King of Land episode 1
Miyazawa, Kohichi, the president of Tabi (Japanese traditional socks) manufacturer “Kohaze-ya”, suffers financing difficulties in recent years. Shrinking of the market of traditional products promises Kohaze-ya fewer sales result year by year. One day, while he was at company’s main bank for additional funding, the loan teller, Sakamoto, suggested to him to start a new business to recover the company’s situation and it made Miyazawa serious to survive in this age.
After a while, he found a business chance in developing new type of running shoes which traditional technique of Tabi making is applicable. Besides, with an introduction from Sakamoto, Miyazawa met Arimura, an owner of sport shop and running instructor, who gave him useful advice. He invited Miyazawa to an international marathon competition to see real marathon race and runners, so Arimura, Miyazawa and his son Daichi headed to Toyohashi-city where the race took place.
There, two runners have attracted great deal of people’s attention.
Mogi, Hiroto and Kezuka, Naoyuki.
They had been in rival relationship from their college time and Daichi was a fan of Mogi who made great effort to be top runner.
As race started, both of them were in the leading group as it was expected and when they came to the point of last 10 km, Mogi pushed himself to his top speed to run ahead of the leading group. Cheers arose from audience for Mogi’s boldness. But suddenly tragedy happened on his leg which made him impossible to run any longer and Mogi fell down to the street.
Audience included Miyazawa and Daichi lost their voices with the shocking sight in front of them. This accident had Miyazawa determined to develop safety running shoes. Although there were many troubles to overcome, Miyazawa clearly proclaimed to his son to step into the project to make the shoes, “RIKUOH”.
