Chapter 182: Toshihide Takada’s Overture! 《the Tale Of Hachiko》 Heads For Review!
The Tokyo Television Production Bureau Building, the Minister’s Office on the seventeenth floor, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the interior in a golden warmth.
Hiroshi Nohara sat behind his desk, placing his steel pen down with a faint smile on his face. He had just finished a telephone conference regarding a new program and was feeling quite relaxed.
“Hiroshi-kun, Hiroshi-kun!”
The office door was flung open, and Deputy Director Asumi’s face, always brimming with a cheerful smile, was now filled with unrestrained excitement. He practically jogged into the room, waving a document in his hand like a child who had just received candy.
“Guess what! Guess what《Seven Samurai》’s box office has reached?!” Deputy Director Asumi’s voice trembled slightly, his shrewd eyes sparkling with a brilliance like that of stars.
Hiroshi Nohara calmly watched Asumi’s excited demeanor, finding it amusing.
“Oh? Deputy Director Asumi, judging by your expression, has it set another record?” Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone perfectly accommodating.
“More than just setting a record! It’s a miracle!” Asumi excitedly slapped the document onto the desk, his voice almost shattering the glass of the entire office: “《Seven Samurai》’s box office has surpassed six billion yen! Six billion, Hiroshi-kun! It’s only been less than two months since its release!”
He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his ecstasy, then pushed the document back towards Hiroshi Nohara, pointing at the conspicuous number. His voice was filled with unbelievable shock: “And, according to the latest box office predictions, if this momentum continues, by the end of next month when the film concludes its run, the final box office is expected to break eight billion yen! Eight billion! This is a top-tier achievement for a Japanese domestic film!”
Hiroshi Nohara picked up the document, his gaze calmly sweeping over the astonishing numbers. A satisfied curve unconsciously formed on his lips.
Six billion yen, eight billion yen… this number was indeed more astonishing than the《Seven Samurai》 in his past life’s memory.
“Not bad,” Hiroshi Nohara commented lightly.
This composure and calmness moved Asumi greatly. He knew that Hiroshi Nohara’s tranquility stemmed not from pretense, but from absolute confidence in his own abilities.
“More than not bad!” Asumi became excited again. He plopped down on the sofa opposite Hiroshi Nohara, his voice filled with irrepressible excitement: “Hiroshi-kun, do you know that if the final box office reaches eight billion yen, you, as the producer and director, plus Tokyo Television’s revenue share, will personally earn 1.5 billion yen!”
1.5 billion yen!
This number exploded in Hiroshi Nohara’s heart like the most precise nuclear bomb!
Although he had anticipated the film’s profitability, he had never imagined that a mere movie could bring him such immense wealth!
The “Hiroshi Nohara” of his past life probably wouldn’t have earned even a fraction of this amount in his entire lifetime. And he, in less than two months, had created such an astonishing tale of wealth!
Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze drifted out to the vast Tokyo Bay beyond the window, his eyes as deep as the boundless starry sky. He exhaled a long breath, a breath filled with a mix of emotion, satisfaction, and a newfound understanding of this world.
“Indeed, making movies is really profitable,” Hiroshi Nohara murmured to himself. “No wonder so many people go into filmmaking. It’s practically… faster than robbing a bank.”
Hearing this, Asumi couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
“Yes! Hiroshi-kun! So you must work hard!” Asumi said with a smile, his tone full of expectation. “You are now the cash cow of our Tokyo Television! We are all counting on you to bring more miracles and more wealth to Tokyo Television!”
He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes: “By the way, Hiroshi-kun, how is your《The Tale of Hachiko》? Is it nearing post-production?”
Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Hiroshi Nohara’s face.
Asumi’s “curiosity” was not a mere inquiry, but a signal to him—this film was also receiving significant attention.
“Yes, Deputy Director Asumi, you ask at the perfect time.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone carrying a well-measured confidence. “《The Tale of Hachiko》 has finished filming, and I have already completed the post-production editing. It can be submitted for review at any time now.”
“What?!” Asumi’s eyes widened instantly, his face filled with disbelief and ecstasy! He sprang up from the sofa, his excitement almost uncontrollable. “Really?! Hiroshi-kun! You… you finished it so quickly?! This… this is simply lightning speed!”
He excitedly paced around the office twice, then rushed in front of Hiroshi Nohara, his voice filled with pleading: “Hiroshi-kun! If you’re going for the review, please, please take me with you! I… I can’t wait to see the finished film!”
“Of course, Deputy Director Asumi.” Hiroshi Nohara replied with a smile. Just as he was about to say something more, a familiar and magnetic voice came from outside the office door.
“Oh? Mr. Asumi, you’re quite quick. Are you planning to admire Hiroshi-kun’s latest masterpiece all by yourself?”
