Tuesday 6 April 1996 TV Tokyo.
Currently, on TV Tokyo, a popular weekly talk show is airing a special segment focused on analyzing ZAGE's impact on the world. This well-known program features expert discussions and has become a staple of Japanese television.
The presenter, Genji Sanosuke, smiled warmly and addressed the audience. "Welcome to the 'GEN Talk Show,' where we bring in experts to share their insights on a variety of important topics. Today, we are honored to host three distinguished guests: Niki Sayama, our expert in economics; Izuna Miyaichi, who will share her perspective on the entertainment industry; and Ryuji Nagamoto, a respected authority on education."
Genji Sanosuke smiled at the camera, then began to speak with enthusiasm. "So, as many of you know, ZAGE products have become incredibly popular these days. What started out as a small video game company has grown into a global phenomenon. ZAGE not only managed to revive the video game industry after the infamous Atari Crash, but it has also evolved into a multi-billion dollar corporation with a presence around the world. Its influence is no longer limited to just gaming; it stretches across various sectors, from media and technology to even education and business models. Tonight, we're going to explore just how impactful ZAGE has been—not only in Japan but globally as well. And to kick things off, we turn to our expert on economic matters, Niki Sayama-san. Sayama-san, what is your perspective on how ZAGE has been affecting our national economy?"
Niki Sayama smiled and said, "Hi Sanosuke-san. As we all know, ZAGE is creating a tremendously positive impact on Japan's economy. First of all, ZAGE has been acquiring many struggling and nearly bankrupt companies. Instead of shutting them down, ZAGE revitalizes these businesses by investing in them and hiring more employees. This not only breathes new life into these companies but also boosts the economy overall by creating high-level job opportunities.
Moreover, rumors—and I must say, quite reliable ones—suggest that ZAGE pays their employees very well and treats them with immense respect. In fact, there's even a popular nickname people have started using for the company: 'Work Heaven.' That's how good it feels to work there compared to other firms in the industry. Employees report a healthy work-life balance, great benefits, and a supportive atmosphere, which only adds to the company's allure.
But the positive effects don't stop there. Recently, many other companies have started copying ZAGE's management and workplace culture. While not all of them have succeeded, a significant number are finding success by focusing on employee well-being. As a result, productivity and product quality have increased across those businesses. ZAGE's ripple effect is lifting up the entire corporate landscape of Japan, setting a new standard for how companies should treat their people."
Genji nodded and said, "Whoa, that's really deep, huh, Sayama-san. But does ZAGE's rise in various sectors of the economy have any drawbacks?"
Niki Sayama smiled and replied, "Well, yes, there are some. First of all, as we all know, TV ratings have been dropping significantly in recent times. One major reason is the growing popularity of ZAGE video games and their subscription channel, YaDo, which is also owned by ZAGE. These platforms are capturing the attention of a large audience, especially younger viewers, who now prefer interactive and on-demand content over traditional television. And honestly, this is one of the negative effects ZAGE is having on our country's media industry. It's changing the landscape in ways we weren't fully prepared for."
Genji Sanosuke wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead and chuckled nervously. "Huh... that's a really bold take, Sayama-san. Hehehe. But anyway, thank you for your opinion. Now, let's move on to our next expert, someone well-versed in the entertainment industry—Izuna Miyaichi-san. Miyaichi-san, what do you think about the effects of ZAGE entering the entertainment sector?"
Izuna smiled gracefully and responded, "Yes, Sano-san. ZAGE's entrance into the entertainment industry is nothing short of miraculous. Why, you ask? Well, they started by creating video games that quickly became global phenomena. These weren't just games—they were experiences that redefined the medium. ZAGE essentially brought a fading industry back to life. Their efforts singlehandedly revived the declining video game scene, breathing energy into what many believed was a dying field.
But that's not all. Their subsidiary YaDo has been on fire lately, constantly releasing hit anime series after series through their subscription-based TV platform. It's genuinely impressive. And we can't overlook Hakushensha, another one of ZAGE's subsidiaries, which has revolutionized the manga industry. They pay mangaka significantly more than industry standards, making them a magnet for new talent. In fact, many aspiring manga artists now choose Hakushensha over traditional giants like Shueisha.
What's truly astonishing is how ZAGE's creations have elevated Japan's global image. Tourists are flocking to Japan in growing numbers, not only for cultural sites but to experience ZAGE's products and branding firsthand. This boom in tourism, driven purely by their influence, is having a measurable effect on the economy."
Niki Sayama nodded in agreement and added, "Yes, that kind of innovation and international interest really gives our economy a much-needed boost."
Genji Sanosuke smiled thoughtfully and said, "I see, so that's the situation. But what are your thoughts on ZAGE's role in shaping current animation and manga standards? Their subsidiaries, YaDo and Hakushensha, have recently made headlines for significantly raising the salaries of animators and mangaka. Just a few months ago, there were widespread comments from various anime and manga companies suggesting that ZAGE's influence is disrupting the traditional workflows and expectations within these industries. Some claim it's a positive disruption, while others fear it's destabilizing the established order. What's your take on that?"
