US Major Retail Companies

While Pokémon was the talk of the town, research for the Gameboy and the SKS, or Super KiShin SKT, was nearing its end.

The Pokémon anime also premiered on TV Asahi.

TV Asahi's ratings saw an increase as the anime was broadcasted.

During this time, KiShin had already started establishing a branch in the USA and was in negotiations with retail companies to distribute their products.

KiShin had successfully secured contracts with BestBuy, RadioShack, and the e-commerce platform Boston Computer Exchange.

The time had come to gradually enter and penetrate the US market.

However, due to Tora and Suzuki's strong presence in the US market, KiShin faced challenges in convincing larger retail companies like WalMark to carry their products. Nevertheless, some other retail companies were willing to negotiate, particularly those that competed with WalMart. These major retail companies sought to engage in direct discussions with the founders of KiShin themselves.

That's why Shin traveled to the USA himself on June 8, 1991.

He did so to meet KiShin's partners in the US market.

[Midtown Manhattan, New York]

[Four Seasons Hotel]

Inside one of the private rooms, business figures had gathered while Orio Masayoshi, a KiShin representative, was entertaining them.

One American man in his 30s, with blonde hair and blue eyes, sat elegantly, sipping wine. He relaxed with one leg crossed over the other.

This man was Andrew Solomon, the CEO of Target, one of the major retail companies in the USA, second only to WalMark.

A ginger-haired woman with an alluring smile was Celine Heart, the current CEO of Kmart.

A middle-aged man named Erik Bradshaw, who was the CEO of Toys "R" Us, also attended.

Another man, Joe Kurtz, the CEO of Sears, appeared rather unassuming.

These were the CEOs of the major retail companies in the US market that Orio Masayoshi had managed to contact.

This, in itself, was a significant achievement.

Andrew smiled as he spoke to Orio, "I've always been interested in meeting the person who managed to not only revive the video game industry in Japan but gradually in the world."

Celine also chuckled softly, adding, "That's true. I never anticipated that this once-dying and unprofitable industry would become so lucrative because of him."

Erik chimed in playfully while glancing at Orio, "Hehe. I might not have accepted Orio-chan's invitation if my curiosity hadn't piqued."

Joe, along with everyone else, shared a light laugh at Erik's use of 'Orio-chan.'

Orio simply chuckled wryly, concealing any irritation that may have crossed his mind.

---

[New York]

[LaGuardia Airport]

The Japanese airplane touched down at the airport as Shin descended the passenger stairs at a leisurely pace.

As he made his way through the airport, Shin glanced at his watch and promptly hailed a taxi to transport him to the Four Seasons Hotel.

He boarded a taxi, and it took 30 minutes before he reached his destination at 57 East 57th Street in New York City. After paying the driver, he stepped out and saw the grand hotel before him.

"This is truly a magnificent hotel..." Shin smiled wryly as he admired the grandeur.

The hotel's exterior featured sleek, modern design with its prominent use of glass and travertine marble. The glass façade allowed natural light to flood into the hotel, while the travertine marble imparted a sense of luxury and sophistication.

Shin entered the hotel and was warmly greeted by the front desk staff. Then, he called Orio to arrange a meeting at the hotel's entrance.

Meanwhile, Orio was in the middle of pouring wine for Andrew when his phone rang, causing everyone to furrow their brows. Orio promptly answered and heard Shin's voice, to which he exclaimed, "Boss! You're here! Alright, I'll be right there."

Orio excused himself and hurried to the hotel's entrance. After a few minutes, he found Shin conversing with the front desk staff.

"I'm terribly sorry, boss!" Orio immediately apologized as he approached Shin.

Shin simply nodded, and Orio guided him to the private room. After a brief walk, they arrived at the door of the private room. Shin nodded as Orio opened it, and Shin followed suit.

As Shin entered the room, all eyes turned to him.

Andrew and the other CEOs furrowed their brows as they gazed at Shin, and they turned to Orio, inquiring, "Where is the founder of KiShin?"

Orio smiled and promptly introduced Shin, saying, "Gentlemen, this is the founder and CEO of KiShin, Shinro Suzuki," as he made way for Shin and offered him a seat.

Everyone was taken aback as they looked at the youthful man.

Celine let out an almost inaudible whisper, "It can't be... He's so young."

Joe nodded in agreement, remarking, "He does appear quite youthful, probably not even in his 20s."

Andrew nodded and directed his gaze at Shin, questioning, "Are you truly the founder of KiShin? This is unexpected... You look remarkably young..."

Erik shook his head and whispered to them, "Don't be deceived. Asians often possess remarkable genes that keep them looking young, even in their 30s!"

Celine and the others nodded in understanding.

However, Shin, who overheard their conversation, let out an audible chuckle.

Erik frowned, turned to Shin, and said, "Am I mistaken?"

Shin shook his head and responded, "You make a valid point, but you're incorrect if you assume I'm that old."

Celine furrowed her brows and inquired, "Truly... Then how old are you, exactly?"

Shin smiled and said, "I believe there's no need to dwell too much on my age, as in business or anywhere else, age isn't of great importance." He paused and noticed Celine's disappointed expression. Shin added, "But if you're genuinely curious, I just turned 19 this year."

Everyone was astounded upon hearing this revelation.

Andrew regarded Shin with doubt and asked, "So, you're not really the founder of KiShin?"

Everyone had similar thoughts upon learning about Shin's young age.

Shin simply smiled and confirmed, "No, I am indeed the founder."

Joe expressed his surprise, "Really... You appear so young."

Celine smiled and added, "I think Mr. Suzuki has a point. In business and elsewhere, age is not the most important factor."

Eric chuckled and agreed, "That's true."

Andrew concurred and shifted the focus, saying, "Yes, enough about that. What matters is discussing the potential partnership for distributing KiShin's products."

Seeing everyone nod and agree, Shin smiled and nodded as well, stating, "That's right." He continued with a smile, "As you may already know, Tora and Suzuki have hindered KiShin's entry into the USA market due to their fear of our company."

Celine acknowledged this, saying, "Indeed, it's quite apparent. However, these two Japanese companies are sorely mistaken if they believe they can control everything and everyone."

Andrew nodded and looked at Shin, commenting, "KiShin has outperformed Tora and Suzuki in the video game sector, not only in Japan but across Asia, despite your company's console being less powerful."

Erik and Joe agreed, with Erik looking at Shin and remarking, "That's a fact. It clearly illustrates the influence and potential of your products and video games among the people of Asia."

Joe nodded as well, but he, along with his colleagues, suddenly became more serious. Joe spoke with a determined expression, and his peers shared similar thoughts. Joe said, looking at Shin, "But... we're talking about Asia..."

Andrew also nodded seriously, saying, "Indeed. The US and Asian markets are different. Americans tend to favor high-quality products like Tora and Suzuki's 16-bit systems over KiShin's outdated 8-bit."

Celine agreed with those sentiments.

Shin smiled, fully expecting this response. It was true after all...

The 8-bit era was considered outdated, and the 16-bit era was on the rise.

However, Shin had already prepared for the 16-bit market and had a small team researching 32-bit technology. Upon establishing a presence in the US market, he intended to seize the opportunity to recruit researchers in the budding Silicon Valley.