I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 169 Returning to Oguri City for the New Year! The Nohara Family's Sukiyaki is Waiting~
Looking at Eiji Kurosawa's weathered face, Hiroshi Nohara recalled how Kurosawa had just taken all the credit from him at the press conference, even at the cost of his decades-long reputation, all to help a young junior. A wave of emotion and sorrow washed over him.

"Director Kurosawa, why...why are you doing this?" Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his voice slightly hoarse.

He knew that Eiji Kurosawa's words, though seemingly casual, were actually paving a smooth path to the future for himself with the golden reputation he had built over thirty years.

This kindness is heavier than a thousand pounds.

Hearing this, Eiji Kurosawa smiled and slowly reached out to gently pat Hiroshi Nohara's shoulder, a gesture like that of a kind father comforting his most prized disciple.

"Hiroshi-kun, you are a genius. I was just telling the truth, why make a fuss?" His voice was free and easy, as if he had let go of all his obsessions.

Just then, the seven actors who played the roles in "Seven Samurai" also came over. They looked at Eiji Kurosawa with a hint of regret and admiration on their faces.

“Yes, Director Kurosawa.” Veteran actor Taiji Miyoshi, who plays Kanbei, sighed deeply, his tone filled with reluctance: “We all know that you valued Hiroshi’s unlimited future potential, which is why you were willing to play a supporting role and give up your decades of accumulated reputation. We younger generations can only look up to such magnanimity.”

“That’s right, Director Kurosawa, you’re sacrificing yourself to make Hiroshi a success.” Makino Shunpei, who plays Kikuchiyo, was filled with emotion.

Upon hearing this, Eiji Kurosawa simply shook his head: "Sacrifice? Achievement? You kids are still too young."

He chuckled, a hint of disdain in his voice: "I'll say it again, this movie, from beginning to end, is entirely Nohara-kun's work. From the script to the storyboard, to every shot and every choreography on set, he handled it all single-handedly."

"This old man of mine was merely... an assistant to him, holding the nominal title of co-director. He was the real director, the main person in charge. I'm just telling the truth, so why is everyone so disappointed?"

Eiji Kurosawa's words were so decisive.

Hiroshi Nohara remained silent.

He knew Eiji Kurosawa's straightforwardness, and he also knew that behind Kurosawa's candor lay immense self-affirmation.

This recognition is more precious than any honor.

Only after the seven "samurai" and Eiji Kurosawa left did Asumi slowly walk over. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara and said softly, "Hiroshi-kun, you don't need to feel indebted to Director Kurosawa. This matter was something we discussed. Director Kurosawa is a stubborn old man; he absolutely refuses to accept charity. The reason he said that is because he truly saw the talent in you that surpassed his own."

Asumi looked at Hiroshi Nohara, her eyes filled with trust and expectation.

"Even now, I still believe that Hiroshi has surpassed me!"

Eiji Kurosawa's voice suddenly came from the doorway. He had returned, a carefree smile on his face: "I've spent my whole life making kendo films. I used to think I had captured the glory of samurai, their tragedy, their helplessness. But after watching your 'Seven Samurai,' I realized that what I filmed was nothing more than Hinayana Buddhism, limited to the samurai themselves."

"And you..."

Eiji Kurosawa's gaze fell on Hiroshi Nohara, filled with admiration: "What you made is a samurai film that deconstructs the era, deconstructs human nature, and points directly to all living beings. This is the true Mahayana Buddhism. Your innovation and bold ideas in this film have surpassed mine."

"Kurosawa-senpai!" Hiroshi Nohara bowed deeply to the stubborn old man once again.

Eiji Kurosawa's words were the highest affirmation of him.

“So, Hiroshi-kun.” Eiji Kurosawa patted Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder again, his weathered face now filled with relief: “This old man of mine should retire. From now on, I plan to slowly make some movies that I like, no longer limiting myself to future achievements, nor pursuing those illusory fame and fortune.”

He paused, his eyes gleaming: "As for the future, it's all in your hands. You're the hope of the Japanese film industry. Keep it up!"

