Chapter 190: 2.1 Billion First-day Box Office! Defeating Hollywood’s Box Office! The Carnival Begins!
The next day, Tokyo’s entertainment circle was like a depth charge had been dropped into it; all calm and inertia were instantly shattered, unleashing towering waves.
Those newspapers usually known for their calm and objective reporting were now also swept away by the emotional flood brought by 《The Tale of Hachiko》, rushing to report the film’s grand success with the most eye-catching and sensational headlines.
《Tokyo Daily》 culture front page: 【《The Tale of Hachiko》: A hymn of loyalty transcending life and death, questioning the soul of the Japanese people!】
“After 《Seven Samurai》 deconstructed era and class with its epic grandeur, Minister Hiroshi Nohara once again shocked all of Japan with the heartwarming masterpiece 《The Tale of Hachiko》. The film uses an Akita dog’s unwavering wait of ten years to give a fresh interpretation of the ancient samurai spirit of ‘loyalty’ against the backdrop of the modern city.
Film critic Kazuma Kitazawa raved: ‘Hiroshi Nohara’s lenses always pierce through the glitz straight to the depths of the soul. With a dog’s purity, he cleanses our hearts polluted by the world, making us reexamine what true loyalty means. This is not just an animal epic, but an allegory of humanity; it will leave an eternal mark in the river of time.'”
《Yomiuri Shimbun》 editorial: 【From samurai loyalty to masters to Hachiko’s vigil: How does Hiroshi Nohara reshape Japan’s ‘loyalty’ totem?】
“In traditional Japanese culture, a samurai’s loyalty to his lord is the noblest virtue. Yet in modern society, the definition of this ‘loyalty’ has become increasingly blurred, even corroded by profit. Minister Hiroshi Nohara, this young man hailed as a ‘cultural monster,’ boldly projects this concept onto an Akita dog, sparking deep societal reflection on ‘loyalty.’
Sociologist Professor Taro Yamada pointed out: ‘Hiroshi Nohara’s 《The Tale of Hachiko》 is not a subversion of the samurai spirit, but a more ingenious inheritance. With the animal’s selflessness and purity, he contrasts the complexity and preciousness of human emotions, skillfully guiding the nation to elevate this loyalty from personal attachment to commitment to family, society, and even the nation. His precise grasp of the national psyche is astounding.'”
《Asahi Shimbun》 entertainment edition: 【Tears and shock intertwined! 《The Tale of Hachiko》 ignites a viewing frenzy, national emotional resonance unprecedented!】
“Since the premiere of 《The Tale of Hachiko》 yesterday, theaters nationwide have been packed, with countless audiences in screening rooms moved to tears, even lingering long after the film ends. Hachiko’s bond with the professor, that wait transcending life and death, deeply touched every Japanese heart.
Renowned emotional expert Hanako Watanabe commented: ‘Minister Hiroshi Nohara has once again proven his extraordinary mastery of emotional narrative. Hachiko’s ten-year vigil not only awakens our deep longing for pure connection, but also prompts reflection on the growing alienation between people and people, people and animals in modern society. This will undoubtedly be the warmest, most healing work in this indifferent era.'”
《Shukan Bunshun》 special report: 【《The Tale of Hachiko》: A film that moves even the hardest hearts! Hiroshi Nohara’s artistic magic!】
“The film review committee passed it unanimously, Governor Ryuichi Koike of Tokyo Metropolis personally attended the premiere and shed tears on site, underscoring 《The Tale of Hachiko》’s artistic charm and emotional impact. Several senior film critics even propose rating it Best Picture of the Year. We have reason to believe this film will be the most tear-jerking and socially influential work this year.
Film critic Mimi Kimura pointed out: ‘Hiroshi Nohara’s talent needs no further description. He always sparks societal hot debate with the most unique perspectives and precise entry points. From the epic scope of 《Seven Samurai》 to the tender detail of 《The Tale of Hachiko》, every attempt subverts our imagination and creates new cultural symbols. He is the brightest star in Japan’s film industry, even all of Asia’s film industry!'”
……
Meanwhile, in the heart of Tokyo City, inside an old yet history-laden building, the editorial office of Japan’s most prestigious film review magazine 《Eiga Shunpo》 was in an uproar.
