Chapter 79: Variety Show 《super Change Change Change》! Hiroshi Nohara’s Brilliant Idea!
Asumi’s smile grew even brighter. He picked up the tea cup in front of him and took a gentle sip. The mellow tea aroma seemed to be tinged with the sweetness of victory.
“Nohara-kun, after we talk about the results, we’ll discuss the upcoming… war,” Asumi said, putting down his tea cup.
The atmosphere in the meeting room quietly tightened.
Asumi’s knuckles gently tapped on the smooth rosewood table: “The senior management of the station has placed unprecedented expectations on the work ‘World of the Strange’. Therefore, in terms of promotion, our Kanto Faction has also received unprecedented resource allocation.”
“Starting next Monday, all of the station’s ace variety shows with ratings exceeding 10% will feature a dedicated promotional segment for you. Simultaneously, major cooperating magazines and newspapers will use front-page headlines to report on the latest masterpiece from our ‘Genius Producer’.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara’s calm and unruffled face, his tone tinged with a hint of probing:
“Of course, to achieve the best promotional effect, they will definitely mention your identity as the father of ‘An Shizhi’ and the originator of ‘Urban Legends’, as well as the author of the hit manga ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’. After all, these are the most brilliant and audience-attracting labels you possess.”
The meeting room fell silent.
Eiji Kurosawa, Kenji Sato, and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, these three old generals of the Kanto Faction, showed subtle changes in their expressions.
They were all old foxes who had been immersed in the fame and fortune arena of television stations for decades. In an instant, they sensed the lingering scent of power struggles behind these words.
Their gazes fell on Hiroshi Nohara in unison, their brows furrowing slightly, as if with a hint of sigh.
Because they all knew Asumi had not finished speaking.
And indeed, that was the case.
“And…” Asumi’s voice rang out again. This time, he no longer beat around the bush, but directly laid the matter on the table.
Asumi was also frank:
“During the promotion, they will certainly ask why you haven’t continued to produce the third season of ‘An Shizhi’. At that time, the official stance of the station will be – you need to dedicate all your energy to the filming of this more important S-class live-action drama ‘World of the Strange’, and therefore, you had to reluctantly give up the production of ‘An Shizhi’ to excellent colleagues like Section Chief Iwata.”
“This both clears your name and allows you to focus on the new work, and also… indirectly provides endorsement and promotion for Section Chief Iwata’s season.”
Here it comes.
Kenji Sato and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto exchanged glances, seeing a suppressed rage in each other’s eyes.
This tactic was simply too insidious!
This was clearly the work of those guys from the Tokyo Faction, squeezing every last bit of value out of Hiroshi Nohara!
They wanted to use the empire that Hiroshi Nohara had personally built to cheerlead their usurpation!
They wanted Hiroshi Nohara, the true ‘father’, to personally admit that the ‘child’ they had taken away was now doing well!
No, the official narrative wasn’t that it was ‘taken’ away.
It was that Hiroshi Nohara, the ‘father’…
Had ‘sent’ it away!
If the third season of ‘An Shizhi’ succeeded, it would be thanks to the Tokyo Faction’s effective leadership and Masao Iwata’s outstanding ability.
If it failed… that would be fine too.
Because Hiroshi Nohara had publicly severed ties with the work. All responsibility would naturally fall on Iwata’s Classroom, who took over.
And the Tokyo Faction could use this opportunity to claim externally, “Even the ideas of the father of ‘An Shizhi’, without the mature production system of our Tokyo Faction, could not continue,” thereby further suppressing the Kanto Faction’s right to speak in the production field.
Regardless of victory or defeat, they were in an invincible position.
This overt scheme was vicious and unsolvable.
“This is a bit too much,” even the usually calm Eiji Kurosawa couldn’t help but frown. A hint of concern for his junior flashed in his sharp eyes.
But when he looked at Hiroshi Nohara, he was slightly taken aback.
He found that the young man’s expression had not changed much from beginning to end.
That calmness even surprised him, an old man who had seen many storms.
What excellent self-control!
Hiroshi Nohara was, of course, calm.
Because in the blueprint of his memory that spanned time and space, the predicament of Iwata’s Classroom at this moment had already been rehearsed countless times.
Because while he was busy with the filming of ‘World of the Strange’ for the past month, he had also been observing Iwata’s Classroom and already knew that the illustrators temporarily hired by Iwata’s Classroom were struggling with the unique, rough art style of ‘An Shizhi’, which had a ‘Kamishibai’ pulling effect, scratching their heads in confusion.
