Chapter 28: Interview and Shin's dream
Shin sat comfortably in his soft chair, tapping the surface of his office desk. The key employees had gathered in his office.
"Sir, I've been negotiating with retailers in cities outside Tokyo, but they've expressed concerns about reserving space for our FamCom consoles in the mall. Specifically, in the high-visibility, high-traffic flow shelf areas, they're demanding higher rental rates. Given our current financial condition, I didn't agree and have come to seek your opinion," explained Ohara Kobayashi, the Lease Manager of KiShin Electronics.
Shin nodded and replied, "It's acceptable to rent shelf space in less traffic-prone areas if it means lower rental rates."
Ohara followed up, "Can we still sell effectively in less attractive shelf areas?"
Shin smiled reassuringly and said, "Negotiate with the mall management for promotional support of our product. The more we sell, the more it benefits them."
Ohara nodded in understanding.
---
As word spread around Tokyo, people grew eager to try out KiShin's products. The advertising campaign extended beyond kids' channels, with malls and stores throughout Tokyo enthusiastically promoting KiShin's upcoming products.
Following the success of KiShin Electronics' arcade machines, there were high expectations for their upcoming product, the FamCom consoles.
After extensive negotiations with KiShin Electronics regarding retail and leasing arrangements, an agreement was finally reached to sell KiShin Electronics products. This came about after the CEO successfully convinced them, assuring them that arcade machines would be offered at a lower price.
General Manager Kimura had initially been among those angered by KiShin's plans to potentially undermine their arcades by introducing FamCom consoles, which could impact their business at the Ikeburo Center. However, after Shin persuaded them and presented a mutually beneficial agreement, Kimura set aside his grievances. Instead, he not only agreed to sell KiShin's products but also actively promoted them throughout the Ikeburo Center.
This surge in anticipation for the FamCom consoles was particularly noticeable among those who frequented Ikeburo Center. Customers who used to visit for karaoke now shifted their interest to video game machines.
Although the sales of karaoke were affected, the management didn't mind. Similar trends were unfolding in other malls and stores as well.
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Yumi Yamamoto, a journalist from NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai), became intrigued by the trending coverage of KiShin Electronics' arcade machines on TBS. Along with other journalists, she decided to investigate KiShin Electronics.
Yumi had already noticed the KiShin advertisement on the kids' channel, but other journalists had beaten her to the story.
Determined to outpace the TBS reporters, Yumi arrived at KiShin's rented building, only to discover that other journalists had arrived before her, creating quite a buzz.
Other stations were aware of KiShin's first commercial on Asahi Channel, but some disregarded it while others, like NHK, took it seriously. Yumi was just one of many journalists at NHK, and numerous seasoned professionals had already expressed interest in covering KiShin's arcade machines, particularly after seeing the company's debut commercial on Asahi Channel. Yumi, being a newcomer, keenly felt the disparity between herself and the more experienced senior journalists.
---
Following KiShin's advertisement, Koji, a TBS journalist who had been eagerly anticipating KiShin's developments, especially those involving its CEO, was quick to notice it and cover the story first.
After the topic of the intriguing and unconventional arcade gained high ratings, TBS management granted Koji permission to continue exploring the subject. Consequently, the JNN news broadcast continued with Part 2 of the KiShin arcade machines story.
Uninformed viewers watched as Koji introduced the segment.
"For those of our viewers who may not be aware," he began, "we previously delved into the potential revival of the arcade era by KiShin..."
On the screen, the text in the foreground read, "[THE POSSIBLE REIGN OF THE ARCADE ERA...]"
Koji initiated a discussion centered around KiShin. As the conversation progressed, the recording of KiShin's CEO's previous proclamation played, and towards the end of it, TBS journalist Koji requested permission for an interview with Shin himself. Fortunately, the request was granted, but under the condition that only half of Shin's face would be recorded. The lower part of Shin's face was the only portion allowed to be filmed, and KiShin and TBS even formalized this arrangement in a contract.
With the preparations in place, Koji approached the KiShin rented building and entered the CEO's office.
Since everything was pre-recorded, the interview had actually taken place when KiShin's first advertisement aired.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. CEO. I didn't expect you to be this young," remarked Koji as he took a seat prepared in Shin's office.
Koji observed Shinru Suzuki, appearing so youthful that he could easily be mistaken for a 17-year-old.
Shin smiled at Koji's surprised expression. He had just turned 18, so he still retained a certain youthful and boyish charm, although subtle stubble was already starting to grow.
Koji composed himself and spoke on national television, "Mr. CEO, you proclaimed that you would surprise me soon, but I didn't anticipate being not just surprised but genuinely shocked when I watched that advertisement on the Kids channel." He expressed a series of sentiments before continuing, "It's such a noble idea, having an arcade in the home. But are you confident it will be as successful as the arcade machines?" He expressed doubt, acknowledging that while the arcade machines had an impressive initial run, the data he had accessed indicated a gradual decline over time. Many malls and stores were hesitant to acquire the arcade machines due to this decline.
Shin responded with a serene smile, and the camera zoomed in on his slender lips, which exuded a mysterious allure. "I am absolutely certain that not only will our FamCom consoles find success, but they will thrive across Japan," Shin stated confidently.
"That's quite a bold statement," Koji exclaimed with a chuckle. "While I'm curious about this new product that has captured our viewers' attention, may I ask why you started this company?" He recognized that his curiosity was shared by viewers who had experienced KiShin arcades and were eager to comprehend why a company had ventured into what seemed like an abandoned arcade industry.
Shin smiled warmly and replied, "I embarked on this journey because it's my dream. A dream where nearly everyone gets to know and enjoy video games."
Koji expressed surprise, "A dream of everyone playing video games? Does that mean even the elderly and busy individuals will be playing? That's quite an ambitious dream!" Koji offered his praise with a hint of playful mockery.
Some households, whose members hadn't experienced playing arcades or were unfamiliar with video games, joined in with scoffs, finding such an idea implausible.
Even those who had enjoyed KiShin arcades chuckled at the CEO's youthful idealism. It seemed unlikely that everyone, including those who had never shown an interest, would suddenly take up gaming.
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