Tokyo Unnatural Forensics

Chapter 245, Getting a free ride is a win!
As mentioned earlier, idols are a very low-status figure in the entertainment industry, only slightly higher than gravure idols. Although there are exceptions like Momoe Yamaguchi and Takuya Kimura who evolved from idols to superstars, generally speaking, only those who are bad at singing, acting, or making jokes and memes become idols.

Because the entry barrier is low, the competition is fierce. Because the entry barrier is low, the income is low. 70% of idols earn less than 10 yen per month in this job, and many idols have to take on part-time jobs to make a living.

In addition, the high-intensity work and strict image management go without saying. According to a survey by Johns Hopkins University... cough cough, the University of Tokyo, the vast majority of idols work more than 80 hours a week. Performances, training, handshake events, and after a few years, they are covered in injuries.

Moreover, while idols are adored by fans, they are often viewed by mainstream media as "entertainment commodities" rather than artists. For example, music critics rarely discuss the artistic value of idol songs seriously, focusing more on their commercial success.

YKC48 also debuted in the dark and gloomy theaters of Akihabara. It took them three or four years to finally become popular. The earliest members were already quite old before they started to gain fame. Only then did the center and top members begin to get some opportunities on terrestrial television, playing supporting roles in late-night dramas outside of Akihabara and appearing as guests on variety shows.

So, what are terrestrial waves?

The term "terrestrial wave" actually refers to underground idols, who are simply self-run groups that can only operate on their own platforms, performing in small theaters, livehouses, or even in open spaces between two trees on the side of the road, earning their operating funds by charging admission fees and selling merchandise.

In this situation, their fans are almost exclusively idol otaku.

Terrestrial broadcasting refers to the ability to appear in TV dramas, commercials, large-scale performances, and variety shows, which means exposure opportunities in mainstream media.

It's impossible to become truly famous just by having idol fans. To truly rise from the fringe of subcultures to the mainstream, you need to have a "terrestrial presence."

In YKC48, even the center and top members in the front row mostly only make a brief appearance in late-night dramas and regular variety shows on terrestrial television, which is considered quite good. Occasionally, they can appear in prime-time dramas, such as playing the outermost member of the three best friends in a school drama, which is considered the highest achievement for an idol. This requires the agency to spend a lot of connections and resources to secure such an opportunity.

It seems like the only idol who debuted and immediately started appearing on prime-time variety shows and dramas is Hirate Sarana from Akashirozaka, right?
Maho Yamaguchi only participated in the audition at the age of 18, and is still a trainee and not a formal member. She never expected that a role that could be a vase reading a script on a prime-time variety show and get exposure would fall into her lap!

This is something she's determined to get at any cost! At 19 years old, she's more eager than anyone else for it!

So she told everything.

FNS Production Director Kazuhiko Abiru listened quietly as she finished speaking, his brows slightly furrowed.

Yamaguchi's manager has a good relationship with Fuji TV. Upon hearing the news, he immediately reported it to Fuji TV, which led to this meeting. Abiru originally thought that the two had dated before, but Yamaguchi admitted that she had only gone on three dates with Uesugi Muneyuki.

"Besides Uesugi Muneyuki, have you interacted with anyone else? I mean men."

"Yes, there were a few, but I cut ties with them after I was selected!" Yamaguchi Maho quickly explained, "Idols are forbidden from having romantic relationships!"

“Okay, we understand. Thank you for your cooperation. Once our program planning is almost complete, we will have your agent contact you.” Director Abilu indicated that she could leave.

"Yes, thank you very much." Yamaguchi Maho was still a little dizzy.

Am I really going to get prime-time airtime? Have I really landed a hit?

Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma of Aomori Prefecture, I'm going to be famous!

As for what Uesugi thinks, never mind!
Getting a freebie is a win!

After Maho Yamaguchi left, Fuji TV resumed discussions about what to do.

“We can use this female idol to test Uesugi Muneyuki and see what kind of person he likes, and what he thinks of Fuji TV.” Director Abiru instructed, “Be careful not to make Uesugi feel offended. We are trying to be friendly, not threatening him. She’s just a little idol. Giving an idol trainee the opportunity to appear in prime time is an incredible favor… I think it’s a bit too much.”

"Yes!"

........................

When Yamaguchi Maho was taken away, the idols of YKC48 were all talking about it, and every face was filled with surprise and jealousy.

She's just a trainee, how did she manage to freeload off me?

unfair!
We've worked hard for years, earning a base salary of only 5 yuan from theaters. Even with perfect attendance for 30 days a month, we only make 20 yuan. Occasionally, we need support from our families or take on part-time jobs to supplement our idol expenses. We've struggled to get into the selection process and onto TV. How did she manage to rise to the top overnight? How did she do it?
The production director at Fuji TV is a super big shot!
The two classmates of Maho Yamaguchi, Yuka Ogino and Marina Nishigaki, who were next to her, were extremely jealous. The thought that Yamaguchi was already able to meet important people while they had to spend several years struggling to get a chance in theaters made them want to tear their classmates' faces apart!

Nobody knows what Yamaguchi Maho was taken there for.

"Heh, what if they just let her do 'pillow talk' because she's pretty?" the idols thought maliciously.

Damn it, I wish I could at least be a pillow seller!

