Exploiting Hollywood 1980

Sony has a far-reaching presence in America, and it is not without friends in the political circles. For this kind of thing, Ronald is not the only one who can help Dahe smoothen the relationship.

It’s really helpless, just because the wording of Akio Morita’s interview in Tokyo was too outrageous. The political figures Dahe is familiar with have closed communication channels with him.

In desperation, he had no choice but to come over and ask Ronald to activate a special communication channel between him and the Grand Commander. Dahe knew that Akio Morita was in serious trouble. He just wanted an opportunity to meet with key people and explain his troubles clearly.

"Zhizhi..."

Soon, Dahe faxed the interview transcript of Akio Morita. Ronald took a closer look and took a breath. If he didn't know better, he would have thought that Japan had declared war on America again. The original text of the interview is in Japanese, and the following is handwritten and translated into English by Sony staff:

"Columbia Pictures' management is very bad. I think America's management theory and practice have seriously lagged behind advanced Japanese companies. It's time for them to understand what should be done to manage a multinational company?

Recently, I attended a concert in New York (sponsored by Dahe), and executives from Columbia Records said to me, fortunately, you acquired us. Since Sony took over Columbia Records, we can be freer and more active. work. These are all the effects of Japanese leadership.

We also encountered the same feedback when acquiring European companies. We will slowly change the thinking habits of American and European companies, and promote the Japanese business management model to the world..."

Such arrogant words were spattered at the press conference held by Akio Morita at the Sony Building in Tokyo.

Of course, it was his last few words that hurt the hearts of members of Congress and the commander-in-chief the most.

Sony's chairman finally pointed out that an Australian company and former Australian citizen Rupert's company also recently acquired movie studios and TV stations, but no one in America raised any objections. Sony has suffered a lot of unfounded accusations.

When asked how he explained this disparity, Akio Morita ended the interview with a rhetorical question: "Why was it that when the war broke out, only Japanese were interned? And neither Germans nor Italians had anything to do? Why? I ask you.

Japanese ideas and philosophy are advanced in the world, and Japanese-style management will eventually become the philosophy of the best companies. This may sound dangerous, but we are confident that we can do it. And American companies are full of short-term thinking, refusing to invest in new technologies, and treating employees carelessly. They only rely on financial operations to make money. They are endangering their own future..."

…

"Before the press conference, Akio Morita drank a few bottles of sake from his fucking soy sauce factory? Didn't he know that the current commander-in-chief, George Sr., was a torpedo pilot during World War II? Braving anti-aircraft fire, and zero He was escorted by Japanese fighter jets and dropped torpedoes at low altitude? He was shot down by you and almost died in the Pacific Ocean..." After Ronald read this, he dialed Dahe's phone and complained angrily for five minutes. The only thing I mean is, I can’t do this job.

"I'm so sorry, Ronald San. I understand that this is being forced upon others, but thousands of employees at Sony, and many at Columbia, should not have to suffer in vain because of such a stupid statement.

But I still want to ask you to give it a try reluctantly. I will not forget this moment and your help to Sony and me personally. "

Dahe kept wiping sweat on the other end of the phone. The acquisition case would be investigated at any time. Sony entered America and began lobbying members of Congress not long enough to form a bond. By surprise, these people all hid far away...

"My grandfather also died flying a fighter jet against the Nazis on the Atlantic Ocean during World War II!"

When Ronald heard Dahe's heavy promise, he immediately felt that there was still room for saving the matter, but he also had to get some benefits.

"I am extremely sorry. World War II is a heavy burden for our nation. Chairman Morita's words are very inappropriate. I have made suggestions to him personally and will be cautious in his words and deeds.

Ronald Sand is also a descendant of World War II heroes, and he does not want to see that his momentary stupidity affects the reflection of the Japanese people.

In order to facilitate Ronald San's work for Sony, a Gulfstream IV business jet that Sony had just received was given to Ronald San for use, and all the corresponding expenses were borne by Sony.

