If we want to find a suitable expert...
In this respect, Japan is definitely more suitable than the United States.
In the ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games) world, there's a concept called "media mix," a strategy developed by the Japan gaming industry in the 1960s.
To put it bluntly, it's really just about selling the characters.
Matrix-based approach to building a content ecosystem.
It's not just about developing a game or producing an animation.
Instead, it revolves around a specific IP that is intended for marketing, creating an ecosystem that spans various fields.
Anime, novels, games, music, merchandise...
When the entire ecosystem matrix is formed, the commercial value and popularity of the characters will be greatly enhanced.
Japan has indeed mastered this strategy over the years.
Whether it's Pokémon, Love Live!, or Hatsune Miku, they are all typical examples of success.
This is indeed a weak area in the European and American markets. It wasn't until after the millennium that some signs of prosperity gradually emerged.
Differences in social systems, player styles, and social structures are all issues that need to be overcome.
Even with Gamenova's formidable influence, promoting Yui Asaka as Roppongi's top star faced numerous difficulties.
The United States" otaku" culture is a very niche community.
It exists, but it's too niche.
In early May in Tokyo, the cherry blossom season was already over.
Apart from a few remaining cherry blossoms and late-blooming cherry blossoms, everywhere is covered with newly sprouting green leaves.
The interplay of light and shadow does indeed create a unique aesthetic.
However, Yui Asaka no interest in appreciating the scenery today.
We'll have to be patient for a little while longer.
If I just bear with it a little longer, I might be able to face this lovely scenery with a hundred times the excitement I've ever had. Because today... today Chairman Lin is going to visit the Roppongi Agency, and Senior Satoshi specifically instructed her to be in charge of receiving him.
What an honor!
"President, this is Uji that Satoshi -senpai asked someone to bring back from Uji."
Yui Asaka steadily carried a tray with a proper tea set on it, which appeared to be of the highest quality.
Judging from the white porcelain body, it should be Arita ware.
Gyokuro tea is not brewed with boiling water, but with lukewarm water at a lower temperature.
After steeping for about two minutes, the tea soup, with its delicate fragrance and sweetness, unleashed its undisguised aroma onto Lin Lixin's face.
Yui Asaka operated the equipment quietly, clearly having rehearsed it countless times beforehand.
Every movement seemed to be etched into his soul.
Seeing how eager she was to show off her abilities, Lin Lixin wasn't in a hurry and quietly watched her performance as well.
A cup of tea contains only about twenty or thirty milliliters.
It doesn't quench thirst; it's purely for the VIPs to savor its flavor and to help them catch a cold. Yui Asaka had arranged a plate of high-end Japanese sweets did Lin Lixin break the silence and speak.
"How's Xiao Yui doing lately? Has she received any offers for films or TV shows she'd like to work on?"
After all, he was their top idol and the first idol they had ever cultivated.
Back when Gamenova wasn't the behemoth it is today, Yui Asaka played a significant role in boosting the sales of the King of Fighters ' expansion packs.
Lin Lixin naturally found her pleasing to the eye no matter what.
"Not bad, President. There aren't many male leads, but the film contracts are quite good."
Yui Asaka spoke softly, kneeling in a perfectly positioned spot beside Lin Lixin, neither appearing distant nor too inappropriate.
"Um."
Lin Lixin nodded, noticing a hint of coquettish complaint in her tone.
In Japan, it's truly remarkable that Roppongi has managed to stand the test of time.
In the gaming industry alone, it's alright. Even someone as arrogant as Hiroshi Yamauchi would have to put on a respectful address as President Lin when he met Lin Lixin.
However, in fields like film and television media, and music broadcasting, Gamenova's dominance is not as strong. Being an away team, the subtle pressure from the market cannot be ignored.
The most obvious problem here is the serious mismatch in entertainment resources available to Roppongi Agency Productions.
If companies like Nintendo or Sony had such a team, they would have turned it into a dream team long ago, given their track record.
However, Roppongi itself has been repeatedly hampered in securing top-tier film and television contracts.
After all, those resources aren't something fans can decide.
If the chaebol won't release it, then it doesn't exist.
The resources we have now are probably thanks to Satoshi's tireless efforts and President Nakayama's behind-the-scenes support.
"I did indeed loosen my grip on the operations here a bit."
"No, President Lin, it's because I haven't tried hard enough."
She shook her head repeatedly, forcing a look of self-reproach and slight grievance.
Idols are indeed very skilled at managing their facial expressions and controlling their aura.
Lin Lixin smiled but didn't say much. After all, these were their own artists, and if they didn't stand up for them when they were being bullied, Gamenova would really be looked down upon.
"Don't worry, since I've come all this way, the problem will naturally be solved."
"I believe in the president!"
Despite his words, Lin Lixin naturally didn't have time to deal with the situation at the TV station and the production crew one by one.
Instead of wasting time here, he could easily get them film contracts from Hollywood that would take years to complete.
