Chapter 197: Anti-nohara Alliance! Preparation For Tokyo City Television! Nobuhiko Sakata’s Counterattack!
Meanwhile, in every corner of the Neon Archipelago, from Sapporo in Hokkaido to Fukuoka in Kyushu, the meeting rooms of nearly twenty large and small television stations were filled with a complex and tense atmosphere at this moment.
These were the power centers of television media across the Neon Archipelago, and every person there was a heavyweight figure in their respective region.
They were holding telephone conferences or directly calling personal phones, secretly “communicating” with each other, discussing the upcoming annual TV drama awards selection.
Hokkaido Television Station, president’s office.
Taro Yamashita, the president with graying hair and a face full of weathering, was holding a cup of hot tea, gazing calmly at the vast snowfield outside the window.
“Hello, is that Suzuki-kun from Tohoku Television Station?” Taro Yamashita picked up the phone, his voice carrying a ruggedness unique to the northern regions: “This is Taro Yamashita. Any rumors on your end about this year’s awards selection?”
On the other end of the line, Ichiro Suzuki, president of Tohoku Television Station, sounded slightly fatigued: “Oh, Yamashita-kun! You finally called! My head’s about to explode over here! 【Japan Drama Academy Awards】 and 【Mainichi Film Award】 are the usual suspects, but this new 【Tokyo Drama Awards】 is really puzzling!”
“Exactly!” Taro Yamashita sighed heavily: “Our Hokkaido Television Station production team put out a few good TV dramas last year, with ratings topping local stations. But thinking about competing with those monsters from Tokyo Television Station makes me lose confidence!”
“Monsters? Yamashita-kun, you’re being too polite!” Ichiro Suzuki gave a bitter laugh: “Especially that Hiroshi Nohara! He’s like a cheat code! One person dominating animation, TV dramas, variety shows, and now even movies with box office hits! And he’s only twenty-three! When I was his age, I was still running errands and doing odd jobs!”
“Who can argue with that!” Taro Yamashita sighed along: “Our Hokkaido Television Station submitted a family drama about local customs last year, hitting 18% ratings, which is pretty good for local stations. But when I think of Hiroshi Nohara’s 《World of the Strange》 hitting 26%, our achievements feel utterly inadequate!”
“《World of the Strange》 is nothing!” Ichiro Suzuki’s voice carried a hint of jealousy: “Look at his 《Super Change Change Change》! Ratings at 47%! Almost catching up to Kohaku Uta Gassen! It’s slapping the faces of all us local stations!”
“Hahahaha!” Taro Yamashita couldn’t help but give a bitter laugh: “Suzuki-kun, that’s a vivid way to put it! Our young producers are worshipping Hiroshi Nohara like a god! They say even running errands for him beats being a producer at our local station!”
“Exactly!” Ichiro Suzuki sighed too: “Same at our Kyushu Television Station! All the young producers want to head to Tokyo, to Tokyo Television Station! They all want to learn from Hiroshi Nohara! I’m… this old bag of bones is about to be pissed off by him!”
“So, Suzuki-kun.” Taro Yamashita’s voice grew solemn: “This new 【Tokyo Drama Awards】—what do you make of it? Is it really for fair judging, or… just Tokyo Television Station entertaining itself?”
“Entertaining themselves? I doubt it!” Ichiro Suzuki snorted coldly: “Didn’t you see the judges list? Lots of renowned industry pros! And the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s propaganda minister has spoken, requiring us local stations to submit programs! They’re clearly aiming for a high-prestige award!”
“High prestige? I think it’s thick with political flavor!” Taro Yamashita pursed his lips: “Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Kanto Region, and Tokyo City, all teaming up! This is obviously serving their political goals! Where’s the fairness?!”
“Yamashita-kun, don’t say that recklessly!” Ichiro Suzuki quickly reminded: “We all know it deep down, but we can’t show it on the surface! After all, our local stations’ survival still depends on the whims of those big shots above!”
“Yeah, I get it.” Taro Yamashita let out a long sigh: “But Suzuki-kun, I think this 【Tokyo Drama Awards】 might not be all bad for us local stations.”
“Oh? How so?” Ichiro Suzuki asked curiously.
“Think about it!” Taro Yamashita’s voice turned mysterious: “If this award really succeeds and becomes highly prestigious, then for our local stations, even just a nomination would be huge for promotion and motivating our local producers!”
