Chapter 42: Popularity
"Hello, this is the Studio Director of Madranch™. Are you interested in requesting an animation project?" Ishigi's voice, though forced to sound enthusiastic, came through on the other end of the phone.
"Hi, this is Lee Han, the General Counsel of KiShin Electronics," Lee Han introduced himself to the other party.
"Oh, KiShin Electronics? Ah, yeah, yeah, do you need some animation help for your projects?" Ishigi, although somewhat clueless about KiShin Electronics, tried to feign familiarity in the hope of securing a deal.
"I'm interested in meeting with you. Can we arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss our potential collaboration?" Lee Han inquired.
"Of course, of course. Let's meet at your place, where is your location, sir?" Ishigi, unaware of Lee Han's true intentions, agreed to the meeting.
"No, I'll come to your company headquarters myself. Let's meet tomorrow," Lee Han suggested with a friendly smile, to which Ishigi consented.
---
Ishigi was in a good mood. The call seemed to bring the promise of a potential client who might request an animation project, which could translate into much-needed income for the company. He immediately called his friend and creative director, Hikaru.
"Hey, someone just called me! They want to meet to discuss potential business!" Ishigi excitedly shared the news with Hikaru.
Hikaru, equally surprised and excited, responded, "Really? What's the name of the client or their company?"
Ishigi patted him on the shoulder and casually remarked, "Who cares, it's not that important, anyway."
Hikaru twitched in response and said, "You're an idiot. Knowing our client is crucial. It helps us assess their situation and, if they're a big company, maybe we can negotiate a better deal for more money, right?"
Ishigi shook his head at his friend's persistence and finally revealed, "Well, anyway, the company's name is KiShin. I actually don't know much about them."
Hikaru nodded and felt a strange familiarity with the name. "Yeah, maybe they're a small and lesser-known company, but something about the name rings a bell..."
"Really?" Ishigi raised an eyebrow, curious about Hikaru's sudden interest.
Hikaru abruptly left the room, leaving Ishigi puzzled. After a while, Hikaru returned with a shocked expression.
Ishigi inquired, "What happened to you?"
Hikaru exclaimed, "We've struck gold! KiShin is a rising company in Tokyo!"
Ishigi put down his pen and looked at Hikaru in amazement. "Really?"
Hikaru nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! I remember now. The reason the name KiShin sounded familiar is that my child kept pestering me to buy their FamiCom!"
With Hikaru's excitement, Ishigi couldn't help but share in the excitement.
---
The buzz around KiShin SKT FamiCom continued to grow throughout the streets of Tokyo. This time, it wasn't just small-time journalist Koji Nishida from TBS covering the trend; various channels and media outlets were featuring it. The result was a surge in sales and an even higher demand for the gaming console.
Distributors placed numerous orders with KiShin Electronics to meet the soaring demand. Due to KiShin's strict regulations set by its founder and CEO, Shinro Suzuki, key employees couldn't force workers to overwork. As a result, the company had to hire additional employees to fill time shifts.
Meanwhile, a prominent TV channel was also covering the rise of KiShin, bringing even more attention to the company's meteoric success.
NHK News - August 25, 1990
[Opening music and NHK News theme]
Yumi Yamamoto (Journalist): Konnichiwa, viewers. I'm Yumi Yamamoto, reporting for NHK News. Today, we bring you a remarkable story that's taking Tokyo by storm, one that's rekindling the flame of the video game industry.
[Camera shifts to Yumi Yamamoto standing in front of a bustling Tokyo arcade.]
Yumi Yamamoto: The world has thought video games had all but faded into obscurity, a new player has emerged, and it's electrifying the gaming landscape. We're talking about KiShin SKT FamiCom.
[Images of KiShin KiShin SKT FamiCom showcasing "Super Mario Bros." gameplay.]
Yumi Yamamoto: KiShin initially made waves in arcades with their groundbreaking game "Super Mario Bros." It's unlike anything we've seen before. And now, they're expanding into the home gaming market with the KiShin SKT FamiCom.
[Camera pans to a KiShin SKT FamiCom console with a controller.]
Yumi Yamamoto: Yes, you heard it right. KiShin's FamiCom, a gaming console that's creating a buzz like never before.
[Cut to footage of people lining up at stores to purchase the KiShin SKT FamiCom.]
Yumi Yamamoto: Tokyo residents are lining up at stores across the city to get their hands on the coveted KiShin SKT FamiCom. It's a gaming sensation that's sweeping the nation.
[Images of people playing "Super Mario Bros." on the FamiCom.]
Yumi Yamamoto: And what's driving this newfound craze? It's the game that started it all, "Super Mario Bros." This game, filled with colorful characters and innovative gameplay, is captivating players of all ages.
[Cut to an interview with a young gamer.]
Young Gamer: I used to think video games were a thing of the past. But KiShin brought them back to life with "Super Mario Bros." It's addictive, and I can't get enough of it!
[Return to Yumi Yamamoto.]
Yumi Yamamoto: KiShin SKT FamiCom has breathed new life into video games industry. The FamiCom is selling like hotcakes, and "Super Mario Bros." is becoming a household name.
[Camera zooms out to show Yumi Yamamoto with the bustling Tokyo arcade in the background.]
Yumi Yamamoto: It's clear that KiShin has reignited the passion for video games here in Tokyo, and we can't wait to see what this innovative company has in store for us next.
[Closing music and NHK News logo.]
Yumi Yamamoto: That's all for this NHK News report. Stay tuned for more updates on this gaming revolution. Arigatou gozaimasu.
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