Chapter 93: The King Returns! Hiroshi Nohara Harassed By Phone Calls!
The next day.
On the third Tuesday of July, the storm brought by Hiroshi Nohara quietly exploded in countless newsstands and on commuter trains.
《 Tokyo TV Drama Report》’s entertainment front page, with a brushstroke bordering on amazement, vividly described last night’s dramatic “rectification.”
【 The King Returns! 《 Kamishibai》’s father, Hiroshi Nohara, took charge in a crisis, pulling a dying work back from the ICU overnight! 】
“…If the groundbreaking success of 《 World of the Strange》 showed us Hiroshi Nohara’s talent for creating a new genre, then this emergency rescue of 《 Kamishibai: True Season 3》 was more like a textbook-level, surgical precision strike.”
“In just a few minutes, he stripped the IP, which had been defiled by the likes of Iwata, from a mess of ill-fitting demon-exorcising farces, and restored the purest, most chilling soul of ‘Urban Legends’.”
“A 8.35% viewership rating is less a score and more a declaration—the 《 Kamishibai》 we know, the one that sent shivers down our spines on summer nights, has returned.”
The accompanying picture in the article did not choose Hiroshi Nohara’s handsome face, which was enough to make countless young girls scream. Instead, it meaningfully selected a close-up of a Kamishibai Uncle wearing an ominous mask.
The eyes hidden behind the mask seemed to stare coldly through the paper at the clowns who had tried to defile it.
And “Blade Pen,” the veteran film critic known for his sharp tongue and wit, elevated the farce to a more philosophical height in his column.
…
Other newspapers also had film critics publish their works—
【 Fake and Genuine: A Public Execution of the ‘Soul’ 】
“…Iwata Masao’s failure was not due to inferior skills, but because, from the very beginning, he embarked on a path that led in the opposite direction. He naively thought that by imitating Hiroshi Nohara’s art style and using the ‘Urban Legends’ gimmick, he could replicate that success.”
“He is like a clumsy painter who copies the 《 Mona Lisa》, yet can never understand the unique soul of Da Vinci contained within that mysterious smile.”
“Hiroshi Nohara’s 《 Lend Me》, on the surface, is just a simple ghost story, but its core is an incredibly precise modern urban allegory. It questions us modern people, living in a jungle of concrete and steel, about our unplaceable survival rule between indifference and kindness.”
“This is the true soul of 《 Kamishibai》—it never deigns to scare you with grotesque monsters; it merely amplifies the most subtle fears in our daily lives, the most hidden corners of human nature, and amplifies them until they become an icy needle capable of piercing all your psychological defenses.”
“So, while Iwata Masao was still trying to build a haunted house with cheap special effects and foolish plots, Hiroshi Nohara had already built an inescapable labyrinth of ‘humanity’ in each of our hearts. This confrontation, from the very beginning, was not on the same dimension.”
…
Compared to the in-depth analyses of these professional media outlets, 《 Weekly Modern》’s writing was more approachable and sensational.
【 “Dad’s Back!”—A National Carnival by the Audience to Save 《 Kamishibai》! 】
“…We must admit that this is a victory for the fans. It was the deluge of petition letters and the overwhelmed viewer hotlines that finally prompted Tokyo Television’s top brass to make this incredibly correct decision. And Hiroshi Nohara, this young ‘father,’ did not betray everyone’s expectations. He responded to the calls of all his ‘children’ with a perfect answer.”
“This is no longer just the success of a television drama; it is the most positive interaction between a creator and the audience. It proves to us that in this era, what truly determines the life or death of a work is not the power games of television executives, but each and every one of us ordinary viewers who vote with our remote controls in front of the television.”
This rhetoric, filled with populism, pushed Hiroshi Nohara’s personal reputation to an unprecedented height, almost that of a “people’s spokesperson.”
…
Some more niche comment magazines, leaning towards sociological research, interpreted this phenomenal cultural event from a more subtle angle.
【 Collective Anxiety of 1990s Japan from the “Nohara Phenomenon” 】
“…Whether it’s the urban dwellers in 《 World of the Strange》, who have been alienated and distorted by modern society, or the unspeakable fears lurking beneath the surface of daily life in 《 Kamishibai》. Hiroshi Nohara’s works accurately capture the most common, collective psychological anxiety of our society, which appears prosperous but is actually turbulent, during this period of economic downturn. His success is not accidental. He has merely found, in a genius way, the most appropriate outlet for the confusion and unease of our era.”
For a time, praise flooded in like a tide.
The name Hiroshi Nohara was no longer just the creator of a viewership myth; he was jointly placed on a pedestal called “Symbol of the Era” by the media, critics, and countless fervent fans.
…
“So, I’m a ‘Symbol of the Era’ now?”
In the office of 【 Hiroshi Nohara Special Production Team】, Hiroshi Nohara shook the 《 Tokyo TV Drama Report》, which Hoshi Minamimura treated like a holy book, a wry smile of helplessness on his face.
