Chapter 59: The Fried Fish Arrives

"Most Supreme Bliss Town?" Hidefumi Kinoshita's eyes lit up, but then he asked with a hint of confusion, "Bliss... that word brings to mind something ambiguous. Tao, are you suggesting we use that as a selling point?"

"No," Tao Zhiming replied. "Bliss, in its true sense, is where happiness resides. The initial associations created by the word—we should elevate them. This time, we must redefine bliss within the concrete realities of our world. My suggested direction is not just to build residences, but to integrate them with commercial spaces."

Hidefumi Kinoshita focused his attention.

The question of how to combine them had always stumped the planning department; they couldn’t come up with a proposal that was both clear in vision and easily executable.

It was hardly their fault. Until last year, the housing market in Japan wasn't fully commercialized. Before that, most ordinary wage-earning families lived in public housing: Prefectural Corps barracks, municipal housing, company residences, and so on. Among these, the largest provider was the “Japan Housing Public Corporation,” established by the government in 1955.

Only after the Plaza Accord did Japan begin to push for full commercialized housing.

For a company like Most Supreme Holdings, a powerful top-tier real estate group, the development model still needed to be learned.

Naturally, their main source of inspiration was foreign markets.

But Tao Zhiming knew not only the cases that had emerged abroad so far; he also held in his mind countless innovative examples that would appear over the next thirty years.

He began to speak with confidence: “What we should emphasize in Most Supreme Bliss Town is culture. Through architecture rich in artistic expression, through the culinary, fashion, entertainment, and literary cultures, we can make Most Supreme Bliss Town a place where top-tier material enjoyment is matched by spiritual fulfillment. In these commercial districts, all vehicles are parked in underground garages—the streets are pedestrian-only. We’ll plant scenic trees, install benches, sculptures, stages, small landscapes—everything so pleasant people will want to linger, so beautiful they’ll want to take photos…”

What he described would seem unremarkable in later years, but at this moment, his vision brimmed with detail.

The essence of it was to introduce specialized themed district design—from architectural styles to future industry layouts—all striving to create, through a cultural façade, a new hub for consumption and entertainment in Tokyo, while elevating the entire residential environment.

In the 1980s, at this particular moment, Tao Zhiming’s proposal held a mysterious allure.

Just by hearing his descriptions, Kinoshita and the others felt as if a vivid picture had unfolded before their eyes.

With new methods of construction, the plan would lay out distinct commercial districts, each with its own concentrated industry. Each district would be pedestrianized, offering ample space for foot traffic, enriched by sculptures and landmark landscapes—an array of cultural elements.

Beyond the commercial districts would lie the residential areas.

A simple residential district lacked appeal, so why not dedicate a plot of land at the doorstep of the homes to build a new commercial center for Tokyo?

“…To truly implement such a plan, several issues must be solved.” After finishing his description, Tao Zhiming began to speak practically. “First, themed districts usually form gradually over many years. For us to quickly create that clustering effect, we must bring in a large number of collaborative partners. What they value, aside from the attractiveness of the overall project concept, is a suitable cooperation strategy…”

Now came the details that Hiroshi Omiya had never heard before.

Attracting tenants to each commercial district was a challenge, for commercial interests depend on foot traffic, and centers usually emerge at convenient transport nodes.

Therefore, Most Supreme Holdings must present a striking project design, one that allows people to envision the promising future of ‘Most Supreme Bliss Town.’ In addition, certain rent-free policies…

Tao Zhiming continued: “These commercial real estate assets can also be sold. But the method of sale—we can innovate here as well. After selling, our commercial real estate company can lease them back from the owners and operate them as a whole, inviting merchants.”

He outlined modes that would later be endlessly refined—leasing instead of selling, selling to support leasing…

He didn’t concern himself with whether these strategies would entail legal risks or feasibility issues in Japan at present; he simply offered suggestions, showcasing his capabilities and vision.

