Chapter 229: The Power Of The Information Cocoon! Everyone Highly Values Hiroshi Nohara! Happy Double Festival To All!
At nine in the morning in the Tokyo Television Production Bureau Headquarters Building, the president’s office on the thirtieth floor was filled with the rich aroma of Colombian coffee.
Two silver desk lamps sat side by side on the walnut desk, their warm yellow light falling on the open Tokyo City Mayoral Election Promotion Plan, making the densely packed Song typeface characters especially clear.
Yoshihiro Shimazu sat in the black leather seat, his fingers gently stroking the gold-embossed “Tokyo Television Station” on the plan’s cover.
He wore a dark gray custom suit today, his graying hair combed impeccably, though the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were deeper than three months ago—after all, he had just completed his resignation procedures, and next, the positions of Tokyo Television Station manager and Broadcasting Corporation president would be formally handed over to Nobuhiko Sakata.
“Knock knock knock,” the knocking sounded just as the foam in the coffee cup was still gently swirling.
“Please come in.” Yoshihiro Shimazu’s voice remained steady, but his tone carried a bit more relaxation from laying down a heavy burden.
The door was pushed open, and Nobuhiko Sakata entered with several people.
He wore a navy blue suit, his tie knotted impeccably, holding a thick folder in his hands, followed by Production Bureau Deputy Director Asumi, Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada, Technology Bureau Director Ken Sato, and Planning Bureau Director Ryuichi Suzuki—all the core management of Tokyo TV today.
“Shimazu-san, you look spirited today.”
Nobuhiko Sakata bowed in greeting, gently placing the folder on one corner of the desk, careful not to knock over the bone china coffee cup nearby: “As per your request, we’ve organized the details of the election promotion plan and came specifically today to report to you.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu raised his hand to gesture for everyone to sit, his gaze sweeping over the people on the sofa before settling on Nobuhiko Sakata: “I’ve skimmed the plan, and the ‘information cocoon’ idea is intriguing. How exactly will it be implemented? Tell me in detail—don’t use official jargon, just say what our station can do and how to make voters remember me.”
Nobuhiko Sakata immediately opened the folder and pulled out a colorful time slot planning chart, spreading it on the desk: “Look, we’ve divided Tokyo TV’s existing program resources into four sections, each targeting voters of different age groups, delivering your campaign concepts in the ways they’re most receptive to.”
He pointed to the “Morning Slot（6:00-8:00）” column in the chart, his tone becoming detailed: “This slot is mainly watched by housewives and middle-aged and elderly voters. We’re planning to add a ‘policy mini-drama’ in Morning Healthy Kitchen—for example, having the host make the miso soup you ate as a child, chatting about how your mother said ‘be an honest person,’ naturally leading into your idea that ‘people’s livelihood policies won’t be flashy’; after Morning News, in the weather forecast segment, add ‘Shimazu-san’s weather reminder,’ like ‘it’ll cool down tomorrow, remember to add layers, just as I’ll keep Tokyo’s livelihood warm,’ using everyday language to close the distance.”
Toshihide Takada added from the side, pointing to the ratings data in the chart: “We’ve done surveys; housewives in the morning slot have the strongest viewing stickiness. They not only vote themselves but also influence their families’ choices. This kind of ‘soft insertion’ is more effective than direct campaign ads—last year Mikami Tanaka ran hard ads in the morning slot and got complaints from viewers for ‘ruining cooking mood,’ losing quite a few votes instead.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu picked up his coffee for a sip, his brows slightly relaxing: “This approach is good; people’s livelihood policies need to be grounded. What about the noon slot? Young people rarely watch noon programs, right?”
“For the noon slot（12:00-14:00）, we’re targeting office workers and students.”
Asumi took over, wearing a beige suit skirt, her tone steady yet nuanced: “Noon Workplace Interviews will invite your old colleagues and subordinates as guests to talk about your time at the station—for instance, how you stood firm under pressure to save Tokyo Culture Weekly, supporting young directors in innovation, highlighting your image of ‘valuing talent and daring to take responsibility’; for students, we’re partnering with student unions at University of Tokyo and Waseda University to insert ‘Shimazu-san’s youth stories’ in Campus Music Chart, recounting how you worked part-time and studied hard to get into Waseda, closing the distance with young voters.”
