Chapter 172: Neon’s Four Major Awards! Banquet Invitation! Recognition From The Government!
“Surpassing 5 billion yen at the box office, can it still break 7 billion yen?” Hiroshi Nohara looked at the prediction above, a smile forming on his lips.
This auspicious start to 1991 was indeed excellent.
Although he already knew about the sensation “Seven Samurai” caused in the Japanese film and television industry in his past life, and how it was a foundational work that made Akira Kurosawa a famous director.
He hadn’t expected it to be an equally invincible presence in this parallel world’s Japan.
But it made sense when he thought about it.
The culture was the same culture, just with minor differences in details, but it was still Japanese culture at its core.
The sensation in his past life could naturally be replicated in this world.
Previously, “World of the Strange,” “Super Change Change Change,” and “An Shizhi” had already proven this point.
“Not bad,” Hiroshi Nohara nodded.
“Hahahaha! Hiroshi! ‘Not bad’ is an understatement!” Just then, Eiji Kurosawa’s voice came from outside the door.
He had actually come to Hiroshi Nohara’s department.
This immediately caused a stir among the newly hired department members, their gazes towards Eiji Kurosawa filled with fanaticism and worship, as Eiji Kurosawa, this upright and famous director, was an unparalleled idol that many people worshipped as a god!
“Director Kurosawa,” Hiroshi Nohara greeted him immediately.
“Hmm. You rascal, you’ve really brought us a lot of face!” Eiji Kurosawa said with a smile, taking out a thick stack of reports from his briefcase and handing it to Hiroshi Nohara.
“These are from my friends at the Film and Television Association, who just sent me the box office data for all movies released during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.” Eiji Kurosawa’s voice trembled slightly, yet was filled with uncontrollable excitement: “I want to see how long those so-called ‘blockbusters’ can keep kicking before ‘Seven Samurai’!”
Hiroshi Nohara took the report. It was a detailed box office statistical table, a full thirty pages long.
He casually flipped through a few pages, and a knowing look flashed in his clear eyes.
The report clearly listed thirty movies released during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
The first place, without a doubt, was “Seven Samurai”!
Cumulative box office: 3.98 billion yen!
Second place was a romance film called “Ayaka Yada’s Love.”
Cumulative box office: 1.9 billion yen.
The theme of this movie fit the romantic atmosphere of Christmas and New Year’s, and with the starring role of the popular idol Ayaka Yada, achieving nearly 2 billion yen at the box office was within reason.
After all, movie box office in Japan is most explosive during holidays. Once the holiday ends, box office revenue plummets.
And “Seven Samurai” reaching such a terrifying figure in just twenty-two days undoubtedly told everyone that it had completely broken the “holiday effect” curse!
Hiroshi Nohara continued to flip through.
Third place was a urban crime film, with a cumulative box office of 1.2 billion yen.
Fourth place was a campus youth film, with a cumulative box office of 1.05 billion yen.
Fifth place was a heartwarming family film, with a cumulative box office of 1.03 billion yen.
The remaining films mostly grossed below 1 billion yen, and many didn’t even break 100 million yen, having been eliminated from the market early on.
He looked at the report, a playful curve on his lips.
He knew that this box office battle had completely concluded with the resounding victory of “Seven Samurai”!
“My god! The box office for ‘Seven Samurai’ is more than double that of the second place?!” Kei Tanaka was the first to exclaim, unable to contain himself. He looked at the report, his serious face filled with unbelievable shock!
Behind him, others gathered to look at the data, especially the three section chiefs of the Nohara Production Department, who craned their necks to see.
“As expected of Minister Nohara!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto’s face was full of pride: “Our ‘Seven Samurai’ is simply… miles ahead of the competition!”
“Those so-called ‘blockbusters’ are simply no match for Hiroshi-kun’s ‘Seven Samurai’!” Ichiro Hashishita also nodded in agreement.
Following their words, the entire department was once again engulfed in a carnival of victory and joy.
Anyone would be excited to follow such an excellent minister.
