The boom in military-related business that followed the Manchurian Incident (1931~1933) brings a rapid increase in demand for telephones. The market cost of a telephone is over 1,500 yen. By selling rights to a telephone, one can build a house. Short of selling, a telephone can be used as collateral for a loan of as much as 1,000 yen. The prospect of being selected for telephone rights once a year attracts many hoping to get rich quick, in an overwhelming rush of 168,000 applications. This year only 9,570 are expected to become available. The line of applicants is over 18 times than number. To assure absolute fairness, a lottery is held, and a number of lucky winners are rewarded with a new toehold in life.

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