These are all stopgap measures, not fundamental solutions.
If they really want Yui Asaka and Roppongi Agency to no longer be bullied, then they must become top-tier idols.
Japan are for those who admire strength.
Yui Asaka will naturally earn respect once she becomes a true top star.
That afternoon.
Yui Asaka sat upright in the back seat, occasionally stealing glances at President Hayashi on the other side through the reflection in the car window. What is execution?
That's what execution is all about!
I told her this morning to prepare, and she's already set off with Satoshi right after lunch.
"By the way, Satoshi, there are a few Hollywood movies coming out in the second half of the year. They asked me the other day if I was interested in making a cameo appearance. You could arrange something for Roppongi."
"Yes, President."
Satoshi Tajiri, in the driver's seat, agreed without hesitation.
He glanced at the two people sitting in the back seat through the rearview mirror and silently cheered.
After all, it's not very dignified for him to ask for something on his own initiative.
He was well aware of the recent major moves in North America, and it was really inappropriate to let Lin mess around with the Japan market at this time.
Now that Yui Asaka has taken the initiative to get this done, she has done a great service.
Upon hearing this, Yui Asaka naturally also excited.
See that? That's the style of a true master.
Who wants to compete with those small fry for film and television resources?
Hollywood is where real stars should go.
She recalled being invited to the Gamenova annual meeting at the end of last year, and her heart was filled with emotion.
She had been to California many times and had witnessed firsthand the prestige of Gamenova playing on their home turf.
That's where I can truly shine.
"Oh, right, please cancel all of Xiao Yui's performances for the second half of the year. I have other plans."
"Why?"
At this point, Yui Asaka could no longer hold back, turning her head in surprise, her eyes full of confusion.
They were just talking about becoming a Hollywood movie star, how come they turned around and even canceled their commercial performances?
Judging from his recent performance, it seems President Lin isn't planning to sideline him.
"Your task is different from others." Lin Lixin waved his hand, indicating that she didn't need to worry.
"Gamenova needs a national idol who can command Japan in Japan."
"Ah??"
Bliss...
The journey wasn't too long; it took just over an hour for the car to arrive in Musashino City.
"Why is it still so dilapidated..."
Lin Lixin got out of the car and looked at the dilapidated, low-rise office building in front of him, speechless for a moment.
Gainax must have made a lot of money recently.
With the massive traffic and popularity brought by the Pokémon project team, their cash flow should theoretically be very healthy right now.
However, this dilapidated place hasn't changed at all since the last time I came.
I'm not even sure if it's just my imagination, but this place seems even more dilapidated.
"Find them a suitable building in Roppongi. Oh, and make sure the fire safety is done properly. What are we going to do if this place gets bigger in the future?" Lin Lixin pointed to the tattered sign on the wall and instructed Satoshi Tajiri beside him.
It's supposed to be a subsidiary of Gamenova, but it's turned into this mess; it's really unacceptable.
Fortunately, Gainax isn't one to rely on the building's exterior for its business.
In terms of technical capabilities, they are reliable.
Let's go.
Lin Lixin waved to Yui Asaka and walked through the Daimon first.
Yui Asaka followed closely behind, quickly catching up.
" Takami Akai, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, you two come to the conference room to see me. The rest of you, go about your business."
Following Lin Lixin's instructions, Gainax, which was already in chaos, completely erupted into turmoil.
The core members looked at each other, caught off guard by Lin Lixin's swift and decisive actions, and quickly mobilized.
A few minutes later, the two men who had been called out walked nervously into the conference room. Who knows if being called out is a good thing or a bad thing?
If this is investigated and punished, I'll have nowhere to turn to cry.
"President!"
"Please sit down."
Lin Lixin gestured for the two to sit down in front of him.
The Japan have this stubborn streak; it's really frustrating.
The communication efficiency is extremely low!
I haven't done anything else all day but try to outsmart them.
He looked at Takami Akai and said:
"Have you got any ideas about the 'raising a beautiful girl' game we talked about last time?"
"Ah, yes, President."
Hearing Lin Lixin mention this, Takami Akai's tense nerves relaxed slightly. "We've prepared some concept art, but I'm still designing the specific mechanics."
"Yes, there's no need to rush. Quality should be the priority; proper polishing is the most important thing."
Lin Lixin nodded, no longer continuing the topic, and instead looked at Yoshiyuki Sadamoto to the side.
He wore oval glasses, had a refined appearance, and was very quiet.
This guy is the one he's really looking for.
An artist who started out in the industry to earn some money to buy a motorcycle, but inadvertently created countless classic images that have driven fans around the world crazy.
Although he keeps a very low profile, always working behind the scenes, and his name is not widely known.
But when it comes to the people under his command, everyone knows them.
Even casual viewers who haven't seen the work, as long as they have some contact with the ACGN community, have definitely heard those two names countless times.
" Rei Ayanami " and " Asuka "
This seemingly unremarkable, frail scholar is the character designer for Evangelion.