I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 163: A flurry of discussion! "Seven Samurai" is released! The war has begun!

Hiroshi Nohara's press conference quickly stirred up a huge wave in Japan.

The entire Tokyo media, and indeed the entire Japanese media, immediately published the contents of this press conference on their front pages with the fastest speed and the most eye-catching headlines.

"Weekly Bunshun: Shocking Reversal! 'Ungrateful Thing' Admits to Hype! Hiroshi Nohara Confirms 'Farmers' Cunning Theory,' Yet Calls It an 'Easter Egg'!"

"FRIDAY: Manipulator of Public Opinion? Hiroshi Nohara manipulates national sentiment at will, using the topic of 'class' as a promotional gimmick for his film!"

"Asahi Geino: Genius or Madman? 23-year-old producer Hiroshi Nohara challenges the moral bottom line of the entire society with his own strength!"

The headlines of these newspapers were both veiled and captivating. They presented Hiroshi Nohara's "confession" and "explanation" to all readers in a highly provocative manner.

On television, the commentators, experts, and scholars who usually sit upright and serious are now like a group of sharks that have smelled blood, jumping out to verbally attack this excessively young "troublemaker."

"Mr. Hiroshi Nohara's actions are simply playing with fire!" A renowned social commentator shook his head in an interview on Fuji Television, lamenting, "Does he think that by using such extreme methods he can attract attention and make his movie a box office hit? He's too naive! He's squandering the public's trust in him! Once that trust collapses, he will have nothing left!"

"This is a desecration of art!" A highly respected film school professor exclaimed on an NHK program, slamming his fist on the table: "Film is art! It is meant to convey truth, goodness, and beauty, to enlighten people's hearts! It is not a tool for hype or manipulating public opinion! Hiroshi Nohara's behavior is simply defiling the purity of film!"

"I admit that Mr. Hiroshi Nohara does indeed possess extraordinary talent in the field of television variety shows," a veteran media professional said with a complex tone on a TBS program. "But this time, he has clearly gone too far. He has laid the sensitive topic of 'class' bare on the table, attempting to use this method to incite social controversy and achieve his propaganda goals. This kind of risk-taking, this playing with fire, will cause unimaginable social problems if it gets out of control!"

However, some dissenting voices have struggled to emerge amidst the torrent of public opinion.

"Personally, I think that Mr. Hiroshi Nohara's approach, although radical, is one of the most effective publicity strategies in today's information-saturated age." A young marketing expert calmly analyzed in an interview on TV Tokyo: "He successfully turned a film that hadn't even been released into a topic of national discussion. Whether people criticize him or support him, they will ultimately develop a huge curiosity about the film. And curiosity is the best box office driver."

"Judging from the production credits of 'Seven Samurai,' which includes director Kurosawa, the film's quality is undoubtedly top-notch." A film critic published a relatively neutral comment in *Kinema Junpo*: "Director Kurosawa's directing skills are beyond question. And Hiroshi Nohara, as screenwriter and director, has demonstrated a depth and vision far beyond his years. As for his remarks about 'era' and 'class,' I tend to see them as an artistic expression rather than simple 'discrimination.' After all, film is an art of light and shadow; it allows creators to use extreme, even controversial, methods to provoke thought in the audience. I suggest everyone put aside their prejudices, go to the cinema, and experience this work; perhaps it will bring you a different kind of surprise."

These comments, like sparks, are burning with difficulty in the vast ocean of public opinion.

They did not completely reverse the situation, but they did succeed in planting a seed called "curiosity" in the hearts of those who were stirred up.

……

On the tram.

The crowded carriage was filled with the mixed smells of curry rice and sweat.

However, these daily noises did not dampen people's enthusiasm for discussing the name "Hiroshi Nohara".

"Hey, did you see today's news? That Hiroshi Nohara is a complete lunatic!" A businessman in a suit whispered to his colleague, his voice filled with unbelievable excitement: "He actually dared to admit to saying those things in front of all of Japan! And what's with all this 'Easter egg' stuff! What does he take us for?!"

“Yes! I saw it too!” His companion waved his newspaper excitedly. “But speaking of which, what’s the story of his Seven Samurai movie?”

“I’m curious too.” Another high school boy sidled up and whispered, “My dad said that Hiroshi Nohara is the author of Yu Yu Hakusho and the producer of Super Transformation. His manga and shows are amazing! I always feel like he can’t be a bad guy, right?”

