Chapter 186: 10 Billion Box Office Evaluation! Hiroshi Nohara’s Reminder On Traffic And Fan Circles!
Soon, another month passed. Although the cherry blossoms in Tokyo had not yet fully bloomed, the signs of spring were already quietly emerging on the branches.
In this vibrant city, the programs produced by Hiroshi Nohara’s Independent Production Department were launched as scheduled, once again creating ripples across the Neon Archipelago.
Hiroshi Nohara sat in his office, a teacup emitting a faint warmth before him. He gazed out at the city skyline, gilded by the spring sunlight, his expression profound and composed.
“Minister!”
The office door was pushed open. Kei Tanaka, the Section Chief of the Variety Production Class in Hiroshi Nohara’s Special Production Department, was brimming with unconcealable excitement. He practically jogged in, waving a document in his hand like a child who had received candy.
Following closely behind was Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, the Section Chief of the Drama Production Section. Although his steps were steady, his eyes also sparkled with excitement.
Ichiro Hashishita, the Section Chief of the Animation Production Class, who entered last, appeared somewhat complex. A hint of unspeakable emotion flickered across his face, but more prominent was his respect for Hiroshi Nohara.
The three arrived before Hiroshi Nohara and bowed in unison.
“Minister!”
“Mm, please sit down.” Hiroshi Nohara gestured with a smile. His gaze swept over the three, his composed demeanor seemingly enveloping the entire office with an invisible force.
Kei Tanaka was the first to sit. He eagerly pushed the document in his hand towards Hiroshi Nohara, his voice trembling slightly with extreme excitement: “Minister! 《Super Change Change Change, Episode 3》! It’s live! The ratings… the ratings reached 43%!”
He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the ecstasy in his heart, his eyes filled with fervent admiration: “43%, Minister! This number is even higher than when the second episode first aired! We can even predict that this season of 《Super Change Change Change》 will undoubtedly sweep across Neon once again and become a national variety show!”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto also sat down and took over the conversation. His tone carried a hint of pride: “Minister, 《World of the Strange, Season 3》 also achieved a rating of 26%! Although it’s significantly lower than 《Super Change Change Change》, this number is already far ahead of dramas airing concurrently! Furthermore, we’ve received countless feedback from viewers, all saying that the stories in the third season are more exciting, more mind-bending, and more captivating than the previous two seasons!”
He paused, a proud smile appearing on his face:
“Especially the first episode of the third season, the story about ‘time loops,’ sparked discussions all over Neon! Many viewers enthusiastically discussed the ending on social media, and some even wrote articles analyzing the philosophical implications of the story! Minister, you are truly… amazing!”
Roji Hase, on the other hand, seemed somewhat quiet. He picked up his teacup from the table and took a gentle sip. The bitterness, however, was far less than the taste in his heart at that moment.
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, a complex smile appearing on his face: “Minister, 《An Shizhi, Season 6》’s ratings have also stabilized around 15%. While this number isn’t particularly outstanding among your works, it’s an extremely rare achievement for a late-night horror animation.”
He let out a long sigh, his tone filled with emotion: “Moreover, we’ve received many letters from young viewers who say that 《An Shizhi》 has become an indispensable part of their lives. It’s not just a horror animation; it’s a unique cultural symbol, a special existence that represents their youthful memories…”
“We’ve even received copyright purchase inquiries from overseas! Several Southeast Asian television stations have shown strong interest in 《An Shizhi》 and hope to license our animation to broadcast in their countries!” Roji Hase said, a proud smile appearing on his face: “Minister, you are truly… amazing! You’ve managed to elevate a late-night horror animation to this level!”
Hiroshi Nohara listened quietly to the three men’s reports, a faint smile always on his face. He knew that these achievements were not just the result of the efforts of these three section chiefs, but the collective effort of the entire Independent Production Department, and even the entire Tokyo Television Station.
“Good, everyone has done well.” Hiroshi Nohara commented softly, his gaze sweeping over the three, his eyes filled with encouragement: “Whether it’s the national popularity of 《Super Change Change Change》, the mind-bending suspense of 《World of the Strange》, or the overseas expansion of 《An Shizhi》, it all proves our strength. This is the result of everyone’s collective effort, and I am proud of you all.”
