Chapter 181: The Excited Mayor Of Omagari City! The Formation Of A New Agricultural Mode!
Omagari City, City Hall third floor, meeting room, the atmosphere was as dull as ever.
Winter morning sunlight slanted through the windows, spilling onto the desk piled high with documents, yet it could not dispel the lethargy permeating the air.
Kenji Ito, the nearly fifty-year-old mayor of Omagari City, was seated at the head of the conference table. His face, usually adorned with an official smile, now bore a trace of undisguisable fatigue.
He held a pen in his hand, tapping the desktop sporadically, listening to the reports from several civil servants under him.
“Mayor, the Akita Prefecture governor’s side has added more pressure for rural revitalization,” a section chief with a beer belly spoke first, heaving a heavy sigh filled with helplessness: “Since the second half of last year, they’ve been urging us to submit various revitalization plans, making us work overtime until late every night—our hair is falling out.”
“Yes, Mayor,” another young subsection chief chimed in, pushing up his glasses, his face full of bitterness: “Our small place has severe population outflow; young people don’t want to stay in the countryside. What can we do to get those young people back?”
“Exactly, Akita Prefecture is just talking without back pain,” a female civil servant couldn’t help but complain: “They sit in offices, issuing orders with a flick of their lips, but we have to implement them, run errands, and go door-to-door! But those young people don’t listen at all—they all say they want to live in Tokyo, work in big cities!”
For a moment, the office was filled with complaints and sighs.
These civil servants, facing mounting pressure from above and uncooperative reality below, all felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
Kenji Ito listened to his subordinates’ complaints, his brow twitching slightly.
He certainly knew these hardships, having risen from the grassroots himself.
He raised his hand, signaling for quiet. His voice was not loud but carried an unquestionable authority: “Alright, no more complaining. This is work personally arranged by the Akita Prefecture governor; as subordinates, we can only do our best to complete it.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his tone tinged with helplessness yet full of a politician’s pragmatism: “However, we can’t just sit idly by. We have to find a way to report some achievements upward, right?”
He pondered for a moment, an image of a person flashing in his mind.
“By the way, how’s President Nohara Hazashi doing lately?” Kenji Ito suddenly asked, a glint in his shrewd eyes: “His Nohara Agricultural Corporation is doing quite well, isn’t it? Now with over five hundred acres of land, and nearly two thousand Akita Dogs raised as a breeding base. These… should count as achievements to fudge the first half of the year’s performance, right?”
His words instantly invigorated the previously dull atmosphere in the office.
Several civil servants exchanged glances, seeing the same “hope” in each other’s eyes.
“Mayor is right!” The beer belly section chief nodded first, his face beaming with smiles: “President Nohara Hazashi is indeed doing well! His Akita Dog breeding base can now serve as a calling card for Omagari City! Although… it doesn’t have much sales yet, at least those Akita Dogs are cute, and some young people like them.”
“Exactly!” The young subsection chief agreed, his eyes full of envy: “President Nohara Hazashi’s Akita Dogs have pure bloodlines and excellent quality. They’re just not for external sale yet; if sold, with the right price, they should do well in the pet market! And his farmland is managed meticulously, with yields much higher than others!”
“So, can we continue to report Nohara Agricultural Corporation’s achievements as a model for Omagari City’s rural revitalization?” Kenji Ito looked at the expectant eyes of everyone, a subtle arc at the corner of his mouth.
However, at that moment, an experienced female civil servant around forty coughed lightly, interrupting everyone’s “beautiful” fantasies.
“Mayor, this… probably won’t work,” she said softly, her tone carrying just the right reminder: “We already reported President Nohara Hazashi’s achievements in the second half of last year. And Mayor, you even got public praise from the Akita Prefecture governor for it.”
She paused, a wry smile on her face: “Although it’s developed further now, reporting it again might get us scolded by the governor. After all, he said last time we can’t just focus on one Nohara Hazashi.”
Kenji Ito’s smile stiffened instantly upon hearing this.
He then remembered that in the second half of last year, he had indeed made a big splash thanks to Nohara Hazashi’s achievements.
He coughed awkwardly, a wave of melancholy surging in his heart.
