| Miyazawa Koichi is the fourth generation CEO of Kohazeya, a manufacturer of Japanese socks in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture which was founded more than 100 years ago. He is increasingly distressed by worsening cashflow problems as the annual demand for socks drops. One day, Miyazawa visits his his financing bank, Saitama Chuo Bank, to discuss an additional loan. His request is accepted this time but the bank’s loan officer Sakamoto Taro suggests that he try venturing into a new business. Even though Miyazawa casually responded to that fanciful talk in that situation, he begins to give serious consideration for the sake of Kohazeya survival. He soon decides to stake Kohazeya’s survival on the development of running shoes that offer the feel of barefoot running by using the company’s technology for making Japanese socks and immediately takes action. However, this is extremely difficult path for a small company of little more than 20 employees which lacks funds, manpower and development capability as well as the ability to compete against famous global sports brands like Atlantis. But Miyazawa is determined. He is introduced to Arimura Toru who owns a sporting goods store and is a certified running instructor, by Sakamoto. Arimura invites him to come and watch the Toyohashi international marathon in Aichi Prefecture and he heads there with his son Daichi to learn more about running. |
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