America: My Time

Chapter 654 The Idea of ​​Retirement

Chapter 644 The Idea of ​​Retirement

“John, you could actually start a game development company. You’ve always wanted to develop PC games, right? You could totally start your own. And if possible, we could even collaborate. Sony’s platform would be perfect for you!”

"It's better not to. We don't have the manpower for that. With the manpower and ability, it would be more suitable and profitable to put them in Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Media to create animated films. After all, Phoenix Media and Legendary Entertainment both have their own animation production and a large enough market. Compared to personal computer games, they are not even in the same league!"

John calmly rejected Akio Morita's probing, and even gave him a more reasonable explanation: Phoenix Media and Legendary Entertainment now possess strong publicity and distribution capabilities, giving them an advantage in the animation market. There is no need or reason for them to enter the personal computer game market, or even the game market.

Akio Morita was well aware of the development of Phoenix Animation and Comics. TV Tokyo crushed other TV stations in the animation field, and it also crushed other film companies in animated films. This was Phoenix Group's powerful distribution capabilities, which allowed it to distribute its works to the European and American markets and obtain more revenue. Moreover, the distribution of animated films and television series increased the value of Phoenix Group's IP, and the revenue from peripheral products was even more valuable than the animation itself.

Today, the profits from toys alone are enormous, beyond what many people can imagine, not to mention other related revenues. It can be said that the most profitable part of Phoenix Group is not the film company or the television station, but Phoenix Animation and Comics, whose huge IP allows them to have more profits.

Many comic book companies, and even film and animation companies, have seen this market, but none of them can compete with Phoenix Media. Even in Japan, they are no match for Phoenix Media, let alone overseas. Sony is also very interested and wants to participate in animation production, but IP is a big problem!

Although many people wanted to collaborate with Phoenix Comics, they were all rejected. Phoenix Comics never uses its own IP to collaborate with outsiders. They reserve their IP for their own company's development. It is precisely because of this that Phoenix Group has grown step by step, gained more profits, and achieved everything it has today.

"John, speaking of animation, many animation studios are envious of the IPs you hold. Phoenix Comics' IPs are incredibly powerful now, and Legendary Entertainment and Phoenix Group's control over North American comics is even more coveted. Not to mention your animated films, Disney is suffering a series of setbacks. Hasn't Panasonic tried to negotiate with you?" At this point, Akio Morita mentioned Panasonic. Now that Disney has been acquired by Panasonic, the best-case scenario would be a reconciliation with John!
"I haven't received any reconciliation from Disney. In fact, Disney is currently looking to accelerate its development in France, so I'm afraid they don't have time to reconcile with me. They probably have their own ideas. After all, Disney's legacy is undeniable!"

Upon hearing John's words, Akio Morita shook his head; Panasonic's choice had also surprised him somewhat. However, this wouldn't have a significant impact on Sony. Regardless of Panasonic's decision, Sony had its own plans and wouldn't change because of Disney.

After restraining his conversation with Akio Morita, John didn't intend to stay any longer. Although the party wasn't over, and the guys from the entertainment industry showed no signs of leaving, most importantly, the old man Akio Morita had no intention of leaving. This meant the party would continue, and what he was thinking was anyone's guess.

John's departure didn't change the party much. In fact, the party became much more relaxed with him gone, and the pressure was less, allowing the people in the entertainment industry to let loose more!

Not everyone could adapt to this party; everyone's expression was different. The party allowed them to see another side of the entertainment industry, and they also witnessed more secrets and information that ordinary idols wouldn't know. It showed them just how chaotic and terrifying this industry can be. Before, their understanding of this industry was only partial and limited.

Of course, this only applies to newcomers like Miho Nakayama, Chisato Moritaka, and Sachiko Kamachi. It doesn't surprise Naoko Kawai, Hitomi Kuroki, and Momoko Kikuchi at all. They already knew about it and had experienced it firsthand. Hitomi Kuroki, in particular, had a deeper and more profound understanding of it, and she still hasn't forgotten it.

"Momoko, you said you want to reduce the number of announcements?" John frowned slightly when he heard Momoko Kikuchi's idea. This was unexpected. What had caused this change in her? If she had already had this idea, perhaps she wouldn't have offered herself up, and she wouldn't be standing in front of him. "Yes, being an idol is too tiring. The idol market is currently in a slump. Rather than being gradually eliminated by newcomers, it's better to retire gracefully. If possible, I want to gradually retire!"

