I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 129: The Changing Trend in Japan! Meeting with Japanese Executives! Gaining Recognition!

This hurricane called "National Carnival" set off by "Super Change Season 2" instantly swept every corner of the entire Neon Islands that Saturday afternoon at a speed faster than the speed of light through telephone lines, radio waves and the most primitive word of mouth between people.

Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward, on the top floor of a heavily guarded trading company building.

"Section Chief! Please! Just one vote! Vote for us, Hokkaido!"

A long-time employee from Sapporo was making a request full of courage and hometown honor to his section chief, who usually seemed as dignified as the King of Hell.

The section chief frowned and wanted to reprimand him for his inappropriate behavior, but when he saw his subordinates from Osaka, Fukuoka and Hiroshima in the office looking at him with eyes full of "fellow countrymen", the reprimand on his lips turned into a helpless sigh.

"I know, I know. It won't happen again."

……

A Showa-era style single-family house in Osaka.

"Hello? Dad? It's me, Miyuki!" A girl who was attending university in Tokyo was holding the phone receiver and said in a coquettish tone, "Dad, please turn on the TV and watch 'Super Mutant ...

On the other end of the line came a powerful roar, full of Kansai accents: "Bakayarō! You unfilial daughter! You're turning your elbows outward! I'm from Osaka! I'll be from Osaka my whole life! I'm telling you, not only will I vote for the Osaka team, I'll also ask your mother, your uncle, your second uncle, and all your relatives in Osaka to vote for us, 'Naniwa Soul'! Just wait and see! Our Osaka creativity is the best in the world!"

The phone was hung up with a "click". The girl was stunned for a moment, then pouted and said, "Damn it, Dad! I want to marry a rich man from Tokyo in the future! I don't want to be a country bumpkin anymore!"

……

The train on the Yamanote Line should have been as crowded and silent as a can of sardines, but at this moment it was ignited by an unprecedented warm atmosphere.

"Hey, bro, which district are you from? Have you seen Super Mutant Ninja?"

"Me? I'm from Fukuoka! Our ramen creations in Hakata are amazing!"

"Tsk, what's that? Our Nagoya castle tower ninjas, that's art!"

"Stop arguing! Our Tokyo Snow Girl is a true masterpiece!"

People who have never met each other broke down the invisible barrier of indifference because of a common topic.

They argued and showed off like a group of fanatical fans cheering for their respective teams. Their heartfelt sense of belonging and honor for their hometown burned fiercely in this small carriage as never before.

This is no longer a simple variety show.

This is a national holy war with the entire Neon as the stage and regional honor at stake!
The flames of this war were soon ignited by the media, whose sense of smell was more sensitive than that of a hound!

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds, a long-planned storm of public opinion swept across the entire Neon with an unmatched force.

The social section of the Toyo Keizai Shimbun, with an almost astonishing touch, elevated last night's national carnival to a whole new economic height.

[The dawn of a new era of variety shows: Hiroshi Nohara, a man who leverages a "sense of participation" to unlock a multi-billion dollar market!]

"...We must admit, we all underestimated that young man's ambition. While the entire industry was still trembling over that terrifying 39.8% viewership rating, he had already, on a higher level, laid out a plan that would subvert the entire consumer market. What he sold wasn't a program, but a sense of participation. He built not a TV station, but a platform. A massive vortex of emotional consumption capable of engulfing million Japanese citizens. This may be the new wealth code of our time, following the 'idol economy.'"

The commentary section of the Asahi Shimbun interpreted this phenomenal cultural event from a broader and more humanistic perspective.

[A cold era is being quietly melted by the creativity of a young man.]

"...For too long, 'indifference' and 'alienation' have weighed down our seemingly prosperous society like two invisible mountains. We live in the same city, ride the same tram, yet we each seem like Robinson Crusoe on our own isolated island. However, last night, a variety show called "Super Change" miraculously cracked this ice."

