Baseball and Mass Media.

You might have no idea about the relationship of these two.
If you have thought that some Mass Media companies own baseball teams in Japan, you're splendid.
In fact, 3 out of 12 professional teams are owned by Mass Media companies.

But the situation is more complicated (and exciting) now.

Last year, The world of baseball was reorganized.
some Baseball teams were sold, bought, merged and newly joined.

While, in the beginning of this year, Livedoor fought against Fuji TV about the M&A of Nippon Broadcast.

And now,
Murakami of M&A Consulting is Buying stocks of Hanshin Electric Railway, the owner of "Hanshin Tigers", and Tokyo Broadcast, the owner of "Yokohama Bay Stars", while Mikitani of Rakuten is also buying the stocks of Tokyo Broadcast.

Their difference is clear.
Murakami purely pursues for profit margin, while Mikitani believes that when an IT company and a Mass Media company merges, it will pioneer a new form of industry.
Mikitani said, If they can merge, it is alright to make Rakuten to be the subsidiary company of Tokyo Broadcast.
That is his vision.

But it may be somehow difficult for them to merge.
Tokyo Broadcast is an owner of "Yokohama Bay Stars", and according to the rule, it is not allowed for a company to own two or more baseball teams.

Either way, I'll enjoy watching the development after this.

Baseball was the most popular sports in Japan, while Mass Media had strongest influence.
These two worlds reigned for long time in Japan, and are believed that they are unshakable.
But as the proverb says "The only constant thing in this world is 'change'.", They represents that Japan is in a phase of generational change.

Baseball is not anymore the only popular sports in Japan. People loves to watch Soccer (Football), K-1 (Martial Arts), Golf, Tennis, and many more.

And as Horie or Mikitani said, Internet is becoming the new ruler over the world of Mass Media, no longer TV Broadcasting.

And generational change is a proof of active economy.