Chapter 189: 《the Tale Of Hachiko》 Premieres! Ryuichi Koike’s Shock! Everyone’s Eyes Turn Red!
April 29th, the first day of Golden Week, the streets and alleys of Tokyo were adorned with cherry blossoms, scattering the last romance of spring like snow.
However, no one in the Tokyo Television Production Bureau was enjoying this rare holiday.
Hiroshi Nohara’s Independent Production Department, including the lead actor team, the distribution team, the Tokyo TV executives, and even the members of the Nohara Classroom, were all gathered.
They were not on vacation, but had collectively booked the largest screening room in Tokyo City – the “Palace of Light and Shadow,” located in the heart of Ginza.
This screening room was renowned for its grand scale, capable of accommodating a thousand people, and its extremely luxurious interior decoration.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, resembling an inverted galaxy, illuminating the entire space with a brilliant golden glow.
The air was filled with a mixed aroma of faint sandalwood incense and high-end perfume, and the thick, soft Persian carpet beneath their feet made every step silent.
Hiroshi Nohara stood at the entrance of the screening room, his gaze calmly sweeping over the magnificent space.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored dark gray suit, appearing tall and upright, with a hint of composure and ease in his demeanor.
“Spectacular, truly spectacular,” Hiroshi Nohara murmured. Even in his previous life, this Palace of Light and Shadow would have been considered an extremely luxurious screening room.
Director Sakata, standing beside him, beamed with pride. He patted Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder, his voice steady and strong, “Indeed, Hiroshi-kun, this was specially booked for Governor Koike. A few days ago, Governor Koike’s secretary informed us that the Governor plans to bring some civil servants from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office to watch this movie. Therefore, we must take it seriously and not be negligent in any way.”
His words were filled with respect for Governor Koike, and a hint of expectation for Hiroshi Nohara.
“It’s a great honor to have Your Excellency the Governor lead a delegation here!” Deputy Director Asumi stood nearby, dressed in a brand-new suit, repeatedly adjusting his tie in front of his secretary.
His face was etched with unconcealed nervousness and excitement.
“Do you think my tie is not quite neat enough?” Deputy Director Asumi asked somewhat anxiously, his eyes gleaming with a persistence for a perfect image.
Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada, also adjusting his tie at this moment, showed a slightly stiff smile on his usually somber face.
“Mr. Asumi, you already look very dashing,” Toshihide Takada coughed lightly, a hint of unnoticeable envy in his tone. “I, on the other hand, feel that this suit of mine might be a bit too old-fashioned? After all, we are meeting Your Excellency the Governor today.”
He even took out a small mirror and meticulously examined himself in it, fearing any slight imperfection.
Director Sakata, watching the two of them looking so nervous, couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “You two are both quite dashing! The Governor isn’t here to inspect your appearance; he’s here to watch the movie!”
His words, laced with just the right amount of teasing, immediately drew light laughter from the surrounding Tokyo Television executives and members of the Independent Production Department.
Everyone looked at Asumi and Toshihide Takada’s “embarrassed” appearance, their faces beaming with benevolent smiles.
However, on the other side of the screening room, Director Eiji Kurosawa appeared unusually calm. He was dressed in a dark kimono, seated, holding a cup of hot tea, his gaze calmly sweeping over the screening room.
Beside him sat directors Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano. The expressions on their faces were completely different from Eiji Kurosawa’s.
Soji Ashikaga’s face was covered in fine beads of sweat, and he continuously wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. The nervousness was almost bursting from his body.
Kouta Asano was even more so. The plumpness of his face had lost its usual amiability, replaced by an almost rigid solemnity. His hands were clenched into fists on his knees, his body trembling slightly.
Although both of them were veteran directors, they had mostly interacted with people from the film and television circles in their daily lives.
They had never had such close contact with an important figure like Governor Koike, who controlled the entire administrative power of Tokyo Metropolis.
This oppressive feeling from the pinnacle of power made them feel a deep sense of powerlessness and fear.
“Mr. Ashikaga, Mr. Asano, why are you two so nervous?” Eiji Kurosawa asked with a light chuckle, his tone carrying a perfectly appropriate comfort. “Relax, relax. Today, we are all here to watch a movie, not to attend a trial.”