Judging by Kinoshita and the others' reactions, at least Honchi Kamiki and his colleagues in the planning department were already jotting down notes at lightning speed, as if they'd discovered a treasure.

Yosuke Ueno was dumbfounded.

Wasn’t this just like a school lesson? The teacher spoke at the podium, and the students eagerly took notes.

Tao Zhiming continued: “Although this plan will require far more capital than previous ones, the problem can be offset. First, rate cuts are nowhere near finished. I predict at least three more, with the next one coming soon. Later, company financing will be easier. Moreover, with the emergence of the pre-sale model, as long as our initial planning and design are done well and promotion is strong, we can capture the surge of homebuyers’ funds entering real estate, even speculative capital flowing in, and quickly recoup vast sums…”

He explained, point by point, the issues likely to arise during implementation, and, drawing on his own experience, provided tried-and-tested solutions.

Though whether these would suit Japanese soil remained to be explored, in terms of vision and solutions, it was like dropping a bomb in a fish pond.

After all, these were advanced real estate development models, and the amount of information Tao Zhiming held in his mind far surpassed anyone from the era before the internet.

Hidefumi Kinoshita was increasingly astounded.

He could hardly imagine that such a proposal could come from a university student.

Compared to him, the planning department staff seemed like elementary school students.

Tao Zhiming had not only outlined the cultural packaging for each commercial district, but had also designed high-end property services and management strategies for the residential areas. He even began to explain how to build up the reputation of Most Supreme Bliss Town.

“…Although Most Supreme Holdings’ main business is real estate, from the perspective of using culture to enhance the brand and quality of the company’s projects, there should also be a cultural entertainment division. By investing in core commercial businesses ourselves, we can boost others’ confidence in entering Most Supreme Bliss Town.”

This part, naturally, was the model adopted by Wanda Group: self-operated businesses like cinemas, karaoke, children’s play centers, and so forth.

Yosuke Ueno’s heart stirred; he looked at Tao Zhiming.

So the management of the beautiful young women… was for this project?

That meant, in the future, he might get to meet stars?

Akiko Zakaguchi, Akina Nakamori… all within reach?

Tao Zhiming began to explain how to advance these industries step by step, from cinemas to further develop into film production and distribution.

Hidefumi Kinoshita stared at him, utterly unable to comprehend: a real estate company, and in the future it would venture into culture and entertainment?

Tao Zhiming looked at him and spoke with confidence: “President, what I have presented today is a model akin to an ecosystem. What Most Supreme Holdings should do is not merely build and sell residences, but provide a way of life! Bliss is meant to convey this: a life of quality, taste, and at the forefront of fashion.”

“What you develop should be fertile ground; your investment should be nourishment; what you reap will be a city center with an endless stream of cash flow. Once established, this model will thrive in every major city. Competitors who only focus on one aspect will never match Most Supreme Holdings!”

“I hope you will adopt this model. Under your leadership, your team will handle the residential development and sales. Seek a partner strong in trade and supply chains to develop and operate the commercial real estate. Meanwhile, lay out a presence in culture and entertainment—giving Most Supreme Holdings wings to soar to the pinnacle!”

His resolute speech faded, leaving the conference room in utter silence.

Everyone forgot how young he was, gazing at him with complex expressions.

Hidefumi Kinoshita couldn’t help but sigh, “No wonder it took so long… This is truly an unforgettable proposal.”

Yosuke Ueno couldn’t help but curl his lip: What do you mean, ‘so long’? He’d only been busy for a day…

At this moment, Tao Zhiming smiled and said, “To push this plan forward, I am confident I can bring in a powerful partner for you. In fact, from the retail perspective, I have already discussed the general model with him. President Hiroshi Omiya of Tomokazu Trading will surely be interested in your invitation to cooperate! He’s very eager for me to join Tomokazu Trading and do this together. But I believe you are the better choice!”

Yosuke Ueno’s heart jolted violently as he looked at Tao Zhiming.