Chapter 163: Everyone Talking! 《seven Samurai》 Released! The War Begins!
Hiroshi Nohara’s press conference quickly caused a colossal wave in Japan.
The entire media of Tokyo, and even all of Japan, immediately published the content of this press conference with the fastest speed and the most eye-catching headlines on their front pages.
“Shukan Bunshun: Shocking Twist! ‘Ungrateful Wretch’ Admits to Staging for Publicity! Hiroshi Nohara Personally Confirms ‘Farmer Cunning Theory,’ Calls it an ‘Easter Egg’!”
“FRIDAY: Master Manipulator of Public Opinion? Hiroshi Nohara Plays National Emotions for His Own Gain; ‘Class’ Topic Becomes a Movie Publicity Stunt!”
“Asahi Geino: Genius or Madman? Twenty-three-year-old producer Hiroshi Nohara Challenges the Entire Society’s Moral Bottom Line Single-handedly!”
The headlines of these newspapers, each word a stab to the heart, yet each word irresistibly captivating. They presented Hiroshi Nohara’s “confession” and “explanation” to all readers in a way that was full of incitement.
On television, the commentators, experts, and scholars who usually sat with great solemnity were now like sharks that had smelled blood, all jumping out to lash out verbally at this overly young “disruptor.”
“Mr. Hiroshi Nohara’s actions are simply playing with fire!” a famous social commentator lamented, shaking his head in distress on a Fuji Television interview program. “Does he think that by using such extreme methods, he can attract attention and make his movie a box office hit? He’s too naive! He’s cashing in on the public’s trust in him! Once that trust collapses, he’ll have nothing!”
“This is a blasphemy against art!” a highly respected film professor exclaimed at an NHK program, slamming his hand on the table. “Movies are art! They are meant to convey truth, goodness, and beauty, and to enlighten people’s hearts! Not to be used for publicity stunts or to manipulate public opinion! Mr. Hiroshi Nohara’s actions are simply sullying the purity of cinema!”
“I admit that Mr. Hiroshi Nohara has extraordinary talent in the field of television variety shows,” said a veteran media personality on a TBS program with a complex tone. “But this time, he has clearly gone off the deep end. He has laid the sensitive topic of ‘class’ bare on the table, attempting to provoke social controversy through this method to achieve his promotional goals. This risk, this playing with fire, if it gets out of control, will lead to unimaginable social problems!”
However, some different voices also emerged with difficulty from the flood of public opinion.
“I personally believe that while Mr. Hiroshi Nohara’s approach is radical, it is also one of the most effective promotional strategies in this era of information explosion,” a young marketing expert calmly analyzed on a Tokyo Television interview program. “He has successfully turned an unreleased movie into a topic of nationwide discussion. Regardless of whether people curse him or support him, they will ultimately develop immense curiosity about this movie. And curiosity is the best driver of box office success.”
“Looking at the production credits for Seven Samurai, Director Kurosawa is listed, so the quality of this movie is definitely top-notch,” a film critic commented neutrally in Film Report. “Director Kurosawa’s directorial skill is beyond doubt. And Mr. Hiroshi Nohara, as the screenwriter and chief director, has also demonstrated a depth and scope far beyond his age. As for his remarks on ‘era’ and ‘class,’ I am more inclined to view them as an artistic expression rather than simple ‘discrimination.’ After all, film is the art of light and shadow, and it allows creators to use extreme, even controversial, methods to provoke thought in the audience. I suggest everyone put aside their prejudices, go to the cinema, and experience this work. Perhaps it will bring you unexpected surprises.”
These comments, like sparks, burned with difficulty in the vast ocean of public opinion.
They did not completely turn the tide, but they did succeed in planting a seed of “curiosity” in the hearts of the incited masses.
…
On the train.
In the crowded carriage, the air was filled with a mixed scent of curry rice and sweat.
However, these daily noises did not in the least affect people’s enthusiasm for discussing the name “Hiroshi Nohara.”
“Hey, did you see today’s news? That Hiroshi Nohara is a complete lunatic!” an office worker in a suit whispered to his companion, his tone filled with incredulous excitement. “He dared to admit to saying those things in front of all of Japan! And he called it an ‘Easter egg’! What does he think we are?!”
“Yeah! I saw it too!” his companion excitedly waved the newspaper in his hand. “But, speaking of which, what story is his Seven Samurai about? I heard Director Kurosawa directed it? Hasn’t that old man been out of the spotlight for a while?”
