America: My Time

Chapter 561 Parting on bad terms
Chapter 561 Parting on Unhappily
“I understand, but you also need to be careful about the loan. The banks in Japan are very worried right now, afraid that you will repay the loan early. They are all very anxious and trying their best to make various arrangements.” At this time, Akio Morita also mentioned the situation in Tokyo.

“I know. Naoko told me when I came back that it’s not a big deal and there’s nothing to worry about. The reduction in debt is inevitable. After all, companies can’t bear so much debt, especially the Mandarin Oriental Group. This debt must be reduced. Faced with the pressure from the White House and the current situation in the United States, I have no choice. Some of the real estate in Japan will definitely need to be sold next year, and even the properties I own will have to be sold. I have to make a statement, and I believe you understand that!”

What attitude? Akio Morita naturally understood without asking. As for what he thought, John didn't need to consider it. At this moment, he realized that his plan was progressing very smoothly. Akio Morita had no doubts whatsoever. As for the loan issue, John was even happier. It was good that these Japanese guys were in a panic, as it would give him more opportunities.

"I'll discuss the loan matter with everyone in Tokyo later. Right now, I need to deal with the issues in the US and the situation in the Middle East. The sudden stock market crash has brought many things together at once! When you have time, I'd appreciate it if Mr. Morita could help me look after things in Japan. There are many things I'm not in control of myself."

What a powerful phrase, "beyond one's control"! This single word gave Akio Morita even more to think about. Old guys like him always tend to think of things in the worst possible light, especially at times like this, he would imagine everything to be even worse.

After a brief exchange, John's call with Akio Morita ended. Although John never mentioned Hitomi Kuroki or Akina Nakamori, Akio Morita still made some attempts to communicate with the banks, asking them to exercise restraint.

After his conversation with John, he immediately consulted with Sony's top management on countermeasures. Soon, Sony's production began to slow down in case of any changes. Sony was originally working overtime to produce game consoles to meet the Christmas sales season, but now they had to be cautious. At the same time, Akio Morita also notified Hitachi and Panasonic.

Once he was ready, Akio Morita received invitations from various parties. All the forces in Japan needed to sit down and discuss countermeasures. Although he learned about the changes in the game world immediately, Akio Morita did not keep the news to himself and informed the other parties when making arrangements with Sony.

"Mr. Morita, we want to know if this news is accurate. The game world is going to be sold, and it might even affect Japan's semiconductor industry?" At this moment, the official representative felt extremely heavy-hearted. They had not expected such a situation to occur.

"Accurate, absolutely accurate. This is the information I received from John when I contacted him. The other side not only brought up Lockheed Aircraft Company and special steel and cutting tool companies, but also persuaded the White House. It's clear they want to seize market share in the semiconductor industry. All of this is because someone sold semiconductor manufacturing technology. Now the Americans want to use the game world as a foundation to compete for market share in the semiconductor industry. Not only will Sony be affected, but Hitachi and Panasonic will also suffer significant losses. We are all worried that they will directly abandon the previous OEM cooperation. I think someone needs to give us an explanation, an account!"

"Mr. Morita, this isn't about giving an account, but about how we deal with this crisis. We all know how profitable the game world is, and its development potential is astonishing. The profits from game software alone are tempting, not to mention the profits from hardware. Now those guys want to take back the hardware profits, which will inevitably impact the Japanese semiconductor industry. The game world is currently a powerhouse in the game industry, and its own demand alone accounts for a large share. This situation will be a significant loss for us!"

"It seems this is another one of Toshiba's doing. In order to survive, you've dragged Sony, Hitachi, and Panasonic down with you. What a clever tactic! You're going to drag us down with you when you're down on your own. Don't you think about how much damage this will do to the entire Japanese semiconductor industry? You're harming yourselves and others!" At this moment, how could Akio Morita not know that it was Toshiba's fault again? Otherwise, why would the Toshiba guys stand up at this time?

"Mr. Morita, don't worry. This isn't Toshiba's fault. It's a scheme the Americans had planned from the beginning. We just underestimated their cunning. Even a media mogul like John had to compromise and make so many promises. So even if we don't compromise, it won't matter. They have even more ways to target us! And don't you think John didn't lose anything in this deal? Lockheed Aircraft Company is even more important; it's a military-industrial company."

"What do you mean? Are you doubting John's intentions, or do you suspect he's also involved in this scheme? If you were in his shoes, would you accept such a deal? If he's truly involved in suppressing us, do you think he needed to notify me beforehand so we could prepare? Don't shift your own stupidity and mistakes onto others. We're not that stupid. And if your words get out and John finds out, how serious will the consequences be? If that happens, won't you bear all the consequences?" "Alright, enough arguing. Now we need to consider how to deal with this crisis. Once the transaction in the game world is complete, their plan is finished, and they'll begin suppressing us. Now is not the time to shirk responsibility, nor should we doubt our friends. At least in this matter, we don't think Mr. John is at fault. However, he notified us partly because of his friendship with Morita-san, and partly because he's dissatisfied with their oppression. Of course, we can't rule out the possibility that he wants to exploit us. Faced with such oppression, it would be abnormal not to retaliate!"

Akio Morita could accept these words. It was impossible for him to completely trust John. An old fox like him never trusted anyone. It seemed that John was doing his best to remind him as a friend, but he would not completely trust him. The reason for gathering everyone was his own calculation and purpose. At least with the help of everyone's wisdom, he could figure out John's scheme.

However, the Japanese banking tycoons inwardly sneered at this situation. Despite being part of the same conglomerate, these guys would make different choices when their own interests were threatened. They wouldn't trust their partners, and betraying them for personal gain was perfectly normal for them. Just look at Toshiba. If Toshiba weren't so powerful and influential over Mitsui, how could they repeatedly betray others to ensure their survival? Just like the Japanese government's decision, they betrayed John and implicated him in the US's Star Wars program.

These Japanese people have never been kind to you, and the same goes for the old man Akio Morita. Although he received John's reminder, only he knows what he's really thinking. Moreover, Akio Morita is now wary of Mitsui, after all, how could he not be cautious after learning about Toshiba's situation?

Akio Morita is fully aware of Sony's situation. The US market is their biggest market, and Sony cannot afford to lose it, otherwise it will be greatly affected.

They claimed they were discussing countermeasures, but how could they possibly come up with any under the current circumstances? Japan has never had the upper hand. Now, the Americans are clearly using the gaming world to gradually erode their market share and sever their advantage in the memory chip field.

They weren't unaware of the Americans' moves in South Korea, but they hadn't paid much attention because they knew South Korea's technology was still significantly behind theirs. However, they were now stunned. The Americans had gained some initiative in the battle for the memory chip market, which would have an impact on them.

After some discussion, nothing came of it. Everyone had their own interests and no one wanted to be affected, so naturally, the meeting ended badly. However, Toshiba was resented by them. In Japan's home appliance and semiconductor companies, Toshiba was hated to the bone. They all believed that Toshiba had ruined their plans. If Toshiba hadn't handed over its memory chip production technology to the Americans for their own survival and in exchange for their forgiveness, they wouldn't be under such pressure and threats now.

There are differing opinions within Mitsui, all annoyed by the Toshiba situation but powerless to change it since it's already happened. They all understand that if John was forced to sell the game world, he would undoubtedly harbor deep resentment towards Toshiba and Mitsui. No one is immune to the allure of profit, and John is no exception; they all understand this.

Although John had informed Akio Morita in advance of the impending sale of the game world, there were still major problems, at least for them. Many semiconductor companies in Japan were now at a loss as to whether to continue competing with the Americans for the market or to compromise!

(End of this chapter)