Naoko and the others were surprised to hear Kikuchi Momoko's words. Only Nakayama Miho was somewhat prepared, since she was the first to know about it, so she wasn't surprised. However, she didn't expect Kikuchi Momoko to make a decision so hastily and to say it in front of everyone.

"Alright, I respect your decision. I respect all of your decisions and won't interfere! Since you're determined to retire, try helping Akiko manage the real estate here in Japan. If you have any other ideas, feel free to speak up without any reservations!"

"That's great! With Momoko's help, I'll be much more relaxed!" Kuroki Hitomi was delighted to hear John's suggestion. With Kikuchi Momoko's help, she would be able to relax more. Kuroki Hitomi has changed, especially after Riko's words, which have influenced her. If Kikuchi Momoko could take over her affairs, that would be even better.

“Zhaozi, you can’t let go yet. Even if you want to let go, you have to wait until those properties are sold off. Momoko doesn’t have that ability. All the properties in Tokyo need to be sold by the end of next year. If you have any such properties, you should sell them off in advance. Don’t keep holding onto them.”

Kikuchi Momoko shook her head and said, "I have no other ideas, but I don't know if I can help Akiko-nee, since I've never been involved in this kind of thing before!"

"No experience is not important. With Akiko here, you can learn slowly. Most of the real estate in Tokyo, except for a few that are kept, will be sold. You and Akiko will only be managing those resort gardens. If you have any ideas about management, you can also participate in the management of 7-Eleven or other companies!"

7-Eleven convenience stores are developing rapidly in Japan these days. If Momoko Kikuchi has management ideas, arranging for her to join 7-Eleven would be a good choice. At least she could understand the details of 7-Eleven and be well-informed. After all, 7-Eleven convenience stores are related to the development of retail and have a significant impact on Phoenix Comics and record companies.

If Tsutaya is sold in the future, 7-Eleven will be the last resort, and this will be the case for a long time. John will not increase the development and expansion of Japanese retail until land prices in Japan reach their lowest point.

At this moment, Miho Nakayama understood Kikuchi Momoko's decision somewhat. Although she didn't know how much real estate Kuroki Hitomi owned, she was familiar with the situation in Tokyo. After all, the house she was currently living in was one she had chosen from among those properties, and the situation with the 7-Eleven convenience stores was even more astonishing. She had initially thought Kikuchi Momoko's decision was somewhat risky, but now Miho Nakayama realized she was wrong.

“What about you? If you have any ideas, feel free to share them!” John turned his gaze to Yasuko Sawaguchi, Miho Nakayama, Sachiko Kamachi, and Chisato Moritaka, wanting to hear their thoughts. However, these beauties all shook their heads and declined. They weren't willing to give up their 'careers' yet; more accurately, they still had their so-called 'ideals' and pursuits!

When Hitomi Kuroki saw Yasuko Sawaguchi's refusal, she couldn't help but sigh. In fact, she most wanted to see Yasuko Sawaguchi stand with her, but the other party did not understand her words. In comparison, Momoko Kikuchi's choice was the right one.

In contrast, Naoko's reaction was quite calm, showing no concern for these arrangements. She was more focused on Riko's words at the party and worried about Akina. She didn't want Akina to drag things out any longer. Knowing John as she did, Naoko understood that these arrangements meant he wouldn't stay in Tokyo long and would leave soon. If Akina didn't react before John left, things would get complicated, but she couldn't bring herself to point it out directly.

“Alright, if you have your own ideas, then go for it. But you still need to take care of your health. You have plenty of time to achieve your ‘ideals.’ Rest when you need to, don’t overwork yourselves!” John shook his head again, knowing they probably wouldn’t listen to him. Not only was Sachiko Kamachi like that, but Miho Nakayama was too. Compared to Sachiko Kamachi’s pursuit of music, Miho Nakayama was more focused on money. And John sensed a greater unease in Miho Nakayama than in Akina Nakamori; it was a deeper unease about herself. Like Hitomi Kuroki before her, only her choices were different!
(End of this chapter)