He paused, his tone carrying a hint of self-deprecation. “Besides, even if Your Excellency the Governor were to speak with us, he would be speaking with Mr. Sakata and Mr. Nohara. We old bones wouldn’t have the qualification to speak with Your Excellency the Governor.”
Upon hearing this, Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
Eiji Kurosawa was right; they indeed didn’t have the qualification to speak with the Governor. This gap in status was something they could not bridge no matter what.
However, it was precisely this “truth” that made them feel a sense of relief.
They exchanged glances, seeing the same “release” in each other’s eyes.
“Director Kurosawa is right,” Soji Ashikaga exhaled a long breath, as if all his nervousness and fear had been carried away by it.
“Yes, we little people, how could we have the qualification to speak with Your Excellency the Governor?” Kouta Asano echoed, the stiff smile on his face softening slightly.
They knew that today, they only needed to quietly watch the movie, quietly experience the shock of art, and that would be enough.
After all, their efforts were also part of The Tale of Hachiko.
Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze calmly swept across the screening room. He saw that everyone had taken their seats, and the atmosphere gradually shifted from initial clamor to a mixture of anticipation and tension.
He knew that the feast belonging to The Tale of Hachiko was about to begin.
Soon, a slight commotion could be heard from the entrance of the screening room.
All eyes turned uniformly towards the entrance.
A slender, energetic figure, surrounded by several secretaries, slowly entered. He was dressed in a sharp suit, his brow conveying an imposing dignity and composure that commanded respect without anger.
It was the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis – Ryuichi Koike!
Beside him, Minister of Publicity Tadashi Hattori followed closely, his face wearing a perfectly appropriate respectful expression.
Ryuichi Koike’s campaign team was also present, each man in a sharp suit, looking spirited, clearly placing great hope on today’s screening.
Director Sakata quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Ryuichi Koike, his posture respectful and humble.
“Your Excellency the Governor! Your presence and guidance is truly an honor for us at Tokyo Television!” Sakata’s voice carried a perfectly appropriate flattery.
Deputy Director Asumi and Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada followed suit, bowing deeply to Ryuichi Koike, their faces beaming with sincere smiles.
“Your Excellency the Governor, hello!”
“Your Excellency the Governor, happy new year!”
Ryuichi Koike nodded with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, a hint of imperceptible satisfaction flashing in his deep eyes.
He walked up to Hiroshi Nohara, extended his hand, and gently patted Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder, a smile of admiration appearing on his face. “Mr. Nohara, today, we have all come for your movie.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency the Governor!” Hiroshi Nohara bowed humbly in return.
He knew that Governor Koike’s words were not only giving him “face” but also showing everyone the importance he placed on The Tale of Hachiko.
“Mm,” Ryuichi Koike simply smiled and nodded. He glanced around the screening room, then turned his gaze to Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara, his tone carrying an unquestionable command: “Mr. Sakata, Mr. Nohara, you two will sit next to me.”
His words, like a clap of thunder on a clear day, instantly reverberated through the screening room!
All eyes turned uniformly to Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara, their gazes filled with envy and shock.
To be able to sit next to Your Excellency the Governor, what an extraordinary honor this was!
This was not only an affirmation of their personal abilities but also a great recognition of their political status!
Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara bowed their heads in agreement upon hearing this.
This was Governor Koike “lifting them up” and showing everyone the importance he placed on Tokyo Television and Hiroshi Nohara.
At Ryuichi Koike’s signal, everyone took their seats.
Sakata sat to Ryuichi Koike’s right, and Hiroshi Nohara sat to Ryuichi Koike’s left.
This position was undoubtedly the most central and most eye-catching in the screening room.
“Alright,” Sakata signaled to the projectionist that the screening could begin.
The lights in the screening room slowly dimmed, the giant screen lit up, and the movie was about to be broadcast.
However, during the preparations for the movie screening, Ryuichi Koike suddenly turned his head, looked at Hiroshi Nohara, and his tone carried a perfectly appropriate “curiosity”: “Mr. Nohara, how much confidence do you have in this movie? Is it really as good as you say?”
His voice was soft, but it was filled with the probing and pressure characteristic of someone in a superior position.
Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his clear eyes showing no ripples.
He knew that Governor Koike was testing him, and also giving him an opportunity to showcase his “strength” again.