“Sigh…” He let out a long sigh, his tone full of helplessness: “Is there no one else investing in the countryside like Nohara Hazashi? Is this the only presentable example in Omagari City?”
His words plunged the office into dead silence once more.
Several civil servants exchanged glances, strange expressions on their faces.
“Mayor, you know, these days, who would invest in the countryside?” The beer belly section chief said bitterly, his tone laced with undisguisable helplessness: “Capable people all go to cities for work and life. Opportunities there are plentiful; buy a house and wait for appreciation—far better than farming in the countryside.”
“Yes, Mayor.” The young subsection chief sighed too, his eyes full of longing: “In Tokyo, even casual part-time work earns more than farming in the countryside. Who would come back?”
“Moreover, not everyone has a rich younger brother willing to respect his elder brother and father who love agriculture, and invest in the countryside.”
The female civil servant complained, her tone tinged with undisguised envy and jealousy: “With that money, buy a few houses in Tokyo Metropolis; they appreciate thirty percent in half a year. Even stock market investments make a fortune. Pouring money into our small Omagari City is like burning cash!”
“Exactly! Burning cash! Hiroshi Nohara, that guy, reportedly earns over ten million yen a month!”
“Ten million yen? I heard Hiroshi Nohara gets tens of millions in dividends alone! And only he would; who else would invest in the countryside?”
“Those Nohara brothers are… too weird! Do rich people not care about money? No wonder Tokyo people are arrogant; Hiroshi Nohara must have picked up bad habits in Tokyo!”
“But he’s really rich; I want to quit and try my luck in Tokyo! Ten million yen a month—it’s enviable just hearing it!”
For a moment, the office was filled with various complaints and exclamations.
Everyone helplessly vented, their voices carrying strange feelings about the Nohara brothers’ “eccentric” behavior, along with envy for their “rich whimsy.”
Kenji Ito listened, a surge of emotion in his heart.
He nodded subconsciously, feeling these words hit the nail on the head.
Rich people are indeed capricious!
However, he quickly reacted.
“Hey! Hey! Hey!” Kenji Ito slammed the table, his voice instantly quelling the office clamor: “What nonsense are you all spouting?! We’re Omagari City civil servants! Our duty is to find ways to get capable people back to invest, to get young people back to build their hometowns!”
Looking at their suddenly sheepish faces, his tone took on an authoritative edge: “So, everyone, pull yourselves together! Keep thinking of ways! Keep working hard! Understood?!”
“Yes! Mayor, we understand!” Everyone responded in unison, their voices carrying just the right “fear” and “cooperation.”
Kenji Ito looked at their “obedient” appearances, feeling a wave of helplessness. He knew these guys talked well, but what they really thought was beyond his control.
He coughed lightly again, steering the topic to another “hope.”
“By the way, how’s Hiroshi Nohara doing lately?” Kenji Ito suddenly asked, a flicker of expectation in his shrewd eyes: “I heard he’s preparing to film a movie called 《The Tale of Hachiko》? And even the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis supports it?”
He paused, his tone carrying just the right boast: “Moreover, a few days ago at an Akita Prefecture meeting, the Akita Prefecture governor had heard about it and was quite interested. He even specifically asked me if this Hiroshi Nohara from Omagari City could help promote Akita Prefecture!”
His words instantly invigorated the previously dull atmosphere in the office.
All eyes turned to Kenji Ito, filled with envy and curiosity.
“Wow! Mayor, is that true?!” The beer belly section chief asked excitedly, his plump face full of incredulous shock: “Even the Akita Prefecture governor is interested in Hiroshi Nohara’s movie?!”
“Of course!” Kenji Ito sighed: “Not just the Akita Prefecture governor—didn’t you see it in the newspapers? Even the Tokyo Metropolis governor praised and paid attention to Hiroshi Nohara. That guy’s talent is genius-level, and he’s so young.”
“Yes, Mayor!” The young subsection chief agreed, his eyes full of worship: “Hiroshi Nohara is young but amazing! He’s a real genius!”
“Have you heard of his 《Seven Samurai》? Box office has broken five billion yen now!” The female civil servant said excitedly, her face full of shock: “I heard it’s only been a month and a half; by three months, it could reach eight billion yen! That’s Hollywood blockbuster level!”
