America: My Time

Chapter 186 Advertisement
Chapter 186 Advertisement

"John, is there really no possibility of negotiation at all?" After a long while, Akio Morita asked with a solemn expression. Sony Records was not much in the grand scheme of Sony's assets, but such a major battle would inevitably affect Sony's plans, and Sony had no other choice!

"No, not at all. I've given them many chances, but they haven't taken them seriously. I'm not saying this today to force Sony to take my side, but to tell you my thoughts. Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group's decision is either someone trying to give me a hard time or someone thinking I'm easy to bully. Let's see who has the last laugh!"

Upon hearing this, Akio Morita could easily understand that someone in Japan was interfering in the battle between Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros., and even the war between Hollywood giants. This person was someone within the Japanese entertainment industry, and the obstruction of TV Tokyo's programs was related to this! John had an agreement with the Japanese government that TV Tokyo would abandon news and focus solely on entertainment, which he had fulfilled. However, now someone was using semi-official methods to obstruct the other side, and this involved agreements with Warner Bros. and even Hollywood. This had become a major problem and a potential threat.

Akio Morita was even more worried that a Japanese company had also entered the fray, though he didn't know who it was! Who dared to violate the tacit understanding and break the rules? Morita desperately wanted to know, but he knew he had to investigate himself; he wouldn't get any answers from John. Wrongdoing had consequences. Anyone who dared to enter the fray had to be prepared for serious repercussions, and be prepared to face retaliation from Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group!
Akio Morita's expression hardened, and he said in a deep voice, "No matter what the situation, Sony will stand by your side. I believe everyone will give you an explanation. No one can challenge the rules, and no one can harm everyone's interests!"

The amount of money that the entire nation has invested in John is not small, and everyone's interests are tied to John. At this time, someone standing up to cause trouble is a slap in the face to them. Previously, everyone had focused their energy on the construction of Universal Studios, the verification of the mine, and the preparations for the launch of the game world. They did not realize that in such a short period of time, someone would dare to break the rules and stand on the opposite side of everyone!
At this moment, Akio Morita was also glad that he had met with John first. Otherwise, if all of this had come to light at the gathering, the consequences would have been much more serious. If that had happened, someone might have had to step up and take responsibility.

"I trust Sony and Mr. Morita, which is why we have so many collaborations. Actually, this matter is nothing and cannot shake the foundation of Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group. It's just that the timing they chose forced me to retaliate!"

John paused, then shook his head slightly and continued, "Mr. Morita, please rest assured, this is a battle between Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros., a battle in Hollywood. It won't have a significant impact on Japan. However, this will allow Mr. Morita to experience firsthand just how brutal the battles between Hollywood giants can be!"

The impact of a war between world-class media giants is immense, and its reach is far-reaching. Although Akio Morita has not personally experienced it, he can understand how terrifying the impact of such a war between giants can be. Such a war will inevitably affect some policy issues, and this war will also allow everyone to see the strength of Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group!

"Establish authority"—that was the word in Akio Morita's mind! It was clear that John wanted to establish authority this time, to issue a warning to everyone, and the target of that was Warner! However, this was indeed an opportunity, an opportunity to understand Hollywood. If Warner lost, it would be a good thing for Sony. The Japanese side could give Sony Records an opportunity, and in the future, when acquiring Hollywood giants, they could have giants like Legendary Entertainment to help them.

As for who Japan needs to sacrifice, that's not on Akio Morita's mind. As long as the situation is in Sony's favor, that's all that matters. And since these foolish guys dared to get involved in such a big battle, they should be prepared to take responsibility. No matter how serious the consequences are, they must take responsibility. As for which company is involved, it's not difficult to investigate!
Akio Morita didn't want to waste his energy on this matter. As long as Sony was doing well, that was enough. He was more concerned about the situation in the US than in Japan, as it was crucial for Sony. After a summer of booming sales for Sony's arcade machines, Sony's market share in the US electronics market continued to grow!

Despite the constant stream of hostile incidents against Japanese companies in the United States, unfolding in various forms, Japanese companies continue to expand their market share in home appliances, automobiles, and semiconductors. Akio Morita hopes that Sony can achieve the largest market share, and John is of paramount importance, given his control of NBC television network and his absolute propaganda power.