In addition, after we take over the Colombian TV network, we need to sell 49% of the shares. If Ronald Sang is interested, you will be the first friend qualified to buy it. "

"Hey, what can I say? Dahe Sang is a good friend of mine, and it is my unshirkable responsibility to help my friends solve their problems. But in this matter, Chairman Morita is making too big a mistake. This is the heart of our commander-in-chief. Whether it will succeed or not, I can’t guarantee..."

"We will keep Ronald Sang's righteousness in mind. No matter whether it succeeds or not, what I just said is unconditional. I want to thank Ronald Sang for his efforts..."

Dahe finally found a possible communication channel. After hanging up the phone, he became furious at the people who came to Akio Morita's office to listen to their opinions, accusing them of misleading Chairman Morita and ordering them to reflect...

…

"Would it be better for you to stay out of the matter? Nowadays, American people like Japanese products very much, but they have a strong dislike for Japanese companies that work hard and make aggressive acquisitions in America.

They especially like to buy real estate. Rockefeller Center in New York was purchased by Mitsubishi. Rumor has it that someone else is eyeing the Empire State Building. "

Sony's Gulfstream IV is the first batch of new models delivered by Gulfstream. Sony's Gulfstream IV, which belonged to the CEO's office, was used for the first time by Ronald. He picked up his childhood sweetheart Douglas and his cousin Donna from New York and flew to Los Angeles to discuss how to smoothen their relationship with him.

"This bastard Akio Morita mentioned in an interview that Japanese-Americans were imprisoned in concentration camps during World War II. The first film I filmed The Dragon King had this plot. If it is not handled well, there will be It may be revealed, and public opinion is a very unpredictable thing. If I, a director who doesn't love America, are involved, no one will watch the movie he made."

Ronald is not an alarmist. After the end of World War II, many people in Hollywood were put on the blacklist or gray list due to ideological issues. His artistic career has been greatly affected.

The contradiction between Japan and the United States is very big now, the people are very angry, and he does not want to be involved. If he could help Morita Akio calm down this matter, it would also be good for him.

Besides, there is also the purchase right of the Colombian TV station network promised by Dahe...

"Has this interview been published in the newspapers now? Akio Morita is too careless..." Little Douglas looked at the interview record that Ronald handed him, and frowned more and more.

"Sony suppressed the report through its domestic connections, but I'm worried that it will spread here soon. The book 'Japanese Can Say No' written by Akio Morita was only published in Japan, but it was quickly translated by interested people. In English, published in the United States?”

The interests involved in the trade friction between the United States and Japan are very large, and there are many people who support and oppose the economic cooperation between the two countries. In the political arena, the struggle between reconciliation and confrontation is fierce.

Even if Sony can withdraw the article in China, this kind of thing is a good ammunition for attack. I am afraid that tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, someone will report it in national media, such as the Washington Post, the New York Times, etc.

"This is very difficult to handle. Little George is not stupid. This kind of thing will have a great impact on his father's public support. He will not rashly ask for mercy..."

"Hey, Mr. Eighty Percent." Ronald sighed. Old George would always get involved in things that the public liked, and make his presence felt first. If this matter becomes a big deal, he won't let it go. "

…

"Is the baby responding now?" Donna was chatting with Diane in the room. She looked at her childhood best friend who was about to become a mother. She was very excited and kept asking questions.

The two of them talked in whispers for a long time, and they hadn't had lunch yet. Donna couldn't help but ran out to see what her brother and her boyfriend were still discussing. She actually forgot about something as important as a pregnant woman's meal...

"What are you worried about? Is this something very difficult?" Donna saw Bernard and Douglas Jr. sitting on the sofa, drinking coffee with a sad face. She was smart enough to find the problem and asked.

"We are thinking about how to get Little George to agree to meet the CEO of Sony. As long as he can arrange a meeting between Da He Sang and Da Tong, this is a positive signal. Members of Congress and people from major review agencies will also see it. The trend is favorable for Sony.

