How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 200 Small Courtesies, But No Great Principle

There are three things you shouldn't criticize in Japan: music and animation.

After all, it is a country that exports animation culture, so it attaches great importance to protecting the animation-related industries.

It's virtually impossible to snag a promising anime IP in Japan unless you can pinpoint a creator, but even then, it's difficult for the work to bypass the commission and television station's profit-sharing tactics.

Therefore, what Wang Yao needs in Japan is a stable and inexpensive pool of artists. However, there is a related industry that can be strategically positioned in advance, and can indirectly benefit from and influence the Japanese animation industry.

Digital comic platform.

Before Wi-Fi became widespread, the digitalization of businesses in most industries was very slow because data costs were too high, and loading images and videos was a huge burden for ordinary people.

Just like the current video industry, which is in a state of loss-making customer acquisition globally due to hardware reasons such as bandwidth costs and technology, other smaller industries do not have much profit to support the development of digital business, even in an important field like Japanese comics.

Comic, the first digital comic platform, emerged in 06, but its content consisted of short stories and it was unable to form a business model. In 09, Weekly Shonen magazine launched a digital subscription (similar to MMS) that supported mobile devices, thus obtaining a basic monetization model. At the same time, a number of personal digital comic platforms emerged, and J-Comi was one of them.

However, J-Comi has a core difference from other platforms: it leverages a library of rare and out-of-print comic IPs combined with the fan appeal of top comic industry CEOs to support its user attraction.

The so-called out-of-print comic IPs are some obscure or niche comics that have long been discontinued and removed from shelves, losing their commercial value. There are countless such comics in Japan. The platform initially purchased/cooperated with a large number of IP copyrights at a very low cost and then uploaded them to the platform digitally. Users who see something they are interested in can pay to download it. The business model is 'ad revenue sharing + user donations', which can be considered as having already verified a profitable model.

J-Comi platform was able to quickly figure out its model mainly because of the influence of the current CEP, Ken Akamatsu. As we all know, for the general public, sex appeal is the primary driving force.

It was also because he attracted a large number of fans and related audiences after becoming CEO, and the platform's collaborations with 'limited edition comics' also included many borderline types, that he was able to quickly accumulate users and traffic and seek monetization paths.

Other similar websites don't have this advantage, because H-manga is restricted and not allowed to be distributed in Japan, but J-Comi has already taken the lead in the edge-of-the-line advantage.

However, while eccentric cultivation may be fast, it cannot last. Ultimately, comic platforms still need to return to a continuous stream of 'content output'. Therefore, in order to retain users who are prone to falling into a state of 'post-coital slump', Kenji Akamatsu must build a content library for the platform.

However, the Japanese manga market is extremely competitive, with a large number of manga artists but very few who succeed. Platforms need to support manga artists, and J-Comi's current revenue is insufficient to support platform technology development, content creation, and copyright cooperation simultaneously.

Therefore, Ken Akamatsu has been looking for various investors, but most people are pessimistic about digital comics. After all, under this model, the three major Japanese comic book publishers have more and more influential copyrights, and J-Comi is a platform that can be replaced at any time.

Moreover, starting out on the fringes of legality is prone to backfiring, especially since Japan is currently drafting regulations to restrict internet content. If such regulations are implemented, the platform would essentially go bankrupt.

So even though Wang Yao is an investor with foreign investment background, Akamatsu Ken was willing to meet him. However, the other party's youth was indeed a bit unexpected. If Li Xiaomu hadn't been there to accompany him, he would have almost thought he had met a swindler.

After learning more about Wang Yao, Akamatsu Ken became much more serious after discovering that Wang Yao was the CEO of a large international film and television company. When he saw Lin Zhiling appear, his attitude became completely solemn.

Lin Zhiling is currently very popular in Japan, and her image and temperament almost perfectly match Akamatsu Ken's preferences. The images of her with Wang Yao give him a sense of déjà vu, like a manga coming to life.

“I am a fan of Mr. Akamatsu, and if I have the opportunity, I would like to bring his works to China,” Wang Yao said.