“And most importantly!” Taro Yamashita’s tone grew excited: “If our programs can compete on the same stage as Tokyo Television Station’s, or even… pull off an upset and snag a minor award, it’d be an unprecedented boost to our local stations’ morale and producers’ confidence!”
Hearing this, Ichiro Suzuki’s face showed a thoughtful expression.
He knew Taro Yamashita was right.
In this era dominated by Tokyo Television Station and Hiroshi Nohara, local stations’ living space was shrinking.
If they could seize this opportunity, they might really fight for a lifeline for local stations.
“Yamashita-kun, you make sense!” Ichiro Suzuki’s voice also grew solemn: “Alright, I’ll contact Osamu Watanabe, president of Chubu Television Station; Kenichi Sato, president of Kinki Television Station; Akira Yoshida, president of Chugoku Regional Television Station; Takashi Matsumoto, president of Shikoku Regional Television Station; and Koji Tanaka, president of Kyushu Local Television Station! Let’s discuss together how us local stations should respond to this awards selection!”
“Good! Suzuki-kun, great idea!” Taro Yamashita said excitedly: “We local stations should unite! Face the challenge from Tokyo Television Station together! Fight for a lifeline for the future of our local television media!”
……
Soon, a secret telephone conference led by Ichiro Suzuki, covering all local television stations in the Neon Archipelago, quietly began.
In the meeting room, over twenty presidents and directors of local television stations were gathered via phone.
Their voices converged through the phone lines into a complex flood, echoing in the air.
“Everyone, this is Ichiro Suzuki from Tohoku Television Station.” Ichiro Suzuki spoke first, his slightly fatigued voice now full of power: “I’ve called you all to discuss the upcoming annual TV drama awards selection.”
“Especially the new 【Tokyo Drama Awards】—what are your thoughts?”
“Thoughts? It’s just Tokyo Television Station entertaining itself!” Kenichi Sato, president of Kinki Television Station, said with a hint of disdain: “Relying on their deep pockets and that monster Hiroshi Nohara, they want to sweep all the awards! Wishful thinking!”
“Sato-kun, don’t say that recklessly!” Osamu Watanabe, president of Chubu Television Station, cautioned: “We all know it, but we can’t show it! After all, the Liberal Democratic Party’s propaganda minister has ordered us local stations to submit programs!”
“Hmph.” Akira Yoshida, president of Chugoku Regional Television Station, said with sarcasm: “Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Kanto Region, and Tokyo City, teaming up! I don’t think we have any foothold!”
“Yoshida-kun is right!” Takashi Matsumoto, president of Shikoku Regional Television Station, said helplessly: “Our Shikoku station had a decent historical drama last year at 15% ratings. But competing with Tokyo Television Station’s monsters? I lack confidence!”
“Monsters? Matsumoto-kun, who doesn’t know!” Koji Tanaka, president of Kyushu Local Television Station, said jealously: “That Hiroshi Nohara! Animation, TV dramas, variety shows, and now movies—who can beat him?”
“Who can argue!” Taro Yamashita sighed again, repeating his Hokkaido Television Station’s local family drama, but his tone was still full of lament: “Our achievements feel inadequate! Look at 《World of the Strange》—first season, second, now fourth, ratings always over 20%!”
“《World of the Strange》 is impressive, but there’s more.” Ichiro Suzuki said jealously: “《Super Change Change Change》 at 47%! Almost Kohaku Uta Gassen level! Across the Neon Archipelago, who can match it? Even the television association is shocked! They’re even thinking of having Hiroshi Nohara shoot Yamato Drama!”
“So Hiroshi Nohara is the monster!” Ichiro Suzuki couldn’t help but laugh bitterly: “No idea what dog-shit luck Tokyo Television Station had to discover such a monster!”
“So, everyone.” Ichiro Suzuki’s voice grew solemn: “For this awards selection, how should we local stations respond? Give up, or… fight hard?”
“Fight hard? How?” Kenichi Sato sneered: “Our production budgets can’t compare to Tokyo Television Station! Their budget for one drama could make several of ours! How to fight?”
“Sato-kun, that’s too pessimistic!” Osamu Watanabe said unwillingly: “Our budgets are smaller, but we have advantages! We know local culture and people’s lives better! We can make works full of local flavor that only we local stations can produce!”
“Watanabe-kun is right!” Akira Yoshida agreed: “Our Chugoku station did a local gourmet documentary last year with good local ratings. We can keep digging into local specialties and make works that touch local people!”
