The greatest, most unforgettable event in a hundred years of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical history-the Tokyo office strike-had been resolved. However, no one was toasting the victory. The dismissed employees had originally worked side-by-side with the remaining Kobayashi employees. Why they had to cause such antagonism was beyond regrettable, and many were left with strong feelings of animosity.

Saburo focused on rebuilding the company, and began to build an environment and systems that would allow employees to feel secure and enjoy their work.

Then one day in August, as directors and employees alike were working together thanks to the company rebuilding efforts, an ominous message reached them.

"The president, Saburo Kabayashi has been admitted to hospital!"

The president was not normally in particularly good health, with often a complaint of sore back or stomach, and his diet was not good. With work his only interest and pastime, he was the type to relieve stress accumulated at work by doing more work. The year since the formation of the union, and especially the over two months of strike, had completely exhausted him. Never one to whine or give in, and in spite of the concerns of family and employees, he stuck to his post directing the troops. All the while, though, an insidious disease was invading his body.

The Tokyo office still holds a memorial with the title, "In memory of the late Saburo Kobayashi". A notebook contains the heart-breaking, sad story is written in detail. The first page starts as follows:

2:40 am. The president, Saburo Kobayashi has passed away. From the beginning of the year, his health has been poor. The union problem in Tokyo from March into April, and starting the beginning of May, the related 70-day dispute, left his body and spirit racked from overwork. He held on for the July 9th decision, but then immediately entered hospital for treatment. It was too late, however. Stomach cancer was found, and had already reached a critical stage. In surgery, there was nothing that could be done, so the docter closed the incision and let it heal. Saburo left the hospital in mid-August, and returned to his own home to convalesce. ... [Report of the president's passing was delivered to Branch manager, Nakamatsu in Shinmeicho]

8:30 a m. The following announcement was delivered to all offices:

September 21, a private funeral was held at the Kobayashi home in Masuzuka, Takarazuka City, and a sorrowful company funeral was held October 4 at Abeno funeral hall. The president was born February 7, 1911. The third son of Otojiro and Kashi Horiguchi. On January 13, 1937, he married Kichitaro Kobayashi's only daughter Teruko, and joined the Kobayashi family. After graduating from Osaka University of Commerce in 1932, he joined Kobayashi Daiyakubo, and formally assumed the presidency in 1948. The company developed enormously under his excellent management skills. At 47 years of age, his passing has come much too soon.

An article from the "Yakuji Newspaper" dated Sept. 29, 1958 is inserted in the Tokyo branch's Memorandum, and contains a memorial speech from the president of Okeya Pharmaceutical, Chubei Sakagami. In the article, Mr. Sakagami says, "Outwardly he seemed a very quiet person, but hidden inside was a strong personality with intense enthusiasm, and the strength of will to break through any obstacle. He was the kind of man
whose interests were strictly 'Business'."

In the hospital, and even receiving treatment later in his home, Saburo Kobayashi continued to look forward to his full recovery, so that he could get back to work at the company.