The purpose of the study was to consider influence Ryotaro Shiba's historical novel “Ryoma Goes(?馬がゆく)” on CEO of Softbank, Masayoshi Son's life and business management.
Japanese wirter Ryotaro Shiba wrote “Ryoma Goes” on SanKei Newspaper for 4 years, since 1962.06.21. to 1966.05.19. In his novel, Shiba described process of Japan's modern state development to break the feudalism through bringing out the liveliness of the historical events and people in Japan modern history.
Then, He described process of revolution by appearing the main character Sakamoto Ryoma and Ryoma's remarkable activities.
Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Softbank, read “Ryoma Goes” in his tough times and tried to stepped up from struggle. Meanwhile, he looked to Ryoma as a role model.
As a result of analyzing text in the novel “Ryoma Goes” and lecture, interview and critical biography of Son, the specific influence of Ryoma on Son is as in the following.
First, I studied on Ryoma's background which fascinated Son. Ryoma who was once a low-class samurai in frontier had realized his ideal strongly by overcoming social discrimination and demonstrating his genius multiple intelligence.
3rd generation of Korean Japanese, Son who was called a genius by his father and had royal education identified himself with Ryoma in terms of having social discrimination and being a genius. Son also confidently fulfilled his ideal like Ryoma. In the second chapter, I studied on Son who was deeply moved by Ryoma. Ryoma who devoted himself to master facing and finally became the master had fulfilled his dream by interacting with the foremost men of his age, even though he was from low-class samurai. Also, in order to overcome his social status, Ryoma committed the Dappan which is the crime left his fief without permission and became a lordless samurai which could bring big danger to his family, relatives, and even himself and he finally became free to realize his ideals and dreams.
Impressed Son by Ryoma decided to go to the USA like Ryoma did, even though Son's father was sick. Through the hard studying in the USA, Son became a 'world leader Masayoshi Son' who had Korean passion, Japanese delicacy, and creative American pioneer spirit. Moreover, Son who admired Ryoma's careerism only concentrated on his study during his life of studying abroad. After founding his company, he interacted with A-list entrepreneurs to make the global company Softbank.
In chapter 3, I studied on Son's view of the world that effected by Ryoma. Ryoma believed that the new civilized world would come watching Black ships commanded by Commodore Perry on Edo Harbour. Especially, he suggested the progressive new road, which was overseas trade and Navy enforcement, for island country. Moreover, he proposed Eight-Point Plan to construct a root foundation of the Meiji Restoration and he planned ‘Asia Federal Government' with Alliance Korea, China and Japan to against the western powers.
In the 21st century, Ryoma's achievement made Son start the digital information revolution using computer and internet and realize Asian Project ‘One Asia' which connect Korea, China and Japan.
In chapter 4, I studied on Son's sense of economy that was effected by Ryoma. In order to resolve conflicts between each group and pursue a common goal, Ryoma who had the Samurai spirit and also mercenary spirit achieved a great work such as Satch? Alliance based on pursuing futuristic sense of economy, mutual interest. Also, Ryoma put his meaning of life to avoiding personal distinction and making a new world and showed monetary concept as a tool, not purpose.
Son who was moved by Ryoma has grown Softbank to world business company by investment with M&A which company had amicable mutual interest and he has opened to coexist together with all the related companies. Also, He showed monetary concept himself that money as a means of life not purpose by donating his personal fortune when Japan had hard time like earthquake in east Japan.
In chapter 5, I studied on Son's view on life and death that was effected by Ryoma. Ryoma who had never killed and realized life respect will had life bearing ‘The Great ambition' but without worrying death. Finally, he realized spirit of human dignity by achieving peaceful Taisei Hokan that Japan's feudal government returned the power to the emperor. Also, he pursued eternal life that leave the name to posterity.
Son who was touched by Ryoma and his spirit has been carrying ‘The Great ambition’ with hopes and dreams and making positive energy even though he faces a moment just before the death by hepatitis or in struggling company management. Moreover, he pursues the eternal life designing future business DNA that can be carried over 300 years. This was the eternal life that Ryoma had dreamed.
Like this, the life and thought of Ryoma that the author Shiba described in the novel “Ryoma Goes” created the world business leader Son by reflecting the principle values and behaviour such as 21th century Son's establishment of identity, view of the world, sense of economy, and view on life and death.