Upon hearing this, Kenji Akamatsu withdrew his gaze and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Wang. I've heard that Chinese animation is a huge market, and I would really like to take a look if I have the opportunity."

"Novels and comics are in high demand. Although piracy still dominates, the potential influence and value of many IPs are now vastly different. For example, our original children's animation 'Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf' this year grossed nearly 20 million US dollars at the box office."
Therefore, the market for Chinese comics and cultural creative industries is five to ten times the size of Japan, and now is actually a very good opportunity to enter the market early.” Wang Yao smiled.

Upon hearing this, Akamatsu Ken had a sudden thought. Although he knew that Wang Yao was likely exaggerating, China's population base was undeniable. If he could gain influence in China ahead of time, it might actually benefit the domestic economy.

He is a very idealistic person who has long harbored dissatisfaction with the Japanese comic book industry. That's why he joined the founding team of J-Comi, hoping to give Japanese comic books a chance to rise again with new technologies and formats.

In recent years, seeing that the development of American comics has far surpassed that of Japan, he has been frustrated by its lack of progress.

"Does Mr. Wang's company have any plans to adapt manga into comics?" Ken Akamatsu asked.

"Of course, Marvel has set a good example for us. Any valuable work should be developed and presented in various forms. If we cooperate, we can not only provide opportunities for film and comic book adaptations, but also for merchandise development, IP packaging, and full-chain promotion of offline events."

"For example, I collaborate with many snack and beverage companies. The target audience for these products is the potential readers of comics, and collaborating with them can quickly build an audience." Wang Yao nodded.

Ken Akamatsu was very interested upon hearing this. Collaborating with consumer products is indeed one of the most effective ways to promote a manga IP. There are collaboration products everywhere in Japan; they even want to collaborate with takoyaki vendors on the street.

"It sounds like a collaboration is a rare thing in China?" Akamatsu Ken asked with some curiosity.

“That’s right. Most brands haven’t realized its value yet, but even so, the merchandise for the three major shonen manga and Pokémon has a market worth hundreds of millions of dollars in our country,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

Akamatsu Ken was somewhat taken aback upon hearing this, marveling at the potential of the Chinese market.

Their understanding of China is still limited to the piracy environment. They never imagined that even in such a situation, China could have such a huge scale. If it were to develop further, what would become of it?
"What is Mr. Wang's opinion of J-Comi?" Akamatsu Ken asked again.

"A delightful and vibrant anime community. To be honest, there are so many Japanese manga. I've heard that at least a hundred new works start every day, and a hundred more are abandoned. But there are actually some excellent works that have been overlooked."

J-Comi's existence is a crucial turning point in the traditional dissemination of comics, and may even become a platform that revolutionizes the comics industry. It can give more aspiring comic artists an opportunity, and also give more readers whose thinking has been controlled by mainstream comics an opportunity. "Wang Yao said in a deep voice.

Actually, Wang Yao viewed it as a Ruri Shrine. Although it was all raw footage, he could guess the lines just by looking at the pictures.

After listening to the translation, Ken Akamatsu's eyes gleamed with a strange light. He hadn't expected that the person who truly understood him was a Chinese!

With his current copyrights, he could easily retire and live a comfortable life. The reason he is still willing to start a business and even bet his retirement IP on the platform is that he hopes to do something for the industry.

The industry's almost brutal commercialization has extinguished the dreams of too many young people.

this is not right.

"In my opinion, Japanese comics have developed in a strange direction, filled with bloodline theory and fatalistic settings that are numbing readers. I don't think this is good. In the cultural and creative comics field, one flower blooming alone does not make a spring; a hundred flowers blooming together make a garden full of spring," Wang Yao said.

"Um, how do I translate this?" Li Xiaomu froze. He was most afraid of translating this kind of poetry, fearing that the words might not convey the meaning and cause misunderstandings.

"I'll give it a try," Lin Zhiling said, gesturing wildly.

Upon hearing this, Akamatsu Ken became excited and clapped his hands in approval, saying, "That's right, that's exactly what I mean. The person who can say such a thing must be a great philosopher."

