Rebirth Tokyo 1986

Chapter 401 Figures of the Era
Early in the morning of mid-December, Rogers arrived at Masato Takeshita's office with a newly purchased copy of Time magazine.

Then, looking at the picture on the cover with envy, he said, "President, congratulations!"

"There's nothing to congratulate you on; it was all achieved by giving away money."

As one of the world's most influential weekly magazines, Time magazine annually selects 100 of the most influential people and groups at the end of each year.

These people are usually politicians, artists, businessmen, and scientists...

The top-ranked individuals and groups were the most influential people and groups of the year, commonly known as Time Magazine's Person of the Year.

This Person of the Year will be featured on the cover of the final issue of the weekly magazine that year.

This year, Masato Takeshita secured the spot by making huge donations to American universities and social organizations, as well as a small sponsorship fee to unions related to editors and journalists.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that this year is a "small year" (a year with fewer or fewer people).

Masato Takeshita's biggest competitor is only the speaker of the House of Representatives who has a certain influence in the United States, not the leader of a major power with global influence.

Under such circumstances, he was able to obtain this recognition from the American high society through his so-called philanthropic work.

"Donating money is the same as receiving it; others don't even have this opportunity."

"Indeed, but don't say it again next time."

As one of the world's most influential magazines, Time magazine still pays great attention to its credibility.

Even if Masato Takeshita himself weren't doing so well this year, and donated ten times more to Time magazine, the editors still wouldn't have chosen him.

He understood the importance of having enough to eat at every meal. Therefore, his donation to the editors and reporters was the final straw that broke the camel's back.

Since the candidates are not much different, why not choose one who is friendly to our side?

It's worth noting that even without this year's large donation, Xinghai Group's annual advertising and public relations expenses with Time magazine are still a considerable sum.

Investing in media is also an important way for Xinghai Group to maintain its good reputation.

Especially in this era where traditional media reign supreme, it's even more important to spend money to maintain a friendly relationship with them.

"Hehe, mine."

Rogers shrugged indifferently, then coughed twice and continued.

"Ahem, well, Chairman, you don't mind me using you as a promotional symbol for the company, do you?"

This boost from Time magazine further enhanced Masato Takeshita's reputation.

Given such a great opportunity, Rogers, the newly appointed first vice president of the group who is mainly responsible for publicity and public relations, naturally wanted to make the most of it to promote Xinghai Group.

This is a great opportunity to bring Xinghai Group closer to brands such as Sony and Toshiba.

Perhaps after this wave of publicity, Xinghai Group's brand awareness in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and other regions will be able to catch up with theirs.

"Go do it, it's already happened."

When Time magazine reporters and editors first approached Masato Takeshita, he refused.

Young people don't want to be exposed on a large scale, as it would affect their daily lives.

However, some things are beyond one's control. The Japanese government approached the young man, hoping he would agree to Time magazine's request.

Japan has been sluggish for too long and needs good news to boost public confidence.

It's annoying, but there's nothing I can do about it.

Since things have already come to this, it doesn't matter if we use him as a totem to promote the company.

Masato Takeshita has given up on treatment and is preparing to become the Steve Jobs of the Xinghai Group.

"Should I run an ad and become my own spokesperson?"

The young man suddenly remembered the advertising model that had been a hit in China in his previous life: "I am xx, I endorse myself," and he was immediately tempted.

But thinking about it carefully, I feel that this behavior is a bit too childish, so I'll pass.

Rogers arrived first, and soon after, the rest of the group's senior executives also came to offer their congratulations.

"Congratulations, President!"

"Congratulations, President, your reputation has reached another level."

"Congratulations to the president for becoming the first Chinese citizen to receive the Person of the Year award."

Faced with everyone's congratulations, Masato Takeshita curiously pressed for an answer.

"Wait, really? I'm the first Japanese person to win this award?"

The young man found it hard to believe that such a large country as Japan did not have a Person of the Year.

"Yes, the best result before was only in the top three."

Hiroaki Kobayashi specifically researched this information and confirmed that the Japanese were indeed not involved.

It can only be said that in terms of influence, Japan is far inferior to Germany, which has extended its reach throughout Europe.

