Chapter 177: Meeting With Governor Koike! Director Sakata Brings Hiroshi Nohara To Shine Together!
Inside the banquet hall, dazzling crystal chandeliers hung like a suspended galaxy, illuminating the entire space with a golden splendor. The air was filled with the mellow aroma of champagne intertwined with the whispers of celebrities, everything appearing so refined yet distant.
“Esteemed guests, respected leaders, ladies, and gentlemen!”
The host’s passionate voice, like the clarion call of a rising curtain, instantly drew everyone’s attention to the center of the stage.
A female host, dressed in a magnificent kimono and with delicate makeup, stood under the spotlight with a beaming smile. The microphone in her hand seemed to hold the rhythm of the entire banquet.
“Welcome everyone to this New Year’s Eve celebration banquet, hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government! Tonight, we gather together to look forward to the glory of the new year, and to celebrate the prosperity and development of our Tokyo Metropolitan Area!”
With a round of warm applause, the opening ceremony officially commenced.
Leaders from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, dressed in sharp suits or elegant kimonos, walked onto the stage one by one. Some were in charge of the economy, some of transportation, and some of public welfare. Each person delivered speeches filled with official sentiment, accompanied by appropriate smiles.
Their voices were steady and powerful, their words filled with longing for a beautiful future and grand blueprints for the development of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
Nohara Hiroshi stood beside Sakata Nobuhiko and Fujiwara Hideaki, calmly scanning the stage with his eyes.
He watched the leaders speaking eloquently on stage, but couldn’t help but mutter to himself.
Knowing many leaders certainly enhances one’s status, but for actual work, it is the leaders in the vertical fields who are truly effective.
After all, every trade has its specialty, and different fields are like different mountains; not everyone can make a final decision with a single word.
He instinctively glanced at Director Sakata and Fujiwara-sama beside him, then at the civil servants in the private room who were also listening quietly, and finally at the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency who was currently giving his address on stage.
They were the true helmsmen who could influence the direction of his career.
Soon, the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency finished his speech, and with another burst of warm applause, he walked off the stage with a smile.
Sakata Nobuhiko and Fujiwara Hideaki exchanged glances, seeing a mix of solemnity and anticipation in each other’s eyes.
“The most important part is coming,” Sakata Nobuhiko whispered into Nohara Hiroshi’s ear.
Hiroshi Nohara’s heart tightened slightly at his words. He raised his head and looked back at the stage.
Just then, an old man in his sixties, lean but spirited, slowly walked onto the stage. He wore no flamboyant attire and showed no exaggerated expressions, simply smiling and nodding gently at the audience.
The host’s passionate voice rang out again throughout the hall: “Now, let us welcome with the warmest applause, the chief executive officer of Tokyo Metropolis, the Governor of Tokyo, Ryuichi Koike Your Excellency!”
Thunderous applause erupted!
The entire hall burst into thunderous applause!
Everyone stood up in unison, their faces filled with reverence and respect. The heartfelt admiration was even more fervent than the applause for the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency just moments before.
Nohara Hiroshi also stood up and applauded with the crowd, his calm gaze fixed on the old man on stage.
“This Governor Koike is quite a legendary figure,” Sakata Nobuhiko’s voice sounded in Nohara Hiroshi’s ear, with a hint of emotion and respect. “From ’75 to ’85, he served as the Station Manager of our Tokyo Television. You could say that Tokyo Television owes its current glory to him.”
“In ’86, he resigned from his position as Station Manager and ran for Governor of Tokyo Metropolis, winning by an overwhelming majority. It has been five years since then. He is an old leader of our Tokyo Television and a role model for all of us.”
Nohara Hiroshi’s eyebrows rose at this.
He finally understood that this Governor Koike had such a profound background and seniority.
He nodded instinctively, his gaze returning to Governor Koike on stage, a hint of respect now in his eyes.
“Indeed, an old leader, an old Station Manager, truly admirable,” Hideaki Fujiwara said with a light laugh. He looked at Sakata Nobuhiko, his tone carrying a hint of well-placed teasing: “However, Governor Koike will face re-election again in the middle of the year. At that time, Tokyo Television will have to help a lot with the promotion, won’t it?”
