yes.
- Shirokuma, you have a visitor. - Huh?
As for 3 Star Market...
there's a possibility that they are manipulating the ranking of popular items.
Tops, pants... Accessories, bags.
UNCURRENT always comes out on top in every category.
But that is...
No matter how hard other brands try, or how good their products are,
they never make it to the top.
Clearly, there is something wrong.
Is there any proof?
I don't have any.
But I'm sure there's some kind of fraud going on.
Because of these rankings,
I can't get people to choose my products even though I've worked hard on them.
Please, help me.
Manipulation of popular product rankings?
Is that possible?
Yes, it's possible.
The best-seller rankings and search rankings are determined by algorithms.
By manipulating them, you can rearrange the rankings to appeal to consumers more.
Sometimes rankings are not fair.
Eh.... that's impossible.
Through ranking manipulation,
I suspect that other brands are being unfairly excluded.
Hmmm...
There are almost no precedents for cases in the digital field at the JFTC.
We'll get stuck with just testimonies from competing brands.
Thinking back now, I think 3 Star Market's attitude was too straightforward.
Huh?
The fact that they readily admitted to maintaining the resale price,
was it to turn our attention away from the manipulation of the rankings?
I will not allow such a thing to happen again.
Of course, we will apologize to all the companies involved.
So... this time round,
please don't make a big deal out of this.
No, but that's... She's gone.
Shirokuma?
- Ranking of popular products? - Yes.
Apparel Maker Three Select
Have you noticed anything suspicious so far?
Ah, if I'm not mistaken...
Can you tell me more about it?
Apparel Maker Bestclothes
Even products that sell well
have never made it to the top of the product rankings.
I knew it.
But I have nothing that proves it.
UNCURRENT Net Sales in 2021
2021 First Half Sales Report
Keep up the good work.
Momozono!
You've hit another troublesome case.
It's hard to find evidence.
The digital field is tricky.
What should I do?
Inspector Momozono Chiyoko
That's obvious.
Keep reading.
I knew it.
It doesn't have to be direct evidence.
There's always something in there that'll give us a clue.
We'll keep on reading over and over until we find it.
Because we have no other choice, don't we?
That's right.
Oh, and if your eyes keep blinking, use this.
Thank you.
Then, I'm off now.
Thank you for your hard work.
Brief History: March 2005 Graduated from Tokyo Sougo University of the Arts
In 2005, she graduated from Tokyo Sougo University of the Arts
Thank you for waiting.
I'd like to speak with Tateyama Rumi from the Brand Division.
Tateyama has resigned.
Eh?
It's because the brand she was in charge of decided to withdraw.
Oh, no...
Hello, is this Tateyama?
This is Shirokuma from the JFTC.
Life doesn't always go well.
Did I mention?
I originally entered this world because I admired UNCURRENT.
I've been chasing after UNCURRENT all this time.
It's ironic now that I think about it.
What are you going to do now?
I don't know.
I'm still trying to sort out my feelings.
Thank you for your hard work.
You got involved with the subject of the investigation again, didn't you?
...it's not good getting caught up by superficial things.
...they were never given a choice, even though they seem to have a choice.
Shirokuma.
You know, once in a while...
What?
It's my fault.
If only I had done a proper on-site inspection back then...
If Koshobu was handling it...
I don't think this would have happened.
Well, I don't know if Koshobu would have noticed it either.
But...
Maybe I'm not suited for this job.
I made mistakes at the police station and failed at the JFTC...
I really don't know what I'm doing.
You know what, Shirokuma...
Just be yourself.
What do you mean "be myself"?
What?
Someone who pushes straight ahead.
That's all.
Don't think about anything else, just go ahead like you always do.
I'll take responsibility if anything happens.
Cap...
I wish I had that kind of straightforwardness.
You know...
I'm always so worried about my surroundings...
I'm always looking at other people's faces.
From above and below, all the things that were said about me...
It's really pathetic.
That's not true.
Everyone is depending on you.
Really?
Yes.
Really?
Really.
Really...
Souvenir from Ehime Courtesy of Honjo
Tsutomu.
TRAITOR
COWARD DISGRACE
This country
is like a train with broken brakes.
What do you keep in mind when producing?
Stylishness is something that makes people happy, isn't it?
- Let's go with this. - Yes.
After the administrative measures the other day,
I was reviewing all the submitted documents.
I noticed this.
You went to the same arts school as Yamabe, right?
Is that why you were asked to join 3 Star Market?
