Envious Success

Meanwhile, as the buzz surrounding 'Jurassic Park' continued to grow, the weekly box office numbers for films were released. 'Jurassic Park' secured the top spot with a weekly gross of $184 million. Following closely behind, 'Batman Returns' took the second position with a weekly earning of $48 million, and 'Unforgiven' came in at third place with approximately $18 million. 'Mo' Money' followed with an impressive $17 million in box office revenue, while 'Honey, I Blew Up' managed to bring in around $13 million. The list continued with 'A Stranger Among Us' rounding out the top 10, but it was abundantly clear that 'Jurassic Park' dominated 1992, even in its very first week.

Meanwhile, in the midst of 'Jurassic Park's' triumphant run in the United States, Stephen Spielberg, the director of the film, reached out to KiShin Pictures to discuss screening 'Jurassic Park' in Brazil first. This suggestion didn't take Shin by surprise, as he was already aware that Brazil had the honor of being the first country to screen the film outside the USA even in his previous life. What did catch Shin's attention was Spielberg's willingness to connect KiShin Pictures with the Brazilian film industry. With Spielberg's extensive connections in the Brazilian film scene and the broader Latin American film industry having a strong presence in Brazil, this collaboration offered invaluable support to the budding KiShin Pictures, which was still finding its footing in the film industry

As a result, following Shin's agreement, KiShin Pictures' film 'Jurassic Park' was set to debut in Brazil on August 20, 1992. This early release of 'Jurassic Park' took the Brazilians by surprise, as they were already aware of the film's enormous success in the USA.

Time passed with KiShin Pictures achieving remarkable success in the USA, the film had grossed approximately $440 million in just one month. While it was natural for 'Jurassic Park's' box office sales in the USA to gradually decline over time, it still outperformed many other films by maintaining strong sales for an extended period.

The international media, including countries like Brazil with a robust film industry, covered the success of 'Jurassic Park.' Brazilians, having a deep appreciation for Stephen Spielberg's films, especially classics like 'E.T.' or 'Extra Terrestrial,' had confidence in his work.

Japan, too, acknowledged the success of 'Jurassic Park' since it was produced by the Japanese company KiShin Pictures. South Korea and various Southeast Asian nations also recognized the emergence of the film in the USA.

In Europe, word spread about the remarkable box office success of a film called 'Jurassic Park' in the USA. Film distributors from both Asia and Europe reached out to KiShin Pictures with interest in distributing the film.

Given that the potential of 'Jurassic Park' in the USA had already been maximized, and KiShin Pictures had profited substantially, Shin believed it was the right time to internationalize their first film and expand its reach overseas.

In Asia, film distributors such as Toho in Japan, CJ Entertainment in South Korea, Shaw Brothers in Hong Kong, and PVR Pictures in India expressed interest. In Europe, notable film distributors included Pathé and StudioCanal, both based in France, as well as the Tele München Group in Germany, Nordisk Film in Scandinavia, Entertainment One in the United Kingdom, and more.

While these film distributors sought a share of the 'Jurassic Park' box office revenue in their respective countries, Shin saw no issue with considering them as potential financiers for marketing the film in their regions. KiShin Pictures would engage in negotiations to slightly reduce the percentage share, striking a balance that would be acceptable to the film distributors while still ensuring significant earnings for KiShin Pictures.

Some of the negotiators representing these film distributors falsely portrayed hesitance, claiming that they were taking significant financial risks by bringing 'Jurassic Park' to their respective countries. Nevertheless, KiShin Pictures remained resolute in their stance regarding the appropriate percentage shares. Consequently, some film distributors found themselves with limited alternatives but to accept the terms.

It was nearly certain that 'Jurassic Park' would achieve commercial success. Its earnings in the USA alone were approaching half a billion dollars.

This success resonated widely, with audiences in Europe and Asia eagerly anticipating the opportunity to watch the film. Particularly in Asia, where there was a deep admiration for the USA, a successful American film, coupled with effective marketing by the film distributors, generated significant interest and engagement. Some enthusiasts even purchased 'Jurassic Park' shirts from KiShin Merchandise to proudly display their excitement to friends and peers.