Of course, not being named Time magazine's Person of the Year does not mean that a person has no influence in the world.

Some people lost the election because of the hostility of the US government, while others lost it because of the US's indifference.

"Oh, I see. No wonder you came to my office so early in the morning."

No matter when, the first place always has a certain influence.

The recognition, especially from the United States, will excite the entire Japanese nation.

At this point, Scully, who felt increasingly uneasy listening to the conversation, couldn't help but ask.

"Um, didn't the president read the newspaper or watch the news on TV today?"

"Yeah, I got up a little late today and haven't had a chance to look yet."

Masato Takeshita played video games until 2 a.m. last night and rushed to the company without even having time to read the newspaper.

Then, before I could even settle into my seat at the company, Rogers showed up, so naturally I knew nothing about the news.

"Then you should take a look, Chairman. Today's Japanese newspapers are full of news about you being named Time Magazine's Person of the Year."

Every year when a member of Japan wins the Nobel Prize, Japanese media will report it on their front page.

Although the Person of the Year is far less prestigious than a scientist, this is the first time a Japanese person has received top-level recognition in the United States, so the domestic media is naturally even more enthusiastic.

"Uh, that's pretty over-the-top?"

Takeshita Masato picked up the newspaper that Uchida Miho placed on the table every day, and felt extremely embarrassed looking at the headlines such as "Number One in Japan" and "Reincarnation of Kannon".

These media outlets are going too far. Their headlines and titles are so childish. Can't they show more seriousness as journalists?

"Really? I think it's very well written. Chairman, you are indeed the number one philanthropist today."

"No, I haven't done nearly enough for this world."

Although it looks like Versailles, Masato Takeshita doesn't really think being Time Magazine's Person of the Year is anything special.

The person he most admired, the great man who founded the new China, was never named Person of the Year because of their hostile relationship.

This thing is purely a propaganda tool for the United States to expand its international influence.

If you have good relations with the United States, it's easier to obtain [the benefits]. If your relations with the United States are not good, then I'm sorry.

Of course, this was just what Masato Takeshita was thinking; he wouldn't be foolish enough to say it out loud.

Because doing so would offend the media that presented him with the award, as well as the social elites in the United States, he would pretend to be honored to receive the award, even if he had to.

You should know that even when he refused before, the reason he gave was that I wasn't qualified enough, not that I didn't want to.

Masato Takeshita's true thoughts remained unnoticed by his subordinates.

After all, in the eyes of most people, this is a huge boost to their honor.

This is a list recognized by Time magazine and mainstream media worldwide.

Let alone becoming one of the most influential people of the year, even just being in the top 100 would be a huge honor and reward for most people. "Chairman, would you like to meet with the media? I bet Secretary-General Uchida's phone is ringing off the hook."

"Yes, we should definitely meet him. But let's wait and see. Let me ask Uchida-san about his situation first."

After receiving a notification from the chairman's office, Miho Uchida immediately got up and went to the chairman's office with the documents.

She felt that the president must have contacted her because of the Time magazine article.

Clearly, Miho Uchida's guess was very accurate.

The large stack of materials about the weekly magazine in his hand was soon put to use by the young man.

"Takeshita-senpai and Obuchi-senpai also invited me to the dinner party?"

"Yes, President."

After hearing the clear response, Masato Takeshita began to ponder and reflect, thinking to himself.

"It seems that this matter has a much greater impact than I imagined."

"Perhaps the Japanese people are too eager to gain recognition from the United States, or perhaps they feel that this is an opportunity to improve their international standing."

The Japanese are quite dissatisfied with their political influence on the international stage, feeling that they can't even compare to certain small, special countries, let alone the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Japan's economic and political influence is severely misaligned, far less than that of Germany, another defeated nation, whose economy is even weaker.

Therefore, Japan does not want to miss any opportunity that can enhance its national influence.

That's why Japan was more proactive than Germany in donating money during some wars.

The most prominent example is the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In this war, Ukraine gained the sympathy of the vast majority of countries.

Seeing an opportunity to break free from the shackles of unfavorable public opinion after the war, Japan donated generously, even several times more than Germany.