Yes, it was.
I heard that before joining 3 Star Market,
UNCURRENT was a lot different from what it is now.
I heard that it had a unique design.
They didn't follow the trends, but pursued their own unique design.
They won several awards.
The old UNCURRENT had a unique design.
I heard from a business partner at the time that you were very particular in your fabric selection.
But these days, it seems
they are more business oriented.
Why did you choose to become an original brand of 3 Star Market?
Because I wanted to promote my brand more.
So you chose the one that sells better?
Is that wrong? Naturally, that's my job.
Uhm... are we done here?
Ah, Kurosaki.
Yes.
Your outfit today gives off a different impression than before.
Excuse me.
- Did the JFTC come back again? - Yes.
- What did you tell them? - Nothing much.
Just something about the old UNCURRENT.
Eh?
More importantly, have you seen the proposal for the new product?
Ah, the cost is too much.
But if we lower it any further...
And the design...
could you change it to something more universally acceptable?
But I want to make something better.
I'm more than happy with the way it is.
It's selling well, so that means it's good enough.
- Excuse me, boss. - Yes.
Why don't you make UNCURRENT into one of our original brands?
Eh?
You're having trouble selling it, aren't you?
UNCURRENT is a great brand.
What's missing is how to sell it.
Why don't you work with me?
You can continue to make the clothes you want to make.
Together, we'll make UNCURRENT the number one brand in Japan.
They said that if this investigation continues,
and results in losses for their company due to a baseless investigation,
they will file a claim for state reparations.
State reparations?
The top wants us to back off immediately.
No way...
They're suing us?
Isn't that proof that they are guilty of something?
That may be so, but that's as far as we go.
Please let me continue.
Shirokuma.
Didn't you say that you'd take responsibility for anything I did?
D
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say that?
You did! Cap, please.
Find the proof before we get sued, okay!
Yes.
I guess I shouldn't have done that after all.
I guess I can't do this after all.
Shirokuma!
Whoa! You surprised me.
W-What happened?
Which way did Shirokuma go?
Ah, she looked really serious.
I wonder if she's going to do something.
Oh, no!
Inspector Rokkaku Kosuke
That's a serious situation isn't it? Getting a state reparations claim.
- I guess so. - Don't say "I guess so".
Huh? Where's Shirokuma?
- She went out to investigate. - What?
Well, I'm sure Shirokuma will be fine.
Heh...
It's her first case. We can follow up if she needs anything.
Cap.
- Eh, we're all together. - Huh?
Eh?
I guess so.
Here's your item. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Is that also from UNCURRENT?
Yes, it is.
- Would you like to buy it? - Eh? Ah, yes.
Excuse me.
- Thank you for your hard work. - Oh, Shirokuma. Great timing.
I was digging through the data on the 3 Star Market that were obtained in the resale price maintenance investigation.
I found this.
Are these user comments of UNCURRENT products?
Those with low ratings were hidden.
Since it says that they use their own logic to show or hide the user comments,
I can't say it's a problem, though.
Well then, good luck.
Thank you very much.
I just received my items. I was glad to see that the actual product was not as cheaply designed as the previous season's dress, and that no brand was more expensive. I'm glad I didn't buy this season's dress. I am disappointed with this season's dress. I won't buy again until they go back to the previous UNCURRENT design.
My favorite UNCURRENT is gone. I liked its aggressive design that was not influenced by trends.
Has the designer of UNCURRENT changed? I am concerned that the design direction is completely different. I hope it will return. I would like to purchase again when it returns.
Ah.
Hello, Tateyama.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Cap.
Take a look at this.
3 Star Market Company Obstruction of Trade Interview Materials
Do you want to interview Kurosaki Misako?
Yes please.
Excuse me.
I'm Shirokuma, I'm in charge of the interview.
Please have a seat.
Hey! Is Shirokuma really going to conduct the interview by herself?
I'm sure she can do it.
Then let's begin the interview.
3 Star Market is
suspected of intentionally manipulating the popularity rankings
to give UNCURRENT an advantage
and unfairly exclude competing brands.
We are doing no such thing.
- You deny that fact? - Yes.
But UNCURRENT's sales are slower than they used to be, correct?
I compared your sales over the past two years
with those of competing brands.
Some brands were clearly selling better than UNCURRENT.
but were losing in the popularity rankings.
Isn't that strange?
I don't understand what you're saying here.
Take a look at this.
These are the low-rated comments on UNCURRENT.
They were hidden from the 3 Star Market site.