This is really going too far.
“Of course!”
Hoshi Minamimura puffed out his chest, his young face filled with pride and shared honor: “Section Chief, you are like a god on our school’s forum! My junior, yesterday, asked me to get your autograph for her! She said that if she could get your signature, she would… would…”
“Would what?” Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
“Cough!”
Hoshi Minamimura’s old face turned red, and after a long stammer, he whispered, “She’d give me her limited edition photo book of Miho Nakayama, which she’s treasured for three years…”
“Pfft—”
“Hahaha!”
The office erupted in a burst of good-natured laughter.
Even Ichiro Hashishita, who was buried in work organizing the storyboard drafts for the new episode in the corner, couldn’t help but subtly curve the corners of his mouth upwards.
He looked up, observing the young faces in the office radiating confidence and joy. In his eyes, which had long been occupied by regret and despair, a spark of life finally reappeared.
He was back.
Back to this warm collective, which he had once betrayed with his own hands, but now felt immensely fortunate to be a part of again.
He no longer thought about unrealistic ambitions, nor did he envy the seemingly unattainable brilliance of that young man.
He finally understood.
Iwata Masao’s failure was not accidental.
And his own success was also not due to his own abilities.
Whether it was the first and second seasons of 《 Kamishibai》, or the current one that saved the day, 《 True Season 3》.
The root of it all lay with just one person.
The young man being surrounded by everyone, a serene smile on his face.
He was like the sun, and they were merely planets revolving around him.
They could reflect his light but could never shine on their own.
With this realization, Ichiro Hashishita felt an unprecedented calm descend upon his heart, which had been tormented by jealousy and unwillingness for so long.
“So, this is what a genius is.”
He let out a long sigh, as if expelling all the obsessions and inner demons of his life.
He picked up his pen and began to meticulously mark the lighting and props required for each shot in the corner of the storyboard draft with an almost reverent focus.
He knew that from now on, what he had to do was simple.
It was to use all his lifelong skills to present the bizarre worlds in this genius’s mind to everyone in the most perfect way.
This, perhaps, was the greatest value of his life, Ichiro Hashishita.
“Alright, alright! Stop fooling around!”
Just then, Yō Kitagawa, like a diligent little bee, entered with several large bento boxes. Her always energetic and pretty face was beaming with a bright smile: “Section Chief is treating today! I specifically went to the most famous ‘Kyuubei’ in Ginza to order top-tier sushi bento for everyone!”
“Oh, oh, oh! Kyuubei!”
“That’s great! I’ve only seen it on TV!”
The office erupted in cheers again.
Everyone scrambled to surround the bento boxes, which looked quite valuable, and distributed them one by one.
Even Ichiro Hashishita’s desk was quietly graced with one.
He looked up and saw Yō Kitagawa giving him a shallow smile, still a little awkward, but no longer cold.
Ichiro Hashishita’s eyes instantly welled up with tears.
…
Meanwhile, on the top floor of Tokyo Television, in the luxurious office overlooking the entire city’s night view, the atmosphere was starkly different from the relaxed mood in Hiroshi Nohara’s office.
“So, Mr. Asumi.”
The Director of the Advertising Department, a middle-aged fat man with a receding hairline, bowed with a fawning smile, presenting a cup of freshly brewed, top-grade Gyokuro to Asumi with both hands, his posture as humble as a devout believer facing the God of Wealth.
“Regarding the exclusive naming rights for the next season of 《 World of the Strange》, we have three top-tier car brands and two electronic giants who have expressed strong interest in cooperation. Their offers are increasingly astonishing. So, perhaps we could…”
“No rush.”
Asumi picked up the teacup and blew on the steam, a fox-like composure on his elegant face: “As for advertising, you should still talk to Executive Deputy Director Mr. Takada. I cannot interfere with specific business.”
“Ah? This…” The Director of the Advertising Department was stunned.
“Also, 《 Kamishibai》 is very popular right now.”
Another deputy director, who was on good terms and in charge of overseas copyright procurement, also leaned in, excitement on his face: “I’ve already received purchase intentions from several television stations in Southeast Asia! Especially the story 《 Lend Me》, which is said to have caused quite a stir in Thailand! The copyright fees they are offering are also quite substantial!”
Asumi simply nodded with a smile, repeating the same phrase: “Mr. Takada, the Deputy Director, is fully responsible for these matters.”
Looking at these two colleagues, who were usually arrogant but now hovered around him like flies, Asumi felt an unprecedented sense of triumph and vindication welling up inside him.
He knew that from today onwards, their Kanto Faction would no longer be the marginalized faction that had to watch others’ faces and was constantly restricted.
They held two aces that would make the entire television station take notice.
One was called 《 World of the Strange》.
The other was called 《 Kamishibai》.
And behind both these aces stood only one common name.
Hiroshi Nohara.
