Video Game Tycoon in Tokyo-Chapter 858: An Unexpected Gain

This wasn't a particularly difficult decision.

Helping the government was often the most profitable path.

Most companies didn't even get the opportunity.

So Takayuki had already made up his mind—if the minister wanted political achievements, he'd give them to him. And in return, he would seek benefits that lay outside of politics.

Such as... a large plot of land.

Before heading to Shizuoka Jirō's home, Takayuki stayed in his office to prepare a brand new game development proposal.

This proposal would be tailored to match Shizuoka Jirō's request—a new genre of game. Or rather, it wasn't entirely new, but in this world, it would still feel relatively innovative.

Coincidentally, Takayuki felt that now was just the right time for a game like this to be introduced.

With plenty of daylight left, Takayuki finished drafting the proposal. All that remained was to present it to Shizuoka Jirō later that evening.

The minister's residence was a standalone estate with a surprisingly large footprint.

Having a home like that in Tokyo was rare, which proved one thing: Shizuoka Jirō wasn't a nobody. He hadn't risen to become the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology from nothing—he had some background.

"Welcome, welcome, Mr. Takayuki! I've long admired your name."

The moment Takayuki stepped out of the car with Aya Tsukino, the minister was already waiting at the gate, dressed in formal traditional Japanese attire meant for welcoming honored guests. He radiated warmth and sincerity.

He hurried over and shook Takayuki's hand with a beaming smile."Welcome to my humble home, Mr. Takayuki. Please, come in!"

Also stepping out with the minister was his gentle and gracious wife. She warmly welcomed Aya Tsukino, even going so far as to call her "sister."

Aya, while slightly caught off guard, managed to keep composed. Perhaps Minister Shizuoka had done some research ahead of time and knew about Aya's former discomfort with physical contact. His wife kept a respectful distance, helping Aya feel at ease.

These days, Aya's touch aversion had mostly faded, but old habits still lingered.

Under the warm reception, Takayuki followed Minister Shizuoka into the estate's Japanese-style garden.

A picturesque pond sat in the center, home to a few colorful ornamental fish. Behind it was a traditional tearoom, typically used to entertain guests.

But Shizuoka didn't take Takayuki there—instead, he led him toward the private living quarters, a sign that the minister wanted to have a serious discussion.

Eventually, they settled in the family living room, where a servant brought out some light refreshments and the finest tea.

"Please, Mr. Takayuki, make yourself at home. Treat this place like it's your own," the minister said warmly, pouring the tea himself—showing no concern for maintaining any formal airs. He had the easy grace of a seasoned negotiator.

"Minister, you don't need to be so polite. Let's just speak as friends."

"Ah, that's wonderful! It'll make our relationship much closer that way."

Shizuoka was clearly pleased. If Takayuki had remained too formal, it would've made it harder for him to bring up the subject at hand.

He quickly dispensed with the pleasantries and urged Takayuki to try the tea and snacks prepared by his wife.

Honestly, Takayuki couldn't tell great tea from average. He didn't usually drink this kind of stuff—if anything, the drink he consumed most often was some energy drink akin to Red Bull.

The two men chatted casually, learning more about each other's personal and professional lives. It was also a way to subtly gauge each other's personalities and intentions.

Eventually, when the atmosphere felt right, Minister Shizuoka got straight to the point.

"Mr. Takayuki, allow me to speak frankly. Before meeting with you, I've already spoken with several other prominent companies in the cultural sector—including your competitor, Surei Electronics. And after our meeting, I plan to invite others as well."

"I have a grand plan, but what I can promise you is this: you're the only one I've invited into my private living room."

Shizuoka remembered vividly the many times Takayuki had dazzled the world.

Back when the minister was still just a junior official, he had watched Gamestar's work drive massive economic growth in places like Tokyo and Osaka. Their cultural influence was massive, introducing a bold, new image of Japan to the world.

He deeply admired Takayuki's achievements. That's why he treated him with much more sincerity than he did others.

Other companies might have their ups and downs, but Gamestar's momentum had never slowed.

Takayuki caught a key phrase in the minister's words:"A grand plan?"

"Yes, Mr. Takayuki. I'm sure you've heard of the Cool Japan initiative, right?"

Takayuki's eyes flickered."Of course."

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"That was proposed by my predecessor, Mr. Asakusa, just before his retirement. The goal was to promote Japanese culture, food, tourism, and other soft power exports to the global stage. The Cool Japan project also—"

And with that, Shizuoka launched into a passionate, ten-minute monologue, laying out all the details and aspirations of the project.

Takayuki didn't interrupt. He nodded from time to time, listening attentively.

Finally, when Shizuoka took a break to sip some tea, he sighed:"I have to admit, Mr. Asakusa truly had vision. In recent years, the Cool Japan project has been advancing steadily—though we haven't made it fully public yet. I imagine you're quite surprised to hear all this, Mr. Takayuki?"

Takayuki simply shrugged."Not really."

"Not... really?" Shizuoka was momentarily stunned.

Then Takayuki smiled."What if I told you that it was I who first proposed the idea of Cool Japan to your predecessor, Mr. Asakusa?"

"Ah—!"Shizuoka's eyes widened.

He had been expecting to surprise Takayuki.

Instead, the tables had turned.

Cool Japan... was Mr. Takayuki's idea?