“I’m also quite curious,” another male high school student leaned in stealthily and said in a low voice. “My dad said that Hiroshi Nohara is the author of Yu Yu Hakusho and the producer of Super Change Change Change. The manga he draws and the shows he produces are all super good! I always thought he wouldn’t be that kind of bad person, right?”
“Who knows,” another passerby shrugged. “But I actually think what he said was quite interesting. ‘The end of the samurai era was due to the advent of firearms,’ ‘the victory of the farmers is progress for the era’… it sounds like it makes some sense.”
In the coffee shop.
The rich aroma of coffee intertwined with the languid strains of jazz music.
“Hiroshi Nohara has gone a bit too far this time,” a middle-aged man sitting by the window said with a smile to his friend across from him. “To dare to use such methods to publicize his movie, he’s either a genius or an idiot. But based on his control over public opinion, I lean towards the former.”
“Yeah,” his friend nodded. “I had no interest in samurai films at all. But after all this commotion he’s caused, I’m actually a little curious. How about we go see it on Christmas Eve? We’re not doing anything else anyway.”
“Sure!”
On the streets and alleys, in office buildings, izakayas, and even at family dinner tables…
The words “Hiroshi Nohara” and “Seven Samurai” spread rapidly throughout Japanese society like a virus, becoming the hottest topic of conversation during people’s leisure time.
Curiosity, like a lit spark, burned fiercely on the dry tinder of public opinion.
…
A few days later, on the seventeenth floor of Tokyo Television Station, in Asumi’s office.
Sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire office.
“Hiroshi-kun! Director Kurosawa! You two are simply… simply divine!”
Asumi was laughing heartily while looking at a thick report.
“Look at this! Look at this report! This is the latest assessment from our PR department, based on the public opinion feedback from all over Japan over the past few days!”
He pointed to some striking numbers on the report, his voice filled with excitement. “The public attention for Seven Samurai is three times higher than we expected! The national discussion level has soared five times! Now, everywhere you go in Japan, people are talking about this movie! They’re talking about you, Hiroshi Nohara!”
“Most importantly…”
He turned his gaze to Hiroshi Nohara. “According to our investigation, although public opinion was not friendly to you initially, the vast majority of the public ultimately chose to believe you! They feel that you are not the type of person who would casually use ‘class conflict’ to smear farmers. They even feel that you are using a special method to speak out for those ‘little people’ who have been abandoned by the era!”
“This is the will of the people!”
Asumi heavily patted Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder, his face full of gratification. “This is truly a counterattack from desperation!”
“Deputy Director Asumi, you flatter me,” Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly. “This is merely a method of using ‘black traffic’ to attract attention.”
He looked at Asumi. “Public opinion is like a double-edged sword. It can hurt people and it can make people. The key is how to wield it. They thought using the term ‘class conflict’ would be enough to ruin me. They didn’t expect that I would just go with the flow and guide the topic into the dimensions of ‘era’ and ‘humanity’.”
“When people start thinking about ‘era’ and ‘humanity,’ they will naturally discover that what I said is nothing more than the most fundamental truths that have been repeatedly verified by history. And those who try to use ‘class’ to incite emotions will appear foolish and self-serving.”
“As for the negative public opinion…” Hiroshi Nohara’s lips curved into a playful arc. “Director Kurosawa, do you think there are still some clowns who are unwilling?”
Eiji Kurosawa, sitting beside them, showed a trace of bitter helplessness on his face.
“Yes,” he sighed and pointed to the newspapers on the table. “These past few days, many newspapers, especially those third-rate entertainment tabloids, are still trying their best to denigrate you. They call you a ‘self-important fanatic,’ a ‘clown seeking attention’… it’s simply unbearable to read!”
“Hmph!” Asumi snorted coldly. “I’ve noticed this for a while now.” He picked up some of the newspapers and tossed them aside, his tone dismissive. “After my investigation these past few days, these newspapers are all paid articles.”
“Oh?” Eiji Kurosawa’s brow furrowed slightly. “Is it the Tokyo Faction? Has that old fox Takada finally made his move?”
“No, it’s not the Tokyo Faction,” Asumi shook his head, a hint of mockery in his eyes. “That old fox Toshihide Takada is too shrewd. He wouldn’t do something so foolish.”
“If public opinion really got out of control this time and caused unmanageable social problems, then Tokyo Television would be the first to bear the brunt. At that time, both the board of directors and the government would hold us accountable. No matter how foolish Toshihide Takada is, he wouldn’t risk the reputation of the entire television station for such a joke.”
