Japan's entertainment giant Bandai Namco recently held its shareholder meeting, a formal event for shareholders to engage with company executives. But what unfolded was an unexpected moment that quickly went viral online: an elementary school shareholder personally questioned the company's top brass with a blunt statement: "Precure toys are too expensive, and I can't afford them."
This surprisingly honest and direct remark instantly became a trending topic on Japanese X (formerly Twitter), with many netizens jokingly calling the young shareholder the "MVP" of the day's meeting.
One netizen, "kakuni," who attended the meeting, shared their experience on social media, stating that what truly shocked them wasn't the company's performance or business strategy, but witnessing an elementary schooler speak directly at the shareholder meeting. They remarked, "Seeing an elementary school student directly question a massive corporation like Bandai Namco was absolutely wild."
Even more striking was how the child didn't beat around the bush, directly pointing out, "The toys are too expensive, I can't buy them." This unfiltered questioning style was described by netizens as a "direct hit" and a "super straight shot."
Another netizen added that the elementary school shareholder's exact words were: "Precure toys are too expensive, and I can't afford them." The executive who responded reportedly said, "Yes, I also think they're expensive. Maybe you can try asking your dad nicely?"
This response immediately sparked online debate. Some felt the executive's willingness to directly address the child was kind and fit the atmosphere. However, others thought that suggesting "ask dad" felt a bit outdated in an era where household purchasing decisions aren't always solely made by fathers.
Some netizens even quipped, "Asking dad might not work; asking grandpa might be faster!" People also discovered something else: this elementary schooler had actually taken time off school to attend the shareholder meeting. That level of dedication? Truly admirable!
Many netizens believe this was the most authentic feedback from the brand's core demographic. After all, the primary consumers of the "Precure" series are children, and a child directly expressing "I want to buy it, but I can't afford it" is, in some ways, more valuable than any market research.
One netizen commented, "What adults think but are too polite to say, a child just blurted out. Sometimes the simplest questions hit the core of the problem the hardest."
Furthermore, many found the concept of an "elementary school shareholder" intriguing. Japanese law doesn't restrict shareholder age; as long as one holds a certain number of shares, they are eligible to attend shareholder meetings and exercise their rights.
This led to netizens joking, "We can't say young people aren't interested in investing anymore. Even elementary schoolers are already holding stocks and questioning company executives!"
As the incident gained traction, many began discussing the rising prices of children's toys in recent years. Parents noted that transformation devices, interactive toys, and electronic toys now often cost several thousand yen. Add in merchandise, accessories, and limited editions, and the financial burden on many families can indeed be significant.
Though the elementary schooler's statement was brief, it unexpectedly ignited widespread discussion about children's toy pricing, household consumer burden, corporate business strategies, and the future direction of the children's entertainment industry. For Bandai Namco, it might have been a minor interlude at a shareholder meeting; but for many parents and fans, it was a heartfelt truth from their most crucial demographic: "I really love these works, but they're honestly getting a bit too expensive to buy."