I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 167 Eiji Kurosawa's Broad-mindedness! A groundbreaking assessment of "Seven Samurai"!
In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight tear through the Tokyo mist and sprinkle it onto the city's fabric, countless newspapers, like sown seeds, take root and sprout in the streets and alleys, on the tables of cafes, and beside the handrails of trams, quickly blooming into flowers called "miracles".

The front-page headline of Kinema Junpo, written in an almost epic style, proclaimed the end of one era and the beginning of another:
"Seven Samurai: A revolution in cinema, a spiritual baptism. It was born from the samurai film, yet it transcends it. Previous samurai films were merely swordplay films, but this is the true samurai film!"

The author of this article is Kenta Tanaka.

With an unprecedentedly passionate style, he stripped "Seven Samurai" out of the traditional film category, endowing it with a deeper cultural and philosophical significance.

He wrote: "We used to think that samurai films were nothing more than bloody battles with flashing swords, and the thrill of revenge and vengeance. However, Hiroshi Nohara and Eiji Kurosawa, with 'Seven Samurai,' revealed to us the true meaning of Bushido: it is not the shackles of status, nor the superb swordsmanship, but rather the unwavering will, the compassionate spirit, and the sense of responsibility to go against the tides of the times and the fate of class when facing the torrent of the times and class destiny!"

The Asahi Shimbun, however, took a broader perspective, exploring how Seven Samurai reshaped the national spirit:
"Seven Samurai: A Hymn to Humanity Amidst the Torrent of Time! Through the tragic fate of seven samurai, it reflects the struggles and transformations of our nation in the course of history. Those farmers, once considered 'commoners,' ultimately became the masters of the new era through their cunning and resilience. Meanwhile, those samurai, who once represented glory and order, were ruthlessly crushed under the relentless wheels of time. This is not a simple matter of victory or defeat; it is the inevitability of history, and even more so, a profound reflection on our own destiny!"

Even magazines like Weekly Bunshun and Friday, which usually only focus on celebrity gossip, unusually toned down their scathing criticism and, with a slightly hesitant yet undeniable attitude, elevated Seven Samurai to a pedestal:

"A miracle is born! Hiroshi Nohara's 'Easter egg' is not a joke, but the ultimate pursuit of cinematic art! He used the profound meaning of 'Seven Samurai' to teach us a philosophical lesson about 'class' and 'era'! We once questioned his 'forgetting his roots' and mocked his 'elitism,' but now we have to admit that he is the one who truly understands our nation and our era, and perfectly presents it through film—a true genius!"

These film reviews, like sparks that ignite a prairie fire, quickly spread throughout Japanese society.

People are beginning to re-examine Seven Samurai and rethink what Hiroshi Nohara said at the press conference.

Those minds that were once blinded by "class antagonism" are gradually shaken by the grand narrative of "the times" and "human nature" under the baptism of film.

Some bold film critics have even created a completely new category for samurai films in Japanese cinematic history.

They define samurai films before "Seven Samurai" as "kendo films before Eiji Kurosawa's era." While those films also had exciting fight choreography, they ultimately remained at the level of "technique" and failed to touch upon the essence of "the way."

Only samurai films shot from a grander historical perspective after "Seven Samurai" truly deserve the title of "samurai film".

They even went so far as to praise director Eiji Kurosawa, saying that after a decade of silence, he had finally reached new heights and achieved an unprecedented level of success.

This evaluation undoubtedly elevated Eiji Kurosawa to legendary status once again, making Seven Samurai an insurmountable milestone of the era!

Since the release of "Seven Samurai", everyone has been praising Eiji Kurosawa and marveling at the master's work.

Public opinion directly elevated Eiji Kurosawa to god-like status!
……

In Asumi's office on the seventeenth floor of TV Tokyo.

Sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire office. The atmosphere inside, however, was even more vibrant and cheerful than the sunlight.

Asumi sat behind his desk, holding a newly delivered newspaper in his hand, his face beaming with barely suppressed elation.