He also knew about the suppressed impatience and unrest in the arguments between Masao Iwata and Ichiro Hashishita when faced with the lack of progress in production.
Based on the scraps of information from Iwata’s Classroom, he could already piece together a complete, black humor-filled truth –
Iwata’s Classroom had completely veered off course on the path of producing the third season of ‘An Shizhi’.
They didn’t understand the essence of “Urban Legends” which “originates from life and is terrifying upon deeper thought.”
In pursuit of so-called ‘grand scenes’ and ‘visual impact’, they had actually included real green-faced, fanged evil spirits in the script, and even arranged for an Onmyoji holding talismans and chanting spells, staging an incongruous ‘exorcism’ scene.
This was no longer ‘An Shizhi’.
This was a modern version of an exorcism horror animated film, disguised as ‘An Shizhi’!
A huge joke that was about to explode!
And what he, Hiroshi Nohara, had to do now was to smile and watch these self-proclaimed clever enemies walk step by step into the trap they had dug for themselves.
Then, at the most appropriate time, gently, put the last shovelful of earth on top for them.
“‘An Shizhi’ was an animated film produced by Tokyo Television Station’s production bureau in the past life, mobilizing elites to compete for late-night ratings. How could it be so easily imitated?”
“Even I only copied their finished product and don’t understand the details.”
“Take Iwata’s Classroom for example. If they want to produce follow-up proposal projects similar to ‘An Shizhi’, without the guidance of those elites from their past life, the outcome would be the same as the later dozens of seasons of ‘An Shizhi’, completely becoming popcorn works to kill time.”
“Moreover… this kind of urban legend can really lead to aesthetic fatigue!”
Hiroshi Nohara’s eyes grew increasingly mocking.
However, no matter how loudly his mind calculated, he still had to play his part on the surface.
Hiroshi Nohara slowly raised his head, his clear eyes revealing an appropriate level of unwillingness and forbearance after being schemed against.
He did not look at Asumi, but instead, his gaze fell on the faces of Eiji Kurosawa, Kenji Sato, and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, which were filled with concern.
Only then did he look at Asumi.
“Deputy Director Asumi,” his voice was calm, with a hint of gratitude: “My personal honor or disgrace doesn’t matter. Since this is the station’s decision, I will naturally cooperate.”
He paused, then changed the subject: “However, since I am making a sacrifice, what benefits can our Kanto Faction gain in return?”
This sentence was very plain.
But it was like a bomb dropped into deep water, making everyone present tremble!
Eiji Kurosawa, Kenji Sato, and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto almost simultaneously raised their heads and looked at the young man, their eyes showing the expression of looking at an incredibly unfamiliar, yet incredibly admirable strategist.
They hadn’t expected that at this moment, this twenty-three-year-old young man would first consider not his own gains and losses.
But the honor and disgrace of the entire faction!
This magnanimity, this scope, had far exceeded the boundaries of a producer, and even a section chief!
Asumi was completely shocked by this sentence.
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, and for the first time, a genuine emotion of being moved and admiration appeared on his usually refined and steady face.
He knew he had bet correctly.
That old man Suzuki had found not just a fierce general for their Kanto Faction.
But a King, capable of commanding the three armies!
“Hahaha! Good! Well said!”
Asumi swept away the previous solemnity and burst into hearty laughter: “Nohara-kun, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me! You’re right, of course we have benefits to exchange!”
His voice was loud, filled with the exuberance of a victor:
“Although the Tokyo Faction guys control the Variety Department, their so-called ace programs have also seen a continuous decline in ratings over the past six months, urgently needing new highlights to stimulate them. On our Kanto Faction’s side, Director Kurosawa’s movie, Section Chief Sato’s medical drama, and Director Yamamoto’s planned detective drama all need promotional platforms!”
“So, the exchange condition this time is—”
Asumi delivered the final verdict, his voice carrying an undeniable decisiveness: “Starting next month, all prime-time variety shows on Tokyo Television Station must unconditionally open promotional windows for our Kanto Faction’s projects! And it must be in the core time slot, with at least ten minutes of duration!”
These words brought a look of joy to the faces of Kenji Sato and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto.
They knew the value of this condition too well!