KiShin Merchandise's 'Jurassic Park' products, initially viewed by some as nothing more than a financial burden, were now experiencing a growing surge in popularity, largely attributable to the success of the 'Jurassic Park' film. Sales were skyrocketing to unprecedented heights.

Those who had initially mocked the failed products from KiShin Merchandise 'Jurassic Park' could only watch in amazement as the merchandise gradually gained popularity. Their astonishment was evident as they witnessed the transformation of these products into a massive success.

People with a deep interest in science, technology, and dinosaurs held a profound affection for the 'Jurassic Park' film, even before they had the chance to watch it. As long as it involved science, technology, and dinosaurs, they were already captivated. Similar enthusiasts could be found in the USA, and they were the primary purchasers of KiShin Merchandise 'Jurassic Park.'

In Japan, on October 3, 1992, 'Jurassic Park' was released, and the overwhelming excitement among the Japanese audience was unmistakable. Tickets were sold out on the very first day, an extraordinary achievement.

On that note, Sazama, accompanied by his wife and their security detail, attended a particular cinema theater to enjoy 'Jurassic Park,' which was organized by his youngest grandson's company.

As the moviegoers arriving to watch 'Jurassic Park' laid eyes on an elderly gentleman adorned in a Keikogi, accompanied by an elderly woman dressed in traditional Japanese attire, along with a retinue of bodyguards in sharp black suits, they were taken aback. Simultaneously, they were hesitant to do anything that might displease such a distinguished individual.

The elderly man and woman were shrouded in an air of mystery, with the crowd uncertain whether they were of noble birth, important political figures, or wealthy individuals. Regardless of their background, it was clear that provoking their displeasure was not a wise choice.

Sazama, clad in Japanese Traditional slippers known as Geta, spoke as he strolled along, his footsteps creating a distinct sound as they met the ground.

Walking beside him, his wife Kumiko, shared a chuckle as she observed the bustling crowd at the 'Jurassic Park' screening and commented, "Look, Kumiko, 'Jurassic Park' from my youngest grandson's subsidiary company has become a resounding success."

Upon hearing this, Kumiko, Sazama's wife, couldn't help but chuckle, and with a snort, she remarked, "You're excessively proud of your grandson, considering you only recently became aware of his existence on your birthday..."

Upon hearing Kumiko's playful remark, Sazama blushed slightly and attempted to change the subject. He had arrived at the cinema with his wife, along with a select few bodyguards, while the remainder of the security team kept a watchful eye outside the cinema theater, scanning the surroundings.

This situation left the fellow cinema-goers who happened to share the theater with Sazama feeling more vigilant than the actual bodyguards. They had come to the cinema for relaxation, to enjoy a beer, savor some popcorn, and briefly escape the pressures of their daily lives. Unfortunately, their luck had them sharing the cinema with the affluent elderly couple.

While the global success of 'Jurassic Park' continued to unfold, video game enthusiasts were taken by surprise when KiShin released a 'Jurassic Park' video game in Japan.

This strategic move by KiShin didn't go unnoticed by Tora and Suzuki, who were also part of the video game industry. KiShin appeared to be capitalizing on the immense popularity of 'Jurassic Park' by introducing a video game adaptation.

In response, the Suzuki Brothers, Shiko and Seki, approached their father seeking approval for a collaborative partnership between Tora and Suzuki to compete with KiShin in the video game industry.

Witnessing Chairman Shiro Suzuki's hesitation, Shiko spoke up, saying, "Father, even though Shinro is your youngest son, he's still a competitor to the Suzuki Group!"

Seki chimed in, "Exactly, Father! Let's consider this from a business perspective. Personal feelings should not interfere with our business decisions. That's what you've taught us!"

Hearing these arguments, Chairman Shiro Suzuki found himself in a complex and challenging situation.