Rebirth Tokyo 1986

Chapter 441 I Am a Hero
"You're back."

"Well, I'm back."

"Welcome home!"

Masato Takeshita was exhausted after being surrounded by the media for half a month. He disliked the situation but had no choice but to face it.

But at this moment, with Quanshui's two simple greetings and her gentle and affectionate gesture of taking his coat and briefcase, the young man felt completely healed.

What is he busy with all this for?
While there is a dream of changing the world and making life easier for some people, there is also the reality of family and children's happiness.

Now, he feels he has almost achieved the second half of his idea.

Furthermore, this feeling became even more certain as her daughter, Takeshita Kei, went from being half-asleep to instantly waking up when she saw herself rubbing her eyes.

"Dad, Dad, you're back!"

"Well, I'm back."

Seeing his daughter running towards him, Masato Takeshita quickly crouched down to catch her. He then lifted her high in his arms and kissed her affectionately several times.

"Did you miss me?"

"I thought about it, but Mom told the newspaper that Dad was doing something heroic, so I held back. Hehe!"

"Um, does Mom let you read newspapers related to me every day?"

Takeshita Masato was somewhat embarrassed because the newspapers had portrayed him as too noble and too exaggerated.

For example, when Asahi Shimbun went to Tohoku University to announce its policies, an article titled "Who is the real conscience of Japan?" suddenly appeared.

"In 1991, the domestic economic bubble burst, and corporate profits plummeted. The first to suffer were none other than college students."

"Their predecessors were poached by four or five companies upon graduation. Many graduates from prestigious schools were even treated to meals by companies every week, and as graduation approached, they were taken on cruises and other trips for several months."

"The purpose is nothing more than to worry that the promising talents we have in mind will be poached by other companies with higher salaries and benefits."

"Many college students simply don't seek employment, but instead use their status as graduates to freeload off others and make a fortune."

"That's right, college students could make money back then. Because companies had to offer generous bonuses to job applicants in order to attract talent..."

The article first reminisces about the good old days of college students during the bubble economy era, but quickly changes its tone.

"However, people experience sorrow and joy, separation and reunion, just as the moon waxes and wanes. Beautiful times are destined to be as fleeting as shooting stars."

"With the continued economic downturn, college graduates are still college graduates, but they are no longer in demand."

“1993年的大学毕业生就业率低于80%；1994年的大学毕业生就业率低于70%；1995年的大学毕业生就业率更是低于60%……”

"Last year, in 1996, with the abolition of the campus recruitment policy, the employment rate of college graduates rebounded to 70%."

"As a result, before Xinghai Group introduced any new policies this year, the employment rate of college graduates has fallen again."

"We can't help but ask, what exactly is wrong with this country?"

"Why are there so many policies to rescue businesses, but the only policy to save college students is to encourage them to take the postgraduate entrance exam?"

……

Asahi Shimbun loves to oppose the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and this time is no exception, directly targeting the nation and the LDP.

In terms of stirring emotions, Asahi Shimbun is arguably among the best in Japan.

However, Asahi Shimbun's purpose was not only to criticize the Liberal Democratic Party, but also to promote its major shareholder, Masato Takeshita.

Yes, the youth group is not only the largest shareholder of the Mainichi Shimbun and TBS television, but also holds a large stake in the Asahi Shimbun.

These shares cannot affect the overall situation of Asahi Shimbun, but the sheer number of them still gives them considerable influence.

Of course, this influence mainly comes from the support of Xinghai Group.

In his previous life, SoftBank's Masayoshi Son also owned shares in Asahi Shimbun, but he could not wield the same influence.

The reason is simple: Masayoshi Son was not accepted by Japan's core interest groups in his early years.

As for the reason, it is naturally due to ethnic factors.

East Asian countries have become very conservative in modern times. Members of non-state-led ethnic groups are simply unable to enter the core interest groups.

Of course, this is also true in Western countries.

Why do many Chinese people feel that people in Western countries lack social skills and interpersonal relationships?

Because many Chinese people simply cannot integrate into other people's circles, they naturally have to be more polite to guests.

If Apple CEO Tim Cook truly lacked social skills, he wouldn't have needed to present the White House's new investment guru with a gold-plated base as a gift.

As for the incident on a certain island, it is an even more perverse manifestation of American interpersonal relationships.

After a few brief words of accountability, Asahi Shimbun quickly retracted the article and began flattering its major shareholder.

