Video Game Tycoon in Tokyo-Chapter 972: Closing Ceremony

At the same time, the Rio Olympics were in full swing, but Takayuki had little interest in the grand event. His mind was entirely focused on Gamestar Park.

Oh, and also the shoot he had discussed with the Prime Minister.

That shoot was intended to promote Japan — and video games.

After all, video games had become one of Japan's cultural treasures and deserved prominent promotion.

Since the rise of the gaming industry, video games had provided a tremendous boost to Japan's economy.

The extent of that boost even astonished the Prime Minister himself, who was now more than willing to serve as one of the industry's ambassadors.

Of course, given his position, he couldn't promote only video games — he also had to support Japanese film, anime, and other industries.

Still, the preview video for the 2016 Tokyo Olympics focused heavily on video games.

To this end, Gamestar Electronic Entertainment and the Japanese Prime Minister filmed a promotional video at Gamestar Park, completing it just in time before the Rio Olympics ended. They handed the finished product over to the Japanese government, and all that remained was to await its impact. freewёbnoνel.com

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On the day of the Rio Olympics closing ceremony, much of the world was still basking in the joyful spirit of this grand sports celebration.

Most people enjoyed this kind of positive, peaceful entertainment.

Gamers had their own annual celebration too: the Gamestar World Cup.

The World Cup featured a variety of games — every type of player could find a competitive event they enjoyed, and many followed their favorite esports players just as closely as Olympic athletes.

That night, the Rio closing ceremony began, watched by reluctant viewers around the world who weren't quite ready to say goodbye to the games.

In the audience, a man in his thirties stretched and let out a long sigh. "Whew, finally over. It's every four years, but somehow it still feels too short. I wish the Olympics were every two years."

His friend beside him immediately groaned, "Two years? Spare me! My wife barely let me come to this one. If it were every two years, she'd be furious!"

Judging by their conversation, the two were clearly close friends.

"I'm just saying. Anyway, where's the next Olympics being held?"

"I think... Tokyo, Japan."

"Wait, really? Isn't Japan a pretty small country? Won't it be super crowded over there?"

"Beats me. Maybe we should go check it out next time. For now, let's finish watching the ceremony, head home, and meet again in four years."

"Actually, now that I think of it... wasn't it the Japanese who invented video games? And isn't the world's top game company based there? Maybe we could visit their HQ and take some pics!"

"Huh? Now that you mention it... that could be fun."

While the two were chatting, the ceremony was coming to a close.

People didn't rush to leave because, as tradition dictated, the final segment of the closing ceremony was always a teaser from the next Olympic host country.

Only after watching that would the Olympic experience feel complete.

Once the main performances ended, the IOC chair came onstage and gave a closing speech. He thanked everyone involved and acknowledged all the athletes from every country.

He reiterated the core mission: peace and unity through global sports, and expressed hope that the Olympic spirit would continue.

"And now," he said, "please enjoy the preview presented by the next host of the Olympic Games. I dare say this is the most interesting and era-appropriate teaser I've ever seen. And yet... also the one that stirs the most complicated emotions in me."

After the speech, the stadium lights dimmed. All eyes turned to the massive screen above the stadium.

A familiar tune began to play.

🎵 Duh-duh-duh duh-duh... DUH! 🎵

"Huh?"

The two men who'd been chatting suddenly perked up, ears twitching at the melody.

The tune was instantly recognizable — not just to gamers, but to practically everyone in the world.

It had long since become one of the most iconic pieces of music globally — a symbol of an entire industry's rise, growth, and dominance.

It was the Super Mario theme.

The stadium fell silent as the music played, drawing everyone's gaze to the screen.

Couples who had been talking about dinner suddenly looked up together.

Kids fidgeting with toys in front of TVs stopped to stare at the screen.

Their parents were already fully focused.

On screen, a familiar figure appeared: red and blue outfit, red cap, a big mustache.

It was the gaming world's most iconic character — Mario.

For players, his image was burned into memory.

The audience's reaction was a mix of surprise and delight.

Even the Olympic chairman — now in his sixties — watched the teaser with a complicated expression.

On screen, a 3D Mario climbed mountains and leapt over obstacles.

Suddenly, he found himself not in the Mushroom Kingdom — but on a bustling Japanese city street.

He looked around, clearly lost.

Players who had played Super Mario Odyssey immediately recognized the vibe — reminiscent of the "New Donk City" level, where Mario entered a realistic world.

This made it all feel even more familiar and welcoming.

"Wait... is that video games? Are they actually showing a video game at the Olympics?! Unreal!"

"Could this be a sign? Are video games finally going to be included as an Olympic sport?"

"No way, right? That's never been mentioned before..."