Across from him, Eiji Kurosawa sat upright on the sofa, also flipping through a newspaper, but his face now wore a complicated expression.

"Hahaha! Director Kurosawa! Look at this! Look at this newspaper!"

Asumi's voice trembled with excitement: "That old man, Kenta Tanaka, actually praised your 'Seven Samurai' as a 'miracle'! He even said that after ten years of silence, you have reached new heights! This... this is simply unprecedented praise!"

Eiji Kurosawa simply hummed softly and said nothing.

He turned to the next page of the newspaper, where a eulogy praising him was prominently displayed: "Director Eiji Kurosawa, with his profound directing skills, perfectly presented Hiroshi Nohara's groundbreaking script on the screen. He used cinematic language to weave the grandeur of the 'era' with the insignificance of 'humanity' into a tragic yet powerful epic. This is enough to prove that experience counts, and Director Kurosawa's artistic life is endless!"

Looking at the praise, a bitter smile appeared on his old face, which was always full of pride and stubbornness.

“A miracle? A new level?” Eiji Kurosawa gently placed the newspaper on the table, his voice tinged with self-deprecation: “They’ve given all the credit to this old man. But they haven’t said a word about who the true soul of this film, the true creator, really is.”

Upon hearing this, Mingri Hai was slightly taken aback.

He looked at Eiji Kurosawa, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Director Kurosawa, are you standing up for Hiroshi?"

Asumi smiled and shook his head, shrugging kindly: "You're overthinking it. Hiroshi-kun has always respected you. He knows that your contribution to this film is second to none. And what he needs most right now is this 'official endorsement' from you. With you, this 'living legend,' personally standing up for him, his status and reputation can reach unprecedented heights in the shortest amount of time. So, don't overthink it. Anyway, he won't care about these empty titles."

“A hollow reputation?” Eiji Kurosawa slammed his hand on the table, the loud noise making the teacup tremble!
His weathered old face was now filled with undisguised rage: "Asukai! Do you think I, Eiji Kurosawa, am the kind of despicable person who would steal credit from others?! I've been making films my whole life, and I've never bowed to anyone, never compromised with any capital! I, Eiji Kurosawa, will only let my work speak for itself! I never steal credit from others, and I will never let a young man bear a reputation that doesn't belong to him!"

Asumi looked at Kurosawa Eiji's flushed face, all the smiles in her eyes had faded, leaving only a deep sense of helplessness.

He knew that Eiji Kurosawa was truly angry.

He knew this old man; his stubborn temper, harder than a samurai sword, would never change in his lifetime.

"Director Kurosawa, please don't get agitated." Asumi sighed, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "I understand what you mean. You want to hold a press conference to personally clarify things to the media and return all the glory to Hiroshi-kun, right?"

“That’s right.” Eiji Kurosawa simply nodded heavily.

"But……"

Asumi's voice grew increasingly heavy: "Have you considered that if a press conference really is held, then all the glory you, Eiji Kurosawa, have achieved in your life will be used to benefit Hiroshi Nohara? You will personally hand over the title of 'master of samurai films,' which you have worked so hard for half a century. At that time, what will those fans who once worshipped you as a god, those colleagues who have followed you for half their lives, think of you? They will think that you have become senile, that you have been completely blinded by a young man!"

"I don't care." Eiji Kurosawa's voice was calm and undisturbed.

He slowly stood up, walked to the window, and calmly looked out at the steel city that was gradually awakening in the morning light.

“They’re right,” he murmured to himself, a hint of desolation in his voice, yet also a sense of relief that came after being thoroughly cleansed. “The films I made before were indeed just fighting and killing in kendo movies. I thought I had captured the glory and tragedy of the samurai. But then I saw Nohara-kun’s script, and saw the ‘samurai’ through his lens…”

He paused, and a light gleamed in his sharp eyes that was enough to convince anyone.