“Yes.” Wang Yao smiled and nodded. “So I think that many internal problems need external intervention. If we can cooperate, I will not only promote and develop J-Comi’s excellent works, but also establish a sister website in China to collect excellent works from China. We can support each other and see if we can bring some new stimulation to the stagnant industry.” Wang Yao smiled.

Although Japan provides targeted protection for the comics industry, it is not actually xenophobic, as exemplified by works like "The Legend of the Swordsman." They are confident that Japanese comics are the best in the world, and they don't mind the impact of American comics, let alone a Chinese comic without any "representative works."

"That's no problem. Communication is an essential element for development." Kenji Akamatsu nodded. "Mr. Wang, how do you plan to cooperate?"

"I see Mr. Chishong values ​​the platform at 200 million US dollars?" Wang Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.

J-Comi itself doesn't deserve this valuation; the valuation is entirely due to Ken Akamatsu's integration of his copyrights into the platform, which indirectly brings a premium.

Akamatsu Ken nodded, his expressionless face concealing his guilty conscience.

“Actually, it’s a bit high, considering that J-Comi platform has less than 200,000 users.” Wang Yao smiled. Akamatsu Ken’s heart sank, and he said seriously, “Although the number of users is slightly small, they are all loyal users. On average, each user can bring in about $1 in revenue per month.”

“I understand, but in reality, unless there is a breakthrough in development, this model will basically be a loss-making investment.”

Wang Yao nodded, noticing that Akamatsu Ken's expression had softened somewhat, and then changed the subject, "But I respect Mr. Akamatsu's ideals, so I accept this price. I will invest one million US dollars in exchange for 50% of the shares, and the shares will be held by Mr. Akamatsu on his behalf, without him participating in the company's decision-making."

Akamatsu Kento was prepared to bargain, but he was taken aback when the other party tried to appeal to his emotions.

Moreover, angel investors who invest without participating in management are extremely rare in Japan, and for a moment, I didn't know how to face such a sincere Wang Yao.

"However, I have one additional request: I need Mr. Akamatsu's help to gather some excellent manga artists to do some of my work," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"A gunman?" Akamatsu Ken frowned.

"No, no, no, it's just basic production work," Wang Yao waved his hand.

Outsourcing? That's fine.

“That’s no problem. When J-Comi was founded, the goal was to provide part-time jobs for artists who were struggling financially, so that they could have a basic livelihood and continue creating,” Ken Akamatsu said with a smile.

“Okay, then let’s settle this.” Wang Yao extended his hand.

"It's a pleasure to cooperate." Akamatsu Kensuke breathed a sigh of relief, bowed respectfully, and shook hands with Wang Yao to show his respect.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they saw Akamatsu Ken off and then went to meet up with the film crew.

"I think that Mr. Chishong from earlier might be worth exploring for a lower price," Lin Zhiling said casually in the car.

“There is definitely some exaggeration involved, but investment can’t just be about the numbers; you also have to consider the people.” Wang Yao glanced at her. “The success or failure of a project doesn’t depend on the model or the product; it depends more on the people. Success depends on people.”

"Does Mr. Wang mean that my investment failed because I chose the wrong person?" Lin Zhiling pouted.

“It’s rare for second-generation rich kids to succeed in starting their own businesses,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Hey, we're not rich kids, Mr. Wang, don't be misled by gossip newspapers," Lin Zhiling said reproachfully.

Lin Chih-ling's father was in the building materials business and was indeed a wealthy businessman in his early years, but due to poor management, he is currently struggling to stay afloat. Her mother is the chairperson of the Formosa Sisters Association, which is also a kind of wealthy wife's small team that helps the family build connections.

His older brother studied art and lived a life of luxury abroad in his youth. He returned home to help the family business when it was at its lowest point, but due to his lack of ability, he could only barely keep it afloat.

Later on, the whole family basically relied on Lin Zhiling's cash flow income to support the family, so Lin Zhiling never liked to claim to be a rich second generation.