She pulled a student questionnaire from the folder and handed it to Yoshihiro Shimazu: “This is the survey we did at five universities last week; 68% of students said they’re ‘more willing to vote for candidates with real experiences’ rather than politicians who just shout slogans. We’re also planning a ‘Shimazu-san’s question box’ in the program, letting students ask about jobs and housing, and you’ll record video answers personally—young people love this ‘interactive feel,’ and pager messages will definitely pour in.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu flipped through the questionnaire, nodding involuntarily at the comment “hope candidates understand young people’s pressure”: “Young people today have it tough; the bubble economy looks lively, but finding jobs and buying houses is hard for them. Your ‘question box’ is well done; it can make them feel I’m not some aloof politician but someone who listens.”
“The evening prime time（19:00-22:00） is the main event.”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s tone grew serious, his finger tapping the chart firmly: “This slot has the broadest viewership; we’re pushing in three directions: first, Tokyo Evening News, using five minutes daily for ‘Shimazu-san’s policy breakdown,’ like explaining your ‘housing security plan’ by taking reporters to film on-site at Suginami Ward’s public rental housing projects, letting residents speak truthfully—last year Mikami Tanaka’s ‘housing policy’ only filmed model rooms that were temporarily renovated, exposed by media and losing trust;”
“Next is TV dramas and variety shows.”
He paused, then continued: “The family drama Tokyo Family we’re preparing will subtly insert your policies into the plot—for example, the protagonist family gets the ‘youth housing subsidy’ you promoted, solving their housing woes; Super Change Change Change will have a ‘policy-themed costume contest,’ with contestants using their bodies to mimic ‘Tokyo subway expansion’ and ‘nursing home upgrades,’ fun yet memorable for your governance priorities;”
Technology Bureau Director Ken Sato pushed up his glasses, adding: “We’ll also optimize evening slot signal coverage to ensure clear viewing in all 23 wards of Tokyo Metropolis and surrounding cities and towns—last test found weak signals in parts of Tama City, so we’ve sent technicians to adjust the signal towers, ensuring no technical issues affect promotion.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu’s fingers tapped lightly on the desk, suddenly asking: “How are the ad slots arranged? I remember Mikami Tanaka bought quite a few prime-time ad spots last year; we can’t lag behind, but we can’t waste budget either—the Broadcasting Corporation’s funds need some reserved for second-half program production.”
“Don’t worry, we’ve done precise targeting.”
Planning Bureau Director Ryuichi Suzuki took out an ad schedule: “We analyzed Mikami Tanaka’s ad spending data from last year and found he wasted a lot in late-night slots—most late-night viewers are young with low voting intent. We cut the late-night ad budget and added it to the evening commute slot（17:00-19:00）, inserting short ads in Traffic News and After-Work Gourmet Guide, 15 seconds max, highlighting your policy points like ’20 new nursing homes in 3 years’ and ‘Subway Line 10 starts next year,’ using concise language for commuters to remember.”
Toshihide Takada added from the side, his tone tinged with emotion: “We’ve also linked up with Kanto Television Station—after all, Kanto Stage is now a subsidiary of Tokyo TV, covering Kanagawa and Chiba areas where many work in Tokyo and have voting rights. We’re having Kanto Livelihood News sync your policy breakdowns daily and jointly launch a ‘Shimazu-san’s Kanto Tour’ special, taking you to Kanagawa factories and Chiba rice fields to discuss your ‘Tokyo Metropolitan Area coordinated development’ concept—Mikami Tanaka only focused on central Tokyo, ignoring suburbs; that’s our opportunity.”
Hearing “Kanto Television Station,” Yoshihiro Shimazu couldn’t help laughing: “Back when we acquired Kanto Stage, many opposed it, saying it’d drag down performance; now it looks like the right call. By the way, how will newspapers and other publications coordinate? Plenty of middle-aged and elderly still read papers; we can’t ignore them.”