“Your Excellency the Governor, please rest assured,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm and firm. “This movie is not just good; it is… it is more perfect than I had anticipated.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ryuichi Koike, his eyes shining with confidence. “I dare to assert that this The Tale of Hachiko will undoubtedly become the box office champion this year, and even, a legendary, immortal work that will be recorded in the annals of Japanese cinema history!”
Upon hearing this, Ryuichi Koike’s eyebrows twitched. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s young and confident face, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
He nodded, then turned his gaze to Sakata, his tone carrying an undeniable command: “Mr. Sakata, you must remember, I am placing a significant portion of my campaign’s core effort on this movie this time. I hope it does not disappoint me.”
He paused, his tone becoming serious. “If this movie becomes a huge hit, then, by being associated with it, I can gain more attention, public affection, and votes. But, if it fails…”
Ryuichi Koike did not finish, but the threat embedded in his tone made Sakata’s heart tremble.
Sakata quickly replied respectfully, “Your Excellency the Governor, please believe in Hiroshi-kun. He will absolutely not disappoint you.”
Ryuichi Koike simply smiled and nodded, saying no more.
Just then, the screen flickered.
The movie The Tale of Hachiko finally officially began its broadcast.
The lights in the screening room completely dimmed, and the giant screen lit up, drawing everyone’s attention.
An atmosphere of tension and anticipation filled the air, with only the faint hum of the projector and the rustling of film reels echoing in the enclosed space.
Governor Koike sat upright in the center, his usually stern face now taut, a hint of imperceptible solemnity in his brow.
His slender fingers rested lightly on his knees, and he sat up straight, as if not watching a movie, but reviewing an extremely important political report.
Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara beside him also remained silent, their gazes fixed on the screen.
The opening scene of the movie depicted the Akita countryside in 1924, covered in snow, a scene of tranquility.
An abandoned Akita puppy, its eyes filled with helplessness and curiosity.
Subsequently, the scene shifted to Shibuya Station in Tokyo, bustling with crowds and heavy traffic, where Professor Eizaburo Ueno appeared.
Professor Ueno encountered the Akita puppy, its wet eyes full of the innocence and desire for a new world.
“Oh? Such a cute puppy, a heartwarming encounter.” Governor Koike’s brow furrowed slightly, and the corners of his originally tense mouth seemed to relax a little.
He glanced at the silly and cute puppy on the screen, a hint of imperceptible gentleness flashing in his eyes.
In the first act of the movie, the Akita puppy was brought home by the professor and named “Hachiko.” Hachiko’s life at the professor’s home was depicted as warm and full of charm.
In the morning, Hachiko would escort the professor to Shibuya Station. In the evening, when the professor returned from work, Hachiko would be waiting at the station entrance precisely to greet him.
These everyday scenes, like trickling streams, slowly nourished the hearts of the audience.
“It’s truly heartwarming…” Governor Koike’s expression gradually softened. His slender fingers unconsciously began to tap lightly on his knees, the rhythm seeming to synchronize with Hachiko’s wagging tail in the movie.
He even couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, a sound filled with a long-lost sense of relaxation.
In the second act of the movie, Hachiko and the professor’s daily life became even more deeply ingrained in people’s hearts. Regardless of wind, rain, or harsh cold and heat, Hachiko never missed their reunion.
“The heartwarming and tender plot is really impressive. Even I feel warm inside,” a faint glow flickered in Governor Koike’s eyes at this moment.
His originally soft expression became somewhat solemn, yet also held a hint of surprise.
He recalled the old dog he had once owned; that companionship, that tacit understanding, all surged back to him like a tide.
He let out a soft sigh and leaned forward slightly, clearly deeply engrossed in the movie.
In the third act of the movie, tragedy quietly descended. One ordinary morning, Hachiko escorted the professor out as usual, but it became a farewell.
“This… how could it be a tragedy?” Governor Koike’s face instantly turned solemn, a hint of imperceptible sadness flashing in his deep eyes.
His slender fingers unconsciously clenched into fists, as if he felt heartache for Hachiko’s sudden sense of loss.
He glanced at Hiroshi Nohara beside him, his eyes filled with inquiry, as if asking, “This… is this really going to happen?”
In the fourth act of the movie, the professor’s funeral, and Hachiko’s day-after-day waiting.
In the screening room, sobs could be heard one after another.
Many people couldn’t help but sob quietly, the sadness spreading through the screening room like a plague.