“Who knows?” Another passerby shrugged. “But I do think what he said was quite interesting. Things like ‘the end of the samurai era was due to the advent of firearms,’ ‘the victory of the peasants was the progress of the times’…it sounds like there’s some truth to it.”

In the cafe.

The rich aroma of coffee intertwines with the languid feel of jazz music.

"Hiroshi Nohara has really gone all out this time." A middle-aged man sitting by the window put down his newspaper and said with a smile to his friend across from him, "To dare to use this method to promote his own movie, one must be either a genius or a fool. But judging from his control over public opinion, I'm more inclined to believe the former."

“Yeah.” His friend nodded. “I’ve never been interested in samurai movies before. But after he made such a fuss, I’m actually a little curious. How about we go see one on Christmas Eve? We’ve got nothing better to do anyway.”

"sure!"

On street corners, in office buildings, in izakayas, and even on family dining tables...

The terms "Hiroshi Nohara" and "Seven Samurai" spread rapidly throughout Japanese society like a virus, becoming the most popular topics of conversation.

Curiosity, like a spark ignited, burned fiercely on the dry tinder of public opinion.

……

A few days later, on the seventeenth floor of TV Tokyo, in Asumi's office.

Sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, making the entire office bright and airy.

"Hiroshi-kun! Director Kurosawa! You two are simply... simply divine!"

At this moment, Mingrihai was laughing heartily as he looked at a thick report.

"Look at this! Look at this report! This is the latest assessment made by our public relations department based on the feedback from all over Japan these past few days!"

Pointing to several striking figures on the report, he said excitedly, "The social attention given to 'Seven Samurai' is three times higher than we expected! Public discussion has surged fivefold! Now, all over Japan, wherever you go, everyone is talking about this movie! Everyone is talking about you, Hiroshi Nohara!"

"the most important is……"

He turned his gaze to Hiroshi Nohara: "According to our investigation, although public opinion was initially very unfriendly towards you, the vast majority of the people ultimately chose to believe you! They felt that you were not the kind of person who would casually use 'class antagonism' to smear farmers. They even felt that you were using a special way to speak out for those 'little people' who have been abandoned by the times!"

"This is what the people want!"

Asumi patted Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder heavily, his face full of satisfaction: "This really is a comeback from a desperate situation!"

“Deputy Director Asahi, you flatter me.” Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly: “This is nothing more than using ‘black traffic’ to attract attention.”

He looked at Mingrihai: "Public opinion is like a double-edged sword. It can hurt people, but it can also make them successful. The key is how to control it. They thought they could kill me by using the term 'class antagonism.' But they didn't expect that I was just going with the flow and guiding the topic to the dimensions of 'the times' and 'human nature.'"

“When people begin to think about ‘the times’ and ‘human nature,’ they will naturally find that what I’m saying is nothing more than the simplest truths that have been repeatedly verified by history. And those who try to use ‘class’ to incite emotions will appear foolish, ridiculous, and have ulterior motives.”

"As for those negative comments..." Hiroshi Nohara's lips curled into a playful smile: "Director Kurosawa, don't you think there are still some clowns who are unwilling to accept it?"

Upon hearing this, Eiji Kurosawa, who was sitting to the side, showed a helpless and bitter expression on his face.

“Yes.” He let out a long sigh and pointed to the newspapers on the table: “These days, quite a few newspapers, especially those third-rate tabloids, are still going all out to belittle you. Calling you a ‘self-righteous madman,’ a ‘attention-seeking clown’... It’s simply unbearable to read!”

"Hmph!" Ming Rihai snorted coldly, "I noticed this a long time ago." He picked up the newspapers and casually threw them aside, his tone disdainful, "After my investigation over the past few days, I found that these newspapers are all press releases that someone paid for."

"Oh?" Kurosawa Eiji frowned slightly. "Is it the Tokyo faction? Has that old fox Takada finally made his move?"

“No, it’s not the Tokyo faction.” Asumi shook her head, a hint of sarcasm flashing in her eyes: “That old fox, Takada Toshihide, is very shrewd. He wouldn’t do something so stupid.”

"If this public opinion really gets out of control and causes unmanageable social problems, then TV Tokyo will be the first to suffer. At that time, both the board of directors and the government will hold us accountable. Even if Toshihide Takada is stupid, he wouldn't joke about the reputation of the entire TV station like this."