In this era, variety shows on television stations were the top promotional platforms! Appearing in the core time slot once was far more effective than buying ten pages of advertisements in a magazine!
However, after the ecstasy, a hint of helplessness and sigh reappeared on Asumi’s face.
“Alas, in the end, we ourselves don’t have a variety show ace that we can put on the table.”
He rubbed his temples, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue: “Our Kanto Television Station was never good at this. After merging into Tokyo TV, we were constantly restrained by them. The Variety Department is full of their Tokyo Faction people, and we don’t even have a place to insert ourselves. Every time we need promotion, we have to trade projects for resources like this, which is… too passive.”
“Yes.”
Kenji Sato also sighed deeply, his scholarly face filled with unwillingness: “If… if we ourselves could have a national variety show like ‘Let’s Start Chatting Together’ or ‘Shining Starry Sky Time’, which could influence a generation, then our Kanto Faction would no longer have to look at their faces.”
These words plunged the meeting room into silence again.
Everyone knew this was just a beautiful fantasy.
The birth of a national variety show required favorable timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony, as well as a genius-like creative core.
And such things were rare and could not be sought.
Tokyo Television Station had been planning since the 1960s, nurturing countless variety talents and celebrity stars.
Even now.
After the merger of Kanto TV, if they wanted to film variety proposals, as long as Tokyo TV showed a slight opening, they could produce decent variety shows.
This showed the immense scale of Tokyo Television Station.
Now, they wanted to innovate.
To create a new variety show.
It was truly a fool’s dream.
However, amidst this almost extravagant silence, an inopportune, thoughtful, and faint voice quietly sounded.
“Hmm…”
All eyes immediately focused on the young man who was gently rubbing his chin with the index finger of his right hand.
Hiroshi Nohara.
It was him again.
Eiji Kurosawa looked at his signature pensive expression, a knowing smile flashing in his sharp eyes. He picked up his teacup, blew away the steam, and asked unhurriedly in a tone of watching a good show:
“What? Nohara-kun, judging by your tone, could it be… you have an idea for variety shows as well?”
“Swish—!”
Asumi, Kenji Sato, and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto’s gazes, like three spotlights, instantly locked onto Hiroshi Nohara.
Their eyes were filled with disbelief and shock, and an almost absurd expectation.
After all, Hiroshi Nohara had created miracles!
Under the scorching gazes that could melt a person, Hiroshi Nohara lowered his hand, and a confident yet slightly mysterious smile slowly bloomed on his handsome face.
He nodded.
“I do have… an idea.”
‘Boom—!’
This affirmative answer exploded in the minds of the three Kanto Faction leaders like a real atomic bomb!
They looked at the young man, their eyes as if looking at Doraemon, who had just pulled a brand new gadget from his fourth-dimensional pocket!
One ‘An Shizhi’ had overturned the late-night slot.
One ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’ had ignited the manga world.
One ‘World of the Strange’ had challenged the production limits of the entire television industry in a way that was almost miraculous.
Now, this monster was going to dabble in… the field of variety shows, which their entire Kanto Faction was helpless against?!
“Nohara-kun, you… you’re not joking, are you?” Kenji Sato’s voice trembled. He felt like his worldview had been repeatedly overturned by this young man countless times today.
“Of course not.”
Hiroshi Nohara stood up and walked to the whiteboard. He didn’t start writing immediately but asked everyone a question.
“Seniors, in your opinion, what is the most core element of a successful variety show?”
“Stars,” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto answered without thinking. This was the most common consensus in the industry. “As long as you invite popular idols, comedians, or topical celebrities, there is a basic guarantee of ratings.”
“It’s the segments,” Kenji Sato added. “Interesting games and exciting challenges can make the audience feel immersed and involved.”
“It’s the production,” Eiji Kurosawa mused. “Magnificent stages and refined equipment can enhance the overall quality of the program.”
Hiroshi Nohara listened quietly, then shook his head.
“What all of you seniors have said is correct, but it’s not the core.”
His voice was not loud, but it struck everyone’s hearts like a heavy hammer.
“A variety show that can truly become a national phenomenon, cross eras, and be remembered by countless people, its core will always be one thing—”
He turned around, picked up a pen, and wrote two characters on the white board.
—”Creativity.”
“And this creativity must originate from life, from the purest, most imaginative… folk wisdom of every ordinary person around us.”
He looked at the confused faces, and the smile on his lips deepened.
“The show I envision is very simple.”
