Chapter 179: The Arrival Of Akita Dog Hachiko! The Tokyo Faction’s Proactive Integration!
As the preparations for《The Tale of Hachiko》 were in full swing, the telephone in Hiroshi Nohara’s office hardly stopped ringing. Directors, screenwriters, producers, and even officials from the government publicity department all lined up waiting to talk with him.
He was like a precise gear, driving the entire massive project machine to operate at high speed.
After a discussion on movie promotion ended, Hiroshi Nohara picked up the phone and dialed a number he knew by heart.
“Hello, Elder Brother?” His voice carried a subtle relaxation unique to family.
From the other end came Hiroshi Nohara’s honest and slightly excited voice: “Hiroshi, it’s me. How’s it going over there? I heard your new movie《The Tale of Hachiko》 is about to start filming? Even the TV station news is talking about it!”
“Yeah, Elder Brother.” Hiroshi Nohara responded with a light laugh, his tone carrying a bit of trust in his brother: “I’m calling you about this. I need an Akita Dog, the gentlest, cutest one, with just a touch of… silly and cute in its eyes.”
Hiroshi Nohara paused on the other end upon hearing this. He had expected his brother to make some profound artistic request, but it turned out to be “silly and cute.”
“Silly and cute?” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice carried a hint of confusion and disbelief: “Hiroshi, you’re sure you’re not joking? The Akita Dogs at our breeding base are all purebred and majestic—how could there be one that’s… silly and cute?”
“Elder Brother, trust me.” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice grew serious, filled with unquestionable affirmation: “This movie needs exactly that temperament. It’s not about showing the ferocity and vigilance of the Akita Dog, but its loyalty and pure nature. That pure loyalty is, in a way, a kind of ‘silly and cute’ great wisdom in simplicity.”
Hiroshi Nohara fell silent on the other end for a moment, seemingly trying to digest his brother’s profound theory.
“Alright, Hiroshi.” In the end, he compromised, his tone carrying unconditional trust in his brother: “Since you say so, Elder Brother will help you find one! I know the Akita Dogs at our breeding base best. I guarantee I’ll pick the gentlest, cutest, most… silly and cute Akita Dog that fits your needs!”
“Then I’ll leave it to you, Elder Brother.” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile, knowing that anything his brother promised, he would do with full effort.
“By the way, Hiroshi, Ikuna and I are planning to come to Tokyo soon.” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice carried some expectation: “We haven’t really explored Tokyo yet. I can bring the Akita Dog to you and Ikuna and I can play around Tokyo for a few days without troubling you.”
Hiroshi Nohara smiled sincerely upon hearing this: “Great, Elder Brother! Of course you’re welcome in Tokyo! When you come, I’ll take you around and try Tokyo’s gourmet food!”
“No, no need!” Hiroshi Nohara quickly declined, his tone carrying honest simplicity: “You do your work, Ikuna and I can explore on our own. You’re a busy person now—we won’t trouble you.”
“How could it be trouble!” Hiroshi Nohara said with a light laugh: “Alright, it’s settled then. When are you arriving? I’ll prepare in advance.”
Under Hiroshi Nohara’s persistence, Hiroshi Nohara finally agreed.
In the evening, when Hiroshi Nohara returned to the apartment, an unusual lively atmosphere hit him.
In the living room, Misae was squatting on the floor, holding a fluffy Akita Dog in her arms, her face beaming with surprise and affection.
The Akita Dog looked about seven or eight months old, with golden yellow fur, clear eyes full of innocent curiosity, obediently nestled in Misae’s arms, occasionally licking her hand.
On the sofa, Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna sat with smiles on their faces; seeing Hiroshi Nohara enter, they immediately stood up.
“Hiroshi, you’re back!” Misae spotted him first and shouted in surprise, rushing over with the Akita Dog in her arms.
“Hiroshi!” Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna also smiled and came forward.
Hiroshi Nohara looked at this warm scene, and all his fatigue vanished in that moment.