The air was thick with the aroma of rich coffee and ink.
But even thicker was the intense, respect-filled discussion sparked by 《The Tale of Hachiko》.
“My God! I can hardly believe my eyes!”
A veteran editor with graying hair and thick glasses slammed the newspaper in his hand onto the desk, his voice trembling uncontrollably: “I’ve watched films for thirty years, written reviews for twenty, and never has a film like 《The Tale of Hachiko》 made me sob uncontrollably while feeling so profoundly shocked!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over his colleagues, those cloudy eyes now gleaming with unprecedented light: “I originally thought Hiroshi Nohara’s samurai film was just luck, riding on Director Kurosawa’s foundation. But now, I see… I was so narrow-minded! What he made isn’t some pet movie; it’s clearly a human epic! An emotional nuclear bomb!”
“Senior Tanaka is right!”
Another young editor, face still tear-streaked, jumped to his feet, waving his pen excitedly, his tone filled with fanatical worship: “I too doubted the film at first, thinking using a dog to tell of loyalty insulted our Japanese bushido spirit. But after watching, I realized… I was so foolish! Minister Nohara truly understands ‘loyalty’! With the dog’s purity, he cleanses our worldly-polluted hearts, making us reexamine our nation’s most precious spirit!”
“And have you noticed, the film’s shooting techniques are textbook level!”
A female editor said excitedly, her sparkling eyes still glistening with tears: “Every lens is filled with emotion, every image strikes the heart! Especially Hachiko’s performance—it’s simply… divine inspiration! I even suspect Minister Nohara can really communicate with dogs, or how else could he capture such soulful acting?!”
“This is beyond mere directing skill; it’s… transcendent artistic genius!”
An elderly critic couldn’t help but sigh, his usually stern face now streaked with tears: “From the grand narrative of 《Seven Samurai》 to the tender detail of 《The Tale of Hachiko》, Hiroshi Nohara has thoroughly proven himself! He’s not just a samurai film director; he’s an all-around director who can master any theme and produce classics!”
“All-around director? No, he’s an all-around artist!”
A young intern, face flushed with excitement, even waved his fist, his tone brimming with uncontainable thrill: “He’s also a manga artist! A variety show producer! A TV drama producer! He’s a monster! A monster who can change Japan’s entire cultural circle!”
“Yes! I even think he’s the one who can truly represent Japanese culture, go global, conquer the world!”
In the editorial office, praises and exclamations surged like tides, completely overwhelming the space.
Everyone was so excited they were incoherent, vying to express their love for the film, admiration for Hiroshi Nohara, and boundless longing for its future prospects.
They looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s impossibly young face, that poise and confidence, that unfathomable talent, making these “senior veterans” who had toiled in the film circle for half a lifetime feel a deep powerlessness and… terror.
“He’s only twenty-three…” Senior Tanaka murmured, a trace of indescribable fear flickering in his cloudy eyes: “At twenty-three, producing such a work, wielding such influence… it’s terrifyingly elite!”
He let out a long breath.
That breath carried a hint of reflection, self-mockery, and genuine admiration for Hiroshi Nohara.
“Japan has produced… an unprecedented monster!”
……
Tokyo Television Production Bureau, Nohara Independent Production Department office.
Spring sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, gilding the room in golden warmth.
Hiroshi Nohara sat behind the desk, cradling a cup of hot tea, his calm gaze sweeping over the city skyline gilded by spring sun outside the window, eyes with a hint of amusement.
He was awaiting good news, and the good news had indeed arrived.
“Minister! Minister!”
The office door was pushed open, and Yō Kitagawa, the young employee who first followed Hiroshi Nohara, burst in almost at a run, face beaming with uncontainable excitement, waving a stack of newspapers.
“Minister! Look! Look at these newspapers!”
Yō Kitagawa excitedly slapped the newspapers onto the desk, her voice nearly shattering the office glass: “They’re all praising you, praising 《The Tale of Hachiko》! Everyone says you’re a genius! A monster! Japan’s pride!”
She took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her ecstasy, eyes filled with fanatical worship: “Minister! You’re… too amazing! You’ve created another miracle! A miracle shocking all of Japan!”
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly; he knew this was all within his expectations.
“Oh? Is that so?” Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone with just the right touch of cooperation.
