I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 120 Elephant ~ The Ancestral Elephant Dance! Nohara Ginnosuke's signature move!

Osaka, Kansai Television (KTV) Headquarters Building, Production Department.

The air in the conference room seemed to be tightly grasped by an invisible hand, so heavy that water could be wrung out of it.

The ashtray was already filled with burnt cigarette butts, like small graves, burying the inspiration and patience of everyone present.

"So, after almost a month of hard work, this is the result you gave me?"

Ichiro Agaya, the deputy director of the production department who is known for his iron fist and bad temper in the Osaka television industry, threw a thin plan in the middle of the conference table as if it were garbage.

That face, which looked a little swollen from giving orders for a long time, was now filled with undisguised disappointment and anger.

"'New Tales of Strange Stories'? Did you get kicked in the head by a donkey? This old-fashioned name sounds like the late-night ghost stories my grandparents watched! Are you trying to make the audience fall asleep early while watching our show?!"

His roar, like that of an enraged lion, resonated throughout the conference room.

The section chiefs and directors sitting below, who usually acted arrogantly in their respective territories, now looked like a group of quails that had done something wrong, with their heads lowered and silent as a cicada.

"Deputy Director...this...this can't be blamed on us."

A seemingly gentle section chief finally mustered up the courage to defend himself in a tone that bordered on pleading: "'Urban Tales' is a simple subject to talk about, but actually doing it... is simply too difficult."

"Difficult? What's difficult about it?!" Ichiro slammed the table, and the loud noise made everyone subconsciously shrink their necks.

"It's... it's 'Nohara Hiroshi' that's too difficult!"

The gentle section chief's voice suddenly rose, his flushed face filled with the helplessness and despair of being forced into a desperate situation. "He... he's not telling a ghost story at all! He's defining it! With 'Dark Zhiju' and 'The Strangest Stories of the World,' he defined this brand-new genre, 'urban ghost story,' a definition that none of us can escape!"

"We tried! We really tried!"

The other screenwriter in charge of the script also chimed in with a mournful expression, "We found the best horror novelist in Osaka. We even went to ancient temples in Kyoto and looked through centuries-old strange stories! But compared to Nohara Hiroshi's, what we came up with just feels... so fake! So contrived!"

"That's right!"

The polite section chief nodded heavily, his voice filled with despair. "His fear is rooted in life! It's the kind of fear you get when you walk into a convenience store late at night and see a blurry figure in the mirror! It's the kind of fear you get when you receive a silent, harassing phone call, only to discover the next day that the number doesn't exist! This kind of thing isn't made up, it's... it's ingrained in him! We... we can't imitate it!"

"Can't imitate it?"

The corner of Ichiro's eye twitched. He suppressed his anger and changed the subject: "What about 'The Wonderful World of Tales'? That one can always be imitated, right? Isn't it just a twist? Just hire a few more screenwriters and make the ending a little more outrageous, right?!"

"That...that's even more difficult!" The screenwriter's face instantly fell like a bitter gourd.

"Do you think it's just a simple reversal? There...there's an analysis of human nature and a satire of social phenomena! The first episode, 'The Touch of Terror,' talks about 'prejudice'! The second episode, 'The Legend of Macchio,' talks about 'rumors'! The third episode, 'Shogi', talks about 'fate'! Each story is like a scalpel, precisely cutting open the most hypocritical abscesses in our society! This kind of depth...this kind of intention...how can we...how can we possibly learn it?!"

This statement caused the entire conference room to fall into a long silence.

Ichiro opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word.

He felt like a stupid tribal leader commanding a group of primitive men armed with sticks to challenge a futuristic warrior driving a Gundam.

The feeling of powerlessness that came from the bottom of his heart made his already anxious heart even more depressed.

"Then...what about 'Super Mutant'?"

As if grasping at straws, he asked in a dry voice, "What do you think of that national audition? Is it... just that brat playing tricks?"

"This... we've studied it, too." Section Chief Sven pushed his glasses up, his eyes filled with confusion. "From a formal perspective, this is truly an unprecedented model. It takes the auditions from the closed studio directly to the streets and alleys across the country. It's more like... conscription than selection."

"Recruiting?" Ichiro Goya's brows frowned even deeper.

"Yes, conscription."

Section Chief Sven nodded, his tone filled with awe. "He uses 'creativity' and 'honor' as weapons to transform ordinary people throughout Japan into his most loyal soldiers. He instills in everyone the illusion that 'I, too, can become a star,' and thus willingly contributes to his rising variety show empire. This method... is truly... brilliant."

"But what's the point?" another director retorted unconvincedly. "How can a ragtag group of people, no matter how many there are, ever compare to the professionally trained comedians we have? I think this is just a flashy, large-scale performance art. Once the novelty wears off, the audience will soon tire of it."

