Special Announcement! 111mm, 54 van Old nu: in Lave, Lament: m Lave
As an editor, the most rewarding moment is when something I've worked on
Ann" lliynrnhi llntlume'! "so" The an sum Finliiy lain-ted mum“ nun-ur- Bonk lnnmumcl: As an editor, the most rewarding moment is when something We worked on
is compiled for a major release.
I want to help spread as many copies into the world as I can.
Oh, the person in charge of "54"?
Book Sales Department
It's Chiba.
Book Sales Department
I want to put it in the hands of as many people as possible.
Chiba-kun!
A man who can work, that's the type she likes
I psyched myself up and got down to business
But I'm always so busy and so bored
The company I work at now is pretty high level
And my dad has a lot of connections there
So there's no way I can quit
I'm always all by myself
I just take a bath and fall asleep
I can't even take the time to admire
Your hair or [he way you walk
If all I can do is sleep
Then at least in my dreams
I want to see you
Reward Man
"Reward Man."
Reward Man
Only 20,000'?!
That's not nearly enough!
No, actually that's on the high end. We're going out on a limb, so be grateful.
I mean, if you consider that 10,000 is the average for a first press, then sure, it's a lot...
But Natsume-sensei has...
The book she released last year had 50,000 copies printed... but only sold about 67% of that.
Which means that, in actuality, her sales numbers average out to about 30,000.
That's the number we came to when I talked it over with my boss,
and I personally think 20,000 is plenty.
You've been totally brainwashed by being in sales.
I suppose.
Unlike you folks in editorial, those of us in sales tend to be realists.
Well, you've only ever worked with magazines, Matsukata,
so you don't understand the intricacies of books.
If we print too many and the stores end up returning them, then it puts us in a tough spot.
You're the one who doesn't understand!
"54" is the most popular piece in our magazine right now!
It's become more popular than anything else we've ever printed!
People will buy copies by the truckload if you just print them, I can feel it!
I'm telling you a boom is coming!
I get it! I hear you, so please stop spitting rice all over me.
Out of all things, why did you pick a natto roll to eat for lunch, anyway?
Right back at you.
Huh?
It's all over your face... the meat sauce from your lunch.
"I can feel it"... "A boom is coming"...
None of that is concrete proof, so it's completely unreliable to me.
As much as I hate to say it.
Editors usually have an emotional attachment to their work, which is why...
they always overestimate the number of copies necessary.
Dealing with those numbers more realistically
Makoio Chiba (2a) Employee at Gotansha Publishing Inc. e Book Sales Department Dealing with those numbers more realistically
Makoto Chiba (2a) Employee at Gotansha Publishing Inc. 7 Book Sales Deparlmeni
Makoto Chiba (2a) Employee at Gotansha Publishing Inc. ' Book Sales Deparlmeni is our job in the sales department.
Makoto Chiba (2a) Employee at Gotansha Publishing Inc. 7 Book Sales Deparlmeni
Makoto Chiba (2a) Employee at Gotansha Publishing Inc. ' Book Sales Deparlmeni We get a lot of flack for it.
Makoto Chiba (2a) Employee at Gotansha Publishing Inc. 7 Book Sales Deparlmeni
I'm sorry.
I tried my best, but everyone has already made up their minds.
So the first press will only be 20,000 copies...
Ah... okay.
I'm really sorry!
I wasn't convincing enough!
No, you've done more than enough.
Don't worry! It will definitely get an additional print!
No, that's okay.
"54" is a boom waiting to happen.
I can already picture the faces of those jerks in sales when it sells out and they panic to print more!
How can I help you?
Thank you and come again!
Thank you!
Good afternoon! My name is Chiba from Gotansha Publishing.
Is your manager, Fujita, in today?
Oh, hello there, Chiba-san!
Hello!
Always a pleasure to do business with you.
Well business has been booming lately!
Particularly Koganezawa-sensePs "Party of Darkness 4: Knock Your Socks Off"!
That series has been selling more and more with each volume.
The next installment will be ready to hit shelves by next month!
Great! Then we'd like to put in a large order.
Thank you very much!
Huh?
No More Avmess Love For Me Miyoshi Natsume
No More Nrrfless Love For Me uwwa Maw-m Naisumesensefs...