Upon hearing this, Sakata Nobuhiko’s face immediately broke into a sincere smile: “Fujiwara-sama is correct. Governor Koike is our former Station Manager, and he has made immense contributions to Tokyo Television. We at Tokyo Television will naturally give his election our full support! It is our undeniable responsibility!”
The two smiled at each other, a tacit understanding flowing quietly in the air.
However, amidst this atmosphere filled with political maneuvering and social niceties, Hideaki Fujiwara suddenly frowned, his tone becoming solemn: “Speaking of which, Sakata-kun, how is Station Manager Shimazu’s health these days? The last time I visited, he looked quite unwell.”
Hearing this, Sakata Nobuhiko’s smile instantly faded a bit, replaced by an almost unconcealable worry and sigh.
“Alas…” he sighed deeply, his voice filled with helplessness. “Still not good. The doctor said during his last check-up that his body cannot hold on for much longer.”
Nohara Hiroshi, standing nearby, also looked over curiously upon hearing this.
He finally understood that the current power holder at Tokyo Television, the Station Manager named Shimazu, was actually so gravely ill.
He recalled that whenever he asked about Station Manager Shimazu’s condition at Tokyo Television before, his colleagues would always hesitate and avoid answering directly, only saying that Director Sakata, as the Executive Deputy Station Manager, was acting as Station Manager.
Now, everything seemed clear.
It turned out that Station Manager Shimazu had already semi-retired due to health reasons.
Fujiwara Hideaki looked at Sakata Nobuhiko, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes: “Yes, Station Manager Shimazu, he was truly a regrettable talent. Back then, if he hadn’t lost the Tokyo City Mayoral Election, he wouldn’t have been so severely hit, becoming dispirited, and even affecting his health.”
Sakata Nobuhiko also nodded heavily at this. His refined face now displayed an unconcealable anger and unwillingness.
He subconsciously clenched his teeth, his sharp gaze sweeping over the burly, imposing businessmen from the construction sector not far away, and the officials in charge of construction and housing, his eyes flashing with a cold glint.
“It’s all their fault!” Sakata Nobuhiko sneered softly, his tone filled with disdain and anger. “For their own profit, they didn’t hesitate to slander Station Manager Shimazu and spread rumors, which prevented him from being successfully elected! These bloodsucking vampires who mess with housing prices are simply… simply parasites on society!”
Fujiwara Hideaki patted Sakata Nobuhiko’s shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of comfort: “Sakata-kun, you don’t need to get too worked up. At that time, real estate development in Tokyo was still in its peak stage, and society as a whole was filled with a restless trend of ‘money above all else.’ Even the higher-ups hoped for an elected official familiar with real estate projects to drive economic development and increase tax revenue.”
He sighed deeply, his voice full of helplessness: “Although Station Manager Shimazu had a very high rank, he was, after all, an administrative official, not a political official. The superiors still preferred tangible tax revenue and real estate development, which brought in money quickly and showed results quickly. Therefore, Station Manager Shimazu’s defeat was also… also an inevitability of the times.”
At this, all the anger and unwillingness on Sakata Nobuhiko’s face turned into a sigh of helplessness.
“Alas… what a pity for Station Manager Shimazu,” he murmured, his eyes filled with regret.
However, Fujiwara Hideaki shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his face: “Sakata-kun, you don’t need to be too pessimistic. The higher-ups don’t solely value real estate. The fact that Governor Koike was elected Governor of Tokyo Metropolis speaks for itself.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Nohara Hiroshi, a hint of expectation in his eyes: “The higher-ups still hope for culture and technology to revitalize Japan’s future, not just rely on money. Culture and publicity must also keep pace. We still have many opportunities, and there will be many more in the future.”
Hearing this, Sakata Nobuhiko’s face also showed a thoughtful expression. He nodded, his gaze shifting to Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes filled with expectation.
And Nohara Hiroshi simply listened quietly from the side.
He looked at Governor Koike speaking eloquently on stage, at the dialogue filled with political wisdom between the two superiors beside him, and felt as if he were in a giant chessboard. Every person’s words and actions, every glance, held deep meaning and could influence the direction of the entire game.
He knew that this banquet was not just a simple social occasion, but also an excellent opportunity for him to understand the political circles of Tokyo and the future development direction of Japan.
