Chapter 185: Governor Koike’s Doubts! Affirmation From Publicity Minister Tadashi Hattori!
The black Toyota commercial vehicle steadily weaved through Tokyo’s bustling streets, with the prosperity of Tokyo Metropolis outside the car window, yet it seemed unable to penetrate the deep silence inside the compartment.
Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada, the four of them, were all sitting quietly in the car at this moment, with no one speaking, only the faint roar of the engine and their respective undulating breaths echoing in this enclosed space.
Especially Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada, the three of them, ever since leaving the Neon Film Ethics Management Committee building, each person’s face still bore a trace of lingering flush, their eye sockets slightly reddened, clearly still immersed in the tremendous emotional impact brought by 《The Tale of Hachiko》.
Deputy Director Asumi was usually always cheerful and talkative, but at this moment, he merely leaned quietly against the chair back, his gaze directed outside the window, his eyes profound, as if he could still see Hachiko’s lonely yet persistent silhouette on the screen.
His heart, long tempered to be as solid as a rock by the fame and fortune arena, was at this moment shattered to pieces by that pure loyalty, then refilled with a warm yet sorrowful emotion.
Director Eiji Kurosawa had his eyes tightly closed, tears still visible on his weather-beaten face, with an indescribable heaviness and sentiment emanating from between his brows.
In his mind, the movie’s images kept replaying: Hachiko’s waiting, the professor’s affection, and that bond transcending life and death, elevating his understanding of film art to a new height once again.
Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada, this “Tokyo Faction” leader renowned for his calm and composure, was at this moment merely silently hanging his head, his hands clenched into fists placed on his knees.
His usually gloomy face now showed only a complex and heavy expression.
He had never imagined that a movie about a dog could make an old guy like him cry like a child.
That shock from the depths of his heart gave him a new recognition of Hiroshi Nohara’s talent.
As for Hiroshi Nohara, the creator of this film, he was simply sitting calmly in the passenger seat at this moment, his gaze directed outside the window, his eyes profound.
This movie was not just moving; it was more a responsibility, a commitment to culture and humanity.
Especially for the Japanese people, who tend to be somewhat indifferent in personality and peculiar in expressing family affection, this was absolutely top-tier emotional damage level!
It was not until the vehicle entered the underground parking lot of the Tokyo Television Production Bureau Building and the engine shut off that the deep silence in the compartment was broken.
Still, no one spoke; they just silently got out of the car and walked with somewhat heavy steps toward the elevator.
When they arrived at the seventeenth floor of the Production Bureau and stepped into their own independent kingdom, the atmosphere in the entire department also became somewhat solemn due to their arrival.
Kei Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, and Ichiro Hashishita, these three capable generals of Hiroshi Nohara, were at this moment sitting at their respective desks, each with a trace of fatigue on their faces.
Seeing the “dazed” appearance of Hiroshi Nohara and his group, they all subconsciously frowned, their eyes filled with concern.
“What’s going on?” Kei Tanaka pursed his lips: “It couldn’t be… a failure, right?”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto was stunned: “Impossible, right? I clearly heard Asano and the others say it was very good before. Could Eirin really… not allow expressing loyalty through a pet dog?”
Ichiro Hashishita frowned: “I don’t believe Minister Nohara would lose!”
But at that moment, a figure appeared in the corridor outside.
“Hiroshi, what’s wrong with you all?” Director Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice suddenly came from the office doorway, carrying a trace of anxiety and concern.
He had just returned from outside and was heading to his office when he happened to see Hiroshi Nohara and his group in this state.
He abruptly stopped in his tracks, his gaze sweeping over the four of them, a flicker of barely perceptible nervousness in his shrewd eyes: “You… did something go wrong when you went to submit for audit? Did the review not pass?”
As soon as his words fell, the atmosphere in the office instantly became even more solemn.
All eyes turned sharply toward Hiroshi Nohara and his group, filled with confusion and unease.