“Then who could it be?” Eiji Kurosawa’s brow furrowed even tighter.
Asumi sneered and pushed one of the newspapers in front of Eiji Kurosawa. “Look at these newspapers. Besides the malicious attacks on Hiroshi-kun, what else have they published?”
Eiji Kurosawa picked up the newspaper and quickly scanned its contents.
Soon, he saw stills that occupied more than half of the newspaper’s pages, filled with a gorgeous and commercial atmosphere—these were stills from Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree.
And those eye-catching headlines—
“Shunsuke Kamiki: The Spokesperson for the New Era Samurai!”
“Miyuki Kitagawa: Beneath the Cherry Blossom Tree, the Most Beautiful Samurai Love!”
And those “paid articles” that were filled with praise for Shunsuke Kamiki and Miyuki Kitagawa, woven between the lines.
Eiji Kurosawa’s expression instantly turned grim.
He understood perfectly.
This was clearly the low-down tactic of using slander to promote oneself, a common practice for idol stars!
To elevate oneself by denigrating the opponent.
“It’s that Shunsuke Kamiki!” Eiji Kurosawa’s voice held a hint of uncontrollable anger. “This kid is really… so persistent!”
He slammed his fist on the table, his face filled with contempt and disdain. “I’ve known for a long time that these so-called ‘idol stars’ are nothing but dolls packaged by capital! They can’t sing, they can’t dance, they don’t even have acting skills! What else can they do besides show off and act cute?! Letting them into the film and television industry is simply a disgrace to the industry!”
He paused, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes. “Speaking of which, his management company also approached me back then. They wanted me to tailor a historical samurai film for Shunsuke Kamiki, but I refused them outright! I, Eiji Kurosawa, will only make real movies in my life! How could I possibly make those idol dramas for children to watch?!”
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with deep apology. “Hiroshi-kun, it’s my fault. If I hadn’t refused them back then, perhaps you wouldn’t have provoked this kind of… villain.”
“Director Kurosawa, you are too kind,” Hiroshi Nohara simply shrugged. “Even without you, I would have offended him.”
He recalled how the arrogant idol star was publicly humiliated by him on the set of Super Change Change Change.
That aloof arrogance, that humiliation of being trampled underfoot, was enough to make anyone narrow-minded hold a grudge for a lifetime.
“Shunsuke Kamiki…” Asumi’s brow furrowed slightly, and a solemn expression appeared on his refined face. “This kid is backed by Kirin Real Estate Group. That’s a very powerful real estate group near Tokyo. Moreover, I heard they have deep connections with the housing construction agencies of the Tokyo Metropolis. Their influence is not to be underestimated.”
Asumi’s tone carried a hint of warning.
He knew Hiroshi Nohara’s strength, and he knew his god-like talent.
But this time, they were no longer facing simple industry competition, but the true power of capital.
However, Hiroshi Nohara merely blinked at the words, and then, his lips curved into a playful arc.
Real estate group?
He chuckled.
“I thought it was some powerful capital,” Hiroshi Nohara scoffed. “Just this?”
He knew that in Japan at this time, real estate was the biggest bubble.
And bubbles would eventually burst.
At that time, those seemingly invincible “capital giants” would be nothing more than insignificant grains of sand, completely washed away by the tide of history.
Who knows how many chairmen jumped to their deaths!
What is there to be afraid of?
…
In the following days, the promotional campaign for Seven Samurai swept in like a tide.
Asumi mobilized almost all of Tokyo Television’s available resources.
From morning news to late-night talk shows, from prime-time trailers to special reports in major newspapers and magazines, even the electronic screens on the streets and advertisements in subway stations were emblazoned with the powerful movie posters of Seven Samurai.
On the posters, the seven samurai had diverse appearances, yet all exuded tragedy and resilience.
Their eyes were deep and complex, as if they could pierce through the paper and reach the depths of the heart.
And at the center of the poster, the striking title—”The Era Is the Only Victor”—was carved as if by knife and axe, deeply imprinted in the minds of everyone who passed by.
At the same time, Hiroshi Nohara’s “shocking” press conference continued to ferment.
Gossip magazines like Shukan Bunshun and FRIDAY continued to attack him relentlessly, portraying him as a “madman who manipulates public opinion” and an “ungrateful elite.”
But as Hiroshi Nohara had predicted, these negative reports, far from making the public dislike him, instead aroused even stronger curiosity.