“Oh, right.” Eiji Kurosawa seemed to suddenly remember something, and he smiled mysteriously: “You mentioned that ‘Hachiko: The Tale of a Loyal Dog’ project to me before, I’ve seen it. It’s very interesting. I will fully support you at the board meeting, together with Asumi. I want to see what other surprises you can bring us.”

“This…” A warm feeling welled up in Hiroshi Nohara’s heart once again.

This was not merely a verbal promise from Eiji Kurosawa; it was a broad road to the future that he paved for himself with his last rays of light.

"Thank you, Director Kurosawa," Hiroshi Nohara said sincerely.

Eiji Kurosawa waved and once again walked away with a carefree air.

Asumi watched his retreating figure, then looked at Hiroshi Nohara, a look of emotion appearing on her face.

“Yes, Hiroshi.” Asumi sighed and walked to the window, looking down at the brightly lit Tokyo night view. “Now, let’s see what kind of records Seven Samurai will set during its three-month premiere.”

He paused, his tone filled with excitement: "However, in any case, we have won a great victory. When we return after the New Year, we will have a celebration banquet to mark the start of the new year."

(Please don't worry about the time discrepancy... The main issue is that seven days after Christmas in Japan is the Japanese Lunar New Year, but I didn't realize that and wrote our Lunar New Year instead. Oh well, it's a minor issue, please don't mind it.)

"Yes, New Year." Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara suddenly realized that the Japanese New Year had quietly approached without him noticing.

This year, full of challenges and opportunities, is finally coming to a close. And a new chapter is just beginning.

……

Winter in Tokyo always carries a kind of serene coolness, as if this steel jungle also needs a moment of silence in the torrent of time to wash away the noise and extravagance attached to the depths of the soul.

When Hiroshi Nohara got off work at TV Tokyo and pushed open the door to his apartment, a familiar warmth rushed towards him, mixed with the faint fragrance of Misae. Like a gentle net, it instantly pulled him out of the day's struggles and brought him back to the mundane world.

The living room lights were still bright, and an unknown late-night program was playing on the television, but the volume was turned down very low, as if afraid of disturbing the moment of tranquility.

Misae was sitting on the floor with two huge suitcases spread out in front of her, filled with clothes and all sorts of bottles and jars, like a small department store.

She was wearing a soft loungewear sweater, her hair casually tied up, revealing her smooth neck. Her face, which was always full of vitality and charm, now carried a hint of seriousness and focus that was hard to detect.

"Misa?" Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback. He took off his coat and hung it on the coat rack in the entryway, making a soft sound.

Misae looked up at the sound, and her bright, sparkling eyes lit up with surprise when she saw him.

Like a startled kitten, she sprang up from the floor and threw herself into his arms.

"Hiroshi-kun! You're finally back! Are you tired?" She tilted her head up and rubbed her little head against his chest, her voice carrying a hint of reproach, yet filled with undisguised concern.

She knew about the public pressure Hiroshi Nohara had been facing recently, and she had been silently supporting him.

Hiroshi Nohara knew all of this.

Hiroshi Nohara gently stroked her soft hair, inhaling her familiar scent, a mixture of shower gel and a faint body fragrance. All the weariness in his heart vanished in that instant.

He chuckled and shook his head: "It's alright. But you, why are you still packing your luggage so late?"

Upon hearing this, Misae's pretty little face instantly puffed up, like an angry little pufferfish.

She wriggled out of his arms, pouted, pointed to the two suitcases on the ground, stuffed full of luggage, and said with a hint of self-righteous grievance, "Of course I'm packing! The New Year is coming soon, I definitely have to go back to Kumamoto Prefecture!"

"Back to Kumamoto?" Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in his clear eyes.

He only realized what was going on when he saw Misae's matter-of-fact expression.

Yes, it's the New Year.

For the past few months, he has been working non-stop, from "Yamishibai" to "Tales of the Unusual", then to "Super Transformation" and "Seven Samurai". Each project is like a huge mountain, making it hard for him to breathe.

He was used to Tokyo's fast pace, the hectic work schedule with his days and nights reversed, and even to dedicating all his holidays to work.

He forgot that although Misae had long since adapted to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, deep down she was still that simple, pure Japanese girl from Kumamoto Prefecture.