“Eight billion yen?!”
“My god! This is a miracle!”
“Yes! It beat the United States! Our Neon movie achieved such proud results! Hiroshi Nohara is Neon’s pride!”
“Minister Nohara Hiroshi, great man!”
“Great man!”
For a moment, the office was filled with praise and amazement.
Everyone was shocked by Hiroshi Nohara’s achievements, their eyes full of envy and worship… and unmasked pride at surpassing the United States.
They knew Hiroshi Nohara’s success was not just personal glory, but glory for all of Omagari City, Akita Prefecture, and Neon!
As long as they surpassed the United States, it meant Neon had won!
This victory was the most sensitive point in every Neon person’s heart!
So what about the United States?
They just relied on strong industrial capacity; in terms of race, Neon people were no worse than Americans!
If it happened again… with Neon’s industrial capacity matching America’s, who wins is uncertain!
Including Kenji Ito, seeing everyone’s fanatical expressions, he too showed a proud smile: “Yo xi! Nohara-kun is too strong!”
But he couldn’t say more now.
After all, political sensitivity mattered.
He coughed lightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his tone carrying just the right “reminder”: “Alright, don’t just envy. Hiroshi Nohara-kun is our pride, but we can’t focus only on him. What we should do is learn from him—his persistence in career, his pursuit of dreams!”
He paused, his tone becoming earnest, shifting from the Neon-US topic:
“So, everyone, pull yourselves together! Keep thinking of ways! Keep working hard! Strive for Omagari City to produce another young person like Hiroshi Nohara-kun this year, who can change the era!”
“Yes! Mayor, we understand!” Everyone responded in unison, their voices full of fighting spirit and passion.
Kenji Ito looked at their “motivated” appearances, knowing full well these guys were just paying lip service; getting real good ideas from them was tough.
He waved his hand, signaling the meeting could end.
“Alright, today’s meeting ends here. Go back and think hard; aim to bring practical plans to the next meeting! Adjourned!”
As his words fell, the people in the meeting room breathed sighs of relief, rising and leaving in twos and threes, carrying their fatigue and perfunctoriness.
Soon, the once noisy meeting room held only Kenji Ito.
He leaned back in his chair, picked up the phone on the desk, and dialed a number.
“Hello, Chairman Suzuki? It’s me, Kenji Ito.” His voice was calm and steady, with just the right politeness.
From the other end came Kentaro Suzuki’s slightly gruff voice: “Oh! Mayor Ito! Happy New Year! What brings you to call me today?”
“Chairman Suzuki, Happy New Year!” Kenji Ito smiled in response, his tone carrying just the right closeness: “I just finished a meeting and wanted to ask how things are at the Agricultural Cooperative lately. If convenient, come to my office; I have some things to discuss in person.”
“Oh? If the Mayor summons, of course I’ll come!” Kentaro Suzuki laughed heartily, his tone laced with irrepressible excitement: “I’m on my way! Wait a moment!”
After hanging up, Kenji Ito rubbed his brow.
He knew this old fox Kentaro Suzuki never moved without profit.
His quick agreement meant he smelled “benefits.” But this time, calling Suzuki was indeed to dig out some “achievements” from him.
Less than ten minutes later, the office door was knocked on.
“Come in!” Kenji Ito said solemnly.
Kentaro Suzuki pushed the door open, pausing his hefty body at the frame, then entered with somewhat heavy steps.
He wore a brand-new kimono, his face piled with smiles, carrying an exquisite gift box.
“Oh! Mayor Ito! Sorry to keep you waiting!” Kentaro Suzuki bowed deeply to Kenji Ito upon entering, his posture humble like a workplace junior.
“Chairman Suzuki, you’re too polite!” Kenji Ito smiled, standing to greet him, taking the gift box and gesturing to sit: “Please sit.”
They sat on the sofa; the secretary brought two cups of hot tea.
“Chairman Suzuki, how’s your health lately? Is Agricultural Cooperative work going smoothly?” Kenji Ito picked up his tea cup, his tone concerned.