After all, no one really wants to oppose a multinational company like Sony... It's just that due to the possible outbreak of public opinion, everyone is unwilling to agree with each other in private at this time. "

"Is this an interview in Japanese? There are no English media at the scene?" Donna looked at the interview records and keenly discovered that the media were all from Japanese newspapers.

"Yes, but it will be translated into English soon, you know we have news..."

"Then, wouldn't it be enough for Akio Morita to accept another interview in English?" Donna pointed to the interview script and said, "There is actually a lot of room for interpretation here. You can arrange another interview in English to find out first what is more in line with Akio Morita. The original interview was sent out."

"What a genius idea!" Ronald's thoughts suddenly became clear. The media is an industry that grabs headlines and reports first. People will be led by the media who report certain major events for the first time, and they will have some preconceived impressions.

If a "correct" English version can be published first, then those other English versions will be ignored by public opinion.

"Dahe Sang, I have an idea..."

Ronald immediately called Norio Ohga about the idea. The other party was also impressed.

"I know that Luosang has some influence in the media in New York..." Dahe said.

"New York Daily News? I just gave them some short-term donations to help them tide over the difficulties. This interview requires a more heavyweight media release to have the final say."

Ronald picked up the phone and dialed the sound designer Peter Buffy, "Peter, was your father in Washington or Omaha recently?"

Warren Buffy was recently in Washington, D.C., where he and Mrs. Graham, publisher of the Washington Post, were darlings of the capital's social circles.

"Why do you have to pay such a high price to publish such an interview, and why do you need a Hollywood director to introduce it?"

Mrs. Graham was the publisher of the newspaper. During the Watergate incident, she withstood the pressure and published the exposé, which established the Post as the media with the most profound political news.

She glanced at Ronald's request and realized something was wrong.

"Akio Morita retired from his position as CEO and became an alcoholic..." Ronald made a gesture of drinking. After a long journey, he took the Gulfstream to DC and made an appointment with Buffy and Mrs. Graham.

"He is no longer as sharp as before, so he acquired Columbia Pictures at a cost of nearly $5 billion (3.6 billion in stock acquisitions, plus more than one billion in debt). He only gave interviews in Japanese in Tokyo.

The new CEO hopes to use Akio Morita's reputation in the business world to endorse this acquisition... And if this report were to be interviewed normally, it would not be able to keep up with the news timeliness of this wave of acquisitions..."

Ronald winked, and Dahe's staff and secretary beside him handed the English version of Morita Akio's written interview to Mrs. Graham.

"Well..." Mrs. Graham put on her reading glasses and took a tour. Although some places are short-sighted and aggressive about American companies, Akio Morita is very proud of the management concepts of Japanese companies, such as lifelong employment, treating employees well, focusing on manufacturing, etc., but this is still a good report.

"It is unusual for the Post to accept an article like this, but because it is Chairman Akio Morita, we can send the best business reporters, formally send him an invitation to interview, and re-write the title..."

Mrs. Graham took a slight step back from the principle of running a newspaper, and still let Post reporters ask questions and conduct written interviews, but the answers still remained Akio Morita's original answers.

Of course, the most important thing was that Sony impressed her with its huge advertising budget in the Post in the coming year due to the acquisition.

"The Japanese really make a fuss out of a molehill..." Warren Buffy next to him said with a smile to Ronald after Mrs. Graham agreed to Sony's request.

The wise man had already seen through what Ronald and Sony wanted.

"The problem with alcohol..." Luo Zhen didn't hide it from him. "Alcohol destroyed Chairman Morita's mind, and some of his interview wordings were not accurate."

"Hey, many successful entrepreneurs just pursue a heroic sense of self-realization. I don't drink at all."

"Coke is more suitable for rigorous thinking and artistic creation." Ronald smiled and took two cans of cherry-flavored Coca-Cola from the refrigerator and handed one to Buffy.