He quietly gathered all this information, bit by bit, into his heart.
Soon, all the leaders had finished their speeches, and the banquet officially entered the free exchange segment.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became lively, with people gathering in twos and threes, holding champagne glasses, and conversing softly.
Nohara Hiroshi looked at the bustling scene before him, but only two words occupied his mind: “Gourmet.”
He knew that in such an occasion, he, as a “minor player,” did not need to bear too much social responsibility for the time being.
He only needed to quietly enjoy this rare gourmet feast.
He subtly slipped over to the buffet table, his calm gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of delicacies.
In the Japanese cuisine section, exquisite sushi, sashimi, and tempura were displayed like tempting works of art.
In the French cuisine section, foie gras, escargots, and caviar emitted an enticing aroma.
In the American cuisine section, barbecue, burgers, and pizza offered a rugged appeal.
A satisfied curve involuntarily appeared on Nohara Hiroshi’s lips.
He picked up a plate and began to eat heartily.
He first took a few pieces of fatty but not greasy grilled wagyu beef, then tasted a few slices of melt-in-your-mouth tuna belly, all accompanied by a glass of rich red wine.
The ultimate deliciousness exploded in his mouth, making his toes curl with happiness.
While eating, he listened to the idle chatter of celebrities and dignitaries around him about politics, economics, and gossip.
He felt as if he were in a vast ocean of information, where seemingly casual words contained countless business opportunities and political trends.
He savored this moment of tranquility and satisfaction.
He knew that the banquet offered various Japanese, French, and American dishes, all of which tasted great. Since everyone was mingling and no one was paying attention to him, a minor figure, he could eat to his heart’s content.
He even saw Sato Tokugawa, that old fellow, holding a wine glass and talking with several officials from the construction sector, his face full of fawning.
Nohara Hiroshi merely curled his lips in disdain.
He knew that guy would forever be wallowing in the mire of money and power. After all, the construction industry was one that thrived solely on government support.
As for him, Nohara Hiroshi, he was on a different path.
A new path leading to the peak of culture, to societal change.
…
The time of the banquet flowed by like clear sake, amidst clinking glasses and hushed conversations, quietly passing three hours.
The crowd in the hall was still bustling, but the initial excitement in the air had gradually been replaced by a weariness befitting the onset of night.
Nohara Hiroshi followed Sakata Nobuhiko back to the area where the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency and Fujiwara Hideaki were.
Their group was preparing to bid farewell to the Minister Your Excellency, ending this lengthy social engagement.
The Minister of Publicity Your Excellency, with a gentle smile, was speaking softly with Fujiwara Hideaki, a hint of admiration for Nohara Hiroshi in his brows.
“Minister Your Excellency, Fujiwara-sama, thank you for your hospitality tonight. We shall take our leave,” Sakata Nobuhiko bowed first, his tone respectful.
Nohara Hiroshi followed suit, bowing deeply to the two elders, his humility and composure perfectly fitting.
“Mm, Sakata-kun, Nohara-kun, you have worked hard tonight,” the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency nodded with a smile, his gaze lingering on Nohara Hiroshi for a moment, a hint of expectation in his eyes. “Nohara-kun, we look forward to your works in the new year. Keep up the good work.”
“Yes, Minister Your Excellency, I understand,” Nohara Hiroshi replied respectfully.
Just as they were about to turn and leave, a figure, like an arrow breaking through the water’s surface, quickly approached them.
It was an aide in his thirties, dressed in a sharp suit. His steps were vigorous, his eyes sharp, and each stride was rhythmic, as if carrying an urgent and important mission.
Upon seeing him, the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency’s gentle smile instantly vanished, replaced by a solemnity that commanded respect. His gaze turned to the young man, a subtle hint of respect in his eyes.
This caused Nohara Hiroshi’s heart to tighten. He knew that whoever could command such attention from this high-ranking official could not be an ordinary person.
The young man approached, bowed deeply to the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency, and then leaned in to whisper a few words in his ear.
His voice was low, masked by the surrounding noise. Nohara Hiroshi could not hear the specifics, but judging from the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency’s suddenly brightened eyes and the subsequent satisfied smile, it was clearly good news.