No More Avmess Love For Me Miyoshi Natsume
No More Aimless Lave For Iulle Miyoshi Hatsurne Last time I was here, you just had them on the shelves, right'?
Yeah.
But lately they've really been moving out the door.
That serial your company is publishing, "54," has been getting a lot of buzz lately.
As you can see, even men have started to buy her older books.
So I decided to try moving them out of the women's section and into the main area for everyone.
Oh?
I'm telling you a boom is coming!
N0 More Aimless Love For Me
Thank you very much.
Would you like a book cover for it?
Oh! "54" will actually go on sale in hardcover next month.
Really?
Please consider placing an order.
Just between you and me...
I'm actually really looking forward to it!
Huh?
I find the main character to be very relatable, if you know what I mean.
Really?
Are you telling me you're in a similar situation, Fujita-san?
A forlorn old man finding true love, just maybe!
Is that so? Then you're really living the dream!
Assure everything goes as smooth as possible.
A fundamental part of making sales.
And in order to make sure that all interactions go smoothly...
any quips and reactions to jokes must be equally as smooth.
Sincerity is not necessary.
All we have to do is avoid losses to the company.
And stay focused on moving
Author Miyoshi Nalsumsrs "54" Hardcover All-in-One Coming Soanl Fla-experience lhe Heartbreaking Lave Slary ol lhe 54-year-old Talsuol the products out to retailers.
Author Miyoshi Nalsumsrs "54" Hardcover All-in-One Coming Soanl Fla-experience lhe Heartbreaking Lave Slary ol lhe 54-year-old Talsuol
I skimmed through when JIDAI started publishing it...
but I haven't read the whole thing properly.
Author Miyoshi Natsume's '54' Hardcover All-in-One Corning Soon! F-Ie-experienoe the Heartbreaking Love Story of the 54-year-old Tatsuo!
Author Miyoshi Natsume's '54' Hardcover All-in-One Corning Soon! F-Ie-experience the Heartbreaking Love Story of the 54-year-old Tatsuo! The main character is a cheating old man named... Tatsuo, that's right.
Author Miyoshi Natsume's '54' Hardcover All-in-One Corning Soon! F-Ie-experienoe the Heartbreaking Love Story of the 54-year-old Tatsuo!
He has the same name... as my old man.
I don't let myself get emotionally attached to books that I work with.
Because four years ago...
I got emotionally attached to a certain book.
I got emotionally attached to a oertain book.
Drwwwll llnlvnl. “luau a Iillliwnilrn in 5 llmuus“ ll! um sunn- llmnlilll'.!
It was just one of those everyday "how-to' books, but...
Drwwwll llnlvnl. “luau a Iillliwnilrn in 5 llmuus“ ll! um sunn- llmnlilll'.!
A woman I really liked was involved with it.
I ran around to every bookstore I could find.
Created promotional materials.
Wrote advertisements.
Did everything I possibly could.
III ill' Silirih. IIIIIfllQI Did everything I possibly could.
"Become a Billionaire in 5 Ilirlulzes“
And it sold!
"Become a Billionaire in 5 Ilirlulzes“ It sold big time!
"Become a Billionaire in 5 Ilirlulzes“
We did it!
It made the best sellers!
Prmllll llethlwll! "Immune I Iiflilllllirl in 5 Minute!“ I“ th: Senrltl Randal“!
At the very least, I felt that my contributions had been a significant part cf its success.
Prmllll llethlwll! "Immune I Iiflilllllirl in 5 Minute!“ I“ th: Senrltl Randal“!
That book sold really well, "Become a Billionaire in 5 Minutes"!
There's going to be an additional printing, they said. That's amazing!
Well, you know... all that work I put in with the writer really paid off!
It made me so angry...
I was so pissed off at myself... for expecting anything more.
My name is Chiba, I was in charge of pushing sales for your book.
Ah... hello.
Furukawa-san!
Oh!
Come on, everyone is waiting!
Furukawa-san, congratulations!
No, it's nothing. This was all thanks to your hard work.
How stupid am I'?
Did you just expect to get a reward... like some kind of puppy?
Idiot...
Read it.
Is that the proof copy'?
No. That isn't finished yet, so I just printed a copy from our data.
I made the cover myself. Just give it a read!
Wait, I told you I already read some when it was published in JIDAI.
Take it!
You need to have a little more appreciation for this book!
Then you can sell it!