After all, Director Sakata’s words undoubtedly spoke to everyone’s deepest concerns.
《The Tale of Hachiko》 this film was a work personally named and praised by Governor Ryuichi Koike of Tokyo Metropolis, even highly anticipated by Minister of Publicity Your Excellency.
If the film review did not pass, it would not just be a problem with the film project; it would be a failure of a political mission, a huge loss for Tokyo TV!
“This is no small matter!” Nobuhiko Sakata’s face instantly darkened; he gripped his briefcase tightly, his tone filled with unquestionable authority: “This is a film personally named and praised for promotion by Governor Koike! It must be filmed well! This is no longer an ordinary film; it’s a political mission!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Hiroshi Nohara and his group, his eyes filled with expectation and command: “So, if there are any difficulties, tell me! Everyone, put in extra effort; we must produce the best 《The Tale of Hachiko》 film! There must not be the slightest mishap!”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s words were like a thunderbolt from the clear sky, instantly exploding in the office!
Everyone stared dumbfounded at Director Sakata, their faces filled with shock and panic.
They then realized that 《The Tale of Hachiko》 this film had already risen to the level of a “political mission”!
Hiroshi Nohara looked at Director Sakata’s anxious yet authoritative demeanor and felt amused inside.
He knew Director Sakata was genuinely worried.
He was just about to speak up to explain when Deputy Director Asumi beat him to it.
“Hahahaha! Director Sakata! What are you saying!” Deputy Director Asumi was the first to snap out of it, his tone filled with irrepressible excitement and pride: “You really… underestimate Hiroshi-kun too much!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the office, his tone becoming impassioned: “《The Tale of Hachiko》 this film didn’t just pass the review! It… it passed unanimously! Not a single opposing opinion! Even Fujiwara-sama and those review committee members suggested rating this film as Best Picture of the Year!”
“What?!”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s body trembled violently, his shrewd eyes instantly widening, his face filled with incredulous shock!
He stared blankly at Asumi, his eyes filled with confusion and shock.
“What did you say?!” He instinctively pressed, his voice carrying a slight tremor: “Unanimous pass?! Best Picture of the Year?!”
“Yes! Director Sakata!” Director Eiji Kurosawa also snapped out of it at this moment, his weather-beaten face now beaming with ecstasy unfit for his age: “You really… underestimate Hiroshi-kun too much! He created another miracle this time! A miracle that will shock the entire Neon Film Industry!”
“Director Kurosawa is right!” Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada also recovered from the huge shock; the complex expression on his face turned into genuine admiration: “Director Sakata, you have no idea; this film… it’s simply a masterpiece! With the most unadorned lenses and the most sincere emotions, it strikes the softest place in our hearts! It made us old guys cry our eyes out!”
He paused, his gaze turning to Hiroshi Nohara, filled with respect: “Director Sakata, I even think Hiroshi Nohara-kun’s 《The Tale of Hachiko》 is even more moving and heartfelt than 《Seven Samurai》!”
“Even more moving than 《Seven Samurai》? Even more heartfelt!?”
Listening to the three’s descriptions, the shock and confusion on Nobuhiko Sakata’s face gradually gave way to an indescribable ecstasy.
Looking at Hiroshi Nohara’s young and confident face, and at Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada’s excited and incoherent states, all his worries and pressures vanished in this moment.
He knew Hiroshi Nohara had succeeded, and in a manner beyond everyone’s imagination, succeeded once again.
“Rea… really that good?” Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice carried a slight tremor as he looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with scrutiny and curiosity.
Although he was immersed in Hiroshi Nohara’s talent, he also knew talent was limited.
Filming movies across genres was a challenge for many veteran filmmakers.
He had no confidence in his heart either; after all, Hiroshi Nohara had only made samurai films before, and whether he could handle this heartwarming pet movie was indeed a question mark for him.
But now, seeing the heartfelt admiration from the three deputy directors and the first-class director, he knew Hiroshi Nohara had exceeded his expectations once again.
