Prologue | Flag | Remake our Life!
Part 1
February 2008. I was in Higashi-Umeda, in the center of Osaka, at the peak of the cold season. Compared to Shinsaibashi, which has many restaurants and clothing stores, the Umeda area has many large companies, especially famous IT companies.
Outside the window were buildings. Compared to Tokyo, Osaka was a magnificent metropolis, although I could feel the difference. The fact that I was in the middle of it all seemed like a lie to begin with.
"Well then, shall we get started?"
The walls and floor of the room were completely white. I sat back in my chair and simply said “Yes” in a slightly muffled voice. My throat was parched and I felt like I needed water.
(I get nervous...I can't help it.)
And right in front of me, sitting at a conference table next to each other, were three men, all wearing suits and with serious looks on their faces.
(I hope I'm not putting them in a bad mood)
I had no problem with my mannerisms when I entered the room, the angle at which I bowed my head, or my initial greeting...I think. That's why their expressions must be the default ones.
That said, I can't help but think that this kind of situation is not good. Like, what if they just don't want to talk about it after I've already made a big mistake?
"First of all, could you tell us about your motivation for applying?"
A small fat man sitting in the middle, who looked more like an onii-san than an uncle, asked me a question with a smile. This man was not wearing a suit, but was dressed casually in a polo shirt and denim.
"Yes, I—"
Stopping to think about anything else, I began to give the reasons I had thought of beforehand.
Then there were a few questions, but not a single one that completely froze me up. Rather, there were more questions that were easy to answer, such as about my work on campus.
And after the seventh question in total,
"That's all. Thank you very much."
When onii-san said this, the scary men in suits on both sides stood up and quickly disappeared without a word. After all, they hadn't said a word since the conversation started, but what were they there for?
(Maybe that's the rule.)
Some large companies have rules that state that someone must be present during the interview.
So, it might have been unavoidable to have them there. If that was the case, I could understand why they were in a bad mood all the time.
(I wonder if it's okay to work for such a big company...)
Although I was a low-ranking employee, I was a little worried about whether I could make it,
"Ah, one last question, okay?"
"Y-Yes."
The small fat onii-san from earlier suddenly asked.
"Hashiba-kun...Do you like games?"
"Eh...?"
What kind of question is this, I thought.
Of course, I came here for an interview, so I couldn't possibly dislike it. Of course, I'd heard some troublesome stories about how it was hard to make, how there were so many constraints that you couldn't make what you wanted, and other such things in the industry.
But more than that, I,
"Yes, I like it."
I had a strong feeling about the game to the point where I could say that clearly.
If I had made up my mind on the spur of the moment, I would not have come this far in the first place, and I would not have returned from the world 10 years later.
In response to my answer, onii-san smiled and said,
"I see, that's very good."
He nodded.
——— seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
Part 2
The story goes back to the end of last year, December 2007.
I was called in by Kanou-sensei and faced a cup of hot coffee in the film lab I had become so accustomed to.
"I'm sorry it's always the same drink. Do you want to bake some mochi?"
"Ah, no, don't worry about it."
It is true that the menu was fixed, but if we started eating mochi baked in the lab, it would be no different from the student dormitory. However, when Kanou-sensei was a student, there were times when she would join for a hotpot dinner.
"So, how are things going these days? Are you still as busy as ever?"
Sensei asked me as she slowly held the hot cup in her hand.
I took a cup in my hand as well, and thought back to my current situation.
At Daigeidai, like other universities, if you take most of the general education credits in the first and second years, you can concentrate on creating work in the third and fourth years. Students are divided into those who concentrate on part-time jobs and job hunting.
And at this university, there is a system called a graduation project instead of a graduation thesis as it is called in general universities. In the Department of Film and Visual Arts, this graduation film has attracted attention both inside and outside the country, and some directors have gone on to become professionals after being nominated for film festivals.
