KiShin Foundation

Around January 2, 1995, Shin found himself grappling with a sense of melancholy. During this period, a recollection surfaced in Shin's mind—a premonition of an impending, more devastating earthquake set to strike Japan. According to Shin's memory, this catastrophe was anticipated for January 1995 in Hyogo Prefecture, where thousands were destined to perish or suffer injuries.

In this alternate reality, Shin harbored uncertainty about the tragedy's certainty, but recent seismic activities in Japan between 1990 and 1994 heightened his concern. Just the previous October, in 1994, an earthquake in certain part of Japan had already occurred.

Aware of the potential for a calamitous earthquake resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in damages and casualties, Shin acknowledged Japan's historical efforts to establish building standards after the 1923 tragedy. However, even with advancements in earthquake-resistant construction, the technology was still evolving. Despite Kobe City's predominantly earthquake-resistant structures, the looming Great Hanshin Earthquake would test their resilience. Notably, certain buildings, whether from corporations or the Japanese government, stood as exceptions—incorporating advanced design techniques, materials, and a base isolation system that fortified them against seismic impacts.

Therefore, despite Shin's somber feelings about the potential casualties caused by the looming 1995 earthquake, he wasn't overly concerned about significant damage befalling his branch company buildings in Kobe City or Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

This confidence stemmed from Shin's substantial investment in constructing his company's buildings, incorporating advanced design, a base isolation system, and materials for enhanced earthquake resistance. Essentially, his structures mirrored the seismic resilience of other corporate buildings across Japan.

"Looks like the KiShin Foundation I recently established will need to prepare..." Shin muttered, gazing out at the city from the top floor with transparent glass.

*Flashback*

Around November 1994, Shin grappled with a sense of unease regarding the impending 1995 earthquake in this parallel world. Uncertain about its certainty, Shin felt compelled to take action after a significant earthquake hit a certain part of Japan in October. Reflecting on the need for proactive measures, he mused, "Looks like I need to create a KiShin Foundation to help and provide assistance if such a thing were to ever happen... But I hope it will not," tapping his fingers on his office desk.

Shin had contemplated this decision for a considerable time, but recent busyness and financial constraints had delayed the initiation of the foundation he had envisioned. Now, amidst the looming threat of a potential tragedy, Shin finally resolved to launch the preplanned foundation.

In the upcoming KiShin Rules meeting, where Shin occupied the head chair, key executives like Han Lee, who had chosen to work in Japan instead of being the president of KiShin Asia in Taiwan, were present. These executives had proven their capabilities, competence, and worth to KiShin.

Initially, everyone anticipated the discussion of the usual business plan portfolio, outlining KiShin's actions, marketing strategies, and the direction of companies under KiShin Rules in the conference room's expansive space. However, during the meeting, Shinro Suzuki unexpectedly interrupted the proceedings.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an idea to propose today that requires swift and immediate action," he declared.

A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned to Chairman Shin, curious about the nature of his proposal. With clasped hands and elbows resting on the round table, Shin, wearing a serious expression, announced, "Today, I am declaring that KiShin Rules will create a foundation company, KiShin Foundation, as soon as possible."

The announcement caught everyone off guard, and a sense of surprise permeated the room.

"Mr. Suzuki, please don't take offense, but I find this proposal a bit sudden," Han Lee voiced with a hint of reluctance.

"That's right, Mr. Suzuki. While establishing a foundation company is not an issue, doing it hastily today without a well-thought-out plan and execution seems impractical. Even with a plan, I doubt its feasibility," hurriedly remarked another executive.

"And, Mr. Suzuki, setting up a foundation company involves a complex process that requires meticulous planning and execution. A thoughtfully crafted plan ensures the foundation company is properly structured with the necessary resources to achieve its goals," nodded Han Lee.

Shin smiled, observing the key executives of KiShin Rules proficiently addressing the situation. They seemed to doubt his preparedness for establishing the KiShin Foundation promptly.

"Of course, I'm not suggesting that the KiShin Foundation be established today. What I mean is to initiate the process as soon as possible," Shin replied with a faint smile, pausing before adding, "I've also prepared a plan. Here are the documents specifically tailored for turning this idea into reality as quickly as possible," as he tossed a stack of papers onto the center of the round table.

Executives exchanged glances before some of them reached for the small stack of documents, finding ample copies for everyone to peruse the Chairman's plan.

Han Lee received a document from a junior, nodding appreciatively before studying its contents. The document detailed Shin's ideas and plans, featuring the KiShin Foundation logo resembling the familiar KiShin iconic emblem.

Initially, the key executives had assumed Chairman Shinro Suzuki aimed to establish a foundation company for tax benefits. However, as they delved deeper into the documents, they couldn't help but be surprised by the thoroughness of Shin's ideas and plans.

One notable initiative involved the development and promotion of educational video games designed to be both entertaining and enriching for children. The foundation aimed to enhance children's cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and social skills through these games.

Supporting research on the utilization of video games for education and social good entails investigating how video games can effectively teach children various skills, including math, science, and reading. Additionally, video games can play a role in fostering social skills such as teamwork and cooperation.

The foundation is committed to providing grants to organizations utilizing video games to aid children. For instance, grants have been extended to organizations using video games to educate children about health and nutrition, assist children with disabilities, and promote peace and understanding between different cultures.

The focus on supporting children, orphans, and those with disabilities through video games struck the key executives as somewhat inconsequential, given KiShin's identity as a video game-centric corporation.

Moreover, there was a comprehensive plan addressing calamities and tragedies. The KiShin Foundation aimed to provide immediate relief, support long-term recovery, advocate for disaster preparedness and mitigation, promote mental health and trauma healing, support research and innovation, and more.

The key executives found themselves somewhat bewildered. While they could comprehend a foundation related to video games for children, the inclusion of disaster-related initiatives seemed unexpectedly generous from Shinro Suzuki.

"The Chairman remains as kind and soft-hearted as ever..." mused some key executives, including Lee Han.

With the ambitious goals outlined for the KiShin Foundation, the process of establishment would likely take a few weeks or months. Simultaneously, the key executives anticipated busy days ahead of them.