“Director Sakata, you have no idea!” Asumi became excited again: “This film is not just moving! It has profound social significance! With Hachiko’s selfless love and waiting, it awakens our deep inner longing for warmth, family affection, and loyalty!”
“It makes us rethink the definition of ‘loyalty’ and reexamine the emotions between humans and animals!” Eiji Kurosawa sincerely admired: “Director Sakata, I even think this film will, like 《Super Change Change Change》, spark another social trend! It will make more people rethink relationships between people, emotions between humans and animals, and how our nation should inherit and promote the ‘loyalty’ spirit in modern society!”
“Director Kurosawa is right!” Toshihide Takada nodded along, his gaze on Hiroshi Nohara filled with respect: “Director Sakata, Hiroshi Nohara-kun’s talent has surpassed all our imaginations. He can not only capture the loyalty of samurai but also the loyalty of dogs! Moreover, he uses the dog’s loyalty to highlight the complexity and preciousness of human emotions; this… this intent is simply brilliant!”
He paused, his tone carrying a trace of sentiment: “I even think Hiroshi Nohara-kun is the one who can truly represent our Neon culture and take it to the world!”
Listening to the three’s explanations and looking at Hiroshi Nohara’s steady and confident face, all doubts in Nobuhiko Sakata’s heart vanished.
The appreciation levels of these three were absolutely reliable.
Asumi and Toshihide Takada were both deputy directors of the Production Bureau, with high professional standards themselves.
Eiji Kurosawa was a first-class director; though focused on period samurai films, his film appreciation level was top-tier in the industry.
Now, they all unanimously said Hiroshi Nohara did well, and even Hideaki Fujiwara-sama and the review committee members gave extremely high praise; this filled Nobuhiko Sakata with surprise!
He slapped his thigh hard, an annoyed expression on his face: “Oh! What a pity! If not for the Greater Tokyo area publicity and other meetings requiring my presence, I would definitely go see the finished film of this movie today!”
His words immediately elicited a wave of good-natured laughter in the office.
Everyone looked at Director Sakata’s annoyed yet delighted appearance, their faces beaming with happy smiles. They knew his words were not only affirmation of Hiroshi Nohara but also encouragement for the entire Production Bureau.
Hiroshi Nohara looked at Nobuhiko Sakata’s annoyed yet joyful demeanor, a faint arc unconsciously forming at the corner of his mouth.
From this moment on, his status at Tokyo TV was thoroughly solidified. And the “Greater Tokyo TV” faction he pioneered would stand at the peak of the Neon Television Industry in an unprecedented manner.
“Director Sakata, rest assured.” Hiroshi Nohara spoke softly, his tone calm and firm: “This film will be released soon. Then, you can personally experience its charm in the theater.”
“Good! Good! Good!” Nobuhiko Sakata nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with a happy smile. “Hiroshi-kun, you’ve done very well! You’ve created another miracle for our Tokyo TV!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his tone filled with expectation: “So, everyone, perk up! The publicity work for 《The Tale of Hachiko》 must be done to the best! We must make this film shine brightly not only in Neon but also take it to the world and influence the world!”
“Yes! Director Sakata!”
Everyone responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit and passion.
……
In the Neon Film Ethics Management Committee building, the emotional impact on Hideaki Fujiwara’s face from 《The Tale of Hachiko》 had not fully faded.
He picked up the desk phone on his desk and dialed a number.
“Hello, Minister Your Excellency? This is Hideaki Fujiwara.” His voice carried a barely perceptible excitement, yet maintained just the right respectfulness.
A steady and powerful voice came from the other end: “Oh? Hideaki-kun. Calling at this time, is there work to report from the film review side?”
“Yes, Minister Your Excellency.” Hideaki Fujiwara responded respectfully: “The review for 《The Tale of Hachiko》 is complete. I personally reviewed this film, and it received unanimous approval within the committee.”
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end.