“Could it really be… like this? This kind of emotion, it’s truly the instinctual, primal nature of animals that can manifest such precious loyalty!” Governor Koike’s face was now streaked with tears.
His deep eyes were filled with unconcealable sadness and emotion.
His slender fingers unconsciously wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. The shock from the depths of his heart made him, a seasoned politician, completely immersed in the movie.
In the climax of the movie, Hachiko was already old and frail. It lay in a corner of Shibuya Station, its body weak, but its eyes still stubbornly gazing towards the station entrance.
It seemed to see, among the crowd, that familiar figure, smiling and walking towards it. The professor had returned.
Hachiko struggled to stand up, wagged its tail, and walked step by step towards the professor. It collapsed. In its dream, it was reunited with the professor.
The scene showed Hachiko’s initial encounter with the professor at the station, where the professor crouched down, embraced Hachiko tightly, and the man and dog smiled at each other in the setting sun.
Then, the image gradually blurred, finally settling on the bronze statue in front of Shibuya Station, symbolizing Hachiko’s loyalty.
The movie ended.
Governor Koike slowly stood up from his seat, tears still on his face, his eyes red, but his gaze filled with indescribable shock and fervor.
He did not speak, but raised his hand and, with trembling hands, began to applaud.
“Clap! Clap! Clap!”
The applause, like raindrops, echoed in the screening room.
Sakata, Asumi, Toshihide Takada, and all the Tokyo Television executives and members of the Independent Production Department also stood up in unison and applauded towards the screen.
The applause grew more passionate, louder and louder, resounding through the entire screening room like thunder.
This applause was not just praise for the movie, but also respect for Hiroshi Nohara’s talent, a tribute to Hachiko’s loyalty, and an ode to the pure emotion between humans and dogs.
Ryuichi Koike walked up to Hiroshi Nohara. Tears still stained his face, but his eyes were filled with admiration and expectation. He extended his hand and firmly grasped Hiroshi Nohara’s, the emotion making him, a seasoned politician, somewhat unable to contain himself.
“Mr. Nohara, you did very well,” Ryuichi Koike’s voice was hoarse but full of sincerity and emotion. “You did… exceptionally well! This movie is not just good; it… it touches the depths of the soul!”
He paused, his gaze turning to Sakata beside him, his tone becoming exceptionally serious. “Mr. Sakata, you must remember that a genius like Mr. Nohara is a treasure for our Japan! He is not only the future of Tokyo Television but also the hope for our Tokyo Metropolis, and even the whole of Japan!”
“Therefore, you must cultivate him diligently, provide him with the best resources and the best platform! Never let him suffer any grievances! He is the best helper for the future governance of our Tokyo Metropolis!”
Upon hearing this, Sakata’s body trembled violently, his eyes widened instantly, and his face showed disbelief!
He stared blankly at Governor Koike, his mind in utter chaos.
He had never imagined that Governor Koike would give Hiroshi Nohara such a high evaluation!
He even said he was “the best helper for the future governance of Tokyo Metropolis”?!
This… this was simply an unprecedented honor! It meant that Hiroshi Nohara was no longer just a cultural creator; he was stepping onto the central stage of Japanese politics!
Sakata quickly responded respectfully, “Yes! Your Excellency the Governor! Please rest assured! I, Sakata Shinobu, will go all out to diligently cultivate Hiroshi-kun! I will absolutely not let down the expectations you and the Tokyo Metropolis have for him!”
He paused, his tone becoming even firmer. “I guarantee that Hiroshi Nohara will make even greater contributions to Your Excellency the Governor and the future of Tokyo Metropolis!”
Ryuichi Koike nodded with satisfaction. His slender fingers gently patted Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder again, his gaze deep and filled with expectation.
“Mr. Nohara, you must remember that your talent and your works are not just for film art, but for the future of our Japan.”
Ryuichi Koike’s voice was filled with emotion. “Not just Tokyo Metropolis; if there is an opportunity, I believe the Party Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party would also be very willing to engage in in-depth discussions with a talented young person like you.”
Boom—!
Asumi, Toshihide Takada, Eiji Kurosawa, and all the Tokyo Television executives and civil servants present stood frozen in place, their faces etched with an incredulous horror!
The Party Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party?!
That was a “big shot” in Japanese politics! The true core of power that controlled the lifeline of the entire country!