“Yes! Minister! You don’t know, all of Tokyo is discussing 《The Tale of Hachiko》 right now!”
Yō Kitagawa’s body trembled slightly with excitement, stars in her sparkling big eyes: “On my way to work, I heard so many people talking about the film! They say it made them sob, but also warmed their hearts, very moving!”
She paused, her tone even more excited: “I even got a call from my best friend! She used to have zero interest in movies! But after seeing 《The Tale of Hachiko》, she cried for half an hour on the phone! She said she’d take her whole family to the theater for a second, third viewing! She even said she’d raise an Akita dog, just like Hachiko, smart and loyal!”
Listening to Yō Kitagawa’s description, the calm smile on Hiroshi Nohara’s face gradually became genuine.
This was the feedback he most wanted to hear.
“As long as everyone likes it.” Hiroshi Nohara sighed softly, tone with amusement: “If everyone likes it, then all our efforts are worthwhile.”
He paused, gaze turning to Yō Kitagawa, eyes flickering with just the right “curiosity”: “Kitagawa, you said your best friend also wants to raise an Akita dog?”
“Yes! Minister!” Yō Kitagawa nodded vigorously, face beaming with excited smile: “She even said she’d give away her family’s cats to raise an Akita dog! She says Akita dogs are too cute! And so smart, so loyal! Perfect pets!”
She paused, tone with just the right “complaint”: “Minister, you don’t know, so many female colleagues in our office are discussing Akita dogs now! They say after seeing 《The Tale of Hachiko》, they’re totally fans of Hachiko! They even say if they could buy a silly and cute Akita dog like Hachiko, they’d skip buying cosmetics or clothes!”
Hiroshi Nohara smiled with satisfaction.
His plan had succeeded halfway.
“Oh? Is that so?” Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, tone with just the right “probe”: “Then if Nohara Family Co., Ltd. starts selling Akita dogs to the public now, do you think everyone would like it?”
Yō Kitagawa’s eyes lit up instantly, she jumped to her feet excitedly, her sparkling big eyes gleaming with fanaticism: “Of course! Minister! You don’t know how many people outside are asking where to buy Akita dogs! If Nohara Family Co., Ltd. really sells them, it’d be in short supply!”
She paused, tone full of expectation: “Minister, are you really planning to sell Akita dogs publicly? That… that’d be great! I’d make my best friend and female colleagues all buy one! They’d be thrilled!”
Looking at Yō Kitagawa’s incoherent excitement, Hiroshi Nohara’s lips curved into a faint arc.
The market was fully opened.
What he needed to do was ride this heat to push Nohara Family Co., Ltd.’s Akita dogs to market.
He reached out, gently stroking his chin, his poise and confidence making him shine.
“Looks like it’s time to launch my plan.” Hiroshi Nohara murmured.
He picked up the telephone on the desk and dialed a number.
“Hey, Elder Brother?” His voice carried a subtle relaxation unique to family.
From the other end came Hiroshi Nohara’s honest yet slightly excited voice: “Hiroshi, it’s me. How’s it going there? I heard your new film 《The Tale of Hachiko》 is a huge hit? Even TV news is talking about it!”
He paused, tone with uncontainable excitement: “Hiroshi, you’re amazing! Yesterday Ikuna and I went to the theater to see your film! We both sobbed! Especially Ikuna, she cried harder than me! She said she wants to raise an Akita dog too, a silly and cute one like Hachiko!”
“Yeah, Elder Brother, as long as everyone likes it.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled sincerely, responding softly: “I’m calling about that. Elder Brother, you can start selling Akita dogs publicly now.”
“Oh? Really?!” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice jumped an octave, filled with incredulous ecstasy: “Hiroshi! You’re… really going to sell Akita dogs publicly?! Then… how to price them? Our breeding base has nearly two thousand Akita dogs now!”
He paused, tone worried: “Hiroshi, don’t set the price too high. We acquire Akita dogs for a mere five thousand yen each. If too high, I’m afraid it’ll scare off customers.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s smile deepened.
Elder Brother’s worry was cautious about the market. But now, he needed to shatter Elder Brother’s market perception.
“Elder Brother, you’re wrong.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, tone calm and firm: “Nohara Family Co., Ltd.’s Akita dogs aren’t ordinary. They carry the story of 《The Tale of Hachiko》; they symbolize loyalty and family!”
