Light of Rebirth #42 The Temperature of Rules

(Continued from #41)

Mitsui: "I'm sorry, this is more of an opinion or a question from my perspective as an accountant, if you will."

Looking into his serious eyes, I nodded to encourage him to continue.

Mitsui: "I am genuinely moved by what a very kind new system this is. I understand well that the Vice President has made this decision with everyone's best interests in mind. I am sure everyone will be happy."

However, because I have things like financial closing, I don't think I can take that special leave on my own birthday.

It's a kind gesture, but for me, it's not that I'm not happy about it, but it feels like a new system that doesn't have much meaning. I am very happy about it, but I think it's just impossible for me to take it.
I'm very happy, but I think it's just impossible for me to take it.

For the past few years, on my birthday, I've always come home late at night, thinking, 'Ah, my birthday is almost over.' My family is already asleep by then."

Perhaps because they could picture the scene, everyone listened in silence.

Amidst an atmosphere of 'it can't be helped,'

I said, "I see. So, depending on your job responsibilities and duties, you can't take special leave even on your birthday. I understand that you wouldn't want to take it if it meant your work would pile up and end up strangling you."

Since the workplace is run by a small number of people, there is no one to cover for you. That would be counterproductive. I can't force you to take it.

That would be unfair, wouldn't it?"

Silence. The other executives had an air of, 'Well, that can't be helped; we know Mitsui is a hard worker who does things steadily, and financial closing work is a world we don't understand.'

After a moment of contemplation, I spoke.

I said, "Then, how about this? Depending on the circumstances, why don't you use the leave on the birthday of one of your family members?"

If you let your supervisor know in advance, why don't you take your refreshment leave on that desired date with your family?"

The HR manager looked surprised.

Mitsui's eyes lit up.

Mitsui: "If that's the case, if I could use that special leave for my daughter's birthday, my wife and daughter would be overjoyed."

If I could do that, I think the three of us could spend a truly wonderful day together. Are you really sure about this?"

I nodded quietly, and the HR manager also had a look that said he would check with the labor and social security attorney, but that it might be an option.

Mitsui, "Vice President, thank you. I think that is an amazing story."

I smiled, imagining that Mitsui would surely talk passionately to his three-year-old daughter tonight, just as he did on the night after the last general employee meeting.

A quiet sense of relief spread through the conference room.

Kadowaki raised his hand again, "Vice President, in that case, wouldn't single people be at a disadvantage? Um, is a lover's birthday not allowed?"

As I was about to speak with a wry smile, the HR manager said, "You're the one who needs to think about how to approve that," so I looked at him with a grin.

The manager of the headquarters branch of the used car sales department said, "It's only once a year. I don't know which of your girlfriends you'll choose, though." Kadowaki, looking somewhat flustered, said,

"No, I only have one person now, so it's fine." Laughter erupted at that remark. Mitsui looked like he regretted saying it.

The used car sales manager said, "Don't change it every year. I'll remember the date of your special leave."

I said, "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing how you handle the advance application process, so please think about it."

Everyone's smiles and Mitsui's wry smile rippled through the conference room.

(To be continued)