"I just realized that I, Eiji Kurosawa, have only ever filmed the 'form' of samurai in my entire life. But Hiroshi Nohara, he is the one who truly understands the 'soul' of the samurai!"

"With 'Seven Samurai,' he revealed to us the true meaning of Bushido: it is not the shackles of status, nor the superb swordsmanship, but the unwavering will, the compassionate heart, and the sense of responsibility to go against the tides of the times and the fate of class when facing the torrent of the times and class destiny! He is the true father of the samurai film!"

Eiji Kurosawa's voice grew increasingly impassioned.

"Since the times have chosen Hiroshi Nohara, I, Eiji Kurosawa, choose to accept it. I choose to pave the way for this young man to ascend to the throne! I choose to make my name the final stepping stone for Hiroshi Nohara to reach the throne!"

Asahi stood there blankly.

He looked at the old man, whose weathered face was now filled with magnanimity and pride, like an unyielding mountain.

He finally understood.

Eiji Kurosawa, he's not senile anymore.

He wasn't deceived by Hiroshi Nohara.

He simply embraced that true "miracle" of the new era with the purest attitude and the most sublime soul of an artist!
He was offering his final and greatest gift to that young man and to that new era in his own way!

"Good!" Asuka took a deep breath, all doubt and worry in his eyes had faded, leaving only a heartfelt admiration and...respect.

He bowed deeply to Eiji Kurosawa.

"Director Kurosawa, I understand." Asumi's voice trembled slightly, yet was full of strength: "Don't worry. I will make the arrangements for you. I will let everyone know that Eiji Kurosawa, you are the one who truly transcended your era and yourself, and who has dedicated the greatest work to our nation—the true...master!"

Eiji Kurosawa simply smiled and remained silent.

He turned around and once again cast his gaze out the window at the steel city that was gradually awakening in the morning light.

He knew that a new storm was about to break.

He, Eiji Kurosawa, will witness, as an observer, the arrival of a brand new era that belongs only to Hiroshi Nohara!
……

Hiroshi Nohara's independent production department office overlooks the deep blue of Tokyo Bay, reflecting the cold steel and concrete of the city skyline.

However, this sense of alienation inherent in the city has not penetrated this small space ignited by creativity and passion in the slightest.

Sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, gently bathing the mahogany desk in its golden glow, gilding the mountain of drawings.

The air is filled with the busyness and reflection that belong to this era.

Hiroshi Nohara sat behind his desk, his pen flowing with a river of light and shadow, constructing one wondrous miniature universe after another on the snow-white paper.

Without looking up, he simply tapped his fingertips, distributing the nearly perfect rough drafts, along with detailed storyboards, precise lighting layouts, and even meticulous camera work, to the three capable lieutenants in front of him, who were now sitting upright and solemn.

"Chief Hashimoto, this is a storyboard for the fifth season of 'Yamishibai'."

Hiroshi Nohara's voice was calm: "The core of the fifth season lies in the ultimate rendering of 'everyday horror.' We don't need to pursue gore; we just need to present the eeriness lurking in the cracks of the city in the most relatable way. The lighting should be oppressive, the color tone should be cold, and every character's eyes should reveal the numbness and despair of being eroded by something invisible. Remember, true horror often comes from within, not from appearance."

Hashiichiro took the thick stack of drawings, his hands trembling slightly.

He looked at the exquisite storyboard on the drawing. Every angle and every composition was like the sharpest scalpel, precisely dissecting the deepest fears in people's hearts.

He knew that this would be another season of a "masterpiece" that would wake up all late-night anime lovers from their sleep.

"Minister, I understand!" Hashimoto Ichiro's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement as he bowed deeply. "I promise that I will lead all my colleagues in the animation department to perfectly present every one of your ideas on the screen!"

"Ah, very good."

Hiroshi Nohara nodded and turned his gaze to Takeshi Yamamoto: "Section Chief Yamamoto, this is the final draft of the third season of 'Tales of the Unusual'."

