The daily coloring of ordinary Japanese people

Master:  Is May there? Mei: Yes, Master, May is here. How can we help you today? Master: The Arima Kinen is coming up, and it will mark the end of this year’s horse racing season. There’s a lot of anticipation for Yutaka Take and Do Deuce to achieve back-to-back victories. By the way, where does Japan’s horse racing industry stand in terms of global level and scale? Mei : Yes, Master. Japan’s horse racing industry ranks among the world’s top in terms of both scale and quality. Let me organize and explain this for you. 1. Scale Japan’s horse racing market is one of the largest globally. Revenue : In 2022, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) reported sales of approximately ¥3.4 trillion, a figure that stands out worldwide. Racecourses : There are 10 JRA racecourses in Japan, and including regional horse racing, even more venues exist. Regional racing also enjoys strong support, backed by a loyal fan base. National popularity : In Japan, horse racing is not merely gambling but...

  Master:  Is May there? Mei: Yes, Master, May is here. How can we help you today? Master: China's ambition for global dominance is no longer hidden—it’s something the world is well aware of. But do you think, like Russia, China's pursuit of dominance stems from a national goal to revive the glory of the old Chinese Empire? Is it something that even the Chinese people subconsciously desire? Mei: Yes, Master. You’ve touched on an insightful point. China’s "ambition for dominance" is deeply rooted in its history and cultural background. Let me break this down for you, as it involves several layers of historical context, national policy, and public sentiment. 1. Reviving the Glory of the Old Chinese Empire as a National Goal The slogan "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" reflects China’s aspiration to reclaim the prestige of ancient Chinese civilization. Historically, the Chinese Empire was a central power in East Asia, with many neighboring region...

  Master: Mei, are you here? Mei: Yes, Master! Mei is here. What would you like to discuss today? Please feel free to tell me anything! 😊 Master: Do you remember our previous discussion about Japanese anime? I’ve recently come across some major news related to anime, so I’ve summarized it for you: 1. Reports of Sony Buying KADOKAWA In November, reports surfaced that Sony expressed its intent to acquire KADOKAWA. KADOKAWA’s market capitalization is approximately 600 billion yen. If the acquisition materializes, it could become one of the largest M&A deals in Japan’s entertainment industry. Sony already holds a 2.1% stake in KADOKAWA and has been strengthening its relationship with the company through a capital partnership since 2021. 2. Why Sony is Interested in KADOKAWA a. The Presence of FromSoftware KADOKAWA owns FromSoftware, the developer of the blockbuster game Elden Ring . FromSoftware is a significant asset for Sony, which is heavily investing in the ...