It's important to know that Ukraine is located in Europe, and the most affected countries are European countries such as Germany and France.

Japan, located in Asia, will not be affected at all; in fact, it may even benefit its economic development and territorial negotiations.

With fewer European goods entering Russia, Japan has the opportunity to capture a larger share of the market.

As for territory, Russia, given its severe political crisis, would certainly prefer to negotiate with Japan.

In any case, those two islands are not Russia's core interests, or even remote interests.

If Russia could truly gain Japanese public opinion and economic support by offering two small islands, it might actually be willing.

Unfortunately, the Japanese are not stupid; they will not risk offending most countries in the world by befriending Russia.

Of course, the United States is not far behind in this regard.

However, the United States controls world opinion and remains the world's strongest military power.

Even if they did it, most countries wouldn't know, or would pretend not to know.

Furthermore, the United States' actions are far more covert than Russia's.

The United States primarily employs the tactic of supporting proxies, while Russia takes a much cruder approach, choosing to intervene directly.

If Russia also acts as a proxy, it will never face rejection by most countries.

After all, even robbers know that covering their heads makes them less likely to be caught.

Having a fig leaf is important at all times.

Masato Takeshita had a lot on his mind, but then he remembered that there were more important things to do, so he put those random thoughts aside and looked up to ask again.

"Hmm, besides the two seniors, are there any other people?"

"There are many more questions, including those related to politics, business, and media."

Such a big matter prompted many people who felt they had a connection with the youth to call Xinghai Group.

Those with whom he had a close relationship, such as Takeshita Noboru and Obuchi Keizo, invited him to private dinners. Those with whom he had a more casual relationship simply called to congratulate him.

In short, I must get involved in such a great event; maybe I'll even get a ticket to the banquet.

Yes, in most people's minds, youth would host a banquet for this year's Person of the Year. This is a great opportunity to elevate their national standing.

"I see, so this document is the relevant list, right?"

"Yes, Chairman."

Takeshita Masato glanced at the thick stack of personnel files, then quickly looked up and said, "I'm going to call them back now. You can either take a look around the company headquarters or go back to the company."

"Yes, Chairman, you're busy."

The list was too long, but he couldn't ask his subordinates for help, which made Takeshita Masato's face stiff with a forced smile.

Even so, only one-fifth of them returned by lunchtime.

"I'm speechless. I never thought I'd have to work overtime because of making phone calls."

Yes, there are too many people. Even if the young people used their lunch break to make phone calls, they still couldn't reach them all.

So after a quick bite to eat in the cafeteria that evening, I picked up the phone again.

"Yes, thank you!"

"No, it was all thanks to the help of friends."

"Okay, I'll let you know when the time comes."

"Okay, okay, goodbye."

I was busy until after 11 p.m., but I still hadn't finished playing.

Masato Takeshita looked at the remaining single pages and couldn't help but sigh.

I'm so tired of making phone calls, it's unbelievable.

When she got home that evening, Izumi Sakai held her lover's hand tenderly and asked him what was wrong.

"What's going on? Has something happened at the company?"

"No, it's just about Time magazine. I have too many calls to return."

Masato Takeshita sprawled out on the sofa, comfortably enjoying his lover's lap pillow and massage.

Right now, only home can make him relax.

"Then, do you want me to help too?"

Izumi Sakai felt really sorry for her lover and didn't want him to suffer too much because of this.

"No need, it can all be taken care of tomorrow."

Since you've been replying yourself before, don't impersonate others in the future; treat everyone equally.

Besides, these kinds of calls are extremely boring, consisting of the same blessings and responses over and over again.

She has her own things to do; there's no need for her to suffer.

"Okay then, how about you take a hot shower?"

"Okay, this is a good opportunity to relax."

Taking a shower helps relieve fatigue and also helps clear up a somewhat muddled mind.

"Okay, I'll go get you a change of pajamas."

"OK, thanks!"

Takeshita Masato sat up, yawning, then stretched, watching his lover head to the changing room.

He doesn't want to move right now, so we'll have to trouble Sister Quanshui.

(End of this chapter)