Now listen...
I told you, if we got attached to every single book we sold, then we couldn't do our jobs properly.
We have a lot of books to sell.
Besides, I'm free to decide which books I want to invest myself in or not, right?
What right do you have to tell me which books I should appreciate?
I don't...
Exactly.
But, you should still read it!
Afterwards you can decide whether you want to be invested or not!
Mouth. Meat sauce.
Here.
Thank you.
So that's why I want the guys in sales to understand
the feelings of those of us on the front lines.
So, what about your department?
Do they all understand how the people in sales feel?
Huh?
Have you ever thought about what the sales department goes through?
They also have their own front lines to fight on.
What...'?
Oh, thank you.
Hello, this is Yamashiro.
Ah, thanks for all of your help.
Oh, regarding that...
Yes... that's right... I'll make sure they get the message in the morning.
I'm very sorry about that.
Chiba: Visiting bookstores till 2PM
I'll be back before today's departmental meeting.
Alright.
I've heard people say that he was one of the most talented salesmen...
...but he's really changed... Chiba-kun.
Anyone would change after spending 5 years at one company.
He has a severe attitude problem.
Well... he told me once...
In the beginning, he was REALLY invested in his work.
But ultimately that came back to bite him pretty hard.
So he's trying to change that.
"Change"...?
Not getting too personally attached, or something like that.
Is that true?
Yeah.
At least, that's what I heard.
Damn it... this is really good!
I don't want my best efforts to get betrayed in the end.
I don't want... to feel hatred towards anyone.
Don't get attached.
Don't go the extra mile.
Be flat.
In the end, that is the best method to make sure...
that everything goes smoothly.
You made a sign to promote the release?
Iuliyoshi Natsume, The author of JIDAPs Hit Serial '54'! Get Her Other Books Before They're Gone! You made a sign to promote the release?
Miyoshi Natsume, The author of J|DA|'s Hit Serial "54"! Get Her Other Books Before They're Gone!
Iuliyoshi Natsume, The author of JIDAPs Hit Serial '54'! Get Her Other Books Before They're Gone! Yeah. I know these were published by a different company, but...
Yeah. I know these were published by a different company, but...
Honestly, we keep getting too many questions about the release date for "54."
The number of people buying her other books just keeps increasing.
We ordered more copies of these two here.
H0 More Airnless Love for Me Knock on the Heart Iuliyoshi Hatsurne M iyoshi N atsume
No More Airnless Love for Me Knock on the Heart Iuliyoshi Hatsurne M iyoshi N atsume Now we're waiting on the next print.
H0 More Airnless Love for Me Knock on the Heart Iuliyoshi Hatsurne M iyoshi N atsume
I have to do something to keep my spirits up.
Actually... that woman I mentioned to you before...
She... cut off contact with me recently.
The woman you mentioned before...'?
I told you last time that I really related to Tatsuo... the protagonist of "54," remember?
Oh!
Honestly, at this point "54" could almost be my biography.
I thought that was just a joke during our little chat...
"Expecting" or "feeling" a boom...
That's just an illusion created by the editor's personal attachment.
Such personal attachments are unfit for a salesman.
Or so I thought...
But...!
Books which elicit that kind of response can result in action that may help move sales!
No, that will definitely move sales!
In truth, I...
knew that all along!
Meeting in Progress
Meeting in Pmgrcss In regards to the first press numbers for "54"...
I think we should print 50,000 copies.
Huh'? I thought we agreed on 20,000.
Yes, but I think we should increase that to 50,000.
Natsume-san doesn't really have any male readership, right?
No...
But the serial published in our magazine has become really popular, so I think it would be good.
Exactly.
But we can't tell whether the book will actually sell or not just based on that.
I suppose so.
There's also no guarantee her female readers will stay with her for this release.
But...
I've visited multiple bookstores and noticed her work is being prominently displayed.
And some stores have even created their own signage for her.
Iuliyoshi Natsume, The author of JIDAPs Hit Serial '54'! Get Her Other Books Before They're Gone! And some stores have even created their own signage for her.
Miyoshi Natsume, The author of J|DA|'s Hit Serial "54"! Get Her Other Books Before They're Gone!
Just because you saw that in a few bookstores around here
doesn't mean it's true for the whole country.
Of course, I can't deny that.