He paused, gaze to the vast Tokyo Bay outside, eyes profound with confidence: “So, Elder Brother, listen: Nohara Family Co., Ltd.’s Akita dogs cannot be priced below—one million yen each!”
“What?!”
On the other end, Hiroshi Nohara’s voice turned sharp and piercing like a strangled duck, filled with incredulous horror!
He stood stunned, Hiroshi Nohara’s words replaying in his mind—”one million yen!”
He acquired Akita dogs for a mere five thousand yen! And now Hiroshi Nohara wanted him to sell them publicly for one million yen?!
This… this was outright robbery!
“Hiroshi! You’re… not joking, right?!” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice trembled, tone full of confusion and… a hint of fear: “One million yen? How could that possibly sell?! We acquire for a mere five thousand yen! Even adding venue and feed costs, fifteen thousand yen per dog is pure profit!”
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly, his clear eyes unruffled.
“Elder Brother, listen.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, tone calm and firm: “The market now isn’t what you knew before. Our Akita dogs aren’t just pets; they’re cultural symbols, emotional anchors, symbols of status!”
He paused, tone more solemn: “So, Elder Brother, take out the reference book I drew for you before, on grading and bloodline classification for Akita dogs.”
“Purer bloodline, higher grade. Then sell for more.” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice was calm.
“Bloodlines?!” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice grew puzzled again: “Hiroshi! You’re… not joking? Akita dogs are everywhere in Akita Prefecture! How to classify bloodlines?! This… is pure fantasy!”
Hiroshi Nohara smiled wryly with helplessness.
He knew explaining “brand premium” and “emotional value” to Elder Brother would be difficult.
Though hints of bloodlines, brand premiums, emotional value existed now, it was a tactic that flourished later.
But explaining to simple Elder Brother would be tough.
Even in later eras.
It seemed simple but hid profundity, needing massive ads and subtle worldview shaping for people to see it as symbolic of brand, emotion, and elite status—psychological value.
“Elder Brother, don’t worry about details.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly: “Just follow the picture album I gave you; the ones most like Hachiko have the purest bloodlines. Then sell for more.”
He paused, tone commanding: “Elder Brother, just do as I say. Trust me; I won’t let you lose money. I’ll make you rich!”
Hiroshi Nohara stood stunned, replaying Hiroshi Nohara’s words.
Though he didn’t grasp the “logic,” Hiroshi Nohara had never disappointed him.
From 《Seven Samurai》’s box office myth to 《The Tale of Hachiko》’s moving depth, every “wild idea” brought huge surprises.
“O… okay! Hiroshi! I… got it!” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice trembled, full of unconditional trust in his brother: “I’ll… handle it now! Grade the Akita dogs and price them as you said!”
He paused, thinking details better: “Hiroshi, then… how many to release at once? Our breeding base has nearly two thousand Akita dogs!”
“Elder Brother, listen.” Hiroshi Nohara said after thinking: “Don’t release too many Akita dogs; release slowly. Create ‘scarcity’ and ‘preciousness.’ Release only dozens at a time, price high, make rich people and celebrities scramble to buy!”
He paused, tone more solemn: “Also, Elder Brother, use the funds to keep buying and breeding Akita dogs. Buy more land too. As I said before, the nation is regulating the economy, but remember, agriculture is always the steadiest. Speed up; expand land as much as possible! My goal—at least five thousand acres! Work hard too! Don’t fear spending!”
Listening to Hiroshi Nohara, Hiroshi Nohara’s ecstasy grew obvious.
He knew this was direction and pressure.
“Yes! Hiroshi! Got it!” Hiroshi Nohara responded firmly: “I’ll do as you say! I guarantee Nohara Family Co., Ltd. will become Akita Prefecture’s, even Japan’s, largest agricultural corporation!”
“Mm, good, then I’ll trouble Elder Brother.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled and nodded.
After a few more words, he hung up, leaned back in his chair, gaze calmly to the vast Tokyo Bay outside.
Now, just wait.
And the result was predictable—excellent.
……
Night like ink gently enveloped Tokyo’s clamor.