Since there are no restrictions on time or content as in the past, the environment is conducive to the creation of major works, and many students are enthusiastic, saying, "This is the beginning of the real work."
But guys like Kuroda, who achieved his goal early in his first or second year, or those who worked in the professional field from the beginning, dropped out, or in some cases, did not put that much effort into their graduation projects.
And the members of Team Kitayama were just that latter group. They were moving toward their own activities, not toward their graduation projects.
Among them, I.
"Right now... I'm not doing anything."
For the first time since entering university, I was in a period of "doing nothing."
I knew the reason. One reason was that my life had been packed with so much going on up until that point, and I was in a state of collapse, given the results of the video competition at the school festival and the events that followed.
"I'm thinking about doing something, but I haven't made up my mind yet."
The other thing is that I'm worried about my future career path.
"I see, it's a very understandable reason at this time of year."
Sensei neither laughed nor scolded me, but quietly sipped her coffee and nodded.
Shinoaki receives professional illustration jobs, Nanako begins to work full-time as a singer, and Tsurayuki wins a Rookie of the Year award.
They had already begun their transition to the next stage. From now on, the distance between them and me will continue to grow. But that doesn't mean that I can't just look at them with envy.
Because I myself am also going through a period of renewed change.
"I have some idea of what I want to do. I think I've figured out over the past two years what skills I have and what skills I don't have."
"I see. Then the next phase is to work toward the realization of what you want to do."
"Yes. But... I don't have any connections, so I'm not sure what to do."
Up until now, there had always been a clear "reason to act", one way or another.
Nanako's talent is blossoming. Tsurayuki needs money for tuition. Creating motivation for Shinoaki. The school festival, doujin games, and university assignments were all perfect stages for these goals.
However, everyone's eyes are no longer on the university project. I am left alone in the middle of the road.
Providing the most important and most difficult place to create a work.
I wanted to study practically so that I would be able to do just that.
"This is just my opinion."
Sensei put down her cup and folded her arms in a relaxed manner.
"Hashiba is a versatile guy who can act as both director and producer. However, with so many talented people around you, I think it would be best for you to focus on a role as commander, what do you think?"
I nodded vigorously.
"Yes, I think so too."
Until now, I had dared to step into the directional role because of the need to do so. But from now on, I wanted to put myself in a position to look at things from a more bird's eye view.
This was something I wanted to do but could not do in the world of 10 years from now, when I was first there.
"I see, that makes things quicker."
"Eh?"
Before I could ask her what she was talking about, Sensei stood up and picked up a document from her desk. Then, casually, she puts it in front of me.
"I told you that I used to make doujinshi games, didn't I?"
I nodded yes. I definitely remember hearing that. Strangely, I couldn't remember the details though.
"One of my friends from that time is working for a video game company. Every once in a while, he would come to me and ask if I had any good candidates. And I've actually introduced him to some of them."
"Uhm, so what you're saying is..."
I picked up the document and scanned the words written on the front with my eyes.
"Right. Hashiba, would you like to try working in a professional environment?"
I thought it was an opportunity I could not wish for.
Frankly, I knew that if I continued my studies at the university, it would be quite difficult for me to acquire the skills I wanted.
So, Sensei's offer was just what I was hoping for. Moreover, it was a game company that I had a strong interest in as a career. It was difficult to find a reason to refuse.
It was a game company that I had a strong interest in. It was more difficult to find a reason to refuse.
"But... is it okay for me to do that?"
I was wondering. I myself have 10 years of experience and knowledge in production skills, but that is not something that is easily visible from the outside.
If I had been introduced through sensei's connection, it would have been out of proportion and could have caused trouble. So I wanted to make that point clear.
"You think I used my connections to get you in?"
"N-No, I don't think so."
It seemed like sensei knew what I was thinking.
"After seeing your work, he specifically nominated Hashiba. In other words, he recognizes your work and your abilities."
I was surprised.
I did not draw the art, write the scenario, or compose the music. No, for that matter, even when it came to directing, I relied on Kawasegawa for a great deal of the details.