“Elder Brother, Ikuna, when did you arrive?” Hiroshi Nohara asked with a smile, reaching out to pet the Akita Dog in Misae’s arms; its soft fur and gentle touch warmed his heart: “Is this the Akita Dog Elder Brother found for me? It’s… so cute!”
“Yes, Hiroshi!” Hiroshi Nohara smiled honestly, his eyes carrying some pride: “I personally picked this one from the breeding base—the gentlest, smartest, most… silly and cute Akita Dog! Its name is ‘Yatsutsubo’!”
“‘Yatsutsubo’?” Hiroshi Nohara couldn’t help laughing at the name, which had a fun mahjong vibe.
“Yeah, Elder Brother said the name is nice, easy to remember, and lucky!” Ikuna said with a light laugh, her voice gentle and sweet, her face with just the right touch of shyness.
Misae couldn’t help but burst out laughing; she looked at Hiroshi Nohara with a teasing glint in her eyes: “Hiroshi, the ‘Yatsutsubo’ your brother picked is a little glutton! It ate all the snacks I prepared as soon as it got home!”
Hiroshi Nohara looked at the obedient Akita Dog in Misae’s arms, then at his brother and Ikuna, feeling a wave of warmth in his heart.
“Alright, Elder Brother, Ikuna, you’ve had a long trip.” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile: “Come on, let’s go to Ginza first, find a good place, and have a proper meal to welcome you!”
“No need, Hiroshi!” Hiroshi Nohara quickly declined: “We’ll just grab something simple—no need to go to so much trouble.”
“How could it be trouble!” Hiroshi Nohara said with a light laugh: “You’re rarely in Tokyo, and as your brother, of course I have to host you well! Come on, I’ve already booked a spot, just waiting for you!”
Under Hiroshi Nohara’s persistence, Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna finally agreed.
……
Ginza, a high-end restaurant famous for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine.
In the private room, the air was filled with the faint aroma of sake and food.
Hiroshi Nohara, Misae, Hiroshi Nohara, and Ikuna sat together, enjoying this rare family time.
“Elder Brother, how’s the sake? Do you like the taste?” Hiroshi Nohara raised his cup and asked with a smile.
“Delicious! Delicious!” Hiroshi Nohara nodded repeatedly, his face flushed with a slight buzz; he drained his cup in one go, his boldness carrying rural simplicity: “Hiroshi, you’re really something now! I heard you even met the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis?”
Misae burst out laughing upon hearing this; she looked at Hiroshi Nohara with a teasing glint: “Of course! Our Hiroshi is a big shot now! Even Your Excellency the Governor personally received him!”
Ikuna smiled and chimed in: “Yeah, Hiroshi is the pride of the Nohara family now!”
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled and shook his head lightly, his calm demeanor making him especially composed in such settings.
“Alright, Elder Brother, Ikuna, how many days do you plan to stay in Tokyo this time?” Hiroshi Nohara asked with a smile.
“Us…” Hiroshi Nohara glanced at Ikuna beside him, a shy smile on his face: “We plan to play in Tokyo for three to five days, explore properly. But Hiroshi, you and Misae are busy—we won’t trouble you. We’ll explore on our own.”
“Yeah, Hiroshi-kun.” Ikuna softly agreed: “We know you and Misae are busy; we’ll just explore by ourselves.”
Hiroshi Nohara felt a slight stir in his heart. He knew his brother and Ikuna wanted some couple’s time.
He looked at their shy yet expectant eyes and felt a wave of warmth.
“Alright, since you both say so, I won’t insist.” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile, his tone carrying just the right understanding and respect: “But if you need any help, be sure to call me. I’m somewhat of a local in Tokyo—I can recommend good food and fun spots!”
“Great! Great! Great!” Hiroshi Nohara nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with joy: “Thanks, Hiroshi!”
Misae smiled too: “Yeah, Elder Brother, Ikuna, just enjoy yourselves! Hiroshi says he’s busy, but if you need him, he’ll rush over right away!”
The four smiled at each other, the warm family bond quietly flowing in the air.
That evening, they talked about many things—from the Akita Dog breeding base back home to Tokyo’s bustling city, from Hiroshi Nohara’s filmmaking dream to Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna’s sweet life.