Minister of Publicity Your Excellency was currently in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office; he had just finished a meeting on next year’s work deployment and was preparing to handle some documents.
Hearing Hideaki Fujiwara’s report, a faint smile appeared on his usually stern face.
“Oh? Unanimous approval?” Minister of Publicity Your Excellency repeated softly, his tone carrying a trace of satisfaction: “It seems Hiroshi-kun’s work is indeed good. However, Hideaki-kun, I recall this film’s production cycle was quite short, right? Completed so quickly—can you confirm there’s no sloppiness in quality?”
Though he had heard of Hiroshi Nohara’s talent, he still harbored doubts about a film completed in such a short time.
After all, film quality was no joking matter.
Hearing this, Hideaki Fujiwara smiled confidently. He understood Minister Your Excellency’s concerns and knew this was the perfect moment to vindicate Hiroshi Nohara and 《The Tale of Hachiko》.
“Minister Your Excellency, rest assured!” Hideaki Fujiwara’s tone was firm, even carrying an unquestionable affirmation: “I stake my personal integrity that this film’s quality is flawless! Even more perfect than I expected!”
He paused, his tone becoming impassioned as he detailed every aspect of the film: “Every lens is filled with emotion, every image strikes the heart. Hachiko’s loyalty, the professor’s affection, the changing seasons at Shibuya Station… all perfectly presented by Hiroshi-kun with the finest touch!”
“Especially Hachiko’s performance—simply… a stroke of genius! I even suspect Hiroshi-kun can really communicate with dogs; otherwise, how could he capture such a soulful performance?! And the music inside—every melody perfectly fuses with the images, pushing the audience’s emotions to climax after climax!”
“Most importantly, this film’s intent is also exquisite!”
Hideaki Fujiwara’s voice trembled slightly, a resonance triggered by the huge emotional impact of the film: “It uses the dog’s loyalty to highlight the complexity and preciousness of human emotions, awakening our deep inner longing for warmth, connection, and loyalty! It’s not just moving; it has profound social significance!”
On the other end, Minister of Publicity Your Excellency listened quietly to Hideaki Fujiwara’s report.
He had never heard Hideaki Fujiwara give such high praise to a film, even with a tremor in his voice.
He knew Hideaki Fujiwara was not one to be easily swayed by emotions.
For him to be so excited, the film’s quality must be extraordinary.
“Mm, very good.” Minister of Publicity Your Excellency nodded slowly, a satisfied smile on his face.
He paused, his tone becoming solemn: “Hideaki-kun, I understand what you’ve said. But remember, this film is no ordinary movie. It’s a work personally named and praised by Governor Koike, and Governor Koike even plans to leverage 《Seven Samurai》 and Hiroshi Nohara’s momentum to campaign for his re-election as Governor of Tokyo Metropolis this year!”
“So, this film must not have any errors or flaws! It’s a political mission! Understand?!”
Hearing this, Hideaki Fujiwara’s heart tightened slightly. He understood the implications and the huge political significance borne by this film.
“Yes! Minister Your Excellency, rest assured!” Hideaki Fujiwara responded emphatically, his tone firm: “I stake my personal integrity that this film is absolutely flawless! Moreover, I can assert that 《The Tale of Hachiko》 will undoubtedly top this year’s box office!”
There was another few seconds of silence on the other end.
Minister of Publicity Your Excellency was clearly surprised by Hideaki Fujiwara’s affirmative tone.
In Neon’s political arena, no one would lightly make such a definitive statement, as it represented “staking one’s word,” a huge risk tying personal credibility and political future to a project.
“Oh? Hideaki-kun, you’re that certain?” Minister of Publicity Your Excellency asked softly: “You even dare assert it will top this year’s box office? Then… compared to 《Seven Samurai》?”
Hearing this, Hideaki Fujiwara smiled confidently.
This was Minister Your Excellency testing him and giving him a chance to showcase his precise judgment of the film and the market.