Governor Koike was actually implying that Hiroshi Nohara had the opportunity for “in-depth discussions” with that Party Leader?!
This… this was simply an unprecedented honor! It meant that Hiroshi Nohara was no longer just a cultural creator; he was gradually moving towards the center of Japan’s political stage!
Ryuichi Koike said no more. He simply sighed softly, his gaze returning to the giant screen, his eyes filled with emotion. “This movie has made me rethink many things. It has made me understand that in this world, the purest love is often found in the most inconspicuous places.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Hiroshi Nohara, a benevolent smile appearing on his face. “Mr. Nohara, I look forward to your future works. You are the hope of our Japan.”
With that, he patted Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder again, and then, flanked by Minister of Publicity Tadashi Hattori and several secretaries, he strode calmly out of the screening room.
Inside the screening room, only Hiroshi Nohara and his group, along with the Tokyo Television executives and civil servants still immersed in the immense shock, remained.
Director Sakata watched the receding figure of Governor Koike, then looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s young and confident face, his own face beaming with uncontrollable ecstasy.
He suddenly turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his tone becoming impassioned: “Everyone! Today, we have witnessed a miracle! We have witnessed Hiroshi Nohara-kun, once again create a miracle that will shake the entirety of Neon!”
“《The Tale of Hachiko》, it is not just a movie, it is a cultural symbol, a great work that can influence an era and change the world!”
He paused, his tone filled with decisiveness: “Therefore, I declare! Tonight, we at Tokyo Television Station will book the most exclusive club in Ginza – ‘Golden Pavilion’! We will hold there, for Hiroshi Nohara-kun, for 《The Tale of Hachiko》, an unprecedented celebration banquet!”
“All Tokyo Television Station employees, all members of the Independent Production Department, and all personnel involved in the production of 《The Tale of Hachiko》 will attend for free! We will revel and celebrate to our heart’s content! Because, we know, this movie will definitely be a hit! It will definitely be the box office champion this year, and even, it will become an immortal legend that can be written into the history books of Neon cinema!”
Boom—!
Nobuhiko Sakata’s words were like thunder from a clear sky, instantly exploding in the screening room!
“Oh—!”
“That’s great!”
“Long live Director Sakata!”
“Long live Minister Nohara!”
After a brief silence, the scene instantly erupted into a huge clamor and celebration!
Everyone was so excited they couldn’t speak coherently, they cheered and hugged each other, their ecstasy almost shaking the entire screening room.
They knew that Director Sakata was right.
《The Tale of Hachiko》 will definitely be a hit!
And they will personally witness the change of an era, a brand new cultural era, pioneered by Hiroshi Nohara, dramatically arriving!
……
The black Toyota business car smoothly departed from the “Palace of Light and Shadow” and entered the bustling streets of downtown Tokyo.
Outside the car window, cherry blossoms spun and danced in the spring breeze, adding a touch of poetry to the noisy city. However, a deep silence permeated the car, forming a stark contrast with the prosperity outside.
Governor Ryuichi Koike, at this moment, was leaning tiredly against the back seat of the business car. His face, usually dignified and sharp, now bore a trace of lingering blush, his eyes slightly red, and his gaze somewhat dazed, as if he were still immersed in the immense emotional impact of the movie 《The Tale of Hachiko》.
His fingers lightly rested on his knees, his fingertips still trembling slightly, indicating the deep, unquenchable agitation within him.
Having weathered many political storms, he had long cultivated a calm demeanor that remained unshaken even when Mount Tai collapsed before him. However, this movie was like the sharpest blade, precisely dissecting the softest corner of his heart, making him, an old-school politician, cry like a child.
That pure loyalty, that silent waiting, that bond that transcended life and death, washed over his soul again and again like a tide, making him feel an unprecedented shock and emotion.
After all, he was also an old man, yet he had never experienced the loyalty of such a devoted Akita Dog as the protagonist, Professor Ueno.
Ryuichi Koike felt empathy, but also regret because of it.
The secretary sitting in the passenger seat, through the rearview mirror, keenly captured Governor Koike’s “dispirited” appearance. His heart tightened, knowing that the Governor’s emotions at this moment were far from ordinary.
He quickly poured a cup of hot tea from the thermos beside him, unscrewed the lid, and offered it to Governor Koike, his voice respectful and appropriately gentle: “Your Excellency the Governor, please have a cup of hot tea to ease your mood.”
