America: My Time

Chapter 499 Selection Meeting
Chapter 499 Selection Meeting
"It's not that there aren't any. The agency has already formed two major bands, but the integration of Phoenix Group has affected many of their training programs!" At this moment, Kuroki Hitomi answered John's question. With the integration of Phoenix Group, she had taken the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Elite Agency. She had also put a lot of effort into understanding the band formation, which is why she could give John such a clear and accurate answer.

"Do you have their detailed information?" John turned his gaze to Hitomi Kuroki, feeling a slight sense of approval for this woman who possessed both beauty and intelligence. Even after leaving the entertainment industry, she was outstanding in other areas. At least the real estate in Japan was being completed in an orderly manner, and Hitomi Kuroki had offered many of her own suggestions, resulting in John owning numerous properties in almost every resort area in Japan, and these properties were now steadily appreciating in value.

While the overall environment played a role, it also demonstrates the woman's considerable abilities. In contrast, Naoko and Akina Nakamori lacked such ambition. Even though Naoko has gradually reduced her workload, she hasn't focused on the company, opting instead for a relaxed vacation lifestyle.

Hitomi Kuroki didn't disappoint John. She quickly found the information she had compiled. After receiving the information, John couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Elite Agency had finally not let him down. They were fast. Yoshida Miwa's dream came true, and Inaba Koji's BZ was also a success. However, they had just formed a group and still needed time to hone their skills.

"Good, it seems there won't be any problems this time. I can finally relax. Akiko, if you want to participate in the management of Phoenix Group, you can take over Koizumi Yoshiko's position. She has more important work to do. Phoenix Group needs to have its own record company in Japan, and that requires her to accomplish!"

After the integration of Phoenix Group, the record company is an unavoidable topic. Universal Music has already established itself in Japan, but it belongs to Legendary Entertainment. Phoenix Group also needs its own record company, and acquisition is the best option. Of course, it also needs to build its own record company. This requires someone to be in charge, and the best candidate is Yoshiko Koizumi.

The Japanese record industry is currently in a slump, making this the best time for acquisitions. John has his eye on Being Records, and he believes there won't be any problems with the acquisition because their partner is Sony Music, and that old guy Akio Morita won't stop them.

Of course, this also needs to be discussed with Akio Morita in advance to make the acquisition easier and without any obstacles. As for the cooperation, it will continue, but the Phoenix Group will be responsible for the later release of the records.

"I don't have such thoughts. I'm very satisfied with my current life and don't want to make myself so tired!" Kuroki Hitomi refused without much thought. The elite agency seemed very good, but the work there was too heavy. Taking over from Koizumi Yoshiko was not a good decision. It would be better for her to stay at TV Tokyo.

"That's fine too. We'll ask Koizumi Yoshiko for her opinion tomorrow and see who should take over the work at Elite Agency!" John didn't try to persuade her too much on this matter. Not everyone can take on the work at Elite Agency. The work schedule in Japan is very heavy, especially now that the agency has more artists, so it's even busier. It's understandable that Kuroki Hitomi chose to refuse.

These are all minor matters, at least in John's eyes, not worth his attention. If it weren't to divert the attention of those old guys, he wouldn't have made such a big show of things in the entertainment industry, and the integration of Phoenix Group wouldn't have been so rushed. Moreover, John has other plans for coming to Japan this time. He also needs to prepare for the investment in the appreciation of the yen in advance. Tomorrow's Black Monday will inevitably cause turmoil in the stock market and affect the yen as well. This needs to be avoided in advance, so he needs to prepare now to withdraw these investments at the beginning of next year and prepare to enter the next stage of plunder.

"Miko, you will now be in charge of Phoenix Group's record business in Japan. What are your thoughts on the arrangements for Elite Agency? If you have suitable candidates, report them directly without hesitation. Time is limited, and you can't waste too much time on Elite Agency. The record company will be your focus. What are your thoughts on the acquisition of Being Records?"

"Boss, isn't this a bit too hasty? The record company has only just been established, and there are still many things to improve. Isn't it too early to acquire Being Records now? Although their development direction is consistent with Phoenix Records, the timing is a bit rushed, and I'm still a little worried."