We manage reviews according to our terms and conditions.
There should be no problem in hiding it.
Yes, indeed, it is not a problem.
But...
Is this what you've been working toward?
Rokkaku.
Yes. This is Bureau 6.
Please wait a moment.
It's Honjo.
Take it... You've been asked to take it.
Yes, I'm taking the call.
This is Kazami.
Eh? 3 Star Market? ...
[Shirokuma] ...ranking of popular products...
Oh, I'm sorry. There was some...
Huh? Yes. The investigation of 3 Star Market...
should have been stopped. Yes.
This time round, I met a woman during the investigation.
She entered the apparel industry because she admired UNCURRENT.
She wanted to be as close to you as possible.
She kept a scrap book like this.
This woman's goal was to reach UNCURRENT.
Up until this point in time.
2019 Spring/Summer
That's when the low reviews started coming in.
When UNCURRENT
became an original brand of 3 Star Market,
it coincides with the launch date (2019).
So what about that?
You joined 3 Star Market
for the sake of promoting UNCURRENT, right?
Did you want to promote such a low-rated UNCURRENT?
This has nothing to do with you.
Yes.
But you regret your choice, don't you?
On what basis do you say that?
Those clothes you're wearing.
That's an older UNCURRENT, isn't it?
When we met for the first time,
you were wearing an old UNCURRENT.
Is that also from UNCURRENT?
Yes, it is.
That's very nice.
Thank you very much.
Why don't you wear current products?
Is it because you aren't satisfied
with what you're making now?
Kurosaki.
President Yamanobe was planning to use you from the beginning.
Eh?
He approached you
with the idea of making UNCURRENT an original brand.
When was that?
March of 2018.
This is the contract 3 Star Market signed with the sewing factory.
President Yamabe's signature is also on it.
Take a look at it.
February 13, 2018
This is before he approached you about the original brand right?
President Yamanobe was intending from the outset
to steer the company toward mass production.
Kurosaki.
Do you really want to continue as you are now?
Making clothes has always been my purpose in life.
Beautiful clothes make people feel happy.
I wanted to see those smiles.
That's why I came into this world.
This design is really cute.
But I couldn't do it.
Due to the poor sales of UNCURRENT items and the large number of items in inventory, we are suspending all transactions for the rest of the month.
I made it with confidence,
but it didn't sell at all.
If only more people could get a hold of them...
Revision - Returned Goods Voucher
Kurosaki.
Another one...
I'm sure if people wore them, they would understand how good they are...
The woman who made this scrap book also said the same thing.
What?
Even though she tried her best to make it, she couldn't get people to pick it up.
She said, "If people could wear them, I'm sure they would understand how good they are".
In the end, her brand
went out of business.
Due to sluggish sales in 3 Star Market,
the company made a decision.
She lamented
that no matter how hard she tried, the rankings didn't reflect it.
Her dream
had been stolen from her.
The dream of reaching UNCURRENT.
If you know anything, please tell us.
Please.
I have heard rumors of manipulation of rankings.
But I couldn't ask Yamabe.
I was afraid.
I was afraid that if the fraud came to light,
we would go back to the old days when we didn't sell well.
I am sorry.
Kurosaki.
Yamabe's
IT systems provider, I know who they are.
If they're doing it, you might find something there.
She did it.
Ah! Ha ha ha...
That was good.
- You did it, Shirokuma. - Well done.
- You did a great job. - Thank you.
The way you dropped the ball was very Koshobu-like.
- Ah! - That's for sure.
I think you've been influenced by him. Oh, I'm sorry.
Please stop it.
Now that Shirokuma's on her own.
Eh.... I'll explain the next case.
- What? - Don't say "What?"!
Thank you for your help.
Soon after that, Kurosaki
chose to leave 3 Star Market.
Her real battle had just begun.
Tateyama
has decided to take on the challenge of reaching her dreams once again.
And as for me...
What I wanted to do, what I wanted to become,
I still didn't know yet.
But anyway, I decided to just go straight ahead
with what I can do now.
That's what I decided.
No way!
Half A Year Later November 21, 2022
Damn... this is heavy.
Why did I have to do it all by myself?
Lacter?
What is it?
I found it in the prosecutor's vault.
The reason you joined the JFTC,
and the fact that you were assisting in the investigation of another bid-rigging case.
Does this have something to do with it?
Deposition Transcript
Koshobu Makoto
Lacter Construction
Japan Fair Trade Commission - Honjo Satoko