Everything felt so wonderful, so full of hope.
When the banquet ended and Hiroshi Nohara and Misae sent Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna back to their booked hotel, night had fallen deep.
At the hotel doorway, Hiroshi Nohara thanked Hiroshi Nohara and Misae again: “Hiroshi, Misae, thank you so much today! That meal was so enjoyable!”
“Yeah, Hiroshi-kun, Misae, thanks for your hospitality!” Ikuna said softly.
“No need to thank us!” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile: “We’re family—no need to be so polite! Rest well and have fun tomorrow! Call me anytime if you need anything!”
“Mm, alright!” Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna nodded with smiles.
Watching them hold hands and enter the hotel, Hiroshi Nohara and Misae smiled at each other.
“Hiroshi, Elder Brother and Ikuna are so nice.” Misae sighed softly, her tone full of envy.
“Yeah, they’re great.” Hiroshi Nohara responded softly; he reached out, gently putting his arm around Misae’s shoulders, gazing at the brilliantly lit Tokyo in the night: “So, we have to work hard too, to show them we can live happily as well.”
Misae leaned gently on his shoulder, her face beaming with happiness.
She knew the “happy life” Hiroshi Nohara meant was not just material wealth, but spiritual fulfillment—the perfect integration of family, friendship, and love.
And she, Misae, would join hands with him to create that happiness belonging to them.
……
Hiroshi Nohara sat in his office, the complete manuscripts and detailed filming outline for《The Tale of Hachiko》 spread out before him.
Every storyboard, every line of dialogue, even every scene’s light and shadow changes, appeared clearly in his mind like movie images.
This preparation was thorough enough to start filming anytime.
However, a practical problem loomed over him like a dark cloud.
He had no filming team of his own.
The success of《Seven Samurai》 had indeed shaken the entire neon film industry, even making those “seniors” who once dismissed him sincerely convinced.
But that film’s shooting had largely borrowed Director Eiji Kurosawa’s team.
Eiji Kurosawa, the first-class director hailed as the giant of neon samurai films, naturally had a top-tier team.
But now, for his own work—a film completely in his personal style—Hiroshi Nohara needed a team dedicated to him, one that fully understood his intent.
“This is tricky…” Hiroshi Nohara rubbed his chin.
But he still planned to borrow what he could.
So he picked up the phone and called Eiji Kurosawa’s Studio: “Hello, Director Kurosawa? This is Hiroshi Nohara.”
Director Eiji Kurosawa’s voice came from the other end: “Oh, Hiroshi-kun. What’s up?”
“It’s like this, Director Kurosawa—preparations for my new movie《The Tale of Hachiko》 are ready, script and storyboard complete. I’d like to ask if your filming team has any availability lately?” Hiroshi Nohara got straight to the point, his tone a bit sheepish.
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end, followed by Director Eiji Kurosawa’s helpless sigh: “Hiroshi-kun… with all the hype around your《The Tale of Hachiko》, you haven’t lined up a filming team yet? And unfortunately, my team has been borrowed by another director and can’t free up anytime soon.”
“…” Hiroshi Nohara felt a bit helpless too: “I see, that’s too bad.”
“But, Hiroshi-kun.” Director Eiji Kurosawa seemed to think of something, his tone carrying a suggestion: “Coordinating filming teams is usually handled by Deputy Director Asumi. You could ask him; he might be able to help.”
“Deputy Director Asumi?” Hiroshi Nohara’s heart stirred: “Thanks for the tip, Director Kurosawa.” After chatting a bit more, he hung up.
Without hesitation, he stood and went straight to Deputy Director Asumi’s office.
He was quite familiar with Asumi now.
Even the secretary at the door didn’t stop him, instead smiling and letting him push the door open.
“Nohara-kun.” Deputy Director Asumi was very enthusiastic toward this young man he favored greatly; he quickly signed documents while naturally waving him in: “Have a seat, just say what’s up!” He pointed to the chair in front of his desk.
After sitting, Hiroshi Nohara got straight to the point: “Deputy Director Asumi, my new movie《The Tale of Hachiko》 is ready, but I’m having trouble with the filming team.”