“We’ve negotiated cooperation with Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun.”
Nobuhiko Sakata said: “Asahi Shimbun’s ‘Tokyo Livelihood Edition’ will run your column every Wednesday, on your thoughts about Tokyo’s development like ‘how to solve elementary school enrollment shortages’ and ‘improving elderly medical care,’ using in-depth content to draw attention; Yomiuri Shimbun’s weekend edition will feature ‘A Day with Shimazu-san,’ filming you surveying communities and chatting with voters to highlight your ‘approachable’ image; we’re also partnering with Tokyo Family Magazine, inserting your policy intros in ‘child-rearing’ and ‘elder care’ columns, like mentioning your ‘increase nursery spots’ plan during child-rearing topics to make it easier for housewives to accept.”
Asumi added: “We’ll also place brochures in convenience stores and subway stations with your policy summaries, illustrated for easy reading. We put effort into the brochure design, using warm tones to seem friendlier than other candidates’ garish red and green—last week we test-placed 500 in Ginza convenience stores, gone in half a day with great feedback.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu looked at the planning chart, questionnaire, and schedule on the desk, the weight in his heart gradually lifting.
He picked up his coffee cup, finding it cold but still taking a sip: “You’ve thought this through very thoroughly, even more detailed than I expected. Honestly, I was worried about your inexperience, but now I see I worried too much—Sakata, I feel assured handing Tokyo TV to you.”
Nobuhiko Sakata quickly bowed: “It’s all thanks to your past guidance, and everyone on the team has given their all, especially Asumi-san and Takada-san, working overtime every day revising the plan without even weekends off.”
Asumi smiled faintly: “It’s what we should do. You’ve served Tokyo TV for so many years, making great contributions; now that you’re running for mayor, we’ll fully support you—and we believe that as mayor, you’ll prioritize culture and media development, which is good for Tokyo TV too.”
Toshihide Takada nodded too, his tone sincere: “I used to think you were too conservative; now I realize you see far ahead. If Mikami Tanaka becomes mayor, he’ll turn the station into his propaganda tool without considering our growth—only you will truly think for Tokyo TV.”
Hearing this, Yoshihiro Shimazu sighed suddenly, his gaze sweeping to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the endless traffic below: “It’s a pity Hiroshi Nohara isn’t here. If he were, he’d surely suggest some great ideas—that kid’s mind is sharp; whether making programs or promotion, he always thinks of unique angles. Last time with Seven Samurai promotion, his ‘samurai spirit in communities’ event was so effective even Ministry of Education praised it.”
Nobuhiko Sakata couldn’t help laughing: “You’re still thinking of him. He’s on vacation in Kumamoto, saying to accompany Misae-san and draw manga—you know, his three manga Yu Yu Hakusho, Doraemon, and Late-night Diner are all rushing deadlines, Shueisha’s pressing hard, he really can’t get away. But rest assured, he said he’ll return to Tokyo by week’s end; then I’ll have him report to you and see if the plan needs adjustments.”
“Vacation is good, vacation is good.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu nodded with a smile, his eyes full of appreciation: “That kid’s too tired, directing, drawing manga, managing production department; he should rest properly. But when he returns, I’ll chat with him—I’ve heard Doraemon is getting animated? If we air a few episodes during the campaign, using its ‘dreams’ and ‘friendship’ themes to connect, it might work well.”
“You know about Doraemon?” Nobuhiko Sakata was somewhat surprised: “I thought you didn’t read manga.”
“How could I not? My granddaughter reads Doraemon volumes at home every day, even telling me ‘Grandpa, Doraemon’s pocket is amazing, solves all problems.'”
Yoshihiro Shimazu’s tone warmed: “Campaigning is similar; voters are like kids hoping for a leader who ‘solves problems.’ Hiroshi Nohara grasps this, making Doraemon so popular, proving he understands hearts—suggestions from someone like that will work.”
Everyone laughed, lightening the office atmosphere considerably.