"But what I want to say is that the country has forgotten you, and the vast majority of enterprises have neglected you, but that doesn't mean that Xinghai Group has also forgotten you."

"Since 1993, Xinghai Group has been expanding its recruitment every year."

“1993年招聘24526名大学毕业生；1994年招聘32755名大学毕业生；1995年招聘40821名大学毕业生……”

"And this year, the recruitment quota has been increased to more than 6, accounting for as much as 8% of the total number of university graduates in Japan."

A series of figures were presented to people, and even many readers who were initially skeptical were moved by the Xinghai Group.

Because while other companies were reducing their hiring, Xinghai Group chose to go against the grain and continuously increase the number of recruits.

How can anyone not love a company like this during an economic downturn?

"What is even more admirable is that Xinghai Group is a new company, and its recruitment of employees is mainly based on knowledge and talent."

"Yes, Xinghai Group basically uses these two points as the basis when recruiting. The number of employees who do not go through the recruitment process will not exceed 5%."

The 1990s were the era when intergenerational transmission was most severe in Japan.

Large companies with more than 1,000 employees hire fewer than 150,000 people annually, yet more than half of the positions are filled through connections.

This is a taboo subject throughout Japan, and the Asahi Shimbun naturally dared not lift the lid directly.

However, the fact that they dare not expose it directly does not mean that Asahi Shimbun dares not express it in a subtle way.

Anyway, with the Xinghai Group around, even if other major companies don't advertise in Asahi Shimbun, the ads from the Xinghai Group can fill the space.

"Such an exaggerated number of job openings, and such a small number of pre-selected positions."

"Is this another instance of top universities implementing a guaranteed job placement policy?"

"The Xinghai Group truly lives up to its reputation as a conscientious Japanese company!"

"Chairman Takeshita Masato truly deserves to be called a living hero of Japan!"

Although the article was praising himself and the company he founded, Masato Takeshita felt a mix of pride and embarrassment as he recalled it.

Being spoken to like that by his daughter made him feel particularly uncomfortable.

He wasn't as impressive as the newspapers portrayed him; his hiring was purely for the sake of the group's development.

Xinghai Group is developing so rapidly that it naturally needs to recruit more college graduates.

Xinghai Group is still in a stage of continuous progress, so it naturally focuses on talent.

When Xinghai Group stops making progress, it will probably follow in the footsteps of major Japanese companies.

In recruitment, the proportion of people with connections will increase significantly.

Of course, this is all predicated on the youth no longer being alive.

As long as he is alive, Xinghai Group will not fall into corruption.

This is also the advantage of having a sole shareholder; one is not subject to the constraints of other forces. In other large companies, the person in charge, simply to curry favor with the shareholders, would include many people with connections.

His only minor complaint was that his company was called the conscience of Japan.

This inevitably reminded him of a certain company that claimed to be the conscience of the United States.

But never mind, there's no such saying in this world yet, let's leave it at that for now.

Following the Asahi Shimbun, the president and chief writer of the Yomiuri Shimbun all began writing similar short articles. This was because the Asahi Shimbun's article became an instant hit—not just a minor one, but it even surpassed the Yomiuri Shimbun to become the number one seller.

This is something that has never happened in the Japanese newspaper industry since the mid-to-late 80s.

It is clear that although people do not say it, they still pay a lot of attention to college students.

Somewhat similar to China, many working professionals still pay close attention to the days leading up to the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao).

Because smart people know that education represents the future of a country.

The Xinghai Group's activities at 12 schools were very successful abroad, receiving extensive coverage from television media and being praised throughout the country, and the same was true domestically.

Not only the group's employees, but even the servants at home looked at him with even greater respect.

To them, their president is not only a good person, kind and amiable, but also full of social responsibility.

In critical moments, they can uphold the backbone of the nation.

Other companies are cutting back on hiring, accumulating funds and living hand to mouth.

Our company is different; it remains full of passion, and every day the lab is burning through huge sums of money on research and development.

To break through Japan's limits, to break through the limits of humanity, and to prevent Japan's economy and technology from being eliminated by the world.

Yes, Toshiba was once the shining example of Japanese innovation.

But now, people have placed this crown on the head of Xinghai Group.

After all, Xinghai Group's research funding in the semiconductor field alone is several times that of Toshiba.