He briefly explained Director Eiji Kurosawa’s situation.
Deputy Director Asumi listened, rubbed his chin, his open smile not fading but growing more enigmatic.
His eyes gleamed with a knowing light, as if he had anticipated everything.
“Oh? Filming team issue…” He repeated softly, drawing out the tone with amusement.
Hiroshi Nohara looked at him, a trace of doubt rising in his heart.
This deputy director seemed to know something.
“Minister Nohara, that’s no problem.” Deputy Director Asumi finally spoke, his smile deepening with confidence: “A mere filming team—what’s there to worry about?”
“No problem?” Hiroshi Nohara was slightly stunned; he had expected some coordination and waiting, but Deputy Director Asumi answered so casually.
Deputy Director Asumi nodded, still smiling: “Yes, no problem. Minister Nohara, you can head back to your department now. Soon, a complete filming team will report directly to your Independent Production Department.”
Hiroshi Nohara was completely stunned.
Looking at Deputy Director Asumi’s confident demeanor, his mind was full of questions.
This efficiency, this decisiveness—it exceeded his imagination.
And this Deputy Director Asumi was too mysterious.
“This…” Hiroshi Nohara wanted to say something but didn’t know where to start.
Deputy Director Asumi just waved him off, signaling no need for more words: “Go on, Minister Nohara. Time is precious—don’t delay the filming of《The Tale of Hachiko》.”
“…” Though full of doubts, since Deputy Director Asumi had said so much, Hiroshi Nohara could only choose to trust him.
After thanking him again, he left the office and returned to his Independent Production Department.
Along the way, Hiroshi Nohara pondered Deputy Director Asumi’s mysterious smile. He felt there was some hidden meaning behind it.
When he returned to his department, two people were already sitting in the office.
Hiroshi Nohara recognized them at a glance—Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano.
These two second-class directors who once dismissed him with arrogance now sat on the sofa, their former pride replaced by a slightly restrained respect.
Seeing Hiroshi Nohara enter, they immediately stood and bowed deeply to him.
“Minister Nohara, hello!” Soji Ashikaga’s voice was more respectful than ever.
“Minister Nohara, we’re here on orders, at your disposal!” Kouta Asano quickly added, his usually amiable face now serious.
Hiroshi Nohara looked at them and instantly understood.
He now grasped the meaning of Deputy Director Asumi’s mysterious smile. So his “complete filming team” was these two former “old rivals”!
Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano were veteran directors at the Tokyo Television Production Bureau.
Soji Ashikaga specialized in period films.
Kouta Asano specialized in heartwarming human-relations films.
Both had been capable generals under Managing Director Toshihide Takada, key figures in the “Tokyo Faction.”
Hiroshi Nohara clearly remembered how dismissive they were when he first emerged.
They thought a young man in his early twenties couldn’t possibly make anything good.
Yet《Seven Samurai》 shattered their arrogance.
Thirty-nine billion yen! Now over forty billion, still growing astonishingly, even eyeing fifty or sixty to seventy billion astronomical figures!
This film, hailed as an “epoch-transcending epic,” was not just a box office miracle but an artistic peak.
It showed everyone Hiroshi Nohara’s unfathomable talent and era-changing potential.
Faced with such terrifying success, Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano’s arrogance had been completely worn away.
Their gazes at Hiroshi Nohara now held awe and heartfelt surrender.
“Please, have a seat.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled faintly, gesturing for them to sit.
Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano sat respectfully again.
“Minister Nohara, we’re here on instructions from Managing Director Takada.” Soji Ashikaga explained, his tone complex: “Deputy Director Takada said we should set aside factionalism, learn from you, and assist you in making《The Tale of Hachiko》 a timeless classic.”
Kouta Asano quickly agreed: “Yes, Minister Nohara. We were shortsighted before and failed to recognize your true genius. Now《Seven Samurai》’s success has awakened us. We’re willing to follow you, serve you, and learn your film concepts and production methods.”
Hiroshi Nohara listened quietly.