Isn't this the kind of opportunity we, the servants who wash feet, need just?
Not to mention the maids who wash feet, even Miyawaki Sakura from the TOP group is jealous, and she is also very unwilling.

Sakura has worked hard all this time, but her monthly income is only around 35 yen. She can only occasionally make appearances in late-night variety shows and dramas, and she can't stop talking about the group.

Just as the YKC48 girls were discussing this, a few people walked towards them.

"Oh my? Isn't this Sakura?" National star Mai Shirakawa was like a white pearl melting in champagne. Her chestnut-brown curly hair flowed with a satin-like luster. The crescent-shaped earrings hanging from her hair swayed gently with the movement of her head, spreading out circles of honey-colored halo. She was walking with her manager and Fuji TV staff when she ran into Sakura Miyawaki and took the initiative to greet her.

Mai-senpai doesn't really care about these juniors, nor does she need to cultivate relationships in the entertainment industry. However, she does have an impression of Miyawaki Sakura because she met her when she was working with Uesugi Muneyuki.

As long as I'm with him, the world is bright, and faces are clear.

"Huh???" The entire group was shocked.

Even though I knew Sakura knew Mai Shirakawa, why would Mai Shirakawa take the initiative to greet her?

"Mai-sama!!!" Sakura's face immediately lit up with a bright and triumphant smile. She was also shocked that Shirakawa Mai would take the initiative to greet her. The girl ran over and bowed very seriously: "Long time no see! Is there work?"

"Yes, I'm here to discuss some things with Fujidai." Mai-senpai looked at Miyawaki Sakura, whose beauty resembled a spring cherry blossom doll, and was in a good mood: "And you?"

“I just came from Music Station,” Sakura said sweetly. Her hair was tied in loose, chocolate-colored pigtails, with sparkling hair accessories at the ends. Her amber eyes and the bright pink of her cherry blossom lips complemented each other.

"Oh, right? It's that decades-old program on TV Asahi, right?" Mai-senpai laughed. "You must be exhausted from running back and forth between venues. That's amazing."

"Ah~ Not at all~" Being able to talk to Mai Shirakawa again made Sakura overjoyed, especially with the dozens of envious eyes behind her giving her a sense of superiority over everyone else.

I am the king of the world!
"Then, Mai-sama, can you reward your Sakura a little?" Sakura's amber eyes darted around, revealing a hint of innocent girlish anticipation: "Can we take another picture together?"

Ha ha.

Mai Shirakawa immediately recognized that Sakura was acting. This little idol comes from Kagoshima, a place with clear skies and pristine waters. How can she be so good at pretending?
However, she didn't dislike Sakura's little tricks, and Uesugi Muneyuki had asked her to take a photo with him.

And so, Mai-senpai took another photo with Sakura.

After the national actress left, it's Sakura's turn to look down on everyone. Not to mention the other top stars, even Matsui Tamaki, who is in the center position, showed a shocked and envious look at Sakura, and even revealed a hint of jealousy.

Sakura looked at the photos on her phone with great pride and immediately uploaded them to her email.

It's decided; for the next week, all her social media posts will revolve around this meeting.

As for what Mai-sama will think, I don't care!
Getting a freebie is a win!

As a result, with Fuji TV's new project, the winds of discussion surrounding Uesugi Muneyuki are blowing fiercely, and every faction wants to ride on his popularity.

The national momentum is overwhelming!
On October 1st, Uesugi Muneyuki, who was resting in the Sakata Bridge Tower, received a call from Fuji TV's director, Kameyama Chihiro.

Kameyama Chihiro formally invited Uesugi Muneyuki to participate in a prime-time program that Fuji TV had temporarily created for him on Saturday nights at 8:30 pm.

"A 24-Year-Old with a God-like Hand Descends: 100% Solved Cases and Thousands of Corpses Since Debut, Unveiling All the Secrets of 'Legendary Rookie Forensic Pathologist Uesugi Muneyuki' (2-Hour Special)"

What kind of ridiculous title is this?

Uesugi Muneyuki thought to himself, "It really does have a Fuji TV style."

"We sincerely invite Uesugi-kun to participate in this variety show with the best treatment!" President Kameyama said earnestly on the phone. "As long as Uesugi-kun is willing to participate, the script can be changed, the plan can be revised, and we will invite any artist you want right away."

"Oh? Really?" Uesugi Muneyuki remained noncommittal.

But Mariko Hironaka in front of him indicated that it was true.

As long as Uesugi Muneyuki can participate, Fuji TV's bottom line is... there is no bottom line!
"It's true! Please believe in our sincerity, Uesugi-kun!" President Kameyama was a little excited on the phone: "We know you have a good relationship with Mai Shirakawa, so we spared no expense to invite her here. Now we're just waiting for your decision."

Mai Shirakawa said that she would agree to be the host if Muneyuki Uesugi agreed to come.

"Furthermore, if Uesugi-kun agrees to appear, we have another surprise for you!"

Guishan Laogui gave a subtle hint over the phone.

Another surprise?
Uesugi Muneyuki looked thoughtfully at Hironaka Mariko's gestures.

Yes, after holding a board meeting, Fuji TV decided to take a huge gamble, betting the entire station's ratings for the next 30 years on Uesugi Muneyuki.

Getting a freebie is a win!

(End of this chapter)