The Tyrant Billionaire

"What's the issue with Japan?" Johnson inquired.

"On my way back from Hong Kong, I stopped in Japan, took a look around, and reviewed some reports. After the implementation of the 'Dodge Plan,' although inflation was brought under control, Japan's economy has plunged into a severe recession again," Hardy explained.

Johnson smiled faintly and said, "Our policy toward Japan is one of strict control in politics, economics, and the military, which serves America's interests."

Hardy smiled back. "I'm not here to plead for Japan. You know I fought against the Japanese on the battlefield, and I don't have a good impression of them. What I'm considering is that our current method of controlling Japan's economy is merely suppression and constraint. Perhaps there's a better, more far-reaching approach."

"Oh? What are you thinking?" Johnson asked.

"I've been reflecting on the Marshall Plan and wondering if we could implement a similar economic plan for Japan—buy up their industries and control their industrial economy in our hands."

"If any local enterprises try to rise, we will suppress them. This way, even if their economy recovers, it will never become strong because all major groups will always be American."

Hardy shared his thoughts.

"Do you think that kind of control is achievable?" Johnson asked.

Hardy chuckled. "The Hardy Group or the California Consortium alone wouldn't be enough, but I plan to reach out to Rockefeller, Morgan, and other financial groups, persuading them to act together. Don't you think with that kind of power, we could control Japan's economy?"

"Are you proposing to form an investigative delegation?" Johnson asked.

"Yes, I'm planning to establish a Japanese economic investigation team, but I hope to get the government's approval through you. After all, Japan is a defeated nation, and any investments would require government consent. Plus, the potential scope of this plan isn't small," Hardy said.

President Johnson pondered for a moment.

"Hardy, I think your proposal aligns well with our policy toward Japan. I have a suggestion: instead of calling it an 'investigative delegation,' why not call it an 'Economic Advisory Group'?" Johnson said.

"'Economic Advisory Group'? What's the difference?" Hardy asked.

"The government has already cut off economic aid to Japan, and they're struggling. The Japanese government has made repeated requests for continued aid, all of which I've denied."

"Now that you've proposed a plan for future economic control over Japan, I find it feasible. On one hand, we'd maintain control over Japan's economy, while on the other, they'd be forced to become self-reliant—producing their own food through their industries instead of relying on aid."

"The difference is that an economic investigation team is purely investment focused, while an Economic Advisory Group has a semi-official nature. I could appoint you as the 'Special Envoy for Japan's Economic Guidance,' giving you the authority to guide Japan's economy. That would make your work there much easier," Johnson explained.

Hardy finally understood.

As the "Special Envoy for Japan's Economic Guidance," representing the U.S. government in overseeing Japan's economy, he would essentially become the economic ruler of Japan.

Although it wouldn't be quite like MacArthur's military and political authority, it would still be sufficient for Japan's current state.

Hardy was overjoyed inside.

He felt the urge to give Johnson a big hug out of sheer excitement.

All the effort Hardy had invested in helping Johnson was now paying off.

Titles didn't matter much to Hardy, but with this position, he could operate in Japan much more smoothly.

In reality, Johnson wasn't overly concerned about Japan. After their defeat, Japan's military had been disbanded, U.S. troops were stationed there, and the emperor had been reduced to a symbolic figure. Combined with various policies, Japan had already been severely weakened.

At this point, Japan's geopolitical importance had yet to become apparent. It wouldn't be until next year that Japan would be seen as a strategic foothold in the East, and the restrictions on Japan would gradually be loosened.

"Mr. President, there's one more thing," Hardy said.

"What is it?"

"After the war, the government confiscated many former Japanese military industrial enterprises, including factories and machinery. I've looked into it, and a lot of this equipment is just sitting there, which is a waste. Is the government planning to sell it off?" Hardy asked. Experience more content on empire

Johnson glanced at Hardy and smiled. "If you're interested, we can sell it to you, but there's a lot of material."

"These are just scrap items, so I believe the price could be lower," Hardy replied.

Johnson laughed. "You're now the Special Envoy for Japan's economy. The disposal of those materials falls under your purview. After all, it's an economic matter."

Hardy and President Johnson discussed many more details and didn't part ways until late in the evening.

The next day...

The Washington Post published a small report: "Due to Japan's severe economic recession and after repeated requests from the Japanese government, President Johnson is preparing to establish a 'Japanese Economic Advisory Group' to provide economic guidance."

"President Johnson has temporarily appointed Jon Hardy, chairman of the Hardy Group, as the Economic Envoy for the Japanese Economic Advisory Group."

In the United States, the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the head of government, with the power to directly appoint internal White House officials, cabinet members, and ambassadors to foreign countries.

The so called "special envoy" is essentially a presidential special representative, which is technically considered a White House official, appointed directly by the President.

For example, a previous president appointed his daughter as an advisor and later his son in law as a security advisor. Many found it peculiar and accused him of nepotism, but that's simply how things work in the U.S.

Many people were aware of Hardy's close relationship with President Johnson. As the head of a major corporate group, there was little controversy in Hardy being appointed an Economic Envoy.

Especially since it was related to Japan.

At this point, few Americans cared much about Japan. They only knew it as the country that had been hit by U.S. atomic bombs, left in ruins. Life there was presumably miserable—otherwise, they wouldn't need an economic envoy.