Chapter One: With a single exclamation of "Wow," only ashes remained

Almost three years ago, in early 1992, the term "bubble economy"—which he had first seen in the newspapers—suddenly burst. Land and houses lost their value, many companies inexplicably went bankrupt, and even several banks closed their doors. Overnight, people had to queue to jump off rooftops, and the parks were filled with dazed homeless individuals.

He has always been puzzled about why Chihara Rinto keeps coming around, and he cannot understand why Rinto is so interested in inquiring about the internal gossip of the television station. Now, he has at least gained some insight. Considering that Rinto is not a bad person, despite being a cultured individual, he does not look down on these small security guards and intends to offer help whenever possible

Having confirmed that the person he was looking for had not left, he felt at ease. He chatted with Maekawa for a few moments, then stood by the side of the main entrance, beginning to contemplate the words he would say later.

No, no, this is only temporary. The newspaper stated that this situation would last at most until early next year, but now that it is already the end of the year, it doesn't feel like it has improved at all. What is going on?

... ...

Originally, he did not want to pay attention to this young man, but this person gave off a very special impression

In the following four to five days, this Mr. Chihara came by every day, becoming quite familiar with the security personnel on duty at the entrance. He even treated them to drinks at an izakaya twice, enjoying a couple of rounds of drinks. Everyone felt he was quite a nice person—well-spoken, friendly, and willing to discuss the trivialities of security work, especially enjoying the gossip from within the television station.

In this current situation, having a stable and formal job is a fortunate opportunity that many people are unable to attain.

Haven't spent it all? Useless! Do you have any ambition?

The good times are considered to be over

Indeed, the collapse of the bubble economy has had little impact on the television station, which remains in a state of being better off than some and worse off than others. This allows for a moment of reflection, likely stemming from a sense of empathy akin to the sorrow felt by a rabbit at the death of a fox, as many of his old friends have been struggling significantly, with several unable to persevere and returning directly to their hometowns from Tokyo.

This person, whom he has known for only a short time, is named Chihara Rinto. About four or five days ago, he attempted to sneak into the television station but was justly stopped by him on duty. However, this individual is quite interesting; he was neither embarrassed nor angry, but instead engaged him in conversation.

He is around twenty-two or twenty-three years old, with slightly tousled short hair, fair skin, a handsome appearance, bright eyes, a gentle gaze, and a composed expression. He seems to have a good temperament, but when he is not smiling or speaking, there is an inexplicable aura about him that suggests a hidden sharpness, making him not to be trifled with. It is best not to shout at him.

However, for a security guard, rain is a good thing; fewer people on rainy days means less work. He glanced a few times and then decided it was enough, strolling back to the security room in front of the main gate. He picked up a cup and took a sip of hot tea, feeling a slight sense of comfort—although he was just a humble security guard, he was quite satisfied with his job.

This has become a regular joke in the newspapers. Although somewhat exaggerated, back then, when one had drunk too much at night and needed a taxi, one had to stand by the roadside with a ¥10,000 bill pinched between their fingers, waving desperately. Otherwise, taxi drivers would hardly pay any attention to you—there were plenty of people offering high prices, and the usual fare no longer satisfied them.

It truly resembles fireworks, suddenly bursting forth with dazzling brilliance, and then with a "wow," only ashes remain

It is indeed unfortunate to have traversed to such an era where even finding a job is difficult. No wonder there are so many otaku and NEETs in Japan; the root of the problem lies here

However, Rinto Chihara was quite clear in his mind. He had gathered information from these security guards, made a plan, and was well-prepared. It was time to approach the main person for assistance—he was the one seeking help, not the other way around. Therefore, it would be better not to disturb their normal work. If he were to make a phone call and receive a flat refusal, it would be quite unpleasant.

