January 1, 1988
It was a New Year's Day holiday, and I was at ho, catching up on the latest gaming trends through my Ga & Watch.
Five years had passed since the release of the Family Computer, and it was now in the twilight of its glory, rather than its heyday. Each new ga release maintained a certain level of quality. However, the industry was shifting away from the easy-to-enjoy gas we were used to, introducing challenging RPGs and ultra-difficult gas that added a bit of stress to our gaming sessions.
Gas like "Dragon Emblem" and Capcom's side-scrolling action gas "Rockman" and "Demon Knight" were known for their challenging nature. Particularly, "Demon Knight" was infamous for its terrifying BGM and never-ending zombie hordes. So players couldn't even make it past the first stage and gave up in frustration.
"Demon Knight. Yeah, that ga was ridiculously hard."
"Rockman was manageable if you learned the boss patterns, but Demon Knight, that was a ga that made you want to smash your controller."
"But seriously, 'Super Mario Bros. 3' alone is overwhelming. Suddenly, the release date for 'Dragon Warrior 3' is upon us."
The coback of a massive title that had already risen to the throne as a national RPG ga had been decided. With the release dates of "Super Mario Bros. 3," "Dragon Warrior 3," and "Psychic Battle" all set relatively close to each other, the gaming industry was buzzing with anticipation.
For gars, it was a festive ti, but the simultaneous release of three major titles had everyone waiting impatiently.
However, "Dragon Warrior 3" was the first to launch its preemptive strike, with a release date set for February 10, 1988. Until last month, we had expected it to arrive in the spring of 1988, around April or May. Suddenly, it was announced for February 10th!
Ringing
"Hmm? Who could it be?"
I picked up the phone as it rang unexpectedly, and a familiar voice greeted .
"Junhyuk, it's !"
"Yuki?"
She sounded quite excited, as if sothing great had happened.
"I made it!"
"What happened?"
"The rookie writer contest! The idea you told about got selected!"
"Oh, really?"
Wow, a mukbang concept worked at this ti? That's impressive. I had just ntioned a drama I used to enjoy in 2015, and it was selected. It felt not only surreal but also amazing.
Even though I had been busy with work at the broadcasting station during Christmas and couldn't et her, I was truly grateful for her imdiate call after this good news.
"So, can we see a TV show created by Yuki soon?"
"Oh, no, it's not like that. This is just an idea contest for a new program. Winning doesn't an the show will be produced imdiately."
"I see, that's a bit disappointing, isn't it?"
"Still, getting a title as a rookie writer is a big achievent. The judges' response was positive, so with a bit more effort, I might be able to produce a drama."
"That's impressive. I hope you have more good things happening to you this year, Yuki."
"Oh, and I haven't greeted you for the New Year yet. Junhyuk. That, um, Sehe Bote Mani Badeyo?"
"A lot of wishes? Did you write down Korean New Year greetings like in a textbook?!" I burst into laughter at her unexpected, spontaneous New Year's greeting. Her voice on the other end of the line sounded a bit embarrassed.
"My pronunciation is strange, right? Korean is so difficult."
"Are you learning Korean nowadays?"
"Yes, but it's hard because there aren't many places to learn. I'm studying with Korean conversation books I found in bookstores."
"Self-study can be challenging, but if you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask ."
"Sure, I will. By the way, Junhyuk, are you staying ho again today? It's New Year's, you know. You don't need to go to Korea?"
"Well, I have a lot of work to finish these days."
"I see. So, what are your plans for this weekend?"
"I don't have much to do on the weekend."
"How about coming to Kyoto this weekend?"
"Well, it's not impossible."
"I've been fortunate enough to win this contest, and I'd like to visit Kyoto for sightseeing. There's a lot to see in the Osaka area compared to Tokyo."
"That's true, but..."
"Do you not want to?"
"No, it's not that I don't want to. I'm actually relieved."
"Relieved?"
"Yes, relieved. In fact, I'll be going on a business trip to the United States next week."
"To the United States? Why? How long?"
If I answer all three questions at once, it might get confusing. I took a mont to organize my thoughts and then replied.
"I'll be staying for about a month to promote a new ga release."
"For a month?"
"At least, you're lucky that you can co and see ."
"So, I'll definitely co this weekend. Please wait for ."
"Yes. When you arrive, let know, and I'll be waiting in front of the station."
"All right then. Get so rest."
After ending the call with Yuki, I gazed at the passport I had left on my desk. This upcoming trip to the United States was primarily for market research on the Ga Boy with Gunpei-san and promoting Psychic Battle. It wouldn't be as long as the last trip, for sure.
"I wonder how Ellis and Wilson are doing," I thought, smiling at the mories. Although we occasionally spoke over the phone, it had been three years since we t in person. So, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited.
Ellis had improved her Japanese significantly, speaking fluently and almost like a native Japanese speaker. According to Yamashita-san, the nuances she used in conversation made it seem like she might request a transfer back to the headquarters soday. I wondered what she was planning.
While promoting the ga was crucial on this trip to the US, I also looked forward to new encounters. That's why I had planned a relatively extended schedule. Fortunately, Gunpei-san readily agreed that the longer the market research, the better. Well, for Gunpei-san, there was nothing wrong with accompanying . He knew how picky I was about sleeping arrangents, so he would likely choose places that catered to my preferences.
"Chandra is doing great, but I need more talented ga developers. There must be people in the US who I should bring to my side."
...
"Ugh... The United States? But you'll still attend the company's New Year's party, right? If you and Gunpei don't co, the party will lose its flair."
"Shige-san will be there. Plus, it's an internal party for our headquarters' employees. I don't really need to be there."
"This guy... I've heard that Smire will be coming, you know!"
"Actually, one of the reasons I'm going to the United States is because of her."
I forced out the words, my throat dry. I glanced at Gunpei-san next to , and by the way his lips tightened, it was clear he was suppressing a laugh in front of Mr. Kamawuchi.
"Can't be helped. I promised to introduce her later. For now, business cos first. I'll be going next week, right? Take care."
"Yes. Have a safe trip, Mr. Kang."
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