His words were like a spring breeze that swept across the hearts of the three, instantly nourishing their tired hearts with a warm current.
“Thank you for your praise, Minister!” the three responded in unison, their voices filled with respect and obedience.
However, Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze fell back on Kei Tanaka, his eyes carrying a touch of “curiosity”: “Section Chief Tanaka, if I recall correctly, the finale of the second season of 《Super Change Change Change》 aired during the New Year holidays, didn’t it? I was busy with the filming of 《Seven Samurai》 and 《The Tale of Hachiko》 at the time and missed it. How were the ratings for that finale?”
As soon as he spoke, Kei Tanaka, who had been immersed in joy, had his excited smile freeze on his face.
He glanced at Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Roji Hase beside him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Roji Hase also wore slightly awkward smiles. They exchanged glances, seeing the same “difficulty” in each other’s eyes.
Seeing their “hesitation to speak,” Hiroshi Nohara found it amusing. He knew there must be some “secrets” hidden within.
“What? Was the finale of that season’s ratings very poor?” Hiroshi Nohara asked intentionally, his tone carrying a fitting “doubt.”
“No! No! No!” Kei Tanaka shook his head vehemently. His usually straightforward face was now filled with irrepressible pride, even a hint of mystery: “Minister! The finale’s ratings weren’t just not bad, they… they actually created a miracle that can be recorded in Neon’s television history!”
“Oh?” Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow, his eyes revealing deep interest.
“Minister!” Kei Tanaka took a deep breath. He looked at Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Roji Hase beside him, and then, in an almost reverent tone, slowly uttered the number: “The ratings for the finale of 《Super Change Change Change, Season 2》 reached… 47%!”
“47%?!”
Hiroshi Nohara trembled, his clear eyes widening instantly, his face filled with disbelieving shock!
He stared blankly at Kei Tanaka, his eyes filled with astonishment.
47%! This number meant that nearly half of Neon’s population was watching this program!
This was simply… too exaggerated!
He knew that 《Super Change Change Change》, as a program, already had national popularity. But a 47% rating was no longer just “national”; it was a “god-tier” rating!
It meant that nearly half of the Japanese people who turned on their televisions were watching this program!
“Yes! Minister!” Kei Tanaka excitedly stood up, unable to resist pumping his fist, his voice filled with irrepressible excitement: “47%! This number is almost… almost surpassed Kohaku Uta Gassen!”
“Kohaku Uta Gassen?” Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback.
He certainly knew of Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It was a national program in Neon, comparable to the Spring Festival Gala in Huaxia in his past life. It aired on New Year’s Eve and usually achieved ratings of 50% or even higher.
It was a true “national carnival,” a cultural celebration that could unite the entire population of Neon!
And the finale of 《Super Change Change Change》 was only 6% away from reaching Kohaku Uta Gassen?!
This was… unbelievable!
“Yes! Minister!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto also stood up. The pride on his face was now replaced by irrepressible excitement: “The ratings for Kohaku Uta Gassen fluctuate around 53% annually. And our finale of 《Super Change Change Change》 reached 47%! This… this is an unprecedented achievement!”
“We can even proudly say!” Roji Hase also stood up. The joy on his honest face was now unrestrained ecstasy, uncharacteristic for his age: “Our 《Super Change Change Change》 has become the variety show with the highest ratings in Neon television history, besides Kohaku Uta Gassen! It has become a new symbol that can represent our Neon culture and go out to the world!”
The atmosphere in the office instantly became fervent.
The three looked at Hiroshi Nohara, their eyes filled with fervent worship and respect.
They knew that all of this was thanks to Hiroshi Nohara.
He was the one who created this miracle.
He was the one who pushed the program 《Super Change Change Change》 to an unprecedented height.
“Minister Hiroshi! You are truly amazing!”
At that moment, a cheer filled with surprise and excitement came from the office doorway.
Yō Kitagawa, Hoshi Minamimura, and Roji Hase, the three young employees who had first followed Hiroshi Nohara, stood at the office entrance, their faces filled with irrepressible fervor and excitement.