Ryuichi Koike paused slightly, then came back to his senses.
He took the hot tea from his secretary, and the warmth of the cup against his fingertips seemed to bring a touch of earthly comfort. He unscrewed the lid and took a sip. The tea, as it went down his throat, carried a faint bitterness and an aftertaste, which also helped his thoughts gradually detach from the sadness of the movie.
Just then, the business car stopped slightly, and several people got out of the following business car.
The car door was opened, and Minister of Publicity Tadashi Hattori, along with several key members of the campaign team, also got into the car.
They had stayed behind to deal with the media outside, so they had just caught up to regroup and report to Ryuichi Koike.
However, once they sat down in the car, each of them still had lingering tear stains on their faces, their eyes red and swollen, but their eyes were filled with irrepressible excitement and fanaticism.
Ryuichi Koike’s gaze swept over them. A meaningful smile appeared on his usually stern face.
He looked at Tadashi Hattori, then at the key members of the campaign team, and said, his voice slightly hoarse but still carrying the composure and authority of a superior: “Everyone, after watching 《The Tale of Hachiko》, how did you feel?”
Upon hearing this, Tadashi Hattori showed an expected smile. He didn’t rush to speak, but calmly looked at the key members of the campaign team, his eyes carrying a slight, appropriate hint of “I knew it all along.”
As for the key members of the campaign team, they had no time to wipe the mess of tears and sweat from their faces. They spoke one after another, their voices filled with irrepressible excitement and emotion.
“Your Excellency the Governor! This… this is simply a masterpiece!” A campaign consultant, who looked to be in his forties and appeared shrewd and capable, excitedly waved the documents in his hand, his voice trembling slightly: “I never imagined that a movie about a dog could be made so… so deeply touching! It made even a heart of stone like me cry buckets!”
“Yes! Your Excellency the Governor!” another senior campaign manager echoed. His usually stern face was now covered in tear streaks: “I have worked in politics for thirty years and have seen countless sentimental promotional films, but none have moved me as profoundly as 《The Tale of Hachiko》! It’s simply… an emotional nuclear bomb!”
“Nuclear bomb? No, it’s an emotional tsunami!” a young campaign planner also said excitedly, the tears still shimmering in his bright eyes: “Your Excellency the Governor, you wouldn’t believe it! During the movie screening, I saw my colleagues around me, including those who are usually the most calm and rational analysts, crying their eyes out! They all said that this movie is bound to explode across Neon and become the most tear-jerking and socially impactful work of the year!”
“Most importantly, the intent of this movie is simply brilliant!” the campaign consultant became excited again, his shrewd eyes flashing with fanaticism: “It uses the pure loyalty of a dog to contrast the complexity and preciousness of human emotions, awakening in our hearts a longing for warmth, for connection, for loyalty! This… this is simply a promotional film tailor-made for your campaign!”
“Indeed, Your Excellency the Governor! This movie is not only touching, but it also has profound social significance! It will have an extremely positive promotional effect on the citizens of Tokyo Metropolis and the people of Neon!” the campaign manager echoed, his tear-streaked face now filled with infinite longing for the future: “It will make more people rethink the relationships between people, the emotions between humans and animals, and how our nation should inherit and promote the spirit of ‘loyalty’ in modern society!”
Ryuichi Koike listened quietly to their praise, and the meaningful smile on his face gradually became more genuine.
He gently stroked his beard again with his long fingers, his gaze falling on Tadashi Hattori, his eyes holding a perfectly judged self-mockery and helplessness.
“Minister Tadashi Hattori, you were right,” Ryuichi Koike said softly, his voice filled with emotion: “I did think you were exaggerating earlier. A movie about a dog could make you, the Minister of Publicity, so excited, so affirmative. I was wondering if you had been working too hard lately and your mind was a bit fuzzy.”
He paused, a bitter smile appearing on his face: “But, after watching this movie today, I realized that what you said was not exaggerated at all! In fact, I even feel that what you said was not enough!”
Upon hearing this, Tadashi Hattori showed an expected smile. He knew that the Governor was “flattering” him and also admitting his “mistake.”
He just nodded gently, his tone calm and firm: “Yes, Your Excellency the Governor. This movie is indeed very brilliant. Although it’s my first time watching it, the feedback I received from Eirin was just like that. They all said that this movie is a rare masterpiece in recent years, a great work that can be written into history. Therefore, I choose to believe professional evaluations.”
