America: My Time

Chapter 150 Reception
Chapter 150 Cocktail Party
Resentment is useless and solves nothing. Even if Tokyo Disneyland wanted to resolve the conflict, it wouldn't be possible, let alone stop it from happening. They can't withstand the pressure from giants like Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank and Mitsui Bank, and these giants won't care about their feelings. Whether they like it or not, they have no choice but to accept it!
Fortunately, John gave Tokyo Disneyland some face, avoiding a direct confrontation between Universal Studios and Tokyo Disneyland. Instead, he opted for a differentiated approach, arranging Universal Marine in Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo, which was a way to give them a way out.

During the day, after discussing with Taro Matsumoto, John decided that Universal Studios and Universal SeaWorld would be taken over by Phoenix Group. Taro Matsumoto would also attend the evening reception to meet with all parties and communicate with each other, so as to avoid being caught off guard and causing problems after the whole plan started.

The people attending this reception weren't just there because of the Universal Studios and Universal Sea World projects; they were also there from various other industries. Such a large project involved enormous interests, and those with ulterior motives would naturally try every means to get involved. If you could get into the reception, you had a chance; if you couldn't, you got nothing.

It can be said that the evening's cocktail party is a test. Those companies that are not capable will be eliminated, and only capable companies are qualified to attend the cocktail party and participate in this feast of wealth!

The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank hosted the cocktail party, so they naturally chose the venue. As the main guest of the evening, John originally wanted someone from Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank to pick him up, but he declined. This time was different from the last cocktail party. The previous one, John didn't know the location and only he and Naoko attended. This time, Matsuda Taro from Phoenix and Koizumi Yoshiko from Elite Agency would be attending. John chose to accompany them again, hoping to learn more about the development of Japanese companies and make targeted changes!

This reception was relatively simpler for John. The Japanese banks and corporations wouldn't be so calculating, and even if they were, it wouldn't be directed at him. John had already stated Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group's decision; all the problems lay with Japan itself, and they would have to fight for the remaining 50% stake.

Of course, there's also the management rights over Universal Studios and Universal SeaWorld! John handed over the management rights of Universal Studios and Universal SeaWorld to Japan on the condition that they could guarantee the interests of Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group. This is unchangeable, and oversight falls in the hands of Phoenix Group.

As evening fell, John and his entourage arrived at the venue for the party. Upon arrival, the bodyguard parked the car in a designated area, got out first, checked the surroundings, and opened the car door for John. He then went around to the other side to open the car door for Naoko. Security was extremely tight; even though it was a private area with minimal danger, they were not careless in the slightest. Their boss was now incredibly wealthy, and Naoko was a top idol, so there were many considerations.

In contrast, Matsuda Taro and Koizumi Yoshiko were not so concerned. Although they were accompanied by people, they seemed very natural and did not feel any danger at all.

Today, Naoko, dressed in a white evening gown, smiled and linked arm with John, exuding a subtle, sophisticated fragrance. She had prepared for this moment for a long time; it wasn't vanity, but rather a matter of face and etiquette—Naoko represented John's image!
"Mr. John, Naoko-chan, good evening." It was quite unexpected that after John and Naoko got out of the car, they ran into Yoshiko, who was with Akio Morita. Yoshiko had obviously been waiting for John and Naoko there.

"Good evening, Miko-nee." Naoko immediately responded with the same greeting. John smiled and nodded to Miko, then followed her into the reception venue. This time, Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank had once again chosen a private location for the reception—a quiet and elegant place that would keep the media out!
Seeing is believing. Although Matsuda Taro and Koizumi Yoshiko had some contact with high society, today they finally witnessed firsthand what understated luxury and a seemingly gentle yet powerful wealth truly meant. This was evident even in the tableware at the party. While not like those of the super-rich in Middle Eastern countries who flaunt their wealth with pure gold, the tableware here was entirely handcrafted by renowned Japanese artisans, each piece exquisitely beautiful. This alone was enough to satisfy anyone with true taste! Those with discerning taste know exactly who crafted the tableware and its true value.

Taro Matsuda and Yoshiko Koizumi used to consider themselves wealthy, belonging to the affluent class. Now, a simple and direct comparison reveals the difference between the rich among the poor and the extremely poor among the rich. Aside from a few tycoon businessmen and powerful families, most people harbor different thoughts and ideas. While they do indeed belong to the top 1% of Japanese society, the tycoon businessmen belong to the 1% of the 1%—the absolute privileged class at the very top of the pyramid.