Yoshihiro Shimazu put away his smile, his tone firm: “I must win this election. That guy Mikami Tanaka tripped me up secretly when I ran for Tokyo TV president, saying I ‘don’t understand management’; later when I pushed station reforms, he told city government I ‘wasted taxpayer money.’ If he becomes mayor, he’ll target Tokyo TV everywhere, even possibly dismantling the Broadcasting Corporation—I can’t let decades of effort be ruined by him.”
Asumi said softly: “Rest assured, we all support you. Mikami Tanaka’s policies are too radical; last year his ‘Tokyo CBD expansion plan’ demolished many old neighborhoods, offending old voters; plus he’s too close to real estate developers, many worry he’ll drive housing prices even higher as mayor—these are our breakthroughs.”
Toshihide Takada added: “We’ve collected plenty of Mikami Tanaka’s negative material, like him taking expensive calligraphy and paintings at a real estate developer banquet last year; and his promised ‘new schools’ haven’t broken ground— but we won’t attack him directly, just contrast subtly in promoting your policies, letting voters judge. Like with your ‘housing security plan,’ mention ‘won’t let real estate hijack livelihood,’ point made.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu nodded, his tone tinged with emotion: “You’re right; elections rely on strength, not smearing opponents. Back when I pushed reforms at the station, it was real results, not tricks—this campaign will be the same.”
He sighed suddenly, fingers tapping the desk: “Actually, this election is also an internal faction showdown. Mikami Tanaka represents the ‘real estate pulls economy’ faction, thinking high housing prices and good CBD mean Tokyo’s economy thrives; we represent the ‘economic regulation’ faction, believing real estate can’t hijack the economy, development should come from manufacturing, culture, livelihood industries—these factions’ conflict has lasted years.”
Ryuichi Suzuki nodded beside him, his tone tinged with helplessness: “You’re right. Tokyo housing prices have risen ridiculously these years; last year I wanted to buy an apartment for my son, Suginami Ward resale was 50 million yen, more than double three years ago. Many young people can’t afford homes, renting in suburbs with 2-3 hour commutes daily—if this continues, Tokyo’s talent will drain.”
Ken Sato added: “Several young employees in our technology bureau want to quit and return to the countryside—they say no hope in Tokyo, rent takes half their salary, no money even for dating. Mikami Tanaka says ‘high prices show Tokyo’s vitality’—pure nonsense.”
Toshihide Takada coughed, tone awkward: “Actually… I bought an apartment in Minato Ward two years ago; prices have risen a lot, assets indeed appreciated. Honestly, at first I thought real estate rising was good, since I benefited.”
At his words, silence fell on the sofa—
All present were Tokyo TV management, high earners mostly with Tokyo homes; rising prices did appreciate their assets—saying they fully reject real estate isn’t realistic.
Yoshihiro Shimazu looked at them, his gaze turning serious: “I know most of you have homes and are happy with rising prices—I have property too, valued higher last year. But we can’t just look at personal gain; think of Tokyo’s future. Real estate appreciation is paper wealth, doesn’t create real economic value—factories not producing, stores not selling, just house prices rising, economy will crash eventually.”
He paused, voice rising: “Real economy means young people have jobs and income to afford homes and families; factories producing good products sold across Neon or worldwide; culture industries making great programs and manga, making Tokyo a culture hub—these last, not false prosperity from real estate bubbles.”
The office was silent, only faint train sounds from outside.
After a while, Nobuhiko Sakata stood and bowed: “You’re right; our vision was too narrow. Going forward, we’ll emphasize ‘real economy’ and ‘livelihood security’ in promotion, letting voters see your policies truly consider Tokyo’s future.”
Asumi nodded too: “Tomorrow I’ll tell the promotion team to adjust the plan’s focus, highlight your plans for ‘manufacturing support’ and ‘culture industry development,’ showing voters you plan long-term, not just short-term gains.”
Yoshihiro Shimazu looked at them, seriousness fading to fatigue: “Forget it, no need for too much self-blame—real estate temptation is huge, holding to principles is hard. When Hiroshi Nohara returns, I’ll chat with him; that kid sees clearer, might give you good suggestions.”