“John, the situation in Japan is relatively easy to handle. Everyone’s attention was focused on Universal Studios before, and we didn’t notice these problems. Once we’re aware of them, everything will be easy to resolve. However, the situation in the United States is not optimistic, which is also a concern for us. If the situation continues to deteriorate like this, bilateral trade will be severely impacted, and the problem will only grow bigger and bigger. Once it forms a storm, it will be uncontrollable!”

Upon hearing Akio Morita's words, John couldn't help but sneer inwardly, "Heh, now you're getting anxious. Weren't you so calm before? When you were frantically grabbing the market, did you not consider the consequences at all!"

"This isn't a problem we can solve; it's a policy issue, unaffected by you or me. Besides, it doesn't put much pressure on Sony. The US electronics market poses no obstacle to you; your competitors are Japanese companies themselves! Of course, if Sony needs help, Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media can assist us, providing substantial support in television, film, and advertising. Speaking of advertising, I have a good idea; I wonder if Mr. Morita would like to hear it?" "Oh! Of course I'd like to hear it!"

“You should know Times Square. Almost all the buildings around Times Square are controlled by the Mandarin Oriental Group, and they also have a supporting advertising company. If Sony were to participate in advertising in Times Square, using a building as a platform for an advertisement, how big do you think the impact would be!”

"Hiss!" Upon hearing these words, Akio Morita couldn't help but gasp. Although Times Square had not yet been fully integrated, he was well aware that the surrounding real estate had been acquired by John. However, he had not expected John's advertising plan to be so crazy, using a building as a platform to place advertisements. The effect would be absolutely huge!

“Okay, Sony is willing to accept. I must say, your move is amazing. You’ve seen something that no one else has seen. It seems that this investment of yours is another good asset!” As he spoke, Akio Morita couldn’t help but sigh. Times Square was right there, but no one had thought of using a building for advertising. When it comes to real estate, everyone thinks of renting it out, but John had thought of it, and he took action with a complete plan.

As for the advertising price, John didn't mention it, and Akio Morita didn't ask. For them, it wasn't a big deal; they could easily delegate it to their subordinates. As bosses, their job was simply to secure the deal; professional matters should be left to professionals. For Sony, money wasn't important; influence was.

After speaking with John for a few more moments, Akio Morita got up and left. Now that he had gotten everything he wanted from John, it was time to leave and tell the others, especially the people at the First Industrial Bank. How to handle it was up to them; Sony wouldn't get involved. This time, John's reaction was too calm, as if everything was under control, which made Akio Morita wary!

Akio Morita left, but Riko stayed. Her intention was simple: to get closer to Naoko and avoid any unnecessary incidents that might affect the party. John's words earlier were so shocking that Akio Morita had to take them seriously!

Regardless of who is interfering, his actions have caused enormous trouble, giving John a reason to intervene. This is the last thing Akio Morita wanted to see. If this damned bastard continues to cause trouble at the party, the trouble will be even greater, and may even get out of control, affecting everyone's interests.

A bastard who dares to get involved in such a struggle is capable of anything. Perhaps this bastard has no fear whatsoever, or perhaps it's that damned Warner who gave him a promise that makes him fearless! Whatever this bastard's intentions, Akio Morita must prepare for the worst in case the situation changes again!

John is clearly still calm and hasn't been provoked by this bastard. Although John is also angry, his target is Warner, not that damned bastard Neon. At least for now, John doesn't intend to teach them a lesson. Instead, he chooses to let Neon handle it themselves and give an explanation. Everything is still under control.

Is the other party ignorant, or is there ulterior motive? Are they completely unaware of the power behind TV Tokyo, the strength of Legendary Entertainment, or do they believe everything is under their control and that their actions will go unnoticed?

Akio Morita didn't know what the other party was thinking, so he had to prepare for the worst and keep Riko behind to prevent any accidents from happening, to stop the situation from deteriorating, and to prevent things from getting out of control.

(End of this chapter)