“Sakata-kun, Nohara-kun, please follow me,” the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency straightened up, a hint of unconcealable joy on his face. He beckoned to Sakata Nobuhiko and Nohara Hiroshi, his tone carrying a certain gravity: “Governor Koike wishes to see you.”
“Oh?!” Sakata Nobuhiko’s body suddenly trembled, his sharp eyes widening instantly, disbelief and ecstatic joy etched on his face!
He abruptly turned to Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes filled with unprecedented seriousness and excitement. “Hiroshi! Be serious! This is a unique honor for our Tokyo Television! We must not make any mistakes!”
Nohara Hiroshi’s heart also skipped a beat.
Governor Koike, the legendary figure who controlled the entire administrative power of Tokyo Metropolis and was also a former Station Manager of Tokyo Television, wanted to meet them personally?
This honor was indeed extraordinary.
He took a deep breath, suppressing all his surprise, and his face regained its usual composure and calm.
Led by the young man, they walked through the crowd, bypassed several quiet corridors, and finally arrived before a heavy door carved from Golden Silk Nanmu Wood.
It was far from the hustle and bustle of the main hall, and the air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, making it exceptionally serene and solemn.
The attendant gently pushed open the door, revealing the scene inside the private room.
There were no other guests in the room. Only Governor Koike was sitting by the tea table, calmly sipping a cup of green tea with a smile.
He was lean and spirited. Though in his sixties, the aura of strategic planning in his demeanor was more commanding than any young person.
The moment Sakata Nobuhiko saw Governor Koike, all expression faded from his face, leaving only a profound, almost pilgrim-like respect.
He strode forward quickly and bowed deeply to Governor Koike, his posture even more humble than when facing the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency.
“Governor Your Excellency, Sakata Nobuhiko greets you,” his voice was solemn.
Governor Koike slowly put down his tea cup and nodded with a smile. His gaze lingered on Sakata Nobuhiko for a moment, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. “Nobuhiko, it’s been a long time. Since you took over as Director of Production, we haven’t had a good chat in years. How is Tokyo Television doing recently? Is everything alright?”
“Thanks to Governor Your Excellency, everything at Tokyo Television is well.”
A sincere smile appeared on Sakata Nobuhiko’s face. He knew that Governor Koike was reminiscing about old times and giving him an opportunity to showcase himself.
He immediately steered the conversation to work. “Governor Your Excellency, ever since you left Tokyo Television, we have been adhering to your teachings, striving to provide the public with the highest quality cultural products. Especially recently, under the leadership of Nohara Hiroshi-kun, our Production Bureau has launched several phenomenal works, achieving unprecedented breakthroughs in ratings and box office!”
As Sakata Nobuhiko spoke, he turned his gaze to Nohara Hiroshi, his tone filled with undisguised praise:
“Especially Nohara Hiroshi-kun, he is not only the producer of national-level programs like Super Change Change Change, World of the Strange, and An Shizhi, but also the author of phenomenal manga such as Yu Yu Hakusho, Doraemon, and Late-night Diner. Recently, he independently directed and wrote the film Seven Samurai. Within just over twenty days of its release, this film’s box office has surpassed 3.9 billion yen, and its critical acclaim has swept the nation, being hailed as an ‘epic that transcends its era’!”
Governor Koike listened quietly to Sakata Nobuhiko’s report, a faint smile always on his face.
When he heard about Nohara Hiroshi’s astonishing achievements, a subtle hint of approval flickered in his deep eyes.
His gaze fell upon Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes filled with admiration. “Nohara-kun, I have heard your name long ago. I have also watched your works. Whether it is the pure joy of Super Change Change Change or the profound depth of Seven Samurai, both have made me, an old man, sincerely impressed. You have done very well.”
“Governor Your Excellency is too kind. This is all I should do,” Nohara Hiroshi humbly bowed and returned the greeting. His composed demeanor, neither subservient nor arrogant, further deepened Governor Koike’s admiration.
Governor Koike slowly stood up from his seat and walked towards Nohara Hiroshi with a calm gait. He extended his hand and gently patted Nohara Hiroshi’s shoulder.