“Everyone.” Ichiro Suzuki’s voice rang out again, fatigue replaced by unyielding fighting spirit: “We local stations should unite! Face Tokyo Television Station’s challenge together! Fight for a lifeline for our local television media’s future!”
“I agree!” Taro Yamashita stated first: “Hokkaido Television Station is in with you all!”
“We agree too!”
“We local stations can’t stay silent anymore!”
“Let’s make Tokyo Television Station know we’re not to be trifled with!”
The telephone conference instantly filled with passionate discussions.
Everyone was infected by Ichiro Suzuki’s passion, their eyes flashing with unyielding fighting spirit.
They knew this was a tough battle.
A tough battle concerning the future fate of local television media.
They also knew their only choice was to unite and face Tokyo Television Station’s challenge together.
“But that said.” Koji Tanaka’s voice carried helplessness: “Though we’ve united, the biggest winner in this awards selection will still be Tokyo Television Station.”
“Yeah!” Takashi Matsumoto sighed: “Especially that monster Hiroshi Nohara! His works last year—animated films, TV dramas, variety shows—all had terrifying results and ratings! He alone could sweep all awards!”
“I even think Best New Director, Best New Producer, Best New Talent awards are Hiroshi Nohara’s for sure!” Taro Yamashita sighed: “Not just 【Tokyo Drama Awards】, but the other high-prestige 【Japan Drama Academy Awards】 and 【Mainichi Film Award】 will be his harvest too!”
“He’s only twenty-three!” Kenichi Sato said jealously: “This… this is too cheating! I can’t see hope for the future!”
“Yeah! Too cheating!” Osamu Watanabe agreed: “Us old guys slaved a lifetime for a few awards! He at twenty-three sweeps them all! This… is infuriating!”
“No need to be so pessimistic; his energy is limited.” Ichiro Suzuki’s voice returned, helplessness turning to self-mockery: “We local stations can only go for small awards Hiroshi Nohara ignores, like Best Local Flavor Drama or Best Rural Documentary.”
“Hahahaha!” The conference erupted in bitter laughter.
Everyone knew Ichiro Suzuki was right.
Before this “cultural monster” Hiroshi Nohara, local stations could only play the “also-ran” role.
Yet in that bitter laughter lurked unyielding fighting spirit.
They knew, even as “also-rans,” they’d run with their own style, flavor, and dignity of local television media!
“Good! Everyone!” Ichiro Suzuki’s voice rang out, fatigue now full of power: “Then let’s strive! In this awards selection, let everyone see local stations aren’t to be trifled with!”
“Hai!”
All local station presidents and directors responded in unison, voices full of fighting spirit and passion.
They knew a new “battle” was about to begin.
A “battle” concerning local television media’s future fate!
And they would participate in and witness the final outcome of this “battle”!
……
While stations in other regions were preparing to unite.
Inside Tokyo Television Station.
A meeting was also underway.
“Alright, alright, quiet down.” Nobuhiko Sakata said with a smile, sipping from his tea cup, his composure enveloping the entire office like an invisible force.
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his easy and pleased expression infecting all.
“But that said.” Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice rose again, ease and pleasure giving way to the steadiness of a superior: “I hear local stations across the Neon Archipelago have united for this awards selection, planning to advance or retreat together.”
As soon as he spoke, the relaxed atmosphere in the meeting room froze instantly.
All eyes turned to Nobuhiko Sakata, filled with solemnity and… a hint of amusement.
They knew Director Sakata was right.
This was local stations’ “declaration of war” on Tokyo Television Station.
“Yes, Director.” Toshihide Takada spoke first, a helpless look on his usually gloomy face: “I just got the news—Hokkaido Television Station, Tohoku Television Station, Chubu Television Station, Kinki Television Station, Chugoku Regional Television Station, Shikoku Regional Television Station, and Kyushu Local Television Station have all united. They say to jointly face the challenge from Tokyo Television Station.”
“Oh? They really think highly of us.” Deputy Director Asumi chuckled lightly upon hearing this, a hint of disdain in his voice: “A bunch of local stations daring to challenge Tokyo Television Station? Like ants shaking a tree—overreaching!”
“Asumi-kun, don’t say that recklessly.” Nobuhiko Sakata coughed lightly, a subtle warning flashing in his shrewd eyes: “They’re local stations, but they represent local public opinion. We can’t underestimate them.”