"We saw strangers shouting together for the honor of their hometown; we saw relatives thousands of miles apart, laughing and chatting over a common topic. That young man named Hiroshi Nohara, with the simplest and purest creativity, found a reason for our nation, long accustomed to indifference, to connect and warm each other. What he changed may not only be the ratings of a program, but also the distance between people in our time."

This argument, full of idealism, pushed Nohara Hiroshi's personal reputation to an unprecedented level, almost to the sacred height of a "social reformer"!
Even Weekly Bunshun, known for its sharp tongue and gossip, rarely put down its pen that was full of sarcasm and ridicule.

The veteran film critic "Xinkou Tang Shizi" wrote a brand new title in his column in an almost confessional tone, which was enough to make the entire Japanese television industry ashamed.

[God is indeed the God of variety shows! ]

"...I must offer my sincerest apologies to Mr. Hiroshi Nohara for my previous shallowness and ignorance. I once thought he was just a genius storyteller. But I was wrong, completely wrong. He wasn't producing a show at all. He was making the rules. A brand new set of entertainment rules that belonged only to him, named 'Hiroshi Nohara'!"

"He has rewritten the entertainment attributes of variety shows! He has given the public the ability to strengthen connections, reject indifference, and reject numbness! Hiroshi Nohara is using his style to change the times! He is changing Japan!"

"He used the simplest, purest creativity to inject a powerful dose of joy into our age, long eroded by boredom and numbness! From tonight, please allow me, as a devout believer, to pay my highest respects to this true god who has long stood at the pinnacle of our times."

"He changed Neon!"

For a moment, praise came like a tide.

The name Hiroshi Nohara is no longer just the creator of a ratings myth. He has been pushed to the altar of "symbol of the times" by the media, critics, and countless fanatical fans.

……

【Nohara Hiroshi·Independent Production Department】.

In the huge office, the air seemed to be scorching hot because of the ratings reports and public opinion analyses that were faxed in like snowflakes from all over the country.

"Minister! Minister! Look!"

Kei Tanaka, the head of the variety show department who has been completely transformed, came over with a report in his hand with an excited look on his face. The report was filled with the latest data about "Super Change" from all over the country.

"Within twelve hours of the program airing, the total number of votes cast through our payphone voting channel has... officially surpassed the three million mark! At a rate of fifty yen per vote, the revenue from this alone has exceeded one hundred and fifty million yen!"

"and this!"

He flipped to another report, which contained letters of intent from major advertisers. They were so densely packed that they practically filled the entire screen. "From last night until now, our department's hotline has been ringing non-stop! From automobiles to home appliances, from food to beverages, leading companies in almost every industry have sent in requests for sponsorship and product placement! The advertising department is going crazy! They say the exclusive naming rights for the second season have already been bid up to a whopping 500 million!"

Five hundred million!
This number exploded in the office!
"Five hundred million?! Oh my god!"

"The exclusive naming rights alone are almost enough to recoup the production costs?!"

"This is horrible!"

Everyone present subconsciously gasped, and their faces were filled with disbelief and horror.

They knew that this show would be popular, but they never imagined that it would be so popular, almost to the point of insanity!
"Minister...we...we have...created a monster that lays golden eggs..." There was an uncontrollable tremor in Kei Tanaka's voice.

However, Nohara Hiroshi just calmly looked at those numbers that were enough to drive anyone crazy. His clear eyes were like a bottomless lake, without any ripples.

He smiled calmly and said, "This is just the beginning."

At the same time, Nohara Hiroshi turned around and looked at his subordinates who had already been completely impressed by him. A confident smile appeared on his lips: "The real feast has just begun. We need to work harder!"

He knew that this fire called "National Carnival" ignited by his own hands had just begun.

What he has to do is to constantly add the best firewood to this raging fire, enough to burn out all the rules of the old era.

all of these.

It will all start with the first episode of the second season, announcing the list of winners of the previous issue, thus unveiling the story!