“Nohara-kun, keep up the good work,”
Governor Koike said kindly. “I have also heard about your story concerning a dog and loyalty; it is quite interesting. I have high hopes for your The Tale of Hachiko. I hope you can promote our Tokyo Metropolis more, promote the excellent culture of Japan, and spread these noble spirits to more of our citizens.”
“Yes, Governor Your Excellency, I understand,” Nohara Hiroshi nodded heavily, a wave of warmth surging through him. This direct acknowledgment from the chief executive was undoubtedly the greatest support for his future career.
Governor Koike withdrew his hand with satisfaction and turned his gaze back to Sakata Nobuhiko, his smile fading slightly, replaced by an unconcealable concern.
“Nobuhiko,” Governor Koike sighed softly, his voice carrying a hint of heaviness. “Station Manager Shimazu’s health is still not improving?”
Upon hearing this, Sakata Nobuhiko’s smile instantly vanished. He sighed deeply, his voice filled with helplessness. “Alas, Governor Your Excellency, it’s still not good. During his last check-up, the doctor said his body cannot hold on for much longer. Moreover, his spirits are very low, and he has become much more despondent.”
Governor Koike pursed his lips, a hint of self-blame in his eyes. He slowly shook his head, his voice laced with regret. “Yes, it was indeed my oversight to risk letting Shimazu run for Tokyo City Mayor back then. At the time, I thought he could succeed with his reputation at Tokyo Television and my support. I didn’t expect it would cause him such severe damage.”
He paused, his gaze returning to Sakata Nobuhiko, his eyes filled with trust and expectation. “However, Nobuhiko, you have done very well during this time. You must persevere with the daily operations of Tokyo Television; do not falter. You are the pillar of our Tokyo Television, and the person I trust the most.”
“Yes, Governor Your Excellency, please rest assured, I understand,” Sakata Nobuhiko bowed his head respectfully again, his tone firm.
Governor Koike patted his shoulder, a faint smile reappearing on his face. “Mm, very good. By the way, Nobuhiko, I will be up for re-election again in the middle of the year. At that time, I hope your Tokyo Television can help with the promotion.”
“Governor Your Excellency, please do not worry!” Sakata Nobuhiko’s face immediately lit up with a righteous smile. He straightened his back, his tone resolute. “Governor Koike is our former Station Manager, and he has made immense contributions to Tokyo Television. We at Tokyo Television will naturally give his election our full support! It is our undeniable responsibility!”
Hearing this, Governor Koike finally revealed a satisfied smile.
He knew that Sakata Nobuhiko’s promise was far more sincere and powerful than any empty slogan.
He chatted briefly with Sakata Nobuhiko, then smiled and rose to see them off, apologizing slightly. “I still need to receive other guests, otherwise, I would certainly want to chat more with my colleagues from Tokyo TV.”
“Your meeting with us is already our honor. We are the ones who have troubled you,” Sakata Nobuhiko replied very courteously.
Then they bid farewell again and left with Nohara.
However, after they left, Sakata Nobuhiko’s previously calm face now wore a smile of extreme excitement and pleasure.
He was truly in high spirits.
…
The corridor lights were soft, casting their elongated shadows onto the mirror-like floor, appearing steady and composed.
Nohara Hiroshi let out a long sigh, as if releasing all the tension and oppression from his heart.
He turned his head and looked at Sakata Nobuhiko’s face beside him, which was now beaming with joy and satisfaction. A hint of fatigue flickered in his eyes, mixed with a sincere helplessness. “Director, I’ve met too many people tonight; my brain is about to overload.”
Hearing this, Sakata Nobuhiko chuckled and shook his head. The genuine pleasure on his face, usually serious, now showed a rare lightness.
“Hahaha! Hiroshi-kun, you rascal, you are truly… blessed but unaware of your fortune!”
Sakata Nobuhiko said, his tone filled with admiration and teasing. “Do you know what an immense honor it is to be granted a private audience with Governor Koike tonight? Many people would break their heads trying to get such an opportunity!”
Nohara Hiroshi could only smile wryly and rub his temples. The fatigue from the depths of his heart made him want nothing more than to find a place to lie down and sleep soundly.
“I understand, Director,” Nohara Hiroshi said softly, his tone carrying a fitting humility. “I just feel that tonight’s social interactions have been more exhausting than filming a movie.”