"Why, I thought you artists drank alcohol when you were creating."

"It may be easier for a while, but it will also damage your creative ability in the long run..."

"It still tastes the same, you know? There is a Coca-Cola Museum at the Coca-Cola headquarters. The raw materials are different all over the world, but the taste is surprisingly consistent."

Buffy always talks about investing and running a business.

"Yes, Coca-Cola is a great company. This time it sold Colombia to Sony and made another huge profit."

Columbia Pictures, which was valued at US$22 per share, was sold at US$28. Coca-Cola’s stock price can still rise this year.

Of course, the efforts of consumer goods companies like Coca-Cola to save marketing expenses by operating a mixed business in the film and television industry have been completely shattered. The latest trend now is media conglomerates. Newspapers, TV stations, and film companies form a group company.

…

"Why was Akio Morita confused? My mother was very angry. Fortunately, the English version of the Washington Post interview was more polite, so Barbara calmed down..."

Armed with an interview with Akio Morita published in The Washington Post on Monday, Ronald showed up at George Jr.'s home in Texas.

The English version was polished by Post reporters, retaining Akio Morita's pride in the business philosophy of Japanese companies, and deleting his responsibility for American discrimination against Japanese Americans. It also weakened Japanese companies, which will continue to acquire European and American companies and become the world's Meaning of leader.

For example, he said that when he mentioned the different public reactions caused by Rupert's acquisition of Fox in Australia and Sony's acquisition of Colombia, Akio Morita tone down the tone. He did not think that racial prejudice was the cause, but the "perception gap" that led to this kind of difference. Condition.

"Alcoholism has made his brain less sharp than before..." Ronald still pointed to his brain. Alcohol may really have had an impact on Akio Morita.

"Fortunately, God's blessing and Laura's support have allowed me to get rid of alcoholism, and it is also thanks to you that I have strengthened my faith." Little George continued reading, checking for anything inappropriate.

When asked if he would buy a baseball team, Akio Morita revealed some of his philosophy: "Sports teams sometimes win and sometimes they lose." He said, "I don't want to see my team lose, so I don't Courage to take over a sports team.”

"Hahaha, this coward..." Little George laughed when he saw the last question of the interview. He wanted to win but was afraid of losing, so what kind of competition was there? It is with such an adventurous spirit that Americans can be leaders of the West.

"I will fly to DC with Laura." When little George saw the report, he knew that there would be no risk for his family to participate this time. Plus Barbara was relieved, he promised to help Dahe again...

"But, what's the benefit of me?" A relative of the commander-in-chief like Little George would not work in vain.

"What business are you interested in recently? Sony is a large multinational group. They are involved in all types of business..." Ronald thought to himself. Sony also gave me two Australian holiday homes and a state-of-the-art official business. As long as you ask for the right to use the machine, little George, there is nothing Sony can't do.

"I saw the last question. Akio Morita said he would not buy the team?"

"Do you want him to invest in the Texas Rangers? Or be the main sponsor of the team?" Ronald remembered that George Jr. was still the shareholder and manager of the baseball team.

"No, I will resign as the manager of the Rangers immediately, and I have long considered selling my shares... In addition to the Rangers, I am also a fan of the New York Yankees and have loved watching them since I was a child. They are currently considering changing their main sponsor... "

"I understand..." By changing the main sponsor, George, as the broker who facilitated the deal, has more opportunities to get involved. Let them decide how to divide the money. Ronald smiled and dialed a phone number to Dahe who was waiting for news.

"By the way, why do you want to resign as the manager of the Rangers? I heard that you are doing a good job. Every time you play a home game, the fans will cheer for you."

When Ronald came to Texas, he saw in the news that the Rangers had done well this year. As the manager, George Jr. had done a lot of work. He would go to watch every home game, sometimes sitting in ordinary seats. Chatting with fans...

"Hey, Texas is about to start a new gubernatorial election this year..."