He pushed another equally detailed sketch in front of Takeshi Yamamoto: "For the third season, we want to incorporate more satire and reflection on social phenomena on the basis of the 'Urban Ghost Story Universe.' For example, this episode, 'Electronic Product Addiction,' is not only about the harm of electronic product addiction, but also about exploring the loneliness and alienation of modern people swept up by the information flood. In terms of lighting, we should boldly use the contrast between warm and cool colors to create a psychedelic feeling of interweaving reality and illusion. As for the soundtrack, we should highlight the coldness and alienation full of technological feel, so that the audience can feel a deep sense of powerlessness while watching."

Yamamoto Takeshi took the drawing, and his usually cold and hard face, as if carved by a knife and axe, was now filled with suppressed shock.

Looking at the futuristic scene designs on the sketches, the precise capture of human weaknesses, and the profound insights into social issues, he felt that Hiroshi Nohara's talent had long surpassed the simple category of "producer," and that he was more like a thinker who used light and shadow as a pen and the times as paper.

"Minister, your idea is simply... a stroke of genius!" Yamamoto Takeshi's voice trembled slightly. He was confident that the third season of "Tales of the Unusual" would spark another nationwide discussion about "urban ghost stories." Finally, Nohara Hiroshi's gaze fell on Tanaka Kei.

"Section Chief Tanaka, this is the process and details for the final of the second season of 'Super Transformation'."

He handed the last draft to Kei Tanaka, a faint smile appearing on his face: "In the finals, we're not just looking for simple laughs, but for every contestant to show their most authentic and moving side on stage. The lighting should be warm, the music rousing, and every transition between segments must be perfect. We want the audience to feel warmth amidst laughter and hope amidst emotion. This is the true core of 'Super Transformation.'"

Tanaka Kei took the sketch, and his already somewhat serious face was now filled with barely suppressed excitement.

He looked at the human touch in the design of the sketch, and the respect and care for the dreams of "ordinary people".

Hiroshi Nohara's programs have become "national masterpieces" not only because of their creativity, but also because of their profound understanding of human nature and their compassionate sentiments.

"Minister, I understand!" Tanaka Kei's voice was so excited that he was almost incoherent.

He knew the finals viewership would break records again.

The three section chiefs stood there, staring at the drawings in their hands, as if they weighed an ounce of weight.

Looking at the young man who remained calmly seated behind his desk, as if he had simply done something ordinary, they all felt a surge of indescribable emotion.

"Minister..." Hashimoto Ichiro spoke first, his voice filled with genuine admiration: "Your mind is simply... inhuman! Whether it's thriller, fantasy, or heartwarming, you can handle it all with ease, and every detail is considered so thoroughly and exquisitely! We... we are truly far behind!"

“Yes!” Yamamoto Takeshi nodded emphatically, his face full of admiration: “Every one of your ideas is like a lightning bolt that cuts through the darkness, instantly illuminating the way forward for us. Following you, we feel as if we have touched the true meaning of art.”

"And most importantly!" Tanaka Kei exclaimed, his face flushed with excitement, "Minister, every time you give us guidance, it's not just about improving our technical skills, but also about giving us a spiritual baptism! You've shown us that making a program isn't just about ratings, but about spreading warmth and awakening people's hearts!"

"Don't say such mushy things." Hiroshi Nohara just smiled.

But he also understands.

These three capable lieutenants have now been completely won over by him and have become the most solid foundation of his cultural empire.

Just then, as if suddenly remembering something, Kei Tanaka pulled out several newspapers from his briefcase, his face filled with excitement.

"By the way, Minister! Look at these newspapers! The whole of Japan is going crazy for your 'Seven Samurai' right now!"

He spread the newspaper out on the table, pointed to the eye-catching headline on the front page, and said excitedly, "Look! That old guy, Kenta Tanaka of Kinema Junpo, actually praised your 'Seven Samurai' as a 'miracle'! He even said that it 'is derived from samurai films, but transcends samurai films. Previous samurai films were just swordsmanship films, but this is the real samurai film'!"