Besides, from looking at the data we already know, her sales numbers have been dropping every year.
She's losing steam.
Why print more copies?
I keep telling you...
Don't get caught up in the fervor.
Keep a clear head when you make decisions.
There's not enough demand for us to print 50,000 copies.
20,000 is more than enough, right?
Yeah... I suppose so.
There will be a demand!
And I'm fully prepared to carefully explain to you all the reasons I know that to be the case.
Keep it short.
I've already decided that I'm in agreement with him.
Ah, I'm exhausted...
Why did I get dragged into all that?
Why did I get dragged into all that‘? You know I just want to say, that's what the world calls love
Matsukata! You know I just want to say, that's what the world calls love
Yes‘? You know I just want to say, that's what the world calls love
Yes?
The first press number for "54"
got raised to 40,000 copies.
WHAT?! No way!
If even a faint glow shines from within those tears
Why? That's double what it was! If even a faint glow shines from within those tears
Well... that friend of yours... Chiba, was it? If even a faint glow shines from within those tears
Well... that friend of yours... Chiba, was it?
I'll tell you that they warmed me up as I stood in trunt at you
I'll tell you that they warmed me up as I stood in front of you
Yes. I'll tell you that they warmed me up as I stood in front of you
He was at the meeting... and made a really passionate argument for over 3 hours. I'll tell you that they warmed me up as I stood in front of you
He was at the meeting... and made a really passionate argument for over 3 hours.
He was at the meeting... and made a really passionate argument for over 3 hours. But even then, our voices will just dry out in the end
But even then, our voices will just dry out in the end
Eventually the sales department manager, Kaneko, gave in to him. But even then, our voices will just dry out in the end
Huh? But even then, our voices will just dry out in the end
Well, personally speaking, I don't hate persistent guys like him. Actually... But even then, our voices will just dry out in the end
Well, personally speaking, I don't hate persistent guys like him. Actually...
Well, personally speaking, I don't hate persistent guys like him. Actually... So before morning comes,
So before morning comes,
H-hey! I wasn't done talking to you yet! So before morning comes,
H-hey! I wasn't done talking to you yet! I'd at least like to sing with someone
If yesterday you were only an imitation
Chiba-kun actually... Chiba-kun actually did it! He fought for us! If yesterday you were only an imitation
If yesterday you were only an imitation
Then I just have to leave the view from yesterday behind
Coming. Then I just have to leave the view from yesterday behind
Excuse the late visit! I wanted to be able to tell you this in person... Then I just have to leave the view from yesterday behind
Excuse the late visit! I wanted to be able to tell you this in person... What brings a new day is a new you and me
What brings a new day is a new you and me
40,000! It's 40,000! What brings a new day is a new you and me
Huh? What brings a new day is a new you and me
The first press order for "54" was doubled, it's 40,000 now! What brings a new day is a new you and me
The first press order for "54" was doubled, it's 40,000 now! Somehow we understand each other
Doubled? Can that really happen? Somehow we understand each other
Doubled? Can that really happen?
That's what the world calls love
Yes. That's what the world calls love
Yes.
I never knew letting the heart speak could he so terrifying
A man in our sales department named Chiba worked really hard on our behalf during a meeting. I never knew letting the heart speak could he so terrifying
I never knew letting the heart speak could he so terrifying
Chiba-san in sales...'? You and I lune our voices l0 each other
You and I tune our voices to each other
I've never met him before... You and I tune our voices to each other
I've never met him before...
And sing as if everything in the past never happened
And this is the first time I've even heard his name... And sing as if everything in the past never happened
So why did he...? And sing as if everything in the past never happened
Sensei... And sing as if everything in the past never happened
Most people in sales never meet with the authors directly. And sing as if everything in the past never happened
Most people in sales never meet with the authors directly.
Most people in sales never meet with the authors directly. There will come a day when we lose faith in someone
Of course, that's just the nature of their job. There will come a day when we lose faith in someone
But, if they don't get out there and push sales for us... There will come a day when we lose faith in someone
But, if they don't get out there and push sales for us...
But, if they don't get out there and push sales for us... For now let's at least sing a beautiful sung
For now let's at least sing a beautiful sung
then the stores wouldn't carry our books! For now let's at least sing a beautiful sung
If we only used sad words, uh yeah
It's out. If we only used sad words, uh yeah
It's finally out! If we only used sad words, uh yeah
It's finally out!