"Who could it be?" Eiji Kurosawa frowned even more deeply.

Asumi sneered and pushed one of the newspapers in front of Kurosawa Eiji: "Take a look at these newspapers. Besides those malicious attacks on Nohara-kun, what else is published?"

Eiji Kurosawa picked up the newspaper and quickly scanned its contents.

Soon, he saw those stills that occupied most of the newspaper pages, full of glamorous and commercial flair—stills from "The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree".

And those eye-catching headlines—

"Shunsuke Kamiki: The spokesperson for the new era of samurai!"

"Miyuki Kitagawa: The most beautiful samurai love story under the cherry blossom tree!"

And those "press releases" about Shunsuke Kamiki and Miyuki Kitagawa, filled with praise between the lines.

Eiji Kurosawa's face instantly darkened.

He knows it all too well.

This is clearly the kind of despicable tactic that idol stars often use to create hype and discredit others!

Using the method of belittling the opponent to elevate oneself.

"It's that Kamiki Shunsuke!" Kurosawa Eiji's voice carried a hint of barely suppressed anger: "That kid, he really is... a persistent ghost!"

He slammed his hand on the table, his face filled with disdain and contempt: "I've known all along that these so-called 'idol stars' are nothing but puppets packaged by capital! They can't sing, they can't dance, they don't even have acting skills! Besides being cool and cute, what else can they do?! Letting them join the film and television industry is simply a disgrace to the industry!"

He paused, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes: "Speaking of which, his agency also approached me back then. They wanted me to tailor-make a period samurai film specifically for Kamiki Shunsuke, but I refused outright! I, Kurosawa Eiji, will only ever make real movies! How could I possibly make those kinds of idol dramas for kids?!"

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with deep regret: "Nohara-kun, it's all my fault. If I hadn't refused them back then, perhaps you wouldn't have gotten involved with such... despicable people."

"Director Kurosawa, you're too kind." Hiroshi Nohara simply shrugged. "Even without you, I would have offended him anyway."

He recalled how, during the recording of "Super Transformation," that arrogant idol star had been publicly humiliated by him.

That haughty arrogance, that humiliation of being trampled underfoot, is enough to make any narrow-minded person hold a grudge for a lifetime.

“Shunsuke Kamiki…” Asumi frowned slightly, a serious look appearing on his refined face: “This kid has Kirin Real Estate Group behind him. That’s a very powerful real estate group near Tokyo. Moreover, I’ve heard that they also have deep connections with the real estate development agencies in the greater Tokyo area. Their influence is not to be underestimated.”

Asumi's tone carried a hint of warning.

He knew Hiroshi Nohara's strength and his god-like talent.

This time, however, they are no longer facing simple industry competition, but rather the real power of capital.

However, Hiroshi Nohara was only slightly taken aback when he heard this, and then a playful smile appeared on his lips.

Real estate group?
He smiled.

"I thought it was some powerful asset," Hiroshi Nohara scoffed. "Is that all?"

He knew that in this era of neon lights, real estate was the biggest bubble.

But bubbles will eventually burst.

In the end, those seemingly invincible "capital giants" will be nothing more than a pile of insignificant sand, washed away completely in the face of the torrent of history.

Who knows how many high-ranking chairmen have jumped off buildings!

What's so scary?

……

In the days that followed, the promotional campaign for "Seven Samurai" swept in like a tidal wave.

Asumi mobilized almost all of TV Tokyo's available resources.

From morning news to late-night interviews, from prime-time trailers to columns in major newspapers and magazines, and even electronic screens on the streets and billboards in subway stations, the powerful movie posters of "Seven Samurai" were all printed on them.

The poster depicts seven warriors, each with a distinct image, yet all equally filled with a sense of tragedy and resilience.

Their eyes were deep and complex, as if they could penetrate the paper and reach the heart.

The prominent headline at the center of the poster—"The times are the only victors"—was etched deeply into the minds of every passerby, as if carved by a knife and axe. Meanwhile, the sensational press conference about Hiroshi Nohara continued to generate buzz.

Gossip magazines such as Weekly Bunshun and Friday continue to attack him relentlessly, portraying him as a "madman who manipulates public opinion" and an "elite who has forgotten his roots."

But just as Hiroshi Nohara had predicted, these negative reports did not cause the public to dislike him; instead, they aroused even stronger curiosity.