“Yes!” Yamamoto Takeshi echoed, his face beaming with pride. “Now all the film critics are using ‘the Way’ and ‘the Technique’ to describe your film! They say that previous samurai films only stayed at the level of ‘technique,’ only knowing how to brandish swords and fight. But your ‘Seven Samurai’ touches on the ‘Way’ of Bushido, the ‘Way’ of the times, and the ‘Way’ of humanity!”

"Even those third-rate entertainment tabloids are praising you!" Hashiichiro chimed in, "They say that you redefined samurai films in Japanese film history! They even define all samurai films before 'Seven Samurai' as 'kendo films from the pre-Kurosawa Eiji era,' while only those after 'Seven Samurai' deserve the title of 'samurai film'!"

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara's brows furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

He put down his paintbrush, a hint of inquiry flashing in his clear eyes.

"Oh?" His voice was calm. "Is that what they said? 'Kendo films from the pre-Kurosawa Eiji era'? How exactly is this classification explained?"

The three exchanged a glance, each seeing a shared, unspoken excitement in the other's eyes.

They knew that the minister had become interested in these assessments.

“That’s right, Minister,” Tanaka Kei quickly explained, “They said that while Director Kurosawa’s previous works also had excellent fight choreography, they ultimately remained at the level of ‘technique’ and failed to touch upon the essence of ‘the Way.’ Your ‘Seven Samurai,’ on the other hand, elevates Bushido to an unprecedented philosophical height with a grander historical perspective and a deeper analysis of human nature. Therefore, they believe that only your ‘Seven Samurai’ deserves the title of ‘samurai film.’”

"Furthermore, they also said that after a ten-year hiatus, director Kurosawa has finally reached a new height, achieving an unprecedented level. This praise undoubtedly elevates director Kurosawa back to legendary status, making 'Seven Samurai' an insurmountable milestone of the era!" Takeshi Yamamoto added, his tone filled with admiration for Eiji Kurosawa.

Hashimoto Ichiro nodded in agreement, a hint of doubt on his face: "Right now, everyone in Japan is praising Director Kurosawa, saying he's still got it, and is the true father of samurai films. But... Boss, don't you think this kind of statement is a little... a little off?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Tanaka Kei and Yamamoto Takeshi's expressions paused slightly.

They also realized something.

“Yes…” Tanaka Kei’s voice was somewhat hesitant: “If we divide it like this, wouldn’t that belittle all of Director Kurosawa’s previous works? And… and we all know that this ‘Seven Samurai’ was actually… the work of the department head.”

Yamamoto Takeshi nodded in agreement, his face full of worry: "Minister, the public is praising Director Kurosawa too much right now. We're all worried that he might... might steal your credit because of this, or... or might become jealous of you and cause some unpleasantness. After all, you're still young, and if a conflict occurs, you'll be at a disadvantage."

The three looked at Hiroshi Nohara with concern and worry in their eyes.

They knew that although Hiroshi Nohara was very talented, he was still relatively inexperienced.

Eiji Kurosawa is a titan of the Japanese film industry. If he were to steal credit or harbor resentment towards Hiroshi Nohara, it would undoubtedly be a huge disaster for Nohara.

However, Hiroshi Nohara simply waved his hand dismissively upon hearing this.

"You are worrying too much."

His voice was calm: "I believe in Director Kurosawa. He's not the kind of person who would steal credit or be jealous of younger people. He's a true artist, a pure filmmaker worthy of our respect."

He paused, a hint of respect flashing in his clear eyes.

"Moreover, you are right. The statement that it is a 'kendo film from the pre-Kurosawa Eiji era' is indeed a bit of an exaggeration and inappropriate."