"There's nothing we can do about it. The company will be having a major collaboration with the Japanese government, which requires a lot of preparation. So we have to speed things up. I believe you can do it, and they won't refuse our good intentions. As for Sony, I'll talk to Mr. Morita and make sure you don't feel any pressure. You just need to accelerate the development of the record company. You can make use of resources like Tsutaya and 7-Eleven."

"If that's the case, there shouldn't be too much of a problem. The biggest issue with the acquisition of Being Records is Sony. They have a good working relationship with Sony, and as long as Sony doesn't step in to stop it, there won't be any problems. Moreover, they will be interested in the resources we possess. However, if this happens, the record company will probably be operating at a loss for a long time!"

"Losses are not a problem. Phoenix Group is prepared and will provide you with sufficient financial support. However, you need to instruct Elite Agency to speed up the integration of the two bands. They need to have an important performance next year!" Koizumi Yoshiko naturally understood the importance of the matter, given that even her hometown attached such importance to it. Even though she did not know what the important performance was, she knew that this matter absolutely could not go wrong. It seemed that it was necessary to strengthen the integration of the two bands.

"The formation of the band needs to continue. We can't just have these two bands. We need more. The transformation of Elite Studio also needs to be accelerated. We don't have much time left."

After having a conversation with Yoshiko Koizumi, John felt relieved about the Elite Agency. Just as John was about to leave, he discovered a commotion in the agency, with many beautiful girls gathered there.

"Miko, is there any arrangement from the agency? Why are so many people gathered here?"

"That's right, today is the audition for our agency to recruit artists, which is why there are so many people here. With the rise to fame of Miho Nakayama, Yui Asaka, and Chisato Moritaka, many girls who want to enter the entertainment industry consider our agency their first choice, which is why this is the case!"

"The idol market has begun to show signs of crisis, and you should be aware of this. So, in the work ahead, just maintain the current number of idols and don't rush to develop them. Bands and solo singers are the focus going forward, and you can even consider developing in the fields of acting and modeling. Don't invest too much energy in the idol market. Let's go and check on their selection process; hopefully, we'll have some good results."

Suddenly, John wanted to see how the auditions were going in Japan and also wanted to know what was going on at the elite agency. With more people, what impact had it had on the agency? Perhaps this audition would be a good opportunity.

Not long after it started, John noticed a problem: all the girls who came to the audition were very young, and they clearly wanted to debut as idols. John frowned and whispered to Yoshiko Koizumi, "Why are they all so young? We're trying to cut back on investment in the idol market right now. Could there be a mistake with this audition?"

"That's right, this is Japan. Even though we set some conditions, most girls still want to debut as idols. In comparison, there are even fewer candidates for models and actors, and talented solo singers are even rarer. In fact, such auditions are usually only for idols!"

After hearing Koizumi Yoshiko's explanation, John finally understood. The auditions held by these Japanese guys were truly impressive. Unfortunately, John didn't see any outstanding candidates this time. After an hour, he still hadn't found anyone he was satisfied with. The girls who came were mostly idols. Perhaps this was the current situation. After all, Onyanko Club had stirred up a storm, making more Japanese girls want to take this path to the entertainment industry.

Just as John was about to give up and leave, his eyes were suddenly drawn to a beautiful woman who looked playful and cute, with obvious baby fat on her face. Judging from her attire, she was more like a model. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also very tall, at least in Japan. This beauty was wearing a white long dress and high heels, and she was obviously much taller than most of the girls present. Her appearance also brought a smile to the faces of the staff at the elite agency.

Even without a singing talent, such a beautiful woman could make a great model, so everyone quickly perked up and waited for her performance. At that moment, John felt she looked familiar, and he was soon surprised. Wasn't this the future "older sister" beauty, Izumi Sakai? He hadn't expected her to participate in the elite agency's auditions. This was indeed unexpected for John, a big surprise. He hadn't realized that this "older sister" beauty was already participating in various auditions at this time.

(End of this chapter)