I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 168: Approval from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Public Relations Department! The press conference begins! The reporters are shocked!

Tokyo, Nagata Town.

The winter sun pierced through the clouds, casting its rays obliquely onto the somewhat old-fashioned office building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Public Relations Department, gilding this area, which symbolized the will of the government, with a solemn and dignified golden hue.

The conference room was filled with the faint aroma of tea and ink, as if it were a world apart from the bustling city outside the window.

A huge rectangular conference table, polished to a shine, reflected the warm yellow glow of the lamps on the ceiling.

At this moment, a group of people were sitting around the table.

Most of them were already in their fifties, with graying temples and the marks of time and experience etched between their brows.

They are the leaders of various important positions under the propaganda department. Some are responsible for the censorship and guidance of films, some control the mouthpiece and pulse of news, some supervise the screen and frequency of television and radio, some review the pages and ideas of comics and publications, and some are keenly aware of the subtle fluctuations in public opinion.

This is a routine year-end meeting designed to summarize and evaluate the publicity efforts of the past year.

The discussion was drawing to a close, and the atmosphere had shifted from its initial seriousness to a slightly more relaxed one.

The head of the propaganda department, a thin, elderly man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, gently tapped the table, producing a crisp sound.

His gaze swept calmly over the crowd, his voice carrying the composure and serenity of someone long accustomed to a position of authority: "Ladies and gentlemen, you have all given detailed reports on this year's various publicity efforts. Overall, the results have been remarkable, especially in terms of their indelible contributions to the cohesion of national spirit and the enhancement of cultural confidence."

He paused, then turned his gaze to the Vice Minister Fujiwara Hideaki, who sat to his right with his hair neatly combed and a serious and meticulous expression. A faint smile appeared on his face: "However, what are your thoughts on some of the new phenomena that have emerged in public opinion since the second half of the year, and their impact?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a slight commotion arose in the conference room.

"Your Excellency Minister, I personally believe that the increased sense of national unity since the second half of the year is inseparable from the promotion of a series of cultural products."

The head of the film promotion department, a man in his early forties wearing thick-rimmed black glasses, spoke first, his voice steady and powerful.

"Especially those support groups that originated locally but ultimately resonated widely across the country, effectively alleviated the indifference and alienation brought about by urban life and reactivated the sense of identity with hometown and family in the hearts of the people. In fact, through these support activities, many relatives who were originally separated by work have also found a new bond to communicate and maintain their relationship."

He said again with emotion, "This bottom-up emotional cohesion is far more real and vital than any top-down propaganda slogan. It's like a warm current, quietly warming our seemingly cold but actually connection-seeking society."

"Yes, well said." The minister nodded slightly, a smile of approval on his face.

He turned to look at the head of the TV program review section sitting opposite him, a slightly overweight middle-aged man with a perpetually friendly smile: "Takahashi-kun, do you have anything to add regarding this phenomenon?"

Section Chief Takahashi immediately sat up straight, his smile growing even brighter: "Your Excellency, the Film Publicity Section Chief is absolutely right. I have some data here that might illustrate this point more clearly."

He pulled a report from the folder in front of him and respectfully handed it over: "Since the variety show 'Super Transformation' aired, the number of letters we've received from the public, especially from local families, has tripled. Most of the letters express praise for the pure joy and family interactions featured in the show. Many viewers have even stated that the program has helped them rediscover the warmth of family and inspired them to try participating in beneficial activities with family and friends. This phenomenon has undoubtedly greatly promoted communication among family members."

"Super Transformation..." the minister murmured to himself, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

He picked up the report, casually flipped through a few pages, and a faint smile appeared on his face: "I've also watched this program, and it's really interesting. It presents the simplest ideas in the purest way, yet it can evoke such a huge social resonance, which is truly rare. The producer deserves a lot of credit for creating such a program."

Upon hearing the minister's praise, everyone in the conference room nodded in agreement.

They are civil servants within the system, so they naturally understand the deeper meaning behind the minister's words.

In their view, this program not only brought high ratings, but also social value, which is the real "achievement".