Before the burst of the bubble economy, there was a widespread shortage of labor, and numerous companies were eager to hire anyone looking for a job. It was even reported that some graduates from prestigious universities, upon submitting their resumes, were lured by large corporations to stay at hot spring resorts, enjoying fine food and drink. They were coaxed and deceived into signing lifelong employment contracts, fearing that other companies would poach them away

Go and reapply immediately, and bring forth the spirit of a top-tier company from the world's leading economic power

However, as soon as he stood up, he recognized the visitor and immediately breathed a sigh of relief, greeting with a smile from the window: "Mr. Chihara, you have come again?"

A middle-aged security guard tilted his head back, gazing at the distant sky—between the gaps of the tall buildings, the sky was tinged with red, and where the clouds overlapped, there was a faint darkness, subtly infused with purple, presenting a rather magnificent spectacle

He smiled and said, "No need, Mr. Maekawa, I will just wait at the door."

I hope everything goes smoothly

This is probably a kind of innate temperament, and the security guard cannot be certain, but at that time, I indeed did not lose my temper and drive him away

He sat in the security room at the entrance, lost in thought, instinctively paying attention to the badges of personnel and vehicles coming in and out. Suddenly, he noticed a person without a badge approaching the gate, and he quickly focused his attention— in this uncertain and prolonged environment of great depression, he could not afford to lose his job; his family needed to eat, and his children needed to go to school; he absolutely could not make a mistake

It is somewhat confusing

The potential of Japan, should it not be completely exhausted in that nationwide celebration

The security guard finished greeting and saw Chihara Rinto approaching, quickly stating the unpleasant news in advance. However, unable to put on a fierce expression, he could only smile and say: "I still cannot let you in today, Chihara-san, please do not take offense."

At dusk, in Minato Ward, Tokyo, in front of the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TEB) headquarters

However, even if a person is good, they cannot be allowed inside. Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) is one of Japan's four major commercial television networks, with two main production bases, one of which is located within the headquarters. There are approximately forty-seven or forty-eight studios, many of which host live broadcasts. If someone were to intrude, it would undoubtedly result in a broadcasting accident, and no one can bear the responsibility for that.

As for the formal employees in those large trading companies and banks, it is said that they enjoy an even more comfortable life. Even if they are just ordinary employees, they can lead a life of indulgence, frequenting public relations clubs every night, drinking champagne to their heart's content, and eating steak until they are full, and it seems that not doing so is not an option

Have you exhausted your entertainment expenses for this month? Have you been maintaining good relations with your clients?

The security guard recalled events from the past, feeling a mix of nostalgia and confusion—he was in his forties and had fully experienced the golden era of Japan's economic development and the prosperous time of personal asset inflation. Although he had never attended university and had limited knowledge, he could not understand why the economy suddenly collapsed. However, this did not prevent him from feeling regret for what was lost and confusion about the future

He suspects that Chihara Rin is a fan of celebrities, a type of person not uncommon. However, Chihara Rin's demeanor and manner of speaking are quite composed and dignified, which does not seem characteristic of someone who would become irrationally obsessed with chasing after stars

As of now, although the number of homeless individuals has begun to decrease, the economy remains sluggish, and layoffs have become a daily occurrence, leading to what is referred to as a Great Depression era, making it exceedingly difficult to find a legitimate job

Rinto Chihara was stopped again, but he was not annoyed. He nodded and greeted several other security personnel before smiling and saying: "I won't make things difficult for you, Mr. Maekawa. I just want to wait for someone here... Has Miss Murakami finished work?"

What? Hasn't it cost much to keep treating clients to sake and Japanese cuisine? Are you keeping up with the trends of the times?! Are you insulting the clients or the company?!

"Miss Murakami? No, her program doesn't end until 7:00 PM, and she usually comes out after 7:15 PM." This is not a secret; the security guard Kenichiro Takagawa did not conceal it and even kindly asked, "Are you looking for her? Would you like me to make an internal call to inquire for you?"

But the clouds are dark red like this, it will probably rain tonight

It is truly a crazy era, almost like a dream. However, looking back after nearly three years, job opportunities are scarce, and it seems as if everything that happened before was a lie. Japan suddenly finds itself on the brink of destruction, teetering precariously.

Damn it, these newcomers really have no spirit of progress at all. How can we possibly buy America like this