Asumi also thought that by handing over these matters to Toshihide Takada, the Deputy Director of the Production Bureau who already held tight control over the most lucrative aspects of the Production Bureau’s planning—copyright and advertising—he would definitely have to expend considerable effort and time on these two planned programs.
Asumi couldn’t help but smile as well.
After all, even if he decided the broadcast rights, overseas rights, and advertising sponsors for these two planned programs,
the final decision still rested with himself, the leader of the Kanto Faction.
…
“Useless! A bunch of useless people!”
In Toshihide Takada’s office, the familiar roar filled with rage echoed again.
A valuable celadon tea cup was smashed to the ground by him, shattering into pieces, like his heart, which had long been riddled with jealousy and anger.
Iwata Masao knelt on the floor like a dead dog, trembling, not daring to even lift his head.
“Look! Look at how they do it!”
Toshihide Takada pointed at the latest ratings report on the desk, his gloomy face contorted with extreme anger: “It’s the same 《 Kamishibai》! It’s the same third season! In his hands, it can be resurrected and achieve new glory! In your hands, it’s just shit that even dogs wouldn’t sniff at!”
“Now, the entire television station is laughing at me! They’re laughing at our Tokyo Faction! Where do you expect me to put my old face?!”
He paced back and forth in anger, but finally sank back into the leather chair symbolizing power, weak and dejected.
He looked at the sky outside the window, his gaze like that of an aging lion king who had all his territory taken by a young lion, leaving only endless fatigue and unwillingness.
After a long time, he slowly let out a sigh, a self-mocking smile in his breath.
“Forget it.”
He waved his hand, as if shooing away a fly: “You can go now. Don’t let me see you again recently.”
“Yes! Yes!”
Iwata Masao felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. He kowtowed a few more times, then scrambled out of the suffocating office on all fours.
However, as he turned around, just before the heavy door closed, a venomous and frenzied glint, like that of a viper, flashed in his lowered eyes.
He clenched his fists tightly, his fingernails digging deeply into his palms.
The humiliation he had endured in recent days.
It was a bit too much!
…
And the young man, who was adored, envied, or hated by countless people, had long since left the outside clamor behind him.
In his office, the curtains were tightly drawn, leaving only a desk lamp with soft light to outline his focused profile with a resolute contour.
In front of him lay a large piece of white paper.
In his hand, he held a very ordinary pencil.
His gaze was calm yet fervent, as if containing a newborn universe.
On the white paper, there were no storyboards or dialogue, only simple drawings full of childlike fun and imagination.
A man in a black leotard imitates a spewing volcano with his body.
A girl in a white dress uses several open umbrellas and a flashlight to imitate jellyfish at night.
A group of students in different colored clothes use their body movements to imitate rolling, colorful marbles.
And at the very top of the paper, in a unique artistic font, were written several magical characters.
—《 Super Change Change Change》 Season 1, Proposal Plan （ Detailed Version ）.
Hiroshi Nohara knew that to make a splash in this new variety show arena, not a single mistake could be made.
Season 1 had to be perfect!
It had to be an ace of aces that could capture the eyes of all viewers in an instant.
Therefore, he made a decision.
For the contestants of the first season, he would not use auditions to find creators with uncertain talent from the public.
He would use actors.
Actors with strong acting skills and excellent expressiveness, but who had been overlooked for various reasons, from the Kanto Faction.
He wanted to use the most professional people to present the most perfect and imaginative performances.
He wanted to first deeply imprint the brand 《 Super Change Change Change》 in the hearts of every Japanese viewer with an impeccable and magnificent performance.
Let them know that variety shows could be played like this.
That creativity could be so pure and fun.
Only when the second season arrives, and the brand has gained widespread popularity and sufficient influence, will he completely open this door to the general public.
At that time, a truly meaningful creative carnival involving the entire nation will officially begin.
This was his true plan.
Hiroshi Nohara’s lips curved into a confident arc.
‘Ring ring—’
However, at this moment, the desk phone next to Hiroshi Nohara rang, interrupting his thoughts.
“Hello, Nohara Classroom, this is Hiroshi Nohara,” Hiroshi Nohara said.
“Mr. Hiroshi Nohara! This is Ichiro Iwaya, Deputy Director of the Production Bureau at Osaka Television Station. If possible, I would like to discuss with you…”
The other party immediately introduced himself.
‘Click.’ But Hiroshi Nohara hung up the phone directly, his expression somewhat helpless.
He was almost used to it.
Ever since 《 World of the Strange》 broke the 21% viewership rating, he had been receiving many phone calls.
He didn’t know how the other party got his desk phone number at Tokyo Television.
They had even repeatedly called his home phone number.
It was a constant nuisance for Hiroshi Nohara.
He certainly didn’t want to be disturbed.
And he also didn’t want to change jobs when this economic bubble was about to burst and an economic crisis was about to arrive like a tidal wave.