“Minister Your Excellency, these two films are completely different genres.” Hideaki Fujiwara’s tone was composed, his logic clear: “《Seven Samurai》 is a grand epic, a classic deconstructing era, humanity, and class. It shocks the heart and provokes deep thought, but its audience is relatively more male viewers and those with high interest in history and culture.”
“While 《The Tale of Hachiko》?”
He paused, his tone softening yet filled with power: “It’s a heartwarming tearjerker that uses the dog’s pure loyalty to strike the softest place in our hearts. Its audience will be broader, especially young people and female viewers, who will strongly resonate with it!”
“So, if forced to compare, they’re evenly matched. But in terms of market potential, I even think 《The Tale of Hachiko》’s box office explosiveness might be stronger! Because it can reach a wider audience and evoke more universal emotional resonance!”
“Moreover…”
Hideaki Fujiwara’s tone was serious: “If Governor Koike cooperates with promotion and personally endorses the film, the feedback it garners will be beyond everyone’s imagination! It will not just be a film but a phenomenal topic, a cultural symbol that unites national emotions and showcases the Neon Spirit!”
Listening to Hideaki Fujiwara’s analysis, the surprise on Minister of Publicity Your Excellency’s face became more evident.
Hideaki Fujiwara’s words were not only precise judgment of the film but also profound insight into politics and humanity.
He had never thought Hideaki Fujiwara could analyze a film’s political value and market potential so thoroughly.
“Hideaki-kun, you… you’ve really impressed me today.” Minister of Publicity Your Excellency sighed softly, his tone filled with appreciation: “Giving such a definitive judgment on a film is extremely rare in the political arena.”
Hideaki Fujiwara’s affirmative stance was no longer just a work report but tying his political credibility closely to the film’s success or failure.
This was undoubtedly a “signal” to him—Hideaki Fujiwara had absolute confidence in this film and Hiroshi Nohara.
“Very good, Hideaki-kun.” Minister of Publicity Your Excellency nodded in satisfaction, his tone filled with encouragement: “Since you’re so certain, I’m reassured. You’ve done well. I look forward to your performance.”
He paused, gave a few more instructions, and then hung up.
After hanging up, Minister of Publicity Your Excellency did not hesitate. He picked up his briefcase and left the office with composed steps.
He knew he needed to see Governor Koike now.
Because, in a small meeting room within the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, Governor Koike was discussing this year’s work matters with several close ministers and the top official of the government office.
When Minister of Publicity Your Excellency pushed open the meeting room door, the discussion inside had just reached its end.
Governor Koike was smiling, listening to an economic minister report on Tokyo Metropolis’s economic development prospects for the year.
Seeing Minister of Publicity Your Excellency enter, Governor Koike was slightly stunned, then a faint smile appeared on his face: “Oh? My dear Minister of Publicity has arrived. Do you have good news?”
“Yes, Your Excellency the Governor!” Minister of Publicity Your Excellency responded respectfully. He quickly walked to Governor Koike, his tone carrying irrepressible excitement: “I just received a report from Hideaki Fujiwara-kun; the film review for 《The Tale of Hachiko》 has passed unanimously! Moreover, Fujiwara-kun gave it extremely high praise; he even asserted this film will undoubtedly top this year’s box office!”
He paused, his tone becoming even more impassioned: “Moreover, this film is not just moving! It has profound social significance! With Hachiko’s selfless love and waiting, it awakens our deep inner longing for warmth, connection, and loyalty! It will have an extremely positive publicity effect on Tokyo Metropolis’s citizens and Neon’s nationals!”
Minister of Publicity Your Excellency’s words were like a thunderbolt from the clear sky, instantly exploding in the meeting room!
However, the anticipated shock and surprise did not appear.
Everyone present, including Governor Koike, subconsciously frowned.
Their faces showed no joy, instead filled with confusion and incomprehension, even a trace of… doubt.
