Takafumi Horie, who boasted at the height of his fame that he would one day buy Sony, had to settle for a smaller purchase.
TOKYO: Japan’s disgraced Internet mogul Takafumi Horie, who boasted at the height of his fame that he would one day try to buy Sony, has had to settle for a smaller purchase — Sony’s PlayStation 3.
In one of his first interviews since his arrest in January, Horie said he had picked up one of Sony’s new next-generation video-game machines. “The machine is such a good buy,” Horie said. “The graphics are amazingly clear. They created an incredible thing.”
The 34-year-old Livedoor founder was once a national celebrity for his brash manners and aggressive takeover bids but the Ferrari-driving whizkid fell dramatically when he was accused of falsely reporting profits to hide his company’s debts.
“I will continue fighting for my innocence,” said Horie, whose trial is ongoing.
Horie said he had been serious about aiming to take over Sony, one of Japan’s most iconic companies, although his arrest halted his plans. “Regardless of whether I could have really done so, I might have tried.”
“If you allow me to speak without reservation, I would sell the electronics and the PlayStation (units) and concentrate resources on portable devices like mobile phones,” he said.
Sony has been through a rough patch in the past several years.
Horie said his career as an entrepreneur was finished although he still had areas in which he hoped to do business.
“I’m interested in the space industry, or maybe the life science business,” he said.
Horie said he spends time outside of court helping out a project to put together a rocket engine.
He has also gained weight. Once pudgy, Horie looked trim after three months in detention but his bulging belly has since returned.
Asked about his weight, Horie snapped: “It’s none of your business.”
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