“Speaking of which, Fujiwara-kun.” The minister turned his gaze back to Fujiwara Hideaki, his smile growing even more gentle. “I remember this program; you were the one who recommended it to me. You said back then that this program, and its producer, would bring a whole new trend to Japan. Now it seems your vision was indeed exceptional.”

Fujiwara Hideaki immediately bowed his head modestly and said, "This is all thanks to the Minister's long-term guidance, which has led to the growth of the people in the field of art."

These flattering words only elicited a smile from the minister, who was nearly seventy years old: "To get to the point, my Deputy Minister."

“Hi.” Hideaki Fujiwara smiled, then said again, “I just saw in that young man a talent and vision that transcended his time and ordinary people. His name is Hiroshi Nohara, a young man who is only twenty-three years old.”

"He's not just the producer of 'Super Transformation'." Hideaki Fujiwara paused, his tone filled with admiration, "He's also the author of the manga 'Yu Yu Hakusho,' a work that enjoys immense popularity among teenagers and has achieved phenomenal sales; he's also the planner of the urban fantasy series 'Tales of the Unusual,' which successfully pioneered the new horror genre of 'urban fantasy' and is deeply loved by young audiences; at the same time, he's the screenwriter of the late-night anime 'Yamishibai,' which has won over a large number of die-hard fans with its unique Japanese horror style."

As Hideaki Fujiwara recounted Hiroshi Nohara's astonishing achievements with great familiarity, the atmosphere in the meeting room instantly shifted from calm to a cacophony of whispers filled with surprise and awe.

"What?! The author of Yu Yu Hakusho is the same person?!"

"My God! He's actually the creator of 'Urban Ghost Stories'?! No wonder 'Tales of the Unusual' is so popular!"

"He's only twenty-three! This...this is practically a monster!"

Those section chiefs who usually prided themselves on their extensive experience and broad knowledge were now staring blankly at Fujiwara Hideaki, their faces filled with disbelief and horror.

They never imagined that a young boy could achieve such remarkable success in so many fields!
The minister raised an eyebrow in surprise as well. He looked at Fujiwara Hideaki with a hint of inquiry in his eyes: "Such a talented young man? This is beyond my expectations. It seems that our propaganda department really needs more fresh blood like this."

Just then, the section chief in charge of film promotion, who was sitting in the corner, seemed to suddenly remember something. He sat up abruptly, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement.

"Minister! Vice Minister Fujiwara! I... I have some breaking news about Hiroshi Nohara!" His voice trembled slightly with excitement: "It's him! It's Hiroshi Nohara! He's the real director and screenwriter of 'Seven Samurai,' which has recently caused a huge stir in the film industry!"

"what?!"

This news came like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, instantly causing a huge uproar in the conference room!
Everyone was stunned!

Seven Samurai!
This movie, which recently caused a huge controversy in Japanese society, yet received explosive reviews and skyrocketed at the box office after its release on Christmas Eve, is actually... also a work by Hiroshi Nohara?!
"He...he actually makes movies?!"

"And it's an epic masterpiece like 'Seven Samurai,' which reinterprets the samurai and the way of the samurai?!"

"My God! I just saw this movie in the theater yesterday! It...it's a masterpiece! I never imagined that a story about a samurai could be told so...epic and so deeply moving!"

The meeting room erupted in cheers!
The section chiefs, who were usually stern and unsmiling, were all somewhat shocked at this moment.

"Your Excellency! Did you know?!" The head of the film publicity department was so excited he was incoherent: "The box office for 'Seven Samurai' on its opening day, Christmas Eve, exceeded 180 million yen! In just one week, the box office has already surpassed the 1 billion yen mark! This... this is no longer just a simple 'blockbuster'! This is clearly... a true box office legend!"

"Moreover, the entire Japanese film critics are praising this movie! They say that it is derived from samurai films, but transcends them. Previous samurai films were just swordsmanship films, but this is the real samurai film! They even define all samurai films before 'Seven Samurai' as 'swordsmanship films before the Kurosawa era,' while only those after 'Seven Samurai' deserve the title of 'samurai film'!"

"This...this is simply...this is an unprecedented achievement in the history of Japanese cinema!"

The head of the film publicity department became more and more excited as he spoke, and he even slapped his thigh, his face full of pride!

