TV-Series
Description
Kōsaku Shima is a fictional salaryman employed by the conglomerate Hatsushiba Electric, modeled after Panasonic (formerly Matsushita Electric). Born in 1947 as part of Japan's first baby boom generation, his career starts as a subsection chief, later becoming assistant manager. He is informally tagged for promotion to section chief at the story's outset, but this advancement is jeopardized by an affair with a female subordinate, introducing immediate personal and professional conflict.
His career progresses through Hatsushiba Electric's ranks in real time, with each major promotion marking a new narrative series. He rises from section chief (1983–1992) to division chief (1992–2002), then assistant director (2002–2005), director (2005–2006), executive director (2006–2008), president (2008–2013), chairman (2013–2019), senior advisor (2019–2022), and finally outside director (2022–present). This progression reflects over 40 years of continuous narrative development, where characters age chronologically alongside real-world events; his daughter Nami ages from kindergarten to adulthood.
Shima possesses liberal values and a strong sense of justice, distinguishing him from generational stereotypes. He actively opposes discrimination and workplace harassment, demonstrating courage in confrontations, even against underworld forces. Despite a mild-mannered demeanor, he takes principled stands professionally. His personal life includes multiple romantic relationships; divorced and later depicted as single, his connections to women sometimes aid his business endeavors. Notably, a publicized kiss with an actress during his executive tenure drew media attention without professional repercussions.
Prequel spin-offs explore his earlier life: *Young Shima Kōsaku* (2001–2006) and *Young Shima Kōsaku Shunin-hen* (2006–2010) cover early career stages, *Gakusei Shima Kōsaku* (2014–2017) and its sequel *Gakusei Shima Kōsaku: Shūkatsu-hen* (2017–2018) depict university years and job-hunting, and *Kakarichō Shima Kōsaku* (2010–2013) focuses on his subsection chief role. A crossover spin-off, *Tensei shitara Shima Kōsaku datta Ken* (2019), reimagines him within the universe of *That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime*.
Shima's arc reflects broader shifts in Japanese corporate culture, from the 1980s bubble economy to modern neoliberal reforms. He views his company not as an identity but as a venue for "self-realization," adapting to changing business environments while maintaining core values. His global perspective facilitates business successes in China and India, ultimately leading him to head the major corporation.
His career progresses through Hatsushiba Electric's ranks in real time, with each major promotion marking a new narrative series. He rises from section chief (1983–1992) to division chief (1992–2002), then assistant director (2002–2005), director (2005–2006), executive director (2006–2008), president (2008–2013), chairman (2013–2019), senior advisor (2019–2022), and finally outside director (2022–present). This progression reflects over 40 years of continuous narrative development, where characters age chronologically alongside real-world events; his daughter Nami ages from kindergarten to adulthood.
Shima possesses liberal values and a strong sense of justice, distinguishing him from generational stereotypes. He actively opposes discrimination and workplace harassment, demonstrating courage in confrontations, even against underworld forces. Despite a mild-mannered demeanor, he takes principled stands professionally. His personal life includes multiple romantic relationships; divorced and later depicted as single, his connections to women sometimes aid his business endeavors. Notably, a publicized kiss with an actress during his executive tenure drew media attention without professional repercussions.
Prequel spin-offs explore his earlier life: *Young Shima Kōsaku* (2001–2006) and *Young Shima Kōsaku Shunin-hen* (2006–2010) cover early career stages, *Gakusei Shima Kōsaku* (2014–2017) and its sequel *Gakusei Shima Kōsaku: Shūkatsu-hen* (2017–2018) depict university years and job-hunting, and *Kakarichō Shima Kōsaku* (2010–2013) focuses on his subsection chief role. A crossover spin-off, *Tensei shitara Shima Kōsaku datta Ken* (2019), reimagines him within the universe of *That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime*.
Shima's arc reflects broader shifts in Japanese corporate culture, from the 1980s bubble economy to modern neoliberal reforms. He views his company not as an identity but as a venue for "self-realization," adapting to changing business environments while maintaining core values. His global perspective facilitates business successes in China and India, ultimately leading him to head the major corporation.
Cast