……

On the first Saturday of October, when the historic ratings report for the first episode of the second season of "Super Transformation" descended upon TV Tokyo like a divine oracle, the entire Japanese television industry fell silent.

The name Nohara Hiroshi is no longer just a symbol, it seems to have turned into a towering sacred mountain, stretching across the long river of time, leaving all those who come after him with nothing but sighs and a sense of awe.

However, in this boiling ocean full of carnival and shock created by his own hands, the young man standing at the center of the storm seemed to be in another dimension of time and space, turning a deaf ear to everything in the outside world.

On Saturday afternoon, the autumn sun shone through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows on the seventeenth floor, casting a warm and peaceful golden light in his overly spacious ministerial office.

The air is filled with the rich aroma of premium Blue Mountain coffee, intertwined with the fresh scent of ink on brand new paper, creating a soothing smell.

Hiroshi Nohara was not immersed in the joy of victory. He just sat quietly behind the huge desk, and the pencil in his hand moved smoothly on the snow-white drawing paper.

He is building another world, a warm harbor full of delicious food and human touch, unique to the late night.

'Jingle Bell--'

The red intercom phone on the table suddenly broke the silence.

"Director." Beichuan Yao's increasingly capable and steady voice came from the other end of the line. "This is Director Sakata's secretary calling. The Director wants you to come over."

"Yeah." Nohara Hiroshi put down his paintbrush, and there was no ripple in his clear eyes.

He knew that when a person's power was strong enough to change the rules, the rule maker would inevitably come in person.

Nobuhiko Sakata's office is more like a silent throne overlooking the entire kingdom of the production bureau than an office.

There is not much decoration here, only a set of heavy ebony office furniture and a powerful calligraphy of the four characters "Unmovable as a Mountain" on the wall, which silently demonstrates the absolute authority of the owner.

When Nohara Hiroshi pushed the door open, Sakata Nobuhiko was standing in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window with his back to him.

The man who controls the lifeline of Tokyo TV's content was not wearing his signature high-end suit at the moment, but a loose dark blue kimono. His posture lacked the majesty of a director, but had a bit more of a simple and profound feeling.

"Are you here?" Sakata Nobuhiko didn't turn around, his voice was flat and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.

"Director." Nohara Hiroshi bowed slightly, neither humble nor arrogant.

Nobuhiko Sakata slowly turned around, and all the smiles on his fat face that was always smiling disappeared at this moment, leaving only an unfathomable calmness as he looked at the young man in front of him.

That look was no longer the scrutiny of a superior towards his subordinates.

He was more like an experienced old hunter observing a young beast that had entered his territory and was so powerful that it made him feel a little nervous.

After a long time, he slowly exhaled, and in that breath, there was a feeling as if he was exhaling the weight of an entire era.

"Nohara-kun, do you know? This morning, I received twenty-seven calls."

He held up three fingers, his voice filled with helplessness:

"From Osaka to Fukuoka, from Nagoya to Sapporo, almost every local station director called me personally. Their messages were remarkably consistent. First, they congratulated Tokyo TV on launching another incredible show. Then, they launched into a roundabout way of accusing you of your 'national auditions,' which have driven young people throughout their region to lose focus on work and become obsessed with getting on TV and winning the 100 million yen prize."

"They said you were...disrupting the local economic order."

Nohara Hiroshi knew it was just an excuse, so he just smiled calmly: "So, what's your response, Director?"

"Me?" Upon hearing this, Sakata Nobuhiko couldn't help but break into a foxy, smug smile on his chubby face. "I told them this is the market's choice, the audience's choice. If they have the guts, they can come up with one. If they can't, just watch."

As he spoke, he walked up to Nohara Hiroshi, his narrowed eyes flashing with undisguised admiration:
"Well done, Hiroshi-kun! This is a stroke of genius! Without bloodshed, our Tokyo TV brand influence has penetrated the very core of those local tycoons like never before! This is ten times more effective than if we had spent tens of billions of yen on advertising!"