“Thanks to the Mayor’s blessings, this old body is still sturdy!” Kentaro Suzuki smiled, taking his tea cup and blowing on the steam, his narrow eyes glinting shrewdly: “Agricultural Cooperative work is so-so, same as always. These days, young people won’t stay in the countryside; us old folks can barely hold it together.”
He sighed long, his face showing just the right “helplessness.”
Kenji Ito’s brow twitched slightly. He knew Kentaro Suzuki was giving him a “heads-up” to pave the way for complaints.
He set down his tea cup, his tone solemn: “Chairman Suzuki is right; rural population loss is getting worse. Omagari City faces the same dilemma. Young people flock to Tokyo; even many middle-aged are leaving.”
His face showed undisguised “worry”: “What can we do to bring young people back, revitalize rural areas? The Akita Prefecture governor keeps pressing us.”
Kentaro Suzuki listened to Kenji Ito’s “complaints,” his “helplessness” becoming more genuine. He knew the Mayor was “throwing a brick to attract jade,” prompting good ideas.
He pondered, then a gleam flashed in his eyes.
“Mayor, you’re right; this issue has troubled us for long.”
Kentaro Suzuki sighed lightly, his tone carrying “inspiration” after “deep thought”: “But recently, at an Akita Prefecture Agricultural Cooperative meeting, they invited a national-level Agricultural Cooperative expert for a lecture. I think their concept could inspire Omagari City.”
Kenji Ito’s eyes lit up instantly. National-level Agricultural Cooperative expert! Those words smelled like “achievements.”
“Oh? What concept? Chairman Suzuki, tell me!” Kenji Ito pressed eagerly, his tone full of expectation.
Kentaro Suzuki sipped his tea, a “mysterious” smile on his face: “Mayor, according to the expert, Neon’s agriculture is undergoing unprecedented change. The traditional farmer mode relying on land cultivation no longer fits the era.”
He paused, tone more serious: “The expert proposes shifting focus to the new concept of ‘agricultural workers.'”
“Agricultural workers?” Kenji Ito frowned, face full of confusion: “What does that mean? Turn farmers into workers for others? What about their land? Their income?”
Kentaro Suzuki smiled “as expected.” The Mayor’s question stemmed from traditional agriculture thinking.
“Good question, Mayor!” Kentaro Suzuki said with a smile, tone carrying just the right “enlightenment”: “Per the expert, ‘agricultural workers’ means turning farmers who relied on land income into employees of agricultural corporations.”
He paused, explaining in detail:
“For example, like Omagari City’s Nohara Agricultural Corporation. They acquire farmers’ land, then hire local farmers as employees with fixed wages. Thus, farmers have stable income, no longer weather-dependent or starving from poor harvests.”
“Agricultural corporations use large-scale mechanized farming to boost efficiency, cut costs. Yields rise, quality improves, overall agricultural benefits soar!”
“Moreover, the expert said this mode solves farmer income issues, frees rural labor, letting land-bound young people learn new skills, develop new industries, create new value!”
“Even, the expert revealed the Neon agriculture minister plans nationwide rollout of similar policies! Then, Neon’s agriculture will break free from tradition, ushering unprecedented change!”
Kentaro Suzuki’s words hit Kenji Ito like thunder!
He stood stunned, his official-smiling face frozen, eyes full of incredulous shock!
Agriculture minister! Nationwide rollout!
Each word represented top-level strategic deployment!
He realized Suzuki’s “concept” was no mere “good idea,” but a grand layout for Neon’s agricultural future!
“Chairman Suzuki, is it true?!” Kenji Ito raised his brows in shock.
“Mayor, every word is true!” Kentaro Suzuki smiled, pleased at Ito’s shocked expression. He knew he’d thoroughly shaken the Mayor.
“Mayor, think: isn’t this exactly what Omagari City’s Nohara Agricultural Corporation is doing?” Kentaro Suzuki reminded aptly: “They acquire land, hire local farmers as employees with fixed wages. Isn’t this the expert’s ‘agricultural worker’ mode?”
Kenji Ito’s eyes widened, face dawning realization!
He realized the Nohara brothers had unknowingly led the era, becoming national strategy “pioneers”!
He recalled the earlier meeting complaints about Nohara Hazashi and Hiroshi Nohara—”burning cash,” “weird brothers.”