These words made everyone present nod subconsciously.

That’s the view now.

Yes, what can a group of amateurs do?

Whether it is a movie, a TV series, or a variety show, it needs a group of professional actors and stars to support the show.

A group of amateurs who have not received any acting education.

A group of so-called citizens.

Do you know what a lens is?
Do you know what theatrical language is?
"In this way, perhaps we still have a chance to breathe."

Hearing everyone say this, Ichiro felt a little relieved, but for some reason, he still felt extremely nervous.

……

Nagoya, Chukyo TV.

Fukuoka, Kyushu Broadcasting.

Almost at the same time, the same conversation was taking place in different conference rooms, in different dialects.

Those local tyrants who had once clamored to join forces to "encircle and suppress" Nohara Hiroshi, after weeks of closed-door research, finally had to face a cruel reality that made them feel despair.

They were no match for that young man at all.

Whether it was creativity, depth, or structure, they were all beaten in all directions by the other side in an almost overwhelming manner.

"Ugh!"

In the end, all the arguments and all the resentment turned into a collective sigh filled with helplessness and exhaustion.

"never mind."

A production manager waved his hand, his gesture like a fighter with a broken spine. "Let's put the 'Super Mutant Mutant Mutant' project on hold for now. Let's focus all our energy on finishing this 'Urban Tales' project first! I just can't believe that all of us elites in Kansai can't outperform a kid from Tokyo!"

"Hi!"

……

As night falls, the lights in the izakaya become dim.

Ichiro Goya, Ken Yamada, and Shigeru Tanaka, the three core members of the "Anti-Nohara Hiroshi Alliance", gathered together again.

But this time, the passion of their shared hatred for the enemy was no longer on their faces. Instead, there was only a kind of dejection that came from a mutual understanding and was shrouded in a common failure.

"Damn it! What the hell is going on in that kid's head?!"

Ichiro Gaiya downed the sake in his glass in one gulp and slammed it down on the table. His flushed face was filled with uncontrollable jealousy and resentment. "Those useless people under me have been studying for almost a month and haven't even learned the basics of a single episode! All they do is tell me it's 'difficult' and 'can't imitate'! What am I keeping them for?!"

"Same here." Yamada Ken gave a wry smile, his face now filled with exhaustion. "It's the same here. That guy called Nohara Hiroshi is like a mountain, a mountain that none of us can climb over. We can only watch him standing on the top of the mountain, looking down at us poor wretches struggling at the foot of the mountain."

"The most terrifying thing is not his talent."

Tanaka Shigeru, who had been silent the entire time, slowly let out a breath. "The most terrifying thing is his strategy. With 'Dark House' and 'World's Strangest Stories,' he established an absolute, unshakable brand barrier in the field of 'urban tales.' Then, with 'Super Change,' he carved out a blue ocean in the brand-new battlefield of variety shows, a blue ocean that belongs only to him."

He paused, and there was a hint of fear in his voice that he himself was not even aware of.

"TV series, animation, variety shows... He's only been at the TV station for less than a year, and he's already established absolute dominance in these three most important areas. Do you think, in a few years, will there still be room for us old-timers in this glamorous Japanese television industry?"

These words were like an ice-cold knife, piercing the hearts of everyone present with precision.

The box fell into a dead silence.

This is indeed worth pondering.

There are always abandoned losers in every era.

However, when it was their turn, these production bureau leaders who were used to being high and mighty felt confused and frightened.

Especially now, they can't even understand what Nohara Hiroshi is doing!
……

Omagari City, Akita Prefecture.

In stark contrast to the suffocating fast pace of Tokyo, time here seems to be stretched out by the lazy chirping of cicadas in the August afternoon, distant and peaceful.

In the Nohara family's old house, Nohara Ginnosuke was sitting cross-legged on the tatami with an unhappy look on his face, his two thick eyebrows, which were exactly the same as his youngest son's, were twisted into a knot.

In front of him was a colorful promotional poster.

On it, written in a magical artistic font were a few large words that seemed to be jumping - "Super Change Change" · Akita regional auditions, registration is now open!
"Hmph, all this fancy stuff." Nohara Ginnosuke exhaled a breath of stale air, a mixture of stubbornness and disdain typical of an old farmer. He sipped his warm barley tea, his eyes involuntarily scanning the imaginative and comical images on the poster. Deep within those eyes, a restless, eager anticipation lurked, a glimmer of something he himself was unaware of.

"Dad, you've been staring at that piece of paper all afternoon. Aren't your eyes tired?"

From the kitchen, the voice of my wife Nohara Tsuru was heard, which sounded somewhat helpless but full of a gentle smile.