Eiji Kurosawa, the first-class director hailed as the titan of Japanese samurai films, stood smiling at the office doorway. He was dressed in a well-tailored, immaculate dark kimono.
His weathered old face was filled with a playfulness and anticipation uncharacteristic of his age.
“Director Kurosawa!” Upon seeing Eiji Kurosawa, Asumi’s face instantly showed an embarrassed smile. His voice carried a hint of surprise: “Why… why are you here too?”
“Why shouldn’t I be here?” Eiji Kurosawa retorted with a light chuckle. He strode into the office with a measured pace, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with admiration and anticipation: “I’ve been looking forward to Hiroshi-kun’s films for a long time. I’m also curious about what kind of surprise he can bring us this time.”
He paused, his tone carrying a perfectly measured “command”: “So, Hiroshi-kun, if you’re going for the review, please, please take me with you! I… I want to go too!”
Hiroshi Nohara looked at Eiji Kurosawa’s “old playful child” demeanor and couldn’t help but laugh.
He had always held Eiji Kurosawa in high regard.
“Of course, Director Kurosawa,” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile. “It is my honor to have both you and Deputy Director Asumi accompany me.”
“Good! Good! Good!” Eiji Kurosawa nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with happiness.
However, at this moment, Asumi suddenly cleared his throat, a barely perceptible hint of embarrassment on his face.
He glanced at Eiji Kurosawa, then at Hiroshi Nohara, and asked somewhat sheepishly: “Hiroshi-kun, um… could I bring one more person?”
Hiroshi Nohara paused upon hearing this. He looked at Asumi with a slight surprise, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
“Oh? Deputy Director Asumi, who do you want to bring?” Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone carrying a hint of playful amusement.
“That’s a long story,” Asumi said, scratching his head. The embarrassment on his face became even more pronounced.
Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his demeanor so nonchalant as if he knew everything. He knew that Asumi’s “request” was no coincidence.
“Of course, Deputy Director Asumi,” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile. “It’s for the review, so it doesn’t matter how many people come. I welcome anyone who likes my work.”
“Good! Good! Good!” Upon hearing this, Asumi’s face lit up with a smile. He quickly stood up and said: “Thank you, Hiroshi-kun! I’ll go call him right now!”
With that, he rushed out of the office, leaving Hiroshi Nohara and Eiji Kurosawa exchanging glances.
Eiji Kurosawa watched Asumi’s hasty departure, shaking his head, a knowing smile appearing on his face.
“Hiroshi-kun, you truly… have turned our Tokyo Television upside down,” Eiji Kurosawa said with a light chuckle, his tone tinged with emotion. “Now, it truly is an ‘Era of Integration.’ And it’s all thanks to you.”
Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback. He looked at Eiji Kurosawa’s weathered face, a thoughtful flicker in his eyes.
“‘Era of Integration’?” Hiroshi Nohara murmured to himself. He recalled what Director Nobuhiko Sakata had said—to integrate the “Tokyo Faction” and the “Kanto Faction,” with him, a genius with absolute performance in four fields, serving as the absolute pillar in between.
His heart stirred, and his gaze shifted to the office doorway, a look of understanding dawning on his face.
“Director Kurosawa, you’re not talking about Managing Director Takada, are you?” Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone carrying a perfectly measured “guess.”
As soon as he spoke, a slightly deep, yet somewhat resigned voice came from outside the office door.
“Oh? Hiroshi-kun, is my image that unpopular in your mind?”
Toshihide Takada, the former leader of the “Tokyo Faction,” stood smiling at the office doorway. His face no longer bore its usual arrogance and gloom, but a complex sort of calm.
His gaze fell on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with an investigative curiosity, yet hiding an ineffable sense of “resignation.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s face immediately contorted into a wry smile. He knew that his “guess” had been overheard by Toshihide Takada.
He could only rise and offer Toshihide Takada a slight, ceremonial bow, his humility and composure perfectly balanced.
This was, after all, the etiquette of a subordinate to a superior in Japan.
“Managing Director Takada, you jest,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone carrying a perfectly measured “explanation.” “I simply didn’t expect you to come in person. After all, you are the Executive Deputy Director, incredibly busy, I wouldn’t dare trouble you.”
He paused, his tone shifting to one of “sincere” confusion: “I simply didn’t expect Managing Director Takada, you would be willing to accompany us to submit《The Tale of Hachiko》 for review. This… this truly makes me feel extremely honored.”
Upon hearing this, the complex expression on Toshihide Takada’s face became even more pronounced. He glanced at Hiroshi Nohara, then at Eiji Kurosawa beside him, a helpless curve forming on his lips.
He knew that Hiroshi Nohara’s words were flattering him and giving him an excuse to save face.