“Minister! Exactly! The ratings for the finale of 《Super Change Change Change》 reached 47%!” Yō Kitagawa trembled slightly with excitement, stars appearing in her bright, sparkling eyes.
“Yes! Minister! I was on duty at Tokyo Television during the New Year, constantly monitoring the ratings! The moment the numbers came out, all of us on duty colleagues were so excited we hugged and cried!” Hoshi Minamimura chimed in, a hint of residual flush on his young face.
“Minister! You don’t know how sensational it was!” Roji Hase said excitedly, even waving the pen in his hand, his tone filled with irrepressible enthusiasm: “At that time, all of Neon’s social media was flooded with the finale of 《Super Change Change Change》! Everyone was discussing the creativity in the program, the touching moments, and the tearful farewells!”
However, as he spoke, Roji Hase added regretfully: “But then, your 《Seven Samurai》 appeared, along with the special public opinion storm about ‘samurai,’ ‘class,’ and ‘era,’ which drowned out this news.”
“Minister! Although the public opinion storm for 《Super Change Change Change》 only lasted a few days, I even saw that some serious media outlets, which usually only reported news, unprecedentedly covered the grand occasion of the finale of 《Super Change Change Change》! They all said that this program was not just entertainment, but a connection between people, the warmth of family, and a stage for dreams!” Yō Kitagawa said, her voice catching. “Minister, you are truly… amazing! You created a program that made all Japanese people go crazy for it!”
“I also heard our senior colleagues at Tokyo Television excitedly pounding the tables in the office! They all said that it was our honor and pride to have a genius like Minister Hiroshi at Tokyo Television!” Hoshi Minamimura added excitedly, his young face filled with pride.
“Yes! Minister! You don’t know how many people were eagerly awaiting you to create more and better programs! They all said you are a true ‘national producer’!” Roji Hase said excitedly, looking at Hiroshi Nohara with fervent admiration in his eyes: “Minister, you are truly… amazing! You have become a role model for all of us young people!”
For a time, the office was filled with all sorts of praises and exclamations.
Everyone was shocked by the grand occasion of the 《Super Change Change Change》 finale, their eyes filled with envy and admiration.
They knew that Hiroshi Nohara’s success was not just his personal glory, but the glory of the entire Independent Production Department, and even the entire Tokyo Television Station!
Hiroshi Nohara looked at the excited, incoherent young people before him. The composure and confidence on his face gradually gave way to a sense of satisfaction from the bottom of his heart.
He let out a long sigh, which carried a hint of emotion, a hint of regret, and a hint of boundless longing for the future.
“Yes, it seems I really missed a lot during the New Year holiday.” Hiroshi Nohara sighed softly, his tone carrying a fitting “regret.”
However, there was no trace of regret in the depths of his eyes.
On the contrary, his clear eyes sparkled with a profound and knowing light.
He knew that this 47% rating was by no means accidental.
It was not just the charm of the program itself, but also the huge bonus brought by this era’s initial exploration of a new entertainment mode—”traffic” and “fan circles.”
In his previous life, he had witnessed countless stars, programs, and even entire industries skyrocket to fame overnight, only to collapse just as quickly, amidst the tide of “traffic” and “fan circles.”
They were like a double-edged sword, capable of bringing immense success, but also devastating backlash.
Now, this parallel world’s Neon was like a child tasting forbidden fruit for the first time, showing unprecedented enthusiasm for this novel and powerful mode.
“However, Section Chief Tanaka.” Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze fell on Kei Tanaka, his tone suddenly becoming serious: “While the success of 《Super Change Change Change》 makes us incredibly proud, we must also clearly recognize that this success harbors great risks.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Kei Tanaka, who had been immersed in joy, had his excited smile instantly freeze.
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Roji Hase, and the young employees like Yō Kitagawa also unconsciously restrained their smiles, their eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.
They looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s serious face, feeling a sense of doubt.
Risks? What risks? This was clearly an unprecedented success!
“Risks?” Kei Tanaka couldn’t help but ask, his straightforward face filled with confusion: “Minister, what do you mean? Our 《Super Change Change Change》 has such high ratings and strong viewer loyalty, what risks could there be?”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto chimed in, a look of confusion on his face: “Yes, Minister. We are currently in a period of great success, are there any other things that could make us uneasy?”
