Chapter 7: Nanjo and Sugawara's Success and Mitsubishi Shoji's Pride

1. Decisions of Mitsubishi Corporation Executives

Collaboration with Mitsui
The executives assembled at the highest levels of Mitsubishi Corporation decided to invest in Zipangcoin (ZPG) over a long-running feud with Mitsui & Co. Working with Mitsui was seen as the most rational and important move to go beyond competition among trading companies and to rebuild the Japanese economy. This investment was more than just an economic decision; it had national implications.
• Mitsubishi Corporation executives:
"Cooperation with Mitsui & Co. is essential to protect Japan's economy. Our investment in Zipangcoin is the first step in that direction."
The cooperation with Mitsui was intended to put to rest past feuds and create a new framework for saving Japan. But the executives were well aware of how shocking this decision would be within Mitsubishi Corporation. Nevertheless, they made the decision, believing that this choice for Japan's future would build a new sense of pride in the company as a trading company.

2. Sugawara's Surprise and Conflict

Feeling betrayed and conflicted
Shigeru Sugawara was shocked by the decision. The choice of Mitsui and Mitsubishi Corporation to work together was not at all what he had imagined, and frankly, he was very surprised. Although he understood how much the time he had spent at Mitsubishi Corporation had helped him grow, he felt more than a little repulsed by the idea of a tie-up with Mitsui.
Moreover, Sugawara's own betrayal of both Mitsui and B-EN-G had put him under intense pressure to live up to the expectations of the other executives. The faith and pride he had once undertaken as a trading company were now being put to the test.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
I never thought that Mitsubishi Corporation would collaborate with Mitsui & Co. What was the reason I betrayed Mitsui & Co. and came here?"
Sugawara felt a strong sense of regret over the consequences of his actions and continued to wonder how he should deal with the current situation. His pride as a trading company man and his decision as a step toward saving Japan were deeply contradictory.

3. The Activities of Kazuma Nanjo

Cool-headed decision by Nanjo
On the other hand, Nanjo Kazuma accepted the decision to invest in the company in a cool-headed manner and did his part to maximize Mitsubishi Corporation's profits. Nanjo, with his pride as a trading company, was driven by a sense of mission to rebuild Japan by promoting this partnership.
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"This investment is the first step toward opening up the nation's future beyond a commercial perspective. Feuds of the past no longer make sense now."
Nanjo did not feel any backlash against the partnership with Mitsui, but rather saw it as a new business opportunity. For him, the Zipangcoin was more than just a currency; he saw it as an important vehicle for Japan's revival.

4. The Intersection of Beliefs of Sugawara and Nanjo

Shared Beliefs
Sugawara was upset by the decision of Mitsui and Mitsubishi Corporation to join forces, but ultimately realized that he had no choice but to accept the decision. By accepting the decision, he felt that he himself needed to move to support Japan's future. And he was determined to walk that path with Nanjo.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
Nanjo, as you say, we should be proud to be a trading company and continue to fight to protect Japan."
• Kazuma Nanjo:
You know as well as I do. In the business world, it is of utmost importance to hold fast to your convictions in order to uphold the pride of Japan."
Sugawara felt regret for betraying Mitsui, but he was determined to fight alongside Nanjo to deepen their trust and forge a new future together as a trading company.

5. The Pride and Future of Mitsubishi Corporation

A step toward the future
Nanjo and Sugawara shared the goal of reaffirming Japan's pride by pursuing an investment in Zipangcoin to secure the future of Mitsubishi Corporation. This investment was positioned as a first step toward the larger goal of revitalizing the Japanese economy, beyond a mere commercial decision.
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"Now is the time to show our true strength as a trading company. The future of Mitsubishi Corporation is in our hands."
Mitsubishi Shoji was ready to move beyond its past feuds and begin a new challenge in the global marketplace as a force for rebuilding Japan. Nanjo and Sugawara were ready to assume that leadership role and continue fighting to support the Japanese economy.