Even more so, they felt a sense of vanity from being in this department!
It would also save face to talk about it outside!
However, just then, a young employee suddenly let out a gasp of astonishment: “Huh?! You guys, quickly look! 23rd place! 23rd place is… is ‘Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree’?!”
The name immediately piqued everyone’s curiosity.
Including Asumi.
He also looked over.
“Oh?” Then the corners of his mouth curved up, his eyes full of amusement: “23rd place?”
“Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree”!
The “grand production” that claimed an investment of 300 million yen and astronomical promotional fees!
The “timeless classic” that Toshihide Takada had placed high hopes on to crush “Seven Samurai”!
The “new era samurai film” starring the popular idol Shunsuke Kamiki!
It… it was actually only ranked 23rd?!
“Hahahaha! This is hilarious! 23rd place?!” Kei Tanaka was the first to burst into laughter, unable to hold back. He pointed at the name on the report, tears almost streaming from his eyes: “If that movie breaks 500 million yen at the box office in the end, it’ll be a miracle! As for those promotional fees, they’ve definitely all gone down the drain!”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto also sneered, his stern face showing undisguised contempt: “With that sissy Shunsuke Kamiki? The samurai he plays is a joke!”
Ichiro Hashishita also nodded: “This movie is unsalvageable.”
At this point, it was ranked 23rd.
Box office: 307 million yen.
And it hadn’t gained any traction since the tenth day.
To turn things around would be an absolute impossibility!
“But speaking of which…” a young employee suddenly stroked his chin, a playful smile appearing on his face: “Although that movie is a complete disaster, it does have that pretty boy Shunsuke Kamiki as the lead. He’s a top idol with tens of millions of fans! Maybe in two months at the Japan Awards, it might even get a nomination!”
“Hahahaha!”
As soon as this was said, the entire office erupted into another wave of hearty laughter!
Everyone understood and smiled knowingly.
They knew that what this young man said was correct.
In this era controlled by capital, traffic was king.
As long as there was money and traffic, even a bad movie could be pushed to the forefront, and even get a nomination at those so-called “awards.”
After all, who was it that Shunsuke Kamiki had behind him if not a capital giant like Kirin Real Estate?
And this was precisely the most real and cruel iron rule of this era.
“Alright, alright, stop laughing everyone.” Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly, his clear eyes showing no ripples, as if all of this were just a perfectly normal development that he had long foreseen.
He casually placed the box office report in his hands on the desk, then slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone.
“Everyone, let’s get back to work.” His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority: “There will be a celebration banquet, but not now. We have more miracles waiting for us to create. We have more opponents waiting for us to crush.”
“Deputy Director Asumi, Director Kurosawa.” He turned his head to look at the two of them: “Let’s go to your office to discuss in detail. I think it’s time we properly plan for the awards in the Japanese film and television industry.”
“Good! Good! Good!” Asumi’s face was full of gratification: “Hiroshi-kun is right! It’s time we showed those old guys the strength of our Kanto Faction!”
Eiji Kurosawa just smiled. His weathered old face was now filled with infinite longing for the future.
Whether it was television dramas or movies.
Ratings were one aspect.
Box office was one aspect.
And awards were another aspect that they, as producers and directors, paid considerable attention to!
……
In Asumi’s office, the air was filled with a faint tea aroma.
Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, and Eiji Kurosawa sat around a tea table. On the table was a freshly printed document.
It was a list of all important awards in the Japanese film and television industry.
Asumi picked up his teacup and took a sip, his face filled with irrepressible gratification: “The box office for ‘Seven Samurai’ has completely exceeded everyone’s expectations. 3.98 billion yen! This is simply… a milestone for our Japanese domestic films. I believe it’s reasonable to nominate this movie.”
“Moreover, according to the latest box office trend analysis, breaking the 5 billion yen mark is a sure thing. Even aiming for 6 or 7 billion is not impossible!”
“If ‘Seven Samurai’ doesn’t get nominated, I don’t think any movie will dare to participate in award selections!”
