Chapter 333: Chapter 333: "Reasonable and Legal" Division of the Spoils
Hardy reviewed the catalog of seized and confiscated Japanese companies, which included many that had supported the Japanese military during World War II.
**Mitsubishi Heavy Industries** had been a major military manufacturer, producing aircraft carriers, battleships, aircraft, tanks, and artillery from 1937 to 1945. After the war, all military factories were seized by the United States, and the Mitsubishi conglomerate was broken up.
**Kawasaki Heavy Industries** had provided fighter jets, transport aircraft, and military motorcycles during the war. They also built battleships and aircraft carriers.
**Panasonic** produced a range of military equipment, including fighter jets, bombs, and communication devices from 1936 to 1945.
**Toshiba** was involved in manufacturing medium tanks, machine guns, and mountain artillery from 1939 to 1945.
**Fuji Heavy Industries** produced over 20,000 military aircraft during the war, accounting for a significant portion of Japan's military aircraft.
**Yamaha**, originally a musical instrument company, produced aircraft parts during the war, and some of its factories were seized.
**Nikon** supplied the Japanese military with telescopes, sights, rangefinders, aerial cameras, and periscopes.
**NEC** and **Sumitomo Electric** produced radars, wireless phones, and other electronic equipment for the Japanese military during the war.
**Nissan** manufactured military vehicles, including cars and trucks.
**Isuzu** provided the Japanese military with armored vehicles, tractors, and military trucks.
**Nakajima Aircraft** was a major provider of fighter jets for the Japanese military and was fully seized and confiscated after the war.
**Hitachi** produced warships, tanks, aircraft engines, and other parts during the conflict, with some factories closed down post-war.
**Hino** manufactured engines for Kamikaze aircraft and provided other military equipment.
In total, about 300 military-industrial companies were involved, including those producing bullets, chemicals, and logistics materials.
Hardy noted that even if only these 300 companies were acquired, it would be sufficient to satisfy the seven major consortia. As an "economic envoy," he had the authority to deal with these enterprises and intended to make the most of it.
Many people had expressed a desire to take action against Japanese companies during the war, and now that he had the opportunity, Hardy was determined to act decisively. The anger from anti-Japanese sentiments would not be wasted; the opportunity to leverage these companies was too significant to ignore.
The current state of Japan's economy was fragile. Post-war, many of Japan's large consortia were dismantled, and their industries were severely weakened. Hardy knew that while Japan's economy was struggling, its industrial base still held considerable potential.
After a day of reviewing the list, Hardy called a meeting with representatives from other consortia to discuss the plan for the acquisition and utilization of these assets.
The next day, the representatives of various consortia arrived in Los Angeles and gathered at Hardy's Beverly Hills estate.
Hardy addressed the group, "You've all seen the Japanese business directory. What are your thoughts?"
The vice president of Morgan Stanley commented, "Japan's financial sector is currently very weak. This is an excellent opportunity for us to acquire their banks and other financial assets."
The vice president of Rockefeller added, "Japan has a well-developed industrial chain. Their industry has grown rapidly since the Meiji Restoration, and their workers are highly skilled but relatively inexpensive. This presents a great opportunity for establishing industrial operations."
Others also expressed their views, highlighting various aspects of Japan's potential for investment and profit.
Hardy outlined his plan: "I want us to discuss how to handle these companies. There are about 300 companies across various industries that were seized by the US military. My idea is to determine a 'reasonable' price for each industry, get that price approved by the President and Congress, and then purchase them legally."
His emphasis on the terms "reasonable" and "legal" was clear, and the experienced businessmen present understood his intentions immediately.
The representatives nodded in agreement.
One of them said, "Mr. Hardy's approach seems very sound. Setting a price and obtaining approval will ensure that we acquire these assets legally and effectively."
Hardy concluded, "Exactly. Once the prices are set and approved, we'll coordinate the acquisition. Let's work together to maximize our gains."
The consensus was clear. The plan was set in motion, with each consortium preparing to seize the opportunity presented by Japan's post-war economic landscape.
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