"I'm sorry, Misae." Hiroshi Nohara shook his head with a wry smile, a self-deprecating look on his face. "I was so busy that I forgot about these things. Now that you mention it, I just remembered that we're not married yet, and according to custom, you should indeed go back to your parents' home for the New Year."

Upon hearing this, Misae's chubby little face calmed down a bit. She walked to the sofa, sat down, patted the seat next to her, and gestured for Hiroshi Nohara to sit down as well.

"Good to know!" She snorted lightly, a hint of smugness in her tone. "But speaking of which, Hiroshi-kun, how are you planning to get back? By plane? I already bought my ticket!"

Hiroshi Nohara sat down beside her, feeling the warmth emanating from her, and a sense of peace settled in his heart.

He reached out and gently put his arm around her waist, letting her little head rest happily on his shoulder.

"Airplane?" Hiroshi Nohara chuckled, a hint of amusement flashing in his clear eyes. "Kumamoto Prefecture is in Kyushu, in the southwest of Japan, quite far from Tokyo, so flying is indeed convenient. But me... I plan to drive back."

"Driving?" Upon hearing this, Misae's big, dark eyes widened instantly, her face filled with disbelief and horror. "Hiroshi-kun, you're not kidding, are you?! It's so late, how long does it take to drive from Tokyo to Akita Prefecture?! And you have to go to work tomorrow!"

"Silly girl." Hiroshi Nohara chuckled and pinched her little nose, his tone full of affection. "Who said I have to go to work tomorrow? We have a 15-day holiday for the New Year! Besides, Omagari City is closer to Tokyo than Akita Prefecture. I plan to take a good rest these few days and spend time with my parents. I'll also push my 'Akita Dog Plan' forward a bit more."

"The Akita Inu Project?" Misae's big eyes instantly filled with curiosity upon hearing this. "What's that?"

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled mysteriously, offering no further explanation. He knew that now was not the time to reveal the ultimate weapon: "The Tale of Hachiko, the Loyal Dog."

"Oh dear! You're keeping me in suspense again!" Misae gave a light snort of displeasure, but didn't press the matter further.

She knew that Hiroshi's secrets were always full of surprises.

She dragged two huge suitcases from the ground and said to Hiroshi Nohara with a grin, "Hiroshi-kun, haven't you been so busy with work lately that you haven't had time to buy anything? These are gifts I prepared for you, some new jewelry and clothes for your aunt and uncle. Take a look, do you like them?"

Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

He looked at the carefully selected gifts in his suitcase, the glittering jewelry, the well-tailored new clothes, and the tenderness and care from his lover. It was like a warm current that instantly flowed through his heart, which had long been numbed by work.

He then realized that he had actually... had actually forgotten to prepare a New Year's gift.

During this period, he devoted all his energy to his work and to those grand narratives, but neglected the most important people around him.

The embarrassment stemming from his "carelessness" instantly crept onto his face.

Seeing his embarrassed expression, Misae's bright eyes instantly filled with a mischievous smile.

Her tone carried a hint of smugness: "What? Hiroshi-kun, are you touched by me? Looking at your dazed expression, did you forget to prepare a gift again?"

Hiroshi Nohara's cheeks instantly turned bright red.

He wanted to argue, but couldn't utter a single word. Seeing his embarrassed state, as if he wanted to disappear into the ground, Misae finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

She laughed so hard her body trembled, her clear laughter like a string of silver bells, echoing for a long time in the warm living room.

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore!" Misae finally stopped laughing. She reached out and gently patted his chest, her tone full of understanding and tenderness: "I know you're busy. So, I prepared these for you a long time ago. These gifts were all bought with my own salary!"

"You bought it with your own salary?" Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara's already flushed cheeks turned even redder, as if they were about to bleed.

He knew that although Misae was now the president of Mirai Manga Company, most of her income came from royalties on Yu Yu Hakusho. And Yu Yu Hakusho was his, Hiroshi Nohara's, idea from beginning to end.

Her words, seemingly meant to help him out of a difficult situation, were actually... a gentle reminder that even this "genius" had a "careless" side in his daily life.

"Yes! I bought it with my own salary!" Misae raised her eyebrows proudly, her bright eyes sparkling with the pride and confidence of a career woman: "Hiroshi-kun, don't underestimate me! I, Misae, am now the future president of a manga club! I can afford a simple New Year's gift!"