Roji Hase remained silent. He merely frowned, his gaze fixed on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with confusion.
Hiroshi Nohara sighed inwardly, seeing their confused expressions.
He knew that in this era, it would be difficult for them to understand the concepts of “traffic” and “fan circles,” and the “backlash” they might bring.
“You may not be familiar with the terms ‘traffic’ and ‘fan circles’.” Hiroshi Nohara explained softly, his tone calm but powerful: “Simply put, ‘traffic’ refers to the immense attention a work or a star can attract in a short period. ‘Fan circles’ are groups of fans who organize themselves out of love for a particular work or star, possessing extremely high loyalty.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, a hint of warning in his eyes: “These two models can indeed bring tremendous success, just like our 《Super Change Change Change》. However, they are like a raging fire; if not controlled well, they can backfire and cause destructive backlash.”
“‘Backlash?'” Kei Tanaka and the others looked shocked.
They had never imagined that such a seemingly powerful “success model” could lead to “backlash.”
“Yes, backlash.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone becoming more solemn: “This backlash can take many forms. Let me give you a few examples.”
He pondered for a moment, recalling the various chaotic phenomena of the entertainment industry in his past life, and then, in a way more suited to the context of this era, he began to narrate:
“First, excessive consumption leads to viewer fatigue.” Hiroshi Nohara extended his index finger. “Think about it, if a program or a star becomes too popular and is invited to various shows, endorsements, and merchandise day and night, appearing excessively before the audience. At first, the audience might feel surprised and excited. But over time? Will they feel annoyed? Will they feel that this program, this star, has lost its novelty and become cheap?”
“Just like even the most delicious dish, if eaten every day, every meal, will eventually become tasteless, even nauseating. When the audience develops aesthetic fatigue towards a work or a star, no matter how glorious it once was, it will ultimately be abandoned by the market.”
Kei Tanaka and the others wore thoughtful expressions. Although they had never considered this issue, upon reflection, they felt that what Hiroshi Nohara said was indeed reasonable.
“Second, excessive fan fervor leads to public opinion backlash.” Hiroshi Nohara extended his second finger. “Fans in ‘fan circles’ often have extremely high loyalty to their favorite works or stars. They will spare no effort to support them and defend them mercilessly.”
“However, once this defense loses reason, it can evolve into a terrifying force. For example, when someone raises questions or criticisms about their favorite work or star, will these fans attack them en masse? Will they use all sorts of malicious language to attack those who express different opinions?”
“They might even worship their idol as a god, not allowing anyone to say a single bad word. They will believe that whatever they like is the best and most perfect. Once this blind worship is seen by the outside world, won’t it provoke public disgust? Won’t people feel that this ‘fan circle,’ this star, has become irrational and terrifying?”
“When this fervent fan behavior exceeds the acceptable limits of the general public, no matter how popular the work or star was, it will ultimately be despised by the masses.”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Roji Hase looked shocked and fearful. They had never imagined that fans’ “love” could become such a terrifying force.
“Third, excessive capital intervention leads to a decline in work quality.” Hiroshi Nohara extended his third finger. “When a work or a star possesses immense ‘traffic’ and a ‘fan circle,’ capital will smell the opportunity and swarm in.”
“What is the purpose of capital? To make money. In order to maximize profits, they will constantly exploit the works and the stars. They will demand that programs continuously release sequels, require stars to constantly take on various roles, and even alter the style of works or change the persona of stars to cater to fans.”
“As a result, the creative cycle of works is shortened, production costs are lowered, and the stars’ rest time is deprived. What is the final outcome? A decline in the quality of works, exhausted stars, and disappointed audiences.”
“When a work or a star loses its original intention and soul to cater to capital, no matter how glorious it once was, it will ultimately be eliminated by the times.”
At this moment, there was no trace of composure on the faces of those in the office. They stared blankly at Hiroshi Nohara, their faces filled with horror.
“Fourth, plagiarism and imitation lead to the depletion of original creation ability.” Hiroshi Nohara extended his fourth finger. “When a successful model emerges, countless people will inevitably imitate it. They will constantly plagiarize and imitate in pursuit of short-term profits.”