He patted Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder heavily, and there was a hint of real solemnity in his voice, belonging to an ally.

"But I didn't come to you today to talk about this."

He turned and picked up a gold-embossed invitation from his desk, handing it to him: "Put on your best suit. Tonight, come with me to a cocktail party." Hiroshi Nohara took the invitation, on which were printed in elegant Song typeface a few large characters that made his eyes narrow slightly—[Japan Film and Television Culture Promotion Association Autumn Exchange Cocktail Party].

Organizer: Neon Film and Television Association.

Co-organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Public Information Department.

This is no longer a simple industry gathering.

This is a real power feast, organized by the government and bringing together all the top film and television forces in Japan.

……

As night falls, the lights are on.

The Imperial Hotel, this legendary palace that has witnessed the vicissitudes of neon for nearly a century, is tonight shrouded in an unprecedented brilliant light full of power and glory.

One after another, black luxury cars with special license plates flowed silently into the open square in front of the hotel like a silent river.

The names that came down from the car were enough to make the whole of Neon take notice.

President of Toho Pictures, Chairman of Shochiku Pictures, Founder of Toei Animation...

The director of Fuji TV, the director of TBS TV, the chief producer of TV Asahi...

They are the leaders of this country's cultural industry and the giants behind the scenes who control the fate of countless stars and directors.

They are usually elusive, but now they have gathered here as if they were on a sacred pilgrimage.

When Nohara Hiroshi followed Sakata Nobuhiko and stepped onto the red carpet that was large enough to reflect people's shadows, he could clearly feel countless gazes full of inquiry, curiosity, jealousy and awe, like invisible spotlights, instantly enveloping him.

"That's... Nohara Hiroshi?"

"So young... Looks even younger than in the newspapers."

"He's the one who turned the entire television industry upside down with just three films?"

Whispers came from all directions like a tide.

Nobuhiko Sakata seemed to be in his own back garden. He had a warm smile on his face and shook hands and greeted every important figure who came up to him with familiarity. His posture was like a king showing off his most proud collection to his guests.

"Hahaha! President Matsuoka, long time no see! Come on, let me introduce you to this, that useless little guy from our station, Nohara Hiroshi."

"Oh? This is the legendary Nohara-kun? Heroes are indeed born young!"

"Director Gosha! You're here too! I grew up watching your movies! This is our newcomer, Nohara Hiroshi. I hope you'll continue to support us."

"Hmph, Sakata, you got such a treasure, but you're still hiding it. Nohara-kun, I've seen your work, it's very interesting."

Nohara Hiroshi was like a puppet being led onto the stage, smiling, bowing, and mechanically repeating the action of exchanging business cards.

Those gold-stamped business cards, like tickets to a whole new world of power, piled heavy in his hands.

He could feel the complex emotions contained in the gazes behind those business cards.

There is genuine appreciation, insincere courtesy, and even snake-like calculations hidden beneath smiles.

He knew that from tonight on, he would no longer be a simple creator.

He is a piece of fat meat coveted by countless hungry wolves.

In this social vortex filled with hypocrisy and temptation, Sakata Nobuhiko suddenly leaned over and whispered in his ear in a voice that only the two of them could hear:
"Let's go and see a real big shot."

Nohara Hiroshi's heart moved, and he followed Sakata Nobuhiko silently, passing through the noisy atmosphere of clinking glasses, and came to the door of a secluded lounge located in the deepest part of the banquet hall, which was strictly guarded by two bodyguards in black.

The room was very quiet, without any luxurious decorations, only a set of quaint mahogany sofas and a landscape painting with a profound artistic conception on the wall.

A man was standing at the window with his back to them.

He was wearing a simple dark gray suit, was of medium build, and looked like an ordinary, common elderly civil servant.

But when he slowly turned around, Nohara Hiroshi's heart suddenly shrank uncontrollably.

It was a face without any special features, so ordinary that it was even a little dull.

