146 Controversy

As 'Tetris' achieved significant success in arcades, Tora and Suzuki were also contemplating remaking a classic video game from the past. They disliked the idea of following in KiShin's footsteps, but they had little choice, given KiShin's remarkable success with unconventional ideas that no one had considered before.

It's not merely about eccentricity or risk-taking, as businesspeople typically possess at least one of these traits, if not both. However, KiShin's innovative thinking, daring, and risk-taking exceeded their wildest expectations.

Initially, they ventured into the anime industry, elevating its popularity with their captivating anime. Subsequently, they entered the entertainment, particularly the music industry, capturing the attention of audiences in both the US and Asia. Then, they ventured into the toy industry, which turned out to be more profitable than some of KiShin's video games or even their video game consoles. The standout success was 'Lego.'

Currently, in the United States of America, 'Lego' has become the center of controversy. Why? Because several major US media outlets suddenly ignited a controversy surrounding 'Lego.'

The first to report was CNN News, a prominent cable network.

The female news anchor, radiating beauty, flashed a smile at the camera while reading from the prompter. She asked, "Have you ever visited a store or mall just to buy 'Lego'?" Pausing cheerfully, she continued with a picture of 'Lego' beside her, "But did you know that the concept behind these toys didn't originate with 'KiShin Merchandise'?"

Beside the image of 'Lego,' there was a question mark. The news anchor then stated, "Let's take a look at Lucas Moore's report."

The scene shifted to Lucas Moore, a 24-year-old blonde Caucasian. He greeted with a smile, saying, "Thank you, Miss Coleman." With enthusiasm, he continued, presenting scenes of a bustling toy store with a close-up of a 'Lego' box. He went on to say, "For those unaware, our research reveals that KiShin Merchandise wasn't the originator of 'Lego.' The concept of toy building bricks dates back to the 1930s, with the American Rubber Specialties Company."

The scene transitioned to a picture of the 1930s company and the toy product believed to be the original inspiration for 'Lego.' Indeed, viewers at home were astounded by the striking resemblance to 'Lego.'

Lucas Moore continued, saying, "Following the American Rubber Specialties Company's 'Build-O-Bricks,' there came the 'American Plastic Bricks' by the Elgo Company." The scene transitioned to display the 'ELGO Company' logo and the box of the 'American Plastic Bricks' toy.

Lucas Moore went on, "Notably, the name 'ELGO Company' bore a striking resemblance to 'Lego'." He paused, wearing a knowing smile, and remarked, "It was quite evident which company served as KiShin Merchandise's 'inspiration'..." He emphasized the word 'inspired' with a hint of mockery.

Viewers noticed this and responded with chuckles and faint laughter.

Lucas Moore continued, "Furthermore, 'American Plastic Bricks' also 'inspired' 'Kiddies Craft' in the UK. So, this is the intriguing history of Lego and brick toys." As Lucas Moore spoke a series of words, viewers at home experienced a mix of emotions as they absorbed the CNN reporter's report.

Some viewers felt a sense of disdain toward KiShin for seemingly emulating other companies' products, while others were less concerned.

The CNN report undeniably had an impact on the reputation of 'KiShin Merchandise,' and its repercussions extended to other 'KiShin' companies in the days following the heated discussion surrounding knockoffs of 'Lego' from various toy manufacturers.

While the sales of 'Lego' and KiShin video games continued to increase, the rate of growth noticeably slowed after the CNN report aired.

In response to inquiries from numerous US media outlets, Reynald McArthur, the President of 'KiShin Merchandise US,' provided the following statement: "As per KiShin Merchandise's CEO, the term 'Lego' is derived from the Latin word 'Lego,' which means 'I put together' or 'To put things together.' The name 'Lego' was not copied from the 'ELGO Company.' It was purely coincidental..." He further explained that their 'Lego' toy was not a copy or knockoff of any other products.

Reynald McArthur's quotes were featured in various media outlets, with many viewers accepting the explanation while others remained skeptical.

Considering that the 'ELGO Company' was long defunct, many people didn't care whether KiShin had truly copied or been inspired by them. They simply enjoyed playing and building with their 'Lego' sets.

Nonetheless, the controversy surrounding 'Lego' persisted, and numerous companies relished in KiShin Merchandise's predicament. With news that 'Lego' was either a knockoff or 'inspired' by earlier toy companies, many other businesses began contemplating the release of their own brick-based toys. They aimed to tread carefully, avoiding direct copying of 'KiShin Merchandise's 'Lego,' thereby sidestepping potential copyright issues.

---

Tora and Suzuki found amusement in the current situation facing 'KiShin Merchandise' as they finalized the design of their own brick-based toy, which was set for manufacturing and mass production before hitting the market.

Considering the lucrative profits in the toy industry, they couldn't afford to pass up such a golden opportunity. For them, the opinions of others were of little consequence when money was at stake.

This was particularly true now that 'KiShin Merchandise' was under intense scrutiny not only from US media outlets but also from media outlets in Japan and various Asian countries.

Tora and Suzuki seized this chance to amplify the information about the history of brick-based toys, aiming to raise awareness and foster greater disapproval of 'KiShin Merchandise's' 'Lego' toy.

Even Toys "R" Us began to express concerns over this controversy. However, Shin, on the other hand, felt somewhat powerless but refused to let excessive worry consume him.

The reason being that 'Lego' wasn't the sole popular product or toy from 'KiShin Merchandise.' Pokémon Cards were rapidly gaining popularity in Japan and throughout Asia.

Moreover, even though Pokémon Cards had not yet been introduced in the USA and some European countries due to their unfamiliarity with the Pokémon anime, Shin had already initiated contact with network channels, specifically 'Kids Channels,' to facilitate the release of Pokémon anime in the USA and select parts of Europe.

Tora and Suzuki were on high alert, fearing that KiShin's move to release Pokémon anime in the USA and certain parts of Europe might soon become a reality.