“Yes, Hiroshi-kun, you are absolutely right,” Sakata Nobuhiko said, his smile fading slightly, replaced by a seasoned sigh. “An event like this is more than just simple dining and entertainment. It is a stage where power and wealth intertwine, a web woven with human relations and worldly wisdom. Here, every glance, every word, can influence your future path.”
“You must know that it took me twenty-four years to reach where I am today. You are only twenty-three, and you’ve already arrived here; that’s very fast.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes filled with expectation.
“However, judging by your performance, you have truly impressed me. You did not falter, you did not panic, you spoke eloquently, and you deeply impressed your ideas upon every listener. You did very well, truly very well.”
“Director, you flatter me,” Hiroshi Nohara lowered his head modestly, his tone sincere.
“No, not at all,” Nobuhiko Sakata shook his head, his tone becoming even more earnest: “I often think you were born for this. You have sharp insight, clear logical thinking, and the charisma to control hearts. These are all essential qualities for an excellent politician.”
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes full of admiration and expectation: “So, Hiroshi-kun, you don’t need to feel tired. Because everything you’ve done today is paving a road for you, leading to a higher place.”
Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara’s heart tightened slightly.
He knew that Sakata’s words were not just compliments, but also a clear “signal” from a superior.
“Director, I understand,” Hiroshi Nohara nodded heavily, his tone firm.
“Yes, very good,” Nobuhiko Sakata nodded with satisfaction. He patted Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder again, a gentle smile returning to his face: “However, Hiroshi-kun, you don’t need to worry too much. The people you met tonight are all ‘old friends’ of Tokyo Television Station.”
He paused, his gaze shifting towards the brightly lit hall ahead, his eyes deep: “Whether it’s the Minister of Publicity Your Excellency or Fujiwara-sama, they were all once members of our Tokyo Television Station. In fact, Governor Koike was even our old Station Manager. So, you don’t need to feel restricted or unfamiliar. Because, all of us are from the ‘Tokyo Faction’.”
Upon hearing this, a look of understanding appeared on Hiroshi Nohara’s face.
He then realized that Sakata’s words were not just giving him “reassurance,” but also showing him the deep and hidden “background” of Tokyo Television Station.
“So, Hiroshi-kun,” Sakata chuckled, his tone full of expectation: “What you are doing now is not just for yourself, but for our Tokyo Television Station, for the future of our ‘Tokyo Faction’. Therefore, you must continue to work hard, continue to create, and bring more excellent works to our Tokyo Television Station. Because, the stage of Tokyo Television Station will need you to take over in the future.”
“Director, you flatter me,” Hiroshi Nohara lowered his head modestly, his tone sincere: “I’m just a newcomer, and there’s still a lot I need to learn. However, I will definitely work hard and will never let down your and Tokyo Television Station’s expectations of me.”
“Very good,” Nobuhiko Sakata nodded with satisfaction. He glanced at his wristwatch, a hint of fatigue appearing on his face: “Well, it’s getting late. You’ve had a long day, so go back and rest early.”
He paused, looking at Hiroshi Nohara with expectant eyes: “However, rest is rest, but work cannot be neglected. I have high hopes for your proposal for ‘The Tale of Hachiko’. I hope you can bring it to the screen soon and bring more excellent works to our country.”
“Yes, Director, I understand,” Hiroshi Nohara nodded heavily, his tone firm: “I will definitely produce it well and will never let you down.”
The two looked at each other and smiled, a tacit understanding flowing quietly in the air.
As they exited the “Golden Pavilion” club, the night was already deep. Tokyo’s neon lights, like stars fallen to earth, twinkled with enchanting brilliance.
A black business car, like a ghost, slipped silently into Tokyo’s never-ending traffic flow.
Hiroshi Nohara sat in the car, his gaze calmly sweeping over the dazzling urban scene outside the window.
He knew that tonight’s banquet was not only an expansion of his social circle but also the starting point of his future career.
He knew that ahead of him awaited not only new challenges but also new opportunities.
He took a deep breath, transforming all the fatigue and pressure in his heart into a firm response.
He wanted that Akita Dog named “Hachiko” to become an eternal cultural icon of this city, and even of this country.
And all of this has already begun!