Hearing this, Ryuichi Koike burst into laughter, his voice like ice cracking in winter, full of uninhibited delight.
“Good! Well said, ‘believe professional evaluations’!” Ryuichi Koike said with a smile, patting Tadashi Hattori’s shoulder, his tone carrying a perfectly judged teasing: “Minister Tadashi Hattori, you fellow, you are truly… so good at ‘leveraging’! But, I like it!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, and the ease and joy on his face infected everyone.
“Your Excellency the Governor, since this movie is so brilliant and has such social significance,” the campaign consultant suddenly thought of something, his shrewd eyes instantly flashing with fanaticism: “Didn’t we set up a Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station before? Now that the movie is released, it will inevitably ignite public opinion, and by then, Shibuya Station will definitely become a popular tourist spot!”
He leaned forward slightly, his voice filled with anticipation: “So, Your Excellency the Governor, we can definitely take advantage of this momentum and hold another campaign event at Shibuya Station! You can personally attend, interact with the public, take a group photo with the Hachiko statue, and tell the story of Hachiko, and your understanding of loyalty! This way, your approachable image, your sense of responsibility, and your commitment will all be greatly enhanced!”
The campaign consultant’s words were like thunder from a clear sky, instantly exploding in the car!
Everyone stared blankly at the campaign consultant, their faces filled with shock and ecstasy.
They had never imagined that the campaign consultant could combine the movie’s promotion with Governor Koike’s campaign so perfectly and ingeniously!
This was simply… a brilliant idea!
Ryuichi Koike listened quietly to the campaign consultant’s proposal, a shrewd and decisive light, characteristic of a politician, flashing in his deep eyes.
He gently stroked his beard again with his long fingers, constantly calculating the feasibility of this plan in his mind.
Shibuya Station, Hachiko statue, movie popularity, public emotion… everything fit together perfectly, like carefully calculated gears.
“Good! Good one, ‘brilliant idea’!” Ryuichi Koike slapped his thigh with a bang, his voice filled with unreserved admiration: “I agree with this plan! We will now fully align ourselves with 《The Tale of Hachiko》! We will perfectly combine Hachiko’s spirit of loyalty with my campaign philosophy!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his eyes filled with command: “At the same time, Minister Tadashi Hattori, you will immediately notify the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office and make sure someone takes good care of Hachiko! From now on, it will accompany me to every campaign event!”
“We want Hachiko to be not only the protagonist of the movie but also the ‘mascot’ for the future governance of Tokyo Metropolis! It will become the closest and warmest connection between me and the public!”
Ryuichi Koike’s words were sonorous, each word filled with power.
Everyone’s faces were filled with ecstasy.
They knew that Governor Koike intended to fully integrate the movie 《The Tale of Hachiko》, and the cultural symbol Hachiko, into his campaign strategy!
This would be an unprecedented attempt, and also a “miracle” destined to be written into the history of Neon politics!
“Yes! Your Excellency the Governor! We understand!” All the key members of the campaign team responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit and passion.
Tadashi Hattori also responded respectfully: “Yes! Your Excellency the Governor! Please rest assured! I will do my utmost to take good care of Hachiko and ensure your campaign promotion is done to the best of my ability!”
The car interior was instantly filled with a joyous atmosphere.
Everyone looked at Ryuichi Koike’s confident face, at his deep eyes, and felt a strong premonition in their hearts.
They knew that with the combined efforts of Governor Koike and the monster Hiroshi Nohara, this election campaign would undoubtedly achieve unprecedented success!
And they would personally witness the change of an era, a brand new political and cultural era, pioneered by Ryuichi Koike and Hiroshi Nohara, dramatically arriving!
Ryuichi Koike simply smiled, his gaze directed towards the vast Tokyo Bay outside the window.
Outside the car, the cherry blossoms were still blooming beautifully, but in Ryuichi Koike’s eyes, there was no longer the tenderness of spring, but the joy of an autumn harvest, and the deep contemplation of a winter strategy.
He knew that an unprecedented political and cultural feast was about to begin.
“I really didn’t expect this movie to exceed my expectations, to be so brilliant.” Ryuichi Koike clenched his fist, his eyes becoming more and more pleased: “Tokyo TV is indeed my lucky place!”
