Chapter 10: The Budding Idea of a Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere

1. Kazuma Nanjo visits the Mitsui & Co. building in Otemachi

Visit to Mitsui Bussan Building
Kazuma Nanjo visited the Mitsui & Co. building to further expand the influence of Zipangcoin and to rethink his strategy to create a new economic zone throughout Asia. There, he comes face to face once again with Utsutsu Umiyama, and they have a serious discussion about the future of the Zipangcoin and where Japan's economy stands.
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"When we think about the future of Japan, the role that Zipangcoin should play is by no means a small one. We must take a much broader view if we are to regain our economic independence."
Nanjo has a strong commitment to the idea of an economic zone involving all of Asia, and he was eager to share this vision with Umiyama at this meeting.

2. Reunion between Utsutsu Umiyama and Kazuma Nanjo

Reunion and words exchanged again
Utsutsu Umiyama knew in advance of Nanjo's visit and had no small idea of what he was thinking about the new ideas he was bringing to the table. He, too, felt a responsibility for the future of Zipangcoin and the rebuilding of Japan's economy, and he felt it was essential to join hands with Nanjo to do so.
The two men met again, often silently, and exchanged glances that indicated a deep understanding of each other. After a few moments of silence, Nanjo opened his mouth.
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"Umiyama, we must have the power to engage all of Asia in order to save Japan. The Zipangcoin is the first step, but we need to envision something much bigger."
• Utsutsu Umiyama:
"We know how important the Zipangcoin is to Japan's future. But it is not enough. Our goal should be not just the spread of a currency, but the economic independence of Japan and Asia as a whole."

3. The Argument for Saving Japan and the Idea of a Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere

Redefining Japan's Position
As the two men continued to discuss Japan's economic independence with the Zipangcoin at the center, the discussion eventually led to the idea that a new order should be created that would integrate and jointly support an economic zone for all of Asia. This vision was not merely an expansion of currencies, but also a deepening of political and economic ties, so that Asia as a whole would become self-reliant, and Japan would be at the center of that self-reliance.
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"If the whole of Asia becomes economically united, we will have the power to compete with the U.S. and China. And to make that happen, the Zipangcoin is indispensable."
• Utsutsu Umiyama:
"You're right. If we can unite the whole of Asia into one, with the Zipangcoin as its foundation, we can create a strong economic zone that will not succumb to pressure from the US or China."

4. The Idea of a Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere

The realization of the vision
The two men gradually became acutely aware of the need to shape their vision into a practical reality. They recognized that it was necessary not only to build a new economic zone centered on the Zipangcoin, but also to create a framework for cooperation and collaboration so that Asia as a whole could cooperate and develop together. This is where the idea of a new economic zone called the Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere emerged.
• UmiyamaUtsutsu:
"To realize this vision, it is not enough to connect the whole of Asia through the Zipangcoin. Our goal should be not only economic cooperation, but political unity and co-prosperity."
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"That is the concept of the Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere. With Japan at the center and the whole of Asia economically united, we can open the way to the future. To realize the idea of a co-prosperity sphere, we need to work with all Asian countries to build a strong network."

5. A Step into the Future

To make the vision a reality
Their discussions finally began to come to fruition in the form of the Great Political Co-prosperity Sphere. This vision was not merely an expansion of the economic sphere, but also a large-scale political, cultural, and social partnership that would have the power to drive the entire Asia region. The two men prepared to take action to realize this vision, considering how to involve other Asian countries as the next step.
• UmiyamaUtsutsu:
"To make this vision a reality, we must first build trust with major Asian countries and find a way to grow together."
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"With the Zipangcoin as our foundation, we must strengthen our economic ties and establish our power as a major political co-prosperity sphere. To do so, we must take the first step."