“For example, if our 《Super Change Change Change》 becomes popular, will other television stations launch similar programs? If 《World of the Strange》 becomes popular, will other television stations produce similar urban legends?”
“At first, the audience might find it novel. But over time? When all programs become monotonous, when all works lose their originality, the entire industry will eventually fall into a quagmire of homogenization, and original creative ability will be depleted.”
“When an industry loses its vitality for originality, no matter how prosperous it once was, it will ultimately decline.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s words struck everyone in the room like thunder.
They had never imagined that the “success” they were now enjoying harbored such immense “crises.”
They looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s calm and profound face, their eyes filled with fear and awe.
“Minister… you… what you’re saying is simply… too terrifying!” Kei Tanaka’s voice trembled, his straightforward face now filled with panic.
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Roji Hase, and the young employees like Yō Kitagawa stood frozen in place, all their joy gone, leaving only a pale face.
They had never imagined that the “success” they pursued would bring such terrifying “backlash.”
“Yes, it is indeed terrifying.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone calm but powerful: “However, you don’t need to worry too much.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his eyes filled with confidence: “As long as our programs and works maintain high quality, constantly innovate, and continue to move people’s hearts, then no matter how powerful ‘traffic’ and ‘fan circles’ are, they cannot backfire on us!”
“Because, ultimately, what determines whether a work or a star can stand the test of time is always the quality of the work itself, and the purest emotions and reflections it can bring to the audience!”
“Therefore, everyone.” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice became impassioned again, his composure and confidence making him appear particularly radiant: “What we need to do is to strictly control every project proposal and ensure that every work meets our highest standards. What we need to do is to constantly innovate, constantly break through, and constantly surpass ourselves!”
“What we need to do is to make our works not just entertainment, but culture, art, and a great force that can influence an era and the spirit of a nation!”
His words were resounding.
*Whoosh!*
Thunderous applause erupted in the office.
Everyone was moved by Hiroshi Nohara’s passion and sense of responsibility, their eyes gleaming with the same light.
The fear and unease were replaced at this moment by a new aspiration and belief in the future.
“Yes! Minister Nohara!”
“We understand!”
“We will strictly control every project proposal!”
“We will constantly innovate and break through!”
“We will make our works a great force that can influence the times!”
Everyone responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit and passion.
They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was right.
Only the quality of the work itself was their ultimate trump card to stand firm in this era.
Only by constantly innovating and breaking through could they remain unshaken in this wave of “traffic” and “fan circles,” and even swim against the current!
Hiroshi Nohara looked at his colleagues, who were now full of fighting spirit, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
It was enough as long as these people listened.
…
At this time, some people also mentioned that television stations across Neon were indeed beginning to produce “urban legend” and “Super Change Change Change”-like programs.
Even many second-class and third-class directors at Tokyo TV were carefully studying these programs.
“Minister, we have taken everything you said to heart.” Kei Tanaka was the first to speak.
His straightforward face now carried a hint of seriousness: “However, those television stations outside are indeed starting to produce similar programs. Hokkaido Television’s 《Late-Night Urban Legends》, Kyushu Television’s 《Strange Story Collection》, and even within our Tokyo TV, several directors are secretly studying the modes of 《World of the Strange》 and 《Super Change Change Change》.”
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto couldn’t help but sigh, his pride now replaced by a sense of helplessness: “Yes, Minister. Those guys are like sharks smelling blood, eager to dissect our programs from beginning to end. They’ve even poached several of our production staff to help them create similar programs.”
“This… is this what you call ‘plagiarism and imitation’?” Roji Hase also asked, his honest face now filled with worry: “If they do this, will they ruin our programs too?”
Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, not a ripple in his clear eyes.
This was precisely the challenge he had anticipated.
“There’s nothing strange about it.” Hiroshi Nohara spoke softly, his tone calm and firm: “When a successful model emerges, countless people will inevitably imitate it. This is market law, and it’s also human nature.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three, a hint of encouragement in his eyes: “However, this is not entirely a bad thing for us. It precisely shows that our works are successful and are leading the trend. It also serves as a reminder that we cannot rest on our past laurels.”