"Just what kind of person is Hiroshi Nohara?"

"I heard that his movie isn't about samurai, but about the era? Is that true?"

"Seven Samurai? That name sounds amazing! And it's directed by Kurosawa!"

In an instant, discussions about "Seven Samurai" completely overshadowed all other trending topics.

Whether it's ordinary people on the streets, white-collar workers in cafes, or drunk office workers in izakayas, everyone is enthusiastically discussing this movie that hasn't been released yet.

Curiosity, like a spark ignited, burned fiercely on the dry tinder of public opinion, drawing the entire Japanese society into an unprecedented nationwide speculation.

In stark contrast to the "black traffic" promotion of "Seven Samurai", "The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree" launched an overwhelming "money offensive".

Qilin Real Estate's financial strength was fully demonstrated in this publicity campaign.

The prime advertising slots in major cinemas are now occupied by posters for "The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree".

On the poster, Shunsuke Kamiki's handsome face, almost eerily beautiful, occupies the absolute center position.

He was dressed in a magnificent samurai outfit, holding a katana inlaid with jewels, his eyes filled with deep affection and melancholy, like a perfect lover who had stepped out of a comic book.

Beside him, Kitagawa Miyuki was equally breathtakingly beautiful. The two nestled together, perfectly embodying the theme of "the most beautiful samurai love under the cherry blossom tree."

Television commercials bombarded the audience, each frame exquisitely beautiful, each line deeply moving.

Various fashion magazines and entertainment weekly publications have carried out numerous press releases about Shunsuke Kamiki and Miyuki Kitagawa, portraying them as "the spokespeople for the new era of samurai" and "the most beautiful on-screen couple in Japan."

"Shunsuke is so handsome! His portrayal of a samurai is definitely the most perfect!"

"Miyuki's facial expressions are absolutely amazing! I definitely have to go to the cinema to support their love!"

"The Samurai Under the Cherry Blossom Tree! Just the name sounds so romantic! I've decided, I'm going to see this movie for Christmas!"

Young girls, especially high school and college students, were almost all captivated by the overwhelming "beauty attack" of Shunsuke Kamiki. They spread the word among their familiar social circles, lined up to take photos at the movie theater, and transformed their fervent idol worship into the most direct expectation of the movie's box office success.

However, behind all this noise, some discordant voices are quietly emerging.

"It's Kamiki Shunsuke again... What else can he do besides showing off?"

"The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree? Just from the name, I think it's one of those boring idol dramas."

"I'm still more looking forward to 'Seven Samurai'. After all, it has Kurosawa as the director, and Hiroshi Nohara, although he has a sharp tongue, his works are really good."

These voices, though faint, are like an undercurrent, quietly spreading among office workers and men who are already tired of commercial films and disdainful of idol stars.

……

Finally, the day arrived at December 24, 1990, Christmas Eve.

The streets of Tokyo are illuminated by dazzling neon lights, making it as bright as day.

The air was filled with the aroma of Christmas carols and roasted meat. Couples held hands and snuggled together in the cold wind, enjoying this rare moment of romance.

However, a silent war has already begun in the movie theater.

A long-established movie theater in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

This is one of the premiere venues for "Seven Samurai," and it's also the best screening room that TV Tokyo specially secured for this film.

The entrance to the movie theater was bustling with people.

On the huge billboard, the powerful imagery of "Seven Samurai" stands side by side with the beautiful and romantic imagery of "The Samurai Under the Cherry Blossom Tree," creating a striking and dramatic contrast.

"Wow—! Shunsuke-kun is so handsome! This poster is a work of art!"

A group of stylish and well-dressed young girls were screaming as they surrounded the poster for "The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree".

"Yes, yes! I heard that he even learned kendo specifically for this movie! He's so dedicated!"

"Hmph." A man in a suit, who looked like an office worker, walked past them, curling his lip in disdain. "Another pretty boy who makes a living off his looks. What good is this kind of movie, other than making you young girls cry?"

"Uncle, what do you know!" a girl retorted indignantly. "Jun-suke's acting is amazing! The domineering CEO he plays in the drama is just so incredibly handsome!"

"A domineering CEO?" The man scoffed, shook his head, and walked straight toward the poster for "Seven Samurai".

He looked at the seven weathered warriors on the poster, a hint of curiosity and anticipation flickering in his eyes.