“Yes, Your Excellency!” The head of the Television Program Review Division echoed, his face beaming with excitement: “Japan’s economy is now almost catching up with the United States! I never imagined that even our cultural products could reach such a level! This… this is simply exhilarating!”

"That's right! Japan is finally going to become a true 'cultural powerhouse'!"

"You could even say that Japan is finally about to become a truly 'normal country'!"

"I really hope this 'Seven Samurai' surpasses those Hollywood movies!"

A burst of enthusiastic agreement filled the conference room.

A strange pride, and a complex sense of self-satisfaction, shone on everyone's faces.

Looking at the box office report, the praise for "Seven Samurai," and the effusive compliments about Hiroshi Nohara, they seemed to see that in the near future, Japanese cultural products would sweep across the world like a tidal wave, making everyone take notice and marvel!

"Cough cough!"

However, amidst this clamor filled with fervor and pride, His Excellency the Minister suddenly coughed softly.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a morning bell or evening drum, instantly bringing the bustling conference room back to calm.

He looked at the flushed faces of the crowd, his eyes carrying a hint of warning, yet unable to conceal the pride that came from the bottom of his heart.

"Gentlemen, there are some things you can't say carelessly," the minister said calmly, his voice carrying a meaningful reminder.

"However, what you said is indeed true. Japan itself is an economic powerhouse and a cultural powerhouse!" A faint expectation appeared on his face.

He turned his head and looked at Hideaki Fujiwara.

"Fujiwara-kun, it seems you've unearthed another gem for our propaganda department this time."

His Excellency the Minister slowly stood up. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window of the conference room, looking down at the steel city that gleamed in the winter sun. In his calm eyes, there was a kind of profundity and decisiveness that belonged to a person in a position of power.

"How about this."

His voice, like the warmest winter sun, gently falls into everyone's heart.

“Give him a spot at the government's New Year's Eve dinner. I want to meet this young man in person. After all, a young man who has brought such a huge surprise to Japan deserves our utmost support and cultivation from our publicity department.”

"The future of Japan ultimately depends on these young people to create it."

"He is the cultural hope of our new era in Japan!"

These words, like the resounding toll of a bell, echoed for a long time in the conference room.

Everyone understood.

They knew that the minister's words were not merely an affirmation and appreciation of Hiroshi Nohara.

It is also the clearest signal sent to their entire propaganda department, and even the entire Japanese society, regarding "cultivating new talent"!
as well as……

Japan now aspires to become a cultural power after becoming an economic superpower, and then break free from its constraints to become a normal country, or even a powerful nation in East Asia!

"Japan's economy is so booming right now that even the US can't keep up. If our culture catches up, allowing everyone to witness the greatness of Japan's culture... then once we have the opportunity to become a normal country... then Japan will once again become a powerful nation in a very short time!"

"Perhaps in a few years, Japan's economy will completely surpass that of the United States, showing those arrogant Americans who the world's number one economic power is!"

"We may have lost on the battlefield, but economically... we Japanese are invincible!"

With his back to everyone, the minister was experiencing a surge of emotions, as if a storm was raging within him.

He has already envisioned a bright future.

……

On Monday morning, Tokyo was still shrouded in a damp, lingering mist, the air carrying a crisp, wintery quality that seemed to wash away all the dust and noise of the world.

However, this apparent calm was completely shattered at 10:00 AM by a sudden press conference, which, like a thunderclap, swept across the entire neon city.

Tokyo TV Studio 1, a stage that usually embodies countless glories and dreams, was now filled with an unprecedented solemnity and gravity.

Hundreds of reporters from major newspapers, television stations, and magazines crowded the venue, their eyes like countless sharp blades, all pointing at the podium.

A suppressed restlessness filled the air; each flash of the shutter was like a silent exclamation, foreshadowing the impending storm.

On the podium stood Eiji Kurosawa, a master revered as a "living legend" in the Japanese film industry, dressed in an elegant kimono, his expression serene, like a silent mountain.

Beside him were the seven main actors of "Seven Samurai". They had shed the tragic and weathered look on the screen and were now equally solemn, but their eyes shone with anticipation for the upcoming moment and a hint of barely perceptible tension.