“What kind of person is that Hiroshi Nohara, anyway?”
“I heard his movie isn’t about samurai, but about the era? Is that true?”
“Seven Samurai? The name itself sounds amazing! And there’s Director Kurosawa too!”
In an instant, discussions about Seven Samurai completely overshadowed all other hot topics.
From ordinary people on the streets to bourgeois office workers in coffee shops, to drunken office workers in izakayas, everyone was enthusiastically talking about this unreleased movie.
Curiosity, like a lit spark, burned fiercely on the dry tinder of public opinion, drawing all of Japanese society into an unprecedented nationwide speculation.
In stark contrast to the “black traffic” promotion of Seven Samurai, there was the overwhelming “financial offensive” of Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree.
The financial power of Kirin Real Estate was fully displayed in this promotional battle.
The prime advertising slots in major cinemas were all occupied by posters of Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree.
On the posters, Shunsuke Kamiki’s handsome, almost ethereally beautiful face occupied the absolute center position.
He was dressed in a luxurious samurai outfit, holding a jewel-encrusted katana, his eyes deep and melancholic, like a perfect lover from a manga.
And Miyuki Kitagawa beside him was also exquisitely beautiful. The two leaned against each other, perfectly embodying the theme of “Beneath the Cherry Blossom Tree, the Most Beautiful Samurai Love.”
Television commercials bombarded the audience, with every frame exquisitely beautiful and every line of dialogue deeply sentimental.
Various fashion magazines and entertainment weeklies published numerous “paid articles” about Shunsuke Kamiki and Miyuki Kitagawa, portraying them as “spokespersons for the new era samurai” and “Japan’s most beautiful on-screen couple.”
“Shunsuke-kun is really too handsome! The samurai he plays must be the most perfect!”
“Miyuki-chan’s acting is simply amazing! I absolutely must go to the cinema to support their love!”
“Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree! Just the name sounds so romantic! I’ve decided, I’m going to watch this movie on Christmas!”
Young girls, especially high school and university students, were almost completely captivated by Shunsuke Kamiki’s overwhelming “visual assault.” They spread the word within their social circles, queued up outside cinemas for photos, and transformed their fervent admiration for their idol into direct anticipation for the movie’s box office performance.
However, behind this clamor, some discordant voices also quietly emerged.
“It’s Shunsuke Kamiki again… What else can he do besides look good?”
“Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree? Just the name sounds like a boring idol drama.”
“I’m still more looking forward to Seven Samurai. After all, Director Kurosawa is in charge, and that Hiroshi Nohara, although his mouth is a bit sharp, his works are genuinely good.”
These voices, though faint, were like an undercurrent, quietly spreading among office workers and men who had long been tired of commercial films and scoffed at idol stars.
…
Finally, the time arrived on December 24, 1990, Christmas Eve.
The streets of Tokyo were adorned with dazzling neon lights, making them as bright as day.
The air was filled with the mixed aroma of Christmas carols and barbecue. Couples walked hand in hand, nestled against each other in the cold wind, enjoying the rare romance.
However, in the cinemas, a silent war had already quietly begun.
In Shinjuku District, Tokyo, stood a historic, old-fashioned cinema.
This was one of the premiere locations for Seven Samurai, and also the best screening room that Tokyo Television had specifically secured for the film.
Outside the cinema, the crowd was immense and bustling.
On the giant poster board, the powerful imagery of Seven Samurai stood side-by-side with the beautiful and romantic imagery of Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree, creating a dramatically stark contrast.
“Wow—! Shunsuke-kun is so handsome! This poster is practically a work of art!”
A group of stylishly dressed, exquisitely made-up young girls surrounded the poster for Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree, letting out screams of excitement.
“That’s right! I heard he specifically learned kendo for this movie! He’s so dedicated!”
“Hmph.” An office worker-like man in a suit walked past them, curling his lip in disdain. “Another pretty boy who relies on his looks. What use is a movie like this, other than to trick you young girls into crying?”
“Uncle, what do you know!” a girl retorted indignantly. “Shunsuke-kun’s acting is excellent! The domineering CEO he played in the TV drama was incredibly handsome!”
“Domineering CEO?” The man scoffed, shook his head, and walked directly towards the poster for Seven Samurai.
He looked at the seven weathered samurai on the poster, a flicker of curiosity and anticipation in his eyes.
“Hiroshi Nohara’s first movie…” he murmured to himself, as a fellow office worker approached him.
