The Fumiguruma Yohi Method, Episode 3: Fumiko Igarashi's Judging Method

Episode 2: The Ghost Woman

Igarashi-san was a peer of Shimura-san. She's the founder of the Memo Writing Awards. When I joined the company, she was like someone living in the clouds. Oh, I was in the sales department until last year. Anyway, Igarashi-san always wore a sharp black suit, had long jet-black hair pulled back, and looked great in black-rimmed glasses. She was a real career woman, like an older sister figure! I really looked up to her.

…Huh? The ghost woman (tentative name) in the black suit, long black hair, and black glasses, who was in my field of vision, seemed to be looking down and shaking her shoulders as if laughing.

What's wrong? Do you know Igarashi-san, Kato-kun?

Oh, no, it's just that the way Arai-san describes Igarashi-san's appearance sounds exactly like someone I know.

A ghost I just met a little while ago, Kato added to himself.

I see. That's cool! But Igarashi-san 'disappeared' before this writing award. I don't know the details myself. Maybe only Shimura-san knows the truth. I really wanted to work with Igarashi-san.

If Kato's deduction was correct—or rather, if you just look at the situation—Fumiko Igarashi was no longer in this world. After all, she was right there, yet no one else could see her.

Anyway, I'm getting off track. This 'Ranbun Method' is the manual for judging the submitted works. We judge them according to the 10 rules written here.

Oh, Fuko-n, thanks. You even explained the 'Ranbun Method' to Kato-kun, didn't you?

Shimura, with his messy hair, returned to the office holding a paper cup of hot coffee. He took the paper from Arai and took over the explanation for her.

This is the key to judging the Creative Awards. Works that don't meet the method won't pass the first round of judging. So, Kato-kun, this content is strictly confidential. Taking it out of the office is also prohibited. Of course, don't upload it to social media either. Since these are the judging criteria, it means that if you write something that properly satisfies them, it's easier to pass the judging.

Arai handed the A4 paper to Kato in an orientation he could read. Feeling like it was something extraordinary, Kato received the paper with both hands as reverently as if it were a diploma. The horizontally written text looked almost like a company motto.

Ranbun Method: Essay Edition

1. Is the title intriguing?
2. Does the opening make you want to keep reading?
3. Is there a message?
4. Is there something beneficial?
5. Is it easy to read?
6. Is it easy to understand?
7. Does it include an episode?
8. Are the particles used accurately?
9. Is there any repetition of words?
10. Are there any typos or omissions?

The ghost woman (tentative name), now Igarashi (tentative), moved behind Kato and peered at the paper. Although the fear had subsided somewhat, it was unsettling to have a person around that only he could see. Or rather, it was scary.

Well then, Kato-kun. Come with me after this. You can call it a day now.

Oh! Shimura-san, you're going out for drinks with Kato-kun, aren't you?

That's right. Fuko-n and Chiyo-san, maybe next time. See you in the lobby in 10 minutes, Kato-kun.

…I wouldn't go even if I were invited.

“Ugh, how unpleasant. You’re so cold, Chiyo-san. Kato-kun, you wouldn’t say something like that, would you? Oh, wait, would that count as alcohol harassment?”

“I’m fine. I’ll head over as soon as I finish cleaning up.”

As he tried to leave the office, the cold gaze of Igarashi (provisional) was still piercing Kato.

(Maybe I’ll talk to her another time.)

Igarashi (provisional) called out to Kato as he was leaving the office.

Episode 4: Fuko Arai and Chiyo Takagi

Episode 1: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n50fe762ef006
Episode 2: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n2aefa79ddb17
Episode 3: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n7766d2efafdd
Episode 4: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n14db0d504832
Episode 5: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/ne3df7df82afc
Episode 6: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/nce363b3a3b6d
Episode 7: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n988d2fbbea88
Episode 8: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/nc7891dfdb586
Episode 9: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/nf24d6f4b8133
Episode 10: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n7df18307a437
Episode 11: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n3729eec39423
Episode 12: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/n986740e6ffa6
Episode 13: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/ne4d645a75975
Episode 14: https://note.com/u_yasushi/n/na38f84e5a63f

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