To the general public, I was "someone who's listed in the staff credits but no one really knows what they do." So I was very grateful that they asked me to take on the role.
"If that's what you're talking about...... By all means, please."
"Ah, then let's schedule an interview. Please wait a little."
Sensei contacted someone at the company who was a friend of hers, and quickly arranged a date for the interview.
I was pleased that the process had proceeded as I had hoped, but for the moment, it was only a friendly invitation based on my expectations. Rather, when I thought that the future was important, I felt nervous.
——— seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
Part 3
And today. I went for the interview as scheduled. I received the results of the interview on the same day, and was on the train on my way home.
On the way to Abenobashi Station, I received a phone call from Kanou-sensei just as I was changing to the Minami-Osaka Line. I decided to move aside so as not to disturb others and report on the day's activity.
"Thanks to you, I will be able to work without any problems. Thank you very much."
The result was a pass. I had already been informed of my starting date and was to become a member of the company.
"You don't need to thank me. They were the ones who asked me in the first place."
Perhaps it was just my imagination, but sensei on the phone sounded cheerful.
"Do you know how competitive it is for that part-time job if you apply normally?"
When I answered "I don't know" to sensei's question,
"It's 250 times more; nearly 800 people come for three slots. After reviewing their works and documents, they have to go through a thorough screening process and two interviews. It's like recruiting for a full-time position."
"I-Is it really that much..."
Considering the size of the company, it was possible, but I didn't think the competition would be that great. Once again, I am reminded that I was treated very favorably.
"Well, that company specifically contacted us for advice. Hashiba, you should have some confidence."
"Confidence, no way."
"I know that's what you'd say. Well, you should go out there and learn some skills. It will be a big difference from those who are playing around at this time of the year."
Sensei gave several examples of people who had become full-time employees as a result of this part-time job in the past, told me to use this as an opportunity to “find something I want to do,” and hung up the call. I stared at my cell phone and breathed a sigh of relief.
A train slid onto the platform, and I boarded it, reflecting on my day. There were many people on the train, dressed in suits, who seemed to be on their way home from work. I was immersed in a strange feeling as I saw my former self superimposed on them.
I will be working on this again, though in a different way than in the past, of course. I wondered how different this time would be from those days when I was suffering in a black company and environment. A mixture of anxiety and anticipation was trying to take over my mind.
The train was running on the Minami-Osaka line at night. Until the train crossed the Yamato River, there was a glistening cityscape outside the window, but it soon became sparse, and now it was already dark.
——— seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
Part 4
By the time I took the bus from Kishi station and returned to my familiar share house, it was completely dark. I opened the front door with a duplicate key and saw a small back in the kitchen.
"I'm home, Shinoaki"
A small body turned around and greeted me with a smile.
"Kyoya-kun, welcome back~"
On the kotatsu in the living room was a small-size sketchbook. It was the one Shinoaki used to draw rough sketches.
"Were you working on it?"
"No, I had finished all the rough sketches and was just thinking about taking a break. Would you like some tea, Kyoya-kun?"
"Thank you, that's good."
I nodded and sat down, and a little while later tea was quietly served. It felt very warm against my slightly cold hands.
"Did the interview go well?"
"Yeah, I passed. I'll be starting in April."
Shinoaki's face brightened up.
"I'm glad for you, Kyoya-kun is amazing after all~"
"That's not true. It was a big help that sensei introduced me in such a good way."
Actually, I think it was a good idea to ask about the hiring ratio after that. If I had asked about it first, I might have been even more nervous and not been able to answer anything.
"How about you, Shinoaki? Is it going well?"
Right now, she's working on her first commercial project.
"Mm, I think I'm almost done with the character design. Once that's done, fuaaah......it's time for the finishing touches."
The progress report was accompanied by a loud yawn.
"Are you okay? You haven't been sleeping much."
Shinoaki has been working diligently on this job.