Lights on, the city’s pulse throbbed in light and shadow. Yet in a seventeenth-floor office at Tokyo Television Production Bureau, time seemed frozen, every second heavy as lead.
This was Deputy Director Asumi’s office.
Hiroshi Nohara sat straight on a wide sofa, posture erect like a pine rooted in rock.
On the tea table before him, a cup of tea had cooled, thin steam floating like a fading dream.
His calm gaze swept every person in the room, clear eyes without ripple, as if awaiting not his reputation and future’s first-day box office, but merely the glittering night view outside.
Deputy Director Asumi fidgeted, his usually cheerful face now taut, brows furrowed with barely concealed anxiety.
He repeatedly picked up then set down the desk phone, fingers unconsciously tapping the dial, emitting faint “tap tap” like heartbeats.
Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada, the “Tokyo Faction” leader known for calm composure, also seemed off.
He sat silently beside Asumi, fiddling with a steel pen, fingertips unconsciously rubbing the cap, betraying inner tension.
Besides these three core figures, many familiar faces were present.
Director Eiji Kurosawa, Japan’s samurai film titan and first-class director, seemed unusually relaxed.
Dressed in dark kimono, he sat beside Hiroshi Nohara, cradling hot tea, gaze calmly sweeping the room, brows with faint amusement.
Directors Soji Ashikaga and Kouta Asano sat rigidly like statues on the sofa.
Their slightly haggard faces beaded with sweat, eyes full of apprehension and unease.
They were co-directors of 《The Tale of Hachiko》; the film’s success tied to their reputations.
Also, several main actors, now whispering, tones mixing excitement and tension.
They were the film’s spokespeople and witnesses, now like ordinary audiences awaiting the number deciding the film’s fate.
“What do you think the first-day box office will be?” a young actor whispered, voice trembling, breaking the suffocating silence.
The actress beside him clenched her hands instinctively, face full of expectation: “I heard the buzz for 《The Tale of Hachiko》 outside is huge! Everyone says it’ll be a hit! I guess at least ten billion yen first day?”
“Ten billion yen?!” Another veteran actor chuckled lightly, tone dismissive yet confident: “You’re underestimating Minister Nohara! His 《Seven Samurai》 did twelve billion yen first day! And that didn’t have the governor personally endorsing it like 《The Tale of Hachiko》!”
He paused, gaze sweeping everyone, tone rising: “I guess at least fifteen billion yen! Maybe even challenging eighteen billion!”
“Eighteen billion yen?!” A young production staffer exclaimed in shock, young face full of incredulity: “That’s… Hollywood blockbuster level! A Japanese native film reaching this height?!”
“Why not?” The veteran actor retorted, shrewd eyes gleaming confidently: “Don’t forget the director! Hiroshi Nohara! Japan’s pride! His films, TV dramas, manga are all brilliant! Even Americans are awed by his talent! He’s Japan’s film industry’s hope!”
“Yeah! Minister Nohara was personally praised by Governor Koike!” The actress chimed in, face beaming with pride: “I heard Governor Koike adopted Hachiko! He even said he’d take Hachiko’s loyalty as his motto to serve Tokyo Metropolis people! Unprecedented promotion!”
“So! I guess at least twenty billion yen first day!” A young screenwriter said excitedly, eyes sparkling fanatically: “Maybe surpass twenty billion! Highest first-day box office for a Japanese native film ever!”
Suddenly, the office filled with heated discussions.
All stunned by these jaw-dropping numbers, eyes full of expectation and fanaticism.
They vied to express expectations for the film, admiration for Hiroshi Nohara, boundless longing for its future.
Director Eiji Kurosawa listened quietly, his weathered face also alight with anticipation.
He sipped his tea, then said softly to Asumi, Toshihide Takada, and Hiroshi Nohara: “Looks like everyone has high confidence in Hiroshi-kun’s film.”
He paused, gaze to Hiroshi Nohara, full of appreciation and expectation: “But I think the estimates are conservative. I guess at least fifteen billion yen plus. After all, Hiroshi-kun’s film has emotional power to pierce hypocrisy and scheming, straight to the heart’s softest corner.”
“Fifteen billion?” Deputy Director Asumi mused.
He glanced at Eiji Kurosawa, then Hiroshi Nohara, nodding with a light smile: “Director Kurosawa is right. I agree. I guess at least sixteen billion yen plus.”