She came out with a plate of freshly cut chilled watermelon. The watermelon with red flesh and black seeds exuded the unique sweetness of midsummer.

"Who... who watched it!" Nohara Ginnosuke's old face flushed, like a child whose secrets were exposed. He quickly pushed the poster aside and put on the airs of a head of the family: "I'm criticizing! I'm criticizing this kind of sensational, irresponsible program! Our Nohara family has been down-to-earth for generations! Who has the time to engage in these things that are not worthy of the public!"

Nohara Tsuru just covered her mouth and chuckled. She put the watermelon on the low table. Her eyes, which had already been wrinkled by time but were still clear and bright, were filled with understanding of her husband's little thoughts.

"Really? Why did I hear that Mr. Yamada next door was bragging to me yesterday that he and his grandson were going to sign up for this show and perform a 'grandfather and grandson telling jokes' show?"

"That old bastard Yamada?!" Nohara Ginnosuke's eyebrows instantly stood up. He slapped his thigh fiercely, his small eyes blazing with resentment. "He can tell a shitload of jokes! His tone-deaf, hoarse voice would make even the village dogs avoid him! If he dares to go, why can't I... I, Nohara Ginnosuke, go?!"

"Oh?" Nohara Tsuru's lips curled up in a playful arc. "So what are you going to perform? I don't remember you having any outstanding talents."

"Who said I didn't?!"

This sentence was like a lit fuse, instantly detonating Nohara Ginnosuke's powder keg full of self-esteem!

He stood up suddenly, and his weather-beaten face showed an expression of anger at having his artistic attainments looked down upon.

He slammed all the paper sliding doors shut, and slammed the living room windows shut with a clang. The entire room instantly darkened, leaving only a few rays of light filtering through the cracks, making the atmosphere seem somewhat mysterious and also somewhat... vulgar.

"Ah He, today, I will let you see your husband's true special talent that I have hidden for decades!"

Nohara Tsuru looked at his mysterious expression. For the first time, a sense of foreboding appeared on his face that always wore a gentle smile. His voice even stuttered a little: "You...you old pervert...you are not going to perform...that?"

"Hey hey hey..."

Nohara Ginnosuke let out a laugh full of devilishness. He turned around, his back to his wife, and after a rustling sound, he turned around suddenly!

He lifted up his white sweatshirt, revealing his belly which was still well-maintained despite being over fifty years old.

"Elephant~elephant~why is your trunk so long~"

As he sang the ballad full of childish fun, he twisted his waist, and on the side of his face was a smile that he thought was cool, but was actually extremely vulgar.

'Snapped! '

A crisp, angry sound, accompanied by Nohara Tsuru's shameful and angry roar, exploded in this small Japanese-style room!
"You disrespectful old man! Reflect on your actions!"

Nohara Ginnosuke squatted in the corner with a look of grievance, holding the rapidly swelling red bump on his head and pouting.

"Ahe doesn't understand what art is at all..." He muttered softly, but his small eyes drifted uncontrollably towards the tempting promotional poster on the table.

He was still... a little moved.

Just then, a steady sound of a car engine was heard in the yard, and then the door of the house was knocked politely.

"Dad, Mom, I'm back."

It was Nohara Sashi's voice.

"Oh! It's Sashi who's back with Ikuna!" The anger on Nohara Tsuru's face disappeared in an instant. She quickly straightened her kimono, put on that gentle and loving smile on her face again, and walked quickly over to open the door.

At the door, next to the burly figure of Nohara Sashi, stood a pretty girl.

It was Ikuna Sakurada.

She was wearing a simple floral dress and carrying a beautifully packaged fruit basket. Her pretty face, which always wore a gentle smile, showed a bit of shyness and nervousness as if she was visiting someone for the first time.

"Hello uncle, hello auntie."

"Oh! It's Ikuna-chan! Come in! Come in!"

Nohara Ginnosuke instantly put away his aggrieved look, and once again put on the majestic demeanor of a future father-in-law, asking Nohara Tsuru to serve tea to his future eldest daughter-in-law.

Looking at his eldest son, who was still a little clumsy but always carefully protected Yucai, and looking at the girl named Yucai, her clear eyes showed undisguised love and trust for her son.

Nohara Tsuru's heart was completely filled with an unprecedented warm current called happiness.

She held Yucai's hand as if she was looking at her own daughter, and her gentle face was full of relief.

"Sashi."

She turned her head and looked at her eldest son, who was wearing a brand new Armani suit and driving that "expensive"-looking Toyota Land Cruiser, yet still maintained his simple and honest character. She said in a loving tone, "You are now a well-known 'president'. But as a man, you must not forget your roots. You must be good to Yucai, understand? Don't follow those bad men in the city and have affairs with other women just because you are rich."