"And..." she paused, a hint of mystery in her voice, "Let me tell you, Hiroshi-kun, I've secretly saved up some 'secret money' for you recently! I'll give you a big surprise on your birthday!"

Looking at Misae's smug and charming face, all the embarrassment and awkwardness in Hiroshi Nohara vanished in that instant.

He reached out and gently pulled Misae's small head into his arms.

"Thank you, Misae," Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his voice slightly hoarse but full of sincerity.

This is truly Lady Nohara's destiny.

"Silly boy." Misae snorted softly, nuzzling her little head against his chest, her voice full of satisfaction: "I am your wife, Hiroshi-kun, it is only right that I do these things for you."

The two nestled together, enjoying this moment of warmth and tranquility.

Outside the window, the night grew deeper, and the neon lights of Tokyo, like stars fallen to earth, shimmered with captivating brilliance.

However, in this dazzling and bizarre city, this small apartment is like a warm harbor, holding the purest happiness of two people in love.

"Alright, alright, Hiroshi-kun." Misae finally broke free from his embrace. She glanced at the clock on the wall, a look of anxiety on her face: "It's getting late, I have to catch my flight! Please take me to the airport quickly!"

Hiroshi Nohara nodded, stood up, picked up his car keys, and a gentle smile returned to his face: "Let's go, my president. I'll take you to the airport."

……

Tokyo Narita International Airport was brightly lit and bustling with people.

Countless travelers from all over the world, dragging large and small bags of luggage, weave through this enormous steel behemoth, their faces filled with anticipation for the holiday and longing for their families.

Hiroshi Nohara escorted Misae to the boarding gate, and the two exchanged a knowing smile.

"Hiroshi-kun, be careful on your journey." Misae tiptoed and gently kissed his cheek, her bright eyes filled with reluctance and worry. "When you get to Akita, please give my regards to your uncle and aunt. And remember to call me!"

"Don't worry, Misae." Hiroshi Nohara chuckled and patted her head, his clear eyes filled with tenderness for his lover. "You too, be careful on the road. When you get to Kumamoto, give my regards to your aunt and uncle. And remember to call me!"

The two smiled at each other again, and then, under each other's gaze, slowly turned around and went on their separate journeys.

Misae's figure gradually disappeared behind the huge glass door at the boarding gate.

Hiroshi Nohara stood still until that door completely shut her out of his sight.

He exhaled a long breath, carrying a hint of desolation.

This brief separation is for a longer stay together.

He knew that what he had to do was to continuously grow stronger and break through in this era full of challenges and opportunities, to build a solid and warm harbor for him and Misae, for their future, strong enough to withstand any storm.

He turned around and walked steadily toward the parking lot.

The black Toyota Crown, like a ghost, silently glided into the never-ending traffic of Tokyo.

Inside the car, Hiroshi Nohara drove with one hand, while his other hand rested gently on the spot where Misae had just passed.

The lingering warmth of his lover flowed gently through his heart, which had long been hardened by his work.

He knew that what awaited him ahead was not only the familiar land of Akita Prefecture, but also his lovely family and the New Year's plans he had already meticulously crafted, brimming with endless possibilities.

All the way north.

Outside the car window, the neon lights of Tokyo gradually faded into the distance, replaced by the tranquility of the countryside and the brilliance of starlight.

……

Late at night, as the black Toyota Crown finally drove into the familiar countryside of Daqu City, countless dazzling fireworks had already burst into bloom in the sky.

"Crackling——"

Fireworks exploded in the night sky, illuminating the entire Nohara family home.

At the entrance, Hiroshi Nohara's parents, Ginnosuke Nohara and Tsuru Nohara, along with his older brother Saji Nohara, had been waiting for a long time.

Upon hearing the car, they rushed out of their homes, their faces filled with longing and joy at the return of their long-lost family.

"Hiroshi! You're finally back!" Nohara Ginnosuke, the always energetic old man, was the first to rush over and hug Hiroshi tightly. His rough voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement: "You little rascal, coming back so late! Were you out gallivanting around Tokyo again?!"