"Mm, I might be a little tired. But..."
She clasped her small hands tightly in front of her chest,
"I want to try my best while I can. Now is the time, so I'm going to give it my all."
"I see, I'm looking forward to it."
Whether it was when he was making the anime with Kuroda or when he was working on the doujin game, Shinoaki was very tenacious and tough when it came to his creations. It made me wonder where in that small body of his was that strength sleeping.
"I wonder how long I can continue to live like this."
Shinoaki mutters as she looks over the ceiling of the share house.
"Right, how long it will...I wonder."
My university life is already at the halfway point. In my first and second years, there were many things I did not know, and every day was full of fresh surprises. So, time passed slowly, there was a mountain of events, and my daily life was hectic.
But time should pass quickly from here. For what we are used to,
Time does not let us taste much of it. In an instant, it will be gone, as if melting away.
So perhaps this time is not that long anymore.
If we don't find another path by then, we'll end up going down completely different paths.
"Well, I'll try my best a bit more."
Shinoaki stretched her back and stood up.
"Mm, good luck."
"You too, Kyoya-kun. If you're tired you need to go to sleep."
As always, worried about others more than herself, she went back upstairs.
In the empty living room, only the sound of the clock can be heard.
Only two years. In that short time, my surroundings had changed at a dizzying pace.
And my environment was also about to change drastically.
"To that Succeed, huh."
Succeed Soft. The world 10 years later, when I was struggling at rock bottom. The spectacular Nico Nico Live presentation I saw there. Thinking back, my world began from that contrast.
The big company I thought I would never reach, the big company I longed to be a part of. Dazzling large-scale projects. And then there were the creators of the Platinum Generation, who were from the same generation but far away from me.
Now, the Platinum Generation creators have become trusted friends, creating high-profile projects and reaching out to Succeedsoft.
"I've come...this far."
I repeatedly held and opened my hands, over and over again. I still couldn't believe it. The remake from 10 years later is finally at the point where its edges can be seen.
But it was also on a fragile bridge that could rattle and collapse if I made one wrong move. I broke it once. A miracle happened, and I came this far with the opportunity to renew my resolve, but you never know when you might make a mistake again.
This is not success. I'm just a few steps away, having barely made it through the entrance.
"I've got to catch up with everyone."
I clenched my open hand, gripped it tight, and put all my strength into it.
Tsurayuki, Nanako, and...Shinoaki too. Everyone had begun to grasp something for the future. The path that they had almost destroyed was now clearly pointing ahead.
So now it's my turn.
I don't know yet what I can do or what I can find when I go into a professional field. But I need to find out. If I don't choose my next path and move forward, there will be no future for me to share with everyone.
Find something that you want to do. That's what the teacher told me at the end of the phone call. I thought it was much more effective to use my hands than to worry about it at my desk or in bed, so I was very grateful for the advice.
"I'll find it."
I opened my clenched hand again. I'm going to grab something here, and then I'm going to take it to the next step. Not knowing should be fun.
——— seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
Part 5
I climbed the stairs as if to check my every step, and entered my familiar room in the share house. At first, I felt nothing but discomfort and a sense of strangeness, but now this room has become my castle.
After putting down my bag and taking off my jacket, I quietly opened the closet.
There was a pile of sticky notes with new items added to them.
It was extremely difficult to achieve, but it was absolutely necessary.
In the past, I had thought of this profession as an honorary position for someone of great stature, even though I didn't really understand what it was.
But in reality, there were many who carried out their duties sincerely. They were excellent commanders who had a broad perspective, were not constrained in their thinking, and considered all possible options to find the best course of action.
Returning from a sulky, hopeless future to a bright past, I once again encountered that job. From a jack-of-all-trades who was trying to throw water on a hot stone, I became a leader who built bridges for everyone to walk ahead of.
I looked at the profession written on the sticky note with envy and determination.
『Hashiba Kyoya, Aiming to be a Producer』
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