Chapter 3: The Split Between ZipangCoin and B-EN-G

1. The birth and saving meaning of the Zipangcoin (ZPG)

Background of the Zipangcoin
The Zipangcoin (ZPG) was a unique Japanese digital currency developed by Mitsui & Co. and was a salvation project for economic independence. The currency was seen as the key for Japan to break away from its traditional economic structure of dependence on the U.S. dollar and the Chinese renminbi, and to carve out its own future.
• Utsutsu Umiyama:
"ZPG is not just a currency. It is a tool for Japan to regain its lost pride and build its future."

2. Technical features of ZPG

1. The gold standard system
ZPG is a digital currency based on physical gold assets. This guarantees price stability and reliability and increases its competitiveness in the international market.
• Toshio Sueyoshi:
"By being based on gold, ZPG sets itself apart from other unstable digital currencies. Reliability is our strength."

2. Use of the private chain "Miyabi"
Based on the private blockchain "Miyabi", high-speed and secure transactions are realized. This allows large volumes of transactions to be processed instantaneously.
• Shinzo Takahashi:
"Miyabi's technology is the pillar of ZPG's transaction speed and security. Without it, ZPG would not be able to compete in the international marketplace."

3. Smart contracts
A mechanism is provided to program the terms and conditions of a contract and automatically enforce them. This streamlines complex trade transactions and contract management.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
"ZPG is not just a currency, it's a tool that will change the future of trade and contracts."

3. Mitsui's trading system and the role of B-EN-G

Background of Mitsui's Trading System
Mitsui owned a large trade system used by more than 30 foreign trade-related companies, the operation and maintenance of which was outsourced to B-EN-G. This system plays an important role in supporting the smooth execution of international trade, managing transactions and distributing information across the globe.
B-EN-G's System Maintenance and Operation
B-EN-G B-EN-G was in charge of the maintenance and operation of its trading system, an important task to maintain stability and high security. As the leader of the operation, Ryoma Sakoda supported the normal operation of the system and oversaw, among other things, the security of critical data and the prompt processing of transactions.
• Ryoma Sakoda:
"The stability of the trading system is the very mission of B-EN-G. Keeping this system running without stoppage is the key to maintaining the reliability of Mitsui."

4. Conflict between Shigeru Sugawara and Toshio Sueyoshi

Shigeru Sugawara's Business Strategy
Shigeru Sugawara, as head of the sales department, was aiming to use Mitsui's trading system as a "business game" to profit from transactions with overseas trading-related companies. Sugawara used the trade system to conduct negotiations with overseas companies as if it were a "poker" game, trying to exploit their weaknesses and extract favorable terms from them. His goal was to gain an advantage in the trade operations of a shipping-related IT system development company, a Mitsui & Co. sub-subsidiary.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
"With this system, we play a poker-like business game in the trade market. We should take calculated risks to maximize Mitsui's profits."
Sugawara sought to use the trade system to sway the terms of trade of his opponents and secure an advantageous position. His strategies were bold and sometimes ethically questionable, but the objective he was aiming for was clear.
• Toshio Sueyoshi's Response
Toshio Sueyoshi, on the other hand, had strong objections to Sugawara's "business game. He believed that trade system operations should be devoted to ensuring stability and reliability, and feared that taking risks like Sugawara's would undermine the reliability of the system.
• Toshio Sueyoshi:
"We should not play business games with the trade system," he said. The first priority is to stabilize the system and ensure its reliability. Taking reckless risks there would upset the whole balance."
This difference of opinion led to a serious confrontation between the two men. Sugawara wanted to succeed through clever strategies using the trade system, while Sueyoshi feared that his methods would undermine the stability of the entire system. The conflict between the two men led to increased tension within B-EN-G and deepened the feud.

5. A Killing Conflict

The conflict between the two men went beyond mere business disagreements and gradually developed into an emotional clash. Sugawara felt that Sueyoshi's conservative approach was "outdated," while Sueyoshi regarded Sugawara's innovative methods as "reckless. Both sides believed it was important to stick to their beliefs, and the conflict gradually became more and more intense.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
"We must not be afraid of change; we will use ZPG and this trade system to become an international influence."
• Toshio Sueyoshi:
"Innovation is good, but the most important thing is to establish a stable foundation first. Reckless attempts will only jeopardize everything."
The conflict between the two men sours the atmosphere within B-EN-G and begins to interfere with business operations. Sugawara's anxiety about the results and risks of his bold strategy continued to conflict with Sueyoshi's conservative stance.