9
The politician sat in front of them.
He seemed to be choosing his words carefully, but at the same time, his eyes showed fear.
It wasn't failure. Nor was it rejection.
His eyes were afraid to hear the "truth."
Minjun was the first to speak.
"There's no need for complicated words.
So, I'll put it simply."
He gently twirled the glass of water on the table between his fingers.
"It's not that young people don't like to work hard.
They just see through unrewarded effort."
The politician's finger moved slightly.
"So, first of all."
Minjun said straight ahead.
"Create a society where the future can be predicted."
"Prediction, huh...?"
"Yes. For example..."
He gave a specific example.
"How much will my salary increase after three years of work?
What kind of life will I be able to live after ten years of work?
If I get married, will I be able to own a house?"
"These are things that are clearly stated."
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"That's not visible right now.
That's why people don't take chances."
The politician said nothing.
The silence was undeniable.
This time, Kosaku spoke up.
"The second point."
He spoke calmly.
"Don't manage young people.
Instead, leave them to us."
"Leave them to us...?"
"Yes."
Kosaku smiled slightly.
"Let them fail."
The politician looked surprised.
"In today's society, failure means the end.
That's why no one takes on challenges."
He paused slowly.
"But it's actually the opposite.
Only a society that allows for failure is a society that allows for challenges."
Minjun nodded quietly.
Kosaku continued.
"For example--"
"-A system that allows people to return to work even if they quit.
-A system that allows people to find new employment even if they start a business and fail.
-A system that allows people to re-educate, regardless of age."
"Just having these things will motivate people."
The politician took a deep breath.
"...Anything else?"
This time, they both spoke at the same time.
"There is something."
Minjun said.
"Create a space to listen to what young people have to say.
But it should be a space where actual decisions are made, not just a formality."
Kosaku continued.
"And one more thing.
This is the most important thing."
The politician's eyes looked at the two of them.
Kosaku said clearly.
"Don't lie."
The air in the room went still.
"If you can't do it, say you can't.
If it will take time, say it will take time."
Minjun also said.
"Young people don't expect perfection.
They look for honesty."
There was a long silence.
The politician lowered his eyes for the first time.
It wasn't defeat.
It was understanding.
Eventually, he said quietly.
"...How do you know so much?"
Kosaku thought for a moment before answering.
"We are--"
Minjun took over.
"Because we live in that society."
Outside the window, the wind was moving.
Invisible, but a flow that certainly exists.
It can't be stopped.
But it can be read.
For the first time, the politician was beginning to understand the existence of that wind.