"Dear media friends and viewers."

Eiji Kurosawa's voice, steady and powerful like an ancient bell, slowly rose in the oppressive silence, each word carrying an undeniable weight: "Today, I, Eiji Kurosawa, and the entire cast and crew of 'Seven Samurai' are holding this press conference to clarify one thing to you, and to the entire nation of Japan—an important matter concerning this film, concerning art, and concerning the truth."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the audience filled with doubt and inquiry, before turning to the seven young actors beside him.

Their gazes were fixed firmly on a corner of the audience, as if that were where their shared faith resided.

"As we all know, since its release, the film 'Seven Samurai' has been well received and has achieved high praise and box office success. Many media friends have even elevated me, Eiji Kurosawa, to a new pedestal, calling me the 'Father of Samurai Films' and this film 'another peak of my ten years of hard work.' I am deeply honored by this, and also deeply...ashamed."

"Ashamed?" A slight commotion arose from the audience. The reporters exchanged bewildered glances, puzzled as to why this master, known for his outspokenness, would utter such a statement.

"Yes, I am ashamed." Eiji Kurosawa's voice grew heavier. He slowly bowed deeply in a certain direction below the stage, his posture as humble as a student listening to his teacher's teachings: "Because the true soul, the true creator, the true director and screenwriter of this 'Seven Samurai' is not me, Eiji Kurosawa."

These words caused an immediate and devastating explosion in the entire venue, as if an invisible yet deadly bomb had been dropped on it!

"what?!"

"Are you kidding me?!"

"Director Kurosawa, what...what did you say?!"

After a brief silence, a huge uproar, accompanied by countless voices filled with astonishment and doubt, swept in like a tsunami!

The reporters jumped up from their seats, their recorders and cameras almost shoving into Eiji Kurosawa's face.

Their faces were filled with disbelief and horror, as if they had heard the most absurd lie in the world.

"Director Kurosawa! Are you...are you serious?! Seven Samurai isn't your work, then...who is it?!" Kenta Tanaka, a senior film critic from Kinema Junpo, abandoned his usual composure and suddenly stood up from his seat, his voice trembling slightly.

His sharp eyes were fixed on Eiji Kurosawa, trying to find even the slightest flaw in his calm face.

"This...this is utterly absurd!"

Another film critic, Ichiro Sato, known for his sharp tongue, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, his face filled with annoyance at being tricked: "Director Kurosawa! Are you...are you making fun of us?! How could such a profound and great work not be the masterpiece of a master like yourself?!"

They are all absolute believers in director Kurosawa.

After all, their youth coincided with the golden age of director Eiji Kurosawa, and they had long since bowed down to this giant of samurai films!

Now this giant says he has nothing to do with Seven Samurai.

Then there's all the praise they've been giving us these past few days.

These are some of the film reviews from the past few days.

The faith in my heart.

Hasn't it all become a joke?
However, faced with this overwhelming torrent of public opinion that could drown anyone, Eiji Kurosawa simply raised his hand calmly, signaling everyone to be quiet.

His gaze once again fell upon a corner of the audience, and then he reached out his hand in that direction.

"The true soul of this film, its true creator, is right here." Eiji Kurosawa's voice clearly reached everyone's ears. "He is... Hiroshi Nohara."

As that tall and slender figure slowly walked onto the podium amidst countless astonished and inquisitive gazes, the entire venue fell into an eerie silence once again.

Nohara Hiroshi.

The young man who manipulated the entire Japanese media with his "Easter egg theory" at the press conference, yet achieved a comeback by relying on the reputation of "Seven Samurai".

That controversial figure who was elevated to a pedestal by the media, yet was also questioned by some as "forgetting his roots" and "an elite."

He actually showed up here today in this way.

"Minister Nohara! You...you said that 'Seven Samurai' was directed by Kurosawa?! Why would Director Kurosawa say that this film was your independent production?!" A reporter broke the silence first, his voice full of doubt.

"That's right! Minister Nohara! Those lines in that movie, full of profound meaning and themes, those deep insights into 'class' and 'human nature,' those wonderful cinematography and editing techniques—could they all be your work?! You're only twenty-three! How...how is that possible?!" Another reporter followed up with another question, his tone filled with disbelief and astonishment.

