After discussing improvements to driver safety, the atmosphere in the Pit Lane grew somber.
Takuya Nakayama addressed the group of Americans. "Alright, I need to return to Tokyo to handle some matters. I'll be back on Thursday when the drivers inspect the track. Consider these next few days a company perk—take the time to experience the unique culture and spirit of Japan."
His assistant stepped forward and handed Mark a thick envelope.
"This is funding for cultural experiences, provided by the Managing Director," the assistant explained with a smile. "He said not to worry about saving money for the company—have fun!"
Mark opened the envelope and saw a stack of Yukichi Fukuzawa bills and a gleaming gold credit card inside. He whistled in surprise.
The team members behind him erupted in wild cheers like a pack of excited beasts.
"Yes! I knew coming to Japan was the right decision!"
"Akihabara! I'm coming for you!"
"I'm going to Jimbocho's used bookstores!"
Only Kevin's goal stood out. His eyes sparkled as he excitedly rubbed his hands. "A tuning shop! I'm going to the legendary underground tuning shop! I want to see those JDM monsters with my own eyes!"
Takuya Nakayama watched the group instantly switch from business elites to college students on vacation. He shook his head helplessly and returned directly to Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Mark Cerny and his team, like huskies released from their cages, threw themselves into the bizarre consumerist ocean of early 1990s Japan.
Over the next two days, the "Extreme Pursuit Core Promotion Team" left their mark all over Tokyo and Nagoya.
Kevin, through a friend at an auto magazine, managed to sneak into a legendary tuning shop that didn't even have a sign.
Facing a room filled with gleaming engine parts and several Civic race cars ready to hit the track, he finally ordered a container's worth of rare parts through a combination of charades and a thick wad of cash, planning to ship them back to the US.
By Wednesday evening, the exhausted group finally returned to their Nagoya hotel rooms, their suitcases stuffed with loot.
Mark Cerny looked at the game cartridges, anime merchandise, and car magazines scattered across the floor, feeling like his room had just been trampled by Godzilla.
Just then, the phone on his desk rang.
"Mark, how was your vacation?" asked Takuya Nakayama's relaxed voice from the other end.
"Great," Mark replied, glancing at the group of people laughing and playing with their souvenirs.
A low chuckle came through the receiver. "Good energy is good. Rest up tonight—we're back at Suzuka Circuit tomorrow."
After hanging up, Mark clapped his hands to get the attention of the overly energetic crew.
"Alright, cowboys! The vacation's over! Get a good night's sleep tonight—we're back at Suzuka Circuit tomorrow!"
Thursday, Suzuka Circuit.
After two days of "cultural immersion," Mark Cerny and his team returned to this land saturated with the roar of engines.
Their faces still showed a hint of post-indulgence fatigue, but the fire of work had reignited in their eyes.
"Alright, cowboys, the vacation's over." Mark clapped his hands to regain everyone's attention. "Let's go inspect our positions first."
As they entered the Sega zone at Motopia Amusement Park, everyone paused.
The corner that Kevin had previously derided as a "sardine can" had been completely transformed.
The spacious area was cleverly divided into an experience zone and a relaxation area. A dozen VR Racing arcade cabinets were spaced out with ample room between them, while groups of high-end sofas and coffee tables were arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. A bar offering free drinks stood nearby, and a massive display screen showcased Sega's game trailers.
The entire exhibit was designed with simplicity, sophistication, and elegance.
"Alright, I take back what I said earlier," Kevin whistled, his admiration unmasked. "These Japanese colleagues really know how to execute."
"A great idea needs equally great execution to become reality," Mark Cerny nodded in satisfaction, surveying the scene before him.
Just then, a middle-aged man with a press pass and a voice recorder hurried over, followed by a photographer shouldering a camera.
"Excuse me, are you Executive Director Nakayama from Sega?" The man's tone carried a hint of uncertainty, but his eyes sparkled with the excitement of discovering a big story.
Takuya Nakayama stopped walking, glanced at the F1 Express press badge hanging from the reporter's chest, and nodded with a smile.
"I'm Takuya Nakayama from Sega," he confirmed.
The reporter hurriedly presented his business card with a deferential bow. "I'm Watanabe from F1 Express. I didn't expect to find you here. We know Sega is McLaren Racing's sponsor this year. Are you here specifically to watch the race?"
It was a well-crafted question, confirming Nakayama's identity while showing respect for his position.
Nakayama accepted the card and replied calmly, "Mr. Watanabe, it's good to meet you. Watching the race is part of it, but we're here primarily for work."
"Work?" Reporter Watanabe's ears perked up, his recorder inching closer. "Could you elaborate? Is it related to Sega's partnership with McLaren?"
"Of course." Nakayama's gaze drifted past the reporter's shoulder toward the bustling Motopia Amusement Park in the distance. His voice, though quiet, carried clearly to the recorder.
"We believe the allure of Formula One shouldn't be confined to mere spectatorship. Fans crave a deeper level of engagement. That's why Sega is here to present a gift to the world's motorsports enthusiasts."
He paused, meeting Reporter Watanabe's expectant gaze, and announced deliberately, "Sega's latest arcade racing game, VR Racing, will have its global debut right here at the Suzuka Circuit."
"Global debut?!" Reporter Watanabe and the photographer behind him were stunned.
They had assumed this was just a routine commercial sponsorship event, with at most a logo slapped on a race car. They never imagined Sega would bring such a pivotal game launch directly to the Formula One Grand Prix venue!
This was huge news!
"Yes." Takuya Nakayama pointed toward the Sega exhibition area within Motopia Amusement Park. "Our demo zone is ready. Mr. Watanabe, instead of listening to me describe it in pale words, I invite you to experience firsthand what it's like when technology brings the thrill of the racetrack right to you."
His words were flawless: he had announced a major revelation, seamlessly promoted his company's exhibition area, and made it all sound utterly sincere.
Reporter Watanabe put away his recorder. "Thank you, Executive Director Nakayama! This is astonishing news! We'll be over to experience it right away!"
With that, he grabbed the photographer and practically sprinted toward the Sega booth, as if afraid that even a second's delay would let someone else steal this exclusive scoop.
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