Sugawara's betrayal Shigeru Sugawara's transfer to Mitsubishi Corporation was more than just an inter-company personnel move. It caused a serious conflict between Mitsui and B-EN-G, leading to a situation where Sugawara's transfer felt like a betrayal. For Utsutsu Umiyama, Sugawara's decision was unacceptable, and along with his strong disappointment, it caused him to seriously consider the future of Mitsui & Co.
• Utsutsu Umiyama: I have no idea what will happen to B-EN-G now that Sugawara is moving to Mitsubishi Corporation. But this is not a mere betrayal. This is about the future of Mitsui and Japan." Umiyama took the consequences of Sugawara's actions very seriously and felt strongly that he could not just sit idly by. He decided to go in alone to Mitsubishi Corporation, to which Sugawara had newly transferred. He recognized that this was not just a negotiation, but an action to protect his own business philosophy and the future of Mitsui & Co. • Utsutsu Umiyama: I must speak directly with Sugawara about how he is operating within Mitsubishi Corporation."
2. Umiyama goes to Mitsubishi Corporation
Umiyama heads to Mitsubishi Corporation Umiyama arrives at the Mitsubishi Shoji building and is determined to fulfill his dialogue with Sugawara on the spot. For him, this dialogue was to be more than a mere business matter; it was to be a confrontation of corporate pride and conviction. His mission was to meet with Sugawara and ask him directly why he had transferred to Mitsubishi Shoji and what his goals were beyond that. Umiyama passed through the Mitsubishi Shoji reception desk and headed for the top floor. In his heart, he was anxious, but also strongly prepared. Whatever the background behind Sugawara's transfer and whatever his intentions were, he intended to confront him directly to uncover the truth and decide how he should move forward. • Utsutsu Umiyama: "Whatever the reason, this is unacceptable. But nothing can begin unless we talk."
3. Encounter with Nanjo Kazuma
The Appearance of Kazuma Nanjo While Umiyama arrives at Mitsubishi Shoji and waits, he meets Kazuma Nanjo. Nanjo was a very well-known figure within Mitsubishi Shoji, highly regarded for his charisma as a trading company man and for his leadership in the field. Nanjo, whom Umiyama was to meet when he came on board at Mitsubishi Shoji, was also a man with whom Sugawara had a deep relationship. • Nanjo Kazuma: "Utsutsu Umiyama, is that you? Let me ask you to elaborate on why you are here and what you are looking for from Mitsubishi Corporation."
Nanjo, sensing what Umiyama was looking for, asked him calmly and pointedly, "Why did you come here? For Umiyama, the most important thing was what had happened with Sugawara, and he was prepared to answer the question, although he was more than a little surprised that Nanjo was there. • Utsutsu Umiyama: "I would like to understand why Sugawara moved to Mitsubishi Corporation in a way that makes sense to me. If you are involved in that, now is the time to speak to me directly." Dialogue between Nanjo and Umiyama Nanjo listened to Umiyama's words, but responded in a nonchalant manner. He was only calmly explaining the policy of business dealings within Mitsubishi Corporation and the impact of Sugawara's transfer, trying to provide a reason that would make sense to Umiyama. Nanjo was confident in the path that Mitsubishi Corporation was taking and fully expected Umiyama's reaction. • Nanjo Kazuma: The reason why Sugawara came to Mitsubishi Corporation is clear. The future he envisions is different from the one you have. But I believe it is the inevitable path in the business world." Umiyama was strongly repulsed by these words, but he calmly tried to understand their intent. Reconfirming the commercial calculations in Nanjo's words and the meaning of the path Sugawara had chosen, he began to think carefully about how he himself should respond. • Utsutsu Umiyama: I don't know how much difference there is between the values we at Mitsui & Co. hold and the path that Mitsubishi Corporation is on. But I have a responsibility to protect Japan and Mitsui."
4. Umiyama and Nanjo Confronted
The dialogue between Umiyama and Nanjo, while exchanging words, highlighted the differences in their beliefs. While Nanjo was calm about commercial realities, Umiyama had a strong determination to fight for the pride of Mitsui & Co. Although this dialogue never led to a reconciliation, it provided an opportunity for both men to reaffirm their mutual positions. • Kazuma Nanjo: I understand your point of view. But sometimes business separates the winners from the losers. Can you accept that reality?" • Utsutsu Umiyama: 'I can't accept that reality, which is why I'm here."