He paused, gaze sweeping over everyone, tone growing more solemn: “But that said, Hiroshi-kun, what do you think?”
All eyes turned to Hiroshi Nohara.
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled and shrugged, his composure and confidence making him stand out in the expectant, tense atmosphere.
“What do I think?” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, tone calm and firm, without a ripple: “I don’t know. I just made some animated films, some TV dramas, some variety shows, and drew some manga. How did I offend them?”
His “innocent” look made everyone burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha! Hiroshi-kun, you’re… too Versailles!” Deputy Director Asumi laughed heartily, patting Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder, pride evident.
Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada didn’t show it as openly as Asumi, but nodded, tone carrying subtle admiration: “Yes, Hiroshi-kun is right. His works are too outstanding. Outstanding enough to threaten those local stations.”
He paused, gaze on Hiroshi Nohara full of expectation: “But don’t worry, Hiroshi-kun. Your 《An Shizhi》, 《World of the Strange》, 《Super Change Change Change》 are all phenomenal works. Unrivaled kings in their fields last year. Those local stations are no match!”
“Yes! Yes!” A publicity department head agreed, his usually stern face now smug: “Their local stations are lucky to hit over 10% ratings yearly! How to compare with our Hiroshi-kun?”
“So, Hiroshi-kun, just show your true strength and crush them!” Deputy Director Asumi said confidently.
Director Nobuhiko Sakata listened quietly, his usually stern face now beaming with heartfelt pride.
Yet a subtle solemnity flashed in his shrewd eyes.
He knew the local stations’ union was not just a challenge to Tokyo Television Station, but to the massive, hidden “Greater Tokyo Faction” cultural and political alliance behind them.
He also knew, in the Neon Archipelago’s hierarchical society, any challenge to “order” could spark a massive storm.
“Hmm, we must note these challenges, but that said.” Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice rose, ease giving way to a superior’s steadiness: “Besides the local stations’ union, there’s a new emerging station worth our attention.”
As soon as he spoke, the relaxed atmosphere froze again.
All eyes turned to Nobuhiko Sakata, filled with solemnity and… a hint of confusion.
“New emerging station?” Deputy Director Asumi raised an eyebrow, interested: “Oh? Director, which one? Worth your attention?”
“Yes, Director.” Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada agreed, face puzzled: “In Tokyo Metropolis, besides Tokyo Television Station and Kanto Television Station, is there another with such influence?”
Nobuhiko Sakata smiled meaningfully at their confusion.
“This new station is called ‘Tokyo City Television’.” Nobuhiko Sakata said softly, tone calm yet forceful.
“What?!”
Asumi and Hiroshi Nohara’s eyes widened instantly, faces full of incredulous shock!
“Tokyo City Television?!” Deputy Director Asumi shot up from the sofa, staring at Nobuhiko Sakata in confusion: “Director! When did this happen? I’ve never heard of it!”
“Yes, Director.” Hiroshi Nohara agreed, a subtle solemnity in his clear eyes: “The name sounds… a bit like imitating our Tokyo Television Station.”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s meaningful smile deepened at their shock.
“Imitating? Hahahaha!” Nobuhiko Sakata laughed loudly, voice full of nouveau riche arrogance: “It’s not imitation—they’re clearly building their own ‘mouthpiece’!”
He paused, gaze sweeping over everyone, tone more solemn: “‘Tokyo City Television’ is a city-level station led by Tokyo City Government’s Publicity Department. Its goal is simple: weaken Tokyo Television Station’s influence in Tokyo Metropolis and the entire Kanto Region.”
“What?!”
Anger flashed on Asumi and Toshihide Takada’s faces!
“Tokyo City Government Publicity Department?!” Deputy Director Asumi slammed the table, his usually cheerful face now blazing with uncontainable fury: “They dare openly oppose Tokyo Television Station?!”
“Yes! Director!” Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada agreed, his gloomy face full of disdain: “They’re clearly trying to carve up with Tokyo Television Station!”
Hiroshi Nohara listened quietly, a subtle ripple in his calm heart.
He knew this was not just station competition, but… faction struggle!
“Hiroshi-kun, what do you think?” Nobuhiko Sakata’s shrewd eyes turned to Hiroshi Nohara, deep with worldly insight.
Hiroshi Nohara smiled calmly, his composure shining amid anger and disdain.