If the entire group is included, it's at least seven or eight times the amount.

Unlike Toshiba, Xinghai Group doesn't pursue profits; it invests almost all of its earnings in production and research and development.

As for making money, Xinghai Capital is enough.

Furthermore, even with the money earned from Xinghai Capital, Masato Takeshita would use a large portion of it for scientific research.

This is also a major factor that explains why Xinghai Group's technological progress has been so rapid.

There are basic rules to follow when it comes to rebirth; having the best ideas is useless without funds.

"How about it? How about being watched with everyone's admiring gaze?"

Rogers sat in his office, jokingly teasing his chairman.

"So what? What else can happen? Same as always. It's not like we haven't been through this before."

The last time there was a large-scale global donation drive, everyone had a similar expression.

Although he was still a little unaccustomed to it, he was able to keep his expression unchanged.

"That makes sense, that's true, that time had a bigger impact."

"Okay!"

Seeing his subordinates leisurely watching the show, Masato Takeshita said in an annoyed tone.

"Tell me, were you behind this publicity campaign?"

The Xinghai Group's 12-school campaign may indeed create a sensation in Japan, but to achieve such a nationwide effect in a short period of time, there must be a force behind the scenes.

This is the era of traditional media, unlike the mobile internet era where information spreads much faster.

As far as he knew, the whole of Southeast Asia, as well as China and South Korea, reported on this matter around the same time.

It would have been impossible without an inside manipulator.

"Of course, would you miss such a great opportunity?"

"Uh, no way!"

Although he wanted to refute it, the young man couldn't refute it at all.

He values ​​Xinghai Group highly and is willing to accept media exposure for the sake of Xinghai Group's image.

Of course, only those that result in a significant improvement are eligible.

Despite his repeated attempts, he still refused.

"Isn't this enough?"

Rogers put on a roguish act, completely unconcerned about his chairman's feigned anger.

I don't know if it's because I'm getting older, or because I've spent a lot of time with them and know their personality well, or maybe it's just the outburst of their foreign nature.

Rogers became more and more relaxed in front of Masato Takeshita, and began to show his true colors.

But it must be said that Rogers' actions actually made the young people happier.

He doesn't want to be a puppet in the company, and hopes that everyone can communicate on an equal footing.

Unfortunately, the hierarchical system of Japanese companies had a too-deep influence. Despite Masato Takeshita's constant adjustments, little change was made.

However, compared to other Japanese companies, the Seikai Group is considered an enlightened company.

They weren't as relaxed as later Chinese and American internet companies, but the gap was limited.

At least in various meetings, some people dare to express their opinions in front of the leaders, and superiors cannot have absolute authority over their subordinates.

"Okay, you win."

The young man shook his head, then silently poured Rogers another cup of tea.

The two then drank tea and chatted about their travel experiences.

Rogers was the main talker, while Masato Takeshita listened.

This is related to their roles in the activities at the 12 schools.

The young man walks in the spotlight, while Rogers mainly works behind the scenes.

"What's the specific situation on the government's side right now?"

"Half angry, half happy."

Rogers first set the tone, and then began to narrate slowly.

"I'm annoyed, you know. That Asahi report has diminished the government's authority somewhat."

"As for the good news, it's that the employment rate of university graduates has finally not dropped again, and the government can formulate relevant policies more calmly."

He then elaborated further on two points.

In short, the Hashimoto government is now in a dilemma.

"I see. We didn't think things through. Tomorrow, you'll represent the company and issue more statements to the government. We need to give them enough coverage in the newspapers and on television."

In fact, Masato Takeshita did it on purpose because he was standing next to Keizo Obuchi.

If we contribute to Prime Minister Hashimoto's cause, what if something unexpected happens when a new prime minister is appointed next year?

Compared to the enormous benefits that Obuchi could offer, Hashimoto could only say he was sorry.

This was also the result of his discussions with Keizo Obuchi and Noboru Takeshita.

They were both from Waseda University, and their relationship was much closer than Hashimoto's.

Of course, we can't afford to offend them too much. So, it's still necessary to take remedial measures, at least to save face.

Sigh, that's politics. Once you get involved, don't expect to leave easily.

"Yes, don't worry, Chairman. I will arrange everything."

Rogers understands this well because his current job requires him to be exposed to these things.

After all, it's practically a pipe dream for large corporations to do without government publicity and public relations.

(End of this chapter)