“Yeah! I heard his Yu Yu Hakusho was a masterpiece! And Super Change Change Change, my two kids at home watch it on TV every day! I never expected he would also make movies!”
“But, his earlier comments about ‘elites’ and ‘commoners’ were indeed a bit excessive,” another voice chimed in, with a hint of hesitation. “Even though he later explained it was for publicity, it still feels a bit uncomfortable.”
“Ah! That’s all just the media taking things out of context! Think about it, how could the son of a farmer truly look down on farmers? Besides, every episode of his World of the Strange was filled with humanistic care, and he was full of sympathy for those little people!”
“That’s right! And there’s Director Kurosawa this time! Director Kurosawa is a national treasure of our Japan! If he’s involved, the quality of the movie is definitely guaranteed!”
“But speaking of which, Director Kurosawa’s samurai films in recent years have indeed seemed a bit… how should I put it, a bit cliché. Not as good as his earlier classic works.”
“What do you know! Director Kurosawa is like aged wine, still potent! His collaboration with Hiroshi Nohara this time is definitely going to make a big splash! I heard that this movie passed Eirin with a unanimous vote! And even Fujiwara-sama personally recommended it!”
Outside the cinema, various whispers and arguments abounded.
There was admiration, doubt, anticipation, and contempt.
All emotions were ignited on this Christmas Eve by the names Seven Samurai and Hiroshi Nohara.
And in a corner of the crowd, three figures, wearing masks and hats, were discreetly queuing to buy tickets.
They were Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, and Eiji Kurosawa.
“Hoo—”
Eiji Kurosawa let out a long sigh, a hint of imperceptible desolation in his breath.
He listened to the whispers around him about him being “cliché” and “not as good as before.” A bitter smile appeared on his weathered face.
“Hiroshi-kun, Asumi,” he said softly, with a touch of self-deprecation in his voice. “It seems I, Eiji Kurosawa, am truly getting old. I can’t keep up with you young people’s era anymore.”
“Director Kurosawa, you are too kind,” Hiroshi Nohara smiled calmly. In his clear eyes, there was genuine respect for this master. “You are a master who pioneered an era, our guide. We juniors are merely standing on your shoulders, lucky enough to glimpse further scenery. We cannot expect later brilliance without the foundation built before, can we?”
Hiroshi Nohara has always respected Eiji Kurosawa.
“Yes, Director Kurosawa,” Asumi also comforted, “You are a titan, a pillar of strength. What do these young people know? They only see your past, but not your present, let alone your future!”
“Hmph,” Eiji Kurosawa snorted, but his tone was no longer tinged with the initial bitterness.
He turned his head to look at the young person beside him, who remained so calm that not the slightest ripple appeared, no matter what storms they faced. A complex emotion flickered in his eyes.
He knew that Hiroshi Nohara was speaking the truth.
But thinking about the samurai films he made before, and then thinking about the upcoming 《Seven Samurai》, the contrast in artistic realm made him, Eiji Kurosawa, feel so ashamed that he didn’t want to continue speaking.
So Eiji Kurosawa silently handed the movie ticket in his hand to the usher.
Leading the two of them into the cinema.
Inside the cinema, the lights gradually dimmed, and the clamorous discussion subsided.
Light and shadow flowed across the immense screen.
Accompanied by a drumbeat filled with tragic grandeur and destiny, scenes ravaged and scarred by war were presented to all the audience.
That was the opening of 《Seven Samurai》.
The movie began.
In the theater, in a short time, only the occasional, suppressed gasps for air could be heard, and the focused gazes that were completely captivated by the movie’s images, unable to look away.
In the dark corner, Eiji Kurosawa’s body also leaned slightly forward.
He looked at the screen, at the cinematic world that he personally directed, yet was filled with Hiroshi Nohara’s unique imprint, and a brilliant light began to bloom in his eyes.
“Splendid!” Eiji Kurosawa inwardly judged, and his heart grew more and more agitated as the plot unfolded.
He had not misjudged the person.
This young person was indeed a monster!
And Hiroshi Nohara simply sat there, a confident smile on his lips.
This war, belonging to 《Seven Samurai》, had only just begun.
He, Hiroshi Nohara, was already prepared with the ultimate answer that would shock the entire Neon.
He wanted to make those who mocked him personally witness what it means to be—
Absolutely Strength Overwhelming.
What it means to be—
Triumphant.
What it means to be—
The true arrival of an era!