He recalled what Director Nobuhiko Sakata had said before—fusing the “Tokyo Faction” and “Kanto Faction,” making him, with absolute prowess in animation, television drama, variety shows, and film, the central pillar.
Now, Director Sakata’s plan was underway.
Deputy Director Asumi, representative of the original “Kanto Faction,” was now deeply trusted by Director Sakata.
Managing Director Toshihide Takada, former “Tokyo Faction” leader, after Director Sakata’s “reprimand,” finally recognized the impending Tokyo Metropolitan Area formation, requiring the station to unify into a “Tokyo TV” faction.
And he, Hiroshi Nohara, was the “adhesive” for this faction fusion, the future flag of “Tokyo TV.”
Hiroshi Nohara didn’t care how much sincerity or scheming Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano held.
He only knew he needed a team to execute his will, and now it was delivered to him.
“In that case, please take a look at this.” Hiroshi Nohara picked up a thick stack of manuscripts and an outline from his desk and handed them to Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano.
Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano took them with both hands; they exchanged a glance, seeing curiosity and expectation in each other’s eyes. They knew Hiroshi Nohara’s works never disappointed.
However, upon opening the outline, their expressions shifted from curiosity to shock, then to incredulous awe!
This outline was more than a story summary—it was a macro control of the entire film. From character arcs to emotional progression, rhythm control to thematic elevation, every aspect was analyzed thoroughly and clearly, as if the complete film was already in his mind.
And when they opened the manuscripts, they were utterly stunned!
These weren’t ordinary manuscripts but exquisitely detailed storyboard scripts!
They not only listed each shot’s visual content but also detailed:
—Character angles and positions, precise to centimeters.
—Close-up usage: when to push in, pull back, how to capture the subtlest emotions.
—Lighting: morning softness, evening tragic and heroic, or night loneliness—all specified clearly.
—Even costume details: from Hachiko’s fur color to the professor’s glasses style, with explicit instructions.
As veteran directors, Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano had seen various scripts and storyboards, but never anything so detailed, professional—even “obsessive” in pre-production!
This wasn’t a director writing a script; it was a “god” with absolute control over film depicting his inner world!
Both stared wide-eyed, shocked speechless. They thought they understood Hiroshi Nohara’s talent, but they had greatly underestimated him!
Hiroshi Nohara watched their shocked faces, a faint arc at his lips.
He knew this was just the beginning.
He aimed not just to make a good《The Tale of Hachiko》 but to show through it his power to change neon film and even neon culture!
He would make that Akita Dog named “Hachiko” the first cornerstone of his ascent to cultural peak!
And in this collaboration, he would fully integrate the Production Bureau’s forces, absorbing all elites from “Tokyo Faction” and “Kanto Faction.”
That was his true purpose.
Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze swept over Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano, his eyes gleaming with profound confidence.
“You two, do you still think this is just a simple story?” he asked softly, his voice calm yet striking like morning bells and evening drums.
Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano snapped their heads up, eyes filled with fanatical respect.
“No! Minister Nohara!” Soji Ashikaga said excitedly, voice trembling: “This… this is a great work worthy to enter history books! We… we pledge our utmost service!”
Kouta Asano nodded vigorously, his chubby face flushed, eyes teary: “Minister Nohara, participating in such a great work is our honor! We’ll give our all, not fail your expectations!”
These two weren’t film newbies.
Just glancing at the outline and manuscripts, they instantly grasped the film’s power!
And they had only mentally run through the plot once.
They already understood its profound intent, moving emotions—a cross-era film no less than《Seven Samurai》!
At that moment, they exchanged glances, any lingering dissatisfaction or unwillingness over Hiroshi Nohara’s youth vanishing instantly.
Hiroshi Nohara nodded in satisfaction.
He knew from this moment, the rift between the Production Bureau’s “Tokyo Faction” and “Kanto Faction” would be bridged in his hands.
And he would step toward cultural peak under everyone’s witness, becoming one who truly influences eras and changes the world.
Preparations for《The Tale of Hachiko》 officially entered the fast lane.
