A New Chapter in Yokohama
After graduating from art school, Yumi Imai began her career as a web designer at a Yokohama-based trading company specializing in exporting Japanese used cars worldwide.
Her role was clear — she designed, built, and maintained the company’s export website, ensuring that overseas buyers could easily browse listings, request quotes, and connect with the sales team.
Yumi enjoyed her job, but the company faced one major challenge — staff shortages in their overseas sales department.
Meeting Manami
The company decided to hire a mid-career salesperson for international sales. Soon after, a confident, energetic woman named Manami Ogura applied for the role.
During her interview, Manami’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the export industry stood out, and she was quickly hired.
You’ll be working closely with Manami,
Yumi’s boss informed her.
Yumi soon found herself teaming up with Manami on various projects — translating listings, communicating with international clients, and brainstorming ways to improve their website.
Manami’s sharp instincts and warm personality made her easy to work with, and the two quickly became friends.
A Difficult Decision
Despite her talent, Manami often clashed with the company’s CEO. They disagreed on pricing strategies, customer service policies, and long-term goals.
I can’t work like this,
Manami confessed to Yumi one evening.
I’m thinking of leaving.
Yumi’s heart sank.
But you’re so good at what you do.
I know,
Manami sighed.
That’s why I’m going to start my own business — as a freelance export agent.
Supporting a Friend
You’ll need a website,
Yumi suggested.
Manami grinned.
I was hoping you’d say that.
Excited to help her friend, Yumi offered to design a professional, bilingual website to showcase Manami’s services.
Let’s plan it over tea,
Yumi suggested.
Come over to my place this weekend.
An Unexpected Reunion
That weekend, Yumi greeted Manami at her door.
Come in!
Yumi smiled, leading her friend inside.
As they settled in the living room, footsteps approached from the hallway.
Yumi, I’m home!
called a familiar voice.
Manami’s eyes widened as Sachie Imai stepped into the room.
Minchy?!
Sachie gasped.
Sachie?!
Manami exclaimed.
The two women stared at each other in disbelief — it had been years since their middle school days.
You two know each other?
Yumi asked, surprised.
We were classmates in junior high,
Sachie explained with a smile.
Best friends,
Manami added.
The room filled with laughter and memories as the three women chatted — reminiscing about old school days, sharing their recent experiences, and dreaming about the future.
That evening, as Manami left Yumi’s house, she turned back to smile at the two sisters standing in the doorway.
I’m glad I ran into you again,
Manami said.
Sachie grinned.
Me too.
And Yumi,
Manami added,
thanks for being the one to bring us back together.
As Manami walked away, Yumi and Sachie exchanged a smile — knowing that their paths, no matter how different, would always find a way to reconnect.
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