Eiji Kurosawa also nodded: “This movie, ‘Seven Samurai,’ is likely to be a big winner.”
“That would be wonderful.” Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly, his clear eyes showing no ripples, as if all of this were just a perfectly normal development that he had long foreseen.
“Deputy Director Asumi, Director Kurosawa, this is just the beginning.” Hiroshi Nohara asked: “What awards can we predict for ‘Seven Samurai’? I can’t wait!”
Box office is important, of course.
But awards are the ultimate standard for measuring a film’s artistic value and historical position!
If “Seven Samurai” wins accolades at these awards, then it will not only be a “box office myth” but also a truly “timeless classic”!
Asumi pointed to the document on the tea table and introduced: “There are four major awards in the Japanese film industry: The Japan Academy Film Prize, the Blue Ribbon Awards, the Kinema Junpo Award, and the Mainichi Film Award. These are all targets for our ‘Seven Samurai’!”
“As for the television industry…” Asumi paused, a triumphant smile appearing on his face: “Besides the Japan Drama Academy Awards and the Mainichi Film Awards, our Tokyo Television Station has also just prepared a brand new award – the Tokyo Drama Awards! Although this award is newly established, it represents Tokyo Television Station’s highest hopes and expectations for the future of the television industry!”
“Hiroshi-kun, all of your works, whether it’s ‘Super Change Change Change,’ ‘World of the Strange,’ or ‘An Shizhi,’ have the potential to win awards!”
Asumi looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with infinite longing for the future, and absolute trust in Hiroshi Nohara’s god-like abilities: “I dare to predict! This year’s Japanese film and television industry will become Hiroshi Nohara’s exclusive stage!”
Eiji Kurosawa also nodded in admiration: “Indeed, Hiroshi-kun, you kid, you’re just… too amazing! In my life, I’ve never seen a young person like you who can achieve such remarkable accomplishments in so many different fields!”
“However, the biggest problem now is…”
Eiji Kurosawa frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes: “The selection of film awards is not like the box office, which only looks at numbers. It values the judges’ tastes and… and those complex human relationships.”
He paused, his tone solemn: “Especially the Japan Academy Film Prize, which is voted on by major film companies and industry professionals in Japan. Those old timers from the Tokyo Faction are deeply entrenched and powerful in the film industry.”
“Indeed.”
Asumi also nodded, his smile fading slightly: “That old fox Toshihide Takada, although he lost terribly at the box office, his seniority and connections in the film industry are far deeper than ours in the Kanto Faction. He will definitely not stand by and watch our ‘Seven Samurai’ sweep all the awards.”
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara with a warning: “Hiroshi-kun, you need to be careful. The upcoming award competition will not be as simple as the box office battle, which only involves data.”
Hiroshi Nohara understood this perfectly well.
He had also learned about it in his previous life.
But absolute strength is absolute strength. Even if capital can manipulate, it must choose to support truly good works.
Yes, after all, good works themselves can bring good capital returns.
After capital weighs the pros and cons.
Can they not promote it?
“Deputy Director Asumi, Director Kurosawa, you worry too much.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s voice was confident: “Human relationships are important, of course. But in this world, nothing is more convincing than strength.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the document on the tea table, a faint smile appearing on his face: “If they want to play, we’ll play with them. The more they try to use those underhanded tactics to hinder us, the more we must use our purest strength and most shocking works to completely crush them!”
“I want to see,” Hiroshi Nohara’s lips curved into an arc, his eyes looking like he was watching a bunch of clowns, “in the face of absolute strength, how much of a storm can those so-called ‘human relationships’ stir up!”
Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa exchanged a look, seeing a knowing indulgence in each other’s eyes.
“Good!” Eiji Kurosawa slapped his thigh forcefully: “Hiroshi-kun is right! We, the Kanto Faction, will play with them to the end! I want to see how long those old guys can keep kicking!”
Asumi also nodded, but said with a relaxed tone: “However, this matter will be easier to handle if we inform Director Sakata. Even if those guys from the Kanto Faction make a fuss, they won’t go too far when it comes to presenting a united front.”