Hiroshi Nohara's voice carried a hint of helplessness: "Director Kurosawa's previous samurai films, while focusing on swordsmanship, were also full of reflections on human nature and insights into the times. They are indelible classics in the history of Japanese cinema, true works of art. To belittle them as 'kendo films,' or even to trample on them to highlight 'Seven Samurai,' is a great humiliation for Director Kurosawa."

"Kendo is an integral part of Bushido, a manifestation of the samurai spirit. How can we deny the value of technique in the name of the so-called 'way'?"

Hiroshi Nohara shook his head, a faint self-deprecating smile appearing on his face: "This practice of praising one while belittling another is something those media outlets deliberately do to create topics and attract attention. We can't let them lead us by the nose."

"Therefore, you have no need to worry."

Hiroshi Nohara looked at the three of them, a gentle smile returning to his face: "As for those empty titles, I don't care. As long as Seven Samurai can be seen by more people and can inspire more people to think about 'the times' and 'human nature,' that's enough."

The three of them fell silent upon hearing this.

Looking into Hiroshi Nohara's calm eyes, their hearts, which had been wavering, became resolute once more.

This kind of youthfulness without arrogance.

Have a broad mind and do not be envious.

They are willing to share credit with everyone rather than keep it all to themselves.

That already exudes the aura of a king!

"Dangdangdang——"

At this moment, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

Kitagawa Yao walked in, her usually bright eyes now filled with barely suppressed elation, and a radiant smile graced her face.

"Minister! Minister! Big news! Huge news!"

Her voice trembled slightly with excitement as she rushed to Hiroshi Nohara's desk, waving a freshly printed box office report in her hand.

"Seven Samurai! Our Seven Samurai's latest box office results—"

She took a deep breath and, in an almost screaming voice, shouted out that number, a number that would make the entire Japanese film industry tremble!

"—It has already surpassed the one billion yen mark!"

"boom--!"

A deafening explosion erupted in the office!

One billion yen?!
Tanaka Kei, Yamamoto Takeshi, and Hashiichiro Ichiro, the three section chiefs who were just immersed in their admiration for Nohara Hiroshi's magnanimity, now stood there dumbfounded, their faces filled with disbelief and horror!
Keep in mind that this is less than a week since the release of "Seven Samurai"!
"A miracle...this is simply a miracle!" Tanaka Kei was so excited he was incoherent. He didn't even know what words to use to describe his feelings at that moment. He just instinctively bowed deeply to Nohara Hiroshi: "Captain! You...you have created another miracle!"

"Congratulations, Minister!" Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashiichiro Hashimoto bowed deeply in excitement, their voices filled with absolute trust and fervor in Hiroshi Nohara's godlike abilities!
A genuine smile finally appeared on Hiroshi Nohara's face. He knew this was just the beginning.

"Not bad." Hiroshi Nohara nodded calmly, his clear eyes sparkling with boundless anticipation for the future.

He knew that the box office of "Seven Samurai" would definitely continue to climb at an astonishing rate in the next few days, or even weeks!
"At this rate!" Tanaka Kei's voice trembled with excitement, "Our 'Seven Samurai' will definitely break the 5 billion yen mark at the box office! It might even... it might even challenge the box office records of those Hollywood blockbusters!"

“That’s right!” Yamamoto Takeya nodded emphatically, his face full of pride.

This is not an exaggeration.

but facts.

Because the premiere period for Japanese movies is usually three months.

Now it's reached 1 billion in just one week.

Is reaching 5 billion yen in the remaining three months still just wishful thinking?!
This is a goal that can be pursued!

Hashimoto Ichiro chimed in, his face beaming with excitement: "Minister! You've created another miracle! Can we start preparing a celebration banquet now?!"

"There will definitely be a celebration banquet!" Everyone laughed happily upon hearing this.

"We need to prepare a victory celebration, but not now." Hiroshi Nohara leaned back in his chair with a smile on his face. "Let's not do anything like popping champagne at the halfway point. Everyone, stay calm. There are still more miracles waiting for us."

(End of this chapter)