Problems came flooding in, each one like a poisoned dagger, aimed precisely at Hiroshi Nohara.

"Everyone, please listen to me." Hiroshi Nohara's face still held that calm and composed smile, his clear eyes remaining completely undisturbed. He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, then turned his gaze to the seven "samurai" actors beside him, whose expressions were equally complex.

"Regarding the creation of 'Seven Samurai,' I think my colleagues are perhaps more qualified to speak than I am." He smiled and handed the microphone to veteran actor Yasuji Miyoshi, who played Kanbei.

Miyoshi Taiji took the microphone and looked at the skeptical faces below the stage, a bitter expression appearing on his face.

"Yes, everyone."

Taiji Miyoshi's voice was tinged with a sigh: "This 'Seven Samurai,' from the script to the storyboard, to every shot and every staging on set, was all handled by Mr. Nohara. I... in my decades of making films, I have never seen such a young yet profound soul. The talent and vision he has shown have long surpassed his age and all of our imaginations."

"Yes! And the Kikuchiyo I played!"

Shunpei Makino, who plays Kikuchiyo, also took the microphone, his voice trembling with excitement: "His character, so controversial yet so poignant! His tragic transformation from a 'clown' to a true 'samurai'! It was all Nohara-kun who gave him life! He showed us that the so-called 'bushido' is never determined by status, but by the 'heart'!"

"And those lines about 'farmers'!"

The actor who plays Hayashida Heihachi excitedly added, "When we read the script, we were shocked by that dialectical and ironic argument! We never imagined that a depiction of farmers could be so realistic and so profound! This... this is Nohara-kun's most accurate insight into the tragic fate of our nation!"

The seven lead actors, one after another, vividly presented every detail and every moment of inspiration that Hiroshi Nohara had in the creation of the film.

Their testimony was more persuasive than any flowery language.

However, the shock on the faces of reporters and film critics did not dissipate.

"This...this is impossible?!" Kenta Tanaka muttered to himself, staring blankly at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with disbelief and horror. "He's only twenty-three! How...how could he possess such profound artistic skills and a deep understanding of human nature? This...this is simply...a fantasy!"

"Director Kurosawa! Can...can you explain this?!" A reporter handed the microphone to Eiji Kurosawa again, his voice filled with confusion and bewilderment.

Eiji Kurosawa took the microphone. Looking at the skeptical faces below the stage, a bitter sense of helplessness appeared on his face, yet it also carried a hint of heartfelt pride.

“Yes, everyone, I understand your confusion.” Eiji Kurosawa’s voice was still as steady as an ancient bell: “I, Eiji Kurosawa, have spent my whole life making films, and my whole life making films about samurai. I once thought that I had captured their glory, their tragedy, and their helplessness. I once thought that I had reached the pinnacle of my artistic career.”

He paused, a deep self-mockery in his voice:

“I even wasted many years on this. I once had a script called ‘The Samurai in the Blacksmith’, and I put a lot of effort into it and filmed most of it. But when I saw the finished film, I found that it had the form but no soul. It was just an ordinary kendo film full of fighting, killing and grudges.”

"A kendo film?" A slight commotion arose from the audience.

Eiji Kurosawa actually admitted that his previous works were just "kendo films"?!

This is simply the most complete subversion of the Japanese film industry and the term "samurai film"!
“Yes, kendo videos.” Eiji Kurosawa’s voice grew heavier as he calmly swept his gaze over the crowd, his eyes devoid of any emotion. “Those are nothing but children’s toys that remain at the level of ‘technique’ and fail to touch upon the essence of ‘the Way’.”

"until……"

"Until I saw Hiroshi Nohara."

Eiji Kurosawa's voice was filled with admiration: "Now I understand that I, Eiji Kurosawa, have only ever filmed the 'form' of the samurai in my entire life. But he, Hiroshi Nohara, he is the one who truly understands the 'soul' of the samurai!"