"Dad, what are you saying!" Hiroshi Nohara was both amused and exasperated. He patted his father's back, his tone full of helplessness: "I just came back from the airport after dropping Misae off, and then I rushed home without stopping!"

"Where's Misae?!" Nohara Tsuru, the mother who was always full of gentleness and love, also came over. She looked at the empty back seat behind Nohara Hiroshi and a look of doubt appeared on her face: "Why didn't she come back with you?"

“Mom, Misae has gone back to Kumamoto Prefecture.” Hiroshi Nohara explained, “We’re not married yet, and according to custom, she has to go back to her parents’ home for the New Year.”

"Oh, I see." Nohara Tsuru finally realized what was going on.

After spending a long time together, she came to regard Meiya as her real daughter-in-law.

"Hiroshi! You're finally back!" Nohara Sashi, the older brother who was always full of honesty and simplicity, also came over. He patted Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder heavily, his dark face filled with longing and pride for his younger brother: "Come on in! Your mom made your favorite sukiyaki! And those Akita dogs are all waiting for you to see them!"

"Yes! Come inside! It's cold outside!" Nohara Ginnosuke also pulled Nohara Hiroshi's hand and walked into the house.

The family talked, laughed, and had fun.

Looking at the warm and inviting scene before him, Hiroshi Nohara felt all his weariness and worries vanish in that instant.

This is his true haven.

This is where all his efforts have finally come to fruition.

'Crackling sound—'

‘Wow! ’

Outside, fireworks continued to explode in the night sky, their dazzling light illuminating Hiroshi Nohara's handsome yet serene face.

A gentle smile curved his lips.

He knew that this New Year was destined to be a brand new beginning filled with warmth and hope.

Inside, the sukiyaki pot was already bubbling on the stove, sending up an enticing cloud of white steam.

The warmth, like a light mist in early spring, enveloped the dining table, bathing the Nohara family's simple wooden furniture in a gentle glow.

In the pot, thinly sliced ​​Wagyu beef sizzles in the boiling broth, creating an enticing aroma, intertwining with vibrant green cabbage, tender shiitake mushrooms, and chewy konjac noodles to form a tempting picture.

Beside it, a crystal-clear raw egg sits quietly in a small bowl, waiting to be stirred and become a dipping sauce. Its pure color seems to contain the most primal respect for life.

Nohara Saji generously took out several bottles of sake from the cabinet and brought out some chilled beer, the bottles gleaming enticingly in the dim light.

"Dad, let's have some Juyondai sake. Hiroshi, I know you don't like sake, so let's have some beer together."

He smiled as he handed the sake to his father and the beer to Hiroshi Nohara; the ruggedness and care that belonged to an older brother were self-evident.

The family sat around the pot, chopsticks moving about as they picked up pieces of ingredients soaked in broth.

"Delicious! Although it can't compare to the Tokyo Wagyu beef that Hiroshi brought back, our Omagari City's own beef is delicious too!"

Nohara Ginnosuke chewed the beef with gusto, letting out a satisfied sigh. Nohara Tsuru carefully served food to Nohara Hiroshi, her eyes filled with tender affection.

"You! Eat less, let Hiroshi eat more!" Nohara Tsuru glanced at him and used her chopsticks to put more beef on Nohara Hiroshi's plate.

"Yes, it's delicious." Hiroshi Nohara smiled as he put the beef, which was covered in egg yolk, into his mouth. The warmth and sweetness instantly dispelled the fatigue of the long journey and also washed away all the restlessness brought by the fame and fortune of Tokyo.

Looking at his family members' faces, flushed from the heat, and listening to their casual conversations about farm matters and neighborhood anecdotes, a long-lost sense of peace welled up in his heart.

Outside the window, fireworks burst forth once more, illuminating the snow-covered countryside.

Hiroshi Nohara knew that no matter how much trouble he stirred up or how many miracles he created outside, this dining table, enveloped in the warmth of home and family affection, was his eternal harbor and the starting point for him to draw strength and set off again.

Those grand narratives about class and era have now transformed into the food bubbling in the pot, and the warmth shared with family.

PS: This is the third update today. I'm just organizing the outline...

(End of this chapter)