“Therefore, this is our motivation.” A faint smile curved Hiroshi Nohara’s lips, his composure and confidence making him appear particularly radiant: “What we need to do now is to innovate and update.”
He raised his hand and gently tapped the desktop, his tone carrying an irrefutable command: “I will be giving you more manuscripts soon for you to continue production. Whether it’s a new episode of 《Super Change Change Change》, new stories for 《World of the Strange》, or new chapters for 《An Shizhi》, I want you to deliver the best creativity and the best production!”
Upon hearing this, the three looked surprised and excited. Hiroshi Nohara was not only giving them “direction” but also “pressure.”
“Hi! Department Head! We understand!” Kei Tanaka was the first to respond, his straightforward face filled with fighting spirit.
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Ichiro Hashishita also nodded one after another, their slight doubt about Hiroshi Nohara’s talent having long since vanished, replaced by genuine admiration.
“Department Head, you’re truly… amazing!” Tsuyoshi Yamamoto couldn’t help but exclaim, his arrogance completely gone in the face of Hiroshi Nohara: “You can always find the most profound philosophy in the most ordinary things, and always use the most unique ways to move people and resonate with society!”
“Yes, Department Head,” Ichiro Hashishita chimed in, his honest face filled with emotion: “Following you, we always learn a lot. You are like a treasure trove, always bringing us surprises.”
Hiroshi Nohara simply shook his head with a smile, his nonchalance suggesting that everything he did was effortless.
“Alright, both Section Chiefs, you don’t need to praise me so much,” Hiroshi Nohara said with a light laugh: “My individual strength is, after all, limited. Therefore, I hope you can mobilize the wisdom and talents of your staff members, and also create some of your own ideas and concepts.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, his eyes full of expectation: “If they are good, I will incorporate them into my manuscripts for filming. After all, it is only through collective wisdom that better works can be created.”
Upon hearing this, Kei Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, and Ichiro Hashishita exchanged glances, their faces showing wry smiles.
Although they said “Hi! We understand!” in response, they knew very well that while this might sound easy, it was as difficult as ascending to heaven.
As Section Chiefs, their daily jobs, besides managing the department, involved racking their brains for creative ideas.
They had even pushed the intelligence of all the staff members in their respective classrooms to the extreme.
However, when they gathered the abilities of all their staff members to produce new chapters of An Shizhi, new stories for World of the Strange, and new segments for Super Change Change Change, they realized how difficult it was to produce them.
They often argued endlessly over a concept, a story, or a shot, sometimes staying up all night.
Yet, even so, the works they created often failed to reach Hiroshi Nohara’s “god-level” standard.
They could even feel that Hiroshi Nohara, by himself, could draw so many manuscripts, as if without any creative limitations, making him seem increasingly terrifyingly strong.
That continuous flow of inspiration, that boundless imagination, that almost obsessive pursuit of perfection in his works, made them, these “old seniors,” feel a deep sense of powerlessness and… despair.
They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was not just a genius; he was a monster.
A monster capable of changing the entire cultural circle of Tokyo.
They also knew that their only option was to closely follow this monster, learn from him, assist him, and even become the sharpest “blades” in his hands.
“Alright, everyone,” Hiroshi Nohara checked the time on his wristwatch, a faint weariness appearing on his face: “I need to go to Deputy Director Asumi’s office to discuss the specific release date for The Tale of Hachiko.”
He stood up, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, his eyes full of expectation: “So, you must continue to work hard. The future of our Tokyo Television Station rests on all of you.”
“Hi! Department Head!” The three responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit and passion.
They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was right.
They had to work hard.
Because only through effort could they keep pace with this monster.
Only through effort could they find their own place in this monster’s era.
Hiroshi Nohara simply nodded with a smile, then walked out of the office with a composed stride.
…
Tokyo Television Production Bureau, Deputy Director Asumi’s Office.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, bathing the room in a golden warmth.
Deputy Director Asumi sat behind his desk, fiddling with a steel pen. The face that always radiated a cheerful smile now held a hint of solemnity.
On the computer screen in front of him was a market analysis report for The Tale of Hachiko.