Upon arriving at the meeting place, John handed Naoko over to Miko. The following matters were not suitable for Naoko's presence; this was a meeting between John and various Japanese parties, and Naoko, as a family member, had to remain outside. Seeing that everyone present was familiar, John nodded slightly and sat down. With John's arrival, the meeting began. As the initiator of this investment, although John wouldn't participate in the distribution of Japanese shares, he still needed to explain the development and layout of Universal Studios and Universal Sea World to everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, now I will introduce the plans for Universal Studios Japan and Universal Marine. Many of you are familiar with the Marine project, which is also located in Chiba Prefecture. Although it may seem a bit crazy, many people only see the surface and think it's Universal's counterattack against Disney. If you think that way, you are very wrong. Universal's choice is also reasonable. Disney has already opened and is doing very well. Marine is located in Chiba Prefecture and is adjacent to Disney, so it can take advantage of Disney's popularity. After all, the two are different. Marine is different from Disney, and it can effectively utilize Disney's popularity. Even if it's only half of Disney's popularity, it will still be a success for the Marine project!"

After introducing Universal Marine, John paused to give everyone time to consider and digest the information. After a moment, he continued, "Everyone already knows about Universal Marine. Now let's talk about Universal Studios. We can't build Universal Studios in Chiba Prefecture like Universal Marine. That's not suitable. It would compete with Disneyland and even divert customers from both, which would be detrimental to the development of Universal Studios. So Tokyo can be abandoned!"

“Mr. John, may I interrupt you? Tokyo is an international metropolis, capable of supporting two major theme parks, or even more. Besides, Chiba Prefecture is not in the center of Tokyo, so we can choose to go in another direction from Tokyo!”

"No, Universal Studios has considered your suggestion. Tokyo is indeed an international metropolis and can certainly support two large theme parks. However, what we need to do is not just create theme parks, but also consider future development, corporate culture, and reputation. Tokyo Disneyland is ahead in this regard. By the time Universal Studios opens, Tokyo Disneyland will have already grown and become a major player. If someone mentions Tokyo theme parks, they will immediately think of Disneyland, not Universal Studios. This is not conducive to Universal Studios' expansion, nor is it good for Universal Studios' brand image. Therefore, Tokyo must be abandoned."

"Mr. John, according to Universal's plans, in which city will the studio be considered for construction?"

"Universal has indeed considered this point, but regarding Japan, Universal's information is not as comprehensive as that of everyone here. In my opinion, Universal Studios needs to be located further away from the Tokyo metropolitan area, so as not to be influenced by Disney. The conditions are that it must be located in one of Japan's top five cities, and it needs sufficient visitor traffic. In short, we need a city with enough popularity and a rich cultural heritage. This requires everyone to discuss together, and we also need to see what kind of preferential policies the city can offer us. A large-scale, international amusement park can bring considerable economic benefits and is extremely beneficial to tourism development!"

"Yokohama is the most suitable city for us. As the second largest city in Japan, it has enough visitors and a rich cultural heritage!"

"What are you Yokohama compared to us? Osaka is the most suitable!" Suddenly, the mayors of all the major cities present started vying for Universal Studios, each wanting to win the bid, and the competition became fierce.

John frowned as he watched the mayors argue. While this might benefit Universal Studios, he didn't have time to waste on unnecessary disputes. He spoke up, "Gentlemen, please don't rush into the competition. That can wait, and the decision will be made based on the overall performance of each city in Japan. Let's first address the construction requirements for Universal Studios and the Ocean Park. Because Japan is located in an earthquake zone, we inevitably need to discuss earthquakes. Construction must be prepared; the standard is to withstand an 8-magnitude earthquake, and this cannot be changed. Both Ocean Park and the studio must have emergency preparedness and measures, and their employees must receive adequate training, which must be maintained long-term. Those who can accept these conditions can participate; those who cannot will not be forced. Universal and Phoenix Group will only hold 50% of the shares; the remaining shares will be discussed by everyone present. Phoenix and Universal will not participate in the discussion. Thank you!"

(End of this chapter)