As soon as Asumi finished speaking, the office door was gently pushed open.
A figure calmly walked in.
He was dressed in a dark kimono, impeccably tailored and perfectly fitted. Although his temples were frosted with age, it did not diminish his imposing presence and composure befitting a superior.
“As expected, you are all here.”
Nobuhiko Sakata, the ultimate leader of Tokyo Television’s Production Bureau, walked slowly to the tea table with a smile.
His gaze fell on the award list on the table, then on Hiroshi Nohara, a hint of praise flashing in his eyes.
“It seems you are discussing the awards,” Director Sakata said with a light laugh, his voice like a warm spring breeze, yet containing undeniable authority. “No need to discuss it further, I have already submitted Hiroshi-kun’s various works. Under the name of Tokyo Television’s Production Bureau.”
“Director!”
Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, and Eiji Kurosawa almost simultaneously stood up and bowed deeply to Nobuhiko Sakata.
“Please sit down,” Nobuhiko Sakata waved his hand, signaling them to sit, then walked to the main seat and slowly took his place.
Asumi immediately brought him a cup of fragrant tea. Nobuhiko Sakata nodded, took it, and took a sip, his gaze resting on Hiroshi Nohara, a heartfelt admiration on his face.
“Hiroshi-kun, you have created another miracle for us at Tokyo Television this time.”
Director Sakata’s voice was filled with admiration: “The box office of ‘Seven Samurai,’ and the social reaction it has generated, have far exceeded my expectations. I often wonder how your brain is wired, kid. How can you create so many excellent works in such a short period? Truly, you are amazing.”
“Hahahaha!”
Hearing this, Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa couldn’t help but laugh. They knew that Director Sakata’s words were the highest praise for Hiroshi Nohara.
“You flatter me, Director.” Hiroshi Nohara chuckled.
“Flatter you?” Director Sakata shook his head, his smile fading slightly, replaced by a deep expression: “No, not at all. Your talent is worthy of all praise.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa, his tone becoming solemn: “The success of the box office is certainly gratifying. But the awards that Hiroshi-kun mentioned are equally important. Asumi, I heard your concerns just now. You are worried that those old guys from the Tokyo Faction will interfere and prevent Hiroshi-kun from winning awards, aren’t you?”
The question was direct, and Asumi’s answer was equally straightforward.
“Yes, Director.” Asumi nodded, his smile fading slightly: “That old fox Toshihide Takada has far deeper seniority and connections in the film industry than our Kanto Faction. He will definitely not stand by and watch our ‘Seven Samurai’ sweep all the awards.”
“Hmph.” Director Sakata snorted coldly, a chilling glint flashing in his calm eyes: “They won’t.”
He slowly put down his teacup and said: “Minor conflicts can occur, internal struggles can occur, but when it comes to presenting a united front, if anyone dares to stab us in the back, I, Nobuhiko Sakata, will not let anyone off!”
“Whoever it is, whichever faction it may be, if they dare to do something that shakes the foundation of our Tokyo Television, I will make them pay the most painful price!”
These words were extremely serious.
Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa looked at Director Sakata’s imposing face, seeing a deep awe in each other’s eyes.
They knew that Director Sakata was truly ready to take drastic action.
“Your insight is brilliant, Director!” They both bowed in unison, their voices filled with respect.
Director Sakata nodded, his gaze returning to Hiroshi Nohara, his tone softening.
“Hiroshi-kun, you have done very well. Your works, your talent, have been recognized by everyone. Therefore…” he paused, his tone carrying a decisive resolve that could shock anyone: “From today onwards, you no longer need to worry about divisions between the ‘Tokyo Faction’ and the ‘Kanto Faction’ at Tokyo Television.”
“What?!”
Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa’s faces were aghast.
Factional divisions had been a “tradition” at Tokyo Television for decades!
From the day they joined, this factional struggle had been deeply ingrained, becoming a part of their work and life.