Though Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada wasn’t as overt as Asumi, he nodded, tone with subtle approval: “Yes, Director Kurosawa and Mr. Asumi are right. Unprecedented promotion, plus Hiroshi-kun’s talent—I guess at least seventeen billion yen plus.”
The three smiled at each other, tacit understanding flowing silently.
They all knew Hiroshi Nohara’s film would create another miracle.
Their gazes turned to Hiroshi Nohara.
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled and shrugged, his poise and confidence standing out in the expectant, tense atmosphere.
“With such explosive pre-release buzz, it should be a good result.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, tone calm and firm, unruffled.
“Yes! Minister is right!” Yō Kitagawa, serving tea, said excitedly, sparkling eyes fanatic: “I’ve never seen a film like 《The Tale of Hachiko》 create such massive social reaction before release!”
“Hiroshi-kun’s promotion strategy is divine!” Deputy Director Asumi sighed, cheerful face full of genuine admiration: “‘Saving the country via a curve’—using foreign media affirmation to boost national cultural identity—brilliantly shrewd!”
Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada nodded, shrewd eyes gleaming: “Mr. Asumi is right. This opinion manipulation rivals old politicians!”
He paused, gaze to Hiroshi Nohara, full of appreciation and expectation: “Hiroshi-kun, you’re… deeply hidden talent. No wonder even Governor Koike sees you anew, even wants you for election campaign.”
“Both deputy directors overpraise.” Hiroshi Nohara said calmly: “It’s just thanks to the Tokyo Television Station platform.”
This was true.
Without Tokyo Television Station backing, such opinion manipulation would’ve been crushed by Japanese official iron fist. Japan controls public opinion strictly.
Hiroshi Nohara’s success indeed tied greatly to Tokyo Television Station.
Behind him stood the behemoth Tokyo Television Station, Director Nobuhiko Sakata, Your Excellency Hideaki Fujiwara, even Governor Koike.
This vast, hidden “Tokyo Faction” cultural-political alliance backed him.
“Hahahaha!” All laughed knowingly. They knew Hiroshi Nohara was right.
Behind every success hid sweat, effort, compromises, sacrifices, and unseen hands.
But they didn’t discuss long.
Then, the office door burst open.
A twenty-something staffer in Tokyo Television Station uniform stood panting at the doorway, face full of uncontainable excitement and ecstasy.
He waved a document, as if carrying Tokyo Television Station’s fate.
All gazes snapped to him.
The office plunged into dead silence.
Only the staffer’s heavy breaths and document’s rustle echoed in the sealed space.
“Fir… first-day box office… is out!” The staffer’s voice trembled with peak excitement.
He inhaled sharply, suppressing ecstasy, then intoned almost reverently: “《The Tale of Hachiko》 first-day box office—twenty-one billion yen!”
“What?!”
“Twenty-one billion yen?!”
“My God! This… is a miracle!”
After brief silence, the office erupted in massive clamor and revelry!
All incoherent with excitement, cheering, hugging, ecstasy nearly flipping the office.
The result was too astonishing.
For Japanese films, native hits over ten billion first day were top-tier.
Over fifteen billion meant yearly box office champion.
Now, twenty-one billion first day.
Terrifying, matching big-budget Hollywood films.
How could those present not be thrilled?
Record-breaking!
No Japanese film had ever achieved such first-day heights!
And all this.
Was shattered by this twenty-four-year-old youth, Hiroshi Nohara!
Driving everyone mad.
Even birthing a weird, near-pathological thrill of defeating Americans.
Even Deputy Director Asumi sprang from the sofa, circling excitedly, then rushing to Hiroshi Nohara, tone uncontainably thrilled: “Hiroshi-kun! Twenty-one billion yen! You’ve created another miracle! Shocking Japan’s entire film industry!”
Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada recovered from shock, complex expression turning to heartfelt praise: “Hiroshi-kun! You’re… a monster! You exceeded all expectations again!”
Director Eiji Kurosawa just sat quietly, gazing at Hiroshi Nohara with ‘you did it’ sparkle.
Sipping tea again gently.
Feeling…
His era truly passed, with ease.
Now, this Kanto Faction’s sole shining old guard planned to enjoy retirement.
PS: Keep seeking votes~
