Chapter 8

While Yōko was receiving support from Takahashi Masaharu, Takakusu Jōkichi, and others to file patents in various countries, at Tokyo Imperial University, tests were being conducted on the physical properties of the newly synthesized substance, polyamide (nylon 66). As a result, it was confirmed that polyamide had "about twice the stiffness and strength of artificial silk," causing a great stir in many fields.

"What a thing... The common knowledge of fibers will fundamentally change!"

"The industrial structure will change too! The silk industry will be destroyed!"

"The cotton industry of the great powers will also suffer a major blow."

When actually made into fabric, it had a cheap luster and a poor feel, making it unsuitable for undergarments. However, due to its characteristics of being water-resistant and not susceptible to insect damage, it was clear that it could be superior to traditional fibers if used properly.

"With such performance, the durability of military uniforms might also improve."

Thus, the government recognized PA66 as a critical material that could fundamentally change the social structure and decided to establish a semi-governmental, semi-private company to manufacture and sell PA66 in order to expedite its production and practical application.

"Why am I here?"

"What are you saying? The greatest contributor is Yōko, the inventor and patent holder."

Yōko, who seemed absent-minded, looked at the attendees of the meeting, and Takakusu Jōkichi, sitting next to her, told her with a pleased look. He was a knowledgeable businessman in chemistry who showed interest in Yōko's invention and was a reliable figure who actively guided her.

"But I'm just a little girl who will be five soon..."

"Yōko, you'll be fine. Since your father declined the position of advisor, there is no one more suitable than you."

Yōko was currently attending a meeting to establish a new company. She would hold the position of special advisor in this company, responsible for providing advice to "various places." As she said, it was not a position typically given to a young girl, and initially, the offer was made to Kiyotō. However, he declined, citing:

"Being busy with military duties"

"The inventor, his daughter, is more suitable."

Thus, the responsibility fell to Yōko. She had not expected to have such an influence on Japan from such a young age and was delighted by this divine favor. However, she also felt uneasy about being overly exalted beyond her due.

"Thank you all for gathering here today despite your busy schedules. I am Takahashi, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan, and I will chair this meeting. Please be kind to me."

With Takahashi's words, the meeting to establish the new company began.

"First, let's hear the purpose of establishing the new company from Taka. Taka, please."

"Yes."

Attendees who did not know Yōko well were worried or surprised that a four-year-old girl was giving the explanation. Takahashi's aim was to demonstrate Yōko's capabilities to such investors and make them recognize that she was not just a figurehead but an engineer who would contribute to the company's technological development.

"The new company we are establishing aims to manufacture synthetic resins, primarily artificial fibers, and products made from them to contribute to the development of society. While the company must pursue profit, our primary goal is to surpass the Western powers in the field of synthetic resin products, enhance our country's national strength, and enrich it. I hope that all of you who will be operating this company together will keep this in mind. Thank you in advance."

Yōko, who had not yet started elementary school, delivered her speech clearly and sat down. After a moment of silence, applause broke out. However, this alone was not enough to convince the adults of her equal capabilities. Her presence and performance in this meeting would directly affect her evaluation.

"Thank you. Now, we will discuss what kind of company we will make, but before that, Taka, could you explain what synthetic resins and artificial fibers are?"

Handing the baton back to Yōko, she began explaining plastics and their applications as she had done for Takahashi. During the Q&A session, several hands were raised.

"You mentioned that the raw materials ultimately come from coal, water, and air. Can we consider these as domestically available?"

"Not at the moment. The direct raw materials for polyamide are two: adipic acid, which can be synthesized from coal tar, and hexamethylenediamine, which requires further processing of adipic acid with ammonia. Since we do not have facilities to produce ammonia in our country, we will have to rely on imports from Germany."

The atmosphere in the room began to change. Investors who had not previously interacted with Yōko started to recognize that she was not just a figurehead, given her responses, which were far beyond those of a child.

"Since the raw materials will be imported, the cost will be higher. Will it be profitable?"

"There is potential. The field of synthetic resins is still largely unexplored by Western powers. However, while it is unknown, it is clear that it is a useful material. Our primary goal is to establish ourselves as pioneers in this field and gain a competitive advantage globally."

At this time, the only plastic material known was celluloid, and while phenol resin and polyvinyl chloride had been discovered, they were not yet practical.

"You claim it is a useful material. What is your basis for this?"

"It has properties that are clearly different from existing materials and are beneficial. First of all..."

Once the discussion turned to technical matters, it became Yōko's forte. She listed the potential uses of nylon, similar to what she had explained to Takahashi, and added the characteristics of nylon as a fabric, arguing that it would have a clear advantage over existing products if used correctly.

"Hmm..."

At this point, the investors completely revised their perception of Yōko. She was a prodigy, a fully-fledged individual with intellectual capabilities on par with their own. More questions followed, but Yōko successfully addressed them all.

"Where will the headquarters be located..."

"Is there a good property near the Taka residence..."

"Where will the factory be located..."

"There is a silk factory in Yonezawa that is about to go bankrupt..."

While Yōko had made a big impression during the initial Q&A, she was a complete novice in business management. She had some thoughts, but given her limited exposure to the outside world, she lacked the judgment materials and could only occasionally show agreement with others' opinions. As the meeting approached its end,

"Finally, let's decide on the name of the new company... Taka, do you have any ideas?"

"Eh... How about 'Imperial Artificial Fibers,' ha ha..."

Yōko, who had not expected to be asked, gave a random name on the spot. Of course, it was a play on words from the yet-to-be-established "Imperial Artificial Silk."

"That's good. Is there any objection?"

"「「「No objection」」」"

"Then, by unanimous consent, the new company will be named 'Imperial Artificial Fibers Co., Ltd.'..."

"Wait, is everyone really okay with that!?"

Yōko, who did not expect it to be adopted, hurried to stop it, feeling guilty towards the future founders of Teijin.

"It's fine. 'Imperial Artificial Fibers.' There is no better name to represent this company."

"That's true. It's a bit long, but it sounds good, and you even thought of an abbreviation. There's no reason to object."

Said Kanesada Kanesada of Suzuki Shōten and Takakusu.

"But, they say a name represents the essence of a thing. Is it really appropriate for a child like me to name it..."

"Listen, young lady."

Kanesada, who continued to argue, said:

"Everyone here is the type who can recognize 'good is good' no matter what anyone says. Since they say it's good, it's fine. So, have a little more confidence. Okay, Special Advisor?"

"...Understood. I appreciate everyone's support."

Convinced by Kanesada, Yōko decided to yield, feeling guilty towards the unknown founders of Teijin.

In reality, the actual Teijin was established with Kanesada's investment, and its headquarters were located at the site of the Yonezawa silk factory, which was to be repurposed as the factory for Imperial Artificial Fibers. Furthermore, in 1908, the actual founders of Teijin, Kiyosaburō Kuroda and Seitarō Kusumoto, graduated from the University of Tokyo and joined the company, making Imperial Artificial "Fibers" truly "Imperial Artificial 'Silk.'" However, Yōko, unaware of Teijin's history, never realized this.

Thus, I have established Teijin ten years earlier. Initially, I tried to find a company that could buy the rights to nylon 66, but there was no suitable candidate in Japan at the time, leading to this arrangement.