Tomiichi Murayama was stunned when he heard the busy tone. Since the day he becomes Japan’s Prime Minister, no one had ever hung up on him.
Even if the other party was a top official of a big country, Tomiichi Murayama still felt uncomfortable. He felt insulted!
But even if Tomiichi Murayama was insulted, what can he do? Even if he was furious, there was nothing he could do. After all, this incident was Japan’s fault, and there was no way to argue with China.
Tomiichi Murayama really wanted to strangle the Chairmen and Presidents of those companies. These people had dragged the whole nation down with them. He was also implicated. His political career might end because of this incident!
“Contact the Chairmen of Toshiba, Sony, Pioneer, Sharp, and all the companies involved. Also, ask the Chairmen of Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo, and the other chemical companies involved to come here immediately!”
Tomiichi Murayama’s biggest headache now was Iron Fist Zhu’s demand for an apology from the Japanese Government, and the apology must be issued by at least the Prime Minister.
If Tomiichi Murayama were to apologize as the Prime Minister, how will the people see him? Will he follow the footsteps of his predecessors and forced to step down?
This period, Tomiichi Murayama felt he had done well. Japan’s economy had shown signs of recovering. Although it was still far from the peak 5 years ago, it was at least better than last year.
If everything went smoothly, he might be able to complete his term as the Prime Minister without any troubles. As the Prime Minister who helped Japan’s economy recover, he will surely be liked by all Japanese, and the future generations of his family will be able to go far.
But now, all these dreams were dashed. It was like building blocks. Tomiichi Murayama had stacked the blocks high, and suddenly a kid comes over and topples everything!
Those companies that tarnished Japan’s reputation must pay. Even if Tomiichi Murayama could not be the Prime Minister anymore, he must not be blamed for this incident.
“Mr. Prime Minister, we must never apologize. If you apologized, it would cause an uproar with the people. Japan is a more advanced country than China. How can we bow down to them? Furthermore, we had occupied China in the past. If it weren’t for the atomic bombs, we would be the world’s strongest country now. We might even be the world’s number one superpower!”
“You really think so?” Tomiichi Murayama looked at that advisor coldly. This sort of mindset was foolish!
“I object. I think we should apologize. There is no way we can stop China from growing, and we still need China’s market for our economy to recover. China’s rapid developments these few years is not a force to be reckoned with. If we did not enter the Chinese market, our economy will also not show signs of recovery. If we do not apologize, then Japan’s economy will go into recession again. Do you think you will not be forced to step down if that happens?” Another advisor said.
“I also think that we should apologize. By apologizing, we can build a better relationship with China. If we can sign some trade treaties or cooperation agreements with China because of this, then it will help our economy to recover faster. The companies that are involved in this saga is only a handful, and we have many other companies in Japan. We can let those involved companies pull out of China and sell their factories in China to other Japanese companies. This way, Japan will be able to make profits and still can correct Japan’s image. If we do not apologize, then the relationship between us and China will sour, and it will be almost impossible for the rest of our companies to grow in China. Those companies that are involved might even have their factories shut down by the authorities, and we will also lose this case in the international courts. This is the truth, and we got to face it.”
Tomiichi Murayama brightens up when he heard what this advisor said. Suppress some companies and support some? This was a good solution. He could get those involved companies to sell their factories and let another Japanese company make use of this opportunity to enter the Chinese market. As long as the new company takes measures to prevent damaging the environment, they will be able to continue to make profits. This solution will also allow Tomiichi Murayama to pull a big enterprise over to his side. In the parliament, many members were supported by these enterprises. If Tomiichi Murayama was able to get their support, then it should not be a problem for him to secure his position as the Prime Minister.
But if Japan had to apologize, how should he apologize? To what degree must Japan apologize? This must be discussed thoroughly.
……
“This is my decision. All of you must do as instructed!” Tomiichi Murayama said firmly.
“Why? Who are you to make the decision for us? We have no problems to increase our waste treatment facilities. But we do not agree to compensate them. China had frozen our bank accounts in China. As the Prime Minister of Japan, instead of helping us get our money back, you want us to give China more money?”
These Chairmen from those big enterprises were not easy to deal with. All of them have control over several billion USD worths of assets and have tens of thousands of employees. Some of them have over 100,000 employees.
Also, the Prime Minister of Japan changed frequently, and these Chairmen were in their positions for decades. Furthermore, they have support from their people in the Parliament, and they were not afraid of the Prime Minister. This decision made by the Prime Minister will affect their profits!
“I am the Prime Minister of Jpan, and I represent the Government. You all have tarnished the reputation of Japan and create a crisis for all Japanese companies worldwide! You all can don’t accept this condition, but be prepared to be targeted by the rest of the companies. You all might have support from some people in the parliament. But they are only a minority. You all have caused a significant impact on the profits of more people!” Tomiichi Murayama said firmly.
“Even if this is the case, we will just pay China the compensation. Why should we sell off our factories in China to others at such low rates? The rates you said is equivalent to giving them the factories for free. Even if we were to pull out of China, the equipment in the factories could still fetch a high price!”
“If you all don’t do this, how can you show your sincerity? How can you let the people continue to believe you all? This is a crisis. All of you should know the seriousness of this crisis. Giving up those factories might cause some losses, but you all still have the chance to earn back the money you lose in the future. That what I have to say. Tell me about your decision.”
Sony’s Chairman suddenly said: “We, Sony will make a public apology. But we have nothing to do with the compensation as we do not have any factories in China. Our factories in other parts of the world do not have any problem. But we will still donate a sum of money as a token. If there is nothing else, I will leave. I still have lots of work waiting for me.”
The rest of the Chairmen were stunned. Damn! You agreed so readily, what about us?
