Final Preparations Before Winter

As December arrives, the streets and alleys of Tokyo are already adorned with colorful New Year decorations.

Just as Nakayama Takuya predicted, the momentum of Sega's major titles released in November has naturally declined after a month of strong sales.

Now, the spotlight is shining on the third-party developers who have been eagerly anticipating their entry into the gaming market.

The most dazzling of them all is undoubtedly Konami.

"Minister, Konami's Castlevania: Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse has been released. Here are the sales figures for the first day." The assistant gently placed a report on Takuya's desk.

Takuya picked up the report and glanced at it; the numbers were quite astonishing.

"Sales are good," he commented calmly.

"It's more than just good," the assistant couldn't help but add, "the players are practically going crazy! The multi-character switching and branching storylines they've implemented this time have many veteran players thoroughly enjoying it. Some are saying it's the pinnacle of the Castlevania series, and some are even calling it 'the best action-adventure game of the year.'"

Takuya nodded; Konami's strength was indeed not to be underestimated.

The assistant continued, "Speaking of which, Technos Japan's Double Dragon II and Sunsoft's Batman were really lucky."

"Oh?"

"If they had released it a week later, they probably would have been completely overshadowed by the popularity of Castlevania: Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse. Although they've lost some of their hype, at least they've secured a piece of the pie ahead of time," the assistant analyzed logically.

Indeed, compared to a game of the caliber of Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, any other game released at the same time would pale in comparison.

"How's DATAEAST's <Metal Max>?" Takuya asked.

"Sales weren't a huge hit, but they're quite steady." The assistant flipped to another page of the report. "Its post-apocalyptic wasteland style is very unique, and its distinctive setting and story have attracted a loyal following. The word-of-mouth is excellent; many people are discussing the 'monster they most want to be friends with'— Pochi."

"Is it a dog?"

"Yes, a Shiba Inu that can use a main gun." The assistant couldn't help but chuckle.

Takuya laughed too; this unique sense of humor is indeed one of the charms of Japanese RPGs.

In addition, games such as "Gun-Nac" and "Hot-Blooded Basketball" also gained a share of the market in this hot December, thanks to their unique features, resulting in a prosperous market.

Seeing these third-party manufacturers making a fortune, the assistant couldn't help but feel a little envious. "Minister, are we really just going to give them such a good slot? If ' Golden Sun ' had been released in December, sales would definitely have gone up another notch."

"Let them make their money." Takuya looked out the window; the neon lights of Ginza were faintly visible even in daylight. "Money can never be earned enough."

He knew in his heart that this might be the last such comfortable winter for these third-party manufacturers in the next few years.

At the top of the bubble, the view is magnificent, but it is also the coldest and most biting place.

Before long, when the new governor of the Bank of Japan punctures this colorful illusion, who knows how many people will fall straight from the peak of this revelry into the abyss.

Seeing his manager's inscrutable expression, the assistant scratched his head and didn't dare to ask any more questions.

He just felt that the minister had been looking out the window a lot lately, and there was something in his eyes that he couldn't quite put his finger on.

Perhaps this is the composure of those in high positions.

With that thought in mind, the assistant quietly left the office.

Actually, Takuya was just thinking about what he could still do as the time for the bubble to burst drew closer.

The decision made mid-year to urge the investment management department to transfer domestic assets now seems absolutely correct, but it is far from enough.

Sega's ship is too big; when a wave hits, simply holding onto the rudder isn't enough.

He looked out the window at the well-dressed men and women hurrying along the street, their faces radiating the confidence and fervor unique to this era, each of them seeming to stand at the pinnacle of the world.

But at the very top, the wind is the most biting.

A name popped into his mind without warning— Uniqlo.

A low-price empire that will grow wildly amidst a future economic downturn.

Without further hesitation, he turned and left the office, heading straight for Sega Galaxy on another floor.

Sega Galaxy, responsible for licensing and brand collaborations for all Sega IPs, is a crucial part of the Takuya Project.

Outside the president's office, the secretary saw Takuya and quickly stood up.

"Special Secretary Nakayama."

Is Hattori in?

"Yes, I'll inform them immediately."

A moment later, the office door opened, and a slightly plump, smiling middle-aged man came out to greet them.

"Takuya, you're a rare guest! What, are you tired of the Game Development Department's financial reports and want to come here to see the real gold mine?" Hattori patted Takuya on the shoulder, his tone full of smugness.

Sega Galaxy is his territory and his pride.

"Hattori is joking. I'm just here to soak up some of his wealth." Takuya followed him into the office, glancing at the dazzling array of merchandise design sketches on the desk. "This year's licensing business has been quite successful, hasn't it?"

"Outstanding? It's more than outstanding!" Hattori picked up a briefing and waved it smugly. "The specific financial figures are still being calculated, but I dare say our revenue here will definitely rank in the top three at Sega! That Sonic kid, printing him on T-shirts makes way more money than putting him in cartridges!"

Hattori was in a great mood and chatted with Takuya for a few more business-related anecdotes before changing the subject. "Alright, enough joking. You didn't come all this way just to listen to me brag. Get to the point; there's no need for beating around the bush."

Hattori knew very well that he was able to secure his position thanks to the support of the Nakayama father and son.

Takuya's smile faded, and his expression turned serious.

"Director Hattori, have you been following the news? Last Sunday, December 17th."

Hattori's smile slowly faded; he knew, of course, what had happened that day.

"Mieno Yasushi," Takuya slowly uttered the name, "Has succeeded Satoshi Sumita as the new governor of the central bank."

The atmosphere in the office immediately changed.

"There were already rumors this morning," Takuya's voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear, "That another interest rate hike is imminent. This frenzy..."

It's over.

Hattori fell silent. He recalled how, a few months ago, Takuya had defied the majority opinion at a board meeting and demanded that directors Hoshino and Sugiura adjust their investment strategy. At the time, some people thought he was making a mountain out of a molehill, but now, a cold sweat broke out on his back.

"Japan's economic boom is probably coming to an end soon. After the economic downturn, people will tighten their purse strings," Takuya continued. "The money that used to buy one designer suit might now be used to buy ten inexpensive items. The consumption level will plummet, and that's our opportunity."

"An opportunity?" Hattori was a little taken aback.

"Yes, an opportunity." Takuya's eyes sharpened. "What we need to do is make sure that ordinary people who are holding onto their wallets can easily spot our licensed IP products when buying affordable alternatives."

"You mean-"

"We'll collaborate with affordable consumer brands, like Uniqlo, which I just mentioned," Takuya stated clearly. "The licensing fee is negotiable; we can even offer them a discount they can't refuse. We don't want that small amount of money right now; we want influence. We want to capitalize on this major reshuffling of the consumer market and imprint the Sega brand on every corner of the world."

Director Hattori finally understood.

Looking at the young man who was much younger than himself, he felt a turmoil in his heart.

While others saw a crisis, he saw a golden opportunity within it.

Hattori a deep breath and nodded solemnly. "I understand. You want Sega's various game characters to accompany everyone through the winter."

"That's right." Takuya stood up. "Let's start with Uniqlo, Director Hattori. They will be one of the winners of the new era."

"What we need to do is get to the winner's side beforehand."