"Mom! I know!" Nohara Sashi's old face turned red. He glanced at the girl next to him who was covering her mouth and laughing. His honest heart was so sweet that it was about to melt.

"But, Xizhi, you have to tell your brother about this." Nohara Tsuru looked at his eldest son's honest and happy face, and smiled.

She gently patted the back of her eldest son's hand, her eyes so gentle that they could squeeze water out of her, but her tone was filled with a certain solemnity that brooked no argument: "Guangzhi is now the pillar of our family. As your younger brother, he must be happier than anyone else that you have found such a good girl."

"What are you talking about! There's no need to alarm the big shots in our family for such a small matter!" Nohara Ginnosuke suddenly puffed out his chest, and his two thick eyebrows, which were exactly the same as his youngest son's, twitched up and down proudly, like two caterpillars ready to dance.

He snatched the "Super Transformation" promotional poster on the table, which he had looked at over and over countless times and had already curled up, and put it in front of Sakurada Ikuna like offering a treasure.

"Ikuna-chan, look at this!" He pointed at the enchanting program logo on the poster. His weather-beaten face brimmed with a pride that would have drawn the gazes of the entire Akita Prefecture. "See? This was created by my son, Hiroshi Nohara, the section chief at Tokyo TV! Now the whole of Japan is watching his program!"

He smiled proudly as he spoke, "It's said that our Nohara family was also a family of literary masters in ancient times! Now we finally have a real man like Nohara Hiroshi!"

Although Sakurada Ikuna had already heard of Nohara Hiroshi's name from Sashi.

I have also watched shows like "Dark Zhiju", "Wonderful Stories of the World", and "Super Change".

But at this moment, when she heard her future father-in-law's boasting with her own ears, a hint of heartfelt amazement and admiration emerged uncontrollably in her clear eyes.

"I...I saw him on TV... Mr. Nohara, he's really amazing."

She bowed slightly, her pretty face, which always wore a gentle smile, now showed a hint of shyness, as if she was visiting someone for the first time. "Saji-kun often tells me about you, Auntie, and Mr. Nohara. He said that being a part of the Nohara family is the proudest thing in his life. I... I am also... very honored to be with Saji-kun."

That's too humble of a statement.

But the sincerity and propriety that came from the heart made Nohara Tsuru look at the well-behaved and sensible girl in front of him more and more satisfied, and the smile lines at the corners of his eyes deepened a little.

Nohara Sashi's dark face instantly turned purple after this sudden confession. He rubbed his big hands covered with thick calluses a little awkwardly, looking at the girl beside him who was brighter than the sun, and his honest heart was filled with happiness.

He stood up and said to Sakurada Ikuna with a solemn tone that was almost like an oath, "Ikuna, don't worry! I...I will treat you well for the rest of my life!"

He paused, then glanced at his expensive Armani suit. A hint of unease crossed his dark face. "But... I still feel... more at ease in my work clothes. When I get home, I'll change out of this and put it away."

"Pfft-"

This speech, full of contrasting cuteness, made everyone present burst out laughing.

Nohara Tsuru was laughing so hard that tears were almost coming out. She held Sakurada Ikuna's hand, as if she was looking at her own daughter. Her gentle face was full of relief. "Good girl, our Sashi is such an honest man. From now on, I'll ask you to take good care of him."

"Yeah!" Sakurada Ikuna nodded heavily, her clear eyes filled with happiness.

Looking at this happy scene, Nohara Ginnosuke's heart, which belonged to an old father, was finally completely filled with a huge sense of satisfaction.

He picked up the cup of warm barley tea in front of him and drank it all in one gulp. An extremely smug smile appeared on his old face.

"Okay! Okay! Okay!" He uttered the word "Okay" three times in a row, his small eyes gleaming with infinite longing for the future: "When you get married, quickly give me a big fat grandson! When the time comes, I will definitely teach him all the unique skills I've hidden for decades!"

As he spoke, his thick eyebrows moved up and down uncontrollably again.

Seems quite pleased with himself.

But a murderous gaze suddenly came from the side.

Nohara Ginnosuke shuddered instantly and turned his head stiffly, only to see his wife Nohara Tsuru with a dark face. Her eyes, which were always as gentle as water, were now burning with a karmic fire that could burn everything.

He quickly picked up the teacup and pretended that he had not said anything just now.

Watching the familiar interaction between the old couple, Nohara Sashi and Sakurada Ikuna looked at each other and saw smiles of happiness from the heart in each other's eyes.

The entire Nohara family was immersed in a warm atmosphere.

It seems like a lot of fun!

PS: Brothers, keep asking for votes! Monthly votes and recommendation votes are both acceptable. If you think this book is good, please help recommend it to fellow readers.
(End of this chapter)