The day has come!
Nothing would ever change
Hello?
Who care what those jerks did
Oh, is this Chiba-san? Who care what those jerks did
We sold out of "54" almost immediately! Who care what those jerks did
We sold out of "54" almost immediately!
If yesterday you were a hetrayer
If yesterday you were a betrayer
What? If yesterday you were a betrayer
We'd like to order another 50 copies! If yesterday you were a hetrayer
If yesterday you were a betrayer
Hello? Chiba-sen? Can you hear me‘? If yesterday you were a betrayer
Hello? Chiba-san? Can you hear me'?
Then I just have to forget the view from yesterday
Ah... yes, I heard you! Then I just have to forget the view from yesterday
Yes, that's right! Order another printing! Then I just have to forget the view from yesterday
What brings a new day is love that's almost too sweet
50,000? That's not enough. What brings a new day is love that's almost too sweet
Make it 70,000! What brings a new day is love that's almost too sweet
We make sense of it together
Hello, Chiba-sen? We make sense of it together
We'd like to order another 30 copies as soon as possible! That's also what the world calls love
Currently out of stock! That's also what the world lls love
That's also what the world calls love
60 more, please! I never knew letting the heart speak could he so terrifying
Matsukata! I never knew letting the heart speak could he so terrifying
Second printing of 90,000 is on the way! I never knew letting the heart speak could he so terrifying
Second printing of 90,000 is on the way! Somehow our voices tune to each other
For real'?! Somehow our voices tune to each other
And sing as if everything in the past never happened
Roger that! And sing as if everything in the past never happened
WE DID IT! And sing as if everything in the past never happened
Nlig-"uslli Natsulnefs "54" Now on Sale! And sing as if everything in the past never happened
Nlig-"uslli Natsulnefs "54" Now on Sale!
Excuse me, do you have "54"?
I'm very sorry. We're currently waiting on a new shipment to arrive.
Esteek Expeetell llill lilelleln her I'm very sorry. We're currently waiting on a new shipment to arrive.
esteek Expected ll ill lilellelll her
Tap ‘ID Best: Sellers For "54" by lliyeshi hlatsulne
"54" Celebration Party over 540,000 copies anld
"54" has sold over 540,000 copies! Congratulations!
Cheers!
Thank you so much.
I owe so, so much to everyone here.
Sensei... this is such great news!
Thank you, Nagisa-san!
Can I get your autograph on my copy?
Of course.
Someday, I'll be the one to...
To Mayu Nagisa All my thanks. Someday, I'll be the one to...
To Mayu Nagisa All my thanks.
Nobody needs to know.
If the book sells well... that's all that matters.
Sensei! This is Chiba from our sales department.
I apologize for not introducing myself earlier.
I'm Chiba, and I was the salesman in charge of pushing your new book.
Ah! So you're the one!
Huh?
Urn... thank you so very much for working hard to sell my book.
It's nothing...
Thank you, please excuse me.
Natsume-sensei! May we take your picture?
Of course!
Chiba-kun!
Chiba-kun...?
I never expected that I would actually... get real gratitude from an author.
I'm happy...
So happy...
We're all happy!
Here.
They had the meat sauce you like.
Thanks.
As an editor...
one of the most rewarding moments is when something you've worked on
gets compiled into a major release.
I wonder what the most rewarding moment is for those in sales'?
Is it when the book sells really well?
Or is it...
You've got sauce... all over your mouth.
Later... I think I'll ask Chiba-kun what he thinks.
Shangri-la
Even in my dreams you can't manage a proper smile
I just want to chide and love a hopeless person like you
Today I thought about you and now I can't sleep
Where shall we go'!
Ahh... ahh...
Shangri-la
Let me hear you shout "|'m happy!"
Let me see the tears underneath your tough exterior
Shangri-la
Today I thought about you and now I can't sleep
Please chide and love a hopeless person like me
Shinji Niee Wrk Tday D y-ur hesl. hul dn'! wear yursell ul. -Shinii Please ehide and love a hopeless person like me
Shinji Nice Wrk Tday D gur besl. bu! dn'! wear y-ursell ul. -Shinji
Next Episode: Accomplished Hataraki Man
Next episode: "Accomplished Hataraki Man."
Next Episode: Accomplished Hataraki Man