Because she was forced into the entertainment industry before she could even enjoy the benefits of being a second-generation rich kid, she believes that everything she has achieved comes from her own hard work, not from her family's support, so she has always been quite sensitive about this issue.

“The success rate of middle-class entrepreneurs isn’t high either. People like you, whose understanding of material value is detached from the masses, will find it difficult to succeed in starting a business in the current economic upswing because you’re too worldly-wise and your minds are cluttered. On the other hand, most people from lower-class backgrounds, despite their lack of worldly experience, know that they should focus on making money in the present.” Wang Yao smiled.
“You may have connections and resources when it comes to capital operations, but when it comes to real entrepreneurship, you need someone like Ken Akamatsu who has ideals and aspirations and started his business in high school. As long as you have a suitable platform, they will generally not disappoint you.”

"Really? Shouldn't doing business be like President Wang, where having more knowledge and experience gives you an advantage?" Lin Zhiling said with a smile.

"Miss Lin, you misunderstand. I'm just an opportunist," Wang Yao said with a slight smile.

Upon arriving at the filming location, Wang Yao had Lin Zhiling and the driver/bodyguard get out of the car first. Once he and Li Xiaomu were alone in the car, he handed him a black leather suitcase.

Li Xiaomu subconsciously took it, but found that Wang Yao did not let go. He then came to his senses and smiled, "Don't worry, Mr. Wang, I will definitely not disappoint you."

He thought that Wang Yao's previous discussion with Lin Zhiling about investment was a hint to him.

"This money originally belonged to Brother Mu. Whether it works out or not depends entirely on Brother Mu's luck," Wang Yao said with a dismissive smile.

"But I'm not exactly a saint who always returns lost property. Besides the money, I also found a blueprint in the box. I hope Brother Xiaomu will treat it with care."

After Wang Yao finished speaking, he patted his shoulder meaningfully and got out of the car.

Li Xiaomu's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason. He nervously opened the briefcase, and under the green US dollar inside, there was a scarlet folder.

Li Xiaomu unconsciously swallowed, his intuition telling him that the contents of this folder might be somewhat terrifying.

Indeed, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Everything comes at a price.

Li Xiaomu knew very well that the contents of this folder were most likely a pledge of allegiance.

If he succeeds, he might be able to board Wang Yao's big ship; if he fails, the money here might just be his hard-earned reward for his trip to Japan.

He smoked three cigarettes in the car before finally opening the folder. Inside was a floor plan of a building, marked with routes, blind spots from surveillance cameras, and other visual information.

When Li Xiaomu saw these pictures and texts, his face turned extremely pale.

This pledge of allegiance seems a bit too heavy.

"Where's Brother Xiaomu?" Lin Zhiling had met Li Xiaomu a few times.

Li Xiaomu was active not only in Hong Kong, but also in Taiwan.

“He has something to do, he probably needs to take care of it first.” Wang Yao led him closer to the filming location, which had already been cordoned off.

Li Xiaomu was indeed meticulous in his work, and he even sent more than a dozen men to help maintain order during filming.

Due to cost considerations and practical reasons, the production team used local actor dispatch companies for filming in Japan. Although these artists were extras, they inevitably faced some discrimination when facing foreign teams.

When Jackie Chan was filming in Japan, he was tricked by a local extras company, which wasted a lot of his time. It was through this experience that he met Li Xiaomu, which led to their collaboration on "Shinjuku Incident".

The Japanese are all afraid of power but not of virtue, and they are polite in small ways but lack a sense of righteousness. With Li Xiaomu's assistance, the filming of the movie will go much more smoothly.

Wang Yao and Lin Zhiling watched for a while, when Nazha came over with a middle-aged woman who had an intellectual air and a tall, slender figure like a model to greet them.

"Brother, this is Director Kawase. She contacted me on MS and said she was very interested in me. She saw my post about filming here and came to see me. Director Guan said she is the most talented female director in Japan." Naza whispered in Wang Yao's ear, her gaze inadvertently glancing at Lin Zhiling.

Lin Zhiling seemed to know the director, Kawase, and went up to greet him affectionately.

(End of this chapter)