America: My Time

Chapter 89 Probing from Various Sides in Japan

Chapter 89 Probing from Various Sides in Japan
This reception was crucial for many industries in Japan, but Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank wouldn't forget its own position. If it weren't for its semi-official status, they wouldn't have taken on this difficult task. In their view, simply inviting John to the reception was already more than enough; they had fulfilled their responsibility. Other matters were irrelevant to them. They wouldn't risk offending John and affecting Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank's interests because of other companies!
In the eyes of the First Industrial Bank, John was the best partner, and his credit was the best. If John was willing to lend money, the First Industrial Bank would definitely do its best to help him. The companies John owned were all true unicorns and absolutely high-quality assets. It was just a pity that John's relationship with Akio Morita made them fall behind Mitsui Bank, but they would not back down and would only do their best to win.

During this period, major banks in Japan had huge sums of money and were eager to find new investors for their funds. High-quality clients like John were essential to attract. Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank was well aware that the previous cooperation was due to John's status, as well as the benefits brought by the smooth acquisition of TV Tokyo and the fact that the Japanese government did not interfere.

How to manage the relationship between the two parties is very important. Therefore, First Bank will not interfere in the issues between various industries in Japan and John, nor will it do anything that is detrimental to its own interests, after all, they are also a conglomerate!

"Don't worry, we know what to do. We just want to leverage his media influence in the United States and the NBC network that is being acquired. We believe that he won't refuse our offer to give him money. We know when to advance and when to retreat, and we understand the efforts that First Industrial Bank has made!"

“That’s right, we understand how tense the situation is right now. To mitigate these negative impacts, NBC’s publicity is very important to us, and we believe we will have a good working relationship with them!”

"I hope you all understand. First-Class Industrial Bank also has its own difficulties. After all, our relationship with them is not as good as that with Mitsui Bank. In fact, if it weren't for the official requirements, we wouldn't have taken on such a difficult task. I hope you all remember our efforts and hard work!"

Downstairs, John met many people from the reception staff of the First Industrial Bank and received quite a few business cards. John also handed out his own business cards. The early 1980s was a period of rapid economic development in Japan, and getting to know more industry leaders would be very beneficial to his development in Japan.

John was well aware of Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank's capabilities; after all, they were Japan's largest bank and the core of the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Group. During this exchange, John met high-ranking officials from Itochu Corporation and Fujitsu—all members of the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank conglomerate!
During the conversation, several people from Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank and other conglomerates came downstairs, drawing everyone's attention. John, watching from the side, had to admit that Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank was indeed a major player in Japan; their appearance immediately stole the spotlight and drew everyone's gaze. Akio Morita was among the group, and it seemed he had a good relationship with the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank tycoon; all of them were smiling broadly!

As these VIPs arrived in the center of the hall, the band's music immediately stopped, and the host began to speak, "Ladies and gentlemen, today's reception is our regular event. To allow everyone to exchange experiences and make new friends, please enjoy the fine wine and food!"

John wasn't particularly conspicuous at the party; not many people in Japan recognized him. Perhaps only the bigwigs of conglomerates and corporate tycoons who needed the power of American media paid him any attention. Not everyone knew John's true identity or how much influence he wielded. In fact, many didn't know that John was the mastermind behind TV Tokyo, given that TV Tokyo's influence wasn't particularly strong.

Although TV Tokyo has completed its transformation, its influence in Japan remains weak, ranking last among the six major television networks. Those who don't truly follow American media wouldn't be aware of the current turmoil in the US, let alone John's expansion in American media and entertainment!

Soon everyone dispersed, and the music started playing. People gathered in small groups, or in circles, or a few ladies together. They began to chat and get to know each other better, or got up to dance. Everyone was very relaxed, and the atmosphere of the party was great, at least on the surface.

Soon, Morita Kiyoshi arrived with a group of Japanese bigwigs to John's side. "John, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Ito, the host of our party today and the owner of this estate. And this is Mr. Matsumoto, the president of Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank!" Morita Kiyoshi quickly introduced the identities of the people around him to John. John responded very politely to each of them: "Hello, Mr. Ito, it's an honor to meet you!" "Hello, Mr. Matsumoto, I hope we'll have time to have a good chat!"

Although John was very polite and enthusiastic, no one dared to underestimate him. The Japanese corporate executives present all knew John's identity and the power he wielded. A young man who could quickly acquire Universal Pictures and NBC was a fool to underestimate, and no one present was a fool!
“John, come on, let’s sit over there. Everyone wants to hear your thoughts on the Japanese economy and trade between Japan and the United States!” Akio Morita, who was very familiar with John, enthusiastically guided everyone. When inviting John, he turned to Naoko and said, “Beautiful lady, do you mind if I take up your boyfriend’s time for a while?”

Naoko politely indicated that she had no objections. She knew that these important figures must have something to discuss, and she also learned about some things about today's party from Akio Morita's home last night!
Of course, Akio Morita wouldn't leave Naoko standing there alone. He beckoned to a beautiful woman nearby, who then came over and said, "Hello, Mr. Morita!"

"Riko, you know Naoko too. You'd better take good care of her tonight!" After saying that, Akio Morita handed Naoko over to Riko, a woman that both John and Naoko knew!

After settling Naoko in, the group walked toward a sofa set nearby. The people there tactfully left, leaving the space for Akio Morita and his group to talk, knowing that they must have something to discuss.

After everyone sat down, the waiter brought over a tray, and everyone took a glass of wine in turn. Then they sat down and began to chat. With Akio Morita in charge of the atmosphere, the scene was very harmonious. During the conversation, these bigwigs from Japan intentionally steered the topic toward trade between the United States and Japan!

“John, what are your thoughts on trade between the US and Japan? Let’s just chat casually, no need to be too formal!” Ito once again steered the conversation towards trade between the two countries, quieting everyone down. Everyone wanted to know John’s opinion, the opinion of the man who was about to take control of a major media force on NBC!

John knew he couldn't keep avoiding the topic. The reason these people had invited him to the party was precisely because of this issue. If he kept avoiding it, it would give them a bad impression and could even affect his investments and plans in Japan.

There's nothing wrong with discussing this issue on my own. After all, there's an irreconcilable trade conflict between Japan and the United States right now, and currency adjustments are inevitable. American conglomerates won't let go, and John can take advantage of today's opportunity to deepen his ties with Japan and accelerate his expansion there!

"Personally, I believe that a trade dispute between the United States and Japan is inevitable in the short term. There are many reasons for this, the most important being market conflicts, which cannot be resolved in the short term. However, with continued communication between the two countries, it can eventually be resolved. It just requires the joint efforts of both sides. Japanese industries need to increase their publicity in the United States and try to change the perceptions of the American people. I believe this is not too difficult! If the two countries can communicate, it will also be an opportunity for you all, an opportunity to invest in the United States!" John's words were calm, but everyone present paid close attention. These were not ordinary people; a decision like this would affect many people's livelihoods and their income.

The prospect of investing in the US has captivated many, especially Akio Morita, who sees it as a reminder from John. Sony needs to accelerate its expansion in the US; otherwise, if the opportunity arrives unprepared, it could lead to disastrous consequences. This is a golden opportunity, and once communication between the two countries ends, Sony will find itself in a very passive position if it tries to acquire Columbia Records and Pictures!
For others, the possibility of expansion and acquisition of US companies was also considered. Furthermore, they believed that increased Japanese investment in the US would help ease trade tensions between the two countries and alleviate their own pressure. As trade issues between the two countries continued to escalate, many Japanese companies faced immense pressure, not only from their US counterparts but also from pressure from US officials.

(End of this chapter)