Izuna Miyaichi smiled and said, "Well, it's definitely a positive development. Ensuring that animators and mangaka are properly compensated is a winning move by ZAGE. As fans, we get to enjoy higher-quality content because when creators are paid well, they're more motivated and can fully focus on delivering their best work. It's not just about passion—it's also about being treated fairly, and we all know that better pay often leads to better outcomes."
Niki Sayama nodded and added, "Yes, that's a very positive shift. With more Japanese citizens—especially those working as animators and mangaka—earning livable and even generous incomes, it has a ripple effect that benefits the entire economy. More spending power, more financial stability, and a stronger creative workforce all contribute to the nation's economic growth."
Genji Sanosuke nodded thoughtfully and then turned back to the camera. "I see, so that's certainly a good thing. Now, moving forward, we need to address another critical sector—education. Joining me now is our esteemed education expert, Ryuji Nagamoto-san. Nagamoto-san, could you please share your thoughts on the impact ZAGE has had on the education sector and on students overall?"
Ryuji turned serious and said, "While ZAGE's impact on the economy and entertainment has been overwhelmingly positive, its influence on education is a matter of deep concern. Nowadays, many young students are becoming increasingly reluctant to study. Instead, they spend hours playing video games or watching programs on YaDo TV. It worries me deeply. I fear for the future of our country if young men and women allow themselves to be consumed by these distractions. The minds of our youth must be cultivated, not corrupted." Izuna and Niki frowned slightly, clearly taken aback by the strength of his words—and yes, Ryuji Nagamoto was indeed an old-fashioned man.
Then Genji Sanosuke grinned, intrigued by the possibility of a heated debate. "Hoo? Are you suggesting, Nagamoto-san, that ZAGE products are leading our future into a grim direction? If that's truly the case, what actions should we take to address such a concern?"
Ryuji Nagamoto nodded solemnly. "That's exactly what I'm afraid of. If young people don't want to study, where is this country headed? The foundation of our future is built on education, and without it, we risk becoming a nation of ignorance. As I've always said, video games are making kids lazy. They spend hours glued to their screens, ignoring their schoolwork and responsibilities. We should consider banning them altogether before it's too late."
At this, Izuna Miyaichi raised an eyebrow and responded respectfully, "With due respect, Nagamoto-san, I believe you're oversimplifying the issue. Being lazy and playing video games are not the same as being unintelligent. Every child—and every person—has their own unique way of learning. Video games can, in fact, foster important skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and even strategic thinking. If you've ever played a game like ZAGE Tetris, you would know it requires clinical and analytical thinking. These are not mindless activities, but mental exercises in their own right."
Niki Sayama nodded in agreement and added her voice to the discussion. "I let my kindergarten students play video games because I know they can be good for cognitive development. The right games help children learn patterns, logic, and hand-eye coordination. Under proper supervision, they become valuable learning tools—not harmful distractions."
Izuna Miyaichi leaned in slightly, her expression calm but firm. "Nagamoto-san, while I understand your concerns, we cannot ignore the potential educational value that ZAGE's technologies can bring. Many of their games, especially those tailored for younger audiences, incorporate problem-solving, mathematics, memory challenges, and even storytelling elements that encourage literacy. These are not trivial gains—they shape the way children think, reason, and interact with complex information."
Ryuji scoffed gently. "Games are not schools. They are designed for entertainment, not education."
Niki Sayama interjected, "But that line is blurring now, isn't it? We're seeing more and more educational institutions experimenting with gamified learning methods. Why? Because students engage more when they're immersed in interactive environments. ZAGE's technologies have inspired educators to think differently—to create new ways to reach their students."
Izuna nodded. "Exactly. And let's not forget the potential for reaching students with learning difficulties. Some children who struggle with traditional educational models find confidence and self-worth through interactive learning experiences. Isn't that a win?"
Ryuji narrowed his eyes. "But what about discipline? Diligence? Not everything can be made into a game. Some lessons require focus, repetition, and effort—values that are lost when everything becomes entertainment."
Izuchi then said, "There are many games that require discipline and persistence to beat, Nagamoto-san. In fact, some of the most popular titles demand not just fast reflexes but also long-term commitment, strategic thinking, and emotional resilience. These aren't mindless diversions—they test a player's patience, growth mindset, and problem-solving ability over time. The ability to persevere through failure and keep trying is a lesson just as valuable in education as it is in gaming."
Niki replied gently, "I agree those values are important, but the world is changing. If we want education to remain relevant, it has to evolve with society. ZAGE isn't just a distraction—it's also a catalyst for innovation. The key is balance, not eradication."
The discussion deepened as the guests continued to share their perspectives, the studio echoing with passion and differing beliefs. It was clear this topic touched a nerve across all generations.
The debate continued for a while before gradually winding down. Finally, as the atmosphere in the studio settled, Genji Sanosuke turned to the camera with a warm, familiar grin. "Well, everyone, that brings us to the end of today's show. Whether ZAGE's influence has improved our lives or disrupted them is ultimately for you to decide. As always, thank you for joining us. Take care, and we'll see you again next week on the GEN Talk Show!"
To be continue
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