He checked his watch, seeing nearly eleven: “Time’s late, you’ve been busy all morning; go eat. Execute the plan as discussed; contact me anytime with issues—though retired, I’m here whenever needed.”
Nobuhiko Sakata and others stood quickly, bowing: “Thank you, Shimazu-san! We won’t let you down!”
Everyone filed out; Nobuhiko Sakata last, glancing back as he closed the door.
Yoshihiro Shimazu sat at the desk, gazing at central Tokyo outside, sunlight on him seeming lonely.
He felt a sudden surge of emotion.
This old president struggled decades for Tokyo TV, now toiling for Tokyo’s future—such responsibility isn’t common.
……
Kumamoto Prefecture afternoons always carry lazy warmth; sunlight through Oyama Family Home study wooden lattice windows cast fine light spots on tatami, air scented faintly with ink and paper.
Hiroshi Nohara sat at the low table, right hand gripping pencil, tip moving fast on drawing paper, leaving fluid lines—Yu Yu Hakusho final volume storyboard nearing end, each panel’s action precise as if rehearsed countless times in his mind.
Thick stack of manuscripts to his left, neatly stacked; top was latest Doraemon chapter, Nobita hugging dorayaki, laughing with Doraemon under cherry blossom tree.
Middle was Late-night Diner original, boss ladling miso soup for guest, scar casting faint shadow on side face.
Bottom was just-finished Yu Yu Hakusho, full ninety chapters; uncolored, but black-white lines already compelling story.
“Phew—” Hiroshi Nohara set down final stroke, placed pencil in holder, stretched, joints popping softly.
He turned, seeing Misae on cushion nearby, elbow on low table, small hand propping chin, bright eyes fixed unblinking on him, breath light as if afraid to disturb.
Light purple loungewear made her skin seem whiter, hair tips dangling by cheeks, swaying gently with breath.
Hiroshi Nohara smiled, reached to lightly flick her nose tip, fingertip touching smooth warm skin: “What’re you staring at so intently? I finished drawing and you still haven’t reacted.”
Misae twitched nose itchily, shrinking neck instinctively, cheeks flushing, sat straight, eyes on manuscripts, tone full of amazement: “Hiroshi-kun, you’re too fast! When I came this morning, you were drawing Yu Yu Hakusho; in just three hours, all done? And every panel so detailed, even Yusuke’s sweat drops on hair…”
She touched manuscript lightly, fingertip cautious like precious treasure: “Before, Kobayashi-san at the club took three full days for twenty pages per chapter, always worried about plot flow; last time one panel storyboard wrong, she cried forever. I didn’t know manga before, thought everyone drew like you, fast and good; only after starting Future Manga Company did I learn how hard—now seeing your manuscripts, you really seem like a god.”
Hiroshi Nohara took green tea from table, handed a cup to Misae, eyes softening at her sipping daintily: “Not that exaggerated; just clear story outline beforehand. Manga has many nuances, not just speed. Like storyboard rhythm: big panels for emotions, small for plot push, planned ahead—like in Late-night Diner, boss handing food moment uses big panel, steam and guest expression to convey warmth; Yu Yu Hakusho fights use quick small panels for coherent tense action.”
He picked up Doraemon original, pointing to Nobita falling panel: “Also character expressions and actions must fit persona. Nobita’s clumsy; falling, brows wrinkle, mouth ‘O’ shape, hands instinctively bracing—realistic; if Shizuka, she’d cover skirt first, shy and aggrieved expression—that’s persona difference. Common manga artist mistake: actions unfit character, like Fat Tiger suddenly gentle feels ‘off,’ plot collapses.”
Misae listened intently, nodding, pulling notebook from pocket to jot, pen scratching paper: “So many details! Before, Sato-san at club had heroine fight villain fearless; I thought ‘cool,’ now know it’s persona collapse—heroine timid, how suddenly brave? No wonder readers said ‘confusing.'”
She looked up, eyes curious like eager student: “But Hiroshi-kun, you never seem to worry? Yusuke’s hot-blooded in Yu Yu Hakusho, Doraemon’s gentle, Late-night Diner boss steady—all so real, readers never say ‘off.’ How do you do it?”
