Chapter 494: Preparing the Branch Office, an Invitation from Nintendo's President
The skyscraper deal had been a tremendous success.
Shortly after receiving the call, Lin Haoran, in a cheerful mood, personally went to tour the newly acquired building.
Over the past two days, not only had Lin Haoran purchased a villa in a prestigious residential area in Chuo Ward, allowing him to avoid living in a hotel, but with the assistance of the relevant departments, his 15 bodyguards had also smoothly obtained firearm permits.
This significantly enhanced his security during his stay in Japan.
In Japan, elite bodyguards were generally permitted to carry firearms, though obtaining a permit was notoriously difficult.
However, in Lin Haoran's case, all conditions were relaxed.
The Japanese government clearly understood that while Japan was generally safe, it also harbored the world's largest organized crime syndicate — the Yamaguchi-gumi — among others like the Sumiyoshi-kai and Inagawa-kai.
For a wealthy tycoon like Lin Haoran, allowing his bodyguards to be unarmed would have been an unacceptable risk.
Moreover, if harm befell such a prominent foreign investor, the political and economic fallout for Japan would be severe.
Thus, the firearm permits were issued without delay.
Lin Haoran's 15 bodyguards had undergone professional training and were no less capable than the world's top special forces.
With their protection, he felt perfectly secure — even in Japan.
The only remaining challenge was that his team was unfamiliar with Tokyo's streets and didn't speak the language.
But that was merely a matter of time — they would adapt quickly.
After all, only those with exceptional adaptability had been selected as Lin Haoran's personal security detail.
In Tokyo's Ginza district, the newly acquired 28-story skyscraper was quite eye-catching.
After driving into its underground parking garage, Lin Haoran even got out to admire the building from the street.
Though its exterior design was not particularly flashy, it radiated a solid, imposing strength — like a silent giant standing proudly in Ginza's bustling heart.
The building's first five floors were dedicated to retail, with various billboards lining the outer walls.
The shops appeared busy, with considerable foot traffic — a sure sign of high rental income.
The 6th to 28th floors housed office spaces.
Based on previous reports, the building enjoyed an occupancy rate of over 90%.
Last year alone, it generated 1.3 billion yen in rental income.
At the price Lin Haoran paid, the building could essentially pay for itself in about ten years.
Outside, the streets were packed with people.
Ginza was among the most vibrant parts of Tokyo — packed with both Japanese citizens and numerous foreign tourists.
To acquire a skyscraper here for just a little over HK$300 million was a spectacular bargain.
In the future, Lin Haoran estimated this building could easily be worth several billion Hong Kong dollars — not even counting the rental income during that time.
Of course, that was for the future.
Japan's economy was currently sluggish, so returns wouldn't skyrocket immediately.
If the market were booming already, he never could have bought such a property so cheaply.
Kenneth Ho, already aware of Lin Haoran's arrival, was waiting near the lobby's reception desk alongside the former head of Land Corporation's Tokyo office.
This Japanese manager, Mr. Sato, was familiar with local practices and had been a big help so far.
Kenneth and Sato led Lin Haoran on a quick tour of the first five commercial floors.
Then they returned to the elevator.
"Boss, we've temporarily set up our office on the 23rd floor," Kenneth explained as he pressed the button.
Lin Haoran nodded.
They soon reached the 23rd floor.
"This entire floor was leased by a company that didn't renew its lease after December last year.
It's been vacant for over a month, and with the owner busy selling the building, it wasn't re-rented," Kenneth said.
The office space was over 1,000 square meters — more than enough for Land Corporation's current operations.
"Alright, we'll use this as our headquarters for now," Lin Haoran said as he sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the bustling street below.
"Kenneth, prepare for the official launch of our Japan branch.
I want a grand opening ceremony.
Invite as many Japanese elites as possible — it'll be your chance to build connections."
During the banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Tanaka, Lin Haoran had exchanged business cards with many powerful figures in Japan's political and commercial spheres.
Although the relationships were still shallow, they were a start.
Given their attendance at that banquet, those individuals clearly hoped to build ties with Lin Haoran as well.
"Understood, Boss.
The company registration is already complete.
I'll start preparing the launch ceremony immediately," Kenneth said.
"Boss, I've also been tracking Tokyo's real estate auctions.
There will be an auction this week, organized by the government.
Several prime land parcels in Chuo Ward, Minato Ward, and Shinjuku Ward will be up for bidding.
It's a good opportunity for us," Zhao Xin added.
In Hong Kong, Zhao Xin had been a deputy director in Land Corporation's market department — not a top executive, but certainly capable.
"Good," Lin Haoran nodded.
"You and Kenneth handle it.
Once the Japan branch is operational, Kenneth, you'll serve as CEO, and Zhao Xin as Vice President.
Mr. Sato, you'll become our Marketing Director."
"As for the remaining management positions, you two can slowly build a team — recruit locally in Japan."
"Any objections?"
The three men immediately expressed their agreement.
Mr. Sato, previously just the head of the Tokyo office, was especially thrilled.
Though previously a manager of a tiny outpost, now he would be a director in a major company.
His loyalty level, which Lin Haoran could see hovering above him, rose from 78 to 85.
Lin Haoran was pleased.
He knew that promotions and raises often boosted loyalty — and once again, the theory proved true.
Later, they discussed the branch's detailed preparations for a long time.
That evening, Lin Haoran received a call from a familiar figure — Hiroshi Yamauchi, President of Nintendo.
"Mr. Lin, I heard you're in Japan.
I happen to be in Tokyo at Nintendo's branch office.
I would like to invite you to a banquet — would you honor me with your presence?" Yamauchi said warmly over the phone.
"Of course, President Yamauchi.
Just let me know the time and place, and I'll be there," Lin Haoran readily agreed.
Building connections was critical for Land Corporation's success in Japan.
In business, solo efforts rarely led to true success.
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