“Minister of Publicity, are… are you joking?” A gray-haired man in a crisp suit, the top official of the government office, spoke first, his tone laced with irrepressible doubt: “Putting such an important publicity for the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis’s re-election on a film? And a film about a dog at that? This… isn’t that too reckless?!”
As soon as he spoke, another minister in charge of the economy chimed in, his face full of displeasure: “Indeed, Minister of Publicity! You’re usually so steady; how could you say something so absurd today? A film, no matter how good, is just a film! How could it possibly affect Your Excellency the Governor’s re-election? This is simply… too childish!”
“Exactly! Minister of Publicity, have you been working too hard lately, muddling your brain?” A relatively young-looking minister couldn’t help but snort coldly, his face full of dissatisfaction: “You actually believe a dog movie can have a positive publicity effect on the public? This is simply… ridiculous!”
In an instant, the meeting room was filled with various voices of doubt and criticism.
Everyone mercilessly attacked Minister of Publicity Your Excellency’s “absurd” remarks.
They thought entrusting such an important political mission to a film was utterly foolish.
Seeing the crowd’s agitated demeanor, the excitement and agitation on Minister of Publicity Your Excellency’s face instantly froze.
He wanted to defend, to explain, to tell everyone this film was truly different.
But at this moment, all words seemed stuck in his throat; he couldn’t utter a single one.
He felt a deep powerlessness, a grievance of being misunderstood by all.
He knew these old guys simply didn’t understand Hiroshi Nohara’s talent nor the immense power contained in 《The Tale of Hachiko》.
They only believed in traditional, conservative, unchanging publicity methods.
As the atmosphere in the meeting room grew increasingly tense and awkward, Governor Koike finally raised his hand.
His profound eyes calmly swept over everyone in the room, his awe-inspiring presence instantly suppressing all the noise.
“Alright, everyone quiet.” Governor Koike’s voice was steady and powerful, yet carried a trace of barely perceptible indifference.
He ignored the ministers still whispering and slowly directed his gaze toward Minister of Publicity Tadashi Hattori.
His brows furrowed, the doubt and incomprehension on his face becoming more evident.
“Minister Tadashi Hattori.” Governor Koike spoke softly, his tone calm yet containing unquestionable authority: “I heard what you said. But I hope you can give me a more detailed, more convincing explanation.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the meeting room, then settling again on this Minister of Publicity called Tadashi Hattori, his eyes carrying a profound scrutiny: “Do you really think… entrusting the publicity for the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis’s re-election to a film isn’t too reckless?”
Governor Koike’s words undoubtedly indicated to everyone that he shared the same view as the other ministers present.
He also thought Minister of Publicity Tadashi Hattori was too reckless.
Minister of Publicity Tadashi Hattori looked into Governor Koike’s calm yet profound eyes, his heart trembling sharply.
He knew this was his last chance.
He must use the clearest logic, the most moving words, to convince Governor Koike and everyone present.
He took a deep breath, transforming all his inner grievance and unwillingness into a firm response.
“Yes, Your Excellency the Governor!” Tadashi Hattori responded emphatically, his tone firm, his eyes shining with unprecedented light: “I understand everyone’s concerns. But I still stand by my view.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the meeting room, his tone becoming impassioned; his composure and confidence made him stand out: “Everyone, the era we are in is one of simple information exchange but emotional scarcity. Traditional publicity methods are increasingly failing to move hearts.”
“While Hiroshi Nohara-kun’s 《The Tale of Hachiko》 is not just a film; it’s a carrier of emotion, a vessel for spirit!”
Tadashi Hattori knew he had to not only vindicate 《The Tale of Hachiko》 but also fight for recognition and support from the highest power echelon for Hiroshi Nohara and the new cultural force he represented.
This would be his most important “battle” as Minister of Publicity!
He would use his wisdom, eloquence, and foresight to change everyone’s views.
After all, Tadashi Hattori believed what Hideaki Fujiwara said.
He also believed in Tokyo TV, his team, their foundation, and this greatest backing behind him!
PS: Keep asking for votes~
