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Chapter 107: Bringing in Toei
🕑 Added 2025-10-04 11:33:05 +0000 UTCWith Makoto Yamashina nearly convinced, the scales tipping in his favor, Takuya played his final, most tantalizing card.
“Additionally, if I may presume to mention one more thing…”
“Word has it that your company recently acquired Imai Science’s Shizuoka model factory, poised for a massive leap in model production technology and capacity.”
Takuya’s gaze swept over Bandai’s executives, who betrayed a flicker of pride.
“Once your technical integration and production ramp-up are complete…”
“Would Bandai be interested in designing and exclusively manufacturing a line of high-quality model kits for Sega’s currently red-hot Pokémon series?”
Pokémon!
The name struck like thunder in Makoto Yamashina’s mind.
Its global frenzy and staggering revenue potential were no secret to him as an industry titan.
The model toy market was Bandai’s traditional stronghold and core business.
Combining Pokémon—this mega-IP—with Bandai’s masterful model craftsmanship would open an vast, untapped blue ocean.
The temptation hit Yamashina’s softest, most covetous spot dead-on.
Without much hesitation, excitement and resolve gleamed in his eyes.
He slammed the table—not loudly, but with decisive finality.
“Deal!”
The two words rang out with authority.
The room’s tension dissolved into the thrill of a new partnership unfolding.
Both teams dove into an initial, fervent discussion of the collaboration’s framework and core terms.
When it came to the Pokémon model project, Bandai’s enthusiasm far exceeded expectations.
One executive in charge of models couldn’t contain himself.
“Mr. Nakayama, regarding Pokémon models, Bandai doesn’t just want to take on design commissions or manufacturing.”
“We’d prefer formal authorization to handle product design, production, and sales independently.”
Takuya keenly caught the eagerness in his words.
Smiling at Yamashina, he countered with a fresh exchange.
“President Yamashina, your directness is refreshing, and Sega is eager to show maximum sincerity.”
“If Bandai seeks deeper licensing for Pokémon models…”
“Then, in exchange, Sega hopes Bandai can extend further assistance.”
“Leveraging your long-standing rapport with Toei Animation…”
“Help Sega secure game adaptation rights for Toei’s classic robot anime, such as Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, and Combattler V.”
The IPs from the reference materials flowed effortlessly from Takuya’s lips.
Yamashina and his executives exchanged quick glances.
Securing a batch of Toei robot anime rights would enrich Bandai’s IP library and bolster their game development content.
It would also deepen ties with Sega.
The deal was solid.
Yamashina’s face broke into a shrewd smile.
“Mr. Nakayama leaves no stone unturned.”
“Fine. We’ll take on that additional condition.”
After a round of verbal sparring, Bandai and Sega reached consensus on a series of collaborative frameworks. With the preliminary contract signed, Sega’s team departed Bandai.
The tires hummed steadily over asphalt.
In the black Crown sedan heading back to Sega, the intangible smoke of negotiation lingered faintly.
Masao Suzuki sat beside Takuya, his earlier excitement fading into a puzzled furrow. He glanced at the blurring streets outside several times, then back at Takuya’s serene profile, lips parting before he finally spoke. “Executive Director Nakayama, back at Bandai, President Yamashina was so enthusiastic about our partnership. Why didn’t we press the advantage and invite them to collaborate as third-party developers for the new console?”
He paused, adding, “With Bandai’s vast robot IP holdings, if we could get them developing games for our new console, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.”
Takuya’s lips curved into a subtle smile. He turned to Suzuki’s eager face, his voice even. “Mr. Suzuki, we must eat one bite at a time. Things aren’t as straightforward as they seem.”
“First, Bandai’s ties to Nintendo’s Famicom are deeply entrenched, with intertwined interests. Rushing to pull them in as a third-party now risks leaks from pro-Nintendo insiders, alerting Nintendo prematurely and scuttling our plans.”
Suzuki nodded thoughtfully—the concern was valid.
Takuya continued, “Second, while we’ve pledged technical support, turning Bandai into a core third-party capable of reliably delivering high-quality titles for the new console won’t happen overnight. Their independent R&D needs time to mature. We can’t force it.”
“Third, and crucially,” Takuya’s tone grew firmer, “imagine porting that robot fighting game we’re co-developing to the Famicom, with its far inferior specs forcing major downgrades in visuals, sound, and controls. Do you think players would accept it?”
He shook his head lightly. “It would not only dilute the experience—a outright regression—but also create harsh contrasts with potential high-end arcade or new console versions. It might boost Famicom sales minimally, but it could erode the hard-earned goodwill and fan loyalty those classic robot IPs have built. Not worth it.”
Takuya’s gaze deepened. “Our new console is the ideal platform for that game. We’ll see if President Yamashina wants to board our ship then.” His playful confidence dispelled Suzuki’s lingering doubts.
Suzuki’s confusion cleared, replaced by realization and deeper respect. Every move from Executive Director Nakayama was deliberate, interlocking like a master plan.
Just as Suzuki thought the topic closed and the car’s mood lightening, Takuya’s tone sharpened abruptly, his eyes turning keen with subtle gravity.