But he also knew that his visit this time was not a whim.
“Hiroshi-kun, you don’t need to be so polite,” Toshihide Takada sighed, his tone filled with helplessness but also with genuine sincerity. “This time, it’s a film that Governor Koike himself has specifically requested to promote. Furthermore, my two subordinates, Ashikaga and Asano, have reported to me that this film is very well made and very moving.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with curiosity: “So, I came today out of curiosity as well. Curious about what kind of surprise you can bring us this time. Therefore, I also want to take this opportunity under the guise of the review to get a sneak peek and see this《The Tale of Hachiko》.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Asumi pushed the door open again. He glanced at Toshihide Takada, then at Hiroshi Nohara, and a somewhat embarrassed smile appeared on his face.
After all, Asumi hadn’t mentioned to anyone beforehand that he was arranging for Executive Deputy Director Takada to go along.
It was a bit abrupt.
But at this point, his naturally cheerful personality led him to try and salvage the awkward atmosphere.
“Hahahaha! Managing Director Takada, aren’t you being a bit insincere with those words?” Asumi burst out laughing, his tone carrying a perfectly measured teasing. “I think you’re clearly… surrendering to Hiroshi-kun’s talent, aren’t you?”
Upon hearing this, Toshihide Takada’s face immediately flushed.
Although he was indeed impressed by Hiroshi Nohara’s talent, and with Director Sakata’s arrangements, he genuinely considered the future of Tokyo TV and was willing to mend his relationship with Hiroshi Nohara.
However, being called out directly like this, the fifty-something-year-old felt a surge of shame and anger.
He glared at Asumi: “Asumi! What nonsense are you spouting! I… I’m just curious!”
However, his “embarrassed” defense seemed utterly weak and unconvincing.
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s young and handsome face, his composure and confidence, and then recalled his past contempt and suppression of him. All his arrogance and unwillingness dissolved into a sigh of resignation.
This Hiroshi Nohara, barely older than his own child, possessed such talent and status.
He was soaring like a launched rocket.
It was extremely shocking to him.
He slowly leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long breath that seemed to carry away all the stubbornness and unwillingness in his heart.
“Alright, Mr. Asumi, you are correct,” Toshihide Takada sighed, his tone filled with helplessness but also with genuine acknowledgment. “Hiroshi-kun is indeed the future of Tokyo Television. I have seen all his works, whether it be《Seven Samurai》, or《Super Change Change Change》, or those manga… his talent is astonishing.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with expectation: “Therefore, this time, I also plan to go. To see this《The Tale of Hachiko》, and to see what kind of surprise you, this young man, can bring us this time.”
Hiroshi Nohara looked at Toshihide Takada’s “resigned” expression and smiled with satisfaction. He knew that from this moment on, the rift between the “Tokyo Faction” and the “Kanto Faction” would be completely bridged by his hand.
“Good! Since Managing Director Takada is also willing to accompany us, let’s all go together!” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile, his tone brimming with confidence.
Everyone exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere in the office instantly became relaxed.
“In that case, I’ll inform Fujiwara-sama in advance.”
Eiji Kurosawa picked up the telephone and dialed Hideaki Fujiwara’s number: “Hello, Fujiwara-kun? This is Eiji Kurosawa. We’re preparing to go review Hiroshi-kun’s《The Tale of Hachiko》. Would you… like to come along?”
Fujiwara Fujiwara’s slightly excited voice came from the other end of the line: “Oh? Director Kurosawa! You’re going for the review so soon?! That’s great! Of course, I’m coming! I’ve been looking forward to it for so long!”
He paused, his tone filled with anticipation: “Please wait a moment, I’ll be right there! I really want to see what kind of surprise Hiroshi-kun can bring us this time!”
Eiji Kurosawa hung up the phone, a satisfied smile on his face.
He knew that with Hideaki Fujiwara’s participation, this submission for review would be even smoother.
“Alright, everyone,” Hiroshi Nohara stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his eyes flashing with confidence. “Since everyone is ready, let’s depart!”
This《The Tale of Hachiko》 was not just a movie; in his past life, it represented a responsibility, a commitment to culture and humanity.
Its ability to sweep across Japan and win the box office championship that year was no fluke!
Hiroshi Nohara truly had high hopes for it.
He wanted to use his works to change the world, to influence more people, and to make his name resound throughout Japan!
And now, he was about to embark on the path to cultural peak!
“Then let’s go.”
Everyone nodded in unison, their faces beaming with confidence.
They believed that under Hiroshi Nohara’s leadership,《The Tale of Hachiko》 would once again create a miracle and shock the entire nation, and even the world!
Thus, in an atmosphere filled with anticipation and confidence, Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada, a group of them, left the office in grand fashion, striding towards the film review department.