“Hiroshi Nohara’s first movie…” he muttered to himself, as a fellow office worker leaned closer.

"Yes! I heard that his 'Yu Yu Hakusho' is simply a masterpiece! And 'Super Transformation', my two little devils watch it on TV every day! I never imagined he would actually make movies!"

“However, his previous remarks about ‘elites’ and ‘commoners’ were indeed a bit excessive.” Another voice chimed in, its tone hesitant: “Although he later explained that it was for publicity, it still feels a bit off.”

"Pshaw! That's all media taking things out of context! Think about it, how could a farmer's son really look down on farmers? Besides, every episode of his show 'Tales of the Unusual' is full of humanistic concern; he has a lot of sympathy for those little people!"

"Yes, yes! And this time, director Kurosawa is also involved! Director Kurosawa is a national treasure of Japan! With him involved, the quality of the movie is definitely top-notch!"

"However, to be honest, Kurosawa's samurai films in recent years do seem to be a bit... how should I put it, a bit outdated. They're not as good as his previous classic works."

"What do you know! Director Kurosawa is still the most experienced! This time, his collaboration with Hiroshi Nohara is definitely going to be a big deal! I heard that this film received unanimous approval from Eirin! And even Lord Fujiwara personally recommended it!"

Outside the movie theater, whispers and arguments were taking place.

There were praises, doubts, expectations, and disdain.

All emotions were completely ignited on this Christmas Eve by the name "Seven Samurai" and Hiroshi Nohara.

In a corner of the crowd, three figures, wearing masks and hats, were quietly queuing to buy tickets.

They are Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, and Eiji Kurosawa.

"call--"

Eiji Kurosawa let out a long breath, a breath that carried a barely perceptible sense of desolation.

As he listened to the comments about him being "outdated" and "not as good as before," a bitter smile appeared on his weathered face.

"Hiroshi-kun, Asumi." He spoke softly, a hint of self-mockery in his voice: "It seems that I, Eiji Kurosawa, am truly getting old. I can't keep up with the times of you young people anymore."

"Director Kurosawa, you flatter me." Hiroshi Nohara smiled calmly, his clear eyes shining with heartfelt respect for this master: "You are a pioneering master, our guide. We, your successors, are merely standing on your shoulders, fortunate enough to see a more distant view. Surely, there can't be later glory without the foundation laid by those who came before?"

Hiroshi Nohara has always held Eiji Kurosawa in high esteem.

“Yes, Director Kurosawa,” Asumi comforted him, “You are a towering figure, a pillar of strength. What do these young people know? They only see your past, but they can’t see your present, much less your future!”

"Hmph." Eiji Kurosawa snorted, but the initial bitterness was long gone from his tone.

He turned to look at the young man beside him who remained calm and composed no matter what storms he faced, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

He knew that Hiroshi Nohara was telling the truth.

But when he thought about the samurai films he had made before, and then about the upcoming "Seven Samurai," the comparison in terms of their levels of artistry made Eiji Kurosawa feel ashamed and unwilling to continue speaking.

So Eiji Kurosawa silently handed his movie ticket to the ticket collector.

He took the two of them into the movie theater.

Inside the movie theater, the lights gradually dimmed, and the noisy discussions subsided.

Light and shadow flowed across the giant screen.

Accompanied by a drumbeat filled with tragedy and a sense of destiny, a series of scenes depicting the devastation ravaged by war were presented to all the audience.

That was the opening scene of Seven Samurai.

The movie begins.

Inside the theater, for a short time, only the occasional, suppressed gasps and the focused gazes of viewers completely captivated by the film's visuals, unable to look away.

In the dark corner, Eiji Kurosawa also leaned slightly forward.

As he looked at the screen, at the cinematic world he had personally directed, yet which was filled with Hiroshi Nohara's unique mark, a brilliant light gradually shone in his eyes.

"Brilliant!" Kurosawa Eiji thought to himself, his heart pounding with excitement as the story unfolded.

He didn't misjudge him.

This young man is truly a monster!

Hiroshi Nohara simply sat there calmly, a confident smile on his lips.

This war belonging to Seven Samurai has only just begun.

Hiroshi Nohara, however, had already prepared the final answer that would shock the entire nation.

He wanted to make those who mocked him witness firsthand what it meant to be—

Overwhelming strength.

What does it mean?

Excited.

What does it mean?

The era has truly arrived!

(End of this chapter)