“Director, I don’t find it surprising.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, tone calm and firm: “Governor Koike’s successful re-election relied on our Tokyo Television Station’s promotion. In Tokyo City’s mayoral election, our Station Manager Shimazu lost to the current mayor by just a few thousand votes. So, those Tokyo City officials backed by real estate developers feeling crisis and fear is understandable.”
He paused, gaze sweeping over everyone, eyes full of insight: “They fear Tokyo Television Station will help Governor Koike again, or other politicians, challenging their rule in Tokyo City. So they’re rushing to build their own station to consolidate power.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s words cut like the sharpest knife to the core.
He not only analyzed the present but pierced hearts and politics.
Nobuhiko Sakata, Asumi, and Toshihide Takada exchanged looks, faces thoughtful.
“Hiroshi-kun is right.” Nobuhiko Sakata exhaled deeply, tone admiring and satisfied: “They are afraid. Afraid Tokyo Television Station will again be their political stumbling block.”
“Hmph, calling it Tokyo City Television—people might mistake it for our Tokyo Television Station.” Toshihide Takada scoffed, face full of disdain.
Deputy Director Asumi nodded, tone subtly hostile: “Yes, they’re clearly gearing up for a head-on clash with Tokyo Television Station.”
“Head-on? They’re overreaching!” Toshihide Takada snorted arrogantly: “Think a random station can challenge Tokyo Television Station? Delusional!”
“Yes, Managing Director Takada is right.” Deputy Director Asumi agreed mockingly: “But Director, since they’re challenging, we can’t sit idle. Shouldn’t we give them a taste?”
Director Nobuhiko Sakata listened, face beaming with pride at his subordinates’ fighting spirit.
He knew they were full of fight.
“Hiroshi-kun, what do you think?” Nobuhiko Sakata’s gaze turned to Hiroshi Nohara.
“Director, since they dare challenge, we must respond.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, tone calm and firm: “But I think we don’t need head-on. We can take a smarter, more effective path.”
“Oh? What path?” Deputy Director Asumi raised an eyebrow, interested.
“Yes, Hiroshi-kun, any good ideas?” Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada pressed, eyes expectant.
Hiroshi Nohara’s lips curved faintly, confidence shining.
He would upend everyone’s perceptions again.
“A department head mentioned the market seeking warm, cozy proposal scripts for a new station.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, tone calm and firm: “Looks like Tokyo City Television plans cozy proposal programs to win public support.”
“Seems so.” Deputy Director Asumi nodded solemnly: “They want a friendly image, echoing Governor Koike and 《The Tale of Hachiko》’s social vibe.”
“Yes, that’s their cunning part.” Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada agreed worriedly: “If they succeed, it’s a huge blow to Tokyo Television Station.”
“So, Hiroshi-kun, we must keep up!” Deputy Director Asumi said excitedly: “Let’s make cozy proposals too, clash head-on, show them the true king of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area!”
He paused, gaze on Hiroshi Nohara expectant: “Hiroshi-kun, any ideas? Something surpassing them, touching hearts?”
Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada agreed, eyes expectant.
Hiroshi Nohara smiled helplessly at their expectation.
He knew they were “asking” him.
“Why are you all looking at me?” Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, tone perfectly “innocent.”
Deputy Director Asumi and Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada exchanged awkward smiles.
“Oh, Hiroshi-kun…” Deputy Director Asumi scratched his head embarrassedly: “We just thought… you’d have a good idea?”
“Yes, Hiroshi-kun.” Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada agreed, a rare shy smile: “After all, you’re Tokyo Television Station’s ‘source of creativity.’ You always bring surprises.”
Hiroshi Nohara smiled, rubbing his chin: “Alright, since you put it that way…” he said softly, tone calm and firm: “I won’t hold back.”
He paused, gaze sweeping over everyone, eyes confident: “I do have a proposal idea—cozy type. And ready-made.”
“What?!”
Asumi and Toshihide Takada’s eyes widened in shock!
Even Nobuhiko Sakata and other department heads stared incredulously at Hiroshi Nohara, exchanging stunned looks.
Making them gawk like fools!
“Ready-made?!” Deputy Director Asumi shot up from the sofa, eyes wild with ecstasy: “Hiroshi-kun! You’re… not joking?! What proposal? Tell us!”
Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada agreed, eyes expectant.
Hiroshi Nohara’s lips curved, confidence shining.