"Mr. Fujiwara."

Nobuhiko Sakata, the TV station tycoon who was able to call the shots outside, was now like a most humble student, bowing deeply to the man.

The most direct etiquette is to bow your head.

"Sorry to bother you. This is the Nohara Hiroshi I mentioned to you."

Your Mightiness.

Nohara Hiroshi understood instantly.

In Neon, this respectful title is only used when addressing cabinet members or top bureaucrats with equal level of power.

Without any hesitation, he also gave the man a standard 90-degree bow.

"Mr. Fujiwara, nice to meet you, I am Nohara Hiroshi."

"Ah."

Fujiwara Hideaki, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, simply nodded calmly in response to the bow from Sakata Nobuhiko, who was older than him. His gaze lingered on Nohara Hiroshi for a moment.

"sit down."

His voice carried the air of someone who had long held a superior position.

"I've read all of your works," he said straight to the point. "'Dark Zhiju' and 'Wonderful Stories of the World'... are very interesting. They use the concepts of ghosts and gods to discuss the evil of human nature. The techniques are a bit... extreme, but the intentions are quite good."

This evaluation is neither praise nor criticism, but it is like the sharpest scalpel, accurately dissecting the core of all Hiroshi Nohara's works.

"But I didn't come to you today to talk about this."

Fujiwara Hideaki's gaze became sharper, like two unsheathed swords, piercing deep into Nohara Hiroshi's soul.

"Super Mutation."

He slowly uttered these five words.

"Who asked you to make this plan?"

This question, like a thunderclap, exploded simultaneously in the hearts of Nobuhiko Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara!

A thin layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on Nobuhiko Sakata's face.

He hadn't expected that Lord Fujiwara would ask so...directly.

However, Nohara Hiroshi calmly faced that gaze that could have broken anyone down, and replied without arrogance or servility:

"It's me."

"Oh?" Fujiwara Hideaki's lips curled up meaningfully. "You yourself? A young man who has been in the industry for less than a year, you can come up with a national-level project that can change the entire social atmosphere?"

"I just... happened to grasp what this era needs most." Nohara Hiroshi's voice remained calm.

"What do you need most?"

"Yes." Nohara Hiroshi nodded and said, "It's 'connection'."

"After decades of rapid development, our country appears to be flourishing, but in reality, undercurrents have long been surging. Relationships between people have become increasingly cold and alienated, and the gaps between regions have deepened."

"What 'Super Mutation' does is simply provide a stage for these individuals who have long been accustomed to loneliness to reconnect and find a sense of belonging again."

"It lets people know that, besides work and family, we also have a shared identity: 'hometown'."

"It lets people know that, besides being indifferent and competitive, we can also laugh, shout, and unite for a common goal."

"This is the real purpose of my doing this show."

These words are very powerful.

Like a flash of lightning that cuts through the chaos, it instantly illuminates the entire room!

Nobuhiko Sakata stared blankly at the young man beside him, his chubby face filled with disbelief and horror.

He never imagined that behind a seemingly simple variety show, there was such a... grand, almost politically ambitious plan!

And Fujiwara Hideaki, on that face that was always as calm as water, finally showed a trace of undisguised shock!
He looked at the young man in front of him. His calm eyes seemed to contain a vast universe that could accommodate an entire era.

After a long while, he slowly exhaled: "Good... a good 'connection'."

He slowly stood up, walked to Nohara Hiroshi, reached out and patted his shoulder.

"Nohara-kun."

His voice was no longer cold, no longer judging, but filled with genuine recognition.

"you are very funny."

"This country needs interesting people like you."

“Just go ahead and do it.”

"If you need anything, come to me."

And Sakata Nobuhiko standing next to him widened his eyes in surprise.

Even swallowed his saliva.

I know in my heart that from tonight on, the young man named Hiroshi Nohara will no longer have just the Kanto faction and the Tokyo TV behind him.

Standing behind him is the top will of this country.