The report, in the most prominent and glaring red font, stated one sentence: “Box office potential, expected to impact ten billion Yen!”
Ten billion Yen!
This number, like the most precise nuclear bomb, instantly detonated in Deputy Director Asumi’s heart!
He knew what this meant.
It meant that The Tale of Hachiko, this movie, was not just a blockbuster, but an immortal legend that would be recorded in the annals of Tokyo’s film history!
It meant that Hiroshi Nohara, this young man of only twenty-three, would create another miracle!
“Ten billion Yen…” Asumi muttered to himself, his shrewd eyes shimmering with unbelievable shock.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the ecstasy in his heart, and then heard the gentle knock on his office door.
“Come in!” Deputy Director Asumi said in a deep voice.
Hiroshi Nohara pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing Deputy Director Asumi’s slightly solemn expression, he felt a chuckle rise within him.
He knew that Deputy Director Asumi must have also seen the market analysis report for The Tale of Hachiko at this moment.
“Good morning, Deputy Director Asumi,” Hiroshi Nohara greeted with a smile. He walked to the desk, pulled out a chair, and sat down. His composure and steadiness made him stand out in such a setting.
Deputy Director Asumi looked up abruptly. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s young and confident face, his eyes filled with inquiry and curiosity.
“Hiroshi-kun, you’re here,” Deputy Director Asumi said softly, his tone trembling almost imperceptibly: “Have you… have you already seen that market analysis report for The Tale of Hachiko?”
Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his clear eyes undisturbed.
“Yes, I have,” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone calm and firm: “Ten billion Yen, that number is indeed very tempting.”
“Tempting?!” Deputy Director Asumi’s eyes widened instantly. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s nonchalant demeanor and felt amused.
Did this kid not know what ten billion Yen meant for a Japanese domestic film?
That was the box office height that Hollywood blockbusters could achieve!
“Hiroshi-kun, aren’t you… aren’t you excited?” Deputy Director Asumi couldn’t help but ask, his usually cheerful face filled with confusion.
Hiroshi Nohara simply shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his face.
“Excitement is certainly there,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm and composed: “However, Deputy Director Asumi, you also know that I am a producer who pursues the quality of the work. While box office is important, the value of the work itself is the most important.”
He paused, his gaze drifting to the vast Tokyo Bay outside the window, his eyes deep: “Moreover, this movie is not only touching; it also carries profound social significance. It can awaken our inner desires for warmth, connection, and loyalty. It can make more people rethink the relationships between people and the emotions between humans and animals.”
“Therefore, for me, its value has long surpassed the box office itself.”
As Deputy Director Asumi listened to Hiroshi Nohara’s words, the confusion on his face gradually dissipated.
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s young and confident face, feeling a genuine sense of recognition.
“Hiroshi-kun, you are right,” Deputy Director Asumi sighed softly, his tone filled with emotion: “Your scope, your vision, are indeed much higher than ours old folks.”
He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes full of expectation: “However, Hiroshi-kun, since you have completed the post-production of The Tale of Hachiko, and the film review has been unanimously approved, can we start discussing the release date of this movie?”
Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara’s face broke into a satisfied smile. He knew that this was the real purpose of Deputy Director Asumi’s call today, and his own visit.
“Of course, Deputy Director Asumi,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm and firm: “I came today precisely to discuss this matter.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Deputy Director Asumi, his eyes flashing with confidence: “Regarding the release date of The Tale of Hachiko, I already have a preliminary plan in mind. I hope this movie can be presented to everyone at the most suitable time.”
Upon hearing this, Deputy Director Asumi’s face showed interest. He knew that Hiroshi Nohara’s “plan” was by no means ordinary.
“Oh? Hiroshi-kun, what plan do you have? Tell me about it,” Deputy Director Asumi pressed, his tone full of anticipation.
A faint curve formed on Hiroshi Nohara’s lips. His composure and confidence made him exceptionally brilliant at this moment.
He knew this plan would shock everyone again.
He would use his wisdom, his foresight, and his works to change this world and influence more people.
He wanted to make The Tale of Hachiko the second cornerstone of his, Hiroshi Nohara’s, ascent to the peak of culture!