“I once invited him to give some advice on my script, ‘The Samurai in the Blacksmith’. But he told me that my script was too small in scope and too shallow in its theme. He used a completely new perspective, a perspective that transcends time and class and goes straight to human nature, to expand my originally mediocre script into the ‘Seven Samurai’ it is today!”

"He taught us that the so-called 'Bushido' is never determined by status, but by the 'heart'! He taught us that 'samurai' and 'farmer' are merely waves in the torrent of time, and the true victor is always the ever-advancing 'era'!"

Eiji Kurosawa's voice grew increasingly impassioned. He slammed his hand on the table, the loud bang causing the teacup to tremble!
"So, everyone! I, Eiji Kurosawa, here today, with the honor of my entire life, make a promise to the entire nation of Japan!"

He pointed at Hiroshi Nohara, whose weathered face was filled with openness and pride!
"He, Hiroshi Nohara, is the only, truly invincible genius I, Eiji Kurosawa, have ever seen in my entire life!"

"He is the one who truly understood the times and human nature, and perfectly presented it through film—the true father of samurai films!"

"And I, Eiji Kurosawa, am nothing more than... a henchman, a nominal co-director, in this film!"

boom--!
This declaration, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, once again resounded throughout the venue!

Everyone was stunned!

Eiji Kurosawa actually admitted that he was just Hiroshi Nohara's "assistant"?!

He actually handed over his title of "master of samurai films" to that young man who was only twenty-three years old?!

This... this is no longer a simple case of "mentoring the younger generation"!

This is clearly... a true surrender of the soul!
"My God! This...this is absolutely stunning!"

"I...I can't believe it! Director Kurosawa would actually say something like that!"

"Hiroshi Nohara... what kind of monster is he?!"

The entire neon-lit city was utterly stunned at that moment!

Countless film critics, journalists, newspapers, and television stations published the contents of this press conference on their front pages with the fastest speed and the most eye-catching headlines.

"Kinema Junpo: Eiji Kurosawa confirms! Seven Samurai was independently produced by Hiroshi Nohara! A new era of samurai films is being ushered in by a 23-year-old genius!"

Asahi Shimbun: Shocking! Director Kurosawa humbly calls his films "kendo films," praising Hiroshi Nohara as the "father of samurai films"! A true genius, indeed?!

"Mainichi Shimbun: A 23-year-old genius who has revolutionized Japanese film history! Hiroshi Nohara, is he a god or an idol created by others?!"

"Yomiuri Shimbun: Nationwide speculation! Has TV Tokyo deliberately exaggerated Hiroshi Nohara's talent? A media storm about 'genius' versus 'deification' is brewing!"

Public opinion exploded like a powder keg that had been lit!

Some people believe it, while others question it.

Those who believe in it are awestruck by Hiroshi Nohara's talent and moved by Eiji Kurosawa's magnanimity.

They believe that only a true genius can make a master craftsman willingly "work as his assistant".

Critics argue that this is nothing more than a "deification campaign" deliberately orchestrated by TV Tokyo to promote Hiroshi Nohara.

They believe that even the most talented 23-year-old could never possess such profound artistic skills and deep understanding of human nature.

"That's impossible! He's only twenty-three! How could he possibly make a masterpiece like 'Seven Samurai'?!"

"It's definitely TV Tokyo hyping this up! They want to portray Hiroshi Nohara as a 'god' to promote their movie!"

"Is Director Kurosawa senile? How could he say something like that?!"

Dissenting voices, like undercurrents, quietly surged within this fervent sea of ​​public opinion.

They believe that such "geniuses" who defy common sense simply cannot exist.

This has shocked everyone's understanding and made them unable to believe it!
However, whether one believes it or doubts it, no one can deny that the name Hiroshi Nohara and the movie "Seven Samurai" have become the hottest topic of conversation in Japanese society.

A media storm surrounding "genius" and "deification" is sweeping in with unstoppable force!

It was after this press conference ended, in Asuka's office.

Hiroshi Nohara sat there, looking helpless.

"Kurosawa-senpai."

Hiroshi Nohara looked at Eiji Kurosawa, his tone filled with complex emotions: "That's not what we discussed before... Now you..." Hiroshi Nohara sighed as he spoke: "Isn't this tantamount to giving up all your glory?"

(End of this chapter)