Hiroshi Nohara touched nose, corner smirking cunningly, fingertip tapping manuscript: “Maybe… I’m the Manga God?”
She burst laughing, eyes crescent moons: “Hiroshi-kun joking again! No such thing as Manga God; you secretly worked hard, just not telling me.”
Hiroshi Nohara didn’t explain, just picked Doraemon original, looking at blue robot cat and Nobita, heart tinged with emotion—he’s no Manga God, just standing on giants’ shoulders.
Past life Neon manga predecessors perfected these stories; character, rhythm, storyboards time-tested.
He just “replicated” memory classics stroke by stroke to this world, thanks to those predecessors’ efforts, letting him spread warmth via manga here.
“Right, Hiroshi-kun.”
Misae suddenly remembered, set notebook down, tone expectant: “Club manga artists asked yesterday if you could give a lesson back? Kobayashi-san wants to hear how you design Late-night Diner food scenes; she says your tamagoyaki looks so tasty you can smell it; Sato-san wants how you invent Doraemon gadgets, says he struggles days for one magic prop, never fun.”
Hiroshi Nohara saw her expectant eyes, smiled nodding: “No problem; next week back in Tokyo, I’ll take an afternoon. Food scenes key is details—tamagoyaki glossy oil shine, edges golden crisp, small soy sauce dish nearby, green onions sprinkled for vividness; gadget design life-close, Anywhere Door is ‘want to go somewhere instantly’ wish embodied, feels ‘wish it real’ naturally fun.”
“Wow! That’s it!”
Misae eyes lit, jotted quickly in notebook, pen crisp on paper: “I’ll tell club tomorrow; they’ll be thrilled! Oh, one more—Shueisha’s Tasoro editor pager messaged yesterday, wants our company for Doraemon animation character coloring; said you recommended, and if good, Yu Yu Hakusho animation coloring too!”
Excited, her voice rose, face aglow: “You don’t know, my hands shook seeing message! Club artists worried just coloring your manga lacks own works, looked down on; now animation involvement, they’ll be motivated!”
Hiroshi Nohara ruffled her hair gently: “You deserve it. Last time coloring Late-night Diner, you detailed boss apron folds, table wood grain; Tasoro editor praised to me multiple times, better than pro animation companies. You understand characters better: Shizuka’s light brown hair, Doraemon’s bell shiny—entrust to you, I’m assured.”
Praised, Misae blushed deeper, head down, fingers twisting hem, softly: “Actually learned from you… You taught coloring needs light-shadow, like Late-night Diner overhead lights shadow table edges for depth; I remembered, taught club.”
“Knock knock knock—” Then Takao Oyama’s voice from downstairs, laughing: “Hiroshi! Misae! Come down for lunch! Made tempura and tonkotsu broth you love; cool if not eat!”
Hiroshi Nohara stood, pulled Misae up: “Let’s eat. I’m hungry too.”
Misae carefully tucked manuscripts into drawing folder, hugging like treasure: “Must store these well, can’t lose—originals that become animation!”
Hiroshi Nohara smiled at her seriousness, took folder: “I’ll carry; don’t tire yourself.”
They went downstairs side by side, stairwell scented with tempura aroma mixed rich tonkotsu broth, mouthwatering.
At living room first floor, Yoshiharu Oyama sat by table with Kumamoto Prefecture newspaper, reading avidly; hearing steps, looked up smiling: “Hiroshi back! Sit sit, tempura just fried, crispy outside tender inside, you’ll love.”
Takao Oyama came from kitchen with tray of tempura, rice, tonkotsu broth, set on table smiling: “Hiroshi, you don’t know, Kumamoto Castle everywhere Kumamon figures lately; yesterday supermarket, crowds at Kumamon doll shelf grabbing, kids crying ‘no doll, can’t sleep.'”