Hiroshi Nohara incorporated Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano into his production team, appointing them co-directors. This decision caused a stir in the Production Bureau—after all, these were veteran directors now assisting a man in his twenties.
But when Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano showed the team Hiroshi Nohara’s ridiculously detailed script and storyboard draft, all doubts vanished.
Replaced by deep shock and admiration.
“This… Minister Nohara did this all by himself?”
“It’s divine craftsmanship! Every shot brims with life!”
“We just follow Minister Nohara’s instructions, and this film will surely be a classic!”
The team’s morale soared unprecedentedly. All were convinced by Hiroshi Nohara’s talent, as if witnessing an immortal legend born in their hands.
Hiroshi Nohara maintained his usual calm and composure, personally leading every production meeting, meticulously guiding every detail.
Filming was imminent; the entire crew buzzed with tension and excitement.
Hiroshi Nohara oversaw the site, directing every shot and detail. He poured his understanding of Hachiko’s story and human emotions into every corner of the film.
He closely collaborated with Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano; the veterans were infected by his near-obsessive pursuit of film, humbly learning and cooperating, their skills elevated under his guidance.
At the filming site, Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze was sharp; he could spot flawed shots, off emotions, or needed set tweaks instantly.
He always gave precise guidance right away, greatly boosting the crew’s efficiency.
During a break, Soji Ashikaga couldn’t help sighing: “Minister Nohara, your understanding of film is superhuman. We used to rely on experience and feel, but you control every detail with near-scientific precision.”
Kouta Asano nodded deeply: “Yes, Minister Nohara. You’re like a surgeon, sculpting every shot to perfectly convey your intended emotion.”
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled faintly; he knew this was his “transmigrator” advantage.
His mind held countless classic films’ experience and theory, unmatched in this era.
“Film is art, but also technology.” Hiroshi Nohara said gravely: “Only perfectly combining art and technology creates truly moving works.”
His words benefited Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano greatly; they were even more convinced.
As filming progressed, the film’s form emerged.
Hachiko and the professor’s meeting, warm daily life, Hachiko’s station waits, final farewell… every image filled with emotion, every shot heart-striking.
Crew members were moved to tears seeing these clips; many teared up at the monitor.
They knew this would be a tearjerker masterpiece, touching the world.
And after《The Tale of Hachiko》’s success, Hiroshi Nohara would solidify his neon film industry status, becoming a true international cultural giant.
He would let “Hachiko”‘s spirit cross borders, warming hearts worldwide.
He would change the world and influence more people with his works.
This was Hiroshi Nohara’s ambition, his responsibility as a “transmigrator” to this world.
Filming proceeded tensely and orderly.
Hiroshi Nohara maintained high-intensity work daily, devoting all time to production.
Misae felt sorry for him but, seeing his dedication to his career, silently supported him. She prepared sumptuous dinners daily, waiting for him with food and warmth to dispel his fatigue.
At one dinner, Misae looked at his slightly tired yet radiant face and asked: “Hiroshi, are you very tired working so hard every day?”
Hiroshi Nohara set down his chopsticks, held Misae’s hand, and smiled: “Of course it’s tiring. But seeing the film take shape, those moving scenes captured, makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
He gazed at Misae tenderly: “And with you at home waiting, preparing delicious meals, my fatigue vanishes.”
Misae smiled happily, nestling in his arms: “Hiroshi, I believe in you—you’ll succeed! Your film will touch the world!”
Hiroshi Nohara hugged her tightly; he knew family support was his greatest motivation.
He wanted Misae proud, everyone to see he, Hiroshi Nohara, was not just a director but a world-changing cultural giant!
Under Hiroshi Nohara’s lead,《The Tale of Hachiko》’s filming progressed exceptionally smoothly.
Every scene, every shot, strived for perfection.
He even personally trained Hachiko, building deep bond with the smart Akita Dog for the most authentic, moving performance.
At Shibuya Station site, seeing the Akita Dog wait alone and persistently under sunset for its owner, Hiroshi Nohara’s eyes welled up.
He knew he was filming not just a story, but a spirit—loyalty transcending life and death, eternal love.