Now, those “complaints” seemed utterly foolish!
Where were the Nohara brothers “burning cash”? They had superhuman foresight and wisdom!
“I see… I see!” Kenji Ito muttered, slapping his thigh, face full of excitement: “No wonder Nohara Hazashi suddenly started an agricultural corporation! He foresaw the trend!”
He paused, looking at Kentaro Suzuki with apt “flattery”: “Chairman Suzuki, you’re so far-sighted! Foreseeing this trend, co-creating the mode with President Nohara Hazashi! You’re… Omagari City’s hero!”
Kentaro Suzuki’s “humble” expression became more genuine. He knew the Mayor was “flattering,” but it delighted him.
“Oh! Mayor, you’re overpraising! Overpraising!” Kentaro Suzuki waved repeatedly, face beaming: “Where am I far-sighted? I just… followed President Nohara Hazashi, blind cat catching a dead mouse!”
He paused, tone full of unmasked admiration: “Speaking of, those Nohara brothers are incredible! Especially Hiroshi Nohara—he’s the real genius! Not just chief director of 《Seven Samurai》, producer of 《The Tale of Hachiko》, but author of 《Yu Yu Hakusho》, 《Doraemon》, 《Late-night Diner》 manga!”
“He’s now Neon’s hottest cultural celebrity! His every word sparks huge social reactions! One sentence headlines news! One movie sells out box office!”
Kentaro Suzuki continued, face showing envy and jealousy: “And he’s now Minister at Tokyo Television Station’s Production Bureau! Heard even the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis met him personally, praising his works! He’s Omagari City—no, all Akita Prefecture’s greatest pride!”
Kenji Ito listened to the praise, his “flattering” smile becoming genuine. He knew Suzuki was right; Hiroshi Nohara was a “monster.”
Where was Hiroshi Nohara “burning cash”? He was paving the way for his elder brother’s agricultural corporation with talent and works!
Where “uncaring about money”? He was driving traffic with influence!
Where “weird brothers”? He was laying out with superhuman wisdom and foresight!
“Yes! Those Nohara brothers are… too amazing!” Kenji Ito sighed long, tone full of shock and… envy.
He’d never imagined linking with a big shot like Hiroshi Nohara as a small mayor.
More so, that the Nohara brothers had unknowingly led the era as national strategy pioneers!
“Chairman Suzuki, you’re right.” Kenji Ito gazed at the vast Akita countryside outside, eyes profound: “Those Nohara brothers… have given Omagari City so much face!”
He paused, tone carrying apt “hint”: “Chairman Suzuki, can we report Nohara Agricultural Corporation’s achievements as Omagari City’s rural revitalization model? Emphasize it’s our city pioneering the national ‘agricultural worker’ mode!”
Kentaro Suzuki smiled “as expected.” He knew the Mayor was “sharing the cake.”
“Mayor is right!” Kentaro Suzuki nodded eagerly, face beaming: “Our Agricultural Cooperative will fully cooperate! We’ll invite the Akita Prefecture governor to visit Nohara Agricultural Corporation personally, to see how Omagari City pioneered the ‘agricultural worker’ mode!”
Kenji Ito smiled satisfactorily.
He knew this “achievement” was secured.
He could even foresee soon making a splash before the Akita Prefecture governor, riding the Nohara brothers’ “halo.”
And thus, a firmer step in his political career.
Looking at Kentaro Suzuki’s beaming plump face, thinking of the Nohara brothers, a strong premonition surged.
This time, he might really climb higher relying on them!
“By the way, Chairman Suzuki.” Kenji Ito suddenly recalled, picking up the phone again: “I’ll call the Akita Prefecture governor’s secretary now to report our city’s ‘new mode’!”
Kentaro Suzuki’s smile widened: “Mayor Ito, this is a fine management mode formed by Omagari City’s farmers under your leadership, matching agricultural experts’ mode!”
“Hahahahaha!” Kenji Ito laughed before dialing, at Suzuki’s words: “And with our Agricultural Cooperative’s Chairman Suzuki, spotting the Nohara brothers’ talent, providing ample help, forming this fine mode, right?”
The two smiled at each other, the atmosphere even warmer.
PS: Keep voting~