Yoshiharu Oyama set newspaper down, sipped tea, tone admiring: “Exactly! Yesterday park chess, old friends all said your Kumamon design is genius! Kumamoto obscure in Kyushu before, outsiders knew only Fukuoka, Nagasaki; now Tokyo tourists, Osaka businessmen first say ‘want Kumamoto for Kumamon.'”
He pointed newspaper news titled “Kumamon Boosts Tourism, March Visitors Up 40% YoY”: “See, paper says due to Kumamon, Kumamoto hotels 90% occupancy; even Mount Aso area new guesthouses. Local specialties like horse meat sashimi, strawberry daifuku unsold before; now Kumamon-printed sell out daily, bosses grinning ear to ear.”
Hiroshi Nohara took chopsticks, picked tempura; crust crisp, shrimp inside fresh juicy.
He nodded, gratified: “Good to help Kumamoto. Uncle, the company for local Kumamon supervision we discussed, how’s it?”
Energized, Yoshiharu Oyama straightened, proud: “No issues! Called old county government buddies, pros at process; registered company, trademark in week! ‘Kumamoto Bear Culture Development Stock Company,’ I’m president, three old brothers vice presidents, handling Kumamon merchandise supervision, offline events planning, merchant tie-ups.”
He set tea cup, fingers tapping desk, nostalgic: “Since retirement, daily chess, newspapers at home felt restless, missing something. Now daily office, discussing Kumamon promotion, selling local specialties with old brothers—full of energy, sleep sound, blood pressure down.”
Takao Oyama brought tonkotsu broth to Hiroshi Nohara, smiling nodding: “Yes! Retired home, he sighed ‘useless,’ even watering flowers distracted. Now up 6am eagerer than working, evenings tells company tales: today’s merchant deal, tomorrow school Kumamon event—young vigor again, haven’t seen so spirited long time.”
Misae sipped tonkotsu broth, savory spreading, pouted smiling: “I think power makes one youthful! Dad just dean before, no real authority; now president deciding, naturally spirited.”
Yoshiharu Oyama laughed heartily, wrinkles easing: “Smart girl! True, lose goals, nothing to do, age fast. Thought retirement for pension, but can’t idle. Now company, Kumamon project—I feel I can go another decade!”
He looked at Hiroshi Nohara gratefully: “Hiroshi, really, without you I’d be home relic! You gave chance to contribute to Kumamoto again, regained youth vigor. This favor, Yoshiharu Oyama remembers; anytime need me, one word, I’ll help!”
Hiroshi Nohara set chopsticks, sincere: “Uncle too polite. I just idea; you and brothers made it real. Kumamoto Misae’s hometown; happy to contribute. Uncle and aunt happy, finding pursuits—most important.”
Takao Oyama saw cheerful table, smiling, clamped tempura for Hiroshi Nohara: “Hiroshi, eat more; you’ve slimmed drawing manga. If Tokyo too busy, return Kumamoto few days; aunt makes tonkotsu ramen, strawberry daifuku you love.”
“Thanks aunt.” Hiroshi Nohara took tempura, heart warm.
Sunlight through living room windows bathed table, gilding faces golden.
Tempura aroma, rich tonkotsu broth, everyone’s laughter intertwined warmest scene.
Yoshiharu Oyama shared company plans: giant Kumamon statue at Kumamoto Castle gate, “Kumamon Culture Festival” inviting Neon manga artists for fan works.
Misae shared Future Manga Company plans: recruit more young manga artists for own works beyond coloring Hiroshi Nohara’s.
Hiroshi Nohara sat listening, smiling throughout.
He suddenly felt such life wonderful.
Beloved career, cared-for people, bringing joy to those around, contributing to place—probably greatest luck transmigrating here.
Lunch ended in lively talk; Takao Oyama cleared table, Yoshiharu Oyama showed Hiroshi Nohara company proposal, Misae sorted manuscripts nearby chiming in; living room laughter lingered.
Outside cherry tree budding; soon pink blossoms.
Their story, like blooming cherry, unfolding toward hopeful future.
PS: Shamelessly asking for rec votes, monthly tickets etc., happy National Day, Mid-Autumn! Hope fun times! Mind holiday schedules tho~