He knew he’d shock them all again.
He slowly uttered that name, proven insanely popular in his past life.
“My manga, 《Late-night Diner》.”
As Hiroshi Nohara finished, the tense, expectant office atmosphere froze for seconds.
Then massive shock took over.
“Manga?!” Deputy Director Asumi blurted: “Hiroshi-kun, you… mean adapting a manga into a TV drama to counter Tokyo City Television?!”
Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada frowned, eyes puzzled.
To him, station competition was about TV programs.
Manga was another field.
Though adaptable to drama… results were usually poor.
Especially live-action, which often diminished impact and hurt manga reputation.
Even Director Nobuhiko Sakata leaned forward, eyes probing subtly.
Hiroshi Nohara smiled calmly, confidence shining.
He didn’t rush to explain, just gestured lightly toward the office doorway.
“Kitagawa-kun, bring those 《Late-night Diner》 volumes.”
Yō Kitagawa, the young employee who’d been eavesdropping at the door, peeked in sheepishly.
“Oh!” At Hiroshi Nohara’s order, she jolted, rushing in to grab a stack of thick manga volumes from the shelf by his desk.
“Department head, here they are!” She returned quickly, placing them respectfully on the tea table, big eyes curious and expectant.
“Everyone, please take a look.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled.
Deputy Director Asumi picked one first, shrewd eyes scanning the warm, worldly title 《Late-night Diner》, eyebrow twitching subtly.
He opened to the first page, gaze on the delicate lines and story-filled images, confusion turning thoughtful.
Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada picked one, curiosity on his face.
He flipped pages casually, subtle surprise in his deep eyes.
Other department heads followed suit.
Including Director Nobuhiko Sakata.
The meeting room fell into eerie silence.
Only rustling pages and varied breaths echoed in the sealed space.
Time ticked by.
Deputy Director Asumi finished first.
He slammed it shut, his cheerful face now ecstatic.
“Brilliant! Brilliant! Hiroshi-kun, this manga is genius!” Asumi slapped his thigh excitedly: “No flashy effects, no complex plots—just ordinary home cooking, everyday stories, straight to the heart’s softest spot!”
He paused, tone more fervent: “It gives urban Tokyo strivers a long-lost warmth and healing in the night! Lonely souls find solace in food! This… is tailor-made ‘cozy healing’ for Tokyo Television Station!”
Managing Director Deputy Director Toshihide Takada closed his, face full of genuine admiration.
“Asumi-kun is right.” Toshihide Takada’s voice was hoarse but powerful: “This isn’t just manga—it’s life, philosophy, a unique existence prompting rethink of life and emotions!”
He paused, gaze on Hiroshi Nohara complex: “Hiroshi-kun, you’re… incredible. Turning mundane urban life so captivating and healing! You’re… a monster!”
A younger but forty-something department head said nothing, closing it with tears streaming.
He let them flow down his cheeks, emotion overwhelming the seasoned director.
“Hiroshi-kun, you’re… a genius.” The department head’s voice choked, moving everyone: “Your manga isn’t just manga—it’s warmth, hope, medicine for lonely souls!”
A publicity department head agreed, face approving: “Yes! Hiroshi-kun! This is tailor-made promo for Tokyo Television Station and Tokyo Metropolis! It’ll let us tower over local stations’ ‘cozy healing’ shows!”
“Right! It holds not just healing, but love of life, care for humanity!” Another copyright development head said excitedly, eyes gleaming: “I foresee huge social impact as a TV drama! Another phenomenal hit for Tokyo Television Station!”
Director Nobuhiko Sakata listened quietly, face beaming with pride. He knew this young man he promoted had surprised him hugely again.
“Good! Good! Good!” Nobuhiko Sakata said three “goods,” slamming the table with undeniable authority: “Then it’s decided!”
He paused, gaze sweeping shrewdly: “Hiroshi Nohara-kun’s manga 《Late-night Diner》 is Tokyo Television Station’s ultimate weapon against Tokyo City Television!”
“Hiroshi-kun, start adapting this manga to TV drama now! Best team, resources, platform! Make it tower over Tokyo City Television’s ‘cozy healing’ shows! Show them true ‘cozy healing’! True… cultural power!”
At this moment, Nobuhiko Sakata was like a provoked authoritative lion, ready without hesitation to clash to the death with the daring Tokyo City Television…
In a fight to the finish!