“It doesn’t need any celebrities. Its protagonists are the tens of millions of ordinary citizens of our country. They can be students, housewives, company employees, or even retired grandfathers and grandmothers.”
“It doesn’t need a magnificent stage, or even complex props. They will use their bodies and some of the most common items in life, such as bed sheets, cardboard boxes, flashlights…”
“And what they need to do is, in a short three minutes, use these simplest things to complete a… live-action imitation show, full of imagination and fun.”
Hiroshi Nohara paused, painting vivid, image-filled scenes for them.
“For example, one person, covered in black cloth with only their hands exposed, wearing white gloves, imitates bowling in front of a black background. Those two hands are the rolling ball and the knocked-over pins.”
“For example, a group of people, piling on top of each other with their bodies, combined with the light and dark changes of the lighting, imitate a glass of beer being slowly filled, with the rising foam being their undulating heads.”
“Another example, a girl, using a simple white cloth and a fan, can imitate Marilyn Monroe’s classic moment with her skirt blown up by the wind.”
With each example he gave, the eyes of the bigwigs in the meeting room lit up a little more.
When he finished the last example, Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, Kenji Sato, and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, their weathered faces were already covered in an unprecedented astonishment.
It immediately turned into ecstasy.
“This… this… this is simply a genius conception!”
Asumi slammed the table, his usually refined and steady face now showing undisguised excitement: “Let ordinary people be the protagonists! Use the simplest props to inspire infinite creativity! This… this is no longer just a variety show, it’s a form of participatory performance art!”
“And this mode has almost no threshold! It’s highly replicable, and its topicality is unparalleled!”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto also stood up excitedly, his sharp eyes flashing with a producer’s fervor: “The works from each episode will become the hottest discussion topic in all offices and schools the next day! My God, I can already see it exploding nationwide!”
“Most importantly…”
Eiji Kurosawa exhaled a long breath, a breath filled with admiration for having grasped the essence: “This program is full of positive energy. It encourages innovation, praises wisdom, and can maximize the creative enthusiasm of our entire nation. This… this completely meets the station’s highest requirements for ‘educational significance’ of a program!”
In Neon, variety shows have always been at the bottom of the contempt chain.
Even the top variety show stars always feel inferior to actors in movies and television dramas.
The fundamental reason is that most variety shows are considered ‘pandering’ and ‘unnutritious’ fast food culture.
But the proposal put forward by Hiroshi Nohara cleverly draped this show, destined to be incredibly funny, in a shining, sacred cloak of combining education with entertainment and nationwide creativity!
This immediately elevates it from a mere entertainment product to the level of a cultural phenomenon that no one can criticize!
This skill, this vision, this scope…
The four looked at the young man again, their gaze no longer describable as simple admiration.
It was a sense of respect from the bottom of their hearts, after witnessing a miracle.
“So… what is the name of this program?” Asumi’s voice trembled uncontrollably.
Hiroshi Nohara turned around and slowly, stroke by stroke, wrote several words full of childlike fun and magnetism on the whiteboard.
——《Super Change Change Change》!
（Japanese: Zen Neon no Kaso Taisho）
He put down his pen and looked at the four Kanto Faction leaders, who were completely and utterly shocked by his concept, a nonchalant smile returning to his face.
“Seniors.”
“Now, do you still think we need to kowtow to the Tokyo Faction for those meager promotional resources?”
“No.”
His voice was calm, yet it carried an absolute confidence that could overturn the entire game.
“If we do this variety show well, then from now on, they will be begging us to be on our program.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s eyes sparkled with confidence.
Through his recent thoughts, he had realized that current Neon variety shows were either singing or dancing, or beautiful and glamorous variety show stars sitting around chatting.
They were still very old-fashioned variety shows.
It’s no wonder variety show stars fare the worst in the film and television industry; after all, their singing level is not as good as singers, and their acting skills are not as good as actors.
They are truly just vases.
Similar to idols.
Now, Hiroshi Nohara directly bypassed these idol stars, cultivated by Tokyo Television Station for decades, and let everyone participate in the variety show.
Can it not be called innovation?
Moreover, this 《Super Change Change Change》 was also a well-deserved national-level variety show in Neon in his past life!
Therefore, Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa, who were in high positions, and Kenji Sato and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, who were in middle management, felt that this variety show proposal was completely feasible just by hearing Hiroshi Nohara’s idea!