And now, Director Sakata had personally announced the elimination of these factional traces?!
This… this was truly an unprecedented innovation!
“Yes, you heard correctly.” Director Sakata looked calmly at their shocked expressions, a faint smile appearing on his face: “Times are changing, and we at Tokyo Television must change with the times.”
“Past factional struggles, while having historical reasons, have now become the biggest obstacle hindering our progress. We cannot be bound by this meaningless internal friction any longer. We should invest all our energy in creating works, cultivating talent, and in the future of our Tokyo Television!”
He turned his gaze to Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with anticipation, “And you, Hiroshi-kun, are the future of our Tokyo Television Station. Your talent, your vision, your work, are all enough to lead us into a brand new era!”
“Therefore, starting today, we at Tokyo Television Station will make you, this new generation, the core, and erase all traces of factions. Whether it’s the Tokyo Faction or the Kanto Faction, all resources and all talent will be at your disposal. Let’s all work together to create a new era belonging to our Tokyo Television Station!”
After he finished speaking, Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa stood frozen in place, their faces filled with surprise.
They had never imagined that the director they had followed for half their lives would make such a great sacrifice and trust a young person so much!
They knew that Director Sakata’s words were not just an affirmation and support for Hiroshi Nohara.
It was also the most thorough delegation of power and… entrustment to them, the older generation.
“Thank you for your cultivation, Director!” Hiroshi Nohara also bowed deeply to Director Sakata at this moment.
He knew this kindness was heavier than a thousand pounds.
He knew that Director Sakata was using his political life to pave a smooth path for him towards the future.
“You don’t need to thank me,” Director Sakata waved his hand, a gentle smile reappearing on his face. “This is what you deserve. I only hope that you can work harder, create more, and bring more and better works to our Tokyo Television Station, to our Neon. You are the cultural hope of our Neon’s new era!”
“Yes! I understand!” Hiroshi Nohara nodded heavily.
“By the way, Hiroshi-kun,” Director Sakata seemed to suddenly remember something, he picked up his tea cup, took a light sip, but his tone became relaxed, “Besides announcing this decision, I have one more thing to inform you about.”
“Tomorrow evening, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will hold a party at the ‘Golden Pavilion’ club in Ginza to celebrate the start of the new year. Many celebrities and wealthy dignitaries will attend.”
“Furthermore, Fujiwara-sama specifically requested that you also attend.”
“What?!”
Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa both felt a bit stunned at this moment, exchanging glances, feeling that the shock was coming wave after wave.
A party hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government?!
And at the ‘Golden Pavilion’ club?!
They knew too well.
This was ostensibly hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, but in reality, it was a truly top-tier social feast attended by all the celebrities and nobles from the entire Tokyo Metropolitan Area, and even the region that accounted for 40% of Neon’s economic strength!
That was no ordinary party, it was a stage where power and wealth intertwined!
That was no ordinary invitation, it was the most direct recognition and… recruitment from Neon’s highest power circles!
“Hiroshi-kun! You… you actually received this kind of invitation?!” Asumi’s voice contained a trace of unconcealable envy.
“Yes! Hiroshi-kun! This… this is simply an unprecedented honor!” Eiji Kurosawa was equally shocked, his weathered face filled with heartfelt admiration for Hiroshi Nohara.
They were high-ranking officials at Tokyo Television Station, masters of Neon’s film industry.
Yet even they rarely had the opportunity to attend parties of this caliber.
And Hiroshi Nohara, a young man of only twenty-three years old, received such an honor?!
It was simply… unbelievable!
“Yes,” Director Sakata looked at their shocked expressions, a faint smile appearing on his face. “This time, the higher-ups specifically designated for me to bring Hiroshi-kun. Because Hiroshi-kun has recently gained a lot of renown and has even changed social trends, the higher-ups specifically want to nurture him.”
He paused, his tone also filled with emotion, “Speaking of which, I am also envious of him. His strength has finally received recognition from the highest levels, and for us at Tokyo Television Station, this is also a good thing!”
